SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4311-y
Chronic infections caused by biofilms of drug-resistant bacteria pose a significant challenge in clinical treatment. Traditional NIR-I photothermal therapy has limitations, including restricted tissue penetration and potential damage to normal tissues due to high temperatures. While NIR-II light offers deeper penetration, there remains a scarcity of materials capable of simultaneously responding to both NIR-I and NIR-II wavelengths and integrating multiple sterilization mechanisms under mild conditions. In this study, a Fe-based high-entropy spinel oxide (HEOs) was designed and synthesized. Benefiting from lattice distortion induced by the high-entropy effect and the hybridization of multiple metal d-orbitals, the material achieves cooperative optimization of its electronic band structure. Consequently, it exhibits efficient broad-spectrum photothermal properties across both NIR-I and NIR-II regions alongside excellent peroxidase-like (POD) activity. Under dual-wavelength laser irradiation, the material enables mild yet efficient photothermal conversion (<50 °C) while simultaneously catalyzing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to generate abundant hydroxyl radicals (·OH), thereby constructing a synergistic antibacterial system combining dual-window photothermal therapy and enzymatic catalysis. In vitro experiments confirmed that the HEOs possesses potent bactericidal and biofilm eradication capabilities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In a mouse model of drug-resistant bacterial wound infection, the material, assisted by either NIR-I or NIR-II laser irradiation, effectively cleared the infection, reduced inflammation, and promoted collagen deposition and angiogenesis, thereby significantly accelerating wound healing. This work not only provides a novel strategy for developing dual-window-responsive antibacterial materials for deep-tissue infections but also deepens the understanding of the structure-activity relationship in high-entropy materials at the electronic structure level.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4138-5
Electrocoagulation (EC) has emerged as a promising electrochemical technology for wastewater treatment, offering distinct advantages over conventional chemical coagulation and membrane processes. This review systematically summarizes recent advancements in EC, focusing on the underlying mechanisms, key operating parameters, and diverse technical applications. The EC process involves three stages: electrolytic oxidation and in-situ coagulant formation, destabilization of contaminants, and floc formation. Unlike chemical coagulation, EC requires no external chemical additives, and process control is achieved by adjusting current density, voltage, or electrode materials, enabling adaptation to varying wastewater qualities. The review highlights the influence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on EC efficiency, as clarified by Luo et al. (Water Research, 2025). Furthermore, it discusses reactor design innovations, including continuous-flow and cascade-type configurations, and the role of current waveforms in mitigating electrode passivation. The integration of EC with membrane bioreactors and forward osmosis is also examined, demonstrating enhanced treatment performance and fouling mitigation. Key challenges, such as energy consumption and electrode scaling, are addressed, along with future research directions. This comprehensive analysis provides a critical framework for optimizing EC systems and scaling them for industrial wastewater treatment, emphasizing the need for holistic reactor design and process integration to achieve sustainable water reuse.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3848-7
Conventional heterogeneous photocatalysts often suffer from insufficient light absorption, rapid charge recombination, and a lack of specific reactive sites for efficient photocatalytic oxidation. To overcome these limitations, we propose a molecular polarization engineering approach utilizing structurally well-defined donor (D)-acceptor (A) covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs). The construction of dipole-induced built-in electric fields within the D-A-structured CTFs enables enhanced exciton dissociation and facilitates directional charge transfer. Specifically, the asymmetric A1-D-A2 moiety enhances molecular polarization in the dual-acceptor system CTF-TBT (A1-D-A2), enabling efficient charge separation through multiple electron-withdrawing units. This structural design promotes directional electron transfer toward the secondary acceptor (benzothiazole, A2), while simultaneously concentrating holes on the donor unit. Consequently, the A2 moiety acts as a site for efficient O2 activation via electron accumulation, whereas the highly oxidized donor unit provides strongly positive holes (h+) that facilitate substrate oxidation. Experimental and DFT calculation results confirm that CTF-TBT demonstrates highly enhanced photocatalytic oxidation performance, which can be attributed to its multi-channel charge separation mechanism and spatially separated redox-active sites. This study highlights the effectiveness of molecular dipole engineering in designing heterogeneous photocatalysts with controlled charge transfer pathways and improved redox capabilities. The proposed design principles provide a universal approach for promoting solar-driven chemical synthesis applications.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507085
This study investigates the spatiotemporal differentiation of suspended particulate matter (SPM) characteristics, sources, and their impacts on water quality between the Middle Route (closed artificial channel) and East Route (open natural water system) of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Thirty sampling sites (13 on the Middle Route, 17 on the East Route) were established, and samples were collected during dry and wet seasons. Water quality parameters and SPM characteristics were analyzed, including particle size distribution, total suspended solids (TSS), chlorophyll a, and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes. Results show that the Middle Route maintains good and stable water quality, with SPM dominated by coarse particles (>63 μm, 61.43%–94.68%), total phosphorus (TP) <0.01 mg·L−1, and a significant positive correlation between chlorophyll a and coarse particles (r=0.60), indicating algal aggregation dominates particle formation. In contrast, the East Route exhibits high and fluctuating nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, with SPM dominated by fine particles (<20 μm, 51.26%–88.61%), TP ranging from 0.03 to 1.11 mg·L−1, and a positive correlation with fine particles, suggesting significant external inputs. Carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis reveals that Middle Route SPM primarily originates from autochthonous algae (contribution >46.75%), while East Route SPM is influenced by both terrestrial C3 plants and algae. The distinct engineering and management approaches of the two routes lead to significant differences in SPM characteristics and sources, thereby affecting water quality dynamics. The Middle Route requires an 'algal reduction and hydrodynamic optimization' strategy to control algal-derived coarse particle deposition, whereas the East Route benefits from 'retention-sedimentation and wetland purification' to reduce external fine particles and pollutant inputs. This research provides theoretical support and practical guidance for differentiated SPM management in long-distance water diversion systems.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112101
The biological reduction of Cr(VI) to less hazardous Cr(III) is a promising strategy for remediating Cr(VI)-contaminated sites. Both biochar and riboflavin can act as electron shuttles to accelerate this bioreduction process, yet their combined effects remain poorly understood. Using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 as a model reducing bacterium, we investigated the joint influence of biochar (average particle size 28.85 μm) and riboflavin at high (1 mmol·L−1) and low concentrations on Cr(VI) bioreduction. Individually, biochar and high-concentration riboflavin enhanced indirect electron transfer, accelerating Cr(VI) removal. However, when combined, the fast-phase reaction rate (rf0) did not significantly improve compared to single amendments. The combined action factor revealed an antagonistic inhibition between biochar and riboflavin. Mechanistically, high-concentration riboflavin saturated biochar's adsorption sites (equilibrium concentration 0.96±0.04 mmol·L−1), hindering biochar's role as an electron conduit. With a bacterial density of 3.4×10^7 cells·mL−1, the inter-bacterial distance (30.87 μm) exceeded biochar's particle size, and the per-cell riboflavin concentration (2.9×10−2 pmol·cell−1) was sufficient for riboflavin to dominate as the primary electron shuttle, while biochar's surface became coated, reducing its efficacy. These findings reveal the complex interplay between biochar and soluble organic matter in Cr(VI) bioreduction, underscoring the need to consider such antagonistic effects when designing bioremediation strategies for multi-component contaminated environments.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202508050
This study investigated the spatial distribution and ecological risk of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in soil beneath an informal waste dump in a pastoral area of Baingoin County, Nagqu City, Tibet, a high-altitude cold region with frequent freeze-thaw cycles. A total of 55 soil samples were collected from surface (0 cm), middle (10-30 cm), and deep (50 cm) layers. Single-factor index (Pi), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Nemerow index (PN), and risk assessment code (RAC) were employed to evaluate contamination levels and potential ecological risks, while Kriging interpolation was used to map spatial distribution. Results showed that average concentrations of all seven heavy metals exceeded local background values. Horizontally, high-concentration zones were mainly located at five points within the dump. Vertically, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were significantly enriched in the surface layer, whereas Ni exhibited higher concentrations in deeper layers, indicating downward migration driven by freeze-thaw processes. All evaluation methods identified Cd as the primary pollutant. Speciation analysis revealed that heavy metals were predominantly in the residual fraction, with Ni having the highest weak-acid-extractable fraction (5.55%), indicating strong mobility and potential biological toxicity. This study fills a gap in systematic research on informal waste dumps in high-altitude ecologically fragile areas and provides a case reference for environmental management and remediation of such sites in cold regions.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025012101
Continuous monitoring of 114 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was conducted in the urban atmosphere of Haigang District, Qinhuangdao City, from September 2022 to February 2023. The volume concentrations of total VOCs were 42.72×10⁻⁹ in autumn and 25.15×10⁻⁹ in winter. The predominant species were isopentane, ethane, and ethylene. Ozone formation potential (OFP) analysis indicated that alkanes and alkenes dominated the atmospheric pollution during autumn and winter, with isopentane and ethylene being the largest contributors. Aromatic hydrocarbons contributed up to 85.00% of the secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAFP), with benzene as the primary species. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) identified four major sources: technological processes and oil/gas volatilization (35.57%), combustion and petrochemical emissions, motor vehicle emissions, and regional background sources. The results underscore the need for targeted control of VOCs from industrial and vehicular sources to mitigate secondary pollution in coastal cities.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025022801
Paddy soils are a major source of agricultural methane (CH4) emissions. Biochar is widely applied to paddy soils, while dissolved organic matter (DOM) is ubiquitous; both can regulate CH4 emissions by mediating electron transfer processes, yet their synergistic mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the individual and combined effects of biochar and the DOM model compound anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonic acid (AQDS) on CH4 emissions from paddy soil during incubation. Biochar amendment increased DOM concentration and accelerated extracellular electron transfer, resulting in a maximum cumulative CH4 emission of (66.23±16.20) μmol, four-fold higher than the control (15.14±0.18) μmol. In contrast, AQDS addition markedly suppressed CH4 accumulation to (1.04±0.09) μmol, attributed to sulfate introduction as a competitive electron acceptor, despite enhanced electron exchange. The combined biochar-AQDS treatment yielded intermediate CH4 accumulation of (12.71±0.32) μmol. Although DOM availability increased, sulfate-driven electron competition inhibited methanogens, and the combined treatment favored the acetoclastic methanogenesis pathway, which produces less CH4 per unit acetate, resulting in lower emissions than biochar alone but higher than AQDS alone, indicating an additive effect. These findings elucidate the mechanisms by which biochar and DOM jointly regulate CH4 emissions from paddy soils, providing a theoretical basis for agricultural management.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3942-2
Anode-free sodium metal batteries (AF-SMBs) are promising for high-energy, low-cost energy storage, but suffer from interfacial instability due to sluggish Na+ kinetics and non-uniform deposition. Here, we report a scalable electrospinning-pyrolysis route to anchor FeCoNiCuMn high-entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles on N-doped carbon nanofibers (HEANCF). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal high binding energy toward Na atoms, facilitating desolvation and adsorption. A built-in electric field (BIEF) arises from work function differences, driving electron redistribution and guiding uniform Na+ diffusion. The heterostructure also shows strong affinity for PF6− anions, promoting NaF-rich SEI formation that suppresses electron tunneling and parasitic reactions. Full cells with Na3V2(PO4)3 cathodes achieve 80% capacity retention after 600 cycles at 1 C. Ah-level pouch cells deliver ~200 Wh kg−1 and retain 87% capacity after 150 cycles at 0.5 C. This work establishes a coherent interfacial-kinetics framework for practical AF-SMBs.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026020207
Although the production and use of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) have been completely banned in China since December 2021, historical production activities may still leave high-concentration residual contamination in localized areas. This study investigated a typical legacy site of historical HBCDs production in eastern China. Surface and core soil samples were systematically collected both inside and outside the former plant area to characterize the occurrence, spatial distribution, and environmental burden of HBCDs, and to evaluate associated human health risks. Results showed that HBCD concentrations in soils outside the plant area ranged from below detection limit to 6.90×10² ng·g⁻¹ dw, while those inside the plant area were substantially higher, reaching up to 1.18×10⁶ ng·g⁻¹ dw. γ-HBCD was the dominant isomer; however, its relative abundance was lower than that reported in commercial HBCD mixtures and in previous studies conducted near production facilities. Outside the plant, HBCDs concentrations in soil generally decreased with increasing distance from the site, yet remained detectable at a distance of approximately 10 km (15.2 ng·g⁻¹ dw). Within the plant area, HBCDs concentrations in soil cores decreased with depth, declining from 1.08×10⁴–1.18×10⁶ ng·g⁻¹ dw in surface soils to 1.05–93.5 ng·g⁻¹ dw at depths of about 4 m. Analysis of the relative cumulative environmental burden indicated that although HBCDs loads were highest in the near-source area, they gradually accumulated over a broader spatial scale. Approximately 23.7%, 40.1%, 60.0%, and 87.1% of the total estimated burden accumulated within 2 km, 2.81 km, 4 km, and 6 km from the site, respectively. Health risk assessment indicated that oral ingestion of soil was the primary exposure pathway for different populations. Localized high-contamination zones within the plant area contributed significantly to non-carcinogenic risks, while overall risks for children outside the plant area were at acceptable levels.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607025
The Holocene alluvial-diluvial stratum of the Quaternary is characterized by high soil hydraulic conductivity and intense surface water-groundwater interaction, which leads to rapid and extensive migration of contaminants from landfills. To investigate the contaminant characteristics of a municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill in such strata, a case study was conducted at a landfill in southwestern China. Methods including the Nemerow pollution index and the potential ecological risk index were employed to systematically analyze the contamination of groundwater and soil, as well as the spatial distribution of organic matter and heavy metals. The results showed that the groundwater was severely contaminated (PI > 3). The maximum exceedance multiples for total bacterial count, ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), and total coliforms relative to the standard limits were 36, 9.5, and 8, respectively. The composition of the contaminants in groundwater was highly consistent with the characteristics of landfill leachate. For the soil, the concentrations of six heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Hg, and As) were all below the Class II screening values of the standard GB 36600—2018. Both the Nemerow pollution index (PI < 0.7) and the potential ecological risk index (RI < 150) indicated that the soil environment was safe. Regarding soil dissolved organic matter (DOM), humic-like substances (22.9% to 34.9%) and fulvic-like substances (22.4% to 27.5%) were the dominant components, and their fluorescence intensities exhibited an exponential decay trend with increasing soil depth. The speciation of Cu, Pb, As, Hg, and Ni was dominated by the residual fraction (52.33% to 90.32%). However, over 70% of Cd existed in active forms (exchangeable + Fe/Mn oxide-bound), suggesting a high migration risk. The horizontal distribution of heavy metals showed regional specificity, with high-value areas mainly concentrated in the screening waste and soil stacking areas. Vertically, Cu and Cd exhibited surface enrichment, while As, Hg, Pb, and Ni were enriched in the groundwater fluctuation zone. These findings indicate that groundwater in alluvial-diluvial strata is highly susceptible to leachate contamination, while soil heavy metal contamination is not significant, with low levels in the aquifer but a tendency to accumulate at the water-soil interface. It is recommended that during landfill remediation, attention be paid to anti-seepage measures in waste excavation and stacking areas, as well as the interception and remediation of the groundwater fluctuation zone, to prevent secondary contamination of soil and groundwater.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60692-5
Long persistent luminescence materials (LPLMs) have demonstrated significant potential in photo- and electro-catalysis due to their unique capability of storing and controllably releasing photogenerated charge carriers. These materials offer innovative solutions for environmental remediation and sustainable energy technologies. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the application of LPLs in photo- and electro-catalysis, outlining their developmental history and underlying mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on their applications in organic pollutant degradation, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, and photovoltaic cells. Furthermore, design strategies and research frameworks for LPLs are discussed. The current limitations and challenges in this field are examined, and future research directions are proposed to facilitate the transition of LPLMs from fundamental research to practical applications in energy and the environment. Key materials such as SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ exhibit afterglow lasting up to 30 hours, enabling round-the-clock catalytic activity. Composite systems like g-C3N4@Au@SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ and Cu|CuO/SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ have achieved efficient degradation and simultaneous hydrogen evolution. Z-scheme heterojunctions, e.g., Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+/Ag3PO4, demonstrate enhanced performance. The review highlights the potential of LPLMs to overcome the limitation of intermittent light sources, providing a pathway for continuous catalytic processes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4131-3
p-n heterojunction solar-blind photodetectors based on p-type materials and n-type Ga2O3 have attracted significant attention in optoelectronics due to their inherent low dark current and self-powered operation. Organic-inorganic hybrid heterojunctions integrating p-type organic materials with n-type Ga2O3 offer a promising solution to overcome lattice mismatch, enabling device performance breakthroughs. In this work, Ga2O3 thin films were treated via a supercritical fluid (SC) technique, which significantly reduced defect state density while improving crystallinity and surface uniformity, laying a foundation for heterojunction interface optimization. Simultaneously, a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was introduced at the organic-inorganic heterojunction interface. The high-quality Ga2O3 surface engineered via SC treatment facilitated efficient, oriented self-assembly of SAM molecules, enabling precise modulation of interfacial energy band alignment and promoting separation and transport dynamics of photogenerated carriers. Benefiting from synergistic SC modification and SAM functionalization, the fabricated solar-blind photodetector achieved a highest responsivity of 111.7 mA/W and a specific detectivity of 1.02 × 10^11 Jones under zero bias (self-powered mode) and weak 254 nm light with an intensity of 5 μW/cm2. These results demonstrate a viable route to high-performance, self-powered solar-blind photodetectors through interface engineering.