SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4206-6
Precise patterning of highly ordered organic semiconductor (OSC) thin-film arrays is critical for next-generation electronics. We report a ladder-like polysilsesquioxane (LPSQ) strategy to synthesize two functional analogs with tunable surface energies and robust dielectric properties. These LPSQ dielectrics, functionalized with alkyl or fluoroalkyl side chains, serve dual roles as gate insulators and patterning layers to guide blade-coating of 2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT). This approach yields highly aligned arrays suitable for three-dimensional integration in flexible electronics. Synergistic combination of dense LPSQ dielectric packing and aligned semiconductor domains leads to excellent organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) performance, achieving approximately four-fold improvement in field-effect mobility compared to conventional silicon oxide dielectrics. Patterned LPSQ dielectrics enable high-resolution C8-BTBT patterning on plastic substrates, supporting 4-inch-scale 3D integration of flexible logic circuits, including inverters (voltage gain >100), NOR gates, and NAND gates. This work provides a scalable route to high-performance, large-area flexible organic circuits.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3582-9
Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) hold great potential for brain-like neuromorphic computing. However, the development of PQDs-based synaptic devices is hindered by interfacial defects and limited stability. Here, we demonstrate a high-performance Cs2AgBiBr6 QDs/organic single crystal heterojunction synaptic device, fabricated via a novel space-confined vertical growth technique combined with a polymer-free transfer process. Vertically grown organic single crystals enable superior carrier mobility and facilitate the formation of low-defect interfaces with PQDs. The heterojunction exhibits remarkable photosensitivity (7.22 × 10^5 at 425 nm) and detectivity (2.15 × 10^15 Jones), owing to the strong optical absorption of PQDs coupled with the superior charge transport characteristics of organic single crystals. Notably, the device achieves dual-functional light adaptation, emulating synaptic behaviour under blue light while exhibiting photo-switching under green/red light. This unique capability enables smart blue-light hazard protection. This work not only provides a versatile platform for high-performance PQDs-based synaptic devices but also advances the development of brain-inspired neuromorphic systems for next-generation computing and intelligent sensing.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3771-9
High-entropy carbonitride ultra-high temperature ceramics (HECN-UHTCs) typically require high densification temperatures, leading to grain coarsening and degraded mechanical properties. This study introduces CrSi2 as a sintering additive for (Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta)(C, N), effectively reducing the densification temperature by 200 °C. During sintering, interdiffusion and cation exchange result in the formation of an orthorhombic (Ti, Zr, Nb)2Cr4Si5 phase within the ceramic matrix. The resulting dual-phase ceramic exhibits a hardness of 24.65 ± 0.23 GPa and a fracture toughness of 6.03 ± 0.48 MPa m1/2, significantly surpassing most reported HECN-UHTCs. Enhanced mechanical properties are attributed to crack deflection, increased localized lattice strain, and Cr grain boundary segregation. This liquid phase-assisted low-temperature sintering strategy offers a promising pathway for densifying other ultra-high temperature ceramics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3630-2
This study demonstrates a dual-interface engineering approach for performance enhancement in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. By applying ethylenediamine dihydroiodide (EDAI2) to simultaneously modify both top and bottom interfaces of wide-bandgap perovskite layers, we achieve synergistic defect suppression and charge transport optimization. Time-resolved photoluminescence characterization reveals extended carrier lifetimes and improved spatial homogeneity in dual-modified perovskite films. The optimized single-junction wide-bandgap (>1.66 eV) perovskite solar cells attain a champion efficiency of 22.75% with enhanced operational stability. Implemented in perovskite-silicon tandem configuration, the devices achieve over 31% power conversion efficiency, validating the effectiveness of organic ligand-mediated dual-interface engineering in regulating carrier dynamics and advancing perovskite-based tandem photovoltaics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3586-7
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, with endovascular stent intervention emerging as a key therapeutic strategy. Biodegradable Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy (ZE21B) offers promising mechanical properties and biocompatibility for vascular scaffolds, yet suffers from inadequate corrosion resistance, insufficient endothelialization, and impaired blood-brain barrier remodeling. This study develops a composite coating comprising barnacle cement protein cp19k and sulfonated hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (NP@S-HA) applied via electrostatic spraying onto ZE21B. The cp19k/NP@S-HA coating enhances corrosion resistance by approximately 40.6% relative to uncoated ZE21B, as determined by electrochemical and static immersion tests. In vitro blood and cellular assays demonstrate that the coating promotes endothelial cell proliferation and migration, inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation while regulating contractile phenotype, suppresses macrophage adherence and induces M2 polarization, reduces TNF-α expression, and mitigates fibroplasia. These findings indicate that the cp19k/NP@S-HA composite coating provides an effective surface modification strategy for biodegradable magnesium alloys in cerebrovascular applications, potentially improving stent performance and patient outcomes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3757-2
β-Ga2O3 is a promising candidate for solar-blind ultraviolet photodetection owing to its suitable bandgap of approximately 4.9 eV, excellent photoresponse characteristics, and high stability. However, the lack of a sufficient driving force within the material leads to extensive bulk charge recombination, limiting its photocurrent and thus posing significant challenges in designing high-performance Ga2O3-based photodetection. In this study, we propose a gradient doping strategy to achieve a Sn-doping concentration gradient along the β-Ga2O3 film thickness. By combining sol–gel synthesis with rapid thermal annealing, a spatially graded band structure with a full-space built-in electric field is constructed, which increases the width of band bending over a large region and is crucial for significantly enhancing carrier separation and transport in the bulk. The resulting gradient Sn-doped β-Ga2O3 enables exceptional photoelectric performance without an external bias under 254 nm irradiation, including a superior responsivity of 66.88 mA W−1, a high detectivity of 8.12 × 10^11 Jones, and a fast rise/decay time of 79/65 ms, outstanding most existing similar reported photoelectrochemical (PEC) type optoelectronic devices. Additionally, the device exhibits excellent long-term stability and enables high-resolution underwater ultraviolet imaging. This study demonstrates that the gradient doping strategy provides a feasible approach for enhancing the PEC performance of β-Ga2O3 photoelectrodes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3697-8
Multi-site coupling is a promising strategy for developing highly efficient and CO-resistant hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, designing multifunctional synergistic schemes for single-atom sites remains a significant challenge. Herein, we propose a dual-template-confined oxophilic engineering strategy to construct well-dispersed iridium-nickel (IrNi) atomic dimers adjacent to IrNi nanoclusters on porous nitrogen-doped carbon (IrNi Dimer/NC1.8-PNC). The paired IrNi dimer features an asymmetric Ir-N3 configuration coordinated with heteroatomic Ni-N3O via an N-bridge. Remarkably, IrNi Dimer/NC1.8-PNC exhibits a ~23-fold enhancement in mass activity (4.36 A mg−1 Ir at 20 mV) and 5-fold longer stability compared to benchmarking Pt/C toward HOR, while achieving a high rated power density of 1.18 W cm−2 in PEMFC anode applications. Furthermore, IrNi Dimer/NC1.8-PNC demonstrates superior CO tolerance over monometallic Ir and Pt/C in both half-cell and full-cell devices. Combined experimental and density functional theory studies reveal that oxophilic Ni modulates the electronic environment of Ir through alloying and dimer interactions, thereby enhancing HOR activity. Importantly, the asymmetric IrNi dimer enables efficient CO* and OH* co-adsorption while facilitating CO2* desorption, synergistically mitigating CO poisoning and improving atom utilization efficiency. This work provides a design strategy and fundamental insights for multi-site synergistic catalysts in PEMFC anodes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3788-9
Fabrication of large-area perovskite solar modules under ambient air conditions remains a critical challenge due to air sensitivity of perovskite intermediate phases during crystallization. Here, we introduce 2-iodoimidazole (IIZ) into the perovskite precursor, enabling the formation of an air-stable pure δ-phase intermediate, which, upon annealing, fully transforms into a highly oriented α-phase perovskite film with reduced defects and variability. Leveraging this approach, we achieve a stabilized power conversion efficiency of 20.9% for 927.5 cm2 perovskite solar modules with high reproducibility. The encapsulated modules meet stringent international photovoltaic testing standards (IEC61215:2021), demonstrating excellent stability under continuous operation, thermal cycling (−40 to 85 °C) and damp heat (85 °C and 85% relative humidity).
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.0254-6108.2024083002
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for human health, and dietary intake through Se-rich crops is the primary route. However, total soil Se content does not directly reflect the bioavailability to plants, which depends largely on soil available Se. This study, conducted in Shipai Town, Longshan County, Hunan Province, used 1:50,000 land quality geochemical survey data to investigate factors influencing the Se bioaccumulation coefficient in maize kernels. Soil pH, CaO, and MgO were identified as significantly positively correlated with the bioaccumulation coefficient and were selected as proxies for soil available Se. A random forest (RF) model was developed to predict maize grain Se content and assess the feasibility of cultivating Se-rich maize in low-Se farmland. Results showed that although soil Se was deficient, 53.64% of maize grain samples met the Se-rich product standard (0.02–0.30 mg·kg−1). Compared with multiple linear regression, the RF model exhibited higher accuracy and reliability. The RF model predicted that 40.91% of farmland in the study area is suitable for natural Se-rich maize cultivation, representing a 25.86% increase over the area identified by soil total Se alone. This study provides a novel methodological framework for planting natural Se-rich maize in Se-deficient regions, validating the potential for such cultivation.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604005
To elucidate the effects of exogenous antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) exposure on wheat growth and associated bacterial community assembly, the inhibitory impacts of exogenous ARB on wheat seedling root and shoot length, shifts in root endophytic and rhizosphere bacterial communities, and the horizontal transfer of exogenous antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to indigenous endophytic bacteria were investigated using plate culture counting and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that exogenous ARB exposure significantly suppressed wheat seedling root and shoot growth, with inhibition rates increasing in an ARB concentration-dependent manner. At an exogenous ARB concentration of 108 CFU/mL, the inhibition rates of seedling root and shoot length reached 68.83% and 36.87%, respectively. During the period of ARB exposure, the relative abundance of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_5 in root endophytic bacteria increased rapidly, becoming the most dominant genus (45.02%) by the end of the exposure period. In contrast, Betaproteobacteriales remained the dominant order in the rhizosphere bacterial community throughout the experiment, with its relative abundance increasing continuously over time. The proportion of ARB-carrying endophytic bacteria initially decreased and then increased during exposure, showing a significant positive correlation with the relative abundances of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_5, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Bacillus, and Paenibacillus (P<0.05). In summary, exogenous ARB exposure significantly inhibits wheat seedling growth and alters the community structure of both root endophytic and rhizosphere bacteria. Sustained ARB exposure leads to the transfer of exogenous ARGs to root endophytes, and Clostridium_sensu_stricto species may act as potential hosts for ARGs in wheat seedling roots.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61113-4
Porous pyrolytic carbon (PPyC) serves as the buffer layer in TRi-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) fuel particles, providing storage for fission gases, preventing damage to outer layers, and absorbing stresses caused by fuel-kernel swelling. However, the changes of PPyC micro- and meso-structure at high temperatures remain insufficiently understood. In this study, PPyC fabricated by chemical vapor deposition was heat-treated from 1200 to 1600 °C and characterized across atomic-to-mesoscopic scales. Results show that the structure changes with temperature with a transition at approximately 1400 °C. Below 1400 °C, a decrease in Raman ID/IG ratio, narrowing of the graphite diffraction peak, and increased sp2 hybridization indicate progressive ordering associated with defect redistribution. Concurrent decreases in true density and mesopore volume, together with increased closed porosity, are consistent with partial conversion of open pores into closed pores. Above 1400 °C, increased ID/IG ratio, broadening of the diffraction peak near the rhombohedral graphite (101) reflection, and transition regions between crystalline and amorphous material observed by TEM indicate increasing structural disorder. Meanwhile, initially distinct PPyC particle boundaries blur and merge into broad, plate-like domains. Subsequent decrease in closed porosity and increase in mesopore surface area are consistent with partial connection of closed pores to the open-pore network. This work shows that intrinsic coupling between atomic-scale structural change and mesoscale pore connectivity provides a basis for assessing high-temperature structural stability of PPyC in TRISO fuel particles.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60631-1
Methane dehydroaromatization (MDA) offers a carbon-neutral route to benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX), yet the regulatory mechanisms of Brønsted acid site (BAS) strength and spatial proximity to Mo sites remain unresolved. This study systematically tunes BAS strength via isomorphous substitution (Al, Ga, Fe, B) and Mo-BAS proximity in ZSM-5, integrating catalytic evaluations with density functional theory (DFT). Strongly acidic Al-zeolites achieve the highest methane conversion, while weakly acidic B-substituted systems exhibit optimal mono-/bifunctional synergy, outperforming moderate-acid counterparts. DFT reveals that deprotonation energy (DPE) correlates with acid strength; Al-ZSM-5 (DPE = -5.68 eV) lowers the C–H activation barrier (ΔG = 1.467 eV). Spatial proximity analysis shows that nanoscale Mo-BAS distances, achieved via ball milling, enhance methane conversion by 33% and BTX yield by 31% compared to micrometer-scale mixtures, by accelerating intermediate transport and suppressing coke. These findings establish a multi-scale framework linking acid strength, spatial confinement, and electronic modulation, providing actionable guidelines for designing next-generation MDA catalysts.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225141
This study established a three-dimensional transient gas-liquid two-phase flow model based on a 150-tonne converter to investigate the influence of the number of clogged bottom-blowing elements on the stirring efficiency of the molten pool. The numerical simulation results were validated against actual converter operating conditions. The findings revealed that the primary reason for deteriorated flow characteristics under multiple clogged tuyeres was the overall reduction in stirring energy input from the bottom-blowing gas. Specifically, when the number of clogged tuyeres reached three, the numerically simulated mixing time increased from 150.6 s to 219.3 s, a significant increase of 45.62%. This numerical result was in good agreement with water model experiments, indicating that prompt furnace bottom maintenance and tuyere replacement should be considered under such circumstances. At the same bottom-blowing intensity, the effective stirring area of a single inner-ring tuyere was 0.919 m2, while that of a single outer-ring tuyere was 1.651 m2. The combined effective area achieved through the synergy of inner and outer ring tuyeres was 2.940 m2, which was 14.4% greater than the sum of their individual areas. Clogging disrupted this synergistic stirring effect. A single clogged tuyere had a negligible impact on the distribution of dead zones. However, when tuyeres in both the inner and outer rings were clogged, dead zones became more numerous and concentrated. With 3 and 4 clogged tuyeres, the dead zone volume reached 3.703 and 5.946 m3, accounting for 17.31% and 27.79% of the total molten pool volume, respectively. An industrial plant trial conducted based on the numerical simulation scheme showed that key performance indicators deteriorated as the number of clogged tuyeres increased. With three clogged tuyeres, the average end-point oxygen content reached 0.0669wt%, which was 22.1% higher than that under non-clogged conditions. Concurrently, the total iron content in the slag reached 19.44%, a 24.5% increase compared to the non-clogged baseline.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3827-3
Chiral functional materials, characterized by intrinsic spatial asymmetry, hold transformative potential in photonics, enantioselective synthesis, quantum technologies, and biomedicine. However, their rational design and discovery are impeded by the vast chemical space and complex structure-property relationships, rendering traditional trial-and-error approaches inefficient and costly. This review critically examines the paradigm-shifting role of artificial intelligence (AI) in accelerating the discovery and optimization of chiral functional materials. We highlight recent AI-driven breakthroughs, emphasizing machine learning (ML) algorithms that excel in identifying patterns within high-dimensional data, thereby enabling rapid virtual screening and elucidation of intricate structure-property correlations. Key applications span from predicting enantioselectivity in asymmetric catalysis to designing circularly polarized luminescent materials and chiral metamaterials. Notably, ML models have achieved predictive accuracies exceeding 90% in classifying chiral structures and have reduced computational screening times by orders of magnitude. The integration of AI with automated synthesis platforms further enables closed-loop optimization, as demonstrated in the autonomous discovery of optically active chiral perovskite nanocrystals. This review underscores that AI not only accelerates materials discovery but also fosters cross-disciplinary innovation, positioning itself as an indispensable tool for the next generation of chiral functional materials. By synthesizing recent progress, we provide a roadmap for leveraging AI to navigate the complex landscape of chiral materials, ultimately expediting the translation of laboratory innovations into practical applications.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606011
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contamination in chromite ore processing residue (COPR) and associated soils poses a persistent environmental challenge. This study developed a dispersedly stabilized iron-sulfur-based slurry (DSS-ISB) modified with an inorganic dispersant to enhance nanoparticle suspension stability and interfacial reactivity. The slurry, with a particle size of approximately 200 nm, efficiently reduced and immobilized Cr(VI) without pH adjustment. Under optimal conditions (liquid-to-solid ratio of 5 mL:10 g, DSS-ISB dosage of 1.8 mg/g, reaction time of 20 h), the removal efficiency exceeded 97%, reducing the leaching concentration from 15.03 mg/L to 0.03 mg/L, well below the GB 5085.3—2007 limit of 5 mg/L. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses revealed a synergistic mechanism of chemical reduction (Fe2+/S2- as dual electron donors) and surface adsorption, converting toxic Cr(VI) to stable Cr(III). Compared with traditional reductants ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and sodium sulfide (Na2S), DSS-ISB increased removal efficiency by 28.24% and 6.23%, respectively, and unit mass removal capacity by 92.43% and 77.08%. The reagent cost per ton of COPR was reduced to RMB 36.40, achieving savings of 33.82% and 26.02% versus FeSO4 (RMB 55.00) and Na2S (RMB 49.20). The process eliminates pH adjustment and subsequent passivation, simplifying remediation. DSS-ISB offers an economical and green solution for Cr(VI) remediation in both industrial residues and contaminated soils.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606003
Membrane separation technology, offering high separation efficiency, low energy consumption, and operational flexibility, is promising for lithium recovery. However, selective lithium extraction from complex matrices such as salt lake brines and battery leachates remains challenging. Traditional membrane development relies on empirical trial-and-error, suffering from low efficiency and the permeability-selectivity trade-off. This review systematically delineates machine learning (ML)-based frameworks for membrane material development, including high-throughput rational screening, inverse design of synthesis protocols, and high-fidelity performance prediction. We elucidate how advanced ML algorithms decipher structure-activity relationships at the molecular level, enabling breakthroughs in performance ceilings and guiding bottom-up fabrication of next-generation membranes. Critical challenges are assessed: scarcity of high-quality standardized datasets, limited model interpretability, and poor generalizability to industrial scales. Future directions emphasize physics-informed hybrid models, open-source global databases, and full-process system optimization to bridge laboratory innovation and industrial deployment.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511098
A highly sensitive analytical method for the determination of 2-bromostyrene in tap water and surface water was developed and optimized using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The extraction conditions were systematically optimized via single-factor experiments and an L9(34) orthogonal array with range analysis. The optimal conditions were: sample volume 10 mL, extraction time 30 min, extraction temperature 30 °C, stirring rate 1000 r·min−1, and 2.5 g NaCl as salting-out agent. The method exhibited good linearity over the range 100–5000 ng·L−1 (R² = 0.9994), with a detection limit of 13.8 ng·L−1 and a quantification limit of 55.3 ng·L−1. Recoveries from spiked tap water and surface water samples ranged from 90.2% to 102.2%, with relative standard deviations between 5% and 11%. Statistical tests (normal distribution, F-test, t-test) all yielded P > 0.05, confirming the method's reliability. The method is simple, sensitive, and exhibits minimal matrix effects, making it suitable for routine monitoring of trace 2-bromostyrene in drinking water and surface water.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607009
Resource utilization of food waste is a key measure for implementing waste classification and constructing zero-waste cities in China. However, the technical route based on anaerobic digestion currently faces developmental bottlenecks. In this study, engineering-scale facilities located in Northeast, North, Northwest, and Southeast China were selected, and material flow analysis was employed to comprehensively assess the current status of anaerobic digestion of food waste. The results indicated that, during the pretreatment stage, both leachate and organic slurry from all surveyed regions exhibited high COD/TN ratios, and the leachate contained high concentrations of lipids. Following three-phase (oil-water-solid) separation, the oil recovery rate could reach over 98%. Anaerobic digestion of each ton of food waste from the four regions generated approximately 70 to 80 Nm³ of biogas, while simultaneously producing liquid digestate accounting for 69% to 80% of the total mass and solid digestate accounting for 2.7% to 3.6%. However, the annual continuous production of digestate was not aligned with the seasonal demand for land use, thereby restricting the pathway for resource utilization. Converting food waste into an external carbon source can significantly enhance its resource utilization efficiency, with the economic benefits increasing by more than 203% compared to the methanogenesis pathway. The selection of the carbon source production technology route should be comprehensively determined by taking into account factors such as the specific nitrogen removal requirements of the target wastewater treatment process, the quality requirements for the carbon source products, and the substitution rate of commercial carbon sources.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3979-3
The escalating prevalence of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections necessitates novel antibacterial strategies. Here, we engineered lectin B (LecB)-targeted glyco-dots (TFP2F) via self-assembly of a photosensitizer (TFP2) possessing aggregation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capability with fucose-modified tetraphenylethene glycoclusters (TPE-Fuc4), enabling P. aeruginosa-targeted antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and wound healing promotion. Three photosensitizers (TFP0–2) featuring an “A-D-A” electronic structure were synthesized, exhibiting broad absorption bands and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence. Among these, TFP2 demonstrated superior Type-I/II ROS production (including ·OH, ·O2−, and 1O2), achieving potent phototoxicity against P. aeruginosa (MIC80 = 7.5 μM). Self-assembly with TPE-Fuc4 yielded glyco-dots TFP2F that facilitated LecB-mediated bacterial targeting, enhanced bacterial uptake, and significantly reduced the MIC80 to 2.5 μM against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa under light irradiation. In a murine P. aeruginosa-infected wound model, TFP2F treatment combined with light irradiation accelerated wound closure to <20% of the initial area by day 8 (vs. >40% in controls) and eliminated >95% of bacteria by day 2. This work presents a convenient strategy for constructing glyco-dots as a potent functionalized platform for precision, lectin-targeted antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3921-2
Moisture-enabled energy harvesting technologies offer a promising route for self-powered strain sensing, yet conventional generators suffer from slow response, poor recovery, and limited multidirectional resolution. Here, we report a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofiber moisture-enabled electric generator (MEG) with highly aligned ion channels. A carbon black/sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (CB/SDBS) layer is coated on the TPU membrane, while carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and acidified poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (HPSS) are applied on opposite sides, establishing lateral hydrophilicity and ion gradients to drive directional ion migration. The planar MEG is lightweight, flexible, and requires no fully covered electrodes, enabling conformity to complex deformations. The aligned channels reduce ion migration tortuosity, enhancing ion transport efficiency and flux. As a result, the aligned MEG (ATMEG) delivers 0.2 V and 0.51 μA cm−2 at ~90% relative humidity, corresponding to 400% and 287% enhancements compared with the unaligned MEG (UATMEG). The ATMEG also exhibits ultrafast response (0.16 s) and recovery (0.08 s). Utilizing its anisotropic characteristics, a multidirectional self-powered strain sensor is developed, capable of distinguishing both the amplitude and direction of human motion, demonstrating strong potential for adaptive wearable electronics and intelligent motion monitoring.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025041505
To combat severe air pollution, China has implemented a series of air pollution control action plans since 2013, effectively alleviating PM2.5 pollution. However, PM2.5 concentrations in most cities within the Fenwei Plain still exceed national standards. This study systematically evaluates PM2.5 concentration changes across two policy phases (2013–2020) using the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, quantifying contributions of meteorology and emissions, and analyzing sectoral source changes. Results show that annual average PM2.5 concentration declined cumulatively by 19% during 2013–2020. In the first phase (2013–2017), regional PM2.5 decreased by 3% annually, with most improvement in winter; however, due to unfavorable meteorology, concentrations increased in Xi'an and Xianyang. In the second phase (2017–2020), PM2.5 declined by an additional 16%, with more effective control measures, particularly in spring and autumn. Emission reductions dominated in both phases, with stronger effects in the second phase (−8 μg·m−3), significantly outweighing adverse meteorological contributions (+3.5 μg·m−3). Nevertheless, many cities still face challenges from unfavorable meteorology, highlighting the need for future policies to account for meteorological influences. Emissions from industrial, energy, and agricultural sources decreased significantly across both phases. However, during winter heating periods, residential emissions emerged as a source equal in importance to industrial emissions, becoming a key target for future emission controls.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4075-1
Titanium alloys, such as Ti-6Al-4V (TC4), are indispensable in aerospace, biomedical, and advanced manufacturing due to their high specific strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, their inherent strength-ductility trade-off and limited stiffness hinder next-generation lightweight structural applications. Traditional ceramic reinforcements (TiC, TiB2, SiC) improve strength but introduce brittleness and interfacial incompatibility, degrading plasticity and fatigue resistance. Graphene, with theoretical strength ~130 GPa and Young's modulus ~1 TPa, offers a promising two-dimensional reinforcement. This review systematically examines graphene-reinforced titanium matrix composites (TMCs), focusing on the intrinsic relationship between preparation, microstructure, and properties. Key preparation routes include powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing, with challenges in achieving uniform dispersion and controlling interfacial reactions. Recent studies demonstrate that surface modification and process optimization can form an ideal interface structure comprising a nano-TiC layer and residual graphene. Even at low graphene additions, synergistic strengthening mechanisms—load transfer, fine-grain strengthening, and Orowan dislocation bypass—significantly enhance strength, hardness, and wear resistance while preserving ductility. This review consolidates critical theoretical and experimental findings, offering guidance to overcome technological bottlenecks and promote engineering applications of graphene-reinforced TMCs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4162-0
The urea oxidation reaction (UOR) offers a low-energy pathway for hydrogen production via water electrolysis, but Ni-based catalysts suffer from Ni self-oxidation reaction (NSOR) that wastes energy and poisons active sites via strong CO2 adsorption. Here, we design MoN/Ni heterostructures to optimize the electronic structure of Ni sites, suppressing NSOR. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy confirm the formation of electron-rich Mo and electron-deficient Ni active pairs. In-situ spectroscopy, electrochemical tests, and density functional theory calculations reveal that electron-rich Mo sites enhance urea adsorption, while electron-deficient Ni sites prevent NSOR, facilitating urea activation, intermediate conversion, and CO2 desorption. The synergistic effect yields a current density of 100 mA cm−2 at only 1.39 V vs. RHE in 1 M KOH + 0.33 M urea, outperforming many NiOOH-based catalysts. This work introduces a novel high-performance catalyst with electron-rich/electron-deficient active pairs for efficient UOR.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4185-6
Electrochemical uranium extraction from fluorine-containing nuclear wastewater is critical for nuclear fuel recovery, yet current electrode materials suffer from limited scalability and insufficient long-term stability. Here, we report a bulk monoclinic Nb2O5−x (H-Nb2O5−x) derived from commercial bulk niobium oxide via rapid reconstruction, exhibiting exceptional activity and robustness for electrochemical uranium extraction in fluorine-rich environments. The intrinsic active pairs of low-valent Nb4+ and compact oxygen structure strongly bind with dominant uranyl fluoride species (UO2F+, UO2F2, UO2F3−, UO2F4^2−), facilitating efficient separation. In a 30 g L−1 fluoride solution, H-Nb2O5−x achieved a uranium extraction efficiency of 99.1%. Notably, in a 10-L real nuclear wastewater test, the bulk material maintained stable performance over 40 days, reducing uranium concentration from 1372.3 mg L−1 to 0.93 mg L−1. This work demonstrates a scalable, durable electrode material for industrial electrochemical uranium extraction, addressing the bottlenecks of complexation and stability in fluoride-containing waste streams.