SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4448-y
Zero-dimensional (0D) hybrid metal halides are promising for optoelectronic displays, bioimaging, and anti-counterfeiting due to strong exciton localization and self-trapped exciton (STE) emission. However, low-toxicity, biocompatible zinc halides with blue emission remain scarce, hindered by structural isolation of [ZnBr4]2− tetrahedra, electron-phonon coupling, lattice distortion, and nonradiative relaxation. Here, we synthesize MPAZnBr4 (MPA = N-(3-aminopropyl) morpholine), a 0D zinc bromide halide. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals a monoclinic P21/c space group with a = 6.65190 Å, b = 16.11210 Å, c = 13.79640 Å, β = 94.5700°, Z = 4, and a calculated density of 2.394 g/cm3. The isolated [ZnBr4]2− tetrahedra are hydrogen-bonded to MPA cations, with the shortest Br···Br contact of 4.76 Å indicating weak inter-cluster electronic coupling. Upon photoexcitation, MPAZnBr4 exhibits bright blue emission centered at 450 nm with a full width at half maximum of 135 nm. Wavelength-dependent emission mapping confirms a single radiative pathway, while temperature-dependent photoluminescence identifies triplet STE emission with a thermal quenching activation energy of 55 meV. The extensive hydrogen-bonding network imparts remarkable structural stability, showing negligible photoluminescence decay under prolonged excitation or storage. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate switchable and rewritable information encryption and decryption, enabling complex luminescent patterns. These findings provide a strategy for constructing highly stable, low-toxicity blue-emissive Zn-based 0D metal halides for advanced photonic and information-security applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4319-x
This erratum corrects an error in the Acknowledgments section of the original article 'Investigation on graphene growth by roll-to-roll chemical vapor deposition' published in Science China Materials, Vol. 65, Issue 4, page 1042, 2022. The authors regret that the funding number (No. (2021)105) for the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program was incorrectly used. The correct funding number is No. KQTD20200820113010022. The authors apologize for any inconvenience caused. This correction does not affect the scientific content, results, or conclusions of the original paper. The original research focused on the kinetics of graphene growth via roll-to-roll chemical vapor deposition (CVD), a scalable method for producing high-quality graphene films. The study addressed challenges in continuous manufacturing, such as uniformity, growth rate, and defect control, and provided insights into optimizing process parameters for industrial-scale production. The erratum ensures accurate attribution of funding sources, maintaining the integrity of the research record.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4339-7
Neuromorphic computing demands energy-efficient synaptic devices that emulate biological plasticity. Optoelectronic memristors based on colloidal quantum dots (QDs) offer tunable bandgaps and solution processability, yet suffer from defect-mediated nonradiative recombination and instability. Here, we report ZnS-passivated CdZnSe core/shell QDs as the active layer in memristive devices, achieving enhanced synaptic emulation and information encryption. Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) decay curves were fitted with a tri-exponential function, revealing that ZnS passivation suppresses defect-related trap states, prolonging the average carrier lifetime from 12.3 ns (CdZnSe) to 28.7 ns (CdZnSe/ZnS). The intensity proportion of the fast decay component (τ1 ≈ 1.2 ns) decreased from 45% to 18%, indicating reduced surface trapping. Devices incorporating CdZnSe/ZnS QDs exhibit stable bipolar resistive switching with an ON/OFF ratio exceeding 10^3, endurance of >10^3 cycles, and retention of >10^4 s. Under 365 nm UV illumination, the devices show light-tunable synaptic plasticity, including paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) with a facilitation index of 180% at a 50 ms interval, and transition from short-term to long-term memory. The memristors successfully emulate essential synaptic functions and are employed in a simple encryption scheme, demonstrating the potential of defect-passivated QDs for secure neuromorphic hardware.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3663-6
Escalating global climate change has precipitated a dramatic surge in building cooling/heating energy demands, critically undermining urban sustainability. Although dynamic thermal management technologies show potential for reducing architectural carbon footprints, prevailing active regulation systems remain constrained by energy-intensive mode-switching mechanisms and unsustainable operational costs. Here, we develop a zebra-inspired radiative modulator (ZIRM) that achieves climate-customized building thermal management through spatially partitioned integration of radiative cooling (RC) and heating (RH) functional units. The material breakthrough resides in a hybrid thin-film architecture combining a cellulose acetate/Zeolitic imidazolate framework-L (ZIF-L) porous membrane (solar reflectance ~95%, thermal emissivity ~0.88) with an MXene/ZIF-67 derived carbon-based absorption layer (solar absorption ~93%, thermal emissivity ~0.37), resolving the opto-thermal coupling limitations inherent to conventional materials. Experimental verification demonstrates that programmable regulation of the RC/RH area ratio enables broad-range temperature differential control from −4.3 to 12.1 °C during daytime operation. Building energy simulations reveal ZIRM’s annual energy consumption of 1.45×10^10 GJ, corresponding to 9.9% and 2.7% reductions compared to pure RC and RH systems, respectively. The established “configuration-environment-performance” predictive model pioneers a paradigm-shifting solution for carbon-neutral architecture, synergizing material innovation with climate-customized engineering strategies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3705-5
Biodegradable metals (BMs) are designed to corrode gradually in physiological environments, yet this corrosion can compromise their mechanical integrity, potentially causing premature implant failure. For emerging zinc-based alloys, the corrosion-mechanical property relationship remains inadequately characterized. This study systematically investigated the long-term corrosion-associated mechanical behavior of hot-extruded Zn-Cu and Zn-Cu-Fe alloys, promising Zn-based bio-metals, in comparison with pure Zn, under immersion degradation in Hank's solution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and mechanical testing revealed that the evolving corrosion profile governs mechanical performance. Alloying with Cu and Fe mitigated corrosion's detrimental effects: grain refinement reduced localized corrosion susceptibility, while finely dispersed second phases acted as cathodic sites, promoting uniform corrosion. Additionally, Cu and Fe facilitated the formation of protective corrosion product layers, suppressing further matrix attack. Consequently, the overall reduced corrosion, particularly localized corrosion, lowered stress concentration susceptibility, delaying mechanical decline and preserving structural integrity. These findings elucidate the degradation-mechanical property correlation in Zn-based bio-metals and underscore critical considerations for developing new bio-metals for clinical translation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3727-0
Lead halide perovskites are promising scintillators for X-ray imaging due to high X-ray absorption efficiency, excellent luminescence, and facile synthesis. However, their ionic nature challenges simultaneous high photoluminescence efficiency and environmental robustness. This work introduces a multilevel encapsulation strategy: CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) are sequentially coated with Cs4PbBr6, SiO2, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Cs4PbBr6 passivates surface defects, while SiO2 and PDMS provide barriers against moisture, heat, and radiation. The resulting CsPbBr3@Cs4PbBr6/SiO2/PDMS flexible films exhibit a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 85%, outstanding mechanical flexibility, and durability under stretching, bending, and compressing. Films retain emission stability under elevated temperatures, prolonged X-ray irradiation, and extended water immersion. X-ray imaging demonstrates spatial resolution of 12 lp/mm, enabling distortion-free imaging of curved objects; superior water resistance allows long-term underwater imaging. This work highlights hierarchical encapsulation in balancing luminescence efficiency and stability, offering a pathway toward practical flexible perovskite scintillators.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025121602
This study characterized the body burden of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in a physical examination population in Shenzhen and evaluated its impact on thyroid function. Serum samples from 368 residents were analyzed for eight PBDE congeners using atmospheric pressure gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (APGC-MS/MS). The median concentration of ∑8PBDEs was 10.2 ng·g⁻¹ lipid weight (lw), ranging from 0.13 to 2089.4 ng·g⁻¹ lw, with BDE-209 predominating (59.7% of total). Multiple linear regression revealed that a 1.7-fold increase in serum BDE-153 was associated with a 0.4% increase in free triiodothyronine (FT3) (P<0.05), while a 1.7-fold increase in BDE-183 was associated with a 0.9% decrease in total triiodothyronine (T3) and a 0.7% decrease in FT3 (P<0.05). Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) indicated a negative correlation between mixed PBDE exposure and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) at high exposure levels. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression showed that mixed exposure was associated with decreased T3 levels and T3/FT3 ratio, with BDE-153 and BDE-183 as the primary contributors. These findings suggest that PBDE exposure may adversely affect thyroid function and disrupt thyroid hormone homeostasis, with BDE-183 and BDE-153 playing key roles. This study provides a scientific basis for PBDE health risk assessment and thyroid protection.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4043-3
In-plane InAs nanowires and nanowire networks are promising platforms for electronics, optoelectronics, and topological quantum computing due to their small electron effective mass, narrow bandgap, high electron mobility, strong spin-orbit coupling, and large Landé g factor. However, their selective area growth on CMOS-compatible group-IV substrates remains challenging. Here, we report the selective area growth of high-quality in-plane InAs nanowires and nanowire networks on Ge(111) substrates by molecular-beam epitaxy. Conventional selective-area epitaxy fails to simultaneously achieve good selectivity and continuity. To overcome this, we developed a metal-sown, single-indium-source two-step growth method, which attains both selectivity and continuity but yields nanowires with rough surfaces and lengths below 10 μm. We then introduced an upgraded metal-sown, dual-indium-source two-step growth method, successfully fabricating in-plane InAs nanowires and nanowire networks with smooth surface morphology and lengths exceeding 60 μm. By optimizing the As beam equivalent pressure, overgrowth at network junctions is effectively suppressed, resulting in uniform nanowire networks. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy confirm the high-quality single-crystalline nature and pure zinc-blende structure of the nanowires and networks. This work establishes a foundation for fabricating high-quality in-plane InAs/superconductor hybrid nanowires and nanowire networks on Ge substrates.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025111302
High-concentration chloride ions (Cl−) in industrial wastewater cause severe corrosion and environmental hazards. Conventional removal methods suffer from low efficiency, high cost, and difficulty in product recovery. This study fabricated porous metallic bismuth-based blocks (Bi-PM) via 3D printing, combining chemical precipitation with additive manufacturing. Systematic evaluation of Cl− removal under varying pH and light irradiation revealed that at pH 0.1 and 0.5, dark-condition efficiencies were 53.6% and 31.0%, respectively, increasing to 69.3% and 38.1% under light. Radical trapping identified photogenerated holes as the primary active species, oxidizing metallic Bi to release Bi3+ and enhance precipitation. At pH 0.5, Bi-PM exhibited balanced efficiency and structural stability; over five cycles, average removal efficiency was 25% in darkness versus 41.2% under light, with superior stability under illumination. XRD and SEM confirmed abundant BiOCl formation on the surface under light, mitigating Bi loss. This approach ensures high chloride removal while minimizing material degradation, offering a novel pathway for industrial wastewater treatment.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509093
Amid intensifying global warming, carbon emission reduction and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) have become central to climate governance. In March 2023, the European Commission proposed the Green Claims Directive (GCD) to combat greenwashing and enhance the reliability, comparability, and verifiability of environmental claims. The GCD, together with the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive, the Carbon Removal Certification Framework, and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards, forms a policy cluster supporting the EU's green transition and CDR deployment. China, as a major greenhouse gas emitter, has made progress in renewable energy and national carbon market construction, yet its total emissions remain high, CDR technologies are nascent, and CCUS deployment is economically oriented, mainly in enhanced oil recovery. This study systematically reviews the legislative background, core objectives, and synergistic logic of the GCD and related policies, focusing on requirements for CDR certification, third-party verification, and carbon credit regulation. It compares Chinese and EU carbon markets in coverage, allowance allocation, and MRV systems. The analysis indicates that EU experience in policy integration, technical standardization, and market maturity can inform China's policy framework, technology pathways, and market efficiency, supporting large-scale CDR and the 'dual carbon' goals.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3806-0
Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) faces critical limitations from inefficient sonosensitizers and the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, which curtail reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Here, we report a dual enzyme-mimicking sonosensitizer, termed sonozyme, engineered by integrating platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) with a tailored covalent organic framework (Y-COF). The spatially separated donor-acceptor architecture optimizes the band position of Y-COF, conferring intrinsic sonodynamic activity. Pt NPs further enhance ultrasound-triggered ROS generation by promoting exciton separation and transfer. Notably, sonozyme exhibits catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) mimetic activities, converting endogenous H2O2 into O2 and ·OH, thereby alleviating hypoxia and augmenting oxidative stress. In vitro assays demonstrated significantly enhanced ROS production and cancer cell death under ultrasound irradiation. In vivo studies confirmed that sonozyme effectively suppresses tumor progression without observable systemic toxicity. This work presents a paradigm for designing high-performance multifunctional sonosensitizers, offering a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509047
To reveal the dynamic characteristics of ecosystem carbon flux and its response to meteorological factors, this study employed the Biome-BGC model to simulate gross primary productivity (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP) of vegetation in Beijing for historical (2001–2014) and future (2051–2070) periods under SSP126 and SSP585 scenarios, using multi-source data including regional meteorology, vegetation type, and soil texture. The Mann-Kendall (M-K) test and Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis were applied to examine spatiotemporal patterns and carbon use efficiency (CUE). Results indicate that Biome-BGC accurately reproduces historical carbon flux characteristics. Temporally, annual mean GPP and NPP exhibited fluctuating upward trends, ranging from 584 to 777 g C m−2 a−1 and 238 to 388 g C m−2 a−1, respectively. Spatially, GPP and NPP displayed both same-phase and opposite-phase distribution patterns. Annual mean temperature was the dominant factor influencing GPP and NPP trends, followed by solar radiation and precipitation. Under future scenarios, both GPP and NPP are projected to increase, with SSP585 showing greater enhancement. By 2070, GPP is expected to rise by 171 and 376 g C m−2 a−1 under SSP126 and SSP585, respectively, while NPP increases by 71.8 and 137 g C m−2 a−1. The spatial distribution of GPP and NPP exhibits a 'low-center, high-periphery' pattern, with multi-year means of 969 and 425 g C m−2 a−1. Future CUE is approximately 0.45, indicating substantial carbon sequestration potential of Beijing's vegetation under climate change.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025021702
Bacteria and microorganisms in toilets can enter the air via aerosol plumes generated during flushing, posing potential health risks. This study evaluates the feasibility of electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for household toilet disinfection. Disinfection experiments showed that at H2O2 concentrations of 50–200 mg·L−1, bacteria in toilet bowl seal water were completely inactivated within 4–24 h without generating harmful disinfection by-products. By installing a gas diffusion electrode in the toilet tank and utilizing oxygen from air to electrochemically synthesize H2O2 in situ, the total bacterial count in the seal water was reduced by more than 90% during normal toilet use, thereby lowering the risk of disease transmission via toilet aerosols. The results suggest that electrochemical H2O2 synthesis offers a safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly disinfection method for household toilets.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025120801
The interaction between microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter (PSDOM) and iron oxides in soil environments can modulate its photosensitization effects, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study investigated the influence of hematite with distinct morphologies—flake-shaped (HNPs) and cubic (HNCs)—on the photosensitization of polystyrene-derived dissolved organic matter (PSDOM). Under 500 W mercury lamp irradiation, both hematite morphologies promoted PSDOM degradation, with HNCs exhibiting superior performance: total organic carbon (TOC) decreased from 18.4 mg·L−1 to 12.3 mg·L−1 within 90 min, compared to 13.3 mg·L−1 for HNPs. Three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that hematite alters the humification process, thereby modifying photosensitization. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy identified the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), and carbon-centered radicals (CH3C(=O)OO·). HNCs significantly enhanced 1O2 production, while HNPs favored ·OH generation; both inhibited CH3C(=O)OO· formation. Quantitative analysis via high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that the steady-state concentration of 1O2 was highest with HNCs, reaching 2.80 times that of the PSDOM control, whereas ·OH concentration peaked with HNPs at 1.98 times the control. Notably, the steady-state concentration of 1O2 was approximately three orders of magnitude higher than that of ·OH. These findings elucidate the morphology-dependent role of hematite in PSDOM photosensitization, providing mechanistic insights into the environmental fate of microplastic-derived organic matter in complex soil systems.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606022
This study presents a numerical simulation of the internal flow field in a volatile organic compounds (VOCs) catalytic combustion reactor used in an enameled wire enterprise. Using ANSYS Fluent, the effects of inlet expansion section length, inlet expansion section angle, and catalyst bed spacing on the velocity field were systematically investigated. Additionally, the influence of heating tube configuration on the temperature field was analyzed. The results indicate that an expansion section length of 250 mm is optimal, balancing spatial constraints and the avoidance of recirculation zones. A zero-degree expansion angle yields the most uniform velocity distribution, though practical considerations necessitate case-specific angle selection. A catalyst bed spacing of 0.05 m satisfies the engineering requirement of maintaining pressure drop across a single catalyst layer below 200 Pa while significantly improving gas distribution within the bed. Alternating heating tubes on both sides of the reactor enhance temperature uniformity and elevate the overall catalyst bed temperature, thereby promoting efficient VOCs catalytic combustion. These findings provide quantitative guidance for reactor design optimization, contributing to improved catalytic performance and extended catalyst lifespan.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60678-0
Improper disposal of plastic waste represents both the loss of valuable resources and significant environmental threat. This study investigates the thermal liquefaction of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) using low-pressure superheated methanol. It systematically evaluates the effects of reaction temperature and the ratio of reactant to methanol on liquefaction efficiency and product characteristics. Results indicate that complete conversion of HDPE can be achieved in low-pressure superheated methanol (<0.5 MPa) at a minimum external heating temperature of 260 °C. Under this condition, oil yield reached 77.1% with alkanes comprising 62.3% of the product alongside minor oxygenated compounds. As temperature increased, the average carbon number of hydrocarbons gradually decreased. Below 260 °C, HDPE conversion decreased significantly, and products were primarily waxy. At 290 °C, the proportion of gasoline-like fractions (C6–C12) increased markedly from 16.6% to 80.9%. Furthermore, reactant ratio plays a critical regulatory role; extremes in ratio—either too high or too low—diminish heat transfer efficiency and reduce conversion. Mechanistically, liquefaction primarily involved cleavage of secondary C−C bonds, where resulting oligomers further cracked into free radicals to form diverse hydrocarbons through secondary reactions. This work demonstrates that low-pressure superheated methanol liquefaction is a mild, efficient, and pretreatment-free method to upcycle polyethylene into valuable fuels. Optimizing these process parameters can pave the way for industrial application, aiding in both plastic pollution management and sustainable resource recovery.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4107-x
Aqueous fiber zinc-iodine batteries (FZIBs) with four-electron redox exhibit inherent safety and high energy density for wearable electronics. Nevertheless, their practical implementations are hindered by unsatisfactory cycling stability and low realistic energy density, mainly caused by severe H2O-induced nucleophilic attack toward iodine species and poor zinc anode reversibility. Here, we report a quaternary ammonium-mediated coordination strategy to simultaneously address the irreversible cathode/anode redox behavior and thus promote the electrochemical performance of four-electron FZIBs. The cationic choline ion (Ch+) induces complexation with ICl2− via electrostatic interaction, homogenizing the electron cloud density and suppressing irreversible hydrolysis of I+ species, enabling a reversible near-theoretical high capacity of 418.3 mAh g−1. Meanwhile, preferentially adsorbed Ch+ on the zinc anode surface creates positively charged shielding layers, mitigating the tip effect caused by localized electric field and achieving robust zinc stripping/plating. The enhanced cathode/anode reversibility and improved interfacial stability enable stable FZIBs operation for over 20,000 cycles at 20.0 A g−1. Moreover, successful integration of FZIBs into electronic textiles with glucose and cardiac rhythm sensors demonstrates great potential for next-generation wearable electronics.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608026
Biochar and microbial inoculants are widely used for agricultural soil amendment. To investigate the effects of different straw biochars and Bacillus subtilis inoculant, applied individually or combined, on nitrogen transformation in dryland soil, a 60-day laboratory incubation experiment was conducted with six treatments: control (CK), 4% rice straw biochar (S), 4% rapeseed straw biochar (Y), 4% rice straw biochar plus 5 mg/kg inoculant (SJ), 4% rapeseed straw biochar plus 5 mg/kg inoculant (YJ), and inoculant alone (J). Results showed that rice straw biochar significantly increased soil nitrate nitrogen content by 148.74%–152.68% compared to CK, enhancing nitrification. Combined application with inoculant further increased average net nitrogen mineralization rate by 77.28%–99.38%. Conversely, rapeseed straw biochar decreased nitrate nitrogen by 51.66%–57.61%, and combined application reduced net nitrogen mineralization rate by 82.07%–84.73%. Treatments S, Y, SJ, and YJ promoted microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) synthesis, with S and Y increasing MBN by 2.02- and 2.20-fold over CK, respectively. Combined treatments further increased MBN by 103.26%–149.44% relative to single biochar treatments. These findings indicate that biochar type governs nitrification and net nitrogen mineralization, while combined application exerts synergistic effects on MBN. For comprehensive dryland soil improvement, YJ treatment is optimal, reducing inorganic nitrogen loss risk and enhancing microbial nitrogen activity.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60681-0
The escalation of global warming and climate change necessitates the development of clean energy carriers. Hydrogen, with a high combustion value of 120 MJ/kg and net-zero carbon emissions, is a promising alternative. Catalytic methane pyrolysis offers a route to produce high-purity hydrogen and functional carbon materials simultaneously. However, challenges persist in catalyst deactivation due to carbon deposition and the efficient separation and valorization of carbon byproducts. This review systematically examines recent progress in solid and molten-medium catalysts for methane pyrolysis. It highlights strategies to enhance catalyst stability, including precise control of active sites, alloying, support optimization, and tuning the carbon-catalyst interface. The introduction of molten media catalytic systems, which feature dynamically refreshed gas-liquid interfaces, can fundamentally mitigate deactivation and facilitate continuous carbon separation. The paper discusses reaction mechanisms, catalytic performance, and control of carbon morphology, along with strategies for efficient separation and purification of carbon products in molten media. High-value applications of the produced carbon materials are also explored. The review underscores the potential of methane pyrolysis as a low-carbon technology for hydrogen production, while identifying key research directions for industrial scalability.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4143-9
High-Ni (Ni ≥ 0.9) layered cathodes are being developed to endure high-voltage operations above 4.5 V to boost energy density. However, they face exacerbated chemo-mechanical and electrochemical degradation under high-voltage operation, primarily due to excessive lattice strain and phase distortion during cycling. Here, we engineer a high-Ni, Co-free cathode featuring a multicomponent complex doping-modulated bulk structure, coupled with surface modification via a multifunctional atomic layer deposition-coated LiAlO2 layer. Such a unique framework achieved by surface-to-bulk integrated modification can not only greatly prevent lattice stress-induced mechanical degradation but also effectively mitigate the accumulation of by-products due to surface side-reactions. Moreover, the LiAlO2 nanoshell with exceptional ion conductivity markedly enhances the sur-/interfacial Li-ion migration kinetics, thus rendering low electron/ion-diffusion resistance. The developed cathode breaks through existing voltage constraints without compromising on performance, achieving an exceptional balance between capacity and cycle stability during operation at 4.8 V. Notably, the pouch-type cells utilizing graphite and Li metal anodes demonstrate excellent cyclability under demanding conditions, even operating at high charging cut-off voltages of 4.5 and 4.6 V, respectively.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3550-4
Hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have reached a certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 27.0%, yet their operational lifetime remains constrained by the intrinsic instability of organic cations, particularly the deprotonation of formamidinium (FA). This study introduces a molecular deuteration strategy to stabilize FAPbI3 by substituting the active hydrogen in the N–H bond with deuterium. The reduced ground-state energy of the N–D bond induces a kinetic isotope effect, lowering the deprotonation rate constant from 5.15 × 10−8 to 2.42 × 10−8 s−1. Solar cells fabricated with deuterated FAPbI3 films achieve a PCE of 25.08% and retain 97% of their initial efficiency (T97) for 1264 h under continuous one-sun illumination at 55 °C. This approach addresses the fundamental deprotonation pathway that limits the longevity of FA-based perovskites, offering a viable route to intrinsically stable photovoltaic devices without relying solely on extrinsic barrier layers or passivators.