SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4436-0
Microwave-absorbing materials (MAMs) deployed on naval vessels, aerospace vehicles, and critical electronic systems face coupled electromagnetic, marine salt-spray corrosion, and extreme-temperature loads that legacy single-function absorbers cannot withstand. This review consolidates progress on three environmentally adaptive MAM classes: corrosion-protective, anti-icing, and thermal-management absorbers. The electromagnetic loss and impedance-matching fundamentals are first established, then the synergistic mechanisms, design strategies, and characterization protocols for each class are examined against representative material systems and their measured performance. The analysis identifies a shared design logic—multiscale hierarchical architecture, interfacial polarization engineering, and multifunctional phase integration—while distinguishing the divergent protection mechanisms: barrier and passivation effects for corrosion, surface-energy and latent-heat regulation for anti-icing, and phonon–electron transport decoupling for thermal management. Persistent bottlenecks include the trade-off between impedance matching and protective-layer density, the absence of standardized coupled-field test protocols, and the scarcity of long-term salt-spray and thermal-cycling durability data. Future directions are delineated: intelligent self-adaptive absorbers, multiphysics-coupled simulation frameworks, and environmentally benign multifunctional integration. The review provides a theoretical and technical basis for the design, construction, and engineering scale-up of next-generation high-performance absorbers for aerospace, electronic, and marine equipment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4312-8
Carbazole phosphonic acid-based self-assembled molecules (SAMs) serve as effective hole-selective contacts in organic solar cells (OSCs), yet their molecular packing and aggregation behavior during solution processing remain difficult to control, limiting hole transport and device durability. This study introduces a polymer-templated self-assembly strategy to regulate molecular organization by one-step spin-coating a blend of [2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid (2PACz) and PEDOT:PSS. The polycationic PEDOT+ framework acts as a template, providing supplementary anchoring interactions that promote ordered molecular arrangement and suppress unfavorable agglomeration. Pronounced face-on orientation and enhanced structural coherence of 2PACz within the polymer matrix are evidenced. The templated ordering improves vertical charge transport, interfacial homogeneity, and film morphology. In binary OSCs based on PM6:BTP-eC9, the hybrid hole transport layers (HTLs) yield a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.26%, with an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.874 V, a short-circuit current (JSC) of 28.97 mA cm-2, and a fill factor (FF) of 80.02%. Devices incorporating hybrid HTLs exhibit exceptional operational stability, retaining over 90% of initial PCE (T90) after 405 h of continuous operation at the maximum power point (MPP). This work establishes polymer-directed SAM assembly as a scalable route to simultaneously optimize nanoscale molecular packing, interfacial energetics, and long-term device stability for high-performance OSCs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4279-0
Inkjet printing has emerged as a viable additive manufacturing route for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), offering drop-on-demand patterning, high material utilization, and compatibility with large-area flexible substrates. This review critically examines the formulation science, printhead physics, and drying kinetics that govern the quality of inkjet-printed organic layers. We analyze the rheological window required for stable jetting, typically 1–20 mPa·s viscosity and 25–45 mN/m surface tension, and the dimensionless Ohnesorge number (0.1 < Z < 1) that defines satellite-free droplet formation. The coffee-ring effect, driven by capillary flow and solvent evaporation gradients, remains the dominant failure mode for pixel non-uniformity; binary solvent systems and substrate temperature control (40–60 °C) mitigate this. We survey recent progress in printed hole-transport, emissive, and electron-transport layers, with particular attention to cross-linkable hole-transport materials that resist interlayer dissolution. Device performance metrics from printed OLEDs now reach external quantum efficiencies of 15–20% for fluorescent emitters and >25% for phosphorescent systems, with operating lifetimes (T95) exceeding 1,000 hours at 1,000 cd/m². We identify remaining bottlenecks: nozzle clogging from aggregated nanoparticles, film thickness variation across large panels, and the absence of standardized ink formulations. The review concludes with a roadmap for industrial adoption, emphasizing in-line metrology and closed-loop process control as prerequisites for yield parity with vacuum-deposited OLEDs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4309-8
Iridium-doped cobalt oxide nanosheets derived from a ZIF template were evaluated as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). Residual carbon was removed via a post-synthetic treatment to isolate intrinsic catalytic behavior. The Ir0.23Co0.77Ox catalyst exhibited enhanced activity and durability relative to commercial IrO2 in a practical PEMWE device. Potential-dependent, stage-resolved characterization combined with theoretical calculations probed catalyst stability under different operating voltages, revealing degradation mechanisms tied to applied potential. Contact angle measurements showed that the Ir0.23Co0.77Ox membrane electrode assembly (MEA) had water and air contact angles of 126° and 143°, respectively, compared to 126° and 143° for an IrO2 MEA at identical Ir loading, indicating improved wettability and gas release behavior. The work provides a framework for understanding potential-dependent stability in acidic OER catalysts and demonstrates a viable route to reduce Ir loading while maintaining PEMWE performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4263-3
Monolayer black phosphorus (phosphorene) exhibits a direct bandgap and strong in-plane anisotropy, making it a promising candidate for near-infrared (NIR) optoelectronic devices. However, the precise modulation of its excitonic emission via anisotropic strain remains insufficiently understood, particularly regarding the contrasting strain responses of phosphorene versus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Here, we combine experimental characterization with tight-binding (TB) modeling to elucidate the strain-dependent bandgap evolution in phosphorene. Using a four-band TB model, we derive the bandgap at the Γ point as E_g^BP = 4t1 + 2t2 + 4t3 + 2t5, with hopping parameters t1 = -1.220 eV, t2 = 3.665 eV, t3 = -0.205 eV, t4 = -0.105 eV, and t5 = -0.055 eV. Under tensile strain along the zigzag (ZZ) direction, the interatomic distance associated with t1 increases, reducing the magnitude of |t1|. Since t1 is negative, the bandgap increases, contrary to the behavior of monolayer MoS2, where tensile strain decreases the bandgap due to positive hopping parameters t11, t22, and t12. This anisotropic strain response enables selective tuning of NIR exciton emission. Our findings provide a quantitative framework for strain engineering in phosphorene-based NIR devices, highlighting the critical role of hopping parameter signs in determining bandgap modulation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4299-9
A dual-doping strategy incorporating boron (B) and sulfur (S) into graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was employed to engineer band structures and construct an S-scheme homojunction (BSCN) for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution. The BSCN catalyst exhibited an interwoven architecture of porous nanotubes and nanosheets, providing a large specific surface area and abundant active sites. In situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed an S-scheme charge transfer mechanism at the BCN/SCN interface, driven by a built-in electric field that facilitates efficient spatial separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Photoelectrochemical measurements confirmed improved light harvesting and charge separation. DFT simulations indicated near-thermoneutral hydrogen adsorption free energy (ΔGH* = 0.12 eV) at S-doped sites, favorable for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics. The optimized BSCN achieved an exceptional H2 evolution rate of 14.409 mmol g−1 h−1, approximately 75-fold and 3.4-fold higher than pristine BCN and SCN, respectively. This work establishes a rational doping-mediated approach for designing high-efficiency g-C3N4 homojunctions and provides mechanistic insights into S-scheme charge transfer for solar-driven H2 production.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4302-9
The pre-deposited lead iodide (PbI2) film in two-step inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) often exhibits a dense structure, which impedes the diffusion and reaction of organic ammonium salts, leading to unreacted PbI2 residues and compromised device performance. To address this, 2,4-oxazolidinedione (OD) is introduced as a molecule additive into the PbI2 precursor solution. Owing to its stronger coordination with PbI2, OD effectively modulates its crystallization behavior, resulting in a porous structure. This porous structure significantly facilitates the diffusion and infiltration of organic ammonium salts, thereby minimizing PbI2 residue and enhancing the completeness of the perovskite conversion. Furthermore, OD and the constructed porous network jointly retard the crystallization kinetics of perovskite, promoting the formation of perovskite films with improved crystallinity and preferred crystal orientation. Therefore, the optimized PSCs achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.31%, and demonstrate excellent operational stability, retaining 90.24% of initial PCE for 1500 h at 25°C and 90.47% after 1000 h at 65°C. The champion device exhibits a VOC of 1.197 V, a JSC of 26.28 mA cm-2, and an FF of 83.58%, with negligible hysteresis. This study presents a straightforward yet effective approach to advancing the performance and stability of inverted PSCs fabricated via the two-step method.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4250-0
Shape memory polymer (SMP)-based transfer printing offers a promising route for heterogeneous integration of flexible electronics, yet non-contact release reliability remains a critical bottleneck. This study systematically investigates the influence of pickup heating modes—localized versus global—on the release yield and energy-delivery mechanisms through combined experiments and finite element simulations. The localized heating mode concentrates strain energy at the interface, enabling controlled chip ejection with high yield, whereas global heating dissipates energy, leading to release failure. Quantitative analysis reveals that localized heating achieves a release yield of 100% under optimized conditions, compared to near-zero for global heating. The ejection velocity under localized heating is higher, which may induce chip bouncing on the receiver substrate, affecting transfer accuracy; however, this can be mitigated by adjusting release gap and laser parameters. The findings establish a theoretical framework for energy pathway design, providing guidelines for achieving high-yield, accurate non-contact release in laser-induced transfer printing. This work advances the practical application of SMP-based transfer printing for micro-LED displays and flexible electronics, addressing a key manufacturing bottleneck.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4350-4
Flexible wearable sensors have transformed motion tracking, soft robotics, and human-machine interfaces by enabling precise movement detection and adaptability to curved surfaces. However, conventional composite sensors often face challenges such as limited sensitivity, detection range, linearity, and durability. In this study, we propose a stretchable auxetic sensing textile with a negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) structure, incorporating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) by micro-crack engineering to enhance its mechanical durability and sensing performance. Integrating macro-scale NPR with micro-scale wrinkles, this innovative design achieves a high sensitivity of 11.2 within a wide detection range (0-100%), a more linear sensing range with an R2 value of 0.998, an ultra-low detection limit of 0.5%, and exceptional durability, outperforming conventional wearable sensors. Additionally, the textile sensor boasts excellent moisture permeability (32.7 g m⁻² h⁻¹) and a remarkable NPR value of -0.25, ensuring comfort and adaptability for various wearable applications. Integrated with deep learning algorithms, the auxetic sensing textile demonstrates 98% accuracy in recognizing soft robotic movements at various bending angles. It is capable of capturing both small-scale physiological signals, such as electrocardiograms, and large-scale movements, offering significant freedom of movement and adaptability to complex surfaces.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4385-1
Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are effective hole-selective contacts for inverted perovskite solar cells, but scalable deposition on rough substrates is hindered by molecular aggregation, disordered packing, and incomplete adsorption. We propose a hybrid strategy incorporating 4-(Piperidin-4-yl)butanoic acid hydrochloride (PBACl) into the 4PABCz solution during dip-coating. PBACl suppresses aggregation via hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions, yielding homogeneous coverage and improved wettability. The piperidine and carboxyl groups passivate buried interfacial defects through hydrogen bonding and coordination with perovskites. Small-area cells achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.09%, while a 5 cm × 5 cm mini-module (aperture area 14.4 cm²) delivers 23.29% PCE. Encapsulated devices retain 80% of initial PCE after 1350 h maximum power point tracking under continuous illumination. This ion modulation strategy bridges molecular-level interface control with scalable processing, offering a pathway to industrially relevant perovskite photovoltaics.
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/s40843-026-4237-x
Silicon-based (Si-based) anodes are core candidates for next-generation high-energy solid-state batteries (SSBs) due to their high theoretical capacity (~4200 mAh g−1). However, their practical application is constrained by the 'size effect', which influences mechanical integrity and electrochemical performance. This review systematically examines the failure mechanisms of nano-silicon (nSi) and micro-silicon (mSi) anodes when paired with sulfide and organic-inorganic composite solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). Key functional parameters of these SSEs are discussed, along with strategies to mitigate interfacial impedance and accommodate volume changes. Recent progress in structural and interface modifications is highlighted, including the use of hard-carbon-stabilized Li–Si anodes (achieving stable cycling) and pressure-free operation. The review identifies core challenges, such as achieving intimate solid–solid contact and managing mechanical stress, and outlines future directions for 'size effect' regulation to accelerate commercialization of high-energy Si-based SSBs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3608-8
Polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) is a promising photocatalyst for H2O2 production due to its visible-light response, low cost, and high selectivity for the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, its H2O2 yield is limited by narrow light absorption, low charge separation efficiency, and insufficient active sites. Here, crystalline poly(heptazine imide) (PHI)-based carbon nitride with highly dispersed In sites and N defects was prepared via an ionothermal method using LiCl/KCl molten salts. The large π-conjugated system and N defects enhance visible-light harvesting. Remaining K+ ions in nitrogen cavities act as interlayer electron channels, while N defects induce asymmetric charge distribution on the heptazine network, promoting interlayer and in-plane charge separation and transfer. In sites accelerate charge transfer dynamics and serve as active sites for ORR. The synergistic effect of metal modification and defect engineering boosts electron delocalization, significantly improving photocatalytic activity. The H2O2 production rate of 10InPHI reaches 15.3 mmol g−1 h−1 via a two-step single-electron ORR pathway, underscoring the potential of modified carbon nitride for efficient H2O2 photosynthesis.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3803-8
The molecular copolymerization of donor-acceptor (D-A) interactions has been effectively utilized to modulate the charge transfer dynamics in polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) photocatalysts. Herein, a D-A configured photocatalyst (TPCN) was constructed by copolymerizing 4,4’,4’’-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl) trianiline (TAPT) as the electron donor with triazine units (electron acceptor). The unique propeller structure of TAPT, combined with the triazine framework, expanded the π-conjugated system and induced a strong built-in electric field (BIEF) across the D-A configuration. Theoretical calculations and transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that this synergistic effect facilitated intramolecular charge separation and widened the range of light absorption, indicating accelerated charge transfer and suppressed recombination in TPCN. The optimized TPCN3 sample exhibited dramatically enhanced photocatalytic H2O2 production (1.74 mmol g−1 h−1), representing a 13.4-fold increase over pristine PCN. Additionally, the TPCN3 sample also exhibited significantly faster degradation kinetics than PCN counterpart toward various emerging contaminants. This work demonstrates a promising strategy for designing efficient metal-free photocatalysts for sustainable H2O2 production and environmental remediation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3564-9
Sluggish water dissociation kinetics in the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) hamper its practical production. Here, a heterojunction electrocatalyst featuring Ru-Ni(OH)2 interfaces on nickel foam (NF) with self-engineered built-in electric fields (BIEF) was synthesized via a simple in situ galvanic replacement reaction. The hierarchical Ru-Ni(OH)2/NF exhibits a record overpotential of 9.6 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for alkaline HER, surpassing most reported catalysts and commercial Pt/C. It also shows exceptional activity for hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) at 100 mA cm−2 with a remarkably low potential of ca. 0.015 V vs. RHE. The assembled overall hydrazine splitting (OHzS) system integrating HER and HzOR requires a cell voltage of about 0.09 V to reach 50 mA cm−2, which is 1.637 V lower than the corresponding overall water splitting (OWS) device. Systematic analysis and calculation reveal that the BIEF induces redistribution of interfacial electrons for Ru, facilitating H2O dissociation and intermediate conversion, delivering ultra-high electrocatalytic performance. This work provides an avenue for design and preparation of electric field-mediated catalysts towards sustainable energy conversion.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3602-1
Solid-state lithium batteries (SSLBs) are promising next-generation energy storage systems due to their high safety and energy density. However, poor low-temperature performance of solid-state electrolytes remains a critical challenge. Here, we present a facile and scalable approach for synthesizing a low-temperature-resilient polymer electrolyte based on ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), leveraging its unique molecular structure for enhanced lithium-ion transport. The EVA polymer electrolyte (EPE) demonstrates a high ionic conductivity of 5.13×10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature and retains a remarkable conductivity of 2.72×10−5 S cm−1 at −40 °C. This superior performance is attributed to the synergistic interaction between the ester functional groups of EVA and lithium salts, which reduces the ion dissociation energy barrier and facilitates efficient ion migration. The EPE enables stable lithium plating/stripping cycling for over 3000 h at −40 °C and supports long-term cycling of LiFePO4-based full cells at −40 °C for over 900 cycles. This work highlights the potential of cost-effective, scalable EPEs for next-generation SSLBs, particularly in extreme environmental conditions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3588-2
The rapid evolution of aerospace technology necessitates the development of multi-functional composites that combine light weight, mechanical robustness, thermal protection/insulation, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. C/SiC porous ceramic composites are promising for thermal protection in hypersonic vehicles. Here, we report a facile strategy to fabricate Cf/SiC composite polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) via re-pyrolysis of high-energy ball-milled polycarbosilane-vinyltriethoxysilane-graphene oxide (PVG) with Cf/SiC(rGO)p blend interleaves. In-situ generated honeycomb-like cellular structures and non-directional channels reduce density and increase porosity. High-quality SiO2 joints, formed from Si-dangling bonds, strengthen interfacial bonding via a brazing effect, while in-situ SiOC nanowires (SiOCnws) create a hierarchically enhanced network, improving fracture toughness and crack resistance. Multi-scale interfacial/dipole polarization enhances EMI shielding. The optimized Cf(0.2)/SiC(rGO) composite exhibits low density (1.49 g cm−3), high fracture toughness (6.32 MPa m1/2), hardness (7.18 GPa), compressive strength (72.67 MPa), and EMI shielding effectiveness of 58.31 dB. It maintains structural stability under butane blowtorch ablation at ~1300 °C for 3600 s. Porous variants show thermal conductivity of 0.211 W m−1 K−1 with 69.74% porosity. These multi-functional composites are promising for thermal protection systems in aerospace applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3538-6
The understanding of anion transporting behaviors under sub-nanoconfined regimes can guide the design of high-performance anion selective membranes (ASMs), yet it is little known. Here, we build membrane channels that combine physical rigidity with chemical affinity to anions simply through bridging graphene oxide nanosheets with charged linkers. We observe that the rigidly confined interaction imposed by channels to anions can reconfigure hydration shells in varying degrees for different anions via compensating for hydration-induced energy barriers and differentiating their rearrangement behaviors. During the configuration evolution, water molecules within hydration shells would rotate and simultaneously change their distance from the ion center. Based on the big discrepancy in configuration evolution, these membranes can realize ultrahigh selectivity of, for example, 125 for Cl−/SO4^2− and surpass the performance upper bound concerning Cl−/SO4^2− separation by other membranes. The knowledge of the configuration change of hydration shells during the dehydration process will be key to designing next-generation ASMs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3647-4
Chromium oxides (CrOx) and fluorinated graphite (CFx) are two typical cathode materials for lithium primary batteries. The former possesses the highest theoretical energy density but suffers from low practical capacity and inferior rate capability; the latter has the highest theoretical discharge capacity but fails to support fast discharge. Combining the merits of both cathodes via a composite design is desirable, yet the electrochemical performance of such composites remains unsatisfactory. In this work, we identified that by regulating the overlapped discharge potential of these two cathodes, fluorine atoms migrate from CFx to CrOx, leading to a homogeneous distribution of LiF and improved ionic and electronic conductivity, ultimately enhancing high-rate discharge performance. Benefiting from this synergetic effect, the CrOx/10%eCFx composite exhibits a considerably high energy density of 496.59 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 49.7 kW kg−1 (50 C), far superior to pure CrOx and CFx electrodes. We believe that the high-performance CrOx/eCFx composite cathode will justify its practical application in revitalizing advanced lithium primary batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3658-1
Organic-inorganic hybrid copper(I) halide semiconductors have attracted extensive attention for applications in phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (pc-WLEDs), X-ray imaging, and photodetectors because of their superior photo/radioluminescence, structural diversity, and eco-friendliness. In previous work, a strategy combining coordinated anionic inorganic modules with cationic derivatives yielded highly efficient blue-emitting hybrids, but synthesis complexity limited practical use. Here, we report a facile, efficient, and rapid solution-based ultrasonic treatment method for synthesizing high-performance blue-emitting phosphors using inexpensive, commercially available tetraethylammonium halides (TEAX, X = Cl, Br, I). The synergistic interplay of ionic and covalent bonds in these compounds endows them with a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 70% and excellent stability. These materials exhibit thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), delivering outstanding performance in pc-WLEDs and X-ray imaging. Their exceptional properties highlight significant potential for use in optoelectronic devices and X-ray scintillators. This work provides an important reference for rapid synthesis of high-performance copper(I) halide hybrid phosphors and paves the way for commercial application.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3759-7
The inherent strength-ductility trade-off in materials science poses a significant challenge for structural applications. In composites, rational regulation of reinforcement structure and distribution can enhance both strength and ductility. Typical structures such as network, layered, and columnar have proven effective, yet issues like narrow size ranges, uneven distribution, and weak interfacial bonding limit performance. Here, we present a bioinspired multi-scale heterogeneous layered composite (MHLC) that achieves an optimal balance between strength and ductility. This heterogeneous layered structure comprises alternately stacked Cu-Ti layers and GNPs/Cu layers. The Cu-Ti layer contains uniformly distributed plate-like β-Cu4Ti intermetallic compounds, while the GNPs/Cu layer contains layered graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The size, distribution, and shape of reinforcements can be adjusted through heat treatment and cold rolling, enabling a balance between strength and ductility. Molecular dynamics simulation and finite element simulation were conducted to investigate the structural evolution of β-Cu4Ti and the influence of reinforcements on tensile properties, respectively. Results show that under tensile deformation, high-strain regions in the Cu-Ti layer are more numerous than in the GNPs/Cu layer. At an applied strain of 7.96%, fracture and deformation of reinforcements occur; at 23.98%, voids appear and develop into cracks. Cracks propagate along high-strain paths, forming a zigzag fracture pattern at the interface, indicating high interfacial bonding strength. The bending deformation of β-Cu4Ti suggests it possesses high hardness, strength, and excellent toughness. Our results provide important references for exploring multi-scale heterogeneous layered structures in enhancing strength and ductility of composites.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3695-8
Sulfur-based lithium-ion batteries, particularly those employing sulfurized poly(acrylonitrile) (SPAN) cathodes and graphite (Gr) anodes, offer high theoretical capacity and low cost but suffer from temperature-dependent capacity decay. This study systematically investigates the electrochemical dynamics and capacity decay mechanism of SPAN||Gr pouch cells cycled at 25–55 °C. Multiscale analyses reveal that capacity fade arises from active lithium loss and increased resistance, both accelerated by higher temperatures. Active lithium loss is primarily attributed to dead lithium formation and thickening of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI), while resistance increase is predominantly due to SEI/CEI thickening. As temperature rises, active lithium loss becomes the dominant decay factor. Leveraging the consistent decay mechanism across temperatures, an accelerated aging model based on the Arrhenius equation is developed: y = 0.9x + a. This model accurately predicts cycling parameters at specific temperatures and reduces testing time by 50% when extrapolating from 55 °C to 25 °C. These insights provide critical guidance for developing long-life sulfur-based batteries for practical energy storage applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4022-7
Transition metal nitrides (TMNs) have emerged as promising alternatives to noble metals in electrocatalysis due to their noble metal-like electronic structures, high conductivity, low cost, and robust chemical stability against corrosion and oxidation under harsh conditions. The rational design and controlled synthesis of TMNs with distinct structures are crucial for developing highly efficient electrocatalysts. This review comprehensively summarizes representative synthetic strategies for TMNs, including direct nitridation, solid-state reaction, sol-gel assisted reaction, and wet-chemical reaction. It presents distinct structural characterizations and demonstrates their advances in electrochemical applications. Finally, the remaining challenges and future research directions for exploring TMNs with well-defined structures are proposed, aiming to guide the development of high-performance electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3710-y
Layered transition metal oxide cathodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) suffer from Jahn–Teller distortion of MnO6, Na+/vacancy ordering, and irreversible lattice oxygen loss, causing capacity fading and voltage decay. Here, we report a P2-type material, Na0.67Ni0.3Mn0.6Li0.09Sn0.01O2 (NNMO-Li0.09Sn0.01), co-doped with closed-shell Li+ and Sn4+ ions. Li+ increases the Mn4+/Mn3+ ratio, mitigating Jahn–Teller distortion, and disrupts Ni/Mn ordering, suppressing Na+/vacancy ordering. Sn4+ forms stronger Sn–O bonds (548 kJ mol−1), enhancing bonding between transition metal ions and oxygen, reducing oxygen loss. NNMO-Li0.09Sn0.01 delivers a specific capacity of 90.3 mAh g−1 with 62.9% capacity retention after 50 cycles at 0.1 C (1 C = 200 mA g−1), and 90.3% voltage retention. This closed-shell substitution strategy offers a viable approach for enhancing structural stability of wide-voltage layered oxide cathodes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3815-0
The development of bifunctional electrocatalysts capable of integrating biomass-derived platform molecule oxidation with organic reduction offers a promising strategy for simultaneously enhancing energy efficiency and generating high-value chemicals. However, designing catalysts that exhibit both high activity and stability in integrated systems remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report a self-supported electrode composed of nitrogen-doped carbonized wood (NCW) supported NiCo nanosheets (NiCo 0.3/NCW) that enables the electrocatalytic 5-hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation to produce 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and the nitrobenzene reduction to yield aniline in an integrated electrochemical cell. The NiCo 0.3/NCW electrode achieves the production of FDCA and aniline at a low cell voltage of 1.7 V, with ~99% anodic and ~92% cathodic Faradaic efficiencies, respectively. Experimental characterizations disclose that the hierarchical porous NCW architecture promotes the dispersion of active sites, while nitrogen doping strengthens metal–support interactions. In-situ spectroscopic experiments combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that cobalt incorporation tunes the electronic structure of nickel, thus optimizing substrate and intermediate adsorption, and lowering energy barriers. These effects ultimately enhance the performance of the natural wood-derived catalyst in integrated biomass valorization and selective organic electrosynthesis.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3760-y
Layered chalcogenide compounds have attracted considerable attention for optoelectronic applications due to their rich structural diversity and unique physical properties, including high carrier mobility, ferromagnetism, ferroelectricity, and outstanding optoelectronic and thermoelectric performance. Their tunable bandgaps and strong light absorption render them highly suitable for next-generation photodetectors. However, the environmental instability of many 2D chalcogenides poses a critical challenge for practical applications. In this work, we report a high-performance, polarization-sensitive photodetector based on an air-stable ternary chalcogenide FeIn2Se4. Angle-resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy reveals that the four characteristic Raman modes exhibit a 60° periodic variation in intensity, highlighting the material's pronounced in-plane anisotropy. Benefiting from its strong absorption over a broad spectral range (510–1028 nm), the FeIn2Se4-based device demonstrates reliable photoresponse under multiple excitation wavelengths (405, 473, 515, and 638 nm), showcasing its wideband detection capabilities. Furthermore, XPS measurements after prolonged air exposure confirm the enhanced chemical stability of FeIn2Se4 compared to binary chalcogenides. These findings demonstrate that 2D ternary FeIn2Se4 is an excellent candidate for advanced anisotropic optoelectronic devices, offering broadband photodetection, robust polarization sensitivity, and excellent environmental resilience.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3704-0
The escalating demand for energy storage systems capable of delivering high energy density alongside ultrafast charging and discharging has exposed the limitations of conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), particularly in applications such as electric air vehicles, portable medical devices, and grid-scale storage. Organic cathode materials offer tunable molecular design but suffer from sluggish ion diffusion kinetics, especially under high-rate and low-temperature conditions. This study introduces a 2D vertically ladder-like polymer (2DVLP) synthesized from tribenzoquinoline tribenzoquinone (TTQ) via a 2D polymerization strategy. The polymer features a layered nanosheet structure with densely distributed carbonyl (C=O) redox-active sites serving as Li+ storage centers. Interlayer micropores (0.4–2.0 nm) and structural defects facilitate vertical Li+ diffusion, while weak van der Waals interlayer interactions (no π–π stacking) enable horizontal Li+ intercalation. Coin-type half-cells using 2DVLP cathodes demonstrated outstanding room-temperature performance: 2DVLP-1 and 2DVLP-2 achieved specific capacities of 302 and 291 mAh g−1 at low current densities, respectively. The cross-flow design—combining vertical and horizontal ion transport pathways—effectively mitigates concentration polarization, enabling ultrafast charging. This work provides a scalable strategy for developing high-power organic cathodes, addressing critical bottlenecks in fast-charging energy storage.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506019
Acidic in-situ leaching of sandstone-type uranium deposits leaves residual acid and uranium in groundwater, posing environmental risks. This study investigated the feasibility of loading hydroxyapatite (HAP) onto aquifer sandstone particles for in-situ remediation. Sandstone particles were collected from an aquifer and reacted with a HAP-generating solution for 52 days to produce sandstone/HAP composite. Batch experiments examined the effects of initial pH, initial uranium concentration, composite dosage, and interfering ions on uranium removal. Results showed successful HAP loading on sandstone surfaces. At initial pH 3, uranium concentration 5 mg/L, composite dosage 3 g/L, and 24 h reaction, uranium removal reached 95.6%. Interfering ions suppressed removal in the order Fe3+ > Mn2+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > SO4^2-. Removal mechanisms included electrostatic adsorption, ion exchange, and dissolution-reprecipitation, with good stability of immobilized uranium. This work validates the concept of in-situ HAP loading in aquifers and provides a basis for practical application in acidic uranium-contaminated groundwater remediation.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202508004
Industrial processes generate substantial low-grade waste heat and cold, which can be harnessed via thermoelectric generators (TEGs) based on the Seebeck effect. However, the low-voltage output of TEGs poses application challenges. This study investigates a TEG-driven electrodeposition system for efficient treatment of low-concentration copper-containing wastewater from electroplating, integrated circuit, and energy industries. The TEG system, comprising two series-connected semiconductor modules, achieved a maximum power of 0.36 W at a temperature difference (ΔT) of 130 °C. Optimal operating parameters for the coupled system were determined: ΔT = 90 °C, counter-current flow (two-side inlet), flow rate of 20 mL·min⁻¹, initial Cu²⁺ concentration of 500 mg·L⁻¹, and electrode gap of 0.7 cm. Under these conditions, after 60 min of electrodeposition, copper removal efficiency reached 99.42%, current efficiency was 67.93%, and the energy conversion efficiency of the TEG-electrodeposition system was 36.96%. The system also treated real copper-containing wastewater, achieving 95.83% removal within 100 min. Characterization via SEM, XRD, and XPS revealed that the electrodeposited product consisted of metallic copper and cuprous oxide, with metallic copper accounting for approximately 60%. This work provides a promising approach for utilizing industrial waste heat and cold to achieve low-energy, high-efficiency treatment of heavy metal wastewater.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0024
This study investigates the thermochemical conversion behavior of microalgae pellets in a molten hydroxide salt (80% NaOH-20% Na2CO3) system and its influence on hydrogen production. By comparing temperature evolution, gas release characteristics, and structural evolution of pellets with and without molten salt, and integrating char alkalization experiments, the regulatory mechanism of molten salt on reaction pathways and hydrogen production was systematically analyzed. Results indicate that molten salt significantly enhances internal heat transfer efficiency, achieving a central heating rate of 177 °C/s, effectively alleviating thermal hysteresis. Concurrently, molten salt promotes pore development through penetration, erosion, and catalytic effects, resulting in a porosity increase of 53.2%–104.3% after 10 s of reaction. Conversion efficiency is markedly improved, with the dominant reaction pathway shifting to char alkalization after only 70 s. Furthermore, when heating rate is increased above 600 °C, hydrogen yield from char alkalization improves more significantly, primarily attributed to the synergistic promotion of molten salt catalysis and rapid heating on volatiles reforming. This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding efficient hydrogen production from biomass in molten hydroxide salts.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112104
Carboxyl-modified polystyrene microplastics (PS-COOH) are negatively charged particles formed by surface oxidation and functional group modification of polystyrene microplastics (PS), widely used in biomedical and analytical chemistry. However, studies on their neurotoxic effects on aquatic organisms are scarce. This study employed zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism, exposing embryos to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, 100 μg·L−1) of PS and PS-COOH. Neurotoxic effects were assessed by measuring tail coiling frequency at 24 hpf and swimming velocity under alternating light/dark cycles at 120 hpf. Results demonstrated that both PS and PS-COOH induced neurotoxicity, with PS-COOH significantly reducing tail coiling frequency and average swimming speed compared to PS (P<0.05). Exposure to 10 μg·L−1 PS-COOH disrupted neurotransmitter homeostasis, altering levels of acetylcholine (ACh), serotonin (5-HT), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Transgenic zebrafish Tg(huc:EGFP) fluorescence assays revealed that PS-COOH (0.1–100 μg·L−1) caused damage to central neurons. These findings indicate that PS-COOH exposure impairs cholinergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic neurotransmission, induces neuronal damage, and exerts neurotoxic effects on zebrafish larvae. This study provides a theoretical basis for assessing the ecological and health risks of modified microplastics.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024121201
A method for the simultaneous determination of 19 sulfonamide antibiotics in environmental aqueous samples was developed by integrating solid-phase extraction (SPE) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) with ultra-performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Aqueous samples were filtered through 0.45 μm membranes, adjusted to pH 6, and treated with Na2EDTA at 2.5 mg·L−1 to mitigate matrix effects. Analytes were enriched on Oasis HLB cartridges, purified by GPC, and separated on a Hypersil GOLD C18 column (2.1 mm ID × 100 mm, 1.9 μm) using gradient elution with 0.05% (V/V) formic acid in water and methanol. Detection was performed in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with internal standard quantification. Under optimal conditions, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.7–4.4 ng·L−1 and 2.8–17.6 ng·L−1, respectively. Recoveries from spiked real samples at 10, 200, and 400 ng·L−1 were 44.5%–102%, 47.7%–97.5%, and 51.4%–115%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.8%–10%, 0.64%–5.9%, and 0.71%–4.6%, respectively. The method was applied to three surface waters and three municipal wastewater treatment plant effluents, detecting five sulfonamides at concentrations ranging from 1.82 to 3864 ng·L−1. The combined SPE-GPC cleanup effectively reduced matrix suppression, offering high sensitivity, precision, and robustness for routine monitoring of sulfonamide antibiotics in environmental waters.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.0000/202604-1
An analytical method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 11 organic ultraviolet absorbents (OUVs) in coral tissues using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Target analytes included benzophenones (BP, BP-2, BP-3, BP-8) and other common UV filters. Sample pretreatment and chromatographic conditions were systematically optimized. Coral tissue samples were extracted by combined vortexing and ultrasonication, separated on a CAPCELL PAK MG C18 column using a mobile phase of methanol-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution under gradient elution, and determined by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with internal standard quantification. Method validation demonstrated good linearity for all target compounds over the range of 0.1–500 μg·L−1 (R2 > 0.990), with method detection limits ranging from 0.020 to 0.133 ng·g−1. The mean recoveries at low, medium, and high spiking levels ranged from 60.5% to 120.3%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.6%–10.7%. The method offers advantages of simple pretreatment, good repeatability, and high accuracy, making it suitable for high-throughput determination of OUVs in complex biological matrices such as corals. The method was applied to analyze 89 coral samples collected from Xidao Island, Sanya, and five target OUVs were detected in the samples. This method provides reliable technical support for elucidating the accumulation characteristics of OUVs in corals and assessing their potential ecological risks.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604016
River and lake health assessment is an important technical means to evaluate the health status of rivers and lakes, scientifically analyze river and lake problems, and strengthen the implementation of the river and lake head system. Based on the Guidelines for River and Lake Health Assessment (Trial) and the characteristics and actual basin conditions of the lower Yellow River in Henan, this study determined the river health evaluation index system for this reach. Through collection of basic data and special investigations and monitoring, the health status in 2020 was evaluated from four criteria layers: 'basin', 'water', biology, and social service function. The overall score was 83.4, corresponding to a 'healthy' grade. The four criteria layer scores were 73.7, 95.0, 62.1, and 95.5, respectively. The evaluation identified main problems including low aquatic biodiversity, suboptimal shoreline conditions, and pressure on water supply security. Corresponding governance and protection measures were proposed, such as strengthening ecological protection, improving river regulation works, enhancing shoreline management, and upgrading water diversion facilities. The results provide scientific basis for river health management and the implementation of the river chief system in the lower Yellow River.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604018
To address the issues of high air volume and unorganized emissions of waste gas in semi-steel vulcanization production lines, a combined approach of experimental testing and numerical simulation was employed to study the diffusion characteristics of VOCs-containing waste gas and the air volume of the collection system. The structure of the semi-enclosed hood was optimized, and pipe diameters were adjusted to achieve negative pressure balance, enabling efficient waste gas collection. Results showed that toluene concentration distributions from numerical simulation were largely consistent with experimental measurements, with a maximum average error of -3.9%. Existing hood inlet wind speeds ranged from 0.04 to 0.2 m/s, indicating uneven distribution. Under calm wind conditions, toluene diffusion in enclosed and semi-enclosed hoods was similar, with concentrations of 248 mg/m³ and 115 mg/m³, respectively, and deposition observed in trenches. For a single vulcanizer, at a design air volume of 2700 m³/h, the enclosed hood achieved a toluene concentration of 80 mg/m³ versus 63 mg/m³ for the semi-enclosed hood, demonstrating superior capture of hot fumes. Optimizing the semi-enclosed hood with soft curtains and a height of 1200 mm, at a total design air volume of 1.0×10⁵ m³/h, yielded an average hood inlet velocity of 0.35 m/s but still uneven distribution. Adding 900 mm gradual reducers and adjusting branch pipe diameters resulted in total air volume deviations of -0.44% and 0.38% for branches I and II, respectively, with individual hood deviations below 10%. This achieved negative pressure balance, effective collection, and improved workshop hygiene.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604026
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants ubiquitously present in soils, posing severe risks to ecosystems and human health. This study synthesized MIL-88A(Fe) via a hydrothermal solvent method and applied it to the photocatalytic degradation of phenanthrene-pyrene (PHE-PYR) composite contaminants in soil, investigating the adsorption-photocatalytic synergy. Results demonstrated that adsorption of PHE-PYR onto MIL-88A(Fe) was dominated by physical and monolayer surface adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 97.25 mg/kg. This strong adsorption increased pollutant concentration near active sites, accelerating photocatalytic degradation. Under optimal conditions—3% catalyst dosage, 40% soil water content, 60 min visible light irradiation, initial pollutant concentration of 200 mg/kg, and acidic soil—the total degradation efficiency reached 79.20%. Photoelectrochemical characterization revealed significant visible-light response (200–600 nm), a narrow bandgap of 3.04 eV, and favorable band structure facilitating efficient electron-hole separation. Quenching experiments identified superoxide radicals (·O2−) and holes (h+) as primary reactive species. GC-MS analysis of intermediates indicated that PYR undergoes hydroxylation, oxidation, and ring-opening to form PHE, which is further hydroxylated and oxidized, ultimately mineralizing to CO2 and H2O. This work provides an efficient strategy for remediating PAH-contaminated soils.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225204
Cobalt-doped silica aerogel (Co@Si-A) catalysts were synthesized via a one-step sol-gel method and applied for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation to degrade tetracycline (TC). The catalyst with 25 wt% cobalt doping (25Co@Si-A) exhibited superior catalytic performance, achieving 98.97% TC degradation within 30 min under specified conditions (TC 10 mg/L, 100 mL). Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis revealed a high specific surface area and well-developed porous architecture with nano-confined spaces. The 25Co@Si-A/PMS system demonstrated outstanding adaptability across a broad pH range (5–9), maintaining >95% degradation efficiency, and showed strong resistance to sulfate and nitrate ions. In real water matrices, degradation efficiency remained around 80%. After five consecutive cycles, the system retained 82.33% degradation efficiency, with cobalt ion leaching of only 23.7 μg/L in the first cycle, indicating excellent stability. Mechanistic studies using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), radical quenching, and probe compound tests confirmed a synergistic radical and non-radical pathway. The primary reactive species were sulfate radicals (SO4•−), hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and singlet oxygen (1O2), with contributions of 58.53%, 9.79%, and 31.68%, respectively. Electrochemical tests indicated that 25Co@Si-A exhibited superior charge transfer compared to Co3O4, attributed to the nano-confined effect of the silica aerogel, which enhanced Co(II)/Co(III) redox cycling and PMS activation. This research provides a promising strategy for utilizing silica aerogel-based catalysts in advanced oxidation processes for water treatment.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225188
Driven by the urgent demand for green and low-carbon technologies, the development of high-performance and cost-effective rare-earth free permanent magnets has emerged as a key research focus for sustainable energy and advanced electronic applications. Among various candidates, M-type strontium ferrites have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent thermal stability, high magnetocrystalline anisotropy, and abundant raw material availability. In this study, Sr0.41La0.36Ca0.23Fe11.8Co0.2O19 was selected as the base system, and a series of samples were synthesized via a solid-state reaction combined with high-energy ball milling. The synergistic effects of varying CeO2/La2O3 mass ratios (0:10 to 10:0) and pre-sintering temperatures (1150-1200°C) on the microstructure and magnetic properties were systematically investigated. Microstructural analyses revealed that moderate Ce substitution effectively induced controlled lattice distortion and promoted densification, which inhibited abnormal grain growth and refined the microstructure. Such structural modulation not only enhanced domain wall pinning but also improved magnetocrystalline anisotropy, leading to a remarkable increase in coercivity. Magnetic measurements confirmed that the composition with a CeO2/La2O3 mass ratio of 2:8 and pre-sintered at 1180°C achieved the most balanced magnetic performance, exhibiting enhanced coercivity, sufficient remanence, and stable saturation magnetization. This work provides new insights into the cooperative effects between rare-earth doping ratios and thermal processing parameters, clarifying how lattice defects, grain boundary characteristics, and microstructural evolution collectively govern the magnetic properties of M-type ferrites. The findings establish a practical strategy for tailoring the microstructure-property relationship in rare-earth free permanent magnets, opening an optimized processing window for scalable fabrication of environmentally friendly, high-performance ferrite materials.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506084
Groundwater is a vital drinking and irrigation source in the loess regions of northwestern China. In Guyuan, a densely populated area in southern Ningxia, systematic assessments of groundwater pollution risks are lacking. This study collected 60 groundwater samples and employed the Nemerow index, heavy metal pollution index (HPI), and health risk assessment models to evaluate pollution levels and health risks of eight elements including Cr, As, and Hg. Results show that the groundwater is generally Class IV quality, with a mean TDS of 1350.9 mg·L−1. Average concentrations of As, Cr, and Mn are 4.39, 29.87, and 45.77 μg·L−1, respectively. The Nemerow index indicates moderate pollution. The mean HPI is 10.56, but a local sample (PS1-51-下) reaches 36.15, indicating severe pollution. Health risk assessment reveals that carcinogenic risks from Cr and As for adults and children are 8.037×10−6 a−1 and 3.863×10−6 a−1, respectively, below US EPA limits but above recommended levels by Swedish and Dutch agencies, with children at higher risk. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes and principal component analysis suggest that groundwater is primarily recharged by atmospheric precipitation. Cr, Zn, and Mn mainly originate from regional copper ore belts, coal mining, and agricultural activities. This study fills a gap in multidimensional groundwater assessment in populated loess areas, identifies pollution characteristics distinct from typical loess regions, and provides a scientific basis for regional water resource risk management and sustainable development.
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.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60627-X
This study systematically investigates the cyclization reaction mechanisms between n-C4H3 (1-buten-3-yn-1-yl) and i-C4H3 (2-buten-3-yn-1-yl) radicals with acetylene (C2H2) using density functional theory (DFT) and transition state theory (TST). The results reveal that the reaction of n-C4H3 with acetylene proceeds via a radical chain mechanism through an addition-cyclization pathway, yielding phenyl (six-membered ring), fulvenyl (five-membered ring), and four-membered ring intermediates. The product formation rates follow the order: fulvenyl (five-membered ring) > phenyl (six-membered ring) > four-membered ring. For i-C4H3, the intermediate structures depend on the carbon position of i-C4H3 where acetylene addition occurs: addition at the C2 position predominantly generates fulvenyl (five-membered ring) as the primary product, whereas addition at the C4 position may lead to phenyl (six-membered ring), fulvenyl (five-membered ring), or four-membered ring intermediates, with the four-membered ring forming most rapidly and the six-membered ring the slowest. Theoretical analyses demonstrate that the selectivity of reaction pathways is primarily governed by structural differences between the isomers. This work provides atomic-scale insights into the cyclization processes between acetylene and C4H3 species, establishing a foundation for refining models of soot precursor formation.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60612-8
Coal gasification fine slag (CGFS) is a solid waste generated in large quantities during coal gasification, containing residual carbon and inorganic ash rich in SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3, and MgO. The carbon-rich components (CGFS-H) of CGFS, typically comprising 20–50% residual carbon, present both environmental challenges and opportunities for resource recovery. This study systematically investigates the selective leaching behavior of Fe3+, Al3+, and Ca2+ from CGFS-H using three organic acid extractants: citric acid, tartaric acid, and tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (IDS-4Na). The results demonstrate distinct selectivity: IDS-4Na exhibits the highest leaching yield and selectivity for Fe3+, achieving a single leaching yield of 41.2% while suppressing Ca2+ and Al3+ leaching to below 4%, with a selectivity ratio of Fe3+ to Al3+ and Ca2+ of 10.73. Tartaric acid effectively leaches both Fe3+ and Al3+, with single yields of 38.7% and 33.5%, respectively, while Ca2+ leaching remains below 5%, yielding a selectivity of Fe3+ and Al3+ relative to Ca2+ of 14.73. Citric acid preferentially leaches Ca2+, achieving a single yield of 71.5%, but also leaches Fe3+ and Al3+ at 35.2% and 39.1%, respectively, resulting in a low selectivity ratio of Ca2+ to Fe3+ and Al3+ of 0.96. Based on these selective affinities, a green stepwise separation method was developed using sequential leaching with IDS-4Na, tartaric acid, and citric acid. Under optimal conditions, cumulative leaching yields of 79.8% for Fe3+, 65.08% for Al3+, and 78.6% for Ca2+ were achieved. XRD, XRF, and SEM analyses elucidate the complexation mechanisms, indicating that the synergistic effects of selective coordination between structurally diverse organic acids and metal ions drive the process. This advancement provides a critical foundation for developing Ca/Fe/Al hydrotalcite materials using CGFS-H as a sustainable feedstock, promoting resource-efficient utilization of coal gasification fine slag.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60616-5
CuZnAl (CZA) is a classic industrial catalyst for methanol synthesis from syngas, but its catalytic performance for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol is suboptimal. The catalytic mechanism of Cu species in CZA remains challenging. This study systematically investigates the valence state changes of active Cu species in CZA catalysts and their influence on catalytic performance by modifying catalysts with varying amounts of electron donor K, thereby identifying the catalytic function of Cu species with different valence states. H2-TPR, XPS, and HR-TEM characterizations reveal that highly dispersed K species supported on CZA catalysts inhibit the reduction of CuO, resulting in a small amount of Cu2O active species being produced under reaction conditions, thus causing a decrease in catalytic activity. Furthermore, XRD and Cu LMM spectra show that the proportion of Cu0 in K-modified CZA catalysts increases with K loading, but a higher proportion of Cu0 species on the surface obviously promotes the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction. According to the results of in situ infrared spectroscopy, CZA catalyst follows the reaction pathway mediated by HCOO* in the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202508052
To improve the performance of pre-dust collectors in biomass boiler flue gas purification systems, a novel channel-steel baffle-type pre-dust collector was proposed to address the low collection efficiency of conventional designs. A gas-solid two-phase flow model was developed within the MP-PIC (multiphase particle-in-cell) framework and validated against physical experiments. The model simulated gas-particle motion inside the collector, systematically investigating the effects of structural modifications, flue gas conditions, and dust properties on collection efficiency and pressure drop. Results indicate that adding a flow baffle in the ash hopper and adopting an upper-inlet flue duct enhance collection efficiency with negligible impact on pressure drop. Flue gas velocity significantly influences performance: increasing velocity reduces efficiency while raising pressure drop; an optimal design velocity of 1.0–2.0 m·s−1 is recommended. Elevated flue gas temperature slightly decreases both efficiency and pressure drop, with minimal impact over a range of tens of degrees Celsius. Higher dust density and larger particle size improve collection efficiency and reduce pressure drop, whereas higher dust concentration increases both efficiency and pressure drop. The study elucidates the mechanisms by which structural and operational parameters affect pre-dust collector performance, providing theoretical guidance for designing low-resistance, high-efficiency collectors for biomass boilers.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0029
Pingshuo coal ash, characterized by high silicon-aluminum content (Si+Al >85%) and low Si/Al ratio (<1.5), exhibits ash fusion temperatures (AFTs) exceeding 1550 °C, rendering it unsuitable for entrained-flow gasifiers. This study investigates the effect of calcium-sodium composite flux on ash fusibility and mineral transformation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FactSage thermodynamic simulations were employed to analyze mineral evolution, while molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed the underlying melting mechanism. Results show that adding 20% composite flux (CaO/Na2O) lowers AFTs more effectively than equivalent additions of CaO or Na2O alone, indicating a synergistic effect. At a CaO/Na2O ratio of 3:7, the flow temperatures (FT) of two Pingshuo coal ashes decreased to 1377 °C and 1279 °C, respectively. The composite flux promotes reactions between quartz and Na2O/CaO, forming low-melting-point minerals such as nepheline, albite, and gehlenite, while inhibiting mullite formation. Additionally, Na+ disrupts the silicate network, inducing Ca2+ to preferentially coordinate with [AlO4]5- tetrahedra, further breaking Si-O-Si bonds. MD simulations show that atomic diffusion, quantified by mean square displacement (MSD), is significantly enhanced below 1600 K with composite flux addition compared to single fluxes. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for optimizing flux formulations to enable efficient gasification of high-AFT coals.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025010201
The Guanzhong region, traversed by the Wei River Basin, is one of the most industrially, agriculturally, and medically advanced and densely populated areas in Northwest China, has seen increasing attention paid to the pollution of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in its surface water environment. This study systematically investigated the pollution characteristics of PFASs in the surface water of this region and their ecological and health risks. By optimizing the online solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (Online SPE-LC/MS/MS), efficient detection of 19 PFASs was achieved, with the method detection limits ranging from 0.2 ng·L−1 to 0.3 ng·L−1, linear correlation coefficients all ≥ 0.990, and spiked recoveries between 75.2% and 130.0%. Monitoring data indicated that PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA and PFOS, short-chain perfluorinated compounds, were the main pollutants in this region, with high detection frequencies and concentrations, but the overall content was lower than that in most areas of China. The concentrations of PFASs in surface water showed significant seasonal variations, with the highest concentrations during the dry season (∑19PFASs:126.1 — 2584.3 ng·L−1), followed by the normal season (∑19PFASs:3.5—3567.6 ng·L−1), and the lowest during the wet season (∑19PFASs:26.3—294.6 ng·L−1). Ecological risk assessment showed that, except for PFDoDA in the dry season, the ecological risk quotient (RQ) of all other PFASs was < 1. Although the water of the Wei River is not used as direct drinking water, health risk assessment indicated that all PFASs posed low risks, with only PFOA and PFOS showing potential risks (HR > 0.1) to adults and children at some sites during dry/normal seasons. This study provides a scientific basis for PFASs pollution control in the Wei River Basin.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025011101
This study investigates the adsorption characteristics and mechanisms of Cd, Ni, and Pb on yellow soils collected from multiple sites in Guizhou Province, China. Soil physicochemical properties, potentiometric titration, adsorption edge experiments, and a 1-site/2-pKa surface complexation model (SCM) were integrated to derive acid-base parameters and metal adsorption constants. Linear regression models established quantitative relationships between SCM parameters and soil properties, enabling prediction of adsorption behavior for new soil samples. Results showed that adsorption capacities increased with pH and followed the order Pb > Ni > Cd, influenced by hydrated radius, hydrolysis constant, and electronegativity. Soils with higher surface site concentration (Hs) and lower point of zero charge (pHpzc) exhibited greater metal adsorption. The SCM fitted adsorption edges with R ≥ 0.94, confirming its validity. pH was the dominant factor controlling metal complexation constants (lgKSOMe), acid-base equilibrium constants, and surface site density (Ds), with influence order Pb > Ni > Cd. Free iron oxide correlated negatively with deprotonation constant (pKa2). Ds was also affected by cation exchange capacity and specific surface area. Validation using a separate set of soil samples yielded good agreement between predicted and measured adsorption (R² = 0.75–0.82, RMSE = 0.1–0.51). This combined modeling approach simplifies experimental procedures and offers a robust tool for assessing heavy metal environmental risks and remediation strategies.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025102002
The ultraviolet/chlorine (UV/Cl2) advanced oxidation process generates multiple radical species, enabling synergistic disinfection. However, the systematic influence of UV intensity on process performance remains inadequately characterized. This study investigated UV intensities from 0.25 to 2.0 mW·cm−2, assessing chlorine photolysis kinetics, bacterial inactivation, and disinfection by-product (DBP) formation. Results demonstrate that inactivation efficiency is not solely governed by total UV energy but is co-regulated by reaction kinetics and mass transfer. Increasing UV intensity accelerated chlorine photolysis by 33.7%–277.8%, elevating steady-state concentrations of hydroxyl radicals and chlorine radicals by factors of 1.6–3.8 and 1.3–3.2, respectively, thereby enhancing initial inactivation rates. However, higher intensities reduced cumulative chlorine exposure (CT value) to 14.3%–55.7% of baseline, causing overall inactivation to first increase then decrease. At a fixed UV dose of 150 mJ·cm−2, an intensity of 1.0 mW·cm−2 achieved optimal 6.5-log inactivation of Escherichia coli and the lowest bacterial reactivation rate (0.07%). Common water constituents (HCO3−, Cl−, natural organic matter) inhibited disinfection, with natural organic matter exerting the strongest suppression (2.7-log reduction). Notably, 1.0 mW·cm−2 exhibited the greatest resistance to interference. Elevated intensity reduced total organic halogen formation from 33.7 μg·L−1 to 19.0 μg·L−1. Balancing disinfection efficacy and DBP risk, 1.0 mW·cm−2 is identified as the optimal UV intensity for the UV/Cl2 process in sand-filtered water treatment.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225225
The non-Newtonian rheological properties of plastic melts are critical for regulating plastic processing, molding, and recycling processes, ensuring processing stability and product performance. However, rheological data for commonly used plastics and their blends remain incomplete. This study combined experimental testing and theoretical modeling to investigate the rheological behaviors of four pure plastics—polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS)—and three binary blend systems: PE/ABS, PP/ABS, and PS/ABS. Rheological tests were conducted using a rheometer over a shear rate range of 0.1–100 s⁻¹ and temperatures from 180°C to 250°C. Results showed that the flow behavior index n was less than 1 for all samples, and apparent viscosity decreased significantly with increasing shear rate, indicating clear shear-thinning behavior. The consistency coefficient K followed the Arrhenius relationship with temperature, and melt viscosity decreased as temperature increased. The study quantitatively characterized the relationship between the mass fraction m (0.5 < m ≤ 1) of the main component in binary blends and melt viscosity. Based on experimental data, a component correction term was introduced into the traditional power-law model to construct a constitutive equation that simultaneously describes the effects of shear rate, temperature, and component fraction on melt viscosity. The average relative error between model predictions and experimental values was only 5.90%. These rheological data and the modified constitutive equation provide important theoretical support and data reference for optimizing process parameters in waste plastic recycling and injection molding.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225264
The high cost of high-purity hydrogen necessitates the utilization of low-cost industrial by-product hydrogen as an alternative gas source to reduce hydrogen storage costs. Industrial by-product hydrogen typically contains impurities such as H2S and CO, yet the poisoning mechanisms of these gases on superlattice hydrogen storage alloys during hydrogen absorption/desorption remain poorly understood. This study systematically investigates the poisoning effects and regeneration behavior of La0.65Mg1.32Ca1.03Ni9Y0.17 superlattice hydrogen storage alloy in atmospheres containing 10^-3 H2S and CO. The experimental protocol comprised 10 poisoning cycles followed by 1 regeneration, repeated to total 20 poisoning cycles and 2 pure hydrogen regenerations. Results show that in pure hydrogen, the alloy's hydrogen storage capacity gradually decreases after 22 cycles but is effectively restored after dehydrogenation at 473 K. In the presence of impurity gases, the hydrogen storage capacity retention rates after 10 poisoning cycles with H2S and CO are 3.56% and 2.71%, respectively; after 20 cycles, these decrease to 3.68% and 1.73%, respectively. After dehydrogenation at 473 K, retention rates recover to 40.35% and 98.27%, respectively. This indicates that poisoning severity follows the order CO > H2S, while regeneration difficulty follows H2S > CO. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that after poisoning, the main phase transforms from AB3 to AB3H, but reverts to AB3 after high-temperature dehydrogenation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that after H2S poisoning, CaS and CaSO4 form on the alloy surface, indicating irreversible chemical adsorption. In contrast, after CO poisoning, no new substances are detected, indicating reversible adsorption. This study clarifies the differentiated poisoning mechanisms of impurity gases and provides theoretical support for the application of rare-earth superlattice hydrogen storage alloys in complex atmospheres.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3992-y
Two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit excellent electrical, optical, and mechanical properties, yet precise control over chiral 2D materials remains a significant challenge. This work introduces asymmetric side chain engineering to prepare helically grooved poly(3,5-disubstituted phenylacetylene)s (PPAs) and investigates the effect of their asymmetric contour on tailoring 2D nanostructures. Post-polymerization modification of a common platform polymer efficiently produced a series of rigid helical PPAs with varying alkyl side chain lengths while maintaining identical degrees of polymerization and distribution. Increasing side chain asymmetry yielded anisotropic hexagonal platelets with progressively higher aspect ratios, whereas symmetric side chains formed regular 2D hexagonal sheets. Notably, the largest side chain asymmetry generated supramolecular structures with distinct chiral vortices. Computational simulations elucidated different self-assembly mechanisms, revealing that vortex-like assemblies are kinetically stabilized rather than thermodynamically stable. All 2D assemblies exhibited significantly enhanced circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) compared to discrete polymer solutions, with dissymmetry factors (g_lum) reaching as high as 0.1. This work establishes side chain asymmetry as a crucial factor for programming supramolecular chirality and opens new avenues for developing advanced chiroptical materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4105-8
Chiral europium(III) (Eu(III)) complexes, characterized by their f-f transitions and allowed magnetic dipole transitions, exhibit narrowband emission and superior circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with high luminescence dissymmetry factors (g_lum), making them promising for circularly polarized organic light-emitting diodes (CP-OLEDs) and 3D displays. Here, we report a pair of R/S-Eu(TTA)3DFPO enantiomers, employing β-diketone 1,1,1-trifluoro-3-(2-thenoyl)acetone (TTA) as the main ligand and point-chiral R/S-tert-butyl(6-(diphenylphosphoryl)dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-yl)(phenyl)phosphine-oxide (R/S-DFPO) as ancillary ligands. In toluene, these enantiomers display characteristic narrowband red emission from the 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu(III), with a maximum emission wavelength of 617 nm, a full width at half maximum of 11 nm, a photoluminescence quantum yield of 43%, and pronounced chiroptical response, evidenced by |g_PL| values of 8.0 × 10^-3 around 590 nm (5D0→7F1 transition). Notably, CP-OLEDs fabricated via vacuum deposition achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency of 4.0% and exhibit obvious circularly polarized electroluminescence with |g_EL| values exceeding 1.0 × 10^-2. These results demonstrate that point-chiral phosphine-oxide ligands provide an effective strategy for achieving coordination-stable chiral Eu(III) complexes for high-performance CP-OLEDs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3742-5
Nematic liquid crystal elastomers (NLCEs) exhibit excellent mechanical properties and diverse deformation modes, while cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs) as photonic crystals (PCs) possess superior optical performance and intelligent response characteristics. Combining these two elastomers into a monolithic material is a challenging yet promising endeavor. Here, we designed and synthesized a new diselenide-bonded molecule (DSeAc), whose lower bond energy between selenium atoms endows it with excellent bond exchange ability. Consequently, two LCE matrices containing DSeAc molecules can achieve seamless bonding under mild conditions via dynamic diselenide bond exchange. By integrating a CLCE film and an NLCE actuator into a monolithic film, we enable the integration of two functional components, whose functional characteristics can be tailored as required. This function block combination strategy offers a promising pathway for developing smart materials with complex functions, showing great potential in information storage, anti-counterfeiting, and biomimetics.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509051
Recyclables constitute a significant fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW) and hold substantial potential for resource utilization and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, contributing to carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. However, reported GHG emission factors (EFs) for various recyclables vary widely across databases and literature, ranging from -19,110 to -125 kgCO2-eq·t⁻¹, with significant differences both among categories and within the same category, complicating accurate accounting. This study systematically integrates literature data on EFs for different recyclable categories, focusing on identifying factors causing intra-category variability. Data were collected from global databases (ecoinvent, WARM, CPCD, NAEI) and peer-reviewed studies over the past two decades, normalized to a functional unit of 1 tonne of recyclable. Statistical analysis (mean ± standard deviation) provided reference ranges for each category. Results show paper recyclables EFs range from -3,140 to 270 kgCO2-eq·t⁻¹, with corrugated cardboard and writing paper exhibiting higher absolute values than packaging paper due to structural strength and resource value. Plastic recyclables EFs range from -3,096 to -566 kgCO2-eq·t⁻¹, with EPS showing the highest reduction potential, followed by PET and PVC, then HDPE, LDPE, PP, and other plastics. Key influencing factors include functional unit definition, accounting scenario, system boundary, electricity emission factor selection, and calculation assumptions. The study recommends selecting EFs matching the specific accounting scenario and performing error analysis. Data gaps remain for LDPE, EPS, and other plastics, necessitating further experimental or field data. To enhance accuracy, calibration methods such as process-level and life-cycle inventory data calibration are proposed. This work provides a scientific basis for EF selection and calibration in GHG accounting of recyclables.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509019
To enhance the electricity generation and decolorization efficiency of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) for azo dye wastewater, this study introduced pomelo peel biochar as anode material and flavonoid-rich Chinese herbal medicines as electron mediators (EMs) into microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The anodes were prepared by chemical activation with KOH, ZnCl2, and H3BO3, followed by polypyrrole (PPy) modification. Among the modified anodes, PPy-PPCH3BO3-CC exhibited the best electrochemical performance. The EMs were derived from aqueous extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqin), Ginkgo biloba leaves, and Pueraria lobata (Gegen). The extract from Scutellaria baicalensis showed the highest electron transfer capability. In the MFC system equipped with the optimal anode and Scutellaria baicalensis extract, the maximum output voltage reached (587±10) mV, power density increased to 423.12 mW·m−2, Coulombic efficiency was (57.85±1.06)%, COD removal efficiency was (77.45±0.92)%, charge transfer resistance (Rct) decreased to 7.15 Ω, and methyl orange decolorization rate reached (95.86±1.12)%. These results were significantly superior to the control group, demonstrating that natural source materials can effectively enhance the performance of BES for methyl orange wastewater treatment.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60636-6
Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (DMMx) are promising clean diesel additives. Compared to the traditional aldol condensation route, the one-step oxidative method for producing DMMx directly from methanol is a green synthesis route offering significant advantages. However, due to the complexity of the reaction, a balance must be struck between oxidation depth and C–O chain growth efficiency. This imposes specific requirements on the design of catalysts with multifunctional active sites: the catalyst should possess appropriate oxidative activity, suitable acid strength distribution, and effective synergy between these two functions. To address these challenges, this study designed a sulfuric acid-modified molybdenum-doped NASICON catalyst, which demonstrated favorable catalytic performance in the one-step oxidative synthesis of DMMx from methanol. Over the NSC-Mo-0.5-30% catalyst, methanol conversion rate of 81.3% and the DMMx selectivity of 58.7% were achieved, along with the formation of heavier molecules, as evidenced by the DMM2–6 selectivity of 11.3%. The NH3-TPD, Py-IR and XPS results indicate that the introduction of molybdenum increases the number of weak Lewis acid sites, while sulfuric acid impregnation not only generates gradient-distributed Brønsted acid sites but also promotes the formation of Mo5+/Mo6+ redox pairs. The cooperation of the two types of active sites significantly enhances catalyst performance.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202508101
The emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from fossil fuel combustion and metal smelting industries poses severe risks to environmental and human health. This study utilized depleted lead-zinc molten slag as a desulfurizer for wet flue gas desulfurization, and the resulting desulfurization slurry was further employed for NOx removal, achieving resource utilization. The desulfurization efficiency of the slag was determined, and NaClO2 was identified as the most effective oxidant when combined with the slag slurry for NOx removal. The effects of NaClO2 concentration, reaction temperature, flue gas flow rate, oxygen concentration, NOx concentration, and pH on removal efficiency were investigated. Optimal conditions were found at NaClO2 concentration of 2.5 mmol·L−1, temperature 45 °C, flue gas flow 200 mL·min−1, O2 volume fraction 10%, NOx volume fraction 0.03%, and pH 6, achieving a NOx removal efficiency of 97.24%. Metal ion experiments revealed that Fe3+, Zn2+, Mn2+, and K+ exhibited synergistic effects with NaClO2, with Fe3+ showing the most significant enhancement. Fe3+ promoted the decomposition of NaClO2 to generate stronger oxidants such as ClO2, thereby enhancing NOx oxidation and absorption. This approach offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional selective catalytic reduction, avoiding ammonia slip and secondary pollution.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60652-4
The performance of industrial zeolite catalysts, exemplified by fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts, is governed by microscopic behaviors including mass transfer, acidity, and coking. Conventional characterization techniques such as XRD, N2 physisorption, and TPD provide bulk-averaged or static ex situ information, failing to resolve dynamic processes under realistic reaction conditions. Recent advances in super-resolution fluorescence imaging enable nanoscale visualization of these key processes. This review systematically summarizes three critical applications: (1) Mass transfer diffusion: heterogeneous diffusion of reactant molecules within hierarchical pore networks is revealed, quantifying diffusion barriers and tortuosity. (2) Acid site accessibility: nanoscale localization of acid sites and their accessibility is achieved, correlating with catalytic activity. (3) Coking behavior: spatiotemporal evolution of coke species is identified, linking coke precursors to deactivation. The review elaborates how super-resolution imaging deepens understanding of fundamental catalytic mechanisms, providing theoretical support for rational design of high-performance catalysts through pore structure optimization, acid site regulation, and coking suppression. Current challenges and future directions are discussed, emphasizing the need for in situ correlation with catalytic performance.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60635-4
A Cu-based carbon catalyst (H-Cu/C) with octahedral morphology was synthesized by pyrolyzing the metal-organic framework (MOF) precursor HKUST-1 under inert N2 atmosphere. Characterization via XPS, XRD, SEM, and HRTEM revealed that Cu(0) nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in a carbon matrix, with island-like Cu2O structures serving as active sites. The carbon matrix effectively stabilized the metal nanoparticles, suppressing migration and sintering during reaction. Combined with TEMPO and using molecular oxygen as a green oxidant, the H-Cu/C catalyst exhibited high efficiency in the selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols to corresponding aldehydes under alkali-free conditions. Using benzyl alcohol as a model substrate, an alcohol conversion of 99.2% and a benzaldehyde yield of 94.1% were achieved under mild conditions (100 °C, 0.5 MPa O2, 1 h). The catalytic system demonstrated excellent universality for various mono- and ortho/para-disubstituted aromatic alcohols, affording conversions over 99% and aldehyde yields above 95%. The catalyst could be regenerated via H2 reduction and reused without significant loss of activity. This work provides a new strategy for designing green and efficient non-noble metal catalytic systems for oxidation reactions.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025081103
Nitrous acid (HONO) is a critical precursor of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) in the atmosphere, influencing oxidative capacity and secondary pollutant formation. However, model simulations often underestimate HONO concentrations, and its role in nitrate formation remains unclear. This study investigates a typical winter haze episode in Guangzhou (January 2021, peak PM2.5: 243.0 μg·m−3) using observational data and a box model to quantify HONO sources and assess their impact on ·OH and particulate nitrate. HONO concentrations increased from (1.0±1.0) μg·m−3 during clean periods to (9.2±3.8) μg·m−3 during polluted periods, while nitrate rose from (6.4±3.4) to (43.3±20.0) μg·m−3 (6.8-fold). Incorporating seven additional HONO sources improved simulated daytime HONO from (0.3±0.1) to (6.5±2.3) μg·m−3, matching observations. Source apportionment showed direct vehicle emissions dominated (49.7%), followed by heterogeneous photosensitized reaction of NO2 on aerosol surfaces (23.0%), ground surface reaction (10.7%), and nitrate photolysis (8.7%). With optimized HONO, simulated daytime ·OH increased from (0.6±0.3)×10^6 to (1.5±0.8)×10^6 molec·cm−3 (1.2-fold), and nitrate production via ·OH+NO2 increased from (3.4±1.2) to (15.3±8.5) μg·m−3·h−1 (3.5-fold). The simulated-to-observed nitrate ratio improved from 21% to 81%. Sensitivity tests indicated that setting nitrate photolysis enhancement to 100 times gaseous nitric acid yielded better HONO and nitrate simulations. This study underscores the importance of refining HONO sources for accurate simulation of atmospheric oxidation and nitrate formation, aiding pollution control strategies.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606007
Cobalt-aluminum spinel metal oxides derived from hydrotalcite were synthesized via hydrothermal, coprecipitation, and sol-gel methods, and their catalytic performance for NO oxidation was systematically evaluated. Characterization by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), O2 temperature-programmed desorption (O2-TPD), H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), and Raman spectroscopy revealed that the synthesis method significantly influences the surface Co2+/Co3+ ratio, which in turn modulates the formation of surface oxygen vacancies. The hydrothermally synthesized catalyst (CoAlO-H) exhibited the highest density of surface oxygen vacancies, leading to enhanced adsorption and activation of gaseous oxygen and superior NO oxidation activity compared to coprecipitation (CoAlO-C) and sol-gel (CoAlO-S) counterparts. Mechanistic studies using NO-TPD, NO+O2-TPD, and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) identified nitrates as key intermediates. Notably, CoAlO-C and CoAlO-S followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) mechanism, whereas CoAlO-H operated via both L-H and Mars-van Krevelen (MvK) mechanisms. The exceptional performance of CoAlO-H is attributed to its abundant surface oxygen vacancies, high surface oxygen mobility, and low decomposition temperature of reaction intermediates. These findings provide a rational basis for designing efficient non-precious metal catalysts for NO oxidation in diesel exhaust aftertreatment.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3986-2
Organic/molecular ferroelectrics exhibiting spontaneous polarization have attracted increasing attention due to their flexibility, light weight, low-temperature processability, environmental friendliness, and biocompatibility. Among them, organic donor-acceptor cocrystals, self-assembled from two or more components, offer new insights into ferroelectricity. This review systematically examines recent progress in organic donor-acceptor cocrystal ferroelectrics, focusing on microscopic origins of ferroelectricity, structure modulation strategies, and underlying mechanisms. Ferroelectric origin mechanisms, including intermolecular charge transfer, proton transfer, and order-disorder transitions, are analyzed in detail. Structure-property relationships in crystal engineering are summarized, and recent advances in theoretical simulations, experimental characterization techniques, and practical applications are introduced. Finally, current challenges and future research perspectives are outlined. The review highlights that weak intermolecular interactions often lead to low Curie temperatures (Tc), limiting practical applications. Strategies to enhance Tc involve introducing stronger molecular interactions to increase transition energy barriers. Notably, room-temperature ferroelectricity in organic cocrystals has been achieved, as demonstrated by Wiscons et al. (Angew Chem Int Ed, 2018, 57: 9044–9047). The review underscores the potential of organic cocrystal ferroelectrics for flexible and wearable electronics, while addressing the need for higher Tc and robust switching performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3810-y
Amorphous metal-organic frameworks (aMOFs), with abundant defects and unsaturated coordination sites, are ideal precursors for investigating electrocatalytic reconstruction mechanisms. However, systematic understanding of how different modulation strategies affect reconstruction pathways and final active species remains lacking. Here, an amorphous MOF constructed from 3,4,9,10-pyrene-tetracarboxylic acid (PTA) serves as a controllable precursor to compare doping and alloying effects on structural reconstruction and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. Doping promotes preferential reconstruction into Fe-rich (oxy)hydroxides with more exposed active sites, whereas alloying yields Fe-Co mixed (oxy)hydroxides with limited site exposure. The doped system FeCo0.05-PTA exhibits outstanding OER activity in alkaline conditions, with overpotentials of 208 and 248 mV at 50 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, and a low Tafel slope of 36.2 mV dec−1. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) captures the OOH* intermediate, confirming the adsorbate evolution mechanism. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show the doped system has the lowest free-energy barrier (ΔG = 0.59 eV) at the rate-determining step. This study underscores the decisive role of precursor design, elucidates distinct effects of doping and alloying on reconstruction pathways and final properties of amorphous MOF-derived (oxy)hydroxides, and provides insights for designing related electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3889-6
Photocatalytic hydrogen production is fundamentally limited by inefficient charge separation and asynchronous supply of electrons and protons to active sites. Here, we designed a ZnIn2S4/ZnCo2S4 (ZIS/ZCS) heterojunction with an atomically coherent interface achieved via an ultralow lattice mismatch of 0.05%. This unique structure promotes rapid electron transfer through a built-in electric field and facilitates continuous proton migration via a hydrogen spillover effect, thereby synchronizing electron and proton delivery at the catalytic interface. This dual regulation of electrons and protons synergistically promotes proton-coupled electron transfer, resulting in a high hydrogen evolution rate of 70.3 mmol g−1 h−1 and selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to aldehyde (39.3 mmol g−1 h−1) with 93.6% selectivity. This work demonstrates the critical importance of lattice match and dual charge-proton management in designing efficient photocatalysts for complex redox reactions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3790-5
Near-infrared (NIR) phosphors with high quantum efficiency (QE) and thermal robustness are critical for phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes (pc-LEDs). Here, a Cr3+-activated Lu2BaAl4SiO12 (LBASO) garnet phosphor is engineered via chemical unit cosubstitution of [Ba2+-Si4+] for [Lu3+-Al3+] in Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG), inducing a strong crystal field that yields NIR emission at 705 nm. The optimized LBASO:0.07Cr3+ exhibits an internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 84.82% and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 46.02%. Notably, it demonstrates anti-thermal quenching (ATQ) with 126.03% of its initial intensity at 498 K under 442 nm excitation, attributed to a wide band gap, weak electron-phonon coupling, defect trap energy levels, high structural rigidity, and optimized electron population distribution. A NIR pc-LED fabricated with this phosphor achieves an output power of 134.99 mW and photoelectric conversion efficiency of 11.4% at 100 mA drive current. These results underscore the potential of LBASO:Cr3+ for applications in plant lighting, night vision, and nondestructive analysis.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3851-3
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) face critical challenges from zinc anode instability, including corrosion, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), parasitic byproduct formation, and uncontrolled dendrite growth. To address these issues, we developed a multifunctional cerium-based metal-organic framework (Ce-MOF) coating for zinc anodes. The coating features an ordered porous structure and inherent properties that mitigate HER, suppress side reactions, and inhibit dendrite formation. Symmetric cells using Ce-MOF/Zn demonstrated exceptional cycling stability for over 2060 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 with a low hysteresis polarization of 26 mV. In full cells with an I2@AC cathode, the Ce-MOF/Zn||I2@AC achieved outstanding cycling stability of 28,550 cycles at 5 A g−1, with 91% capacity retention (109.6 mAh g−1). Through integrated characterization employing in-situ optical microscopy, ex-situ XRD, SEM, and DFT calculations, we elucidated the multifunctional mechanism: the Ce-MOF coating facilitates preferential (002)-oriented Zn deposition to suppress dendrites, reduces Zn2+ desolvation energy to enhance deposition kinetics, and modulates interfacial chemistry to mitigate HER and corrosion. This work establishes Ce-MOF coatings as a simple yet powerful strategy for developing high-performance zinc anodes, providing critical insights for advancing practical AZIB technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3937-7
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a formidable clinical challenge due to its high invasiveness and adaptive resistance. We report a bio-mimetic nanoplatform (HMPB-GOx@HSA-Cu2+) integrating starvation therapy, Fenton/Fenton-like catalysis, and mild photothermal therapy (mPTT) for synergistic TNBC treatment. The nanoreactor comprises a hollow mesoporous Prussian blue (HMPB) core loaded with glucose oxidase (GOx), encapsulated in a human serum albumin (HSA) shell covalently functionalized with Cu2+ ions. This design enables spatiotemporal control of Cu2+-mediated Fenton catalysis, responding to the tumor microenvironment (TME) to generate cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH). GOx catalyzes glucose depletion, elevating H2O2 levels and acidity, thereby enhancing catalytic efficiency. Concurrently, mPTT at ~43–45°C accelerates the Fenton reaction and suppresses heat shock protein (HSP) expression, overcoming thermal tolerance via ATP depletion. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate significant anti-tumor efficacy through reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and metabolic disruption, with excellent biocompatibility. This work presents a highly integrated strategy for precise TNBC therapy, addressing limitations of conventional monotherapies.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510081
Electrochemical two-electron oxygen reduction (2e−ORR) for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) synthesis faces challenges of low cathodic catalytic efficiency and complex catalyst preparation. This study prepared nitrogen-vacancy (Nv) rich carbon nitride via one-step pyrolysis, composited with carbon nanotubes (CNT), and loaded onto graphite felt (GF) to fabricate a non-precious metal gas diffusion electrode Nv-C3N4-CNT/GF. The electrode exhibited a three-dimensional fibrous skeleton with interconnected micro-nano hierarchical pores, facilitating efficient electron transport. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed a low charge transfer resistance of 13.26 Ω, indicating superior electrocatalytic activity and charge transfer efficiency. Single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) optimization determined optimal conditions: calcination temperature 300 °C, catalyst mass ratio 3:1, Nv-C3N4-CNT loading 0.1 g, current density 40 mA·cm−2, pH 7, and aeration rate 0.1 L·min−1. Under these conditions, H2O2 accumulation reached 1622.73 mg·L−1 after 90 min, which was 1.3 and 1.5 times higher than g-C3N4-CNT/GF and CNT/GF electrodes, respectively. Stability tests showed that after 6 cycles, H2O2 production remained at 1400.52 mg·L−1, and within 960 min, the maximum production reached 2014.04 mg·L−1 with a highest Faradaic efficiency of 54.86%. These results demonstrate the electrode's potential for cyclic use. This study provides a new approach for developing efficient, low-cost electrodes for electrosynthesis of H2O2, offering a reference for green H2O2 production.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60615-3
Co-pyrolysis of oil-rich coal and biomass is a promising route to enhance oil and gas production, yet the underlying synergistic mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigates the effect of hydrothermal pretreatment (HTP) on the co-pyrolysis of Huangling coal (H) and enzymatic hydrolysis lignin (E). Raw and pretreated samples were characterized via proximate/ultimate analysis, SEM, ICP-OES, and 13C-NMR. Fixed-bed pyrolysis experiments were conducted to evaluate synergistic performance. Results show that HTP reduces oxygen content, develops pore structure, and increases concentrations of inorganic metal ions (Ca, K, Fe) in the aqueous phase. Structural modifications bring the carbon skeleton of E closer to that of H, with increased bridge carbon ratio and improved thermal stability, aligning pyrolysis temperature ranges. For the H/E blend (8:2) after 24 h HTP, tar yield increases by 80.52% compared to untreated blend, with significant rises in aliphatic compounds and monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Gas yields of H2, CO, and CH4 increase by 5.47%, 10.98%, and 9.27%, respectively, while CO2 and pyrolysis water generation are inhibited (water yield decreases by 93.98%). Semi-coke pore structure becomes more developed. The enhanced synergistic effect is attributed to a multi-fold mechanism of 'component interaction-structural modification-catalytic cracking'. These findings provide theoretical support for developing technologies to improve co-pyrolysis of oil-rich coal and biomass, advancing low-carbon, high-quality utilization.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60659-7
Coal gasification fine slag (CGFS), a solid waste from entrained-flow coal gasification, is characterized by fine particles and high silicon and aluminum content. This study proposes a simple and economical hydrothermal synthesis of ZSM-5 molecular sieve using CGFS as raw material. Impurities were removed by acid washing, followed by alkaline extraction of silicon and aluminum species. The extracted Si-Al precursors were crystallized hydrothermally at 170 °C for 48 h, yielding ZSM-5 with a high specific surface area of 358 m2/g. Adsorption experiments showed that the synthesized ZSM-5 exhibited excellent Pb2+ removal performance: at 25 °C, the removal efficiency for a 50 mg/L Pb2+ solution reached 83.7%, with an adsorption capacity of 104.625 mg/g under optimized conditions. The adsorption process is mainly governed by chemisorption mechanisms, including surface complexation, precipitation, and ion exchange. Thermodynamic analyses indicated that Pb2+ adsorption is spontaneous and endothermic, consistent with multilayer chemisorption. The synthesized ZSM-5 shows promising potential for application in the treatment of lead-containing wastewater, offering a high-value utilization route for coal-based solid waste.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60648-2
The influence of mixing modes on the integrated process of co-pyrolysis of Naomaohu coal (NMH) and elm (ELM) with CO2 reforming of methane (CP-CRM) was investigated over Ni-based catalysts prepared by ball milling. Three mixing modes—NMH/ELM, ELM/NMH, and Blends—were examined and compared with co-pyrolysis under N2 (CP-N2). Results show that product distribution was significantly affected by mixing mode. The Blends mode achieved the highest tar yield, increasing by 35.29% compared with CP-N2. Light oil content in tar was higher, while pitch content was lower for Blends relative to layered modes. Phenols content in tar from Blends was 19.52% higher than CP-N2, and free radical concentration in tar was higher, attributed to enhanced heat and mass transfer between particles by mechanical mixing, promoting complete pyrolysis and efficient utilization of hydrogen-rich free radicals (·H, ·CHx) to suppress secondary cracking and polymerization. In contrast, NMH/ELM mode in CP-CRM improved phenols content by 33.27% over CP-N2. Free radical concentration in tar during CP-CRM was lower than in CP-N2, indicating timely stabilization of pyrolysis radicals by reforming-generated radicals. These findings provide guidance for regulating tar yield and composition in co-pyrolysis processes.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025032004
This study proposes an integrated source apportionment framework that synergistically integrates pollution source classification, atmospheric dispersion modeling, backward trajectory analysis, weighted trajectory clustering, and forward contribution estimation to accurately target peak reduction at localized air pollution hotspots. Applied at the County-Town Scale in Beijing, this method was employed to investigate pollution episodes at the Tongzhou Dongguan monitoring site. Source classification relied on a pollution fingerprint database and temporal concentration profiles, while local contributions were quantified through combined air quality modeling and monitoring data. Forward and backward trajectory analyses enabled the identification of potential source regions and key contributors. Results indicate that construction dust, road dust, and emissions from the catering industry were the dominant local sources, with construction and road dust contributing most prominently to PM2.5 concentrations. Furthermore, abnormal PM2.5 increases were closely linked to low boundary layer height, weak winds, and high humidity, emphasizing the role of meteorological conditions in pollution accumulation. The proposed framework proves effective in pinpointing local pollution sources and offers a scientific basis for targeted air quality management at finer spatial scales.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025040104
The oxidative transformation of 2,6-dichlorophenol (2,6-DCP) was investigated in three typical zonal soils: black soil, red soil, and brown soil. Results demonstrated that 2,6-DCP underwent oxidative coupling in all soils, yielding hydroxylated polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (OH-PCDEs) and hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs) as primary products. The highest oxidative efficiency occurred in black soil, with approximately 85.1% of 2,6-DCP transformed within three days. In contrast, red and brown soils exhibited lower efficiencies, indicating a strong dependence on soil properties. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the oxidative coupling reaction is endothermic, with elevated temperatures favoring reaction progress. Furthermore, soil microorganisms and dissolved oxygen were identified as critical controlling factors, acting synergistically to drive the reaction. This study provides the first evidence of natural oxidative coupling of 2,6-DCP in soil, forming OH-PCDEs and OH-PCBs. These findings offer significant scientific insight into the environmental fate of halogenated phenolic pollutants in terrestrial systems.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025040102
Calcium peroxide (CaO2) with a rich porous structure was synthesized via chemical precipitation for efficient fluoride removal from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent was characterized by SEM, BET, LPSA, and XRD, revealing a mesoporous material with a total pore volume of 0.51 cm3·g−1. Batch experiments investigated the effects of adsorbent dosage, initial fluoride concentration, reaction time, pH, and coexisting anions. Adsorption kinetics followed a fractal-like pseudo-first-order model, with intraparticle diffusion as the rate-limiting step. Equilibrium data were well described by the Sips isotherm, predicting a maximum adsorption capacity of 479.8 mg·g−1. Site energy distribution analysis indicated a normal distribution with an average energy of 13.36 kJ·mol−1. Mechanistic studies using FTIR and XPS revealed that fluoride removal proceeds via surface precipitation, ligand exchange, and electrostatic attraction. The high density of active sites contributes to the exceptional defluoridation performance, positioning CaO2 as a promising adsorbent for fluoride-contaminated water treatment.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026030202
High nitrogen (N) inputs, low N use efficiency, and substantial greenhouse gas emissions constrain sustainable double-cropping rice production in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. To evaluate whether humic acid urea (HAU) can reconcile yield stability with N reduction and carbon mitigation, a field experiment was conducted in a double-cropping rice system. Five treatments were established: conventional urea at the recommended N rate (U), HAU at the recommended N rate (HAU), conventional urea with a 20% reduction in N input (U-20), HAU with a 20% reduction in N input (HAU-20), and a no-N control (CK). Rice yield, N uptake and utilization, and the full life-cycle carbon footprint were quantified. Results showed that HAU significantly increased double-cropping rice yield by 6.46% (early rice) and 8.76% (late rice) compared to U (P < 0.05). HAU-20 maintained yield equivalent to U, while U-20 significantly reduced yield. HAU-20 significantly improved nitrogen fertilizer apparent utilization rate, agronomic efficiency, and partial factor productivity. Specifically, apparent utilization rate increased by 9.24 percentage points (early rice) and 7.80 percentage points (late rice); agronomic efficiency increased by 18.51% and 26.69%, and partial factor productivity by 22.79% and 25.58% for early and late rice, respectively (P < 0.05). Life-cycle carbon footprint was significantly reduced by 26.25% (early rice) and 40.38% (late rice) under HAU-20 compared to U, with per-unit product carbon footprint reduced by 0.22 t CO2-eq·t−1 and 0.86 t CO2-eq·t−1, respectively. The reduction was primarily attributed to decreased CH4 and N2O emissions: early rice CH4 and N2O cumulative emissions decreased by 28.92% and 44.34%, and late rice by 44.46% and 63.85% (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HAU with 20% N reduction sustains yield, enhances N use efficiency, and significantly lowers carbon footprint, offering a viable path for green and low-carbon double-cropping rice production.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202512064
With increasingly stringent discharge standards for fluoride-containing wastewater, there is an urgent need for cost-effective, easily operable adsorbents capable of rapid adsorption and separation for deep defluorination. In this study, a novel adsorbent, Ce-FMSY, was successfully prepared by co-precipitation of cerium (Ce) and Fe3O4 onto Y-type molecular sieve (MSY). The effects of Ce/Fe mass ratio, adsorption time, initial solution pH, and coexisting anions on adsorption performance were systematically investigated. Results showed that at a Ce loading of 1.0% and Ce/Fe mass ratio of 2:1, Ce-FMSY rapidly adsorbed 86.2% of F− within 30 min, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 4.139 mg·g−1. The saturated magnetization of Ce-FMSY was 13.4 emu·g−1, enabling rapid solid-liquid separation. The adsorbent maintained a stable fluoride removal rate of 77.1%–96.8% over an initial pH range of 3–9. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm fitting indicated that F− adsorption onto Ce-FMSY followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich model, suggesting chemisorption as the dominant mechanism, involving rapid diffusion, surface complexation, and valence transformation reactions. After five adsorption-desorption cycles, the adsorption capacity slightly decreased and then stabilized, with F− removal efficiency maintained at approximately 72.3% of the initial value. This study provides data support and theoretical reference for deep fluoride removal from wastewater.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202504023
The national standard GB/T 19515—2023, titled "Road vehicles - Recyclability and recoverability - Requirements and calculation methods," has been officially released and implemented. This standard is crucial for guiding automotive manufacturers in selecting recyclable materials for new products and enhancing the potential recyclability and recoverability of vehicles. This paper provides a comprehensive interpretation of the standard, covering its background, significance, technical requirements for the two rates (recyclability rate and recoverability rate), and the calculation methods. The standard aims to assist automotive enterprises in establishing a calculation system for these rates, thereby improving the recyclability performance of vehicles, reducing waste from end-of-life vehicles, and promoting the circular economy within the automotive industry. Key aspects include the alignment with international standards such as ISO 22628 and EU directives, the historical evolution of the standard from 2004 to 2023, and the detailed calculation methodology based on four stages of end-of-life vehicle processing: pre-treatment, dismantling, metal separation, and treatment of non-metallic residues. The paper also highlights the importance of design-phase considerations and the need for manufacturers to collect accurate material data from their supply chains. Future improvements to the standard are discussed, including expanding vehicle type coverage and refining material identification requirements.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510017
Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a significant source of urban carbon emissions. This study integrates life cycle assessment (LCA) and system dynamics (SD) to construct a multi-subsystem LCA-SD model covering economy, population, waste generation, transportation, treatment, and resource utilization, using Fuzhou City as a case study. The model was validated against historical data and uncertainty analysis. Carbon emissions from MSW transportation, treatment, and resource utilization during 2013–2023 were calculated, and emission trends under seven reduction scenarios for 2024–2035 were predicted. Results show that Fuzhou's MSW treatment evolved through three stages: 'landfill+incineration', 'treatment structure adjustment', and 'incineration+kitchen waste resource utilization', corresponding to emission growth, fluctuation, and reduction periods. In 2023, total net carbon emissions were 1.07×10^6 t CO2-eq, with incineration being the largest contributor (9.93×10^5 t), followed by transportation (2.93×10^4 t), leachate treatment (2.14×10^4 t), and kitchen waste treatment (7.90×10^3 t, negative emission). Scenario analysis indicates that without further measures, carbon neutrality cannot be achieved. Synergistic enhancement of kitchen waste separation and incineration power generation efficiency can significantly boost reduction, potentially achieving carbon neutrality by 2032. The study provides a dynamic accounting and scenario assessment framework for low-carbon transition of urban solid waste systems.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025051404
Rubber additives, such as 1,3-diphenylguanidine (DPG) and p-phenylenediamine antioxidants (PPDs), are widely used in the rubber industry and have been increasingly detected in aquatic environments. This study investigated the distribution characteristics and potential sources of seven typical rubber additives (DPG, 6PPD, IPPD, DPPD, CPPD, DNPD, and 77PD) and the transformation product 6PPD-Q in surface water of the Guangzhou section of the Pearl River, China. A total of 29 sampling sites were analyzed. Total concentrations of the target compounds ranged from 205 to 5400 ng·L−1, with a mean of (820±1100) ng·L−1. DPG was the dominant compound in both dissolved and particle phases, accounting for (99±1.9)% and (66±13)% of the total concentrations, respectively. Source analysis indicated that aquaculture, vessel navigation, agricultural runoff, and wastewater treatment plant discharges likely influence the occurrence of rubber additives in this river section. Risk quotient (RQ) assessment revealed that 6PPD-Q posed high ecological risk at all sampling sites (RQ > 1), while DPG exhibited moderate to high risk at most sites (RQ > 0.1). In contrast, 6PPD, IPPD, CPPD, and DPPD showed low ecological risk. These findings highlight the need for heightened attention to the ecological risks posed by 6PPD-Q and DPG in the Pearl River Basin and provide scientific data for pollution prevention and risk management.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025042703
This study investigated phosphorus (P) exchange at the sediment-water interface and its microbial driving mechanisms in aquaculture ponds of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). Using diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), labile P concentrations in the upper sediment were significantly higher than in overlying water from late July to mid-August and in October, indicating sediment acts as a P source during these periods. The duration of aquaculture was a key factor; P diffusion flux declined from late July to mid-August and further decreased by October. Analyses of labile Fe, P-Fe correlations, and bacterial community composition and function suggested that dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction mediated by Fe-reducing bacteria and chemical Fe(III) reduction driven by sulfate-reducing bacteria metabolites were important mechanisms for P release. Additionally, bacterial-driven organic P mineralization and inorganic P dissolution contributed. The results indicate a high risk of P release from sediment to overlying water from late July to mid-August, potentially significantly affecting water P concentrations. Therefore, controlling sediment P release during this period is crucial.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025042504
This study investigated the effect of co-aging with common cations/anions and humic acid (HA) on the combined use of Vallisneria natans (VN) and lanthanum-modified bentonite (LMB) for controlling phosphorus (P) release from sediment. Results showed that co-aging significantly reduced the phosphate adsorption capacity of LMB, with the maximum unit adsorption capacity decreasing by 33.8% compared to the unaged material. Under the combined application of VN and unaged LMB, P in sediment could still be released into pore water via dissimilatory iron(III) reduction mediated by iron-reducing bacteria and chemical reduction of iron(III) induced by sulfate-reducing bacteria metabolites, subsequently migrating to overlying water. However, the combined treatment effectively inhibited P release, achieving an average reduction efficiency of 57.1% for dissolved reactive phosphorus (SRP) in overlying water and 74.0% for labile P in sediment (measured by DGT) at an LMB dosage of 89 g·m−2. Co-aging with common ions and HA diminished the P control efficiency of the combined treatment, primarily due to reduced phosphate adsorption capacity of LMB. Therefore, mitigating the negative effects of co-aging is crucial for enhancing the long-term P control performance of the VN-LMB combined technology.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3977-8
Single quantum well (single-QW) two-dimensional (2D) perovskites are poised to revolutionize optoelectronic devices owing to their superior stability and optoelectronic properties. However, solution-processed 2D perovskites typically suffer from disordered multiple-QW structures, leading to inconsistent device performance. Here, we introduce a solvent-hydrolysis-driven method to control crystallization kinetics, yielding highly ordered single-QW 2D perovskite films. Dimethylamine (DMA), generated from the hydrolysis of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), serves as a critical mediator, preventing cluster aggregation and ensuring a uniform colloidal distribution. This approach circumvents the formation of a heterogeneous intermediate phase, thereby promoting the formation of a homogeneous (DMA,MA)PbI3 phase, which is essential for single-QW film development. The resultant photodetector exhibits outstanding performance, with a responsivity of 1153 mA/W and a detectivity of 6.98 × 10^12 Jones, along with excellent photostability under ambient conditions. These attributes render it ideal for photoelectric imaging sensors and large-scale integration. Our findings establish a scalable, solution-processed strategy for high-performance 2D perovskite materials, opening new avenues for advanced optoelectronic applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3999-x
The integration of photochromism (PhCh) and persistent luminescence (PersL) into a single material remains a formidable challenge due to the complex role of defects in modulating optical properties. Here, we employ structurally simple CsX (X = Cl, Br) nanocrystals (NCs) as a model system to elucidate the relationship between defects and optical behaviors. We demonstrate that CsX NCs accommodate two distinct types of chlorine vacancy defects upon X-ray irradiation: intrinsic vacancies from synthesis and X-ray-induced vacancies. This dual-defect engineering enables reversible blue coloration under X-ray irradiation (20–70 kV), attributed to recoverable chlorine vacancies that are rapidly eliminated by visible light within 30 s. The photochromic behavior exhibits excellent cycling stability with a color difference (ΔRL1) of 56.9% and a recovery rate (ΔRL2) of 98.1%. Furthermore, Br− incorporation deepens the energy level of intrinsic chlorine vacancies from 0.47–0.71 eV to 0.83 eV, resulting in intense persistent luminescence lasting over 30 minutes. These dual-mode PhCh–PersL characteristics position CsX NCs as promising candidates for X-ray colorimetric imaging and dynamic anti-counterfeiting applications. Our findings establish a defect-oriented design principle extendable to other halide systems, advancing the development of multifunctional photonic materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4057-4
The escalating use of ionizing radiation in medical and industrial applications necessitates lead-free, flexible, and sustainable shielding materials. Current development relies on empirical trial-and-error, which is inefficient. This study introduces a machine learning-assisted Monte Carlo simulation strategy for rapid optimization of metal filler compositions for X-ray attenuation across 40–120 kV. Guided by this AI-driven approach, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based gels containing uniformly dispersed Bi/W/Gd2O3 nanoparticles were developed, forming within 1 minute at -20°C using a PVA-DMSO/H2O co-solvent system. The optimized gel with 50 wt% metal loading exhibits exceptional mechanical properties: tensile strength of 1.76 MPa, toughness of 6.3 MJ m−3, and elongation of 600%. It achieves >98% X-ray shielding efficiency at 5 mm thickness, outperforming lead composites at 120 kV. The physically cross-linked network provides recyclability and anti-freezing capability, retaining flexibility at -50°C. This work establishes a data-driven paradigm for designing high-performance radiation-shielding materials, demonstrating AI's potential to accelerate materials discovery and enable scalable fabrication of eco-friendly protective systems.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60684-6
Tungsten trioxide (WO3) is a transition metal oxide of significant interest in heterogeneous catalysis due to its environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and favorable electrical properties. The catalytic performance of WO3 is strongly dependent on its exposed crystal facets, which exhibit distinct physicochemical properties including charge separation efficiency, reactant adsorption capacity, and redox activity. These differences arise from variations in atomic arrangement, electronic structure, and surface energy. This review systematically examines the facet effect of WO3 across photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and thermal catalysis. Theoretical calculations are integrated to elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms underlying facet-dependent behavior from an atomic structure perspective. The paper synthesizes general rules governing the WO3 facet effect across these applications, critically assesses current research limitations, and outlines future directions. Key findings highlight that facet engineering enables precise tuning of catalytic activity and selectivity, with specific facets such as {001}, {110}, and {010} demonstrating enhanced performance in various reactions. The review underscores the importance of morphology control in optimizing WO3-based catalysts and identifies challenges in achieving facet-selective synthesis and stability under operational conditions. Future research should focus on advanced characterization techniques and computational modeling to further unravel facet-dependent mechanisms and guide rational catalyst design.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60669-X
Dry reforming of methane (DRM) converts CH4 and CO2 into syngas with a unity H2/CO ratio, but suffers from catalyst deactivation via sintering and carbon deposition at high temperatures. This study addresses these challenges by employing UiO-66 as a precursor to modify Pt-based catalysts. A series of Pt/CeO2-ZrO2 catalysts were synthesized via incipient wetness impregnation using supports with varying Ce/Zr ratios prepared hydrothermally. Comprehensive characterization—including CO2-TPD, CH4-TPD, XPS, XAFS, in situ DRIFTS, TG, and Raman spectroscopy—revealed a volcano-type correlation between DRM performance and Ce/Zr ratio. Optimal activity and stability were achieved with Pt/3CeO2-ZrO2 (Ce/Zr = 3:1). This catalyst features highly dispersed platinum, primarily as single atoms and thermally stable PtOx clusters. It exhibits the highest concentration of Ce3+ and Zr3+ species, abundant oxygen vacancies, and high defect density, indicating strong metal-support interaction. Mechanistically, stable DRM is facilitated by oxygen-assisted CH4 dissociation and hydrogen-assisted CO2 dissociation. At 800 °C, CH4 and CO2 conversions reached 86% and 93%, respectively, with H2/CO ratio near unity. A 10 h stability test showed no detectable carbon deposition. These results confirm that the catalyst enhances reaction kinetics while demonstrating superior activity, stability, and resistance to coking and sintering.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4173-x
Ferroelectric memory, with its promise of low power consumption, high writing speed and exceptional endurance, requires the scaling of ferroelectric films to ultrathin dimensions—often just a few atomic layers thick. However, such extreme thinning risks destabilizing or even erasing electric polarization, mainly due to the detrimental depolarization field. Remarkably, certain ferroelectrics exhibit an intrinsic immunity to this effect, as predicted theoretically and confirmed experimentally. Examples include improper ferroelectrics, hyper ferroelectrics, engineered heterostructures, and low-dimensional van der Waals ferroelectrics. This review systematically examines these unique materials, unravelling the fundamental physics behind their polarization robustness and the mechanisms enabling them to resist the depolarization field. By bridging theory with experimental advances, we aim to inspire the design of next-generation ferroelectrics capable of overcoming critical challenges encountered in practical ferroelectric memory devices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4070-2
A series of ~20 nm intermetallic Pd3Pb nanocubes with tunable surface Pb exposure were synthesized via a facile one-step solvothermal approach, providing an ideal system to investigate the way in which the surface configurations of Pb-rich (Pd3Pb/Pb), Pd-rich (Pd3Pb/Pd), and standard Pd3Pb nanocubes influence the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) mainly through the ligand effect while excluding geometric influences. Electrochemical measurement results indicate that the Pd3Pb/Pb catalyst delivered outstanding C1+ selectivity, achieving a high Faradaic efficiency of 96.88% at −0.72 V (vs. RHE), significantly outperforming the Pd3Pb/Pd (39.86%) and standard Pd3Pb (81.75%) counterparts. In situ FTIR together with DFT calculations further elucidated that Pb incorporation can modulate the electronic structure of Pd via p-d hybridization, leading to the upshift of the d-band center. This will, in return, strengthen the intermediate adsorption ability and lower the energy barriers of the C1+ pathways while effectively suppressing the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. This work establishes a precise surface engineering paradigm of intermetallic nanocrystals for designing high-performance electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4181-6
Green hydrogen production via electrocatalytic water splitting is pivotal for sustainable energy, yet the high cost and scarcity of platinum (Pt) catalysts impede large-scale adoption. Ruthenium (Ru)-based materials emerge as promising alternatives, but their performance requires enhancement. Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), particularly ReS2, offer intrinsic 1T' phase with good conductivity and stability, yet suffer from inert surfaces limiting water adsorption. Here, we report a heterostructure comprising Ru nanoclusters anchored on ReS2 nanosheets (Ru/ReS2) to modulate electronic structure via d-p coupling. This design enhances water dissociation kinetics and optimizes hydrogen adsorption free energy (ΔG_H*). The Ru/ReS2 catalyst exhibits superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in acidic media, achieving an overpotential of 47 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 38 mV dec−1, outperforming commercial Pt/C (overpotential 54 mV, Tafel slope 45 mV dec−1). Notably, it demonstrates exceptional stability, with negligible degradation after 10,000 cyclic voltammetry cycles, contrasting with Pt/C's 54 mV overpotential increase. Density functional theory calculations reveal that d-p coupling between Ru and ReS2 optimizes the electronic structure, facilitating water adsorption and dissociation. This work provides a rational strategy for designing efficient, durable, and cost-effective HER electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4117-y
Real-time, in situ imaging of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a key reactive oxygen species implicated in various diseases, remains challenging due to limitations of existing probes, such as short emission wavelengths and reliance on external excitation. To address these issues, we developed an H2O2-triggered near-infrared (NIR) chemiluminescence (CL) nanoprobe with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics for in vivo inflammation imaging and tumor theranostics. This nanoprobe, denoted as CPPO@TN NPs, was constructed by co-encapsulating a tailored AIE photosensitizer (TN) with strong NIR emission and high singlet oxygen (1O2) generation, a H2O2-responsive chemiluminescent substrate (CPPO), and soybean oil (as a retarder) within F-127 micelles. Upon encountering H2O2, the nanoprobe undergoes a persistent chemically initiated electron exchange luminescence (CIEEL) process that activates AIEgens, resulting in intense NIR chemiluminescence and sustained 1O2 production without the need for external irradiation. Leveraging this mechanism, CPPO@TN NPs achieved highly sensitive and specific imaging of drug-induced liver injury and peritonitis in murine models, with exceptional tissue penetration and signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, the nanoprobe facilitated effective self-luminescent imaging and photodynamic therapy of tumors, significantly inhibiting tumor growth in a 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse model. This platform provides an external light excitation-free theranostic strategy for H2O2-associated diseases.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4208-8
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as a cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the abundance of sodium resources. Among cathode materials, P2-type layered oxides (Na_xTMO_2) offer high ionic conductivity and rate capability but suffer from low initial sodium content and Na+/vacancy ordering, leading to structural degradation and capacity fading. This study proposes a synergistic strategy combining high sodium content with Li/Mg co-doping to enhance the cycling stability of P2-type cathodes. The high sodium content increases the sodium reservoir, reducing the depth of desodiation for a given capacity, while Li/Mg co-doping mitigates Na+/vacancy ordering and stabilizes the crystal structure. The optimized cathode exhibits significantly improved cycling performance, retaining 82.3% of its initial capacity after 500 cycles at 1C, compared to 65.4% for the undoped counterpart. Furthermore, the co-doped material demonstrates enhanced rate capability, delivering 112 mAh/g at 5C, and suppressed phase transitions, as evidenced by in-situ X-ray diffraction. This work provides a rational design pathway for high-performance P2-type cathodes, addressing key bottlenecks in SIB commercialization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4023-8
The escalating power consumption of 3D NAND flash memory, driven by the need for high pass voltages (V_pass) to read cells in vertically stacked strings, poses a critical challenge as layer counts approach 1000. Conventional charge-trap NAND requires V_pass of 5–10 V for quad-level cell (QLC) operation, while silicon-channel ferroelectric NAND suffers from limited memory windows due to low-k interlayers. Here, we highlight a breakthrough by Yoo et al. that introduces an oxide semiconductor (OS)-channel ferroelectric field-effect transistor (FeFET) with a gate stack comprising a zirconium-doped hafnium oxide (HZO) ferroelectric layer sandwiched between low-k (SiO2/SiNx) and high-k (Ta2O5) interlayers, and an indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) channel. The absence of hole carriers in IGZO suppresses the 'down' polarization state, enabling a near-zero threshold voltage (V_th) and reducing V_pass to as low as 1 V. The high-k Ta2O5 interlayer prevents oxygen diffusion, mitigating off-current degradation, while the low-k SiO2/SiNx interlayer enhances charge trapping, yielding a memory window exceeding 11 V for a 5-nm SiO2 layer. This enables 5-bit-per-cell (penta-level cell, PLC) operation, surpassing current QLC NAND. The combination of ultralow V_pass and wide memory window achieves both low power consumption and high storage density, positioning OS-channel FeFETs as a promising solution for next-generation memory systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3643-8
Inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) suffer from defect-mediated nonradiative recombination and inefficient charge extraction, particularly at the buried interface and grain boundaries (GBs), which limit power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability. This study introduces a multifunctional phosphonic acid molecule, (2-(3,6-bis(trifluoromethoxy)-9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl)phosphonic acid (M28), as an additive in the perovskite precursor solution. M28 spontaneously segregates toward the buried interface and GBs, fulfilling three roles: (1) slowing crystallization to enlarge grains and improve film quality, (2) passivating defects to suppress charge recombination, and (3) inducing p-type doping to create an extra electric field that promotes hole transport. Devices incorporating M28 achieve a champion PCE of 25.96% and retain 80% of initial efficiency after 1500 h of maximum power point tracking. This work demonstrates the efficacy of multifunctional phosphonic acid additives in addressing buried-interface and GB defects, offering a viable route to high-performance, stable inverted PSCs.