SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3581-2
Radiotherapy (RT) is a standard cancer treatment that directly kills tumor cells and promotes systemic immune responses. However, RT can exacerbate tumor hypoxia, which suppresses dendritic cell (DC) antigen presentation and weakens systemic anti-tumor immunity. Here, we report oxygen-loaded in situ gels carrying bacterial outer membrane (MOGel) that slowly degrade to release oxygen and bacterial outer membrane (OM). Oxygen release alleviates tumor hypoxia, while OM continuously activates DCs, enhancing their antigen-presenting capability. In vitro, MOGel combined with RT induced the strongest tumor cell apoptosis. In an orthotopic colon cancer model, MOGel+RT achieved an 80% tumor suppression rate. Notably, MOGel+RT elicited an enhanced abscopal effect, with hypoxia relief and enhanced DC activation contributing to systemic immune responses. These findings suggest that OM-based oxygen gels offer a novel strategy to enhance systemic immune responses to RT.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112603
Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous co-existing pollutants in aquatic environments. This study investigated the effects of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) MPs with varying aging degrees on the photodegradation of SMX. In the absence of MPs, SMX photodegradation was only 28%, while the presence of virgin PE increased it to 34%. Aging PE for 200, 400, and 600 h further enhanced degradation to 46%, 56%, and 77%, respectively. Pseudo-first-order kinetics showed that the rate constant (kobs) increased from 0.066 h−1 to 0.224 h−1 with aged PE. Aged MPs generated more reactive oxygen species (ROS) under irradiation, including hydroxyl radicals (·OH), singlet oxygen (1O2), and superoxide anions (O2·−), as confirmed by radical quenching and EPR analysis. Density functional theory identified the benzene ring, five-membered heterocycle, and sulfonyl group as primary ·OH attack sites. LC-MS analysis revealed degradation products such as p-aminobenzenesulfonamide, indicating both direct and indirect photolysis pathways. This work provides mechanistic insights into antibiotic-MP interactions and informs strategies for managing co-existing pollutants.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509035
Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is an economical and efficient technology, yet its application has been largely confined to sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). This study introduces a novel continuous-flow self-circulating upflow granular sludge bed (Zier) process with separate aeration for treating real domestic wastewater. By regulating operational parameters, the nitrogen removal performance and granular sludge stability were investigated. Under hydraulic retention time of 10 h, self-circulation times of 29–58, and upflow velocity of 11–18 m·h−1, effluent NH4+-N and TN averaged (5±3.4) mg·L−1 and (10±2.8) mg·L−1, respectively, with COD at (30±6.2) mg·L−1. The process maintained sludge stability: mixed liquor suspended solids increased from 5,080 to 6,650 mg·L−1, mean particle size was 209.6 μm, and sludge volume index (SVI) remained at 50–60 mL·g−1. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) increased from 26.05 to 68.27 mg·g−1, with proteins (PN) rising from 21.26 to 59.44 mg·g−1 and polysaccharides (PS) from 4.79 to 8.82 mg·g−1, elevating the PN/PS ratio from 4.4 to 6.7. These results confirm that the Zier process preserves granular structure and function in continuous flow. The process demonstrates robust nitrogen removal and offers a novel approach for continuous-flow AGS applications in real wastewater treatment.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025010306
Sulfur autotrophic denitrification (SAD) has attracted increasing attention due to its low cost, no need for external carbon sources, and low sludge production. This review systematically examines the reaction principles and key material elements of various electron donors for SAD, including elemental sulfur, sulfide, thiosulfate, and iron sulfide. It discusses recent research progress on different SAD processes and the influence of environmental factors. A comparative analysis between heterotrophic denitrification and SAD highlights SAD's advantages in reaction rate, secondary pollution, and cost-effectiveness, underscoring its promising application prospects. Notably, iron sulfide-based autotrophic denitrification maintains stable pH and produces fewer by-products (e.g., sulfate, nitrous oxide). When developed into an aggregate sulfur concrete system, it can purify nitrogen and phosphorus from secondary effluent standards to Class IV surface water standards within a hydraulic retention time of only 0.5–2 hours, addressing the contradiction between SAD reaction rate and engineering demands. This enables efficient simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal, making it viable for groundwater remediation, advanced wastewater treatment, eutrophication control, and deep nitrogen removal. The national 'Dual Carbon Strategy' (carbon neutrality and peak) positions SAD as a promising method for wastewater treatment plants to meet increasingly stringent nitrogen and phosphorus discharge standards.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510060
Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent is a significant pathway for emerging contaminants (ECs) to enter natural water bodies. This study investigated the removal of ECs by two field-scale gravel-based constructed wetlands: a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (QL-CW) and a surface flow constructed wetland (BL-CW), both treating actual WWTP effluent. The influence of operation mode and wetland plant type on EC removal was examined. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, principal component analysis, and ecological risk assessment, the removal efficiencies and mechanisms for various ECs were explored. In QL-CW, biodegradation was more pronounced, particularly via ammonia-oxidizing bacteria co-metabolism, favoring ECs with benzyl, secondary amine, secondary amide, tertiary amide, halogenated, and carboxyl functional groups. In BL-CW, electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic interactions were more significant, with plant and root-microorganism uptake and adsorption playing key roles. Surface flow mode achieved significantly higher removal of antibiotics (45.3% vs. 34.1%) compared to horizontal subsurface flow, while no significant differences were observed for non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals (66.6% vs. 64.4%) and pesticides (49.8% vs. 34.2%). Planting Cyperus alternifolius (windmill grass) was more beneficial for antibiotic removal (43.6% vs. 30.1%) than planting Ipomoea aquatica (water spinach). The wetlands effectively reduced the ecological risks of most ECs to marginal levels. This study provides insights into the deep treatment of ECs in WWTP effluent by constructed wetlands.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607014
Reducing ammonia emissions and recovering lost nitrogen are critical for enhancing nitrogen content in compost. Biological trickling filters, as end-of-pipe odor control, retain ammonia nitrogen in effluent, offering a reuse pathway. However, the impact of nitrogen-rich wastewater reuse within the optimal C/N range (20.0:1–30.0:1) remains unclear. This study composted biogas residue, sawdust, food waste, and mushroom residue, setting initial C/N as the control variable. Four groups were established: low C/N with nitrogen-rich wastewater (LRN), low C/N with deionized water (LRW), high C/N with nitrogen-rich wastewater (HRN), and high C/N with deionized water (HRW). Simulated wastewater (2000 mg/L NH4+-N and 2000 mg/L NO2−-N) was recycled. Results showed no inhibition of final maturity; pH (8.17–8.48) and seed germination index (GI) (90.85%–122.96%) met organic fertilizer standards. HRN reduced cumulative total greenhouse gases, N2O, and NH3 by 20.32%–30.35%, 0.67%–53.38%, and 52.14%–62.15% compared to LRN and LRW. Although HRN emissions were slightly higher than HRW (total GHGs +4.56%, NH3 +4.99%), HRN final nitrogen content (4691.27 mg/kg) exceeded HRW (4514.96 mg/kg), attributed to sufficient carbon enhancing microbial assimilation. Conversely, low C/N with nitrogen-rich wastewater increased NH3 and N2O emissions (LRN vs LRW: +26.43% and +112.99%) due to carbon limitation. Thus, high initial C/N with nitrogen-rich wastewater reuse effectively reduces gaseous nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining compost maturity.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607024
This study systematically investigated the effects of single and composite conditioning with lysozyme, amylase, and protease on sludge dewatering performance and carbon source recovery in filtrate from residual sludge of a water treatment plant in Foshan City. Results indicated that lysozyme significantly improved sludge dewatering by reducing specific resistance of filtration (SRF), capillary suction time (CST), and water content of the filtered sludge cake (Wc). While amylase and protease decreased Wc, they elevated SRF and CST, deteriorating sludge filtration properties. Among combined enzyme treatments, lysozyme and protease exhibited synergistic effects. The asynchronous addition strategy (protease/amylase followed by lysozyme) demonstrated the best performance in reducing Wc, while simultaneous addition was more effective in improving SRF and CST. Mechanistic analysis revealed that all three enzymes reduced sludge particle size. Lysozyme primarily targeted cell lysis and wall disruption, releasing intracellular substances, reducing viscosity, and enhancing sludge hydrophobicity. Meanwhile, amylase and protease mainly disrupted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), leading to release of proteins and polysaccharides into slime EPS, increasing viscosity and hydrophilicity. Furthermore, all three enzymes effectively promoted carbon source release, increased soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) of filtrate, and transformed recalcitrant humic acid-like organic matters into readily bioavailable tryptophan-like and tyrosine-like substances. These findings provide a basis for optimizing enzyme-based sludge conditioning to achieve simultaneous dewatering enhancement and carbon source recovery.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4036-4
Alkaline water electrolysis is a pivotal technology for large-scale green hydrogen production, yet its efficiency is constrained by sluggish hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics at industrial current densities. Here, we propose a synergistic dual-doping strategy to lower kinetic barriers for both Volmer and Heyrovsky steps. A robust amorphous NiCoV nanosheet electrode was synthesized via scalable one-step electrodeposition. In situ spectroscopic and kinetic characterizations reveal that hydrophilic V species optimize interfacial water by disrupting the hydrogen bond network, ensuring rapid supply of free water at the inner Helmholtz plane. Co dopants modulate electronic structure to facilitate electron transfer and optimize intermediate adsorption energetics. The NiCoV electrode requires an ultralow overpotential of 253 mV at -400 mA cm−2, surpassing most Pt-based catalysts, and maintains stability for over 200 h. Industrial validation in a scaled-up electrolyzer demonstrates a cell voltage of 1.89 V at 400 mA cm−2, achieving energy savings of 0.12 kWh m−3 H2 compared to commercial benchmarks. This translates to annual electricity savings of 1.33 × 10^6 kWh for a medium-scale demonstration project, highlighting immense potential for sustainable industrial applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3978-0
All-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs) are promising for flexible and wearable electronics due to their excellent stability and mechanical stretchability. However, achieving high performance remains challenging due to difficulties in controlling the morphology of polymer blend films. In this study, a novel polymer donor, PBDTF-DTP, incorporating a weak electron-withdrawing yet large-dipole-moment dithienylphthalimide (DTP-2T) unit, was rationally designed and synthesized for ternary all-PSCs. Introducing PBDTF-DTP as a guest donor enables complementary light absorption and deepens the highest occupied molecular orbital level, simultaneously improving short-circuit current density (J_SC) and open-circuit voltage (V_OC). The large dipole moment of DTP-2T increases the dielectric constant, suppressing non-radiative energy loss and further boosting V_OC. Notably, PBDTF-DTP exhibits a relatively higher molecular electrostatic potential than the host donor, effectively tuning compatibility with both polymer donor and acceptor, regulating blend morphology, and promoting formation of a nanoscale fibrillar network. This optimized morphology facilitates efficient charge generation and transport while suppressing charge recombination. Consequently, ternary all-PSCs based on PM6:PBDTF-DTP:PYIT achieve a synergistic enhancement in J_SC, V_OC, and fill factor, yielding a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 18.01%, significantly higher than that of binary PM6:PYIT devices (15.51%). This study demonstrates that combining electrostatic potential optimization with a ternary strategy provides an effective approach to regulate morphology and achieve high-efficiency all-PSCs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4009-0
Micro light-emitting diode (Micro-LED) display technology is a promising next-generation display technology due to its high brightness, high contrast, low power consumption, long life, and fast response. However, aggressive downscaling of Micro-LEDs to a few microns makes lift-off fabrication of metal bumps for soldered joints between Micro-LEDs and driver substrates increasingly difficult, challenging high-yield bump arrays under high-density conditions. This study innovatively replaces conventional metal bumps with a photosensitive conductive polymer (PCP), enabling fabrication of polymeric micro-bump arrays via well-established photolithography, bypassing complex lift-off processes and reducing short-circuit risk. Isopropyl alcohol regulates developer wettability for optimal development, yielding bump arrays with bump size 20 μm × 12 μm and height (1.9288 ± 0.0213) μm on thin-film transistor (TFT) drivers with yield over 99.99%. The issue of low bonding yield from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thermal expansion was resolved by adjusting chip spacing on the temporary substrate, achieving bonding yield exceeding 99.8%. A 0.99-inch full-color Micro-LED display with density 114 pixels per inch (PPI) and brightness 5537 cd/m² was fabricated. High-yield bump arrays, Micro-LED arrays, and high bonding yield are highly reproducible, promoting development of Micro-LED displays and related fields.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4162-0
The urea oxidation reaction (UOR) offers a low-energy pathway for hydrogen production via water electrolysis, but Ni-based catalysts suffer from Ni self-oxidation reaction (NSOR) that wastes energy and poisons active sites via strong CO2 adsorption. Here, we design MoN/Ni heterostructures to optimize the electronic structure of Ni sites, suppressing NSOR. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy confirm the formation of electron-rich Mo and electron-deficient Ni active pairs. In-situ spectroscopy, electrochemical tests, and density functional theory calculations reveal that electron-rich Mo sites enhance urea adsorption, while electron-deficient Ni sites prevent NSOR, facilitating urea activation, intermediate conversion, and CO2 desorption. The synergistic effect yields a current density of 100 mA cm−2 at only 1.39 V vs. RHE in 1 M KOH + 0.33 M urea, outperforming many NiOOH-based catalysts. This work introduces a novel high-performance catalyst with electron-rich/electron-deficient active pairs for efficient UOR.