SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4425-4
Flexible and weavable alternating-current electroluminescent (ACEL) fiber devices are pivotal for wearable displays and human-computer interfaces, yet their intrinsic lack of color tunability restricts high-density information interaction. This study presents a dynamically color-tunable electroluminescent fiber device with a coaxial winding structure that integrates multiple fiber electrodes emitting the three primary colors. Through simple voltage driving, the device achieves a color gamut covering 131.07% of the sRGB standard, enabling arbitrary full-color tunability, including standard white light with CIE coordinates of (0.31, 0.33). The emission peak is continuously tunable over a 161.7 nm range, a 4-fold enhancement compared to previously reported ACEL fibers. The coaxial winding architecture is compatible with large-scale fabrication, yielding hundred-meter-scale fiber devices with a luminance variation of only 2.76%. The electroluminescent performance remains stable under stringent industrial standards: 10,000 friction cycles, 20 accelerated washing cycles, and 10-day storage at 105 °C and −20 °C. Integration into a smart textile watchband demonstrates real-time heart rate visualization via progress color changes and gesture-controlled color switching, validating its potential as an effective human-computer interface.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4177-3
Chirality profoundly influences tumor therapy by regulating key physiological processes, yet the link between chirality and therapeutic properties of atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) remains poorly understood. Atomically precise Au25 NCs protected by chiral cysteine ligands (L-Au25(cys)18, D-Au25(cys)18, and Rac-Au25(cys)18) were constructed and systematically investigated to elucidate the association between chirality and tumor therapeutic performance. Although no significant difference in enzyme-like activity was observed among the three NCs, Rac-Au25(cys)18 exhibited enhanced reactive oxygen species generation under 808 nm laser irradiation, achieving superior phototherapeutic effects in both in vitro and in vivo tumor models. The chiral Au25 NCs induced distinct cell death pathways: L-Au25(cys)18 primarily triggered ferroptosis, D-Au25(cys)18 induced both ferroptosis and apoptosis, and all three NCs activated disulfidptosis. In vivo, tumor inhibition rates for L-Au25, D-Au25, and Rac-Au25 groups were 46.7%, 42.5%, and 68.3%, respectively, with no significant body weight fluctuations and minimal hepatorenal toxicity. Hematological and histopathological analyses confirmed favorable systemic biocompatibility. This work clarifies the correlation between chiral structures and tumor therapeutic performance of gold NCs, providing experimental insights and theoretical support for the design of novel chiral nanomaterials and optimization of precise tumor phototherapeutic strategies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4210-6
Achieving low-energy-loss organic solar cells requires precise regulation of energetic disorder and intermolecular packing, which remains challenging at the molecular design level. Here, we report an aza-pyran-type molecular design strategy that integrates a sp3-hybridized nitrogen-centered core with a pyran structural motif to regulate aggregation behavior and energetic disorder in non-fullerene acceptors. Two representative acceptors, D10 and D11, are developed, both exhibiting broadened absorption and high open-circuit voltages, while D10 shows more balanced aggregation and improved long-range molecular ordering. When incorporated as guest acceptors into the PM6:L8-BO system, the optimized ternary device achieves a power conversion efficiency of 19.86% with a high VOC of 0.89 V. Detailed optoelectronic analyses reveal reduced non-radiative energy loss (ΔE3 ≈ 0.23 eV), enhanced electroluminescence quantum efficiency (~1.17 × 10-4), and lowered energetic disorder (EU = 25 meV) in the ternary blends. GIWAXS and charge-transport studies further demonstrate that the introduction of D10 promotes enlarged crystalline domains and more ordered π-π stacking, facilitating balanced carrier transport and suppressed recombination. This work establishes an effective molecular design paradigm that links aza-pyran molecular engineering with energy-loss management, providing new insights into the development of high-efficiency, low-energy-loss organic solar cells.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4323-8
Sulfur-based batteries are promising for next-generation energy storage due to high theoretical capacity, natural abundance, and low cost of sulfur cathodes. However, practical implementation is impeded by sluggish sulfur redox kinetics, dissolution and migration of intermediate polysulfides, and formation of insulating discharge products. Conventional catalyst design focuses on charge distribution, adsorption energetics, and structural confinement, yet these approaches incompletely describe the complex electronic processes governing sulfur conversion. Electron spin, an intrinsic quantum degree of freedom, offers an additional dimension for modulating catalytic behavior via its influence on electronic structure and orbital interactions at catalytic interfaces. In spin-polarized systems, changes in occupation and splitting of transition-metal d orbitals can regulate d-p hybridization with sulfur species, affecting interfacial charge transfer and energetics of sulfur redox reactions. This review summarizes recent progress in elucidating and manipulating electron spin in sulfur-based battery systems. Fundamental principles connecting spin states with electronic structure and catalytic behavior are outlined, followed by experimental approaches for probing spin-related electronic properties using spectroscopic and magnetic characterization techniques. Emerging strategies for spin regulation are highlighted, including heteroatom doping, defect engineering, coordination environment modulation, chirality-induced spin selectivity, and external magnetic-field control. Remaining challenges in identifying spin effects under realistic electrochemical conditions are addressed, along with opportunities for integrating spin-related descriptors into catalyst design. Establishing quantitative relationships between spin polarization, orbital hybridization, and sulfur reaction pathways may provide new perspectives for high-performance sulfur-based batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3780-3
Real-time health monitoring and ongoing evaluation of physiological conditions are becoming increasingly vital for the advancement of future medical diagnostics and personalized healthcare solutions. Given that certain illnesses necessitate prompt and accessible detection methods, wearable chemical sensors have garnered considerable interest for their capability to monitor health through physiological signals and chemical indicators. This review delivers a thorough examination of recent developments in four primary categories of wearable chemical sensors: biosensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, and ion sensors. We explore the representative materials, device structures, operating mechanisms, and various application scenarios for each type of sensor. By investigating the latest innovations in these technologies, we aim to provide a detailed overview of the current research landscape, highlight existing challenges, and present potential future directions of wearable chemical sensors in healthcare monitoring.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604022
The resource utilization of food waste contributes to reducing environmental pollution, driving nutrient cycling and biomass energy development, and promoting the resource recycling industry, achieving a win-win outcome for environment and economy. This study evaluated the resource recovery performance and environmental impacts of producing carbon sources for wastewater treatment through hydrolysis and acidification of food waste, comparing with two conventional alternatives: anaerobic fermentation and incineration. Results showed that among the three technologies, hydrolysis for carbon source production ranked middle in resource recycling efficiency, but its environmental benefits were superior to incineration and anaerobic fermentation. The hydrolysis process did not produce additional wastewater requiring treatment, and its greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste generation intensity were relatively low, at -40.7 kg CO2-eq/t and 9.3%, respectively. Carbon sources derived from food waste can replace commercial alternatives, reducing wastewater treatment costs and promoting synergies between pollution reduction and carbon mitigation. Sensitivity analysis revealed that water content in food waste significantly influences solid impurity generation and energy recovery efficiency of hydrolysis technology. In regions with high food waste generation and carbon source demand, hydrolysis technology is recommended to facilitate large-scale synergistic treatment of wastewater and food waste.
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.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61094-3
Aqueous zinc-iodine (Zn-I2) batteries are promising for large-scale energy storage due to their intrinsic safety, low cost, and high theoretical capacity (211 mAh g−1 for iodine). However, their practical application is hindered by the poor electronic conductivity of iodine, sluggish redox kinetics, and the shuttle effect of polyiodides. This review systematically analyzes the reaction mechanisms of iodine cathodes, including two-electron (I−/I2) and multi-electron (I−/I2/I+ and I−/I2/I+/IO3−) pathways, and identifies key bottlenecks. It then comprehensively summarizes recent advances in iodine host materials, categorized into three strategies: physical confinement, chemical adsorption, and electrocatalysis. Representative host materials such as porous carbons, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs), polymers, MXenes, and Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are discussed, with emphasis on the structure–performance relationships. The review highlights that heteroatom doping (e.g., nitrogen) enhances chemical adsorption of iodine species, while single-atom catalysts (e.g., Co, Zn) provide electrocatalytic sites that accelerate conversion kinetics. Finally, future research directions are proposed, including exploration of multi-electron systems, mechanistic elucidation of iodine conversion, development of advanced host materials, and optimization of zinc anodes, to accelerate the commercialization of Zn-I2 batteries.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202410085
Surface runoff pollution has become a significant source of water contamination. This study constructed an integrated composite bioretention system comprising straw, aquatic plant, and biochar zones for purifying urban surface runoff, aiming to meet the standards for reuse as landscaping water. The system's performance in removing conventional pollutants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated, along with microbial community structure analysis. Results showed removal efficiencies of 81.1% for COD, 98.1% for TN, 79.1% for TP, and 90.3% for TSS, with effluent meeting the 'Water Quality for Scenic and Recreational Use' (GB/T 18921-2019) standard. The system exhibited robust resistance to pollutant and hydraulic loading. The alkali-modified straw zone was the primary pollutant removal region, facilitating physical adsorption and capture of suspended solids, while released carbon sources enhanced total nitrogen removal. This zone exhibited the highest microbial richness, with relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes at 54.3% and 21.9%, respectively. The system effectively removed all 16 priority PAHs, reducing effluent toxicity equivalent by 86.5%. The straw zone completely removed four high-molecular-weight PAHs (BaP, DahA, BghiP, IcdP), while aquatic plants and biochar effectively removed medium- and low-molecular-weight PAHs.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025101901
Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) regulated under the Stockholm Convention. Chlorinated chemical production processes are major sources of unintentional HCBD emissions, posing potential threats to ecosystems and human health. This study systematically reviews the formation, emission, and environmental impact of HCBD from such processes. HCBD is widely generated as a by-product during chlorination stages of producing carbon tetrachloride, dichloroacetylene, tri-/tetrachloroethylene, and chlorobenzene, via free-radical mechanisms. It is released through waste gas, wastewater, and solid waste. In the environment, HCBD exhibits multimedia distribution, undergoing long-range atmospheric transport and adsorbing onto soil and sediments, thereby becoming secondary pollution sources. HCBD shows significant bioaccumulation and food-chain magnification; it is toxic to aquatic organisms and causes hepatic and renal damage with potential carcinogenicity in mammals. Effective pollution control requires combined process improvements and end-of-pipe treatments, supplemented by stringent emission standards and life-cycle management. Future research should focus on developing precise emission inventories, elucidating multi-media transport and transformation mechanisms, and assessing composite ecotoxicological effects, thereby providing scientific support for implementing international conventions and formulating effective prevention strategies.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025012302
Phosphorus (P) loss from paddy fields contributes to eutrophication in Chaohu Lake. This study evaluated the effects of novel fertilizers and P reduction on P loss and rice yield. Seven treatments were established: no P (CK), rice-specific fertilizer (ZYF), slow-release blended fertilizer (SRF), Xinjutian compound fertilizer (XJT), enhanced loss-controlled fertilizer (CRF), CRF with 10% P reduction (CRF-10P%), and CRF with 30% P reduction (CRF-30P%). Results showed that novel fertilizers and P reduction significantly reduced concentrations of total phosphorus (TP), dissolved phosphorus (DP), and particulate phosphorus (PP) in surface water and leachate. The first 5 days after basal fertilization and heavy rainfall were high-risk periods for P loss. Rainfall increased TP concentrations by 417.74%–432.86% and 94.85%–351.35% in surface water and leachate, respectively; DP increased by 120.80%–322.44%, and PP by 280.66%–501.77% and 80.23%–297.55%. Compared with ZYF, SRF, XJT, and CRF reduced TP loss by 15.43%–33.95%, with SRF showing the lowest loss. Under P reduction, CRF-10P% and CRF-30P% reduced TP loss by 31.48% and 37.04%, respectively, with CRF-30P% achieving the lowest loss. Notably, CRF-10P% increased rice yield by 22.37% relative to ZYF, indicating that moderate P reduction with enhanced loss-controlled fertilizer can maintain or increase yield while reducing environmental risk. The study concludes that CRF-10P% offers a promising strategy for sustainable rice production in the Chaohu Lake watershed.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605004
To address the decline in operational performance of sewage pipeline networks in rainy cities of southern China caused by structural defects, stormwater-sewage cross-connections, and external water intrusion, a systematic governance framework comprising precise investigation, dynamic regulation, graded rehabilitation, and smart operation and maintenance was established. A zoned priority evaluation model was developed with comprehensive problem severity (P) and governance contribution (B) as core indicators, based on which differentiated governance strategies were formulated. Supported by a digital platform, monitoring, assessment, rectification, and verification data were integrated to develop a digital twin system for the pipeline network, and a correlation-based analysis and closed-loop operation and maintenance mechanism linking rainfall, groundwater level, and network hydraulic load was established. A typical urban area in Jiangxi Province was selected as the case study. After implementation, the mean COD concentration of terminal sewage in the study area increased steadily to above 230 mg/L, the average daily external water volume in the dry season decreased by 27.64%, and the sewage collection rate increased to 76%. The results indicate that the proposed framework can effectively support the quality and efficiency improvement of sewage pipeline networks in rainy cities of southern China, and provide a technical reference for similar cities.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3717-6
Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based all-solid-state polymer electrolytes (SPEs) hold significant promise for high-specific-energy and high-safety Li batteries, yet suffer from poor mechanical robustness and low Li+-conducting efficiency. Aramid nanofibers (ANFs), with exceptional mechanical strength and abundant intramolecular/intermolecular interactions, are effective additives, but their strictly symmetric interchain interactions generate a highly ordered hydrogen-bond network, producing inert aggregates that compromise electrolyte stability. Here, we construct a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-mediated asymmetric interaction between ANF chains. PEG chains introduce weaker H-bonding acceptor sites, higher steric hindrance, and abundant lithiophilic groups, simultaneously disrupting strong symmetric ANF-ANF interactions and creating rapid Li-ion channels. The resulting electrolyte maintains excellent mechanical properties (yield stress of 3.25 MPa) and enables stable cycling of Li||Li symmetric cells for over 1600 h with low polarization voltage. In LCO||Li cells, the electrolyte achieves a capacity retention of 82.7% after 300 cycles at 1 C, markedly higher than the unmodified counterpart (35.5%). This synergistic optimization of interfacial compatibility and mechanical performance demonstrates a practical route toward safe, high-energy-density all-solid-state polymer batteries.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510084
The rapid expansion of lithium battery industries has elevated lithium resources to strategic importance, yet lithium extraction generates 8–10 tons of slag per ton of lithium salt, with complex heavy metal content and high leaching risks. This study improves conventional alkali activation by employing a composite activator and multi-stage thermal assistance to achieve self-solidification of lithium slag, simultaneously immobilizing multiple heavy metals while producing high-strength materials. Under full slag conditions, the mechanical strength of solidified materials ranged from 3.48 to 8.25 MPa; after optimization, strength increased by 137.07%. Average immobilization rates for various heavy metals rose from 97.26% to 99.77%. In simulated acidic, alkaline, neutral, high-salt, acid rain, and leachate environments, efficient immobilization was maintained, with leachate concentrations below regulatory limits. The improved activator and thermal process reduced structural defects, promoted formation of the key Si-O-Al framework, and ensured structural integrity, enhancing both mechanical strength and heavy metal immobilization. The cost of slag solidification was approximately 185–200 CNY per ton, significantly lower than conventional methods, with low energy consumption, no high-temperature calcination, and reduced equipment and reagent requirements, supporting scalability.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606002
Industrial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions are a major contributor to regional air pollution, and the rubber paste preparation process is a significant source. This study developed an intelligent monitoring system for whole-process VOCs management in a rubber paste preparation workshop, integrating software engineering and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The system architecture combines a hybrid database (MySQL relational and InfluxDB time-series), MQTT-based low-power wide-area communication, role-based access control, and containerized microservices. Field deployment at a large rubber enterprise enabled real-time monitoring of adsorption/desorption centrifugal fans and data fusion analysis. Under typical operating conditions, the extraction and ventilation systems achieved volume flow rates of 40,000 m³/h and 30,000 m³/h, respectively, maintaining a continuous micro-negative pressure environment that effectively suppressed fugitive emissions. The purification process, comprising zeolite rotor adsorption and regenerative thermal catalytic oxidation, reduced non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) concentrations to below 10 mg/m³, meeting the GB 27632—2011 emission standard. The system's multi-level permission management module precisely allocated operational responsibilities across production, environmental, and management roles, reducing response time to abnormal conditions. An online evaluation model for purification efficiency was constructed based on the actual process. The system demonstrates potential for extension to other high-VOCs industries such as coatings and printing. This research provides theoretical and practical references for applying computer technology to VOCs reduction and whole-process management in typical industries.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4025-y
Gd3+-sensitized Tb3+-based glasses are high light-yield scintillators. Energy transfer sensitization between Gd3+ and Tb3+ is well-recognized. Gd3+ ions are also found to typically modulate the interionic distances of Tb3+ ions; however, the mechanism why this effect enhances the latter’s photoluminescence still remains unclear. This work focuses on Gd3+, Tb3+ co-doped La2O3-B2O3-SiO2 (LBSO), first demonstrating Tb3+ clusters via spectroscopy. LBSO’s optimal Tb3+ single-doping concentration is 37%, rising to 50% with 20% Gd3+. The LBSO:20%Gd3+,50%Tb3+ sample exhibits a 542 nm emission intensity 2.22 times that of the 37%Tb3+ single-doped sample, 38% scintillation efficiency (vs. BGO), and >20 lp mm−1 X-ray resolution. The introduction of Gd3+ increases the interionic distance between Tb3+ ions within the clusters, thereby suppressing the concentration quenching effect and enhancing the fluorescence emission. We propose this mechanism as “cluster-dispersion sensitization effect”. This effect was further confirmed in other glass systems (LBSO:Lu3+, Tb3+, LBSO:Y3+, Tb3+, Bi-based:Lu3+, Tb3+, etc.). Spectroscopic analysis shows Gd3+-Tb3+ energy transfer efficiency up to 80%. In conclusion, Gd3+ synergistically enhances Tb3+ fluorescence via both effects. These findings not only fully elucidate the sensitization mechanism of Gd3+ ions in Gd3+, Tb3+ co-doped scintillating glasses but also provide new insights for researching the manipulation of activator ion clusters in luminescent materials. In search for novel scintillators, cluster-dispersion sensitization effect may greatly improve their spatial resolution via intrinsic architectures design in glasses, ceramics, thin films, and nanoparticles.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3989-4
Organic-inorganic hybrid metal halides (OIMHs) based on Cu(I) ions exhibit broad application prospects in stimulus-responsive luminescent materials due to their rich structural diversity and highly adjustable electronic states. However, achieving sensitive and broad-temperature-range thermal responses remains a significant challenge. Here, we synthesize a zero-dimensional warm white-light emitting OIMH, MPC-W ((C9H20N2O)4(Cu2I4)(Cu2I6)(H2PO2)2), using 4-morpholinopiperidine (4-MP) and CuI. MPC-W features hybrid structures of [Cu2I4]2− and [Cu2I6]4−. The coexistence of three luminescent mechanisms—organic cluster luminescence (CL), self-trapped exciton (STE) emission of [Cu2I6]4−, and cluster-centered (CC) state luminescence of [Cu2I4]2−—endows MPC-W with temperature- and excitation-wavelength-dependent dynamic luminescence. From 77 to 297 K, the luminescence color continuously tunes from blue to cyan, green, yellow-green, and white. In the range of 217–463 K, MPC-W exhibits abnormal luminescence enhancement with increasing temperature. Upon chemical stimuli, MPC-W reversibly transforms into blue-emitting MPC-B ((C9H20N2O)Cu2I4) and yellow-emitting MPC-Y ((C9H18N2O)7Cu8I8). These dynamic luminescent properties position MPC-W for applications in temperature sensing, optical anti-counterfeiting, and password locks. This work provides new insights for developing wide-temperature-responsive multifunctional intelligent luminescent materials.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025041409
High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have emerged as promising catalytic materials for organic wastewater treatment owing to their unique catalytic activity, structural stability, and corrosion resistance. This review systematically elaborates the physicochemical properties of HEAs and their multi-path degradation mechanisms, with emphasis on Fenton reactions, photocatalysis, and tribocatalysis. The influence of mainstream preparation techniques—mechanical alloying, arc melting, gas atomization, and impregnation adsorption—on catalytic performance is critically compared. To overcome practical bottlenecks such as low powder recovery and rapid active-site deactivation, synergistic optimization strategies including metal doping, morphological modification, and composite engineering are proposed. The review identifies key challenges in enhancing degradation efficiency, scaling up production, and designing composite materials, and outlines future research directions for HEAs in wastewater treatment. This work provides a theoretical foundation for developing efficient and stable HEA-based environmental catalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4149-1
Large optical anisotropy is paramount for efficient light manipulation in optoelectronic devices. Van der Waals layered materials, exhibiting large structural contrast between in-plane and out-of-plane directions, are inherently anisotropic in 3D space. However, measurements of their optical constants have been limited to 2D planes. Here, we directly measure reflectance spectra from the edge and basal surfaces of layered MoS2, NbOCl2, and WTe2 crystals to compare out-of-plane and in-plane optical constants in the 500–1000 nm range. Results show that out-of-plane refractive indices are smaller than in-plane values. Out-of-plane extinction coefficients are zero for MoS2 and NbOCl2 but nonzero for WTe2, confirmed by transient reflection spectroscopy. The nonzero extinction in WTe2 arises from symmetry of transition dipole moments and density of states dictated by crystal structure. Out-of-plane optical constants of MoS2 and NbOCl2 exhibit less dispersion than in-plane, whereas WTe2 shows enhanced out-of-plane dispersion around 2.14 eV, attributed to increased optical transition probability from larger density of states. These parameters indicate giant birefringence (>1.8 for MoS2, >0.6 for NbOCl2, >0.5 for WTe2) and linear dichroism (up to 100% for MoS2 and NbOCl2, 40.7% for WTe2) on edge surfaces. Results enable prediction of optical response at arbitrary incidence angles, aiding polarization-related optoelectronic devices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4164-3
Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) are pivotal for next-generation high-energy batteries, yet their commercialization is hindered by dendrite growth and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Here, we report a dual-layered artificial SEI (ASEI) comprising an inner LiF-rich inorganic layer and an outer perfluoropolyether (PFOE) organic layer, fabricated via a scalable roll-pressing technique. The LiF-rich layer lowers Li-ion diffusion barriers and provides mechanical robustness, while the PFOE layer chemically stabilizes the interface against electrolyte oxidation. Symmetric cells with PFOE-LiF@Li anodes achieve over 1400 h of stable cycling at 30 mA cm−2 and 5 mAh cm−2. Full cells paired with LiFePO4 cathodes deliver 350 cycles at 1 C and over 550 cycles at 2 C with high capacity retention and Coulombic efficiency. This work establishes a design principle for interfacial engineering, combining inorganic rigidity with organic functionality, and offers a promising route for practical LMBs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4175-3
The precise manipulation of microdroplets (diameter < 20 μm) on solid substrates is critical for applications in environmental monitoring, targeted drug delivery, clinical diagnostics, and public health. A major challenge is contact angle hysteresis (CAH), which pins droplets and impedes mobility. Here, we introduce a crack-mediated capillary bridging strategy for efficient capture and directional transport of microdroplets. The approach employs a stretchable elastomeric substrate with island-like microstructures. Under longitudinal tensile stress, controlled fracture generates densely packed, directionally oriented surface cracks. These fissures induce localized capillary forces that counteract adhesion-induced resistance, enabling programmable droplet motion. Experiments capturing airborne pathogenic agents demonstrated a 14.2-fold enhancement in enrichment efficiency compared to flat surfaces. This work integrates fracture mechanics with capillary-driven fluid dynamics, establishing a framework for next-generation microfluidic systems. The findings offer promising avenues for biosensing, pollutant analysis, and interdisciplinary applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3510-0
The activity and stability of single-atom catalysts (SACs) are intimately associated with the structure of supports. Herein, by employing a van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure support, we construct a highly active and durable Pt SAC for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The unique support consists of monolayer MoS2 attaching on hierarchical N-doped carbon nanocages (hNCNC), on which Pt presents as individual single atoms on the hNCNC and as island-like single-atom layers on the MoS2. The optimized Pt1-MoS2/hNCNC demonstrates low overpotential (11 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and high mass activity (5.6 A mgPt−1 at −20 mV) in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution, outperforming commercial Pt/C. Impressively, the Pt1-MoS2/hNCNC exhibits improved long-term stability in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer relative to commercial Pt/C. The excellent HER performance is attributed to the regulated electronic structure, robust interaction of Pt atoms with MoS2/hNCNC and facilitated charge transfer. This study establishes an innovative strategy to develop a highly active and durable Pt SAC using vdW heterostructure supports.