SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4477-7
The rapid demand for high-energy-density lithium batteries necessitates advanced solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to overcome the safety and performance limitations of conventional liquid counterparts. Macrocyclic compounds, with their well-defined cavities, programmable binding sites, and tunable self-assembly, have emerged as powerful molecular regulators for designing next-generation SSEs. This review examines recent advancements in macrocyclic compound-based SSEs by categorizing their functions into four fundamental supramolecular regulation paradigms: cation-centered regulation (e.g., crown ethers), anion-centered regulation (e.g., calixarenes and calixpyrroles), channel-dominated transport (e.g., cyclodextrins), and hybrid regulation (e.g., cucurbiturils). We elucidate how these macrocycles precisely control ion coordination, modulate migration dynamics, and reshape interfacial chemistry, leading to enhanced ionic conductivity, improved Li+ transference numbers, suppressed lithium dendrite growth, and superior interfacial stability. While each paradigm offers distinct advantages, the most promising SSEs often leverage synergistic combinations of these strategies. Finally, we highlight the remaining challenges, including synthetic complexity and multi-objective performance trade-offs, and propose future research directions for developing highly efficient and durable macrocycle-based solid-state lithium batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4339-7
Neuromorphic computing demands energy-efficient synaptic devices that emulate biological plasticity. Optoelectronic memristors based on colloidal quantum dots (QDs) offer tunable bandgaps and solution processability, yet suffer from defect-mediated nonradiative recombination and instability. Here, we report ZnS-passivated CdZnSe core/shell QDs as the active layer in memristive devices, achieving enhanced synaptic emulation and information encryption. Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) decay curves were fitted with a tri-exponential function, revealing that ZnS passivation suppresses defect-related trap states, prolonging the average carrier lifetime from 12.3 ns (CdZnSe) to 28.7 ns (CdZnSe/ZnS). The intensity proportion of the fast decay component (τ1 ≈ 1.2 ns) decreased from 45% to 18%, indicating reduced surface trapping. Devices incorporating CdZnSe/ZnS QDs exhibit stable bipolar resistive switching with an ON/OFF ratio exceeding 10^3, endurance of >10^3 cycles, and retention of >10^4 s. Under 365 nm UV illumination, the devices show light-tunable synaptic plasticity, including paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) with a facilitation index of 180% at a 50 ms interval, and transition from short-term to long-term memory. The memristors successfully emulate essential synaptic functions and are employed in a simple encryption scheme, demonstrating the potential of defect-passivated QDs for secure neuromorphic hardware.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3689-9
Converting body heat into electricity presents an appealing route for sustainably powering wearable electronics; however, conventional thermoelectric materials face significant drawbacks, including high ionic concentrations, toxicity, and limited thermoelectric efficiency. Here, we report an ionic thermoelectric hydrogel designed through precise supramolecular chemistry, utilizing dual molecular interactions: host-guest complexation of α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) with I3− ions and hydrogen bonding between polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer chains and I3−. This molecularly tailored approach markedly amplifies thermoelectric performance, achieving a high thermopower of 2.21 mV/K and a tenfold enhancement in peak power output at an exceptionally low iodine concentration (10 mmol/L I− + 2.5 mmol/L I3−). The hydrogel maintains excellent biocompatibility and mechanical robustness, suitable for direct skin contact. Demonstrated applications include flexible thermoelectric devices generating nearly 100 mV from body heat and sensor arrays capable of motion and spatial temperature sensing. These results underscore the substantial potential of supramolecularly designed ionic thermoelectric hydrogels for wearable energy harvesting, personalized healthcare monitoring, and advanced human-computer interfaces.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4043-3
In-plane InAs nanowires and nanowire networks are promising platforms for electronics, optoelectronics, and topological quantum computing due to their small electron effective mass, narrow bandgap, high electron mobility, strong spin-orbit coupling, and large Landé g factor. However, their selective area growth on CMOS-compatible group-IV substrates remains challenging. Here, we report the selective area growth of high-quality in-plane InAs nanowires and nanowire networks on Ge(111) substrates by molecular-beam epitaxy. Conventional selective-area epitaxy fails to simultaneously achieve good selectivity and continuity. To overcome this, we developed a metal-sown, single-indium-source two-step growth method, which attains both selectivity and continuity but yields nanowires with rough surfaces and lengths below 10 μm. We then introduced an upgraded metal-sown, dual-indium-source two-step growth method, successfully fabricating in-plane InAs nanowires and nanowire networks with smooth surface morphology and lengths exceeding 60 μm. By optimizing the As beam equivalent pressure, overgrowth at network junctions is effectively suppressed, resulting in uniform nanowire networks. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy confirm the high-quality single-crystalline nature and pure zinc-blende structure of the nanowires and networks. This work establishes a foundation for fabricating high-quality in-plane InAs/superconductor hybrid nanowires and nanowire networks on Ge substrates.
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.
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.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025040202
Halophenols are highly toxic disinfection byproducts and common taste-and-odor pollutants in drinking water. In this study, a palladium catalyst confined within the pores of UiO-66 (Pd@UiO-66) was prepared via a double-solvent method and applied for the catalytic hydrodechlorination of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). A surface-supported catalyst (Pd/UiO-66) was synthesized by deposition-precipitation as a benchmark. Comprehensive characterization using ICP-OES, XRD, TEM, EDX mapping, XPS, and in situ CO-IR revealed that Pd@UiO-66 exhibited smaller Pd particle sizes, higher Pd dispersion, and a greater proportion of cationic Pd species (Pdn+) compared to Pd/UiO-66. These features enhanced the activation and cleavage of the C–Cl bond. Catalytic tests demonstrated that Pd@UiO-66 achieved >90% removal of 4-CP within 15 minutes, with phenol as the sole degradation product, showing significantly lower predicted toxicity (ECOSAR) than the parent compound. The kinetics followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. Pd@UiO-66 exhibited 2.1 times higher initial activity and 1.2 times higher turnover frequency than Pd/UiO-66. Moreover, the pore confinement effect imparted high stability, with no significant loss in initial activity (within 10%) after five reaction cycles. These results highlight the potential of confined Pd catalysts for efficient removal of halophenolic odorants from water.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3825-x
Polymer-based dielectric materials with high energy density and thermal stability are critical for modern electric/electronic industries. Polyimide (PI) based materials are promising due to their high temperature resistance and chemical inertness, yet their inherently low dielectric constant and limited charge-discharge energy density restrict applications in film capacitors. While incorporating ferroelectric or conductive fillers can enhance dielectric performance, batch-to-batch inconsistency and physical deterioration remain problematic. This study focuses on molecular structure design and modulation, preparing hyperbranched polyimides with different dianhydride monomers and branching degrees. The effects of chain packing density with polar groups on dielectric and energy storage performances were systematically investigated via experimentation and molecular simulation. Results demonstrate a significant correlation between monomers' electrical distribution and packing density in polymer systems. Molecular simulation further elucidated the underlying mechanism. This work establishes a foundation for designing polymer-based dielectric materials with high dielectric and energy storage performances at the molecular level.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608011
Tetracycline, a poorly biodegradable organic pollutant, poses a serious threat to aquatic environments. Fenton-like methods have attracted attention for their high efficiency in treating tetracycline-containing wastewater by generating hydroxyl radicals (·OH) via H2O2 activation, thereby improving wastewater biodegradability. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in improved Fenton methods (electro-, photo-, and sono-Fenton) and heterogeneous Fenton systems, detailing reaction mechanisms, treatment efficiencies, and technical features. Under optimized conditions, tetracycline removal rates exceed 90% for various methods. Heterogeneous Fenton methods demonstrate superior applicability over a wider pH range, reduced iron sludge production, and excellent catalyst recyclability, representing the most promising strategy for practical implementation. Future perspectives emphasize developing novel catalysts, optimizing reactor design, controlling toxic by-products, and integrating hybrid technologies to facilitate practical application.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3998-8
Constitutional isomerism in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) has emerged as a powerful strategy to tailor material properties for photocatalytic applications. Here, we report the design and synthesis of two isomeric multicomponent COFs (MC-COFs) via Schiff-base condensation followed by Povarov reaction, converting imine linkages into quinoline structures. These isomeric MC-COFs exhibit opposing C=N bond orientations and distinct phenyl group alignments within the COF pores, leading to different torsion angles in the COF layers. Structural analyses reveal that enhanced planarity promotes π-π stacking and electron delocalization, resulting in favorable band structures and reduced exciton binding energies. Consequently, the optimized COF achieves a superior hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production rate of 3128 μmol g−1 h−1 under visible light irradiation. This work underscores the critical influence of structural isomerism on the photocatalytic efficiency of MC-COFs and provides insights for rational design of high-performance COF-based photocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4047-0
The proliferation of electronic devices has exacerbated electromagnetic pollution, necessitating advanced electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing materials. In this study, VS2 nanorods were uniformly grafted onto graphene nanosheets (GNSs) via a facile ball milling method, constructing 1D/2D hierarchical VS2@GNSs composites with superior EMW absorption properties. The minimal reflection loss (RLmin) reached -49.83 dB at a thickness of 1.83 mm, while an ultra-broad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 6.72 GHz was achieved at 1.96 mm. These performances are attributed to enhanced impedance matching and EMW attenuation capacities. Computer simulation technology (CST) full-wave simulations confirmed remarkable radar cross-section (RCS) suppression, with a reduction value of up to 20.38 dB m2 compared to a metallic substrate. This work provides theoretical and experimental guidance for designing high-performance stealth materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4144-y
Developing efficient strategies for electrically manipulating two-dimensional magnetism at room temperature is a key challenge in contemporary spintronics. In this study, we demonstrate giant electromechanical control over the magnetism of the room-temperature van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2 by integrating it with the ferroelectric α-In2Se3. Modest gate voltages lead to an almost complete suppression of the coercive field by 96.5%, corresponding to a remarkable peak modulation sensitivity of ~8.1 mT V−1, which stands out among existing van der Waals magnetoelectric systems. Importantly, this substantial magnetoelectric response is predominantly unaffected by voltage polarity, as both positive and negative gate voltages induce similar magnetic modulation effects. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we tracked the voltage-induced Raman spectral changes, revealing a peak shift of 1.7 cm−1 that accurately represents an effective in-plane tensile strain of ~1.42% under an equivalent bias, demonstrating polarity independence as well. The synchronized magnetic response and strain variation unequivocally indicate that the induced tensile strain serves as the fundamental physical driver behind the magnetic modulation. Additionally, density functional theory calculations corroborate that the reduction in magnetic anisotropy induced by tensile strain results in a decrease in the coercive field. Our work establishes a novel and efficient approach for achieving voltage control of magnetism at room temperature in van der Waals multiferroic heterostructures, highlighting their significant potential for applications in ultra-low-power magnetic logic and sensing technologies.
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.