SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4404-7
Electrochemical propylene epoxidation offers a sustainable route to propylene oxide (PO), but achieving high selectivity and stability under industrial current densities remains challenging. Herein, we report a high entropy amorphous CoFeNiCrMnBOx borate loaded with high valence Pt single atoms catalyst (a-Pt-HEBO) for stable bromine radical-mediated propylene epoxidation reaction (BrPOR). The high-entropy amorphous structure reshapes the interfacial hydrogen-bonding network and enriches free water, substantially lowering the energy barrier for water dissociation. Meanwhile, the strong electronic interactions between the coordinatively unsaturated, high-valence single Pt atoms and the substrate effectively prevent transition metal dissolution at high anodic potentials. The catalyst achieved 82.1% Faraday efficiency of PO at an industrial grade current density of 100 mA cm-2, and demonstrated excellent industrial application stability in up to 500 h of continuous test and within a scaled-up electrolyzer (4 × 4 cm2). This work provides a design for high-entropy catalysts in halogen-mediated electrosynthesis and a viable pathway toward carbon-neutral PO production.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3709-4
Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) detoxification of ofloxacin in hyposaline wastewater is hindered by weak built-in electric fields (IEF) and rapid charge recombination. Here, we report a crystal dipole engineering strategy using high-valence Mo-doped BiVO4 to enhance IEF and PEC activity. Mo incorporation breaks lattice symmetry, increasing the crystal dipole moment and amplifying IEF to 2.05 times that of pristine BiVO4. This promotes directional carrier migration, improving electron-hole separation efficiency. The optimized 4% Mo-BiVO4 photoanode achieves 96.5% ofloxacin degradation within 60 minutes and maintains 91.9% degradation efficiency in natural lake water containing saline and organic interferents, demonstrating exceptional anti-interference capability. This work provides a strategy for boosting photocatalytic performance through unit-cell dipole engineering, aiming to enhance sustainability in wastewater treatment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3831-0
Ammonia decomposition is a key process for generating COx-free hydrogen, yet conventional cobalt catalysts require high temperatures (>550 °C) to overcome the strong Co–N binding that limits N2 desorption. Here we report a novel Co catalyst supported on a Ce and N co-modified perovskite (Co@La_xCe_{1-x}AlO_{3-y}N_z) that achieves 92.6% ammonia conversion with a hydrogen production rate of 9.7 mmol g−1 min−1 at 425 °C and GHSV = 9000 mL h−1 g_cat−1, representing a 125 °C reduction in operating temperature relative to conventional Co-based catalysts. Mechanistic studies using isotopic labeling and in-situ DRIFTS reveal that synergistic Ce and N modification creates a unique LA-L(A+B)-LB active site configuration, which lowers the Schottky barrier at the metal-support interface and promotes facile hydrogen spillover. The reaction proceeds via an interfacial Mars-van Krevelen mechanism, contrasting with the traditional Langmuir-Hinshelwood pathway on conventional Co catalysts. This work provides new insights for designing low-temperature Co-based ammonia decomposition catalysts.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61075-X
The proliferation of electronic devices has intensified electromagnetic radiation pollution, necessitating advanced microwave absorption materials. This study presents the electrospinning fabrication of FeNiCo/carbon nanofiber (FeNiCo/CNF) composites with exceptional microwave absorption properties. The FeNiCo/CNFs achieved a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −55.5 dB at 14.24 GHz with an ultrathin matching thickness of only 1.6 mm. Microstructural analysis and electromagnetic parameter testing revealed that the superior absorption stems from the synergistic interaction between the carbon nanofiber network and FeNiCo alloy nanoparticles, which promotes multiple reflections and efficient energy dissipation. The precise control of coercivity and permeability via systematic modulation of magnetic metal composition enabled enhanced impedance matching and optimized magnetic-dielectric synergy. Furthermore, radar cross-section (RCS) simulations confirmed the material's capability to significantly reduce RCS values across a wide angular range, validating its potential for stealth technology applications. This work introduces a cost-effective and sustainable approach for developing ultralight, high-performance microwave absorbers, addressing the limitations of conventional materials such as high density and poor stability.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507027
Ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) is a common water pollutant that can induce eutrophication and threaten aquatic ecosystems and human health. Accurate monitoring is essential for water safety. This study applied a self-developed gas-permeable membrane-based conductivity sensor (GPMCS) for real-time in-situ monitoring of NH3-N in two water bodies. In the Qunying River (surface river water), GPMCS captured concentration fluctuations linked to pump operations and sewage intrusion, with mean inlet and outlet concentrations of 4.67 and 3.42 mg/L, respectively. In Swan Lake (landscape aquaculture water), concentrations reached up to 11.16 mg/L, with site means of 6.42 and 7.04 mg/L, influenced by aquaculture activities, weather, and location. GPMCS results correlated strongly with national standard methods (r1=0.8132, r2=0.7483), confirming accuracy and reliability. Compared to existing techniques, GPMCS offers high selectivity, strong anti-interference, portability, no sample pretreatment, low cost, and environmental friendliness, making it suitable for long-term in-situ monitoring. This technology provides robust support for sustainable water environment management.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3930-3
Methylammonium lead tribromide (MAPbBr3) single crystals (SCs) are promising for room-temperature gamma-ray and X-ray detection, but scaling their size often compromises crystal quality. Here, we report a strategic precursor stoichiometry engineering approach to grow inch-sized, high-quality MAPbBr3 SCs via a constant-temperature evaporation method. We show that constructing a robust electrical double layer through organic cation modulation effectively stabilizes the colloidal precursor. This is achieved by synergistically suppressing MA+ deprotonation while promoting MA+ adsorption as counterions on the [PbBrn]2−n complexes, which collectively strengthens interparticle repulsion and raises the nucleation barrier. This multifaceted approach yields MAPbBr3 SCs with lateral dimensions up to 2 inches and an exceptional X-ray diffraction rocking curve full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.0093° at the (002) face. Consequently, the SCs enable spectroscopic-grade gamma-ray detection, achieving energy resolutions (ER) of 8.4% for the 57Co source (122 keV) and 11.1% for the 137Cs source (662 keV), along with a high X-ray sensitivity of 1.65 × 10^4 μC Gy−1 cm−2. This work paves the way for the practical application of MAPbBr3 SCs in high-performance gamma-ray and X-ray detection.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3913-3
The depletion of fossil resources necessitates the development of sustainable polymers from renewable feedstocks. Eugenol, a biomass-derived compound, serves as an ideal platform molecule due to its reactive allyl group and rigid aromatic scaffold. This study introduces a chiral Pd/Wei-Phos catalytic system for the helix-selective living polymerization of achiral eugenol-based diazo acetate monomer, delivering helical polycarbenes in high yield with controlled molecular weight (Mn), narrow dispersity (Đ), and optical activity. Post-polymerization functionalization was achieved via thiol-ene click chemistry, enabling efficient incorporation of diverse functional groups (carboxyl, ester, ketone, and diol) with high conversion (>99%). Additionally, an innovative pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionic acid) (PETMP) cross-linked eugenol-based polycarbene system has been constructed. By controlling the polymerization degree and cross-linking density of the polymer, the mechanical properties (tensile strength can reach 15 MPa) of the cross-linked materials can be easily adjusted. Moreover, the cross-linked films exhibit excellent chiral separation ability and can be used for the enantioseparation of enantiomers of various chiral alcohols, with enantiomeric excess (ee) up to 96%. This not only contributes an innovative strategy for designing high-performance functional materials, but also provides inspiring ideas for the development of biomass-derived high-performance materials.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025120801
The interaction between microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter (PSDOM) and iron oxides in soil environments can modulate its photosensitization effects, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study investigated the influence of hematite with distinct morphologies—flake-shaped (HNPs) and cubic (HNCs)—on the photosensitization of polystyrene-derived dissolved organic matter (PSDOM). Under 500 W mercury lamp irradiation, both hematite morphologies promoted PSDOM degradation, with HNCs exhibiting superior performance: total organic carbon (TOC) decreased from 18.4 mg·L−1 to 12.3 mg·L−1 within 90 min, compared to 13.3 mg·L−1 for HNPs. Three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that hematite alters the humification process, thereby modifying photosensitization. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy identified the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), and carbon-centered radicals (CH3C(=O)OO·). HNCs significantly enhanced 1O2 production, while HNPs favored ·OH generation; both inhibited CH3C(=O)OO· formation. Quantitative analysis via high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that the steady-state concentration of 1O2 was highest with HNCs, reaching 2.80 times that of the PSDOM control, whereas ·OH concentration peaked with HNPs at 1.98 times the control. Notably, the steady-state concentration of 1O2 was approximately three orders of magnitude higher than that of ·OH. These findings elucidate the morphology-dependent role of hematite in PSDOM photosensitization, providing mechanistic insights into the environmental fate of microplastic-derived organic matter in complex soil systems.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025031001
The diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) technique has emerged as a promising tool for assessing the desorption kinetics and bioavailability of organic contaminants in soil. This study compared DGT, soil solution, and organic solvent extraction methods for evaluating the bioavailability of four sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) in soil using pot experiments with Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis and Lactuca sativa. Results demonstrated that plant uptake of SAs depended on compound properties and plant species, with roots as the primary accumulation site. DGT-measured concentrations (CDGT) showed significant linear correlations with SA concentrations in both roots and leaves, and effective concentrations (CE) were positively correlated with plant tissue levels (P < 0.05). The soil solution method also showed predictive ability but with lower stability. The mass of SAs adsorbed by DGT increased non-linearly with deployment time, indicating that solid-phase resupply sustained long-term DGT uptake. DIFS model-derived soil-water partition coefficients (Kdl) ranged from 0.23 to 1.25 mL·g−1, with higher Kdl values corresponding to greater bioavailability. Response times (Tc) ranged from 2307 to 7523 seconds, with sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) exhibiting the highest Tc, indicating its release was most constrained. Meta-analysis of desorption parameters for other organic contaminants revealed that soil pH and particle size were key determinants of Kdl, while molecular volume and hydrophobicity influenced resupply rates. This study confirms the reliability of DGT for assessing antibiotic bioavailability in soil and provides fundamental data on their migration and fate.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60678-0
Improper disposal of plastic waste represents both the loss of valuable resources and significant environmental threat. This study investigates the thermal liquefaction of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) using low-pressure superheated methanol. It systematically evaluates the effects of reaction temperature and the ratio of reactant to methanol on liquefaction efficiency and product characteristics. Results indicate that complete conversion of HDPE can be achieved in low-pressure superheated methanol (<0.5 MPa) at a minimum external heating temperature of 260 °C. Under this condition, oil yield reached 77.1% with alkanes comprising 62.3% of the product alongside minor oxygenated compounds. As temperature increased, the average carbon number of hydrocarbons gradually decreased. Below 260 °C, HDPE conversion decreased significantly, and products were primarily waxy. At 290 °C, the proportion of gasoline-like fractions (C6–C12) increased markedly from 16.6% to 80.9%. Furthermore, reactant ratio plays a critical regulatory role; extremes in ratio—either too high or too low—diminish heat transfer efficiency and reduce conversion. Mechanistically, liquefaction primarily involved cleavage of secondary C−C bonds, where resulting oligomers further cracked into free radicals to form diverse hydrocarbons through secondary reactions. This work demonstrates that low-pressure superheated methanol liquefaction is a mild, efficient, and pretreatment-free method to upcycle polyethylene into valuable fuels. Optimizing these process parameters can pave the way for industrial application, aiding in both plastic pollution management and sustainable resource recovery.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0034
Catalytic cracking of gasoline and diesel to light olefins is a pivotal route for high-value utilization of surplus fuels, typically employing zeolite catalysts. This study systematically investigates the effects of zeolite type and acidic properties on the catalytic cracking of dodecane, a diesel model compound, using SAPO-34, ZSM-5 with SiO2/Al2O3 ratios of 38, 85, and 200, and USY. Catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, N2 physisorption, NH3-TPD, and pyridine-FTIR, and evaluated in a fixed-bed reactor. Results demonstrate that zeolite type is the primary determinant of conversion and product distribution. SAPO-34, with 0.38 nm pores, achieved only 24.33% conversion and negligible BTX yield, with severe external coking. ZSM-5-38 and USY, with larger pores, achieved near-complete conversion; however, ZSM-5-38, possessing moderate acidity, yielded the highest light olefins (18.40%) and minimal coke (0.18%), while USY, with higher acidity, promoted hydrogen transfer and coking (12.90% coke). Within ZSM-5 series, lower acid site density (ZSM-5-200) proved optimal, achieving 97.79% conversion and a total light olefin yield of 41.93% (ethylene 11.11%, propylene 20.33%, butenes 10.49%) with low coke (0.43%). The study proposes reaction pathways and regulatory mechanisms, highlighting that zeolite type and acidity govern the relative rates of cracking, hydrogen transfer, oligomerization, aromatization, and coking, thereby dictating performance. These findings provide a rational basis for optimizing zeolite catalysts in commercial gasoline/diesel cracking processes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3981-7
Solution-processable quasi-2D perovskites are promising laser gain media due to their high exciton binding energy and improved stability relative to 3D counterparts. However, conventional synthesis yields mixed n-value phases, introducing interfacial defects and energetic disorder that impede charge injection into desired emission centers. Here, we report the first demonstration of stimulated emission from a phase-pure quasi-2D perovskite (n=8) achieved via a solvent-sieving method for selective phase removal. This dynamic purification yields near-unity phase purity (99.85%) with no detectable low-n phases, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The phase-pure film exhibits a narrower and more intense (001) diffraction peak (FWHM 0.16 nm, intensity 16,129) compared to pristine films (FWHM 0.22 nm, intensity 3,304), indicating enhanced crystallinity and increased grain size. Time-resolved photoluminescence reveals a prolonged carrier lifetime of 6.98 ns, suggesting reduced trap density. Atomic force microscopy shows a nearly pinhole-free surface with root mean square roughness of 1.18 nm. Consequently, the amplified spontaneous emission threshold is reduced to 13.82 μJ cm−2, a 12.5% improvement over conventional mixed-phase films (15.8 μJ cm−2). This work provides an efficient route to pure-phase quasi-2D perovskites for low-threshold lasers.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202512014
Mining activities cause severe soil degradation and microbial diversity loss, impeding ecological restoration. This study evaluated the effects of a novel soil amendment, microporous bio-gravel (MBG), on bacterial and fungal community structure and function in degraded soil from the Baiyinhua open-pit mine, Inner Mongolia. A pot experiment with four MBG-to-soil volume ratios (CK, L=1:3, M=1:2, H=1:1) was conducted, with a simplified plant community and uniform fertilization. After 180 days, soil samples were analyzed via high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics. Results showed that the medium ratio (M) significantly increased fungal Shannon index and evenness, while the high ratio (H) negatively affected bacterial communities. At phylum and genus levels, MBG promoted enrichment of Cyanobacteria and specific functional groups (e.g., nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Bacillus). Co-occurrence network analysis revealed peak complexity, modularity, and average degree in bacterial and fungal networks under the M treatment. Functional prediction indicated significant enrichment of pathways related to lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, nitrotoluene degradation, and plant-pathogen interactions, alongside increased abundance of saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal fungi. Mantel and VPA analyses showed that MBG indirectly regulated microbial community structure by improving soil physicochemical properties and plant traits, with stronger effects on fungi than bacteria. In conclusion, MBG optimizes the soil microhabitat and plant-soil-microbe interactions, modulating microbial diversity, network complexity, and functional potential. The medium ratio (1:2) was most effective, demonstrating potential for ecological restoration of degraded mine soils.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608023
Zinc-containing steel dust sludge, a by-product of steelmaking, contains high levels of chlorine (Cl) along with valuable metals such as Fe, Zn, K, and Na. When recycled into the steel production process, Cl accumulates, causing sintering instability and severe corrosion of blast furnace linings. This study investigated water leaching for Cl removal from zinc-containing steel dust sludge. Under optimal conditions (liquid-to-solid ratio 5 mL/g, temperature 70 °C, time 60 min, rotation speed 160 r/min), the Cl leaching rate reached 87%. Furthermore, a three-stage countercurrent water washing process at a liquid-to-solid ratio of 6 mL/g and room temperature for 45 min achieved a Cl leaching rate exceeding 90%. The water washing also reduced the leaching toxicity of metals in the sludge to a certain extent. Characterization via XRD, SEM, FT-IR, and XPS revealed that water washing primarily dissolved soluble chlorides (NaCl, KCl, etc.), increasing the specific surface area from 2.71 to 10.11 m²/g and average pore size from 12.83 to 16.29 nm. These findings provide theoretical and technical support for efficient Cl removal from zinc-containing steel dust sludge, facilitating its safe resource utilization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3969-9
Phosphor-in-glass (PiG) materials are promising color converters for high-power laser illumination, yet suppressing interfacial reactions between phosphor and glass matrix at elevated sintering temperatures remains a critical challenge. Here, we report a Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YAG:Ce) phosphor-in-silica glass (PiSG) with high SiO2 content (>85 wt%) fabricated via a Cs2CO3 flux. Incorporation of Cs2O significantly inhibits SiO2-YAG:Ce reactions, preserving internal quantum efficiency (IQE) at 97.7% of pure YAG:Ce, and achieving 88.3% IQE even after calcination at 1400°C for 2 h. In contrast, smaller alkali ions (Li+, Na+) accelerate YAG:Ce decomposition. Mechanistic studies reveal that Cs+ with large ionic radius and weak interaction with oxygen suppresses non-bridging oxygen (NBO) formation, promoting a complete silica network that limits alkali ion diffusion. Leveraging the mixed alkali effect (10% Li2O + 5% Cs2O), the PiSG exhibits enhanced hydrothermal stability, withstanding 200°C treatment for 10 h. A PiG film-sapphire device delivers 3080 lm luminous flux and 213 lm W−1 efficiency under blue laser excitation. These findings establish YAG:Ce-PiSG as a highly promising color-conversion material for high-performance laser illumination.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4021-5
Lead-free halide double perovskites have attracted significant attention owing to their eco-friendliness, structural tunability, and self-trapped exciton emission. Nevertheless, achieving efficient and stable near-infrared-II (NIR-II) luminescence, especially in materials incorporating lanthanide ions, remains a considerable challenge in photonics research. Herein, we report a notable advance in the design and synthesis of Sb3+-sensitized Cs2NaLuCl6:Er3+ double perovskite single crystals, which exhibit an unprecedented external quantum efficiency of 45.3% for emission at 1542 nm. Sb3+ acts as a broadband ultraviolet absorber and transfers energy to Er3+ via self-trapped exciton emission. Moreover, at high concentrations of Er3+, Er3+-Er3+ cross relaxation (2H11/2 + 4I15/2 → 4I9/2 + 4I13/2) selectively populates the NIR-emitting 4I13/2 state, suppressing competitive visible emission pathways. This synergistic host-sensitizer-activator design strategy, supported by density functional theory calculations, addresses long-standing efficiency limitations and opens new avenues for high-performance NIR-II emitters in bioimaging, night vision, and optical communications.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60666-4
The catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to ethanol is a pivotal technology for carbon neutrality and high-value chemical production. Cobalt-based catalysts, with their unique electronic structure and tunability, are promising for this reaction, yet challenges persist: low single-pass CO2 conversion, ethanol selectivity below 60%, and rapid deactivation. This review systematically analyzes recent progress, establishing the thermodynamic and kinetic framework, and dissecting molecular-level mechanisms, particularly C–C bond formation and controlled oxygen removal. It critically evaluates synergistic effects among metallic Co, Co2C, CoOx, and bimetallic configurations, emphasizing structure-activity relationships influenced by supports and promoters. Inverse catalysts and tandem systems are reviewed, along with water's role as a hydrogen source. The review identifies shortcomings and advocates for advanced in situ/operational characterization and theoretical modeling to guide next-generation catalyst design. Key findings from cited studies include: Co/La4Ga2O9 achieving high selectivity (reference [85]); K-loaded Cu/CoOx boosting ethanol production (reference [86]); Ga-promoted CuCo catalysts with Cu-CoGaOx interfacial sites (reference [88]); and Mo-tailored CoFe alloys suppressing over-carburization (reference [89]). These insights provide a framework for developing efficient cobalt-based systems, deepening mechanistic understanding, and accelerating sustainable ethanol production.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4132-y
Manganese-iron-based mixed polyanionic cathodes are promising for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to high energy density and operating voltage, but suffer from Jahn-Teller distortion of Mn3+ that degrades cycling stability. Here, a structural modulation strategy via Mg2+ doping is reported. Electrochemically inert Mg2+ forms stronger chemical bonds, adjusts lattice parameters, and suppresses Jahn-Teller distortion, enhancing structural stability. Mg2+ also widens sodium-ion diffusion channels, improving diffusion kinetics. Additionally, an in-situ three-dimensional carbon nanotube (CNT) conductive network boosts electronic conductivity. The resulting NFMPP-Mg@CNTs cathode delivers a discharge capacity of 126 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C (near theoretical 129 mAh g−1), retains 80% capacity after 3000 cycles at 0.5 C, and achieves an energy density of 401 Wh kg−1, among the highest reported for mixed phosphate systems. Ex-situ XPS and first-principles calculations confirm that Mg2+ resists geometric distortion by enhancing lattice stability and widening Na+ diffusion pathways (migration barrier reduced from 0.566 to 0.398 eV). This work provides a viable route for high-energy, long-life SIB cathodes suitable for large-scale energy storage.