SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4415-3
The escalating demands of military stealth platforms and the proliferation of electromagnetic pollution have intensified the need for high-performance electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers. Nanofibers, characterized by high specific surface area and favorable composite compatibility, are engineered into absorbers with outstanding electromagnetic properties. This review consolidates the preparation and optimization strategies for nanofiber-based absorbers. The electromagnetic attenuation mechanisms are first outlined, followed by a systematic classification of nanofiber fabrication methods into two principal categories: in-situ synthesis and electrospinning-derived processes. Recent advances in optimization strategies for absorbers constructed from nanofibers with tailored electromagnetic characteristics are then examined. The review draws upon representative studies, including ultrathin and flexible electromagnetic interference shielding films via interface-confinement, design strategies for wave-absorbing polymer-based shielding materials, impedance-matchable 3D MXene sponge/NiFe@NC heterostructures with tunable pores, and the influence of fiber coating on SiCf/epoxy composites. These works collectively demonstrate the critical role of fiber architecture, interface engineering, and impedance matching in determining absorption performance. The analysis identifies persistent challenges in scalability, cost, and environmental stability, and outlines future prospects for nanofiber-based EMW absorbers. This review provides a foundational reference for researchers and engineers seeking to translate nanofiber absorber concepts into deployable stealth and pollution-mitigation technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3761-7
Ruthenium-based materials, including metallic Ru and RuO2, are promising electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting (EWS) due to their high activity for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, their practical application is hindered by the relatively strong adsorption of reaction intermediates on Ru surfaces and the oxidative dissolution of RuO2 under operating conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress and challenges in Ru-based electrocatalysts for EWS. We first summarize the fundamentals of EWS, including reaction mechanisms and activity descriptors. Then, we detail typical synthesis methods such as hydrothermal/solvothermal syntheses, organic ligand-assisted syntheses, pyrolysis, acid etching, cation exchange, and molten salt-assisted syntheses. Subsequently, we focus on enhancement strategies, including alloying, doping, structure design, interface engineering, single-atom catalyst design, high-entropy alloy design, phase engineering, and defect engineering, with typical examples illustrating structure-property correlations. Finally, we address remaining challenges and future prospects for the development of efficient and durable Ru-based electrocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3678-1
Reed membrane, a natural cellulosic material traditionally used in musical instruments, holds promise in flexible electronics due to its abundance, low cost, and excellent biocompatibility. However, its native form contains water-soluble ions and lipid-soluble waxes that hinder performance in acoustic and electronics by compromising electrical insulation and mechanical stability. Here, supercritical fluid superposition purification (SCSP-WA) is introduced, which utilizes supercritical CO2 with water and acetone as bipolar co-solvents to selectively remove these impurities. Post-SCSP-WA treatment, the reed membrane exhibits significant enhancements in mechanical strength and electrical insulation, achieving a 4-fold increase in elongation at break, improved tensile strength and Young’s modulus, and a 98.5% reduction in leakage current, all while maintaining low and stable capacitance. These improvements stem from the restructuring of the fibrous network into a porous, interconnected microstructure. Material characterization (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) confirmed the effective removal of magnesium and waxy functional groups, along with enhanced fiber crosslinking. Cytotoxicity tests further validated the biocompatibility of the SCSP-WA-treated membranes. This environmentally sustainable approach expands the potential of reed membranes in flexible bioelectronics and bio-integrated acoustic systems.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0024
This study investigates the thermochemical conversion behavior of microalgae pellets in a molten hydroxide salt (80% NaOH-20% Na2CO3) system and its influence on hydrogen production. By comparing temperature evolution, gas release characteristics, and structural evolution of pellets with and without molten salt, and integrating char alkalization experiments, the regulatory mechanism of molten salt on reaction pathways and hydrogen production was systematically analyzed. Results indicate that molten salt significantly enhances internal heat transfer efficiency, achieving a central heating rate of 177 °C/s, effectively alleviating thermal hysteresis. Concurrently, molten salt promotes pore development through penetration, erosion, and catalytic effects, resulting in a porosity increase of 53.2%–104.3% after 10 s of reaction. Conversion efficiency is markedly improved, with the dominant reaction pathway shifting to char alkalization after only 70 s. Furthermore, when heating rate is increased above 600 °C, hydrogen yield from char alkalization improves more significantly, primarily attributed to the synergistic promotion of molten salt catalysis and rapid heating on volatiles reforming. This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding efficient hydrogen production from biomass in molten hydroxide salts.
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/s40843-025-4043-3
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.202508084
Granite mining areas generate large quantities of abandoned soil and rock powder, posing environmental challenges and resource waste. This study investigates the synergistic preparation of porous ceramsite from two typical granite solid wastes—weathered granite soil (high Al2O3) and granite waste rock powder (high SiO2)—with waste glass powder as a fluxing agent. Single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (Box-Behnken) were employed to optimize the process and elucidate the pore-forming mechanism. The optimal conditions were a mass ratio of weathered granite soil:granite waste rock powder:waste glass powder of 5.6:2.4:2, a preheating temperature of 480 °C, a sintering time of 32 min, and a sintering temperature of 1140 °C. Under these conditions, the resulting porous ceramsite achieved a compressive strength of 1.74 MPa. The ceramsite effectively immobilized heavy metals, ensuring environmental safety. This research demonstrates that multi-component complementarity and multi-factor coupling optimization can produce porous ceramsite with favorable mechanical properties and stable pore structure, providing a theoretical basis and technical support for high-value utilization of granite solid waste.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605016
BiOX (X=Cl, Br, I) photocatalytic materials were synthesized via a chemical precipitation method. Their structures and properties were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Results showed that BiOBr exhibits a flower-like nanomicrosphere structure composed of nanosheets, providing a more three-dimensional morphology, larger specific surface area, and moderate light absorption range, resulting in superior visible light absorption. Consequently, BiOBr demonstrated the best photocatalytic degradation of NO under xenon lamp irradiation. The study further investigated the effects of light intensity, NO flow rate, and oxygen presence on the NO degradation performance of BiOBr. Optimal NO removal rate of 58% was achieved under conditions of a light source distance of 15 cm, NO flow rate of 15 mL/min, and in the presence of oxygen. The degradation rate constant for BiOBr was 11×10⁻⁴ min⁻¹, significantly higher than that of BiOCl and BiOI. BiOBr also exhibited good reusability and stability. These findings provide an important experimental basis for the application of BiOBr in the photocatalytic degradation of NO.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3943-y
Biodegradable polymers are promising for bioelectronic materials, yet simultaneously improving their mechanical, electrical, and optical performance remains a major challenge. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxyvalerate) (P34HB), a microbially synthesized polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), exhibits excellent biocompatibility and degradability but suffers from poor chain length control, limiting its functional performance. Here, we report a low-temperature, non-destructive supercritical ethyl alcohol-assisted polymerization (SEAP) strategy to enhance P34HB at the molecular level. Operating at 40 °C and 1500 psi, SEAP combines the permeability of supercritical CO2 with ethanol-mediated catalysis to promote in situ dehydration polymerization and efficiently remove impurities. Post-treatment, P34HB exhibits a 16% increase in number-average molecular weight, along with a record-high Young's modulus of 51.08 GPa and a 144% increase in elongation at break, overcoming the conventional trade-off between stiffness and ductility. Optical performance is also improved, with transmittance rising by 44% and refractive index increasing to 1.2. Material analyses confirm a higher ester group density and reduction of residual impurities. Electrical insulation is notably enhanced, with leakage current reduced by 50% to below 1 pA and reduced dielectric loss to 0.06. Cytotoxicity assays further verify excellent biocompatibility. This work establishes SEAP as a sustainable strategy for functionalizing P34HB, enabling its deployment in next-generation bioelectronics and flexible electronics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4000-1
Formamidine lead-based perovskites (FAPbI3) exhibit significant potential in optoelectronic applications. Nevertheless, they encounter challenges related to δ-phase instability and reliance on toxic solvents. In this study, we present a green solvent-additive synergy strategy that employs γ-valerolactone (GVL) in conjunction with reductive acids like oxalic acid (OA), to stabilize α-FAPbI3 single crystals (SCs). GVL enhances the stability of the precursors through the formation of FA+-GVL hydrogen bonds and high-valence [PbIx]2−x clusters, resulting in ambient-stable α-phase SCs, yielding a marked improvement in stability compared to SCs prepared with the toxic solvent γ-butyrolactone (GBL). Additive modulation demonstrates that H+ and reductive groups play a critical role in regulating crystallization, suppressing the δ-phase by promoting FA+ dissociation and inhibiting MA+ deprotonation. A solvent-involved intermediate, δ-FAPbI3-GVL, has been identified; this intermediate evolves into α-FAPbI3 at a low temperature of 60 °C, thereby reducing the energy barriers associated with the α to δ phase transition. In contrast, non-reductive acids and reductive ionic liquids do not inhibit δ-phase formation, with the latter even promoting the crystallization of pure δ-FAPbI3. By utilizing low-volatility OA as an additive, optimized FA0.9MA0.1PbI3 single crystal thin films exhibit a low defect density of 8.3 × 10^11 cm−3. Subsequently, a photodetector was fabricated. Under zero bias voltage and 780 nm illumination, the device exhibited a responsivity of 14.5 mA/W, a detectivity of 3.75 × 10^10 Jones, and a response speed of 149/65 μs. Moreover, without any encapsulation, the device’s performance diminished by only 17% after 30 days of storage in ambient conditions, indicating remarkable stability.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60762-1
The CO2 dry reforming of methane (DRM) is pivotal for CO2 utilization within the dual-carbon framework, offering advantages in carbon reduction and value-added chemical production. However, shaped catalysts suitable for industrial-scale DRM remain limited. This work constructs a monolithic catalyst using honeycomb cordierite as the structural support, systematically investigating the effects of organic and inorganic binders on coating structure and catalytic performance. Comparative studies reveal that the active coating fabricated with inorganic aluminum sol exhibits a continuous uniform morphology and excellent adhesion strength. During high-temperature calcination, elemental diffusion within Al2O3 networks bridges the cordierite surface with active catalyst particles, forming a (Ni-Mg)AlxO4 composite structure. This creates robust metal-support interactions between active sites and the residual alumina matrix. The interconnected mesoporous framework provides superior pore confinement, contributing to strong coating adhesion, enhanced activity, and improved resistance to carbon deposition in the monolithic m-NCM-Al-sol catalyst. In contrast, coatings derived from inorganic silica sol suffer from detachment and activity loss due to heterogeneous surface structures and poor adhesion. Organic binders demonstrate inferior performance in macroscopic coating uniformity, adhesion strength, mesoporous confinement, and localized electronic effects, resulting in the poorest catalytic performance. By optimizing aluminum sol coating parameters—binder content, active component dosage, and coating cycles—a synergistic balance between coating thickness and mass transfer is achieved. The optimized catalyst demonstrates excellent DRM performance, providing insights for constructing high-performance shaped catalysts with cordierite coatings.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025042502
Rice husk biochar (BC) was modified with boron (B) and nitrogen (N) doping and loaded with Fe3S4 to fabricate B-BC@Fe3S4 and N-BC@Fe3S4 catalysts for peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation and enrofloxacin (ENR) degradation. Characterization via SEM, BET, XRD, Raman, and XPS confirmed successful heteroatom incorporation and uniform Fe3S4 dispersion, enhancing specific surface area and defect sites. Degradation experiments showed that B-BC@Fe3S4 and N-BC@Fe3S4 achieved ENR removal efficiencies of 90.72% and 91.89%, respectively, significantly outperforming unmodified BC@Fe3S4 (82.21%). Mechanistic studies revealed that PDS activation proceeded via Fe3S4-mediated electron transfer generating radical species (SO4•−, •OH, O2•−) and via B/N functional groups promoting non-radical singlet oxygen (1O2) formation. Notably, N-BC@Fe3S4 exhibited superior resistance to Fe3+ leaching and greater environmental adaptability under varying pH, anion, and humic acid conditions. These findings demonstrate that B/N-doped biochar-supported Fe3S4 are effective catalysts for PDS activation, offering promising potential for antibiotic removal from real wastewater matrices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4070-2
A series of ~20 nm intermetallic Pd3Pb nanocubes with tunable surface Pb exposure were synthesized via a facile one-step solvothermal approach, providing an ideal system to investigate the way in which the surface configurations of Pb-rich (Pd3Pb/Pb), Pd-rich (Pd3Pb/Pd), and standard Pd3Pb nanocubes influence the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) mainly through the ligand effect while excluding geometric influences. Electrochemical measurement results indicate that the Pd3Pb/Pb catalyst delivered outstanding C1+ selectivity, achieving a high Faradaic efficiency of 96.88% at −0.72 V (vs. RHE), significantly outperforming the Pd3Pb/Pd (39.86%) and standard Pd3Pb (81.75%) counterparts. In situ FTIR together with DFT calculations further elucidated that Pb incorporation can modulate the electronic structure of Pd via p-d hybridization, leading to the upshift of the d-band center. This will, in return, strengthen the intermediate adsorption ability and lower the energy barriers of the C1+ pathways while effectively suppressing the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. This work establishes a precise surface engineering paradigm of intermetallic nanocrystals for designing high-performance electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4071-3
The low survival rate and compromised functionality of β cells present significant obstacles in islet transplantation for diabetes management. Recent studies indicate that the sensitivity of β cells to their microenvironment may be a contributing factor. In this study, Biotin-DFYIGSRGD hydrogel (Supragel) was employed to replicate the microenvironment of mouse β cells (MIN6 cells) and human islets, enhancing cell viability, functionality, and structural integrity. Compared with conventional two-dimensional cell culture methods utilizing cell plates, MIN6 cells cultured on the gel adhered and self-organized into cell spheroids, resulting in increased synthesis of insulin and glucagon. Furthermore, the hydrogel effectively preserved the integrity of human islets and extended their in vitro culture period. This improvement may be attributed to the optimal hardness of the gel, which facilitated cell adhesion and promoted vascularization. Additionally, the gel exhibited sustained in vivo retention over 120 days, undergoing gradual degradation without eliciting significant inflammatory responses. These properties establish it as a promising encapsulation material for pancreatic islet cells or organoids, supporting long-term cell survival, function, and integration with host tissues. The study highlights the potential of Biotin-DFYIGSRGD hydrogel as an islet culture platform for diabetes treatment.