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/s40843-025-4043-3
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.
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/s40843-026-4071-3
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.