SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4371-6
The sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) necessitates platinum-based catalysts, but their high cost and scarcity drive the search for platinum-group metal-free (PGM-free) alternatives. Fe−N−C catalysts with atomically dispersed Fe−N4 sites are promising, yet their practical performance is limited by buried active sites and poor mass transport. Here, a crumpled, multi-scale porous Fe−N−C catalyst (Fe−N−PCG) is synthesized via spray pyrolysis coupled with high-temperature metal etching. The crumpled morphology, formed by capillary compression during rapid solvent evaporation, and in-plane mesopores from Fe nanoparticle etching, synergistically enhance site accessibility and mass transport. Fe−N−PCG achieves a site density (SD) of 2.74×10^19 sites g−1 and Fe utilization (UFe) of 51.7%. As a gas diffusion electrode, it delivers a mass transport overpotential (ηmt) of 67 mV at 800 mA cm−2. In zinc-air batteries, Fe−N−PCG exhibits a peak power density of 296.1 mW cm−2 at 500 mA cm−2, outperforming Pt/C (241 mW cm−2 at 438 mA cm−2). At 50 mA cm−2, it delivers a discharge voltage of 1.19 V and a specific capacity of 815 mAh g−1, surpassing Pt/C (1.13 V, 715 mAh g−1). These results demonstrate that morphology and porosity engineering can concurrently optimize intrinsic activity, site utilization, and mass transport, offering a rational design strategy for high-performance PGM-free catalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4262-7
The escalating demands of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neural computing necessitate multifunctional optoelectronic devices capable of integrating sensing, memory, and processing. Two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) offer unique advantages, yet their practical deployment is hindered by complex architectures and inefficient mode-switching. Here, we demonstrate a MoTe2/SnS2 anti-ambipolar heterojunction device enabling single-gate reconfiguration among frequency doubling, broadband photodetection, and neuromorphic computing. The device exhibits a peak-to-valley ratio (PVR) of 465, ensuring efficient frequency doubling. As a photodetector, it operates across an exceptionally broad spectral range of 520–2200 nm, with outstanding responsivity and detectivity. Furthermore, the device emulates complete synaptic behaviors, including short-term plasticity (STP), long-term plasticity (LTP), and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). Integrated into a reservoir computing (RC) system trained on a vehicle motion dataset, it achieves a directional recognition accuracy of 98.7%. This work establishes a paradigm for multifunctional integration and low-power neuromorphic computing, advancing next-generation intelligent optoelectronic systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4236-8
Electrochemical nitrate reduction (NO3RR) to ammonia offers a sustainable route for nitrogen recovery from wastewater, yet its efficiency is constrained by complex multi-step proton-electron transfers and competitive hydrogen evolution. Here, we report a series of binary cobalt-copper phosphates with precisely tuned Co/Cu ratios, revealing a volcano-type relationship between composition and catalytic activity. The optimized Co0.5Cu1.5(OH)PO4 catalyst, supported on a Ni3Co1OxHy/Ni foam substrate, achieves a Faradaic efficiency of 99.0% for ammonia at a high current density of 200 mA cm−2 in 1 M nitrate electrolyte, with a production rate of 9.18 mg h−1 cm−2 and sustained stability over 200 hours. In-situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations elucidate a tandem mechanism: Co sites promote water dissociation to generate active hydrogen (H*), while adjacent Cu sites facilitate nitrate adsorption and subsequent hydrogenation steps. This synergistic division of labor lowers the energy barrier for the rate-determining step, effectively suppressing HER and enhancing intrinsic kinetics. The work demonstrates that precise atomic-ratio engineering in dual-site transition metal phosphates provides a viable strategy to overcome activity-selectivity trade-offs in electrocatalytic nitrate-to-ammonia conversion.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3696-3
The development of substitutable meniscus implants that can effectively protect articular cartilage remains a great challenge. Herein, a polyurethane with chemical crosslinking and sulfobetaine extenders containing hydrophobic chains (PU-CL-hSB) is developed, which could improve comprehensive properties and long-term stability simultaneously. By regulating the mole ratio of functional groups, PU-CL-hSB with appropriate mechanical properties, excellent tribological properties, and good fatigue resistance is used to prepare substitutable meniscus implant by hot-pressing. Due to the synergistic effect of functional groups, PU-CL-hSB meniscus implant presents comparable or even superior properties to native meniscus. It withstands a maximum force of 26.08 N versus 25.14 N for native meniscus, an energy dissipation from 45.93 to 39.17 N mm compared to 28.83 to 19.11 N mm for native meniscus over 300 cycles, and a friction coefficient from 0.08 to 0.19 compared to 0.11 to 0.26 for native meniscus. This PU-CL-hSB meniscus implant is further implanted into live rabbit knee joints for 8 and 25 weeks by a new approach, and in vivo data indicate that PU-CL-hSB meniscus implant not only protects articular cartilage from severe damage without eliciting inflammatory responses, but also can maintain normal physiological activities in the native state. Our findings present a substitutable meniscus implant that could be applied in vivo and propose evaluation methodologies for meniscus implants.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3706-3
Aprotic lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries are severely limited by slow cathode reaction kinetics and large polarization. Herein, we design and prepare a Mott-Schottky catalyst by uniformly embedding ultrafine Ru nanoparticles on nitrogen-doped carbon (Ru@NC) nanoflakes to accelerate oxygen redox kinetics of Li-O2 batteries. The Mott-Schottky effect of Ru@NC drives spontaneous electron rearrangement in the NC matrix and induces a strong built-in electric field at heterointerfaces, which accelerates the activation and conversion of oxygen intermediates. The obtained Ru@NC possesses rich Mott-Schottky heterointerfaces and defective carbon structures, which provide extensive adsorption and nucleation sites. More importantly, Ru@NC manifests moderate affinity for the intermediate LiO2, inducing formation of unique nanosheet-like Li2O2 with low Li2O2/cathode interfacial impedance, which further enhances oxidation kinetics. These enable the Li-O2 battery with Ru@NC to deliver a remarkably reduced polarization of 0.89 V, superior rate performance, and prolonged lifespan of over 200 cycles. This work will provide valuable guidelines for engineering advanced electrocatalysts for high-performance Li-O2 batteries and beyond.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3586-7
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, with endovascular stent intervention emerging as a key therapeutic strategy. Biodegradable Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy (ZE21B) offers promising mechanical properties and biocompatibility for vascular scaffolds, yet suffers from inadequate corrosion resistance, insufficient endothelialization, and impaired blood-brain barrier remodeling. This study develops a composite coating comprising barnacle cement protein cp19k and sulfonated hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (NP@S-HA) applied via electrostatic spraying onto ZE21B. The cp19k/NP@S-HA coating enhances corrosion resistance by approximately 40.6% relative to uncoated ZE21B, as determined by electrochemical and static immersion tests. In vitro blood and cellular assays demonstrate that the coating promotes endothelial cell proliferation and migration, inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation while regulating contractile phenotype, suppresses macrophage adherence and induces M2 polarization, reduces TNF-α expression, and mitigates fibroplasia. These findings indicate that the cp19k/NP@S-HA composite coating provides an effective surface modification strategy for biodegradable magnesium alloys in cerebrovascular applications, potentially improving stent performance and patient outcomes.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(25)61036-5
Large graphene oxide (LGO) sheets offer significant advantages over smaller ones in various applications, yet their production via Hummers-type oxidation of large natural graphite flakes remains challenging due to difficulties in achieving full oxidation and avoiding fragmentation. This study provides the first direct evidence that large graphite flakes (up to 1 mm) can be completely oxidized without fragmentation under static conditions, as revealed by in-situ monitoring. The oxidation process is governed by diffusion of the oxidizer between layers, described by Fick's law, where a high oxidizer concentration gradient increases the diffusion rate. By minimizing the amount of concentrated H2SO4 solvent, we achieved a semi-solid state that elevates oxidizer concentration, facilitating Mn(VII) diffusion and enabling complete oxidation of gram-scale large flakes with significantly reduced reagent consumption. Reaction temperature was optimized to balance graphite oxidation and Mn(VII) self-decomposition. Using this approach, 200-, 100-, and 50-mesh natural graphite were fully oxidized with reduced H2SO4 and KMnO4 usage. After exfoliation, LGO with average lateral sizes of 27.3, 58.7, and 116.2 μm were obtained, respectively, with 100% conversion and yield over 165%. This work not only provides a scalable, cost-effective strategy for LGO production but also advances the fundamental understanding of Hummers-type oxidation.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506081
Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are promising for degrading organic pollutants in water treatment. Heterogeneous catalytic ozonation (HCO) has gained attention due to its high oxidation efficiency, strong interference resistance, and low secondary pollution. In this study, a series of trimetallic-carbon composite ozone catalysts were prepared via an organic precursor calcination method using γ-Al2O3 as support. This method enhanced catalytic activity and mechanical strength while overcoming the limitations of carbon materials (low mechanical strength) and metal-based materials (poor mass transfer). The optimized catalyst, CA-FeCoCu, comprising Fe, Co, Cu, carbon, and alumina, exhibited excellent performance in phenol degradation and real industrial wastewater treatment. Characterization revealed that the synergistic effect of trimetals and the introduction of multiple carbon types increased specific surface area and hydroxyl radical (·OH) generation. In a pilot-scale fixed-bed reactor, the CA-FeCoCu/O3 system reduced COD from 120 mg·L−1 to below 40 mg·L−1, with an O3 consumption ratio (O/C) of less than 1, effectively lowering operational costs. This work provides a new strategy for developing efficient and stable heterogeneous O3 catalysts and offers a reference for the practical application of HCO in industrial wastewater treatment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3912-0
This erratum corrects an error in the Chinese name of co-first author Tianxiao Xiao (肖天孝) as originally published in the article 'A multi-modal smart chest patch for real-time cardiopulmonary monitoring and anomaly detection' (Sci China Mater, 2025, 68(12): 4413–4422). The corrected Chinese name is 肖天笑. The correction applies solely to the author's name and does not affect the scientific content, experimental data, or conclusions of the original paper. The authors and publisher apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025091203
The persistence of tetracycline (TC) in aquatic environments poses significant ecological risks. This study developed a homogeneous reaction system based on carboxylated Fe2+ enhanced peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation, using citric acid (CA) as a ligand. Carboxylation improved Fe2+ stability and catalytic activity, while solid PMS served as the oxidant, circumventing issues of traditional Fenton processes such as H2O2 instability, complex heterogeneous catalyst preparation, high disposal costs, and toxic metal leaching. The acidic pretreatment enabled by CA inhibited Fe2+ oxidation and promoted sustained PMS activation without external energy input. Under optimized conditions (TC 5 mg·L−1, Fe2+ 0.02 mmol·L−1, CA 0.001 mmol·L−1, PMS 2 mmol·L−1), 88.80% TC degradation was achieved within 60 min. Mechanistic studies revealed that CA protected Fe2+ active sites via carboxyl coordination, facilitating continuous generation of reactive species, including singlet oxygen (1O2) and sulfate radicals (SO4•−). 1O2 was the dominant species (50.5% contribution), followed by SO4•− (35.7%), synergistically driving efficient TC degradation while significantly reducing iron sludge production. Phytotoxicity assays confirmed that treated water exhibited no significant toxicity to wheat seedlings (P > 0.05), indicating effective ecological risk elimination. This work provides a low-energy, operationally simple, and environmentally friendly technology for antibiotic-contaminated water treatment, with promising practical application potential.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112102
Based on the 2022 activity data of non-road mobile sources in Hebei Province, this study employed the emission factor method recommended by the Guidelines to estimate emissions of CO, HC, NOx, PM2.5, PM10, and SO2. A comprehensive emission inventory was established, followed by spatial and uncertainty analyses. Scenario analysis, aligned with the 14th Five-Year Plan policies, was used to project emissions for 2030. The results indicate that non-road mobile sources in Hebei emitted 76.1×10^3 t of CO, 20.6×10^3 t of HC, 164.0×10^3 t of NOx, 8.5×10^3 t of PM2.5, 9.0×10^3 t of PM10, and 2.4×10^3 t of SO2. Agricultural machinery was the dominant contributor to CO, HC, PM2.5, and PM10, accounting for over 60.0% of CO emissions. Railway locomotives were the primary source of NOx, contributing 50.9%. For SO2, agricultural machinery and railway locomotives contributed 39.0% and 44.4%, respectively. The highest emitting cities were Tangshan (21.3%), Shijiazhuang (15.7%), Cangzhou (11.6%), and Handan (11.6%). Ship emissions were concentrated in Tangshan Port; civil aviation emissions were mainly in Shijiazhuang, Tangshan, Qinhuangdao, and Handan; railway emissions were distributed in Shijiazhuang, Baoding, and Handan. Under the updated emission standard scenario, NOx and PM10 emissions in 2030 could be reduced by approximately 35.0%. The phase-out of old machinery yielded the largest reduction in CO (36.0%), while both electrification and phase-out scenarios significantly impacted HC emissions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3487-x
Continuous carbon fiber-reinforced ZrB2-SiC ceramic matrix composites are promising thermal protection materials for hypersonic vehicles and reusable spacecraft. Although injection-assisted vacuum impregnation (IVI) offers advantages such as shorter processing cycles, lower costs, and reduced fiber damage compared to conventional methods, phenolic/acetone-based IVI systems yield composites (designated as CPS) with limited ceramic contents. To address this, an aqueous slurry-based IVI approach was developed, producing composites designated as CHS. After a single IVI cycle, CHS achieved a ZrB2 phase volume fraction of 25 vol.%, 47% higher than CPS, while reducing processing time by 49%. After chemical vapor infiltration, CVI-CHS composite exhibited a room-temperature compressive strength of 106.78±10.53 MPa, representing a 28% improvement over CVI-CPS. Crack propagation analysis revealed discontinuous zigzag patterns under compression, dominated by fiber bridging and pull-out energy dissipation mechanisms. Flexural results revealed both composites retain considerable strength (111.15±12.46 and 83.15±12.03 MPa) along with low flexural modulus (13.00±2.41 and 13.52±6.99 GPa) and high strain tolerance (1.32%±0.018% and 1.07%±0.34%). It is attributed to the anisotropy of fiber preforms and the elastic modulus mismatch among different phases, which hindered effective constraint of fibers by the matrix and, in turn, facilitated mitigation of stress concentration. Additionally, CVI-CPS demonstrated superior X-band electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding (34–36 dB) compared to CVI-CHS (22–27 dB), resulting from synergistic effects between pyrolitic and deposited carbon in the matrix of the former. Both composites showed enhanced EMI shielding efficiency with increasing temperature up to 600°C. This eco-friendly aqueous IVI strategy enables high-performance, cost-effective thermal protection materials with higher ceramic loading and tunable multifunctional properties.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61102-X
Silicon-carbon composites prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are promising anode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. However, the influence of the pore structure of the porous carbon (PC) carrier on silicon deposition behavior, and the impact of surface silicon on cycling stability, remain unclear. This study systematically investigates these effects using nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Porous carbons with varying pore architectures were synthesized by adjusting KOH activator ratios. Results show that increased micropore volume facilitates higher silicon mass loading, but also elevates the content of surface floating silicon due to greater silane exposure. Moderately increasing mesopores in high-microporosity carbon promotes deeper silicon deposition, reducing surface floating silicon. Excessive surface floating silicon hinders lithium-ion diffusion kinetics, leading to accumulation of active lithium, accelerated SEI growth, and electrode degradation. Electrochemical testing reveals that the optimized silicon-carbon composite maintains a high specific capacity of 693.1 mAh/g after 150 cycles at 0.5 C (900 mA/g). This work provides new insights into the development and failure mechanisms of CVD-derived silicon-carbon composite anodes, emphasizing the critical role of pore structure in mitigating surface silicon and enhancing cycling stability.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202508053
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in industrial soils pose significant risks due to their hydrophobicity and low bioavailability, limiting the efficacy of bioremediation. This study investigated the enhancement of an in-situ electrokinetic-biological barrier (EK-BB) system for PAH-contaminated soil using biosurfactants. Three biosurfactants—rhamnolipid (RL), alkyl polyglycoside (APG), and saponin (SAP)—were applied individually and in combinations at 10× critical micelle concentration (CMC), and the optimal RL+APG mixture was further tested at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10× CMC. Results showed that biosurfactant application improved soil electrical current, moisture retention, and PAH removal. Combined surfactants outperformed single ones, with the 10× CMC RL+APG treatment (Exp IV) achieving the highest average current intensity and moisture content, 1.31 and 1.12 times that of the control (CK), respectively, and a PAH removal of 106.02 mg·kg⁻¹. Biosurfactants also promoted bacterial growth in both contaminated soil and the biobarrier layer; the 10× CMC RL+APG treatment increased bacterial counts by 6.24-fold and 44.8%, respectively. However, excessive surfactant concentrations led to PAH accumulation in the biobarrier and clean soil. The 5× CMC RL+APG treatment provided optimal balance, maximizing PAH removal while maintaining barrier effectiveness. These findings confirm that appropriate biosurfactant concentrations can enhance EK-BB remediation, offering technical support for PAH-contaminated site remediation and safe reuse.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202508047
Selective recovery of aluminum compounds from fly ash is a key route for its high-value utilization. This study developed a multi-stage activation process for extracting Al(OH)3 from fly ash, comprising mechanical activation, calcination activation, chemical separation, and carbonation precipitation. Fly ash was mixed with carbide slag and CaF2, then calcined; the resulting clinker was leached with Na2CO3 solution to extract Al. The CaO generated from high-temperature calcination of carbide slag facilitated the separation of Si and Al. After solid-liquid separation, CO2 was introduced into the Al-rich leachate to precipitate Al(OH)3. The process promoted the formation of Ca12Al14O32F2 and inert Ca2SiO4, achieving efficient Si-Al separation during calcination. Under optimal conditions (mechanical activation for 60 min, 4% CaF2, calcination at 1000°C for 2 h, leaching with 40 g/L Na2CO3), the Al extraction rate reached 91.8%, and the product purity was 98.9%. The alumina extraction residue exhibited porous and highly reactive characteristics, suitable for producing flame-retardant materials or high-value silicon-based products (e.g., white carbon black, molecular sieve adsorbents). The process offers a promising industrial route for fly ash valorization, with potential integration with cement production lines for synergistic CO2 capture and utilization.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025010803
Global aquaculture is expanding rapidly, with China leading in production and being the only country where aquaculture output exceeds wild catch. This growth raises concerns about environmental contamination, particularly mercury (Hg), and the safety of aquaculture products. This study investigated Hg accumulation and trophic transfer in a typical ecological mariculture area in Tangshan, Hebei Province, by measuring species-specific Hg concentrations in sediments and various aquatic organisms. Sediment total mercury (THg) levels were extremely low, averaging 4.0 ± 1.3 ng·g−1 dry weight (n=56), attributed to sandy/silty sediments with low adsorption capacity and minimal external/internal Hg inputs. In aquaculture fish, muscle THg and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations were 59.7 ± 30.0 and 53.8 ± 29.2 ng·g−1 wet weight (n=7), respectively, comparable to wild fish from the same area. This is due to efficient trophic transfer and biomagnification of Hg, especially MeHg, along the food chain, influenced by food chain structure, primary consumer accumulation, and metabolic rates. At three seafood consumption levels (41.6–255.6 g·d−1), estimated daily intakes (EDI) of MeHg for Chinese adults ranged from 0.01 to 0.40 μg·kg−1·d−1, with target hazard quotients (THQ) from 0.13 to 3.98. Except for Penaeus monodon and Metapenaeus ensis, all other aquaculture products at high consumption levels exceeded the USEPA safety threshold for MeHg EDI and had THQ > 1, indicating potential health risks.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025083003
To obtain freshwater from saline water and seawater, a double-layer evaporator consisting of carbon spheres and corn stalks was fabricated (abbreviated as CC). Corn stalks served as the evaporator substrate, and a mixed hydrogel of carbon spheres and polyvinyl alcohol functioned as the photothermal conversion layer. The solar-driven interfacial evaporation and desalination performance of the CC evaporator was investigated. The glucose-derived carbon spheres exhibited a uniform morphology and achieved 95% light absorption across 200–2500 nm. Under 1 sun (1 kW·m−2) irradiation, the CC with 3 cm height (CC-3) reached an exceptional evaporation rate of 3.55 kg·m−2·h−1 with a remarkable energy efficiency of 97.53%. When different wind speeds (1.5, 2, and 2.5 m·s−1) were applied, the evaporation rates further increased to 7.17, 8.92, and 10.41 kg·m−2·h−1, respectively. The evaporation rate of CC-3 for 3.5% saline was 3.46 kg·m−2·h−1. A 5-day long-time experiment exhibited stable desalination and excellent salt tolerance. Under a wind speed of 2.5 m·s−1, the evaporation rate reached 9.56 kg·m−2·h−1. In an outdoor natural light within a closed system and 2.5 m·s−1 of wind speed, the maximum evaporation rate and cumulative evaporation amount for seawater were 9.59 kg·m−2·h−1 and 66.0 kg·m−2, with no salt crystallization observed on the CC surface. These results demonstrate the potential practical application of the CC evaporator in seawater desalination.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605013
The escalating eutrophication of aquatic systems has intensified algal blooms, leading to substantial release and accumulation of algal-derived dissolved organic matter (ADOM), which profoundly influences carbon cycling and pollutant transport. Iron minerals, particularly ferrihydrite, are recognized as critical mediators of DOM sequestration, yet the adsorption fractionation of ADOM under varying environmental conditions remains poorly understood. This study systematically investigated the effects of pH (2.0–10.0) and initial dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration (2–100 mg C/L) on the adsorption capacity and selectivity of ADOM onto ferrihydrite, employing UV-Vis spectroscopy and excitation-emission matrix fluorescence with parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC). Results demonstrated that adsorption capacity increased with pH from 2.0 to 7.0, reaching a maximum of 21.59 mg C/g at pH 7.0, followed by a decline at pH > 7.0 due to enhanced electrostatic repulsion. Within the environmentally relevant pH range of 3.0–9.0, selective fractionation intensified with increasing pH, favoring highly aromatic, high-molecular-weight chromophoric DOM (CDOM) and protein-like/aromatic amino acid fluorescent DOM (FDOM) with high humification and autochthonous characteristics. With increasing initial DOC concentration, adsorption exhibited non-linear growth, with preferential uptake of low-aromaticity, high-molecular-weight CDOM and protein-like FDOM of lower humification and stronger autochthonous features. These findings elucidate that ferrihydrite can effectively sequester reactive ADOM components via pH- and concentration-dependent selective adsorption, potentially altering DOM composition and reactivity in eutrophic waters, thereby providing fundamental data for understanding iron mineral-mediated internal carbon sequestration.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605022
Carbide slag (CS), an alkaline industrial solid waste from acetylene production in the chlor-alkali industry, poses severe ecological risks due to long-term stockpiling. This review systematically examines CO2 mineralization pathways and applications of CS, leveraging its high reactivity dominated by Ca(OH)2. Direct gas-solid and liquid-solid carbonation mechanisms, alongside indirect ammonium salt cyclic leaching-carbonation, are elaborated. Process optimization via parameter regulation, amino acid modification, and multi-solid waste coordination significantly enhances reaction efficiency and product performance, enabling controlled synthesis of high-value calcium carbonate. Environmental and economic analyses confirm that CS mineralization achieves CO2 fixation with good economic feasibility, simultaneously addressing solid waste resource utilization and carbon emission reduction. Derived lightweight fillers and low-carbon cementitious materials exhibit both environmental and economic potential, providing theoretical and application support for a 'waste-to-waste' carbon reduction technology system.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605020
To address the high CO2 emission proportion in the industrial sector, distillers' grain waste was converted into biochar for CO2 adsorption from flue gas. Raw biochar suffers from weak pore adsorption and poor selectivity at elevated temperatures. This study employed ash self-templating and particle self-assembly to create hierarchical pores and simultaneously load amine groups onto distillers' grains-derived biochar, yielding amine-functionalized hierarchical porous carbon spheres. The amine loading significantly increased, providing more CO2 adsorption sites, while retaining macroporosity (total pore volume 0.0030–0.0066 cm3/g after amine loading), which enhanced morphological stability and CO2 mass transfer. The optimal sample, 0.2PW-K-CNF-PEI, exhibited a CO2 adsorption capacity of 1.03 mmol/g at 100 °C, a CO2 diffusion coefficient of 0.0495 min−1, and a selective adsorption capacity of 44 mg/g at 80 °C. This work offers a solution for valorizing distillers' grain by-products and capturing CO2 from low-temperature flue gas.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225162
The effects of tempering temperature on the microstructure, strength-toughness balance, and precipitates of a quenched Cu-Cr-Ni ultra-high strength weathering steel were systematically investigated. The steel was austenitized at 920°C, quenched, and then tempered at 500°C, 550°C, and 600°C. Microstructural characterization was performed using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while mechanical properties were evaluated via tensile and low-temperature impact tests. Results showed that as the tempering temperature increased from 500°C to 600°C, the microstructure transformed from lath-shaped tempered sorbite to a non-lath morphology. The fraction of rod-like cementite decreased, while spheroidized cementite increased, and the size of MC (M = Ti, Nb, V, Mo) precipitates decreased from an average of 12.2 nm to 9.9 nm. Consequently, yield strength and tensile strength decreased from 935 MPa and 958 MPa to 866 MPa and 888 MPa, respectively, whereas total elongation and impact energy at -40°C increased continuously, reaching maximum values of 5.0% and 280 J at 600°C. When tempered at 550°C, the steel exhibited a yield strength of 895 MPa, tensile strength of 921 MPa, elongation of 4.3%, and impact energy of 271 J at -40°C, demonstrating an optimal combination of strength and toughness. This improvement is primarily attributed to the spheroidization of cementite and the uniform dispersion of fine MC precipitates, which alleviate stress concentration, along with the softening of the acicular ferrite matrix during tempering.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511090
In ecological restoration projects such as wetland reconstruction and mine reclamation, seedling transplantation or mechanical damage often leads to slow healing, reducing survival rates and weakening carbon sequestration and soil-water conservation functions. To address secondary pollution from traditional chemical remediation, this study developed a self-powered piezoelectric hydrogel for green electrical stimulation of plant wounds. The hydrogel, based on polyacrylamide/polyethylene glycol (PAM/PEG) with CaCl2, formed a microporous, locally ordered piezoionic network. Characterization included microstructure, piezoionic response, and water retention. At 30 °C and 55% relative humidity, the hydrogel retained about 70% mass after 80 h of continuous water loss. Under simulated environmental mechanical forces, the hydrogel generated a peak voltage of approximately 6 mV. In tomato seedling stem models, wound callus area ratios reached approximately 49.50%, 64.87%, and 86.13% at 3, 5, and 10 days, respectively, when the hydrogel was attached and driven by environmental forces. The PAM/PEG/CaCl2 hydrogel efficiently converts environmental mechanical energy into mild electrical signals, promoting plant wound healing, reducing exogenous chemical use, and offering a low-carbon, environmentally friendly material pathway for ecological restoration and urban green space management.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025022102
Organophosphate pesticides (OPs), the most extensively used insecticides globally, are ubiquitous in environmental matrices and agricultural products, leading to widespread human exposure. This systematic review evaluates the impact of OP exposure on pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes, synthesizing evidence from 58 epidemiological studies published between January 2001 and July 2024. Exposure assessment methods, including biomarkers such as urinary dialkyl phosphates, are critically examined. The review finds significant associations between OP exposure and increased risks of spontaneous abortion, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight and reduced head circumference. Potential mechanisms include paraoxonase 1 (PON1) genotype polymorphisms affecting detoxification capacity, oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic disruption, and altered placental gene networks. The review highlights inconsistencies across studies due to variability in exposure assessment, timing, and population susceptibility. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs, repeated biomarker measurements, and consideration of PON1 genetic variants to clarify causal relationships and susceptible windows. This comprehensive synthesis provides critical insights for regulatory policies and clinical interventions aimed at mitigating maternal and child health risks from OP exposure.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026012804
This study conducted online monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at a roadside site on a main arterial road in Haikou, a tropical city, during summer 2023 (June 25–September 30). A total of 56 VOCs were measured. The mean total VOC concentration (φ(TVOCs)) was (9.05 ± 6.24) nmol·mol−1, with concentrations in the order: alkanes > alkenes > aromatic hydrocarbons > alkynes, dominated by light alkanes. Alkenes and aromatic hydrocarbons contributed significantly to atmospheric chemical reactivity, while secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAFP) was limited, influenced by both VOC concentrations and temperature. VOC concentrations exhibited a pronounced bimodal diurnal pattern, consistent with traffic peaks. Ratio analysis indicated a Toluene/Benzene (T/B) ratio slightly higher than typical vehicle exhaust values, and an iso-Pentane/n-Pentane (i/n) ratio suggesting fuel evaporation influence. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified four sources: gasoline/LPG vehicle exhaust (49.9%), solvent use or vehicle evaporation (26.1%), diesel vehicle exhaust (14.9%), and biogenic sources (9.1%). SOAFP was mainly contributed by solvent use/evaporation (35.7%), gasoline/LPG exhaust (34.6%), diesel exhaust (22.0%), and biogenic sources (7.7%). These findings indicate that under tropical summer high-temperature conditions, roadside VOC pollution is predominantly traffic-related, with vehicle evaporation sources non-negligible, providing insights for evaluating vehicular impacts on particulate pollution.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3769-2
Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) are pivotal for sustainable hydrogen production, yet the corrosion-induced TiOx on porous transport layers (PTLs) introduces Schottky contact barriers and pinch-off effects, severely impeding charge transfer and efficiency. Here, a cost-effective MoIrOx coating via spray deposition and thermal treatment on Ti felts is proposed. The coating forms a conductive interlayer that establishes a Schottky barrier staircase, reducing the effective electron transfer barrier and isolating TiOx from the ionomer to mitigate the pinch-off effect. The optimal PTL achieves a current density of 3.27 A cm−2 at 2 V, surpassing uncoated Ti felts by 59.5%. The MoIrOx interlayer suppresses localized electron accumulation at the interface, enabling stable operation with ultra-low catalyst loadings by preventing direct ionomer-TiOx contact. This work demonstrates a scalable strategy to enhance PEMWE efficiency and durability while minimizing precious metal reliance, offering critical insights into interface engineering for electrolyzers.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202502081
Coal dust from open-pit mining severely impacts the mining area and surrounding environment, exhibiting significant dynamic changes. However, quantitative assessments of the pollution extent and multi-timescale evolution remain insufficient. Based on the Google Earth Engine platform and Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI/OLI-2 and Sentinel-2 MSI imagery from 2001 to 2024, we retrieved the enhanced coal dust index (ECDI) and coal dust pollution levels. Combined with the mine lifecycle stages, we revealed the temporal and spatial variations of coal dust in the Baorixile mining area. Annual and monthly remote sensing retrievals were stacked to construct multi-year and intra-annual dust impact frequency (DIF) indicators, precisely quantifying the spatial extent and frequency of coal dust pollution. Results show that from 2001 to 2024, the interannual coal dust pollution experienced three stages: fluctuating increase, significant decrease, and stabilization. The average pollution degree peaked at 0.41 in 2010 and remained between 0.18 and 0.22 from 2016 to 2024. The spatial pattern improved, converging from widespread diffusion to the open-pit and bare coal accumulation areas. From 2019 to 2023, intra-annual pollution increased then decreased, with summer most severe, followed by autumn, spring, and winter. Based on annual retrievals, 6 periods of multi-year DIF (2001-2024) were generated at 4-year intervals. The maximum impact range (DIF≥1) first expanded then contracted significantly; the perennial impact area (DIF=4) shifted from the southeast to the central-western open-pit, indicating a notable migration of dust disturbance gravity and effective control. Based on monthly retrievals, 6 periods of intra-annual DIF (2019-2024) were generated at 12-month intervals. The intra-annual DIF showed a gradient decreasing from the core operation area to the periphery. High-frequency zones (DIF≥9) were stably concentrated in the open-pit. The affected area fluctuated downward from 88.14 km² in 2019 to 72.84 km² in 2024. This study provides theoretical and data support for scientifically understanding and monitoring the ecological status of mining areas and formulating dust suppression measures.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202505106
Open-pit coal mining causes severe soil nutrient depletion, limiting vegetation restoration. This study, conducted in the Baiyinhua No.2 mining area (Inner Mongolia), evaluated the effects of different fertilization strategies on soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability and microbial community responses. A field experiment was established in May 2023 with five treatments: low (L), medium (M), and high (H) phosphorus inorganic fertilizers, green manure (GM), and a microbial fertilizer (MF) containing nitrogen-fixing and rhizobia bacteria, compared to a control (CK). Results showed that MF significantly increased total carbon (TC) from 8.47 to 10.17 g·kg⁻¹ and total nitrogen (TN) from 0.37 to 0.56 g·kg⁻¹, while H significantly increased available phosphorus (AP) from 9.78 to 26.28 mg·kg⁻¹. Both treatments significantly altered fungal community structure, with increased relative abundances of Gibberella and Alternaria. The study concludes that MF and H improve soil nutrient availability by modulating fungal communities, with MF offering a sustainable biological approach for mine reclamation. These findings provide targeted fertilization strategies for restoring degraded mining soils and advancing green mining practices.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202503016
Open-pit coal mining severely damages soil and plant community structure and function, causing soil nutrient loss and ecological degradation. Vegetation reconstruction is a key measure for restoring degraded mining ecosystems, with the core challenge being the selection of suitable plant species and optimization of plant configurations. This study focused on the degraded ecosystem of the Baiyinhua open-pit mine in Inner Mongolia, screening native plant species for vegetation reconstruction experiments to investigate early-stage changes in soil nutrient availability and the underlying microbial mechanisms. Results showed that soil physicochemical properties and fungal community diversity exhibited strong adaptability during early reconstruction. However, soil fungal community composition and the relative abundance of saprotrophic fungi differed significantly among plant configurations. Leymus chinensis significantly increased the proportion of soil saprotrophic fungi from 67.28% in the control to 81.63%, while reducing the relative proportion of pathogenic fungi from 15.63% to 4.33%, demonstrating its potential to enhance soil health. Medicago rivularis improved soil microbial community composition and increased soil available phosphorus content, highlighting its capacity as an excellent pioneer species for optimizing soil nutrient availability. Furthermore, mixed sowing of grasses and legumes showed potential to enhance the nitrogen-fixing effect of legumes. Given the significant positive correlation between soil fungal community composition and total nitrogen and available nitrogen, the effects of different plant configurations on soil nutrient availability and biological health likely stem largely from the regulation of soil fungal community composition. In conclusion, achieving the goal of selecting optimal plant configurations still requires long-term continuous observation and analysis, particularly for optimizing configurations between high-quality grasses like Leymus chinensis and legumes.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026020207
Although the production and use of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) have been completely banned in China since December 2021, historical production activities may still leave high-concentration residual contamination in localized areas. This study investigated a typical legacy site of historical HBCDs production in eastern China. Surface and core soil samples were systematically collected both inside and outside the former plant area to characterize the occurrence, spatial distribution, and environmental burden of HBCDs, and to evaluate associated human health risks. Results showed that HBCD concentrations in soils outside the plant area ranged from below detection limit to 6.90×10² ng·g⁻¹ dw, while those inside the plant area were substantially higher, reaching up to 1.18×10⁶ ng·g⁻¹ dw. γ-HBCD was the dominant isomer; however, its relative abundance was lower than that reported in commercial HBCD mixtures and in previous studies conducted near production facilities. Outside the plant, HBCDs concentrations in soil generally decreased with increasing distance from the site, yet remained detectable at a distance of approximately 10 km (15.2 ng·g⁻¹ dw). Within the plant area, HBCDs concentrations in soil cores decreased with depth, declining from 1.08×10⁴–1.18×10⁶ ng·g⁻¹ dw in surface soils to 1.05–93.5 ng·g⁻¹ dw at depths of about 4 m. Analysis of the relative cumulative environmental burden indicated that although HBCDs loads were highest in the near-source area, they gradually accumulated over a broader spatial scale. Approximately 23.7%, 40.1%, 60.0%, and 87.1% of the total estimated burden accumulated within 2 km, 2.81 km, 4 km, and 6 km from the site, respectively. Health risk assessment indicated that oral ingestion of soil was the primary exposure pathway for different populations. Localized high-contamination zones within the plant area contributed significantly to non-carcinogenic risks, while overall risks for children outside the plant area were at acceptable levels.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025032006
A thiol-functionalized Ti3C2Tx (SH-Ti3C2Tx) material was synthesized via chemical bonding of dithiothreitol (DTT) onto Ti3C2Tx MXene for the adsorptive removal of As(III) from water. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed a typical two-dimensional layered structure with DTT covalently attached. The adsorption of As(III) on SH-Ti3C2Tx followed the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating monolayer adsorption. At pH 7, the maximum adsorption capacity reached 55.6 mg·g−1, which is 2.8 times higher than that of pristine Ti3C2Tx (20 mg·g−1). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that As(III) uptake primarily occurred via formation of As–S bonds. To enable continuous treatment, SH-Ti3C2Tx was loaded onto melamine sponge via electrostatic interactions to fabricate a flow-through adsorption column (SH-Ti3C2Tx@MS). This column achieved removal efficiencies of 99.5% for both high (100 mg·L−1) and low (100 μg·L−1) As(III) concentrations, reducing effluent As(III) to below the World Health Organization guideline of 10 μg·L−1. The spent column could be regenerated using 1 mol·L−1 NaOH solution, retaining over 80% of its initial removal efficiency after five consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles. The SH-Ti3C2Tx material demonstrates significant potential for efficient and reusable removal of As(III) from contaminated waters.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3892-2
Single-atom co-catalysts on semiconductor substrates offer a cost-efficient route to enhance photocatalytic performance with minimal precious metal loading. However, precise tuning of local coordination environments and construction of efficient single-atom co-catalysts remain challenging for overall water splitting. Here, we employ an icing-assisted photochemical reduction strategy to anchor atomically dispersed Pt species as hydrogen evolution co-catalysts on Al3+-doped SrTiO3 (Pt SA-STO). The optimized Pt SA-STO exhibits remarkable activity, with hydrogen and oxygen evolution rates of 13.62 and 6.71 mmol h−1 g−1, respectively, and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 2114.5 h−1. We pioneer the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to quantitatively track the temporal evolution of Pt4+ to Pt2+ under continuous irradiation during the icing-assisted photoreduction. Advanced characterizations and theoretical calculations confirm that single-atom Pt co-catalysts facilitate directional transfer and extraction of photogenerated charge carriers, effectively suppressing surface recombination. This work provides insights into designing novel single-atom co-catalysts by deepening understanding of electronic configurations and active sites in photocatalytic overall water splitting.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4006-4
Hydrogels, despite their potential in flexible electronics and wearable sensors, often suffer from inadequate mechanical robustness under sustained loading. This study aims to overcome this limitation by developing a novel nanocomposite hydrogel system through the integration of calcium-polyoxometalate sub-nanometer wires (Ca-POM SNWs) into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. Utilizing a H2O/ethylene glycol (EG) binary solvent, the hydrogel achieves uniform dispersion of Ca-POM SNWs, which enhances mechanical properties through dual reinforcement mechanisms: stress dissipation via polymer-mimetic flexibility and crystallinity improvement via hydrophobic ligand-induced chain alignment. The resulting PVA/Ca-POM hydrogel exhibits exceptional performance, including a 2.4-fold increase in fracture stress (0.85 MPa), 3.8-fold toughness enhancement (2.76 MJ m−3), and high ionic conductivity (3.6 S m−1). As a strain sensor, it achieves a gauge factor of 2.56 with rapid response, enabling precise detection of both large joint movements and subtle physiological vibrations. A prototype Morse code communication system further demonstrates its potential in assistive healthcare technologies, facilitating barrier-free, real-time communication between disabled patients and clinicians. This work highlights a breakthrough in inorganic-organic interface compatibility, offering a versatile platform for next-generation wearable technologies and extreme-environment applications. The innovative design principles and multifunctional performance underscore its significance in advancing soft material engineering.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511095
To address the low temporal resolution of conventional monthly dustfall monitoring and the lack of component information, this study proposed a daily dustfall measurement method that adds a filtration step to the Chinese standard method, referencing international standards. Using a sand-core filtration device with quartz or mixed cellulose ester membranes, the method achieved a spiked recovery of 101.1% ± 1.2%, good parallelism (y = 0.95x + 0.28), and satisfactory temporal closure. During autumn–winter (November 2020 to March 2021) at a representative site in Xicheng District, Beijing, daily dustfall ranged from 0.06 to 2.33 t·(km²·d)−1. Days with daily dustfall exceeding 0.7 t·(km²·d)−1 accounted for only 4% of the sampling days but contributed 25% of the total dustfall, with high values mainly occurring in January, March, and December. The insoluble fraction averaged 83% ± 12%, and a logarithmic model (y = 9.36ln(x) + 99.98) was established to estimate the insoluble proportion from insoluble dustfall (x, ≤1.00). Daily dustfall showed a strong positive correlation with average wind speed, and an exponential prediction model (y = 0.06e0.61x) was derived. Windy conditions (≥3 on the Beaufort scale) significantly amplified dustfall. The study recommends suspending earthwork, covering bare ground, and increasing watering frequency during high-wind alerts to mitigate dust pollution. This work provides a reliable method for high-resolution dustfall monitoring and insights for targeted pollution control in urban core areas.
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.202608025
To evaluate heavy metal contamination and human health risks in desert lakes, this study analyzed concentrations of seven heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, As) in Hongjiannao Lake, Northern Shaanxi, from 2013 to 2024. The absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model quantitatively apportioned pollution sources, and a health risk assessment model evaluated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Results showed average concentrations of the seven metals did not exceed background values, but 28.57% of sampling points exceeded background for As, with a maximum exceedance factor of 1.92. Total average concentration decreased from 112.51 μg/L (2013–2016) to 58.80 μg/L (2017–2024), attributed to the 2016 closure of small coal mines and ecological restoration around the 4A scenic area. Source apportionment identified four sources: industrial (35.44%), agricultural (24.67%), natural (23.65%), and traffic (16.23%), indicating industrial dominance. Non-carcinogenic risks were negligible, but carcinogenic risks exceeded the alert value (1×10⁻⁴), with adults at higher risk than children. Oral ingestion was the primary exposure pathway. As and Cd were key control elements, with exceedance rates of 100% and 16.67%, respectively. These findings provide a theoretical basis for health risk prevention and environmental management.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4097-3
The on-demand patterning of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with tailored edges is critical for electronic and optoelectronic applications but remains technically challenging. Here, we report a stress-guided anisotropic etching strategy for producing large-area, well-ordered MoS2 nanostructures, including nano-ribbons and nano-squares, without templates. By applying uniaxial cumulative stress followed by selective thermal etching, MoS2 monolayers are statistically etched into ribbon-like structures whose width inversely correlates with applied stress magnitude. The newly etched edges are macroscopically straight or serrated, predominantly Mo-zigzag terminated, and enhance photoluminescence by a factor of ~8.0. The edge type depends on the angle between stress direction and crystallographic orientation, corroborated by theoretical calculations. Biaxial stressing generates well-defined nano-squares, offering a scalable, versatile patterning route for engineering 2D materials with tailored functional edges, promising for electrocatalytic and optoelectronic applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4003-7
The escalating electromagnetic (EM) pollution necessitates the development of high-performance microwave absorbers (MAs) with integrated functionalities. However, it is still a difficult problem to integrate more related high performances into the designed MAs. Herein, a sustainable strategy was reported for fabricating three-dimensional (3D) porous magnetic Ni@C-anchored carbon foams (Ni@C/CFs) with abundant heterointerfaces and magnetic Ni@C nanoparticles using 3D porous chitosan foams and Ni-nitrilotriacetic acid chelate (Ni-NAC) as precursors. The modulation of carbonization temperature and concentration of Ni-NAC solution contributed to the tunable carbon graphitization, Ni crystallinity and magnetic Ni@C nanoparticles loading, which effectively improved their EM properties and EM wave absorption performances (EMWAPs). The optimized 3D porous magnetic Ni@C/CFs not only exhibited exceptional EMWAPs with a minimum reflection loss (RL min) of −27.58 dB and an ultra-wide effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 7.20 GHz, but also presented efficient thermal insulation and strong antibacterial activity (>95% inhibition against E. coli), which mainly originated from their excellent magnetic-dielectric synergies and unique 3D hierarchical porous structures. Consequently, this work delivers a coherent design strategy for next-generation multifunctional absorbers with potential applications in EM protection, thermal management, and adaptive stealth technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4029-4
Chemical sensing technology is pivotal in modern industry and daily life, with sensor performance critically reliant on nanomaterials. While sensors based on traditional nanomaterials, such as inorganic semiconductors and organic conductive polymers, have achieved commercialization, they face persistent challenges. As an emerging subclass, conductive metal-organic frameworks (c-MOFs) not only inherit the core advantages of traditional MOFs—high specific surface area, porosity, and tunable composition/structure—but also offer adjustable electrical conductivity, rendering them ideal for sensing applications. This review systematically elucidates the construction and properties of c-MOFs across microscopic crystalline and macroscopic micro-nano structural scales. Special emphasis is placed on the structural design and regulation of c-MOFs for analytical sensing, and the intrinsic structure-performance relationship is clarified to achieve higher sensitivity, selectivity, response speed, and long-term stability, as well as other performance metrics. Finally, we comprehensively summarize the typical applications of c-MOFs-based sensors, covering environmental and safety monitoring, photoelectric detection, and health monitoring and diagnosis. At the same time, the key challenges existing in this field, such as the controllable preparation of high-quality single-crystal materials, the theoretical analysis of intrinsic electrically conductive mechanisms, and the balance between macroscopic material stability and the processing performance of devices, were evaluated. The future research directions should focus on developing new ligands and metal combinations to optimize the band structure, deepening the exploration of the mechanisms of emerging physical effects such as piezoelectricity, and promoting the integration and application of materials in practical scenarios such as flexible electronics and wearable devices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4274-x
The escalating power density of electronic devices necessitates effective visible-light shielding in advanced packaging to ensure circuit security and long-term reliability. Photosensitive polyimides (PSPI) serve dual roles as photodefinable dielectrics and structural layers, but intrinsically black PSPI (B-PSPI) suffer from competitive ultraviolet (UV) absorption between chromophores and photosensitive moieties, limiting co-optimization of deep visible-light blocking and lithographic resolution. Here, we report a main-/side-chain spatial decoupling strategy to synthesize a novel B-PSPI. By polymerizing pyromellitic dianhydride with a main-chain coloring monomer (4,4'-diaminodiphenylamine) and a side-chain photosensitive monomer (1,4-dihydropyridine-functionalized diamine), the monomer stoichiometric ratio is precisely engineered. This design spatially isolates functional groups and enhances charge transfer, yielding exceptional visible-light shielding (CIE L* index of 21.39, cut-off wavelength ≈ 555 nm) with good lithographic sensitivity. UV exposure triggers in situ generation of coordination sites from photosensitive groups, anchoring active metal species for electroless copper plating. This enables direct additive fabrication of fine copper lines (40/80 μm line width/spacing) with robust Cu/B-PSPI interfacial adhesion of 16.6 MPa. This work provides a robust molecular design paradigm for B-PSPI, integrating superior optical shielding and surface metallization for high-density interconnect applications.