SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4499-9
Two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectric materials have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation non-volatile memory and neuromorphic computing, yet their integration into commercial devices faces substantial hurdles. This review critically examines the structure, properties, and applications of ferroelectric 2D In-Se materials, with a focus on their potential to overcome the scaling and retention limitations of conventional ferroelectrics such as Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO). The manuscript synthesizes recent advances in In-Se ferroelectricity, including the mechanisms of polarization switching, modulation strategies, and device demonstrations. Key experimental benchmarks from the literature are analyzed, such as the high data retention and read endurance of 5-nm HZO ferroelectric FETs (IEEE Electron Device Lett, 2019, 40(3): 399-402) and the giant barrier height modulation in ferroelectric van der Waals heterojunctions (Nat Electron, 2020, 3: 466-472). The review also highlights the performance of sliding ferroelectric memories based on rhombohedral-stacked bilayer MoS2, which achieved non-volatile storage with low power consumption (Nat Commun, 2024, 15: 10796). Despite these advances, critical challenges remain: the scalability of In-Se synthesis, the control of domain dynamics at the nanoscale, and the cost parity with silicon-based technologies. By consolidating empirical data and identifying unresolved bottlenecks, this review provides a roadmap for researchers and engineers aiming to translate 2D ferroelectric In-Se from laboratory curiosities to manufacturable devices. The analysis underscores the need for standardized metrology and accelerated lifetime testing to validate industrial viability.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4417-x
Balancing mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and soft magnetic performance in structural-functional integrated materials remains a persistent metallurgical challenge. This study reports a face-centered cubic (FCC) Fe40Co35Ni15Al3Ta2Cr5 (at.%) high-entropy alloy (HEA) that achieves an unprecedented combination of these properties. The alloy exhibits a tensile strength of ~1200 MPa, total elongation of ~25%, saturation magnetization of 101.54 Am2·kg-1, and coercivity of 267.34 A·m-1. These values surpass most reported magnetic HEAs and conventional soft magnetic alloys. In a simulated 3.50 wt.% NaCl seawater environment, the alloy demonstrates a corrosion current density of 3.99 × 10-7 A·cm-2, comparable to 316L stainless steel. The synergy arises from nanoprecipitate engineering within the FCC matrix, which impedes dislocation motion while maintaining magnetic domain wall mobility and promoting a protective passive film. This work provides a design pathway for soft magnetic structural-functional materials suitable for corrosive marine environments, where simultaneous load-bearing and magnetic actuation are required.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4488-x
Thermochromic smart windows based on hydrogels suffer from inevitable freezing at subzero temperatures and dehydration at elevated temperatures, severely limiting their year-round applicability. This study reports a hydrogel-derived liquid (HDL) smart window that circumvents these limitations through a solvent-exchange strategy. The HDL is synthesized by polymerizing a hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) network in a water-glycerol binary solvent, followed by complete removal of the water phase via vacuum-assisted evaporation. The resulting anhydrous liquid exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 32 °C, with a solar modulation ability (ΔTsol) of 63.2% and a luminous transmittance (Tlum) of 88.1% in the clear state. Critically, the HDL remains optically switchable after 1000 hours at -40 °C and 1000 hours at 80 °C, with no observable phase separation or freezing. The smart window prototype demonstrates a 12.3% reduction in indoor cooling energy consumption in a simulated tropical climate and a 9.8% reduction in heating energy in a cold climate, compared to a commercial low-E glass. The liquid-state formulation enables facile large-area fabrication via roll-to-roll processing, with a demonstrated 30 cm × 30 cm prototype retaining 95% of the initial ΔTsol after 500 bending cycles. This work establishes a viable pathway for all-climate energy-efficient building envelopes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4294-4
Room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) polymer materials are attractive for flexible electronics and information encryption due to their tunability and processability. However, achieving polymeric RTP systems that simultaneously exhibit high thermal sensitivity, reversible multicolor emission, and long phosphorescence lifetime (τPhos) with high quantum yield (ΦPhos) remains challenging. Here, we report an in-situ cross-linked self-assembly strategy that converts flexible polymers into rigid polymer microspheres, yielding long τPhos, high ΦPhos, and thermally and time-dependent tunable RTP. The resulting microspheres (PM0.1-0.01-1) exhibit a maximum τPhos of 1754 ms and ΦPhos of 42.83%, markedly superior to previously reported intrinsic polymer RTP materials. At 77 K, they display ultralong green emission with a lifetime of 6019 ms and visible afterglow lasting up to 99 s. The cross-linked microspheres enable time-dependent, continuously tunable RTP and thermally responsive color switching, while maintaining excellent phosphorescence stability in aqueous and high-temperature environments. This provides a versatile platform for dynamic information encryption, full-color afterglow LEDs, and temperature sensing. The strategy establishes a general design principle for developing multidimensional, controllable, and stable high-performance polymer RTP materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4273-3
Freestanding membranes have driven a profound evolution of strain engineering by fundamentally overcoming the substrate clamping effect. This structural degree of freedom enables the introduction of spatially complex, reversible, and giant strain fields into the membranes via mechanical manipulations such as stretching, bending, and interfacial twisting, ultimately facilitating the modulation of diverse physical properties. This review systematically discusses recent experimental and theoretical advances in the field, highlighting the modulation of physical properties via uniaxial/biaxial strain, strain gradients, and oxide twist. These mechanical strain strategies substantially broaden the range of achievable material properties, furthermore provide fundamentally new pathways for realizing unconventional mechanical behaviors, inducing emergent polar topological structures, and exploring correlated electronic states. Finally, this review summarizes current methodologies for implementing emergent strain engineering of oxide membranes, delves into the profound impacts of spatially complex strain on the fundamental physical properties of freestanding oxides, and offers a forward-looking perspective on the tremendous opportunities and challenges in this rapidly evolving field.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4302-9
The pre-deposited lead iodide (PbI2) film in two-step inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) often exhibits a dense structure, which impedes the diffusion and reaction of organic ammonium salts, leading to unreacted PbI2 residues and compromised device performance. To address this, 2,4-oxazolidinedione (OD) is introduced as a molecule additive into the PbI2 precursor solution. Owing to its stronger coordination with PbI2, OD effectively modulates its crystallization behavior, resulting in a porous structure. This porous structure significantly facilitates the diffusion and infiltration of organic ammonium salts, thereby minimizing PbI2 residue and enhancing the completeness of the perovskite conversion. Furthermore, OD and the constructed porous network jointly retard the crystallization kinetics of perovskite, promoting the formation of perovskite films with improved crystallinity and preferred crystal orientation. Therefore, the optimized PSCs achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.31%, and demonstrate excellent operational stability, retaining 90.24% of initial PCE for 1500 h at 25°C and 90.47% after 1000 h at 65°C. The champion device exhibits a VOC of 1.197 V, a JSC of 26.28 mA cm-2, and an FF of 83.58%, with negligible hysteresis. This study presents a straightforward yet effective approach to advancing the performance and stability of inverted PSCs fabricated via the two-step method.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4319-x
This erratum corrects an error in the Acknowledgments section of the original article 'Investigation on graphene growth by roll-to-roll chemical vapor deposition' published in Science China Materials, Vol. 65, Issue 4, page 1042, 2022. The authors regret that the funding number (No. (2021)105) for the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program was incorrectly used. The correct funding number is No. KQTD20200820113010022. The authors apologize for any inconvenience caused. This correction does not affect the scientific content, results, or conclusions of the original paper. The original research focused on the kinetics of graphene growth via roll-to-roll chemical vapor deposition (CVD), a scalable method for producing high-quality graphene films. The study addressed challenges in continuous manufacturing, such as uniformity, growth rate, and defect control, and provided insights into optimizing process parameters for industrial-scale production. The erratum ensures accurate attribution of funding sources, maintaining the integrity of the research record.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4385-1
Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are effective hole-selective contacts for inverted perovskite solar cells, but scalable deposition on rough substrates is hindered by molecular aggregation, disordered packing, and incomplete adsorption. We propose a hybrid strategy incorporating 4-(Piperidin-4-yl)butanoic acid hydrochloride (PBACl) into the 4PABCz solution during dip-coating. PBACl suppresses aggregation via hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions, yielding homogeneous coverage and improved wettability. The piperidine and carboxyl groups passivate buried interfacial defects through hydrogen bonding and coordination with perovskites. Small-area cells achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.09%, while a 5 cm × 5 cm mini-module (aperture area 14.4 cm²) delivers 23.29% PCE. Encapsulated devices retain 80% of initial PCE after 1350 h maximum power point tracking under continuous illumination. This ion modulation strategy bridges molecular-level interface control with scalable processing, offering a pathway to industrially relevant perovskite photovoltaics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4369-1
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage due to sodium's abundance and low cost. Among cathode materials, polyanionic compounds like Na3V2(PO4)2O2F (NVPOF) offer high energy density and dual voltage plateaus at ~3.6 and 4.0 V, but suffer from low electronic conductivity and sluggish Na+ diffusion. Here, we report a dual-modulation strategy combining high-valence Nb5+ doping and polydopamine-derived carbon coating to synthesize Na3V1.94Nb0.06(PO4)2O2F-C (NVPOF-Nb-C) via a hydrothermal route. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement confirm that Nb5+ doping induces slight lattice expansion without altering the tetragonal I4/mmm framework. Density functional theory calculations reveal that Nb5+ doping optimizes the crystal structure and reduces the Na+ diffusion barrier, while the uniform carbon coating enhances electron transport. Consequently, NVPOF-Nb-C exhibits remarkably improved electrochemical performance, including high reversible capacity, excellent rate capability, and ultralong cycling stability. In a full cell with hard carbon anode, it delivers a high energy density of 487.2 Wh kg−1 at 1C and retains 91.51% capacity after 3000 cycles at 20C. This work provides a synergistic strategy to overcome the intrinsic limitations of polyanionic cathodes for practical SIB applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4180-9
Developing highly active and stable electrocatalysts based on the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) represents a significant challenge in water splitting. Herein, we successfully introduce oxygen vacancies (Ov) into high-entropy MnFeCoNiCu layered double hydroxides (HE-LDHs) via a solution chemical reduction method utilizing a defect engineering strategy. By precisely tuning the concentration of oxygen vacancies, we effectively activate the lattice oxygen within the HE-LDHs. The optimized Ov-rich high-entropy LDHs (Ov-HE-LDHs) exhibit excellent OER catalytic performance, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a remarkably low overpotential of only 210 mV in 1.0 M KOH electrolyte, which is substantially superior to pristine HE-LDHs (315 mV) and commercial IrO2 (330 mV). Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrates outstanding long-term stability, capable of stable operation for 500 h at a high current density of approximately 200 mA cm−2. Advanced X-ray absorption fine structure analysis elucidates the lower metal valence states, indicating the existence of oxygen vacancies, while isotope labeling experiments and in-situ electrochemical Raman spectroscopy strongly confirm the successful activation of the LOM pathway. Density functional theory calculations further validate that the shift in the OER mechanism towards LOM and the resulting reduction in the reaction energy barrier are the fundamental reasons for the catalyst’s enhanced intrinsic activity. This work proposes a novel strategy for activating lattice oxygen in high-entropy LDHs through defect engineering, offering new insights and experimental guidance for the design and development of highly efficient and stable high-entropy OER electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4293-9
Traditional soft magnetic alloys (SMAs) suffer from a performance trade-off where enhancing magnetic properties often compromises mechanical and other properties, limiting their use in high-efficiency power systems and advanced electronics. The design concept of medium- and high-entropy alloys (M/HEAs) offers a pathway to overcome this limitation. By leveraging multi-principal-element compositions and tailorable microstructures, medium- and high-entropy soft magnetic alloys (M/HE-SMAs) can integrate superior soft magnetic properties with exceptional mechanical strength-ductility synergy, high electrical resistivity, good thermal stability, and excellent corrosion resistance. This article reviews design strategies for synergistic enhancement of multiple properties in M/HE-SMAs, including blending multiple ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic elements into solid solution, inducing local chemical order, tailoring nanoprecipitates, controlling grain size, and engineering dual/multi-phase structures. The cooperative interactions among these strategies are discussed. Potential research directions for further development and practical applications are proposed.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4203-7
The solution process holds great promise for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) fabrication owing to its minimal material loss, simple processing and low equipment investment. However, solution-processed blue OLEDs still face the challenges of low electroluminescence efficiency and poor working stability. In this study, two new cross-linkable blue light-emitting molecules, v-4CzBn and v-5CzBn, were synthesized. They featured a multicarbazole-substituted benzonitrile donor–acceptor structure as the emitting core, with two vinyl phenyl units on the carbazole rings serving as cross-linking groups. A singlet–triplet energy gap of ΔEST ≤ 0.10 eV and a high reverse intersystem crossing rate (kRISC > 10^6 s−1) were achieved because the three-dimensionally confined covalent network structure formed through a thermal cross-linking reaction limited intramolecular motions and vibrational relaxations of luminescent units. Moreover, this structure suppressed irreversible morphological changes and structural deterioration of light-emitting units due to aggregation or crystallization, improving the light-emitting performance of the device. Nondoped solution-processed OLEDs with the structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/TFB/S-4CzBn/TPBi/LiF/Al exhibited blue emission with a peak at 488 nm, achieving a maximum external quantum efficiency of 12.01%, a maximum luminance of 11,141.15 cd m−2, and a T50 lifetime of 1375.66 h@100 cd m−2. This result represents the longest operational lifetime reported to date for solution-process devices with cross-linked emitting layers.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4233-8
Ferroelectrics with intrinsic electric polarization are indispensable for non-volatile storage and computing-in-memory chips. However, conventional perovskite ferroelectrics suffer from size effects that degrade functional properties at reduced dimensions, limiting nanoscale applications. Fluorite-based ferroelectrics, such as HfO2 and ZrO2, maintain ferroelectricity in nanocrystalline films and are compatible with Si-based processes, but their ferroelectricity relies on a metastable orthorhombic (O) phase that is thermodynamically unstable at room temperature, leading to wake-up effects, fatigue, and reduced reliability. Previous stabilization strategies (stress, doping, oxygen vacancies) lack atomic-level verification or depend on specific processing conditions. This highlight discusses a recent Nature Materials study by Wang et al. that demonstrates grain boundary (GB) chemical engineering as a new paradigm. Using a La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) buffer layer, they achieved stable O-phase ZrO2 films. Atomic-scale HAADF and EELS revealed ordered GBs with selective segregation of La, Sr, and Mn, forming chemically ordered heterostructures. First-principles calculations showed that the ordered eg/t2g orbital arrangement of Mn3+/Mn4+ at GBs softens phonon modes by regulating Zr–O bond strength, stabilizing the ferroelectric phase. This work establishes GBs as independent functional units, offering a universal approach for designing highly stable metastable functional materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3755-8
Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics, including potassium sodium niobate (KNN), bismuth sodium titanate (BNT), and barium titanate, are promising alternatives to lead-based counterparts due to environmental regulations. However, their functional properties—piezoelectric coefficient, mechanical quality factor, dielectric loss, Curie temperature, and thermal stability—remain inferior. Oxygen vacancy engineering has emerged as a key strategy to optimize these properties via defect modulation. Oxygen vacancies, prevalent point defects, arise from high-temperature processing, non-stoichiometry, volatile oxide evaporation, or reducing atmospheres. Acceptor doping and post-processing annealing further increase their concentration. These defects influence electrical conduction, piezoelectric/dielectric behavior, and catalytic activity. They exist as lattice vacancies, domain wall vacancies, grain boundary vacancies, and defect dipoles with cation vacancies. Their presence induces lattice distortion, hinders domain wall motion, increases coercive field, and enhances mechanical quality factor via hardening. Defect dipoles align with spontaneous polarization, creating internal bias fields that pin domains, reducing losses. Quantification of oxygen vacancies remains challenging; concentrations below 1 at% in NBT and KNN are difficult to detect. Techniques like XPS have reliability issues. A combination of impedance spectroscopy, XPS/STEM, EPR/PAS is recommended. Defect chemistry modeling, using acceptor doping to fill vacancies, allows inference of non-stoichiometry ranges. For NBT, Bi deficiency of 0.0017–0.0033 and O deficiency of 0.0025–0.0050 were calculated, corresponding to Na0.5Bi0.4967–0.4983TiO3.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3746-x
The polyanionic compound Na3V2(PO4)2O2F (NVPOF) possesses a stable three-dimensional framework, high theoretical specific capacity, and favorable operating voltage, yet its sluggish Na+ diffusion kinetics and low electronic conductivity impede industrial application. This study proposes a dual regulation strategy combining carbon coating and heat treatment temperature to synergistically enhance crystallinity and electrochemical performance. NVPOF@C-400 and NVPOF@C-600 were synthesized via in-situ dopamine hydrochloride coating followed by heat treatment at 400 °C and 600 °C, respectively. Carbon coating at 600 °C significantly improved crystallinity and increased electronic conductivity by three orders of magnitude through the carbon layer's conductive network. The ~4.5 nm carbon layer effectively suppressed abnormal grain growth and secondary crystallization aggregation at high temperatures, maintaining uniform particle size of approximately 0.36 μm, which shortens Na+ diffusion pathways and prevents ion transport obstruction. Consequently, NVPOF@C-600 delivered a high discharge capacity of 102.5 mAh g−1 at 20 C and retained 96.5% capacity after 10,000 cycles. In a full-cell configuration with hard carbon (HC), NVPOF@C-600//HC achieved an impressive 89.3% capacity retention after 9,000 cycles. This work provides critical insights for practical implementation of high-performance NVPOF cathodes in sodium-ion batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3710-y
Layered transition metal oxide cathodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) suffer from Jahn–Teller distortion of MnO6, Na+/vacancy ordering, and irreversible lattice oxygen loss, causing capacity fading and voltage decay. Here, we report a P2-type material, Na0.67Ni0.3Mn0.6Li0.09Sn0.01O2 (NNMO-Li0.09Sn0.01), co-doped with closed-shell Li+ and Sn4+ ions. Li+ increases the Mn4+/Mn3+ ratio, mitigating Jahn–Teller distortion, and disrupts Ni/Mn ordering, suppressing Na+/vacancy ordering. Sn4+ forms stronger Sn–O bonds (548 kJ mol−1), enhancing bonding between transition metal ions and oxygen, reducing oxygen loss. NNMO-Li0.09Sn0.01 delivers a specific capacity of 90.3 mAh g−1 with 62.9% capacity retention after 50 cycles at 0.1 C (1 C = 200 mA g−1), and 90.3% voltage retention. This closed-shell substitution strategy offers a viable approach for enhancing structural stability of wide-voltage layered oxide cathodes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3748-9
Direct regeneration is a sustainable solution for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), yet the irregular strains induced by the irreversible FePO4 phase after cycling hinder Li+ replenishment in spent LiFePO4 cathodes. This study proposes a lattice stress modulation strategy that reduces FePO4 to Fe2P2O7, reducing unit cell volume from 271.7 to 122.6 Å3, releasing residual stress and reconstructing continuous Li+ transport channels. The phase transformation reconstructs FeO6 octahedra, lowering the migration energy barrier for ions. This synergistically weakens steric effects, facilitating Li+ replenishment and eliminating Li-Fe anti-site defects. Regenerated LiFePO4 cathodes achieve 80.2% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 2C, outperforming commercial cathodes. The work establishes fundamental principles for the pre-treatment stage of direct regeneration and provides a paradigm-shifting solution for sustainable LIB recycling.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507054
In many Chinese wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), residual chlorine is still manually monitored at low frequencies, leading to imprecise disinfectant dosing. This study systematically compared four machine learning models—backpropagation (BP) neural network, long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network, random forest (RF), and support vector regression (SVR)—for predicting chlorine consumption (i.e., the difference between chlorine dose and residual chlorine) during non-monitoring periods under different residual chlorine monitoring frequencies (every 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h). Using data from Plant A (equipped with online residual chlorine monitoring) and Plants B and C (manual monitoring every 6 h and 8 h, respectively), input variables included online water quality indicators (temperature, flow, NH3-N, CODCr, TP, TN) and chlorine dose. Results showed that at 1-h intervals, LSTM achieved the highest prediction accuracy; at 2–4-h intervals, RF performed best; at 6-h or lower frequencies, BP was superior; SVR performed worst across all frequencies. Validation on Plants B and C confirmed BP's optimal performance under low-frequency conditions, and particle swarm optimization (PSO) significantly improved its accuracy. These findings provide a basis for selecting appropriate machine learning models for chlorine consumption prediction under varying monitoring frequencies, particularly low-frequency manual monitoring, thereby supporting precise disinfectant dosing control.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0021
Red mud, an industrial solid waste from alumina production, poses severe environmental challenges. This study presents a resource-efficient strategy to convert red mud into high-performance microwave absorbing materials. FexOy/TiO2/C composites were synthesized via a sol-gel method using starch as carbon source, followed by carbothermal reduction. The phase composition and microstructure were optimized by adjusting calcination temperature and raw material ratio. The optimal sample, RmCT-5.4-700, exhibited a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -30.2 dB at 14.0 GHz with an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.3 GHz at a coating thickness of 2.0 mm. The superior absorption performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of dielectric components (TiO2, graphitized carbon) and magnetic components (Fe3O4/Fe). Carbothermal reduction introduces defects that induce dipole polarization, while the conductive network formed by graphitized carbon and Fe3O4/Fe particles enhances conductive loss. Heterogeneous interfaces between Fe3O4, Fe, TiO2, and the red mud matrix promote interfacial polarization. The magnetic loss of Fe3O4/Fe improves impedance matching, facilitating electromagnetic wave penetration and absorption. This work not only provides a novel route for red mud valorization but also contributes to the high-value utilization of solid wastes.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112804
The rapid dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments poses serious threats to public health and environmental safety under the 'One Health' framework. Nanoplastics (NPs), as co-occurring pollutants, can exacerbate ARG risks by promoting horizontal gene transfer (HGT), yet the influence of different functional groups on extracellular ARG (eARG) transformation remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of carboxy-modified polystyrene NPs (PS-COOH) and amino-functionalized polystyrene NPs (PS-NH2) compared to unmodified polystyrene NPs (PS) on the transformation of the extracellular resistance plasmid IE-V1955 (carrying an ampicillin resistance gene) into Escherichia coli DH5α. Results showed that PS-COOH exposure promoted plasmid transformation similarly to PS, with effects increasing over 0.1–20 mg·L−1. Low concentrations (0.1–0.5 mg·L−1) of PS-NH2 also enhanced transformation, with stronger effects than PS-COOH at equal doses, whereas high concentrations (1–20 mg·L−1) inhibited it. Mechanistically, PS-COOH (0.1–20 mg·L−1) and low PS-NH2 induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased cell membrane permeability, elevated the protein-to-polysaccharide ratio in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and promoted biofilm formation, thereby facilitating transformation. High PS-NH2 concentrations caused excessive ROS leading to cell lysis and formed aggregates with plasmids larger than membrane pores, blocking uptake. These findings provide a theoretical basis for assessing the combined environmental health risks of NPs and ARGs.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025121001
Ion chromatography (IC) is the core analytical method for qualitative and quantitative determination of anions in complex water environments, and its separation efficiency highly depends on the performance of the stationary phase. This review systematically summarizes recent progress in the preparation and functionalization of IC stationary phases, addressing the urgent need for high selectivity and sensitivity in water anion analysis. The characteristics of organic polymer-based and inorganic-based matrices are compared, highlighting the advantages of polymer matrices such as poly(methacrylate), poly(vinyl alcohol), polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB), and ethylvinylbenzene-divinylbenzene (EVB-DVB) in terms of wide pH tolerance (e.g., pH 0–14 for PS-DVB) and organic solvent compatibility, which allow the use of strong acid or base eluents. Various functionalization strategies are discussed, including the introduction of quaternary ammonium groups, hydrophilic modifications, and grafting of functional layers, which enhance separation selectivity and detection capability. The review also covers the development of hybrid stationary phases and the application of IC in monitoring trace pollutants in water, such as bromate, chlorite, chlorate, fluoride, and nitrate, as regulated by Chinese standards (GB 5749—2022). Future trends are projected, focusing on novel materials for precise identification and high-throughput monitoring. The paper provides a comprehensive reference for the design of high-performance stationary phases, emphasizing the importance of matrix selection and surface chemistry in achieving robust and sensitive anion analysis.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.0000/202604-1
An analytical method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 11 organic ultraviolet absorbents (OUVs) in coral tissues using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Target analytes included benzophenones (BP, BP-2, BP-3, BP-8) and other common UV filters. Sample pretreatment and chromatographic conditions were systematically optimized. Coral tissue samples were extracted by combined vortexing and ultrasonication, separated on a CAPCELL PAK MG C18 column using a mobile phase of methanol-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution under gradient elution, and determined by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with internal standard quantification. Method validation demonstrated good linearity for all target compounds over the range of 0.1–500 μg·L−1 (R2 > 0.990), with method detection limits ranging from 0.020 to 0.133 ng·g−1. The mean recoveries at low, medium, and high spiking levels ranged from 60.5% to 120.3%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.6%–10.7%. The method offers advantages of simple pretreatment, good repeatability, and high accuracy, making it suitable for high-throughput determination of OUVs in complex biological matrices such as corals. The method was applied to analyze 89 coral samples collected from Xidao Island, Sanya, and five target OUVs were detected in the samples. This method provides reliable technical support for elucidating the accumulation characteristics of OUVs in corals and assessing their potential ecological risks.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225204
Cobalt-doped silica aerogel (Co@Si-A) catalysts were synthesized via a one-step sol-gel method and applied for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation to degrade tetracycline (TC). The catalyst with 25 wt% cobalt doping (25Co@Si-A) exhibited superior catalytic performance, achieving 98.97% TC degradation within 30 min under specified conditions (TC 10 mg/L, 100 mL). Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis revealed a high specific surface area and well-developed porous architecture with nano-confined spaces. The 25Co@Si-A/PMS system demonstrated outstanding adaptability across a broad pH range (5–9), maintaining >95% degradation efficiency, and showed strong resistance to sulfate and nitrate ions. In real water matrices, degradation efficiency remained around 80%. After five consecutive cycles, the system retained 82.33% degradation efficiency, with cobalt ion leaching of only 23.7 μg/L in the first cycle, indicating excellent stability. Mechanistic studies using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), radical quenching, and probe compound tests confirmed a synergistic radical and non-radical pathway. The primary reactive species were sulfate radicals (SO4•−), hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and singlet oxygen (1O2), with contributions of 58.53%, 9.79%, and 31.68%, respectively. Electrochemical tests indicated that 25Co@Si-A exhibited superior charge transfer compared to Co3O4, attributed to the nano-confined effect of the silica aerogel, which enhanced Co(II)/Co(III) redox cycling and PMS activation. This research provides a promising strategy for utilizing silica aerogel-based catalysts in advanced oxidation processes for water treatment.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225227
Imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) are foundational materials in sustainable chemical engineering due to their negligible volatility, exceptional thermal stability, and tunable properties. This study details the development, optimization, and analysis of an industrial-scale green synthesis pathway for 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) via quaternization of N-methylimidazole with 1-chlorobutane. Reaction parameters were optimized using orthogonal experimental design, and process intensification strategies were implemented to enhance efficiency and environmental sustainability. The optimal conditions were identified as a reaction temperature of 76 °C, a molar ratio of N-methylimidazole to 1-chlorobutane of 1:1.3, and a reaction time of 36 h, achieving a single-pass yield of 95.6%. Kinetic studies revealed a significant correlation between temperature, molar ratio, and conversion efficiency, with an activation energy (Ea) of approximately 135.7 kJ/mol, indicating pronounced temperature dependence. A closed-loop material recycling system was designed, enabling recovery rates of 99.5% for 1-chlorobutane and 98.1% for ethyl acetate, thereby curtailing raw material consumption and waste generation. This approach aligns with green chemistry principles and propels the process toward near-zero emissions. The pathway offers a scalable model for [Bmim]Cl manufacture and a transferable strategy for synthesizing other ionic liquids, representing a substantial advancement in sustainable process engineering.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3634-0
Messenger RNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) vaccines have demonstrated extraordinary efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, establishing LNPs as the premier platform for mRNA therapeutics. However, the pervasive presence of anti-polyethylene glycol (PEG) antibodies undermines PEGylated LNP performance by diminishing therapeutic efficacy. To address this challenge, we synthesized a panel of lipid-poly(2-oxazoline) (lipid-POx) conjugates as alternatives to lipid-PEG and systematically evaluated how their polymer backbone, degree of polymerization, and lipid tail structure influence LNP physicochemical properties and mRNA delivery performance. Among POx-LNPs formulated with heptadecan-9-yl 8-((2-hydroxyethyl)(6-oxo-6-(undecyloxy)hexyl)amino)octanoate (SM-102) as the base lipid, those constructed with single-tailed C18-POx exhibited smaller particle sizes and superior freeze-thaw stability. These C18-POx-LNPs maintained comparable in vivo transfection efficiency to PEG-LNPs even when fully replacing 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3 (DMG)-PEG. Notably, in mice bearing pre-existing anti-PEG antibodies, C18-POx-LNPs demonstrated over 200-fold higher transfection efficiency than PEG-LNPs. Additionally, repeated administration of POx-LNPs induced dose-dependent anti-POx immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG responses, with antibody titers inversely correlated with POx hydrophilicity. This study underscores the effectiveness of substituting PEG with POx in LNP construction to address the transfection efficiency in populations with pre-existing anti-PEG antibodies, and would inspire the development of more hydrophilic polymers for LNP formulation.
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.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60630-X
Chemical looping methane steam reforming (CL-MSR) enables sequential production of high-selectivity syngas and high-purity hydrogen via redox cycling, yet single iron-based oxygen carriers suffer from poor cycling stability, low reactivity, and sintering. This study modified Fe2O3/Al2O3 oxygen carriers with Cu, La, and Ce additives via dip-coating, and systematically characterized their physicochemical properties, reactivity, and hydrogen production performance. Results showed that spinel-phase CuFe2O4 exhibited higher reactivity than perovskite LaFeO3 and CeO2, promoting deeper reduction of Fe2O3. Fe58Cu2Al achieved an oxygen storage capacity of 6.5 mmol/g. During CH4 reaction, Fe58Cu2Al exhibited the highest oxygen loss of 12.1 g/100 g oxygen carrier, with syngas yield of 5.15 mmol/g—1.33 and 1.59 times that of Fe60Al. In hydrogen production, the 2% Cu-modified carrier yielded 5.13 mmol/g H2, 1.51 times that of pristine Fe60Al, with purity exceeding 98%. After ten cycles, H2 yield remained at 3.61 mmol/g, surpassing the single-cycle output of pristine Fe60Al (3.39 mmol/g), demonstrating superior dispersion and coking resistance. The study establishes Cu modification as an effective strategy to enhance reactivity and cyclic stability of iron-based oxygen carriers for CL-MSR hydrogen production.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605023
Identifying the characteristics of carbon emissions and driving forces of the railway sector is essential for formulating effective measures to develop a green and low-carbon railway industry. This study systematically evaluated the direct and indirect carbon emissions from 2016 to 2021 generated by the railway sector of China, and analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamic changes of the carbon emissions. On this basis, by adopting the LMDI model, the key factors affecting the carbon emissions of railway sector were discerned. Moreover, the variations in the dominant factors of the carbon emissions over time, and the spatial heterogeneities in the dominant factors of the carbon emissions of the 18 railway bureaus, were analyzed. The results show that: 1) During the periods from 2016 to 2021, the carbon emissions of China's railway sector showed an overall upward trend, increasing from 57.7486 million tons to 64.2084 million tons, by 11.2%. The Shanghai Bureau, Beijing Bureau, Zhengzhou Bureau, Chengdu Bureau and Guangzhou Bureau substantially contributed to the increases of railway carbon emissions. In spatial, the carbon emissions of the 18 railway bureaus were characterized by lower emissions in the west and higher emissions in the east, mainly due to the regional differences in the socio-economic development, industrial structure and population density; 2) During 2016 to 2021, the decline in energy consumption intensity reduced the carbon emissions of the railway sector by 18.8654 million tons, while the changes in carbon emission intensity, economic benefits of per unit passenger and freight turnover, and operating capacity led to an increase of a sum of 25.3252 million tons of carbon emissions. When decomposing the contributions of each factor by sub-periods, it can be found that the impacts of these factors on the carbon emissions changed over time. Only the factor of carbon emission intensity showed a promoting effect in all sub-periods, the other three factors, as energy consumption intensity, economic benefits of per unit passenger and freight turnover, and operating capacity, had a conversion between promoting and inhibiting effects. 3) The dominant factors of carbon emissions across the 18 railway bureaus exhibited spatial heterogeneity. For instance, operating capacity was the main promoting factor for bureaus like Taiyuan, Beijing, Lanzhou, Nanning, Hohhot, Urumqi, and Qinghai-Tibet, while energy consumption intensity was the main inhibiting factor. For Shanghai, Kunming, Wuhan, Chengdu, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, Jinan, Shenyang, Nanchang, and Guangzhou, economic benefits per unit turnover was the main promoting factor, with energy consumption intensity as the main inhibiting factor. For Harbin, energy consumption intensity was the main promoting factor, while economic benefits per unit turnover was the main inhibiting factor. 4) The railway sector can reduce carbon emissions by optimizing transport organization to reduce empty car rates, optimizing energy structure, and retrofitting infrastructure for energy efficiency, while implementing differentiated emission reduction strategies tailored to each bureau's characteristics.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605024
The refined quantification of carbon footprint in engineering construction projects is critical for formulating targeted carbon reduction strategies during the materialization phase. This study integrates material flow analysis (MFA) with the emission factor method to establish a panoramic carbon flow model for engineering projects. Construction activities are categorized into processing and construction, and office and daily operations, clarifying material and carbon flow relationships within the system boundary and with external systems. Empirical analysis was conducted on the Hejiawan Bridge of Section 11 of the Xiyu High-Speed Railway. Results show that the total carbon flow amounts to 27,482,432.11 kg CO2eq, with direct carbon flow (fuel oil, gasoline) accounting for 7.6% and indirect carbon flow (products, transportation, electricity) accounting for 92.4%. From the material flow perspective, the total carbon flow comprises product carbon flow (72.88%), resource and energy carbon flow (25.73%), transportation carbon flow (1.04%), waste carbon flow (0.35%), and service carbon flow (0.01%). In terms of activity scope, construction-related carbon flow accounts for 99.17%, while office and daily operations account for 0.46%. Two indicators, material consumption carbon flow rate and energy consumption carbon flow rate, are proposed for the first time. Comparative analysis of five girder bridges reveals that the Hejiawan Bridge has a material consumption carbon flow rate of 3.91 kg CO2eq/kg, ranking highest among similar bridges, while its energy consumption carbon flow rate is 13.40 kg CO2eq/kg ec, at a medium level. The assessment indicates relatively high material consumption, suggesting potential for carbon reduction through structural and geological optimization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3830-6
Controlled fabrication of artificial multiple-stranded helices is central to deciphering chirality complexity and hierarchical self-assembly processes. Inspired by biological helical nanostructures, we designed a twisted figure-of-eight chiral macrocycle (M1) from pyrene and benzene diimide subcomponents to direct hierarchical assembly of double- and quadruple-stranded superhelices. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that M1 undergoes charge-transfer and CH···π interactions-driven helical wrapping, forming right-handed (P) single strands that intertwine into quadruple π-helical superstructures. Crucially, the macrocycle's adaptive cavity and interstitial voids could bind electron-deficient naphthalene diimide (NDI) guests through charge transfer interactions, triggering transformation to left-handed (M) double helices. This structural shift induces helicity inversion and optical anisotropy changes, demonstrating a rare case of crystalline-state multiple-helix conversion with supramolecular chirality inversion. This work establishes a template-free methodology for synthesizing multiple-stranded π-helices and controlling their transformations through supramolecular engineering.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3717-6
Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based all-solid-state polymer electrolytes (SPEs) hold significant promise for high-specific-energy and high-safety Li batteries, yet suffer from poor mechanical robustness and low Li+-conducting efficiency. Aramid nanofibers (ANFs), with exceptional mechanical strength and abundant intramolecular/intermolecular interactions, are effective additives, but their strictly symmetric interchain interactions generate a highly ordered hydrogen-bond network, producing inert aggregates that compromise electrolyte stability. Here, we construct a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-mediated asymmetric interaction between ANF chains. PEG chains introduce weaker H-bonding acceptor sites, higher steric hindrance, and abundant lithiophilic groups, simultaneously disrupting strong symmetric ANF-ANF interactions and creating rapid Li-ion channels. The resulting electrolyte maintains excellent mechanical properties (yield stress of 3.25 MPa) and enables stable cycling of Li||Li symmetric cells for over 1600 h with low polarization voltage. In LCO||Li cells, the electrolyte achieves a capacity retention of 82.7% after 300 cycles at 1 C, markedly higher than the unmodified counterpart (35.5%). This synergistic optimization of interfacial compatibility and mechanical performance demonstrates a practical route toward safe, high-energy-density all-solid-state polymer batteries.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509078
The rapid expansion of photovoltaic (PV) installations and the impending retirement of early-stage modules have made the recycling of end-of-life PV modules an urgent issue. This review systematically examines the types and structures of retired PV modules, with a focus on crystalline silicon (c-Si) and thin-film technologies. It critically evaluates the principles, processes, and pros and cons of physical, chemical, pyrolysis, biological, combined, and emerging methods for recovering c-Si modules. The current status of silicon, metal, and valuable component recovery processes is summarized. For thin-film modules, the core technologies for recovering valuable components via pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, biological, and novel approaches are analyzed in depth. Results indicate that conventional methods (physical, chemical, pyrolysis) remain dominant but suffer from high energy consumption, pollution, and chemical usage. Emerging technologies such as biological and green leaching are identified as key research directions, though they face challenges of low technical maturity and high costs. Finally, policy orientations and existing challenges are discussed, and future development directions are proposed, providing significant guidance for the sustainable and large-scale green development of the PV industry.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510004
Ammonium salt crystallization-induced blockage of the regenerative heat exchanger in regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) remains a critical operational challenge, particularly in pharmaceutical applications where NH4Cl constitutes up to 70% of the fouling deposits. This study employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to systematically simulate six purging configurations, varying injection angle and pipe arrangement, and quantifies purging effectiveness via a novel evaluation method based on characteristic observation planes. Using the Realizable k-ε turbulence model coupled with a porous media model, we analyze the velocity distribution and low-velocity failure zones at the gas chamber–regenerator interface. Results demonstrate that a single-pipe 45° oblique injection achieves the highest effective purging area of 57.6%, a 35.7% improvement over conventional horizontal purging. Increasing pipe diameter significantly enhances flow uniformity, yielding an efficiency gain of approximately 40%, outperforming mere increases in gas velocity. A synergistic optimization strategy is proposed, prioritizing high-performance purging structures with coordinated parameter tuning. The recommended configuration—single-pipe 45° injection, 280 mm pipe diameter, and 14 m·s−1 gas velocity—achieves 88.2% purging efficiency without additional fan power, representing a 45.6% improvement over conventional modes. These findings provide a theoretical basis and engineering solution for RTO purging system design and operational optimization.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60649-4
To achieve efficient conversion of lignin-derived phenolic compounds into high-value hydrocarbon fuels, a series of NiCo bimetallic catalysts with N-doped biochar and Al2O3 composite supports (NiCo/NC-Al2O3) were designed and synthesized. Comprehensive characterizations (XRD, TEM, XPS, H2-TPD) revealed the superior catalytic activity in the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin-derived phenolic compounds. The optimized Ni8Co2/NC-Al2O3 catalyst exhibited good metal dispersion and excellent hydrogen dissociation adsorption capacity. Under mild reaction conditions (240°C, 1 MPa H2, 4 h), it achieved complete conversion of guaiacol and 99.9% selectivity to cyclohexane, significantly outperforming monometallic Ni10/NC-Al2O3 and Co10/NC-Al2O3 catalysts. Comparative studies indicated a synergistic effect between Ni and Co, where the introduction of Co effectively promoted aromatic ring hydrogenation and C−O bond cleavage. The catalyst maintained high activity after four reuse cycles, demonstrating outstanding structural stability. This study elucidates the regulatory mechanism of the Ni-Co synergistic effect on catalytic performance, providing new insights for the development of efficient non-noble metal HDO catalysts.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025030602
In the context of accelerated urbanization, regional air composite pollution in medium and large urban agglomerations is primarily characterized by PM2.5-O3 compound pollution. To elucidate the meteorological causes of PM2.5-O3 compound pollution in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region over the recent seven years (2017–2023), this study analyzed monitoring data from typical cities (Nanjing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Hefei) using Pearson and partial correlation coefficients. Results indicate: (1) PM2.5 pollution exhibited a significant downward trend across all four cities, with notable improvement during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, underscoring the effectiveness of air pollution control measures. Conversely, O3 pollution remained elevated or increased in some cities, indicating persistent challenges in O3 control. (2) During O3 pollution episodes, PM2.5 and O3 concentrations were positively correlated, whereas during PM2.5 pollution episodes, they were negatively correlated. (3) Compound pollution days were predominantly observed from February to October, with the highest frequency (20 days) occurring from April to June. (4) The significant reduction in PM2.5 weakened the aerosol 'umbrella effect', enhancing surface radiation and promoting near-surface O3 formation. Concurrently, changes in the NOx/VOCs ratio weakened O3 titration, and climate warming accelerated O3 precursor generation and potentially altered boundary layer structure, collectively contributing to O3 accumulation in the cold season and an increasing frequency of compound pollution during that period. (5) The formation mechanisms of PM2.5 and O3 are driven by distinct meteorological conditions, with low overall concentration correlation; however, under compound meteorological conditions such as high temperature, stagnant air, and weak diffusion, both pollutants tend to rise synchronously, indicating that compound pollution events are typically driven by multiple adverse meteorological factors. This study demonstrates that from 2017 to 2023, PM2.5 pollution significantly decreased while O3 pollution showed an increasing trend. Compound pollution was concentrated in April–June and influenced by high temperature, stagnant air, and weak diffusion. With effective PM2.5 control, enhanced surface radiation and changes in O3 precursors led to O3 accumulation in the cold season, increasing compound pollution frequency. Overall, compound pollution is driven by multiple meteorological factors, posing complex challenges for control.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606010
Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a critical factor controlling endogenous phosphorus (P) migration in eutrophic waters. Existing oxygenation technologies suffer from high energy consumption and sediment disturbance, necessitating low-disturbance, pH-stable strategies that avoid additional nitrogen and P loads. This study evaluated an oxygen-loaded porous material (OLPM) for inhibiting sediment P release using laboratory microcosms with natural eutrophic water samples. DO microprofiles across the sediment-water interface (SWI) were measured with microelectrodes; diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) resolved Fe, S, and P distributions; and sequential extraction quantified sediment P fractions. Results showed that OLPM coverage increased surface sediment DO concentration by 6.58-fold and DO penetration depth by 1.33-fold (16.8 mm). Overlying water total phosphorus (TP) decreased by 93.79%, and sediment interstitial phosphate (PO4-P) decreased by up to 45.75%. The SWI TP exchange flux reversed from +0.0068 mg/(m2·d) to -0.014 mg/(m2·d), shifting the system from a P source to a P sink. Sediment P fractionation revealed a 5.22% increase in stable Res-P and a 4.48% decrease in labile NaHCO3-P. Mechanistically, OLPM enhanced iron oxidation (Fe2+ reduced by 59.62%) and suppressed sulfate reduction (S2- homogenized at low levels), promoting P immobilization via Fe-S coupling. The material effectively inhibits endogenous P release through interfacial DO regulation without altering pH, offering a promising approach for eutrophication management.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606022
This study presents a numerical simulation of the internal flow field in a volatile organic compounds (VOCs) catalytic combustion reactor used in an enameled wire enterprise. Using ANSYS Fluent, the effects of inlet expansion section length, inlet expansion section angle, and catalyst bed spacing on the velocity field were systematically investigated. Additionally, the influence of heating tube configuration on the temperature field was analyzed. The results indicate that an expansion section length of 250 mm is optimal, balancing spatial constraints and the avoidance of recirculation zones. A zero-degree expansion angle yields the most uniform velocity distribution, though practical considerations necessitate case-specific angle selection. A catalyst bed spacing of 0.05 m satisfies the engineering requirement of maintaining pressure drop across a single catalyst layer below 200 Pa while significantly improving gas distribution within the bed. Alternating heating tubes on both sides of the reactor enhance temperature uniformity and elevate the overall catalyst bed temperature, thereby promoting efficient VOCs catalytic combustion. These findings provide quantitative guidance for reactor design optimization, contributing to improved catalytic performance and extended catalyst lifespan.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606021
To provide a theoretical basis for energy-saving combustion of regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs), this study analyzes energy nodes during RTO operation, refines heat balance accounting, and establishes an overall energy system. Taking a three-chamber RTO as the research object, the enthalpy of exhaust gas at different stages is calculated, and a whole-process heat balance model is developed to systematically analyze exhaust gas preheating, combustion, heat recovery, and heat loss transfer. An improved energy accounting method is proposed to address dynamic heat exchange inside heat accumulators, coupling of multiple gas streams, and boundary heat loss under complex conditions. The longitudinal temperature distribution function of heat accumulators is introduced to overcome difficulties in heat accounting within the accumulator chamber. A thermodynamic system covering 11 key internal energy nodes is constructed. Combined with design characteristics of RTO operation across industries, the application scope of the overall energy system is analyzed; equilibrium terms can be adjusted according to actual conditions, ensuring wide applicability. Validation via an RTO energy system for a glove manufacturing plant demonstrates that outlet temperature prediction accuracy improves from 14.3% to 2.8%, providing a theoretical foundation for future intelligent energy-saving combustion research.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3790-5
Near-infrared (NIR) phosphors with high quantum efficiency (QE) and thermal robustness are critical for phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes (pc-LEDs). Here, a Cr3+-activated Lu2BaAl4SiO12 (LBASO) garnet phosphor is engineered via chemical unit cosubstitution of [Ba2+-Si4+] for [Lu3+-Al3+] in Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG), inducing a strong crystal field that yields NIR emission at 705 nm. The optimized LBASO:0.07Cr3+ exhibits an internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 84.82% and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 46.02%. Notably, it demonstrates anti-thermal quenching (ATQ) with 126.03% of its initial intensity at 498 K under 442 nm excitation, attributed to a wide band gap, weak electron-phonon coupling, defect trap energy levels, high structural rigidity, and optimized electron population distribution. A NIR pc-LED fabricated with this phosphor achieves an output power of 134.99 mW and photoelectric conversion efficiency of 11.4% at 100 mA drive current. These results underscore the potential of LBASO:Cr3+ for applications in plant lighting, night vision, and nondestructive analysis.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3783-x
The synergistic strategy combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy has recently demonstrated significant promise in cancer treatment. However, the substantial physicochemical disparities between chemotherapeutic agents and small-molecule immune adjuvants pose considerable challenges for co-delivery strategies. In this study, we designed a reactive oxygen species-responsive paclitaxel prodrug, PTX-PBA, which markedly enhanced drug encapsulation stability and dual-drug loading efficiency by various polymeric delivery systems. The resultant nanosystem (NanoPR) exhibited excellent physicochemical properties and ROS-triggered release profiles, effectively inducing immunogenic cell death in tumor cells while promoting dendritic cell maturation and CD8+ T cells activation. In murine models of 4T1 breast cancer and CT26 colon carcinoma, NanoPR achieved significant tumor growth inhibition and elicited durable immune memory responses. Collectively, this work provides an innovative molecular design strategy for the co-delivery of chemotherapeutics and immunomodulators, offering a robust foundation for the clinical translation of chemo-immunotherapy.
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.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0037
Alumina microspheres with a lamellar-assembled flower-like morphology were synthesized via a urea-assisted hydrothermal method and used as supports to prepare Pd/Al2O3-M catalysts by incipient wetness impregnation. The catalytic performance was evaluated in the selective hydrogenation of isoprene and the hydrogenation of 2-ethylanthraquinone for hydrogen peroxide production, and compared with a commercial alumina-supported Pd catalyst (Pd/Al2O3). Characterization revealed that the flower-like structure, composed of stacked nanosheets, promoted high Pd dispersion and enhanced metal-support interaction, leading to a higher surface Pd content and more abundant active sites. Under 60 °C and 1 MPa H2, Pd/Al2O3-M achieved 95.2% conversion of isoprene with 98.3% total selectivity to isoamylenes, and exhibited good stability over 24 h. In anthraquinone hydrogenation, it reached a hydrogenation efficiency of 15.8 g/L, a 27.4% improvement over Pd/Al2O3 (12.4 g/L). The study demonstrates that modulating carrier morphology is an effective strategy to simultaneously enhance activity, selectivity, and stability of Pd catalysts, offering a promising approach for designing efficient hydrogenation catalysts.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025040104
The oxidative transformation of 2,6-dichlorophenol (2,6-DCP) was investigated in three typical zonal soils: black soil, red soil, and brown soil. Results demonstrated that 2,6-DCP underwent oxidative coupling in all soils, yielding hydroxylated polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (OH-PCDEs) and hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs) as primary products. The highest oxidative efficiency occurred in black soil, with approximately 85.1% of 2,6-DCP transformed within three days. In contrast, red and brown soils exhibited lower efficiencies, indicating a strong dependence on soil properties. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the oxidative coupling reaction is endothermic, with elevated temperatures favoring reaction progress. Furthermore, soil microorganisms and dissolved oxygen were identified as critical controlling factors, acting synergistically to drive the reaction. This study provides the first evidence of natural oxidative coupling of 2,6-DCP in soil, forming OH-PCDEs and OH-PCBs. These findings offer significant scientific insight into the environmental fate of halogenated phenolic pollutants in terrestrial systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4010-4
Liver fibrosis, a critical pathological consequence of chronic liver injury, remains a therapeutic challenge due to its complex mechanisms and limited effectiveness of conventional treatments. Recent advancements in two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as graphene derivatives, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs), MXenes, and layered double hydroxides (LDHs), have created novel opportunities for antifibrotic therapy. These materials exhibit exceptional physicochemical properties, including ultrahigh surface area, tunable surface chemistry, biocompatibility, and photothermal/electrochemical functionalities, enabling multifaceted interventions in fibrosis progression. The core therapeutic strategies mainly involve modulating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, inhibiting excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. However, 2D nanomaterials still face great challenges, such as long-term biosafety, precise functionalization for tissue-specific targeting, and scalable synthetic methods. This review systematically summarizes the recent breakthroughs in anti-fibrosis strategies based on 2D nanomaterials, elucidates their potential mechanisms of action, and explores the prospects for clinical translation of these nanoplatforms. Serving as a nexus between materials science and hepatology, 2D nanomaterials offer revolutionary prospects for precision medicine applications in hepatic fibrosis management.
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/s40843-025-3941-2
The precise and directed assembly of multicomponent aggregates remains a central challenge in materials chemistry, particularly the integration of neutral clusters. This study introduces a 'cation-mediated co-crystallization' strategy to overcome electrostatic assembly barriers between neutral aluminum molecular rings and polyoxometalates (POMs). By controllably functionalizing the rings with cationic moieties, the approach bypasses traditional 'ion-pair' limitations, enabling incorporation of diverse neutral clusters. The strategy exhibits structural extensibility, with cationic sites adjustable on ring exteriors or interiors, and potential extension to various polyanionic systems. The resulting hybrid materials demonstrate outstanding solution processability. When incorporated as dielectric dopants in a polymer matrix, they achieve a synergistic '1+1>2' effect: aluminum rings contribute high capacitance density (~11.19) and low dielectric loss (~0.03), while POMs provide high breakdown strength (~740 MV m−1). This work establishes a paradigm for directed macroscopic functional assembly via molecular-level cluster interaction 'encoding'.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3921-2
Moisture-enabled energy harvesting technologies offer a promising route for self-powered strain sensing, yet conventional generators suffer from slow response, poor recovery, and limited multidirectional resolution. Here, we report a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofiber moisture-enabled electric generator (MEG) with highly aligned ion channels. A carbon black/sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (CB/SDBS) layer is coated on the TPU membrane, while carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and acidified poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (HPSS) are applied on opposite sides, establishing lateral hydrophilicity and ion gradients to drive directional ion migration. The planar MEG is lightweight, flexible, and requires no fully covered electrodes, enabling conformity to complex deformations. The aligned channels reduce ion migration tortuosity, enhancing ion transport efficiency and flux. As a result, the aligned MEG (ATMEG) delivers 0.2 V and 0.51 μA cm−2 at ~90% relative humidity, corresponding to 400% and 287% enhancements compared with the unaligned MEG (UATMEG). The ATMEG also exhibits ultrafast response (0.16 s) and recovery (0.08 s). Utilizing its anisotropic characteristics, a multidirectional self-powered strain sensor is developed, capable of distinguishing both the amplitude and direction of human motion, demonstrating strong potential for adaptive wearable electronics and intelligent motion monitoring.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60677-9
Mg-, Ca-, Sr-, and Ba-single-doped La2O3 as well as Mg-Ba co-doped La2O3 catalysts were synthesized via a hydrothermal method and evaluated for the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM). The experimental results revealed that the Mg-modified La2O3 catalyst activates O2 and CH4 effectively, yet achieves only moderate C2+ selectivity. Conversely, the Ba-modified analogue affords high C2+ selectivity, albeit at the expense of lower reaction activity. Notably, the Mg-Ba co-doped La2O3 catalyst strikes an effective balance between activity and selectivity, enhancing catalytic performance while maintaining a high C2+ selectivity. Specifically, at a Mg/Ba molar ratio of 1:1 and 700 °C, it achieved a CH4 conversion of 29.5%, a C2+ selectivity of 54.5% and a corresponding C2+ yield of 16.1%. The characterization results indicate that Mg and Ba co-doped La2O3 catalysts promote the formation of more superoxide (O2−) species on the catalyst surface, which in turn significantly enhances both the activity and selectivity of La2O3 catalysts. In situ DRIFTS revealed the presence of superoxide species on the surface of both Mg- and Ba-doped catalysts, with the co-doped system exhibiting a significantly more intense signal for the superoxide species. O2/H2-TPR studies revealed that Mg and Ba co-doped La2O3 catalysts exhibit superior O2 activation capabilities compared to those doped with Mg or Ba alone. CH4/O2 pulse experiments revealed that the co-doped catalysts facilitate faster establishment of oxygen adsorption equilibrium, thereby enhancing CH4 activation and the subsequent formation of C2 products. This work establishes that co-doping La2O3 with Mg and Ba represents an effective strategy for improving catalytic performance in OCM, primarily by modulating the generation and stabilization of key active oxygen species.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60672-X
Dry reforming of methane (DRM) converts CH4 and CO2 into syngas, offering a route to mitigate greenhouse gases. Ni-based catalysts suffer from sintering and carbon deposition at high temperatures. This work employs MgO-MgAl2O4 composite supports to regulate Ni loading and introduces Ce, La, and Zr as promoters to investigate their effects on DRM activity, structural stability, and surface oxygen species. Optimal Ni loading of 12.5% yields highest CH4 and CO2 conversions. Promoter introduction slightly suppresses low-temperature activity but substantially modifies support local structure and metal-support interface, improving NiO dispersion and increasing surface oxygen vacancies and active oxygen species (Oβ). These changes enhance CO2 adsorption-activation and suppress carbon deposition. After 20 h DRM, Ce-promoted catalyst shows smallest Ni particle growth (6.23→8.07 nm) and lowest carbon deposition, demonstrating superior stability and anti-coking capability. The study elucidates how Ce, La, and Zr enhance sintering and coking resistance via interfacial electronic modulation and improved oxygen storage/release, guiding rational design of stable Ni-based DRM catalysts.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60693-7
This dataset compiles the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance data of 203 non-noble transition metal phosphide (TMP) catalysts, covering detailed information on catalyst preparation (e.g., phosphating temperature, precursor, synthesis method), chemical composition (mass fractions of elements such as Ni, Co, Fe, P, Mo, W and Zn), and testing conditions (e.g., electrolyte type and concentration, electrode substrate). The key parameters for catalytic performance include the overpotential at 10 mA/cm2 (η10) and the Tafel slope. This dataset has been rigorously extracted, cleaned, and standardized to ensure a high degree of structure and machine readability. This provides a reliable data foundation for data-driven methods, such as machine learning and statistical modeling, enabling rapid screening and design of high-performance HER catalysts, supporting performance prediction, in-depth structure-activity analysis and the rational development of novel catalysts.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025051404
Rubber additives, such as 1,3-diphenylguanidine (DPG) and p-phenylenediamine antioxidants (PPDs), are widely used in the rubber industry and have been increasingly detected in aquatic environments. This study investigated the distribution characteristics and potential sources of seven typical rubber additives (DPG, 6PPD, IPPD, DPPD, CPPD, DNPD, and 77PD) and the transformation product 6PPD-Q in surface water of the Guangzhou section of the Pearl River, China. A total of 29 sampling sites were analyzed. Total concentrations of the target compounds ranged from 205 to 5400 ng·L−1, with a mean of (820±1100) ng·L−1. DPG was the dominant compound in both dissolved and particle phases, accounting for (99±1.9)% and (66±13)% of the total concentrations, respectively. Source analysis indicated that aquaculture, vessel navigation, agricultural runoff, and wastewater treatment plant discharges likely influence the occurrence of rubber additives in this river section. Risk quotient (RQ) assessment revealed that 6PPD-Q posed high ecological risk at all sampling sites (RQ > 1), while DPG exhibited moderate to high risk at most sites (RQ > 0.1). In contrast, 6PPD, IPPD, CPPD, and DPPD showed low ecological risk. These findings highlight the need for heightened attention to the ecological risks posed by 6PPD-Q and DPG in the Pearl River Basin and provide scientific data for pollution prevention and risk management.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3999-x
The integration of photochromism (PhCh) and persistent luminescence (PersL) into a single material remains a formidable challenge due to the complex role of defects in modulating optical properties. Here, we employ structurally simple CsX (X = Cl, Br) nanocrystals (NCs) as a model system to elucidate the relationship between defects and optical behaviors. We demonstrate that CsX NCs accommodate two distinct types of chlorine vacancy defects upon X-ray irradiation: intrinsic vacancies from synthesis and X-ray-induced vacancies. This dual-defect engineering enables reversible blue coloration under X-ray irradiation (20–70 kV), attributed to recoverable chlorine vacancies that are rapidly eliminated by visible light within 30 s. The photochromic behavior exhibits excellent cycling stability with a color difference (ΔRL1) of 56.9% and a recovery rate (ΔRL2) of 98.1%. Furthermore, Br− incorporation deepens the energy level of intrinsic chlorine vacancies from 0.47–0.71 eV to 0.83 eV, resulting in intense persistent luminescence lasting over 30 minutes. These dual-mode PhCh–PersL characteristics position CsX NCs as promising candidates for X-ray colorimetric imaging and dynamic anti-counterfeiting applications. Our findings establish a defect-oriented design principle extendable to other halide systems, advancing the development of multifunctional photonic materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3995-6
The deployment of single-site metal catalytic nodes into zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) offers vast advantages in catalytic recyclability, product separation, and mechanistic analysis, underscoring their paramount significance in heterogeneous catalysis. Nonetheless, their occupation within pores/channels usually diminishes mass transfer and catalytic efficiency during reactions such as the hydroboration of carbonyl compounds, especially for bulkier substrates. To address this issue, three microporous single-site Ti(IV) embedded Zr-MOFs with sequentially extended ligand arms are novelly synthesized to enable precise pore modulation ranging from 9.04, 10.12, to 11.18 Å. The catalytic performance is investigated using eight carbonyl compounds of varying sizes and four additional larger-scale substrates, which demonstrates that the catalytic efficiency is increased through pore size regulation, yet still away from optimal catalytic performance. Then a further strategy was shifted to the linker installation of linear dicarboxylate ligands chelated single-site Ti(IV) within coordination-unsaturated windows of mesoporous Zr-MOFs, and the result elucidates that the obtained catalyst exhibits superior catalytic efficiency (all exceeding 90%) while preserving the inherent mesoporosity of Zr-MOFs with a pore size of approximately 21.73 Å. We believe this research provides critical guidance for future research on structural design and catalytic optimization of MOFs, opening new avenues in heterogeneous catalysis.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3978-0
All-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs) are promising for flexible and wearable electronics due to their excellent stability and mechanical stretchability. However, achieving high performance remains challenging due to difficulties in controlling the morphology of polymer blend films. In this study, a novel polymer donor, PBDTF-DTP, incorporating a weak electron-withdrawing yet large-dipole-moment dithienylphthalimide (DTP-2T) unit, was rationally designed and synthesized for ternary all-PSCs. Introducing PBDTF-DTP as a guest donor enables complementary light absorption and deepens the highest occupied molecular orbital level, simultaneously improving short-circuit current density (J_SC) and open-circuit voltage (V_OC). The large dipole moment of DTP-2T increases the dielectric constant, suppressing non-radiative energy loss and further boosting V_OC. Notably, PBDTF-DTP exhibits a relatively higher molecular electrostatic potential than the host donor, effectively tuning compatibility with both polymer donor and acceptor, regulating blend morphology, and promoting formation of a nanoscale fibrillar network. This optimized morphology facilitates efficient charge generation and transport while suppressing charge recombination. Consequently, ternary all-PSCs based on PM6:PBDTF-DTP:PYIT achieve a synergistic enhancement in J_SC, V_OC, and fill factor, yielding a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 18.01%, significantly higher than that of binary PM6:PYIT devices (15.51%). This study demonstrates that combining electrostatic potential optimization with a ternary strategy provides an effective approach to regulate morphology and achieve high-efficiency all-PSCs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4018-6
The pursuit of advanced wear-resistant materials for cryogenic applications is often hindered by a fundamental trade-off between enhancing strength and damage tolerance. CoCrNi-based medium-entropy alloys (MEAs), while excellent in cryogenic toughness, suffer from this very limitation. Although second-phase reinforcement boosts strength, the strain incompatibility between phases inevitably triggers cracking, which is severely exacerbated at low temperatures. This work introduces a novel microstructural design strategy based on regulated partial recrystallization to overcome this long-standing challenge. By tailoring the thermomechanical processing of a (CoCrNi)90Mo10 MEA, we engineered a unique architecture where a fully recrystallized FCC phase is homogeneously embedded within a continuous skeleton of a hard, non-recrystallized σ phase. The alloy with this optimized microstructure achieved a remarkably low wear rate at 113 K that is less than half of its as-cast and fully recrystallized counterparts. The experimental and modeling results indicate the underlying synergy: the σ skeleton provides robust structural support and distributes stress deeply, while the recrystallized FCC phase, with its high density of grain boundaries and annealing twins, acts as a compliant strain-accommodating medium, effectively suppressing interfacial cracking. This combined 'skeleton effect' and 'recrystallization effect' not only delivers exceptional cryogenic wear resistance but also offers a practical strategy for designing high-performance, crack-resistant dual-phase composites for extreme environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4144-y
Developing efficient strategies for electrically manipulating two-dimensional magnetism at room temperature is a key challenge in contemporary spintronics. In this study, we demonstrate giant electromechanical control over the magnetism of the room-temperature van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2 by integrating it with the ferroelectric α-In2Se3. Modest gate voltages lead to an almost complete suppression of the coercive field by 96.5%, corresponding to a remarkable peak modulation sensitivity of ~8.1 mT V−1, which stands out among existing van der Waals magnetoelectric systems. Importantly, this substantial magnetoelectric response is predominantly unaffected by voltage polarity, as both positive and negative gate voltages induce similar magnetic modulation effects. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we tracked the voltage-induced Raman spectral changes, revealing a peak shift of 1.7 cm−1 that accurately represents an effective in-plane tensile strain of ~1.42% under an equivalent bias, demonstrating polarity independence as well. The synchronized magnetic response and strain variation unequivocally indicate that the induced tensile strain serves as the fundamental physical driver behind the magnetic modulation. Additionally, density functional theory calculations corroborate that the reduction in magnetic anisotropy induced by tensile strain results in a decrease in the coercive field. Our work establishes a novel and efficient approach for achieving voltage control of magnetism at room temperature in van der Waals multiferroic heterostructures, highlighting their significant potential for applications in ultra-low-power magnetic logic and sensing technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4080-y
M1 macrophages (M1φ) are pivotal drivers in the progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Longitudinal monitoring of intrahepatic M1φ could facilitate non-invasive diagnosis of NASH, yet achieving specific and sensitive in vivo imaging of M1φ remains challenging due to the nonspecific phagocytic activity common to all phenotypic macrophages. In this study, we developed a dual-target-recognizing photoacoustic nanoprobe that can target glucose transporters (GLUTs) and be selectively activated by nitric oxide (NO). Benefiting from its enhanced affinity for M1φ and decent responsive capability to NO, the probe exhibited favorable imaging performance toward M1φ in ex vivo experiments. Following systemic administration in diabetic mice, the probe rapidly accumulated in the liver, where it was selectively internalized by M1φ via specific recognition between glucose molecules and GLUTs, further inducing a NO-triggered enhancement of the photoacoustic signal. Distinct photoacoustic signal enhancement patterns were observed between NAFL and NASH livers, enabling non-invasive in vivo discrimination of NASH. This study proposes a novel strategy using a dual-target-recognizing probe to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of in vivo M1φ imaging, while also providing new insights for the non-invasive diagnosis of NASH.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60685-8
Steam reforming of biomass-derived alcohols (ethanol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, etc.) represents a critical pathway for sustainable hydrogen energy systems. This review systematically examines recent advances in heterogeneous catalysis, elucidating structure-performance correlations between alcohol molecular structures and catalyst requirements. Ethanol is prone to dehydration and methanation side reactions, while ethylene glycol leverages its dihydroxy structure to enhance dehydrogenation and C–C cleavage, improving H2 selectivity. In contrast, glycerol suffers from intensified reaction network complexity and carbon-induced deactivation due to its trihydroxy configuration. The unified catalyst design strategy involves precisely modulating metal electronic structures (e.g., alloying/atomic-level dispersion) and support oxygen mobility (e.g., rare-earth modification) to synergistically optimize dehydrogenation and carbon resistance. Ni-based catalysts dominate owing to low cost and high C–C bond activation capability, yet their stability requires synergistic enhancement via alloying (Fe, Co, Cu, etc.) or rare-earth modification (Ce, Pr, La, etc.). Noble metal systems (Pt, Rh, Ir, etc.) exhibit low-temperature activity advantages, but are transitioning strategically toward single-atom catalysis and high-entropy-oxide-based multicomponent architectures under cost constraints. Future efforts are suggested to integrate in situ/operando characterization with theoretical modeling to uncover dynamic structure-activity relationships, establish elementary reaction databases for data-driven rational catalyst design, and achieve cross-scale catalyst-reactor synergy, thereby providing a scientific foundation for efficient sustainable hydrogen production.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3548-9
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is constrained by the absence of tumor selectivity in conventional photosensitizers (PSs), which produces phototoxicity in normal tissues and risks activation by ambient light. Covalent conjugation of PSs to targeting peptides improves accumulation but does not suppress off-target activation. This work reports B-HCPP-RGD, a single-molecule PS that integrates αVβ3 integrin targeting with dual responsiveness to H2O2 and cathepsin B. The hypocrellin-derived type I PS HCEA is masked by a 4-(bromomethyl)phenylboronic acid pinacol ester H2O2-responsive group and conjugated to cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (cRGD) through a cathepsin B-cleavable Gln-Val dipeptide linker. ROS generation in solution is effectively suppressed until both H2O2 and cathepsin B are present, at which point HCEA is released. In vitro, B-HCPP-RGD shows negligible phototoxicity toward normal cells and pronounced phototoxicity toward tumor cells, including under hypoxic conditions. In vivo, the conjugate actively targets tumor tissue and achieves a high tumor inhibition rate with favorable biosafety. The results establish a modular design for dual-responsive, tumor-targeted PSs that improves the precision and safety of PDT.