SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4464-9
Topological polarization textures have transitioned from theoretical predictions to experimental observations over two decades, yet their stabilization has remained largely confined to low-dimensional architectures where geometric confinement balances depolarization, strain, and gradient energies. Extending these textures into bulk ferroelectrics and quantitatively linking them to macroscopic electromechanical properties constitutes a persistent challenge. Wu et al. address this by engineering vortex and antivortex domains in bulk rhombohedral 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.3PbTiO3 (PMN-30PT) crystals. Phase-field simulations reveal that increasing vortex core density from 6 to 27 μm⁻² enhances the dielectric constant (ε33/ε0) and piezoelectric coefficient (d33) by approximately 3.5-fold and 3.4-fold, respectively, correlating with increased polarization curl. Experimentally, a mechanically assisted direct-current poling (MDCP) strategy elevates vortex core density from 0.01 to 21 μm⁻², boosting d33 from 1380 to 1820 pC·N⁻¹ and ε33/ε0 from 4,630 to 6,230. This mechanically driven approach enables controllable manipulation of topological domain architectures in bulk crystals without nanoscale confinement, offering a scalable route for functional optimization. The work establishes bulk ferroelectrics as a platform for topology-mediated electromechanical design, introducing an additional degree of freedom for enhancing piezoelectric performance in three-dimensional crystals.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4418-7
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most lethal primary brain tumor, with the blood-brain barrier (BBB) severely restricting effective treatment options. Immunotherapy has achieved remarkable success in cancers such as lung cancer and melanoma, yet its efficacy in GBM is constrained by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and a paucity of tumor-infiltrating T cells. This study developed a biomimetic nanocomposite for the co-delivery of an immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducer and an indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) inhibitor to overcome these challenges. Paclitaxel-derived carbon dots (PCDs), which induce ICD in tumor cells and promote the recruitment and activation of immune cells, were synthesized and assembled with Indoximod (an IDO-1 inhibitor) to form a nanocomposite (P-In). A biomimetic coating was subsequently applied to create M@P-In. This coating significantly enhanced BBB penetration and tumor cell uptake. The M@P-In nanocomposite efficiently induced ICD in tumor cells and inhibited IDO-1 activity via the released Indoximod, thereby reversing T-cell suppression and activating antitumor immune responses. Consequently, M@P-In demonstrated potent antitumor efficacy against glioblastoma in vivo with minimal systemic toxicity. This work presents a novel and promising strategy for immunochemotherapy against GBM by co-delivering a carbon dot-based ICD inducer and an IDO-1 inhibitor to the tumor site.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4358-y
Oxygen electrocatalysis underpins the viability of proton-exchange-membrane water electrolyzers and rechargeable Zn–air batteries, yet commercial deployment remains constrained by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which impose overpotentials exceeding 300 mV and accelerate catalyst degradation. This review, submitted to SCIENCE CHINA Materials (Manuscript ID SCMs-2026-1384.R1), synthesizes recent advances in rational catalyst design guided by the direct observation and theoretical treatment of reaction intermediates. The authors compile evidence from in situ characterization and computational modeling to establish that intermediate binding energies—particularly *OOH, *O, and *OH on Ru, Ir, Co, and Fe–N–C active sites—serve as predictive descriptors for activity and stability. Cited works demonstrate that 4f-modified Ru–O polarity, spin-balanced Janus Ir–Co magnetic atoms, and aligned d-orbital energy levels in dual-atom sites can shift rate-determining steps and lower activation barriers. The review further examines interfacial microenvironment engineering via anion adsorption, ligand functionalization, and S,N co-doped carbon confinement, which modulate local pH, water orientation, and mass transport. Emphasis is placed on dual-site mechanisms, including FeN6–CoN4 and Co-substituted Ni coordination polymers, where synergistic strong–weak adsorption coupling alters ORR pathways from adsorbate evolution to dissociation. The manuscript provides a critical assessment of descriptor reliability, noting that intermediate binding alone cannot capture dynamic reconstruction, electrolyte effects, or long-term operational stability. By integrating in situ spectroscopy with descriptor-based design, the review offers a framework for translating mechanistic insight into durable, cost-effective oxygen electrocatalysts for industrial electrolysis and metal–air batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4448-y
Zero-dimensional (0D) hybrid metal halides are promising for optoelectronic displays, bioimaging, and anti-counterfeiting due to strong exciton localization and self-trapped exciton (STE) emission. However, low-toxicity, biocompatible zinc halides with blue emission remain scarce, hindered by structural isolation of [ZnBr4]2− tetrahedra, electron-phonon coupling, lattice distortion, and nonradiative relaxation. Here, we synthesize MPAZnBr4 (MPA = N-(3-aminopropyl) morpholine), a 0D zinc bromide halide. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals a monoclinic P21/c space group with a = 6.65190 Å, b = 16.11210 Å, c = 13.79640 Å, β = 94.5700°, Z = 4, and a calculated density of 2.394 g/cm3. The isolated [ZnBr4]2− tetrahedra are hydrogen-bonded to MPA cations, with the shortest Br···Br contact of 4.76 Å indicating weak inter-cluster electronic coupling. Upon photoexcitation, MPAZnBr4 exhibits bright blue emission centered at 450 nm with a full width at half maximum of 135 nm. Wavelength-dependent emission mapping confirms a single radiative pathway, while temperature-dependent photoluminescence identifies triplet STE emission with a thermal quenching activation energy of 55 meV. The extensive hydrogen-bonding network imparts remarkable structural stability, showing negligible photoluminescence decay under prolonged excitation or storage. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate switchable and rewritable information encryption and decryption, enabling complex luminescent patterns. These findings provide a strategy for constructing highly stable, low-toxicity blue-emissive Zn-based 0D metal halides for advanced photonic and information-security applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4476-1
Self-sustained oscillation in soft actuators enables autonomous, untethered robotic locomotion, yet existing light-driven systems suffer from low oscillation frequencies, rapid photothermal degradation, and reliance on external controllers. This work presents a bat-inspired soft robot that converts continuous near-infrared (NIR) irradiation into sustained rotational motion via a coiled MXene-based liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuator. The actuator integrates Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets as photothermal converters within an LCE matrix, achieving a photothermal conversion efficiency of 78.3% and a steady-state temperature of 142 °C under 1.5 W cm−2 NIR (808 nm). The coil geometry induces a self-shadowing effect that generates periodic light exposure, producing autonomous oscillation at 2.7 Hz with an amplitude of 45°. The robot demonstrates a rotational speed of 120 rpm and a specific power density of 3.2 W kg−1, outperforming previously reported light-driven oscillators by a factor of 2.5. Under continuous operation for 10,000 cycles, the actuator retains 92% of its initial oscillation amplitude, with a degradation rate of 0.008% per cycle. The bat-inspired wing morphology enables directional rotation and obstacle avoidance in confined spaces. This platform eliminates the need for external modulation, offering a scalable route to autonomous soft robotics for inspection, environmental monitoring, and micro-manipulation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4309-8
Iridium-doped cobalt oxide nanosheets derived from a ZIF template were evaluated as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). Residual carbon was removed via a post-synthetic treatment to isolate intrinsic catalytic behavior. The Ir0.23Co0.77Ox catalyst exhibited enhanced activity and durability relative to commercial IrO2 in a practical PEMWE device. Potential-dependent, stage-resolved characterization combined with theoretical calculations probed catalyst stability under different operating voltages, revealing degradation mechanisms tied to applied potential. Contact angle measurements showed that the Ir0.23Co0.77Ox membrane electrode assembly (MEA) had water and air contact angles of 126° and 143°, respectively, compared to 126° and 143° for an IrO2 MEA at identical Ir loading, indicating improved wettability and gas release behavior. The work provides a framework for understanding potential-dependent stability in acidic OER catalysts and demonstrates a viable route to reduce Ir loading while maintaining PEMWE performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4235-6
Fluorite-structured oxides (HfO2, ZrO2) are promising for resistive random-access memory (RRAM) due to their scalability and tunable properties. However, achieving high resistive switching on/off ratios remains challenging. Here, we report a collaborative strategy combining Hf/Zr ratio optimization and Lu3+ doping to regulate band structure and oxygen vacancy concentration in Hf0.4Zr0.6O2 (LHZO) thin films. The resulting LHZO devices exhibit a resistive switching ratio of 8.4 × 10^4, two orders of magnitude higher than that of ZrO2 (1.2 × 10^3). Electrical characterization and synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy reveal that Lu doping widens the bandgap to 4.95 eV, downshifts the valence band, and introduces defect states, collectively suppressing p-type conductivity and reducing off-state leakage current. Simultaneously, Lu3+ doping enriches oxygen vacancies, stabilizing ohmic conductive filaments in the on-state. This co-optimization of band structure and oxygen vacancies effectively enhances insulating properties in the high-resistance state and ohmic conductivity in the low-resistance state, leading to superior resistive switching performance with robust retention (>10^4 s). Our findings establish a fundamental strategy for tailoring electronic properties of doped HfZrO2 thin films toward high-performance RRAM applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4316-0
The rapid development of small molecule acceptors (SMAs) has enabled organic photovoltaics (OPVs) to achieve power conversion efficiencies exceeding 21%. Structural asymmetry has emerged as a particularly effective approach for boosting acceptor performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of asymmetric SMAs from the molecular scale to the nanoscale and macroscale. The main text is organized into four sections: molecular design strategies for structural asymmetry, crystal structure evolution from symmetry breaking, morphological characteristics revealed by advanced characterization techniques, and energy loss mechanisms involving asymmetric SMAs. At the molecular scale, asymmetry enables precise modulation of dipole moments and intermolecular interactions, directly affecting crystalline packing and charge-transport networks. At the nanoscale, it further regulates domain purity, phase continuity, and molecular orientation. Asymmetric designs can also help mitigate non-radiative voltage loss through modulation of charge-transfer state energetics. Overall, asymmetric molecular design introduces additional structural and electronic tunability, offering new opportunities for overcoming the trade-offs that limit OPV performance. Finally, we discuss ongoing challenges and outline future perspectives to guide continued development and innovation in asymmetric SMA design.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4209-3
Solar interfacial evaporation and photocatalysis exhibit intrinsic complementarity in energy utilization pathways and reaction mechanisms. Integrating photocatalysis into interfacial evaporation systems enables a synergistic platform for efficient evaporation and pollutant removal. In this study, a defect-engineering strategy is developed for UiO-66 by covalently anchoring five carboxyl-containing organic dyes into its framework, where steric hindrance and ligand substitution synergistically induce abundant structural defects. This approach yields a series of defect-rich UiO-66 materials with tunable dye loading. Among them, the dye-sensitized UiO-66@dye-2 system demonstrates optimal light absorption capacity and vacancy defects. The dyes act as sensitizers, broadening the light absorption range and accelerating water evaporation, while the defect-inducing dyes introduce abundant trap sites, enabling rapid charge transfer and efficient spatial charge separation. Under 1-sun irradiation, the system achieves an outstanding water evaporation rate with a high solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency of 97.8%, along with excellent photocatalytic performance, achieving 95.4% degradation of phenol pollutants. Notably, it maintains stable degradation performance across highly acidic and alkaline environments, ensuring reliability for long-term operations in complex conditions. This work provides a molecular-level strategy for constructing defect-rich UiO-66 derivatives and offers insights for designing next-generation materials for integrated photothermal-photocatalytic environmental remediation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4317-4
This correction addresses an image assembly error identified in Fig. 7a of the original article published in Science China Materials, volume 66, issue 6, 2023, pages 2513–2522. The error was confined to the assembly of images in Fig. 7a, which presents H&E staining analysis of major organs from a toxicity study. The corrected version of Fig. 7 is provided in this corrigendum. The original study evaluated the toxicity of lyophilized cabazitaxel (CTX) and Tween 80-based CTX formulations in CD-1 mice following a single intravenous administration of 30 mg kg−1 CTX via the tail vein on day 0, with sacrifice on day 14 for analysis (n=5). The figure includes H&E staining of major organs, complete blood count (CBC) analysis with statistical significance indicated by *p < 0.05, and mouse weight measurements. The correction does not affect the overall results, data interpretation, or scientific conclusions of the original article. All authors have reviewed and approved the content of this corrigendum. The authors sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to the editorial office, reviewers, and readers. The article was received on 6 May 2026, accepted on 4 June 2026, and published online on 31 July 2026.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4251-2
The human vascular system, characterized by multi-scale topological complexity, serves as the fundamental infrastructure for nutrient transport, hemodynamic regulation, and immune surveillance. Replicating this system is critical for injury repair, disease modeling, and organ-on-a-chip development, yet a key gap persists between structural mimicry and full functional reproduction. This review evaluates how emerging 3D printing strategies are advancing beyond geometric imitation toward integrated physiological functions, thereby helping to bridge this divide. Over the past decade, 3D printing has advanced significantly in functional vascular reconstruction via precise molding and cell-material integration. This review summarizes the latest progress, including material design, molding methods, and structural optimization, focusing on 3D printing breakthroughs in three core scenarios: high-fidelity in vitro vascular models, in vivo tissue functional replacement, and vascularized organ-on-a-chip systems. Furthermore, this review delves into the existing challenges and future prospects of these application directions. Keywords: vascular reconstruction, 3D printing, bionic vessels, hydrogel.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4217-y
Rational design and construction of effective photocatalysts is a promising way for green and sustainable chemistry, but still a great challenge. Herein, taking triphenylamine-containing aldehydes as reactants, two covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs), tris(4-formylphenyl)amine (TPA)-CTF and tris(4-formylbiphenyl)amine (TBPA)-CTF, were rationally constructed. The strong electron donor property of the triphenylamine moieties derived from the initial reactants and the strong electron acceptor nature of the in-situ formed built-in triazine rings in CTFs endowed these robust triphenylamine-based CTFs with donor-acceptor (D-A) or donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) structure features. Photocatalytic experiments revealed that, compared with the controlled phenyl analogue CTF, 1,3,5-tri(p-formylphenyl)benzene (TFPB)-CTF, both of the triphenylamine-based CTFs exhibited superior photocatalytic activity not only in photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide generation, but also in photocatalytic aerobic oxidations of diverse organic substrates. Theoretical studies further confirmed that their enhanced photocatalytic performance should be attributed to their unique D-A or D-π-A features in the constructed triphenylamine-based CTFs. This work successfully demonstrated that rational selection of reactants containing electron donor moieties to construct CTFs should be a reliable way for the construction of effective photocatalysts for photocatalytic oxidation reactions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3844-9
Global water scarcity and atmospheric pollution necessitate advanced remediation materials. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer high specific surface areas (up to 7000 m2 g−1), tunable pore sizes (0.3–4.0 nm), and abundant active sites, yet their application is hindered by agglomeration, poor recoverability, and structural fragility. Electrospinning embeds MOFs into polymeric nanofibers, yielding freestanding membranes with three-dimensionally interconnected porous networks that enhance dispersion, operational stability, and handling. This review systematically examines design strategies, mechanistic insights, and performance of electrospun MOF-based nanofibrous membranes for water purification (pharmaceutical residues, heavy metal ions, synthetic dyes, emulsified oils) and air purification (ultrafine particulate matter, volatile organic compounds), benchmarking against conventional counterparts. Recent progress in multifunctional synergistic systems, stimuli-responsive membranes, and enhanced environmental resistance is highlighted. Persistent challenges and future research directions are discussed to guide rational design of advanced MOF-integrated membrane technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3709-4
Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) detoxification of ofloxacin in hyposaline wastewater is hindered by weak built-in electric fields (IEF) and rapid charge recombination. Here, we report a crystal dipole engineering strategy using high-valence Mo-doped BiVO4 to enhance IEF and PEC activity. Mo incorporation breaks lattice symmetry, increasing the crystal dipole moment and amplifying IEF to 2.05 times that of pristine BiVO4. This promotes directional carrier migration, improving electron-hole separation efficiency. The optimized 4% Mo-BiVO4 photoanode achieves 96.5% ofloxacin degradation within 60 minutes and maintains 91.9% degradation efficiency in natural lake water containing saline and organic interferents, demonstrating exceptional anti-interference capability. This work provides a strategy for boosting photocatalytic performance through unit-cell dipole engineering, aiming to enhance sustainability in wastewater treatment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3605-0
Nickel oxide (NiOx) is widely used as a hole transport material in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, its practical application is limited by low intrinsic conductivity and insufficient hole extraction ability, leading to significant interfacial defects that reduce device efficiency and stability. To overcome these issues, two isomeric small organic molecules, 2,6-NOT and 1,5-NOT, were developed and introduced to modify NiOx. These isomers share the same structure but differ in the substitution positions of functional groups, resulting in distinct molecular planarity. Experimental results demonstrate that 1,5-NOT, featuring extended conjugation and enhanced planarity, more effectively enhances the hole extraction/transport capabilities and conductivity of NiOx compared to 2,6-NOT. The NiOx/1,5-NOT-based device achieves a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.20%, along with excellent long-term stability, surpassing the NiOx control device (18.12%) and the 2,6-NOT-based device (21.87%). These findings indicate that modifying NiOx with small organic molecules significantly improves charge transport performance, and increasing molecular planarity is particularly beneficial for enhancing hole transport and reducing defect density, thereby increasing both efficiency and stability. This work provides a new strategy for NiOx modification via small organic molecules, offering a promising route to high-performance inverted PSCs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3538-6
The understanding of anion transporting behaviors under sub-nanoconfined regimes can guide the design of high-performance anion selective membranes (ASMs), yet it is little known. Here, we build membrane channels that combine physical rigidity with chemical affinity to anions simply through bridging graphene oxide nanosheets with charged linkers. We observe that the rigidly confined interaction imposed by channels to anions can reconfigure hydration shells in varying degrees for different anions via compensating for hydration-induced energy barriers and differentiating their rearrangement behaviors. During the configuration evolution, water molecules within hydration shells would rotate and simultaneously change their distance from the ion center. Based on the big discrepancy in configuration evolution, these membranes can realize ultrahigh selectivity of, for example, 125 for Cl−/SO4^2− and surpass the performance upper bound concerning Cl−/SO4^2− separation by other membranes. The knowledge of the configuration change of hydration shells during the dehydration process will be key to designing next-generation ASMs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3698-5
The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a critical bottleneck in next-generation sustainable energy systems due to its sluggish kinetics. Developing cost-effective, high-efficiency electrocatalysts requires understanding the dynamic structural evolution at electrode-electrolyte interfaces under operating conditions. In situ techniques are invaluable for identifying active centers and monitoring key intermediates. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in cutting-edge in situ methods for characterizing OER electrocatalyst structure evolution. It provides a brief overview of active motifs and robust structures using multiple in situ correlative techniques, establishing essential structure-performance relationships and updating mechanistic understanding at atomic scale under realistic conditions. Key challenges and perspectives are highlighted to promote rational design of promising electrocatalysts for efficient oxygen-associated electrocatalysis and electrosynthesis.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3610-7
Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) offers an attractive route to produce value-added multicarbon (C2+) products, yet suffers from competing hydrogen evolution and monocarbon production. Here, we propose a dual-confinement effect on CO2 reactant and *CO intermediate, induced by tuning the pore configuration of reconstructed covalent organic frameworks (RC-COFs). The highly crystalline microporous RC-COF-1, when coated on a Cu electrode, enhances local CO2 concentration and restricts CO diffusion, thereby promoting C-C coupling. In acidic electrolyte, the RC-COF-1@Cu electrode achieves a maximum C2+ Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 67.0% at 500 mA cm−2, while maintaining a total carbon product FE above 90% across a broad current density range (100–500 mA cm−2). Experimental and theoretical analyses confirm that the ordered micropores of RC-COF-1 modulate reactant adsorption and intermediate diffusion, leading to improved C2+ selectivity. This work underscores the critical role of COF pore architecture in microenvironment engineering for heterogeneous catalysis.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3630-2
This study demonstrates a dual-interface engineering approach for performance enhancement in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. By applying ethylenediamine dihydroiodide (EDAI2) to simultaneously modify both top and bottom interfaces of wide-bandgap perovskite layers, we achieve synergistic defect suppression and charge transport optimization. Time-resolved photoluminescence characterization reveals extended carrier lifetimes and improved spatial homogeneity in dual-modified perovskite films. The optimized single-junction wide-bandgap (>1.66 eV) perovskite solar cells attain a champion efficiency of 22.75% with enhanced operational stability. Implemented in perovskite-silicon tandem configuration, the devices achieve over 31% power conversion efficiency, validating the effectiveness of organic ligand-mediated dual-interface engineering in regulating carrier dynamics and advancing perovskite-based tandem photovoltaics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3625-3
Zirconia (ZrO2)-based fluorite ferroelectric materials are promising for nonvolatile memory and logic devices due to their CMOS compatibility and cost advantages over hafnium oxide (HfO2). However, the metastable nature of the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase (o-phase) hinders practical application. Here, we report the strain-mediated stabilization of the ferroelectric o-phase in ZrO2 thin films grown on niobium-doped strontium titanate (NSTO) substrates with different crystallographic orientations via chemical solution deposition. Systematic structural and ferroelectric characterization, combined with simulation, reveals that substrate orientation controls in-plane tensile strain, selectively promoting epitaxial growth of the o-phase. The ZrO2 film on NSTO(110) exhibits the highest o-phase content, achieving a remanent polarization (2Pr) of 92.64 μC/cm², which remains as high as 88.54 μC/cm² after resistive-capacitive (RC) delay calibration. The device shows endurance of approximately 10^7 cycles with favorable fatigue characteristics. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) further indicates distortion of Zr-O tetrahedra, providing microscopic insight into the ferroelectricity. This work presents a novel strategy for property tuning of ZrO2 films and supports their application in storage and logic devices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3663-6
Escalating global climate change has precipitated a dramatic surge in building cooling/heating energy demands, critically undermining urban sustainability. Although dynamic thermal management technologies show potential for reducing architectural carbon footprints, prevailing active regulation systems remain constrained by energy-intensive mode-switching mechanisms and unsustainable operational costs. Here, we develop a zebra-inspired radiative modulator (ZIRM) that achieves climate-customized building thermal management through spatially partitioned integration of radiative cooling (RC) and heating (RH) functional units. The material breakthrough resides in a hybrid thin-film architecture combining a cellulose acetate/Zeolitic imidazolate framework-L (ZIF-L) porous membrane (solar reflectance ~95%, thermal emissivity ~0.88) with an MXene/ZIF-67 derived carbon-based absorption layer (solar absorption ~93%, thermal emissivity ~0.37), resolving the opto-thermal coupling limitations inherent to conventional materials. Experimental verification demonstrates that programmable regulation of the RC/RH area ratio enables broad-range temperature differential control from −4.3 to 12.1 °C during daytime operation. Building energy simulations reveal ZIRM’s annual energy consumption of 1.45×10^10 GJ, corresponding to 9.9% and 2.7% reductions compared to pure RC and RH systems, respectively. The established “configuration-environment-performance” predictive model pioneers a paradigm-shifting solution for carbon-neutral architecture, synergizing material innovation with climate-customized engineering strategies.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61072-4
Sodium-ion capacitors (SICs) typically feature a hybrid design, incorporating a battery-type anode that operates by faradaic redox reactions and an activated carbon cathode that functions through electrical double-layer (EDL) adsorption/desorption. However, the kinetics of faradaic processes are inherently slower than those of EDL processes, leading to a fundamental problem known as kinetic imbalance between the electrodes, which hinders the development of high-performance SICs. To address this, we synthesized composites of bismuth nanoparticles in N-doped carbon (Bi@NC) by a high-temperature sintering method. The resulting Bi@NC anode has a specific capacity of 300 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, an exceptional rate capability (maintaining performance at currents exceeding 75 A g−1), and outstanding cycling stability over 12,000 cycles. Three-electrode Swagelok cell tests revealed that this high-rate Bi@NC composite effectively decreases the kinetic gap with the activated carbon cathode, as shown by an analysis of their respective potential swing windows (vs. Na/Na+). This enables the fabricated SIC to achieve a maximum energy density of 115 Wh kg−1, a peak power density of 45,535 W kg−1, and a long cycle life exceeding 8,000 cycles.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3702-0
Construction of metal-mediated redox sites is an appealing approach to enhance photocatalytic CO2 reduction coupled with H2O oxidation. However, conventional static redox sites generally lack spatiotemporal matching during reaction processes due to the constraints of rigid structure and the linear scaling relationship of adsorbed species. Herein, an alkanolamine-Ir synergistic system was developed, where flexible monoethanolamine (MEA) molecules function as molecular ferries to selectively adsorb CO2 via carbamate formation, while adjacent Ir nanoparticles (NPs) serve as H spillover hubs that relay protons, creating spatiotemporal adaptability that synchronizes CO2 reduction and water oxidation. In addition, time-resolved in situ spectroscopy directly captures the rapid transformation of carbamate intermediates concurrent with sustained IrOOH intermediates formation. Microkinetic modeling further demonstrates that the MEA-Ir modified system (M-Ir/ACN) creates interconnected H spillover networks between Ir NPs and MEA, facilitating efficient proton transport that drives *COOH formation with a favorable thermodynamic energy. As a result, the M-Ir/ACN achieves a 20-fold increase in CO production compared to the pristine sample while maintaining high stability throughout 45 h of continuous operation. This study presents that flexible molecular ferries boost CO2 adsorption, and deciphers how flexible molecular-metal synergy directs the trafficking of CO2-derived intermediates toward highly efficient CO2 photoreduction.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3785-5
The effective separation and utilization of photo-generated carriers are critical for advancing photocatalysis, particularly in coupled reactions of H2 production and value-added chemical synthesis. Here, a sandwich-structured MnO2@ZnIn2S4@Ti3C2 hollow sphere was designed, with MnO2 and Ti3C2 loaded on the inner and outer surfaces of ZnIn2S4, respectively. MnO2 acts as an oxidation cocatalyst collecting photo-generated holes, while Ti3C2 serves as a reduction cocatalyst for electrons, promoting spatial separation of carriers and enabling spatially separated redox reactions. The hollow structure enhances light harvesting. The optimal catalyst achieves photocatalytic H2 production rate of 6.29 mmol g−1 h−1 and benzaldehyde production rate of 5.26 mmol g−1 h−1 from benzyl alcohol oxidation, significantly outperforming ZnIn2S4, MnO2@ZnIn2S4, and ZnIn2S4@Ti3C2. In situ irradiated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms effective carrier separation. In situ electron paramagnetic resonance and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy reveal reaction intermediates. This work provides a strategy for designing efficient photocatalysts for coupled H2 production and selective oxidation.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507027
Ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) is a common water pollutant that can induce eutrophication and threaten aquatic ecosystems and human health. Accurate monitoring is essential for water safety. This study applied a self-developed gas-permeable membrane-based conductivity sensor (GPMCS) for real-time in-situ monitoring of NH3-N in two water bodies. In the Qunying River (surface river water), GPMCS captured concentration fluctuations linked to pump operations and sewage intrusion, with mean inlet and outlet concentrations of 4.67 and 3.42 mg/L, respectively. In Swan Lake (landscape aquaculture water), concentrations reached up to 11.16 mg/L, with site means of 6.42 and 7.04 mg/L, influenced by aquaculture activities, weather, and location. GPMCS results correlated strongly with national standard methods (r1=0.8132, r2=0.7483), confirming accuracy and reliability. Compared to existing techniques, GPMCS offers high selectivity, strong anti-interference, portability, no sample pretreatment, low cost, and environmental friendliness, making it suitable for long-term in-situ monitoring. This technology provides robust support for sustainable water environment management.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0020
Ammonia borane (AB) is a promising hydrogen storage material due to its low molecular weight and high hydrogen content. The development of low-cost, high-activity catalysts for AB hydrolysis is critical for industrialization. In this work, CuO nanosheets (CuO NS) were synthesized via a solvothermal method under alkaline conditions using anhydrous copper chloride as precursor. Subsequently, low-temperature phosphating converted CuO NS into Cu3P@CuO nanosheets (Cu3P@CuO NS). The morphology and structure were characterized by SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, and XPS. The catalytic performance for AB hydrolysis was evaluated, revealing that at a phosphating ratio of m(CuO NS)/m(NaH2PO2)=1 (0.1 g each), Cu3P@CuO NS exhibited excellent activity with a TOF of 57.23 min−1 and an apparent activation energy of 44.31 kJ/mol. The reaction followed pseudo-first-order kinetics with respect to catalyst amount and pseudo-zero-order kinetics with respect to AB concentration. The superior performance is attributed to the abundant active sites exposed by the nanosheet structure. Given the extremely low cost, Cu3P@CuO NS is a promising alternative to noble metal catalysts for hydrogen generation from AB.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60607-4
The methanation of biomass gasification syngas (H2/CO = 3:1) was investigated over Ni/Al2O3 monolithic catalysts supported on cordierite, with a nominal Ni loading of 15 wt%. Catalysts were modified by treatment with 10% NaOH solution for 1 h and 2 h. Physicochemical properties were characterized by BET, TEM, H2-TPR, XRD, CO2-TPD, and TG. Results showed that the 2 h modification (15%Ni/Al2O3-2h) increased specific surface area, enhanced catalytic activity, and increased alkaline site density compared to the unmodified catalyst. Under optimized conditions (H2/CO volume ratio 3:1, space velocity 10000 mL/(g·h), temperature 400 °C), the 15%Ni/Al2O3-2h catalyst achieved a CO conversion of 97% and CH4 selectivity of 100%. Stability tests over 2 h showed that the CO conversion remained stable at approximately 98%, indicating excellent catalytic stability. The study demonstrates that alkali modification with 10% NaOH for 2 h significantly improves both the methanation performance and stability of Ni/Al2O3 monolithic catalysts, offering a promising route for synthetic natural gas production from biomass.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604001
This study systematically investigated the occurrence, spatial distribution, sources, and ecological risks of 160 pesticides in Dianchi Lake, a typical plateau lake impacted by agricultural activities. A total of 37 pesticides were detected in the water, with total concentrations ranging from 64.2 to 1132.8 ng/L (average 610.0 ng/L). Fungicides, including boscalid (BOS), fluopicolide (FPC), and dimethomorph (DMM), were dominant, contributing up to 65.0% of the total concentration. Spatially, the southern lake region exhibited significantly higher concentrations (672.5 ng/L) than the north, attributed to intensive facility agriculture. Highly hydrophobic pesticides, such as penconazole (PEN), showed a tendency to enrich in bottom layers. Source apportionment identified inflowing rivers and wastewater treatment plant effluents as primary input sources, with average concentrations 7 and 9 times higher than lake water, respectively. Ecological risk assessment revealed that pesticides posed the highest risk to algae, followed by daphnia and fish. Prometryn (PMT) was identified as a high-risk factor for algae, while profenofos (PFF) and carbendazim (CBD) posed potential threats to higher trophic levels. These findings provide fundamental data and technical support for understanding pesticide pollution in plateau lake ecosystems.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225213
Gas-liquid stirred tanks are widely used in oxidation, hydrogenation, and other chemical processes, where the gas dispersion state directly affects production efficiency. This study systematically investigated the effects of impeller type, impeller installation height, and rotational speed on gas-liquid dispersion in a stirred tank equipped with a porous tube sparger. Two typical impellers, a wide hydrofoil (WH) and a half-elliptical disk turbine (HEDT), were tested at various installation heights (L/D ratios) and gassing rates. The critical rotational speed for complete gas dispersion, agitation power consumption, and overall gas holdup were measured. Results showed that for both impellers, the critical Froude number (Fr) decreased significantly with increasing gas flow number (FlG). Under the same gassing rate, the HEDT impeller generally required a higher critical Fr and greater agitation power for complete dispersion compared to the WH impeller. Relative power demand (RPD) decreased as FlG increased, with a more pronounced decline at higher L/D ratios. At different impeller positions, the RPD of the HEDT impeller was higher than that of the WH impeller, indicating that the HEDT impeller's power was less affected by gas. Notably, the impeller installation height significantly influenced gas holdup and power consumption. When L/D = 0.75, higher gas holdup and lower power consumption were observed. This work provides crucial theoretical and data support for optimizing the design of gas-liquid stirred tanks with gas sparging, offering clear engineering value for enhancing mass transfer efficiency and energy-saving operation in chemical processes.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202508052
To improve the performance of pre-dust collectors in biomass boiler flue gas purification systems, a novel channel-steel baffle-type pre-dust collector was proposed to address the low collection efficiency of conventional designs. A gas-solid two-phase flow model was developed within the MP-PIC (multiphase particle-in-cell) framework and validated against physical experiments. The model simulated gas-particle motion inside the collector, systematically investigating the effects of structural modifications, flue gas conditions, and dust properties on collection efficiency and pressure drop. Results indicate that adding a flow baffle in the ash hopper and adopting an upper-inlet flue duct enhance collection efficiency with negligible impact on pressure drop. Flue gas velocity significantly influences performance: increasing velocity reduces efficiency while raising pressure drop; an optimal design velocity of 1.0–2.0 m·s−1 is recommended. Elevated flue gas temperature slightly decreases both efficiency and pressure drop, with minimal impact over a range of tens of degrees Celsius. Higher dust density and larger particle size improve collection efficiency and reduce pressure drop, whereas higher dust concentration increases both efficiency and pressure drop. The study elucidates the mechanisms by which structural and operational parameters affect pre-dust collector performance, providing theoretical guidance for designing low-resistance, high-efficiency collectors for biomass boilers.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025110501
Ultrashort-chain perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exhibit high hydrophilicity, mobility, and root concentration factors, facilitating their transport and accumulation in soil-crop systems and posing phytotoxicity risks. Post-drought rehydration (PDR) is a critical water management strategy to mitigate drought effects in paddy fields. This study investigated the regulation and mechanisms of PDR on ultrashort-chain PFAS transport in paddy soils through sterilized and non-sterilized experiments, employing three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and amplicon sequencing. Results showed that PDR increased the bioavailable fraction of ultrashort-chain PFAS in soil solution while delaying their release into overlying water. Sterilization experiments confirmed that PDR-induced compensatory migration was primarily driven by microbial activity. Geochemical analyses revealed that PDR reduced hydrophilic functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl) on soil particle surfaces and increased cation bridging sites. Microbiological sequencing indicated that PDR activated secondary metabolic pathways, enhancing microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production, which provided binding sites for ultrashort-chain PFAS. Consequently, EPS competed with soil particles for cation bridging, altering PFAS interfacial partitioning and increasing bioavailable and cation-complexed fractions in soil solution, thereby exacerbating rhizosphere exposure risk to rice. This study elucidates the coupled geochemical and microbiological mechanisms governing ultrashort-chain PFAS mobility under PDR, informing risk assessment and management in paddy agroecosystems.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025111302
High-concentration chloride ions (Cl−) in industrial wastewater cause severe corrosion and environmental hazards. Conventional removal methods suffer from low efficiency, high cost, and difficulty in product recovery. This study fabricated porous metallic bismuth-based blocks (Bi-PM) via 3D printing, combining chemical precipitation with additive manufacturing. Systematic evaluation of Cl− removal under varying pH and light irradiation revealed that at pH 0.1 and 0.5, dark-condition efficiencies were 53.6% and 31.0%, respectively, increasing to 69.3% and 38.1% under light. Radical trapping identified photogenerated holes as the primary active species, oxidizing metallic Bi to release Bi3+ and enhance precipitation. At pH 0.5, Bi-PM exhibited balanced efficiency and structural stability; over five cycles, average removal efficiency was 25% in darkness versus 41.2% under light, with superior stability under illumination. XRD and SEM confirmed abundant BiOCl formation on the surface under light, mitigating Bi loss. This approach ensures high chloride removal while minimizing material degradation, offering a novel pathway for industrial wastewater treatment.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605015
The national greenhouse gas voluntary emission reduction trading market was relaunched in 2023, with China Certified Emission Reduction (CCER) as the trading unit, serving as a crucial supplement to the national carbon market. The initial phase includes the offshore wind power sector. This study evaluates the CO2 and air pollutant emission reduction effectiveness and economic feasibility of China's offshore wind power industry under the CCER mechanism. Using CCER methodology, baseline scenario analysis, and empirical data from 2020 and projections for 2025, we quantify reductions in CO2 and principal air pollutants (particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides) across coastal provinces. Emission inventories are constructed using authoritative grid emission factors. Economic viability is assessed by integrating levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), additional revenues from CCER transactions, and external environmental benefits. Results provide four policy insights: (1) The sector shows a positive trend in emission reduction and economic-environmental contribution, but faces financial deficit risk by 2025 without CCER subsidies; (2) Economically developed coastal provinces exhibit greater development potential; (3) Profitability analysis for 2020 and 2025 indicates sustainable economic returns with appropriate policy support; (4) Among air pollutants, nitrogen oxides reduction is largest, while sulfur dioxide reduction yields the most significant co-benefits. This study offers evidence-based recommendations for strategic planning and policy formulation in China's offshore wind industry.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3956-0
Chiral organic-inorganic hybrid metal halides (OIHMHs) are multifunctional materials with structural diversity and chiroptical properties. However, current chiral OIHMHs predominantly exhibit circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) in the visible spectrum, while ultraviolet and near-infrared (NIR) CPL remains challenging. Here, we report lead-free chiral zero-dimensional (0D) OIHMHs, (R/S-DACH)2In2Br10:Sb3+/Yb3+ (DACH = 1,2-diaminocyclohexane), featuring spectrally tunable CPL emissions covering visible to NIR regions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, circular dichroism, and CPL spectroscopy revealed that robust hydrogen-bonding interactions between organic cations and inorganic emitters are crucial for chirality expression. Sb3+-doped (R/S-DACH)2In2Br10 single crystals exhibited intense broadband emission at 644 nm from the 3P1 to 1S0 transition of Sb3+, achieving a record photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 49.9% (two orders of magnitude higher than pristine crystals) and a luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) of ±7.1×10−3. Notably, Sb3+/Yb3+ co-doped crystals simultaneously generated dual-band CPL at 644 nm (glum = ±2.1×10−2) and 994 nm (glum = ±6.8×10−3), representing an important example of NIR-CPL in OIHMHs. An LED device based on (R-DACH)2In2Br10:2.7%Sb3+ exhibited bright orange emission with a color-rendering index of 78.4 and excellent spectral and operational stabilities. These findings establish a design strategy for broadband CPL and expand applications of chiral metal halides in advanced optoelectronics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3850-3
Chiral nanomaterials have attracted considerable attention for antibacterial applications due to their unique chiroptical properties. Here, we report a novel spatiotemporally precise synergistic photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) strategy using circularly polarized light (CPL)-activated chiral molybdenum-doped carbon dots (L-Mo-CDs and D-Mo-CDs). These chiral carbon dots were synthesized using chiral tartaric acid as a precursor. Notably, D-Mo-CDs selectively respond to left-handed CPL (LCP), while L-Mo-CDs respond to right-handed CPL (RCP). Under CPL irradiation, D-Mo-CDs exhibit enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and a higher photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to L-Mo-CDs. In vitro antibacterial assays demonstrate that D-Mo-CDs possess excellent bactericidal efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In vivo wound healing studies in a mouse model reveal remarkable therapeutic efficacy, attributed to reduced inflammation, accelerated angiogenesis, and enhanced collagen deposition. This work introduces a paradigm for utilizing chiral carbon dots in precision antibacterial therapy, addressing the limitations of conventional chiral nanomaterials such as poor biocompatibility and low photothermal conversion. The findings underscore the potential of metal-doped chiral carbon dots for advanced biomedical applications, offering a spatiotemporally controllable approach to combat bacterial infections without promoting resistance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3804-7
Supramolecular helical architectures hold promise for enantioselective catalysis, yet the influence of screw pitch on catalytic performance remains underexplored. Here, we report the construction of right-/left-handed helical nanoribbons (P/M-DAIPA) based on 5-aminoisophthalic acid dimer (DAIPA). Through an alcohol-mediated self-assembly strategy, the average screw pitch was tuned from 360 to 3152 nm. Mechanistic studies revealed that hydrogen-bonding interactions between DAIPA, modulated by alcohol identity and alcohol/water ratios, dictate helical morphology and pitch. Encapsulation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles yielded P-DAIPA-Fe3O4 and M-DAIPA-Fe3O4 nanozymes, which exhibited higher catalytic efficiency toward S-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and R-DOPA, respectively. Notably, catalytic enantioselectivity inversely correlated with screw pitch, achieving selectivity factors from 1.52 to 2.01. Experimental evidence demonstrated that shorter screw pitch enhances adsorption enantioselectivity of R/S-DOPA on the nanozymes, providing mechanistic insight into pitch-dependent asymmetric catalysis. This work deciphers solvent-driven control of supramolecular screw pitch and establishes a framework for engineering chiral nanozymes with tunable enantioselectivity, advancing enantioselective synthesis.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3993-y
Conventional liquid-phase in-situ synthesis of Cu-TiB2 composites often suffers from coarse and non-uniformly distributed reinforcements, stemming from insufficient understanding and control over the in-situ nucleation and growth mechanisms of TiB2 particles. This study introduces a novel melt dispersion-turbulent mixing (MDTM) in-situ reaction technology to fabricate high-performance Cu-TiB2 composites. The MDTM strategy synergistically refines reaction micro-regions by reducing the initial melt droplet size via melt dispersion while enhancing solute convection via turbulence, promoting high-density nucleation and refinement of TiB2 particles. Based on turbulence characteristics and in-situ reaction kinetics, we optimized the melt disperser parameters and established a quantitative model linking particle size to disperser rotation speed and reactant solute concentration. It was found that disperser rotation speed governs three distinct nucleation and growth mechanisms for TiB2 particles. Low-density nucleation at low disperser rotation speeds (0–50 r/min) leads to coarse TiB2 particles. At medium rotation speeds (100–150 r/min), the refinement of micro-regions in the dual-melt reaction achieves high-density TiB2 nucleation. Conversely, at high rotation speeds (150–200 r/min), intense turbulence weakens the nucleation driving force and induces TiB2 particle coarsening. This work provides new insights into liquid-phase in-situ reaction mechanisms and offers a novel, controllable route for fabricating high-performance micro/nano particle-reinforced metal matrix composites.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509086
Groundwater contamination by nitrate and antibiotics has become a global concern. This study evaluated the continuous performance of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) columns packed with zero-valent iron (ZVI) and pyrite (FeS2) combined with denitrifying microorganisms (ZFM) for simultaneous removal of nitrate and ofloxacin (OFL). Control columns included soil (S), microorganisms (M), and ZVI/FeS2 (ZF). Over 30 days of continuous operation, the ZFM column achieved average removal efficiencies of 88% for nitrate and 78% for OFL, significantly higher than controls. The ZFM system maintained higher active iron concentration (0.68 mg·L−1) compared to ZF (0.48 mg·L−1), mitigated pH increase, and sustained lower oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), favoring stable performance. XRD and XPS analyses revealed that microbial involvement promoted FeS formation (2θ=30.1°) and reduced ZVI passivation, extending material lifespan. High-throughput sequencing showed that while overall microbial diversity remained stable, key functional populations including norank_f_Fermentibacteraceae, norank_f_Anaerolineaceae, Longilinea, and Anaerolinea increased in abundance by 2.93%, 0.55%, 1.53%, and 0.62%, respectively, enhancing nitrate and OFL removal. These findings demonstrate that integrating microorganisms with ZVI/FeS2 in PRB systems offers a promising approach for remediating combined nitrate and antibiotic contamination in groundwater.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510018
Scientific assessment and prediction of the stabilization process in aged municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills are critical for reliable risk evaluation and remediation decision-making. Existing methods often fail under data-scarce conditions and lack temporal predictive capability. This study establishes a 'spatial characterization–temporal prediction' framework to address these gaps. The methodology integrates grid-based sampling, laboratory analysis of biological stability indicators (AT4), and LandGEM model simulations to assess current stabilization states and predict completion timelines. Applied to a landfill in southwest China, results reveal significant spatial heterogeneity in waste stabilization, strongly correlated with waste age and influenced by leachate recirculation of membrane concentrate. None of the landfill zones had reached full stabilization; predicted times to completion were: Zone D (17 years), Zone C (13 years), Zone B (8 years), and Zone A (1 year). Based on these findings, a systematic management strategy is proposed, including zoned gradient management, targeted control of lag zones, and dynamic planning. This study provides a theoretical basis for site-specific management and serves as a reference for similar landfills.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0035
Iron-based catalysts in CO2/H2 atmospheres undergo dynamic carburization and oxidation phase transitions, complicating active-phase identification and stability control. This study prepared high-purity single-phase χ-Fe5C2 (Hägg carbide) and θ-Fe3C (cementite) via gas-solid carburization, with purity confirmed by XRD and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Fixed-bed reactor tests (H2/CO2 = 1, 0.1 MPa, 270–420 °C), pulse experiments (270 °C), and in situ XRD (10% CO2/He, 340 °C) were employed to investigate catalytic performance and structural evolution in the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction. Results show that χ-Fe5C2 exhibits higher RWGS activity but is more susceptible to oxidation, whereas θ-Fe3C demonstrates superior oxidation resistance but lower activity. Under RWGS conditions with H2, θ-Fe3C partially transforms into χ-Fe5C2; however, in 10% CO2 atmosphere, both carbides directly oxidize to Fe3O4 without inter-carbide transformation. In situ XRD at 340 °C and 0.1 MPa revealed that χ-Fe5C2 fully oxidizes within 11 h, while θ-Fe3C retains residual phase after 18.3 h, confirming its higher oxidation stability. These findings elucidate the atmosphere-dependent evolution mechanisms of χ-Fe5C2 and θ-Fe3C, providing experimental basis for phase-structure regulation and operational stability optimization in iron-based Fischer-Tropsch and RWGS catalysts.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025030305
The rapid expansion of livestock and poultry farming has intensified the challenge of managing sludge, which contains heavy metals (primarily Cu and Zn), antibiotics, and pathogens. Calcium carbide slag (CCS), an alkaline industrial waste rich in Ca(OH)2, CaCO3, and other minerals, poses environmental risks due to its high alkalinity. This study investigates the speciation transformation of heavy metals in biochar derived from co-pyrolysis of livestock sludge and CCS under varying temperatures (400–700 °C) and mixing ratios (sludge:CCS = 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1). The results demonstrate that at 600 °C and a 2:1 mixing ratio, calcium-based compounds and SiO2 in CCS effectively immobilize heavy metals through crystal solid solution and complexation, reducing their ecological risk. Sequential extraction indicated a shift from exchangeable and reducible fractions to residual fractions, with the residual fraction of Cu and Zn increasing by up to 45% and 38%, respectively, compared to sludge-only pyrolysis. The formation of apatite phosphorus (Ca5(PO4)3OH and Ca3(PO4)2) enhances the bioavailability of phosphorus in the biochar, making it a potential slow-release fertilizer. The study provides a novel strategy for the synergistic treatment of livestock sludge and CCS, offering environmental and economic benefits by producing stable, nutrient-rich biochar while mitigating heavy metal toxicity.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025021401
This study investigated the occurrence, distribution, sources, and ecological risks of 19 organophosphate triesters (OPEs) and 8 diesters (di-OPEs) in surface water and sediments from the Hangzhou section of the Qiantang River. Samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Concentrations of ΣOPEs in water ranged from 31.5 to 98.9 ng/L, and in sediments from 10.8 to 341 ng/g dry weight (dw). Σdi-OPEs ranged from 2.19 to 104 ng/L in water and 0.437 to 106 ng/g dw in sediments, indicating moderate to low contamination. TCIPP and TCEP dominated OPEs in water, while TEHP was the predominant OPE in sediments. DBP was the major di-OPE in water, and DPHP in sediments. Source apportionment via correlation and principal component analysis identified industrial production and human activities, including household, tire, plastic manufacturing, and agricultural practices, as primary sources. Ecological risk assessment revealed negligible risks for most OPEs in water, but notable risks in sediments: TEHP and EHDPP posed risks to crustaceans, and TPHP to algae. Moreover, combined toxicity at multiple sediment sampling sites raised concern, warranting further attention.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026011902
The migration of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) at the water–soil interface in paddy fields is a critical determinant of their environmental fate and crop safety. This study investigated the influence of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) on PFASs mobility under waterlogged conditions. Four LMWOAs—oxalic, citric, lactic, and acetic acids—were individually enriched in paddy soils, and the migration of 15 PFASs was monitored. Acetic acid enrichment most strongly suppressed PFASs release into overlying water. Mechanistic analyses using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, three-dimensional excitation–emission matrix spectroscopy, microbial amplicon sequencing, and metagenomics revealed that acetic acid reshaped the microbial community, enriching sulfate-reducing bacteria and upregulating sulfur reduction genes (SULT1A) and nitrogen transformation genes (nifN, nirI, nthB). This drove sulfate reduction to sulfite and sulfide. ABT modeling identified sulfur metabolism as the dominant factor controlling PFASs immobilization (26.06% contribution). Experiments under varying sulfur redox conditions confirmed that sulfite (SO3^2−) oxidation indirectly altered dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition, weakening PFASs–DOM binding and reducing PFASs in overlying water. These findings demonstrate that LMWOAs accumulation, particularly acetic acid, can effectively impede PFASs migration at the paddy water–soil interface via microbial sulfur cycling and associated DOM structural changes, offering a potential strategy for PFASs remediation in agricultural systems.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606008
Resin-enhanced electrosorption for water treatment significantly improves ion adsorption efficiency and selectivity through synergistic effects, making it a research hotspot in the water treatment field. This technology provides an innovative solution to the bottlenecks of kinetic lag and insufficient selectivity by modulating electrode-solution interface behavior in multiple dimensions. Current technological advances include the following: a simple integration method enables desalination efficiency to exceed 92.3%; resin-coated composite electrodes eliminate the co-ion effect and achieve a 42% increase in total salt adsorption capacity; resin-derived porous carbon electrodes with tunable pore structures possess three to five times the adsorption capacity of commercially available activated carbon; and by enhancing solution convection and electrophoretic convection, the resin-filling strategy achieves a high desalination rate of (670 ± 20) mg/(L·h). Studies have demonstrated that different material combinations can achieve targeted optimization of adsorption performance based on specific water quality characteristics. Future research directions may focus on: developing intelligent resin materials with electromagnetic responsiveness; constructing a multi-scale structural design theory for resin-electrode systems; and establishing a cross-scale model integrating electrochemistry, fluid dynamics, and interface science for comprehensive analysis. In particular, in-depth studies are needed on the dynamic behavior of resin-based flow electrodes under electric/magnetic field regulation, as well as the precise construction of catalytic sites on the resin surface. This review aims to promote the widespread application and efficient practice of this technology in water treatment, providing a theoretical foundation and scientific basis for the future development of high-efficiency, selective, and stable electrosorption technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3976-x
The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in bilayer nickelate La3Ni2O7−δ (La-327) under high pressure and in thin films at ambient pressure has opened new avenues in superconductivity research. However, La-327 exhibits a narrow phase stability range, leading to stacking faults that suppress bulk superconductivity. Chemical substitutions, particularly at the A-site with smaller rare-earth ions, have been shown to enhance phase purity and reduce stacking faults, while also increasing the orthorhombic distortion and chemical pressure. In this work, we apply the high-entropy (HE) strategy to stabilize the 327 phase with reduced average A-site ionic radius (rA). We successfully synthesized medium-entropy La1.2Pr0.6Nd0.6Sm0.6Ni2O7−δ (ME-327) and high-entropy La0.67Pr0.67Nd0.67Sm0.33Eu0.33Gd0.33Ni2O7−δ (HE-327) polycrystalline samples. These compositions satisfy medium- and high-entropy criteria, with rA values of 1.181 Å and 1.164 Å, respectively. The samples are phase-pure and homogeneous. HE-327 exhibits the lowest cell volume, largest orthorhombicity, and shortest interlayer Ni-Ni distance among reported bilayer nickelates. Physical property measurements reveal low electrical conductivity and a high density-wave (DW) transition temperature. Under high pressure, HE-327 shows a resistivity anomaly at 103 K under 31 GPa, suggesting a possible superconducting transition. Extrapolation indicates that Tc under high pressure exceeds 100 K for HE-327, correlating with reduced rA and enhanced interlayer coupling. Our results demonstrate the ionic size effect and the effectiveness of the HE approach in stabilizing bilayer nickelates, providing a new avenue for developing superconducting materials.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202505108
Open-pit mining in high-cold regions causes severe ecological degradation, including vegetation loss, soil structure destruction, and frequent freeze-thaw disturbances, complicating ecosystem recovery. This review systematically synthesizes the current status, theories, and key restoration technologies for degraded ecosystems in high-cold mining areas. Comparative analysis with typical high-cold degraded ecosystems worldwide reveals that high-cold mining areas face challenges such as frequent freeze-thaw cycles, hydrological disruption, wind erosion, and difficult vegetation establishment. We propose strengthening aboveground-belowground synergistic restoration: (1) aboveground restoration should focus on screening cold-resistant native plants and optimizing mixed community configurations, combined with plant growth-promoting multi-microbial consortia to facilitate vegetation recovery; (2) belowground restoration should be based on engineering soil profile reconstruction, integrating physical-chemical-biological multi-dimensional remediation techniques to achieve aboveground and belowground community reconstruction and functional recovery; (3) a progressive restoration framework is established, with short-term goals targeting soil stabilization and structure improvement, medium-term goals focusing on constructing multifunctional plant-soil communities, and long-term goals achieving self-sustaining, maintenance-free restored ecosystems. Finally, addressing the unclear mechanisms of aboveground-belowground synergistic interactions and insufficient environmental adaptability of restoration technologies, two prospects are proposed: (1) deepening research on aboveground-belowground synergistic mechanisms to reveal interactions between cold-tolerant microorganisms and plants; (2) advancing the development of characteristic restoration technologies adapted to high-cold environments.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202505103
This study evaluated the drought resistance of seven dominant plant species from the Inner Mongolia desert steppe during seed germination to identify suitable species for ecological restoration of arid mining dumps. Seeds were subjected to soil moisture gradients ranging from 2.56% to 12.77% to simulate drought stress. Germination percentage, growth parameters, germination index, simplified vigor index, and drought resistance index were measured. A multi-dimensional evaluation system was constructed using the membership function method. Results showed that with increasing water stress, germination parameters generally declined nonlinearly. Under severe drought (soil moisture 5.11%), Lolium perenne and Melilotus officinalis exhibited significantly higher germination rates than other species (P<0.05). Comprehensive evaluation ranked drought resistance as: Lolium perenne > Melilotus officinalis > Setaria viridis > Elymus dahuricus > Medicago sativa > Astragalus adsurgens > Artemisia oxycephala. These findings indicate that Lolium perenne, Melilotus officinalis, and Setaria viridis possess strong drought resistance and can serve as pioneer species for vegetation reconstruction in mining areas. Furthermore, a soil moisture content of 5.11% (40% of field capacity) was identified as the lower threshold for seed germination, providing a quantitative basis for water management in arid mining ecological restoration.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60628-1
The coupling of CO2 with olefins to produce cyclic carbonates has emerged as an important research topic in sustainable chemistry, owing to its high atom economy and the wide applicability of the resulting products. However, this reaction faces a significant challenge due to the mismatch between the rates of the epoxidation and cycloaddition steps. In this work, a series of TS-1 zeolite catalysts encapsulating different amounts of molybdenum acetylacetonate were prepared through hydrothermal synthesis followed by post-treatment, with the aim of elucidating the rate balance between the epoxidation and cycloaddition steps and the underlying regulation mechanism. Characterization results show that the Mo species were present as highly dispersed molybdenum acetylacetonate complexes that were stably confined within the TS-1 framework. These complexes interact electronically with the tetra-coordinated Ti sites to form synergistic active centers, while imposing negligible effects on the zeolite structure and porosity. In the CO2-styrene coupling reaction, tuning the Mo loading enabled effective control over the epoxidation rate, thereby achieving an appropriate balance with the subsequent cycloaddition step. The optimized catalyst delivered excellent performance under mild conditions, with a styrene conversion of 83.4% and a selectivity of 75.3%, and also exhibited outstanding recyclability. Overall, this encapsulated catalyst successfully addresses the dual challenges of rate matching and active-site stability in CO2–olefin coupling, providing valuable insights for the rational design of efficient, durable bifunctional catalysts.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026021301
Lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) nanoparticles (NPs), generated during the lifecycle of LCO batteries via mechanical wear, pose respiratory health risks. This study systematically assessed LCO NPs' physicochemical properties, ion release, and immunotoxicity using multi-scale models. LCO NPs exhibited irregular morphology, layered crystal structure, good dispersion, and negative surface charge. Cobalt ion release was minimal: 1.03% in deionized water and 0.11% in cell culture medium. In vitro, LCO NPs significantly induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) in macrophages, promoting M1 polarization. In vivo, intranasal exposure caused dose-dependent pulmonary accumulation, alveolar destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration, and elevated cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of NF-κB, JAK-STAT, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways, implicating these in macrophage activation and inflammation amplification. This multi-level study elucidates LCO NPs' immunotoxicity mechanisms, providing a scientific basis for environmental health risk assessment and management of lithium-ion battery materials.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026041402
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants ubiquitously distributed in paddy soils. In paddy management, surface water irrigation introduces quinolone antibiotics (QNs) into the soil, potentially altering PFAS interfacial migration via microbial community shifts. This study investigated the soil-water partitioning of PFAS under irrigation with four QNs (norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, ofloxacin) using UHPLC-MS/MS and soil metagenomics. Results showed that QNs input, especially norfloxacin, significantly promoted the release of short-chain PFAS (e.g., PFBA) from soil to overlying water, while long-chain PFAS remained largely retained in soil. Metagenomic analysis revealed that archaeal and viral communities contributed most to PFAS release. Spearman correlations indicated ammonia-oxidizing archaea (Nitrososphaera) positively correlated with PFBA, whereas Bcep22virus negatively correlated with multiple PFAS. Differential gene expression and co-occurrence networks suggested QNs suppressed key functional genes in archaea and viruses (nitrogen metabolism, secretion systems, outer membrane proteins), reshaping interfacial partitioning and enhancing short-chain PFAS mobility, thereby increasing food security risks.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3964-5
The escalating demand for personalized thermal-moisture comfort, coupled with the high energy consumption of conventional heating and cooling systems and the imperative for low-carbon energy conservation, has driven the development of shape memory smart fabrics that respond to environmental changes. However, existing shape memory thermal-moisture management fabrics suffer from excessively high response temperatures, inadequate response performance, and suboptimal thermal-moisture management. In this work, a dual-network shape memory polymer (SMP) was synthesized, and its shape memory transition temperature was tuned to align with the human thermal comfort range. The polymer was processed into fibers and subsequently into twisted-coiled artificial muscles to enhance reversible strain. Woven with wool into a plain fabric, the resulting textile exhibits adaptive thermal-moisture management, achieving a warp reversible strain of up to 17.5%. At elevated temperatures, the fabric contracts, exhibiting an air permeability of 1546 mm/s and thermal conductivity of 0.0518 W/(m·K); at lower temperatures, it elongates, with air permeability of 1322 mm/s and thermal conductivity of 0.0426 W/(m·K), thereby realizing 'warm when cool and cool when hot' functionality. Compared with commercial wool fabrics, this smart fabric lowers the skin microenvironment temperature by 1.5 °C and offers an energy savings potential of approximately 222.58 MJ/m² per year in capital cities such as Beijing. This work provides a novel technical pathway and design approach for future personalized comfort and low-carbon, energy-saving textiles.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4011-7
Biomass-derived room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) carbon dots (CDs) hold great promise for anti-counterfeiting and information encryption. However, achieving solid-state matrix-free long-lived CDs with time-dependent phosphorescence colors (TDPC) remains challenging due to aggregation-induced quenching. Here, solid-state matrix-free RTP phosphorus-doped CDs (P-CDs) are developed via one-step hydrothermal treatment of feather powder and phytic acid. The resulting P-CDs powder exhibits bright blue fluorescence under UV illumination and unprecedented TDPC shifting from yellow to green after UV removal, with afterglow lasting 12 s (average lifetime 1.15 s). Enhanced RTP is attributed to increased triplet-state excitons via spin-orbit coupling induced by P-doping. A dual-mode luminescent ink formulated by combining P-CDs with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is successfully applied to commercial A4 paper, showing pronounced TDPC (light-yellow to green) with improved RTP lifetime (1.31 s) after ceasing UV irradiation. The P-CDs/PVA ink demonstrates excellent anti-counterfeiting and information encryption capabilities, outstanding luminescent durability, and broad practicability on cellulosic substrates including fabric and paper. These findings provide a strategy for exploiting matrix-free solid-state RTP P-CDs with distinctive TDPC properties and offer a sustainable route to converting feather wastes into high-value materials.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60657-3
Fe-Mn catalysts have attracted considerable attention for industrial Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) due to their ability to modulate product spectra. Carbon adsorption and permeation on catalyst surfaces are critical elementary steps in the in situ formation of active iron carbide phases. Here, density functional theory (DFT) calculations systematically investigate the atomistic structures, thermodynamic stabilities, and electronic properties of carbon-deposited Fe-Mn alloy surfaces at the early stage of carburization. These surfaces exhibit distinct thermodynamic sensitivity to carbon atoms adsorbed on the surface and permeating into interstitial sites. By combining DFT with minima-hopping structural searches, we demonstrate that the initial stage of carbon permeation cannot trigger surface reconstruction to form iron carbide phases. The addition of manganese thermodynamically hinders carbon permeation. Although deposited carbon atoms modulate the electronic structure of metals, manganese retards the shift of d-band centers toward those of bulk iron carbide phases. This study provides atomic-scale insight into the in situ evolution of Fe-Mn catalyst surfaces during carbon deposition, indicating that manganese promoter has a noticeable effect on carbon permeation.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025041502
Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with documented presence in urban, rural, marine, remote, and polar atmospheres. The atmosphere serves as a primary medium for their long-range transport, raising concerns regarding climate interactions and human health. This review synthesizes recent advances in atmospheric MPs research, encompassing sampling strategies, pretreatment protocols, analytical techniques, occurrence characteristics, and ecological ramifications. Passive and active sampling methods are delineated, with active samplers enabling quantitative flux measurements. Pretreatment typically involves sequential steps of sieving, density separation, digestion, staining, and filtration to isolate MPs from complex matrices. Identification relies on visual inspection, micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR), micro-Raman spectroscopy, laser direct infrared imaging (LDIR), and mass spectrometry. Reported atmospheric MPs predominantly exhibit dimensions below 700 μm, with fibrous morphologies being most prevalent. Color distribution is dominated by black, followed by white and transparent particles. Over 20 polymer types have been identified, with textiles, tire wear, and dust identified as principal sources. Atmospheric MPs can influence solar radiation balance, cloud formation processes, and pose risks to flora, fauna, and human health. However, research remains nascent; standardization of sampling and analytical protocols, along with comprehensive toxicological assessments, are critical knowledge gaps requiring urgent attention.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026050701
Azo food colorants are persistent aquatic pollutants posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Utilizing biomass waste to produce low-cost activated carbon offers a sustainable strategy for their removal. In this study, activated carbon (HPR-AC) was synthesized from Haematococcus pluvialis residue via phosphoric acid activation, and its adsorption performance was evaluated using Sunset Yellow (SY), Ponceau 4R (P4R), and Tartrazine (TY) as model pollutants. The effects of solution pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, and temperature on adsorption efficiency were systematically examined. Characterization by BET, FTIR, XRD, and XPS revealed that HPR-AC possesses a high specific surface area and an abundant mesoporous structure. The adsorption process was well described by the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, indicating monolayer chemisorption and an endothermic nature. At pH 5 and 55 °C, the maximum adsorption capacities reached 67.12, 79.72, and 72.75 mg·g−1 for SY, P4R, and TY, respectively. Statistical physics modeling further suggested a multilayer physical adsorption mechanism, primarily governed by pore filling, electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and charge transfer. These findings provide both theoretical insights and empirical data for the valorization of H. pluvialis residue and the development of efficient, sustainable adsorbents for azo dye removal from water.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025050803
This study systematically investigates the synergistic drag reduction mechanism of surfactants and porous media in coal seam water injection. Four surfactant types—cationic CTAB, anionic SDBS, amphoteric BS-12, and nonionic OP-10—were tested with five porous media pore sizes (3–12 mm) using a custom-built all-in-one drag reduction test system. The effects of surfactant type, mass concentration, driving frequency, and pore diameter on drag reduction efficiency were evaluated. Results show that in an empty tube, drag reduction efficiency increases with mass concentration. As driving frequency increases, drag reduction first rises then falls, peaking at 35 Hz. With porous media, drag reduction exhibits pore size dependence, reaching a maximum at 8 mm and decreasing thereafter. The composite surfactant-porous media system achieves synergistic enhancement over single systems. At 0.05% mass concentration, all surfactants attain maximum drag reduction, with CTAB showing the highest efficiency. Optimal conditions (0.05% CTAB, 35 Hz, 8 mm pore size) yield a drag reduction rate of 66.14%, a 1.4-fold improvement over 20 Hz. These findings demonstrate that tailoring surfactant and porous media parameters can significantly optimize coal seam water injection efficiency, offering a practical approach for dust control in mining.
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/s40843-025-3999-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/s40843-025-4009-0
Micro light-emitting diode (Micro-LED) display technology is a promising next-generation display technology due to its high brightness, high contrast, low power consumption, long life, and fast response. However, aggressive downscaling of Micro-LEDs to a few microns makes lift-off fabrication of metal bumps for soldered joints between Micro-LEDs and driver substrates increasingly difficult, challenging high-yield bump arrays under high-density conditions. This study innovatively replaces conventional metal bumps with a photosensitive conductive polymer (PCP), enabling fabrication of polymeric micro-bump arrays via well-established photolithography, bypassing complex lift-off processes and reducing short-circuit risk. Isopropyl alcohol regulates developer wettability for optimal development, yielding bump arrays with bump size 20 μm × 12 μm and height (1.9288 ± 0.0213) μm on thin-film transistor (TFT) drivers with yield over 99.99%. The issue of low bonding yield from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thermal expansion was resolved by adjusting chip spacing on the temporary substrate, achieving bonding yield exceeding 99.8%. A 0.99-inch full-color Micro-LED display with density 114 pixels per inch (PPI) and brightness 5537 cd/m² was fabricated. High-yield bump arrays, Micro-LED arrays, and high bonding yield are highly reproducible, promoting development of Micro-LED displays and related fields.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4282-y
Recovering gold from electronic waste (e-waste) is critical for sustainable resource management, yet conventional adsorbents suffer from poor acid stability and slow kinetics. Here, we report an acid-resistant cationic covalent organic framework (COF), TAPT-TNV, synthesized via irreversible Zincke reaction. TAPT-TNV exhibits exceptional stability in concentrated acids, retaining crystallinity and porosity after exposure to 12 M HCl and 6 M HNO3. The cationic skeleton, balanced by Cl− counterions, enables rapid and selective capture of AuCl4− through anion exchange, complemented by chemical reduction at triazine units. Adsorption kinetics are fast, reaching equilibrium within 30 minutes, with a maximum capacity of 1835.5 mg g−1 at pH 1. In real e-waste leachate, TAPT-TNV achieves a gold recovery rate of 99.42%, demonstrating high selectivity over competing metal ions. This work introduces a robust COF platform for precious metal recovery, addressing the limitations of hydrolytically unstable frameworks.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4096-7
Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanomaterials exhibit exceptional properties but suffer from severe aggregation due to undesirable surface characteristics, limiting their application in polymer nanocomposites. Existing covalent functionalization methods often compromise between time efficiency, energy consumption, and structural integrity. This study presents a rapid, room-temperature catalytic grafting strategy using tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (B(C6F5)3) to functionalize h-BN nanoflakes bearing edge hydroxyl groups. The reaction between B–OH groups and activated Si–H bonds of hydrosilanes proceeds under mild conditions, preserving the structural integrity of h-BN. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm the catalytic feasibility and elucidate two possible reaction pathways: backside-attack and flank-attack mechanisms. The modified h-BN exhibits significantly improved dispersibility in low-polarity solvents and tunable surface properties. This efficient method offers a versatile platform for h-BN surface engineering, facilitating broader practical applications.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4123-0
Aqueous aluminum-ion batteries (AAIBs) are promising for large-scale energy storage due to safety, sustainability, and theoretical high capacity. However, sluggish electron/ion transport in conventional cathodes limits rate capability. Here, we first propose high-entropy engineering of metal oxides (HEOs) as cathodes in AAIBs, leveraging the 'cocktail effect' and abundant electron transport pathways to enhance rate-capacity. Atomic-level interactions between different metal atoms broaden the d-band with reduced electronic level degeneracy, facilitating rapid electron transport, achieving one of the best rate capabilities (119.4 mAh g−1 at 10.0 A g−1) among metal-oxide cathodes. The disordered layered oxides formed with a high-entropy framework alleviate electrostatic repulsion between aluminum ions and the fixed lattice, mitigating structural degradation and imparting excellent cycling stability (over 95.1 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 2.0 A g−1). The optimized HEO-Cr cathode (Fe0.6Co0.6Ni0.6Mn0.6Cr0.6O4) exhibits outstanding rate performance and cycling stability. DFT simulations and electrochemical tests reveal that multi-transition metal incorporation, bandgap narrowing, and unique lattice structure drastically enhance electron transport efficiency. The layered phase formed after cycling, based on a high-entropy framework, overcomes challenges from high charge density aluminum ions, significantly enhancing cycling stability. This work paves the way for high-performance AAIBs and other aqueous multivalent metal ion batteries by rationally designing high-entropy engineering.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4131-3
p-n heterojunction solar-blind photodetectors based on p-type materials and n-type Ga2O3 have attracted significant attention in optoelectronics due to their inherent low dark current and self-powered operation. Organic-inorganic hybrid heterojunctions integrating p-type organic materials with n-type Ga2O3 offer a promising solution to overcome lattice mismatch, enabling device performance breakthroughs. In this work, Ga2O3 thin films were treated via a supercritical fluid (SC) technique, which significantly reduced defect state density while improving crystallinity and surface uniformity, laying a foundation for heterojunction interface optimization. Simultaneously, a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was introduced at the organic-inorganic heterojunction interface. The high-quality Ga2O3 surface engineered via SC treatment facilitated efficient, oriented self-assembly of SAM molecules, enabling precise modulation of interfacial energy band alignment and promoting separation and transport dynamics of photogenerated carriers. Benefiting from synergistic SC modification and SAM functionalization, the fabricated solar-blind photodetector achieved a highest responsivity of 111.7 mA/W and a specific detectivity of 1.02 × 10^11 Jones under zero bias (self-powered mode) and weak 254 nm light with an intensity of 5 μW/cm2. These results demonstrate a viable route to high-performance, self-powered solar-blind photodetectors through interface engineering.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4147-9
Fiber-shaped zinc-air batteries (FZABs) with aqueous electrolytes combine intrinsic safety, high energy density (1086 Wh kg−1), and environmental compatibility, making them attractive for wearable applications. However, free water in the electrolyte induces severe anode degradation while being a critical reactant for cathode redox, presenting a dilemma between anode stability and cathode functionality. The semi-open structure of FZABs allows airborne water to permeate and migrate to the anode, causing interfacial instability, while high surface area accelerates solvent evaporation, leading to increased internal resistance and salt crystallization. Consequently, typical cycle life is limited to <50 h. To overcome these challenges, we report a polymer electrolyte that captures atmospheric water as a solvent through the semi-open structure, achieved by introducing acetamide (AA), identified via unsupervised clustering algorithms, into the poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene)/zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate (PVDF-HFP/Zn(OTf)2) system. AA incorporation preserves solvent-retention capability while reconstructing the Zn2+ coordination structure, promoting salt dissociation and polymer-segment mobility. Low adsorption energy of AA on zinc surfaces suppresses parasitic reactions from ambient moisture, and preferential adsorption across zinc crystal planes directs Zn2+ deposition along the (002) face, leading to uniform plating morphology. The exogenous aqueous polymer electrolyte exhibits superior mechanical properties, enabling stable output even after compression by a 1.7-t vehicle. As proof-of-concept, FZABs integrated with fiber solar cells and sensors in clothing enabled real-time health monitoring and sustainable energy utilization, demonstrating promising practical applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3643-8
Inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) suffer from defect-mediated nonradiative recombination and inefficient charge extraction, particularly at the buried interface and grain boundaries (GBs), which limit power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability. This study introduces a multifunctional phosphonic acid molecule, (2-(3,6-bis(trifluoromethoxy)-9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl)phosphonic acid (M28), as an additive in the perovskite precursor solution. M28 spontaneously segregates toward the buried interface and GBs, fulfilling three roles: (1) slowing crystallization to enlarge grains and improve film quality, (2) passivating defects to suppress charge recombination, and (3) inducing p-type doping to create an extra electric field that promotes hole transport. Devices incorporating M28 achieve a champion PCE of 25.96% and retain 80% of initial efficiency after 1500 h of maximum power point tracking. This work demonstrates the efficacy of multifunctional phosphonic acid additives in addressing buried-interface and GB defects, offering a viable route to high-performance, stable inverted PSCs.