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LX
Verified CAS / Academic Author19 Decoded Studies

Prof. LONG Xin

School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China

Co-Affiliations:Main affiliation not explicitly stated in the provided text; likely a Chinese university or research institute.College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China

Research Publications & English Decoded Briefs

Showing 19 publications
SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4309-8

Potential-Dependent Stability of Iridium–Cobalt Oxide Nanosheets for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

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 Materials2026DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4367-4

Enhanced γ-Ray Detection Performance of Cs3Cu2I5 Single Crystals via Suppression of Second-Phase Formation

Single-crystalline Cs3Cu2I5 has attracted considerable interest owing to its excellent scintillation performance and favorable stability. Nevertheless, second phases induced by peritectic reactions during melt growth give rise to deteriorated scintillation properties and promote crystal cracking. In this work, the effects of non-stoichiometric ratios of raw material (n(CsI)=0.57, 0.62, and 0.63) on the crystallization behavior and scintillation properties were systematically investigated. The results show that the crystal quality is optimal at n(CsI)=0.62, featuring high transparency, absence of macroscopic inclusions, and cracking free, with a PLQY of 79.3%. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence verifies the self-trapped exciton emission mechanism with strong exciton-phonon coupling, giving an exciton binding energy of 473.9 meV and a Huang-Rhys factor S of 79.8. The as-grown crystal exhibits an optimized light yield of 24,380 photons/MeV, an energy resolution of 3.8% for 137Cs (662 keV) γ-rays, a dominant decay time of 957 ns, and excellent linear response in the medium-to-high energy region. Precise regulation of the raw material stoichiometry can effectively suppress the formation of second phases, yielding high-quality Cs3Cu2I5 single crystals whose comprehensive performance demonstrates promising application potential in γ-ray detection.

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3503-9

Correction to: Mesoporous Bowl-Shaped Polydopamine Co-Loaded Temozolomide and Indocyanine Green for Synergistically Inhibiting Glioblastoma

This correction addresses an image misuse in the original publication (Sci China Mater, 2025, 68(6): 2095, DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3311-6). Specifically, a fluorescent image in Fig. 4d, depicting live/dead cells after treatment with MPDA@TMZ without laser irradiation, was erroneously presented. The corrected Fig. 4 is provided, and the authors confirm that the results and conclusions of the original paper remain unaffected. The correction ensures the integrity of the reported data, particularly the cell viability and apoptosis assays. The study focuses on mesoporous bowl-shaped polydopamine (MPDA) nanoparticles co-loaded with temozolomide (TMZ) and indocyanine green (ICG) for synergistic glioblastoma therapy. The corrected figure includes CLSM images of G422 cells after incubation with various formulations (ICG, sPDA@ICG, mPDA@ICG, MPDA@ICG), cell viability curves, quantitative fluorescence intensity, live/dead staining, and apoptosis quantification. Statistical significance is denoted as ****p < 0.01. The correction maintains the scientific validity of the findings, which demonstrate the potential of MPDA-based nanoplatforms for combined chemo-photothermal therapy.

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3693-0

Rational Design of Atomic Skin Layers with Low Ir–Ir Atomic Distance for Highly Efficient OER Catalysts

The development of catalysts with highly efficient oxygen evolution performance and low-Ir loading is key to scaling up the application of proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis technology. Here, an Ir-skin catalyst (Ir@KM) is realized on a potassium-manganese oxide (K0.25MnOx (KM)) using an ion-exchange method. The Ir-skin over the prepared Ir@KM has a low Ir–Ir atomic distance, endowing an energetically favorable oxide path mechanism to allow a low theoretical overpotential of 0.13 V. Ir@KM offers a low overpotential of ~280 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and provides a high mass activity of up to 18,500 A gIr−1 at a cell voltage of 1.8 V in PEM, which is 17.6 times higher than that of IrO2, demonstrating a significant advantage in reducing the cost of the membrane electrode. The presented Ir-skin concept represents a promising strategy to fabricate low-Ir catalyst with high activity and durability for practical applications of PEM.

Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology2026DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604006

Synergistic Regulation by Long- and Short-Chain Quorum Sensing Signaling Molecules Enhances Sulfamethoxazole Metabolism in Electroactive Biofilms within a Microbial Electrolysis Cell Coupled Anaerobic Digestion System

High-strength sulfamethoxazole (SMX) wastewater severely inhibits anaerobic microorganisms, reducing organic degradation and methane yield. This study investigated the effects of short-chain (C6-HSL) and long-chain (C12-HSL) N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) signaling molecules, individually and in combination, on the construction, performance, and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) profiles of anaerobic electroactive biofilms within a microbial electrolysis cell coupled anaerobic digestion (MEC-AD) system. Compared to the control (no AHLs), SMX removal efficiency increased by 9.26%, 7.44%, and 10.67% for C6-HSL (T1), C12-HSL (T2), and combined (T3) treatments, respectively. Methane production rates rose by 20.4%, 16.9%, and 23.1% for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. AHLs promoted extracellular polymeric substance secretion, enhancing electroactive microbe attachment to the anode. Microbial community analysis revealed increased diversity and modulated key functional genera. Notably, Georgenia abundance increased by 16.77% (T1) and 36.47% (T3) but decreased by 15.99% (T2). ARG analysis showed that single AHLs elevated intI1, sul1, and sul2 abundances, whereas combined AHLs (T3) exhibited a milder response, with sul2 abundance reduced by 4.92% relative to control. This suggests synergistic AHLs suppress ARG host proliferation. This study first demonstrates that combined short- and long-chain AHLs enhance electroactive biofilm formation, maintain microbial community stability, and modulate ARG dissemination risk, offering a quorum sensing-based strategy for antibiotic wastewater treatment and risk management.

Environmental Chemistry2026DOI: 10.0000/202605-1

Determination of Hydrazoic Acid and Sodium Azide in Workplace Air by Ion Chromatography with Suppressed Conductivity Detection

A method for the determination of hydrazoic acid and sodium azide in workplace air was established using ion chromatography with suppressed conductivity detection. Vapor and mist states of hydrazoic acid were collected in 40 mg·L−1 KOH absorption solution, while sol states of hydrazoic acid or sodium azide were collected on microporous membranes and eluted with 40 mg·L−1 KOH. Separation was performed on a Dionex IonPac™ AS11-HC (250 mm × 4.0 mm) anion analytical column with KOH gradient elution, followed by suppressed conductivity detection. The azide ion (N3−) exhibited good linearity in the range of 0.005–0.5 mg·L−1, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9997. The limit of detection (S/N=3) was 0.002 mg·L−1, and the limit of quantification (S/N=10) was 0.005 mg·L−1. The minimum quantifiable concentrations in air were 0.00256 mg·m−3 for hydrazoic acid and 0.00387 mg·m−3 for sodium azide, based on a 10.0 mL sample solution and a 20 L air sample. Spiked recoveries ranged from 92.0% to 100.4%, with relative standard deviations (RSD, n=6) between 0.76% and 2.51%. The method is efficient, accurate, and sensitive, suitable for monitoring and safety assessment of hydrazoic acid and sodium azide in workplace air.

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3786-8

Dual-mode electrotunable near-infrared chiral organic synaptic photodiodes for intelligent cancer detection

Conventional cancer diagnostic techniques, such as tissue sampling and microscopy, are invasive and prone to misdiagnosis, driving the need for non-invasive, precise alternatives. Chiral biophotonics, exploiting circularly polarized light (CPL), offers unique polarization-selective interactions with biological tissues, enabling higher imaging contrast and molecular-level discrimination. However, current CPL detection technologies are passive and single-mode, lacking dynamic tunability and parallel processing capabilities. Meanwhile, AI-assisted diagnostics rely on separated sensing and computing units, suffering from poor integration and transmission inefficiency. Here, we report a near-infrared (NIR) chiral organic synaptic photodiode with electrically tunable dual-mode operation, enabling simultaneous CPL detection and neuromorphic processing. Under negative bias, the device operates as a highly sensitive CPL detector for chiroptical signal acquisition. Under positive bias, it exhibits history-dependent synaptic behavior with photocurrent dissymmetry factor (g_ph) dynamically tunable up to -0.06. By integrating this device into an optical convolutional neural network (OCNN), we achieved intelligent cancer detection with CPL-based imaging. Experimental results demonstrate that CPL detection accuracy reaches 83%, approaching the theoretical 87%, significantly outperforming natural light detection at 65%. The device enhances image contrast and feature extraction, laying a foundation for intelligent, adaptive diagnostic systems.

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3798-x

Lesion-targeted probiotic delivery via ROS-activated gelation and mucoadhesion for transanal treatment of colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colorectal mucosa, where conventional enema therapies suffer from poor retention and limited inflammation modulation. Here, we report a highly fluid probiotic-containing enema solution (s-BSA-Fe+EcN) integrating bovine serum albumin (BSA), Fe2+, and probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN). The solution's high fluidity enables comprehensive coverage of irregular colorectal mucosa. Upon encountering reactive oxygen species (ROS)-rich inflamed lesions, Fe2+ mediates H2O2 scavenging and hydroxyl radical generation, triggering BSA crosslinking and in situ gelation into a conformal hydrogel (h-BSA-Fe+EcN). This targeted adhesion mitigates oxidative damage to host tissues and preserves probiotic viability. In a porcine model, endoscopic imaging confirmed inflammation-targeted gelation in vivo. In a dextran sulfate sodium-induced mouse colitis model, h-BSA-Fe+EcN demonstrated excellent therapeutic efficacy, reducing disease activity index and restoring colonic architecture. This strategy addresses the dual challenges of fluid perfusion and rapid ROS-responsive gelation, offering an advanced transanal treatment for UC.

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3874-1

Thriving In-Memory Computing and Neuromorphic Applications of Ferroelectric-Based Devices

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) model sizes to trillions of parameters has intensified the demand for computational paradigms that overcome the von Neumann bottleneck. Emerging memory technologies, while advancing, fall short of meeting the massive requirements of large-scale models. Ferroelectric materials, with their continuous tunability of domain patterns, offer a promising route to emulate synaptic weights in biological learning. This review systematically examines four fundamental ferroelectric-based device architectures: ferroelectric capacitors, ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs), ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs), and ferroelectric domain wall memories. We analyze their latest progress, application domains, and inherent advantages, while critically assessing the challenges impeding their commercialization. Key issues include scalability, endurance, retention, and integration with CMOS technology. We also highlight optimization strategies for material and device performance, array-level design, and neuromorphic computing architectures. Future research directions are proposed, emphasizing the expansion of novel applications and the realization of energy-efficient, high-density in-memory computing systems. This review provides a comprehensive framework for researchers and engineers aiming to harness ferroelectric devices for next-generation computing.

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3934-1

Bioinspired Reprocessable Dual Crosslinked Solid-Solid Phase Change Material for Solar-Assisted Thermal Energy Storage and Multi-Scenario Thermal Camouflage

Solar energy, a clean and abundant resource, can be stored as latent heat in solid-solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) and subsequently utilized, offering great potential for advancing passive thermal management technologies such as thermal camouflage. Conventional SSPCMs often require active heating for high-temperature conditions, leading to additional energy consumption. Moreover, their permanent crosslinked structures limit reprocessability and increase environmental burden. Herein, we present a lizard-skin-inspired, solar-thermal-responsive, and reprocessable SSPCM (FTSPCM) featuring a dual crosslinked structure composed of dynamic phenol–carbamate bonds and Fe3+@Tannic acid (TA) coordination. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) functions as the phase change segment, while TA introduces both reversible covalent crosslinking and photothermal responsiveness. The FTSPCM exhibits a high latent heat of 102.9 J g−1, excellent shape stability, and maintains its thermal performance after three reprocessing cycles at 120 °C. The Fe3+@TA coordination network enables strong near-infrared absorption and efficient solar-thermal conversion, achieving a surface temperature of 62 °C and a conversion efficiency of 96.85% under 2 Suns irradiation. This dual-function design allows the material to achieve passive thermal camouflage via latent heat release at low temperatures and solar-assisted photothermal heating at high temperatures. This work presents a sustainable strategy for developing reprocessable, solar-responsive SSPCMs, showcasing the distinctive advantages of tannic acid-derived polyphenol chemistry in constructing passive thermal management systems for energy-efficient thermal camouflage and solar-driven thermal energy storage.

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3769-2

Suppression of Schottky Effect with Highly Corrosion-Resistant Coating on Porous Transport Layers for Interface Optimization in Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers

Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) are pivotal for sustainable hydrogen production, yet the corrosion-induced TiOx on porous transport layers (PTLs) introduces Schottky contact barriers and pinch-off effects, severely impeding charge transfer and efficiency. Here, a cost-effective MoIrOx coating via spray deposition and thermal treatment on Ti felts is proposed. The coating forms a conductive interlayer that establishes a Schottky barrier staircase, reducing the effective electron transfer barrier and isolating TiOx from the ionomer to mitigate the pinch-off effect. The optimal PTL achieves a current density of 3.27 A cm−2 at 2 V, surpassing uncoated Ti felts by 59.5%. The MoIrOx interlayer suppresses localized electron accumulation at the interface, enabling stable operation with ultra-low catalyst loadings by preventing direct ionomer-TiOx contact. This work demonstrates a scalable strategy to enhance PEMWE efficiency and durability while minimizing precious metal reliance, offering critical insights into interface engineering for electrolyzers.

Environmental Chemistry2026DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025031102

Rational Design of Laccase Mutants for Enhanced Catalytic Degradation of Benzene-Containing Pollutants: A Computational Insight into Binding Pocket Engineering

Laccases are promising biocatalysts for environmental remediation, yet their application is hindered by the instability and limited substrate affinity of wild-type enzymes. Here, we report a computational strategy integrating homology modeling, molecular docking, and virtual mutagenesis to engineer high-performance laccase mutants targeting benzene-containing pollutants. Structural analysis revealed that fungal laccase (Trametes versicolor, T.v) exhibited stronger binding affinities for aniline, o-phenylenediamine, and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT) compared to bacterial laccase (Bacillus subtilis, B.s), attributed to optimized hydrophobic and hydrogen-bond interactions within the substrate-binding pocket. Virtual mutagenesis identified critical residues (e.g., Ser113, Leu459) regulating substrate stability. Notably, mutations at Ser113 to Arg/Glu/Leu significantly enhanced binding energy (ΔG ≤ −7.1 kcal·mol−1 for HBT) by narrowing the pocket exit and reinforcing hydrophobic constraints. Mechanistically, polar mutations in the pocket interior promoted hydrogen bonding, while hydrophobic substitutions at peripheral residues restricted substrate dissociation. Our findings establish a dual-region engineering principle—enhancing hydrogen bonds internally and hydrophobicity externally—to optimize laccase activity. This work provides a generalizable framework for the rational design of oxidoreductases in pollutant degradation.

Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology2026DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607017

Carbon Emissions Accounting and Techno-Economic Evaluation of Biochar and Organic Fertilizer Production from Distillers' Grains

Distillers' grains, the largest organic solid waste stream in the brewing industry, require efficient low-carbon valorization to support China's Dual Carbon Goals. This study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify CO2 emissions and carbon reduction benefits of two mainstream routes: pyrolysis to biochar and fermentation to organic fertilizer. Based on public process data, the total life-cycle CO2 emission for biochar production from 1 t of distillers' grains is 250.02 kg, with a carbon sequestration reduction of 120.29 kg, demonstrating superior long-term carbon fixation. In contrast, organic fertilizer production emits 536.14 kg CO2 per ton, achieving a carbon reduction of only 86.22 kg, indicating inferior mitigation performance. Techno-economic analysis reveals net profits of 471.97 CNY/t for biochar and 822.27 CNY/t for organic fertilizer, showing that the organic fertilizer route offers higher profitability. Both pathways effectively reduce CO2 emissions, with biochar prioritizing environmental sustainability and organic fertilizer excelling economically. This study provides data-driven insights for selecting organic solid waste recycling strategies, promoting low-carbon technologies, and establishing circular economy models in the brewing industry.

Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering2026DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511055

Numerical Simulation of Water Environment in the Mountainous River of the Upper Heihe River Based on MIKE21

To systematically investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of hydrodynamics and water quality under cascaded hydropower development in the upper Heihe River, a MIKE21-based water environment model was constructed for the mountainous reach. The model simulated the dynamic changes of total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) from January to August 2023. Calibration and validation against field data showed good performance: the hydrodynamic model achieved a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.89 and a mean relative error (MRE) of 11.3%; the water quality model achieved an average R2 of 0.86 and an average MRE of 14.21%. Hydrodynamic simulations revealed average flow velocities of 1.78, 0.72, and 0.36 m·s−1 during wet, normal, and dry periods, respectively. Natural river sections exhibited high velocities up to 4.3 m·s−1, while reservoir sections had near-stagnant flow due to hydraulic structures. Water quality simulations indicated that TN and NH3-N concentrations were higher in dry and normal periods, whereas TP was higher in the wet period. Spatially, concentrations in reservoir sections exceeded those in natural sections: natural sections had TP, TN, and NH3-N concentrations of 0.07–0.10, 0.25–0.50, and 0.025–0.250 mg·L−1, respectively, while reservoir sections had 0.12–0.17, 0.60–0.80, and 0.10–0.45 mg·L−1. These findings provide scientific references for water environment management in the Heihe River and similar inland river basins.

Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology2026DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60679-2

Research Progress on Supports for Rh-Based Catalysts in Heterogeneous Hydroformylation of Olefins

Olefin hydroformylation is a pivotal process for synthesizing high-value-added aldehydes, with applications extending from short-chain to long-chain olefins (C6+). Traditional homogeneous catalytic systems suffer from difficulties in separating and recovering precious rhodium (Rh), driving research toward heterogeneous catalytic systems. This review summarizes recent progress in supports for heterogeneous Rh-based catalysts, focusing on the influence of structural regulation strategies of inorganic oxide-supported, porous carbon-supported, organic porous polymer-based, zeolite-supported, and composite-supported catalysts on active site dispersion, regioselectivity, and cycle stability. Key findings include enhanced linear-to-branched (n/i) ratios and turnover frequencies (TOF) achieved through tailored support design. For instance, Rh1/CeO2 with morphology effects demonstrates molecular-level understanding of support effects, while Rh/activated carbon with surface oxygen groups improves catalytic performance in 1-hexene hydroformylation. Porous monophosphine polymers confine atomically dispersed Rh, achieving regioselective hydroformylation. Additionally, Rh-N4 single atoms and Rh clusters dual-active sites on supports yield ultra-high TOF. The review aims to provide insights for rational design of high-performance heterogeneous hydroformylation catalysts, addressing industrial challenges of catalyst recovery and stability.

Environmental Chemistry2026DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025041502

Research Progress on Atmospheric Microplastics: Sampling, Analytical Methods, Occurrence, and Ecological Impacts

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.

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4144-y

Room-Temperature Sensitive Electromechanical Magnetization Reversal with Modulation Capability Approaching 100%

Developing efficient strategies for electrically manipulating two-dimensional magnetism at room temperature is a key challenge in contemporary spintronics. In this study, we demonstrate giant electromechanical control over the magnetism of the room-temperature van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2 by integrating it with the ferroelectric α-In2Se3. Modest gate voltages lead to an almost complete suppression of the coercive field by 96.5%, corresponding to a remarkable peak modulation sensitivity of ~8.1 mT V−1, which stands out among existing van der Waals magnetoelectric systems. Importantly, this substantial magnetoelectric response is predominantly unaffected by voltage polarity, as both positive and negative gate voltages induce similar magnetic modulation effects. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we tracked the voltage-induced Raman spectral changes, revealing a peak shift of 1.7 cm−1 that accurately represents an effective in-plane tensile strain of ~1.42% under an equivalent bias, demonstrating polarity independence as well. The synchronized magnetic response and strain variation unequivocally indicate that the induced tensile strain serves as the fundamental physical driver behind the magnetic modulation. Additionally, density functional theory calculations corroborate that the reduction in magnetic anisotropy induced by tensile strain results in a decrease in the coercive field. Our work establishes a novel and efficient approach for achieving voltage control of magnetism at room temperature in van der Waals multiferroic heterostructures, highlighting their significant potential for applications in ultra-low-power magnetic logic and sensing technologies.

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4058-4

Heterojunction-Enhanced Photodynamic Uterine Scaffold Mediated by Upconversion for Treating Infectious Injuries

Bacterial infection following endometrial injury delays tissue regeneration and may progress to endometritis and other reproductive disorders. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a promising antibacterial strategy in the post-antibiotic era, yet its efficacy is often limited by rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers and poor penetration of visible excitation light. Here, we report a previously unexplored upconversion-mediated, Type I dominant photodynamic antibacterial uterine scaffold specifically designed for infection-associated endometrial injury. The core innovation is the construction of a Schottky Ag0-Ag2S heterojunction on NaYF4:Yb,Tm nanoparticles using ZIF-8 as a sacrificial precursor, enabling efficient charge separation and oxygen-independent hydroxyl radical generation, overcoming the oxygen dependence of conventional Type II PDT under hypoxic uterine conditions. The upconversion core permits deep-tissue-penetrable near-infrared (NIR) activation. Beyond instantaneous PDT, dynamic release of Ag+ ions provides synergistic bactericidal activity, enabling spatiotemporally coordinated biofilm disruption. These nanostructures were incorporated into patient-customizable, biodegradable poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds fabricated by selective laser sintering, achieving simultaneous antibacterial therapy and endometrial regeneration in a single platform. This integration of an oxygen-independent PDT mechanism, MOF-templated heterojunction engineering, and 3D printed personalized uterine implants constitutes a comprehensive therapeutic strategy not previously reported for treating infection and endometrial injury.

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4181-6

Electronic regulation via d-p coupling between ruthenium nanoclusters and ReS2 nanosheets for enhanced green hydrogen production performance

Green hydrogen production via electrocatalytic water splitting is pivotal for sustainable energy, yet the high cost and scarcity of platinum (Pt) catalysts impede large-scale adoption. Ruthenium (Ru)-based materials emerge as promising alternatives, but their performance requires enhancement. Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), particularly ReS2, offer intrinsic 1T' phase with good conductivity and stability, yet suffer from inert surfaces limiting water adsorption. Here, we report a heterostructure comprising Ru nanoclusters anchored on ReS2 nanosheets (Ru/ReS2) to modulate electronic structure via d-p coupling. This design enhances water dissociation kinetics and optimizes hydrogen adsorption free energy (ΔG_H*). The Ru/ReS2 catalyst exhibits superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in acidic media, achieving an overpotential of 47 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 38 mV dec−1, outperforming commercial Pt/C (overpotential 54 mV, Tafel slope 45 mV dec−1). Notably, it demonstrates exceptional stability, with negligible degradation after 10,000 cyclic voltammetry cycles, contrasting with Pt/C's 54 mV overpotential increase. Density functional theory calculations reveal that d-p coupling between Ru and ReS2 optimizes the electronic structure, facilitating water adsorption and dissociation. This work provides a rational strategy for designing efficient, durable, and cost-effective HER electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production.