SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4321-x
Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based solid polymer electrolytes are leading candidates for solid-state lithium metal batteries due to their flexibility, processability, and interfacial compliance. However, the strong crystallization tendency of PEO and limited lithium salt dissociation result in low ionic conductivity and low Li+ transference number, exacerbating concentration polarization and interfacial instability. Introducing metal-organic framework (MOF) fillers into PEO matrices has emerged as an effective route to regulate polymer-chain packing and promote salt dissociation via Lewis acid-base interactions. Yet, most studies focus on cubic ZIF-8, whose saturated Zn coordination environment limits intrinsic Lewis acidity and restricts its ability to immobilize TFSI- anions. Simultaneously, simple physical blending often leaves discontinuous interfacial transport regions in composite electrolytes, so improved salt dissociation does not automatically translate into fast Li+ transport. Here we report a PEO-based composite polymer electrolyte, denoted as PZS, that couples monoclinic ZIF-8 (M-ZIF-8) nanosheets with a thin SiO2 layer. The design combines two complementary functions: the under-coordinated Zn sites in M-ZIF-8 provide strong Lewis acid centers to adsorb TFSI- and promote LiTFSI dissociation, while the hydroxyl-rich SiO2 shell improves compatibility with the PEO matrix and helps construct continuous interfacial Li+ transport pathways. Benefiting from this synergy, the optimized PZS electrolyte delivers an ionic conductivity of 8.3 × 10-4 S cm-1 and a Li+ transference number of 0.57 at 60 ℃, together with an electrochemical stability window of 5.2 V. Li||Li symmetric cells remain stable for over 1200 h at 0.1 mA cm-2, and LFP||Li full cells retain 80% of their capacity after 400 cycles at 0.5 C.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4404-7
Electrochemical propylene epoxidation offers a sustainable route to propylene oxide (PO), but achieving high selectivity and stability under industrial current densities remains challenging. Herein, we report a high entropy amorphous CoFeNiCrMnBOx borate loaded with high valence Pt single atoms catalyst (a-Pt-HEBO) for stable bromine radical-mediated propylene epoxidation reaction (BrPOR). The high-entropy amorphous structure reshapes the interfacial hydrogen-bonding network and enriches free water, substantially lowering the energy barrier for water dissociation. Meanwhile, the strong electronic interactions between the coordinatively unsaturated, high-valence single Pt atoms and the substrate effectively prevent transition metal dissolution at high anodic potentials. The catalyst achieved 82.1% Faraday efficiency of PO at an industrial grade current density of 100 mA cm-2, and demonstrated excellent industrial application stability in up to 500 h of continuous test and within a scaled-up electrolyzer (4 × 4 cm2). This work provides a design for high-entropy catalysts in halogen-mediated electrosynthesis and a viable pathway toward carbon-neutral PO production.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4298-x
Conventional electrochemical artificial muscles rely on liquid electrolytes, which suffer from poor encapsulation processability, high leakage risks, and inadequate biocompatibility, limiting their application in bionic medicine, wearable exoskeletons, and humanoid robots. To address these bottlenecks, we fabricated a polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylic acid (PVA-PAA) double-network hydrogel electrolyte and integrated it with twisted carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns via ultraviolet curing, constructing an all-solid-state artificial muscle unit. The unit maintained structural integrity and actuation performance after mechanical deformation treatments such as weaving and knotting. Experimentally, it achieved a maximum contractile stroke of 16% at −1 to 1.8 V and generated an isometric force of approximately 500 mN at −1 to 2 V. The solid-state artificial muscles exhibited excellent mechanical properties, compact size, and high flexibility, offering new opportunities for applications in bionic medical devices and intelligent robots.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4340-0
Thin films with nonreciprocal circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) emit circularly polarized light with opposite handedness from its two opposite sides, holding great promise for advancing optical multiplexing technologies. Herein, we introduce component orientation mismatch into chiral composite films via stretching, which leads to macroscopic optical anisotropy and accordingly drives the films to show nonreciprocal CPL activity. Stretching triggers linear dichroism-linear birefringence (LD-LB) coupling to realize nonreciprocal circular dichroism (CD) in elastomer films consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and chiral polyacetylene (R/S-PSA). Moreover, fluorescence anisotropy-linear birefringence (f-LB) coupling occurs after introducing fluorescent groups into the films to achieve multi-color nonreciprocal CPL. The unstretched films exhibit reciprocal CPL with a luminescence dissymmetry factor (|glum|) of 10⁻¹, with handedness determined by PSA’s intrinsic helical chirality. In the stretched films, the oriented fluorescent groups undergo f-LB coupling with matrix crystallization, resulting in nonreciprocal CPL (|glum|=10⁻²). Based on this distinctive chiroptical feature, we have developed chiral logic gates, multidimensional optical encryption systems, and enantioselective photopolymerization platforms to demonstrate the potential uses of the as-obtained CPL films. This work provides both fundamental insights into and a versatile material platform for developing smart nonreciprocal photonic systems with advanced chiroptical functionality.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4367-4
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 Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4159-y
The electrocatalytic oxidation of ethylene glycol (EG) derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste to valuable glycolic acid (GA) represents an attractive route for waste resource upcycling. However, achieving high selectivity remains challenging due to the difficulty in steering the complex reaction pathway. In this study, PdPtCuInBi high-entropy intermetallic metallene (HEI-PdPtCuInBiene) is reported to precisely control EG oxidation reaction (EGOR) pathway for GA production by constructing multiple active sites at the atomic scale. In PET hydrolysate, it achieves a Faradaic efficiency of 99.87% and a production rate of 1.47 mmol h−1 cm−2, along with excellent stability. Mechanistic studies reveal that the high-entropy structure induces strong p-d orbital hybridization, which optimizes the electronic structure of active sites, thus weakening the adsorption of key carbonyl intermediates and suppressing C–C bond cleavage. The synergistic electronic effect among Pd, Pt, and Cu further enables differential adsorption of distinct intermediates on diverse active sites, enhancing the selective formation of GA. Techno-economic analysis exhibits high profitability (~$784.9 t−1 PET) of this route, demonstrating the great potential of high-entropy intermetallic metallene in regulating electrocatalytic upcycling of PET waste and beyond.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4322-4
Ultrafast scintillators with low-nanosecond emission are essential for next-generation high-rate X-ray and particle imaging. Although Ce3+-activated scintillators inherently exhibit fast response characteristics, conventional Ce3+-doped hosts rarely achieve low-nanosecond ultrafast decay. Here, we report a high-entropy fluoride scintillator (HEFS), Ce:LaGdCaSrBaF12 (Ce:LGCSB), in the form of bulk single crystals. The severe lattice distortion arising from multi-cation disorder induces exciton localization and effectively suppresses exciton diffusion. Through the rapid relaxation of localized excitons, the high-entropy Ce:LGCSB single crystals deliver a decay time of 1.23 ns with a 94.6% fast-component contribution and without any noticeable slow component. Through first-principles calculations, spectroscopic characterization, and transient dynamics analysis, we reveal that the ultrafast response originates from accelerated Frenkel exciton (FE) recombination enabled by the high-entropy environment. This work establishes entropy-engineered fluorides as promising ultrafast scintillator platforms and proposes a general strategy for extending sluggish diffusion effects to the excitonic scale, offering new opportunities for improving scintillation timing performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3664-x
The proliferation of electronic devices and wireless communications has escalated the demand for materials that simultaneously provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and infrared (IR) thermal camouflage, a combination critical for military and civilian applications. Traditional metallic shields suffer from high density, poor processability, and cost, while polymer-based alternatives often lack sufficient shielding effectiveness and environmental stability. Here, we report a multilayer composite film fabricated via layer-by-layer vacuum filtration and hot-pressing, integrating modified aramid nanofibers (ANF) and MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets. The film architecture comprises ANF-polypyrrole (ANF-PPy) as the matrix and Ag-MXene as the functional filler, with in-situ grown Ag nanoparticles intercalating between MXene layers to enhance interlayer spacing and electromagnetic wave scattering. At a thickness of only 33 μm, the film achieves an average EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 66.75 dB and a specific shielding effectiveness (SSE/t) of 38432.54 dB cm2 g−1. The multilayer structure promotes multiple internal reflections and interfacial polarization losses, while the tight integration ensures high IR reflectivity. This work establishes a foundation for developing multifunctional protective materials with dual EMI shielding and IR camouflage capabilities, addressing the critical bottleneck of simultaneous performance in ultrathin, flexible formats.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3585-1
Semiconductor-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates have attracted significant attention due to their high uniformity, reproducibility, stability, and cost-effectiveness. However, the Raman enhancement in semiconductors primarily relies on the chemical mechanism (CM), which typically results in a lower enhancement capability compared to traditional noble metals. In this study, we developed a novel two-dimensional (2D) SERS substrate, Ag2Te nanosheets (NSs), synthesized through a simple one-step redox reaction utilizing 2D Te NSs as the template. The 2D Ag2Te NSs not only exhibit strong interfacial interactions with molecules, thereby supporting the CM, but also possess quasi-metallic properties with low resistivity (2.8 × 10−4 Ω cm) and high density of free electrons (4.15 × 10^22 cm−3), giving rise to a significant visible-region surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band and contributing to enormous electromagnetic mechanism (EM). By synergizing CM and EM, the 2D Ag2Te NSs SERS substrate achieved an ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) of 10−10 M with an enhancement factor (EF) of 2.6 × 10^7 for methylene blue (MB), outperforming most semiconductors, even rivaling noble metals. The quasi-metallic properties of 2D Ag2Te NSs also benefit their sensitivity to multiple molecules. The accuracy and reliability were demonstrated in real-sample detections with recoveries of 91.5%–108.3% for various target molecules. These excellent performances, combined with remarkable cost-effectiveness, demonstrate the potential of 2D Ag2Te NSs as a practical SERS substrate with broad applicability. Furthermore, the inherent structural simplicity of these nanosheets creates significant opportunities for further sophisticated nanostructural engineering to advance the SERS performance in the future.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3615-1
Stretchable electronics are pivotal for bio-integrated devices, soft robotics, and wearables, yet their development is constrained by single-layer architectures that limit integration density and by mechanical mismatch between rigid components and soft substrates, which curtails service life. Here, we introduce a LEGO-like modular assembly strategy to construct multilayer three-dimensional (3D) stretchable electronics. Electronic components (ECs) and self-healing polyurethane (SPU) substrates patterned with liquid metal (LM) circuits serve as the modular blocks. This design simplifies fabrication and markedly enhances 3D integration density. The combination of LM circuits and self-healing elastic substrates enables devices to withstand diverse deformations and to autonomously heal after mechanical damage. Notably, the devices can undergo multiple recycling and reuse cycles without significant performance loss. This methodology offers a new paradigm for advanced flexible electronics, addressing critical bottlenecks in integration density, mechanical robustness, and sustainability.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3658-1
Organic-inorganic hybrid copper(I) halide semiconductors have attracted extensive attention for applications in phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (pc-WLEDs), X-ray imaging, and photodetectors because of their superior photo/radioluminescence, structural diversity, and eco-friendliness. In previous work, a strategy combining coordinated anionic inorganic modules with cationic derivatives yielded highly efficient blue-emitting hybrids, but synthesis complexity limited practical use. Here, we report a facile, efficient, and rapid solution-based ultrasonic treatment method for synthesizing high-performance blue-emitting phosphors using inexpensive, commercially available tetraethylammonium halides (TEAX, X = Cl, Br, I). The synergistic interplay of ionic and covalent bonds in these compounds endows them with a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 70% and excellent stability. These materials exhibit thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), delivering outstanding performance in pc-WLEDs and X-ray imaging. Their exceptional properties highlight significant potential for use in optoelectronic devices and X-ray scintillators. This work provides an important reference for rapid synthesis of high-performance copper(I) halide hybrid phosphors and paves the way for commercial application.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3746-x
The polyanionic compound Na3V2(PO4)2O2F (NVPOF) possesses a stable three-dimensional framework, high theoretical specific capacity, and favorable operating voltage, yet its sluggish Na+ diffusion kinetics and low electronic conductivity impede industrial application. This study proposes a dual regulation strategy combining carbon coating and heat treatment temperature to synergistically enhance crystallinity and electrochemical performance. NVPOF@C-400 and NVPOF@C-600 were synthesized via in-situ dopamine hydrochloride coating followed by heat treatment at 400 °C and 600 °C, respectively. Carbon coating at 600 °C significantly improved crystallinity and increased electronic conductivity by three orders of magnitude through the carbon layer's conductive network. The ~4.5 nm carbon layer effectively suppressed abnormal grain growth and secondary crystallization aggregation at high temperatures, maintaining uniform particle size of approximately 0.36 μm, which shortens Na+ diffusion pathways and prevents ion transport obstruction. Consequently, NVPOF@C-600 delivered a high discharge capacity of 102.5 mAh g−1 at 20 C and retained 96.5% capacity after 10,000 cycles. In a full-cell configuration with hard carbon (HC), NVPOF@C-600//HC achieved an impressive 89.3% capacity retention after 9,000 cycles. This work provides critical insights for practical implementation of high-performance NVPOF cathodes in sodium-ion batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3714-3
Eco-friendly aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) are promising alternatives to lead-acid batteries in applications requiring both safety and energy density. However, their practical deployment is hindered by the synergistic deterioration of zinc anodes—structural collapse and kinetic failure—under high depth of discharge (DOD) and high current densities, which severely limits actual energy and power densities. Here, we report a strategy for the in situ integration of a double-layer topological chitosan framework (D-CTS) on current collectors via regulating phase separation kinetics during multistage coordination-neutralization electrophoresis. The vertical through-hole array is formed by coupling instantaneous and delayed phase separation. Subsequently, a columnar zinc array is mediated by D-CTS to construct an integrated component (D-CTS-Zn) comprising a vertical through-hole separator and an array anode. The embedded interconnected nanonetworks within the through-hole walls enable dynamic equilibrium of the columnar zinc array through a lateral ion compensation mechanism. As a result, Zn||Zn symmetric cells with D-CTS-Zn stably cycle over 3000 cycles at 200 mA cm−2 under 60% DOD. The assembled D-CTS-Zn||MnO2 battery delivers an energy density of 83 Wh kg−1 at an ultrahigh power density of 9.25 kW kg−1. This work provides a constructive strategy for chitosan phase separation regulation and separator-induced reversible metal array anodes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3695-8
Sulfur-based lithium-ion batteries, particularly those employing sulfurized poly(acrylonitrile) (SPAN) cathodes and graphite (Gr) anodes, offer high theoretical capacity and low cost but suffer from temperature-dependent capacity decay. This study systematically investigates the electrochemical dynamics and capacity decay mechanism of SPAN||Gr pouch cells cycled at 25–55 °C. Multiscale analyses reveal that capacity fade arises from active lithium loss and increased resistance, both accelerated by higher temperatures. Active lithium loss is primarily attributed to dead lithium formation and thickening of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI), while resistance increase is predominantly due to SEI/CEI thickening. As temperature rises, active lithium loss becomes the dominant decay factor. Leveraging the consistent decay mechanism across temperatures, an accelerated aging model based on the Arrhenius equation is developed: y = 0.9x + a. This model accurately predicts cycling parameters at specific temperatures and reduces testing time by 50% when extrapolating from 55 °C to 25 °C. These insights provide critical guidance for developing long-life sulfur-based batteries for practical energy storage applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3707-8
Wound infection is a major cause of death during the wound healing process. Improperly dressed wounds can lead to secondary injury, prolonging healing time and increasing infection risk. Here, we propose an antibacterial slippery dressing through molecular engineering of copper ions. The oil layer forms a barrier to reduce clot adhesion to the wound site and prevent environmental contamination. Single-cell level detection indicates that secreted copper ions induce bacterial death not only by disrupting membrane integrity but also by relying on the production of reactive oxygen species. Further membrane depolarization and adenosine triphosphate production blockage result in the aggregation of important proteins in various biological processes, such as metabolic homeostasis, ultimately leading to bacterial death. The animal model confirms that our dressing accelerates wound healing by promoting the growth of granulation tissue and collagen deposition. Our dressing demonstrates significant clinical implications for the design of next-generation therapeutic applications.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61068-2
The poor interface contact between bismuth (Bi) nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) impedes ion/electron transfer in lithium-ion battery anodes. We report an innovative fabrication of ultrafine Bi nanocrystals chemically bonded to rGO (Bi-rGO) via liquid-phase pulsed laser irradiation followed by solvothermal reaction with graphene oxide. Metastable Bi nanocrystals synthesized by laser (5.5 nm) undergo lattice restructuring and shrink to a record-small size of 2 nm during solvothermal combination, the smallest reported for Bi/C composites. The Bi nanocrystals are uniformly anchored onto rGO nanosheets via strong Bi–O–C bonds, which suppress particle aggregation, establish efficient ion/electron transport channels, and alleviate volume expansion during lithiation. The Bi-rGO-2 anode, comprising 2 nm Bi nanocrystals, delivers an exceptional reversible capacity of 586.7 mAh g−1 over 500 cycles at 100 mA g−1, nearly doubling that of a Bulk Bi/rGO composite anode (318 mAh g−1). Theoretical calculations confirm higher binding energy between Bi and rGO at smaller particle sizes, while kinetic analysis reveals accelerated Li+ diffusion. This work provides a scalable route to high-performance alloy anodes through metastable nanocrystal engineering and covalent interface coupling.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3777-0
Optically clear adhesives (OCAs) are critical for next-generation optoelectronic systems, yet their end-of-life management remains a sustainability challenge. Here, we report a debondable and robust polyurethane (PU)-based OCA that integrates both mechanical and chemical recyclability. The PU-based OCA exhibits high optical transparency (>90% transmittance from visible to near-infrared), strong adhesion to glass and polymeric substrates (bonding strength up to 5.0 MPa), and thermally sensitive H-bonding interactions that enable on-demand deadhesion at elevated temperatures. This capability facilitates non-destructive detachment of functional assemblies, promoting component reuse and material recycling. The adhesive demonstrates excellent mechanical properties, including ductility and strength, and outperforms several commercial optical adhesives in key performance metrics. Its straightforward synthesis and industrial scalability make it a promising solution for advancing circular economy principles in optoelectronic device manufacturing. The work addresses critical bottlenecks in balancing mechanical performance, adhesion/detachment, and recyclability, offering a transformative approach to sustainable advanced manufacturing.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3725-1
Conductive hydrogel-based stretchable electronics have been extensively investigated, with strain sensors being the most prominently studied. While mechanical properties significantly affect device performance, the systematic correlation between specific mechanical parameters and sensing performance remains rarely explored. This work compares the influences of Young’s modulus and mechanical hysteresis on sensing performance between highly entangled PAM-Li and double-network PAM-Li-Agar-3 strain sensors. Owing to the brittle agar network, which imparts a higher Young’s modulus and pronounced mechanical hysteresis to the double-network PAM-Li-Agar-3 hydrogel, the corresponding sensor requires a greater driving force for deformation and yields signals with poor reproducibility. In contrast, the PAM-Li hydrogel, characterized by highly entangled polymer chains, exhibits a lower Young’s modulus and negligible mechanical hysteresis. Consequently, signals from the PAM-Li strain sensor demonstrate enhanced sensitivity and stability. Therefore, this work demonstrates that a low Young’s modulus and minimal mechanical hysteresis are critical factors for achieving superior sensing performance in strain sensors, as systematically validated through comparative analyses across diverse application scenarios.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3747-3
Thermochromic soft materials are flexible functional materials that adaptively tune optical properties (transmittance, reflectance, or scattering) with temperature for thermal modulation. Herein, a laminated thermochromic gel (DEE-DA) is synthesized by encapsulating a thermochromic hydrogel (DA) between two hydrophobic ionogels (DEE) in a stacked configuration. The synergy of multiple dynamic bonds endows the DEE-DA gel with exceptional mechanical properties and remarkable self-healing capability (98.8% at 30 °C). More importantly, attributed to the temperature-responsive reversible cleavage and recombination of hydrogen bonds and borate ester bonds, DEE-DA gel demonstrates tunable transmittance with a light modulation efficiency of 85.45%. In response to the various external conditions, the gel can auto-adjust the optical properties to avoid sun irradiation or heat loss. Accordingly, the gel enables efficient dual-mode thermal modulation across a broad temperature range to realize thermal management. The research proposes gel thermochromism and laminated durability enhancement for adaptive materials in smart buildings and wearables.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506005
The escalating generation of medical waste, driven by healthcare expansion and frequent medical activities, poses significant environmental and public health risks. Under the framework of ecological civilization, China is developing a comprehensive policy system for medical waste treatment and disposal, yet the current framework remains nascent and exhibits inconsistencies between national and local policies. This study systematically analyzes the status of national and local policies from 2003 to 2024, collecting 413 policy documents (166 from national ministries and 247 from provincial governments). The analysis examines temporal evolution, regional distribution, and policy focus, alongside the influence of medical waste output, treatment technologies, facility infrastructure, and major epidemic responses. Findings reveal distinct policy phases: initial self-disposal, exploratory management, foundational system building, and rapid development. Regional disparities are pronounced, with eastern coastal areas showing more advanced policies due to greater technical and financial resources. The surge in medical waste, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the need for enhanced regulatory guidance. Non-incineration technologies are gaining traction for their environmental and cost benefits, and facility coverage has improved but remains uneven. The study proposes five policy principles to foster technological innovation and industrial upgrading, ensuring safe medical waste management and environmental protection.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112603
Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous co-existing pollutants in aquatic environments. This study investigated the effects of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) MPs with varying aging degrees on the photodegradation of SMX. In the absence of MPs, SMX photodegradation was only 28%, while the presence of virgin PE increased it to 34%. Aging PE for 200, 400, and 600 h further enhanced degradation to 46%, 56%, and 77%, respectively. Pseudo-first-order kinetics showed that the rate constant (kobs) increased from 0.066 h−1 to 0.224 h−1 with aged PE. Aged MPs generated more reactive oxygen species (ROS) under irradiation, including hydroxyl radicals (·OH), singlet oxygen (1O2), and superoxide anions (O2·−), as confirmed by radical quenching and EPR analysis. Density functional theory identified the benzene ring, five-membered heterocycle, and sulfonyl group as primary ·OH attack sites. LC-MS analysis revealed degradation products such as p-aminobenzenesulfonamide, indicating both direct and indirect photolysis pathways. This work provides mechanistic insights into antibiotic-MP interactions and informs strategies for managing co-existing pollutants.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112102
Based on the 2022 activity data of non-road mobile sources in Hebei Province, this study employed the emission factor method recommended by the Guidelines to estimate emissions of CO, HC, NOx, PM2.5, PM10, and SO2. A comprehensive emission inventory was established, followed by spatial and uncertainty analyses. Scenario analysis, aligned with the 14th Five-Year Plan policies, was used to project emissions for 2030. The results indicate that non-road mobile sources in Hebei emitted 76.1×10^3 t of CO, 20.6×10^3 t of HC, 164.0×10^3 t of NOx, 8.5×10^3 t of PM2.5, 9.0×10^3 t of PM10, and 2.4×10^3 t of SO2. Agricultural machinery was the dominant contributor to CO, HC, PM2.5, and PM10, accounting for over 60.0% of CO emissions. Railway locomotives were the primary source of NOx, contributing 50.9%. For SO2, agricultural machinery and railway locomotives contributed 39.0% and 44.4%, respectively. The highest emitting cities were Tangshan (21.3%), Shijiazhuang (15.7%), Cangzhou (11.6%), and Handan (11.6%). Ship emissions were concentrated in Tangshan Port; civil aviation emissions were mainly in Shijiazhuang, Tangshan, Qinhuangdao, and Handan; railway emissions were distributed in Shijiazhuang, Baoding, and Handan. Under the updated emission standard scenario, NOx and PM10 emissions in 2030 could be reduced by approximately 35.0%. The phase-out of old machinery yielded the largest reduction in CO (36.0%), while both electrification and phase-out scenarios significantly impacted HC emissions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3856-0
Replacing the kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with biomass oxidation at photoanodes offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient route for simultaneous hydrogen production and value-added chemical synthesis in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. Here, titanium-doped hematite nanorods (Hem) decorated with CoNi bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) were prepared via room-temperature deposition and employed as photoanodes for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation. Using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) as a redox mediator in alkaline electrolyte, the CoNi-ZIF/Hem photoanode achieved a photocurrent density of 1.09 mA cm−2 at a low bias of 1.1 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that CoNi-ZIF accelerates charge transfer and separation, and enhances TEMPO adsorption on the surface, benefiting PEC TEMPO-mediated HMF oxidation to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). In a flow-cell reactor under 1 sun illumination, the photoanode achieved ~99% HMF conversion and ~98% FDCA yield within 2 hours. The photoanode also exhibited excellent performance for TEMPO-mediated oxidation of various aldehyde-containing biomass-derived compounds. This work demonstrates a rational design of hematite-based photoanodes for efficient biomass valorization coupled with hydrogen production.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025010306
Sulfur autotrophic denitrification (SAD) has attracted increasing attention due to its low cost, no need for external carbon sources, and low sludge production. This review systematically examines the reaction principles and key material elements of various electron donors for SAD, including elemental sulfur, sulfide, thiosulfate, and iron sulfide. It discusses recent research progress on different SAD processes and the influence of environmental factors. A comparative analysis between heterotrophic denitrification and SAD highlights SAD's advantages in reaction rate, secondary pollution, and cost-effectiveness, underscoring its promising application prospects. Notably, iron sulfide-based autotrophic denitrification maintains stable pH and produces fewer by-products (e.g., sulfate, nitrous oxide). When developed into an aggregate sulfur concrete system, it can purify nitrogen and phosphorus from secondary effluent standards to Class IV surface water standards within a hydraulic retention time of only 0.5–2 hours, addressing the contradiction between SAD reaction rate and engineering demands. This enables efficient simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal, making it viable for groundwater remediation, advanced wastewater treatment, eutrophication control, and deep nitrogen removal. The national 'Dual Carbon Strategy' (carbon neutrality and peak) positions SAD as a promising method for wastewater treatment plants to meet increasingly stringent nitrogen and phosphorus discharge standards.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025020603
The high cellulase-producing strains were screened and the enzyme production conditions were optimized, providing strain resources for the effective utilization of agricultural solid waste. A promising cellulolytic strain S3 was isolated from the soil of Hengshui Lake Wetland Park. The isolation process employed Congo red plate staining method for primary screening, followed by secondary screening through cellulase activity determination and straw degradation experiments. Through morphological observation and molecular biology identification, the strain S3 was identified to be Bacillus cereus. The ratio of transparent circle to colony diameter of strain S3 was 4.01±0.17. The filter paper enzyme activity of strain S3 was 42.09 U·mL−1, and the degradation rate of corn stover reached 19.29% after 10 days of fermentation. It was found that the optimum carbon source of strain S3 was the mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and wheat bran with the addition amount of 4%, and the optimum nitrogen source was soybean powder with the addition amount of 2%. Single factor experiment and response surface methodology were used to optimize the enzyme production conditions of the strain S3. The optimal conditions were fermentation time of 76 h, fermentation temperature of 36℃, initial pH of 6, and inoculation volume of 4%. Under these conditions, the filter paper enzyme activity reached 60.13 U·mL−1, which was 1.43 times higher than that before optimization. The strain S3 showed the high cellulase-producing capability, demonstrating its potential as an efficient microbial candidate for the degradation and utilization of agricultural solid waste.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605008
Vegetable production is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, yet national-scale assessments comparing cultivation modes remain scarce. Using life cycle assessment (LCA) and provincial statistical data from 2018–2022 across 27 provinces, we quantified the carbon footprint (CF) per unit yield for 10 typical vegetables under open-field and facility farming. Results show annual average CFs range from 65.5 to 293.8 g CO2-eq/kg, with open-field radish lowest and open-field green bean highest. Spatial heterogeneity is pronounced, especially for facility eggplant and open-field green bean. CF exhibits distinct clustering: fruit vegetables emit more in central-southern open-field and northern facility systems, while leafy vegetables follow a 'south-high, north-low' pattern. Fertilizer production and field N2O emissions dominate, contributing up to 80.4% of total CF. In facility systems, irrigation electricity and agricultural film inputs become significant, reaching 57.87% contribution. These findings support region- and crop-specific mitigation strategies for China's agricultural dual-carbon goals.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3754-1
Chiral polyester materials that integrate chemical recyclability with high performance have become a focal point in sustainable polymer research. Their thermal and mechanical properties are intrinsically linked to polymer microstructure, with stereoregular chiral polyesters typically exhibiting superior crystallinity and performance relative to atactic counterparts. Asymmetric kinetic resolution polymerization (AKRP) has emerged as a powerful method for synthesizing stereoregular chiral polyesters from racemic monomers, utilizing chiral catalysts to selectively recognize and polymerize one enantiomer while leaving the other unreacted. Recent advances have expanded AKRP scope to include targeted recognition of specific substrate sites based on chiral discrimination. This review summarizes recent progress in AKRP across representative monomer systems, categorized by ring size, highlighting breakthroughs in catalyst design, mechanistic understanding, and material properties. Key metrics such as kinetic resolution coefficient (k_rel) and selectivity factor (s-factor) are discussed as quantitative measures of stereoselective control. The review underscores the potential of AKRP to circumvent costly enantiomer separation, offering a promising route to advanced chiral polyesters with tailored properties for applications ranging from biodegradable plastics to biomedical materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3718-3
Chiral polymers, characterized by unique stereochemical features, are of significant importance in biomedical and related fields. Understanding their structure-property relationships is crucial for the rational design of functional materials with tailored performances. In this work, we employed a catalyst enantiomer purity regulation strategy to achieve regioselective ring-opening polymerization of chiral monomers. By systematically varying the enantiomer purity of chiral (BisSalen)Al catalysts, we successfully synthesized a series of chiral poly(2-hydroxybutyric-co-glycolic acid) (PHBGA) copolymers with varying regioselectivities and G–G linkage contents. Performance evaluations revealed that these polymers exhibited thermo-mechanical properties closely correlated with their microstructures. Specifically, the glass transition temperature (Tg) and mechanical moduli could be tuned over a wide range by adjusting the catalyst enantiomer purity, which directly influenced the polymer's chain regularity and crystallinity. This study not only provides an effective approach for the controlled synthesis of chiral polymers with tunable regioselectivities but also deepens the understanding of their structure-property relationships, laying a foundation for the development of chiral polymeric materials with on-demand functionalities for diverse applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3945-8
Pillar[n]arenes, macrocyclic hosts with unique pillar-shaped architectures, exhibit dynamic planar chirality arising from restricted rotation of their hydroquinone units. This review summarizes recent advances in constructing chiral bis- and multi-macrocycles by fusing additional rings onto pillararene backbones. These systems serve as privileged platforms for chiral inversion molecular machines, particularly molecular universal joints (MUJs), and for integrating pillararenes with other macrocycles to create chiral platforms with circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). The design strategies, chiral inversion mechanisms, and attractive properties of these materials are discussed, highlighting their potential in chiral recognition, asymmetric catalysis, and chiral luminescent materials.
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.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509019
To enhance the electricity generation and decolorization efficiency of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) for azo dye wastewater, this study introduced pomelo peel biochar as anode material and flavonoid-rich Chinese herbal medicines as electron mediators (EMs) into microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The anodes were prepared by chemical activation with KOH, ZnCl2, and H3BO3, followed by polypyrrole (PPy) modification. Among the modified anodes, PPy-PPCH3BO3-CC exhibited the best electrochemical performance. The EMs were derived from aqueous extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqin), Ginkgo biloba leaves, and Pueraria lobata (Gegen). The extract from Scutellaria baicalensis showed the highest electron transfer capability. In the MFC system equipped with the optimal anode and Scutellaria baicalensis extract, the maximum output voltage reached (587±10) mV, power density increased to 423.12 mW·m−2, Coulombic efficiency was (57.85±1.06)%, COD removal efficiency was (77.45±0.92)%, charge transfer resistance (Rct) decreased to 7.15 Ω, and methyl orange decolorization rate reached (95.86±1.12)%. These results were significantly superior to the control group, demonstrating that natural source materials can effectively enhance the performance of BES for methyl orange wastewater treatment.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509124
To reveal the spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanisms of water quality in the Hanjiang River Basin, this study utilized monthly water quality monitoring data from 54 sections from January 2021 to April 2024. Methods including single-factor index, comprehensive water quality index (WQI), principal component analysis (PCA), and optimal parameters-based geographical detector (OPGD) were employed. Results indicated significant spatiotemporal differences, with total nitrogen (TN), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and permanganate index (CODMn) as major pollutants, TN being the most critical. Temporally, agricultural non-point source organic pollution dominated in wet season, while comprehensive organic pollution with industrial point source characteristics prevailed in dry season. Spatially, water quality deteriorated along the main stream, with tributary downstream areas showing severe pollution, forming a pattern of 'mountainous areas good, plains poor'. OPGD revealed combined effects of natural conditions and human activities, proposing a 'zonal control and targeted treatment' strategy.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60636-6
Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (DMMx) are promising clean diesel additives. Compared to the traditional aldol condensation route, the one-step oxidative method for producing DMMx directly from methanol is a green synthesis route offering significant advantages. However, due to the complexity of the reaction, a balance must be struck between oxidation depth and C–O chain growth efficiency. This imposes specific requirements on the design of catalysts with multifunctional active sites: the catalyst should possess appropriate oxidative activity, suitable acid strength distribution, and effective synergy between these two functions. To address these challenges, this study designed a sulfuric acid-modified molybdenum-doped NASICON catalyst, which demonstrated favorable catalytic performance in the one-step oxidative synthesis of DMMx from methanol. Over the NSC-Mo-0.5-30% catalyst, methanol conversion rate of 81.3% and the DMMx selectivity of 58.7% were achieved, along with the formation of heavier molecules, as evidenced by the DMM2–6 selectivity of 11.3%. The NH3-TPD, Py-IR and XPS results indicate that the introduction of molybdenum increases the number of weak Lewis acid sites, while sulfuric acid impregnation not only generates gradient-distributed Brønsted acid sites but also promotes the formation of Mo5+/Mo6+ redox pairs. The cooperation of the two types of active sites significantly enhances catalyst performance.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025022301
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a typical perfluorinated compound, has been restricted from production and use due to its adverse effects on organisms and ecosystems. It has been replaced by various emerging alternatives, including 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA). Recently, 6:2 FTSA has been widely detected in aquatic environments; however, studies on its toxicity to aquatic organisms remain limited. To compare the toxic effects of PFOS and 6:2 FTSA on aquatic organisms, zebrafish embryos were exposed to each compound for 72 h. Toxic effects were evaluated, and alterations in endogenous metabolites and metabolic pathways in zebrafish embryos were analyzed using metabolomics. The study demonstrated that both PFOS and 6:2 FTSA induced malformations in zebrafish embryos, with 61 and 33 endogenous differential metabolites identified respectively, predominantly involving lipids and amino acid derivatives. PFOS induces immunotoxicity primarily by disrupting lipid metabolism pathways, thereby interfering with normal embryonic development. In addition, 6:2 FTSA exhibited neurotoxicity by affecting metabolic pathways such as dopaminergic synapses. This study elucidates the differential metabolic responses induced by PFOS and 6:2 FTSA in zebrafish embryos, providing a theoretical basis for assessing the health risks of PFOS alternatives.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606014
Microplastics, as emerging environmental pollutants, can adsorb psychotropic drugs in aquatic environments, facilitating their migration and transformation, ultimately posing ecological risks. This study investigated the adsorption behavior and mechanisms of four common microplastics—polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—each with a particle size of 50 μm, toward three psychoactive drugs: diazepam, fluoxetine, and mianserin. Adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and the effects of pH and salinity were examined. Kinetic data fitted well to a pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption as the rate-limiting step. Isotherm analysis using Langmuir and Freundlich models revealed that PE exhibited the highest affinity for fluoxetine, PP for mianserin, and PVC for diazepam, while PS showed linear adsorption for fluoxetine, suggesting partitioning. The adsorption of diazepam was maximal at pH 6.5–8.5, typical of natural surface waters, and increased with NaCl concentration, indicating that non-electrostatic interactions dominate and that higher ionic strength enhances adsorption. Mechanistic insights suggest that hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions (for PS), and halogen bonding (for fluoxetine) contribute to adsorption. These findings highlight the potential of microplastics to act as vectors for psychoactive drugs, necessitating further research on their environmental fate and ecological implications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3792-6
The rapid expansion of home-based digital health monitoring necessitates electrodes capable of simultaneous, accurate acquisition of electrophysiological signals and body temperature. Conventional single-function electrodes, including metal block, gel, and Ag/AgCl types, suffer from limitations such as restricted movement, skin irritation, signal degradation over time, and poor permeability for prolonged use. To overcome these challenges, we developed a low-cost, multifunctional flexible electrode enabling concurrent body temperature and electrophysiological signal monitoring without cross-interference. Body temperature is assessed via visual colorimetric evaluation and precisely measured using a custom smartphone application. The electrode features high air permeability, ultra-thin architecture, superior flexibility, antibacterial properties, and strong skin adhesion, while maintaining low interfacial impedance for stable, long-term acquisition of high-fidelity signals such as electrocardiography (ECG) and surface electromyography (sEMG). Integrated with a Raspberry Pi platform and a hybrid convolutional neural network-long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM) algorithm, the system achieves intelligent arrhythmia detection with 99.30% accuracy. This novel electrode provides a powerful tool for multifunctional sensing of temperature and physiological electrical signals, with significant potential for wearable physiological tracking applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3783-x
The synergistic strategy combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy has recently demonstrated significant promise in cancer treatment. However, the substantial physicochemical disparities between chemotherapeutic agents and small-molecule immune adjuvants pose considerable challenges for co-delivery strategies. In this study, we designed a reactive oxygen species-responsive paclitaxel prodrug, PTX-PBA, which markedly enhanced drug encapsulation stability and dual-drug loading efficiency by various polymeric delivery systems. The resultant nanosystem (NanoPR) exhibited excellent physicochemical properties and ROS-triggered release profiles, effectively inducing immunogenic cell death in tumor cells while promoting dendritic cell maturation and CD8+ T cells activation. In murine models of 4T1 breast cancer and CT26 colon carcinoma, NanoPR achieved significant tumor growth inhibition and elicited durable immune memory responses. Collectively, this work provides an innovative molecular design strategy for the co-delivery of chemotherapeutics and immunomodulators, offering a robust foundation for the clinical translation of chemo-immunotherapy.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3847-5
The convergence of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and soft electronics has advanced tactile perception in flexible electronic skins, enabling applications in robotics, healthcare, and human-machine interfaces. However, conventional tactile sensing architectures separate sensing and processing, requiring analog-to-digital converters and data transfer to microcontrollers, which is energy-intensive and introduces latency. In-sensor computing integrates sensing and processing, reducing power consumption and enabling in-situ analog operations such as multiplication-accumulation (MAC) for artificial neural networks. Wang et al. developed a capacitive in-sensor tactile computing system combining a flexible pressure sensor array with electrical switching networks and a fixed capacitor to perform MAC operations in the charge domain. The sensor unit uses an ionic dielectric layer of PVA/H3PO4 prepared via sandpaper-templated molding, sandwiched between Au electrodes on waterborne polyurethane substrates, achieving high sensitivity of 0.36 nF/kPa and excellent stability. A 3×3 kernel of sensors with programmable bias voltages implements averaging and Laplacian filters for noise reduction and edge detection, validated experimentally. The system processes binary and analog tactile stimuli, with output voltage scaling proportionally with pressure. This in-sensor computing approach addresses energy and latency bottlenecks, offering a pathway for real-time, power-constrained e-skin applications in autonomous robotics, prosthetics, and intelligent interfaces.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511003
Tailings dam leakage can cause secondary sudden water pollution events, imposing severe combined stress of high turbidity and heavy metal contamination on natural water bodies within a short period, threatening aquatic ecological security. Existing studies have systematically revealed the pollution characteristics and biological effects of such events, which are fundamentally distinct from natural high-turbidity water and industrial wastewater leakage. Compared with natural high-turbidity water, tailings leakage inputs finer particles with higher specific surface area, leading to more intense and prolonged turbidity stress. Meanwhile, heavy metals in tailings are more enriched than natural sediments, with higher proportions of active forms and bioavailability, causing significant bioaccumulation and toxic effects, and long-term decline in benthic community species richness. Compared with industrial wastewater leakage, tailings leakage simultaneously releases high concentrations of fine suspended solids and multiple heavy metals, forming a unique 'physical-chemical' combined stress. This synergistic effect amplifies biological toxicity through multiple pathways such as mechanical damage, light limitation, and oxidative stress, resulting in severe and often irreversible ecological damage, such as impaired fish swimming behavior and collapse of benthic community structure. Analyzing the long-term impacts of tailings leakage on aquatic ecosystems from the perspective of combined stress is helpful for providing scientific basis for emergency response and medium-to-long-term ecological risk prevention of related sudden water pollution events.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026030202
High nitrogen (N) inputs, low N use efficiency, and substantial greenhouse gas emissions constrain sustainable double-cropping rice production in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. To evaluate whether humic acid urea (HAU) can reconcile yield stability with N reduction and carbon mitigation, a field experiment was conducted in a double-cropping rice system. Five treatments were established: conventional urea at the recommended N rate (U), HAU at the recommended N rate (HAU), conventional urea with a 20% reduction in N input (U-20), HAU with a 20% reduction in N input (HAU-20), and a no-N control (CK). Rice yield, N uptake and utilization, and the full life-cycle carbon footprint were quantified. Results showed that HAU significantly increased double-cropping rice yield by 6.46% (early rice) and 8.76% (late rice) compared to U (P < 0.05). HAU-20 maintained yield equivalent to U, while U-20 significantly reduced yield. HAU-20 significantly improved nitrogen fertilizer apparent utilization rate, agronomic efficiency, and partial factor productivity. Specifically, apparent utilization rate increased by 9.24 percentage points (early rice) and 7.80 percentage points (late rice); agronomic efficiency increased by 18.51% and 26.69%, and partial factor productivity by 22.79% and 25.58% for early and late rice, respectively (P < 0.05). Life-cycle carbon footprint was significantly reduced by 26.25% (early rice) and 40.38% (late rice) under HAU-20 compared to U, with per-unit product carbon footprint reduced by 0.22 t CO2-eq·t−1 and 0.86 t CO2-eq·t−1, respectively. The reduction was primarily attributed to decreased CH4 and N2O emissions: early rice CH4 and N2O cumulative emissions decreased by 28.92% and 44.34%, and late rice by 44.46% and 63.85% (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HAU with 20% N reduction sustains yield, enhances N use efficiency, and significantly lowers carbon footprint, offering a viable path for green and low-carbon double-cropping rice production.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4065-6
Industrial-scale hydrogen production from seawater is a paramount goal for a sustainable energy future, yet it is severely hampered by the rapid deactivation of electrocatalysts under harsh operating conditions. Here, we introduce a robust self-supporting aerogel catalyst designed to address the two intertwined challenges of activity and stability in high-current-density seawater electrolysis. Our strategy involves creating strong metal-support interactions by anchoring ultrasmall platinum nanoparticles onto a porous N-doped carbon aerogel (Pt@N/CFP). Theoretical calculations reveal that this unique Pt-N interface serves a dual critical function: it not only lowers the kinetic barrier for water dissociation but also creates an electronic shield that effectively prevents chloride ion poisoning of the Pt active sites. When implemented as the cathode in a practical anion-exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer, the Pt@N/CFP catalyst demonstrates exceptional performance, achieving a low cell voltage of 1.688 V at an industrial-grade current density of 1000 mA cm−2 and maintaining outstanding stability for over 300 h. This work provides guidance for creating exceptionally durable catalysts capable of withstanding extreme electrochemical environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4068-2
Eutectic high-entropy alloys (EHEAs) combine multi-principal-element compositions with regular lamellar microstructures, offering exceptional high-temperature stability and mechanical properties. However, conventional casting yields random solidification microstructures and inhomogeneous phase distributions, constraining strength-ductility synergy. This study employs directional solidification (DS) on Al19Fe20Co20Ni41 EHEA to achieve precise microstructural control, constructing a multi-level lamellar architecture with a herringbone-like alternating arrangement. This tailored microstructure refines interlamellar spacing, eliminates detrimental isolated B2 phases, and promotes slip continuity at interfaces, enhancing coordinated dislocation motion and uniform distribution across multiple slip systems. Consequently, the DS EHEA exhibits superior mechanical properties compared to most reported thermomechanically processed and directionally solidified HEAs. Micro-mechanistic analysis reveals that homogenized geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) density, interface-assisted crack deflection, and multi-stage strain-hardening from sequential dislocation activation collectively contribute to outstanding strength-ductility synergy. This work demonstrates that programming solidification paths enables design of unique multi-level lamellar architectures, serving as intrinsic microstructural composites that optimize dislocation management and crack propagation, offering a novel paradigm for developing ultra-robust EHEAs for extreme service environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4077-0
Flexible memristors are pivotal for advancing neuromorphic computing in wearable electronics, yet the intrinsic brittleness of inorganic oxides poses a critical challenge. Here, we employ an entropy-engineering strategy to control the amorphization of oxide compositions, yielding a precisely controlled crystalline/amorphous microstructure in a BaTi0.25Sn0.25Hf0.25Zr0.25O3 thin film. This film withstands bending angles up to 180°, enabling an Au/BaTi0.25Sn0.25Hf0.25Zr0.25O3/ITO/Mica device that functions as a memristor. Entropy engineering increases oxygen vacancy concentration, imparting stable resistive switching behavior under both flat and bent conditions. The device exhibits exceptional endurance and reproducibility over multiple bending cycles, demonstrating a significant strategy for advancing flexible memristor technologies and holding promise for next-generation high-performance flexible electronics.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60686-X
This study reports a streamlined route for synthesizing plate-like α-Al2O3 via co-combustion activation of coal gangue and corn stalk, enabling high-value utilization of solid wastes. The introduction of corn stalk significantly reduces the apparent activation energy of coal gangue combustion and increases the acid leaching yield of aluminum to 81.9%. Mechanism analysis reveals that titanium and iron ions in the co-combustion ash leachate act as natural morphology regulators, facilitating the formation of a plate-like structure in the alumina product, with titanium exhibiting leaching behavior consistent with that of aluminum. Furthermore, a high content of AlO6 structural units in the precursor effectively promotes the direct conversion into dense α-Al2O3 crystals during thermal treatment, thereby enhancing product density. Under optimized conditions (800 °C, 1 h), the as-prepared α-Al2O3 exhibits a plate-like morphology, with a median particle size (d50) of 5.70 μm and a density of 4.94 g/cm3. This work provides a new approach for the synergistic resource utilization of coal gangue and biomass waste.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2026.JFCT.0006
The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a critical cathode reaction in fuel cells and metal-air batteries, yet its sluggish kinetics and high overpotential severely limit device performance. Conventional platinum-based catalysts suffer from prohibitive cost (accounting for up to 40% of total fuel cell system cost), scarce reserves, and poor tolerance to methanol and carbon monoxide, impeding large-scale commercialization. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in biomass/coal-based carbon materials as ORR electrocatalysts, focusing on raw material characteristics, preparation methods, structural regulation, and performance evaluation. Biomass and coal precursors offer advantages of low cost, abundant availability, and natural heteroatom doping (N, P, S), enabling the design of high-performance, metal-free catalysts. Key challenges include ensuring raw material homogeneity, precise control of active sites, and scalable synthesis. Future research directions emphasize optimizing pore structure and surface chemistry to enhance four-electron selectivity and stability. The review provides theoretical guidance for developing cost-effective ORR catalysts to replace platinum, thereby accelerating the deployment of clean energy technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4048-x
Selective oxidation of aromatic alkanes is a key reaction to produce high-value chemicals in the chemical industry. However, the strong C–H bonds and inert chemical properties of aromatic alkanes render the oxidation process difficult, thereby making the development of promising and sustainable catalysts highly desirable. Herein, a resin-assisted coordination co-assembly strategy is developed to synthesize heterometal-doped mesoporous Co3O4 with abundant oxygen vacancies, enabling precise control over both composition and pore structure. The site-specific Mn doping at octahedral sites of mesoporous Co3O4 promotes the formation of oxygen vacancy with enhanced activity. Density functional theory calculations further demonstrate that Mn doping in mesoporous Co3O4 reduces the oxygen vacancy formation energy, induces the electronic structure modifications and introduces the defect energy levels, finally promoting the efficient catalytic oxidation of a series of aromatic alkanes. Representatively, Mn-doped mesoporous Co3O4 exhibits remarkably outstanding catalytic activity, achieving 37% conversion of ethylbenzene and 97% selectivity for acetophenone under solvent-free conditions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4118-0
Polymer composite dielectrics are key materials for high-temperature film capacitors, yet their energy storage capability is severely constrained at elevated temperatures. Molecular fillers that simultaneously integrate deep-level trapping (high electron affinity, Ea), strong insulation (large bandgap, Eg), and high thermal stability are rarely available, posing a major challenge for improving high-temperature energy storage performance. To address this challenge, we screen and identify hexaazatriphenylene hexacarbonitrile (HAT-CN) as a promising candidate that fulfills the above critical requirements from numerous commercial organic molecules. When incorporated into a high glass transition temperature (Tg) polymer fluorene polyester (FPE), the resulting all-organic composite exhibits simultaneously suppressed high-temperature conduction loss and preserved mechanical robustness. Consequently, the optimized composite achieves record-high discharged energy densities of 7.31 J cm−3 at 150 °C and 6.14 J cm−3 at 200 °C (η≥90%) with a low cost and scalable process. This work demonstrates that the filler design based on synergistic key properties provides a potent pathway to break the longstanding high-temperature performance bottleneck in polymer dielectrics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4098-8
Fluorescence image-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) enables real-time monitoring of photosensitizer biodistribution and metabolism for optimized treatment timing. However, its application remains limited by reliance on high-end imaging systems. To address this, we designed three novel small-molecule photosensitizers (TTNb, TTAn, TTPh) based on a 2-vinylbenzoic acid scaffold, functionalized at the 5-position with nitro, amino, or hydrogen groups. Replacing the nitro group with amino or hydrogen switched aggregation behavior from aggregation-induced emission (AIE) to aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), accompanied by a red-to-green fluorescence shift and subcellular relocation from liposomes to lysosomes. These findings establish design principles for ratiometric nitroreductase probes and enable systematic comparison between AIE and ACQ photosensitizers. Among these, TTAn exhibited superior cellular uptake (2800 times higher than Ce6 in Eca-109 cells), specific lysosomal targeting, balanced reactive oxygen species (singlet oxygen/superoxide anion) generation, and intense fluorescence. Under white light irradiation, TTAn achieved an IC50 of 21 nM, surpassing Ce6 by 50-fold. Notably, TTAn produced strong fluorescence in mice tumors under both one- and two-photon excitation, detectable using conventional imaging tools (smartphones, DSLR cameras) or even visible to the naked eye, confirming outstanding tumor specificity. Leveraging these advantages, TTAn enabled successful image-guided two-photon PDT in Eca-109 tumor-bearing mice with a single treatment, demonstrating potent therapeutic efficacy and biosafety. This work provides a strategic blueprint for developing small-molecule theranostic agents that operate without complex fluorescence imaging systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4196-x
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for safe, low-cost energy storage, but accurate cathode characterization is essential for understanding their electrochemical behavior. This study identifies a critical artifact: routine air-drying of deeply discharged cathodes triggers spontaneous aerial oxidation, which distorts post-mortem analysis. Using NH4V4O10 (NVO) as a model cathode, we show that ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of discharged electrodes reveals only V4+/V5+ signals, with no detectable V3+, implying a theoretical capacity of only 245.5 mAh g−1, yet experimentally measured capacity reaches ~334.5 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1. This discrepancy arises because air exposure during sample preparation oxidizes the reduced vanadium states, leading to a self-charging effect that recovers ~83% of capacity. Electrochemical re-oxidation (EO-NVO) is superior to aerial oxidation (AO-NVO), producing a stable, long-range ordered bulk structure with efficient Zn2+ transport channels, whereas aerial oxidation induces only superficial changes and structural disorder. These findings resolve a key analytical inconsistency and reveal a novel capacity-contribution pathway, with direct implications for accurate material assessment and advanced battery design.