Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica•2026•DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.202608_9733
Gearbox failures account for 20–30% of total wind turbine faults and incur maintenance costs equivalent to 10–15% of overall turbine value. Conventional vibration diagnostic pipelines—complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition with singular value energy spectrum, time-varying filtering empirical mode decomposition, and Teager energy spectrum analysis—remain bounded below 90% accuracy and depend on expert-driven feature engineering that is sensitive to non-stationary operating conditions and noise. This study proposes an intelligent diagnostic architecture that converts one-dimensional gearbox vibration signals into two-dimensional images via Gramian angular difference field (GADF) transformation, preserving intrinsic temporal correlation and time-frequency structure while exploiting matrix sparsity to suppress interference. An improved convolutional neural network (CNN) extracts multi-dimensional features: a convolutional block attention module (CBAM) is embedded in the convolutional layers to weight critical channels and focus on fault-sensitive spatial regions, and a modified βc-ACONC activation function replaces ReLU to mitigate neuron necrosis and enable selective activation. The extracted composite features are then fed into an XGBoost network whose hyperparameters are optimized by an improved sparrow search algorithm (ISSA). Validation on a laboratory wind turbine gearbox dataset yields diagnostic accuracy exceeding 99%, demonstrating robust fault identification capability under complex operating conditions.
Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica•2026•DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.202608_9715
This study investigates the bearing performance of single-column composite bucket foundations under scour conditions through finite element analysis and scaled model tests. The most unfavorable scour scenario was identified by evaluating load angle effects on bearing capacity, frequency, and stiffness. Laboratory tests were conducted on a 1:60 scaled model of a 36 m diameter prototype foundation embedded in Tianjin clay, with scour depths ranging from 2 m to 10 m. Results indicate that when the load angle faces the scoured side, the ultimate bearing capacity reaches its minimum, with maximum stress concentrated at the bottom of the compartment plate on the scoured side. Lateral stiffness decreases by 15% and frequency by 7–8% as scour depth increases from 2 m to 10 m. Complete scour reduces bearing capacity by approximately 10%, while cyclic loading amplifies scour effects, significantly reducing horizontal stiffness and increasing cumulative rotation. The foundation's bearing mechanism primarily relies on internal soil and base support. Scour protection measures such as rock dumping, geotextile, and fender systems are predicted to restore stiffness to over 90% and bearing capacity to over 95% of unscoured values.
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/s40843-025-3583-6
Water scarcity and the increasing demand for clean water have driven the development of efficient solar desalination technologies. Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) is promising, yet its practical deployment is hindered by insufficient light harvesting and salt crystallization on photothermal surfaces. Here, we report a Janus hydrogel evaporator in which tubular Co9S8 nanocrystals are uniformly embedded in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix with a concave pyramid pattern, creating a broadband light-trapping architecture (200–2500 nm) with 96% solar absorption. The top surface is further coated with hydrophobic zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), while the bottom retains intrinsic hydrogel hydrophilicity, establishing asymmetric wettability that sustains rapid water supply yet suppresses salt deposition. Under one-sun illumination (1 kW m−2), the Janus evaporator achieves an evaporation rate of 2.69 kg m−2 h−1 and a solar-to-vapor efficiency of 98.15%. Continuous operation in 3.5 wt% brine shows stable performance for 11 h without observable salt crystallization. This work offers an effective, durable pathway toward high-performance solar desalination and wastewater purification.
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/s40843-025-3687-6
P2-Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 (NNMO) is a promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high energy density and operating voltage. However, severe P2-O2 phase transition at high cut-off voltage causes large volume variation, structural degradation, and rapid capacity decay. Ion doping has been explored to suppress this transition, but achieving both high capacity and stability remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate that precise composition regulation enables both. The designed P2-Na0.67Ni0.28Mg0.03Fe0.04Mn0.55Ti0.1O2 retains high electrochemical active element content while effectively suppressing phase transition, leading to outstanding structural stability and fast charge transfer kinetics. This cathode delivers a high specific capacity of 143.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and maintains stable cycling over 1000 cycles. Our work provides a new strategy for rationally designing high-capacity, stable cathode materials for SIBs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3807-8
Electrocatalytic co-reduction of CO2 and nitrate offers a sustainable route for urea synthesis, valorizing nitrogenous waste and CO2. However, achieving high-performance urea electrosynthesis under ambient conditions remains challenging due to the need for simultaneous activation of CO2 and efficient H2O dissociation to supply active *H for *NOx hydrogenation, ultimately forming key C- and N-containing intermediates for C–N coupling. Here, we report a bifunctional Pd-single-atom-modified Cu (Pd1Cu) nanorod catalyst that synergistically promotes adsorption and stepwise activation of CO2 and H2O, steering the reaction pathway toward selective urea synthesis. Integrating experimental evidence, in situ spectroscopy, and computational analyses, we disclose that atomically dispersed Pd sites kinetically favor co-generation of *CO and *NH2 via H2O dissociation-driven proton transfer, forming an optimal intermediate balance. The dual metal active sites enhance C–N coupling via combined electronic and geometric effects, substantially lowering the reaction energy barrier and improving selectivity. This work provides a rational design strategy for advanced multifunctional catalysts for urea electrosynthesis, contributing to carbon neutrality and waste nitrogen valorization.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112806
Microplastics (MPs) are persistent emerging contaminants ubiquitously distributed in soil-groundwater environments, where their aggregation and transport critically govern pollutant fate and ecological risks. Natural organic matter (NOM), a complex assemblage of organic compounds, interacts with MPs and porous media via hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions, hydrophobic effects, and electrostatic binding, thereby modulating MP surface properties and environmental behavior. This review systematically synthesizes the mechanisms by which NOM influences MP aggregation and transport, with emphasis on the distinct roles of humic substances, proteins, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and their synergistic modulation with solution chemistry (pH, ionic strength, ion type). Additionally, NOM accelerates MP aging and alters surface characteristics, consequently impacting transport capacity. Current research limitations are identified, and future directions are proposed to inform MP pollution risk assessment and management strategies. Key findings indicate that NOM generally enhances MP stability and mobility at low ionic strengths, while high ionic strengths may induce aggregation depending on NOM type and ion valence. Humic substances predominantly increase electrostatic repulsion, whereas proteins and EPS can bridge particles, promoting aggregation. Aging processes, accelerated by NOM photochemical activity, increase surface oxygen functionality and hydrophilicity, further altering transport. The review underscores the need for systematic studies under environmentally relevant conditions to predict MP fate accurately.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605010
The underwater light environment is a critical limiting factor for the colonization of submerged macrophytes and the ecological restoration of shallow lakes. Previous studies rarely quantified the contribution of aquatic environmental factors to the water quality–underwater light–macrophyte relationship, nor did they comprehensively consider factor correlations or establish thresholds for macrophyte colonization. This study, conducted in a typical national wetland nature reserve (Hongze Lake), measured photosynthetically active radiation, light attenuation coefficient (Kd), euphotic depth (Zeu), water transparency (SD), total suspended solids (TSS), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP). A simulation model for Kd was developed, spatial distributions of environmental factors were analyzed, and contribution rates to light attenuation were quantified. Results showed that the mean Kd was 10.31±3.76 m⁻¹, and the mean Zeu (0.53±0.24 m) was lower than the mean water depth (0.94±0.29 m), with a spatial pattern of shallower Zeu in the west and deeper in the east. TSS and Chl-a were the primary direct influencing factors, while TN acted mainly indirectly. To achieve effective macrophyte colonization under average water depth conditions, thresholds were determined: Zeu ≥ 0.94 m, SD ≥ 0.41 m, Kd ≤ 4.95 m⁻¹, and Chl-a ≤ 3.8 μg/L. These findings provide quantitative guidance for lake restoration and water quality management.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605006
Military ecological and environmental protection is a critical component of national ecological and environmental protection. Military activities and operations, such as training and drills, weapons and equipment testing, and combat, are prone to triggering a series of ecological and environmental problems, including greenhouse gas emissions, deterioration of water resources and water quality, vegetation destruction, land degradation, and typical physical and chemical pollution, which have attracted extensive global attention. This study systematically analyzed the eco-environmental impacts of military activities on multiple environmental media (atmosphere, water, and soil) across different periods, and conducted pollution source tracing in multi-media and representative regions. It reviewed the current status of ecological and environmental protection technologies for the three major environmental media, i.e., atmosphere, water, and soil, and summarized the characteristics and constraints of military ecological and environmental research. Finally, it proposed the research trends and key development directions for military ecological and environmental protection from four dimensions: data monitoring and sharing, research and development of in-situ remediation technologies for military-civilian integrated combined pollution, green construction practices for military facilities, and optimization of management systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3993-y
Conventional liquid-phase in-situ synthesis of Cu-TiB2 composites often suffers from coarse and non-uniformly distributed reinforcements, stemming from insufficient understanding and control over the in-situ nucleation and growth mechanisms of TiB2 particles. This study introduces a novel melt dispersion-turbulent mixing (MDTM) in-situ reaction technology to fabricate high-performance Cu-TiB2 composites. The MDTM strategy synergistically refines reaction micro-regions by reducing the initial melt droplet size via melt dispersion while enhancing solute convection via turbulence, promoting high-density nucleation and refinement of TiB2 particles. Based on turbulence characteristics and in-situ reaction kinetics, we optimized the melt disperser parameters and established a quantitative model linking particle size to disperser rotation speed and reactant solute concentration. It was found that disperser rotation speed governs three distinct nucleation and growth mechanisms for TiB2 particles. Low-density nucleation at low disperser rotation speeds (0–50 r/min) leads to coarse TiB2 particles. At medium rotation speeds (100–150 r/min), the refinement of micro-regions in the dual-melt reaction achieves high-density TiB2 nucleation. Conversely, at high rotation speeds (150–200 r/min), intense turbulence weakens the nucleation driving force and induces TiB2 particle coarsening. This work provides new insights into liquid-phase in-situ reaction mechanisms and offers a novel, controllable route for fabricating high-performance micro/nano particle-reinforced metal matrix composites.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3717-6
Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based all-solid-state polymer electrolytes (SPEs) hold significant promise for high-specific-energy and high-safety Li batteries, yet suffer from poor mechanical robustness and low Li+-conducting efficiency. Aramid nanofibers (ANFs), with exceptional mechanical strength and abundant intramolecular/intermolecular interactions, are effective additives, but their strictly symmetric interchain interactions generate a highly ordered hydrogen-bond network, producing inert aggregates that compromise electrolyte stability. Here, we construct a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-mediated asymmetric interaction between ANF chains. PEG chains introduce weaker H-bonding acceptor sites, higher steric hindrance, and abundant lithiophilic groups, simultaneously disrupting strong symmetric ANF-ANF interactions and creating rapid Li-ion channels. The resulting electrolyte maintains excellent mechanical properties (yield stress of 3.25 MPa) and enables stable cycling of Li||Li symmetric cells for over 1600 h with low polarization voltage. In LCO||Li cells, the electrolyte achieves a capacity retention of 82.7% after 300 cycles at 1 C, markedly higher than the unmodified counterpart (35.5%). This synergistic optimization of interfacial compatibility and mechanical performance demonstrates a practical route toward safe, high-energy-density all-solid-state polymer batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3801-1
Traditional phase transition gel platforms face significant challenges in achieving time-gated information encryption and decryption. Here, we report a photocleavable gel that enables time-gated information encryption and decryption, enhancing information storage security. The gel is synthesized by copolymerization of hydrophobic ortho-nitrobenzyl acrylate (NA) and acrylamide. Upon ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, hydrophobic NA units partially cleave to yield orange-colored o-nitrosobenzaldehyde (NSBA) molecules and hydrophilic acrylic acid groups, altering local color and hydrophilicity. Information is spatially encoded using a photomask. The written information is encrypted by dissolving NSBA molecules in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Upon aqueous immersion, differential hydrophilicity between irradiated and non-irradiated zones triggers localized phase separation, facilitating decryption. Notably, photolysis kinetics is time-gated, ensuring decryption only within a specific time window in water. This method surpasses traditional gel constraints, offering a novel paradigm for secure information storage.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3825-x
Polymer-based dielectric materials with high energy density and thermal stability are critical for modern electric/electronic industries. Polyimide (PI) based materials are promising due to their high temperature resistance and chemical inertness, yet their inherently low dielectric constant and limited charge-discharge energy density restrict applications in film capacitors. While incorporating ferroelectric or conductive fillers can enhance dielectric performance, batch-to-batch inconsistency and physical deterioration remain problematic. This study focuses on molecular structure design and modulation, preparing hyperbranched polyimides with different dianhydride monomers and branching degrees. The effects of chain packing density with polar groups on dielectric and energy storage performances were systematically investigated via experimentation and molecular simulation. Results demonstrate a significant correlation between monomers' electrical distribution and packing density in polymer systems. Molecular simulation further elucidated the underlying mechanism. This work establishes a foundation for designing polymer-based dielectric materials with high dielectric and energy storage performances at the molecular level.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3987-x
A hierarchically porous nickel salicylate (Ni-SA) metal-organic framework (MOF) was constructed via a salicylate coordination strategy to precisely modulate the microenvironment of nickel active sites for efficient electrocatalytic glucose oxidation. The ortho-hydroxy-carboxylate chelation directs atomic-level organization of Ni2+ sites within nanobelt assemblies, maximizing active site accessibility. Robust Ni–O coordination stabilizes Ni3+ intermediates during C–H bond cleavage, leading to remarkable catalytic stability. The optimized Ni-SA-2 catalyst achieved a high sensitivity of 5.97 mA mM−1 cm−2 and a low detection limit of 0.71 μM (S/N = 3), with 85.4% current retention after 8 h continuous operation. This design paradigm demonstrates universal applicability, as evidenced by successful extension to isostructural M-SA analogs (M = Co, Fe, Cr, Mn) under identical synthetic conditions, establishing metal-salicylate frameworks as a versatile electrocatalyst platform.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4070-2
A series of ~20 nm intermetallic Pd3Pb nanocubes with tunable surface Pb exposure were synthesized via a facile one-step solvothermal approach, providing an ideal system to investigate the way in which the surface configurations of Pb-rich (Pd3Pb/Pb), Pd-rich (Pd3Pb/Pd), and standard Pd3Pb nanocubes influence the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) mainly through the ligand effect while excluding geometric influences. Electrochemical measurement results indicate that the Pd3Pb/Pb catalyst delivered outstanding C1+ selectivity, achieving a high Faradaic efficiency of 96.88% at −0.72 V (vs. RHE), significantly outperforming the Pd3Pb/Pd (39.86%) and standard Pd3Pb (81.75%) counterparts. In situ FTIR together with DFT calculations further elucidated that Pb incorporation can modulate the electronic structure of Pd via p-d hybridization, leading to the upshift of the d-band center. This will, in return, strengthen the intermediate adsorption ability and lower the energy barriers of the C1+ pathways while effectively suppressing the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. This work establishes a precise surface engineering paradigm of intermetallic nanocrystals for designing high-performance electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3372-6
Multi-point sensing is critical for accurate and complete health monitoring in wearable technology, yet current electronic sensors struggle to achieve robust multi-point sensing across the human body. This work presents distributed sensing in clothing via interlocking integration of an elastic strain sensor yarn for smart healthcare. The double-covered elastic strain sensor yarn exhibits a stretchability of up to 170% and a gauge factor of 414, and is seamlessly integrated into clothing to form a durable sensor-clothing interlocking structure. The resulting sensor-integrated fabric is breathable, washable, and abrasion-resistant. A wearable respiratory monitoring belt was developed for assessing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with sensing data comparable to commercial portable devices. Furthermore, smart clothing with distributed sensing was developed to monitor motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), achieving a high accuracy of 96.67% as confirmed by deep learning algorithms. These results demonstrate promising potential for wearable healthcare systems, addressing the limitations of rigid, fixed-position sensors and thin-film devices that suffer from poor wearability and discomfort when multiple units are integrated.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3390-0
Face-centered cubic (FCC) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) exhibit a critical strength deficiency and intermediate temperature brittleness (ITB) between 650–750 °C, severely limiting their deployment in safety-critical structural applications. This study introduces a coherent FCC/L1₂ HEA engineered through multiple heterogeneous microstructure modulation, incorporating grain size heterogeneity and multimodal L1₂ precipitate distributions. The alloy achieves a tensile strength of 1700 MPa with 15.9% ductility at ambient temperature. In the intermediate temperature regime, yield strength reaches 1 GPa with tensile strain exceeding 14%, effectively suppressing ITB. The primary L1₂ phase stabilizes grain boundaries, inhibiting crack propagation and oxygen diffusion, thereby preventing brittle phase formation at boundaries. This heterogeneous structural strategy provides a validated pathway for designing high-performance HEAs for advanced high-temperature structural applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3426-8
Muscle contraction generates both biomechanical force myography (FMG) and bioelectrical electromyogram (EMG) signals, yet simultaneous acquisition remains challenging due to disparate sensing modalities and interface stability issues. This work presents a four-layered all-fibrous multimodal sensor patch (FMSP) integrating a micro-hump structured pressure sensor and an adhesive electrophysiological electrode. The pressure sensor achieves a sensitivity of 148.1 kPa⁻¹ over a broad range of 0.054–200 kPa, while the electrode maintains a skin adhesion strength of 67.6 kPa, ensuring low interface impedance and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 21.8 dB for EMG, surpassing commercial gel electrodes. The FMSP enables synchronous monitoring of FMG and EMG during arm movements, discriminating bending angles and lifted weights. This platform addresses the bottleneck of single-modality muscle assessment, offering a dual-signal strategy for muscle fatigue detection and human-machine interfaces. The all-fibrous architecture, leveraging silk fibroin and conductive materials, provides a scalable route for wearable physiological monitoring with enhanced signal fidelity and user comfort.