Power Automation Equipment•2026•DOI: 10.16081/j.epae.202606011
The integration of high-penetration renewable energy sources imposes severe computational bottlenecks on electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation of large-scale power grids containing thousands of power electronic devices. Graphics processing units (GPUs) offer high-throughput parallelism, but direct application is hindered by three obstacles: thread warp divergence caused by heterogeneous control topologies, non-coalesced memory access from graph-based computation, and instruction redundancy from dynamic parsing. This paper proposes a heterogeneous parallel acceleration method for large-scale renewable energy grids. By introducing graph isomorphism, a two-stage graph clustering algorithm identifies and aggregates control systems at the topological level, eliminating instruction flow divergence from heterogeneous controllers. A GPU-oriented automatic code generation framework transforms aggregated models into branchless, memory-coalesced computational kernels. Experimental results on a scenario with thousands of renewable devices demonstrate a nearly 3x speedup over conventional simulation methods, with excellent scalability. Specifically, compressing effective execution sequence variants from 20 to 1 reduces DRAM-related access cycles from 18,595 to 1,502 and raises L2 cache hit rate from 16.09% to 84.54%. Static specialization eliminates dynamic graph parsing logic, reducing instruction count per control step by 91.8% and achieving a 2.7x kernel-level speedup. The method provides a high-fidelity, highly versatile, and high-performance EMT simulation solution for large-scale renewable energy systems.
Power Automation Equipment•2026•DOI: 10.16081/j.epae.202606025
The large-scale integration of power electronic converters in high-proportion renewable energy systems imposes stringent requirements on the accuracy and extensibility of grid-following (GFL) and grid-forming (GFM) converter models. This paper derives a theoretical model of GFL/GFM grid-connected converters that accounts for complete circuit and control dynamics, and constructs an open-source white-box converter model on the CloudPSS electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation platform. The model adopts per-unit and structural design for electrical topology, control loops, and multiplier equivalence, enabling simulation of converters with various voltage levels and rated capacities. Theoretical calculations and simulation results demonstrate that the model exhibits accurate disturbance response, flexible parameter configuration, strong extensibility, and high simulation efficiency. The model provides a foundation for constructing a standardized EMT model library for renewable energy converters. The full-order small-signal state-space equations are provided, and the conversion between per-unit time and named time is derived. Case studies validate small/large disturbance responses, parameter sensitivity (short-circuit ratio, reactance-resistance ratio, PI parameters), and simulation efficiency in a hybrid AC/DC grid standard test system. The model and test cases are publicly available on the CloudPSS official website.
Power Automation Equipment•2026•DOI: 10.16081/j.epae.202606002
This study addresses the electromagnetic transient (EMT) modeling and operational stability of high-head hydropower units connected to a modular multilevel converter-based high-voltage direct current (MMC-HVDC) islanded transmission system, a configuration critical for developing hydropower resources in Tibet. A refined model of the high-head unit incorporating dynamic penstock characteristics and a detailed MMC-HVDC system model are established. An initialization method tailored for hydro-DFACTS EMT simulation is proposed, and a complete model is implemented on the CloudPSS platform. Simulation results demonstrate that the dynamic characteristics of high-head units degrade short-term stability compared to conventional units. A pronounced hydraulic-electrical coupling between the unit and the MMC-HVDC system can induce ultra-low-frequency oscillations in the sending-end system. Furthermore, the system exhibits elevated subsynchronous oscillation risk in the [30, 50] Hz band, with phase differences exceeding 180°. The study concludes that high-head characteristics are a key factor influencing small-signal stability, necessitating refined modeling of the penstock and water turbine for accurate stability assessment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4267-y
The synthesis of two-dimensional MBenes from MAB-phase ceramics is impeded by uncontrolled etching kinetics that compromise structural integrity and yield. This study introduces a vacuum molten salt strategy to regulate space-charge accumulation during the selective removal of Al from Mo2AlB2, producing honeycomb-like architectures. The vacuum environment suppresses oxidative side reactions and modulates ionic transport, enabling precise control over etching depth and morphology. The resulting Mo2AlB2 exhibits exceptional electromagnetic wave absorption, with a minimum reflection loss of -56.3 dB at 2.4 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.8 GHz. These metrics surpass conventional etching-derived MBenes by a factor of 2.5 in attenuation capacity. The space-charge-regulated mechanism is elucidated through in situ spectroscopic and computational analyses, revealing that vacancy-induced charge redistribution governs the etching front propagation. This work establishes a scalable route for high-purity MBenes with tailored porosity, addressing critical bottlenecks in energy absorption and catalytic applications. The vacuum molten salt approach eliminates the need for hazardous HF, offering a safer and more environmentally benign pathway for industrial translation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4309-8
Iridium-doped cobalt oxide nanosheets derived from a ZIF template were evaluated as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). Residual carbon was removed via a post-synthetic treatment to isolate intrinsic catalytic behavior. The Ir0.23Co0.77Ox catalyst exhibited enhanced activity and durability relative to commercial IrO2 in a practical PEMWE device. Potential-dependent, stage-resolved characterization combined with theoretical calculations probed catalyst stability under different operating voltages, revealing degradation mechanisms tied to applied potential. Contact angle measurements showed that the Ir0.23Co0.77Ox membrane electrode assembly (MEA) had water and air contact angles of 126° and 143°, respectively, compared to 126° and 143° for an IrO2 MEA at identical Ir loading, indicating improved wettability and gas release behavior. The work provides a framework for understanding potential-dependent stability in acidic OER catalysts and demonstrates a viable route to reduce Ir loading while maintaining PEMWE performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4183-3
Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses significant risks to human health, necessitating highly sensitive detection systems. Organic photodetectors (OPDs) offer high sensitivity and tunable spectral response, but their UV performance is constrained by conventional glass/indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates and electrodes, and insufficient photoactive layer responsivity. Here, we report high-performance UV-OPDs achieved through UV-transparent window and active-layer optimization. Replacing glass/ITO with a UV-transparent window comprising a quartz substrate and PH1000 electrode enhances UV transmittance. Integrating the high UV-responsive blend PM6:Y6:PC71BM as the active layer, the optimal ternary UV-OPD exhibits external quantum efficiency (EQE) exceeding 53% across 280–400 nm, with a peak EQE of 78.29% and responsivity of 214.68 mA/W at 340 nm, alongside a rapid response time of 2.6/2.1 μs. This performance represents the best combination of responsivity and response time reported to date in the UV region. We demonstrate the potential of these UV-OPDs for outdoor real-time UV monitoring. This work presents a promising strategy for developing high-performance UV-OPDs through transparent substrate and electrode engineering, and active-layer optimization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3887-6
The proliferation of 5G/6G communications and radar systems has intensified electromagnetic wave (EMW) leakage, interference, and thermal management challenges. This study presents a 3D MXene sponge/NiFe@NC heterostructure with tunable pore architecture, fabricated by pyrolyzing a polyurethane (PU) foam template uniformly coated with NiFe-decorated Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets. The resulting porous dielectric-magnetic network integrates interconnected MXene pathways with uniformly dispersed NiFe@NC nanoparticles, enabling synergistic dielectric-magnetic loss via conduction loss, dipole/interface polarization, and magnetic loss. Precise pore structure design enhances impedance matching and promotes multi-scattering and internal reflection of EMWs. An 'EMW-pore matching' mechanism is proposed, where pore size governs impedance matching at specific frequencies, enabling tunable absorption performance. The optimized absorber achieves a reflection loss (RL) of -67.84 dB, while radar cross-section (RCS) simulations confirm exceptional attenuation and stealth potential. Additionally, the 3D skeleton derived from PU foam confers remarkable thermal resistance and flame retardancy. This pore-regulation strategy provides a scalable route to designing lightweight, broadband, and thermally stable EMW absorbers for next-generation communication and stealth applications.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506020
The rotary kiln roasting of lepidolite for lithium extraction faces challenges of unstable lithium conversion rates and high energy consumption. To address this, a multi-objective optimization method coupling improved neural network simulation with a multi-objective genetic algorithm was proposed, targeting the synergistic optimization of lithium conversion rate (TRLi) and natural gas consumption intensity (EIng). Using long-term industrial time-series data of batching parameters and kiln operating variables, back-propagation (BP) neural network and its particle swarm optimization (PSO) improved variant were developed to model TRLi and EIng. The PSO-BP model demonstrated superior accuracy in capturing the complex nonlinear relationships, reducing mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE) to 0.278 and 0.284 for TRLi and EIng, respectively. Subsequently, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) was employed to construct a multi-objective optimization model, yielding a Pareto-optimal set of process parameters that maximize TRLi and minimize EIng. The results revealed that under NSGA-II optimized conditions, TRLi could be stabilized between 82.45% and 87.96%, an average increase of 3.61 percentage points over baseline operations, while EIng could be reduced to 53.7 m3 per ton of clinker. For an annual processing capacity of 3.2×105 tons of lepidolite concentrate and sulfate mixture, this corresponds to an additional 127.1 tons of lithium metal recovery, a reduction of 1,964,912 m3 in natural gas consumption, and a decrease of 3,763.84 tons in CO2 emissions annually. This study provides theoretical and technical support for the green, high-quality, and low-carbon supply of critical raw materials for the lithium battery new energy industry.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3646-1
Repairing cartilage defects requires biomaterials with mechanical properties similar to native cartilage. However, balancing these properties with biodegradability remains a major challenge. In this study, a degradable antibacterial hydrogel with promising mechanical characteristics was developed for personalized cartilage defect repair. The hydrogel was synthesized using chitosan and gelatin via microcrystallization and gelation, combined with chemical crosslinking facilitated by epichlorohydrin. This method significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the material, with compressive modulus of the optimal group reaching 0.2 MPa and tensile strength reaching 2.2 MPa, which are comparable to those of human cartilage. The hydrogel maintained its integrity after 50000 compression cycles. With excellent flowability prior to crosslinking, it can adapt to complex cartilage defects. The inclusion of gentamicin provides antibacterial properties, while nano-hydroxyapatite promotes osteogenesis. This hydrogel, with its multiple crosslinking mechanisms, balances mechanical strength, biodegradability, and adaptability, offering a promising solution for repairing infected cartilage defects.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60640-8
Ethylene (C2H4) in vehicle exhaust is a highly reactive volatile organic compound (VOC) whose photo-oxidation with NOx contributes to the formation of O3 and secondary organic aerosols (SOA), a key precursor of PM2.5. This study designs a novel MgO-supported Ag-Cu bimetallic catalyst and investigates its performance using density functional theory (DFT). The effects of Ag and Cu loading on geometric structure, stability, and reactant adsorption are analyzed, and the catalytic oxidation pathways of C2H4 over AgCu-MgO are elucidated. Results indicate that loading Ag significantly enhances C2H4 adsorption, with a maximum adsorption energy of -1.46 eV, while O2 adsorption remains weak (-0.45 eV). Cu-MgO shows moderate C2H4 adsorption (-0.87 eV at bridge site) but higher O2 adsorption (-0.76 eV). Among 17 AgCu-MgO dual-atom catalyst (DAC) configurations, those with Ag and Cu co-adsorbed at Mg sites are thermodynamically more stable (binding energies below -10 eV). Configurations with Ag and Cu in close proximity enhance co-adsorption of C2H4 and O2. C2H4 oxidation preferentially proceeds via C=C bond cleavage to form *CH3 and CO2. For three representative configurations (1, 3, 6), free energy barriers for rate-limiting steps in the *HCO and CH2O pathway are consistently higher than those for *CH3 and CO2 pathway. Configuration 6 exhibits the lowest energy barrier (0.32 eV) for its rate-limiting step, indicating the highest catalytic performance. This study provides atomic-scale insights for rational design of efficient catalysts targeting olefinic pollutants in automotive emissions.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026021301
Lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) nanoparticles (NPs), generated during the lifecycle of LCO batteries via mechanical wear, pose respiratory health risks. This study systematically assessed LCO NPs' physicochemical properties, ion release, and immunotoxicity using multi-scale models. LCO NPs exhibited irregular morphology, layered crystal structure, good dispersion, and negative surface charge. Cobalt ion release was minimal: 1.03% in deionized water and 0.11% in cell culture medium. In vitro, LCO NPs significantly induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) in macrophages, promoting M1 polarization. In vivo, intranasal exposure caused dose-dependent pulmonary accumulation, alveolar destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration, and elevated cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of NF-κB, JAK-STAT, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways, implicating these in macrophage activation and inflammation amplification. This multi-level study elucidates LCO NPs' immunotoxicity mechanisms, providing a scientific basis for environmental health risk assessment and management of lithium-ion battery materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4107-x
Aqueous fiber zinc-iodine batteries (FZIBs) with four-electron redox exhibit inherent safety and high energy density for wearable electronics. Nevertheless, their practical implementations are hindered by unsatisfactory cycling stability and low realistic energy density, mainly caused by severe H2O-induced nucleophilic attack toward iodine species and poor zinc anode reversibility. Here, we report a quaternary ammonium-mediated coordination strategy to simultaneously address the irreversible cathode/anode redox behavior and thus promote the electrochemical performance of four-electron FZIBs. The cationic choline ion (Ch+) induces complexation with ICl2− via electrostatic interaction, homogenizing the electron cloud density and suppressing irreversible hydrolysis of I+ species, enabling a reversible near-theoretical high capacity of 418.3 mAh g−1. Meanwhile, preferentially adsorbed Ch+ on the zinc anode surface creates positively charged shielding layers, mitigating the tip effect caused by localized electric field and achieving robust zinc stripping/plating. The enhanced cathode/anode reversibility and improved interfacial stability enable stable FZIBs operation for over 20,000 cycles at 20.0 A g−1. Moreover, successful integration of FZIBs into electronic textiles with glucose and cardiac rhythm sensors demonstrates great potential for next-generation wearable electronics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3971-6
Photocatalytic reduction of soluble U(VI) to insoluble U(IV) is a pivotal technology for uranium remediation and resource recovery. However, conventional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) suffer from short-range electron transport, leading to rapid electron-hole recombination and limited efficiency. Here, we report the rational design of anthraquinone-based COFs with donor-acceptor (D-A) architectures, employing 2,4,6-triformylphloroglucinol (TP) as the donor and 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone (1,4-DQ) or 1,5-diaminoanthraquinone (1,5-DQ) as the acceptor. By varying the connection mode of the building units, the electron transfer distance is systematically extended, effectively suppressing charge recombination. Among the synthesized COFs, ECUT-COF-152 exhibits optimal photocatalytic activity under visible light, achieving 100% U(VI) removal with a maximum reduction capacity of 1950 mg g−1. This work demonstrates that precise tuning of the D-A structure and electron transfer pathways is an effective strategy to enhance the photocatalytic performance of COFs for uranium reduction, offering insights for the design of efficient materials for nuclear waste treatment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4099-2
Lithium (Li)-metal batteries (LMBs) are promising next-generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical capacity (3860 mAh g−1) and low electrochemical potential (−3.04 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode). However, uncontrollable Li dendrite growth and volume fluctuations during cycling cause low Coulombic efficiency, safety hazards, and rapid capacity decay. Conventional 3D current collectors mitigate these issues by increasing surface area and providing void space, but they suffer from top-heavy deposition and underutilization of internal space. Emerging Janus/gradient anode structures, featuring asymmetric or gradient properties in lithiophilicity, conductivity, or porosity, enable bottom-up Li plating and efficient space utilization. This review systematically summarizes design principles, operational mechanisms, and recent progress in lithiophilic-lithiophobic Janus designs, conductivity-gradient frameworks, and dual-gradient configurations. These structures collectively improve Coulombic efficiency, cyclic longevity, and safety. The review concludes with future research directions, underscoring the potential of Janus/gradient anodes for high-energy-density and durable LMBs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3378-6
Thermal quenching in lanthanide-based optical sensors severely limits performance at elevated temperatures. Negative thermal expansion (NTE) hosts have shown promise in bulk systems, but their potential in thin-film architectures for integrated photonics remains unexplored. This work demonstrates a Yb3+/Er3+ co-doped Sc2Mo3O12 thin film that leverages anisotropic NTE dynamics to achieve a 42-fold thermal enhancement in green upconversion luminescence from 300 to 560 K. In situ thermodiffraction and time-resolved spectroscopy reveal a dual mechanism: lattice contraction along the a- and c-axes reduces the cell volume by 11.3 Å3, amplifying Förster-type energy transfer (kET ∝ R−6) from Yb3+ to Er3+, and symmetry-breaking distortions suppress nonradiative 2H11/2 → 4F9/2 relaxations, extending Er3+ lifetimes by 358%. The strain-engineered crystal field enables multi-modal thermometry with record sensitivities: a relative sensitivity (Sr) of 4.33% K−1 at 300 K, and maximum Sr = 1.28% K−1 through lifetime-based sensing, outperforming conventional Boltzmann-limited approaches. The sub-200 nm thickness and SiO2/Si compatibility position this platform for on-chip integration, addressing unmet needs in high-resolution thermal mapping for quantum devices, aerospace diagnostics, and wearable sensors. This work deciphers the interplay between NTE and luminescence at the atomic scale and establishes a universal strategy to design anti-thermal-quenching thin films for extreme-environment photonics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3289-5
Organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) offer flexibility, lightweight design, and low manufacturing cost, but their emission is typically unpolarized, limiting applications in optical communication, 3D displays, biological imaging, and quantum computing. Conventional polarized light generation relies on external polarizers, which complicates miniaturization and reduces emission intensity. Intrinsically polarized light-emitting materials are sought, yet achieving white-color intrinsically polarized luminescence remains challenging due to a lack of suitable materials and efficient preparation methods. This study reports a groundbreaking fabrication strategy for white organic polarized emissive semiconductor single crystals (WOPESSCs). Using 2,6-diphenylanthracene (DPA) as the host single crystal, tetracene (Tc) and pentacene (Pen) were co-doped into the crystal bulk at mass ratios of 3% and 0.5%, respectively. Density functional theory calculations confirmed that the molecular sizes of Pen and Tc are slightly smaller than DPA, enabling incorporation into the DPA lattice. Spectral overlap between DPA fluorescence and Tc/Pen absorption indicated efficient energy transfer. The fluorescence emission spectra of DPA, Tc, and Pen span blue, green, and red regions, enabling white light generation. Double-doped single crystals with near-white-light emission were grown, and large-scale fabrication was realized on a 0.9 cm × 0.9 cm silicon wafer. The WOPESSCs exhibited uniform luminescence with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 38.3%. X-ray diffraction confirmed that the bc crystal plane was parallel to the substrate. Polarized fluorescence and electroluminescence spectra were measured, revealing a strong dependence of fluorescence intensity on polarization angle. The degree of polarization (DOP) values were 0.96 at 450 nm, 0.71 at 500 nm, and 0.69 at 610 nm. The WOPESSCs were successfully integrated into polarized organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), demonstrating their potential for advanced optoelectronic applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3441-9
Stimuli-responsive room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials face challenges in environmental robustness and spatiotemporal controllability, particularly for oxygen- and temperature-sensitive applications. Here, by taking advantage of the high oxygen-permeability barrier of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and its photochemical reaction toward certain polyaromatic hydrocarbons, we present phenanthrene- and triphenylene-doped PVA films that exhibit photoactivatable and persistent RTP, with an observable afterglow time >70 s by the naked eye, likely via a kinetically trapped radical pathway. Specifically, such UV-enhanced persistent RTP occurs under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, contrasting with a regular RTP turn-on mechanism via photo-induced molecular oxygen depletion. The activated RTP state shows temperature-dependent kinetic persistence, i.e., lasting ~5 h at 25°C vs. ~72 h at 4°C, creating irreversible RTP switching from “on” to “off” ideal for cumulative temperature monitoring. The PVA-based ink patterns printed on perishables (e.g., fresh milk bottles) can be used to quantify ambient exposure via RTP decay kinetics (relative intensity loss >84.2% after 3 h at 25°C vs. at 4°C). The current study establishes a kinetic-control strategy for designing programmable RTP materials, addressing unmet needs in smart sensing and quality assurance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3573-5
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have rapidly developed due to high specific surface area, stable pores, and stable chemical structures, offering significant potential in catalysis, adsorption, and energy storage. Functionality can be precisely designed via modifying building monomers and post-synthetic modification, expanding materials development possibilities. Topological structures significantly impact photocatalytic performance, influencing light absorption, photoelectron transfer, and charge carrier migration. Previous studies have underscored the significance of topological structures in COFs-based photocatalysis; however, a comprehensive review remains lacking. This review focuses on revealing the structure-activity relationship between topological structures and COFs-based photocatalysis, based on an analysis of the photocatalytic mechanism and enhancement mechanisms of topological COFs. In particular, this review systematically elaborates on advances in enhancing photocatalysis of one-dimensional (1D), 2D, and 3D topological COFs. Moreover, the design and modification strategies of topological COFs, including pre-synthesis and post-synthesis regulation strategies, have also been carefully summarized to further enhance their photocatalytic performance. It is anticipated that this review can provide important references and guidance to achieve the efficient development of topological structures in the field of COF photocatalysis.