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/s40843-026-4417-x
Balancing mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and soft magnetic performance in structural-functional integrated materials remains a persistent metallurgical challenge. This study reports a face-centered cubic (FCC) Fe40Co35Ni15Al3Ta2Cr5 (at.%) high-entropy alloy (HEA) that achieves an unprecedented combination of these properties. The alloy exhibits a tensile strength of ~1200 MPa, total elongation of ~25%, saturation magnetization of 101.54 Am2·kg-1, and coercivity of 267.34 A·m-1. These values surpass most reported magnetic HEAs and conventional soft magnetic alloys. In a simulated 3.50 wt.% NaCl seawater environment, the alloy demonstrates a corrosion current density of 3.99 × 10-7 A·cm-2, comparable to 316L stainless steel. The synergy arises from nanoprecipitate engineering within the FCC matrix, which impedes dislocation motion while maintaining magnetic domain wall mobility and promoting a protective passive film. This work provides a design pathway for soft magnetic structural-functional materials suitable for corrosive marine environments, where simultaneous load-bearing and magnetic actuation are required.
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/s40843-026-4324-4
Magnesium-oxygen (Mg-O2) batteries offer high theoretical energy density and low-cost earth-abundant magnesium, yet practical deployment has been impeded by poor cycling stability and low energy efficiency, primarily due to the sluggish decomposition of conventional MgOx discharge products. Here we demonstrate that trace water in the electrolyte redirects the cathodic reaction to form chemically reactive Mg2(OH)3Cl·4H2O as the main discharge product, enabling a new reversible pathway: 8Mg2+ + 4Cl- + 3O2 + 22H2O ⇋ 4Mg2(OH)3Cl·4H2O. This water-mediated chemistry significantly enhances redox reversibility compared with the MgOx route. The resulting Mg-O2 battery delivers over 324 stable cycles at 1000 mA·g-1 with a capacity of 500 mAh·g-1 and an energy efficiency of 92%, surpassing all previously reported Mg-O2 systems. The electrolyte comprises 0.25 M magnesium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Mg(TFSI)2) and 0.5 M magnesium chloride (MgCl2) in ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DME) with a trace amount of water. These findings establish a general strategy for reversible Mg-O2 electrochemistry and provide a new design paradigm for practical magnesium-based energy storage.
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/s40843-026-4217-y
Rational design and construction of effective photocatalysts is a promising way for green and sustainable chemistry, but still a great challenge. Herein, taking triphenylamine-containing aldehydes as reactants, two covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs), tris(4-formylphenyl)amine (TPA)-CTF and tris(4-formylbiphenyl)amine (TBPA)-CTF, were rationally constructed. The strong electron donor property of the triphenylamine moieties derived from the initial reactants and the strong electron acceptor nature of the in-situ formed built-in triazine rings in CTFs endowed these robust triphenylamine-based CTFs with donor-acceptor (D-A) or donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) structure features. Photocatalytic experiments revealed that, compared with the controlled phenyl analogue CTF, 1,3,5-tri(p-formylphenyl)benzene (TFPB)-CTF, both of the triphenylamine-based CTFs exhibited superior photocatalytic activity not only in photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide generation, but also in photocatalytic aerobic oxidations of diverse organic substrates. Theoretical studies further confirmed that their enhanced photocatalytic performance should be attributed to their unique D-A or D-π-A features in the constructed triphenylamine-based CTFs. This work successfully demonstrated that rational selection of reactants containing electron donor moieties to construct CTFs should be a reliable way for the construction of effective photocatalysts for photocatalytic oxidation reactions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3848-7
Conventional heterogeneous photocatalysts often suffer from insufficient light absorption, rapid charge recombination, and a lack of specific reactive sites for efficient photocatalytic oxidation. To overcome these limitations, we propose a molecular polarization engineering approach utilizing structurally well-defined donor (D)-acceptor (A) covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs). The construction of dipole-induced built-in electric fields within the D-A-structured CTFs enables enhanced exciton dissociation and facilitates directional charge transfer. Specifically, the asymmetric A1-D-A2 moiety enhances molecular polarization in the dual-acceptor system CTF-TBT (A1-D-A2), enabling efficient charge separation through multiple electron-withdrawing units. This structural design promotes directional electron transfer toward the secondary acceptor (benzothiazole, A2), while simultaneously concentrating holes on the donor unit. Consequently, the A2 moiety acts as a site for efficient O2 activation via electron accumulation, whereas the highly oxidized donor unit provides strongly positive holes (h+) that facilitate substrate oxidation. Experimental and DFT calculation results confirm that CTF-TBT demonstrates highly enhanced photocatalytic oxidation performance, which can be attributed to its multi-channel charge separation mechanism and spatially separated redox-active sites. This study highlights the effectiveness of molecular dipole engineering in designing heterogeneous photocatalysts with controlled charge transfer pathways and improved redox capabilities. The proposed design principles provide a universal approach for promoting solar-driven chemical synthesis applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3602-1
Solid-state lithium batteries (SSLBs) are promising next-generation energy storage systems due to their high safety and energy density. However, poor low-temperature performance of solid-state electrolytes remains a critical challenge. Here, we present a facile and scalable approach for synthesizing a low-temperature-resilient polymer electrolyte based on ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), leveraging its unique molecular structure for enhanced lithium-ion transport. The EVA polymer electrolyte (EPE) demonstrates a high ionic conductivity of 5.13×10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature and retains a remarkable conductivity of 2.72×10−5 S cm−1 at −40 °C. This superior performance is attributed to the synergistic interaction between the ester functional groups of EVA and lithium salts, which reduces the ion dissociation energy barrier and facilitates efficient ion migration. The EPE enables stable lithium plating/stripping cycling for over 3000 h at −40 °C and supports long-term cycling of LiFePO4-based full cells at −40 °C for over 900 cycles. This work highlights the potential of cost-effective, scalable EPEs for next-generation SSLBs, particularly in extreme environmental conditions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3531-2
Antifogging coatings are critical for transparent optical components, yet existing solutions struggle to balance durability and energy efficiency. We present a scalable printing technology for fabricating uniform nanoparticle (NP) coatings with an Au@SiO2 core-shell architecture. The Au core provides efficient photothermal conversion, while the SiO2 shell ensures robust interfacial adhesion to diverse substrates and imparts hydrophilicity. Leveraging these properties, the coatings suppress moisture condensation upon light exposure. The coatings exhibit exceptional mechanical stability, retaining antifogging performance after soaking in water for 1 week or wiping with a glass cloth over 100 times. This work offers a sustainable, energy-efficient solution for long-term antifogging applications, with potential in optical devices, automotive glass, and medical instruments. Our approach provides a scalable platform for functional NP coatings and opens new avenues for next-generation antifogging materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3676-3
Perovskite solar cells (PerSCs) have achieved remarkable efficiencies, yet their performance is limited by defect states and non-radiative recombination. Here, pyromellitic diimide (PD) is introduced as an additive to passivate bulk defects in perovskite films. PD forms hydrogen bonds with formamidinium (FA+) ions and coordinates with Pb2+ ions, effectively suppressing non-radiative recombination and reducing energy loss. The PD-treated perovskite films exhibit enhanced crystallinity and uniformity. Consequently, 1.55 eV PerSCs achieve a high open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.193 V and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.79%. Moreover, unencapsulated PD-treated devices retain 96% of their initial efficiency after 2000 h under nitrogen atmosphere, whereas control devices retain only 74%. Under ISOS-D-2I accelerated aging (65±5°C in N2), PD-treated devices show less than 5% PCE attenuation after 288 h, compared to ~30% for controls. This work provides a viable strategy for defect passivation in perovskite solar cells, enhancing both efficiency and stability.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3648-2
Transient energy storage devices represent an emerging class of biodegradable power systems that provide temporary energy for implantable medical electronics before safely degrading in vivo. From early transient primary batteries to contemporary rechargeable batteries integrated with wireless charging systems, these devices have evolved to enable stable prolonged power supply. Through rational transient design and structural engineering, they achieve desirable electrochemical performance, tunable degradation rates, and mechanical compatibility with soft, irregular, and dynamic biological tissues. This work provides a critical review of state-of-the-art transient energy storage devices, including transient primary batteries, transient secondary batteries, and transient supercapacitors, with emphasis on their electrodes, electrolytes, encapsulation materials, fabrication processes, and applications. We critically analyze material selection strategies, transient design principles, and architecture design for various transient batteries and capacitors. Finally, we discuss existing challenges and outline future directions to guide the clinical translation of biodegradable power solutions for biomedical implants.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3706-3
Aprotic lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries are severely limited by slow cathode reaction kinetics and large polarization. Herein, we design and prepare a Mott-Schottky catalyst by uniformly embedding ultrafine Ru nanoparticles on nitrogen-doped carbon (Ru@NC) nanoflakes to accelerate oxygen redox kinetics of Li-O2 batteries. The Mott-Schottky effect of Ru@NC drives spontaneous electron rearrangement in the NC matrix and induces a strong built-in electric field at heterointerfaces, which accelerates the activation and conversion of oxygen intermediates. The obtained Ru@NC possesses rich Mott-Schottky heterointerfaces and defective carbon structures, which provide extensive adsorption and nucleation sites. More importantly, Ru@NC manifests moderate affinity for the intermediate LiO2, inducing formation of unique nanosheet-like Li2O2 with low Li2O2/cathode interfacial impedance, which further enhances oxidation kinetics. These enable the Li-O2 battery with Ru@NC to deliver a remarkably reduced polarization of 0.89 V, superior rate performance, and prolonged lifespan of over 200 cycles. This work will provide valuable guidelines for engineering advanced electrocatalysts for high-performance Li-O2 batteries and beyond.
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/s40843-025-3653-2
Designing photosensitizers with efficient intersystem crossing (ISC) and long-lived triplet excited states is critical for photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, conventional molecular design principles often rely on heavy-atom effects or specific donor-acceptor architectures, limiting generality. Here, we report a facile and rational strategy to convert intrinsically non-photosensitizing fluorophores into effective reactive oxygen species (ROS) generators by introducing guanidinium substituents. The modified photosensitizers exhibit prolonged triplet excited state lifetimes and considerable ROS production, in stark contrast to unmodified fluorophores which show intense fluorescence and negligible ROS generation. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry confirm the formation of stable nitrogen-centered radical cations on the guanidinium moiety, stabilized by p-π conjugation. Mechanistic studies indicate that these radicals promote ISC and prolong triplet state lifetimes. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that guanidinium-modified photosensitizers induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) and elicit potent anti-tumor immunity. This work provides a universal and facile strategy for designing organic photosensitizers through stable radical cation-containing building blocks, expanding the scope of PDT agents.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3675-3
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by elevated H2O2 levels and hypoxia, posing significant challenges to effective cancer treatment. Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) exploits these conditions to generate cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals via Fenton reactions, yet its efficacy as a monotherapy is limited. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) offers deep-tissue ROS generation under ultrasound (US) but is oxygen-dependent. Immunotherapy can modulate systemic immune responses but often suffers from low response rates. Here, we highlight a recent breakthrough published in Nature Nanotechnology by Prof. Jiatao Zhang and colleagues, who engineered a multifunctional quantum dot system (FAQD) integrating CDT, SDT, and immunotherapy through atomically dispersed iron and selenium chemistry. The FAQD comprises zinc selenide quantum dots with Ag doping and Fe decoration, synthesized via a three-step method. Structural analyses (HAADF-STEM, XRD, XPS, EXAFS) confirmed a quasi-single-crystalline structure with atomically dispersed Fe(III) and Ag(I). Optimal Ag:Zn ratio (5:100) maximized singlet oxygen yield under US. In vitro, FAQD-1 (with MMP-cleavable PEG) exhibited negligible cytotoxicity without US, but under US and H2O2, induced substantial ROS production, mitochondrial impairment, and apoptosis in HeLa cells. In vivo, FAQD-1 with US achieved complete suppression of primary and abscopal tumors within two weeks, eliciting robust systemic immune responses (increased CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, reduced Tregs, elevated IL-2 levels). This work demonstrates a synergistic trimodal nanoplatform with precise spatiotemporal control, offering a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61066-9
Carbon materials suffer from limited dielectric loss, resulting in poor impedance matching and inadequate microwave attenuation. To address this, hierarchical structures with synergistic loss mechanisms are sought. Here, biomass cattail serves as a sustainable precursor for nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube arrays decorated with Fe3C nanoparticles via chemical vapor deposition, yielding Fe3C@NCNTs/CMTs composites. The crystallinity, tuned by calcination temperature, critically influences microwave absorption. At 800 °C, the composite achieves a minimum reflection loss of –35.8 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 7.02 GHz at a thickness of only 1.7 mm, with an ultralow filler loading of 10 wt%, covering the entire Ku band and part of the X band. This performance stems from enhanced magnetic loss and multiple dielectric polarization mechanisms. The study demonstrates a promising strategy for designing biomass-derived carbon-based broadband microwave absorbers.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3780-3
Real-time health monitoring and ongoing evaluation of physiological conditions are becoming increasingly vital for the advancement of future medical diagnostics and personalized healthcare solutions. Given that certain illnesses necessitate prompt and accessible detection methods, wearable chemical sensors have garnered considerable interest for their capability to monitor health through physiological signals and chemical indicators. This review delivers a thorough examination of recent developments in four primary categories of wearable chemical sensors: biosensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, and ion sensors. We explore the representative materials, device structures, operating mechanisms, and various application scenarios for each type of sensor. By investigating the latest innovations in these technologies, we aim to provide a detailed overview of the current research landscape, highlight existing challenges, and present potential future directions of wearable chemical sensors in healthcare monitoring.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3805-1
The sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR/OER) at the air electrode impede the practical deployment of fiber zinc-air batteries (FZABs) for wearable electronics. Conventional bifunctional catalysts suffer from an inherent activity trade-off due to the distinct mechanisms of ORR and OER. Here, we propose a spatial decoupling strategy to overcome this limitation by engineering isolated Fe single atoms and Fe–Ir dual-atom pairs on a nitrogen-doped carbon matrix (Fe/FeIr-NC). In this architecture, Fe single atoms serve as ORR centers, while Fe–Ir pairs with tunable spacing are tailored for OER, enabling complete functional separation and independent optimization. The catalyst exhibits an ORR half-wave potential of 0.91 V and an OER overpotential of 250 mV at 10 mA cm−2, yielding a record-low bifunctional gap (ΔE = 0.57 V) that outperforms all reported single- and dual-atom catalysts. A flexible fiber zinc-air battery based on this catalyst delivers a peak power density of 3920 W kg−1, along with a 1.4-fold increase in energy efficiency and a 2.6-fold extension in cycle life compared to the commercial Pt/C + IrO2 benchmark. This work not only breaks the traditional activity trade-off in bifunctional catalysis but also offers a promising route toward high-performance power sources for wearable electronics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3674-2
Enhancing catalytic activity is a core objective in catalyst design, with active site accessibility being a critical determinant. Polyoxometalate-based metal-organic complexes (POMOCs), combining advantages of POMs and MOCs, offer potential for constructing catalysts with highly accessible active sites. In this study, a series of POMOCs were synthesized using different POM templates: [CoII1.5(L)1.5(PMo12O40)(H2O)4]·3H2O (Co-PMo12), [CoII1.5(L)1.5(PW12O40)(H2O)4]·3H2O (Co-PW12), [CoII2(L)2(SiW12O40)(H2O)4]·11H2O (Co-SiW12), and H[CoII2.5(L)3(P2W18O62)(H2O)8]·10H2O (Co-P2W18). These were characterized by FT-IR, PXRD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Catalytic activity differences for olefin epoxidation were attributed to distinct accessibility of Co(II) sites upon thermal activation. Notably, Co-P2W18 achieved 99% yield of 1,2-epoxycyclooctane within 3 hours at room temperature using O2 as oxidant, owing to highly accessible unsaturated Co(II) sites. This performance is superior to most reported catalysts. The reaction mechanism was investigated using density functional theory. The catalyst exhibited excellent stability over five cycles, with FT-IR, PXRD, and XPS confirming structural and oxidation state integrity. This work highlights the potential of POMOCs in designing catalysts with highly accessible active sites for enhanced catalytic activity.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507059
Anaerobic digestion sludge (ADS) contains recalcitrant organic matter and exhibits poor dewaterability, posing challenges for disposal. This study evaluated the immobilization of white rot fungi (WRF) on four carriers—polyvinyl alcohol, cotton thread, wood chips, and sodium alginate—for ADS treatment. Cotton thread immobilization yielded the earliest and most sustained enzyme activity, highest biomass retention, and minimal biomass loss. WRF treatment achieved a 10.09% removal of total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) and significantly disrupted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), selectively degrading soluble EPS. To maintain fungal activity, periodic carrier replacement was required. Compared to the control, the experimental group showed an 8.9 mg·L−1 reduction in total protein and polysaccharide content in soluble EPS, a 27.33% decrease in capillary suction time (CST), and improved sludge dewaterability. These results demonstrate the potential of WRF for ADS treatment.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025101101
Acetamiprid, a representative neonicotinoid insecticide, persists in soil and water, posing ecological risks. This study evaluated its transgenerational toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to 1, 10, and 100 μg·L−1. Direct exposure (F0) caused neurobehavioral abnormalities, with head swing frequency significantly increased by 23.86% even at 1.0 μg·L−1, correlating with disrupted acetylcholinesterase and γ-aminobutyric acid. Reproduction, development, metabolism, and intestinal barrier were impaired, with reactive oxygen species elevated by 30.42%–48.28%, indicating oxidative stress as a mechanism. Effects transmitted to unexposed T1–T3 generations: at 1.0 μg·L−1, body width inhibition persisted to T2; fat accumulation and intestinal permeability effects intensified with concentration. Among oxidative stress biomarkers, superoxide dismutase showed highest sensitivity and transgenerational persistence. This study reveals multidimensional transgenerational toxicity, informing soil ecological risk assessment of neonicotinoids.
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.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604001
This study systematically investigated the occurrence, spatial distribution, sources, and ecological risks of 160 pesticides in Dianchi Lake, a typical plateau lake impacted by agricultural activities. A total of 37 pesticides were detected in the water, with total concentrations ranging from 64.2 to 1132.8 ng/L (average 610.0 ng/L). Fungicides, including boscalid (BOS), fluopicolide (FPC), and dimethomorph (DMM), were dominant, contributing up to 65.0% of the total concentration. Spatially, the southern lake region exhibited significantly higher concentrations (672.5 ng/L) than the north, attributed to intensive facility agriculture. Highly hydrophobic pesticides, such as penconazole (PEN), showed a tendency to enrich in bottom layers. Source apportionment identified inflowing rivers and wastewater treatment plant effluents as primary input sources, with average concentrations 7 and 9 times higher than lake water, respectively. Ecological risk assessment revealed that pesticides posed the highest risk to algae, followed by daphnia and fish. Prometryn (PMT) was identified as a high-risk factor for algae, while profenofos (PFF) and carbendazim (CBD) posed potential threats to higher trophic levels. These findings provide fundamental data and technical support for understanding pesticide pollution in plateau lake ecosystems.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604027
Magnesia production processes generate carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, yet publicly available measured data on CO emission factors for these processes remain scarce, constraining the accuracy of emission accounting and mitigation assessment in the industry. To address this data gap, this study selected three representative magnesia-producing enterprises in Anshan, Liaoning Province, China, covering three typical technological routes: the two-stage calcination process (light burning-briquetting-shaft kiln dead burning), the suspension calcination-dead burning sintering process, and the electric arc furnace melting process. Under the condition that enterprises were not equipped with online CO monitoring modules, an estimation approach coupling manual measurements with conventional indicators from the Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) was developed. By establishing characteristic concentration ratios between CO and nitrogen oxides (NOx) or particulate matter (PM), and combining them with annual CEMS monitoring data, product-level CO emission factors were calculated. The results showed that the CO emission factors for the two-stage calcination process, the suspension calcination–dead burning sintering process, and the electric arc furnace melting process were 5.35, 5.18, and 1.40 kg/t, respectively, among which the emission level of the electric arc furnace melting process was significantly lower than that of sintering-based processes. This study provides enterprise-level measured CO parameters for the magnesia industry, filling the data gap in emission factors for typical technological routes. It also proposes an emission factor estimation method applicable under conditions where online CO monitoring data are unavailable, which can provide methodological support for pollutant emission accounting and emission inventory development in similar data-constrained industries.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225227
Imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) are foundational materials in sustainable chemical engineering due to their negligible volatility, exceptional thermal stability, and tunable properties. This study details the development, optimization, and analysis of an industrial-scale green synthesis pathway for 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) via quaternization of N-methylimidazole with 1-chlorobutane. Reaction parameters were optimized using orthogonal experimental design, and process intensification strategies were implemented to enhance efficiency and environmental sustainability. The optimal conditions were identified as a reaction temperature of 76 °C, a molar ratio of N-methylimidazole to 1-chlorobutane of 1:1.3, and a reaction time of 36 h, achieving a single-pass yield of 95.6%. Kinetic studies revealed a significant correlation between temperature, molar ratio, and conversion efficiency, with an activation energy (Ea) of approximately 135.7 kJ/mol, indicating pronounced temperature dependence. A closed-loop material recycling system was designed, enabling recovery rates of 99.5% for 1-chlorobutane and 98.1% for ethyl acetate, thereby curtailing raw material consumption and waste generation. This approach aligns with green chemistry principles and propels the process toward near-zero emissions. The pathway offers a scalable model for [Bmim]Cl manufacture and a transferable strategy for synthesizing other ionic liquids, representing a substantial advancement in sustainable process engineering.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3930-3
Methylammonium lead tribromide (MAPbBr3) single crystals (SCs) are promising for room-temperature gamma-ray and X-ray detection, but scaling their size often compromises crystal quality. Here, we report a strategic precursor stoichiometry engineering approach to grow inch-sized, high-quality MAPbBr3 SCs via a constant-temperature evaporation method. We show that constructing a robust electrical double layer through organic cation modulation effectively stabilizes the colloidal precursor. This is achieved by synergistically suppressing MA+ deprotonation while promoting MA+ adsorption as counterions on the [PbBrn]2−n complexes, which collectively strengthens interparticle repulsion and raises the nucleation barrier. This multifaceted approach yields MAPbBr3 SCs with lateral dimensions up to 2 inches and an exceptional X-ray diffraction rocking curve full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.0093° at the (002) face. Consequently, the SCs enable spectroscopic-grade gamma-ray detection, achieving energy resolutions (ER) of 8.4% for the 57Co source (122 keV) and 11.1% for the 137Cs source (662 keV), along with a high X-ray sensitivity of 1.65 × 10^4 μC Gy−1 cm−2. This work paves the way for the practical application of MAPbBr3 SCs in high-performance gamma-ray and X-ray detection.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61116-X
A standardized dataset of linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) curves is presented for evaluating the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance of carbon-supported catalysts in acidic media. All electrochemical tests were conducted in O2-saturated 0.5 mol L−1 H2SO4 at controlled rotation speeds using a rotating disk electrode. The dataset comprises 120 validated entries from both non-precious metal (MNC) and platinum-based (Pt-MC) catalysts, including original LSV curves and extracted performance parameters such as onset potential, half-wave potential, and limiting current densities at different rotation speeds. Data processing involved potential conversion to the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) scale, background subtraction, outlier removal, and reproducibility checks with defined quality control thresholds (relative standard deviation ≤2% for E1/2 and ≤5% for limiting current). The standardized collection serves as a reliable benchmark for catalyst performance comparison, supports kinetic and mass transport analysis, and provides a structured data source for machine learning applications in electrocatalysis. The dataset is openly available via Science Data Bank, with a DOI, and is intended as a dynamic resource for the ORR electrocatalysis community.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605001
The lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin, as a concentrated area of China's C5 petroleum resin industry, face critical bottlenecks in green and low-carbon transformation due to high-pollution, refractory wastewater and high carbon emissions. Traditional petrochemical wastewater treatment technologies suffer from low efficiency, high energy consumption, and insufficient resource utilization. This paper systematically analyzes the sources of wastewater in C5 petroleum resin production from principles and processes, and reviews research progress and carbon reduction potential of current technologies in three aspects: new materials, new equipment, and new processes. Integrated processes centered on efficient pretreatment, biological enhancement, and multi-technology coupling show significant advantages in improving treatment efficiency, reducing energy consumption and cost, and strengthening resource recovery. The study also prospects future research priorities for pollution and carbon mitigation through green technological innovation and intelligent upgrading, providing new solutions for 'near-zero discharge' and resource recycling of C5 petroleum resin wastewater, thereby promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of the petrochemical industry.
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/s40843-025-3956-0
Chiral organic-inorganic hybrid metal halides (OIHMHs) are multifunctional materials with structural diversity and chiroptical properties. However, current chiral OIHMHs predominantly exhibit circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) in the visible spectrum, while ultraviolet and near-infrared (NIR) CPL remains challenging. Here, we report lead-free chiral zero-dimensional (0D) OIHMHs, (R/S-DACH)2In2Br10:Sb3+/Yb3+ (DACH = 1,2-diaminocyclohexane), featuring spectrally tunable CPL emissions covering visible to NIR regions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, circular dichroism, and CPL spectroscopy revealed that robust hydrogen-bonding interactions between organic cations and inorganic emitters are crucial for chirality expression. Sb3+-doped (R/S-DACH)2In2Br10 single crystals exhibited intense broadband emission at 644 nm from the 3P1 to 1S0 transition of Sb3+, achieving a record photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 49.9% (two orders of magnitude higher than pristine crystals) and a luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) of ±7.1×10−3. Notably, Sb3+/Yb3+ co-doped crystals simultaneously generated dual-band CPL at 644 nm (glum = ±2.1×10−2) and 994 nm (glum = ±6.8×10−3), representing an important example of NIR-CPL in OIHMHs. An LED device based on (R-DACH)2In2Br10:2.7%Sb3+ exhibited bright orange emission with a color-rendering index of 78.4 and excellent spectral and operational stabilities. These findings establish a design strategy for broadband CPL and expand applications of chiral metal halides in advanced optoelectronics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3784-9
Symmetry-breaking charge separation (SB-CS) is a fundamental process in natural photosynthesis and holds promise for organic semiconductor applications. However, the influence of SB-CS on excited-state chirality has remained unexplored. Here, we employ femtosecond time-resolved circularly polarized luminescence (TRCPL) and transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy to investigate the excited-state chirality dynamics of a chiral perylenediimide bichromophore (Cy-PDI 2). Our results reveal that the locally excited (LE) state decays to a symmetry-breaking charge-separated (SB-CS) state within 88 ps in tetrahydrofuran (THF), while this process is strongly quenched in toluene (TOL). Time-dependent emission dissymmetry factor g_lum(t) extracted from TRCPL kinetics demonstrates a one-order-of-magnitude enhancement of circularly polarized luminescence after SB-CS, directly reflecting the asymmetry of electron cloud distribution on an ultrafast timescale. This work provides the first direct observation of excited-state chirality evolution during SB-CS and proposes a mechanistic framework. Our findings offer deeper insight into the origin of excited-state chirality, which is crucial for understanding efficient energy transfer, enantiospecific recognition, and asymmetric catalysis in biological and chemical systems.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510041
This study presents a full-scale engineering practice of retrofitting an idle upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor into an aerobic granular sludge (AGS) system for treating low-strength municipal wastewater. The design capacity was 20,000 m3/d (maximum 24,000 m3/d), achieving separate treatment of industrial and domestic wastewater to reduce operational costs. Systematic analysis covered hydraulic capacity enhancement, effluent quality, pollutant removal efficiencies, sludge granulation progress, and operational costs. Results showed rapid start-up: the system reached 75% of design capacity by day 10 and 90% by day 26. During a 4-month operation, average removal efficiencies for COD, NH4+-N, TN, and SS were 83.2%, 97.0%, 75.9%, and 94.4%, respectively, even under low influent BOD5/TN ratios (typically below 4). Granulation progressed quickly: by day 44, average particle size was 2.6 times that of the inoculum and over 4 times that of flocs, with granules (>200 μm) accounting for 17.3%; by day 110, these values increased to 3.2 times and 5 times, with granule proportion reaching 33.4%. Compared to the previous year (June–August), the AGS process reduced electricity consumption, chemical consumption, and sludge production by 77.3%, 25.4%, and 30.4%, respectively, while saving 65.6% of footprint. This ten-thousand-ton case provides a practical basis for AGS technology application in China.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60626-8
The dense crystalline structure and limited accessibility of cellulose severely hinder its efficient catalytic conversion. In response, biomimetic solid acid catalysts inspired by cellulase binding domains (CBDs) have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance cellulose hydrolysis by mimicking the substrate recognition and enrichment functions of natural enzymes. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the design of CBD-mimetic solid acids based on four representative strategies: electrostatic anchoring, hydrophobic microenvironment engineering, spatial confinement, and covalent lock-and-key mechanisms. The underlying principles of these approaches, including substrate-specific recognition, local concentration enhancement, and synergistic “adsorption-catalysis” effects, are critically discussed to elucidate their contributions in improving catalytic affinity, selectivity, and durability. Despite significant progress, challenges such as mass-transfer resistance and insufficient structural robustness remain in complex biomass conversion systems. Looking forward, the integration of sub-enzymatic materials, such as carbon quantum dots (CQDs), into biomimetic catalysts offers new opportunities to achieve efficient, recyclable, and hierarchically organized catalytic systems, thereby providing a powerful route for the sustainable valorization of cellulose and other lignocellulosic resources.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025021101
This study investigated the toxic effects of intrauterine benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) exposure on pancreatic development and glucose metabolism in first-generation offspring rats. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and treatment groups receiving 200, 800, or 1600 μg·kg−1 BaP via daily oral gavage during gestation until delivery. Pancreatic histology was assessed in offspring at postnatal day 2 and week 12. Protein and mRNA expression of pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were quantified. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTT) and insulin tolerance tests (IPITT) were performed at week 12. Results showed that exposure to 800 and 1600 μg·kg−1 BaP caused dose-dependent pancreatic damage, with more severe islet morphological disruption and reduced islet area, which did not improve with age. PDX-1 and TFAM expression levels decreased in a dose-dependent manner at both time points. At week 12, the 1600 μg·kg−1 group exhibited pre-diabetic symptoms, including elevated blood glucose and insulin levels, and impaired glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. These findings indicate that intrauterine BaP exposure leads to persistent pancreatic developmental impairment and glucose metabolism disorders, potentially mediated by downregulation of PDX-1 and TFAM, with no recovery over time.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025030403
Microplastics (MPs) act as vectors for co-migrating antibiotics and heavy metals, forming complex pollution systems with potential joint toxicity. However, the differential adsorption behaviors and underlying mechanisms of MPs toward organic versus inorganic pollutants remain insufficiently understood. This study selected polypropylene (PP) microplastics, a major component of agricultural plastic films, and investigated the adsorption of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and Cr(VI) onto aged PP under varying environmental conditions. Results demonstrated that aging increased the maximum adsorption capacity by 2–3 times for both pollutants. Notably, aged PP exhibited approximately 30 times higher adsorption capacity for SMX than for Cr(VI). Characterization revealed that aging introduced oxygen-containing functional groups (e.g., carbonyl) on the MP surface, enhancing adsorption. Mechanistic analysis indicated that hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions dominated SMX adsorption, while Cr(VI) adsorption was primarily governed by electrostatic interactions and pore-filling. The stronger intermolecular forces for SMX compared to reversible pore-filling for Cr(VI) explained the observed differences. Increasing pH induced electrostatic repulsion, reducing adsorption of both pollutants. High concentrations of Na+ and Mg2+ caused charge shielding, potentially enhancing Cr(VI) adsorption but inhibiting SMX adsorption due to competition for active sites. The presence of organic matter (humic acid) had negligible effects on Cr(VI) adsorption but reduced SMX adsorption, likely due to complexation. These findings elucidate distinct molecular-level pathways for organic versus inorganic pollutant adsorption on aged MPs, highlighting the roles of hydrogen bonding and pore-filling in driving differential behaviors.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606015
This study evaluated the sustainability and tissue-specific mechanisms of corn stover as a solid-phase carbon source for nitrate removal from groundwater. Cyclic heterotrophic denitrification experiments were conducted using leaf, stem pith, stem bark, stem node, husk, and mixed tissues as carbon sources. Denitrification efficiency, sustainability, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) release, carbon utilization efficiency, intermediate accumulation, and environmental parameters were systematically assessed. Kinetic modeling, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied to elucidate regulatory mechanisms. Results demonstrated that mixed tissues and husk achieved the highest denitrification efficiency, with nitrate removal rates consistently above 98% across four repeated cycles. Total nitrogen removal reached 39.30 mg/g for mixed tissues and 39.95 mg/g for husk, while byproduct concentrations (NO2-N and NH4-N) remained below 2 mg/L. DOC release profiles indicated stable carbon release and high carbon utilization efficiency (203.99 mg TN/g organic carbon for mixed tissues; 182.41 mg/g for husk). Correlation and SEM analyses revealed that carbon source type indirectly governed total nitrogen removal by modulating DOC release, which subsequently influenced pH, electrical conductivity, and nitrogen transformation pathways. Significant differences among tissues were observed in denitrification efficiency, carbon utilization, and micro-environmental regulation. Mixed tissues and husk emerged as superior carbon sources due to their combined efficiency and stability. However, husk released odorous compounds during operation, posing sensory challenges for practical application. The findings support the potential of corn stover tissues as cost-effective carbon sources for in-situ groundwater nitrate remediation, though further optimization is required for field-scale implementation.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606018
Swine wastewater, a high-strength organic effluent, offers a viable substrate for anaerobic biohydrogen production, aligning with clean energy recovery. This study compared hydrogen production in three anaerobic sequencing batch reactors (ASBRs) treating: raw wastewater (R1), supernatant after MAP (magnesium ammonium phosphate) precipitation for nitrogen and phosphorus recovery (R2), and the same supernatant with anaerobic sludge heat-treated at 75°C for 0.5 h (R3). Without pH adjustment, hydrogen production in R1 remained below 0.50 mmol/(kg·d). At an influent COD of 1800 mg/L, R2 and R3 achieved hydrogen production rates of 48.17 and 71.44 mmol/(kg·d), respectively. At COD 2400 mg/L, methane concentrations in R1, R2, and R3 were 10.8%, 14.2%, and 9.1%, respectively, indicating MAP pretreatment enhanced both hydrogen and methane production. As COD increased, R1's methane concentration rose to 14.6%, while average COD removal efficiencies for R1, R2, and R3 were 78.9%, 70.8%, and 52.5%, respectively. Under pH adjustment, all reactors peaked at pH 4.0, with hydrogen production rates of 0.10, 7.74, and 8.83 mol/(kg·d) for R1, R2, and R3, respectively. These findings demonstrate that MAP pretreatment combined with sludge heat treatment significantly enhances biohydrogen production, offering a promising strategy for swine wastewater valorization.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509055
Microbial communities are the core functional units in environmental biotechnology. Magnetic field technology, as a non-invasive physical enhancement method, has shown application potential in wastewater treatment and waste resource recovery. Traditional ecological theory posits a positive correlation between species diversity and system function/stability. However, magnetic field enhancement often coincides with improved system performance and decreased microbial diversity, indicating a decoupling. This review systematically explains this phenomenon as the result of magnetic field-driven functional specialization of microbial communities. Magnetic fields act on paramagnetic targets in energy metabolism, including iron-sulfur clusters and cytochromes, alter cell surface physicochemical properties, impose oxidative stress, and select strains with high metabolic flexibility, thereby achieving targeted enrichment of key functional groups such as ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and electroactive bacteria within Proteobacteria. Although such functionally specialized communities have reduced species richness, they exhibit higher energy metabolism efficiency, enhanced electron transfer capacity, optimized interspecies cooperation networks, and strengthened system robustness. These advantages collectively support efficient and stable macroscopic bioprocess performance. This study also discusses potential limitations regarding ecosystem resilience and scenario dependence, and envisions future directions such as quantitative modeling and synergy with magnetic materials to advance magnetic field technology from empirical application to rational design.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025032601
This study investigated the pollution characteristics of chlorate and perchlorate in tea from Anhui region and assessed the health risks associated with tea consumption. A total of 132 tea samples, including green tea (n=89), black tea (n=30), yellow tea (n=10), and white tea (n=3), were collected from major tea-producing areas. Chlorate and perchlorate levels were quantified using isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Chlorate was detected in 15.9% of samples, with concentrations ranging from not detected to 0.040 mg·kg−1, and no samples exceeded the regulatory limit. Perchlorate was detected in 100% of samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.011 to 1.611 mg·kg−1, and 2.3% of samples exceeded the limit. Pollution characteristics analysis revealed that perchlorate levels were significantly correlated with tea type and geographical origin, with environmental contamination in tea-growing areas being the primary determinant. A significant positive correlation was also observed between chlorate and perchlorate levels. Health risk assessments were conducted for the general tea-consuming population, sub-groups loyal to specific tea types (green and black tea), and sub-groups preferring local tea from high-pollution regions (Lu'an City and central Anhui). Assessments were based on mean and 95th percentile (P95) exposure levels. For chlorate, the maximum hazard quotient (HQ) was 0.003, far below 1, indicating negligible risk. For perchlorate, all HQ values were below 1, regardless of tea type or region, based on both mean and P95 levels, using the Chinese provisional tolerable daily intake (tTDI). However, perchlorate contamination in central Anhui, particularly Lu'an City, warrants continued monitoring due to elevated levels and occasional exceedances.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025040701
Goaf water (GW), formed by water accumulation in coal mine goafs, poses ecological risks due to its pollutant content. While previous studies focused on physicochemical properties, microbial community dynamics and their effects on plants remain underexplored. Maize (Zea mays L.) is sensitive to water quality changes, making it a suitable model for ecological risk assessment. This study investigated GW samples from a coal mine in Yangquan, Shanxi Province, using metagenomic sequencing to analyze microbial communities and maize seed cultivation experiments to evaluate growth effects. Results demonstrated that GW significantly inhibited maize growth, particularly lower-depth samples. Microbial diversity and composition varied markedly with depth; lower-depth GW enriched distinct microbial species potentially influencing plant growth. These microbes may regulate plant development through metabolic pathway modulation. The study elucidates the complex impacts of GW microbial communities on plant growth and emphasizes their importance in ecological risk assessment of GW.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3917-x
The escalating global challenge of antibiotic contamination demands advanced sensing technologies for environmental monitoring and public health protection. Here, we present a structurally well-defined, intercalation-engineered metal-organic framework (MOF), HSB-W18, which functions as an ultrasensitive and selective fluorescence sensor for fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis unambiguously determined both the framework architecture and the spatial organization of intercalated 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalate molecules at atomic resolution. Through ultrasound-assisted synthesis, highly stable book-shaped microsheets (HSB-W18-MS) were obtained, maintaining exceptional aqueous dispersibility and luminescence intensity for over one month. These microsheets offer distinct advantages for antibiotic detection: specific recognition of diverse fluoroquinolones via unique fluorescence signatures; highly sensitive ratiometric detection of enoxacin (ENX) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.62 nM and rapid response kinetics (<30 s); exceptional selectivity alongside reusability. Systematic mechanistic investigations revealed a synergistic detection process involving multiple photophysical pathways. Furthermore, a smartphone-based portable detection system was successfully implemented, and the practical utility of the sensor was validated by quantifying ENX in complex environmental samples: tap water LOD = 18.32 nM and river water LOD = 29.87 nM. This study contributes to fundamental materials science and environmental monitoring by elucidating discernible structure-property relationships in intercalated MOFs, demonstrating a robust platform for field-deployable antibiotic detection and proposing an innovative design paradigm for environmental optical sensors.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3905-9
Heteroatom doping is a widely adopted strategy to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of transition metal compounds, yet the intrinsic role of dopants beyond conventional electronic effects remains unresolved. This study reveals a missed heteroatom-doping effect using a graphene-supported Co-doped FeS2 catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Comprehensive characterization and in situ Raman spectroscopy demonstrate that Co incorporation disrupts S–S bond symmetry and orbital matching within FeS2, generating abundant S2− species that accelerate surface reconstruction into active FeOOH under electrochemical conditions. After reconstruction, Co atoms remain integrated within the FeOOH lattice, upshifting its d-band center and optimizing oxygen intermediate adsorption, as confirmed by theoretical calculations. This dual functionality of Co dopants—facilitating rapid reconstruction in the pre-catalyst and modulating the electronic structure of the active phase—provides novel mechanistic insights into dopant-induced dynamic reconstruction for electrocatalysis. The findings challenge the conventional understanding of doping effects and offer a rational design principle for Fe-based OER electrocatalysts, potentially lowering overpotentials and improving stability for practical water splitting.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4079-4
Utilization of ultrahigh-nickel LiNi_xCo_yMn_1-x-yO_2 (NCM) (x > 0.97) in Li-ion batteries can distinctively boost energy density through enhanced discharge capacity. However, capacity and thermal stability deteriorate as Ni content approaches the limit. Here, we propose a facile strategy by introducing high-valence tungsten (W) into ultrahigh-nickel polycrystalline LiNi_0.98Co_0.01Mn_0.01O_2 (PCNCM98). W-doped PCNCM98 (W-PCNCM98) exhibits refined, compactly stacked primary particles, whereas PCNCM98 shows equiaxial, non-uniform larger particles. The refined microstructure enhances mechanical strength: average particle hardness of W-PCNCM98 is 104 MPa, 1.5 times higher than PCNCM98 (68 MPa). This improved mechanical property suppresses lattice volume changes and relieves microcrack formation from H2–H3 phase transition. Consequently, cycling performance in pouch-type full cells is significantly enhanced, with capacity retention of 73% after 2000 cycles at 1 C and 25 °C, 54% higher than PCNCM98. Enhanced structural stability and strong electron affinity of W6+ also improve thermal stability: exothermic peak for W-PCNCM98 is postponed to 203 °C with heat generation of 1287 J g−1, versus 190 °C and 1528 J g−1 for PCNCM98. This high-valent doping strategy stabilizes ultrahigh-nickel NCM cathodes, accelerating large-scale EV applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3949-4
Sodium metal is considered an ideal anode material for high-performance sodium-based batteries. However, volume changes and dendrite growth during cycling seriously restrict its practical application. To address these challenges, this study utilizes harmful green tide algae Enteromorpha prolifera as a raw material to fabricate a self-supporting, sodiophilic, 3D Enteromorpha prolifera-derived carbon (EC) matrix via defect engineering. The results demonstrate that the 3D EC matrix can reduce nucleation overpotential, enhance binding ability with sodium atoms, and induce sodium to deposit horizontally inside EC, effectively addressing the issue of dendrite formation. Furthermore, the Na-EC symmetric cell demonstrates exceptional cycling stability with an ultralow polarization of 12 mV over 1000 h at 5 mA cm−2, 5 mA h cm−2. Notably, this stability persists even under ultrahigh current density and areal capacity conditions (30 mA cm−2, 30 mA h cm−2), maintaining stable operation for 500 h. When configured in full-cell systems with Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, the assembled cell delivers an initial discharge capacity of 108.1 mA h g−1 at a 1 C rate, and maintains a capacity retention rate of 94.4% after 500 cycles. This study proposes an innovative strategy to advance high-performance dendrite-free sodium metal batteries through the recycling of marine environmental waste into functional energy materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3979-3
The escalating prevalence of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections necessitates novel antibacterial strategies. Here, we engineered lectin B (LecB)-targeted glyco-dots (TFP2F) via self-assembly of a photosensitizer (TFP2) possessing aggregation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capability with fucose-modified tetraphenylethene glycoclusters (TPE-Fuc4), enabling P. aeruginosa-targeted antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and wound healing promotion. Three photosensitizers (TFP0–2) featuring an “A-D-A” electronic structure were synthesized, exhibiting broad absorption bands and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence. Among these, TFP2 demonstrated superior Type-I/II ROS production (including ·OH, ·O2−, and 1O2), achieving potent phototoxicity against P. aeruginosa (MIC80 = 7.5 μM). Self-assembly with TPE-Fuc4 yielded glyco-dots TFP2F that facilitated LecB-mediated bacterial targeting, enhanced bacterial uptake, and significantly reduced the MIC80 to 2.5 μM against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa under light irradiation. In a murine P. aeruginosa-infected wound model, TFP2F treatment combined with light irradiation accelerated wound closure to <20% of the initial area by day 8 (vs. >40% in controls) and eliminated >95% of bacteria by day 2. This work presents a convenient strategy for constructing glyco-dots as a potent functionalized platform for precision, lectin-targeted antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3921-2
Moisture-enabled energy harvesting technologies offer a promising route for self-powered strain sensing, yet conventional generators suffer from slow response, poor recovery, and limited multidirectional resolution. Here, we report a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofiber moisture-enabled electric generator (MEG) with highly aligned ion channels. A carbon black/sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (CB/SDBS) layer is coated on the TPU membrane, while carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and acidified poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (HPSS) are applied on opposite sides, establishing lateral hydrophilicity and ion gradients to drive directional ion migration. The planar MEG is lightweight, flexible, and requires no fully covered electrodes, enabling conformity to complex deformations. The aligned channels reduce ion migration tortuosity, enhancing ion transport efficiency and flux. As a result, the aligned MEG (ATMEG) delivers 0.2 V and 0.51 μA cm−2 at ~90% relative humidity, corresponding to 400% and 287% enhancements compared with the unaligned MEG (UATMEG). The ATMEG also exhibits ultrafast response (0.16 s) and recovery (0.08 s). Utilizing its anisotropic characteristics, a multidirectional self-powered strain sensor is developed, capable of distinguishing both the amplitude and direction of human motion, demonstrating strong potential for adaptive wearable electronics and intelligent motion monitoring.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3923-x
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved certified efficiencies exceeding 27%, rivaling silicon-based technologies, yet their operational stability under real-world conditions remains a critical barrier to commercialization. Exposure to full-spectrum sunlight, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation, coupled with diurnal temperature fluctuations and ingress of moisture and oxygen, induces multi-mode degradation pathways, including lattice distortion, defect accumulation, and interfacial strain. Conventional stabilization strategies typically address single degradation routes and rely on static passivation or fixed strain compensation, failing to adapt to the dynamic stress fields arising from thermal expansion-contraction cycles at buried interfaces. Here, we highlight a recent breakthrough by Zhou et al. that introduces a stepwise conformational engineering strategy to design multifunctional molecules capable of simultaneous UV shielding, dynamic strain regulation, and defect passivation. Starting from 1,1-diphenylethylene (DPE), which exhibits intrinsic UV absorption, a flexible octyl alkyl chain is incorporated to yield 1-octyl-2-(1-phenylvinyl)benzene (OPVB). The conformational freedom of the alkyl chain enables reversible thermal expansion and contraction, allowing in situ modulation of interfacial stress. Further functionalization with hydroxyl and carbonyl groups produces diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB), which integrates all three targeted properties. This molecular design addresses the bottleneck of multi-mode degradation by providing dynamic stress management, UV protection, and defect healing, thereby enhancing device stability and performance. The work establishes a new paradigm for fabricating stable PSCs under realistic operating conditions, with implications for accelerating industrial deployment.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60656-1
Under the carbon neutrality strategy, biomass boilers have emerged as key facilities for renewable energy utilization, yet are characterized by low-concentration SO2 emissions. Ca-based dry desulfurization presents a promising technology for biomass boiler flue gas purification due to its compact structure, low capital investment and simple operation and maintenance. However, it is generally limited by the low adsorbent utilization and insufficient desulfurization efficiency. Herein, this study developed a novel Ca-Mn composite adsorbent through a synergistic strategy integrating F127 surfactant to optimize dispersion and Mn loading to enhance oxidation efficiency. The resulting adsorbent not only significantly increased the breakthrough sulfur capacity of the Ca-based material but also markedly improved the synergistic removal of Hg0. It was demonstrated that the introduction of Mn elements and F127 effectively suppressed the agglomeration of Ca(OH)2 crystallites and induced an oxygen vacancy-rich structure, while simultaneously optimizing the pore structure of the adsorbent. The modified adsorbent exhibited the enlarged specific surface area and pore volume, which favored to enhance the reaction mass transfer and effectively prevent the pore blockage and coverage of active sites by desulfurization products. The Mn sites and oxygen vacancies formed catalytic centers, which not only accelerated the desulfurization reaction by promoting SO2 oxidation but also enabled the adsorbent to couple with Hg0 catalytic oxidation functionality. Consequently, the simultaneous removal of SO2 and Hg0 was significantly enhanced on the Ca-Mn composite adsorbent.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60658-5
Sulfur dioxide emitted from combustion of sulfur-containing aromatic compounds in fuels is a major contributor to atmospheric pollution. Oxidative desulfurization (ODS) has become a crucial complement to hydrodesulfurization (HDS) due to its mild reaction conditions and high efficiency in removing refractory aromatic sulfides. Metal doping is an effective strategy to modulate the electronic structure of catalysts and enhance catalytic performance. In this study, Mn-doped Co-V-O metal oxide (Mn-Co-V-O) was synthesized via a reflux method followed by high-temperature calcination. The structure, morphology, and surface chemical composition were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, XPS, and UV-vis DRS. The ODS performance toward dibenzothiophene (DBT) was evaluated using molecular oxygen as a green oxidant. Results indicated that Mn doping significantly enhanced the ODS activity compared to undoped Co-V-O. Under optimized conditions (110 °C, 0.03 g catalyst, 150 mL/min O2 flow, 20 mL model oil), a direct DBT removal rate of 81.6% was achieved. When combined with extraction, the desulfurization rate increased to 98.0%. Mechanistic studies revealed that Mn doping increased the surface oxygen vacancy concentration, facilitating oxygen activation to generate superoxide radicals (·O2−). Radical trapping experiments confirmed that ·O2− was the key active species responsible for selective oxidation of DBT to DBTO2. This study provides a reference for designing efficient metal oxide catalysts for deep oxidative desulfurization.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608015
Inter-basin water diversion projects can profoundly alter the water quality dynamics of receiving basins. Taking the Qincun Reservoir and its downstream reaches in the Huangze River Basin as a case study, this research quantitatively evaluates water-quality responses under multiple coordinated management measures. An integrated Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code-Soil and Water Assessment Tool (EFDC-SWAT) modeling framework was established, coupling a two-dimensional hydrodynamic-water-quality model for the reservoir with a hydrology-water-quality model for the downstream reaches. Seven management scenarios were designed to reflect various combinations of point- and non-point-source pollution control strategies. Simulations focused on spatiotemporal variations in key indicators—total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and permanganate index (CODMn)—and assessed pollution-load reduction effectiveness. Comparative analysis using the comprehensive water quality identification index (CWQII) revealed that under Scenario 3 (highest pollution-control standards with lowest diversion volume), TN and TP concentrations in the reservoir decreased by 80% and 50%, respectively, achieving Class II water-quality standards. Downstream TN and TP levels declined by 36% and 33%, and the CWQII improved from 4.211 to 3.410. Land consolidation contributed 77% and 45% to TN and TP load reductions in the reservoir, respectively, while a 20% reduction in diversion volume was most effective in improving downstream TN (>50%). These results demonstrate that the coupled EFDC-SWAT model effectively elucidates mechanisms through which inter-basin water diversion influences water quality in supply areas. Moreover, synergistic point- and non-point-source controls exhibit a nonlinear enhancement effect on overall water-quality improvement.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3994-9
Electrokinetics, the study of charge transfer and mass transport under electric fields, is fundamental to advancing energy storage and electrocatalysis. Organic-inorganic composite materials synergistically combine the structural stability and conductivity of inorganic phases with the functional diversity of organic components, optimizing electrokinetic properties such as charge transfer, ionic mobility, and catalytic activity. This review systematically examines the intersection of electrokinetic phenomena and organic-inorganic composites, focusing on fundamental principles, design strategies, and performance optimization. Advanced materials including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), organic-carbon hybrids, and single-atom catalysts are highlighted, with applications spanning batteries, fuel cells, wearable devices, and electrocatalytic systems. Emphasis is placed on advanced in situ and operando characterization techniques that probe electrokinetic processes, revealing the interplay between structure, interface, and transport dynamics. By bridging electrokinetic theory and material design, this work provides a roadmap for developing next-generation materials for sustainable energy technologies. The review consolidates recent progress, identifies remaining challenges, and proposes future directions for leveraging electrokinetic principles to achieve high-efficiency, durable energy systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4021-5
Lead-free halide double perovskites have attracted significant attention owing to their eco-friendliness, structural tunability, and self-trapped exciton emission. Nevertheless, achieving efficient and stable near-infrared-II (NIR-II) luminescence, especially in materials incorporating lanthanide ions, remains a considerable challenge in photonics research. Herein, we report a notable advance in the design and synthesis of Sb3+-sensitized Cs2NaLuCl6:Er3+ double perovskite single crystals, which exhibit an unprecedented external quantum efficiency of 45.3% for emission at 1542 nm. Sb3+ acts as a broadband ultraviolet absorber and transfers energy to Er3+ via self-trapped exciton emission. Moreover, at high concentrations of Er3+, Er3+-Er3+ cross relaxation (2H11/2 + 4I15/2 → 4I9/2 + 4I13/2) selectively populates the NIR-emitting 4I13/2 state, suppressing competitive visible emission pathways. This synergistic host-sensitizer-activator design strategy, supported by density functional theory calculations, addresses long-standing efficiency limitations and opens new avenues for high-performance NIR-II emitters in bioimaging, night vision, and optical communications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4116-0
The design of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) for poly(vinylidene fluoride)-based solid-state batteries has largely focused on solvent-affinity of Li+ to generate robust but ionically sluggish LiF-rich layers, inherently compromising transport kinetics. Here, we establish a paradigm based on quantifiable physicochemical descriptors (ionic potential and donor number) to guide the design of amphitropic ion pairs (AIPs). These AIPs are engineered to simultaneously tailor both the solvent-affinity and anion-affinity of Li+: a solvent-philic cation with high ionic potential (Al3+) first sequesters reactive solvents, clearing the path for a high-donor-number, lithium-philic anion (NO3−) to remodel solvation. This rationally guided, sequential mechanism enables the in situ synthesis of a LiF/Li3N heterostructured SEI, where dendrite-suppressing LiF domains are seamlessly integrated with ultra-fast Li3N ion channels. This design heterogeneity effectively enhances stability and kinetics, yielding a robust and highly conductive interface. Consequently, Li|Li cells achieve >2000 h of stable cycling, and Li|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full cells surpass 600 cycles.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4045-x
The release of radioactive iodine from nuclear accidents and nuclear medicine poses significant environmental and health risks. Here, we report the design and synthesis of two cross-linked macrocycle-based porous organic polymers (P1 and P2) with different functionalities for efficient and rapid capture of radioactive iodine. P1 achieves complete iodine adsorption within 5 minutes, with an exceptional adsorption rate constant (k_obs) of 18.92 g g−1 min−1 (8.24 g g−1 min−1 for P2), representing a record-high iodine removal rate among state-of-the-art porous organic polymers. P1 demonstrates superior iodine adsorption efficacy in dynamic flow-through experiments, achieving a remarkable efficiency of 96.4% for radioactive 131I removal, greatly minimizing radiation contamination. Experimental and modelling techniques reveal that the superior iodine adsorption performance originates from electron-rich functional groups, hydrophobic surface, and porous structure of P1, thus exhibiting remarkable iodine capture capabilities through charge transfer, halogen bonding, and hydrophobic effects. The adsorbents show excellent stability and performance under complex and harsh conditions (pH 2–10) and can be easily regenerated, confirming their excellent reusability and potential for practical applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4080-y
M1 macrophages (M1φ) are pivotal drivers in the progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Longitudinal monitoring of intrahepatic M1φ could facilitate non-invasive diagnosis of NASH, yet achieving specific and sensitive in vivo imaging of M1φ remains challenging due to the nonspecific phagocytic activity common to all phenotypic macrophages. In this study, we developed a dual-target-recognizing photoacoustic nanoprobe that can target glucose transporters (GLUTs) and be selectively activated by nitric oxide (NO). Benefiting from its enhanced affinity for M1φ and decent responsive capability to NO, the probe exhibited favorable imaging performance toward M1φ in ex vivo experiments. Following systemic administration in diabetic mice, the probe rapidly accumulated in the liver, where it was selectively internalized by M1φ via specific recognition between glucose molecules and GLUTs, further inducing a NO-triggered enhancement of the photoacoustic signal. Distinct photoacoustic signal enhancement patterns were observed between NAFL and NASH livers, enabling non-invasive in vivo discrimination of NASH. This study proposes a novel strategy using a dual-target-recognizing probe to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of in vivo M1φ imaging, while also providing new insights for the non-invasive diagnosis of NASH.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4031-6
Organic fluorophores operating in the second near-infrared (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm) window are highly attractive for cancer phototheranostics. Yet, the advancement of aza-BODIPY-based NIR-II dyes remains challenging due to their limited spectral tunability and diminished fluorescence quantum yields (FLQY) under physiological conditions. Herein, we propose a rational donor-acceptor (D-A) molecular engineering strategy to construct an aza-BODIPY fluorophore, TPACN, featuring intramolecular charge transfer (ICT)-enhanced NIR-II emission and balanced photothermal performance. By introducing electron-rich triphenylamine (TPA) donors and peripheral cyano (–CN) acceptors, the optimized D-A coupling significantly strengthened the ICT effect, leading to broadened NIR absorption, a markedly red-shifted fluorescence peak at 1086 nm, and an exceptional fluorescence quantum yield of 1.55% in dichloromethane (DCM). When encapsulated in F127, TPACN nanoparticles (TPACN NPs) maintained a high aqueous FLQY of 0.20%, accompanied by a notable photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) of 39% under 808 nm irradiation. The sterically twisted TPA units effectively alleviated aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) and fine-tuned the excited-state energy dissipation pathways, realizing a synergistic balance between radiative (fluorescence) and non-radiative (heat) relaxation. Benefiting from these optimized photophysical properties, TPACN NPs achieved high-resolution NIR-I photoacoustic and NIR-II fluorescence dual-modal imaging, enabling accurate tumor visualization and efficient photothermal ablation in vivo. This work introduces a general design paradigm that exploits ICT modulation and steric engineering to overcome the intrinsic fluorescence bottleneck of aza-BODIPY systems, offering new molecular insights for the advancement of high-performance NIR-II dyes for precision phototheranostics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4126-0
Flexible X-ray detectors are constrained by the difficulty of producing semiconductor films that simultaneously exhibit uniform morphology, high crystallinity, and mechanical robustness. Here, we introduce a hydrogen-bond engineered supramolecular (HBES) strategy to overcome these limitations in supramolecular bismuth halide clusters (PDBiI5). By incorporating polyacrylic acid (PAA), a dynamic supramolecular network is formed that suppresses the coffee-ring effect during ultrasonic spray-coating via increased solution viscosity and controlled kinetic balance between solvent evaporation and solute diffusion. The HBES approach also modulates crystallization kinetics, extending crystal growth time from 23 to 41 s, yielding densely packed films with enhanced crystallinity and reduced defect states. These improvements lead to superior charge transport: a hole mobility of 2.16 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a mobility-lifetime product of 9.1 × 10−4 cm2 V−1. The resulting X-ray detectors achieve a record sensitivity of 19,009 μC Gyair−1 cm−2 and an ultralow detection limit of 3.35 nGyair s−1, with excellent operational and environmental stability. Leveraging the mechanical robustness from the supramolecular network, we demonstrate the first direct-type flexible X-ray imager, retaining 85% performance after 1000 bending cycles. This imager overcomes geometric distortion and vignetting, maintaining 85% edge photocurrent versus 58% for rigid detectors, enabling clear imaging of curved objects. This work establishes a versatile supramolecular engineering paradigm for high-performance flexible X-ray detection and imaging.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4181-6
Green hydrogen production via electrocatalytic water splitting is pivotal for sustainable energy, yet the high cost and scarcity of platinum (Pt) catalysts impede large-scale adoption. Ruthenium (Ru)-based materials emerge as promising alternatives, but their performance requires enhancement. Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), particularly ReS2, offer intrinsic 1T' phase with good conductivity and stability, yet suffer from inert surfaces limiting water adsorption. Here, we report a heterostructure comprising Ru nanoclusters anchored on ReS2 nanosheets (Ru/ReS2) to modulate electronic structure via d-p coupling. This design enhances water dissociation kinetics and optimizes hydrogen adsorption free energy (ΔG_H*). The Ru/ReS2 catalyst exhibits superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in acidic media, achieving an overpotential of 47 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 38 mV dec−1, outperforming commercial Pt/C (overpotential 54 mV, Tafel slope 45 mV dec−1). Notably, it demonstrates exceptional stability, with negligible degradation after 10,000 cyclic voltammetry cycles, contrasting with Pt/C's 54 mV overpotential increase. Density functional theory calculations reveal that d-p coupling between Ru and ReS2 optimizes the electronic structure, facilitating water adsorption and dissociation. This work provides a rational strategy for designing efficient, durable, and cost-effective HER electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4169-9
Transition metal fluorides (TMFs) are promising cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity and energy density, yet their practical application is hindered by low utilization rates stemming from particle sizes exceeding the effective Li+ transport distance (<20 nm). This work introduces a multiphase metal fluoride composite (MMFC) synthesized via a hydrothermal method, leveraging high-entropy concepts and interface engineering to enhance electrochemical performance. The MMFC, after annealing at 400°C (MMFC-400), exhibits high specific capacity, excellent rate capability, and cycling stability. The multiphase interfaces accelerate Li+ migration kinetics and provide additional active sites, addressing the limitations of conventional TMF cathodes. This study proposes a multiphase interfacial energy storage strategy for advanced TMF cathodes, offering a pathway to high-performance LIBs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3587-4
Unstable zinc interfaces arising from dendrite growth and parasitic reactions impede the practical deployment of rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries. This study introduces 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) as a parts-per-million (ppm) level electrolyte additive to stabilize the Zn anode. Theoretical and experimental analyses reveal that PAN undergoes parallel adsorption on the Zn surface, establishing strong π-π interactions between adjacent molecules that efficiently repel water. The OH, pyridine N, and azo N groups in PAN chelate Zn2+, modulating Zn2+ diffusion and promoting uniform deposition while suppressing dendrite formation. A 10 ppm (0.04 mM) PAN addition extends the lifespan of a symmetrical cell to 1500 h at 2 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. The Zn||Cu half-cell achieves a Coulombic efficiency of 99.91% over 3500 cycles at 5 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. Full cells with NH4V4O10 and MnO2 cathodes exhibit enhanced cycling stability. Notably, a Zn||NH4V4O10 pouch cell retains 71.1% capacity after 250 cycles at 0.8 A g−1. This work demonstrates a viable strategy for selecting high-efficiency additives for aqueous metal-based batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3476-4
Ammonia synthesis remains dominated by the Haber-Bosch process, which operates at 400–500 °C and 150–300 bar, consumes 1–2% of global energy, and emits ~1.4% of global CO2. Ru-based catalysts supported on carbon and promoted with basic oxides (Ba, Cs, La) exhibit high activity under mild conditions, but conventional designs suffer from a trade-off: BaO domains block Ru active sites while attempting to donate electrons. Lee et al. (Nat Catal, 2025, 8: 248–256) resolved this by using conductive carbon to bridge isolated Ru and BaO domains, enabling long-range H+/e− pair migration. Screening eleven carbon supports, they identified N-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (10–20 nm diameter, N-MWNT-1) with the lowest work function as optimal. At a Ba/Ru molar ratio of 0.75, the catalyst achieved an NH3 production rate 7.4 times higher than conventional BaO-promoted Ru catalysts under 573 K and 1.0 MPa, using high-purity H2 and N2 (99.999%, O2 <0.4 ppm, H2O <0.7 ppm). This design decouples proton and electron storage, preventing BaO-induced blockage of Ru surfaces and enabling superior activity and stability. The Ba-Ru/carbon catalyst offers a transformative pathway for reducing energy consumption and integrating with electrolytic hydrogen production in industrial ammonia synthesis.