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/s40843-025-3788-9
Fabrication of large-area perovskite solar modules under ambient air conditions remains a critical challenge due to air sensitivity of perovskite intermediate phases during crystallization. Here, we introduce 2-iodoimidazole (IIZ) into the perovskite precursor, enabling the formation of an air-stable pure δ-phase intermediate, which, upon annealing, fully transforms into a highly oriented α-phase perovskite film with reduced defects and variability. Leveraging this approach, we achieve a stabilized power conversion efficiency of 20.9% for 927.5 cm2 perovskite solar modules with high reproducibility. The encapsulated modules meet stringent international photovoltaic testing standards (IEC61215:2021), demonstrating excellent stability under continuous operation, thermal cycling (−40 to 85 °C) and damp heat (85 °C and 85% relative humidity).
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3747-3
Thermochromic soft materials are flexible functional materials that adaptively tune optical properties (transmittance, reflectance, or scattering) with temperature for thermal modulation. Herein, a laminated thermochromic gel (DEE-DA) is synthesized by encapsulating a thermochromic hydrogel (DA) between two hydrophobic ionogels (DEE) in a stacked configuration. The synergy of multiple dynamic bonds endows the DEE-DA gel with exceptional mechanical properties and remarkable self-healing capability (98.8% at 30 °C). More importantly, attributed to the temperature-responsive reversible cleavage and recombination of hydrogen bonds and borate ester bonds, DEE-DA gel demonstrates tunable transmittance with a light modulation efficiency of 85.45%. In response to the various external conditions, the gel can auto-adjust the optical properties to avoid sun irradiation or heat loss. Accordingly, the gel enables efficient dual-mode thermal modulation across a broad temperature range to realize thermal management. The research proposes gel thermochromism and laminated durability enhancement for adaptive materials in smart buildings and wearables.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506019
Acidic in-situ leaching of sandstone-type uranium deposits leaves residual acid and uranium in groundwater, posing environmental risks. This study investigated the feasibility of loading hydroxyapatite (HAP) onto aquifer sandstone particles for in-situ remediation. Sandstone particles were collected from an aquifer and reacted with a HAP-generating solution for 52 days to produce sandstone/HAP composite. Batch experiments examined the effects of initial pH, initial uranium concentration, composite dosage, and interfering ions on uranium removal. Results showed successful HAP loading on sandstone surfaces. At initial pH 3, uranium concentration 5 mg/L, composite dosage 3 g/L, and 24 h reaction, uranium removal reached 95.6%. Interfering ions suppressed removal in the order Fe3+ > Mn2+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > SO4^2-. Removal mechanisms included electrostatic adsorption, ion exchange, and dissolution-reprecipitation, with good stability of immobilized uranium. This work validates the concept of in-situ HAP loading in aquifers and provides a basis for practical application in acidic uranium-contaminated groundwater remediation.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225200
Phosphogypsum, a by-product of wet-process phosphoric acid production, poses severe environmental and safety challenges due to its massive annual output and stockpiling. This study addresses the urgent need for resource utilization by employing phosphogypsum as the primary raw material, supplemented with ground granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, and type II anhydrite. Two foaming agents, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and aluminum powder, were used to regulate pore structure, and their effects on ceramsite performance were compared. Under identical preparation conditions, aluminum powder yielded higher 7-day cylinder compressive strength than NaHCO3. Optimal formulations achieved a maximum cylinder compressive strength of 6.5 MPa with a bulk density of 1020 kg/m3, meeting lightweight aggregate concrete strength requirements. Aluminum powder produced closed pores, reducing bulk density to as low as 765 kg/m3, while NaHCO3 generated interconnected pores leading to higher water absorption. XRD, SEM, and BET analyses revealed that strength-contributing phases are calcium silicate hydrate and calcium aluminate hydrate; trace heavy metals (Mo, Ti) hinder their formation, causing structural defects. This work demonstrates a green, non-fired route for phosphogypsum valorization, offering environmental and economic benefits and a pathway for large-scale utilization.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026031703
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are ubiquitously detected in aquatic environments, and conventional treatment methods fail to achieve efficient degradation due to their structural stability and resistance to biological transformation. Heterogeneous electro-Fenton (HEF) technology, which generates H2O2 in situ via the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e−ORR) and activates it to hydroxyl radicals (·OH) on solid catalysts, has emerged as a promising advanced oxidation process. HEF eliminates the need for external reagents, offers adjustable potential, and operates effectively across a broader pH range than classical Fenton, mitigating iron sludge production and secondary pollution. However, catalytic efficiency is significantly influenced by catalyst properties, solution pH, current density, and electrolyte type. Current research focuses on two main strategies: (1) developing high-performance bifunctional catalysts that simultaneously enhance 2e−ORR selectivity and H2O2-to-·OH conversion efficiency, and (2) constructing dual-cathode systems that spatially separate H2O2 generation and activation, thereby improving reaction synergy, reducing metal leaching, and enhancing electron utilization. Additionally, HEF can be coupled with electro-oxidation, persulfate activation, and UV irradiation to exploit synergistic effects, enhancing mineralization efficiency and reducing energy consumption. This paper systematically reviews the reaction mechanisms, key influencing factors, and optimization strategies of HEF, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and technical reference for its engineering application.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025020501
Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a brominated flame retardant widely used in building insulation, plastics, and textiles, has been banned but persists in the environment and accumulates in biota. Its three main diastereomers (α-, β-, γ-HBCD) exhibit distinct physicochemical properties, leading to differences in half-life, toxicity, environmental distribution, and bioaccumulation. Microbial remediation offers advantages over chemical and physical methods, including fewer residues, cost-effectiveness, and shorter remediation cycles due to rapid microbial growth. Microorganisms degrade HBCD via debromination, hydroxylation, dehydrobromination, and combined pathways, with isomer transformation observed in environmental microbial communities. This review synthesizes current knowledge on HBCD isomer differences and microbial degradation mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of understanding these processes to mitigate environmental pollution and human health risks. Key findings include the predominance of γ-HBCD in technical mixtures, the higher bioaccumulation potential of α-HBCD, and the isolation of specific degrading strains such as Pseudomonas sp. and Citrobacter sp. Y3, which can mineralize HBCD under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. The paper also discusses the influence of environmental factors on degradation efficiency and the potential for bioremediation strategies in contaminated soils and sediments.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605023
Identifying the characteristics of carbon emissions and driving forces of the railway sector is essential for formulating effective measures to develop a green and low-carbon railway industry. This study systematically evaluated the direct and indirect carbon emissions from 2016 to 2021 generated by the railway sector of China, and analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamic changes of the carbon emissions. On this basis, by adopting the LMDI model, the key factors affecting the carbon emissions of railway sector were discerned. Moreover, the variations in the dominant factors of the carbon emissions over time, and the spatial heterogeneities in the dominant factors of the carbon emissions of the 18 railway bureaus, were analyzed. The results show that: 1) During the periods from 2016 to 2021, the carbon emissions of China's railway sector showed an overall upward trend, increasing from 57.7486 million tons to 64.2084 million tons, by 11.2%. The Shanghai Bureau, Beijing Bureau, Zhengzhou Bureau, Chengdu Bureau and Guangzhou Bureau substantially contributed to the increases of railway carbon emissions. In spatial, the carbon emissions of the 18 railway bureaus were characterized by lower emissions in the west and higher emissions in the east, mainly due to the regional differences in the socio-economic development, industrial structure and population density; 2) During 2016 to 2021, the decline in energy consumption intensity reduced the carbon emissions of the railway sector by 18.8654 million tons, while the changes in carbon emission intensity, economic benefits of per unit passenger and freight turnover, and operating capacity led to an increase of a sum of 25.3252 million tons of carbon emissions. When decomposing the contributions of each factor by sub-periods, it can be found that the impacts of these factors on the carbon emissions changed over time. Only the factor of carbon emission intensity showed a promoting effect in all sub-periods, the other three factors, as energy consumption intensity, economic benefits of per unit passenger and freight turnover, and operating capacity, had a conversion between promoting and inhibiting effects. 3) The dominant factors of carbon emissions across the 18 railway bureaus exhibited spatial heterogeneity. For instance, operating capacity was the main promoting factor for bureaus like Taiyuan, Beijing, Lanzhou, Nanning, Hohhot, Urumqi, and Qinghai-Tibet, while energy consumption intensity was the main inhibiting factor. For Shanghai, Kunming, Wuhan, Chengdu, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, Jinan, Shenyang, Nanchang, and Guangzhou, economic benefits per unit turnover was the main promoting factor, with energy consumption intensity as the main inhibiting factor. For Harbin, energy consumption intensity was the main promoting factor, while economic benefits per unit turnover was the main inhibiting factor. 4) The railway sector can reduce carbon emissions by optimizing transport organization to reduce empty car rates, optimizing energy structure, and retrofitting infrastructure for energy efficiency, while implementing differentiated emission reduction strategies tailored to each bureau's characteristics.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605024
The refined quantification of carbon footprint in engineering construction projects is critical for formulating targeted carbon reduction strategies during the materialization phase. This study integrates material flow analysis (MFA) with the emission factor method to establish a panoramic carbon flow model for engineering projects. Construction activities are categorized into processing and construction, and office and daily operations, clarifying material and carbon flow relationships within the system boundary and with external systems. Empirical analysis was conducted on the Hejiawan Bridge of Section 11 of the Xiyu High-Speed Railway. Results show that the total carbon flow amounts to 27,482,432.11 kg CO2eq, with direct carbon flow (fuel oil, gasoline) accounting for 7.6% and indirect carbon flow (products, transportation, electricity) accounting for 92.4%. From the material flow perspective, the total carbon flow comprises product carbon flow (72.88%), resource and energy carbon flow (25.73%), transportation carbon flow (1.04%), waste carbon flow (0.35%), and service carbon flow (0.01%). In terms of activity scope, construction-related carbon flow accounts for 99.17%, while office and daily operations account for 0.46%. Two indicators, material consumption carbon flow rate and energy consumption carbon flow rate, are proposed for the first time. Comparative analysis of five girder bridges reveals that the Hejiawan Bridge has a material consumption carbon flow rate of 3.91 kg CO2eq/kg, ranking highest among similar bridges, while its energy consumption carbon flow rate is 13.40 kg CO2eq/kg ec, at a medium level. The assessment indicates relatively high material consumption, suggesting potential for carbon reduction through structural and geological optimization.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025030303
Emerging organic pollutants (EOPs) represent a class of toxic and hazardous chemicals characterized by ecotoxicity, environmental persistence, and bio-accumulation. Conventional water treatment processes have proven inadequate in eliminating these EOPs, leading to their accumulation in aquatic ecosystems and posing severe threats to the health and safety of aquatic organisms. Consequently, the development of efficient technologies for the complete elimination of EOPs from water matrix is of great importance. Recently, carbon nitride (CN)-based photocatalytic degradation technologies have been extensively utilized for the efficient treatment of organic pollutants in water environments due to their advantages of being green, efficient, and cost-effective. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of CN-based photocatalytic systems can be significantly improved and energy recovery can be achieved via coupling these systems with other advanced oxidation technologies. This review provides a critical review of the modification strategies for CN photocatalytic materials and their application in photocatalytic coupling systems toward EOPs elimination. Moreover, the opportunities and challenges on the photocatalytic coupling systems have been discussed.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3790-5
Near-infrared (NIR) phosphors with high quantum efficiency (QE) and thermal robustness are critical for phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes (pc-LEDs). Here, a Cr3+-activated Lu2BaAl4SiO12 (LBASO) garnet phosphor is engineered via chemical unit cosubstitution of [Ba2+-Si4+] for [Lu3+-Al3+] in Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG), inducing a strong crystal field that yields NIR emission at 705 nm. The optimized LBASO:0.07Cr3+ exhibits an internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 84.82% and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 46.02%. Notably, it demonstrates anti-thermal quenching (ATQ) with 126.03% of its initial intensity at 498 K under 442 nm excitation, attributed to a wide band gap, weak electron-phonon coupling, defect trap energy levels, high structural rigidity, and optimized electron population distribution. A NIR pc-LED fabricated with this phosphor achieves an output power of 134.99 mW and photoelectric conversion efficiency of 11.4% at 100 mA drive current. These results underscore the potential of LBASO:Cr3+ for applications in plant lighting, night vision, and nondestructive analysis.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607005
To optimize municipal sludge incineration and enhance disposal efficiency, sludge from the First Sewage Treatment Plant in Chengdu was analyzed via synchronous thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DSC) in air at 20 K/min. The combustion process comprised four stages: moisture evaporation (35–150 °C), volatile combustion (150–400 °C), fixed carbon combustion (400–600 °C), and burnout (600–1000 °C). Ignition and burnout temperatures were 220.7 °C and 605.9 °C, respectively, with a comprehensive combustion characteristic index of 6.32×10⁻⁸ %²/(min²·K³), indicating good stability. Kinetic analysis using Coats-Redfern (CR) integral and Achar-Brindley-Sharp (ABS) differential methods showed deviations below 15%, confirming CR reliability. Moisture evaporation and volatile combustion followed first-order models (F1) with activation energies of 52.24 and 48.81 kJ/mol, while fixed carbon combustion and burnout followed second-order models (F2) with activation energies of 192.38 and 102.27 kJ/mol. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔH: 49.06, 43.59, 185.94, 95.00 kJ/mol; ΔS: -148.36, -211.63, -30.74, -201.38 J/mol·K; ΔG: 105.76, 176.52, 209.74, 271.04 kJ/mol) revealed negative entropy and positive Gibbs free energy across all stages, indicating external energy dependence, with the highest demand in the burnout stage. These findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing incineration process parameters and energy recovery.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4000-1
Formamidine lead-based perovskites (FAPbI3) exhibit significant potential in optoelectronic applications. Nevertheless, they encounter challenges related to δ-phase instability and reliance on toxic solvents. In this study, we present a green solvent-additive synergy strategy that employs γ-valerolactone (GVL) in conjunction with reductive acids like oxalic acid (OA), to stabilize α-FAPbI3 single crystals (SCs). GVL enhances the stability of the precursors through the formation of FA+-GVL hydrogen bonds and high-valence [PbIx]2−x clusters, resulting in ambient-stable α-phase SCs, yielding a marked improvement in stability compared to SCs prepared with the toxic solvent γ-butyrolactone (GBL). Additive modulation demonstrates that H+ and reductive groups play a critical role in regulating crystallization, suppressing the δ-phase by promoting FA+ dissociation and inhibiting MA+ deprotonation. A solvent-involved intermediate, δ-FAPbI3-GVL, has been identified; this intermediate evolves into α-FAPbI3 at a low temperature of 60 °C, thereby reducing the energy barriers associated with the α to δ phase transition. In contrast, non-reductive acids and reductive ionic liquids do not inhibit δ-phase formation, with the latter even promoting the crystallization of pure δ-FAPbI3. By utilizing low-volatility OA as an additive, optimized FA0.9MA0.1PbI3 single crystal thin films exhibit a low defect density of 8.3 × 10^11 cm−3. Subsequently, a photodetector was fabricated. Under zero bias voltage and 780 nm illumination, the device exhibited a responsivity of 14.5 mA/W, a detectivity of 3.75 × 10^10 Jones, and a response speed of 149/65 μs. Moreover, without any encapsulation, the device’s performance diminished by only 17% after 30 days of storage in ambient conditions, indicating remarkable stability.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60752-9
Methanol steam reforming (MSR) is a pivotal process for efficient hydrogen production. This study employs density functional theory (DFT) calculations to comparatively analyze the MSR reaction mechanism on PdCu(111) and PtCu(111) bimetallic surfaces. The investigation unveils how alloying modulates reaction pathways and overall catalytic performance. Notably, Cu sites stabilize adsorption of OH and CH2O species, whereas Pd/Pt sites exhibit preferential affinity for CO. This spatial site separation facilitates progression along the formate pathway. PdCu(111) demonstrates superior overall catalytic performance compared to PtCu(111), with water dissociation identified as the rate-determining step (RDS), featuring an activation energy of only 0.74 eV. The bimetallic synergy breaks the inherent contradiction between activity and selectivity of monometallic catalysts: Cu sites serve as a source of hydroxyl groups, while Pd/Pt sites enhance C–H bond cleavage efficiency, ultimately enabling high methanol conversion alongside low CO formation. From the perspectives of electronic structure and geometric configuration, this study establishes a theoretical framework to guide rational design of high-performance bimetallic catalysts for MSR.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60721-9
Methane (CH4), the primary component of natural gas, is an ideal feedstock for producing high-value chemicals and clean fuels due to its high hydrogen-to-carbon ratio. However, its chemical inertness poses significant challenges, and traditional thermal catalytic reforming processes suffer from long reaction pathways and high energy consumption. Photocatalytic technology enables highly selective CH4 conversion under mild conditions, even at room temperature, offering environmental and economic benefits. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in room-temperature photocatalytic systems for direct CH4 conversion. It begins by elucidating the mechanisms, product distributions, and inherent challenges of four key reaction pathways: partial oxidation, non-oxidative coupling, oxidative coupling, and oxidative carbonylation. The discussion then addresses the critical role of catalyst architecture, focusing on semiconductor supports, metal site modulation, and advanced porous frameworks. Furthermore, reactor design and process intensification strategies are examined, including batch and continuous-flow reactors, novel structured reactors, and photo-electro and photo-thermo synergistic approaches. Finally, reaction mechanisms are summarized. Despite progress, challenges remain in fundamental understanding, performance evaluation, and technological integration. Future efforts should focus on mechanistic studies, standardization of evaluation protocols, development of non-noble metal catalysts, system optimization, and comprehensive sustainability assessments.