SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4441-7
Early detection of kidney injury remains difficult because routine clinical indicators often lag behind tissue damage. Here we report uNP-CH1055, an ultrasmall renal-clearable NIR-II fluorescent nanoprobe for non-invasive imaging of kidney injury in vivo. uNP-CH1055 formed stable nanoparticles with a hydrodynamic diameter of 3.3 nm, showed good photostability, enabled low-background imaging under a 1200 nm long-pass filter, and underwent rapid renal clearance after intravenous administration. It also exhibited favorable biocompatibility in both cellular and animal studies. In three mechanistically distinct models of renal injury, cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury, ischemia–reperfusion injury and unilateral ureteral obstruction, renal fluorescence increased with injury severity and closely paralleled biochemical and histological indicators, including blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, KIM-1 and TUNEL-based readouts. These results identify uNP-CH1055 as a renal-clearable NIR-II probe for early and quantitative assessment of kidney injury across different pathological settings.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4284-5
This highlight summarizes a recent breakthrough in integrated visual sensing and computing using symmetry-reconfigurable photodiodes (SRPDs). The device architecture comprises a metal-semiconductor-metal configuration with AgBiS2 as the active layer, enabling dynamic symmetry breaking through voltage-controlled silver filament formation. The SRPD exhibits broadband photosensitivity from 360 nm to 1,550 nm at an illumination intensity of 115 mW cm-2, as demonstrated by multiwavelength time-resolved photocurrent responses. The device can be programmed into fifteen distinct photoresponsivity states, facilitating analog memory and neuromorphic computing. In imaging experiments, an SRPD-based sensory chip successfully captured images through visibly non-transparent inked glass at 808 nm, highlighting its capability for information-lossless acquisition in scattering media. Furthermore, the device achieved high-accuracy pattern recognition with nearly zero false neuron outputs when projecting specific patterns (├, ┬, ┤), each correlating to a unique current output. As a proof of concept, real-time eye-tracking control of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was demonstrated, enabling the UAV to follow and monitor a moving cyberdog. These results underscore the potential of SRPDs for processing-in-sensor applications, neuromorphic vision, and human-machine interfacing, offering a compact solution that merges sensing and computing functionalities.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3596-2
High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have shown great promise in the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) due to their tunable composition and unique physical and chemical properties. However, the role of HEAs in CO2RR and the underlying reaction mechanism remain underexplored, particularly through in situ techniques. In this work, we investigate the mechanism of CO2 reduction on AuAgCuPdPt HEAs using in situ Raman spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to reveal key intermediates and reaction pathways. Our results demonstrate that within the potential window of −0.2 to −0.7 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), the AuAgCuPdPt HEAs efficiently reduce CO2 to CO, achieving a Faradaic efficiency (FE) for CO greater than 90%, with a peak FE of 96.5% at −0.3 V vs. RHE. The CO2− intermediate was observed at low potentials, revealing the reaction pathway in the CO2 reduction process. Additionally, in situ ATR-FTIR results suggest that the introduction of an appropriate amount of Pt metal not only promotes water dissociation to generate protonic hydrogen, but also facilitates the desorption of *CO intermediates. The kinetic isotope effect of hydrogen-deuterium (H-D) confirms that water dissociation acts as a key proton donor in CO2RR. Furthermore, the catalyst of AuAgCuPdPt HEAs was applied as cathodes in a Zn-CO2 battery, achieving 90.23% FE for CO and a power density of 3.474 mW cm−2. This study provides new insights into the mechanistic understanding of CO2 reduction and underscores the importance of in situ spectroscopic techniques for advancing the design of efficient electrocatalysts for CO2 conversion.
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.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3856-0
Replacing the kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with biomass oxidation at photoanodes offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient route for simultaneous hydrogen production and value-added chemical synthesis in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. Here, titanium-doped hematite nanorods (Hem) decorated with CoNi bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) were prepared via room-temperature deposition and employed as photoanodes for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation. Using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) as a redox mediator in alkaline electrolyte, the CoNi-ZIF/Hem photoanode achieved a photocurrent density of 1.09 mA cm−2 at a low bias of 1.1 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that CoNi-ZIF accelerates charge transfer and separation, and enhances TEMPO adsorption on the surface, benefiting PEC TEMPO-mediated HMF oxidation to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). In a flow-cell reactor under 1 sun illumination, the photoanode achieved ~99% HMF conversion and ~98% FDCA yield within 2 hours. The photoanode also exhibited excellent performance for TEMPO-mediated oxidation of various aldehyde-containing biomass-derived compounds. This work demonstrates a rational design of hematite-based photoanodes for efficient biomass valorization coupled with hydrogen production.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3633-5
High-temperature interfacial diffusion in Half-Heusler (HH) thermoelectric devices poses significant challenges for practical applications, particularly the diffusion of Ag from conventional solders, which degrades material performance and device stability. This study reveals anomalous Ag diffusion through a Cr powder barrier layer into Ti0.5Zr0.5NiSn0.98Sb0.02, driven by Sn phase penetration. In contrast, employing a Cr foil barrier layer pre-densified the material, effectively preventing Sn phase penetration and eliminating Ag diffusion pathways, thereby preserving junction integrity. After aging at 973 K for 30 days, the Cr foil junction maintained a clean interface with a low contact resistivity of 0.27 μΩ cm2. Benefiting from this interfacial design, a Hf-free HH module achieved a high conversion efficiency of 10.4% at a hot-side temperature of 976 K, alongside long-term stability. This work addresses critical bottlenecks in developing high-performance, low-cost HH modules, facilitating their commercial application in waste heat recovery.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605003
Dark fermentation offers a sustainable route for hydrogen production, yet its yield is often limited by inefficient electron transfer and low microbial metabolic activity. This study engineered a mixed microbial biohybrid system incorporating Fe2O3 nanoparticles to overcome these bottlenecks. At an optimal Fe2O3 concentration of 300 mg/L (S300), the hydrogen yield reached 2.94 mol H2 per mol glucose, equivalent to 73.5% of the theoretical maximum and 1.59 times higher than the control (S0). Mechanistic analyses revealed that Fe2O3 nanoparticles stimulated microbial metabolism, as evidenced by a 4.09-fold increase in ATP content and a 1.30-fold rise in total protein concentration. Hydrogenase and dehydrogenase activities were enhanced by 24.62% and 63.11%, respectively, while electron transfer system activity increased by 3.44-fold, accompanied by a significant reduction in charge transfer resistance. Notably, the gradual release of Fe2+ ions from Fe2O3 reduction by dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria (DIRB) was identified as a key factor in stimulating enzyme activity and electron transfer. Microbial community analysis showed that the relative abundance of Clostridium, a key hydrogen-producing genus, increased by 9.75 percentage points to 42.60% in S300. This study demonstrates that Fe2O3-based biohybrids offer a promising strategy to enhance dark fermentation hydrogen production, providing both performance improvements and mechanistic insights into nanomaterial-microbe synergies.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025120801
The interaction between microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter (PSDOM) and iron oxides in soil environments can modulate its photosensitization effects, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study investigated the influence of hematite with distinct morphologies—flake-shaped (HNPs) and cubic (HNCs)—on the photosensitization of polystyrene-derived dissolved organic matter (PSDOM). Under 500 W mercury lamp irradiation, both hematite morphologies promoted PSDOM degradation, with HNCs exhibiting superior performance: total organic carbon (TOC) decreased from 18.4 mg·L−1 to 12.3 mg·L−1 within 90 min, compared to 13.3 mg·L−1 for HNPs. Three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that hematite alters the humification process, thereby modifying photosensitization. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy identified the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), and carbon-centered radicals (CH3C(=O)OO·). HNCs significantly enhanced 1O2 production, while HNPs favored ·OH generation; both inhibited CH3C(=O)OO· formation. Quantitative analysis via high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that the steady-state concentration of 1O2 was highest with HNCs, reaching 2.80 times that of the PSDOM control, whereas ·OH concentration peaked with HNPs at 1.98 times the control. Notably, the steady-state concentration of 1O2 was approximately three orders of magnitude higher than that of ·OH. These findings elucidate the morphology-dependent role of hematite in PSDOM photosensitization, providing mechanistic insights into the environmental fate of microplastic-derived organic matter in complex soil systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3839-4
Broadband optoelectronic memristors with high computational efficiency and low power consumption are pivotal for neuromorphic computing at the edge. This work presents a Ag/WO3−x:N/ZnO:N/ITO memristor exhibiting dual-modal synaptic plasticity. Electronic synaptic properties emulate biological plasticity, while photoresponse to multiple wavelengths, including simultaneous dual-wavelength stimulation, yields composite photocurrents. Leveraging these characteristics, single- and dual-wavelength artificial vision arrays simulate human visual perception. An artificial neural network integrated with a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) forms a floating-point arithmetic system for object detection. The edge computing system achieves a 103-fold reduction in power consumption, addressing computational power limitations and enabling floating-point operations in embedded neuromorphic deployments. This work advances broadband optoelectronic synapses for efficient, low-power edge computing.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3892-2
Single-atom co-catalysts on semiconductor substrates offer a cost-efficient route to enhance photocatalytic performance with minimal precious metal loading. However, precise tuning of local coordination environments and construction of efficient single-atom co-catalysts remain challenging for overall water splitting. Here, we employ an icing-assisted photochemical reduction strategy to anchor atomically dispersed Pt species as hydrogen evolution co-catalysts on Al3+-doped SrTiO3 (Pt SA-STO). The optimized Pt SA-STO exhibits remarkable activity, with hydrogen and oxygen evolution rates of 13.62 and 6.71 mmol h−1 g−1, respectively, and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 2114.5 h−1. We pioneer the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to quantitatively track the temporal evolution of Pt4+ to Pt2+ under continuous irradiation during the icing-assisted photoreduction. Advanced characterizations and theoretical calculations confirm that single-atom Pt co-catalysts facilitate directional transfer and extraction of photogenerated charge carriers, effectively suppressing surface recombination. This work provides insights into designing novel single-atom co-catalysts by deepening understanding of electronic configurations and active sites in photocatalytic overall water splitting.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202512014
Mining activities cause severe soil degradation and microbial diversity loss, impeding ecological restoration. This study evaluated the effects of a novel soil amendment, microporous bio-gravel (MBG), on bacterial and fungal community structure and function in degraded soil from the Baiyinhua open-pit mine, Inner Mongolia. A pot experiment with four MBG-to-soil volume ratios (CK, L=1:3, M=1:2, H=1:1) was conducted, with a simplified plant community and uniform fertilization. After 180 days, soil samples were analyzed via high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics. Results showed that the medium ratio (M) significantly increased fungal Shannon index and evenness, while the high ratio (H) negatively affected bacterial communities. At phylum and genus levels, MBG promoted enrichment of Cyanobacteria and specific functional groups (e.g., nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Bacillus). Co-occurrence network analysis revealed peak complexity, modularity, and average degree in bacterial and fungal networks under the M treatment. Functional prediction indicated significant enrichment of pathways related to lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, nitrotoluene degradation, and plant-pathogen interactions, alongside increased abundance of saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal fungi. Mantel and VPA analyses showed that MBG indirectly regulated microbial community structure by improving soil physicochemical properties and plant traits, with stronger effects on fungi than bacteria. In conclusion, MBG optimizes the soil microhabitat and plant-soil-microbe interactions, modulating microbial diversity, network complexity, and functional potential. The medium ratio (1:2) was most effective, demonstrating potential for ecological restoration of degraded mine soils.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025041105
Online measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were conducted in the central urban area of Shenyang from June 1 to August 31, 2022, to analyze concentration levels and ozone formation potential (OFP). The initial concentrations of VOCs were estimated using the photochemical age parameter method to correct for photochemical losses. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was applied for source apportionment. The average mass concentration of total VOCs (TVOCs) was (27.29 ± 15.96) μg·m−3, with alkanes (50.3%) as the dominant component; key species included propane, ethane, methanethiol, and ethylene. The OFP of TVOCs was (64.30 ± 66.41) μg·m−3, with alkenes (63.5%) as the main contributor; key reactive species were ethylene, propylene, m/p-xylene, toluene, and isoprene. Daytime photochemical loss of VOCs reached 2.40 μg·m−3, with alkenes (67.1%) dominating. PMF based on initial concentrations identified five major sources: vehicle emissions (56.2%), solvent usage (21.5%), combustion sources (8.9%), industrial emissions (7.5%), and natural sources (5.9%). Compared to PMF results based on directly monitored concentrations, contributions from vehicle emissions, combustion sources, and solvent usage decreased, while industrial emissions increased. The organic chemical industry source was not identified, and a new natural source contribution was recognized. These findings underscore the importance of photochemical loss correction in source apportionment and highlight key species and sources for ozone pollution control in Shenyang.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4059-3
Deuterium (D2) is indispensable for isotope tracing, neutron scattering, and fusion reactions, yet its separation from hydrogen (H2) remains challenging due to their nearly identical physicochemical properties. Adsorptive separation exploiting the kinetic quantum sieving (KQS) effect at cryogenic temperatures offers a promising route, but demands precise pore engineering. Here, we report a biomass-derived carbon molecular sieve that permits rapid D2 transport while imposing a significant diffusion barrier for H2, enabling effective separation from D2/H2 mixtures. The molecular sieving micropores are generated by transforming cellulose components into slit-type carbon micropores, with lignin acting as a pore-size modifier. At 77 K, the diffusion rate of D2 is 1.8 times that of H2, leading to a D2 concentration in the recovered gas approximately 10% higher than that achieved with conventional microporous carbons. Aspen adsorption simulations demonstrate that D2 can be enriched to 90.1% from a 1.0% D2/H2 mixture within 12 successive cycles following a two-bed cryogenic pressure swing adsorption process. These findings advance the development of effective adsorbents for kinetic D2/H2 separation, offering a sustainable, low-cost route to deuterium enrichment.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60684-6
Tungsten trioxide (WO3) is a transition metal oxide of significant interest in heterogeneous catalysis due to its environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and favorable electrical properties. The catalytic performance of WO3 is strongly dependent on its exposed crystal facets, which exhibit distinct physicochemical properties including charge separation efficiency, reactant adsorption capacity, and redox activity. These differences arise from variations in atomic arrangement, electronic structure, and surface energy. This review systematically examines the facet effect of WO3 across photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and thermal catalysis. Theoretical calculations are integrated to elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms underlying facet-dependent behavior from an atomic structure perspective. The paper synthesizes general rules governing the WO3 facet effect across these applications, critically assesses current research limitations, and outlines future directions. Key findings highlight that facet engineering enables precise tuning of catalytic activity and selectivity, with specific facets such as {001}, {110}, and {010} demonstrating enhanced performance in various reactions. The review underscores the importance of morphology control in optimizing WO3-based catalysts and identifies challenges in achieving facet-selective synthesis and stability under operational conditions. Future research should focus on advanced characterization techniques and computational modeling to further unravel facet-dependent mechanisms and guide rational catalyst design.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60666-4
The catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to ethanol is a pivotal technology for carbon neutrality and high-value chemical production. Cobalt-based catalysts, with their unique electronic structure and tunability, are promising for this reaction, yet challenges persist: low single-pass CO2 conversion, ethanol selectivity below 60%, and rapid deactivation. This review systematically analyzes recent progress, establishing the thermodynamic and kinetic framework, and dissecting molecular-level mechanisms, particularly C–C bond formation and controlled oxygen removal. It critically evaluates synergistic effects among metallic Co, Co2C, CoOx, and bimetallic configurations, emphasizing structure-activity relationships influenced by supports and promoters. Inverse catalysts and tandem systems are reviewed, along with water's role as a hydrogen source. The review identifies shortcomings and advocates for advanced in situ/operational characterization and theoretical modeling to guide next-generation catalyst design. Key findings from cited studies include: Co/La4Ga2O9 achieving high selectivity (reference [85]); K-loaded Cu/CoOx boosting ethanol production (reference [86]); Ga-promoted CuCo catalysts with Cu-CoGaOx interfacial sites (reference [88]); and Mo-tailored CoFe alloys suppressing over-carburization (reference [89]). These insights provide a framework for developing efficient cobalt-based systems, deepening mechanistic understanding, and accelerating sustainable ethanol production.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3431-y
Colorectal cancer immunotherapy is severely compromised by programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on tumor cells and exosomes. This study develops a chimeric peptide-engineered photodynamic degrader (NPPM) that integrates protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) with a PD-L1-targeting peptide sequence (CVRARTR) to form an amphiphilic chimeric peptide loading macitentan (MAC). NPPM specifically targets colorectal cancer via PD-L1 recognition and generates substantial reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light irradiation, destroying tumor cells through photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT triggers immunogenic cell death (ICD) to enhance tumor immunogenicity and induces PD-L1 degradation in tumor cells. Concurrently, MAC delivery synergistically decreases exosomal PD-L1 expression, amplifying immunotherapeutic effect. The synergistic functions of NPPM result in significant activation of systemic anti-tumor immunity, characterized by increased T cell infiltration and reduced regulatory T cells, effectively suppressing both primary and metastatic tumors. This study provides a new strategy to degrade proteins of interest and proposes a sophisticated mechanism to potentiate immunotherapy by overcoming multiple immunosuppressive factors.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3524-y
The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is indispensable for the initial diagnosis of cardiac conditions, yet existing neuromorphic hardware for multi-lead ECG monitoring requires multiple array circuits and two operational processes, imposing severe constraints on device consistency and diagnostic accuracy. This study introduces a neuromorphic parallel computing hardware architecture based on quantum dot synaptic transistors that leverages trap and surface electric field effects to enable 12-lead ECG monitoring within a single array circuit, eliminating the need for twelve separate circuits. The system concurrently processes multiple ECG signals and produces final outputs without external computing or control circuits. A 12-transistor array, termed STAC, directly processes one-dimensional ECG data without additional conversion circuits, integrating a feature extraction layer at the pixel level and a feature fusion layer at the circuit level. Classification of ECG signals from the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database and the Chinese Twelve-Lead ECG Challenge Database yields a training accuracy exceeding 98%. A five-class ECG signal classification task achieves 96.2% recognition accuracy, with a 5×5 confusion matrix confirming high classification precision across normal (N) and four abnormal categories (A, V, L, R). The architecture accurately detects myocardial infarction by fine-tuning internal weights, demonstrating proficiency in monitoring abnormal ECG signals. This advancement offers a compact, low-cost solution for wearable and portable 12-lead ECG monitoring devices, enabling real-time cardiac assessment with reduced hardware complexity and enhanced diagnostic reliability.