SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4391-5
Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) enable precise tuning of the ITO/active layer interfacial dipole, yet their impact on the crystallization kinetics of the overlying active layer remains poorly understood, limiting their potential in high-efficiency organic solar cells. This study introduces THPC, a self-assembling material with an extended carbazole core and heteroatom substitution, as a hole transport layer (HTL). Unlike the hydrophilic PEDOT:PSS, THPC exhibits low surface energy, providing a favorable template that extends the film formation kinetics of the PM6:L8-BO-X blend by nearly 1.4 times, mitigating the explosive nucleation prevalent in PM6-based active layers. This promotes a highly ordered fibrous morphology and enhances vertical phase separation. The deep work function of THPC (5.32 eV) increases the built-in potential, reduces interfacial trap density, and facilitates charge extraction. Consequently, non-radiative recombination loss decreases from 0.243 eV to 0.227 eV, and the open-circuit voltage rises from 0.866 V to 0.883 V, yielding a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.19%, outperforming the PEDOT:PSS control (18.67%). This finding is confirmed across multiple Y-series acceptors, all approaching 20% PCE. Notably, the D18:L8-BO system achieves a PCE of 20.55%, demonstrating broad applicability.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3694-3
Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) are among the most promising candidates for next-generation batteries with high energy density. However, their practical application is hindered by persistent challenges such as dendritic lithium growth, unstable solid electrolyte interphases (SEI), and poor Coulombic efficiency. Surface coating has emerged as a viable solution to address these limitations. In particular, atomic and molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) techniques offer unparalleled control over the fabrication of ultrathin, conformal coatings, making them especially suitable for stabilizing LMA interfaces. This review comprehensively summarizes recent progress in applying ALD and MLD methodologies to construct durable artificial interphases on LMAs. We discuss the underlying mechanisms through which these coatings inhibit dendrite formation, improve interfacial integrity, and facilitate uniform lithium-ion transport. The roles of inorganic ALD coatings, organic MLD coatings, and their organic–inorganic hybrids are systematically examined, with a focus on their chemical composition, deposition behavior, and electrochemical characteristics. Moreover, we highlight the enhanced performance achieved through the integration of ALD/MLD-engineered interfaces in full-cell systems. The review concludes with a discussion of current challenges and potential research avenues aimed at advancing the rational development of effective LMA protection strategies. Overall, this work offers valuable insights into the role of interfacial engineering via ALD and MLD in enabling the practical deployment of lithium metal batteries.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510028
This study investigates the aging mechanism of polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) induced by ultraviolet (UV)-activated potassium persulfate (KPS) and its influence on the adsorption of norfloxacin (NOR). Results show that aged PS exhibited yellowing, increased surface roughness and specific surface area, enhanced oxygen-containing functional groups, and elevated negative surface charge, along with the generation of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). Compared with UV alone, UV+KPS induced more pronounced aging due to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and superoxide radicals (O2·−). Adsorption kinetics and isotherm data revealed that UV+KPS-aged PS significantly enhanced NOR adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity of (2.539±0.032) mg·g−1, which was 4.20 times higher than that of pristine PS. The adsorption mechanism was governed by hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and pore filling. Solution pH modulated the electrostatic interactions by affecting NOR speciation and PS surface charge, thereby influencing NOR adsorption. This study systematically reveals the accelerated aging of coexisting MPs and EPFRs generation during UV+KPS treatment, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of MPs environmental behavior and potential ecological risks.