SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4302-9
The pre-deposited lead iodide (PbI2) film in two-step inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) often exhibits a dense structure, which impedes the diffusion and reaction of organic ammonium salts, leading to unreacted PbI2 residues and compromised device performance. To address this, 2,4-oxazolidinedione (OD) is introduced as a molecule additive into the PbI2 precursor solution. Owing to its stronger coordination with PbI2, OD effectively modulates its crystallization behavior, resulting in a porous structure. This porous structure significantly facilitates the diffusion and infiltration of organic ammonium salts, thereby minimizing PbI2 residue and enhancing the completeness of the perovskite conversion. Furthermore, OD and the constructed porous network jointly retard the crystallization kinetics of perovskite, promoting the formation of perovskite films with improved crystallinity and preferred crystal orientation. Therefore, the optimized PSCs achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.31%, and demonstrate excellent operational stability, retaining 90.24% of initial PCE for 1500 h at 25°C and 90.47% after 1000 h at 65°C. The champion device exhibits a VOC of 1.197 V, a JSC of 26.28 mA cm-2, and an FF of 83.58%, with negligible hysteresis. This study presents a straightforward yet effective approach to advancing the performance and stability of inverted PSCs fabricated via the two-step method.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3547-7
Inorganic perovskite solar cells (IPSCs) have attracted significant attention due to their excellent light and thermal stability and potential in tandem applications. However, their efficiency and stability are often limited by residual lattice stress and defects at interfaces and within the bulk, causing severe nonradiative recombination. Here, we introduce a zero-dimensional supramolecular complex, (ETP)2SbCl5, as a dual-interface and bulk modifier to regulate CsPbI3 film growth. The modifier exhibits spatial segregation: ETP+ cations anchor at the buried interface, passivating defects on TiO2 and perovskite surfaces; Sb3+ and Cl− ions diffuse into the bulk during annealing, relieving residual stress; and Cl− accumulates on the top surface, passivating cation defects. Consequently, the modified CsPbI3 solar cell achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.71% and an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.27 V, retaining 97.4% of initial efficiency after 500 h of maximum power point (MPP) tracking. This work demonstrates a synergistic strategy to simultaneously address interfacial and bulk defects, advancing high-performance and stable inorganic photovoltaics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3623-y
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are an advanced technology for full-color displays, yet the low efficiency of blue OLEDs remains a critical bottleneck. Here, we report a new strategy to design robust Pt(II) emitters with enhanced molecular rigidity and increased locally excited character. The resulting Pt(II) emitter exhibits an extremely narrow emission spectrum peaking at 458.6 nm with a full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 16.0 nm and a small Huang-Rhys factor of 0.278, together with a high photoluminescence quantum efficiency of 95%. When doped into an OLED, the device emits at 464 nm with high color purity (FWHM = 19 nm) and achieves high external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 32.6%, 29.4%, and 26.9% at luminances of 123, 1000, and 5000 cd/m2, respectively. Notably, the device attains a record-high maximum brightness of 84,895 cd/m2 among reported deep-blue OLEDs with Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) y-coordinate < 0.15. This work demonstrates one of the highest-performing deep-blue OLEDs reported to date, addressing the dual challenges of efficiency and brightness in this spectral region.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3727-0
Lead halide perovskites are promising scintillators for X-ray imaging due to high X-ray absorption efficiency, excellent luminescence, and facile synthesis. However, their ionic nature challenges simultaneous high photoluminescence efficiency and environmental robustness. This work introduces a multilevel encapsulation strategy: CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) are sequentially coated with Cs4PbBr6, SiO2, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Cs4PbBr6 passivates surface defects, while SiO2 and PDMS provide barriers against moisture, heat, and radiation. The resulting CsPbBr3@Cs4PbBr6/SiO2/PDMS flexible films exhibit a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 85%, outstanding mechanical flexibility, and durability under stretching, bending, and compressing. Films retain emission stability under elevated temperatures, prolonged X-ray irradiation, and extended water immersion. X-ray imaging demonstrates spatial resolution of 12 lp/mm, enabling distortion-free imaging of curved objects; superior water resistance allows long-term underwater imaging. This work highlights hierarchical encapsulation in balancing luminescence efficiency and stability, offering a pathway toward practical flexible perovskite scintillators.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507111
This study investigated the effects of a ring-shaped pulsed electric field (PEF) (1.5 V, 4 h on-time per cycle) on nitrogen removal performance and microbial community structure of anammox granular sludge (AnGS). Two anaerobic sequencing batch reactors (R1 control, R2 with PEF) were operated under stepwise increasing nitrogen loading rates (NLR). At NLR below 1,155 mg·(L·d)−1, R2 exhibited total nitrogen removal efficiency (TRE) 7.5%–17.0% higher than R1, with biomass, specific anammox activity (SAA), and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) increased by 5%–7%, 21%–71%, and 54%–77%, respectively. However, at NLR above 1,320 mg·(L·d)−1, the toxic effect of nitrite dominated, and PEF enhancement diminished or even reversed to inhibition. Microbial community analysis revealed that at low-to-moderate NLR, PEF increased the relative abundance of Planctomycetes and key anammox bacteria (Candidatus Brocadia and Candidatus Jettenia), along with enhanced community richness (Chao1) and diversity (Shannon/Simpson indices). At high NLR, PEF decreased microbial richness compared to R1. Principal component analysis and redundancy analysis indicated that PEF was the key factor driving community differences at low-to-moderate NLR, whereas nitrite concentration became the dominant factor at high NLR. This study provides theoretical support for enhancing the resilience and engineering application of anammox processes.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506053
Red mud, a highly alkaline industrial solid waste from alumina production, poses severe environmental risks due to its high alkalinity, low organic matter content, and poor aggregation, which critically impede its soil reconstruction and ecological utilization. This study proposes a novel approach of low-temperature micro-oxidation to drive the synergistic soil reconstruction of red mud and coal. By constructing a low-temperature micro-oxidation atmosphere, the soil properties of the reaction products were investigated, the decomposition and reconstruction of alkaline minerals and alkali release were analyzed, and the oxidation of carbon-based minerals and organic matter transformation in coal were examined. The mechanism of the synergistic reaction between red mud and coal under low-temperature micro-oxidation was elucidated. Results showed that at 250 °C under micro-oxidation, the pH of the product decreased to 8.47, organic matter content increased to 12.98%, and the proportion of aggregates >0.250 mm increased. Alkaline minerals such as cancrinite and grossular in red mud underwent decomposition and reconstruction in the low-temperature hydrothermal environment, releasing substantial free alkali. The condensed aromatic rings of carbon-based minerals in coal were oxidized by free radicals, leading to ring-opening and bond cleavage, producing small-molecule organic acids and macromolecular humic acids. The continuous oxidation of carbon-based minerals in coal generated acids, which neutralized the alkali released from red mud, driving sustained dealkalization. The inorganic particles of red mud flocculated with macromolecular humic acids, forming micro-aggregates and significantly improving soil properties. This research provides technical support for the rapid ecological utilization of red mud at industrial scale.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025121001
Ion chromatography (IC) is the core analytical method for qualitative and quantitative determination of anions in complex water environments, and its separation efficiency highly depends on the performance of the stationary phase. This review systematically summarizes recent progress in the preparation and functionalization of IC stationary phases, addressing the urgent need for high selectivity and sensitivity in water anion analysis. The characteristics of organic polymer-based and inorganic-based matrices are compared, highlighting the advantages of polymer matrices such as poly(methacrylate), poly(vinyl alcohol), polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB), and ethylvinylbenzene-divinylbenzene (EVB-DVB) in terms of wide pH tolerance (e.g., pH 0–14 for PS-DVB) and organic solvent compatibility, which allow the use of strong acid or base eluents. Various functionalization strategies are discussed, including the introduction of quaternary ammonium groups, hydrophilic modifications, and grafting of functional layers, which enhance separation selectivity and detection capability. The review also covers the development of hybrid stationary phases and the application of IC in monitoring trace pollutants in water, such as bromate, chlorite, chlorate, fluoride, and nitrate, as regulated by Chinese standards (GB 5749—2022). Future trends are projected, focusing on novel materials for precise identification and high-throughput monitoring. The paper provides a comprehensive reference for the design of high-performance stationary phases, emphasizing the importance of matrix selection and surface chemistry in achieving robust and sensitive anion analysis.
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.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4011-7
Biomass-derived room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) carbon dots (CDs) hold great promise for anti-counterfeiting and information encryption. However, achieving solid-state matrix-free long-lived CDs with time-dependent phosphorescence colors (TDPC) remains challenging due to aggregation-induced quenching. Here, solid-state matrix-free RTP phosphorus-doped CDs (P-CDs) are developed via one-step hydrothermal treatment of feather powder and phytic acid. The resulting P-CDs powder exhibits bright blue fluorescence under UV illumination and unprecedented TDPC shifting from yellow to green after UV removal, with afterglow lasting 12 s (average lifetime 1.15 s). Enhanced RTP is attributed to increased triplet-state excitons via spin-orbit coupling induced by P-doping. A dual-mode luminescent ink formulated by combining P-CDs with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is successfully applied to commercial A4 paper, showing pronounced TDPC (light-yellow to green) with improved RTP lifetime (1.31 s) after ceasing UV irradiation. The P-CDs/PVA ink demonstrates excellent anti-counterfeiting and information encryption capabilities, outstanding luminescent durability, and broad practicability on cellulosic substrates including fabric and paper. These findings provide a strategy for exploiting matrix-free solid-state RTP P-CDs with distinctive TDPC properties and offer a sustainable route to converting feather wastes into high-value materials.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202512025
Persulfate (PS) is a common oxidant in in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) for groundwater organic contamination, but its vertical concentration stratification may lead to inefficient remediation of light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs). To investigate the vertical stratification characteristics of PS in porous aquifers and its impact on LNAPLs remediation, static water column experiments and flowing water sand tank experiments were conducted. The migration behavior of PS under non-slow-release and slow-release conditions was compared, with Br− as a reference tracer and benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) as LNAPLs contaminants. Results showed that in static water columns, Br− exhibited weak vertical migration, short migration distance, and a low decay rate (0.009 d−1), consistent with a stable tracer. In contrast, PS showed strong vertical migration, with concentrations increasing with depth; under slow-release conditions, the concentration difference between the top and bottom of the column could reach two orders of magnitude. Br− migration was dominated by molecular diffusion (effective diffusion coefficient 2.2×10−9 m2·s−1), while PS migration was driven by both diffusion and density. Under slow-release conditions, the average PS decay rate was 0.072 d−1, slightly higher than the non-slow-release rate (0.059 d−1). In both column and sand tank experiments, BTX exhibited a distinct shallow-layer distribution, contrasting with PS. When the aquifer thickness is large, PS stratification limits its contact with LNAPLs contaminants, increasing remediation cost and difficulty. These findings provide theoretical reference for PS-based ISCO remediation of LNAPLs in porous aquifers.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026032502
Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential approximately 28 times that of CO2 over a 100-year horizon. Direct observation of atmospheric CH4 concentrations is essential for quantifying contributions from anthropogenic and natural sources. This study analyzes online CH4 monitoring data from Huzhou City and Deqing County in northern Zhejiang Province, China, to characterize spatiotemporal variations and identify controlling factors. Diurnal patterns show higher nighttime concentrations due to reduced vertical mixing and enhanced stability, with winter maxima and autumn minima. The seasonal background concentration at Huzhou station follows winter > spring > autumn > summer. Deqing, influenced by artificial aquaculture ponds and wetlands, exhibits smaller diurnal amplitude and generally higher CH4 levels than Huzhou, particularly during the plum rain season. Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) analysis indicates that high-concentration sources are predominantly located in eastern Zhejiang, with seasonal shifts: spring sources in the Yangtze River Delta and southeast coast, summer sources in southeastern Zhejiang, minimal autumn regional transport, and winter sources in eastern Jiangxi. These findings underscore the roles of local wetland emissions and regional transport in modulating CH4 levels, providing a scientific basis for targeted emission reduction strategies.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608001
The discharging wastewater from spent lithium-ion batteries is characterized by complex composition, high salinity, and substantial organic load, making its efficient treatment and resource recovery a critical challenge in the lithium battery recycling chain. This study investigated the feasibility of applying anaerobic chain elongation technology for resource recovery from such wastewater. The results showed that the reactor could tolerate up to 40% discharge wastewater in the feed, with caproate production reaching 6.38 g/L. However, when the wastewater proportion increased to 60%, system performance declined sharply, and the synthesis of butyrate and caproate ceased. Batch screening experiments ruled out the influence of high salinity (TDS ≈ 12 g/L) and metal ions such as Li+, Ni2+, Co2+, and Mn2+, identifying fluoride (F-) as the dominant inhibitory factor leading to functional failure. Concentration gradient experiments further quantified the inhibitory effect of F-. At concentrations below 600 mg/L, butyrate production remained largely unaffected; at 900 mg/L, substrate metabolism was severely inhibited, with only slight recovery observed at the final stage; and at 1200 mg/L, chain elongation metabolism was completely blocked. Microbial community analysis revealed that the chain elongation function was undertaken by different taxonomic groups at different stages. Initially, Clostridium kluyveri dominated, followed by a shift to Caproicibacterium and Thermocaproicibacter during the mid-phase. In the recovery phase, a synergistic consortium of Oscillibacter valericigenes and Caproicibacterium sp. emerged. Furthermore, after introducing actual discharging wastewater, microbial groups such as Brevundimonas diminuta and Clostridium ljungdahlii, which are likely involved in degrading complex organics, gradually became enriched, providing the substrate foundation for chain elongation. This study offers a feasible strategy and mechanistic insights for the high-value bioconversion of wastewater from lithium battery recycling.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4060-5
Organic solar cells (OSCs) offer unique advantages for wearable electronics due to their light weight and mechanical flexibility. However, achieving both high optoelectronic performance and mechanical robustness in organic semiconductors remains challenging, compromising the efficiency and durability of stretchable OSCs. Here, we report a cross-linked conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE)-polyoxometalate (POM) anode interlayer (AIL), PTN-POM, constructed via strong electrostatic interactions between ammonium groups and POM. The PTN-POM film exhibits an electrical conductivity of 3.30×10−3 S/m and high stretchability, significantly outperforming the classic PEDOT:PSS AIL in mechanical strength. Binary OSCs modified with PTN-POM achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.59%, the highest reported for OSCs using a cross-linked AIL. Notably, PTN-POM enables fabrication of water-proof OSCs that show no performance degradation after underwater storage for 42 days. Furthermore, stretchable OSCs incorporating PTN-POM demonstrate enhanced mechanical robustness, retaining 81% of initial PCE under a large tensile strain of 50%. This work significantly enhances the photovoltaic, waterproof, and mechanical properties of OSCs, advancing their potential for wearable photovoltaics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4039-1
Immunosuppressive metabolites are major drivers of tumor immune suppression. Among these, kynurenine (Kyn) is produced through the catalysis of tryptophan (Trp) 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, TDO inhibition alone is often insufficient because residual pathway flux sustains the accumulation of the downstream immunosuppressive metabolite quinolinic acid (QA). Here, we propose a strategy to disrupt residual kynurenine pathway activity to enhance metabolism-driven tumor immunotherapy. We develop acid-responsive metal-organic complex nanoparticles (APAP@TDOi-Zn, ATZn) that integrate the TDO inhibitor (TDOi) and Zn2+, while encapsulating acetaminophen (APAP) to inhibit 3-hydroxyanthranilate 3,4-dioxygenase (HAAO), thereby limiting QA production and simultaneously suppressing the residual immunosuppressive metabolite. QA suppression limits M2 macrophage polarization, whereas Kyn inhibition and Zn2+ supplementation promote T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. Consequently, ATZn rewires Trp-Kyn metabolism and augments antitumor immunotherapy. This work enhances the efficacy of metabolic checkpoint blockade and provides a strategy to overcome metabolism-driven immune resistance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3643-8
Inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) suffer from defect-mediated nonradiative recombination and inefficient charge extraction, particularly at the buried interface and grain boundaries (GBs), which limit power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability. This study introduces a multifunctional phosphonic acid molecule, (2-(3,6-bis(trifluoromethoxy)-9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl)phosphonic acid (M28), as an additive in the perovskite precursor solution. M28 spontaneously segregates toward the buried interface and GBs, fulfilling three roles: (1) slowing crystallization to enlarge grains and improve film quality, (2) passivating defects to suppress charge recombination, and (3) inducing p-type doping to create an extra electric field that promotes hole transport. Devices incorporating M28 achieve a champion PCE of 25.96% and retain 80% of initial efficiency after 1500 h of maximum power point tracking. This work demonstrates the efficacy of multifunctional phosphonic acid additives in addressing buried-interface and GB defects, offering a viable route to high-performance, stable inverted PSCs.