SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4351-8
Breaking intrinsic structural symmetry is a fundamental prerequisite for pronounced nonlinear optical responses. Low-symmetry semiconductors with inherent anisotropy enable self-powered optoelectronic conversion and polarization-sensitive functionalities. This work reports the synthesis of low-dimensional van der Waals chain TeSe2 crystals with intrinsic inversion and C3 symmetry breaking. Angle-resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy and second-harmonic generation measurements confirm crystalline anisotropy and nonlinear optical performance. Electrical transport studies reveal p-type conduction with a room-temperature field-effect mobility of 122 cm2 V-1 s-1. The TeSe2 photodetector achieves self-powered detection and linearly polarized light detection across 405–1064 nm, with a photoresponsivity of 77.3 mA/W at 532 nm. The linear photogalvanic effect response is effectively modulated by gate voltage. Density functional theory calculations attribute p-type doping to Te and Se vacancies, while the nonlinear optical origin is linked to strong Berry curvature. Applications in polarization encoding communication and polarization imaging are demonstrated, indicating potential for low-energy-consuming, highly sensitive, on-chip integrated linear polarized photodetectors.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4263-3
Monolayer black phosphorus (phosphorene) exhibits a direct bandgap and strong in-plane anisotropy, making it a promising candidate for near-infrared (NIR) optoelectronic devices. However, the precise modulation of its excitonic emission via anisotropic strain remains insufficiently understood, particularly regarding the contrasting strain responses of phosphorene versus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Here, we combine experimental characterization with tight-binding (TB) modeling to elucidate the strain-dependent bandgap evolution in phosphorene. Using a four-band TB model, we derive the bandgap at the Γ point as E_g^BP = 4t1 + 2t2 + 4t3 + 2t5, with hopping parameters t1 = -1.220 eV, t2 = 3.665 eV, t3 = -0.205 eV, t4 = -0.105 eV, and t5 = -0.055 eV. Under tensile strain along the zigzag (ZZ) direction, the interatomic distance associated with t1 increases, reducing the magnitude of |t1|. Since t1 is negative, the bandgap increases, contrary to the behavior of monolayer MoS2, where tensile strain decreases the bandgap due to positive hopping parameters t11, t22, and t12. This anisotropic strain response enables selective tuning of NIR exciton emission. Our findings provide a quantitative framework for strain engineering in phosphorene-based NIR devices, highlighting the critical role of hopping parameter signs in determining bandgap modulation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4491-3
Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with multiferroic tunneling barriers offer a pathway to fully electrically controlled multi-state memory, addressing the high energy costs and scalability limits of magnetically controlled counterparts. In this work, we propose a theoretical design achieving four or ten distinct resistance states via electrical control, with a giant tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio of 1.1×10^4% (11000%). This value surpasses all previously reported MTJs, including experimental systems such as CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB (TMR 65%, 4 states) and theoretical systems like Ga2O3/MgO/Ga2O3 (TMR 1120%, 2 states). The multiferroic barrier enables simultaneous control of ferroelectric and magnetic order parameters, allowing reversible switching between multiple resistance levels without external magnetic fields. Our first-principles calculations reveal that the high TMR arises from spin-dependent tunneling through the barrier, modulated by the ferroelectric polarization direction and magnetization configuration. The device operates with low write energy and exhibits non-volatile retention, making it suitable for high-density storage and in-memory computing. This work establishes a new benchmark for electrically controlled MTJs and provides a practical route to overcome the limitations of current spintronic memory technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4290-9
Thermoelectric materials enable direct and reversible conversion between heat and electricity, offering unique advantages for waste heat recovery, solid-state refrigeration, and deep-space power systems. The performance is evaluated by the dimensionless figure of merit, zT = S²σT/κ, where S is the Seebeck coefficient, σ is the electrical conductivity, T is the absolute temperature, and κ is the total thermal conductivity. Achieving high zT requires simultaneous realization of a large power factor (S²σ) and low thermal conductivity. However, these parameters are intrinsically coupled, posing a fundamental challenge. PbTe is a representative thermoelectric material operating in the intermediate temperature range, with outstanding performance originating from its unique electronic band structure featuring multiple nearly degenerate valence band maxima near the L points. Band convergence via alloying with mono-tellurides such as MgTe, MnTe, CdTe, YbTe, SrTe, and EuTe effectively modifies the valence band structure, increasing band degeneracy and density-of-states effective mass, thereby enhancing electrical conductivity without decreasing the Seebeck coefficient. However, increasing the content of these mono-tellurides limits acceptor dopability, making conventional dopants like Na difficult to incorporate. This study demonstrates that co-doping strategies can preserve dopability while achieving band convergence and dislocation engineering, leading to significantly reduced lattice thermal conductivity and extraordinary peak zT values. The decoupling of electronic and thermal transport through this approach offers a promising route for high-performance thermoelectrics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4319-x
This erratum corrects an error in the Acknowledgments section of the original article 'Investigation on graphene growth by roll-to-roll chemical vapor deposition' published in Science China Materials, Vol. 65, Issue 4, page 1042, 2022. The authors regret that the funding number (No. (2021)105) for the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program was incorrectly used. The correct funding number is No. KQTD20200820113010022. The authors apologize for any inconvenience caused. This correction does not affect the scientific content, results, or conclusions of the original paper. The original research focused on the kinetics of graphene growth via roll-to-roll chemical vapor deposition (CVD), a scalable method for producing high-quality graphene films. The study addressed challenges in continuous manufacturing, such as uniformity, growth rate, and defect control, and provided insights into optimizing process parameters for industrial-scale production. The erratum ensures accurate attribution of funding sources, maintaining the integrity of the research record.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4385-1
Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are effective hole-selective contacts for inverted perovskite solar cells, but scalable deposition on rough substrates is hindered by molecular aggregation, disordered packing, and incomplete adsorption. We propose a hybrid strategy incorporating 4-(Piperidin-4-yl)butanoic acid hydrochloride (PBACl) into the 4PABCz solution during dip-coating. PBACl suppresses aggregation via hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions, yielding homogeneous coverage and improved wettability. The piperidine and carboxyl groups passivate buried interfacial defects through hydrogen bonding and coordination with perovskites. Small-area cells achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.09%, while a 5 cm × 5 cm mini-module (aperture area 14.4 cm²) delivers 23.29% PCE. Encapsulated devices retain 80% of initial PCE after 1350 h maximum power point tracking under continuous illumination. This ion modulation strategy bridges molecular-level interface control with scalable processing, offering a pathway to industrially relevant perovskite photovoltaics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4378-6
Electrical stimulation (ES) is a powerful strategy to mimic endogenous bioelectricity and accelerate complex tissue regeneration, such as chronic wound healing. However, aligning external stimulation with native bioelectrical and biochemical signals for rapid and scarless tissue regeneration remains challenging. Here, we report a wireless bioelectronic dressing (E-dressing) that establishes stable bioelectronic interfaces and precisely modulates cellular physiological activities. Bioactive allylamine-functionalized gold clusterzymes (AM-AuNCs) with intrinsic superoxide dismutase-like activity were designed as functional modifiers to co-polymerize with acrylic acid (AA), forming conductive p(AA-AuNCs) hydrogels. AM-AuNCs impart the hydrogel with superior antioxidant activity, robust interfacial adhesion, and high conductivity, enabling rapid hemostasis, efficient electrical stimulation transmission, and precise fibroblast regulation. Combined with 1.00 V of electrical stimulation, the p(AA-AuNCs) hydrogel significantly promotes fibroblast proliferation, migration, and alignment by upregulating TGF-β, FGF-2, and EGF. Integrated with a biocompatible, flexible zinc-ion battery delivering sustained and tunable electrical signals for over 7 days, the E-dressing precisely guides collagen remodeling, inhibits myofibroblast activation, and maintains Col I/Col III balance, leading to a 5-fold acceleration of wound closure and a 65.5% reduction in scar formation. This multifunctional E-dressing represents a promising bioelectronic device for precise cellular regulation and multimodal regenerative therapy.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4206-6
Precise patterning of highly ordered organic semiconductor (OSC) thin-film arrays is critical for next-generation electronics. We report a ladder-like polysilsesquioxane (LPSQ) strategy to synthesize two functional analogs with tunable surface energies and robust dielectric properties. These LPSQ dielectrics, functionalized with alkyl or fluoroalkyl side chains, serve dual roles as gate insulators and patterning layers to guide blade-coating of 2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT). This approach yields highly aligned arrays suitable for three-dimensional integration in flexible electronics. Synergistic combination of dense LPSQ dielectric packing and aligned semiconductor domains leads to excellent organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) performance, achieving approximately four-fold improvement in field-effect mobility compared to conventional silicon oxide dielectrics. Patterned LPSQ dielectrics enable high-resolution C8-BTBT patterning on plastic substrates, supporting 4-inch-scale 3D integration of flexible logic circuits, including inverters (voltage gain >100), NOR gates, and NAND gates. This work provides a scalable route to high-performance, large-area flexible organic circuits.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3696-3
The development of substitutable meniscus implants that can effectively protect articular cartilage remains a great challenge. Herein, a polyurethane with chemical crosslinking and sulfobetaine extenders containing hydrophobic chains (PU-CL-hSB) is developed, which could improve comprehensive properties and long-term stability simultaneously. By regulating the mole ratio of functional groups, PU-CL-hSB with appropriate mechanical properties, excellent tribological properties, and good fatigue resistance is used to prepare substitutable meniscus implant by hot-pressing. Due to the synergistic effect of functional groups, PU-CL-hSB meniscus implant presents comparable or even superior properties to native meniscus. It withstands a maximum force of 26.08 N versus 25.14 N for native meniscus, an energy dissipation from 45.93 to 39.17 N mm compared to 28.83 to 19.11 N mm for native meniscus over 300 cycles, and a friction coefficient from 0.08 to 0.19 compared to 0.11 to 0.26 for native meniscus. This PU-CL-hSB meniscus implant is further implanted into live rabbit knee joints for 8 and 25 weeks by a new approach, and in vivo data indicate that PU-CL-hSB meniscus implant not only protects articular cartilage from severe damage without eliciting inflammatory responses, but also can maintain normal physiological activities in the native state. Our findings present a substitutable meniscus implant that could be applied in vivo and propose evaluation methodologies for meniscus implants.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3771-9
High-entropy carbonitride ultra-high temperature ceramics (HECN-UHTCs) typically require high densification temperatures, leading to grain coarsening and degraded mechanical properties. This study introduces CrSi2 as a sintering additive for (Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta)(C, N), effectively reducing the densification temperature by 200 °C. During sintering, interdiffusion and cation exchange result in the formation of an orthorhombic (Ti, Zr, Nb)2Cr4Si5 phase within the ceramic matrix. The resulting dual-phase ceramic exhibits a hardness of 24.65 ± 0.23 GPa and a fracture toughness of 6.03 ± 0.48 MPa m1/2, significantly surpassing most reported HECN-UHTCs. Enhanced mechanical properties are attributed to crack deflection, increased localized lattice strain, and Cr grain boundary segregation. This liquid phase-assisted low-temperature sintering strategy offers a promising pathway for densifying other ultra-high temperature ceramics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3615-1
Stretchable electronics are pivotal for bio-integrated devices, soft robotics, and wearables, yet their development is constrained by single-layer architectures that limit integration density and by mechanical mismatch between rigid components and soft substrates, which curtails service life. Here, we introduce a LEGO-like modular assembly strategy to construct multilayer three-dimensional (3D) stretchable electronics. Electronic components (ECs) and self-healing polyurethane (SPU) substrates patterned with liquid metal (LM) circuits serve as the modular blocks. This design simplifies fabrication and markedly enhances 3D integration density. The combination of LM circuits and self-healing elastic substrates enables devices to withstand diverse deformations and to autonomously heal after mechanical damage. Notably, the devices can undergo multiple recycling and reuse cycles without significant performance loss. This methodology offers a new paradigm for advanced flexible electronics, addressing critical bottlenecks in integration density, mechanical robustness, and sustainability.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3556-6
Photon avalanche (PA) is a nonlinear optical phenomenon characterized by steep upconversion emission growth with excitation power. Since the first demonstration of PA on nanoscale and at room temperature in 2021, PA luminescence of lanthanides has attracted considerable attention in nano- and bio-photonics. However, PA nanoparticles (NPs) remain restricted to a limited range of material systems and lanthanide ions, facing challenges including inadequate nonlinearity (N), high excitation threshold (P_th), and deficient chromaticity. In a recent publication in Nature Photonics, Dong and co-workers reported a new class of PA nanosystem based on Ho3+-doped fluoride NPs, which afforded tunable PA chromaticity for multicolor sub-diffraction imaging. Unlike conventional PA systems reliant on a single reservoir level, this study introduced a novel 'parallel PA' (PPA) mechanism leveraging the dual long-lived intermediate reservoir levels (5I7 and 5I6) of Ho3+, facilitating simultaneous operation of two PA loops to generate multicolor emissions. Under 965 nm continuous-wave excitation, the PPA of Ho3+ produced simultaneous red-green-blue emissions with large N (>20). Differential rate equation modelling identified all PA signatures, including clear P_th, S-shaped curves, extremely high sigma_ESA/sigma_GSA ratio of ~75000, and volcano-shaped rise time. The engineered NaGdF4:10%Ho@NaYF4 core/shell PA NPs (~19.6 nm) exhibited remarkably high N of 17–22 with mild P_th of ~22 kW cm−2 and fast response time of 343–371 ms. By screening host lattices and introducing co-dopants, PA chromaticity was precisely tailored, demonstrating unparalleled emission tunability for multicolor super-resolution imaging.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3789-x
Wearable sensors have attracted significant attention due to their superior sensitivity, safety, and adaptability compared with conventional detection technologies. However, developing sustainable sensing materials that combine excellent performance with environmental friendliness remains a significant challenge. In this study, Juncus effusus (JE), a natural fiber featuring a unique internal three-dimensional (3D) network structure, was employed as the substrate. Conductive polyaniline was loaded onto the JE structure to impart electrical conductivity, and Ecoflex encapsulation provided high elasticity. Based on this approach, a JE-based resistive flexible sensor (PHE-JE) was successfully fabricated. The PHE-JE sensor exhibits high stability under various strain conditions, along with excellent flexibility and durability. Moreover, benefiting from its complex 3D structure and synergistic material interactions, the PHE-JE sensor enables accurate detection of diverse motion types, showing promising potential for future wearable sensing applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3807-8
Electrocatalytic co-reduction of CO2 and nitrate offers a sustainable route for urea synthesis, valorizing nitrogenous waste and CO2. However, achieving high-performance urea electrosynthesis under ambient conditions remains challenging due to the need for simultaneous activation of CO2 and efficient H2O dissociation to supply active *H for *NOx hydrogenation, ultimately forming key C- and N-containing intermediates for C–N coupling. Here, we report a bifunctional Pd-single-atom-modified Cu (Pd1Cu) nanorod catalyst that synergistically promotes adsorption and stepwise activation of CO2 and H2O, steering the reaction pathway toward selective urea synthesis. Integrating experimental evidence, in situ spectroscopy, and computational analyses, we disclose that atomically dispersed Pd sites kinetically favor co-generation of *CO and *NH2 via H2O dissociation-driven proton transfer, forming an optimal intermediate balance. The dual metal active sites enhance C–N coupling via combined electronic and geometric effects, substantially lowering the reaction energy barrier and improving selectivity. This work provides a rational design strategy for advanced multifunctional catalysts for urea electrosynthesis, contributing to carbon neutrality and waste nitrogen valorization.
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.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0024
This study investigates the thermochemical conversion behavior of microalgae pellets in a molten hydroxide salt (80% NaOH-20% Na2CO3) system and its influence on hydrogen production. By comparing temperature evolution, gas release characteristics, and structural evolution of pellets with and without molten salt, and integrating char alkalization experiments, the regulatory mechanism of molten salt on reaction pathways and hydrogen production was systematically analyzed. Results indicate that molten salt significantly enhances internal heat transfer efficiency, achieving a central heating rate of 177 °C/s, effectively alleviating thermal hysteresis. Concurrently, molten salt promotes pore development through penetration, erosion, and catalytic effects, resulting in a porosity increase of 53.2%–104.3% after 10 s of reaction. Conversion efficiency is markedly improved, with the dominant reaction pathway shifting to char alkalization after only 70 s. Furthermore, when heating rate is increased above 600 °C, hydrogen yield from char alkalization improves more significantly, primarily attributed to the synergistic promotion of molten salt catalysis and rapid heating on volatiles reforming. This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding efficient hydrogen production from biomass in molten hydroxide salts.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60613-X
This study systematically optimized the preparation of Co-modified Ce/TiO2 catalysts and investigated the effects of preparation method and Co loading on their low-temperature denitrification activity. The sol-gel method with a Co/Ti mass ratio of 0.025 (Ce-Co0.025/TiO2-SG) yielded superior performance compared to impregnation and co-precipitation methods. The catalyst maintained NO conversion above 95% in the 225–350 °C range and exhibited high N2 selectivity. Characterization via BET, XRD, XPS, H2-TPR, and in situ DRIFTS revealed that the enhanced activity was attributed to abundant surface oxygen vacancies, a high proportion of Ce3+ species, and prominent acidic sites. The catalyst followed the Eley-Rideal mechanism, effectively inhibiting nitrate intermediate formation and promoting NO-to-NO2 oxidation. This work provides a reference for developing efficient low-temperature denitrification catalysts for industrial applications such as cement production, which emitted 722,000 tons of NOx in 2020, accounting for 17.3% of industrial emissions.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025010203
The production and disposal of lithium batteries release not only hazardous metals and particulates but also substantial amounts of harmful organic pollutants. This study focuses on N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) to investigate the environmental release and human exposure of organic pollutants throughout the lithium battery lifecycle. Using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), NMP was quantified in environmental samples from battery production and dismantling facilities, as well as in pyrolysis products from simulated thermal recovery of mainstream lithium batteries. Key release stages were identified: slurry mixing and coating/drying during production; shredding, electrolyte volatilization, and high-temperature pyrolysis during disposal. In unprotected occupational settings, estimated NMP exposure via dust ingestion exceeded reference doses, underscoring the need for health impact assessments and evaluation of protective measures. This research provides critical insights into the environmental release and population exposure of organic pollutants across the lithium battery lifecycle, informing health policy for vulnerable populations.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604014
Ice slurry pigging is an emerging technology for cleaning water supply pipelines, yet quantitative understanding of its cleaning mechanisms and optimal operating conditions remains limited. This study developed a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model integrating the kinetic theory of granular flows (KTGF), the Euler-Euler method, and the shear stress transport (SST) model to simulate ice slurry flow and wall shear stress distribution. The model was validated against experimental data, showing a 6.4% error in particle concentration distribution, a 3.3% average error in solid-phase velocity in the mainstream region, and a pressure drop error within 20%. A total of 125 simulations were performed under varying initial concentrations (20%–60%), particle diameters (0.3–1.0 mm), and flow velocities (0.2–1.0 m/s). Results indicate that higher initial concentrations (60%) achieve effective cleaning of both upper and lower pipe walls, with an effective shear stress ratio of 77.39%. Larger particles exhibit pronounced upward movement, increasing non-uniformity in solid distribution. Flow velocity is the dominant factor affecting wall shear stress; at 1.0 m/s, the effective shear stress ratio reaches 83.16%. The optimal parameters for cumulative shear stress were identified as 50% initial concentration, 0.5 mm particle diameter, and 1.0 m/s flow velocity, yielding an average cumulative shear stress of 11.59 Pa·s. For effective cumulative shear stress, the same parameters produced 9.89 Pa·s, while the highest effective shear stress ratio (88.50%) was achieved with 0.3 mm particles at 1.0 m/s and 50% concentration. This research provides theoretical guidance for ice slurry pigging operations in water supply pipelines.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3545-7
Magnetically driven hydrogel robots show promise in biomedical and underwater applications due to remote controllability, flexibility, biocompatibility, and chemical stability. However, limited functional integration restricts their adaptability. Here, a universal modular assembly strategy is introduced using a self-healing κ-carrageenan/polyacrylamide hydrogel embedded with magnetic particles, enabling free assembly of magnetic actuation modules. These modules construct soft robots with complex geometries and magnetization distributions, allowing diverse deformations under magnetic fields. The strategy further integrates photocatalysis by embedding Ru-Bi2CrO6 photocatalysts into functional modules, yielding an oxygen-generating robot. This robot exhibits flexible underwater movement via magnetically controlled oscillatory actuation, minimizing water agitation while supplying stable oxygen to specific aquatic environments. The photocatalytic oxygen evolution rate reaches 389.1 μmol g−1 h−1. The hydrogel skeleton suppresses particle aggregation and sedimentation, and facilitates magnetic recovery. This scalable and adaptable approach advances multifunctional soft robot design.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025110501
Ultrashort-chain perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exhibit high hydrophilicity, mobility, and root concentration factors, facilitating their transport and accumulation in soil-crop systems and posing phytotoxicity risks. Post-drought rehydration (PDR) is a critical water management strategy to mitigate drought effects in paddy fields. This study investigated the regulation and mechanisms of PDR on ultrashort-chain PFAS transport in paddy soils through sterilized and non-sterilized experiments, employing three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and amplicon sequencing. Results showed that PDR increased the bioavailable fraction of ultrashort-chain PFAS in soil solution while delaying their release into overlying water. Sterilization experiments confirmed that PDR-induced compensatory migration was primarily driven by microbial activity. Geochemical analyses revealed that PDR reduced hydrophilic functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl) on soil particle surfaces and increased cation bridging sites. Microbiological sequencing indicated that PDR activated secondary metabolic pathways, enhancing microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production, which provided binding sites for ultrashort-chain PFAS. Consequently, EPS competed with soil particles for cation bridging, altering PFAS interfacial partitioning and increasing bioavailable and cation-complexed fractions in soil solution, thereby exacerbating rhizosphere exposure risk to rice. This study elucidates the coupled geochemical and microbiological mechanisms governing ultrashort-chain PFAS mobility under PDR, informing risk assessment and management in paddy agroecosystems.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605015
The national greenhouse gas voluntary emission reduction trading market was relaunched in 2023, with China Certified Emission Reduction (CCER) as the trading unit, serving as a crucial supplement to the national carbon market. The initial phase includes the offshore wind power sector. This study evaluates the CO2 and air pollutant emission reduction effectiveness and economic feasibility of China's offshore wind power industry under the CCER mechanism. Using CCER methodology, baseline scenario analysis, and empirical data from 2020 and projections for 2025, we quantify reductions in CO2 and principal air pollutants (particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides) across coastal provinces. Emission inventories are constructed using authoritative grid emission factors. Economic viability is assessed by integrating levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), additional revenues from CCER transactions, and external environmental benefits. Results provide four policy insights: (1) The sector shows a positive trend in emission reduction and economic-environmental contribution, but faces financial deficit risk by 2025 without CCER subsidies; (2) Economically developed coastal provinces exhibit greater development potential; (3) Profitability analysis for 2020 and 2025 indicates sustainable economic returns with appropriate policy support; (4) Among air pollutants, nitrogen oxides reduction is largest, while sulfur dioxide reduction yields the most significant co-benefits. This study offers evidence-based recommendations for strategic planning and policy formulation in China's offshore wind industry.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225241
Amid the global pursuit of carbon neutrality, the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into high-value-added aromatics represents a critical frontier in sustainable chemistry. This process offers the dual benefit of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while establishing a non-petroleum route for the production of indispensable platform chemicals. However, the practical realization of CO2 conversion is hindered by formidable challenges originating from the thermodynamic stability of CO2 and the kinetic challenges in C-C bond formation. This review provides a critical and comprehensive analysis of recent progress on CO2 hydrogenation to aromatics, focusing on the development of catalyst design, reaction kinetics, and reactor engineering, with the goal of accelerating industrial application. The two dominant reaction pathways, i.e., the methanol-intermediate and the olefin-intermediate routes, are summarized and progress in the design of efficient multifunctional catalysts for each pathway is given. A key point in bifunctional catalyst development is the challenge of balancing the synergy and separation of hydrogenation sites and acidic aromatization active sites. Synergy is crucial for driving the reaction equilibrium forward by rapidly consuming intermediates, whereas separation, often achieved through sophisticated architectures like core-shell structures, is vital for preventing deactivation, such as the migration of alkaline promoters into the zeolite (the aromatization component). Also, this review analyzes the kinetic modeling progress proposed for this complex, multi-step reaction system. For the initial CO2 conversion step, the authors highlighted the evolution of kinetic models, particularly the ongoing efforts to accurately quantify the critical water inhibition effect in methanol synthesis. For the subsequent aromatization stage, this review critically compares two distinct modeling strategies: the use of lumping models, which simplify the reaction network for robust engineering simulations, and the single-event microkinetic (SEMK) models, which offer profound mechanistic insights by considering elementary reaction steps. Furthermore, it is pointed out that these kinetic models serve as indispensable inputs for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, which guide the design, optimization, and scale-up of industrial reactors. These simulations can address practical engineering challenges such as thermal management to control hotspots and fluid dynamics to mitigate excessive pressure drop. By systematically bridging the conceptual gap from atomic-level catalyst design to macro-scale reactor optimization, this review provides theoretical guidance aimed at accelerating the engineering scale-up of this vital carbon utilization technology.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3754-1
Chiral polyester materials that integrate chemical recyclability with high performance have become a focal point in sustainable polymer research. Their thermal and mechanical properties are intrinsically linked to polymer microstructure, with stereoregular chiral polyesters typically exhibiting superior crystallinity and performance relative to atactic counterparts. Asymmetric kinetic resolution polymerization (AKRP) has emerged as a powerful method for synthesizing stereoregular chiral polyesters from racemic monomers, utilizing chiral catalysts to selectively recognize and polymerize one enantiomer while leaving the other unreacted. Recent advances have expanded AKRP scope to include targeted recognition of specific substrate sites based on chiral discrimination. This review summarizes recent progress in AKRP across representative monomer systems, categorized by ring size, highlighting breakthroughs in catalyst design, mechanistic understanding, and material properties. Key metrics such as kinetic resolution coefficient (k_rel) and selectivity factor (s-factor) are discussed as quantitative measures of stereoselective control. The review underscores the potential of AKRP to circumvent costly enantiomer separation, offering a promising route to advanced chiral polyesters with tailored properties for applications ranging from biodegradable plastics to biomedical materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3718-3
Chiral polymers, characterized by unique stereochemical features, are of significant importance in biomedical and related fields. Understanding their structure-property relationships is crucial for the rational design of functional materials with tailored performances. In this work, we employed a catalyst enantiomer purity regulation strategy to achieve regioselective ring-opening polymerization of chiral monomers. By systematically varying the enantiomer purity of chiral (BisSalen)Al catalysts, we successfully synthesized a series of chiral poly(2-hydroxybutyric-co-glycolic acid) (PHBGA) copolymers with varying regioselectivities and G–G linkage contents. Performance evaluations revealed that these polymers exhibited thermo-mechanical properties closely correlated with their microstructures. Specifically, the glass transition temperature (Tg) and mechanical moduli could be tuned over a wide range by adjusting the catalyst enantiomer purity, which directly influenced the polymer's chain regularity and crystallinity. This study not only provides an effective approach for the controlled synthesis of chiral polymers with tunable regioselectivities but also deepens the understanding of their structure-property relationships, laying a foundation for the development of chiral polymeric materials with on-demand functionalities for diverse applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4105-8
Chiral europium(III) (Eu(III)) complexes, characterized by their f-f transitions and allowed magnetic dipole transitions, exhibit narrowband emission and superior circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with high luminescence dissymmetry factors (g_lum), making them promising for circularly polarized organic light-emitting diodes (CP-OLEDs) and 3D displays. Here, we report a pair of R/S-Eu(TTA)3DFPO enantiomers, employing β-diketone 1,1,1-trifluoro-3-(2-thenoyl)acetone (TTA) as the main ligand and point-chiral R/S-tert-butyl(6-(diphenylphosphoryl)dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-yl)(phenyl)phosphine-oxide (R/S-DFPO) as ancillary ligands. In toluene, these enantiomers display characteristic narrowband red emission from the 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu(III), with a maximum emission wavelength of 617 nm, a full width at half maximum of 11 nm, a photoluminescence quantum yield of 43%, and pronounced chiroptical response, evidenced by |g_PL| values of 8.0 × 10^-3 around 590 nm (5D0→7F1 transition). Notably, CP-OLEDs fabricated via vacuum deposition achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency of 4.0% and exhibit obvious circularly polarized electroluminescence with |g_EL| values exceeding 1.0 × 10^-2. These results demonstrate that point-chiral phosphine-oxide ligands provide an effective strategy for achieving coordination-stable chiral Eu(III) complexes for high-performance CP-OLEDs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3786-8
Conventional cancer diagnostic techniques, such as tissue sampling and microscopy, are invasive and prone to misdiagnosis, driving the need for non-invasive, precise alternatives. Chiral biophotonics, exploiting circularly polarized light (CPL), offers unique polarization-selective interactions with biological tissues, enabling higher imaging contrast and molecular-level discrimination. However, current CPL detection technologies are passive and single-mode, lacking dynamic tunability and parallel processing capabilities. Meanwhile, AI-assisted diagnostics rely on separated sensing and computing units, suffering from poor integration and transmission inefficiency. Here, we report a near-infrared (NIR) chiral organic synaptic photodiode with electrically tunable dual-mode operation, enabling simultaneous CPL detection and neuromorphic processing. Under negative bias, the device operates as a highly sensitive CPL detector for chiroptical signal acquisition. Under positive bias, it exhibits history-dependent synaptic behavior with photocurrent dissymmetry factor (g_ph) dynamically tunable up to -0.06. By integrating this device into an optical convolutional neural network (OCNN), we achieved intelligent cancer detection with CPL-based imaging. Experimental results demonstrate that CPL detection accuracy reaches 83%, approaching the theoretical 87%, significantly outperforming natural light detection at 65%. The device enhances image contrast and feature extraction, laying a foundation for intelligent, adaptive diagnostic systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3741-3
Functional motifs are essential microscopic units that govern the second harmonic generation (SHG) response in nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. While nonmetal-centered motifs have been extensively studied, metal-centered motifs with outstanding comprehensive performance remain scarce. Here, we report the successful synthesis of the first seven-coordinated indium oxy-chloride and oxy-bromide polyhedra, InO6X (X = Cl, Br), by leveraging the chelating and structure-directing properties of SeO3 groups. The InO6Br polyhedra exhibit the highest polarization anisotropy and hyperpolarizability among all reported indium oxy-chloride and oxy-bromide groups. Consequently, the first non-centrosymmetric halogenated indium selenites, In2(OH)(SeO3)2Cl (ISOC) and In2(OH)(SeO3)2Br (ISOB), were obtained. Both compounds demonstrate strong SHG intensity exceeding six times that of KDP (potassium dihydrogen phosphate) and wide band gaps greater than 4.0 eV, a combination rarely observed in inorganic selenites. This work presents a viable strategy for developing new NLO functional motifs and offers valuable insights for designing novel SHG materials with enhanced performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3818-4
The electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) to multi-carbon (C2+) products is of significant interest due to its implications for chemical manufacturing and carbon neutrality. However, the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and sluggish C–C coupling kinetics impede selectivity at industrial current densities. Here, we report an interfacial nanoconfinement strategy using N-(2-acetamido)iminodiacetic acid (ADA) to engineer a series of capping layer-covered Cu catalysts (Cu@ADA-x). A volcano-type correlation between capping layer thickness and C2+ selectivity is observed. The optimized Cu@ADA-m catalyst achieves a maximum Faradaic efficiency for C2+ products (FE C2+) of 86.8% and maintains over 80% of its initial FE C2+ after 42 hours at 200 mA cm−2, with an energy efficiency of 38.5%. In-situ Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the capping architecture stabilizes metastable Cu species and optimizes gas adsorption, enhancing *CO intermediate utilization and lowering C–C coupling energy barriers. This work provides a catalyst design principle for industrial-scale carbon-neutral electrochemical production of multi-carbon products.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202508081
Traditional soil thermal remediation requires high temperatures (>300 °C), which can damage soil structure, increase energy consumption, and elevate carbon emissions. This study developed a Cu–CeOx/TiO2 trimetallic catalyst to enable low-temperature thermal remediation of naphthalene-contaminated soil. Using nano-TiO2 as a support, catalysts with varying Cu/Ce ratios were prepared via impregnation-calcination. Material characterization (XRD, TEM, XPS, etc.) revealed that Cu and Ce incorporation induced crystal defects in TiO2, enhancing lattice oxygen activity and electron mobility, thereby generating more oxygen vacancies and hydroxyl radicals. Performance evaluation using a TGA-GC-FTIR-MS platform showed that the catalyst with Cu:Ce = 1:1 achieved the best remediation efficiency, reducing the thermal remediation temperature from 250 °C to 211.5 °C and increasing the removal rate by an average of 19.49% compared to the non-catalyst group at the same temperature. The catalyst facilitated stepwise degradation of naphthalene into smaller organic molecules (alcohols, carboxylic acids, aldehydes) and ultimately into H2O and CO2. This work demonstrates that Cu–CeOx/TiO2 significantly lowers the energy demand of thermal remediation, offering a promising approach for low-carbon remediation of organic-contaminated soils.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509047
To reveal the dynamic characteristics of ecosystem carbon flux and its response to meteorological factors, this study employed the Biome-BGC model to simulate gross primary productivity (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP) of vegetation in Beijing for historical (2001–2014) and future (2051–2070) periods under SSP126 and SSP585 scenarios, using multi-source data including regional meteorology, vegetation type, and soil texture. The Mann-Kendall (M-K) test and Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis were applied to examine spatiotemporal patterns and carbon use efficiency (CUE). Results indicate that Biome-BGC accurately reproduces historical carbon flux characteristics. Temporally, annual mean GPP and NPP exhibited fluctuating upward trends, ranging from 584 to 777 g C m−2 a−1 and 238 to 388 g C m−2 a−1, respectively. Spatially, GPP and NPP displayed both same-phase and opposite-phase distribution patterns. Annual mean temperature was the dominant factor influencing GPP and NPP trends, followed by solar radiation and precipitation. Under future scenarios, both GPP and NPP are projected to increase, with SSP585 showing greater enhancement. By 2070, GPP is expected to rise by 171 and 376 g C m−2 a−1 under SSP126 and SSP585, respectively, while NPP increases by 71.8 and 137 g C m−2 a−1. The spatial distribution of GPP and NPP exhibits a 'low-center, high-periphery' pattern, with multi-year means of 969 and 425 g C m−2 a−1. Future CUE is approximately 0.45, indicating substantial carbon sequestration potential of Beijing's vegetation under climate change.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60618-9
Aromatic hydrocarbons, essential chemical feedstocks for fuels, synthetic fibers, and pharmaceuticals, are predominantly derived from petroleum refining. The catalytic conversion of lignin, a major lignocellulosic component, offers a renewable route to these chemicals. This review systematically examines the influence of pyrolysis methods, catalysts, and reaction conditions on the catalytic pyrolysis of lignin to aromatic hydrocarbons. Key parameters include catalyst acidity and pore structure, which govern selectivity and yield. Reaction temperature, catalyst-to-lignin ratio, and residence time critically affect product distribution. The review outlines catalytic mechanisms, such as deoxygenation, cracking, and aromatization, and highlights the role of zeolite catalysts, particularly HZSM-5, in enhancing monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon yields. Metal modification (e.g., Fe, Ni, Ga) and pretreatment strategies (e.g., torrefaction) are discussed for improving efficiency. Challenges remain in catalyst deactivation due to coking and the complexity of lignin structure. Future research directions include developing robust catalysts, optimizing reactor designs, and integrating processes for industrial viability. This review provides theoretical and technological guidance for advancing lignin-to-aromatics conversion.
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.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026011902
The migration of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) at the water–soil interface in paddy fields is a critical determinant of their environmental fate and crop safety. This study investigated the influence of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) on PFASs mobility under waterlogged conditions. Four LMWOAs—oxalic, citric, lactic, and acetic acids—were individually enriched in paddy soils, and the migration of 15 PFASs was monitored. Acetic acid enrichment most strongly suppressed PFASs release into overlying water. Mechanistic analyses using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, three-dimensional excitation–emission matrix spectroscopy, microbial amplicon sequencing, and metagenomics revealed that acetic acid reshaped the microbial community, enriching sulfate-reducing bacteria and upregulating sulfur reduction genes (SULT1A) and nitrogen transformation genes (nifN, nirI, nthB). This drove sulfate reduction to sulfite and sulfide. ABT modeling identified sulfur metabolism as the dominant factor controlling PFASs immobilization (26.06% contribution). Experiments under varying sulfur redox conditions confirmed that sulfite (SO3^2−) oxidation indirectly altered dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition, weakening PFASs–DOM binding and reducing PFASs in overlying water. These findings demonstrate that LMWOAs accumulation, particularly acetic acid, can effectively impede PFASs migration at the paddy water–soil interface via microbial sulfur cycling and associated DOM structural changes, offering a potential strategy for PFASs remediation in agricultural systems.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025030602
In the context of accelerated urbanization, regional air composite pollution in medium and large urban agglomerations is primarily characterized by PM2.5-O3 compound pollution. To elucidate the meteorological causes of PM2.5-O3 compound pollution in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region over the recent seven years (2017–2023), this study analyzed monitoring data from typical cities (Nanjing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Hefei) using Pearson and partial correlation coefficients. Results indicate: (1) PM2.5 pollution exhibited a significant downward trend across all four cities, with notable improvement during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, underscoring the effectiveness of air pollution control measures. Conversely, O3 pollution remained elevated or increased in some cities, indicating persistent challenges in O3 control. (2) During O3 pollution episodes, PM2.5 and O3 concentrations were positively correlated, whereas during PM2.5 pollution episodes, they were negatively correlated. (3) Compound pollution days were predominantly observed from February to October, with the highest frequency (20 days) occurring from April to June. (4) The significant reduction in PM2.5 weakened the aerosol 'umbrella effect', enhancing surface radiation and promoting near-surface O3 formation. Concurrently, changes in the NOx/VOCs ratio weakened O3 titration, and climate warming accelerated O3 precursor generation and potentially altered boundary layer structure, collectively contributing to O3 accumulation in the cold season and an increasing frequency of compound pollution during that period. (5) The formation mechanisms of PM2.5 and O3 are driven by distinct meteorological conditions, with low overall concentration correlation; however, under compound meteorological conditions such as high temperature, stagnant air, and weak diffusion, both pollutants tend to rise synchronously, indicating that compound pollution events are typically driven by multiple adverse meteorological factors. This study demonstrates that from 2017 to 2023, PM2.5 pollution significantly decreased while O3 pollution showed an increasing trend. Compound pollution was concentrated in April–June and influenced by high temperature, stagnant air, and weak diffusion. With effective PM2.5 control, enhanced surface radiation and changes in O3 precursors led to O3 accumulation in the cold season, increasing compound pollution frequency. Overall, compound pollution is driven by multiple meteorological factors, posing complex challenges for control.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3898-7
Platinum (Pt) is the benchmark catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in acidic electrolytes, but its performance in alkaline media is limited by excessively strong hydrogen binding energy (HBE). Here, we report oxygen-modified ultrasmall RuCu nanocrystals (RuCu/C-200) as an efficient catalyst for both alkaline HER and HOR. The RuCu/C-200 catalyst exhibits excellent HER activity with an overpotential of 9 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 19.7 mV dec−1. For HOR, it achieves a 4.2-fold higher exchange current density than the unannealed sample. Mechanistic studies reveal that the optimized HBE, hydroxyl binding energy (OHBE), and strongly hydrogen-bonded interfacial water, induced by oxygen modification, are the intrinsic determinants of the improved catalytic activity. This work underscores the potential of combining nanoscale structural design with oxygen modification to develop high-performance Ru-based electrocatalysts for both alkaline HER and HOR.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3859-y
Photocatalytic CO2 reduction is an attractive route to address sustainable energy crises and environmental issues, yet its efficiency is limited by poor charge separation, narrow light absorption, sluggish kinetics, and low CO2 adsorption/activation. Here, a series of Co SA-TT-COF/CdS S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts were synthesized by integrating Co single atoms (Co SA) decorated covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with CdS nanotubes via in situ condensation and post-modification. The TT-COF layer thickness on CdS was regulated to optimize active site density and accessibility. The optimal Co SA-TT-COF/15 wt% CdS heterojunction, with a TT-COF thickness of 50.5 nm, achieved a CO production rate of 14157 μmol g−1 h−1 and a selectivity of 90.9%, among the best COF-based photocatalysts reported. Theoretical calculations, experiments, and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that the S-scheme heterojunction enhances the built-in electric field, optimizes energy levels, narrows bandgaps, extends light harvesting, improves charge separation and transfer kinetics, and lowers energy barriers for CO2 adsorption/activation, directly contributing to superior performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3943-y
Biodegradable polymers are promising for bioelectronic materials, yet simultaneously improving their mechanical, electrical, and optical performance remains a major challenge. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxyvalerate) (P34HB), a microbially synthesized polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), exhibits excellent biocompatibility and degradability but suffers from poor chain length control, limiting its functional performance. Here, we report a low-temperature, non-destructive supercritical ethyl alcohol-assisted polymerization (SEAP) strategy to enhance P34HB at the molecular level. Operating at 40 °C and 1500 psi, SEAP combines the permeability of supercritical CO2 with ethanol-mediated catalysis to promote in situ dehydration polymerization and efficiently remove impurities. Post-treatment, P34HB exhibits a 16% increase in number-average molecular weight, along with a record-high Young's modulus of 51.08 GPa and a 144% increase in elongation at break, overcoming the conventional trade-off between stiffness and ductility. Optical performance is also improved, with transmittance rising by 44% and refractive index increasing to 1.2. Material analyses confirm a higher ester group density and reduction of residual impurities. Electrical insulation is notably enhanced, with leakage current reduced by 50% to below 1 pA and reduced dielectric loss to 0.06. Cytotoxicity assays further verify excellent biocompatibility. This work establishes SEAP as a sustainable strategy for functionalizing P34HB, enabling its deployment in next-generation bioelectronics and flexible electronics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3885-8
Photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and water oxidation reaction (WOR) from water and air offers a sustainable alternative to conventional anthraquinone processes. However, the intrinsic kinetic mismatch—fast ORR (microseconds to milliseconds) versus sluggish WOR (seconds)—limits overall efficiency. Here, we report aliphatic acylhydrazone covalent organic frameworks (AA-COFs) synthesized by coupling aliphatic hydrazides with benzotrithiophene motifs via acylhydrazone linkages. The pore walls are decorated with abundant S, O, and N heteroatoms, enhancing affinity toward both O2 and H2O, thereby improving the kinetics of both half-reactions. Through single-carbon atomic engineering, the optimized AA-COF achieves a trade-off between ORR and WOR kinetics, enabling efficient overall H2O2 photosynthesis from water and air without sacrificial agents. The material exhibits a H2O2 production rate of 4777 μmol g−1 h−1 and an O2 utilization/conversion efficiency of 99.3%. This work demonstrates that rational design of heteroatom-rich COFs can synchronize ORR and WOR, overcoming a major bottleneck in artificial photosynthesis.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3869-7
Iontronic capacitive pressure sensors (ICPSs) are pivotal for wearable technology, yet their performance is constrained by an inherent trade-off between sensitivity and detection range. Here, we introduce a micro-electric double layer (micro-EDL) engineering strategy to overcome this limitation. This is realized through a nanocomposite dielectric where multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) form a percolated network, generating a dense array of pressure-responsive nano-capacitors. Synergistically integrating a hierarchical MoS2/NiCo-LDH electrode provides abundant pseudocapacitive interfaces. The resulting sensor exhibits an ultrahigh sensitivity of 67,095 kPa−1 at 1 kHz, a broad detection range up to 1.3 MPa, rapid response and recovery times of 4 ms and 5 ms, respectively, and outstanding durability exceeding 18,000 cycles. Practical validation demonstrates 100% classification accuracy in recognizing complex gestures and gait patterns, underscoring its real-world applicability. These findings establish micro-EDL engineering as a promising route for advancing next-generation iontronic devices, offering insights into their electrochemical mechanisms.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4148-3
Biological ion channels exhibit multistate transport behavior beyond simple binary open-closed conformations, enabling dynamic control of neural signaling and transmembrane substance transport. Inspired by this, we synthesized a triphenylamine-ketone donor-acceptor (D-A) type poly(aryl amine-ketone) with multiple redox sites, allowing continuously tunable electrochemical states via hierarchical electron transfer. Combining this polymer with two-dimensional conductive MXene, we constructed a biomimetic nanofluidic transistor. Through side-group tuning to optimize redox matching, the polymer undergoes reversible conformation switching via intramolecular charge transfer at voltages below 1 V. The field-driven conformational changes induce electrostatic attraction, promoting reversible contraction of MXene interlayers. Synergistic coupling of interlayer spacing variation and dynamic interfacial charge rearrangement enables precise hierarchical control of ion flux. The device achieves three switchable ion transport states—closed, partially open, and fully open—with an ion switching ratio of 10 and outstanding cycling stability. Furthermore, synaptic plasticity features emulate fundamental attributes of biological signaling, providing a foundation for bioinspired neuromorphic devices.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202505104
This study investigated the synergistic remediation of aged oil-contaminated soil collected from an oil well in Yanchang, northern Shaanxi, China, with an initial total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration of 17.1 g·kg⁻¹, exceeding the second-class land use screening value (4,500 mg·kg⁻¹) by approximately 3.8-fold. Indigenous high-efficiency degrading strains were screened and a microbial consortium was constructed. Pot experiments were conducted to compare the TPH degradation efficiencies and soil property changes under plant, microbial, and combined plant-microbial remediation. The consortium MC-5 (SDB1:SDB2:SDB3:SDB4 = 1:1:0:3) exhibited the highest TPH degradation rate of 83.46% in liquid culture. In soil, combined remediation with ryegrass (Lolium perenne) achieved a TPH degradation rate of 60.93%, significantly higher than the control (CK) by 54.26 percentage points. The consortium also degraded recalcitrant resins and asphaltenes by 49.44%. The microbial consortium played a dominant role, contributing 63%–69% to TPH removal, whereas plant contribution was only 2%–12%, primarily in the later stage. Addition of rhamnolipid biosurfactant enhanced the combined remediation, increasing TPH degradation by 7.05 percentage points compared to non-amended treatments. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of plant-microbial synergy and offer theoretical and practical guidance for bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated soils.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202505108
Open-pit mining in high-cold regions causes severe ecological degradation, including vegetation loss, soil structure destruction, and frequent freeze-thaw disturbances, complicating ecosystem recovery. This review systematically synthesizes the current status, theories, and key restoration technologies for degraded ecosystems in high-cold mining areas. Comparative analysis with typical high-cold degraded ecosystems worldwide reveals that high-cold mining areas face challenges such as frequent freeze-thaw cycles, hydrological disruption, wind erosion, and difficult vegetation establishment. We propose strengthening aboveground-belowground synergistic restoration: (1) aboveground restoration should focus on screening cold-resistant native plants and optimizing mixed community configurations, combined with plant growth-promoting multi-microbial consortia to facilitate vegetation recovery; (2) belowground restoration should be based on engineering soil profile reconstruction, integrating physical-chemical-biological multi-dimensional remediation techniques to achieve aboveground and belowground community reconstruction and functional recovery; (3) a progressive restoration framework is established, with short-term goals targeting soil stabilization and structure improvement, medium-term goals focusing on constructing multifunctional plant-soil communities, and long-term goals achieving self-sustaining, maintenance-free restored ecosystems. Finally, addressing the unclear mechanisms of aboveground-belowground synergistic interactions and insufficient environmental adaptability of restoration technologies, two prospects are proposed: (1) deepening research on aboveground-belowground synergistic mechanisms to reveal interactions between cold-tolerant microorganisms and plants; (2) advancing the development of characteristic restoration technologies adapted to high-cold environments.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511002
To treat large-air-volume, low-concentration volatile organic compounds (VOCs) containing tetrachloroethylene (PCE) generated from rubber-metal bonding, this study systematically investigated the adsorption-desorption behavior and interaction mechanisms of PCE, toluene, and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) on granular activated carbon (GAC). Static adsorption experiments showed that PCE adsorption capacity reached 556.6 mg·g−1, while dynamic multi-component adsorption capacity was 179.6 mg·g−1. Kinetic analysis indicated that PCE adsorption was controlled by both intraparticle diffusion and external surface adsorption, whereas toluene and MIBK were primarily intraparticle diffusion-limited. During high-temperature nitrogen desorption, PCE underwent dechlorination, hydrogenation, and recombination, producing trichloroethylene, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloropropane, and HCl, with HCl accounting for 3.61% of the chlorine molar content in adsorbed PCE. After four adsorption-desorption cycles, the iodine value of GAC dropped below the industry standard of 600 mg·g−1; however, water washing and alkali immersion extended the cycle life to 8 and 9 cycles, respectively. The HCl generation pattern in co-adsorption systems was consistent with single-PCE systems. A regeneration process combining alkali immersion and water washing was proposed and integrated into an engineering strategy. Compared to conventional activated carbon adsorption coupled with RTO incineration, the proposed classification strategy reduced annual costs by 49.5×10⁴ CNY. This work provides a cost-effective and safe solution for Cl-VOCs treatment.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511010
Complete catalytic oxidation of methane requires catalysts with high low-temperature activity, long-term thermal stability, and excellent water resistance for industrial application. This study constructed supported Pd-Ru/S-1 bimetallic catalysts using hydrophobic all-silica zeolite Silicalite-1 as support. Systematic catalytic performance tests evaluated methane oxidation activity, thermal stability, and water resistance, while multiple physicochemical characterizations revealed the reaction mechanism. Results showed that the catalyst with Pd/Ru ratio of 2:1 (2Pd-1Ru/S-1) exhibited optimal comprehensive performance, achieving T90 of 380 °C, maintaining 94% methane conversion at 375 °C for 48 h, and demonstrating excellent water resistance. Mechanistic studies indicated that PdO is the main active phase, and the reaction follows the Eley-Rideal (E-R) mechanism. The electronic synergy between Pd and Ru enhances the interaction between PdO and the support, effectively inhibiting sintering and water poisoning of active components. This study aims to provide a new strategy for industrial catalyst design to advance the industrialization of low-concentration methane catalytic technology, addressing its climate and pollution impacts.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026020207
Although the production and use of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) have been completely banned in China since December 2021, historical production activities may still leave high-concentration residual contamination in localized areas. This study investigated a typical legacy site of historical HBCDs production in eastern China. Surface and core soil samples were systematically collected both inside and outside the former plant area to characterize the occurrence, spatial distribution, and environmental burden of HBCDs, and to evaluate associated human health risks. Results showed that HBCD concentrations in soils outside the plant area ranged from below detection limit to 6.90×10² ng·g⁻¹ dw, while those inside the plant area were substantially higher, reaching up to 1.18×10⁶ ng·g⁻¹ dw. γ-HBCD was the dominant isomer; however, its relative abundance was lower than that reported in commercial HBCD mixtures and in previous studies conducted near production facilities. Outside the plant, HBCDs concentrations in soil generally decreased with increasing distance from the site, yet remained detectable at a distance of approximately 10 km (15.2 ng·g⁻¹ dw). Within the plant area, HBCDs concentrations in soil cores decreased with depth, declining from 1.08×10⁴–1.18×10⁶ ng·g⁻¹ dw in surface soils to 1.05–93.5 ng·g⁻¹ dw at depths of about 4 m. Analysis of the relative cumulative environmental burden indicated that although HBCDs loads were highest in the near-source area, they gradually accumulated over a broader spatial scale. Approximately 23.7%, 40.1%, 60.0%, and 87.1% of the total estimated burden accumulated within 2 km, 2.81 km, 4 km, and 6 km from the site, respectively. Health risk assessment indicated that oral ingestion of soil was the primary exposure pathway for different populations. Localized high-contamination zones within the plant area contributed significantly to non-carcinogenic risks, while overall risks for children outside the plant area were at acceptable levels.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025032004
This study proposes an integrated source apportionment framework that synergistically integrates pollution source classification, atmospheric dispersion modeling, backward trajectory analysis, weighted trajectory clustering, and forward contribution estimation to accurately target peak reduction at localized air pollution hotspots. Applied at the County-Town Scale in Beijing, this method was employed to investigate pollution episodes at the Tongzhou Dongguan monitoring site. Source classification relied on a pollution fingerprint database and temporal concentration profiles, while local contributions were quantified through combined air quality modeling and monitoring data. Forward and backward trajectory analyses enabled the identification of potential source regions and key contributors. Results indicate that construction dust, road dust, and emissions from the catering industry were the dominant local sources, with construction and road dust contributing most prominently to PM2.5 concentrations. Furthermore, abnormal PM2.5 increases were closely linked to low boundary layer height, weak winds, and high humidity, emphasizing the role of meteorological conditions in pollution accumulation. The proposed framework proves effective in pinpointing local pollution sources and offers a scientific basis for targeted air quality management at finer spatial scales.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025032401
Diazepam (DZP), a benzodiazepine anxiolytic drug, has been a persistent contaminant in fishery water environments. In China, DZP is classified as a veterinary drug that must not be detected in animal-derived foods, yet it is frequently found in aquatic products, posing significant risks to ecological health and food safety. This review systematically summarizes the current pollution status of DZP in fishery water and its adverse effects on aquatic organisms, emphasizing its persistence in both water and aquatic products. The paper comprehensively examines advances in detection techniques, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), as well as treatment technologies such as adsorption, photolysis, chemical oxidation, and biodegradation. Critical gaps remain in the integration of these technologies for practical remediation. The review underscores the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and risk assessment of DZP contamination, alongside the development of more efficient and scalable treatment methods. By consolidating current knowledge, this work provides technical support for aquatic organism protection and fishery water management, and serves as a reference for future research and technological innovation in this field.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607007
Printing and dyeing sludge (PDS) fly ash is often classified as hazardous waste due to its high content and diversity of heavy metals (HMs). This study co-disposed PDS fly ash and heavy metal-contaminated soil to produce sintered ceramsites, investigating the effects of sintering conditions on physical properties and HM migration/transformation, and elucidating the immobilization mechanisms. The optimal sintering process was identified as preheating at 400 °C for 10 min, followed by sintering at 1150 °C for 10 min. The resulting ceramsites exhibited a 1-h water absorption of 2.7%, a bulk density of 830 kg/m³, HM volatilization rates below 15%, and a residual fraction (F4) proportion exceeding 86%. Characterization revealed that during sintering, HMs were encapsulated by the glassy phase and reacted with amorphous silica-alumina to form stable silico-aluminates, synergistically reducing HM mobility. However, sintering temperatures ≥1200 °C destabilized the ceramsite structure, causing secondary HM release. This research provides an efficient and simple route for the resource utilization of dyeing sludge fly ash and contaminated soil.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607008
Waste tire pyrolysis has emerged as a leading treatment technology due to its broad applicability, high resource recovery efficiency, and low environmental pollution. This study employs thermogravimetric analysis to investigate the influence of heating rate on pyrolysis characteristics and systematically analyzes reaction kinetics across three scales: overall reaction, weight-loss stages, and Fraser-Suzuki deconvolution. The Fraser-Suzuki function, with its asymmetric peak-fitting capability, outperforms conventional methods in describing the complex continuous reaction, achieving superior fit accuracy (R²=0.998). Deconvolution resolves the pyrolysis into four pseudo-components: additives, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and high-temperature residual reactants, with average activation energies of 118.21, 202.60, 231.98, and 251.97 kJ/mol, respectively. The study provides critical theoretical support for temperature-zone control and reactor design optimization in waste tire pyrolysis technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4010-4
Liver fibrosis, a critical pathological consequence of chronic liver injury, remains a therapeutic challenge due to its complex mechanisms and limited effectiveness of conventional treatments. Recent advancements in two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as graphene derivatives, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs), MXenes, and layered double hydroxides (LDHs), have created novel opportunities for antifibrotic therapy. These materials exhibit exceptional physicochemical properties, including ultrahigh surface area, tunable surface chemistry, biocompatibility, and photothermal/electrochemical functionalities, enabling multifaceted interventions in fibrosis progression. The core therapeutic strategies mainly involve modulating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, inhibiting excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. However, 2D nanomaterials still face great challenges, such as long-term biosafety, precise functionalization for tissue-specific targeting, and scalable synthetic methods. This review systematically summarizes the recent breakthroughs in anti-fibrosis strategies based on 2D nanomaterials, elucidates their potential mechanisms of action, and explores the prospects for clinical translation of these nanoplatforms. Serving as a nexus between materials science and hepatology, 2D nanomaterials offer revolutionary prospects for precision medicine applications in hepatic fibrosis management.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3916-3
Circularly polarized light (CPL) detection is critical to emerging technologies in optical communication, chiral sensing, and bio-inspired imaging. However, current devices rely on intrinsically chiral semiconductors that are synthetically complex and costly to scale. Here, we demonstrate robust CPL detection in achiral organic semiconductors by exploiting chiral plasmonic resonance (CPR). A self-assembled monolayer of L-phenylalanine–modified gold nanoparticles imparts optical chirality to adjacent semiconductors while enhancing photocurrent through plasmon-induced hot-carrier processes. The resulting hybrid devices exhibit nearly tenfold responsivity enhancement and a high dissymmetry factor of 0.35 at 515 nm. Mechanistic analysis reveals a field-driven, hot-carrier-assisted route to helicity sensitivity. This solution-processable approach merges plasmonic chirality with organic semiconductor versatility, providing a scalable platform for next-generation on-chip chiroptoelectronic and polarization-imaging technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3966-0
The development of low platinum-loading catalysts for the economically viable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) remains challenging. Herein, a precursor dilution strategy is used to fabricate Pt nanoclusters anchored on Ni-embedded porous carbon microspheres. The approach begins with the facile synthesis of Zn/Ni-based coordination polymers (Ni-BTC-Zn) due to the isomorphic substitution of Zn2+ and Ni2+. During pyrolysis, the evaporation of zinc species results in a highly porous carbon structure with well-dispersed nickel nanoparticles. Subsequent solvothermal treatment allows for the uniform deposition of Pt nanoclusters to form the final bimetallic PtNi catalysts (PtNi-BTC-C). Among them, the optimized PtNi-BTC-C10 exhibits exceptional alkaline HER performance, requiring an overpotential of only 41 mV to achieve 10 mA cm−2 and a low Tafel slope of 31.1 mV dec−1. It also demonstrates outstanding durability with a current retention of 90.7% after 70 h, far exceeding Pt/C. Extensive characterization confirms that moderate Zn dilution optimally modulates the Ni particle size and dispersion, leading to maximized active sites and enhanced charge transfer. Combined with DFT calculations, the Pt-Ni-cluster model for PtNi-BTC-C10 possesses an optimized electronic structure with a shifted d-band center, which facilitates water dissociation and optimizes H* desorption with the most favorable energetics (0.262 eV). This work provides a fundamental understanding of precursor dilution engineering and offers a versatile pathway for designing advanced noble-metal-based bimetallic electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4076-x
The transition from laboratory-scale to industrial hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production hinges on achieving ultra-high photocatalytic efficiency. Herein, we demonstrate a nitrogen-substitution engineering strategy for photocatalysts by replacing partial carbon atoms in benzene-1,3,5-triamine with nitrogen atoms, showing dual synergistic effects: (1) electronic structure modification upon electronegativity and dipole moment of the building blocks, creating built-in electric fields that promote charge separation and interfacial electron transfer; (2) enhancement in adsorption of reaction intermediates significantly boosting oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and water oxidation reaction (WOR) kinetics. This dual-modification system exhibits broadband light absorption extending to 700 nm (near-infrared), enabling outstanding performance under ambient conditions with a H2O2 production rate of 12099 μmol g−1 h−1 from water and O2 without any sacrificial agent, an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 19% at 500 nm, and a solar-to-chemical energy (SCC) efficiency of 1.38%. This work establishes atom-engineered nitrogen substitution as a general approach for designing high-performance photocatalysts, offering a viable pathway for large-scale H2O2 production with solar-driven chemical synthesis paradigm.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4107-x
Aqueous fiber zinc-iodine batteries (FZIBs) with four-electron redox exhibit inherent safety and high energy density for wearable electronics. Nevertheless, their practical implementations are hindered by unsatisfactory cycling stability and low realistic energy density, mainly caused by severe H2O-induced nucleophilic attack toward iodine species and poor zinc anode reversibility. Here, we report a quaternary ammonium-mediated coordination strategy to simultaneously address the irreversible cathode/anode redox behavior and thus promote the electrochemical performance of four-electron FZIBs. The cationic choline ion (Ch+) induces complexation with ICl2− via electrostatic interaction, homogenizing the electron cloud density and suppressing irreversible hydrolysis of I+ species, enabling a reversible near-theoretical high capacity of 418.3 mAh g−1. Meanwhile, preferentially adsorbed Ch+ on the zinc anode surface creates positively charged shielding layers, mitigating the tip effect caused by localized electric field and achieving robust zinc stripping/plating. The enhanced cathode/anode reversibility and improved interfacial stability enable stable FZIBs operation for over 20,000 cycles at 20.0 A g−1. Moreover, successful integration of FZIBs into electronic textiles with glucose and cardiac rhythm sensors demonstrates great potential for next-generation wearable electronics.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510042
Given China's escalating municipal solid waste (MSW) generation and the limitations of current classification schemes, this study proposes a novel waste classification model centered on mid-end intelligent sorting technology. The approach integrates targeted pretreatment with multimodal visual recognition and robotic grasping to efficiently sort complex household waste, while compact equipment innovations adapt to the low-value characteristics of recyclables. An engineering demonstration case shows that the technology can effectively recover low-value recyclables comprising 15%–30% of mixed MSW. If applied at 5% of a case city's waste transfer stations, approximately 5×10^4 t of recyclables could be sorted annually. Preliminary estimates indicate a 20% return on investment for operators at an 80 t·d−1 scale. The study demonstrates that mid-end intelligent sorting offers a technically feasible and economically sustainable solution to reduce fiscal expenditure on waste classification while improving efficiency.
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.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60655-X
Defect-induced nonradiative recombination critically restricts the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Lewis base additives show great promise in defect passivation, but current screening methods rely heavily on empirical trial and error and lack clear design principles, making it difficult to efficiently discover high-performance candidate materials. Here, we present a machine learning (ML) framework to intelligently screen Lewis base molecules for defect passivation. We trained six ensemble models on a dataset of 146 experimental data points, with Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) yielding the best classification performance (87% accuracy). Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) interpretability analysis subsequently identifies the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy (−7.5 to −6.3 eV), additive concentration (2.5 to 6.5 mg/mL), and simplified molecular backbones (O atom ≤ 2, C atom < 5) as critical design criteria. The ML prediction was experimentally validated: (S)-pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid ((S)-PCA) and 2-methyl-1,3-cyclopentanedione (MCPD) (Class Ⅱ) improved PCE by 2.22% and 2.01%, respectively, while 3-hydroxymethyl-3-methylbutanenitrile (3-HMBN) (Class Ⅰ) showed minimal gain. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirmed the stronger binding affinities and elevated defect formation energies of Class Ⅱ additives. Notably, the champion (S)-PCA device achieved a PCE of 24.05%. This work established an ML-accelerated paradigm for the rational design of defect passivators, bridging data science and photovoltaics.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60670-6
Direct conversion of syngas to higher alcohols (C2+ alcohols) is critical for coal-based resource utilization and energy security. Here, a series of Na-modified CoFe/Al2O3 catalysts were synthesized via incipient wetness impregnation and evaluated for syngas-to-alcohol reactions. Multiple characterizations (XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, H2-TPR, XPS, DRIFTS, in situ Raman, Mössbauer spectroscopy) elucidated synergistic effects of Na and Fe promoters. Na facilitated formation of Co-Fe alloy sites during reaction, while Fe modified electronic state of Co and promoted transformation of lattice oxygen to adsorbed oxygen, increasing surface oxygen vacancies. Synergistic interaction between alloy and carbide sites enhanced CO insertion into olefin intermediates, improving C2+ alcohol selectivity. Under 260 °C and 2 MPa, Co1Fe1Na1 catalyst (n(Co):n(Fe):n(Na)=1:1:1) achieved total alcohol selectivity of 45%, with C2+ alcohols comprising 94.1% of total alcohols. This study provides insights into rational design of Co-based catalysts for efficient syngas conversion to C2+ alcohols.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025042502
Rice husk biochar (BC) was modified with boron (B) and nitrogen (N) doping and loaded with Fe3S4 to fabricate B-BC@Fe3S4 and N-BC@Fe3S4 catalysts for peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation and enrofloxacin (ENR) degradation. Characterization via SEM, BET, XRD, Raman, and XPS confirmed successful heteroatom incorporation and uniform Fe3S4 dispersion, enhancing specific surface area and defect sites. Degradation experiments showed that B-BC@Fe3S4 and N-BC@Fe3S4 achieved ENR removal efficiencies of 90.72% and 91.89%, respectively, significantly outperforming unmodified BC@Fe3S4 (82.21%). Mechanistic studies revealed that PDS activation proceeded via Fe3S4-mediated electron transfer generating radical species (SO4•−, •OH, O2•−) and via B/N functional groups promoting non-radical singlet oxygen (1O2) formation. Notably, N-BC@Fe3S4 exhibited superior resistance to Fe3+ leaching and greater environmental adaptability under varying pH, anion, and humic acid conditions. These findings demonstrate that B/N-doped biochar-supported Fe3S4 are effective catalysts for PDS activation, offering promising potential for antibiotic removal from real wastewater matrices.
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.202608007
The Minjiang River Basin, subjected to combined pollution from domestic, agricultural, and industrial sources, has become a typical sensitive area for studying the environmental behavior of emerging contaminants such as antibiotics. This study conducted a cross-year comparative analysis of the composition and concentrations of antibiotics in water samples from nine sampling sites during the dry season in November 2022 and 2024. The findings revealed: 1) After the implementation of the "National Action Plan for Reducing Antimicrobial Use in Livestock", the detection concentrations of tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) decreased (e.g., doxycycline concentrations dropped from 7.75 ng/L to undetectable levels), and the mixed risk quotient (MRQ) across the entire basin transitioned from medium to low risk. However, lincomycin (up to 4.6 ng/L), clarithromycin (1.3 ng/L), and florfenicol (0.6 ng/L) have emerged, indicating an increasing hidden ecological risk from substitution. 2) High-concentration antibiotic zones transferred from urban residential areas in 2022 to intensive aquaculture zones and upstream reservoir areas in 2024. The reduction in dry-season water flow intensified pollutant accumulation, synergistically enhancing the effects of tidal drag. Additionally, the conversion of agricultural land to aquaculture ponds led to increased use of alternative drugs (e.g., sulfamethazine), while policy interventions mitigated the exacerbation of urban antibiotic pollution by construction land. This study elucidates the migration patterns of antibiotic pollution under the synergistic effects of policy regulation and natural processes, emphasizing the need to address hidden risks of substitute drugs and the driving role of land-use changes, providing scientific basis for watershed-scale risk assessment and precise management of emerging pollutants.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4100-9
Shape memory droplet manipulation platforms have attracted significant attention due to their programmable droplet control capabilities. Current research primarily focuses on superhydrophobic surfaces and slippery lubricant-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS); however, these approaches suffer from vulnerable surface micro/nanostructures and loss of lubricant oils. Here, we report a shape memory quasi-liquid polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brush surface that overcomes these limitations. The surface is fabricated by introducing a SiO2 layer as a 'bridge' on a shape memory epoxy substrate, providing abundant functional groups for grafting PDMS brushes. By precisely controlling the SiO2 layer thickness and grafting conditions, the surface exhibits good shape memory properties and low adhesion to diverse liquids with varying surface tensions. Reversible anisotropic/isotropic droplet sliding control for both water and organic droplets is demonstrated through dynamic introduction/removal of groove structures, proving excellent droplet manipulation based on the combination of shape memory and low adhesion of PDMS brushes. Furthermore, the material can be applied as a functional coating on diverse substrates to impart anti-fouling and self-cleaning properties. This work introduces a nanoscale SiO2 layer as a 'bridge', offering a strategy to graft PDMS brushes onto polymer surfaces. Given the advantages of quasi-liquid PDMS brushes and programmable controllability of shape memory polymers, this work provides fresh ideas for developing droplet manipulation platforms.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3998-8
Constitutional isomerism in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) has emerged as a powerful strategy to tailor material properties for photocatalytic applications. Here, we report the design and synthesis of two isomeric multicomponent COFs (MC-COFs) via Schiff-base condensation followed by Povarov reaction, converting imine linkages into quinoline structures. These isomeric MC-COFs exhibit opposing C=N bond orientations and distinct phenyl group alignments within the COF pores, leading to different torsion angles in the COF layers. Structural analyses reveal that enhanced planarity promotes π-π stacking and electron delocalization, resulting in favorable band structures and reduced exciton binding energies. Consequently, the optimized COF achieves a superior hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production rate of 3128 μmol g−1 h−1 under visible light irradiation. This work underscores the critical influence of structural isomerism on the photocatalytic efficiency of MC-COFs and provides insights for rational design of high-performance COF-based photocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4030-y
In the era of artificial intelligence, efficient perception and processing of massive visual information demand advanced machine vision systems. Inspired by human visual adaptation, various optoelectronic devices have been developed, yet most rely on external gate voltages or complex circuits for dynamic sensitivity modulation. This work demonstrates an all-optically controlled biomimetic sensor based on a one-dimensional ZnO/MAPbBr3 heterojunction, achieving both positive and negative photoconductivity effects. By modulating oxygen vacancy states with ultraviolet light, the competition between intrinsic photoconduction and trap-mediated carrier capture is regulated, enabling dynamic control of visible-light photoresponse within a single device. This tunable behavior mimics scotopic adaptation (photopigment regeneration under weak illumination), photopic adaptation (photopigment bleaching in bright environments), and eyelid-like self-protection against intense light. The device operates without external gate bias or cascaded circuits, offering a promising strategy for next-generation intelligent biomimetic sensors in machine vision.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60692-5
Long persistent luminescence materials (LPLMs) have demonstrated significant potential in photo- and electro-catalysis due to their unique capability of storing and controllably releasing photogenerated charge carriers. These materials offer innovative solutions for environmental remediation and sustainable energy technologies. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the application of LPLs in photo- and electro-catalysis, outlining their developmental history and underlying mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on their applications in organic pollutant degradation, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, and photovoltaic cells. Furthermore, design strategies and research frameworks for LPLs are discussed. The current limitations and challenges in this field are examined, and future research directions are proposed to facilitate the transition of LPLMs from fundamental research to practical applications in energy and the environment. Key materials such as SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ exhibit afterglow lasting up to 30 hours, enabling round-the-clock catalytic activity. Composite systems like g-C3N4@Au@SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ and Cu|CuO/SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ have achieved efficient degradation and simultaneous hydrogen evolution. Z-scheme heterojunctions, e.g., Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+/Ag3PO4, demonstrate enhanced performance. The review highlights the potential of LPLMs to overcome the limitation of intermittent light sources, providing a pathway for continuous catalytic processes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3955-0
Nickel-rich layered cathodes (Ni≥80%) offer high discharge capacity for lithium-ion batteries but face sustainability and structural stability challenges. This study presents a radially multiphase integrated low-nickel (Ni<60%) cathode material, Li(Li0.05Ni0.57Mn0.31Co0.07)O2 (LNC), which achieves high capacity and long-term cycling stability by leveraging highly reversible anionic redox chemistry. The cathode comprises three distinct radial phases: an outermost epitaxial rock-salt phase with lithium-percolation channels, an intermediate lithium-rich manganese-rich phase with delocalized superlattice ordering, and an inner nickel-rich layered phase. The rock-salt phase suppresses interfacial side reactions and structural degradation, while the superlattice enhances lattice oxygen redox reversibility, as evidenced by resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (mRIXS) showing persistent spectral features at 4.5 V even after 100 cycles. The inner nickel-rich phase provides high discharge capacity via nickel-ion redox. This synergistic integration minimizes lattice variations and nickel oxidation state changes during cycling, as demonstrated by in-situ high-energy X-ray diffraction. Compared to commercial N60, N70, N80, and N90 cathodes, LNC delivers superior discharge capacity, cycling stability, and rate performance while reducing nickel dependence, offering a sustainable pathway for high-energy-density batteries.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60681-0
The escalation of global warming and climate change necessitates the development of clean energy carriers. Hydrogen, with a high combustion value of 120 MJ/kg and net-zero carbon emissions, is a promising alternative. Catalytic methane pyrolysis offers a route to produce high-purity hydrogen and functional carbon materials simultaneously. However, challenges persist in catalyst deactivation due to carbon deposition and the efficient separation and valorization of carbon byproducts. This review systematically examines recent progress in solid and molten-medium catalysts for methane pyrolysis. It highlights strategies to enhance catalyst stability, including precise control of active sites, alloying, support optimization, and tuning the carbon-catalyst interface. The introduction of molten media catalytic systems, which feature dynamically refreshed gas-liquid interfaces, can fundamentally mitigate deactivation and facilitate continuous carbon separation. The paper discusses reaction mechanisms, catalytic performance, and control of carbon morphology, along with strategies for efficient separation and purification of carbon products in molten media. High-value applications of the produced carbon materials are also explored. The review underscores the potential of methane pyrolysis as a low-carbon technology for hydrogen production, while identifying key research directions for industrial scalability.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4074-6
Achieving carbon neutralization relies heavily on green hydrogen and electrochemical carbon-nitrogen cycles. However, the complexity of these systems and the cost of traditional Edisonian trial-and-error methods hinder rapid progress. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool, enabling high-throughput data processing and dynamic adaptation. This review surveys the landscape of AI-driven electrochemistry, bridging the gap from atomic-scale design to industrial-scale implementation. Specifically, we focus on three areas: atomic structure-function decoding, fully automated “self-driving” laboratories, and macro-scale simulations for device durability. Furthermore, we elucidate the critical challenges in integrating AI with materials science. By mapping current trends and future directions, this work aims to unlock the full transformative potential of AI in next-generation energy storage and conversion.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4067-4
Confined growth of metal halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) in porous matrices yields improved stability and sensitivity for their implementation in luminescent chemical sensing applications. Here, we realized the synthesis of highly stable (water, photo, and thermal) and luminescent CsPbX3 QDs within nanoporous glass (NG). This is achieved by a nano-confined aqueous synthesis of CsPbBr3 QDs in Pb-anchored NG. Benefiting from strong Pb–O–Si chemical bonding between the perovskite QDs and the NG matrix, the stability of the encapsulated perovskite QDs is significantly enhanced. The emission of the perovskite NG can be tuned from 440 to 760 nm. By integrating green- and red-emitting perovskite NG onto a blue LED chip, stable WLEDs were successfully fabricated. This facile approach enables the integration of ultra-stable perovskite QDs within transparent porous monoliths toward diverse luminescent chemical sensing applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4274-x
The escalating power density of electronic devices necessitates effective visible-light shielding in advanced packaging to ensure circuit security and long-term reliability. Photosensitive polyimides (PSPI) serve dual roles as photodefinable dielectrics and structural layers, but intrinsically black PSPI (B-PSPI) suffer from competitive ultraviolet (UV) absorption between chromophores and photosensitive moieties, limiting co-optimization of deep visible-light blocking and lithographic resolution. Here, we report a main-/side-chain spatial decoupling strategy to synthesize a novel B-PSPI. By polymerizing pyromellitic dianhydride with a main-chain coloring monomer (4,4'-diaminodiphenylamine) and a side-chain photosensitive monomer (1,4-dihydropyridine-functionalized diamine), the monomer stoichiometric ratio is precisely engineered. This design spatially isolates functional groups and enhances charge transfer, yielding exceptional visible-light shielding (CIE L* index of 21.39, cut-off wavelength ≈ 555 nm) with good lithographic sensitivity. UV exposure triggers in situ generation of coordination sites from photosensitive groups, anchoring active metal species for electroless copper plating. This enables direct additive fabrication of fine copper lines (40/80 μm line width/spacing) with robust Cu/B-PSPI interfacial adhesion of 16.6 MPa. This work provides a robust molecular design paradigm for B-PSPI, integrating superior optical shielding and surface metallization for high-density interconnect applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4093-8
Cyclohexanone oxime (CHO) is a pivotal feedstock for nylon-6 production, yet conventional synthesis routes suffer from high explosion risks, harsh conditions, and costly catalysts. Here, we report an electrocatalytic approach for CHO synthesis via reductive coupling of cyclohexanone (CYC) with nitrite over commercially available Bi2O3. A two-stage pulsed electrolysis protocol is employed: the first stage prepares amorphous Bi2O3, while the second stage produces CHO with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 74.63% and a yield rate of 0.156 mmol h−1 cm−2. Mechanistic studies, combining experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, reveal that on amorphous Bi2O3, the *NOH intermediate preferentially undergoes hydrogenation to *NHOH and then *NH2OH, rather than the *NOH→*N pathway leading to NH3. This selectivity is attributed to the higher integral crystal orbital Hamilton population (ICOHP) for the N–O bond in *NOH on amorphous Bi2O3 (1.34 vs. 0.84 on amorphous Bi), indicating a weakened N–O bond that facilitates hydrodeoxygenation. Transition state calculations show a kinetic barrier of 0.86 eV for *NH2OH→*NH2, while desorption of *NH2OH to NH2OH is barrierless, favoring NH2OH release. This work provides a sustainable, efficient alternative to conventional CHO production, addressing safety and cost concerns while achieving high selectivity.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4132-y
Manganese-iron-based mixed polyanionic cathodes are promising for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to high energy density and operating voltage, but suffer from Jahn-Teller distortion of Mn3+ that degrades cycling stability. Here, a structural modulation strategy via Mg2+ doping is reported. Electrochemically inert Mg2+ forms stronger chemical bonds, adjusts lattice parameters, and suppresses Jahn-Teller distortion, enhancing structural stability. Mg2+ also widens sodium-ion diffusion channels, improving diffusion kinetics. Additionally, an in-situ three-dimensional carbon nanotube (CNT) conductive network boosts electronic conductivity. The resulting NFMPP-Mg@CNTs cathode delivers a discharge capacity of 126 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C (near theoretical 129 mAh g−1), retains 80% capacity after 3000 cycles at 0.5 C, and achieves an energy density of 401 Wh kg−1, among the highest reported for mixed phosphate systems. Ex-situ XPS and first-principles calculations confirm that Mg2+ resists geometric distortion by enhancing lattice stability and widening Na+ diffusion pathways (migration barrier reduced from 0.566 to 0.398 eV). This work provides a viable route for high-energy, long-life SIB cathodes suitable for large-scale energy storage.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4150-2
Bacterial infection and irregular wound morphology are major challenges in clinical wound management. Injectable hydrogels can conform to irregular wound geometries but often lack antimicrobial activity. Here, we report an injectable hydrogel (HPAu gel) formed by sequentially mixing phenylboronic acid-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-PBA) and chloroauric acid under alkaline conditions. The gel's internal multiple crosslinks enable uniform encapsulation of in situ-generated gold nanoparticles. Hydrogen bonds and phenylboronic acid ester bonds confer self-healing, injectability, and adhesion, allowing effective sealing of irregular cavities. In vitro, the hydrogel exhibits long-lasting photothermal stability and eliminates multiple bacterial strains. In a mouse dorsal full-thickness infected wound model, HPAu gel under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation eradicated Staphylococcus aureus, reduced inflammation (TNF-α fluorescence area significantly lower; IL-10 area 12.88‰ vs <2‰ in Blank), promoted vascular regeneration (CD31 and α-SMA expression increased), and accelerated wound healing. This work presents a promising strategy for treating irregular infected wounds.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4088-y
Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is a strong, thermally stable covalent ceramic typically regarded as brittle with limited deformability. Recent experimental and density functional theory (DFT) studies indicate that the α/β interface undergoes a β→α transformation via sliding followed by bond-switching, suggesting a pathway to achieve plasticity, but DFT's spatiotemporal reach prevents a full mechanistic picture. Here, we develop a physics-informed high-accuracy neural network interatomic potential (NNAP) model with DFT-level accuracy for phase transformations and use it to perform large-scale atomistic simulations. NNAP-guided simulations show that structural relaxation during relative sliding between α- and β-phases at the interface triggers pronounced atomic-layer rearrangements and lowers the energy barrier by nearly 60%. We further find that the ensuing phase transformation does not proceed by isolated layer-by-layer switching but instead follows in-plane nucleation and growth mediated by a bilayer cooperative mechanism, which further reduces kinetic barriers and facilitates the transformation. CI-NEB calculations reveal that the bilayer cooperative pathway has an energy barrier of 0.018 eV/Ų, lower than the independent layer-by-layer manner (0.020 eV/Ų), indicating enhanced kinetic accessibility. These results provide new atomistic insights into interface-driven phase transformations in dual-phase Si3N4 and offer guidance for designing more deformable covalent ceramics.