SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4267-y
The synthesis of two-dimensional MBenes from MAB-phase ceramics is impeded by uncontrolled etching kinetics that compromise structural integrity and yield. This study introduces a vacuum molten salt strategy to regulate space-charge accumulation during the selective removal of Al from Mo2AlB2, producing honeycomb-like architectures. The vacuum environment suppresses oxidative side reactions and modulates ionic transport, enabling precise control over etching depth and morphology. The resulting Mo2AlB2 exhibits exceptional electromagnetic wave absorption, with a minimum reflection loss of -56.3 dB at 2.4 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.8 GHz. These metrics surpass conventional etching-derived MBenes by a factor of 2.5 in attenuation capacity. The space-charge-regulated mechanism is elucidated through in situ spectroscopic and computational analyses, revealing that vacancy-induced charge redistribution governs the etching front propagation. This work establishes a scalable route for high-purity MBenes with tailored porosity, addressing critical bottlenecks in energy absorption and catalytic applications. The vacuum molten salt approach eliminates the need for hazardous HF, offering a safer and more environmentally benign pathway for industrial translation.
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/s40843-025-3974-1
MAB-phase-derived compounds exhibit promising electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption properties due to their unique layered structure and desirable physicochemical characteristics. Among them, Cr2AlB2 is particularly attractive owing to its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. However, conventional synthesis of Cr2AlB2 requires inert gas protection to prevent oxidation, significantly increasing production costs and limiting its application in EMW absorption. To overcome this bottleneck, we report the successful synthesis of high-purity Cr2AlB2 in ambient air using the molten salt shielded synthesis (MS3) method. This approach not only isolates the material from oxygen interference but also reduces the synthesis temperature, offering a cost-effective and scalable route. The as-synthesized Cr2AlB2 exhibits outstanding EMW absorption performance: a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -42.10 dB at 12.6 GHz and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EABmax) of 3.44 GHz at a thickness of 1.9 mm. This work not only facilitates the large-scale production of Cr2AlB2 but also provides critical insights into its practical application as a high-performance EMW absorber.