SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4480-1
Ternary organic solar cells (OSCs) incorporating a structurally compatible guest acceptor (C7-Cl) into the PM6:BTP-eC9 host system are demonstrated. The low Flory-Huggins interaction parameter between host and guest acceptors facilitates intimate mixing, optimizing molecular packing and energy-level alignment. High-sensitivity sEQE and EQEEL analyses reveal a reduced non-radiative energy loss (KE3) of 0.216 eV in the ternary device. Consequently, the optimized ternary OSC achieves a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.02% and an improved T80 operational lifetime of 1065 h. This work establishes a feasible strategy via structurally compatible guest doping to simultaneously optimize vertical phase separation and suppress non-radiative loss, providing a facile and effective route toward high-performance and stable OSCs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4283-0
Smart windows are critical for building energy conservation, yet existing technologies cannot simultaneously satisfy the diverse requirements of light transmission, thermal insulation, and privacy protection across varying scenarios, such as daytime transparency and nighttime heat retention with opacity. Herein, we report a thermo- and electro-responsive ionogel fabricated via one-step photopolymerization, integrating the electrochromic viologen derivative (Pa-PhV)(TFSI)2 with a thermoresponsive matrix. The (Pa-PhV)(TFSI)2 delivers excellent electrochromic performance, featuring dual-band light modulation, a high coloration efficiency of 433.6 cm2 C-1, and a fast coloration time of 2.52 s. The ionogel exhibits three stable switchable states under thermal and electrical regulation, fulfilling core practical demands for full-spectrum photothermal management. Model house tests verify its excellent seasonal adaptability, with a maximum indoor temperature reduction of up to 15 °C in a simulated summer environment. Furthermore, the ionogel enables dual-encrypted data storage via UCST and voltage triggering. This work broadens the application scope of viologen derivatives and offers a competitive strategy for multifunctional smart windows and encrypted data storage.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4258-0
High-entropy noble-metal-based catalysts (HENCs) have emerged as a frontier in electrocatalysis, leveraging the synergistic effects of high-entropy alloys and noble metals to achieve exceptional atomic utilization, tunable electronic structures, and vast compositional space. Their anisotropic architectures confer superior dissolution resistance, rapid electron/mass transfer, and abundant active sites. This review systematically categorizes advanced structural regulations—grain boundary engineering, single-atom alloys, intermetallic compounds, amorphous structures, and core@shell configurations—and evaluates their impact on electrocatalytic performance. By modulating surface electronic states and lattice strain, these strategies optimize reaction kinetics and durability. Notable applications include oxygen reduction (ORR), oxygen evolution (OER), hydrogen evolution (HER), and CO2 reduction (CO2RR). Despite progress, challenges persist in scalable synthesis, mechanistic understanding, and long-term stability. This review underscores the potential of HENCs to bridge laboratory innovation and industrial deployment, providing a roadmap for future catalyst design.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3520-1
Solution-processed metal halide perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have advanced rapidly due to high color purity, tunable emission, and low cost, with external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) surpassing 30%. However, high EQEs are typically achieved at low brightness, suffering severe efficiency roll-off at high current densities due to Auger recombination and Joule heating. Three-dimensional (3D) perovskites offer superior charge transport but suffer from low photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) and efficiency roll-off. The fundamental roll-off mechanism remains poorly understood. Recently, Yao and co-workers developed a molecule-in-lattice-enabled intragrain heterostructure in 3D perovskite to promote carrier confinement. Using device-level ultrafast spectroscopy, they identified hole leakage as the origin of efficiency roll-off in pure-red CsPbI3−xBrx PeLEDs. A strong bonding small molecule with multiple anchor groups was introduced to penetrate the lead halide octahedron framework, constructing wide bandgap barriers inside perovskite grains, reducing hole leakage without compromising carrier transport. This approach enabled ultrabright, highly efficient, and stable pure-red PeLEDs with extremely low efficiency roll-off. The work provides a new strategy for achieving high brightness and efficiency simultaneously, advancing PeLED technology toward practical applications in displays and lighting.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61075-X
The proliferation of electronic devices has intensified electromagnetic radiation pollution, necessitating advanced microwave absorption materials. This study presents the electrospinning fabrication of FeNiCo/carbon nanofiber (FeNiCo/CNF) composites with exceptional microwave absorption properties. The FeNiCo/CNFs achieved a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −55.5 dB at 14.24 GHz with an ultrathin matching thickness of only 1.6 mm. Microstructural analysis and electromagnetic parameter testing revealed that the superior absorption stems from the synergistic interaction between the carbon nanofiber network and FeNiCo alloy nanoparticles, which promotes multiple reflections and efficient energy dissipation. The precise control of coercivity and permeability via systematic modulation of magnetic metal composition enabled enhanced impedance matching and optimized magnetic-dielectric synergy. Furthermore, radar cross-section (RCS) simulations confirmed the material's capability to significantly reduce RCS values across a wide angular range, validating its potential for stealth technology applications. This work introduces a cost-effective and sustainable approach for developing ultralight, high-performance microwave absorbers, addressing the limitations of conventional materials such as high density and poor stability.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3684-4
The efficient conversion of dinitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3) under mild conditions remains a critical challenge for sustainable nitrogen fixation. This study reports a rationally designed ternary heterojunction, GO/MXene/UiO-66 (GM/UiO-66), which achieves directed charge transfer for enhanced photocatalytic nitrogen fixation. The internal electric field at the heterointerface drives anisotropic migration of photogenerated charges, leading to rapid separation of electron–hole pairs and suppression of interfacial recombination. The intrinsic defect structure of graphene oxide (GO) provides active sites for N2 adsorption and activation, while π–π interactions between GO and UiO-66 accelerate electron transfer. Additionally, the Schottky junction between UiO-66 and MXene facilitates hole (h+) transfer. The incorporation of GO and MXene extends visible-light absorption of UiO-66. Under simulated solar illumination, GM/UiO-66 exhibits an NH3 generation rate of 25.1 μmol g−1 h−1, which is 1.9 times higher than that of pristine UiO-66 (13.5 μmol g−1 h−1). This work presents a novel strategy for designing ternary heterojunction composites that optimize charge transfer and significantly improve photocatalytic performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3663-6
Escalating global climate change has precipitated a dramatic surge in building cooling/heating energy demands, critically undermining urban sustainability. Although dynamic thermal management technologies show potential for reducing architectural carbon footprints, prevailing active regulation systems remain constrained by energy-intensive mode-switching mechanisms and unsustainable operational costs. Here, we develop a zebra-inspired radiative modulator (ZIRM) that achieves climate-customized building thermal management through spatially partitioned integration of radiative cooling (RC) and heating (RH) functional units. The material breakthrough resides in a hybrid thin-film architecture combining a cellulose acetate/Zeolitic imidazolate framework-L (ZIF-L) porous membrane (solar reflectance ~95%, thermal emissivity ~0.88) with an MXene/ZIF-67 derived carbon-based absorption layer (solar absorption ~93%, thermal emissivity ~0.37), resolving the opto-thermal coupling limitations inherent to conventional materials. Experimental verification demonstrates that programmable regulation of the RC/RH area ratio enables broad-range temperature differential control from −4.3 to 12.1 °C during daytime operation. Building energy simulations reveal ZIRM’s annual energy consumption of 1.45×10^10 GJ, corresponding to 9.9% and 2.7% reductions compared to pure RC and RH systems, respectively. The established “configuration-environment-performance” predictive model pioneers a paradigm-shifting solution for carbon-neutral architecture, synergizing material innovation with climate-customized engineering strategies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3686-6
Fused silica (SiO2) exhibits exceptional thermal stability and dielectric properties, making it an attractive material for aerospace and military applications. However, its relatively poor mechanical performance has limited its widespread practical utilization. This study proposed an innovative approach to fabricate SiO2-hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) composite ceramics via spark plasma sintering (SPS), leveraging the high-temperature phase transformation of cubic boron nitride (cBN) to introduce randomly oriented hBN as a reinforcing phase within the SiO2 matrix. The randomly oriented hBN nanoplates allow cracks to propagate along stronger grain boundaries, rather than along weaker interlayers of hBN, significantly improving the overall strength and fracture toughness of the composite. The maximum flexural strength and fracture toughness achieved are 183.4 MPa and 2.06 MPa m1/2 respectively, which are 3.6 times and 4 times that of fused SiO2. Concurrently, the composites exhibit low dielectric constants (ε = 3.58–3.69) and dielectric losses (tan δ < 0.0087) at 1 MHz. This work successfully enhanced the mechanical performance of fused SiO2 while preserving its excellent dielectric characteristics, opening new possibilities for its potential applications in advanced structural and functional fields.
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.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507029
This study systematically evaluates the environmental risks associated with the resource utilization of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash in the production of aerated concrete, co-prepared with multiple solid wastes. The focus is on the leaching behavior and total content of heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn) under CO2 curing and chelating agent stabilization. Water washing pretreatment parameters (liquid-to-solid ratio, washing time, ash-to-slag ratio) were optimized for chloride removal. Results demonstrate that CO2 curing suppresses the leaching of most metals; leaching concentrations of Cr, Pb, Cd, and Zn decrease with reduced fly ash content, whereas Cu leaching increases when fly ash is absent. The addition of 17.5% organic sulfur stabilizer (DTC) significantly outperforms inorganic sulfide (Na2S) in immobilizing heavy metals, achieving compliance with national standards without compromising compressive strength or carbon sequestration. Water washing effectively reduces soluble chloride content to below 1% (mass fraction), meeting the HJ 1134-2020 regulatory limit. Optimal parameters include a liquid-to-solid ratio of 5, washing time of 20 min, and a raw material ratio of incineration bottom slag:fly ash:slag = 40:20:40. Under these conditions, the final product exhibits a compressive strength of 1.50 MPa, with heavy metals and soluble chlorides fully compliant. This work provides key technical support for the safe recycling of MSWI fly ash in building materials.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112104
Carboxyl-modified polystyrene microplastics (PS-COOH) are negatively charged particles formed by surface oxidation and functional group modification of polystyrene microplastics (PS), widely used in biomedical and analytical chemistry. However, studies on their neurotoxic effects on aquatic organisms are scarce. This study employed zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism, exposing embryos to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, 100 μg·L−1) of PS and PS-COOH. Neurotoxic effects were assessed by measuring tail coiling frequency at 24 hpf and swimming velocity under alternating light/dark cycles at 120 hpf. Results demonstrated that both PS and PS-COOH induced neurotoxicity, with PS-COOH significantly reducing tail coiling frequency and average swimming speed compared to PS (P<0.05). Exposure to 10 μg·L−1 PS-COOH disrupted neurotransmitter homeostasis, altering levels of acetylcholine (ACh), serotonin (5-HT), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Transgenic zebrafish Tg(huc:EGFP) fluorescence assays revealed that PS-COOH (0.1–100 μg·L−1) caused damage to central neurons. These findings indicate that PS-COOH exposure impairs cholinergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic neurotransmission, induces neuronal damage, and exerts neurotoxic effects on zebrafish larvae. This study provides a theoretical basis for assessing the ecological and health risks of modified microplastics.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112102
Based on the 2022 activity data of non-road mobile sources in Hebei Province, this study employed the emission factor method recommended by the Guidelines to estimate emissions of CO, HC, NOx, PM2.5, PM10, and SO2. A comprehensive emission inventory was established, followed by spatial and uncertainty analyses. Scenario analysis, aligned with the 14th Five-Year Plan policies, was used to project emissions for 2030. The results indicate that non-road mobile sources in Hebei emitted 76.1×10^3 t of CO, 20.6×10^3 t of HC, 164.0×10^3 t of NOx, 8.5×10^3 t of PM2.5, 9.0×10^3 t of PM10, and 2.4×10^3 t of SO2. Agricultural machinery was the dominant contributor to CO, HC, PM2.5, and PM10, accounting for over 60.0% of CO emissions. Railway locomotives were the primary source of NOx, contributing 50.9%. For SO2, agricultural machinery and railway locomotives contributed 39.0% and 44.4%, respectively. The highest emitting cities were Tangshan (21.3%), Shijiazhuang (15.7%), Cangzhou (11.6%), and Handan (11.6%). Ship emissions were concentrated in Tangshan Port; civil aviation emissions were mainly in Shijiazhuang, Tangshan, Qinhuangdao, and Handan; railway emissions were distributed in Shijiazhuang, Baoding, and Handan. Under the updated emission standard scenario, NOx and PM10 emissions in 2030 could be reduced by approximately 35.0%. The phase-out of old machinery yielded the largest reduction in CO (36.0%), while both electrification and phase-out scenarios significantly impacted HC emissions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3449-5
The escalating demand for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in portable electronics and electric vehicles has driven extensive research into advanced electrolytes. Ionic liquids (ILs) and their derived electrolytes, including poly(ionic liquids), ionogels, and IL-functionalized systems, offer significant potential for enhancing the safety and electrochemical performance of LIBs due to their unique properties such as non-volatility, wide electrochemical windows, and excellent thermal stability. These properties enable safer, high-energy, and long-lasting batteries. This review conducts a thorough analysis of the physicochemical properties of ILs and their versatile applications in electrolytes, particularly emphasizing their adaptability to fulfill the specific needs of different battery systems. In liquid electrolyte systems, ILs can function as solvents, interfacial modifiers, and critical components for constructing artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). In (quasi-)solid-state electrolyte systems, ILs can be polymerized to form poly(ionic liquid)s or integrated with organic, inorganic, or composite materials to develop IL-based electrolytes, demonstrating multifunctional electrochemical performance. Finally, the review critically examines the challenges and opportunities in this field, offering insightful perspectives for future advancements.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025101901
Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) regulated under the Stockholm Convention. Chlorinated chemical production processes are major sources of unintentional HCBD emissions, posing potential threats to ecosystems and human health. This study systematically reviews the formation, emission, and environmental impact of HCBD from such processes. HCBD is widely generated as a by-product during chlorination stages of producing carbon tetrachloride, dichloroacetylene, tri-/tetrachloroethylene, and chlorobenzene, via free-radical mechanisms. It is released through waste gas, wastewater, and solid waste. In the environment, HCBD exhibits multimedia distribution, undergoing long-range atmospheric transport and adsorbing onto soil and sediments, thereby becoming secondary pollution sources. HCBD shows significant bioaccumulation and food-chain magnification; it is toxic to aquatic organisms and causes hepatic and renal damage with potential carcinogenicity in mammals. Effective pollution control requires combined process improvements and end-of-pipe treatments, supplemented by stringent emission standards and life-cycle management. Future research should focus on developing precise emission inventories, elucidating multi-media transport and transformation mechanisms, and assessing composite ecotoxicological effects, thereby providing scientific support for implementing international conventions and formulating effective prevention strategies.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60622-0
Photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from sustainable biomass-derived carbon catalysts offers a renewable route to valuable chemicals, yet the regulatory role of surface functional groups on reaction kinetics remains underexplored. Here, hydrothermal carbon spheres (CS) rich in oxygen-containing functional groups demonstrated a remarkably high H2O2 production rate of 653 μmol/(g·h) in both pure water and actual seawater, without any sacrificial agent. The catalyst also exhibited outstanding activity in visible-light-driven photocatalytic oxidation of benzylamine to imines, achieving 92% conversion and >99% selectivity. Comprehensive analysis revealed that CS was rich in surface oxygen-containing functional groups, a feature strongly associated with its high photocatalytic efficiency. The observed positive Zeta potential of CS in seawater likely diminished electrostatic repulsion against positively charged intermediates, facilitating their accumulation at the liquid-solid interface. This work proposes a strategic framework for developing metal-free photocatalysts from biomass, offering a sustainable pathway for photocatalytic applications.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025011503
This study investigated odor emissions from a large-scale ink manufacturing enterprise through comprehensive analyses of odor concentration, substance concentration, and characteristic odor compounds across all exhaust stacks. The aim was to assess odor dispersion patterns and identify critical odor-generating processes to inform strategic upgrades of air pollution control systems. The results showed that acrolein, hydrogen sulfide, isobutyraldehyde, m-xylene, p-xylene, and ethanol were screened as typical odor substances, with acrolein being ubiquitously present across all emission processes. The odor dispersion radius extended 1.4–2.6 km beyond the facility boundary. Vertical odor impact at a sensitive point 1 km from the plant boundary revealed a parabolic profile: concentrations initially increased with height, peaked at 30 m (equivalent to a 10-story building), then decreased at higher heights. The exhaust stack of the sewage treatment station accounted for 53.26% of total odor emissions, establishing this system as the priority control node for implementing enhanced air purification technologies in industrial air quality management.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3717-6
Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based all-solid-state polymer electrolytes (SPEs) hold significant promise for high-specific-energy and high-safety Li batteries, yet suffer from poor mechanical robustness and low Li+-conducting efficiency. Aramid nanofibers (ANFs), with exceptional mechanical strength and abundant intramolecular/intermolecular interactions, are effective additives, but their strictly symmetric interchain interactions generate a highly ordered hydrogen-bond network, producing inert aggregates that compromise electrolyte stability. Here, we construct a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-mediated asymmetric interaction between ANF chains. PEG chains introduce weaker H-bonding acceptor sites, higher steric hindrance, and abundant lithiophilic groups, simultaneously disrupting strong symmetric ANF-ANF interactions and creating rapid Li-ion channels. The resulting electrolyte maintains excellent mechanical properties (yield stress of 3.25 MPa) and enables stable cycling of Li||Li symmetric cells for over 1600 h with low polarization voltage. In LCO||Li cells, the electrolyte achieves a capacity retention of 82.7% after 300 cycles at 1 C, markedly higher than the unmodified counterpart (35.5%). This synergistic optimization of interfacial compatibility and mechanical performance demonstrates a practical route toward safe, high-energy-density all-solid-state polymer batteries.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511034
Ionizing radiation (IR) is an emerging advanced oxidation process for degrading recalcitrant organic pollutants in water, but its efficiency is often hampered by matrix effects from coexisting substances in real wastewater. This study coupled three pretreatments—coagulation sedimentation, adsorption, and biological oxidation—with electron beam IR to treat a model cephalosporin wastewater containing cefotaxime sodium (CTX) and typical coexisting components. The results showed that all coupled systems significantly improved treatment performance compared to direct IR: COD removal increased by 19%–42% and CTX removal by 8.4%–19%. Under the tested conditions, the optimal coagulant was polymeric ferric sulfate (PFS), the optimal adsorbent was activated carbon, and the optimal aeration time for biological oxidation was 6 h. All three pretreatments reduced matrix effects, with adsorption, biological oxidation, and coagulation sedimentation lowering the matrix effect by 17%, 11%, and 9%, respectively. Quantum chemical calculations and LC-MS analysis predicted radical reaction sites on CTX and revealed five possible degradation pathways. The study demonstrates that pretreatment-IR coupling is an effective strategy to mitigate matrix effects and enhance the targeted degradation of antibiotics in complex wastewater matrices.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2026.JFCT.0001
The escalating global demand for carbon reduction has positioned chemical absorption using alkanolamine solvents as the predominant post-combustion CO2 capture technology, owing to its high absorption efficiency and process maturity. However, the regeneration of CO2-rich solvents is energy-intensive, with the desorption step accounting for 40.0%–60.0% of total energy consumption. Traditional amine-based methods suffer from high energy penalties, solvent degradation, and equipment corrosion, limiting scalability. Catalytic CO2 desorption, employing solid acid catalysts (SACs), has emerged to address these challenges by lowering the activation energy for CO2 release, enhancing reaction kinetics, and enabling efficient regeneration at lower temperatures (110–130 °C reduced). This review systematically examines research from the past five years on key catalyst materials, focusing on structure-activity relationships, synergistic mechanisms of Lewis acid, Brønsted acid, and basic sites, and their influence on desorption pathways. It highlights that SACs not only improve desorption dynamics but also facilitate catalyst recovery, avoiding adverse effects on absorption. The paper analyzes current scientific and technological challenges, including catalyst stability, selectivity, and scale-up, and provides an outlook on industrial application in low-cost carbon capture. Key findings indicate that catalysts such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), heteropolyacids, and waste-derived materials can reduce regeneration energy by up to 30%–40% while maintaining high desorption efficiency. The review underscores the potential of catalytic regeneration to significantly lower operational costs and enhance the viability of amine-based CO2 capture in industrial settings.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025030501
Coastal areas serve as critical ecological interfaces for the migration of terrestrial microplastics (MPs) into the ocean, and characterizing their pollution is essential for integrated coastal management. This study investigated the occurrence, sources, and ecological risks of MPs in surface waters of nearshore areas and river estuaries around Hainan Island, a typical tropical tourist island. MPs abundance ranged from 316.67 to 1300 n·m−3 in seawater and from 400 to 5416.67 n·m−3 in river water. In seawater, the dominant polymer was polyethylene terephthalate, with fibers being the predominant shape, size class 500–1000 μm, and white/transparent color. In river water, polypropylene-ethylene copolymer dominated, also as fibers, but with size class 100–500 μm and white/transparent color. Seawater MP abundance showed a significant positive correlation with tourist numbers, and distribution across functional areas followed: tourism areas > natural areas > aquaculture areas > residential areas. Multiple correspondence analysis identified household plastic waste, laundry wastewater, aquaculture, and fishery products as primary sources of seawater MPs. Principal component analysis indicated homologous characteristics between seawater and river MPs, suggesting rivers are a major pathway for terrestrial MP transport to coastal zones. Ecological risk assessment revealed low pollution loads, with potential ecological risks moderate for seawater and medium-low for river water. Notably, 15% of seawater sampling sites exhibited polymer risk level Ⅳ, primarily driven by polyacrylonitrile's high biological toxicity. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing MP pollution control strategies in Hainan Island.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3823-4
The global demand for chlorine gas continues to rise, driven by its indispensable role in chemical synthesis, disinfection, and wastewater treatment. Electrocatalytic chlorine evolution from seawater presents a promising alternative to the energy-intensive chlor-alkali process, yet it is hampered by the competing oxygen evolution reaction and the sluggish kinetics of chlorine evolution on conventional catalysts. Here, we report a novel hollow porous CoNiSe2/NiSe2 heterostructure nanosheet array synthesized via ion exchange and calcination, which exhibits exceptional catalytic activity and selectivity for the chlorine evolution reaction in acidic seawater-like electrolytes. The unique hollow porous morphology provides a high specific surface area, facilitating mass transport and exposing abundant active sites. Crucially, the heterointerface between CoNiSe2 and NiSe2 promotes d-p orbital hybridization between Co/Ni 3d and Se 4p states, which lowers the reaction energy barrier for chlorine evolution. The catalyst achieves a low overpotential of 108 mV to reach a current density of 100 mA cm−2 in 4.0 M NaCl acidic medium, with excellent stability and Cl2 selectivity. This work demonstrates the potential of non-noble metal selenides as efficient and durable catalysts for chlorine production, offering a pathway toward more sustainable chlor-alkali technology.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3873-7
The escalating demand for lightweight, multifunctional stealth materials in modern protective applications necessitates integrated solutions against electromagnetic interference (EMI), infrared (IR) detection, and incendiary threats. This study presents an innovative melamine foam (MF)-based composite featuring an asymmetric dual-nano conductive network, achieving absorption-dominated EMI shielding, IR stealth, and flame retardancy. Inspired by the Salisbury screen, the composite employs MF as an interlayer and flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofiber membrane as a substrate. The architecture comprises a carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-modified impedance matching nanofiber layer as the top absorber and a silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-modified nanofiber layer as the highly conductive reflective bottom. Precise control of CNTs content and interlayer thickness enables tunable electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption, yielding a low reflection coefficient of 0.03 and a high EMI shielding effectiveness of 79.23 dB at a total thickness of 4.40 mm. Even at 1.40 mm, effective absorption-dominated shielding is maintained. The performance remains stable under ultrasonic, compression, and bending tests, demonstrating high durability. The mechanism underlying absorption-dominated EMI shielding at reduced thickness, relying on destructive interference of EMWs enabled by the asymmetric dual-nano conductive network, is thoroughly elucidated. Additionally, the composite exhibits superior IR stealth and self-extinguishing properties. This work offers a feasible strategy for designing high-performance stealth materials with strong potential for personnel and communication equipment protection.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3892-2
Single-atom co-catalysts on semiconductor substrates offer a cost-efficient route to enhance photocatalytic performance with minimal precious metal loading. However, precise tuning of local coordination environments and construction of efficient single-atom co-catalysts remain challenging for overall water splitting. Here, we employ an icing-assisted photochemical reduction strategy to anchor atomically dispersed Pt species as hydrogen evolution co-catalysts on Al3+-doped SrTiO3 (Pt SA-STO). The optimized Pt SA-STO exhibits remarkable activity, with hydrogen and oxygen evolution rates of 13.62 and 6.71 mmol h−1 g−1, respectively, and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 2114.5 h−1. We pioneer the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to quantitatively track the temporal evolution of Pt4+ to Pt2+ under continuous irradiation during the icing-assisted photoreduction. Advanced characterizations and theoretical calculations confirm that single-atom Pt co-catalysts facilitate directional transfer and extraction of photogenerated charge carriers, effectively suppressing surface recombination. This work provides insights into designing novel single-atom co-catalysts by deepening understanding of electronic configurations and active sites in photocatalytic overall water splitting.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3982-6
Skin wounds are refractory due to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection. Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers noninvasiveness, high efficiency, and no drug resistance, its therapeutic effect is constrained by the complex structure of wound tissue and diffuse drug distribution. The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) regulates tissue repair by engaging its receptor Fn14, which is highly expressed in wounds. In this study, we developed a novel photosensitizer, the selenoviologen-TWEAK conjugate (SeV-Tp), to enhance selective enrichment and synergistically promote wound healing. In vitro analyses demonstrated that SeV-Tp, under visible light, generated high levels of reactive oxygen species, resulting in potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Notably, SeV-Tp selectively bound to Fn14 and amplified fibroblast activation via photodynamic cooperation. In a mouse model of antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected wound, SeV-Tp accelerated healing by reducing bacterial burden, modulating the immune microenvironment, promoting collagen deposition, and stimulating hair follicle regeneration. Moreover, SeV-Tp preferentially accumulated within wound tissues with minimal adverse effects. SeV-Tp represents a strategy that selectively enriches and harnesses synergistic benefits from both components, positioning SeV-Tp as a promising photosensitizer for the treatment of refractory wounds.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60672-X
Dry reforming of methane (DRM) converts CH4 and CO2 into syngas, offering a route to mitigate greenhouse gases. Ni-based catalysts suffer from sintering and carbon deposition at high temperatures. This work employs MgO-MgAl2O4 composite supports to regulate Ni loading and introduces Ce, La, and Zr as promoters to investigate their effects on DRM activity, structural stability, and surface oxygen species. Optimal Ni loading of 12.5% yields highest CH4 and CO2 conversions. Promoter introduction slightly suppresses low-temperature activity but substantially modifies support local structure and metal-support interface, improving NiO dispersion and increasing surface oxygen vacancies and active oxygen species (Oβ). These changes enhance CO2 adsorption-activation and suppress carbon deposition. After 20 h DRM, Ce-promoted catalyst shows smallest Ni particle growth (6.23→8.07 nm) and lowest carbon deposition, demonstrating superior stability and anti-coking capability. The study elucidates how Ce, La, and Zr enhance sintering and coking resistance via interfacial electronic modulation and improved oxygen storage/release, guiding rational design of stable Ni-based DRM catalysts.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60762-1
The CO2 dry reforming of methane (DRM) is pivotal for CO2 utilization within the dual-carbon framework, offering advantages in carbon reduction and value-added chemical production. However, shaped catalysts suitable for industrial-scale DRM remain limited. This work constructs a monolithic catalyst using honeycomb cordierite as the structural support, systematically investigating the effects of organic and inorganic binders on coating structure and catalytic performance. Comparative studies reveal that the active coating fabricated with inorganic aluminum sol exhibits a continuous uniform morphology and excellent adhesion strength. During high-temperature calcination, elemental diffusion within Al2O3 networks bridges the cordierite surface with active catalyst particles, forming a (Ni-Mg)AlxO4 composite structure. This creates robust metal-support interactions between active sites and the residual alumina matrix. The interconnected mesoporous framework provides superior pore confinement, contributing to strong coating adhesion, enhanced activity, and improved resistance to carbon deposition in the monolithic m-NCM-Al-sol catalyst. In contrast, coatings derived from inorganic silica sol suffer from detachment and activity loss due to heterogeneous surface structures and poor adhesion. Organic binders demonstrate inferior performance in macroscopic coating uniformity, adhesion strength, mesoporous confinement, and localized electronic effects, resulting in the poorest catalytic performance. By optimizing aluminum sol coating parameters—binder content, active component dosage, and coating cycles—a synergistic balance between coating thickness and mass transfer is achieved. The optimized catalyst demonstrates excellent DRM performance, providing insights for constructing high-performance shaped catalysts with cordierite coatings.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608025
To evaluate heavy metal contamination and human health risks in desert lakes, this study analyzed concentrations of seven heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, As) in Hongjiannao Lake, Northern Shaanxi, from 2013 to 2024. The absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model quantitatively apportioned pollution sources, and a health risk assessment model evaluated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Results showed average concentrations of the seven metals did not exceed background values, but 28.57% of sampling points exceeded background for As, with a maximum exceedance factor of 1.92. Total average concentration decreased from 112.51 μg/L (2013–2016) to 58.80 μg/L (2017–2024), attributed to the 2016 closure of small coal mines and ecological restoration around the 4A scenic area. Source apportionment identified four sources: industrial (35.44%), agricultural (24.67%), natural (23.65%), and traffic (16.23%), indicating industrial dominance. Non-carcinogenic risks were negligible, but carcinogenic risks exceeded the alert value (1×10⁻⁴), with adults at higher risk than children. Oral ingestion was the primary exposure pathway. As and Cd were key control elements, with exceedance rates of 100% and 16.67%, respectively. These findings provide a theoretical basis for health risk prevention and environmental management.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3843-9
Lignocellulose-based electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are gaining prominence across multiple sectors, driven by the growing EMI issues associated with rapid advances in communication technologies and electronic devices. These materials have demonstrated significant superiority over traditional EMI shielding solutions, which are often hampered by high cost and environmental concerns. This review emphasizes the excellent potential of lignocellulose as a cost-effective and flexible alternative to deliver the hierarchical structures and functional properties that qualify it for EMI shielding applications. The underlying EMI shielding mechanisms are then elucidated, with a focus on the benefits conferred by lignocellulose in such material systems. Furthermore, typical fabrication strategies for lignocellulose-based EMI shielding materials are comprehensively summarized, along with a discussion of their emerging applications in diverse scenarios. Finally, the challenges encountered in developing lignocellulose-based EMI shielding materials and their significant prospects for future boosting high-performance design and application are also outlined. The insights presented herein are expected to promote the development of efficient and green lignocellulose-based EMI shielding materials that meet the evolving demands of modern society.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4007-x
Hydrogels, with their hydrophilicity, flexibility, and environmental friendliness, are highly desirable for moisture-electric generators (MEGs) that harness ubiquitous moisture to generate electrical energy. As the active material layer in MEGs, hydrogels play a crucial role in absorbing atmospheric moisture and converting chemical potential energy into electricity. However, the relatively low output current of the device and the instability of hydrogels pose challenges to the development of high-performance hydrogel-based MEGs. Herein, we introduce a straightforward, feasible, cost-effective, and versatile two-step solvent displacement strategy to overcome the barrier associated with the development of MEGs. Through tunable solvent interactions of glycerol and water, the moisture absorption capability and stability of the hydrogel can be improved, while promoting favorable ion migration. Such an effective processing route not only significantly boosts the output performances but also greatly improves the long-term durability of hydrogel-based MEGs. Notably, the current output and power density of the treated MEGs can increase by up to two orders of magnitude. The mechanisms behind the intriguing observation are investigated by various characterizations and theoretical calculations. This universal strategy holds promise to be extended to various hydrogel-based MEGs. Moreover, the MEGs can be used for energy harvesting, self-powered respiratory monitoring, and non-contact humidity detection. This work offers new opportunities for advancing green energy and self-powered technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4081-y
The evolution of precision medicine has propelled multimodal imaging-guided phototheranostics to the forefront for precise tumor diagnosis and therapy. Low-temperature photothermal therapy (PTT) offers a promising approach for the treatment of melanoma due to its non-invasiveness and minimal damage to normal tissues. However, its efficacy is limited by cancer cell thermal tolerance. To address this, a new type of multifunctional energy disruptor (CAMeO-Q NPs) is developed featuring homologous targeting and mitochondria targeting, and synergistically enhancing low-temperature PTT in melanoma by reversing heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90)-mediated thermal tolerance and blocking mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) biosynthesis. The multifunctional energy disruptor enables precise trimodal imaging (fluorescence imaging/FLI, photoacoustic imaging/PAI, and photothermal imaging/PTI) guidance for low-temperature PTT. Comprising a mitochondria-targeting photothermal agent and an Hsp90 inhibitor, CAMeO-Q NPs induce selective mitochondrial damage under 660 nm laser irradiation and downregulate cellular HSP expression by ATP inhibition and Hsp90 inhibitor. This multifunctional energy disruptor provides a novel strategy for enhancing multimodal imaging-guided low-temperature photothermal therapy through combined homologous targeting, mitochondria-targeting, and Hsp90 inhibition.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60663-9
The catalytic hydrogenation of biomass-derived dimethyl succinate (DMS) to 1,4-butanediol (BDO) is a pivotal route for producing high-value C4 chemicals in green chemistry. Cu/SiO2 catalysts are known for high selectivity in hydrogenating ester groups, with performance correlated to copper species microstructure. Although calcination critically defines this active structure, systematic influence of calcination atmosphere remains underexplored. Here, Cu/SiO2 catalysts were prepared via urea-assisted hydrothermal method and calcined under different atmospheres to elucidate effects on physicochemical properties and hydrogenation performance. Comprehensive characterization (N2 physisorption, FT-IR, H2-TPR, XRD, TEM, N2O pulse chemisorption, XPS, NH3-TPD) revealed that calcination atmosphere profoundly alters metal-support interaction, regulating dispersion and chemical state of copper species. Specifically, air calcination promoted stronger metal-support interaction, enhancing copper dispersion and increasing proportion of key active Cu+ species. Consequently, air-calcined catalyst achieved 92.37% DMS conversion and 64.15% BDO yield under optimized conditions (210 °C, 5.0 MPa, WHSV 0.6 h−1, H2/DMS molar ratio 100). This work underscores calcination atmosphere engineering as potent strategy for optimizing metal-support interactions in heterogeneous catalysts for efficient hydrogenation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4147-9
Fiber-shaped zinc-air batteries (FZABs) with aqueous electrolytes combine intrinsic safety, high energy density (1086 Wh kg−1), and environmental compatibility, making them attractive for wearable applications. However, free water in the electrolyte induces severe anode degradation while being a critical reactant for cathode redox, presenting a dilemma between anode stability and cathode functionality. The semi-open structure of FZABs allows airborne water to permeate and migrate to the anode, causing interfacial instability, while high surface area accelerates solvent evaporation, leading to increased internal resistance and salt crystallization. Consequently, typical cycle life is limited to <50 h. To overcome these challenges, we report a polymer electrolyte that captures atmospheric water as a solvent through the semi-open structure, achieved by introducing acetamide (AA), identified via unsupervised clustering algorithms, into the poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene)/zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate (PVDF-HFP/Zn(OTf)2) system. AA incorporation preserves solvent-retention capability while reconstructing the Zn2+ coordination structure, promoting salt dissociation and polymer-segment mobility. Low adsorption energy of AA on zinc surfaces suppresses parasitic reactions from ambient moisture, and preferential adsorption across zinc crystal planes directs Zn2+ deposition along the (002) face, leading to uniform plating morphology. The exogenous aqueous polymer electrolyte exhibits superior mechanical properties, enabling stable output even after compression by a 1.7-t vehicle. As proof-of-concept, FZABs integrated with fiber solar cells and sensors in clothing enabled real-time health monitoring and sustainable energy utilization, demonstrating promising practical applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3510-0
The activity and stability of single-atom catalysts (SACs) are intimately associated with the structure of supports. Herein, by employing a van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure support, we construct a highly active and durable Pt SAC for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The unique support consists of monolayer MoS2 attaching on hierarchical N-doped carbon nanocages (hNCNC), on which Pt presents as individual single atoms on the hNCNC and as island-like single-atom layers on the MoS2. The optimized Pt1-MoS2/hNCNC demonstrates low overpotential (11 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and high mass activity (5.6 A mgPt−1 at −20 mV) in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution, outperforming commercial Pt/C. Impressively, the Pt1-MoS2/hNCNC exhibits improved long-term stability in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer relative to commercial Pt/C. The excellent HER performance is attributed to the regulated electronic structure, robust interaction of Pt atoms with MoS2/hNCNC and facilitated charge transfer. This study establishes an innovative strategy to develop a highly active and durable Pt SAC using vdW heterostructure supports.