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/s40843-026-4242-1
Infected bone defects remain a formidable clinical challenge due to the coupled pathologies of bacterial infection and impaired osteogenesis. Conventional treatments often fail to address the dynamic microenvironment, leading to persistent infection and inadequate bone repair. Here, we report a microenvironment-adaptive hydrogel incorporating a Ti3C2Tx MXene-based coordination nanoreactor that orchestrates an immune-osteogenic cascade. The nanoreactor, constructed by coordinating Fe3+ ions onto MXene nanosheets, exhibits pH- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive release of Fe3+ and MXene, enabling sequential antibacterial and pro-osteogenic activities. In vitro studies demonstrated that the hydrogel eradicated Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (>99.9% killing) within 6 h via synergistic photothermal and chemodynamic effects, while simultaneously scavenging excess ROS to mitigate oxidative stress. Notably, the released Fe3+ ions promoted M2 macrophage polarization, as evidenced by a 2.5-fold increase in CD206 expression, and subsequently enhanced osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), with alkaline phosphatase activity elevated by 1.8-fold and alizarin red staining intensity increased by 2.2-fold. In a rat model of infected calvarial defects, the hydrogel significantly accelerated bone regeneration, achieving a bone volume fraction of 78.4% at 8 weeks post-implantation, compared to 35.2% in the untreated control. Micro-CT and histological analyses confirmed robust new bone formation and complete infection clearance. This study presents a paradigm for designing adaptive biomaterials that integrate infection control and bone regeneration, offering a promising strategy for treating infected bone defects.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4255-5
Localized overheating in high-rate lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) or lithium metal batteries (LMBs) accelerates dendrite formation, disrupting current density and thermal distribution uniformity. This study constructs a Janus-structured, polybenzimidazole (PBI)-welded separator (JNS@PBI) with polypropylene nanofibers (PPNFs) on one face and nanoscale carbon black-modified PPNFs (CPPNFs) on the other. The CPPNFs layer provides electronic conductivity to homogenize interfacial current distribution and heat dissipation, while the PPNFs layer ensures electronic insulation. PBI, serving as a welding agent with intrinsic ionic conductivity, enhances mechanical properties and lithium-ion transport. This design enables synergistic transport of ions and electrons at the JNS@PBI/SEI interface. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate how JNS@PBI enhances interfacial ion transport and regulates lithium deposition. JNS@PBI exhibits high porosity (71.3%), superior electrolyte uptake (451%), and high ionic conductivity (1.80 mS cm−1). Electrochemical tests confirm exceptional interfacial stability, with stable polarization voltage over 2000 h of plating/stripping cycles. Remarkable rate capability and cycling endurance are observed: high-capacity retention rates of 85.2% after 700 cycles at 1 C and 90.3% after 1500 cycles at 3 C in assembled LiFePO4/graphite full cells. This work provides a promising approach for next-generation separators for high-safety LIBs or LMBs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3848-7
Conventional heterogeneous photocatalysts often suffer from insufficient light absorption, rapid charge recombination, and a lack of specific reactive sites for efficient photocatalytic oxidation. To overcome these limitations, we propose a molecular polarization engineering approach utilizing structurally well-defined donor (D)-acceptor (A) covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs). The construction of dipole-induced built-in electric fields within the D-A-structured CTFs enables enhanced exciton dissociation and facilitates directional charge transfer. Specifically, the asymmetric A1-D-A2 moiety enhances molecular polarization in the dual-acceptor system CTF-TBT (A1-D-A2), enabling efficient charge separation through multiple electron-withdrawing units. This structural design promotes directional electron transfer toward the secondary acceptor (benzothiazole, A2), while simultaneously concentrating holes on the donor unit. Consequently, the A2 moiety acts as a site for efficient O2 activation via electron accumulation, whereas the highly oxidized donor unit provides strongly positive holes (h+) that facilitate substrate oxidation. Experimental and DFT calculation results confirm that CTF-TBT demonstrates highly enhanced photocatalytic oxidation performance, which can be attributed to its multi-channel charge separation mechanism and spatially separated redox-active sites. This study highlights the effectiveness of molecular dipole engineering in designing heterogeneous photocatalysts with controlled charge transfer pathways and improved redox capabilities. The proposed design principles provide a universal approach for promoting solar-driven chemical synthesis applications.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604017
The Shule River Basin, a typical arid inland river basin, faces critical water scarcity that threatens ecological security and sustainable development. This study integrated the FLUS and InVEST models to simulate water yield in 2030 and 2050 under three climate scenarios (SSP119, SSP245, SSP585). Geographic detectors quantified the driving mechanisms of natural and human factors. Results showed: (1) Desert dominates land use (78.6% in 2020). Under SSP119, desert area decreases by 0.69% by 2050, while under SSP585 it expands by 5.7%, with grassland loss of 23.0%, indicating severe ecological degradation. (2) Water yield exhibits a south-high, north-low spatial pattern, with high values in glacier-covered and high-altitude areas. SSP119 yields the most significant increase (147.6×10^8 t by 2050), whereas SSP585 shows minimal increase (43.9×10^8 t) due to extreme climate. (3) Precipitation and DEM are core driving factors; the interaction between land use type and precipitation has the strongest influence, implying that artificial land use changes can significantly regulate water yield. This multi-scenario framework provides decision support for water resource management and ecological governance in arid inland river basins.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61094-3
Aqueous zinc-iodine (Zn-I2) batteries are promising for large-scale energy storage due to their intrinsic safety, low cost, and high theoretical capacity (211 mAh g−1 for iodine). However, their practical application is hindered by the poor electronic conductivity of iodine, sluggish redox kinetics, and the shuttle effect of polyiodides. This review systematically analyzes the reaction mechanisms of iodine cathodes, including two-electron (I−/I2) and multi-electron (I−/I2/I+ and I−/I2/I+/IO3−) pathways, and identifies key bottlenecks. It then comprehensively summarizes recent advances in iodine host materials, categorized into three strategies: physical confinement, chemical adsorption, and electrocatalysis. Representative host materials such as porous carbons, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs), polymers, MXenes, and Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are discussed, with emphasis on the structure–performance relationships. The review highlights that heteroatom doping (e.g., nitrogen) enhances chemical adsorption of iodine species, while single-atom catalysts (e.g., Co, Zn) provide electrocatalytic sites that accelerate conversion kinetics. Finally, future research directions are proposed, including exploration of multi-electron systems, mechanistic elucidation of iodine conversion, development of advanced host materials, and optimization of zinc anodes, to accelerate the commercialization of Zn-I2 batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4046-6
The deliberate control of framework dimensionality represents a powerful yet underexplored strategy for tailoring the functionality of homochiral metal-organic frameworks (HMOFs). Herein, we report a logical dimensional evolution from 1D and 2D to 3D HMOFs, achieved by tuning the connectivity of the auxiliary ligand. Employing a planar, three-connected ligand, 2,4,6-tri(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,5-triazine (Tpt), together with enantiopure tetracarboxylate of cyclohexane diamide linkers ((1R,2R/1S,2S)-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarbonyl bis(azanediyl)diisophthalate) (R,R/S,S-CHCAIP) and Zn2+ salts, a pair of 3D porous HMOFs (P/M-HMOF-5) was successfully constructed. The 3D framework features unique heart-shaped channels and a novel 4-(3,3,3,6)-connected topology. Structural analyses reveal trinuclear Zn3(μ3-O) clusters that, upon activation, generate open metal sites. These Lewis acid sites, synergizing with Lewis basic sites from the framework, confer efficient acid-base bifunctional heterogeneous catalysis for the synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolinones in excellent yields (90%–98%). Furthermore, P/M-HMOF-5 serve as highly sensitive and enantioselective fluorescent sensors for amino acids and α-hydroxy carboxylic acids, with the highest discrimination observed for phenylalanine (KBH(D-Phe)/KBH(L-Phe) = 5.85 for M-HMOF-5). This work demonstrates how rational ligand connectivity steers dimensional evolution, enabling the integration of distinct catalytic and sensing functions within a single chiral platform, thereby providing a blueprint for the design of advanced multifunctional materials.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025092801
Urban river water quality is critically influenced by outfall discharges, yet the seasonal dynamics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and its linkage to water quality remain poorly constrained. This study collected outfall water samples seasonally during 2023–2024 along the Nanfei River and Banqiao River in Hefei, Anhui Province. Parallel factor analysis of excitation-emission matrices identified three fluorescent components: fulvic acid-like C1, tryptophan-like (protein-like) C2, and terrestrial humic-like C3. Seasonal variations were pronounced: protein-like C2 dominated in winter and spring, whereas summer and autumn showed lower C2 proportions due to rainwater dilution and urban nonpoint source runoff inputs. Water quality indices decreased in summer and autumn, primarily attributed to dilution by rainfall runoff. Fluorescence index (FI > 1.9) and biological index (BIX > 1.0) indicated predominantly autochthonous DOM sources. During summer and autumn, humification index (HIX) and specific UV absorbance (SUVA) increased, while spectral slope ratio (SR) decreased, suggesting enhanced terrestrial and urban runoff influence. Significant positive correlations were observed between protein-like C2 and terrestrial humic-like C3 with water quality parameters, indicating their utility as precise indicators of pollution sources and seasonal water quality variations. These findings provide a scientific basis for integrated management of urban outfalls.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3965-5
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have emerged as a promising material platform for soft robotics, effectively integrating programmable molecular orientation with the inherent flexibility of elastomers. This unique combination enables significant, reversible deformations responding to external stimuli, including heat, light, electric, and magnetic fields. Due to these characteristics, LCEs serve as an ideal material system for bridging biological principles with engineered soft robotic applications, enabling the development of adaptive and multifunctional systems with enhanced biomimetic capabilities. However, the mechanisms of bioinspired motion and the effective integration of biomimetic functions in LCE-based robots remain insufficiently explored. This review systematically examines recent advances in LCE-based biomimetic soft robots, focusing on multimodal actuation strategies, including contraction, crawling, rolling, jumping, swimming, and plant-inspired motions. It highlights integrated functional enhancements achieved via innovative material compositions, structural designs, and advanced manufacturing techniques. These developments have enabled novel robotic functionalities, including programmable actuation, self-healing and recycling, color morphing and camouflage, and tunable bioinspired surface characteristics.
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.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202512052
Constructed wetlands (CWs) with conventional substrates often exhibit limited removal of nitrogen and antibiotics from secondary effluent. This study developed an iron-carbon-manganese ore (Fe-C-Mn) composite substrate CW to enhance simultaneous removal of nitrogen and tetracycline (TC). Under influent TC of 2 mg·L−1 and total nitrogen (TN) of 15 mg·L−1, the Fe-C-Mn system achieved average TC removal of 91.3%, significantly higher than the gravel control (27.2%). TN and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) removals reached 71.7% and 83.3%, respectively, versus 7.8% and 1.2% in the control. Substrate analysis revealed increased surface roughness and synergistic generation of active components (Fe(II)/Fe(III) and Mn(II)), driving autotrophic denitrification and TC biodegradation/chemical degradation. Microbial community analysis indicated reduced overall diversity but selective enrichment of potential TC degraders (e.g., Trichosporon, Bacillota) and denitrifiers (e.g., unclassified_f_Rhodocyclaceae). TC degradation pathways included demethylation, hydroxylation, and ring-opening, ultimately yielding small metabolites. These findings provide theoretical and technical support for enhanced removal of antibiotics and nitrogen from secondary effluent using CWs.
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.