SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3860-0
Drug detection is critical for public health and security, yet reversible and highly sensitive sensing materials remain scarce. This study presents a novel ionogel sensor material, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)/1-butyl-3-methylimidazole tetrafluoroborate, for reproducible detection of N-methylphenylethylamine (MPEA), a structural analogue of methamphetamine. The ionogel is fabricated by immobilizing a flowable ionic liquid within a PEGDA network via UV curing, preserving ionic mobility for efficient conduction. Integrated on a flexible poly(ethylene naphthalate) substrate, the sensor exhibits over 72.6% transmittance in the visible spectrum, enabling concealed attachment. Utilizing non-covalent interactions, the sensor achieves reproducible MPEA detection at sub-ppb levels at room temperature, with a theoretical detection limit of 317 ppt. It demonstrates high selectivity and consistency. Ionic conductivity was confirmed via current-voltage tests and impedance spectroscopy, and the sensing mechanism was clarified. The device maintains reliable performance under bending, indicating suitability for dynamic environments. With Bluetooth integration for wireless data transmission, the sensor shows strong potential for practical, discreet drug monitoring in real-world applications.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60607-4
The methanation of biomass gasification syngas (H2/CO = 3:1) was investigated over Ni/Al2O3 monolithic catalysts supported on cordierite, with a nominal Ni loading of 15 wt%. Catalysts were modified by treatment with 10% NaOH solution for 1 h and 2 h. Physicochemical properties were characterized by BET, TEM, H2-TPR, XRD, CO2-TPD, and TG. Results showed that the 2 h modification (15%Ni/Al2O3-2h) increased specific surface area, enhanced catalytic activity, and increased alkaline site density compared to the unmodified catalyst. Under optimized conditions (H2/CO volume ratio 3:1, space velocity 10000 mL/(g·h), temperature 400 °C), the 15%Ni/Al2O3-2h catalyst achieved a CO conversion of 97% and CH4 selectivity of 100%. Stability tests over 2 h showed that the CO conversion remained stable at approximately 98%, indicating excellent catalytic stability. The study demonstrates that alkali modification with 10% NaOH for 2 h significantly improves both the methanation performance and stability of Ni/Al2O3 monolithic catalysts, offering a promising route for synthetic natural gas production from biomass.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3927-9
The mechanical properties of as-cast TiAl alloys are severely limited by their coarse as-cast microstructure. This study proposes a low-temperature pre-deformation heat treatment to refine the microstructure of an as-cast Ti-47Al-2Nb-2Cr alloy. The process involves pre-deformation below the eutectoid temperature followed by heat treatment in the α+γ phase field, yielding two distinct microstructures: duplex (DP) and nearly lamellar (NL). The average lamellar colony size was reduced to 5.3% and 20% of the as-cast size for DP and NL structures, respectively. Microstructural evolution analysis reveals that the decomposition of coarse lamellar colonies and the formation of fine grains are governed by γ recrystallization, γ→α phase transformation, and α recrystallization. Remnant colonies after deformation are completely eliminated by subsequent heat treatment, enhancing microstructural homogeneity and mechanical properties. The DP alloy exhibits an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 537 MPa and an elongation (EI) of 6.8% at 800°C, representing increases of 44.7% and 518.2% over the as-cast alloy, respectively. Analysis of crack propagation and deformation mechanisms indicates that grain refinement and lamellar structure refinement contribute to improved deformation ability. This work provides a viable pathway for optimizing as-cast TiAl alloys for high-temperature applications.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025030305
The rapid expansion of livestock and poultry farming has intensified the challenge of managing sludge, which contains heavy metals (primarily Cu and Zn), antibiotics, and pathogens. Calcium carbide slag (CCS), an alkaline industrial waste rich in Ca(OH)2, CaCO3, and other minerals, poses environmental risks due to its high alkalinity. This study investigates the speciation transformation of heavy metals in biochar derived from co-pyrolysis of livestock sludge and CCS under varying temperatures (400–700 °C) and mixing ratios (sludge:CCS = 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1). The results demonstrate that at 600 °C and a 2:1 mixing ratio, calcium-based compounds and SiO2 in CCS effectively immobilize heavy metals through crystal solid solution and complexation, reducing their ecological risk. Sequential extraction indicated a shift from exchangeable and reducible fractions to residual fractions, with the residual fraction of Cu and Zn increasing by up to 45% and 38%, respectively, compared to sludge-only pyrolysis. The formation of apatite phosphorus (Ca5(PO4)3OH and Ca3(PO4)2) enhances the bioavailability of phosphorus in the biochar, making it a potential slow-release fertilizer. The study provides a novel strategy for the synergistic treatment of livestock sludge and CCS, offering environmental and economic benefits by producing stable, nutrient-rich biochar while mitigating heavy metal toxicity.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606012
River and lake sediments, as both sources and sinks of water pollutants, significantly impact overlying water quality and aquatic ecosystems. In pollution treatment and ecological restoration, managing contaminated sediments is critical. Remediation technologies are categorized into ex-situ and in-situ methods; in-situ techniques have gained prominence due to lower costs and minimal environmental disturbance. This review summarizes sediment pollution status, comprehensively examines physical, chemical, biological, and combined in-situ remediation technologies, and discusses their mechanisms, applications, and future research needs. It proposes optimization strategies for emerging technologies, material improvements, and pathways for sustainable development, emphasizing interdisciplinary integration to enhance remediation efficacy. Key pollutants include heavy metals (e.g., Cd, Hg), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and emerging contaminants like antibiotics and microplastics. In-situ methods such as capping, chemical oxidation, and bioremediation show promise but face challenges in long-term stability and scalability. The paper underscores the need for sustainable, cost-effective solutions and highlights recent advances in combined technologies, offering a reference for future research and engineering applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3774-3
Lithium-air capacitor batteries (LACBs) integrate the rapid charge-discharge capability of supercapacitors into conventional lithium-oxygen batteries, significantly enhancing power density. However, their cycling stability remains unsatisfactory. In this study, we incorporated redox mediators (RMs) into an LACB featuring a dual-cathode configuration. This design facilitates sustained electron transfer between the electrode and Li2O2/Oxygen, thereby delaying RM deactivation caused by electrode passivation and improving overall electrochemical performance. The RM-enhanced battery achieved over 250 cycles at 2 mA cm−2 with a limited capacity of 0.5 mAh cm−2, while exhibiting a 0.54 V reduction in charging voltage at 0.1 mA cm−2 compared to the RM-free system. Furthermore, application of an aluminum foil sealing technique enabled a power density of 13.8 mW cm−2 at 6 mA cm−2, overcoming mass transport limitations inherent in open-cell configurations. We also investigated the influence of oxygen barrier films with varying barrier capabilities on LACB performance. Results indicate that films with superior oxygen resistance better maintain a clean capacitor electrode surface, thereby providing more stable electron supply to the RMs and enhancing rate capability and cycling performance. These findings underscore the potential of redox mediators in improving the performance and longevity of LACBs, offering a promising strategy for their future development.