SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4417-x
Balancing mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and soft magnetic performance in structural-functional integrated materials remains a persistent metallurgical challenge. This study reports a face-centered cubic (FCC) Fe40Co35Ni15Al3Ta2Cr5 (at.%) high-entropy alloy (HEA) that achieves an unprecedented combination of these properties. The alloy exhibits a tensile strength of ~1200 MPa, total elongation of ~25%, saturation magnetization of 101.54 Am2·kg-1, and coercivity of 267.34 A·m-1. These values surpass most reported magnetic HEAs and conventional soft magnetic alloys. In a simulated 3.50 wt.% NaCl seawater environment, the alloy demonstrates a corrosion current density of 3.99 × 10-7 A·cm-2, comparable to 316L stainless steel. The synergy arises from nanoprecipitate engineering within the FCC matrix, which impedes dislocation motion while maintaining magnetic domain wall mobility and promoting a protective passive film. This work provides a design pathway for soft magnetic structural-functional materials suitable for corrosive marine environments, where simultaneous load-bearing and magnetic actuation are required.
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/s40843-025-3654-5
Hydrogen production by photosynthetic green algae is an efficient biological process that utilizes light energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into clean and renewable energy. In this paper, we constructed a hybrid system combining graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and Chlorella pyrenoidosa (Chlorella), in which g-C3N4 serves as an extracellular electron source and Chlorella acts as a biological reactor for specific hydrogen production. In particular, the electronic structure of carbon nitride was optimized by means of hydrothermal alkalization and copper ion doping, expanded the light absorption range and enhanced the light response ability. g-C3N4, as an extracellular electron source, can provide electrons for Chlorella to improve hydrogen production performance which is 3.7 times that of bare Chlorella. The construction of a biological hybrid system is a feasible optimization strategy for the hybrid system to promote the synergistic effect of the hybrid system by regulating the properties of non-living components.
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.0254-6108.2025021101
This study investigated the toxic effects of intrauterine benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) exposure on pancreatic development and glucose metabolism in first-generation offspring rats. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and treatment groups receiving 200, 800, or 1600 μg·kg−1 BaP via daily oral gavage during gestation until delivery. Pancreatic histology was assessed in offspring at postnatal day 2 and week 12. Protein and mRNA expression of pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were quantified. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTT) and insulin tolerance tests (IPITT) were performed at week 12. Results showed that exposure to 800 and 1600 μg·kg−1 BaP caused dose-dependent pancreatic damage, with more severe islet morphological disruption and reduced islet area, which did not improve with age. PDX-1 and TFAM expression levels decreased in a dose-dependent manner at both time points. At week 12, the 1600 μg·kg−1 group exhibited pre-diabetic symptoms, including elevated blood glucose and insulin levels, and impaired glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. These findings indicate that intrauterine BaP exposure leads to persistent pancreatic developmental impairment and glucose metabolism disorders, potentially mediated by downregulation of PDX-1 and TFAM, with no recovery over time.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3976-x
The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in bilayer nickelate La3Ni2O7−δ (La-327) under high pressure and in thin films at ambient pressure has opened new avenues in superconductivity research. However, La-327 exhibits a narrow phase stability range, leading to stacking faults that suppress bulk superconductivity. Chemical substitutions, particularly at the A-site with smaller rare-earth ions, have been shown to enhance phase purity and reduce stacking faults, while also increasing the orthorhombic distortion and chemical pressure. In this work, we apply the high-entropy (HE) strategy to stabilize the 327 phase with reduced average A-site ionic radius (rA). We successfully synthesized medium-entropy La1.2Pr0.6Nd0.6Sm0.6Ni2O7−δ (ME-327) and high-entropy La0.67Pr0.67Nd0.67Sm0.33Eu0.33Gd0.33Ni2O7−δ (HE-327) polycrystalline samples. These compositions satisfy medium- and high-entropy criteria, with rA values of 1.181 Å and 1.164 Å, respectively. The samples are phase-pure and homogeneous. HE-327 exhibits the lowest cell volume, largest orthorhombicity, and shortest interlayer Ni-Ni distance among reported bilayer nickelates. Physical property measurements reveal low electrical conductivity and a high density-wave (DW) transition temperature. Under high pressure, HE-327 shows a resistivity anomaly at 103 K under 31 GPa, suggesting a possible superconducting transition. Extrapolation indicates that Tc under high pressure exceeds 100 K for HE-327, correlating with reduced rA and enhanced interlayer coupling. Our results demonstrate the ionic size effect and the effectiveness of the HE approach in stabilizing bilayer nickelates, providing a new avenue for developing superconducting materials.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026031202
Liquid crystal monomers (LCMs) are a novel class of organic compounds primarily used in the manufacturing of electronic devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs). LCMs can enter the environment and organisms through various pathways, and due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity, they pose significant threats to ecosystems and human health, emerging as a concerning category of organic pollutants. Current research focuses on developing standardized, high-throughput, and highly sensitive analytical methods based on chromatography-mass spectrometry for quantifying LCMs across multiple environmental media. By integrating exposomics and long-term dynamic monitoring, exposure mapping is used to identify characteristic LCMs in different regions. Through screening LCM-exposed biomarkers and integrating human metabolic kinetic models, the assessment methodology is transitioning from environmental concentration-based external exposure estimation to biologically effect-based internal exposure risk evaluation. This research provides a scientific foundation for improving exposure monitoring systems and control measures for LCMs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3855-8
The escalating environmental burden of plastic waste necessitates innovative chemical recycling strategies that circumvent the energy-intensive and catalytic limitations of conventional depolymerization. This study highlights a seminal advance by Qi Zhang, Da-Hui Qu, Ben L. Feringa, and co-workers, published in Nature Nanotechnology, which integrates supramolecular self-assembly with dynamic covalent chemistry to achieve catalyst-free, solvent-free polymer-to-monomer transformation. The system employs thioctic amide (TAA), a derivative of α-lipoic acid featuring reversible disulfide bonds and hydrogen-bonding amide groups. Notably, TAA monomers resist ring-opening polymerization upon melting due to cross-stacked packing driven by amide hydrogen bonds, which kinetically separates the 1,2-dithiolane rings. Introduction of formic acid (FA) as a supramolecular modulator disrupts the hydrogen-bond network, enabling dynamic disulfide ROP. Subsequent solvent removal yields nanocrystalline poly(disulfide) (Nc-poly(TAA)), which upon annealing at 120 °C reorganizes into a semicrystalline polymer (Sc-poly(TAA)) with a Young's modulus of 3.9 GPa, comparable to Nylon 6. The semicrystalline polymer exhibits hierarchical order with densely packed spherulites and periodic lamellae stabilized by reticular hydrogen bonds, conferring exceptional mechanical robustness and resistance to humidity (80% RH for six days). Rheological analyses reveal a relaxation time exceeding 90 years at room temperature, indicating a kinetically trapped, metastable state. Remarkably, the polymer reverts quantitatively to monomeric crystals under mild heating (120 °C, 24 h) without catalyst or solvent, achieving >90% purity and quantitative yield. The recovered monomer can be repolymerized to virgin-quality polymer, establishing a closed-loop cycle. Life-cycle assessment shows a carbon footprint of only 0.36 kg CO2 per kg product, underscoring the environmental benefits. This work demonstrates a fundamentally new route to circular polymers, merging supramolecular chemistry with dynamic covalent bonds for sustainable materials.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202512059
Recovery of palladium from Pd-bearing wastewater is economically and environmentally significant. Adsorption is a promising method due to its simplicity, low cost, and high efficiency. In this study, a novel thiol-modified adsorbent (CHT-SH) was synthesized via one-step functionalization of inexpensive chitin (CHT) with thioglycolic acid. At room temperature and pH=2, CHT-SH exhibited an experimental adsorption capacity of 223.67 mg·g−1 for Pd(II), which was approximately 7 times higher than that of pristine CHT (30.6 mg·g−1). Kinetic and isotherm studies indicated that the adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model, with a maximum theoretical adsorption capacity of 248.89 mg·g−1, suggesting monolayer chemisorption. Characterization (FTIR, SEM, XPS, XRD) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the adsorption mechanism primarily involved synergistic coordination of nitrogen and sulfur atoms, along with electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, CHT-SH demonstrated good reusability, retaining stable adsorption capacity after five adsorption-desorption cycles. Compared to other adsorbents that rely on redox mechanisms and are costly, CHT-SH offers comprehensive advantages. This work provides a cost-effective and efficient adsorbent for Pd(II) recovery from wastewater, offering technical support and theoretical reference for practical applications.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025050601
China's iron and steel industry has undergone comprehensive ultra-low emission transformation, meeting stringent limits for conventional pollutants, yet the fate of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) remains unclear. This study combined field sampling and literature review to analyze PCDD/Fs emission characteristics from sintering, converter, and electric arc furnace processes before and after transformation, and calculated national emissions for 2022. Results demonstrate that ultra-low emission transformation effectively reduces PCDD/Fs emissions. Specifically, emission concentrations decreased by 86.5%, 95.1%, and 66.9% for sintering, converter, and electric arc furnace, respectively, with corresponding emission factors dropping to 0.11, 0.009, and 0.014 μg I-TEQ·t−1 product. Under the transformation scenario, total national emissions were 104 g I-TEQ (uncertainty ±26 g), a 94.9% reduction from the unreformed scenario (2049 ± 763 g I-TEQ). Congener profiles shifted from high-chlorinated dominance to low-chlorinated dominance, while toxicity equivalent distribution remained dominated by 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF (35%–56%). This study quantifies the co-benefit of PCDD/Fs reduction, providing critical data for updating China's emission inventory and formulating toxicity-oriented control policies.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608022
Since the first domestic sludge incineration project was commissioned at Shanghai's Shidongkou Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2004, sludge mono-incineration has been progressively adopted in economically developed Chinese cities. However, decentralized planning of wastewater treatment facilities and variable sludge characteristics complicate the centralized design and operation of incineration plants. This study, based on the planning and engineering design of a sludge incineration plant in Qingdao, analyzes sludge from major municipal wastewater treatment plants, which differ significantly in moisture and organic content due to varying influent characteristics and treatment processes. An energy balance model was constructed using data on sludge moisture and organic content, leading to a sludge allocation scheme and a simplified cost calculation method for heterogeneous sludge. This supports differentiated pricing and rational distribution in drying and incineration projects. Additionally, comparing conventional dewatering (to 76% moisture) and deep dewatering (to 65% moisture) from a "wastewater treatment plant + incineration" perspective, the study evaluates full-process costs and carbon emissions. Results show that deep dewatering increases dewatering costs and emissions but reduces transport and incineration costs and emissions, yielding lower total costs and emissions. The findings provide a basis for optimizing municipal sludge treatment planning and process selection.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4223-2
Flexible wearable electronics require materials that simultaneously exhibit high conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and environmental robustness. Polyoxometalate (POM)-based conductive hydrogels are promising candidates but suffer from poor interfacial compatibility with polymer matrices and severe conductivity loss at subzero temperatures. Here, we report a POM-based proton-conductive hydrogel (PVA/P(SBMA-AM)/PW12/PA, denoted PSAWA) engineered by incorporating zwitterionic sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), phytic acid (PA), and H3PW12O40 (PW12) into a poly(vinyl alcohol)-polyacrylamide dual-network. SBMA enhances PW12 loading and dispersion via an electrostatic–steric synergistic mechanism, while PA cooperates with PW12 to construct low-energy-barrier proton-conduction pathways, enabling fast proton migration even at −40 °C. The resulting PSAWA hydrogel achieves ultrahigh proton conductivities of 2.71 × 10−1 S cm−1 at 25 °C and 1.06 × 10−2 S cm−1 at −40 °C, alongside high stretchability, self-healing capability, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility. Flexible biosensors and supercapacitors fabricated from PSAWA maintain outstanding performance at −40 °C. This work provides a viable strategy for developing low-temperature-tolerant proton-conductive hydrogels for advanced wearable electronics.