SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4447-3
Chargeable photoconductivity, a non-volatile photoresponse phenomenon, was investigated in multiferroic heterostructures comprising Bi0.85La0.15FeO3 (BLFO) and a quasi-two-dimensional electron gas (Q2DEG). Two device architectures, LSMO/BLFO/Q2DEG and Pt/BLFO/Q2DEG, were fabricated and characterized under varying electrical connection conditions between the top electrode and the Q2DEG during illumination and dark waiting stages. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements reveal that the heterostructures exhibit persistent photoconductivity after illumination, with the magnitude and retention dependent on the circuit configuration. Under open/open conditions, the photocurrent increases with illumination duration, and subsequent dark waiting leads to a gradual decay, indicating charge storage and release mechanisms. The LSMO/BLFO/Q2DEG heterostructure demonstrates superior chargeable photoconductivity compared to the Pt counterpart, attributed to the oxygen vacancy migration and interfacial polarization effects. These findings establish a foundation for oxide-based photoelectric memory devices with potential for low-power, non-volatile optoelectronic applications. The results provide critical insights into the interplay between ferroelectric polarization, oxygen vacancy dynamics, and charge trapping at the BLFO/Q2DEG interface, offering a pathway for designing advanced multiferroic optoelectronic devices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3642-4
High-density glass scintillators are promising alternatives to crystals for next-generation radiation detection due to their low cost, excellent physical and chemical stability, and processability. In this study, a series of Ce3+-activated gadolinium gallium borosilicate (GGBS x) glasses were synthesized via vacuum melt-quenching. With increasing Gd2O3 content, glass density increased from 5.86 to 6.05 g/cm3, and molar volume from 36.43 to 39.79 cm3/mol. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis revealed that in GGBS 1 glass, Ce3+ exclusively adopts a hexahedral [CeO6] configuration, while Gd3+ exhibits both hexahedral and octahedral coordination with a bond length of 2.35±0.1 Å and Debye-Waller factor σ2 of 0.0122±0.0015 Å2. As Gd2O3 content increased, shallow trap depth rose from 0.804 to 0.858 eV, while deep trap depth first increased from 0.948 to 1.434 eV then decreased to 1.010 eV. GGBS 1 glass exhibited high transmittance (~80%) in the visible range and a photoluminescence quantum yield of 78.4%. Under X-ray irradiation, its X-ray excited luminescence intensity reached 128.5% of that of Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) crystal, with a spatial resolution of 29.1 lp/mm, approaching the highest reported for glass scintillators. Under γ-ray excitation, it achieved a light yield of 1058 photons/MeV and an energy resolution of 23.7% at 662 keV. These results indicate that GGBS 1 glass scintillator warrants further development for applications in X-ray imaging and γ-ray spectroscopy.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024122402
Carbamazepine (CBZ), a typical emerging contaminant, poses significant environmental and health risks due to its frequent detection, high toxicity, and resistance to conventional degradation. This study synthesized a composite material (PH-BC3-600) via high-temperature pyrolysis of mining waste pyrite and discarded Polygonatum kingianum dregs biochar. The composite was employed to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for CBZ degradation. Results demonstrated that biochar incorporation provided pyrite with more active sites, achieving 88.19% removal of 2.5 mg·L−1 CBZ within 5 minutes, with excellent resistance to Cl−, NO3−, and humic acid. Quenching experiments confirmed the involvement of ·OH, SO4·−, 1O2, and e− in the degradation process. The biochar increased the content of highly reductive sulfur species (S2−, S2−2, Sn2−) in PH-BC3-600, facilitating the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) and thereby enhancing PMS activation. Additionally, PH-BC3-600 exhibited lower iron leaching compared to traditional pyrite-based materials, overcoming a key drawback of conventional catalysts. This study highlights the promising potential of PH-BC3-600 for activating PMS in the treatment of emerging contaminants in water.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604028
Accurate accounting of county-level carbon budgets and their spatio-temporal evolution is essential for formulating low-carbon development strategies tailored to each division and achieving carbon peak and neutrality goals. This study constructed a comprehensive, accurate, and unified model to measure terrestrial ecosystem carbon absorption, anthropogenic carbon emissions, and net carbon budget from 2010 to 2020 across the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and its divisions. Results indicate: (1) Terrestrial ecosystems consistently acted as net carbon sinks, but total carbon absorption declined slowly, with carbon sequestration capacity persistently decreasing. Cultivated land, the sole carbon source, expanded rapidly into forests and grasslands. Anthropogenic carbon emissions rose steadily, with growth rates sharply decelerating after 2015, exhibiting a spatial pattern of "high in the north and east, low in the south and west." (2) Total carbon emissions/absorptions increased rapidly from 2010 to 2015, then slowed from 2015 to 2020. Energy consumption dominated, contributing over 95% of emissions in each division and 99% regionally. High-emission zones expanded eastward from the 8th Division in the Junggar Basin; by 2020, the 8th, 13th, and 6th Divisions, occupying 26.52% of the land area, carried 78.16% of net carbon emissions, marking them as high-density emission zones. (3) Carbon balance zoning in 2020 identified one carbon sink functional zone, nine low-carbon maintenance zones, and three high-carbon optimization zones, the latter concentrated in a strip in the central-eastern region covering 26.52% of the area.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3935-1
Silk fibroin (SF)-based hydrogels are promising for biological interfaces, yet achieving multifunctionality—mechanical robustness, adhesion, conductivity, and stability—often requires chemical modification that compromises biocompatibility. Here, we report a protonation-mediated SF/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel adhesive that retains natural silk properties while gaining tailored functionalities. The physically crosslinked network is formed solely via molecular interactions, with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) as a protonation agent to modulate hydrogen bonding, enabling precise control over adhesion, mechanical strength, and electronic conductivity. Glycerol (Gly) is incorporated as a moisturizing agent to enhance long-term stability for skin applications. The resulting hydrogel exhibits excellent performance in monitoring electrophysiological signals, including electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyogram (EMG), and electroencephalogram (EEG), demonstrating its potential as a platform for advanced biological interfaces. This work addresses the critical challenge of developing SF-based hydrogels that combine natural advantages with multifunctionality, offering a promising route for wearable health monitors and human-machine interfaces.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025011804
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) are persistent organic pollutants whose isomers exhibit distinct environmental behaviors, bioaccumulation potentials, and toxic effects due to structural variations. Accurate identification of PFCA isomers is critical for risk assessment and pollution control, yet existing detection methods predominantly rely on standard references, posing challenges for precise analysis of isomers with subtle structural differences. Single-molecule electrochemical sensing via nanopores offers a standard-free approach by correlating molecular volume with current blockade, but its capability to distinguish PFCA isomers remained unverified. This study targeted three sets of PFCA isomers: 4,5,5-trifluoropent-4-enoic acid vs. 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-methylbut-2-enoic acid; 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-methylpropanoic acid vs. 4,4,4-trifluorobutanoic acid; and 2-(trifluoromethoxy)acetic acid, 3,3,3-trifluorolactic acid, and (2R)-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxypropanoic acid. By engineering nanopore interfaces (WT, R220N, R220Q Aerolysin) and extracting multi-dimensional characteristic parameters, the method achieved near 100% accuracy in identifying all seven isomers. Feature selection further enabled high classification accuracy with low data volumes, laying the foundation for rapid single-molecule detection of PFAS and other emerging contaminants.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025021902
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) ultrafiltration membranes are widely used in water treatment, yet their anti-fouling performance remains a challenge. In this work, PAN was first reacted with sodium azide via click chemistry to synthesize 1,2,3,4-tetrazolium polyacrylonitrile (PAN-N). Subsequently, PAN-N was reacted with iodoacetamide (IAM), 2-iodoethanol (IH), iodoacetic acid (IA), and chlorosulfonic acid (CSA) to introduce hydrophilic groups, and anti-fouling PAN ultrafiltration membranes were fabricated via phase inversion. The membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle measurements. Results showed that the PAN-N membrane exhibited superior performance to pristine PAN, with water flux increasing from 0.9233 to 1.232 L·(m2·h·kPa)−1 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection from 69.23% to 82.4%. Hydrophilic modification further enhanced performance; the PAN-N-IA membrane achieved the highest water flux of 1.7347 L·(m2·h·kPa)−1 and rejection of 93.57%. Anti-fouling tests revealed that modified membranes followed the order: PAN-N-CSA > PAN-N-IA > PAN-N-IH > PAN-N-IAM > PAN-N > PAN. PAN-N-CSA and PAN-N-IA showed comparable anti-fouling performance, with total fouling indices of 56.1% and 58.47%, reversible fouling indices of 47.17% and 46.97%, and irreversible fouling indices of 8.97% and 11.47%, respectively. This work demonstrates that PAN-N-IA membranes combine high flux, high rejection, and excellent anti-fouling properties, making them promising for water treatment applications.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606020
Municipal wastewater treatment plants in China face excessive influent grit loads and carbon source deficiencies, while conventional pretreatment (screening, grit chambers, primary sedimentation) exhibits low fine grit removal and poor carbon retention. A novel swinging ultra-fine screen with a screening precision of 0.1 mm was developed and tested at a pilot scale of 1000 m³/d. Systematic evaluation of screens with apertures from 0.05 to 0.4 mm was conducted, with mechanisms analyzed via particle size distribution, COD fractionation, and fouling layer characterization. The 0.1 mm screen achieved an SS removal efficiency of 89.3%, significantly higher than 57.4% for conventional processes, while COD removal was only 9.5% versus 28.6%, corresponding to a carbon source retention of 93%. The device nearly completely retained particles >0.1 mm and achieved >98% removal for particles in the 0.075–0.1 mm range. Performance remained stable under fluctuating COD and SS conditions. A three-stage fouling theory for micro-screens was proposed. This work represents the first application of 0.1 mm screening precision in pretreatment, markedly improving fine grit retention and carbon source preservation, with strong resilience to water quality variations.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3934-1
Solar energy, a clean and abundant resource, can be stored as latent heat in solid-solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) and subsequently utilized, offering great potential for advancing passive thermal management technologies such as thermal camouflage. Conventional SSPCMs often require active heating for high-temperature conditions, leading to additional energy consumption. Moreover, their permanent crosslinked structures limit reprocessability and increase environmental burden. Herein, we present a lizard-skin-inspired, solar-thermal-responsive, and reprocessable SSPCM (FTSPCM) featuring a dual crosslinked structure composed of dynamic phenol–carbamate bonds and Fe3+@Tannic acid (TA) coordination. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) functions as the phase change segment, while TA introduces both reversible covalent crosslinking and photothermal responsiveness. The FTSPCM exhibits a high latent heat of 102.9 J g−1, excellent shape stability, and maintains its thermal performance after three reprocessing cycles at 120 °C. The Fe3+@TA coordination network enables strong near-infrared absorption and efficient solar-thermal conversion, achieving a surface temperature of 62 °C and a conversion efficiency of 96.85% under 2 Suns irradiation. This dual-function design allows the material to achieve passive thermal camouflage via latent heat release at low temperatures and solar-assisted photothermal heating at high temperatures. This work presents a sustainable strategy for developing reprocessable, solar-responsive SSPCMs, showcasing the distinctive advantages of tannic acid-derived polyphenol chemistry in constructing passive thermal management systems for energy-efficient thermal camouflage and solar-driven thermal energy storage.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025032004
This study proposes an integrated source apportionment framework that synergistically integrates pollution source classification, atmospheric dispersion modeling, backward trajectory analysis, weighted trajectory clustering, and forward contribution estimation to accurately target peak reduction at localized air pollution hotspots. Applied at the County-Town Scale in Beijing, this method was employed to investigate pollution episodes at the Tongzhou Dongguan monitoring site. Source classification relied on a pollution fingerprint database and temporal concentration profiles, while local contributions were quantified through combined air quality modeling and monitoring data. Forward and backward trajectory analyses enabled the identification of potential source regions and key contributors. Results indicate that construction dust, road dust, and emissions from the catering industry were the dominant local sources, with construction and road dust contributing most prominently to PM2.5 concentrations. Furthermore, abnormal PM2.5 increases were closely linked to low boundary layer height, weak winds, and high humidity, emphasizing the role of meteorological conditions in pollution accumulation. The proposed framework proves effective in pinpointing local pollution sources and offers a scientific basis for targeted air quality management at finer spatial scales.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4012-4
Stimuli-responsive fluorescent hydrogels, owing to their tunable optical properties and unique smart response characteristics, have significant potential in encryption applications and information security. However, most current systems are limited to single-stimulus responsiveness and lack the capability for programmable information erasure or multi-modal dynamic synergy. Hence, we propose a multi-stimuli-responsive phase-change hydrogel incorporating aggregation-induced emission hydrophobic carbon dots (AIE-HCDs) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-cellulose network, demonstrating dynamic fluorescence chromism under various external triggers. The hydrogel exhibits solvent-exchange-triggered fluorescence color changes from blue to red, enabled by the concentration modulation of AIE-HCDs through the exchange between PEG and water. Additionally, the temperature-induced phase transition of PEG from crystalline to molten state modulates the aggregation and dispersion of AIE-HCDs, thereby enabling dynamic fluorescence color changes. The phase transition further confers excellent shape-memory behavior and adjustable mechanical properties, with the tensile modulus varying from 6.28 MPa in the molten state to 36.23 MPa in the crystalline state, while maintaining high transparency (~88% in the molten state). By utilizing micro-contact printing and the multi-stimulus response, an encryption platform enables information to be hidden, selectively read under sequential stimuli (thermal, UV, and solvent), and completely erased upon demand. This strategy demonstrates significant potential for advancing high-level information encryption and anti-counterfeiting technologies.
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.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511062
Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are a green technology for simultaneous polluted sediment remediation and energy recovery, yet their performance is constrained by insufficient anodic microbial activity and low electron transfer efficiency. This study employed lactate addition combined with composite engineered microbial immobilization to synergistically optimize SMFC performance by enhancing microbial stability and carbon source supply. Results showed that lactate, as an easily utilized electron donor, promoted electrochemical activity, achieving a maximum power density of 22.06 mW·m−2 at 6 mmol·L−1, a 194% improvement over the blank group. Immobilization further enhanced electron transfer efficiency, with the highest output voltage (88.75 mV) being 2.09 times that of the non-immobilized group. For pollutant degradation, the 6 mmol·L−1 lactate group achieved TOC and TN removal rates of 29.02% and 28.4%, respectively, outperforming the control (22.41% and 21.42%). However, high lactate concentrations inhibited microbial metabolism, leading to TOC accumulation. 16S rRNA analysis revealed that the anodic microbial community was dominated by Bacillota and Pseudomonadota, both possessing electroactive and pollutant-degrading capabilities, indicating that lactate and immobilization exert a synergistic effect in SMFCs, simultaneously enhancing electricity generation and pollutant removal efficiency.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608014
Fluoride pollution poses a serious threat to public health worldwide, particularly in dispersed residential areas where high-fluoride groundwater is the primary drinking water source. Electroflocculation-based defluorination is a preferable treatment option, but its environmental and economic impacts vary with the water supply scheme. This study established three schemes: centralized undifferentiated (S1), centralized differentiated (S2), and distributed differentiated (S3). Life cycle environmental impact and life cycle cost assessments were conducted. Results show that S1 has the largest negative environmental impact, with indicators ranging from 1.4 to 6.7 times those of S2 or S3, primarily due to electrode consumption and electricity usage. S3 exhibits the lowest water supply cost, achieving a 62% cost reduction compared to S1. The distributed differentiated scheme (S3) offers both lower life cycle environmental impact and the lowest life cycle cost, making it the most advantageous option for dispersed residential areas. This study provides a systematic basis for selecting optimal water supply schemes, promoting the practical application of electroflocculation defluorination in such regions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4044-3
Efficient sequestration of radioactive iodine species (I2, CH3I, I3−) is vital for nuclear safety and environmental protection. However, developing multifunctional adsorbents that remain effective under diverse conditions remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report two functionalized PD-COFs (PD-WS and PD-WY) with moderate crystallinity, outstanding thermal stability, and robust chemical resistance. They exhibit superior adsorption performance in both gas and liquid phases. Specifically, at 75°C, PD-WY achieves capacities of 4.88 g g−1 for I2, 1.55 g g−1 for CH3I, and 5.55 g g−1 for the I2/CH3I mixture, while high capacities are also retained at room temperature. In solution, PD-WY adsorbs up to 3.56 g g−1 of I3− in water and 2.00 g g−1 of iodine in cyclohexane. These COFs display rapid kinetics (K80% = 3.25 g g−1 h−1 for I2 and 7.89 g g−1 h−1 for I3−) and excellent selectivity. Mechanistic studies indicated that the excellent iodine affinity of PD-COFs arises from their rich electronic structures, abundant active sites, and charge transfer interactions. These findings position PD-COFs as highly promising adsorbents for nuclear waste treatment and environmental remediation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3385-4
Two-dimensional transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) exhibit exceptional mechanical and electrical properties, positioning them as promising candidates for electronics, aerospace, and energy storage. However, assembling MXene nanosheets into high-performance macroscopic nanocomposites remains challenging due to low stress-transfer efficiency between nanosheets. This review systematically examines the role of voids within MXene-based nanocomposites, revealing that voids can paradoxically enhance performance under specific conditions. We discuss strategies to mitigate detrimental voids, including synergistic interfacial interactions, nanosheet filling, fabrication process optimization, and nanoconfined assembly. Empirical data from referenced studies indicate that void content critically influences mechanical reinforcement; for instance, graphene oxide monolayers exhibit a Young's modulus of approximately 200 GPa, while MXene monolayers reach 330 GPa. The review also highlights that controlled nanovoid dispersion in metals can increase strength by up to 50% without sacrificing ductility. We provide a roadmap for fabricating high-performance MXene-based nanocomposites, emphasizing the need to balance void elimination with intentional void engineering. This work consolidates current understanding and identifies pathways to overcome the stress-transfer bottleneck, enabling scalable production of MXene composites with tailored properties for demanding applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3441-9
Stimuli-responsive room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials face challenges in environmental robustness and spatiotemporal controllability, particularly for oxygen- and temperature-sensitive applications. Here, by taking advantage of the high oxygen-permeability barrier of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and its photochemical reaction toward certain polyaromatic hydrocarbons, we present phenanthrene- and triphenylene-doped PVA films that exhibit photoactivatable and persistent RTP, with an observable afterglow time >70 s by the naked eye, likely via a kinetically trapped radical pathway. Specifically, such UV-enhanced persistent RTP occurs under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, contrasting with a regular RTP turn-on mechanism via photo-induced molecular oxygen depletion. The activated RTP state shows temperature-dependent kinetic persistence, i.e., lasting ~5 h at 25°C vs. ~72 h at 4°C, creating irreversible RTP switching from “on” to “off” ideal for cumulative temperature monitoring. The PVA-based ink patterns printed on perishables (e.g., fresh milk bottles) can be used to quantify ambient exposure via RTP decay kinetics (relative intensity loss >84.2% after 3 h at 25°C vs. at 4°C). The current study establishes a kinetic-control strategy for designing programmable RTP materials, addressing unmet needs in smart sensing and quality assurance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3420-x
Ion-selective organic electrochemical transistors (IS-OECTs) are promising for biofluid ion detection due to biocompatibility, low operating voltage, and signal amplification. However, their performance is constrained by the nonlinear relationship between effective ion-selective membrane (ISM) potential and gate bias, which causes unstable and degraded current sensitivity (SI) over wide concentration ranges. This work introduces gate bias modulation to maintain high transconductance (gm) across all ion concentration subranges, simultaneously achieving wide detection range and ultrahigh sensitivity. By modulating gate bias from 0.7 to 0.95 V, Ca2+ and NH4+-IS-OECTs based on small-footprint (640 μm2) n-type vertical OECTs (vOECTs) exhibit approximately 3 mA/dec over a wide ionic range of 10−5 to 10−1 M, the highest SI reported for Ca2+ and NH4+ ion-sensitive transistors. This approach provides a general strategy for ultrahigh sensitivity and wide detection range IS-OECTs, extendable to other transistor-based biomolecule and ion sensors, offering insights for advancing high-performance bioelectronics.