SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4394-x
Spiral graphene, characterized by Bernal-stacked layers and unique electronic properties, holds promise for advanced quantum and optoelectronic devices. However, its controlled synthesis remains challenging. Here, we report the self-assembly growth of single-crystal spiral graphene on a liquid heterogeneous substrate via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). A 50-μm-thick Cu foil was placed on a Ni support and heated to 1083 °C, the melting point of pure Cu, ensuring a fully molten Cu layer on solid Ni. Growth proceeded for 30 minutes under optimized conditions. The resulting spiral graphene exhibits a uniform Bernal stacking configuration, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and selected-area electron diffraction. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) depth profiling and isotope-labeling experiments reveal that carbon incorporation occurs predominantly at the spiral step edges, following a self-assembly mechanism driven by the liquid substrate's dynamic surface. Control experiments on solid Cu-Ni alloys yield no spiral morphology, underscoring the critical role of the liquid phase. The liquid heterogeneous substrate facilitates rapid carbon diffusion and step-edge attachment, enabling the growth of high-quality single-crystal spirals with controlled layer number. This work provides a scalable route to synthesize spiral graphene with tailored stacking, advancing its application in twistronics and high-performance electronics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3803-8
The molecular copolymerization of donor-acceptor (D-A) interactions has been effectively utilized to modulate the charge transfer dynamics in polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) photocatalysts. Herein, a D-A configured photocatalyst (TPCN) was constructed by copolymerizing 4,4’,4’’-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl) trianiline (TAPT) as the electron donor with triazine units (electron acceptor). The unique propeller structure of TAPT, combined with the triazine framework, expanded the π-conjugated system and induced a strong built-in electric field (BIEF) across the D-A configuration. Theoretical calculations and transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that this synergistic effect facilitated intramolecular charge separation and widened the range of light absorption, indicating accelerated charge transfer and suppressed recombination in TPCN. The optimized TPCN3 sample exhibited dramatically enhanced photocatalytic H2O2 production (1.74 mmol g−1 h−1), representing a 13.4-fold increase over pristine PCN. Additionally, the TPCN3 sample also exhibited significantly faster degradation kinetics than PCN counterpart toward various emerging contaminants. This work demonstrates a promising strategy for designing efficient metal-free photocatalysts for sustainable H2O2 production and environmental remediation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3664-x
The proliferation of electronic devices and wireless communications has escalated the demand for materials that simultaneously provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and infrared (IR) thermal camouflage, a combination critical for military and civilian applications. Traditional metallic shields suffer from high density, poor processability, and cost, while polymer-based alternatives often lack sufficient shielding effectiveness and environmental stability. Here, we report a multilayer composite film fabricated via layer-by-layer vacuum filtration and hot-pressing, integrating modified aramid nanofibers (ANF) and MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets. The film architecture comprises ANF-polypyrrole (ANF-PPy) as the matrix and Ag-MXene as the functional filler, with in-situ grown Ag nanoparticles intercalating between MXene layers to enhance interlayer spacing and electromagnetic wave scattering. At a thickness of only 33 μm, the film achieves an average EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 66.75 dB and a specific shielding effectiveness (SSE/t) of 38432.54 dB cm2 g−1. The multilayer structure promotes multiple internal reflections and interfacial polarization losses, while the tight integration ensures high IR reflectivity. This work establishes a foundation for developing multifunctional protective materials with dual EMI shielding and IR camouflage capabilities, addressing the critical bottleneck of simultaneous performance in ultrathin, flexible formats.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3648-2
Transient energy storage devices represent an emerging class of biodegradable power systems that provide temporary energy for implantable medical electronics before safely degrading in vivo. From early transient primary batteries to contemporary rechargeable batteries integrated with wireless charging systems, these devices have evolved to enable stable prolonged power supply. Through rational transient design and structural engineering, they achieve desirable electrochemical performance, tunable degradation rates, and mechanical compatibility with soft, irregular, and dynamic biological tissues. This work provides a critical review of state-of-the-art transient energy storage devices, including transient primary batteries, transient secondary batteries, and transient supercapacitors, with emphasis on their electrodes, electrolytes, encapsulation materials, fabrication processes, and applications. We critically analyze material selection strategies, transient design principles, and architecture design for various transient batteries and capacitors. Finally, we discuss existing challenges and outline future directions to guide the clinical translation of biodegradable power solutions for biomedical implants.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3623-y
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are an advanced technology for full-color displays, yet the low efficiency of blue OLEDs remains a critical bottleneck. Here, we report a new strategy to design robust Pt(II) emitters with enhanced molecular rigidity and increased locally excited character. The resulting Pt(II) emitter exhibits an extremely narrow emission spectrum peaking at 458.6 nm with a full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 16.0 nm and a small Huang-Rhys factor of 0.278, together with a high photoluminescence quantum efficiency of 95%. When doped into an OLED, the device emits at 464 nm with high color purity (FWHM = 19 nm) and achieves high external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 32.6%, 29.4%, and 26.9% at luminances of 123, 1000, and 5000 cd/m2, respectively. Notably, the device attains a record-high maximum brightness of 84,895 cd/m2 among reported deep-blue OLEDs with Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) y-coordinate < 0.15. This work demonstrates one of the highest-performing deep-blue OLEDs reported to date, addressing the dual challenges of efficiency and brightness in this spectral region.
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/s40843-025-3584-3
Sutures, as necessary medical devices for postoperative treatment, are no longer merely supportive but are required to have advanced functions to promote repair. Here, we report an absorbable self-powered electrical stimulation suture (SES-suture). The suture is composed entirely of absorbable materials (magnesium, polylactic acid, and polycaprolactone) and can be used in vivo for incision closure and repair. The suture has the capacity to generate spontaneous electrical stimulation in response to body movement, allowing for accelerated tissue reconstruction. An in vivo muscle incision repair model in rabbits demonstrated that the wound healing rate under treatment with this suture was 1.6 times faster than that of commercial sutures, proving its postoperative therapeutic capability. Immunofluorescence and quantitative analyses showed that SES-sutures significantly increased α-SMA and CD31 expression, with levels approximately 2.8 and 3.2 times higher than the blank group, respectively, indicating enhanced angiogenesis and muscle regeneration. The SES-suture exhibited excellent mechanical properties, sustained electrical output, structural and functional stability after implantation, and good biocompatibility. This large animal approach offers crucial translational evidence for potential human applications, addressing the limitations of rodent models due to differences in biomechanics and regeneration rates. While the biosafety profile requires further long-term evaluation, the findings strongly suggest that SES-sutures represent a promising therapeutic strategy for enhancing tissue regeneration and functional recovery.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3685-7
NiMo-based catalysts are promising for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), yet optimizing their electronic structure and enhancing mass transfer remain challenging. Here, we report a route to synthesize two-dimensional (2D) porous Mo2N-Ni heterojunction nanosheets with tuned Ni/Mo ratio for enhanced alkaline HER. The precursor is assembled from polyoxometalate clusters (PMo12) and layered Ni(OH)2. The interaction between PMo12 and Ni(OH)2 suppresses particle agglomeration during pyrolysis, yielding 2D porous sheets composed of small Mo2N-Ni units. Electron transfer from Ni to Mo2N redistributes electrons at the heterojunction, optimizing intermediate adsorption/desorption. The porous structure enhances mass transfer, reducing catalyst impedance. The optimized catalyst exhibits an overpotential of 19 mV at 10 mA cm−2, comparable to commercial Pt/C. An anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer pairing this catalyst with NiFe-LDH achieves 500 mA cm−2 at 1.80 V and operates stably for 300 h. This assembly method offers a scalable strategy for efficient catalyst production.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3725-1
Conductive hydrogel-based stretchable electronics have been extensively investigated, with strain sensors being the most prominently studied. While mechanical properties significantly affect device performance, the systematic correlation between specific mechanical parameters and sensing performance remains rarely explored. This work compares the influences of Young’s modulus and mechanical hysteresis on sensing performance between highly entangled PAM-Li and double-network PAM-Li-Agar-3 strain sensors. Owing to the brittle agar network, which imparts a higher Young’s modulus and pronounced mechanical hysteresis to the double-network PAM-Li-Agar-3 hydrogel, the corresponding sensor requires a greater driving force for deformation and yields signals with poor reproducibility. In contrast, the PAM-Li hydrogel, characterized by highly entangled polymer chains, exhibits a lower Young’s modulus and negligible mechanical hysteresis. Consequently, signals from the PAM-Li strain sensor demonstrate enhanced sensitivity and stability. Therefore, this work demonstrates that a low Young’s modulus and minimal mechanical hysteresis are critical factors for achieving superior sensing performance in strain sensors, as systematically validated through comparative analyses across diverse application scenarios.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024110703
Urban river ecosystems are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities, necessitating comprehensive health assessments beyond conventional water quality metrics. This study evaluates the ecological health of the Zhongshan South Road reach in Wuhu, China, by integrating microbial community integrity with physicochemical parameters. Nine monitoring sections were established, considering land use, pollution sources, and seasonal hydrology. Over four seasons, eight water quality parameters and microbial indicators were systematically monitored. A Microbial Index of Biotic Integrity (M-IBI) was developed through candidate parameter screening, interference response analysis, and discriminant ability assessment. Core metrics included Chao1 index, Sobs index, and relative abundances of Acinetobacter and hgcl-clade genera. M-IBI scores were standardized and classified into health levels, with results compared against the Water Quality Index (WQI). Findings revealed seasonal M-IBI variation: winter > autumn > summer > spring, with downstream water quality superior to upstream. Spatial and seasonal patterns of WQI and M-IBI were largely concordant, though discrepancies arose from differential microbial responses to environmental factors and heightened sensitivity to human disturbance. The M-IBI approach demonstrated robust applicability for river health assessment, offering a sensitive, integrative tool for urban water management.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025122102
Uranium is a key resource for nuclear energy, but its mining and processing generate large amounts of uranium-containing wastewater, posing persistent threats to the environment and human health. In this study, a cyano-functionalized C3N4/ZnIn2S4 (CCN/ZIS) heterojunction system was constructed for efficient removal of U(VI) from uranium mining wastewater. The introduction of cyano groups significantly enhanced the adsorption capacity of CCN/ZIS, reaching a maximum of 123.65 mg·g−1. Characterization techniques (UV-vis DRS, EIS, i-t, PL, TRPL) confirmed that cyano groups effectively suppress charge carrier recombination, improving photogenerated carrier separation. Under visible light, the modified material achieved over 95% removal of U(VI) within 10 minutes, demonstrating a 20-fold efficiency increase compared to pristine materials. Even in simulated uranium mining wastewater containing high concentrations of CO3^2− and F−, CCN/ZIS maintained excellent performance, overcoming the technical challenge of U(VI) removal efficiency being constrained by water quality conditions. Quenching experiments identified e− and ·O2− as the primary reactive species responsible for U(VI) reduction. This study reveals the synergistic mechanism of selective U(VI) enrichment and photoreduction, providing theoretical innovation and technological breakthroughs for uranium pollution control.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61102-X
Silicon-carbon composites prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are promising anode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. However, the influence of the pore structure of the porous carbon (PC) carrier on silicon deposition behavior, and the impact of surface silicon on cycling stability, remain unclear. This study systematically investigates these effects using nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Porous carbons with varying pore architectures were synthesized by adjusting KOH activator ratios. Results show that increased micropore volume facilitates higher silicon mass loading, but also elevates the content of surface floating silicon due to greater silane exposure. Moderately increasing mesopores in high-microporosity carbon promotes deeper silicon deposition, reducing surface floating silicon. Excessive surface floating silicon hinders lithium-ion diffusion kinetics, leading to accumulation of active lithium, accelerated SEI growth, and electrode degradation. Electrochemical testing reveals that the optimized silicon-carbon composite maintains a high specific capacity of 693.1 mAh/g after 150 cycles at 0.5 C (900 mA/g). This work provides new insights into the development and failure mechanisms of CVD-derived silicon-carbon composite anodes, emphasizing the critical role of pore structure in mitigating surface silicon and enhancing cycling stability.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3821-2
Stimuli-responsive chiral materials hold significant potential for applications in smart photonic devices, chiral sensors, and data storage. Chiral supramolecular smart responsive materials based on azobenzene (Azo) self-assembly systems have attracted considerable attention due to their dynamic and reversible chirality regulation under external stimuli. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the construction, regulation mechanisms, and functional applications of chiral supramolecular helical structures derived from Azo-based materials. Starting from molecular structure, assembly modes, and external stimuli responsiveness (such as light, heat, solvent, and pH), we discuss precise control over supramolecular chirality, including chiroptical switching, inversion, and asymmetric amplification. Furthermore, the potential applications of assembly materials containing Azo building units in chiroptical properties, chiral recognition, and nanoscopic/macroscopic chiral functional materials are highlighted. We hope this review will provide helpful insights for the design and fabrication of the new generation of smart chiral functional materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3609-0
This correction addresses an inadvertent duplication error in Fig. 4d of the original article published in Sci China Mater 2021, 64(8): 2045–2055. The TUNEL staining image of tumor tissue in the PBS group was mistakenly duplicated with the Vector/siNC group during figure assembly. The corrected Fig. 4 is provided, which includes the timeline for in vivo tumor immunotherapy, relative tumor volume changes (n=6 per group; **p<0.01, ***p<0.001), relative mouse body weight variations, and H&E and TUNEL staining of tumor sections on day 14. The correction does not alter the overall results, interpretation, or conclusions of the study. The original research demonstrated that dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles (Au DENPs) can effectively deliver siRNA for gene silencing, thereby boosting immune checkpoint blockade for tumor therapy. The study highlighted the potential of this nanoplatform for combined gene therapy and immunotherapy in cancer treatment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3929-4
Hydrogels are extensively utilized in biomedical fields such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound dressings due to their excellent biocompatibility, high water content, and tunable physicochemical properties. However, conventional hydrogels often undergo uncontrolled swelling in physiological environments, leading to mechanical degradation, structural destabilization, and functional failure, which severely restricts their long-term applicability. Recent advances have focused on developing anti-swelling hydrogels with equilibrium swelling ratios typically below 150%, achieved through strategies including the introduction of hydrophobic interactions, enhancement of cross-linking density, and incorporation of nanocomposite structures. These approaches significantly improve dimensional stability and mechanical integrity under physiological conditions. This review systematically summarizes the common preparation strategies for anti-swelling hydrogels and highlights their latest progress in biomedical applications, including wound dressings, tissue adhesives, and implantable devices. The advantages and future directions, such as smart responsiveness and multifunctional integration, are critically discussed. The review aims to provide theoretical guidance and technical references for the development of next-generation high-performance medical hydrogel materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3869-7
Iontronic capacitive pressure sensors (ICPSs) are pivotal for wearable technology, yet their performance is constrained by an inherent trade-off between sensitivity and detection range. Here, we introduce a micro-electric double layer (micro-EDL) engineering strategy to overcome this limitation. This is realized through a nanocomposite dielectric where multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) form a percolated network, generating a dense array of pressure-responsive nano-capacitors. Synergistically integrating a hierarchical MoS2/NiCo-LDH electrode provides abundant pseudocapacitive interfaces. The resulting sensor exhibits an ultrahigh sensitivity of 67,095 kPa−1 at 1 kHz, a broad detection range up to 1.3 MPa, rapid response and recovery times of 4 ms and 5 ms, respectively, and outstanding durability exceeding 18,000 cycles. Practical validation demonstrates 100% classification accuracy in recognizing complex gestures and gait patterns, underscoring its real-world applicability. These findings establish micro-EDL engineering as a promising route for advancing next-generation iontronic devices, offering insights into their electrochemical mechanisms.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3925-5
Capacitive pressure sensors have garnered significant attention in electronic skin, human-machine interaction, health monitoring, and medical devices due to their remarkable properties like highly sensitive pressure perception, good repeatability, and rapid response capabilities. However, manufacturing capacitive pressure sensors that simultaneously achieve a broad linear detection range and high sensitivity remains a significant challenge. Herein, a novel hierarchically interlocked capacitive pressure sensor (HI-CPS) was designed by integrating a stretchable polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based nanofilm dielectric layer with hierarchically interlocked microstructures, demonstrating excellent linearity and high sensitivity over a wide sensing range. HI-CPS based on a one-layer nanofilm exhibits ultrahigh sensitivity (9.40 kPa−1) and an ultralow detection limit (0.1 Pa). When the dielectric layer comprises two layers of stacked nanofilms, the sensor not only maintains high sensitivity (3.17 kPa−1) but also achieves excellent linearity (R2 = 0.999) over a broad working range (<5 kPa), along with remarkable stability even after 10,000 cycles. Benefitting from the outstanding comprehensive performance, HI-CPS has been proven to be successfully implemented in monitoring various human biological signals, sign language recognition, and basketball shooting gesture correction. This strategy of assembling the tailored nanofilm with structural engineering has significant potential application in building high-performance pressure detection and recognition devices.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025040202
Halophenols are highly toxic disinfection byproducts and common taste-and-odor pollutants in drinking water. In this study, a palladium catalyst confined within the pores of UiO-66 (Pd@UiO-66) was prepared via a double-solvent method and applied for the catalytic hydrodechlorination of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). A surface-supported catalyst (Pd/UiO-66) was synthesized by deposition-precipitation as a benchmark. Comprehensive characterization using ICP-OES, XRD, TEM, EDX mapping, XPS, and in situ CO-IR revealed that Pd@UiO-66 exhibited smaller Pd particle sizes, higher Pd dispersion, and a greater proportion of cationic Pd species (Pdn+) compared to Pd/UiO-66. These features enhanced the activation and cleavage of the C–Cl bond. Catalytic tests demonstrated that Pd@UiO-66 achieved >90% removal of 4-CP within 15 minutes, with phenol as the sole degradation product, showing significantly lower predicted toxicity (ECOSAR) than the parent compound. The kinetics followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. Pd@UiO-66 exhibited 2.1 times higher initial activity and 1.2 times higher turnover frequency than Pd/UiO-66. Moreover, the pore confinement effect imparted high stability, with no significant loss in initial activity (within 10%) after five reaction cycles. These results highlight the potential of confined Pd catalysts for efficient removal of halophenolic odorants from water.
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.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607003
Co-firing municipal sludge with municipal solid waste (MSW) provides a viable solution for sludge disposal. This study evaluated the effect of sludge co-firing rate (0%, 5%, and 10%) on flue gas pollutant emissions, operational performance, and incineration byproduct characteristics in a waste-to-energy plant. The results showed that under all co-firing rates, the concentrations of SO2, NOx, CO, HCl, particulate matter, and dioxins complied with the limits specified in the Standard for Pollution Control on Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (GB 18485—2014). As the co-firing rate increased from 5% to 10%, concentrations of all flue gas pollutants except NOx and HCl exhibited an upward trend. The optimal operational performance under the test conditions was achieved at a 5% co-firing rate, when the flue gas volume, fan volume, and ammonia and lime consumption were minimized. Compared to the 5% rate, increasing the co-firing rate to 10% resulted in elevated flue gas volume, fan volume, and reagent consumption. Steam production decreased from 2.778 t/t (0% co-firing rate) to 2.358 t/t (5% co-firing rate) and 2.117 t/t (10% co-firing rate), indicating a reduction in power generation efficiency with increasing sludge co-firing rates. Leaching toxicity analysis of fly ash revealed significant reductions in the leached concentrations of Zn and Pb, while those of Hg, As, Ba, and Se showed slight increases, all remaining well below regulatory limits. This study confirms the technical feasibility of directly co-firing mechanically dewatered sludge (with a moisture content of 50% to 60%) without thermal drying. A 5% co-firing rate is identified as the optimal balance between operational economy and system efficiency.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3977-8
Single quantum well (single-QW) two-dimensional (2D) perovskites are poised to revolutionize optoelectronic devices owing to their superior stability and optoelectronic properties. However, solution-processed 2D perovskites typically suffer from disordered multiple-QW structures, leading to inconsistent device performance. Here, we introduce a solvent-hydrolysis-driven method to control crystallization kinetics, yielding highly ordered single-QW 2D perovskite films. Dimethylamine (DMA), generated from the hydrolysis of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), serves as a critical mediator, preventing cluster aggregation and ensuring a uniform colloidal distribution. This approach circumvents the formation of a heterogeneous intermediate phase, thereby promoting the formation of a homogeneous (DMA,MA)PbI3 phase, which is essential for single-QW film development. The resultant photodetector exhibits outstanding performance, with a responsivity of 1153 mA/W and a detectivity of 6.98 × 10^12 Jones, along with excellent photostability under ambient conditions. These attributes render it ideal for photoelectric imaging sensors and large-scale integration. Our findings establish a scalable, solution-processed strategy for high-performance 2D perovskite materials, opening new avenues for advanced optoelectronic applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4057-4
The escalating use of ionizing radiation in medical and industrial applications necessitates lead-free, flexible, and sustainable shielding materials. Current development relies on empirical trial-and-error, which is inefficient. This study introduces a machine learning-assisted Monte Carlo simulation strategy for rapid optimization of metal filler compositions for X-ray attenuation across 40–120 kV. Guided by this AI-driven approach, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based gels containing uniformly dispersed Bi/W/Gd2O3 nanoparticles were developed, forming within 1 minute at -20°C using a PVA-DMSO/H2O co-solvent system. The optimized gel with 50 wt% metal loading exhibits exceptional mechanical properties: tensile strength of 1.76 MPa, toughness of 6.3 MJ m−3, and elongation of 600%. It achieves >98% X-ray shielding efficiency at 5 mm thickness, outperforming lead composites at 120 kV. The physically cross-linked network provides recyclability and anti-freezing capability, retaining flexibility at -50°C. This work establishes a data-driven paradigm for designing high-performance radiation-shielding materials, demonstrating AI's potential to accelerate materials discovery and enable scalable fabrication of eco-friendly protective systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4008-2
Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with conventional therapies hampered by poor tumor specificity, low drug accumulation, and suboptimal efficacy. To address these challenges, we rationally designed a tumor-targeted, ferrocene-bearing, covalently immobilizable theranostic probe, dIR-CDF, for near-infrared (NIR) imaging-guided photodynamic-ferroptosis synergistic therapy. The probe exploits the overexpression of sulfenated proteins in the tumor microenvironment to specifically target integrin αvβ3-positive NSCLC cells and undergo covalent anchoring via the reaction between 1,3-cyclohexanedione and sulfenic acid, thereby enhancing tumor accumulation and retention. Under 808 nm irradiation, dIR-CDF generates singlet oxygen (1O2) for photodynamic therapy (PDT), while the sustained release of ferrocene catalyzes Fenton reactions to produce hydroxyl radicals (·OH), inducing ferroptosis. The synergistic action of PDT and ferroptosis amplifies lipid peroxidation and disrupts antioxidant defenses, leading to efficient suppression of NSCLC tumors in living mice. This work presents a universal and powerful theranostic platform for precise cancer diagnosis and treatment, with the covalent targeting strategy offering enhanced specificity and retention.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4334-9
Piezoelectric materials underpin modern electromechanical energy conversion, serving as critical components in sensors, actuators, and energy harvesters. Their performance is intrinsically governed by the piezoelectric coefficient, yet optimizing this property remains challenging due to the profound influence of diverse microscopic structures. This review systematically examines three fundamental crystalline architectures—perovskite, wurtzite, and fluorite—and critically analyzes performance optimization strategies tailored to each structure. We explore five principal modification approaches: defect engineering, elemental doping, heterostructure film fabrication, composite film design, and buffer layer incorporation, with emphasis on the underlying physical mechanisms that drive property enhancements. By providing a cross-structural comparison, this review establishes clear structure–property relationships, offering a foundational guide for material selection and design. Furthermore, we highlight the implications of these advanced materials for next-generation applications in energy harvesting and smart devices. Finally, we present a forward-looking roadmap, outlining emerging research directions and addressing key technical challenges to guide the development of next-generation high-performance piezoelectric materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4181-6
Green hydrogen production via electrocatalytic water splitting is pivotal for sustainable energy, yet the high cost and scarcity of platinum (Pt) catalysts impede large-scale adoption. Ruthenium (Ru)-based materials emerge as promising alternatives, but their performance requires enhancement. Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), particularly ReS2, offer intrinsic 1T' phase with good conductivity and stability, yet suffer from inert surfaces limiting water adsorption. Here, we report a heterostructure comprising Ru nanoclusters anchored on ReS2 nanosheets (Ru/ReS2) to modulate electronic structure via d-p coupling. This design enhances water dissociation kinetics and optimizes hydrogen adsorption free energy (ΔG_H*). The Ru/ReS2 catalyst exhibits superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in acidic media, achieving an overpotential of 47 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 38 mV dec−1, outperforming commercial Pt/C (overpotential 54 mV, Tafel slope 45 mV dec−1). Notably, it demonstrates exceptional stability, with negligible degradation after 10,000 cyclic voltammetry cycles, contrasting with Pt/C's 54 mV overpotential increase. Density functional theory calculations reveal that d-p coupling between Ru and ReS2 optimizes the electronic structure, facilitating water adsorption and dissociation. This work provides a rational strategy for designing efficient, durable, and cost-effective HER electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production.