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/s40843-025-3623-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/s40843-025-3725-1
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.0254-6108.2025122102
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/s40843-025-3929-4
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.0254-6108.2025032004
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.