SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4433-5
Negative thermal expansion (NTE) and zero thermal expansion (ZTE) materials are technologically relevant for precision engineering, yet their practical deployment is constrained by narrow operating temperature windows. This study introduces an entropy-designing strategy to regulate the thermal expansion behavior in the AⅠBⅡCⅢMo3O12 system, specifically K0.4(Mg0.25Mn0.25Co0.25Ni0.25)0.4Sc1.6Mo3O12 (CE0.4MO) and related CExMO compositions (x = 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0). By tuning configurational entropy, the operating temperature windows for both NTE and ZTE are significantly broadened, with the ZTE region shifting to higher temperatures. Among single-phase compositions, CE0.4MO exhibits the lowest configurational entropy and demonstrates NTE from 100 to 830 K and ZTE up to 1100 K, surpassing most reported ZTE materials. Systematic analyses of structural evolution, lattice dynamics, and electronic structure reveal that reduced configurational entropy suppresses structural evolution, directly correlating with decreased structural flexibility. Higher atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) of oxygen in CE1.0MO provide experimental evidence for enhanced flexibility. Raman spectroscopy shows that the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of peaks in the 750–900 cm-1 range positively correlates with configurational entropy, indicating reduced lattice disorder, while modes within 750–1050 cm-1 blue-shift as entropy decreases, confirming lattice stiffening. Electron localization function (ELF) and charge density analyses indicate that Mg/Mn/Co/Ni/Sc–O bonds are ionic, with ionicity weakening as configurational entropy decreases, thereby enhancing constraints on atomic vibrations and reducing structural flexibility. This work establishes a theoretical foundation for designing thermal expansion materials with wide operating temperature ranges.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4383-8
Conventional cancer therapies remain constrained by undruggable oncogenic proteins and acquired resistance. Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a transformative modality that harnesses the ubiquitin-proteasome system to selectively degrade target proteins, offering advantages over traditional small-molecule inhibitors. However, clinical translation of PROTACs is impeded by intrinsic physicochemical limitations: high molecular weight, poor bioavailability, and lack of tumor-specific delivery. Integrating PROTACs with nanotechnology has yielded advanced nano-PROTACs platforms. Nanocarriers enhance solubility and stability, optimize pharmacokinetics, and enable spatiotemporally controlled drug release through passive or active targeting. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in engineering multifunctional nano-PROTACs for cancer therapy, with particular emphasis on design strategies by which nanoengineering enhances PROTAC performance. We evaluate how these platforms improve anticancer efficacy and minimize systemic toxicity while exploring their therapeutic potential in monotherapy and synergistic treatment settings. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future perspectives, providing a theoretical and technical foundation for next-generation nano-PROTACs as a precise and potent strategy in precision oncology.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4498-7
Two-dimensional porphyrin-based hypercrosslinked polymers (TPP-HCPs) were synthesized via room-temperature interfacial polymerization using 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin and 1,3,5-trioxane. The resulting TPP-HCPs exhibited a BET surface area of 548 m2 g-1 and a CO2 uptake of 7.97 wt% at 1 bar and 298 K. CuO/TPP-HCPs nanospheres were fabricated by thermal conversion of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O in DMF at 135 °C, using TPP-HCPs as dynamic templates. This in-situ strategy generated CuO nanoparticles within the conjugated porous matrix, facilitating electron transfer and enhancing CO2 access to catalytic centers. In CO2 electroreduction, the composite achieved a total gas Faradaic efficiency exceeding 90% at ~500 mA cm-2 (-1.4 V vs. RHE), with 40.9% for C2H4, 8.2% for CH4, 31.9% for CO, and 12.3% for H2. The catalyst maintained stability over 24 h in an H-cell. These results demonstrate that 2D conjugated polymer-templated catalysts can sustain high-rate CO2 conversion to value-added products, offering a viable route for industrial CO2 utilization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4432-9
Sodium vanadium phosphate (Na3V2(PO4)3, NVP) with NASICON structure is a promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries but suffers from low electronic conductivity and a high energy barrier for the V4+/V5+ redox couple, limiting practical energy density. A medium-entropy tuning strategy yields the multi-element substituted Na3.2V1.5Cr0.1Fe0.1Mn0.1Ni0.1Ti0.1(PO4)3 (ME-NVP). Entropy modulation tailors the microscopic electronic structure, enabling reversible V4+/V5+ redox at 4.0 V. Analyses reveal a synergistic diffusion mechanism that accelerates Na+ transport and enhances multiple-electron redox kinetics. Ex-situ X-ray diffraction confirms highly reversible structural evolution during cycling. The ME-NVP cathode delivers 116.8 mAh g-1 at 0.1C and retains 83.9% of initial capacity after 1000 cycles at 20C, with excellent performance from -12 to 50 °C. This work demonstrates that configurational entropy regulation unlocks high-energy polyanion cathodes for advanced sodium-ion batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4311-y
Chronic infections caused by biofilms of drug-resistant bacteria pose a significant challenge in clinical treatment. Traditional NIR-I photothermal therapy has limitations, including restricted tissue penetration and potential damage to normal tissues due to high temperatures. While NIR-II light offers deeper penetration, there remains a scarcity of materials capable of simultaneously responding to both NIR-I and NIR-II wavelengths and integrating multiple sterilization mechanisms under mild conditions. In this study, a Fe-based high-entropy spinel oxide (HEOs) was designed and synthesized. Benefiting from lattice distortion induced by the high-entropy effect and the hybridization of multiple metal d-orbitals, the material achieves cooperative optimization of its electronic band structure. Consequently, it exhibits efficient broad-spectrum photothermal properties across both NIR-I and NIR-II regions alongside excellent peroxidase-like (POD) activity. Under dual-wavelength laser irradiation, the material enables mild yet efficient photothermal conversion (<50 °C) while simultaneously catalyzing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to generate abundant hydroxyl radicals (·OH), thereby constructing a synergistic antibacterial system combining dual-window photothermal therapy and enzymatic catalysis. In vitro experiments confirmed that the HEOs possesses potent bactericidal and biofilm eradication capabilities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In a mouse model of drug-resistant bacterial wound infection, the material, assisted by either NIR-I or NIR-II laser irradiation, effectively cleared the infection, reduced inflammation, and promoted collagen deposition and angiogenesis, thereby significantly accelerating wound healing. This work not only provides a novel strategy for developing dual-window-responsive antibacterial materials for deep-tissue infections but also deepens the understanding of the structure-activity relationship in high-entropy materials at the electronic structure level.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4272-3
Ruthenium (Ru)-based alloys are promising alternatives to commercial Pt/C catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) owing to their low cost and favorable hydrogen adsorption properties. However, the sluggish water dissociation on Ru catalysts remains a major kinetic bottleneck in alkaline solutions. Herein, we report a rare earth (RE) dilute alloy strategy by incorporating a trace amount of cerium (Ce, ~1 at%) into a RuCu alloy to promote interfacial water activation. The oxophilic Ce sites strengthen H2O adsorption and reduce the energy barrier for water dissociation, thereby accelerating the Volmer step during alkaline hydrogen evolution. Consequently, the RuCuCe catalyst delivers 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of only 18 mV in 1.0 M KOH and maintains stable operation for over 100 h at 500 mA cm−2 in a membrane electrode assembly. In situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and pH-dependent measurements verify the facilitated Volmer process induced by Ce incorporation. Temperature-dependent analysis further shows that the apparent activation energy decreases from 47.4 kJ mol−1 for RuCu to 26.4 kJ mol−1 for RuCuCe, consistent with enhanced water dissociation kinetics. This work establishes RE dilute metal alloys as an effective platform for boosting the intrinsic activity of Ru-based alloy catalysts, in which RE incorporation promotes water dissociation while inducing charge redistribution in the alloy matrix.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4260-5
Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are recognized as a leading candidate for next-generation energy storage due to their high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mAh g⁻¹). However, the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) severely limits cycle life and energy efficiency. Here, we report a multi-interface engineering strategy employing a MnO₂-TiO₂@Ti₃C₂ MXene (MT@MX) heterojunction, synthesized via a facile redox reaction between MXene and KMnO₄, to modulate bidirectional polysulfide conversion. The 2D structure with high conductivity and abundant heterogeneous interfaces facilitates fast ion/electron transfer, reduces reaction energy barriers, and enhances adsorption via d-band center effects. The stepped built-in electric field (BIEF) in MT@MX lowers the migration energy barrier of LiPSs from catalytic MXene to TiO₂ and then to adsorptive MnO₂, enabling reversible migration across multi-interfaces. Optimized heterointerfaces synergistically integrate adsorption, diffusion, and catalytic conversion, yielding excellent cycling stability even at a high sulfur loading of 6.4 mg cm⁻². This work demonstrates that constructing heterojunctions with stepped BIEF offers a feasible approach to modulate interfacial diffusion and provides a new design strategy for high-performance LSB electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4202-3
Carbon dots (CDs) with absorption in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 900-1700 nm) hold promise for tumor theranostics, yet existing synthesis methods often involve complex procedures, harsh conditions, or lack precise control. Here we report a 'self-photooxidation-restructuring' strategy that enables structural reorganization of the carbon core in CDs, achieving a significant redshift of absorption into the NIR-II region. Under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, the precursor (B-CDs, absorption in UV region) generates singlet oxygen, which self-oxidizes aldehyde groups and the carbon skeleton of B-CDs to stronger electron-withdrawing carboxyl groups and carbon radicals, respectively. These processes facilitate the formation of new C=C bonds between isolated aromatic domains, thereby transforming B-CDs into novel CDs (N-CDs) characterized by enhanced donor-acceptor interactions and a redshift in absorption toward the NIR-II window. Various experimental data, including high-resolution XPS, FTIR, NMR, EPR, have proved the proposed formation mechanism. The novel N-CDs afforded a high photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 71.33%, which enabled 1064 nm laser-activated photoacoustic imaging (PAI)-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) in tumors. This work opens a new avenue for the synthesis and modulation of CDs in the NIR-II region.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4220-x
High-temperature electronics demand non-volatile memories (NVMs) capable of stable operation above 500 °C for applications in space exploration, nuclear energy, and autonomous driving. Conventional silicon-based devices fail above ~250 °C, and silicon carbide (SiC) cannot process data above 300 °C. Memristors offer a promising solution due to their simple structure, low power consumption, and scalability. A recent breakthrough by Yang et al. (Science) demonstrated a graphene (Gra)/HfOx/W memristor achieving data retention at 700 °C, with retention time of 50 h, endurance of 10^9 cycles, ON/OFF ratio exceeding three orders of magnitude, and operation voltage ~1.5 V. The key innovation is replacing the Pt bottom electrode with in-situ grown graphene, which suppresses high-temperature diffusion of the W top electrode through the HfOx layer. In contrast, Pt/HfOx/W devices fail after annealing at 800 °C for 10^4 s due to W migration, forming conductive filaments that lock the device in the ON state. High-resolution TEM and EDS reveal tungsten oxide (WOx) formation at the W/HfOx interface in Pt-based devices, while Gra-based devices show no such degradation. STEM-EELS confirms W migration across the HfOx layer in Pt devices, but graphene acts as a diffusion barrier, preserving stable switching behavior. This interfacial engineering approach provides a viable pathway for high-temperature NVM, addressing the critical bottleneck of electrode diffusion.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4237-x
Silicon-based (Si-based) anodes are core candidates for next-generation high-energy solid-state batteries (SSBs) due to their high theoretical capacity (~4200 mAh g−1). However, their practical application is constrained by the 'size effect', which influences mechanical integrity and electrochemical performance. This review systematically examines the failure mechanisms of nano-silicon (nSi) and micro-silicon (mSi) anodes when paired with sulfide and organic-inorganic composite solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). Key functional parameters of these SSEs are discussed, along with strategies to mitigate interfacial impedance and accommodate volume changes. Recent progress in structural and interface modifications is highlighted, including the use of hard-carbon-stabilized Li–Si anodes (achieving stable cycling) and pressure-free operation. The review identifies core challenges, such as achieving intimate solid–solid contact and managing mechanical stress, and outlines future directions for 'size effect' regulation to accelerate commercialization of high-energy Si-based SSBs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3828-y
The rapid development of halogen-free solvent-processed organic solar cells (OSCs) has been enabled by side-chain modification on small molecular acceptors, yet the structure-property relationship between inner/outer chain lengths and device performance remains unclear. This study systematically investigates five non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) with varied side-chain positions and architectures, clarifying the effects of inner versus outer modifications on energy level distribution, film morphology, and carrier dynamics. Notably, longer alkyl chains are not always superior; excessive solubility reduces molecular packing order. The optimized PM6:BTP-TO12 blend achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.2%. Furthermore, ternary OSCs incorporating BTP-TO12 as a guest material reach a remarkable PCE of 19.5%, enhancing the performance of L8-BO-based devices processed with green solvents. This improvement is attributed to the low energy loss and well-controlled aggregation behavior of BTP-TO12 in environmentally friendly toluene. These findings establish a design guideline for side-chain engineering in green-solvent-processed OSCs, achieving state-of-the-art performance and advancing scalable, eco-compatible photovoltaic technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3559-5
Polyamide (PA) membranes are promising for lithium extraction from spent lithium-ion battery (LIB) leachate but face a trade-off between selectivity and permeability. Here, we demonstrate that nascent PA membranes post-grafted with triaminoguanidinium (TAG) monomers (PA-TAG membranes) gain expanded ion passage channels (0.8–7.1 Å) and enhanced positive charge, achieving high-performance lithium separation. The PA-TAG membrane exhibits a pure water permeance (PWP) of 15.5 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, superior divalent ion rejection (~98%), and an excellent separation factor (~30), significantly outperforming pristine PA membranes. In a simulated acidic battery leachate, the PA-TAG membrane achieved a relative volumetric lithium recovery rate of 48.2% after a two-stage nanofiltration process, with the Li+/M2+ mass ratio of the second permeate reaching 53.35, 445 times that of the feed (0.12). The membrane maintained stable performance over 45 hours of nanofiltration and resisted acidic conditions (pH=2) for at least 20 days. These results highlight the potential of PA-TAG membranes for efficient lithium extraction from acidic battery leachate, addressing the critical need for sustainable recycling of spent LIBs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3652-2
Existing robotic end-effector gripping technologies often encounter challenges such as poor adaptability to environmental changes, incomplete deformation sensing, and insufficient adhesion stability, which can compromise operational safety and reliability. Here, we present the bio-inspired self-sensing suction cup, in which the core self-sensing capability is achieved by combining high-performance, laser-induced graphene/Ag NWs flexible sensors with a Wheatstone bridge design. The flexible sensors provide high sensitivity, while the Wheatstone bridge circuit enables accurate and stable detection of deformation during the gripping process. Integrated into the octopus-inspired suction cup, this system allows for real-time monitoring of deformation and adsorption stability. The self-sensing suction cup demonstrates good performance across a 0–25 kPa negative pressure range, with outstanding linearity (R2 = 0.993) and high sensitivity (GF = 10.436 kPa−1). Experimental results confirm that the suction cup can achieve stable adsorption under varying loads and enable real-time monitoring of the suction cup status during the gripping process. This design provides a promising solution for intelligent gripping systems, logistics, and object recognition in challenging environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3705-5
Biodegradable metals (BMs) are designed to corrode gradually in physiological environments, yet this corrosion can compromise their mechanical integrity, potentially causing premature implant failure. For emerging zinc-based alloys, the corrosion-mechanical property relationship remains inadequately characterized. This study systematically investigated the long-term corrosion-associated mechanical behavior of hot-extruded Zn-Cu and Zn-Cu-Fe alloys, promising Zn-based bio-metals, in comparison with pure Zn, under immersion degradation in Hank's solution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and mechanical testing revealed that the evolving corrosion profile governs mechanical performance. Alloying with Cu and Fe mitigated corrosion's detrimental effects: grain refinement reduced localized corrosion susceptibility, while finely dispersed second phases acted as cathodic sites, promoting uniform corrosion. Additionally, Cu and Fe facilitated the formation of protective corrosion product layers, suppressing further matrix attack. Consequently, the overall reduced corrosion, particularly localized corrosion, lowered stress concentration susceptibility, delaying mechanical decline and preserving structural integrity. These findings elucidate the degradation-mechanical property correlation in Zn-based bio-metals and underscore critical considerations for developing new bio-metals for clinical translation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3710-y
Layered transition metal oxide cathodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) suffer from Jahn–Teller distortion of MnO6, Na+/vacancy ordering, and irreversible lattice oxygen loss, causing capacity fading and voltage decay. Here, we report a P2-type material, Na0.67Ni0.3Mn0.6Li0.09Sn0.01O2 (NNMO-Li0.09Sn0.01), co-doped with closed-shell Li+ and Sn4+ ions. Li+ increases the Mn4+/Mn3+ ratio, mitigating Jahn–Teller distortion, and disrupts Ni/Mn ordering, suppressing Na+/vacancy ordering. Sn4+ forms stronger Sn–O bonds (548 kJ mol−1), enhancing bonding between transition metal ions and oxygen, reducing oxygen loss. NNMO-Li0.09Sn0.01 delivers a specific capacity of 90.3 mAh g−1 with 62.9% capacity retention after 50 cycles at 0.1 C (1 C = 200 mA g−1), and 90.3% voltage retention. This closed-shell substitution strategy offers a viable approach for enhancing structural stability of wide-voltage layered oxide cathodes.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0020
Ammonia borane (AB) is a promising hydrogen storage material due to its low molecular weight and high hydrogen content. The development of low-cost, high-activity catalysts for AB hydrolysis is critical for industrialization. In this work, CuO nanosheets (CuO NS) were synthesized via a solvothermal method under alkaline conditions using anhydrous copper chloride as precursor. Subsequently, low-temperature phosphating converted CuO NS into Cu3P@CuO nanosheets (Cu3P@CuO NS). The morphology and structure were characterized by SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, and XPS. The catalytic performance for AB hydrolysis was evaluated, revealing that at a phosphating ratio of m(CuO NS)/m(NaH2PO2)=1 (0.1 g each), Cu3P@CuO NS exhibited excellent activity with a TOF of 57.23 min−1 and an apparent activation energy of 44.31 kJ/mol. The reaction followed pseudo-first-order kinetics with respect to catalyst amount and pseudo-zero-order kinetics with respect to AB concentration. The superior performance is attributed to the abundant active sites exposed by the nanosheet structure. Given the extremely low cost, Cu3P@CuO NS is a promising alternative to noble metal catalysts for hydrogen generation from AB.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60613-X
This study systematically optimized the preparation of Co-modified Ce/TiO2 catalysts and investigated the effects of preparation method and Co loading on their low-temperature denitrification activity. The sol-gel method with a Co/Ti mass ratio of 0.025 (Ce-Co0.025/TiO2-SG) yielded superior performance compared to impregnation and co-precipitation methods. The catalyst maintained NO conversion above 95% in the 225–350 °C range and exhibited high N2 selectivity. Characterization via BET, XRD, XPS, H2-TPR, and in situ DRIFTS revealed that the enhanced activity was attributed to abundant surface oxygen vacancies, a high proportion of Ce3+ species, and prominent acidic sites. The catalyst followed the Eley-Rideal mechanism, effectively inhibiting nitrate intermediate formation and promoting NO-to-NO2 oxidation. This work provides a reference for developing efficient low-temperature denitrification catalysts for industrial applications such as cement production, which emitted 722,000 tons of NOx in 2020, accounting for 17.3% of industrial emissions.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604015
Shale gas extraction generates hazardous oily sludge, necessitating effective in-situ treatment. Microemulsion technology offers low energy consumption, cost efficiency, and high oil removal without heating. This study investigates single-surfactant microemulsions using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS), and composite microemulsions with sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). Phase behavior and effects of surfactant, alcohol, and salt concentrations on oil removal were examined. Optimal single formulations achieved removal rates of 86.33% for SDS (SDS:alcohol:NaCl = 2.72%:13.21%:2.17% mass ratio) and 87.45% for AOS (SDS:alcohol:NaCl = 2.72%:15.41%:2.17%). SDS microemulsions showed superior phase stability despite slightly lower removal efficiency. Composite SDS-Na2SiO3 microemulsion achieved 92.47% oil removal, outperforming single systems, and could be recycled five times while meeting national secondary reuse standards. AOS-Na2SiO3 exhibited better salt resistance, whereas SDS-Na2SiO3 showed better alcohol resistance. This work provides a novel approach for in-situ oily sludge treatment.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225246
The development of efficient catalyst classification technologies is crucial for optimizing fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) and catalytic pyrolysis coupling processes, where distinct particle size distributions are required for different reaction pathways. In this study, a large-scale cold-model experimental platform of a multi-arm vortex separator is established to explore the influence of operating conditions on classification behavior. Systematic experiments are conducted by changing ejection gas velocity (8~20 m/s), inlet particle concentration (30~70 g/m3), and bed linear velocity (0.15~0.25 m/s). The results demonstrate that ejection gas velocity governs classification sharpness by controlling the entrainment of fines within the coarse fraction. The increase in ejection gas velocity enlarges the upward axial gas velocity inside the device, thereby enhancing the entrainment effect on particles near the vortex arm outlets. Increasing the ejection gas velocity from 12 to 16 m/s reduces proportion of fine particles in coarse components from 14% to 12%. The inlet particle concentration imposes competing effects on classification performance: while higher concentrations promote agglomeration and modify turbulence distribution, excessive loading intensifies fine-particle entrainment, thereby diminishing classification selectivity. The system maintains stable pressure drop characteristics under different bed linear velocities, with the pressure drop increasing by maximum of about 15% when the bed linear velocity is raised from 0.15 m/s to 0.25 m/s. Analysis of grade efficiency curves reveals classical S-shaped profiles with cut sizes (dc50) shifting under different operating regimes. Higher particle concentrations reduces dc50, favoring fine-particle removal, while higher ejection gas velocities enlarge dc50, moving the classification boundary toward larger sizes. These findings confirm the synergistic effect of ejection gas velocity and inlet concentration, highlighting that rational parameter matching can simultaneously improve efficiency and selectivity. Beyond the experimental findings, this work emphasizes the broader applicability of multi-arm vortex separators in refining and petrochemical processes. By enabling precise adjustment of particle size distribution, the system offers a promising pathway for enhancing catalyst utilization, extending catalyst lifetime, and facilitating process intensification in coupled FCC-pyrolysis units.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3599-5
Layered transition metal tellurides (TMTs) are promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their graphite-like layered structure and weak van der Waals interactions, which facilitate rapid ion transport. However, their holistic performance—specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability—remains insufficient for practical applications. Here, we report a straightforward NaBH4-assisted chemical etching method to introduce abundant Te vacancies on the surface of Bi2Te3 (denoted H-Bi2Te3). Experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that these Te vacancies refine the band structure, enhance electrical conductivity, and significantly reduce the diffusion barrier for Zn2+ ions. Additionally, the vacancies provide increased storage sites for Zn ions. Consequently, H-Bi2Te3 exhibits superior zinc storage performance: a high Zn2+ diffusion coefficient of 3.98×10−11 cm2 s−1, a specific capacity of 325 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, a rate capability of 217 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1, and exceptional cycling stability with 70 mAh g−1 retained after 10,000 cycles at 1 A g−1. This work introduces a novel vacancy defect engineering strategy for TMT-based cathodes in AZIBs and expands the potential applications of vacancy-rich TMT materials.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61113-4
Porous pyrolytic carbon (PPyC) serves as the buffer layer in TRi-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) fuel particles, providing storage for fission gases, preventing damage to outer layers, and absorbing stresses caused by fuel-kernel swelling. However, the changes of PPyC micro- and meso-structure at high temperatures remain insufficiently understood. In this study, PPyC fabricated by chemical vapor deposition was heat-treated from 1200 to 1600 °C and characterized across atomic-to-mesoscopic scales. Results show that the structure changes with temperature with a transition at approximately 1400 °C. Below 1400 °C, a decrease in Raman ID/IG ratio, narrowing of the graphite diffraction peak, and increased sp2 hybridization indicate progressive ordering associated with defect redistribution. Concurrent decreases in true density and mesopore volume, together with increased closed porosity, are consistent with partial conversion of open pores into closed pores. Above 1400 °C, increased ID/IG ratio, broadening of the diffraction peak near the rhombohedral graphite (101) reflection, and transition regions between crystalline and amorphous material observed by TEM indicate increasing structural disorder. Meanwhile, initially distinct PPyC particle boundaries blur and merge into broad, plate-like domains. Subsequent decrease in closed porosity and increase in mesopore surface area are consistent with partial connection of closed pores to the open-pore network. This work shows that intrinsic coupling between atomic-scale structural change and mesoscale pore connectivity provides a basis for assessing high-temperature structural stability of PPyC in TRISO fuel particles.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61099-2
The first molecular dynamics (MD) simulation dataset is reported for the interfacial shear behavior of carbon fiber/thermoplastic composites (CFRTPs), aimed at overcoming the critical interfacial problem that limits their high-end applications such as aerospace and new energy vehicles. The study features two key advances. First, we use the newly developed CHONSi-2024 reactive force field (ReaxFF), which provides high-precision parameters specifically for CFRTP interfacial systems. Second, the atomic models are constructed based on experimental characterization data and rigorously validated across multiple parameters, including shear modulus, yield behavior, stress-strain curves, and fracture morphology, ensuring quantitative agreement with experimental results. This dataset provides a complete record of the simulations, encompassing atomic trajectories, local structural changes, interfacial stress-strain responses, and system thermodynamic behaviors. These data offer direct atomic-scale insights into the interfacial strengthening mechanisms. The generated trajectories are compatible with mainstream software for visualization and analysis. Moreover, the dataset constitutes a high-quality resource for developing machine learning force fields, building structure-property relationships, and enabling the predictive modeling and high-throughput screening of composite interfaces. This dataset is anticipated to advance the fundamental understanding of composite interfaces and facilitate the rational design of high-performance CFRTPs.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202508050
This study investigated the spatial distribution and ecological risk of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in soil beneath an informal waste dump in a pastoral area of Baingoin County, Nagqu City, Tibet, a high-altitude cold region with frequent freeze-thaw cycles. A total of 55 soil samples were collected from surface (0 cm), middle (10-30 cm), and deep (50 cm) layers. Single-factor index (Pi), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Nemerow index (PN), and risk assessment code (RAC) were employed to evaluate contamination levels and potential ecological risks, while Kriging interpolation was used to map spatial distribution. Results showed that average concentrations of all seven heavy metals exceeded local background values. Horizontally, high-concentration zones were mainly located at five points within the dump. Vertically, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were significantly enriched in the surface layer, whereas Ni exhibited higher concentrations in deeper layers, indicating downward migration driven by freeze-thaw processes. All evaluation methods identified Cd as the primary pollutant. Speciation analysis revealed that heavy metals were predominantly in the residual fraction, with Ni having the highest weak-acid-extractable fraction (5.55%), indicating strong mobility and potential biological toxicity. This study fills a gap in systematic research on informal waste dumps in high-altitude ecologically fragile areas and provides a case reference for environmental management and remediation of such sites in cold regions.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60616-5
CuZnAl (CZA) is a classic industrial catalyst for methanol synthesis from syngas, but its catalytic performance for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol is suboptimal. The catalytic mechanism of Cu species in CZA remains challenging. This study systematically investigates the valence state changes of active Cu species in CZA catalysts and their influence on catalytic performance by modifying catalysts with varying amounts of electron donor K, thereby identifying the catalytic function of Cu species with different valence states. H2-TPR, XPS, and HR-TEM characterizations reveal that highly dispersed K species supported on CZA catalysts inhibit the reduction of CuO, resulting in a small amount of Cu2O active species being produced under reaction conditions, thus causing a decrease in catalytic activity. Furthermore, XRD and Cu LMM spectra show that the proportion of Cu0 in K-modified CZA catalysts increases with K loading, but a higher proportion of Cu0 species on the surface obviously promotes the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction. According to the results of in situ infrared spectroscopy, CZA catalyst follows the reaction pathway mediated by HCOO* in the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025012401
Traditional excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy suffers from prolonged scanning times, data redundancy, high instrument cost, and bulkiness, hindering rapid on-site water pollution source tracing. This study proposes a novel classification method combining fixed characteristic excitation wavelength scanning with support vector machine (SVM) to enhance efficiency. A total of 180 EEM samples were collected from six pollution source categories: chemical fiber dyeing and finishing, wool textile dyeing and finishing, leather processing, metal surface processing, papermaking, and domestic sewage. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) identified characteristic fluorescent components and excitation wavelengths. Correlation analysis and feature importance analysis further reduced these to seven characteristic excitation wavelengths. SVM and random forest (RF) models were constructed using both the reduced and original EEM datasets. Results demonstrated that models based on the seven characteristic excitation wavelengths maintained high recognition accuracy while significantly improving efficiency. The SVM model achieved the best performance, with runtime reduced from 243.05 s to 34.56 s (an 86% decrease) and recognition accuracy reaching 94.4%. Precision, recall, and F1-score metrics confirmed the robust performance of SVM with characteristic wavelengths, particularly for metal surface processing wastewater. This study provides an efficient and reliable method for rapid water pollution tracing by simplifying EEM scanning and integrating SVM, offering high application value. Future work will optimize feature selection strategies and explore additional sample categories and model combinations to broaden applicability.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509049
This study systematically compared three virus enrichment and concentration methods—polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation, aluminum salt coagulation, and centrifugal ultrafiltration—for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in high-turbidity, high-strength wastewater from inbound flights. The aluminum salt coagulation method exhibited the best overall performance, achieving an average recovery rate of 25.95% for SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus, significantly higher than PEG precipitation (12.91%) and centrifugal ultrafiltration (0.22%) (P<0.05). Its detection limit reached 10 copies·mL⁻¹, whereas centrifugal ultrafiltration suffered severe membrane fouling, limiting detection to 1,000 copies·mL⁻¹. Considering the high pH buffering of flight wastewater, the aluminum salt method was optimized by adjusting pH to 6.00±0.4, employing rapid magnetic stirring, and reducing mixing time to 1 minute, yielding an average recovery of 27.56% (not significantly different from the original 25.95%, P>0.05). An automated enrichment device was developed based on the optimized method, reducing processing time per sample from 115 min to 60 min while maintaining comparable recovery and improved repeatability. Applied to 1,309 wastewater samples from inbound flights between January 2024 and May 2025, the average detection rate of SARS-CoV-2 was 45.45%, with trends consistent with national COVID-19 epidemiological data. The automated device demonstrates suitability for routine surveillance, providing technical support for port epidemic prevention.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202508081
Traditional soil thermal remediation requires high temperatures (>300 °C), which can damage soil structure, increase energy consumption, and elevate carbon emissions. This study developed a Cu–CeOx/TiO2 trimetallic catalyst to enable low-temperature thermal remediation of naphthalene-contaminated soil. Using nano-TiO2 as a support, catalysts with varying Cu/Ce ratios were prepared via impregnation-calcination. Material characterization (XRD, TEM, XPS, etc.) revealed that Cu and Ce incorporation induced crystal defects in TiO2, enhancing lattice oxygen activity and electron mobility, thereby generating more oxygen vacancies and hydroxyl radicals. Performance evaluation using a TGA-GC-FTIR-MS platform showed that the catalyst with Cu:Ce = 1:1 achieved the best remediation efficiency, reducing the thermal remediation temperature from 250 °C to 211.5 °C and increasing the removal rate by an average of 19.49% compared to the non-catalyst group at the same temperature. The catalyst facilitated stepwise degradation of naphthalene into smaller organic molecules (alcohols, carboxylic acids, aldehydes) and ultimately into H2O and CO2. This work demonstrates that Cu–CeOx/TiO2 significantly lowers the energy demand of thermal remediation, offering a promising approach for low-carbon remediation of organic-contaminated soils.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510084
The rapid expansion of lithium battery industries has elevated lithium resources to strategic importance, yet lithium extraction generates 8–10 tons of slag per ton of lithium salt, with complex heavy metal content and high leaching risks. This study improves conventional alkali activation by employing a composite activator and multi-stage thermal assistance to achieve self-solidification of lithium slag, simultaneously immobilizing multiple heavy metals while producing high-strength materials. Under full slag conditions, the mechanical strength of solidified materials ranged from 3.48 to 8.25 MPa; after optimization, strength increased by 137.07%. Average immobilization rates for various heavy metals rose from 97.26% to 99.77%. In simulated acidic, alkaline, neutral, high-salt, acid rain, and leachate environments, efficient immobilization was maintained, with leachate concentrations below regulatory limits. The improved activator and thermal process reduced structural defects, promoted formation of the key Si-O-Al framework, and ensured structural integrity, enhancing both mechanical strength and heavy metal immobilization. The cost of slag solidification was approximately 185–200 CNY per ton, significantly lower than conventional methods, with low energy consumption, no high-temperature calcination, and reduced equipment and reagent requirements, supporting scalability.
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.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510041
This study presents a full-scale engineering practice of retrofitting an idle upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor into an aerobic granular sludge (AGS) system for treating low-strength municipal wastewater. The design capacity was 20,000 m3/d (maximum 24,000 m3/d), achieving separate treatment of industrial and domestic wastewater to reduce operational costs. Systematic analysis covered hydraulic capacity enhancement, effluent quality, pollutant removal efficiencies, sludge granulation progress, and operational costs. Results showed rapid start-up: the system reached 75% of design capacity by day 10 and 90% by day 26. During a 4-month operation, average removal efficiencies for COD, NH4+-N, TN, and SS were 83.2%, 97.0%, 75.9%, and 94.4%, respectively, even under low influent BOD5/TN ratios (typically below 4). Granulation progressed quickly: by day 44, average particle size was 2.6 times that of the inoculum and over 4 times that of flocs, with granules (>200 μm) accounting for 17.3%; by day 110, these values increased to 3.2 times and 5 times, with granule proportion reaching 33.4%. Compared to the previous year (June–August), the AGS process reduced electricity consumption, chemical consumption, and sludge production by 77.3%, 25.4%, and 30.4%, respectively, while saving 65.6% of footprint. This ten-thousand-ton case provides a practical basis for AGS technology application in China.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606018
Swine wastewater, a high-strength organic effluent, offers a viable substrate for anaerobic biohydrogen production, aligning with clean energy recovery. This study compared hydrogen production in three anaerobic sequencing batch reactors (ASBRs) treating: raw wastewater (R1), supernatant after MAP (magnesium ammonium phosphate) precipitation for nitrogen and phosphorus recovery (R2), and the same supernatant with anaerobic sludge heat-treated at 75°C for 0.5 h (R3). Without pH adjustment, hydrogen production in R1 remained below 0.50 mmol/(kg·d). At an influent COD of 1800 mg/L, R2 and R3 achieved hydrogen production rates of 48.17 and 71.44 mmol/(kg·d), respectively. At COD 2400 mg/L, methane concentrations in R1, R2, and R3 were 10.8%, 14.2%, and 9.1%, respectively, indicating MAP pretreatment enhanced both hydrogen and methane production. As COD increased, R1's methane concentration rose to 14.6%, while average COD removal efficiencies for R1, R2, and R3 were 78.9%, 70.8%, and 52.5%, respectively. Under pH adjustment, all reactors peaked at pH 4.0, with hydrogen production rates of 0.10, 7.74, and 8.83 mol/(kg·d) for R1, R2, and R3, respectively. These findings demonstrate that MAP pretreatment combined with sludge heat treatment significantly enhances biohydrogen production, offering a promising strategy for swine wastewater valorization.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4053-5
The rapid and efficient removal of radioactive iodine species from water is critical for nuclear waste treatment, particularly given the short half-life of 131I (8.02 days). Traditional porous inorganic materials exhibit low uptake capacities (<1 g g−1), while porous frameworks such as MOFs and COFs achieve high capacities (>5 g g−1) but suffer from slow removal kinetics, often requiring hours to capture 80% of iodine. This study introduces nonporous naphthobipyrrole-based organic cages (NBP-Cages) that demonstrate ultrafast iodine removal from water. Among the materials tested, type-II Me-NBP-Cage and Et-NBP-Cage, prepared via reprecipitation, exhibit amorphous morphology with small particle sizes (2–6 μm) and low BET surface areas (33.4 and 2.3 m2 g−1, respectively). Despite their nonporosity, these materials achieve >99% iodine removal within seconds, outperforming previously reported sorbents. The adsorption performance correlates with particle size and morphology: amorphous, small particles with effective surface gaps show superior kinetics. The materials are recyclable; for instance, Et-NBP-Cage can be regenerated by washing with acetonitrile, maintaining removal efficiency over five cycles. This work highlights the potential of nonporous organic cages as high-performance iodine sorbents, addressing the critical need for materials that combine high uptake capacity with rapid removal kinetics.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510060
Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent is a significant pathway for emerging contaminants (ECs) to enter natural water bodies. This study investigated the removal of ECs by two field-scale gravel-based constructed wetlands: a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (QL-CW) and a surface flow constructed wetland (BL-CW), both treating actual WWTP effluent. The influence of operation mode and wetland plant type on EC removal was examined. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, principal component analysis, and ecological risk assessment, the removal efficiencies and mechanisms for various ECs were explored. In QL-CW, biodegradation was more pronounced, particularly via ammonia-oxidizing bacteria co-metabolism, favoring ECs with benzyl, secondary amine, secondary amide, tertiary amide, halogenated, and carboxyl functional groups. In BL-CW, electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic interactions were more significant, with plant and root-microorganism uptake and adsorption playing key roles. Surface flow mode achieved significantly higher removal of antibiotics (45.3% vs. 34.1%) compared to horizontal subsurface flow, while no significant differences were observed for non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals (66.6% vs. 64.4%) and pesticides (49.8% vs. 34.2%). Planting Cyperus alternifolius (windmill grass) was more beneficial for antibiotic removal (43.6% vs. 30.1%) than planting Ipomoea aquatica (water spinach). The wetlands effectively reduced the ecological risks of most ECs to marginal levels. This study provides insights into the deep treatment of ECs in WWTP effluent by constructed wetlands.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509004
Acetone, a widely used solvent in the pharmaceutical industry, poses environmental and economic challenges due to its high volatility and the low concentration of acetone in water-based absorbents, which complicates recovery. This study proposes a composite absorbent comprising 1,4-butanediol (BDO), triethylene glycol, sodium citrate, and water, aiming to enhance acetone absorption capacity and enable cost-effective resource recovery. Response surface methodology optimized the absorbent composition to BDO 35%, triethylene glycol 10%, and sodium citrate 5%, achieving an acetone absorption capacity of 51.97 g·kg−1, which is 2.39 times that of pure water (21.77 g·kg−1). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and AIM topological analysis revealed that BDO forms stronger hydrogen bonds with acetone, characterized by shorter bond lengths and higher electron density, underpinning its superior molecular recognition and absorption capability. Process simulation of absorption-regeneration cycles demonstrated that, compared to pure water, the composite absorbent reduces absorbent consumption by 36.2% and regeneration energy consumption by 41.15% while achieving effluent acetone concentrations below 100 mg·m−3. This multi-scale investigation, spanning macroscopic experiments, molecular mechanisms, and process simulation, validates the feasibility and advantages of BDO-based composite absorbents for VOC control, providing theoretical and data support for the engineering application of alcohol-based absorbents in efficient organic pollutant separation.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60653-6
Carbon deposition caused by mass transfer limitations is a key challenge for traditional microporous ZSM-5 zeolites in coal tar catalytic cracking. To address this, benzene was used as a model compound. Parent ZSM-5 (NL-ZSM-5) was modified with tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH) to prepare hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolites with different mesopore sizes. Characterization (XRD, FT-IR, BET, TEM) confirmed successful mesopore introduction via selective desilication while retaining the MFI structure. At TEAOH concentration of 0.4 mol/L (ZSM-5-C), total pore volume increased from 0.24 to 0.43 cm3/g, and Brønsted acid amount increased from 0.28 to 0.67 mmol/g, with improved acid site accessibility. Catalytic experiments and carbon deposition analysis showed that hierarchical pore structure inhibits coking via a synergistic effect of diffusion enhancement and adsorption-site regulation. The coke amount of ZSM-5-C was 4.0%, only one-third of that of NL-ZSM-5 (11.9%). Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that the diffusion coefficient of benzene in a 3.0 nm mesopore model is an order of magnitude higher than in a 2.0 nm model. Adsorption capacity decreases with increasing mesopore size, shortening residence time. Increasing temperature enhances diffusion but exponentially intensifies surface condensation reactions (Arrhenius effect), which dominates coke formation; hierarchical pores mitigate this negative effect. This research provides a theoretical basis for designing high-efficiency, coke-resistant catalysts for coal tar conversion.
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.202607017
Distillers' grains, the largest organic solid waste stream in the brewing industry, require efficient low-carbon valorization to support China's Dual Carbon Goals. This study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify CO2 emissions and carbon reduction benefits of two mainstream routes: pyrolysis to biochar and fermentation to organic fertilizer. Based on public process data, the total life-cycle CO2 emission for biochar production from 1 t of distillers' grains is 250.02 kg, with a carbon sequestration reduction of 120.29 kg, demonstrating superior long-term carbon fixation. In contrast, organic fertilizer production emits 536.14 kg CO2 per ton, achieving a carbon reduction of only 86.22 kg, indicating inferior mitigation performance. Techno-economic analysis reveals net profits of 471.97 CNY/t for biochar and 822.27 CNY/t for organic fertilizer, showing that the organic fertilizer route offers higher profitability. Both pathways effectively reduce CO2 emissions, with biochar prioritizing environmental sustainability and organic fertilizer excelling economically. This study provides data-driven insights for selecting organic solid waste recycling strategies, promoting low-carbon technologies, and establishing circular economy models in the brewing industry.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3939-4
Broadband near-infrared (NIR) phosphors with longer wavelengths are critically needed for deep-tissue biomedical imaging and other emerging applications. However, the detailed mechanism of Mn2+-activated NIR emission remains elusive. Guided by the nephelauxetic effect theory, sulfide phosphors with strong covalent bonding are promising for achieving long-wavelength Mn2+ luminescence. This work reports a series of M(Ga, In)2S4:Mn2+ (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) phosphors featuring strong crystal field environments, and for the first time the luminescence behaviors of Mn2+-doped MIn2S4 (M = Sr, Ba). Preferential site occupancy leads to significant differences between MGa2S4:Mn2+ (M = Ca, Sr) and MIn2S4:Mn2+ (M = Sr, Ba) despite the same crystal structure. Severe polyhedral distortion enhances ultrawideband deep-red to NIR luminescence (600–850 nm, FWHM ≈ 123–257 nm), far superior to similar materials. Fabricated pc-LED devices demonstrate excellent vascular imaging and plant illumination capabilities. This study provides new insights into the NIR luminescence of isolated Mn2+.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202512045
To optimize the anode structure of Ti/SnO2-based electrodes in electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) and enhance their electrocatalytic activity and stability, Sn-Sb co-doped Ti/SnO2 electrodes were fabricated via a sol-gel method. The degradation performance and mechanism were evaluated using phenol as a model pollutant. Three electrodes were prepared with different Sn/Sb molar ratios: Ti/SnO2 (10:0), Ti/Sb (0:10), and Ti/SnO2-Sb (9:1). Characterization by XRD, SEM, and electrochemical tests revealed that the Sn-Sb co-doped electrode exhibited a dense surface, higher oxygen evolution potential (OEP), larger electrochemically active surface area, and lower charge transfer resistance compared to single-doped counterparts. In constant-current electrolysis experiments (20 mA·cm−2, pH=5, 0.1 mol·L−1 Na2SO4), the co-doped electrode achieved superior phenol and TOC removal efficiencies and higher apparent rate constants, with the lowest specific energy consumption per unit TOC removal. Radical quenching and intermediate analysis indicated that hydroxyl radicals (·OH) were the dominant reactive species. The degradation pathway involved aromatic ring hydroxylation, ring opening, and further mineralization of short-chain carboxylic acids. Sn-Sb co-doping enhanced the generation of ·OH by increasing surface adsorbed oxygen and defect site density. This synergistic doping strategy significantly improved the electrocatalytic activity and service life of Ti/SnO2-based anodes, providing a basis for the rational design of anode materials for EAOPs in treating refractory organic wastewater.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511095
To address the low temporal resolution of conventional monthly dustfall monitoring and the lack of component information, this study proposed a daily dustfall measurement method that adds a filtration step to the Chinese standard method, referencing international standards. Using a sand-core filtration device with quartz or mixed cellulose ester membranes, the method achieved a spiked recovery of 101.1% ± 1.2%, good parallelism (y = 0.95x + 0.28), and satisfactory temporal closure. During autumn–winter (November 2020 to March 2021) at a representative site in Xicheng District, Beijing, daily dustfall ranged from 0.06 to 2.33 t·(km²·d)−1. Days with daily dustfall exceeding 0.7 t·(km²·d)−1 accounted for only 4% of the sampling days but contributed 25% of the total dustfall, with high values mainly occurring in January, March, and December. The insoluble fraction averaged 83% ± 12%, and a logarithmic model (y = 9.36ln(x) + 99.98) was established to estimate the insoluble proportion from insoluble dustfall (x, ≤1.00). Daily dustfall showed a strong positive correlation with average wind speed, and an exponential prediction model (y = 0.06e0.61x) was derived. Windy conditions (≥3 on the Beaufort scale) significantly amplified dustfall. The study recommends suspending earthwork, covering bare ground, and increasing watering frequency during high-wind alerts to mitigate dust pollution. This work provides a reliable method for high-resolution dustfall monitoring and insights for targeted pollution control in urban core areas.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60655-X
Defect-induced nonradiative recombination critically restricts the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Lewis base additives show great promise in defect passivation, but current screening methods rely heavily on empirical trial and error and lack clear design principles, making it difficult to efficiently discover high-performance candidate materials. Here, we present a machine learning (ML) framework to intelligently screen Lewis base molecules for defect passivation. We trained six ensemble models on a dataset of 146 experimental data points, with Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) yielding the best classification performance (87% accuracy). Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) interpretability analysis subsequently identifies the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy (−7.5 to −6.3 eV), additive concentration (2.5 to 6.5 mg/mL), and simplified molecular backbones (O atom ≤ 2, C atom < 5) as critical design criteria. The ML prediction was experimentally validated: (S)-pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid ((S)-PCA) and 2-methyl-1,3-cyclopentanedione (MCPD) (Class Ⅱ) improved PCE by 2.22% and 2.01%, respectively, while 3-hydroxymethyl-3-methylbutanenitrile (3-HMBN) (Class Ⅰ) showed minimal gain. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirmed the stronger binding affinities and elevated defect formation energies of Class Ⅱ additives. Notably, the champion (S)-PCA device achieved a PCE of 24.05%. This work established an ML-accelerated paradigm for the rational design of defect passivators, bridging data science and photovoltaics.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025042103
This study investigated the spatiotemporal distribution, ecological risk, and sources of seven heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, As) in surface sediments of Ranwu Lake, Xizang. Twelve samples were collected during the glacial ablation period (July 2024) and late glacial ablation period (November 2024). Concentrations were determined and analyzed using inverse distance weighting (IDW) for spatial patterns, geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (RI) for risk assessment, and correlation analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) for source apportionment. Results showed that during glacial ablation, mean Cr, Cd, Pb, and As exceeded Xizang soil background values, while in the late ablation period only Cd, Pb, and As remained elevated. Spatial distribution varied between periods, with high concentrations in the middle and lower lake during ablation, shifting to the lower lake in the late period. Igeo and RI indicated overall low ecological risk, with Cd as the primary risk factor; mean RI values were 81.79 and 98.30 for the two periods, respectively. Source apportionment revealed that heavy metals mainly originated from natural and transportation sources, with traffic emissions being the major contributor to ecological risk. Specifically, Cr, Ni, and As were predominantly natural, Cd and Pb were mainly traffic-related, and Cu and Zn were influenced by both natural and traffic sources.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608018
Chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) are volatile, difficult to degrade, and highly toxic, posing serious threats to the atmospheric environment and human health. Catalytic oxidation is currently one of the mainstream methods for CVOCs abatement, owing to its high efficiency, safety, and economic feasibility, and its key aspect lies in the design and development of high-performance catalysts. In the catalytic oxidation of CVOCs, the poisoning effect of chlorine species on catalysts severely restricts catalytic performance. Ru-based catalysts, which exhibit excellent catalytic oxidation activity toward CVOCs and favorable chlorine-resistant performance, have been widely studied in recent years. This paper reviews the latest research progress on Ru-based catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of CVOCs. The mechanism of catalytic oxidation of CVOCs by Ru-based catalysts is elucidated through a systematic analysis of the relevant literature. Furthermore, the strategies for the design and structural regulation of Ru-based catalysts are outlined from the perspectives of active components, supports, and surface modification. Finally, novel preparation methods for Ru-based catalysts and the influence of reaction components on catalytic performance are summarized. Future research directions in this field are also prospected, aiming to provide a reference for the subsequent design and development of high-performance Ru-based catalysts suitable for complex operating conditions.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608023
Zinc-containing steel dust sludge, a by-product of steelmaking, contains high levels of chlorine (Cl) along with valuable metals such as Fe, Zn, K, and Na. When recycled into the steel production process, Cl accumulates, causing sintering instability and severe corrosion of blast furnace linings. This study investigated water leaching for Cl removal from zinc-containing steel dust sludge. Under optimal conditions (liquid-to-solid ratio 5 mL/g, temperature 70 °C, time 60 min, rotation speed 160 r/min), the Cl leaching rate reached 87%. Furthermore, a three-stage countercurrent water washing process at a liquid-to-solid ratio of 6 mL/g and room temperature for 45 min achieved a Cl leaching rate exceeding 90%. The water washing also reduced the leaching toxicity of metals in the sludge to a certain extent. Characterization via XRD, SEM, FT-IR, and XPS revealed that water washing primarily dissolved soluble chlorides (NaCl, KCl, etc.), increasing the specific surface area from 2.71 to 10.11 m²/g and average pore size from 12.83 to 16.29 nm. These findings provide theoretical and technical support for efficient Cl removal from zinc-containing steel dust sludge, facilitating its safe resource utilization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4004-3
The development of efficient and stable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is critical for clean energy technologies, yet conventional cobalt-based spinel catalysts often suffer from insufficient activity and structural instability under operating conditions. To address these challenges, this study proposes and constructs a cation-ordered spinel-like catalyst (HVI Metal-CoMoO4/NF). The unique crystalline framework induces significant Jahn-Teller distortion and pre-stabilizes a Co2+/Co3+ mixed-valence state at the cobalt active centers via asymmetric Co–O–Mo bridges, effectively optimizing bulk charge transport. Electrochemical tests demonstrate that its performance significantly surpasses that of benchmark materials, requiring only an overpotential of 307 mV to drive a current density of 100 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH, with a Tafel slope of 63.13 mV dec−1, maintaining stable operation for over 320 h at high current density. Crucially, our structural and in situ characterization results clearly reveal a stable and well-crystallized reconstruction behavior from the surface into the bulk of the spinel-like pre-catalyst during the OER. This work fundamentally addresses the challenges of disordered reconstruction and unstable active phases in traditional spinel catalysts, providing a paradigm for regulating the dynamic evolution of electrocatalysts through precise structural design.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4093-8
Cyclohexanone oxime (CHO) is a pivotal feedstock for nylon-6 production, yet conventional synthesis routes suffer from high explosion risks, harsh conditions, and costly catalysts. Here, we report an electrocatalytic approach for CHO synthesis via reductive coupling of cyclohexanone (CYC) with nitrite over commercially available Bi2O3. A two-stage pulsed electrolysis protocol is employed: the first stage prepares amorphous Bi2O3, while the second stage produces CHO with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 74.63% and a yield rate of 0.156 mmol h−1 cm−2. Mechanistic studies, combining experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, reveal that on amorphous Bi2O3, the *NOH intermediate preferentially undergoes hydrogenation to *NHOH and then *NH2OH, rather than the *NOH→*N pathway leading to NH3. This selectivity is attributed to the higher integral crystal orbital Hamilton population (ICOHP) for the N–O bond in *NOH on amorphous Bi2O3 (1.34 vs. 0.84 on amorphous Bi), indicating a weakened N–O bond that facilitates hydrodeoxygenation. Transition state calculations show a kinetic barrier of 0.86 eV for *NH2OH→*NH2, while desorption of *NH2OH to NH2OH is barrierless, favoring NH2OH release. This work provides a sustainable, efficient alternative to conventional CHO production, addressing safety and cost concerns while achieving high selectivity.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4175-3
The precise manipulation of microdroplets (diameter < 20 μm) on solid substrates is critical for applications in environmental monitoring, targeted drug delivery, clinical diagnostics, and public health. A major challenge is contact angle hysteresis (CAH), which pins droplets and impedes mobility. Here, we introduce a crack-mediated capillary bridging strategy for efficient capture and directional transport of microdroplets. The approach employs a stretchable elastomeric substrate with island-like microstructures. Under longitudinal tensile stress, controlled fracture generates densely packed, directionally oriented surface cracks. These fissures induce localized capillary forces that counteract adhesion-induced resistance, enabling programmable droplet motion. Experiments capturing airborne pathogenic agents demonstrated a 14.2-fold enhancement in enrichment efficiency compared to flat surfaces. This work integrates fracture mechanics with capillary-driven fluid dynamics, establishing a framework for next-generation microfluidic systems. The findings offer promising avenues for biosensing, pollutant analysis, and interdisciplinary applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4215-3
The escalating demand for energy-efficient edge inference in artificial intelligence has intensified the search for hardware that transcends the von Neumann bottleneck. Ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs) are promising due to their non-destructive readout, low programming energy, and multilevel operation. However, integrating ultrathin ferroelectrics with two-dimensional (2D) channels remains challenging due to the inert surfaces of 2D materials, which impede uniform film growth. Moreover, conventional ferroelectrics like doped hafnia and AlScN suffer performance degradation at thicknesses required for sub-1V operation. The interface between ferroelectric and 2D semiconductor is often plagued by traps and parasitic layers, causing threshold drift and fatigue. In a recent Science report, Hailin Peng and colleagues present an innovative solution: a native ferroelectric buffer derived from the semiconductor itself. By oxidizing layered Bi2O2Se below 400°C, they produce wafer-scale α-Bi2SeO5, a van der Waals ferroelectric oxide. This material retains robust ferroelectricity down to the monolayer limit, supporting both out-of-plane and in-plane polarization switching. It exhibits a high relative dielectric constant (~24) and a Curie temperature near 880 K. The in-situ oxidation approach enables precise thickness control, yielding a uniform, switchable, and robust gate stack for 2D FeFETs, addressing the critical challenges of voltage scaling and interface quality.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3631-1
Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) offers cost and dynamic-response advantages over proton exchange membrane systems, yet commercial deployment is constrained by the alkaline stability of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) and the sluggish kinetics of non-precious metal catalysts. This work reports a series of poly(terphenyl-diphenylmethane piperidinium) (QPDPMTP) membranes synthesized with varied diphenylmethane (DPM) content. The alkyl chain of DPM induces pronounced microphase separation and elevates free volume fraction, yielding an OH− conductivity of 152 mS cm−1 at 80 °C for QPDPMTP-10. After 1032 h immersion in 6 M NaOH at 80 °C, the membrane retains 90.7% of its initial conductivity. An AEMWE cell integrating QPDPMTP-10 with a non-precious NiFeCo LDH/NiS/NF anode achieves 3.11 A cm−2 at 2 V in 1 M KOH at 80 °C and sustains 1 A cm−2 for 1800 h under gradient KOH concentration. These results establish a viable pathway for durable, low-cost AEMWE systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3473-0
Ratchetting, also termed cyclic creep, denotes the progressive accumulation of plastic deformation in metals subjected to asymmetric stress-controlled cyclic loading. This phenomenon induces dimensional intolerance and premature fatigue failure in critical engineering structures such as steel rails, nuclear power pipelines, and aircraft engines. Existing strategies to enhance ratchetting resistance—including pre-strain treatment of coarse-grained metals and nanostructuring—often compromise plastic hardening capacity and promote strain localization, thereby degrading long-term cyclic performance. Recent work by Lu's group proposed three prerequisites for high ratchetting resistance: high plastic strain hardening capacity, low dynamic recovery, and suppression of microstructural coarsening during cycling. Based on this framework, a gradient dislocation structured (GDS) 304 austenitic stainless steel (Fe-18%Cr-8%Ni, wt.%) was fabricated via pre-torsion cyclic deformation. While grain size remains uniform at 37 μm, the initial dislocation structure exhibits a radial gradient. Transmission electron microscopy reveals dislocation cell structures with cell size and thickness of 290 nm and 50 nm, respectively, in the surface region, accompanied by abundant low-angle boundaries. This gradient architecture effectively balances strength and ratchetting resistance, offering a viable route for designing structural metals with ultra-high cyclic creep resistance.