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/s40843-025-3642-4
High-density glass scintillators are promising alternatives to crystals for next-generation radiation detection due to their low cost, excellent physical and chemical stability, and processability. In this study, a series of Ce3+-activated gadolinium gallium borosilicate (GGBS x) glasses were synthesized via vacuum melt-quenching. With increasing Gd2O3 content, glass density increased from 5.86 to 6.05 g/cm3, and molar volume from 36.43 to 39.79 cm3/mol. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis revealed that in GGBS 1 glass, Ce3+ exclusively adopts a hexahedral [CeO6] configuration, while Gd3+ exhibits both hexahedral and octahedral coordination with a bond length of 2.35±0.1 Å and Debye-Waller factor σ2 of 0.0122±0.0015 Å2. As Gd2O3 content increased, shallow trap depth rose from 0.804 to 0.858 eV, while deep trap depth first increased from 0.948 to 1.434 eV then decreased to 1.010 eV. GGBS 1 glass exhibited high transmittance (~80%) in the visible range and a photoluminescence quantum yield of 78.4%. Under X-ray irradiation, its X-ray excited luminescence intensity reached 128.5% of that of Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) crystal, with a spatial resolution of 29.1 lp/mm, approaching the highest reported for glass scintillators. Under γ-ray excitation, it achieved a light yield of 1058 photons/MeV and an energy resolution of 23.7% at 662 keV. These results indicate that GGBS 1 glass scintillator warrants further development for applications in X-ray imaging and γ-ray spectroscopy.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3746-x
The polyanionic compound Na3V2(PO4)2O2F (NVPOF) possesses a stable three-dimensional framework, high theoretical specific capacity, and favorable operating voltage, yet its sluggish Na+ diffusion kinetics and low electronic conductivity impede industrial application. This study proposes a dual regulation strategy combining carbon coating and heat treatment temperature to synergistically enhance crystallinity and electrochemical performance. NVPOF@C-400 and NVPOF@C-600 were synthesized via in-situ dopamine hydrochloride coating followed by heat treatment at 400 °C and 600 °C, respectively. Carbon coating at 600 °C significantly improved crystallinity and increased electronic conductivity by three orders of magnitude through the carbon layer's conductive network. The ~4.5 nm carbon layer effectively suppressed abnormal grain growth and secondary crystallization aggregation at high temperatures, maintaining uniform particle size of approximately 0.36 μm, which shortens Na+ diffusion pathways and prevents ion transport obstruction. Consequently, NVPOF@C-600 delivered a high discharge capacity of 102.5 mAh g−1 at 20 C and retained 96.5% capacity after 10,000 cycles. In a full-cell configuration with hard carbon (HC), NVPOF@C-600//HC achieved an impressive 89.3% capacity retention after 9,000 cycles. This work provides critical insights for practical implementation of high-performance NVPOF cathodes in sodium-ion batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3695-8
Sulfur-based lithium-ion batteries, particularly those employing sulfurized poly(acrylonitrile) (SPAN) cathodes and graphite (Gr) anodes, offer high theoretical capacity and low cost but suffer from temperature-dependent capacity decay. This study systematically investigates the electrochemical dynamics and capacity decay mechanism of SPAN||Gr pouch cells cycled at 25–55 °C. Multiscale analyses reveal that capacity fade arises from active lithium loss and increased resistance, both accelerated by higher temperatures. Active lithium loss is primarily attributed to dead lithium formation and thickening of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI), while resistance increase is predominantly due to SEI/CEI thickening. As temperature rises, active lithium loss becomes the dominant decay factor. Leveraging the consistent decay mechanism across temperatures, an accelerated aging model based on the Arrhenius equation is developed: y = 0.9x + a. This model accurately predicts cycling parameters at specific temperatures and reduces testing time by 50% when extrapolating from 55 °C to 25 °C. These insights provide critical guidance for developing long-life sulfur-based batteries for practical energy storage applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3762-9
The integration of interfacial photothermal conversion and hydrovoltaic effects into bifunctional evaporators offers a promising route to simultaneously address freshwater scarcity and energy demands. However, the development of low-cost bifunctional evaporators and elucidation of the underlying co-generation mechanism remain challenging. Here, we report a porous carbon derived from waste polyester via a metal-organic framework (MOF)-assisted carbonization strategy, which is subsequently fabricated into a bifunctional evaporator for freshwater and hydroelectricity co-generation. The porous carbon exhibits a high specific surface area of 904 m² g⁻¹, hierarchical micro- and mesopores, and abundant oxygen-containing groups. The resulting evaporator demonstrates broadband light absorption, localized thermal management, good hydrophilicity, and high flexibility. Under 1 sun illumination, it achieves an open-circuit voltage of 250 mV, a short-circuit current of 14 μA, and an evaporation rate of 2.34 kg m⁻² h⁻¹, ranking among the most efficient freshwater-hydroelectricity co-generators. The weakened hydrogen-bonding network reduces the water evaporation enthalpy to 1.7 kJ g⁻¹. Mechanistic studies, including molecular dynamics simulations, reveal that selective Na⁺ interaction induces differential ion migration rates, generating a streaming potential. Additionally, the photothermal effect enhances voltage output by promoting interfacial ion concentration gradients. Outdoor tests confirm stable voltage output of 250 mV and freshwater production of 2.34 kg m⁻². This work provides a scalable platform for fabricating advanced evaporators from waste plastics and unravels the co-generation mechanism, offering a sustainable strategy to mitigate freshwater and energy crises.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507110
Algal-derived taste and odor compounds (2-methylisoborneol, 2-MIB, and geosmin, GSM) in drinking water sources are poorly removed by conventional treatment. This study systematically evaluated the standalone and combined performance of ozone micro-nano bubbles (O3-MNBs) oxidation and powdered activated carbon (PAC) adsorption for removing 2-MIB, GSM, and algal cells from source water. Results showed that O3-MNBs pre-oxidation achieved >97.5% removal of odorants at 400 ng·L−1 and 67.2% algal cell removal within 30 min. When applied as a deep treatment stage, the degradation rate constant (k) was 10.1%–25.6% higher than in pre-oxidation due to lower background matrix interference. Both pre-oxidation and deep treatment reduced effluent concentrations of 2-MIB and GSM to below 10 ng·L−1, with oxidation kinetics fitting pseudo-first-order models (R²>0.95). PAC adsorption of both compounds followed pseudo-second-order kinetics (R²>0.99), with GSM equilibrium adsorption capacity approximately 20.0% higher than that of 2-MIB. In pure water, adsorption capacity increased by >10.0% compared to raw water. Based on kinetic models, a quantitative prediction method was established for O3-MNBs oxidation and PAC adsorption processes, aiming to achieve efficient odorant removal and cost optimization, providing theoretical support for advanced drinking water purification and smart water plant construction.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202512072
Drainage pipeline defect detection predominantly relies on closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection, which is labor-intensive, inefficient, and prone to missed detections. Although deep learning-based object detection has been applied, it suffers from low precision, recall, and speed in practical scenarios. This study proposes an engineering-oriented detection scheme achieving high recall and low miss rates. The annotation phase employs a cross-frame strategy combining manual labeling of first and last frames with interpolation and tracking-based refinement. Data preprocessing introduces perceptual hashing to identify similar images, enhancing training efficiency. For detection, a Faster R-CNN model is enhanced with Focal Loss to focus on hard examples, defect classification and grading, and a dynamic threshold strategy to improve recall. Validated on 5,068.72 m of real pipeline data, the method achieves a recall rate exceeding 98% across 16 defect categories, a miss rate of only 2% for grade 4 defects, and a 425% improvement in per-segment detection efficiency compared to manual screening. These results demonstrate the method's effectiveness in balancing recall, miss rate, and speed for engineering deployment.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3508-3
High-entropy carbides (HECs) are promising candidates for ultrahigh-temperature applications, but their oxidation resistance at temperatures above 2000 °C remains a critical bottleneck. Here, we report a laser-assisted compositional engineering strategy to develop non-equimolar (Zr0.2Ti0.2Ta0.3Cr0.3)C HECs with superior oxidation resistance up to 2500 °C. Using a self-developed laser oxidation platform, we first screened equimolar (Zr0.25Ti0.25Ta0.25Me0.25)C (Me = Hf, W, Nb, Cr, V, Mo) samples at 2500 °C, identifying Cr as a critical element for forming protective oxide scales. Systematic tuning of Cr content revealed that the optimal composition (Zr0.2Ti0.2Ta0.3Cr0.3)C exhibits a dense, crack-free oxide layer composed of molten (Cr, Me)(Ta, Me)O4 and (Ta, Me)2O5 phases embedded with (Zr, Me)O2 crystals, which effectively seal defects and suppress oxygen diffusion. The synergistic effects of these phases lead to a significant reduction in mass gain and oxide layer thickness compared to equimolar counterparts. This work provides a new pathway for designing HECs with long-life oxidation resistance at 2500 °C, enabling their use in extreme environments such as hypersonic vehicle leading edges and rocket nozzle throats.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3407-0
Grain boundary (GB) engineering has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the near-room-temperature performance of Mg3(Sb,Bi)2-based thermoelectric materials, yet effective control of Mg distribution at GBs remains a significant challenge. Here, we report a novel approach to achieve targeted Mg segregation at GBs through strategic Ag incorporation in Mg3.3Sb0.5Bi1.497Te0.003. Through comprehensive microstructural characterization and first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that Ag preferentially segregates at GBs, forming Mg-rich MgAg alloy phases while maintaining limited solid solubility within the matrix. This unique GB architecture simultaneously optimizes multiple thermoelectric parameters: the Mg-rich GB regions significantly provide efficient carrier transport channels and enhance carrier mobility, while the MgAg phases and lattice disorders effectively scatter phonons without disrupting electron transport. Consequently, the optimized composition (x = 0.01) exhibits a remarkable enhancement in power factor at 300 K and maintains an average ZT of ~1.0 across 300–400 K. The material also demonstrates excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability, making it particularly suitable for near-room-temperature applications. Our findings not only establish an effective strategy for GB engineering in Mg3(Sb,Bi)2 systems but also provide valuable insights into the rational design of high-performance thermoelectric materials through interface modification.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025012404
Antibiotics, widely used for disease prevention and growth promotion in livestock, are emerging contaminants with potential risks to human health via the food chain. This review systematically analyzed the sources and residual levels of tetracycline (TCs) and β-lactam antibiotics in raw, pasteurized, commercial, and ultra-high-temperature (UHT) sterilized milk from various countries between 2012 and 2024, based on quantitative detection methods such as LC-MS and HPLC. The highest concentrations of TCs were found in milk from Algeria and Iran, while β-lactam residues were most elevated in Algeria, Bangladesh, and Kenya. The predominant TCs were tetracycline, chlortetracycline, and oxytetracycline; β-lactams were mainly penicillin and amoxicillin. Health risk assessment using hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) revealed that all individual HQ values were below 1, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic risk from single antibiotics. However, the HI for multiple antibiotics in raw milk from Algeria exceeded 1, suggesting potential cumulative health risks. Furthermore, some studies reported residue concentrations surpassing maximum residue limits (MRLs), underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and control. This review highlights the global variability in antibiotic contamination and the importance of comprehensive risk assessment to safeguard public health.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026020803
The governance of new pollutants is a major strategic deployment made by China after fully building a moderately prosperous society and embarking on a new journey to comprehensively build a modern socialist country. Guided by the new development philosophy, it adheres to high-quality development, promotes economic structural transformation, and safeguards people's livelihood. This paper divides China's new pollutant governance process from the beginning of the 21st century to 2035 into four progressive stages: compliance-driven local exploration, systematic construction of strategic transformation, comprehensive implementation and in-depth layout, and long-term control and modernization improvement. It systematically reviews the development of management systems, technical standards, and basic research in each stage, clarifying the strategic position of new pollutant governance in coordinating development and security. At the critical transition between the 14th and 15th Five-Year Plans, the paper summarizes achievements and shortcomings based on the implementation of the Action Plan for the Governance of New Pollutants, proposing optimization paths for the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Key recommendations include establishing a national data sharing platform to integrate monitoring, toxicological, and governance data, implementing a diversified evaluation system to distinguish basic research from management support research, and guiding differentiated local implementation to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. The paper emphasizes the need for international promotion to enhance China's discourse power in global environmental governance, and suggests building a multi-dimensional international communication system. These measures aim to improve the quality and efficiency of new pollutant governance, providing theoretical and practical guidance for building a Beautiful China.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025092802
Activated carbon (AC) filters in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) experience significant adsorption performance decline over extended operation, yet complete media replacement is a major cost. To evaluate cost-effective strategies, pilot-scale column experiments with five AC replacement ratios (0%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%) were conducted to assess removal of disinfection by-product (DBP) precursors and pesticide-related emerging contaminants. For dissolved organic matter (DOM), all fractions except low molecular weight compounds (LMWC) achieved >85% of the removal obtained with full replacement when 70% new AC was used, with UV254 removal reaching 70%. LMWC, due to small molecular size and low adsorption energy, required higher replacement ratios or full replacement for substantial removal. For DBPs, removal of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) was insensitive to replacement ratio, while haloacetaldehydes (HALs) removal improved markedly with increasing ratio, indicating structural selectivity. For pesticide-related contaminants, all except triazoles achieved >95% removal at 70% replacement; triazoles, due to high water solubility, high polarity, and low octanol-water partition coefficient, achieved only ~60% removal. Overall, replacing 70% of AC restored treatment performance to >80% of that with full replacement, ensuring effluent quality while saving ~30% of new carbon cost. Molecular structure, polarity, and pore size matching are key determinants of removal efficiency; optimizing replacement ratio balances water quality and economic benefits.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511051
Photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) wastewater treatment technology is promising for simultaneous pollutant removal and resource recovery (e.g., single-cell protein, hydrogen). However, poor cell hydrophobicity and aggregation lead to low biomass retention and short sludge retention time, hindering engineering application. This study investigated the driving role and mechanism of upflow velocity as a key hydraulic selection pressure on PSB granulation under stepwise increasing organic loading rate (OLR). In laboratory up-flow photobioreactors (UPBR), comparative experiments were conducted with macro-index monitoring and micro-mechanism analysis. Results showed that under high upflow velocities of 3.00–6.30 m·h−1, PSB granular sludge with an average diameter of 285.58 μm and excellent settleability (sludge volume index, SVI = 22.73 mL·g−1) was successfully formed within approximately 60 days. Compared to the control, the granules in the experimental group were larger, with clear boundaries and compact structure, and significant enrichment of filamentous bacteria was observed. Mechanism analysis indicated that OLR provided nutritional driving force for microbial growth, while upflow velocity supplied high hydraulic shear force, physically screening and enriching settleable aggregates, and specifically inducing secretion of hydrophobic tryptophan-like proteins and humic acids (key extracellular polymeric substances, EPS). Additionally, core genera such as Xanthobacteraceae, possessing stress tolerance and EPS secretion functions, were enriched. This study reveals a chain mechanism of 'physical selection–biological response' centered on hydraulic selection, demonstrating that upflow velocity is a key controllable factor for PSB granulation, providing theoretical basis and technical pathway for solving PSB biomass washout and promoting resource-oriented treatment of high-strength organic wastewater.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3870-9
High-purity (HP) alloys are critical for next-generation technologies requiring extreme reliability, yet trace impurities at parts-per-million levels can severely degrade mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and long-term stability. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in HP alloy development, covering purification approaches, processing strategies, and performance optimization. It details how trace impurities influence microstructural evolution and material properties, and discusses techniques for achieving ultralow impurity levels, including vacuum melting, zone refining, and chemical vapor deposition. The review highlights impurity sensitivity across major alloy systems—such as aluminum, titanium, zirconium, copper, and steels—and summarizes strategies to mitigate impurity-induced degradation, including advanced alloy design, grain refinement, and surface treatments. Advanced characterization techniques for detecting and quantifying impurities are also outlined. The review emphasizes the essential role of HP alloys in advanced structural and functional materials, and identifies key challenges and future directions, including the need for standardized purity definitions and cost-effective purification methods. This synthesis provides a roadmap for researchers and engineers aiming to harness the full potential of high-purity alloys in demanding applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3976-x
The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in bilayer nickelate La3Ni2O7−δ (La-327) under high pressure and in thin films at ambient pressure has opened new avenues in superconductivity research. However, La-327 exhibits a narrow phase stability range, leading to stacking faults that suppress bulk superconductivity. Chemical substitutions, particularly at the A-site with smaller rare-earth ions, have been shown to enhance phase purity and reduce stacking faults, while also increasing the orthorhombic distortion and chemical pressure. In this work, we apply the high-entropy (HE) strategy to stabilize the 327 phase with reduced average A-site ionic radius (rA). We successfully synthesized medium-entropy La1.2Pr0.6Nd0.6Sm0.6Ni2O7−δ (ME-327) and high-entropy La0.67Pr0.67Nd0.67Sm0.33Eu0.33Gd0.33Ni2O7−δ (HE-327) polycrystalline samples. These compositions satisfy medium- and high-entropy criteria, with rA values of 1.181 Å and 1.164 Å, respectively. The samples are phase-pure and homogeneous. HE-327 exhibits the lowest cell volume, largest orthorhombicity, and shortest interlayer Ni-Ni distance among reported bilayer nickelates. Physical property measurements reveal low electrical conductivity and a high density-wave (DW) transition temperature. Under high pressure, HE-327 shows a resistivity anomaly at 103 K under 31 GPa, suggesting a possible superconducting transition. Extrapolation indicates that Tc under high pressure exceeds 100 K for HE-327, correlating with reduced rA and enhanced interlayer coupling. Our results demonstrate the ionic size effect and the effectiveness of the HE approach in stabilizing bilayer nickelates, providing a new avenue for developing superconducting materials.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025040701
Goaf water (GW), formed by water accumulation in coal mine goafs, poses ecological risks due to its pollutant content. While previous studies focused on physicochemical properties, microbial community dynamics and their effects on plants remain underexplored. Maize (Zea mays L.) is sensitive to water quality changes, making it a suitable model for ecological risk assessment. This study investigated GW samples from a coal mine in Yangquan, Shanxi Province, using metagenomic sequencing to analyze microbial communities and maize seed cultivation experiments to evaluate growth effects. Results demonstrated that GW significantly inhibited maize growth, particularly lower-depth samples. Microbial diversity and composition varied markedly with depth; lower-depth GW enriched distinct microbial species potentially influencing plant growth. These microbes may regulate plant development through metabolic pathway modulation. The study elucidates the complex impacts of GW microbial communities on plant growth and emphasizes their importance in ecological risk assessment of GW.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025040102
Calcium peroxide (CaO2) with a rich porous structure was synthesized via chemical precipitation for efficient fluoride removal from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent was characterized by SEM, BET, LPSA, and XRD, revealing a mesoporous material with a total pore volume of 0.51 cm3·g−1. Batch experiments investigated the effects of adsorbent dosage, initial fluoride concentration, reaction time, pH, and coexisting anions. Adsorption kinetics followed a fractal-like pseudo-first-order model, with intraparticle diffusion as the rate-limiting step. Equilibrium data were well described by the Sips isotherm, predicting a maximum adsorption capacity of 479.8 mg·g−1. Site energy distribution analysis indicated a normal distribution with an average energy of 13.36 kJ·mol−1. Mechanistic studies using FTIR and XPS revealed that fluoride removal proceeds via surface precipitation, ligand exchange, and electrostatic attraction. The high density of active sites contributes to the exceptional defluoridation performance, positioning CaO2 as a promising adsorbent for fluoride-contaminated water treatment.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511052
Microplastics in sewage sludge, owing to their diverse physicochemical properties, can differentially affect subsequent anaerobic digestion. This study focused on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics, systematically investigating the effects of particle (MP), fiber (MF), and film (MPF) morphologies at concentrations of 0–150 mg·g⁻¹ (based on total solids) on sludge digestion performance and microbial community structure. Results showed that MP inhibited total biogas production at all concentrations (inhibition rates 8.16%–9.58%), whereas MF and MPF exhibited low-concentration stimulation and high-concentration inhibition, with MPF exerting stronger inhibition than MF. All MP concentrations induced significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation (increases of 9.43%–34.52%), indicating the strongest oxidative stress. Low concentrations of PET generally enhanced cell membrane permeability, prompting microbes to secrete different extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to resist stress. The morphology and concentration of microplastics regulated the relative abundances of key functional bacteria (e.g., proteolytic bacteria and organic acid-oxidizing bacteria) and low-abundance bacteria, ultimately leading to differences in digestion performance. This study provides a theoretical basis for efficient treatment of sludge containing microplastics.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025051502
Contamination of indoor air with illicit drugs poses a serious threat to public health and safety. Accurate and precise methods for monitoring these drugs are crucial for combating drug production, trafficking, and abuse, as well as reducing the risk of occupational exposure in law enforcement and healthcare workers. Current on-site rapid detection techniques for drugs in indoor air primarily include ion mobility spectrometry and electronic nose technology. Chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques are often used in the laboratory. Monitored drug types include heroin, amphetamine-type stimulants, cannabis, cocaine, synthetic cannabinoids, and fentanyl analogs, with concentration ranges ranging from a few ng·m−3 to several hundred µg·m−3. Drug concentrations are influenced by factors such as the drug type, methods involved in production and abuse, intensities of human activity, and ventilation conditions. While it has been demonstrated that long-term exposure to drug-contaminated environments may cause persistent physical discomfort, the specific mechanisms underlying health risks require further investigation. This paper reviews the sources of illicit drugs in indoor air, their detection methods, and typical application scenarios. It also analyzes the shortcomings of existing studies and proposes future research directions. The aim is to provide technical references for the monitoring of drugs in indoor air environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3960-0
Dry electrode processing offers a solvent-free and scalable pathway toward high-energy lithium metal batteries (LMBs), yet its practical implementation is constrained by tortuous ion/electron transport and weak mechanical cohesion in ultra-thick electrodes. Here, we construct a carbon-coated NASICON-type Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 nanofiber network (LATP@C) that serves as an integrated ionic-electronic scaffold within dry-processed Ni-rich cathodes. The one-dimensional LATP@C fibers form a continuous 3D percolation architecture that couples fast Li+ conduction from the NASICON core with efficient electron transport through the conformal carbon shell. Their rough, oxygen-functionalized surfaces further enhance electrolyte affinity, while the mechanically robust fibrous network bridges NCM811 secondary particles, suppressing crack initiation and preserving structural integrity during cycling. Benefiting from these collective effects, the LATP@C cathode with 100 mg cm−2 loading delivers 203 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C and maintains 96.7% capacity over 35 cycles at 0.2 C. Pouch cells incorporating 60 mg cm−2 LATP@C cathodes retain 80.5% capacity after 50 cycles, highlighting the practical viability of this design.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4001-x
Precise regulation of the immune system is essential for maintaining physiological homeostasis and treating disease. Insufficient immune activation leads to tumor development, whereas excessive immune responses cause autoimmune diseases or chronic inflammation. Inorganic biomaterials, owing to their unique intrinsic properties such as enzyme-mimicking catalytic functions, tunable composition and morphology, degradability, and inherent bioactivity, have transformed from conventional carriers into versatile platforms capable of actively regulating immune responses. This review summarizes recent progress in immunoregulatory inorganic biomaterials, highlighting their dual capacities to induce immune activation or immune suppression. For immune activation, inorganic materials serve as adjuvants to enhance antigen presentation, induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), and reprogram immune cell metabolism, enabling applications in tumor treatment. For immune suppression, specific inorganic materials effectively eliminate excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), modulate the functions of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, and promote the development of immunosuppressive cell populations, including regulatory T cells and M2 macrophages, thereby re-establishing immune tolerance in autoimmune diseases. Despite remaining challenges in mechanistic verification, long-term biosafety, and clinical translation, inorganic biomaterials offer a promising multifunctional platform for achieving precise immune interventions across cancer immunotherapy, tissue regeneration, and autoimmune disease management.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4164-3
Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) are pivotal for next-generation high-energy batteries, yet their commercialization is hindered by dendrite growth and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Here, we report a dual-layered artificial SEI (ASEI) comprising an inner LiF-rich inorganic layer and an outer perfluoropolyether (PFOE) organic layer, fabricated via a scalable roll-pressing technique. The LiF-rich layer lowers Li-ion diffusion barriers and provides mechanical robustness, while the PFOE layer chemically stabilizes the interface against electrolyte oxidation. Symmetric cells with PFOE-LiF@Li anodes achieve over 1400 h of stable cycling at 30 mA cm−2 and 5 mAh cm−2. Full cells paired with LiFePO4 cathodes deliver 350 cycles at 1 C and over 550 cycles at 2 C with high capacity retention and Coulombic efficiency. This work establishes a design principle for interfacial engineering, combining inorganic rigidity with organic functionality, and offers a promising route for practical LMBs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4208-8
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as a cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the abundance of sodium resources. Among cathode materials, P2-type layered oxides (Na_xTMO_2) offer high ionic conductivity and rate capability but suffer from low initial sodium content and Na+/vacancy ordering, leading to structural degradation and capacity fading. This study proposes a synergistic strategy combining high sodium content with Li/Mg co-doping to enhance the cycling stability of P2-type cathodes. The high sodium content increases the sodium reservoir, reducing the depth of desodiation for a given capacity, while Li/Mg co-doping mitigates Na+/vacancy ordering and stabilizes the crystal structure. The optimized cathode exhibits significantly improved cycling performance, retaining 82.3% of its initial capacity after 500 cycles at 1C, compared to 65.4% for the undoped counterpart. Furthermore, the co-doped material demonstrates enhanced rate capability, delivering 112 mAh/g at 5C, and suppressed phase transitions, as evidenced by in-situ X-ray diffraction. This work provides a rational design pathway for high-performance P2-type cathodes, addressing key bottlenecks in SIB commercialization.