SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4312-8
Carbazole phosphonic acid-based self-assembled molecules (SAMs) serve as effective hole-selective contacts in organic solar cells (OSCs), yet their molecular packing and aggregation behavior during solution processing remain difficult to control, limiting hole transport and device durability. This study introduces a polymer-templated self-assembly strategy to regulate molecular organization by one-step spin-coating a blend of [2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid (2PACz) and PEDOT:PSS. The polycationic PEDOT+ framework acts as a template, providing supplementary anchoring interactions that promote ordered molecular arrangement and suppress unfavorable agglomeration. Pronounced face-on orientation and enhanced structural coherence of 2PACz within the polymer matrix are evidenced. The templated ordering improves vertical charge transport, interfacial homogeneity, and film morphology. In binary OSCs based on PM6:BTP-eC9, the hybrid hole transport layers (HTLs) yield a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.26%, with an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.874 V, a short-circuit current (JSC) of 28.97 mA cm-2, and a fill factor (FF) of 80.02%. Devices incorporating hybrid HTLs exhibit exceptional operational stability, retaining over 90% of initial PCE (T90) after 405 h of continuous operation at the maximum power point (MPP). This work establishes polymer-directed SAM assembly as a scalable route to simultaneously optimize nanoscale molecular packing, interfacial energetics, and long-term device stability for high-performance OSCs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4472-0
Dynamic electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring during physical activity remains compromised by motion artifacts that corrupt signal fidelity, particularly with conventional gel electrodes whose impedance rises sharply under deformation. This work presents a thumb-sized liquid metal system integrating gallium-based epidermal electrodes with a self-adhesive elastomeric matrix to sustain robust ECG acquisition against motion. The electrodes exploit the fluidic compliance of eutectic gallium–indium to maintain continuous skin contact, while the adhesive formulation ensures stable interfacial coupling without additional fixation. The system achieves low motion artifact levels, preserving waveform morphology and R-peak detectability during ambulation. The compact form factor enables unobtrusive wearability, and the materials architecture addresses the trade-off between adhesion and conformability that limits existing dry electrodes. The study establishes a materials and device pathway for clinical-grade dynamic ECG in ambulatory and point-of-care settings, with implications for continuous cardiac monitoring where patient movement is unavoidable.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4405-9
Conventional metal-halide X-ray scintillators, including Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO), Cs(Na)I:Tl, and Lu1.8Y0.2SiO5:Ce (LYSO), suffer from hygroscopic decomposition, high-temperature fabrication, and mechanical rigidity, which restrict their deployment in harsh-environment radiography. This study reports a nontoxic zero-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid copper(I) halide, Cu2I2(C26H36NP)2 (Compound G), synthesized via a room-temperature solution route. The bulky phosphine ligands confer exceptional superhydrophobicity, with the material retaining 91.95% of its initial luminescence after 30 days of water immersion. A flexible scintillator screen fabricated from styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene (SEBS) exhibits a light yield of ~32,500 photons MeV-1, a spatial resolution of 19.14 lp mm-1, and a detection limit of 0.8 μGyair s-1. The screen enables stable X-ray imaging under flexible, high-temperature, and underwater conditions, eliminating vignetting and distortion in nonplanar objects. These metrics demonstrate that the superhydrophobic copper(I) halide scintillator addresses the water-stability bottleneck of commercial scintillators while delivering competitive light output and resolution, offering a viable pathway for medical diagnosis, nondestructive inspection, security checking, and space exploration.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4391-5
Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) enable precise tuning of the ITO/active layer interfacial dipole, yet their impact on the crystallization kinetics of the overlying active layer remains poorly understood, limiting their potential in high-efficiency organic solar cells. This study introduces THPC, a self-assembling material with an extended carbazole core and heteroatom substitution, as a hole transport layer (HTL). Unlike the hydrophilic PEDOT:PSS, THPC exhibits low surface energy, providing a favorable template that extends the film formation kinetics of the PM6:L8-BO-X blend by nearly 1.4 times, mitigating the explosive nucleation prevalent in PM6-based active layers. This promotes a highly ordered fibrous morphology and enhances vertical phase separation. The deep work function of THPC (5.32 eV) increases the built-in potential, reduces interfacial trap density, and facilitates charge extraction. Consequently, non-radiative recombination loss decreases from 0.243 eV to 0.227 eV, and the open-circuit voltage rises from 0.866 V to 0.883 V, yielding a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.19%, outperforming the PEDOT:PSS control (18.67%). This finding is confirmed across multiple Y-series acceptors, all approaching 20% PCE. Notably, the D18:L8-BO system achieves a PCE of 20.55%, demonstrating broad applicability.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4283-0
Smart windows are critical for building energy conservation, yet existing technologies cannot simultaneously satisfy the diverse requirements of light transmission, thermal insulation, and privacy protection across varying scenarios, such as daytime transparency and nighttime heat retention with opacity. Herein, we report a thermo- and electro-responsive ionogel fabricated via one-step photopolymerization, integrating the electrochromic viologen derivative (Pa-PhV)(TFSI)2 with a thermoresponsive matrix. The (Pa-PhV)(TFSI)2 delivers excellent electrochromic performance, featuring dual-band light modulation, a high coloration efficiency of 433.6 cm2 C-1, and a fast coloration time of 2.52 s. The ionogel exhibits three stable switchable states under thermal and electrical regulation, fulfilling core practical demands for full-spectrum photothermal management. Model house tests verify its excellent seasonal adaptability, with a maximum indoor temperature reduction of up to 15 °C in a simulated summer environment. Furthermore, the ionogel enables dual-encrypted data storage via UCST and voltage triggering. This work broadens the application scope of viologen derivatives and offers a competitive strategy for multifunctional smart windows and encrypted data storage.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4275-3
Electrochemical in-situ production of active chlorine (AC) via chlorine evolution reaction (CER) can alleviate hull corrosion and residual chlorine overage, which is a highly reliable disinfectant for sewage and ballast water. Nonetheless, the primarily competitive oxygen evolution reaction and gradual anode passivation hinder its practical application. Herein, we employed the in-situ hydrothermal strategy to synthesize Ru/TiO2-x to realize high activity and selectivity of CER. The robust interaction of Ru sites and TiO2-x achieved via a one-step hydrothermal synthesis strategy, the structural and valence state characterizations confirm that Ti3+ stabilizes Ru solely in the metallic state (Ru0) via structural confinement effects, effectively inhibiting catalyst oxidation. As a result, the Ru/TiO2-x requires only an overpotential of 33 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2, and possess strong catalytic durability, sustaining continuous operation for 100 h with negligible current decay. Further integration with a triboelectric nanogenerators successfully realizes the generation of AC, which demonstrates a >99.9% inactivation efficiency against Escherichia coli in simulated seawater environments, while also effectively degrading ammonia nitrogen and urea contaminants in domestic wastewater.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4491-3
Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with multiferroic tunneling barriers offer a pathway to fully electrically controlled multi-state memory, addressing the high energy costs and scalability limits of magnetically controlled counterparts. In this work, we propose a theoretical design achieving four or ten distinct resistance states via electrical control, with a giant tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio of 1.1×10^4% (11000%). This value surpasses all previously reported MTJs, including experimental systems such as CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB (TMR 65%, 4 states) and theoretical systems like Ga2O3/MgO/Ga2O3 (TMR 1120%, 2 states). The multiferroic barrier enables simultaneous control of ferroelectric and magnetic order parameters, allowing reversible switching between multiple resistance levels without external magnetic fields. Our first-principles calculations reveal that the high TMR arises from spin-dependent tunneling through the barrier, modulated by the ferroelectric polarization direction and magnetization configuration. The device operates with low write energy and exhibits non-volatile retention, making it suitable for high-density storage and in-memory computing. This work establishes a new benchmark for electrically controlled MTJs and provides a practical route to overcome the limitations of current spintronic memory technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4381-5
Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3)-based alloys remain the benchmark for low-temperature thermoelectric applications, yet their conversion efficiency is limited by the trade-off between electrical and thermal transport. This study introduces a pseudo grain boundary engineering strategy to simultaneously enhance the average figure of merit (ZT) in p-type (Bi,Sb)2Te3 (BST) materials. By incorporating Ag-based compounds, the carrier concentration is optimized via substitution of Ag+ ions, while the introduction of secondary phases at grain boundaries effectively suppresses lattice thermal conductivity. The approach yields a peak ZT of 1.35 at 393 K and an average ZT of 1.25 across 303–483 K, representing a significant improvement over pristine BST. Compared to prior reports, this work achieves superior average ZT while maintaining high electrical conductivity, addressing the longstanding bottleneck of thermal conductivity reduction without compromising carrier mobility. The findings underscore the efficacy of pseudo grain boundary engineering in advancing Bi2Te3-based thermoelectrics for solid-state cooling and power generation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4292-4
The vast compositional space of high-entropy materials presents a fundamental challenge for catalyst discovery. Considering 21 candidate elements at a 1% atomic resolution, this combinatorial explosion exceeds 10 billion (>10^10) possibilities, rendering direct experimental exploration impractical. Furthermore, purely data-driven approaches often struggle to comprehend the intrinsic chemical roles of discrete elemental identities, yet they excel at mapping continuous concentration gradients. Recognizing this distinction, we transform this combinatorial explosion into a targeted optimization problem by decoupling elemental selection from compositional ratio refinement. Ultrafast carbon thermal shock (CTS) is first employed to screen viable elemental combinations and establish an optimal quinary framework. Machine learning (ML) is subsequently applied to optimize compositional ratios within this reduced space, where statistical modeling efficiently navigates the remaining high-dimensional landscape. Targeting the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) as a proof-of-concept, our hybrid framework pruned the search space from over 10^10 possible compositions down into 13 systems, ultimately identifying high-entropy oxide (HEO)-Fe17.57Co28.45Ni31.27Mo10.57Zr12.14 as the optimal catalyst. The optimized high-entropy oxide exhibits an overpotential of 240 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and sustains stable operation at 1 A cm−2 for over 600 h in 1 M KOH. Mechanistic analysis reveals that Mo electronically tunes oxygen-intermediate adsorption, while Zr enhances structural robustness, collectively enabling high activity and durability. This work demonstrates that bridging discrete physical screening with continuous data-driven optimization provides an efficient and generalizable pathway for navigating high-dimensional material frontiers.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4106-8
Perovskite/organic tandem solar cells (PO-TSCs) have emerged as a compelling photovoltaic architecture to transcend the Shockley-Queisser limit of single-junction devices. By monolithically stacking a wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskite top cell and a narrow-bandgap (NBG) organic bottom cell, PO-TSCs enable broad spectral utilization and reduced thermalization loss, offering a viable pathway toward efficiencies beyond 30%. Their solution processability, compatibility with orthogonal solvents, and potential for lightweight, flexible, and semi-transparent modules further make them attractive for building integrated and portable electronics. However, the realization of high-performance PO-TSCs critically depends on precise carrier regulation across the entire multilayer stack, where inefficient charge transport, recombination losses, and interfacial bottlenecks often limit the overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability. This review systematically examines the carrier-regulation strategies essential for advancing PO-TSCs, focusing on defect and phase-control in WBG perovskites, the design of optically transparent and electrically efficient interconnecting layers, and the enhancement of charge generation and collection in organic subcells. The integration of these approaches has recently enabled efficiencies exceeding 26%, demonstrating the rapid progress of the field. Ultimately, we conclude with an outlook on the remaining challenges in scalability, operational stability, and manufacturability, providing a roadmap for future research toward commercially viable tandem photovoltaics.
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/s40843-025-3588-2
The rapid evolution of aerospace technology necessitates the development of multi-functional composites that combine light weight, mechanical robustness, thermal protection/insulation, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. C/SiC porous ceramic composites are promising for thermal protection in hypersonic vehicles. Here, we report a facile strategy to fabricate Cf/SiC composite polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) via re-pyrolysis of high-energy ball-milled polycarbosilane-vinyltriethoxysilane-graphene oxide (PVG) with Cf/SiC(rGO)p blend interleaves. In-situ generated honeycomb-like cellular structures and non-directional channels reduce density and increase porosity. High-quality SiO2 joints, formed from Si-dangling bonds, strengthen interfacial bonding via a brazing effect, while in-situ SiOC nanowires (SiOCnws) create a hierarchically enhanced network, improving fracture toughness and crack resistance. Multi-scale interfacial/dipole polarization enhances EMI shielding. The optimized Cf(0.2)/SiC(rGO) composite exhibits low density (1.49 g cm−3), high fracture toughness (6.32 MPa m1/2), hardness (7.18 GPa), compressive strength (72.67 MPa), and EMI shielding effectiveness of 58.31 dB. It maintains structural stability under butane blowtorch ablation at ~1300 °C for 3600 s. Porous variants show thermal conductivity of 0.211 W m−1 K−1 with 69.74% porosity. These multi-functional composites are promising for thermal protection systems in aerospace applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3585-1
Semiconductor-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates have attracted significant attention due to their high uniformity, reproducibility, stability, and cost-effectiveness. However, the Raman enhancement in semiconductors primarily relies on the chemical mechanism (CM), which typically results in a lower enhancement capability compared to traditional noble metals. In this study, we developed a novel two-dimensional (2D) SERS substrate, Ag2Te nanosheets (NSs), synthesized through a simple one-step redox reaction utilizing 2D Te NSs as the template. The 2D Ag2Te NSs not only exhibit strong interfacial interactions with molecules, thereby supporting the CM, but also possess quasi-metallic properties with low resistivity (2.8 × 10−4 Ω cm) and high density of free electrons (4.15 × 10^22 cm−3), giving rise to a significant visible-region surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band and contributing to enormous electromagnetic mechanism (EM). By synergizing CM and EM, the 2D Ag2Te NSs SERS substrate achieved an ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) of 10−10 M with an enhancement factor (EF) of 2.6 × 10^7 for methylene blue (MB), outperforming most semiconductors, even rivaling noble metals. The quasi-metallic properties of 2D Ag2Te NSs also benefit their sensitivity to multiple molecules. The accuracy and reliability were demonstrated in real-sample detections with recoveries of 91.5%–108.3% for various target molecules. These excellent performances, combined with remarkable cost-effectiveness, demonstrate the potential of 2D Ag2Te NSs as a practical SERS substrate with broad applicability. Furthermore, the inherent structural simplicity of these nanosheets creates significant opportunities for further sophisticated nanostructural engineering to advance the SERS performance in the future.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3615-1
Stretchable electronics are pivotal for bio-integrated devices, soft robotics, and wearables, yet their development is constrained by single-layer architectures that limit integration density and by mechanical mismatch between rigid components and soft substrates, which curtails service life. Here, we introduce a LEGO-like modular assembly strategy to construct multilayer three-dimensional (3D) stretchable electronics. Electronic components (ECs) and self-healing polyurethane (SPU) substrates patterned with liquid metal (LM) circuits serve as the modular blocks. This design simplifies fabrication and markedly enhances 3D integration density. The combination of LM circuits and self-healing elastic substrates enables devices to withstand diverse deformations and to autonomously heal after mechanical damage. Notably, the devices can undergo multiple recycling and reuse cycles without significant performance loss. This methodology offers a new paradigm for advanced flexible electronics, addressing critical bottlenecks in integration density, mechanical robustness, and sustainability.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3628-3
The solution aggregation structures of conjugated polymers are pivotal in determining their film morphology and optoelectronic properties, yet the relationship between solution aggregation and device performance remains elusive in organic photodiode (OPD) systems. Herein, we introduce the first examination of solution aggregation structures of all-polymer OPD blends, with a focus on how molecular entanglement modulates aggregation behavior and subsequent photodiode performance of low-cost poly(3-pentylthiophene). Using small-angle neutron scattering and freeze-dried imaging, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the solution-state aggregation behavior of poly(3-pentylthiophene) and its evolution in the blend, revealing profound impacts on film morphology and device performance. With finely optimized aggregation, the resulting all-polymer OPD achieves a record-high specific detectivity of ~4×10^13 Jones at zero bias, outperforming all bulk heterojunction (BHJ)-type self-powered OPDs reported to date. This device also demonstrates remarkable thermal stability, with negligible performance degradation after over 800 h of thermal annealing at 85 °C. Furthermore, the self-powered OPD exhibits excellent performance across a broad spectral range, enabling its application in both water quality monitoring and biosensing. This work offers new insights into the solution aggregation behavior of conjugated polymers in OPDs and highlights the importance of resolving solution aggregation in optimizing device function.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3714-3
Eco-friendly aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) are promising alternatives to lead-acid batteries in applications requiring both safety and energy density. However, their practical deployment is hindered by the synergistic deterioration of zinc anodes—structural collapse and kinetic failure—under high depth of discharge (DOD) and high current densities, which severely limits actual energy and power densities. Here, we report a strategy for the in situ integration of a double-layer topological chitosan framework (D-CTS) on current collectors via regulating phase separation kinetics during multistage coordination-neutralization electrophoresis. The vertical through-hole array is formed by coupling instantaneous and delayed phase separation. Subsequently, a columnar zinc array is mediated by D-CTS to construct an integrated component (D-CTS-Zn) comprising a vertical through-hole separator and an array anode. The embedded interconnected nanonetworks within the through-hole walls enable dynamic equilibrium of the columnar zinc array through a lateral ion compensation mechanism. As a result, Zn||Zn symmetric cells with D-CTS-Zn stably cycle over 3000 cycles at 200 mA cm−2 under 60% DOD. The assembled D-CTS-Zn||MnO2 battery delivers an energy density of 83 Wh kg−1 at an ultrahigh power density of 9.25 kW kg−1. This work provides a constructive strategy for chitosan phase separation regulation and separator-induced reversible metal array anodes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3616-8
Negative stiffness (NS) structures exploit multi-stable mechanisms to achieve energy absorption, yet their practical application is limited by material and manufacturing constraints that compromise load-bearing capacity, reusability, and energy absorption efficiency. This study addresses these limitations by employing continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymers (CCFRTP) and three-dimensional (3D) printing to fabricate NS structures with cosine beam cells. A wet twisting method for continuous carbon fiber (CCF) was developed to enhance mechanical properties and elucidate failure behaviors and interfacial adhesion mechanisms. The resulting CCF/PLA/PVDF composites exhibited significant improvements in mechanical properties compared to untreated counterparts, with failure analysis revealing characteristic fiber breakage due to enhanced interfacial adhesion, as opposed to fiber pull-out and irregular fracture in untreated samples. A one-stroke path planning model was used to investigate bistability principles and energy absorption mechanisms. Displacement-controlled loading/unloading experiments assessed energy absorption in both energy-locked and repetitive modes. A dual-unit assembly structure was fabricated to validate the feasibility of a negative stiffness honeycomb structure. Composite layup simulations via Abaqus confirmed the deformation process and energy absorption mechanisms. The findings demonstrate that CCFRTP-based NS structures offer considerable potential for large deformation energy absorption applications in aerospace and naval fields.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3686-6
Fused silica (SiO2) exhibits exceptional thermal stability and dielectric properties, making it an attractive material for aerospace and military applications. However, its relatively poor mechanical performance has limited its widespread practical utilization. This study proposed an innovative approach to fabricate SiO2-hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) composite ceramics via spark plasma sintering (SPS), leveraging the high-temperature phase transformation of cubic boron nitride (cBN) to introduce randomly oriented hBN as a reinforcing phase within the SiO2 matrix. The randomly oriented hBN nanoplates allow cracks to propagate along stronger grain boundaries, rather than along weaker interlayers of hBN, significantly improving the overall strength and fracture toughness of the composite. The maximum flexural strength and fracture toughness achieved are 183.4 MPa and 2.06 MPa m1/2 respectively, which are 3.6 times and 4 times that of fused SiO2. Concurrently, the composites exhibit low dielectric constants (ε = 3.58–3.69) and dielectric losses (tan δ < 0.0087) at 1 MHz. This work successfully enhanced the mechanical performance of fused SiO2 while preserving its excellent dielectric characteristics, opening new possibilities for its potential applications in advanced structural and functional fields.
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/s40843-025-3722-3
Magnesium alloys are promising biodegradable bone implant materials due to their biocompatibility and mechanical compatibility, but rapid degradation and postoperative bacterial infection limit clinical application. Here, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PD) composite coatings (ZIF-8@PD) were fabricated in situ on micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coated AZ31 alloys via two-step and one-step (OS) methods. The MAO/ZIF-8@PD and MAO/ZIF-8@PD (OS) coatings reduced corrosion current density by three and two orders of magnitude, respectively, compared to MAO coating, due to the physical barrier of the 2D-co-3D MOF structure. Under 808 nm near-infrared laser irradiation, photothermal and photodynamic effects from PD, combined with contact killing by released Zn2+ ions, achieved bactericidal rates ≥99.5% against E. coli and S. aureus. Photothermal conversion efficiencies were 44.01% and 48.57% for the two-step and one-step coatings, respectively. The distinct Zn2+ sources led to different 2D-co-3D MOF structures, influencing degradation and antibacterial behavior. These coatings offer a strategy to enhance corrosion resistance and antibacterial activity of Mg alloys for biomedical applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3707-8
Wound infection is a major cause of death during the wound healing process. Improperly dressed wounds can lead to secondary injury, prolonging healing time and increasing infection risk. Here, we propose an antibacterial slippery dressing through molecular engineering of copper ions. The oil layer forms a barrier to reduce clot adhesion to the wound site and prevent environmental contamination. Single-cell level detection indicates that secreted copper ions induce bacterial death not only by disrupting membrane integrity but also by relying on the production of reactive oxygen species. Further membrane depolarization and adenosine triphosphate production blockage result in the aggregation of important proteins in various biological processes, such as metabolic homeostasis, ultimately leading to bacterial death. The animal model confirms that our dressing accelerates wound healing by promoting the growth of granulation tissue and collagen deposition. Our dressing demonstrates significant clinical implications for the design of next-generation therapeutic applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3657-9
Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs) have achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCE) up to 34.9%, surpassing the Shockley-Queisser limit of single-junction devices. The interconnection layer (ICL) critically bridges top and bottom subcells, enabling charge carrier recombination. Conventional indium oxide (In2O3)-based TCOs suffer from high-energy ion bombardment during sputtering, damaging amorphous silicon subcells and reducing open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF). Additionally, indium scarcity and cost necessitate indium-free alternatives. Here, we introduce a highly degenerate indium-free samarium-doped cadmium oxide (CdO:Sm) TCO as the ICL for perovskite/SHJ TSCs, deposited via low-damage reactive plasma deposition (RPD). The ultrathin CdO:Sm film (~3 nm) exhibits average transmittance of 85% (400–1200 nm) and 90% (800–1200 nm), enabling efficient near-infrared absorption in the bottom subcell. High doping concentration and mobility ensure excellent electrical conductivity. The low work function (4.04 eV) of CdO:Sm facilitates carrier tunneling and efficient recombination. Devices employing CdO:Sm ICL achieved approximately 1% higher efficiency compared to those with indium-based TCO ICLs. Detailed characterization including contact resistivity (1.68 mΩ cm2), conductive atomic force microscopy, Kelvin probe force microscopy, and photoluminescence quenching confirm enhanced carrier transport and extraction. This work demonstrates a viable indium-free ICL for high-efficiency perovskite/SHJ TSCs, addressing both performance and sustainability challenges.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3503-9
This correction addresses an image misuse in the original publication (Sci China Mater, 2025, 68(6): 2095, DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3311-6). Specifically, a fluorescent image in Fig. 4d, depicting live/dead cells after treatment with MPDA@TMZ without laser irradiation, was erroneously presented. The corrected Fig. 4 is provided, and the authors confirm that the results and conclusions of the original paper remain unaffected. The correction ensures the integrity of the reported data, particularly the cell viability and apoptosis assays. The study focuses on mesoporous bowl-shaped polydopamine (MPDA) nanoparticles co-loaded with temozolomide (TMZ) and indocyanine green (ICG) for synergistic glioblastoma therapy. The corrected figure includes CLSM images of G422 cells after incubation with various formulations (ICG, sPDA@ICG, mPDA@ICG, MPDA@ICG), cell viability curves, quantitative fluorescence intensity, live/dead staining, and apoptosis quantification. Statistical significance is denoted as ****p < 0.01. The correction maintains the scientific validity of the findings, which demonstrate the potential of MPDA-based nanoplatforms for combined chemo-photothermal therapy.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3780-3
Real-time health monitoring and ongoing evaluation of physiological conditions are becoming increasingly vital for the advancement of future medical diagnostics and personalized healthcare solutions. Given that certain illnesses necessitate prompt and accessible detection methods, wearable chemical sensors have garnered considerable interest for their capability to monitor health through physiological signals and chemical indicators. This review delivers a thorough examination of recent developments in four primary categories of wearable chemical sensors: biosensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, and ion sensors. We explore the representative materials, device structures, operating mechanisms, and various application scenarios for each type of sensor. By investigating the latest innovations in these technologies, we aim to provide a detailed overview of the current research landscape, highlight existing challenges, and present potential future directions of wearable chemical sensors in healthcare monitoring.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3727-0
Lead halide perovskites are promising scintillators for X-ray imaging due to high X-ray absorption efficiency, excellent luminescence, and facile synthesis. However, their ionic nature challenges simultaneous high photoluminescence efficiency and environmental robustness. This work introduces a multilevel encapsulation strategy: CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) are sequentially coated with Cs4PbBr6, SiO2, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Cs4PbBr6 passivates surface defects, while SiO2 and PDMS provide barriers against moisture, heat, and radiation. The resulting CsPbBr3@Cs4PbBr6/SiO2/PDMS flexible films exhibit a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 85%, outstanding mechanical flexibility, and durability under stretching, bending, and compressing. Films retain emission stability under elevated temperatures, prolonged X-ray irradiation, and extended water immersion. X-ray imaging demonstrates spatial resolution of 12 lp/mm, enabling distortion-free imaging of curved objects; superior water resistance allows long-term underwater imaging. This work highlights hierarchical encapsulation in balancing luminescence efficiency and stability, offering a pathway toward practical flexible perovskite scintillators.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3702-0
Construction of metal-mediated redox sites is an appealing approach to enhance photocatalytic CO2 reduction coupled with H2O oxidation. However, conventional static redox sites generally lack spatiotemporal matching during reaction processes due to the constraints of rigid structure and the linear scaling relationship of adsorbed species. Herein, an alkanolamine-Ir synergistic system was developed, where flexible monoethanolamine (MEA) molecules function as molecular ferries to selectively adsorb CO2 via carbamate formation, while adjacent Ir nanoparticles (NPs) serve as H spillover hubs that relay protons, creating spatiotemporal adaptability that synchronizes CO2 reduction and water oxidation. In addition, time-resolved in situ spectroscopy directly captures the rapid transformation of carbamate intermediates concurrent with sustained IrOOH intermediates formation. Microkinetic modeling further demonstrates that the MEA-Ir modified system (M-Ir/ACN) creates interconnected H spillover networks between Ir NPs and MEA, facilitating efficient proton transport that drives *COOH formation with a favorable thermodynamic energy. As a result, the M-Ir/ACN achieves a 20-fold increase in CO production compared to the pristine sample while maintaining high stability throughout 45 h of continuous operation. This study presents that flexible molecular ferries boost CO2 adsorption, and deciphers how flexible molecular-metal synergy directs the trafficking of CO2-derived intermediates toward highly efficient CO2 photoreduction.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3785-5
The effective separation and utilization of photo-generated carriers are critical for advancing photocatalysis, particularly in coupled reactions of H2 production and value-added chemical synthesis. Here, a sandwich-structured MnO2@ZnIn2S4@Ti3C2 hollow sphere was designed, with MnO2 and Ti3C2 loaded on the inner and outer surfaces of ZnIn2S4, respectively. MnO2 acts as an oxidation cocatalyst collecting photo-generated holes, while Ti3C2 serves as a reduction cocatalyst for electrons, promoting spatial separation of carriers and enabling spatially separated redox reactions. The hollow structure enhances light harvesting. The optimal catalyst achieves photocatalytic H2 production rate of 6.29 mmol g−1 h−1 and benzaldehyde production rate of 5.26 mmol g−1 h−1 from benzyl alcohol oxidation, significantly outperforming ZnIn2S4, MnO2@ZnIn2S4, and ZnIn2S4@Ti3C2. In situ irradiated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms effective carrier separation. In situ electron paramagnetic resonance and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy reveal reaction intermediates. This work provides a strategy for designing efficient photocatalysts for coupled H2 production and selective oxidation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3725-1
Conductive hydrogel-based stretchable electronics have been extensively investigated, with strain sensors being the most prominently studied. While mechanical properties significantly affect device performance, the systematic correlation between specific mechanical parameters and sensing performance remains rarely explored. This work compares the influences of Young’s modulus and mechanical hysteresis on sensing performance between highly entangled PAM-Li and double-network PAM-Li-Agar-3 strain sensors. Owing to the brittle agar network, which imparts a higher Young’s modulus and pronounced mechanical hysteresis to the double-network PAM-Li-Agar-3 hydrogel, the corresponding sensor requires a greater driving force for deformation and yields signals with poor reproducibility. In contrast, the PAM-Li hydrogel, characterized by highly entangled polymer chains, exhibits a lower Young’s modulus and negligible mechanical hysteresis. Consequently, signals from the PAM-Li strain sensor demonstrate enhanced sensitivity and stability. Therefore, this work demonstrates that a low Young’s modulus and minimal mechanical hysteresis are critical factors for achieving superior sensing performance in strain sensors, as systematically validated through comparative analyses across diverse application scenarios.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112102
Based on the 2022 activity data of non-road mobile sources in Hebei Province, this study employed the emission factor method recommended by the Guidelines to estimate emissions of CO, HC, NOx, PM2.5, PM10, and SO2. A comprehensive emission inventory was established, followed by spatial and uncertainty analyses. Scenario analysis, aligned with the 14th Five-Year Plan policies, was used to project emissions for 2030. The results indicate that non-road mobile sources in Hebei emitted 76.1×10^3 t of CO, 20.6×10^3 t of HC, 164.0×10^3 t of NOx, 8.5×10^3 t of PM2.5, 9.0×10^3 t of PM10, and 2.4×10^3 t of SO2. Agricultural machinery was the dominant contributor to CO, HC, PM2.5, and PM10, accounting for over 60.0% of CO emissions. Railway locomotives were the primary source of NOx, contributing 50.9%. For SO2, agricultural machinery and railway locomotives contributed 39.0% and 44.4%, respectively. The highest emitting cities were Tangshan (21.3%), Shijiazhuang (15.7%), Cangzhou (11.6%), and Handan (11.6%). Ship emissions were concentrated in Tangshan Port; civil aviation emissions were mainly in Shijiazhuang, Tangshan, Qinhuangdao, and Handan; railway emissions were distributed in Shijiazhuang, Baoding, and Handan. Under the updated emission standard scenario, NOx and PM10 emissions in 2030 could be reduced by approximately 35.0%. The phase-out of old machinery yielded the largest reduction in CO (36.0%), while both electrification and phase-out scenarios significantly impacted HC emissions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3881-y
One-dimensional (1D) and quasi-1D platinum diselenide (PtSe2) exhibit enhanced quantum confinement and surface effects, leading to distinctive electronic and optical properties. However, efficient synthesis of high-quality quasi-1D PtSe2 with controlled dimensionality and orientation remains challenging. Here, we report the first successful synthesis of quasi-1D PtSe2 via a carrier-gas-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approach. By optimizing hydrogen concentration, we achieved highly oriented and crystalline quasi-1D PtSe2, which exhibits exceptional thermodynamic stability along the (110) crystal plane. Electrical characterization reveals that 2D few-layer PtSe2 exhibits p-type semiconductor properties, while quasi-1D multilayer PtSe2 displays semimetallic behavior. Due to quantum confinement effects, both materials exhibit similar carrier mobilities. In photodetection at 1550 nm, 2D PtSe2 exhibits conventional positive photoresponse with a maximum responsivity of 97.0 A/W. In contrast, quasi-1D PtSe2 demonstrates unique negative photoresponse, achieving a maximum responsivity of 194.2 A/W, attributed to its semimetallic nature and significant surface traps. Temperature-dependent photoresponse measurements at various power levels further confirm that the negative response originates from a defect-assisted photogating effect, the strength of which exhibits significant temperature dependence under high-power illumination. This work not only fills a gap in the synthesis of 1D PtSe2 but also provides a novel material platform for developing advanced infrared optoelectronic devices.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025010608
This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of 27 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface water and sediment of the Fuchun River, a tributary of the Qiantang River Basin. Surface water samples were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Total PFAS concentrations (∑PFAS) in surface water ranged from 30.04 to 105.26 ng/L, with mean and median values of 59.64 ng/L and 51.43 ng/L, respectively. The dominant compounds were perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX), and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA). Concentrations generally decreased from upstream to downstream, consistent with previous studies. Notably, GenX levels were significantly elevated compared to earlier reports. In sediment, ∑PFAS concentrations ranged from not detected (ND) to 0.59 ng/g dry weight, with mean and median values of 0.14 ng/g and 0.11 ng/g, respectively. PFOA and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) were the primary sediment contaminants. Source apportionment indicated that industrial wastewater discharge and sewage treatment plant effluents were the main sources of PFAS in the river. Risk assessment using risk quotients suggested low ecological risks to aquatic organisms for most detected PFAS. However, the presence of short-chain and novel PFAS warrants further investigation due to potential unknown risks.
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.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225195
The separation of multicomponent azeotropic mixtures remains a persistent challenge in industrial wastewater treatment due to complex phase equilibrium behavior involving minimum/maximum boiling azeotropes and liquid-liquid phase separation. Pharmaceutical wastewater often contains a ternary mixture of acetonitrile, n-propanol, and water, which exhibits significant non-ideality and multiple azeotropic points, including binary azeotropes for acetonitrile-water, n-propanol-water, and acetonitrile-n-propanol pairs, as well as a ternary azeotrope. This study conducted a comprehensive investigation encompassing thermodynamic modeling, solvent screening, process design, and multi-objective optimization. A reliable thermodynamic framework was established using an activity coefficient model (NRTL), validated against experimental data. Systematic analysis of vapor-liquid equilibrium diagrams identified ethylene glycol as the optimal extractant due to its superior selectivity. Three distinct separation processes were developed: a conventional three-column distillation sequence (TCED), a four-column pre-concentration extractive distillation configuration (FCED), and an innovative three-column integrated pre-concentration extractive distillation system incorporating a thermally coupled column (TCED-IDC). Multi-objective optimization using the improved nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) targeted total annualized cost (TAC), CO2 emissions (ECO2), and thermodynamic efficiency (η), subject to stringent purity constraints (≥99.9 wt% for products and ≥99.99 wt% for extractant recycle). The integrated three-column configuration achieved 41.2% lower TAC, 50.4% lower CO2 emissions, and 102% higher thermodynamic efficiency compared to the conventional TCED process. This integrated pre-concentration extractive distillation process is established as an industrially viable, energy-efficient solution for acetonitrile-n-propanol-water separation, aligning with green chemistry principles.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3756-5
Photochemical organic synthesis exploits the distinctive redox properties of excited-state photocatalysts to avoid stoichiometric redox reagents, enabling green and sustainable transformations. However, the conversion efficiency of light-to-chemical energy remains a key bottleneck for large-scale application. Here, we synthesize ultra-thin graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets by regulating precursor types and thermal protocols. In photochemical Minisci-type cross-couplings, this ultra-thin carbon nitride exhibits high catalytic efficiency, achieving rates of 40 mmol g_cat−1 h−1 under LED irradiation and 10.9 mmol g_cat−1 h−1 under natural sunlight. The photocatalyst's high specific surface area (120 m2 g−1) enhances substrate adsorption capacity and accelerates surface electron transfer, boosting photocatalytic efficiency. Furthermore, the material demonstrates excellent recycling stability, and the reaction system was successfully scaled to gram-level, highlighting its potential for industrial applications. This work provides a typical case for solar-driven organic synthesis and inspires further developments in heterogeneous photocatalysis.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509020
The AAOA-MBR (anaerobic-anoxic-oxic-anoxic membrane bioreactor) process is widely used in municipal wastewater treatment, but its multi-stage internal recirculation complicates sludge retention time (SRT) and carbon source distribution. This study systematically regulated three reflux ratios (R1: membrane tank to oxic tank; R2: oxic tank to anoxic I tank; R3: anoxic II tank to anaerobic tank) in a pilot-scale system (0.24 m3·d−1) to reveal their effects on nutrient removal and membrane fouling. When R1:R2:R3 = 300%:200%:100%, effluent COD, TN, TP, and NH3-N met discharge standards. Reducing R1 and R2, thereby decreasing total reflux ratio from R=6 to R=3, shortened SRT, which suppressed nitrifier accumulation and increased effluent COD and TN, but decreased TP. High-throughput sequencing of anoxic I and oxic tanks showed that denitrifying bacteria (Thauera and Ottowia) relative abundances decreased from 0.68% to 0.42% and 0.51% to 0.24%, respectively, while the phosphorus-accumulating organism Candidatus_Accumulibacter increased from 0.78% to 1.12%, enhancing phosphorus removal. Additionally, lowering R1 to 200% caused sludge accumulation in the membrane tank, exacerbating membrane fouling. Thus, internal recirculation ratios must be adjusted based on influent characteristics to balance nutrient removal and membrane performance.
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.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025021702
Bacteria and microorganisms in toilets can enter the air via aerosol plumes generated during flushing, posing potential health risks. This study evaluates the feasibility of electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for household toilet disinfection. Disinfection experiments showed that at H2O2 concentrations of 50–200 mg·L−1, bacteria in toilet bowl seal water were completely inactivated within 4–24 h without generating harmful disinfection by-products. By installing a gas diffusion electrode in the toilet tank and utilizing oxygen from air to electrochemically synthesize H2O2 in situ, the total bacterial count in the seal water was reduced by more than 90% during normal toilet use, thereby lowering the risk of disease transmission via toilet aerosols. The results suggest that electrochemical H2O2 synthesis offers a safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly disinfection method for household toilets.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025022501
The pretreatment of trace emerging contaminants in environmental matrices is challenging due to diverse methods and uncertain applicability. This study compared solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) for extracting endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), particularly phthalate esters (PAEs), using laboratory-spiked blank samples. LLE achieved satisfactory recoveries for PAEs at spike levels below 4 μg·L−1, enabling detection of five PAEs including diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), with improved efficiency via repeated extraction. SPE offered lower detection and quantification limits, higher accuracy and sensitivity, and achieved high recoveries for 12 EDCs and 10 antibiotics at spike levels ≥0.2 μg·L−1, with detection limits as low as 0.1–6.4 ng·L−1. The developed SPE coupled with liquid chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (LC-Orbitrap MS) method was applied to industrial wastewater samples. Across five industrial sectors (coatings, rubber, pharmaceuticals, inks, and materials technology), five antibiotics and ten EDCs were detected, with total concentrations ranging from 0.03–0.56 μg·L−1 and 0.07–1.91 μg·L−1, respectively. Sector-specific profiles emerged: rubber industry effluent was dominated by dibutyl phthalate (DBP) at 1.07 μg·L−1, while pharmaceutical effluent featured sulfamonomethoxine (SMM) at 0.34 μg·L−1. This systematic evaluation demonstrates that SPE-LC-Orbitrap MS is robust for complex matrices, providing a technical foundation for accurate quantification of emerging contaminants in industrial wastewater.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606014
Microplastics, as emerging environmental pollutants, can adsorb psychotropic drugs in aquatic environments, facilitating their migration and transformation, ultimately posing ecological risks. This study investigated the adsorption behavior and mechanisms of four common microplastics—polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—each with a particle size of 50 μm, toward three psychoactive drugs: diazepam, fluoxetine, and mianserin. Adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and the effects of pH and salinity were examined. Kinetic data fitted well to a pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption as the rate-limiting step. Isotherm analysis using Langmuir and Freundlich models revealed that PE exhibited the highest affinity for fluoxetine, PP for mianserin, and PVC for diazepam, while PS showed linear adsorption for fluoxetine, suggesting partitioning. The adsorption of diazepam was maximal at pH 6.5–8.5, typical of natural surface waters, and increased with NaCl concentration, indicating that non-electrostatic interactions dominate and that higher ionic strength enhances adsorption. Mechanistic insights suggest that hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions (for PS), and halogen bonding (for fluoxetine) contribute to adsorption. These findings highlight the potential of microplastics to act as vectors for psychoactive drugs, necessitating further research on their environmental fate and ecological implications.
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.
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/s40843-025-3889-6
Photocatalytic hydrogen production is fundamentally limited by inefficient charge separation and asynchronous supply of electrons and protons to active sites. Here, we designed a ZnIn2S4/ZnCo2S4 (ZIS/ZCS) heterojunction with an atomically coherent interface achieved via an ultralow lattice mismatch of 0.05%. This unique structure promotes rapid electron transfer through a built-in electric field and facilitates continuous proton migration via a hydrogen spillover effect, thereby synchronizing electron and proton delivery at the catalytic interface. This dual regulation of electrons and protons synergistically promotes proton-coupled electron transfer, resulting in a high hydrogen evolution rate of 70.3 mmol g−1 h−1 and selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to aldehyde (39.3 mmol g−1 h−1) with 93.6% selectivity. This work demonstrates the critical importance of lattice match and dual charge-proton management in designing efficient photocatalysts for complex redox reactions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3934-1
Solar energy, a clean and abundant resource, can be stored as latent heat in solid-solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) and subsequently utilized, offering great potential for advancing passive thermal management technologies such as thermal camouflage. Conventional SSPCMs often require active heating for high-temperature conditions, leading to additional energy consumption. Moreover, their permanent crosslinked structures limit reprocessability and increase environmental burden. Herein, we present a lizard-skin-inspired, solar-thermal-responsive, and reprocessable SSPCM (FTSPCM) featuring a dual crosslinked structure composed of dynamic phenol–carbamate bonds and Fe3+@Tannic acid (TA) coordination. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) functions as the phase change segment, while TA introduces both reversible covalent crosslinking and photothermal responsiveness. The FTSPCM exhibits a high latent heat of 102.9 J g−1, excellent shape stability, and maintains its thermal performance after three reprocessing cycles at 120 °C. The Fe3+@TA coordination network enables strong near-infrared absorption and efficient solar-thermal conversion, achieving a surface temperature of 62 °C and a conversion efficiency of 96.85% under 2 Suns irradiation. This dual-function design allows the material to achieve passive thermal camouflage via latent heat release at low temperatures and solar-assisted photothermal heating at high temperatures. This work presents a sustainable strategy for developing reprocessable, solar-responsive SSPCMs, showcasing the distinctive advantages of tannic acid-derived polyphenol chemistry in constructing passive thermal management systems for energy-efficient thermal camouflage and solar-driven thermal energy storage.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3900-8
Memristors, which leverage ion migration for resistance switching, offer breakthroughs in bionic perception, information security, and edge computing but face bottlenecks in functional integration and stability. Herein, we explore all-inorganic Cu3SbI6 nanocrystals (NCs) & PMMA composite memristors (Ag/PMMA&Cu3SbI6/ITO) regulated by NCs doping (0–15 wt%). The devices operate via electric field-induced Ag+ ion migration and conductive filament dynamics, where NCs act as local electric field enhancers. At a doping concentration of 4 wt%, stable bipolar switching (Ron/Roff > 2 × 10^3, cycling endurance > 700 cycles) enables the simulation of biological nociception/Pavlovian reflexes and the construction of basic logic gates. At 2 wt%, sparse NCs induce random filament formation for encryption key extraction, which integrates with 4 wt% logic gates to enable efficient encryption/decryption of text/image data. This work provides a strategy for designing multifunctional memristors by regulating ion transport through nanocrystal concentration, offering references for related functional integration and cross-disciplinary applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3925-5
Capacitive pressure sensors have garnered significant attention in electronic skin, human-machine interaction, health monitoring, and medical devices due to their remarkable properties like highly sensitive pressure perception, good repeatability, and rapid response capabilities. However, manufacturing capacitive pressure sensors that simultaneously achieve a broad linear detection range and high sensitivity remains a significant challenge. Herein, a novel hierarchically interlocked capacitive pressure sensor (HI-CPS) was designed by integrating a stretchable polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based nanofilm dielectric layer with hierarchically interlocked microstructures, demonstrating excellent linearity and high sensitivity over a wide sensing range. HI-CPS based on a one-layer nanofilm exhibits ultrahigh sensitivity (9.40 kPa−1) and an ultralow detection limit (0.1 Pa). When the dielectric layer comprises two layers of stacked nanofilms, the sensor not only maintains high sensitivity (3.17 kPa−1) but also achieves excellent linearity (R2 = 0.999) over a broad working range (<5 kPa), along with remarkable stability even after 10,000 cycles. Benefitting from the outstanding comprehensive performance, HI-CPS has been proven to be successfully implemented in monitoring various human biological signals, sign language recognition, and basketball shooting gesture correction. This strategy of assembling the tailored nanofilm with structural engineering has significant potential application in building high-performance pressure detection and recognition devices.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202502081
Coal dust from open-pit mining severely impacts the mining area and surrounding environment, exhibiting significant dynamic changes. However, quantitative assessments of the pollution extent and multi-timescale evolution remain insufficient. Based on the Google Earth Engine platform and Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI/OLI-2 and Sentinel-2 MSI imagery from 2001 to 2024, we retrieved the enhanced coal dust index (ECDI) and coal dust pollution levels. Combined with the mine lifecycle stages, we revealed the temporal and spatial variations of coal dust in the Baorixile mining area. Annual and monthly remote sensing retrievals were stacked to construct multi-year and intra-annual dust impact frequency (DIF) indicators, precisely quantifying the spatial extent and frequency of coal dust pollution. Results show that from 2001 to 2024, the interannual coal dust pollution experienced three stages: fluctuating increase, significant decrease, and stabilization. The average pollution degree peaked at 0.41 in 2010 and remained between 0.18 and 0.22 from 2016 to 2024. The spatial pattern improved, converging from widespread diffusion to the open-pit and bare coal accumulation areas. From 2019 to 2023, intra-annual pollution increased then decreased, with summer most severe, followed by autumn, spring, and winter. Based on annual retrievals, 6 periods of multi-year DIF (2001-2024) were generated at 4-year intervals. The maximum impact range (DIF≥1) first expanded then contracted significantly; the perennial impact area (DIF=4) shifted from the southeast to the central-western open-pit, indicating a notable migration of dust disturbance gravity and effective control. Based on monthly retrievals, 6 periods of intra-annual DIF (2019-2024) were generated at 12-month intervals. The intra-annual DIF showed a gradient decreasing from the core operation area to the periphery. High-frequency zones (DIF≥9) were stably concentrated in the open-pit. The affected area fluctuated downward from 88.14 km² in 2019 to 72.84 km² in 2024. This study provides theoretical and data support for scientifically understanding and monitoring the ecological status of mining areas and formulating dust suppression measures.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511003
Tailings dam leakage can cause secondary sudden water pollution events, imposing severe combined stress of high turbidity and heavy metal contamination on natural water bodies within a short period, threatening aquatic ecological security. Existing studies have systematically revealed the pollution characteristics and biological effects of such events, which are fundamentally distinct from natural high-turbidity water and industrial wastewater leakage. Compared with natural high-turbidity water, tailings leakage inputs finer particles with higher specific surface area, leading to more intense and prolonged turbidity stress. Meanwhile, heavy metals in tailings are more enriched than natural sediments, with higher proportions of active forms and bioavailability, causing significant bioaccumulation and toxic effects, and long-term decline in benthic community species richness. Compared with industrial wastewater leakage, tailings leakage simultaneously releases high concentrations of fine suspended solids and multiple heavy metals, forming a unique 'physical-chemical' combined stress. This synergistic effect amplifies biological toxicity through multiple pathways such as mechanical damage, light limitation, and oxidative stress, resulting in severe and often irreversible ecological damage, such as impaired fish swimming behavior and collapse of benthic community structure. Analyzing the long-term impacts of tailings leakage on aquatic ecosystems from the perspective of combined stress is helpful for providing scientific basis for emergency response and medium-to-long-term ecological risk prevention of related sudden water pollution events.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509036
Algal-derived phosphorus (P) constitutes a significant fraction in eutrophic lakes, with particulate phosphorus (PP) serving as both a major internal P reservoir and a potential target for P resource recovery. This study proposed a chitosan-coupled electroflotation (CEF) technology for efficient enrichment and recovery of algal-derived P from high-algal water. Using Taihu Lake algae-laden water as the test medium, the effects of chitosan dosage and voltage on the enrichment of different P fractions were systematically evaluated. Results showed that the optimal P enrichment was achieved at a chitosan dosage of 15 mg·L−1, and higher voltages further enhanced the enrichment efficiency. Under optimal conditions, PP accounted for 83.57% of the enriched P, indicating a strong capability for particulate P capture. The mechanism involved chitosan-induced flocculation via charge neutralization and sweep flocculation, while higher voltages increased the positive charge density of chitosan molecules, enhancing charge neutralization and electroflotation. In P release experiments, open conditions significantly promoted the transformation of PP to dissolved P, whereas closed conditions inhibited this process. Additionally, chitosan's antibacterial action and physical retention effectively limited P release. Compared with conventional metal salt coagulants, this method avoids metal ion residues, offering high environmental safety and providing a green and feasible approach for the harmless disposal and resource utilization of algal-derived P in eutrophic lakes.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511002
To treat large-air-volume, low-concentration volatile organic compounds (VOCs) containing tetrachloroethylene (PCE) generated from rubber-metal bonding, this study systematically investigated the adsorption-desorption behavior and interaction mechanisms of PCE, toluene, and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) on granular activated carbon (GAC). Static adsorption experiments showed that PCE adsorption capacity reached 556.6 mg·g−1, while dynamic multi-component adsorption capacity was 179.6 mg·g−1. Kinetic analysis indicated that PCE adsorption was controlled by both intraparticle diffusion and external surface adsorption, whereas toluene and MIBK were primarily intraparticle diffusion-limited. During high-temperature nitrogen desorption, PCE underwent dechlorination, hydrogenation, and recombination, producing trichloroethylene, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloropropane, and HCl, with HCl accounting for 3.61% of the chlorine molar content in adsorbed PCE. After four adsorption-desorption cycles, the iodine value of GAC dropped below the industry standard of 600 mg·g−1; however, water washing and alkali immersion extended the cycle life to 8 and 9 cycles, respectively. The HCl generation pattern in co-adsorption systems was consistent with single-PCE systems. A regeneration process combining alkali immersion and water washing was proposed and integrated into an engineering strategy. Compared to conventional activated carbon adsorption coupled with RTO incineration, the proposed classification strategy reduced annual costs by 49.5×10⁴ CNY. This work provides a cost-effective and safe solution for Cl-VOCs treatment.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026021202
To investigate the sources and health risks of heavy metals in PM2.5 during winter in Xi'an, hourly concentrations of eight heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, etc.) were measured using an Amms-100 online analyzer at the Xi'an International Horticultural Exposition site from November 2024 to March 2025. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was applied for source apportionment, and the U.S. EPA health risk assessment model was used to evaluate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for different populations. Results showed that PM2.5 concentrations varied significantly across pollution levels, with an average of 173.5 μg·m−3 during heavy pollution, 4.1, 1.9, and 1.3 times higher than during non-pollution, light, and moderate pollution periods, respectively. Concentrations of Pb, Mn, and Cu increased with pollution level, indicating a combined effect of coal combustion and unfavorable dispersion. PMF identified five sources during non-pollution periods (industrial metallurgy, crustal dust, metal processing, etc.) but only four during polluted periods, with Cu contribution increasing significantly, suggesting a shift to traffic-related mechanical wear. Health risk assessment indicated that carcinogenic risks were highest in adult males, followed by adult females and children. Non-carcinogenic risks (HQ) for Zn and Cu were below 1, but Pb and Mn posed non-carcinogenic risks, with Mn being significant. The incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) for As and Cr exceeded 10−4, identifying them as primary carcinogenic metals. This study provides scientific evidence for targeted air pollution control in Xi'an, emphasizing the need to strengthen controls on coal combustion, traffic, and industrial emissions during heating periods.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60695-0
The direct carbonylation of glycerol with CO2 to glycerol carbonate represents a promising route for CO2 utilization, addressing both carbon emission reduction and the synthesis of value-added chemicals. However, the reaction is thermodynamically limited, resulting in low glycerol conversion, necessitating the use of coupling agents and appropriate catalysts. This review systematically examines recent progress in homogeneous catalysts (inorganic and organic bases) and heterogeneous catalysts (Zn, Cu, Ce, La, Mg, noble metals, modified zeolites, non-metallic materials) for this transformation. Strategies such as metal oxide modification, support optimization, precursor selection, and construction of acidic-basic sites are analyzed for enhancing catalytic performance. The effects of coupling agents including acetonitrile, adiponitrile, 2-cyanopyridine, MgCO3, CaC2, and NaHCO3 are summarized. Notably, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU), Zn(QTf)2, and metal composite oxides like ZnO-CeO2 have demonstrated promising catalytic performance. Future research directions include developing organometallic complexes or composite metal oxides with highly dispersed active sites and tailored morphologies to modulate surface area, pore size, and acidity/basicity; optimizing coupling agents or designing novel membrane reactors to improve glycerol conversion; and introducing polar solvents to enhance reactant adsorption and activation. These approaches provide valuable references for catalyst design and reaction system optimization in the carbonylation of glycerol with CO2.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3981-7
Solution-processable quasi-2D perovskites are promising laser gain media due to their high exciton binding energy and improved stability relative to 3D counterparts. However, conventional synthesis yields mixed n-value phases, introducing interfacial defects and energetic disorder that impede charge injection into desired emission centers. Here, we report the first demonstration of stimulated emission from a phase-pure quasi-2D perovskite (n=8) achieved via a solvent-sieving method for selective phase removal. This dynamic purification yields near-unity phase purity (99.85%) with no detectable low-n phases, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The phase-pure film exhibits a narrower and more intense (001) diffraction peak (FWHM 0.16 nm, intensity 16,129) compared to pristine films (FWHM 0.22 nm, intensity 3,304), indicating enhanced crystallinity and increased grain size. Time-resolved photoluminescence reveals a prolonged carrier lifetime of 6.98 ns, suggesting reduced trap density. Atomic force microscopy shows a nearly pinhole-free surface with root mean square roughness of 1.18 nm. Consequently, the amplified spontaneous emission threshold is reduced to 13.82 μJ cm−2, a 12.5% improvement over conventional mixed-phase films (15.8 μJ cm−2). This work provides an efficient route to pure-phase quasi-2D perovskites for low-threshold lasers.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3906-2
Achieving flexible polymer-based organic afterglow materials with color-tunable and stimulus-responsive capabilities is significant in diverse optoelectronic fields, especially in next-generation wearable full-color display applications, yet remains a great challenge. Here, we report polymer-based dual-mode afterglow systems that realize long-lived color-tunable afterglow with full-color gamut of blue, green, orange, red, and even white-light emissions with ultralong lifetimes up to 2.42 s. This unique performance is enabled by a universal strategy of dual-mode afterglow-assisted Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) that utilizes seconds-long dual-mode afterglow materials as energy donors and permits efficient synchronous transfer of singlet and triplet excitons from energy donors to the fluorescent dye acceptors. More impressively, the dual-mode afterglow-assisted FRET efficiency reaches up to 99%, with the lifetime of the energy acceptor reaching 1.55 s. Associated with the abundant hydrogen-bonding interactions within the polymer system, the doped afterglow films exhibit water/thermal stimulus responsiveness and recyclability. Furthermore, these full-color dual-mode afterglow materials are employed for multicolor screen-printing, optical anti-counterfeiting, and high-level information encryption, demonstrating considerable application potential in advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4012-4
Stimuli-responsive fluorescent hydrogels, owing to their tunable optical properties and unique smart response characteristics, have significant potential in encryption applications and information security. However, most current systems are limited to single-stimulus responsiveness and lack the capability for programmable information erasure or multi-modal dynamic synergy. Hence, we propose a multi-stimuli-responsive phase-change hydrogel incorporating aggregation-induced emission hydrophobic carbon dots (AIE-HCDs) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-cellulose network, demonstrating dynamic fluorescence chromism under various external triggers. The hydrogel exhibits solvent-exchange-triggered fluorescence color changes from blue to red, enabled by the concentration modulation of AIE-HCDs through the exchange between PEG and water. Additionally, the temperature-induced phase transition of PEG from crystalline to molten state modulates the aggregation and dispersion of AIE-HCDs, thereby enabling dynamic fluorescence color changes. The phase transition further confers excellent shape-memory behavior and adjustable mechanical properties, with the tensile modulus varying from 6.28 MPa in the molten state to 36.23 MPa in the crystalline state, while maintaining high transparency (~88% in the molten state). By utilizing micro-contact printing and the multi-stimulus response, an encryption platform enables information to be hidden, selectively read under sequential stimuli (thermal, UV, and solvent), and completely erased upon demand. This strategy demonstrates significant potential for advancing high-level information encryption and anti-counterfeiting technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3979-3
The escalating prevalence of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections necessitates novel antibacterial strategies. Here, we engineered lectin B (LecB)-targeted glyco-dots (TFP2F) via self-assembly of a photosensitizer (TFP2) possessing aggregation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capability with fucose-modified tetraphenylethene glycoclusters (TPE-Fuc4), enabling P. aeruginosa-targeted antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and wound healing promotion. Three photosensitizers (TFP0–2) featuring an “A-D-A” electronic structure were synthesized, exhibiting broad absorption bands and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence. Among these, TFP2 demonstrated superior Type-I/II ROS production (including ·OH, ·O2−, and 1O2), achieving potent phototoxicity against P. aeruginosa (MIC80 = 7.5 μM). Self-assembly with TPE-Fuc4 yielded glyco-dots TFP2F that facilitated LecB-mediated bacterial targeting, enhanced bacterial uptake, and significantly reduced the MIC80 to 2.5 μM against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa under light irradiation. In a murine P. aeruginosa-infected wound model, TFP2F treatment combined with light irradiation accelerated wound closure to <20% of the initial area by day 8 (vs. >40% in controls) and eliminated >95% of bacteria by day 2. This work presents a convenient strategy for constructing glyco-dots as a potent functionalized platform for precision, lectin-targeted antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3895-7
Flexible transparent electrodes are vital for next-generation electronics, but conventional silver nanowire (AgNW) networks suffer from non-uniform current and “hot spots” due to their random arrangement. To address this, we present a facile rubber pressure treatment that enables the controlled self-assembly of ordered AgNW micromesh (Ag NMs) on hydrophilic surfaces. This simple physical treatment simultaneously modifies surface energy and topography through molecular chain transfer from the rubber, creating optimal wetting conditions for coffee-ring assembly. This dual modification transforms droplet evaporation from constant contact angle to constant contact radius mode, enabling the universal fabrication of well-defined Ag NMs on diverse substrates like glass, polymers, and even curved surfaces. The resulting Ag NMs/colorless polyimide (CPI) electrodes (2 cm × 2 cm, ~30 Ω/sq), fabricated via single-step transfer and embedding, demonstrate desirable uniform sheet resistance distribution (<5% variation), outstanding mechanical durability, and environmental stability. These electrodes exhibit superior performance in practical applications, including stable electrical heating (159 ± 3°C at 8 V) with uniform temperature distribution and excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding (26.4 dB), while maintaining high optical transparency (~78%). This scalable approach offers a promising platform for advanced flexible electronics.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202512064
With increasingly stringent discharge standards for fluoride-containing wastewater, there is an urgent need for cost-effective, easily operable adsorbents capable of rapid adsorption and separation for deep defluorination. In this study, a novel adsorbent, Ce-FMSY, was successfully prepared by co-precipitation of cerium (Ce) and Fe3O4 onto Y-type molecular sieve (MSY). The effects of Ce/Fe mass ratio, adsorption time, initial solution pH, and coexisting anions on adsorption performance were systematically investigated. Results showed that at a Ce loading of 1.0% and Ce/Fe mass ratio of 2:1, Ce-FMSY rapidly adsorbed 86.2% of F− within 30 min, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 4.139 mg·g−1. The saturated magnetization of Ce-FMSY was 13.4 emu·g−1, enabling rapid solid-liquid separation. The adsorbent maintained a stable fluoride removal rate of 77.1%–96.8% over an initial pH range of 3–9. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm fitting indicated that F− adsorption onto Ce-FMSY followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich model, suggesting chemisorption as the dominant mechanism, involving rapid diffusion, surface complexation, and valence transformation reactions. After five adsorption-desorption cycles, the adsorption capacity slightly decreased and then stabilized, with F− removal efficiency maintained at approximately 72.3% of the initial value. This study provides data support and theoretical reference for deep fluoride removal from wastewater.
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.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511055
To systematically investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of hydrodynamics and water quality under cascaded hydropower development in the upper Heihe River, a MIKE21-based water environment model was constructed for the mountainous reach. The model simulated the dynamic changes of total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) from January to August 2023. Calibration and validation against field data showed good performance: the hydrodynamic model achieved a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.89 and a mean relative error (MRE) of 11.3%; the water quality model achieved an average R2 of 0.86 and an average MRE of 14.21%. Hydrodynamic simulations revealed average flow velocities of 1.78, 0.72, and 0.36 m·s−1 during wet, normal, and dry periods, respectively. Natural river sections exhibited high velocities up to 4.3 m·s−1, while reservoir sections had near-stagnant flow due to hydraulic structures. Water quality simulations indicated that TN and NH3-N concentrations were higher in dry and normal periods, whereas TP was higher in the wet period. Spatially, concentrations in reservoir sections exceeded those in natural sections: natural sections had TP, TN, and NH3-N concentrations of 0.07–0.10, 0.25–0.50, and 0.025–0.250 mg·L−1, respectively, while reservoir sections had 0.12–0.17, 0.60–0.80, and 0.10–0.45 mg·L−1. These findings provide scientific references for water environment management in the Heihe River and similar inland river basins.
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.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026031103
Sintering ash washing wastewater from steel plants is characterized by high salinity, high chloride content, high thallium load, and coexistence of multiple metals, posing significant treatment challenges. This study employed thermodynamic simulation to elucidate the speciation and transformation of thallium in such wastewater, and systematically investigated a combined process of sulfide precipitation coupled with coagulation-flocculation. The results showed that at pH 9–10, thallium predominantly existed as Tl+. Under oxidizing conditions, the stable complex anion [TlCl4]− dominated at pH < 8.1, while at pH > 8.1, a mixed system of solid Tl2O3 and dissolved TlClO3 coexisted. Under optimized conditions (pH 12, 2.0% thallium removal agent, 1.0% multi-effect auxiliary agent), the thallium concentration in the wastewater decreased from an initial 9.58 mg·L−1 to 4.31 μg·L−1, meeting the stringent discharge limit of ≤5 μg·L−1. Concurrent removal of Cu, Zn, and Cd was achieved. The primary removal mechanism was sulfide precipitation, with lattice substitution between Tl+ and K+ serving as an auxiliary pathway. This study provides a practicable technical route for advanced treatment of high-chloride, high-thallium industrial wastewater.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026050701
Azo food colorants are persistent aquatic pollutants posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Utilizing biomass waste to produce low-cost activated carbon offers a sustainable strategy for their removal. In this study, activated carbon (HPR-AC) was synthesized from Haematococcus pluvialis residue via phosphoric acid activation, and its adsorption performance was evaluated using Sunset Yellow (SY), Ponceau 4R (P4R), and Tartrazine (TY) as model pollutants. The effects of solution pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, and temperature on adsorption efficiency were systematically examined. Characterization by BET, FTIR, XRD, and XPS revealed that HPR-AC possesses a high specific surface area and an abundant mesoporous structure. The adsorption process was well described by the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, indicating monolayer chemisorption and an endothermic nature. At pH 5 and 55 °C, the maximum adsorption capacities reached 67.12, 79.72, and 72.75 mg·g−1 for SY, P4R, and TY, respectively. Statistical physics modeling further suggested a multilayer physical adsorption mechanism, primarily governed by pore filling, electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and charge transfer. These findings provide both theoretical insights and empirical data for the valorization of H. pluvialis residue and the development of efficient, sustainable adsorbents for azo dye removal from water.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026022402
Graphene oxide–silver nanoparticle (GO-AgNPs) nanocomposites synergistically combine the high specific surface area and biocompatibility of graphene oxide with the potent antibacterial and optical properties of silver nanoparticles. This review systematically examines current synthetic strategies—physical, chemical, and biological—and their influence on nanocomposite morphology, loading efficiency, and stability. The biomedical applications of GO-AgNPs are critically analyzed, focusing on antimicrobial activity, anticancer therapy, drug delivery, and biosensing. Mechanistic insights reveal that antimicrobial action involves membrane disruption, oxidative stress, and damage to biomolecules, while anticancer effects are mediated through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The review also addresses challenges such as AgNP aggregation and stability, which are mitigated by GO support. Future directions emphasize the development of multifunctional nanomedicine platforms, with a need for standardized toxicity assessments and scalable synthesis. This comprehensive overview aims to guide further research and clinical translation of GO-AgNPs.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608021
To address the significant increase in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its chemical component concentrations caused by the concentrated setting-off of fireworks and firecrackers during the Spring Festival in Yancheng City, this study introduced the Bayesian-optimized XGBoost model (BO-XGBoost) based on PM2.5, particulate component, and meteorological observation data. The model simulated non-setting-off baseline concentrations using meteorological factors as independent variables, enabling quantitative assessment of setting-off contributions. Results showed that the concentrated setting-off exerted significantly differentiated effects on various pollutants. Among water-soluble ions, K+ and Mg2+ were core characteristic tracers, with concentrations reaching 15.89 and 20.08 times baseline levels on Lunar New Year's Eve, directly reflecting high-intensity emissions. Secondary conversion ions such as SO4^2- and NO3^- showed sustained high contributions on both Lunar New Year's Eve and the fifth day of the first lunar month, reflecting cumulative effects of atmospheric chemical transformation. Among inorganic elements, K, Ba, and Sr were core characteristic tracers, with concentrations showing explosive growth on Lunar New Year's Eve, serving as direct fingerprints of fireworks. Elements such as Pb and Mn were also significantly affected, reflecting direct heavy metal emissions. Temporal comparisons indicated that emission intensity on Lunar New Year's Eve was significantly higher than on the fifth day, with increased proportional contribution of secondary conversion processes on the fifth day. The study achieved accurate quantification of setting-off contributions through a data-driven model, clarifying pollution fingerprint characteristics and temporal differentiation patterns, providing scientific basis for air quality management and policy optimization during the Spring Festival.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3977-8
Single quantum well (single-QW) two-dimensional (2D) perovskites are poised to revolutionize optoelectronic devices owing to their superior stability and optoelectronic properties. However, solution-processed 2D perovskites typically suffer from disordered multiple-QW structures, leading to inconsistent device performance. Here, we introduce a solvent-hydrolysis-driven method to control crystallization kinetics, yielding highly ordered single-QW 2D perovskite films. Dimethylamine (DMA), generated from the hydrolysis of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), serves as a critical mediator, preventing cluster aggregation and ensuring a uniform colloidal distribution. This approach circumvents the formation of a heterogeneous intermediate phase, thereby promoting the formation of a homogeneous (DMA,MA)PbI3 phase, which is essential for single-QW film development. The resultant photodetector exhibits outstanding performance, with a responsivity of 1153 mA/W and a detectivity of 6.98 × 10^12 Jones, along with excellent photostability under ambient conditions. These attributes render it ideal for photoelectric imaging sensors and large-scale integration. Our findings establish a scalable, solution-processed strategy for high-performance 2D perovskite materials, opening new avenues for advanced optoelectronic applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3995-6
The deployment of single-site metal catalytic nodes into zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) offers vast advantages in catalytic recyclability, product separation, and mechanistic analysis, underscoring their paramount significance in heterogeneous catalysis. Nonetheless, their occupation within pores/channels usually diminishes mass transfer and catalytic efficiency during reactions such as the hydroboration of carbonyl compounds, especially for bulkier substrates. To address this issue, three microporous single-site Ti(IV) embedded Zr-MOFs with sequentially extended ligand arms are novelly synthesized to enable precise pore modulation ranging from 9.04, 10.12, to 11.18 Å. The catalytic performance is investigated using eight carbonyl compounds of varying sizes and four additional larger-scale substrates, which demonstrates that the catalytic efficiency is increased through pore size regulation, yet still away from optimal catalytic performance. Then a further strategy was shifted to the linker installation of linear dicarboxylate ligands chelated single-site Ti(IV) within coordination-unsaturated windows of mesoporous Zr-MOFs, and the result elucidates that the obtained catalyst exhibits superior catalytic efficiency (all exceeding 90%) while preserving the inherent mesoporosity of Zr-MOFs with a pore size of approximately 21.73 Å. We believe this research provides critical guidance for future research on structural design and catalytic optimization of MOFs, opening new avenues in heterogeneous catalysis.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4057-4
The escalating use of ionizing radiation in medical and industrial applications necessitates lead-free, flexible, and sustainable shielding materials. Current development relies on empirical trial-and-error, which is inefficient. This study introduces a machine learning-assisted Monte Carlo simulation strategy for rapid optimization of metal filler compositions for X-ray attenuation across 40–120 kV. Guided by this AI-driven approach, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based gels containing uniformly dispersed Bi/W/Gd2O3 nanoparticles were developed, forming within 1 minute at -20°C using a PVA-DMSO/H2O co-solvent system. The optimized gel with 50 wt% metal loading exhibits exceptional mechanical properties: tensile strength of 1.76 MPa, toughness of 6.3 MJ m−3, and elongation of 600%. It achieves >98% X-ray shielding efficiency at 5 mm thickness, outperforming lead composites at 120 kV. The physically cross-linked network provides recyclability and anti-freezing capability, retaining flexibility at -50°C. This work establishes a data-driven paradigm for designing high-performance radiation-shielding materials, demonstrating AI's potential to accelerate materials discovery and enable scalable fabrication of eco-friendly protective systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4030-y
In the era of artificial intelligence, efficient perception and processing of massive visual information demand advanced machine vision systems. Inspired by human visual adaptation, various optoelectronic devices have been developed, yet most rely on external gate voltages or complex circuits for dynamic sensitivity modulation. This work demonstrates an all-optically controlled biomimetic sensor based on a one-dimensional ZnO/MAPbBr3 heterojunction, achieving both positive and negative photoconductivity effects. By modulating oxygen vacancy states with ultraviolet light, the competition between intrinsic photoconduction and trap-mediated carrier capture is regulated, enabling dynamic control of visible-light photoresponse within a single device. This tunable behavior mimics scotopic adaptation (photopigment regeneration under weak illumination), photopic adaptation (photopigment bleaching in bright environments), and eyelid-like self-protection against intense light. The device operates without external gate bias or cascaded circuits, offering a promising strategy for next-generation intelligent biomimetic sensors in machine vision.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4080-y
M1 macrophages (M1φ) are pivotal drivers in the progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Longitudinal monitoring of intrahepatic M1φ could facilitate non-invasive diagnosis of NASH, yet achieving specific and sensitive in vivo imaging of M1φ remains challenging due to the nonspecific phagocytic activity common to all phenotypic macrophages. In this study, we developed a dual-target-recognizing photoacoustic nanoprobe that can target glucose transporters (GLUTs) and be selectively activated by nitric oxide (NO). Benefiting from its enhanced affinity for M1φ and decent responsive capability to NO, the probe exhibited favorable imaging performance toward M1φ in ex vivo experiments. Following systemic administration in diabetic mice, the probe rapidly accumulated in the liver, where it was selectively internalized by M1φ via specific recognition between glucose molecules and GLUTs, further inducing a NO-triggered enhancement of the photoacoustic signal. Distinct photoacoustic signal enhancement patterns were observed between NAFL and NASH livers, enabling non-invasive in vivo discrimination of NASH. This study proposes a novel strategy using a dual-target-recognizing probe to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of in vivo M1φ imaging, while also providing new insights for the non-invasive diagnosis of NASH.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4118-0
Polymer composite dielectrics are key materials for high-temperature film capacitors, yet their energy storage capability is severely constrained at elevated temperatures. Molecular fillers that simultaneously integrate deep-level trapping (high electron affinity, Ea), strong insulation (large bandgap, Eg), and high thermal stability are rarely available, posing a major challenge for improving high-temperature energy storage performance. To address this challenge, we screen and identify hexaazatriphenylene hexacarbonitrile (HAT-CN) as a promising candidate that fulfills the above critical requirements from numerous commercial organic molecules. When incorporated into a high glass transition temperature (Tg) polymer fluorene polyester (FPE), the resulting all-organic composite exhibits simultaneously suppressed high-temperature conduction loss and preserved mechanical robustness. Consequently, the optimized composite achieves record-high discharged energy densities of 7.31 J cm−3 at 150 °C and 6.14 J cm−3 at 200 °C (η≥90%) with a low cost and scalable process. This work demonstrates that the filler design based on synergistic key properties provides a potent pathway to break the longstanding high-temperature performance bottleneck in polymer dielectrics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4098-8
Fluorescence image-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) enables real-time monitoring of photosensitizer biodistribution and metabolism for optimized treatment timing. However, its application remains limited by reliance on high-end imaging systems. To address this, we designed three novel small-molecule photosensitizers (TTNb, TTAn, TTPh) based on a 2-vinylbenzoic acid scaffold, functionalized at the 5-position with nitro, amino, or hydrogen groups. Replacing the nitro group with amino or hydrogen switched aggregation behavior from aggregation-induced emission (AIE) to aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), accompanied by a red-to-green fluorescence shift and subcellular relocation from liposomes to lysosomes. These findings establish design principles for ratiometric nitroreductase probes and enable systematic comparison between AIE and ACQ photosensitizers. Among these, TTAn exhibited superior cellular uptake (2800 times higher than Ce6 in Eca-109 cells), specific lysosomal targeting, balanced reactive oxygen species (singlet oxygen/superoxide anion) generation, and intense fluorescence. Under white light irradiation, TTAn achieved an IC50 of 21 nM, surpassing Ce6 by 50-fold. Notably, TTAn produced strong fluorescence in mice tumors under both one- and two-photon excitation, detectable using conventional imaging tools (smartphones, DSLR cameras) or even visible to the naked eye, confirming outstanding tumor specificity. Leveraging these advantages, TTAn enabled successful image-guided two-photon PDT in Eca-109 tumor-bearing mice with a single treatment, demonstrating potent therapeutic efficacy and biosafety. This work provides a strategic blueprint for developing small-molecule theranostic agents that operate without complex fluorescence imaging systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4071-3
The low survival rate and compromised functionality of β cells present significant obstacles in islet transplantation for diabetes management. Recent studies indicate that the sensitivity of β cells to their microenvironment may be a contributing factor. In this study, Biotin-DFYIGSRGD hydrogel (Supragel) was employed to replicate the microenvironment of mouse β cells (MIN6 cells) and human islets, enhancing cell viability, functionality, and structural integrity. Compared with conventional two-dimensional cell culture methods utilizing cell plates, MIN6 cells cultured on the gel adhered and self-organized into cell spheroids, resulting in increased synthesis of insulin and glucagon. Furthermore, the hydrogel effectively preserved the integrity of human islets and extended their in vitro culture period. This improvement may be attributed to the optimal hardness of the gel, which facilitated cell adhesion and promoted vascularization. Additionally, the gel exhibited sustained in vivo retention over 120 days, undergoing gradual degradation without eliciting significant inflammatory responses. These properties establish it as a promising encapsulation material for pancreatic islet cells or organoids, supporting long-term cell survival, function, and integration with host tissues. The study highlights the potential of Biotin-DFYIGSRGD hydrogel as an islet culture platform for diabetes treatment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4222-9
The proliferation of high-frequency communication technologies has escalated electromagnetic (EM) pollution, posing risks to health and device reliability. Conventional microwave absorbers dissipate EM energy as heat, creating thermal management burdens and energy waste. This study introduces Bi2Se3 nanosheets, a topological insulator with surface conductivity and internal insulation, as a dual-functional material capable of both microwave absorption and thermoelectric conversion. Nanosheets with controlled morphology were synthesized via a polyol reduction method, with thickness and lateral size tuned by preparation conditions. The resulting composites exhibited excellent microwave absorption, achieving a broad absorption bandwidth of 2.95 GHz at sub-millimeter thickness. A multilayered structure design enabled full-band absorption from 2 to 18 GHz using a single absorbent. The Seebeck coefficient, derived from temperature differences up to 110 °C, was -152 μV/K, indicating efficient conversion of absorbed EM energy into electrical energy. This work demonstrates the potential of Bi2Se3 nanomaterials for self-powered electromagnetic devices, addressing both EM pollution and energy supply challenges.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4196-x
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for safe, low-cost energy storage, but accurate cathode characterization is essential for understanding their electrochemical behavior. This study identifies a critical artifact: routine air-drying of deeply discharged cathodes triggers spontaneous aerial oxidation, which distorts post-mortem analysis. Using NH4V4O10 (NVO) as a model cathode, we show that ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of discharged electrodes reveals only V4+/V5+ signals, with no detectable V3+, implying a theoretical capacity of only 245.5 mAh g−1, yet experimentally measured capacity reaches ~334.5 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1. This discrepancy arises because air exposure during sample preparation oxidizes the reduced vanadium states, leading to a self-charging effect that recovers ~83% of capacity. Electrochemical re-oxidation (EO-NVO) is superior to aerial oxidation (AO-NVO), producing a stable, long-range ordered bulk structure with efficient Zn2+ transport channels, whereas aerial oxidation induces only superficial changes and structural disorder. These findings resolve a key analytical inconsistency and reveal a novel capacity-contribution pathway, with direct implications for accurate material assessment and advanced battery design.