SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4213-x
Lipid peroxyl radicals (ROO·) are terminal propagating species in lipid peroxidation, driving oxidative damage in neurological disorders. Their prolonged lifetime and rapid diffusion within lipid membranes render them difficult to neutralize. Here, we report a bioelectric-responsive TEMPO-doped polydopamine (PDA@TEMPO) nanozyme that sustains catalytic interception of ROO· radicals under persistent oxidative stress. By coupling a PDA redox reservoir with TEMPO catalytic centers, the nanozyme establishes a self-regenerating radical-neutralization cycle via proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET). The π-conjugated framework facilitates charge migration and enables an electric-field-enhanced antioxidant response. In a seizure model, the nanozyme dynamically responds to bioelectric fluctuations, accelerating radical interception and alleviating oxidative stress in neural microenvironments. These findings establish bioelectric-coupled nanozymes as a general strategy for catalytic and sustained regulation of oxidative stress in neural microenvironments, providing a potential therapeutic approach for neurological disorders.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3848-7
Conventional heterogeneous photocatalysts often suffer from insufficient light absorption, rapid charge recombination, and a lack of specific reactive sites for efficient photocatalytic oxidation. To overcome these limitations, we propose a molecular polarization engineering approach utilizing structurally well-defined donor (D)-acceptor (A) covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs). The construction of dipole-induced built-in electric fields within the D-A-structured CTFs enables enhanced exciton dissociation and facilitates directional charge transfer. Specifically, the asymmetric A1-D-A2 moiety enhances molecular polarization in the dual-acceptor system CTF-TBT (A1-D-A2), enabling efficient charge separation through multiple electron-withdrawing units. This structural design promotes directional electron transfer toward the secondary acceptor (benzothiazole, A2), while simultaneously concentrating holes on the donor unit. Consequently, the A2 moiety acts as a site for efficient O2 activation via electron accumulation, whereas the highly oxidized donor unit provides strongly positive holes (h+) that facilitate substrate oxidation. Experimental and DFT calculation results confirm that CTF-TBT demonstrates highly enhanced photocatalytic oxidation performance, which can be attributed to its multi-channel charge separation mechanism and spatially separated redox-active sites. This study highlights the effectiveness of molecular dipole engineering in designing heterogeneous photocatalysts with controlled charge transfer pathways and improved redox capabilities. The proposed design principles provide a universal approach for promoting solar-driven chemical synthesis applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3547-7
Inorganic perovskite solar cells (IPSCs) have attracted significant attention due to their excellent light and thermal stability and potential in tandem applications. However, their efficiency and stability are often limited by residual lattice stress and defects at interfaces and within the bulk, causing severe nonradiative recombination. Here, we introduce a zero-dimensional supramolecular complex, (ETP)2SbCl5, as a dual-interface and bulk modifier to regulate CsPbI3 film growth. The modifier exhibits spatial segregation: ETP+ cations anchor at the buried interface, passivating defects on TiO2 and perovskite surfaces; Sb3+ and Cl− ions diffuse into the bulk during annealing, relieving residual stress; and Cl− accumulates on the top surface, passivating cation defects. Consequently, the modified CsPbI3 solar cell achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.71% and an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.27 V, retaining 97.4% of initial efficiency after 500 h of maximum power point (MPP) tracking. This work demonstrates a synergistic strategy to simultaneously address interfacial and bulk defects, advancing high-performance and stable inorganic photovoltaics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3694-3
Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) are among the most promising candidates for next-generation batteries with high energy density. However, their practical application is hindered by persistent challenges such as dendritic lithium growth, unstable solid electrolyte interphases (SEI), and poor Coulombic efficiency. Surface coating has emerged as a viable solution to address these limitations. In particular, atomic and molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) techniques offer unparalleled control over the fabrication of ultrathin, conformal coatings, making them especially suitable for stabilizing LMA interfaces. This review comprehensively summarizes recent progress in applying ALD and MLD methodologies to construct durable artificial interphases on LMAs. We discuss the underlying mechanisms through which these coatings inhibit dendrite formation, improve interfacial integrity, and facilitate uniform lithium-ion transport. The roles of inorganic ALD coatings, organic MLD coatings, and their organic–inorganic hybrids are systematically examined, with a focus on their chemical composition, deposition behavior, and electrochemical characteristics. Moreover, we highlight the enhanced performance achieved through the integration of ALD/MLD-engineered interfaces in full-cell systems. The review concludes with a discussion of current challenges and potential research avenues aimed at advancing the rational development of effective LMA protection strategies. Overall, this work offers valuable insights into the role of interfacial engineering via ALD and MLD in enabling the practical deployment of lithium metal batteries.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604022
The resource utilization of food waste contributes to reducing environmental pollution, driving nutrient cycling and biomass energy development, and promoting the resource recycling industry, achieving a win-win outcome for environment and economy. This study evaluated the resource recovery performance and environmental impacts of producing carbon sources for wastewater treatment through hydrolysis and acidification of food waste, comparing with two conventional alternatives: anaerobic fermentation and incineration. Results showed that among the three technologies, hydrolysis for carbon source production ranked middle in resource recycling efficiency, but its environmental benefits were superior to incineration and anaerobic fermentation. The hydrolysis process did not produce additional wastewater requiring treatment, and its greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste generation intensity were relatively low, at -40.7 kg CO2-eq/t and 9.3%, respectively. Carbon sources derived from food waste can replace commercial alternatives, reducing wastewater treatment costs and promoting synergies between pollution reduction and carbon mitigation. Sensitivity analysis revealed that water content in food waste significantly influences solid impurity generation and energy recovery efficiency of hydrolysis technology. In regions with high food waste generation and carbon source demand, hydrolysis technology is recommended to facilitate large-scale synergistic treatment of wastewater and food waste.
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.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607010
The impact of low concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge (WAS) remains poorly understood. This study applied three PFOS levels (0.5, 1.0, and 4.5 μg/g TSS) to systematically evaluate effects on organic matter solubilization and nitrogen/phosphorus transformations. Monitoring of soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), soluble protein, polysaccharides, NH4+-N, PO43--P, and three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM) fluorescence revealed that PFOS significantly enhanced release of SCOD, protein, and polysaccharides. At 45 °C after 14 days with 4.5 μg/g TSS, SCOD peaked approximately 28% higher than control, indicating increased biodegradable organic matter accumulation. NH4+-N concentrations rose overall with fluctuations, while PO43--P release was inhibited, suggesting interference with nutrient transformation pathways. 3D-EEM analysis showed strengthened signals of aromatic proteins and microbial by-products, confirming matrix solubilization. These findings demonstrate a dual effect of low-level PFOS: initial promotion of organic matter release followed by potential inhibition of nutrient transformation. This study provides data support for understanding PFOS environmental behavior in anaerobic digestion and informs sludge resource utilization and risk assessment of emerging contaminants.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4032-x
This study introduces a dual-compatibility third component as an interfacial modifier to precisely regulate the active layer morphology of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (BHJ-OSCs). This approach successfully suppresses excessive phase separation, significantly enhancing the performance of thick-film devices. The interface-styling strategy enhances donor–acceptor interactions, optimizes vertical phase separation morphology, extends exciton diffusion length, improves exciton dissociation efficiency, facilitates efficient charge transport, and effectively suppresses trap-assisted recombination. The ternary device based on PM6:PCN3:PY-IT achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.41%, which was much higher than that of the PM6:PY-IT binary system (18.67%). The device maintains excellent performance at an active layer thickness of 200 nm, achieving a high PCE of 18.25%. This study demonstrates the significance of using dually compatible molecules for interface modification in all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs), providing theoretical guidance for the fabrication of high-performance thick-film devices.