SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3698-5
The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a critical bottleneck in next-generation sustainable energy systems due to its sluggish kinetics. Developing cost-effective, high-efficiency electrocatalysts requires understanding the dynamic structural evolution at electrode-electrolyte interfaces under operating conditions. In situ techniques are invaluable for identifying active centers and monitoring key intermediates. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in cutting-edge in situ methods for characterizing OER electrocatalyst structure evolution. It provides a brief overview of active motifs and robust structures using multiple in situ correlative techniques, establishing essential structure-performance relationships and updating mechanistic understanding at atomic scale under realistic conditions. Key challenges and perspectives are highlighted to promote rational design of promising electrocatalysts for efficient oxygen-associated electrocatalysis and electrosynthesis.
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.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024120203
Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) oxidation is a promising technology for organic pollutant removal in water due to its low cost and broad pH applicability. However, its moderate oxidation capacity results in slow degradation rates for refractory organic compounds. Carbon materials (CMs), known for their accessibility, stability, and environmental compatibility, have shown great potential in enhancing KMnO4 oxidation. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements on the enhancement of KMnO4 oxidation of organic pollutants by CMs. The performance and suitability of various CMs in improving KMnO4 oxidation were systematically compared. Additionally, two key mechanisms driving the degradation of organic pollutants in the KMnO4/CMs system were elucidated, along with a discussion on the recycling and regeneration of CMs. Finally, future research directions and development trends for this technology were outlined, aiming to offer insights to advance the practical application of KMnO4/CMs system in water treatment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4054-x
The sluggish kinetics and high onset potentials of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode of alkaline water/seawater electrolyzers limit overall energy efficiency. Noble-metal oxides like RuO2 are active but suffer from high cost, agglomeration, and dissolution under oxidizing potentials, especially in chloride-rich electrolytes where competing chloride oxidation reaction (ClOR) occurs. Here, we report a mild two-step dry-wet milling strategy to achieve throughout lattice doping of F− into MnO2 (F-MnO2) and subsequent anchoring of atomically dispersed Ru via Ru–O/F hybrid bonds. The strengthened Mn 3d–O/F 2p hybridization and negative charge shielding of surface F− enhance OER activity/selectivity relative to ClOR and impart superior Cl− tolerance and corrosion resistance. The resulting F-Ru-MnO2-TH electrocatalyst exhibits overpotentials of 280 mV and 200 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline water and simulated seawater, respectively. It retains ~100% of initial activity after 200 h continuous operation in alkaline media and >95% after 300 h in simulated seawater, significantly outperforming Ru-MnO2 and commercial RuO2. This work provides a scalable route to durable, high-performance OER catalysts for seawater electrolysis.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509035
Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is an economical and efficient technology, yet its application has been largely confined to sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). This study introduces a novel continuous-flow self-circulating upflow granular sludge bed (Zier) process with separate aeration for treating real domestic wastewater. By regulating operational parameters, the nitrogen removal performance and granular sludge stability were investigated. Under hydraulic retention time of 10 h, self-circulation times of 29–58, and upflow velocity of 11–18 m·h−1, effluent NH4+-N and TN averaged (5±3.4) mg·L−1 and (10±2.8) mg·L−1, respectively, with COD at (30±6.2) mg·L−1. The process maintained sludge stability: mixed liquor suspended solids increased from 5,080 to 6,650 mg·L−1, mean particle size was 209.6 μm, and sludge volume index (SVI) remained at 50–60 mL·g−1. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) increased from 26.05 to 68.27 mg·g−1, with proteins (PN) rising from 21.26 to 59.44 mg·g−1 and polysaccharides (PS) from 4.79 to 8.82 mg·g−1, elevating the PN/PS ratio from 4.4 to 6.7. These results confirm that the Zier process preserves granular structure and function in continuous flow. The process demonstrates robust nitrogen removal and offers a novel approach for continuous-flow AGS applications in real wastewater treatment.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506084
Groundwater is a vital drinking and irrigation source in the loess regions of northwestern China. In Guyuan, a densely populated area in southern Ningxia, systematic assessments of groundwater pollution risks are lacking. This study collected 60 groundwater samples and employed the Nemerow index, heavy metal pollution index (HPI), and health risk assessment models to evaluate pollution levels and health risks of eight elements including Cr, As, and Hg. Results show that the groundwater is generally Class IV quality, with a mean TDS of 1350.9 mg·L−1. Average concentrations of As, Cr, and Mn are 4.39, 29.87, and 45.77 μg·L−1, respectively. The Nemerow index indicates moderate pollution. The mean HPI is 10.56, but a local sample (PS1-51-下) reaches 36.15, indicating severe pollution. Health risk assessment reveals that carcinogenic risks from Cr and As for adults and children are 8.037×10−6 a−1 and 3.863×10−6 a−1, respectively, below US EPA limits but above recommended levels by Swedish and Dutch agencies, with children at higher risk. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes and principal component analysis suggest that groundwater is primarily recharged by atmospheric precipitation. Cr, Zn, and Mn mainly originate from regional copper ore belts, coal mining, and agricultural activities. This study fills a gap in multidimensional groundwater assessment in populated loess areas, identifies pollution characteristics distinct from typical loess regions, and provides a scientific basis for regional water resource risk management and sustainable development.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509049
This study systematically compared three virus enrichment and concentration methods—polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation, aluminum salt coagulation, and centrifugal ultrafiltration—for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in high-turbidity, high-strength wastewater from inbound flights. The aluminum salt coagulation method exhibited the best overall performance, achieving an average recovery rate of 25.95% for SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus, significantly higher than PEG precipitation (12.91%) and centrifugal ultrafiltration (0.22%) (P<0.05). Its detection limit reached 10 copies·mL⁻¹, whereas centrifugal ultrafiltration suffered severe membrane fouling, limiting detection to 1,000 copies·mL⁻¹. Considering the high pH buffering of flight wastewater, the aluminum salt method was optimized by adjusting pH to 6.00±0.4, employing rapid magnetic stirring, and reducing mixing time to 1 minute, yielding an average recovery of 27.56% (not significantly different from the original 25.95%, P>0.05). An automated enrichment device was developed based on the optimized method, reducing processing time per sample from 115 min to 60 min while maintaining comparable recovery and improved repeatability. Applied to 1,309 wastewater samples from inbound flights between January 2024 and May 2025, the average detection rate of SARS-CoV-2 was 45.45%, with trends consistent with national COVID-19 epidemiological data. The automated device demonstrates suitability for routine surveillance, providing technical support for port epidemic prevention.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510013
To investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of nutrients and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) in Dongping Lake, a coupled hydrodynamic-water quality-ecological model was developed using Delft3D. The model simulated total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N), total phosphorus (TP), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), and Chl-a. After validation, the model systematically analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns and influencing factors, revealing nitrogen and phosphorus transformation pathways. Results showed three temporal phases: relatively stable concentrations from January to April, significant fluctuations from May to August, and gradual stabilization from September to December, with peak timing varying among indicators. Spatially, concentrations were generally higher in the south and lower in the north, but NH4-N, TP, and Chl-a exhibited reverse patterns (higher in north) during certain periods. External inputs, primarily from the Dawen River, dominated the overall distribution, while water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and hydrodynamic conditions further modulated internal variability. Nitrogen and phosphorus showed distinct fates: nitrogen was primarily removed via denitrification and anammox, whereas phosphorus tended to transform into particulate forms and remained in the lake for extended periods. These findings provide scientific support for precise water quality management in Dongping Lake.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509124
To reveal the spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanisms of water quality in the Hanjiang River Basin, this study utilized monthly water quality monitoring data from 54 sections from January 2021 to April 2024. Methods including single-factor index, comprehensive water quality index (WQI), principal component analysis (PCA), and optimal parameters-based geographical detector (OPGD) were employed. Results indicated significant spatiotemporal differences, with total nitrogen (TN), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and permanganate index (CODMn) as major pollutants, TN being the most critical. Temporally, agricultural non-point source organic pollution dominated in wet season, while comprehensive organic pollution with industrial point source characteristics prevailed in dry season. Spatially, water quality deteriorated along the main stream, with tributary downstream areas showing severe pollution, forming a pattern of 'mountainous areas good, plains poor'. OPGD revealed combined effects of natural conditions and human activities, proposing a 'zonal control and targeted treatment' strategy.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60635-4
A Cu-based carbon catalyst (H-Cu/C) with octahedral morphology was synthesized by pyrolyzing the metal-organic framework (MOF) precursor HKUST-1 under inert N2 atmosphere. Characterization via XPS, XRD, SEM, and HRTEM revealed that Cu(0) nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in a carbon matrix, with island-like Cu2O structures serving as active sites. The carbon matrix effectively stabilized the metal nanoparticles, suppressing migration and sintering during reaction. Combined with TEMPO and using molecular oxygen as a green oxidant, the H-Cu/C catalyst exhibited high efficiency in the selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols to corresponding aldehydes under alkali-free conditions. Using benzyl alcohol as a model substrate, an alcohol conversion of 99.2% and a benzaldehyde yield of 94.1% were achieved under mild conditions (100 °C, 0.5 MPa O2, 1 h). The catalytic system demonstrated excellent universality for various mono- and ortho/para-disubstituted aromatic alcohols, affording conversions over 99% and aldehyde yields above 95%. The catalyst could be regenerated via H2 reduction and reused without significant loss of activity. This work provides a new strategy for designing green and efficient non-noble metal catalytic systems for oxidation reactions.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025022301
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a typical perfluorinated compound, has been restricted from production and use due to its adverse effects on organisms and ecosystems. It has been replaced by various emerging alternatives, including 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA). Recently, 6:2 FTSA has been widely detected in aquatic environments; however, studies on its toxicity to aquatic organisms remain limited. To compare the toxic effects of PFOS and 6:2 FTSA on aquatic organisms, zebrafish embryos were exposed to each compound for 72 h. Toxic effects were evaluated, and alterations in endogenous metabolites and metabolic pathways in zebrafish embryos were analyzed using metabolomics. The study demonstrated that both PFOS and 6:2 FTSA induced malformations in zebrafish embryos, with 61 and 33 endogenous differential metabolites identified respectively, predominantly involving lipids and amino acid derivatives. PFOS induces immunotoxicity primarily by disrupting lipid metabolism pathways, thereby interfering with normal embryonic development. In addition, 6:2 FTSA exhibited neurotoxicity by affecting metabolic pathways such as dopaminergic synapses. This study elucidates the differential metabolic responses induced by PFOS and 6:2 FTSA in zebrafish embryos, providing a theoretical basis for assessing the health risks of PFOS alternatives.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025021902
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) ultrafiltration membranes are widely used in water treatment, yet their anti-fouling performance remains a challenge. In this work, PAN was first reacted with sodium azide via click chemistry to synthesize 1,2,3,4-tetrazolium polyacrylonitrile (PAN-N). Subsequently, PAN-N was reacted with iodoacetamide (IAM), 2-iodoethanol (IH), iodoacetic acid (IA), and chlorosulfonic acid (CSA) to introduce hydrophilic groups, and anti-fouling PAN ultrafiltration membranes were fabricated via phase inversion. The membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle measurements. Results showed that the PAN-N membrane exhibited superior performance to pristine PAN, with water flux increasing from 0.9233 to 1.232 L·(m2·h·kPa)−1 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection from 69.23% to 82.4%. Hydrophilic modification further enhanced performance; the PAN-N-IA membrane achieved the highest water flux of 1.7347 L·(m2·h·kPa)−1 and rejection of 93.57%. Anti-fouling tests revealed that modified membranes followed the order: PAN-N-CSA > PAN-N-IA > PAN-N-IH > PAN-N-IAM > PAN-N > PAN. PAN-N-CSA and PAN-N-IA showed comparable anti-fouling performance, with total fouling indices of 56.1% and 58.47%, reversible fouling indices of 47.17% and 46.97%, and irreversible fouling indices of 8.97% and 11.47%, respectively. This work demonstrates that PAN-N-IA membranes combine high flux, high rejection, and excellent anti-fouling properties, making them promising for water treatment applications.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606005
In the context of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, urban reclaimed water plants must adopt measures such as energy conservation, consumption reduction, and enhanced resource and energy utilization to achieve carbon neutrality. This study developed a carbon emission balance model and accounting method for such plants, incorporating strategies of carbon emission reduction, carbon substitution, and carbon sink. The optimal pathway towards carbon neutrality was evaluated based on the carbon emission balance ratio. Using a 1×10⁵ m³/d urban reclaimed water plant as a case study, the results showed total carbon emissions of 20,934 t CO2e. The carbon emission reduction from reclaimed water source heat pumps for heating and cooling was 21,701 t CO2e, yielding a carbon emission balance ratio of 103.7%. In contrast, other carbon reduction measures contributed 15,424 t CO2e, with a balance ratio of 73.7%, highlighting the pivotal role of reclaimed water source heat pumps. When the heat pump extracted 27% and 36% of residual thermal energy, coupled with reclaimed water reuse or sludge anaerobic digestion-cogeneration, respectively, both pathways achieved a 100% balance ratio. Assuming year-round extraction, the balance ratio reached 213%. The carbon reduction ratio between utilizing residual thermal energy and chemical energy was 8.76:1. This study demonstrates that urban reclaimed water plants can achieve carbon neutrality through multiple pathways, with residual thermal energy recovery exhibiting significant potential.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3986-2
Organic/molecular ferroelectrics exhibiting spontaneous polarization have attracted increasing attention due to their flexibility, light weight, low-temperature processability, environmental friendliness, and biocompatibility. Among them, organic donor-acceptor cocrystals, self-assembled from two or more components, offer new insights into ferroelectricity. This review systematically examines recent progress in organic donor-acceptor cocrystal ferroelectrics, focusing on microscopic origins of ferroelectricity, structure modulation strategies, and underlying mechanisms. Ferroelectric origin mechanisms, including intermolecular charge transfer, proton transfer, and order-disorder transitions, are analyzed in detail. Structure-property relationships in crystal engineering are summarized, and recent advances in theoretical simulations, experimental characterization techniques, and practical applications are introduced. Finally, current challenges and future research perspectives are outlined. The review highlights that weak intermolecular interactions often lead to low Curie temperatures (Tc), limiting practical applications. Strategies to enhance Tc involve introducing stronger molecular interactions to increase transition energy barriers. Notably, room-temperature ferroelectricity in organic cocrystals has been achieved, as demonstrated by Wiscons et al. (Angew Chem Int Ed, 2018, 57: 9044–9047). The review underscores the potential of organic cocrystal ferroelectrics for flexible and wearable electronics, while addressing the need for higher Tc and robust switching performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3820-5
Two novel N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-based ligands featuring rigid boron-oxygen (BO) fused-ring units, named Bpmi and Bpmb, and the two corresponding homoleptic meridianal iridium complexes, namely mer-Ir(Bpmi)3 and mer-Ir(Bpmb)3, were designed and synthesized. Single-crystal structures revealed a meridional coordination geometry for both complexes. Shorter Ir–C carbene bond lengths and rigid planar BO-fused ring units contribute to enhanced stability. Both complexes exhibit efficient green phosphorescence (λem = 536/521 nm in toluene, ΦPL > 78%) with short lifetimes (τ = 846/1083 ns), leading to high radiative rate constants (Kr = 10.04 × 10^5 and 7.29 × 10^5 s−1, respectively). Theoretical calculations indicate significantly increased metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) character (21.69% for mer-Ir(Bpmi)3; 17.30% for mer-Ir(Bpmb)3) compared to reference complexes (13.01% for mer-Ir(pmi)3; 15.99% for mer-Ir(pmb)3). Both complexes exhibit exceptional thermal stability with decomposition temperatures of 491°C (mer-Ir(Bpmi)3) and 540°C (mer-Ir(Bpmb)3). OLED devices using mer-Ir(Bpmb)3 and mer-Ir(Bpmi)3 as emitters demonstrate maximum external quantum efficiencies of 20.0% and 15.6%, respectively. This research pioneers boron-fused ring-containing NHCs and their phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes, establishing a novel design strategy for high-performance NHC-based OLED phosphorescent emitters.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607014
Reducing ammonia emissions and recovering lost nitrogen are critical for enhancing nitrogen content in compost. Biological trickling filters, as end-of-pipe odor control, retain ammonia nitrogen in effluent, offering a reuse pathway. However, the impact of nitrogen-rich wastewater reuse within the optimal C/N range (20.0:1–30.0:1) remains unclear. This study composted biogas residue, sawdust, food waste, and mushroom residue, setting initial C/N as the control variable. Four groups were established: low C/N with nitrogen-rich wastewater (LRN), low C/N with deionized water (LRW), high C/N with nitrogen-rich wastewater (HRN), and high C/N with deionized water (HRW). Simulated wastewater (2000 mg/L NH4+-N and 2000 mg/L NO2−-N) was recycled. Results showed no inhibition of final maturity; pH (8.17–8.48) and seed germination index (GI) (90.85%–122.96%) met organic fertilizer standards. HRN reduced cumulative total greenhouse gases, N2O, and NH3 by 20.32%–30.35%, 0.67%–53.38%, and 52.14%–62.15% compared to LRN and LRW. Although HRN emissions were slightly higher than HRW (total GHGs +4.56%, NH3 +4.99%), HRN final nitrogen content (4691.27 mg/kg) exceeded HRW (4514.96 mg/kg), attributed to sufficient carbon enhancing microbial assimilation. Conversely, low C/N with nitrogen-rich wastewater increased NH3 and N2O emissions (LRN vs LRW: +26.43% and +112.99%) due to carbon limitation. Thus, high initial C/N with nitrogen-rich wastewater reuse effectively reduces gaseous nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining compost maturity.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4039-1
Immunosuppressive metabolites are major drivers of tumor immune suppression. Among these, kynurenine (Kyn) is produced through the catalysis of tryptophan (Trp) 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, TDO inhibition alone is often insufficient because residual pathway flux sustains the accumulation of the downstream immunosuppressive metabolite quinolinic acid (QA). Here, we propose a strategy to disrupt residual kynurenine pathway activity to enhance metabolism-driven tumor immunotherapy. We develop acid-responsive metal-organic complex nanoparticles (APAP@TDOi-Zn, ATZn) that integrate the TDO inhibitor (TDOi) and Zn2+, while encapsulating acetaminophen (APAP) to inhibit 3-hydroxyanthranilate 3,4-dioxygenase (HAAO), thereby limiting QA production and simultaneously suppressing the residual immunosuppressive metabolite. QA suppression limits M2 macrophage polarization, whereas Kyn inhibition and Zn2+ supplementation promote T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. Consequently, ATZn rewires Trp-Kyn metabolism and augments antitumor immunotherapy. This work enhances the efficacy of metabolic checkpoint blockade and provides a strategy to overcome metabolism-driven immune resistance.