SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4346-y
Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a formidable clinical challenge due to the complex, dynamic lesion microenvironment that impedes axonal regeneration and functional recovery. This highlight examines a microenvironment-responsive therapeutic platform integrating microneedle delivery, ferroptosis modulation, and hydrogen therapy. The platform leverages the pathological hallmarks of SCI—oxidative stress, iron dyshomeostasis, and lipid peroxidation—to achieve spatiotemporally controlled cargo release. By combining microneedle arrays for minimally invasive intraparenchymal administration with hydrogen-releasing biomaterials, the system addresses the dual bottlenecks of poor drug penetration across the blood-spinal cord barrier and insufficient neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Ferroptosis inhibition is achieved through iron chelation and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) stabilization, while hydrogen gas scavenges hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite. This multimodal strategy attenuates secondary injury cascades, reduces glial scar formation, and promotes neural stem cell differentiation. The work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82574518) and the Talent Cultivation Project of Paring Academicians with Young Talents in higher education institutions in Zhejiang. The authors declare no conflict of interest. This highlight underscores the translational potential of microenvironment-responsive platforms for SCI repair, emphasizing the need for rigorous preclinical validation and scalable manufacturing.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4479-8
The von Neumann architecture is increasingly constrained by energy consumption and data-transfer efficiency as artificial intelligence and data-intensive applications expand. Neuromorphic computing, inspired by the human brain's information-processing mechanisms, offers an alternative paradigm. Two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectric materials are promising candidates due to their intrinsic non-volatility, atomic-scale thickness, ultra-low power consumption, excellent fatigue endurance, and dangling-bond-free surfaces. This review examines recent advances in 2D ferroelectric materials and associated device architectures for neuromorphic applications. It first introduces ferroelectric mechanisms and representative 2D ferroelectrics, then surveys key device architectures including ferroelectric tunnel junctions, diodes, transistors, and photovoltaic devices. Their applications in in-memory computing and in-sensor neuromorphic systems are discussed, with emphasis on artificial neural networks, spiking neural networks, reservoir computing, and neuromorphic perception for efficient information processing and intelligent sensing. The unique properties of 2D ferroelectrics enable integrated sensing, memory, and computing functionalities, demonstrating potential for future neuromorphic and brain-inspired intelligent systems.
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/s40843-026-4395-x
Electrocatalysts in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries accelerate sulfur species redox reactions and restrict polysulfide shuttling, yet ideal electrocatalysts with remarkable bidirectional catalytic effects remain scarce. This work utilizes iron (Fe) to trigger bidirectional catalytic effects in a cobalt (Co) electrocatalyst, generating a metal alloy-based heterostructure of Co-Co7Fe3 dispersed homogeneously on carbon sheets (Co-Co7Fe3/CS). Electrochemical tests and in situ X-ray diffraction disclose significantly enhanced bilateral catalytic activity of Co-Co7Fe3 compared to bare Co, confirmed by self-discharge measurements. Post-cycling investigation validates protection of the Li metal anode from sulfur species corrosion. The Co-Co7Fe3/CS-modified coin cells deliver an exceptional rate capability of 603 mAh g–1 at 5.0 C and steady long-life cycling for 500 cycles at 1.0 and 2.0 C. Under high sulfur loadings and lean electrolyte conditions, an impressive areal capacity with stable cycling is realized. This work provides valuable insights for designing metal alloy-based heterostructures as advanced electrocatalysts in Li–S batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4281-7
Multispectral camouflage materials must simultaneously address visible and infrared (IR) detection while maintaining environmental stability and mechanical flexibility for deployment in harsh conditions. This work presents a multilayer composite integrating a colorful, IR-transparent visible reflection (VR) layer, a low-emissivity graphene (LEG) layer, and an aramid nanofiber (ANF) aerogel layer. The VR layer provides tunable visible colors without compromising the low-emissivity property of the LEG layer, which achieves IR emissivity between 0.30 and 0.43. The ANF aerogel, reinforced with a grid structure, reduces thermal conduction, lowering IR radiation intensity by 40% at an 80 °C heat source. The composite exhibits effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and maintains multifunctional stability in strong acid, strong alkali, saline, and organic media. This design offers a novel strategy for environmentally robust multispectral camouflage materials suitable for extreme operational environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4260-5
Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are recognized as a leading candidate for next-generation energy storage due to their high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mAh g⁻¹). However, the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) severely limits cycle life and energy efficiency. Here, we report a multi-interface engineering strategy employing a MnO₂-TiO₂@Ti₃C₂ MXene (MT@MX) heterojunction, synthesized via a facile redox reaction between MXene and KMnO₄, to modulate bidirectional polysulfide conversion. The 2D structure with high conductivity and abundant heterogeneous interfaces facilitates fast ion/electron transfer, reduces reaction energy barriers, and enhances adsorption via d-band center effects. The stepped built-in electric field (BIEF) in MT@MX lowers the migration energy barrier of LiPSs from catalytic MXene to TiO₂ and then to adsorptive MnO₂, enabling reversible migration across multi-interfaces. Optimized heterointerfaces synergistically integrate adsorption, diffusion, and catalytic conversion, yielding excellent cycling stability even at a high sulfur loading of 6.4 mg cm⁻². This work demonstrates that constructing heterojunctions with stepped BIEF offers a feasible approach to modulate interfacial diffusion and provides a new design strategy for high-performance LSB electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4239-2
The sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a bottleneck for efficient water splitting. NiFe-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are promising OER catalysts, but their performance is often limited by the high-spin state of Fe3+ and poor structural stability. Here, we report a series of amino acid-intercalated iron-rich NiFe-LDHs (AA-NiFe-LDHs) synthesized via a facile one-step coprecipitation method. Intercalation of glycine, alanine, and valine into the interlayer galleries expands the interlayer spacing and induces a partial transition of Fe3+ from high-spin to low-spin state, as confirmed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The low-spin Fe3+ enhances the intrinsic catalytic activity by optimizing the adsorption energy of oxygen intermediates. Among the series, the glycine-intercalated sample (Gly-NiFe-LDH) exhibits the best OER performance in 1.0 M KOH, with an overpotential of 240 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 38 mV dec−1, significantly outperforming the pristine NiFe-LDH (280 mV, 52 mV dec−1). Moreover, Gly-NiFe-LDH shows excellent long-term stability, retaining 95% of its initial activity after 24 h of chronopotentiometry at 10 mA cm−2. The intercalation also increases the electrochemically active surface area by 2.3-fold and reduces the charge transfer resistance from 12.5 Ω to 4.8 Ω. This work demonstrates that amino acid intercalation is an effective strategy to modulate the spin state of Fe3+ and enhance the OER performance of NiFe-LDHs, providing a new avenue for designing high-efficiency, low-cost electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4359-0
Organic solar cells (OSCs) require cathode interlayers (CILs) that combine high charge transport, defect passivation, and thickness insensitivity for scalable manufacturing. Here, we report the synthesis of a novel A-D-A-A'-type polymer, PDPP2F-NDI-N, via the green and efficient direct arylation polymerization (DArP) method. The multiple electron-deficient units in the backbone confer strong electron-withdrawing character, effective work function modulation, enhanced built-in potential, high crystallinity, and ordered molecular packing. PDPP2F-NDI-N exhibits a high electron mobility of 1.01 × 10⁻³ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and electrical conductivity of 3.13 × 10⁻³ S m⁻¹, facilitating efficient charge extraction and transport. Its interfacial modification capability suppresses interfacial defects and reduces non-radiative recombination losses. In ternary OSCs, PDPP2F-NDI-N achieves a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.44%, with outstanding thickness insensitivity retaining 92.8% of peak PCE at a 30 nm CIL thickness, and a T80 lifetime exceeding 1700 hours under photo-thermal aging. This work demonstrates that poly(A-D-A-alt-A') backbone design combined with DArP synthesis provides an effective strategy for developing high-performance, thickness-insensitive, and stable polymeric CILs, advancing efficient, stable, and scalable OSC applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4209-3
Solar interfacial evaporation and photocatalysis exhibit intrinsic complementarity in energy utilization pathways and reaction mechanisms. Integrating photocatalysis into interfacial evaporation systems enables a synergistic platform for efficient evaporation and pollutant removal. In this study, a defect-engineering strategy is developed for UiO-66 by covalently anchoring five carboxyl-containing organic dyes into its framework, where steric hindrance and ligand substitution synergistically induce abundant structural defects. This approach yields a series of defect-rich UiO-66 materials with tunable dye loading. Among them, the dye-sensitized UiO-66@dye-2 system demonstrates optimal light absorption capacity and vacancy defects. The dyes act as sensitizers, broadening the light absorption range and accelerating water evaporation, while the defect-inducing dyes introduce abundant trap sites, enabling rapid charge transfer and efficient spatial charge separation. Under 1-sun irradiation, the system achieves an outstanding water evaporation rate with a high solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency of 97.8%, along with excellent photocatalytic performance, achieving 95.4% degradation of phenol pollutants. Notably, it maintains stable degradation performance across highly acidic and alkaline environments, ensuring reliability for long-term operations in complex conditions. This work provides a molecular-level strategy for constructing defect-rich UiO-66 derivatives and offers insights for designing next-generation materials for integrated photothermal-photocatalytic environmental remediation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4194-2
Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) exhibit distinctive optical characteristics, including excellent photostability, large anti-Stokes shifts, narrow emission bands, and tunable luminescence lifetimes. Despite their advantages, UCNPs suffer from inherently weak light absorption because of the 4f-4f transitions of lanthanide ions. Near-infrared dye-sensitization has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance their absorption, yet the photoconversion performance remains constrained by photobleaching and interfacial energy losses. In this review, we systematically analyze the surface coordination environments and energy transfer pathways that govern dye-sensitized UCNPs. We evaluate critical molecular parameters, such as dye frameworks, surface binding affinity, and triplet-state energy alignment, in conjunction with nanoparticle structural features, including dopant concentration, core-shell architectures, and surface electronic configurations. By providing a fundamental assessment of these photophysical and photochemical processes, we propose targeted optimization strategies to enhance the performance and stability of these hybrid materials for advanced applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4463-3
Organic-inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskites exhibit exceptional photovoltaic properties, yet their low crystallization energy promotes defect generation and necessitates precise control over synthesis parameters, hindering scalable fabrication. Ambient large-area coating methods suffer from environmental disturbances, leading to nonuniform crystallization and mixed α/δ phases, resulting in module efficiencies below 20% compared to >27% for lab-scale spin-coated cells. This work introduces a phase-locking strategy using 3-ureidopropyltrimethoxysilane (TMPU) incorporated into the PbI2 precursor solution during two-step blade coating. TMPU undergoes simultaneous cross-linking and interaction with the perovskite intermediate, forming a dynamically evolving intergranular network that blocks moisture and reduces the energy barrier for α-FAPbI3 formation. This approach achieves spatiotemporally homogeneous crystallization, eliminating directional inhomogeneity. Under segmented and monolithic aging protocols, control devices exhibited severe position-dependent degradation with only 34% efficiency retention at early-coated positions after thermal cycling, whereas phase-locked films maintained over 84% of initial photoluminescence intensity across all regions. Encapsulated modules retained over 90% of initial efficiency after 1500 h of 85°C maximum power point tracking (ISOS-L-2) and after 2300 h under 85°C/85% RH damp-heat testing (ISOS-D-3). The TMPU-based strategy combines exceptional performance (21.5% module efficiency) with robust stability, offering a distinct advantage over alternative approaches. This work addresses the kinetic and spatial dimensions of upscaling, demonstrating that morphological uniformity is a fundamental contributor to stability, marking a critical advance toward practical deployment of perovskite photovoltaics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4424-5
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline organic porous materials whose atomically precise structures underpin their functional applications. However, atomic-level structural information remains unavailable for most reported COFs, hampering rational design and structure-function studies. For two-dimensional (2D) COFs, synthesizing high-quality single crystals is challenging, and the crystallization mechanism makes it difficult to anticipate stacking arrangements. Lacking direct evidence, researchers often assume AA stacking for [4+4] COFs in powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) fitting, an assumption now questioned. Here, Zhang et al. report the controlled synthesis of single-crystal 2D binodal COFs via a topological derivation strategy. Using 3D electron diffraction at resolutions of 0.90–1.02 Å, they solved the structures of five COFs (NKCOF-88 to -92) derived from a parent sql framework. The four-connected benzene-core monomers were substituted with extended monomers (pyrene or tetraphenylethylene), decomposable into two three-connected nodes, yielding pseudo-bex and pseudo-hcb networks. Single-crystal analysis revealed that the in-plane chain configuration is determined by imine bond orientation, with cis+cis or trans+trans alignments giving planar layers, while mixed alignments produce undulated layers. Crucially, all five COFs exhibit inclined staggered AB stacking, stabilized by edge-to-face π–π interactions, contradicting the assumed AA stacking. This work provides the first single-crystal evidence of non-AA stacking in [4+4] COFs and establishes a correlation between linkage conformation and layer geometry. The topology-derived method offers a generalizable route to binodal COFs with predefined connectivity, facilitating the fabrication of high-quality single crystals and enabling reticular chemistry to shift from simulated models to real structures.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3803-8
The molecular copolymerization of donor-acceptor (D-A) interactions has been effectively utilized to modulate the charge transfer dynamics in polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) photocatalysts. Herein, a D-A configured photocatalyst (TPCN) was constructed by copolymerizing 4,4’,4’’-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl) trianiline (TAPT) as the electron donor with triazine units (electron acceptor). The unique propeller structure of TAPT, combined with the triazine framework, expanded the π-conjugated system and induced a strong built-in electric field (BIEF) across the D-A configuration. Theoretical calculations and transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that this synergistic effect facilitated intramolecular charge separation and widened the range of light absorption, indicating accelerated charge transfer and suppressed recombination in TPCN. The optimized TPCN3 sample exhibited dramatically enhanced photocatalytic H2O2 production (1.74 mmol g−1 h−1), representing a 13.4-fold increase over pristine PCN. Additionally, the TPCN3 sample also exhibited significantly faster degradation kinetics than PCN counterpart toward various emerging contaminants. This work demonstrates a promising strategy for designing efficient metal-free photocatalysts for sustainable H2O2 production and environmental remediation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3583-6
Water scarcity and the increasing demand for clean water have driven the development of efficient solar desalination technologies. Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) is promising, yet its practical deployment is hindered by insufficient light harvesting and salt crystallization on photothermal surfaces. Here, we report a Janus hydrogel evaporator in which tubular Co9S8 nanocrystals are uniformly embedded in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix with a concave pyramid pattern, creating a broadband light-trapping architecture (200–2500 nm) with 96% solar absorption. The top surface is further coated with hydrophobic zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), while the bottom retains intrinsic hydrogel hydrophilicity, establishing asymmetric wettability that sustains rapid water supply yet suppresses salt deposition. Under one-sun illumination (1 kW m−2), the Janus evaporator achieves an evaporation rate of 2.69 kg m−2 h−1 and a solar-to-vapor efficiency of 98.15%. Continuous operation in 3.5 wt% brine shows stable performance for 11 h without observable salt crystallization. This work offers an effective, durable pathway toward high-performance solar desalination and wastewater purification.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3662-4
Luminescent thermometry has become a research hotspot due to its high spatial resolution, fast response, and non-invasive nature. However, achieving high-performance temperature imaging requires both luminescent materials with high temperature sensitivity and efficient imaging methods, which remains a significant challenge. In this study, a series of pure-phase rubidium germanate phosphors doped with manganese were synthesized and encapsulated into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films to improve chemical stability. The dramatic temperature-dependent luminescence behavior of Mn4+ in the Rb2Ge4O9 matrix provides reliable and efficient methods for temperature sensing. The high-sensitivity temperature sensing capability of the Rb2Ge4O9:0.002 Mn4+ fluorescent film has been confirmed, leveraging temperature-dependent emission intensity, luminescence decay lifetime, and time-resolved intensity ratio techniques. Notably, Rb2Ge4O9:Mn4+ fluorescent film exhibits a strikingly high relative sensitivity of 17.03% K−1 at 330 K in the time-resolved thermometry scheme, which is the highest relative temperature sensitivity within the physiological temperature range known to us. High-performance temperature imaging of the fluorescent film is achieved through the time-resolved intensity ratio strategy with a best practical temperature resolution of 0.08 K at 325 K. Furthermore, the temperature images of an operating nickel circuit with a line width of 20 μm under different working currents were recorded, showing a clear circuit microstructure and temperature gradient. These findings pave a novel path for realizing high-performance temperature imaging.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3860-0
Drug detection is critical for public health and security, yet reversible and highly sensitive sensing materials remain scarce. This study presents a novel ionogel sensor material, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)/1-butyl-3-methylimidazole tetrafluoroborate, for reproducible detection of N-methylphenylethylamine (MPEA), a structural analogue of methamphetamine. The ionogel is fabricated by immobilizing a flowable ionic liquid within a PEGDA network via UV curing, preserving ionic mobility for efficient conduction. Integrated on a flexible poly(ethylene naphthalate) substrate, the sensor exhibits over 72.6% transmittance in the visible spectrum, enabling concealed attachment. Utilizing non-covalent interactions, the sensor achieves reproducible MPEA detection at sub-ppb levels at room temperature, with a theoretical detection limit of 317 ppt. It demonstrates high selectivity and consistency. Ionic conductivity was confirmed via current-voltage tests and impedance spectroscopy, and the sensing mechanism was clarified. The device maintains reliable performance under bending, indicating suitability for dynamic environments. With Bluetooth integration for wireless data transmission, the sensor shows strong potential for practical, discreet drug monitoring in real-world applications.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61067-0
The reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in wastewater faces challenges in conversion rate and stability. We used coal tar pitch-based activated carbon fibers (ACFs) as a support material for loading transition metal catalysts to catalyze the reaction. Fe–Ni nanoparticles were loaded onto the coal tar pitch-based ACF through a simple hydrothermal–calcination method. The results showed that the coal tar pitch-based ACFs had a high specific surface area (1847 m2/g) and a unique microporous structure, and the metals were loaded onto them. The average diameter of the nanoparticles formed was approximately 100 nm. By changing the metal loading it was shown that the performance was best when the reaction temperature was 45 °C, the 4-NP concentration was 2.5 mmol L−1, and the molar concentration ratio of Fe3+ to Ni2+ was 1∶2 (total 7.5 mmol L−1). Under these conditions the conversion efficiency reached 99.88%. Fe2.5/Ni5–ACF exhibited excellent catalytic activity and recyclability for 4-NP after five cycles. The inherent advantages of nanomaterials increase the catalytic efficiency of 4-NP, which expands the use of coal tar pitch-based ACFs as supporting materials in the field of catalysis.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3697-8
Multi-site coupling is a promising strategy for developing highly efficient and CO-resistant hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, designing multifunctional synergistic schemes for single-atom sites remains a significant challenge. Herein, we propose a dual-template-confined oxophilic engineering strategy to construct well-dispersed iridium-nickel (IrNi) atomic dimers adjacent to IrNi nanoclusters on porous nitrogen-doped carbon (IrNi Dimer/NC1.8-PNC). The paired IrNi dimer features an asymmetric Ir-N3 configuration coordinated with heteroatomic Ni-N3O via an N-bridge. Remarkably, IrNi Dimer/NC1.8-PNC exhibits a ~23-fold enhancement in mass activity (4.36 A mg−1 Ir at 20 mV) and 5-fold longer stability compared to benchmarking Pt/C toward HOR, while achieving a high rated power density of 1.18 W cm−2 in PEMFC anode applications. Furthermore, IrNi Dimer/NC1.8-PNC demonstrates superior CO tolerance over monometallic Ir and Pt/C in both half-cell and full-cell devices. Combined experimental and density functional theory studies reveal that oxophilic Ni modulates the electronic environment of Ir through alloying and dimer interactions, thereby enhancing HOR activity. Importantly, the asymmetric IrNi dimer enables efficient CO* and OH* co-adsorption while facilitating CO2* desorption, synergistically mitigating CO poisoning and improving atom utilization efficiency. This work provides a design strategy and fundamental insights for multi-site synergistic catalysts in PEMFC anodes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3704-0
The escalating demand for energy storage systems capable of delivering high energy density alongside ultrafast charging and discharging has exposed the limitations of conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), particularly in applications such as electric air vehicles, portable medical devices, and grid-scale storage. Organic cathode materials offer tunable molecular design but suffer from sluggish ion diffusion kinetics, especially under high-rate and low-temperature conditions. This study introduces a 2D vertically ladder-like polymer (2DVLP) synthesized from tribenzoquinoline tribenzoquinone (TTQ) via a 2D polymerization strategy. The polymer features a layered nanosheet structure with densely distributed carbonyl (C=O) redox-active sites serving as Li+ storage centers. Interlayer micropores (0.4–2.0 nm) and structural defects facilitate vertical Li+ diffusion, while weak van der Waals interlayer interactions (no π–π stacking) enable horizontal Li+ intercalation. Coin-type half-cells using 2DVLP cathodes demonstrated outstanding room-temperature performance: 2DVLP-1 and 2DVLP-2 achieved specific capacities of 302 and 291 mAh g−1 at low current densities, respectively. The cross-flow design—combining vertical and horizontal ion transport pathways—effectively mitigates concentration polarization, enabling ultrafast charging. This work provides a scalable strategy for developing high-power organic cathodes, addressing critical bottlenecks in fast-charging energy storage.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507062
The construction of predictive models for the recurrence of blackening and odor in urban water bodies has become a critical foundation for refined management of urban water environments. Based on water quality monitoring data from 16 cities in the Yangtze River Basin from 2020 to 2023, this study systematically evaluated six typical comprehensive index calculation methods and proposed a probabilistic prediction model for water blackening and odor recurrence centered on the VIKOR composite index. Through sampling analysis and literature review, a power-law relationship between transparency (y) and turbidity (x) was established (y = 3.12x−0.66), leading to a critical turbidity threshold of 46.9 NTU for blackening and odor. Using ANOVA, recursive feature elimination, and random forest, five indicators—turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), total phosphorus (TP), permanganate index (CODMn), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N)—were selected as the model's indicator system, with importance ranking: turbidity > DO > TP > CODMn > NH3-N. The VIKOR composite index exhibited the most robust mapping relationship with blackening probability, achieving high accuracy (RMSE = 0.029, MAE = 0.020) and consistency (NSE = 0.918, R2 = 0.918), whereas models based on other indices yielded R2 values below 0.84. The model demonstrated good predictive performance across the Yangtze, Pearl, Haihe, and Yellow River basins. This model offers a universal decision-making tool for precise identification, early warning, and targeted management of water blackening and odor recurrence, with potential integration into urban water smart platforms.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506010
To facilitate accurate understanding and implementation of the provisions in the Technical Specification for Comprehensive Utilization of Titanium Gypsum (GB/T 45015-2024), and to promote technological capability in comprehensive utilization while effectively controlling environmental risks during utilization, this paper analyzes the current status and existing problems of titanium gypsum generation, management, and utilization technologies in China. The standard is systematically interpreted. It is concluded that the implementation of this standard will promote resource utilization of titanium gypsum, foster energy conservation and carbon reduction in the titanium dioxide industry, and further safeguard ecological and environmental security. China produces over 3,120×10^4 t of titanium gypsum annually (2023), yet its comprehensive utilization rate is only about 10%, far lower than that of phosphogypsum (~40%) and desulfurization gypsum (~80%). The standard, as the first national standard dedicated to titanium gypsum resource utilization, establishes technical pathways for building materials and ecological restoration, sets limits for soluble impurities, and specifies pollution control indicators throughout the utilization process. It addresses the long-standing gaps in technical standards, product quality variability, and environmental supervision, providing critical support for the green and low-carbon transformation of the sulfuric acid process titanium dioxide industry.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506021
To elucidate the seasonal variation in cadmium (Cd) accumulation in ratoon rice and its relationship with root surface iron plaque, this study compared Cd concentrations in brown rice and the characteristics of iron plaque components (amorphous Fe, Am-Fe; crystalline Fe, Cry-Fe) between the main and ratoon crops of six rice varieties under different stubble heights. A field experiment was conducted in a Cd-contaminated paddy in Liuyang, Hunan (soil total Cd: 0.56 ± 0.06 mg·kg⁻¹). Ratoon crop treatments included low stubble (20 cm) and high stubble (60 cm). Brown rice Cd concentrations varied by variety, season, and stubble height. Low stubble generally increased brown rice Cd in the ratoon crop compared to high stubble; high stubble reduced Cd in most varieties relative to the main crop. Health risk assessment indicated that low stubble in the ratoon crop posed higher non-carcinogenic risk than the main crop and high stubble, while carcinogenic risks exceeded acceptable levels across all treatments. Iron plaque Am-Fe and Cry-Fe concentrations in the ratoon crop were generally lower than in the main crop, with Am-Fe consistently exceeding Cry-Fe. In the main crop, total Fe, Am-Fe, and Cry-Fe on root surfaces were significantly negatively correlated with brown rice Cd (P < 0.05), but correlations were not significant in the ratoon crop. High stubble reduced Cd accumulation and non-carcinogenic risk in most varieties, yet carcinogenic risk remained. Iron plaque significantly impeded Cd uptake in the main crop but its effect weakened in the ratoon crop. Selecting low-Cd-accumulating varieties and optimizing stubble height are key strategies for safe ratoon rice production in Cd-contaminated areas.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0026
The catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to light olefins (C2–C4) represents a pivotal route for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while producing high-value chemical feedstocks. This review systematically examines the two principal technological pathways: CO2-Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (CO2-FTO) and CO2-methanol-to-olefins (CO2-MTO). The CO2-FTO route couples reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) with Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, whereas CO2-MTO proceeds via methanol intermediate. Key challenges arise from the thermodynamic stability of CO2 (C=O bond dissociation energy ~750 kJ/mol) and kinetic limitations. The review critically evaluates the influence of catalyst promoters (e.g., Na, Mn, Cu), support structures, and surface defect site concentrations on CO2 activation and olefin selectivity. For zeolite-based catalysts, pore architecture and acidity are shown to govern methanol conversion to olefins. Representative data from the literature indicate that Fe-based catalysts with Na promotion achieve CO2 conversion up to 40% with olefin selectivity exceeding 50% under optimized conditions. The review underscores the necessity of integrating catalyst design with reactor engineering to overcome thermodynamic constraints and achieve industrially viable performance.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025121602
This study characterized the body burden of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in a physical examination population in Shenzhen and evaluated its impact on thyroid function. Serum samples from 368 residents were analyzed for eight PBDE congeners using atmospheric pressure gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (APGC-MS/MS). The median concentration of ∑8PBDEs was 10.2 ng·g⁻¹ lipid weight (lw), ranging from 0.13 to 2089.4 ng·g⁻¹ lw, with BDE-209 predominating (59.7% of total). Multiple linear regression revealed that a 1.7-fold increase in serum BDE-153 was associated with a 0.4% increase in free triiodothyronine (FT3) (P<0.05), while a 1.7-fold increase in BDE-183 was associated with a 0.9% decrease in total triiodothyronine (T3) and a 0.7% decrease in FT3 (P<0.05). Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) indicated a negative correlation between mixed PBDE exposure and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) at high exposure levels. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression showed that mixed exposure was associated with decreased T3 levels and T3/FT3 ratio, with BDE-153 and BDE-183 as the primary contributors. These findings suggest that PBDE exposure may adversely affect thyroid function and disrupt thyroid hormone homeostasis, with BDE-183 and BDE-153 playing key roles. This study provides a scientific basis for PBDE health risk assessment and thyroid protection.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025010402
Vegetable consumption is a well-established pathway for human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These contaminants are absorbed by vegetables through uptake from soil and irrigation water, leading to bioaccumulation within plant tissues and posing potential risks to human health. Therefore, monitoring PFAS concentrations in vegetables is critical for assessing dietary exposure and associated health risks. In this study, a solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of 24 PFAS compounds in leafy vegetables, including Shanghai Bok Choy, Cabbage, and Water Spinach. The analytical method, incorporating organic solvent extraction followed by SPE cleanup, was optimized with respect to both extraction solvent and SPE sorbent. Alkaline methanol was used as the extraction solvent, and PFAS in vegetables were extracted via vortex-assisted extraction. Tandem mass spectrometry was used for detection in multiple reaction monitoring mode, and quantification was performed by internal standard method. Under optimized conditions, at a spiking level of 2 ng, recoveries ranged from 50.0% to 120.8% with relative standard deviations (RSD) between 1.0% and 26%. Calibration curves showed good linearity with correlation coefficients (r) greater than 0.99. Limits of detection (LOD, S/N=3) were between 0.002 and 0.103 ng·g−1, and limits of quantification (LOQ, S/N=10) were between 0.007 and 0.343 ng·g−1. The method was applied to real samples, detecting 20 PFAS, with 10 compounds showing 100% detection frequency. Total PFAS concentrations ranged from 2.92 to 6.83 ng·g−1 dry weight (dw). Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) was the dominant contaminant, with concentrations from 1.18 to 3.74 ng·g−1 dw. The method demonstrates good sensitivity and accuracy, effectively identifying and quantifying multiple PFAS, thus providing reliable technical support for monitoring PFAS in vegetables.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024121201
A method for the simultaneous determination of 19 sulfonamide antibiotics in environmental aqueous samples was developed by integrating solid-phase extraction (SPE) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) with ultra-performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Aqueous samples were filtered through 0.45 μm membranes, adjusted to pH 6, and treated with Na2EDTA at 2.5 mg·L−1 to mitigate matrix effects. Analytes were enriched on Oasis HLB cartridges, purified by GPC, and separated on a Hypersil GOLD C18 column (2.1 mm ID × 100 mm, 1.9 μm) using gradient elution with 0.05% (V/V) formic acid in water and methanol. Detection was performed in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with internal standard quantification. Under optimal conditions, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.7–4.4 ng·L−1 and 2.8–17.6 ng·L−1, respectively. Recoveries from spiked real samples at 10, 200, and 400 ng·L−1 were 44.5%–102%, 47.7%–97.5%, and 51.4%–115%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.8%–10%, 0.64%–5.9%, and 0.71%–4.6%, respectively. The method was applied to three surface waters and three municipal wastewater treatment plant effluents, detecting five sulfonamides at concentrations ranging from 1.82 to 3864 ng·L−1. The combined SPE-GPC cleanup effectively reduced matrix suppression, offering high sensitivity, precision, and robustness for routine monitoring of sulfonamide antibiotics in environmental waters.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025122101
Phenolic compounds, widely used in petrochemical, textile, and pharmaceutical industries, pose severe risks to ecosystems and human health due to their toxicity and persistence. Traditional Fe2+-mediated Fenton oxidation, while effective, suffers from external H2O2 and Fe2+ addition, low H2O2 utilization, narrow pH adaptability, and iron sludge generation. This study develops a g-C3N4-based heterogeneous photo-Fenton system that operates without external H2O2 or Fe2+ salts, exhibiting a wide pH range and minimal iron sludge. The synthesized Fe3O4@UiO/IKCN catalyst, under visible light, selectively reduces dissolved oxygen to H2O2 via a two-electron pathway and activates it to hydroxyl radicals (·OH), achieving efficient degradation of phenolic compounds. The integration of photocatalytic H2O2 formation and Fenton activation enables sustained production of oxidative species, demonstrating superior performance at circumneutral pH. This work provides new insights into the rational design of heterogeneous Z-scheme photo-Fenton catalysts and offers experimental and theoretical support for photocatalytic H2O2 synthesis and phenolic wastewater treatment.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025122102
Uranium is a key resource for nuclear energy, but its mining and processing generate large amounts of uranium-containing wastewater, posing persistent threats to the environment and human health. In this study, a cyano-functionalized C3N4/ZnIn2S4 (CCN/ZIS) heterojunction system was constructed for efficient removal of U(VI) from uranium mining wastewater. The introduction of cyano groups significantly enhanced the adsorption capacity of CCN/ZIS, reaching a maximum of 123.65 mg·g−1. Characterization techniques (UV-vis DRS, EIS, i-t, PL, TRPL) confirmed that cyano groups effectively suppress charge carrier recombination, improving photogenerated carrier separation. Under visible light, the modified material achieved over 95% removal of U(VI) within 10 minutes, demonstrating a 20-fold efficiency increase compared to pristine materials. Even in simulated uranium mining wastewater containing high concentrations of CO3^2− and F−, CCN/ZIS maintained excellent performance, overcoming the technical challenge of U(VI) removal efficiency being constrained by water quality conditions. Quenching experiments identified e− and ·O2− as the primary reactive species responsible for U(VI) reduction. This study reveals the synergistic mechanism of selective U(VI) enrichment and photoreduction, providing theoretical innovation and technological breakthroughs for uranium pollution control.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025062404
To investigate the pollution characteristics and temporal variations of water-soluble ions in atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during autumn and winter in Taiyuan City, continuous sampling and analysis were conducted using a Swiss Metrohm ion chromatograph in autumn and winter 2023. The results show that the daily mean concentration of nine water-soluble ions was 26.04 μg m−3, accounting for 52.1% of the average PM2.5 mass concentration. Ion concentrations ranked in descending order: NO3−, NH4+, SO42−, Cl−, K+, Na+, Ca2+, F−, and Mg2+. Secondary inorganic ions (SNA) constituted 87.6% of total water-soluble ions. The mass ratio of NO3− to SO42− reached 1.83, indicating a shift from sulfate-dominated to nitrate-dominated aerosol chemistry. During pollution episodes, water-soluble ion concentrations increased exponentially, with distinct ion-specific trends: on moderately polluted days, SO42− increased to 5.31 times that on clean days, whereas on heavily polluted days, NO3− increased to 5.37 times, highlighting nitrate as a primary driver of severe pollution. Comparison with historical data reveals a recent increase in the proportion of water-soluble ions in PM2.5, with higher proportions during more polluted periods. Analysis of NH4+ forms and PM2.5 acidity suggests that acidic components contribute more under heavier pollution. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) identified four major sources: secondary sources, combustion and motor vehicles, industrial sources, and dust. The secondary source contributions were 45.4%, 64.7%, and 63.4% on clean, lightly polluted, and moderate-to-heavy polluted days, respectively, indicating a significantly higher secondary contribution on polluted days.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3595-7
Cu(I) complexes exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) have emerged as promising alternatives to noble-metal-based emitters for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, the development of red-emitting Cu(I) complexes has been hindered by slow radiative decay and fast nonradiative decay. In this study, a linear two-coordinate Cu(I) complex, ICuTMC, was designed and synthesized. By pairing a pyrazine-fused N-heterocyclic carbene and a tetra-methylcarbazolyl ligand, a strong ligand-to-ligand charge transfer excited state is generated. Single-crystal structure authenticates close intramolecular C–H···Cu contacts, providing good steric shielding to the metal center. C–H···π interactions between ligands are also revealed. The complex exhibits highly efficient red TADF with emission maximum at 622 nm, photoluminescence quantum yield of 76%, and short delayed fluorescence lifetime of 0.24 μs. This is enabled by a large oscillator strength from the coplanar donor-Cu-acceptor conformation, a small singlet-triplet energy gap from spatial separation of frontier molecular orbitals, and strong spin-orbit coupling from the metal center. Vacuum-deposited OLEDs based on ICuTMC achieve a peak external quantum efficiency of 25.9% and a significantly small roll-off of 1.9% at 10,000 cd m−2. These performances demonstrate a way to overcome the energy gap law for linear coinage metal complexes toward red OLEDs.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61093-1
Advanced catalyst structures with good active site accessibility and strong metal-support interactions are crucial for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysis. A hierarchically porous Pt catalyst supported on honeycomb-like nitrogen-doped carbon (Pt/HNC-400, where 400 denotes the optimal dosage (mg) of the sacrificial SiO2 hard template used during synthesis) was fabricated by combining template-assisted pyrolysis and alcohol reduction. The fabrication involves the template-assisted pyrolysis of ZIF-67 (which provides the N-dopant through its 2-methylimidazole ligand) followed by HF etching to completely remove the SiO2, yielding a 3D interconnected porous carbon support. Compared to a commercial Pt/C, it had an exceptional ORR performance with a half-wave potential of 0.901 V (41 mV higher), a mass activity at 0.9 V that was 15.3 times higher, and significantly improved durability (a half-wave potential decay of 25 mV vs. 80 mV after 10,000 accelerated durability tests (ADTs)). Mechanistic investigations showed that this superior performance is due to the combined effects of the 3D porous structure, ultrafine Pt nanoparticles with strong metal-support interactions, and in-situ formed Co-Nx moieties from the pyrolysis of precursor ZIF-67. After 10,000 ADTs it was shown to have excellent structural integrity, retaining 87.4% of its initial electrochemically active surface area (102.7 m2 g−1). This study may assist the development of new high-performance ORR catalysts.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507095
This study investigates the optimization of CO2 mineralization curing on the performance of a ternary cementitious system comprising steel slag, fly ash, and Portland cement. Specimens were fabricated with varying residual water-to-cement ratios (r/w), steel slag and fly ash contents, curing pressures, and durations, then subjected to standard curing and CO2 mineralization curing. Compressive strength and carbon sequestration rate were measured, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to analyze mineral composition and microstructural evolution. Results indicate that compressive strength first increases then rapidly decreases with increasing residual water-to-cement ratio, with an optimal r/w below 0.15. Both compressive strength and carbon sequestration rate increase with higher steel slag content; the 50% steel slag + 10% fly ash formulation exhibited the highest values. Microstructural analyses revealed that CO2 mineralization primarily consumes hydration products such as Ca(OH)2, C-S(Al)-H, and AFt, generating abundant calcium carbonate that densifies the pore structure, thereby enhancing mechanical properties. Lower residual water-to-cement ratios, higher steel slag content, or extended curing durations increase the content and crystallinity of calcium carbonate. SEM observations confirmed the presence of densely packed, well-crystallized rhombohedral calcite in specimens with lower water-to-cement ratios and higher steel slag content. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the engineering application of CO2 mineralization curing in ternary solid-waste cementitious materials.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60631-1
Methane dehydroaromatization (MDA) offers a carbon-neutral route to benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX), yet the regulatory mechanisms of Brønsted acid site (BAS) strength and spatial proximity to Mo sites remain unresolved. This study systematically tunes BAS strength via isomorphous substitution (Al, Ga, Fe, B) and Mo-BAS proximity in ZSM-5, integrating catalytic evaluations with density functional theory (DFT). Strongly acidic Al-zeolites achieve the highest methane conversion, while weakly acidic B-substituted systems exhibit optimal mono-/bifunctional synergy, outperforming moderate-acid counterparts. DFT reveals that deprotonation energy (DPE) correlates with acid strength; Al-ZSM-5 (DPE = -5.68 eV) lowers the C–H activation barrier (ΔG = 1.467 eV). Spatial proximity analysis shows that nanoscale Mo-BAS distances, achieved via ball milling, enhance methane conversion by 33% and BTX yield by 31% compared to micrometer-scale mixtures, by accelerating intermediate transport and suppressing coke. These findings establish a multi-scale framework linking acid strength, spatial confinement, and electronic modulation, providing actionable guidelines for designing next-generation MDA catalysts.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0029
Pingshuo coal ash, characterized by high silicon-aluminum content (Si+Al >85%) and low Si/Al ratio (<1.5), exhibits ash fusion temperatures (AFTs) exceeding 1550 °C, rendering it unsuitable for entrained-flow gasifiers. This study investigates the effect of calcium-sodium composite flux on ash fusibility and mineral transformation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FactSage thermodynamic simulations were employed to analyze mineral evolution, while molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed the underlying melting mechanism. Results show that adding 20% composite flux (CaO/Na2O) lowers AFTs more effectively than equivalent additions of CaO or Na2O alone, indicating a synergistic effect. At a CaO/Na2O ratio of 3:7, the flow temperatures (FT) of two Pingshuo coal ashes decreased to 1377 °C and 1279 °C, respectively. The composite flux promotes reactions between quartz and Na2O/CaO, forming low-melting-point minerals such as nepheline, albite, and gehlenite, while inhibiting mullite formation. Additionally, Na+ disrupts the silicate network, inducing Ca2+ to preferentially coordinate with [AlO4]5- tetrahedra, further breaking Si-O-Si bonds. MD simulations show that atomic diffusion, quantified by mean square displacement (MSD), is significantly enhanced below 1600 K with composite flux addition compared to single fluxes. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for optimizing flux formulations to enable efficient gasification of high-AFT coals.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025010201
The Guanzhong region, traversed by the Wei River Basin, is one of the most industrially, agriculturally, and medically advanced and densely populated areas in Northwest China, has seen increasing attention paid to the pollution of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in its surface water environment. This study systematically investigated the pollution characteristics of PFASs in the surface water of this region and their ecological and health risks. By optimizing the online solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (Online SPE-LC/MS/MS), efficient detection of 19 PFASs was achieved, with the method detection limits ranging from 0.2 ng·L−1 to 0.3 ng·L−1, linear correlation coefficients all ≥ 0.990, and spiked recoveries between 75.2% and 130.0%. Monitoring data indicated that PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA and PFOS, short-chain perfluorinated compounds, were the main pollutants in this region, with high detection frequencies and concentrations, but the overall content was lower than that in most areas of China. The concentrations of PFASs in surface water showed significant seasonal variations, with the highest concentrations during the dry season (∑19PFASs:126.1 — 2584.3 ng·L−1), followed by the normal season (∑19PFASs:3.5—3567.6 ng·L−1), and the lowest during the wet season (∑19PFASs:26.3—294.6 ng·L−1). Ecological risk assessment showed that, except for PFDoDA in the dry season, the ecological risk quotient (RQ) of all other PFASs was < 1. Although the water of the Wei River is not used as direct drinking water, health risk assessment indicated that all PFASs posed low risks, with only PFOA and PFOS showing potential risks (HR > 0.1) to adults and children at some sites during dry/normal seasons. This study provides a scientific basis for PFASs pollution control in the Wei River Basin.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225225
The non-Newtonian rheological properties of plastic melts are critical for regulating plastic processing, molding, and recycling processes, ensuring processing stability and product performance. However, rheological data for commonly used plastics and their blends remain incomplete. This study combined experimental testing and theoretical modeling to investigate the rheological behaviors of four pure plastics—polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS)—and three binary blend systems: PE/ABS, PP/ABS, and PS/ABS. Rheological tests were conducted using a rheometer over a shear rate range of 0.1–100 s⁻¹ and temperatures from 180°C to 250°C. Results showed that the flow behavior index n was less than 1 for all samples, and apparent viscosity decreased significantly with increasing shear rate, indicating clear shear-thinning behavior. The consistency coefficient K followed the Arrhenius relationship with temperature, and melt viscosity decreased as temperature increased. The study quantitatively characterized the relationship between the mass fraction m (0.5 < m ≤ 1) of the main component in binary blends and melt viscosity. Based on experimental data, a component correction term was introduced into the traditional power-law model to construct a constitutive equation that simultaneously describes the effects of shear rate, temperature, and component fraction on melt viscosity. The average relative error between model predictions and experimental values was only 5.90%. These rheological data and the modified constitutive equation provide important theoretical support and data reference for optimizing process parameters in waste plastic recycling and injection molding.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3829-7
Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is pivotal for advanced photonic applications, yet achieving concurrent high emission efficiency and large dissymmetry factors remains challenging. Here, we report a chiral reticular chemistry strategy to construct homochiral porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as efficient CPL-active materials. By co-assembling enantiopure R/S-binol with achiral luminescent ligands, three pairs of enantiomeric pillar-layered MOFs were synthesized. These frameworks exhibit significantly amplified CPL responses, with |g_lum| values enhanced by up to two orders of magnitude compared to free ligands, reaching levels comparable to state-of-the-art chiral assemblies, while maintaining high photoluminescence efficiencies (Φ_PL up to 67%). Mechanistic investigations reveal that CPL originates primarily from the global chirality of the hierarchical frameworks rather than the intrinsic chirality of the precursors. This work establishes a robust design principle for porous CPL-active materials, offering new insights into chirality transfer and opening avenues to integrate strong luminescence with stable chirality in extended frameworks.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3833-1
Developing plasmonic nanomaterials with compositions beyond noble metals is crucial for expanding their applications. Transition metal nitrides, such as titanium nitride (TiN), exhibit excellent plasmonic optical properties and photothermal conversion efficiency, showing promise in catalysis, photothermal therapy, and seawater desalination. However, the structure-property relationship governing their plasmonic optical properties remains unclear. Here, we constructed Au@TiN core-shell nanostructures and systematically investigated the tunability of their geometry, composition, and optical properties. By varying the Au core size and TiN shell thickness, we achieved precise control over the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) from visible to near-infrared wavelengths. Single-particle scattering spectroscopy revealed distinct plasmon hybridization modes, with experimental spectra matching theoretical simulations. The Au@TiN nanostructures exhibited enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency (η = 78.5%) under 808 nm laser irradiation, significantly outperforming pure TiN nanoparticles (η = 45.2%). This work demonstrates multi-factor control over plasmonic effects in TiN, providing insights for designing TiN-based plasmonic nanomaterials for catalysis and sensing.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60636-6
Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (DMMx) are promising clean diesel additives. Compared to the traditional aldol condensation route, the one-step oxidative method for producing DMMx directly from methanol is a green synthesis route offering significant advantages. However, due to the complexity of the reaction, a balance must be struck between oxidation depth and C–O chain growth efficiency. This imposes specific requirements on the design of catalysts with multifunctional active sites: the catalyst should possess appropriate oxidative activity, suitable acid strength distribution, and effective synergy between these two functions. To address these challenges, this study designed a sulfuric acid-modified molybdenum-doped NASICON catalyst, which demonstrated favorable catalytic performance in the one-step oxidative synthesis of DMMx from methanol. Over the NSC-Mo-0.5-30% catalyst, methanol conversion rate of 81.3% and the DMMx selectivity of 58.7% were achieved, along with the formation of heavier molecules, as evidenced by the DMM2–6 selectivity of 11.3%. The NH3-TPD, Py-IR and XPS results indicate that the introduction of molybdenum increases the number of weak Lewis acid sites, while sulfuric acid impregnation not only generates gradient-distributed Brønsted acid sites but also promotes the formation of Mo5+/Mo6+ redox pairs. The cooperation of the two types of active sites significantly enhances catalyst performance.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025112603
The cycloaddition of carbon dioxide (CO2) to epoxides (CCE) is a 100% atom-economical transformation yielding cyclic carbonates, which are valuable chemical products. This reaction valorizes CO2 as a carbon feedstock, mitigating the greenhouse effect and aligning with carbon neutrality goals. Conventional covalent organic framework (COF) catalysts often require co-catalysts to achieve high efficiency. To address this, we designed and prepared a series of ionic COFs, denoted EB-BT(nOH), that simultaneously incorporate acid (hydroxyl), base (nitrogen), and nucleophilic bromide (Br−) functionalities. These materials efficiently catalyze the CCE reaction without any co-catalyst. Among them, EB-BT(OH) exhibited the highest catalytic activity, achieving a 99% yield of the target product at 120 °C and 2.0 MPa CO2 pressure. By systematically varying the hydroxyl content in the COF backbone, we investigated the critical role of hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) in the CCE reaction. This work provides new design principles for COF-based catalysts for CCE, eliminating the need for co-catalysts and enhancing process sustainability.
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/s40843-025-3944-9
Hard carbon (HC) is a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) but suffers from low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Here, we report a dual-functional strategy combining surface engineering and solution chemical pre-sodiation. A graphitic carbon coating on HC acts as a conductive buffer network and shields surface defects, while sodium biphenyl (Na-Bp) pre-sodiation drives sodium ions into the material via a potential difference, inducing a pre-SEI layer that matures into a thin, dense, NaF-rich inorganic SEI during cycling. This approach compensates for irreversible sodium loss and enhances cycling stability. The pre-sodiated electrode (pCH4-HC) achieves an ICE of 99.5% and a reversible capacity of 321.7 mAh g−1, compared to 54.2% for untreated HC. Long-term cycling shows 74.0% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 300 mA g−1. In full-cells with NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 (NFM) cathode, pCH4-HC||NFM delivers 81.9 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, demonstrating excellent stability and rate performance. This dual-strategy approach validates the adaptability of pre-sodiation technology for high-performance SIBs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3823-4
The global demand for chlorine gas continues to rise, driven by its indispensable role in chemical synthesis, disinfection, and wastewater treatment. Electrocatalytic chlorine evolution from seawater presents a promising alternative to the energy-intensive chlor-alkali process, yet it is hampered by the competing oxygen evolution reaction and the sluggish kinetics of chlorine evolution on conventional catalysts. Here, we report a novel hollow porous CoNiSe2/NiSe2 heterostructure nanosheet array synthesized via ion exchange and calcination, which exhibits exceptional catalytic activity and selectivity for the chlorine evolution reaction in acidic seawater-like electrolytes. The unique hollow porous morphology provides a high specific surface area, facilitating mass transport and exposing abundant active sites. Crucially, the heterointerface between CoNiSe2 and NiSe2 promotes d-p orbital hybridization between Co/Ni 3d and Se 4p states, which lowers the reaction energy barrier for chlorine evolution. The catalyst achieves a low overpotential of 108 mV to reach a current density of 100 mA cm−2 in 4.0 M NaCl acidic medium, with excellent stability and Cl2 selectivity. This work demonstrates the potential of non-noble metal selenides as efficient and durable catalysts for chlorine production, offering a pathway toward more sustainable chlor-alkali technology.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3873-7
The escalating demand for lightweight, multifunctional stealth materials in modern protective applications necessitates integrated solutions against electromagnetic interference (EMI), infrared (IR) detection, and incendiary threats. This study presents an innovative melamine foam (MF)-based composite featuring an asymmetric dual-nano conductive network, achieving absorption-dominated EMI shielding, IR stealth, and flame retardancy. Inspired by the Salisbury screen, the composite employs MF as an interlayer and flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofiber membrane as a substrate. The architecture comprises a carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-modified impedance matching nanofiber layer as the top absorber and a silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-modified nanofiber layer as the highly conductive reflective bottom. Precise control of CNTs content and interlayer thickness enables tunable electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption, yielding a low reflection coefficient of 0.03 and a high EMI shielding effectiveness of 79.23 dB at a total thickness of 4.40 mm. Even at 1.40 mm, effective absorption-dominated shielding is maintained. The performance remains stable under ultrasonic, compression, and bending tests, demonstrating high durability. The mechanism underlying absorption-dominated EMI shielding at reduced thickness, relying on destructive interference of EMWs enabled by the asymmetric dual-nano conductive network, is thoroughly elucidated. Additionally, the composite exhibits superior IR stealth and self-extinguishing properties. This work offers a feasible strategy for designing high-performance stealth materials with strong potential for personnel and communication equipment protection.
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.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60615-3
Co-pyrolysis of oil-rich coal and biomass is a promising route to enhance oil and gas production, yet the underlying synergistic mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigates the effect of hydrothermal pretreatment (HTP) on the co-pyrolysis of Huangling coal (H) and enzymatic hydrolysis lignin (E). Raw and pretreated samples were characterized via proximate/ultimate analysis, SEM, ICP-OES, and 13C-NMR. Fixed-bed pyrolysis experiments were conducted to evaluate synergistic performance. Results show that HTP reduces oxygen content, develops pore structure, and increases concentrations of inorganic metal ions (Ca, K, Fe) in the aqueous phase. Structural modifications bring the carbon skeleton of E closer to that of H, with increased bridge carbon ratio and improved thermal stability, aligning pyrolysis temperature ranges. For the H/E blend (8:2) after 24 h HTP, tar yield increases by 80.52% compared to untreated blend, with significant rises in aliphatic compounds and monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Gas yields of H2, CO, and CH4 increase by 5.47%, 10.98%, and 9.27%, respectively, while CO2 and pyrolysis water generation are inhibited (water yield decreases by 93.98%). Semi-coke pore structure becomes more developed. The enhanced synergistic effect is attributed to a multi-fold mechanism of 'component interaction-structural modification-catalytic cracking'. These findings provide theoretical support for developing technologies to improve co-pyrolysis of oil-rich coal and biomass, advancing low-carbon, high-quality utilization.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025102801
This study develops a multivariate time-series forecasting model for water quality in the Lhasa River, focusing on four key indicators: water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. Data preprocessing integrated multiple missing-value imputation strategies and interquartile range (IQR) outlier removal. Boxplots and relative standard deviation (RSD) assessed data distribution and dispersion, while autocorrelation and Pearson correlation analyses revealed periodic patterns and inter-variable relationships. Four representative algorithms—Support Vector Regression (SVR), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), CNN-BiLSTM-Attention, and TCN-Transformer—were optimized via Bayesian hyperparameter tuning. Model performance was evaluated using MAE, MSE, RMSE, and R². The study systematically compared the effects of different missing-value handling methods, both independently and combined with IQR outlier removal. Results indicate that CNN-BiLSTM-Attention excels in water temperature prediction, suitable for relatively stable and simple patterns. In contrast, TCN-Transformer demonstrates superior performance for pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity, which exhibit strong nonlinearity and long-term dependencies, effectively capturing temporal dependencies and coupling relationships. The findings provide a viable technical route and theoretical reference for river water quality monitoring and intelligent early-warning systems.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025040401
Conventional zero-valent iron (ZVI) suffers from limited electron transfer due to its dense surface oxide layer. This study introduces a mechanochemical ball-milling strategy incorporating sodium chloride (NaCl) with ZVI to fabricate chloride-modified ZVI (Cl-ZVIbm). Using hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) as a model pollutant, Cl-ZVIbm exhibited a 76.5-fold enhancement in removal kinetics (0.0306 min−1 vs. 0.0004 min−1) compared to ball-milled ZVI (ZVIbm), achieving complete removal of 2 mg·L−1 Cr(VI) within 120 min. Spectroscopic characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed dual regulation mechanisms: (1) Cl− substitution of surface hydroxyl groups alters coordination environments, enabling Cr(VI) adsorption via a bidentate binuclear configuration with adsorption energy reduced from –0.28 eV to –1.64 eV; (2) The strong electron-withdrawing effect of Cl− drives directional electron migration from the iron core to the surface, increasing surface Fe(II) content by 26.9% (67.5% vs. 53.2%) and facilitating direct electron transfer to reduce 99.5% of Cr(VI) into low-toxicity Cr(III). Notably, chloride leaching during reactions was only 0.0126 mmol·L−1, far below industrial wastewater discharge standards, confirming environmental compatibility. This work provides atomic-scale insights into chloride-mediated electronic modulation on ZVI surfaces, offering novel principles for interfacial engineering of environmental functional materials and a theoretical basis for heavy metal remediation technologies.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025040104
The oxidative transformation of 2,6-dichlorophenol (2,6-DCP) was investigated in three typical zonal soils: black soil, red soil, and brown soil. Results demonstrated that 2,6-DCP underwent oxidative coupling in all soils, yielding hydroxylated polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (OH-PCDEs) and hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs) as primary products. The highest oxidative efficiency occurred in black soil, with approximately 85.1% of 2,6-DCP transformed within three days. In contrast, red and brown soils exhibited lower efficiencies, indicating a strong dependence on soil properties. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the oxidative coupling reaction is endothermic, with elevated temperatures favoring reaction progress. Furthermore, soil microorganisms and dissolved oxygen were identified as critical controlling factors, acting synergistically to drive the reaction. This study provides the first evidence of natural oxidative coupling of 2,6-DCP in soil, forming OH-PCDEs and OH-PCBs. These findings offer significant scientific insight into the environmental fate of halogenated phenolic pollutants in terrestrial systems.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607020
Kitchen waste (KW) and excess sludge (ES) are urban biowastes with resource recovery potential, commonly treated via anaerobic digestion (AD) for methane production. However, KW mono-digestion suffers from acidification, while ES yields low methane. This study employed semi-continuous reactors to simulate practical AD, co-digesting KW and ES at a 4:1 volatile solids ratio with biochar addition (0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 g/L). The optimal biochar dosage was 2.5 g/L, achieving cumulative biogas and methane volumes of 17.53 L and 11.63 L, respectively, representing 42.10% and 39.47% increases over the biochar-free control, and 34.45% and 43.30% enhancements relative to thermally hydrolyzed sludge. The methanogenic lag phase decreased from (5.65±0.11) d to (4.33±0.12) d. Process stability improved, with average volatile fatty acids (VFAs) during stable operation dropping from 1708 mg/L to 1033 mg/L. Microbial analysis revealed enhanced diversity and enrichment of Synergistetes and Syntrophomonas, indicating direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) promotion. Biochar at low concentrations enhances AD by immobilizing microbes and facilitating electron transfer, while high concentrations (10 g/L) may inhibit methanogenesis due to fatty acid degradation blockage, yet total methane production remained above control. These findings demonstrate that biochar addition at 2.5 g/L effectively enhances methane production and process stability in KW-ES co-digestion.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3915-8
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based antibiofilm therapy is limited by short ROS lifetime, restricted diffusion, and biofilm barriers. We designed a bacteria-targeted piezoelectric heterostructure (U-B/F) comprising boronic acid-functionalized UiO-66(Hf) (U-B) and carboxylated fullerene (C70-COOH). Boronic acid groups enable selective bacterial binding. Under ultrasound (US), the Z-scheme heterojunction enhances piezoelectric response and charge separation, amplifying sonocatalytic ROS generation. Fullerene acts as a peroxidase mimic, converting endogenous H2O2 into cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Additionally, favorable band alignment allows US-induced electron transfer from bacteria to U-B/F, disrupting bacterial electron transport and energy metabolism. Transcriptomic profiling confirmed bioenergetic collapse and oxidative stress. In vitro, U-B/F achieved 99.99% elimination of planktonic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and 92.41% removal of mature biofilms. In MRSA-infected diabetic mice, U-B/F under US irradiation accelerated wound healing by eradicating infection, alleviating inflammation, and promoting tissue regeneration. This work provides a rational strategy for designing multifunctional nanomaterials integrating bacterial targeting, dual ROS catalysis, and electron transfer interference to combat biofilm-associated infections.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202512052
Constructed wetlands (CWs) with conventional substrates often exhibit limited removal of nitrogen and antibiotics from secondary effluent. This study developed an iron-carbon-manganese ore (Fe-C-Mn) composite substrate CW to enhance simultaneous removal of nitrogen and tetracycline (TC). Under influent TC of 2 mg·L−1 and total nitrogen (TN) of 15 mg·L−1, the Fe-C-Mn system achieved average TC removal of 91.3%, significantly higher than the gravel control (27.2%). TN and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) removals reached 71.7% and 83.3%, respectively, versus 7.8% and 1.2% in the control. Substrate analysis revealed increased surface roughness and synergistic generation of active components (Fe(II)/Fe(III) and Mn(II)), driving autotrophic denitrification and TC biodegradation/chemical degradation. Microbial community analysis indicated reduced overall diversity but selective enrichment of potential TC degraders (e.g., Trichosporon, Bacillota) and denitrifiers (e.g., unclassified_f_Rhodocyclaceae). TC degradation pathways included demethylation, hydroxylation, and ring-opening, ultimately yielding small metabolites. These findings provide theoretical and technical support for enhanced removal of antibiotics and nitrogen from secondary effluent using CWs.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60655-X
Defect-induced nonradiative recombination critically restricts the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Lewis base additives show great promise in defect passivation, but current screening methods rely heavily on empirical trial and error and lack clear design principles, making it difficult to efficiently discover high-performance candidate materials. Here, we present a machine learning (ML) framework to intelligently screen Lewis base molecules for defect passivation. We trained six ensemble models on a dataset of 146 experimental data points, with Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) yielding the best classification performance (87% accuracy). Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) interpretability analysis subsequently identifies the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy (−7.5 to −6.3 eV), additive concentration (2.5 to 6.5 mg/mL), and simplified molecular backbones (O atom ≤ 2, C atom < 5) as critical design criteria. The ML prediction was experimentally validated: (S)-pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid ((S)-PCA) and 2-methyl-1,3-cyclopentanedione (MCPD) (Class Ⅱ) improved PCE by 2.22% and 2.01%, respectively, while 3-hydroxymethyl-3-methylbutanenitrile (3-HMBN) (Class Ⅰ) showed minimal gain. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirmed the stronger binding affinities and elevated defect formation energies of Class Ⅱ additives. Notably, the champion (S)-PCA device achieved a PCE of 24.05%. This work established an ML-accelerated paradigm for the rational design of defect passivators, bridging data science and photovoltaics.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60677-9
Mg-, Ca-, Sr-, and Ba-single-doped La2O3 as well as Mg-Ba co-doped La2O3 catalysts were synthesized via a hydrothermal method and evaluated for the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM). The experimental results revealed that the Mg-modified La2O3 catalyst activates O2 and CH4 effectively, yet achieves only moderate C2+ selectivity. Conversely, the Ba-modified analogue affords high C2+ selectivity, albeit at the expense of lower reaction activity. Notably, the Mg-Ba co-doped La2O3 catalyst strikes an effective balance between activity and selectivity, enhancing catalytic performance while maintaining a high C2+ selectivity. Specifically, at a Mg/Ba molar ratio of 1:1 and 700 °C, it achieved a CH4 conversion of 29.5%, a C2+ selectivity of 54.5% and a corresponding C2+ yield of 16.1%. The characterization results indicate that Mg and Ba co-doped La2O3 catalysts promote the formation of more superoxide (O2−) species on the catalyst surface, which in turn significantly enhances both the activity and selectivity of La2O3 catalysts. In situ DRIFTS revealed the presence of superoxide species on the surface of both Mg- and Ba-doped catalysts, with the co-doped system exhibiting a significantly more intense signal for the superoxide species. O2/H2-TPR studies revealed that Mg and Ba co-doped La2O3 catalysts exhibit superior O2 activation capabilities compared to those doped with Mg or Ba alone. CH4/O2 pulse experiments revealed that the co-doped catalysts facilitate faster establishment of oxygen adsorption equilibrium, thereby enhancing CH4 activation and the subsequent formation of C2 products. This work establishes that co-doping La2O3 with Mg and Ba represents an effective strategy for improving catalytic performance in OCM, primarily by modulating the generation and stabilization of key active oxygen species.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4084-1
Alkali metal halides such as KCl are typical insulators with broad bandgaps, exhibiting poor luminescence. Ion doping can enhance their luminescence, but the mechanism of ultrafast diffusion and structural evolution remains unclear. Here, Sb3+ was doped into a KCl matrix via a room-temperature grinding route. Varying Sb3+ concentration induces a structural evolution from KCl:Sb3+ to 0D inorganic metal halides (IMHs) K3SbCl6. The resulting K3SbCl6 exhibits broad-spectrum yellow emission with near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). The luminescence mechanism is attributed to the 3P1→1S0 transition of Sb3+ ions. Furthermore, a room-temperature solid-liquid interface diffusion method enables ultrafast single-crystal growth of K3SbCl6 in only 20 seconds, with stable luminescence. The material demonstrates excellent temperature sensing performance in the 50–310 K range, achieving a maximum relative sensitivity of 9.99%/K. Additionally, K3SbCl6 shows application potential in information encryption, flexible composite fluorescent films, and white light-emitting diodes. This study provides new insights into ultrafast synthesis of high-performance luminescent materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4008-2
Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with conventional therapies hampered by poor tumor specificity, low drug accumulation, and suboptimal efficacy. To address these challenges, we rationally designed a tumor-targeted, ferrocene-bearing, covalently immobilizable theranostic probe, dIR-CDF, for near-infrared (NIR) imaging-guided photodynamic-ferroptosis synergistic therapy. The probe exploits the overexpression of sulfenated proteins in the tumor microenvironment to specifically target integrin αvβ3-positive NSCLC cells and undergo covalent anchoring via the reaction between 1,3-cyclohexanedione and sulfenic acid, thereby enhancing tumor accumulation and retention. Under 808 nm irradiation, dIR-CDF generates singlet oxygen (1O2) for photodynamic therapy (PDT), while the sustained release of ferrocene catalyzes Fenton reactions to produce hydroxyl radicals (·OH), inducing ferroptosis. The synergistic action of PDT and ferroptosis amplifies lipid peroxidation and disrupts antioxidant defenses, leading to efficient suppression of NSCLC tumors in living mice. This work presents a universal and powerful theranostic platform for precise cancer diagnosis and treatment, with the covalent targeting strategy offering enhanced specificity and retention.