SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4248-2
Marine biofouling imposes substantial operational penalties on maritime assets, yet commercial silicone foul-release coatings rely on static, non-adaptive networks that cannot be reprocessed or repaired. This work introduces selenonium-salt-catalyzed dynamic siloxane exchange as a route to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) vitrimer coatings. The authors incorporate A16Se+ organoselenium catalysts into PDMS networks at loadings designated A16Se+xPDMS, enabling thermally activated siloxane bond exchange that confers vitrimeric stress relaxation, reprocessability, and high-temperature self-healing. Antibiofouling performance is benchmarked against pristine PDMS using colony morphology assays for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, SEM imaging of bacterial adhesion after 3 h, Chlorella fluorescence adhesion quantification, zeta potential measurements, and 3-month seawater immersion panels. Reviewer 1 questioned the direct relevance of recyclability and high-temperature self-healing to marine antifouling and requested that surface elastic modulus and Pseudomonas antibacterial data be elevated to the main text. In response, the authors relocated scratch and self-healing results from Figure 5 to Supporting Information Figures S12 and S13, condensed the main-text discussion, and integrated surface elastic modulus data into Figure 4G and Pseudomonas antibacterial results into Figure 6A. The revised manuscript positions dynamic exchange as supporting evidence of network dynamics rather than as a primary antifouling metric, while foregrounding modulus and antibacterial performance as the application-relevant properties.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4212-x
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal interstitial lung disease with limited therapeutic options. Current treatments, such as nintedanib and pirfenidone, target downstream fibrosis but fail to address the upstream drivers, including persistent alveolar epithelial injury and abnormal repair. This study presents an inhalable, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive liposomal system (SAB/GC-1@Lip-cRGD) that co-delivers the antioxidant salvianolic acid B (SAB) and the thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ) agonist Sobetirome (GC-1). The liposomes are surface-modified with cRGD peptides for targeted delivery to fibrotic lesions and possess a negative surface charge to enhance mucus penetration. In the high-ROS fibrotic microenvironment, the liposomes destabilize, releasing SAB and GC-1. SAB scavenges ROS to remodel the fibrotic niche, while GC-1 reactivates TRβ signaling, driving the differentiation of stalled Krt8+ transitional epithelial cells into functional alveolar type I (AT1) cells. In a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis, SAB/GC-1@Lip-cRGD significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and TGF-β1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung homogenates. The proportion of CD206+ M2 macrophages decreased from 27.4% in the model group to 6.2% after treatment, indicating potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. This synergistic strategy of microenvironment remodeling and epithelial regeneration achieved robust collagen depletion, restoration of alveolar integrity, and recovery of pulmonary function, outperforming single-drug or non-targeted formulations. The work provides a generalized paradigm for integrating microenvironment regulation with regenerative repair in pulmonary diseases.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4287-1
Atomic-level manufacturing is a frontier technology enabling materials to achieve ultimate performance. This study explores the potential applications and critical scientific issues of metal atomic clusters, which are predominantly used in catalysis but suffer from intrinsic instability, leading to low yield, inconsistent size and structure, and susceptibility to agglomeration, oxidation, and sintering. We propose a novel concept: employing oxidized metal atomic clusters as dopants in oxygen-bearing materials, such as oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys, oxide-based cermets, and toughening ceramics. Using ODS alloy as a proof-of-concept, Ni-NiO coupled cluster-strengthened metallic Ni exhibits finer grains, a larger proportion of low-angle grain boundaries, higher geometrically necessary dislocation density, and achieves a 38% enhancement in Vickers hardness. To advance this concept, four critical scientific issues require resolution: oxidation control, disaggregation and dispersion, effectiveness comparison, and physicochemical behaviors and mechanisms. This work bridges the gap between atomic-level manufacturing and structural materials, offering a pathway to overcome the instability of metal clusters by leveraging their oxidation characteristics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3836-8
Flexible energy storage and harvesting devices, as core components of flexible electronic systems, have driven the transformation from external power supply to self-powering and from fixed forms to adaptive configurations, playing a pivotal role in wearable technology and the Internet of Things. MXenes, a class of two-dimensional transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, are promising candidates due to their excellent conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and tunable interfacial characteristics. Specifically, interfacial characteristics—surface energy, surface terminations, and interlayer spacing—decisively influence device performance. This review summarizes the influence of microcosmic interfacial characteristics on macroscopic properties, interfacial regulation strategies, and applications in flexible energy storage and harvesting. It concludes with challenges and perspectives for designing high-performance MXene-based energy devices. Key applications include flexible supercapacitors, batteries, and triboelectric nanogenerators. For instance, pillared Ti3C2 via CTAB pre-pillaring and Sn4+ pillaring regulates interlayer spacing, enhancing ion transport. The review integrates recent advances, such as MXene/nylon scaffolds for dendrite-free zinc anodes and MXene-bonded hard carbon films for sodium/potassium storage, demonstrating improved cycling stability and rate capability. The interfacial engineering strategies discussed provide a roadmap for overcoming stacking issues and achieving high energy density and mechanical robustness.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3736-8
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are porous crystalline materials assembled from organic building blocks via strong covalent bonds, offering well-defined pores, high surface area, and tunable properties for applications in gas storage, separation, catalysis, sensing, and energy conversion. However, conventional solvothermal synthesis requires high temperatures, long reaction times, and complex procedures, hindering scalability and increasing costs. Additionally, COFs are typically obtained as microcrystalline powders, limiting their direct use in flow processes. To overcome these barriers, a novel solid-state hot-pressing method was recently reported, enabling rapid synthesis of COF platelets with high crystallinity and porosity. This method involves applying pressure and heat simultaneously, reducing the energy barrier for monomer reactions and facilitating layer growth and stacking, as confirmed by density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations. The approach demonstrated versatility by synthesizing 15 distinct COFs, including imine-, hydrazone-, β-ketoenamine-, and imide-linked frameworks, a three-dimensional COF (COF-300), and a mixed-monomer COF, all within 0.5–5 minutes. Notably, a free-standing COF platelet of 200 cm² was fabricated, showcasing scalability. This strategy addresses the trade-offs among synthetic convenience, product quality, environmental impact, and scalability, positioning COFs for commercial viability.
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.
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.
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.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026021301
Lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) nanoparticles (NPs), generated during the lifecycle of LCO batteries via mechanical wear, pose respiratory health risks. This study systematically assessed LCO NPs' physicochemical properties, ion release, and immunotoxicity using multi-scale models. LCO NPs exhibited irregular morphology, layered crystal structure, good dispersion, and negative surface charge. Cobalt ion release was minimal: 1.03% in deionized water and 0.11% in cell culture medium. In vitro, LCO NPs significantly induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) in macrophages, promoting M1 polarization. In vivo, intranasal exposure caused dose-dependent pulmonary accumulation, alveolar destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration, and elevated cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of NF-κB, JAK-STAT, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways, implicating these in macrophage activation and inflammation amplification. This multi-level study elucidates LCO NPs' immunotoxicity mechanisms, providing a scientific basis for environmental health risk assessment and management of lithium-ion battery materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4079-4
Utilization of ultrahigh-nickel LiNi_xCo_yMn_1-x-yO_2 (NCM) (x > 0.97) in Li-ion batteries can distinctively boost energy density through enhanced discharge capacity. However, capacity and thermal stability deteriorate as Ni content approaches the limit. Here, we propose a facile strategy by introducing high-valence tungsten (W) into ultrahigh-nickel polycrystalline LiNi_0.98Co_0.01Mn_0.01O_2 (PCNCM98). W-doped PCNCM98 (W-PCNCM98) exhibits refined, compactly stacked primary particles, whereas PCNCM98 shows equiaxial, non-uniform larger particles. The refined microstructure enhances mechanical strength: average particle hardness of W-PCNCM98 is 104 MPa, 1.5 times higher than PCNCM98 (68 MPa). This improved mechanical property suppresses lattice volume changes and relieves microcrack formation from H2–H3 phase transition. Consequently, cycling performance in pouch-type full cells is significantly enhanced, with capacity retention of 73% after 2000 cycles at 1 C and 25 °C, 54% higher than PCNCM98. Enhanced structural stability and strong electron affinity of W6+ also improve thermal stability: exothermic peak for W-PCNCM98 is postponed to 203 °C with heat generation of 1287 J g−1, versus 190 °C and 1528 J g−1 for PCNCM98. This high-valent doping strategy stabilizes ultrahigh-nickel NCM cathodes, accelerating large-scale EV applications.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511046
To evaluate the carbon footprint differences between the emerging ex-situ remediation facility mode and the conventional on-site remediation mode in China, this study employed the SEFA tool to calculate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption for four typical remediation scenarios. Results indicate that the carbon emission intensity of solidification/stabilization (S/S) in the remediation facility is 12.00% higher than that of on-site S/S, with unit carbon intensities of 66.74 and 59.59 kgCO2e·m−3, respectively, and total energy consumption 11.90% higher. The soil transport segment in the facility S/S contributes 13% of carbon emissions, being the primary reason for its higher total carbon footprint. Conversely, thermal desorption (TD) in the facility exhibits 11.10% lower carbon emissions than on-site TD, with unit intensities of 269.16 and 302.78 kgCO2e·m−3, and total energy consumption 3.97% lower, mainly due to the utilization of landfill biogas as renewable energy for heat and power generation, while soil transport contributes only 3% of emissions. The reagent segment in S/S and the heat supply segment in TD account for 77%–86% and 70%–72% of total GHG emissions, respectively. The study demonstrates that remediation facilities, leveraging advantages such as landfill biogas, can actively aggregate contaminated soil from surrounding areas for centralized thermal desorption, which is beneficial for regional carbon emission reduction in soil remediation.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60664-0
The selective hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural (FAL) to high-value chemicals such as furfuryl alcohol (FOL) or tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (HFOL) is pivotal yet challenging due to the need for precise control over reaction pathways. In this study, a Ni2Al-LDO (layered double oxide) catalyst with highly dispersed surface NiO was synthesized via structural topological transformation of layered double hydroxides. The catalyst exhibited excellent performance in furfural hydrogenation, achieving a 91.42% yield of FOL at 160 °C and 1.4 MPa H2. Gradual reduction of Ni2Al-LDO produced Ni/NiO mixtures, enabling a tunable shift from FOL to HFOL as NiO content decreased and metallic Ni content increased. After reduction at 700 °C for 2 hours, the HFOL yield reached 93.95% under identical conditions. CO2-TPD, NH3-TPD, and FT-IR analyses revealed that variations in reduction degree influenced furfural adsorption behavior. NiO species selectively adsorb the C=O group of furfural, with isopropanol serving as the hydrogen source via the Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) pathway, yielding FOL. In contrast, metallic Ni0 surfaces facilitate flat adsorption, enabling simultaneous activation of both the furan ring and carbonyl group, and can activate both H2 and isopropanol, with H2 as the primary hydrogen source, leading to complete hydrogenation to HFOL. This work elucidates a clear structure-activity relationship centered on the metal oxidation state and provides a practical reduction-engineering approach for designing adaptable catalysts in biomass upgrading.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60662-7
Perovskite-type catalysts show promise for CO2 methanation, yet their low-temperature performance and mechanisms remain unclear. Here, a LaNiO3/CeO2 catalyst was synthesized via sol-gel and impregnation. In situ reduction decomposed the perovskite into highly dispersed Ni0 particles (average 12.6 nm) on CeO2, which provided abundant oxygen vacancies (Ce3+/(Ce3++Ce4+) = 9.2%) and weak/moderate basic sites. This synergy enhanced CO2 adsorption and activation. At 200–300 °C, the catalyst achieved ~100% CH4 selectivity and CO2 conversion up to 23.6% at 300 °C. Comparative studies with LaNiO3, LaCeNiO4, Ni/CeO2, and La-Ni/CeO2 revealed that the perovskite pre-structuration and in situ reduction optimize Ni dispersion and metal-support interactions, stabilizing Ni0 and tuning surface basicity and oxygen vacancies. This work provides a design strategy for efficient low-temperature CO2 methanation catalysts.