SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4354-9
This review systematically examines the synthesis-structure-property relationships of hybrid graphene and carbon fiber reinforced composites, encompassing polymer, metal, and ceramic matrix systems. The hybridization of graphene with carbon fibers addresses the intrinsic limitations of conventional composites, such as weak interfacial bonding and insufficient multifunctionality. The review consolidates recent advances in fabrication strategies, including electrophoretic deposition, layer-by-layer assembly, and precursor impregnation, which enable controlled graphene distribution and orientation. Critical analyses of mechanical, tribological, electrochemical, and anti-ablation properties reveal that graphene addition significantly enhances interfacial shear strength, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity. For instance, in copper matrix composites, the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide with short carbon fibers improves tribological performance, reducing wear rates under specific load conditions. In ceramic matrix composites, graphene-modified C/C-SiC composites exhibit superior anti-ablation resistance, with mass loss rates reduced by up to 30% at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, graphene-coated carbon fiber electrodes demonstrate high specific capacitance and cycling stability in energy storage applications. The review also addresses challenges such as dispersion uniformity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, proposing future directions for industrial adoption. By providing a comprehensive framework, this work guides the design of next-generation hybrid composites tailored for aerospace, automotive, and energy storage sectors.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4199-8
High-entropy borides (HEBs) represent an emerging class of high-entropy materials that have garnered significant attention as ultra-high-temperature ceramics (UHTCs). By leveraging the high configuration entropy effect, HEBs stabilize single-phase solid solutions, exhibiting a suite of properties unattainable in traditional binary borides. This review systematically consolidates research progress on HEBs, beginning with theoretical predictions and component design via first-principles methods. It then details typical HEB systems and principal synthesis techniques, including arc melting and spark plasma sintering. The core analysis evaluates the outstanding performance of HEBs, emphasizing exceptional mechanical properties such as ultra-high hardness and excellent fracture toughness, alongside high-temperature friction and wear behavior, and oxidation resistance. Finally, the review outlines application prospects in extreme environments like aerospace and cutting tools, while also addressing current challenges. The paper underscores the potential of HEBs to overcome the hardness-toughness trade-off inherent in conventional ceramics, driven by strong metal-boron hybridization. This comprehensive overview positions HEBs as promising candidates for next-generation thermal and mechanical protection systems, with future research directions focusing on optimizing compositions and processing to tailor properties for specific applications.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025100102
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants of concern in China, and drinking water is a major exposure pathway. This study investigated 17 PFAS in surface water from 12 drinking water sources along the Hubei section of the Yangtze River mainstream during dry, normal, and wet seasons. Total PFAS concentrations ranged from 10.84 to 41.05 ng/L (dry), nd to 62.60 ng/L (normal), and 6.77 to 29.00 ng/L (wet). Predominant compounds were PFBS, PFOA, PFHxA, PFBA, and PFOS. Lake-type sources exhibited significantly higher concentrations than river-type sources, and dry and normal seasons showed higher levels than wet season. Compared to other Chinese sources, PFAS levels in Hubei were moderate, with fluorochemical plant inputs and population density as likely influencing factors. Ecological and health risk assessments indicated acceptable risks. In four selected water supply systems, PFAS distribution from source to tap was examined; PFOA, PFBA, PFHxA, and PFBS were dominant, and secondary water supply did not significantly introduce or remove PFAS. Health risks from tap water were within acceptable limits.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608021
To address the significant increase in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its chemical component concentrations caused by the concentrated setting-off of fireworks and firecrackers during the Spring Festival in Yancheng City, this study introduced the Bayesian-optimized XGBoost model (BO-XGBoost) based on PM2.5, particulate component, and meteorological observation data. The model simulated non-setting-off baseline concentrations using meteorological factors as independent variables, enabling quantitative assessment of setting-off contributions. Results showed that the concentrated setting-off exerted significantly differentiated effects on various pollutants. Among water-soluble ions, K+ and Mg2+ were core characteristic tracers, with concentrations reaching 15.89 and 20.08 times baseline levels on Lunar New Year's Eve, directly reflecting high-intensity emissions. Secondary conversion ions such as SO4^2- and NO3^- showed sustained high contributions on both Lunar New Year's Eve and the fifth day of the first lunar month, reflecting cumulative effects of atmospheric chemical transformation. Among inorganic elements, K, Ba, and Sr were core characteristic tracers, with concentrations showing explosive growth on Lunar New Year's Eve, serving as direct fingerprints of fireworks. Elements such as Pb and Mn were also significantly affected, reflecting direct heavy metal emissions. Temporal comparisons indicated that emission intensity on Lunar New Year's Eve was significantly higher than on the fifth day, with increased proportional contribution of secondary conversion processes on the fifth day. The study achieved accurate quantification of setting-off contributions through a data-driven model, clarifying pollution fingerprint characteristics and temporal differentiation patterns, providing scientific basis for air quality management and policy optimization during the Spring Festival.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608028
Ship loading operations emit multi-component volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with complex composition, including methanol, dichloromethane, trichloroethylene, p-xylene, acrylonitrile, benzene, and acetonitrile. Under high-humidity marine conditions, treatment is challenging. This study systematically screened three molecular sieves with distinct pore sizes—ZSM-5, β-type, and HY—for selective adsorption of these seven VOCs at moisture contents of 0%, 2.5%, and 5%. Competitive adsorption in acrylonitrile/p-xylene mixtures was examined on ZSM-5-all-silica and HY-100. Results showed: (1) saturated adsorption capacity decreased with increasing moisture content, confirming water-VOC competition; higher Si/Al ratios enhanced hydrophobicity, with all-silica ZSM-5 exhibiting superior water resistance. (2) Selective adsorption followed pore size matching: ZSM-5 (0.54–0.56 nm) suited C1–C3 small molecules (10–50 mg/g); β-type (1.1–1.2 nm) showed best universality for C3–C6; HY (2.16–2.76 nm) favored C8 molecules like p-xylene (100–120 mg/g). (3) Optimizing molecular sieve proportion and layered arrangement balanced adsorption capacities across components, significantly prolonging breakthrough time. The optimal configuration placed ZSM-5 in the upper layer and HY in the lower layer. Molecular sieves also exhibited good thermal stability and regenerability. This study provides technical support for efficient treatment of multi-component VOCs from ship loading operations.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60690-1
Methane cracking driven by electric power holds significant promise in the context of the rapid development of renewable energy. The effects of carrier gas ratio, input power, and inlet gas flow rate on CH4 cracking performance were systematically investigated in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. The variation of temperature distribution and reaction energy intensity were also examined. The experimental results indicate that CH4 conversion and gaseous product formation are promoted by increasing the DBD input power or decreasing the inlet gas flow rate. At an input power of 90 W and an inlet gas flow rate of 200 mL/min, the single-pass CH4 conversion reaches 46.6%, with an H2 yield of 23.3%, demonstrating that CH4 cracking is governed by electron induced reactions. While the Joule heating from the inner and outer electrodes is relatively limited. The reaction energy intensity increases as the CH4 conversion decreases. When the inlet gas flow rate increases from 200 to 800 mL/min, the energy intensity rises by approximately 2.8 times, indicating that higher inlet gas flow rates enhance the convective heat transfer and shorten the gas residence time, thereby suppressing deep CH4 cracking. Moreover, BOLSIG+ calculations further reveal that CH4 activation is dominated by electron induced vibrational excitation, in which stepwise energy accumulation drives C–H bond dissociation. The energy transfer and species transformation pathways of overall CH4 cracking process, which comprises electron energy injection, vibrational excitation, stepwise dissociation, radical chain extension, and final product formation, can be summarized into three stages, i.e. methane activation, radical evolution, and product formation.