Nano Research Energy•2026•DOI: 10.26599/NRE.2025.9120181
Solid-state lithium metal batteries (SLMBs) demand quasi-solid polymer electrolytes (QSSPEs) that simultaneously deliver high ionic conductivity, interfacial stability, and oxidative resistance. This study reports a QSSPE membrane (MP46) formulated with MG30:LiTFSI:succinonitrile at a 10:4:6 weight ratio, exhibiting a wide electrochemical window of 5.1 V. Complementary infrared spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and electron microscopy reveal a hierarchical ionic conductive network consisting of sphere-like nanostructures embedded within microphase-segregated architectures. This morphology enhances lithium-ion transport while preserving mechanical integrity. The strong interfacial adhesion between MP46 and lithium metal enables stable lithium plating and stripping for over 800 h at 0.2 mA·cm–2, effectively mitigating dendrite formation. When paired with LiFePO4 and LiCoO2 cathodes, MP46 sustains prolonged cycling, retaining 80.1% capacity after 1400 cycles at 2 C and 92.1% after 200 cycles at 4.5 V, respectively. Pouch-type cells further demonstrate mechanical flexibility and operational safety under deformation. These results establish MP46 as a viable candidate for stable high-energy-density SLMBs, offering fundamental insights into the design of next-generation polymer electrolytes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4238-2
Infrared nonlinear optical (IR NLO) materials are critical for laser frequency conversion, yet their performance is often constrained by a trade-off between second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency and laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT). Here, we report a new ternary diamond-like compound, AlGaS3, which successfully balances these competing demands. AlGaS3 crystallizes in a noncentrosymmetric structure composed of wide HOMO-LUMO gap [AlS4] tetrahedra and NLO-active [GaS4] tetrahedra. The compound exhibits a wide experimental optical band gap of approximately 3.38 eV, which is significantly larger than that of the benchmark AgGaS2 (AGS, ~2.70 eV). This wide band gap contributes to a high laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of approximately 6.0 times that of AGS, as determined by powder-based measurements. Notably, AlGaS3 also demonstrates a phase-matching SHG response of approximately 0.5 times that of AGS at a fundamental wavelength of 2.09 μm, with particle size-dependent behavior confirming phase-matchability. The combination of wide band gap, high LIDT, and moderate SHG response positions AlGaS3 as a promising candidate for high-power IR NLO applications. This work provides a viable strategy for designing IR NLO materials with enhanced laser damage resistance by incorporating wide-gap tetrahedral units.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4176-y
Three-photon microscopy (3PM) in the near-infrared-III (NIR-III) window (1600–1840 nm) enables high-resolution visualization of cerebral vasculature in vivo, but its imaging depth and quality are limited by the performance of fluorescent probes. Here, we report a probe optimization strategy transitioning from mirror symmetry to centrosymmetry, yielding a highly symmetric aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecule, T4PQ. The centrosymmetric structure aligns donor-acceptor units, promoting uniform electron cloud delocalization and directional charge transfer, which enhances exciton formation and suppresses non-radiative decay, thereby increasing fluorescence quantum yield. This symmetry also boosts the three-photon absorption cross-section by enhancing electron delocalization and transition dipole moment, enabling stronger nonlinear optical responses under long-wavelength excitation. T4PQ nanoparticles (T4PQ NPs) exhibit an enhanced three-photon absorption cross-section, high fluorescence quantum yield, and excellent photostability. In murine models, T4PQ NPs achieved three-dimensional cerebrovascular imaging at a depth of 1785 μm and real-time hemodynamic observation in microvessels at 1006 μm depth, with good biocompatibility. These results validate the advantage of centrosymmetric molecular design for deep-brain imaging probes, offering a high-performance tool for neurovascular research.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4112-6
Radiostrontium remediation is crucial for ecological protection and sustainable development of nuclear energy. However, efficient removal of 90Sr from complex radioactive liquid waste, especially under acidic conditions, remains challenging due to material instability and intense proton competition. Herein, the rapid and highly selective capture of Sr2+ in neutral and even acidic solutions has been achieved by a layered potassium phosphatoantimonate KSbP2O8 with excellent radiation and thermal stability. Under neutral conditions, it possesses high maximum adsorption capacity (qmSr = 110.25 mg g−1), rapid adsorption kinetics (the removal rate (RSr) of 91.54% within 30 min), and excellent selectivity for Sr2+, and facile regeneration. Particularly, even under acidic conditions (pH 2.0), KSbP2O8 still maintains excellent Sr2+ removal capacity (qmSr = 79.38 mg g−1), fast kinetics, and high selectivity. A mechanism study by multiple characterizations reveals that the efficient Sr2+ removal of KSbP2O8 mainly stems from ion exchange between Sr2+ and interlayer K+ in KSbP2O8, which is attributed to the synergy between the Sb5+-induced Brønsted acidity and the high charge density of the anionic framework. This study demonstrates the exceptional capability of phosphatoantimonates to selectively capture Sr2+ under acidic conditions, highlighting the potential of phosphatoantimonates as effective scavengers for radiostrontium remediation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4322-4
Ultrafast scintillators with low-nanosecond emission are essential for next-generation high-rate X-ray and particle imaging. Although Ce3+-activated scintillators inherently exhibit fast response characteristics, conventional Ce3+-doped hosts rarely achieve low-nanosecond ultrafast decay. Here, we report a high-entropy fluoride scintillator (HEFS), Ce:LaGdCaSrBaF12 (Ce:LGCSB), in the form of bulk single crystals. The severe lattice distortion arising from multi-cation disorder induces exciton localization and effectively suppresses exciton diffusion. Through the rapid relaxation of localized excitons, the high-entropy Ce:LGCSB single crystals deliver a decay time of 1.23 ns with a 94.6% fast-component contribution and without any noticeable slow component. Through first-principles calculations, spectroscopic characterization, and transient dynamics analysis, we reveal that the ultrafast response originates from accelerated Frenkel exciton (FE) recombination enabled by the high-entropy environment. This work establishes entropy-engineered fluorides as promising ultrafast scintillator platforms and proposes a general strategy for extending sluggish diffusion effects to the excitonic scale, offering new opportunities for improving scintillation timing performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3642-4
High-density glass scintillators are promising alternatives to crystals for next-generation radiation detection due to their low cost, excellent physical and chemical stability, and processability. In this study, a series of Ce3+-activated gadolinium gallium borosilicate (GGBS x) glasses were synthesized via vacuum melt-quenching. With increasing Gd2O3 content, glass density increased from 5.86 to 6.05 g/cm3, and molar volume from 36.43 to 39.79 cm3/mol. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis revealed that in GGBS 1 glass, Ce3+ exclusively adopts a hexahedral [CeO6] configuration, while Gd3+ exhibits both hexahedral and octahedral coordination with a bond length of 2.35±0.1 Å and Debye-Waller factor σ2 of 0.0122±0.0015 Å2. As Gd2O3 content increased, shallow trap depth rose from 0.804 to 0.858 eV, while deep trap depth first increased from 0.948 to 1.434 eV then decreased to 1.010 eV. GGBS 1 glass exhibited high transmittance (~80%) in the visible range and a photoluminescence quantum yield of 78.4%. Under X-ray irradiation, its X-ray excited luminescence intensity reached 128.5% of that of Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) crystal, with a spatial resolution of 29.1 lp/mm, approaching the highest reported for glass scintillators. Under γ-ray excitation, it achieved a light yield of 1058 photons/MeV and an energy resolution of 23.7% at 662 keV. These results indicate that GGBS 1 glass scintillator warrants further development for applications in X-ray imaging and γ-ray spectroscopy.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3682-6
Metal single-atoms with optimized coordination structure on highly accessible substrate can maximize the metal utilization efficiency along with enhancing catalytic activities. Herein, axial nitrogen-coordinated Fe-N5 sites on N-doped carbon (denoted as FeN5@N-C) hollow microplates are fabricated via a unique Fe3+-chelated polydopamine assisted hollowing strategy using ZIF-L microplates as multifunctional templates. Due to the powerful chelating and adhesive ability of polydopamine, this hollow-carbon strategy can be extended to fabricate single-atom Fe-N-C hollow structures with different shapes and encapsulate other transition-metal single atoms (Ni, Co, Mn, and Cu) into the N-doped carbon hollow microplates. The FeN5@N-C hollow microplates exhibit outstanding oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) capability with an impressive half-wave potential of 0.93 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode and high stability, which can serve as air-cathode catalysts for high-performance Zn-air batteries with high peak power density of 225.3 mW cm−2 and stable cyclability of up to 400 h. Comprehensive analysis and theoretical calculations elucidate that axial nitrogen coordination in Fe-N5 catalytic sites, unlike the planar Fe-N4 configuration, can compete well with the bonding of OH* through additional 3d-2p orbital hybridization, thereby giving moderate bonding strength to enhance the ORR activity.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3695-8
Sulfur-based lithium-ion batteries, particularly those employing sulfurized poly(acrylonitrile) (SPAN) cathodes and graphite (Gr) anodes, offer high theoretical capacity and low cost but suffer from temperature-dependent capacity decay. This study systematically investigates the electrochemical dynamics and capacity decay mechanism of SPAN||Gr pouch cells cycled at 25–55 °C. Multiscale analyses reveal that capacity fade arises from active lithium loss and increased resistance, both accelerated by higher temperatures. Active lithium loss is primarily attributed to dead lithium formation and thickening of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI), while resistance increase is predominantly due to SEI/CEI thickening. As temperature rises, active lithium loss becomes the dominant decay factor. Leveraging the consistent decay mechanism across temperatures, an accelerated aging model based on the Arrhenius equation is developed: y = 0.9x + a. This model accurately predicts cycling parameters at specific temperatures and reduces testing time by 50% when extrapolating from 55 °C to 25 °C. These insights provide critical guidance for developing long-life sulfur-based batteries for practical energy storage applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3671-0
Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a non-invasive tumor treatment that offers controllability, non-drug resistance, and precise ablation, yet its efficacy is limited by uncontrolled heat diffusion and weak immune responses, often leading to metastasis. Here, we report a chondroitin sulfate-modified Prussian blue-montmorillonite immunoregulator (PM@CS) that integrates tumor cell adhesion and Golgi targeting to confine photothermal damage at the organelle level. PM@CS accumulates on the Golgi apparatus, reducing heat transfer distance and enhancing photothermal ablation. This targeted hyperthermia disrupts post-translational modification and secretion of metastasis-associated proteins, with GOLPH3 and GOLM1 expression reduced by 63.4% and 70.3%, respectively. Furthermore, PM@CS promotes dendritic cell maturation (3.3-fold increase in CD80+ and CD86+ populations) and enhances antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation, attributed to the immunoadjuvant properties of montmorillonite. Notably, PM@CS upregulates voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV) and enhances Ca2+ influx, activating calcium signaling cascades that amplify immunotherapy. This synergistic approach inhibits primary tumor growth and lung metastasis, offering a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3919-0
Nuclear energy is critical for sustainable economic development and achieving carbon neutrality. With only about 6.14 million tons of terrestrial uranium, sufficient for ~70 years of global nuclear power plant operation, the recovery of uranium from seawater and spent fuel is essential for long-term nuclear fuel supply. The ocean contains approximately 4.5 billion tons of uranium, which could sustain nuclear power for ~2000 years if efficiently extracted. However, seawater uranium extraction faces significant challenges due to the extremely low uranium concentration (~3.3 ppb), high concentrations of competing ions, natural organic matter, and marine biofouling. This perspective reviews representative laboratory advances, including sulfonated covalent organic frameworks (S-COF) achieving a sorption capacity of 31.5 mg/(g·day) with high selectivity, amidoxime-based organic cages with a capacity of 11.97 mg/g over 30 days, and a micro-redox reactor strategy that continuously regenerates binding sites. Electrochemical methods have also shown promise for converting soluble U(VI) to insoluble U(IV) oxides. Despite these advances, the transition from laboratory powders to durable marine materials remains problematic. Key gaps include the need for antibacterial properties, mechanical stability under wave action, cost competitiveness with terrestrial mining, and environmental safety of nanomaterials. Artificial intelligence (AI) is proposed to accelerate the design of high-performance, stable materials. This perspective emphasizes the necessity for interdisciplinary research to bridge the gap between bench-scale innovations and practical ocean deployment.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507032
To mitigate global warming, regional carbon neutrality pathways are critical. Based on the Guangdong Energy Policy Simulator (EPS) model, this study simulates total energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under baseline, Carbon Neutral 60 (CN60), and Carbon Neutral 50 (CN50) scenarios, and analyzes the emission reduction effects and costs of various energy policies. Results show that by 2060, total energy consumption under CN60 and CN50 decreases by 39% and 44% relative to baseline, respectively. Primary electricity and other energy, natural gas, oil, and coal account for 56%, 26%, 14%, and 4% under CN60, and 60%, 24%, 13%, and 3% under CN50. GHG emissions under CN60 drop to 80×10^6 tCO2e by 2060, an 89% reduction from 2020; under CN50, emissions reach 92 and 55×10^6 tCO2e in 2050 and 2060, respectively, reductions of 87% and 92% from 2020. Policies such as increasing clean electricity share, industrial electrification (hydrogen), increasing green power purchases, building electrification, F-gas reduction, and improving industrial energy efficiency standards show significant reduction effects, with clean electricity share being the primary source. Policies like improving industrial energy efficiency standards, increasing industrial product utilization, and increasing clean energy vehicle market penetration are cost-effective; increasing clean electricity share, green power purchases, building electrification, and F-gas reduction effectively balance reduction effects and costs. Industrial electrification (hydrogen) contributes >5% cumulative reduction but faces economic challenges for full-scale promotion in the short term; industrial carbon capture and storage and electrolytic hydrogen contribute <2% cumulative reduction with high costs. Therefore, Guangdong should prioritize cost-effective policies, promote balanced policies, gradually optimize energy structure, achieve clean electricity, and foster green industrial transformation to achieve carbon neutrality at lower economic cost.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60600-1
The service life of refractory bricks in the slag tapping hole of entrained-flow gasifiers is a critical bottleneck for long-term stable operation. This study investigated the damage mechanism of high chromia refractories in four commercial coal-water slurry gasifiers by analyzing gasification coal samples and corroded refractory bricks. Slag characteristics, including crystallization and viscosity-temperature behavior, were evaluated. Results revealed that low-viscosity slag induces more severe refractory damage. To mitigate slag crystallization risk, a safe slag tapping temperature range is recommended as tICT−t2.5 when tICT exceeds t25. Interior morphology of corroded bricks exhibited cracks, primarily attributed to molten slag penetration and subsequent reactions with refractory material. SEM-EDS analysis of slag-aggregate and slag-matrix interfaces identified reduction in Cr2O3 content as the earliest damage characteristic. XRD detected no zirconium-containing spinel in cracks, indicating that thermal expansion mismatch between newly formed phases and the refractory matrix drives crack propagation. A damage mechanism is proposed: initial Cr2O3 depletion compromises both matrix and aggregate, facilitating slag ingress and new phase formation, ultimately leading to structural failure. Early detection or prevention of Cr2O3 reduction is essential to prolong refractory service life.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3856-0
Replacing the kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with biomass oxidation at photoanodes offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient route for simultaneous hydrogen production and value-added chemical synthesis in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. Here, titanium-doped hematite nanorods (Hem) decorated with CoNi bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) were prepared via room-temperature deposition and employed as photoanodes for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation. Using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) as a redox mediator in alkaline electrolyte, the CoNi-ZIF/Hem photoanode achieved a photocurrent density of 1.09 mA cm−2 at a low bias of 1.1 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that CoNi-ZIF accelerates charge transfer and separation, and enhances TEMPO adsorption on the surface, benefiting PEC TEMPO-mediated HMF oxidation to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). In a flow-cell reactor under 1 sun illumination, the photoanode achieved ~99% HMF conversion and ~98% FDCA yield within 2 hours. The photoanode also exhibited excellent performance for TEMPO-mediated oxidation of various aldehyde-containing biomass-derived compounds. This work demonstrates a rational design of hematite-based photoanodes for efficient biomass valorization coupled with hydrogen production.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61103-1
Flexible pressure sensors that simultaneously achieve high sensitivity, mechanical strength, and long-term stability remain challenging, particularly for biomass-derived carbon aerogels that are intrinsically brittle and prone to structural collapse. Here, we report a bidirectionally frozen carbon aerogel reinforced with tetrapod ZnO whiskers (T-ZnOWs) for high-performance pressure sensing. The aerogel is composed of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets (NCs), and T-ZnOWs, which are reorganized into a mechanically stable, parallel lamellar structure via bidirectional freezing. T-ZnOWs act as rigid interlayer pillars, bridging adjacent carbon lamellae to form a 'layer-support' structure that enables efficient directional stress transfer, suppresses interlayer slippage, and promotes cooperative deformation. The nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets introduce defect-rich conductive paths, enhancing piezoresistive response. Due to modulus mismatch between the supports and carbon layers, applied stress concentrates at layer/support interfaces, generating localized high-stress regions that amplify electrical signal changes. The aerogel is infiltrated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form a conformal elastic encapsulating layer, improving durability. The resulting sensor exhibits a high gauge factor of 34.4, an ultrahigh sensitivity of 248.41 kPa−1 over a broad pressure range (0–19 kPa), fast response (24 ms) and recovery (69 ms) times, and stable operation over 5000 loading–unloading cycles. The sensor reliably detects physiological signals and joint motions, demonstrating potential for wearable and intelligent sensing applications. This work provides a strategy to improve the mechanical reliability and sensing performance of biomass-derived carbon aerogels.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605016
BiOX (X=Cl, Br, I) photocatalytic materials were synthesized via a chemical precipitation method. Their structures and properties were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Results showed that BiOBr exhibits a flower-like nanomicrosphere structure composed of nanosheets, providing a more three-dimensional morphology, larger specific surface area, and moderate light absorption range, resulting in superior visible light absorption. Consequently, BiOBr demonstrated the best photocatalytic degradation of NO under xenon lamp irradiation. The study further investigated the effects of light intensity, NO flow rate, and oxygen presence on the NO degradation performance of BiOBr. Optimal NO removal rate of 58% was achieved under conditions of a light source distance of 15 cm, NO flow rate of 15 mL/min, and in the presence of oxygen. The degradation rate constant for BiOBr was 11×10⁻⁴ min⁻¹, significantly higher than that of BiOCl and BiOI. BiOBr also exhibited good reusability and stability. These findings provide an important experimental basis for the application of BiOBr in the photocatalytic degradation of NO.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3850-3
Chiral nanomaterials have attracted considerable attention for antibacterial applications due to their unique chiroptical properties. Here, we report a novel spatiotemporally precise synergistic photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) strategy using circularly polarized light (CPL)-activated chiral molybdenum-doped carbon dots (L-Mo-CDs and D-Mo-CDs). These chiral carbon dots were synthesized using chiral tartaric acid as a precursor. Notably, D-Mo-CDs selectively respond to left-handed CPL (LCP), while L-Mo-CDs respond to right-handed CPL (RCP). Under CPL irradiation, D-Mo-CDs exhibit enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and a higher photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to L-Mo-CDs. In vitro antibacterial assays demonstrate that D-Mo-CDs possess excellent bactericidal efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In vivo wound healing studies in a mouse model reveal remarkable therapeutic efficacy, attributed to reduced inflammation, accelerated angiogenesis, and enhanced collagen deposition. This work introduces a paradigm for utilizing chiral carbon dots in precision antibacterial therapy, addressing the limitations of conventional chiral nanomaterials such as poor biocompatibility and low photothermal conversion. The findings underscore the potential of metal-doped chiral carbon dots for advanced biomedical applications, offering a spatiotemporally controllable approach to combat bacterial infections without promoting resistance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3835-0
The development of high-performance CO2 separation membranes is critical for advancing carbon capture technologies. Two-dimensional (2D) material membranes, with tunable interlayer nanochannels functionalized by nanomaterials (e.g., metal ions), are promising for CO2 capture. However, achieving uniform nanomaterial distribution without compromising separation performance remains a challenge. Here, we propose a multifunctional molecular immobilization strategy to fabricate a metal ion intercalated graphene oxide (GO) membrane with enhanced CO2 capture performance. The multifunctional molecule sodium p-aminobenzenesulfonate (SPABS) enables in situ and uniform distribution of Na+ in the interlayer channels of the GO membrane. The amino groups of SPABS undergo nucleophilic addition reactions with epoxy groups on GO sheets, resulting in stable interlayer channels. Meanwhile, the hydrophilic sulfonic acid groups enhance water adsorption capacity in the GO interlayer channels, synergizing with Na+ to form active sites that facilitate fast and selective transport of CO2 over N2. The resulting membrane exhibits enhanced CO2 capture performance. A large-sized membrane (15 cm × 20 cm) fabricated by scalable blade-casting shows reproducible performance. This work provides insights and a tool for tailoring nanochannels of 2D material membranes for molecular separation.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509093
Amid intensifying global warming, carbon emission reduction and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) have become central to climate governance. In March 2023, the European Commission proposed the Green Claims Directive (GCD) to combat greenwashing and enhance the reliability, comparability, and verifiability of environmental claims. The GCD, together with the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive, the Carbon Removal Certification Framework, and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards, forms a policy cluster supporting the EU's green transition and CDR deployment. China, as a major greenhouse gas emitter, has made progress in renewable energy and national carbon market construction, yet its total emissions remain high, CDR technologies are nascent, and CCUS deployment is economically oriented, mainly in enhanced oil recovery. This study systematically reviews the legislative background, core objectives, and synergistic logic of the GCD and related policies, focusing on requirements for CDR certification, third-party verification, and carbon credit regulation. It compares Chinese and EU carbon markets in coverage, allowance allocation, and MRV systems. The analysis indicates that EU experience in policy integration, technical standardization, and market maturity can inform China's policy framework, technology pathways, and market efficiency, supporting large-scale CDR and the 'dual carbon' goals.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509020
The AAOA-MBR (anaerobic-anoxic-oxic-anoxic membrane bioreactor) process is widely used in municipal wastewater treatment, but its multi-stage internal recirculation complicates sludge retention time (SRT) and carbon source distribution. This study systematically regulated three reflux ratios (R1: membrane tank to oxic tank; R2: oxic tank to anoxic I tank; R3: anoxic II tank to anaerobic tank) in a pilot-scale system (0.24 m3·d−1) to reveal their effects on nutrient removal and membrane fouling. When R1:R2:R3 = 300%:200%:100%, effluent COD, TN, TP, and NH3-N met discharge standards. Reducing R1 and R2, thereby decreasing total reflux ratio from R=6 to R=3, shortened SRT, which suppressed nitrifier accumulation and increased effluent COD and TN, but decreased TP. High-throughput sequencing of anoxic I and oxic tanks showed that denitrifying bacteria (Thauera and Ottowia) relative abundances decreased from 0.68% to 0.42% and 0.51% to 0.24%, respectively, while the phosphorus-accumulating organism Candidatus_Accumulibacter increased from 0.78% to 1.12%, enhancing phosphorus removal. Additionally, lowering R1 to 200% caused sludge accumulation in the membrane tank, exacerbating membrane fouling. Thus, internal recirculation ratios must be adjusted based on influent characteristics to balance nutrient removal and membrane performance.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60611-6
Rapid and accurate determination of coal properties is critical for process optimization, quality control, and supply chain management in the coal industry. This study integrates near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with machine learning algorithms to develop a fast and reliable framework for predicting coal components. Five algorithms—support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), temporal convolutional network (TCN), one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN), and gated recurrent unit (GRU)—were employed for regression modeling. Among these, the TCN model achieved the lowest mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.505, while the RF model exhibited the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.618, indicating robust predictive accuracy on the test set. The TCN model also demonstrated superior generalization with the lowest coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.042. Single-output models revealed differential performance: TCN was optimal for ash content prediction, while RF excelled for fixed carbon and low calorific value. Considering model parameters, computation time, and accuracy, RF, 1D CNN, and TCN were identified as the most efficient. SHAP value analysis identified key spectral peaks influencing predictions, with peak 52 (1141.35–1157.65 nm) showing the highest impact across all models. Distinct peaks were associated with specific components: peak 46 (1173.89–1179.23 nm) for ash, peak 18 (1382.19–1388.10 nm) for moisture, and peaks 5 and 28 (1914.79–1920.46 nm and 1267.38–1270.48 nm) for fixed carbon. This research provides a novel method for rapid coal testing and offers insights applicable to component analysis in other fields.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60649-4
To achieve efficient conversion of lignin-derived phenolic compounds into high-value hydrocarbon fuels, a series of NiCo bimetallic catalysts with N-doped biochar and Al2O3 composite supports (NiCo/NC-Al2O3) were designed and synthesized. Comprehensive characterizations (XRD, TEM, XPS, H2-TPD) revealed the superior catalytic activity in the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin-derived phenolic compounds. The optimized Ni8Co2/NC-Al2O3 catalyst exhibited good metal dispersion and excellent hydrogen dissociation adsorption capacity. Under mild reaction conditions (240°C, 1 MPa H2, 4 h), it achieved complete conversion of guaiacol and 99.9% selectivity to cyclohexane, significantly outperforming monometallic Ni10/NC-Al2O3 and Co10/NC-Al2O3 catalysts. Comparative studies indicated a synergistic effect between Ni and Co, where the introduction of Co effectively promoted aromatic ring hydrogenation and C−O bond cleavage. The catalyst maintained high activity after four reuse cycles, demonstrating outstanding structural stability. This study elucidates the regulatory mechanism of the Ni-Co synergistic effect on catalytic performance, providing new insights for the development of efficient non-noble metal HDO catalysts.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606008
Resin-enhanced electrosorption for water treatment significantly improves ion adsorption efficiency and selectivity through synergistic effects, making it a research hotspot in the water treatment field. This technology provides an innovative solution to the bottlenecks of kinetic lag and insufficient selectivity by modulating electrode-solution interface behavior in multiple dimensions. Current technological advances include the following: a simple integration method enables desalination efficiency to exceed 92.3%; resin-coated composite electrodes eliminate the co-ion effect and achieve a 42% increase in total salt adsorption capacity; resin-derived porous carbon electrodes with tunable pore structures possess three to five times the adsorption capacity of commercially available activated carbon; and by enhancing solution convection and electrophoretic convection, the resin-filling strategy achieves a high desalination rate of (670 ± 20) mg/(L·h). Studies have demonstrated that different material combinations can achieve targeted optimization of adsorption performance based on specific water quality characteristics. Future research directions may focus on: developing intelligent resin materials with electromagnetic responsiveness; constructing a multi-scale structural design theory for resin-electrode systems; and establishing a cross-scale model integrating electrochemistry, fluid dynamics, and interface science for comprehensive analysis. In particular, in-depth studies are needed on the dynamic behavior of resin-based flow electrodes under electric/magnetic field regulation, as well as the precise construction of catalytic sites on the resin surface. This review aims to promote the widespread application and efficient practice of this technology in water treatment, providing a theoretical foundation and scientific basis for the future development of high-efficiency, selective, and stable electrosorption technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3869-7
Iontronic capacitive pressure sensors (ICPSs) are pivotal for wearable technology, yet their performance is constrained by an inherent trade-off between sensitivity and detection range. Here, we introduce a micro-electric double layer (micro-EDL) engineering strategy to overcome this limitation. This is realized through a nanocomposite dielectric where multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) form a percolated network, generating a dense array of pressure-responsive nano-capacitors. Synergistically integrating a hierarchical MoS2/NiCo-LDH electrode provides abundant pseudocapacitive interfaces. The resulting sensor exhibits an ultrahigh sensitivity of 67,095 kPa−1 at 1 kHz, a broad detection range up to 1.3 MPa, rapid response and recovery times of 4 ms and 5 ms, respectively, and outstanding durability exceeding 18,000 cycles. Practical validation demonstrates 100% classification accuracy in recognizing complex gestures and gait patterns, underscoring its real-world applicability. These findings establish micro-EDL engineering as a promising route for advancing next-generation iontronic devices, offering insights into their electrochemical mechanisms.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-3961-8
This correction addresses an inadvertent misplacement of Fig. 4b3 during figure reorganization in the original article published in Science China Materials, volume 65, issue 10, 2022, page 2850 (DOI: 10.1007/s40843-022-2024-6). The corrected Fig. 4b is presented herein. The authors confirm that this correction does not affect the results, conclusions, text, or figure caption of the original work. The correction was requested by the authors and received on 6 January 2026, accepted on 8 January 2026, and published online on 10 February 2026. The original study introduced flexible electrostatic hydrogels derived from marine organisms for nitric oxide-enhanced photodynamic therapy against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. The correction ensures the accurate representation of experimental data, maintaining the integrity of the scientific record.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025051307
This study investigates the ionic concentration characteristics and sources of atmospheric precipitation in Changsha, China, based on samples collected from December 2019 to November 2021. The total dissolved solids (TDS) in precipitation ranged from 51.71 to 813.40 μeq·L−1, with a volume-weighted mean (VWM) concentration of 245.58 μeq·L−1. The VWM ionic concentrations followed the order: Ca2+ > SO4^2− > NO3^− > HCO3^− > K+ > Na+ > Cl− > Mg2+. Ca2+ and SO4^2− together accounted for 55.76% of the total ionic mass. Seasonal variation of total ionic concentration was highest in winter and lowest in spring, following the order winter > autumn > summer > spring. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations between SO4^2− and NO3^− (r = 0.78) and between Ca2+ and Mg2+ (r = 0.70), suggesting common sources. Principal component analysis and enrichment factor (EF) analysis indicated that SO4^2− and NO3^− predominantly originated from anthropogenic activities, with contribution rates of 99.5% and 95.4%, respectively, likely from coal combustion and industrial emissions. Ca2+ and K+ were mainly terrestrial, with contribution rates of 99.2% and 98.3%, respectively, from soil and biomass burning. Mg2+ had dual sources: 68.8% terrestrial and 31.2% marine. Cl− exhibited an EFmarine of 0.74 and EFsoil of 50.20, indicating a dominant marine source contributing 98% of its input. These findings provide a scientific basis for understanding regional atmospheric pollution and supporting environmental management strategies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4025-y
Gd3+-sensitized Tb3+-based glasses are high light-yield scintillators. Energy transfer sensitization between Gd3+ and Tb3+ is well-recognized. Gd3+ ions are also found to typically modulate the interionic distances of Tb3+ ions; however, the mechanism why this effect enhances the latter’s photoluminescence still remains unclear. This work focuses on Gd3+, Tb3+ co-doped La2O3-B2O3-SiO2 (LBSO), first demonstrating Tb3+ clusters via spectroscopy. LBSO’s optimal Tb3+ single-doping concentration is 37%, rising to 50% with 20% Gd3+. The LBSO:20%Gd3+,50%Tb3+ sample exhibits a 542 nm emission intensity 2.22 times that of the 37%Tb3+ single-doped sample, 38% scintillation efficiency (vs. BGO), and >20 lp mm−1 X-ray resolution. The introduction of Gd3+ increases the interionic distance between Tb3+ ions within the clusters, thereby suppressing the concentration quenching effect and enhancing the fluorescence emission. We propose this mechanism as “cluster-dispersion sensitization effect”. This effect was further confirmed in other glass systems (LBSO:Lu3+, Tb3+, LBSO:Y3+, Tb3+, Bi-based:Lu3+, Tb3+, etc.). Spectroscopic analysis shows Gd3+-Tb3+ energy transfer efficiency up to 80%. In conclusion, Gd3+ synergistically enhances Tb3+ fluorescence via both effects. These findings not only fully elucidate the sensitization mechanism of Gd3+ ions in Gd3+, Tb3+ co-doped scintillating glasses but also provide new insights for researching the manipulation of activator ion clusters in luminescent materials. In search for novel scintillators, cluster-dispersion sensitization effect may greatly improve their spatial resolution via intrinsic architectures design in glasses, ceramics, thin films, and nanoparticles.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3939-4
Broadband near-infrared (NIR) phosphors with longer wavelengths are critically needed for deep-tissue biomedical imaging and other emerging applications. However, the detailed mechanism of Mn2+-activated NIR emission remains elusive. Guided by the nephelauxetic effect theory, sulfide phosphors with strong covalent bonding are promising for achieving long-wavelength Mn2+ luminescence. This work reports a series of M(Ga, In)2S4:Mn2+ (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) phosphors featuring strong crystal field environments, and for the first time the luminescence behaviors of Mn2+-doped MIn2S4 (M = Sr, Ba). Preferential site occupancy leads to significant differences between MGa2S4:Mn2+ (M = Ca, Sr) and MIn2S4:Mn2+ (M = Sr, Ba) despite the same crystal structure. Severe polyhedral distortion enhances ultrawideband deep-red to NIR luminescence (600–850 nm, FWHM ≈ 123–257 nm), far superior to similar materials. Fabricated pc-LED devices demonstrate excellent vascular imaging and plant illumination capabilities. This study provides new insights into the NIR luminescence of isolated Mn2+.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3892-2
Single-atom co-catalysts on semiconductor substrates offer a cost-efficient route to enhance photocatalytic performance with minimal precious metal loading. However, precise tuning of local coordination environments and construction of efficient single-atom co-catalysts remain challenging for overall water splitting. Here, we employ an icing-assisted photochemical reduction strategy to anchor atomically dispersed Pt species as hydrogen evolution co-catalysts on Al3+-doped SrTiO3 (Pt SA-STO). The optimized Pt SA-STO exhibits remarkable activity, with hydrogen and oxygen evolution rates of 13.62 and 6.71 mmol h−1 g−1, respectively, and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 2114.5 h−1. We pioneer the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to quantitatively track the temporal evolution of Pt4+ to Pt2+ under continuous irradiation during the icing-assisted photoreduction. Advanced characterizations and theoretical calculations confirm that single-atom Pt co-catalysts facilitate directional transfer and extraction of photogenerated charge carriers, effectively suppressing surface recombination. This work provides insights into designing novel single-atom co-catalysts by deepening understanding of electronic configurations and active sites in photocatalytic overall water splitting.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3989-4
Organic-inorganic hybrid metal halides (OIMHs) based on Cu(I) ions exhibit broad application prospects in stimulus-responsive luminescent materials due to their rich structural diversity and highly adjustable electronic states. However, achieving sensitive and broad-temperature-range thermal responses remains a significant challenge. Here, we synthesize a zero-dimensional warm white-light emitting OIMH, MPC-W ((C9H20N2O)4(Cu2I4)(Cu2I6)(H2PO2)2), using 4-morpholinopiperidine (4-MP) and CuI. MPC-W features hybrid structures of [Cu2I4]2− and [Cu2I6]4−. The coexistence of three luminescent mechanisms—organic cluster luminescence (CL), self-trapped exciton (STE) emission of [Cu2I6]4−, and cluster-centered (CC) state luminescence of [Cu2I4]2−—endows MPC-W with temperature- and excitation-wavelength-dependent dynamic luminescence. From 77 to 297 K, the luminescence color continuously tunes from blue to cyan, green, yellow-green, and white. In the range of 217–463 K, MPC-W exhibits abnormal luminescence enhancement with increasing temperature. Upon chemical stimuli, MPC-W reversibly transforms into blue-emitting MPC-B ((C9H20N2O)Cu2I4) and yellow-emitting MPC-Y ((C9H18N2O)7Cu8I8). These dynamic luminescent properties position MPC-W for applications in temperature sensing, optical anti-counterfeiting, and password locks. This work provides new insights for developing wide-temperature-responsive multifunctional intelligent luminescent materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3967-x
Metal-halide perovskites exhibit exceptional optical gain, narrow emission linewidths, and high emission efficiency, positioning them as promising candidates for next-generation lasers. Thermal evaporation, a mature semiconductor fabrication technique, offers scalability, yet monitoring phase distribution during deposition remains challenging. This study systematically investigates and regulates thermally evaporated FAxCs0.8PbBr3 perovskite films by tuning formamidinium (FA) content to optimize phase distribution. At intermediate FA content, films achieve a balanced distribution of n=2 to n=5 quantum-well phases, facilitating ultrafast carrier transfer (<0.31 ps) and suppressing nonradiative recombination. FA+ actively incorporates as an A-site cation, promoting ordered crystallization and reducing defect densities. The optimized films exhibit a net modal gain of 1041 cm−1 and a gain lifetime of 129 ps. Benefiting from efficient internal scattering, the threshold for cavity-free random lasing is reduced to below 5 μJ/cm2 at room temperature. The low spatial coherence of random lasing enables speckle-free imaging with a speckle contrast as low as 0.011 and improved contrast-to-noise ratios across all spatial frequencies. This work provides a scalable strategy for perovskite composition-phase engineering, advancing speckle-free laser imaging systems compatible with semiconductor-grade, large-area manufacturing.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025041805
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for mammals, yet no universally applicable method exists for assessing soil Se bioavailability. This study validated the feasibility of diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) technology for accurately evaluating Se bioavailability in paddy soils under natural conditions, and analyzed Se migration in the soil-plant system, soil kinetic characteristics, and the influence of physicochemical properties on Se bioavailability. Rice plants and corresponding rhizosphere soil samples were collected and analyzed using three traditional extraction methods alongside DGT. Results showed that 96.7% of soil samples and 66.7% of rice samples met the selenium-rich standard, and Se content measured by DGT most accurately reflected soil Se bioavailability. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of different rice plant parts indicated generally low Se enrichment in grains, with primary enrichment in rice roots. Correlation analysis revealed that adjustments in soil pH, organic matter (SOM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and sulfur (S) content could effectively improve soil Se bioavailability. These findings underscore DGT's superiority over conventional extraction methods for predicting Se uptake, offering a robust tool for managing selenium-rich agricultural resources.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608013
Eutrophication and cyanobacterial blooms threaten aquatic ecosystems and drinking water safety globally. This study evaluated the efficacy of a compound algicide (PQGA-126, PAC, and red soil) combined with submerged plants (Vallisneria natans and Hydrilla verticillata) for suppressing blooms and restoring eutrophic water. Indoor static experiments used algae-laden water from Nanhu Lake, Gongqingcheng, Jiangxi. Six treatments were established: control, V. natans alone, H. verticillata alone, algicide alone, algicide + V. natans, and algicide + H. verticillata. Results demonstrated that combined treatments significantly reduced total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), and turbidity, markedly lowering eutrophication within a short period. The combined approach outperformed single-plant treatments, with algicide + V. natans achieving the greatest reduction in the comprehensive trophic state index. Additionally, the algicide significantly enhanced V. natans growth rate and H. verticillata catalase (CAT) activity, indicating species-specific physiological responses. These findings suggest that integrating compound algicide with submerged plants, particularly V. natans, offers a promising strategy for rapid and effective eutrophic water remediation.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608020
This paper systematically reviews the progress and achievements of China's collaborative innovation pilots for pollution and carbon emission reduction, identifies existing problems, and proposes targeted recommendations. As of the first batch, 64 pilot units (21 cities and 43 industrial parks) have issued implementation plans, with overall smooth progress and notable phased outcomes. Most pilots have actively promoted institutional and mechanism innovations, achieving substantial advancements in key sectors and critical areas, and yielding replicable practices. However, challenges persist, including fragmented interdepartmental collaboration, insufficient alignment of management systems, funding shortages for synergistic projects, and inadequate technological support. Recommendations include intensifying awareness campaigns, establishing coordinated promotion mechanisms, accelerating management system implementation, advancing core technology R&D, conducting progress evaluations, and amplifying publicity. For the second batch, suggestions focus on expansion strategies, pilot types, and selection methods, emphasizing incremental tasks, diverse pilot subjects (from provincial to enterprise levels), and clear articulation of expected outcomes and demonstration targets. The paper underscores the need to transform local experiences into institutionalized frameworks, fostering a four-dimensional synergy of carbon reduction, pollution control, green expansion, and economic growth, thereby contributing to China's ecological civilization and global climate governance.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608023
Zinc-containing steel dust sludge, a by-product of steelmaking, contains high levels of chlorine (Cl) along with valuable metals such as Fe, Zn, K, and Na. When recycled into the steel production process, Cl accumulates, causing sintering instability and severe corrosion of blast furnace linings. This study investigated water leaching for Cl removal from zinc-containing steel dust sludge. Under optimal conditions (liquid-to-solid ratio 5 mL/g, temperature 70 °C, time 60 min, rotation speed 160 r/min), the Cl leaching rate reached 87%. Furthermore, a three-stage countercurrent water washing process at a liquid-to-solid ratio of 6 mL/g and room temperature for 45 min achieved a Cl leaching rate exceeding 90%. The water washing also reduced the leaching toxicity of metals in the sludge to a certain extent. Characterization via XRD, SEM, FT-IR, and XPS revealed that water washing primarily dissolved soluble chlorides (NaCl, KCl, etc.), increasing the specific surface area from 2.71 to 10.11 m²/g and average pore size from 12.83 to 16.29 nm. These findings provide theoretical and technical support for efficient Cl removal from zinc-containing steel dust sludge, facilitating its safe resource utilization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4065-6
Industrial-scale hydrogen production from seawater is a paramount goal for a sustainable energy future, yet it is severely hampered by the rapid deactivation of electrocatalysts under harsh operating conditions. Here, we introduce a robust self-supporting aerogel catalyst designed to address the two intertwined challenges of activity and stability in high-current-density seawater electrolysis. Our strategy involves creating strong metal-support interactions by anchoring ultrasmall platinum nanoparticles onto a porous N-doped carbon aerogel (Pt@N/CFP). Theoretical calculations reveal that this unique Pt-N interface serves a dual critical function: it not only lowers the kinetic barrier for water dissociation but also creates an electronic shield that effectively prevents chloride ion poisoning of the Pt active sites. When implemented as the cathode in a practical anion-exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer, the Pt@N/CFP catalyst demonstrates exceptional performance, achieving a low cell voltage of 1.688 V at an industrial-grade current density of 1000 mA cm−2 and maintaining outstanding stability for over 300 h. This work provides guidance for creating exceptionally durable catalysts capable of withstanding extreme electrochemical environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4158-6
Near-infrared piezochromic materials exhibiting luminescence responses are critical for mechanical sensors and storage devices. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as crystalline porous materials, combine structural adaptability with tunable photophysical properties, yet their piezochromic applications remain underexplored. Here, we report a series of donor-acceptor structured two-dimensional COFs (2D COFs) with bright red emission, all showing pronounced red-shifts spanning red to near-infrared regions. Notably, Py-BO-COF exhibits the largest piezochromic shift of 187 nm with a high sensitivity of 44.52 nm GPa−1, significantly surpassing Py-BT-COF, TPE-BO-COF, and most reported COF/MOF systems. Py-BO-COF also demonstrates fully reversible and repeatable emission switching over multiple cycles, maintaining excellent linearity without degradation. In situ spectroscopic analyses and theoretical simulations reveal that variations in piezochromic rates arise from differences in charge-transfer (CT) processes, while the pronounced red-shift in Py-BO-COF is associated with reduced interlayer distance and enhanced coplanarity. This study systematically establishes the structure-property relationship in piezochromic 2D COFs, offering strategic guidance for designing highly sensitive and reversible pressure-responsive materials, thereby advancing smart piezochromic systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4067-4
Confined growth of metal halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) in porous matrices yields improved stability and sensitivity for their implementation in luminescent chemical sensing applications. Here, we realized the synthesis of highly stable (water, photo, and thermal) and luminescent CsPbX3 QDs within nanoporous glass (NG). This is achieved by a nano-confined aqueous synthesis of CsPbBr3 QDs in Pb-anchored NG. Benefiting from strong Pb–O–Si chemical bonding between the perovskite QDs and the NG matrix, the stability of the encapsulated perovskite QDs is significantly enhanced. The emission of the perovskite NG can be tuned from 440 to 760 nm. By integrating green- and red-emitting perovskite NG onto a blue LED chip, stable WLEDs were successfully fabricated. This facile approach enables the integration of ultra-stable perovskite QDs within transparent porous monoliths toward diverse luminescent chemical sensing applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4125-8
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) require advanced interfacial modification materials to mitigate defects and ion migration that limit efficiency and stability. This study presents a low-cost, highly efficient screening methodology based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations to identify superior interface modifiers. The effectiveness of this method is experimentally validated. Methyl 1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate (TZMC) is screened as a superior molecule that simultaneously passivates perovskite defects and suppresses ion migration through a synergistic effect: coordination with Pb2+ via carbonyl oxygen and imidazole nitrogen, and stabilization of I− via N–H···I hydrogen bonding. This mechanism reduces non-radiative recombination, enhancing both open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF). TZMC-modified PSCs achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.44% and significantly improved operational stability under continuous illumination and resistance to water/oxygen. Comprehensive characterization confirms reduced defect density and increased ion migration barriers. This work demonstrates the success of DFT-guided design in advancing interfacial modification materials for high-performance PSCs, transforming interface engineering from trial-and-error to rational design and providing a framework for high-throughput screening.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4098-8
Fluorescence image-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) enables real-time monitoring of photosensitizer biodistribution and metabolism for optimized treatment timing. However, its application remains limited by reliance on high-end imaging systems. To address this, we designed three novel small-molecule photosensitizers (TTNb, TTAn, TTPh) based on a 2-vinylbenzoic acid scaffold, functionalized at the 5-position with nitro, amino, or hydrogen groups. Replacing the nitro group with amino or hydrogen switched aggregation behavior from aggregation-induced emission (AIE) to aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), accompanied by a red-to-green fluorescence shift and subcellular relocation from liposomes to lysosomes. These findings establish design principles for ratiometric nitroreductase probes and enable systematic comparison between AIE and ACQ photosensitizers. Among these, TTAn exhibited superior cellular uptake (2800 times higher than Ce6 in Eca-109 cells), specific lysosomal targeting, balanced reactive oxygen species (singlet oxygen/superoxide anion) generation, and intense fluorescence. Under white light irradiation, TTAn achieved an IC50 of 21 nM, surpassing Ce6 by 50-fold. Notably, TTAn produced strong fluorescence in mice tumors under both one- and two-photon excitation, detectable using conventional imaging tools (smartphones, DSLR cameras) or even visible to the naked eye, confirming outstanding tumor specificity. Leveraging these advantages, TTAn enabled successful image-guided two-photon PDT in Eca-109 tumor-bearing mice with a single treatment, demonstrating potent therapeutic efficacy and biosafety. This work provides a strategic blueprint for developing small-molecule theranostic agents that operate without complex fluorescence imaging systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3587-4
Unstable zinc interfaces arising from dendrite growth and parasitic reactions impede the practical deployment of rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries. This study introduces 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) as a parts-per-million (ppm) level electrolyte additive to stabilize the Zn anode. Theoretical and experimental analyses reveal that PAN undergoes parallel adsorption on the Zn surface, establishing strong π-π interactions between adjacent molecules that efficiently repel water. The OH, pyridine N, and azo N groups in PAN chelate Zn2+, modulating Zn2+ diffusion and promoting uniform deposition while suppressing dendrite formation. A 10 ppm (0.04 mM) PAN addition extends the lifespan of a symmetrical cell to 1500 h at 2 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. The Zn||Cu half-cell achieves a Coulombic efficiency of 99.91% over 3500 cycles at 5 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. Full cells with NH4V4O10 and MnO2 cathodes exhibit enhanced cycling stability. Notably, a Zn||NH4V4O10 pouch cell retains 71.1% capacity after 250 cycles at 0.8 A g−1. This work demonstrates a viable strategy for selecting high-efficiency additives for aqueous metal-based batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3548-9
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is constrained by the absence of tumor selectivity in conventional photosensitizers (PSs), which produces phototoxicity in normal tissues and risks activation by ambient light. Covalent conjugation of PSs to targeting peptides improves accumulation but does not suppress off-target activation. This work reports B-HCPP-RGD, a single-molecule PS that integrates αVβ3 integrin targeting with dual responsiveness to H2O2 and cathepsin B. The hypocrellin-derived type I PS HCEA is masked by a 4-(bromomethyl)phenylboronic acid pinacol ester H2O2-responsive group and conjugated to cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (cRGD) through a cathepsin B-cleavable Gln-Val dipeptide linker. ROS generation in solution is effectively suppressed until both H2O2 and cathepsin B are present, at which point HCEA is released. In vitro, B-HCPP-RGD shows negligible phototoxicity toward normal cells and pronounced phototoxicity toward tumor cells, including under hypoxic conditions. In vivo, the conjugate actively targets tumor tissue and achieves a high tumor inhibition rate with favorable biosafety. The results establish a modular design for dual-responsive, tumor-targeted PSs that improves the precision and safety of PDT.