SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4472-0
Dynamic electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring during physical activity remains compromised by motion artifacts that corrupt signal fidelity, particularly with conventional gel electrodes whose impedance rises sharply under deformation. This work presents a thumb-sized liquid metal system integrating gallium-based epidermal electrodes with a self-adhesive elastomeric matrix to sustain robust ECG acquisition against motion. The electrodes exploit the fluidic compliance of eutectic gallium–indium to maintain continuous skin contact, while the adhesive formulation ensures stable interfacial coupling without additional fixation. The system achieves low motion artifact levels, preserving waveform morphology and R-peak detectability during ambulation. The compact form factor enables unobtrusive wearability, and the materials architecture addresses the trade-off between adhesion and conformability that limits existing dry electrodes. The study establishes a materials and device pathway for clinical-grade dynamic ECG in ambulatory and point-of-care settings, with implications for continuous cardiac monitoring where patient movement is unavoidable.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3807-8
Electrocatalytic co-reduction of CO2 and nitrate offers a sustainable route for urea synthesis, valorizing nitrogenous waste and CO2. However, achieving high-performance urea electrosynthesis under ambient conditions remains challenging due to the need for simultaneous activation of CO2 and efficient H2O dissociation to supply active *H for *NOx hydrogenation, ultimately forming key C- and N-containing intermediates for C–N coupling. Here, we report a bifunctional Pd-single-atom-modified Cu (Pd1Cu) nanorod catalyst that synergistically promotes adsorption and stepwise activation of CO2 and H2O, steering the reaction pathway toward selective urea synthesis. Integrating experimental evidence, in situ spectroscopy, and computational analyses, we disclose that atomically dispersed Pd sites kinetically favor co-generation of *CO and *NH2 via H2O dissociation-driven proton transfer, forming an optimal intermediate balance. The dual metal active sites enhance C–N coupling via combined electronic and geometric effects, substantially lowering the reaction energy barrier and improving selectivity. This work provides a rational design strategy for advanced multifunctional catalysts for urea electrosynthesis, contributing to carbon neutrality and waste nitrogen valorization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3872-3
Flexoelectricity, the generation of electrical polarization in response to a strain gradient, is a fundamental electromechanical coupling mechanism that has gained significant attention due to its enhanced effects in ferroelectric materials, which exhibit large dielectric permittivities. This review comprehensively examines the classical theories and recent advances in flexoelectricity, with a primary focus on ferroelectric materials. We discuss the advantages and limitations of various characterization techniques, computational models for determining flexoelectric coefficients, and the mechanisms that enhance flexoelectricity in different ferroelectric systems. Furthermore, we explore the applications of flexoelectricity in devices, highlighting its potential to overcome the dimensional and stability limitations of piezoelectricity, particularly at the micro- and nanoscale. The review concludes by outlining future research directions, aiming to provide valuable insights for advancing both the fundamental science of flexoelectricity and the development of high-performance practical devices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3745-1
Short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) organic photodetectors (OPDs) have attracted considerable attention due to their potential to overcome the limitations of inorganic counterparts. However, developing organic semiconductors with strong SWIR detection remains a significant challenge. Herein, we design and synthesize a new conjugated pyrrolic polysquaraine (PSQ-COT) by integrating a pyrrolic squaraine unit with a strong electron-donating moiety, achieving an absorption onset extending to 1.2 μm. To evaluate its detection performance, we fabricated two types of PSQ-COT-based SWIR OPDs with PC61BM and BTP-eC9 as the electron acceptors, respectively. The resulting PSQ-COT:PC61BM OPD exhibited superior detection performance compared with the BTP-eC9 counterpart, achieving an impressive specific detectivity of 1.08 × 10^12 Jones at 1030 nm under zero bias. This enhanced performance is due to the lower degree of energetic disorder and reduced trap density in the PSQ-COT:PC61BM device. Furthermore, we successfully integrated the PSQ-COT:PC61BM OPD into a high-pixel-density image array (640 × 512 pixels), enabling clear matter identification under SWIR light irradiation. This work provides valuable insights into designing high-performance organic semiconductors for SWIR light detection and imaging applications.
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/s40843-025-3879-5
Stimuli-responsive circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials are pivotal for investigating excited-state chirality and advancing optoelectronic applications. However, achieving comprehensive modulation of chiroptical properties within a single system under a single external stimulus remains a significant challenge. Here, electric-field-responsive helical ferroelectric liquid crystals are developed by incorporating diverse chiral emitter dopants into the prototypical liquid crystal mesogen 2,3′,4′,5′-tetrafluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl 2,6-difluoro-4-(5-propyl-1,3-dioxan-2-yl)benzoate (DIO), known for its high dielectric anisotropy and multiple mesophases. By co-doping different types of chiral molecules with opposite handedness, a competitive chiral field is generated that responds differentially to the applied voltage, enabling continuous modulation of the helical pitch and reversible inversion of handedness. This work provides the integrated demonstration of single-stimulus regulation of on/off gating, magnitude tuning, and reversible sign inversion in a single liquid-crystal system, opening a pathway toward intelligent chiroptical materials.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2026.JFCT.0003
Phosphorus and transition metal-modified ZSM-5 zeolites were prepared via incipient wetness impregnation and characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, and pyridine-IR spectroscopy. The effects of modified zeolites on catalytic pyrolysis of n-heptane, 3-methylhexane, and methylcyclohexane were systematically investigated, revealing the structure-activity relationship between acid properties and catalytic performance. Results indicate that phosphorus and transition metal modification can regulate the L/B acid ratio of ZSM-5, which significantly influences product distribution. An excessively high L/B acid ratio promotes hydrogen and coke formation, leading to pore blockage and reduced conversion, whereas an appropriate L/B acid ratio facilitates mild dehydrogenation, enhancing ethylene and propylene yields. Reactant conversion followed the order: n-heptane > 3-methylhexane > methylcyclohexane. Efficient conversion of 3-methylhexane and methylcyclohexane requires catalysts with high L acid amount, strong Brønsted acid amount, optimized L/B acid ratio, as well as high specific surface area and micropore specific surface area. This study provides critical insights for designing high-efficiency alkane pyrolysis catalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4018-6
The pursuit of advanced wear-resistant materials for cryogenic applications is often hindered by a fundamental trade-off between enhancing strength and damage tolerance. CoCrNi-based medium-entropy alloys (MEAs), while excellent in cryogenic toughness, suffer from this very limitation. Although second-phase reinforcement boosts strength, the strain incompatibility between phases inevitably triggers cracking, which is severely exacerbated at low temperatures. This work introduces a novel microstructural design strategy based on regulated partial recrystallization to overcome this long-standing challenge. By tailoring the thermomechanical processing of a (CoCrNi)90Mo10 MEA, we engineered a unique architecture where a fully recrystallized FCC phase is homogeneously embedded within a continuous skeleton of a hard, non-recrystallized σ phase. The alloy with this optimized microstructure achieved a remarkably low wear rate at 113 K that is less than half of its as-cast and fully recrystallized counterparts. The experimental and modeling results indicate the underlying synergy: the σ skeleton provides robust structural support and distributes stress deeply, while the recrystallized FCC phase, with its high density of grain boundaries and annealing twins, acts as a compliant strain-accommodating medium, effectively suppressing interfacial cracking. This combined 'skeleton effect' and 'recrystallization effect' not only delivers exceptional cryogenic wear resistance but also offers a practical strategy for designing high-performance, crack-resistant dual-phase composites for extreme environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4068-2
Eutectic high-entropy alloys (EHEAs) combine multi-principal-element compositions with regular lamellar microstructures, offering exceptional high-temperature stability and mechanical properties. However, conventional casting yields random solidification microstructures and inhomogeneous phase distributions, constraining strength-ductility synergy. This study employs directional solidification (DS) on Al19Fe20Co20Ni41 EHEA to achieve precise microstructural control, constructing a multi-level lamellar architecture with a herringbone-like alternating arrangement. This tailored microstructure refines interlamellar spacing, eliminates detrimental isolated B2 phases, and promotes slip continuity at interfaces, enhancing coordinated dislocation motion and uniform distribution across multiple slip systems. Consequently, the DS EHEA exhibits superior mechanical properties compared to most reported thermomechanically processed and directionally solidified HEAs. Micro-mechanistic analysis reveals that homogenized geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) density, interface-assisted crack deflection, and multi-stage strain-hardening from sequential dislocation activation collectively contribute to outstanding strength-ductility synergy. This work demonstrates that programming solidification paths enables design of unique multi-level lamellar architectures, serving as intrinsic microstructural composites that optimize dislocation management and crack propagation, offering a novel paradigm for developing ultra-robust EHEAs for extreme service environments.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60686-X
This study reports a streamlined route for synthesizing plate-like α-Al2O3 via co-combustion activation of coal gangue and corn stalk, enabling high-value utilization of solid wastes. The introduction of corn stalk significantly reduces the apparent activation energy of coal gangue combustion and increases the acid leaching yield of aluminum to 81.9%. Mechanism analysis reveals that titanium and iron ions in the co-combustion ash leachate act as natural morphology regulators, facilitating the formation of a plate-like structure in the alumina product, with titanium exhibiting leaching behavior consistent with that of aluminum. Furthermore, a high content of AlO6 structural units in the precursor effectively promotes the direct conversion into dense α-Al2O3 crystals during thermal treatment, thereby enhancing product density. Under optimized conditions (800 °C, 1 h), the as-prepared α-Al2O3 exhibits a plate-like morphology, with a median particle size (d50) of 5.70 μm and a density of 4.94 g/cm3. This work provides a new approach for the synergistic resource utilization of coal gangue and biomass waste.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2026.JFCT.0006
The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a critical cathode reaction in fuel cells and metal-air batteries, yet its sluggish kinetics and high overpotential severely limit device performance. Conventional platinum-based catalysts suffer from prohibitive cost (accounting for up to 40% of total fuel cell system cost), scarce reserves, and poor tolerance to methanol and carbon monoxide, impeding large-scale commercialization. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in biomass/coal-based carbon materials as ORR electrocatalysts, focusing on raw material characteristics, preparation methods, structural regulation, and performance evaluation. Biomass and coal precursors offer advantages of low cost, abundant availability, and natural heteroatom doping (N, P, S), enabling the design of high-performance, metal-free catalysts. Key challenges include ensuring raw material homogeneity, precise control of active sites, and scalable synthesis. Future research directions emphasize optimizing pore structure and surface chemistry to enhance four-electron selectivity and stability. The review provides theoretical guidance for developing cost-effective ORR catalysts to replace platinum, thereby accelerating the deployment of clean energy technologies.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60717-7
Alkali lignin, a high-volume byproduct from pulp and paper manufacturing and biomass refining, is a promising feedstock for aromatic hydrocarbon production in liquid fuels due to its high energy density and abundant aromatic moieties. However, its highly cross-linked polymeric structure hinders efficient valorization. This work investigates catalytic conversion of alkali lignin into bio-oil under in situ H2 supply from formic acid. A series of Ni-Mo/h-BN bimetallic catalysts with varied metal ratios were synthesized by impregnation and characterized by XPS, XRD, and other techniques. The effects of reaction parameters on H2 production via aqueous-phase reforming (APR) of formic acid were evaluated. Optimal H2 yield was achieved at a formic acid-to-water molar ratio of 1:10 and a Ni/Mo atomic ratio of 3:1. H2 yield increased monotonically with temperature from 220 to 280 °C, reaching a maximum of 38.48 mmol. Subsequently, influences of reaction temperature and residence time on bio-oil production were examined. The highest heavy bio-oil yield (18.93%) and maximum relative content of aromatic hydrocarbons (13.81%) were both achieved at 280 °C. Prolonged reaction time reduced heavy bio-oil yield and aromatic hydrocarbon abundance while favoring furan derivatives. This work demonstrates good synergy between in situ hydrogen generation from formic acid and lignin hydrogenation in the temperature range 240–280 °C.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4121-9
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a promising photovoltaic technology, yet their commercialization is hindered by insufficient long-term operational stability under real-world conditions. While progress has improved resilience against static stressors (constant heat, electrical bias, humidity), durability under dynamic outdoor environments—particularly diurnal light cycling and temperature fluctuations—remains inadequately understood. Cyclic illumination induces interfacial expansion and contraction, leading to mechanical stress accumulation and grain-boundary (GB) fragmentation, ultimately decomposing the perovskite into Pb2+ and inactive phases. To address this, Zhang et al. propose a dynamic GB-resilience strategy integrating a photoswitchable isomeric compound, 4-(phenylazo) benzoic acid (Ca-Abz), into triple-cation lead-based perovskite grain boundaries. In the dark, Ca-Abz adopts a planar trans (E) configuration, anchoring via carboxylic acid-Pb2+ coordination. Under UV illumination, electronic excitation lowers the rotational barrier of the azo bond, triggering a transition to a sterically twisted cis (Z) configuration. This reversible molecular switching dynamically accommodates periodic lattice expansion and contraction, dissipating intergranular stress and regulating local strain. Density functional theory and first-principles molecular dynamics simulations show the Z isomer binds slightly stronger to the perovskite surface (−11.01 eV) than the E isomer (−10.99 eV), indicating illumination actively strengthens passivation. This approach represents a shift from static passivators to stimuli-responsive interfacial regulators that utilize UV energy to stabilize grain boundaries during lattice expansion, offering a promising route to enhance PSC operational stability under cyclic illumination.