SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4304-5
Comprehensive assessment of rehabilitation efficiency is essential for designing appropriate training programs for better musculoskeletal functional recovery. Existing contact-receptor-dependent rehabilitation assessment systems mostly focus on assessing the restoration of muscle function by evaluating grip strength or joint flexion angle; however, parameters reflecting neuromuscular synergistic function are always overlooked. Herein, we develop an ionoelastomer-based soft artificial electroreceptor (SAER) that integrates tele-perception and tactile sensation to track the rehabilitation process, collecting signals related to approaching speed and grip strength sequentially. The SAER uses polyurethane ionoelastomer incorporated with quasi-solid conductive salt as the electric field receptor, and is integrated on a rehabilitation-training ball after assembly to establish an untethered detection device; this enables the remote capture of hand approaching parameter within a 9 cm range, followed by the quantification of grip strength when contacting and grasping. Furthermore, a data-driven assessment system is established by integrating machine learning, which accurately classifies rehabilitation efficiency into six levels; it supports for rehabilitation evaluation and training programs adjustment. Overall, the SAER-based rehabilitation management system establishes a paradigm that synergistically evaluating parameters corresponding to neuromuscular functional restoration and holds strong potential for home-based active rehabilitation for minimizing dependence on frequent clinical supervision.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4425-4
Flexible and weavable alternating-current electroluminescent (ACEL) fiber devices are pivotal for wearable displays and human-computer interfaces, yet their intrinsic lack of color tunability restricts high-density information interaction. This study presents a dynamically color-tunable electroluminescent fiber device with a coaxial winding structure that integrates multiple fiber electrodes emitting the three primary colors. Through simple voltage driving, the device achieves a color gamut covering 131.07% of the sRGB standard, enabling arbitrary full-color tunability, including standard white light with CIE coordinates of (0.31, 0.33). The emission peak is continuously tunable over a 161.7 nm range, a 4-fold enhancement compared to previously reported ACEL fibers. The coaxial winding architecture is compatible with large-scale fabrication, yielding hundred-meter-scale fiber devices with a luminance variation of only 2.76%. The electroluminescent performance remains stable under stringent industrial standards: 10,000 friction cycles, 20 accelerated washing cycles, and 10-day storage at 105 °C and −20 °C. Integration into a smart textile watchband demonstrates real-time heart rate visualization via progress color changes and gesture-controlled color switching, validating its potential as an effective human-computer interface.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4182-6
Substrate interactions dictate the epitaxial growth of low-dimensional nanomaterials, yet controlling these interfaces at the atomic scale precision remains a critical challenge. Blue phosphorene (blueP) with freestanding lattice constant, experimentally realized exclusively on Ag(111), provides a unique platform to explore this interplay. Here, we elucidate the structural evolution of blueP on Ag(111), revealing that neighboring islands are not isolated but linked by single-phosphorus-atom bridges. To manipulate the interfacial coupling, we introduce a tellurium interlayer, driving the formation of an interfacial AgTe buffer that effectively decouples the islands. By tuning the substrate temperature, we achieve the synthesis of magic-number blueP clusters with uniform size and geometry. The resulting isolated blueP nanostructures facilitate the emergence of higher-order topological corner states in triangular geometries. Our findings demonstrate that tailoring interfacial interactions offers a robust route for reshaping phosphorene nanostructures, establishing essential building blocks for next-generation topological quantum materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3652-2
Existing robotic end-effector gripping technologies often encounter challenges such as poor adaptability to environmental changes, incomplete deformation sensing, and insufficient adhesion stability, which can compromise operational safety and reliability. Here, we present the bio-inspired self-sensing suction cup, in which the core self-sensing capability is achieved by combining high-performance, laser-induced graphene/Ag NWs flexible sensors with a Wheatstone bridge design. The flexible sensors provide high sensitivity, while the Wheatstone bridge circuit enables accurate and stable detection of deformation during the gripping process. Integrated into the octopus-inspired suction cup, this system allows for real-time monitoring of deformation and adsorption stability. The self-sensing suction cup demonstrates good performance across a 0–25 kPa negative pressure range, with outstanding linearity (R2 = 0.993) and high sensitivity (GF = 10.436 kPa−1). Experimental results confirm that the suction cup can achieve stable adsorption under varying loads and enable real-time monitoring of the suction cup status during the gripping process. This design provides a promising solution for intelligent gripping systems, logistics, and object recognition in challenging environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3789-x
Wearable sensors have attracted significant attention due to their superior sensitivity, safety, and adaptability compared with conventional detection technologies. However, developing sustainable sensing materials that combine excellent performance with environmental friendliness remains a significant challenge. In this study, Juncus effusus (JE), a natural fiber featuring a unique internal three-dimensional (3D) network structure, was employed as the substrate. Conductive polyaniline was loaded onto the JE structure to impart electrical conductivity, and Ecoflex encapsulation provided high elasticity. Based on this approach, a JE-based resistive flexible sensor (PHE-JE) was successfully fabricated. The PHE-JE sensor exhibits high stability under various strain conditions, along with excellent flexibility and durability. Moreover, benefiting from its complex 3D structure and synergistic material interactions, the PHE-JE sensor enables accurate detection of diverse motion types, showing promising potential for future wearable sensing applications.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507030
Arsenic is a toxic metalloid predominantly present in water as As(V) and As(III), whose speciation governs toxicity and mobility. Conventional speciation methods (HPLC-ICP-MS, IC-HG-AFS) offer ultralow detection limits but suffer from high cost, long analysis times, and non-portability, hindering on-site rapid monitoring. This study presents a sulfide-based spectrophotometric method exploiting the quantitative reaction between As(V) and S2− to form monothioarsenate (H3AsO3S) with a characteristic absorption at 233 nm. Under optimized conditions (H+ concentration 1 mol·L−1, Na2S dosage 5 mmol·L−1, reaction time 3 min, N2 purging 2 min), As(V) is directly quantified. Total arsenic is determined after complete oxidation of As(III) to As(V) using NaClO (10 mmol·L−1, pH 12, 5 min), and As(III) is obtained by difference. The method exhibits linearity over 0.5–50 mg·L−1 (A = 0.0209c + 0.0627, R² = 0.999), a detection limit of 0.17 mg·L−1, spike recoveries of 101.9%–104.1%, and relative standard deviation of 1.06%. Validation against real industrial wastewater samples showed relative deviations <10% compared with HPLC-ICP-MS and IC-HG-AFS. Total analysis time is within 15 min. The method is simple, cost-effective, and suitable for field monitoring.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507043
Municipal sludge with high moisture content and strong viscosity tends to form a dense crust during conventional rotary drum drying, reducing heat and mass transfer efficiency and prolonging drying time. This study proposes a thermal steel ball-enhanced rotary drum drying method that introduces high heat capacity, high thermal conductivity steel balls to achieve synergistic contact heat conduction and mechanical disturbance. An evaluation system incorporating dimensionless moisture ratio (MR), drying rate (DR), characteristic drying time (tdry), effective moisture diffusivity (Deff), and volumetric evaporation intensity (U) was established. Results show that compared with conventional drying, steel ball-enhanced drying increased maximum drying rate (DRmax) by 22.59%–41.19%, U by 38.06%–93.43%, and shortened tdry by 27.56%–48.30%, with more pronounced advantages under high load conditions. Deff was significantly higher throughout the process, with maximum increase up to 48.30%, indicating that ball rolling and collision effectively disrupt the crust and promote moisture migration. Mechanistic analysis reveals that the performance enhancement arises from the dual action of thermal-mechanical coupling and mechanical disturbance, which enhances local heat flux via contact conduction and dynamically renews the drying interface, shortening diffusion paths. This study elucidates the heat and mass transfer mechanisms of thermal steel ball-enhanced sludge drying, providing theoretical support and technical reference for efficient sludge volume reduction and dryer design optimization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3464-4
Photocatalytic conversion of atmospheric CO2 (0.03%) into multi-carbon fuels remains a grand challenge due to the high energy barrier of C–C coupling and the low concentration of CO2. Here, we report the construction of multiple metal pair sites on metal oxide nanosheets to steer C–C coupling, enabling efficient photoreduction of air-concentration CO2 to ethane (C2H6). As a prototype, Au nanoparticles were anchored on Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets (Au-Bi4Ti3O12). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the formation of Au-Ti metal pair sites at the interface. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of *OCCOH intermediate on Au-Bi4Ti3O12 during CO2 photoreduction, which was absent on pristine Bi4Ti3O12. Density functional theory calculations showed that the Gibbs free energy for *CO–COH formation on Au-Bi4Ti3O12 is 2.23 eV, significantly lower than that on Bi4Ti3O12 (3.59 eV), indicating facilitated C–C coupling. Consequently, Au-Bi4Ti3O12 exhibited a C2H6 evolution rate of 2.58 μmol g−1 h−1 under 0.03% CO2, whereas Bi4Ti3O12 produced only C1 products (CO and CH4). This work demonstrates the first single-catalyst photoreduction of atmospheric CO2 to C2H6, highlighting the effectiveness of engineered multiple active sites in overcoming the C–C coupling bottleneck.
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)61109-2
Silicon-carbon (Si/C) composites are promising high-capacity anode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries, but their commercialization is hindered by severe volume expansion during cycling. We report a chemical vapor deposition method using the pyrolysis of silane, in which ultrafine nano-Si enters a porous carbon framework to produce kilogram-scale Si/C composites. The carbon framework with abundant micropores (~1.9 nm) confines the amorphous silicon and accommodates the volume changes of nano-Si during both lithiation and de-lithiation. The resulting Si/C composites have a 56.76% Si content and have a specific capacity of 2179 mAh g–1, a high initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 93.5%, and a low specific surface area (1.32 m2 g–1). In addition to the nanoconfinement effect, the median particle size (D50, 7.3-13.0 μm) of the carbon framework was shown to control the mechanical strength, coating uniformity and Li+ transport. A D50 of 8.2 μm endows the Si/C composites with outstanding comprehensive properties. They have an excellent rate performance with a 97.0% retention at 3 C relative to 0.1 C, show only minor variations in ICE difference at 60 ℃/-20 ℃ compared with room temperature, and have a low expansion of 35.8% from the delithiated to the lithiated state. The composite was then mixed with graphite to prepare the anode, which was then paired with an NCM523 cathode to assemble pouch cells. The pouch cell retained 87.46% of its initial capacity after 1000 cycles at 1 C. Because of the low expansion of the electrode, the material avoids structural degradation during cycling and thus has an excellent long-term stability.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025102002
The ultraviolet/chlorine (UV/Cl2) advanced oxidation process generates multiple radical species, enabling synergistic disinfection. However, the systematic influence of UV intensity on process performance remains inadequately characterized. This study investigated UV intensities from 0.25 to 2.0 mW·cm−2, assessing chlorine photolysis kinetics, bacterial inactivation, and disinfection by-product (DBP) formation. Results demonstrate that inactivation efficiency is not solely governed by total UV energy but is co-regulated by reaction kinetics and mass transfer. Increasing UV intensity accelerated chlorine photolysis by 33.7%–277.8%, elevating steady-state concentrations of hydroxyl radicals and chlorine radicals by factors of 1.6–3.8 and 1.3–3.2, respectively, thereby enhancing initial inactivation rates. However, higher intensities reduced cumulative chlorine exposure (CT value) to 14.3%–55.7% of baseline, causing overall inactivation to first increase then decrease. At a fixed UV dose of 150 mJ·cm−2, an intensity of 1.0 mW·cm−2 achieved optimal 6.5-log inactivation of Escherichia coli and the lowest bacterial reactivation rate (0.07%). Common water constituents (HCO3−, Cl−, natural organic matter) inhibited disinfection, with natural organic matter exerting the strongest suppression (2.7-log reduction). Notably, 1.0 mW·cm−2 exhibited the greatest resistance to interference. Elevated intensity reduced total organic halogen formation from 33.7 μg·L−1 to 19.0 μg·L−1. Balancing disinfection efficacy and DBP risk, 1.0 mW·cm−2 is identified as the optimal UV intensity for the UV/Cl2 process in sand-filtered water treatment.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025111302
High-concentration chloride ions (Cl−) in industrial wastewater cause severe corrosion and environmental hazards. Conventional removal methods suffer from low efficiency, high cost, and difficulty in product recovery. This study fabricated porous metallic bismuth-based blocks (Bi-PM) via 3D printing, combining chemical precipitation with additive manufacturing. Systematic evaluation of Cl− removal under varying pH and light irradiation revealed that at pH 0.1 and 0.5, dark-condition efficiencies were 53.6% and 31.0%, respectively, increasing to 69.3% and 38.1% under light. Radical trapping identified photogenerated holes as the primary active species, oxidizing metallic Bi to release Bi3+ and enhance precipitation. At pH 0.5, Bi-PM exhibited balanced efficiency and structural stability; over five cycles, average removal efficiency was 25% in darkness versus 41.2% under light, with superior stability under illumination. XRD and SEM confirmed abundant BiOCl formation on the surface under light, mitigating Bi loss. This approach ensures high chloride removal while minimizing material degradation, offering a novel pathway for industrial wastewater treatment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3993-y
Conventional liquid-phase in-situ synthesis of Cu-TiB2 composites often suffers from coarse and non-uniformly distributed reinforcements, stemming from insufficient understanding and control over the in-situ nucleation and growth mechanisms of TiB2 particles. This study introduces a novel melt dispersion-turbulent mixing (MDTM) in-situ reaction technology to fabricate high-performance Cu-TiB2 composites. The MDTM strategy synergistically refines reaction micro-regions by reducing the initial melt droplet size via melt dispersion while enhancing solute convection via turbulence, promoting high-density nucleation and refinement of TiB2 particles. Based on turbulence characteristics and in-situ reaction kinetics, we optimized the melt disperser parameters and established a quantitative model linking particle size to disperser rotation speed and reactant solute concentration. It was found that disperser rotation speed governs three distinct nucleation and growth mechanisms for TiB2 particles. Low-density nucleation at low disperser rotation speeds (0–50 r/min) leads to coarse TiB2 particles. At medium rotation speeds (100–150 r/min), the refinement of micro-regions in the dual-melt reaction achieves high-density TiB2 nucleation. Conversely, at high rotation speeds (150–200 r/min), intense turbulence weakens the nucleation driving force and induces TiB2 particle coarsening. This work provides new insights into liquid-phase in-situ reaction mechanisms and offers a novel, controllable route for fabricating high-performance micro/nano particle-reinforced metal matrix composites.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509053
The escalating global generation of waste plastics necessitates robust recycling strategies to mitigate environmental impact and advance low-carbon development. This study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) and emission factor methodologies to quantify the carbon footprints of six distinct waste plastic valorization pathways: mechanical recycling, pyrolysis, alcoholysis, co-coking, solid fuel production, and direct incineration. The functional unit is one tonne of waste plastic, with system boundaries encompassing transportation, pretreatment, and resource utilization. The model accounts for indirect emissions from energy consumption, direct emissions from plastic decomposition, and carbon offsets from material or energy recovery. Results indicate that pyrolysis yields the highest carbon offset of approximately -3,024 kgCO2e per tonne, while mechanical recycling achieves an 88% material recovery rate and a net carbon offset of -991.4 kgCO2e. Net carbon emissions per tonne of waste plastic rank as follows: direct incineration (1,104 kgCO2e) > co-coking (185.8 kgCO2e) > solid fuel (115.4 kgCO2e) > alcoholysis (-259.5 kgCO2e) > mechanical recycling (-991.4 kgCO2e) > pyrolysis (-2,592 kgCO2e). These findings demonstrate that pyrolysis offers superior carbon reduction benefits compared to incineration, exhibiting a net-negative carbon footprint across its life cycle. The study provides a scientific basis for selecting low-carbon waste plastic valorization routes and informs carbon trading and emission reduction strategies in the solid waste sector.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026012804
This study conducted online monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at a roadside site on a main arterial road in Haikou, a tropical city, during summer 2023 (June 25–September 30). A total of 56 VOCs were measured. The mean total VOC concentration (φ(TVOCs)) was (9.05 ± 6.24) nmol·mol−1, with concentrations in the order: alkanes > alkenes > aromatic hydrocarbons > alkynes, dominated by light alkanes. Alkenes and aromatic hydrocarbons contributed significantly to atmospheric chemical reactivity, while secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAFP) was limited, influenced by both VOC concentrations and temperature. VOC concentrations exhibited a pronounced bimodal diurnal pattern, consistent with traffic peaks. Ratio analysis indicated a Toluene/Benzene (T/B) ratio slightly higher than typical vehicle exhaust values, and an iso-Pentane/n-Pentane (i/n) ratio suggesting fuel evaporation influence. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified four sources: gasoline/LPG vehicle exhaust (49.9%), solvent use or vehicle evaporation (26.1%), diesel vehicle exhaust (14.9%), and biogenic sources (9.1%). SOAFP was mainly contributed by solvent use/evaporation (35.7%), gasoline/LPG exhaust (34.6%), diesel exhaust (22.0%), and biogenic sources (7.7%). These findings indicate that under tropical summer high-temperature conditions, roadside VOC pollution is predominantly traffic-related, with vehicle evaporation sources non-negligible, providing insights for evaluating vehicular impacts on particulate pollution.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3929-4
Hydrogels are extensively utilized in biomedical fields such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound dressings due to their excellent biocompatibility, high water content, and tunable physicochemical properties. However, conventional hydrogels often undergo uncontrolled swelling in physiological environments, leading to mechanical degradation, structural destabilization, and functional failure, which severely restricts their long-term applicability. Recent advances have focused on developing anti-swelling hydrogels with equilibrium swelling ratios typically below 150%, achieved through strategies including the introduction of hydrophobic interactions, enhancement of cross-linking density, and incorporation of nanocomposite structures. These approaches significantly improve dimensional stability and mechanical integrity under physiological conditions. This review systematically summarizes the common preparation strategies for anti-swelling hydrogels and highlights their latest progress in biomedical applications, including wound dressings, tissue adhesives, and implantable devices. The advantages and future directions, such as smart responsiveness and multifunctional integration, are critically discussed. The review aims to provide theoretical guidance and technical references for the development of next-generation high-performance medical hydrogel materials.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511057
To investigate the effects of applying sewage sludge aerobic fermentation products on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the rhizosphere soil and phyllosphere of pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.), field experiments were conducted with three treatments: sludge product (sludge group), chemical fertilizer (fertilizer group), and no fertilizer (control). Antibiotic residues, abundances of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were measured in rhizosphere soil and phyllosphere, and microbial community composition and virulence factor (VF) contributions were annotated via metagenomics. Results showed that antibiotic concentrations in rhizosphere soil were generally higher than in phyllosphere. Compared with control, sludge application increased soil antibiotic content by 12.70%, whereas fertilizer increased it by only ~3%, indicating a more significant exogenous input from sludge. At the resistance level, total ARG abundances in rhizosphere soil and phyllosphere of the sludge group increased by 25.47% and 73.08%, respectively, relative to control, with concurrent increases in beta-lactam resistance genes and MGEs such as integron intI1. Sludge application may enhance integron-mediated gene capture and horizontal transfer potential, driving resistance risk accumulation in both phyllosphere and rhizosphere soil. Conversely, fertilizer application reduced ARG abundances by 53.40% in rhizosphere soil and 13.50% in phyllosphere compared with control, consistent with decreased microbial community abundance and diversity, suggesting that reduction of host bacteria and dissemination vectors was a key reason. In community structure, Proteobacteria dominated the phyllosphere, while Chloroflexi dominated rhizosphere soil. Correlation networks identified Sphaerobacter thermophilus and Aggregatilinea lenta positively correlated with multiple ARGs (r≈0.95–1.00), whereas Solirubrobacter sp. CPCC_204708 was negatively correlated (r≈−0.91). Virulence factor contributions followed trends similar to ARGs. Sludge fermentation products simultaneously increased ARG prevalence and related risk indicators in both rhizosphere soil and phyllosphere of pakchoi, providing a reference for risk identification and safe application of sludge fermentation products in agriculture.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4097-3
The on-demand patterning of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with tailored edges is critical for electronic and optoelectronic applications but remains technically challenging. Here, we report a stress-guided anisotropic etching strategy for producing large-area, well-ordered MoS2 nanostructures, including nano-ribbons and nano-squares, without templates. By applying uniaxial cumulative stress followed by selective thermal etching, MoS2 monolayers are statistically etched into ribbon-like structures whose width inversely correlates with applied stress magnitude. The newly etched edges are macroscopically straight or serrated, predominantly Mo-zigzag terminated, and enhance photoluminescence by a factor of ~8.0. The edge type depends on the angle between stress direction and crystallographic orientation, corroborated by theoretical calculations. Biaxial stressing generates well-defined nano-squares, offering a scalable, versatile patterning route for engineering 2D materials with tailored functional edges, promising for electrocatalytic and optoelectronic applications.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608026
Biochar and microbial inoculants are widely used for agricultural soil amendment. To investigate the effects of different straw biochars and Bacillus subtilis inoculant, applied individually or combined, on nitrogen transformation in dryland soil, a 60-day laboratory incubation experiment was conducted with six treatments: control (CK), 4% rice straw biochar (S), 4% rapeseed straw biochar (Y), 4% rice straw biochar plus 5 mg/kg inoculant (SJ), 4% rapeseed straw biochar plus 5 mg/kg inoculant (YJ), and inoculant alone (J). Results showed that rice straw biochar significantly increased soil nitrate nitrogen content by 148.74%–152.68% compared to CK, enhancing nitrification. Combined application with inoculant further increased average net nitrogen mineralization rate by 77.28%–99.38%. Conversely, rapeseed straw biochar decreased nitrate nitrogen by 51.66%–57.61%, and combined application reduced net nitrogen mineralization rate by 82.07%–84.73%. Treatments S, Y, SJ, and YJ promoted microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) synthesis, with S and Y increasing MBN by 2.02- and 2.20-fold over CK, respectively. Combined treatments further increased MBN by 103.26%–149.44% relative to single biochar treatments. These findings indicate that biochar type governs nitrification and net nitrogen mineralization, while combined application exerts synergistic effects on MBN. For comprehensive dryland soil improvement, YJ treatment is optimal, reducing inorganic nitrogen loss risk and enhancing microbial nitrogen activity.
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/s40843-025-4057-4
The escalating use of ionizing radiation in medical and industrial applications necessitates lead-free, flexible, and sustainable shielding materials. Current development relies on empirical trial-and-error, which is inefficient. This study introduces a machine learning-assisted Monte Carlo simulation strategy for rapid optimization of metal filler compositions for X-ray attenuation across 40–120 kV. Guided by this AI-driven approach, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based gels containing uniformly dispersed Bi/W/Gd2O3 nanoparticles were developed, forming within 1 minute at -20°C using a PVA-DMSO/H2O co-solvent system. The optimized gel with 50 wt% metal loading exhibits exceptional mechanical properties: tensile strength of 1.76 MPa, toughness of 6.3 MJ m−3, and elongation of 600%. It achieves >98% X-ray shielding efficiency at 5 mm thickness, outperforming lead composites at 120 kV. The physically cross-linked network provides recyclability and anti-freezing capability, retaining flexibility at -50°C. This work establishes a data-driven paradigm for designing high-performance radiation-shielding materials, demonstrating AI's potential to accelerate materials discovery and enable scalable fabrication of eco-friendly protective systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4051-x
Graphite lubricants are critical for high-quality and high-efficiency drawing of refractory metal wires, yet inadequate dispersion stability frequently challenges their practical application. Inspired by the bio-surfactant synergic mechanism that combines different bio-surfactants to collectively reduce surface energy and friction, a binary anionic surfactant system comprising sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) and sodium lignosulfonate (SL) was engineered to enhance dispersion and stability via a synergistic effect. The synergistic parameter β was calculated to be −2.34, indicating strong synergism. The resulting graphite lubricants maintained homogeneous dispersion for up to 60 days. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed that the synergistic effects originate from steric hindrance, electrostatic repulsion, π-π stacking, and hydrogen bonding. These hierarchical secondary interactions collectively increased the interfacial formation energy at the graphite/surfactant/water tri-phase interface, thereby effectively wetting particle powders and enhancing stability. During metal wire drawing, the graphite lubricants reduced the friction coefficient between the die and metal wires to 0.06, ultimately enabling drawn tungsten wires with superior surface integrity, expanded loop diameter, and enhanced tensile strength relative to single-surfactant benchmarks. This study provides experimental and theoretical guidance to design effective graphite lubricants for high-quality drawn metal wires.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4056-1
Nanoparticle-based therapeutics have been intensively explored for tumor treatment. However, developing convenient and specific strategies that do not rely on exogenous energy-guided activation remains challenging. Herein, an ion-exchange-driven chemodynamic therapy is proposed based on the TME K+-mediated cation exchangeability of layered ferrous silicates (LFSs). LFSs were prepared by a facile "in situ 3D-to-2D structural transformation" strategy through valence bond transition from SiO–H–OSi to Fe–O, providing extensive convenience compared to conventional exfoliation methods. The structure-activity relationship and mechanism between surrounding TME ions and the cation exchange behavior of LFSs were revealed by both experimental investigation of the cation-exchange process and DFT calculations of the adsorption hydration behavior. As a result, the interlayered Fe ions were selectively and preferentially exchanged by TME K+ rather than surrounding TME Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, or Cl−, thereafter activating specific Fenton reaction together with TME H+, H2O2, and glutathione, demonstrating highly precise catalytic therapeutic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. This study proposes an original tumor-specific therapy modality with high precision and safety through taking advantage of ionic exchangeability of layered silicate, and provides enlightenment to reverse the TME K+ disorder.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4215-3
The escalating demand for energy-efficient edge inference in artificial intelligence has intensified the search for hardware that transcends the von Neumann bottleneck. Ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs) are promising due to their non-destructive readout, low programming energy, and multilevel operation. However, integrating ultrathin ferroelectrics with two-dimensional (2D) channels remains challenging due to the inert surfaces of 2D materials, which impede uniform film growth. Moreover, conventional ferroelectrics like doped hafnia and AlScN suffer performance degradation at thicknesses required for sub-1V operation. The interface between ferroelectric and 2D semiconductor is often plagued by traps and parasitic layers, causing threshold drift and fatigue. In a recent Science report, Hailin Peng and colleagues present an innovative solution: a native ferroelectric buffer derived from the semiconductor itself. By oxidizing layered Bi2O2Se below 400°C, they produce wafer-scale α-Bi2SeO5, a van der Waals ferroelectric oxide. This material retains robust ferroelectricity down to the monolayer limit, supporting both out-of-plane and in-plane polarization switching. It exhibits a high relative dielectric constant (~24) and a Curie temperature near 880 K. The in-situ oxidation approach enables precise thickness control, yielding a uniform, switchable, and robust gate stack for 2D FeFETs, addressing the critical challenges of voltage scaling and interface quality.