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🏛️ Key Research Academy39 Indexed Works

Zhejiang University

Verified scientific contributions, CAS laboratory outputs, clinical trial papers, and engineering breakthroughs produced by researchers and faculty affiliated with Zhejiang University.

SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Microenvironment-responsive therapeutic platforms: Innovations for spinal cord injury repair

Authors: ZHAO Yiqing, ZHANG Qi, WU Di

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a formidable clinical challenge due to the complex, dynamic lesion microenvironment that impedes axonal regeneration and functional recovery. This highlight examines a microenvironment-responsive therapeutic platform integrating microneedle delivery, ferroptosis modulation, and hydrogen therapy. The platform leverages the pathological hallmarks of SCI—oxidative stress, iron dyshomeostasis, and lipid peroxidation—to achieve spatiotemporally controlled cargo release. By combining microneedle arrays for minimally invasive intraparenchymal administration with hydrogen-releasing biomaterials, the system addresses the dual bottlenecks of poor drug penetration across the blood-spinal cord barrier and insufficient neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Ferroptosis inhibition is achieved through iron chelation and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) stabilization, while hydrogen gas scavenges hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite. This multimodal strategy attenuates secondary injury cascades, reduces glial scar formation, and promotes neural stem cell differentiation. The work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82574518) and the Talent Cultivation Project of Paring Academicians with Young Talents in higher education institutions in Zhejiang. The authors declare no conflict of interest. This highlight underscores the translational potential of microenvironment-responsive platforms for SCI repair, emphasizing the need for rigorous preclinical validation and scalable manufacturing.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Hollow Flower-Sphere TiO2 Nanoreactors: Enabling Ultrahigh-Loading and Speciation-Controlled Cu Sites for Solar H2 Evolution

Authors: Yeting Fang, Cheng Qian, Yulong Ying, Lvlv Ji, Tao Wang, Sheng Wang

Overcoming the intrinsic loading ceiling of oxide-supported single-atom catalysts remains a long-standing challenge, because oxide frameworks generally provide limited capacity for accommodating high densities of isolated metal species. Here, we report a hollow TiO2 nanoreactor that effectively addresses the long-standing loading limitation of oxide-supported catalysts by coupling high-capacity ion exchange with structural confinement. The multiscale framework is derived from a sodium titanate hollow flower-sphere assembled from ultrathin nanosheets. It enables broad accessibility of exchange sites and facilitates high Cu uptake prior to oxide formation. Subsequently, during Ar-assisted transformation into oxygen-vacancy-rich TiO2, the incorporated Cu species remain highly dispersed within the framework, while vacancy-mediated metal–support interactions further enhance their stability. As a result, controllable Cu speciation is achieved at ultrahigh loadings of 7.4 wt% as spatially isolated single atoms and 12.4 wt% as single-atom/subnanometer-cluster hybrids. The optimized hybrid catalyst delivers a hydrogen evolution rate of 28.8 mmol g−1 h−1 under simulated sunlight, surpassing conventional low-loading Cu/TiO2 systems under comparable conditions. This strategy is readily extendable to other transition metals (Fe, Co, and Ni), establishing a structural design principle for constructing high-density and speciation-controlled metal sites on oxide supports.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Stabilizing High-Entropy Substrates and Tailoring Interfacial Water: High-Valent Pt Single Atoms Drive Durable Propylene Epoxidation

Authors: Shaojian Jiang, Lan Yao, Yuhang Liu, Kai Deng, Ziqiang Wang, You Xu, Liang Wang, Hongjie Yu, Hongjing Wang

Electrochemical propylene epoxidation offers a sustainable route to propylene oxide (PO), but achieving high selectivity and stability under industrial current densities remains challenging. Herein, we report a high entropy amorphous CoFeNiCrMnBOx borate loaded with high valence Pt single atoms catalyst (a-Pt-HEBO) for stable bromine radical-mediated propylene epoxidation reaction (BrPOR). The high-entropy amorphous structure reshapes the interfacial hydrogen-bonding network and enriches free water, substantially lowering the energy barrier for water dissociation. Meanwhile, the strong electronic interactions between the coordinatively unsaturated, high-valence single Pt atoms and the substrate effectively prevent transition metal dissolution at high anodic potentials. The catalyst achieved 82.1% Faraday efficiency of PO at an industrial grade current density of 100 mA cm-2, and demonstrated excellent industrial application stability in up to 500 h of continuous test and within a scaled-up electrolyzer (4 × 4 cm2). This work provides a design for high-entropy catalysts in halogen-mediated electrosynthesis and a viable pathway toward carbon-neutral PO production.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Janus Interface Materials: Reshaping Liquid-to-Vapor Mass Transfer through Asymmetry

Authors: Xiao-Jie Liu, Yu-Ting Huang, Yi-Zhou Chen, Ting Shen, Hao-Cheng Yang, Zhi-Kang Xu

Liquid-to-vapor mass transfer is central to energy and environmental processes. Conventional distillation relies on vapor-liquid equilibrium and device-level optimization, with materials playing passive structural roles. Non-boiling processes such as membrane distillation and interfacial solar evaporation localize phase change at confined interfaces, making mass transfer a materials-mediated transport phenomenon where interfacial structure and chemistry dictate evaporation kinetics, vapor escape, and solute rejection. Janus interface materials, featuring spatially separated hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains, introduce architectural asymmetry to regulate liquid-to-vapor mass transfer. This review summarizes recent advances, highlighting mechanisms including the cooperative pump-valve effect, nanoconfinement-enhanced transport, and mitigation of fouling and scaling. Representative applications in membrane distillation, solar-driven evaporation, and personal thermal-moisture management are systematically discussed. Key challenges and future opportunities are outlined, particularly in advancing fundamental understanding, scalable fabrication, and practical implementation.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Water-Mediated Highly Reversible Mg-O2 Batteries

Authors: ZHENG Shifan, JIANG Long, ZHOU Jing, CHEN Yumin, LIN Ju, WAN Yulong, TIAN Yonghao, WANG Lie

Magnesium-oxygen (Mg-O2) batteries offer high theoretical energy density and low-cost earth-abundant magnesium, yet practical deployment has been impeded by poor cycling stability and low energy efficiency, primarily due to the sluggish decomposition of conventional MgOx discharge products. Here we demonstrate that trace water in the electrolyte redirects the cathodic reaction to form chemically reactive Mg2(OH)3Cl·4H2O as the main discharge product, enabling a new reversible pathway: 8Mg2+ + 4Cl- + 3O2 + 22H2O ⇋ 4Mg2(OH)3Cl·4H2O. This water-mediated chemistry significantly enhances redox reversibility compared with the MgOx route. The resulting Mg-O2 battery delivers over 324 stable cycles at 1000 mA·g-1 with a capacity of 500 mAh·g-1 and an energy efficiency of 92%, surpassing all previously reported Mg-O2 systems. The electrolyte comprises 0.25 M magnesium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Mg(TFSI)2) and 0.5 M magnesium chloride (MgCl2) in ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DME) with a trace amount of water. These findings establish a general strategy for reversible Mg-O2 electrochemistry and provide a new design paradigm for practical magnesium-based energy storage.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Heating-mode-defined energy pathways govern non-contact release in shape memory polymer transfer printing

Authors: LI Chenglong, MU Tong, TANG Qiuyu, YAO Chunying, LING Shengbin, JIANG Jing, ZHANG Shun, LINGHU Changhong, SONG Jizhou

Shape memory polymer (SMP)-based transfer printing offers a promising route for heterogeneous integration of flexible electronics, yet non-contact release reliability remains a critical bottleneck. This study systematically investigates the influence of pickup heating modes—localized versus global—on the release yield and energy-delivery mechanisms through combined experiments and finite element simulations. The localized heating mode concentrates strain energy at the interface, enabling controlled chip ejection with high yield, whereas global heating dissipates energy, leading to release failure. Quantitative analysis reveals that localized heating achieves a release yield of 100% under optimized conditions, compared to near-zero for global heating. The ejection velocity under localized heating is higher, which may induce chip bouncing on the receiver substrate, affecting transfer accuracy; however, this can be mitigated by adjusting release gap and laser parameters. The findings establish a theoretical framework for energy pathway design, providing guidelines for achieving high-yield, accurate non-contact release in laser-induced transfer printing. This work advances the practical application of SMP-based transfer printing for micro-LED displays and flexible electronics, addressing a key manufacturing bottleneck.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Asymmetric Small Molecule Acceptors for Organic Photovoltaics: Insights from Multiple Perspectives

Authors: DING Xueyan, ZHANG Nuo, SHI Minmin, LI Shuixing, CHEN Hongzheng

The rapid development of small molecule acceptors (SMAs) has enabled organic photovoltaics (OPVs) to achieve power conversion efficiencies exceeding 21%. Structural asymmetry has emerged as a particularly effective approach for boosting acceptor performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of asymmetric SMAs from the molecular scale to the nanoscale and macroscale. The main text is organized into four sections: molecular design strategies for structural asymmetry, crystal structure evolution from symmetry breaking, morphological characteristics revealed by advanced characterization techniques, and energy loss mechanisms involving asymmetric SMAs. At the molecular scale, asymmetry enables precise modulation of dipole moments and intermolecular interactions, directly affecting crystalline packing and charge-transport networks. At the nanoscale, it further regulates domain purity, phase continuity, and molecular orientation. Asymmetric designs can also help mitigate non-radiative voltage loss through modulation of charge-transfer state energetics. Overall, asymmetric molecular design introduces additional structural and electronic tunability, offering new opportunities for overcoming the trade-offs that limit OPV performance. Finally, we discuss ongoing challenges and outline future perspectives to guide continued development and innovation in asymmetric SMA design.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Differentiated adsorption of intermediates on high-entropy intermetallic metallene promotes selective electrocatalytic upgrading of PET plastics to glycolic acid

Authors: Jiabing Geng, Jiabao Yu, Ruidong Yang, Hongjie Yu, You Xu, Shibin Yin, Kai Deng, Ziqiang Wang, Liang Wang

The electrocatalytic oxidation of ethylene glycol (EG) derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste to valuable glycolic acid (GA) represents an attractive route for waste resource upcycling. However, achieving high selectivity remains challenging due to the difficulty in steering the complex reaction pathway. In this study, PdPtCuInBi high-entropy intermetallic metallene (HEI-PdPtCuInBiene) is reported to precisely control EG oxidation reaction (EGOR) pathway for GA production by constructing multiple active sites at the atomic scale. In PET hydrolysate, it achieves a Faradaic efficiency of 99.87% and a production rate of 1.47 mmol h−1 cm−2, along with excellent stability. Mechanistic studies reveal that the high-entropy structure induces strong p-d orbital hybridization, which optimizes the electronic structure of active sites, thus weakening the adsorption of key carbonyl intermediates and suppressing C–C bond cleavage. The synergistic electronic effect among Pd, Pt, and Cu further enables differential adsorption of distinct intermediates on diverse active sites, enhancing the selective formation of GA. Techno-economic analysis exhibits high profitability (~$784.9 t−1 PET) of this route, demonstrating the great potential of high-entropy intermetallic metallene in regulating electrocatalytic upcycling of PET waste and beyond.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Multifunctional Lanthanide-Doped Nanoparticle-Enabled Fiber Probe with Decoupled Modules for Tumor Therapy and Real-Time Temperature Sensing

Authors: SU Zewen, ZHAO Yingjie, LIAN Yanbang, LI Yinyan, LOU Bibo, MA Chong-Geng, XU Beibei, DONG Junqiang, BAI Gongxun

Nanomaterial-based optical biomedicine and devices have attracted significant attention for tumor diagnosis and treatment, yet their application in tumor ablation is often hindered by limited functional integration and concerns over excessive radiation exposure. In this study, we address these challenges by developing a multifunctional fiber probe based on lanthanide-doped nanoparticles, featuring decoupled modules for localized heating and optical thermometry. This design enables synergistic therapy under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. Beyond achieving precise photothermal ablation and real-time temperature monitoring, we uncovered a unique phenomenon: the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by these nanoparticles under NIR laser excitation, even in the absence of traditional photosensitizers. Through a combination of experimental and computational approaches, we elucidated the physical mechanisms underlying ROS generation in wide-bandgap lanthanide nanoparticles. Leveraging these insights, we constructed an all-optical fiber system capable of simultaneous precise thermal control and photodynamic therapy. Our findings offer valuable guidance for the development of advanced optical nanomaterials and devices for effective tumor treatment, both in vivo and in vitro.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Exciton Tuning and Charge Steering in Donor-Acceptor Covalent Triazine Frameworks toward Boosted Photocatalytic Oxidation

Authors: Lin Wang, Linghao Liu, Yanzhuo Zhao, Yuanying Liu, Xiaoya Li, Zhaoyang Lu, Quanyong Li, Chuanhao Wang, Heyuan Liu, Hang Wang, Yichao Huang, Debin Kong, Chuan-De Wu

Conventional heterogeneous photocatalysts often suffer from insufficient light absorption, rapid charge recombination, and a lack of specific reactive sites for efficient photocatalytic oxidation. To overcome these limitations, we propose a molecular polarization engineering approach utilizing structurally well-defined donor (D)-acceptor (A) covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs). The construction of dipole-induced built-in electric fields within the D-A-structured CTFs enables enhanced exciton dissociation and facilitates directional charge transfer. Specifically, the asymmetric A1-D-A2 moiety enhances molecular polarization in the dual-acceptor system CTF-TBT (A1-D-A2), enabling efficient charge separation through multiple electron-withdrawing units. This structural design promotes directional electron transfer toward the secondary acceptor (benzothiazole, A2), while simultaneously concentrating holes on the donor unit. Consequently, the A2 moiety acts as a site for efficient O2 activation via electron accumulation, whereas the highly oxidized donor unit provides strongly positive holes (h+) that facilitate substrate oxidation. Experimental and DFT calculation results confirm that CTF-TBT demonstrates highly enhanced photocatalytic oxidation performance, which can be attributed to its multi-channel charge separation mechanism and spatially separated redox-active sites. This study highlights the effectiveness of molecular dipole engineering in designing heterogeneous photocatalysts with controlled charge transfer pathways and improved redox capabilities. The proposed design principles provide a universal approach for promoting solar-driven chemical synthesis applications.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Enhancing efficiency and brightness of deep-blue phosphorescent OLED enabled by a narrowband Pt(II) emitter

Authors: Chengyao Zhang, Kewei Xu, Yuankuo Liu, Jianqiang Chen, Yun-Fang Yang, Yuanbin She, Guijie Li

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are an advanced technology for full-color displays, yet the low efficiency of blue OLEDs remains a critical bottleneck. Here, we report a new strategy to design robust Pt(II) emitters with enhanced molecular rigidity and increased locally excited character. The resulting Pt(II) emitter exhibits an extremely narrow emission spectrum peaking at 458.6 nm with a full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 16.0 nm and a small Huang-Rhys factor of 0.278, together with a high photoluminescence quantum efficiency of 95%. When doped into an OLED, the device emits at 464 nm with high color purity (FWHM = 19 nm) and achieves high external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 32.6%, 29.4%, and 26.9% at luminances of 123, 1000, and 5000 cd/m2, respectively. Notably, the device attains a record-high maximum brightness of 84,895 cd/m2 among reported deep-blue OLEDs with Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) y-coordinate < 0.15. This work demonstrates one of the highest-performing deep-blue OLEDs reported to date, addressing the dual challenges of efficiency and brightness in this spectral region.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Anti-Thermal-Quenching Radioluminescence and High-Temperature X-ray Imaging of Tb3+-Doped Glass Scintillators

Authors: LI Lianjie, CHEN Junyu, HE Guanlin, GUO Jiajia, WADHWA Abhishek, DU Jincheng, QIAO Xvsheng, CHEN Daqin, GUO Hai

The demand for high-performance scintillators in high-temperature applications, such as industrial flaw detection and oil exploration, necessitates materials with both high efficiency and thermal robustness. This work reports Tb3+-doped oxyfluoride glass scintillators exhibiting anti-thermal-quenching radioluminescence (RL). Three synergistic strategies were employed: (i) an oxyfluoride glass host providing a low-phonon-energy environment, (ii) increased structural densification of the glass network, and (iii) thermally enhanced energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+. The resulting scintillators achieve an optical transmittance exceeding 88% at 542 nm, a record RL intensity of 350% relative to a standard Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) crystal, and an imaging resolution of 24 lp mm−1. Notably, the RL intensity at 633 K reaches 143% of its room-temperature (303 K) value, demonstrating significant anti-thermal-quenching behavior. In contrast, commercial BGO and CsI:Tl scintillators exhibit RL intensities dropping to approximately 1% under identical conditions. These results establish the potential of Tb3+-doped glass scintillators for high-temperature X-ray imaging and provide a strategic framework for developing thermally robust scintillating materials.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Suppressing high-voltage phase transition of P2 type oxides by a precise composition tailoring strategy to realize high energy and stable sodium-ion batteries

Authors: Ji Shi, Yichi Zhang, Binglong Wan, Chenchen He, Zhengjia Xu, Jie Xu, Lianbo Ma, Xingqiao Wu, Bo Peng

P2-Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 (NNMO) is a promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high energy density and operating voltage. However, severe P2-O2 phase transition at high cut-off voltage causes large volume variation, structural degradation, and rapid capacity decay. Ion doping has been explored to suppress this transition, but achieving both high capacity and stability remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate that precise composition regulation enables both. The designed P2-Na0.67Ni0.28Mg0.03Fe0.04Mn0.55Ti0.1O2 retains high electrochemical active element content while effectively suppressing phase transition, leading to outstanding structural stability and fast charge transfer kinetics. This cathode delivers a high specific capacity of 143.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and maintains stable cycling over 1000 cycles. Our work provides a new strategy for rationally designing high-capacity, stable cathode materials for SIBs.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Weakly Space-Confined Perovskites: A Promising Strategy to Overcome PeLEDs Limitations

Authors: Linzhuang Peng, Wenjuan Zhu, Yang (Michael) Yang

Halide perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have advanced rapidly due to their high photoluminescence quantum yield, tunable bandgap, and color purity. However, conventional perovskites exhibit small exciton binding energies, which weaken radiative recombination and limit external quantum efficiency (EQE). Strong spatial confinement strategies, such as thin films, small grains, or quantum-confined structures, have boosted EQE beyond 20% but introduce Auger recombination and ion migration, causing efficiency roll-off and instability. This commentary highlights a novel approach by Xiao et al. (Nature, 2025) that employs weakly space-confined all-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskites, synthesized using sacrificial additives hypophosphorous acid (HPA) and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). This method yields highly oriented monocrystalline domains exceeding hundreds of nanometers with no observable grain boundaries, contrasting with control films (submicrometre grains with abundant boundaries) and strongly confined systems (~20 nm crystallites with organic ligands). The reduced grain boundaries lower defect density and block ion migration, while controlled crystallization suppresses vacancies and lattice distortions, enhancing carrier mobility and raising the ion migration energy barrier. The strategy achieves record-breaking performance and stability, addressing EQE roll-off and operational lifetime limitations. This approach offers a versatile framework for other all-inorganic perovskite systems, advancing PeLEDs toward practical high-brightness displays and lighting.

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Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026

Environmental Risk Assessment of Aerated Concrete Prepared by Synergistic Utilization of Incineration Fly Ash and Multi-Source Solid Wastes

Authors: SHI Songwei, ZHANG Wenpei, ZHAO Cheng, SUN Yansong, ZHANG Yan, YAN Mi

This study systematically evaluates the environmental risks associated with the resource utilization of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash in the production of aerated concrete, co-prepared with multiple solid wastes. The focus is on the leaching behavior and total content of heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn) under CO2 curing and chelating agent stabilization. Water washing pretreatment parameters (liquid-to-solid ratio, washing time, ash-to-slag ratio) were optimized for chloride removal. Results demonstrate that CO2 curing suppresses the leaching of most metals; leaching concentrations of Cr, Pb, Cd, and Zn decrease with reduced fly ash content, whereas Cu leaching increases when fly ash is absent. The addition of 17.5% organic sulfur stabilizer (DTC) significantly outperforms inorganic sulfide (Na2S) in immobilizing heavy metals, achieving compliance with national standards without compromising compressive strength or carbon sequestration. Water washing effectively reduces soluble chloride content to below 1% (mass fraction), meeting the HJ 1134-2020 regulatory limit. Optimal parameters include a liquid-to-solid ratio of 5, washing time of 20 min, and a raw material ratio of incineration bottom slag:fly ash:slag = 40:20:40. Under these conditions, the final product exhibits a compressive strength of 1.50 MPa, with heavy metals and soluble chlorides fully compliant. This work provides key technical support for the safe recycling of MSWI fly ash in building materials.

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Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026

Citric Acid-Modified HUSY Zeolite Catalyzes Alkylation of Phenol with Cyclohexanol for High-Density Aviation Fuel Precursors

Authors: HUA Canhao, WU Jingfeng, ZHU Lingjun, XU Guangwen, WANG Shurong

Lignin-derived oxygenated aromatics, particularly phenols and aromatic ethers, are promising feedstocks for synthesizing high-density, high-heat-sink aviation fuels via alkylation-hydrogenation processes. This study systematically evaluates the catalytic performance of various zeolites (Hβ, HZSM-5, MCM-41, and HUSY) in the alkylation of phenol with cyclohexanol. Characterization demonstrates that HUSY zeolite exhibits superior catalytic activity due to its favorable pore architecture and well-balanced acid site distribution, which synergistically facilitate molecular diffusion and catalytic transformations. To further enhance catalytic properties, HUSY was modified with citric acid at various concentrations and compared with NaOH and oxalic acid treatments. Results reveal that citric acid treatment preserves crystallinity while modulating acidity and pore structure. All modified zeolites enhance phenol alkylation activity. Notably, HUSY-0.5M, exhibiting the highest medium-strong acid to total acid ratio, achieves superior performance: 80.4% phenol conversion and 99.6% selectivity for alkylation products. The catalyst also shows high activity for various lignin-derived compounds (p-cresol, anisole, guaiacol), demonstrating broad applicability. This work provides a new strategy for valorizing lignin-derived phenols into high-value fuel precursors through alkylation.

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Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026

Effects of Endogenous Potassium and Calcium Ions on the Yields and Characteristics of Products from Corn Stalk Pyrolysis

Authors: CAI Hanle, ZHU Liang, CAI Wei, LU Weimiao, ZHANG Yutao, MA Zhongqing

Endogenous alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEMs) in biomass ash and pyrolysis temperature significantly influence the properties of pyrolysis polygeneration products. This study selected potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca2+) as representative AAEMs, added them at mass ratios of 2%, 5%, and 7% to corn stover via impregnation, and conducted fixed-bed pyrolysis at 400, 500, and 600 °C to investigate the yields and compositions of gas, liquid, and solid products. Results showed that increasing metal ion concentration significantly increased biochar yield, with Ca2+ at 7% achieving 24.96% biochar yield, while bio-oil yield generally decreased. Ca2+ strongly promoted H2 formation due to its Lewis acidity, reaching 32.49% in gas at 7% concentration, and facilitated furan enrichment to 65.88%. K+ at low concentrations favored phenolic formation, while high concentrations promoted ketones and intensified bio-oil cracking. Increasing temperature from 400 to 600 °C decreased biochar yield and increased gas yield, with high temperatures enhancing secondary cracking and reforming, significantly raising H2 and CH4 yields while suppressing oxygenates. At 600 °C, K+ catalysis increased acids to 39.41%, while Ca2+ maintained furans at 65.89%. This study demonstrates that adjusting metal ion concentration and temperature enables directional regulation of high-value bio-oil components and high-energy gases, providing a theoretical basis for optimized biomass pyrolysis utilization.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Protonation-Mediated Multifunctional Silk Fibroin Hydrogel Adhesives for Epidermal Interface Sensing

Authors: CAO Yucheng, LI Haopeng, LIU Changyi, LI Xiaohui, FU Fanfan, YU Jing

Silk fibroin (SF)-based hydrogels are promising for biological interfaces, yet achieving multifunctionality—mechanical robustness, adhesion, conductivity, and stability—often requires chemical modification that compromises biocompatibility. Here, we report a protonation-mediated SF/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel adhesive that retains natural silk properties while gaining tailored functionalities. The physically crosslinked network is formed solely via molecular interactions, with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) as a protonation agent to modulate hydrogen bonding, enabling precise control over adhesion, mechanical strength, and electronic conductivity. Glycerol (Gly) is incorporated as a moisturizing agent to enhance long-term stability for skin applications. The resulting hydrogel exhibits excellent performance in monitoring electrophysiological signals, including electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyogram (EMG), and electroencephalogram (EEG), demonstrating its potential as a platform for advanced biological interfaces. This work addresses the critical challenge of developing SF-based hydrogels that combine natural advantages with multifunctionality, offering a promising route for wearable health monitors and human-machine interfaces.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Organic Solar Windows with Full Visual Aesthetics

Authors: TIAN Yuqian, GUAN Shitao, ZHENG Xiangjun, LIAN Mengying, WANG Yiming, CHEN Hongzheng, ZUO Lijian

Visual aesthetics is a key metric of semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (ST-OPVs) for building-integrated solar windows, yet previous studies have primarily focused on the compromise between efficiency and transparency. This work addresses the overlooked aspect of full visual aesthetic control, particularly the bidirectional reflected color for architectural harmony, via designing ST-OPVs with double-sided ultra-thin Ag/TeO2 transparent electrodes. This design facilitates full-spectrum color tunability covering the whole standard color gamut of CIE coordinates on both surfaces, achieved simply by adjusting layer thicknesses. The resulting devices exhibit neutral transparency (16.6%–27.0% average visible transmittance) and competitive power conversion efficiencies (8.1%–9.2%). Additionally, the devices demonstrate strong flexibility, with flexibility-adaptive coloration and curvature-enhanced aesthetics. This work presents an ST-OPV design featuring full visual aesthetics and considerable performance, paving the way for commercialization of organic solar windows for building and vehicle integration.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Stable precursor engineering for large and high-quality MAPbBr3 single crystal toward efficient high-energy radiation detection

Authors: Lei Li, Zhongyi Lin, Jie Chen, Jing Wang, Lixiang Wang, Yanjun Fang, Lingbo Xu, Deren Yang, Zhenyi Ni

Methylammonium lead tribromide (MAPbBr3) single crystals (SCs) are promising for room-temperature gamma-ray and X-ray detection, but scaling their size often compromises crystal quality. Here, we report a strategic precursor stoichiometry engineering approach to grow inch-sized, high-quality MAPbBr3 SCs via a constant-temperature evaporation method. We show that constructing a robust electrical double layer through organic cation modulation effectively stabilizes the colloidal precursor. This is achieved by synergistically suppressing MA+ deprotonation while promoting MA+ adsorption as counterions on the [PbBrn]2−n complexes, which collectively strengthens interparticle repulsion and raises the nucleation barrier. This multifaceted approach yields MAPbBr3 SCs with lateral dimensions up to 2 inches and an exceptional X-ray diffraction rocking curve full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.0093° at the (002) face. Consequently, the SCs enable spectroscopic-grade gamma-ray detection, achieving energy resolutions (ER) of 8.4% for the 57Co source (122 keV) and 11.1% for the 137Cs source (662 keV), along with a high X-ray sensitivity of 1.65 × 10^4 μC Gy−1 cm−2. This work paves the way for the practical application of MAPbBr3 SCs in high-performance gamma-ray and X-ray detection.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Strengthening d-p Orbital Hybridization by Fluorine Modification for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Authors: SU Wenlei, ZHANG Xiuxiu, ZHANG Jing, JIANG Zhijie, WANG Man, ZHAO Wenjie, XIA Xiangchen, CHEN Sijian, LUO Hepeng, PROTSENKO Bogdan, GUDA Alexander A., SOLDATOV Mikhail A., ZHU Xiaofeng, CHENG Weiren

The sluggish kinetics and high onset potentials of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode of alkaline water/seawater electrolyzers limit overall energy efficiency. Noble-metal oxides like RuO2 are active but suffer from high cost, agglomeration, and dissolution under oxidizing potentials, especially in chloride-rich electrolytes where competing chloride oxidation reaction (ClOR) occurs. Here, we report a mild two-step dry-wet milling strategy to achieve throughout lattice doping of F− into MnO2 (F-MnO2) and subsequent anchoring of atomically dispersed Ru via Ru–O/F hybrid bonds. The strengthened Mn 3d–O/F 2p hybridization and negative charge shielding of surface F− enhance OER activity/selectivity relative to ClOR and impart superior Cl− tolerance and corrosion resistance. The resulting F-Ru-MnO2-TH electrocatalyst exhibits overpotentials of 280 mV and 200 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline water and simulated seawater, respectively. It retains ~100% of initial activity after 200 h continuous operation in alkaline media and >95% after 300 h in simulated seawater, significantly outperforming Ru-MnO2 and commercial RuO2. This work provides a scalable route to durable, high-performance OER catalysts for seawater electrolysis.

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Environmental Chemistry•2026

Optimizing the Efficiency of Water Pollution Tracing Based on Three-Dimensional Fluorescence Spectra Extracted from Characteristic Excitation Wavelengths

Authors: ZHAO Yuan, TANG Qi, KUANG Litao, JIN Meng, LAN Yaqiong, XU Cancan, LIU Rui

Traditional excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy suffers from prolonged scanning times, data redundancy, high instrument cost, and bulkiness, hindering rapid on-site water pollution source tracing. This study proposes a novel classification method combining fixed characteristic excitation wavelength scanning with support vector machine (SVM) to enhance efficiency. A total of 180 EEM samples were collected from six pollution source categories: chemical fiber dyeing and finishing, wool textile dyeing and finishing, leather processing, metal surface processing, papermaking, and domestic sewage. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) identified characteristic fluorescent components and excitation wavelengths. Correlation analysis and feature importance analysis further reduced these to seven characteristic excitation wavelengths. SVM and random forest (RF) models were constructed using both the reduced and original EEM datasets. Results demonstrated that models based on the seven characteristic excitation wavelengths maintained high recognition accuracy while significantly improving efficiency. The SVM model achieved the best performance, with runtime reduced from 243.05 s to 34.56 s (an 86% decrease) and recognition accuracy reaching 94.4%. Precision, recall, and F1-score metrics confirmed the robust performance of SVM with characteristic wavelengths, particularly for metal surface processing wastewater. This study provides an efficient and reliable method for rapid water pollution tracing by simplifying EEM scanning and integrating SVM, offering high application value. Future work will optimize feature selection strategies and explore additional sample categories and model combinations to broaden applicability.

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Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026

Mechanistic Insights into Biochar@PVA-SA Composite Fillers for Enhanced Biopurification of Isohexane in Biotrickling Filters

Authors: QU Miaomiao, ZHENG Yi, ZHOU Renlei, LUO Qiwen, FENG Yuqi, CHENG Zhuowei, SHI Yun, WANG Wenjun, YOU Juping, CHEN Jianmeng

Biotrickling filtration (BTF) is a promising technology for treating volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but its application to hydrophobic alkanes like isohexane is hindered by mass transfer limitations, low degradation efficiency, and high operational costs. To address these bottlenecks, this study developed composite fillers by incorporating biochars derived from coffee grounds (CG), coconut shells (CS), corn cobs (CC), and activated carbon (AC) into a polyvinyl alcohol-sodium alginate (PVA-SA) hydrogel matrix. The fillers were systematically characterized for water retention, pore structure, surface functional groups, crystalline phase, and acid-base resistance. Adsorption capacity, biofilm formation, and isohexane degradation were evaluated using the strain Rhodococcus ruber ZYH-ZY. Among the composites, CG@PVA-SA exhibited superior performance: water retention of 358 mg·g−1 (vs. 280 mg·g−1 for control), enhanced mesoporosity (specific surface area 4.77 m2·g−1, pore volume 11.46 cm3·kg−1, 10–30% higher than control), and robust acid-base stability (mass loss 21.37% at pH 2 and 31.98% at pH 10). Its saturated adsorption capacity reached 201.02 mg·kg−1 (vs. 114.24 mg·kg−1 for control), and it promoted bacterial colonization with a survival rate of 79.0% (vs. 37.2% for control). Static degradation tests showed 96.59% removal of 10 μL isohexane within 24 h. The abundant polar functional groups and suitable mesoporous structure of coffee ground biochar synergized with the PVA-SA matrix, enhancing water retention, mass transfer, and microbial colonization, thereby significantly improving isohexane purification. CG@PVA-SA is an ideal filler for BTF treatment of alkane VOCs, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for industrial VOC control.

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Environmental Chemistry•2026

Research Progress on the Impact of Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure on Pregnancy Complications and Adverse Birth Outcomes

Authors: ZHANG Ruixin, ZHUANG Shulin, LIU Jing

Organophosphate pesticides (OPs), the most extensively used insecticides globally, are ubiquitous in environmental matrices and agricultural products, leading to widespread human exposure. This systematic review evaluates the impact of OP exposure on pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes, synthesizing evidence from 58 epidemiological studies published between January 2001 and July 2024. Exposure assessment methods, including biomarkers such as urinary dialkyl phosphates, are critically examined. The review finds significant associations between OP exposure and increased risks of spontaneous abortion, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight and reduced head circumference. Potential mechanisms include paraoxonase 1 (PON1) genotype polymorphisms affecting detoxification capacity, oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic disruption, and altered placental gene networks. The review highlights inconsistencies across studies due to variability in exposure assessment, timing, and population susceptibility. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs, repeated biomarker measurements, and consideration of PON1 genetic variants to clarify causal relationships and susceptible windows. This comprehensive synthesis provides critical insights for regulatory policies and clinical interventions aimed at mitigating maternal and child health risks from OP exposure.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Solvation regulation with Janus solvates for sustainable aqueous Zn ion batteries

Authors: Ping Jiang, Jianchun Chen, Kean Chen, Weiping Xie, Liangdong Lin, Yongjin Fang, Yonggao Xia, Zhong-Shuai Wu, Zhongxue Chen, Dianbo Ruan, Yuliang Cao

The uncontrollable Zn dendrites and serious parasitic side reactions of the zinc anode severely impede the practical application of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. In this work, a unique strategy of multipoint solvate coordination center is proposed, which anchors Zn2+ and H2O with complex sites to establish an intermolecular connection within the asymmetric solvation structure. A hydrated deep eutectic electrolyte based on multi-site methylurea (MU) with Janus properties is developed, in which Zn2+ and H2O interact with MU through Lewis acid-base and hydrogen bonding interaction, and the regulated asymmetric solvation configuration can guide the (002)-ordered Zn deposition. Simultaneously, a small amount of polyethylene glycol (PEG, Mw=20000) can facilitate homogenous (002) Zn deposition by suppressing Zn2+ transfer kinetics. Benefiting from the rationally regulated solvation structure and PEG molecules adsorbed onto Zn anodes, the side reactions and Zn dendrites are significantly inhibited. As a result, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell delivers outstanding cycling performance over 3900 h (1 mA cm−2, 0.5 mA h cm−2). In addition, the Zn||V2O5 battery maintains 79.2% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1. The results suggest a promising oriented regulation strategy for sustainable aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Multifunctional Melamine Foam Composites Featuring Asymmetric Conductive Networks for Highly Absorptive EMI Shielding and Infrared Stealth

Authors: Jinling Liu, Jiayu Lu, Baoqing Yang, Dongyan Huang, Zhangqi Han, Yan Zhang, Bibo Wang, Dongming Qi, Wei Wang

The escalating demand for lightweight, multifunctional stealth materials in modern protective applications necessitates integrated solutions against electromagnetic interference (EMI), infrared (IR) detection, and incendiary threats. This study presents an innovative melamine foam (MF)-based composite featuring an asymmetric dual-nano conductive network, achieving absorption-dominated EMI shielding, IR stealth, and flame retardancy. Inspired by the Salisbury screen, the composite employs MF as an interlayer and flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofiber membrane as a substrate. The architecture comprises a carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-modified impedance matching nanofiber layer as the top absorber and a silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-modified nanofiber layer as the highly conductive reflective bottom. Precise control of CNTs content and interlayer thickness enables tunable electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption, yielding a low reflection coefficient of 0.03 and a high EMI shielding effectiveness of 79.23 dB at a total thickness of 4.40 mm. Even at 1.40 mm, effective absorption-dominated shielding is maintained. The performance remains stable under ultrasonic, compression, and bending tests, demonstrating high durability. The mechanism underlying absorption-dominated EMI shielding at reduced thickness, relying on destructive interference of EMWs enabled by the asymmetric dual-nano conductive network, is thoroughly elucidated. Additionally, the composite exhibits superior IR stealth and self-extinguishing properties. This work offers a feasible strategy for designing high-performance stealth materials with strong potential for personnel and communication equipment protection.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Entropy stabilization and effect of A-site ionic size in bilayer nickelates

Authors: Jia-Yi Lu, Jia-Xin Li, Xin-Yu Zhao, Ya-Nan Zhang, Yi-Qiang Lin, Kai-Xin Ye, Hui-Qiu Yuan, Guang-Han Cao

The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in bilayer nickelate La3Ni2O7−δ (La-327) under high pressure and in thin films at ambient pressure has opened new avenues in superconductivity research. However, La-327 exhibits a narrow phase stability range, leading to stacking faults that suppress bulk superconductivity. Chemical substitutions, particularly at the A-site with smaller rare-earth ions, have been shown to enhance phase purity and reduce stacking faults, while also increasing the orthorhombic distortion and chemical pressure. In this work, we apply the high-entropy (HE) strategy to stabilize the 327 phase with reduced average A-site ionic radius (rA). We successfully synthesized medium-entropy La1.2Pr0.6Nd0.6Sm0.6Ni2O7−δ (ME-327) and high-entropy La0.67Pr0.67Nd0.67Sm0.33Eu0.33Gd0.33Ni2O7−δ (HE-327) polycrystalline samples. These compositions satisfy medium- and high-entropy criteria, with rA values of 1.181 Å and 1.164 Å, respectively. The samples are phase-pure and homogeneous. HE-327 exhibits the lowest cell volume, largest orthorhombicity, and shortest interlayer Ni-Ni distance among reported bilayer nickelates. Physical property measurements reveal low electrical conductivity and a high density-wave (DW) transition temperature. Under high pressure, HE-327 shows a resistivity anomaly at 103 K under 31 GPa, suggesting a possible superconducting transition. Extrapolation indicates that Tc under high pressure exceeds 100 K for HE-327, correlating with reduced rA and enhanced interlayer coupling. Our results demonstrate the ionic size effect and the effectiveness of the HE approach in stabilizing bilayer nickelates, providing a new avenue for developing superconducting materials.

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Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026

Adsorption and High-Temperature Nitrogen Desorption Performance and Mechanism of Granular Activated Carbon for Large-Air-Volume Low-Concentration PCE-Containing Waste Gas

Authors: HUANG Yuting, MA Ling, CAI Yufei, WANG Zhentao, WANG Yuxuan, JIN Ke, JIANG Xingyu, ZHAO Weirong

To treat large-air-volume, low-concentration volatile organic compounds (VOCs) containing tetrachloroethylene (PCE) generated from rubber-metal bonding, this study systematically investigated the adsorption-desorption behavior and interaction mechanisms of PCE, toluene, and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) on granular activated carbon (GAC). Static adsorption experiments showed that PCE adsorption capacity reached 556.6 mg·g−1, while dynamic multi-component adsorption capacity was 179.6 mg·g−1. Kinetic analysis indicated that PCE adsorption was controlled by both intraparticle diffusion and external surface adsorption, whereas toluene and MIBK were primarily intraparticle diffusion-limited. During high-temperature nitrogen desorption, PCE underwent dechlorination, hydrogenation, and recombination, producing trichloroethylene, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloropropane, and HCl, with HCl accounting for 3.61% of the chlorine molar content in adsorbed PCE. After four adsorption-desorption cycles, the iodine value of GAC dropped below the industry standard of 600 mg·g−1; however, water washing and alkali immersion extended the cycle life to 8 and 9 cycles, respectively. The HCl generation pattern in co-adsorption systems was consistent with single-PCE systems. A regeneration process combining alkali immersion and water washing was proposed and integrated into an engineering strategy. Compared to conventional activated carbon adsorption coupled with RTO incineration, the proposed classification strategy reduced annual costs by 49.5×10⁴ CNY. This work provides a cost-effective and safe solution for Cl-VOCs treatment.

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Environmental Chemistry•2026

Research Progress on the Olfactory Toxicity of Aquatic Pollutants to Fish

Authors: ZENG Shimin, TONG Changlun, YANG Fangxing

Olfaction is crucial for fish survival in complex aquatic environments, enabling detection and discrimination of odor signals that regulate foraging, predator avoidance, social interaction, courtship, and migration. The fish olfactory system, directly exposed to water, is highly susceptible to aquatic pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides. This review summarizes the composition and structure of the fish olfactory system, the process of olfactory response, and current research on olfactory toxicity of major aquatic pollutants. Key findings indicate that pollutants like copper and cadmium disrupt olfactory epithelium integrity, alter olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) populations, and impair odor-driven behaviors. For instance, copper exposure in larval zebrafish causes differential death and regeneration of OSN populations, leading to neurobehavioral deficits. Cadmium exposure in juvenile coho salmon differentially alters odorant-driven behaviors and olfactory receptor expression. The review highlights the need for further research on mechanisms, mixture effects, and development of biomarkers for early warning. Understanding olfactory toxicity is vital for ecological risk assessment and for developing fish-based biosensors for water quality monitoring.

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Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026

Preparation of Red Mud-Modified Sludge-Based Biochar and Its Phosphorus Adsorption Efficiency and Mechanism

Authors: ZHANG Chao, XIONG Renjiu, CAI Meiqiang, DONG Chunying

To address the dual challenges of phosphorus resource scarcity and eutrophication control, this study proposed a sustainable waste-treats-waste strategy by preparing red-mud-modified sludge-based biochar (RMSBC) via co-pyrolysis of red mud and sewage sludge. The optimal material (RMSBC800), produced at 800 °C with a red mud-to-sludge mass ratio of 3:1, achieved a maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity of 28.57 mg/g, a 350% enhancement over unmodified biochar (SBC). Characterization (SEM, XRD, EDS, FT-IR, XPS) revealed that red mud modification increased the average pore size from 7.91 nm to 20.33 nm, reduced electronegativity, and raised the pH at point of zero charge (pHpzc) from 2.01 to 3.37. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, and isotherms fitted the Langmuir model, indicating monolayer chemisorption. The Freundlich parameter 1/n was 0.34, suggesting favorable adsorption. Mechanistic studies identified electrostatic attraction and surface precipitation as dominant, with molecular dynamics simulations confirming the critical role of Fe3O4 over Fe2O3 in adsorbing HPO4^2- due to stronger electrostatic interactions. The material retained 61% of its initial capacity after five regeneration cycles and achieved 83% phosphorus removal from real wastewater. This work demonstrates synergistic valorization of industrial wastes, offering an economically viable solution for phosphorus pollution control and resource recovery.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Transparent oxyhalide glass-ceramic scintillators containing lead-free chloride perovskite nanocrystals for high-resolution and stable X-ray imaging

Authors: ZHANG Wei, LIU Jiacheng, CUI Yingying, DU Junyi, LIU Qunhuo, RAN Peng, YANG Yang (Michael), QIAO Xvsheng, FAN Xianping, GUO Hai

Lead-free halide perovskites are promising scintillators due to strong X-ray attenuation and high internal quantum efficiency (IQE), but their application is hindered by moisture sensitivity. Here, CsSrCl3:Eu2+ nanocrystals were grown in situ in a specially designed inorganic glass matrix. By employing [PO4]-modification and controlled crystallization, a transparent CsSrCl3:Eu2+ glass-ceramic (GC) scintillator was obtained, combining high crystallinity (15.9%) with excellent optical transparency (85.3% at 432 nm). The GC exhibits outstanding photoluminescence (PL) performance, including a high IQE of 87.6% and superior thermal stability (74% intensity retention at 493 K relative to 303 K). Benefiting from the robust glass matrix, the GC retains 99% of its initial PL intensity after 14 days of water immersion. Under X-ray excitation, it shows blue X-ray excited luminescence (XEL), with peak and integrated intensities reaching 117% and 25.1% of those of Bi4Ge3O12 crystal, respectively. The scintillator achieves a high spatial resolution of 20 lp mm−1 and an X-ray detection limit of 3.7 μGy s−1. Furthermore, it demonstrates exceptional operational stability in humid environments, maintaining clear X-ray image contrast even after 48 h of water submersion. This study provides an effective strategy for stabilizing hygroscopic halide scintillators in a durable [PO4]-modified fluoroaluminate glass matrix and demonstrates the potential of CsSrCl3:Eu2+ GC for high-resolution and stable X-ray imaging.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Cost-effective organic solar cells consisting of homogeneously passivated metal oxides

Authors: Xinyu He, Huanxin Ju, Hongzheng Chen, Chang-Zhi Li

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) exceeding 20% in laboratory-scale devices, yet challenges persist in developing cost-effective charge-transporting materials (CTMs) that ensure high performance and long-term stability. Conventional organic CTMs such as PEDOT:PSS and PDINN suffer from thermal instability due to molecular diffusion and phase segregation. Solution-processed metal oxides (MOs) offer excellent stability and cost-effectiveness but are plagued by surface defects, particularly hydroxyl groups, which act as recombination centers and photocatalytic sites, degrading device interfaces. Here, we develop an organic-inorganic hybrid strategy to homogeneously passivate solution-processible semiconducting MOs. By first synthesizing MOs rich in surface hydroxyl groups and then introducing organic molecules, we achieve chemically homogeneous passivation that mitigates surface defects. This approach enables favorable interfacial energy level alignment, enhanced charge extraction, and tunable surface energy. Employing these passivated MOs as electron transport layers (ZnO) and hole transport layers (NiOx), we achieve a champion PCE of 20.22% for all-MO CTM-based OSCs, the highest reported to date. Scalability is demonstrated via ambient blade-coating, yielding 18.33% PCE for large-area cells (1.44 cm2) and 16.03% for modules (20.05 cm2), with material costs estimated at only 4% of organic counterparts. Furthermore, devices exhibit outstanding stability, retaining over 80% of initial PCE after 1300 h of maximum power point tracking and over 1000 h of thermal annealing at 85°C. This work establishes a new benchmark for cost-effective, high-performance organic photovoltaics.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

On-demand formation of ordered silver nanowire micromesh electrodes via rubber surface pressure modulation

Authors: Li Zhan, Jikai Yao, Ziyi Dai, Zhiqiang Liu, Zimiao Chen, Yu Wang, Weidong Qin, Kai Qian

Flexible transparent electrodes are vital for next-generation electronics, but conventional silver nanowire (AgNW) networks suffer from non-uniform current and “hot spots” due to their random arrangement. To address this, we present a facile rubber pressure treatment that enables the controlled self-assembly of ordered AgNW micromesh (Ag NMs) on hydrophilic surfaces. This simple physical treatment simultaneously modifies surface energy and topography through molecular chain transfer from the rubber, creating optimal wetting conditions for coffee-ring assembly. This dual modification transforms droplet evaporation from constant contact angle to constant contact radius mode, enabling the universal fabrication of well-defined Ag NMs on diverse substrates like glass, polymers, and even curved surfaces. The resulting Ag NMs/colorless polyimide (CPI) electrodes (2 cm × 2 cm, ~30 Ω/sq), fabricated via single-step transfer and embedding, demonstrate desirable uniform sheet resistance distribution (<5% variation), outstanding mechanical durability, and environmental stability. These electrodes exhibit superior performance in practical applications, including stable electrical heating (159 ± 3°C at 8 V) with uniform temperature distribution and excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding (26.4 dB), while maintaining high optical transparency (~78%). This scalable approach offers a promising platform for advanced flexible electronics.

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Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026

Water Quality Assessment of Inter-basin Water Transfer in Water Supply Areas Based on Coupled EFDC-SWAT Model

Authors: LI Haixiang, XU Yueping, JIANG Yanming, WANG Xiuling, YANG Le, KONG Linlin, QIU Jiong, JIA Xiaofang

Inter-basin water diversion projects can profoundly alter the water quality dynamics of receiving basins. Taking the Qincun Reservoir and its downstream reaches in the Huangze River Basin as a case study, this research quantitatively evaluates water-quality responses under multiple coordinated management measures. An integrated Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code-Soil and Water Assessment Tool (EFDC-SWAT) modeling framework was established, coupling a two-dimensional hydrodynamic-water-quality model for the reservoir with a hydrology-water-quality model for the downstream reaches. Seven management scenarios were designed to reflect various combinations of point- and non-point-source pollution control strategies. Simulations focused on spatiotemporal variations in key indicators—total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and permanganate index (CODMn)—and assessed pollution-load reduction effectiveness. Comparative analysis using the comprehensive water quality identification index (CWQII) revealed that under Scenario 3 (highest pollution-control standards with lowest diversion volume), TN and TP concentrations in the reservoir decreased by 80% and 50%, respectively, achieving Class II water-quality standards. Downstream TN and TP levels declined by 36% and 33%, and the CWQII improved from 4.211 to 3.410. Land consolidation contributed 77% and 45% to TN and TP load reductions in the reservoir, respectively, while a 20% reduction in diversion volume was most effective in improving downstream TN (>50%). These results demonstrate that the coupled EFDC-SWAT model effectively elucidates mechanisms through which inter-basin water diversion influences water quality in supply areas. Moreover, synergistic point- and non-point-source controls exhibit a nonlinear enhancement effect on overall water-quality improvement.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

A Knittable, Muscle-Fiber-Inspired Fiber with Ultra-Stretchability, Waterproof Property and High Conductivity for Wireless Power and Wide-Range Sensing

Authors: Yue Xu, Liping Xie, Xiran Jiang, Shuo Chen, Wenyu Huang

Conductive fibers face a fundamental trade-off between high electrical conductivity and substantial mechanical stretchability, which critically undermines their reliability under extreme or dynamic mechanical conditions. To overcome this challenge, we report a bio-inspired, hierarchically structured conductive fiber engineered by mimicking the parallel-fibril architecture and integrated matrix of skeletal muscle. This fiber is constructed from multiple parallel spandex yarns as the elastic core, a continuous liquid metal (LM) layer as the conductive pathway, and a composite waterborne polyurethane (WPU)/fluoropolymer (FP) sheath as the protective matrix. This unique architecture concurrently delivers exceptional stretchability (>3500%), high electrical conductivity (3.76 × 10^5 S m−1), and outstanding stability against water and mechanical abrasion. Leveraging its excellent conductivity and mechanical compliance, the fiber can be woven into textiles and function as a receiving coil for efficient wireless power transfer. Additionally, a twisted-pair capacitive strain sensor fabricated from this fiber demonstrates a broad, linear response up to 1000% strain. When integrated into garments, the sensor effectively monitors a wide range of physiological activities, from gross joint movements to subtle biological signals, including wrist pulse, vocal vibration, ballistocardiogram, and respiration. This work presents a conductive fiber that integrates high conductivity, ultra-stretchability, waterproofness, and long-term durability, offering a robust material platform and a scalable fabrication strategy for advancing all-weather health-monitoring systems, smart textiles, and next-generation wearable electronics.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Room-Temperature Sensitive Electromechanical Magnetization Reversal with Modulation Capability Approaching 100%

Authors: Mingliang Cheng, Jianzhao Wang, Yiting Mo, Yijun Huang, Xinghao Qu, Senjiang Yu, Liang Hu, Xinglong Dong, Xuefeng Zhang

Developing efficient strategies for electrically manipulating two-dimensional magnetism at room temperature is a key challenge in contemporary spintronics. In this study, we demonstrate giant electromechanical control over the magnetism of the room-temperature van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2 by integrating it with the ferroelectric α-In2Se3. Modest gate voltages lead to an almost complete suppression of the coercive field by 96.5%, corresponding to a remarkable peak modulation sensitivity of ~8.1 mT V−1, which stands out among existing van der Waals magnetoelectric systems. Importantly, this substantial magnetoelectric response is predominantly unaffected by voltage polarity, as both positive and negative gate voltages induce similar magnetic modulation effects. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we tracked the voltage-induced Raman spectral changes, revealing a peak shift of 1.7 cm−1 that accurately represents an effective in-plane tensile strain of ~1.42% under an equivalent bias, demonstrating polarity independence as well. The synchronized magnetic response and strain variation unequivocally indicate that the induced tensile strain serves as the fundamental physical driver behind the magnetic modulation. Additionally, density functional theory calculations corroborate that the reduction in magnetic anisotropy induced by tensile strain results in a decrease in the coercive field. Our work establishes a novel and efficient approach for achieving voltage control of magnetism at room temperature in van der Waals multiferroic heterostructures, highlighting their significant potential for applications in ultra-low-power magnetic logic and sensing technologies.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

pH-Triggered Visible Indicator Dressing for Early Diagnosis of Bacterial Wound Infection

Authors: Shanshan Yu, Zhaoyang Chen, Xiangmei Sun, Haitao Pan, Zihao Yang, Kefeng Ren, Xiaoliang Shi, Jian Ji

Cutaneous wound infections affect millions of patients annually worldwide, and early diagnosis is critical for timely anti-infection treatment. Bacterial infections alter wound pH, offering a promising diagnostic approach. Here, a diagnostic smart dressing (CMC-PDBI) is developed by ultraviolet-initiated crosslinking of a pH-responsive indicator coating, incorporating modified bromothymol blue, onto a carboxymethyl cellulose substrate. The dressing exhibits superior pH-triggered color-changing performance in both phosphate buffer solution and bacterial cultures across the pH range associated with wound infection (orange at pH 6.0, green from pH 6.5 to 7.5, blue at pH 8.0). In a murine wound infection model, CMC-PDBI indicates infection two days before symptomatic manifestation. Early therapy guided by the dressing accelerates wound healing and reduces inflammation. A smartphone application (InfectSense) assists in identifying infection risk. This work presents a novel early-warning platform for qualitative visual diagnosis of wound infections before clinical symptom onset, with high potential for clinical and home care settings.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Precise Modulation of Surface Pb-Rich Intermetallic Pd3Pb Nanocubes for Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Authors: LI Junjie, JI Liang, LI Lei, LI Xiao, WU Xingqiao, ZHANG Hui, YANG Deren

A series of ~20 nm intermetallic Pd3Pb nanocubes with tunable surface Pb exposure were synthesized via a facile one-step solvothermal approach, providing an ideal system to investigate the way in which the surface configurations of Pb-rich (Pd3Pb/Pb), Pd-rich (Pd3Pb/Pd), and standard Pd3Pb nanocubes influence the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) mainly through the ligand effect while excluding geometric influences. Electrochemical measurement results indicate that the Pd3Pb/Pb catalyst delivered outstanding C1+ selectivity, achieving a high Faradaic efficiency of 96.88% at −0.72 V (vs. RHE), significantly outperforming the Pd3Pb/Pd (39.86%) and standard Pd3Pb (81.75%) counterparts. In situ FTIR together with DFT calculations further elucidated that Pb incorporation can modulate the electronic structure of Pd via p-d hybridization, leading to the upshift of the d-band center. This will, in return, strengthen the intermediate adsorption ability and lower the energy barriers of the C1+ pathways while effectively suppressing the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. This work establishes a precise surface engineering paradigm of intermetallic nanocrystals for designing high-performance electrocatalysts.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Oxide-channel ferroelectric transistor enables ultralow-power NAND flash technology

Authors: Yuhan Hu, Liang Chu

The escalating power consumption of 3D NAND flash memory, driven by the need for high pass voltages (V_pass) to read cells in vertically stacked strings, poses a critical challenge as layer counts approach 1000. Conventional charge-trap NAND requires V_pass of 5–10 V for quad-level cell (QLC) operation, while silicon-channel ferroelectric NAND suffers from limited memory windows due to low-k interlayers. Here, we highlight a breakthrough by Yoo et al. that introduces an oxide semiconductor (OS)-channel ferroelectric field-effect transistor (FeFET) with a gate stack comprising a zirconium-doped hafnium oxide (HZO) ferroelectric layer sandwiched between low-k (SiO2/SiNx) and high-k (Ta2O5) interlayers, and an indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) channel. The absence of hole carriers in IGZO suppresses the 'down' polarization state, enabling a near-zero threshold voltage (V_th) and reducing V_pass to as low as 1 V. The high-k Ta2O5 interlayer prevents oxygen diffusion, mitigating off-current degradation, while the low-k SiO2/SiNx interlayer enhances charge trapping, yielding a memory window exceeding 11 V for a 5-nm SiO2 layer. This enables 5-bit-per-cell (penta-level cell, PLC) operation, surpassing current QLC NAND. The combination of ultralow V_pass and wide memory window achieves both low power consumption and high storage density, positioning OS-channel FeFETs as a promising solution for next-generation memory systems.

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