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From October 31 to November 3, 2025, the 19th “Challenge Cup” China Mobile National Undergraduate Extracurricular Academic Science and Technology Competition was held at Nanjing University. The competition attracted over 400,000 project entries from more than 2,700 universities, involving over 3 million students nationwide. After intense competition, the project jointly submitted by the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the School of Materials Science and Engineering won the Grand Prize in the main category.

National Grand Prize — Natural Science Academic Paper (Individual Project)

Project Introduction

Project Title: Structural Design and Performance Enhancement of Host–Guest Supramolecular Cross-Linked Networks.

Team Members: Jingxi DENG, Jingxuan SUN, Zhaoyun XU

Advisors: Prof. Xuzhou YAN, Prof. Zhaoming ZHANG

Project Description: This project focuses on the structural design and performance enhancement of host–guest supramolecular cross-linked networks. These materials feature dynamic reversibility and good processability, yet their macroscopic mechanical performance is limited by low cross-linking functionality and weak bonding strength. To overcome these bottlenecks, the team developed two structural tuning strategies: (1) a light-controlled in-situ functionality-doubling method, which precisely increases the number of cross-linking sites via UV irradiation, thereby improving network stability; and (2) a covalent–supramolecular synergistic cross-linking network, which significantly enhances mechanical strength and puncture resistance while retaining dynamic properties. Mechanistic studies reveal that introducing covalent cross-links promotes the dynamic recovery of supramolecular interactions, elucidating how the two types of cross-links cooperate under stress. This work offers a new design pathway for supramolecular materials that integrate high mechanical performance with dynamic reversibility. As the project lead, undergraduate student Deng Jingxi (Class of 2021) has published two first-author papers in Angewandte Chemie and CCS Chemistry, and one co-first-author paper in ACS Macro Letters.

Reflections:

(Advisors: Prof. Xuzhou YAN and Prof. Zhaoming ZHANG)This project originated from several intriguing observations made by student Deng Jingxi during his early research training. From an initial, vague idea to repeated experiments and finally a complete project, the “Challenge Cup” has provided a stage upon which I witnessed the team's dedication and rapid growth. Throughout the preparation, students experienced the entire scientific process—from identifying a problem to designing a solution, validating it experimentally, and presenting results. This comprehensive training enabled them to master full-cycle research methodology, which is precisely the most valuable aspect of the competition.

For us, mentoring for the “Challenge Cup” goes far beyond winning awards. More importantly, it is an educational process in which teachers and students learn and grow together. The project's outcomes have also inspired new directions for our laboratory's research. In the future, our group will continue to strongly support undergraduate research training, and we look forward to seeing students carry the spirit of exploration, innovation, and collaboration—refined through this competition—into future challenges and achieve even greater accomplishments.

(Participant: Jingxi DENG)

Beginning with Learning

My project originated from a deep interest in the fundamental research of supramolecular materials. During preparation for the competition, I gradually learned how to translate complex scientific concepts into clear and accessible explanations. This process made me realize that outstanding scientific work requires not only solid data but also strong communication skills and rigorous logic. Each round of revision deepened my understanding of the integrity required in scientific research.

Progress through Guidance

Every stage of the project reflects the dedication of teachers and peers. I am sincerely grateful to my advisors, Prof. YAN and Prof. ZHANG, whose guidance helped me find direction whenever I felt uncertain. I also thank the university, the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and the School of Materials Science and Engineering for their strong academic support, as well as the Youth League Committee for their continuous assistance. My heartfelt gratitude goes to my teammates—our discussions and collaboration taught me the true strength of teamwork.

Moving Forward

The “Challenge Cup” journey has come to an end, and this honor affirms our past efforts. Yet for me, it also helped me find my shortcomings. I recognized the gap between theoretical depth and practical application, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary thinking and systemic perspectives. The road ahead is long—we will transform this honor into motivation, take steady steps, and persevere in pursuit of excellence.

The 19th China Mobile “Challenge Cup” National Undergraduate Extracurricular Academic Science and Technology Competition

Overview

The 19th “Challenge Cup” is themed “Youth Committed to the Mission of Chinese Modernization.” Hosted by Nanjing University and the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League, and supported by China Mobile, the competition adopts a “1+2+N” structure—one main competition and two Grand tracks (“Open Challenge” and “AI+”). This year's event emphasizes innovation and quality improvement, focusing on five core priorities and five enhanced capabilities, aiming to create a high-level celebration of youth, scholarship, and innovation.

Over the years, the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering has consistently promoted students' learning and teachers' teaching through competition. Centered on national strategic needs and talent development, the school continues to deepen educational reform and enhance academic strengths. In recent years, students have achieved remarkable success in innovation competitions. In 2025, they won two gold medals at the China International College Students' Innovation Competition and secured another Grand Prize in the national “Challenge Cup.” These achievements will further strengthen and advance the school's academic development.

Translator: Ziwei ZHOU

Reviser: Xiaoke HU