Themed collection 2022 Outstanding Student Paper Awards

We are delighted to announce the winners for the RSC Advances Outstanding Student Paper Awards 2022. These awards recognise outstanding work published in the journal, for which a substantial component of the research was conducted by a student.

Chitosan-coated polystyrene solid-phase extraction fillers.

A dicationic pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide-based compound 1 bearing two N-alkylquinolinium units was synthesized, determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and studied as a fluorescent receptor for nucleotides and inorganic phosphorylated anions in pure water.

A systematic investigation into the influence of degree of labelling of antibody-cell penetrating peptide conjugates upon cellular internalisation.

Multi-elemental analysis of hair from living humans allows for accurate, non-skeletal sex determination of 500 year-old mummified individuals.

Two-dimensional (2D) multiferroics are key candidate materials towards advancement of smart technology.

The joint H₂/O₂ can promote the transformation of TCE, tDCE and CF. A specific microbial community with higher diversity forms in the H₂/O₂ microcosm, and synchronously increases the anaerobic tceA and aerobic phe and soxB genes.

Ultrafine ruthenium nanoparticles on nitrogen doped carbon show exceptional activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline and acidic electrolytes.

Lithiation of silicon in an LiFSI electrolyte results in a bilayer SEI, with an inner, inorganic layer, and an outer, organic. This SEI is more conductive, flexible and homogeneous compared to the SEI formed in an LiPF₆ electrolyte.

Under sub-gap excitation, the materials exhibit white light emission (WLE) that originates from the STE within CdBr₄ and the organic phosphorescence (for CdACP) and fluorescence (for CdODA). Under excitation above the gap the WLE is purely organic.

Combined advanced spectroscopy and solubility studies provide evidence for the formation of novel calcium-containing and hydrolyzed (Cm,Pu)(III)–EDTA complex(es).

This study uses molecular dynamics and Markov state models to analyse how interfaces interact with cyclic decapeptides and modulate their dynamic and equilibrium properties.

Novel composite cell encapsulation system: dual-layer, micro-scale beads maintain cell survival while releasing immunomodulatory FK506 in a sustained manner. This biotechnology platform could be applicable for treatment of CNS and other disorders.