Themed collection 2024 Pioneering Investigators
Contributors to the Pioneering Investigators Collection 2024: Part 1
This profile article showcases researchers who have contributed an article to the 2023 Pioneering Investigators collection.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7972-7978
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC90213K
Shining light on the nitro group: distinct reactivity and selectivity
Distinct reactivity and chemoselectives of photoexcited nitroarenes under visible light irradiation such as reductive C–N coupling, anaerobic oxidation, annulation, scaffold diversification via nitrene insertion, etc., are highlighted.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02582B
Electrocatalytic water-to-oxygenates conversion: redox-mediated versus direct oxygen transfer
Elucidating the oxygen transfer route can facilitate the development of electro-catalytic oxygenation reactions. Herein, we introduce oxygen transfer routes including the redox-mediated pathway and the direct oxygen transfer (DOT) method.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7523-7534
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01960A
Mechanism-based and data-driven modeling in cell-free synthetic biology
This highlight discusses state-of-the-art mechanism-based modeling and machine-learning approaches in cell-free synthetic biology and their potential for designing and optimizing novel genetic circuits.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6466-6475
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01289E
Recent advances in C(sp3)–N bond formation via metallaphoto-redox catalysis
In this review, the state-of-the-art advances in radical-involved C(sp3)–N bond formation via metallaphotoredox catalysis have been highlighted, which are organized according to different catalytic modes, reaction types, and substrate classes.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6340-6361
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01969E
Sustainable production and applications of metal–organic frameworks
Recent years have witnessed encouraging progress in the sustainable production and reuse of metal–organic frameworks in the liquid phase. These advances have driven the construction of a blue (recycling) MOF economy and ecological chains.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8350-8359
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02063D
Advances in liquid organic hydrogen carriers: developing efficient dehydrogenation strategies
In pursuit of global carbon neutrality, countries are intensifying their efforts to harness clean energy sources.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8186-8203
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02057J
Design of Hollow Structured Nanoreactors for Liquid-Phase Hydrogenations
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02837F
Mechanistic insights into facilitating reductive elimination from Ni(II) species
The possible modes have been summarized to disclose the reductive elimination from Ni(II) species.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8008-8019
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02667E
Enzymatic approaches for diversifying bioproducts from cellulosic biomass
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02114B
Towards metal selenides: a promising anode for sodium-ion batteries
An overview of our endeavors to address the challenges associated with metal selenide-based anode materials to achieve high performance for sodium-ion batteries.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6860-6872
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01974A
All-atom molecular dynamics simulations of polymer and polyelectrolyte brushes
New discoveries on polymer and polyelectrolyte brush systems and the corresponding brush-supported ions and water, arising from employing all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, have been thoroughly reviewed.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6093-6129
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01557F
Transition metal-based electrocatalysts for alkaline overall water splitting: advancements, challenges, and perspectives
This review has examined the advancements and challenges in the development of transition metal-based electrocatalysts for the alkaline water splitting reaction in the last decade.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5104-5135
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC06015B
Recent advances in cross-coupling of alcohols via borrowing hydrogen catalysis
This article highlights the recent advances and significance of β-alkylation reactions towards the synthesis of higher order alcohols.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 4002-4014
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00003J
Single-component TADF gels: study of the positional isomer effect on gelation and morphological effect on conductivity
The gelation of two TADF positional isomers, 4BPy-mDTC and BPy-DTC, was explored.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02096K
Tribromide enabled step-up generation of spirolactams from esters employing oxidative dearomatization of arenols
An efficient and fundamentally new approach towards dearomative spirolactamization have been achieved employing easily accessible ester-arenols and amines in presence of quaternary ammonium tribromide as an economic oxidant.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02527J
Construction of a supramolecular antibacterial material based on water-soluble pillar[5]arene and a zwitterionic guest molecule
A complex of pillar[5]arene with a zwitterionic guest demonstrated excellent antibacterial and biofilm formation inhibition and dispersal activities against E. coli, S. aureus and MRSA.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01737D
FeS2 deposited on 3D-printed carbon microlattices as free-standing electrodes for lithium-ion batteries
We introduce 3D-printed FeS2/carbon microlattice composites as lithium-ion battery electrodes. The design allows any shape, with microchannels for ion transfer and a carbon skeleton for electron conduction.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01202J
Multiple energy dissipation modes in dynamic polymer networks with neutral and ionic junctions
Networks with controlled ratios of neutral and ionic dynamic crosslinks were prepared and demonstrate multiple damping modes.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8431-8434
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02013H
A lanthanide tag for a complementary set of pseudocontact shifts
We present a new lanthanide tag C14, which differs from our C12 tag by a single oxygen atom and generates distinct and complementary pseudocontact shifts, enhancing protein structure determination via paramagnetic NMR, EPR and emission spectroscopy.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8458-8461
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03007A
Improving co-electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction by optimizing the relative potentials of the redox mediator and catalyst
The activity of co-electrocatalytic CO2 reduction can be optimized when the redox mediator and metal complex are modified to minimize the difference in their reduction potentials.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8208-8211
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01988A
Retarded sodium alloying interface reaction for stable anode-less sodium metal batteries
The slow alloying kinetics between Pb and sodium allows for prolonged Pb retention in the coating, endowing the coating with a durable sodiophilicity.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8264-8267
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02545H
Ferroptosis-inducing photosensitizers alleviate hypoxia tumor microenvironment for enhanced fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic therapy
A photosensitizer exhibits enhanced photodynamic therapy effect via inducing ferroptosis, which increases O2 levels and thus reduces the intracellular hypoxia.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8248-8251
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02391A
Molten-salt-assisted preparation of porous carbon foams for efficient oxygen electrocatalysis in zinc–air batteries
A molten-salt-assisted strategy enables the anchoring of metal sites among porous carbon foams to enhance efficient oxygen electrocatalysis for high-performing zinc–air batteries.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01793E
Synthesis and application of chiral cis-2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidine organocatalysts
Novel cis-2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidine organocatalysts are developed for the asymmetric Michael addition of nitromethane to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with excellent yield (up to 91%) and enantioselectivity (up to >99% ee).
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC03132F
Synthesis of sterically congested unsymmetrical 1,2-dicarbonyl radicals through a stepwise approach
A simplified stepwise synthesis of sterically congested unsymmetrical 1,2-dicarbonyl radicals is demonstrated. An aryl- and N-heterocyclic carbene-substituted 1,2-dicarbonyl radical is generated, revealing N-heterocyclic carbenes stabilizing role.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8043-8046
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02092H
The influence of exogenous amines on the electrochemical CO2 reduction activity of a cobalt–pyridyldiimine catalyst
Adding aliphatic amines to a CO2-saturated electrolyte solution to form carbamates in situ results in a significant enhancement in the electrocatalytic CO2-reduction activity of a cobalt pyridyldiimine catalyst.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 8039-8042
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02709D
Chemical synthesis of natural and azido-modified UDP-rhamnose and -arabinofuranose for glycan array-based characterization of plant glycosyltransferases
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02095B
A visible-light regulated luminescent switch based on a spiropyran-derived Pt(II) complex for advanced anti-counterfeiting materials
A photo-controlled optical molecular switch has been achieved. Apparent and emissive color changes under visible light irradiation and temperature stimulation have been achieved and used to develop anti-counterfeiting materials.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02576H
Synthesis of phenanthrylboroles and formal nitrene insertion to access azaborapyrenes
Phenanthrylboroles with 3,4-conjugation have been synthesized which react with azides to furnish B,N-pyrene analogues.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02863E
CO2 cleavage by tantalum/M (M = iridium, osmium) heterobimetallic complexes
A novel Ta/Os complex [Ta(CH2tBu)3(μ-H)3OsCp*], and its iridium analogue [Ta(CH2tBu)3(μ-H)2IrCp*], efficiently cleave CO2 under mild conditions, forming tantalum oxo species and CpIr(CO)H2 or CpOs(CO)H3.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7878-7881
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02207F
Light-triggered transformation of stilbene supramolecular polymers: thermodynamic versus kinetic control
Light-triggered supramolecular polymer transformations from kinetic to thermodynamic control are achieved by shifting hydrogen bonds from intra- to inter-complexation modes for [2+2] cycloadducts.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01977F
Temperature-dependent Li-ion transport in lithium lanthanum titanate electrolytes
A shift of the Li+ ion hopping mechanism with temperature in solid-state lithium lanthanum titanate (LLTO) electrolytes was discovered using ab initio metadynamics simulations.
Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02120G
A novel and simple method yields highly dispersed Au/TS-1 catalysts for enhanced propylene hydro-oxidation
A novel method for preparing high-active Au/TS-1 catalyst for propylene hydro-oxidation is developed by sequentially impregnating HAuCl4 and Cs2CO3 onto TS-1, which exhibits high Au uptake efficiency and high dispersion of Au nanoparticles.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7737-7740
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02086C
Synthesis and soft crystal structure-induced broad emission of (NH3C6H12NH3)InBr5·2H2O
We report a simple synthesis of a new lead-free zero-dimensional (0D) hybrid halide compound, (5P1)InBr5·2H2O [(5P1) = NH3C6H12NH3], which shows dual emission coming from band-to-band and STE state.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7757-7760
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01822B
Selective CO2 electroreduction to formate over a Cu-based catalyst in S2−-containing electrolyte
A Cu-based electrocatalyst selectively and durably electroreduces CO2 to formate with a maximum faradaic efficiency of up to 74% in a S2−-containing electrolyte.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7602-7605
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02047B
Pyrazole carbodithiolate-driven iterative RAFT single-additions
Through our analysis of PET-RAFT SUMI and its analogous alternating copolymerisation with pyrazole carbodithiolate chain transfer, we expand on current understanding of RAFT SUMI chemistry and extend iterative processes to new sequences and monomers.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7443-7446
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02219J
Triflate anion chemistry for enhanced four-electron zinc–iodine aqueous batteries
OTf− anions establish weak hydrogen-bonds with water to stabilize I+ species while optimizing a water-lean Zn2+ coordination structure to mitigate Zn dendrites and corrosion for developing advanced four-electron zinc–iodine aqueous batteries.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7447-7450
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02266A
Tetraphenylpentalenide organolanthanide complexes
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02570A
Porous organic crystals crosslinked by free-radical reactions
Olefin-rich hydrogen-bonded crosslinked organic frameworks (HCOFs) were crosslinked via free radical reactions and subsequently converted to a hydroxylated HCOF.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7311-7314
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02454K
Multiscale characterizations of structural evolution in mesoporous CeO2
In situ ultra-small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering enables simultaneous tracking of the structural parameters of mesoporous CeO2 from the atomic scale to the micron-size scale.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7366-7369
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02128B
9-Step synthesis of (−)-larikaempferic acid methyl ester enabled by skeletal rearrangement
A 9-step synthesis of (−)-larikaempferic acid methyl ester is achieved via a skeletal rearrangement strategy and controlled transannular aldol reaction.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7164-7167
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01462F
Energy level regulation of anions via hydrogen bond effects to construct a stable solid electrolyte interface for a high-stability lithium metal anode
Facilitated anion reduction by introducing hydrogen bonds between 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide promotes the generation of an inorganic-rich SEI.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7045-7048
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01981D
Catalyzing epoxy oxygen migration on the basal surface of graphene oxide using strong hydrogen-bond donors
Double-hybrid DFT simulations predict that strong hydrogen-bond donor catalysts can significantly accelerate epoxy group migration on graphene oxide.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7049-7052
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01911C
Solution plasma-cobalt hydroxide-enabled nitrogen fixation
Solution plasma-Co(OH)2 interaction significantly boosts nitrogen fixation and achieves a high concentration of NOx− at 9.42 mmol L−1.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6893-6896
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02102A
Synthesis and catalytic application of a donor-free bismuthenium cation
We report a new donor-free bismuthenium cation and its use as an efficient catalyst for the cyanosilylation of ketones.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6877-6880
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01805B
Organoboron based photochromic gelator
Integrating photochromic boron unit into peptide-gelators endows the supramolecular gels with photoactive functionality while preserving stability.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6500-6503
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC02098G
Total synthesis of (−)-securingine G
In this study, we present the first total synthesis of (−)-securingine G.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6391-6394
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01075B
Quinoline-based tetrazolium prochelators: formazan release, iron sequestration, and antiproliferative efficacy in cancer cells
Quinoline-based tetrazolium cations undergo intracellular reduction/activation to release formazan chelators, which cause iron deprivation and apoptosis at submicromolar concentrations in cancer cells.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 6150-6153
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01523A
Thermo-temporal physisorption in metal–organic frameworks probed by cyclic thermo-ellipsometry
Cyclic thermo-ellipsometry enables exploration of the effects of temperature variation rates on vapor physisorption in MOFs, a key insight for many adsorption-driven applications.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5940-5943
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01301H
Effect of the incorporation of gallium ions into silver indium sulfide nanocrystals
The effect of Ga ion incorporation into silver indium gallium sulfide nanocrystals on the structure and optical properties is reported.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5731-5734
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00859F
An extremely electron poor Au(III) trication bearing acetonitrile ligands
Taking advantage of the weak Au(III)–F bond, fluoride abstraction from a bis-fluorido Au(III) cation in MeCN furnishes a bis-acetonitrile complex representing the most electron poor Au(III) coordination complex known.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5586-5589
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00818A
Energy harnessing and storage from surface switching with a ferroelectric electrolyte
Ferroelectric topological insulator electrolytes hold potential in energy applications, particularly in creating efficient batteries. Their combination of ferroelectric and topological insulator properties reduces energy dissipation and enhances operational efficiency.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5395-5398
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00414K
Supramolecularly modulated carbon-centered radicals: toward selective oxidation from benzyl alcohol to aldehyde
Host–guest interaction of cucurbit[7]uril is used to adjust the reactivity of ketyl radicals and benzoyl radicals, therefore enhancing the aldehyde selectivity of photo-induced oxidation of benzyl alcohol.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5286-5289
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01240B
Chemical control of CRISPR/Cpf1 editing via orthogonal activation and deactivation of crosslinked crRNA
A conditional CRISPR/Cpf1 editing system that operates through light-induced activation and chemical reduction-responsive deactivation was reported.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5197-5200
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01106F
Three-dimensional ordered macroporous LaFe1−xMnxO3 with high stability for efficient NO oxidation and sulfur resistance
Three-dimensional ordered macroporous perovskite oxide catalysts with different iron-manganese ratios were prepared by a hard template method for NO oxidation.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 5157-5160
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01275E
Electric Field-Driven Dual-Rotation in Molecular Motors: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Chem. Commun., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01408A
Angle-strained sila-cycloalkynes
Second row elements in small- and medium-rings modulate strain.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 4842-4845
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00439F
Microcapsule fabrication by ATRP at the interface of non-aqueous emulsions
We report an approach for soft-template encapsulation of PCMs via organocatalyzed photoredox ATRP using silica surfactants with surface-immobilized initiators.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 4346-4349
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00736K
Air oxidation of carbon supports boosts the low-humidity fuel cell performance
Air oxidation of carbon supports was demonstrated to be capable of enhancing the proton and oxygen transport efficiency in the cathode catalyst layer to improve low-humidity fuel cell performance.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 4226-4229
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00081A
Divergent synthesis of multi-substituted phenanthrenes via an internal redox reaction/ring expansion sequence
Divergent synthesis of multi-substituted phenanthrenes based on an internal redox reaction/ring expansion sequence was achieved.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 3822-3825
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00797B
Ultrafast removal of organics via peroxymonosulfate activation over Co2P/TD hollow spheres derived from ZIF-67
In this work, a Co2P/TD-50 catalyst was synthesized and applied to ultrafast degradation of various organics. 1O2 was demonstrated to be the dominant ROS for phenol degradation and a continuous-flow operation for phenol degradation was realized.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 3713-3716
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00280F
From a mercury(II) bis(yldiide) complex to actinide yldiides
A bis(yldiide) mercury complex [Hg{C(PPh3)(SPPh2)}2] has been isolated and used as a mild transmetalation reagent to form the first substituted actinide yldiide complexes, which exhibit highly polar metal carbon interactions.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 3190-3193
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC05553A
Tuning conductivity while maintaining mechanical properties in perylene bisimide hydrogels at physiological pH
By using different salts as a method to achieve gelation of two different amino-acid-functionalised perylene bisimides, we were able to tune reduction potentials while maintaining the mechanical and optical properties of the system all at pH 7.4.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 3027-3030
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04557A
Temperature-dependent hole mobility in pyrene–thiophene-based room-temperature discotic liquid crystals
π-Conjugated pyrene–thiophene-based room-temperature discotic liquid crystals showing temperature-dependent hole mobility measured using the time-of-flight technique.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 2922-2925
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC05707K
Diels–Alder cycloaddition polymerization for porous poly-phenylenes with exceptional gas uptake properties
We report the synthesis of two-dimensional and three-dimensional porous polyphenylenes (2D/3D-pPPs) via the Diels–Alder cycloaddition polymerization reaction.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 2657-2660
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC06162K
Heterobifunctional rotaxanes featuring two chiral subunits – synthesis and application in asymmetric organocatalysis
We reported acid–base functionalized rotaxanes featuring two chiral subunits. The mechanical bond leads to increased reaction rates and also to strongly altered enantioselectivites in comparison to the non-interlocked control catalysts.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 2393-2396
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC05482A
Stepwise construction of coordinative linkages and dynamic covalent linkages for a porous metal–organic framework
A stepwise synthetic strategy that utilizes both coordination linkages and dynamic covalent linkages provides a highly-conjugated framework with cyclic tri-silver clusters.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 1488-1491
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC05650C
Hit optimization by dynamic combinatorial chemistry on Streptococcus pneumoniae energy-coupling factor transporter ECF-PanT
First application of dynamic combinatorial chemistry to the whole complex of the energy-coupling factor transporter PanT from Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 870-873
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04738E
Influence of a neighbouring Cu centre on electro- and photocatalytic CO2 reduction by Fe-Mabiq
Electrocatalytic and photocatalytic CO2 reduction by a heterobimetallic Cu/Fe–Mabiq complex were examined and compared to the monometallic [Fe(Mabiq)]+.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 819-822
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04777F
About this collection
ChemComm is here to support researchers throughout their careers. To complement our annual Emerging Investigators collection, this special collection showcases high quality research being carried out by international researchers who are more established in their independent careers and have been recognised as making a significant contribution to their field.
New articles will be added to this collection as they are published.