Themed collection 2021 Highlight article collection
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Functionally modified metal–organic frameworks for the removal of toxic dyes from wastewater
This review highlights recent advancement in functional modified (FM) MOFs as superior adsorbents for the removal of dyes, classifying them by various modification strategies. The adsorption interactions affected by the FM approach are summarized.
CrystEngComm, 2022,24, 434-449
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE01385H
High Curie temperature bismuth-based piezo-/ferroelectric single crystals of complex perovskite structure: recent progress and perspectives
The recent progress in high TC bismuth-based piezo-/ferroelectric single crystals is reviewed in terms of materials design, crystal growth, physical properties, crystal chemistry, and complex domain structures, and the future perspectives are discussed.
CrystEngComm, 2022,24, 220-230
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00962A
Supramolecular helical self-assembly of small peptides
In this highlight, we describe the construction of supramolecular single/double/triple-helical assemblies from small di/tri/tetrapeptides and their applications.
CrystEngComm, 2022,24, 10-32
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE01349A
Recent progress in the CVD growth of 2D vertical heterostructures based on transition-metal dichalcogenides
This review summarizes recent advances in the controllable CVD growth of 2D TMDC vertical heterostructures under four different strategies.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 8239-8254
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE01289D
Organic co-crystal semiconductors: a crystal engineering perspective
Organic semiconductors are being pursued with vigor for the development of efficient and smart electronics. As a brief tutorial account, we traverse the fundamentals and advancements in the area and provide a crystal engineering perspective.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 8007-8026
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE01117K
Crystal engineering of nanomaterials: current insights and prospects
Nanocrystal engineering has evolved into a dynamic research area over the past few decades but is not properly defined. Here, we present select examples to highlight the diverse aspects of crystal engineering applied on inorganic nanomaterials.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 7916-7927
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00601K
Spin crossover crystalline materials engineered via single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations
This highlight illustrates the latest crystalline materials engineered via SCSC transformations, with emphasis on the onset and progress of spin crossover in a crystal control.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 7899-7915
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00234A
Colloidal chemical bottom-up synthesis routes of pnictogen (As, Sb, Bi) nanostructures with tailored properties and applications: a summary of the state of the art and main insights
Adjusting the colloidal chemistry synthetic parameters for pnictogen nanostructures leads to a fine control of their physical properties and the resulting performance in applications. Image adapted from Slidesgo.com.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 7876-7898
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CE01766C
An overview of the current status and prospects of cathode materials based on transition metal sulfides for magnesium-ion batteries
TMSs as cathode materials used in MIBs.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 7546-7564
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE01029H
Progress in controlling the synthesis of atomically precise silver nanoclusters
This short review was designed to summarize the advances in synthesis methods of silver nanoclusters.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 7369-7379
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE01217G
Cocrystal engineering of pharmaceutical solids: therapeutic potential and challenges
This highlight presents an overview of pharmaceutical cocrystal production and its potential in reviving problematic properties of drugs in different dosage forms. The challenges and future outlook of its translational development are discussed.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 7005-7038
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00825K
Participation of S and Se in hydrogen and chalcogen bonds
The heavier chalcogen atoms S, Se, and Te can each participate in a range of different noncovalent interactions. They can serve as both proton donor and acceptor in H-bonds. Each atom can also act as electron acceptor in a chalcogen bond.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 6821-6837
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE01046H
Epitaxial nanotwinned metals and alloys: synthesis-twin structure–property relations
Recent works of epitaxial nanotwinned metals and alloys with different stacking fault energies are reviewed to elaborate the relationship among synthesis conditions, intrinsic factors, twin structure and various properties.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 6637-6649
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00787D
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How the in situ monitoring of bulk crystalline phases during catalyst activation results in a better understanding of heterogeneous catalysis
This Highlight article shows the importance of the in situ monitoring of bulk crystalline compounds for a thorough understanding of heterogeneous catalysts at the intersection of catalysis, materials science, crystallography and inorganic chemistry.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 6470-6480
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00817J
Two-dimensional multimetallic alloy nanocrystals: recent progress and challenges
In this highlight article, the recent progress on the preparation and application of multimetallic alloy nanocrystals with 2D nanostructures is systematically reviewed, as well as perspectives on future challenges and opportunities.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 6454-6469
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00975C
Control of location and distribution of heteroatoms substituted isomorphously in framework of zeolites and zeotype materials
Well-controlled incorporation of heteroatoms in frameworks of zeolites and zeotype materials has been achieved by a variety of new synthetic approaches, generating outstanding catalysts compared to uncontrolled materials.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 6226-6233
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00912E
Sublimation – a green route to new solid-state forms
Sublimation is an effective and ‘green’ method to prepare and identify new polymorphs, cocrystals, ionic cocrystals and molecular salts.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 5965-5975
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00715G
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Density functional theory predictions of the mechanical properties of crystalline materials
The DFT-predicted mechanical properties of crystalline materials are crucial knowledge for their screening, design, and exploitation.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 5697-5710
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00453K
Dynamic effects in crystalline coordination polymers
Dynamic macroscopic behaviour of single crystals of coordination polymers when subjected to light, heat, and mechanical force.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 5738-5752
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00441G
Determining the mechanisms of deformation in flexible crystals using micro-focus X-ray diffraction
A newly developed methodology allows for the determination of the mechanisms of deformation in flexible crystals with atomic precision. With broader applications, mapping experiments have wide reaching potential within the field of materials science.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 5731-5737
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00401H
Functional flexible molecular crystals: intrinsic and mechanoresponsive properties
Flexible molecular crystals have attracted much attention to unique optoelectronic applications and stimuli-responsive chemistry, resulting in various functional molecular crystals for controlling photons, phonons, electrons, and magnons.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 5686-5696
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00388G
Potential and challenges of engineering mechanically flexible molecular crystals
Crystal adaptronics has undergone tremendous developments that have been utilized to rationalize dynamics in crystals. This highlight discusses about the role of intermolecular interactions in rationalizing mechanical responses in crystals.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 5711-5730
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00173F
Recent advances in synthesis and crystal structures of metal pentazolate salts
Pentazole is a good nitrogen-donor ligand to prepare intriguing structures. Herein, the synthesis and crystal structures of all reported metal pentazolate salts were summarized and the future prospects in this field were also discussed.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 5551-5559
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00635E
Vanadium oxide bronzes as cathode active materials for non-lithium-based batteries
Lithium as critical resource prompted interest for non-lithium-based batteries. This highlight review discusses vanadium oxide bronzes as one of the material families being considered as cathode for non-lithium-based batteries.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 5267-5283
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00339A
Cobalt-based metal–organic frameworks as functional materials for battery applications
Research progress on cobalt-based metal–organic frameworks as functional materials for battery applications has been presented.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 5140-5152
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00638J
Deep eutectic solvents for the preparation and post-synthetic modification of metal- and covalent organic frameworks
The use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) as media for the preparation of metal- and covalent organic frameworks (MOFs and COFs) and their post-synthetic modification towards composites is reviewed.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 5016-5032
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00714A
Variable stoichiometry cocrystals: occurrence and significance
Stoichiometric variation in organic cocrystals, their synthesis, structure elucidation and properties are discussed. Accountable reasons for the occurrence of such cocrystals are emphasised.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 4583-4606
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00451D
Electrochemically induced nucleation of oxidic crystals in melts – a review
Electrochemically induced nucleation refers to a method where an applied potential triggers an electrochemical reaction which changes the conditions in the melt so that nucleation can occur where it was previously not significantly possible.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 4419-4433
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00567G
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Coordination polymers with embedded recognition sites: lessons from cyclotriveratrylene-type ligands
Coordination polymers with molecular recognition sites are assembled using cyclotriveratrylene ligands. Many show differential guest-spaces with host and lattice sites available, however common host–guest and self-inclusion motifs can block sites.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 4087-4102
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00471A
Recent advances in excited state intramolecular proton transfer mechanism-based solid state fluorescent materials and stimuli-responsive fluorescence switching
Substitutional change and controlling intra and intermolecular interactions of ESIPT molecules resulted in realizing multifunctional fluorescence properties.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 3771-3789
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00317H
Highly emissive halide perovskite nanocrystals: from lead to lead-free
Highly emissive halide perovskite nanocrystals with tunable emission spectra covering the entire visible spectra.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 3619-3630
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00344E
Review on quasi-2D square planar nickelates
Quasi-2D square planar nickelates exhibit key ingredients of high-Tc superconducting cuprates. Whether bulk samples are superconducting remains an open question, single crystals are ideal platforms for addressing such fundamental questions.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 3249-3264
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CE01880E
Spodium bonding in five coordinated Zn(II): a new player in crystal engineering?
This highlight evidences the existence and importance of spodium bonds (SpB) in solid state structures involving five-coordinated square-pyramidal Zn(II) spodium atom.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 3084-3093
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00221J
Crystal engineering strategies towards halogen-bonded metal–organic multi-component solids: salts, cocrystals and salt cocrystals
This highlight presents an overview of the current advances in the preparation of halogen bonded metal–organic multi-component solids, including salts and cocrystals comprising neutral and ionic constituents.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 3063-3083
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00158B
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Correlated disorder in metal–organic frameworks
Metal–organic frameworks host many types of compositional and structural disorder. In this Highlight article we explore cases where this disorder is correlated, rather than random.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 2915-2922
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00210D
Micro-pulling-down growth of long YAG- and LuAG-based garnet fibres: advances and bottlenecks
A technological advance in shaped μ-PD crystal growth provided us with high-quality single crystalline fibres of rare-earth garnets with the good longitudinal transparency and light attenuation length of up to 1 m.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 2633-2643
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00091H
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Recent advances in probing host–guest interactions with solid state nuclear magnetic resonance
A recent update on how solid state NMR has aided the interpretation and understanding of host–guest interactions in the field of supramolecular assemblies is provided.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 2491-2503
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00168J
Synthesis of MOF-on-MOF architectures in the context of interfacial lattice matching
This highlight summarises the previously reported MOF-on-MOF systems, with a focus on the presented crystallographic information and classification of the systems according to lattice parameter matching.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 2337-2354
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CE01883J
Elucidating pore chemistry within metal–organic frameworks via single crystal X-ray diffraction; from fundamental understanding to application
The application of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to diverse chemical sectors is aided by their crystallinity, which permits the use of X-ray crystallography to characterise their pore chemistry and provides invaluable insight into their properties.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 2185-2195
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00067E
An overview of CO32−/HCO3− binding by aerial CO2 fixation within the self-assemblies of hydrogen-bond donor scaffolds
A comprehensive account of the F−/OH−-induced atmospheric CO2 fixation as carbonate/bicarbonate anion(s) within the self-assemblies of artificial receptors are demonstrated in the highlight.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 512-527
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CE01311K
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Identification of synthesisable crystalline phases of water – a prototype for the challenges of computational materials design
We discuss the identification of experimentally realisable crystalline phases of water to outline and contextualise some of the diverse building blocks of a computational materials design process.
CrystEngComm, 2021,23, 252-263
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CE01260B
About this collection
This web collection contains the Highlight articles published in CrystEngComm in 2021.