Themed collection 2024 Materials Chemistry Frontiers Review-type Articles
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Metal–organic framework (MOF) based materials: promising candidates for electrocatalytic seawater splitting
MOF-based materials for seawater electrolysis have been reviewed with a focus on structure–property–performance.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00565A
Conductive hydrogels as an “innovative healer” for the treatment of diabetic wounds
Conductive hydrogels, with their electrical stimulation effects and properties, are potential candidates for treating diabetic wounds.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00405A
Recent advances in high-performance lithium-rich manganese-based materials for solid-state lithium batteries
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00513A
Recent progress in ladder-like polysilsesquioxane: synthesis and applications
This review highlights advancements in the synthesis, characterization, and applications of ladder-like polysilsesquioxane (LPSQ). Emphasizing its double-stranded structure, and superior properties, it shows LPSQ's role in hybrid materials.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2689-2726
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00197D
Single atom-decorated transition metal oxide nanomaterials for efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Recent advances in designing and preparing single atom-decorated transition metal oxide-based OER electrocatalysts are summarized in terms of synthetic methods and intrinsic nature to enhance the OER.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2627-2648
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00285G
Exploring electrode/polymer electrolyte interface chemistry and a regulating strategy of interfacial stability: a review
The factors affecting the stability of the electrode and polymer electrolyte interfaces are briefly described, and several effective solution strategies for the corresponding problems are proposed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00219A
Toward practical lithium–sulfur batteries
A cathode with an areal capacity of more than 5 mA h cm−2 is crucial for practical Li–S batteries. Besides, reducing the electrolyte weight ratio, in both liquid and solid-state Li–S batteries, is also important.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2556-2577
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00180J
Recent progress in Mott–Schottky junction electrocatalysts for the pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction
Pathways for the hydrogen evolution reaction under acidic and alkaline (or neutral) conditions.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00312H
Recent progress of poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based materials for thermoelectric applications
Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) shows great promising in thermoelectric field owing to its simple preparation, good stability and adjustable conductivity. Here the research progress of P3HT in thermoelectric field in recent years is reviewed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2454-2492
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00213J
Recent advances in key components of proton exchange membrane water electrolysers
This review highlights the latest advances in components of proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzers.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2493-2510
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00086B
Cobalt-containing ZIF-derived catalysts for Zn–air batteries
The synthetic and modification parameters of cobalt-containing ZIF-derived catalysts for Zn–air batteries with different amounts of metal.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2394-2419
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00169A
A Cu3BiS3 based photocathode for solar water splitting for hydrogen evolution
This work summarizes the synthesis of Cu3BiS3 and provides a comprehensive overview of the research progress concerning Cu3BiS3 photocathodes. We analyze the existing problems and prospects to provide some positive suggestions for the development of Cu3BiS3 photocathodes.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2374-2393
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00019F
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Recent advances in vacuum- and laser-based fabrication processes for solar water-splitting cells
This review examines recent manufacturing technologies of solar water-splitting cells. It covered vacuum-based manufacturing, highlighting recent advances in laser-based processes and discussing their innovative potential and future perspectives.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2322-2340
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01336G
Heterojunction catalysts for CO2–HCOOX interconversion cycles
This review summarizes recent advances in heterojunction-type catalysts for CO2-HCOOX interconversion under different driving forces, focusing on rectifying effects at the interface and the potential for developing heterojunction-based catalysts for practical applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2300-2321
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00160E
Novel solution-processed 2D organic semiconductor crystals for high-performance OFETs
2D organic semiconductor crystals have the advantage of ultrathin thickness, long-range ordered molecular structures, the absence of grain boundaries, and low defect and impurity densities. They are of great significance for preparing high-performance OFET devices.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2227-2272
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01281F
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Enhancing photocatalytic efficiency with hematite photoanodes: principles, properties, and strategies for surface, bulk, and interface charge transfer improvement
This review systematically explores various strategies aimed at enhancing charge transfer at different levels—bulk, surface, and interfaces of hematite. The examination encompasses diverse approaches, and assesses their impact on mitigating the identified issues.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2197-2226
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01100C
Optimization strategies for key interfaces of LLZO-based solid-state lithium metal batteries
This review focus on the key interfaces of LLZO-based solid-state lithium metal batteries. The main challenges and corresponding strategies for interface optimization are thoroughly covered.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2109-2134
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01111A
Emerging transmission electron microscopy solutions for electrocatalysts: from synthesis to deactivation
Emerging TEM techniques are reviewed to address challenges in three stages of electrocatalysts from synthesis, function to deactivation, offering solutions for structural characterization for different needs.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2078-2108
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01062G
Stimuli-responsive Ti3C2Tx MXene-based hydrogels: preparation and applications
MXene-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels have emerged as a new class of smart soft materials and have shown great potential in various applications such as sensing, biomedicine, actuators and energy-related applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2056-2077
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QM01195F
Atomically dispersed Fe/Co–N–C and their composites for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Atomically dispersed Fe/Co–N–C and their composites for fuel cells.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1927-1949
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01172K
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Recent advances in all-solid-state batteries for commercialization
Challenges in the commercialization of all solid-state and next-generation batteries including strategies, key points, and application of solid-state batteries.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1861-1887
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01171B
Tandem solar cells based on quantum dots
We provide a comprehensive review of the latest research progress and challenges associated with various tandem solar cells based on lead chalcogenide (PbX, X = S, Se) quantum dot (QD) materials (including QD/QD, organic/QD, and perovskite/QD).
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1792-1807
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01087B
Toward mechanically robust self-healing polyurethanes using dynamics chemistry
Recent advances in the design strategy, healing mechanism, and potential applications of mechanically robust self-healing PU elastomers.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1767-1791
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01251D
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Recent advances in highly-efficient near infrared OLED emitters
This work describes recent developments in near-infrared (NIR) organic light-emitting diode (OLED) emitters. We discuss applications of NIR OLEDs as well as various groups of highly luminescent materials used in the OLED emissive layer.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1731-1766
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01067H
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Nanozyme-enhanced ferroptosis for cancer treatment
Nanozymes could mimic the catalytic activity of natural enzymes, then stimulate the Fenton reaction for reactive oxygen species overproduction and lipid peroxidation, ultimately induce ferroptosis to exert anticancer effects.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1685-1702
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01202F
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Applications of amorphous inorganics as novel functional materials
Amorphous inorganics have attracted much attention because of their long-range disordered structure with advantageous functional properties.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1703-1730
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01263H
Recent progress on covalent organic frameworks for photocatalytic hydrogen generation via water splitting
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with permanent porosity, long-range order and rigid backbones offer a promising material platform for photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1513-1535
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM00965C
Rise of wood-based catalytic electrodes for large-scale hydrogen production
The wood-based pretreatment strategy and active site loading strategy of wood-based catalytic electrodes make them valuable electrodes for water electrolysis, and they hold significant potential for industrial-scale water electrolysis.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1591-1610
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01156A
Strategies to regulate the interface between Li metal anodes and all-solid-state electrolytes
In this review, the problems of the interface between lithium metal anodes and all-solid-state electrolytes are explored and the modification strategies to solve these problems are summarized.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1421-1450
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01023F
Conjugated D–π–A photovoltaic polymers containing thieno[3,2-b]thiophene π-bridge
We review the development of TT-bridged D–π–A copolymers and emphasize the role played by TT-bridge on tuning polymer properties and improving device performance.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1563-1590
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM00849E
Recent advances in trifunctional electrocatalysts for Zn–air batteries and water splitting
The recent advances of trifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and their applications in Zn–air battery and water splitting, are comprehensively reviewed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1536-1562
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01002C
Phosphate-based polyanionic insertion materials for oxygen electrocatalysis
Electrocatalyst-based technologies: alkali metal–air batteries, fuel cells, and water splitting devices are the new holy grail in the next-generation energy storage landscape as they deliver higher energy densities than Li+/Na+ batteries (LIBs/SIBs).
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1153-1170
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01088K
Solid-state composite electrolytes: turning the natural moat into a thoroughfare
Solid-state composite electrolytes bridge the gap between solid-state polymer electrolytes and solid-state inorganic electrolytes, which play an important role in developing the expected solid-state Li-ion batteries.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1250-1281
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM00840A
Mechanism and solutions of lithium dendrite growth in lithium metal batteries
Inhibiting lithium dendrite is a big challenge for developing lithium metal batteries. The work reviews possible mechanisms of lithium dendrite growth, discuses effective strategies for inhibiting lithium dendrites and proposes future direction.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1282-1299
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01151H
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A review on the photochemical synthesis of atomically dispersed catalysts
A review on the photochemical synthesis of atomically dispersed catalysts, focusing on its fundamental principles, representative examples, key parameters and major challenges.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1334-1348
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01158E
High-performance artificial leaf: from electrocatalyst design to solar-to-chemical conversion
This review discusses the recent advances in electrocatalyst design and device construction for solar-driven chemical conversion of small molecules into value-added chemicals in terms of activity, selectivity, and stability.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1300-1333
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01179H
Magnetic hybrid transition metal halides
Magnetic transition metal halides possess rich chemical and structural diversity and thus offer a great opportunity for the search of new multifunctional magnetic materials and novel magnetic phenomena.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 210-227
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM00727H
About this collection
Critical reviews and chemistry frontiers articles published in Materials Chemistry Frontiers during 2024 are collated as below for the benefit of readers.