Themed collection 2024 Chemical Science Perspective & Review Collection
Machine learning empowered next generation DNA sequencing: perspective and prospectus
This perspective discusses the current landscape of machine learning (ML)-empowered next-generation DNA sequencing, including both theoretical and experimental aspects.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 12169-12188
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01714E
Detour to success: photoswitching via indirect excitation
Photoswitching via indirect excitation allows harnessing low-energy photons to control molecular configuration. Herein, the state of the art of the predominant indirect photoswitching methods is presented.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 11684-11698
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02538E
Construction of axially chiral molecules enabled by photoinduced enantioselective reactions
An overview of the recent advances in the photoinduced construction of axially chiral compounds was presented.
Chem. Sci., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC03766A
Advancements and prospects of perovskite-based fuel electrodes in solid oxide cells for CO2 electrolysis to CO
Developments and prospects for solid oxide cells using a perovskite-based fuel electrode for CO2 electrolysis to CO.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 11166-11187
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC03306J
Synthetic and analytical considerations for the preparation of amorphous metal–organic frameworks
Amorphous MOFs (aMOFs) are often prepared through introducing disorder to crystalline frameworks. This perspective aims to introduce directly synthesised aMOFs, expanding on synthetic methods, characterisation techniques and potential properties.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 10689-10712
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01433B
Polymer design for solid-state batteries and wearable electronics
Delving into the tools empowering polymer chemists to design polymers for roles as solid electrolytes, multifunctional binders and active electrode materials in cutting-edge solid-state batteries and wearable devices.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 10281-10307
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02501F
Metal-detection based techniques and their applications in metallobiology
This perspective summarizes the latest progress in advanced metal-detection based techniques, along with examples of their successful applications as drivers for novel insights for elucidating the roles of metals in biology and medicine.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 10264-10280
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC00108G
Current progress in the regulation of endogenous molecules for enhanced chemodynamic therapy
A comprehensive summary of how different endogenous molecules' metabolic processes (including H2O2, iron, lactate, GSH, and lipid metabolisms) impact Fenton chemistry is provided in this perspective for advancing chemodynamic therapy against cancer.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 9915-9926
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02129K
Flexible hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs): opportunities and challenges
In this perspective, we have discussed the recent progress of flexible HOFs, with particular focus on various dynamic behaviors and their applications in different fields. Finally, the current challenges and opportunities in this field are discussed.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 9874-9892
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02628D
Engineering of bespoke photosensitiser–microbe interfaces for enhanced semi-artificial photosynthesis
To maximise performance and scalability of biohybrid systems for solar fuel generation, we emphasise the need for rational design of the biotic–abiotic interface, taking into consideration two important aspects: attachment and electron transfer.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 9893-9914
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC00864B
Recommendations for life-cycle assessment of recyclable plastics in a circular economy
Life-cycle assessment can better capture the impacts of plastics recycling by expanding beyond greenhouse gases to include fossil carbon balances, net diversion of waste from landfill, and avoided release of plastic pollution to the environment.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 9397-9407
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01340A
Protein-based layer-by-layer films for biomedical applications
Based on alternating deposition of macromolecules, the layer-by-layer (LbL) method allows the functionalization of surfaces. Possessing intrinsic properties, protein-based LbL films are a powerful tool to control bacterial and mammalian cell fate.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 9408-9437
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06549A
The impact of earth-abundant metals as a replacement for Pd in cross coupling reactions
Initial calculations of environmental footprints associated with using Ni vs Pd catalysis in a representative metal-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reveal that the choice of ligated metal is often NOT of consequence. Rather, it is a culmination of other parameters such as medium.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 9016-9025
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC00482E
Electrochemical recycling of polymeric materials
Electrochemistry shows promising new avenues in the recycling of polymeric materials. This work reviews electrochemical depolymerization, post-polymerization functionalization, and paired catalysis, highlighting future challenges and opportunities.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 8606-8624
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01754D
Photophysics of fluorescent nanoparticles based on organic dyes – challenges and design principles
Fluorescent dye based nanoparticles have high potential for many applications. Here we highlight key photophysical challenges and design principles to keep in mind in the search for new brightly fluorescent nanoparticles.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 8625-8638
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01352B
Near-infrared photocatalysis with cyanines: synthesis, applications and perspectives
Cyanines are organic dyes bearing two aza-heterocycles linked by a polymethine chain.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 8639-8650
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC00814F
Quinoxaline-based Y-type acceptors for organic solar cells
This perspective summarizes the advances in quinoxaline-based acceptors for organic solar cells and suggests several potential directions for further research.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 8265-8279
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01481B
Supramolecular interaction in the action of drug delivery systems
This perspective provides a brief analysis of the involved supramolecular interactions in the action of drug delivery, including biocompatibility, drug loading, stability, spatiotemporal distribution, and controlled release.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 7811-7823
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC04585D
The development of cage phosphine ‘DalPhos’ ligands to enable nickel-catalyzed cross-couplings of (hetero)aryl electrophiles
The development of the DalPhos cage ligand family and application in developing state-of-the-art nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling chemistry is described.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 7394-7407
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01253D
Optoelectronic insights of lead-free layered halide perovskites
Lead-free layered halide perovskites, featuring adjustable inorganic octahedra linked by organic spacers, provide a versatile platform for numerous optoelectronic applications due to their structural diversity and electronic functionalities.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 7374-7393
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01429D
Contracted porphyrins and calixpyrroles: synthetic challenges and ring-contraction effects
This perspective summarizes recent advances in synthetic strategies and insights into ring contraction effects on ring-contracted porphyrin-related macrocycles, including subporphyrins, triphyrins(2.1.1), and calix[3]pyrroles.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 6994-7009
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02028F
Understanding electrochemical interfaces through comparing experimental and computational charge density–potential curves
A deep understanding of electrode–electrolyte interfaces requires the development of modelling protocols spanning from the local microscale to system-level macroscopic sizes which can be validated by comparison with high-quality experimental results.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 6643-6660
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC00746H
Transition metal nitride catalysts for selective conversion of oxygen-containing molecules
Transition metal nitrides are promising catalysts for a variety of reactions. This work outlines their use for C1 molecule upgrading, biomass valorization, and hydrogen evolution, and presents challenges and future opportunities for these catalysts.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 6622-6642
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01314J
New perspective crosslinking electrochemistry and other research fields: beyond electrochemical reactors
This article highlights a perspective shift, focusing on the transition from the internal mechanisms of electrochemical processes to their interactions with the environment, thus unlocking potential applications in environmental regulation.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 6608-6621
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06983D
Nanopore-based glycan sequencing: state of the art and future prospects
This perspective outlines three potential routes for nanopore-based glycan sequencing, highlighting their potential applications and offering insights to meet associated challenges. It also introduces the concept of nanopore-based glycan sequencer.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 6229-6243
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01466A
Photoswitching the fluorescence of nanoparticles for advanced optical applications
Photoswitchable fluorescent nanoparticles (PF NPs) are an emerging type of optical nanomaterial with distinct photo-responsive properties, which have shown promising applications in diverse fields recently.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 6218-6228
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC00114A
Opportunities and challenges for plastic depolymerization by biomimetic catalysis
This perspective highlights the challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainable plastic recycling under mild conditions by imitating the active sites and the substrate-binding clefts of enzymes.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 6200-6217
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC00070F
Enantioselective organocatalytic strategies to access noncanonical α-amino acids
Asymmetric organocatalysis has acquired a prominent place in modern synthesis of noncanonical α-amino acids (ncAAs), valuable structural elements in organic synthesis, chemical biology, and medicine.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 5832-5868
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01081G
Revisiting poly(vinyl chloride) reactivity in the context of chemical recycling
An overview of PVC functionalization through the lens of chemical recycling.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 5802-5813
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06758K
A guide to troubleshooting metal sacrificial anodes for organic electrosynthesis
Sacrificial anodes enable reductive electrosynthesis but can inadvertently limit the conditions compatible with organic reactions. Addressing challenges that arise at sacrificial anodes can improve yields and streamline reaction optimization.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 5814-5831
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06885D
Outer-sphere effects on the O2 sensitivity, catalytic bias and catalytic reversibility of hydrogenases
The comparison of homologous hydrogenases, in which the same inorganic active site is surrounded by a variable protein matrix, has demonstrated that residues that are remote from the active site may have a great influence on catalytic properties.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 5418-5433
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC00691G
Shedding light on thermally-activated delayed fluorescence
To exploit the applicative potential of TADF, several intertwined interactions must be understood, fully accounting for the local environment.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 5434-5450
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC00033A
Connecting chemical worlds for a sustainable future
While chemistry has a role as the central science, other sciences are also central to solving the problems that lie ahead. To be more effective in this endeavor, we need to connect disciplines and break down the silos that artificially separate them.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 5056-5060
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06815C
Continuous flow synthesis enabling reaction discovery
This Perspective article highlights recent studies in which continuous flow approaches exploiting photochemical, electrochemical, and thermal reactions led to the discovery and subsequent exploitation of new reactions and reactivity patterns.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 4618-4630
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06808K
Bioorthogonal chemistry of polyoxometalates – challenges and prospects
Advances in bioorthogonal polyoxometalate (POM) chemistry will open exciting opportunities for the controlled use of stimuli-responsive POM-based organic–inorganic nanoassemblies in biomedical applications as well as catalysis and electronics.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 4202-4221
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06284H
Recent progress in ion-regulated organic room-temperature phosphorescence
In this perspective, the progress in ion-regulated organic RTP materials and described the roles of ions, including ion–π interactions, electrostatic interactions, and coordinate interactions, have been summarized.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 4222-4237
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06931A
A decade of lessons in the activation of ArIL2 species
Developments in methods to increase the oxidative capacity of ArIL2 reagents are discussed, with a focus on an understanding of these species' behaviour from the perspective of the iodine.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 3784-3799
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06588J
Characterization of emerging 2D materials after chemical functionalization
Characterizing functionalized 2D materials is not easy. We present a critical overview of the challenges, the spectroscopic, microscopic and analytical techniques available and practical examples in the literature to illustrate their correct use.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 3428-3445
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05365B
The intricate link between membrane lipid structure and composition and membrane structural properties in bacterial membranes
The dynamic nature of bacterial lipid diversity and membrane properties in response to stress conditions is discussed. This emerging area has implications for a range of cellular processes and drug design for selective cell targeting.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 3408-3427
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC04523D
Boryls, their compounds and reactivity: a structure and bonding perspective
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the reaction chemistry of boryl compounds, including transition metal boryl complexes and diborane(4) compounds, from a structure and bonding perspective.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 3060-3070
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06864A
Upconverting photons at the molecular scale with lanthanide complexes
This perspective article relates on the recent developments around lanthanide based upconverting molecules and supermolecules and presents the state-of-the-art in the field as well as perspectives and future outlooks.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 3048-3059
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06099C
A review of frustrated Lewis pair enabled monoselective C–F bond activation
Functionalisation of polyfluorocarbon positions generally suffers from over-defluorination. Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) offer a unique solution to this problem allowing direct access to a wide range of 2nd generation fluorocarbon products.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 2712-2724
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06485A
Construction of nanoparticle-on-mirror nanocavities and their applications in plasmon-enhanced spectroscopy
This perspective underscores the fabrication of NPoM nanocavities and their utilization for achieving enhanced capabilities or improved spatial resolution in dark-field scattering spectroscopy and plasmon-enhanced spectroscopy.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 2697-2711
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05722D
Hybrid and composite materials of organic crystals
Combining organic crystals and polymers results in a new class of all-organic, lightweight, flexible materials with unprecedented mechanical robustness, resilience, and diversity in combination with other functional materials.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 2684-2696
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06469G
Enzymatic and synthetic regulation of polypeptide folding
This perspective focuses on the latest understanding of the folding-promotion mechanisms by chaperones and oxidoreductases and recent progress in the development of chemical mimics that possess activities comparable to enzymes.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 2282-2299
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05781J
Biocompatible strategies for peptide macrocyclisation
The identification of macrocyclic peptides in drug discovery demands not only advanced screening strategies but also robust and reliable synthetic methodologies to constrain peptides under biocompatible conditions.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 2300-2322
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05738K
Porous organic framework membranes based on interface-induced polymerisation: design, synthesis and applications
Interfacial polymerisation has become an important method for the preparation of porous organic framework (POF) membranes. We summarise the strategies and applications in forming POF membranes induced by different interfaces.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 1924-1937
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05787A
The pursuit of accurate predictive models of the bioactivity of small molecules
Each step in model development affects its accuracy.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 1938-1952
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05534E
Diaryl hypervalent bromines and chlorines: synthesis, structures and reactivities
Diaryl hypervalent bromines and chlorines emerge as a novel foundation for advancing organic chemistry. This article provides an overview of the synthetic methodology, structural variations, and the latest transformations unearthed in this context.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 1557-1569
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05382B
Organocatalytic activation of hydrogen peroxide: towards green and sustainable oxidations
Green oxidation reactions performed by organocatalytic activation of hydrogen peroxide.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 1177-1203
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05618J
Precise activation of C–C bonds for recycling and upcycling of plastics
The critical task of activating and cleaving inert C–C bonds during plastic upcycling and recycling holds substantial importance.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 795-831
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05701A
The thermodynamics and kinetics of depolymerization: what makes vinyl monomer regeneration feasible?
Insight into the thermodynamics and kinetics of depolymerization to understand the barriers that prevent effective monomer regeneration from vinyl polymers, and an exploration into overcoming these limitations.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 832-853
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05143A
Responsive macrocyclic and supramolecular structures powered by platinum
Platinum's recent evolution spans from responsive complexes to multicomponent assemblies. This Perspective Article explores the role of this metal in designing macrocycles and polymers that reshape or restructure in response to external stimuli.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 431-441
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05524H
Biomolecular infrared spectroscopy: making time for dynamics
A perspective discussing the ways in which infrared spectroscopy can be used to study biomolecular processes over a wide range of timescales.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 414-430
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05223K
Recent advances for enhanced photodynamic therapy: from new mechanisms to innovative strategies
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been developed as a potential cancer treatment approach owing to its non-invasiveness, spatiotemporal control and limited side effects.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 12234-12257
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC07006A
Strategies to boost the electrochemical performance of bismuth anodes for potassium-ion batteries
In recent years, Bi anode materials with high theoretical capacity and suitable potential have received extensive attention in PIBs. Herein, we summarize the effective strategies to boost the potassium storage performance of Bi anode materials.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 12189-12199
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC03226H
Automation and machine learning augmented by large language models in a catalysis study
AI and automation are revolutionizing catalyst discovery, shifting from manual methods to high-throughput digital approaches, enhanced by large language models.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 12200-12233
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC07012C
Correlating active sites and oxidative species in single-atom catalyzed Fenton-like reactions
Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have gained great interesting in heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions, and modulation of their chemical and structural properties can produce desirable oxidative species for selective removal of organic contamination.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 11699-11718
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02621G
Band engineering of layered oxyhalide photocatalysts for visible-light water splitting
In the past decade, layered oxyhalide photocatalysts have evolved through diverse layer stacking structures. This review outlines the design principles of their band structures, drawing insights from systematic studies of this family.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 11719-11736
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02093F
The prospect of substrate-based kinase inhibitors to improve target selectivity and overcome drug resistance
Substrate-site inhibitors of protein kinases have the potential to be selective and resistance-resilient.
Chem. Sci., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01088D
High-entropy intermetallics: emerging inorganic materials for designing high-performance catalysts
High-entropy intermetallics have several advantages over disordered high-entropy alloys, e.g., greater tunability, multifunctionality, structural/thermal stability, more facile site isolation, and more precise control of electronic structures.
Chem. Sci., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC03897A
Flexible electrochemical energy storage devices and related applications: recent progress and challenges
This paper reviews advancements in flexible carbon-based and polymer gel materials for various types of energy storage systems, providing guidance for future development of next-generation wearable electronics.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 11229-11266
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02139H
Selective oxygen reduction reaction: mechanism understanding, catalyst design and practical application
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in catalyst design, characterization techniques, and device applications of the oxygen reduction reaction.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 11188-11228
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02853H
Advances in block copolymer-phospholipid hybrid vesicles: from physical–chemical properties to applications
This tutorial review gives an overview over the different lipid – block copolymer hybrid vesicle designs, and provides a detailed analysis of their properties. It puts emphasis on their application in bottom-up synthetic biology.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 10724-10744
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01444H
Construction of hydrocarbon belts based on macrocyclic arenes
Recent advancements in the synthesis of hydrocarbon belts based on readily available unstrained macrocyclic arenes are summarized in this review.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 10713-10723
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02576H
Copper–oxygen adducts: new trends in characterization and properties towards C–H activation
Recent progresses in Cu–oxygen adducts towards recalcitrant C–H activation are reviewed with focus on Cu metalloenzymes and bioinspired synthetic models, mono- to polynuclear complexes, working under homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic conditions.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 10308-10349
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01762E
Electrocatalysis in deep eutectic solvents: from fundamental properties to applications
This review provides a comprehensive summary of the characteristics of DESs and their utility as solvents for electrocatalyst synthesis and as electrolytes in typical electrocatalytic reactions.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 9949-9976
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02318H
Recent advances in CO2 reduction with renewable reductants under hydrothermal conditions: towards efficient and net carbon benefit CO2 conversion
Fast CO2 reduction with renewable reductants under hydrothermal conditions for efficient and net carbon benefit CO2 conversion.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 9927-9948
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01265H
Methods for the analysis, interpretation, and prediction of single-molecule junction conductance behaviour
This article provides an overview of measurement methods and interpretations of data in the field of molecular electronics, together with a summary of predictive models that assist in establishing robust structure–property relationships.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 9510-9556
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC00488D
Adamantane-type clusters: compounds with a ubiquitous architecture but a wide variety of compositions and unexpected materials properties
Adamantane-type clusters exhibit a huge diversity of chemical compositions, structural details, and resulting properties.
Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 9438-9509
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC01136H
About this collection
This on-going web collection showcases all of the Perspective and Review articles published in Chemical Science in 2024.