Themed collection 2020 Emerging Investigators

60 items
Profile

Contributors to the Emerging Investigators Collection 2020

Graphical abstract: Contributors to the Emerging Investigators Collection 2020
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Highlight

Tailored electrocatalysts by controlled electrochemical deposition and surface nanostructuring

Atomic representation of tailored electrocatalysts: near-surface alloy (top), shaped nanoparticles (right), atomic ensembles (bottom) and deposited metallic adlayers (left).

Graphical abstract: Tailored electrocatalysts by controlled electrochemical deposition and surface nanostructuring
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Highlight

Recent advances of dinuclear nickel- and palladium-complexes in homogeneous catalysis

In this highlight, we provide a current perspective of synthetic methodology development catalyzed by dinuclear Ni- and Pd-complexes in the past decade. The new catalytic reactivities of dinuclear Ni- and Pd-complexes are discussed.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances of dinuclear nickel- and palladium-complexes in homogeneous catalysis
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Feature Article

Small molecule–RNA targeting: starting with the fundamentals

Complementary approaches such as scaffold-based synthesis, cheminformatics, assay development, and pattern recognition have progressed fundamental understanding of small molecule:RNA recognition and led to the development of bioactive RNA ligands.

Graphical abstract: Small molecule–RNA targeting: starting with the fundamentals
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Feature Article

Recent developments in biomolecule-based nanoencapsulation systems for antimicrobial delivery and biofilm disruption

Biomolecules are very attractive nanomaterial components, generally, due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, abundance, renewability, and sustainability, as compared to other resources for nanoparticle-based delivery systems.

Graphical abstract: Recent developments in biomolecule-based nanoencapsulation systems for antimicrobial delivery and biofilm disruption
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Feature Article

Introducing borane clusters into polymeric frameworks: architecture, synthesis, and applications

This feature article summarizes the preparation and applications of borane cluster-containing polymers and covers research progress and future trends of borane cluster-containing linear, dendritic, macrocyclic polymers and metal–organic frameworks.

Graphical abstract: Introducing borane clusters into polymeric frameworks: architecture, synthesis, and applications
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Feature Article

Proteins as diverse, efficient, and evolvable scaffolds for artificial metalloenzymes

We have extracted and categorized the desirable properties of proteins that are adapted as the scaffolds for artificial metalloenzymes.

Graphical abstract: Proteins as diverse, efficient, and evolvable scaffolds for artificial metalloenzymes
Feature Article

Stimuli-responsive structural changes in metal–organic frameworks

This feature article mainly summarizes how the structure of MOFs changes under external stimuli.

Graphical abstract: Stimuli-responsive structural changes in metal–organic frameworks
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Feature Article

Beryllium coordination chemistry and its implications on the understanding of metal induced immune responses

The coordination chemistry of beryllium with ligands containing biologically relevant functional groups is discussed. The geometry, speciation and reactivity of these compounds, aids a better understanding of metal ion induced immune reactions.

Graphical abstract: Beryllium coordination chemistry and its implications on the understanding of metal induced immune responses
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Feature Article

Operando vibrational spectroscopy for electrochemical biomass valorization

Operando spectroscopy to accelerate the development of biomass valorization catalysts is reviewed in this feature article.

Graphical abstract: Operando vibrational spectroscopy for electrochemical biomass valorization
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Feature Article

Metal–organic complex-based chemodynamic therapy agents for cancer therapy

This feature article summarizes the recent progress in the study of chemodynamic therapy agents based on metal–organic complexes.

Graphical abstract: Metal–organic complex-based chemodynamic therapy agents for cancer therapy
Feature Article

Biomimetic self-assembly of subcellular structures

This article summarizes recent progress on biomimetic subcellular structures and discusses integration of these isolated systems.

Graphical abstract: Biomimetic self-assembly of subcellular structures
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Feature Article

CO2 = CO + [O]: recent advances in carbonylation of C–H bonds with CO2

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an ideal one-carbon source owing to its nontoxicity, abundance, availability, and recyclability.

Graphical abstract: CO2 = CO + [O]: recent advances in carbonylation of C–H bonds with CO2
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Feature Article

The odyssey of cobaloximes for catalytic H2 production and their recent revival with enzyme-inspired design

The rational inclusion of enzyme-inspired features around the cobaloxime core reinstates its status as a leading synthetic photo-/electro-catalyst for hydrogen production.

Graphical abstract: The odyssey of cobaloximes for catalytic H2 production and their recent revival with enzyme-inspired design
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Feature Article

Self-assembled peptide–inorganic nanoparticle superstructures: from component design to applications

Self-assembled peptide–nanoparticle superstructures, with tuned architectures and/or functionalities, hold great promise in multiple high-end applications.

Graphical abstract: Self-assembled peptide–inorganic nanoparticle superstructures: from component design to applications
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Unravelling the local structure of catalytic Fe-oxo clusters stabilized on the MOF-808 metal organic-framework

Advanced synchrotron characterization and computational modelling are applied to understand the local structure of added redox-active iron-oxo clusters bridging zirconia-nodes within MOF-808.

Graphical abstract: Unravelling the local structure of catalytic Fe-oxo clusters stabilized on the MOF-808 metal organic-framework
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Molecular layer deposition of Li-ion conducting “Lithicone” solid electrolytes

Molecular Layer Deposition (MLD) of “lithicone” thin films is demonstrated, which behave as ionically-conductive solid electrolytes for future battery applications.

Graphical abstract: Molecular layer deposition of Li-ion conducting “Lithicone” solid electrolytes
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Air exposed 1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,4-dihydropyrazine: an avant-garde carbonization precursor for multi-functionalized carbon material

1,4-Bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,4-dihydropyrazine acts as a small molecule precursor for carbonization to multi-functionalized carbon via polymeric intermediate formation upon air exposure.

Graphical abstract: Air exposed 1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,4-dihydropyrazine: an avant-garde carbonization precursor for multi-functionalized carbon material
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Nickel-catalyzed insertions of vinylidenes into Si–H bonds

Nickel catalysts promote intramolecular and intermolecular reductive insertions of 1,1-dichloroalkenes into Si–H bonds.

Graphical abstract: Nickel-catalyzed insertions of vinylidenes into Si–H bonds
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Organic single crystals of cyano-substituted p-phenylene vinylene derivatives as transistors with low surface trap density

Cyano-substituted oligo(p-phenylene vinylene) derivatives with π–π interactions and intermolecular hydrogen bonds in orthogonal directions were synthesised, and demonstrated very low defect density by OFETs.

Graphical abstract: Organic single crystals of cyano-substituted p-phenylene vinylene derivatives as transistors with low surface trap density
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Complexation behaviour of LiCl and LiPF6 – model studies in the solid-state and in solution using a bidentate picolyl-based ligand

Using a new bulky bidentate ligand and combining various structure elucidation methods, coordination modes of [ligand·LiX] (X = Cl, PF6) complexes both in solid-state and in solution have been revealed.

Graphical abstract: Complexation behaviour of LiCl and LiPF6 – model studies in the solid-state and in solution using a bidentate picolyl-based ligand
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Hydrophobicity-driven folding and seeded polymerization of cystine-based dimeric diamides in aqueous media

Hydrophobicity-driven folding of cystine-based dimeric diamides with aromatic substituents at the C- and N-termini slows their spontaneous assembly and thus seeded supramolecular polymerization was achieved in aqueous media.

Graphical abstract: Hydrophobicity-driven folding and seeded polymerization of cystine-based dimeric diamides in aqueous media
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Boronic acid-mediated ring-opening and Ni-catalyzed arylation of 1-arylcyclopropyl tosylates

We describe a procedure for the ring-opening and arylation of 1-arylcyclopropyltosylates to yield 2-substituted allyl products using boronic acids and Ni catalysis.

Graphical abstract: Boronic acid-mediated ring-opening and Ni-catalyzed arylation of 1-arylcyclopropyl tosylates
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Hydrogenation and electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to formate with a single Co catalyst

A cobalt(I) complex is shown to be capable of both electrocatalytic reduction and hydrogenation of CO2 to formate.

Graphical abstract: Hydrogenation and electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to formate with a single Co catalyst
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Visualizing the helical stacking of octahedral metallomesogens with a chiral core

The detailed stacking structure of a helical columnar liquid crystal formed by enantiopure octahedral metallomesogens was investigated using both GI-XRD and MD simulation.

Graphical abstract: Visualizing the helical stacking of octahedral metallomesogens with a chiral core
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Selective ring-rearrangement or ring-closing metathesis of bicyclo[3.2.1]octenes

Explored was the competitive ring-closing metathesis vs. ring-rearrangement metathesis of bicyclo[3.2.1]octenes prepared by a simple and convergent synthesis from bicyclic alkylidenemalononitriles and allylic electrophiles.

Graphical abstract: Selective ring-rearrangement or ring-closing metathesis of bicyclo[3.2.1]octenes
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Cyclodextrin-derived polymer networks for selective molecular adsorption

A facile synthetic method is developed to afford cyclodextrin-derived polymer networks that exhibit high selectivity in capturing certain organic compounds in water.

Graphical abstract: Cyclodextrin-derived polymer networks for selective molecular adsorption
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Excimer emission and magnetoluminescence of radical-based zinc(II) complexes doped in host crystals

A ZnII complex with luminescent organic radical ligands doped into host molecular crystals showed an excimer emission and its luminescent behavior was significantly modulated by an external magnetic field.

Graphical abstract: Excimer emission and magnetoluminescence of radical-based zinc(ii) complexes doped in host crystals
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Optical property control of π-electronic systems bearing Lewis pairs by ion coordination

π-Electronic systems bearing Lewis pairs were synthesized. The tuning of the optical properties was demonstrated by the addition of various ion pairs, and these behaviours were elucidated by theoretical calculations.

Graphical abstract: Optical property control of π-electronic systems bearing Lewis pairs by ion coordination
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Synthesis, characterization and use of benzothioxanthene imide based dimers

The synthesis of benzothioxanthene imide based dimers and their first use in light emitting devices are reported herein.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis, characterization and use of benzothioxanthene imide based dimers
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Role of specific distorted metal complexes in exciton self-trapping for hybrid metal halides

The photoemission by exciton self-trapping in low-dimensional hybrid metal halides is promoted for specific distortions of the metal environment. Selected crystal structures with such distortions enables the synthesis of efficient phosphors.

Graphical abstract: Role of specific distorted metal complexes in exciton self-trapping for hybrid metal halides
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Electropolymerization in a confined nanospace: synthesis of PEDOT nanoparticles in emulsion droplet reactors

Size controlled PEDOT nanoparticles were synthesized by confined space electrochemistry inside emulsions.

Graphical abstract: Electropolymerization in a confined nanospace: synthesis of PEDOT nanoparticles in emulsion droplet reactors
Communication

Direct N-formylation of nitroarenes with CO2

Direct N-formylation of nitroarenes with CO2 is developed to prepare N-aryl formamides without the need of preforming anilines as conventional substrates.

Graphical abstract: Direct N-formylation of nitroarenes with CO2
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Design, synthesis and characterization of structurally dynamic cyclic N,S-acetals

We report the synthesis, characterization and comparison of a series of electronically perturbed, cyclic N,S-acetals.

Graphical abstract: Design, synthesis and characterization of structurally dynamic cyclic N,S-acetals
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Modifying the luminescent properties of a Cu(I) diphosphine complex using ligand-centered reactions in single crystals

Here we report how reactions at a chemically reactive diphosphine shift the long-lived luminescent colour of a crystalline three-coordinate Cu(I) complex from green to blue.

Graphical abstract: Modifying the luminescent properties of a Cu(i) diphosphine complex using ligand-centered reactions in single crystals
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Conversion of racemic alcohols to optically pure amine precursors enabled by catalyst dynamic kinetic resolution: experiment and computation

An unprecedented base metal catalysed asymmetric synthesis of α-chiral amine precursors from racemic alcohols is reported.

Graphical abstract: Conversion of racemic alcohols to optically pure amine precursors enabled by catalyst dynamic kinetic resolution: experiment and computation
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

An ester electrolyte for lithium–sulfur batteries capable of ultra-low temperature cycling

Li||SPAN batteries in the lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide methyl propionate/fluoroethylene carbonate (LiFSI MP/FEC) electrolyte system can charge and discharge at −40 °C with over 78% room temperature capacity retention.

Graphical abstract: An ester electrolyte for lithium–sulfur batteries capable of ultra-low temperature cycling
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

The wavelength-dependent optical properties of weakly absorbing aqueous aerosol particles

A model for calculating the wavelength-dependent refractive index of multicomponent mixtures is presented and applied to aqueous systems in the atmosphere and oceans.

Graphical abstract: The wavelength-dependent optical properties of weakly absorbing aqueous aerosol particles
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Dopamine polymer derived isolated single-atom site metals/N-doped porous carbon for benzene oxidation

Isolated single-atom sites metals/nitrogen-doped porous carbon (ISAS M/NPC, M = Fe, Co, Ni) are prepared by a polymerization-pyrolysis-etching-activation strategy, which can be used as high efficiency and selectivity benzene oxidation catalysts.

Graphical abstract: Dopamine polymer derived isolated single-atom site metals/N-doped porous carbon for benzene oxidation
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Synthesis and characterization of low-nuclearity lantern-type porous coordination cages

This work presents the design, synthesis, and characterization of small lanterns with BET surface areas in excess of 200 m2 g−1. These cages represent the lower size limit for permanently microporous coordination cages.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis and characterization of low-nuclearity lantern-type porous coordination cages
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Open Access Communication

Active learning and neural network potentials accelerate molecular screening of ether-based solvate ionic liquids

Solvate ionic liquids (SIL) have promising applications as electrolyte materials and machine learning can help accelerate the virtual screening of candidate molecules for SIL.

Graphical abstract: Active learning and neural network potentials accelerate molecular screening of ether-based solvate ionic liquids
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Efficient near-infrared luminescence from bis-cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes with rigid quinoline-derived ancillary ligands

Rigid bis-cyclometalated iridium complexes with quinoline-based chelating ancillary ligands phosphoresce in the near-infrared region with high efficiency.

Graphical abstract: Efficient near-infrared luminescence from bis-cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes with rigid quinoline-derived ancillary ligands
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Efficient formation of [3]pseudorotaxane based on cooperative complexation of dibenzo-24-crown-8 with diphenylviologen axle

A novel cooperative [3]pseudorotaxane system consisting of dibenzo-24-crown-8 (DB24C8) and diphenylviologen axle has been developed.

Graphical abstract: Efficient formation of [3]pseudorotaxane based on cooperative complexation of dibenzo-24-crown-8 with diphenylviologen axle
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Normal-pulse-voltage-assisted in situ fabrication of graphene-wrapped MOF-derived CuO nanoflowers for water oxidation

Herein, a normal-pulse-voltage-assisted method is proposed for preparation of high quality graphene-wrapped CuO nanoflowers on CF. The as-obtained CuO NF@G/CF electrode exhibits a competitive OER catalytic performance in 1.0 M KOH solution.

Graphical abstract: Normal-pulse-voltage-assisted in situ fabrication of graphene-wrapped MOF-derived CuO nanoflowers for water oxidation
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

A macrocycle directed total synthesis of di-O-methylendiandrin A

The synthesis of di-O-methylendiandrin A has been achieved using diastereoselective, vicinal alkylation and transannular McMurry reactions of a macrocyclic 1,4-diketone, to establish stereochemistry and the strained ring of the natural product.

Graphical abstract: A macrocycle directed total synthesis of di-O-methylendiandrin A
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

How does excited-state antiaromaticity affect the acidity strengths of photoacids?

Photoacids like substituted naphthalenes (X = OH, NH3+, COOH) are aromatic in the S0 state and antiaromatic in the S1 state. Antiaromaticity relief explains why some are more photoacidic than others.

Graphical abstract: How does excited-state antiaromaticity affect the acidity strengths of photoacids?
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Manganese complex-catalysed α-alkylation of ketones with secondary alcohols enables the synthesis of β-branched carbonyl compounds

Diverse β-functionalised carbonyl compounds were synthesized via a manganese(I) complex-catalysed α-alkylation of ketones with secondary alcohols.

Graphical abstract: Manganese complex-catalysed α-alkylation of ketones with secondary alcohols enables the synthesis of β-branched carbonyl compounds
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Gold-catalyzed intermolecular [4+1] spiroannulation via site-selective aromatic C(sp2)–H functionalization and dearomatization of phenol derivatives

A novel gold(I)-catalyzed chemo- and site-selective cascade C–H functionalization/dearomatization of naphthols or phenols with o-alkynylaryl-α-diazoesters has been developed.

Graphical abstract: Gold-catalyzed intermolecular [4+1] spiroannulation via site-selective aromatic C(sp2)–H functionalization and dearomatization of phenol derivatives
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Open Access Communication

Unexpected reactivity of a PONNOP ‘expanded pincer’ ligand

A PONNOP ‘expanded pincer’ ligand is described that can bind two copper(I) atoms in close proximity, but undergoes an unexpected rearrangement in the presence of nickel(II) salts.

Graphical abstract: Unexpected reactivity of a PONNOP ‘expanded pincer’ ligand
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

A tetranuclear nickel cluster isolated in multiple high-valent states

An all Ni(III) tetranuclear cluster is isolated. Metal-centered oxidations are proposed for it and its mixed-valent congeners, supported by crystallographic, spectroscopic, and computational methods.

Graphical abstract: A tetranuclear nickel cluster isolated in multiple high-valent states
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Nickel-catalyzed intramolecular desymmetrization addition of aryl halides to 1,3-diketones

A nickel-catalyzed intramolecular addition of aryl halides to 1,3-diketones was first developed to afford a polycyclic framework with two tetrasubstituted carbons in excellent diastereoselectivity. Moderate enantioselectivities were also achieved.

Graphical abstract: Nickel-catalyzed intramolecular desymmetrization addition of aryl halides to 1,3-diketones
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

High Young's modulus carbon fibers are fouling resistant with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry

High modulus carbon-fibers exhibit similar resistance to chemical fouling as carbon nanotube based materials with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry.

Graphical abstract: High Young's modulus carbon fibers are fouling resistant with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Metal–organic polyhedra crosslinked supramolecular polymeric elastomers

Supramolecular polymeric elastomers crosslinked by metal–organic polyhedra were developed, featuring not only tunable mechanical properties but also dynamic actuation behaviors.

Graphical abstract: Metal–organic polyhedra crosslinked supramolecular polymeric elastomers
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Air and water stable secondary phosphine oxides as diazaphospholene precatalysts

Secondary phosphine oxides, which are air and water stable, and purifiable by chromatography generate phosphenium or phosphorus hydride catalysts in situ.

Graphical abstract: Air and water stable secondary phosphine oxides as diazaphospholene precatalysts
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Bismuthanylstibanes

The first examples of neutral Bi–Sb σ-bonds are reported and their reactivity is debuted.

Graphical abstract: Bismuthanylstibanes
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Synthesis of orthogonally reactive multilayered microcapsules

An orthogonally chemically reactive microcapsule is derived from a single polymer following a layer-by-layer-deposition process, where a 1,4 conjugate addition reaction provided a basis for sequential deposition of a chemically reactive nanocomplex.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of orthogonally reactive multilayered microcapsules
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Flower-like cobalt carbide for efficient carbon dioxide conversion

Flower-like Co2C enables photothermal catalytic CO2–epoxide cycloaddition with yields of up to ∼95% under solar light.

Graphical abstract: Flower-like cobalt carbide for efficient carbon dioxide conversion
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Cross-β amyloid nanotubes for hydrolase–peroxidase cascade reactions

Herein, we report the catalytic potential of short peptide based cross-β amyloid nanotubes with surface exposed histidine capable of binding hemin and showing facile cascade reactions, playing the dual roles of hydrolases and peroxidases, two of the most important classes of enzymes in extant biology.

Graphical abstract: Cross-β amyloid nanotubes for hydrolase–peroxidase cascade reactions
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

C–F bond activation by pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-aluminium(I): a combined experimental/computational exercise

Although (AlCp*)4 is one of the longest known stable aluminium(I) compounds, it still has surprising reactivities in store as illustrated by the ability to break strong C–F bonds.

Graphical abstract: C–F bond activation by pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-aluminium(i): a combined experimental/computational exercise
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
Communication

Nickel(II)-methyl complexes adopting unusual seesaw geometries

Tris-carbene borate supported nickel methyl complexes adopt unusual seesaw geometries due to competing electronic and chelate effects.

Graphical abstract: Nickel(ii)-methyl complexes adopting unusual seesaw geometries
From the themed collection: 2020 Emerging Investigators
60 items

About this collection

Celebrating its 10th year, this annual special issue showcases research carried out by internationally recognised, up-and-coming scientists in the early stages of their independent careers, and who are making outstanding contributions to their respective fields!
Join us in celebrating their contributions!
New articles will be added to this collection as they are published.

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