Themed collection 2025 Chemical Science Perspective & Review Collection


Unifying principles for the design and evaluation of natural product-inspired compound collections
A description and general guidelines of how strategies for synthesis of natural product-inspired and -derived compound libraries can be combined for a specific project goal.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 2961-2979
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC08017C

A critical appraisal of advances in integrated CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion
This perspective critiques advancements in integrated CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion, contrasting emerging methods like eRCC via amine or (bi)carbonate pathways and direct ACC with traditional sequential capture and conversion strategies.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 2483-2513
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC06642A

The influential IPr: 25 years after its discovery
25 Years after the discovery of the most influential NHC ligand, we revisit and highlight studies involving IPr that have shaped the field of NHC-transition metal catalysis.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 2062-2082
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC07009G

Cyclopentadienyl cations
This perspective covers the 99 years of work towards the isolation of a cyclopentadienyl cation, from observation of fleeting compounds to the 2024 X-ray crystal structure of a room temperature stable Cp+ cation.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 2083-2088
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC07024K

A perspective on field-effect in energy and environmental catalysis
Gaining insights into the origins and roles of the field-effect will facilitate better applications in energy and environmental catalysis.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 1506-1527
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC07740G

Stereoselective transition metal-catalyzed [(2+2)+1] and [(2+2)+2] carbocyclization reactions using 1,6-enynes with 1,1-disubstituted olefins: construction of quaternary centers
The development of transition metal-catalyzed [(2+2)+1] and [(2+2)+2] carbocyclization reactions of 1,6-enynes bearing 1,1-disubstituted olefins is discussed, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for expanding this powerful transformation.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 1490-1505
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02645D

Unconventional aspects in metal-embedded laser-induced graphene
Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has gained significant attention, with over 170 publications in 2023 alone.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 1036-1040
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC06764A

Unravelling complex mechanisms in materials processes with cryogenic electron microscopy
Cryo-electron microscopy plays a pivotal role in materials science by revealing nanoscale structures. This Perspective discusses innovations in experimental design that link structural insights to mechanistic understanding in materials science.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 1017-1035
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC05188B

Beyond chemical structures: lessons and guiding principles for the next generation of molecular databases
This perspective reviews both materials and molecular data resources and establishes seven guiding principles termed QUANTUM to advance molecular databases toward robust, unified platforms for the research community.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 1002-1016
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC04064C

Best-of-both-worlds computational approaches to difficult-to-model dissociation reactions on metal surfaces
To achieve chemical accuracy methods for dissociative chemisorption on metals must use adjustable hybrid density functionals fitted to barriers computed with first principles methods, and dynamics methods accurately describing non-adiabatic effects.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 480-506
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC06004K

Semiclassical description of nuclear quantum effects in solvated and condensed phase molecular systems
In this perspective we demonstrate the suitability of semiclassical initial value representation methods to investigate the vibrational spectroscopy and kinetics of solvated and condensed phase molecular systems.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 20-28
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC06383J

Natural biomolecules for cell-interface engineering
In this review, we summarize and overview the development of studies of natural biomolecules that have been used in cell-biointerface engineering. The current prospects and challenges in this area are also presented, along with potential solutions.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 3019-3044
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC08422E

Recent advances in synthesis and application of Magnéli phase titanium oxides for energy storage and environmental remediation
Review covering the formation, properties and applications of Magnéli phase titanium suboxides (TinO2n−1, 4 ≤ n ≤ 9) in energy storage and environmental remediation.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 2980-3018
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC04477K

Effects of oxygen vacancies on hydrogenation efficiency by spillover in catalysts
The hydrogenation efficiency by spillover in catalysts affected by oxygen vacancy through hydrogen dissociation, hydrogen spillover, and hydrogenation processes is presented. This review summarize insights for developing high efficiency catalysts.
Chem. Sci., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC07375D

A review of large language models and autonomous agents in chemistry
This review examines the roles of large language models (LLMs) and autonomous agents in chemistry, exploring advancements in molecule design, property prediction, and synthesis automation.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 2514-2572
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC03921A

Connecting the complexity of stereoselective synthesis to the evolution of predictive tools
This review provides an overview of predictive tools in asymmetric synthesis. The evolution of methods from simple qualitative pictures to complicated quantitative approaches is connected with the increased complexity of stereoselective synthesis.
Chem. Sci., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC07461K

Unveiling the photophysical mechanistic mysteries of tetrazine-functionalized fluorogenic labels
This review highlights the mechanisms underlying the unique fluorogenic properties of tetrazine-functionalized labels and proposes new strategies to enhance fluorogenicity in the near-infrared region.
Chem. Sci., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC07018F

Advanced fabrication techniques for polymer–metal nanocomposite films: state-of-the-art innovations in energy and electronic applications
Fabrication techniques for polymer–metal composite films in energy and electronic applications: a comprehensive review.
Chem. Sci., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC04600E

Phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes in the marine environment: current status and future trends
This review delves into the application of phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes (pc-LEDs) in underwater optical communication and marine fishery, exploring the development strategies of phosphors tailored for the marine environment.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 2089-2104
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC06605G

Multi-target-directed therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease: controlling amyloid-β aggregation, metal ion homeostasis, and enzyme inhibition
This review highlights the potential of multi-target-directed strategies that address amyloid-β aggregation, metal ion dyshomeostasis, and enzyme dysfunction, offering a comprehensive and effective approach to treating Alzheimer's disease.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 2105-2135
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC06762B

Recent advances and perspectives in synthetic applications of silylboronates as silyl radical precursors
This review summarizes the recent advances in synthetic applications of silylboronates as silyl radical precursors, discusses the advantages and limitations of each method, and illustrates the synthetic chances still open for further exploration.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 2154-2169
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC06777K

Opportunities and challenges of lead-free metal halide perovskites for luminescence
In this review, the preparation methods of LFMHPs are analyzed and discussed. The strategies for improving the performance of white LEDs based on LFMHPs are also demonstrated. Finally, their future challenges and perspectives are explored.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 2136-2153
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC04119D

Chemical modulation and defect engineering in high-performance GeTe-based thermoelectrics
The crystal structure, chemical bonding characteristics, band structure, and phonon dynamics of GeTe are revealed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that contribute to its exceptional performance.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 1617-1651
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC06615D

Oriented catalysis through chaos: high-entropy spinels in heterogeneous reactions
This review provides an overview of the advances in high entropy spinel oxides in diverse catalytic reactions and highlights the intrinsic structure–property–performance relationships.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 1652-1676
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC05539J

Enhancing electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution via engineering unsaturated electronic structures in MoS2
Focusing on the efficient electronic structures in MoS2. This review critically examines the origins of unsaturated electronic structures, strategies for their construction, and future directions for advancing this promising field.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 1597-1616
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC07309F

A dual experimental–theoretical perspective on ESPT photoacids and their challenges ahead
50 years after Th. Förster, 5 years after D. Huppert and M. Eigen: proton transfer as one of the best studied chemical reactions is still under debate and paves the way for new developments in physical and theoretical chemistry.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 1560-1596
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC07148D

Valorization systems based on electrocatalytic nitrate/nitrite conversion for energy supply and valuable product synthesis
Recent progress of valorization systems based on NOx− conversion, including waste treatment systems, novel electrolytic systems, and energy conversion and storage systems, is reviewed, and the challenges and future prospects are outlined.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 1528-1559
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC05936K

Structure–reactivity relationships in CO2 hydrogenation to C2+ chemicals on Fe-based catalysts
This review critically discusses recent in situ and operando studies on Fe-based catalysts in CO2 hydrogenation, in particular focusing on the effect of composition, promoters, support and particle size.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 1071-1092
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC06376G

Nickel model complexes to mimic carbon monoxide dehydrogenase reactions
Nickel model complexes inspired by CODH active sites offer crucial insights into CO2/CO interconversion mechanisms, guiding the development of efficient and selective synthetic catalysts for CO2 conversion.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 1093-1105
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC06957A

Photocatalytic regioselective C–H bond functionalizations in arenes
The direct functionalization of C–H bonds has revolutionized the field of synthetic organic chemistry by enabling efficient and atom-economical modification of arenes by avoiding prefunctionalization.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 1041-1070
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC07491B

The challenges and strategies towards high-performance anode-free post-lithium metal batteries
In this work, the critical challenges, strategies and advances towards high-performance anode-free metal batteries, including Na, K and Zn batteries, are reviewed, and the prospects for this field are also provided.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 552-574
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC06630H

Magic methylation with methyl-containing peroxides
Methyl groups are abundant in pharmaceuticals, and their installation has garnered significant attention. This review summarises advancements in the use of methyl-containing peroxides as reagents for a variety of methylation reactions.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 507-529
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC05620E

Potential pathways for CO2 utilization in sustainable aviation fuel synthesis
The development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) is a must for the decarbonization of the aviation industry.
Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 530-551
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC06164K
About this collection
This on-going web collection showcases all of the Perspective and Review articles published in Chemical Science in 2025.