Themed collection 2020 Materials Chemistry Frontiers Review-type Articles
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Multiscale engineering of functional organic polymer interfaces for neuronal stimulation and recording
This review summarizes recent progress on chemistry and engineering techniques of organic polymers across a range of electrically insulating polymers, semiconducting polymers and conducting polymers for neural interfacing, stimulation and recording.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 3444-3471
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00279H
Two dimensional semiconducting polymers
Synthetic chemistry towards two-dimensional semiconducting polymers (2DSPs) with planar π-conjugated structures is reviewed and their unique chemical and physical properties derived from the extended π-conjugation are discussed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 3472-3486
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00309C
Recent advances of stable Blatter radicals: synthesis, properties and applications
Radicals, organic molecules with unpaired electrons, are applied across different scientific disciplines such as electronics, energy storage and biochemistry.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 3433-3443
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00122H
Recent advances in high-performance organic solar cells enabled by acceptor–donor–acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–DA′D–A) type acceptors
In this review, we focus on the recent advances in organic solar cells enabled by A–DA′D–A type acceptors and summarize the correlation between molecular structure, molecular packings, optoelectronic properties, and photovoltaic performance.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 3487-3504
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00305K
Structured and functionalized organic semiconductors for chemical and biological sensors based on organic field effect transistors
This review gives an overview of strategies to tailor organic semiconductors with designed physical structures and chemical functionalities for development of chemical and biological sensors based on organic field effect transistors.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 3505-3520
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00202J
Two-dimensional halide perovskites featuring semiconducting organic building blocks
A timely review of recent exciting progress is provided regarding the molecular design, optical characterization, and device fabrications of novel 2D halide perovskite materials incorporating functional organic semiconducting building blocks.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 3400-3418
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00233J
Recent progress in well-defined higher azaacenes (n ≥ 6): synthesis, molecular packing, and applications
In this review, we will focus on the recent progress in the synthetic strategies, photo-electronic properties, molecular packing modes and applications of azaacenes (n ≥ 6) with single-crystal structures.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 3419-3432
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00656G
Naphthalene diimide- and perylene diimide-based supramolecular cages
This review comprehensively summarized the construction of naphthalene diimide- and perylene diimide-based cages as well as their properties and applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 3176-3189
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00540A
Pyrene-based metallocycles and metallocages: more than fluorophores
This review comprehensively summarizes the construction of pyrene-based metallocycles and metallocages as well as their properties and applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 3190-3200
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00484G
Fusion of aggregation-induced emission and photochromics for promising photoresponsive smart materials
This review summarizes the recent progresses made in AIE-active photochromic materials with respect to molecular structures, material morphology, and practical applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 3153-3175
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00522C
Reaction Cascades in Polymer Mechanochemistry
This review categorizes the reported reaction cascades in polymer mechanochemistry into five parts, including mechanocatalysis, cargo-releasing, self-strengthening, gating, and mechanochromism. Some outlook is also provided.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 3115-3129
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00435A
Recent progress on PEDOT:PSS based polymer blends and composites for flexible electronics and thermoelectric devices
Recent progress on PEDOT:PSS composites by incorporating various polymers and fillers through blending and mixing methods and main focus is put onto the electrical conductivity, stretchability and thermoelectric properties.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 3130-3152
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00308E
Role of interface properties in organic solar cells: from substrate engineering to bulk-heterojunction interfacial morphology
Surface properties control provides tools for tailoring the active layer self-assembly and phase separation kinetics, which plays an important role in the morphology by directing phase separation during film deposition, drying and annealing.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2863-2880
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00398K
Recent advances in the green processing of organic photovoltaic devices from nanoparticle dispersions
Recent advances and perspectives in all aspects of the elaboration of OPV devices from nanoparticle dispersions are reviewed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2904-2931
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00361A
Structure–property relationship of assembled nanowire materials
The typical effects and performance enhancements induced by the ordered assembly of 1D nanomaterials are reviewed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2881-2903
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00365D
Application of organic field-effect transistors in memory
Functional organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) have developed rapidly, especially OFETs with memory function. We make a comprehensive summary of the background, memory mechanism, structure construction and memory applications based on OFETs.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2845-2862
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00330A
Development and advancement of rotaxane dendrimers as switchable macromolecular machines
Rotaxane dendrimers are a newly emerging large family of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs), which combine the concept of molecular switching properties into hyperbranched dendrimers to render new macromolecular machines.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2825-2844
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00368A
Detection of biomarkers in body fluids using bioprobes based on aggregation-induced emission fluorogens
This review describes the constituents and clinical biomarkers in urine, saliva, and sweat, and the role of currently developed AIE bioprobes that can quantitatively detect disease-related biomarkers in these biofluids.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2548-2570
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00376J
Effect of pore structure and doping species on charge storage mechanisms in porous carbon-based supercapacitors
Turning to improve performances under industrial requirements may be more meaningful for research itself.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2610-2634
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00180E
Recent advances of hollow-structured sulfur cathodes for lithium–sulfur batteries
This review summarises recent advances of hollow-structured sulfur cathodes for high performance lithium sulfur batteries, focusing on their synthesis, structure, electrochemical performance, advantages and challenges.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2517-2547
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00303D
Organic/inorganic nanocomposites for cancer immunotherapy
Organic/inorganic nanocomposites are ideal candidates for cancer immunotherapy since they could combine both advantages of organic and inorganic components.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2571-2609
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00323A
Chiral conducting polymer nanomaterials: synthesis and applications in enantioselective recognition
Recent progress made in the synthesis, mechanism, and applications involving the enantioselective separation and sensing of chiral conducting polymer nanomaterials has been reviewed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2499-2516
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00103A
The molecular design of and challenges relating to sensitizers for cancer sonodynamic therapy
Four key factors in designing effective sonosensitizers for sonodynamic therapy, including ROS generation ability, targeting ability, oxygen supply and corresponding ultrasound parameters, are discussed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2223-2234
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00232A
Hollow carbon nanospheres: syntheses and applications for post lithium-ion batteries
We summarized the recent progress in the synthesis approaches and representative applications of hollow carbon nanospheres, especially focused on the shape control mechanism and the unique capability as anode materials of post LIBs technologies.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2283-2306
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00313A
Functionalization of fullerene materials toward applications in perovskite solar cells
This review summarizes the recent progress of fullerene derivatives applied in perovskite solar cells, unveiling the correlation between the chemical structures of fullerene derivatives, especially the addend groups, and their performance.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2256-2282
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00295J
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Ring-opening Metathesis Polymerisation derived poly(dicyclopentadiene) based materials
This review article summarises the academic work in the fields of initiator development, polymer chemistry and physics, composites, self-healing composites, novel processing opportunities and macro-as well as microporous materials.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2235-2255
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00296H
Silver nanoclusters: synthesis, structures and photoluminescence
This review summarizes recent advances in silver nanoclusters focusing on their controlled synthesis, crystal structures and photoluminescence.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 2205-2222
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00117A
Insights into the structural complexity of semi-crystalline polymer semiconductors: electron diffraction contributions
The structural complexity of polymer semiconductors can be revealed by electron diffraction in a TEM on highly oriented and crystalline thin films.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1916-1929
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00230E
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Biosafety materials: an emerging new research direction of materials science from the COVID-19 outbreak
We first officially propose the brand-new concept of “biosafety materials”, which utilizes materials science to solve biosafety problems.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1930-1953
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00255K
Opportunities and critical factors of porous metal–organic frameworks for industrial light olefins separation
We summarize and highlight recent advances in the realm of light olefins separation using MOFs as adsorbents, covering the progress made in improving the key features of MOFs that are necessary for their real-world applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1954-1984
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00186D
Advanced functional polymer materials
This review presents the recent developments in the research hotspots of advanced functional polymers; their concepts, design strategies, and applications are briefly discussed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1803-1915
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00025F
Aromatic imide/amide-based organic small-molecule emitters for organic light-emitting diodes
Aromatic imide/amide-based organic small molecules as emitters in organic light-emitting diodes have caught increasing attention. This study summarized their advances in terms of device performance and molecular design rules over the past 20 years.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1554-1568
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00084A
Advances in carbon dots: from the perspective of traditional quantum dots
A brief review of CDots from the perspective of traditional QDs clarifies the basic concepts, unique characteristics and challenges.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1586-1613
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00090F
Aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials for biological applications
This review comprehensively summarizes potential biological application using aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials platform, focusing on explaining syntheses, properties, prospects and challenges.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1569-1585
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00779B
The power of dissociation: development of displacement assays for chemosensing and latent catalytic systems
Disassembly is an essential process in supramolecular chemistry. In this review, different bimetallic donor–acceptor-based chemosensors, chemodosimeters, catalysts and latent catalysts founded on various displacement assays will be discussed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1328-1339
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00639G
Blue quantum dot-based electroluminescent light-emitting diodes
This review about the development of blue QD-LEDs will provide the reference to demonstrate the excellent blue devices.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1340-1365
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00029A
Chemically modified nucleic acid biopolymers used in biosensing
This review describes the applications of chemically modified nucleic acid biopolymers in biosensing, and mainly introduces different assembly methods of chemically modified nucleic acid biopolymers.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1315-1327
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00026D
Non-equilibrium kinetics and trajectory thermodynamics of synthetic molecular pumps
Hypothetical transmembrane rotaxane as a model for trajectory thermodynamic theory of synthetic molecular pumps.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1304-1314
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QM00022A
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High-order structures from nucleic acids for biomedical applications
This article reviews important developments in DNA nanotechnology and RNA nanotechnology and highlights supramolecular nucleic acid structures with biomedical applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1074-1088
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00638A
Recent advances on polydiacetylene-based smart materials for biomedical applications
This review summarized most recent advances of designing strategies of polydiacetylene-based smart biomaterials with unique colorimetric and mechanical properties, as well as their applications in biosensing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1089-1104
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00788A
Recent progress in the syntheses and applications of multishelled hollow nanostructures
This review summarizes the synthesis methods for fabricating multishelled hollow nanostructures and provides views for such intricate hollow architectures in several emerging application areas.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1105-1149
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00700H
Modification of proteins using olefin metathesis
Proteins are modified with small molecules and polymers via olefin metathesis reactions in aqueous media.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1040-1051
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00494G
Exploiting the mechanical bond for molecular recognition and sensing of charged species
This review presents progress in the field of MIM hosts for ion recognition and sensing since 2014, focusing on the synthetic approaches employed and mechanisms of host–guest binding and detection.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1052-1073
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00698B
Fluorescent materials-based information storage
Fluorescent materials-based information storage systems are characterised by attractive data security, stability, and stimuli responsive features. We summarise here, recent progress in the area of fluorescent materials-based information storage codes.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 1024-1039
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00607A
Stimuli-responsive behaviors of organic charge transfer cocrystals: recent advances and perspectives
Organic cocrystals, as an intelligent design strategy of functional materials, have received extensive attention in the scientific community over recent years. This review focuses on recent advances and perspectives of organic charge transfer cocrystals in the area of stimuli-response.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 715-728
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00760A
A new generation of energy storage electrode materials constructed from carbon dots
This review summarizes the recent progress in the design and preparation of multiple electrochemical energy storage devices utilizing carbon dots, and elaborates the positive effects of carbon dots on the resulting electrodes and devices.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 729-749
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00554D
GeSe thin-film solar cells
This review summarizes the recent progress of GeSe thin-film solar cells and provides a brief outlook for their further development.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 775-787
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00727J
Bioinspired by cell membranes: functional polymeric materials for biomedical applications
This review describes the functional biomedical polymers developed by the biomimetic/bioinspired strategies from various prototypes of cell membranes.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 750-774
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00717B
Recent advances in organic light-emitting diodes: toward smart lighting and displays
Recent advances in organic light-emitting diodes toward smart lighting and displays are reviewed in terms of materials, devices, fabrication and applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 788-820
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00716D
Carbon dots: a booming material for biomedical applications
The synthesis, optical properties, and biomedical applications of CDs are summarized.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 821-836
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00658C
Surface-grafting polymers: from chemistry to organic electronics
This review comprehensively summarizes the recent progress in surface-grafting polymers, including their formation process and the utilization of surface-grafting polymers as functional materials of insulators, conductors and semiconductors in versatile organic electronic devices.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 692-714
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00450E
Recent advances and prospects of carbon dots in cancer nanotheranostics
This review summarizes and discusses the recent advances and future prospects of carbon dots as nanotheranostic agents for anticancer applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 449-471
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00667B
Dynamic covalent polymers for biomedical applications
Dynamic covalent polymers have emerged as intriguing, new materials with unique properties. In this article, their synthesis, properties, and applications in the biomedical field have been reviewed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 489-506
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00598F
A review on the effects of carbon dots in plant systems
Carbon dots (CDs) have gained tremendous attention in agriculture. Herein, we summarize recent progress of the interaction between CDs and plant systems, mainly including plant growth, photosynthesis, resistance, etc.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 437-448
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00614A
Spectroscopic studies of the optical properties of carbon dots: recent advances and future prospects
We highlight the recent advances and future prospects of the spectroscopic studies of the optical properties of carbon dots.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 472-488
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00592G
Application of organic–graphene hybrids in high performance photodetectors
High performance photodetectors play important roles in the improvement of innovative technologies in many fields, for instance, medicine, military, optical communication, environment monitoring, etc.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 354-368
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00517J
Graphene quantum dots for energy storage and conversion: from fabrication to applications
We summarized the progress in the synthesis, doping and modification strategies of GQDs and the development and application of GQDs in energy storage and conversion devices.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 421-436
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00553F
The formation mechanism and fluorophores of carbon dots synthesized via a bottom-up route
Carbon dots (CDs) with incomparable optical properties have attracted extensive attention. However, some unclear issues remain, which has impeded the basic understanding and practical application of CDs.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 400-420
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00552H
Afterglow of carbon dots: mechanism, strategy and applications
Recent representative advances in the long-lived afterglow properties and applications of carbon dots are summarized and discussed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 386-399
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00578A
Porous organic polymers: a promising platform for efficient photocatalysis
This review summarizes the latest advances of porous organic polymers (POPs) focusing on their applications in photocatalysis, including photocatalytic chemical transformations, photodetoxification of pollutants from water, and water splitting.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 332-353
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00633H
Carbon-based dots for electrochemiluminescence sensing
This review summarizes the recent development of ECL sensors based on carbon-based dots. Particularly, various analytical approaches involving metal ions, small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids and cells are thoroughly presented.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 369-385
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00572B
The development of mechanoluminescence from organic compounds: breakthrough and deep insight
The organic mechanoluminescence (ML) happens at the crack surface under force, and the ML composition is becoming more complicated, extending from the normal fluorescence to phosphorescence, persistent room temperature phosphorescence and the photo-sensitive ML.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 317-331
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00580C
Recent progress of electrowetting for droplet manipulation: from wetting to superwetting systems
EWOD was investigated from wetting to superwetting with six basic fluid systems. Each fluid system has developed special technologies for functional applications owing to the different interactions among solid, liquid and gas phases.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 140-154
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00458K
Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) paired carbon dot-based complex nanoprobes: versatile platforms for sensing and imaging applications
Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) paired carbon dot composite nanoprobes are studied as multi-functional platforms for sensing and imaging applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 128-139
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00538B
Polysaccharide-containing block copolymers: synthesis and applications
Chemical methods to generate polysaccharide-containing block copolymers are enabling these polymers to achieve their potential as sustainable materials in a variety of applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 99-112
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00481E
Tailored covalent organic frameworks by post-synthetic modification
This review describes recent advances and scientific challenges in the area of post-synthetic methodologies to tailor the functionalities and properties of COFs.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 113-127
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00555B
Self-assembly of chiral supra-amphiphiles
The concept, design strategy and self-assembly of chiral supra-amphiphiles were summarized in this review article.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 155-167
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00571D
Liquid-phase bottom-up synthesis of graphene nanoribbons
This review summarises the development of bottom-up synthesis of graphene nanoribbons in liquid phase and provides views on challenges in the field and the future outlook.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 29-45
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00519F
pH-Controlled motions in mechanically interlocked molecules
This review summarizes pH-controlled mechanical motions including translocation in rotaxanes, circumrotation in catenanes and other motions in more sophisticated mechanomolecules.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 12-28
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00546C
Assembling features of calixarene-based amphiphiles and supra-amphiphiles
A systematic review of current achievements in calixarene-based amphiphiles and supra-amphiphiles, mainly focused on their assembling features.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2020,4, 46-98
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9QM00489K