Themed collection Celebrating ten years of Journal of Materials Chemistry A

51 items
Editorial

Introducing the tenth anniversary issues of Journal of Materials Chemistry A, B and C

Past and present Editors-in-Chief and Editorial Board Chairs introduce the 10th anniversary issues of Journal of Materials Chemistry A, B and C, reflecting on the rich history of the journals and looking ahead to the exciting future of materials chemistry.

Graphical abstract: Introducing the tenth anniversary issues of Journal of Materials Chemistry A, B and C
Highlight

Microporous metal–organic frameworks for the purification of propylene

The latest advancement in developing MOF adsorbents for effective separation and purification of propylene from propane is summarized, with a focus on molecular exclusion based separation mechanism and propane-selective adsorption.

Graphical abstract: Microporous metal–organic frameworks for the purification of propylene
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Open Access Perspective

Giant caloric effects in charge–spin–lattice coupled transition-metal oxides

Giant caloric effects found in NdCu3Fe4O12 and BiCu3Cr4O12 are highlighted. The details of the giant caloric effects in the novel charge–spin–lattice coupled transition-metal oxides are summarized and the mechanism of the effects is discussed.

Graphical abstract: Giant caloric effects in charge–spin–lattice coupled transition-metal oxides
Open Access Review Article

Redox-active oxygen in oxides: emergent applications, including field-induced resistive switching, flash luminescence, p–n junctions and high capacity battery cathodes

Oxide ions are traditionally regarded as forming the inert anion sub-lattice of oxide structures whose properties are largely dominated by the cations present.

Graphical abstract: Redox-active oxygen in oxides: emergent applications, including field-induced resistive switching, flash luminescence, p–n junctions and high capacity battery cathodes
Open Access Review Article

Molecular designs, synthetic strategies, and properties for porphyrins as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells

Dyes play a crucial role in the cell performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and versatile synthetic strategies towards well-tailored porphyrins for DSSCs have been developed for achieving high photovoltaic performances.

Graphical abstract: Molecular designs, synthetic strategies, and properties for porphyrins as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells
Review Article

Covalent organic framework and hydrogen-bonded organic framework for solar-driven photocatalysis

The features of COF and HOF in porosity, light harvesting, and structural multifunctionality enable their application for photocatalysis. Focusing on the existing merits, rational developing way is helpful for constructing more excellent porous photocatalyst.

Graphical abstract: Covalent organic framework and hydrogen-bonded organic framework for solar-driven photocatalysis
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Review Article

Solar driven CO2 reduction: from materials to devices

Solar driven CO2 reduction is a promising technology for achieving carbon neutrality. The optimized photo-absorber, catalyst and device and their synergistic operation are essential for realizing a highly efficient solar driven CO2 reduction system.

Graphical abstract: Solar driven CO2 reduction: from materials to devices
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Review Article

Regulating the electronic structure of single-atom catalysts for electrochemical energy conversion

We provide comprehensive analyses of various methods to regulate the electronic structure of single-atom catalysts, which have shown great promise for optimizing electrochemical energy conversion efficiency.

Graphical abstract: Regulating the electronic structure of single-atom catalysts for electrochemical energy conversion
Review Article

Hybrid polymer gels for energy applications

This review deals with hybrid polymer gels, presently and significantly used for low-cost and high performance solar cells, fuel cells, solid state batteries and supercapacitors with high stability, flexibility and stimuli-responsiveness.

Graphical abstract: Hybrid polymer gels for energy applications
Review Article

Halide perovskite quantum dots for photocatalytic CO2 reduction

This review focuses on halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) for photocatalytic CO2 reduction, discussing the structures and properties of perovskite QDs, the mechanism for CO2 reduction, photocatalyst design, challenges and directions for future research.

Graphical abstract: Halide perovskite quantum dots for photocatalytic CO2 reduction
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Open Access Review Article

Advances in harvesting water and energy from ubiquitous atmospheric moisture

Sorbent-assisted AWH and moisture-enabled energy generation are reviewed in parallel to reveal the correlation between these two technologies.

Graphical abstract: Advances in harvesting water and energy from ubiquitous atmospheric moisture
From the themed collection: Protecting Our Water Collection
Review Article

Versatile carbon superstructures for energy storage

The design strategies and underlying mechanisms of versatile carbon superstructures for energy storage are reviewed. Current challenges and development roadmaps are proposed to spur the further exploration of carbon superstructures.

Graphical abstract: Versatile carbon superstructures for energy storage
Open Access Review Article

A comparative overview of MXenes and metal oxides as cocatalysts in clean energy production through photocatalysis

The performance of metal oxide and MXene cocatalysts for the photocatalytic conversion of H2O, CO2 and N2 over semiconductors are summarised and compared.

Graphical abstract: A comparative overview of MXenes and metal oxides as cocatalysts in clean energy production through photocatalysis
Review Article

Highly selective semiconductor photocatalysis for CO2 reduction

Herein, to provide ideas for the design of highly selective CO2 reduction materials, we introduce each step of the photocatalytic CO2 reduction process and summarize how each step is adjusted to promote the selectivity of CO2 reduction.

Graphical abstract: Highly selective semiconductor photocatalysis for CO2 reduction
Communication

Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production of microporous organic polymers by incorporation of afterglow phosphorescent materials

The hydrogen evolution efficiency of MOP-based photocatalysts was enhanced with the aid of afterglow phosphorescent materials.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production of microporous organic polymers by incorporation of afterglow phosphorescent materials
Open Access Communication

Urethane functions can reduce metal salts under hydrothermal conditions: synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles on flexible sponges applied in semi-automated organic reduction

Noble metal nanoparticles anchored on flexible polyurethane foams were synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis. Through employing a robotic arm, these ‘catalytic sponges’ were used for organic reductions towards automated lab-scale organic synthesis.

Graphical abstract: Urethane functions can reduce metal salts under hydrothermal conditions: synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles on flexible sponges applied in semi-automated organic reduction
Communication

High-areal-capacity anode-free all-solid-state lithium batteries enabled by interconnected carbon-reinforced ionic-electronic composites

A three-dimensional carbon-reinforced ionic-electronic composite (CRIEC) boosts the cycling areal capacities of working anode-free all-solid-state lithium batteries.

Graphical abstract: High-areal-capacity anode-free all-solid-state lithium batteries enabled by interconnected carbon-reinforced ionic-electronic composites
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Paper

High ionic conducting rare-earth silicate electrolytes for sodium metal batteries

Sodium gadolinium silicate solid electrolyte showed an outstanding sodium plating/stripping performance for 1000 cycles that proves excellent interfacial contact between the sodium anode and solid electrolyte.

Graphical abstract: High ionic conducting rare-earth silicate electrolytes for sodium metal batteries
Open Access Paper

Influence of synthesis and substitution on the structure and ionic transport properties of lithium rare earth metal halides

A series of Li3MI6 compounds with M = Lu–Sm were produced by ball milling and solid state synthesis. Cation disorder within the layers largely influences the ionic transport properties, which can be tuned by isovalent and aliovalent substitution.

Graphical abstract: Influence of synthesis and substitution on the structure and ionic transport properties of lithium rare earth metal halides
Paper

Interdiffused thermoplastic urethane-PEDOT:PSS bilayers with superior adhesion properties for high-performance and intrinsically-stretchable organic solar cells

Highly efficient (PCE = 13.1%) and stretchable (strain at PCE80% = 34%) IS-OSCs are developed using a molecular interdiffusion-assisted TPU-PEDOT:PSS bilayers with excellent adhesion properties.

Graphical abstract: Interdiffused thermoplastic urethane-PEDOT:PSS bilayers with superior adhesion properties for high-performance and intrinsically-stretchable organic solar cells
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Open Access Paper

Anion-polarisation-directed short-range-order in antiperovskite Li2FeSO

Anion polarisation in heterocationic Li2FeSO stabilises polar anion coordination in opposition to the predictions from simple point-charge electrostatics. This behaviour gives local configurational under-constraint and causes long-range disorder.

Graphical abstract: Anion-polarisation-directed short-range-order in antiperovskite Li2FeSO
Open Access Paper

PVA–FeCl3 composites as substrate and packaging materials for the controlled degradation of non-degradable metals in transient electronics

We present a PVA–FeCl3 composite as a substrate and packaging material that can initiate the controlled dissolution of non-transient metals such as Al and Cu in water.

Graphical abstract: PVA–FeCl3 composites as substrate and packaging materials for the controlled degradation of non-degradable metals in transient electronics
Open Access Paper

Nanoparticle exsolution via electrochemical switching in perovskite fibers for solid oxide fuel cell electrodes

Metal nanoparticles supported on powder and fiber perovskites via exsolution. The fiber shows a weight loss about 4.4 times higher than the powder sample. These have been applied in solid oxide fuel cell configuration.

Graphical abstract: Nanoparticle exsolution via electrochemical switching in perovskite fibers for solid oxide fuel cell electrodes
Paper

Highly controllable and reproducible one-step synthesis of β-NaYF4:Er3+@NaYbF4@NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles for Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells with enhanced efficiency

Monodisperse β-NaYF4:Er3+@NaYbF4@NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles are synthesized using a one-step thermal decomposition process and further incorporated into the hole transporting layer to improve the efficiency of Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells.

Graphical abstract: Highly controllable and reproducible one-step synthesis of β-NaYF4:Er3+@NaYbF4@NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles for Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells with enhanced efficiency
Paper

Nonionic oligo(ethylene glycol)-substituted viologen negolytes for aqueous organic redox flow batteries

Oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG)-substituted viologens enable superior cycling stability of the first-electron redox reaction and accessibility of the second-electron energy storage in aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs).

Graphical abstract: Nonionic oligo(ethylene glycol)-substituted viologen negolytes for aqueous organic redox flow batteries
Open Access Paper

N2 adsorption on high-entropy alloy surfaces: unveiling the role of local environments

A theoretical framework and analysis are presented that can be generally used for any complex material surface where an adsorption or interaction at single sites can be modulated by the electronic structure of the local environment.

Graphical abstract: N2 adsorption on high-entropy alloy surfaces: unveiling the role of local environments
Open Access Paper

Stabilizing Ni-rich high energy cathodes for advanced lithium-ion batteries: the case of LiNi0.9Co0.1O2

Lithiated oxides like Li[NixCoyMnz]O2 (x + y + z = 1) with high nickel content (x ≥ 0.8) can possess high specific capacity ≥200 mA h g−1 and have attracted extensive attention as perspective cathode materials for advanced lithium-ion batteries.

Graphical abstract: Stabilizing Ni-rich high energy cathodes for advanced lithium-ion batteries: the case of LiNi0.9Co0.1O2
Paper

Anin situ hyperconnective network strategy to prepare lanthanum zirconate nanofiber membranes with superior flexibility and toughness

Lanthanum zirconate nanofiber membranes with superior flexibility, toughness and high-temperature resistance can be obtained by an in situ hyper-connective network strategy.

Graphical abstract: Anin situ hyperconnective network strategy to prepare lanthanum zirconate nanofiber membranes with superior flexibility and toughness
Paper

High-quality single-walled carbon nanotube films as current collectors for flexible supercapacitors

High-quality single-walled carbon nanotube films are promising current collectors for flexible supercapacitors.

Graphical abstract: High-quality single-walled carbon nanotube films as current collectors for flexible supercapacitors
Paper

Tailoring the electronic structure of In2O3/C photocatalysts for enhanced CO2 reduction

A series of transition metal-doped In2O3/C photocatalysts are synthesized by a feasible bimetallic MOF template strategy. The investigation demonstrates that Cu–In2O3/C significantly enhances performance for photoreduction of CO2 to CO.

Graphical abstract: Tailoring the electronic structure of In2O3/C photocatalysts for enhanced CO2 reduction
Paper

Discovery of thermosetting polymers with low hygroscopicity, low thermal expansivity, and high modulus by machine learning

Based on the workflow of the materials genome approach, the challenge of enhancing multiple conflicting properties of an advanced thermosetting polymer of polycyanurates was addressed through high-throughout screening using machine learning.

Graphical abstract: Discovery of thermosetting polymers with low hygroscopicity, low thermal expansivity, and high modulus by machine learning
From the themed collection: #MyFirstJMCA
Paper

Probing single-chain conformation and its impact on the optoelectronic properties of donor–accepter conjugated polymers

The optoelectronic properties of a given conjugated polymer depend on the chain rigidity and more importantly local chain planarity. The local backbone planarity determines the conjugation length as large twists result in break of conjugation.

Graphical abstract: Probing single-chain conformation and its impact on the optoelectronic properties of donor–accepter conjugated polymers
From the themed collection: #MyFirstJMCA
Paper

Engineering pore nanospaces by introducing aromatic effects in UiO-66 for efficient separation of light hydrocarbons

A pore-nanospace-engineering strategy has been developed to construct a series of UiO-66-type Zr-MOFs by introducing different aromatic linkers. UiO-66-Naph exhibits the best C2H6/C3H8 light hydrocarbon separation performance from CH4.

Graphical abstract: Engineering pore nanospaces by introducing aromatic effects in UiO-66 for efficient separation of light hydrocarbons
Open Access Paper

Improving and degrading the oxygen exchange kinetics of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ by Sr decoration

i-PLD measurements reveal beneficial effects of SrO at high temperatures and detrimental effects of CO2 adsorbates at low temperatures.

Graphical abstract: Improving and degrading the oxygen exchange kinetics of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ by Sr decoration
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Paper

A 3D lithiophilic ZIF-8@RGO free-standing scaffold with dendrite-free behavior enabling high-performance Li metal batteries

A proof-of-concept of a combination of unimpeded 3D electron transport pathways and abundant lithiophilic N/Zn sites has been demonstrated to concurrently tackle the growth of dendritic Li and infinity-dimension changes.

Graphical abstract: A 3D lithiophilic ZIF-8@RGO free-standing scaffold with dendrite-free behavior enabling high-performance Li metal batteries
Open Access Paper

Increasing the limits of energy and safety in tetrazoles: dioximes as unusual precursors to very thermostable and insensitive energetic materials

Unusual thermostable and insensitive high-energy compounds which contain dioximes with donor–acceptor H-bond sites, were synthesized from glyoxal (40% in water) in straightforward steps.

Graphical abstract: Increasing the limits of energy and safety in tetrazoles: dioximes as unusual precursors to very thermostable and insensitive energetic materials
Paper

Modulation of CO2 adsorption thermodynamics and selectivity in alkali-carbonate activated N-rich porous carbons

In this paper we activate carbons from precursors of varying nitrogen content with different activating cations. The charge density of the cation helped to tune material properties and influence CO2 adsorption thermodynamics.

Graphical abstract: Modulation of CO2 adsorption thermodynamics and selectivity in alkali-carbonate activated N-rich porous carbons
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Paper

S-doped C3N5 derived from thiadiazole for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Novel structured thiadiazole-attached carbon nitrides are first synthesized via sintering 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol, demonstrating excellent performances towards photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light irradiation.

Graphical abstract: S-doped C3N5 derived from thiadiazole for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Paper

Encapsulated C12A7 electride material enables a multistep electron transfer process for cross-coupling reactions

A multistep electron transfer process is realized over C12A7:e electride composite material. The graphene promotes electron transfer from C12A7:e through surface Pd to the aryl halide substrates, affording a series of cross-coupling reactions.

Graphical abstract: Encapsulated C12A7 electride material enables a multistep electron transfer process for cross-coupling reactions
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Paper

High thermoelectric performance in entropy-driven Ge1−2xyPbxSnxSbyTe

An ultrahigh zT of 2.5 at 723 K is achieved in an entropy driven Ge0.84Pb0.025Sn0.025Sb0.11Te sample showing a promising output power density (PDmax) of ∼590 mW cm−2 at ΔT = 448 K in a fabricated double leg device.

Graphical abstract: High thermoelectric performance in entropy-driven Ge1−2x−yPbxSnxSbyTe
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Paper

An artificial neural network using multi-head intermolecular attention for predicting chemical reactivity of organic materials

A new type of artificial neural network to predict the reaction rate constant from two molecular structures. An explainable model was constructed using the multi-head intermolecular attention technique.

Graphical abstract: An artificial neural network using multi-head intermolecular attention for predicting chemical reactivity of organic materials
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Paper

Tailoring stability, catalytic activity and selectivity of covalent metal–organic frameworks via steric modification of metal nodes

A novel and efficient strategy was developed to enhance the stability, control the catalytic activity, and improve the selectivity of Cu(I) cyclic trinuclear unit (Cu-CTU)-based metal–organic frameworks by steric modification of copper nodes.

Graphical abstract: Tailoring stability, catalytic activity and selectivity of covalent metal–organic frameworks via steric modification of metal nodes
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Paper

Composite membranes consisting of acidic carboxyl-containing polyimide and basic polybenzimidazole for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells

A novel acid-base HT-PEM consisting of PI-COOH and OPBI was prepared. The OPBI-50PI-COOH composite membrane delivered superior cell performance and durability under low PA uptake due to the continuous hydrogen bond network between OPBI and PI-COOH.

Graphical abstract: Composite membranes consisting of acidic carboxyl-containing polyimide and basic polybenzimidazole for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Paper

Simultaneously achieving room-temperature circularly polarized luminescence and high stability in chiral perovskite nanocrystals via block copolymer micellar nanoreactors

Perovskite nanocrystals with high chirality and stability were synthesized via chirality transfer from a chiral supramolecular nanoreactor assembled from an achiral block copolymer complexed with racemic alanine.

Graphical abstract: Simultaneously achieving room-temperature circularly polarized luminescence and high stability in chiral perovskite nanocrystals via block copolymer micellar nanoreactors
Paper

Modulating oxygen vacancy concentration on Bi4V2O11 nanorods for synergistic photo-driven plastic waste oxidation and CO2 reduction

Synergistic photo-driven plastic waste oxidation and CO2 reduction on Bi4V2O11 nanorods with abundant oxygen vacancies.

Graphical abstract: Modulating oxygen vacancy concentration on Bi4V2O11 nanorods for synergistic photo-driven plastic waste oxidation and CO2 reduction
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Open Access Paper

Enhancing charge extraction in inverted perovskite solar cells contacts via ultrathin graphene:fullerene composite interlayers

Improving the perovskite/electron-transporting layer (ETL) interface is a crucial task to boost the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs).

Graphical abstract: Enhancing charge extraction in inverted perovskite solar cells contacts via ultrathin graphene:fullerene composite interlayers
Open Access Paper

The role of ion solvation in lithium mediated nitrogen reduction

Since its verification in 2019, there have been numerous high-profile papers reporting improved efficiency of lithium-mediated electrochemical nitrogen reduction to make ammonia.

Graphical abstract: The role of ion solvation in lithium mediated nitrogen reduction
Paper

Controlled synthesis of highly active bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting using coal-based activated carbons

N doped coal-based activated carbons, which are decorated with Ru and Ni3N nanoparticles, exhibit excellent OER/HER bifunctional activities and outstanding performance for water splitting, due to synergies of N, Ru, Ni3N and large surface areas.

Graphical abstract: Controlled synthesis of highly active bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting using coal-based activated carbons
Paper

Organic ligand-facilitated in situ exsolution of CoFe alloys over Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ perovskite toward enhanced oxygen electrocatalysis for rechargeable Zn-air batteries

Organic ligand facilitated in situ exsolution of CoFe alloys over Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3 perovskite toward enhanced oxygen electrocatalysis for rechargeable Zn-air batteries.

Graphical abstract: Organic ligand-facilitated in situ exsolution of CoFe alloys over Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ perovskite toward enhanced oxygen electrocatalysis for rechargeable Zn-air batteries
Paper

Enlarging the porosity of metal–organic framework-derived carbons for supercapacitor applications by a template-free ethylene glycol etching method

Enlargement of micropores in zeolitic imidazolate framework particles into mesopores is achieved via an ethylene glycol-assisted aqueous etching method. The etched carbon shows a higher specific capacitance than unetched one at high scan rates.

Graphical abstract: Enlarging the porosity of metal–organic framework-derived carbons for supercapacitor applications by a template-free ethylene glycol etching method
Open Access Correction

Correction: The role of ion solvation in lithium mediated nitrogen reduction

51 items

About this collection

We are delighted to celebrate Journal of Materials Chemistry A’s tenth anniversary in 2023!

This special issue celebrates and thanks members of our community who have supported the journal over the last ten years, and we are honoured that these authors have shared their latest discoveries with us.

Ten years ago, with the launch of the three separate titles, the vision of Journal of Materials Chemistry A, B and C was to provide venues for highly topical research in a broad range of materials chemistry and this is exemplified in the three anniversary issues, which highlight diversity in its broadest sense, across the global materials chemistry community and covering the full breadth of our discipline.

We believe that Journal of Materials Chemistry A, B and C will continue to be the home of innovative, and impactful materials chemistry research for many years to come and hope you enjoy reading the diverse range of papers featured in the anniversary issues.

Journal of Materials Chemistry B anniversary issue

Journal of Materials Chemistry C anniversary issue

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