Themed collection Chemistry at the Forefront of the Sustainable Energy Transition

Recent progress and advances of high-entropy polyanionic cathodes in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries
The doping mechanism of high entropy materials and research status in polyanionic cathode materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries are reviewed. The influence of polyanionic doping on the materials and its mechanism of action are analyzed.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02296G

Five key concepts linking vacancies, structure, and oxygen evolution reaction activity in cobalt-based electrocatalysts
Focusing on five key concepts, we review the roles of cation and oxygen vacancies in determining the surface reconstruction pathway, reaction mechanism, and ultimate activity of cobalt-based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 11529-11537
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02438B

Advances in oxychalcogenide materials for hydrogen evolution photocatalysis in aqueous media
A comprehensive analysis of recent advances in oxychalcogenide photocatalysts is provided to help guide the rational design of next-generation photocatalysts for efficient and scalable solar hydrogen production.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 11510-11528
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01448D
Tailoring defects and interfaces in sulfide solid electrolytes for high-performance solid-state sodium batteries
This review highlights and integrates defect chemistry insights to systematically enhance ionic conductivity and stability of sulfide-based sodium-conducting solid electrolytes for all-solid-state sodium batteries.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC03327F
Covalent Organic Frameworks as Emerging Photocatalysts and Electrocatalysts for Renewable Energy Conversion
Chem. Commun., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02734A
Improving the charge separation efficiencies of ternary metal sulfides for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Ternary metal sulfides represent a pivotal advancement in photocatalysis for solar-driven hydrogen production, offering tunable bandgaps, visible-light responsiveness, and superior stability over binary analogs.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 11330-11352
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC03093E

Innovations in non-flammable and flame-retardant electrolytes for safer lithium-ion batteries
This highlight summarizes various strategies to enhance the safety of electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries, including the design of non-flammable and flame-retardant electrolytes and suggests next directions for safer electrolyte development.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01203A
What's new in PEDOT:PSS thermoelectrics?
PEDOT:PSS is one of the most researched polymers for thermoelectrics due to its solution-processability, flexibility, and high electrical conductivity. This highlight discusses recent strategies reported on PEDOT:PSS based thermoelectric materials.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10878-10897
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02163D
Electron–phonon coupling in two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper hybrid perovskites
Two-dimensional layered hybrid perovskites create charge carriers upon photoexcitation, which often couple with the lattice modes. Using steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques, electron–phonon coupling can be evaluated.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10898-10910
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02334C

Polyoxometalate photocatalysts: solar-driven activation of small molecules for energy conversion and greenhouse gas valorization
Polyoxometalate photocatalysts with tunable electronic structure drive CO2, H2O, CH4, N2 conversion, enhancing sustainability via charge dynamics and active sites.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10630-10642
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01494H
Recent advances and perspectives of electrolyte additives for enhanced anode reversibility in aqueous zinc-ion batteries
This review establishes a functional taxonomy of electrolyte additives in AZIBs, elucidating their mechanistic roles in modulating Zn2+ solvation structures, guiding oriented deposition, and suppressing parasitic reactions.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10643-10667
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02302E
Spatial-temporally resolved optical imaging of electroplating/stripping processes in anode-free secondary batteries
Recent advances in spatiotemporally resolved optical imaging techniques for real-time visualization of electroplating/stripping dynamics in anode-free secondary batteries have been summarized.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10418-10431
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02847G
Electrolyte solution chemistry and interface dynamics for fast-charging sustainable anion shuttle batteries
This highlight outlines the significance of understanding electrolyte solution chemistry and interface dynamics for ultrafast-charging dual-ion batteries.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10432-10448
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01312G

Electrochemical hydrogen pumps: a researcher's guide and review
This review provides an introduction to electrochemical hydrogen pumps, which allows for the purification of H2 from gas mixtures and provides an alternative method to compress H2.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10210-10227
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01815C
Recent advancements of bismuth titanate photocatalysis
Bismuth titanate has found wide-spread applications in photocatalysis for hydrogen production, degradation of organic pollutants, among others, due to its unique crystal structure and electronic energy band configuration.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10200-10209
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00928F
Photo-excited electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy: in situ/operando insights into photoelectrocatalytic interfaces
Photo-excited electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EC-SERS) emerges as a powerful analytical tool for elucidating intricate interfacial mechanisms in photoelectrocatalytic systems.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10011-10025
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01605C
Strategies for electrolyte modification in aqueous zinc-ion batteries: an antisolvent approach
This feature article provides a fundamental and mechanistic view of the profound alteration of solvation structure in aqueous electrolytes by an antisolvent strategy to improve the electrochemical performances of aqueous zinc ion batteries.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 9780-9801
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01155H
Covalent organic framework membranes for rechargeable electrochemical energy storage devices: chemistry, fabrication, and future opportunities
COFs with ordered pores and tunable chemistry enable ion selectivity and stability. This review summarizes their synthesis, structure, and applications in energy storage systems.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 9543-9557
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01414J
Advances in integrated photo–thermal–electric energy conversion
This review provides a comprehensive understanding of photo–thermal–electric energy conversion based on diverse energy conversion systems, and potential strategies are proposed to optimize these systems and enhance its cross-system applications.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 9157-9168
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02558C
Catalytic asymmetric transformation of platform chemicals derived from lignocellulosic biomass
This review summarizes recent advances in the catalytic asymmetric transformation of three key biomass-derived platform chemicals and their applications in the total synthesis of natural products.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8960-8968
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02337H
Engineering strategies in bio-photoelectrochemical cells for sustainable energy and environmental applications
Biophotoelectrochemical cells: configurations, components, and their potential products.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8790-8802
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01300C
Progress in catalysts for hydrogen storage/release in MBT/DBT based LOHCs: a review
Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) technology is based on the inverse process of storing hydrogen in unsaturated organic liquids by complete hydrogenation reactions and releasing hydrogen by corresponding dehydrogenation reactions.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8619-8631
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01352F
Edible batteries for biomedical innovation: advances, challenges, and future perspectives
Edible batteries integrate exceptional energy efficiency with a safe energy supply, advancing the intersection of sustainable energy and biomedical engineering.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8294-8313
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01385B

Molecular catalyst and co-catalyst systems based on transition metal complexes for the electrochemical oxidation of alcohols
Selected molecular catalyst systems for electrochemical alcohol oxidation are highlighted, including co-catalyst systems with redox mediators. Structural and activity trends are examined, with a focus on future catalyst system development principles.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 7710-7723
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01497B
Biomass-derived semiconductors for renewable energy technologies
This review examines the potential of biomass-derived semiconductor materials in renewable energy technologies, highlighting key synthesis strategies from biomass precursors, as well as their properties and applications.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 7356-7367
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01456E
Engineering space dimension and surface chemistry of MXene-based nanocomposite photocatalysts for sustainable environmental applications
This review highlights on engineering space dimension and surface chemistry of MXene-based nanocomposite photocatalysts for sustainable environmental application.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 7158-7177
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00587F

Spin-controlled electrocatalysis: an out-of-the-box strategy for the advancement of electrochemical water splitting
Spin-polarized catalysts have garnered significant interest in electrocatalysis, namely in the electrocatalytic oxidation of water, which has very sluggish kinetics due to its high overpotential.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 6226-6245
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01305D

Precision design of covalent organic frameworks for cathode applications
This review article discusses the limitations and potential of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for cathodes applications and introduces key molecular and structural engineering strategies to enhance the performance of COF cathodes in batteries.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 5842-5856
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01023C
Advanced electrolyte strategies for dendrite-free aqueous Zn–metal batteries
Aqueous Zn–metal batteries have attracted wide attention due to the abundant Zn reserves and the safety and non-toxicity of aqueous electrolytes, and have become a research hotspot in the field of electrochemical energy.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 5857-5870
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00874C
Presodiation technology: progress, strategy and prospects of sacrificial cathode additives in sodium-based energy storage systems
The sacrificial cathode additive (SCA) method holds great promise for industrial application. This review explores recent progress in SCA presodiation technology, with a focus on optimizing strategies to develop near-ideal SCAs.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 5386-5394
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00738K

Polyoxometalates for the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxide and its derivatives: from novel structures to functional applications
In-depth understanding of the optimization of the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxide and its derivatives using a structure regulation strategy of polyoxometalates.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 4881-4896
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00632E
Chlorine-mediated methane activation: an efficient photocatalytic pathway to valuable chemicals
This Highlight presents an emerging strategy for methane photocatalytic oxidation using chlorine species, emphasizing their advantages and outlining future challenges.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 3934-3945
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC06303A
Progress and perspectives on electrocatalysis in room-temperature Na–S batteries
Room-temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na–S) batteries can allow an ultrahigh specific capacity and a high energy density but unfortunately suffer from a lot of intractable challenges from sulfur cathodes.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 2156-2172
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC06120A

Multi-metallic nanoparticles: synthesis and their catalytic applications
Recent advances in synthesizing multi-metallic nanoparticles (MMNPs) with diverse architectures and their applications in electrocatalysis and thermal catalysis for energy conversion and green chemistry.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01468A

Photosensitised silicon solar cells: progress and challenges
Two energy transfer mechanisms at the molecule–Si surface are identified: Förster-type resonance dominates at a few nanometers, while photon tunnelling into the Si waveguide’s forbidden zones becomes dominant at larger distances.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02567B

Metal–nitrogen–carbon catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction: from design to industrial applications
The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) offers a promising route for converting CO2 into value-added chemicals and fuels using renewable electricity.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10484-10504
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02297E
High-entropy strategies for designing advanced solid-state electrolytes: a comprehensive review
This review provides a comprehensive overview of high-entropy strategies for designing various types of solid-state electrolytes, with emphasis on structural optimization and performance enhancement.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10449-10469
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC03141A

Monolayer C60 networks: a first-principles perspective
In this Feature article, we review three aspects of monolayer C60 networks based on our recent first-principles calculations: (1) Are these monolayers stable? (2) Are they promising photocatalysts? (3) Are their chemical functionalities tuneable?
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10287-10302
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02473K

Dye-sensitized nanoparticles for efficient solar hydrogen generation
Recent advances in dye-sensitized photocatalytic systems (DSPs) for H2 evolution are highlighted, focused on TiO2-based systems, self-assembled porphyrins and chromophore–catalyst dyads, paving the way for sustainable solar-driven fuel production.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10086-10094
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01971K
Spontaneous heterointerface modulators for perovskite solar cells
Spontaneous heterointerface modulators, including alkyl-primary-ammonium-based ionic-liquids (RA–TFSIs) passivating perovskites during hole-transport material (HTM) deposition, for perovskite solar cells are highlighted.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 9816-9835
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02412A
Preparation methods and challenges of carbon materials from coal tar pitch for energy storage
This review aims to provide insights into the relationships among the preparation methods, structural characteristics, and properties of carbon materials derived from coal tar pitch.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 9596-9609
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01803J
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells: recent developments and future perspectives
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have demonstrated significant potential as environmentally friendly energy alternatives.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 9392-9411
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01478F
The paradoxical role of rock-salt phases in high-nickel cathode stabilization: engineering a detrimental structure into a beneficial structure
This review summarizes design principles to advance high-nickel-content cathodes, reframing what was generally considered a failure mechanism into a strategic advantage for lithium-ion battery technologies.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 9370-9391
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01386K
Beyond macroscopic performance: nanoscale charge transfer dynamics in energy storage/conversion devices via scanning electrochemical cell microscopy
In the review, nanoscale charge transfer dynamics in energy storage/conversion about interface dynamics and electrochemical reaction mechanism are summarized. And future developments on SECCM combined with machine learning are putting forward.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 9199-9221
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01921D
Fabrication strategies for lead-free bismuth-based perovskite solar cells: a review
The power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells has reached 27%, but lead (Pb) toxicity limits their commercialization. To solve this, Pb-free Bi-based alternatives' fabrication strategies are reviewed to advance Bi compound development.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 9005-9038
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01441G
Vacancy engineering of metal–organic framework derivatives for supercapacitors and electrochemical water splitting
This minireview highlights the recent advances in the design and preparation of vacancy-containing MOF derivatives for supercapacitors and electrocatalytic water splitting.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8830-8842
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01512J
Quantum electroanalysis in drug discovery
Quantum electroanalysis involves low dimension scale structures (LDSSs) for achieving attomolar sensitivity for drug discovery purposes.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8632-8642
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01925G
Recent advances in transition metal sulfide-based electrode materials for supercapacitors
The recent progress in synthesis methods and improvement strategies of advanced TMS-based electrodes for supercapacitors is summarized.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8314-8326
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01411E
Engineering perovskite solar cells for photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical systems: strategies for enhancing efficiency and stability
PSC-assisted PV–EC and PEC systems enable unbiased solar fuel production via water splitting and CO2 reduction. This review highlights recent advances in PSC-driven fuel production, focusing on strategies to improve efficiency and stability.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8137-8156
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01338K
Operando characterization technique innovations in single-atom catalyst-derived electrochemical CO2 conversion
Different operando characterization techniques for the time-dependent screening of SACs under working conditions and the electrochemical CO2RR applications of SAC-derived materials have been reviewed.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8157-8169
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01287B
A perspective on NiCo2O4-based photocatalysts: from fundamentals, modification strategies to applications
A perspective on NiCo2O4-based photocatalysts is presented from fundamentals, modification strategies to applications, which provides comprehensive review and research gaps for boosting the development of heterogenous catalysts based on NiCo2O4.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 7960-7982
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01862E
Hematite photoanode for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting: recent advances and outlook
Promoting hematite by water oxidation reaction on the surface, charge separation and transport in the bulk, and parallel multi-stacked design.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 7724-7736
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01630D
Electrocatalytic N–H bond transformations: a zero-carbon paradigm for sustainable energy storage and conversion
Electrocatalytic zero-carbon energy systems based on the N–H bond have achieved a complete cycle of energy storage and conversion, providing guidance for the application of clean energy storage and conversion.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 7585-7599
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01213A
Computational approaches to electrolyte design for advanced lithium-ion batteries
Various computational methodologies, encompassing quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics simulations, and high-throughput screening, have been reviewed for their applications in electrolyte design for lithium-ion batteries.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 7019-7034
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01310K
Obtaining materials from local sources: surface modification engineering enabled substrates for water splitting
Substrate surface modification engineering is a novel method to prepare electrode and can be called self-derived reaction of substrates. Pristine substrates, such as foil, mesh, and foam, can react directly with modifying agents to obtain electrode.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 6882-6892
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01311A
Protocols for degradation assessment and stability enhancement in perovskite solar cells
Protocols for long-term stability of perovskite solar cells.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 6722-6738
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01404B

Zero-discharge, self-sustained 3D-printed microbial electrolysis cell for biohydrogen production: a review
We highlight the use of 3D printing in creating a stacked MFC–ECC–MEC system in conjunction with a photobioreactor (PBR) to produce significant quantities of H2.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 5410-5421
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00103J
Interfacial modification in organic solar cells
This review summarizes the mechanism of dipole moments to promote interfacial energy level alignment. Typical organic interlayer materials are compared to conclude the structure–property relationship on directing molecular design.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 5253-5263
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC06507G

Two-step thermochemical cycle for solar fuel production from H2O and CO2: technological challenges and potential solutions
A two-step thermochemical cycle for solar fuel production from H2O or/and CO2.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 4897-4903
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00262A
Gel polymer electrolytes based on single-ion-conducting polyelectrolyte (SICP) and SICP-functionalized carbon nanotubes
Nanocomposites of single-ion-conducting polyelectrolyte (SICP) and SICP-functionalized carbon nanotubes provide a platform for the preparation of polymer electrolytes with enhanced lithium-ion conductivities and high lithium transference numbers.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02829A

Functionalised polyaniline-based porous organic polymers for catalytic conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates
This research has developed co-catalyst- and solvent-free polyaniline-based porous organic polymers for efficient CO2 capture and conversion to cyclic carbonates.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC04043D
2D Boehmite/Mesoporous Nanosphere Composites with Hierarchical Ion Transport for Efficient Capacitive Deionization
Chem. Commun., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02629F
Redox-active polymer/graphene composite anode for advanced aqueous zinc-ion batteries
In this study, graphene-wrapped poly(1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic sulfonyl)imine (PNSI/EG) served as a redox-active anode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs).
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02515J

Decorated high-dispersity Fe(OH)3 nanoparticles on NiZn LDH nanosheets towards enhanced alkaline oxygen evolution reaction
The creation of efficient, earth-abundant electrocatalysts is crucial to address the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 11681-11684
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01008J
Impact of Bi and its oxide phases on Bi2S3 compound transformation and photoelectrochemical performance
Bi2S3 was synthesized via sulfurization of Bi and Bi2O3 (α, β) films. Elemental Bi showed higher sulfur uptake and full conversion, leading to purer phase, which enhanced PEC activity due to improved charge transport and reduced recombination.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 11605-11608
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02420J
A dual-functional sodium alginate–poly(zinc acrylate) hydrogel electrolyte for enhanced stability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries
A dual-functional PAZ-S gel electrolyte is developed, which enhances anode stability and facilitates deposition of Mn ions onto the cathode.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 11685-11688
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02769A
An amorphous niobium pentoxide–carbon composite as a structurally stable high performance anode material for sodium-ion batteries
Amorphous Nb2O5 with carbon composite as an excellent pseudocapacitive long-cycle performance anode material for sodium ion storage.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 11597-11600
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02813B
Side chain polymerization for non-conjugated polymer acceptor
Chem. Commun., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC03150H
Carbon nanotubes decorated with zinc oxide quantum dots enable high-efficiency lithium–sulfur batteries
This work decorates highly active zinc oxide quantum dots onto CNTs to form ZnO@CNT architectures. Such a “conductivity–polarity coupling” strategy efficiently rationalizes sulfur envolution procedures and hence boosts the battery performance.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02217G
Exploration of eg orbital occupancy in Prussian blue analogues for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction
Chem. Commun., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02444G
About this collection
For 60 years, ChemComm has published urgent, highly significant new findings of interest to a general chemistry readership. By showcasing the latest cutting-edge developments in this area, this special collection aims to drive innovation in creating a sustainable future – from reducing greenhouse gas emissions, driving renewable energy innovation and developing solutions to meet our energy needs. This collection includes contributions on new developments in:
- Solar cells and photovoltaics
- Solar fuel production and artificial photosynthesis
- Batteries and energy storage
- Fuel cells and hydrogen technologies
- Biomass conversion
- Catalysis for energy applications
- Emerging technologies, including proof-of-concept studies