Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry A Emerging Investigators 2025

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2DTMDCs) are promising in quantum computing, flexible electronics, spintronics, sustainable energy systems, and advanced healthcare.

The physicochemical properties accurately captured by the precise descriptors enable researchers to efficiently screen and identify optimal compounds for designing high-performance electrolytes for Li batteries.

This review summarizes recent innovations in strategies and mechanisms for fabricating UV-blocking polymers and composites.

We propose unifying strategies for the development of high-energy, low-cost, long-lasting olivine cathodes through atomic to electrode level engineering, focusing on: (1) high energy densities, (2) kinetics, and (3) structural stabilities.

This work systematically investigates the influence of the sp/sp² hybrid carbon ratio on the NRR catalytic performance of Ti@GY/Gr heterojunctions and explores the underlying mechanisms and relevant descriptor relationships.

In this work, we demonstrate the formation of ionic-bonded complexes between an amino methacrylate and various solid carboxylic acids, which is robust “hardener” for epoxy resins through dual-cure reactions.

An exsolved intimate Cu–ZnO interface allows for the conversion of CO₂ to methanol at atmospheric pressures.

MXenes terminated with the –O group are of paramount importance for fundamental research and applications; herein, we report a general method for the precise modification of –O termination on MXenes by employing low-pressure flash annealing.

2D conductive mesoporous engineering activates C–S bonds and boosts kinetics in >20 wt% sulfur-doped carbon (USC), enabling a USC@Ti₃C₂ heterostructure with ultrahigh capacity and exceptional rate performance.

A catalytically active and intimate interface between the electrode and electrolyte is crucial for the performance of solid oxide cells (SOCs).

We report LaNiO₃ perovskite as an ORR catalyst with synergistic effects of oxygen vacancies and functional groups. Thermal shock introduces defects, enhancing ORR performance with a limiting current density increase from 4.2 to 5.4 mA cm⁻².

Conjugated polymers are vital for detecting harmful gases, but balancing gas diffusion and crystallinity is challenging. We demonstrate an ethylene glycol-based low crystallinity design that enhances NO₂ sensing and stability.

Covalently bonded interfaces with delocalized π electrons were successfully constructed via the rational design of a MOF-in-MOF heterojunction, which exhibited superior CO₂ photoreduction activity.

MOF-derived CoSe₂/ZnSe bimetallic selenide nanoparticles confined in layered Ti₃C₂T_x MXene were employed as anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries, exhibiting superior rate capability and cycling stability.

Through controlling the terminal steric hindrance groups, we can fabricate high-performance organic solar cells with reduced nonradiative energy loss.

The synergistic effect of heterogeneous interfaces and doping optimizes electronic structure and accelerates charge transfer, significantly boosting alkaline water electrolysis performance.

A molecular ink-based approach enables the fabrication of BaZrS₃ thin films at moderate temperatures. This method incorporates boron sulfurization, which removes oxygen from the material while ensuring the formation of phase-pure BaZrS₃.

The study employs computational and data-driven methods to systematically screen AMSe₃, identifying highly promising, stable candidates free of toxic elements, paving the way for their potential use in next-generation optoelectronic applications.

The shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and the instability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) lead to lithium dendrite growth and severe corrosion of lithium anodes (Li-anodes) for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries.

We demonstrate the one-pot conversion of CO₂ into amorphous formate-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) that form grain-boundary-free monoliths with permanent porosity through hot-pressing.

A multifunctional superhydrophobic wood aerogel featuring sound absorption, thermal insulation and radiative cooling.

Lithium metal phosphides are an emerging class of solid electrolytes. By introducing defects and disorder into the Li_3(1−x)AlP₂ system, enhanced ionic conductivity was observed.

A facile synthesis strategy for carbon nanofibers with uniformly dispersed metal nanoparticles encapsulated in a thin carbon layer significantly enhances ORR/OER dual-functionality and cycle stability in zinc–air batteries.

Mixtures of two thermally responsive ionic liquids (ILs) in water exhibiting phase separation above a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) demonstrate a synergy that enhances the osmotic strength and lowers the LCST compared to binary mixtures.

The Ni_0.2Mo_0.8N/F,N–C catalyst facilitates water dissociation and accelerates the kinetics process, achieving high activity in hydrogen production when assisted by the MOR.

A heterostructure of non-layered CoSe₂ and layered VSe₂ was designed to enhance K storage. The lattice mismatch created significant distortion at phase boundaries, facilitating K diffusion and improving electrochemical performance in PIBs.

Cross-linking is shown to be an effective strategy to suppress dissolution of organic cathodes.

This work develops a simple method to produce Ni₃S₂ catalyst by using tubular HOFs as templates, and NiSO₄ as both the nickel and sulfur source. The catalyst exhibits high FDCA yield (>96%) and Faraday efficiency (>99%) for the HMFOR.

A cost-effective, reproducible, and scalable method to produce meso- and macro-porous hollow carbon spheres for high performance Li–X (X = O₂, S, Se) batteries.

This work examines the thermodynamics, interfacial chemistry, and stiffness variations between Na and Li void and pit formation in metal batteries, with the goal of developing accurate descriptors and coatings for a stable battery.

Linking fundamental insights with high performance for electrochemical hydrogen peroxide production using boron/nitrogen co-doped carbon catalysts in neutral pH.

Solid oxide proton conductor electrolysis cells, which operate at intermediate temperatures and utilize both heat and electrical potential, have emerged as a promising alternative to the traditional Haber–Bosch process.