By using a novel search strategy, we identified common mild nonenzymatic conditions for all hydration reactions in gluconeogenesis and the rTCA cycle and for the retro-aldol cleavage of citrate, advancing the search for an environment conducive to the nonenzymatic emergence of a protometabolism.

Non-thermal plasma discharge produced in the wake of charged microdroplets is found to facilitate catalyst-free radical mediated hydrazine cross coupling, as reported by Abraham K. Badu-Tawiah et al. in their Research Article (e202413122). Plasma–microdroplet fusion occurs online in a programmable reaction platform allowing direct process optimization and product validation via mass spectrometry.

Building functional fluorophores from a simple scaffold. In their Research Article (e202415627), Lei Zhang, Su Jing, Thorben Cordes, and co-workers use the Ugi-4-component reaction to assemble fluorogenic dye molecules that selectively localize to mitochondria or lysosomes. The multifunctional fluorophores are not only fluorogenic but also induce pyroptosis in living cancer cells. The study shows the potential of scaffold-based synthesis for creation of new functional fluorophores.

Spatially selective detection of metal ions in subcellular compartments has been achieved in the Research Article (e202412387) by Deyu Yi, Lele Li, and Mengyuan Li. This nanotechnology utilizes a specific ribosomal RNA to locally activate DNAzyme-based sensing function, driving multiple catalytic cleavage of molecular beacons for amplified metal-ion imaging in mitochondria.

Allosterically targeting CDC37 by small molecule inhibitor DDO-6079 disrupts protein-protein interaction of HSP90-CDC37 and CDC37-CDK4/6, thus to decrease thermal stability of CDK6 and reverse drug resistance of CDK4/6 inhibitors without HSR.

Highly crystalline two-dimensional conductive metal–organic framework, copper₃(hexaiminobenzene)₂ (Cu₃(HIB)₂), has been obtained through strategic synthetic modification. The Cu₃(HIB)₂ device shows ultrasensitive, highly selective, reversible, and low-power chemiresistive sensor for nitric oxide. Mechanistic investigation reveals the contribution of Cu-bis(iminobenzosemiquinoid) functionality of Cu₃(HIB)₂) for highly sensitive and reversible NO binding sites.

X-ray Diffraction Computed Tomography (XRD-CT) has been used to reveal pressure-induced phase transformations in pharmaceutical tablets of glycolide as a function of compaction pressure. Temporal analysis of the tablets, and subsequent identification using electron diffraction, revealed a hydrolysis reaction occurred on storage of the tablets. This reaction was enhanced in the presence of microcrystalline cellulose.

Utilizing seawater as an electrolyte enables efficient hydrogen peroxide production for coastal applications. The NO-DC₇₀₀ catalyst, synthesized via pyrolysis of silk, achieves 4997 mg L⁻¹ h⁻¹ H₂O₂ with a faradaic efficiency of 96.5 %, offering a sustainable and cost-effective method for on-site production in coastal region.

The electron count affects the shape of Bi₆^q− units, from a regular prism in Bi₆²⁻ (left) to a regular crown-type cycle in Bi₆⁶⁻ (right). Such units were previously isolated in the coordination sphere of metal complexes, while the (less symmetric) intermediate with a −4 charge has only been predicted by theory. In their Research Article (e202417234), Florian Weigend, Stefanie Dehnen et al. isolated the Zintl cluster [Bi₆{Zn(hmds)}₂]²⁻ (center), in which two 12-electron fragments are perfectly suited to stabilize the boat-type Bi₆⁴⁻ unit, as confirmed by DFT calculations.

Supramolecular helical pseudo-polycatenane polymers with controlled handedness are formed via the self-assembly of chirally twisted pseudo-macrocyclic tetrakisporphyrin monomers developed by Takeharu Haino et al. in their Research Article (e202416770). The cover illustrates the supramolecular polymerization of pseudo-macrocyclic tetrakisporphyrin monomers.

We have demonstrated a new approach of ΔE_ST modulation via the triplet blocking effect, achieving decreased S₁ but constant T₁ energy level. The conflict between small ΔE_ST and large oscillator strengths is relieved. The results are crucial for fundamental photophysics as well as development of optoelectronic materials.

Sulfoximine substituted bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes are prepared in one-pot and then diversified through 3 vectors. N-Functionalization allows controlled variation in the electrophilicity of the BCB in strain release processes including in protein labelling under biocompatible conditions, and the proximal stereocenter allows stereoselective protein labelling.

The electrode potential adjust the interaction between active sites and intermediates for enhancing NO-to-NH₃ conversion over V_O−TiO_2−x.

Bis(arene) coordination compounds of zirconium and hafnium have been synthesized in high yield by 4e reduction of tetrachloride adducts with a germylene phosphine Lewis pair. A puckered coordination mode of an arene moiety is discussed based on structural and spectroscopic data. Carbonyl complexes were synthesized. Dimethylbutadiene reacts under formation of a cyclohexadienyl and a triorganogermate ligand. This addition is reversible at room temperature in the zirconium case.

A new Pt(II) starting material is cheap and easy to make, with exceptional air stability. It was used to synthesise [Pt₂L₄]⁴⁺ lantern-shaped cages including their first heteroleptic, low-symmetry and multicavity examples.

The metastable hexagonal Rh nanocrystal catalyst is synthesized via interstitial boron insertion for alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). The insertion of boron atoms into Rh lattice not only induces phase transition from face-centered cubic to hexagonal close-packed, but also optimized adsorbed behaviors of reaction intermediates, leading to improved connectivity of hydrogen-bond networks and enhanced HOR performance.

Combining molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations, we inspected the molecular-scale impact that a benzotriazole-based 3D four-arm small molecule has on the local morphology and electronic properties of PM6 : Y6 blends. Detailed examination of these aspects allowed us to highlight key requirements that the electronic properties of 3D multi-arm small molecules need to fulfill in order to improve device efficiency.

An exploration of 1,2-dihydroazetes in ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) is reported. The 4-membered rings readily polymerized using the Hoveyda-Grubbs 2^nd generation initiator and maintained living chain-ends for block polymer synthesis. This study gives new insights into the reactivity and limitations of enamine derivatives in metathesis processes, while also offering a new approach to degradable metathesis materials with tunable properties.ROMP1,2-DihydroazeteDegradationRegio-selectivity

A method for direct benzylic C(sp³)−H phosphonylation of non-specialized alkylarenes is reported. This dehydrogenative C−P bond formation method features high step economy and takes place under mild reaction conditions, which enables good functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction proceeds via intermolecular hydrogen atom abstraction and operates by a radical pathway.

Azatriangulenetrione unit is first incorporated into COF backbone to form a high-performance COF electrode with intrinsic multiple reachable redox-active sites of C=O, C=N and C=C, which delivers a superb discharge capacity of 410.4 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ in SIBs.

A photochemical method for “stapling” G-quadruplex (G4) and intercalated motif (IM) structures enhances their stability, locks their topology, and increases enzymatic resistance while preserving biological activity. This method, applied to the Thrombin Binding Aptamer (TBA) model and other G4- and IM-prone sequences, shows promise for future therapeutic applications, including more stable aptamers and molecular decoys in biological systems.

The photoreaction dynamics of p-phenylenediacrylic acid dimethyl ester in single crystals were examined, revealing a reaction front propagation from the edge to the center. As the photoreaction progresses, the crystal undergoes a distinctive shape transformation, changing from a parallelogram to a distorted “fluttering flag” shape and eventually becoming a rectangle. Density functional theory calculations predict the post-reaction crystal structure, explaining this unique shape change through the spatially heterogeneous nature of the photoreaction.

This study identifies PS9, a synthetic flavin derivative, as the first chemical repair agent for etheno-type RNA damages. PS9 effectively removes ϵA and ϵC modifications in RNA via cycloaddition with singlet oxygen under blue light, presenting a novel approach distinct from traditional protein-mediated repair. This discovery highlights potential applications in understanding RNA damage repair and its implications for RNA biology and therapeutic development.

This minireview mainly discusses the organic dyes presently employed for photon-driven pyroptosis, alongside an analysis of the prevailing challenges and opportunities in dye molecule design.

We report a catalytic deoxyamination of 2-arylethanols in hexafluoroisopropanol, which directly installs various amino groups, including sulfonamides, amides, ureas and anilines. The transformation relies on the intermediacy of a phenonium ion, whose formation was rationalized by mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations.

A facile emulsion-assisted interface self-assembly method is observed to synthesize nitrogen and sulfur co-doped mesoporous carbon nanospheres with controllable active heteroatom species at molecular level. It is proposed that the doping of pyridinic-N and thiophene-S can notably change the charge and spin densities, promoting the chemical reactivity of adjacent carbon atoms and reducing the reaction energy barrier effectively.

A new quinoidization reaction has been developed based on 2-(dimethylsulfaneylidene)malononitrile (DMSM). This reaction avoids the reliance on halogenated substrates and has unique reactivity to the electron-rich fused aromatics. Various new quinoidal compounds were synthesized, and one of them exhibits a high electron mobility up to 1.33 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹. Our results provide a new synthetic method to expand the library of high-performance n-type organic semiconductors.

Amide/NCO linchpin: A linchpin reagent for the synthesis of amides is disclosed using rhodium-catalyzed electrophilic amination followed by Grignard addition. The sequence proceeds with high chemoselectivity and provides secondary and tertiary amides through atypical bond construction. The formation of lactams and unsymmetrical ureas demonstrates extension to other NCO systems.

Through-space conjugation in a series of tetraphenylalkanes-based nonconjugated clusteroluminogens is engineered via high-pressure structural regulation. Abnormal blue shift and remarkable emission enhancement are realized, exhibiting distinct structural factors. Intense white-light emission is realized after high-pressure treatment, disrupting the typical excited-state even-odd effects in ambient study.

An enhanced two-electron ORR performance was achieved by a rationally designed system incorporating cobalt (II) clusters onto oxidized carbon nanotube composites. This enhancement is attributed to the cooperative dual-active sites and high local proton availability, and enables effective conversion of ethylene glycol to oxalic acid by coupling with an electro-Fenton process.

The strong basicity of fluoride ions leads to detrimental side reactions on organic cations and solvents, converting “naked” F⁻ into bifluoride (HF₂⁻) ions. In this work, dual 1,3-diphenylurea (DPU) ligands shield the Lewis basicity of F⁻ through hydrogen bonding, providing long-term chemical stability across a wide range of aprotic solvents and sustaining improved electrochemical performance in nonaqueous fluoride ion batteries.

The constructed Turing structure, composed of lamellar stacking carbon-confined nickel nanosheets, screens the direct d-p orbit coupling between TM and S²⁻ and activates optimized p-p orbit hybridization between electron-injected carbon and S²⁻, enabling exceptional catalytic activity and stability for sulfion degradation and energy-efficient yet value-added H₂ production.

Cordycicadins A−D are C₂₀ polyketides, all containing a γ-lactone fused to a 10-membered lactone. The proposed biosynthesis for the cordycicadins anticipates the formation of two more natural products which are unisolated. We report the total synthesis of (–)-cordycicadin D and the two anticipated natural products.

The Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2024 was jointly awarded to David Baker for computational protein design and to Demis Hassabis and John Jumper for protein structure prediction. This highlight showcases the impact of the Nobel prize laureates’ contributions and summarizes the history, state of the art, applications and future directions of these methods.

A two-enzyme-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of racemic secondary alcohols in water—a ′Holy Grail of DKR′—was accomplished using an engineered alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) for racemization through a hydrogen-borrowing sequence and variants of the acyltransferase from Mycobacterium smegmatis (MsAcT) for enantioselective acylation.

We report an approach to functionalized bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes (BCHs) through the formal (3+2)-cycloaddition of allylated cyclopropanes. Cyclopropane activation is achieved through direct photoexcitation of an appended imine. Activated and unactivated alkenes are tolerated in the reaction.

A bifunctional electrocatalyst (Co₃O₄/CoNGDY) with integrated Janus structure for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is in situ constructed through a self-organized method. The active sites and mechanism are confirmed by in situ characterizations and theoretical calculations. Aqueous zinc-air batteries with ultra-long stability and recoverable modularized cylindrical solid-state zinc-air batteries are achieved.

Heterogenized molecular complexes were designed via coordinating Fe−Ni sites with four aromatic carboxylate ligands for electrocatalytic oxygen-evolving. In situ characteristics and theoretical analysis verify that the ligands-tuning strong π-π stacking interaction between molecular complexes and carbon support renders the charge accumulation on Fe−Ni sites through fast electron transfer, following by the reconstruction of active Fe−O−Ni centers.

A photochemical strategy for organic-base-catalyzed Michael addition to cyclopropenes generated in situ is disclosed. In this metal-free approach, a diverse range of nitrogen nucleophiles, including drugs and bioactive molecules, are well tolerated to provide the triple substituted cyclopropanes, which have been used to access cyclopropane carboxylic acids—a new class of promising FABP-4 inhibitors.

The direct use of ammonia as engine fuel faces challenges like low flame velocity and high NO_x emissions. We propose a novel scenario for converting a conventional “CH₄-fueled” engine to “NH₃-fueled” engine. Specifically, CH₄ is used to power the internal combustion engine and release CO₂ as the exhaust which then reacts with NH₃ to generate N₂ and CH₄ for enclosing the carbon cycle.

We report a water-assisted precipitation method to prepare crystals with various thicknesses that respond to ultraviolet light with simple mechanical effects, including bending, splintering, and rotation. The resulting crystal-based robots exhibit motions reminiscent of sailing and humanoid movements.

Three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks based on low-connectivity linear and trigonal linkers were constructed by the steric hindrance. The efficiency of the photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide was markedly enhanced by regulating of the skeleton from two-dimensional to three-dimensional configuration.

A superior service lifespan aqueous Zn battery was built by taking advantage of the biomass-derived chitin nanocrystals colloid electrolyte to bridge electrolyte bulk and interfacial chemistry for achieving dynamic protective strategy. This unique strategy not only enables continuous optimization of electrolyte bulk and interfacial chemistry within the battery but also facilitates self-repairing of mechanical damages both internally and externally, resulting in building comprehensive, persistent, and dynamic protection for aqueous Zn batteries.

Novel applications of a DNAzyme sensor have been developed for the on-site detection of lithium in the lithium-ion battery (LIB) industry. Simple methods to detect lithium in brine and rock mining applications, and in LIB recycling applications, have been designed and successfully implemented using the highly selective lithium DNAzyme sensor and portable fluorometers.

An endogenous and exogenous tandem-regulated DNA assembly strategy is designed to achieve on-demand orthogonally controlled stimulation of cGAS–STING signaling. The approach utilizes an engineered DNA motif with an enzymatically responsive moiety and a photocleavable linker into DNA motif, enabling enzyme-mediated activation and light-triggered termination of cGAS stimulation through dynamic DNA assembly.

The capacity of zinc-iodine battery is limited by the low conductivity of iodine. In this work, a polymeric conductive PVA hydrogel cathode was proposed. The unique “confined transport” of iodide/polyiodides ions in the hydrogel can effectively enhance the areal capacity with suppressed polyiodide shuttle effect.

The synthesis and properties of propeller-shaped C_3v- and C_s-symmetric triradicals are described. The triradicals were antiferromagnetic equilateral triangle spin systems with J/k_B~−120 K, leading to the thermal equilibrium of the doublet/quartet states at room temperature. The spin-state-dependent absorption feature, spin-selective excitation, and spin-dependent excited-state dynamics are discussed.

A chiral artificial light-harvesting system that shows sequentially amplified circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) performances has been constructed from chiral rotaxane-branched dendrimers. This approach not only leads to efficient amplification of the CPL performances but will also allow the construction of novel chiral luminescent materials.

An oxidant-induced bioconjugation method has been developed for studying small molecule-lysine interactions. Various advantages have been demonstrated including real-time controllable labeling, excellent amino acid selectivity and labeling efficiency, in-depth lysine profiling capability and high stability. A suite of new ligandable lysines have been characterized, thus offering insights for exploring new functional and targetable residues.

The highly active halogen radicals simultaneously modified the ITO surface and chemically bridged the ITO/perovskite heterointerfaces for largely reducing the interfacial energy barrier and optimizing the interfacial carrier dynamics in hole transport layer-free Sn perovskite solar cells, achieving a record efficiency of 14.20 %.

A series of bent perylenediimides (B-PDIs) with systematically varied bending angles were designed and synthesized by modulating the lengths of linear alkyl chains bridging the two nitrogen atoms of each PDI. This study unveils the curvature-dependent self-assembly and excited-state decay behavior of these B-PDIs.

A photosensitizer/catalyst dual regulation strategy was proposed based on POM@MOF molecular platform to construct the highly efficient catalysts for photocatalytic H₂ evolution. Impressively, the resulting Ni−Sb₉@UiO−Ir−C6 can efficiently drive water splitting into H₂ with a TON of 326923, representing a record value among all the POM@MOF composites.

A combination of Cu-ATRP catalysis with photocatalysts (PCs) that absorb visible and/or NIR light exhibits synergistic action at the ppm/ppb concentration level. It leads to very well-defined polymers with rates depending on the amount and quantum efficiency of PC but controlled polymer architecture defined by the Cu-catalysts. Thus, they can act much better together, providing robustness, oxygen tolerance, and access to new materials.

“The most exciting thing about my research is the vast amount of genetic information available in public databases whose biocatalytic potential remains untapped… If I won a million dollars in the lottery I would pay my team what they deserve, while focusing more on science and less on fundraising…” Find out more about Graeme Howe in his Introducing… Profile.

Schematic illustration of FeMn for simultaneously activating both C−C and C−O bonds to maximize the utilization of various substituents of native lignin reforming into syngas over InGaN nanowires.

A novel matrix-controlling strategy is presented in CDs-in-zeolite system to regulate the microenvironment of CDs by doping limited Mn²⁺ in zeolite. Mn-coordinated CDs (C-CDs) induce green phosphorescence, and non-coordinated CDs (NC-CDs) exhibit temperature-related blue or red phosphorescence due to energy transfer. Finally, multi-mode time-dependent phosphorescence color evolution with temperature variation in a single system is achieved.

A skeletal nitrogen introduction strategy has been developed to fine-tune the dual-ion storage properties of isostructural 2D conjugated metal–organic frameworks (2D c-MOFs). The faradaic charge storage in isostructural MOFs can be improved by introducing additional aromatic nitrogen sites which synergistically act as cation adsorption sites and favor anion-adsorption to the metal sites energetically.

We describe a cross-electrophile coupling of iminium ions with a range of electrophilic substrates to prepare tertiary amines. This reaction is mediated by the underexplored single-electron reducing power of the iodide counter anion, which is investigated both experimentally and through quantum chemical calculations.

A type of hypercrosslinked MOP (HCMOP) solid-state electrolyte was prepared using cationic MOPs, PEI macromonomer and polyelectrolyte units. Owing to the three-component synergistic effect, Li-HCMOP has excellent mechanical strength and can realize a high Li-ion conductivity, a high Li-ion transference number and a low activation energy. This work highlights an effective idea of high-performance MOP-based solid-state electrolytes applied in LMBs.

We report a flexible-robust MOF Zn(ad)(min) that features a unique localized flexible gate to priority adsorb the cross-section well-matched ethane molecules, thus achieving the unprecedented ethane adsorption capacity (62.6 cm³ g⁻¹), ethane/ethylene uptake ratio 3.34 (298 K and 0.1 bar), and the remarkable ultra-high purity ethylene (>99.995 %) productivity up to 39.2 L/kg at ambient condition.

The meta-azopyridine polymer (3-PAZOPY with an unprecedented untra-high energy density of 430 J/g forms a stable uniform two-phase hybrid composite system with the organic phase change material octanoic acid (OA) through a combination of hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions. This system, serving as a noval solar photothermal fuels (STFs), is capable of simultaneously storing both photochemical and phase change energy, which holds significant potential for applications in household consumers energy distribution and utilization systems, as well as in photothermal-assisted insulation strategies.

A solution-processable zirconium metal based Metal-organic Polyhedra threaded chemically stable Covalent Organic Framework has been fabricated at ambient condition in the form of a crystalline hybrid hierarchically aerogel for selective recovery of gold from e-waste.

A selective oxygen activation to hydroxyl radicals via 3 e⁻ pathway using single atomically dispersed La based on WO₃ fabricated with oxygen vacancies to weaken La−O coordination strength (denoted as LaO₄−WO_v) is achieved. Rapid and complete removal of tetracycline realizes over LaO₄−WO_v with 0.077 min⁻¹ of rate constant. This work builds a catalyst for manipulating oxygen activation towards water purification as a representative application.

PCS building blocks: This work presents the facile synthesis of zwitterionic salts [(L_C)P=CS(L_C/P)][OTf], which function as convenient, regioselective and multifaceted synthons of the PCS moiety. DFT calculations support a zwitterionic composition with a negative PCS moiety and two cationic P- and C-bound substituents. Depending on the nature of the C-bound substituent, different reactivity can be addressed in cycloaddition and reduction reactions.

Two T-shaped Rh(I) complexes with PNP pincer ligands have been isolated. They react with C−H bonds of unactivated substrates such as ethylene and benzene, leading to the oxidative C−H addition products. Depending on the size of the alkyl groups on the phosphorus atom, the reactivity towards C−H bonds can be fine-tuned.

A directing group-controlled, palladium-catalyzed, regio-, stereo-, and enantiospecific anti-carboxylation of unactivated, internal allenes has been developed via the synergistic interplay of a rationally designed bidentate directing group, palladium catalyst, and a multifunctional acetate ligand. The corresponding trans allyl ester was obtained in excellent yields with exclusive δ-regioselectivity and anti-carboxypalladation stereocontrol.

“The most important factor in the choice of my current research topic was its potential to make a meaningful impact on sustainable energy and chemical solutions. The idea of using sonocatalysis to drive reactions with less energy, near-ambient temperatures and fewer pollutants really resonated with me… My favorite time of day is early morning, just as the sun rises…” Find out more about Prince Nana Amaniampong in his Introducing… Profile.

Vijay Nair, one of India's most prominent organic chemists, passed away on April 12, 2024 at the age of 82. After a distinguished research career in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, he returned to India to lead what was to become the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST). During this second phase of his career, he made fundamentally important contributions to the art of organic synthesis and mentored a number of organic chemists.

A copper(I)-catalyzed conjugate hydroarsination of α,β-unsaturated compounds is uncovered, which affords a series of chiral tertiary arsanes in high to excellent enantioselectivity.

New descriptors are presented for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in ionic systems. Through first-principles calculations, the limitations of the most widely used and crucial descriptors d-band center and charge transfer energy, are demonstrated. Novel descriptors, λ₁ and λ₂, are proposed for more accurate OER performance predictions. Their application to multi-component and high-entropy oxides offers insights into designing more efficient catalytic materials.

A platform composed of engineered bacteria is developed to perform photochemical reactions for photodynamic therapy in a self-driven manner. One E. coli strain was genetically modified to produce 5-ALA and KatG, enabling the generation of PpIX and oxygen within tumors. Another E. coli strain was engineered to autonomously emit bioluminescence under the regulation of quorum sensing, to excite the photosensitizer formed in tumors.

Molecular strain has an adverse or conducive effect on catalytic activity. Strained cobalt tetraaminophthalocyanine improves *CO binding for subsequent hydrogenation, attaining methanol Faradaic efficiency up to 52 %. However, strained iron phthalocyanine exacerbates *CO poisoning, leading to inferior CO production. We proposed *CO binding strength as an indicator for activity prediction.

Electrostatic interactions have been found to dominate the pre-organization of carboxylate anionic guests inside the tunnels of cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks. These interactions are so strong that they override the influence of all other noncovalent bonding interactions present in the tunnels.

Detailed information is obtained for the reversible H⁺-transfer interconverting reactive μ_1,2-peroxodicopper(II) and μ_1,1-hydroperoxodicopper(II) species, including the structural characterization of H-bond donor adducts and a DFT mapping of the correlated H⁺-transfer and μ_1,2-peroxo→μ_1,1-peroxo rearrangement. This establishes a mechanistic basis for a key component of the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactivity involving biorelevant Cu₂/O₂ intermediates.

We demonstrate that organic functional groups can modulate the band structure of two-dimensional black phosphorus (BP). By modifying BP′s surface, these groups alter charge density and shift band-edge positions, enabling continuous tuning of BP's valence and conduction bands. This approach achieves high hydrogen evolution reaction rates under visible light, offering a flexible, cost-effective strategy for enhancing BP-based photocatalysts.

Single atom Cu regulated Bi@C with Cu–C₃ sites have been innovatively designed by the simple pyrolysis of metal-organic framework. The Cu–C₃ sites can serve as both a modulator to catalyze the formation of inorganic-rich and powerful solid electrolyte interphase and a promoter to facilitate the adsorption and diffusion of Na⁺, which endow the sample with high-efficient sodium ion storage performance.

A new hybrid nanocarbon composed of dissimilar naonosheets, has been synthesized. This hybrid possesses electronic properties similar to its components and exhibits a highly curved structure with configurational stability. This curved structure was found to accommodate C₆₀ with a binding constant as high as 10⁵ M⁻¹. Moreover, this hybrid displays unusual anti-Kasha fluorescence emission and undergoes singlet fission in the thin film.

A dual-solvent strategy was employed to synthesize a porphyrin-based nanoscale metal–organic framework (Fe(TCPP)-MOF) with novel crystal structure and unique morphology. The exquisite configuration ensured the orderly anchoring and precise spatial separation of porphyrin molecules, effectively circumventing the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect and suppressing non-radiative transitions. This unique structural design endows Fe(TCPP)-MOF with excellent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capabilities, and under ultrasound activation, it can effectively induce tumor cell pyroptosis and activate immune responses.

In this review, we delve into the foundational concept and underlying mechanisms of PANoptosis, emphasizing its pivotal role in oncology. We subsequently outline the most recent advancements in nanomedicine pertaining to PANoptosis-driven anticancer therapies. Furthermore, we explore the existing challenges and potential future directions for the clinical translation of PANoptosis-based treatments.

Time-resolved terahertz (THz) spectroscopy experiments show that charge carriers, generated by an optical pulse (hν), on a π-conjugated porphyrin nanoribbon are exceptionally mobile. The porphyrin nanoribbons are polydisperse polymers synthesized by nickel(0)-mediated Yamamoto coupling followed by oxidative planarization, and have an average degree of polymerization of up to 37 repeat units (length 31 nm).

An effective and universal electron transfer-based strategy is introduced to modulate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). This approach enables the conversion of existing Type II MOFs into Type I MOFs with hypoxic tolerance to function effectively under low-oxygen conditions, providing new insight into the development of Type I MOFs.

Squareimines are a new class of electron-deficient macrocycles with a unique rectangular structure that facilitates interactions with the electron-deficient panels, enabling selective separation of aromatic hydrocarbons from aliphatic mixtures. By using dynamic covalent imine chemistry, crystalline material NDI²F4² is obtained in high yields, with this material demonstrating rapid adsorption and high selectivities for the sieving of aromatic compounds.

We employ dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) spectra to establish mechanics-DMA-photophysics correlation for ionogels. This resembles parallel and sequential processing of human brain from sensation to cognition. This work provides an enabling strategy towards the early indication of performance of ionogels without laborious characterization.

We propose a novel in situ lattice etching-reconstruction strategy enabled by hot organic esters with low polarity to idealize air-processed perovskite films for competitive solar cells regardless of humidity. Arising from the dynamic dissolution of nanoimpurities and selective recrystallization of Br-rich phase on the defective perovskite surface, we deliver a champion PCE of 15.37 % for all-air-processed carbon-based CsPbI₂Br cell with excellent stability.

A zeolite-based compartmentalized approach for one-step carbonylation reactions with CO₂ is developed. We show that zeolite shape-selectivity is key to impede unwanted hydrogenation of olefinic substrates and that our catalytic tandem concept enables an equilibrium shift of the low temperature reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction, ultimately resulting in the efficient formation of aldehydes, esters and amides.

A highly enantioselective hydrophosphination of 2H-azirines is reported based on a newly discovered Mn(I) catalyst that plays an important role in both the reactivity and stereoselectivity of the process. Various valuable aziridine phosphines can now be accessed in high yields and enantiopurities. DFT calculations provide mechanistic insights.

By leveraging the ligand desymmetrization approach, a flexible tetratopic carboxylate ligand with a tetrahedral geometry was designed to construct four Zr-based MOF structures, in which the ligand configurations and Zr₆ cluster connectivities can be controlled by varying solvents and modulators.

A ligand-responsive artificial protein–protein communication (LIRAC) was developed by redefining the connection between transcription factors (TFs) and CRISPR/Cas enzymes that do not have natural interactions. LIRAC immediately transduces target-induced TF allostery into fast activation of CRISPR/Cas enzymes within a homogeneous system, allowing for rapid response, tunable dynamic range, tristate logic, and portable detection.

Visualization of the metabolism of glutamine in vivo: Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in human blood and muscle. GlutaR, a genetically encoded fluorescence sensor of glutamine, displays excellent selectivity and sensitivity, which enable to report dynamic and precise changes of glutamine levels in cells, live mice, and quantification of free subcellular organelle glutamine concentrations with high spatiotemporal resolution.

We report a methanol-water mediated dual assembly pathway strategy for simultaneous construction of P and M helices in one-component chiral system. The conformation of L-phenylaniline derivates (LBpyF) is controlled to folded state in CH₃OH. Addition of H₂O into above CH₃OH solution of LBpyF results in the simultaneous occurrence of two self-assembly pathways, due to the synchronous process of 1) self-assembly of folded LBpyF into M-helices and 2) H₂O induced unfolding of folded LBpyF molecules followed by self-assembly of them into P-helices.

Graphene nucleation on Si-terminated hexagonal-SiC(0001) surface is elucidated. The stable carbon clusters, preferential nucleation sites and nucleation pathways are revealed, and a nucleation diagram is established. Contradictory experimental observations on graphene growth on SiC(0001) surface are explained. Nucleation on terraces instead of near step edges is proposed to be crucial for producing high-quality graphene on SiC(0001) surface.

Exploring 2D c-MOFs for Electrocatalytic Glycerol Oxidation Reaction(GOR): This work introduces a novel class of two-dimensional conjugated metal–organic frameworks (2D c-MOFs), M₂[NiPcS₈] with various metal center based on octathiolphthalocyaninato nickel (NiPc(SH)₈). Focusing on glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR), theoretical and experimental analyses reveal the superior performance of the CoS₄ site in Co₂[NiPcS₈] among the family of 2D c-MOFs M₂(M'PcX₈) (M/M’=Cu/Ni/Co, X=S/O/NH). The electrocatalytic tests demonstrate that Co₂[NiPcS₈] supported by carbon paper displays a low GOR potential of 1.35 V vs. RHE at 10 mA cm⁻², which contributes to excellent overall water-electrolysis-voltage reduction by 0.27 V from oxygen evolution reaction to GOR.

Maleimides can target the N-termini of proteins instead of cysteine by the use of 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde and copper(II) salt under non-denaturing conditions. The methodology requires no mutagenesis of proteins and enables the high-yield attachment of various functional groups to proteins with various N-terminal amino acids through a simple operation using commercially available maleimides.

A novel ZnO-assisted ZIF derivation approach is developed to synthesize an atomically dispersed meso/microporous Fe−N/C catalyst with curved Fe−N₄ active sites onto the tubular carbon walls, showing excellent oxygen reduction performance in both acidic and alkaline media. When used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells and Zn-air batteries, it demonstrates outstanding cell/battery performance.

Modifying the bay region of polyperylene with mono and diimide functional groups has enabled the synthesis of robust graphene nanoribbons. These nanoribbons are solution-processable and show good NIR absorption and photothermal conversion.

Loading highly active metal clusters on a semiconductor nanosheet can enable the introduced metal atom and the metal atom in substrate materials to construct the heteroatom pair sites. Having two different metal atoms on the interface as active sites may effectively accelerate C−C coupling to form C₂H₄ for CO₂ photoreduction.

A versatile theranostic nanosystem (FLAGC) is reported for rapid, non-invasive, accurate diagnosis and efficient clearance of metastatic lymph nodes. FLAGC is easily drained to sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) for precise localization. FLAGC is then specifically lit up by the low pH and over-expressed myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in an accurate diagnosis of metastatic SLNs by chemical resonance energy transfer (CRET) luminescence in the second near-infrared window. Further, the tumor was efficiently eradicated through Ce6-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT). Our findings offer a new paradigm for identifying and eliminating clinically positive lymph nodes.

We synthesized high-entropy MAX phases within 15 minutes, including a new phase (Ti_0.2V_0.2Cr_0.2Nb_0.2Mo_0.2)₄AlC₃ and three 413-type phases. The varied stacking modes among MX slabs in high-entropy MAX phases and the distinct topological transformations to their derivative MXenes were observed. TiVNbMoC₃ electrode demonstrates superior lithium-ion storage capabilities with 725 mAh g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹, triggering the edification to the application of high-entropy MXenes for energy domain.

Dual-redox Li-storage mechanism is first decoded as the origin of anomalously high capacity and fast diffusivity in MOFs-like POM electrode, where enhanced V-t_2g orbital occupation, Hubbard gap closure and interlayer conjugated configuration essentially contribute to the high capacity, accelerated rate capability and superior cycle stability.

We have realized the stereoselective acylfluoroalkylation of bicyclobutanes via radical N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis, which constitutes a practical method to assemble fluoroalkyl-substituted cyclobutanes. It is noteworthy that the covalent-based organocatalytic strategy achieved diastereoselective radical-radical cross coupling, with dispersion and electrostatic interactions playing a crucial role in stereoinduction.

Alkaline-stable phosphonium-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) work as durable and efficient hydroxide conductors for zinc–air battery applications. Especially, the COFs with a minimal ion exchange capacity of 1.17 mmol g⁻¹ resulted in 126 mS cm⁻¹ at 80 °C, and batteries with the COF electrolytes demonstrated stable operation over 2,300 min.

The Z-schematic SrTiO₃-FeS-CoWO₄ catalyst is efficient for urea photosynthesis from CO₂ and N₂ reduction. It has dual active sites for adsorption and activation of CO₂ and N₂ and the accelerated kinetics for C−N coupling reaction. The energy barrier of rate-determining step is reduced on SrTiO₃-FeS-CoWO₄.

The structure–property relationship in high mobility emissive materials was revealed that a centroid distance of about 7–7.5 Å along CH-π direction and 6–6.5 Å along π–π direction is beneficial for achieving high mobility and strong emission in herringbone-packed aggregates simultaneously based on four quinoline-anthracene isomers. This relationship also demonstrates the broad applicability and universal potential in other organic semiconductors.

A highly active (Fe_xCo_y)₅C₂ structure is developed through the synergistic effect of electronic (sodium) and structural (cobalt) promoters. This strategy facilitates the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide into olefins at a low temperature of 240 °C, achieving the highest STY of olefins at low temperatures, even better than a significant proportion under high-temperature operating conditions. Additionally, it retains the capability to synthesize olefins at 180 °C.

A nickel-catalyzed difluoroalkylation of β,γ-unsaturated α-amino nitrile derived lithium reagents with various difluoroalkyl bromides has been developed. The rapid fluorine-editing of drugs demonstrates the synthetic versatility and utility of this protocol, showing the perspective in modern drug discovery.