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July 25, 2025
VIP: Designing New Natural-Mimetic Phosphatidic Acid: A Versatile and Innovative Synthetic Strategy for Glycerophospholipid Research
Dr. Antoine Schlichter, Dr. Alexander Wolf, Thomas Ferrand, Dr. Aurelien Cocq, Dr. Lina Riachy, Dr. Steven Vertueux, Brice Beauvais, Marine Courvalet, Paul-Joël Henry, Dr. Emeline Tanguy, Dr. Louis Gonzales, Dr. Rémy Ferlet, Dr. Fanny Laguerre, Dr. Charles Decraene, Alexia Pellissier, Dr. Muriel Sebban, Dr. Cyrille Sabot, Dr. Lydie Jeandel, Dr. Sarah Cianférani, Dr. Jean-Marc Strub, Dr. Magalie Bénard, Dr. Victor Flon, Dr. Valérie Peulon-Agasse, Prof. Pascal Cardinael, Dr. Stéphane Ory, Dr. Stéphane Gasman, Prof. Pierre-Yves Renard, Prof. Maïté Montero-Hadjadje, Dr. Nicolas Vitale, Dr. Sébastien Balieu
We report the role of the fatty acyl chains in biological activities of phosphatidic acids (PA). Several PA probes having two different fatty acyl chains were synthesized through a multi-steps synthesis and bearing various fluorophores or photo-cross-linkers (PCL). We demonstrate that our probes maintain the biological activities of the natural PA, then we found hundreds of new proteins interacting with PA in function of their chain compositions.
July 25, 2025
VIP: C60 Fullerene as the Active Site for CO2 Electroreduction
Si-Wei Ying, Yuhang Wang, Peng Du, Qiang Wang, Changming Yue, Di Zhang, Zuo-Chang Chen, Jian-Wei Zheng, Su-Yuan Xie, Hao Li
We reveal a striking finding: Fullerene (C60), beyond its classical role as an electron buffer, can directly serve as a molecular active site for CO₂ reduction. Through data mining, ab initio simulations, and pH-field coupled microkinetics, we uncover that C60’s unique curvature induces strong dipole responses, stabilizing COOH* intermediates and enabling a pH-dependent volcano. This work redefines the catalytic nature of curved carbon materials.
July 25, 2025
VIP: Functionalized Calix[4]Nanocones
Anika Haidisch, Dr. Frank Rominger, Prof.Dr. Michael Mastalerz
![Functionalized Calix[4]Nanocones](/cms/asset/2d9dc505-ddcf-49b9-b45f-a7e893e6c8c6/anie202512873-gra-0001-m.jpg "Functionalized Calix[4]Nanocones")
Herein we present a synthesis of a nanocone based on a calix[4]arene, which has additional functional groups at the peripheral rims. Due to its rigid structure in combination with alkoxy groups on both the upper and the lower rim, the nanocone was tested for the binding of alkaline ions in solution. It exhibits high selectivity for binding Na+ over Li+ and also K+ in CDCl3.
July 25, 2025
Hot Paper: Hydrophobic Poly(divinylbenzene) Polymer-Supported Ruthenium Catalysts for Efficient Hydrogenation of Pyridines in Water
Qingsong Luo, Hai Wang, Yating Lv, Jinghao Fan, Huixin Wu, Wei Fang, Lujie Liu, Pei Liu, Liang Wang, Feng-Shou Xiao
This study demonstrates that the pyridine hydrogenation in water is greatly enhanced over the hydrophobic Ru/PDVB catalyst, where nanopores in the PDVB are empty for hydrogen storage, enabling the enrichment of abundant hydrogen around active Ru sites for hydrogenation.
July 25, 2025
Hot Paper: Synergistic Light-Ultrasound-Driven Hydrogen Production by Hydrogen Iodide Decomposition Over Dual-Molecular Ferroelectric Heterostructure
Zi Ning Zhou, Qing Dian Chong, Ya Wen Yang, Zong Wei Hu, Wei Ren, Prof. Sheng Sen Zhang, Prof. Qiong Ye
A dual molecular ferroelectric heterojunction [(4,4-DFPD)2PbI4/(4,4-DFCHA)2PbI4], synthesized via a simple one-pot method, achieves a high H₂ evolution rate of 5.26 mmol·g−1·h−1 under light and ultrasound, significantly outperforming its individual components. Polarization-coupled energy-level alignment and Pb-I bond-driven charge transfer enhance directional carrier migration and suppress recombination.
July 24, 2025
Hot Paper: Engineering PdAu/CeO₂ Alloy/Oxide Interfaces for Selective Methane-to-Methanol Conversion with Water
Dr. Estefanía Fernández-Villanueva, Dr. Pedro J. Ramírez, Dr. Pablo G. Lustemberg, Prof. Rubén Pérez, Prof. M. Verónica Ganduglia-Pirovano, Prof. José A. Rodriguez
Selective methane-to-methanol conversion at 500 K over Pd0.3Au0.7/CeO2. The synergistic interaction between alloyed Pd-Au sites and the CeO2 support enhances catalytic performance, enabling highly selective methane-to-methanol under mild conditions. The reaction of CH4 with H2O produces CH3OH and H2, achieving ∼80% selectivity under mild conditions while maintaining stable long-term activity.
July 24, 2025
Hot Paper: Unconventional Fast Room Temperature Synthesis of Covalent Organic Framework Single Crystals Unveiling Precise Structural Insights
Miguel Jiménez-Duro, Dr. Marcos Martínez-Fernández, Dr. Jorge J. Cabrera-Trujillo, Eva Osuna, Miguel Fernández-Ramos Humanes, Prof. Cristina Gómez-Navarro, Prof. Julio Gómez-Herrero, Prof. Félix Zamora, Prof. José L. Segura
This work presents a fast, room-temperature synthesis of single-crystalline, highly fluorinated 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs). We achieved the growth of 3-micron-long COF rods, enabling the precise study of their mechanical properties and aggregation states. The crystallization process was computationally elucidated, revealing the critical roles of trifluoroacetic acid and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroaniline in promoting Schiff base bond formation and improving COF crystallinity. This study offers new insights into the controlled synthesis of 2D COFs, with implications for their use in a range of advanced materials applications.
July 24, 2025
VIP: Multiaxial Aromatic-Based Photoferroelectric Induced by Synergistic Intermolecular Interactions for Multidirectional Self-Powered X-Ray Detection
Lijun Xu, Prof. Zhenyue Wu, Huang Ye, Qianwen Guan, Hang Li, Chengshu Zhang, Prof. Chengmin Ji, Prof. Junhua Luo
In this work, we report for the first time the successful design of a multiaxial aromatic-based photoferroelectric, (4-bromo-2-fluorobenzylammonium)2PbBr4, through synergistic noncovalent interactions between hydrogen bonding and fluorine-π, which achieves a stable multidirectional self-powered X-ray detection. The polycrystalline ferroelectric film also exhibits self-powered X-ray detection behavior, demonstrating the potential for next-generation flexible and thin-film integrated devices.
July 24, 2025
VIP: Understanding Optical Properties and Electronic Structures of High-Entropy Alloyed Perovskite Nanocrystals
Yung-Tai Chiang, Sunil B. Shivarudraiah, Alexander Wieczorek, Khoong Hong Khoo, Zhidong Leong, Jia Wei Melvin Lim, Zengshan Xing, Sudhir Kumar, Simon F. Solari, Yen-Ting Li, Yu-Cheng Chiu, Tze Chien Sum, Yun Liu, Sebastian Siol, Chih-Jen Shih
High entropy perovskite (HEP) nanocrystals (NCs) are synthesized and their anomalous optical and electronic signatures are characterized by temperature-dependent photophysical measurements, electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory. Despite the smaller size of HEP NCs than the Bohr diameter of pristine NCs, they possess wider bandgaps and featureless band structures due to the formation of shallow states. In situ luminescence analysis further demonstrates the superior photostability of HEP NCs thin films.
July 24, 2025
VIP: Reversible Structural Oscillation Mediates Stable Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Dr. Qunlei Wen, Dr. Tianyang Liu, Dr. Danji Huang, Dr. Yu Lin, Zhenhong Yang, Dr. Ruoou Yang, Prof. Youwen Liu, Prof. Xiaomeng Ai, Prof. Jiakun Fang, Prof. Yafei Li, Prof. Bao Yu Xia, Prof. Shijie Cheng, Prof. Tianyou Zhai
This study reveals that dynamic structural oscillations within the [Ni-O2-Fe] units of NiFe LDHs identified a strong dependence on the alternating active Fe dissolution and redeposition, thus mediating the dynamic stability. Further, engineering the oscillation manners via the in situ sulfur leaching and cobalt-induced electron-withdrawing effects achieves unprecedented industrial-scale durability (>800 h @ 8000 mA) and a record energy efficiency (4.05 kWh Nm−3 H2 at 4000 A m−2).
July 23, 2025
Hot Paper: Hydrogen-Bonding-Assisted Assembly of Stable High-Nuclearity Copper(I)-Alkyne Nanoclusters for X-Ray Scintillation
Bao-Liang Han, Fahri Alkan, Zhi-Rui Yuan, Paritosh Mahato, Zhi Wang, Chen-Ho Tung, Di Sun
A novel hydrogen-bonding-assisted assembly strategy has been developed for the construction of high-nuclearity copper nanoclusters. Furthermore, the X-ray scintillation properties of the high-nuclearity nanocluster are investigated for the first time, demonstrating their potential for advanced radiation detection applications.
July 23, 2025
Hot Paper: Multisite Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Facilitates Oxidative Photocatalysis in a Molecular Zr-Based Coordination Compound
Mercedes Moreno-Albarracín, Alvaro M. Rodriguez-Jimenez, Omar Nuñez, Pablo Garrido-Barros
Deprotonation of the hydroxy ligand in the Zr3(O)(OH)3 nodes of a molecular cage unlocks photo-oxidative catalysis via multisite proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), complementing previous findings in the reductive counterpart. This platform offers valuable insights into the excited-state reactivity of photoredox catalysts and stands as a promising tool with unprecedented ambipolar reactivity for solar-to-chemical conversion.
July 23, 2025
Hot Paper: Chloromethoxytrityls: Tuning the SOMO Level of Stable Luminescent Radicals
Hannah E. Hackney, Cory Ruchlin, Emil Stahle, Dmytro F. Perepichka
In this work, we use chlorine and methoxy groups to control the singly occupied molecular orbital level of triarylmethyl radicals within a wide range of 1.8 eV and establish structure-properties relationships between the substituents and photophysical properties of triarylmethyl radicals.
July 23, 2025
Hot Paper: Establishing 3d-4d Orbital Hybridization for Efficient Photothermal Catalytic CO2 Hydrogenation
Yisi Yang, Dr. Fengliang Wang, Wenyuan Lyu, Dawang Tang, Datong Chen, Dr. Xin Zhao, Prof. Ruiqi Fang, Prof. Yingwei Li
The d-d hybridization between 3d and 4d metals can induce the modulation of the affinity of *CO intermediate, thereby accelerating the *CO hydrogenation process in photothermal CO2 methanation.
July 23, 2025
Hot Paper: C(sp2)─H Bond Activation with a Heterometallic Nickel-Aluminium Complex
Joseph A. Zurakowski, Dr. Benedek Stadler, Prof. Dr. Marcus W. Drover, Prof. Dr. Mark R. Crimmin
Despite the prevalence of Ni/Al catalysts for pyridine C─H functionalization, mechanistic details of such systems remain scarce. Herein, we present the discovery of PCy3-catalyzed bond-breaking and making processes that occur in the coordination sphere of a novel Ni─Al heterometallic complex. The reaction is 1st order in PCy3 and proceeds with a low KIE of 0.9-1.1. These data suggest that both C─H activation and H2 reductive elimination steps in this system are low energy, are readily accessible, and are not rate limiting.
July 23, 2025
Hot Paper: Feedstock-Derived Thiophene Radical Anions Exhibiting Redox Stability at Extreme Potentials
Aurelio C. Gasser, Daniel Käch, Prof. Dr. Máté J. Bezdek
Although organic redox systems are emerging as next-generation energy storage media, stability at high cell voltage is often achieved at the expense of synthetic accessibility. Here, we isolate and characterize a feedstock-derived thiophene radical anion bearing simple ester groups. Despite a minimalist design, the radical and its derivatives are stable at extreme potentials, enabling their use as readily accessible electrolytes for electron storage.
July 23, 2025
Hot Paper: Atorvastatin-Loaded Mineralized Vaccine Reprograms Endosomal Trafficking to Amplify STING-Driven Cancer Immunotherapy
Yuhan Yang, Wei Long, Xiangyu Pei, Shangfei Li, Bowen Fu, Hao Zhai, Xiaoyi Zhang, Ying Wan, Prof. Yayun Peng, Ting Cai
A biomineralized nanovaccine (OVA-ATV@MnO₂) spatiotemporally co-delivers and releases tumor antigen, atorvastatin, and Mn adjuvants in dendritic cells. Atorvastatin reprograms endosomal trafficking to delay lysosomal degradation, enhancing antigen cross-presentation via MHC-I, while Mn2+ activates the cGAS-STING pathway, amplifying dendritic cell maturation and antitumor T-cell responses. This dual-action strategy achieves potent tumor regression, suppresses metastasis, and establishes durable anticancer immunity.
July 23, 2025
VIP: pH-Dependent Packing Mode Variations and Chirality Inversion in Short Peptide Self-Assembly
Xiaoyue Ma, Kai Qi, Xinfeng Ju, Yawei Sun, Hua Yang, Yubin Ke, Jun Zhang, Yurong Zhao, Hai Xu, Jiqian Wang
This work reports subtle pH-dependent chirality inversions through designed amphiphilic peptides. The underlying mechanism is revealed to be closely related to the protonation state of the hydrophilic His residue. The protonated His promotes antiparallel β-sheet packing and left-handed fibril assembly, whereas the deprotonated His facilitates parallel packing and right-handed fibril assembly, driven by interstrand His-His interactions.
July 23, 2025
Hot Paper: Scalable Hyperpolarized MRI Enabled by Ace-SABRE of [1-13C]Pyruvate
Stephen J. McBride, Megan Pike, Erica Curran, Alexander Zavriyev, Bukola Adebesin, Luke Tucker, Jared M. Harzan, Ishani M. Senanayake, Mustapha Abdulmojeed, Franziska Theiss, Sheng Shen, Thomas Boele, Simon B. Duckett, Boyd M. Goodson, Matthew S. Rosen, Eduard Y. Chekmenev, Hong Yuan, Carlos Dedesma, Terence Gade, Stephen Kadlecek, Thomas Theis, Patrick TomHon
![Scalable Hyperpolarized MRI Enabled by Ace-SABRE of [1-13C]Pyruvate](/cms/asset/a4ca10b9-8aea-4c04-96dc-96341ec02b2a/anie202501231-gra-0001-m.jpg "Scalable Hyperpolarized MRI Enabled by Ace-SABRE of [1-13C]Pyruvate")
Ace-SABRE overcomes previous biocompatibility challenges associated with the Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE) hyperpolarization technique. The employed acetone-water mixtures greatly simplify separation of the hyperpolarized compound (e.g., pyruvate) from solvents and catalysts delivering a biocompatible injectable. Ace-SABRE retains high polarization during processing and enables effective metabolic characterization in vivo.
July 23, 2025
VIP: Plasma-Engineered Sub-10 nm Surface Fluorination Enables Ultraselective Hollow Fiber Membranes
Can Wang, Xiaobo Chen, Xing Liu, Zhenyuan Li, Prof. Ruixia Liu, Prof. Shuangjiang Luo, Prof. Suojiang Zhang
Surface fluorination of PDMS-coated hollow fiber membranes via CF4 plasma engineering achieves sub-10 nm nanoscale modification, simultaneously enhancing chain rigidity and narrowing pore size distribution. The optimized membrane demonstrates record gas separation performance with industrial-scale stability, surpassing the 2019 perfluoropolymer upper bounds and conventional polymeric hollow fiber membranes.
July 23, 2025
Hot Paper: Constructing Water-Stable Porous Organic Salts via Suppressed Proton Integration Using Fluorinated Tetrazole Tectons
Dr. Errui Li, Dr. Xian Suo, Yujing Tong, Dr. Phattananawee Nalaoh, Dr. David M. Jenkins, Dr. Carlos Alberto Steren, Dr. Lilin He, Alexander S. Ivanov, Dr. Leighanne C. Gallington, Dr. Victoria Cooley, Dr. Bo Li, Dr. Xin Wang, Dr. Kai Li, Dr. Juntian Fan, Dr. Liqi Qiu, Dr. De-en Jiang, Dr. Katherine R. Johnson, Dr. Takeshi Kobayashi, Dr. Murillo L. Martins, Dr. Shannon M. Mahurin, Dr. Zhenzhen Yang, Dr. Sheng Dai
Porous organic salts featuring hydrophobic channels and minimal hydrogen bonding were constructed using a fluorinated tetrazole as a weak acid tecton and a tetra-substituted imidazole precursor lacking active protons as the base. These materials exhibited exceptional robustness and structural integrity under both aqueous and water-lean conditions, maintaining their stacking mode and crystal structure even at elevated temperatures.
July 23, 2025
Hot Paper: Alkali Metal Cations Impact the Selectivity of Radical-Mediated Electrochemical C─H Chlorination
Bo Wu, Ruihu Lu, Tenghui Yuan, Beijing Cai, Bingqing Wang, Bote Zhao, Shibo Xi, Ziyun Wang, Yanwei Lum
In this work, we found that alkali metal cations in the electrolyte can impact the *Cl binding energy, which controls selectivity between radical-mediated electrochemical C─H chlorination and competing Cl2 formation.
July 23, 2025
Hot Paper: Platinum-Catalysed Hydrofluorination of Alkynes at Room Temperature Promoted by a Fluoride Shuttle
Ouchan He, Dr. Froze Jameel, Hannah Flammang, Smrithi Suresh Babu, Prof. Dr. Martin Kaupp, Prof. Dr. Thomas Braun
This work presents an air and moisture tolerant platinum-catalysed hydrofluorination system that gives selectively (Z)-fluoroalkenes. Experimental and computational investigation on the mechanism allowed for the identification of catalytic species. The hydrofluorination is mediated by complexes between the fluorinated anion and HF, resulting into BF3, PF5 and HF serving as fluoride shuttles.
July 22, 2025
Hot Paper: Monodisperse Regulation of Self-Assembled Monolayer Via Dipole Molecules for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Zhinan Zhang, Yinghao Xu, Sifan Chen, Wenbo Li, Shaofu Wang, Chuan Peng, Shengjie Du, Sixiong Li, Xingzhong Zhao, Ti Wang, Zhenhua Yu
Strong dipole molecules are employed to regulate the monodispersity of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) micelles and coverage distribution of the resulting SAM films, achieving an efficiency of 26.58%.
July 22, 2025
VIP: The Design of Interfacial Organic-Riched Phase by Molecular Interlocking for Stable Zn Anodes
Min Yang, Yanan Zhang, Qingjie Li, Xiao Wang, Buyu Ma, Prof. Zhiqiang Niu
An organic-riched phase (ORP) layer was constructed on Zn anode surface by introducing sodium anthraquinone-1-sulfonate (AQS) into electrolyte. The zincophilic -SO3− groups of AQS molecules preferentially adsorb on Zn anode. Simultaneously, low-polarity and hydrophobic anthraquinone groups are emerged on the top surface of the AQS layer, attracting more AQS and EG molecules by the molecular interlocking effect to construct the ORP layer. This ORP layer will effectively inhibit the side reactions on Zn anodes.
July 22, 2025
VIP: In Situ Sulfur Modification Enables Electrochemical Selective Deuterated Thiol-Yne Reactions
Dr. Liyuan Lan, Dr. Ying Gao, Prof. Cuibo Liu, Prof. Bin Zhang, Prof. Kun Xu, Prof. Chengchu Zeng
An in situ sulfur modification strategy is reported to convert a commercial NF cathode into a NiSx-modified electrode through lattice infiltration of electrochemically generated S2⁻. The in situ formed electrode enables the electrochemical deuterothiolation of alkynes with disulfides (RSSR) and D2O, affording D-labeled vinyl sulfides with up to 98% alkene selectivity and 99% deuterated ratios. The RSSR serves a dual purpose by supplying RS⁻ and S2⁻ simultaneously.
July 22, 2025
Hot Paper: The Diels-Alder Reaction as a Mechanistic Probe for Vibrational Strong Coupling
Dr. Cyprien Muller, Dr. Maciej Piejko, Sinan Bascil, Prof. Dr. Joseph Moran
Vibrational Strong Coupling (VSC) was recently shown to modify chemical reactivity, but it is unclear why. We introduce the Diels-Alder (DA) reaction as a mechanistic probe for some of the most popular hypotheses and provide the first experimental investigation of the DA reaction under VSC by measuring the kinetics of six different DA reactions under various coupling conditions. No significant change in kinetics was observed.
July 22, 2025
VIP: Electro-responsive Tri-state Switch in Supramolecular Circuits
Min Tan, Xueyan Zhao, Zhibin Zhao, Adila Adijiang, Haibo Shu, Lichuan Chen, Zhiqiang Fan, Dong Xiang
TOC: First demonstration of an electroresponsive multistable switch in a supramolecular circuit showing three distinct conductance states under bias voltages without chemical additives, enabling richer logic encoding, achieving an exceptional switching ratio of approximately 1.25×103 (one of the highest reported to date), and revealing the mechanism for the formation of molecular trimer junctions promoted by the applied electrical field.
July 22, 2025
Hot Paper: Ligand Type Guided Keto-Arylation Enables Modular Total Synthesis of Polycyclic CBS Xanthones
Jonas W. Meringdal, Vivienne Prangenberg, Tim Treiber, Andreas J. Schneider, Leon Honsdorf, Dirk Menche
A ligand type concept guided a central aromatic keto-arylation in the first total syntheses of CBS72, CBS87 and CBS100. Davis oxidation with catalytic base and late-stage aminolysis completed the route. This strategy provides modular, concise and high-yielding access to uncharted polycyclic xanthones. Meanwhile, ligand types emerge as a powerful design tool in sophisticated cross couplings.
July 21, 2025
Hot Paper: Conduction Band Convergence and Modular Nanostructures: Driving High Thermoelectric Performance in n-Type PbSe
Indrajit Haldar, Vaishali Taneja, Naveen Goyal, Mohammad Ubaid, Debattam Sarkar, Dinesh Kumar Kedia, Kumar Saurabh, Surjeet Singh, Koushik Pal, N. Ravishankar, Kanishka Biswas
Mo 4d orbital hybridized with the Se 4p-Pb 6p to provide conduction band convergence, and PbSe-MoSe2 modular nanostructures lead to high thermoelectric performance in MoCl5 doped n-type PbSe.
July 20, 2025
VIP: Single-Atom Ligation of Four Different Alcohols at One Silicon Center: Methodology Development and Proof of Concept
Chao Wang, Xin Xu, Xinyu Zhang, Haifeng Lin, Jie Wang, Pathan Mosim Amin, Prof. Dr. Youliang Wang
Triphenylchlorosilane (Ph3SiCl) was developed as a tetrachlorosilane surrogate for the iterative and controllable ligation of four different alcohols to one silicon center to generate fully heteroleptic tetraalkoxysilanes. Mechanistic studies revealed the unusual transformations of Wheland intermediates into both silicon cations and silylated phenylhalonium ions in low and comparable activation barriers.
July 20, 2025
Hot Paper: Crystal Facet-Dependent Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution From Ultra-Stable Cu-Zr/Hf Heterobimetallic Metal-Organic Frameworks
Hang Lei, Dr. Jieping Zhang, Zhiyuan Wu, Yangxingyu Ye, Dr. Zhijia Li, Yunfang Zhao, Prof. Lian Chen, Prof. Yongsheng Liu, Prof. Maochun Hong
Crystal engineering and facet engineering were concurrently employed to develop a series of precious-metal-free heterobimetallic MOFs (M-BCA-M', M = Cu+, M' = Zr4+ or Hf4+) for record-high photocatalytic hydrogen production in pristine MOFs. The high performance and crystal-facet dependent behaviors were investigated to provide molecular-level insights into the coordination regulation and morphology control of pristine MOFs for efficient photocatalysis.
July 20, 2025
Hot Paper: Angularly Resolved Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Felix Schneider, Tim Parker, Dr. Liangxuan Wang, Michel Rebmann, Yang Zhao, Eric Juriatti, Prof. Heiko Peisert, Prof. Alfred J. Meixner, Dr. Johannes Gierschner, Prof. Lingyan Meng, Prof. Dai Zhang
We find that the tip-enhanced Raman signal (TERS) is angularly distributed and vibrational mode specific. The radiation pattern in the back focal plane (BFP) of vertical or parallel Raman dipoles is strongly influenced by the near-field in the TERS nanogap, while the emission is guided into the far-field with high directionality by the tip-sample antenna; however, with significant differences in the emission angle, intensity, and the divergency..
July 20, 2025
VIP: Synergistic Modulation of Intermediate Adsorption and Active Hydrogen Supply Enable Pulsed Nitrate-to-Hydroxylamine Electroreduction with Nearly 100% Faradaic Efficiency
Youwei Sheng, Hao Chen, Jiabing Geng, Dr. Hongjie Yu, Dr. Kai Deng, Dr. Ziqiang Wang, Prof. Hongjing Wang, Prof. Liang Wang, Dr. You Xu
This study develops boron-doped amorphous bismuth metallene arrays for efficient nitrate-to-hydroxylamine electroreduction. The B-induced p-sp orbital hybridization and amorphous structure modulate the electronic configuration and increase active site density, thus optimizing intermediate adsorption and H* generation while lowering the energy barrier of the potential determining step. The catalyst achieves 85.3% NH₂OH Faradaic efficiency (FE) at −0.4 V versus RHE, which further rises to nearly 100% under pulsed potential operation, surpassing most reported systems.
July 18, 2025
VIP: Dual-Sided Multidentate Coordination Strategy Enables Record Birefringence in UV-Transparent Antimony-Based Hybrid Crystals
Pu Zhang, Prof. Xuehua Dong, Prof. Ling Huang, Prof. Zhien Lin, Prof. Yuqiao Zhou, Prof. Guohong Zou
A butterfly-shaped UV-transparent hybrid birefringence crystal, (C10H6NO2)2SbF (QCSF), with a record-breaking birefringence of 0.87 at 546 nm, surpassing all previously reported halide birefringent crystals with SCALPs, was successfully designed and synthesized through a dual-sided multidentate coordination strategy.
July 17, 2025
Hot Paper: Nickel-Catalyzed Sila-Cycloaddition of Dichlorodisilanes: Selective Si─Cl Activation for Cyclic Disilanes and Enantioenriched Synthesis
Dr. Liangliang Qi, Shaojie Xu, Prof. Xiaobo Pang, Yu-Ke Wu, Prof. Xiaotai Wang, Prof. Xing-Zhong Shu
A nickel-catalyzed [4 + 2] sila-cycloaddition between dichlorodisilanes and 1,3-dienes enables efficient access to diverse cyclic disilanes via selective Si─Cl activation. The method tolerates broad diene scope, offers an enantioselective variant, and reveals a unique Ni⁰-mediated SN2-type activation pathway.
July 17, 2025
Hot Paper: Chiral Tin-Oxo Cluster Matrices with Fluorophore Embedment for Multichromatic Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Gui-Xin Yan, Dr. Er-Xia Chen, Dr. Jin-Xia Yang, Prof. Jian Zhang, Prof. Qipu Lin
Enantiomeric tin-oxo clusters form helical supramolecular matrices through directional intermolecular interactions, enabling efficient transfer of optical handedness to encapsulated non-chiral fluorophores via spatial confinement. These assemblies exhibit tunable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) emissions.
July 17, 2025
Hot Paper: A Homobimetallic Frustrated Lewis Pair Cobalt Catalyst for the Methanolysis of Hydrosilanes
Dr. Ana Luque-Gómez, Daniel Barrena-Espés, Dr. Pilar García-Orduña, Andrea Pérez-García, Miguel A. Casado, Dr. Julen Munarriz, Dr. Manuel Iglesias
The bimetallic Co(I)/Co(-I) complex [Co(CO)2(κ3-P,N,P-PNHP)][Co(CO)4] shows excellent activities in the methanolysis of hydrosilanes, reaching TOF values of ca. 50 000 h−1. This behavior can be ascribed to the presence of the [Co(CO)4]- anion, which allows for a frustrated Lewis pair mechanism, resulting in a low energy pathway for the heterolytic splitting of the Si─H bond, as substantiated by DFT calculations.
July 17, 2025
Hot Paper: Ordered Copper Triangular Atomic Sites for Industrial-Grade Electromethanation of CO2 via Self-Regulated Adsorption of Reactants
Dr. Fanglei Yao, Dr. Yuntong Sun, Long Nie, Dr. Cheng Zhang, Dr. Hongwei Shou, Zhiming Li, Prof. Xiaoping Gao, Prof. Jin Wang
Ordered copper triangular atomic site motifs loaded on poly(heptazine imide) (Cu TAS/PHI) were synthesized via a precise ion exchange strategy. Cu TAS/PHI enables enhanced CO2 coverage and activation with balanced proton supply through self-regulated adsorption of reactants, as well as unlocks an energetically favorable *C(OH)2 pathway, achieving an FECH4 of 80.5% at 400 mA cm−2 and an FECD4 of 75.1% at 700 mA cm−2.
July 17, 2025
Hot Paper: Antisolvent-Bathing Strategy with Ultra-Wide Processing Window for Making High-efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells in Ambient Air
Lixiu Zhang, Chuantian Zuo, Mei Zhang, Ruihao Chen, Xiangyu Chen, Ke Jin, Feng Hao, Keyou Yan, Zuo Xiao, Congcong Wu, Jingjing Chang, Yong Ding, Liming Ding
Antisolvent bathing strategy with ultra-wide processing window (10 s-10 min) is proposed to achieve high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The bathing process is in situ monitored via time-resolved UV-Vis spectroscopy, systematically unrevealing the crystallization kinetics for different antisolvents. The PCE of CF-bathed device achieves 24.49% in ambient air, representing the record for antisolvent bathing method.
July 16, 2025
Hot Paper: Prolonging Exciton Diffusion Length via Modulating Aggregation Structures for Binary Organic Photovoltaics Approaching 20% Certified Efficiency
Jiayou Zhang, Fang Fang, Bending Zhang, Dr. Lifu Zhang, Houdong Mao, Lin Wen, Dr. Dou Luo, Chongbin Yu, Prof. Zhen Yang, Prof. Yiwang Chen
The exciton diffusion length (LD) and fluid mechanics were effectively optimized by modulating the polymer aggregation structure. The printing PPHJ flexible OPVs exhibits more than 18% efficiency, and the flexible device maintained 90.4% of the initial PCE after 2000 bending cycles, showing excellent mechanical stability. Meanwhile, the rigid device exhibits 20% efficiency (certified19.68%, the highest value for the eco-friendly solvent system). Notably, the fabricated 23.60 cm2 large-area module was 15.60% PCE.
July 16, 2025
VIP: Controlling Asymmetry Amplification Through Supramolecular Polymorphism
Camila Montañez-Moyano, Dr. Yuncong Xue, Dr. María Victoria Cappellari, Alejandro Martínez-Manjarrés, Lorenz Borsdorf, Prof. Dr. Cristian A. Strassert, Prof. Dr. Gustavo Fernández
Herein, using two proof-of-concept chiral (S)-1 and (R)-1 Pt(II) complexes along with a model achiral compound 2, we demonstrate the ability of supramolecular polymorphism to control and amplify asymmetry. By strategically merging the distinct properties of polymorphs of (S)-1 and 2, we achieved a remarkable synergistic communication between chirality and luminescence in their coassemblies, paving the way for adaptive supramolecular materials with emergent functionalities.
July 16, 2025
Hot Paper: Enhanced Active Hydrogen Absorption and Stabilized Cu(I) Species Over Cu-O-Ce Bridges Boosting Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Ethylene
Zhenwei Zhao, Yu Zhang, Junjun Li, Bingqing Yao, Hui Zhang, Zhicheng Zhang
The as-synthesized CuxO-CeO2 composites exhibit enhanced Faradaic efficiency and partial current density of C2H4 compared with Cu2O cubes. In situ spectroscopies and theoretical calculations confirm that the Cu-O-Ce bridges in CuxO-CeO2 composite can effectively enhance *H absorption and stabilize Cu(I) species, facilitating subsequent C-C coupling and further protonation into the key *COCHO intermediate of C2H4.
July 16, 2025
Hot Paper: Dual-Function Tetrabenzylphosphonium Groups as Mitochondria-Targeting Artificial Anion Channels
Dr. Fei Gou, Xinlei Huangfu, Qiuting Wang, Zihong Yang, Xiyu Yuan, Dr. Wenju Chang, Prof. Dr. Jie Shen, Prof. Dr. Wen-Xiong Zhang, Prof. Dr. Huaqiang Zeng
A series of mitochondriotropic artificial anion channels have been constructed from a self-assembled tetrabenzylphosphonium framework with an inherent ability to autonomously target mitochondria. Anion transport is mediated by multiple intermolecular C─H⋯anion H─bonds and electrostatic ion pair interactions. The highly efficient transmembrane anion transport is demonstrated by low micromolar anticancer activity against three cancer cell lines.
July 16, 2025
Hot Paper: Doping Bulky Fluorinated Organic Anion to Construct Highly Efficient Anion-π+ Type Photosensitizers for Cancer Phototheranostics
Lingxiu Liu, Jianye Gong, Xue Wang, Prof. Guoyu Jiang, Prof. Ben Zhong Tang, Prof. Jianguo Wang
A facile strategy to enhance the fluorescence intensity and to modulate cellular uptake of anion-π+ AIE PSs by doping bulky fluorinated anions tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (FTB) into nanoparticles was proposed. The optimized DF-FTB8 (FTB:DPBCF-Br = 8:1) exhibited superior cellular uptake, outstanding imaging capabilities and high intracellular reactive oxygen species generation level, enabling efficient cancer photodynamic therapy.
July 16, 2025
Hot Paper: Mechanically Tunable Slide-Ring Polymers via Photo-Regulated Topological Control
Xiaoqing Wang, Chenjuan Yu, Maolin Wang, Shiyu Zhao, Qimo Mao, Prof. Yuping Wang
We developed light-responsive slide-ring polymer networks whose mechanical properties can be tuned through photoisomerization of the incorporated azobenzene units. The trans-state permits unhindered macrocycle sliding, yielding ductile materials, while UV-induced cis-configuration restricts macrocycle mobility to double Young's modulus. Furthermore, the azobenzene linkage confers controlled degradability under mild conditions.
July 16, 2025
Hot Paper: Dinuclear Au(0) Complex Supported by Tridentate P-Mg-P Ligands
Yafei Li, Tianze Xu, Xinggao Ji, Jie Zeng, Jin Xie, Jing Ma, Congqing Zhu, Qin Zhu
A complex featuring an Au(0)-Au(0) σ-bond is stabilized by tridentate P-Mg-P ligands, with the σ-bond serving as a two-electron donor to the Mg centers and enabling two-electron reductions of various substrates. This work highlights the significance of ligand design for stabilizing low-valent Au center and provides new cases to explore the properties of dinuclear Au(0) complexes.
July 16, 2025
Hot Paper: Mathematical Double-Matrix Switchable Homochiral Ferroelectric
Dr. Xian-Jiang Song, Dr. Yan Qin, Prof. Yong Ai, Dr. Xiao-Gang Chen, Dr. Yan-Ran Weng, Dr. Hang Peng, Dr. Hui-Peng Lv, Dr. Ren-Gen Xiong, Dr. Wei-Qiang Liao
We reported the first homochiral metal halide ferroelectrics showing on/off switchable second-harmonic generation circular dichroism (SHG-CD) response. They exhibit strong SHG-CD with the anisotropy factor (gSHG-CD) up to 1.28 and a 432F2 ferroelectric phase transition, enabling the unprecedented on/off switching of both SHG-CD and piezoelectric response between the SHG-CD/piezoelectric active and SHG-CD/piezoelectric inactive states.
July 16, 2025
Hot Paper: Macromolecule-Driven Supramolecular Polymerization Induced by Crowding Effects
Dr. Joost J. B. v. d. Tol, Magda M. J. Dekker, Ádám Müller, Puck Springintveld, Prof. Dr. E. W. Meijer, Prof. Dr. Ghislaine Vantomme
A systematic study is presented that investigates the influence of the excluded volume effect by macromolecules on supramolecular polymerizations in organic media. Upon crowding, the discotic supramolecular monomers sequentially assemble into polymers and higher-order aggregates (HOAs), affected by the macromolecule's concentration, size and polarity. The proven tunability and general applicability of this entropically driven assembly open new avenues for applying macromolecular crowding beyond aqueous systems.
July 15, 2025
VIP: Sub-Ångstrom Pore Engineering in Carbon Molecular Sieves Realizes Diffusion-Gated Kinetic Sieving of Alkenes from Alkanes
Dr. Fuqiang Chen, Dr. Hua Shang, Dr. Guangtong Hai, Xinlei Huang, Zhe Chu, Dr. Haoran Sun, Liu Yang, Prof. Qiwei Yang, Prof. Zhiguo Zhang, Prof. Qilong Ren, Prof. Zongbi Bao
Sub-Ångstrom engineering of slit-pore carbon molecular sieves (CMSs) enables diffusion-gated kinetic sieving of alkenes over alkanes. The optimized CMSs exhibit high alkene/alkane selectivity, low co-adsorption, and near-complete alkene recovery in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) operations, establishing a practical route for energy-efficient alkene purifications.
July 14, 2025
Hot Paper: Cooperative Activation of CO and Pyridine by an Aluminum(I) Complex Ligated with a Silylene-Borane Ligand
Jinghuang Lv, Xiao Fang, Fanshu Cao, Prof. Dr. Zhenbo Mo
A silylene-borane-ligated aluminum(I) complex featuring Si(II)→Al(I) and Al(I)→B(III) donor-acceptor interactions were synthesized and structurally characterized. The ambiphilic ligand- aluminum cooperation enables C≡O bond cleavage and pyridine dearomatization, uncovering new avenues in low-valent aluminum chemistry.
July 14, 2025
Hot Paper: Unveiling the Power of Dark State Photocages: An Efficient Pathway to Triplet State Under Near-Infrared Light Irradiation
Qiao Hu, Prof. Jianjun Du, Syed Ali Abbas Abedi, Prof. Xiaogang Liu, Saran Long, Prof. Wen Sun, Prof. Jiangli Fan, Prof. Xiaojun Peng
The concept of a dark state photocage was proposed based on near-infrared light-activated leuco dyes. The dark state enhances triplet-state formation, enabling the release of dyes and functional molecules under red light irradiation. This platform exhibited excellent “OFF”-to-“ON” tumor imaging contrast and effective tumor inhibition against triple-negative breast cancer and lung metastases.
July 14, 2025
Hot Paper: Dual-Mode Strain Relief via Zinc Acetate Enables High-Efficiency InP Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes
Changwei Yuan, Prof. Qun Wan, Xinrong Liao, Mengda He, Canan Li, Prof. Zhemin Shen, Prof. Baoquan Sun, Prof. Zan Qu, Prof. Long Kong, Prof. Liang Li
This study presents a novel strain engineering strategy that enables stress relief and uniform shell growth at the InP quantum dot coreshell interface using a small-molecule Zn(Ac)2 precursor. This approach significantly reduces interfacial strain and boosts the PLQY to nearly 100%. The resulting QLEDs demonstrate enhanced charge injection and energy level alignment, achieving an external quantum efficiency of up to 26.3%, offering a scalable platform for advanced quantum dot and device development.
July 14, 2025
Hot Paper: Tailoring Tubular Supramolecular Polymers with Polar Lumens to Host Hydrophilic Dye Molecules
Irene Sancho-Casado, Dr. Fátima Aparicio, Dr. Marina González-Sánchez, Dr. Raquel Chamorro, Dr. Víctor Vega-Mayoral, Dr. Juan Cabanillas-González, Prof. David González-Rodríguez
A unique class of tubular polymer structures that are soluble in apolar organic solvents but are endowed with polar pores has been created through the rational design of the monomer units, which self-assemble in amphiphilic cyclic entities that then stack into tubular architectures. These tailored assemblies are able to selectively host hydrophilic dye molecules that are complementary in size and chemical affinity for the pore coating, providing containers for the study of energy transfer processes.
July 14, 2025
Hot Paper: Atomic-Scale Mott-Schottky Analogy in SnCu Nanoalloy Promote High-Efficiency Urea Electrosynthesis at Ultralow Potential
Pingyi Feng, Buqi Ke, Shao Wang, Yanxu Chen, Mingyu Cheng, Zechuan Dai, Bocheng Zhang, Yifan Li, Prof. Genqiang Zhang
Electron-enriched Cu active sites arising from an atomic-scale Mott-Schottky analogy in SnCu nanoalloy catalyst, exhibited quadruple synergism: enhanced CO2 and NO3− co-adsorption, elevated *CO surface coverage, accelerated *NHO-*CO coupling, and concurrent HER suppression, collectively achieving a twofold enhancement in urea yield compared to pristine Cu.
July 14, 2025
Hot Paper: Spontaneous Nano-ZrO2 Exsolution from Ni-Zr-O Mixed Oxides Enables Facile Fabrication of ZrO2/Ni Inverse Catalysts for Efficient COx Methanation
Xin Tang, Yuanchang Wang, Jinrong Zhang, Cheng Yu, Mengyao Cheng, Shiqing Yang, Xuguang Yang, Liangwei Liu, Lili Han, Yao Xu, Chuqiao Song, Lili Lin
A spontaneous nano-oxide exsolution strategy was reported as a facile engineering of ZrO2/Ni inverse catalyst, involving the one-step co-precipitation synthesis of Ni-Zr-O mixed oxide with monodispersed Zr species followed by H₂-induced in situ oxide segregation. The prepared ZrO2/Ni inverse catalyst was demonstrated to exhibit near-thermodynamic-equilibrium COx conversions at 200 °C, while maintaining robust stability under complex simulated syngas conditions.
July 14, 2025
VIP: Atomic-Level Design of Acid-Base Pairs in Oxides for Selective Catalytic Reduction of Nitrogen Oxides with Ammonia
Guoquan Liu, He Zhang, Pengfei Wang, Chao Gao, Zechao Zhuang, Prof. Dingsheng Wang, Prof. Sihui Zhan
It is still a novel yet challenging task to influence and alter reaction pathways by regulating active sites, while the Ce-Ov-W acid-base pairs regulated by oxygen vacancies accelerate the reaction between NH3 and gaseous/adsorbed NO, following enhanced Langmuir-Hinshelwood and Eley-Rideal mechanisms. The strategy tunes the catalytic activity at the atomic scale and provides fresh hints for rationally controlling the reaction pathways toward efficient nitrogen oxide (NOx) removal.
July 14, 2025
VIP: Stretch-Induced Structural Ordering and Orientation for Tensile Yield Behavior and Anisotropic Optical Property of Molecular Granular Materials
Wei Liu-Fu, Shengqiu Liu, Dr. Jiadong Chen, Dr. Jia-Fu Yin, Prof. Dr. Panchao Yin
The molecular granular materials (MGMs) based on functional molecular clusters with hierarchical structures can be feasibly synthesized through supramolecular interaction. The stretch process contributes to the structural orientation and ordering of the MGMs with viscoelasticity and anisotropic optical property.
July 14, 2025
Hot Paper: Logic-Gated Release of a Dual Payload from a β-Lactam Mechanophore with a Rotaxane Actuator
Dr. Lei Chen, Prof. Dr. Guillaume De Bo
A rotaxane device operates as a logic AND gate to release a single or dual cargo payload upon application of force in the absence or the presence of water, respectively. This concept was demonstrated with the release of a ketene and varied drugs, paving the way for precision release applications.
July 14, 2025
Hot Paper: Light-Induced Fe-LMCT Catalysis for Redox-Coupled Conversion of NOx and SO2 Mixture
Ruimin Chen, Jielin Wang, Taobo Huang, Chunling Zhang, Xiuping Zhu, Jieyuan Li, Fan Dong
A light-induced Fe-LMCT (ligand-to-metal charge transfer) catalytic system is demonstrated, whereby continuous conversion of NO to N2 and SO2 to SO42− is achieved, with the formation of N2O byproducts suppressed via LMCT-driven spatial segregation of redox pathways.
July 13, 2025
Hot Paper: Amorphous Nitride-chloride Solid-State Electrolytes for High Performance All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries
Ting-Ting Wu, Dr. Si-Jie Guo, Dr. Hong-Shen Zhang, Yue Jiang, Jun Wang, Jiacheng Zhu, Dr. Xusheng Zhang, Dr. Pengfei Wei, Dr. Ziyang Hu, Rongzhi Gao, Prof. GuanHua Chen, Prof. Rui Wen, Prof. Xuefeng Wang, Prof. An-Min Cao
An amorphous nitrogenchloride dual-anion solid-state electrolyte (Li1.3ZrN0.4Cl4.1) with high ionic conductivity (3.01 mS cm−1 at 25 °C) and broad electrochemical stability is developed. When paired with LiNi0.83Co0.06Mn0.11O2, it enables all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with high capacity (200.1 mAh g−1 at 4.5 V), excellent cycle retention (95.1% after 150 cycles), and long-term durability (3,000 cycles at 3 C). The electrolyte remains stable under extreme conditions, operating at 4.8 V and 50 °C, demonstrating strong potential for high-energy, long-life ASSBs.
July 13, 2025
Hot Paper: EDTA-Mg Nano-Chelators Amplify Ferroptosis by Artificially Simulating the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process and Endogenous Iron Deprivation
Yulin Xie, Tengfei Jiang, Junrong Wang, Yanrong Qian, Wencheng Xu, Guanghui Zhao, Prof. Haidong Gao, Prof. Chunxia Li
Based on metal chelation therapy, we utilize the chelation performance of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) for different divalent metal ions to achieve the precise regulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in tumors and simultaneously synergize ferroptosis and immunotherapy to effectively inhibit the growth and metastasis of tumors.
July 13, 2025
Hot Paper: Site-Blocking Strategy Boosts H2S Tolerance in Platinum-Based Hydrogen Oxidation Catalysts
Wei Kang, Dr. Tao Shen, Ying Wang, Jilong Xu, Chuansheng Ma, Yue Wang, Dr. Yue-Jiao Zhang, Prof. Jia-Bo Le, Prof. Yifan Ye, Prof. Jian-Feng Li, Prof. Jin-Chao Dong
The in situ Raman spectroscopy reveals that the S-contained poisoning intermediates formed on pure Pt could be limited on PtRu alloy to enhance the H2S tolerance in hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells, which originates from the site-blocking effect and electronic tuning effect induced by Ru.
July 11, 2025
VIP: Synthesis and Reactivity of a Mono-Coordinated Triplet Bismuthinidene
Dr. Yannick Schulte, Timo Freese, Dr. Christoph Wölper, Jan Schulte, Prof. Dr. Gebhard Haberhauer, Prof. Dr. Stephan Schulz
Dehydrogenation of Ar*BiH2 3 yielded the kinetically stabilized mono-coordinated triplet bismuthinidene 4, which was structurally characterized by sc-XRD and whose electronic character was analyzed by quantum chemical calculations. Bismuthinidene 4 reacts with alkyl halides with oxidative addition to bismuthanes Ar*Bi(R)X, which react with LiAlH4 to the corresponding room temperature-stable bismuthanes Ar*Bi(R)H.
July 11, 2025
Hot Paper: Catalytic Polymerization of n-Doped Poly(benzodifurandione) (n-PBDF) Using Parts Per Million (ppm) Levels of Molybdenum Trioxide
Dr. Guangchao Liu, Uttam Pal, Dr. Sanket Samal, Michael F. Espenship, Dr. Yuanhe Li, Dr. Won-June Lee, Lawal Adewale Ogunfowora, Dr. Liyan You, Prof. Julia Laskin, Prof. Jianguo Mei
An efficient, scalable, and cost-effective catalytic polymerization of n-PBDF using ppm levels of MoO3 was developed in this study. Kinetic studies reveal that this polymerization demonstrates chain-growth characteristics, enabling the preparation of high-quality n-PBDF polymers. Mechanistic investigations reveal that MoO3 mediates an oxidative pathway involving dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), with dimethyl sulfide (DMS) identified as the reduction product. This method eliminates the need for purification process, demonstrating the potential for large-scale production of high-quality n-PBDF ink.
July 11, 2025
Hot Paper: Tuning Encodable Tetrazine Chemistry for Site-Specific Protein Bioorthogonal Ligations
Subhashis Jana, Alex J. Eddins, Yogesh M. Gangarde, P. Andrew Karplus, Ryan A. Mehl
We expand the bioorthogonal chemistry toolkit by synthesizing and characterizing 29 tetrazine ncAAs and evaluating their genetic encoding into proteins. Site-specific incorporation was achieved, and tools to assess efficiency, fidelity, stability, and reactivity were applied. This roadmap enabled the design of tunable tetrazines and the fastest quantitative labeling at 10⁶ M⁻¹s⁻¹ without compromising stability.
July 11, 2025
Hot Paper: Molecular Engineering of Plant Polyphenols Into Amorphous Room-Temperature Phosphorescent Materials
Guobin Yang, Yajing Zhang, Chuang Lei, Dr. Yunxiang He, Yizhen Wang, Prof. Huijing Li, Prof. Yanchao Wu, Prof. Junling Guo
A phenolic-mediated molecular splicing and ring-locking strategy enables the fabrication of amorphous RTP systems with lifetimes up to 124 ms. The resulting phosphorescent nanoparticles exhibit exceptional biocompatibility, enabling high-contrast, time-resolved luminescence imaging, offering a sustainable approach for biomedical RTP applications.
July 11, 2025
VIP: Spinel-Layered Heterostructure Enables Reversible Oxygen Redox in Lithium Manganese Oxide
Dr. Yanfang Wang, Dr. Cheng Li, Yulin Cao, Dr. Juping Xu, Dominic Gardner, Dr. Wilgner Lima da Silva, Yongcong Huang, Fangchang Zhang, Mingzhou Li, Dr. Yingzhi Li, Prof. Wen Yin, Prof. Kaili Zhang, Prof. Phoebe K. Allan, Prof. Zhouguang Lu
A layered lithium manganese oxide with spinel heterostructures (LMO-SH) was prepared via a novel synthetic method. It has lithium-rich local environments and exhibits reversible oxygen redox activities, distinct from the conventional Li2MnO3. The spinel heterostructure provides extra Li+ pathways to activate the bulk activity and traps oxygen molecules (O2) for reversible reduction.
July 11, 2025
VIP: Sub-1 nm CuO-Phosphomolybdic Acid Nanosheets for Ultrasound-Controlled Pyroptosis Activation and Tumor Immunotherapy
Dr. Junhao Shao, Dr. Binbin Ding, Dr. Hao Chen, Dr. Zhendong Liu, Dr. Sainan Liu, Dr. Xinyu Ma, Dr. Jiwei Wang, Dr. Zhanfeng Wang, Dr. Jiashi Zhang, Dr. Kuo He, Dr. Yarui Hu, Prof. Ping'an Ma, Prof. Jun Lin
Under US irradiation, copper oxide-phosphomolybdic acid (CuO-PMA) effectively generates ¹O₂ and •O₂⁻, depletes GSH, and controls the valence transition of Cu(II)/Cu(I), enhancing the generation of •OH. This process leads to mitochondrial oxidative stress, releases damage-associated molecular patterns, and activates pyroptosis, triggering a strong antitumor immune response.
July 11, 2025
VIP: Versatile Halide-Pair-Driven Multicomponent Polymerization for Library Synthesis of Sequence-Controlled Semiconducting Dendronized Polymers
Hae-Nam Choi, Su-Min Ko, Semin Son, Ji-Su Woo, Hyunwoo Park, Dong Joon Lee, Prof. Tae-Lim Choi, Prof. Won-Jin Kwak, Prof. Hwan Myung Kim, Prof. In-Hwan Lee
A halide-pair-driven multicomponent polymerization (MCP) strategy enables the efficient synthesis of diverse sequence-controlled semiconducting poly(triarylamine)s (PTAAs), including dendronized variants, advancing the development of next-generation organic materials.
July 11, 2025
Hot Paper: Chiral Co-Assembled Liquid Crystal Polymer Network Enabled by In-Situ Photopolymerization for High-Performance CP-OLEDs
Chunya Fu, Dong Li, Chao Liu, Yu Zhang, Junsheng Zhang, Yixiang Cheng
This work developed a facile in situ photopolymerization approach to construct rigid cholesteric liquid crystal polymer network (ChLC-PN) as the emitting layers (EML) for CP-OLEDs through chiral co-assembly strategy in cholesteric liquid crystal matrices.
July 11, 2025
VIP: Engineering the Microporous Environment of Flexible Metal-Organic Frameworks with Bifunctionality for Promoting the Separation of Ethylene from a Ternary Mixture
Kang Wang, Prof. Yao Jiang, Hui Zhang, Shaojun Jia, Prof. Qi Wang, Prof. Peng Cui, Prof. Thamraa AlShahrani, Prof. Shengqian Ma
A rationally designed flexible metal-organic framework featuring an engineered microporous environment with bifunctionality was achieved to provide high binding affinity for both CO2 and C2H2 and to enable efficient one-step separation of C2H4 from a ternary mixture of CO2/C2H2/C2H4.
July 11, 2025
VIP: Entire Near-Infrared-I Electrochemiluminescence Enhancement of Gold Nanoclusters
Dr. Zhao-Chen Shen, Yi-Fei Chen, Prof. Ya-Qin Chai, Assoc. Prof. Jia-Li Liu, Prof. Ruo Yuan
An entire near-infrared-I (NIR-I) ECL enhancement strategy of gold nanoclusters (NCx, x represents the ligand of gold nanoclusters) is reported by regulating absorption wavelength of gold nanorods to precisely match ECL emission wavelength of gold nanoclusters (NCxRy, y represents the longitudinal plasmon resonance absorption wavelength of the gold nanorods), and the ECL intensity of NCxRy is 3-4 times higher than that of individual NCx.
July 09, 2025
VIP: Asymmetric, Corner-Sharing CuO5 and CuO6 Motifs in Cu-Based Metallic Perovskite Oxides Boosting Asymmetric C─C Coupling for CO2 Electroreduction to C2+
Yu Zhang, Hongyan Zhao, Junjie Zhu, Zitao Chen, Xiangjian Liu, Zhenbao Zhang, Lei Shi, Xuezeng Tian, Heqing Jiang, Yongfa Zhu, Jiawei Zhu
A unique type of Cu-based metallic perovskite oxides with asymmetric, corner-sharing CuO5 and CuO6 motifs were reported to promote asymmetric C─C coupling for efficient CO2-to-C2+ conversion. As a proof-of-concept catalyst, La0.8Ba0.2CuO3-δ was the most effective Cu-based-perovskite catalyst for C2+ production and performed comparably with or better than most reported Cu-based catalysts.
July 09, 2025
Hot Paper: Symmetry Breaking Enabled Stable Oxygen Redox in Li-Rich Cathodes via π-Type Interaction
Dr. Fu-Da Yu, Zhe-Jian Yi, Hai-Nan Wang, Jia-Zhen Zhao, Yang-Qian Zhang, Prof. Yang Ren, Dr. Ji-Gang Zhou, Prof. Ji-Huai Wu, Prof. Zhang Lan, Prof. Yi-Ming Xie, Dr. Lan-Fang Que, Dr. Yun-Shan Jiang, Prof. Zhen-Bo Wang
Interfacial Li/Ni disordered via hydrothermal treatment is achieved in Li-rich cathode materials to trigger a robust π-type interaction between metal and ligand. The reductive coupling (charge transfer from O 2p to Ni t2g) and induced symmetry breaking of NiO6 is confirmed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and theoretical calculations, which avoids excessive irreversible oxygen release from non-bonding O 2p state.
July 09, 2025
Hot Paper: Solution-Processed Amorphous Zero-Dimensional Organic Metal Halide Hybrid Films for Direct X-Ray Detectors
Oluwadara J Olasupo, Abiodun M. Adewolu, Mohammad Khizr, Tarannuma F. Manny, He Liu, Tunde B. Shonde, Md S. Islam, Sahel Moslemi, Ethan Kim, J.S. Raaj V Winfred, Thilina N.D.D. Gamaralalage, Yan-Yan Hu, Ranjan Das, Biwu Ma
The use of solution-processed amorphous zero-dimensional organic metal halide hybrid (TPPCarz)2ZnBr4 films for direct X-ray detection is demonstrated. The amorphous films exhibit efficient molecular sensitization, with ZnBr42− species serving as X-ray absorbers and TPPCarz⁺ moieties as charge transporters. The resulting detectors achieve a detection sensitivity of 2165 µC Gyair−1cm−2 at 20 V mm−1 and a detection limit of 6.01 nGyair s−1.
July 09, 2025
Hot Paper: Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to CO in 100%: The Synergistic Effect of Nickel and Europium in Heterometallic Clusters
Kai-Peng Bai, Dr. Wei-Peng Chen, Meng-Di Cui, Prof. Yan-Zhen Zheng
Two series of 3d-4f nanoclusters with analogous structures were synthesized, and the {Ni24Eu10} cluster demonstrates high stability and exceptional performance in the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO, which can be attributed to the synergistic interaction between the Ni(II) and Eu(III) metal centers within its [Ni4Eu] assembly units.
July 09, 2025
VIP: Remote and Spatiotemporal Modulation of Supramolecular Self-Assembly of Croconaine Dyes via NIR Laser Irradiation
Yangge Ren, Juanjuan Gao, Tiantian Cai, Linyuan Liu, Hao Huang, Yujia Guo, Xinyu Hou, Yue Lu, Lin Jia
In this study, we demonstrate a light-mediated strategy for fabricating supramolecular polymers and copolymers. By tuning laser power, irradiation time, and wavelength, supramolecular structures can be precisely controlled. The spatial precision of laser irradiation further enables localized supramolecular polymerization and sol-gel transitions. These findings establish a dynamic platform for regulating supramolecular nanomaterials with tailored structures and functions.
July 09, 2025
Hot Paper: Local Electric Field Microenvironment-Induced Dynamic Spatial Confinement to Stabilize I+ Toward High-Mass-Loading and Stable Zinc-Iodine Batteries
Liting Chen, Song Huang, Zhenfeng Feng, Zhenxin Lin, Haolong Huang, Minghui Ye, Yufei Zhang, Zhipeng Wen, Yongchao Tang, Xiaoqing Liu, Cheng Chao Li
A local electric field (LEF) microenvironment is induced by the abundant polyquaternary ammonium cations in polydimethylammonium iodide (PDDA-I), which effectively spatially confine nucleophilic species (Cl−) on the cathode.This design dynamically coordinates the dense ligand sites around I+, ensuring the stable conversion of I+ ion even under high iodine mass loading conditions.
July 09, 2025
VIP: Universal Chemical Presodiation Under Air Condition for Highly Stable Na-deficient Oxide Cathodes
Fei Li, Yaohui Huang, Tong Zhang, Zihao Song, Xiangshuai Wei, Prof. Fujun Li
A universal chemical presodiation strategy using Na-Bpy/DEE is proposed for Na-deficient oxide cathodes under air condition, which promotes formation of uniform and robust NaF-rich interface during presodiation. This minimizes stress accumulation and structure distortion upon Na+ intercalation/extraction to exhibit high-capacity retention.
July 09, 2025
Hot Paper: Reductive N2 Cleavage and Nitride Insertion Reactivity at Molybdenum Complexes Supported by a Rigid PNP Pincer
Minjun Kim, Jeewhan Oh, Sanha Park, Hankyul Lee, Prof. Dr. Zee Hwan Kim, Prof. Dr. Jin Kim, Dr. Heui Beom Lee, Prof. Dr. Jonghoon Choi, Prof. Dr. Yunho Lee
Reductive N2 cleavage at an acridane PNP pincer-supported Mo center leads to the first crystallographically characterized example of an unusual Mo(IV) nitride species featuring a bridging N2 coordination stabilized via Mo-N2 dπ-pπ backbonding interactions. Nitride functionalization with CO leads to Mo(II) isocyanate species.
July 09, 2025
Hot Paper: Nuclear Quantum Confinement Enables Robust Deuterium Bonds for Highly Reversible Aluminum Anodes
Hao Cheng, Yao Lu, Zheng Li, Zibo Chen, Chao Chen, Xinyi Li, Hailin Yu, Adham Hashibon, Zhongliang Tian, Guanjie He
Quantum confinement by leveraging D as a quantum bridge is engineered to tailor stronger intra- and intermolecular D-bonds, effectively suppressing water reactivity and achieving exceptional HER inhibition. The induced Al3+ solvation structures further inhibit the decomposition of water at the interface and improve Al redox reversibility.
July 09, 2025
VIP: Intracellular Delivery of Native Proteins by BioReversible Arginine Modification (BioRAM) on Amino Groups
Jonathan Franke, Jan Vincent V. Arafiles, Christian Leis, Christian P. R. Hackenberger
Bioreversible Arginine Modification of amine-containing protein residues (termed BioRAM) allows the serum-compatible, readily accessible, and efficient delivery of native proteins into live cells. Combined with cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) additives, BioRAM results in intracellular RNase A activity at nanomolar concentrations, thus enabling the cellular delivery of native protein cargoes without additional genetic engineering.
July 09, 2025
VIP: Sulfur Mediated Interfacial Proton-Directed Transfer Boosts Electrocatalytic Nitric Oxide Reduction to Ammonia over Dual-Site Catalysts
Zhenlin Wang, Assoc. Prof. Haiyan Duan, Wenqiang Qu, Donglin Han, Xingchi Li, Li Zhu, Xuan Jiang, Prof. Danhong Cheng, Yongjie Shen, Dr. Ming Xie, Prof. Emiliano Cortes, Prof. Dengsong Zhang
Sulfur-mediated electron redistribution and proton-directed transfer at the Cu-Co interface significantly boost electrocatalytic NO reduction to NH3 over the S-Cu@Co/C catalyst. The changes in the electronic structure of Cu and Co promote NO adsorption and water dissociation. Meanwhile, sulfur accelerates the transfer of protons generated at Co sites to Cu sites, thereby facilitating NO hydrogenation and suppressing HER.
July 09, 2025
Hot Paper: Long-Range Electronically Polarized Fe-N5 Catalysts Redirect Polymerization-Driven Phenolic Pollutant Removal Toward Sustainable Carbon Sequestration
Yanchun Deng, Prof. Yingtang Zhou, Dr. Zilong Song, Prof. Xin Yang
A long-range electronically polarized Fe-N5 catalyst is developed, enabling specific and efficient peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-catalyst complex generation. BPA removal is redirected by tailored PMS complexes from conventional radical-mediated mineralization pathways to interfacial polymerization. A 4-668 times higher total organic carbon (TOC) removal than reported for iron-based single-atom catalysts (Fe-SACs) is achieved, with sustainable practical wastewater treatment and carbon sequestration observed (>1700 h operation).
July 09, 2025
VIP: Unlocking the Power of Lewis Basicity in Oxide Lattice Oxygens: A Regulating Force for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Kinetics in Li-O2 Batteries
Hao-Min Guan, Zhi-Peng Cai, Prof. Xue-Yan Wu, Prof. Kai-Xue Wang, Prof. Jie-Sheng Chen
Lewis basicity of lattice oxygen is activated in our high entropy spinel oxide (LB-HEO). Through Lewis acid-base interaction, LB-HEO attracts acidic Li+, leading to more disorder and Li+ defects in the discharge product Li2O2 of lithium-oxygen batteries. This promotes Li+ diffusion in Li2O2 and interfacial electron transfer, eventually improving the decomposition kinetics during charging. It provides a new perspective on the regulation of Li+ behavior to achieve better electrochemical performance.
July 09, 2025
VIP: Exceptional Second Harmonic Generation in Ultraviolet Nonlinear Optical Oxyfluoroniobate Crystals via Structural Fingerprint Optimization of Polar Chains
Dr. Congcong Jin, Dr. Yang Li, Jin Seong Kim, Jong-Hoon Lim, Hongbo Huang, Dr. Chong-An Chen, Jihyun Lee, Yejin Heo, Bingbing Zhang, Prof. Joon Ik Jang, Prof. Kang Min Ok
A structural fingerprint optimization strategy is proposed for the 1[TMOF4]∞ chain-based compounds, aimed at modifying the geometric features of functional chains to maximize the optical nonlinearity. In the ultraviolet (UV) nonlinear optical (NLO) crystal (H3O)(Biu)2(NbOF4), the structural fingerprints of the functional chains satisfy the ideal criteria, resulting in a record-breaking second harmonic generation (SHG) response (10.8 × KH2PO4) among all known transition metal (TM) oxyfluorides.
July 09, 2025
Hot Paper: Framework Nucleic Acid-Mediated DNAzyme Chaperoning for Sensitive Trace Metal Ion Mapping on Live Neuronal Cell Membranes
Tianqi Xu, Fan Li, Yichao Jin, Feng Jia, Yu Wang, Tao Lv, Yueyue Zhang, Min Li, Chunhai Fan, Mingqiang Li, Xiaohua Zhang, Shaopeng Wang, Xiaolei Zuo
Inspired by the beneficial effects of molecular chaperones on the stability and functionality of proteins, we present in this study the development of tetrahedral DNA frameworks (TDF) as chaperones for DNAzymes. Integration of TDF with DNAzymes significantly improves sensitivity and stability, facilitating precise and quantitative mapping of local trace metal ion concentrations on live neuronal cell membranes. This adaptable approach sets a foundation for developing sensitive nanodevices based on DNAzymes.
July 07, 2025
Hot Paper: Tunable Endo/Exo Selectivity in Direct Catalytic Asymmetric 1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions with Polyfunctional Lewis Acid / Azolium-Aryloxide Catalysts
Adrian Bürstner, Patrick M. Becker, Alexander Allgaier, Lucca Pfitzer, Dr. Daniel M. Wanner, Johanna Dollinger, Dr. Felix Willig, Justin Herrmann, Dr. Vukoslava Miskov-Pajic, Dr. Andreas C. Hans, Dr. Wolfgang Frey, Prof. Dr. Joris van Slageren, Prof. Dr. Johannes Kästner, Prof. Dr. René Peters
A novel concept for catalytic asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with iminoesters employs modular polyfunctional Lewis acid/azolium-aryloxide betaine catalysts, controlling endo- and exo-selectivity through adjustments of metal center, azolium, and sterics. DFT studies reveal an almost perfect spatial fit of functional sites, enabling precise orchestration of the catalytically relevant moieties involved—reminiscent of enzymatic catalysis.
July 07, 2025
Hot Paper: Engineering Graphene Nanoribbons via Periodically Embedding Oxygen Atoms
Dr. Yan Zhao, Dr. Li-Xia Kang, Yi-Jun Wang, Yi Wu, Guang-Yan Xing, Dr. Shi-Wen Li, Dr. Jinliang Pan, Nie-Wei Wang, Dr. Yin-Ti Ren, Ying Wang, Dr. Ya-Cheng Zhu, Prof. Xing-Qiang Shi, Dr. Mengxi Liu, Prof. Xiaohui Qiu, Prof. Pei-Nian Liu, Prof. Deng-Yuan Li
Two types of oxygen-doped graphene nanoribbons (O-doped chevron-GNR and O-doped chiral (2,1)-GNR) were synthesized on Au(111) via in situ formation of pyrans. Both O-doped GNRs are direct bandgap semiconductors but exhibit different sensitivities to oxygen dopants, which is attributed to the difference in the density of states near the Fermi level between the substituted intrinsic carbon atoms and their pristine counterparts.
July 07, 2025
Hot Paper: Transfer Learning-Assisted SERS: Predicting Molecular Identity and Concentration in Mixtures Using Pure Compound Spectra
Dr. Emily Xi Tan, Jaslyn Ru Ting Chen, Desmond Wei Cheng Pang, Prof. Nguan Soon Tan, Prof. In Yee Phang, Prof. Xing Yi Ling
Transfer learning-driven SERS to elucidate mixtures with unknown composition and ratios.
July 07, 2025
Hot Paper: Ultrathin PtSe2 Nanowires in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Nan Si, Rui Wang, Xianyu Hu, Yide Chang, Qingyuan He, Yang Wang, Yakui Mu, Yanming Wang, Siyu Liu, Qinglin Yuan
PtSe2 NWs grow anisotropically along the <110> direction inside the SWCNTs, and expose abundant zigzag edges, which contribute to the higher catalytic activity for HER. The as-prepared PtSe2 NWs exhibit excellent HER activity at extremely low Pt loading of 4.684 wt%, with an overpotential of 47 mV@10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 41.7 mV dec−1.
July 07, 2025
VIP: Non-Amphiphilic Antimicrobial Polymers
Alain M. Bapolisi, Dr. Anne-Catherine Lehnen, Dr. Martin Wolff, Jana Kramer, Dr. Sergio Kogikoski Jr., René Steinbrecher, Dr. Nicole Michler, Dr. Andreas Kiesow, Prof. Ilko Bald, Martina Obry, Dr. Sebastian Kersting, Dr. Till Stensitzki, Prof. Henrike M. Müller-Werkmeister, Prof. Meike N. Leiske, Prof. Salvatore Chiantia, Dr. Matthias Hartlieb
Completely non-amphiphilic antimicrobial polymers (APs) that possess significant bioactivity and excellent selectivity are presented. The importance of hydrogen-bonding interactions is highlighted by segregation of APs on bacterial membrane models and bacteria, a behavior absent in amphiphilic polymers. A supramolecular multivalence is proposed that leads to increased membrane activity without the necessity for hydrophobicity.
July 07, 2025
Hot Paper: Electron-Delocalized Cu2+ Activates Spin Channels in Spinel Oxides to Selectively Produce 1O2 for Wastewater Treatment
Le-Yang Hao, Zi-Jun Tang, Chu-Yi Cai, Yu-Chen Zhao, Dr. Lei Tian, Prof. Nan Li, Prof. Zhao-Qing Liu
This work proposes an electron-delocalized strategy to unlock FeTd2+─O─FeOh3+ spin channel, inducing intermolecular electron transfer of two PMS for selective 1O2 generation. The directed electron transfer behavior not only maintains the catalyst stability, but also immensely reduces the 1O2 generation energy barrier and improves the PMS utilization.
July 07, 2025
VIP: Selection of Ribofuranose-Isomer Among Pentoses by Phosphorylation with Diamidophosphate
Dr. Harold A. Cruz, Prof. Dr. Ramanarayanan Krishnamurthy
Diamidophosphate phosphorylates the four pentoses under mild aqueous conditions. Ribofuranosyl-cyclicphosphates are formed efficiently, while the other three pentoses react slowly to form furanosyl- and/or pyranosyl-forms. The selective formation of ribofuranosyl-1,2-cyclicphosphate occurs even when starting from a mixture of sugars suggesting an alternative pathway for abiotic synthesis of ribonucleotides in a prebiotic context.
July 07, 2025
VIP: Orthogonal Multiple Hydrogen Bonds of Nucleobases Enable Precise Tunability of DNA-Polymer Nanostructures
Yuan Xue, Huijuan Chen, Nan Yao, Siyu Guo, Ziyi Gui, Prof. Dr. Zan Hua
Multiple hydrogen bond (MHB) interactions for hydrophobic nucleobase-containing polymers and hydrophilic DNA chains are highly selective and orthogonal, owing to the heterogeneous backbone structures, distinct repeat unit spacing, and different hydrophilicity. Orthogonal MHBs enable us to tailor DNA nanostructures by exploiting the underexplored hydrophobic domain, amplifying the production of diverse functional DNA nanostructures.
July 07, 2025
VIP: Wide-Temperature, High-Voltage, Flame-Retardant Electrolyte for 4.8 V Li||NCM94 Batteries
Chao Li, Yong Li, Tao Su, Lei Liu, Zhimeng Hao, Gaojing Yang, Jianmin Ma
In this work, we construct a highly Li+-conductive, lithophilic gradient CEI based on a high-voltage, wide-temperature and flame-retardant electrolyte for stabilizing Li||NCM94 battery at high voltage (4.8 V) and extreme temperatures (−40∼60 °C).
July 07, 2025
Hot Paper: A Dual-Atom La2 Catalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Jingru Sun, Tianmi Tang, Siying Zhang, Siyu Chen, Yingying Duan, Xue Bai, Xiaoqin Xu, Xiaodi Niu, Zhenlu Wang, Jingqi Guan
Using an ultra-fast printing technology, we have successfully embedded diatomic lanthanum sites onto a graphene framework, which shows excellent ORR performance. The La2-N6 configuration structure can effectively reduce the reaction barrier of RDS and promote effective charge transfer, thus enhancing the catalytic process, on which the intermediates and structural evolution were well uncovered by combining advanced characterizations and theoretical calculations.
July 07, 2025
VIP: Orchestrating Penta-Element Interplay in Gradient-Porous Carbons for Advanced Sodium-Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Yangjie Liu, Yao Guo, Yu Zhang, Lihong Xu, Junxiang Chen, Xiang Hu, Zhenhai Wen
The correlation between the active sites induced by promete and the Na+ storage capacity as well as anion adsorption/desorption has been established through a combination of electrochemical analysis, machine learning potentials, and molecular dynamics simulations, which enhances the kinetics and capacity balance of anode and cathode for sodium-ion hybrid capacitors.
July 07, 2025
VIP: Switching Photocatalytic Methane Oxidation Toward Ethanol by Tuning Spin States
Shuya Hao, Maoyin Wang, Leshen Zhang, Dr. Ximeng Lv, Dr. Chen Peng, Yuhang Huang, Prof. Pei Yuan, Prof. Qing Han, Prof. Gengfeng Zheng
We developed a Zn-O-Fe(MS) photocatalyst with medium-spin active sites, in which both the unpaired electrons and eg orbital occupancy allow to selectively generate •CH2OH intermediates at moderate *OH coverage and promote the C─C coupling of •CH3 and •CH2OH, leading to efficient photocatalytic conversion of CH4 to ethanol without the addition of strong oxidizing reagents.
July 07, 2025
Hot Paper: Spring-Like Behavior in [8]Helicene Diimides: How Helical Pitch Governs Optical Anisotropy and Electronic Conjugation
Fridolin Saal, Vincenzo Brancaccio, Dr. Krzysztof Radacki, Dr. Holger Braunschweig, Dr. Prince Ravat
![Spring-Like Behavior in [8]Helicene Diimides: How Helical Pitch Governs Optical Anisotropy and Electronic Conjugation](/cms/asset/0d0004f8-c0e4-41b7-8d32-bec940933d34/anie202508779-gra-0001-m.jpg "Spring-Like Behavior in [8]Helicene Diimides: How Helical Pitch Governs Optical Anisotropy and Electronic Conjugation")
Bridging the imide nitrogen atoms of [8]helicene diimides with different alkyl chains allows for precise control over the helical pitch of their backbones. This has a profound impact on the molecular packing, chiroptical properties, and through-space electronic conjugation of the molecules. As a result, this approach enables fine-tuning of the properties of this new class of materials with enhanced optical anisotropy and electronic communication.
July 07, 2025
Hot Paper: A Phenomenological Symmetry Rule for Chemical Reactivity Under Vibrational Strong Coupling
A. Jayachandran, B. Patrahau, J. G. Ricca, M. K. Mahato, Y. Pang, K. Nagarajan, A. Thomas, C. Genet, T. W. Ebbesen
A general symmetry rule emerges from the study of charge transfer complexes in cavities that points to an underlying framework to the predict the outcome of chemical reactivity under vibrational strong coupling.
July 04, 2025
Hot Paper: Ru Single Atoms Anchored in Metal Borides Enable Hydrogen Spillover for Superior Electrochemical Ammonia Production
Yuanguo Chen, Dr. Haoyun Bai, Dr. Jiao Lan, Dr. Cheng-Wei Kao, Dr. Feng Xie, Dr. Linghu Meng, Dr. Jilong Li, Dr. Ying-Rui Lu, Dr. Ming Peng, Prof. Hui Pan, Prof. Yongwen Tan
Single-atom Ru-decorated nanoporous metal borides are developed as high-performance electrochemical nitrate reduction electrocatalysts utilizing an atomic-scale hydrogen spillover effect. This strategy facilitates dissociation of water into *H and promotes the *H spillover for increasing *H coverage on the surface, thereby synergistically reducing the hydrogenation energy barrier for converting nitrate into valuable ammonia products.
July 04, 2025
VIP: Tuning Eley-Rideal Mechanism in Electrochemical Acetylene Semi-Hydrogenation
Chengyi Zhang, Jiguang Zhang, Zihao Jiao, Yanwei Lum, Ziyun Wang
The ER mechanism plays a vital role in electrocatalytic hydrogenation, yet its rate-limiting factors remain poorly understood. Using acetylene hydrogenation as a model, we uncover atomic activation and spatial hindrance as key ER bottlenecks. Cu3Au, with balanced adsorption strength, exemplifies how introducing weak-binding atoms into moderate-binding hosts can optimize ER activity.
July 04, 2025
VIP: Self-Adapting Lattice Respiration Enabled by Crystal Design and d-p Orbital Hybridization Toward Highly Stable Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries
Huaizhi Wang, Dr. Yu Li, Bo Long, Shuqiang Li, Xueying Lu, Shijie Zhou, Prof. Feng Wu, Prof. Ying Bai, Prof. Chuan Wu
Based on the dual considerations of crystal structure and electronic structure, we construct cathodes with “self-adapting lattice respiration (SALR)” effect. The effect effectively addresses the poor cycle stability of transition metal-based RABs cathodes caused by the strong electrostatic interaction between high charge density Al3+ and host lattice.
July 04, 2025
VIP: Nylon-6 Precursor Electrosynthesis From Low-Concentration NO via Carbon-Enhanced NO Adsorption and Improved Mass Transfer
Xinyu Liu, Chuanqi Cheng, Jinghui Zhao, Prof. Bin Zhang, Prof. Yongmeng Wu
Porous carbon-supported ultrasmall Ag nanoparticles are designed to achieve 85.5% FE at a partial current density of 100 mA cm−2 for cyclohexanone oxime with a 3% NO concentration, outperforming pure Ag nanoparticles. Porous carbon can optimize the NO transport path and H2O molecule distribution on the catalyst surface, accelerating the reaction dynamics for cyclohexanone oxime electrosynthesis and suppressing the formation of ammonia and hydrogen byproducts.
July 04, 2025
Hot Paper: Intriguing Reactivity of a 1,2-Dihydrodialumane Towards Organic Azides - From a Terminal Diazido-Dialumane to Pendulum-Clock-Like Azide Bridging
Xiaobai Wang, Dr. Franziska Traeger, Raphael F. Ligorio, Dr. Nico Graw, Dr. Regine Herbst-Irmer, Prof. Dr. Anna Krawczuk, Prof. Dr. Malte Fischer, Prof. Dr. Dietmar Stalke
The reaction of a dihydro-dialane supported by a hybrid ligand (DNI) with organic azides yields structurally diverse aluminium species, including the first example of low oxidation state aluminium azide complex, a diazido-dialane, along with an aluminium-tetrazole, and azide alumination. Spectroscopic studies reveal dynamic behaviour in solution, featuring a pendulum-clock-like motion of the benzyl azide and Nα oscillation within the complex.
July 04, 2025
Hot Paper: Copper-Tailored Molybdenum-Nickel Catalyst Boosts Hydrogen Oxidation and Suppresses Parasitic Oxygen Reduction for Durable Fuel Cells
Lei Zhu, Xiao-Long Zhang, Yu Yang, Ye-Cheng Li, Ye-Hua Wang, Hui-Kun Yan, Fei-Yue Gao, Yu-Cai Zhang, Zhi-Zheng Wu, Shu-Ping Sun, Pu-Gan Lu, Wanjie Song, Prof. Xiaolin Ge, Prof. Tongwen Xu, Prof. Kai-Bin Tang, Prof. Min-Rui Gao
A copper-tailored MoNi4 alloyed catalyst (MoNi3.6Cu0.4) showing high hydrogen oxidation activity but low oxygen reduction activity in alkali has been developed. Such dual functionality tackles the issue of reverse-current decay—the harmful potential jump from parasitic anodic oxygen reduction during startup/shutdown events. When integrating into an anion-exchange membrane fuel cell, this catalyst demonstrates superior corrosion resistance and durability compared with the Pt/C counterpart over repeated startup/shutdown cycles.
July 04, 2025
VIP: Cobalt-Catalyzed Stereodivergent Semihydrogenation of Alkynes: Synthesis of E- and Z-Alkenes
Xiang Ren, Peng Lu, Chenggong Zheng, Prof. Yong Wang, Prof. Zhan Lu
Under the synergistic catalysis of an 8-OIQ cobalt catalyst and CH3CN, a series of E- and Z-alkenes with high stereoselectivity could be synthesized in the semihydrogenation of internal alkynes. Mechanistic studies showed that the acetonitrile plays an important role in controlling isomerization and inhabiting over-hydrogenation during the conversion process.
July 04, 2025
Hot Paper: Stable Acrylamide-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks via Mannich Polymerization for Efficient Gold Recovery from Complex E-Waste Leachates
Rui Zhang, Cheng-Peng Niu, Nai-Huai Dong, Prof. Ru-Ping Liang, Li-Ling Chen, Yun-Peng Wu, Ying-Ying Xiao, Ying-Ao Wang, Xiao-Xing Wang, Zhi-Hai Peng, Prof. Jian-Ding Qiu
Acrylamide-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) were synthesized through a one-step Mannich-type three-component polymerization. The resulting frameworks feature irreversible linkages, extended π-conjugation, and dual C═O/N─H coordination sites, enabling exceptional stability and highly selective gold recovery from complex electronic waste leachates.
July 04, 2025
Hot Paper: Conditional Stabilization of the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor HIF1α— Photoswitchable Stapled Peptides Prevent Elongin BC-Mediated Degradation
Dr. Van Tuan Trinh, Dr. Sabrina Fischer, Dr. Lei Zhang, Dr. Heiko Geisler, Belen Pardo, Dr. Robert Liefke, Dr. Frank Abendroth, Prof. Dr. Olalla Vázquez
Visible-light photoswitchable peptides enable the stabilization of the hydroxylated hypoxia transcription factor 1α (HIF1α—OH) by targeting the pVHL-EloBC interaction. Significant differences in conformation, binding, and transcription of HIF-targeted genes between the photostationary states (PSS) were demonstrated.
July 04, 2025
Hot Paper: Origin of Anion-Rich Solvation Structures in Siloxane Electrolytes
Yao-Peng Chen, Yi-Lin Niu, Dr. Zhao Zheng, Dr. Xiang Chen, Yu-Chen Gao, Nan Yao, Dr. Rui Zhang, Prof. Qiang Zhang
Siloxane electrolytes exhibit anion-rich solvation structures due to their large steric hindrance. The lower Pauli repulsion of Si─O bond compared to C─O bond leads to higher intrinsic stability than corresponding ethers.
July 04, 2025
Hot Paper: Complex Donuts: Small Variations in DNA Sequence Dictate Pathway Complexity in DNA Nanotoroids
Muhammad Ghufran Rafique, Yihao Wu, Yutong Shi, Quentin Laurent, Abdelrahman Elmanzalawy, Christopher Saab, Yu Shi, Dmytro F. Perepichka, Jianing Li, Hanadi F. Sleiman
Chemical information encoded in the sequence of DNA amphiphiles enables the selective formation of kinetically trapped DNA nanotoroids through a complex self-assembly pathway. The toroids are formed as on-pathway structures via a competitive mechanism only when a toroid-selective DNA sequence is used.
July 04, 2025
VIP: Donor-Acceptor Porous Aromatic Framework Cathode with Fast Redox Kinetics for Ultralow-Temperature (−70 °C) Potassium-Organic Batteries
Jie Yu, Xupeng Zhang, Yuying Liu, Linqi Cheng, Prof. Heng-Guo Wang, Dr. Fengchao Cui, Prof. Guangshan Zhu
We propose the novel concept of the application of donor-acceptor porous aromatic framework (named as PAF-310) constructed from two types (n-type and p-type) storage blocks to accelerate charge transport and thus facilitate the reaction kinetics in potassium ion batteries, which shows the impressively electrochemical properties at room and low-temperature (even −70 °C) with the anions and cations co-storage mechanism.
July 04, 2025
Hot Paper: A Bioinspired Diazafluorenone Catalytic System for Aerobic Oxidative Deamination of Primary Amines
Sheng Gong, Wenhu Zhang, Yongchang Song, Jianfeng Chen, Baoguo Zhao
A highly efficient biomimetic aerobic oxidation of α-amino amides and benzylamines into α-keto amides and aromatic aldehydes is enabled by 1,8-diazafluoren-9-one (DFO), a new organocatalyst with a simple structure, high robustness, and strong electrophilicity.
July 04, 2025
Hot Paper: Catalyst-Engineered Proton Transfer Pathways for Selective Hydrogen Peroxide Electrosynthesis in Solid-State Electrolytes
Jun Wang, Dr. Junheng Huang, Chunguang Jia, Wenxing Chen, Junxiang Chen, Shengjian Lin, Yangjie Liu, Kai Chen, Yiqi Liang, Dr. Suqin Ci, Prof. Zhenhai Wen
We developed a rationally designed catalyst integrating Ni single atoms and NiO nanoclusters on porous carbon nanosheets for electrochemical H2O2 synthesis in solid electrolytes. This catalyst achieves 97% Faradaic efficiency and 356 mA cm−2 partial current density for pure H2O2 production. The study addresses a critical gap in elucidating proton transfer pathways in solid electrolytes during two-electron oxygen reduction reaction.
July 03, 2025
Hot Paper: Upconversion Lanthanide-Based 2D Metal-Organic Frameworks for Multimode Information Encryption
Jiabo Chen, Yao Xie, Wanjun Yang, Renrui Sun, Prof. Feifei Xing, Gabrielle A. Mandl, Prof. John A. Capobianco, Prof. Lining Sun
A novel 2D Yb-PMA MOFs were synthesized, and upconversion luminescence under 980 nm excitation was successfully achieved by introducing Ho3+, Tb3+, or Eu3+ as the luminescence center and using Yb3+ as the sensitizer. The upconversion/down-shifting luminescent lanthanide-based 2D MOFs designed in this work show good potential for application in the field of information encryption.
July 02, 2025
Hot Paper: Counterintuitive Photochemistry of an Isolated Acridinyl Radical: ConPET via Preassembly, Solvated Electrons or a Long-Lived Excited State?
Dr. Samuel J. Horsewill, Katherine M. M. Sharrock, Dr. Péter P. Fehér, Dr. Jack M. Woolley, Dr. Imre Pápai, Dr. Daniel J. Scott
In this paper, we isolate the reduced form of a commonly used acridinium photocatalyst (acridinyl, Acr•) and investigate its photochemistry using transient absorption, analysed alongside TD-DFT calculations. We show that despite the apparent long lifetime of the fluorescent state of Acr•, it is not relevant to reactivity. Instead, reactivity occurs through counterintuitive preassembly and solvated electron-based mechanisms.
July 02, 2025
Hot Paper: Dynamic Regulation of Radical Photochromism and Photoluminescence via Polymer Polarity
Quanchi Tian, Qiuyue Ding, Chao Xu, Dr. Lunjun Qu, Dr. Kaiti Wang, Prof. Dr. Chaolong Yang, Prof. Yanli Zhao
The polarity of polymer matrices not only plays a crucial role in inducing room-temperature phosphorescence by protecting the naphthalene diimide core structure from quenching by oxygen and moisture, but also facilitates the generation of stable anion radicals through photoinduced electron transfer, even in the absence of UV irradiation.
July 02, 2025
Hot Paper: Communicative Nanomotors Reprogram Cancer Cell Death via Pyroptosis
Mingchen Sun, Luc van Oss, Chenxuan Wan, Daniela A. Wilson
Communicative nanomotors respond to elevated ROS in the tumor microenvironment, enabling active communication and selective mitochondrial targeting through non-covalent surface engineering. Their precise interaction with cells induces mitochondrial damage, cytochrome c release, and pyroptotic cell death, while chemotactic motility ensures deeper tumor penetration, advancing intelligent cancer therapeutics.
July 02, 2025
Hot Paper: N─B─N Isomer Induced Room Temperature Phosphorescence: Expression, Mechanistic Insights, and Multi-Level Anti-Counterfeiting Applications
Dr. Jianhua Liu, Junxiong Yao, Ruping Mu, Xinyi Mao, Haihua Li, Prof. Jianqi Sun, Jifeng Huang, Dr. Qiang Feng, Prof. Xiaohua Cao, Prof. Jianguo Wang, Prof. Huanan Huang
This study introduces an N─B─N unit-based strategy to enhance room temperature phosphorescence (RTP), highlighting that 1,1-DB shows strong RTP property, unlike its isomer 1,2-DB. The contrast in their performance aids in understanding the relationship between molecular structure and phosphorescence, offering insights for designing and optimizing RTP materials.
July 02, 2025
Hot Paper: Is the Smallest Molecular Trefoil Knot Actually the Tightest One?
Wei-Tao Xu, Chenxing Guo, Yefei Jiang, Wei-Jian Li, Xiao-Qin Xu, Xue Li, Siqi Luo, Prof. Dr. Lianrui Hu, Prof. Dr. Xiujun Yu, Prof. Dr. Xiaopeng Li, Prof. Dr. Hai-Bo Yang, Prof. Dr. Wei Wang
The use of a modular self-assembly strategy has enabled the successful synthesis of a new family of molecular trefoil knots with varied backbone-atom numbers. An interesting odd-even effect of alkyl chain linkers on their tightness was demonstrated, which not only provides key insights into size-tightness relationships but also guides further development of knotted, woven, and entangled molecules and materials.
July 02, 2025
VIP: Synergistic Enhancement of Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution in Covalent Organic Frameworks via Isoreticular Design, Isomerism, and Protonation
Wenbo Dong, Xingjiang Yu, Zhiying Qin, Yushuang Chen, Shijie Ren, Longyu Li
Three isoreticular COFs were synthesized by incrementally extending the organic linker from benzene to biphenyl to triphenyl, alongside their reversed-imine-orientation isomers, enabling a clear comparison of structural effects on activity. Notably, by optimizing protonation conditions, the biphenyl-linked COF-920 achieved an unprecedented hydrogen evolution rate of 364 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under UV-visible irradiation, as rigorously confirmed by water-drainage and gas-gathering experiments.
July 02, 2025
VIP: Gold and Bismuth Trimetallic Synergistic Redox Catalysis for Non-Directed C─H Arylation with Aryl Bismuth
Duan-Yang Liu, Sitian Zhou, Linhan Tian, Honglei Zhang, Prof. Wei He, Prof. Kai Guo, Prof. Congqing Zhu, Prof. Chengjian Zhu, Prof. Sergey N. Konchenko, Weipeng Li, Prof. Jin Xie
A dinuclear gold catalyzed selective C─H arylation by using aryl bismuth reagents as the arylation reagents has been developed. The Bi(V) generated in-situ can oxidize gold(I) to form Au─Au─Bi intermediate, where Bi's Z-type coordination mitigates steric/electronic constraints. This trimetallic strategy outperforms classical C─C couplings, tolerating silanes, boronate esters, and germanes, thus providing new insights for multimetallic cooperative catalysis.
July 01, 2025
Hot Paper: Probing Multilevel Chiroptical Activity in Organic Supramolecular Microcrystals for High-Performance Circularly Polarized Lasing
Shizhe Ren, Zheng-Fei Liu, Penghao Li, Prof. Kang Wang, Prof. Jiannian Yao, Prof. Qing-Zheng Yang, Prof. Yong Sheng Zhao, Prof. Haiyun Dong
The evolution of chiroptical activity from chiral molecular monomers to dimers to supramolecular helices is tracked for exploring high-performance organic circularly polarized lasers. By virtue of the efficient coupling of multilevel chiroptical activity with high optical gain, the chiral organic supramolecular microcrystals exhibit circularly polarized laser outputs with dissymmetry factors up to ∼1.3 and quantum yields close to 100%.
July 01, 2025
VIP: Introducing Steric Bulk Into Silylboranes: Enhanced Bench Stability and Novel Chemical Reactivity
Rikuro Takahashi, Prof. Dr. Julong Jiang, Prof. Dr. Satoshi Maeda, Prof. Dr. Hajime Ito
Following initial experimental and theoretical studies that indicated that silylboranes decompose via oxygenation, bulky silyl anions were used to synthesize silylboranes with enhanced bench stability and novel reactivity. These kinetically stabilized silylboranes are stable in air and moderately activate carbon monoxide (CO) to form spirocyclic compounds. DFT calculations suggested that the activation of CO is driven by hyperconjugation.
July 01, 2025
VIP: Anion-Dominated Calendar Aging in Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries
Jiaqi Wang, Prof. Bao Zhang, Sha Luo, Xiao Huang, An Duan, Haotian Chen, Prof. Wei Sun
Anion-dominated plating morphology governs the calendar aging of aqueous zinc metal batteries. Notably, corrosion severity does not directly correlate with aging-induced degradation. Electrolytes that promote smoother zinc deposition, quantified by a lower plating roughness factor (Prf), exhibit enhanced resistance to calendar aging. Leveraging this insight, an acetatization strategy achieves up to a 49-fold reduction in calendar aging-induced degradation.
July 01, 2025
VIP: Ligand-Mediated Activity of Cu4 Clusters Boosts Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction
Hong Chen, Kong-Sheng Qi, Xiao-Yu Dong, Ya-Ning Pei, Yu-Jie Jin, Han Zhang, Si Li, Jie Wu, Jinmeng Cai, Shuang-Quan Zang
Using a tetranuclear copper cluster as a model, we modulated coordination microenvironments to boost electrocatalytic nitrate reduction performance, uncovering atomic-level structure-activity correlations and offering precise ligand-engineering strategies for advanced catalyst design.
July 01, 2025
Hot Paper: Confining Asymmetrically Coordinated Cobalt Single-Atoms/Clusters on Holey MXene for Ultrafast Fenton-Like Catalysis
Xin Guo, Hao Zhang, Yunlong Wang, Yiyuan Yao, Chengming Xiao, Kechen Gu, Junwen Qi, Yujun Zhou, Yue Yang, Zhigao Zhu, Prof. Dr. Jiansheng Li
Through a dual-coordination microenvironment strategy, CoN1O2 single atoms and Co nanoclusters (NCs) were confined within highly graphitized carbon layers supported on holey MXene nanosheets. The Co NCs optimized the electronic structure of Co active centers, synergistically enhancing peroxymonosulfate adsorption and electron transfer efficiency. A nonradical electron transfer mechanism was proposed to drive the polymerization of bisphenol A.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: High-Capacity and Long-Life Cathode Constructed Solely by Carbon Dots for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Dr. Tian-Bing Song, Qian-Li Ma, Bao-Juan Wang, Xi-Rong Zhang, Prof. Yong-Gang Wang, Prof. Huan-Ming Xiong
Carbon dots are solely applied as the active cathode material in aqueous zinc-ion batteries for the first time, which exhibit decent cycling performance, excellent capacity retention, and ultrahigh ion diffusion ability.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Si/Carbon-dots with Surface N-C Sites Promoting Proton and Electron Transfers in Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Yankun Wang, Mingxian Zhang, Haihua Wu, Meirong Huang, Prof. Yuanxing Fang, Prof. Masakazu Anpo, Prof. Xinchen Wang
The *O2⁻ + H⁺ → *OOH step is considered the rate-determining step in the oxygen reduction reaction. Silane chain-grafted carbon dots with N-C active sites help overcome the energy barrier through promoting proton and electron transfers, thereby enhancing H2O2 production in photocatalytic oxygen reduction reactions.
June 30, 2025
VIP: An Atomically Precise Copper Cluster Nanoreactor for Efficient Catalysis in Chemical Fixation of Low-Concentration CO2
Wan-Zhen Qiao, Bing-Jie Xue, Rui Wang, Yuan Yang, Prof. Shuang-Quan Zang
An atomically precise I@Cu8 cluster with high thermal/chemical stability represents the first example of a cluster-based nanoreactor that demonstrates excellent catalytic activity in chemical fixation of both propargylic amines and propargylic alcohols with CO2 at simulated flue gas concentrations due to the unique substrate enrichment of well-defined nanocavities.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Effect of Ambient Organic Acids on the Water Structure at Interfaces
Abhinav S. Raman, Annabella Selloni
Ambient organic acids such as formic acid tend to localize in the interfacial water layers close to surfaces, facilitated by the interaction and exchange of the acid proton with a surface oxygen. These localized acids make the anatase surface hydrophobic, which is offset by the larger fraction of dissociated water on rutile. Thus, the wettability of is largely controlled by acid-base chemistry rather than chemisorption.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Simple and Rapid Tumor EV Enrichment Enabled by Long DNA Probe-Guided Entanglement
Dr. Yuanjie Liu, Dr. Yunpeng Fan, Prof. Xiaoqiang Li, Prof. Gang Tian, Prof. Bo Shen, Dr. Menghan Li, Dr. Kai Su, Dr. Xuhuai Fu, Dr. Mengxuan Zhang, Prof. Yonghong Wang, Prof. Xinyu Li, Prof. Xinmin Li, Prof. Shijia Ding
The selective isolation of extracellular vesicle (EV) subpopulations is essential for their biomedical applications. We present a simple, rapid, and versatile strategy termed LODGE (Long DNA Probe-Guided EV Entanglement) for the enrichment of tumor-derived EVs (tEVs) from biofluids. LODGE facilitates the application of tEVs in biomarker discovery, therapeutic agents, and disease diagnosis, as evidenced by proteomic profiling, bioactivity assays, and cancer classification.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Transforming Single-Atom Site to Dual-Atom Site in Fe-N-C Catalysts: A Universal Strategy for Enhancing Durability in Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Ruguang Wang, Dr. Jiaxin Guo, Jisi Li, Quanlu Wang, Zheng Lv, Prof. Cairong Gong, Prof. Caofeng Pan, Prof. Tao Ling
This work develops a general strategy to transform FeN4 single-atom sites to Fe2N6 dual-atom sites in Fe-N-C catalysts with various carbon substrates. Experimental evidence demonstrates that the transformed Fe-N-C catalyst exhibits highly active, selective, and strong H2O2 decomposition capability for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Ultralong-Cycling Lithium Storage of SrGe2O4S Anode Enabled by In Situ Formed Oxysulfide Matrix
A.P. Chenlong Dong, A.P. Ruiqi Wang, Yuanxia Zhang, Dr. Qiang Fu, Dr. Siwei Zhao, A.P. Guobao Li, Prof. Zhiyong Mao, Prof. Fuqiang Huang
A novel SrGe2O4S anode demonstrates ultralong cycling stability. In situ formed Li2O/SrS oxysulfide matrix in SrGe2O4S effectively prevents agglomeration of Ge nanodots during cycling, facilitated by pinning effect of Sr2+ and the enhanced polarity of S2−.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Light-Driven Ratchet Mechanism Accelerates Regioselective Metal-Cation Exchange in a Heterobimetallic Helicate
Maximilian J. Notheis, Dr. Gregor Schnakenburg, Dr. Larissa K. S. von Krbek
Photoswitchable homo- and heterobimetallic helicates form with high diastereo- and regioselectivity via single-step self-assembly or self-sorting. White-light exposure autonomously operates one helicate as a molecular ratchet, promoting the selective formation of an out-of-equilibrium structure. This ratchet mechanism furthermore accelerates regioselective metal-cation exchange from a homometallic to a heterometallic helicate.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Blood Retention and Kidney Clearance of Renal-Clearable Gold Nanoparticles Strongly Correlate with Renal Injury Biomarkers
Samira Ahrari, Yi Luo, Xuhui Ning, Qi Cai, Nilum Rajora, Ramesh Saxena, Mengxiao Yu, Jie Zheng
In a doxorubicin-induced acute kidney injury model, proximal tubular injury—rather than glomerular leakage—predominantly determines the renal clearance of gold nanoclusters. The blood retention of Au₂₅(SG)₁₈ strongly correlates with proximal tubular injury biomarker KIM-1, highlighting its potential as a sensitive exogenous blood marker for proximal tubular injury.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Highly Oxygen-Tolerant and Self-Adaptive Surface-Initiated Bimetal-Mediated Controlled Radical Polymerization
Menglu Chen, Wei Li, Shuai You, Wenbo Sheng, Feng Zhou
We report a novel and versatile self-adaptive surface-initiated bimetal-mediated controlled radical polymerization strategy for the fabrication of multifunctional polymer brushes under ambient conditions with exceptional oxygen tolerance. By introducing a bimetal CuZn alloy, the system self-adaptively regulates the dissociation of copper species, ensuring robust and controllable polymer brush growth across a wide range of distances between the bimetallic alloy and the initiator-modified substrate.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Merging One- and Multi-Photon Processes in Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks for Enhanced NIR Light-Driven Photothermal and Photochemical Conversions
Chen-Hui Liu, Zhong-Hao Wang, Yin-Hui Huang, Yu-Lin Lu, Shao-Ping Zheng, Xiao-Dong Zhang, Prof. Kai Wu, Prof. Cheng-Xia Chen, Prof. Hai-Sen Xu, Prof. Mei Pan, Prof. Cheng-Yong Su
This work demonstrates a paradigm for the development of highly stable and multifunctional HOF materials to enable the full-spectrum utilization of sunlight, which is achieved through a dual-process mechanism involving one-photon and two-photon excitations, facilitated by direct absorption of NIR light within a single HOF platform, for synergistically enhanced performance in photothermal, photochemical, and chiroptical applications.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Reactivity of a Methylene-Bridged 1,3-Bis(germylene) in Dynamic Equilibrium with Its Dimer
Daichi Uchida, Prof. Dr. Mariko Yukimoto, Prof. Dr. Norihiro Tokitoh, Prof. Dr. Mitsuaki Yamauchi, Dr. Hiroko Yamada, Prof. Dr. Yoshiyuki Mizuhata
We report the properties and reactivity of an unprecedented methylene-bridged 1,3-bis(germylene) derivative. In the solid state, the 1,3-bis(germylene) derivative undergoes dimerization to afford a 1,2,4,5-tetragermacyclohexa-1,4-diene (Ge4CHD) derivative. Moreover, the reactivity revealed that the Ge4CHD derivative dissociated into the methylene-bridged 1,3-bis(germylene) derivative in solution.
June 30, 2025
VIP: Oxidative Electrocyclization Assembles 2,2-Dimethyl-2H-pyran in Fungal Indole Alkaloids
Chengjie Zhang, Jingxuan Zhou, Wei Wang, Mingyu Liu, Yuanning Li, Xiang Sheng, Lei Du, Shengying Li
A berberine bridge-like oxidoreductase mediates oxidative electrocyclization to form the 2,2-dimethyl-2H-pyran (DMP) ring in fungal indole alkaloids. Heterologous gene expression, in vitro enzyme activity reconstitution, and mechanistic studies unveil nature's strategy for pyran formation via enzymatic electrocyclization, expanding biocatalytic pericyclic chemistry.
June 30, 2025
VIP: Chemically Recyclable Alternating Poly(thioether-alt-ester)s with Tunable Properties Enabled by Substitution Effects and Stereochemistry
Mingqian Wang, Zhiqiang Ding, Jingying Xiao, Yilong Liao, Prof. Dr. Zhe Ma, Prof. Dr. Yuesheng Li, Prof. Dr. Bin Wang
Poly(thioether-alt-ester)s with structurally diversity were synthesized by a “polycondensation-depolymerization-repolymerization” strategy. The strategic positioning of α-, γ-, and δ-substituents coupled with stereoregular chain architectures and stereocomplex formation enables wide-range modulation of the polymer's thermal and mechanical properties.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Modular Access to P(V)-Stereogenic Compounds via Cu-Catalyzed Desymmetrization of (Thio)Phosphonic Dichlorides
Hong-Qing Yao, Yue-Ming Cai, Tian Xie, Ji-Yuan Lv, Shuai-Shuai Fang, Ming-Hong Li, Prof. Dr. Ming Shang
A Cu-catalyzed desymmetrization strategy using newly modified chiral PIM ligands enables modular access to diverse P(V)-stereogenic compounds with high stereocontrol. This approach tolerates broad functionality, constructs challenging P═S motifs, and enables late-stage nucleoside derivatization, providing a versatile platform for drug and nucleic acid-based therapeutic development.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Ligand-Controlled Chemoselectivity in the Rhodium-Catalyzed Synthesis of Pentafulvenes via (2 + 2 + 1) Alkyne Cyclotrimerization
Belinda Español-Sánchez, Jesús Moradell, Dr. María Galiana-Cameo, Eduardo Barrenas, Prof. Jesús J. Pérez-Torrente, Dr. Vincenzo Passarelli, Dr. Ricardo Castarlenas
Chemoselectivity Challenge: A precise catalyst design allows for chemoselectivity control over alkyne reactivity to yield pentafulvenes via (2 + 2 + 1) cyclotrimerization. Operative mechanism has been elucidated by means of stoichiometric and deuteration experiments, as well as DFT calculations.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Nature of Anti-Dissipative High-Energy Excited States in Quaterpyridine-Bridged Ruthenium Complexes
Noémie Chantry, Agustina Cotic, Simon De Kreijger, Riccardo Di Forti, Benjamin Elias, Ludovic Troian-Gautier, Alejandro Cadranel
Upon photoexcitation, meta-connected quaterpyridine-bridged Ru complexes undergo fast inter-ligand electron transfer like typical chromophores, but unusually slow intra-ligand electron transfer within bridge-centered MLCT states. The energy saved was exploited for photoreductions and photooxidations with model electron donors and acceptors, respectively. Design guidelines involving ancillary-ligand substitution and bridge topology were derived.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Electrolytes with Tailored Solvent-Solvent Interactions for Flame-Retardant Stable Sodium-Metal Batteries.
Zhangbin Cheng, Zehui Zhang, Mingtian Wu, Prof. Min Jia, Xinyi Du, Zheng Gao, Shuai Tong, Tao Wang, Prof. Xiaohong Yan, Prof. Xiaoyu Zhang, Prof. Haoshen Zhou
This work, by introducing solvent-solvent interactions, achieves an ion-aggregate-rich solvation structure at low concentrations, promoting the formation of an inorganic-rich SEI, effectively suppressing the reaction between trimethyl phosphate and the sodium metal anode, thereby enabling stable cycling of Na||Na3V2(PO4)3 battery.
June 30, 2025
VIP: Electrocatalytic C─S Cross-Coupling via Engineered Frustrated Lewis Acid-Base Pairs for High-Efficiency Methanesulfonate Synthesis
Yuhang Gao, Menglong Sun, Yuan Jing, Kaiheng Zhao, Lili Chen, Prof. Yangyang Guo, Prof. Zhiqin Liang, Prof. Yijun Yang, Fangli Yuan, Prof. Tingyu Zhu, Prof. Xi Wang, Prof. Jiannian Yao
This study demonstrates that MOFs catalysts with Lewis acid-base sites generated by introducing specific ligand groups can produce methanesulfonate through nucleophilic attack, and performance is superior to previously reported copper-based catalysts. This work highlights the importance of the Lewis acid and base sites for electrocatalytic C─S coupling reaction and provides an avenue to produce by abundant resources and renewable electricity.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: First Chiral Catalan Solid Based on Molybdenum Halide with Efficient Circularly Polarized Luminescence in the Deep-Red Region
Sehrish Gull, Wenkai Zhao, Zhaoyu Wang, Yunxin Zhang, Haolin Lu, Xinyi Niu, Tianjiao Qiao, Hebin Wang, Tianyin Shao, Wenting Liu, Prof. Bing Sun, Prof. Hao-Li Zhang, Prof. Yongsheng Chen, Prof. Guankui Long
The first chiral molybdenum halide tetrakis hexahedra was successfully synthesized via a solvothermal method. This unique Catalan solid structure exhibits efficient deep-red circularly polarized emission, enhanced stability, and improved photoluminescence quantum yield. The proposed system provides a novel platform for advancing the research on chiral metal halides and paves the way for their application toward chiral optoelectronics.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Mechanistic Promiscuity in Cobalt-Mediated CO2 Reduction Reaction: One- Versus Two-Electron Reduction Process
Ayan Bera, Dr. Sarah Bimmermann, Dr. Philipp Gerschel, Dibya Jyoti Barman, Leon Gerndt, Dr. Thomas Lohmiller, Dr. Kaltum Abdiaziz, Dr. Alexander Schnegg, Dr. Maylis Orio, Prof. Dr. Dennis G. H. Hetterscheid, Prof. Dr. Kara L. Bren, Prof. Dr. Michael Roemelt, Prof. Dr. Ulf-Peter Apfel, Prof. Dr. Kallol Ray
The cobalt complexes [(Hbbpya)CoII]2⁺, and [(Mebbpya)CoII]2⁺ show contrasting CO₂ reduction behaviors. [(Hbbpya)CoII]2⁺ selectively forms CO via a fast, two-electron pathway aided by a -NH proton relay, while [(Mebbpya)CoII]2⁺ favours hydrogen evolution due to a slower, competitive one-electron mechanism. Stopped-flow studies reveal a reactive CO₂ radical anion, offering insights into their distinct catalytic pathways.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Location-Differentiated DNA Hierarchical Cyclic Construction Demarcating Identical Biomolecules Across Cell Membrane Microenvironments
Zhu Li, Xinyin Li, Mengying Ye, Wenjing Shu, Yan He, Haotian Li, Feng Chen, Yongxi Zhao
Spatial demarcation of identical biomolecules across distinct cell membrane microenvironments has not been well determined. Here we report location-differentiated DNA hierarchical cyclic construction for lipid raft-differentiated spatial profiling in living cells. It can differentially visualize identical biomolecules inside and outside lipid rafts, and quantitatively measures molecule distribution rate (lipid raft to the whole cell membrane).
June 30, 2025
VIP: Ferromagnetic Ordering Outperforms Coordination Effects in Governing Oxygen Reduction Catalysis on High-Index Nickel Single Crystals
Menglong Sun, Jiabin Chen, Zhibin Zhang, Yuan Jing, Mengze Zhao, Lili Chen, Prof. Kaihui Liu, Prof. Chuang Zhang, Prof. Xi Wang, Prof. Jiannian Yao
Our study explored the link between ferromagnetic ordering, coordination number, and ORR activity in nickel single-crystal foils. We found that Ni (210) facets outperform Ni (310) and Ni (520) due to higher saturation magnetization and optimized d-band positioning. DFT calculations confirmed that ferromagnetic ordering, not surface coordination, drives catalytic performance by enhancing spin polarization and lowering energy barriers. External magnetic fields further boosted the activity of Ni foils.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Stepwise Post-Modification of Pyridine-Imine COFs for Enhanced Hydrolytic Stability and Proton Conductivity
Hongfei Wang, Wen-Na Jiao, Wei-De Zhu, Si Huang, Xiao-Chun Lin, Ting Chen, Yanan Fan, Fangzheng Chen, Prof. Hai-Sen Xu, Prof. Mei Pan, Prof. Cheng-Yong Su
The self-condensation reaction of bifunctional monomers containing both amino and acetal groups yielded COF-LIFM7. Via subsequent amidation and N-oxidation modifications, the pore polarity and hydrophilicity of the post-modified COFs were progressively enhanced, consequently leading to a significant increase in proton conductivity.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: “Outside-in” Design of Single-Atom Catalysts: Linking Specific Peripheral Geometry to Defined CO2 Reduction Performance
Jia Zhao, Yang Chen, Di Liu, Weng Fai Ip, Jian Lin, Xiaodong Wang, Sen Lin, Xianzhi Fu, Tao Zhang
This work proposes an “outside-in” strategy for the design of NC-supported Fe and Ni SACs for CO2RR. Combined DFT calculations and experimental studies show that incorporating specific six- or five-membered rings into the outer shell retrofit the electronic property of coordination N atoms in the inner shell, thereby precisely controlling the catalytic performance of the metal center.
June 30, 2025
VIP: Zwitterionic Heavier Pnictinidenes in Redox Catalysis
Selwin Fernando, Dr. Yi Chen Chan, Dr. Sergio Fernandez, Enric Sabater, Dr. Graham Tizzard, Prof. Simon J. Coles, Dr. Diego M. Andrada, Dr. Oriol Planas
Zwitterionic pnictinidenes: A new class of zwitterionic heavier pnictogen species stabilized by bis(N-heterocyclic carbene)borate ligands is reported, enabling the isolation of Sb and Bi in multiple oxidation states. These thoroughly characterized systems exhibit cationic character and engage in redox catalysis, facilitating catalytic hydrodefluorination and dehydrogenative thiolation of silanes, expanding the scope of main group redox chemistry.
June 30, 2025
VIP: Polyolefin-based Multiblock Copolymers from Cascade ROMP-RAFT Polymerization
Prof. Min Chen, Dr. Guifu Si, Prof. Wen-Jian Zhang, Prof. Changle Chen
A ROMP-RAFT cascade polymerization strategy was designed to synthesize polyolefin-based multiblock copolymers, which were employed as compatibilizers to upcycle mixed plastics.
June 30, 2025
VIP: Unexpected Activities of CYP152 Peroxygenases Toward Non-carboxylic Substrates Reveal Novel Substrate Recognition Mechanism and Catalytic Versatility
Dr. Yuanyuan Jiang, Piqian Gong, Zijia Li, Dr. Zhong Li, Yuxuan Li, Prof. Dr. Binju Wang, Dr. He Huang, Prof. Dr. Wei Peng, Prof. Dr. Xiang Gao, Prof. Dr. Shengying Li
The study unveils novel aromatic hydroxylation and dehalogenation activities of CYP152 peroxygenases toward various aromatic pollutants without any carboxyl group. Mechanistic analyses provide new insights into non-carboxylic substrate-assisted acid-base catalysis for hydrogen peroxide activation, inspiring potential applications in industrial biocatalysis and environmental remediation.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Fast Seawater Desalination Driven by Efficient Nitrate Reduction via Bimetallic Iron/Zinc Polyphthalocyanine Frameworks
Minzhang Li, Wei Wang, Man Liang, Qingjie Yang, Yirong Wang, Lu Guo, Zixun Yu, Fuming Chen, Yuan Chen
Bimetallic Fe/Zn polyphthalocyanine frameworks enable highly efficient and selective electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia. When integrated into an electrocatalytic desalination device, this reaction facilitates rapid salt ion mass transfer, allowing the conversion of natural seawater into drinkable water and simultaneously converting nitrate contaminants into a useful chemical.
June 30, 2025
Hot Paper: Stable Yet Strongly Lewis-Acidic Anions Enabling Cooperative Catalysis with Cationic Transition-Metal Complexes
Ryo Mandai, Prof. Dr. Takanori Iwasaki, Prof. Dr. Kyoko Nozaki
A stable tetraarylborate anion, BBcat, possessing strong Lewis acidity was synthesized. BBcat serves as a weakly coordinating counteranion for the cationic transition-metal complex, and its Ir complex exhibited up to 8.2-fold higher reaction rate than the common counteranion BArF in the hydrogen isotope exchange of 1,2-disubstituted arenes by cooperative catalysis of the cationic transition-metal complex and the Lewis-acidic counteranion.
June 29, 2025
Hot Paper: Three-Dimensional Porphyrin and Phthalocyanine-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks for Boosting Urea Oxidation
Dr. Guanyu Qiao, Dr. Bolun Wang, Ziyi Zhao, Hongde Yu, Jingyang Lin, Yunyu Guo, Jiahuan Wang, Dr. Lin Li, Thomas Heine, Prof. Donghai Mei, Prof. Enquan Jin
A series of three-dimensional (3D COFs) was developed with a cyt topology, facilitating the uniform dispersion and full exposure of distinct metal sites. The resulting TAPP-OFPc-COFs demonstrate exceptional electrocatalytic performance in urea oxidation. The Fe-Ni bimetallic sites synergistically ensure high efficiency and cycle stability.
June 29, 2025
VIP: Trigonal Planar Bis(carbene)Cu(I) Complexes Enable Divergent H2 Activation with H2O for Accelerated Olefin Hydrogenation
Dr. Evan A. Patrick, Prof. Dr. Shaama Mallikarjun Sharada, Anya Zoraster, Dr. Jeremy D. Erickson, Dr. David E. Ryan, Dr. R. Morris Bullock, Dr. Ba L. Tran
Trigonal planar naphthyridine-bis(carbene)Cu(I) alkyl, hydroxide, and ethoxide complexes promote a divergent mechanism of H2 activation for the rare catalytic hydrogenation of unactivated alkenes at mild conditions at copper.
June 29, 2025
VIP: Chiral Self-Sorting of Flexible Covalent Organic Pillars for Adaptive Molecular Recognition
Dr. Shengnan Gao, Min Zhang, Yimin Zhang, Dr. Congsen Wang, Prof. Andrew C.-H. Sue
Flexible covalent organic pillars (flex-COP-n) are adaptive nanotubular hosts formed via dynamic imine condensation. Their self-assembly displays an odd-even effect, yielding enantiomeric or meso duplexes. Host-guest studies reveal binding modes shaped by mutual deformation and geometric complementarity, underscoring their capacity for responsive molecular recognition.
June 29, 2025
Hot Paper: Sequential Reconstruction of Calicheamicin γ1I Iodo-Thiobenzoate by Selective Carrier Protein Trapping Reveals a Flavin-Dependent Iodinase
Dr. Fang Pang, Prof. Craig A. Townsend
Enzymatic synthesis of the iodo-thiobenzoate of calicheamicin γ1I was reconstituted in vitro from malonyl-CoA, involving the orsellinate biosynthesis by CalO5 and subsequent modifications by CalO6, CalO3, CalO2, and CalO1. A TEV site was introduced into CalO5, enabling the successful detection of the intermediate or product attached to the ACP domain through intact-protein mass spectrometric analysis.
June 29, 2025
Hot Paper: Enantioselective Nickel-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of α-Alkylidene Succinimides Enabled by Weak Noncovalent Interactions
Xinhong Cai, Yicong Luo, Dr. Jianzhong Chen, Prof. Dr. Wanbin Zhang
A positive correlation between weak noncovalent interactions and the activity of asymmetric hydrogenation was explored through both DFT calculations and experimental studies by modifying the protecting group of the substrate. Based on these findings, an Earth-abundant nickel catalytic system was developed for the asymmetric hydrogenation of α-alkylene succinimide, demonstrating superior efficiency (4000 S/C, substrate/catalyst) compared to rare metal catalysts (2000 S/C). This system delivered excellent results, achieving up to 99% enantiomeric excess (ee) and 99% yield.
June 29, 2025
Hot Paper: Synergistic Dual-Interface Engineering in Perovskite Solar Cells via Chloramine Hydrochloride Molecular Bridges
Feiyi Zhou, Xu Zhang, Runze Dai, Qingyue Guo, Dr. Yi Dong, Fanxiang Meng, Jun Wan, Zeyu Wang, Huajie Lyu, Prof. Chenghang Zheng, Prof. Qingquan He, Prof. Rui Wang, Prof. Peng Liu, Prof. Jun Pan, Prof. Xiang Gao
Here, 2-Chloroethylamine Hydrochloride (CEA), Bis(2-chloroethyl)amine Hydrochloride (BCEA), and Tris(2-Chloroethyl)Amine Hydrochloride (TCEA) act as bifunctional molecular bridges to simultaneously passivate defects at both SnO2 and perovskite interfaces while controlling crystallization. TCEA accelerates α-FAPbI3 formation, promotes grain size, and minimizes grain boundary defects. This improves electron extraction efficiency, prolongs hot-carrier cooling, and achieves a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.25%, with a PCE retention rate of 90% after 1000 h.
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IssueVolume 97, Issue 7Special Issue: Membrantechnik
July 2025Guest Editor(s):
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Membrantechnik
