Polymer power: Polymer donors have shown remarkable photovoltaic performance in non-fullerene organic solar cells (OSCs). The molecular design strategies are analyzed in terms of developing suitable polymer donors for non-fullerene acceptors to further improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of non-fullerene organic solar cells.

Evolution revolution: In the past, incorporating artificial cofactors into proteins hampered high-throughput approaches for the directed evolution of biohybrid catalysts. This Minireview provides an overview of the challenges, approaches, and success stories in the directed evolution of biohybrid catalysts and their transformation into highly specialized and enantioselective artificial metalloenzymes.

Flexible perovskite solar cells have attracted significant attention owing to their promising potential in practical applications. This Review discusses the prerequisite conditions for flexible perovskite solar cells, provides an outlook of flexible perovskite devices in portable electronic products, and estimates their production cost by roll-to-roll vacuum deposition for commercialization.

Making split happen: Strategies to regulate electronic structures of materials to optimize their electrocatalytic activities in water splitting are summarized in this Review. The structure–electronic-behavior–activity relationships are highlighted as well as current challenges on understanding the electronic behaviors.

Like CODH: Urea groups at an iron porphyrin catalyst give multipoint hydrogen-bonding stabilization resembling that found in the CO₂ adduct of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH). The catalyst gave improved CO₂ reduction to CO. Entrapped water molecules within the molecular clefts were found to be the source of protons for the CO₂ reduction.

Cores and effect: A so-called “ion-induction” method gives a unique gold nanocluster with a twist mirror symmetry structure. The as-synthesized nanocluster has the same composition but a different packing of the core kernel atoms (fcc vs. non-fcc) with an existing gold nanocluster Au₄₂(TBBT)₂₆ (TBBT=4-tert-butylbenzenethiolate), and shows photoluminescence that is dependent on the kernel-atom packing.

Machine learning can predict the major regio-, site-, and diastereoselective outcomes of Diels–Alder reactions better than standard quantum-mechanical methods (accuracies exceeding 90 %) provided that 1) the diene/dienophile substrates are represented by “physical-organic” descriptors reflecting the electronic and steric characteristics of their substituents and 2) the positions of such substituents relative to the reaction core are encoded (“vectorized”) in an informative way.

Reaction networks do not like high frequencies: Similar to electronic systems that can tune to and process signals of select frequencies, systems/networks of chemical reactions “propagate” oscillatory concentration inputs in a frequency-dependent manner. In particular, simulations in the Kinetix software reveal that for diverse system architectures oscillations are transmitted only up to a certain threshold value and are dampened for higher frequencies.

α-Gal–antibody (Ab) conjugates have been developed that can dramatically increase cellular cytotoxicity by recruiting natural Abs through the interaction between α-gal and anti-gal Abs. The potency of the α-gal–Ab conjugates increased with the amount of α-gal conjugated to the Ab. The method developed here will enable the re-development of Abs to improve their potency.

Shedding light on G-protein-coupled receptor activation: VUF15000 is a photoswitchable histamine H₃ receptor agonist showing full G_i protein activation in both its trans and cis isomer. Moreover, it shows dynamic optical H₃ receptor modulation in electrophysiology experiments. VUF15000 can serve as a valuable photochromic tool compound for unraveling the H₃ receptor signaling cascade with spatiotemporal precision.

Beacons lit by molecular motion: Intermolecular forces drive the formation of π-π interactions even in the solid state. Shear forces/scratching disrupt the interactions, turning on emission. The quenched π-π-interactions quickly reform even in a film, allowing the visualization of the molecular motions. Theoretical calculations show that the formation of π-interactions is highly favorable and driving this motion.

Multimodal single-cell imaging platform: A near-field desorption mass spectrometer has been developed for simultaneously acquiring nanoscale chemical and topographical information of single cells. The improved lateral resolution and detection sensitivity allow for more in-depth cellular information to be obtained than is possible with current microscale laser-based mass spectrometry imaging methods.

Triple action: An HOCl-responsive platform has been developed that integrates detection, imaging, and therapeutic functions. The probes derived from this platform can detect HOCl by using NIR emission in vitro and in vivo with high sensitivity and selectivity. Additionally, they rapidly release amino- or carboxy-containing compounds from prodrugs, during HOCl detection and imaging, to realize a therapeutic effect.

An expedient SuFEx trifluoromethylation of sulfonyl fluorides and iminosulfur oxyfluorides is described. The efficient S−F exchange with TMSCF₃ is initiated by sub-stoichiometric quantities of bifluoride ion [FHF]⁻ in anhydrous DMSO. The selective anticancer properties of previously inaccessible bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfur oxyimines are also demonstrated.

Multitasking: A multi-signal fluorescent probe was exploited for simultaneously differentiating between and sensing of endogenous homocysteine, cysteine, glutathione, and their transformation in living cells.

Directed CueO evolution via electrochemical screening found that the substitutions at the second sphere of T1 Cu led to a dramatic overpotential decrease of 0.12 V, making CueO competitive to fungal laccases and applicable in enzymatic biofuel cells.

One stone, two birds: In a novel bifunctional electrocatalytic reaction, the catalytic dehydrochlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane occurs at the cathode simultaneously with the oxidative chlorination of a (hetero)arene at the anode. The HCl released at the cathode serves as the chloride source at the anode.

Dissolution/precipitation equilibrium: By coupling electrochemical measurements with iridium dissolution studies, it is shown that the deposition of an IrO_x layer on the surface of Ir^V-based perovskites is responsible for their OER activity. The iridium Pourbaix diagram is reconstructed to help guide future research in controlling the dissolution/precipitation equilibrium of iridium species for the design of better Ir-based OER catalysts.

Get the MAX: A series of MAX phases (M=transition metals, A=main group elements, and X=C/N) with outstanding elastic properties, named 321 phases, is added to the family of MAX phases. 321 phases share common symmetry and constituent units with the conventional M_n+1AX_n phases. 321 phases are the first series of MAX phases that can be expressed as M_n+1A_nX with n>1.

Class act: The synthesis and aqueous self-assembly of a new class of amphiphilic aliphatic polyesters are presented. They self-assemble into biodegradable polymersomes capable of entering cells. Their degradation products are bioactive, giving rise to differentiated cellular responses inducing stromal cell proliferation and macrophage apoptosis. Both effects emerge only when the copolymers enter cells as polymersomes.

Finding the right number: 3D ordered close-packed g-C₃N₄ nanosphere arrays are constructed by a two-step nanocasting method. Through a precise control of the average nanosphere stacking layer number in the arrays, a stacking-layer-number dependence of water adsorption is revealed, which subsequently leads to a remarkably improved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution on the optimized sample.

A radical approach: A photoelectrochemical method has been developed for the C−H alkylation of heteroarenes with organotrifluoroborates under oxidant-free conditions. A variety of heteroarenes can be functionalized with primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl groups with excellent regio- and chemoselectivity.

BINOLs are valuable building blocks, chiral ligands, and catalysts that are effective across a remarkable range of different chemical transformations. Here an ammonium salt catalyzed kinetic resolution of racemic BINOLs with benzyl tosylate is demonstrated. This is a scalable and practical process that can be applied across >30 different C₂- and non-C₂-symmetric BINOLs.

Electro- and solar-driven CO₂ utilization: Reversible electrocatalysis with formate dehydrogenase on porous metal oxides is established. A self-assembled colloidal system containing formate dehydrogenase immobilized on dye-sensitized TiO₂ provides a benchmark for the selective reduction of CO₂ to formate in aqueous solution.

Each one an individual! The electrochemistry of a series of LiMn₂O₄ battery cathode materials is investigated at the single particle level. A wide variety of distinctive characteristics are revealed that can be assigned to the structure and morphology of the same particle as observed by microscopy.

An unprecedented arylboration of unactivated terminal alkenes, featuring 1,n-regioselectivity (n>2), has been achieved by nickel catalysis. An array of valuable alkylboronic esters are prepared with this method. Mechanism studies indicate that a nickel migration and a selective bond-formation step are involved in this reaction.

All that glitters: Gold particles can significantly boost interfacial oxygen spillover at the gold/yttria-stabilized zirconia interface of the anode in a solid oxide electrolysis cell. This type of anode shows excellent performance in the oxygen evolution reaction at high temperatures.

A battery electrode of pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraone is used as a solid-state proton buffer to separate the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) during acidic water electrolysis in space and time, providing a flexible and membrane-free architecture for electrochemical water splitting.

A stable multifunctional catalyst composed of CoMn oxides and CuZnAlZr oxides was developed for direct conversion of syngas to higher oxygenates and olefins with a total selectivity of 80.6 wt % at a CO conversion of 29.0 %. The interaction manner of the two components plays a crucial role in suppressing C₁ products formation and enhancing the selectivity to higher oxygenates.

Reaching new depths: Polymer–peptide conjugates (PPCs) designed to undergo an acid-induced increase in hydrophobicity with a narrow pH-response range (from pH 7.4 to 6.5) underwent in vivo self-assembly in the tumor microenvironment (see picture). The PPCs in single-chain form can penetrate deeply into the tumor and self-assemble into nanoaggregates at molecular concentrations around the IC₅₀ values of the PPCs for enhanced cancer therapy.

Blocking both avenues: A triphenylphosphonium-modified terpyridine platinum(II) complex (see structure) exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against human ovarian cancer cells and showed strong inhibitory effects on both mitochondrial and glycolytic metabolisms. The morphology and function of mitochondria were severely damaged and the levels of mitochondrial and cellular reactive oxygen species decreased, thus inducing the cells to enter a hypometabolic state.

Efficient electrochemical water splitting is achieved by hydrothermal deposition of a bifunctional mixed metal oxide electrocatalyst on copper foam electrodes. Individual metal oxide components are chosen for catalytic activity, electrical conductivity, and structural/chemical stability. The modular synthesis based on molecular precursors could lead to a new class of multifunctional catalysts for challenging energy conversion and storage reactions.

Get the MOP: The concept of reticular chemistry is used for the design of metal–organic polyhedra (MOPs) leading to a sequence of theoretically expected and experimentally characterized 3-coordinated, 4-coordinated and 5-coordinated MOPs based on polyoxovanadate building blocks that all obey the minimal transitivity (simplest possible) principle.

A mean machine: A deoxyribozyme-based DNA nanomachine (DNA machine) was developed to bind a fragment of a housekeeping gene mRNA using arms 1–4 and cleave it only in the presence of the cancer marker N-Myc (see picture). The DNA machine was equipped with RNA-binding functions for efficient unwinding of folded RNA and can be seen as an initial step towards the development of anticancer gene-therapy agents based on multifunctional DNA associations.

Organelle-specific BODIPY photocages: A general platform for the synthesis of BODIPY photocages suitable for the visible-light-mediated release of bioactive molecules in specific pre-designated organelles is presented.

B,B bicycles: A series of C₂-symmetric spiro-bicyclic bisboranes has been prepared. These bisboranes demonstrate highly effective and selective asymmetric hydrogenation of quinolines. The exceedingly broad functional-group tolerance allows access to various enantioenriched and functionalized tetrahydroquinilines, which are inaccessible by previous methods using either borane or transition-metal catalysts.

High-density atomic Ir supported on α-Co(OH)₂ had outstanding performance for CO₂ reduction to CO. The faradaic efficiency can reach 97.6 % with a TOF of 38 290 h⁻¹. The high catalytic activity is attributed to more active sites for CO₂ adsorption and activation and the higher efficiency in stabilizing the CO₂^.− intermediate.

Shedding light on depression: A novel two-photon fluorescent probe was developed for imaging ^.OH in living cells and in vivo. The probe was successfully used to trace ^.OH levels in the brains of mice with depression phenotypes for the first time.

Co-based MOF nanorods have been doped with CoP species through controlled partial phosphorization to promote electron transfer from CoP to Co-MOF and achieve the optimal free energy of hydrogen adsorption. The resulting CoP/Co-MOF hybrid exhibits extraordinary performance toward HER including pH-universal Pt-like activity and high stability.

The ternary nitridophosphates MP₈N₁₄ (M=Fe, Co, Ni) were prepared by high-pressure metathesis. Transition metal nitridophosphates are a new class of materials consisting of earth-abundant elements. Magnetic and optical properties of these compounds were studied for the first time.

The first selective carbonylation of gem-difluoroalkenes was developed, providing a general approach to a variety of synthetically useful difluoromethylated esters in high yields and excellent regioselectivities.

Centered on Si: A Rh-catalyzed reaction of silacyclobutanes (SCBs) with unactivated alkynes has been developed to form silacyclohexenes with high chemoselectivities. The approach tolerates a range of functionalities on the alkynes and silicon. Good enantioselectivities (e.r. up to 91.9) at the stereogenic silicon center were achieved using a newly synthesized chiral phosphoramidite ligand.

Combining electrochemical oxidation with Cu catalysis leads to efficient formal aza-Wacker cyclizations of alkenes. A wide range of 5-membered N-heterocycles including oxazolidinone, imidazolidinone, thiazolidinone, pyrrolidinone, and isoindolinone can be prepared under mild conditions.

Dynamic duo: Racemic α-allyl aldehydes undergo stereoconvergent hydroacylation to generate α,γ-disubstituted cyclopentanones with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities. In this dynamic kinetic resolution, a primary amine catalyst racemizes the aldehyde substrate via enamine formation and hydrolysis while a rhodium catalyst promotes cyclization.

Switch it: The use of metal-butadienyl species in a cycloaddition is exemplified by the first Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allenylic [4+1] cycloaddition. Notably, tuning the Pd catalysts switched the reactivity toward an unprecedented [4+3] cycloaddition/cross-coupling. These reactions lead to diverse and valuable carbocycles and heterocycles, and also provide a straightforward synthesis to [3]dendralenes.

Locking a labile atropisomer: The biindolyl (R,R)-2 consists of diastereomeric atropisomers, which interconvert on the NMR timescale at +30 °C but not at −10 °C. (R,R)-2 was dibrominated providing the biindolyls 1 (M)- or (P)-selectively, depending on the achiral reagent. The two dibromides were elaborated into atropisomerically pure biindolyldiphosphanes, which induced higher ee values than BINAP in some Ru-catalyzed β-ketoester hydrogenations.

The dance of water: Water dynamics at the interface of intrinsically disordered proteins was studied on the femto- to nanosecond timescale by using a combination of advanced site-specific spectroscopic tools. The results offer new insight into the relationship between solvation dynamics and the binding mechanism of proteins of central relevance to nuclear transport.

Particularly radical: Radical core–shell nanoparticles can be synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization-induced self-assembly (ROMPISA). The radical nanoparticles exhibited high chemoselectivity, catalytic, and recycling capacity in oxidation reactions, and biocompatibility and antioxidant activity in vitro.

To match or not to match: Detailed self-assembly studies of a series of C₂- and C₃-symmetrical π-systems that differ in the amide connectivity (N- vs. C-centered) were used to examine the reciprocal impact of H-bonding and preorganization on the evolution of self-assembled structures.

A molecule counter, added at the channel exit of a bacterial cell membrane pore creates an additional energy barrier to quantify molecules that permeate. The efficiency with charged peptides was tested. In a second series the antibiotic norfloxacin was tested. Introducing the partial channel blocker allows to distinguish binding from translocation for a broad range of molecules.