Themed collection 2024 Materials Chemistry Frontiers HOT articles
Recent breakthroughs in non-conjugated polymers for thermally activated delayed fluorescent OLEDs: emitters, hosts, and hole-transport materials
Non-conjugated linkers interrupt direct conjugation in the polymer backbone, providing enhanced solubility, blue TADF emitters, and high triplet energy host and hole transport materials.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00720D
Multiscale engineering of anode catalyst layers in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers
This review focuses on the recent progress in improving the performance of PEMWEs by cross-scale optimization of the anode catalytic layer.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2025,9, 30-44
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00842A
A review on the active sites for titanium species in zeolites: coordination structure, synthetic strategies and activity
This review provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary advances in titanosilicate zeolites. The regulatory strategies, detection methods, and catalytic properties of titanium species are comprehensively summarized.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2025,9, 8-29
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00759J
An overview of physical and chemical long-range phenomena governed by Friedel oscillations: a bridge between physics and chemistry
Mater. Chem. Front., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00766B
Piezoelectric catalysis for antibacterial applications
Piezoelectric materials can harness ambient mechanical energy to produce an electric field and initiate redox reactions, particularly, the production of reactive oxygen species that induce oxidative stress, damage cell membranes, and cause cell death.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00848K
Application and development of SERS technology in detection of VOC gases
This review summarizes the application of SERS technology in the detection of VOCs, including the development of SERS substrates, remote environmental monitoring and the analysis of exhaled breath gases.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00812J
Recent advances in stretchable hydrogel-based triboelectric nanogenerators for on-skin electronics
This review summarizes the properties of stretchable hydrogels and their optimization for TENGs in on-skin electronics, highlighting applications and addressing challenges related to durability and user comfort.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 4003-4028
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00784K
Hydrogen-bonded polymeric materials with high mechanical properties and high self-healing capacity
The methods for synergistically improving mechanical performance and self-healing ability of polymers based on hydrogen bonds were introduced and discussed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 3828-3858
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00472H
Chemical perspectives on heteroanionic compounds: a potential playground for multiferroics
This review briefly summarizes the chemical flexibility and physical properties of heteroanionic compounds and their potential applications as multiferroics.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 3674-3701
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00454J
Solution-processed structural colors and their applications
High-quality and brilliant structural colors have been successfully produced using solution-based process over the past decade.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 3474-3508
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01340E
A review on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and MOF–textile composites for personal protection
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have become a research hotspot for effective adsorption and degradation of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs).
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 3509-3527
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00358F
PEDOT-based counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells: rigid, flexible and indoor light applications
This review presents the importance and applications of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as a catalyst in dye-sensitized solar cell. Emphasis is on composite materials with better performances for rigid, flexible, and indoor uses.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 3413-3445
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00347K
Biomimetic mineralization: construction and biomedical applications of biohybrid materials
Construction of biomineralized biohybrid materials and their biomedical applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 3383-3412
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00506F
Critical considerations of mRNA–LNP technology for CAR-T therapy: components, payloads and emerging horizons
The application and optimization of circRNA-LNP.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 3106-3135
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00479E
Recent advances in high-performance lithium-rich manganese-based materials for solid-state lithium batteries
The applications of high-performance LRMs in ASSBs can effectively overcome the low energy density and poor safety in the liquid batteries. Significant progresses are used to address challenges and promote the practical application of LRMs in ASSBs.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 3082-3105
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00513A
Recent progress in ladder-like polysilsesquioxane: synthesis and applications
This review highlights advancements in the synthesis, characterization, and applications of ladder-like polysilsesquioxane (LPSQ). Emphasizing its double-stranded structure, and superior properties, it shows LPSQ's role in hybrid materials.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2689-2726
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00197D
Single atom-decorated transition metal oxide nanomaterials for efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Recent advances in designing and preparing single atom-decorated transition metal oxide-based OER electrocatalysts are summarized in terms of synthetic methods and intrinsic nature to enhance the OER.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2627-2648
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00285G
Recent progress of poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based materials for thermoelectric applications
Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) shows great promising in thermoelectric field owing to its simple preparation, good stability and adjustable conductivity. Here the research progress of P3HT in thermoelectric field in recent years is reviewed.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2454-2492
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00213J
Heterojunction catalysts for CO2–HCOOX interconversion cycles
This review summarizes recent advances in heterojunction-type catalysts for CO2-HCOOX interconversion under different driving forces, focusing on rectifying effects at the interface and the potential for developing heterojunction-based catalysts for practical applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2300-2321
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00160E
Novel solution-processed 2D organic semiconductor crystals for high-performance OFETs
2D organic semiconductor crystals have the advantage of ultrathin thickness, long-range ordered molecular structures, the absence of grain boundaries, and low defect and impurity densities. They are of great significance for preparing high-performance OFET devices.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2227-2272
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01281F
Enhancing photocatalytic efficiency with hematite photoanodes: principles, properties, and strategies for surface, bulk, and interface charge transfer improvement
This review systematically explores various strategies aimed at enhancing charge transfer at different levels—bulk, surface, and interfaces of hematite. The examination encompasses diverse approaches, and assesses their impact on mitigating the identified issues.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2197-2226
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01100C
Optimization strategies for key interfaces of LLZO-based solid-state lithium metal batteries
This review focus on the key interfaces of LLZO-based solid-state lithium metal batteries. The main challenges and corresponding strategies for interface optimization are thoroughly covered.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2109-2134
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01111A
Emerging transmission electron microscopy solutions for electrocatalysts: from synthesis to deactivation
Emerging TEM techniques are reviewed to address challenges in three stages of electrocatalysts from synthesis, function to deactivation, offering solutions for structural characterization for different needs.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2078-2108
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01062G
Stimuli-responsive Ti3C2Tx MXene-based hydrogels: preparation and applications
MXene-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels have emerged as a new class of smart soft materials and have shown great potential in various applications such as sensing, biomedicine, actuators and energy-related applications.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2056-2077
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2QM01195F
Recent advances in all-solid-state batteries for commercialization
Challenges in the commercialization of all solid-state and next-generation batteries including strategies, key points, and application of solid-state batteries.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1861-1887
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01171B
Tandem solar cells based on quantum dots
We provide a comprehensive review of the latest research progress and challenges associated with various tandem solar cells based on lead chalcogenide (PbX, X = S, Se) quantum dot (QD) materials (including QD/QD, organic/QD, and perovskite/QD).
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1792-1807
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01087B
Toward mechanically robust self-healing polyurethanes using dynamics chemistry
Recent advances in the design strategy, healing mechanism, and potential applications of mechanically robust self-healing PU elastomers.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1767-1791
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01251D
Recent advances in highly-efficient near infrared OLED emitters
This work describes recent developments in near-infrared (NIR) organic light-emitting diode (OLED) emitters. We discuss applications of NIR OLEDs as well as various groups of highly luminescent materials used in the OLED emissive layer.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1731-1766
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01067H
Nanozyme-enhanced ferroptosis for cancer treatment
Nanozymes could mimic the catalytic activity of natural enzymes, then stimulate the Fenton reaction for reactive oxygen species overproduction and lipid peroxidation, ultimately induce ferroptosis to exert anticancer effects.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1685-1702
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01202F
Applications of amorphous inorganics as novel functional materials
Amorphous inorganics have attracted much attention because of their long-range disordered structure with advantageous functional properties.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1703-1730
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01263H
Recent progress on covalent organic frameworks for photocatalytic hydrogen generation via water splitting
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with permanent porosity, long-range order and rigid backbones offer a promising material platform for photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1513-1535
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM00965C
Solid-state composite electrolytes: turning the natural moat into a thoroughfare
Solid-state composite electrolytes bridge the gap between solid-state polymer electrolytes and solid-state inorganic electrolytes, which play an important role in developing the expected solid-state Li-ion batteries.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1250-1281
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM00840A
Mechanism and solutions of lithium dendrite growth in lithium metal batteries
Inhibiting lithium dendrite is a big challenge for developing lithium metal batteries. The work reviews possible mechanisms of lithium dendrite growth, discuses effective strategies for inhibiting lithium dendrites and proposes future direction.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1282-1299
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01151H
Constructing vertically aligned ZIF-67 microrod arrays on carbon cloth with commercial-level mass-loading for high-performance supercapacitors
A solution immersion method is developed to construct ZIF-67 microrod arrays on CC with commercial-level mass-loading, which offers a superior capacitive performance.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00818A
Structural modulation of NH4V4O10 cathode materials for low-temperature zinc-ion energy-storage devices
Oxygen defects are introduced into the lattice of NH4V4O10 nanobelts by adding thiourea towards high-capacity Zn//NHVO-Od-1 batteries at low temperature.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00890A
Near-infrared II photochromic behavior triggered by green light in an in situ protonated dithienylethene functionalized by quinoxalinone moieties
A novel quinoxalinone-functionalized A–D–A type DTE is developed. Its protonated derivative displays an unprecedented green light-triggered NIR II photochromism in the presence of TFA, which is the first case of NIR II photochromic DTE.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00719K
Influence of CeO2 support morphology on the structural and NO2−RR performance of CeO2@Au catalyst
The impact of different CeO2 support morphology on the surface structure of CeO2@Au catalyst, and its performance in the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite to ammonia was investigated systematically.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00798K
Dissociating high concentration lithium salts in LLZTO-based high dielectric polymer electrolytes for low temperature Li metal batteries
A new composite electrolyte, combined with rigid fillers and high dielectric polymers, promotes the dissociation of lithium salts and the construction of multiple Li+ paths, improving Li metal batteries performances at room and low temperatures.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 3569-3576
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00625A
Composition regulation of Ni-BDC MOF architecture to enhance electrocatalytic urea oxidation in alkaline solution
Tri-metallic NiMnCo MOF on nickel foam exhibits superior electrochemical activity for urea oxidation and delivers 500 mA cm−2 current density at a low potential of 1.41 V vs. RHE.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 3272-3279
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00550C
Boosting alkaline water splitting efficiency: NiOOH–MnOOH heterojunctions via in situ anodic oxidation
The facile electrodeposition and in situ anodic oxidation methods yield NiOOH–MnOOH heterojunctions on nickel foam, which exhibit exceptional electrocatalytic performance in alkaline media.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 3290-3299
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00512K
Interlayer ionic diffusion driven in situ QD-deposition in the Co9S8–LDH hybrid supercapacitor electrode
QDs-Co9S8/CoNi-LDH was assembled by selective sulfurization derived from 2D MOF with the loading of Co9S8 quantum dots into layered double hydroxides. The constructed hybrid supercapacitor shown energy density of 33.3 Wh kg−1 at 820.0 W kg−1.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 3280-3289
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00462K
Highly selective separation of toluene and methylcyclohexane based on nonporous adaptive crystals of hybrid[3]arene
A new strategy for separating toluene (Tol) and methylcyclohexane (MCH) in both vapor and liquid phases has been developed using nonporous adaptive crystals of hybrid[3]arene H (Hα).
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 3150-3156
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00590B
A cubic Cu2O@Ag bioprobe for label-free SERS classification of hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma
In this study, a cubic Cu2O@Ag core–shell substrate for label-free SERS was constructed and machine-learning-assisted linear discriminant analysis was used for identification of hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2978-2988
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00532E
Synergistically enhancing interface stability with soft gel and garnet-type Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 bi-functional composite electrolyte of lithium metal batteries
Solid electrolytes are expected to fundamentally replace liquid electrolytes due to their high safety and energy density.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2428-2438
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00182F
Conformation-determined emission enhancement of phenothiazine derivatives under high pressure
Under high pressure, PTZ-DP-F with ax-conformation exhibited rarely pressure-induced emission enhancement, while eq-conformation showed quenched emission, revealing that molecular conformation significantly influences their photophysical properties.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2420-2427
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QM00110A
Efficient separation of xylene isomers by nonporous adaptive crystals of hybrid[3]arene in both vapor and liquid phases
An efficient strategy for separation of xylene isomers in both vapor and liquid phases based on nonporous adaptive crystals of hybrid[3]arene is developed, showing good performance and high recyclability for separation of o-xylene, providing a new method for separation of xylene isomers.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2273-2281
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01231J
Photoinduced electron transfer endows fluorogenicity in tetrazine-based near-infrared labels
We rationalized the predominance of photoinduced electron transfer in quenching the fluorescence of tetrazine-based near-infrared fluorogenic labels.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 2135-2141
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01217D
Robust imidazole-linked Ni-phthalocyanine-based covalent-organic framework for CO2 electroreduction in the full pH range
Ni-phthalocyanine-based covalent-organic framework linked by imidazole group exhibits brilliant stability and high activity of CO2 electroreduction reaction with over 90% CO Faradic efficiency in full pH range.
Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1611-1618
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QM01190A
About this collection
Read our on-going collection of the hottest research published as advance article from Materials Chemistry Frontiers in 2024. These articles are recommended by reviewers as being of significant novelty and interest. Congratulations to all the authors whose articles are featured!