Themed collection Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers Emerging Investigator Series 2022–2023

28 items
Profile

Contributors to the Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers Emerging Investigator Series 2022–2023

This profile article showcases researchers who have contributed an article to the Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers Emerging Investigator Series.

Graphical abstract: Contributors to the Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers Emerging Investigator Series 2022–2023
Review Article

Recent progress in the development of tin tungstate (α-SnWO4) photoanodes for solar water oxidation

Tin tungstate is an emerging complex oxide photoelectrode for solar water splitting. Here, recent developments in the material are thoroughly reviewed, summarizing its properties, different syntheses, limitations, modification strategies and outlook.

Graphical abstract: Recent progress in the development of tin tungstate (α-SnWO4) photoanodes for solar water oxidation
Review Article

Current progress in metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives for electrocatalytic water splitting

For electrocatalytic water splitting, MOFs can be optimized through structural modification, plane design and synergetic composite systems, and the annealing process further expands the types of MOF-based electrocatalytic materials.

Graphical abstract: Current progress in metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives for electrocatalytic water splitting
Review Article

Recent progress and prospects of rare earth elements for advanced aqueous zinc batteries

We analyze the unique roles played by rare earth elements from the three perspectives of cathode, anode and electrolyte. We summarize their potential applications and rational optimization strategies towards electrodes, separators and electrolytes.

Graphical abstract: Recent progress and prospects of rare earth elements for advanced aqueous zinc batteries
Review Article

Recent advances and strategies of electrocatalysts for large current density industrial hydrogen evolution reaction

The urgent demand for sustainable energy resources has boosted research into highly efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

Graphical abstract: Recent advances and strategies of electrocatalysts for large current density industrial hydrogen evolution reaction
Review Article

N-heterocyclic carbene-ligated metal complexes and clusters for photocatalytic CO2 reduction

N-heterocyclic carbenes are structurally versatile ligands, which have strong σ-donor properties to form covalent bonds with metal centers. This frontier article provides a review on active NHC-stabilized metal complexes and clusters for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Graphical abstract: N-heterocyclic carbene-ligated metal complexes and clusters for photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Open Access Research Article

Two solvent-dependent Al16 nanorings: design, synthesis and nonlinear optical limiting behavior

Presented herein is a study focusing on the effect of organic shell ligands on the configuration of the ring structure with the same nuclearity, and their photo-related applications, such as fluorescence and third-order nonlinear response.

Graphical abstract: Two solvent-dependent Al16 nanorings: design, synthesis and nonlinear optical limiting behavior
Research Article

Divergent methods for polyester and polycarbonate depolymerization with a cobalt catalyst

Catalytic methods for the cyclodepolymerization and solvolysis of polyesters and polycarbonates have been realized with a molecular cobalt catalyst. Nascent strategies to modify these methods for use in mixed plastic waste streams are identified.

Graphical abstract: Divergent methods for polyester and polycarbonate depolymerization with a cobalt catalyst
Research Article

Maximizing the catalytic performance of FER zeolite in the methanol-to-hydrocarbon process by manipulating the crystal size and constructing a bifunctional system

An unprecedented catalyst lifespan was accomplished with a preferential selectivity for C4–C7 hydrocarbons by combining Y2O3 with a unique flake-shaped FER zeolite with optimized physicochemical properties.

Graphical abstract: Maximizing the catalytic performance of FER zeolite in the methanol-to-hydrocarbon process by manipulating the crystal size and constructing a bifunctional system
Research Article

Synthesis and reactivity of a uranium(IV) complex supported by a monoanionic nitrogen–phosphorus ligand

A monoanionic N–P ligand L3 with a pendant dimethylamino group was designed. Species with multiple U–C bonds—a rare example of a metallafluorene containing an actinide element—and clusters with multiple U–M bonds were isolated.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis and reactivity of a uranium(iv) complex supported by a monoanionic nitrogen–phosphorus ligand
Research Article

From unprecedented 2,2′-bisimidazole-bridged rare earth organometallics to magnetic hysteresis in the dysprosium congener

A new series of bisimidazole-bridged rare earth metallocene complexes, [(Cp*2RE)2[μ-bim] (RE = Y, Gd, and Dy), was isolated and studied by crystallography, magnetometry, spectroscopy, and computations. The Dy congener is a single-molecule magnet.

Graphical abstract: From unprecedented 2,2′-bisimidazole-bridged rare earth organometallics to magnetic hysteresis in the dysprosium congener
Research Article

Spatial separation of photogenerated charges on the anisotropic facets of cuprous oxide

Anisotropic facet engineering is an intriguing way to regulate the charge-separation behavior on a semiconductor photocatalyst.

Graphical abstract: Spatial separation of photogenerated charges on the anisotropic facets of cuprous oxide
Research Article

Accelerated rates of proton coupled electron transfer to oxygen deficient polyoxovanadate–alkoxide clusters

The rate of O-atom defect formation on a reduced POV-alkoxide via PCET is accelerated despite weakened surface O–H bonds. Increased electron density and terminal V[double bond, length as m-dash]O basicity break classical driving force/rate scaling relationships.

Graphical abstract: Accelerated rates of proton coupled electron transfer to oxygen deficient polyoxovanadate–alkoxide clusters
Research Article

P,N-type phosphaalkene-based Ir(I) complexes: synthesis, coordination chemistry, and catalytic applications

Iridium P,N phosphaalkene complexes show a rich coordination chemistry with unusual twofold C–H activation. The Ir(I) chloride complex can be applied for C–N coupling and alcohol upgrading reactions.

Graphical abstract: P,N-type phosphaalkene-based Ir(i) complexes: synthesis, coordination chemistry, and catalytic applications
Research Article

Pyridyl-containing graphdiyne stabilizes sub-2 nm ultrasmall copper nanoclusters for the electrochemical reduction of CO2

Pyridyl-containing graphdiyne provides well-defined sites for stabilizing sub-2 nm copper nanoclusters, which show an optimum CH4 faradaic efficiency of 58% in the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction.

Graphical abstract: Pyridyl-containing graphdiyne stabilizes sub-2 nm ultrasmall copper nanoclusters for the electrochemical reduction of CO2
Research Article

Topological control of metal–organic frameworks toward highly sensitive and selective detection of chromate and dichromate

A synthetic modulation approach has given rise to two topologically distinct thorium-based MOFs, whose polymorphism allows for elucidating how the structure of MOF, in isolation, influences the sensing efficacy of Cr(VI) oxyanions.

Graphical abstract: Topological control of metal–organic frameworks toward highly sensitive and selective detection of chromate and dichromate
Research Article

The tail of imidazole regulated the assembly of two robust sandwich-type polyoxotungstate-based open frameworks with efficient visible-white-light-driven catalytic oxidation of sulfides

The tail of imidazole regulated the assembly of fascinating 2D sql topology and 3D 2-fold interpenetrated lvt structure polyoxotungstate-based open frameworks with efficient visible-white-light-driven aerobic catalytic oxidation of sulfides.

Graphical abstract: The tail of imidazole regulated the assembly of two robust sandwich-type polyoxotungstate-based open frameworks with efficient visible-white-light-driven catalytic oxidation of sulfides
Research Article

Unveiling the nucleation and evolution of twinned intermetallic nanocrystals for CO-tolerant selective hydrogenation

The nucleation and dynamic evolution of twinned intermetallic nanocrystals are critical for regulating the interface structures and modulating the CO tolerant hydrogenation.

Graphical abstract: Unveiling the nucleation and evolution of twinned intermetallic nanocrystals for CO-tolerant selective hydrogenation
Research Article

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction by a Ni(N2O2) complex based on 2,2′-bipyridine

A Ni complex containing a N2O2 ligand is active for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Mechanistic studies suggest the formation of hydrogen-bonded adducts facilitates hydride formation and near barrierless hydride protonation.

Graphical abstract: Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction by a Ni(N2O2) complex based on 2,2′-bipyridine
Research Article

Cation modified Fe–N–C catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate in solutions of low ionic strength

Cationic sites fixed on an Fe–N–C catalyst modulate the electric field in the double layer and facilitate electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia in solutions of ionic strength comparable to that of actual river water.

Graphical abstract: Cation modified Fe–N–C catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate in solutions of low ionic strength
Research Article

A ferrocene-containing analogue of the MCU inhibitor Ru265 with increased cell permeability

An analogue of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) inhibitor Ru265 containing axial ferrocenecarboxylate ligands is reported. This new complex exhibits enhanced cellular uptake compared to the parent compound Ru265.

Graphical abstract: A ferrocene-containing analogue of the MCU inhibitor Ru265 with increased cell permeability
Research Article

Giant thermal expansion associated with a macroscopic polarization change in a single crystal of a Zn(II) complex

A crystal of Zn(II) complex shows temperature-dependent 10% contraction/expansion and a continuous pyroelectric current corresponding to a scissor motion of molecules.

Graphical abstract: Giant thermal expansion associated with a macroscopic polarization change in a single crystal of a Zn(ii) complex
Research Article

Rational design of an organic–inorganic hybrid with Schiff base cations for an efficient quadratic nonlinear optical switch

By introducing conjugated aromatic Schiff base cations, we successfully obtained a novel organic–inorganic solid-state quadratic nonlinear optical switching material with a high operating temperature.

Graphical abstract: Rational design of an organic–inorganic hybrid with Schiff base cations for an efficient quadratic nonlinear optical switch
Research Article

Electrocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide enabled by post-synthetic modification of a self-assembled porphyrin cube

A self-assembled porphyrin cube can be metalated/transmetalated to contain fourteen cobalt ions in two different environments. The Co(II) metalloporphyrin sites are electrocatalytically active to selectively generate hydrogen peroxide from oxygen.

Graphical abstract: Electrocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide enabled by post-synthetic modification of a self-assembled porphyrin cube
Research Article

Enhancing photoluminescence efficiency of atomically precise copper(I) nanoclusters through a solvent-induced structural transformation

Atomically precise alkynyl-protected copper(I) nanoclusters (CuNCs) have been prepared, and they exhibit high phosphorescence quantum yield, short lifetime, and fast radiative decay rate, which are rarely observed in atomically precise CuNCs.

Graphical abstract: Enhancing photoluminescence efficiency of atomically precise copper(i) nanoclusters through a solvent-induced structural transformation
Research Article

A new boron cluster anion pillared metal organic framework with ligand inclusion and its selective acetylene capture properties

A novel microporous boron cluster pillared metal–organic framework BSF-10 was synthesized with ligand inclusion for efficient C2H2/CO2 and C2H2/C2H4 adsorption separation.

Graphical abstract: A new boron cluster anion pillared metal organic framework with ligand inclusion and its selective acetylene capture properties
Research Article

“Breathing” organic cation to stabilize multiple structures in low-dimensional Ge-, Sn-, and Pb-based hybrid iodide perovskites

By using S-(2-aminoethyl)isothiouronium (ETU) as the templating cation, five new metal iodide hybrids, (ETU)GeI4, (ETU)4Ge5I18, (ETU)PbI4 and (ETU)3Pb2I10 are reported with varied C–S–C angles in the organic cation.

Graphical abstract: “Breathing” organic cation to stabilize multiple structures in low-dimensional Ge-, Sn-, and Pb-based hybrid iodide perovskites
Research Article

The exploration of new infrared nonlinear optical crystals based on the polymorphism of BaGa4S7

Two new polymorphism of BaGa4S7 was successfully discovered and synthesized. Among them, β-BaGa4S7 exhibits the best balance among a large phase-matching SHG response and a wide band gap, as well as the stable physicochemical property.

Graphical abstract: The exploration of new infrared nonlinear optical crystals based on the polymorphism of BaGa4S7
28 items

About this collection

Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers is pleased to publish this Emerging Investigator Series to highlight early-career scientists and their excellent research at the forefront of inorganic chemistry.

Scientists featured in the collection are recognized for the high novelty of their research, their outstanding contributions made during independent career stages, as well as the potential to influence chemistry in future.

More details about the Emerging Investigator Series can be found below, including details on how to apply for considerations. This collection will be updated when new Emerging Investigator Series papers are published – so keep checking this page and watch the collection grow!

Check out the call for papers by Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers, Organic Chemistry Frontiers and Materials Chemistry Frontiers.

Read below the author profiles to know more about the emerging investigators.

Justin J. Wilson

Lingling Mao

Hongwei Yu

Yuanbin Zhang

Jian Lin

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