Themed collection 2024 Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers Review-type Articles
Molecular guest-shuttling: transitioning from thread-based to threadless systems
The article highlights the synthesis of a much-needed tetraruthenium self-assembled metallabox which shows a remarkable thread-free translation motion of guest molecules inside it.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 6213-6217
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01699H
Developments and Perspectives of Transition Metal-Nitrogen-Carbon Catalysts with Regulated Coordination Environment for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction Performance
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI02430C
Ionic-liquid/metal–organic-framework composites: synthesis and emerging sustainable applications
This review represents the sustainable applications of ionic liquid/metal organic framework composites.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI02383H
Advances in nanoengineering of cathodes for next-generation solid oxide fuel cells
The progress of nanoengineering of electrodes fabricated by various methods for SOFCs operating at low and intermediate temperatures is reviewed. Future research directions on nanoengineering of cathodes for next-generation SOFCs are also provided.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 8164-8182
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI02451F
Strategic pathway selection for photocatalytic degradation: roles of holes and radicals
As global resources become scarce and environmental issues become increasingly severe, developing photocatalytic technology for efficiently and cleanly degrading pollutants has become a research trend.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 8183-8211
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01635A
Naphthalene diimide-based crystalline hybrid photochromic materials: structural types, photochromic mechanism, and applications
This review summarizes recent advances in naphthalene diimide-based crystalline hybrid photochromic materials, including the different structures types, photochromic mechanism and their applications in this field.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI02653E
Surface oxygen chemistry of metal oxide semiconductors for gas-sensing applications
This review summarizes characterization techniques, modification methods and recent mechanistic (oxygen participation roles) observations for metal–oxide semiconductor-based gas sensor materials and future prospects for advancing sensor technology.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI02385D
The use of single metal atoms-based photocatalysts for the production of ammonia through photocatalytic nitrogen fixation
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI02449D
Lithium extraction by metal–organic frameworks
Lithium extraction attracts great attention due to the rising demand for batteries, but faces challenges related to low natural abundance and environmental concerns. MOFs show promise in lithium extraction, benefitting from customizable structures.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI02228A
Critical metal recovery from spent lithium-ion batteries’ leaching solution using electrodialysis technologies: strategies and challenges
This review overviews the recent advances in electrodialysis (ED) in extracting critical metals from spent battery leachate. In addition, strategies and challenges regarding ED techniques toward battery recycling are pointed out.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 7775-7792
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01978D
Active molecular units in metal organic frameworks for artificial photosynthesis
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) integrate photoactive and catalytic entities within a 3D structure. This review classifies photocatalytic MOFs by photosensitizer and catalyst localization and their roles in artificial photosynthesis.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 7682-7755
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01363H
Research progress in optical materials with cationic organic planar π-conjugated groups containing CN bonds
The calculated polarizability anisotropy, hyperpolarizability and HOMO–LUMO gap of optically active groups.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 7756-7774
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI02232G
Recent advances in carboxylate-based indium(III)–organic frameworks
A comprehensive review of the preparation strategies, structures and applications of In-MOFs in the last eight years is presented. Moreover, future development trends are highlighted.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 7256-7295
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI02014F
Emerging applications of perovskite oxides in electrochemical reduction of carcinogenic nitrate to ammonia: a recent review
The electrochemical conversion of carcinogenic nitrate to ammonia (turning waste into wealth) using perovskite oxide-based catalysts aims to create a globally sustainable environment.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 7204-7237
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01638F
Targeting protein aggregation: the promising application of polyoxometalates in neurodegenerative diseases
Recent progress in the therapeutic applications of polyoxometalates (POMs) to target protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) is reviewed.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 7238-7255
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01945H
Tuning photoluminescence properties of Au clusters by surface modification and doping: lessons from case studies of icosahedral Au13
This review article focuses on the ubiquitous icosahedral Au13 core protected by organic ligands as a benchmark and derives empirical rules for tuning and enhancing photoluminescence properties through surface modification and heterometal doping.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 6694-6710
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01773K
Progress and perspectives on the development of inorganic nanofibres/nanowires for functional electrolytes of solid-state lithium metal batteries
The review provides detailed mechanism analysis and design strategies of ion transport, high-valtage stability and anode protection of inorganic nanofibers/nanowires for electrolytes, which will be widely used in solid-state lithium metal batteries.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 6753-6793
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01831A
Recent advances in rational design, synthesis and application of metal–organic frameworks as visible-light-driven photocatalysts
This review comprehensively summarizes the advancements in MOF photocatalysts under visible light, covering construction, optimization and application. The existing challenges and future prospects in this area are also discussed.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 6794-6852
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01449A
A review on covalent organic frameworks: exploration of their growing potential as porous materials in photocatalytic applications
This review explores advancements in COFs for photocatalytic applications, focusing on mechanisms enhancing COFs' synergy, identifying research gaps in design strategies and key factors, and suggesting new directions for future research.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 6711-6752
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01480D
Applications of metal N-heterocyclic carbene complexes in olefin polymerizations
This review summarizes the progress in recent decades regarding the structure–activity relationships of various well-defined metal-NHC catalysts in the polymerization of olefins, particularly α-olefins, styrene, norbornene, and others.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 6246-6274
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01470G
Metal–organic framework derived micro-/nano-materials: precise synthesis and clean energy applications
We summarize the different synthetic strategies of MOF-derived micro-/nano-materials to date, including but not limited to calcining, phosphating, sulfurization, the selenylation method, ion exchange, and etching strategies.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 6275-6306
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01732C
Recent progress of advanced electrocatalysts for hydrogen production via hydrazine-assisted water electrolysis
This review offers a comprehensive summary of the advanced electrocatalysts for HzOR-assisted water electrolysis. The inherent relationship between various regulatory strategies and the catalytic performance of electrocatalysts is discussed.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 6218-6245
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01789G
Redox-active ligand promoted multielectron reactivity at earth-abundant transition metal complexes
This review highlights the application of redox-active ligands for achieving substrate activation and reactivity through multielectron transfer at earth-abundant transition metal complexes.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 5795-5809
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01265H
Recent advances in the mechanism and catalyst design in the research of aprotic, photo-assisted, and solid-state Li–CO2 batteries
This review focuses on the reaction mechanisms and cathodic catalysts for various types of LCBs, including aprotic, photo-assisted, and all-solid-state LCBs, offering insights and suggestions to advance their research and development.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 5833-5857
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01570C
New advances in solid-state electrolytes: from halides to oxyhalides
This review summarizes the types, crystal structures, ion conduction mechanisms, and modification methods of halides, extends to oxyhalides, and proposes cutting-edge topics.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 5810-5832
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01306A
Poisoning resistance: challenges for hydrogen storage alloys toward engineering applications
Based on the relationship between keywords, six typical hydrogen storage alloys in the field of poisoning were investigated.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 5768-5794
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01065E
Anionic vacancy engineering in the development of electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction: a review
How anions modulate the HER catalytic mechanism.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 5384-5413
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00959B
Utilizing the magnetic properties of electrodes and magnetic fields in electrocatalysis
In this review, we describe how external magnetic fields and the intrinsic magnetism of catalysts can affect electrocatalytic reactions using select literature reports.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 5414-5434
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01296H
Atomically precise nanocluster-catalyzed coupling reactions
This review highlights the factors that can dictate the properties of cluster-based catalysts towards coupling reactions, such as ligand effect, doping effect, support effect, and defective effect.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 4974-5003
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01039F
Recent advancements in graphitic carbon nitride based direct Z- and S-scheme heterostructures for photocatalytic H2O2 production
This review summarizes advancements in g-C3N4-based direct Z and S-scheme heterostructures for solar H2O2 synthesis, exploring advanced characterization methods to verify the charge transfer mechanism.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 4914-4973
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00950A
A dual-heteroatom–lanthanide cluster-embedded polyoxotungstate for sequential fluorescence detection of Fe3+ and pyrophosphate
A dual-heteroatom–lanthanide cluster-embedded polyoxotungstate was prepared and used for sequential fluorescence detection of Fe3+ and pyrophosphate.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 5004-5013
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00991F
Doping modification of sodium superionic conductor Na3V2(PO4)3 cathodes for sodium-ion batteries: a mini-review
This mini-review summarises the recent progress of doping strategies and elucidates the corresponding element substitution mechanisms in sodium vanadium phosphate (N3VP) for obtaining high-performance cathode materials.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 4552-4567
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01141D
Synthesis and electrochemical application of two-dimensional manganese-based materials
Our review comprehensively covers the recent advancements in the synthetic methods of manganese-based 2D nanomaterials, their electrochemical applications, and dives deep into the mechanisms, challenges, and future prospects.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 4528-4551
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI01119H
225Ac/213Bi radionuclide generators for the separation of 213Bi towards clinical demands
Exploring the potential of 225Ac/213Bi generator systems and adsorbents to separate 213Bi for cancer treatment.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 4499-4527
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00326H
Advanced aqueous zinc-ion batteries based on an anode constructed from zinc powder: a review
This review presents recent strategies and their mechanisms for the design of zinc anodes made from zinc powder.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 4485-4498
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00774C
Recent studies on the reaction of [X6O19]8− (X = Nb, Ta) polyanions under acidic conditions
This review focuses on the recent studies on the reaction of [X6O19]8− (X = Nb, Ta) under acidic conditions, highlighting the synthesis and structural chemistry of mixed-addendum niobotungstates/tantalotungstates and hetero-peroxo-PONb/Ta clusters.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 4141-4157
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00899E
Recent advances in SnS2-based nanomaterials as high-performance anodes for sodium ion batteries
Tin disulfide (SnS2) is a promising anode material owing to its high theoretical capacity and large interlayer spacing. In this paper, the basic properties and storage mechanism are reviewed, with emphasis on the structure design of SnS2.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 4107-4140
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00688G
Rational design of local microenvironment for electrocatalytic water splitting
This summary describes the effects of wettability, local pH, interfacial water structure, and electrolyte composition on the interface reactant compositions, key intermediate adsorption, and reaction kinetics.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 4080-4106
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00854E
Research progress on optimized membranes for vanadium redox flow batteries
The design of polymer electrolyte membranes with high chemical stability, high ion conductivity, low vanadium permeability and low cost is crucial for the development of vanadium redox flow batteries.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 4049-4079
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00520A
State-of-the-art strategies for the synthesis of zeolite-encapsulated subnanometric metal clusters
Novel and conventional strategies for the synthesis of zeolite-encapsulated subnanometric metal clusters are reviewed. Further perspectives for the rational design of zeolite-encapsulated subnanometric metal clusters are analyzed.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 3669-3706
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00703D
Prussian blue analogue-derived materials for photocatalysis
Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) have been widely studied in the field of photocatalysis. This review is focused on PBA-derived photocatalysts in terms of hydrogen evolution, water oxidation, and CO2 reduction. The challenges and prospects for PBA-derived materials for photocatalysis are presented.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 3707-3730
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00612G
Luminescent iridium(III)–peptide bioconjugates for bioanalytical and biomedical applications
We describe the interactions between iridium(III) complexes and peptides and the emerging applications of iridium(III)–peptide bioconjugates in biomedical fields, summarizing and commenting on their widespread applications for bioimaging and therapy.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 3400-3417
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00625A
Surface functionalization of metal–organic framework nanoparticle for overcoming biological barrier in cancer therapy
Surface modification of MOF particle for overcoming biological barriers.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 3119-3135
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00523F
Advances in technical strategies for monitoring the reduction of platinum(IV) complexes
The reduction of Pt(IV) complexes can be monitored by various analytical techniques. These techniques hold significant promise in elucidating the mechanisms of Pt(IV) prodrug activation, aiding in the rational design of novel Pt(IV) prodrugs.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 3085-3118
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00459K
Recent progress on the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction over a metal sulfide cocatalyst-mediated carbon nitride system
Modification strategy and synthesis method of a metal sulfide-mediated carbon nitride photocatalytic H2 production system.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 2527-2552
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00255E
Recent progress in aluminum anodes for high-performance rechargeable aqueous Al-ion batteries
This review discusses the recent advances in the aluminum metal anodes, alloy anodes, and intercalated anodes used for rechargeable aqueous Al-ion batteries.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 2246-2259
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00468J
Porphyrin-based MOFs for photocatalysis in water: advancements in solar fuels generation and pollutants degradation
This review highlights the recent advances in the photocatalytic applications of porphyrin-based MOFs in aqueous environments for solar fuel generation and water remediation.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 2212-2245
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI01996A
Critical insights into the recent advancements and future prospects of zinc ion battery electrolytes in aqueous systems
In recent years, aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have emerged as promising candidates for energy storage systems due to their inherent safety, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 1949-1965
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00034J
Pt(IV) anticancer prodrugs bearing an oxaliplatin scaffold: what do we know about their bioactivity?
Oxaliplatin(IV) prodrugs, classified by the role of their axial ligands, are presented with a focus on their in vitro stability and activity in in vivo models, illustrating their potential to address current Pt-based chemotherapy's main limitations.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 1639-1667
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI02602G
Recent progress on modulating luminescence thermal quenching properties of Bi3+-activated phosphors
Four design strategies for modulating the luminescence thermal quenching properties of Bi3+-activated phosphors are proposed: (1) defect engineering; (2) structural modulation; (3) lattice structure rigidity; and (4) energy transfer.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 1668-1682
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI02588H
Advancing biomedical applications of polyoxometalate-based metal–organic frameworks: from design to therapeutic potential
The review covers POMOF materials synthesis, modification, and unique properties, focusing on biomedical sensors and therapies. Finally, the review summarises the challenges and developments of POMOFs in biomedicine.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 1339-1365
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI02414H
Covalent organic framework based photocatalysts for efficient visible-light driven hydrogen peroxide production
This review comprehensively summarized and discussed the up-to-date application of COF-based photocatalysts for efficient H2O2 photosynthesis, aiming to provide constructive guidance for the fast development of this field.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 1322-1338
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI02391E
Tailoring co-catalysts on Si photocathodes for efficient photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction: recent progress and prospects of deposition methods
This review examines recent advancements in co-catalyst design and loading strategies for photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction, emphasizing deposition methods such as physical vapor deposition, drop-casting, and photo/electrodeposition.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 998-1018
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI02293E
Interface engineering of lithium metal anodes via atomic and molecular layer deposition
Atomic and molecular layer deposition (ALD and MLD) are two promising tools for practicing interface engineering of lithium metal anodes precisely.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 659-681
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI02241B
Gold nanoparticles cross cell-subcellular barriers for biological regulation
Major biological barriers for nanomedicines to cross to reach target sites are the blood barrier, blood–tissue barrier, transmembrane barrier and cell-cellular barrier.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 2205-2211
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI00316K
Magneto-chiral dichroism of chiral lanthanide complexes
This Perspective reviews the Magneto-Chiral Dichroism (MChD) investigations performed on chiral lanthanide complexes, highlights the crucial criteria to enhance the MChD performances and presents the main perspectives of this emerging field.
Inorg. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 1313-1321
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3QI02510A
About this collection
Critical reviews, highlights and chemistry frontiers articles published in Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers during 2024 are collated as below for the benefit of readers.