Perspective
Perspectives on systematic optimization of ultrasensitive biosensors through experimental design
Biosensors are versatile in many applications, but their adoption as reliable point-of-care tests is hindered by challenges in systematic optimization. Experimental design provides a solution by guiding their effective development and refinement.
Insights into adsorbent materials for lithium extraction by capacitive deionization: reconceptualizing the role of materials informatics
The potential of materials informatics in designing lithium extraction materials for capacitive deionization have been discussed.
4D printing for biomedical applications
Schematic illustration of 4D printing.
Perspective
Trends in bioactivity: inducing and detecting mineralization of regenerative polymeric scaffolds
Advances in bioactive regenerative polymeric scaffolds continue to be made with new materials and methods of characterization.
Perspective
Enzymatic micro/nanomotors in biomedicine: from single motors to swarms
Micro/nanomotor swarms propelled by diverse mechanisms.
Intestinal retentive systems – recent advances and emerging approaches
Intestinal retentive devices (IRDs) are devices designed to anchor within the lumen of the intestines for long-term residence in the gastrointestinal tract.
Bridging the gap from single molecule properties to organic semiconductor materials
This perspective discusses how single-molecule characterization techniques can help to establish structure–property relationships and further open up new paths for the rational design of organic semiconductor materials.
Safety of lithium battery materials chemistry
This perspective discusses battery safety. A reaction zone model linking thermal runaway and fire is proposed for liquid electrolytes. On solid electrolytes, five issues require further study. Safety modelling that accelerates R&D is also mentioned.
Perspective
Atomic metal coordinated to nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells: a perspective on progress, pitfalls and prospectives
This Perspective highlights past achievements, knowledge gaps and future research directions for M-N-C catalysts for PEMFCs.
Perspective
On the fundamentals of organic mixed ionic/electronic conductors
This perspective offers insights from discussions conducted during the Telluride Science meeting on organic mixed ionic and electronic conductors, outlining the challenges associated with understanding the behavior of this intriguing materials class.
Metal–organic frameworks for hydrocarbon separation: design, progress, and challenges
Energy-efficient hydrocarbon separation is of great significance. In this perspective, we discuss three main strategies in the design of MOF materials for hydrocarbon separation: surface engineering, molecular docking, and size exclusion.
Towards sustainable electrochemical ammonia synthesis
This perspective proposes feasible strategies to enhance the energy efficiency of electrochemical ammonia synthesis through electrocatalyst design and device optimization. Also, the challenges and prospects are evaluated for future development.
Progressing thin-film membrane designs for post-combustion CO2 capture: performance or practicality?
Thin-film composite membranes demonstrate tremendous potential for energy-efficient CO2 capture from power generation, but many technical hurdles are to be overcome before practical, better-performing and cost-effective designs could be realized.
Nanomaterials enabled and enhanced DNA-based biosensors
For biosensors based on DNA or aptamer probes and nanomaterials, aside from studying DNA adsorption and desorption, it is also important to examine the effect of target adsorption and other possible surface interaction mechanisms.
Next-generation materials for RNA–lipid nanoparticles: lyophilization and targeted transfection
Targeted therapy using sophisticated RNA-LNPs designed to target specific tissues and organs where LNPs expressing specific peptides, aptamer or LNPs composed of specific lipids.
Chemical and molecular tools to probe biological sex differences at multiple length scales
Sex differences in biology are observed at multiple different length scales and across organ systems.
Bioprinted biomimetic hydrogel matrices guiding stem cell aggregates for enhanced chondrogenesis and cartilage regeneration
A bioprinted hydrogel matrix exhibiting superior cellular adhesion and aggregation characteristics was engineered to enhance cartilage repair by finely tuning biochemical stimuli and mechanical stability.
About this collection
As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of Journal of Materials Chemistry A, B and C, we asked key figures in our community to look ahead to the next 10 years of developments in their respective fields by contributing a forward looking Perspective article on hot topics across materials chemistry.
From molecular engineering in organic semiconductors, to DNA-based biosensors to the safety issues of lithium battery materials, these Perspectives offer a glimpse into the key challenges facing materials chemists as we move forward into the next decade of research. We hope that many solutions to these problems will feature in the exciting work we publish every week in the journal family.
We believe that Journal of Materials Chemistry A, B and C will continue to be the home of innovative, and impactful materials chemistry research for many years to come and hope you enjoy reading these special anniversary Perspectives.