Communication
Accessing mixed cluster rare-earth MOFs with reduced connectivity via linker expansion and desymmetrization: co-assembly of 6-c and 10-c hexanuclear clusters in RE-stc-MOF-1
A desymmetrized 4-c linker directs the co-assembly of 6-c hexagonal and 10-c square bipyramidal rare-earth clusters, resulting in a unique six-nodal (3,3,3,3,6,10)-c net.
Paper
NHC–Ni nanoclusters covalently ligated on carbon nanotubes: highly active electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
NHC–NiNCs covalently ligated on MWCNTs for highly efficient OER.
Controllable dispersion of nickel phthalocyanine molecules on graphene oxide for efficient electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
Adjusting the NiPc/GO ratio during the hydrolysis of protonated NiPc in the GO-assisted reaction enables the dispersion of Ni–N4–C active sites, forming a Ni(II)/Ni(III)/GO heterojunction with a FECO of 98.6% for the electrocatalytic CO2RR.
Paper
Effects of ligand coordination on Ag8SnS6 as a photoabsorber for thin film solar cells
Ag8SnS6 (ATS) nanoparticles, with a band gap of 1.35 eV which is located exactly at the Schockley–Queisser optimal value for a single-junction solar cell were utilized as a photoabsorber component in solid state photovoltaic devices.
Paper
Intrinsic fluorescence hydrogels for ON/OFF screening of antidiabetic drugs: assessing α-glucosidase inhibition by acarbose
Smart hydrogel optical sensor offers a new approach to diabetes care, enabling fast, fluorescence-based screening of antidiabetic drugs, monitoring α-glucosidase activity, and providing an efficient and reusable alternative to traditional biosensors.
Paper
Mixed-phase enabled high-rate copper niobate anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Mixed-phase copper niobate anodes for lithium-ion batteries consisting of various phases work synergistically to deliver high electrochemical capacities at exceptional cycling rates.
Paper
Alginate–oligothiophene aerogels as photocatalysts for the degradation of emerging organic contaminants in water
Oligothiophenes bearing a benzothiophene (BT) core and S-oxide or S,S-dioxide moieties are herein proposed as photocatalysts for the degradation of three selected water emerging contaminants.
Magnetically induced stress birefringence in stimuli-responsive hydrogels
We report the appearance of stress birefringence induced by an external magnetic field in stimuli-responsive hydrogels containing magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4).
A dynamically stable self-assembled CoFe (oxy)hydroxide-based nanocatalyst with boosted electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen-evolution reaction
A self-assembled CoFe (oxy)hydroxide nanocatalyst exhibits high mass activity and dynamic stability and overcomes the inherent defects of CoFe LDH for OER catalysis.
Paper
Electron transfer and energy exchange between a covalent organic framework and CuFeS2 nanoparticles
The graphic shows the structural representation of the electrostatic assembly of oppositely charged CuFeS2 nanoparticles with COF layers. Their addition in the COFs is enhancing the absorption capacity, while quenching the photoluminescence.
Paper
Spin polarized current in chiral organic radical monolayers
An enantiopure organic radical monolayer on gold exhibits efficient spin selectivity properties in electron transport. This result makes thia[4]azahelicenes promising candidates for the development of chiral spintronic molecular-based devices.
Exploring the compositional space of a metal–organic framework with ionic liquids to develop porous ionic conductors for enhanced signal and selectivity in VOC capacitive sensors
Incorporation of ionic liquids into ZIF-8 pores to obtain solid-ionic conductors that work as active layers in printed gas capacitive sensors to detect water and non-methane volatile organic vapours.
Paper
Interaction of Au(III) with amino acids: a vade mecum for medicinal chemistry and nanotechnology
A systematic computational analysis is performed to determine the broad principles that govern the binding between amino acids and Au(III).
About this collection
Professor Dr. Petra Rudolf is a distinguished German-Italian solid-state physicist, set to retire in May 2025. Throughout her remarkable scientific career, Professor Rudolf has made significant contributions to the fields of organic thin films, molecular motors, nanocomposites, and 2D materials, utilising advanced techniques and synchrotron facilities, leaving a lasting impact on the surface science community.
In addition to her groundbreaking research, Professor Rudolf has been a vocal advocate for addressing unconscious bias and has led initiatives to increase the representation of women in science. In her role of president of the European Physical Society she has introduced many measures to further foster diversity.
Her contributions have profoundly influenced both fundamental science and its practical applications, as well as fostering diversity within the scientific community, making her a highly respected figure worldwide. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to science and her dedication to advancing inclusivity, we present this special collection as a tribute to her exemplary career.
This honorary collection in Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Journal of Materials Chemistry B and Journal of Materials Chemistry C is guest edited by Professor Dr. Rasmita Raval (University of Liverpool, United Kingdom), Professor Dr. Dimitrios Gournis (Technical University of Crete, Greece), Professor Dr. Maurizio Prato (CIC biomaGUNE, Spain), Professor Dr. Francesco Zerbetto (University of Bologna, Italy), Professor Dr. Maria Antonietta Loi (University of Groningen, The Netherlands), and Dr. Antonija Grubisic-Cabo (University of Groningen, The Netherlands).