Themed collection Celebrating our 2025 Prizewinners

By summarising recent examples in coordination chemistry, this perspective highlights the advantages of mechanochemistry in tackling synthetic challenges which are impossible for traditional methods.

Documenting the synthesis and isolation of novel low oxidation state aluminium (Al) compounds, which until recently has seen relatively slow progress over the 30 years since such species were first isolated.

This mini review summarizes the recent progress of Zn–V static battery and Zn–V redox flow battery. Mechanisms, classification and structures, problems and modification strategies are discussed for future developments of these batteries.

Raman microscopy can reveal metabolic signatures and heterogeneity at the single cell level.

We survey the most important kinds of structural complexity in Prussian blue analogues and their implications for materials function. In particular, we explore the challenges for K₂Mn[Fe(CN)₆], the leading cathode material for K-ion batteries.

Metal–organic cages are macrocyclic structures that can possess an intrinsic void for application in encapsulation, sensing and catalysis. In this article, we highlight approaches and limitations to their computational design.

This feature article discusses the range of stereospecific transformations available to enantioenriched boronic esters, and their applications in synthesis.

This review comprehensively presents the fifty-year journey of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), covering its discovery, pivotal phases, innovative methods, and key inspirations from the pioneers and trailblazers.

Sulfonyl migrations, frequently described as ‘unusual’ or ‘unexpected’, from the last 20 years, including 1,2-, 1,3-, 1,4-, 1,5-, 1,6- and 1,7-sulfonyl shifts, through either radical or polar processes, either inter- or intramolecularly are reviewed.

This tutorial review aims to give an introduction to terahertz spectroscopy, its techniques, equipment, current applications and potential for the chemical sciences.

This review aims to help readers engage in wearable fundamental research or wearables commercial market by evaluating the biosensing performance.

Using collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry and density functional theory, we assess the energetics of polymetallic [Cr₇NiF₈(O₂CR)₁₆]⁻ anions in vacuo, showing how the carboxylate influences the ring stability.

A paired electrolysis system was constructed to synchronously valorize nitrate wastewater and upgrade polyethylene terephthalate, utilizing oxygen-vacancy-rich Co₃O₄ as the cathode and Cu-doped Ni(OH)₂ as the anode, respectively.

Memristors based on partially oxidised layered semiconductors show sub-nJ resistance switching between several states with no need for electroforming or compliance, making them promising candidates for future neuromorphic computing hardware.

The potent G-quadruplex experimental drug QN-302 has strong opposing effects with i-motif DNA structures at the promoter of S100P.

Here we demonstrate the feasibility of high efficiency Sb₂Se₃ photocathodes for hydrogen evolution using precious metal free Ni cocatalysts.

We report a method to balance nanoparticle monodispersity and antibacterial activity. By tuning the balance between the exposure and shielding of active molecules on gold nanoparticles, a maximal antibacterial property is achieved.

Dual purposed ZnO tetrapods promote photopolymerization of methacrylates and provide surface roughness for superhydrophobicity. Large area photochemical fabrication of hybrid coating is demonstrated for liquid/liquid separation applications.

A rapid, low cost sensor for Covid-19 was developed using a perfluorodecanthiol layer and ACE2.

We describe a PCR bias induced by chemical modification of DNA, and exemplify a solution with the design, synthesis and characterization of a cleavable probe designed to leave minimal chemical scarring.

An energy storage concept using anions as charge carriers is explored based on solution-phase fluoride-ion insertion in periodic solids. Redox reactions are mediated by d-block centers, whereas Bi³⁺ lone pairs enable reversible F-ion diffusion.

OligoMOFs based on the IRMOF-1 structure type were prepared with functionalized tethers that enable new MOF characteristics and handles for postsynthetic modification.

A highly regioselective lipase-catalyzed transesterification enabled the synthesis of sinapoyl malate diesters with fatty chains that proved to be exceptional UV filters and molecular heaters for plants.

Ultrafast two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy, in conjunction with DFT calculations, revealed parallel pathways for the earliest stages of charge transfer-state evolution in the prototypical first-row transition metal complex [Fe(bpy)₃]²⁺.

This study reports on the synthesis and biological evaluation of Re(I) picolinic acid complexes as inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease.

Misfolded α-synuclein oligomers are closely implicated in the pathology of Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies.

A spectroelectrochemical set-up using a boron doped diamond mesh electrode is presented; from ultrafast photodynamics to steady-state, the photochemistry and photophysics of redox active species and their reactive intermediates can be investigated.

A computational maturation method enables the generation of an antibody variant with over 200-fold increased potency against the primary nucleation process in Aβ42 aggregation.

Using a rotaxane biradical, we unambiguously demonstrate the need consider both J and rate of conformational interconversion carefully when interpreting the spectra of such systems when they are employed as spin probes in solution.

A prebiotically plausible route to enantioenriched glyceraldehyde is reported via a kinetic resolution mediated by peptides.

A cyclic peptide IDOL homodimerization inhibitor identified from a genetically encoded SICLOPPS library is active in vitro and in cells.

A mechanistic study of the Pd-catalyzed intramolecular addition of carbamoyl chlorides and aryl halides across alkynes is presented.

A mild and selective C–H arylation strategy for indoles, benzofurans and benzothiophenes is described.

High-entropy engineering is applied to NASICON-type cathodes to overcome long-standing trade-offs between structural stability and electrochemical performance, enabling high capacity, exceptional rate capability, and long-term cycling durability.

Durable lithium metal anodes with improved plating-stripping stability made possible by MnO₂-coated copper current collectors.

Scaling gas-phase photocatalysis requires maximizing photon use. This study presents a PFBR with ray-tracing and simulations, validated via solar Boudouard reaction, showing higher photon efficiency than fixed beds.

Layered oxide cathodes for Na-ion batteries containing Mn or Fe are of considerable interest for sustainable energy storage applications largely due to cost issues, relative abundance and high capacities.

An organic cage-based porous ionic liquid (PIL) was constructed by functionalising a reduced cage core with ionic liquid functionality. The resulting PIL displayed melting behaviour, a glass phase, enhanced CO₂ uptake and permanent porosity.

The Z/E isomers of N-(4-methylphenyl)-3-chloro-2-(phenylthio)propenamide, the Z isomer being a valuable synthetic substrate, were photo-interconverted both in batch and in flow, and the detailed crystal chemistry of both isolated solids elucidated.

Photovoltaics (PVs), the fastest-growing renewable energy source, play a crucial role in decarbonizing global energy systems.

We describe a curable system from phenolated lignin prepared from lignin extracted from low-value biomass using ultrasonic biorefinery technology via functionalisation with benzoxazine groups.

A thermoresponsive hydrogel is synthesised with biodegradability, in situ swelling, and drug release appropriate for anti-cancer agents. We demonstrate retention of the new hydrogel in vivo enabling local drug release in a pancreatic cancer model.

A paramagnetic seahorse-like compound was characterised in non-crystalline phases. While the molecule retains its crystal structure in powder and solution, it is highly dynamic in the gas phase.

Detecting fluctuations in carbon dioxide by switching ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ fluorescence in aqueous environments has often been targeted for efficient monitoring.

A robust flow electrochemical method for P–N and P–O oxidative coupling under mild conditions has been developed. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was employed to investigate the redox behaviour of reactants.

Bulk redox activity in LiNiO₂ proceeds without significant involvement of molecular oxygen, whose formation is instead associated with surface degradation.

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are one of promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries because sulfur is abundant and exhibits a high theoretical capacity (1675 mA h g⁻¹).

Low molecular weight gelators have mechanical properties ideal for regenerative medicine. This study explores the combination of a known UPy-system with a dipeptide gelator, 2NapFF, examining each system across multiple length scales.

Control in 2D polymer particle size results in control over the droplet diameter and stability in oil-in-oil Pickering emulsions.

A new yellow emitting donor–acceptor compound is presented, alongside insights into potential limitations imposed on the luminescent properties of ICT emitters when using benzodithiophene-4,8-diones as acceptors.

Strong dipoles in molecular HTMs can cause energetic disorder, leading to reduced mobility. This can be counteracted by a preferential antiparallel dipole ordering brought about by intermolecular hydrogen bond-assisted pairing.

Understanding the material challenge of electrifying passenger vehicles is key to delivering the greenhouse gas emissions reduction that is targeted by transportation sector policies.

Measuring E3 ligase stoichiometry is important to decipher their mechanisms in protein degradation. Mass spectrometry reports on complexes involving CRBN or DCAF15, and the unexpected multimerization of DCAF15 that is governed by ionic strength.

This work reports a new procedure for the selective reduction of plant oils to fatty alcohols. This methodology is performed under mild reaction conditions and in the absence of solvents.

Group-1 metal enolates are key intermediates in a number of reactions. Here, we report a series of Li, Na and K enolates as hexamers, tetramer and monomers, figuring out how their structures are influenced by the aggregate size and metal identity.

The clinical use of protein and peptide biotherapeutics requires fabrication of stable products.

Impedance spectroscopy characterization was performed under light illumination with Sb₂Se₃ photovoltaics having two different (Sb₄Se₆)_n nanoribbon orientations.

Carbon and carbon dioxide can be concurrently converted using light to carbon monoxide via the reverse-Boudouard reaction.

Anion polarisation in heterocationic Li₂FeSO stabilises polar anion coordination in opposition to the predictions from simple point-charge electrostatics. This behaviour gives local configurational under-constraint and causes long-range disorder.

Safer feedstock. Base-metal based catalyst. Mechanistic studies. Chemical, physical, morphological, and mechanical properties of polyureas.

Biocompatible cationic graphene flakes efficiently complex and deliver the enzyme to the lysosomes of the fibroblasts derived from the patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis VI, leading to enhanced degradation of the accumulated lysosomal substrate.

A ruthenium-catalysed C–H arylation procedure that utilises a range of green solvents in place of the undesirable solvent NMP is presented. Examples of fast reaction time, low catalyst loading and large-scale reactivity are also shown.

The role of ether electrolyte solvent in facilitating efficient Na metal anode cycling performance is identified to be preventing adverse gas formation and favouring a flexible conformal SEI.

Design and production of a one-step 3D-printed functional electrochemical biosensor for efficient detection of dopamine and glucose in low-volume samples (100 μL). Glucose detection via ruthenium-mediated amperometry provides results in 60 seconds.

A metal-free synthetic route using boranes has been developed for the amidation of indoles. A detailed mechanistic study was carried out to understand the reaction mechanism.

Quantum coherences detected from ultrafast time-resolved absorption measurements are being explored to provide insight into the nature of the reaction coordinate for excited-state dynamics in transition metal complexes.

The reaction of nitrate radical (NO₃) with five alkyl halides, halons (CH₂ClBr, CH₂ICl, CH₂BrI, CHCl₂Br, and CHClBr₂) has been studied theoretically. The results indicate that the chemical lifetime of these alkyl halides would not be substantially affected by nitrate radical reactions.

We have carried out the first kinetic study of the reaction between HgBr and O₃ using the PLP-LIF technique. Our results show that this reaction is the main atmospheric fate of the HgBr radical.

The presence of non-innocent chromophore ligands in photoswitches can limit functionality. This photocrystallographic study shows how the negative impact of such ligands can be mitigated by control of excitation conditions, maximising photoswitching.

The aqueous equimolar reaction of Ag(I) ions with the thionucleoside enantiomer (−)6-thioguanosine, ((−)6tGH), yields a one-dimensional coordination polymer {Ag(−)tG}_n, the self-assembly of which generates left-handed helical chains that display CPL.