Themed collection 2025 Emerging Investigators

Recent advances in bridged structures as 3D bioisosteres of ortho-phenyl rings in medicinal chemistry applications
This review summarises and highlights recent advances (year > 2015) in the medicinal chemistry applications of bridged polycyclic 3D bioisosteres of ortho-phenyl rings.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 6417-6425
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00816F

Responsive deep eutectic solvents: mechanisms, applications and their role in sustainable chemistry
Phase separation induced by responsive deep eutectic solvents upon temperature, CO2 or pH stimulus, allowing analyte recovery and solvent recycling and reuse.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 1002-1013
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC05157B
Pyrolysis-based methods to upcycle plastic wastes to value-added carbons
This review summarizes methods for converting commodity polymers into value-added carbon materials and outlines future opportunities for scaling plastic waste upcycling.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10470-10483
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02765A

Real-space Kohn–Sham density functional theory for complex energy applications
Real-space Kohn–Sham density functional theory (real-space KS-DFT) enables large-scale electronic structure simulations that is particularly well-suited for the modern high-performance computing (HPC) architectures.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10273-10286
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01820J
Mechanically tough dynamic poly(disulfide)s crosslinked by acylsemicarbazides
Acylsemicarbazide is used to toughen a dynamic poly(disulfide) network by forming synergistic covalent and noncovalent crosslinkers.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC03339J
Electric-field-promoted assembly of asymmetric junctions for single-molecule rectifiers
Electric-field-directed self-assembly enables unidirectional monolayer junction formation on a gold substrate via terminal asymmetric Au–S and Au–C contacts, yielding stable rectifiers with defined polarity and diode I–V characteristics.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02811F
Optimizing the transport and redox properties of PVDF-based electrolytes through structural design of residual solvents
The appropriate introduction of fluorinated groups in residual solvent molecules can facilitate the fast ionic structural diffusion and enhanced cycling stability in PVDF-based electrolytes.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10989-10992
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01099C
Construction of balanced-transition AIE phototherapeutic agents based on a fluorination strategy for prolonged triplet excited state lifetime
TPAF, an AIE phototherapeutic agent, was constructed based on a fluorination strategy to prolong the triplet-excited state lifetime and maximize PDT/PTT efficiency.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10985-10988
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02234G
Switching between type I/II photosensitization processes for of an unconventional dye as modulated by the tumor microenvironment for inducing immunogenic death
Switching between type I/II photosensitive processes for an unconventional dye was modulated by the tumor microenvironment for inducing immunogenic death.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10981-10984
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02308D
Impact of Cation Species and Concentrations on the Performance of N-type Vertical OECTs
Chem. Commun., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC03261J
A sulfonic acid-functionalized donor–acceptor conjugated organic polymer for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production
A sulfonic acid-functionalized conjugated organic polymer named BMS was synthesized to boost H2O2 photosynthesis.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02942B

Lanthanoid-doped BiVO4 microswimmers with built-in photon upconversion and light-driven motion
A single-step synthesis yields lanthanoid-doped BiVO4 microswimmers that combine visible-light-driven self-propulsion and near-infrared photon upconversion within a single material.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02091C

Separation of rare earth elements and nickel harnessing electrochemistry and reactive CO2 capture and mineralization
The aim is to probe the chemical mechanisms underlying the use of multifunctional solvents to simultaneously capture and convert CO2 into insoluble rare earth element (REE)-carbonates, while forming soluble complexes with nickel for separation.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10339-10342
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04632C
Self-assembly of ruthenium-doped oxygen-deficient tungsten oxide as an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic environments
The merits of minor doping with Ru, and urchin-like nanospheres are collected in W18O49, simultaneously, achieving outstanding performance for the HER.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 10126-10129
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00792E

Insight into the effects of pulsed CO2 electrolysis in a zero-gap electrolyzer
Pulsed operation for CO2 electrolysis in a membrane electrode assembly at industrially relevant current densities improves multi-carbon product formation with the use of anion exchange ionomer.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 9884-9887
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01463H
Revealing unusual storage failure of single-crystal high-nickel cathodes during high-temperature and high-humidity exposure
A transient passivation effect was observed in single-crystal high-nickel cathode materials upon short-term exposure to high temperature and high humidity, followed by rapid performance deterioration upon prolonged storage.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02395E

Mechanical properties of graphene oxide from machine-learning-driven simulations
Machine-learning-driven simulations yield insights into the straining and fracture of graphene oxide, highlighting the impact of chemical functionalisation on mechanical properties.
Chem. Commun., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02753E
Insight into the structure-dependent effects of metal residues in conjugated polymers
The isolated residual Cu, which affected by the substitutional position of pyridine nitrogen, can modulate the surface structure and electronic configuration of BPy, thereby enhancing its photocatalytic performance on H2S oxidation.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 9626-9629
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01594D
Mitigating X-ray-induced damage for accurate analysis of battery cathodes using transmission X-ray microscopy
We investigate the impact of X-ray-induced damage on the evolution of battery cathodes using synchrotron transmission X-ray microscopy.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 9468-9471
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02677F

Poly(N-acyliminophosphoranes): main chain functionalized poly(ylides) with pH-dependent degradation
Zwitterionic polymers are often non-degradable due to their polyolefin backbones. We present an Fe(II)-catalyzed step-growth polymerization that incorporates N-acyliminophosphoranes into the main chain, enabling tailored pH-responsive degradability.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8903-8906
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01640A
Synergistic effect of fluorination and alkyl side-chain engineering on thiazole-based polymer donors for low-cost organic solar cells
We present a series of low-cost polymer donors based on a simple-structured 4-ester-substituted thiazole derivative, proposed as promising candidates for high-performance organic solar cells.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8659-8662
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01502B
Interfacial cation engineering in δ-MnO2 nanosheets for efficient oxygen reduction reaction
The cationic effect on δ-MnO2 nanosheets is investigated via MnO2 assemblies with different cations (e.g. Li+, Cs+, DADMA+, PDDA+) to decouple the intrinsic effect of electrolyte difference for catalytic performance.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8355-8358
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01863C
The Ni/Li disordering evolution mechanisms in Ni-based layered cathode materials: insights from first-principles calculations
First-principles computational investigations into the driving force, accumulation processes, and synergistic evolution mechanisms of Ni/Li disordering are presented.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8228-8231
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01614B
Compositional doping and structure insights for high-performance aqueous Zn-ion batteries
Mg2+ doping is introduced to promote electron occupation of the Mn 3d orbitals, thereby increasing the contribution of Mn, and significantly boost the capacity and cycling stability of MnO.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 8216-8219
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01103E
Nitrogen-doped graphene encapsulating Fe2N for enhanced electrocatalytic conversion of nitrate to ammonia
The results indicate that electron-deficient Fe in Fe2N@NG favored the adsorption of NO3− and the utilization of *H radicals to facilitate the hydrogenation of N-containing intermediates, while inhibiting the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 7684-7687
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01270H
Spacer cation enabled dimension control for efficient and wavelength-tunable blue perovskite light-emitting diodes
This study explores a conjugated spacer molecule, biphenylethylammonium bromide (bPEA), to enable efficient dimension control in quasi-two-dimensional perovskites for blue light-emitting diodes.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 7644-7647
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01292A
Mineralization of macroaggregated albumin for accurate biodistribution evaluation of pre-radiotherapy
We developed mineralized macroaggregated albumin microspheres with tunable density to mimic the biodistribution of resin and glass microspheres, establishing universal platforms to accurately mimic the biodistribution of therapeutic microspheres.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 7313-7316
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC01204J
Constructing electron-deficient Co centers in the lattice of oxygen-vacancy-rich CuO for improved PMS activation and contaminant degradation
Electron-deficient Co centers in the lattice of CuO were constructed through an ion-exchange and programmed-heat-treatment strategy.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 7065-7068
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00964B
Visible-light organophotoredox-catalyzed fluoroalkyl aminoxylation of unactivated and activated alkenes
A synthetically valuable method for the regioselective fluoroalkyl aminoxylation of unactivated and activated olefins has been achieved via organophotoredox-catalysis.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 6767-6770
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00748H
Ru-based nanoparticle catalyzed direct H/D exchange of silanes
We report an effective method for H/D exchange of silanes using Ru-bpy@γ-Al2O3, which is compatible with 16 silanes under mild conditions. Deuterium gas (D2), generated in situ from the electrolysis of D2O, served as the deuterium source.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 6607-6610
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00998G
Sequential oxidation of L-lysine by a non-heme iron hydroxylase
We demonstrate the ability of a non-heme iron containing L-lysine dioxygenase to perform sequential oxidation on its native substrate and computationally explore structural elements that promote this reactivity.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 6470-6473
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00541H

An experimental data library for the full CsPb(ClxBr1−x)3 compositional series
A complete series of CsPb(ClxBr1−x)3 mixed-halide perovskites with x = 0–1 in small steps is reported, and their structural and optical properties characterised. All data is accessible in a machine-readable format.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 6146-6149
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00735F

Terminal hydride formation in [FeFe] hydrogenase: understanding the role of the dithiolate bridgehead
[FeFe]-hydrogenases are highly-active hydrogen-conversion biocatalysts using Earth-abundant metals in their active-site.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 6178-6181
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00860C
An efficient metal-free carbon catalyst boosting hydrogen production below the 1.23 V water electrolytic boundary
An efficient metal-free carbon catalyst boosting carbon oxidation integrated with hydrogen production below the 1.23 V water electrolytic boundary.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 5629-5632
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00937E
Enhanced methyl nitrite carbonylation to dimethyl carbonate via fully exposed palladium cluster catalysts
A fully exposed Pd cluster catalyst exhibited high activity and selectivity through the L–H mechanism.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 5285-5288
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC06679K
Mechanistic insights into the stereocontrolling non-covalent π interactions in Pd-catalyzed redox-relay Heck arylation reaction
DFT calculations revealed a series of non-covalent π interactions that are responsible for the high enantioselectivity of palladium-catalyzed redox-relay Heck arylation of 1,1-disubstituted homoallylic alcohols.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 5178-5181
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC00650C

Selective binding of rare-earth ions in polymerizable cages
An alkene-terminated ligand self-assembles with rare-earth ions, yielding polymerizable cages and subsequently rare-earth-binding polymer networks.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 4784-4787
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC05827E

Electrochemiluminescence of [Ru(bpy)3]2+/tri-n-propylamine to visualize different lipid compositions in supported lipid membranes
Electrochemiluminescence of [Ru(bpy)3]2+/tri-n-propylamine has been shown to be capable of visualizing supported lipid membranes with different lipid compositions.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 4495-4498
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC06245K
Effects of Lewis acidity and size of lanthanide salts for ring-opening copolymerization
Lanthanide chloride salts, with a cocatalyst, are used as a near “one-size-fits-all” catalyst system to perform the ring-opening copolymerization of diverse epoxides and cyclic anhydrides.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 4411-4414
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC06438K

Relating norbornene composition-to-reactivity for thiol–ene photopolymerizations and 3D printing
Structure–reactivity relationships were identified for a series of norbornene derivatives that facilitated rapid light-induced thiol–ene polymerizations for hydrogel 3D printing.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 3860-3863
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC06196A

Isothiourea – catalyzed α-selective glycosylations
Here, we disclose the discovery that isothioureas efficiently catalyze the formation of both α-1,2-cis and α-1,2-trans glycosyl linkages from either glycosyl bromide or chloride donors, furnishing glycosides in good to complete selectivities.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 3856-3859
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC05456C

Accelerating the discovery of high-mobility molecular semiconductors: a machine learning approach
The two-dimensionality (2D) of charge transport significantly affects charge carrier mobility in organic semiconductors, making it a key target for materials discovery and design.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 3676-3679
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04200J

Highly conductive composite anode catalysts featuring a fused Ir nano-network towards proton exchange membrane electrocatalysis
A fused Ir nano-network supported on TiO2 is reported to fabricate a low-iridium-loading anode catalyst layer of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 3688-3691
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC06170E
Strain-release trifluoromethoxylation and pentafluorosulfanoxylation of [1.1.0]bicyclobutanes: expanded access to fluorinated cyclobutane hybrid bioisosteres
Methods for formal bromo-trifluoromethoxylation and bromo-pentafluorosulfanoxylation of [1.1.0]bicyclobutanes using AgOCF3 or AgOSF5 and 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin are disclosed.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 3159-3162
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC06616B
Synthesis of chiral N-free sulfinamides by asymmetric condensation of stable sulfinates and ammonium salts
An organocatalytic approach using stable, cost-effective ammonium salts for asymmetric sulfinylation, achieving a broad range of enantioenriched sulfinamides was disclosed.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 3017-3020
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC06395C
Cobalt catalysed cross-dehydrogenative coupling of indoles: a photoinduced ligand to metal charge transfer process
We demonstrate the participation of cobalt in a photoinduced LMCT process, which leads to the formation of ligand-based radical species and enables both homo and hetero cross-dehydrogenative coupling of indoles with decent yield.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 1898-1901
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC05192K
Peptide-induced chirality transfer and circularly polarized luminescence in achiral BODIPY emitters via halogen bonding
This paper reports hierarchical assemblies and chiral induction in achiral BODIPY emitters through peptide-mediated halogen bonding, leading to circularly polarized luminescence with a remarkably high glum value of −1.2 (±0.075) × 10−2.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 1826-1829
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC05814C
Unlocking an additive-free and catalyst-free dual approach for reduction of amides to amines
A two-fold strategy to convert amides to amines in the presence of dimethylamine-borane as the hydrogen source is reported. Several amides undergo reduction to the corresponding amines swiftly in good-to-excellent yields.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 1605-1608
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04606D
Headpiece-assisted DNA data storage in solution and solid
A headpiece was introduced in the construction of a DNA-based data storage platform.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 881-884
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC05109B

Ligand binding characteristics of an NAD+ riboswitch revealed by FRET and biolayer interferometry
A gene regulating RNA was analyzed using single-molecule and bulk fluorescence and biolayer interferometry, revealing ligand-dependent structural switching behavior.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 346-349
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04261A
Stabilizing Ni catalysts in biogas reforming via in situ carbon deposit removal by CeO2 oxygen vacancies
Surface oxygen vacancies (Ov) in the catalyst facilitate an in situ consumption mechanism, effectively eliminating carbon deposits for biogas reforming.
Chem. Commun., 2025,61, 270-273
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC04453C
About this collection
This annual special collection showcases research carried out by internationally recognised, up-and-coming scientists in the early stages of their independent careers, and who are making outstanding contributions to their respective fields. Join us in celebrating their contributions!
New articles will be added to this collection as they are published.