New Chemistry & materials papers
131 new Chemistry & materials papers appeared in the last 3 days. Pipette read every one, and these are the 60 with the broadest interest, a real step forward and careful claims. Each shows the sentence of its abstract that states the main result, exactly as its authors wrote it.
The best of the last 3 days
Electrical signal transmission across electrolyte junctions separated by atomically-thin graphene
Here we show that atomically thin graphene crystals, although impermeable to any ions or molecules, can transmit interfacial electrical potentials across electrolyte junctions without significant disruption.
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepReal-world useMorphing polymer voxels for dynamic information switching
Here, we report morphing polymeric voxels based on liquid crystal that enable seamless and reversible information display without onboard electrical power or integrated circuitry.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useThird-generation ultralong-term latent heat storage glass based on a sugar alcohol mixture
These results establish a third-generation latent heat storage mode, retaining the charged state as a kinetically arrested amorphous solid and thereby fundamentally shifting the stability criterion from supercooled-liquid nucleation suppression to glass-transition and structural-relaxation kinetics.
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepReal-world useChains of Spin-Crossover Complexes Synthesized on the Ag(111) Surface
We report the first on-surface thermally activated Ullmann coupling of spin-crossover complexes on a Ag(111) surface.
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepOrganic two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures
Here we introduce a bottom-up strategy for programmable lattice engineering in organic van der Waals heterostructures of 2D polymers.
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepEnergy-Positive Thiosulfate Production Enabled by Coupling Waste Sulfide Oxidation with Oxygen Reduction
Here we develop a galvanic electrochemical-chemical cascade strategy that couples the sulfide oxidation reaction (SOR) with the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), enabling sulfide valorization with net positive electrical energy output.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useIndustrial-Scale Electrosynthesis of Amino Acids from the Air via a Molecular Ligand-Engineered Bismuth Catalyst
Here, we report a molecular ligand-engineered bismuth catalyst (L-Bi) prepared via in situ electroreduction of bismuth metal–organic frameworks, achieving a record 93% Faradaic efficiency for glycine synthesis from simulated plasma-oxidized air and glyoxylic acid at a current density of 100 mA cm–2.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyClaims a big stepReal-world useReversible photolithography of quantum dots achieves high-performance electroluminescence
Using this approach, we achieve high-efficient and high-fidelity QD photolithography with restored QD structure and functionality.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyClaims a big stepReal-world useSub-10-nm stacking bands enable ultrastrong additively manufactured titanium
Integrating laser powder bed fusion with a high-throughput screening and machine learning method identifies a processing–composition regime for fabricating Ti alloys with sub-10-nm stacking bands, which present high specific strength and potential for scalable manufacturing.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useMolecular Programming of Steric Tags for Controlled Nanopore Translocation toward Precision Clinical Diagnostic Assistance
Here, we report a chemically intuitive molecular programming strategy─steric blockage-enabled slow translocation (SLOW-Trans)─that overcomes this physical limitation through the rational design of sterically demanding probe molecules.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useRapid-responsive and water-stable organic electrochemical transistors enabled by supramolecular artificial ion channels
OECTs operating with the ion-channel layer exhibit simultaneously enhanced temporal response and aqueous stability.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyReal-world useAtomic-scale quantification of hydrogen in metal hydrides by electron ptychography
Here, we demonstrate atomic-resolution imaging and quantitative analysis of hydrogen in metal hydrides using energy-filtered multislice electron ptychography (MEP).
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepEfficient hydrogen peroxide synthesis from seawater via Na- and Pb-codoped SnSe under moderate temperature gradient
Here we show a proof-of-concept thermoelectrocatalytic strategy for H2O2 production directly from seawater, driven solely by low-grade waste heat.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyReal-world useAqueous lignin adhesive for high-performance wood bonding
To overcome performance trade-offs in lignin adhesives, we developed a formaldehyde-free aqueous adhesive formulation via reactive cysteine-functionalized lignin, achieving high performance with an unprecedentedly low lignin loading (20 wt %), which is sprayable and injectable and exhibits excellent fluidity (1.96 mPa·s, 10 3 s −1 ).
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyClaims a big stepReal-world useSliding-before-breaking governs deformation in chitinous extracellular matrices reinforced by strong, fatigue-resistant chitin
These findings establish a sliding-before-breaking principle, in which backbone stability preserves structural integrity while regulated interfacial sliding governs energy dissipation and growth.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyAI-guided high-throughput discovery of iridium- and ruthenium-free palladium-oxide catalysts for durable acidic oxygen evolution
We report an artificial intelligence (AI)-guided, human-supervised closed-loop platform (>90% automation) integrating combinatorial sputter synthesis, high-throughput screening, machine-learning composition-property models, adaptive multi-objective optimization, and context-aware large-language-model reasoning, where lead catalysts advanced to long-term validation in 1 M H2SO4 at 10 mA cm-2.
PreprintBold claims, read criticallyReal-world useRecord stack durability in industrial solid oxide steam electrolysis through operational control
Here, we show that long-term stack durability can be strongly influenced by operating strategy, achieving 25,000 h of steam electrolysis operation in a full 70-cell solid oxide electrolysis cell stack under frequency-dependent electrochemical operation (AC:DC).
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyClaims a big stepReal-world useMechanically resilient, hybrid silicone aerogel for thermal insulation, daytime radiative cooling and sustained flame protection
Here the authors construct resilient hybrid silicone aerogels with low thermal conductivity and sustained flame protection enabled by in-situ nano-hollowing.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyReal-world usePrussian blue regulates ion dynamics in perovskite solar cells
We report that a lattice-matched Prussian blue scaffold directs heterogeneous nucleation to produce highly oriented, strain-relaxed films.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useUnlocking 17O Natural-Abundance Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Detection in Solids
This method enables us to obtain 17O NMR spectra with excellent signal-to-noise ratios and natural abundance within minutes using samples at room temperature and straight from the shelf.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallySwitchable Altermagnetism in a Layered van der Waals Metal–Organic Framework Driven by Spin-Crossover
Here, we open an unprecedented, versatile, and programmable route based on spin-crossover to switch altermagnetism on demand in molecular materials.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyClaims a big stepStress-engineered 0.34 nm graphene memristors for low-power probabilistic computing
Here, the authors report a stress engineering method to fabricate graphene-edge memristors with a geometrically defined 0.34 × 0.34 nm2 crossed-electrode area, showing volatile characteristics and their application for low-power probabilistic computing.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyClaims a big stepReal-world useCombining physical models with dynamically acquired experimental information for the optimization of multicomponent NASICON fast ionic conductors in a self-driving laboratory
Here, we introduce a strategy that simultaneously and dynamically assesses composition-dependent synthetic accessibility and target properties via aggregated cost functions that guide autonomous experimentation in a truly self-driving and self-learning mode.
PreprintReal-world usePhotodynamic Hijacking of APE1 Converts Tumor Defenses into Therapeutic Vulnerabilities via a Bidirectionally Gated Prodrug
Herein, we propose a novel photodynamic sabotage approach that converts tumor defenses into therapeutic vulnerabilities by hijacking one important defense hub, the APE1 protein.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyReal-world useActive textiles move in confined areas
Here, we demonstrate that embedding contracting threads into the versatile topologies of bobbin lace creates reconfigurable textiles that operate within fixed boundaries.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useStereodivergent telomerization of linear functionalized dienes with amines
Here we report an orthogonal telomerization platform using linear functionalized 1,3-dienes as the substrates, which simultaneously dictates regio-, geometric, diastereo-, and enantioselectivities.
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepBeyond Direct Two-Electron Oxidation: High-Potential Formaldehyde Oxidation on Palladium Still Generates Hydrogen Atoms
Unexpectedly, permeated hydrogen remains detectable over a broad FOR potential window up to 1.5 V vs RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode), demonstrating that high-potential FOR on Pd is not a hydrogen-free oxidation process.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useTyrosinase-Catalyzed Tyr–Aniline Coupling Enables Peptide Editing, Macrocyclization, and Phage-Display-Based Selection
Here, we report a tyrosinase-catalyzed tyrosine–aniline coupling platform that enables peptide editing, conjugation, macrocyclization, and phage-display-based ligand discovery within a single reaction manifold.
Peer-reviewed journalLow-Voltage Electrophoretic Deposition in Water with Metal–Organic Framework Nanoparticles
Here, we demonstrate that intrinsic surface charge density of size-controlled metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles, together with particle size and solvent properties, governs electrophoretic mobility and enables high-quality EPD in aqueous media at 1 V, well below the threshold for water electrolysis.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyReal-world useIsocyanoalkynes: Leveraging a High-Energy Interstellar Lead for Unique Multi-Bond-Forming Cascades
Described here is a robust, scalable synthesis of substituted isocyanoalkynes bearing aromatic, heterocyclic, and aliphatic substituents, and a structural analysis complemented by computations that identify molecular hot spots.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyClaims a big stepDouble Boron-Deleting Annulation: Modular Access to Chiral Nonalternant B,N-Helicenes with Enhanced Chiroptical Properties
Herein, we report an unprecedented modular synthesis of nonalternant B,N-embedded helical molecular carbons (HMCs) (BN-HMCs, 12 examples) featuring diaza-pentagon-heptagon pairs via double boron-deleting annulation (dBDA).
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepSequence-encoded hexagonal lattices in multichannel peptide nanofibrils
These findings establish that a minimal, sequence-encoded interaction hierarchy can programme long-range supramolecular order, providing a general framework for how short peptides can encode complex, symmetry-defined architectures 4–12 .
Peer-reviewed journalMolecular Beam Epitaxy of AgTaO3
We report the first synthesis of single-crystal AgTaO3 thin films using molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE).
PreprintClaims a big stepDynamic hydroxide transport intrusively damages anion exchange membranes
Herein, we report that dynamic ion transport processes fundamentally govern AEM stability degradation.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useRedox-Switchable Tristable 1,3,2,4,5-Triboradiazoles
Here we report a 1,3,2,4,5-triboradiazole (2), an all-inorganic BN-heterocycle isoelectronic with Cp–, that undergoes clean and fully reversible 0/+1/+2 redox interconversion, enabling the isolation and structural characterization of three discrete redox states based on a single B3N2 ring.
Peer-reviewed journalUnlocking Sulfurdiimide Reagents as Radical Traps in the Decarboxylative Synthesis of Sulfinamidines
Taking advantage of the wide abundance of commercially available carboxylic acids, we have developed an acridine/copper cocatalyzed decarboxylative addition into sulfurdiimide reagents, to deliver a diverse range of sulfinamidine products.
Peer-reviewed journalLong-Life Zinc–Bromine Flow Batteries with Low-Temperature Operation Enabled by Hydration Modulation of Complexing Agents
Zinc–bromine flow batteries with the target complexing agent, 1-[2-hydroxyethyl]-1-methylpyrrolidinium bromide, outperform those with traditional complexing agents in cycle life (>4000 cycles versus ∼800 cycles) at high current densities (charge: 200 mA cm–2, discharge: 80 mA cm–2) and in low-temperature adaptability (>700 h versus <10 h at 40 mA cm–2 and −20 °C).
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useStructural evolution-induced strong-coupling in CuRu-Cu2O nanocomposite enables low-overpotential electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis
Here, the authors report CuRu-Cu2O nanocomposites that achieve 95.4% ammonia Faradaic efficiency at 0 V (reversible hydrogen electrode) and operate stably for over 200 h.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useChemoselective Intermolecular Cross-Benzoin Reactions Via Pyridinium-Zwitterion Intermediates
These intermediates subsequently react with a variety of aldehydes, enabling cross-benzoin reactions in high yields and chemoselectivities.
Peer-reviewed journalLi+ Shuttle bus enables safe fast ion transport in solid polymer electrolytes
This work establishes a Li⁺ shuttle-bus strategy for constructing solid polymer electrolytes with fast-charging capability and wide-temperature adaptability, offering findings into the design of solid-state lithium metal batteries.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useBalanced Coordination Chemistry for Architecture-Universal Perovskite Solar Cells
Here, we demonstrate that superior performance in FAPbI3-based PSCs is dictated by a principle of balanced coordination strength.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyReal-world useConformal oxides decouple chemical stability and energetics at NiO x /perovskite interfaces
This synergy yielded high efficiency in perovskite photovoltaic devices and showed an ~10x improvement in T 90 lifetime in open-circuit conditions under AM1.5G at 65°C.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useDual-Atom-Doped Metastable Iridium Oxide with Multichamber Nanostructure for Durable Low-Iridium PEM Electrolyzers
Herein, we report a class of Hf/Co dual-atom-doped multichamber 3R-IrO2 electrocatalysts by integrating mesoscale structural engineering with atomic-scale electronic regulation to achieve a durable low-Ir PEM electrolyzer.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useUnlocking cycle life of lithium metal batteries
Here, we reveal that electrolyte depletion caused by unstable solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) leads to electrolyte dry-out and induces lithium compensation through anode-to-cathode cross-talk, whereby soluble anionic species formed at the anode migrate to the cathode and release Li + from electrolyte salts upon oxidation.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useElectrohydrodynamic-Mediated Molecular Coordination for Stabilizing α-Phase Perovskite Solar Cells
Herein, we demonstrate an electrohydrodynamic (EHD)-mediated chemical strategy to bypass this kinetic trap using a multifunctional molecular, tetramethylthiourea (TeMTU).
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useRadical Disconnection Logic Enables Direct Conversion of α-Amino Acids into Differentiated Vicinal Diamines
Here we introduce a radical disconnection strategy that enables the direct conversion of α-amino acids into differentiated vicinal diamines in a single step.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallySolid–vapor synthesis of dynamic crystalline one-dimensional supramolecular polymers from amorphous macrocycles
Herein, we report a highly dynamic CSP (CSP-1) via a unique solid–vapor host–guest-driven synthetic strategy, which integrates solid–vapor host–guest-driven condensation, host–guest-driven supramolecular polymerization, and crystallization of polymeric chains into a single step.
Peer-reviewed journalNegative Interfacial Tension Driven by Intrinsic Molecular Disorder
Using a minimal coupled field theory that explicitly links a conserved density field to a nonconserved “junction” field representing stochastic binding site density, we show that the attraction between two fields χ, together with the fluctuations in the junction field Tϵ, renormalizes the effective interfacial tension to negative values: Δγ ∼ −Tϵχ2.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyStiffen and toughen poly(vinyl alcohol) gels via synergistic dehydration and salting out
The resultant gel achieves tensile stress of 66.2 MPa, stiffness of 334.2 MPa and toughness of 235.7 MJ m−3, demonstrating a synergistic enhancement that reconciles the long-standing stiffness-toughness trade-off in PVA gels.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useEnhanced alkene productivity in methanol-to-hydrocarbons conversion using a secondary catalyst component and hydrogen co-feeds
Among the tested materials, Pd/SiO 2 provides the highest stability enhancement, leading up to 10× higher cumulative productivity of C 3 –C 5 alkenes, and outperforming a bifunctional Pd-loaded zeolite.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useLong-duration aqueous manganese metal anode by hydrogel solvation regulation
This work demonstrates an effective solvation-regulation strategy via hydrogel design for durable Mn anodes in aqueous batteries.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world use“Spike-Accessed” Polymer-Based Interphase-Engineered Surface-to-Bulk Lattice Stabilization for Ni-Rich Positive Electrodes
Consequently, NCM811 positive electrodes incorporating the engineered CEI retain discharge capacities exceeding 100 mAh g–1 after 2,400 cycles at 5 C while exhibiting suppressed transition-metal dissolution and minimal impedance growth, even when cycled to 4.5 V. The strategy further enables stable cycling of 5.61 Ah lithium–metal (ca.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyReal-world useFrom Processing to Functionality: Engineering Accessible Material States in Cu-Embedded SiO Memristive Devices
By combining large-scale statistical analysis of more than 50,000 experimentally characterized devices with physics-based plasma and atomistic simulations, we show that device behavior does not emerge from deterministic process-to-performance mappings, but from a probabilistic cascade spanning defect formation, defect-state evolution, and functional-regime emergence.
PreprintGenerative crystallographic phasing through invariant relationships
We introduce PhiGen, a generative reformulation of traditional direct methods that learns origin-independent phase relationships for binary and continuous phasing.
PreprintAmorphous Interface-Confined Acetylene Semireduction under Industrially Relevant Acetylene-Lean Feeds
The optimized system achieves near-unity ethylene selectivity with strongly suppressed parasitic reactions, enabling efficient acetylene removal to below 5 ppm for 310 h.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useFrustrated junctions in interfacial networks
We show that in three dimensions the classical Herring condition for triple lines is necessary but insufficient: four triple lines meeting at a quadruple node may each satisfy Herring equilibrium, while the four conditions remain mutually incompatible.
PreprintDynamic Metal–Organic Tweezer Enables High-Resolution Nanopore Analysis of Steroid Hormones
Herein, we develop a type of dynamic and pincer-like supramolecular host, metal–organic tweezers (MOTs), providing an adaptable host-assisted platform to improve molecular resolution in nanopore analysis.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useConcise Total Syntheses of (−)-Ohioensin A, Putative (+)-Ohioensin C, (+)-Myristinins A and B/C, and (+)-Caesalpinflavan A
Herein, we disclose a unified synthetic approach that culminates in the first concise enantioselective total syntheses of (−)-ohioensin A and putative (+)-ohioensin C, as well as the flavonoids (+)-myristinins A and B/C and (+)-caesalpinflavan A. The synthetic strategy hinges on the development of novel methodologies, including a chiral biphenol-catalyzed enantioselective conjugate addition of alkenyl and aryl boronic acids to 2-hydroxynitrostyrenes, a stereodivergent cyclization to procure both cis- or trans-2,4-disubstituted benzodihydropyrans, and an intramolecular deaminative aromatic homolytic substitution.
Peer-reviewed journalCrystallographic Alignment of α-FAPbI3 {100} Facets at the Buried Interface for Efficient Perovskite Photovoltaics
Here, we identify buried-interface molecules that integrate a perovskite-interacting heterocycle with a substrate-anchoring carboxyl group, enabling the ordered alignment of {100} facets at the SnO2/perovskite interface.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useDeoxygenative functionalization of alcohols, ethers, and carbonyl compounds by chromium catalysis
Herein, we report an efficient and general chromium-catalyzed strategy for the deoxygenative functionalization of alcohols, ethers, and carbonyl compounds with a number of electrophiles.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read critically