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2025 Volume 44 Issue 11
2025, 44(11): 100662
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100662
Abstract:
This review delves into the emerging field of multidimensional catalysis, with a particular focus on the regulation of electrocatalysis by external magnetic fields. It outlines the significance of electrocatalysis in clean energy conversion and storage, and how magnetic fields can enhance the efficiency, selectivity, and stability of electrocatalytic reactions through various mechanisms such as Lorentz force, magnetocaloric effects, and spin selectivity. The review also discusses the historical evolution of catalysis research from one-dimensional to multi-dimensional and highlights the role of magnetic fields in catalyst synthesis, mass transfer, electron transfer, and reaction kinetics. Furthermore, it summarizes key applications of magnetic fields in different electrocatalytic reactions, supported by theoretical calculations that provide insights into the microscopic mechanisms. This comprehensive overview not only offers a theoretical and experimental foundation for the development of new electrocatalysts but also paves the way for more efficient and sustainable electrocatalytic technologies, marking a significant step toward the advancement of clean energy solutions.
This review delves into the emerging field of multidimensional catalysis, with a particular focus on the regulation of electrocatalysis by external magnetic fields. It outlines the significance of electrocatalysis in clean energy conversion and storage, and how magnetic fields can enhance the efficiency, selectivity, and stability of electrocatalytic reactions through various mechanisms such as Lorentz force, magnetocaloric effects, and spin selectivity. The review also discusses the historical evolution of catalysis research from one-dimensional to multi-dimensional and highlights the role of magnetic fields in catalyst synthesis, mass transfer, electron transfer, and reaction kinetics. Furthermore, it summarizes key applications of magnetic fields in different electrocatalytic reactions, supported by theoretical calculations that provide insights into the microscopic mechanisms. This comprehensive overview not only offers a theoretical and experimental foundation for the development of new electrocatalysts but also paves the way for more efficient and sustainable electrocatalytic technologies, marking a significant step toward the advancement of clean energy solutions.
2025, 44(11): 100696
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100696
Abstract:
2025, 44(11): 100697
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100697
Abstract:
NiMo catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic performance in the electrooxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to produce high-value 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Although metallic nickel is known to undergo reconstruction into high-valent species during the reaction, the dynamic evolution of molybdenum components in NiMo catalyst and their mechanistic roles in catalytic reaction remain unclear. In this study, the structural evolution of NiMo alloy during HMF electrooxidation is systematically investigated. Operando analyses reveal that under anodic polarization, molybdenum undergoes oxidative dissolution in the form of MoO42-, concurrently driving the generation of high-valent Ni3+ species. Meanwhile, the dissolved MoO42- re-adsorbs on the catalyst surface, forming a unique interfacial structure with Ni3+. Electrochemical results demonstrate that this surface structure facilitates a synergistic effect between the MoO42- and high-valent Ni3+, enhancing the adsorption and activation of HMF molecules. Therefore, the NiMo alloy exhibits excellent catalytic performance, with a high FDCA selectivity of 99.0%. This study provides new insights into the relationship between the catalyst reconstruction process and enhancement of catalytic performance.
NiMo catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic performance in the electrooxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to produce high-value 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Although metallic nickel is known to undergo reconstruction into high-valent species during the reaction, the dynamic evolution of molybdenum components in NiMo catalyst and their mechanistic roles in catalytic reaction remain unclear. In this study, the structural evolution of NiMo alloy during HMF electrooxidation is systematically investigated. Operando analyses reveal that under anodic polarization, molybdenum undergoes oxidative dissolution in the form of MoO42-, concurrently driving the generation of high-valent Ni3+ species. Meanwhile, the dissolved MoO42- re-adsorbs on the catalyst surface, forming a unique interfacial structure with Ni3+. Electrochemical results demonstrate that this surface structure facilitates a synergistic effect between the MoO42- and high-valent Ni3+, enhancing the adsorption and activation of HMF molecules. Therefore, the NiMo alloy exhibits excellent catalytic performance, with a high FDCA selectivity of 99.0%. This study provides new insights into the relationship between the catalyst reconstruction process and enhancement of catalytic performance.
2025, 44(11): 100699
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100699
Abstract:
Addressing the kinetic limitations of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is paramount for advancing rechargeable Zn-air batteries, thus it is extremely urgent to drive the development of effective and affordable electrocatalysts. This work constructs the interfacial structure of cobalt-iron alloys@phosphates (denoted as CoFe/Co–Fe–PO) as OER catalyst through a two-step approach using water-bath and hydrothermal methods, which demonstrated significant OER activity in alkaline media, requiring a low overpotential of 271 mV to achieve 10 mA cm-2 and exhibiting a competitive Tafel slope of 65 mV dec-1, alongside sustained operational stability. The enhanced performance can be attributed to the improved electrical conductivity due to the participation of CoFe alloys and the increased number of active sites through partial phosphorylation, which synergistically enhances charge transfer processes and accelerates OER kinetics. Moreover, dynamic structural evolution during OER process was thoroughly probed, and the results show that alloys@phosphates gradually evolve into phosphate radical-modified Co–Fe hydroxyoxides that act as the actual active phase. Highlighting its practical applicability, the integration of prepared catalyst into zinc-air batteries leads to markedly improved performance, thereby offering promising new strategic directions for the development of next-generation OER electrocatalysts.
Addressing the kinetic limitations of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is paramount for advancing rechargeable Zn-air batteries, thus it is extremely urgent to drive the development of effective and affordable electrocatalysts. This work constructs the interfacial structure of cobalt-iron alloys@phosphates (denoted as CoFe/Co–Fe–PO) as OER catalyst through a two-step approach using water-bath and hydrothermal methods, which demonstrated significant OER activity in alkaline media, requiring a low overpotential of 271 mV to achieve 10 mA cm-2 and exhibiting a competitive Tafel slope of 65 mV dec-1, alongside sustained operational stability. The enhanced performance can be attributed to the improved electrical conductivity due to the participation of CoFe alloys and the increased number of active sites through partial phosphorylation, which synergistically enhances charge transfer processes and accelerates OER kinetics. Moreover, dynamic structural evolution during OER process was thoroughly probed, and the results show that alloys@phosphates gradually evolve into phosphate radical-modified Co–Fe hydroxyoxides that act as the actual active phase. Highlighting its practical applicability, the integration of prepared catalyst into zinc-air batteries leads to markedly improved performance, thereby offering promising new strategic directions for the development of next-generation OER electrocatalysts.
2025, 44(11): 100700
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100700
Abstract:
Plastic pollution and elevated atmospheric CO2 levels remain critical environmental challenges, whereas methane is increasingly recognized as a valuable feedstock for producing high-value chemicals. Photocatalysis offers a promising approach to harness abundant solar energy, converting it into sustainable and eco-friendly chemical energy for applications such as plastic degradation, CO2 reduction, and methane oxidation. ZnO-based composites stand out due to their large surface areas, tunable band structures, and abundant active sites, making them highly suitable for these photocatalytic processes. Nonetheless, pure ZnO is hindered by rapid recombination of photoinduced e-/h+ pairs and limited absorption of visible light, restricting its photocatalytic efficiency. This review explores the fundamental mechanisms, synthesis strategies, and various ZnO-based composite materials that enhance photocatalytic plastic degradation, CO2 conversion, and methane oxidation. Special attention is paid to identifying key challenges and how the formation of ZnO composites addresses these issues within the different catalytic reaction pathways to improve overall photocatalytic activity. Finally, existing challenges and prospective research avenues are discussed to guide future advancements.
Plastic pollution and elevated atmospheric CO2 levels remain critical environmental challenges, whereas methane is increasingly recognized as a valuable feedstock for producing high-value chemicals. Photocatalysis offers a promising approach to harness abundant solar energy, converting it into sustainable and eco-friendly chemical energy for applications such as plastic degradation, CO2 reduction, and methane oxidation. ZnO-based composites stand out due to their large surface areas, tunable band structures, and abundant active sites, making them highly suitable for these photocatalytic processes. Nonetheless, pure ZnO is hindered by rapid recombination of photoinduced e-/h+ pairs and limited absorption of visible light, restricting its photocatalytic efficiency. This review explores the fundamental mechanisms, synthesis strategies, and various ZnO-based composite materials that enhance photocatalytic plastic degradation, CO2 conversion, and methane oxidation. Special attention is paid to identifying key challenges and how the formation of ZnO composites addresses these issues within the different catalytic reaction pathways to improve overall photocatalytic activity. Finally, existing challenges and prospective research avenues are discussed to guide future advancements.
2025, 44(11): 100701
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100701
Abstract:
2025, 44(11): 100703
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100703
Abstract:
Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) represent an innovative category of crystalline porous materials, formed through the self-assembly of organic building blocks via intermolecular hydrogen bonds, along with supplementary interactions such as π-π stacking and van der Waals forces. The relatively weak nature of hydrogen bonding endows HOFs with remarkable structural flexibility and a wide range of functional potential. Among them, luminescent HOFs (LHOFs) not only preserve the inherent luminescent properties of their organic fluorophore components but also exhibit key features characteristic of HOF materials, including porosity, recyclability, solution processability, and exceptional biocompatibility. This review outlines the design principles of LHOFs and explores their most recent applications, such as in sensing, bioimaging, and white-light emission. Lastly, we discuss current challenges and provide an outlook on future research directions in this field.
Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) represent an innovative category of crystalline porous materials, formed through the self-assembly of organic building blocks via intermolecular hydrogen bonds, along with supplementary interactions such as π-π stacking and van der Waals forces. The relatively weak nature of hydrogen bonding endows HOFs with remarkable structural flexibility and a wide range of functional potential. Among them, luminescent HOFs (LHOFs) not only preserve the inherent luminescent properties of their organic fluorophore components but also exhibit key features characteristic of HOF materials, including porosity, recyclability, solution processability, and exceptional biocompatibility. This review outlines the design principles of LHOFs and explores their most recent applications, such as in sensing, bioimaging, and white-light emission. Lastly, we discuss current challenges and provide an outlook on future research directions in this field.
2025, 44(11): 100706
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100706
Abstract:
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising due to the advantages of metallic zinc, including the high specific capacity (820 mAh g-1), low redox potential (-0.76 V vs. SHE), inherent safety, low cost, and environmental sustainability. Despite these benefits, AZIBs face challenges such as uneven Zn deposition and excessive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the Zn anode, which reduce the battery's coulombic efficiency and cycling life. This study introduces an ammonium formate (AF) additive into a 2.0 M ZnSO4 electrolyte to address these issues. The AF additive promotes the three-dimensional rapid diffusion of Zn2+ on the anode surface and induces the preferential Zn(002) plane deposition, thus inhibiting dendrite growth and enhancing cycling stability. It also disrupts the hydrogen bond network of electrolyte, reducing the number of active H2O molecules and suppressing H2O-induced side reactions. Consequently, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell with the AF additive shows stable cycling over 2100 h at 5.0 mA cm-2 with an areal capacity of 1.0 mAh cm-2, and maintains stability over 9700 cycles at 30 mA cm-2. When applied in a Zn||VO2 full cell, it achieves capacity retention of 68.9% after 2000 cycles, which demonstrates significant performance improvements in AZIBs.
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising due to the advantages of metallic zinc, including the high specific capacity (820 mAh g-1), low redox potential (-0.76 V vs. SHE), inherent safety, low cost, and environmental sustainability. Despite these benefits, AZIBs face challenges such as uneven Zn deposition and excessive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the Zn anode, which reduce the battery's coulombic efficiency and cycling life. This study introduces an ammonium formate (AF) additive into a 2.0 M ZnSO4 electrolyte to address these issues. The AF additive promotes the three-dimensional rapid diffusion of Zn2+ on the anode surface and induces the preferential Zn(002) plane deposition, thus inhibiting dendrite growth and enhancing cycling stability. It also disrupts the hydrogen bond network of electrolyte, reducing the number of active H2O molecules and suppressing H2O-induced side reactions. Consequently, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell with the AF additive shows stable cycling over 2100 h at 5.0 mA cm-2 with an areal capacity of 1.0 mAh cm-2, and maintains stability over 9700 cycles at 30 mA cm-2. When applied in a Zn||VO2 full cell, it achieves capacity retention of 68.9% after 2000 cycles, which demonstrates significant performance improvements in AZIBs.
2025, 44(11): 100709
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100709
Abstract:
Direct propane dehydrogenation (DPDH) represents a highly attractive route for on-purpose propylene production, a key building block in the petrochemical industry. In particular, among various catalytic platforms, vanadium-based catalysts have emerged as promising candidates due to their tunable properties including redox ability, surface acidity, and resistance to coking. Although the catalytic community has obtained great achievement in this area, how to promote vanadium-based catalysts towards the next step in DPDH applications like industrial-level implementations is still challenging. Moreover, there are still several controversial theories in our community, meaning it is necessary to clarify these indistinct points to pave the way for the next generation of research. Herein, the pivotal modification strategies of vanadium-based catalysts have been summarized via introducing representative works. In addition, the current unclear mechanism and research gaps, especially in the issues of deactivation and selectivity control, are also revealed so that the potential research directions are well-founded proposed. By integrating fundamental understanding and practical considerations, this review aims to inspire the further development of vanadium-based DPDH catalysts for in-depth academic research and next-generation industrial deployment.
Direct propane dehydrogenation (DPDH) represents a highly attractive route for on-purpose propylene production, a key building block in the petrochemical industry. In particular, among various catalytic platforms, vanadium-based catalysts have emerged as promising candidates due to their tunable properties including redox ability, surface acidity, and resistance to coking. Although the catalytic community has obtained great achievement in this area, how to promote vanadium-based catalysts towards the next step in DPDH applications like industrial-level implementations is still challenging. Moreover, there are still several controversial theories in our community, meaning it is necessary to clarify these indistinct points to pave the way for the next generation of research. Herein, the pivotal modification strategies of vanadium-based catalysts have been summarized via introducing representative works. In addition, the current unclear mechanism and research gaps, especially in the issues of deactivation and selectivity control, are also revealed so that the potential research directions are well-founded proposed. By integrating fundamental understanding and practical considerations, this review aims to inspire the further development of vanadium-based DPDH catalysts for in-depth academic research and next-generation industrial deployment.
2025, 44(11): 100711
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100711
Abstract:
To effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and integrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnosis and multitarget therapy for orthotopic glioma, we proposed to develop a multinuclear gadolinium (Gd) complex based on apoferritin (AFt). To this end, we rationally designed and synthesized a trinuclear Gd(III) complex (Gd3) with strong T1-weighted MRI performance and remarkable cytotoxicity against glioma cells in vitro. Subsequently, we constructed an AFt-Gd3 nanoparticle (NP) delivery system. AFt-Gd3 NPs not only penetrate BBB but also provide significant T1-weighted MRI contrast for orthotopic glioma while effectively inhibiting glioma growth with minimal side effects in vivo. Furthermore, we elucidate the mechanism by which AFt-Gd3 NPs inhibit glioma growth: inducing apoptosis through chemodynamic therapy, blocking glutamine metabolism, and inhibiting energy metabolism.
To effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and integrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnosis and multitarget therapy for orthotopic glioma, we proposed to develop a multinuclear gadolinium (Gd) complex based on apoferritin (AFt). To this end, we rationally designed and synthesized a trinuclear Gd(III) complex (Gd3) with strong T1-weighted MRI performance and remarkable cytotoxicity against glioma cells in vitro. Subsequently, we constructed an AFt-Gd3 nanoparticle (NP) delivery system. AFt-Gd3 NPs not only penetrate BBB but also provide significant T1-weighted MRI contrast for orthotopic glioma while effectively inhibiting glioma growth with minimal side effects in vivo. Furthermore, we elucidate the mechanism by which AFt-Gd3 NPs inhibit glioma growth: inducing apoptosis through chemodynamic therapy, blocking glutamine metabolism, and inhibiting energy metabolism.
2025, 44(11): 100713
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100713
Abstract:
Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties, enabling the conversion of low-energy photons into high-energy ones. This capability has facilitated their extensive application in fields such as bioimaging and information security. Traditional research has primarily focused on steady-state characteristics, with strategies such as core-shell structural design, ion doping, and surface passivation being employed to achieve high-brightness luminescence and color tuning. Over the past decade, the study of non-steady-state characteristics has emerged as a research hotspot and has introduced a new dimension for the dynamic control of luminescence. This review systematically surveys the mechanisms, manipulation strategies, and characterization methods of non-steady-state upconversion luminescence and provides an overview of the latest advancements in its applications, including multi-dimensional anti-counterfeiting, full-color volumetric display, velocimetry, photonic coding, and logic operation. Furthermore, this review analyzes the current limitations in studying the non-steady-state characteristics of lanthanide-doped fluoride nanostructures and offers perspectives on future development directions. Collectively, these efforts provide a comprehensive framework of knowledge for the field and lay the foundation for further development and expansion of non-steady-state upconversion technologies. We anticipate that this review will provide fundamental insights and guidance for manipulating upconversion properties, thereby further promoting their applications and advancing non-steady-state upconversion technologies.
Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties, enabling the conversion of low-energy photons into high-energy ones. This capability has facilitated their extensive application in fields such as bioimaging and information security. Traditional research has primarily focused on steady-state characteristics, with strategies such as core-shell structural design, ion doping, and surface passivation being employed to achieve high-brightness luminescence and color tuning. Over the past decade, the study of non-steady-state characteristics has emerged as a research hotspot and has introduced a new dimension for the dynamic control of luminescence. This review systematically surveys the mechanisms, manipulation strategies, and characterization methods of non-steady-state upconversion luminescence and provides an overview of the latest advancements in its applications, including multi-dimensional anti-counterfeiting, full-color volumetric display, velocimetry, photonic coding, and logic operation. Furthermore, this review analyzes the current limitations in studying the non-steady-state characteristics of lanthanide-doped fluoride nanostructures and offers perspectives on future development directions. Collectively, these efforts provide a comprehensive framework of knowledge for the field and lay the foundation for further development and expansion of non-steady-state upconversion technologies. We anticipate that this review will provide fundamental insights and guidance for manipulating upconversion properties, thereby further promoting their applications and advancing non-steady-state upconversion technologies.
2025, 44(11): 100715
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100715
Abstract:
Stimuli-responsive materials offer significant potential for high-security encryption, smart sensors, and optoelectronic switching due to their reversible state transitions triggered by external stimuli (temperature, light, or electric fields). Combining quasi-spherical molecular design with chiral engineering, we designed enantiomeric organic amine-borane adduct crystals exhibiting multi-channel switching behavior at room temperature. The strategic introduction of intramolecular hydrogen bonding and chirality in engineered R/S-HQNB crystals successfully enables room-temperature structural phase transitions. This transition is coupled with pronounced on-off switching in dielectric, SHG, and SHG-CD responses, demonstrating practical application potential through ambient-temperature operation, which is rarely documented in pure small molecule organic crystals. This advance establishes a pathway for functional organic materials design and enables chiral optical applications with integrated stimuli-responsive capabilities.
Stimuli-responsive materials offer significant potential for high-security encryption, smart sensors, and optoelectronic switching due to their reversible state transitions triggered by external stimuli (temperature, light, or electric fields). Combining quasi-spherical molecular design with chiral engineering, we designed enantiomeric organic amine-borane adduct crystals exhibiting multi-channel switching behavior at room temperature. The strategic introduction of intramolecular hydrogen bonding and chirality in engineered R/S-HQNB crystals successfully enables room-temperature structural phase transitions. This transition is coupled with pronounced on-off switching in dielectric, SHG, and SHG-CD responses, demonstrating practical application potential through ambient-temperature operation, which is rarely documented in pure small molecule organic crystals. This advance establishes a pathway for functional organic materials design and enables chiral optical applications with integrated stimuli-responsive capabilities.
2025, 44(11): 100716
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100716
Abstract:
2025, 44(11): 100717
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100717
Abstract:
By integrating photocatalytic H2O2 production with furfuryl alcohol (FAL) oxidation, this coupled process establishes an atom-economical pathway for sustainable chemical synthesis, simultaneously achieving energy storage and biomass valorization. This study introduces a meticulously engineered MOF@MOF hierarchical photocatalytic architecture, specifically the PCN-134@MOF-525 (PM-X series) composite, designed for synergistic catalysis of these processes. By strategically integrating two distinct MOF materials, we circumvent the limitations of single-component systems, such as facile charge carrier recombination, and establish a redox dual-active site catalytic system. This rational design transcends simple additivity, yielding emergent catalytic behaviors driven by precise control over interfacial electric fields and dynamic structural modulation. The resultant hierarchical organization enhances light harvesting, promotes efficient charge separation, and accelerates charge transfer kinetics. Mechanistic insights, derived from photoelectrochemical, spectroscopic, and in-situ IR analyses, reveal a synergistic interplay that suppresses electron-hole recombination and spatially segregates redox processes. PM-3 demonstrates a significant enhancement in catalytic efficiency (the highest value reported), exhibiting a 4.5-fold increase in both H2O2 production and FAL oxidation rates compared to the individual MOF components, achieving near-quantitative FAL conversion and exceptional selectivity. This work provides a potent design blueprint, emphasizing interfacial engineering and structural synergy for unprecedented efficiency and selectivity in sustainable chemical transformations.
By integrating photocatalytic H2O2 production with furfuryl alcohol (FAL) oxidation, this coupled process establishes an atom-economical pathway for sustainable chemical synthesis, simultaneously achieving energy storage and biomass valorization. This study introduces a meticulously engineered MOF@MOF hierarchical photocatalytic architecture, specifically the PCN-134@MOF-525 (PM-X series) composite, designed for synergistic catalysis of these processes. By strategically integrating two distinct MOF materials, we circumvent the limitations of single-component systems, such as facile charge carrier recombination, and establish a redox dual-active site catalytic system. This rational design transcends simple additivity, yielding emergent catalytic behaviors driven by precise control over interfacial electric fields and dynamic structural modulation. The resultant hierarchical organization enhances light harvesting, promotes efficient charge separation, and accelerates charge transfer kinetics. Mechanistic insights, derived from photoelectrochemical, spectroscopic, and in-situ IR analyses, reveal a synergistic interplay that suppresses electron-hole recombination and spatially segregates redox processes. PM-3 demonstrates a significant enhancement in catalytic efficiency (the highest value reported), exhibiting a 4.5-fold increase in both H2O2 production and FAL oxidation rates compared to the individual MOF components, achieving near-quantitative FAL conversion and exceptional selectivity. This work provides a potent design blueprint, emphasizing interfacial engineering and structural synergy for unprecedented efficiency and selectivity in sustainable chemical transformations.
