Research Highlights

A puzzling mismatch between a molecule's light absorptivity and its photochemical reactivity can now be explained by considering the microenvironment around the absorbing molecules and the effect this has on quantum yield, which becomes wavelength dependent.

In separation or filtration membranes, polymers can clog the active sites of porous materials. A recent adaptation of solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy allows for quantification of polymer intrusion in metal–organic frameworks.

Human bodies have complex reactions to stress and anxiety. A recent study explores the effect of fear on our sensitivity to odours.

Ring-shaped colloidal particles can be used to form Pickering emulsions, just as solid particles, but their shape means that a larger portion of the emulsion interface remains open, which is critical for application performance.

Incorporating thermoelectric materials into our everyday clothing could be an clever way of keeping our smart devices powered at all times. A study now looks into the feasibility of this, noting the importance of reaction conditions on the thermoelectric properties.

Building large and complex cages in simple reaction steps can be difficult. A study now details the steps for the formation of large supramolecular cages from simple starting materials, that combine in a self-assembled manner.

Glass transition temperatures are determined through, for instance, calorimetry, but maybe machine learning models can predict them. Here, researchers test this idea with published data as input for the model, to find a close correlation between predicted and experimental values. 

A system enabling the rapid multiparameter optimization of conditions for electrocatalytic conversion of biomass into essential chemical feedstocks has been described.

The fundamental knowledge of molecules with magneto-optical properties is still being built as researchers fine-tune their synthesis to optimize their properties. Researchers now add chiral ligands to magnetic heterometallic lanthanide compounds to study their impact on electronic transitions.

Typically thought of as inert and non-participating atoms, noble gasses adsorbed onto freshly cleaved single crystal surfaces enhance their electronic band structures, potentially creating more active heterogeneous catalysts.

Semiconducting polymers require narrow molecular weight distributions for optimal efficiency. Synthesizing such polymers is no easy task, however a combined ultrasonication-assisted Stille polymerization reaction could be the solution to this problem.

A metal templating approach can be used to generate homo- and heterointerlocked cage structures.

Providing a stable and reliable supply of electrons is crucial for the future of quantum computing processors. Here, electron withdrawing groups are added to species which improve the flow of electrons.

The reduction of molecular species containing arene to alkali metal cation interactions with other alkali metals has been found to contradict the expectation provided by simple considerations of relative reduction potentials.

By drawing inspiration from ion transport in biology, researchers have developed highly selective channels for the separation and enrichment of Li⁺ ions from complex aqueous solutions.

A route to synthetically interesting axially chiral diaryl ethers combines an asymmetric desymmetrization and a kinetic resolution.

Cable bacteria are able to conduct electrons to interconvert oxygen and water. Here, researchers have isolated the conducting cable bacteria skeletons to demonstrate their activity in an electrochemical cell.

If intense ionizing radiation was present at a time of prebiotic life, protocells would have needed protection. Researchers have shown that peptide-containing coacervates can harbour DNA strands, which can then be coated with Mn-containing coacervates protecting the interior from radiation.

A new class of adhesive is reported where the two-component glue adheres via electrostatic interactions. The glue works efficiently in wet and dry conditions, while exhibiting reversible properties in acidic and alkaline media.

In the interstellar medium, complex organic molecules are believed to form on icy dust grains in dark molecular clouds. Research now shows that carbon atoms, previously considered immobile, can diffuse across ice surfaces to take part in reactions with other adsorbed species.