Solid-state chemistry articles from across Nature Portfolio

CO₄ tetrahedra are expected to polymerize in layers and frameworks at high pressure, but the synthesis of layered or framework carbonates remains challenging. Here, the authors prepare and characterize oP32 CaC₂O₅ (Pna2₁) — with a structure based on a vertex-sharing tetrahedral framework — and mP80 CaCO₃ (P2₁/c) — featuring pyroxene-like chains of vertex-sharing tetrahedra — and propose a racemic model based on clockwise and counter-clockwise helical chain chirality.

The properties of metal–organic framework glasses can be modulated by additives, but understanding how they modify the glass network is challenging. Now, alkali-modifier sites in MOF glasses have been identified, and the impact of both modifier content and identity on the processing temperatures and hierarchical porosity has been examined.

Molecular precursors containing V, Bi and Zn are thermally transformed into oxide materials. Detailed studies reveal and characterise the formation of amorphous intermediates, a new kinetic polymorph of BiVO₄, and incorporation of Zn dopants.

Here authors demonstrate that ion transport in acceptor-doped melilite solid electrolytes is driven by interstitial cation migration rather than oxygen vacancies, revising the defect chemistry of this important family of energy materials.

Solid-state photophysical properties of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ have been comprehensively examined while the same for [Ru(bpy)₃]³⁺ remained elusive. Here the authors present the successful ambient-conditions stabilization of [Ru(bpy)₃]³⁺ within an organic-inorganic hybrid crystal, [Ru(bpy)₃]₂Ag₆Br₁₂.

The authors show how hydration of (Ba,Sr)LnCo₂O_6-δ double perovskite positrodes for proton ceramic cells is coupled to Ln basicity, A-site disorder, and Co oxidation state and is promoted by a closed or half-closed Ln 4 f shell, i.e., Ln = La, Gd, Lu.

Determining the enantiomorphic excess in chiral solids remains a difficult task, yet it is crucial for the characterization of materials such as chiral catalysts. Now, a combination of 3D electron diffraction, dynamical diffraction calculations, and automated processing enables the quantification of enantiomorphs in a fast and reliable manner.

Porous materials have long been a focus of research for gas separations. Now, flexible, highly fluorinated coordination polymers lacking permanently built-in cavities have been shown to adsorb CO₂ through a dissolution-like uptake process. The presence of dynamic perfluoroalkyl regions within the crystals is key to enabling transient porosity and establishing strong interactions with CO₂.

Communications Chemistry is pleased to present a Collection of articles from across the broad field of high-pressure chemistry. Here, Editorial Board Member Dr James Walsh introduces the topic and takes us on a tour of the Collection content.

Thermodynamically-stable layered cation-ordered 2D-like nitrides can be synthesized using kinetically-limited thin-film deposition methods.

‘Cool’ pigments are a potential rapid mitigation strategy for urban areas that experience excessive heat. The impacts of this technology extend beyond infrastructure to moderate public health risks of excessive heat in vulnerable neighbourhoods. Broadly, team science and interdisciplinary collaboration are key to addressing society’s urgent issues, including climate change.

Extraterrestrial carbon gives insights into the origin of life and processes that took place billions of years ago in our solar system. Here, the authors provide an overview of what is known and of unanswered questions with a meteoritical focus.