Fluorine-containing compounds have unique physicochemical properties, which are widely used in pharmaceutical pesticide materials and other fields. Among which, easily prepared α-trifluoromethyl olefins are universal structural unit for the synthesis of various fluoro-containing molecules. Recently, the burgeoning photocatalytic technology furnish opportunities for exploring the potential to highly functionalized molecules under mild conditions, and the conversion of α-trifluoromethyl olefins under photochemical conditions has attracted much attention. In this paper, the diverse transformation of α-trifluoromethyl olefins, mainly including difunctionalization of α-trifluoromethyl olefins, defluorinative functionalization to gem-difluoroalkenes, as well as other types (non-defluorination conversion, controllable defluorination conversion and cyclization reaction), are described. Besides, some of the reaction mechanisms are also discussed.

The ultimate goal of heterogeneous catalysis is to precisely regulate chemical reaction transformations. Zeolite catalysts, with their unique shape-selective properties, have been widely used in chemical production, however, achieving highly efficient catalytic reactions requires accurate control over the structure of active sites to minimize side reactions. Since aluminum (Al) atoms located at crystallographically nonequivalent T-sites form the active centers of zeolites, controlling the distribution of Al at both local (T-site level) and spatial (regional) scales has become a research focus in zeolite science. This review systematically summarizes strategies for regulating Al distribution in zeolites—both bottom-up and top-down approaches—as well as advanced characterization techniques. In the bottom-up strategy, using representative zeolite frameworks as examples, we elucidate the mechanism by which organic and inorganic structure-directing agents influence Al distribution. Combined with theoretical calculations, we reveal how van der Waals forces, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonding govern the spatial positioning of Al. In the top-down strategy, selective removal or incorporation of Al atoms is achieved based on variations in the stability of heteroatoms (or Al atoms) at different T-sites, and the advantages and limitations of this method are critically discussed. Accurate characterization of Al distribution is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of regulation strategies; thus, recent advances in Al site characterization are reviewed, emphasizing that multi-technique approaches can yield more reliable structural information. Finally, the review summarizes the merits and drawbacks of each strategy and envisions the future integration of artificial intelligence and big-data-driven high-throughput microchannel zeolite synthesis to realize precise control of Al distribution. The fusion of multiple characterization techniques is further expected to enable accurate structural elucidation, ultimately guiding the rational design of reaction-specific, high-performance zeolite catalysts.

Radioisotopes of lead have been extensively utilized in interdisciplinary research across nuclear science, healthcare applications, geology, and environmental science since the 20th century, serving as the interdisciplinary bridge connecting different disciplines. Due to the rapid development of nuclear medicine in recent years, the lead-203 and lead-212 radioisotopes have shown significant potential for cancer theranostics, with the ability for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of tumor. Lead-202 and lead-205 are key components of uranium-lead spikes, which are widely applied in geochronological research on the isotope dilution mass spectrometry (ID-MS) for uranium-lead (U-Pb) dating. As a member from the decay chain of uranium-238, the behavior of lead-210 has been considered as a key mark in sediment dating, atmospheric aerosol transport phenomenon investigation and the monitoring of potential leakage of nuclear fuel from nuclear facilities. However, the production of the above-mentioned lead radioisotopes remains highly challenging, and the current supply is not able to meet the growing demands of these lead radioisotopes across various research fields. In this review, the application of a few selected lead radioisotopes in interdisciplinary research is summarized, with a focus on the production and purification methods for the lead radioisotopes. Finally, insights into prospects for the production and utilization of key radioactive lead isotopes in the future are given.

Zero-valent main group elements give rise to a diverse array of allotropes through various bonding modes, such as covalent network bonding, molecular aggregation and polymeric chain formation. This structural diversity not only reflects the intrinsic bonding flexibility of these elements but also showcases their significant application potential in synthetic chemistry and the development of advanced new materials. In recent years, with the rapid advancement of main group element chemistry, ligand-stabilized low-valent main group element compounds have garnered increasing attention. Compounds containing zero-valent main group elements feature electron-rich main group element centers and exhibit extremely high reactivity, making their stable existence difficult to achieve for a long time. With the design and development of novel ligands for low-valent main group elements, a series of groundbreaking zero-valent main group element compounds have been successfully synthesized and characterized.​ Among these, ligand-stabilized mono- and dinuclear zero-valent main group element compounds exhibit unique electronic structures, and their isolation and characterization enhance our understanding of the bonding mechanisms associated with zero-valent main group elements. Since the differences in the electronic properties of ligands significantly affect the bonding modes between zero-valent element atoms and ligands, such compounds usually exhibit unique electronic structural characteristics and a rich variety of chemical reactivities. Furthermore, their excellent solub ility in common organic solvents greatly broadens their applications in homogeneous synthetic chemistry. Additionally, due to the unusual oxidation states of the central elements, zero-valent main group element compounds show promise in small molecule activation. This review mainly summarizes the synthesis of zero-valent compounds of elements from Group 13 to 15 in the p-block of the periodic table as well as a few alkaline earth metal elements in the s-block. The article elaborates on their isolation, electronic structures and bonding modes, and unique chemical reaction properties while addressing the challenges they face in this field and outlining future development directions.

The chemistry of free radicals has advanced significantly in recent years. Radical reactions provide chemists a powerful means to access synthetic pathways that were previously regarded as highly challenging or practically unfeasible. Generally, radicals can be classified into three main categories based on their electronic properties: neutral radicals, radical cations, and radical anions. With the advancement of radical chemistry, considerable efforts have been devoted to the study of neutral radicals. In contrast, the transformations of corresponding radical ions remain largely unexplored. Radical ions are commonly generated using oxidants or reductants, photochemical methods, or electrochemical methods. Sulfides and their radical cations are commonly used in synthetic chemistry. This manuscript reviews recent advances in the photochemical generation of sulfide radical cations and summarizes their synthetic applications. It is divided into three sections covering single-electron oxidation of sulfides, S—X bond homolysis of thianthrenium salts, and single-electron transfer from phenothiazine-based photocatalysts. The generated sulfide radical cations can promote C—S and C—H bond cleavage of sulfides, induce O—H bond activation of alcohols, facilitate single-electron transfer from substrates, and drive radical-radical coupling reactions. Moreover, the application of sulfide radical cations in various photocatalytic processes and their synthetic potential are also discussed. The future prospects and emerging trends in the use of sulfide radical cations in organic chemistry are further highlighted.

In modern natural product synthesis, chemists are often able to execute two or even multiple chemical reactions to occur in one pot by designing substrate structures and screening reaction conditions, thus to synthesize target molecules in a concise and efficient manner. Such a reaction sequence is termed a cascade reaction. Michael addition and aldol reaction are the two most applied classic reactions in organic synthesis. By regulating the reaction conditions and designing the substrates, they can occur successively in the same system to form complex cyclic systems. This cascade reaction is termed Michael/aldol cascade cyclization reaction, which can effectively improve the atomic and step economy of a synthesis. This review comprises more than 40 reported studies on natural product synthesis as examples to summarize nine common types of Michael/aldol cascade cyclization reactions, to demonstrate their applications as key steps in complex natural product synthesis, and to outlook on the direction of further developments of this methodology.

Lithium-air batteries are considered promising candidates for the development of advanced energy storage systems due to their exceptionally high theoretical energy densities. Taking lithium-oxygen batteries as an example, their theoretical specific energy can reach up to 3500 Wh/kg. However, lithium-air batteries, including lithium-oxygen and lithium-carbon dioxide batteries, still face significant challenges on the cathode side, such as sluggish reaction kinetics, high overpotentials, and side reactions caused by electrolyte decomposition. During discharge, gaseous reactants such as O₂ or CO₂ are reduced at the cathode to form solid discharge products like peroxides, carbonates, or oxalates. These products typically possess poor electronic and ionic conductivity, which can passivate the electrode surface, leading to catalyst deactivation and capacity limitations. In the subsequent charging process, the poor “solid-solid” contact between the catalyst and these insulating discharge products makes them difficult to decompose efficiently, resulting in high overpotentials, low coulombic efficiency, and severe parasitic reactions. To address these issues, researchers have introduced redox mediator (RM) molecular catalysts to convert the “solid-solid” interface into a more efficient “solid-liquid-solid” interface. RMs transfer electrons between the electrode and the discharge products in solution phase, enabling their oxidation and fully decomposition, thereby improving the poor contact of “solid-solid” interface and significantly improving the electrochemical performance of lithium-air batteries. This review briefly introduces the current status and key challenges in lithium-air battery research and, using lithium-oxygen batteries as a representative system, systematically discusses the catalytic roles, mechanisms, and advantages and disadvantages of redox mediators during both discharge and charge processes. Furthermore, the design principles and technical barriers in developing ideal redox mediator catalysts are analyzed, and future perspectives for this research field are proposed.

In recent years, the radical-mediated formal Diels-Alder reaction of dienophiles and dienes under mild conditions has provided a novel approach for the stereoselective construction of six-membered ring skeleton. This review offers a concise overview of the application of radical-mediated formal Diels-Alder reactions in the total synthesis of bioactive complex natural products. It mainly includes three types of reaction pathways: (1) the radical cation-mediated formal Diels-Alder reaction, (2) the single-electron-transfer-initiated formal Diels-Alder reaction, and the diradical-involved formal Diels-Alder reaction, which enable the stereoselective generation of target ring systems.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have emerged as a revolutionary technology in the field of clean energy, enabling the direct conversion of chemical energy to electricity through hydrogen-oxygen electrochemical reactions. This technology fundamentally circumvents the limitations of conventional combustion-based power generation, achieving near-zero greenhouse gas emissions while presenting a critical solution for efficient and environmentally-benign utilization of chemical energy. As the critical component of PEMFCs, the proton exchange membrane (PEM) plays an essential role in determining device-level efficiency and long-term operational stability. The PEM is a proton conductive polymer membrane existing between the anode and cathode, enabling selective proton transport while blocking electrons and gases. The ideal PEM materials must concurrently satisfy two critical operational requirements: (1) establishing efficient proton conduction pathways from anode to cathode with directional specificity, while (2) exhibiting robust resistance to gas and electricity leakage. To address these competing demands, strategic innovations in nanostructured membrane architectures continue to drive progress in next-generation PEMs. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), a novel class of porous organic crystalline materials, demonstrate exceptional potential as next-generation PEM candidates owing to their inherent advantages including precise structural tunability, periodic pore arrangements, customizable functionality, and remarkable chemical stability. The unique architectural features of COFs provide unprecedented opportunities for proton conduction engineering. Their molecular-designed frameworks allow precise engineering of proton-conductive sites through strategic chemical modifications, while the well-defined nanochannels enable effective confinement of diverse proton carriers/vehicles. The periodic and topological pore nanoarchitectures facilitate the establishment of hierarchical proton transport pathways. These characteristics demonstrate exceptional performances in either hydrated or anhydrous proton conduction systems. This review systematically examines recent advancements in the design and preparation of COF-based proton conducting materials. Beginning with a brief introduction to the PEMFCs and current PEM, the basic knowledge of COFs and their potential structural advantages for proton conduction are discussed. Subsequently, the preparation of COF-based membrane and the key performance evaluation of PEM are summarized. Particular emphasis is placed on design strategies to enhance proton conduction including: (1) Framework design with incorporation of proton-conducting functionalities, (2) Pore nanoconfinement of proton-conducting guest moieties and (3) Pore-structure engineering for building proton conducting superhighways. The proton conductivity under different temperatures and humidities are discussed, along with the correlations to their structures and proton conduction mechanisms. Finally, the summary and perspective in this field are presented, underscoring challenges and opportunities in this burgeoning field. We hope this review would offer valuable insights into designing high-performance COF-based PEMs.

The rapid proliferation of electric vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and smart electronics has fueled escalating demand for high-energy-density lithium batteries. Current battery systems confront critical challenges: sluggish Li⁺ ion transport kinetics that constrain rate capability; structural degradation from substantial volume changes in silicon anodes and sulfur cathodes; accelerated stability deterioration through interfacial side reactions; and shortened cycle life due to chemical/structural degradation. This review, rooted in chemical bond fundamentals, systematically examines regulatory mechanisms of hydrogen bond (H-bond) chemistry—harnessing the dynamic reversibility of H-bonds (X—H…Y, where X and Y denote highly electronegative small-radius atoms like N, O, or F, with bond energies of 5~42 kJ•mol⁻¹) to overcome material limitations across battery components. For cathodes, H-bond networks between organic coatings and layered oxides suppress lattice oxygen release and transition metal dissolution, enhancing interfacial stability, while intramolecular H-bonding in organic cathodes mitigates dissolution; concurrently, self-healing binders utilizing dynamic H-bond reorganization accommodate sulfur cathode volume expansion. In electrolytes, functional enhancement is achieved through H-bond mediation: liquid electrolytes leverage atypical H-bonds (e.g., F^δ⁻—H^δ⁺) to optimize solvation structures and reduce desolvation barriers, thereby accelerating interfacial Li⁺ ion transfer; solid-state electrolytes employ H-bond chemistry to elevate ionic conductivity and Li⁺ ion transference numbers; gel and solid polymer electrolytes exploit H-bond networks to facilitate Li⁺ conduction, inhibit dendritic growth, enhance interfacial stability, enable self-healing, improve mechanical robustness, and widen electrochemical stability windows; organic-inorganic composite electrolytes similarly utilize H-bonds to augment Li⁺ transference numbers and conductivity. Separator modifications exploit H-bond interactions with electrolytes to improve wettability and homogenize Li⁺ flux. For anodes, self-healing binders dynamically reform H-bonds to repair silicon volume-expansion cracks, while artificial solid electrolyte interphase layers utilize multi-site H-bonding to guide uniform lithium deposition. Despite these advances, three pivotal challenges persist: in-situ characterization of H-bonds requires breakthroughs in advanced analytical techniques; conceptual expansion of H-bonding principles; the need for deeper mechanistic understanding of both canonical and non-canonical H-bonding in high-energy-density battery materials. Future progress demands integration of in situ characterization, artificial intelligence-assisted design, and multiscale simulations to unlock the full potential of H-bond chemistry for next-generation batteries with ultrahigh energy density and long cycle life.

Alumina (Al₂O₃) materials are widely utilized in aerospace, military, dental restoration, automobile manufacturing and electronic applications due to their high strength, hardness, and chemical stability. However, their inherent brittleness and low fracture toughness (typically below 4.5 MPa•m^1/2) limit their application in load-bearing components. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in strengthening and toughening strategies for Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-based composites, focusing on three key approaches: phase regulation, compositional optimization, and bioinspired micro-nano structural design. Phase regulation strategies, such as amorphous Al₂O₃ and crystal-amorphous dual phase structures, enhance toughness through shear band slip and uniform plastic deformation (e.g., amorphous Al₂O₃ layers achieve tensile strength of 4.8 GPa with 30% strain). Compositional optimization involves introducing secondary phases like oxides (e.g., ZrO₂, Y₂O₃) to refine grains and induce crack deflection (fracture toughness up to 9.38 MPa•m^1/2), carbon materials (e.g., graphene, SiC) for crack bridging and branching (40% toughness improvement), and metals (e.g., Cu, Ni) to enhance interfacial bonding and energy dissipation (energy density of 10 J•g^-1). Micro-nano structural designs inspired by natural nacre (“brick-mortar” architecture), 3D interlocking, and Bouligand structures achieve synergistic high strength and high toughness via multiscale crack deflection and bridging. Challenges remain in stabilizing amorphous phases, strengthening heterogeneous interfaces, and scaling up biomimetic pure ceramic architectures. Future directions emphasize pure ceramic composites with high-performance, interfacial engineering, and scalable fabrication of hierarchical structures to expand applications in extreme environments. This review provides critical insights and technical guidelines for developing next-generation high-performance Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-based composites.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), with their structural tunability, high specific surface area, and excellent chemical stability, have attracted increasing attention in the field of proton conductors in recent years. This review systematically summarizes the research progress of COF-based proton conductors, covering proton transport mechanisms, material design strategies, experimental characterization, theoretical simulation methods, and application prospects. Criteria for distinguishing between the Grotthuss mechanism, which involves proton relaying through a hydrogen-bonding network, and the Vehicle mechanism, which entails diffusion of protonated species, have been clarified based on extensive experimental measurements of activation energies and theoretical simulations of proton transport pathways. In general, an activation energy below approximately 0.4 eV suggests dominance of the Grotthuss mechanism, whereas higher values typically indicate the predominance of the Vehicle mechanism. Proton-conducting materials are commonly categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic systems based on the source of protons. Intrinsic systems construct stable conduction pathways by covalent bonding to anchor sulfonic acid groups, phosphate groups, or nitrogen heterocycles. Extrinsic systems are optimized for proton transport by loading H₃PO₄, ionic liquids, or polymers using confinement effects. In terms of experimental characterization techniques, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed to measure macroscopic conductivity and activation energy. Simultaneously, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) was utilized to the local chemical environment of protons, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for analyzing the charge distribution of functional groups, and infrared spectroscopy for monitoring chemical bond vibrations and transformations. Furthermore, the potential applications of quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) and isotope tracing techniques in other materials were also briefly discussed. Theoretical simulation methods encompass density functional theory (DFT), for calculating electrostatic potential and, combined with transition state search methods, proton migration energy barriers, classical molecular dynamics (MD), for calculating radial distribution function (RDF) and coordination number, and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD), for dynamic tracking of proton migration pathways. These methods have collectively revealed the microscopic regulatory mechanism of proton transport through pore geometry, functional group arrangement, and synergistic effects of hydrogen bonding. Finally, this review analyzes the application prospects of COF proton conductors in electrochemical energy conversion devices. We propose that integrated efforts in the design, experimental characterization, and theoretical simulation of COFs are essential for achieving performance optimization and advancing towards practical application, thereby enhancing proton conduction efficiency and material stability. Future research should integrate high-resolution characterization and multi-scale simulation to gain a comprehensive understanding of the proton transport mechanisms in COF materials, thus accelerating the application of COF-based conductors in promising hydrogen energy technologies.

Chiral selenium-bearing organic compounds have found application in a wide range of fields, including synthetic chemistry, material science, medicinal chemistry, and agricultural chemistry. Meanwhile, they serve as powerful chiral ligands or organocatalysts in asymmetric catalysis. Therefore, asymmetric synthesis of chiral organoselenides has attracted considerable attention from the chemical community. Catalytic asymmetric C—Se bond coupling reaction between selenium resources and the corresponding reaction partners are appreciated as one of the most straightforward and powerful strategies for the construction of chiral organoselenium compounds. Recent research progress on catalytic asymmetric synthesis of chiral organoselenium compounds via this strategy is summarized. Based on the nature of selenium resources, this review is divided into two sections: catalytic asymmetric coupling of electrophilic selenium reagents with nucleophilic partners and catalytic asymmetric coupling of nucleophilic selenium reagents with electrophilic partners. Mechanisms and substrate scopes of some representative reactions are also briefly described.

Neurotransmitters are essential mediators of neuronal communication, governing neural circuit plasticity and maintaining cerebral functional homeostasis. They can be classified into major categories including monoamines, amino acids, acetylcholine, neuropeptides, purines, gaseous neurotransmitters, etc. Deciphering the dynamic fluctuations in neurotransmitter concentrations and distributions is paramount for elucidating fundamental neurophysiological processes and unraveling the mechanisms underpinning neuropathological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, etc. Fluorescence imaging technique employs specific probes that transduce the biochemical event of neurotransmitter recognition into a quantifiable optical signal, enabling non-invasive, highly specific visualization with high spatiotemporal resolution in live systems, representing an exceptionally promising class of tools for neurotransmitter detection. Owing to the compact size, excellent structural stability, high biocompatibility, tunable photophysical properties, and designable recognition mechanisms, organic small-molecule fluorescent probes act as ideal candidates for sensitive and selective neurochemical imaging. This review examines the advancements in the development and application of organic fluorescent probes for neurotransmitter detection, focusing on molecular designs, recognition principles (covalent or non-covalent interactions), signal transduction mechanisms (e.g., photoinduced electron transfer, intramolecular charge transfer, fluorescence resonance energy transfer), analytical performance, and their imaging capabilities in live cells, tissues, and in vivo models. A dedicated section provides a critical analysis of the prevailing limitations hindering broader application of current organic small-molecule fluorescent probes, such as challenges with reversibility, slow response times, photobleaching, limited multiplexing capability, insufficient blood-brain barrier penetration, and depth limitations in in vivo imaging. Building upon this assessment, we offer forward-looking perspectives on the future trajectory of fluorescent probe development. Key focus areas include engineering probes with enhanced binding kinetics and reversibility for real-time monitoring, superior photostability for longitudinal studies, capabilities for multiplexed analysis, ideal excitation/emission properties for deeper tissue penetration, and improved pharmacokinetic properties for efficient BBB crossing. This review aims to provide strategic design insights and a developmental roadmap for the next generation of high-performance neurochemical probes, thereby advancing fundamental neuroscience research and clinical diagnostic technologies.

Micro/nano-fabrication technology, as a critical bridge between materials and functional devices, holds significant applications in information technology and flexible electronics. Conventional complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes are constrained by harsh conditions such as etching and high-temperature treatments, thus facing challenges in processing emerging materials. Solution-based methods offer mild processing, yet navigating the trade-offs between macroscopic size uniformity, microscopic position precision, and ordered material assembly. Addressing these limitations, the liquid-bridge-confined assembly strategy enabled by superwetting interface engineering has emerged as a novel paradigm for cross-scale manufacturing through precise manipulation of microfluidic directional transport and ordered assembly of material units. This review systematically elucidates the dynamic mechanisms underlying liquid-bridge-confined assembly, revealing fundamental principles governing the regulation of three-phase contact lines and liquid bridge architectures through superwetting surface design. The technology demonstrates exceptional capability in high-precision patterning and long-range ordered assembly of solution-processable materials spanning organic molecules, polymers, quantum dots, and microparticles via confinement effects. Furthermore, the review critically examines how long-range order of material architectures enhance device performance and functional diversification in optoelectronics and microelectronics, exemplified by recent advancements in: (1) microlaser arrays with controlled mode coupling, (2) laser-waveguide coupling devices, (3) quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), (4) polarization-sensitive photodetectors, and (5) flexible wearable systems. Finally, the review concludes by highlighting the universal applicability of liquid-bridge-confined assembly across multi-material systems and complex substrates, while outlining future directions in photonic integration, wearable biotechnology, and quantum information processing through programmable interfacial engineering.

Proximity-dependent nucleic acid self-assembly technology has emerged as an innovative approach for ultrasensitive detection and dynamic analysis of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) by converting transient PPI events into programmable nucleic acid sequence. This technology integrates signal amplification strategies with versatile readout modalities to achieve high-resolution PPI characterization. In this review, the working mechanisms of proximity-dependent nucleic acid assembly in PPI studies are systematically elucidated. First, the fundamental principle of proximity-induced local enrichment of probes is emphasized, which drives sequence-specific nucleic acid hybridization and self-assembly. Subsequently, nucleic acid signal amplification strategies, such as rolling circle amplification, are elaborated. Furthermore, conventional fluorescence detection and next-generation sequencing-based digital platforms are discussed, and their respective strengths in spatial resolution and single-molecule sensitivity are highlighted. Finally, future advancements are envisioned through interdisciplinary integration with artificial intelligence, microfluidics, and other cutting-edge technologies, which may facilitate transformative applications in precision medicine and related fields.

Mechanochemistry (MC) is a subfield of chemistry that focuses on chemical transformation driven by mechanical energy. By manipulating mechanical energy to induce the combination and rearrangement of chemical bonds, MC stipulates unique reaction pathways and products that are not achievable by conventional chemical reactions. The high-intensity energy input is especially advantageous for transformation and remediation of persistent environmental pollutants. One prominent example is the mechanochemical degradation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a harmful environmental contaminant. By breaking the C—F bonds without the need for additional chemical reagents, mechanochemical methods can achieve nearly complete defluorination, offering a green approach to detoxify persistent pollutants. Recent research on piezo-catalytic degradation of organic pollutants has demonstrated that the method consistently maintains degradation efficiencies greater than 97% across five cycles. This highlights its robustness and potential for widespread applications in environmental remediation. MC has also contributed to the synthesis of novel materials, including single-atom catalysts (SACs), nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The fundamentals of MC include mechanical activation, introduction of structural defects, and enhancement of reaction kinetics. Early studies have successfully applied mechanochemical processes to solid waste treatment and the recovery of toxic heavy metals, such as the selective extraction of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion battery cathodes, which led to an increase in the separation factor from 56.9 to 1,475. As the field continues to evolve, future research is needed to deepen our understanding on mechanochemistry, particularly in the areas of water treatment and hazardous solid waste management. This will help address challenges associated with high costs, toxic chemical reagents, and byproducts of hazardous wastes, which are enduring challenges in environmental science and technology.

The ultimate goal of catalysis research is to enhance catalytic efficiency under industrial conditions. Industrial catalysts are typically complex multicomponent systems, comprising zeolitic components integrated with non-zeolitic components such as silica, alumina, amorphous aluminosilicate, clay, etc. Their catalytic performance is not only determined by the intrinsic properties of each component, but also is strongly influenced by the nature and extent of intercomponent interactions. However, most academic studies have focused primarily on tailoring zeolitic components, while the critical roles of non-zeolitic components and their interactions with zeolitic components were overlooked. This oversight has contributed to a persistent gap between laboratory research and practical industrial catalyst design. This review focuses on the structural integration and functional synergy between zeolitic and non-zeolitic components in industrial catalysts, with particular emphasis on fluid catalytic cracking systems as a representative case. We discuss the hierarchical and cooperative behavior of multicomponent catalytic architectures and highlight three key types of zeolitic and non-zeolitic components interactions: (1) aluminum species migration and redistribution and its influence on Brønsted and Lewis acidity; (2) cation exchange and proximity-induced modulation of acid sites between components; and (3) pore network matching and interconnectivity, which critically influence molecular diffusion and transport efficiency. By establishing correlations of structure-property-reactivity between the interface of zeolitic and non-zeolitic components, this review provides a conceptual framework to better understand and control these complex systems. We further propose future directions for the rational design of integrated industrial catalysts, emphasizing the use of advanced characterization techniques and computational simulations to unravel microscopic interaction mechanisms. These insights are expected to guide the development of more efficient, energy-saving, and environmentally benign catalytic materials for industrial applications.

As a revolutionary single-molecule sequencing technology, nanopore DNA sequencing technology leverages the non-covalent interactions between nano-confined sensing interfaces and DNA molecules to parse the base information, then reading the DNA sequence at the single-molecule level. This physical method for direct reading of DNA offers unique advantages such as label-free, long reads, high-throughput, cost-effective, and real-time detection, demonstrating immense potential in genomics research and medicine science. This review summarizes the principles and development history of biological nanopore-based single-molecule DNA sequencing, focusing on key aspects including the engineering of biological nanopores for spatial resolution improvement, motor protein-based strategies of DNA translocation for time resolution control, and the construction of nanopore sequencing systems, then going deep into the underlying connection of these factors. Based on these, the current application and future development of nanopore-based single-molecule sequencing technology has been discussed.

Polymer materials play a crucial role in modern industry and technology due to their versatile properties and broad range of applications. However, conventional industrial modification strategies often suffer from an inherent inability to finely tune the balance between strength and toughness, thereby constraining their utility in high-performance applications. To address this challenge, researchers have focused on optimizing the internal structure of polymers as a means to regulate their macroscopic mechanical behavior. Among various strategies, network structure design has emerged as a particularly effective approach. This review takes network structure as a central theme and categorizes the mechanisms of polymer modification based on their energy dissipation pathways. Six major mechanisms are discussed: hydrogen bonding, coordination interactions, host-guest interactions, force-sensitive groups, mechanically interlocked structures, and other reinforcing effects. For each category, we provide overview of recent representative and innovative studies. Through detailed structural analysis and performance evaluation, we highlight how different pathways contribute to the enhancement of mechanical properties. These special structures markedly enhance the material's ability to dissipate energy upon external force. This improvement arises primarily through three synergistic pathways: (1) the reversible breaking and reformation of sacrificial bonds, which serve to absorb and redistribute applied stress; (2) energy dissipation via molecular mobility and chain segmental friction; and (3) multiscale mechanisms of stress transfer and dispersion, which effectively mitigate stress concentration and delay failure. Finally, based on the current research, we identify key unresolved questions and major challenges that must be addressed to further advance the mechanical performance of polymer materials. Looking ahead, the development of next-generation high-performance polymers is expected to converge on several critical directions: achieving sustainability in material sourcing and processing, the combination of high elasticity and high toughness, reducing economic costs, and deepening the multiscale understanding of structure-property relationships. These avenues will be pivotal in guiding the rational design of polymer systems for future technological demands.

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs), recognized as a promising large-scale energy storage technology due to their high efficiency, inherent safety, and tunable performance characteristics, have garnered significant research interest in recent years. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in positive redox-active materials for AORFBs, with a focused analysis of representative organic electroactive species, including ferrocene derivatives, ferrocyanides/iron-based complexes, nitroxide radicals, quinones, and phenothiazine-based compounds. Through molecular engineering strategies such as functional group modification, conjugation extension, and electronic structure modulation, critical properties of organic active materials, including redox potentials, solubility in aqueous electrolytes, and chemical and electrochemical stability, have been substantially enhanced, leading to marked improvements in battery performance metrics. Despite these advancements, the practical deployment of organic positive materials continues to face challenges related to long-term cycling stability under operational conditions, limited energy density, and cost-effectiveness in scalable synthesis and processing, requiring further research and solutions.

Ethylene (C₂H₄) serves as a core raw material in the modern chemical industry, where its efficient separation and purification are of paramount importance. Compared to traditional distillation technology, adsorption separation technology offers significant advantages, including reduced energy consumption, lower costs, and simpler operational procedures. Ethane (C₂H₆)-selective adsorbents can directly obtain high-purity C₂H₄ through a single-step adsorption, simplifying the separation process and reducing energy consumption. Developing efficient C₂H₄ separation and purification technologies is a major demand for energy conservation, consumption reduction and green development in the chemical industry. The key to this research lies in the design and preparation of high-performance C₂H₆-selective adsorbents. The advent of Metal-organic framework (MOF), characterized by their high designability and adjustability, has significantly advanced the research and development of C₂H₆-selective adsorbents. By strategically designing active sites and precisely controlling pore environments, a diverse range of C₂H₆-selective adsorbents have been continuously developed. However, when facing actual separation systems and complex industrial application scenarios, the performance of these materials still needs to be improved, and there is an urgent need for further systematic research on the structure-activity relationship of the C₂H₆ adsorption mechanism. This study provides a comprehensive review of the research progress in C₂H₆-selective adsorbents over the past 15 years, delving into their structural design methodologies, such as flexible gate-opening effects, metal site modifications, and surface potential regulation. It also elaborates in detail on the influence mechanisms of different methods on the adsorption selectivity and capacity. In addition, it emphasizes the key challenges that C₂H₆-adsorbents must overcome in the face of industrial applications, including cyclic stability, green large-scale synthesis, and the establishment of new separation processes. It is expected to lay a theoretical foundation for the precise construction and separation application of high-performance C₂H₆-adsorbents, and to promote the technological innovation and transformative development of the olefin separation industry.

Doping heteroatoms (B, N, O, S, P) into polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been developed as an efficient strategy to achieve intriguing electronic structures and optoelectronic properties. In particular, boron-containing nonbenzenoid PAHs are a class of conjugated polycyclic π systems that combine the boron atoms and nonbenzenoid motifs, such as pentagon and heptagon rings. These molecules not only possess wonderful topological structures, but also have electronic structures and physicochemical properties that are obviously different from those of traditional carbon-based PAHs. Owing to these characteristics, they have exhibited great potential applications in optoelectronic devices, including organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). However, the high reactivity and sensitivity of boron atoms to moisture and oxygen leads to severe limitations in design and synthetic methods, and difficulty in construction of boron-containing π-systems. Thus, following the design strategies for enhancing the stability of the boron atom by introducing bulky substituents or utilizing structural constraint and the efficient synthetic approaches, a series of boron-containing nonbenzenoid PAHs, including boron/nitrogen-type, boron/oxygen-type, boron/sulfur-type and pristine boron-doped systems, have been dramatically developed. These molecules not only possess intriguing topological structures and excellent stability, but also exhibit fascinating optoelectronic properties, such as thermally activated delayed fluorescence, reversible redox capabilities and magnetic properties. Moreover, they exhibit sufficient Lewis acidity, enabling them to coordinate with Lewis bases to form Lewis acid-base adducts, thus achieving stimuli-responsive functions. Therefore, the precise introduction of boron atoms into polycyclic structures to construct boron-containing nonbenzenoid PAH systems and fine modulation of physical properties and functions has become the key topic in the research fields of PAHs, organoborane chemistry and organic functional materials. In this review, we aim to highlight the design and synthetic strategies of boron-containing nonbenzenoid PAHs, along with their intriguing electronic structures, physical properties and practical applications. Additionally, the synthesis challenges and future development opportunities of these molecules are analyzed and prospected.

The ever-growing energy demand poses significant challenges for developing clean and sustainable energy solutions, making the establishment of low-cost, environmentally benign, and efficient energy storage systems a critical focus for societal development. Lithium ion batteries (LIBs), as a mature electrochemical energy storage technology, currently dominate the market and have achieved large-scale implementation in electric vehicles. However, the escalating application costs of LIBs, driven by lithium resource scarcity and geopolitical constraints, have intensified the search for alternatives. Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) emerge as a promising next-generation low-cost storage solution, benefiting from electrochemical energy storage mechanisms analogous to LIBs while leveraging sodium's natural abundance. As a pivotal component of SIBs, cathode materials not only dictate battery performance but also critically determine system-level costs. Current SIB cathode materials primarily fall into three categories: layered oxides, Prussian blue analogs, and polyanionic compounds. Among these, Na₂Fe₂(SO₄)₃ (NFS) demonstrates exceptional structural stability and rate capability. The strong inductive effect of SO2- 4 groups endows NFS with a high working voltage of 3.8 V, translating to superior energy density. Furthermore, NFS exhibits advantages in raw material accessibility and environmental compatibility, aligning with sustainable development principles and positioning it as an ideal candidate for commercial SIB cathodes. Nevertheless, practical deployment of NFS in large-scale energy storage systems faces fundamental challenges: (1) intrinsic low electronic conductivity limits charge transfer kinetics, (2) interfacial instability during prolonged cycling causes capacity degradation, and (3) difficulties in synthesizing phase-pure structures compromise electrochemical reproducibility. This review begins with an in-depth analysis of the crystal structure and sodium ion insertion/extraction mechanism of NFS materials, systematically summarizing their synthesis methodologies and existing challenges. Modification strategies from perspectives including non-stoichiometric design, elemental doping, and carbon coating engineering are further overviewed. The review then extends to industrial-scale production progress, addressing key technical bottlenecks in manufacturing. By integrating fundamental mechanisms with practical applications, this work aims to provide effective guidance for enhancing the electrochemical performance of NFS materials and accelerating their commercialization, ultimately contributing to the development of cost-effective and high-performance sodium-ion battery systems.

With the intensification of environmental challenges and the ever-growing global energy demand, conventional materials are increasingly unable to satisfy the stringent requirements in energy and environmental fields. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), as a class of crystalline porous materials composed of metal nodes and organic ligands, have emerged as promising candidates due to their tunable pore structures, exceptionally high surface areas, and versatile functionalities. These features enable MOFs to play a significant role in applications such as adsorption and electrochemical energy storage. However, the poor intrinsic electrical conductivity and limited structural stability of pristine MOFs restrict their practical implementation. To address these limitations, MOF-based composites have been developed by integrating MOFs with a variety of guest materials including inorganic carbonaceous materials (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes), metal oxides, and conductive polymers. These composites not only retain the inherent advantages of MOFs but also enhance conductivity, mechanical robustness, and chemical stability through synergistic interactions. Importantly, the integration strategies often involve the construction of heterostructures, interface engineering, and the introduction of chemically bonded interfaces, thereby promoting efficient charge transfer and long-term cycling stability. Herein, a comprehensive summary of MOF composites and their emerging applications in electrochemical energy storage systems, such as supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries and aqueous zinc ion batteries, as well as in environmental adsorption processes targeting heavy metals and CO₂ capture, is offered. The discussion also emphasizes dimensional design from zero-dimensional (0D) nanoparticles to three-dimensional (3D) frameworks, each exhibiting unique advantages in terms of electron transport, ion diffusion, and active site accessibility. The relationships of these composites are analyzed, highlighting how different combinations and morphologies (e.g., core-shell architectures, layered hybrids, and flexible films) influence their functional performance. MOF composites represent a promising frontier for the development of next-generation functional materials. Their tunable dimensionality, enhanced chemical properties and multifunctional adaptability open up new avenues for solving urgent global issues in energy sustainability and environmental remediation.

Leucine zipper (LZ) is a unique protein structure characterized by the periodic insertion of a hydrophobic amino acid, typically leucine, every seven amino acids. In the human genome, 77 leucine zipper transcription factors (LZ TFs) with DNA-binding capabilities have been identified, including basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors and basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) transcription factors. These transcription factors interact through their leucine zipper domains to form homodimers or heterodimers, constructing a complex and extensive network of transcription factor interactions and signal cascades. They exhibit diverse biological functions in various aspects such as growth and development, homeostasis maintenance, response to external stimuli, disease progression, and tumorigenesis. In this article, we will focus on the pivotal roles of leucine zipper transcription factors in cancer and summarize the small molecule inhibitors that directly target these transcription factors so far, to inform and reference the development of small molecule inhibitors of transcription factors and disease research.

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), as proton-gated cation channels, play critical roles in acidosis-evoked pain signaling through their subtype-specific contributions to nociceptive pathways. ASIC1a predominantly drives central sensitization in neuropathic pain, while ASIC3 mediates peripheral inflammatory and musculoskeletal pain. While conventional analgesics, such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are limited by central side effects and poor selectivity, natural toxin peptides demonstrate remarkable therapeutic potential. PcTx1 (from tarantula venom), Mambalgin (snake-derived), and APETx2 (sea anemone toxin) exhibit nanomolar affinity for ASIC extracellular domains, effectively modulating channel gating to achieve potent analgesia without addiction risks. This review systematically elucidates the molecular architecture and gating mechanisms of ASICs, providing in-depth analysis of representative toxin peptides' mechanisms towards ASICs. PcTx1 stabilizes ASIC1a in a desensitized state through acidic pocket engagement, while Mambalgin-1 locks the thumb domain in resting state to inhibit activation. APETx2 is proposed to block ASIC3 via a basic amino acid cluster binding to the site between palm and wrist domains, as suggested by homology modeling. Biosynthetic strategies have advanced significantly, with Escherichia coli serving as a cost-effective platform for rapid production of disulfide-rich peptides through engineered oxidative folding pathways (e.g., the DisCoTune system). Pichia pastoris enables secretory expression with low immunogenicity by post-translational modification systems and α-mating factor signal peptides. For complex modifications, mammalian cells (e.g., Chinese hamster ovary cells) provide precise folding and human-like post-translational processing. Key optimizations include solubility-enhancing tags (MBP, SUMO), affinity tags (poly-His), and chemical modifications like PEGylation to improve the pharmacokinetics of toxin peptides. Finally, the discussion extends to challenges in clinical translation of toxin peptide drugs, including incomplete ASIC subtype structural resolution and off-target effects. AI-driven design (AlphaFold2-predicted models) and stimuli-responsive nanocarriers (lipid-based systems) may address these limitations. With interdisciplinary advancements and cross-application of technologies, toxin peptides demonstrate promising potential to overcome limitations of conventional analgesic therapies.

Alcohols are one of the most widespread existent in nature, and one of promising chemical feedstocks, due to their cheap and easy availability. Half a century ago, the Barton-McCombie deoxygenation was discovered, and continued to be improved by organic synthetic chemists, becoming an important and rather broad fields in modern organic chemistry. In the last decade, visible-light-driven photoredox catalysis is a powerful tool in organic synthesis, and can realize a good deal of chemical transformations, because of its milder reaction condition, functional group tolerance, high efficiency and environmental-friendly characteristics. It has been reported direct deoxygenation of alcohol in the previous literatures, including the photochemical reactions and metal-transition catalytic systems. Herein, we summarized and discussed some significant advances since in 2014, about the deoxygenative functionalization of alcohol derivatives in photochemical synthetic reactions. And oxygen-containing derivatives of alcohol mainly includes carboxylic esters, oxalic esters, thiocarbonates and their derivatives, ethers and others. In this minireview, in terms of their structural properties, we went to classify and introduce the catalytic modes and mechanisms of deoxygenation, reaction universalities, advantages and shortcomings. In these advances, the oxygen-containing derivatives of alcohol could proceed single electron oxidation and reduction processes, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), as well as radical addition process, as to assist the C—O bond cleavage to yield the key alkyl radical intermediates, subsequent functionalization to construct the newly C—C, C—N, C—O, C—S, C—X (halo) and C—B bonds. In addition, we also outlooked the challenges and opportunities in the field of deoxygenation of alcohols, and the application prospects of some compounds containing the hydroxy group in the future was discussed as well.

The national transition toward sustainable energy solutions necessitates the development of advanced materials and technologies for efficient energy conversion and storage. Addressing this demand requires innovative approaches to overcome existing limitations in energy systems, including the need for high-capacity storage, rapid charge transfer, and long term stability. In this context, research on innovative energy storage carriers and mass/charge transfer mechanisms has become a pivotal focus at the forefront of materials science and energy technology. Porous organic cages (POCs), a unique class of low crystalline density porous materials, have attracted significant interest due to their well-defined molecular structures, discrete nanopore cavities and high porosity. These properties make them highly effective for applications in gas adsorption/separation and catalysis. Unlike traditional extended framework materials such as metal organic frameworks (MOFs) or covalent organic frameworks (COFs), POCs are discrete and solution-processable molecules that offer superior solubility and structural tunability, which can be easily designed as various functional composites, broadening their applicability in emerging energy technologies. A particularly promising avenue for POCs lies in energy conversion and storage. Recent studies have demonstrated that functionalized POCs can serve as efficient charge transport materials, facilitating electron and ion movement in energy storage applications. Despite their immense potential, several challenges must be addressed before POCs can be widely adopted in commercial energy technologies. Key challenges include improving the scalability of POC synthesis, optimizing their stability under operational conditions, and enhancing their conductivity for broader energy applications. Furthermore, fundamental research is needed to better understand the charge transport mechanisms within POC-based materials, which will be crucial for advancing their practical implementation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the design and synthesis strategies of POCs, summarizes recent advancements in their energy-related applications, and discusses the challenges and future research directions in the field. By offering theoretical insights into the strategic development of POCs for energy conversion and storage, this work aims to drive further innovation in sustainable energy technologies, contributing to the ongoing efforts to address global energy challenges.

Circularly polarized room-temperature phosphorescence (CP-RTP) materials have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional optical sensitivity and spatial resolution, making them highly promising for a wide array of applications, such as three-dimensional displays, anti-counterfeiting, and information storage. Generally, the polarization magnitude is quantified by the luminescence dissymmetry factor (g_lum), which has a value between －2 and 2. However, while chiral organic RTP materials often demonstrate higher luminous efficiency, they typically display remarkably low g_lum values, generally in the order of 10^-5 to 10^-3, owing to their inherently weak magnetic transition dipole moment. This limitation significantly hinders the practical application of high-performance CP-RTP materials. Therefore, enhancing the g_lum values of CP-RTP materials remains a substantial challenge. With the rapid advancement of chiral supramolecular assembly, researchers have discovered that this system can construct long-range ordered helical nanostructures by precisely regulating intermolecular interactions, such as π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding. This approach facilitates the attainment of a high g_lum value while maintaining favorable luminous efficiency. Meanwhile, the processes of chiral self-assembly or co-assembly frequently involve chiral transfer, chiral induction, and intermolecular Förster resonance energy transfer. These processes are advantageous for inducing achiral dyes to achieve CP-RTP. This dramatically simplifies the synthesis of CP-RTP materials, circumventing the often-complex and costly preparation of intrinsically chiral RTP chromophores. Consequently, chiral supramolecular assembly systems have emerged as a highly effective strategy for the development of CP-RTP materials exhibiting substantially improved g_lum values. This review comprehensively examines the influence of helical structures on the photophysical properties of chiral supramolecular assembly systems, summarizing recent progress in the design, synthesis, and application of chiral supramolecular RTP materials, with a particular focus on their exploitation in advanced information encryption and anti-counterfeiting technologies. We delve into the underlying mechanisms driving enhanced circular polarization and discuss future directions for this rapidly evolving field.