Trends in Chemistry最新文献

Additive manufacturing of metal oxides possesses immense potential in micro-optics, enabling intricate glass and ceramic structures at the highest definition. However, a limited range of inorganic–organic monomeric precursors restrains its advancements. New inorganic–organic precursors should be developed to unlock optical functionalities to manipulate light in the third dimension.

The mysteries of chemical structures and properties of lignin are gradually being unveiled. In parallel, lignin is gaining ground as a versatile resource for the development of stimuli-responsive materials with environmentally friendly, high-performance, and multifunctional characters. This review focuses on synthesis and mechanisms of lignin-based stimuli-responsive materials, highlighting the chemical structures linked to responses to various different stimuli, such as pH and temperature. We also highlight applications of these materials in drug carriers, bioimaging, shape memory, strain sensors, and substance detection, with the objective to showcase the untapped potential of lignin, challenging the prevailing notion that lignin is merely a by-product of the pulp industry. Finally, we identify challenges and propose future directions for the development of lignin-based stimuli-responsive materials.

It is challenging to convert a non-methylotrophic yeast to a synthetic methylotroph. In a recently described new method, Nielsen, Keasling, Chen, Bai, and coworkers show that Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be engineered to grow solely on methanol, which potentially emerges as a promising platform for one-carbon (C1)-based biomanufacturing.

Addressing the burgeoning global obesity crisis, Zhao et al. recently presented innovative developments in celastrol synthesis, a potent anti-obesity agent. They unified plant biochemistry, metabolic engineering, and chemistry to map an effective celastrol biosynthetic path in yeast. The study emphasizes new opportunities for the commercial production of celastrol, revealing future potential for specialized metabolite production.

In a world facing complex global challenges, chemistry and democracy form an inseparable partnership. Chemistry equips us with knowledge and innovation, while democracy ensures collective decision-making. Together, they drive sustainability, health, technology, and evidence-based policies, shaping a world that functions for the greater good.

Organic solar cells (OSCs) based on non-fullerene acceptors have recently achieved high power conversion efficiencies over 19%, thus rapidly advancing third-generation photovoltaic technologies. Solution-processable organic interlayers, positioned between organic photoactive layers and metal electrodes, are essential to furnish optimal OSCs because of their pivotal role in adjusting work functions of metal electrodes, enhancing build-in potential of the devices and alleviating charge recombination loss. This review summarizes recent progresses in organic materials used as multiple functional cathode and anode interlayers towards efficient and stable non-fullerene OSCs. We concentrate on representative interlayer materials associated with their structure–performance relationship, aiming to provide effectual designing guidelines and propose potential opportunities and directions in this field.

The field of liquid metals (LMs), metals and alloys of low melting point made of post-transition metals, offers exciting prospects for the creation of remarkable composite materials. By providing a liquid state at low temperatures, LMs can act as primary components in conductive and flexible composites involving organic and inorganic materials. In this review, we present a succinct examination of LM-based composites and highlight their notable characteristics. We discuss the contributing factors of low melting points and exceptional thermal and electrical conductivities. Last, we showcase various types of composites utilizing LMs, elucidating their synthesis methods and applications in advanced technologies.