The integration of water purification processes, including photocatalytic processes and membrane technology in the form of photocatalytic membranes, is an effective solution to overcome the operational and performance limitations of both methods in water and wastewater treatment applications. Electron–hole recombination and limited access to light are the primary challenges for photocatalysts in photocatalytic membranes, a field that has garnered significant attention. In this context, incorporating the piezoelectric effect into photocatalytic membranes to form piezo-photocatalytic membranes is a promising approach to improve catalytic performance. This review comprehensively discusses the synergistic interaction between photocatalytic processes, membrane filtration, and piezoelectric effects. First, the fundamental concepts of piezoelectric semiconductors and the working principles of piezo-photocatalytic systems are introduced. Then, preparation strategies for piezo-photocatalysts and piezo-photocatalytic membranes are summarized. In addition, the role of piezo-photocatalysts in enhancing the efficiency of piezo-photocatalytic membranes for water and wastewater treatment applications is critically discussed. Finally, current challenges, limitations, and future research directions in this emerging field are presented. In piezo-photocatalytic membranes, the piezo-photocatalysts are not only optically active but also deform under mechanical stress, thereby generating an electric field. The electric field facilitates the separation of electron–hole pairs in the photocatalytic process and their transfer to the material surface, thereby enhancing oxidation–reduction reactions. These membranes demonstrate enhanced performance compared with traditional photocatalytic membranes, even under low-light conditions, due to piezoelectric activation. Overall, piezo-photocatalytic membranes are considered a promising strategy for overcoming the limitations of conventional photocatalytic membranes under both illuminated and low-light conditions.
Coumarin is a versatile heterocyclic compound with wide applications in the fields of medicines, sensors, fluorescence probes, optoelectronics, and photovoltaics. Coumarin shows fluorescence in the visible region and suitable substitutions with various chromophores make it tunable for applications in the latest (third) generation of solar cells. Dye-sensitized solar cells have profited well with attractive coumarin-based photosensitizers via the various structural frameworks of coumarin, namely D-A, D-π-A, D-D-π-A, and D-A-π-A. The functionalization of coumarin dyes as donors with appropriate fullerene or fullerene-free acceptors is significantly utilized for both binary and ternary blends in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. This review article pays particular focus to the design, synthesis, and photovoltaic analysis of various coumarin dyes for fabrication in both DSSCs (dye-sensitized solar cells) and OSCs (organic solar cells), reported since 2014.
Tetravalent silicon Lewis acid (TMSOTf) have emerged as a potent and versatile catalyst in modern organic synthesis. TMSOTf offered a green and atom economical approach for the construction of a wide range of N-heterocyclic frameworks, including indoles, imidazoles, indazoles, quinolines, pyridine, piperidine, pyrrolidone, maleimides, and many more; which are key structural motifs in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and functional materials. It is compatible with various nucleophilic partners and solvents and has reduced by-product formation. This makes an attractive alternative to traditional metal-based Lewis acids. Recent advancements have demonstrated TMSOTf-mediated multi-component reactions, cascade cyclizations, and tandem transformations that afford complex N-heterocycles in high yields with excellent regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. Its key features, such as simple operation, tolerance toward moisture under optimized conditions, and recyclability, has enhanced its synthetic utility. This review included all the protocols including synthesis of nitrogen heterocyclic molecules using TMSOTf from 2019 to 2025 with reaction conditions, substrate scope, mechanism, and their applications. Overall, TMSOTf-catalyzed heterocyclic synthesis represented a metal free approach for the diverse nitrogen heteroaromatic and saturated ring systems. This reinforced the role of silicon-based Lewis acids in contemporary organic chemistry.
Bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes (BCBs) possess high ring strain and unique structural rigidity, making them versatile building blocks for constructing three-dimensional (3D) molecular frameworks. This review primarily focuses on the latest research advances in BCB since 2019, including cyclobutylation reaction, cyclization reaction, ring-opening reaction, and direct cross-coupling reaction. Mechanistic analysis centers on activation modes such as single-electron transfer, hydrogen atom transfer, and force-promoted cleavage, alongside selectivity control mechanisms including ligand-directed regional selectivity, chiral catalysis-mediated enantioselectivity, and minimization of dipole repulsion. Multiple systems have achieved highly efficient BCB functionalization and broad substrate compatibility.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping drug discovery by bridging the gap between traditional computer-aided drug design (CADD) and next-generation, data-driven methodologies. Unlike conventional CADD, which relies on physical modelling of molecular interactions, AI integrates machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) to leverage rapidly expanding datasets in biology and chemistry. These approaches enable efficient prediction of molecular structures, binding affinities, and pharmacological properties, thereby reducing both time and cost in drug development. The impact is particularly profound in the design of protein therapeutics, such as antibodies, which require accurate modelling of complex structures and interactions. Emerging AI frameworks, including generative adversarial networks (GANs), reinforcement learning (RL), and multi-omics integration, are accelerating target identification, optimizing lead candidates, and refining pharmacokinetic and biophysical profiles. In this review, we highlight recent advances at the interface of AI and antibody drug discovery, discuss key methodological developments, and examine the challenges that remain in translating AI-driven strategies into clinical success. We further explore how AI-enabled platforms are redefining the landscape of precision biopharmaceuticals, offering new opportunities for efficient and targeted therapeutic development.
Chemical looping hydrogen production (CLHP) is a highly efficient and low-carbon technology that enables continuous hydrogen production. It is based on the transfer of oxygen atoms between two or three reactors using an oxygen carrier as an intermediate medium to produce high-value-added syngas and high-purity hydrogen. This study begins with a brief overview of the technical principles and key advantages of methane chemical looping reforming for hydrogen production. Based on the Web of Science Core Collection database, bibliometric keyword clustering analysis was employed to identify trends in oxygen carrier materials within the chemical looping hydrogen production field, with a particular focus on progress in the modification and design of Fe-, Ni-, and Cu-based, and composite mineral oxygen carriers. Furthermore, by systematically collating previously reported density functional theory (DFT) calculation data, a comparative analysis of the differences in key thermodynamic and kinetic parameters among various oxygen carriers, including the reaction activation energy, oxygen vacancy formation energy, and adsorption energies of reactants and intermediates, was performed. Finally, the review systematically summarizes the mechanisms by which preparation methods regulate the microstructure and redox properties of oxygen carriers, aiming to provide a reference for the rational design and controlled synthesis of high-performance oxygen carriers, fill gaps in existing reviews, and offer cutting-edge systematic reference material for future research into chemical looping hydrogen production technology. This illustrated summary builds upon the core technical principles to explore strategies for oxygen carrier modification, mainstream hydrogen production methods, and the preparation techniques for high-performance oxygen carriers. Within this framework, this study first systematically reviews the technical principles and core advantages of methane-based chemical looping hydrogen production. Subsequently, focusing on the design and modification of oxygen carriers, three major strategies are introduced: inert carrier doping, addition of active components, and microstructural regulation. Furthermore, it conducts a comparative analysis of the key parameters of different oxygen carriers using DFT calculation data. Finally, this study summarizes the preparation methods and characteristics of high-performance oxygen carriers, including the sol–gel (SG) method, impregnation method (IM), spray drying (SD), mechanical mixing (MM), freeze granulation (FG), and coprecipitation (CP). Particular emphasis is placed on multiscale regulation methods for oxygen carriers, providing a reference for the rational design and controlled synthesis of high-performance oxygen carriers in the future.
Oxazepines are seven-membered heterocyclic frames containing oxygen and nitrogen within their structure and are regarded as privileged scaffolds in medicinal chemistry. These structures constitute the parent core of several essential drugs and have numerous biological properties like antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-HIV, and antidepressant activities. The wide biological activities of oxazepines have encouraged organic chemists to design various novel synthetic routes to synthesize new oxazepine derivatives. Though undoubtedly valuable and significant, many of these synthetic methods often involve multistep procedures that suffer from the waste generation of materials. In contrast, multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have recently emerged as sustainable synthetic tools for the synthesis of various types of oxazepines. In this regard, MCRs, especially Ugi and Betti reactions, can provide complex synthons in a straightforward and green manner for the synthesis of oxazepine derivatives. MCRs can also produce oxazepines in high yields in a single pot and a single step. The present review covers articles on the synthesis of oxazepines via MCRs from their inception to 2025. It will be beneficial for chemists to design safe, economical, and environmentally benign methods for the synthesis of diverse types of oxazepines.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide health crisis challenging existing antibiotics, leading to increased mortality. Since their discovery in the early twentieth century, antibiotics have transformed medicine and saved countless lives. But today, the worrying increase in antibiotic resistance casts a shadow over the discovery of antibiotics. The abuse and overuse of antibiotics has led to the unrelenting adaptability of microbes, which is the cause of this global issue. With particular attention on ciprofloxacin (CIP), 2nd generation fluoroquinolones work by preventing DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV from performing their vital functions, which include transcription, recombination, replication, and condensed DNA remodeling. Numerous researchers have developed CIP derivatives that are promising treatments, but factors such as overuse, multiple drug therapy, and misuse contribute to widespread resistance along with different side effects. So, to overcome such problems, diverse strategies to enhance CIP efficacy are examined, including synthetic approaches such as hybridization, Mannich reaction, and oxidation, aiming to modify the structure of CIP and create novel compounds with potentially enhanced biological activities, improved efficacy, or reduced side effects, which happens as a result of chemical and physical changes, typically involving one or more reactions. Along with this, nanotechnology for drug delivery and synergistic combinations with aminoglycosides, tobramycin, or azithromycin, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) offer potential to combat multidrug-resistant strains. This review provides insights into potential breakthroughs necessary to overcome AMR challenges and advance effective emerging synthetic and delivery approaches for antibacterial treatments. Overall, we have compiled different emerging strategies to develop CIP derivatives with the aim of discovering new and more effective ways to combat drug-resistant infections.
Nitrate esters, also known as organic nitrates, are an important class of compounds owing to their diverse applications in synthetic chemistry, medicine, and materials science. Traditionally recognized as energetic materials and vasodilators, they have also demonstrated therapeutic potential in pain management, wound healing, and cancer treatment. The synthesis of nitrate esters via C–H functionalization enables direct access to valuable products from simple hydrocarbons. Recent advances in C(sp3)–H functionalization methods have facilitated their formation using various nitrate sources, including HNO3, t-BuONO, metal nitrites, metal nitrates, and hypervalent iodine reagents. However, existing methodologies are largely restricted to a limited substrate scope, primarily targeting methyl arenes, ethyl carbonyls, 1,3-dicarbonyls, and protected alcohols. This limitation presents a clear opportunity for expanding the range of applicable starting materials. This review summarizes current synthetic strategies for nitrate esters formation through C(sp3)–H functionalization and highlights the potential of these approaches to access previously unattainable nitrate esters.
Chromanes are privileged scaffolds in medicinal chemistry because they exhibit diverse biological activities. Their stereoselective synthesis has become a critical objective in drug development. The emergence of organocatalysis has sparked a paradigm shift in synthetic chemistry by offering a highly selective alternative to traditional metal-catalyzed reactions. This review discusses the transformative impact of organocatalyzed reactions on the asymmetric synthesis of chromane derivatives, focusing on key classes of catalysts such as chiral phosphoric acid, chiral amines, bifunctional systems, and others reported since 2020. Organocatalysis not only achieves high levels of stereocontrol but also adheres to the principles of green chemistry by eliminating toxic metals and enabling mild reaction conditions. These advancements diversify synthetic methodologies and establish organocatalysis as a fundamental approach in the sustainable synthesis of bioactive chromanes.
In the past decade, asymmetric catalysis has undergone significant advances, driven by the development of chiral phosphoric acids, transition metal complexes, and photoredox catalytic systems. Among these, asymmetric multicomponent reactions (AMCRs) have emerged as powerful tools for the rapid and selective construction of structurally complex molecules. This research highlights recent progress (2019–2025) in AMCRs from the perspectives of these three key catalytic platforms, emphasizing their distinct and cooperative roles in enabling enantioselective bond formation. Particular emphasis is placed on AMCRs catalyzed by chiral phosphoric acids, photoredox systems, and Lewis acids and bases, alongside representative transition metal-catalyzed AMCRs. These are discussed as discrete yet interconnected catalytic manifolds, providing a balanced and comprehensive overview of the field. Mechanistic features, including catalyst interplay, activation modes, and stereocontrol elements, are critically analyzed to establish a unified understanding of reactivity and selectivity. By focusing on these well-defined catalytic domains, this manuscript delineates the fundamental principles that underpin modern AMCR design and highlights emerging strategies that integrate light-driven processes with chiral induction. Collectively, these advances underscore the evolution of asymmetric catalysis into a cohesive and versatile platform for the efficient synthesis of functionally and structurally sophisticated molecules.
Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from Curcuma longa, has many biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. However, its use in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical systems is limited owing to poor water solubility, chemical instability, fast metabolism, and very low oral bioavailability. To address these issues, various formulation strategies have been created. Microencapsulation is one of the most effective methods for improving the stability, bioaccessibility, and controlled release of curcumin. At the same time, computational tools such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations have become more important for understanding curcumin–carrier interactions and predicting formulation stability at the molecular level. Although both experimental encapsulation techniques and in silico modeling are well-established, research in these areas often occurs separately, leading to fragmented understanding of curcumin delivery systems. This review offers a detailed analysis of curcumin research by connecting its physicochemical properties and degradation pathways with microencapsulation strategies and computational modeling. Key encapsulation techniques such as spray drying, ionotropic gelation, complex coacervation, and nanostructured delivery systems are examined in terms of their mechanisms, benefits, drawbacks, and uses. Additionally, recent progress in molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations is discussed to emphasize their growing role in helping choose carriers and design formulations. By linking formulation science with predictions at the molecular level, this review presents a framework to promote the development of effective, stable, and bioavailable curcumin-based delivery systems for food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical purposes.
Rare-earth high-entropy oxides (RE-HEOs) represent a distinct class of entropy-stabilized ceramics in which multiple lanthanide cations occupy a common crystallographic sublattice, generating strong chemical disorder, lattice distortion, and complex defect landscapes. Unlike transition-metal-based high-entropy oxides, RE-HEOs are governed by localized 4f electronic states, weak crystal-field coupling, and variable redox chemistry, leading to emergent structural, electronic, magnetic, and optical phenomena that challenge conventional solid-state descriptions. This review provides a physics-oriented analysis of RE-HEOs, focusing on the thermodynamic foundations of configurational entropy stabilization, the interplay between enthalpy, entropy, and kinetic trapping, and the consequences of severe chemical disorder for crystal structure and phase stability. We review how lattice distortion, oxygen vacancy disorder, and cation randomness modify phonon spectra, ionic transport pathways, and electronic structures, with particular emphasis on the role of localized 4f states, defect-induced in-gap levels, and disorder-broadened excitation spectra. Spectroscopic manifestations of disorder including crystal-field relaxation, line broadening, lifetime modification, and energy transfer processes are discussed within a unified framework linking local symmetry breaking to macroscopic response. We further discuss the optoelectronic properties of RE-HEOs, including photoluminescence from intra-4f transitions, upconversion mechanisms, and disorder-induced modifications of radiative lifetimes and quantum efficiency. The application landscape spans both energy conversion (electrocatalysis, solid oxide fuel cells, thermal barrier coatings) and optoelectronic technologies (phosphors, scintillators, optical thermometry, and anti-counterfeiting). Likewise, we assess theoretical and computational approaches, including density functional theory with strong correlation corrections, statistical thermodynamics, and emerging machine-learning models, highlighting their ability and current limitations in capturing disorder-driven physics in multi-component oxides. Finally, we identify open questions central to condensed-matter physics, including the nature of entropy-stabilized metastability, the limits of band theoretical descriptions in highly disordered 4f systems, and the role of configurational entropy in tuning electron–phonon and defect interactions. By consolidating experimental and theoretical insights, this review establishes RE-HEOs as a platform for exploring disorder-dominated solid-state physics beyond conventional crystalline oxides.
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline, porous polymers with tunable architectures, high surface areas, and robust chemical stability, making them promising platforms for chemical sensing. This review surveys recent advances in luminescent COFs (LCOFs) for the selective detection of hazardous contaminants via fluorescence-based mechanisms, including photo-induced electron transfer and energy transfer. Representative studies discuss ultra-low detection limits for UO22+, Hg2+, and Pb2+, along with rapid response times, high adsorption capacities, and strong recyclability. Sensitivity and selectivity are further enhanced through functionalization strategies such as amidoxime grafting, lanthanide incorporation, and linkage engineering. Beyond actinide sensing, LCOFs have demonstrated effectiveness toward mercury, lead, nitro-aromatic explosives, and biological markers, underscoring their functional versatility. Despite these advances, key challenges persist, including scalable synthesis, structural stability in complex matrices, and integration into deployable sensing devices. Future progress leveraging hybrid material systems, computation-guided design, and portable detection platforms could position LCOFs as transformative tools for environmental monitoring, nuclear safety, and public health protection.
N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF), as an indispensable and versatile reagent in organic synthesis, has evolved from a traditional solvent to a synthetic building block with rich reactivity. Due to its unique molecular structure, DMF can participate in the construction of various complex organic molecules through multiple reaction pathways under different reaction conditions. Accordingly, this review aims to provide a comprehensive and in-depth summary of the latest research progress in organic synthesis using DMF as a versatile synthon, covering all relevant literature reports published between May 1, 2020, and May 1, 2025. Furthermore, in-depth studies of the underlying reaction mechanisms help to precisely understand the essence of DMF’s involvement in reactions, thereby providing a solid theoretical foundation for optimizing reaction conditions and developing novel reaction pathways. This review serves as a crucial reference guide for expanding the application scope of DMF in organic synthesis and developing more environmentally friendly organic synthesis methods.
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the key technology that allows the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and integration of renewable energy, but their development faces a complex of technical, environmental, and policy issues that require a multidimensional analysis. This review critically evaluates electrochemical activities, structural innovations, environmental effects, and regulatory frameworks used to deploy LIBs in EVs to inform the current development strategies. A narrative literature review was conducted across Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of science, IEEE Xplore, ACS, and Scopus where peer-reviewed articles, technical reports, and policy documents published between 2015 and 2025 were searched. Thematic synthesis melded discoveries in electrochemical processes, materials science, and policy space. LIBs have a better energy density (130–275 Wh kg−1) and life- cycle greenhouse gas emission reductions of 46–52
The development of cost-effective, high-accuracy MXene-based electrode devices is a promising approach for monitoring brain activity. The high conductivity and controllable surface chemistry make MXenes viable for neural stimulation and recording applications. In this review article of MXene integration into neural devices, we analyze the role of MXenes in advancing next-generation brain–computer interfaces (BCIs). High-resolution neural interfaces can be studied through cognitive rehabilitation investigations that examine real-time signal decoding capabilities and feedback systems in these devices. In addition to a summary of recent experimental findings from in vitro and in vivo models, the article also discusses engineering strategies for optimizing MXene-based systems for neural applications. The clinical implementation of future technologies must address challenges related to material stability and compatibility with biological tissues, as well as device miniaturization requirements. This investigation aims to evaluate MXenes as transformative materials that could drive breakthroughs in neural interface technology while advancing brain–machine interface functionality.
Self-luminescence imaging, which eliminates the need for external excitation, offers a compelling advantage in bioimaging by providing superior signal-to-background ratios for visualizing deep-seated biological structures and events. The performance of this advanced technique hinges on the properties of its self-luminous probes. Among various options, small-molecule organic probes (SOMSPs) have emerged as a promising class due to their exceptional molecular programmability, high sensitivity, and tunable optical characteristics. Recent breakthroughs in novel SOMSP design, their synergistic integration with advanced nanomaterials, and innovative combinations with therapeutic modalities have further amplified their sensitivity, selectivity, and versatility in diverse biomedical applications. This provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current state-of-the-art in organic small-molecule probes for self-luminescence techniques, with a specific focus on chemiluminescence, bioluminescence, and afterglow luminescence. We delineate key interdisciplinary strategies for their design and optimization, highlighting their broad applications in cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy, as well as real-time neuronal activity monitoring. Finally, we discuss the persistent challenges and offer a forward-looking perspective on future directions to accelerate the clinical translation of SOMSP-based self-luminescence imaging, bridging fundamental materials science with advanced biomedical engineering.
The mining sector is undergoing a major transformation, as it moves shifting from traditional, labor-intensive methods to adopting digital technologies within the framework of Industry 4.0. Machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics are emerging as key innovative tools to improve safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the entire mining value-chain, from exploration and mineral processing to mineral characterization and environmental management. The integration of AI and ML with spectroscopic techniques has revolutionized the mining industry by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, throughput, and operational performance. This review discusses recent advances in AI, ML, and robotics applications in mining processes and mineral characterization. It explores the influence and highlights the integration of ML tools such as ANN, PCA, k-NN, and SVM with advanced analytical chemistry techniques, including XRF, XRD, SEM–EDX, LIBS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, and HSI for mineral identification. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis using Scopus publications over the past 20 years provides insights into research trends and hotspots, providing recent insights into publication patterns and research. The review further offers an overview of recent technological developments, economic benefits, policy implication changes, and future directions, while emphasizing gaps related to the standardization of prospects for mining, demonstrating substantial growth in the integration of AI-driven analytical technologies within the analytical chemistry characterization of minerals, while also highlighting gaps related to the standardization of technologies.
Energetic materials containing catenated nitrogen chains have attracted considerable attention from chemists because of their high heats of formation and unique properties. Although researchers have studied compounds with catenated nitrogen chains for more than 100 years, designing compounds with longer nitrogen chains and excellent energetic properties has long been a research hotspot in the field of energetic materials. The properties of the synthesized catenated nitrogen chain-containing energetic materials demonstrate their promising application prospects in explosives, pyrotechnics, and propellants, as well as significant research value. This prompted this review, which summarizes the synthetic methods and properties of energetic materials containing N5–N11 and N18 chains to establish a valuable theoretical basis for the extension of catenated nitrogen chains.
