{"title":"A Critical Review of Hydrogen Production Technologies: Comparative and Integrative Analysis From Industrial Processes to Emerging Low-Carbon Pathways.","authors":"Uplabdhi Tyagi, Krishna Kumar, Gulshan Kumar, Sushil Kumar Kansal, Sandeep Kumar","doi":"10.1002/tcr.70262","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tcr.70262","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The global transition toward low-carbon energy systems is constrained by the carbon intensity and scalability limitations of current hydrogen production technologies. Although hydrogen is widely recognized as a clean energy carrier, the absence of an integrated and comparative framework limits its system-level optimization. This review presents a critical assessment of hydrogen production technologies encompassing industrial processes, biomass, and electrochemical pathways. Conventional processes are analyzed across decarbonization strategies, while biomass-derived electrochemical pathways are evaluated for feedstock flexibility and life-cycle emission advantages. Advanced technologies, including thermochemical water-splitting cycles, plasma-assisted reforming, solar-driven thermochemical processes, photocatalytic and biological routes, are critically examined with respect to scalability, materials limitations, and system integration challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":10046,"journal":{"name":"Chemical record","volume":" ","pages":"e70262"},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149219936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chemical recordPub Date : 2026-10-15Epub Date: 2026-07-06DOI: 10.1002/tcr.70208
Dini Cyriac, Gopalakrishna Pai Radhakrishnan, Anjana Sreekumar, Anugraha Sivasankaran, Jayakrishnan Aerathupalathu Janardhanan, Akhil Sivan
{"title":"From Ions to Biomolecules and Beyond: Versatile Starburst Triphenylamine-Based Scaffolds as Multifunctional Tools for Advanced Sensing Applications","authors":"Dini Cyriac, Gopalakrishna Pai Radhakrishnan, Anjana Sreekumar, Anugraha Sivasankaran, Jayakrishnan Aerathupalathu Janardhanan, Akhil Sivan","doi":"10.1002/tcr.70208","DOIUrl":"10.1002/tcr.70208","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Efficiently converting chemical interactions into tunable signals remains a key challenge in modern materials chemistry. Among the designs that have risen to meet this need, triphenylamine (TPA) has emerged as an exceptionally versatile platform for high-performance molecular sensing. It is a nitrogen-centered organic scaffold recognized as a benchmark framework in materials chemistry owing to its propeller-shaped geometry, remarkable electronic characteristics, and excellent functional adaptability. Although historically utilized in organic electronics, solar cells, and electrochromic systems, TPA derivatives have recently gained significant attention in molecular sensing applications. Their inherent photostability, strong electron-donating capacity, and tunable π-conjugation enable efficient translation of molecular recognition events into well-defined optical signals. Modern molecular designs exploiting aggregation-induced emission (AIE), intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), photoinduced electron transfer (PET), and excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) processes have yielded highly sensitive “turn-on” and “turn-off” probes. These developments have substantially broadened the sensing scope of TPA-based systems toward toxic inorganic anions, biologically relevant metal ions, nitroaromatic explosives, and environmentally significant bio- and other diverse analytes. This review consolidates recent advancements in TPA-derived sensing platforms, emphasizing their selectivity, various analyte classes, and emerging trends to inspire future innovation in this rapidly evolving field.</p>","PeriodicalId":10046,"journal":{"name":"Chemical record","volume":"26 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148396061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chemical recordPub Date : 2026-10-15Epub Date: 2026-07-06DOI: 10.1002/tcr.70205
Maryum Ali, Tehzeeb Sawaira, Muthumariappan Akilarasan, Wasif Farooq, Majad Khan, Muhammad Mansha, Safyan Khan, Shahid Ali, Muhammad Nawaz Tahir
{"title":"Advances in Spinel Ferrite Photocatalysts: From Synthesis, Fundamental Mechanisms, and Solar Energy Conversion Applications","authors":"Maryum Ali, Tehzeeb Sawaira, Muthumariappan Akilarasan, Wasif Farooq, Majad Khan, Muhammad Mansha, Safyan Khan, Shahid Ali, Muhammad Nawaz Tahir","doi":"10.1002/tcr.70205","DOIUrl":"10.1002/tcr.70205","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Spinel ferrites (MFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>) have emerged as versatile photocatalysts due to their tunable optoelectronic properties, chemical stability, and cost-effectiveness. This review discusses the various methods used to synthesize spinel ferrites, comprehensively explores the fundamental mechanisms of photocatalysis in spinel ferrites, followed by the strategies such as morphology control, cation or anion doping, heterojunction fabrication, and surface modification that significantly enhance their optoelectronic performance. These approaches have led to remarkable improvements in visible light absorption, charge separation, and surface reactivity. The subsequent section explores the different solar energy conversion applications using spinel ferrites as photocatalysts. These includes photocatalytic green hydrogen production, photoelectrochemica (PEC)l water splitting, CO<sub>2</sub> photoreduction, pollutant degradation, and photovoltaics. All these applications highlighted the multifunctionality and environmental relevance of spinel ferrites. The last section of the review is dedicated to discuss the challenges related to the research for spinel ferrites with future prospects and recommendations. This compilation provides a roadmap for employing spinel ferrites in solar-driven technologies to address global energy and environmental crises.</p>","PeriodicalId":10046,"journal":{"name":"Chemical record","volume":"26 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148396016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lithium Oxalate as a Cathode Prelithiation Additive for Lithium-Ion Batteries","authors":"Zhiyi Lin, Tengfei Zhang, Chong Tang, Xianzhen Cai, Xinhui Xia, Yongqi Zhang","doi":"10.1002/tcr.70223","DOIUrl":"10.1002/tcr.70223","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), as the most representative energy storage devices, have become deeply integrated into our daily lives. However, the formation of solid electrolyte interphase during the initial cycle consumes a substantial amount of lithium ions (Li<sup>+</sup>). Moreover, the continuous consumption of Li<sup>+</sup> in subsequent cycles further shortens the lifespan of LIBs. To compensate for this irreversible lithium loss, prelithiation technology has attracted substantial attention in recent years and is now recognized as an effective strategy to boost battery performance. Among various prelithiation additives, lithium oxalate (Li<sub>2</sub>C<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>) stands out as a particularly attractive cathode prelithiation additive, owing to its low cost, excellent air stability, and the absence of solid residual by-products. To date, no systematic review has focused exclusively on Li<sub>2</sub>C<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> as a prelithiation additive. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the research progress on Li<sub>2</sub>C<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, focusing on three critical aspects: delithiation mechanism, modification strategies, and application methods. Furthermore, we discuss future directions and prospects for Li<sub>2</sub>C<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, aiming to offer guidance for subsequent research in this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":10046,"journal":{"name":"Chemical record","volume":"26 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148577313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chemical recordPub Date : 2026-10-15Epub Date: 2026-07-20DOI: 10.1002/tcr.70217
Jixiang Yi, Fei Wang, Xiao Li, Houzhao Wan
{"title":"Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase Engineering Enables Stable Zinc Metal Anodes: Recent Advances and Perspectives","authors":"Jixiang Yi, Fei Wang, Xiao Li, Houzhao Wan","doi":"10.1002/tcr.70217","DOIUrl":"10.1002/tcr.70217","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for renewable energy storage owing to their intrinsic safety, low cost, and high theoretical capacity. However, zinc metal anodes are intrinsically plagued by dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction, corrosion, surface passivation, and other side reactions, which destabilize the zinc/electrolyte interface. Stabilizing this interface largely depends on the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). As a naturally formed protective layer on the surface of zinc metal anodes, the SEI not only suffers from the aforementioned issues but also struggles to maintain stability during long-term cycling. Conversely, the artificial SEI enables precise and controllable manipulation of composition, structure, and performance, while integrating multiple functions such as ion-transport modulation and physical-barrier protection, which provides an effective route for overcoming the inherent limitations of natural SEI. Herein, we comprehensively summarize the design principles and key performance parameters of artificial SEI layers, investigate recent research progress in optimization strategies, and analyze current construction approaches, including in situ and ex situ fabrication, as well as compositional classifications, namely inorganic SEI, organic SEI, and organic-inorganic composite SEI. Their advantages, limitations, and interfacial regulation mechanisms are analyzed, and future research directions and challenges are discussed to guide the development of high-performance AZIBs.</p>","PeriodicalId":10046,"journal":{"name":"Chemical record","volume":"26 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148535366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chemical recordPub Date : 2026-10-15Epub Date: 2026-08-03DOI: 10.1002/tcr.70225
Rui Zhang, Cheng Chen
{"title":"Advances of KOtBu-Involved Reactions in Organic Synthesis From 2020 to 2025","authors":"Rui Zhang, Cheng Chen","doi":"10.1002/tcr.70225","DOIUrl":"10.1002/tcr.70225","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Potassium <i>tert</i>-butoxide (KO<i>t</i>Bu), a strong non-nucleophilic base with a pKa value of 17.5, has emerged as a versatile and indispensable reagent in modern organic synthesis. Notably, KO<i>t</i>Bu can promote a wide range of bond-forming transformations that conventionally rely on transition-metal catalysis, enabling the efficient construction of carbon–carbon (C<span></span>C), carbon–heteroatom (C<span></span>X), and heteroatom–heteroatom (X<span></span>Y) bonds under relative mild reaction conditions. KO<i>t</i>Bu-mediated reactions predominantly proceed via two well-established mechanistic pathways, namely ionic and radical manifolds, wherein the reactivity of key intermediates is highly dependent on reaction conditions and exogenous additives. Compared to transition-metal catalysts, KO<i>t</i>Bu offers prominent advantages in terms of economic cost and environmental compatibility. In this review, we systematically summarize recent advances in KO<i>t</i>Bu-involved reactions, covering the construction of carbon–carbon (C<span></span>C), carbon–nitrogen (including C<span></span>N and CO<span></span>NH), carbon–oxygen (C<span></span>O), carbon–silicon (C<span></span>Si), as well as miscellaneous bonds including carbon–sulfur (C<span></span>S), carbon–seleno (C<span></span>Se), carbon–iodo (C<span></span>I), carbon–deuterium (C<span></span>D), etc. We focus on reaction development, plausible mechanistic pathways, and potential synthetic applications of these protocols in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and functional materials. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of KO<i>t</i>Bu-enabled organic transformations for organic, medicinal, and materials chemists, and to facilitate further exploration and expansion of their synthetic utility.</p>","PeriodicalId":10046,"journal":{"name":"Chemical record","volume":"26 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148663444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries for Energy Storage: A Comprehensive Review of Characteristics, Challenge, and Future Prospects","authors":"Siyuan Wu, Hansheng Huang, Jiahao Hu, Rongjie Chen, Bingjun Liang, Xi Zhou, Yingyi Pan, Shuo Yang, Guohao Hao, Wenjin Li, Chunyi Zhi, Chao Wang","doi":"10.1002/tcr.202500200","DOIUrl":"10.1002/tcr.202500200","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) present a compelling option for large-scale energy storage due to their safety, affordability, and environmental friendliness. Despite significant advancements in aqueous ZIBs, their practical application is hindered by the lack of cathode materials with high energy density and high stability. Furthermore, the extensively investigated zinc anodes face challenges, including dendritic growth and parasitic reactions, which have a negative impact on the reversibility and lifespan of the batteries. This work comprehensively overviews advancements in representative cathode and anode materials for aqueous ZIBs. Additionally, it introduces electrolyte design strategies aimed at extending the electrochemical stability window and stabilizing both cathode and anode materials. Finally, this work highlights the challenges and prospects of developing high-performance ZIBs.</p>","PeriodicalId":10046,"journal":{"name":"Chemical record","volume":"26 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148629650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chemical recordPub Date : 2026-10-15Epub Date: 2026-07-31DOI: 10.1002/tcr.70221
Muhammad Hussnain Akmal, Masoomeh Yari Kalashgrani, Seyyed Mojtaba Mousavi, Chin Wei Lai, Mahmood D. Aljabri, Mohammed Muzibur Rahman, Sasan Sattarpanah Karganroudi, Jui-Yang Lai, Wei-Hung Chiang
{"title":"Sustainable Energy Solutions via Graphene Quantum Dots-Functionalized 3D-Printed Materials","authors":"Muhammad Hussnain Akmal, Masoomeh Yari Kalashgrani, Seyyed Mojtaba Mousavi, Chin Wei Lai, Mahmood D. Aljabri, Mohammed Muzibur Rahman, Sasan Sattarpanah Karganroudi, Jui-Yang Lai, Wei-Hung Chiang","doi":"10.1002/tcr.70221","DOIUrl":"10.1002/tcr.70221","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Incorporating graphene quantum dots (GQDs) in 3D printing offers a promising route toward sustainable energy devices. Owing to the interesting optoelectronic properties of GQDs, the performance of 3D-printed energy products is improved: Solar cells gain charge transport enhancement with engineered light-absorbing structures; Batteries increase energy density with optimized porous electrodes, while supercapacitors achieve cycling stability with a precisely engineered network of porosity. Besides conventional applications, this hybridization can lead to innovative, flexible, and integrated energy solutions. Nevertheless, ink stability, large-scale production, and eco-friendly materials remain main concerns. This review discusses the advances made in the application of GQDs for printing inks and their combination with advanced additive manufacturing processes, specifically fused deposition modeling (FDM), direct ink writing (DIW), stereolithography (SLA), and inkjet printing. It is imperative to encourage new strategies around hybrid printing technologies and material design through machine learning toward preparing the field for commercialization. When today’s expense and scale dilemmas are solved, GQD-enabled three-dimensional printing will bring forth meaningfully advanced sustainable energy technologies by integrating advanced manufacturing with nanomaterials research. This report also provides a thorough overview of the developments in the field while pointing out future research directions that are necessary for unlocking the potential of this technology.</p>","PeriodicalId":10046,"journal":{"name":"Chemical record","volume":"26 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148648398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Green Production of Para-Dioxanone for Sustainable Polymers","authors":"Pengfei Chu, Rongjing Xin, Jing Wan, Xianfeng Lai, Zhou Hu, Lu Qin, Yuangao Wang, Zihang Shi, Hongshan Xing, Yijia Zheng, Wenjuan Yan, Xin Jin, Chaohe Yang","doi":"10.1002/tcr.70220","DOIUrl":"10.1002/tcr.70220","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In recent years, <i>para</i>-dioxanone (PDO) has gained increasing attention due to its broad applications in biomedical materials, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable plastics. Although dehydrogenation of diethylene glycol (DEG) has been proposed and validated, its larger implementation still suffers from high thermal-energy demand. In this context, liquid-phase oxidative lactonization of DEG and closed-loop depolymerization/recycling of poly(para-dioxanone) (PPDO) are promising directions for sustainable PDO production. Various metal catalysts (e.g., Ru, Pt, Au, Pd, Cu, and Zn) have been developed in this area; however, mechanisms, structure–function relationships, catalyst stability, and scale-up feasibility remain debatable. Therefore, this focused review critically discusses advances in eco-efficient synthesis and recovery of PDO, with emphasis on route comparison, catalyst design, stability/recovery issues, and mechanistic evidence for DEG oxidative lactonization and related diol transformations. The aim of this work is to provide scientific and technological insights into value-added lactones and circular polyester systems for the future polyester industry.</p>","PeriodicalId":10046,"journal":{"name":"Chemical record","volume":"26 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148757703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chemical recordPub Date : 2026-10-15Epub Date: 2026-07-06DOI: 10.1002/tcr.70212
Shuai-Jiang Liu, Allan B. Gamble, Bo Han, Qian Zhao
{"title":"Enantioselective Construction of Bridged Biaryl Atropisomers With Medium- and Macrocyclic Architectures","authors":"Shuai-Jiang Liu, Allan B. Gamble, Bo Han, Qian Zhao","doi":"10.1002/tcr.70212","DOIUrl":"10.1002/tcr.70212","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The catalytic asymmetric construction of bridged biaryl atropisomers has emerged as a powerful platform for accessing three-dimensional chiral architectures with broad applications in synthesis, catalysis, medicinal chemistry, and molecular design. This review summarizes recent advances in the enantioselective synthesis of medium- and macrocyclic bridged biaryls, highlighting diverse catalytic strategies that achieve precise stereocontrol, efficient macrocyclization, and access to structurally compact yet conformationally complex atropisomeric frameworks. These strategies enable the simultaneous formation of stereogenic axes and centers, facilitate the assembly of strained or conformationally intricate ring systems, and provide streamlined access to complex natural products and functional molecules. Remaining challenges, including precise conformational control, expansion of scaffold diversity, improvement of configurational stability, and scalable atroposelective macrocyclization, underscore the need for continued innovation in this rapidly evolving field.</p>","PeriodicalId":10046,"journal":{"name":"Chemical record","volume":"26 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148396066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}