{"title":"Influence of oxygen and fluorine electron lone pairs on the crystal architectures of XeO3E and SeOF2E: Steric effects, electron topology, and crystal-chemical insights","authors":"Alicia Castro , Samir F. Matar , Jean Galy","doi":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100588","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100588","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the stereochemistry and electronic structure of two compounds, XeO<sub>3</sub>E and SeOF<sub>2</sub>E, both conforming to the general formula M<em>X</em><sub><em>3</em></sub><em>E (M</em> = Xe<sup>6+</sup>, Se<sup>4+</sup>) and featuring ns<sup>2</sup> lone pairs (E). These orthorhombic crystals were selected to analyze the steric role of M<em>E</em> and the influence of lone pairs on Fluorine and Oxygen atoms. Detailed stereochemical analyses were performed using density functional theory (DFT) combined with two- and three-dimensional Electron Localization Function (ELF) mappings. The resulting metrics indicate that the ns<sup>2</sup> radii of Xe (0.88 Å) and Se (0.85 Å) are comparable to first-period atoms, highlighting the crucial steric effect of these lone pairs on molecular shape and crystal packing. Fluorine lone pairs form electronic tori aligned along the M − F bonds, whereas oxygen lone pairs appear as twin maxima with versatile opening angles ranging from ∼100° to ∼160°, allowing flexible network adjustments. Site-projected density of states (DOS) confirm that both compounds are insulating, with energy gaps reflecting the separation between bonding and nonbonding valence states, the latter being responsible for lone pair development and their influence on the crystal structure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":415,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Solid State Chemistry","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 100588"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147711003","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":"Stabilization of high-pressure metastable states by chemical approaches","authors":"Yifeng Han , Mei-Huan Zhao , Man-Rong Li","doi":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100591","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100591","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>High-pressure metastable states are of paramount importance for realizing advanced functional properties, such as high-temperature superconductivity, multiferroics, and Dirac semiconductors. However, their practical applications are often bottlenecked by the high costs and poor yields associated with traditional physical synthesis. Consequently, utilizing chemical approaches to intercept and stabilize these high-pressure (HP) states at ambient pressure on a large scale is essential. In this review, we provide a comprehensive survey of chemical strategies, including geometric effects (chemical doping, solid-solution trapping, topotactic reactions, and epitaxial strain), nanoscale surface-energy effects, spatial confinement, and electrochemical fields that mimic the structural and functional output of physical pressure. Crucially, we propose a redefinition of “chemical pressure” that shifts the focus from macroscopic volumetric equivalence to “functional gene” -the specific local structural motifs (<em>e</em>.<em>g</em>., polyhedral crystal fields and orbital hybridization) that ultimately dictate the performance of materials. We analyze the calibration of this multi-scale chemical pressure and discuss the critical decoupling of electronic and volumetric effects, as exemplified by synergistic and antagonistic trends in superconductors and halide perovskites. Finally, we summarize current challenges of intercepting HP metastable states, including lack of advanced theoretical models and transition from thin-film models to bulk-form manufacture, and offer an outlook on exploring novel states of matter.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":415,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Solid State Chemistry","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 100591"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148178559","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}
Gopika Meenakumari Gopakumar , Kaylee Berlina Johnson-Jordan , Mas A. Subramanian
{"title":"Solid-state engineered inorganic oxides: From durable pigments to high-performance electrochemical sensors","authors":"Gopika Meenakumari Gopakumar , Kaylee Berlina Johnson-Jordan , Mas A. Subramanian","doi":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100590","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100590","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article, for the first time, brings both fields together under the “color-to-current” concept and discusses how both fields use the same chemical properties (structure, defect chemistry, and cation coordination) unique to solid-state processes. For pigments, the chemistry and structure of the inorganic oxides determine their color and long-term color stability, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. The same properties also determine the pigments' lightfastness and electrochemical sensing performance. For sensing, the same properties of the oxides also facilitate their use as reliable electrochemical sensors by providing redox mediation, improved electrochemically active surfaces, and the conductive polymer- and vacancy-based charge transport required for improved electrochemical activity. These concepts are demonstrated by Mas Subramanian's Innovations and Axon's pigments. These concepts of using structure to create color for pigments is also applied to sensing materials by using certain (spinel, perovskite, and hexagonal/complex) oxides with mixed valence and defect-dominant frameworks. One primary conclusion is that solid-state synthesis is both a means of setting the final phase of the sensing materials and a means of setting the final phase of the sensing materials. We outline working examples of dual-function design strategies, as well as an innovative perspective, where optical signatures act as a rapid proxy for the electronic/defect tuning, facilitating the exploration of scalable oxides for multifunctional coatings, printable sensor inks, and durable/from robust analytical frameworks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":415,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Solid State Chemistry","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 100590"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147803127","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":"Introduction to high-temperature superconductivity for solid state chemists","authors":"Zenji Hiroi","doi":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100574","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100574","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Superconductivity is one of the most amazing properties that metallic conductors exhibit. Electrical resistance is completely eliminated below the critical temperature (<em>T</em><sub>c</sub>), which is the most important parameter in superconductivity. Since the discovery of copper oxide superconductors 40 years ago, many solid state chemists have made significant contributions to the field by discovering new compounds and producing high-quality samples for physical measurements. However, superconductivity research remains challenging for most solid state chemists because it requires knowledge of complicated solid state physics. This manuscript aims to provide a simple, intuitive introduction to superconductivity using only fundamental physics concepts that solid state chemists are familiar with. The author investigates a wide range of materials and classifies them according to the superconductivity mechanisms that may drive them. Specifically focusing on a series of copper oxide superconductors with the highest <em>T</em><sub>c</sub> at ambient conditions, the remarkable material dependence of <em>T</em><sub>c</sub> and the underlying, unconventional superconductivity mechanism that leads to the high <em>T</em><sub>c</sub> are thoroughly examined. Although our understanding of cuprate superconductivity is still fragmented, the author believes that once the branches and leaves are removed, the story will be fairly simple, similar to the phonon-based superconductivity mechanism revealed by the BCS theory. Furthermore, potential strategies for raising the <em>T</em><sub>c</sub> of cuprates and other superconductors are discussed. The author hopes that this article will pique interest in superconductors in young solid state chemists and encourage them to pursue the discovery of still unknown and unexplored room-temperature superconductors in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":415,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Solid State Chemistry","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 100574"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148178558","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}
Huan Tang , Min Wu , Juling Long , Jinyue Xie , Shiyu Deng , Yichen Ma , Yunyue Zhang , Ke Wang , Ming Feng , Feng Song
{"title":"Enhancing the luminescence performance of Nd3+ doped fluoride nanoparticles through inert shell engineering for liquid laser media","authors":"Huan Tang , Min Wu , Juling Long , Jinyue Xie , Shiyu Deng , Yichen Ma , Yunyue Zhang , Ke Wang , Ming Feng , Feng Song","doi":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100587","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100587","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Currently, developing nanoparticles (NPs) suspension with high transmittance and favorable luminescence performance is a significant research topic in liquid laser field. Herein, the NaGdF<sub>4</sub>:4%Nd core NPs and different shell thicknesses of NaGdF<sub>4</sub>:4%Nd@NaGdF<sub>4</sub> core-shell NPs were prepared. Excited by 794 nm, the prepared NPs displays intense narrow-band near-infrared emission, originating from the <sup>4</sup>F<sub>3/2</sub> → <sup>4</sup>I<sub>11/2</sub> transition of Nd<sup>3+</sup> ions. The coating of inert shell significantly enhances the luminescent properties of core NPs. Moreover, the prepared NPs were dispersed in C<sub>2</sub>Cl<sub>4</sub> solvent, forming the stable and high transmittance NPs suspensions. The investigation of fluorescence lifetime and quantum yield suggest that the NPs suspensions can maintain good luminescence. This work reveals that the title NPs suspension is a potential candidate for liquid laser media.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":415,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Solid State Chemistry","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 100587"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147555519","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":"Iron–induced structural modulation of nickel and iron layered double hydroxides cathodes for aqueous zinc–ion batteries","authors":"Jing Li , Daoxiong Wu , Ziming Cheng , Heng Wu , Yingjie Hua , Huaxia Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100589","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100589","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, the nickel and iron layered double hydroxides cathode with abundant hydrogen vacancies (NiFe-LDH<sub>(v)</sub>) was designed and optimized via a two-step electrochemical deposition-activation strategy for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). By controlling the Fe/Ni molar ratio, the morphology, chemical bonds, electronic structure, and hydrogen vacancies distributions of NiFe-LDH<sub>(v)</sub> can be regulated. The optimized NiFe-LDH<sub>(v)</sub>-75 exhibited a high specific capacity of 173.06 mAh g<sup>−1</sup> at 1 A g<sup>−1</sup>, and maintained 89.61% capacity after 3000 cycles at 6 A g<sup>−1</sup>, demonstrating excellent electrochemical reversibility and structural stability. Electrochemical tests, structural characterization, and theoretical calculations indicate that the NiFe-LDH<sub>(v)</sub> exhibits a hybrid energy storage mechanism, including the Zn<sup>2+</sup> chemical conversion, Zn<sup>2+</sup> intercalation/deintercalation, and proton-coupled electrochemical transfer. During the cycling process, Ni acts as the main redox active center; while Fe regulates the electronic structure and enhances the M–O bond strength. It is noteworthy that although the contribution of Fe to the specific capacity is limited, its enhancement effect on cycling stability is very significant. Therefore, the synergistic effect of Ni and Fe is crucial for constructing the NiFe-LDH<sub>(v)</sub>. This study clarifies the key regulatory role of Fe in the structure and electrochemical performance of NiFe-LDH<sub>(v)</sub>, providing a experimental basis for the rational design of efficient cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":415,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Solid State Chemistry","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 100589"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147745444","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":"Wettability influenced crystallization of REBa2Cu3O7-x superconductors","authors":"SiMin Huang, Xin Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100571","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100571","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review systematically explores the pivotal role of wettability in the crystallization of REBa<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>3</sub>O<sub>7-x</sub> (REBCO) superconductors, highlighting its impact on crystal growth, structural quality, and superconducting performance. The discussion involves three fabrication methods: Top-Seeded Solution Growth (TSSG), Traveling-Solvent Floating-Zone (TSFZ), and Top-Seeded Melt Growth (TSMG). Conventional Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> crucibles lead to severe Ba–Cu–O liquid loss, while modified crucibles, such as Fe–Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and Ca–ZrO<sub>2</sub> reduce wettability, allowing stable growth of large, doped crystals. In TSFZ processes, modified precursor rods (Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>+Ba<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>3</sub>O<sub>y</sub>) with low wettability effectively suppress liquid migration and stabilize the molten zone, facilitating Y123 crystal growth. For TSMG approach, the thermal stability of REBCO film seeds correlates with melt wettability, with compositional modifications such as Ba-rich melts or buffer layers optimizing interfacial energy to enhance seed performance. These insights into tailored wettability provide practical guidelines for optimizing REBCO crystals and offer transferable principles for other advanced materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":415,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Solid State Chemistry","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 100571"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939964","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}
Gopika M G , Anuja Sudarsanan , Sreelatha K S , Beena Saraswathyamma
{"title":"A comprehensive review on advancements, challenges, and future possibilities of biomass-derived porous carbon for supercapacitors","authors":"Gopika M G , Anuja Sudarsanan , Sreelatha K S , Beena Saraswathyamma","doi":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100572","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100572","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The evolving need for eco-friendly and efficient energy storage devices has prompted the exploration of sustainable electrode materials. Biomass-derived porous carbon stands out from traditional carbon materials due to its supercapacitor application advantages, which include natural availability, cost-effectiveness, low carbon superstructure porosity, easy structural modification, and heteroatom content. This review focuses on synthesis and structural performance of biomass-derived porous carbon electrodes, while also highlighting their electrochemical functionality and practical challenges. Recent research shows significant electrochemical performance, including specific capacitance over 300F/g, energy density of 60 Wh/kg in asymmetric configurations, and sustained cycling stability (greater than 90 % after 10,000 cycles). These advances have been offset by critical obstacles including feedstock inconsistency, environmental challenges from chemical activation, limited scalability, lack of measurement standards, and performance benchmarks. This review describes such gaps in detail and proposes green material synthesis, eco-friendly machine learning design, and lifecycle sustainability furthering material performance as primary focal points.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":415,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Solid State Chemistry","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 100572"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034593","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}
Xiaolu Yuan , Chunxia Chi , Feitong Ren , Jinlong Liu , Junjun Wei , Liangxian Chen , Jiangwei Liu , Wenrui Wang , Xiao Dong , Haitao Ye , Jincheng Tong , Chengming Li
{"title":"Diamond-to-graphene by nickel-catalyzed solid-state transformation","authors":"Xiaolu Yuan , Chunxia Chi , Feitong Ren , Jinlong Liu , Junjun Wei , Liangxian Chen , Jiangwei Liu , Wenrui Wang , Xiao Dong , Haitao Ye , Jincheng Tong , Chengming Li","doi":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2025.100562","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2025.100562","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The integration of graphene with diamond holds great promise for all-carbon materials, yet the precise mechanism governing graphene formation on diamond has remained unclear due to the lack of direct experimental evidence. Conventional preparation methods often rely on empirical annealing parameters. In this study, the catalytic transformation from diamond into graphene or graphite (nickel (Ni) as a catalyst) is investigated through in-situ heating transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We demonstrate that the transition proceeds via a metal-induced solid-state mechanism that is driven by Ni catalysis and reaction-diffusion between Ni and carbon (C) atoms at elevated temperatures. Key processes include Ni grain migration and C–Ni interdiffusion. The annealing duration significantly influences the location and number of graphene layers. Notably, prolonged annealing causes the development of graphene on the Ni surface, whereas rapid, short-term annealing results in the formation of graphene at the diamond/Ni interface. Extended high-temperature exposure increases the number of graphene layers, potentially facilitating graphite formation. Ab initio simulations reveal the polymerization pathway of carbon within the Ni(C) solid solution during graphene nucleation. These insights provide valuable guidance for designing application-specific graphene-on-diamond (GOD) structures, promoting the development of advanced carbon-based technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":415,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Solid State Chemistry","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 100562"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145845598","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":"Applications of rapid joule heating in rechargeable batteries: Material synthesis, structural engineering, and performance enhancement","authors":"Xiaoxin Lv, Weidong Wang, Jiale Liu, Jiujun Deng","doi":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100570","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progsolidstchem.2026.100570","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rechargeable batteries are indispensable for diverse applications, yet their further development remains hindered by serious limitations. Rapid Joule heating (RJH), featured by ultrafast heating and cooling rates, extreme temperature, and non-equilibrium conditions, has recently emerged as a green and efficient strategy for battery material design. It enables the rapid synthesis of functional materials, including single atoms, metastable phases, nanocarbons, and metal-based compounds, while offering versatile structural engineering, such as crystallinity enhancement, defect/dopant incorporation, heterostructure construction, and interfacial optimization, effectively enhancing ion transport, reaction kinetics, and long-term stability. This review outlines the fundamental principles, structural regulations, and recent advances of RJH in rechargeable batteries, providing insights into the rational design of next-generation high-performance energy storage systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":415,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Solid State Chemistry","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 100570"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939963","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}