Chemical Communications Blog

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Dr Patrick El-Khoury (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, USA) below!

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Patrick El-Khoury received a B.Sc. in chemistry from the American University of Beirut (2006), a Ph.D. in photochemical sciences from Bowling Green State University (2010), and postdoctoral training at the University of California, Irvine (2012). Soon after, he joined Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) as a Linus Pauling distinguished postdoctoral research fellow (2013−2016). Patrick is currently a senior research scientist in the chemical physics and analysis group at PNNL. His work is focused on understanding molecules, low-dimensional (quantum) materials, plasmonic metals, and their interactions as gauged through multimodal (non)linear spectral nano-imaging.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

I found the chem comm team to be much more inclusive and respectful of international authors/PIs at different stages of their careers than other journals. This is part of why I was always happy (and honored) to be invited to contribute to special issues in chem comm (and closely related RSC journals) over the years. I should mention that I don’t personally know any of the editors at chem comm. My positive experience irrespective of the latter attests to the fact that you’re judged based on the content of your contributions… and nothing else.

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

The fine balance between rigorous peer review and expedited handling of manuscripts is unparalleled.

Be sure to read Patrick’s open access communication, “Visualizing nanoscale heterogeneity in perylene thin films via tip-enhanced photoluminescence with unsupervised machine learning” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Professor Wei-Hui Fang (Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, CAS, China) below!

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Position: Professor, State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences Homepage: https://publons.com/researcher/2782636/wei-hui-fang/ ORCID: 0000-0003-3358-3057 Education: 2006 Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Huaqiao University (China) 2013 PhD in Physical Chemistry with Guo-Yu Yang, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences 2016–2017 Visiting Scholar with Dominic Wright, University of Cambridge (UK) Research: Rational design of aluminum oxo clusters and investigation of their unique function Hobbies: Yoga

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

Firstly, I would like to congratulate ChemCommun on its 60th anniversary. It is also a great honour to share our progress on this special occasion. ChemCommun is an excellent community for chemists to share their interesting research findings. I have been publishing research papers in ChemCommun for 10 years, with my first article appearing in 2015. The reasons I chose ChemCommun, or its advantages compared to other journals, include its concise layout, rapid review process, and quick publication speed. This not only provides a great submission experience but also allows everyone to access the information they need in a short time, which is particularly important in today’s fast-paced society. I wish ChemCommun continued success in the future!

Be sure to read Wei-Hui’s HOT article, “Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of polymer chains based on pre-designed heterometallic Al₄Ln₄ molecular rings” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Dr Chao Luo (University of Miami, USA) below!

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Dr. Chao Luo joined the Department of Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering at the University of Miami as an Associate Professor in Spring 2024. Before joining the University of Miami, he was an Assistant Professor at the George Mason University and promoted to Associate professor in Summer 2023. He completed his Ph.D. and postdoctoral studies at the University of Maryland at College Park and obtained M.S. at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and B.S. at the Wuhan University. His research focuses on developing low-cost, sustainable, and environmentally benign organic materials, polymers, carbon materials, and electrolytes for lithium-ion, sodium-ion, potassium-ion, multivalent, and redox flow batteries. He received support from National Science Foundation (NSF), national labs, and industry to develop advanced organic electrode materials and electrolytes, as well as gain fundamental insight into the structure-performance correlation in organic batteries. He is the recipient of NSF CAREER Award and recognized as an emerging investigator by Journal of Materials Chemistry A and Chemical Communications.

How have you seen ChemComm evolve over the years, and what aspects do you find most noteworthy?

ChemComm is a journal that publishes urgent chemical science papers in every aspect of chemistry. The most noteworthy aspect for me is that I can always find the papers with new organic/polymeric structures and innovative ideas for battery research in ChemComm. It motivates and inspires me for developing and exploring new battery chemistries.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

My favourite thing about ChemComm is that the short abstract and communications help me quickly understand the core values and results in the publications.

In what ways do you think ChemComm stands out among other journals in your field?

ChemComm publishes concise communications with new chemistries and structures.

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

The peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm is fast, efficient, and satisfactory.

Are there ways in which the journal can further support and engage with future generations of scientists?

I think ChemComm has done a great job in the support and engagement of future scientists. The journal may invite more postdoc and assistant professors to publish their work as communications, highlight, or feature articles.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

In our recent ChemComm publication (https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01479K), we reported a bipolar polymer cathode material bearing n-type azo group and p-type amine group for sodium ion batteries. The polymer cathode exhibits high performance in sodium ion batteries in terms of high redox potential and long cycle life. We demonstrated the importance of azo groups as both redox-active sites and linkers in the polymer to increase the porosity and reactivity, enabling higher capacity, cycling stability, and Coulombic efficiency. This work not only reports a new polymer cathode but also offers structure design rationale for redox-active polymers in sodium ion batteries.

In your opinion, what are the next steps or potential areas of research that could build upon the findings in the paper?

Organic sodium ion batteries are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries due to low cost and high abundance of organic and sodium resources. Our work provides a rational structure design strategy by combining multiple bipolar functional groups in the repeating units of porous polymers to improve their electrochemical performances. This will attract and motivate the research toward the development of high-performance polymer cathodes for affordable and sustainable sodium ion batteries.

Be sure to read Chao’s article, “A bipolar polymer cathode for sodium-ion batteries” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Professor Zhiyong Tang (National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China) below!

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Since 2006, Prof. Tang has been a Professor at National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wuhan University, China, in 1996. He then moved to Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry of Science, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, under the direction of Prof. Erkang Wang and obtained a Ph.D. degree in 1999. After six years as a Postdoctoral Fellow in three institutions, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Oklahoma State University, USA, and the University of Michigan, USA, he won the 100-Talent Program, at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in November 2006 prior to his current position. His research interests are mainly focused on controllable assembly and property manipulation of inorganic nanomaterials. He developed the general and fundamental methods for the preparation of inorganic nanoparticle assemblies with different dimensions, structures and functionalities, and explored their applications in the field of catalysis and energy.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

My favorite thing about ChemComm is its ability to provide a powerful platform for the rapid communication of cutting-edge research in the field of chemistry. The journal’s emphasis on concise and impactful reports ensures that groundbreaking discoveries are promptly shared with the scientific community, fostering collaboration and innovation.

In what ways do you think ChemComm stands out among other journals in your field?

ChemComm stands out among journals in the field due to its long history of publishing groundbreaking research that has significantly impacted chemistry. For instance, the first proposals of graphdiyne and aggregation-induced emission (AIE), which revolutionized materials science and photophysics, were both published in ChemComm. This ability to highlight and share high-impact research swiftly and broadly distinguishes ChemComm from other journals.

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

The peer review process at ChemComm is thorough and constructive, ensuring that the published research meets high scientific standards. Interactions with the editorial team are professional, characterized by clear communication and prompt responses, which facilitate a smooth and efficient publication process.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

In our recent ChemComm publication, we discuss the advantages of various oxidation methods for improved performance of the electrochemical oxidation of ethylene and propylene, and provides an overview of current challenges and problems requiring further efforts.

In your opinion, what are the next steps or potential areas of research that could build upon the findings in the paper?

The next steps involve optimizing the catalyst’s performance and scalability for industrial applications. Further research could focus on understanding the reaction mechanisms in greater detail through in-situ characterization techniques and computational modeling. Additionally, exploring the catalyst’s applicability to other substrates and reactions could open new avenues for sustainable chemical synthesis.

Be sure to read Prof Tang’s article, “Electrifying oxidation of ethylene and propylene” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Professor Yoichi Kobayashi (Ritsumeikan University, Japan) below!

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Yoichi Kobayashi is a professor of Ritsumeikan University, Japan. He received his Ph.D. degree from Kwansei Gakuin University in 2011. He worked as a postdoctoral fellow for Research Abroad of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) at University of Toronto from 2011 to 2013. He worked as an assistant professor at Aoyama Gakuin University. In 2017, he moved to Ritsumeikan University. His current research focuses on developments and spectroscopy of novel nonlinear photofunctional materials. He has received several awards and has been nominated as a distinguished researcher, including 2021 Nanoscale Emerging Investigators, 2022 ChemSocRev Emerging Investigators, 2022 ChemComm Pioneering Investigators, and 2022 Nanoscale Horizon Award.

How have you seen ChemComm evolve over the years, and what aspects do you find most noteworthy?

I think the most noteworthy point is the diversity of ChemComm has broadened its scope to include a wider range of research areas within chemistry such as materials science, nanotechnology, chemical biology, and more. This expansion has made it a go-to journal for a broad spectrum of chemical research.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

Rapid publications of cutting-edge research. In addition, the 4-page restriction also makes it easier to read the papers.

In what ways do you think ChemComm stands out among other journals in your field?

Rapid publications and cutting-edge research

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

The response from reviewers is faster compared to other journals, often returning results within about two weeks. The reviewers’ comments are frequently essential and contribute significantly to improving the quality of the paper. In many of the papers we have submitted, they are often accepted after just one round of review.

Are there ways in which the journal can further support and engage with future generations of scientists?

Webinars related to review articles published in ChemComm. I think it would be very convenient if it could be viewed as an archive.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

We developed air-tolerant photodoping-based photochromism of TiO2 and ZnO NCs using a temperature-responsive supramolecular gel. Using this unique quenching behavior, spatiotemporal photoluminescence patterning was performed for applications to encryption and anticounterfeiting.

In your opinion, what are the next steps or potential areas of research that could build upon the findings in the paper?

Organic-inorganic hybrid solar energy storage materials showing stimuli responsivity.

Be sure to read Yoichi’s article, “Photodoping-based broadband photochromism of semiconductor nanocrystals under air operated by a supramolecular gel” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Professor Brandi Cossairt (University of Washington, USA) below!

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Brandi Cossairt received her B. S. in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 2006. Brandi went on to pursue graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology under the guidance of Professor Christopher C. Cummins and was awarded her Ph.D. in 2010. She then continued her academic career as an NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow at Columbia University between 2010 and 2012, working with Professor Jonathan Owen. Brandi joined the Department of Chemistry at the University of Washington as an Assistant Professor in 2012 and is now the Lloyd E. and Florence M. West Endowed Professor. Her research group examines the nucleation, growth, surface chemistry, and reactivity of nanoscale materials to enable next-generation technologies in the diverse areas of displays, lighting, catalysis, quantum information, and hybrid matter. She has received a number of awards for her research, including a Sloan Research Fellowship, a Packard Fellowship, an NSF CAREER Award, a Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, and the National Fresenius Award from the American Chemical Society. Outside of the lab, Brandi is an Associate Editor at the ACS journal Inorganic Chemistry and is the co-founder of the Chemistry Women Mentorship Network (ChemWMN).

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

I love that ChemComm has maintained the short, 4-page format. It helps authors convey their science in a more concise and impactful way and is also helpful for readers to actually read the whole thing. I also love that it features all type of chemistry and that chemistry is broadly defined and includes highly interdisciplinary work in addition to things that are more squarely in what we would traditionally think of.

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

Submission and peer review at ChemComm is quick and seamless. It is really refreshing in comparison with some other systems.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

Our paper explores how active site ensembles on transition metal phosphides, specifically Ni2P nanocrystals, influence the selectivity of the nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR). Ammonia, essential for fertilizer production, is typically produced via the Haber-Bosch process, which is energy-intensive and environmentally disruptive. NO3RR, a common pollutant from wastewater treatment and agricultural runoff, offers a sustainable alternative by converting nitrate (NO3⁻) to ammonia (NH3) using electrocatalysis. We demonstrate that Ni2P nanocrystals exhibit near 100% faradaic efficiency for nitrate reduction over hydrogen evolution at -0.4 V, with maximum NH3 selectivity at -0.2 V vs. RHE. We conclude that the selectivity of NO3RR on Ni2P is tunable by adjusting the surface coverage ratio of H* and NOx*, highlighting the importance of active site ensembles in metal phosphide catalysts for selective ammonia production.

In your opinion, what are the next steps or potential areas of research that could build upon the findings in this paper?

We are really excited about catalyst design moving forward. Diversifying active sites through control of stoichiometry, nanocrystal morphology, and doping will be our main focus.

Be sure to read Brandi’s full article, “Ni2P active site ensembles tune electrocatalytic nitrate reduction selectivity” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Professor Shilie Pan (Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry) below!

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Professor Shilie Pan completed his PhD degree under the supervision of Professor Yicheng Wu (Academician) at the University of Science & Technology of China in 2002. From 2002 to 2004, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry of CAS in the laboratory of Professor Chuangtian Chen (Academician of CAS). From 2004 to 2007, he was a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University in the laboratory of Professor Kenneth R. Poeppelmeier in USA. From 2007, he has been working as a full professor at XTIPC, CAS. His current research interests include the design, synthesis, crystal growth and evaluation of novel optical-electronic functional materials.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

Communication manuscripts published in ChemComm are both concise and innovative, providing quick and clear access to much of the latest influential research.

In what ways do you think ChemComm stands out among other journals in your field?

For years, ChemComm has consistently had an excellent reputation in the field of chemistry and are widely recognized in the field. At the same time, its ability to publish quickly gives it a significant advantage in attracting submissions.

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

The editors have been very fair and professional in their processing of the manuscript, and the reviewers have always made constructive comments and helped us improve the quality of our manuscripts.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

We synthesized a new deep-ultraviolet optical crystal with KBBF-type structure. Specifically, we successfully synthesized the first chloroaluminoborate by smoothly introducing the innovative AlO₃Cl tetrahedra obtained by chlorination of AlO₄ tetrahedra into borates.

In your opinion, what are the next steps or potential areas of research that could build upon the findings in this paper?

Chloroaluminoborate is a completely new system of compounds. I believe that with further exploration, crystallographic noncentrosymmetry chloroaluminoborates can be obtained as deep-ultraviolet nonlinear optical crystals.

Be sure to read Professor Pan’s Communication article, “CsAlB₃O₆Cl: the rational construction of a KBBF-type structure with aligned ²_∞[AlB₃O₆Cl] layers via introducing unprecedented [AlO₃Cl] tetrahedra” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Dr Hamid Arandiyan (RMIT University) below!

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Dr. Hamid Arandiyan is a leader of the Critical Minerals for Clean Energy (CMCE) Research Group at the Centre for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC) and a Senior Industry Research Fellow at the School of Science at RMIT University. His research is focused on resource recovery for environmental remediation, energy applications, hydrometallurgy, and solid-state chemistry. He is currently serving as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and a Chartered Chemist with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (MRACI CChem). His publications have received notable recognition from ChemComm, including being featured in the “Pioneering Investigator” series in the ChemComm 60th Anniversary Collection (ChemComm 60, 2024, 5104-5135), highlighted as a “Hot Article” (ChemComm 54, 2018, 6484-6502), and included in the “Emerging Investigator Special Edition” (ChemComm 54, 2018, 6442-6457).

How have you seen ChemComm evolve over the years, and what aspects do you find most noteworthy?

In my experience, ChemComm has significantly evolved over the years, expanding its scope and deepening its impact within the chemical sciences community. I have noticed the journal’s impressive integration of interdisciplinary research, particularly in areas like catalysis, materials science, and environmental science. What stands out to me the most is its increasing focus on emerging areas such as green chemistry, environmental remediation, energy applications, and sustainable materials. ChemComm’s rising reputation for high-quality, rapid communications reflects its ongoing commitment to excellence.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

My favourite thing about ChemComm is its commitment to rapidly broadcasting high-quality research. The journal’s ability to quickly publish cutting-edge findings allows researchers to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and innovations. This rapid publication process and its interdisciplinary scope make ChemComm a fundamental platform for sharing impactful discoveries across the chemical sciences.

In what ways do you think ChemComm stands out among other journals in your field?

ChemComm’s format promotes concise and focused articles, making it an ideal platform for reporting breakthrough findings or discoveries in my field, such as heterogeneous catalysis, nanotechnology, functional materials, fundamental catalytic reaction mechanisms, and chemical surface sciences without requiring extensive background or supplementary material. Despite its fast publication times, ChemComm upholds a precise peer-review process, ensuring the high quality of published research.

How would you describe the peer review process and interaction with the editorial team at ChemComm?

The peer review process at ChemComm is known for being rigorous and efficient. Reviewers are selected for their expertise and are expected to provide thorough, constructive feedback, ensuring that only high-quality, impactful research is published. The interaction with the editorial team is professional and supportive, with Editors who are responsive and engaged in facilitating a smooth review process. Their commitment to maintaining high standards while ensuring a rapid publication timeline is a hallmark of the journal, making the overall experience both positive and rewarding for authors.

Are there ways in which the journal can further support and engage with future generations of scientists?

I believe there may be opportunities for ChemComm to enhance its support for future scientists, particularly early career researchers (ECRs). Initiatives such as dedicated sections for ECR-led research, mentorship programs, or hosting webinars and workshops on essential topics like scientific writing and career development could be beneficial. Additionally, offering more travel grants or awards for young researchers to present their work at conferences could potentially increase their visibility and networking opportunities.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

Our recent review paper in ChemComm explores the advancements over the past decade in transition metal (TM)-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions in alkaline media. TM-based electrocatalysts have attracted attention due to their high electronic conductivity, tunable valence electron configurations, stability, and cost-effectiveness. While noble metals like Pt, Ir, and Ru show promising performance, their high cost and limited availability restrict their use. Significant progress has been made in designing TM-based catalysts, including alloys, metal oxides, borides, carbides, phosphides, nitrides, and chalcogenides. This review highlights current trends, challenges, and prospects, providing valuable guidance for designing high-performance electrocatalysts for water-splitting applications.

Be sure to read Hamid’s Feature article, “Transition metal-based electrocatalysts for alkaline overall water splitting: advancements, challenges, and perspectives” to learn more!

ChemComm is publishing its 60th volume in 2024. Over the past 60 years, ChemComm has been the RSC’s most cited journal, and one of the most trusted venues for rapid publication of short communications. In our anniversary year, we recognise the important contributions ChemComm has made, and continues to make, in advancing the chemical sciences.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought together a collection featuring the latest research from some of our most loyal and dedicated authors. From those marking the beginning of their independent academic career by publishing their first article with us, to the rising stars and established leaders publishing in our yearly ‘Emerging Investigators’ and ‘Pioneering Investigators’ collections, this collection champions the contributions of our worldwide author community. We are proud many authors choose to support our journal by regularly publishing their best work with us. This collection also features papers from our ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship winners, and our Outstanding Reviewer awardees, whose invaluable feedback has shaped our published content through the years.

To accompany the collection, we’ll be publishing interviews with contributing authors where they provide further insight into their research and reflect on their journey with ChemComm.

Check out our interview with Professor Hon Wai Lam (University of Nottingham) below!

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Hon Lam obtained an MChem degree in chemistry from the University of Oxford in 1998, and a PhD in organic chemistry in 2001 from the University of Nottingham, where he worked under the supervision of Gerald Pattenden, FRS. During 2002-2003 he was a postdoc with David A. Evans at Harvard University. He began his independent academic career at the School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh in October 2003 and moved to the School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham in October 2013, where he is currently a Professor of Organic Synthesis. Hon’s research interests are in the development of new reactions and strategies for organic synthesis, for the efficient preparation of valuable building blocks and target compounds.

What is your favourite thing about ChemComm?

I have found submitting papers to ChemComm to be a smooth process; the communication with the editors has always been professional, courteous, and fair, and the standard of peer review is high. The team at ChemComm is also very keen to build good relations with authors and reviewers.

Could you provide a brief summary of your recent ChemComm publication?

Morphinan opioids are therapeutically important compounds used in the treatment of pain and other disorders, and several are classified as World Health Organisation Essential Medicines. One subset of morphinan opioids are 14-hydroxy-6-oxomorphinans without an E-ring (lacking a 4,5-ether linkage), and these have been shown to have interesting biological activities. Previously, these compounds have been prepared only through semisynthetic methods using natural product starting materials (mainly through the poppy plant). Our recent ChemComm paper describes a way to prepare these compounds using total synthesis starting from commercially available chemicals. The synthesis is applicable to the synthesis of the non-natural enantiomeric series of morphinans, which is not possible using poppy-derived starting materials. The biological activities of two compounds prepared, 4,5-desoxynaltrexone and 4,5-desoxynaloxone were also measured against the opioid receptors, and were found to be partial agonists.

Be sure to read Hon’s open access article, “Enantioselective de novo synthesis of 14-hydroxy-6-oxomorphinans”, to learn more!