RSC Advances Blog

Looking back at 2020, we would like to share with you some of the great research that has been published in RSC Advances over the year. We are proud to present a selection of the most popular 2020 physical chemistry papers, reviews and HOT articles published so far.

We hope you enjoy reading these articles and as always, all our articles are open access – free to read and accessible to everyone.

The miscibility and spatial distribution of the components in electrospun polymer–protein mats
Elizaveta Pavlova, Dmitry Bagrov et al. DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10910B

Elizaveta Pavlova and colleauges have blended two incompatible components, a protein and a polymer, in one electrospun fiber. They also demonstrated prolonged release of the protein from the electrospun mat, making the blended mat promising for biomedical applications.

The study was published in January and has been covered in several news outlets, including a piece published in The Medical News.

Over the year, our reviewers and Associate Editors have handpicked articles of particular interest and marked them as HOT. We are very pleased to highlight some outstanding 2020 physical chemistry HOT articles:

Deep eutectic solvent in water pickering emulsions stabilised by cellulose nanofibrils
Saffron J. Bryant, Karen J. Edler et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA07575B

‘Pickering emulsions are interesting as they can be highly stable and do not require use of surfactants which can be irritants or toxic to aquatic life. Demonstrating the formation of Pickering emulsions using sustainable cellulose particles as a stabiliser for an emulsion, where the “oil” components are also bio-derived molecules, shows the potential of these systems in more sustainable, less environmentally harmful formulations which could be replacements for products people use in large quantities every day such as creams and lotions. This would have obvious benefits in reducing harm to our water systems and the environment.’

Read the interview with the authors about their article here.

More HOT articles

Dust removal from a hydrophobic surface by rolling fizzy water droplets
Bekir Sami Yilbas, Abba Abdulhamid Abubakar et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03215H

Anomalous boron isotope effects on electronic structure and lattice dynamics of CuB₂O₄
Rea Divina Mero, Hsiang-Lin Liu et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA08200G

m-s-m cationic gemini and zwitterionic surfactants – a thermodynamic analysis of their mixed micelle formation
Aleisha McLachlan, Shawn D. Wettig et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09432F

Read the full HOT article collection

Reviews

Graphitic carbon nitride nanotubes: a new material for emerging applications
Oleksandr Stroyuk, Dietrich R. T. Zahn et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05580H

Two-photon absorption and two-photon-induced isomerization of azobenzene compounds
Marta Dudek, Katarzyna Matczyszyn et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA07693G

Papers

New wide-stability four-ring azo/ester/Schiff base liquid crystals: synthesis, mesomorphic, photophysical, and DFT approaches
Nagwa H. S. Ahmed, Mohamed Hagar et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10499B

Organic template-assisted green synthesis of CoMoO₄ nanomaterials for the investigation of energy storage properties
Irum Shaheen, Mohammad Azad Malik et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09477F

Corrosion protection mechanism of Ce⁴⁺/organic inhibitor for AA2024 in 3.5% NaCl
Mohamed Gobara, Mahmoud Zorainy et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09552G

Adverse effects of a hybrid nanofluid in a wavy non-uniform annulus with convective boundary conditions
Hina Sadaf and Sara I. Abdelsalam, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01134G

Synergistic effect of potassium iodide and sodium dodecyl sulfonate on the corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in HCl medium: a combined experimental and theoretical investigation
Jianhong Tan, Youness El Bakri et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02011G

The antioxidant activity of natural diterpenes: theoretical insights
Quan V. Vo, Adam Mechler et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02681F

Evaporation and drying kinetics of water-NaCl droplets via acoustic levitation
Yutaro Maruyama and Koji Hasegawa, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09395H

First principles study of electronic and nonlinear optical properties of A–D–π–A and D–A–D–π–A configured compounds containing novel quinoline–carbazole derivatives
Muhammad Khalid, Muhammad Safwan Akram et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02857F

Copper halide diselenium: predicted two-dimensional materials with ultrahigh anisotropic carrier mobilities
Fazel Shojaei, Gilles Frapper et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10380E

The influence of dopants on aW-phase antimonene: theoretical investigations
Qingxiao Zhou, Jiahui Li et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10772J

Fast diffusion mechanism in Li₄P₂S₆ via a concerted process of interstitial Li ions
Andreas R. Stamminger, Ralf Drautz et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00932F

Interaction of cellulose and nitrodopamine coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with alpha-lactalbumin
Fakhrossadat Mohammadi, Sabine Szunerits et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09045B

The influence of molecular vicinity (expressed in terms of dielectric constant) on the infrared spectra of embedded species in ices and solid matrices
Pilling S. and Bonfim V. S., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10136E

Raman spectroscopy and laser-induced degradation of groutellite and ramsdellite, two cathode materials of technological interest
Simone Bernardini, Armida Sodo et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08662E

Searching for double σ- and π-aromaticity in borazine derivatives
Ricardo Pino-Rios, William Tiznado et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05939K

Wavelength modulation of ZnO nanowire based organic light-emitting diodes with ultraviolet electroluminescence
Runze Chen, Yun Liu et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04058D

An all solid-state Li ion battery composed of low molecular weight crystalline electrolyte
Prerna Joshi, Noriyoshi Matsumi et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09559D

Dynamic response study of Ti₃C₂-MXene films to shockwave and impact forces
Shreyas Srivatsa, M. M. Nayaket al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04879HSubmit to RSC Advances today! Check out our author guidelines for information on our article types or find out more about the advantages of publishing in a Royal Society of Chemistry journal.

Keep up to date with our latest HOT articles, Reviews, Collections & more by following us on Twitter. You can also keep informed by signing up to our E-Alerts.

Looking back at 2020, we would like to share with you some of the great research that has been published in RSC Advances over the year. We are proud to present a selection of the most popular 2020 organic chemistry papers, reviews and HOT articles published so far.

We hope you enjoy reading these articles and as always, all our articles are open access – free to read and accessible to everyone.

Over the year, our reviewers and Associate Editors have handpicked articles of particular interest and marked them as HOT. We are very pleased to highlight some outstanding 2020 organic chemistry HOT articles:

Fluoxetine scaffold to design tandem molecular antioxidants and green catalysts
Giovanni Ribaudo, Laura Orian et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03509B

Giovanni Ribaudo, Marco Bortoli, Alberto Ongaro, Erika Oselladore, Alessandra Gianoncelli, Giuseppe Zagotto and Laura Orian

‘In this paper, we describe the synthesis of some fluoxetine analogues incorporating a selenium nucleus. Selenium is the key oligoelement present in the enzymes involved in the antioxidant endogenous defense system. We have chosen fluoxetine because it is a very important antidepressant, better known with its commercial name ‘Prozac’. The mechanistic details of the enhanced antioxidant potential of our designed compounds were unraveled combining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and quantum chemistry calculations.’

Read the interview with the authors about their article here.

More HOT articles

One-pot synthesis of indoles and quinolinones from ortho-tosylaminophenyl-substituted para-quinone methides
Junwei Wang, Lihong Hu et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05497F

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of α-ketoamides using water and dioxygen as the oxygen source
Yuanyuan Xiao, Fang Xiao et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05921H

Direct access to multi-functionalized benzenes via [4 + 2] annulation of α-cyano-β-methylenones and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes
Qianfa Jia, Qiao Ren et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05251E

One-pot method for the synthesis of 1-aryl-2-aminoalkanol derivatives from the corresponding amides or nitriles
Jan Otevrel, Pavel Bobal et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04359A

Iodine-catalyzed efficient synthesis of xanthene/thioxanthene-indole derivatives under mild conditions
Weihang Miao, Xuequan Wang et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05217E

Synthesis of highly substituted tetrahydroquinolines using ethyl cyanoacetate via aza-Michael–Michael addition
Arunan Palanimuthu, Gene-Hsian Lee et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01264E

Read the full HOT article collection

Reviews

CuAAC-ensembled 1,2,3-triazole-linked isosteres as pharmacophores in drug discovery: review
Alisha Rani, Jandeep Singh et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09510A

Asymmetric catalysis in direct nitromethane-free Henry reactions
Lin Dong and Fen-Er Chen, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10263A

Phosphorus-containing amino acids with a P–C bond in the side chain or a P–O, P–S or P–N bond: from synthesis to applications
Mathieu Arribat, Emmanuelle Rémond et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10917J

Papers

A molecular electron density theory study of the participation of tetrazines in aza-Diels–Alder reactions
Luis R. Domingo, Patricia Pérez et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01548B

Self-assembly and multifunctionality of peptide organogels: oil spill recovery, dye absorption and synthesis of conducting biomaterials
Monikha Chetia, Sunanda Chatterjee et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10395C

K₂S₂O₈ mediated C-3 arylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones under metal-, photocatalyst- and light-free conditions
Nibedita Baruah Dutta, Gakul Baishya et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00013B

A concise method for fully automated radiosyntheses of [¹⁸F]JNJ-46356479 and [¹⁸F]FITM via Cu-mediated ¹⁸F-fluorination of organoboranes
Gengyang Yuan, Anna-Liisa Brownell et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04943C

Rhodium-catalyzed phosphorylation reaction of water-soluble disulfides using hypodiphosphoric acid tetraalkyl esters in water
Mieko Arisawa, Masahiko Yamaguchi et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02377A

Cu/TEMPO catalyzed dehydrogenative 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition in the synthesis of spirooxindoles as potential antidiabetic agents
Chitrala Teja, Fazlur Rahman Nawaz Khan et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01553A

Photoinitiated decarboxylative C3-difluoroarylmethylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with potassium 2,2-difluoro-2-arylacetates in water
Yanhui Gao, Lei Wang et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02059A

Cembrane-type diterpenoids from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii and their biological activities
Xiaowei Sun, Jinqian Yu et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09776G

The mechanochemical Scholl reaction as a versatile synthesis tool for the solvent-free generation of microporous polymers
Annika Krusenbaum, Lars Borchardt et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05279E

Synthesis of a coumarin derivative of resorcin[4]arene with solvent-controlled chirality
Anna Szafraniec and Waldemar Iwanek, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00368A

Microwave-assisted synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies of new coumarin-based 1,2,3-triazoles
Ravinder Dharavath, G. Prashanthi et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01052A

Third-generation ionic liquids with N-alkylated 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane cations and pelargonate anions
Anna Turguła, Juliusz Pernak et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00766H

Chiral mono- and dicarbamates derived from ethyl (S)-lactate: convenient chiral solvating agents for the direct and efficient enantiodiscrimination of amino acid derivatives by ¹H NMR spectroscopy
Federica Balzano and Gloria Uccello-Barretta, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00200C

Fluorene benzothiadiazole co-oligomer based aqueous self-assembled nanoparticles
J. Schill, L. Brunsveld et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09015K

Isosorbide bis(methyl carbonate) synthesis from isosorbide and dimethyl carbonate: the key role of dual basic–nucleophilic catalysts
José R. Ochoa-Gómez, Olga Gómez-Jiménez-Aberasturi et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03552A

Submit to RSC Advances today! Check out our author guidelines for information on our article types or find out more about the advantages of publishing in a Royal Society of Chemistry journal.

Keep up to date with our latest HOT articles, Reviews, Collections & more by following us on Twitter. You can also keep informed by signing up to our E-Alerts.

Looking back at 2020, we would like to share with you some of the great research that has been published in RSC Advances over the year. We are proud to present a selection of the most popular 2020 nanoscience papers, reviews and HOT articles published so far.

We hope you enjoy reading these articles and as always, all our articles are open access – free to read and accessible to everyone.

Adhesion and bactericidal properties of nanostructured surfaces dependent on bacterial motility
Keisuke Jindai, Takeshi Ito et al. DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08282D

Picture: © Shutterstock

To combat antmicrobial resistance, Takeshi ito and colleagues have been researching natural and artificial instances of nanostructured surfaces – including cicada wings, gecko feet and black silicon – which are bactericidal, with the ability to break the cell membranes of bacteria.

The study was published in February and was covered in a piece published in The Times newspaper.

Over the year, our reviewers and Associate Editors have handpicked articles of particular interest and marked them as HOT. We are very pleased to highlight some outstanding 2020 nanoscience HOT articles:

Versatile magnetic microdiscs for the radio enhancement and mechanical disruption of glioblastoma cancer cells
Selma Leulmi Pichot, Russell Cowburn et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00164C

The study by Selma Leulmi Pichot (University of Cambridge) and colleagues describes the use of a new type of magnetic microparticle to improve the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive form of brain cancer.

‘Our results demonstrate that we have powerful tools that can efficiently contribute to improve the current treatment of glioblastoma. Moreover, when used as an adjunct to surgery, the magnetic microdiscs have the potential to shorten the course of radiation therapy in countries where access to radiation therapy is scarce.’

Read the interview with Selma Leulmi Pichot about her article here.

More HOT articles

Directly writing flexible temperature sensor with graphene nanoribbons for disposable healthcare devices
Xue Gong, Liqiang Liet al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02815K

Read the full HOT article collection

Reviews

Progress in the functional modification of graphene/graphene oxide: a review
Wang Yu, Luo Jie et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01068E

Developments and applications of nanomaterial-based carbon paste electrodes
Somayeh Tajik, Mohammadreza Shokouhimehr et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03672B

Papers

Identification of preferentially exposed crystal facets by X-ray diffraction
Liping Zhang, Mietek Jaroniec et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00769B

Study of ²²³Ra uptake mechanism on hydroxyapatite and titanium dioxide nanoparticles as a function of pH
Petra Suchánková, Ján Kozempel et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08953E

The structure and photoelectrochemical activity of Cr-doped PbS thin films grown by chemical bath deposition
Ashour M. Ahmed, Mohamed Shaban et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA11042A

The fabrication of a chemical sensor with PANI-TiO₂ nanocomposites
Mohammad R. Karim, Mohammed M. Rahman et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09315J

Antibacterial potential of Ni-doped zinc oxide nanostructure: comparatively more effective against Gram-negative bacteria including multi-drug resistant strains
Atanu Naskar, Kwang-sun Kim et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09512H

Investigation of strain and doping on the electronic properties of single layers of C₆N₆ and C₆N₈: a first principles study
Asadollah Bafekry, Mohsen Shafieirad et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04463F

Projection method as a probe for multiplexing/demultiplexing of magnetically enriched biological tissues
Mohammad Reza Zamani Kouhpanji and Bethanie J. H. Stadler, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01574A

PLGA nanoparticle preparations by emulsification and nanoprecipitation techniques: effects of formulation parameters
Karol Yesenia Hernández-Giottonini, Armando Lucero-Acuña et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10857B

Atomic scale study of black phosphorus degradation
Changbae Hyun, Kwang S. Kim et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08029E

Efficient removal of Cu(II) from aqueous systems using enhanced quantum yield nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots
Mohammed Abdullah Issa, Hamid Zentou et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02276D

Continuous syntheses of carbon-supported Pd and Pd@Pt core–shell nanoparticles using a flow-type single-mode microwave reactor
Masato Miyakawa, Masateru Nishioka et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10140C

Hollow Au@TiO₂ porous electrospun nanofibers for catalytic applications
Labeesh Kumar, Bhanu Nandan et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10487A

Beetle-like droplet-jumping superamphiphobic coatings for enhancing fog collection of sheet arrays
Xikui Wang, Youfa Zhang et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09329J

Sorption capacity of seaweed-like sodium titanate mats for Co²⁺ removal
Yoshifumi Kondo, Tohru Sekino et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA06662A

Hybrid red blood cell membrane coated porous silicon nanoparticles functionalized with cancer antigen induce depletion of T cells
Antti Rahikkala, Hélder A. Santos et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05900E

Submit to RSC Advances today! Check out our author guidelines for information on our article types or find out more about the advantages of publishing in a Royal Society of Chemistry journal.

Keep up to date with our latest HOT articles, Reviews, Collections & more by following us on Twitter. You can also keep informed by signing up to our E-Alerts.

Looking back at 2020, we would like to share with you some of the great research that has been published in RSC Advances over the year. We are proud to present a selection of the most popular 2020 materials chemistry papers, reviews and HOT articles published so far.

We hope you enjoy reading these articles and as always, all our articles are open access – free to read and accessible to everyone.

Three-dimensional directional nerve guide conduits fabricated by dopamine-functionalized conductive carbon nanofibre-based nanocomposite ink printing
Shadi Houshyar, Amitava Bhattacharyya et al. DOI: 10.1039/D0RA06556K

Amitava Bhattacharyya and colleagues have developed a new conducting nanocomposite ink composed of dopamine, carbon nanofibers and polycaprolactone to facilitate and guide the growth of nerve cells.

The study by Rahim Rahimi and colleauges was published in November and was covered in several news outlets, including a story in Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News.

Over the year, our reviewers and Associate Editors have handpicked articles of particular interest and marked them as HOT. We are very pleased to highlight some outstanding 2020 materials chemistry HOT articles:

Modular design and self-assembly of multidomain peptides towards cytocompatible supramolecular cell penetrating nanofibers
Su Yang and He Dong, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04748A

 ‘The efficacy of chemotherapy or gene therapy, in large part, depends on the ability of chemotherapeutics or genetic materials to cross the cell membrane to reach the cytoplasm. Designing nanomaterials that can facilitate intracellular delivery of therapeutics to the cytosol is of great interests from both fundamental research and practical point of view. This work is focused on a supramolecular approach for the design, and synthesis of supramolecular cell penetrating nanofibers (SCPNs) which have potent membrane activity and excellent cytocompatibility for intracellular delivery of therapeutics and/or imaging agents.’

Read the interview with He Dong about her article here.

More HOT articles

A polypropylene mesh coated with interpenetrating double network hydrogel for local drug delivery in temporary closure of open abdomen
Ze Li, Peige Wang et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10455K

Sandwich-structured poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) composite film containing a boron nitride nanosheet interlayer
Fujia Chen, Jianhua Xu et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09780E

Synthesis and characterization of thermoresponsive ZIF-8@PNIPAm-co-MAA microgel composites with enhanced performance as an adsorption/release platform
Juan A. Allegretto, Matias Rafti et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09729E

Large-pore-size membranes tuned by chemically vapor deposited nanocoatings for rapid and controlled desalination
Mengfan Zhu and Yu Mao, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA07629E

Read the full HOT article collection

Reviews

Ultrathin permselective membranes: the latent way for efficient gas separation
Roberto Castro-Muñoz, Joaquín Coronas et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02254C

Carbon and graphene quantum dots: a review on syntheses, characterization, biological and sensing applications for neurotransmitter determination
Somayeh Tajik, Mohammadreza Shokouhimehret al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00799D

Advances in intrinsic self-healing polyurethanes and related composites
Bertrand Willocq, Jean-Marie Raquez et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01394C

Papers

Fabrication of CS/GA/RGO/Pd composite hydrogels for highly efficient catalytic reduction of organic pollutants
Lei Ge, Tifeng Jiao et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01884H

Relative cooling power modeling of lanthanum manganites using Gaussian process regression
Yun Zhang and Xiaojie Xu, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03031G

Self-assembled functional components-doped conductive polypyrrole composite hydrogels with enhanced electrochemical performances
Juanjuan Yin, Tifeng Jiao et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00102C

Density functional theory study of palladium cluster adsorption on a graphene support
Riaz Hussain, Khurshid Ayub et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01059F

An effective utilization of MXene and its effect on electromagnetic interference shielding: flexible, free-standing and thermally conductive composite from MXene–PAT–poly(p-aminophenol)–polyaniline co-polymer
Kanthasamy Raagulan, Kyu Yun Chai et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09522E

Effects of PEDOT:PSS:GO composite hole transport layer on the luminescence of perovskite light-emitting diodes
Yuanming Zhou, Xianan Cao et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04425C

High performance flexible supercapacitors based on secondary doped PEDOT–PSS–graphene nanocomposite films for large area solid state devices
Syed Khasim, Yogendra Kumar Mishra et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01116A

Digging deeper: structural background of PEGylated fibrin gels in cell migration and lumenogenesis
A. I. Shpichka, P. S. Timashev et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08169K

In situ polymerization of graphene-polyaniline@polyimide composite films with high EMI shielding and electrical properties
Kui Cheng, Junhe Yang et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08026K

New, highly versatile bimolecular photoinitiating systems for free-radical, cationic and thiol–ene photopolymerization processes under low light intensity UV and visible LEDs for 3D printing application
Emilia Hola, Joanna Ortyl et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10212D

Self-healing composite hydrogel with antibacterial and reversible restorability conductive properties
Mimpin Ginting, Hestina et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00089B

Study on antibacterial properties and cytocompatibility of EPL coated 3D printed PCL/HA composite scaffolds
Lijiao Tian, Na Wang et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10275B

Preparation and optimization of activated nano-carbon production using physical activation by water steam from agricultural wastes
Mohammad Amin Nazem, Saeed Shirazian et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA07409K

Fabrication of magnetic iron oxide-supported copper oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄/CuO): modified screen-printed electrode for electrochemical studies and detection of desipramine
Somayeh Tajik, Mohammadreza Shokouhimehr et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02380A

Molecular flattening effect to enhance the conductivity of fused porphyrin tape thin films
Giuseppe Bengasi, Nicolas D. Boscher al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09711B

Asymmetric molecular modification of viologens for highly stable electrochromic devices
Mark Kim, Hong Chul Moon al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09007J

Synthesis of polyacrylonitrile nanoflowers and their controlled pH-sensitive drug release behaviour
Qi Lian, Dongjun Wang al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01427C

Polyimide aerogels with novel bimodal micro and nano porous structure assembly for airborne nano filtering applications
Shahriar Ghaffari Mosanenzadeh, Hani E. Naguib al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03907A

Fabrication of ideally ordered TiO₂ through-hole membranes by two-layer anodization
Takashi Yanagishita, Hideki Masuda al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA07650C

High-temperature resistant water-soluble polymers derived from exotic amino acids
Sumant Dwivedi, Tatsuo Kaneko al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA06620F

Submit to RSC Advances today! Check out our author guidelines for information on our article types or find out more about the advantages of publishing in a Royal Society of Chemistry journal.

Keep up to date with our latest HOT articles, Reviews, Collections & more by following us on Twitter. You can also keep informed by signing up to our E-Alerts.

Looking back at 2020, we would like to share with you some of the great research that has been published in RSC Advances over the year. We are proud to present a selection of the most popular 2020 inorganic chemistry papers, reviews and HOT articles published so far.

We hope you enjoy reading these articles and as always, all our articles are open access – free to read and accessible to everyone.

Over the year, our reviewers and Associate Editors have handpicked articles of particular interest and marked them as HOT. We are very pleased to highlight some outstanding 2020 inorganic chemistry HOT articles:

Hierarchical micro-/mesoporous zeolite microspheres prepared by colloidal assembly of zeolite nanoparticles
Walter Rosas-Arbelaez, Anders E. C. Palmqvist et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA07394F

Walter Rosas Arbelaez and Professor Anders Palmqvist (Chalmers University of Technology)

‘The focus of the article was to develop a zeolite material with two different porosities (micro and meso) using silicalite-1 nanoparticles (ca. 100 nm) and aggregate them by a controlled evaporation process into well-defined micron-sized spheres. In addition, the process does not use any template to form mesopores but only by the interspace generated between the particles after their aggregation. We find this topic of high interest, since many similar materials have been prepared using mesopore templates and/or need long preparation times and high temperature, parameters that have a big impact in the production economics at large scale.’

Read the interview with the authors about their article here.

More HOT articles

Recovery of yttrium and europium from spent fluorescent lamps using pure levulinic acid and the deep eutectic solvent levulinic acid–choline chloride
Ioanna M. Pateli, Nerea Rodriguez Rodriguez et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05508E

Read the full HOT article collection

Challenges and opportunities in the recovery of gold from electronic waste
Mudila Dhanunjaya Rao, Jason B. Loveet al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA07607G, Review

Aqueous-phase detection of antibiotics and nitroaromatic explosives by an alkali-resistant Zn-MOF directed by an ionic liquid
Jian-Hua Qin, Lu-Fang Ma al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08733H

Two 1D homochiral heterometallic chains: crystal structures, spectra, ferroelectricity and ferromagnetic properties
Zhuoqiang Zhou, Zhao-Xi Wang al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00732C

Local structure order parameters and site fingerprints for quantification of coordination environment and crystal structure similarity
Nils E. R. Zimmermann and Anubhav Jain, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA07755C

Rhenium(I) complexation–dissociation strategy for synthesising fluorine-18 labelled pyridine bidentate radiotracers
Mitchell A. Klenner, Giancarlo Pascali et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00318B

PaperGold dipyrrin-bisphenolates: a combined experimental and DFT study of metal–ligand interactions
Kolle E. Thomas, Abhik Ghosh et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09228E

Novel hypophosphite hybrid perovskites of [CH₃NH₂NH₂][Mn(H₂POO)₃] and [CH₃NH₂NH₂][Mn(H₂POO)_2.83(HCOO)_0.17] exhibiting antiferromagnetic order and red photoluminescence
Mirosław Mączka, Dagmara Stefańska et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03397A

Tantalum(V) 1,3-propanediolate β-diketonate solution as a precursor to sol–gel derived, metal oxide thin films
Christopher Beale, Andreas Offenhäusser et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02558E

Crystal structure, magneto-structural correlation, thermal and electrical studies of an imidazolium halometallate molten salt: (trimim)[FeCl₄]
Palmerina González-Izquierdo, and Imanol de Pedro et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00245C

Biferrocenyl Schiff bases as efficient corrosion inhibitors for an aluminium alloy in HCl solution: a combined experimental and theoretical study
Uzma Nazir, Faiz Ullah Shah et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10692H

Co-crystallization of antibacterials with inorganic salts: paving the way to activity enhancement
Oleksii Shemchuk, Raymond J. Turner et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10353H

Separation of neodymium and dysprosium by solvent extraction using ionic liquids combined with neutral extractants: batch and mixer-settler experiments
Sofía Riaño, Koen Binnemans et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08996A

Ruthenium carboranyl complexes with 2,2′-bipyridine derivatives for potential bimodal therapy application
Ricardo G. Teixeira, Andreia Valente et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01522A

Transport properties of polycrystalline SnTe prepared by saturation annealing
Dorra Ibrahim, Bertrand Lenoir et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10841F

Novel light-emitting clays with structural Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ for chromate anion detection
Stefano Marchesi, Fabio Carniato et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05693F

Submit to RSC Advances today! Check out our author guidelines for information on our article types or find out more about the advantages of publishing in a Royal Society of Chemistry journal.

Keep up to date with our latest HOT articles, Reviews, Collections & more by following us on Twitter. You can also keep informed by signing up to our E-Alerts.

Looking back at 2020, we would like to share with you some of the great research that has been published in RSC Advances over the year. We are proud to present a selection of the most popular 2020 food chemistry papers, reviews and HOT articles published so far.

We hope you enjoy reading these articles and as always, all our articles are open access – free to read and accessible to everyone.

3D printing of milk-based product
Cheng Pau Lee, Rahul Karyappa and Michinao Hashimoto, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05035K

Michinao Hashimoto and colleauges have developed a method to 3D print milk that preserves nutrients and prevents proteins from denaturating. By changing the rheological properties of the printing ink, they 3D printed milk at room temperature through a cold extrusion process.

The study was published in August and was covered in several news outlets, including Chemical & Engineering News: Food for thought: Milk prints and veggie options.

Reviews

New insights into red plant pigments: more than just natural colorants
José A. Fernández-López, José M. Angosto et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03514A

Advances in nanotechnology and antibacterial properties of biodegradable food packaging materials
Heba Mohamed Fahmy, Ahmed Esmail Shalan et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02922J

Papers

Biorefinery of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) using non-thermal and clean emerging technologies: an update on the curcumin recovery step
Maria Isabel Landim Neves, M. Angela A. Meireles et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08265D

Analysis of 17 elements in cow, goat, buffalo, yak, and camel milk by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Lu Chen, Ligang Deng et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00390E

Influence of co-cultures of Streptococcus thermophilus and probiotic lactobacilli on quality and antioxidant capacity parameters of lactose-free fermented dairy beverages containing Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels pulp
Sabrina Laís Alves Garcia, Flávia Carolina Alonso Buriti et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08311A

Ultrasound treatment inhibits browning and improves antioxidant capacity of fresh-cut sweet potato during cold storage
Yanfang Pan, Xihong Li et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA06418D

Oleogelation using pulse protein-stabilized foams and their potential as a baking ingredient
Athira Mohanan, Supratim Ghosh et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA07614J

Development of a novel Maillard reaction-based time–temperature indicator for monitoring the fluorescent AGE content in reheated foods
Bei Hu, Xia Zhang et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01440K

Production of flavorful alcohols from woods and possible applications for wood brews and liquors
Yuichiro Otsuka, Naoyuki Matsui et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA06807A

Active biodegradable packaging films modified with grape seeds lignin
Pavel Vostrejs, Adriana Kovalcik et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04074F

Submit to RSC Advances today! Check out our author guidelines for information on our article types or find out more about the advantages of publishing in a Royal Society of Chemistry journal.

Keep up to date with our latest HOT articles, Reviews, Collections & more by following us on Twitter. You can also keep informed by signing up to our E-Alerts.

Looking back at 2020, we would like to share with you some of the great research that has been published in RSC Advances over the year. We are proud to present a selection of the most popular 2020 environmental chemistry papers and reviews published so far.

We hope you enjoy reading these articles and as always, all our articles are open access – free to read and accessible to everyone.

Reviews

Sonochemical degradation of pesticides in aqueous solution: investigation on the influence of operating parameters and degradation pathway – a systematic review
Meghdad Pirsaheb and Negin Moradi et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA11025A

Application progress of enhanced coagulation in water treatment
Hongmei Cui, Xiaoling Cao et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02979C

Papers

Elimination of humic acid in water: comparison of UV/PDS and UV/PMS
Shoufeng Tang, Yandi Rao, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01787F

The effects of geochemical processes on groundwater chemistry and the health risks associated with fluoride intake in a semi-arid region of South India
D. Karunanidhi, Priyadarsi D. Roy, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10332E

Microwave assisted green synthesis of Fe₂O₃/biochar for ultrasonic removal of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals
Zakaria Anfar, Noureddine El Alem et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00617C

The synthesis and application of (E)-N′-(benzo[d]dioxol-5-ylmethylene)-4-methyl-benzenesulfonohydrazide for the detection of carcinogenic lead
Mohammed M. Rahman, Abdullah M. Asiri, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09080K

Metal (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb) removal from environmentally relevant waters using polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated magnetite nanoparticles
Jie Hong, Jamie Lead et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10104G

The biosorptive uptake of enrofloxacin from synthetically produced contaminated water by tamarind seed derived activated carbon
Sucharita Samanta, Gopinath Halder et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08995K

High-efficiency adsorption and regeneration of methylene blue and aniline onto activated carbon from waste edible fungus residue and its possible mechanism
Hongyan Li, Feng Zhang et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01245A

Effects of WO₃ and SiO₂ doping on CeO₂–TiO₂ catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia
Rongrong Fan, Rong Wang et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00053A

Atmospheric implication of synergy in methanesulfonic acid–base trimers: a theoretical investigation
Dongping Chen, Wenliang Wang et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08760E

Anionic azo dyes removal from water using amine-functionalized cobalt–iron oxide nanoparticles: a comparative time-dependent study and structural optimization towards the removal mechanism
Qurrat-ul-Ain, Fariha Aslam et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA07686G

Cobalt–carbon/silica nanocomposites prepared by pyrolysis of a cobalt 2,2′-bipyridine terephthalate complex for remediation of cationic dyes
Nusaybah Alotaibi, Thirumurugan Prakasam et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02752A

Nano ferrites (AFe₂O₄, A = Zn, Co, Mn, Cu) as efficient catalysts for catalytic ozonation of toluene
Hongbin Jiang, Fenglin Yang et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10601D

Ultrasound-assisted leaching of vanadium from fly ash using lemon juice organic acids
G. Rahimi, T. Gu et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09325G

Effects of lipid membrane composition on the distribution of biocidal guanidine oligomer with solid supported lipid membranes
Yeonjeong Ha and Jung-Hwan Kwon, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03108A

Solubility, speciation and local environment of chlorine in zirconolite glass–ceramics for the immobilisation of plutonium residues
Stephanie M. Thornber, Neil C. Hyatt et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04938G

Environmental chemistry: Pollution control

This collection, guest-edited by RSC Advances Associate Editor Feng Zhao (Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences) features articles on the theme ‘pollution control’, illustrating the notability, quality and variety of publications in RSC Advances. These articles are already among the most highly cited research articles in the journal, illustrating their impact. Subject areas include absorptive materials, photocatalytic materials, bio-magnetic membranes and method development.

Nanomaterials for the environment

This collection, guest-edited by RSC Advances Associate Editor Ranjit T. Koodali (Western Kentucky University), features articles published in the journal in 2019 on nanomaterials for the environment. The themed collection reflects the myriad innovative approaches developed by researchers to remove pollutants using novel, and often using cost-effective approaches for both the synthesis and subsequent removal of pollutants.

Submit to RSC Advances today! Check out our author guidelines for information on our article types or find out more about the advantages of publishing in a Royal Society of Chemistry journal.

Keep up to date with our latest HOT articles, Reviews, Collections & more by following us on Twitter. You can also keep informed by signing up to our E-Alerts.

Looking back at 2020, we would like to share with you some of the great research that has been published in RSC Advances over the year. We are proud to present a selection of the most popular 2020 energy research papers, reviews and HOT articles published so far.

We hope you enjoy reading these articles and as always, all our articles are open access – free to read and accessible to everyone.

Over the year, our reviewers and Associate Editors have handpicked articles of particular interest and marked them as HOT. We are very pleased to highlight some outstanding 2020 HOT articles on energy:

Photocurrent generation by a photosystem I-NiO photocathode for a p-type biophotovoltaic tandem cell
Yuya Takekuma, Morio Nagata et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01793K

Mechanistic understanding of humin formation in the conversion of glucose and fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in [BMIM]Cl ionic liquid
Zhanwei Xu, Z. Conrad Zhang et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05641C

Selective production of bio-based aromatics by aerobic oxidation of native soft wood lignin in tetrabutylammonium hydroxide
Takashi Hosoya, Tatsuhiko Yamada et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03420G

Ethanol-blended petroleum fuels: implications of co-solvency for phytotechnologies
Michael O. Eze and Simon C. George et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10919F

Read the full HOT article collection

Recent advances in the design of cathode materials for Li-ion batteries
Nourhan Mohamed and Nageh K. Allam, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03314F, Review

Synthesis of a hierarchical carbon fiber@cobalt ferrite@manganese dioxide composite and its application as a microwave absorber
Ailing Feng, Guanglei Wu , DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10327A

Biomass-derived three-dimensional carbon framework for a flexible fibrous supercapacitor and its application as a wearable smart textile
Chunghsuan Hsiao, Nyanhwa Tai et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA07441D

Gold nanoparticle–cellulose/PDMS nanocomposite: a flexible dielectric material for harvesting mechanical energy
Manojit Pusty and Parasharam M. Shirage, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10811D

High voltage vacuum-processed perovskite solar cells with organic semiconducting interlayers
Azin Babaei, Henk J. Bolink et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00214C

Influence of electronically conductive additives on the cycling performance of argyrodite-based all-solid-state batteries
Florian Strauss, Torsten Brezesinski et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10253A

Computational prediction of structural, electronic, and optical properties and phase stability of double perovskites K₂SnX₆ (X = I, Br, Cl)
Un-Gi Jong, Chol-Jun Yu and Yun-Hyok Kye et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09232C

Enhanced ethanol production from sugarcane molasses by industrially engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae via replacement of the PHO₄ gene
Renzhi Wu,  Ribo Huang et al. DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08673K

Eucalyptus red grandis pretreatment with protic ionic liquids: effect of severity and influence of sub/super-critical CO₂ atmosphere on pretreatment performance
Francisco Malaret, Jason P. Hallett et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02040K

Process analysis of solar steam reforming of methane for producing low-carbon hydrogen
Enkhbayar Shagdar, Heping Tan et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09835F

Silicon nanocrystal hybrid photovoltaic devices for indoor light energy harvesting
Munechika Otsuka, Tomohiro Nozaki et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00804D

Submit to RSC Advances today! Check out our author guidelines for information on our article types or find out more about the advantages of publishing in a Royal Society of Chemistry journal.

Keep up to date with our latest HOT articles, Reviews, Collections & more by following us on Twitter. You can also keep informed by signing up to our E-Alerts.

Looking back at 2020, we would like to share with you some of the great research that has been published in RSC Advances over the year. We are proud to present a selection of the most popular 2020 chemical biology and medicinal chemistry papers, reviews and HOT articles published so far.

We hope you enjoy reading these articles and as always, all our articles are open access – free to read and accessible to everyone.

Over the year, our reviewers and Associate Editors have handpicked articles of particular interest and marked them as HOT. We are very pleased to highlight some outstanding 2020 chemical biology and medicinal chemistry HOT articles:

Accelerating the repurposing of FDA-approved drugs against coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19)
Simona De Vita, Gianluigi Lauro, Giuseppe Bifulco et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA09010G

In their article Giuseppe Bifulco, Gianluigi Lauro and colleagues at University of Salerno, Italy, developed a new computational protocol to identify FDA-approved drugs that could be used to fight the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Focussing on three SARS-CoV-2 targets; main protease, papain-like protease and spike protein, the researchers narrowed down the number of potential ligands by carrying out a virtual screening followed by applying the Inverse Virtual Screening approach previously developed by the research group. The best ligands for each protein were further investigated with molecular dynamics simulations confirming the promising binding modes.

‘Italy was one of the countries most affected by the first outbreak this spring and we felt the responsibility, as scientists, to contribute to the research of possible cures,’ says Bifulco. ‘We hope that our data can be used by other research groups as starting point to figure out new treatments for this disease. We are very confident about the results achieved and we will keep on working on the matter.’

Read the interview with the authors about their article here.

More HOT articles

Molecular targets and anticancer activity of quinoline–chalcone hybrids: literature review
Mamdouh F. A. Mohamed and Gamal El-Din A. Abuo-Rahma, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05594H, Review

In silico identification of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein–ACE2 complex inhibitors from eight Tecoma species and cultivars analyzed by LC-MS
Seham S. El Hawary, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA08997D

P-stereocontrolled synthesis of oligo(nucleoside N3′→O5′ phosphoramidothioate)s – opportunities and limitations
Ewa Radzikowska, Barbara Nawrot et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04987E

A novel cerium(III)–isatin Schiff base complex: spectrofluorometric and DFT studies and application as a kidney biomarker for ultrasensitive detection of human creatinine
Sheta M. Sheta, El-Sayed R. H. El-Gharkawy et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10133K

A simple and cost-effective approach to fabricate tunable length polymeric microneedle patches for controllable transdermal drug delivery
Yongli Chen, Xu Zhang et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01382J

Consensus virtual screening of dark chemical matter and food chemicals uncover potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease
Marisa G. Santibáñez-Morán, José L. Medina-Franco et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04922K

Read the full HOT article collection

Reviews

Nature as a treasure trove of potential anti-SARS-CoV drug leads: a structural/mechanistic rationale
Ahmed M. Sayed, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04199H

Synthesis and application of coumarin fluorescence probes
Xiao-ya Sun, Xiao-jing Wang et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10290F

Benefits and applications of microwave-assisted synthesis of nitrogen containing heterocycles in medicinal chemistry
Maged Henary, Giancarlo Cravotto et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01378A

Non-ionic small amphiphile based nanostructures for biomedical applications
Badri Parshad, Ljiljana Fruk et al. DOI: 10.1039/D0RA08092F

Papers

Facile approach to benzo[d]imidazole-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine hybrid structures through double cyclodehydration and aromatization and their unique optical properties with blue emission
Gi Hun Bae, Ikyon Kim et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01140A

Synthesis of phosphonoacetate analogues of the second messenger adenosine 5′-diphosphate ribose (ADPR)
Ondřej Baszczyňski, Barry V. L. Potter et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09284F

Evaluation of cytotoxic potential of structurally well-characterized RNA targeted ionic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) Cu(II) & Zn(II) DACH–mefenamato drug conjugates against human cancer cell lines
Huzaifa Yasir Khan, Farukh Arjmand et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA07464C

Two novel ACE inhibitory peptides isolated from longan seeds: purification, inhibitory kinetics and mechanisms
Atthasith Nuchprapha, Aphichart Karnchanatat et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00093K

Antibiofilm, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of extracellular green-synthesized silver nanoparticles by two marine-derived actinomycete
Ahmed A. Hamed, Ahmed N. Emam et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA11021F

Enhancement of ibuprofen solubility and skin permeation by conjugation with L-valine alkyl esters
Ewa Janus, Adam Klimowicz et al. DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00100G

Extracellular electron transfer mediated by a cytocompatible redox polymer to study the crosstalk among the mammalian circadian clock, cellular metabolism, and cellular redox state
Masahito Ishikawa, Katsutoshi Hori et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10023G

Development and characterization of a babassu nut oil-based moisturizing cosmetic emulsion with a high sun protection factor
Michael Jackson Ferreira da Silva, Maria Célia Costa Pires et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00647E

Histidine-conjugated DNA as a biomolecular depot for metal ions
Soyoung Park, Hiroshi Sugiyama et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01267J

High-throughput toxicity screening of novel azepanium and 3-methylpiperidinium ionic liquids
Angela L. Tether, Stephen A. Kelly et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03107K

A ZnII complex of ornidazole with decreased nitro radical anions that is still highly active on Entamoeba histolytica
Promita Nandy, Saurabh Das et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02597F

Synthesis of tricyclic carbohydrate–benzene hybrids as selective inhibitors of galectin-1 and galectin-8 N-terminal domains
Chunxia Wu, Yuanyuan Zhang et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03144E

Submit to RSC Advances today! Check out our author guidelines for information on our article types or find out more about the advantages of publishing in a Royal Society of Chemistry journal.

Keep up to date with our latest HOT articles, Reviews, Collections & more by following us on Twitter. You can also keep informed by signing up to our E-Alerts.

Looking back at 2020, we would like to share with you some of the great research that has been published in RSC Advances over the year. We are proud to present a selection of the most popular 2020 catalysis papers, reviews and HOT articles published so far.

We hope you enjoy reading these articles and as always, all our articles are open access – free to read and accessible to everyone.

Over the year, our reviewers and Associate Editors have handpicked articles of particular interest and marked them as HOT. We are very pleased to highlight some outstanding 2020 HOT articles on catalysis:

Ultrathin sulfate-intercalated NiFe-layered double hydroxide nanosheets for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution

Xiao-Xiao Jiang, Jian-Ping Lang et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00845A

Jian-Ping Lang, Soochow University, and colleagues have introduced a facile method for the synthesis and modification of ultrathin NiFe-layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The LDH nanosheets are highly efficient electrocatalysts in the oxygen evolution reaction.

‘We have acquired a simple and promising method for synthesizing ultrathin LDHs nanosheets. In particular, we are very excited about the universality of the synthesis of different two-dimensional materials that are widely used in the field of energy storage and conversion,’ says Lang.

Read the interview with Jian-Ping Lang about his article here.

More HOT articles

Nanocellulose enriches enantiomers in asymmetric aldol reactions
Naliharifetra Jessica Ranaivoarimanana, Takuya Kitaoka et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA07412H

NaBH₄ induces a high ratio of Ni³⁺/Ni²⁺ boosting OER activity of the NiFe LDH electrocatalyst
Yaqiong Wang, Shihe Yang et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA06617F

Understanding the mechanism of the competitive adsorption in 8-methylquinoline hydrogenation over a Ru catalyst
Yuan Dong, Hansong Cheng et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01277G

Read the full HOT article collection

Reviews

Catalytic conversion of ethane to valuable products through non-oxidative dehydrogenation and dehydroaromatization
Hikaru Saito and Yasushi Sekine, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03365K

Cu₂O as an emerging semiconductor in photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic treatment of water contaminated with organic substances: a review
Babatunde A. Koiki and Omotayo A. Arotiba, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA06858F

Recent advancements in g-C₃N₄-based photocatalysts for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction: a mini review
Runlu Liu, Shenmin Zhu et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05779G

Papers

One-pot multicomponent synthesis of thieno[2,3-b]indoles catalyzed by a magnetic nanoparticle-supported [Urea]₄[ZnCl₂] deep eutectic solvent
The Thai Nguyen and Phuong Hoang Tran, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00773K

Green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles using Lantana camara flower extract and their potential catalytic activity towards the aza-Michael reaction
Rakesh Chowdhury, Md. Harunar Rashid et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01479F

Comparison of electrocatalytic activity of Pt_1−xPd_x/C catalysts for ethanol electro-oxidation in acidic and alkaline media
Qiang Zhang, Fengxing Jiang et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00483A

CO₂ photoreduction to CO/CH₄ over Bi₂W_0.5Mo_0.5O₆ solid solution nanotubes under visible light
Yang Wang, Mingyi Zhang et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00672F

Production of green diesel from catalytic deoxygenation of chicken fat oil over a series binary metal oxide-supported MWCNTs
N. Aliana-Nasharuddin, Y. H. Taufiq-Yap et al. DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08409F

Sulfamic acid incorporated HKUST-1: a highly active catalyst and efficient adsorbent
Mahmoud M. Kaid, Amr Awad Ibrahim et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01063D

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution by co-catalyst-free TiO₂/C bulk heterostructures synthesized under mild conditions
Claudio Imparato, Antonio Aronne et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01322F

One-pot synthesis at room temperature of epoxides and linalool derivative pyrans in monolacunary Na₇PW₁₁O₃₉-catalyzed oxidation reactions by hydrogen peroxide
Castelo B. Vilanculo, Jesus Avendano Villarreal et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00047G

Three-dimensional NiCoP hollow spheres: an efficient electrode material for hydrogen evolution reaction and supercapacitor applications
Jiban K. Das, J. N. Behera et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00047G

Modification of fibrous membrane for organic and pathogenic contaminants removal: from design to application
Mohammad Neaz Morshed, Vincent Nierstrasz et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01362E

Elucidating the ionic liquid distribution in monolithic SILP hydroformylation catalysts by magnetic resonance imaging
Jakob Maximilian Marinkovic, Anders Riisager et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09515B

Characterization of biocompatible pig skin collagen and application of collagen-based films for enzyme immobilization
Li He, Yaowen Liu et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10794K

Synergistic effect of Ni–Ag–rutile TiO₂ ternary nanocomposite for efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity
Petri M. Leukkunen, Marko Huttula et al., DOI: 10.1039/D0RA07078E

Proline derived guanidine catalysts forge extensive H-bonded architectures: a solution and solid state study
Zahraa S. Al-Taie, Jack A. Wilson et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA07508A

Enzyme immobilization inside the porous wood structure: a natural scaffold for continuous-flow biocatalysis
Christian Goldhahn, Munish Chanana et al., DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10633B

Submit to RSC Advances today! Check out our author guidelines for information on our article types or find out more about the advantages of publishing in a Royal Society of Chemistry journal.

Keep up to date with our latest HOT articles, Reviews, Collections & more by following us on Twitter. You can also keep informed by signing up to our E-Alerts.