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  • Sisi Wang, Jierong Xiao, Fabiao Yu, Rui Wang, Guisheng He*
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250506
    Accepted: 2025-10-23
    Abstract Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Metastasis represents the critical determinant of poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Conventional detection methods face limitations, including insufficient sensitivity, invasiveness, and inability to dynamically monitor tumor microenvironment alterations, thereby failing to meet the demands of precision medicine. In recent years, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a powerful tool for breast cancer metastasis monitoring and treatment evaluation, owing to its ultra-high sensitivity at the single-molecule level, exceptional spatiotemporal resolution, and multiplex detection capability. Functionalized SERS probes targeting tumor-specific biomarkers enable non-invasive identification of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes(Exos), and metastasis-associated metabolites, facilitating molecular-level diagnosis of breast cancer metastasis. Furthermore, SERS technology permits real-time monitoring of drug delivery efficiency, release kinetics, and therapeutic responses at tumor sites, providing dynamic molecular profiles for personalized treatment evaluation. This review systematically summarizes recent advancements in SERS-based detection of metastasis-related biomarkers, tumor microenvironment analysis, and treatment efficacy assessment. Key challenges, including probe targeting optimization, signal stability enhancement, and clinical translation, are critically discussed. Looking forward, the integration of multimodal SERS probe design with artificial intelligence-powered data analytics is anticipated to propel breast cancer management into a new era of precision medicine and visualization-guided therapeutics.
  • Ying Li, Lin Han, Tiantian Feng, Jian Li
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250505
    Accepted: 2025-10-23
    As a type of biomimetic catalyst, artificial enzymes can effectively overcome the limitations of natural enzymes in purification, storage, and recyclability. Hemin (Fe(III)-protoporphyrin IX), serving as the essential cofactor in the active center of most peroxidases, possesses fundamental peroxidase-like catalytic activity due to its iron-porphyrin structure. However, native free hemin suffers from issues such as intermolecular self-aggregation, susceptibility to oxidative deactivation, and insufficient exposure of catalytic sites, leading to reduced catalytic efficiency and poor stability. Combining hemin with supporting materials to form hemin-based artificial enzymes can effectively inhibit hemin self-aggregation and oxidative degradation while simultaneously enhancing its catalytic activity and stability. This review primarily introduces several common types of hemin-based artificial enzymes. It summarizes and categorizes their construction and applications based on the underlying principles of the various support materials and the characteristics of the resulting hemin-based enzymes. Furthermore, it analyzes how the structural properties of different supports regulate the functions of the artificial enzymes and provides an outlook on their future development. Current challenges in designing and constructing hemin-based artificial enzymes include complex self-assembly processes and poor controllability during preparation. Future studies could focus on conducting in-depth physicochemical research on support materials to achieve a higher integration of hemin and support properties. This may involve establishing structure-activity relationship maps correlating the physicochemical properties of supports with the directional assembly of hemin molecules, implementing interface engineering strategies for synergistic optimization of hemin and carrier performance, or exploring alternative support materials with similar properties. The development of hemin-based artificial enzymes combining high catalytic activity with structural homogeneity is key to facilitating their practical applications across multiple fields.
  • Mi-Na Zhao, Jiayi Tang, Yaodu Zhang
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250504
    Accepted: 2025-10-23
    N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is a common organic compound. It is not only often used as a solvent in organic reactions but also widely employed as a reaction reagent in industrial production, playing an important role in organic synthesis for a long time. It is worth noting that DMF itself can act as a synthon to provide different structural units for participation in organic synthesis reactions, and it plays a very important role in the construction of complex, diverse and structurally novel functional molecules. Therefore, this review focuses on introducing the performance of DMF as a multifunctional precursor in various reactions, summarizes the latest progress of DMF as an amine source, carbon source, hydrogen source, oxygen source and double synthon reactions, and prospects the future development direction of this field, hoping to provide a reference for the later research on reactions involving DMF as a synthon.
  • Yan Bao, Junbin Zhou, Ruyue Guo
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250501
    Accepted: 2025-10-23
    In recent years, flexible electronic devices have shown broad application prospects in fields such as smart sensing equipment, human-machine interfaces and bio-inspired electronic skins. Ionogels demonstrate significant potential in the preparation of flexible electronics due to their excellent electrochemical performance, tunable mechanical properties and high environmental adaptability. However, the generally poor mechanical properties of ionogels limit their widespread use. To address this, this article systematically reviews the research progress of ionogels from two aspects: preparation methods and mechanical reinforcement strategies. First common types of ionic liquids and their characteristics are summarized based on the types of anions and cations. Then the preparation techniques for ionogels are categorized into physical blending, in situ polymerization and solvent exchange, with detailed analysis of their advantages and disadvantages. Next, representative strategies for enhancing mechanical performance are outlined, including regulating polymer network structures, constructing non-covalent interactions, forming microphase-separated structures and introducing inorganic nanoparticles. The mechanism of these strategies, the regulatory effect on the mechanical properties of ionic gels, and the application scenarios are systematically explained. Finally, key challenges in current ionogel preparation processes are discussed along with future development directions. This work provides a theoretical foundation for designing high-performance ionogels and improving their properties.
  • Qingdong Wang, Zitao Wang, Yu Dong, Tao Liu, Ning Li, Yuefeng Su
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250408
    Accepted: 2025-10-23
    With the increasing proportion of renewable energy in the energy structure, the development of efficient and safe secondary battery energy storage technologies is crucial for addressing the challenges of integrating intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar power into the grid. Due to its unique structure and physicochemical properties, graphite anode material has been widely used in lithium-ion batteries. Inspired by the lithium storage behavior of graphite, its application in other metal-ion batteries has also been extensively studied, demonstrating significant potential. However, the application of graphite anode materials in various metal-ion secondary batteries still lacks a comprehensive understanding. This review analyzes the electrochemical behavior of graphite in different metal-ion secondary battery systems, identifies the challenges faced by graphite materials, and highlights the primary strategies and current research progress in addressing these issues. The aim is to provide a reference for the development of high-performance and sustainable graphite-based energy storage batteries.
  • Jingyang Li, Dongge Xu, Yunchao Ma, Keyu Cui, ChunBo Liu
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250401
    Accepted: 2025-10-23
    Large emission of carbon dioxide leads to severe global warming effects. Therefore, it is urgent to convert carbon dioxide. Among various transformation technologies, electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 is able to efficiently and continuously convert carbon dioxide. However, the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 needs to overcome a higher activation barrier. Traditional electrocatalysts such as metals, metal dichalcogenides, transition metal oxides and 2D metal-free catalysts (g-C3N4) are susceptible to inactivation in homogeneous systems and present low electron transfer efficiency, low ability to adsorb and activate carbon dioxide, low reaction kinetics and low selectivity. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which are fabricated through covalent bonds, are a class of emerging porous organic polymers. Ordered alignment and π-π interactions between layers facilitate the transportation of charge carriers. High specific surface area and appropriate pore size enable the adsorption of carbon dioxide and generate more active sites as well. All these unique advantages make COFs an ideal candidate for the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. In this paper, we first summarize the synthesis and structural diversity of two- and three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks based on topology. Then, the development of 2D and 3D covalent organic frameworks for the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide is introduced, respectively. Finally, the potential development of COFs for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction is discussed.
  • Zichun Lin, Xinyue Wang, Qing Xu, Hongjuan Duan, Haijun Zhang
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250406
    Accepted: 2025-10-23
    Silica composite aerogels, characterized by their extremely low density, high specific surface area, and remarkable porosity, have found extensive applications in high-temperature kilns, the oil and gas sector, aerospace, and various other advanced domains. Firstly, silica aerogels that have been composited through inorganic and organic compositing were thoroughly reviewed in this paper, as well as fiber reinforcement, including a comparative analysis of their thermal conductivity, compressive strength, porosity, density, and other significant physical properties. Secondly, the most recent strategies for additive manufacturing of silica composite aerogels are summarized. Finally, the challenges related to the fabrication and performance of silica composite aerogels and proposed future research directions for their advancement was addressed by this paper.
  • Shaofu Kuang, Xue Lu, Jianxing Wang, Hua Lin, Qing Li
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250715
    Accepted: 2025-10-23
    Hydrogen production via water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources represents a critical approach to addressing the dual challenges of energy and the environment. However, the practical implementation of this technology remains constrained by the sluggish kinetics of the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Recent advances in high-entropy materials (HEMs) with unique structural configurations and compositional tunability have demonstrated breakthrough capabilities in OER catalysis. Their near-continuous adsorption energy tunability across multi-dimensional landscapes enables surpassing the perforce ceilings of conventional single-/dual-component electrocatalysts. While substantial progress has been achieved in developing HEMs for OER catalysis, formidable scientific challenges persist regarding the intricate composition-structure-activity relationships in multi-component systems and unresolved mechanistic ambiguities governing catalytic synergies. This review systematically examines the fundamental mechanisms underlying the four-electron transfer process in OER, followed by a critical survey of recent breakthroughs in high-entropy alloys (HEAs), high-entropy oxides (HEOs), and high-entropy metal-organic frameworks (HEMOFs) for OER applications. By emphasizing three critical dimensions: atomic coordination environment modulation, electronic structure engineering, and surface adsorption energy optimization, we establish explicit correlations between compositional architecture, structural characteristics, and catalytic performance. This framework profoundly elucidates the synergistic catalytic mechanisms arising from multi-metallic active sites. Furthermore, we propose strategic optimization pathways through material design, defect engineering, and elemental regulation. The review concludes by discussing emerging challenges and future opportunities in this rapidly evolving field. This review can provide inspiration for the accurate design of high-entropy electrocatalysts, the atomic-level analysis of structure-activity relationships, and the regulation and optimization of catalytic performance.
  • Jiahao Tao, Ziyi Zhou, Liang Liu, Xiaoyan Song, Baoli Zhao, Kai Cheng
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250620
    Accepted: 2025-10-21
    In recent years, visible-light-promoted palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions and C-H functionalization have witnessed remarkable advances in the field of organic synthesis. By utilizing photoexcited palladium complexes to mediate single-electron transfer (SET) processes, researchers have effectively addressed challenges associated with the activation of inert bonds in conventional thermal catalytic systems. This strategy has notably expanded the scope of applicable substrates and improved compatibility with diverse functional groups. This review highlights recent developments in visible-light-induced palladium-catalyzed Negishi coupling, Suzuki-Miyaura coupling, Heck reaction, three-component coupling, as well as C-H functionalization. Particular emphasis is placed on the distinct advantages of photoexcited palladium catalysis in enabling inert bond activation, regioselective control, and stereoselective transformations. This Pd/photoredox dual catalytic strategy significantly enhances reaction regioselectivity and stereocontrol, substantially broadening the substrate scope and functional group tolerance. It demonstrates particular utility in the construction of fluorinated molecules, strained rings, and heterocyclic architectures, offering a novel and efficient green pathway for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, functional materials, and natural products, thereby revealing considerable application potential.
  • 20
    Yuyan Luo, Guorui Liu
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250502
    Accepted: 2025-09-29

    Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are persistent organic compounds that are regulated by the Stockholm Convention. Because of their persistence and long-range transport, PCNs are widely distributed in the environment, even in the Tibetan Plateau and Arctic area. Historical manufacturing and unintentional release from human industrial activities are the two major sources of PCNs. Accurate characterization of PCNs is essential for the development of targeted pollution prevention strategies and effective reduction of their residual levels in the environment. In this paper we summarize the current status of emission studies on PCNs, including their emission sources, emission factors and progress in emission inventories. Historical emission studies show that PCN emissions are closely related to the industrialization process, with an increasing and then decreasing trend in most regions. Studies on unintentional emissions show that the emission factors of PCNs vary considerably between industries and processes and are strongly influenced by pollution control measures. Although some progress has been achieved, the systematic study of global emissions of PCNs is still inadequate, particularly in the determination of emission factors and the compilation of emission inventories. Future research is needed to further improve the emission inventory and strengthen monitoring and management to effectively control the environmental risks of PCNs.

    Contents

    1 Introduction

    2 Properties of PCNs

    2.1 Physicochemical properties of PCNs

    2.2 Toxicity of PCNs

    2.3 Environmental behavior of PCNs

    3 Current status of global management policies for PCNs

    4 Source of PCNs

    5 Progress in the study of historical production and emission of PCNs

    5.1 Estimation of historical production

    5.2 Release of PCNs as historical chemicals

    6 Unintentional emissions of PCNs

    6.1 Emission factors for PCNs

    6.2 Emission inventories of PCNs

    7 Conclusion and outlook

  • Review
    Ran Jia, Jian Wang, Wen-Fu Yan
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250626
    Accepted: 2025-09-28

    Since the widespread acceptance between 1960s and 1970s, the condensed matter physics has undergone rapid development. Condensed matter physics primarily investigates the geometric and electronic structures of solid and liquid substances, as well as the resulting microscopic and macroscopic physical phenomena such as sound, light, electricity, magnetism, heat, etc. Meanwhile, the field of chemistry has also evolved significantly, especially in the last two decades, with advancements in theoretical chemistry and chemical characterization techniques. Researchers have gradually come to realize that chemical reactions are not merely straightforward transformations from reactants to products. The structural hierarchy of the reaction system plays a crucial role in the progression of chemical reactions. There has been a growing emphasis on the in-situ characterization of chemical reactions, and efforts have been made to explore the dynamic changes in the material structures at different levels within the system under reaction conditions. These developments can be considered as the nascent stages of condensed matter chemistry research. Physics and chemistry have always been intertwined and mutually reinforcing natural sciences. Currently, new phenomena and theories in condensed matter physics continue to emerge. Introducing these new physical phenomena and theories into chemical research is a highly worthwhile exploration area. The present review will briefly introduce some relatively recent concepts in condensed matter physics (e.g., surface plasmon polariton, topological insulators, quasicrystals, local micro-electric/magnetic fields, light-matter interactions, alternating magnets, etc.) and their applications in chemistry. The aim is to illustrate the application potentials of cutting-edge condensed matter physics research in chemistry, provide insights into advancing traditional chemical research to the realm of condensed matter chemistry, and contribute to the development of condensed matter chemistry.

    Contents

    1 Introduction: From solid-state physics to condensed matter physics

    2 Condensed matter in chemical reaction systems

    2.1 Dynamic interface configurations in reactions

    2.1.1 Reactions on solid-gas interfaces

    2.1.2 Reactions on solid-liquid interfaces

    2.1.3 Reactions on solid-Solid interfaces

    2.2 External electric field

    2.3 Other external fields

    2.4 Microenvironments

    3 New chemical methods from the new concepts of condensed matter physics

    3.1 Quantum confinement effects

    3.2 Surface plasmon polariton

    3.3 Topological insulator

    4 Conclusion and outlook

  • 14
    Zheng Zhang, Xiaoqiang Guo, Xiaoming Zhang, Shuangjie Liu
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250708
    Accepted: 2025-09-28

    Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reactions (CO2RR) have become an important means of building sustainable energy systems due to their potential to convert carbon dioxide into high-value chemicals under mild conditions, as global carbon dioxide emissions become increasingly serious. This review provides a systematic overview of the research progress in the construction of CO2RR electrodes, with a focus on the structural design principles of the electrodes. It highlights typical construction strategies for metal-based, carbon-based, and emerging electrode structures, analyzing the effects of conductivity, pore structure, and three-phase interface stability on electron transport, carbon dioxide mass transfer, and product desorption behavior.

    It particularly emphasizes the crucial role of surface and interface engineering in enhancing catalytic selectivity and long-term stability, and summarizes cutting-edge construction methods such as 3D printing, bio-inspired modification of electrodes, and the use of derivative materials. Although existing research has made significant progress under laboratory conditions, challenges such as structural stability, construction costs, and large-scale manufacturability remain to be addressed in practical applications. Therefore, this review proposes that future research should be conducted in a coordinated manner in the areas of interface microenvironment control, structural modeling, and manufacturing process simplification to achieve efficient, stable, and scalable CO2RR electrode systems.

    Contents

    1 Introduction

    2 CO2RR mechanism

    3 CO2RR Electrode Construction

    3.1 Transition metal-based

    3.2 Carbon-based

    3.3 Emerging Structures and 3D Printed Electrodes

    4 Surface and Interface Engineering

    5 Conclusion and outlook

  • 14
    Xiaoyang Wang, Yifang Zhao, Chenyi Liu, Leyan Fan, Dejun Xue, Guolei Xiang
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250704
    Accepted: 2025-09-28

    Recent advances in machine learning (ML) have demonstrated remarkable potential in revolutionizing the design, property prediction, and synthesis optimization of nanomaterials, facilitating a paradigm shift from traditional empirical approaches to data-driven methodologies in nanoscience. This review systematically examines the research frameworks and cutting-edge developments in ML-assisted nanomaterial design and fabrication, with a focus on representative material systems, including zero-dimensional quantum dots, one-dimensional nanotubes, two-dimensional materials, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Key technical aspects such as data acquisition and feature engineering, supervised and unsupervised modeling, generative algorithms, and automated experimental platforms are critically discussed. Furthermore, we highlight emerging challenges and future directions, emphasizing the need for standardized databases, physics-informed ML models, and closed-loop experimental systems to enable intelligent and efficient nanomaterial development. This work provides a comprehensive methodological reference for the integration of ML in next-generation nanomaterial research.

    Contents

    1 Introduction

    2 Machine Learning Application Framework

    2.1 Acquisition and Standardized Preprocessing of High-Quality Data

    2.2 Representation Methods and Feature Engineering for Material Structures

    2.3 Model Construction and Training

    2.4 Validation and Generalization Assessment

    2.5 Performance Prediction and Material Screening

    2.6 Inverse Design and Generative Structural Optimization

    3 Representative Research Progress

    3.1 Zero-Dimensional Nanomaterials

    3.2 One-Dimensional Nanomaterials

    3.3 Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials

    3.4 Metal-Organic Frameworks

    4 Conclusion and Outlook

  • Fei Wen, Wen-Yu Luo, Xiaoxun Ma, Shanshan Liu, Lin-Yu Jiao
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250514
    Accepted: 2025-09-28
    Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials have entered a new stage of vigorous development with the significant advantage of efficient utilization of single and triplet excitons without the need for precious metals. However, the aggregation-induced burst (ACQ) phenomenon is prevalent in conventional TADF materials, which severely limits their development and application. In contrast, aggregation-induced delayed fluorescence (AIDF) materials have a unique aggregation-induced fluorescence enhancement phenomenon, thus attracting much attention in the field of organic electroluminescence. In this review, we summarize the relevant AIDF molecules in the field of organic light-emitting diode (OLED), focusing on the molecular design of AIDFs and their research and application progress in the field of non-doped OLEDs since 2021, and analyze and discuss the mentioned AIDF molecules by classifying them based on the basis of their molecular structures, respectively, in terms of benzophenones, triazines, quinoxalines, and other receptors. Compounds are structurally disassembled and properties are summarized, the conformational relationships between their structures and properties are deeply explored, and the outlook for the development of this field is made.
  • 14
    Yabo Wang, Gangfeng Du, Zhengshan Tian, Zihong Pan, Kesheng Cao, Haoqi Wang
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250813
    Accepted: 2025-09-25

    The dynamic evolution of catalysts is a crucial phenomenon in electrocatalysis, particularly in the nitrate electroreduction to ammonia (NO3RR) process. This review systematically studies the mechanisms underlying the dynamic evolution of copper-based catalysts during NO3RR, emphasizing how reconstructed structures can significantly influence electrochemical performance. Achieving a designed active surface through dynamic evolution is essential for optimizing catalytic efficiency. We highlight advanced electrochemical, microscopic, and spectroscopic techniques that are instrumental in tracking these dynamic processes, providing insights into how structural changes occur in real-time. Moreover, we present a comprehensive summary of the latest strategies for regulating dynamic evolution, including valence-state control, morphological engineering, crystal facet optimization, heterogeneous interface construction, and in situ defect engineering. These approaches effectively harness the dynamic nature of catalysts to enhance their performance in NO3RR. However, several challenges remain, such as the mechanistic ambiguity surrounding active sites, limited capabilities for in situ monitoring, trade-offs between stability and activity, and scalability barriers. This review concludes by offering perspectives for future research, asserting that controlled dynamic evolution is pivotal for unlocking the full potential of Cu-based catalysts in the pursuit of sustainable nitrate reduction to ammonia.

  • Suzhen Bai, Yi Zeng, Zhengshan Tian, Kesheng Cao, Xingwu Li, Haoqi Wang
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250801
    Accepted: 2025-09-16
    The electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction (UOR) has emerged as an energy-efficient alternative to the traditional oxygen evolution reaction for hydrogen production, with mechanistic understanding being critical for the rational design of catalysts. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in in situ characterization techniques for elucidating the dynamic reaction mechanisms of UOR. Studies reveal that phase transitions, valence state migration, and electronic structure evolution of catalysts under operational conditions are key factors governing activity and stability. Techniques such as in situ X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy enable real-time monitoring of catalyst reconstruction, intermediate evolution, and interfacial adsorption behavior, overcoming the environmental deviations inherent in conventional ex situ characterization. When combined with theoretical calculations, these methods provide direct evidence for identifying active-site configurations, reaction pathways, and rate-determining steps. In addition, special emphasis is placed on multimodal in situ strategies for deciphering synergistic effects in nickel-based catalysts, while current challenges including non-alkaline systems, real wastewater environments, and multi-metal cooperation mechanisms are critically discussed. Future research should focus on developing novel in situ approaches for complex systems and establishing a mutually reinforcing framework integrating theoretical prediction and experimental validation, thereby advancing UOR catalyst design from empirical exploration to mechanism-guided optimization.
  • Shu Luxi, Zhang Yan
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250706
    Accepted: 2025-08-29
    Cell heterogeneity is key to understanding life processes such as embryonic development and disease evolution, while traditional bulk cell RNA sequencing cannot resolve gene expression differences at the single-cell level. Although single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology can construct transcriptomic maps at single-cell resolution, it faces challenges such as low efficiency in single-cell isolation and capture, and large deviations in trace RNA manipulation. Microfluidic chip technology, through a microscale fluid manipulation system, integrates processes such as single-cell isolation, lysis, reverse transcription, amplification, and sequencing library construction, achieving high-throughput, low sample loss, and automated operations, which significantly improves the efficiency and data reliability of scRNA-seq. This paper outlines the sequencing process of scRNA-seq, including steps such as single-cell isolation and capture, RNA extraction, reverse transcription and amplification, and single-cell sequencing. It analyzes the core advantages of microfluidic chips in adapting to single cells, precisely controlling reaction volumes, and realizing process automation, and briefly describes the technical principles and characteristics of representative platforms such as Fluidigm C1, 10X Genomics Chromium, and BD Rhapsody. Microfluidic chip technology provides an efficient and precise technical platform for scRNA-seq. In the future, with the continuous optimization of chip design and the improvement of multi-omics integrated analysis capabilities, we expect it to play a more profound role in resolving complex biological systems, revealing disease mechanisms, and even promoting precision medicine.
  • Review
    Feng Quan, Chuanzi Gao, Wenhui Qiu, Yi Zheng
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20250610
    Accepted: 2025-07-11

    Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a category of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are ubiquitously found across various environmental media, due to their extensive application in industrial processes and consumer products. These substances can infiltrate the human body through diet, drinking water, inhalation and skin contact, thereby posing potential risks to human health. The placenta, a critical organ at the maternal-fetal interface, is integral to material exchange and endocrine regulation, functioning as a natural barrier to shield the fetus from harmful external agents. Nonetheless, PFAS can cross the placental barrier, accumulate in placental tissues, and subsequently disrupt normal placental physiological functions, which poses significant threats to fetal growth and development. Based on evidence from epidemiological studies, placental cell models, and animal exposure models, this review summarizes the global exposure levels of PFAS in the placenta, examines the effects of PFAS exposure on placental morphology, structure, and function, and explores the underlying molecular mechanisms. By providing a comprehensive overview of current research, this review also offers insights into future research directions.

    Contents

    1 Introduction

    2 Exposure of placentas to PFAS

    2.1 Exposure concentration and distribution of human placentas to PFAS

    2.2 Factors influence PFAS retention and transport in the Placenta

    3 The effect of PFAS on placental structure and function

    3.1 Effect on placental morphological

    3.2 Effect on placental histological structure

    3.3 Effect on placental vascular

    3.4 Effect on nutrient metabolism and transport

    3.5 Effect on placental endocrine

    3.6 Molecular mechanisms of placental dysfunction

    4 Conclusion and outlook

  • Jinzhu Ma, Biwu Chu, Qingxin Ma, Guangzhi He, Qian Liu, Shuxiao Wang, Kebin He, Jincai Zhao, Hong He
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC24021
    Accepted: 2024-03-19
    Air pollution is a major challenge for the improvement of urban environmental quality. The process of urbanization is an important cause of highly complex air pollution, on the other hand it also provides artificial reinforcement conditions for self-purification of air pollutants in cities. "Environmental catalytic city" refers to the spontaneous catalytic purification of low concentration gaseous pollutants in the atmosphere by catalytic materials coating on the artificial surfaces, such as building surfaces in the city under natural photothermal conditions. "Environmental catalytic city" is of great significance for the control of complex air pollution without additional energy consumption, the continuous improvement of indoor and outdoor air quality, and the scheme and construction of " self-purifying city". Here, we propose the concept of “environmental catalytic city”, and discuss its further improvement, development, and application.
  • Shuang Wang, Xin Zhang, Miao Sun, Hongjuan Duan, Haijun Zhang, Shaoping Li
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC230813a
    Accepted: 2024-03-13
    Lignocellulose aerogels possess excellent properties of low density, high porosity, low thermal conductivity and so on, making them widely utilized in thermal insulation, adsorption, catalysis, electromagnetic shielding, biomedical and other fields. Moreover, as a bio-based material, lignocellulose is a green, pollution-free, renewable, and sustainable material. In this paper, the latest research progress of wood-based cellulose and agricultural waste-based cellulose aerogels are reviewed. Then the current research status of lignocellulose aerogel preparation methods including freeze-drying, supercritical drying, and atmospheric drying, is summarized. In addition, for the flammability issues commonly found in lignocellulose aerogels, commonly used methods to improve the flame retardancy of lignocellulose aerogels are discussed in detail. Finally, this paper concludes the main problems in lignocellulose aerogel preparation methods and properties, and the future development direction in this field is proposed.
  • Lu-Sha Gao, Jing-Wen Li, Hui Zong, Qian-Yu Liu, Fan-Sheng Hu, Jie-Sheng Chen
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC220326
    Accepted: 2022-04-01
    Water is a clean, safe, environmentally benign chemical reaction medium. Understanding the properties of water and the chemical processes in hydrothermal systems is of vital significance in the research of condensed matter chemistry. The physicochemical features of water under hydrothermal conditions greatly differ from that under normal condition, and thus the hydrothermal technique has been extended to much broader systems. In this review article, we introduce the structures of water and its clusters, the variation of their properties along with conditions, and relevant condensed matters in hydrothermal systems. We also illustrate the hydrothermal chemistry through discussing the preparation of typical materials through hydrothermal methods, hydrothermal organic reactions, and bio-hydrothermal chemistry. By relating condensed matter and hydrothermal chemistry, we hope this review will offer new ideas for comprehending hydrothermal reaction systems from the angle of condensed matter chemistry.
  • Le Lin, Xueming Liu, Yanjie Liang, Wenbin Xu, Yin Li, Zhang Lin
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC211120
    Accepted: 2021-12-27
    China has the largest amount of heavy-metal hazardous waste (HMHW) in the world, up to tens of millions of tons per year. It poses a great threat to the environment, once being improperly contained will lead to severe environmental safety accidents. Therefore, its treatment and disposal have been the worldwide problem in the field of environment. At present, resource recovery based on mineral phase regulation is one of the most potential solution to this problem. However, heavy-metal hazardous waste is originated from wide range of sources with diverse mineral phases and structure, which impedes the development of universal recovery technology. This review takes the hazardous wastes listed in the Chinese “National Catalogue of Hazardous Wastes” as the research object, and systematically analyzes their mineral phases under the interdisciplinary scope of data science and chemistry. It summarizes the common mineral phases prevailing in HMHWs, and constructs a mapping of heavy metals and mineral phases in HMHWs at an industry-wide scale. Moreover, it introduces two analytic methods to quantify distribution of heavy metals on mineral phases, and clarifies the host mineral phases of typical HMHWs. Finally, broad prospect in promoting technology innovation of treatment and disposal with new knowledge of HMHWs mineral phases is proposed.
  • Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC200218
    Accepted: 2021-05-25
    Fuel cell technology and its industrialization have been developed rapidly in China in recent years. However, the high cost of the fuel cell caused mainly by the using of precious Pt catalysts is still one of the most important factors restricting the development of fuel cell commercialization. It is of great significance to develop low Pt catalysts with much higher catalytic efficiency and lower Pt loadings. In recent years, Pt-based catalysts with three-dimensional morphology or nanostructure have been emerged as a type of ultra-important low Pt catalysts, due to their special morphologies/structures, their catalytic activity are usually much higher than that of the widely used Pt/C catalysts. In this paper, the research progress of Pt-based catalysts with special three-dimensional morphology (such as nanoframe structure, flower-like structure, nanocage structure, sea urchin structure, etc.) and their applications in fuel cells are reviewed, meanwhile, some weaknesses and challenges of these catalysts are concluded; Furthermore, the future development and application of these catalysts are prospected.
  • Jiawei Liu, Jing Wang, Qi Wang, Quli Fan, Wei Huang
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC200720
    Accepted: 2020-12-28
    Photoacoustic (PA) imaging, as a new type of imaging technique that offers strong optical absorption contrast and high ultrasonic resolution, shows great application prospects in the early disease diagnosis for its characteristics of deep tissue penetration and high spatial resolution. However, traditional "always on" PA contrast agents have many disadvantages such as low signal-to-noise ratio, poor selectivity and specificity. In contrast, activatable PA contrast agents, where the imaging signal can be changed in response to pathologic parameters, have shown decreased background signal and improved selectivity and specificity in early disease detection. Moreover, these contrast agents can obtain pathological parameters and information of various diseases at the molecular level by rational design to their structures, providing important guidelines for the optimization of treatment options. Therefore, activatable PA contrast agents hold greater promise in clinical practice than traditional "always on" PA contrast agents. In this review, we describe the recent advances in the development of activatable PA contrast agents. The design mechanisms and proof-of-concept applications of these activatable PA contrast agents are summarized in detail. The use of these activatable probes to detect different pathologic parameters (such as metal ions, enzymes, reactive nitrogen and reactive oxygen) is highlighted. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives in this emerging field are also analyzed.
  • Wenchen Ren, Zhihua Cui, Wentao Wang, Bingtao Tang
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC200629
    Accepted: 2020-12-22
    The elemental sulfur as an active cathode material in lithium sulfur batteries possess a high theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh/kg, which is 5~6 times higher than that of traditional Li-ion batteries. Thus, the use of lithium sulfur batteries can significantly prolong the endurance mileage of electric cars and working time of electronic products. However, lithium sulfur batteries are suffering from the dissolution of polysulfide in the electrolyte during charging and discharging process, which can cause dramatic loss of active materials in the cathode. In order to suppress the problem of polysulfide dissolution, strategies such as porous modification and polarization were applied to increase the sulfiphilicity of cathode host. The biomass fibers are natural nanomaterial source to obtain cathode host materials which typically possess natural abundant hierarchical pores and heteroatoms. The porosity and heteroatom doping properties of biomass fiber derived host materials can be used to trap polysulfide via chemical and physical adsorption in cathode. The application of such materials in cathode are beneficial for slowing down the decay rate of cycling stability in lithium sulfur batteries. This review provides an overview and discussion on the application, working mechanism, problems and prospects of the biomass fibers derived cathode host for lithium sulfur batteries.
  • Lili Cheng, Yun Zhang, Yekun Zhu, Ying Wu
    Progress in Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7536/PC200441
    Accepted: 2020-10-15
    In recent years,the use of abundant and renewable biomass resources to prepare high value-added chemicals and liquid fuels is one of the hot spots in the chemical research field,which is in line with the national strategy of sustainable development. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(HMF)is one of the key biomass platform compounds,widely used in the preparation of fine platform compounds,drug intermediates,polymer synthesis and liquid fuel precursor. Therefore,the selective oxidation of HMF has gradually become a research hotspot in the field of biomass. This paper mainly introduces the research on preparation of biomass derivatives such as DFF,FFCA and FDCA by selective oxidation of HMF in last five years,and the transformation of biomass with HMF as intermediate. The selective oxidation of HMF mainly focuses on two ways:thermalcatalytic and photocatalytic. Among them,the selective oxidation of HMF to DFF and FDCA by thermalcatalytic is widely studied. The catalytic system under this approach mainly introduces the noble metals and non-precious metals. In the few photocatalytic pathways,the main catalytic system is g-C3N4 catalyst. In addition,the deficiencies in there search on the oxidation of HMF are pointed out and the possible solutions are proposed.