The depolymerization of lignin is represented by a wooden block at the centre of the image surrounded by the products of breakdown and catalysts that have been applied in this important biomass valorization reaction.

Breaking bonds in biomass

Lignin is an abundant feedstock for the production of chemicals and fuels but the development of C–C bond cleavage reactions is essential for its effective valorization.

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  • A new study explores the catalytic potential of green rust for selectively converting carbon monoxide (CO) to acetone without an applied potential. Its unique electronic properties suggest promising applications in CO remediation and future catalyst design.

    • John Dickenson
    Journal Club
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Two early-career researchers in supramolecular chemistry share their experiences of navigating academia whilst managing MS.

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  • Glass transition temperatures are determined through, for instance, calorimetry, but maybe machine learning models can predict them. Here, researchers test this idea with published data as input for the model, to find a close correlation between predicted and experimental values. 

    • Alexander Rosu-Finsen
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  • Ahead of his 80th birthday, Jean-Pierre Sauvage discussed his career in science from a lab in his cellar to the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

    • Jean-Pierre Sauvage
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  • Room-temperature magnetism is challenging for 2D materials as they tend to lose their magnetic order at increasing temperatures. Now, researchers have achieved room temperature magnetism in lithium-intercalated chromium iodide.

    • Liang Mei
    • Ruijie Yang
    Journal Club
  • Ahead of his 85th birthday, Graham Richards discussed his life in science and its intersection with industry. From a mix-up that led to him reading chemistry at the University of Oxford rather than physics, Richards later became the head of the chemistry department and co-founded Oxford Molecular Plc.

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Various common disability icons are shown with a chemistry twist - including a wheelchair user symbol next to a fumehood the hidden disability symbol furnished with a labcoat

Disability inclusion in chemistry

A collection to highlight an all-too-often overlooked aspect of DEI in chemistry: disability.
  • Stephanie Greed
Collection

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