The assessment of the aromaticity of actinide compounds has proven a controversial task. This Perspective highlights the application of state-of-the-art computational tools in assessing the aromaticity of actinide complexes and clusters and explains why commonly used magnetic probes, not just the nucleus-independent chemical shift but also the magnetically induced ring current, might be insufficient for assessing the aromaticity of these species.

Colloid science has developed through innovative use of silane coupling agents. We highlight the advances in complex colloid synthesis, focussing on 3-trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate (TPM) and related compounds. We outline the remarkable properties, unique synthesis strategies and ensuing pioneering applications of TPM colloids.

As an atmospheric chemist in Lebanon, Najat Aoun Saliba was propelled towards activism to combat rising pollution levels and inequality. This culminated in her election to become a member of the Lebanese parliament.

Following the success of our current journal club collaborations, we would like to encourage more groups of early-career researchers to get involved.

Sapana Jadoun explains how metals can be extracted from, for example, mining and electronic waste with her purpose-built solar raceway pond reactor for use in sunny locations such as the Atacama Desert.

Li-ion intercalation often induces phase changes in transition metal dichalcogenides, but only the transition of 2H-to-1T/1T' in MoS₂ is well-known. Here, researchers report emerging phase transitions in 1T'-MoTe₂, leading to the discovery of two new electronic phases.

In the quest for green ethylene production, perovskite oxides show promise as photocatalysts able to strip hydrogen from ethane and generate ethylene with solar energy.

Understanding our water supplies is vital for our health and wellbeing. While traditional water quality analyses require a slow and costly approach, Fluidion deploys automated chemical and microbiological monitoring in areas with impaired drinking water and at the Seine River 2024 Paris Olympics site, enhancing public health and environmental protection.

Increasing the temperature of chemical systems often speeds up reactions, however, it can be expensive and inefficient to heat an entire reaction system. Here, researchers study the impact on electrochemical reactions by only heating the surfaces of electrodes.