Journal of Chemical Reviews

Abstract Recent advances in heterogeneous catalysis have significantly propelled the development of sustainable chemical processes, addressing key challenges in green chemistry. Metal-based catalysts—including nanostructured and single-atom types—have demonstrated remarkable improvements in activity and selectivity, with turnover frequencies (TOFs) reaching up to 250 h⁻¹ and product selectivities exceeding 90% in biomass conversion and CO₂ utilization. These capabilities enable efficient transformation of renewable feedstocks into value-added chemicals and fuels. Zeolite and mesoporous catalysts maintain high thermal stability (up to 600 °C) and tunable pore sizes (~2-50 nm), which are crucial for enhancing the catalytic performance in fine chemical synthesis and waste valorization. Emerging materials, such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and carbon-based catalysts, provide high surface areas (often exceeding 1500 m²/g) and novel active sites, resulting in improved recyclability and catalytic lifetimes of over 50 cycles. Advances in catalyst design, particularly bimetallic and multimetallic systems, have led to synergistic effects, increasing conversion rates by 30–50% compared to their monometallic counterparts. Surface modification techniques have further improved catalyst durability, reducing deactivation rates by up to 40%. Photocatalysis and electrocatalysis are gaining momentum, achieving solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies of 10-15%, especially in water splitting and hydrogen production, thus facilitating the integration of renewable energy into chemical manufacturing. Despite the ongoing challenges in catalyst scale-up, deactivation, and economic feasibility, recent developments in reactor engineering and catalyst regeneration have reduced production costs by 15–20%. Additionally, the incorporation of AI and machine learning in catalyst discovery has accelerated the identification of novel candidates using optimized metrics, such as energy efficiency and reaction specificity. Overall, the integration of innovative catalytic systems with green feedstocks and renewable energy paves the way for sustainable, efficient, and economically viable chemical processes that support long-term global sustainability goals.

Abstract Globally, skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, is a significant health concern that requires the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Natural remedies and polyphenols are being studied as potential therapeutics for skin cancer. The chemopreventive properties of phytocompounds and polyphenols against skin cancer metastasis are discussed in this study. Polyphenols such as anthocyanins, EGCG, punicalagin, quercetin, resveratrol, and theaflavin have chemopreventive properties and are primarily studied for their treatment of melanoma. This review also discusses recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the anticancer properties of natural compounds, specifically polyphenols. These effects are caused by changes in pathways such as EGFR/MAPK, mTOR/PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, FAK/RTK2, PGE-2/VEGF, and PGE-1/ERK/HIF-1α. These changes are also influenced by signals such as NF-κB, Bim, Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-x, Bim, Puma, Noxa, ILs, and MMPs. This study focuses on how these factors can impact crucial signaling pathways such as oxidative stress, proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation linked to cancer development. The study explores the potential of polyphenols in conjunction with traditional treatments to enhance patient outcomes and minimize side effects. Polyphenols' chemopreventive actions against skin carcinogenesis and metastasis, involving numerous signaling pathways, indicate their potential for developing new anti-skin cancer therapeutic approaches. Future research should focus on preclinical and clinical studies to validate the efficacy and safety of natural remedies and polyphenols in combating skin cancer.

Abstract Clay–conducting polymer nanocomposites (CPNs) have gained attention as versatile materials that are easy to produce and useful across a wide range of technologies. Combinations of montmorillonite (MMT) clay with electronically conducting polymers (ECPs) such as polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPY), and poly(ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) stand out. These materials combine mechanical strength with the ability to conduct electricity, making them multifunctional. This review explores the development of MMT–ECP nanocomposites from early electroactive films to their growing roles in sustainable energy, industrial waste management, environmental cleanup, wastewater treatment, biomedical devices, and smart packaging. Different methods used to make these materials, such as in situ oxidative polymerization, solution intercalation, and electrochemical deposition are discussed. Each method influences how well the clay layers separate, how the polymer spreads, and how strongly the components bond together. Additionally, the effect of the structure of these nanocomposites on their performance is assessed, using tools such as spectroscopy, microscopy, electrochemistry, and thermal analysis. Their applications in areas including supercapacitors, solid-state batteries, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, chemical sensors, and water purification are reviewed, with special attention to eco-friendly processes and systems that can integrate with biological environments. The review emphasizes strategies aimed at meeting performance needs without compromising sustainability. Cross-sectoral relevance is highlighted, spanning well-established areas such as energy storage alongside emerging fields such as biomedical systems and smart packaging. By bringing together insights from materials science, nanotechnology, and electrochemistry, these nanocomposites offer a promising foundation for building the green technologies of the future.

Abstract Human-made processes were causing severe heavy metal contamination at surface waters that creates more health hazards in industrial development. Nanomaterials have good qualities because they have more specific surface areas and organic properties and comply with ecologically friendly production orders. In this paper, the heavy metal remediation was studied through the examination of bio- based nanostructures and hybrid nanomaterials. The paper has discussed metal efficiency in terms of de-decomposing the removal mechanisms that involving plant extracts, microbial pathways and also life cycle assessment, the economic needs necessary to sustain long term operations. Recent advances in smart nanomaterials based on bio-hybrid systems and multi-functional nanocomposites have defined the new trends that shape the materials sector. The paper is a review article that considers the potential of sustainable nanomaterials in the remedial process of heavy metals to devise the optimal methods of synthesis and precondition sustainable industrial utilisation of the synthetic materials in the cleaning of the environment.

Abstract Monoglycerides are monoacyl derivatives of glycerol that occur naturally in vegetable oils and animal tissues, where they perform key metabolic and structural functions. Industrial production relies primarily on esterification or glycerolysis, using chemical or enzymatic catalytic systems. Recent developments emphasize lipase-catalyzed processes and intensified technologies (ultrasound, microreactors, and supercritical media), which improve selectivity, reduce energy consumption, and support sustainable manufacturing. Due to their distinctive physicochemical behavior, including self-assembly, crystallization, and polymorphism, monoglycerides are widely exploited as emulsifiers and oil structuring agents in the food industry, as matrix-forming lipids in drug-delivery systems (cubosomes and lipid nanocarriers), and as functional components in biomedical and cosmetic formulations. Monolaurin demonstrates particularly strong antimicrobial and antiviral activity, expanding the interest in monoglycerides as high-value bioactive molecules. This review consolidates current knowledge on the natural occurrence, synthesis strategies, and multifunctional applications of monoglycerides, highlighting research trends and technological opportunities relevant to food chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and green processing.

Abstract Chalcones, characterized by the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl scaffold that links two aromatic rings, have garnered extensive interest as versatile intermediates in organic synthesis and as promising pharmacophores in medicinal chemistry. Their facile synthesis, structural modifiability, and broad spectrum of biological activities—including anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects—have made them valuable scaffolds for drug discovery. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in chalcone chemistry, highlighting synthetic methodologies with an emphasis on green approaches, key structural modifications, and their impact on biological efficacy. Structure–activity relationship analyses and computational studies provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying chalcone bioactivities and guide the rational design of new derivatives. Future perspectives focus on enhancing chalcone pharmacokinetics, employing advanced computational tools, and expanding in vivo studies to realize their therapeutic potential. This consolidation of current knowledge aims to assist researchers in harnessing chalcones for novel drug development.

Abstract The persistent presence of Ibuprofen (IBP) in surface and wastewater represents a growing environmental and public health concern, prompting extensive research into effective removal strategies. Among available treatment approaches, adsorption using activated carbon and other carbon-based materials has proven to be efficient, versatile, and economically feasible. This review provides a critical analysis of recent progress in the synthesis and modification of activated carbons, biochars, metal–organic framework-derived carbons, and magnetic composites for the adsorption of IBP from aqueous solutions. Key aspects discussed include synthesis methods, surface functionalization techniques, adsorption isotherms, and kinetic modeling, and the influence of operational parameters such as pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and the presence of competing substances. The adsorption mechanism is predominantly governed by π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic attraction, and pore-filling effects, with enhanced removal generally occurring under acidic conditions. Although many newly developed adsorbents demonstrate high capacity and satisfactory regeneration performance, most reported studies are limited to laboratory-scale conditions with IBP concentrations significantly higher than those typically found in real wastewater. Future research should focus on developing low-cost, waste-derived adsorbents, conducting experiments under realistic environmental conditions, optimizing regeneration processes, and integrating adsorption with complementary treatment technologies to achieve practical, scalable, and sustainable removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from aquatic environments.