With the rapid development of current society and economy, as well as the accelerated process of industrialization and urbanization, the complexity and seriousness of environmental pollution issues are becoming increasingly apparent. Beyond traditional pollutants, the appearance of emerging pollutants on a global scale has brought new challenges to environment and public health. China’s “14th Five-Year Plan” and medium and long-term planning put forward “emerging pollutant control”, report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China also explicitly requested “carry out emerging pollutant control”. In 2022, General Office of the State Council issued “Action Plan for Emerging Pollutant Control”, followed by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and various provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, which released corresponding implementation plans, China has transferred to a new phase of environmental protection that balances the control of both traditional and emerging pollutants. However, management of emerging pollutants is a long-term, dynamic and complex systematic project, which urgently needs to strengthen top-level design as well as scientific and technological support. Conducting systematic research on emerging pollutants not only provides effective scientific guidance for their control and improves the level of environmental quality management, but also assists our country in fulfilling international conventions, enhances the discourse power in global environmental governance, ensures our country environmental security, food security, international trade security, etc., and is of great significance for realizing sustainable development. This review aims to comprehensively explore various aspects of emerging pollutants, including their types and characteristics, production, use and emission, identification and detection, environmental occurrence, migration and transformation, ecotoxicological effects, human exposure, health risks, and management strategies. Furthermore, it looks forward to the future research direction, with a view to providing a scientific basis and decision-making support for control of emerging pollutants in China.

Plastic products represented by polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have become an important part of modern life and global economy. In order to solve the resource waste and environmental problems caused by PET waste and to realize high-value recycling of materials, there is an urgent need to explore low-cost green and efficient conversion and recycling methods. Chemical depolymerization can deal with low-value, mixed, and contaminated plastics, recover polymer monomers through different chemical reactions or chemically upgrade and recycle to produce new high value-added products, realizing the closed-loop recycling of plastic waste and high value-added applications, which is a key way to establish a circular polymer economy. This paper reviews the latest research progress of chemical depolymerization process of PET waste, analyzes the problems of chemical depolymerization technology of PET waste, and looks forward to the future development trend of chemical depolymerization process of PET waste.

Representing an important class of ubiquitous chemical feedstock, aromatics have been extensively utilized in the nucleophilic aromatic substitution (S_NAr) reactions, nitration reactions, Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions, cross-coupling reactions, C-H bond functionalization reactions etc. Dearomatization reaction is another type of transformations of aromatics, in which their aromaticity is destroyed or reduced. Since its first report, dearomatization reaction has served as an efficient platform to create C(sp³)-H-rich spiro, fused and bridged polycyclic structures, widely applied in material and medicinal chemistry. In the past two decades, various dearomatization reactions have been established by using transition-metal catalysis, organocatalysis, enzymatic catalysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis. Diverse polycyclic structures have been obtained by the dearomatization of indoles, pyrroles, (benzo)furans, (benzo)thiophenes, quinolines, pyridines, benzenes, naphthalenes, etc. The coupling reagents, including nucleophiles, electrophiles, dipoles, radicals, and carbenes have been developed to assemble different functional groups on dearomative framework. In this review, we briefly summarized the developed dearomatization reactions, which were categorized by the kinds of aromatic compounds. The remaining challenges and perspectives on the future development of dearomatization reactions are also included here.

The visible-light-driven copper-catalyzed decarboxylative coupling reaction of carboxylic acids and their derivatives is a novel, efficient, and green synthetic method. It allows the construction of various carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds for the synthesis of a wide range of high-value-added chemicals, making it a hot topic in the field of modern synthetic chemistry. In recent years, researchers worldwide have conducted extensive studies in this area, achieving a series of innovative results that have been widely applied in organic synthesis, materials science, and medicinal chemistry. This paper reviews the latest experimental and theoretical advances in the visible-light-driven copper-catalyzed decarboxylative coupling reactions of carboxylic acids and their derivatives, with a focus on several typical cross-coupling reactions that form C—X (X = C, N, O, S) bonds. It also discusses the future development prospects of this catalytic method.

Bifunctional small molecules are a sort of small molecules that engage multiple targets. They are subdivided into two categories: bifunctional small molecules with linkers and without linkers. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a currently emerging strategy hijacking cellular protein degradation systems, namely ubiquitin-proteasomal system and lysosomal system, to induce the degradation of targeted protein for drug development. Distinct from the traditional mechanism of action based on inhibition, TPD inhibits the function of targeted protein through targeted clearance, thus is advantageous in long-term inhibition and targeting undruggable proteins. With a unique mechanism of action, bifunctional small molecules are capable of binding degradation-associated protein and targeted protein simultaneously, and therefore used widely in the realm of TPD. This review summarizes the recent development of bifunctional molecules in TPD. Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), molecular degraders of extracellular proteins through the asialoglycoprotein receptors (MoDE-As), and autophagy targeting chimeras (AUTACs) which based on bifunctional small molecules with linkers, and molecular glue degraders (MGDs) and autophagosome-tethering compounds (ATTECs) which based on bifunctional small molecules without linkers are introduced, with their clinical application highlighted. Finally, the challenges that the two categories of bifunctional small molecules respectively face in the realm of TPD as well as prospects and suggestions for their development are proposed.

This review highlights the advantages and research advancements of Raman spectroscopy in detecting micro- and nanoplastics in the environment. With the worsening issue of microplastic pollution, particularly its widespread presence in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a non-destructive, high-resolution analytical technique widely employed for identifying and quantitatively analyzing micro- and nanoplastics. This is attributed to its unique spectral characteristics and reduced susceptibility to water interference compared to infrared spectroscopy. The strengths of Raman spectroscopy in detecting micro- and nanoplastics lie in its high spatial resolution, broad spectral range, and exceptional sensitivity. However, challenges such as fluorescence interference and low signal-to-noise ratios persist in the detection process. To enhance Raman signals, researchers have introduced various approaches, including sample pretreatment, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and nonlinear Raman spectroscopy techniques. Furthermore, this paper underscores the necessity of building a comprehensive Raman spectroscopy database to boost detection accuracy and efficiency. Future research directions include developing more effective preprocessing methods, dynamically monitoring the behavior of micro- and nanoplastics, and integrating intelligent detection systems.

Microplastic pollution arising from the aging and decomposition of plastic waste poses a significant challenge to global plastic pollution control. Landfills have been the primary disposal sites for solid waste for a long time, and the considerable amount of plastic waste accumulated in landfills has emerged as a crucial source of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems. This paper mainly reviews the development of plastic waste landfilling and its evolution in the landfilling process, analyzes the external input and internal generation process of microplastics in landfills, and summarizes the abundance and structural composition characteristics of microplastics reported in the landfill piles (580-168 000 items/kg) and leachate (420-291 000 items/m³) and the surrounding soils (4-14 200 items/kg) and groundwater (3000-27 200 items/m³). This paper further reveals the migration of microplastics within the waste-soil-groundwater system, and the exposure routes of humans to microplastics through the contaminated soil, air, and edible plants. As the risks and control measures to the entire environmental process of microplastics in landfills urgently require investigation, this paper puts forward key scientific and technical issues and management suggestions.

Solar energy is the energy source for all life on Earth, and its efficient conversion is of great significance for solving the global energy crises and environmental issues. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, researchers have recently developed whole-cell biohybrids based on semiconductors and microorganisms by integrating the excellent light absorption ability of photosensitizer semiconductors and the efficient biocatalysis ability of whole-cell microbes. The development of whole-cell biohybrids aims to realize efficient solar-to-chemical production in a green and low-carbon pathway. This review clarifies the operation principle and advantages of whole-cell biohybrids, and the properties of photosensitizer semiconductors are summarized, including the band structure, excitation wavelength and quantum yield. Moreover, this work innovatively concludes the construction mechanisms of whole-cell biohybrids and the electron transfer mechanisms in the interface between semiconductor and microbe. Moreover, the advanced progress of whole-cell biohybrids are reviewed, such as the high-value conversion of carbon dioxide, artificial nitrogen fixation, hydrogen production as well as pollutant removal and recovery. Finally, the environmental impacts and challenges of whole-cell biohybrids are discussed and the perspectives for the development of whole-cell biohybrids are proposed. This article is expected to provide fundamental insights for the further development and actual application of whole-cell biohybrids.

Solar photoelectrochemical （PEC） water splitting holds significant importance for the development of sustainable green energy. With ongoing research， the BiVO₄ photoanode， a core component of PEC systems， faces challenges in scaling up and maintaining long-term stability. The superiority of fully conformal coating strategies lies in their lack of substrate size constraints， ability to suppress photo-corrosion of the BiVO₄ semiconductor， creation of multifunctional interfaces， and potential synergistic action with heterojunctions and promoter catalysts， which may facilitate the stable operation of large-scale PEC water splitting devices for over 1000 hours. This review briefly introduces the basic principles of PEC water splitting and the development status of representative devices， elaborates on the important concept and main design principles of fully conformal coatings aimed at large-scale photoanodes， summarizes recent advances in materials capable of achieving fully conformal deposition coatings， including molecular catalysts， metal oxides/hydroxides， carbonized/sulfurized/phosphorized materials， and metal-organic frameworks （MOFs）， and discusses key characteristics of fully conformal coatings with greater development potential. Finally， it presents a prospective view on future trends in fully conformal coatings for BiVO₄ photoanodes.

Taking into account environmental concerns and the ongoing shift towards clean energy， converting carbon dioxide （CO₂） into ethylene （C₂H₄） through electrochemical CO₂ reduction （ECO₂RR） using renewable electricity is a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for achieving carbon neutrality while also providing economic benefits. Despite significant advancements in the field， issues such as low selectivity， activity and stability continue to persist. This paper presents a review of recent research progress in copper-based catalytic systems for ECO₂RR in the production of ethylene. Firstly， the mechanism of ECO₂RR is briefly summarized. It then highlights various catalyst design strategies for ethylene production， such as tandem catalysis， crystal surface modulation， surface modification， valence influence， size sizing， defect engineering， and morphology design. Finally， the paper discusses future challenges and prospects for the synthesis of ethylene through electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction.

Nowadays stretchable electronic devices have become a hot research topic in the field of information electronics because of their excellent mechanical and electrical properties. As the high-speed electron transmission channel in stretching electronic devices， stretchable conductive materials play a crucial role in realizing the functions of stretching electronic devices. Liquid metal has become a hot research object in the field of stretchable conductive composites in recent years because of its intrinsic flexibility and excellent conductivity. Liquid metal is a room temperature liquid conductive material， which exhibits excellent stretchability and tunability due to its inherent high conductivity， fluidity， and ductility. Liquid metal-based stretchable conductive composites preparation and patterning techniques have been reported and many stretchable devices with excellent combination of mechanical and electrical properties have been prepared. In view of the general structural characteristics of liquid metal-based stretchable composites， the key to the preparation is how to solve the interfacial non-impregnation problem caused by the physical property differences between different materials. Therefore， starting from the common types of composites， this paper firstly briefly introduces the components and physical properties of liquid metals generally used， as well as the stretchable polymer matrix materials usually employed. Then， the composite methods of conductive materials and elastomer materials in liquid metal-based electrodes are reviewed from the two ways of "passive" and "active" to deal with the problem of non-wetting at the interface， as well as the blending and dispersion method and the new modification method. Finally， the latest research progress is introduced， and the current status of liquid metal research is summarized. Future development and potential problems to be faced are also discussed.

The exceptional waterproof and oil-repellent properties of fluorides, attributed to their remarkably low surface energy, have rendered them extensively employed in the realm of functional finishing. However, the use of fluorine presents potential hazards to human health and engenders irreversible harm to the environment. Consequently, it is progressively being regulated by nations, and discovering alternatives without fluorine has emerged as an imperative concern that necessitates immediate attention in the fields of waterproofing and anti-fouling. To clarify the definition of the fluorine-free materials with oil-repellent property and explore their potential applications in the field of chemistry, the research background of fluorine-free surfaces with oil-repellent property was described, along with a comprehensive review and evaluation of recent achievements and preparation methods. Furthermore, the mechanism of fluorine-free surfaces with oil-repellent property was analyzed, and the application status of fluorine-free coating with oil-repellent property in textiles, construction, food, liquid treatment and other fields was summarized. Additionally, an analysis of the current challenges in ongoing research process of fluorine-free surfaces with oil-repellent property was provided. Finally, a prospective outlook on the future of green and environmentally-friendly fluorine-free surface technology was prospected.

In the realm of two-dimensional nanomaterials, black phosphorus (BP) is considered a promising candidate to address the shortcomings of graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Low- dimensional black phosphorus (BP) refers to a class of nanomaterials derived from the layered semiconductor BP. These materials exhibit high structural anisotropy, tunable bandgap widths, and high hole and electron mobility, endowing BP with unique properties such as conductivity, photothermal, photodynamic, and mechanical behaviors. BP's near-infrared light response significantly enhances its effectiveness in photothermal and photodynamic antibacterial applications. Additionally, due to its unique layered structure, BP nanosheets (BPNS) possess a high surface-to-volume ratio, making them excellent carriers for loading and delivering other antimicrobial nanomaterials or drugs. First, this article discusses the physical properties of low-dimensional BP and introduces various preparation methods. Furthermore, it systematically reviews exciting therapeutic applications of polymer-modified black phosphorus nanomaterials in various fields, such as cancer treatment (phototherapy, drug delivery, and synergistic immunotherapy), bone regeneration, and neurogenesis. Finally, the paper discusses some challenges facing future clinical trials and potential directions for further research.

As public concern regarding the safety of drinking water continues growing, microplastics and antibiotics have emerged as new contaminants of interest within the field of water treatment. Microplastics and antibiotics not only pollute aquatic environments and endanger both aquatic life and human health, but their coexistence in water can also lead to physical and chemical interactions, such as adsorption. These interactions are influenced by various factors, including the morphology, functional groups, and aging degree of microplastics, as well as the pH, temperature, salinity, heavy metal ions, and organic macromolecules in the water. The resulting microplastic-antibiotic complex pollutants exhibit greater toxicity and are more challenging to remove. This review discusses the hazards of microplastics and antibiotics in water, their interaction mechanisms, and influencing factors. It also highlights the removal characteristics of complex pollutants using two typical water treatment technologies: coagulation and advanced oxidation. The principles and degradation effects of these treatment processes are analyzed in detail.

Due to the highly stable chemical properties of plastics, plastic wastes disposed into environments are difficult to degrade and can only be broken down into microplastics with smaller particle size and larger surface area through the weathering process. Microplastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues. There is an urgent need to reduce microplastic pollution in order to protect the ecological and human health. Biodegradation of microplastics can ultimately convert microplastics into environmentally friendly substances such as biomass, CO₂, CH₄ and H₂O or other valuable intermediates. It is thus an environmentally friendly technology to potentially make microplastics harmless and resourceful. This paper reviews the present understanding of microplastics biodegradation processes, the influencing factors, the microbial and enzymatic resources for microplastics degradation, and the up-to-date approaches for mining plastics-degrading microbial resources. It finally provides perspectives on the challenges of current research and the direction of future research on microplastic biodegradation.

The global concern over white pollution and microplastic contamination caused by traditional non-degradable plastic waste has garnered widespread attention. Promoting biodegradable plastics (BPs) as alternatives to non-degradable plastics is a strategic approach to mitigating these forms of plastic pollution. However, under real-world environmental conditions, BPs often face challenges in achieving rapid degradation and may release significant quantities of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) during the degradation process, posing potential environmental and health risks. In this review, we critically examine the environmental risks associated with traditional non-degradable plastic waste and the use of BPs. We systematically evaluate current pre-treatment techniques, analytical methods, and occurrence patterns of BMPs in environmental and biological samples. Furthermore, we highlight recent advancements in understanding the potential impacts of BMPs on organisms across various trophic levels, including human health. Finally, we address the challenges in applying BPs, particularly in identifying, analyzing, assessing health impacts, and developing future regulatory standards and measures for BMPs. This review provides theoretical foundations and technical guidance for advancing environmentally friendly and safe BPs.

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) pollution has become a serious environmental issue. MNPs can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, raising significant concerns about their potential risks to the nervous system. This paper reviews the studies on the neurotoxic effects of MNPs in terrestrial mammals, focusing on their possible toxic mechanisms. Studies have shown that MNPs can cause damage to the nervous system by inducing oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, the impact of MNPs on the gut-brain axis is considered a crucial mechanism leading to neurotoxicity. Despite current progress, there are still insufficient data and incomplete understanding of the neurotoxic mechanisms involved. Future research should enhance epidemiological studies on MNP exposure, develop more suitable experimental models, investigate the health effects of different types of MNPs, explore their mechanisms in greater depth, and comprehensively assess various influencing factors. These efforts will provide essential insights for a more thorough understanding of the impact of MNPs on human health.