This year, Pure and Applied Chemistry launches a series of themed special issues focussed on the IUPAC top ten emerging technologies in chemistry initiative (https://iupac.org/what-we-do/top-ten/). A call for the first three issues is being launched. These special issues will celebrate all aspects of chemical smart sensors, of catalysis, and of sustainable polymer chemistry.
Smart sensors and diagnostics
The field of sensors has seen dramatic improvements in recent times. Smart sensors that not only detect an input but then produce an output in response are popular in all areas including the development of rapid diagnostics. The design and application of smart sensors lies squarely within the chemical sciences, as recognised by several IUPAC Top Ten Emerging Technologies awards:
- Wearable sensors 2023
- Film-based fluorescent sensors 2022
- Textile displays 2022
- Chemiluminescence for biological use 2021
- Nanosensors 2020
- Rapid diagnostics for testing 2020
Catalysis from protons to proteins
The ability of external agents that are unconsumed to influence reaction kinetics is fundamental to chemistry. Such catalysts range from the very simplest atom, a proton, to macromolecular enzymes with exquisite efficiency and specificity that are essential to life. Catalysis is well recognised by several IUPAC Top Ten Emerging Technologies awards:
- Chemical synthesis of RNA and DNA 2021
- Semi-synthetic life 2021
- Enantio-Selective Organocatalysis 2019
- Flow Chemistry 2019
- Reversible Deactivation of Radical Polymerization 2019
- Directed Evolution of Selective Enzymes 2019
Sustainable Polymer Technology
Synthetic polymers are everywhere in modern society. This poses a sustainability issue when it comes to their end of life. Increasing efforts are devoted to the recycling or degradation of polymer materials, as recognised by several IUPAC Top Ten Emerging Technologies awards:
- Biological recycling of PET 2023
- Depolymerisation 2023
- Macromonomers for better plastic recycling 2020
- Turning Plastics to Monomers 2019
- Reversible Deactivation of Radical Polymerization 2019
We welcome contributions in the form of original research communications, full research articles and reviews. Submissions deadline: 30 April 2025
Submission Guidelines
- All submissions should be made via the Pure and Applied Chemistry ScholarOne Submission site.
- Please adhere to our Instructions for Authors when preparing your manuscript.
- When submitting your article please ensure you select the correct special issue topic from the drop down menu.
- The journal has established a rigorous process to ensure that any special issue manuscripts follow the same high-quality standards and peer review processes as regular manuscripts. For further information on the journal’s peer review policy please see the Instructions for Authors.
For inquiry, contact PAC editor, Ganesan at a.ganesan@uea.ac.uk
(announcement published in the Oct 2024 issue of Chemistry International (eTOC) or doi)