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30th Anniversary of Molecules: Recent Advances in Photochemistry

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A Special Issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049) belonging to the section "Photochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 9345

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Editors

Prof. Dr. Marcelo Guzman

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Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
Interests: environmental photochemistry; interfacial oxidations; environmental monitoring; prebiotic chemistry; photocatalytic CO₂ reduction; environmental chemistry
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Prof. Dr. Youhong Tang

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Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, Medical Device Research Institute, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
Interests: biomaterials; chemosensors/biosensors and their associated portable devices; novel aggregation-induced emission features
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Prof. Dr. Michael Moustakas

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Department of Botany, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: plant ecophysiology; photosynthesis; biotic stress; abiotic stress; antioxidative mechanisms; photoprotective mechanisms; reactive oxygen species
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Molecules has reached a remarkable milestone this year by publishing its 30th volume, and to celebrate this special occasion we have launched a Special Issue devoted to Photochemistry entitled “30th Anniversary of Molecules: Recent Advances in Photochemistry”.

On behalf of the members of the Editorial Board created for the occasion, I would like invite all groups involved in the field to submit their cutting-edge research. This Special Issue will consist of comprehensive reviews and original research articles featuring important and recent developments in all areas of photochemistry.

We sincerely hope that your paper can be included in this Special Issue to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Molecules.

Prof. Dr. Marcelo Guzman
Prof. Dr. Youhong Tang
Prof. Dr. Michael Moustakas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

organic photochemistry synthetic photochemistry
photocatalysis
photofunctionalization
photobiology
medicinal photochemistry
computational photochemistry
photoelectrochemistry
solar energy conversion
condensed and gas phase photochemistry
polymer photochemistry
supramolecular photochemistry
photochromism
luminescent sensors
photochemistry for environmental remediation

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

31 pages, 11057 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biochar-Driven Activity Enhancement of Co₃O₄ Catalyst for 4-Nitrophenol Reduction: RSM-CCD Optimization, Kinetic Insights, and Recyclability

by Layla El Moussaoui, Majda Ben Ali, Abdellah Benzaouak, Oumaima Sadik, Mohammed Dahhou, Abdelekbir Bellaouchou, Adnane El Hamidi and Abdelouahed Lokmane

Molecules 2026, 31(17), 3119; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31173119 - 6 Sep 2026

Viewed by 216

Abstract

To decrease the environmental and health consequences associated with pollution, several cobalt oxides-decorated biochar substrates have been developed for effective catalytic reduction of 4-NP. The porous biochar was produced by pyrolysis of sewage sludge and acid demineralization, and subsequently, Co₃O₄ was loaded with varying amounts to synthesize Co₃O₄/biochar nanocomposites. The characterization of the materials included FTIR, XRD, SEM/EDX, TEM, BET, CHNS elemental analysis, TGA/DTA, and pH_pzc analysis. The catalytic activity of synthesized composites was monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy to measure the transformation of a priority toxic pollutant, 4-NP, to a desirable pharmaceutical intermediate, 4-AP, by NaBH4, considering it a reducing agent. The influence of corresponding parameters such as catalyst dosage, NaBH₄ concentration, and Co₃O₄ content in the composite on the reduction time of 4-NP was modelled using central composite design (CCD) of RSM. The optimal conditions for the catalytic reduction of 0.3 mM 4-NP were found to be a catalyst dosage of 5 mg, a NaBH₄ concentration of 26 mM, and a Co₃O₄ loading of 13%, resulting in complete reduction within 5 min. The optimized catalyst displayed a high porosity, well dispersion of Co₃O₄ nanoparticles, good catalytic stability, and cost-effectiveness, revealing new insights into application of cobalt oxide and sewage sludge for pollutant reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules: Recent Advances in Photochemistry)

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18 pages, 14634 KB

Open AccessArticle

Light-Mediated Desulfurization of Peptides in Multi-Well Format for Combinatorial Library Synthesis

by Esther Arentoft Jacobsen, Julian Lava, Anders Thorseth, Dennis Dan Corell, Carsten Dam-Hansen, Charlotte Held Gotfredsen, Martin Kræmer, Poanna Tran and Katrine Qvortrup

Molecules 2026, 31(17), 3097; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31173097 - 3 Sep 2026

Viewed by 436

Abstract

Native chemical ligation (NCL) combined with post-ligation desulfurization is a powerful strategy for the chemical joining of unprotected peptide segments to form larger polypeptides or to synthesize head-to-tail cyclized peptides. However, a simple, robust, and safe desulfurization protocol suitable for high-throughput synthesis workflows has yet to be developed. Here, we present a photochemical strategy in which desulfurization is achieved using 270 nm ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in the presence of tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP). Optimization of reaction conditions resulted in reaction efficiency comparable with current chemical desulfurization methods. Desulfurization of a combinatorial peptide library confirmed that the photochemical desulfurization strategy is compatible with all canonical amino acids as well as thiol-protected cysteines. Implementation of the optimized conditions in a 96-well plate format using a custom-built light-emitting diode (LED) array confirmed that product formation is dependent on local light exposure. Increasing the distance between the plate and the light source enabled more uniform irradiation, giving homogenous product formation. Altogether, this study establishes UV-mediated desulfurization as a safe and scalable alternative for high-throughput peptide synthesis workflows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules: Recent Advances in Photochemistry)

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13 pages, 2527 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Curing-Enhanced Circularly Polarized Phosphorescence

by Shouchang Jiao, Rui Du, Jingcheng Wang and Hanlin Ou

Molecules 2026, 31(11), 1967; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31111967 - 5 Jun 2026

Viewed by 501

Abstract

Developing circularly polarized phosphorescence (CPP) materials integrating long-afterglow room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) and chiral optical properties is highly attractive but challenging. Herein, we report a facile and efficient strategy to achieve enhanced CPP by doping chiral naphthyl phosphoric acid derivatives (BNP-CZ, BNP-DPA, BNP-TPA) into a thermally cured Bisphenol A Epoxy Resin (DGEBA) matrix crosslinked with 1,8-diaminooctane (DAO). The rigid crosslinked network effectively suppresses nonradiative transitions and stabilizes triplet excitons, affording a long phosphorescence lifetime of up to 973 ms and a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 26.55%. Significantly, the BNP-CZ@DAO exhibits remarkably boosted CPP signals and realizes the switch from circularly polarized fluorescence (CPF) in solution to CPP in the thermally cured resin film. Benefiting from the long afterglow and chiral optical properties, these polymers are successfully applied in multi-dimensional anticounterfeiting with high security. This work provides a universal and scalable approach for developing high-performance CPP materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules: Recent Advances in Photochemistry)

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23 pages, 19569 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unipolar and Bipolar Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) Coatings with Zeolite Additives for Photocatalytic Applications

by Kristina Mojsilović, Rastko Vasilić, Marko Dević and Nenad Tadić

Molecules 2026, 31(10), 1752; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31101752 - 20 May 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 584

Abstract

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) enables the fabrication of multifunctional oxide coatings with embedded active phases, offering a promising route for durable photocatalytic surfaces in water purification. This study examines how the electrical regime affects particle incorporation and photocatalytic performance. Coatings were produced under a 50% duty cycle in both unipolar mode and during the anodic part of the bipolar mode. A silicate-based electrolyte was modified with zeolites (Y and ZSM5), used in pristine form, Zn-loaded form, and combined with ZnO nanoparticles, to enhance catalytic activity. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated via methyl orange degradation under simulated solar irradiation for 6 h. The highest efficiency (~45%) was achieved with unipolar coatings containing Y zeolite and ZnO. In contrast, bipolar coatings with combined Y and ZnO showed lower efficiency (~35%). Although lower than typical powder photocatalysts, these results are notable since active phases are directly embedded in the coating, and both modes improve the photocatalytic activity by ~10% compared to the standard electrolyte. Microstructural analysis revealed that bipolar coatings were more compact, limiting access to active sites. Unipolar processing enabled better particle incorporation and a morphology more favorable for photocatalytic activity, making it the more effective regime for developing PEO-based photocatalytic coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules: Recent Advances in Photochemistry)

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23 pages, 14353 KB

Open AccessArticle

Photocatalytic Performance of Zr-Modified TS-1 Zeolites: Structural, Textural and Kinetic Studies

by Hristina Lazarova, Borislav Barbov, Elena Tacheva, Rusi Rusew, Stela Atanasova-Vladimirova and Boris Shivachev

Molecules 2026, 31(2), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31020209 - 7 Jan 2026

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1077

Abstract

TS-1 zeolite and a series of Zr-modified samples (TS-1/xZr) were synthesized and systematically characterized to investigate the influence of zirconium incorporation on structural, textural, and photocatalytic properties. The structural and textural properties of the samples were examined by XRD and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. Elemental analysis (EDXRF, SEM/EDS) and FTIR confirmed successful incorporation of Zr into the TS-1 framework. Photocatalytic tests under white light irradiation using crystal violet (CV), methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes revealed enhanced degradation efficiency for the Zr-containing samples, particularly TS-1/10Zr. Kinetic modeling using pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) approaches indicated that dye degradation followed mainly PSO kinetics. Reusability studies demonstrated sustained stability and recyclability of the catalysts. The improved photocatalytic performance is attributed to synergistic electronic effects between Ti and Zr species, which enhance charge separation and light absorption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules: Recent Advances in Photochemistry)

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20 pages, 3408 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spectral Relationships of ZnPc and CuPc: UV-VIS and Fluorescence Behavior in Liquids and Thin Films

by Vadim Morari, Ion Lungu, Victor Suman, Lidia Ghimpu, Tamara Potlog, Radu Tigoianu, Iuliana Stoica, Carmen Gherasim and Anton Airinei

Molecules 2025, 30(21), 4262; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30214262 - 31 Oct 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1630

Abstract

In this study, zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) thin films fabricated by drop casting (DC) and close space sublimation (CSS) have been investigated and compared with ZnPc and CuPc solutions in formic acid (29 µmol/L). The results show that the CSS method produces films with improved molecular ordering, enhanced surface uniformity, superior optical and morphological properties compared to those obtained by drop casting. Moreover, CSS allows a precise and reproducible deposition, resulting in thinner, homogeneous layers with strong substrate adhesion and fewer defects. Optical characterization confirms that CSS films display high transparency (~90%), a sharp Q-band around 680 nm, and a fluorescence maximum at ~825 nm with the strongest emission intensity.In contrast, DC films show lower transparency (<70%), a slightly shifted Q-band (~675 nm), and similar emission around 825 nm. The fluorescence is strongly thickness-dependent: at ~100 nm, the emission band appears at 795 nm, while films thicker than 300 nm exhibit a red-shifted maximum at ~825 nm. AFM analysis further demonstrates the influence of deposition method: CSS yields smoother films with tunable morphology, while DC produces rougher, less controllable surfaces. Overall, CSS is shown to be the more effective approach for fabricating high-quality phthalocyanine films for optoelectronic applications such as photovoltaics and sensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules: Recent Advances in Photochemistry)

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28 pages, 5628 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rice Husks as a Biogenic Template for the Synthesis of Fe₂O₃/MCM-41 Nanomaterials for Polluted Water Remediation

by Tamara B. Benzaquén, Paola M. Carraro, Griselda A. Eimer, Julio Urzúa-Ahumada, Po S. Poon and Juan Matos

Molecules 2025, 30(12), 2484; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30122484 - 6 Jun 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1755

Abstract

This work shows a sustainable methodology for the synthesis of biogenic materials designed for the removal and photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB), a highly dangerous environmental pollutant that induces reproductive toxicity. The classical synthesis of MCM-41-ordered mesoporous materials was modified using biocompatible rice husk as the silica template. Iron was incorporated and the so-prepared biogenic photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance UV-Vis, surface pH, cyclic voltammetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis of pyridine adsorption. The photocatalytic performance of the materials was evaluated following the removal by adsorption and the photon-driven degradation of RhB. The adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity of the biogenic materials were correlated with their properties, including iron content, texture, surface content, and electrochemical properties. The best biogenic material boosted the degradation rates of RhB under UV irradiation up to 4.7 and 2.2 times greater than the direct photolysis and the benchmark semiconductor TiO₂-P25. It can be concluded that the use of rice husks for the synthesis of biogenic Fe-modified mesoporous materials is a promising strategy for wastewater treatment applications, particularly in the removal of highly toxic organic dyes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules: Recent Advances in Photochemistry)

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12 pages, 699 KB

Open AccessArticle

Large Enhancement of the Luminescence Properties of an Eu(III) Dye upon Association with the DNA-CTMA Matrix

by Daniele Marinotto, Cosmina Andreea Marin, Ileana Rau, Alessia Colombo, Francesco Fagnani, Dominique Roberto and Claudia Dragonetti

Molecules 2025, 30(6), 1395; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30061395 - 20 Mar 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1297

Abstract

In this study, the photophysical properties of thin films of an Eu³⁺ dye, namely europium tetrakis(dibenzoylmethide) triethylammonium (EuD₄TEA), within deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) biopolymer functionalized with hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTMA) were extensively investigated and compared with those of thin films of the same dye embedded in more conventional polymers, like poly(methyl methacrylate) and polycarbonate. The new materials obtained have good optical properties, as shown by their absorption and emission spectra. Remarkably, a large enhancement in photoluminescence was observed upon the interaction of EuD₄TEA with DNA-CTMA (2- and 17-fold increase in luminescence quantum yield with respect to PMMA and PC). Photophysical analyses suggest that the emission enhancement was mainly due to the increase in the sensitization efficiency (η_sens) from the ligands to the Eu³⁺ ion along with the suppression of the vibrational deactivation upon immobilization onto the DNA-CTMA matrix, as the concentration of the complex increased from 20 to 50%. These phenomena are primarily driven by the transformation of the Eu³⁺ micro-environments, which are created by the interactions between complex ligands and the DNA-CTMA matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules: Recent Advances in Photochemistry)

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