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30th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Green Chemistry
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30th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Green Chemistry

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 3243

Special Issue Editor

Dr. M. Gilles Mailhot

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, Université Clermont Auvergne—CNRS, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Interests: environmental chemistry; water treatment; atmospheric chemistry; solar technologies; micropollutants removal
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In 2026, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of our journal Molecules. Molecules has carved out a notable space in the chemistry field, with an Impact Factor of 4.6 (2024) and a 5-Year Impact Factor of 5.0. We sincerely thank our readers, innumerable authors, anonymous peer reviewers, editors, and all the people working in some way for the journal who have contributed to the success of this journal.

To mark this important milestone, a Special Issue entitled “30th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Green Chemistry” is being launched. This Special Issue will collect communications, full papers, and high-quality review papers in the field of green chemistry. We therefore invite research groups working within the field of green chemistry to contribute to this Special Issue.

Dr. M. Gilles Mailhot
Guest Editor

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-blind 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

  • green catalysts
  • green extraction and processing
  • chemistry based on natural products
  • bio-based solvents with sub- and super-critical fluids
  • microwave and ultrasound
  • organic reaction in green solvents
  • bioconversion of biomass and sustainable biomaterials
  • creating fine chemicals and polymers from renewable resources
  • green nanotechnology
  • green analytical chemistry
  • green degradation process

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 2772 KB  
Article
Enhanced Interfacial Plasma Degradation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) via Ultrasonically Generated Microdroplets
by Ao Chen, Haoyu Yuan, Zhengtong Qiu and Chaonan Mu
Molecules 2026, 31(7), 1157; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31071157 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 489
Abstract
The exceptional stability of C-F bonds renders PFAS highly persistent in aqueous environments, posing significant challenges for conventional treatment technologies. While plasma-based technologies show promise, their efficiency is often limited by poor gas–liquid mass transfer in bulk liquid. Here, an in-house constructed ultrasonic [...] Read more.
The exceptional stability of C-F bonds renders PFAS highly persistent in aqueous environments, posing significant challenges for conventional treatment technologies. While plasma-based technologies show promise, their efficiency is often limited by poor gas–liquid mass transfer in bulk liquid. Here, an in-house constructed ultrasonic atomization–dielectric barrier discharge (UEN-DBD) system was developed to promote PFAS degradation under non-thermal plasma conditions. Ultrasonic atomization generated microdroplets, which promoted PFAS enrichment at the surface of microdroplets and facilitate interactions with plasma-generated reactive species. Using perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) as model compounds, degradation behavior was evaluated over an initial concentration range of 0.01–1.0 ppm. At 0.01 ppm, degradation efficiencies of 96.06% for PFOA and 94.86% for PFOS were achieved within 5 min. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy confirmed the formation of oxidative radicals (·OH) and suggested a mixed redox environment involving reactive species, potentially including superoxide (O2·−) or hydrated electrons (eaq−), in the discharge-treated system. High-resolution mass spectrometry results are consistent with a stepwise chain-shortening pathway dominated by successive –CF2– scission, while fluoride-release measurements provided supporting evidence for partial defluorination. These findings advance the understanding of plasma-assisted PFAS degradation at the gas–liquid interface and provide a basis for the further development of plasma-assisted PFAS treatment strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Green Chemistry)
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15 pages, 985 KB  
Article
Predicting Solubility Enhancement of Trans-Resveratrol and Hesperetin in Binary Solvent Mixtures Using New Hansen Parameters
by Iván Montenegro, Ángeles Domínguez, Begoña González and Elena Gómez
Molecules 2026, 31(7), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31071117 - 28 Mar 2026
Viewed by 319
Abstract
The solubility values of polyphenolic compounds in different extraction solvents are crucial for their recovery from natural matrices. Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) stand out as a predictive tool for evaluating solute-solvent affinity and thus rational solvent selection for extraction processes. In this study, [...] Read more.
The solubility values of polyphenolic compounds in different extraction solvents are crucial for their recovery from natural matrices. Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) stand out as a predictive tool for evaluating solute-solvent affinity and thus rational solvent selection for extraction processes. In this study, HSPs of trans-resveratrol and hesperetin were calculated using a semi-empirical method to assess the capability to predict the solubility behavior of both polyphenols in organic binary solvent mixtures. Experimental solubility of both polyphenols was determined in up to 21 monosolvents at 298.15 K and 0.1 MPa and used to classify them to iteratively calculate HSPs. Calculated HSPs were compared and discussed with literature values in terms of molecular interactions, demonstrating a fair agreement. Solubility of trans-resveratrol and hesperetin was then determined in methanol + MEK, ethanol + MEK, methanol + MiBK, ethanol + MiBK, and methanol + ethanol binary solvent mixtures. trans-Resveratrol achieved higher mole fraction solubility than hesperetin in all binary mixtures across the whole molar fraction range except in methanol + MiBK. Both compounds exhibited enhanced solubility in all alcohols + ketone binary mixtures, attributed to synergistic solvent effects. HSP analysis revealed a minimum Hansen distance between solute and solvent mixtures at compositions corresponding to the solubility maximum in synergistic systems. Additionally, calculated HSPs proved to effectively estimate the concentration at which this phenomenon occurs in all tested systems, reaching a robust correlation between maximum solubility and minimum Hansen distance. Overall, insights from this study underscore the effectiveness of experimentally derived HSPs in predicting the solubility behavior of polyphenols and seek to provide valuable guidance on solvent selection strategies for the recovery of bioactive compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Green Chemistry)
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20 pages, 1391 KB  
Article
Leachability and Chemical Profiles of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Electronic Waste Components: Targeted and Non-Targeted Analysis
by Joshua O. Ocheje, Yelena Katsenovich, Berrin Tansel, Craig P. Dufresne and Natalia Quinete
Molecules 2026, 31(3), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31030445 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 929
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing solid waste stream with largely undisclosed and poorly characterized fluorinated constituents. We evaluated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) leachability from four e-waste components (phone screens, phone plastics, capacitors, and Lithium-ion batteries) using a 30-day deionized water leaching [...] Read more.
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing solid waste stream with largely undisclosed and poorly characterized fluorinated constituents. We evaluated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) leachability from four e-waste components (phone screens, phone plastics, capacitors, and Lithium-ion batteries) using a 30-day deionized water leaching test. PFAS were extracted by solid-phase extraction using weak anion exchange (WAX) cartridges and analyzed with a liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. In addition, the PFAS chemical profiles of e-waste components were characterized by non-targeted analysis. Leachable sums of detected PFAS (∑PFAS) were highest in phone screens (1739–1932 ng·kg−1) and phone plastics (1575–2197 ng·kg−1) and an order of magnitude lower in Lithium-ion batteries (148–158 ng·kg−1) and capacitors (147–243 ng·kg−1). Short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) (e.g., PFBA, PFHxA) and legacy acids (e.g., PFOA, PFNA) were more prevalent in phone screens/plastics, whereas capacitors and batteries showed mixed sulfonate/carboxylate patterns (PFOS, PFHxS, and 6:2 FTS). Although capacitors and Lithium-ion batteries contained essential PFAS with high hazard potential at trace levels, phone screens and phone plastics pose a greater risk per mass due to higher ∑PFAS levels and larger volumes. Non-targeted analysis using Orbitrap Astral revealed CF2/CF2O homologous trends (confidence levels 2–3) with corroborating targeted findings. These findings highlight the need for PFAS-free alternatives, the disclosure of fluorinated additives, and stronger end-of-life management strategies to prevent PFAS releases from e-waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Green Chemistry)
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17 pages, 1299 KB  
Article
Design of a Recyclable Photoresponsive Adsorbent via Green Synthesis of Ag Nanoparticles in Porous Aromatic Frameworks for Low-Energy Desulfurization
by Tiantian Li, Xiaowen Li, Hao Wu and Qunyu Chen
Molecules 2026, 31(2), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31020248 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 361
Abstract
Based on the pressing need to develop efficient desulfurization technologies for fuel oils, this study presents a novel photoresponsive adsorbent for the removal of refractory thiophenic sulfides. Conventional hydrodesulfurization exhibits limited efficiency for such compounds, while adsorption–desorption processes often suffer from high energy [...] Read more.
Based on the pressing need to develop efficient desulfurization technologies for fuel oils, this study presents a novel photoresponsive adsorbent for the removal of refractory thiophenic sulfides. Conventional hydrodesulfurization exhibits limited efficiency for such compounds, while adsorption–desorption processes often suffer from high energy consumption during regeneration. Inspired by natural stimuli-responsive systems, we designed a photothermal adsorbent by incorporating silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) into a porous aromatic framework (PAF) via a green photoreduction method. The resulting materials, denoted as Ag(0)PBPAF-n (n = 1, 2, 3), were thoroughly characterized to confirm successful synthesis and structural integrity. The introduced Ag NPs serve as adsorption sites, enhancing uptake capacity through weak interactions with sulfur atoms in thiophenic molecules. More significantly, under light irradiation, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Ag NPs enables efficient photothermal conversion, triggering rapid desorption without conventional heating. Adsorption–desorption tests demonstrated that up to 48% of adsorbed thiophenic sulfur could be released upon illumination. Fixed-bed experiments further verified that light can effectively stimulate regeneration and improve energy efficiency. This work offers a promising strategy for designing recyclable adsorbents with low-energy regeneration driven by clean solar energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Green Chemistry)
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Review

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45 pages, 4533 KB  
Review
Nanoparticle-Catalysed Microwave-Driven MCRs for Sustainable Heterocycle Synthesis
by Venkatesan Kasi, Malgorzata Jeleń, Xiao-Hui Chu, Parasuraman Karthikeyan, Beata Morak Młodawska and Lai-Hock Tey
Molecules 2026, 31(6), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31061031 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 629
Abstract
Nanoparticle-catalysed microwave-aided multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have been demonstrated to be competent and environmentally benign tools for the quick synthesis of a wide spectrum of fused heterocyclic systems. The distinctive physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, including a substantial surface area, readily modifiable surface functionality, and [...] Read more.
Nanoparticle-catalysed microwave-aided multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have been demonstrated to be competent and environmentally benign tools for the quick synthesis of a wide spectrum of fused heterocyclic systems. The distinctive physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, including a substantial surface area, readily modifiable surface functionality, and heightened catalytic activities, when coupled with microwave irradiation, have enabled a marked improvement in reaction rates, product yields, and selectivity compared to conventional heating methods. This review highlights recent advancements in microwave-assisted MCRs facilitated by diverse nanomaterials, such as magnetic nanocatalysts, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, mesoporous silica systems, and nanohybrids. It emphasises catalyst design, catalytic efficacy, scope, recyclability, and alignment with green chemistry principles in both solvent-free and aqueous environments, as well as the utilisation of recyclable catalysts. In summary, microwave-assisted multi-component reactions catalysed by nanoparticles are ecofriendly and versatile methods for the sustainable synthesis of such fused heterocycles containing bioactive pyridine, pyrazole, phenazine, pyrimidine, pyran, imidazole, and relevant pyridine derivatives, possessing potential in medicinal and material chemistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Green Chemistry)
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