Nature Catalysis

go.nature.comIridium-catalysed para-C–H activation and borylation of native aromatic carboxylic acidsNature Catalysis, Published online: 27 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01622-8The para-C–H activation of free aromatic carboxylic acids without directing groups remains a challenging task. Now, the authors report on an iridium-based catalytic system that leverages the synergistic effect of multi-noncovalent interactions to overcome this issue, enabling direct access to para-functionalized carboxylic acids and their derivatives.

New online! Iridium-catalysed para-C–H activation and borylation of native aromatic carboxylic acids: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 27 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01622-8The para-C–H activation of free aromatic carboxylic acids without directing groups remains a challenging task.…

go.nature.comInducing local heating fields in ferromagnetic high-entropy alloys to inhibit (bi)carbonate formation for durable CO2 electroreductionNature Catalysis, Published online: 22 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01619-3Carbonate precipitation at the cathode caused by local alkalinity during electrocatalytic CO2 reduction represents a major limitation to carbon efficiency and system durability. Now local heating induced in ferromagnetic high-entropy alloys by an alternating magnetic field reduces carbonate precipitation, extending durability in alkaline and neutral electrolytes.

New online! Inducing local heating fields in ferromagnetic high-entropy alloys to inhibit (bi)carbonate formation for durable CO2 electroreduction: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 22 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01619-3Carbonate precipitation at the cathode caused by local alkalinity…

go.nature.comWater regulates interface access and reactivity in CO2 electrolysisNature Catalysis, Published online: 22 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01626-4Understanding interfacial processes is important for achieving efficient CO2 electrolysis at high current densities. Now, two-dimensional correlated operando Raman spectroscopy and ab initio molecular dynamics provide insight into the relationship between interfacial species, water structure and product selectivity under application-relevant conditions, revealing the role of water in regulating CO2 availability at the electrode–electrolyte interface.

New online! Water regulates interface access and reactivity in CO2 electrolysis: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 22 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01626-4Understanding interfacial processes is important for achieving efficient CO2 electrolysis at high current densities. Now,…

go.nature.comOperando resolution of CO2 electrolysis interfaces at application-relevant current density reveals water gatingNature Catalysis, Published online: 15 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01620-wUnderstanding the dynamic interplay between all components in complex electrocatalytic systems is crucial to advancing their performance. Here operando Raman spectroscopy is used in combination with molecular dynamics simulations to establish the role of water ordering in the mechanism of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction over a range of current densities and under practical conditions.

New online! Operando resolution of CO2 electrolysis interfaces at application-relevant current density reveals water gating: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 15 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01620-wUnderstanding the dynamic interplay between all components in complex electrocatalytic…

go.nature.comGas-diffusion electrode meets plasmaNature Catalysis, Published online: 12 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01617-5Efforts to improve carbon dioxide electroreduction have often focused on the catalyst. Now, by focusing on the gas instead, non-thermal plasma activation can unlock products that are not accessible through conventional electrocatalysis.

New online! Gas-diffusion electrode meets plasma: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 12 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01617-5Efforts to improve carbon dioxide electroreduction have often focused on the catalyst. Now, by focusing on the gas instead, non-thermal plasma activation can unlock…

go.nature.comBreaking symmetry for better catalysisNature Catalysis, Published online: 09 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01621-9Sulfides catalyse aromatic halogenations but often struggle with less reactive arenes. Now, breaking the symmetry of existing sulfide catalysts allows sulfur orbital interactions that can expand the scope of these reactions.

New online! Breaking symmetry for better catalysis: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 09 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01621-9Sulfides catalyse aromatic halogenations but often struggle with less reactive arenes. Now, breaking the symmetry of existing sulfide catalysts allows sulfur…

go.nature.comUnanticipated intermediates during isopenicillin N synthase catalysis identified by time-resolved X-ray free-electron laser studiesNature Catalysis, Published online: 09 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01618-4The structural basis of key intermediates in isopenicillin N synthase catalysis, underlying β-lactam biosynthesis, has remained incomplete. Now time-resolved X-ray free-electron laser studies capture transient states and reveal how protein dynamics and solvent networks govern oxygen activation and ring formation.

New online! Unanticipated intermediates during isopenicillin N synthase catalysis identified by time-resolved X-ray free-electron laser studies: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 09 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01618-4The structural basis of key intermediates in isopenicillin N synthase…

go.nature.comLigand design broadens NiI-catalysed C(sp2)–heteroatom couplings of aryl bromides at low catalyst loadingsNature Catalysis, Published online: 29 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01616-6NiI/NiIII C(sp2)–heteroatom coupling is limited by poor oxidative addition, narrow scope and high catalyst loadings. Now a ligand/additive design approach balances NiI reactivity and stability, enabling the coupling of aryl bromides with nucleophiles at catalyst loadings as low as 100 ppm Ni.

New online! Ligand design broadens NiI-catalysed C(sp2)–heteroatom couplings of aryl bromides at low catalyst loadings: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 29 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01616-6NiI/NiIII C(sp2)–heteroatom coupling is limited by poor oxidative addition, narrow scope and…

go.nature.comPreferential locations of catalytically active oxygen vacancies at Cr/ZnO interfaces during syngas conversionNature Catalysis, Published online: 25 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01615-7Studying the role of surface oxygen vacancies during catalysis can be a daunting task. Here the authors introduce a method that adapts operando X-ray absorption and mass spectroscopies and integrates them with kinetic analysis and calorimetry to achieve the site-resolved analysis of oxygen vacancies present in Cr/ZnO during syngas conversion.

New online! Preferential locations of catalytically active oxygen vacancies at Cr/ZnO interfaces during syngas conversion: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 25 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01615-7Studying the role of surface oxygen vacancies during catalysis can be a daunting task. Here…

go.nature.comAuthor Correction: Alkali metal cation impurities stabilize Cu+ in oxide-derived copper for CO2 electrolysisNature Catalysis, Published online: 23 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01623-7Author Correction: Alkali metal cation impurities stabilize Cu+ in oxide-derived copper for CO2 electrolysis

New online! Author Correction: Alkali metal cation impurities stabilize Cu+ in oxide-derived copper for CO2 electrolysis: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 23 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01623-7Author Correction: Alkali metal cation impurities stabilize Cu+ in oxide-derived copper for…

go.nature.comEngineering cellular nitrene chemistryNature Catalysis, Published online: 22 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01614-8Engineering cellular nitrene chemistry

New online! Engineering cellular nitrene chemistry: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 22 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01614-8Engineering cellular nitrene chemistry

go.nature.comOperando single-atom tracking in individual Pt nanoparticles detects the coexistence of Langmuir and Taylor active sitesNature Catalysis, Published online: 21 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01612-wUnderstanding heterogeneous catalysis has been limited by the inability to directly observe atomic-scale structural changes under operando conditions. Now operando electron microscopy and quantitative image analysis are combined to quantitatively track with atomic resolution the three-dimensional evolution of individual Pt nanoparticles during CO oxidation, revealing the coexistence and dynamic interplay of Taylor- and Langmuir-type active sites.

21 Sept

New online! Operando single-atom tracking in individual Pt nanoparticles detects the coexistence of Langmuir and Taylor active sites: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 21 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01612-wUnderstanding heterogeneous catalysis has been limited by the inability to…

go.nature.comAnti-Markovnikov alkene hydroalkylation via iron photocatalysisNature Catalysis, Published online: 15 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01600-0Hydroalkylation, the addition of a C–H across an alkene bond, is an ideal method for making C(sp3)–C(sp3) bonds; however, linear selectivity is challenging. Here the authors report on achieving this with malonic acids as the alkyl donor reagents using iron photocatalysis.

15 Sept

New online! Anti-Markovnikov alkene hydroalkylation via iron photocatalysis: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 15 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01600-0Hydroalkylation, the addition of a C–H across an alkene bond, is an ideal method for making C(sp3)–C(sp3) bonds; however, linear…

go.nature.comConsequences of overtones in Raman spectra for assigning nickel anode surface structures as NiO2 during alkaline electrolysisNature Catalysis, Published online: 11 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01613-9Ni(OH)2 catalysts are commonly assumed to oxidize to NiOOH under water oxidation conditions. Now in situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations reveal that the catalytically active surface at relevant potentials is terminated by NiO2 as bands once assigned to superoxides instead arise from NiO2 overtone and combination modes.

11 Sept

New online! Consequences of overtones in Raman spectra for assigning nickel anode surface structures as NiO2 during alkaline electrolysis: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 11 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01613-9Ni(OH)2 catalysts are commonly assumed to oxidize to NiOOH under water…

go.nature.comThe role of individual nickel surface species in the hydrogen evolution reaction on nickel in alkaline electrolytesNature Catalysis, Published online: 07 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01605-9Understanding the role of nickel surface species in the hydrogen evolution reaction under alkaline conditions is crucial for developing precious-metal-free water electrolysers. Now, by systematically studying well-defined Ni surfaces, the authors dissect the contribution of NiO, NiHx and Ni(OH)2 species to the hydrogen evolution reaction.

7 Sept

New online! The role of individual nickel surface species in the hydrogen evolution reaction on nickel in alkaline electrolytes: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 07 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01605-9Understanding the role of nickel surface species in the hydrogen evolution reaction…

go.nature.comUnlocking reaction pathways for CO2 and CO electrocatalytic reduction to C3+ hydrocarbons and oxygenates using plasma activationNature Catalysis, Published online: 07 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01609-5Achieving efficient electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 and CO to high-value multi-carbon products remains a major challenge. Now, plasma activation is coupled with electrocatalysis on copper to enable unexplored reaction pathways, enhancing the production rates of C3+ hydrocarbons and oxygenates.

7 Sept

New online! Unlocking reaction pathways for CO2 and CO electrocatalytic reduction to C3+ hydrocarbons and oxygenates using plasma activation: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 07 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01609-5Achieving efficient electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 and CO to…

go.nature.comEnzymatic skeletal editing reaction forming the 1,3,5-triazine core during biosynthesis of the anticancer nucleoside analogue 5-azacytidineNature Catalysis, Published online: 07 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01611-xDespite decades of clinical use, the biosynthetic origin of 5-azacytidine remained unknown. Now the responsible gene cluster is identified, revealing enzymes that convert guanosine triphosphate into a triazine nucleobase through rare skeletal editing and unconventional thiamine-dependent chemistry.

7 Sept

New online! Enzymatic skeletal editing reaction forming the 1,3,5-triazine core during biosynthesis of the anticancer nucleoside analogue 5-azacytidine: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 07 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01611-xDespite decades of clinical use, the biosynthetic origin of…

go.nature.comHarnessing through-space orbital interactions for multicentred organosulfur catalysisNature Catalysis, Published online: 02 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01602-yGeometric distortions are the prevailing approaches for engineering frontier molecular orbitals and chemical reactivity in p-block elements. Here the authors show a spirocyclic structure that exploits through-space orbital interactions in sulfur atoms to engineer highest-occupied molecular orbitals with elevated energies.

2 Sept

New online! Harnessing through-space orbital interactions for multicentred organosulfur catalysis: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 02 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01602-yGeometric distortions are the prevailing approaches for engineering frontier molecular orbitals and chemical…

go.nature.comDesolvated cations promote CO2 electroreduction through partial covalent interactionsNature Catalysis, Published online: 31 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01604-wThe mechanism of cation enhancement in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction has been widely debated but spectroscopic evidence under operating conditions is lacking. Now operando X-ray and surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy are combined with theory to reveal that desolvated Cs+ cations enable CO2 activation at substantially reduced overpotentials through partial covalent interactions.

31 Aug

New online! Desolvated cations promote CO2 electroreduction through partial covalent interactions: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 31 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01604-wThe mechanism of cation enhancement in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction has been widely debated but spectroscopic…

go.nature.comKetene-driven Mizoroki–Heck cross-couplingNature Catalysis, Published online: 28 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01597-6Mizoroki–Heck reactivity has mostly been confined to the coupling of aryl (pseudo)halides with olefins. Now, the exploitation of ketenes generated in situ has unlocked direct access to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and divinyl ketones via a Heck-type pathway.

28 Aug

New online! Ketene-driven Mizoroki–Heck cross-coupling: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 28 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01597-6Mizoroki–Heck reactivity has mostly been confined to the coupling of aryl (pseudo)halides with olefins. Now, the exploitation of ketenes generated in situ has…

go.nature.comHighly ordered, ultra-dense intermetallic nanocrystals extend heavy-duty fuel cell projected lifetime beyond 240,000 hNature Catalysis, Published online: 28 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01607-7Oxygen reduction catalysts are critical for advancing the durability and efficiency of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Now a block-copolymer micelle confinement strategy is shown to enable the decoupled synthesis of highly ordered, ultra-dense Pt-based intermetallic nanocrystals, yielding PEMFC catalysts with high activity and long projected lifetimes.

28 Aug

New online! Highly ordered, ultra-dense intermetallic nanocrystals extend heavy-duty fuel cell projected lifetime beyond 240,000 h: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 28 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01607-7Oxygen reduction catalysts are critical for advancing the durability and efficiency…

go.nature.compH-dependent interaction of interfacial water with Pt in the electrocatalytic hydrogen oxidation reactionNature Catalysis, Published online: 25 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01603-xThe electrocatalytic hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) on Pt is orders of magnitude slower in alkaline media compared with acidic media. Here, by measuring the mass–charge change at the electrode during the HOR, the simultaneous adsorption of water molecules during desorption of hydrogen is observed only under acidic conditions.

25 Aug

New online! pH-dependent interaction of interfacial water with Pt in the electrocatalytic hydrogen oxidation reaction: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 25 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01603-xThe electrocatalytic hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) on Pt is orders of magnitude slower in…

go.nature.comElectrochemical coupling of CO2 and phosphite for foscarnet synthesisNature Catalysis, Published online: 25 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01608-6C–P coupling of CO2 and phosphite to produce the pharmaceutically relevant compound foscarnet could offer a way to synthesize a valuable compound from waste materials. Now, this reaction is demonstrated electrocatalytically using an ionic liquid-modified Bi electrode.

25 Aug

New online! Electrochemical coupling of CO2 and phosphite for foscarnet synthesis: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 25 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01608-6C–P coupling of CO2 and phosphite to produce the pharmaceutically relevant compound foscarnet could offer a way to synthesize a…

go.nature.comSingle-turnover optical imaging of nonfluorescent electrocatalysisNature Catalysis, Published online: 24 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01610-yA method is developed for the operando imaging of individual electrocatalytic turnovers at subparticle resolution — DELINE. Applied to surface water dissociation, this approach reveals nanoscale kinetic heterogeneity and a compensation relationship between the exchange velocity and charge transfer coefficient, providing insight for rational electrocatalyst design.

24 Aug

New online! Single-turnover optical imaging of nonfluorescent electrocatalysis: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 24 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01610-yA method is developed for the operando imaging of individual electrocatalytic turnovers at subparticle resolution — DELINE. Applied to…

go.nature.comFrom amines to nitriles via C–N bond cleavageNature Catalysis, Published online: 24 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01598-5C–N bond functionalization of aliphatic primary amines is severely hampered by the poor nucleofugality of the NH2 group. Now, a direct catalytic deaminative cyanation of aliphatic primary amines has been established to enable efficient nitrile synthesis, including an asymmetric variant.

24 Aug

New online! From amines to nitriles via C–N bond cleavage: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 24 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01598-5C–N bond functionalization of aliphatic primary amines is severely hampered by the poor nucleofugality of the NH2 group. Now, a direct catalytic deaminative…

go.nature.comSolar coproduction in an artificial leafNature Catalysis, Published online: 20 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01606-8Solar coproduction in an artificial leaf

New online! Solar coproduction in an artificial leaf: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 20 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01606-8Solar coproduction in an artificial leaf

go.nature.comPhosphines beyond lone pairsNature Catalysis, Published online: 20 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01581-0The catalytic formation of C–N bonds remains a central challenge in synthetic chemistry owing to the widespread occurrence of amine motifs in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other bioactive compounds. By merging photoredox and phosphine catalysis, researchers extend the reactivity of P(IV) intermediates to π-systems, enabling the Markovnikov-selective hydroamination of terminal alkenes and redefining the scope of main-group catalysis.

New online! Phosphines beyond lone pairs: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 20 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01581-0The catalytic formation of C–N bonds remains a central challenge in synthetic chemistry owing to the widespread occurrence of amine motifs in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals,…

go.nature.comGetting real about transient electrocatalysisNature Catalysis, Published online: 20 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01583-yElectrocatalytic technologies may need to operate intermittently to maximize economics, switching off when electricity prices are high. This dynamic operation, however, leads to prohibitively accelerated catalyst degradation. Here, a controlled power-down strategy is tested over 750 hours with negligible catalyst degradation. Techno-economic analysis finds that dynamic operation can indeed benefit process economics, but only in electricity markets with large price fluctuations.

New online! Getting real about transient electrocatalysis: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 20 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01583-yElectrocatalytic technologies may need to operate intermittently to maximize economics, switching off when electricity prices are high. This dynamic…

go.nature.comEnzyme cascade transforms DNA-encoded chemical librariesNature Catalysis, Published online: 20 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01588-7DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) have long tiptoed around fragile DNA. Here, the barcode becomes an asset, enabling enzyme cascades that expand chemical diversity, redefining what ‘DEL compatible’ means.

New online! Enzyme cascade transforms DNA-encoded chemical libraries: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 20 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01588-7DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) have long tiptoed around fragile DNA. Here, the barcode becomes an asset, enabling enzyme cascades that…

go.nature.comNanoconfined supersaturated reactors for efficient CO2-to-ethanol electroreductionNature Catalysis, Published online: 17 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01601-zAchieving a high selectivity for multicarbon alcohols via electrocatalytic CO2 reduction on copper has proved challenging. Here a nanoconfined catalytic reactor strategy integrates localized CO2 supersaturation, leading to the stabilization of ethoxy intermediates and a 70.3% Faradaic efficiency for ethanol at practical current densities.

17 Aug

New online! Nanoconfined supersaturated reactors for efficient CO2-to-ethanol electroreduction: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 17 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01601-zAchieving a high selectivity for multicarbon alcohols via electrocatalytic CO2 reduction on copper has proved…

go.nature.comOxygen migration pathways in the methanol oxidation reactionNature Catalysis, Published online: 14 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01595-8Methanol electrooxidation on Pt is believed to follow parallel indirect and direct mechanisms, involving CO* or *O*OCH intermediates, respectively. Now operando electrochemical mass spectrometry and theoretical calculations are used to propose an alternative, more prevalent mechanism in which C–O bond cleavage occurs.

14 Aug

New online! Oxygen migration pathways in the methanol oxidation reaction: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 14 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01595-8Methanol electrooxidation on Pt is believed to follow parallel indirect and direct mechanisms, involving CO* or *O*OCH intermediates,…

go.nature.comBimodal multiphoton catalysis via structural regenerationNature Catalysis, Published online: 14 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01593-wPhotocatalysts can generate radical species from substrates following light excitation. Here the authors report a two-photon bimodal catalysis approach in which the light-activated photocatalyst generates reactive intermediates at opposite redox scales, expanding the accessible redox window.

14 Aug

New online! Bimodal multiphoton catalysis via structural regeneration: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 14 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01593-wPhotocatalysts can generate radical species from substrates following light excitation. Here the authors report a two-photon bimodal catalysis…

go.nature.comIn situ generation of active motifs on Ni/Al2O3 during partial oxidation of methane to syngasNature Catalysis, Published online: 14 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01580-1The partial oxidation of methane to syngas on Ni is commonly attributed to its metallic phase. Now, by combining in situ spectroscopy and microscopy, as well as density functional theory calculations, specific Ni–O motifs are identified as the active sites on Ni/Al2O3.

14 Aug

New online! In situ generation of active motifs on Ni/Al2O3 during partial oxidation of methane to syngas: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 14 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01580-1The partial oxidation of methane to syngas on Ni is commonly attributed to its metallic phase. Now, by…

go.nature.comSingle-turnover subparticle imaging reveals kinetic compensation in electrocatalytic surface water dissociationNature Catalysis, Published online: 13 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01599-4Understanding nanoscale heterogeneity in electrocatalytic reactions is critical for advancing catalyst design and performance. Now, a single-turnover imaging technique with subparticle resolution, DELINE, is introduced, which enables the mapping of electrocatalytic reactions and is used to probe surface water dissociation.

13 Aug

New online! Single-turnover subparticle imaging reveals kinetic compensation in electrocatalytic surface water dissociation: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 13 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01599-4Understanding nanoscale heterogeneity in electrocatalytic reactions is critical for…

go.nature.comCatalytic asymmetric intermolecular carbonyl–ene-type reactions of unactivated aldehydes and alkenesNature Catalysis, Published online: 12 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01589-6Intermolecular asymmetric carbonyl–ene-type reactions of unactivated aldehydes and alkenes remain largely unexplored. Now this transformation is achieved by combining confined imidodiphosphorimidate catalysts with an external silicon source to deliver enantioenriched homoallylic alcohols.

12 Aug

New online! Catalytic asymmetric intermolecular carbonyl–ene-type reactions of unactivated aldehydes and alkenes: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 12 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01589-6Intermolecular asymmetric carbonyl–ene-type reactions of unactivated aldehydes and alkenes remain…

go.nature.comThe important ingredient in your catalyst you never meant to addNature Catalysis, Published online: 07 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01596-7Impurities are usually blamed for irreproducible catalysis, but what if, in electrochemistry, they are part of the active material? It is now shown that, in CO2 electroreduction on oxide-derived copper, an uninvited ingredient from a standard bicarbonate electrolyte, Na+, can be incorporated into nanoscale, defect-rich microstructures during the oxide-to-metal transformation. This incorporation tracks with enhanced CO2 reduction activity, suggesting that trace electrolyte ions can become an integral (and previously hidden) part of the catalyst’s working state.

7 Aug

New online! The important ingredient in your catalyst you never meant to add: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 07 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01596-7Impurities are usually blamed for irreproducible catalysis, but what if, in electrochemistry, they are part of the active material? It is…

go.nature.comChiral phosphorus by catalyst designNature Catalysis, Published online: 05 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01594-9Phosphorothioate modifications are central to oligonucleotide medicines, but their stereocontrolled syntheses has proven challenging. A catalyst-controlled loading strategy now delivers stereodefined building blocks for oligonucleotides and cyclic dinucleotides.

5 Aug

New online! Chiral phosphorus by catalyst design: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 05 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01594-9Phosphorothioate modifications are central to oligonucleotide medicines, but their stereocontrolled syntheses has proven challenging. A catalyst-controlled loading…

go.nature.comMultifunctional chiral bis(amidine) organocatalysts enable stereoselective synthesis of phosphorothioate oligonucleotidesNature Catalysis, Published online: 05 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01557-0Existing methodologies for the stereocontrolled synthesis of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides and cyclic dinucleotides generally rely on chiral auxiliaries and are not catalytic. This study reports a catalytic asymmetric P(V)-based strategy, enabled by a C2-symmetric multifunctional chiral bis(amidine) organocatalyst, for the stereoselective synthesis of these classes of compounds.

5 Aug

New online! Multifunctional chiral bis(amidine) organocatalysts enable stereoselective synthesis of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 05 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01557-0Existing methodologies for the stereocontrolled synthesis of phosphorothioate…

go.nature.comThe active site and its environmentNature Catalysis, Published online: 03 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01575-yUnderstanding catalysis at its core requires more than the concept of the active site: it demands situating the active site within the reaction environment that ultimately governs its behaviour. Progress in catalysis science and engineering will increasingly depend on treating the active site and its environment as inseparable components, enabling a holistic and predictive framework for designing catalytic technologies.

3 Aug

New online! The active site and its environment: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 03 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01575-yUnderstanding catalysis at its core requires more than the concept of the active site: it demands situating the active site within the reaction environment that…

go.nature.comUncovering the source of uncertaintyNature Catalysis, Published online: 31 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01572-1Constructing reliable models for the discovery of heterogeneous catalysts requires high-quality data. This round-robin study reveals the need for rigorous assessment of uncertainty when selecting the input and output features of data-driven models.

31 July

New online! Uncovering the source of uncertainty: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 31 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01572-1Constructing reliable models for the discovery of heterogeneous catalysts requires high-quality data. This round-robin study reveals the need for rigorous assessment of…

go.nature.comProtein-confined imidazolium intermediates enable diverse biocatalytic C–C and C–N bond formationsNature Catalysis, Published online: 31 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01587-8Small catalytic nucleophiles can promote allylic transfer processes, but achieving regio- and stereocontrol is challenging. Here the authors develop a family of allylic transferase enzymes to mediate diverse C–C and C–N bond formations through the confinement of key intermediates within proteins.

31 July

New online! Protein-confined imidazolium intermediates enable diverse biocatalytic C–C and C–N bond formations: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 31 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01587-8Small catalytic nucleophiles can promote allylic transfer processes, but achieving regio- and stereocontrol…

go.nature.comQuantifying uncertainty in catalyst activity and deactivation during CO2 hydrogenation via round-robin testing for data-driven modellingNature Catalysis, Published online: 31 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01559-yThis Analysis presents a round-robin study of Rh/TiO2 catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation across four laboratories, quantifying both intralaboratory and interlaboratory variability and discussing the implications of this uncertainty for machine learning predictions.

31 July

New online! Quantifying uncertainty in catalyst activity and deactivation during CO2 hydrogenation via round-robin testing for data-driven modelling: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 31 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01559-yThis Analysis presents a round-robin study of Rh/TiO2 catalysts for…

go.nature.comEvidence of Eley–Rideal mechanism in Cu-catalysed CO2 electroreduction in flow cells with a protective layerNature Catalysis, Published online: 30 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01584-xThe roles of cell architecture and mass transport on the selectivity of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction have been challenging to decipher. Here a porous protective layer is used to study the copper-catalysed carbon–carbon coupling step in flow cells, supporting an Eley–Rideal mechanism.

30 July

New online! Evidence of Eley–Rideal mechanism in Cu-catalysed CO2 electroreduction in flow cells with a protective layer: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 30 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01584-xThe roles of cell architecture and mass transport on the selectivity of electrocatalytic CO2…

go.nature.comNickel nanoparticles encapsulated inside mesoporous MoO2 for industrially stable anion-exchange membrane water electrolysisNature Catalysis, Published online: 30 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01585-wNiMo-based catalysts exhibit excellent activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline electrolytes, but achieving high stability remains a challenge. Now a synthetic strategy is presented to prepare highly active and stable Ni/MoO2 cathode catalysts for anion-exchange membrane water electrolysis.

30 July

New online! Nickel nanoparticles encapsulated inside mesoporous MoO2 for industrially stable anion-exchange membrane water electrolysis: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 30 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01585-wNiMo-based catalysts exhibit excellent activity for the hydrogen evolution…

go.nature.comIndustrial waste reformedNature Catalysis, Published online: 23 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01586-9Industrial waste reformed

New online! Industrial waste reformed: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 23 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01586-9Industrial waste reformed

go.nature.comWhen aggregation induces photocatalysisNature Catalysis, Published online: 23 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01592-xWhen aggregation induces photocatalysis

New online! When aggregation induces photocatalysis: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 23 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01592-xWhen aggregation induces photocatalysis

go.nature.comDefining screening of peptide-functionalizing biocatalystsNature Catalysis, Published online: 23 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01577-wChemoenzymatic peptide functionalization requires potent biocatalysts. Now, a rapid screening platform is developed to expand the underexplored diversity of the enzyme family of prenyltransferases, providing a broadly feasible approach to facilitating the discovery of biocatalysts.

New online! Defining screening of peptide-functionalizing biocatalysts: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 23 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01577-wChemoenzymatic peptide functionalization requires potent biocatalysts. Now, a rapid screening platform is developed to expand the underexplored…

go.nature.comThe interphase behind lithium-mediated ammoniaNature Catalysis, Published online: 23 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01570-3Lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction offers a unique route to ammonia synthesis, but its performance depends strongly on the reactive solid-electrolyte interphase. Operando Raman spectroscopy now reveals how salt chemistry and ethanol can construct this interphase to control nitrogen transport, lithium reactivity and ammonia formation.

New online! The interphase behind lithium-mediated ammonia: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 23 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01570-3Lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction offers a unique route to ammonia synthesis, but its performance depends strongly on the reactive solid-electrolyte…

go.nature.comA tailored CoA ligase–N-acyltransferase cascade for on-DNA amide bond formation gives access to broad substrate scopeNature Catalysis, Published online: 17 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01576-xDNA-encoded library (DEL) synthesis can be constrained by DNA damage and limited reaction scope under conventional chemistry. Here a complementary CoA ligase–N-acyltransferase cascade is engineered to enable high yield, DNA-compatible amide formation, expanding substrate scope and DEL quality.

17 July

New online! A tailored CoA ligase–N-acyltransferase cascade for on-DNA amide bond formation gives access to broad substrate scope: Nature Catalysis, Published online: 17 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01576-xDNA-encoded library (DEL) synthesis can be constrained by DNA damage and limited…