Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2026, Vol. 88: 183-206.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(26)65144-3

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Recent advances in oxygen-centered organic radicals: Characterization, synthesis, and applications

Shufang Liua,1, Fengyu Chena,1, Siyuan Lia, Yu-Xin Yea,*(), Gangfeng Ouyanga,b,*()   

  1. a State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), IGCME, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, Guangdong, China
    b Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry of Ministry of Education, LIFM, School of Chemistry, IGCME, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, Guangdong, China
  • Received:2025-12-20 Accepted:2026-02-22 Online:2026-09-18 Published:2026-09-05
  • About author:Yu-Xin Ye (School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University) received her B.S. degree from Sun Yat-sen University in 2011 and Ph.D. degree in 2017. From 2018 to 2023, she conducted postdoctoral research under the supervision of Professor Ouyang Gangfeng. She joined the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Sun Yat-sen University in 2023. She is Excellent Young Scientists of National Natural Science Foundation of China (2024). She has published over 20 papers as the first or corresponding author in prestigious journals such as Nat. Water., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., Adv. Mater., Chin. J. Catal., Nat. Commun., and Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Her research focuses on the design of novel organic photocatalysts, the characterization and regulation of photophysical and photochemical processes, photocatalytic synthesis and application of hydrogen peroxide, and photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants.
    Gangfeng Ouyang (School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University) received his B.S. degree from Sichuan University in 1992 and his M.S. degree from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University in 1995. He subsequently joined the faculty of the same school at Sun Yat-sen University, first as a Teaching Assistant and then as a Lecturer. He earned his Ph.D. degree from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University in 2003. He then pursued postdoctoral research in Professor Pawliszyn Janusz's group at the University of Waterloo, Canada. He is Distinguished Young Scholars Recipients of National Natural Science Foundation of China (2012). Professor Ouyang has authored/co-authored over 320 SCI-indexed publications in prestigious journals such as Chem. Rev., PNAS, Chem., Nat. Commun., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., Chem. Sci., Anal. Chem., and Environ. Sci. Technol., with over 8,000 citations. His research primarily focuses on environmental analytical chemistry and microextraction techniques, with applications in water analysis, in vivo analysis in plants and animals, and medical diagnostics. His research interests include environmental analytical chemistry, environmental pollution control, and bioanalysis.
    First author contact: 共同第一作者.
    Contributed equally to this work.
  • Supported by:
    The National Natural Science Foundation of China(22336007);The National Natural Science Foundation of China(22422611);The National Natural Science Foundation of China(22206209);The Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai)(SML2024SP003);The Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Functional Molecular Engineering Project(31000-42080002)

Abstract:

In recent years, oxygen-centered organic radicals (OCORs) have garnered significant attention for their pivotal roles across diverse chemical and material science platforms. As a unique class of open-shell molecules, OCORs exhibit remarkable stability and highly tunable reactivity, enabling innovative possibilities for organic transformations and the design of advanced functional materials. Unlike conventional short-lived radicals, OCORs can maintain their stability for several months in complex environmental conditions while showcasing exceptional efficiency in catalytic processes. Their versatility extends to a range of applications, including environmental remediation, redox-active materials, and next-generation energy systems. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in OCORs research, focusing on their characterization techniques, synthesis methods, and applications in electronic structure modulation and functional material design. Additionally, it highlights key challenges such as enhancing stability, selectivity, and scalability while proposing future research directions. These insights aim to foster deeper understanding and innovation, propelling the development of OCORs for broader scientific and industrial applications.

Key words: Oxygen-centered organic radicals, Photocatalysis, Hydrogen peroxide, Carbon dioxide reduction, Pollutant degradation