Progress in solid state and coordination chemistry of actinides in China

In the past decade, the area of solid state chemistry of actinides has witnessed a rapid development in China, based on the significantly increased proportion of the number of actinide containing crystal structures reported by Chinese researchers from only 2% in 2010 to 36% in 2021. In this review article, we comprehensively overview the synthesis, structure, and characterizations of representative actinide solid compounds including oxo-compounds, organometallic compounds, and endohedral metallofullerenes reported by Chinese researchers. In addition, Chinese researchers pioneered several potential applications of actinide solid compounds in terms of adsorption, separation, photoelectric materials, and photo-catalysis, which are also briefly discussed. It is our hope that this contribution not only calls for further development of this area in China, but also arouses new research directions and interests in actinide chemistry and material sciences.

Automated summary

In the past decade, the field of solid state chemistry of actinides in China has grown rapidly, with an increased number of actinide containing crystal structures reported by Chinese researchers. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis, structure, and characterizations of representative actinide solid compounds reported by Chinese researchers, as well as their potential applications in adsorption, separation, photoelectric materials, and photo-catalysis.