What to watch for in chemistry in 2025

Maxx Arguilla, inorganic chemist, University of California, Irvine

“2025 will see breakthroughs in the precision chemistry of chiral materials and the physics arising from structural chirality. Driven by organic materials in earlier years, significant leaps in understanding how chiral motifs can be inscribed onto inorganic crystals will enable access to deeper insights on the origin of chiral-induced spin selectivity and related properties. These advances will also broaden the materials toolbox towards more predictable and controllable chiral-induced behavior. The classes of organic, hybrid, and inorganic chiral materials that are unceasingly being discovered will open opportunities in translating chiral-induced properties into quantum and spintronic devices, chiroptics, chemical separations, and electrocatalysis in bulk and approaching the atomic scale.”

Rachel Carter, battery specialist, US Naval Research Laboratory

“2025 trends in battery research will center around diversifying our energy storage landscape. Recent history has focused heavily on lithium systems, but supply chain concerns and exponentially increasing demand will cause a surge in research on a range of battery types, including alternative ion and alkaline. An exciting trend is ‘anion redox,’ which follows the surprising finding that positive electrode anion components, in addition to cations, can provide redox activity. This new type of cathode is attractive for attaining high energy density from sodium ions, which are larger and more abundant than lithium ions. Researchers will also revisit strategies for making conventional alkaline batteries—known for being safe and cheap—more rechargeable. One area expected to be especially active is liquid electrolytes, with researchers working to understand their structures and bulk phenomena to facilitate new battery chemistries.”

Abigail Dommer, computational biophysicist, University of Groningen

“Significant advances in computing architectures and algorithms have finally enabled researchers to use molecular dynamics (MD) to model and simulate cellular-scale systems. MD is a physics-based approach in which the motion of atoms can be predicted by integrating Newton’s equations of motion—a kind of ‘“computational microscope”’ that allows us to see complex biophysical processes with atomistic and time-resolved details. In 2025, we’re going to see simulations of entire organelles, genomes, and even whole cells, which will lend insights into the orchestra of intermolecular interactions that make life possible. Recently developed strategies to model complete viral genomes will undoubtedly fruition into discoveries of how our own DNA is packaged, unraveling the mechanisms behind gene expression that make us who we are. While the past few years have been defined largely by method development, the next few will be defined by discovery.”

Outi Keinänen, radiochemist, University of Alabama at Birmingham

“In 2025, micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) pollution reports will continue to make headlines. Improved detection methods for plastic pollution, especially for nanoplastics, will lead to more reports on widespread plastic contamination. Research on microorganisms that degrade plastics could lead to technologies that enhance ecological health. Toxicological studies on MNPs in combination with other contaminants will improve our understanding of human health risks. Biodegradable materials, designed to replace traditional plastics, will continue to be developed. But we need more investigations on the health and environmental effects of these biodegradable materials before adopting them for wide-scale use. In the coming year, I hope to see some regulatory initiatives to tackle the widespread issue of micro- and nanoplastics.”

Jesús Velázquez, materials chemist, University of California, Davis

“In 2025, scientists worldwide will continue their transformative journey to revolutionize the production of fine chemicals and fuels. Central to this effort to entirely reimagine our chemical industry is the design and discovery of next-generation electrocatalysts—molecular complexes and periodic solids alike. Breakthroughs are urgently needed to produce essential chemicals from CO₂ in the air we breathe and from ocean water, using renewable electricity, thereby reducing our reliance on oil and natural gas. Worldwide valorization approaches stand poised to reshape manufacturing by cutting carbon emissions while meeting society’s demand for critical chemicals. These efforts will continue to create strong economic incentives to capture and repurpose CO₂ emissions, turning a global challenge into an opportunity for sustainable growth.”

Note: All responses were sent via email.