Cover Picture: One‐Pot UV‐Assisted Synthesis of Metal Phthalocyanine Nanocrystals (ChemNanoMat 2/2015)

A new facile method for direct synthesis of metal phthalocyanine nanocrystals from their precursors is reported in the Communication on page 92 by Takeshi Higuchi, Hiroshi Yabu, and co-workers. This method is based on a chemical reaction in nanosized micelles under UV irradiation. The aqueous dispersions of metal phthalocyanine nanocrystals showed strong visible light absorption from 500 to 800 nm and high transparency at wavelengths in the non-absorption region. This method is universally applicable to prepare various metal phthalocyanines. Membranes In their Full Paper on page 102, which is featured on the inside cover, Dun-Yen Kang, Sankar Nair, and co-workers present thin composite membranes of single-walled aluminosilicate nanotubes in a polymer matrix prepared by solution processing methods. The membranes have a large fraction of vertically oriented nanotubes. The cover artwork was prepared by Tung-ping Wang at National Taiwan University. Solar Cells Energy is the single most pressing issue facing humanity, with a more technologically advanced society requiring greater energy resources. Solar power represents the obvious solution to provide this energy. In their Full Paper on page 115, which is featured on the back cover, Joseph G. Shapter and co-workers present Si-CNT heterojunction solar cells that are an alternative to conventional silicon devices, in which the p-type silicon layer is replaced by deposition of a transparent CNT film. This article examines polymers as a conducting interlayer within the Si-CNT heterojunction to improve device efficiency. Drug Delivery In their Focus Review on page 82, Mei-Xia Zhao and co-workers discuss the characteristics and advantages of various inorganic nanoparticle drug carriers, such as quantum dots (QDs), nanoscale magnetic particles, and nanoscale gold and silica, and discuss a selection of recent examples from this broad field.