If the deputy editor-in-chief decides to send the paper to peer reviewers, they will contact researchers with relevant expertise. 

Usually, 2-3 referees will be selected to be responsible for one manuscript in CCS Chemistry. Of course, referees suggested by authors will also be considered by the editor. But referees are not identified to the authors. 

Referees are asked to respond within 2 weeks as they receiving the manuscript normally. If they delay over 7 days, editorial office will urge them to speed up. And, where necessary, another alternative referees will be found. 

Every referee will submit a detailed assessment report about the manuscripts they review. Four different types of decisions will be made: 

 •      Accept, with or without editorial revisions; 

 •      Invite the authors to revise their manuscript to address specific concerns before a final decision is reached; 

 •      Reject, but indicate to the authors that further work might justify a resubmission;

 •   Reject outright, typically on grounds of specialist interest, lack of novelty, insufficient conceptual advance or major technical and/or interpretational problems.