Specific Structure and Properties of Composite Membranes Based on the Torlon® (Polyamide-imide)/Layered Perovskite Oxide

The use of perovskite-type layered oxide K2La2Ti3O10 (Per) as a modifier of the Torlon® polyamide-imide (PAI) membrane has led to the formation of an specific structure of a dense nonsymmetrical film, namely, a thin perovskite-enriched layer (3–5 μm) combined with the polymer matrix (~30 μm). The PAI/Per membrane structure was studied by SEM in combination with energy dispersive microanalysis of the elemental composition which illustrated different compositions of top and bottom surfaces of the perovskite-containing membranes. Measurement of water and alcohol contact angles and calculation of surface tension revealed hydrophilization of the membrane surface enriched with perovskite. The transport properties of the nonsymmetrical PAI/Per membranes were studied in the pervaporation of ethanol‒ethyl acetate mixture. The inclusion of 2 wt.% Per in the PAI gives a membrane with a high separation factor and increased total flux.

There's no place like real-space: elucidating size-dependent atomic structure of nanomaterials using pair distribution function analysis

The development of new functional materials builds on an understanding of the intricate relationship between material structure and properties, and structural characterization is a crucial part of materials chemistry. However, elucidating the atomic structure of nanomaterials remains a challenge using conventional diffraction techniques due to the lack of long-range atomic order. Over the past decade, Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis of X-ray or neutron total scattering data has become a mature and well-established method capable of giving insight into the atomic structure in nanomaterials. Here, we review the use of PDF analysis and modelling in characterization of a range of different nanomaterials that exhibit unique atomic structure compared to the corresponding bulk materials. A brief introduction to PDF analysis and modelling is given, followed by examples of how essential structural information can be extracted from PDFs using both model-free and advanced modelling methods. We put an emphasis on how the intuitive nature of the PDF can be used for understanding important structural motifs, and on the diversity of applications of PDF analysis to nanostructure problems.

Synergistic Influence of d0 (Nb5+) and d10 (Cd2+) Cations in Stabilizing Noncentrosymmetric Dion-Jacobson Layered Perovskites, A'Cd2Nb3O10 (A' = Rb, Cs)

New Dion-Jacobson (n = 3) layered perovskites, A'Cd₂Nb₃O₁₀ (A' = Rb, Cs), have been synthesized by a solid-state method. Powder X-ray diffraction measurements confirm the noncentrosymmetric orthorhombic (space group Ima2) structures for both rubidium- and cesium-containing layered oxides. The distorted octahedral coordination of the d⁰ metal cations (Nb⁵⁺) coupled with the increased covalency in the lattice by the introduction of d¹⁰ metal cations (Cd²⁺) is responsible for the acentric structures. The resulting second-harmonic-generation (SHG) efficiencies of the polycrystalline samples (size 45-63 μm) using 1064 nm radiation reveal comparable values for CsCd₂Nb₃O₁₀ and nearly 5 times higher output values for RbCd₂Nb₃O₁₀ with respect to potassium dihydrogen phosphate. These structures were further confirmed from transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy measurements. The optical characteristics show interesting variations to the expected photocatalytic activities. Ion-exchange reactions result in the synthesis of proton- and lithium-containing oxides, which are otherwise inaccessible by direct solid-state reactions. The mobilities of the interlayer ions have also been confirmed by ionic conductivity measurements.

Synthesis of Organic-Inorganic Hybrids Based on Perovskite-like Bismuth Titanate H2K0.5Bi2.5Ti4O13·H2O and n-Alkylamines

New organic-inorganic hybrids have been synthesized by the intercalation of n-alkylamines (methylamine, ethylamine, n-propylamine, n-butylamine, n-hexylamine, and n-octylamine) into the structure of the protonated and hydrated form of the perovskite-like layered titanate H₂K_0.5Bi_2.5Ti₄O₁₃·H₂O (HKBT₄·H₂O). The possibility of the synthesis of the hybrid materials was studied in a wide range of conditions. It was found that interlayer water plays a crucial role in the formation of intercalated hybrids. The obtained compounds were characterized with powder X-ray diffraction analysis; Raman, IR, and NMR spectroscopies; thermogravimetry (TG), TG coupled with mass spectrometry, and CHN analyses; and scanning electron microscopy. It was suggested that the intercalated n-alkylamines exist in the form of alkylammonium ions forming a paraffin-like bilayer with an average tilting angle of ∼77.5°. The obtained HKBT₄×RNH₂ compounds contain 0.4-0.7 n-alkylamine molecules per formula unit as well as the varied amount of intercalated water. By gentle heating, they can be obtained as dehydrated forms, which are thermally stable up to 250 °C.

On Prediction of a Novel Chiral Material Y2H3O(OH): A Hydroxyhydride Holding Hydridic and Protonic Hydrogens

Examination of possible pathways of how oxygen atoms can be added to a yttrium oxyhydride system allowed us to predict new derivatives such as hydroxyhydrides possessing the composition M₂H₃O(OH) (M = Y, Sc, La, and Gd) in which three different anions (H^-, O²-, and OH^-) share the common chemical space. The crystal data of the solid hydroxyhydrides obtained on the base of DFT modeling correspond to the tetragonal structure that is characterized by the chiral space group P 4 1 . The analysis of bonding situation in M₂H₃O(OH) showed that the microscopic mechanism governing chemical transformations is caused by the displacements of protons which are induced by interaction with oxygen atoms incorporated into the crystal lattice of the bulk oxyhydride. The oxygen-mediated transformation causes a change in the charge state of some adjacent hydridic sites, thus forming protonic sites associated with hydroxyl groups. The predicted materials demonstrate a specific charge ordering that is associated with the chiral structural organization of the metal cations and the anions because their lattice positions form helical curves spreading along the tetragonal axis. Moreover, the effect of spatial twisting of the H^- and H⁺ sites provides additional linking via strong dihydrogen bonds. The structure-property relationships have been investigated in terms of structural, mechanical, electron, and optical features. It was shown that good polar properties of the materials make them possible prototypes for the design of nonlinear optical systems.

The versatile biomedical applications of bismuth-based nanoparticles and composites: therapeutic, diagnostic, biosensing, and regenerative properties

Studies of nanosized forms of bismuth (Bi)-containing materials have recently expanded from optical, chemical, electronic, and engineering fields towards biomedicine, as a result of their safety, cost-effective fabrication processes, large surface area, high stability, and high versatility in terms of shape, size, and porosity. Bi, as a nontoxic and inexpensive diamagnetic heavy metal, has been used for the fabrication of various nanoparticles (NPs) with unique structural, physicochemical, and compositional features to combine various properties, such as a favourably high X-ray attenuation coefficient and near-infrared (NIR) absorbance, excellent light-to-heat conversion efficiency, and a long circulation half-life. These features have rendered bismuth-containing nanoparticles (BiNPs) with desirable performance for combined cancer therapy, photothermal and radiation therapy (RT), multimodal imaging, theranostics, drug delivery, biosensing, and tissue engineering. Bismuth oxyhalides (BiO_x, where X is Cl, Br or I) and bismuth chalcogenides, including bismuth oxide, bismuth sulfide, bismuth selenide, and bismuth telluride, have been heavily investigated for therapeutic purposes. The pharmacokinetics of these BiNPs can be easily improved via the facile modification of their surfaces with biocompatible polymers and proteins, resulting in enhanced colloidal stability, extended blood circulation, and reduced toxicity. Desirable antibacterial effects, bone regeneration potential, and tumor growth suppression under NIR laser radiation are the main biomedical research areas involving BiNPs that have opened up a new paradigm for their future clinical translation. This review emphasizes the synthesis and state-of-the-art progress related to the biomedical applications of BiNPs with different structures, sizes, and compositions. Furthermore, a comprehensive discussion focusing on challenges and future opportunities is presented.

Plasma Generating—Chemical Looping Catalyst Synthesis by Microwave Plasma Shock for Nitrogen Fixation from Air and Hydrogen Production from Water for Agriculture and Energy Technologies in Global Warming Prevention

Simultaneous generation of plasma by microwave irradiation of perovskite or the spinel type of silica supported porous catalyst oxides and their reduction by nitrogen in the presence of oxygen is demonstrated. As a result of plasma generation in air, NOx generation is accompanied by the development of highly heterogeneous regions in terms of chemical and morphological variations within the catalyst. Regions of almost completely reduced catalyst are dispersed within the catalyst oxide, across micron-scale domains. The quantification of the catalyst heterogeneity and evaluation of catalyst structure are studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and XRD. Plasma generating supported spinel catalysts are synthesized using the technique developed by the author (Catalysts; 2016; 6; 80) and BaTiO3 is used to exemplify perovskites. Silica supported catalyst systems are represented as M/Si = X (single catalysts) or as M(1)/M(2)/Si = X/Y/Z (binary catalysts) where M; M(1) M(2) = Cr; Mn; Fe; Co; Cu and X, Y, Z are the molar ratio of the catalysts and SiO2 support. Composite porous catalysts are synthesized using a mixture of Co and BaTiO3. In all the catalysts, structural heterogeneity manifests itself through defects, phase separation and increased porosity resulting in the creation of the high activity sites. The chemical heterogeneity results in reduced and oxidized domains and in very large changes in catalyst/support ratio. High electrical potential activity within BaTiO3 particles is observed through the formation of electrical treeing. Plasma generation starts as soon as the supported catalyst is synthesized. Two conditions for plasma generation are observed: Metal/Silica molar ratio should be > 1/2 and the resulting oxide should be spinel type; represented as MaOb (a = 3; b = 4 for single catalyst). Composite catalysts are represented as {M/Si = X}/BaTiO3 and obtained from the catalyst/silica precursor fluid with BaTiO3 particles which undergo fragmentation during microwave irradiation. Further irradiation causes plasma generation, NOx formation and lattice oxygen depletion. Partially reduced spinels are represented as MaOb–c. These reactions occur through a chemical looping process in micron-scale domains on the porous catalyst surface. Therefore; it is possible to scale-up this process to obtain NOx from MaOb for nitric acid production and H2 generation from MaOb–c by catalyst re-oxidized by water. Re-oxidation by CO2 delivers CO as fuel. These findings explain the mechanism of conversion of combustion gases (CO2 + N2) to CO and NOx via a chemical looping process. Mechanism of catalyst generation is proposed and the resulting structural inhomogeneity is characterized. Plasma generating catalysts also represent a new form of Radar Absorbing Material (RAM) for stealth and protection from radiation in which electromagnetic energy is dissipated by plasma generation and catalytic reactions. These catalytic RAMs can be expected to be more efficient in frequency independent microwave absorption.

Ultra-tough and highly ordered macroscopic fiber assembly from 2D functional metal oxide nanosheet liquid crystals and strong ionic interlayer bridging

Macroscopic assembly of 2D nanomaterials, especially for the one-dimensional macroscopic ordered fiber assembly from 2D liquid crystals (LCs), is rising to an unprecedented height and will continue to be an important topic in materials. However, this case of 2D functional metal oxide nanosheets is quite challenging. For the first time, the high-performance tungstate macroscopic fiber has been realized through an LC wet-spinning process involving the formation of LC colloid with spinnability and performance improvement by interlayer bridging in macroscopic assembly. The resultant macroscopic fiber yields record high tensile strength (198.5 MPa) and fracture toughness (3.0 MJ m-3) owing to their highly ordered structure and strong ionic interlayer bridging. Despite the intrinsically weak mechanical strength of the nanosheets, with only a few percent of graphene, the fibers manifest mechanical properties comparable to that of graphene fibers. Inspired by this concept, the possible macroscopic fibers assembled from other 2D functional metal oxide nanosheets will become a reality in the near future, holding great promise in aerospace and wearable applications.

Yb3+/Er3+ co-doped Dion–Jacobson niobium layered perovskites as NIR-to-green upconversion materials

Low-phonon lanthanide-doped layered niobate materials generated efficient green upconversion luminescence. The low defect concentration near the emitting centres favoured the upconversion process.

In Situ Compositing CsPbBr3 with Exfoliated Layered-Perovskite CsCa2Ta3O10: Interfacial Interaction and Enhanced Stability

Cesium lead halide (CsPbX₃, X = Cl, Br, I) perovskite quantum dots (QDs) have been intriguing optoelectronic materials for applications in various devices owing to their superior electronic and optical properties. However, poor resistance to humidity and light irradiation impedes their promotion. Herein, bulk perovskite-type layered CsCa₂Ta₃O₁₀ is exfoliated into two-dimensional (2D) negatively charged Ca₂Ta₃O₁₀^- (CTO) nanosheets as seeds to in situ synthesize and composite CsPbBr₃. The as-synthesized CsPbBr₃/CTO nanocomposites possess improved green emission with apparently prolonged decay time with reference to bare CsPbBr₃ QDs. The decay time can retrieve to a normal state when the nanocomposites are treated with some water. It is found that the CTO acts as a defect to trap the bound exciton of the loaded CsPbBr₃. Protons from water can preferably replace Cs⁺ at the interface of the nanocomposites, resulting in the separation of the nanosheets and CsPbBr₃ and retrieving the decay time. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results also indicate the strong interaction between CsPbBr₃ and CTO with reference to the physical mixing sample of bare CsPbBr₃ QDs and CTO nanosheets. The decoration of ultrathin 2D charge-bearing oxide nanosheets on the QDs benefits significant improvements in humidity resistance and photostability performance in light-emitting diode devices. This research offers a distinct strategy to modify the surface of perovskite QDs.

Thickness biased capture of CO2 on carbide MXenes

The synthesis of two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXenes) with a predefined number of atomic layers offers a possible way to tune these nanomaterials chemical activity. MXenes have been theoretically predicted to be able to store CO2 even at high temperatures and low CO2 partial pressures, a prediction which has been experimentally confirmed afterwards. In the present work, the influence of the number of atomic layers on CO2 adsorption is systematically investigated by means of density functional theory based calculations, using suitable periodic models representing the (0001) surface of a series of these materials with formula Mn+1Cn (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, W) and n = 1-3. The interaction of CO2 with the MXene surfaces is always favorable with the adsorption energy decreasing as the transition metal electronic configuration goes from d2 through d3 to d4, in agreement with previous work for n = 1. The influence of the thickness is found to be rather small, yet noticeable, although somewhat erratic. Nevertheless, the adsorption energy seems to converge to a defined clear limit for sufficiently thick MXenes. Interestingly, this value is close to that corresponding to the (111) surface of bulk Transition Metal Carbides (TMCs). The close structural similarity between the MXene (0001) and TMC (111) surfaces strongly suggests that the former provide a practical way to approach this otherwise unstable surface. The possibility to tune the CO2 interaction based on the MXene thickness is further investigated by means of kinetic phase diagrams. These provide additional evidence that carbide MXene surfaces are promising materials for CO2 capture even at low CO2 partial pressures, and that the MXene thickness can be used to fine tune this appealing behavior.

Ultrathin WO3 Nanosheets Converted from Metallic WS2 Sheets by Spontaneous Formation and Deposition of PdO Nanoclusters for Visible Light-Driven C-C Coupling Reactions

It is not facile to obtain ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) WO₃ nanosheets through the exfoliation of their bulk counterpart in solution due to strong covalent interaction between interlayers. In addition, they require additional functionalization with cocatalysts to expand their applicability in photocatalytic organic reactions owing to their insufficient conduction band edge position. Here, we report a chemical approach for the simultaneous production and functionalization of ultrathin 2D WO₃ nanosheets through the direct conversion of metallic WS₂ nanosheets, accomplished by the spontaneous formation and deposition of PdO nanoclusters on the nanosheet surface in H₂O. When chemically exfoliated metallic WS₂ nanosheets were simply mixed with K₂PdCl₄ in H₂O under mild conditions (50 °C, 1 h), they were converted to semiconducting WO₃ nanosheets on which PdO nanoclusters of a uniform size (∼3 nm) were spontaneously formed, leading to the production of PdO-functionalized ultrathin WO₃ (PdO@WO₃) nanohybrids. The conversion yield of WO₃ nanosheets from metallic WS₂ nanosheets increased with increasing coverage of PdO nanoclusters on the nanosheet surface. In addition, the conversion of WO₃ nanosheets induced by PdO nanocluster formation was effective only in H₂O but not in organic solvents, such as N-methylpyrrolidone and acetonitrile. A mechanical study suggests that the chemisorption of hydrated Pd precursors on the chalcogens of metallic WS₂ nanosheets leads to their facile oxidation by water molecules, producing WO₃ nanosheets covered with PdO nanoclusters. The as-prepared PdO@WO₃ nanosheets exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and recyclability in Suzuki cross-coupling reactions of various aryl halides under visible light irradiation.

Gamma-Bi4V2O11 - a layered oxide material for ion exchange in aqueous media

Layered perovskite oxides have attracted considerable attention due to their potential application in photoelectricity and catalysis. The unique character of layered perovskites as ion-exchange materials provides the possibility of creating structural diversity. A new ion-exchange reaction in aqueous solution was observed in layered oxide gamma-Bi₄V₂O₁₁. When employed in ion exchange, gamma-Bi₄V₂O₁₁ is converted into the scheelite-type phase (ABO₄) by selectively discarding Aurivillius-type sheets, and is also converted into the A2X3 phase by selectively dissolving perovskite-like layers. Metal-doped BiVO₄ and Bi₂O₃ were obtained using such an ion-exchange reaction.

Layered oxides gamma-Bi₄V₂O₁₁ is found to undergo chemical transformations under room temperature. Gamma-Bi₄V₂O₁₁ can be transformed to ABO₄ in acid solution and A2X3 compounds in basic solution.

Topotactic Ion Exchange in a Three-Dimensional Close-Packed Trirutile Structure with an Octahedral Network

Topotactic ion exchange in open-framework solids and oxides with layered and tunnel structures has resulted in the formation of a variety of metastable functional materials that are inaccessible otherwise. These ion exchanges are primarily limited to the above structure types because of the presence of labile ions as loosely held charge-compensating cations/anions as in the framework or tunnel structures or the lability of the ions/charged motifs in interlayer galleries of layered oxides. While such topotactic exchanges are common in the above structure types, they are rare in the three-dimensional (3D) close-packed structures based solely on corner- and/or edge-connected polyhedral networks. Herein, we demonstrate divalent iron exchange in a close-packed all-octahedral-coordinated trirutile oxide. This has enabled the transformation of a near-ultraviolet-absorbing diamagnetic insulating oxide into a visible-light-active paramagnetic semiconductor. An ion exchange of this kind may open up avenues for the development of metastable functional oxides with a variety of other 3D structures and diverse properties.

Morphology controlled synthesis of low bandgap SnSe2 with high photodetectivity

Engineering the properties of layered metal dichalcogenides (LMDs) requires stringent control of their morphology. Herein, using a scalable one-step solvothermal technique, we report the synthesis of SnSe2 under two different conditions, leading to the formation of nanoflakes and nanoflowers. The use of oleic acid in the reaction leads to the formation of nanoflowers, and the presence of ethanol in the reaction medium leads to the formation of nanoflakes. Ab initio density functional theory calculations rationalise this observation, revealing a stronger adsorption of ethanol on the {0001} facet compared to the acid. Furthermore, these SnSe2 nanoflakes, when integrated with graphene, also respond to incident electromagnetic radiation, from the visible to near infrared regime, with a specific detectivity of ∼5 × 1010 Jones, which is comparable to that of the best available photodetectors, making them suitable for use in various technological applications.

Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity of Nanocrystalline First Transition-Metal (Ti, Mn, Co, Ni and Zn) Oxisde Nanofibers by Electrospinning

In this work, five nanocrystalline first transition-metal (Ti, Mn, Co, Ni and Zn) oxide nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning and controlled calcination. The morphology, crystal structure, pore size distribution and specific surface area were systematically studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), surface and pore analysis, and thermo gravimetric analyzer (TGA). The results reveal that the obtained nanofibers have a continuously twisted three-dimensional scaffold structure and are composed of neat nanocrystals with a necklace-like arrangement. All the samples possess high specific surface areas, which follow the order of NiO nanofiber (393.645 m2/g) > TiO2 nanofiber (121.445 m2/g) > ZnO nanofiber (57.219 m2/g) > Co3O4 nanofiber (52.717 m2/g) > Mn2O3 nanofiber (18.600 m2/g). Moreover, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution was investigated in detail by employing the five kinds of metal oxide nanofibers as photocatalysts under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation separately. The results show that ZnO, TiO2 and NiO nanofibers exhibit excellent photocatalytic efficiency and high cycling ability to MB, which may be ascribed to unique porous structures and the highly efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. In brief, this paper aims to provide a feasible approach to achieve five first transition-metal oxide nanofibers with excellent performance, which is important for practical applications.

Microwave-assisted functionalization of the Aurivillius phase Bi2SrTa2O9: diol grafting and amine insertion vs. alcohol grafting

The microwave-assisted functionalization of an Aurivillius phase is investigated towards various molecules – alcohols, diols and amino-alcohols – and the preferential reactivity of the various moieties is studied as a function of the reaction conditions.

Microwave-assisted functionalization of the layered Aurivillius phase Bi₂SrTa₂O₉ by alcohols is thoroughly investigated. The grafting of linear aliphatic and bulky alcohols is studied as a function of the starting material, underlining the importance of the prefunctionalization of the layered perovskite, for instance by butylamine. In addition, the functionalization by α,ω-alkanediols is explored. α,ω-alkanediols bearing long alkyl chains (n_C > 3) adopt an unprecedented pillaring arrangement, whereas 1,3-propanediol and ethyleneglycol adopt a bilayer arrangement, only one out of the two hydroxyl groups being coordinated. Finally, the reactivities of alcohols and amines towards insertion are compared: the preferential reactivity of the two functional groups appears to be strongly dependent of the reaction conditions, and especially of the water content. This study is further extended to the case of amino-alcohol insertion. In this case, the amine group is preferentially bound, but it is possible to control the grafting of the alcohol moiety, thus going from a bilayer arrangement to a pillaring one. This work is of particular importance to be able to functionalize easily and rapidly layered oxides with elaborated molecules, bearing several different potentially reactive groups.