Structural transformation of metal oxo species within UiO-66 type metal–organic frameworks

A rare example of phase transitions within Th-based MOFs is reported, relevant for nuclear energy and waste management. Further investigations into phase transitions in isostructural frameworks (Zr, Hf, Ce) provide a comparison of different hexanuclear clusters' stabilities.

Prediction of Atomically Thin Two-Dimensional Single Monolayer SnGe with High Carrier Mobility : A DFT Study

Using first principles plane-wave calculations within the framework of density functional theory (DFT), we propose a new two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb structure of SnGe. The dynamical stability of the structure SnGe...

Achieving highly thermostable red emission in singly Mn2+-doped BaXP2O7 (X = Mg/Zn) via self-reduction

The non-rare earth doped red phosphors are attracting wide attention for warm-white lighting and indoor plant cultivation applications. The Mn2+-doped phosphors have well spectral tunability and great potential to generate...

Structure, electrical properties, and conduction mechanism of new germanate mixed Zn-doped In2Ge2O7 conductors

A new germanate mixed electronic and oxide ionic conductor In1.8Zn0.2Ge2O6.9 was developed, which exhibits two-dimensional anisotropic transport nature by oxygen exchange between adjacent Ge2O7 units, with a conductivity of 1.62 × 10–2 S cm−1 at 1000 °C.

The substituent effect on the spin-crossover behaviour in a series of mononuclear Fe(ii) complexes from thio-pybox ligands

The correlation of the SCO temperature and substituent electronegativity of ligands is observed and discussed for a family of [Fe(thio-pybox)2]2+ complexes.

Achieving a dendrite-free lithium metal anode through lithiophilic surface modification with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate

Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) monolayer self-assembly on Cu foil can be used to construct a lithiophilic surface modification layer, which can help to achieve a robust and stable SEI and guide homogeneous and dendrite-free Li deposition.

MOF-Derived ZnS/NC yolk-shell Composites for Highly Reversible Lithium Storage

The application of ZnS-based anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has some severe challenges, such as the insulating nature of ZnS, the pronounced polarization caused by conversion reactions and alloying...

Electroreduction of N2 to NH3 catalyzed by a Mn/Re(111) single-atom alloy catalyst with high activity and selectivity: a new insight from a first-principles study

Periodic density functional theory calculations show that a Mn/Re(111) single-atom alloy may be an excellent catalyst with high activity and selectivity for the electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction.

Conductive polymer mediated earth abundant Z-scheme g-C3N4/Fe2O3 heterostructure with excellent photocatalytic activity

Being the second most abundant metal in the surface of the earth (5.1%), the size confined iron-based photocatalyst is of especially importance for solar energy conversion. Herein, the ternary Z-scheme...

Organic/inorganic hydrogels by simultaneous self-assembly and mineralization of aromatic short-peptides

Hybrid hydrogels with a tunable structure–function relationship were prepared by simultaneous self-assembly and mineralization of aromatic short-peptides. Sub-stoichiometric Ca concentrations resulted in nanoapatite oriented along the peptide fiber.

A novel core–shell Pd(0)@enSiO2–Ni–TiO2 nanocomposite with a synergistic effect for efficient hydrogenations

The synthesis of a core–shell nano-structured Pd(0)@enSiO2–Ni–TiO2 catalyst for the hydrogenation of nitro-arenes, quinoline and α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds was demonstrated.

Inkjet 3D-printing of functional layers of solid oxide electrochemical reactors: a review

The review paper overviews principles of inkjet printing and ink formulation, subsequently a literature summary on inkjet-printed solid oxide electrochemical reactors printed with 2D and 3D structures, followed by challenges limiting the technique.

Synthesis, microstructures, and gas separation performance of norbornyl bis-benzocyclobutene-Tröger’s base polymers derived from pure regioisomers

Chain configuration significantly influences the microstructures and gas separation performance of polymers of intrinsic microporosity. Herein, pure regioisomers of norbornyl bis-benzocyclobutene-containing (N2BC) diamines, i.e. anti-CANAL-4-MeNH2, syn-CANAL-4-MeNH2, anti-CANAL-2-Me2NH2, and syn-CANAL-2-Me2NH2, were...

Ultrathin Bi2Se3/CdS composite for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution via high interfacial charge separation and photothermal effect

Ultrathin Bi2Se3 nanosheets/CdS nanoparticles were prepared, which display excellent photocatalytic H2 activity, ascribed to the synergistic mechanism of the unusual transfer process of high-energy electrons and the photothermal effect.

Pyridine Nitrogen Position Controlled Molecular Packing and Stimuli-responsive Solid-State Fluorescence Switching: Supramolecular Complexation Facilitated Turn-on Fluorescence

Fluorophore structure and supramolecular interactions plays important role on the molecular conformation and packing in the solid state that strongly influenced on the solid-state fluorescence properties. Herein, we report the...

Fundamental understanding of the synthesis of well-defined supported non-noble metal intermetallic compound nanoparticles

Fundamental insights into the synthesis of model-like, supported, non-noble metal intermetallic compound nanoparticle catalysts with phase pure bulk and bulk-like 1st-atomic-layer particle surface composition.

Direct Z-scheme WTe2/InSe van der Waals heterostructure for overall water splitting

WTe2/InSe is a direct Z-scheme vdW heterostructure for water splitting. The Te-vacancy can effectively lower the energy of the HER, and the overall water splitting can proceed spontaneously on the surface of the WTe2/InSe heterostructure when pH > 7.

Functional pH-responsive polymers containing dynamic enaminone linkages for the release of active organic amines

Dynamic covalent bonds have attracted attention for the development of pH-responsive polymers, however, studies using acid-cleavable enaminone linkages as a means of controlled drug release have been limited. Herein, we...

Microwave assisted Synthesis of ZnGa2-x-yEuxTbyO4 luminescent nanoparticles showing balanced white-light emission

Phosphor-converted white-light-emitting diodes (pc-WLED) are technologically advanced next-generation lighting sources which will potentially substitute traditional lighting. Herein, we report microwave-assisted synthesis of single-phase, ZnGa2-x-yEuxTbyO4 nanophosphor in 10 min with high...

Effect of oxygen storage materials on the performance of Pt-based three-way catalysts

Pt supported on oxygen storage materials (CeO2 and CeO2–ZrO2) as effective three-way catalysts.

Triple captured iron by defect abundant NiO for efficient water oxidation

Fe-doped NiO host in well-defined nanorod assembly (Fe-NiMoO4@NiO-30) with large surface area is designed to achieve the triple capture of Fe via adjustable surface reconstruction and impregnation to optimize OER...

Three-dimensional nano-framework CoP/Co2P/Co3O4 heterojunction as a trifunctional electrocatalyst for metal–air battery and water splitting

Three-dimensional nano-framework CoP/Co2P/Co3O4 heterojunctions exhibit superior trifunctional electrocatalyst performances toward metal–air batteries and water splitting.

Metal-ion-mediated synergistic coordination: construction of AIE-metallogel sensor arrays for anions and amino acids

Metallogel-based six membered sensor arrays show applications in multi-analyte detection and fluorescence encryption.

Optimizing Optical Properties of Hybrid Core/Shell Perovskite Nanocrystals

Hybrid perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are widely used in various applications, due to their desirable optoelectronic characteristics. However, the related applications are usually hindered by their poor long-term stability. In this...

Regioselective installation of enolizable ketones and unprotected mercaptoacetic acid into olefins using GO as a phase transfer catalyst

Unprecedented regioselective conjugate addition of enolizable ketones and unprotected mercaptoacetic acid to electron poor alkenes using GO as a phase transfer catalyst is reported in excellent yield of products (up to 92%) and recyclability of the catalyst up to five times.

Dual-channel control of ferroelastic domains in a host–guest inclusion compound

By replacing [PF6]− with the larger [TFSA]−, the phase transition temperature is increased from 305 K to 342 K in a host–guest inclusion ferroelastic crystal, [(3,4-DFA)(18-crown-6)][TFSA], which can realize dual-channel (thermal and stress) control of ferroelastic domains.

A novel Z-scheme Bi-Bi2O3/KTa0.5Nb0.5O3 heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic conversion of N2 to NH3

A novel Z-scheme photocatalyst Bi-Bi2O3/KTa0.5Nb0.5O3 (KTN) composite was prepared by a simple solvothermal method. Compared with KTN, Bi/KTN, and Bi2O3/KTN, Bi-Bi2O3/KTN ternary composite catalyst presented much better photocatalytic ammonia-synthesis efficiency....

Durable polymer solar cells produced by the encapsulation of a WSe2 hole-transport layer and β-carotene as an active layer additive

WSe2 nanoflakes are obtained by liquid-phase exfoliation. Polymer solar cells with NF-WSe2 as the hole transport layer (HTL) are realized with superior photovoltaic characteristics.

Recent developments of Co3O4-based materials as catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction

The demand for the development of clean and efficient energy is becoming increasingly pressing due to depleting fossil fuels and environmental concerns.

Formation of the silver-flavin coordination polymers and their morphological studies

This Communication describes the formation of 1D-coordination polymeric motifs involving modified flavin analog connected together through intervening silver ions. Rare bidentate coordination mode for model flavin was achieved with silver...

Silicon quantum dot (SQD)-catalyzed visible-light-induced ATRP and its application in controlled surface modification

SiQD-catalyzed visible light induced ATRP provides not only good control of polymerization, but also has the potential for application in controlled surface modification through surface grafting photoATRP (SG-ATRP) with the assistance of MPS.

Reversible hetero-Diels–Alder amine hardener as drop-in replacement for healable epoxy coatings

Replacing commercial hardeners with bio-sourced fatty acids linked by hetero Diels–Alder (HDA) motifs enabled epoxy-amine coatings with intrinsic self-healing properties. The HDA-based coatings demonstrate scratch healing at 95 °C within 15 min.

Bottom-up synthesized crystalline boron quantum dots with nonvolatile memory effects through one-step hydrothermal polymerization of ammonium pentaborane and boric acid

Crystalline BQDs are synthesized through a bottom-up strategy and used to fabricate a BQD–PVP memory device with nonvolatile rewritable memory effects.

Electronic modulation of cobalt phosphide by lanthanum doping for efficient overall water splitting in alkaline media

The La-doping regulates the electronic structure of CoP, promoting its HER and OER activities. A La–CoP-based water electrolyzer requires a cell voltage of 1.608 V at 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline media, which outperforms a noble metal-based electrolyzer.

Fabrication of tailored rod-shaped carbon nitride, g-C3N4, decorated with MoSe2 flowers for the catalytic reduction of nitrophenol, organic dye degradation and biocompatibility studies

A facile hydrothermal approach was used to synthesize a self-assembled tailored rod-shaped g-C3N4 anchored with molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) flowers.

Direct Conversion of Solid g-C3N4 into Metal-ended N-doped Carbon Nanotubes for Rechargeable Zn-Air Batteries

Developing low-cost and bifunctional electrocatalysts with activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is great desirable for metal-air battery. Herein, we demonstrate an approach to realize...

The plastic crystal composite polyacrylate polymer electrolyte with a semi-interpenetrating network structure for all-solid-state LIBs

Polymer electrolyte semi-interpenetrating network structure of lithium ion battery.

The intricacies of the “steady-state” regime in methanol-to-hydrocarbon experimentation over H-ZSM-5

The operating conditions window and experimental procedures ensuring “steady-state” operation in methanol to hydrocarbon conversion have been experimentally determined over an H-ZSM-5 zeolite with considerable acidity (Si/Al = 40).

Recent advances in the ring-opening polymerization of sulfur-containing monomers

Inspired by the broad range of applications for sulfur-containing polymers, this article presents an overview regarding various ROP technologies (ROP/rROP/ROMP) which cement the importance of sulfur-containing monomers in modern polymer chemistry.

New tetradentate N,O-hybrid phenanthroline-derived organophosphorus extractants for the separation and complexation of trivalent actinides and lanthanides

Comparison of the extraction and separation properties between two novel phenanthroline-derived organophosphorus ligands, Et-Ph-BPPhen and Et-Ph-PIPhen.

Multi-scale reactive extrusion modelling approaches to design polymer synthesis, modification and mechanical recycling

Reactive extrusion (REX) is an important processing and production technique with applications in the field of polymer synthesis, modification and recycling.

Microstructure evolution and plastic deformation of Ni47Co53 alloy under tension

During the tension process, single crystal and polycrystal bear plastic strain through stacking faults and grain boundaries, respectively. In addition metallic glass bears plastic strain through tacking faults and grain boundaries.

Controlled copolymerization of α-NCAs and α-NNTAs for preparing peptide/peptoid hybrid polymers with adjustable proteolysis

The living and controlled copolymerization of α-NCAs and α-NNTAs enables the facile synthesis of peptide/peptoid hybrid polymers with an alternating-like distribution of residues and adjustable proteolysis by varying the proportion of peptoid residues.

Tuning the electronic property of Pd nanoparticles by encapsulation within ZIF-67 shells towards enhanced performance in 1,3-butadiene hydrogenation

The low olefin selectivity of Pd-based catalysts is a long-term challenge for the selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene.

Impact of substituent nature in diformylpyridyl Schiff base on photophysical and electrochemical properties of ruthenium- and iron-based complexes

The effect of substituents on the optical properties, redox potential, and reorganization energy in a series of Ru and Fe based complexes was studied. All studied complexes respond to the requirements for a sensitizer as the main component of DSSC.

Highly reversible aqueous zinc-ion battery using the chelating agent triethanolamine as an electrolyte additive

The chelating agent triethanolamine (TEA) is introduced as an additive in the electrolyte to enhance the cycling stability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Facile and fast synthesis of highly active Lewis acid MWW zeolite from a pure silica ITQ-1

A facile hydrothermal etching-healing strategy is proposed to fabricate Sn-MWW zeolite based on a pure silica ITQ-1 precursor, which avoids using any supporting agents and additives, such as B3+ and...

Molecular solid solutions for advanced materials – homeomorphic or heteromorphic

Crystalline molecular solid solutions are discussed on the basis of homeomorphism and heteromorphism of blended molecules.

First observation on emergence of strong room-temperature ferroelectricity and multiferroicity in 2D-Ti3C2Tx free-standing MXene film

Two-dimensional (2D) multiferroics are key candidate materials towards advancement of smart technology. Here, we employed a simple synthesis approach to address the long-awaited dream of developing ferroelectric and multiferroic 2D materials, especially in the new class of materials called MXenes. The etched Ti₃C₂T_x MXene was first synthesized after HF-treatment followed by a delamination process for successful synthesis of free-standing Ti₃C₂T_x film. The free-standing film was then exposed to air at room-temperature and heated at different temperatures to form a TiO₂ layer derived from the Ti₃C₂T_x MXene itself. The ferroelectric measurement showed a clear polarization hysteresis loop at room-temperature. Also, due to the reported ferromagnetic behavior of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene, our composite could show multiferroic properties at room-temperature. The magnetoelectric coupling test was also performed that showed a clear, switchable spontaneous polarization under applied magnetic field. TiO₂ is reported to be an incipient ferroelectric that assumes a ferroelectric phase in composite form. The structural and morphological analysis confirmed successful synthesis of free-standing film and the Raman spectroscopy revealed the formation of different phases of TiO₂ and the observed ferroelectricity could be due to structural deformation as a result of the formation of this new phase. The measured value of remanent polarization is 0.5 μC cm⁻². This is the first report on the existence of a ferroelectric phase and multiferroic coupling in 2D free-standing MXene film at room-temperature which opens-up the possibility of 2D material-based electric and magnetic data storage applications at room-temperature.

Two-dimensional (2D) multiferroics are key candidate materials towards advancement of smart technology.

Non-viral delivery of the CRISPR/Cas system: DNA versus RNA versus RNP

Since its discovery, the CRISPR/Cas technology has rapidly become an essential tool in modern biomedical research. The opportunities to specifically modify and correct genomic DNA has also raised big hope...