Metal−organic framework encapsulated Pd nanoparticles: towards advanced heterogeneous catalysts

Palladium precursors were encapsulated through ligand design prior to the MOF assembly, achieving uniformly distributed Pd NPs inside the cavities of MOFs. The embedded Pd NPs exhibited significantly improved catalytic efficiencies as compared to those synthesized by traditional impregnation method, due to the nano-confinement and electron-donation effects offered by MOFs.

MOF positioning technology and device fabrication

Methods for permanent localisation, dynamic localisation and spatial control of functional materials within MOF crystals are critical for the development of miniaturised MOF-based devices for a number of technological applications.

Multifunctional nanoparticle@MOF core-shell nanostructures

Controllable integration of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is leading to the creation of many new multifunctional materials. In this Research News, an emerging type of core-shell nanostructure, in which the inorganic NP cores are encapsulated by the MOF shells, is briefly introduced. Unique functions originating from the property synergies of different types of inorganic NP cores and MOF shells are highlighted, and insight into their future development is suggested. It is highly expected that this Research News could arouse research enthusiasm on such NP@MOF core-shell nanostructures, which have great application potential in devices, energy, the environment, and medicine.

One-step synthesis of size-tunable Ag nanoparticles incorporated in electrospun PVA/cyclodextrin nanofibers

One-step synthesis of size-tunable silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) incorporated into electrospun nanofibers was achieved. Initially, in situ reduction of silver salt (AgNO3) to Ag-NP was carried out in aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Here, PVA was used as reducing agent and stabilizing polymer as well as electrospinning polymeric matrix for the fabrication of PVA/Ag-NP nanofibers. Afterwards, hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) was used as an additional reducing and stabilizing agent in order to control size and uniform dispersion of Ag-NP. The size of Ag-NP was ∼8 nm and some Ag-NP aggregates were observed for PVA/Ag-NP nanofibers, conversely, the size of Ag-NP decreased from ∼8 nm down to ∼2 nm within the fiber matrix without aggregation were attained for PVA/HPβCD nanofibers. The PVA/Ag-NP and PVA/HPβCD/Ag-NP nanofibers exhibited surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect. Moreover, antibacterial properties of PVA/Ag-NP and PVA/HPβCD/Ag-NP nanofibrous mats were tested against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria.