Magnetically Separable Nanocatalysts: Bridges between Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysis

Design and synthesis of magnetic Fe3O4@NFC-ImSalophCu nanocatalyst based on cellulose nanofibers as a new and highly efficient, reusable, stable and green catalyst for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles

The Fe3O4@NFC-ImSalophCu catalyst was used as a highly stable, reusable, active, green catalyst for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles via one-pot three-component reaction of phenacyl bromides, sodium azide and alkynes. A Cu(ii)-Schiff base complex containing an imidazolium ionic phase was prepared and decorated on core shell Fe3O4@NFC magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@NFC-ImSalophCu) and was used as an efficient catalyst. The heterogeneous catalyst was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, FE-SEM, TEM, XRD spectroscopy, EDX spectroscopy, VSM, and ICP spectroscopy. This catalyst shows the dual function of the metal sites and imidazolium moieties. The catalytic system mentioned above also showed excellent activity in the synthesis of bis 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles. Moreover, the catalyst could be recycled and reused for four cycles without any decrease in its catalytic activity.

Highly Active Ruthenium Catalyst Supported on Magnetically Separable Mesoporous Organosilica Nanoparticles

A facile and direct method for synthesizing magnetic periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles from pure organosilane precursors is described. Magnetic ethylene- and phenylene-bridged periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (PMO NPs) were prepared by nanoemulsification techniques. For fabricating magnetic ethylene- or phenylene-bridged PMO NPs, hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles in an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion were prepared, followed by a sol–gel condensation of the incorporated bridged organosilane precursor (1,2 bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane or 1,4 bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene), respectively. The resulting materials were characterized using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), solid-state NMR analysis, and nitrogen sorption analysis (N2-BET). The magnetic ethylene-bridged PMO NPs were successfully loaded using a ruthenium oxide catalyst by means of sonication and evaporation under mild conditions. The obtained catalytic system, termed Ru@M-Ethylene-PMO NPS, was applied in a reduction reaction of aromatic compounds. It exhibited very high catalytic behavior with easy separation from the reaction medium by applying an external magnetic field.

Surface engineering of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles by polymer grafting: synthesis progress and biomedical applications

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have wide applications in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biomedicine, drug delivery, hyperthermia therapy, catalysis, magnetic separation, and others. However, these applications are usually limited by irreversible agglomeration of IONPs in aqueous media because of their dipole-dipole interactions, and their poor stability. A protecting polymeric shell provides IONPs with not only enhanced long-term stability, but also the functionality of polymer shells. Therefore, polymer-grafted IONPs have recently attracted much attention of scientists. In this tutorial review, we will present the current strategies for grafting polymers onto the surface of IONPs, basically including "grafting from" and "grafting to" methods. Available functional groups and chemical reactions, which could be employed to bind polymers onto the IONP surface, are comprehensively summarized. Moreover, the applications of polymer-grafted IONPs will be briefly discussed. Finally, future challenges and perspectives in the synthesis and application of polymer-grafted IONPs will also be discussed.

Recent Advances in Noble Metal Catalysts for Hydrogen Production from Ammonia Borane

Interest in chemical hydrogen storage has increased, because the supply of fossil fuels are limited and the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels on the environment have become a focus of public concern. Hydrogen, as one of the energy carriers, is useful for the sustainable development. However, it is widely known that controlled storage and release of hydrogen are the biggest barriers in large-scale application of hydrogen energy. Ammonia borane (NH3BH3, AB) is deemed as one of the most promising hydrogen storage candidates on account of its high hydrogen to mass ratio and environmental benignity. Development of efficient catalysts to further improve the properties of chemical kinetics in the dehydrogenation of AB under appropriate conditions is of importance for the practical application of this system. In previous studies, a variety of noble metal catalysts and their supported metal catalysts (Pt, Pd, Au, Rh, etc.) have presented great properties in decomposing the chemical hydride to generate hydrogen, thus, promoting their application in dehydrogenation of AB is urgent. We analyzed the hydrolysis of AB from the mechanism of hydrogen release reaction to understand more deeply. Based on these characteristics, we aimed to summarize recent advances in the development of noble metal catalysts, which had excellent activity and stability for AB dehydrogenation, with prospect towards realization of efficient noble metal catalysts.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC)-Stabilized Ru0 Nanoparticles: In Situ Generation of an Efficient Transfer Hydrogenation Catalyst

Tethered and untethered ruthenium half-sandwich complexes were synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. X-ray crystallographic analysis of three untethered and two tethered Ru N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes were also carried out. These RuNHC complexes catalyze transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones in 2-propanol under reflux, optimally in the presence of (25 mol %) KOH. Under these conditions, the formation of 2-3 nm-sized Ru⁰ nanoparticles was detected by TEM measurements. A solid-state NMR investigation of the nanoparticles suggested that the NHC ligands were bound to the surface of the Ru nanoparticles (NPs). This base-promoted route to NHC-stabilized ruthenium nanoparticles directly from arene-tethered ruthenium-NHC complexes and from untethered ruthenium-NHC complexes is more convenient than previously known routes to NHC-stabilized Ru nanocatalysts. Similar catalytically active RuNPs were also generated from the reaction of a mixture of [RuCl₂ (p-cymene)]₂ and the NHC precursor with KOH in isopropanol under reflux. The transfer hydrogenation catalyzed by these NHC-stabilized RuNPs possess a high turnover number. The catalytic efficiency was significantly reduced if nanoparticles were exposed to air or allowed to aggregate and precipitate by cooling the reaction mixtures during the reaction.

Solvent-free synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthol and 3-amino-1-phenyl-1H benzo[f]chromene-2-carbonitrile derivatives by Fe3O4@enamine-B(OSO3H)2 as an efficient and novel heterogeneous magnetic nanostructure catalyst

A green procedure for the one-pot three-component synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthol and 3-amino-1-phenyl-1H benzo[f]chromene-2-carbonitrile derivatives from the reaction of 2-naphtol, aldehydes, and malononitrile/acetamide in the presence of a catalytic amount of Fe3O4@enamine-B(OSO3H)2 as an efficient and novel heterogeneous magnetic nanostructure catalyst is described. The catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These strategies possess some merits such as simple work-up method, easy preparation of the catalyst, short reaction times, good-to-high yields, and non-use of hazardous solvents during all steps of the reactions. Moreover, due to the magnetic nature of the catalyst, it was readily recovered by magnetic decantation and can be recycled at least six runs with no considerable decrease in catalytic activity.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis, Surface Modifications and Applications of Core-Shell Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres

The hierarchically structured core-shell magnetic mesoporous silica nanospheres (Mag-MSNs) have attracted extensive attention, particularly in studies involving reliable preparations and diverse applications of the multifunctional nanomaterials in multi-disciplinary fields. Intriguingly, Mag-MSNs have been prepared with well-designed synthesis strategies and used as adsorbent materials, biomedicines, and in proteomics and catalysis due to their excellent magnetic responsiveness, enormous specific surface area and readiness for surface modifications. Through a carefully designed surface modification of Mag-MSNs, the performance and application prospects of the material are greatly improved. Typically, the introduction of various molecular matrices into the shell of Mag-MSNs facilitates the combination of surface modifications and magnetic separation technology. So far, as sustainable chemistry is concerned, it is important to recover the functionalized core-shell Mag-MSNs after the reaction and reuse them without losing activity. In this review, the design conceptions and the construction of core-shell Mag-MSNs are discussed. Furthermore, various surface modification approaches of core-shell Mag-MSNs are summarized, and recent applications of these functionalized nanomaterials in the fields of biomedicine, catalysis, proteomics and wastewater treatment are exemplified.

Central-radial bi-porous nanocatalysts with accessible high unit loading and robust magnetic recyclability for 4-nitrophenol reduction

Central-radial bi-porous nanocatalysts were synthesized by derivation from dendritic porous supports with hierarchical inorganic functional layers. The nanostructure exhibited a high unit loading capacity, accessible internal catalytic sites and protective mesoporous shell encapsulation. The nanocatalysts were utilized for efficient and stable heterogeneous catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol with robust magnetic recyclability.

Role of the Support in Gold-Containing Nanoparticles as Heterogeneous Catalysts

In this review, we discuss selected examples from recent literature on the role of the support on directing the nanostructures of Au-based monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles. The role of support is then discussed in relation to the catalytic properties of Au-based monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles using different gas phase and liquid phase reactions. The reactions discussed include CO oxidation, aerobic oxidation of monohydric and polyhydric alcohols, selective hydrogenation of alkynes, hydrogenation of nitroaromatics, CO₂ hydrogenation, C–C coupling, and methane oxidation. Only studies where the role of support has been explicitly studied in detail have been selected for discussion. However, the role of support is also examined using examples of reactions involving unsupported metal nanoparticles (i.e., colloidal nanoparticles). It is clear that the support functionality can play a crucial role in tuning the catalytic activity that is observed and that advanced theory and characterization add greatly to our understanding of these fascinating catalysts.

Ionically Tagged Magnetic Nanoparticles with Urea Linkers: Application for Preparation of 2-Aryl-quinoline-4-carboxylic Acids via an Anomeric-Based Oxidation Mechanism

In this exploration, we reported the design and synthesis of a novel ionically tagged magnetic nanoparticles bearing urea linkers, namely, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@(CH₂)₃-urea-thiazole sulfonic acid chloride. The structure of the mentioned compound was fully characterized by using several techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, elemental mapping analysis, thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. In the presence of the novel reusable catalyst, applied starting materials including aryl aldehydes, pyruvic acid, and 1-naphthylamine condensed to afford the desired 2-aryl-quinoline-4-carboxylic acid derivatives via an anomeric-based oxidation pathway under solvent-free conditions.

Recent Advances in Aqueous-Phase Catalytic Conversions of Biomass Platform Chemicals Over Heterogeneous Catalysts

A series of biomass-derived platform molecules, such as glucose, furans, levulinic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and acetic acids, can be converted into a variety of value-added chemicals through catalytic transformations that include dehydration, hydrogenation, oxidation, isomerization, reforming, ketonization, and aldol condensation over heterogeneous catalysts. Aqueous-phase processing is an important issue and a great challenge for the heterogeneous catalytic conversion of biobased chemicals due to the high water content of the biomass and the formation of water during the transformation process. In this paper, heterogeneous catalysts that are applicable to the aqueous-phase conversion process of biomass platform chemicals, including noble metal catalysts, non-noble metal catalysts, bimetallic catalysts, metal oxides, and zeolite, are introduced, and a comprehensive evaluation of the catalyst performance, including the catalytic activity, stability, and regeneration performance of different kinds of heterogeneous catalysts, are made. Besides, we highlighted the effect of water on heterogeneous catalysts and the deactivation mechanism in the aqueous phase. Beyond this, several catalytic mechanisms of aqueous-phase conversion over heterogeneous catalysts are summarized in order to help understand the reaction process on the surface of catalysts in the aqueous phase, so as to design targeted catalysts. At last, a prospect of biobased chemicals and fuels is forecasted.

Soft-Matter Nanotubes: A Platform for Diverse Functions and Applications

Self-assembled organic nanotubes made of single or multiple molecular components can be classified into soft-matter nanotubes (SMNTs) by contrast with hard-matter nanotubes, such as carbon and other inorganic nanotubes. To date, diverse self-assembly processes and elaborate template procedures using rationally designed organic molecules have produced suitable tubular architectures with definite dimensions, structural complexity, and hierarchy for expected functions and applications. Herein, we comprehensively discuss every functions and possible applications of a wide range of SMNTs as bulk materials or single components. This Review highlights valuable contributions mainly in the past decade. Fifteen different families of SMNTs are discussed from the viewpoints of chemical, physical, biological, and medical applications, as well as action fields (e.g., interior, wall, exterior, whole structure, and ensemble of nanotubes). Chemical applications of the SMNTs are associated with encapsulating materials and sensors. SMNTs also behave, while sometimes undergoing morphological transformation, as a catalyst, template, liquid crystal, hydro-/organogel, superhydrophobic surface, and micron size engine. Physical functions pertain to ferro-/piezoelectricity and energy migration/storage, leading to the applications to electrodes or supercapacitors, and mechanical reinforcement. Biological functions involve artificial chaperone, transmembrane transport, nanochannels, and channel reactors. Finally, medical functions range over drug delivery, nonviral gene transfer vector, and virus trap.

Modern Catalysts in A3- Coupling Reactions

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Propargylamines are an important constituent of diverse, biologically active and industrially valuable compounds. These useful, convenient and effective compounds can be synthesized via the A3-coupling reactions between an aldehyde, amine, and alkyne in the presence of a catalyst. In the past years, most of the catalysts containing transition metals were applied in these reactions, but today, various heterogeneous catalysts, especially nanocatalysts are used. The purpose of this review was to introduce some modern catalysts for the A3-coupling reaction.