Electrochemical, Pulsed-Field-Gradient Spin-Echo NMR Spectroscopic, and ESR Spectroscopic Study of the Diffusivity of Molecular Probes inside Gel-Type Cross-Linked Polymers

Nanoconfinement and mass transport in metal-organic frameworks

The ubiquity of metal-organic frameworks in recent scientific literature underscores their highly versatile nature. MOFs have been developed for use in a wide array of applications, including: sensors, catalysis, separations, drug delivery, and electrochemical processes. Often overlooked in the discussion of MOF-based materials is the mass transport of guest molecules within the pores and channels. Given the wide distribution of pore sizes, linker functionalization, and crystal sizes, molecular diffusion within MOFs can be highly dependent on the MOF-guest system. In this review, we discuss the major factors that govern the mass transport of molecules through MOFs at both the intracrystalline and intercrystalline scale; provide an overview of the experimental and computational methods used to measure guest diffusivity within MOFs; and highlight the relevance of mass transfer in the applications of MOFs in electrochemical systems, separations, and heterogeneous catalysis.

NMR Diffusiometry Spectroscopy, a Novel Technique for Monitoring the Micro-Modifications in Bitumen Ageing

In the past three decades, several conventional methods have been employed for characterizing the bitumen ageing phenomenon, such as rheological testing, ultraviolet testing, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), gas chromatography (GC), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray scattering, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Nevertheless, these techniques can provide only limited observations of the structural micro-modifications occurring during bitumen ageing. In this study, Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance self-diffusion coefficient (FT-NMR-SDC) spectroscopy, as a novel method, was employed to investigate and compare the microstructural changes between virgin bitumen (pristine bitumen) and aged bitumen. The virgin bitumen was aged artificially using two standard ageing tests: Rolling Thin-Film Oven Test (RTFOT) and Pressure Ageing Vessel (PAV). For a comprehensive comparison and an assessment of the validity of this method, the generated samples were studied using various methods: rheological test, atomic force microscopy, and optical microscopy. Significant differences were obtained between the structure and ageing patterns of virgin and aged bitumen. The results indicate that the modification of maltenes to asphaltenes is responsible for the ageing character. When compared with the other methods’ findings, FT-NMR-SDC observations confirm that the asphaltene content increases during ageing processes.

Effect of the Sulfonation on the Swollen State Morphology of Styrenic Cross-Linked Polymers

The chemical structure and morphology of a set of sulfonic gel-type poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) resins (2 mol% DVB) prepared with different synthetic approaches were investigated by solid state NMR, Inverse Size Exclusion Chromatography (ISEC), FT-IR and elemental analysis to compare their swollen state structure. FT-IR and solid state NMR clearly show that the sulfonation mainly occurs in the para- position with respect the main polymer chain. Sensible proportions of sulfone bridges were found in the materials obtained with oleum and chlorosulfonic acid. With oleum, the presence of the sulfone bridges is clearly associated to a reduced ability to swell in the water medium relative to the proton exchange capacity. This highlights the cross-linking action of the sulfone bridges according to ISEC results, showing a high proportion of a dense polymer fraction in the swollen material. An even higher degree of sulfone-bridging, lower swelling ability, and a high proportion of a dense polymer fraction in the swollen material are found in the resin obtained with chlorosulfonic acid. As a matter of fact, Cross Polarization Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CP-MAS ¹³C-NMR), elemental analysis, and ion exchange capacity, show that oleum and chlorosulfonic acid produced resins with remarkably smaller pores and lower swollen gel volume in polar solvents, with respect to concentrated sulfuric acid.

Synthesis and catalytic activity of metal nanoclusters inside functional resins: an endeavour lasting 15 years

Cross-linked functional polymers (functional resins) are versatile, designable and useful supports for metal nanoclusters that are able to provide reasonably thermally and mechanically stable multi-functional metal catalysts characterized by good activity and selectivity. The paper reviews authors' contributions to the field from the early 1990s to the present.