Networked Spin Cages: Tunable Magnetism and Lithium Ion Storage via Modulation of Spin-Electron Interactions

Selective adsorption of mercury ion from water by a novel functionalized magnetic Ti based metal-organic framework composite

In the context of industrialization and severe wastewater pollution, mercury ions pose a major threat due to their high toxicity. However, traditional adsorbents and common metal-organic framework (MOF) materials have limited effectiveness. This study focuses on combining magnetic materials with functionalized titanium-based MOF composite (SNN-MIL-125(Ti)@Fe3O4) to improve mercury ion adsorption. Through comprehensive characterization and analysis, the adsorption performance and mechanism of the material were studied. The optimal adsorption of the material was achieved at pH 5, exhibiting a pseudo-second-order adsorption model and the Hill theoretical capacity of 668.98 mg/g. Hill and Tempkin models confirmed the presence of chemical and physical adsorption sites on the material surface. Thermodynamic experiments showed a spontaneous endothermic process. Despite the presence of interfering ions, the material exhibited high selectivity for mercury ions. After four cycles, adsorption performance decreased by only 8%, indicating excellent reusability. Nitrogen- and sulfur-containing functional groups played a key role in mercury ion adsorption. In conclusion, SNN-MIL-125(Ti)@Fe3O4, as a magnetic MOF adsorption material, showed potential for effective remediation of mercury-contaminated wastewater. This study contributes to the development of efficient adsorption materials and enhances the understanding of their mechanism.

Recent advances and perspectives on supramolecular radical cages

Supramolecular radical chemistry has been emerging as a cutting-edge interdisciplinary field of traditional supramolecular chemistry and radical chemistry in recent years. The purpose of such a fundamental research field is to combine traditional supramolecular chemistry and radical chemistry together, and take the benefit of both to eventually create new molecules and materials. Recently, supramolecular radical cages have been becoming one of the most frontier and challenging research focuses in the field of supramolecular chemistry. In this Perspective, we give a brief introduction to organic radical chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and the emerging supramolecular radical chemistry along with their history and application. Subsequently, we turn to the main part of this topic: supramolecular radical cages. The design and synthesis of supramolecular cages consisting of redox-active building blocks and radical centres are summarized. The host-guest interactions between supramolecular (radical) cages and organic radicals are also surveyed. Some interesting properties and applications of supramolecular radical cages such as their unique spin-spin interactions and intriguing confinement effects in radical-mediated/catalyzed reactions are comprehensively discussed and highlighted in the main text. The purpose of this Perspective is to help students and researchers understand the development of supramolecular radical cages, and potentially to stimulate innovation and creativity and infuse new energy into the fields of traditional supramolecular chemistry and radical chemistry as well as supramolecular radical chemistry.