Photoinduced Oxidation of Water to Oxygen in the Ionic Liquid BMIMBF4 as the Counter Reaction in the Fabrication of Exceptionally Long Semiconducting Silver-Tetracyanoquinodimethane Nanowires

The Potential Role of Ionic Liquid as a Multifunctional Dental Biomaterial

In craniofacial research and routine dental clinical procedures, multifunctional materials with antimicrobial properties are in constant demand. Ionic liquids (ILs) are one such multifunctional intelligent material. Over the last three decades, ILs have been explored for different biomedical applications due to their unique physical and chemical properties, high task specificity, and sustainability. Their stable physical and chemical characteristics and extremely low vapor pressure make them suitable for various applications. Their unique properties, such as density, viscosity, and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, may provide higher performance as a potential dental material. ILs have functionalities for optimizing dental implants, infiltrate materials, oral hygiene maintenance products, and restorative materials. They also serve as sensors for dental chairside usage to detect oral cancer, periodontal lesions, breath-based sobriety, and dental hard tissue defects. With further optimization, ILs might also make vital contributions to craniofacial regeneration, oral hygiene maintenance, oral disease prevention, and antimicrobial materials. This review explores the different advantages and properties of ILs as possible dental material.

Increased Crystallization of CuTCNQ in Water/DMSO Bisolvent for Enhanced Redox Catalysis

Controlling the kinetics of CuTCNQ (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) crystallization has been a major challenge, as CuTCNQ crystallizing on Cu foil during synthesis in conventional solvents such as acetonitrile simultaneously dissolves into the reaction medium. In this work, we address this challenge by using water as a universal co-solvent to control the kinetics of crystallization and growth of phase I CuTCNQ. Water increases the dielectric constant of the reaction medium, shifting the equilibrium toward CuTCNQ crystallization while concomitantly decreasing the dissolution of CuTCNQ. This allows more CuTCNQ to be controllably crystallized on the surface of the Cu foil. Different sizes of CuTCNQ crystals formed on Cu foil under different water/DMSO admixtures influence the solvophilicity of these materials. This has important implications in their catalytic performance, as water-induced changes in the surface properties of these materials can make them highly hydrophilic, which allows the CuTCNQ to act as an efficient catalyst as it brings the aqueous reactants in close vicinity of the catalyst. Evidently, the CuTCNQ synthesized in 30% (v/v) water/DMSO showed superior catalytic activity for ferricyanide reduction with 95% completion achieved within a few minutes in contrast to CuTCNQ synthesized in DMSO that took over 92 min.

Polyoxometalates in photocatalysis

Recent developments in polyoxometalate photochemistry are discussed with a focus on visible light driven productive chemical reactions. Special attention is given to the fundamental photochemistry of polyoxometalates and the effects on the resulting photoprocesses.

Unveiling the Switching Riddle of Silver Tetracyanoquinodimethane Towards Novel Planar Single-Crystalline Electrochemical Metallization Memories

The switching riddle of AgTCNQ is shown to be caused by the solid electrolyte mechanism. Both factors of bulk phase change and contact issue play key roles in the efficient work of the devices. An effective strategy is developed to locate the formation/disruption of Ag conductive filaments using the planar asymmetric configuration of Au/AgTCNQ/AlOx /Al. These novel electrochemical metallization memories demonstrate many promising properties.

Catalysis of water oxidation in acetonitrile by iridium oxide nanoparticles

Water oxidation catalysed by iridium oxide nanoparticles (IrO2 NPs) in water-acetonitrile mixtures using [RuIII(bpy)3]3+ as oxidant was studied as a function of the water content, the acidity of the reaction media and the catalyst concentration. It was observed that under acidic conditions (HClO4) and at high water contents (80% (v/v)) the reaction is slow, but its rate increases as the water content decreases, reaching a maximum at approximately equimolar proportions (≈25% H2O (v/v)). The results can be rationalized based on the structure of water in water-acetonitrile mixtures. At high water fractions, water is present in highly hydrogen-bonded arrangements and is less reactive. As the water content decreases, water clustering gives rise to the formation of water-rich micro-domains, and the number of bonded water molecules decreases monotonically. The results presented herein indicate that non-bonded water present in the water micro-domains is considerably more reactive towards oxygen production. Finally, long term electrolysis of water-acetonitrile mixtures containing [RuII(bpy)3]2+ and IrO2 NPs in solution show that the amount of oxygen produced is constant with time demonstrating that the redox mediator is stable under these experimental conditions.

Low temperature transport of a charge transfer complex nanowire grown with an electric field from the vapour phase

Suspended Cu–tetracyanoquinodimethane nanowires connecting two electrodes (∼1.0 µm gap) have been grown. Below 100 K, the bias dependent non-linear conductance can be fitted to a modified Zener tunneling model for charge density wave transport.

Ionic liquid promoted synthesis of conjugated carbon nitride photocatalysts from urea

To allow for simultaneous textural engineering and doping of carbon nitride materials with heteroatoms, urea has been polymerized with an ionic liquid. The role of urea is to create a delamination effect during carbon nitride synthesis, whereas ionic liquid functions as texture modifier as well as B/F dopant source. This will result in the rational fabrication of boron- and fluorine-containing 2D carbon nitride nanosheets with enhanced optical harvesting and charge separation capabilities for hydrogen evolution catalysis using visible light. We believe that the innovative modification strategy developed herein can be coupled with the already known modification tools of 2D carbon nitride, thus further developing a new family of light-harvesting 2D platforms for the efficient and sustained utilization of solar radiation for a variety of advanced applications, including CO2 photofixation, organic photosynthesis, and pollutant controls.

Decorating Semiconductor Silver-Tetracyanoquinodimethane Nanowires with Silver Nanoparticles from Ionic Liquids

Hybrid semiconducting silver-tetracyanoquinodimethane (AgTCNQ) nanowires decorated with Ag nanoparticles have been synthesized at room temperature in the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate. Hydroquinone was applied to reduce Ag+ and TCNQ to silver nanoparticles, and TCNQ–, respectively, under ambient conditions. AgTCNQ nanowires were formed via spontaneous electrolysis between Ag metal nanoparticles and TCNQ, and reaction between Ag+ and TCNQ–. Microscopic, spectroscopic, and X-ray characterizations all confirmed the formation of crystalline Ag nanoparticle–AgTCNQ nanowire hybrid structures. The ionic liquid was used as a reaction medium, but also as a stabilizing (or blocking) agent to control the nucleation and growth rate of AgTCNQ wires.

Deterministic growth of AgTCNQ and CuTCNQ nanowires on large-area reduced graphene oxide films for flexible optoelectronics

We describe a synchronous reduction and assembly procedure to directly produce large-area reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films sandwiched by a high density of metal nanoparticles (silver and copper). Further, by using the sandwiched metal NPs as sources, networks consisting of AgTCNQ and CuTCNQ nanowires were deterministically grown from the rGO films, forming structurally and functionally integrated rGO/metal-TCNQ hybrid films with outstanding flexibility, bending endurance, and electrical stability. Interestingly, due to the p-type nature of the rGO film and the n-type nature of the metal-TCNQ NWs, the hybrid films are essentially thin-film p-n junctions which are useful in ubiquitous electronics and optoelectronics. Measurements of the optoelectronic properties demonstrate that the rGO/metal-TCNQ hybrid films exhibit substantial photoconductivity and highly reproducible photoswitching behaviours. The present approach may open the door to the versatile and deterministic integration of functional nanostructures into flexible conducting substrates and provide an important step towards producing low-cost and high-performance soft electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Photochemical oxidation of water and reduction of polyoxometalate anions at interfaces of water with ionic liquids or diethylether

Photoreduction of [P(2)W(18)O(62)](6-), [S(2)Mo(18)O(62)](4-), and [S(2)W(18)O(62)](4-) polyoxometalate anions (POMs) and oxidation of water occurs when water-ionic liquid and water-diethylether interfaces are irradiated with white light (275-750 nm) or sunlight. The ionic liquids (ILs) employed were aprotic ([Bmim]X; Bmim = (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium, X = BF(4), PF(6)) and protic (DEAS = diethanolamine hydrogen sulphate; DEAP = diethanolamine hydrogen phosphate). Photochemical formation of reduced POMs at both thermodynamically stable and unstable water-IL interfaces led to their initial diffusion into the aqueous phase and subsequent extraction into the IL phase. The mass transport was monitored visually by color change and by steady-state voltammetry at microelectrodes placed near the interface and in the bulk solution phases. However, no diffusion into the organic phase was observed when [P(2)W(18)O(62)](6-) was photo-reduced at the water-diethylether interface. In all cases, water acted as the electron donor to give the overall process: 4POM + 2H(2)O + hν → 4POM(-) + 4H(+) + O(2). However, more highly reduced POM species are likely to be generated as intermediates. The rate of diffusion of photo-generated POM(-) was dependent on the initial concentration of oxidized POM and the viscosity of the IL (or mixed phase system produced in cases in which the interface is thermodynamically unstable). In the water-DEAS system, the evolution of dioxygen was monitored in situ in the aqueous phase by using a Clark-type oxygen sensor. Differences in the structures of bulk and interfacial water are implicated in the activation of water. An analogous series of reactions occurred upon irradiation of solid POM salts in the presence of water vapor.

Novel Semiconducting Biomaterials Derived from a Proline Ester and Tetracyanoquinodimethane Identified by Handpicked Selection of Individual Crystals

Complex mixtures of cation : anion stoichometries often result from the syntheses of tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) salts, and often these cannot be easily separated. In this study, the reaction of N,N-dimethyl-d-proline-methylester (Pro(CH3)3+) with LiTCNQ resulted in a mixture of crystals. Hand selection and characterisation of each crystal type by X-ray, infrared, Raman and electrochemistry has provided two stoichometries, 1 : 1 [Pro(CH3)3TCNQ] and 2 : 3 ([(Pro(CH3)3)2(TCNQ)3]). A detailed comparison of these structures is provided. The electrochemical method provides an exceptionally sensitive method of distinguishing differences in stoichiometry. The room temperature conductivity of the mixture is 3.1 × 10–2 S cm–1, which lies in the semiconducting range.

Ionothermal synthesis of aggregated α-Fe₂O₃ nanoplates and their magnetic properties

Aggregated α-Fe(2)O(3) nanoplates have been successfully synthesized under ionothermal conditions through the self-assembly of nanoplatelets in a side-to-side manner. During the formation process of aggregated α-Fe(2)O(3) nanoplates, pure ionic liquid media is essential for the assembly and coalescence of small nanoplatelets into final nanoplates. Moreover, the magnetic properties of the aggregated α-Fe(2)O(3) nanoplates are strongly correlated to their unique structural characteristics.

Synthesis, Physical Properties, Structural, and Electrochemical Characterization of Methimidazolium and Imidazolium-based Tetracyanoquinodimethane Anion Radical Salts

Two methimazolium and two imidazolium-based salts derived from combination with the tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) radical anion have been synthesized (1–4). The 1:1 (cation:anion) stoichiometry of the chemically synthesized materials is fully supported by steady-state voltammetric measurements at a microdisc electrode in acetonitrile. The methimazolium TCNQ salts (1 and 2), which contain an acidic proton on the cation, exhibit a protonation step coupled to the TCNQ1–/2– charge-transfer process. Solid–solid transformations at a TCNQ-modified electrode also lead to electrochemical synthesis of 1–4, but also indicate that other cation:anion stoichiometries are accessible. Atomic force microscopy for electrochemically synthesized samples exhibit rod-like morphology. Conductivity measurements on chemically and electrochemically prepared salts are in the semiconducting range. Scanning electrochemical microscopy approach curve data support the substantial conductivity of these solids. Extensive physicochemical characterization of these materials is in complete accordance with the X-ray crystal structure of 1-acetonitrile-3-methylimidazolium tetracyanoquinodimethane, [AMim+][TCNQ1–], 4.

Modified thermodynamics in ionic liquids for controlled electrocrystallization of nanocubes, nanowires, and crystalline thin films of silver-tetracyanoquinodimethane

Electrocrystallization of nanocubes, nanorods, nanowires, and crystalline thin films of silver-tetracyanoquinodimethane (AgTCNQ) onto glassy carbon, indium tin oxide, and platinum electrodes can be achieved from ionic liquids containing dissolved TCNQ and Ag(I) salts. In conventional molecular organic solvents, such as acetonitrile, the reduction of TCNQ and Ag(+) occurs at almost the same potential. In contrast, the different thermodynamics that apply to the room temperature ionic liquid, 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF(4)), give rise to a large potential separation in the two processes, which enables electrocrystallization of AgTCNQ to be undertaken via two distinctly different, potential-dependent mechanisms. Cyclic and microelectrode voltammetric, chronoamperometric, together with microscopic and spectroscopic techniques reveal that AgTCNQ nanostuctures of controlled morphology, size, density, and uniformity can be achieved by tuning the electrocrystallization parameters such as potential, stoichiometric ratio of Ag(+) and TCNQ, and their concentrations, time, and ionic liquid viscosity by altering the water content. In the potential range of -0.1 to 0.3 V vs Fc(0/+) (Fc = ferrocene), electrocrystallization occurs when Ag is deposited at electrode defect sites via a progressive nucleation and 3-D growth mechanism followed by reaction with TCNQ to produce structures ranging from nanocubes to nanowires. At higher stoichiometric concentrations of Ag(+) and more negative potentials (<-0.1 V vs Fc(0/+)), extremely thin crystalline films could be obtained via overpotential deposition. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy, elemental analysis, together with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy all confirm the formation of highly pure AgTCNQ nanomaterials, which exhibit differences in morphology but not phase. The study highlights the capability of the electrocrystallization method to precisely control the morphology of nanomaterials, and also the unprecedented opportunities provided by using ionic liquids as the medium for preparation of technologically important metal-TCNQ charge transfer complexes.