Selective Detection of Primary Aromatic Amines through Enhanced Luminescence of a 2D + 2D Inclined Polycatenated Microporous Nitro-Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework

Detection and sensing of amines through enhanced fluorescence emission are always challenging in aqueous solution. The range of different Lewis basicities, shapes, and sizes as well as the different structural arrangements of amines is responsible for their less specificity in aqueous solution. Here, we have designed a highly fluorescent emissive 2D + 2D → 3D inclined polycatenated NO2-functionalized flexible metal-organic framework (MOF) for selective segregation of electron-rich aromatic primary amines from electron-deficient amines in aqueous solution, showing different emission behaviors. The inclined polycatenated 2D + 2D → 3D MOF having an asymmetric unit {[Cd(dim)(2-nta)(H2O)](H2O)(MeOH)}n (1) has been synthesized by a slow diffusion process and characterized thoroughly by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) as well as other physicochemical methods. The desolvated species of 1 (Ref. MOF) is found to be stable and has been characterized by PXRD and adsorption study. The fluorescence profile of the Ref. MOF shows selective enhancement in the presence of electron-rich primary aromatic amines, while the same shows quenching for electron-deficient amines in aqueous solution. The Ref. MOF reported here consists of flexible space between two 2D layers that is responsible for different orientations for different analyte primary aromatic amines (PAAs) with different sizes. The above findings are also supported by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The respective fluorescence enhancement and quenching have been explained by the interaction between the CB of the host MOF and LUMO of guest amines. Therefore, this work presents an operable method for the sensing of PAAs using a single compound, which is a polycatenated MOF.

Spiropyran based recognitions of amines: UV-Vis spectra and mechanisms

As one of the important photochromic molecules, spiropyran (SP) compounds are widely used as detectors and fluorescence probes in the environment and bio-imaging field. Although great achievements have been attained for various sophisticated spiropyrans in metal ion sensing, less success is achieved in sensing organic molecules due to the weak interaction between the spiropyran and the target of the organic molecule. In this study, a spiropyran derivative containing a hydroxyl group (SPOH) was employed for the recognition of four kinds of amines via ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectra. The aliphatic primary amines, aromatic primary amines, aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines, aromatic secondary and tertiary amines were successfully distinguished according to the shapes and trends of their UV-Vis absorption spectra. The chemical reaction between aliphatic, aromatic primary amines and SPOH as well as alkalinity are two vital interaction mechanisms for the recognition process which are testified by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Although SP is generally water-insoluble, it is easy to achieve soluble by fixing SPOH inside micelle or vesicle and thus the results in this study is meaningful for amine recognition utility in environments and biological systems.

Ultrathin agaric-like ZnO with Pd dopant for aniline sensor and DFT investigation

Aniline detection is of great importance in many industries, but most of the aniline sensors suffers from tedious and time consuming process. Herein, we present an efficient aniline sensor based on Pd decorated ZnO nanomaterials. Ultrathin ZnO nanosheets were synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The nanosheets were corrugated into a unique agaric morphology, endorsing the nanomaterials with high surface area that is ideal for gas sensing applications. The obtained ZnO nanosheets were then uniformly decorated with uniform Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) around 5 nm in diameter. Gas sensing experiment on the ZnO decorate with different amount of Pd nanoparticles were systematically evaluated. The sample decorated with 0.3 % Pd NPs (Pd-ZnO-0.3) exhibited the highest sensitivity to aniline, which is about two orders higher than that of the pure ZnO nanosheet. The gas sensor based on Pd-ZnO-0.3 has a detection limit to aniline down to 0.5 ppm, with very short response and recovery times of 29 s and 23 s, respectively to 100 ppm aniline. First-principles DFT study was employed to provide the sensing mechanism. The improved sensing performance could be attributed to the increasing adsorbed oxygen and tunable band alignment for Pd-ZnO materials. This work provides new insights to the design strategy of Pd-decorated ZnO nanomaterials for high performance gas sensors.

Three New Metal Complexes with Imidazole-Containing Tripodal Ligands as Fluorophores for Nitroaromatics- and Ion-Selective Sensing

Three new metal-organic complexes [Cd(TIPA)(suc)0.5(NO3)·1/2H2O]n (1), [Ni(TIPA)(tda)0.5(H2O)·1/4H2O]n (2) and [Cd(TIPA)(tda)0.5·11/2H2O] (3) were synthesized via rigid tripodal ligand tris(4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amine (TIPA) and three dicarboxylic acids; either succinic acid (H2suc) or 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid (H2tda). Crystallographic data for 1 - 3 reveal three-dimensional (3D) networks and channels in the structures. The structure of 2 is unique featuring an interpenetrating 2D network, 2D + 2D → 3D, with the two associated 2D networks existing in two opposite spiral channels. TGA plots exhibit a loss of mass corresponding to the loss of the solvated water molecules in the 100 - 200 °C temperature region and begin to lose additional fragments only at T > 300 °C revealing the robust nature of the 3D framework in the complexes. The metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are screened for their potential application in the detection and removal of environmentally hazardous industrial pollutants. Fluorescence emission spectra for 1 and 2 show that the two MOFs are capable of sensing nitrobenzene (NB), with the nickel complex 2 exhibiting significantly higher sensing ability. Powder XRD data measured for 1 and 2 and those of NB-treated 1 and 2 show significant differences in their patterns, providing further support for the strong interaction between the MOF complexes and NB. The fluorescence emission observed for 1 is more effectively quenched by the presence of Fe3+ than the series of 17 other metal ions investigated. Complex 3 possesses some ability to adsorb inorganic pollutants.

The synergy between the CsPbBr3 nanoparticle surface and the organic ligand becomes manifest in a demanding carbon–carbon coupling reaction

The cooperative action between the CsPbBr₃ surface and capping makes the photoredox homo-/cross-coupling of benzyl bromides under mild conditions possible.

Multiple Luminescence Responses towards Mechanical Stimulus and Photo-Induction: The Key Role of the Stuck Packing Mode and Tunable Intermolecular Interactions

Organic luminescence with different forms continues to be one of the most active research fields in science and technology. Herein, an ultra-simple organic molecule (TPA-B), which exhibits both mechanoluminescence (ML) and photo-induced room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in the crystalline state, provides an opportunity to reveal the internal mechanism of ML and the dynamic process of photo-induced RTP in the same molecule. Through the detailed investigation of photophysical properties together with crystal structures, the key role of molecular packing and intermolecular interactions was highlighted in the luminescence response by mechanical and light stimulus, affording efficient strategies to design potential smart functional materials with multiple luminescence properties.

Development of 3-methoxyaniline sensor probe based on thin Ag2O@La2O3 nanosheets for environmental safety

An electrochemical sensor based on glassy carbon electrode modified by Ag₂O@La₂O₃ nanosheets with 5% ethanolic nafion as conducting binder was developed for the selective and ultra-sensitive determination of 3-methoxyanaline in the presence of other interfering toxic chemicals in aqueous system by electrochemical approach for the first time.

Anodic electrochemistry of mono- and dinuclear aminophenylferrocene and diphenylaminoferrocene complexes

Two related three-membered series of nonlinear aminophenylferrocene and diphenylaminoferrocene complexes were prepared and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The first series consists of 4-(diphenylamino)phenylferrocene (TPA-Fc, 1a), its dimethoxy-substituted tetraphenylphenylenediamine derivative (M2TPPD-Fc, 1c), and the triphenylamine-bridged bis(ferrocenyl) complex (Fc-TPA-Fc, 1b). The second series involves bis(4-methoxyphenyl)aminoferrocene (M2DPA-Fc, 1d), 4-methoxyphenylaminoferrocene (MPA-Fc) with N-phenyl-appended terminal TPA (1e), and the corresponding bis(MPA-Fc) complex with bridging TPA (1f). The structure of complex 1d was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Combined investigations, based on anodic voltammetry, UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, were conducted to illustrate the influence of the integration of multiple redox-active components on the sequential oxidation of these complexes. The first anodic steps in 1a-1f are localized preferentially on the ferrocenyl units, followed by oxidation of the TPA or TPPD moieties (absent in 1d). Irreversible oxidation of the ferrocene-appended strong donor DPA/MPA units in 1d-1f terminates the anodic series. The one-electron oxidation of the triphenylamine-bridged diferrocenyl (1b) and bis(phenylaminoferrocenyl) (1f) complexes triggers their facile redox disproportionation to dicationic bis(ferrocenium) products.

Molecular Engineering of D-D-π-A-Based Organic Sensitizers for Enhanced Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Performance

A series of molecularly engineered and novel dyes WS1, WS2, WS3, and WS4, based on the D35 donor, 1-(4-hexylphenyl)-2,5-di(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-pyrrole and 4-(4-hexylphenyl)-4H-dithieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d]pyrrole as π-conjugating linkers, were synthesized and compared to the well-known LEG4 dye. The performance of the dyes was investigated in combination with an electrolyte based on Co(II/III) complexes as redox shuttles. The electron recombination between the redox mediators in the electrolyte and the TiO₂ interface decreases upon the introduction of 4-hexylybenzene entities on the 2,5-di(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-pyrrole and 4H-dithieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d]pyrrole linker units, probably because of steric hindrance. The open circuit photovoltage of WS1-, WS2-, WS3-, and WS4-based devices in combination with the Co(II/III)-based electrolyte are consistently higher than those based on a I^-/I₃ ^- electrolyte by 105, 147, 167, and 75 mV, respectively. The WS3-based devices show the highest power conversion efficiency of 7.4% at AM 1.5 G 100 mW/cm² illumination mainly attributable to the high open-circuit voltage (V _OC).

Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles Based Fluorescent Electronic Nose for the Identification of Volatile Compounds

A fluorescence sensing array (or fluorescent electronic nose) is designed on a disposable paper card using 36 sets of soluble conjugated polymeric nanoparticles (SCPNs) as sensors to easily identify wide ranges of volatile analytes, including explosives and toxic industrial chemicals (amines and pungent acids). A 108-dimensional vector obtained from the fluorescent color change in the sensing array is defined and directly treated as an index in a standard chemical library (30 kinds of volatile analytes and a control group). Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated the diversity in electronic structures; saturated vapor pressure and miscibility of analytes are keys in differentiating the analytes, with electron-rich arenes and alkylamines enhancing fluorescence and electron-deficient analytes attenuating fluorescence. A support vector machine (SVM) works well to predict an unknown sample, reaching 99.5% accuracy. The excellent fluorescence stability (no fluorescence quenching after being exposed in air for one month) and high sensitivity (emission color changes within minutes when exposed to analytes) suggest that the fluorescent polymer-based electronic nose will play an important role in field detection and identification of a wide spreading of hazardous substances.

Pyrimidine-containing β-iminoenolate difluoroboron complexes acting as non-traditional π-gelators and mechanofluorochromic dyes

A xerogel-based film based on a mechanofluorochromic dye of a β-iminoenolate difluoroboron complex could detect TFA vapor with high performance.

Performance enhancement of a dye-sensitized solar cell by peripheral aromatic and heteroaromatic functionalization in di-branched organic sensitizers

Suppression of back reaction and enhanced photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer through peripheral functionalization of triphenylamino based dibranched donor–acceptor dyes.

Highly Efficient Multiple-Anchored Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Aniline Vapor Based on Synergistic Effect: Chemical Reaction and PET

A multiple-anchored fluorescent probe ((((hexane-1,6-diylbis(2,7-bis(4-formyl)-phenyl)-9H-fluorine-9,9-diyl))-bis(hexane-6,1-diyl))-bis(9H-carbazole-9,3,6-triyl))-tetrakis(benzene-4,1-diyl))-tetraformyl-(8FP-2F) with eight aldehyde groups was designed and synthesized. The molecule has four branches and highly twisted structure. Furthermore, it tends to self-assemble into nanospheres, which is beneficial for gaseous analyte penetration and high fluorescence quantum efficiency. Among gaseous analytes, detection of aniline vapor is extraordinarily important in the control of environmental issues and human diseases. Herein, 8FP-2F was introduced to detect aniline vapor with distinguished sensitivity and selectivity via simple Schiff base reaction at room temperature. After exposure to saturate aniline vapor, the 89% fluorescence of 8FP-2F was quenched in 50 s and the detection limit was as low as 3 ppb. Further study showed the suitable HOMO/LUMO energy levels and matched orbital symmetry between probe and aniline molecules ensured chemical reaction and PET process work together. The synergistic effect resulted in a significant sensing performance and fluorescence quenching toward aniline vapor. Moreover, the multiple active sites structure of 8FP-2F means it could be applied for constructing many interesting structures and highly efficient organic optoelectronic functional materials.

Multistep Oxidation of Diethynyl Oligophenylamine-Bridged Diruthenium and Diiron Complexes

Homo-dinuclear nonlinear complexes [{M(dppe)Cp*}₂{μ-(-C≡C)₂X}] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; Cp* = η⁵-C₅Me₅; X = triphenylamine (TPA), M = Ru (1a) and Fe (1b); X = N,N,N',N'-tetraphenylphenylene-1,4-diamine (TPPD), M = Ru (2a)) were prepared and characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (1a, 2a). Attempts to prepare the diiron analogue of 2a were not successful. Experimental data obtained from cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, UV-vis-NIR (NIR = near-infrared) spectro-electrochemistry, and very informative IR spectro-electrochemistry in the C≡C stretching region, combined with density functional theory calculations, afford to make an emphasizing assessment of the close association between the metal-ethynyl termini and the oligophenylamine bridge core as well as their respective involvement in sequential one-electron oxidations of these complexes. The anodic behavior of the homo-bimetallic complexes depends strongly both on the metal center and the length of the oligophenylamine bridge core. The poorly separated first two oxidations of diiron complex 1b are localized on the electronically nearly independent Fe termini. In contrast, diruthenium complex 1a exhibits a significantly delocalized character and a marked electronic communication between the ruthenium centers through the diethynyl-TPA bridge. The ruthenium-ethynyl halves in 2a, separated by the doubly extended and more flexible TPPD bridge core, show a lower degree of electronic coupling, resulting in close-lying first two anodic waves and the NIR electronic absorption of [2a]⁺ with an indistinctive intervalence charge transfer character. Finally, the third anodic waves in the voltammetric responses of the homo-bimetallic complexes are associated with the concurrent exclusive oxidation of the TPA or TPPD bridge cores.

Ordered assembly of hybrid room-temperature phosphorescence thin films showing polarized emission and the sensing of VOCs

Long-lived room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) thin films through a layer-by-layer (LBL) process present polarized RTP and serve as sensors for VOCs.

Feasible energy level tuning in polymer solar cells based on broad band-gap polytriphenylamine derivatives

Four triphenylamine based broad band-gap polymers with different substituted groups [–OC₈H₁₇, –C₈H₁₇, –CF₃, –(CF₃)₂] were designed and synthesized, and the HOMO energy levels and V_ocs of these polymer based PSCs could be tuned feasibly.

Colorimetric and fluorometric dual-mode detection of aniline pollutants based on spiropyran derivatives

The selective UV-vis absorption of spiropyran and the fluorescence quenching of SP-cellulose material induced by aniline were observed and exploited for rapid detection and accurate quantitative determination of aniline pollutants in the environment.

Multi-stimuli responsive fluorescent behaviors of a donor–π–acceptor phenothiazine modified benzothiazole derivative

Donor–π–acceptor type phenothiazine modified benzothiazole derivative PVBT exhibited multi-stimuli responsive fluorescent properties.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Silver Vanadium Oxide (Ag0.35V2O5) Nanobelts for Sensing Amines

A simple hydrothermal method for the synthesis of Ag0.35V2O5 nanobelts with the assistance of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is reported in this study. The experimental variables that may affect the nanoparticle structures were investigated. And several advanced techniques, such as TEM, HRTEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), were used to characterize the morphology and composition of the as-prepared nanobelts. The mechanism of the formation and growth of Ag0.35V2O5 nanobelts was also investigated and discussed. The results show that SDS, as a weak reducing agent, plays a crucial role in the formation of Ag0.35V2O5. According to N2 sorption isothermals, the as-prepared Ag0.35V2O5 nanobelts are found to exhibit relative high surface area. The gas sensing performance of the Ag0.35V2O5 nanobelts towards organic amine was tested. It is found that the nanobelts show superior sensitivity of amine(s) to V2O5 particles, lower detection limit (5 ppm), and higher selectivity of amine versus ammonia at an optimized working temperature of ~260 °C. Moreover, the density functional theory (DFT) simulation was conducted to better understand the sensing mechanism. These findings may be useful in designing promising materials to detect amine gases for medical or food industrial applications.

Synthesis and characterization of new triphenylamino-1,8-naphthalimides for organic light-emitting diode applications

Three new triphenylamine derivatives with various numbers of N-phenyl-1,8-naphthalimide pendants were synthesized and fabricated into OLED devices.

Fluorescence detection of aromatic amines and photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B under UV light irradiation by luminescent metal–organic frameworks

Two MOFs were employed as fluorescence materials for selectively sensing aromatic amines as well as the photodegradation of organic dyes.

Emission enhanced two-component gels for the detection of organic amine vapors

A two-component gelator with enhanced emission could be used to quantitatively detect and discriminate between aliphatic and aromatic organic amine vapors.

Solid state organic amine detection in a photochromic porous metal organic framework

A new Mg(ii) based porous metal–organic framework (MOF) has been synthesized from naphthalenediimide (NDI) chromophoric unit containing linker. This MOF (Mg–NDI) shows instant and reversible photochromism as well as solvatochromic behavior. Due to the presence of electron deficient NDI moiety, this MOF exhibits selective organic amine (electron rich) sensing in solid state.

A new Mg(ii) based photochromic porous metal–organic framework (MOF) has been synthesized bearing naphthalenediimide (NDI) chromophoric unit. This MOF (Mg–NDI) shows instant and reversible solvatochromic behavior in presence of solvents with different polarity. Mg–NDI also exhibits fast and reversible photochromism via radical formation. Due to the presence of electron deficient NDI moiety, this MOF exhibits selective organic amine (electron rich) sensing in solid state. The organic amine detection has been confirmed by photoluminescence quenching experiment and visual color change.

A curcumin-based TPA four-branched copper(II) complex probe for in vivo early tumor detection

A multibranched Cu(II) complex CuL2 curcumin-based was synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The photophysical properties of the complex have been investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The results show that the target complex exhibits higher quantum yield and larger two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section in the near infrared (NIR) region compared with its free ligand. The cell imaging studies in vitro and in vivo reveal that the complex shows good photostability and excellent tumor targeting capability to tested cancerous cells, which can be potentially used for early tumor detection.

Breathing some new life into an old topic: chalcogen-nitrogen π-heterocycles as electron acceptors

Recent progress in the design, synthesis and characterization of chalcogen-nitrogen π-heterocycles, mostly 1,2,5-chalcogenadiazoles (chalcogen: S, Se and Te) and their fused derivatives, possessing positive electron affinity is discussed together with their use in preparation of charge-transfer complexes and radical-anion salts-candidate building blocks of molecule-based electrical and magnetic functional materials.