Shining light on clay-chromophore hybrids: layered templates for accelerated ring closure photo-oxidation

Supramolecular Two-Dimensional Systems and Their Biological Applications

Various biological systems rely on the supramolecular assembly of biomolecules through noncovalent bonds for performing sophisticated functions. In particular, cell membranes, which are 2D structures in biological systems, have various characteristics such as a large surface, flexibility, and molecule-recognition ability. Supramolecular 2D materials based on biological systems provide a novel perspective for the development of functional 2D materials. The physical and chemical properties of 2D structures, attributed to their large surface area, can enhance the sensitivity of the detection of target molecules, molecular loading, and bioconjugation efficiency, suggesting the potential utility of functional 2D materials as candidates for biological systems. Although several types of studies on supramolecular 2D materials have been reported, supramolecular biofunctional 2D materials have not been reviewed previously. In this regard, the current advances in 2D material development using molecular assembly are discussed with respect to the rational design of self-assembling aromatic amphiphiles, the formation of 2D structures, and the biological applications of functional 2D materials.

Direct Observation of Aggregation-Induced Emission Mechanism

The mechanism of aggregation-induced emission, which overcomes the common aggregation-caused quenching problem in organic optoelectronics, is revealed by monitoring the real time structural evolution and dynamics of electronic excited state with frequency and polarization resolved ultrafast UV/IR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. The formation of Woodward-Hoffmann cyclic intermediates upon ultraviolet excitation is observed in dilute solutions of tetraphenylethylene and its derivatives but not in their respective solid. The ultrafast cyclization provides an efficient nonradiative relaxation pathway through crossing a conical intersection. Without such a reaction mechanism, the electronic excitation is preserved in the molecular solids and the molecule fluoresces efficiently, aided by the very slow intermolecular charge and energy transfers due to the well separated molecular packing arrangement. The mechanisms can be general for tuning the properties of chromophores in different phases for various important applications.

Functionalized Dynamic Metal-Organic Frameworks as Smart Switches for Sensing and Adsorption Applications

Over the past two decades, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with flexible structures or dynamic behavior have shown great potential as functional materials in many fields. This paper presents a review of these dynamic and functional MOFs, which can undergo controllable and reversible transformation, with regard to their application as smart switches. Trigger conditions, which include physical/chemical stimuli (e.g., guest molecules, light, temperature, pressure), are also discussed. Research methods for investigating the dynamic processes and mechanisms involving experimental characterization and computational modeling are briefly mentioned as well. The emphasis is on the aspects of the design and functionalization of dynamic MOFs. The pre-design of metal nodes, organic linkers, and topology, as well as post-modification of components, increases the possibility of obtaining functionalized dynamic materials. Recent advances with regard to potential applications for dynamic frameworks as smart switches for adsorption and sensing are also reviewed.

Mechanisms of fluorescence quenching in prototypical aggregation-induced emission systems: excited state dynamics with TD-DFTB

A recent implementation of time-dependent tight-binding density functional theory is employed in excited state molecular dynamics for the investigation of the fluorescence quenching mechanism in 3 prototypical aggregation-induced emission systems.

Self-assembly of DNA-tetraphenylethylene amphiphiles into DNA-grafted nanosheets as a support for the immobilization of gold nanoparticles: a recyclable catalyst with enhanced activity

Preventing the aggregation of NPs and their recovery are the two major hurdles in NP based catalysis. Immobilization of NPs on a support has proven to be a promising strategy to overcome these difficulties. Herein we report the design of high aspect ratio two-dimensional (2D) crystalline DNA nanosheets formed from the amphiphilicity-driven self-assembly of DNA-tetraphenylethylene amphiphiles and also demonstrate the potential of DNA nanosheets for the immobilization of catalytically active NPs. The most remarkable feature of this approach is the high loading of NPs in a non-aggregated manner, and hence exhibiting enhanced catalytic activity. Recycling of NP loaded nanosheets for several cycles without reduction in catalytic efficiency by simple ultrafiltration is also demonstrated.

Binder driven self-assembly of metal-organic cubes towards functional hydrogels

The process of assembling astutely designed, well-defined metal-organic cube (MOC) into hydrogel by using a suitable molecular binder is a promising method for preparing processable functional soft materials. Here, we demonstrate charge-assisted H-bonding driven hydrogel formation from Ga³⁺-based anionic MOC ((Ga₈(ImDC)₁₂)¹²⁻) and molecular binders, like, ammonium ion (NH₄⁺), N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine, guanidine hydrochloride and β-alanine. The morphology of the resulting hydrogel depends upon the size, shape and geometry of the molecular binder. Hydrogel with NH₄⁺ shows nanotubular morphology with negative surface charge and is used for gel-chromatographic separation of cationic species from anionic counterparts. Furthermore, a photo-responsive luminescent hydrogel is prepared using a cationic tetraphenylethene-based molecular binder (DATPE), which is employed as a light harvesting antenna for tuning emission colour including pure white light. This photo-responsive hydrogel is utilized for writing and preparing flexible light-emitting display.

A possible route to producing processable soft materials is by assembling metal organic cubes into hydrogels. Here the authors show charge-assisted H-bond driven self-assembly of Ga³⁺-based anionic metal organic cubes and suitable molecular binders towards multi-functional hydrogels.

Microwave-assisted solid state intercalation of Rhodamine B and polycarbazole in bentonite clay interlayer space: structural characterization and photophysics of double intercalation

Intercalation of organic moieties in layered double hydroxides/clays has been used to obtain various hybrid compounds with enhanced properties and wide ranging applications.

Alkylamide-substituted tetraphenylethylene: three modes of fluorescence based on a hydrogen-bonded excimer

Three modes of emission, with different intensities and wavelengths, were observed in tetraphenylethylenetetraamide 1 depending on the solvent, concentration and irradiation with light.