Unlocking the structure and cation synergistic modulation of Prussian blue analogues with double redox mechanism for improved aqueous nonmetallic ion storage

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) exhibit high energy density and a good electrochemical stability window in aqueous non-metallic ion batteries, which is conducive to achieving high energy output and stable operation. Additionally, their synthesis process is simple and environmentally friendly, meeting the demands of sustainable development. However, the poor conductivity, structural stability issues, and inadequate ion diffusion pathways limit their application in batteries. To overcome these challenges, researchers have adopted various optimization strategies: enhancing the conductivity of PBAs by compositing with high-conductivity carbon materials such as graphite, carbon nanotubes, or graphene; optimizing synthesis conditions such as temperature and reaction time to improve the defect and structural water content of PBAs, thereby enhancing their stability and electrochemical performance; employing surface modification techniques, such as conductive polymer encapsulation and acid etching, to improve their electrochemical stability and ion transport performance; and optimizing ion diffusion efficiency and battery kinetics by selecting suitable electrolytes and additives. These comprehensive measures contribute to improving the electrochemical performance of PBAs and promoting the development of their commercial applications. Based on prior research advancements, we introduce a novel synergistic regulation strategy: the creation of multi-redox-active centers to augment the transport capability of non-metallic ions and the optimization of defect structures through the establishment of a metal ion concentration gradient, thereby enhancing both electrochemical stability and performance.

Copper-cobalt double metal cyanides as green catalysts for phosphoramidate synthesis

Phosphoramidates are common and widespread backbones of a great variety of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, additives and natural products. Conventional approaches to their synthesis make use of toxic chlorinated reagents and intermediates, which are sought to be avoided at an industrial scale. Here we report the coupling of phosphites and amines promoted by a Cu₃[Co(CN)₆]₂-based double metal cyanide heterogeneous catalyst using I₂ as additive for the synthesis of phosphoramidates. This strategy successfully provides an efficient, environmentally friendly alternative to the synthesis of these valuable compounds in high yields and it is, to the best of our knowledge, the first heterogeneous approach to this protocol. While the detailed study of the catalyst structure and of the metal centers by PXRD, FTIR, EXAFS and XANES revealed changes in their coordination environment, the catalyst maintained its high activity for at least 5 consecutive iterations of the reaction. Preliminary mechanism studies suggest that the reaction proceeds by a continuous change in the oxidation state of the Cu metal, induced by a O₂/I^- redox cycle.

Ionically and Electronically Conductive Phases in a Composite Anode for High-Rate and Stable Lithium Stripping and Plating for Solid-State Lithium Batteries

Intensive efforts have been taken to decrease the over-potentials of solid-state lithium batteries. Lowering the anode-electrolyte interface resistance is an effective method. Compared to simply improving the interface contact, constructing both ionically and electronically conductive phases within the anode demonstrates superior improvement in reducing the interface resistance and promoting electrochemical stability. However, complex preparation procedures are usually involved in the construction of the conductive phases and the loading of metallic lithium. Herein, a composite anode containing metallic lithium and well-dispersed ionically conductive Li₃N and electronically conductive components (Fe, Fe₃C, and amorphous carbon) shows an effective decrease in lithium stripping/plating over-potentials at high current densities of up to 3 mA cm^-2. The unique dual ionically and electronically conductive phases exhibit good cycling stability for 3000 h. A full battery with the composite anode and a LiFePO₄ cathode also demonstrates decent performance. This work confirms the importance of constructing dual conductive phases that are electrochemically stable to Li and will not be consumed during the electrochemical reaction and provides a facile preparation method. The new knowledge discovered and the new methods developed in this work would inspire the future development of new Li-containing composite anodes.

Supported metals on porous solids as heterogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of propargylamines

This perspective summarizes recent developments in the synthesis of propargylamines using porous solids (zeolites, MOFs and carbon) as supports/catalysts.

Use of a Ferritin L134P Mutant for the Facile Conjugation of Prussian Blue in the Apoferritin Cavity

Since the bullfrog H-ferritin L134P mutant in which leucine 134 is replaced with proline was found to exhibit a flexible conformation in the C₃ axis channel, homologous ferritins with the corresponding mutation have often been studied in terms of a mechanism of iron release from the mineral core within the protein cavity. Meanwhile, a ferritin mutant with the flexible channel is an attractive material in developing a method to encapsulate functional molecules larger than mononuclear ions into the protein cavity. This study describes the clathrate with a horse spleen L-ferritin L134P mutant containing Prussian blue (PB) without a frequently used technique, disassembly and reassembly of the protein subunits. The spherical shell of ferritin was confirmed in a TEM image of the clathrate. The produced clathrate (PB@L134P) was soluble in water and reproduced the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of PB prepared using the conventional method. The catalytic activity for an oxidoreductive reaction with H₂O₂, one of the major applications of conventional PB, was also observed for the clathrate. The instability of PB in alkaline solutions, limiting its wide applications in aqueous media, was significantly improved in PB@L134P, showing the protective effect of the protein shell. The method developed here shows that horse spleen L-ferritin L134P is a useful scaffold to produce clathrates of three-dimensional complexes with ferritin.

Polymer Beads Decorated with Dendritic Systems as Supports for A3 Coupling Catalysts

Abstract

The gel type microscopic polymer beads bearing epoxy functionalities were modified using the two-stage procedures in order to decorate their surface with the moieties of the zeroth order PAMAM type dendrimer and different heterocyclic aldehydes (2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, 2-pyrrolidinecarboxaldehyde, furfural or 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde). The polymeric supports provided in this manner were then used for the immobilization of copper(II) ions. The resulting materials were characterized using different instrumental techniques (optical microscopy, SEM, FTIR microscopy, DR UV–Vis, ICP-OES, and thermal analysis). They were also used as catalysts in the model A3 coupling reaction of benzaldehyde, morpholine and phenylacetylene. The best catalytic activity was found for the polymeric catalyst bearing 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde moieties. It turned out to be effective in the A3 coupling reactions included different benzaldehyde, alkyne, and secondary amine derivatives, as well. It could also be recycled several times without a significant decrease in its activity in the model A3 coupling reaction.

Graphic Abstract

Layered Zn2[Co(CN)6](CH3COO) double metal cyanide: a two-dimensional DMC phase with excellent catalytic performance

A new, layered double metal cyanide phase proved to be a reusable, stable and highly active catalyst in two important DMC applications.

Double metal cyanides (DMCs) are well known, industrially applied catalysts for ring opening polymerization reactions. In recent years, they have been studied for a variety of catalytic reactions, as well as other applications, such as energy storage and Cs sorption. Herein, a new, layered DMC phase (L-DMC), Zn₂[Co(CN)₆](CH₃COO)·4H₂O, was synthesized. The structure, which crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/m, consists of positively charged {Zn₂Co(CN)₆}⁺ DMC layers linked through acetate groups and presents a new layered structure to the family of double metal cyanides. L-DMC proved to be a reusable and stable catalyst that exhibited a higher activity than the benchmark DMC catalyst in two important applications: hydroamination of phenylacetylene with 4-isopropylaniline and polymerization of 1,2-epoxyhexane.

Double metal cyanides as heterogeneous Lewis acid catalysts for nitrile synthesis via acid-nitrile exchange reactions

A series of transition metal-based double metal cyanides (DMCs) were studied as catalysts for the synthesis of nitriles via acid-nitrile exchange reaction.

A novel fluorescence phenomenon caused by amine induced ion-exchange between Cd2+ and Fe3+ ions

A 3D metal–organic framework {[Cd(5-Brp)(dpa)]·0.5DMF·H₂O}_n (1) was successfully synthesized and characterized, which markedly recognized iron ions under the induction of an amino group. With the concentration of Fe³⁺ increasing, the emission of 1 first declined, then enhanced with a red shift and was finally quenched, which was different from the reference compound [Cd(5-Brp)(bpp)(H₂O)]_n (2). This result drew our attention to amine induced ion-exchange. This peculiar phenomenon inspired us to construct an effective ion detector.

A 3D metal–organic framework {[Cd(5-Brp)(dpa)]·0.5DMF·H₂O}_n (1) was successfully synthesized and characterized, which markedly recognized iron ions under the induction of an amino group.