Electrochemical aspects of coinage metal nanoparticles for catalysis and spectroscopy

Low cost fabrication of continuous flow optofluidic microreactor for efficient dye degradation using graphene QDs@MOF (Ti) photocatalyst

The optofluidic microreactor, a convergence of optics and microfluidics, offers advanced functionalities that can be pivotal in the rapid assessment of nanocatalysts for tackling environmental contamination issues. This article presents an efficient approach for degrading Methylene blue (MB) dye, commonly used in the textile industry, within a cost-effective polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based continuous flow optofluidic microreactor. This microreactor combines graphene quantum dots (QDs) and NH2-MIL-125 (MOF(Ti)) as a highly effective photocatalyst coating within its microchannels. By directly incorporating graphene QDs@MOF(Ti) into the microchannels, the photocatalytic medium is brought into close proximity with the flowing MB dye solutions, thereby reducing the necessary interaction time and enhancing purification efficiency. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate an impressive degradation efficiency of ∼99% for MB dye at a flow rate of 50 μL min-1 under visible light irradiation, achieved in a single pass. Additionally, the microfluidic reactor exhibits prolonged stability of the photocatalyst, enabling its reuse without significant efficiency loss. In addition, a comparative analysis highlights the advantages of microreactor-based photocatalysis over traditional methods. These advancements in the features of the graphene QDs@MOF(Ti) nanocomposite substantiate their demonstrated superiority in degradation efficiency.

Metal-ligand bond in group-11 complexes and nanoclusters

Density functional theory is used to study geometric, energetic, and electronic properties of metal-ligand bonds in a series of group-11 metal complexes and ligand-protected metal clusters. We study complexes as the forms of M-L (L = SCH3, SC8H9, PPh3, NHCMe, NHCEt, NHCiPr, NHCBn, CCMe, CCPh) and L1-M-L2 (L1 = NHCBn, PPh3, and L2 = CCPh). Furthermore, we study clusters denoted as [M13L6Br6]- (L = PPh3, NHCMe, NHCEt, NHCiPr, NHCBn). The systems were studied at the standard GGA level using the PBE functional and including vdW corrections via BEEF-vdW. Generally, Au has the highest binding energies, followed by Cu and Ag. PBE and BEEF-vdW functionals show the order Ag-L > Au-L > Cu-L for bond lengths in both M-L complexes and metal clusters. In clusters, the smallest side group (CH3) in NHCs leads to the largest binding energy whereas no significant variations are seen concerning different side groups of NHC in M-L complexes. By analyzing the projected density of states and molecular orbitals in complexes and clusters, the M-thiolate bonds were shown to have σ and π bond characteristics whereas phosphines and carbenes were creating σ bonds to the transition metals. Interestingly, this analysis revealed divergent behavior for M-alkynyl complexes: while the CCMe group displayed both σ and π bonding features, the CCPh ligand was found to possess only σ bond properties in direct head-to-head binding configuration. Moreover, synergetic effects increase the average binding strength to the metal atom significantly in complexes of two different ligands and underline the potential of adding Cu to synthesize structurally richer cluster systems. This study helps in understanding the effects of different ligands on the stability of M-L complexes and clusters and suggests that PPh3 and NHCs-protected Cu clusters are most stable after Au clusters.

An Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of Pyrido[2,3-c]coumarins via Serial Catalysis and Its Application in Concise Formal Synthesis of Santiagonamine

Versatile and high-yielding one-pot synthesis of polysubstituted pyrido[2,3-c]coumarins from N-Boc-N-coumarinyl propargylamine derivatives was achieved via serial catalysis using AgSbF6. Using this approach, the concise formal synthesis of santiagonamine was successfully accomplished. This simple and versatile method could be used to increase the potential of the pyrido[2,3-c]coumarin scaffold for diverse synthetic and biological applications.

Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetoplasmonic Air-Stable Au@FeCo

The synthesis of FeCo alloys as highly magnetic nanoparticles has been valuable, as far as applications for magnetic nanoparticles are concerned. However, recently, a field of magnetoplasmonics in which magnetic nanoparticles such as the FeCo alloys doped with plasmonic materials such as Au and Ag to create a hybrid nanostructure with both properties has emerged. These magnetoplasmonic metamaterials have greatly enhanced the limit of detection of analytes in spectroscopic methods, as well as providing a more widely applicable nanoparticle to broaden the use of FeCo alloys even further. Herein, we discuss the synthesis of high-yield and fairly monodisperse spherical FeCo and Au-doped FeCo (Au@FeCo) with varying compositions of Au synthesized via the thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl (Fe(CO)₅) and dicobalt octacarbonyl (Co₂(CO)₈), followed by the addition of Au atoms using triphenylphosphine gold(I) chloride ((Ph₃P)AuCl) via both coprecipitation and by delayed addition methods. The products were separated using a hand-held magnet, and then characterized via ultraviolet-visible light (UV-vis), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS), and magnetization measurements. Optical studies revealed a plasmonic peak at 550 nm in the Au@FeCo nanoparticles that had a gold content (%Au) of >2% (by weight), determined using F-AAS. Colocation of the Fe, Co, and Au were demonstrated through EDX analysis. Location of the Au atoms in the core were seen through high-resolution bright-field imaging. To understand the use of these nanoparticles for potential application in therapeutics and/or electronics, resistance measurements were performed to assess power loss as a function of frequency. We also achieved magnetization values as high as 150 emu/g and as low as 50 emu/g for gold-loaded samples based on %Au by weight. This paves the way to continue to develop magneto-plasmonic structures chemically using these synthesis strategies.

Simultaneous electro-generation/polymerization of Cu nanocluster embedded conductive poly(2,2':5',2''-terthiophene) films at micro and macro liquid/liquid interfaces

Cu nanoparticles (NPs) have been shown to be excellent electrocatalysts, particularly for CO₂ reduction - a critical reaction for sequestering anthropogenic, atmospheric carbon. Herein, the micro interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES) is exploited for the simultaneous electropolymerization of 2,2':5',2''-terthiophene (TT) and reduction of Cu²⁺ to Cu nanoparticles (NPs) generating a flexible electrocatalytic composite electrode material. TT acts as an electron donor in 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) through heterogeneous electron transfer across the water|DCE (w|DCE) interface to CuSO₄ dissolved in water. The nanocomposite formation process was probed using cyclic voltammetry as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). CV and EIS data show that the film forms quickly; however, the interfacial reaction is not spontaneous and does not proceed without an applied potential. At high [TT] the heterogeneous electron transfer wave was recorded voltammetrically but not at low [TT]. However, probing the edge of the polarizable potential window was found to be sufficient to initiate electrogeneration/electropolymerization. SEM and TEM were used to image and analyze the final Cu NP/poly-TT composites and it was discovered that there is a concomitant decrease in NP size with increasing [TT]. Preliminary electrocatalysis results at a nanocomposite modified large glassy carbon electrode saw a > 2 × increase in CO₂ reduction currents versus an unmodified electrode. These data suggest that this strategy is a promising means of generating electrocatalytic materials for carbon capture. However, films electrosynthesized at a micro and ~ 1 mm ITIES demonstrated poor reusability.

Electrodeless Synthesis of Low Dispersity Au Nanoparticles and Nanoclusters at an Immiscible Micro Water/Ionic Liquid Interface

Owing to their biocompatibility, optical, and catalytic properties, Au nanoparticles (NPs) have been the subject of much research. Since smaller NPs have enhanced catalytic properties and NP morphology greatly impacts their effectiveness, controlled and reproducible methods of generating Au NPs are still being sought. Herein, Au NPs were electrochemically generated at a water|ionic liquid (w|IL) immiscible micro-interface, 25 µm in diameter, using a redox active IL and compared to results at a water|oil (w|o) one. The liquid|liquid interface is advantageous as it is pristine and highly reproducible, as well as an excellent means of species and charge separation. In this system, KAuCl4 dissolved in the aqueous phase reacts under external potential control at the water|P8888TB (tetraoctylphosphonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate) with trioctyl(ferrocenylhexanoyl)phosphonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (FcIL), an electron donor and redox active IL. FcIL was prepared with a common anion to P8888TB, which greatly enhances its solubility in the bulk IL. Simple ion transfer of AuCl4− and AuCl(4−γ)(OH)γ− at the w|P8888TB micro-interface were characterized voltammetrically as well as their heterogeneous electron transfer reaction with FcIL. This interfacial reaction generates Au NPs whose size can be thermodynamically controlled by modifying the pH of the aqueous phase. Critically, at low pH, nanoclusters, <1.7 nm in diameter, were generated owing to inhibited thermodynamics in combination with the supramolecular fluidic nature of the IL microenvironment that was observed surrounding the as-prepared NPs.

Antiviral effects of coinage metal-based nanomaterials to combat COVID-19 and its variants

The world has been suffering from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, and millions of people have been infected through human-to-human transmission and lost their lives within months. Although multidisciplinary scientific approaches have been employed to fight against this deadly pandemic, various mutations and diverse environments keep producing constraints in treating SARS-CoV-2. Indeed, the efficacy of the developed vaccines has been limited, and inoculation with the vaccines does not guarantee complete protection even though multiple doses are required, which is a frustrating process. Historically, coinage metals (Cu, Ag, and Au) have been well-known for their effectiveness in antiviral action as well as good biocompatibility, binding receptor inhibition, reactive oxygen species, and phototherapy properties. Thus, this review highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 using the antivirus ability and mode of action of coinage metals such as viral entry mechanisms into host cells and the NP-inhibition process, which are explained in detail. This article also draws attention to coinage metal nanomaterial-based approaches to treat other contagious viruses. In addition, coinage metal-based biosensors and an overview of some other biocompatible metal-based nanomaterials to fight against SARS-CoV-2 variants are discussed. Finally, the advantages, perspectives and challenges of coinage metal nanoparticles are given to fight against viral infections in the future.