pH-dependent assembly of Keggin-based supramolecular architecture

Three Keggin-based supramolecular architectures were synthesized on the basis of same molecular building units, showing that the pH value of the reaction plays a crucial role in controlling the topological structures of the supramolecular architectures.     

A new extended structural compound based on saturated Wells-Dawson polyoxoanions

A new 3D extended structural compound,(dpdo)_2H_2{[Cu(2,2'-bipy)_2]_2(P_2W_(18)O_(62))}·5H_2O 1(dpdo = 4,4'-bipyridine-N,N'-dioxide; 2,2'-bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine),has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses,IR,TG analyses,cyclic voltammetry,and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.Compound 1 is built up of[P_2W_(18)O_(62)]~(6-) cluster as the structural motif covalently linked by[Cu(2,2'-bipy)_2]~(2+) coordination complexes to yield the 1D chains,which are further in close cont...     

Anisotropic assembly of Ag nanoprisms

The Ag nanoprisms with controlled arrangements show distinct optical, crystallographic, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering properties depending on their orientation in the assemblies, demonstrating that the controlled assembly of anisotropic nanostructures can be utilized as a powerful tool for studying their physicochemical properties and for the creation of new classes of functional materials.     

POM／EVA共混物的研究

用力学测试、扫描电镜（ＳＥＭ）、热分析（ＤＳＣ）等手段研究了聚甲醛（ＰＯＭ）与乙烯－醋酸乙烯酯共聚物（ＥＶＡ）共混物（ＰＯＭ／ＥＶＡ）的力学性能及其微同形态；用聚甲醛与马来酸二丁酯（ＤＢＭ）的接枝物（ＰＯＭ－ｇ－ＤＢＭ）作相溶剂，能改变共的两相间的粘结力，从而提出了共混物的力学性能，ＳＥＭ观察表明接枝物的加入改变了ＰＯＭ／ＥＶＡ共混物的断裂方式，微观形态及结晶性能，对其热性能影响不大；通过改变ＰＯ     

Noble metals in polyoxometalate chemistry: palladium-containing derivatives of the monolacunary Keggin and Wells-Dawson tungstophosphates

We have prepared the three novel Pd(II)-containing tungstophosphates [Pd(2)(α-PW(11)O(39)H(0.5))(2)](9-) and two structural isomers of [Pd(2)(α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61)H(n))(2)]((16-2n)-) via simple synthetic procedures and characterized their potassium salts by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and IR and multinuclear ((31)P and (183)W) NMR spectroscopy. This study sheds light on the long-standing question about the nature and structure of the actual products formed in the reaction of Pd(II) ions with monolacunary Keggin-type [α-XW(11)O(39)](n-) and Wells-Dawson-type [α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) heteropolytungstates.     

Magnetic nanoparticle assembly on surfaces using click chemistry

Controlled assembly of ferromagnetic nanoparticles on surfaces is of crucial importance for a range of spintronic and data storage applications. Here, we present a novel method for assembling monolayers of ferromagnetic FePt nanoparticles on silicon oxide substrates using "click chemistry". Reaction of alkyne-functionalized FePt nanoparticles with azide-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), on silicon oxide, leads to the irreversible attachment of magnetic nanoparticles to the surface via triazole linkers. Based on this covalent interaction, well-packed monolayers of FePt nanoparticles were prepared and nanoparticle patterns are generated on surfaces via microcontact printing (μCP).     

Assembly of Wells-Dawson Polyoxometalate based Crystal Compound for Uric Acid Electrochemical Detection

A new Wells-Dawson polyoxometalates (POMs) based crystal supramolecular compound modified by flexible organic molecule bix, (H₂bix)₃(P₂W₁₈O₆₂) · H₂O (bixP₂W₁₈), [bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene], was synthesized, characterized and explored as electrochemical biosensor to detect uric acid (UA) for the first time. Under optimized conditions, the bixP₂W₁₈ based sensor shows acceptable analytical performances for UA in terms of good linearity in the concentration range from 2.5 × 10^–7 to 6.99 × 10^–4 M and the lower detection limit 5.85 × 10^–7 M (S/N = 3). More important is that bixP₂W₁₈ based UA sensor exhibits excellent stability testified by the result of XRD and IR, reproducibility, high selectivity in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and anti-interference immunity than some other reported materials. The bixP₂W₁₈ based biosensor could be applied for the determination of UA in the human urine samples with satisfactory results.     

pH-dependent assembly of two polyoxometalate-based coordination polymers: structures and electrocatalytic properties

Two new polyoxometalate-based coordination polymers have been synthesized at different pHs under identical hydrothermal conditions, (Hbib)[Cu₂(bib)₂(PMo₁₂O₄₀)] (1) and (Hbib)₂[Cu(bib) (PMo₁₂O₄₀)]·2H₂O (2) (bib = 4-bis(imidazol-1-yl) benzene). Their structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and characterized by routine methods. When the pH was adjusted to 2.0???2.5, 1 was obtained, which exhibits a 1-D rail-like chain. Compound 2 was obtained at pH of 2.5???3.2 and exhibits a 2-D layer with (4⁴) sql net. The pH of the reaction plays a key role in the assembly of the polyoxometalate-based coordination polymer. The electrochemical experiments indicate that 2-based carbon paste electrode possesses high catalytic efficiency and high stability towards reduction of iodate and oxidation of ascorbic acid.     

Cyclic voltammetric analysis of pH-dependent complex formation equilibria in anion coordination chemistry

A procedure to analyze pH-dependent complex formation equilibria from cyclic voltammetry is described. Application to adduct formation equilibria between [Fe(CN)(6)](4-) and [Fe(CN)(6)](3-) with different polyammonium receptors is discussed. Extension to the interaction of substrates such as ATP, NAD(+), NADP(+), and carboxylate ions with these receptors by means of competitive interaction with hexacyanoferrate(II) ion is presented.     

Coordination assembly and characterization of red-emitting europium (III) organic/inorganic polymeric hybrids

Novel luminescent ternary organic-inorganic-polymeric hybrid material has been assembled by Eu(3+) complex incorporating into poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. The functionalized silylated precursor PDC-Si derived from PDC (2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid chloride) behaves as the coordination units of Eu(3+) ion. The organic polymer was introduced into the system by directly dissolving PMMA in solution of Eu(PDC-Si)(3) complex and N-N-Dimethyl Formamide (DMF) with subsequent addition of tetraethoxysilane to promote hydrolysis and condensation. The structure and photophysical properties of the resulting hybrids are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy and photoluminescence spectra. The luminescence quantum yield was calculated based on the emission spectra and luminescence lifetimes. XRD reveals its amorphous structure. Efficient energy transfer process occurs between PMMA and Eu(3+), and replacement of water molecule by PMMA in the first coordination sphere was confirmed by comparing with the binary hybrid.     

pH-dependent assembly of two inorganic-organic hybrid compounds based on octamolybdates: an unusual intercalated layer and a 3D 4-connected framework

Two novel inorganic-organic hybrid compounds based on octamolybdates, namely, [Cu(H(2)L)(2)(γ-Mo(8)O(26))]·(Mo(6)O(19))·2H(2)O (1) and [Cu(H(2)L)(γ-Mo(8)O(26))(H(2)O)(2)]·5H(2)O (2), where L = 1,1'-(1,5-pentanediyl)bis[2-(4-pyridyl)benzimidazole], have been successfully synthesized at different pH values under hydrothermal conditions. Compound 1, which is hydrothermally prepared at pH ≈ 3.5, exhibits an entirely new type of intercalated layer. The nanosized hexamolybdate anions as guests are introduced into the layers. When the pH value is adjusted to 2, a structurally-different complex 2 was obtained. Compound 2 shows a unique 3D 4-connected framework constructed by inorganic layers and H(2)L(2+) ligands as bridges. The two compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra and TGA. In addition, the electrochemical properties of 1-modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) have also been investigated in 1 M H(2)SO(4) aqueous solution.     

Nanoscale polyoxometalate‐based inorganic/organic hybrids

The latest advances in the area of polyoxometalate (POM)‐based inorganic/organic hybrid materials prepared by self‐assembly, covalent modification, and supramolecular interactions are presented. This Review is composed of five sections and documents the effect of organic cations on the formation of novel POMs, surfactant encapsulated POM‐based hybrids, polymeric POM/organic hybrid materials, POMs‐containing ionic crystals, and covalently functionalized POMs. In addition to their role in the charge‐balancing, of anionic POMs, the crucial role of organic cations in the formation and functionalization of POM‐based hybrid materials is discussed. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201100002     

A strategy for the assembly of multiple porphyrin arrays based on the coordination chemistry of Ru-centered porphyrin pentamers.

An approach which employs pentameric porphyrin arrays as building blocks toward larger porphyrin arrays is described. Two flexible, and one relatively rigid, Ru-centered porphyrin pentamers (1-3) were synthesized and fully characterized. Their potential as building blocks toward larger porphyrin arrays has been studied via their coordination chemistry using bidentate and tetradentate ligands. DABCO (diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) can bind two monomeric porphyrins but was found to be too small to allow the complete formation of a 10-porphyrin array. On the other hand, titration of a larger bridging dipyridyl porphyrin ligand 17 (0.5 equiv) with 1 or 2 and tetrapyridyl ligand 18 (0.25 equiv) with 3 results in the formation of the 11-porphyrin and 21-porphyrin arrays, respectively, with the 21-porphyrin array containing porphyrins in three different metalation states. Changes in the chemical shift of the inner NH protons as well as the ortho- and meso-protons of the pyridyl groups of the porphyrin ligand clearly indicate the formation of large multiple porphyrin complexes. These studies demonstrate that by use of carefully designed building blocks and suitable bridging ligands, porphyrin arrays can be constructed with a dramatic increase in size in relatively few steps. Exploiting the fact that the strength of binding of pyridyl ligands is Ru > Zn > Ni, intra- vs intermolecular competition has been used to investigate aspects of the folding of the array. The photophysical properties of 3 are also described.     

Efficient assembly of multi-walled carbon nanotube-CdSe/ZnS quantum dot hybrids with high biocompatibility and fluorescence property

CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots (QDs) were efficiently tethered onto polyamidoamine dendrimer-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by covalent linkage and mercapto-mediated assembly. The obtained MWCNT-QD hybrids were both photophysically and morphologically characterized. The QDs are well-distributed on single nanotube surface in high density and the assembly of QDs onto MWCNTs does not change the fluorescence emission wavelength of QDs but significantly decreases the emission density. Cytotoxicity of MWCNT-QD hybrids to HeLa cells and their fluorescence property in living cell system were evaluated in detail. The hybrids show a little effect on cell viability even at very high concentration (100 μg mL(-1)). Moreover, they possess intense red fluorescence signal under optical fluorescence microscopy and good fluorescence stability over 72-h exposure in living cell system.     

Influence of assembly pH on compression and Ag nanoparticle synthesis of polyelectrolyte multilayers

Influence of assembly pH on compression and Ag nanoparticle synthesis of polyelectrolyte multilayers was studied using poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid-co-maleic acid, 1:1SS:MA) sodium salt (PSSMA 1:1) as the building blocks. The thickest multilayers turned out at pH 4. A homogeneous compression by a silicone rubber stamp increased significantly the water contact angle to a same value which was independent on the original assembly pH anymore. The multilayers assembled at pH 4 could be maximumly compressed to a ratio of 70% by a silicone rubber stamp with linear patterns, which was considerably larger than those assembled at other pHs (the compression ratio ~50%). The Ag nanoparticles were then synthesized inside the multilayers either flat compressed or not. The results showed that the compression reduced significantly the amount of Ag nanoparticles for the multilayers assembled at pH 2 and pH 4. The particle amount was also decreased significantly when the multilayers were assembled at higher pH, pH 6, for example, regardless of the compression. Substantial alteration of the multilayers in terms of the surface morphology, thickness and refractive index was found during the reduction of Ag(+) containing multilayers by NaBH(4) solution.     

A pH sensor based on force generated by pH-dependent polymer swelling

We have demonstrated the feasibility of a new type of pH sensor by combining a bead of porous lightly crosslinked diethanolamine derivatized poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) with a strain gauge, i.e. a pressure sensitive resistor. The polymer bead is toughened with Kraton G1652, a styrene-ethylene,butylene-styrene triblock copolymer. The sensor is constructed so that the shrunken form of the bead is held in contact with the strain gauge with a small force. Increases in the hydrogen ion concentration protonate the diethanolamine introducing a positive charge onto the polymer backbone. This results in an electrostatic swelling force that causes the polymer to swell. This is detected as a change in strain gauge resistance that is readout via a Wheatstone bridge. When the pH of 0.10 M buffers is changed from 10 to 4, the response time is 390 s for a bead that is 0.25 mm in diameter in the shrunken state. The response varies with the square of the bead radius. The magnitude of the response is highly correlated with the penetration modulus, a measure of the extent to which the bead resists deformation when subjected to an external force. The response to pH appears to be shifted by the application of pressure in the sensor. This instrumentally simple approach to sensing has the potential to be stable and long-lived if the polymer bead can undergo a large number of swelling/shrinking cycles without changing mechanical properties.     

Rapid assembly of matrix metalloprotease inhibitors using click chemistry

[reaction: see text] A panel of 96 metalloprotease inhibitors was assembled using "click chemistry" by reacting eight zinc-binding hydroxamate warheads with 12 azide building blocks. Screens of the bidentate compounds against representative metalloproteases provided discerning inhibition fingerprints, revealing compounds with low micromolar potency against MMP-7. The relative ease and convenience of the strategy in constructing focused chemical libraries for rapid in situ screening of MMPs is thereby demonstrated.     

Controlled orientation in a bio-inspired assembly of Ag/AgCl/ZnO nanostructures enables enhancement in visible-light-induced photocatalytic performance

In a bio-inspired approach, polyamine-mediated mineralization of ZnO was explored to develop an environmentally benign methodology for synthesizing Ag/AgCl/ZnO nanostructures. The assembling properties displayed by the polyamines to create composite structures was utilized to have the nanocomponents effectively interact with each other in a way that is desirable for the application envisaged. The polyamines, which act as a mineralizing agent for ZnO nanoparticles, also facilitate the formation of Ag/AgCl within ZnO under ambient conditions. Thus synthesized Ag/AgCl/ZnO nanostructures represent a multi-heterojunction system in which the nanocomponents lead in a synergistic way to enhancement in the photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation.     

Ag, Ag2S, and Ag2Se nanocrystals: synthesis, assembly, and construction of mesoporous structures

Synthesis of mesoporous materials has become more and more important due to their wide application. Nowadays, there are two main ideas in their preparation. One is focused on the templating method. The other is based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed from molecular building blocks. Herein, we exploit a new idea for their facile and general synthesis, namely, using "artificial atoms" (monodisperse nanoparticles) as uniform building blocks to construct ordered mesoporous materials. Mesoporous Ag, Ag2S, and Ag2Se have been obtained to demonstrate this concept. On the other hand, we also describe a facile method to prepare the "building blocks". Ag nanoparticles were obtained by direct thermal decomposition of AgNO3 in octadecylamine, and Ag2S/Ag2Se nanoparticles were synthesized by reaction between sulfur or selenium powder and Ag nanoparticles formed in situ. This approach for Ag, Ag2S, and Ag2Se nanoparticles is efficient, economical, and easy to scale up in industrial production.