Carbon-based optical limiting materials

In this mini-review, special attention has been paid to carbon-based optical limiting materials. After a brief introduction to optical limiting mechanisms of carbon-based optical materials and their characterization technique, this mini-review presents the recent progress of carbon-based optical limiting materials including carbon black suspensions(CBS), carbon nanotubes(CNTs), fullerenes, graphene and detonation nanodiamond. Finally, perspectives on carbon-based optical limiting are given.     

Electroreductive Cross-Electrophile Coupling (eXEC) Reactions

Electrochemistry utilizes electrons as a potent, controllable, and traceless alternative to chemical oxidants or reductants, and typically offers a more sustainable option for achieving selective organic synthesis. Recently, the merger of electrochemistry with readily available electrophiles has been recognized as a viable and increasingly popular methodology for efficiently constructing challenging C−C and C-heteroatom bonds in a sustainable manner for complex organic molecules. In this mini-review, we have systematically summarized the most recent advances in electroreductive cross-electrophile coupling (eXEC) reactions during the last decade. Our focus has been on readily available electrophiles, including aryl and alkyl organic (pseudo)halides, as well as small molecules such as CO₂, SO₂, and D₂O.     

Organo-iron mediated synthesis of functional dendrimers with 1 → 3 connectivity

The organo-iron mediated activation of arene in the sandwich complexes [FeCp(η⁶-arene)][PF₆] is shown to produce 1 → 3 connectivity at benzylic positions that was utilized for dendrimer syntheses. This mini-review of the work carried out in the authors’ laboratory summarizes this principle and its applications with emphasis on recent significant improvements in the CpFe⁺-mediated reactions, recyclability of the CpFe⁺ group, mechanistic features and examples of efficient and useful functionalization reactions.     

Optical probes of chain packing structure and exciton dynamics in polythiophene films,composites, and nanostructures

This mini-review on the photophysics of poly-alkyl thiophenes (e.g., P3HT) and its blends with electron-acceptor moeties such as fullerenes (e.g., PCBM) and carbon nanotubes focuses on highlights of recent literature on spectroscopic probes of exciton formation, diffusion, charge-separation, and transport in these materials. The literature in this area is vast: more than 3000 papers have been published in on P3HT (and related materials) and applications to organic solar energy harvesting devices over the last 20 years. Thus, no single review can capture the breadth and depth of this research. Here, we attempt to highlight some of the exciting new research efforts aimed at understanding photophysical processes in organic photovoltaic materials. This mini-review is organized as follows: First, a summary of the theoretical framework commonly used to describe fundamental physical processes of charge generation in organic (polymeric) semiconductor materials is presented. We then discuss recent exciting results on ultrafast spectroscopic probes of exciton dynamics in these materials. Finally, we present highlights of new research on polymer nanostructures (nanoparticles and nanofibers) and their exciting applications to organic photovoltaics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012     

Current status,challenges and future directions in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases by polymeric materials

Nowadays, one of the major challenges in biomedical and biopharmaceutical field is designing novel and effective anti-amyloidogenic inhibitors for the treatment of various human pathophysiologies associated with protein aggregation. In this milieu, numerous small molecules, polyphenols, surfactants, nanoparticles, etc. have been extensively studied to explore their anti-amyloidogenic properties, and thus provide huge scope for them to appear as future therapeutic agents in the treatment of amyloidogenic disorders. Recently, inspired by the fascinating properties of polymers such as non-toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, tuneable architectures, controllable degradation rate, possibility of multiple interaction between amyloidogenic protein/peptide and polymer, and excellent in vivo stability, polymer-based therapeutic agents have been extensively explored in the field of protein misfolding and aggregation. This mini-review article emphasizes the recent advancements of polymeric materials in the field of protein aggregation for ameliorating neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we conclude this mini-review by providing some viewpoints on future directions.     

Magnetic-Optical Imaging for Monitoring Chemodynamic Therapy

Chemodynamic therapy kills cancer cells with reactive oxygen species generated by endogenous triggers in the tumor microenvironment. Although chemodynamic therapy is blossoming in recent years, their therapy process still faces a series of hampers. The unknown catalytic activity of chemodynamic therapy reagents may lead to unpredictable therapy effects, so it is necessary to reveal the therapeutic mechanism of chemodynamic therapy and develop self-monitoring probes. In this mini-review, we summarize and illustrate the most recent progress of chemodynamic therapy, focusing on the applications of magnetic imaging and optical imaging probe for monitoring cancer chemodynamic therapy. Furthermore, we also discuss the potential challenges and the further directions of this field.     

Overview on the recently developed thiazolyl heterocycles as useful therapeutic agents

Thiazoles are important heterocyclic compounds which have many biological activities and different applications such as useful ligands, in optical sensors, etc. A literature survey shows that there are different routes to thiazoles. One of the most frequently used synthetic approaches consists of a reaction between α-halocarbonyl compounds with a CSNH₂ moiety. In this mini-review we have classified the contents based on the reagent or material providing the sulfur atom of the thiazole ring. Also, among many articles which have been devoted to thiazole syntheses here we presented some synthetic approaches published from 2012 to 2014.     

Functional nanomachines: Recent advances in synthetic molecular machinery

A mini-review: As the top-down approach for miniaturisation of technology reaches its inherent limitations, robust strategies to build nanoscale machinery components, which have the ability to convert an input energy into motion, from the molecular level up, become increasingly important. Nature is certainly the most proficient in the control of molecular level motion; nevertheless, many successes have been enjoyed in the pursuit of mimicking key aspects of nature’s molecular machines, including two state switches, ion pumps, unidirectional rotary motors and molecular robots that can move molecular cargo. This mini-review outlines of some of the most impressive recent examples towards this end.     

Effect of PPy/PEG conducting polymer film on electrochemical performance of LiFePO4 cathode material for Li-ion batteries

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been the most commonly used batteries in the portable electronics market for many years. Polypyrrole (PPy) was now investigated as a conducting addition agent to enhance the cathode and anode materials performance in LIBs. Actual development in the synthesis and modification of the most promising cathode materials, LiFePO₄, is described in this mini-review. The main aim of this mini-review is to highlight the effect of PPy based conducting polymer films on the electrochemical efficiency of LiFePO₄ based cathode materials for LIBs summarizing our own research. Influence of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) additive in the PPy coating layer was evaluated. The improved electrochemical performance can be attributed to the enhanced electronic conductivity, higher solubility of ions originating from the electrolyte, higher movability of dissolved Li⁺ ions, and improved structural flexibility resulting from the incorporation of the PPy or PPy/PEG conducting polymer layer. The stabilizing effect of PEG in PPy was reflected in lowered cross-linking and reduced structural defects and, in consequence, in higher specific capacity of PPy/PEG-LiFePO₄ cathodes compared to that of PPy-LiFePO₄ cathodes and bare LiFePO₄ cathodes.     

Nickel hydrogen gas batteries: From aerospace to grid-scale energy storage applications

The challenging requirements of high safety, low-cost, all-climate and long lifespan restrict most battery technologies for grid-scale energy storage. Historically, owing to stable electrode reactions and robust battery chemistry, aqueous nickel–hydrogen gas (Ni–H₂) batteries with outstanding durability and safety have been served in aerospace and satellite systems for over three decades ever since their first development in the 1970s. Despite their satisfactory performances, this technology has difficulty to be applied for grid-scale energy storage primarily because of their high cost resulting from the utilization of expensive platinum as anode hydrogen catalyst. In recent years, with the extensive exploration of inexpensive hydrogen evolution/oxidation reaction catalysts, advanced Ni–H₂ batteries have been revived as promising battery chemistry for grid-scale energy storage applications. This mini-review provides an overview of the development activities of Ni–H₂ batteries and highlights the recent advances in the application of advanced Ni–H₂ batteries for grid-scale energy storage. New cost-effective hydrogen evolution/oxidation reactions catalysts, novel cathode materials, and advanced Ni–H₂ battery designs toward further development of Ni–H₂ batteries are discussed. The renaissance of advanced Ni–H₂ battery technology is particularly attractive for future grid-scale energy storage applications.     

Controlled drug delivery systems based on calixarenes

Recent advances on calixarene-based drug delivery systems in the form of inclusion complexes, amphiphilic self-assembly nanocarriers including micelles, hydrogels, vesicles and liposomes, and supramolecular nanovalves on mesoporous silicas, were reviewed and discussed.     

Recent advances in layered double hydroxides-based electrochemical sensors: Insight in transition metal contribution

Among the nanomaterials reported in the literature, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are considered promising for the electrochemical sensor technology. Transition metal-based layered double hydroxides (TM-LDHs) show excellent electrocatalytic properties that facilitate redox reactions with analytes, e. g. H₂O₂, glucose or glyphosate. Elaboration of porous nano-structures with TM-LDHs nanosheets on the electrode surface allows a rapid diffusion of the analytes and a good accessibility of the TM active sites. An association of TM-LDHs with conductive materials, e. g. graphene or metal nanoparticles (M-NPs), improves the electronic conductivity in the LDH-based composites and also the electrocatalytic activity. With a selection of recent publications, the present mini-review aims to discuss about the specific electrocatalytic role played by TMs (Ni, Co, Cu, Mn and Fe) present in the LDH layers on the performance (sensitivity and detection limit) of these TM-LDHs-based sensors.     

Some recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed ortho SP~2 C–H functionalization using Ru,Rh, and Pd

In the past decade,transition-metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization by weak coordination has emerged as a practical and powerful tool to access many valuable chemicals.Two classes of weakly coordinating directing groups,commonly occurring functional groups,and easily removable auxiliaries,have been found to be efficient and practical for C–H activation reactions.This mini-review contains examples of recent research advances on transition-metal-catalyzed SP2 C–H functionalization via weak coordination,using Ru,Rh,and Pd.A number of weakly coordinating functional groups(e.g.,ketone,ester,carbamate,tertiary amide,ether,thioether,alcohol,and some others)are covered.As the field of transition-metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization continues to develop and more synthetically useful chemo-,regio-,and enantioselective reactions catalyzed by transition metal via weak coordination are discovered,this promising and attractive strategy will play a more important role in modern organic synthesis.     

Nanocellulose-based soft actuators and their applications

Nanocellulose has aroused growing attention in the design and fabrication of multifarious soft actuators thanks to its abundant source, appropriate mechanical properties, and sustainability. In this mini-review, an up-to-date account of recent progresses in nanocellulose-based actuators with homogeneous and heterogeneous structures is provided. The fundamental design concepts and synthesis strategies for nanocellulose-based soft actuators with a wide array of micro-architecture are described. Moreover, their actuation mechanisms, structure–function relationships, and emerging applications in the fields of soft robotics, biomedical science and bioelectronics are highlighted. Finally, a brief conclusion, the current challenges, and future perspectives in the development of nanocellulose-based actuators is presented. This mini-review provides new insights into the fundamental research and the technological application of advanced nanocellulose-based soft actuators.     

Progress on Noble Metal-Based Catalysts Dedicated to the Selective Catalytic Ammonia Oxidation into Nitrogen and Water Vapor (NH3-SCO)

A recent development for selective ammonia oxidation into nitrogen and water vapor (NH₃-SCO) over noble metal-based catalysts is covered in the mini-review. As ammonia (NH₃) can harm human health and the environment, it led to stringent regulations by environmental agencies around the world. With the enforcement of the Euro VI emission standards, in which a limitation for NH₃ emissions is proposed, NH₃ emissions are becoming more and more of a concern. Noble metal-based catalysts (i.e., in the metallic form, noble metals supported on metal oxides or ion-exchanged zeolites, etc.) were rapidly found to possess high catalytic activity for NH₃ oxidation at low temperatures. Thus, a comprehensive discussion of property-activity correlations of the noble-based catalysts, including Pt-, Pd-, Ag- and Au-, Ru-based catalysts is given. Furthermore, due to the relatively narrow operating temperature window of full NH₃ conversion, high selectivity to N₂O and NO_x as well as high costs of noble metal-based catalysts, recent developments are aimed at combining the advantages of noble metals and transition metals. Thus, also a brief overview is provided about the design of the bifunctional catalysts (i.e., as dual-layer catalysts, mixed form (mechanical mixture), hybrid catalysts having dual-layer and mixed catalysts, core-shell structure, etc.). Finally, the general conclusions together with a discussion of promising research directions are provided.     

The infrared chemiluminescent reaction of Cl atoms with H2CO

The reaction Cl + H₂CO → HCl + HCO has been studied at 295 K. Chlorine atoms were produced via the infrared laser induced dissociation of CCl₃F, using a pulsed CO₂ TEA laser. Using HCl infrared chemiluminescence as the diagnostic, we find the rate constant to be 7.4 ± 0.7 × 10^?11 cm³/molecule sec, in good agreement with several recent studies. An evaluation of TEA laser photolysis as a technique for the generation of chlorine atoms is made, and the relationship of this experiment to recent theories of infrared laser induced chemistry is discussed.     

Catalytic C–H to C–M (M = Al,Mg) bond transformations with heterometallic complexes

C–H functionalisation is one of the cornerstones of modern catalysis and remains a topic of contemporary interest due its high efficiency and atom-economy. Among these reactions, C–H borylation, that is the transformation of C–H to C–B bonds, has experienced a fast development because of the wide utility of organoboron reagents as synthetic intermediates. The mechanistic background is now well-understood and the role of transition metal boryl or σ-borane intermediates in this transformation is well documented. This mini-review focuses on efforts made by our group, and others, to establish palladium- and calcium-catalysed methods for C–H metalation employing heavier main group elements (M = Al, Mg). These are new catalytic reactions first accomplished in our group that we have termed C–H alumination and magnesiation respectively. Unusual heterometallic complexes have been identified as key on-cycle intermediates and their unique reactivity is discussed in the context of new catalytic pathways for C–H functionalisation. Hence, this mini-review summarises the recent progress in the area of C–H metalation reactions as well as the new opportunities that may arise from this concept.

This highlight focuses on recent efforts to establish catalytic methods for C–H functionalisation with main group metals (M = Al, Mg).     

Artificial light-harvesting systems fabricated by supramolecular host–guest interactions

Recent progress on artificial light-harvesting systems fabricated by supramolecular host-guest interaction was summarized.     

Multi-Analyte Immunoassay for Pesticides: A Review

The current trend of pesticide immunoassay is developing multi-analyte immunoassays, that is, more than one target can be detected per test. In this mini-review, the strategies to achieve multi-analyte immunoassays, which include multi-antibody strategy, broad-specificity antibody strategy, and others, are briefly introduced. In addition, the recent developments of multi-analyte immunoassays for pesticides were summarized. At last, we give a future outlook of this area, which includes rational design generic hapten with the assist of computer-assisted molecular modeling (CAMM), further improving the properties of broad-specificity antibody by recombinant antibody (rAb) technology and developing a noncompetitive immunoassay format.     

Covalent Organic Frameworks for Extracting Water from Air

Water scarcity is becoming an increasingly pressing issue due to global population growth and industrialization. One effective approach to addressing this issue is sorption-based atmospheric water harvesting (SAWH). Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a type of porous crystalline material that have emerged as promising sorbents for water harvesting due to their high surface area, tunable pore size, and customizable pore chemistry. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of the different types of COFs, their structural characteristics, and the diverse linkage chemistries used to construct them. Then, we summarize recent advances in using COF-based sorbents for atmospheric water harvesting, including strategies for controlling sorption properties and optimizing performance in terms of thermodynamics and dynamics. Finally, we discuss prospects and challenges associated with improving the efficiency of COF-based SAWH systems.