Porphyrin–Phthalocyanine/Pyridylfullerene Supramolecular Assemblies

The synthesis and photophysical properties of several porphyrin (P)–phthalocyanine (Pc) conjugates (P–Pc; 1 – 3 ) are described, in which the phthalocyanines are directly linked to the β‐pyrrolic position of a meso‐tetraphenylporphyrin. Photoinduced energy‐ and electron‐transfer processes were studied through the preparation of H₂P–ZnPc, ZnP–ZnPc, and PdP–ZnPc conjugates, and their assembly through metal coordination with two different pyridylfulleropyrrolidines ( 4 and 5 ). The resulting electron‐donor–acceptor hybrids, which were formed by axial coordination of compounds 4 and 5 with the corresponding phthalocyanines, mimicked the fundamental processes of photosynthesis; that is, light harvesting, the transduction of excited‐state energy, and unidirectional electron transfer. In particular, photophysical studies confirmed that intramolecular energy‐transfer resulted from the S₂ excited state as well as from the S₁ excited state of the porphyrins to the energetically lower‐lying phthalocyanines, followed by an intramolecular charge‐transfer to yield P–Pc^.+ ? C₆₀^.?. This unique sequence of processes opens the way for solar‐energy‐conversion processes.     

Polyelectrolyte‐Assisted Noncovalent Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes with Ordered Self‐Assemblies of a Water‐Soluble Porphyrin

The self‐assembly and induced supramolecular chirality of meso‐tetrakis(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TSPP) on both single‐wall (SWCNT) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are investigated. Under mild pH conditions (pH 3), TSPP forms aggregates when CNTs are dispersed in an aqueous solution containing positively charged polyelectrolytes such as poly‐L ‐lysine (PLL) or poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). Evidence for the geometry of the porphyrin aggregates is obtained from absorption spectra, whereby the fingerprints of J‐ and H‐aggregates are clearly seen only in the presence of smaller‐diameter nanotubes. J‐aggregates are better stabilized with PLL, whereas in the presence of PAH mainly H‐aggregates prevail. Excited‐state interactions within these nanohybrids are studied by steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence. The porphyrin emission intensity in the nanohybrid solution is significantly quenched compared to that of TSPP alone, and this implies strong electronic interaction between CNTs and porphyrin molecules. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) further supports that porphyrin arrays are associated with the MWCNT sidewalls wrapped in PLL. In the case of the SWCNT hybrid, spherical structures associated with longer fluorescence lifetime appeared after one week, indicative of H‐aggregates of TSPP. The latter are the result of π–π stacking of porphyrin units on neighboring nanotubes facilitated by the strong tendency of these nanotubes to interact with each other. These results highlight the importance of optimum dimensions and surface‐area architectures of CNTs in the control/stability of the porphyrin aggregates with promising properties for light harvesting.     

Two‐Photon Chemistry in Ruthenium 2,2′‐Bipyridyl‐Functionalized Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Ruthenium polypyridyl complexes are widely used as light harvesters in dye‐sensitized solar cells. Since one of the potential applications of single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and their derived materials is their use as active components in organic and hybrid solar cells, the study of the photochemistry of SWCNTs with tethered ruthenium polypyridyl complexes is important. A water‐soluble ruthenium tris(bipyridyl) complex linked through peptidic bonds to SWCNTs (Ru‐SWCNTs) was prepared by radical addition of thiol‐terminated SWCNT to a terminal C?C double bond of a bipyridyl ligand of the ruthenium tris(bipyridyl) complex. The resulting macromolecular Ru‐SWCNT (≈500 nm, 15.6 % ruthenium complex content) was water‐soluble and was characterized by using TEM, thermogravimetric analysis, chemical analysis, and optical spectroscopy. The emission of Ru‐SWCNT is 1.6 times weaker than that of a mixture of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ and SWCNT of similar concentration. Time‐resolved absorption optical spectroscopy allows the detection of the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺‐excited triplet and [Ru(bpy)₃]⁺. The laser flash studies reveal that Ru‐SWCNT exhibits an unprecedented two‐photon process that is enabled by the semiconducting properties of the SWCNT. Thus, the effect of the excitation wavelength and laser power on the transient spectra indicate that upon excitation of two [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ complexes of Ru‐SWCNT, a disproportionation process occurs leading to delayed formation of [Ru(bpy)₃]⁺ and the performance of the SWCNT as a semiconductor. This two‐photon delayed [Ru(bpy)₃]⁺ generation is not observed in the photolysis of [Ru(bpy)₃]³⁺; SWCNT acts as an electron wire or electron relay in the disproportionation of two [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ triplets in a process that illustrates that the SWCNT plays a key role in the process. We propose a mechanism for this two‐photon disproportionation compatible with i) the need for high laser flux, ii) the long lifetime of the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ triplets, iii) the semiconducting properties of the SWNT, and iv) the energy of the HOMO/LUMO levels involved.     

Kristallstrukturen „supramolekularer”︁ (Benzo‐18‐krone‐6)kaliumtetrathiocyanatometallate: Ein dimerer Komplex {[K(Benzo‐18‐krone‐6)]2[Hg(SCN)4]}2 und zwei isomere Komplexe [K(Benzo‐18‐krone‐6)][Cd(SCN)3] mit kettenförmigen Trithiocyanatocadmat‐Anionen

Crystal Structures of „Supramolecular”︁ Benzo‐18‐crown‐6 Potassium Tetrathiocyanato Metallates: A Dimeric Complex {[K(Benzo‐18‐crown‐6)]₂[Hg(SCN)₄]}₂ and Two Isomeric Complexes [K(Benzo‐18‐crown‐6)][Cd(SCN)₃] Containing Trithiocyanato Cadmate Anions with Chain Structures By reaction of potassium thiocyanatomercurate(II) complexes with benzo‐18‐crown‐6 (2,3‐benzo‐1,4,7,10,13,16‐hexaoxacyclooctadec‐2‐ene) crystals of {[K(benzo‐18‐crown‐6)]₂[Hg(SCN₄)]}₂ ( 1 ) were obtained. 1 crystallizes monoclinic, space group P2₁/n (non‐standard setting of P2₁/c), a = 1737.35(2), b = 1377.16(2), c = 1984.12(3) pm, β = 100.637(1)°, Z = 2. With potassium tetrathiocyanatocadmate(II) two modifications of a complex [K(benzo‐18‐crown‐6)][Cd(SCN)₃] ( 2 , 3 ), of different symmetry were formed. 2 crystallizes monoclinic, P2₁/c, a = 1158,31(3), b = 1096,55(2), c = 2028,46(2) pm, β = 99,5261(2)°, Z = 4, 3  orthorhombic, P2₁cn, a = 1105,95(3), b = 1413,07(4), c = 1617,10(5) pm, Z = 4. 1 has a dimeric structure, built up from a dication K₂(benzo‐18‐crown‐6)₂]²⁺ and two [K(benzo‐18‐crown‐6)]⁺ cations, which are bridged by two [Hg(SCN)₄]^2– anions. In 2 and 3 triply bridged infinite [{Cd(SCN)₃^–}_n] zigzag chains, stretching along screw axes, are to be found as anions. In 2 these chains exist in two conformations related by inversion symmetry, whereas in 3 only one form can be found. [K(benzo‐18‐crown‐6)]⁺ cations are linked to the anion chains via K · · · S interactions of different lengths.     

A New Concept for Obtaining SnO2 Fiber‐in‐Tube Nanostructures with Superior Electrochemical Properties

Tin oxide (SnO₂) nanotubes with a fiber‐in‐tube structure have been prepared by electrospinning and the mechanism of their formation has been investigated. Tin oxide‐carbon composite nanofibers with a filled structure were formed as an intermediate product, which were then transformed into SnO₂ nanotubes with a fiber‐in‐tube structure during heat treatment at 500 °C. Nanofibers with a diameter of 85 nm were found to be located inside hollow nanotubes with an outer diameter of 260 nm. The prepared SnO₂ nanotubes had well‐developed mesopores. The discharge capacities of the SnO₂ nanotubes at the 2nd and 300th cycles at a current density of 1 A g^?1 were measured as 720 and 640 mA h g^?1, respectively, and the corresponding capacity retention measured from the 2nd cycle was 88 %. The discharge capacities of the SnO₂ nanotubes at incrementally increased current densities of 0.5, 1.5, 3, and 5 A g^?1 were 774, 711, 652, and 591 mA h g^?1, respectively. The SnO₂ nanotubes with a fiber‐in‐tube structure showed superior cycling and rate performances compared to those of SnO₂ nanopowder. The unique structure of the SnO₂ nanotubes with a fiber@void@tube configuration improves their electrochemical properties by reducing the diffusion length of the lithium ions, and also imparts greater stability during electrochemical cycling.     

Visible‐Light‐Induced Annihilation of Tumor Cells with Platinum–Porphyrin Conjugates

Despite the extensive use of porphyrins in photodynamic therapy (PDT), tetraplatinated porphyrins have so far not been studied for their anticancer properties. Herein, we report the synthesis of such novel platinum–porphyrin conjugates as well as their photophysical characterization and in vitro light‐induced anticancer properties. These conjugates showed only minor cytotoxicity in the dark, but IC₅₀ values down to 19 nM upon irradiation with light at 420 nm.These values correspond to an excellent phototoxic index (PI=IC₅₀ in the dark/IC₅₀ in light), which reached 5000 in a cisplatin‐resistant cell line. After incubation with HeLa cells, nuclear Pt concentrations were 30 times higher than with cisplatin. All of these favorable characteristics imply that tetraplatinated porphyrin complexes are worthy of exploration as novel PDT anticancer agents in vivo.     

Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Based on Efficient Energy and Electron Transfers in Donor–Bridge–Acceptor Multibranched‐Porphyrin‐Functionalized Platinum Nanocomposites

Two donor–bridge–acceptor conjugates (5,10,15,20‐tetrakis[4‐(N,N‐diphenylaminobenzoate)phenyl] porphyrin (TPPZ) and 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis[4‐(N,N‐diphenylaminostyryl)phenyl] porphyrin (TPPX)) were covalently linked to triphenylamine (TPA) at the meso‐position of porphyrin ring. The triphenylamine entities were expected to act as energy donors and the porphyrins to act as an energy acceptor. In this paper, we report on the synthesis of these multibranched‐porphyrin‐functionalized Pt nanocomposites. The conjugates used here not only served as a stabilizer to prevent agglomeration of Pt nanoparticles, but also as a light‐harvesting photosensitizer. The occurrence of photoinduced electron‐transfer processes was confirmed by time‐resolved fluorescence and photoelectrochemical spectral measurements. The different efficiencies for energy and electron transfer in the two multibranched porphyrins and the functionalized Pt nanocomposites were attributed to diverse covalent linkages. Moreover, in the reduction of water to produce H₂, the photocatalytic activity of the Pt nanocomposite functionalized by TPPX, in which the triphenylamine and porphyrin moieties are bonded through an ethylene bridge, was much higher than that of the platinum nanocomposite functionalized by TPPZ, in which the two moieties are bonded through an ester. This investigation demonstrates the fundamental advantages of constructing donor–bridge–acceptor conjugates as highly efficient photosensitizers based on efficient energy and electron transfer.     

Selective Detection of Dopamine in Presence of Ascorbic Acid by Use of Glassy‐Carbon Electrode Modified with Amino‐β‐Cyclodextrin and Carbon Nanotubes

A glassy carbon electrode modified with per‐6‐amino‐β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CDNH₂) and functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT‐COOH) was elaborated. This structure was investigated for the detection of dopamine acid (DA) in presence of ascorbic acid (AA). The sensor behavior was studied by cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The analysis results show that the electrode modification with CD derivative improves the sensitivity and selectivity of the DA recognition; the electrochemical response was further improved by introduction of SWCNT‐COOH. The sensor shows good and reversible linear response toward DA within the concentration range of 7×10^?7–10^?4 M with a detection limit of 5×10^?7 M.     

Poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate)‐functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes from surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerizations of N‐carboxylanhydride

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been functionalized with poly(γ‐benzyl‐L ‐glutamate) (PBLG) by ring‐opening polymerizations of γ‐benzyl‐L ‐glutamic acid‐based N‐carboxylanhydrides (NCA‐BLG) using amino‐functionalized SWCNTs (SWCNT‐NH₂) as initiators. The SWCNT functionalization has been verified by FTIR spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The FTIR study reveals that surface‐attached PBLGs adopt random‐coil conformations in contrast to the physically absorbed or bulk PBLGs, which exhibit α‐helical conformations. Raman spectroscopic analysis reveals a significant alteration of the electronic structure of SWCNTs as a result of PBLG functionalization. The PBLG‐functionalized SWCNTs (SWCNT‐PBLG) exhibit enhanced solubility in DMF. Stable DMF solutions of SWCNT‐PBLG/PBLG with a maximum SWCNTs concentration of 259 mg L^?1 can be readily obtained. SWCNT‐PBLG/PBLG solid composites have been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, wide/small‐angle X‐ray scattering (W/SAXS), scanning electron microscopy, and polarized optical microscopy for their thermal or morphological properties. Microfibers containing SWCNT‐PBLG and PBLG can also be prepared via electrospinning. WAXS characterization reveals that SWCNTs are evenly distributed among PBLG rods in solution and in the solid state where PBLGs form a short‐range nematic phase interspersed with amorphous domains. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2340–2350, 2010     

M(benzo‐18‐crown‐6)I4 (M = Cd,Hg): Tetraiodide,Iodide–Iodine Adduct,or an Inclusion Compound of Iodine in MI2@(benzo‐18‐crown‐6)?

M(benzo‐18‐crown‐6)I₄ (M = Cd, Hg) are obtained as red columnar crystals from the reactions of benzo‐18‐crown‐6 (b18c6), cadmium and mercury iodide, respectively, and iodine in molar ratios of 1:1:2 in acetonitrile. They both crystallize with the orthorhombic crystal system, P2₁2₁2₁, a = 833.7(1), b = 1610.9(1), c = 1846.8(1) pm, V = 2480.3(1) 10⁶·pm³, Z = 4, for M = Cd and a = 823.4(1), b = 1616.5(1), c = 1866.1(1) pm, V = 2483.8(2) 10⁶·pm³ for M = Hg. The crystal structures consist of [M(b18c6)]I₂ molecules which are connected to a slightly lengthened iodine molecule via a secondary contact, according to the formulation I₂@[MI₂@(b18c6)].     

Electrooxidation of Chlorophenols Catalyzed by Nickel Octadecylphthalocyanine Adsorbed on Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes

We described the synthesis of nickel octadecylphthalocyanine (NiPc(C₁₀H₂₁)₈), followed by its adsorption on single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) to form SWCNT‐NiPc(C₁₀H₂₁)₈ conjugates. SWCNT‐NiPc(C₁₀H₂₁)₈ was used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and for the electrooxidation of 4‐chlorophenol and 2,4‐dichlorophenol. The SWCNT and NiPc(C₁₀H₂₁)₈ have a synergistic effect on each other in terms of improving electrocatalysis for the detection of chlorophenols. The stability of the electrode improved in the presence of NiPc(C₁₀H₂₁)₈ or NiPc compared to the bare GCE. The presence of SWCNT improves the electrocatalytic behaviour of NiPc(C₁₀H₂₁)₈ but not of unsubstituted NiPc. All modified electrodes showed improved stability towards the detection of 2,4‐dichlorophenol. The best stability for 4‐CP detection was observed in the presence of SWCNT for NiPc(C₁₀H₂₁)₈.     

[Ba(Benzo‐15‐Krone‐5)2](In)2: Darstellung und strukturelle Charakterisierung eines Triiodids (n = 3) und eines Heptaiodids (n = 7)

[Ba(benzo‐15‐crown‐5)₂](I₃)₂ and [Ba(benzo‐15‐crown‐5)₂](I₇)₂ can be obtained in crystalline form by reacting benzo‐15‐crown‐5 (C₁₄H₂₀O₅), barium iodide (BaI₂), and iodine (I₂) in ethan‐ole /dichloromethane. The triiodide consists of a sandwich‐like cation [Ba(benzo‐15‐crown‐5)₂]²⁺ and an isolated symmetrically linear I₃^‐ anion. The unusual I₇^‐ anion in the heptaiodide can be described as a V‐shaped pentaiodide unit, which is connected with a slightly widened iodine molecule to the rare Z‐form of the heptaiodide ion. In the crystal structure, secondary bonding distances lead to almost planar ten‐membered iodine rings, which are connected by common edges to form staircase‐like bands.     

Bionano donor-acceptor hybrids of porphyrin, ssDNA, and semiconductive single-wall carbon nanotubes for electron transfer via porphyrin excitation

Photoinduced electron transfer in self-assemblies of porphyrins ion-paired with ssDNA wrapped around single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has been reported. To accomplish the three-component hybrids, two kinds of diameter-sorted semiconducting SWCNT(n,m)s of different diameter ((n,m) = (6,5) and (7,6)) and free-base or zinc porphyrin bearing peripheral positive charges ((TMPyP(+))M (tetrakis(4-N-methylpyridyl)porphyrin); M = Zn and H(2)) serving as light-absorbing photoactive materials are utilized. The donor-acceptor hybrids are held by ion-pairing between the negatively charged phosphate groups of ssDNA on the surface of the SWCNT and the positively charged at the ring periphery porphyrin macrocycle. The newly assembled bionano donor-acceptor hybrids have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectroscopic methods. Photoinduced electron transfer from the excited singlet porphyrin to the SWCNTs directly and/or via ssDNA as an electron mediator has been established by performing systematic studies involving the steady-state and time-resolved emission as well as the transient absorption studies. Higher charge-separation efficiency has been successfully demonstrated by the selection of the appropriate semiconductive SWCNTs with the right band gap, in addition to the aid of ssDNA as the electron mediator.     

Design and Synthesis of Calixarene‐Based Bis‐alkynyl‐Bridged Dinuclear AuI Isonitrile Complexes as Luminescent Ion Probes by the Modulation of Au⋅⋅⋅Au Interactions

Two calixarene‐based bis‐alkynyl‐bridged Au^I isonitrile complexes with two different crown ether pendants, [{calix[4]arene‐(OCH₂CONH‐C₆H₄C≡C)₂}{Au(CNR)}₂] (R=benzo[15]crown‐5 ( 1 ); R=benzo[18]crown‐6 ( 2 )), together with their related crown‐free analogue 3 (R=C₆H₃(OMe)₂‐3,4) and a mononuclear gold(I) complex 4 with benzo[15]crown‐5 pendant, have been designed and synthesized, and their photophysical properties have been studied. The X‐ray structure of the ligand, calix[4]arene‐(OCH₂CONH‐C₆H₄C?CH)₂ has been determined. The cation‐binding properties of these complexes with various metal ions have been studied using UV/Vis, emission, ¹H NMR, and ESI‐MS techniques, and DFT calculations. A new low‐energy emission band associated with Au???Au interaction could be switched on upon formation of the metal ion‐bound adduct in a sandwich fashion.     

Preparation and Application of Cholesteryl‐Benzo‐15‐Crown‐5/Cholesteryl Mixed Liquid Crystals

Various mixed liquid crystals containing crown ether‐cholesteryl liquid crystal, benzo‐15‐crown‐5‐COO‐C₂₇H₄₅ (B15C5‐COOCh), with various common cholesteric liquid crystals, e.g., cholesteryl chloride, cholesteryl benzoate and cholesteryl palmitate, were prepared and studied using polarizing microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Investigating the concentration effect of B15C5‐COOCh in mixed liquid crystals revealed that the addition of B15C5‐COOCh resulted in wider phase transition temperature ranges of these cholesteryl liquid crystals. The stability of these B15C5‐COOCh/cholesteryl mixed liquid crystals was studied using comprehensive graphic molecular modeling computer programs (Insight II and Discover) to calculate their molecular energy and stability energy. The effect of salts, e.g. Na⁺, Co³⁺, Y³⁺ and La³⁺, on the transition temperature range of the mixed liquid crystals was also investigated. The crown ether cholesteric liquid crystal B15C5‐COOCh was applied both as a surfactant and an ion transport carrier to transport metal ions through liquid membranes. Cholesteryl benzo‐15‐crown‐5 exhibited distinctive characteristics of a surfactant and the critical micellar concentration (CMC) of the surfactant was investigated by the pyrene fluorescence probe method. Cholesteryl benzo‐15‐crown‐5 was successfully applied as a good ion transport carrier (Ionophore) to transport various metal ions, e.g. Li⁺, Na⁺, La³⁺, Fe³⁺ and Co³⁺, through organic liquid membranes. The transport ability of the cholesteryl benzo‐15‐crown‐5 surfactant for these metal ions was in the order: Co³⁺ ≥ Li⁺ > Fe³⁺ > Na⁺ > La³⁺.     

Synthesis and characterization of polyethylene chains grafted onto the sidewalls of single‐walled carbon nanotubes via copolymerization

Polyethylene (PE) chains grafted onto the sidewalls of SWCNTs (SWCNT‐g‐PE) were successfully synthesized via ethylene copolymerization with functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (f‐SWCNTs) catalyzed by rac‐(en)(THInd)₂ZrCl₂/MAO. Here f‐SWCNTs, in which α‐alkene groups were chemically linked on the sidewalls of SWCNTs, were synthesized by Prato reaction. The composition and microstructure of SWCNT‐g‐PE were characterized by means of ¹H NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Nanosized cable‐like structure was formed in the SWCNT‐g‐PE, in which the PE formed a tubular shell and several SWCNTs bundles existed as core. The formation of the above morphology in the SWCNT‐g‐PE resulted from successfully grafting of PE chains onto the surface of SWCNTs via copolymerization. The grown PE chains grafted onto the sidewall of the f‐SWCNTs promoted the exfoliation of the mass nanotubes. Comparing with pure PE, the physical mixture of PE/f‐SWCNTs and in situ PE/SWCNTs mixture, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of SWCNT‐g‐PE were higher because of the chemical bonding between the f‐SWCNTs and PE chains. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5459–5469, 2007     

Zirconium–Porphyrin‐Based Metal–Organic Framework Hollow Nanotubes for Immobilization of Noble‐Metal Single Atoms

Single atoms immobilized on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with unique nanostructures have drawn tremendous attention in the application of catalysis but remain a great challenge. Various single noble‐metal atoms have now been successfully anchored on the well‐defined anchoring sites of the zirconium porphyrin MOF hollow nanotubes, which are probed by aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron‐radiation‐based X‐ray absorption fine‐structure spectroscopy. Owing to the hollow structure and excellent photoelectrochemical performance, the HNTM‐Ir/Pt exhibits outstanding catalytic activity in the visible‐light photocatalytic H₂ evolution via water splitting. The single atom immobilized on MOFs with hollow structures are expected to pave the way to expand the potential applications of MOFs.     

A Reversible Redox Strategy for SWCNT‐Based Supercapacitors Using a High‐Performance Electrolyte

In order to achieve pesudocapacitive performance of single‐wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) electrodes, a high‐efficient and reversible redox strategy utilizing a redox‐mediated electrolyte for SWCNT‐based supercapacitors is reported. In this novel redox‐mediated electrolyte, the single‐electrode specific capacitance of the supercapacitor is heightened four times, reaching C=162.66 F g^?1 at 1 A g^?1. The quick charge‐discharge ability of the supercapacitor is also enhanced, and the relaxation time is as low as 0.58 s. Furthermore, the supercapacitor shows an excellent cycling performance of 96.51 % retention after 4000 cycles. The remarkable results presented here illustrate that the redox strategy is a facile and straightforward approach to improve the performances of SWCNT electrodes.     

Benzo‐cis‐cyclo­hexano‐14‐crown‐4 and its lithium thio­cyanate complex

The structures of a 14‐crown‐4 ether containing both benzo and cyclo­hexano substituents, 2,6,13,17‐tetraoxatricyclo‐[16.4.0.0^7,12]docosa‐1(18),19,21‐triene, C₁₈H₂₆O₄, and its lith­ium complex, [2,6,13,17‐tetraoxatricyclo[16.4.0.0^7,12]docosa‐1(18),19,21‐triene‐κ⁴O](thio­cyanato‐N)­lith­ium(I), [Li(NCS)‐(C₁₈H₂₆O₄)], are presented. The conformation of the free crown, (I), is not preorganized for cation binding, as its donor dipoles are oriented towards opposite sides of the crown ring. The Li⁺‐crown complex, (II), exhibits two formula units in the asymmetric unit. The binding conformation observed in (II) does not completely reorient the dipoles to one point, resulting in a long Li—O bond length [2.068 (5) and 2.073 (5) Å].     

A Ruthenium Complex–Porphyrin–Fullerene‐Linked Molecular Pentad as an Integrative Photosynthetic Model

A ruthenium complex, porphyrin sensitizer, fullerene acceptor molecular pentad has been synthesized and a long‐lived hole–electron pair was achieved in aqueous solution by photoinduced multistep electron transfer: Upon irradiation by visible light, the excited‐state of a zinc porphyrin (¹ZnP*) was quenched by fullerene (C₆₀) to afford a radical ion pair, ^1,3(ZnP^.+‐C₆₀^.−). This was followed by the subsequent electron transfer from a water oxidation catalyst unit (Ru^II) to ZnP^.+ to give the long‐lived charge‐separated state, Ru^III‐ZnP‐C₆₀^.−, with a lifetime of 14 μs. The ZnP worked as a visible‐light‐harvesting antenna, while the C₆₀ acted as an excellent electron acceptor. As a consequence, visible‐light‐driven water oxidation by this integrated photosynthetic model compound was achieved in the presence of sacrificial oxidant and redox mediator.