Environmentally friendly synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles assisted by biodegradable dextran‐graft‐lactone copolymers

A simple “green synthesis” of noble metal nanoparticles by direct reaction between Dextran‐graft‐lactone copolymers and metal salts without the need to separately add reducing and stabilizing agents was carried out. The effects of the composition, molecular weights of copolymers and solvents on the characteristics of the nanoparticles were considered. The amphiphilic character of the copolymers seems to be an important factor in the results of the synthesis. According to the results, general correlations between experimental parameters of synthesis and characteristics of the obtained nanoparticles were established. Techniques such as, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, Zeta Potential, dynamic light scattering and Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy, were used for the characterization of the products. The results indicate the possibility of control of the characteristics of the nanostructured material. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Carbon Dots: The Newest Member of the Carbon Nanomaterials Family

Carbon nanomaterials have been extensively researched in the past few years owing to their interesting properties. The massive research efforts resulted in the emergence of carbon dots, which belong to the carbon nanomaterials family. Carbon dots (C‐dots) have garnered the attention of researchers mainly due to their convenient availability from organic as well as inorganic materials and also due to the novel properties they exhibit. C‐Dots have been said to overcome the era of quantum dots, referring to their levels of toxicity and biocompatibility. In this review, we focus on the discovery of C‐dots, their structure and composition, surface passivation to enhance their optical properties, the various synthetic methods used, their applications in different areas, and future perspectives. Emphasis has been given to greener approaches for the synthesis of C‐dots in order to make them cost effective as well as to improve their biocompatibility.     

Bifunctional Polyacrylonitrile Fiber‐Mediated Conversion of Sucrose to 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural in Mixed‐Aqueous Systems

A highly efficient catalytic system composed of a bifunctional polyacrylonitrile fiber (PANF‐PA[BnBr]) and a metal chloride was employed to produce 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from sucrose in mixed‐aqueous systems. The promoter of PANF‐PA[BnBr] incorporates protonic acid groups that promote the hydrolysis of the glycosidic bond to convert sucrose into glucose and fructose, and then catalyzes fructose dehydration to HMF, while the ammonium moiety may promote synergetically with the metal chloride the isomerization of glucose to fructose and transfer HMF from the aqueous to the organic phase. The detailed characterization by elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and SEM confirmed the rangeability of the fiber promoter during the modification and utilization processes. Excellent results in terms of high yield (72.8 %) of HMF, superior recyclability (6 cycles) of the process, and effective scale‐up and simple separation procedures of the catalytic system were obtained. Moreover, the prominent features (high strength, good flexibility, etc.) of the fibers are very attractive for fix‐bed reactor.     

可见光催化需氧氧化在有机合成中的应用

可见光催化作为一种新兴且强大的有机合成手段,具有洁净节能、优秀的官能团兼容性和良好的化学选择性等特征。氧气作为一种廉价、无污染的氧化剂,与可见光催化相结合,极大地促进了绿色化学的发展。本文主要对我们课题组近年来在可见光需氧氧化领域取得的成果做了简明的综述,并对其发展进行了展望。     

Activation of Cellulose Assisted by CO2 for the Preparation of a Superhydrophobic Nanocoating

There is increasing demand for superhydrophobic materials, which can be used for separating oil and water efficiently. To avoid secondary pollution, it is desirable to prepare such materials with green technology. Here, we present an environmentally benign method for fabricating superhydrophobic materials by using organic base based solvents in which cellulose can be dissolved and activated. The dissolved cellulose could be chemically modified with a silanization reagent, and the solvent could be recycled after CO₂ was removed. The obtained cellulose nanocoating exhibited excellent hydrophobic effects. By spraying it on filter paper (water contact angle (WCA)=165°) for oil and water separation, the separation efficiency of more than 95 % was achieved; ultrasonication of an ordinary sponge in its dispersion (WCA=163°), meant it could be used as an oil absorber. It can also absorb a certain amount of bisphenol A (BPA), with the concentration decreasing by 66 % from the original concentration (0.1 mm ). Besides the high separation efficiency, it is resistant to a wide range of pH solutions, which means that it could be used in harsh environments. More importantly, the process is cost‐effective, the solvent can be recycled, and the whole process is green. Thus, the activation method provides a green route for the preparation of other cellulose‐based materials.     

绿色双溶剂法制备高效稳定钙钛矿太阳能电池

采用毒性小、环境友好的乙二醇甲醚(ethylene glycol monomethyl ether,EGME)与水混合的双溶剂(体积比为1∶1)溶解CsBr,通过提高CsBr的溶解度,减少了后续CsBr的甲醇溶液的旋涂遍数,简化了电池制备流程。通过优化CsBr的甲醇溶液的旋涂遍数发现,在旋涂1遍200 mg·mL^-1 CsBr的水/EGME溶液的基础上旋涂2遍15 mg·mL^-1 CsBr的甲醇溶液,所制备的CsPb-Br₃钙钛矿太阳能电池(perovskite solar cells,PSCs)拥有最佳的性能,实现了1.44 V的开路电压(open-circuit voltage,V_OC),6.26mA·cm^-2的短路电流密度(short circuit current density,J_SC),74.57%的填充因子(fill factor,FF)及最高6.72%的光电转换效率(pho-toelectric conversion efficiency,PCE)。     

化工原理课程思政教学改革与实践

介绍了化工原理课程思政的育人目标,据此构建课程内容与育人元素的支撑矩阵;融入绿色工程理念,确定课程对绿色工程十二项原则指标点的支撑;深度融合信息技术,基于原有慕课建设专门的课程思政慕课;以精馏章节为例,分享化工原理课程思政教学案例设计思路和方案。同时,对学生测评和学习成果、育人点、重要性及切入自然性进行调研评价,说明通过课程思政教学实践,在潜移默化中培养学生树立正确的世界观、人生观和价值观。为化工类专业课程思政教学提供参考和借鉴。     

LC–MS methods combination for identification and quantification of trans-sinapoylquinic acid regioisomers in green coffee

The present study aims to both identify and quantify trans-sinapoylquinic acid (SiQA) regioisomers in green coffee by combined UHPLC-ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS and UHPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS methods. Among the various mono-acyl chlorogenic acids found in green coffee, SiQA regioisomers are the least studied despite having been indicated as unique phytochemical markers of Coffea canephora (known as Robusta). The lack of commercially available authentic standards has been bypassed by resorting to the advantages offered by high-resolution LC–MS as far as the identification is concerned. SiQA regioisomers have been identified in several samples of Robusta and Coffea arabica (known as Arabica) commercial lots from different geographical origin and, for the first time, in different samples of coffee wild species (Coffea liberica and Coffea pseudozanguebariae). Quantification (total SiQA ranging from 3 to 5 mg/100 g) let to reconsider these chlorogenic acids as unique phytochemical markers of Robusta being present in the same quantity and distribution in C. liberica as well. Gardeniae Fructus samples (fruits of Gardenia jasminoides) have additionally been characterized as this matrix is recognized as one of the few naturally occurring SiQA sources. The SiQA regioisomer content (total SiQA about 80 mg/100 mg) fully supports the proposal to use this matrix as a surrogate standard for further studies.     

An Overview of Heterogeneous Transition Metal-Based Catalysts for Cyclohexene Epoxidation Reaction

Cyclohexane epoxide, which contains highly active epoxy groups, plays a crucial role as an intermediate in the preparation of fine chemicals. However, controlling the epoxidation pathway of cyclohexene is challenging due to issues such as the allylic oxidation of cyclohexene and the ring opening of cyclohexane epoxide during the cyclohexene epoxidation process to form cyclohexane oxide. This review focuses on the structure-activity relationships and synthesis processes of various heterogeneous transition metal-based catalysts used in cyclohexene epoxidation reactions, including molybdenum(Mo)-based, tungsten(W)-based, vanadium(V)-based, titanium(Ti)-based, cobalt(Co)-based, and other catalysts. Initially, the mechanism of cyclohexene epoxidation by transition metal-based catalysts is examined from the perspective of catalytic active centers. Subsequently, the current research of cyclohexene epoxidation catalysts is summarized based on the perspective of catalyst support. Additionally, the differences between alkyl hydroperoxide, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and oxygen (O₂) as oxidants are analyzed. Finally, the main factors influencing catalytic performance are summarized, and reasonable suggestions for catalyst design are proposed. This work provides scientific support for the advancement of the olefin epoxidation industry.     

High-pressure infrared spectroscopy of ionic liquids mixed with Tween 80

In this study, the possibility of using Tween 80 to disturb the microstructures of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM]BF₄) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM]PF₆) was investigated under high pressures. The imidazolioum C H absorptions of pure ionic liquids (ILs) are significantly blue-shifted under high pressures. However, mild changes in imidazolioum C H stretching frequencies were observed for IL/Tween 80 mixtures. Tween 80 may hinder cations of ILs to form network structures with anions under high pressures via pressure-enhanced cation-Tween 80 interactions. Based on the experimental results, Tween 80-[BMIM]PF₆ interactions are more effective in disturbing the local structure of imidazolium C H than Tween 80-[BMIM]BF₄ interactions.