Electrode-Potential-Driven Dissociation of N-Heterocycle/BF3 Adducts: A Possible Manifestation of the Electro-Inductive Effect

Recently, non-Faradaic effects were used to modify the electronic structure and reactivity of electrode-bound species. We hypothesize that these electrostatic perturbations could influence the chemical reactivity of electrolyte species near an electrode in the absence of Faradaic electron transfer. A prime example of non-Faradaic effects is acid-base dissociation near an interface. Here, we probed the near-electrode dissociation of N-heterocycle-BF₃ Lewis adducts upon electrode polarization, well outside of the redox potential window of the adducts. Using scanning electrochemical microscopy and confocal fluorescence spectroscopy, we detected a potential-dependent depletion of the adduct near the electrode. We propose an electro-inductive effect where a more positive potential leads to electron withdrawal on the N-heterocycle. This study takes a step forward in the use of electrostatics at electrochemical interfaces for field-driven electrocatalytic and electro-synthetic processes.     

Redox-Bipolar Polyimide Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework Cathodes for Durable Aluminium Batteries

Emerging rechargeable aluminium batteries (RABs) offer a sustainable option for next-generation energy storage technologies with low cost and exemplary safety. However, the development of RABs is restricted by the limited availability of high-performance cathode materials. Herein, we report two polyimide two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D-COFs) cathodes with redox-bipolar capability in RAB. The optimal 2D-COF electrode achieves a high specific capacity of 132 mAh g⁻¹. Notably, the electrode presents long-term cycling stability (with a negligible ≈0.0007 % capacity decay per cycle), outperforming early reported organic RAB cathodes. 2D-COFs integrate n-type imide and p-type triazine active centres into the periodic porous polymer skeleton. With multiple characterizations, we elucidate the unique Faradaic reaction of the 2D-COF electrode, which involves AlCl²⁺ and AlCl₄⁻ dual-ions as charge carriers. This work paves the avenue toward novel organic cathodes in RABs.     

Silica Aerogel: Synthesis,Characterization, Applications,and Recent Advancements

Silica aerogels have drawn considerable attention due to their low density (almost 95% of the total volume is composed of air), hydrophobicity, optical transparency, low conductivity of heat, and large surface to volume ratio. Sol–gel processing is used to prepare aerogels from molecular precursors. To replace the pore fluid with air while retaining the solid network, a supercritical drying process (the most frequent approach) is used. However, recent technologies use atmospheric pressure to allow for liquid removal followed by chemical alteration of the gel's internal layer, which leaves only a silica network with a porous structure filled with air. This study discusses the sol–gel method for preparing silica aerogels and their various drying processes. Furthermore, various areas of applications of silica aerogels, including electronics, construction, aerospace, purification of water and air, sensing, catalyst, biomedical, absorbent, food packing, textile, etc., are also discussed. Lastly, this review provides a perception of the recent scientific progress along with the futuristic development of silica aerogel.