One-dimensional and two-dimensional nanomaterials for the detection of multiple biomolecules

The complexity of biological samples determines that the detection of a single biomolecule is unable to satisfy actual needs. Moreover, the “false positives” results caused by a single biomolecule detections easily leads to erroneous clinical diagnosis and treatment. Thus, it is important for the homogenous quantification of multiple biomolecules in not only basic research but also practical application. As a consequent, a large number of literatures have been exploited to monitor multiple biomolecules in homogenous solution, enabling facilitating the development of the disease diagnosis, treatment as well as drug discovery. One-dimensional nanomaterials and two-dimensional nanomaterials have special physical and chemical properties, such as good electrochemical properties, stable structure, large specific surface area, and biocompatibility, which are widely used in electrochemical and fluorescent detection of biomolecules. This tutorial review highlights the recent development for the detection of multiple biomolecules by using nanomaterials including one-dimensional materials (1DMs) as well as two-dimensional materials (2DMs).     

Nd(OTf)3-catalyzed intramolecular-intermolecular cascade cyclization reaction: An access to phenanthro[9,10-b]furan derivatives

An intramolecular-intermolecular cascade cyclization reaction via multi metal-carbene intermediates has been developed. This reaction uses catalytic amount of Nd(OTf)₃, which actives both alkyne and aldehyde moieties. This protocol provides a novel strategy for the synthesis of phenanthro[9,10-b]furans.     

Solution combustion synthesis,energy and environment: Best parameters for better materials

Solution combustion synthesis (SCS) is a worldwide used methodology for the preparation of inorganic ceramic and composite materials with controlled properties for a wide number of applications, from catalysis to photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, from heavy metal removal to sensoristics and electronics. The high versatility and efficiency of this technique have led to the introduction of many variants, which allowed important optimization to the prepared materials. Moreover, its ecofriendly nature encouraged further studies about the use of sustainable precursors for the preparation of nanomaterials for energy and environment, according to the concept of circular economy. On the other hand, the large variety of expressions to define SCS and the often-contradictory definitions of the SCS parameters witnessed a scarce consciousness of the potentiality of this methodology. In this review article, the most important findings about SCS and the selection criteria for its main parameters are critically reviewed, in order to give useful guidelines to those scientists who want to use this methodology for preparing materials with improved or new functional properties. This review aims as well (i) to bring more clarity in the SCS terminology (ii) to increase the awareness of the SCS as a convenient tool for the synthesis of materials and (iii) to propose a new perspective in the SCS, with special attention to the use of ecofriendly procedures. Part of the review is also dedicated to precautions and limitations of this powerful methodology.     

在结构化学教学中增设量子化学计算实验课的探索

结构化学是化学专业本科生的主干核心课程,对培养高水平人才具有重要作用。立足于学生兴趣和课程特点,本文提出在结构化学教学中增设量子化学计算实验课。紧扣教学大纲重难点,设计制作了4个基础实验,阐述了内容及实施细节。该改革让学生以计算机为仪器、应用结构化学知识来解决和理解化学问题,提升了学习兴趣和教学效果。     

2-pyrrolidone - capped Mn<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanocrystals

Water-soluble Mn₃O₄ nanocrystals have been prepared through thermal decomposition in a high temperature boiling solvent, 2-pyrrolidone. The final product was characterized with XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR and Zeta Potential measurements. Average crystallite size was calculated as ∼15 nm using XRD peak broadening. TEM analysis revealed spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 14±0.4 nm. FTIR analysis indicated that 2-pyrrolidone coordinates with the Mn₃O₄ nanocrystals only via O from the carbonyl group, thus confining their growth and protecting their surfaces from interaction with neighboring particles.      

Three-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks: From Synthesis to Applications

Three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs) with spatially periodic networks demonstrate significant advantages over their 2D counterparts, including enhanced specific surface areas, interconnected channels, and more sufficiently exposed active sites. Nevertheless, research on these materials has met an impasse due to serious problems in crystallization and stability, which must be solved for practical applications. In this Minireview, we first summarize some strategies for preparing functional 3D COFs, including crystallization techniques and functionalization methods. Hereafter, applications of these functional materials are presented, covering adsorption, separation, catalysis, fluorescence, sensing, and batteries. Finally, the future challenges and perspectives for the development of 3D COFs are discussed.     

Porous and Water Stable 2D Hybrid Metal Halide with Broad Light Emission and Selective H2O Vapor Sorption

In this work we report a strategy for generating porosity in hybrid metal halide materials using molecular cages that serve as both structure-directing agents and counter-cations. Reaction of the [2.2.2] cryptand (DHS) linker with Pb^II in acidic media gave rise to the first porous and water-stable 2D metal halide semiconductor (DHS)₂Pb₅Br₁₄. The corresponding material is stable in water for a year, while gas and vapor-sorption studies revealed that it can selectively and reversibly adsorb H₂O and D₂O at room temperature (RT). Solid-state NMR measurements and DFT calculations verified the incorporation of H₂O and D₂O in the organic linker cavities and shed light on their molecular configuration. In addition to porosity, the material exhibits broad light emission centered at 617 nm with a full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 284 nm (0.96 eV). The recorded water stability is unparalleled for hybrid metal halide and perovskite materials, while the generation of porosity opens new pathways towards unexplored applications (e.g. solid-state batteries) for this class of hybrid semiconductors.