3D‐morphology reconstruction of nanoscale phase‐separation in polymer memory blends

In many organic electronic devices functionality is achieved by blending two or more materials, typically polymers or molecules, with distinctly different optical or electrical properties in a single film. The local scale morphology of such blends is vital for the device performance. Here, a simple approach to study the full 3D morphology of phase‐separated blends, taking advantage of the possibility to selectively dissolve the different components is introduced. This method is applied in combination with AFM to investigate a blend of a semiconducting and ferroelectric polymer typically used as active layer in organic ferroelectric resistive switches. It is found that the blend consists of a ferroelectric matrix with three types of embedded semiconductor domains and a thin wetting layer at the bottom electrode. Statistical analysis of the obtained images excludes the presence of a fourth type of domains. The criteria for the applicability of the presented technique are discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015 , 53, 1231–1237     

From Bowls to Capsules: Assembly of Hexanuclear NiII Rings Tailored by Alkali Cations

An anionic hexanuclear Ni^II metallamacrocycle with endo and exo linking sites has been employed as a building block to generate a series of capsules and bowls of nanometric size. The supramolecular arrangement of the {Ni₆} rings was tailored by the size of the alkali cations, showing the transition from {Ni₆-M₂-Ni₆} capsules (M=Li^I and Na^I) to {Ni₆-M} bowls (M=K^I and Cs^I). The alkyl co-cations are determinant to stabilize the assemblies by means of CH⋅⋅⋅π interactions on the exo side of the metallamacrocycles. The effect on the topology of the supramolecular assemblies of the cation size, cation charge, Et₃NH⁺ or Me₄N⁺ counter cations has been analyzed. Magnetic measurements reveal the presence of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions inside the rings that allow a S=0 ground state.     

Synthesis of Tetraarylethene Luminogens by C−H Vinylation of Aromatic Compounds with Triazenes

Tetraarylethenes are obtained by acid-induced coupling of vinyl triazenes with aromatic compounds. This new C−H activation route for the synthesis of aggregation-induced emission luminogens is simple, fast, and versatile. It allows the direct grafting of triarylethenyl groups onto a variety of aromatic compounds, including heterocycles, supramolecular hosts, biologically relevant molecules, and commercial polymers.     

Monitoring and Statistical Analysis of Formation of Organochlorine and Organobromine Compounds in Drinking Water of Different Water Intakes

The main drawback of drinking water chlorination involves the formation of quite hazardous disinfection by-products (DBPs), represented mainly by halogenated species. Based on the authors’ monitoring data since 2002, the prevalence of chlorine over bromine in the composition of volatile DBPs was shown for the drinking water in Ufa (Russia). However, the situation was completely reversed in the case of semi-volatile DBPs. The principal goal of the present study involved rationalization of the results of the long-term monitoring. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of volatile DBPs. Identification of semi-volatile compounds was carried out with GC-MS, while gas chromatography with an atomic emission detector (GC-AED) was used for their quantification. A significant contribution of oxygen to the composition of semi-volatile compounds proves the decisive role of the dissolved organic matter oxidative destructive processes. Statistical analysis revealed notable linear correlations for trihalomethane and haloacetic acid formation vs. chlorine dose. On the contrary, halogenated semi-volatile products do not demonstrate any correlations with the water quality parameters or chlorine dose. Principal component analysis (PCA) placed them into separate groups. The results allow for proposing that formation of the organohalogenated species involved the fast penetration of bromine into the humic matter molecules and, further, their oxidative destruction by active chlorine.     

Development of a Chitosan/Nickel Phthalocyanine Composite Based Conductometric Micro-sensor for Methanol Detection

Thin-film composite of chitosan/nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) was electrochemically deposited on the fingers of interdigitated gold electrodes, applying chronoamperometric polymerization technique. The presence of crystallized NiPc in the chitosan was confirmed by EDX and FTIR analysis. Acetone, ethanol, and methanol gas-sensing properties of the films prepared at optimum conditions were studied at atmospheric temperature, through differential measurements at an optimized frequency of 10 kHz, using a lock-in amplifier. The conductometric sensor presents the highest sensitivity of 60.2 μS.cm⁻¹(v/v) for methanol and 700 ppm as the limit of detection. For validation, the methanol content of a commercial rubbing alcohol was determined.