Controllable synthesis of ZnS/PMMA nanocomposite hybrids generated from functionalized ZnS quantum dots nanocrystals

We reported controllable synthesis of ZnS nanocrystal-polymer transparent hybrids by using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) as a polymer matrix. In a typical run, the appropriate amounts of zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) and sodium sulfide (Na₂S) in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol (ME) as the organic ligand were well dispersed in H₂O/dimethylformamide solution without any aggregation. In addition, the Mn-doped ZnS nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized with similar method. Then, ZnS-PMMA hybrids were obtained via free radical polymerization in situ by using ZnS NCs functionalized with methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS). FT-IR characterization indicates the formation of robust bonding between ZnS NCs and the organic ligand. The TEM images show that ZnS NCs are well dispersed in PMMA matrix, and particle size of as-prepared ZnS NCs is about 2.6 nm, in agreement with the computing results of Brus’s model and Debye–Scherrer formula. The photoluminescence measurements present that ZnS NCs, Mn-doped ZnS NCs, and ZnS/PMMA hybrid show good optical properties.     

NBR/ORGANOMODIFIED BENTONITE INTERCALATED HYBRIDS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE TOUGHNESS OF PVC

Hybrids of intercalative nitrile-butadiene rubber/organomodified bentonite (NBR/OMB) were prepared by thelatex intercalation technique. Investigation of their mechanical properties and the microstructore of NBR/OMB showed thatthe organomodified bentonite is an effective toughener for NBR. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and X-rnydiffraction (XRD) tests showed that the NBR macromolecule could be intercalated into the galleries of bentonite.Incorporation of NBR/OMB hybrids as tougheners into poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) results in a substantial increase in theimpact strength of PVC, but little decrease in its tensile strength and flexural strength, compared to the unmodified PVC.     

Comments on the electronic properties of cyclopropane,cyclobutane, and cyclohexane

Spectral quantities of cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclohexane, and of several derivatives, have been calculated by a semiempirical all-valence electron SCF-CI MO method. In cyclopropane, HOMO is practically localized in the carbon-frame, and LVMO is purely so. In cyclobutane, these two MO's are based on C-H bonds, while cyclohexane holds an intermediate position. Despite the overall similarity-experimental and computed-of the spectra of these molecules, assignments are non-parallel. Like cyclopropane, cyclobutane can extend conjugation, but to a diminished degree; cyclohexane behaves in this respect like an acyclic alkane. An interpretation of this gradation, in terms of the nature of high-lying MO's, is proposed.     

Evidence for resonant structures in e＋e-→π＋π-hc

Abstract： The cross sections of e＋e-→π＋π-hc at center-of-mass energies from 3.90 to 4.42 GeV were measured by the BESIII and the CLEO-c experiments. Resonant structures are evident in the e＋e-→π＋π-hc line shape. The fit to the line shape results in a narrow structure at a mass of （4216±18） MeV/c2 and a width of （39±2） MeV, and a possible wide structure of mass （4293±9） MeV/c2 and width （222=k67） MeV. Here, the errors are combined statistical and systematic errors. This may indicate that the Y（4260） state observed in e＋e-→π＋π-J/ψ has a fine structure in it.     

Reply by Liu et al.

The experimental results indicate that the composition of our samples is homogeneous. We have explained the reason why the composition of the BCN film is influenced by the r.f. power. The Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements suggest that the samples are atomic-level hybrids of B, C and N.     

1,8‐Naphthalimide: A Potent DNA Intercalator and Target for Cancer Therapy

The poor pharmacokinetics, side effects and particularly the rapid emergence of drug resistance compromise the efficiency of clinically used anticancer drugs. Therefore, the discovery of novel and effective drugs is still an extremely primary mission. Naphthalimide family is one of the highly active anticancer drug based upon effective intercalator with DNA. In this article, we review the discovery and development of 1,8‐naphthalimide moiety, and, especially, pay much attention to the structural modifications and structure activity relationships. The review demonstrates how modulation of the moiety affecting naphthalimide compound for DNA binding that is achieved to afford a profile of antitumor activity. The DNA binding of imide and ring substitution at naphthalimide, bisnaphthalimide, naphthalimide‐metal complexes is achieved by molecular recognition through intercalation mode. Thus, this synthetic/natural small molecule can act as a drug when activation or inhibition of DNA function, is required to cure or control the cancer disease. The present study is a review of the advances in 1,8‐naphthalimide‐related research, with a focus on how such derivatives are intercalated into DNA for their anticancer activities.     

In-site mineralization of amorphous calcium carbonate particles: A facile and efficient approach to fabricate poly(l-lactic acid) based hybrids

The aim of this investigation is to obtain a polymer-based hybrid material with biodegradability, biocompatibility, and good mechanical properties and this object was realized via. in-situ introduction of the unmodified calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) into a poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) matrix. As verified by the measurements from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the hybrid films which possesses a uniform dispersion of calcium carbonate CaCO₃ in nano-meter scale, mechanically robustness and thermal stability could be fabricated by a mineralization-alike process. For example, the storage modulus increases from 441 MPa of neat PLLA to 1034 MPa of hybrid film containing 2% (w/w) CaCO₃. In addition, the hybrid films display a significant improvement in its UV-exposure resistance.     

Methotrexate intercalated ZnAl-layered double hydroxide

The anticancerous drug methotrexate (MTX) has been intercalated into an ZnAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) using an anion exchange technique to produce LDH-MTX hybrids having particle sizes in the range of 100-300 nm. X-ray diffraction studies revealed increases in the basal spacings of ZnAl-LDH-MTX hybrid on MTX intercalation. This was corroborated by the transmission electron micrographs, which showed an increase in average interlayer spacing from 8.9 Å in pristine LDH to 21.3 Å in LDH-MTX hybrid. Thermogravimetric analyses showed an increase in the decomposition temperature for the MTX molecule in the LDH-MTX hybrid indicating enhanced thermal stability of the drug molecule in the LDH nanovehicle. The cumulative release profile of MTX from ZnAl-LDH-MTX hybrids in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) at pH 7.4 was successfully sustained for 48 h following Rigter-Peppas model release kinetics via diffusion.     

Anomalous Charge Transfer from Organic Ligands to Metal Halides in Zero-Dimensional [(C6H5)4P]2SbCl5 Enabled by Pressure-Induced Lone Pair-π Interaction

Low-dimensional (low-D) organic metal halide hybrids (OMHHs) have emerged as fascinating candidates for optoelectronics due to their integrated properties from both organic and inorganic components. However, for most of low-D OMHHs, especially the zero-D (0D) compounds, the inferior electronic coupling between organic ligands and inorganic metal halides prevents efficient charge transfer at the hybrid interfaces and thus limits their further tunability of optical and electronic properties. Here, using pressure to regulate the interfacial interactions, efficient charge transfer from organic ligands to metal halides is achieved, which leads to a near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) at around 6.0 GPa in a 0D OMHH, [(C₆H₅)₄P]₂SbCl₅. In situ experimental characterizations and theoretical simulations reveal that the pressure-induced electronic coupling between the lone-pair electrons of Sb³⁺ and the π electrons of benzene ring (lp-π interaction) serves as an unexpected “bridge” for the charge transfer. Our work opens a versatile strategy for the new materials design by manipulating the lp-π interactions in organic–inorganic hybrid systems.