Luminescent Ionic Transition‐Metal Complexes for Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells

Higher efficiency in the end‐use of energy requires substantial progress in lighting concepts. All the technologies under development are based on solid‐state electroluminescent materials and belong to the general area of solid‐state lighting (SSL). The two main technologies being developed in SSL are light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), but in recent years, light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) have emerged as an alternative option. The luminescent materials in LECs are either luminescent polymers together with ionic salts or ionic species, such as ionic transition‐metal complexes (iTMCs). Cyclometalated complexes of Ir^III are by far the most utilized class of iTMCs in LECs. Herein, we show how these complexes can be prepared and discuss their unique electronic, photophysical, and photochemical properties. Finally, the progress in the performance of iTMCs based LECs, in terms of turn‐on time, stability, efficiency, and color is presented.     

Fermentation Kinetics for Xylitol Production by a Pichia stipitis d-Xylulokinase Mutant Previously Grown in Spent Sulfite Liquor

Spent sulfite pulping liquor (SSL) contains lignin, which is present as lignosulfonate, and hemicelluloses that are present as hydrolyzed carbohydrates. To reduce the biological oxygen demand of SSL associated with dissolved sugars, we studied the capacity of Pichia stipitis FPL-YS30 (xyl3Δ) to convert these sugars into useful products. FPL-YS30 produces a negligible amount of ethanol while converting xylose into xylitol. This work describes the xylose fermentation kinetics of yeast strain P.stipitis FPL-YS30. Yeast was grown in rich medium supplemented with different carbon sources: glucose, xylose, or ammonia-base SSL. The SSL and glucose-acclimatized cells showed similar maximum specific growth rates (0.146 h⁻¹). The highest xylose consumption at the beginning of the fermentation process occurred using cells precultivated in xylose, which showed relatively high specific activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49). However, the maximum specific rates of xylose consumption (0.19 g_xylose/g_cel h) and xylitol production (0.059 g_xylitol/g_cel h) were obtained with cells acclimatized in glucose, in which the ratio between xylose reductase (EC 1.1.1.21) and xylitol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.9) was kept at higher level (0.82). In this case, xylitol production (31.6 g/l) was 19 and 8% higher than in SSL and xylose-acclimatized cells, respectively. Maximum glycerol (6.26 g/l) and arabitol (0.206 g/l) production were obtained using SSL and xylose-acclimatized cells, respectively. The medium composition used for the yeast precultivation directly reflected their xylose fermentation performance. The SSL could be used as a carbon source for cell production. However, the inoculum condition to obtain a high cell concentration in SSL needs to be optimized. Prepared for 29th Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals.     

Effect of SSL and HSC on morphology and properties of PHA based SMPU synthesized by bulk polymerization method

Searching new shape memory polymer and the associating synthesis technology are critical on the development of smart materials. In this paper, a comprehensive study on Poly(hexylene adipate) PHA being the soft segment of shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) was presented. Bulk polymerization method was employed to synthesize the SMPU with different soft segment length (SSL) and hard segment content (HSC). The influences of SSL and HSC on its morphology and thermomechanical property using DSC, DMA, POM, and shape memory behavior were presented here. The results indicate that the thermal properties, dynamic mechanic properties, and crystal morphology of SMPU are influenced significantly by SSL and HSC. And it is found that the shape fixity increases with SSL but decreases with HSC. On the other hand, the shape recovery decreases with both SSL and HSC, and the associated recovery temperature increases either with the increasing SSL or with decreasing HSC. Lastly, it is concluded that in the PHA‐based‐SMPU, the lower limiting value of SSL for polyurethane having shape memory effect is 2000; their response temperature varied with SSL and HSC, changing from 41.0 to 51.9 °C. Stable hard segment crystal are formed at above 30% HSC sample in bulk polymerization, but shape memory behavior can also be observed when its physical crosslink point are formed in the lower HSC PHA‐based‐SMPU. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 444–454, 2007     

A comprehensive investigation of the interrelationships between spectroscopy and photochemistry and substituents of some azulenic derivatives

Several azulenic dyes, including six azulene hydrocarbons, two azulene aldehydes, and two olefinic azulenes, have been synthesized to survey their photophysics and photochemistry. These azulenes display S(2)-->S(0) emission, but with several differences. This is the most remarkable characteristic of the effect of orbital control on color and excited state properties of the azulenic compounds. This paper emphasizes how emission spectra and photochemistry of azulenic compounds are influenced by their chemical structure and solvent. The emission spectra of the azulene hydrocarbons suggest that their excited state properties can be controlled by their molecular structure and size. It was confirmed by emission and (1)H NMR spectroscopy that azulene monoaldehyde is protonated in a strong acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Photochemistry of styrylazulenes was observed during irradiation. Azulenic compounds are thermally stable and color tunable, and hence they are good candidates as non-linear optical materials. Based on their unique photochemical and photophysical characteristics, novel azulenic dyes can be constructed for different uses.     

A highly sensitive,dual-signal assay based on rhodamine B covered silver nanoparticles for carbamate pesticides

A highly sensitive sensor for determination of carbamate pesticides based rhodamine B (RB) modified silver nanoparticle (RB-AgNPs) was developed. Compared with the classical method, it combined colorimetric with fluorescence for detecting carbamate pesticides in complex solutions. Carbamate pesticides can inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), thus preventing the generation of thiocholine. On the other hand, thioncholine can transform the yellow RB-AgNPs solutions gray color and unquenches the fluorescence of RB simultaneously. Once the activity of AChE was inhibited by the pesticide, the color of the RB-AgNPs solution remains yellow and the fluorescence of RB molecules remains quenched. Under optimized experimental conditions, carbaryl was detected in a concentration range from 0.1 ng/L to 8.0 ng/L with a detection limit of 0.023 ng/L (it was detected by fluorescence spectra). This simple method is suitable for determination of carbamate pesticides in complex samples, such as tomato, apple and river water.     

Effect of the π Bridge and Acceptor on Intramolecular Charge Transfer in Push–Pull Cationic Chromophores: An Ultrafast Spectroscopic and TD‐DFT Computational Study

Three (donor–π–acceptor)⁺ systems with a methyl pyridinium or quinolinium as the electron‐deficient group, a dimethyl amino as the electron‐donor group, and an ethylene or butadiene group as the spacer have been investigated in a joint spectroscopic and TD‐DFT computational study. A negative solvatochromism has been revealed in the absorption spectra, which implies a solution color change, and interpreted by considering the variation in the permanent dipole moment modulus and orientation upon photoexcitation. The fluorescence efficiency decreases upon increasing solvent polarity, in agreement with the excited‐state optimized geometries (planar in low‐polarity media and twisted in high‐polarity media). Femtosecond transient absorption has revealed the occurrence of a fast photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and the molecular factors that determine an efficient ICT. Considering the crucial role of the ICT in tuning the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, these compounds can be considered promising NLO materials.     

Preparation of polydiacetylene immobilized optically encoded beads

Polydiacetylene (PDA), which can change the chromic and fluorescence properties by inducing environmental perturbations, is immobilized on planar solid supports for many biological applications. In this work, we immobilize PDA onto optically encoded spherical beads (PDA-SERS beads). The prepared PDA immobilized beads (36 μm) exhibit a blue color without fluorescence. By inducing stress, their color and fluorescence properties are changed to red with fluorescence. The SERS spectra of the PDA-SERS beads can be recognized over the PDA background. Moreover, our PDA immobilization methods are successfully applied to silica-surface SERS-encoded beads (5 μm) and proven to also be useful in fluorescence encoding systems.     

Cationic dye dimers: a theoretical study

In this work we present a quantum-mechanical study on the structure and electronic spectra of three cationic dyes monomers and dimers: acridine orange (AO), proflavine (PF) and methylene blue (MB). The geometries were obtained from crystallographic data, the electronic properties were calculated with DFT (B3LYP functional) and the theoretical spectra were obtained with ZINDO. The solvation methodology adopted was the Integral Equation Formalism (IEF) version of the Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM). This study shows that the differences, even small, between optimized and crystal geometries are responsible for important spectral characteristics. Also, it indicates possible structures for interacting dimers.     

Responsive photonic crystal for the sensing of environmental pollutants

This review covers the concepts of photonic crystal (PhC) and its usage for the sensing of environmental pollutants. PhCs are composed of periodic and ordered nanostructures which can manipulate the diffraction or reflection of light propagation through the structures. If the light spectra locate in the visible range, the color of materials can be observed by naked eye. The optical properties of PhCs are determined by the lattice constant of the crystal or by the refractive index contrast between the colloids and the surrounding medium. Based on these features, responsive PhCs can be designed to detect the environmental pollutants. In this review, we primarily described the photonic crystals for the sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), organophosphates (OPs), heavy metal ions and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and these sensors exhibited excellent sensitivity and are promising for the on-site monitoring of pollutants.     

Experimental and theoretical studies on the identification of p-biphenyloxycarbonylphenyl acrylate

This study presents the identification of a title compound, p-biphenyloxycarbonylphenyl acrylate by means of experimental and theoretical evidences. The spectroscopic properties of the compound were experimentally investigated by Fourier transformation-infrared spectra (in the region 400-4000 cm(-1)) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts (with a frequency of 400 MHz). Moreover, the optimized molecular structures, vibrational frequencies including infrared intensities and Raman activities, corresponding vibrational spectra interpreted with the aid of normal coordinate analysis based on scaled density functional force field, thermodynamic properties, atomic charges and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra were analyzed utilizing ab initio Hartree-Fock (HF) and Density Functional Theory (B3LYP) methods at 6-31G(d,p) calculation level. It was found that the vibrational frequencies and chemical shifts obtained were shown to have a good agreement with available experimental results. We not only simulated frontier molecular orbitals (FMO) and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) but also evaluated the transition state and energy band gap clearly.     

Automated structure elucidation of organic molecules from (13)c NMR spectra using genetic algorithms and neural networks.

The automated structure elucidation of organic molecules from experimentally obtained properties is extended by an entirely new approach. A genetic algorithm is implemented that uses molecular constitution structures as individuals. With this approach, the structure of organic molecules can be optimized to meet experimental criteria, if in addition a fast and accurate method for the prediction of the used physical or chemical features is available. This is demonstrated using (13)C NMR spectrum as readily obtainable information. (13)C NMR chemical shift, intensity, and multiplicity information is available from (13)C NMR DEPT spectra. By means of artificial neural networks a fast and accurate method for calculating the (13)C NMR spectrum of the generated structures exists. The approach is limited by the size of the constitutional space that has to be searched and by the accuracy of the shift prediction for the unknown substance. The method is implemented and tested successfully for organic molecules with up to 20 non-hydrogen atoms.     

Rational chemical design of the next generation of molecular imaging probes based on physics and biology: mixing modalities, colors and signals

In recent years, numerous in vivo molecular imaging probes have been developed. As a consequence, much has been published on the design and synthesis of molecular imaging probes focusing on each modality, each type of material, or each target disease. More recently, second generation molecular imaging probes with unique, multi-functional, or multiplexed characteristics have been designed. This critical review focuses on (i) molecular imaging using combinations of modalities and signals that employ the full range of the electromagnetic spectra, (ii) optimized chemical design of molecular imaging probes for in vivo kinetics based on biology and physiology across a range of physical sizes, (iii) practical examples of second generation molecular imaging probes designed to extract complementary data from targets using multiple modalities, color, and comprehensive signals (277 references).     

Spectral Property and Thermal Quenching Behavior of Tb3+-Doped YAG∶Ce Phosphor

A series of YAG:Ce,Tb phosphors were synthesized by vacuum sintering method.Moreover,their spectral properties,thermal quenching behaviors and color rendering properties were investigated systematically.The photoluminescence emission spectra of YAG:Ce,Tb show a great red shift compared with that of YAG:Ce.Direct energy transfer from Tb~(3+) to Ce~(3+) ions is verified based on the analysis of different photoluminescence spectra.The quenching temperature for Tb~(3+)-doped YAG:Ce phosphors is about 490 K.The thermal activation energy is estimated to be 0.18 and 0.291 eV for Tb~(3+)-doped YAG:Ce and YAG:Ce phosphors,respectively.The smaller activation energy for Tb~(3+)-doped YAG:Ce means a more rapid nonradiative transition from 5d to 4f state,thus resulting in the lower quenching temperature.In addition,white LEDs with improved color rendering properties are achieved by using modified YAG:Ce,Tb phosphors.     

Structure, photochromic, and electrochemical properties of dioctadecylamine/H3PMo12(O)40 Langmuir-Blodgett film

We used the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique to construct a well-defined and structure-controllable photochromic material-a highly ordered multilayer film composed of dioctadecylamine and 12-molybdophosphoric acid (PMo12). We identified well-ordered lamellar structures using X-ray diffraction, polarized IR, and Raman spectra, and we determined a packing model of the two components in the LB film. We found the Keggin structure and fundamental features of the PMo12 ion to be maintained in the hybrid film. This hybrid LB film displayed photochromic properties upon UV light irradiation and we observed the following process from first-order kinetics. The photochromism exhibited the ability to switch between colorless and blue. A fading process occurred when the film was exposed to ambient air or O2 in the dark. During the color change, the packing structure of the film was well maintained. We also examined the electrochemical behavior of the hybrid LB film by cyclic voltammetry in detail and we propose different kinetic mechanisms for the film before and after irradiation.     

Peculiarities of the environmental influence on the optical properties of push-pull nonlinear optical molecules: a theoretical study

Gas-phase geometry optimization of NLO-active molecules is one of the standard approaches in the first principle computational methodology, whereas the important role of the environment is usually not considered during the evaluation of structural parameters. With a wide variety of environmentally influenced models in most cases only the high quality single point calculations are prepared. Among different approaches, the most used polarizable continuum model (PCM) seems to be promising. In this study, we have compared the electronic properties of gas-phase optimized geometries of imidazole-derived push-pull compounds with those optimized using PCM solvation approach including CH(2)Cl(2) and PMMA as media. We have focused particularly on the linear optical properties of investigated molecules, namely on the UV-vis absorption spectra. The analysis of presented results shows the applicability of the different quantum chemical (QC) methods for the UV-vis spectra calculations of linear NLO molecules. Herein we also present the need of molecule geometry optimization affected by the environment. Following the performed calculations, the electronic properties of gas-phase optimized molecules give conformable results with respect to those obtained by more time-consuming continuum optimizations. All computational data are supported by experimental investigations.     

Reactive Dyeing of Electrospun Cellulose Nanofibers by Pad-steam Method

Based on the functional properties of electrospun cellulose nanofibers(CNF), scientists are showing substantial interest to enhance the aesthetic properties. However, the lower color yield has remained a big challenge due to the higher surface area of nanofibers. In this study, we attempted to improve the color yield properties of CNF by the pad-steam dyeing method. Neat CNF was obtained by deacetylation of electrospun cellulose acetate(CA) nanofibers. Three different kinds of reactive dyes were used and pad-steam dyeing parameters were optimized. SEM images revealed smooth morphology with an increase in the average diameter of nanofibers. FTIR results showed no change in the chemical structure after dyeing of CNF. Color fastness results demonstrated excellent ratings for reactive dyes, which indicate good dye fixation properties and no color loss during the washing process. The results confirm that the pad-steam dyeing method can be potentially considered to improve the aesthetic properties of CNF, which can be utilized for functional garments, such as breathable raincoats and disposable face masks.     

Synthesis and characterization of ion-exchangeable titanate nanotubes

Titanate nanotubes were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The optimized synthesis (100-180 degrees C, longer than 48 h), thermal and hydrothermal stability, ion exchangeability and consequent magnetic and optical properties of the titanate nanotubes were systematically studied in this paper. First, nanotubes with monodisperse pore-size distribution were prepared. The formation mechanism of the titanate nanotubes was also studied. Second, the thermal and hydrothermal stability were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. Results showed that sodium ions played a significant role in the stability of the frameworks. Third, the selective ion exchangeability was demonstrated with a series of ions. The ion substitution also enlarged the BET surface area of the titanate nanotubes to 240 m(2) x g(-1). Combination of these two features implied that these nanotubes might be functionalized by substitution of different transitional-metal ions and consequently used for selective catalysis. Magnetism, photoluminescence, and UV/Vis spectra of the substituted titanate nanotubes revealed that the magnetic and optical properties of the nanotubes were modifiable.     

水杨酸甲酯及其与硝酸铁硝化产物光谱性质的比较

通过硝酸铁和水杨酸甲酯的硝基化反应, 合成了3-硝基水杨酸甲酯和5-硝基水杨酸甲酯. 并用红外光谱、核磁共振光谱、紫外-可见吸收光谱和荧光光谱对产物进行了表征. 用量子化学计算结果对其红外光谱、核磁共振光谱、紫外-可见吸收光谱和荧光光谱的性质差异进行了解释. B3LYP/6-31G**和自然价键轨道方法计算结果表明, 由于3-硝基水杨酸甲酯具有更强的分子内氢键, 其羟基和羰基的红外吸收比5-硝基水杨酸甲酯的红移了, 酚羟基的氢谱移向了高位移, 紫外吸收产生了增色效应. 基于CIS/6-31G**方法, 计算了水杨酸甲酯和3-硝基水杨酸甲酯基态和激发态下的分子内质子转移的势能曲线, 由势能曲线进一步得到它们的Stokes位移分别为8.4×103和8.9×103 cm-1. 所有结果表明, 由于分子内氢键强弱不同, 导致水杨酸甲酯、3-硝基水杨酸甲酯和5-硝基水杨酸甲酯的光谱性质不一样.     

Hierarchical clustering of carbon-13 nulear magnetic resonance spectra

The problems of preprocessing of ¹³C-n.m.r. spectra for hierarchical clustering are discussed. Encoding of the spectra in nonequidistant intervals is proposed. To establish the optimal intervals, a Simplex method with variable-sized movements is used. The optimized parameter is the amount of information contained in the first two coordinates of the transforms, obtained by the application of principal component analysis to the ¹³C-n.m.r. spectra. The spectra encoded in optimized intervals are used for automated structure elucidation, based on a hierarchical organization of a collection of more than 2000 assigned¹³C-n.m.r. spectra. The hierarchical trees needed for the library search and prediction of some structural features were generated by a 3-distances clustering method. The retrieval and predictive abilities of the system are discussed.     

Gasochromic Effect in Platinum-Doped Tungsten Trioxide Films Prepared by the Sol-Gel Method

Tungsten oxide doped by a complex of platinum exhibits a gasochromic effect. A reversible coloration is observed on successive exposure to hydrogen and air. The films were prepared by the sol-gel method at room temperature. They showed strong darkening (blue color) on exposure to hydrogen and were bleached completely when exposed to air. The proccess has been reproduced completely hundreds of times without any losses. The cycling of the coloration was obtained from UV-Vis spectra and the mechanism deduced from both visible and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Colorimetric properties of the gasochromic films were expressed in color space chromaticity diagram.