Preparation of multi metal–carbon nanoreactors for adsorption and catalysis

Metal–incorporated composite carbon materials have engendered great progress in the fields of catalysis, energy storage and material science because of their size and chemical and physical properties. In this study, a modern technique was applied for the development of multi metal–carbon nanoreactors (MCNRs) from a pristine carbon cage (CC) using template method with nano silica ball (NSB), pyrolysis fuel oil (PFO) and metal nanocrystals such as gold, copper, nickel, potassium and manganese. The newly prepared Au, Cu, Ni, K and Mn deposited carbon nanoreactors were fully characterized by various analytical techniques. Due to their easy fabrication protocols and broad potential applications, the MCNRs were used successfully for the chemisorptions of hydrogen and ethylene gases alongside the solvent–free heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of a secondary alcohol. The MCNRs have exhibited dynamic adsorption performance and excellent catalytic activity.     

A two-dimensional microporous metal–organic framework for highly selective adsorption of carbon dioxide and acetylene

Solvothermal reaction of 3-aminoisonicotinic acid(Haina) and Cu(NO_3)_2·2.5H_2O gave a novel twodimensional(2D) microporous metal–organic framework, [Cu(aina)_2(DMF)]·DMF(1, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide). Single-crystal X-ray crystallographic study of compound 1 revealed that Cu(II)ions are linked by ainaàligands forming square grid-like layers, which stack together via multiple hydrogen bonding interactions. The solvent-free framework of 1a displayed considerable porosity(void = 46.5%) with one-dimensional(1D) open channels(4.7 ? ? 4.8 ?) functionalized by amino groups.Gas sorption measurements of 1 revealed selective carbon dioxide(CO_2) and acetylene(C_2H_2) adsorption over methane(CH_4) and nitrogen(N_2) at ambient temperature.     

Characterization of graphite–polyurethane composite electrodes modified with organofunctionalized SBA-15 nanostructured silica in the presence of heavy metal ions. Application to anodic stripping voltammetry

A graphite–polyurethane composite electrode with Santa Barbara Amorphous 15, SBA-15, mesoporous silica organofunctionalized with 2-benzothiazolethiol (BTSBA) as bulk modifier has been characterized electrochemically by voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the presence of cadmium ions, as an example of a toxic trace heavy metal, as well as by solid-state ¹³C-NMR and by scanning electron microscopy. EIS measurements performed on the modified composite electrodes to investigate the influence of BTSBA on the deposition of cadmium during square wave anodic stripping voltammetry showed that organofunctionalization of the SBA-15 bulk modifier in the composite electrode facilitates heavy metal deposition. Experiments were also carried out with a mixture of submicromolar cadmium, lead, copper and mercury ions and led to similar conclusions.     

Comparison of inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry, anodic stripping voltammetry and instrumental neutron-activation analysis for the determination of heavy metals in airborne particulate matter

The capability of three analytical techniques, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES), anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV), and instrumental neutron-activation analysis (INAA) have been compared for the determination of Cd, Fe, Pb, and Zn in airborne particulate matter, collected on cellulose filters, from the atmosphere of the large area of Thessaloniki, Greece. Two procedures were tested for quantitative leaching of these elements from the filters before ICP–AES and ASV, digestion with aqua regia in a Teflon autoclave, after dissolution of the organic matter with HClO₄ under ambient conditions, and ultrasonic extraction with a mixture of HNO₃ and HCl. Validation of the leaching and digestion procedures revealed that digestion in the autoclave is more effective, especially for Fe. The concentrations of these elements over a decade in both industrial and urban areas of the investigated region are compared.     

Simultaneous determination of zinc,copper, lead,and cadmium in fuel ethanol by anodic stripping voltammetry using a glassy carbon–mercury-film electrode

A new, versatile, and simple method for quantitative analysis of zinc, copper, lead, and cadmium in fuel ethanol by anodic stripping voltammetry is described. These metals can be quantified by direct dissolution of fuel ethanol in water and subsequent voltammetric measurement after the accumulation step. A maximum limit of 20% (v/v) ethanol in water solution was obtained for voltammetric measurements without loss of sensitivity for metal species. Chemical and operational optimum conditions were analyzed in this study; the values obtained were pH 2.9, a 4.7-m thickness mercury film, a 1,000-rpm rotation frequency of the working electrode, and a 600-s pre-concentration time. Voltammetric measurements were obtained using linear scan (LSV), differential pulse (DPV), and square wave (SWV) modes and detection limits were in the range 10^–9–10^–8 mol L^–1 for these metal species. The proposed method was compared with a traditional analytical technique, flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), for quantification of these metal species in commercial fuel ethanol samples.     

Electrodeposition and stripping voltammetry of arsenic(III) and arsenic(V) on a carbon black–polyethylene composite electrode in the presence of iron ions

In this work, a new sensor is proposed for the stripping voltammetric determination (anodic stripping voltammetry—ASV) of total arsenic(V) or arsenic(III). The sensor is based on an Fe-modified carbon composite electrode containing 30 % carbon black–high-pressure polyethylene (CB/PE). The modification with iron is achieved by the addition of Fe(III) or Fe(II) ions to the sample solution and co-electrodeposition of iron and arsenic on the CB/PE electrode. In anodic stripping voltammetry, two peaks are observed: an Fe peak at ?0.45 or ?0.29 V and a peak at 0.12?±?0.07 V which depends on the arsenic concentration and corresponds to the As(0) → As(III) oxidation, as is the case with other solid electrodes. The optimum conditions proposed for ASV determination of As(V) and As(III) in solutions in the presence of dissolved oxygen are the following: the background electrolyte is 0.005 M HCl containing 0.5–1 mg/?L Fe(III) for As(V) and containing 1.0–1.5 mg/?L Fe(III) for As(III), respectively; E _dep?=??2.3 V; rest period at ?0.10 V for 3–5 s before the potential sweep from ?0.2 to +0.4 V; scan rate is 120 mV/?s. The detection limit (LOD, t?=?120 s) for As(III) and As(V) is 0.16 and 0.8 μg/?L, respectively. Various hypotheses on the effect of Fe ions and atoms on the electrodeposition and dissolution of arsenic are considered. The new method of determination of As(III) and As(V) differs from known analogues by its simplicity, low cost, and easy accessibility of the electrode material. It allows the voltammetric determination of total arsenic after chemical reduction of all its forms to As(III) or after their oxidation to As(V).     

Immobilization of [Cu(bpy)2]Br2 complex onto a glassy carbon electrode modified with α-SiMo12O40 and single walled carbon nanotubes: Application to nanomolar detection of hydrogen peroxide and bromate

A simple procedure has been used for preparation of modified glassy carbon electrode with carbon nanotubes and copper complex. Copper complex [Cu(bpy)₂]Br₂ was immobilized onto glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with silicomolybdate, α-SiMo₁₂O₄₀⁴⁻ and single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)_. Copper complex and silicomolybdate irreversibly and strongly adsorbed onto GC electrode modified with CNTs. Electrostatic interactions between polyoxometalates (POMs) anions and Cu-complex, cations mentioned as an effective method for fabrication of three-dimensional structures. The modified electrode shows three reversible redox couples for polyoxometalate and one redox couple for Cu-complex at wide range of pH values. The electrochemical behavior, stability and electron transfer kinetics of the adsorbed redox couples were investigated using cyclic voltammetry. Due to electrostatic interaction, copper complex immobilized onto GC/CNTs/α-SiMo₁₂O₄₀⁴⁻ electrode shows more stable voltammetric response compared to GC/CNTs/Cu-complex modified electrode. In comparison to GC/CNTs/Cu-complex the GC/CNTs/α-SiMo₁₂O₄₀⁴⁻ modified electrodes shows excellent electrocatalytic activity toward reduction H₂O₂ and BrO₃⁻ at more reduced overpotential. The catalytic rate constants for catalytic reduction hydrogen peroxide and bromate were 4.5(±0.2) × 10³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ and 3.0(±0.10) × 10³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively. The hydrodynamic amperommetry technique at 0.08 V was used for detection of nanomolar concentration of hydrogen peroxide and bromate. Detection limit, sensitivity and linear concentration range proposed sensor for bromate and hydrogen peroxide detection were 1.1 nM and 6.7 nA nM⁻¹, 10 nM-20 μM, 1 nM, 5.5 nA nM⁻¹ and 10 nM-18 μM, respectively.     

Defect engineering for high-selection-performance of NO reduction to NH3 over CeO2（111） surface: A DFT study

To reduce the greenhouse effect caused by the surgery of nitrogen-oxides concentration in the atmosphere and develop a future energy carrier of renewables, it is very critical to develop more efficient,controllable, and highly sensitive catalytic materials. In our work, we proposed that nitric oxide（NO）, as a supplement to N₂ for the synthesis of ammonia, which is equipped with a lower barrier. And the study highlighted the potential of CeO₂（111） nanosheets with La doping a...     

A needle trap device packed with a sol–gel derived,multi-walled carbon nanotubes/silica composite for sampling and analysis of volatile organohalogen compounds in air

A needle trap device (NTD) packed with silica composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) prepared based on sol–gel technique was utilized for sampling and analysis of volatile organohalogen compounds (HVOCs) in air. The performance of the NTD packed with MWCNTs/silica composite as sorbent was examined in a variety of sampling conditions and was compared with NTDs packed with PDMS as well as SPME with Carboxen/PDMS-coated fibers. The limit of detection of NTDs for the GC/MS detection system was 0.01–0.05 ng mL⁻¹ and the limit of quantitation was 0.04–0.18 ng mL⁻¹. The RSD were 1.1–7.8% for intra-NTD comparison intended for repeatability of technique. The NTD-MWCNTs/silica composite showed better analytical performances compared to the NTD-PDMS composite and had the same analytical performances when compared to the SPME-Carboxen/PDMS fibers. The results show that NTD-MWCNTs-GC/MS is a powerful technique for active sampling of occupational/environmental pollutants in air.     

New synthetic procedure for Na NH2（BH3）2 and evaluation of its hydrogen storage properties

Tremendous efforts have been devoted to the synthesis of new light element hydrides for hydrogen storage.Ammonia borane(AB)is a promising candidate possessing high hydrogen capacity and low dehydrogenation temperature.The step-wise dehydrogenation and release of by-products,however,are obstacles to its practical application.Chemical modifications of AB to synthesize new compounds or its derivatives are of practical and fundamental importance.Here we report an improved synthesis of sodium aminodiborane(Na NH2(BH3)2,Na ABB),a derivative of ammonia borane.This procedure leads to high purity Na ABB by reacting Na NH2 and 2 eq.AB.The dehydrogenation properties have been investigated by means of temperature programmed desorption-mass spectrometry,volumetric release,nuclear magnetic resonance,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,and X-ray diffraction.In a closed vessel,Na ABB can release~2 eq.H2 when heated at 271°C,forming solid products of Na BH4 and highly condensed polyborazylene.     

Synthesis,X-ray crystal structure and thermal decomposition of two peroxovanadium complexes with coordinated ammonia molecules: [{VO(O2)2(NH3)}2{μ-Cu(NH3)4}] and [Zn(NH3)4][VO(O2)2(NH3)]2

The compounds [{VO(O₂)₂(NH₃)}₂{μ-Cu(NH₃)₄}] (1) and [Zn(NH₃)₄][VO(O₂)₂(NH₃)]₂ (2) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis and infrared spectra. The single crystal X-ray study revealed that the structure of 1 consists of trinuclear complex molecules [(NH₃)OV(O₂)₂{μ-Cu(NH₃)₄}(O₂)₂VO(NH₃)] with a rare heterobimetalic peroxo bridge: copper(II)–peroxo ligand–vanadium(V). The structure of 2 is composed of tetraamminezinc(II) cations and ammineoxodiperoxovanadate(V) anions. In course of thermal decomposition of 1 performed up to 620 °C, the following intermediate products: [Cu(NH₃)₂(VO₃)₂], and subsequently a mixture of V₂O₅ with monoclinic β-Cu₂V₂O₇, were gradually formed. The final product of decomposition is Cu(VO₃)₂. The thermal decomposition of 2 is a two-step process. In the first stage, [Zn(NH₃)₃(VO₃)₂] as supposed intermediate was formed, which transformed at higher temperatures by release of ammonia molecules to the monoclinic modification of Zn(VO₃)₂.     

A serial of 2D Co-Zn isomorphous metal–organic frameworks for photodegradation and luminescent detection properties

A series of 2D isomorphous MOFs [M (HBTC)(BMIOPE)·DMF·H₂O]_n (M = Zn ( 1 ), Zn_0.7Co_0.3 ( 2 ), Zn_0.5Co_0.5 ( 3 ), Zn_0.3Co_0.7 ( 4 ), Co ( 5 ), H₃BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, BMIOPE = 4,4′-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-yl)diphenyl ether) were synthesized to investigate the correction between the center metal ions and the photocatalytic behaviors. The photocatalytic results show that with the increase of Co²⁺ content, the photodegradation properties are continuously improved from 1 to 5 , which fully indicate that only changing metal ions could regulate the photodegradation properties. In detail, 1 is an inactive photocatalyst to degrade methylene blue (MB), while 5 exhibits preeminent photocatalytic properties under visible light irradiation. Moreover, 1 shows good selective sensing toward Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺, UO₂²⁺, CrO₄²⁻ and Cr₂O₇²⁻ ions in aqueous solution. To the best of our knowledge, 1 is the first MOF example for the optical detection of Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺, UO₂²⁺, CrO₄²⁻ and Cr₂O₇²⁻ ions in aqueous solution.     

Trifluoromethylation of carbon and boron with CF3SiMe3/NMe4F: formation of NMe4[trans-CF3CFCFB(CF3)3]

Trimethylamine-trifluoroethenyl-bis(trifluoromethyl)borane [F₂CCF(CF₃)₂B·NMe₃] (1) reacts with NMe₄[(CF₃)₂SiMe₃] in THF solution to form trimethylamine-bis(trifluoromethyl)pentafluoropropenylborane [trans-CF₃CFCF(CF₃)₂B·NMe₃] (3), the fluoroborate NMe₄[trans-CF₃CFCF(CF₃)₂BF] (4), the novel borates NMe₄[trans-CF₃CFCFB(CF₃)₃] (5) and NMe₄[cyclo-(CF₃)₂BCF₂CFCF₂CF₃] (6).     

Effects of metal ions and ligands on transesterification: synthesis,structures, and catalytic activities of a series of cation–anionic complexes with dipyridylamine ligands

A series of cation–anion complexes derived by 2,2′-dipyridylamine (Hdpa) and carboxylate ligands with formulas [Ni(Hdpa)₂(CH₃COO)]Cl(CH₃OH) (1), [Co(Hdpa)₂(CH₃COO)]Cl(CH₃OH) (2), [Ni(Hdpa)₂(CH₃CH₂CH₂COO)]Cl (3), [Co(Hdpa)₂(CH₃CH₂CH₂COO)]Cl (4), [Ni(Hdpa)₂(C₆H₅COO)]Cl (5), and [Co(Hdpa)₂(C₆H₅COO)]Cl (6), were synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, MS(ESI), TG analysis, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectra. X-ray single crystal structural analysis showed that the coordination geometries of metal ions in these complexes are similar and they are cation–anion species. The hydrogen-bonding structures are 1-D chains through the N–H···Cl bonds. There are weak stacking interactions between pyridine rings in 1–4, while there are no stacking interactions in 5 and 6. We have investigated the transesterification of phenyl acetate with methanol catalyzed by 1–6 under mild conditions; 1–4 are homogeneous catalysts while 5 and 6 are heterogeneous catalysts due to their poor solubility in methanol. Cobalt complexes exhibit higher catalytic activities than corresponding nickel complexes. Complex 4 is the best catalyst of these six complexes.     

Aptamer-conjugated bio-bar-code Au–Fe3O4 nanoparticles as amplification station for electrochemiluminescence detection of tumor cells

An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assay has been developed for highly sensitive and selective detection of tumor cells based on cell-SELEX aptamer-target cell interactions through a cascaded amplification process by using bio-bar-code Au–Fe₃O₄ as amplification station. Firstly, bio-bar-code toehold-aptamer/DNA primer/Au–Fe₃O₄ (TA/DP/Au–Fe₃O₄) nanoconjugates are fabricated with a ratio of 1:10 to efficiently avoid cross-linking reaction and recognize target cells, which are immobilized on the substrate by hybridizing aptamer to capture probe with 18-mer. Through strand displacement reaction (SDR), the TA/DP/Au–Fe₃O₄ composites further act as the amplification station to initiate rolling circle amplification (RCA). As a result, on the surface of TA/DP/Au–Fe₃O₄, a large number of Ru(bpy)₂(dcbpy)NHS-labeled probes hybridize to RCA products, which are easily trapped by magnetic electrode to perform the magnetic particle-based ECL platform. Under isothermal conditions, this powerful amplification strategy permits detection of Ramos cells as low as 16 cells with an excellent selectivity. Moreover, analysis of Ramos cells in complex samples and whole blood samples further show the great potential of this ultrasensitive approach in clinical application involving cancer cells-related biological processes.     

Advancement and future challenges of metal–organic coordination polymers: A case study of optical sensor for the detection of the environmental contaminants

Fast industrialization, increasing population, rapid urbanization, and the greediness of creamy layer in the society without the issues of caring the sustainability of ecosystem are the main out of many reasons behind the environmental catastrophe. The ecological balance is disturbed with the noxious materials generated from the uncontrolled use of modern science and technology and also unscientific and unsystematic societal growths. To save the modern civilization, a fast-track task is the monitoring of the toxic materials for the maintenance of sustainable ecological health and their utilization in a circular economy. Accordingly, optical methods are employed for the detection and estimation of environmental contaminants for immediate monitoring. The stability and structural tunability of the coordination polymeric (CPs) materials make them promising optical sensors for easy, low cost, reliable, selective, and sensitive detection of toxic ions/molecules. The crystallinity, thermal, mechanical, magnetic, and optical stability and flexibility of the CPs play a beneficial role for the accurate and stress-free recognition of the toxicants. In this review, the recent developments as well as the outlook on the sensing of pollutants at a very low concentration level using CPs as selective and specific sensors by spectro-fluorometric method are summarized. The progresses and challenges in the fabrication of hybrid materials and understanding their structure property correlations are described with an aim to motivate and facilitate the future researchers to perform research in the area.     

Synthesis,structure and physical properties of trinuclear M3tdt3(PEt3)3 (M = Fe,Co) clusters containing metal–metal bonds

Trinuclear M₃tdt₃(PEt₃)₃ (M = Fe^II for I, Co^II for II) clusters have been synthesized from the reaction between M(PEt₃)₂Cl₂ and Na₂tdt (tdt = toluene-3,4-dithiolate) in MeCN. Both complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, UV–Vis, FAB-MS, ¹H NMR and cyclic voltammetry. Structures of Fe₃tdt₃(PEt₃)₃ (I) and Co₃tdt₃(PEt₃)₃ (II) were determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The Fe₃ triangular core of the 48-electron complex I, with an isosceles triangular geometry, showed very short Fe–Fe distances of 2.4014(13) and 2.4750(12) Å, which are comparable to the extensive M–M frameworks found in the FeMo-cofactor in nitrogenase. The isostructural Co₃tdt₃(PEt₃)₃ (II), with an analogous Co₃ coordination geometry, showed short Co–Co distances of 2.4442(9) and 2.5551(10) Å. The slightly longer M–M distances in complex II were explained by a total valence electron counting argument. Cyclic voltammetry of Fe₃tdt₃(PEt₃)₃ (I) showed robust reduction waves compared to Co₃tdt₃(PEt₃)₃ (II). Temperature-dependent effective magnetic moment measurements of I and II showed both clusters behave similarly and the magnetic property of the M₃ equilateral triangle core with extensive metal–metal interactions was characterized as degenerate frustration.     

Double complex salts with [Ru(NH3)5Cl]2+ cation and [OsCl6]2? anion: Synthesis and properties. Crystal structure of [Ru(NH3)5Cl]2[OsCl6]Cl2

Double complex salts [Ru(NH₃)₅Cl][OsCl₆] and [Ru(NH₃)₅Cl]₂[OsCl₆]Cl₂ were prepared and characterized. An X-ray diffraction study showed that [Ru(NH₃)₅Cl][OsCl₆] is isostructural to the previously synthesized [Rh(NH₃)₅Cl][OsCl₆]. The structure of [Ru(NH₃)₅Cl]₂[OsCl₆]Cl₂ was solved by X-ray diffraction (a = 11.1849(8) ?, b = 7.9528(6) ?, c = 13.4122(9) ?; β = 99.765(2)°; V= 1175.75 ?³; space group C2/m; Z = 2). Thermolysis of the compounds under hydrogen and helium was studied. According to X-ray diffraction, nanosized metallic powders of the corresponding alloys are formed as the final products of thermolysis. The compositions of the obtained solid solutions are consistent with the phase diagram of the Ru-Os system.     

A multi-responsive diarylethene-rhodamine 6G derivative for sequential detection of Cr3+ and CO32−

A new unsymmetrical diarylethene derivative (1o) with rhodamine 6G as a functional group has been designed and synthesized. It displayed good physicochemical properties induced by lights and chemical stimuli. 1o could sensitively detect towards Cr³⁺ with a 1:1 stoichiometry, and exhibit an obviously fluorescence (from dark to light cyan) and color (from colorless to pink) changes during the recognition process. The limit of detection was determined to be 27?nM and 8.5?nM via UV/vis and fluorescence methods, respectively. More importantly, the resulting complex 1o-Cr³⁺ (1o') could be served as a potential fluorescent probe to selectively and sensitively recognize toward CO₃^2?, the limit of detection was determined to be 0.88?μM and 0.26?μM via UV/vis and fluorescence methods, respectively. Moreover, the quenching of fluorescence intensity can reach 95% due to the perfect FRET processes between the excited open-ring rhodamine 6G moiety and the closed-ring diarylethene unit.     

Effect of temperature on the performance of proton batteries based on chitosan–NH4NO3–EC membrane

Membranes of chitosan-based proton conductor polymer electrolyte were prepared by dissolving chitosan powder, ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) salt and ethylene carbonate (EC) plasticizer in acetic acid solution. The temperature dependence of the chitosan-based membrane system was found to obey the Arrhenius relationship. The sample with the highest conductance, 18 wt.% CA + 12 wt.% NH₄NO₃ + 70 wt.% EC (CA40N70E), also possesses the lowest activation energy. From linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) results, the membrane is electrochemically stable at a potential of 1.6–1.8 V and a temperature of 298–353 K. The cells were fabricated using zinc powder (Zn) + zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO₄·7H₂O) + acetylene black (AB) + polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)|CA40N70E|manganese (IV) oxide (MnO₂) + AB + PTFE. The open circuit voltages of the cells are decreases as temperature increases, the same trend as that obtained by LSV. The cell performance is excellent at 333 K, with discharge capacity of 42.7 mAh, internal resistance of 16.8 Ω, maximum power density of 14.6 mW cm⁻² and a short-circuit current density of 31.0 mA cm⁻². However, at temperatures above 333 K, decomposition of the membrane degraded the electrochemical properties of the cells.