Enhanced Peroxidase‐Like Properties of Graphene–Hemin‐Composite Decorated with Au Nanoflowers as Electrochemical Aptamer Biosensor for the Detection of K562 Leukemia Cancer Cells

Graphene composites with hemin and gold nanoparticles show a better performance for hydrogen peroxide decomposition compared to that of the three components alone or duplex/hybrid complexes. Our previous studies showed that the morphology of the Au nanoparticles may greatly influence the catalytic activity of graphene‐family peroxidase mimics. Recently, we found that Au nanoflowers could grow in situ and form on the surface of hemin/RGO (reduced graphene oxide). The prickly morphology of this Au nanoflower brought a higher catalytic ability with enhanced kinetic parameters than traditional Au nanoparticles that showed a smooth surface. Therefore, based on this discovery, a smart electrochemical aptamer biosensor for K562 leukemia cancer cells was further presented with good performance in selectivity and sensitivity attributed to the excellent mimetic peroxidase catalytic activity of this newly synthesized Au nanoflower decorated graphene–hemin composite (H‐RGO‐Au NFs).     

Space‐ and Time‐Resolved In‐situ Spectroscopy on the Coke Formation in Molecular Sieves: Methanol‐to‐Olefin Conversion over H‐ZSM‐5 and H‐SAPO‐34

Formation of coke in large H‐ZSM‐5 and H‐SAPO‐34 crystals during the methanol‐to‐olefin (MTO) reaction has been studied in a space‐ and time‐resolved manner. This has been made possible by applying a high‐temperature in‐situ cell in combination with micro‐spectroscopic techniques. The buildup of optically active carbonaceous species allows detection with UV/Vis microscopy, while a confocal fluorescence microscope in an upright configuration visualises the formation of coke molecules and their precursors inside the catalyst grains. In H‐ZSM‐5, coke is initially formed at the triangular crystal edges, in which straight channel openings reach directly the external crystal surface. At reaction temperatures ranging from 530 to 745 K, two absorption bands at around 415 and 550 nm were detected due to coke or its precursors. Confocal fluorescence microscopy reveals fluorescent carbonaceous species that initially form in the near‐surface area and gradually diffuse inwards the crystal in which internal intergrowth boundaries hinder a facile penetration for the more bulky aromatic compounds. In the case of H‐SAPO‐34 crystals, an absorption band at around 400 nm arises during the reaction. This band grows in intensity with time and then decreases if the reaction is carried out between 530 and 575 K, whereas at higher temperatures its intensity remains steady with time on stream. Formation of the fluorescent species during the course of the reaction is limited to the near‐surface region of the H‐SAPO‐34 crystals, thereby creating diffusion limitations for the coke front moving towards the middle of the crystal during the MTO reaction. The two applied micro‐spectroscopic techniques introduced allow us to distinguish between graphite‐like coke deposited on the external crystal surface and aromatic species formed inside the zeolite channels. The use of the methods can be extended to a wide variety of catalytic reactions and materials in which carbonaceous deposits are formed.     

In Situ Observation of the Thermally Induced Growth of Platinum‐Nanoparticle Catalysts Using High‐Temperature X‐ray Diffraction

Fundamental understanding about the thermal stability of nanoparticles and deliberate control of structural and morphological changes under reactive conditions is of general importance for a wide range of reaction processes in heterogeneous and electrochemical catalysis. Herein, we present a parametric study of the thermal stability of carbon‐supported Pt nanoparticles at 80 °C and 160 °C, with an initial particle size below 3 nm, using in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction (HT‐XRD). The effects on the thermal stability of carbon‐supported Pt nanoparticles are investigated with control parameters such as Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) surface area, metal loading, temperature, and gas environment. We demonstrate that the growth rate exhibits a complex, nonlinear behavior and is largely controlled by the temperature, the initial particle size, and the interparticle distance. In addition, an ex situ transmission electron microscopy study was performed to verify our results obtained from the in situ HT‐XRD study.     

In Situ Raman Monitoring of Silver(I)‐Aided Laser‐Driven Cleavage Reaction of Cyclobutane

The cyclobutane cleavage reaction is an important process and has received continuous interest. Herein, we demonstrate the visible laser‐driven cleavage reaction of cyclobutane in crystal form by using in situ Raman spectroscopy. Silver(I) coordination‐induced strain and thermal effects from the laser irradiation are the two main driving forces for the cleavage of cyclobutane crystals. This work may open up a new avenue for studying cyclobutane cleavage reactions, as compared to the conventional routes using ex situ techniques.     

Reagent‐free and pH‐independent degradation of N‐nitrosamines using electrons generated via corona discharge at ambient pressure

Traditional degradation methods for N‐nitrosamines are either confined with acid solution or required for additional chemical reagents to guarantee high reaction efficiency. Herein, we demonstrate a facile and effective way for reagent‐free and pH‐independent degradation of N‐nitrosamines, which was induced by free electrons generated via corona discharge at ambient pressure. The highly reactive free electron is produced in situ and responsible for degradation of three N‐nitrosamines, which was also theoretically confirmed. N‐nitrosamines were believed to be reduced by electrons and to form the radical anion, which underwent a selectively heterolytic cleavage of the N–NO bonds to form the corresponding secondary amines as the degradation products.     

C−H Arylation on Nickel Nanoparticles Monitored by In Situ Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Bifunctional Au@Ni core–satellite nanostructures synthesized by a one‐step assembly method were employed for in situ surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) monitoring of Ni‐catalyzed C?C bond‐forming reactions. Surprisingly, the reaction that was thought to be an Ullmann‐type self‐coupling reaction, was found to be a cross‐coupling reaction proceeding by photoinduced aromatic C?H bond arylation. In situ SERS monitoring enabled the discovery, and a series of biphenyl compounds were synthesized photocatalytically, and at room temperature, using cheap Ni nanoparticle catalysts.     

Activating Inert Metallic Compounds for High‐Rate Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Through In Situ Etching of Extrinsic Metal

Surface reactions constitute the foundation of various energy conversion/storage technologies, such as the lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. To expedite surface reactions for high‐rate battery applications demands in‐depth understanding of reaction kinetics and rational catalyst design. Now an in situ extrinsic‐metal etching strategy is used to activate an inert monometal nitride of hexagonal Ni₃N through iron‐incorporated cubic Ni₃FeN. In situ etched Ni₃FeN regulates polysulfide‐involving surface reactions at high rates. Electron microscopy was used to unveil the mechanism of in situ catalyst transformation. The Li‐S batteries modified with Ni₃FeN exhibited superb rate capability, remarkable cycling stability at a high sulfur loading of 4.8 mg cm^?2, and lean‐electrolyte operability. This work opens up the exploration of multimetallic alloys and compounds as kinetic regulators for high‐rate Li‐S batteries and also elucidates catalytic surface reactions and the role of defect chemistry.     

Coadsorbate‐Induced Reversal of Solid–Liquid Interface Dynamics

Coadsorbed anions are well‐known to influence surface reactivity and dynamics at solid–liquid interfaces. Here we demonstrate that the chemical nature of these spectator species can entirely determine the microscopic dynamic behavior. Quantitative in situ video‐STM data on the surface diffusion of adsorbed sulfur atoms on Cu(100) electrodes in aqueous solution covered by bromide and chloride spectators, respectively, reveal in both cases a strong exponential potential dependence, but with opposite sign. This reversal is highly surprising in view of the isostructural adsorbate arrangement in the two systems. Detailed DFT studies suggest an anion‐induced difference in the sulfur diffusion mechanism, specifically an exchange diffusion on the Br‐covered surface. Experimental evidence for the latter is provided by the observation of Cu vacancy formation in the Br system, which can be rationalized by a side reaction of the sulfur exchange diffusion.     

Fabrication of Condensate Microdrop Self‐Propelling Porous Films of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Copper Surfaces

Condensate microdrop self‐propelling (CMDSP) surfaces have attracted intensive interest. However, it is still challenging to form metal‐based CMDSP surfaces. We design and fabricate a type of copper‐based CMDSP porous nanoparticle film. An electrodeposition method based on control over the preferential crystal growth of isotropic nanoparticles and synergistic utilization of tiny hydrogen bubbles as pore‐making templates is adopted for the in situ growth of cerium oxide porous nanoparticle films on copper surfaces. After characterizing their microscopic morphology, crystal structure and surface chemistry, we explore their CMDSP properties. The nanostructure can realize the efficient ejection of condensate microdrops with sizes below 50 μm.     

On the Electrochemistry and Spectroelectrochemistry of Small Model Star‐Shaped Compounds: 1,3,5‐Triaryl‐1‐Methoxybenzenes and 2,4,6‐Triaryl‐1,3,5‐Trimethoxybenzenes

Model structures of 1,3,5‐triarylbenzenes with a substituted benzene core linked to thienyl or 3,4‐ethylenedioxythienyl (EDOT) terminal groups are studied by electrochemical and in situ ESR/UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemical techniques. Oxidative polymerization of the monomers results in C? C coupling of the thiophene moieties in the 5‐position, forming dimeric structures with bithiophene linkers as the first step. Both the doubly charged protonated dimer and the new dimer formed after proton release are studied in detail for 2,4,6‐tris[2‐(3,4‐ethylenedioxythienyl)]‐1‐methoxybenzene. Quite high stability of the doubly charged σ dimer formed on oxidation with unusual redox behavior at the electrode is observed. Density functional calculations of the molecular structure as well as spectroscopic and electronic properties of charged states in 1,3,5‐triarylbenzene derivatives in the monomeric, dimeric, and oligomeric form are presented. The complex spectroelectrochemical response of a thin solid film formed on the electrode surface upon potentiodynamic polymerization indicates the existence of different charge states of oligomeric structures within the solid matrix.     

Effects of Coke Deposits on the Catalytic Performance of Large Zeolite H‐ZSM‐5 Crystals during Alcohol‐to‐Hydrocarbon Reactions as Investigated by a Combination of Optical Spectroscopy and Microscopy

The catalytic activity of large zeolite H‐ZSM‐5 crystals in methanol (MTO) and ethanol‐to‐olefins (ETO) conversions was investigated and, using operando UV/Vis measurements, the catalytic activity and deactivation was correlated with the formation of coke. These findings were related to in situ single crystal UV/Vis and confocal fluorescence micro‐spectroscopy, allowing the observation of the spatiotemporal formation of intermediates and coke species during the MTO and ETO conversions. It was observed that rapid deactivation at elevated temperatures was due to the fast formation of aromatics at the periphery of the H‐ZSM‐5 crystals, which are transformed into more poly‐aromatic coke species at the external surface, preventing the diffusion of reactants and products into and out of the H‐ZSM‐5 crystal. Furthermore, we were able to correlate the operando UV/Vis spectroscopy results observed during catalytic testing with the single crystal in situ results.     

Ethanol‐Precipitable,Silica‐Passivated Perovskite Nanocrystals Incorporated into Polystyrene Microspheres for Long‐Term Storage and Reusage

Perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) are emerging luminescent materials due to their fascinating physic‐optical properties. However, their sensitive surface chemistry with organic polar solvents, oxygen, and moisture greatly hinders their developments towards practical applications. Herein we promote silica‐passivated PNCs (SP‐PNCs) by in situ hydrolyzing the surface ligands of (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane. The resultant SP‐PNCs possesses a high quantum yield (QY) of 80 % and are precipitable by polar solvents, such as ethanol and acetone, without destroying their surface chemistry or losing QY, which offers an eco‐friendly and efficient method for separation, purification, and phase transfer of PNCs. Moreover, we further promoted a swelling–deswelling encapsulation process to incorporate the as‐made SP‐PNCs into non‐crosslinked polystyrene microspheres (PMs), which can largely increase the stability of the SP‐PNCs against moisture for long‐term storage.     

Ethanol‐Precipitable,Silica‐Passivated Perovskite Nanocrystals Incorporated into Polystyrene Microspheres for Long‐Term Storage and Reusage

Perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) are emerging luminescent materials due to their fascinating physic‐optical properties. However, their sensitive surface chemistry with organic polar solvents, oxygen, and moisture greatly hinders their developments towards practical applications. Herein we promote silica‐passivated PNCs (SP‐PNCs) by in situ hydrolyzing the surface ligands of (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane. The resultant SP‐PNCs possesses a high quantum yield (QY) of 80 % and are precipitable by polar solvents, such as ethanol and acetone, without destroying their surface chemistry or losing QY, which offers an eco‐friendly and efficient method for separation, purification, and phase transfer of PNCs. Moreover, we further promoted a swelling–deswelling encapsulation process to incorporate the as‐made SP‐PNCs into non‐crosslinked polystyrene microspheres (PMs), which can largely increase the stability of the SP‐PNCs against moisture for long‐term storage.     

Peak Force Infrared–Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy

Correlative scanning probe microscopy of chemical identity, surface potential, and mechanical properties provide insight into the structure–function relationships of nanomaterials. However, simultaneous measurement with comparable and high resolution is a challenge. We seamlessly integrated nanoscale photothermal infrared imaging with Coulomb force detection to form peak force infrared–Kelvin probe force microscopy (PFIR‐KPFM), which enables simultaneous nanomapping of infrared absorption, surface potential, and mechanical properties with approximately 10 nm spatial resolution in a single‐pass scan. MAPbBr₃ perovskite crystals of different degradation pathways were studied in situ. Nanoscale charge accumulations were observed in MAPbBr₃ near the boundary to PbBr₂. PFIR‐KPFM also revealed correlations between residual charges and secondary conformation in amyloid fibrils. PFIR‐KPFM is applicable to other heterogeneous materials at the nanoscale for correlative multimodal characterizations.     

Modulating Cell‐Surface Receptor Signaling and Ion Channel Functions by In Situ Glycan Editing

Glycans anchored on cell‐surface receptors are active modulators of receptor signaling. A strategy is presented that enforces transient changes to cell‐surface glycosylation patterns to tune receptor signaling. This approach, termed in situ glycan editing, exploits recombinant glycosyltransferases to incorporate monosaccharides with linkage specificity onto receptors in situ. α2,3‐linked sialic acid or α1,3‐linked fucose added in situ suppresses signaling through epidermal growth factor receptor and fibroblast growth factor receptor. We also applied the same strategy to regulate the electrical signaling of a potassium ion channel–human ether‐à‐go‐go‐related gene channel. Compared to gene editing, no long‐term perturbations are introduced to the treated cells. In situ glycan editing therefore offers a promising approach for studying the dynamic role of specific glycans in membrane receptor signaling and ion channel functions.     

Highly Dense Isolated Metal Atom Catalytic Sites: Dynamic Formation and In Situ Observations

Atomically dispersed noble‐metal catalysts with highly dense active sites are promising materials with which to maximise metal efficiency and to enhance catalytic performance; however, their fabrication remains challenging because metal atoms are prone to sintering, especially at a high metal loading. A dynamic process of formation of isolated metal atom catalytic sites on the surface of the support, which was achieved starting from silver nanoparticles by using a thermal surface‐mediated diffusion method, was observed directly by using in situ electron microscopy and in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. A combination of electron microscopy images with X‐ray absorption spectra demonstrated that the silver atoms were anchored on five‐fold oxygen‐terminated cavities on the surface of the support to form highly dense isolated metal active sites, leading to excellent reactivity in catalytic oxidation at low temperature. This work provides a general strategy for designing atomically dispersed noble‐metal catalysts with highly dense active sites.     

On‐Surface Bottom‐Up Synthesis of Azine Derivatives Displaying Strong Acceptor Behavior

On‐surface synthesis is an emerging approach to obtain, in a single step, precisely defined chemical species that cannot be obtained by other synthetic routes. The control of the electronic structure of organic/metal interfaces is crucial for defining the performance of many optoelectronic devices. A facile on‐surface chemistry route has now been used to synthesize the strong electron‐acceptor organic molecule quinoneazine directly on a Cu(110) surface, via thermally activated covalent coupling of para‐aminophenol precursors. The mechanism is described using a combination of in situ surface characterization techniques and theoretical methods. Owing to a strong surface‐molecule interaction, the quinoneazine molecule accommodates 1.2 electrons at its carbonyl ends, inducing an intramolecular charge redistribution and leading to partial conjugation of the rings, conferring azo‐character at the nitrogen sites.     

Dienamine‐Induced Divinylcyclopropane–Cycloheptadiene Rearrangements

Sigmatropic rearrangements constitute an important group of pericyclic reactions. In contrast to cycloaddition reactions, examples of catalytic variants of electrocyclic reactions and sigmatropic rearrangements are still scarce in the chemical literature. Herein, we report the first organocatalytic Cope rearrangement of in situ‐generated divinylcyclopropanes. The reactive motif was generated by condensation of 4‐(2‐vinylcyclopropyl)but‐2‐enal derivatives with a secondary amine catalyst to form a transient dienamine. The cycloheptadiene products could be obtained in high yield and excellent diastereoselectivity. Importantly, the reaction was demonstrated to be stereospecific, proceeding under mild conditions, while exhibiting broad functional group tolerance.     

Chemoselective Phototransformation of CH Bonds on a Polymer Surface through a Photoinduced Cerium Recycling Redox Reaction

It is generally accepted that Ce⁴⁺ is unable to directly oxidize unreactive alkyl C?H bonds without the assistance of adjacent polar groups. Herein, we demonstrate in our newly developed confined photochemical reaction system that this recognized issue may be challenged. As we found, when a thin layer of a CeCl₃/HCl aqueous solution was applied to a polymeric substrate and the substrate subjected to UV irradiation, Ce³⁺ was first photooxidized to form Ce⁴⁺ in the presence of H⁺, and the in situ formed Ce⁴⁺ then performs an oxidation reaction on the C?H bonds of the polymer surface to form surface‐carbon radicals for radical graft polymerization reactions and functional‐group transformations, while reducing to Ce³⁺ and releasing H⁺ in the process. This photoinduced cerium recycling redox (PCRR) reaction behaved as a biomimetic system in an artificial recycling reaction, leading to a sustainable chemical modification strategy for directly transforming alkyl C?H bonds on polymer surfaces into small‐molecule groups and polymer brushes. This method is expected to provide a green and economical tool for industrial applications of polymer‐surface modification.