A hybrid hydrogel based on clay nanoplatelets and host–guest inclusion complexes

In this work,a monomer with double bond was introduced to the surface of clay nanosheets via inclusion complexation between cyclodextrin(CD)host and azobenzene(Azo)guest,as well as electrostatic interaction between clay nanoplatelets and cations of azobenzene derivatives.The obtained suprastructure acts as a supramolecular cross-linker in its copolymerization with macromonomer PEG resulting in a hybrid supramolecular hydrogel.Only viscous liquid was obtained in the absence of clay nanoplatelets,revealing the supramolecular cross-linker played an important role in the hydrogel formation.Such hybrid supramolecular hydrogel exhibited good stability and shear thinning property.     

An eco-friendly synthesis,characterization and antibacterial applications of novel almond gum – poly(acrylamide) based hydrogel silver nanocomposite

Polysaccharide based semi interpenetrating hydrogel (SIH) networks of cross-linked poly(acrylamide) was synthesised through an redox initiating free radical polymerization utilizing almond gum as a grafting backbone, N,N′– methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as the cross-linker and ammonium persulphate (APS) – N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl ethylenediamine (TEMED) as the redox initiator pair. Silver ions were introduced into the hydrogel matrix and silver nanoparticles of invariable size were developed insitu of the swollen hydrogel by the reduction of silver ions (Ag⁺) using azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract. The prepared hydrogel - silver nanocomposite (HSN) was characterized by UV–visible diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The influence of pH on the swelling behavior of HSN was studied and the antibacterial activity of the developed nanocomposite was evaluated.     

Efficient and stable planar all-inorganic perovskite solar cells based on high-quality CsPbBr3 films with controllable morphology

All-inorganic cesium lead bromide(CsPbBr3)perovskite is attracting growing interest as functional materials in photovoltaics and other optoelectronic devices due to its superb stability.However,the fabrication of high-quality CsPbBr3 films still remains a big challenge by solution-process because of the low solubility of the cesium precursor in common solvents.Herein,we report a facile solution-processed approach to prepare high-quality CsPbBr3 perovskite films via a two-step spin-coating method,in which the Cs Br methanol/H2 O mixed solvent solution is spin-coated onto the lead bromide films,followed by an isopropanol-assisted post-treatment to regulate the crystallization process and to control the film morphology.In this fashion,dense and uniform CsPbBr3 films are obtained consisting of large crystalline domains with sizes up to microns and low defect density.The effectiveness of the resulting CsPbBr3 films is further examined in perovskite solar cells(PSCs)with a simplified planar architecture of fluorine–doped tin oxide/compact Ti O2/CsPbBr3/carbon,which deliver a maximum power conversion efficiency of 8.11%together with excellent thermal and humidity stability.The present work offers a simple and effective strategy in fabrication of high-quality CsPbBr3 films for efficient and stable PSCs as well as other optoelectronic devices.     

New bifunctional carbohydrate-like thiourea derivatives – design and first application in organocatalysis

From easily available aminopyran and aminooxepane derivatives and 2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl isothiocyanate the corresponding thiourea derivatives were prepared. One compound was further modified by introducing a tertiary amino group. The four catalysts were then examined as catalysts in a Michael addition of acetylacetone to β-nitrostyrene. A 1:1 mixture of one of these thioureas with an (S)-prolinol derivative was also tested as catalyst, but no synergetic effect was found. The best yield achieved was 88% and the highest ee amounted to 39%. In a preliminary experiment, the aldol reaction of acetone with isatin was investigated. One catalyst provided the expected aldol product in low yield, but in excellent enantioselectivity.     

Spectral–luminescent study of a hydrogel based on hyaluronic acid dialdehyde and chitosan succinate containing the Lucentis drug

A spectral-luminescent study of the hydrogel formed by the crosslinking of chitosan succinate and hyaluronic acid dialdehyde (HAD) macromolecules, which is a dosage form of the Lucentis drug (active ingredient, ranibizumab), has been conducted. The individual fluorescence (FL) spectra of Lucentis (λ_max = 336 nm), HAD (λ_max = 328 and 438 nm), and the hydrogel (λ_max = 396 nm) have been obtained. An analysis of these spectra suggests the participation of carbonyl groups and proteins contained in HAD in its gelation with chitosan succinate. The diffusion of Lucentis from the hydrogel into a physiological solution was studied by a FL method to demonstrate the high prolonged-release properties of the new dosage form.     

Preparation and recognition performance of ratio-fluorescent probe based on sulfadiazine imprinted polymersEI北大核心CSCD

A novel ratio-fluorescent probe based on molecular imprinting polymer ( MIP) for the detection of sulfadiazine was prepared by using nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) as the fluorescence response signal, silica-embedded cadmium telluride quantum dots ( CdTe QDs) as the fluorescence reference signal, sulfadiazine ( SDZ) as template molecule, acrylamide as functional monomer, N, N-methyl bisacrylamide as crosslinking agent and 2,2-Azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. The results showed that the probe has a core-shell structure and fluorescence sensitive to SDZ, by the characterization of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence spectrophotometer. Under the wavelength of 360 nm, the ratio-fluorescent signal of probe showed a linear response with SDZ concentration in the range of 0-100 μmol / L with the detection limit of 11 nmol / L. Also, the ratio-fluorescent probe was applied to the detection of SDZ with a recovery of 92. 0%-95. 1% and relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3. 6% in real water samples. © 2022, Youke Publishing Co.,Ltd. All rights reserved.     

Synthesis and properties of a blue bipolar indenofluorene emitter based on a D-π-A design

Through a rational design, a novel Donor-Acceptor π-conjugated (D-π-A) blue fluorescent indenofluorene dye, DA-DSF-IF, has been synthesized for application in single-layer Small Molecule Organic Light Emitting Diodes (SMOLEDs). This new blue emitter possesses bipolar properties as well as good morphological and emission color stabilities and has been successfully used in a blue emitting single-layer SMOLED, with performances impressively magnified compared to a nonbipolar indenofluorene emitter.     

Novel plastoquinone analogs containing benzocaine and its analogs: structure‐based design,synthesis, and structural characterization

Introducing new biologically active organic molecules or their analogs into the pharmaceutically important molecules significantly enables the discovery and development of the medicines that improve the health of patients. Chemical synthesis has a key role in pharmaceutical research and development, aiming to design and build molecules with the essential biological activity needed in drugs. For that reason, herein, three series of novel PQ analogs (the nonhalogenated (PQ1-6) and the halogenated PQ analogs (BrPQ1-6 and ClPQ1-6)) containing benzocaine and its analogs were designed and synthesized starting from the commercially available dimethylhydroquinone (1) with benzocaine and its analogs. The structures of all synthesized analogs were characterized by using spectroscopic methods. The in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated for the PQ analogs.

     

High performance – low VOC-content: innovative and trend-setting coating systems for industrial applications

This paper describes low VOC coating systems successfully implemented and operating in two industrial branches. For Light Alloy Wheels, the innovative coating process comprises ecofriendly chromium-free surface pre-treatment, epoxy polyester powder primer, water-borne base coat and acrylate powder clear coat. The coating process as an example for agricultural machinery includes iron phosphatizing surface pre-treatment for steel substrates; the coating system itself consists of a water-borne stove-type dip priming operation (for all objects). Finish coat type (Plant I): 2-component water-borne PUR top coat; (Plant II): TGIC-free polyester powder top coat. These new coating systems have proved successful in existing series production. All technical requirements and the provisions of the VOC Regulations are fully complied with.     

Thermochemistry of ammonium based ionic liquids: Tetra-alkyl ammonium nitrates – Experiments and computations

In this work data of the molar enthalpies of formation of the ionic liquids [R₄N][NO₃] were measured by means of combustion calorimetry. The thermal behavior of [R₄N][NO₃] was studied using differential scanning calorimetry. First-principles calculations of the enthalpy of formation in the gaseous phase have been performed for the ionic species using the G3(MP2) theory. Enthalpies of formation of aqueous tetra-alkyl ammonium ions ${\mathrm{\Delta }}_{\text{f}}{H}_{\text{m}}^{°}$ ([R₄N]⁺_(aq)) derived in this work are useful for prediction thermochemical properties of the ammonium based ionic liquids.     

Crystalline inclusion compounds derived from bulky organosilicon hosts – design, synthesis, structure and stability

New organosilicon compounds 1–3 featuring bulky triphenylsilyl moieties attached to rigid linear or trigonal spacer units have been synthesized and demonstrated to act as clathrate hosts, yielding crystalline inclusion compounds mostly with apolar and aprotic dipolar guest molecules, while the nonbulky dimethylphenylsilyl or trimethylsilyl substituted analogous compounds 4 and 5, which were also synthesized, proved inefficient. X-ray crystal structures of the inclusion compounds 1·DMF (1:1), 1·pyridine (1:1), 2·1,4-dioxane (2:1), 2·pyridine (2:1), 2·p-xylene (2:1), 2·H₂O (2:1) as well as of the unsolvated compounds 2 and 5 are described, and thermal stability studies of selected clathrates are reported.     

Nanoscale segregation,molecular recognition and fluorophobic effect – from molecular design towards complex mesophase morphologies

Mesomorphic structure formation of hydrogen-bonded complexes of amino substituted 1,3,5-triazines with complementary (semiperfluoro)alkoxybenzoic acids is presented. The substitution pattern of both components was modified systematically in order to elucidate the influence of molecular parameters on the mesophase morphologies of the binary mixed systems. The phase sequence of the triazines, and of their associates with the acids, spans the range from smectic layer structures to discontinuous cubic phases composed of closed inverted micelles. Columnar phases with various two-dimensional lattice symmetries and bicontinuous cubic phases were found as intermediates. The mesophase morphologies are discussed in terms of the microsegregation of rigid polar, lipophilic and fluorinated molecular blocks in different sub-spaces along with tailoring the shape of (curved) aggregates by the space requirement of incompatible molecular fragments.     

Thermodynamic and exergoeconomic analyses and performance assessment of a new configuration of a combined cooling and power generation system based on ORC–VCR

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - Waste heat recovery systems are proposed to be an environmentally benign and a cost-effective application for efficiency improvement of energy...     

Rational design of sterically and electronically easily tunable chiral bisimidazolines and their applications in dual Lewis acid/brønsted base catalysis for highly enantioselective nitroaldol (Henry) reactions

A new addition to the rational design of sterically and electrically easily tunable chiral bis(imidazoline) ligands from chiral amino alcohols has been developed. Vast structural variation of chiral bis(imidazoline) ligands can be simply achieved by the choice of both the 1,2‐amino alcohol and its N‐1 R¹ substituent. A small library of chiral bisimidazolines ( 1 a – h ) has been constructed. The method has provided an easy and simplified route to a diverse set of air‐stable and water‐tolerant chiral bis(imidazoline) ligands on 10 g scales. The dual Lewis Acid/Brønsted base catalytic system generated from the (S)‐ 1 a /Cu(OTf)₂ complex and Et₃N was able to catalyze Henry reactions between aldehydes and nitromethane effectively at room temperature, and also to tolerate a wide scope of aldehydes with excellent enantiomeric excesses. Not only aromatic aldehydes but also aliphatic aldehydes afforded the nitroalcohol products, with enantiomeric excesses in the 93–98 % range. This dual catalytic system is among the most effective systems so far reported for the asymmetric parent Henry reactions. This work also represents the first members of the class of chiral bisimidazolines to have been demonstrated to achieve excellent enantioselectivities.     

Criticality of metal based functional materials – How multi-functional trans-technical metal based materials are mobilized and how they get lost by dissipation

The enormous diversity of chemical compounds now available is problematic for waste disposal and recovery of essential resources such as rare earth metals. Non-renewable resources are being depleted and need to be managed more effectively. To validate the potential of strategic metals, which often are multi-functional and thus find (competitive) applications in different technologies, a criticality concept is applied. This is based on qualitative and quantitative criteria characterizing the different transformations along supply chains: ranging from the resource deposit to the product and from there into the so-called re-phases or disposal and end-of-life. The trajectories of the resources in real space and time have to be transparent in order to optimize the resource efficiency and its long-ranging compatibility but also to minimize dissipation. This approach allows developing transparent narratives (“Stoffgeschichten”, “Stories of Stuff”) for a responsible and benign use of resources. Only then can re-integration of functional materials be achieved.     

Clearcoats based on maleimide/vinyl ether combinations – investigations into their properties and curing behaviour

UV curable maleimide/vinyl ether blends were discussed in literature during the last years. Results of basic research were published which mainly contained RTIR spectroscopy, differential photocalorimetry, and the mechanism of radical formation. Partially, these results indicated high reactivity and low sensitivity to oxygen inhibition. Therefore, UV curable clearcoats containing maleimides and vinyl ethers were formulated and UV cured in air atmosphere. In principle, it was possible to use equimolar maleimide/vinyl ether blends as photoinitiators for acrylates. However, their efficiency was inferior compared to commercial α cleavage photoinitiators. On the other hand, formulations based on certain maleimides and vinyl ether functional resins or/and reactive thinners could be cured without additional photoinitiators. The possibilities and limitations found are discussed.     

Solvation of ionic liquids based on N-methyl-N-alkyl morpholinium cations in dimethylsulfoxide – volumetric and compressibility studies

The density and sound velocity of the solutions of ionic liquids based on N-alkyl-N-methyl-morpholinium cations, N-ethyl-N-methylmorpholinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, N-butyl-N-methylmorpholinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, N-methyl-N-octyl-morpholinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and N-decyl-N-methylmorpholinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide in dimethylsulfoxide were measured at T = (298.15 to 318.15) K and at atmospheric pressure. The apparent molar volume and apparent molar compressibility values were evaluated from density and sound velocity values and fitted to the Masson equation from which the partial molar volume and partial molar isentropic compressibility of the ILs at infinite dilution were also calculated at working temperatures. By using the density values, the limiting apparent molar expansibilities were estimated. The effect of the alkyl chain length of the ILs and experimental temperature on these thermodynamic properties is discussed. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations were used to interpret the measured properties in terms of interactions of ILs with solvent molecules. Both, volumetric measurements results and molecular dynamics simulations for ionic liquids in dimethylsulfoxide were compared and discussed with results obtained for the same IL in acetonitrile.     

Genetic algorithms as a tool for helix design – computational and experimental studies on prion protein helix 1

Summary Evolutionary computing is a general optimization mechanism successfully implemented for a variety of numeric problems in a variety of fields, including structural biology. We here present an evolutionary approach to optimize helix stability in peptides and proteins employing the AGADIR energy function for helix stability as scoring function. With the ability to apply masks determining positions, which are to remain constant or fixed to a certain class of amino acids, our algorithm is capable of developing stable helical scaffolds containing a wide variety of structural and functional amino acid patterns. The algorithm showed good convergence behaviour in all tested cases and can be parameterized in a wide variety of ways. We have applied our algorithm for the optimization of the stability of prion protein helix 1, a structural element of the prion protein which is thought to play a crucial role in the conformational transition from the cellular to the pathogenic form of the prion protein, and which therefore poses an interesting target for pharmacological as well as genetic engineering approaches to counter the as of yet uncurable prion diseases. NMR spectroscopic investigations of selected stabilizing and destabilizing mutations found by our algorithm could demonstrate its ability to create stabilized variants of secondary structure elements.