Fabrication of Covalently Attached Multilayer Film Electrode Containing Iron Porphyrin and Its Electrocatalysis Toward Sulfite

Construction of a highly stable covalently attached multilayer film electrode containing iron porphyrin was achieved by UV irradiation of ionic self‐assembled multilayer films of diazo‐resins (DAR) and anionic Fe(III)tetrakis(p‐sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (FeTSPP). The multilayer films had been characterized by UV, IR spectra and cyclic valtammetry. The electrocatalytic transformation of sulfite to SO₄^2? by the multilayer film electrode containing FeTSPP was investigated. In 0.1 M NH₄OH? NH₄Cl buffer solution (pH 8.74) and 0.1 M borate buffer solution (pH 9.18) the electrocatalytic oxidation of sulfite through the multilayer film electrode can be performed. However, in acetate buffer solution (pH 4.0) the electrocatalytic reduction of sulfite by the multilayer film electrode had also good activity. The modified electrode also exhibited a fast response and good stability.     

Structural Design of Ionic Conduction Paths in Molecular Crystals for Selective and Enhanced Lithium Ion Conduction

The molecular crystals [Li{N(SO₂CF₃)₂}{C₆H₄(OCH₃)₂}₂] and [Li{N(SO₂CF₃)₂}{C₆F₂H₂(OCH₃)₂}₂] with solid‐state lithium ion conductivity have been synthesized by the addition of two equivalents of 1,2‐dimethoxybenzene or 1,2‐difluoro‐4,5‐dimethoxybenzene to Li{N(SO₂CF₃)₂}, respectively. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of ionic conduction paths with an ordered arrangement of lithium ions in these crystal structures, afforded by the self‐ assembled stacking of molecular‐based channels consisting of N(SO₂CF₃)₂ anion and 1,2‐dimethoxybenzene frameworks as a result of intermolecular aromatic and hydrogen interactions. These compounds show selective lithium ion conductivity as the anions behave as a component unit of the conduction paths. The relationship between the crystal structure and ionic conductivity of the molecular crystals provides a clue to the development of novel solid electrolytes based on molecular crystals showing fast and selective lithium ion conduction.     

A Self‐Healing Integrated All‐in‐One Zinc‐Ion Battery

The self‐healing of zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) will not only significantly improve the durability and extend the lifetime of devices, but also decrease electronic waste and economic cost. A poly(vinyl alcohol)/zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate (PVA/Zn(CF₃SO₃)₂) hydrogel electrolyte was fabricated by a facile freeze/thaw strategy. PVA/Zn(CF₃SO₃)₂ hydrogels possess excellent ionic conductivity and stable electrochemical performance. Such hydrogel electrolytes can autonomously self‐heal by hydrogen bonding without any external stimulus. All‐in‐one integrated ZIBs can be assembled by incorporating the cathode, separator, and anode into hydrogel matrix since the fabrication of PVA/Zn(CF₃SO₃)₂ hydrogel is a process of converting the liquid to quasi‐solid state. The ZIBs show an outstanding self‐healing and can recover electrochemical performance completely even after several cutting/healing cycles.     

Trithallium hydrogen bis(sulfate), Tl3H(SO4)2, in the super‐ionic phase by X‐ray powder diffraction

The structure of trithallium hydrogen bis­(sulfate), Tl₃H(SO₄)₂, in the super‐ionic phase has been analyzed by Rietveld analysis of the X‐ray powder diffraction pattern. Atomic parameters based on the isotypic Rb₃H(SeO₄)₂ crystal in space group Rm in the super‐ionic phase were used as the starting model, because it has been shown from the comparison of thermal and electric properties in Tl₃H(SO₄)₂ and M₃H(SO₄)₂ type crystals (M = Rb, Cs or NH₄) that the room‐temperature Tl₃H(SO₄)₂ phase is isostructural with the high‐temperature Rm‐symmetry M₃H(SO₄)₂ crystals. The structure was determined in the trigonal space group Rm and the Rietveld refinement shows that an hydrogen‐bond O—­H?O separation is slightly shortened compared with O—H?O separations in isotypic M₃H(SeO₄)₂ crystals. In addition, it was found that the distortion of the SO₄ tetrahedra in Tl₃H(SO₄)₂ is less than that in isotypic crystals.     

NMR Diffusion Measurements as a Simple Method to Examine Solvent–Solvent and Solvent–Solute Interactions in Mixtures of the Ionic Liquid [Bmim][N(SO2CF3)2] and Acetonitrile

The self‐diffusion coefficients of each component in mixtures of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([Bmim][N(SO₂CF₃)₂]) and acetonitrile were determined. The results suggest that the hydrodynamic boundary conditions change from “stick” to “slip” as the solvent composition transitions from “ionic liquid dissolved in acetonitrile” (χ_IL<0.4) to “acetonitrile dissolved in ionic liquid” (χ_IL>0.4). At higher χ_IL, the acetonitrile species are affected by “cage” and “jump” events, as the acetonitrile molecules reside nearer to the charged centre on the ions than in the “non‐polar” regions. The self‐diffusion coefficients of hexan‐1‐amine, dipropylamine, 1‐hexanol and dipropylether in mixtures of [Bmim][N(SO₂CF₃)₂] and acetonitrile were determined. In general, the nitrogen‐containing solutes were found to diffuse slower than the oxygen‐containing solutes; this indicates that there are greater ionic liquid–N interactions than ionic liquid–O interactions. This work demonstrates that the self‐diffusion coefficients of species can provide valuable information about solvent–solvent and solvent–solute interactions in mixtures containing an ionic liquid.     

Coordination Compounds of Palladium(II) and 4‐Amino‐1,2,4‐triazole

Mononuclear coordination compounds of the type [Pd(NH₂trz)₄]²⁺ with the counterions chloride, nitrate, trifluoromethanesulfonate, and methanesulfonate were synthesized and their structures identified with single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In case of the synthesis with methanesulfonate as the counterion the dominant product was of the generic formula [Pd₂(NH₂trz)₃](CH₃SO₃)₄, and the complex [Pd(NH₂trz)₄](CH₃SO₃)₂ only emerged as a byproduct. While the structure of the byproduct could be analyzed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, suitable crystals of the main product [Pd₂(NH₂trz)₃](CH₃SO₃)₄ could not be obtained. However, stoichiometry implies a polynuclear nature with NH₂trz present in the rare μ₃‐η¹:η¹:η¹ coordination type, i.e. with NH₂trz molecules coordinating to three palladium atoms. Accordingly, identification of solids by single‐crystal analysis alone can be misleading in particular with NH₂trz as a ligand due to its versatile coordination behavior. Finally, analysis by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that the complexes were thermally stable (the onset of decomposition well above 100 °C), with [Pd₂(NH₂trz)₃](CH₃SO₃)₄ being the most stable compound (onset of decomposition at 204 °C).     

Molecular Ionics in Supramolecular Assemblies with Channel Structures Containing Lithium Ions

A novel trilithium compound, Li₃[B(C₆H₄O₂){O(CH₂CH₂O)₃CH₃}₂][N(SO₂CF₃)₂]₂ ( 1 ‐2.0), with solid‐state ionic conductivity was synthesized. The crystal structure of 1 ‐2.0 consists of the one‐dimensional ionic conduction paths. The paths were afforded as a result of the self‐assembled stacking of the component molecules of 1 ‐2.0 with channel structures containing lithium ions. In this supramolecule, one lithium ion holds the component molecules in specific positions to construct a supramolecular structure with thermally stable ionic conduction paths and the others behave as carrier ions exhibiting selective lithium‐ion conductivity. Owing to the existence of both roles for the lithium ions, this electrolyte shows selective lithium‐ion conductivity.     

Unexpected Self‐Sorting Self‐Assembly Formation of a [4:4] Sulfate:Ligand Cage from a Preorganized Tripodal Urea Ligand

The design and synthesis of tripodal ligands 1 – 3 based upon the N‐methyl‐1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxamide platform appended with three aryl urea arms is reported. This ligand platform gives rise to highly preorganized structures and is ideally suited for binding SO₄^2? and H₂PO₄^? ions through multiple hydrogen‐bonding interactions. The solid‐state crystal structures of 1 – 3 with SO₄^2? show the encapsulation of a single anion within a cage structure, whereas the crystal structure of 1 with H₂PO₄^? showed that two anions are encapsulated. We further demonstrate that ligand 4 , based on the same platform but consisting of two bis‐urea moieties and a single ammonium moiety, also recognizes SO₄^2? to form a self‐assembled capsule with [4:4] SO₄^2?: 4 stoichiometry in which the anions are clustered within a cavity formed by the four ligands. This is the first example of a self‐sorting self‐assembled capsule where four tetrahedrally arranged SO₄^2? ions are embedded within a hydrophobic cavity.     

Ammonium Ion Optical Sensor Formation and Characterization of a Self‐Assembled Thiazole Containing Dibenzo‐18‐Crown‐6 Monolayer toward Developing Ammonium Ion‐Sensing Interface

Abstract

This letter demonstrates a selective NH₄ ⁺ detection using a synthesized thiazole benzo crownether ethylamine‐lipoic acid conjugate (1) monolayer. A self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) of 1 was formed on Au surface and well characterized by atomic‐force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry (CV). A good selectivity for NH₄ ⁺ sensing was observed in a range of 1.0×10^?1 to 1.0×10^?6 M by surface plasmon resonance.     

Enzyme-polyelectrolyte complex: Salt effects on the reaction of urease with polyallylamine

The effects of inorganic mono- and divalent salts of different types on how the cation polyelectrolyte polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAA) binds with the oligomer enzyme urease were studied. It was shown that in solutions of the monovalent salts NaCl, KCl, and NH₄Cl, polyelectrolyte-protein complexes formed by electrostatic interactions, which decreased monotonically as the salt concentrations increased according to the classic law of statistical physics, correlating the Debye radius with the ionic strength of the solution. In solutions of the divalent salts Na₂SO₄ and (NH₄)2_SO₄, the efficiency of the formation of the polyelectrolyte-protein complexes changed abruptly (the enzyme was drastically activated) at low salt concentrations (∼0.6–0.8 mM), which was not consistent with the classic theory of charge interactions in solutions with different ionic strengths. Turbidimetric titration at different salt concentrations in the given range revealed a high aggregative ability for sulfates and low ability for chlorides. It was concluded that the anomalies in the concentration dependence of the enzyme activity and aggregative ability were related to the formation of stable bonds PAA to the divalent SO₄²⁻ anion, which increased drastically when the ratio of anion concentration to the number of positively charged PAA monomers in solution reached 1: 2.     

Nanoporous membranes by cooperative self‐assembly of functionalized SEBS and titania

Sol–gel chemistry was adeptly exploited to fabricate nanoporous membranes by cooperative self‐assembly of modified triblock copolymer (SEBS‐NH₂) and titania network. Reinforcement of the matrix was achieved by hydrolytic condensation of tetraisopropoxytitanate without/with compatiblizing agent (3‐glycidyloxypropyl triethoxysilane), yielding two hybrid systems. Incorporation of different proportions of TiO₂ provoked well‐built variations in morphology of compatiblized SEBS‐NH₂/TiO₂ nanocomposites. At low titania loading, spherical nanoparticles were found well‐dispersed in regimented triblock domains while addition of higher amounts of TiO₂ generated nanoporous membranes by mutual self‐assembling of matrix and the reinforcement. Relative improvement of tensile and thermal properties over uncompatiblized nanocomposites was observed owing to enhanced interfacial interactions. Eventually, a combination of the two phases (17.5 wt. % titania in SEBS‐NH₂) demonstrated ample mechanical reinforcement, thermal and morphological profiles, ensuing robust self‐assembled nanostructures. Forthcoming prospects are envisioned as well. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reference Electrode for Ionic Liquids

Reference electrodes for room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) applications were constructed that have a known and reproducible potential versus the ferrocene/ferrocenium couple. They are based on reference electrodes of the first kind, Ag/Ag⁺ couple type, or of the second kind, based on Ag/AgCl in M⁺Cl^?. The former uses AgNO₃ salt and the latter tetrabutylammonium chloride, Bu₄NCl, dissolved in acetonitrile which are then introduced to the ionic liquid of choice for a final concentration of 0.1 M. The reference electrodes can be easily and reproducibly constructed. An ionic contact of these reference systems with the test electrolyte was made using an asbestos fiber liquid junction. The internal compartment of the reference system was filled with the same ionic liquid as used for the electrochemical experiment. The performance of these reference electrodes was tested in selected ionic liquids using the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple. The stability, reproducibility, and temperature behavior of the two reference systems have been characterized in the following ionic liquids: 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIBF₄), 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (BMI(CF₃SO₂)₂N), and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIPF₆). It has been found that the formal potentials of the examined reference systems are stable over several days. There is a linear relationship for the temperature studied in the range from 25 to 60 °C.     

Three‐Dimensional Cuprous Lead Bromide Framework with Highly Efficient and Stable Blue Photoluminescence Emission

Considering the instability and low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of blue‐emitting perovskites, it is still challenging and attractive to construct single crystalline hybrid lead halides with highly stable and efficient blue light emission. Herein, by rationally introducing d¹⁰ transition metal into single lead halide as new structural building unit and optical emitting center, we prepared a bimetallic halide of [(NH₄)₂]CuPbBr₅ with new type of three‐dimensional (3D) anionic framework. [(NH₄)₂]CuPbBr₅ exhibits strong band‐edge blue emission (441 nm) with a high PLQY of 32 % upon excitation with UV light. Detailed photophysical studies indicate [(NH₄)₂]CuPbBr₅ also displays broadband red light emissions derived from self‐trapped states. Furthermore, the 3D framework features high structural and optical stabilities at extreme environments during at least three years. To our best knowledge, this work represents the first 3D non‐perovskite bimetallic halide with highly efficient and stable blue light emission.     

UF6 and UF4 in Liquid Ammonia: [UF7(NH3)]3− and [UF4(NH3)4]

From the reaction of uranium hexafluoride UF₆ with dry liquid ammonia, the [UF₇(NH₃)]^3? anion and the [UF₄(NH₃)₄] molecule were isolated and identified for the first time. They are found in signal‐green crystals of trisammonium monoammine heptafluorouranate(IV) ammonia (1:1; [NH₄]₃[UF₇(NH₃)] ? NH₃) and emerald‐green crystals of tetraammine tetrafluorouranium(IV) ammonia (1:1; [UF₄(NH₃)₄] ? NH₃). [NH₄]₃[UF₇(NH₃)] ? NH₃ features discrete [UF₇(NH₃)]^3? anions with a coordination geometry similar to a bicapped trigonal prism, hitherto unknown for U^IV compounds. The emerald‐green [UF₄(NH₃)₄] ? NH₃ contains discrete tetraammine tetrafluorouranium(IV) [UF₄(NH₃)₄] molecules. [UF₄(NH₃)₄] ? NH₃ is not stable at room temperature and forms pastel‐green [UF₄(NH₃)₄] as a powder that is surprisingly stable up to 147 °C. The compounds are the first structurally characterized ammonia complexes of uranium fluorides.     

Vibrational spectra of NH4-Ln(SO4)2·4H2O/D2O (LnLa and Ce)

Infrared and Raman spectra of NH₄Ce(SO₄)₂·4H₂O, NH₄La(SO₄)₂·4H₂O and the deuterated compounds NH₄Ce(SO₄)₂·4D₂O and NH₄La(SO₄)₂·4D₂O have been analysed. Splittings indicating the presence of two types of SO₄ ions are not observed. The SO bond strengths of the different SO₄ units are not significantly different. The SO₄ ion is distorted in these compounds. Deuteration causes changes in the SO₄ bond strength. Three crystallographically distinct water molecules exist in the unit cell.     

Thermal decomposition behavior of the rare-earth ammonium sulfate R2(SO4)3·(NH4)2SO4

Rare-earth ammonium sulfate octahydrates of R₂(SO₄)₃·(NH₄)₂SO₄·8H₂O (R=Pr, Nd, Sm, and Eu) were synthesized by a wet process, and the stable temperature region for the anhydrous R₂(SO₄)₃·(NH₄)₂SO₄ form was clarified by thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis, infrared, Raman, and electrical conductivity measurements. Detailed characterization of these double salts demonstrated that the thermal stability of anhydrous R₂(SO₄)₃·(NH₄)₂SO₄ is different between the Pr, Nd salts and the Sm, Eu salts, and the thermal decomposition behavior of these salts was quite different from the previous reports.     

Self‐Assembled Prussian Blue Nanoparticles Based Electrochemical Sensor for High Sensitive Determination of H2O2 in Acidic Media

In this paper, self‐assembled Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) on carbon ceramic electrode (CCE) were developed as a high sensitive hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) electrochemical sensor. The PBNPs film was prepared by a simple dipping method. The morphology of the PBNPs‐modified CCE was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The self‐assembled PB film exhibited sufficient mechanical, electrochemical stability and high sensitivity in compare with other PB based H₂O₂ sensors. The sensor showed a good linear response for H₂O₂ over the concentration range 1 μM–0.26 mM with a detection limit of ca. 0.7 μM (S/N=3), and sensitivity of 754.6 mA M^?1 cm^?2. This work demonstrates the feasibility of self‐assembled PBNPs‐modified CCE for practical sensing applications.     

Crystal structures and physicochemical properties of mixed salts of ammonium nitrate and sulfate

Mixed salts (NH₄)₂SO₄·2NH₄NO₃ (1) and (NH₄)₂SO₄·3NH₄NO₃ (2) were synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. The unit cell parameters of these salts were determined and their crystal structures were solved. The thermal stability of the salts was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The temperatures and enthalpies of incongruent melting of compounds 1 and 2 were determined. The enthalpies of formation from the constituent salts were estimated.     

Optimization of preparation of thermally stable cellulose nanofibrils via heat‐induced conversion of ionic bonds to amide bonds

Improving the thermal stability of nanocelluloses is important for practical applications such as melt compounded nanocellulose‐reinforced polymer composites and flexible substrates for nanocellulose‐containing electronic devices. Here, we report optimum conditions for a straightforward surface modification strategy for improving the thermal stability of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethypiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNs); the heat‐induced conversion of TOCN alkyl ammonium carboxylates to amides. Different amine‐terminated compounds (R‐NH₂) were grafted onto the surface of TOCNs under aqueous conditions. The influences of R‐NH₂ molecular weight, R‐NH₂/TOCN‐COOH molar ratio, and thermal stability of R‐NH₂ on the properties of the grafted TOCN films were investigated through infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. For maximum thermal improvement of up to 90 °C, complete ionic bonding of TOCN carboxy groups with R‐NH₂ was required, as well as proper selection of the R‐NH₂ compound. A controlled heating process was also needed to achieve effective ionic‐to‐amide bond conversion. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 1750–1756     

Air‐Stable,Lead‐Free Zero‐Dimensional Mixed Bismuth‐Antimony Perovskite Single Crystals with Ultra‐broadband Emission

Lead‐free zero‐dimensional (0D) organic‐inorganic metal halide perovskites have recently attracted increasing attention for their excellent photoluminescence properties and chemical stability. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of an air‐stable 0D mixed metal halide perovskite (C₈NH₁₂)₄Bi_0.57Sb_0.43Br₇?H₂O, in which individual [BiBr₆]^3? and [SbBr₆]^3? octahedral units are completely isolated and surrounded by the large organic cation C₈H₁₂N⁺. Upon photoexcitation, the bulk crystals exhibit ultra‐broadband emission ranging from 400 to 850 nm, which originates from both free excitons and self‐trapped excitons. This is the first example of 0D perovskites with broadband emission spanning the entire visible spectrum. In addition, (C₈NH₁₂)₄Bi_0.57Sb_0.43Br₇?H₂O exhibits excellent humidity and light stability. These findings present a new direction towards the design of environmentally‐friendly, high‐performance 0D perovskite light emitters.