A Highly Permeable Aligned Montmorillonite Mixed‐Matrix Membrane for CO2 Separation

Highly permeable montmorillonite layers bonded and aligned with the chain stretching orientation of polyvinylamineacid are immobilized onto a porous polysulfone substrate to fabricate aligned montmorillonite/polysulfone mixed‐matrix membranes for CO₂ separation. High‐speed gas‐transport channels are formed by the aligned interlayer gaps of the modified montmorillonite, through which CO₂ transport primarily occurs. High CO₂ permeance of about 800 GPU is achieved combined with a high mixed‐gas selectivity for CO₂ that is stable over a period of 600 h and independent of the water content in the feed.     

Amine‐Appended Hierarchical Ca‐A Zeolite for Enhancing CO2/CH4 Selectivity of Mixed‐Matrix Membranes

An amine‐appended hierarchical Ca‐A zeolite that can selectively capture CO₂ was synthesized and incorporated into inexpensive membrane polymers, in particular polyethylene oxide and Matrimid, to design mixed‐matrix membranes with high CO₂/CH₄ selectivities. Binary mixture permeation testing reveals that amine‐appended mesoporous Ca‐A is highly effective in improving CO₂/CH₄ selectivity of polymeric membranes. In particular, the CO₂/CH₄ selectivity of the polyethylene oxide membrane increases from 15 to 23 by incorporating 20 wt % amine‐appended Ca‐A zeolite. Furthermore, the formation of filler/polymer interfacial defects, which is typically found in glassy polymer‐zeolite pairs, is inhibited owing to the interaction between the amine groups on the external surface of zeolites and polymer chains. Our results suggest that the amine‐appended hierarchial Ca‐A, which was utilized in membrane fabrication for the first time, is a good filler material for fabricating a CO₂‐selective mixed‐matrix membrane with defect‐free morphology.     

Fabrication of Light‐Triggered Soft Artificial Muscles via a Mixed‐Matrix Membrane Strategy

Artificial muscles triggered by light are of great importance, especially for the development of non‐contact and remotely controlled materials. Common materials for synthesis of photoinduced artificial muscles typically rely on polymer‐based photomechanical materials. Herein, we are able to prepare artificial muscles using a mixed‐matrix membrane strategy to incorporate photomechanical molecular crystals with connective polymers (e.g. PVDF). The formed hybrid materials inherit not only the advantages of the photomechanical crystals, including faster light response, higher Young's modulus and ordered structure, but also the elastomer properties from polymers. This new type of artificial muscles demonstrates various muscle movements, including lifting objects, grasping objects, crawling and swimming, triggered by light irradiation. These results open a new direction to prepare light‐driven artificial muscles based on molecular crystals.     

Engineering of the Filler/Polymer Interface in Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Mixed‐Matrix Membranes to Enhance Gas Separation

Traditional films cannot fully adapt to industrial applications and to intensified processes. Advanced mixed‐matrix membranes comprising metal–organic frameworks (MOF) embedded in a polymer matrix have been developed with the goal of breaking the trade‐off effect of traditional polymer membranes and achieving separation performance beyond Robeson's upper limit. The key challenges in the fabrication of MOF‐based mixed‐matrix membranes are an enhancement in compatibility between the inorganic filler and the polymer matrix, elimination of the irregular morphology and non‐selective interfacial defects, and further improvement in the gas‐separation performance. This review summarizes the recent advances in protocols and strategies in terms of designing interfacial interactions to enhance the MOF/polymer interface compatibility. This review aims at providing some meaningful insights into preparing MOF‐based mixed‐matrix membranes targeting ideal interfacial morphology and leading to excellent gas‐separation performance.     

Revealing the Absolute Configuration of the CO and CN− Ligands at the Active Site of a [NiFe] Hydrogenase

Combined molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations were performed on the crystal structure of the reduced membrane‐bound [NiFe] hydrogenase (MBH) from Ralstonia eutropha to determine the absolute configuration of the CO and the two CN^? ligands bound to the active‐site iron of the enzyme. For three models that include the CO ligand at different positions, often indistinguishable on the basis of the crystallographic data, we optimized the structures and calculated the ligand stretching frequencies. Comparison with the experimental IR data reveals that the CO ligand is in trans position to the substrate‐binding site of the bimetallic [NiFe] cluster.     

MOF Scaffold for a High‐Performance Mixed‐Matrix Membrane

A novel composite membrane consisting of an interconnected MOF scaffold coated with cross‐linked poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been developed. As a result of its unique structure, the membrane shows an exceptional 18‐fold permeability enhancement as compared to pristine PEG membranes, without compromising the selectivity. This performance is unattainable with current mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs). Our optimized membrane has a permeability of 2700 Barrer with a CO₂/N₂ selectivity of 35, which surpasses the latest Robeson upper bound.     

应用光谱和分子模拟法研究一种聚酰亚胺聚合物与人免疫球蛋白的相互作用

本文利用荧光猝灭法、红外光谱法及计算机模拟技术研究了一种聚酰亚胺聚合物(2,6-Bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethyl phenoxy-4’- benzoyl)-pyridine,简称BAFP )与人免疫球蛋白（HIgG）的相互作用。同步荧光的结果定性地说明了BAFP影响水溶液中HIgG二级结构的情况。而判定BAFP影响HIgG二级结构的定量依据来自红外光谱,实验数据表明α螺旋结构的含量相比未加入药物时增加了约2.6～10.2%,,β折叠增大了约13.6～27.7%,,而β转角则减小了约23.8～30.3%。分子模拟的结果显示BAFP与HIgG的键合作用很强,并且有四个氢键在BAFP与HIgG分子的色氨酸Trp 170, 缬氨酸Val 105, 甲硫氨酸Met 139 及天冬酰胺Asn 52之间形成;同时也显示出维持药物与蛋白质的相互作用力主要是疏水作用,这与实验所得到的热力学参数判定作用力的结果相一致（依据范德霍夫公式计算得 与 的值分别为-6.70KJ.mol-1 和 71.93 J.mol-1.K-1）。     

Gas‐Phase Peptide Structures Unraveled by Far‐IR Spectroscopy: Combining IR‐UV Ion‐Dip Experiments with Born–Oppenheimer Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Vibrational spectroscopy provides an important probe of the three‐dimensional structures of peptides. With increasing size, these IR spectra become very complex and to extract structural information, comparison with theoretical spectra is essential. Harmonic DFT calculations have become a common workhorse for predicting vibrational frequencies of small neutral and ionized gaseous peptides. ¹ Although the far‐IR region (<500 cm^?1) may contain a wealth of structural information, as recognized in condensed phase studies, ² DFT often performs poorly in predicting the far‐IR spectra of peptides. Here, Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) is applied to predict the far‐IR signatures of two γ‐turn peptides. Combining experiments and simulations, far‐IR spectra can provide structural information on gas‐phase peptides superior to that extracted from mid‐IR and amide A features.     

Molecular Recognition by a Short Partial Peptide of the Adrenergic Receptor: A Bottom‐Up Approach

Receptor–neurotransmitter molecular recognition is key for neurotransmission. Although crystal structures of the receptors are known, the mechanism for recognition is not clear. Reported here is the ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) spectra of complexes between a partial peptide (SIVSF), mimicking the binding motif of a catechol ring in the adrenergic receptor, and various ligands. The UV spectra show that two isomers coexist in the complex of SIVSF with properly recognized ligands, such as protonated adrenaline (adrenalineH⁺). From IR spectra, they are assigned to catechol‐ and amino‐bound structures. The catechol‐bound structure is not observed when the ligand is replaced by nonproper molecules, such as noradrenalineH⁺. The results suggest that SIVSF not only recognizes the catechol ring but can distinguish differences in the amine side chain. The method provides a new possibility for screening molecules as potential therapeutics for activating the receptor.     

Molecular Dynamics Study of Interface Structure in Composites Comprising Surface‐Modified SiO2 Nanoparticles and a Polyimide Matrix

The method of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations is used to investigate the static properties of the organic–inorganic interface in a polymer nanocomposite consisting of polyimide and silica nanoparticles with modified surface. Alkylsilane chains are used as the surface modifiers. The surface density and chains length of the modifier are the main parameters of the simulations. For simplicity, the model of the composite has been constructed as a polymer layer sandwiched between two solid surfaces. Our results show that one can change the properties of the interface between the polymer matrix and the inorganic filler by choosing the molecular weight and surface density of the modifier.

     

In situ Synchrotron IR Microspectroscopy of CO2 Adsorption on Single Crystals of the Functionalized MOF Sc2(BDC‐NH2)3

Synchrotron radiation (SR) IR microspectroscopy has enabled determination of the thermodynamics, kinetics, and molecular orientation of CO₂ adsorbed in single microcrystals of a functionalized metal–organic framework (MOF) under conditions relevant to carbon capture from flue gases. Single crystals of the small‐pore MOF, Sc₂(BDC‐NH₂)₃, (BDC‐NH₂=2‐amino‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate), with well‐defined crystal form have been investigated during CO₂ uptake at partial pressures of 0.025‐0.2 bar at 298–373 K. The enthalpy and diffusivity of adsorption determined from individual single crystals are consistent with values obtained from measurements on bulk samples. The brilliant SR IR source permits rapid collection of polarized spectra. Strong variations in absorbance of the symmetric stretch of the NH₂ groups of the MOF and the asymmetric stretch of the adsorbed CO₂ at different orientations of the crystals relative to the polarized IR light show that CO₂ molecules align along channels in the MOF.     

IR studies of coadsorption of CO and NO on Co and Cu sites in zeolites

The present study was carried out to follow the effect of CO coadsorption on the properties of NO adsorbed on the same Co²⁺ sites. As the activation of the different molecules was found to be specially pronounced for Cu⁺ in MFI and FAU zeolites, the coadsorption of CO and NO on Cu⁺ sites was also examined. Our previous studies reveled that the presence of the electron donor ammonia and pyridine molecules strongly weakened the multiple bond in NO molecule bonded to the same Cu⁺ cation. The present IR experiments evidenced that CO acted as an electron acceptor. The flow of an electron density from the antibonding π* orbital of NO via Co²⁺ or Cu⁺ to the antibonding π* orbital of CO results in strengthening of the NO bond and in weakening of the CO bond.     

Isolated β‐Turn Model Systems Investigated by Combined IR/UV Spectroscopy

The functionality of bioactive molecules sensitively depends on their structure. For the investigation of intrinsic structural properties, molecular beam experiments combined with laser spectroscopy have proven to be a suitable tool. Herein we present an analysis of the two isolated tripeptide model systems Ac‐Phe‐Tyr(Me)‐NHMe and Boc‐Phe‐Tyr(Me)‐NHMe. For this purpose, mass‐selective combined IR/UV spectroscopy is applied to both substances in a molecular beam experiment. The comparison of the experimental data with DFT calculations, including different functionals as well as dispersion corrections, allows an assignment of both tripeptide models to β‐turns formed independently from the protection groups and supported by the interaction of the two aromatic chromophores.     

Early Formation of the Ion‐Conducting Pore in Channelrhodopsin‐2

Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light‐gated ion channels that are widely used in optogenetics. They allow precise control of neuronal activity with light, but a detailed understanding of how the channel is gated and the ions are conducted is still lacking. The recent determination of the X‐ray structural model in the closed state marks an important milestone. Herein the open state structure is presented and the early formation of the ion conducting pore is elucidated in atomic detail using time‐resolved FTIR spectroscopy. Photo‐isomerization of the retinal‐chromophore causes a downward movement of the highly conserved E90, which opens the pore. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations show that water molecules invade through this opened pore, Helix 2 tilts and the channel fully opens within ms. Since E90 is a highly conserved residue, the proposed E90‐Helix2‐tilt (EHT) model might describe a general activation mechanism and provides a new avenue for further mechanistic studies and engineering.     

An IR Study on Adsorption of CO and NO on Copper Ion-exchanged Zeolite Beta

Thee adsorption of CO and NO on copper ion-exchanged zeolite Beta was investigated using IR method.It was found that the thermalvacuum pretreatment procedure could result in the reduction of Cu2 ions in zeolite Beta.The adsorption of CO on Cu sites in zeolite Beta closely follows Langmuir isotherm.Another Cu species may form during the reaction between water and CO.The catalytic decomposition of NO on the zeolite was observed at room temperature,indicating that the decomposition reaction may occur between two coordinated NO ligands of the same dinitrosyhc complex.Furthermore,the appearance of two series of NO adsorption bands reveals that copper ions existing at different cation sites may have different effect on the adsorption and decomposition of NO molecules.     

Photoisomerization of a Chiral Imine Molecular Switch Followed by Matrix‐Isolation VCD Spectroscopy

Characterizing the stereochemistry of transient photoisomerization products remains a big challenge for the design of molecular machines, such as unidirectional molecular motors. Often these states are not stable long enough to be characterized in detail using conventional spectroscopic tools. The structurally simple camphorquinone imine 1 serves to illustrate the advantage of combining the matrix‐isolation technique with vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy for the investigation of photoisomerizations of chiral molecules. In particular, it is shown that both (E )‐ and (Z )‐ 1 can be generated photochemically at cryogenic temperatures in an argon matrix, and more importantly, that the stereochemistry of both switching states can be characterized reliably.     

Co‐Adsorption of O2 and CO on Au2−: Infrared Photodissociation Spectroscopy and Theoretical Study of [Au2O2(CO)n]− (n=2–6)

The co‐adsorption of O₂ and CO on anionic sites of gold species is considered as a crucial step in the catalytic CO oxidation on gold catalysts. In this regard, the [Au₂O₂(CO)_n]^? (n=2–6) complexes were prepared by using a laser vaporization supersonic ion source and were studied by using infrared photodissociation spectroscopy in the gas phase. All the [Au₂O₂(CO)_n]^? (n=2–6) complexes were characterized to have a core structure involving one CO and one O₂ molecule co‐adsorbed on Au₂^? with the other CO molecules physically tagged around. The CO stretching frequency of the [Au₂O₂(CO)]^? core ion is observed around =2032–2042 cm^?1, which is about 200 cm^?1 higher than that in [Au₂(CO)₂]^?. This frequency difference and the analyses based on density functional calculations provide direct evidence for the synergy effect of the chemically adsorbed O₂ and CO. The low lying structures with carbonate group were not observed experimentally because of high formation barriers. The structures and the stability (i.e., the inertness in a sense) of the co‐adsorbed O₂ and CO on Au₂^? may have relevance to the elementary reaction steps on real gold catalysts.     

Computational Study of the One‐ and Two‐Dimensional Infrared Spectra of a Proton‐Transfer Mode in a Hydrogen‐Bonded Complex Dissolved in a Polar Nanocluster

The signatures of nanosolvation on the one‐ and two‐dimensional (1D and 2D) IR spectra of a proton‐transfer mode in a hydrogen‐bonded complex dissolved in polar solvent molecule nanoclusters of varying size are elucidated by using mixed quantum–classical molecular dynamics simulations. For this particular system, increasing the number of solvent molecules successively from N=7 to N=9 initiates the transition of the system from a cluster state to a bulk‐like state. Both the 1D and 2D IR spectra reflect this transition through pronounced changes in their peak intensities and numbers, but the time‐resolved 2D IR spectra also manifest spectral features that uniquely identify the onset of the cluster‐to‐bulk transition. In particular, it is observed that in the 1D IR spectra, the relative intensities of the peaks change such that the number of peaks decreases from three to two as the size of the cluster increases from N=7 to N=9. In the 2D IR spectra, off‐diagonal peaks are observed in the N=7 and N=8 cases at zero waiting time, but not in the N=9 case. It is known that there are no off‐diagonal peaks in the 2D IR spectrum of the bulk version of this system at zero waiting time, so the disappearance of these peaks is a unique signature of the onset of bulk‐like behavior. Through an examination of the trajectories of various properties of the complex and solvent, it is possible to relate the emergence of these off‐diagonal peaks to an interplay between the vibrations of the complex and the solvent polarization dynamics.