Nanospheres,Nanotubes, Toroids,and Gels with Controlled Macroscopic Chirality

The interaction of a highly dynamic poly(aryl acetylene) (poly‐ 1 ) with Li⁺, Na⁺_, and Ag⁺ leads to macroscopically chiral supramolecular nanospheres, nanotubes, toroids, and gels. With Ag⁺, nanospheres with M helicity and tunable sizes are generated, which complement those obtained from the same polymer with divalent cations. With Li⁺ or Na⁺, poly‐ 1 yields chiral nanotubes, gels, or toroids with encapsulating properties and M helicity. Right‐handed supramolecular structures can be obtained by using the enantiomeric polymer. The interaction of poly‐ 1 with Na⁺ produces nanostructures whose helicity is highly dependent on the solvation state of the cation. Therefore, structures with either of the two helicities can be prepared from the same polymer by manipulation of the cosolvent. Such chiral nanotubes, toroids, and gels have previously not been obtained from helical polymer–metal complexes. Chiral nanospheres made of poly(aryl acetylene) that were previously assembled with metal(II) species can now be obtained with metal(I) species.     

Synthesis of Cu-TiNT,characterization, and antibacterial properties evaluation

Copper ion–exchanged titanate nanotubes (Cu-TiNTs) had been prepared from a simple ion-exchange reaction between copper salt and sodium titanate nanotubes (Na-TiNT) which was synthesized by alkaline hydrothermal synthesis starting from titanium oxide of anatase phase. A thorough structural and morphological characterization of Cu-TiNT (and Na-TiNT) was done by using various material characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy to reveal retention of tubular structure of titanate nanotubes with decoration of copper (II) oxide on the surface of the tubes as well as an exchange of Na⁺ ion by Cu²⁺ ion in the interlamellar space. The antibacterial properties of the Cu-TiNT were evaluated by broth macrodilution method using microtiter trays, with concentration ranging between 512 and 0.5 μg/mL. The Cu-TiNT demonstrated no clinically relevant antibacterial activity alone (minimum inhibitory concentration ≥ 1024 μg/mL), but when associated with gentamicin, this compound enhanced the antibiotic activity of this drugs against strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. The results were very promising to the utilization of the Cu-TiNT as an adjuvant to the antibiotic therapy.     

Stable Aqueous Solutions of Naked Titanate Nanotubes

Aqueous solutions of naked nanotubes with Ti concentration up to 10 mM are obtained by hydrothermal synthesis followed by extensive ultrasound treatment. The morphology, surface characteristics, and solution behavior of the solubilized nanotubes are investigated. The time course of the solubilization process driven by ultrasound follows a first‐order kinetic law and is mediated by the competition between Na⁺ and H⁺ for surface sites. The dynamics of interaction with small cations (i.e. the sodium ion) is studied by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and is demonstrated to be a multifaced process, since Na⁺ is in part free to exchange between the binding sites on nanotubes and the bulk and in part is confined to slowly exchanging nanotube sites. The aqueous titanate nanotube solutions are stable for months, thus opening new perspectives for the use of this material in drug delivery and in homogeneous photocatalysis.     

Controlled Uptake and Release of Metal Cations by Vanadium Oxide Nanotubes

Vanadium oxide nanotubes (C_n‐VO_x‐NTs) contain α‐monoamines (C_nH_2n+1NH₂ with 4≤n≤22) as templates intercalated between crystalline VO_x layers comprising multilayer tube walls. The present study reveals that a large proportion of the amines can easily be exchanged by metal cations. The tubular morphology is not affected by this reaction, but the distance between the VO_x layers, i.e., 2.8 nm in C₁₂‐VO_xNTs, decreases in the reaction product to 0.9 – 1.2 nm, depending on the metal salt actually applied. Alkali (Na⁺, K⁺), alkaline‐earth (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺), and transition‐metal salts (Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺) have successfully been intercalated. This reaction is partly reversible since intercalated sodium cations can be resubstituted by dodecylamine. This exchange produces again C₁₂‐VO_x‐NTs with the original inter‐layer spacing. However, this release is successful only when sodium is complexed by a crown ether. Under these reaction conditions, even a cyclic uptake and release of Na⁺ and amine, respectively, accompanied by a corresponding shrinkage and widening of the inter‐layer distance, is observed while the tubular structure is widely preserved. Furthermore, a distinct selectivity of the metal‐cation exchange has been observed.     

Nanospheres,Nanotubes, Toroids,and Gels with Controlled Macroscopic Chirality

The interaction of a highly dynamic poly(aryl acetylene) (poly‐ 1 ) with Li⁺, Na⁺_, and Ag⁺ leads to macroscopically chiral supramolecular nanospheres, nanotubes, toroids, and gels. With Ag⁺, nanospheres with M helicity and tunable sizes are generated, which complement those obtained from the same polymer with divalent cations. With Li⁺ or Na⁺, poly‐ 1 yields chiral nanotubes, gels, or toroids with encapsulating properties and M helicity. Right‐handed supramolecular structures can be obtained by using the enantiomeric polymer. The interaction of poly‐ 1 with Na⁺ produces nanostructures whose helicity is highly dependent on the solvation state of the cation. Therefore, structures with either of the two helicities can be prepared from the same polymer by manipulation of the cosolvent. Such chiral nanotubes, toroids, and gels have previously not been obtained from helical polymer–metal complexes. Chiral nanospheres made of poly(aryl acetylene) that were previously assembled with metal(II) species can now be obtained with metal(I) species.     

Proton Intercalation/De-Intercalation Dynamics in Vanadium Oxides for Aqueous Aluminum Electrochemical Cells

Understanding cation (H⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, Al³⁺, etc.) intercalation/de-intercalation chemistry in transition metal compounds is crucial for the design of cathode materials in aqueous electrochemical cells. Here we report that orthorhombic vanadium oxides (V₂O₅) supports highly reversible proton intercalation/de-intercalation reactions in aqueous media, enabling aluminum electrochemical cells with extended cycle life. Empirical analyses using vibrational and x-ray spectroscopy are complemented with theoretical analysis of the electrostatic potential to establish how and why protons intercalate in V₂O₅ in aqueous media. We show further that cathode coatings composed of cation selective membranes provide a straightforward method for enhancing cathode reversibility by preventing anion cross-over in aqueous electrolytes. Our work sheds light on the design of cation transport requirements for high-energy reversible cathodes in aqueous electrochemical cells.     

Proton Intercalation/De‐Intercalation Dynamics in Vanadium Oxides for Aqueous Aluminum Electrochemical Cells

Understanding cation (H⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, Al³⁺, etc.) intercalation/de‐intercalation chemistry in transition metal compounds is crucial for the design of cathode materials in aqueous electrochemical cells. Here we report that orthorhombic vanadium oxides (V₂O₅) supports highly reversible proton intercalation/de‐intercalation reactions in aqueous media, enabling aluminum electrochemical cells with extended cycle life. Empirical analyses using vibrational and x‐ray spectroscopy are complemented with theoretical analysis of the electrostatic potential to establish how and why protons intercalate in V₂O₅ in aqueous media. We show further that cathode coatings composed of cation selective membranes provide a straightforward method for enhancing cathode reversibility by preventing anion cross‐over in aqueous electrolytes. Our work sheds light on the design of cation transport requirements for high‐energy reversible cathodes in aqueous electrochemical cells.     

Synthesis of Bi-doped TiO2 Nanotubes and Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for Hydrogen Evolution from Glycerol Solution

Bi‐doped TiO₂ nanotubes with variable Bi/Ti ratios were synthesized by hydrothermal treatment in 10 mol·L^?1 NaOH (aq.) through using Bi‐doped TiO₂ particles derived from conventional sol‐gel method as starting materials. The effects of Bi content on the morphology, textural properties, photo absorption and photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ nanotubes were investigated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) observations of the obtained samples revealed the formation of titanate nanotube structure doped with Bi, which exists as a higher oxidation state than Bi³⁺. Bi‐doping TiO₂ nanotubes exhibited an extension of light absorption into the visible region and improved photocatalytic activities for hydrogen production from a glycerol/water mixed solution as compared with pure TiO₂ nanotubes. There was an optimal Bi‐doped content for the photocatalytic hydrogen production, and high content of Bi would retard the phase transition of titanate to anatase and result in morphology change from nanotube to nanobelt, which in turn decreases the photocatlytic activity for hydrogen evolution.     

Enhancement of Photocatalytic Activity of Sodium Bismuth Titanate by Doping with Copper,Silver, and Tin Ions

Perovskite type oxides, sodium bismuth titanate (Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃), and Ag⁺, Cu²⁺, and Sn²⁺ doped Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ were prepared by pechini and ion exchange methods, respectively. Photocatalytic activities of these catalysts were tested by decomposition of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. Results showed that the photocatalytic activity of metal ion doped Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ was higher than undoped Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃. Relatively high photocatalytic performance of Ag⁺‐doped Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ is mainly ascribed to the efficient separation of electron‐hole (e^–, h⁺) pairs, lower bandgap energy and the creation of active hydroxyl radicals ( ^? OH). Further, the Ag⁺‐doped Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ catalyst showed good reusability up to four cycles. A possible mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic performance was proposed. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, XPS, FT‐IR, and UV/Vis DRS techniques.     

Colloid chemical characterisation of layered titanates,their hydrophobic derivatives and self-assembled films

Na₂Ti₃O₇, with layered structure, was prepared from a 1:3 molar mixture of powdered Na₂CO₃ and TiO₂ by heating at 800 °C for 2 h. The Na⁺ ions were exchanged for H⁺ ions by hydrochloric acid treatment; next, n-butylamine, n-octylamine, n-decylamine or n-dodecylamine were incorporated at pH=3.6–3.8. It was proven by XRD measurements that, as the length of the alkyl chain of the amines was increased, smaller amounts of amines were intercalated under identical conditions. H₂Ti₃O₇ samples dispersed in liquids of various compositions and polarities were used for the preparation of self-assembled titanate/polymer films for further sensor applications. Titanates, their composites with alkyl amines and the self-assembled hybrid structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermoanalytical, optical, electron and atomic force microscopic measurements.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Energetic Properties of Alkaline and Alkaline Earth Salts of 5,5′‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate

5,5′‐Bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate‐based energetic salts from alkaline (Li⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺) and alkaline earth metal salts (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Ba²⁺) were synthesized in a simple, straightforward manner and were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction of 4 salts (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, and Mg²⁺) is given. The X‐ray structures show that in the title compounds, the metal atoms are bonded to the nitrogen and oxygen in the bistetrazole ring to form the sandwich structure. In addition, thermal stabilities of all title compounds were determined with differential thermal analysis‐thermal gravity analysis. All these new materials exhibit excellent thermal stabilities, high density, and excellent insensitivity to impact (h ₅₀ > 60 cm). Especially, the potassium salt is of interest as potential “green heat‐resistance explosive” with high density and high thermal stability as well as low sensitivity.     

Derivated titanate nanotubes and their hydrogen storage properties

Titanate nanotubes and their derivates, Pd-loaded and Co²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ag⁺ ion-exchanged titanate nanotubes, were respectively prepared and characterized by XRD, HR-TEM, and EDS. Their hydrogen storage properties were investigated, and the results revealed that the derivated titanate nanotubes had better hydrogen storage characters. Pd-loaded titanate nanotubes exhibited the highest hydrogen storage capacity of 1.03 wt%, which is three times higher than that of raw titanate nanotubes. The ion-exchanged titanate nanotubes also showed enhanced capacity. Especially, Co-TiNT reached a storage capacity of 0.80 wt%. The reason why hydrogen storage capacity was enhanced in titanate nanotubes was a pilot study. These results indicated that oxide nanotubes provided some new opportunities for hydrogen energy applications.     

Theoretical study of interaction of 2,6-dithiopurine with Li+, Na+, K+, Be2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ metal cations

The geometries of the complexes of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Be²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ metal cations with different possible 2,6-dithiopurine anions (DTP) were studied. The complexes were optimized at the B3LYP level and the 6-311++G(d, p) basis set. The interactions of the metal cations at different nucleophilic sites of various possible 2,6-dithiopurine anions were considered. It was revealed that metal cations would interact with 2,6-dithiopurine anions in a bicoordinate manner. In the gas phase, the most preferred position for the interaction of Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ cations is between the N₃ and S₂ sites, while all divalent cations Be²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ prefer binding between the N₇ and S₆ sites of the corresponding 2,6-dithiopurine. The influence of aqueous solvent on the relative stability of different complexes has been examined using the Tomasi’s polarized continuum model. The basis set superposition error (BSSE) corrected interaction energy was also computed for complexes. The AIM theory has been applied to analyze the properties of the bond critical points (electron densities and their Laplacians) involved in the coordination between 2,6-dithiopurine anions and the metal cations. It was revealed that aqueous solution would have significant effect on the relative stability of complexes obtained by the interaction of 2,6-dithiopurine anions with Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ cations. The effect of metal cations on different NH and CS stretching vibrational modes of 2,6-dithiopurine has also been discussed.     

A Black Phosphorus–Graphite Composite Anode for Li-/Na-/K-Ion Batteries

Black phosphorus (BP) is a desirable anode material for alkali metal ion storage owing to its high electronic/ionic conductivity and theoretical capacity. In-depth understanding of the redox reactions between BP and the alkali metal ions is key to reveal the potential and limitations of BP, and thus to guide the design of BP-based composites for high-performance alkali metal ion batteries. Comparative studies of the electrochemical reactions of Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ with BP were performed. Ex situ X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculation reveal the lowest utilization of BP for K⁺ storage than for Na⁺ and Li⁺, which is ascribed to the highest formation energy and the lowest ion diffusion coefficient of the final potassiation product K₃P, compared with Li₃P and Na₃P. As a result, restricting the formation of K₃P by limiting the discharge voltage achieves a gravimetric capacity of 1300 mAh g⁻¹ which retains at 600 mAh g⁻¹ after 50 cycles at 0.25 A g⁻¹.     

A Black Phosphorus–Graphite Composite Anode for Li‐/Na‐/K‐Ion Batteries

Black phosphorus (BP) is a desirable anode material for alkali metal ion storage owing to its high electronic/ionic conductivity and theoretical capacity. In‐depth understanding of the redox reactions between BP and the alkali metal ions is key to reveal the potential and limitations of BP, and thus to guide the design of BP‐based composites for high‐performance alkali metal ion batteries. Comparative studies of the electrochemical reactions of Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ with BP were performed. Ex situ X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculation reveal the lowest utilization of BP for K⁺ storage than for Na⁺ and Li⁺, which is ascribed to the highest formation energy and the lowest ion diffusion coefficient of the final potassiation product K₃P, compared with Li₃P and Na₃P. As a result, restricting the formation of K₃P by limiting the discharge voltage achieves a gravimetric capacity of 1300 mAh g^?1 which retains at 600 mAh g^?1 after 50 cycles at 0.25 A g^?1.     

Free energies and entropies of transfer from water to methanol of cations complexed by 18-crown-6

Free energies and entropies of transfer from water to methanol have been obtained for [M⁺18C6] complexes, where M⁺ = Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, and Ag⁺. The variation of ΔG_t° and ΔS_t° with the central metal cation is smaller than with the [M⁺222] complexes and it is concluded that 18-crown-6 shields the metal cation from the solvent more effectively than crystal structure determinations would suggest.     

Synergistic effects of CdS in sodium titanate based nanostructures for hydrogen evolution

Synergistic effect of CdS decorated sodium titanate nanostructures showed enhanced H₂ production abilities. The confinement effect and synergistic effect of decorated CdS inside the sodium titanate nanotubes are investigated.     

Intercalative reaction of a cobalt(III) cage complex,Co(sep)3+, with magadiite,a layered sodium silicate

The cationic metal cage complex (1,3,6,8,10,13,16,19-octaazabicyclo[6.6.6]cicosane)cobalt(III), Co(sep)³⁺ has been investigated as a potential pillaring reagent for Na⁺-magadiite (Na_1.7Si₁₄O_27.9(OH)_1.9 · 7.6 H₂O) a synthetic layered sodium silicate. Reaction of Na⁺-magadiite with aqueous solutions of Co(sep)Cl₃ at 25°C resulted in the binding of Co(sep)³⁺ cations to the external crystalline surface of the layered silicate. In contrast, an intercalated product exhibiting a 17.6 Å basal spacing was generated by reaction at 100°C.²⁹Si MAS NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy indicate that Co(sep)³⁺ intercalated reaction products retain the magadiite layer structure. Moreover, scanning electron micrographs of the reaction products showed retention of the original particle morphology, suggesting a topotactic intercalation. However, during intercalation, some of the Co(sep)³⁺ was found to undergo an unusual demetalation reaction leaving a combination of Co(II) and Co(sep)³⁺ between the layers. Nitrogen surface area analysis showed that only a small amount of microporous surface existed in the Co(sep)³⁺ intercalated derivative, suggesting that most of the interlayer space is stuffed with cobalt species.     

A new tetrapyrazolic macrocycle. Synthesis and its use in extraction and transport of K, Na and Li

The synthesis of a new tetrapyrazolic macrocyclic structure with a functionalised arm is described. The complexing properties of this new compound towards alkali metal ions (K⁺, Na⁺, Li⁺) were studied by liquid-liquid extraction and liquid membrane transport processes. The extracted and the transport cation percentage were determined by atomic absorption measurements and UV spectroscopy.     

Selective and Sensitive Two New Macroacyclic Schiff base Fluorescent Turn-Off Receptors for Fe3+, DFT Calculation and Their Antibacterial Activity

Two new Macroacyclic Schiff base chemosensors (L₁ and L₂) were synthesized by the one pot condensation reaction of 2-[3-(2-formyl phenoxy)propoxy]benzaldehyde and aminophenol in a 1:2 molar ratio and were characterized by IR, NMR spectroscopy. Both Schiff bases displayed high selectivity and sensitivity towards Fe³⁺ over other metal ions in H₂O-DMF solution (Ag⁺,Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg⁺², Mn⁺², Pb⁺², Co⁺², Hg⁺², Cr⁺³, Na⁺, Ba⁺² and Cd²⁺) due to their structure including oxygen donor atoms. The test results showed fluorescence quenching of the fluorophores when Fe³⁺ was bound to the recognition units. From test results, a high selectivity for Fe³⁺ were discovered in this type of sensors, especially, the probe based on 2-aminophenol exhibited more significant quenching in fluorescence intensity compared with 4-aminophenol-based due to its rigidity structure. In addition, the structure of ligands and their antibacterial properties was investigated.