Self‐healing in Nanocomposite Hydrogels

Polymer hydrogels with characteristics distinct from those of solid materials are one of the most promising candidates for smart materials. Here, we report that a nanocomposite hydrogel (NC gel) consisting of a unique polymer/clay network structure, can exhibit complete self‐healing through autonomic reconstruction of crosslinks across a damaged interface. Mechanical damage in NC gels can be repaired without the use of a healing agent, and even sections of NC gels separated by cutting, from whichever the same or different kinds of NC gel, perfectly (re‐)combine by just contacting the cut surfaces together at mildly elevated temperatures. In NC gels, the autonomic fusion of cut surfaces as well as the self‐healing could be achieved not only immediately after being cut but also after a long waiting time.

     

Step-by-step fabrication of a highly oriented crystalline three-dimensional pillared-layer-type metal-organic framework thin film confirmed by synchrotron X-ray diffraction

Fabrication of a crystalline ordered thin film based on the porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is one of the practical applications of the future functional nanomaterials. Here, we report the creation of a highly oriented three-dimensional (3-D) porous pillared-layer-type MOF thin film on a metal substrate using a step-by-step approach based on liquid-phase epitaxy. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) study clearly indicates that the thin film is crystalline and its orientation is highly controlled in both horizontal and vertical directions relative to the substrate. This report provides the first confirmation of details of not only the crystallinity but also the orientation of 3-D MOF thin film using synchrotron XRD. Moreover, we also demonstrate its guest adsorption/desorption behavior by using in situ XRD measurements. The results presented here would promise useful insights for fabrication of MOF-based nanodevices in the future.     

A newly investigated approach for the control of tunnel resistance of nanogaps using field-emission-induced electromigration

We report a newly investigated approach for the control of the tunnel resistance of nanogaps using field-emission-induced electromigration (“activation”), in order to decrease the power consumption during the process. The method is demonstrated by applying a bias current to initial nanogaps using a current source. As a result, a wide range control of the tunnel resistance of the nanogaps was achieved by performing the current-source-based activation. Furthermore, the average power could be successfully suppressed in comparison with that of the voltage-source-based activation. These results indicate that the current-source-based activation is suitable for the tuning of the tunnel resistance of nanogaps.     

Synthesis of well-defined chain-end- and in-chain-functionalized polystyrenes with a definite number of benzyl chloride moieties and D-glucose residues

Novel well-defined chain-end- and in-chain-functionalized polystyrenes with six, eight, twelve, and sixteen benzyl chloride moieties and with four and eight D-glucose residues have been successfully synthesized by developing the methodology based on living anionic polymerization of using new functionalized agents derived from functionalized 1,1-diphenylethylene (DPE) derivatives. They are 1,10-dichloro-4,4-7,7-tetra(3-methoxymethylphenyl)decane, its iodide derivative, the dianion prepared from 1,1-bis(3-methoxymethylphenyl)ethylene and potassium naphthalenide, and 1,1-bis[3′,5′-bis(1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-D-glucofuranose-3-oxymethyl)phenyl]ethylene. The developed methodology involves diverse modes of reactions of polystyryllithium with new functionalized agents and either the subsequent transformation reaction with BCl₃ into benzyl chloride moieties or acid-hydrolysis to regenerate D-glucose residues. The resulting chain-multi-functionalized polystyrenes were precisely controlled with respect to chain length and quantitatively functionalized within experimental errors.     

Silver-catalyzed diastereo- and enantioselective Michael additions of 2-oxazoline- and 2-thiazoline-4-carboxylate to nitroalkenes

The silver/ThioClickFerrophos (a chiral ferrocenyl P,S-ligand)-catalyzed Michael additions of 2-oxazoline- and thiazoline-4-carboxylate to nitroalkenes were highly anti-selective and enantioselective and produced the corresponding adducts in high yields.     

Laser-excited molecular fluorescence of CaOH in an air-acetylene flame

Pulsed laser-excited molecular fluorescence of CaOH and SrOH in an air-acetylene flame have been investigated. The spectra were examined in the wavelength region from ca. 500 to 700 nm. A preliminary energy level diagram is proposed for CaOH. Results are also given for SrOH.     

Distribution of metal chelates between aqueous and surfactant phases separated from a micellar solution of a nonionic surfactant

A dilute micellar solution of poly(oxyethylene) 4-nonylphenyl ether with oxyethylene units 7.5 (PONPE-7.5) was separated into two phases (aqueous and surfactant phases) at room temperature. The partition constants of several chelating reagents and their metal chelates between the two phases were determined at 293 K and ionic strength 0.1 (NaClO₄). The partition constants of the neutral metal chelates depend on the kind of metal ions and were considerably smaller than those expected from the regular solution theory. These facts suggested that the chelates were incorporated into a hydrocarbon environment in the surfactant phase, whereas the chelating reagents were distributed in the poly(oxyethylene) part of PONPE-7.5. A brief review was also presented on the analytical applications to the extraction of metal ions and organic compounds.     

Simultaneous determination of 14 lanthanides and yttrium in rare earth ores by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

A method is described for simultaneous determination of 14 lanthanides and yttrium in monazites and xenotimes by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The ore samples were decomposed by heating with nitric acid/perchloric acid or hydrofluoric/nitric/perchloric acids, or sulfuric acid, or by fusion with sodium carbonate. Among these methods, treatment of the samples with sulfuric acid, by evaporation to dryness followed by dissolution of the residue with hydrochloric acid is recommended; it provided complete decomposition for the five monazites and xenotimes examined. The accuracy and precision of the results were significantly influenced by spectral interferences of the rare earth elements themselves; correction methods and factors are given. The chondrite-normalized rare-earth patterns were examined to characterize the monazite and xenotime samples.     

Ring opening of 4',5'-epoxynucleosides: a novel stereoselective entry to 4'-C-branched nucleosides

Stereoselective synthesis of 4'-alpha-carbon-substituted nucleosides has been accomplished through epoxidation of 4',5'-unsaturated nucleosides with dimethyldioxirane (DMDO) and successive SnCl(4)-promoted ring opening of the resulting 4',5'-epoxynucleosides with organosilicon reagents. [reaction: see text]