Design and Control of Perylene Supramolecular Polymers through Imide Substitutions

The number and type of new supramolecular polymer (SMP) systems have increased rapidly in recent years. Some of the key challenges faced for these novel systems include gaining full control over the mode of self-assembly, the creation of novel architectures and exploring functionality. Here, we provide a critical overview of approaches related to perylene-based SMPs and discuss progress to exert control over these potentially important SMPs through chemical modification of the imide substituents. Imide substitutions affect self-assembly behaviour orthogonally to the intrinsic optoelectronic properties of the perylene core, making for a valuable approach to tune SMP properties. Several recent approaches are therefore highlighted, with a focus on controlling 1) morphology, 2) H- or J- aggregation, and 3) mechanism of growth and degree of aggregation using thermodynamic and kinetic control. Areas of potential future exploration and application of these functional SMPs are also explored.     

1-(Azidomethyl)-5H-Tetrazole: A Powerful New Ligand for Highly Energetic Coordination Compounds

Highly energetic 1-(azidomethyl)-5H-tetrazole (AzMT, 3 ) has been synthesized and characterized. This completes the series of 1-(azidoalkyl)-5H-tetrazoles represented by 1-(azidoethyl)-5H-tetrazole (AET) and 1-(azidopropyl)-5H-tetrazole (APT). AzMT was thoroughly analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁴N, ¹⁵N) NMR measurements. Several energetic coordination compounds (ECCs) of 3d metals (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) and silver in combination with anions such as (per)chlorate, mono- and dihydroxy-trinitrophenolate were prepared, giving insight into the coordination behavior of AzMT as a ligand. The synthesized ECCs were also analyzed by X-ray diffraction experiments, elemental analysis, and IR spectroscopy. Differential thermal analysis for all compounds was conducted, and the sensitivity towards external stimuli (impact, friction, and ESD) was measured. Due to the high enthalpy of formation of AzMT (+654.5 kJ mol⁻¹), some of the resulting coordination compounds are extremely sensitive, yet are able to undergo deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) and initiate pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). Therefore, they are to be ranked as primary explosives.     

Methoxyperylene bisimides and perylene lactame imides: novel, red fluorescent dyes

The synthesis of methoxyperylene bisimides and perylene lactame imides with aliphatic N-substituents is described. Both classes of dyes exhibit fluorescence in the bathochromic region of visible light so that red light is obtained. The lightfastness of the dyes is very high, thus, there is special interest for diverse applications.     

A new homogeneous zinc complex with increased reactivity for the intramolecular hydroamination of alkenes

The new zinc compound N-cyclohexyl-2-(cyclohexylamino)troponiminate zinc methyl, [(Cy)2ATI]ZnMe, was synthesized and showed a superior reactivity in the intramolecular hydroamination reaction of non-activated alkenes compared to previously reported homogeneous zinc complexes.     

NUMERICAL APPROXIMATION OF THE SMOLUCHOWSKI EQUATION USING RADIAL BASIS FUNCTIONS

The goal of this paper is to present a numerical method for the Smoluchowski equation,a drift-diffusion equation on the sphere,arising in the modelling of particle dynamics.The numerical method uses radial basis functions(RBF).This is a relatively new approach,which has recently mainly been used for geophysical applications.For a simplified model problem we compare the RBF approach with a spectral method,i.e.the standard approach used in related physical applications.This comparison as well as our other accuracy studies show that RBF methods are an attractive alternative for these kind of models.     

Evolution of the local structure around Ti atoms in NaAlH4 doped with TiCl3 or Ti13.6THF by ball milling using X-ray absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

X-ray absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are used to investigate NaAlH4 doped with 5 mol % of Ti on the basis of either TiCl3 or Ti13.6THF by ball milling. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of TiCl3 or Ti colloid doped samples indicates that Ti species do not remain on the sample surface but are driven into the material with increasing milling time. The surface concentration of Ti continues to decrease during subsequent cycles under hydrogen. After several cycles, it reaches a constant value of 0.5 at. % independently of the nature of the precursor. Moreover, metallic aluminum is already present at the surface after 2 min of ball milling in the case of TiCl3 doped Na-alanate, whereas it is totally absent in the case of Ti colloid doped samples at any milling time. Upon cycling, the atomic concentration of metallic Al at the surface evolves with the reaction under hydrogen, in contrast to the Ti concentration. Analysis of the binding energies of samples doped with TiCl3 or Ti colloid, after eight desorption/absorption cycles, reveals that the Na, O, and Ti environment remains the same, while the Al environment undergoes changes. According to the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis of TiCl3 doped Na-alanate, the local structure around Ti during the first cycle is close to that of metallic Ti but in a more distorted state. In the case of the Ti colloid doped sample, a stripping of the oxygen shell occurs. After eight cycles, a similar intermetallic phase between Ti and Al is present in the hydrogenated state of TiCl3 or Ti colloid doped samples. The local structure around Ti atoms after eight cycles consists of Al and Ti backscatterers with a Ti-Al distance of 2.79 angstroms and a Ti-Ti distance of 3.88 angstroms. This local structure is not exactly the TiAl3 phase because it differs significantly from the alloy phase in its fine structure and lacks long-range order. Volumetric measurements performed on these samples indicate that the formation of this local structure is responsible for the reduction of the reversible hydrogen capacity with the increasing number of cycles. Moreover, the formation of the alloy-like phase is correlated with a decrease of the desorption/absorption reaction rate.     

A Comprehensive Brownian Dynamics‐Based Forward Model for Analytical (Ultra)Centrifugation

In this study, it is demonstrated how Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations can be used as a comprehensive forward model for analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) and analytical centrifugation experiments. BD simulations are a versatile alternative to the numerical solution of Lamm's equation. Time dependent concentration profiles can be accurately predicted by means of the BD simulations even for colloidal systems with multiple species. It is shown that in combination with Mie's theory for light scattering, BD simulations can be extended to generate data mimicking a multiwavelength detector for AUC. The forward model can be utilized as a comprehensive tool for developing and testing sophisticated data analyzing tools that can enhance the capabilities of using centrifugation‐based techniques for characterizing nanoparticles. The model is validated using common analysis tools developed for the evaluation of sedimentation velocity data generated by a single wavelength extinction detector. The accuracy of the code is also proved using the recently developed and highly versatile High Dynamic Range‐MULTIwavelength FITting tool for accurately predicting particle size distributions via gravitational sweep experiments performed in AUCs equipped with multiwavelength detectors.