Thermodynamic and Structural Trends in Hexavalent Actinyl Cations: Complexation of Dipicolinic Acid with NpO22+ and PuO22+ in Comparison with UO22+

The complexation of NpO₂²⁺ and PuO₂²⁺ with dipicolinic acid (DPA) has been investigated in 0.1 M NaClO₄ by spectrophotometry, microcalorimetry, and single crystal diffractometry. Formation of 1:1 and 1:2 (metal/ligand molar ratio) complexes of DPA with NpO₂²⁺ and PuO₂²⁺ were identified and the thermodynamic parameters were determined and compared with those of UO₂²⁺. All three hexavalent actinyl cations form strong 1:1 DPA complexes with slightly decreasing but comparable stability constants from UO₂²⁺ to PuO₂²⁺, whereas the stability constants of the 1:2 complexes (log β₂) decrease substantially along the series (16.3 for UO₂L₂^2?, 15.17 for NpO₂L₂^2?, and 14.17 for PuO₂L₂^2? at 25 °C). The enthalpies of complexation for the 1:2 complexes become less exothermic from UO₂L₂^2? (?28.9 kJ mol^?1), through NpO₂L₂^2? (?27.2 kJ mol^?1), and to PuO₂L₂^2? (?22.7 kJ mol^?1). The trends in the thermodynamic parameters are discussed in terms of the effective charge of the cations and the steric constraints in the structures of the complexes. In addition, the features of the absorption spectra, including the wavelength and intensity of the absorption bands, are related to the perturbation of the ligand field and the symmetry of the actinyl complexes.     

Influence of surface properties on the interfacial adhesion in carbon fiber/epoxy composites

A polyacrylonitrile‐based carbon fiber was electrochemically oxidized in an aqueous ammonium bicarbonate solution with current density of up to 2.76 A/m² at room temperature. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the oxygen content increased with increasing current density before approaching saturation. The increase can be divided into two regions, the rapid increase region (0–1.78 A/m²) and a plateau region (1.78–2.76 A/m²). The surface chemistry analysis showed that the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) value of the carbon fiber/epoxy composite could be improved by 24.7%. The carbon structure was examined using Raman spectroscopy in terms of order/disorder in the graphite structure and the results indicated that the relative percentage of graphite carbon in the form of sp² hybridization increased above a current density of 1.39 A/m². The increasing non‐polar graphite carbon on the carbon fiber surface decreased the surface energy. As a result, both the surface free energy () and its polar component () decreased when current density increased above 1.78 A/m². The ILSS value had no direct relationship with the nature and surface density of the oxygen‐containing functional groups nor with the carbon structure. It is the surface free energy (), especially the polar component (), which played a critical role in affecting the interfacial adhesion of carbon fiber/epoxy composites. The ILSS value changed with increasing current density and could be divided into three distinct regions, as chemical interaction region (I), anchor force region (II) and matrix damage region (III). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

One-pot reaction for the concise synthesis of spiro[benzofuran-2,2′-naphthalen]-1′-one derivatives

A novel one-pot two-step protocol has been developed to synthesize various spiro[benzofuran-2,2′-naphthalen]-1′-one derivatives from the three-component reaction of tetralones, 2-hydroxyphenyl functionalized α,β-unsaturated ketones, and iodine. One C–C bond and one C–O bond have formed during this process. The notable features of this protocol are simple and mild reaction conditions, applicable to a wide range of readily available starting materials, good yields (up to 91%), and excellent stereoselectivities (up to 97:3).     

Two novel polycyclic spiro lignans from Gymnotheca involucrata

Two novel lignans, gymnothespirolignans A (1) and B (2), possessing a rare polycyclic spiro skeleton, were isolated from the endemic plant of Gymnotheca involucrata Pei. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic evidences and the absolute configurations were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 showed promising antiviral activities against RSV with an IC₅₀ value of 31.87 and 17.51 μM, respectively.     

Phosphine-mediated synthesis of trifluoromethyl substituted pyrroles using TFAA as the CF3 source

A phosphine-mediated synthesis of trifluoromethyl substituted pyrrole derivatives was achieved. The method described here is very fast, operationally simple, and easily amenable to scale-up, and commercially available trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) is used as the only trifluoromethyl source. A wide range of products were obtained with good yields under mild condition using this method.     

Novel Red Phosphorescent Polymers Bearing Both Ambipolar and Functionalized IrIII Phosphorescent Moieties for Highly Efficient Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes

A series of novel red phosphorescent polymers is successfully developed through Suzuki cross‐coupling among ambipolar units, functionalized Ir^III phosphorescent blocks, and fluorene‐based silane moieties. The photophysical and electrochemical investigations indicate not only highly efficient energy‐transfer from the organic segments to the phosphorescent units in the polymer backbone but also the ambipolar character of the copolymers. Benefiting from all these merits, the phosphorescent polymers can furnish organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with exceptional high electroluminescent (EL) efficiencies with a current efficiency (η _L) of 8.31 cd A⁻¹, external quantum efficiency (η _ext) of 16.07%, and power efficiency (η _P) of 2.95 lm W⁻¹, representing the state‐of‐the‐art electroluminescent performances ever achieved by red phosphorescent polymers. This work here might represent a new pathway to design and synthesize highly efficient phosphorescent polymers.

     

A new 3D supramolecular Zn(II) compound: Crystal structure and important role in treatment of pulpitis

An innovative thermostable 2-D layered Zn(II) compound, chemical terms are written as [Zn(3-pysa)₂(H₂O)₂]_n (1, 3-Hpysa = 3-pyridinesulfonic acid), has been generated from the solvothermal reactions of 3-Hpysa and Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O. Its single crystal analysis was implemented via the single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis together with the powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The crystal framework is of monoclinic P2₁/n space group and its crystal cell figures: a = 7.7499(5), b = 10.9923(6), c = 8.3430(5) Å, α = 90, β = 96.924(6), γ = 90°, V = 705.55(7) ų, Z = 4. The 2D layers were finally combined to a 3-D supramolecular conformation through intermolecular H-bonds existing between coordinated H₂O molecules and sulfonate oxygen atoms from adjacent layer. Its practical role in pulpitis treatment was estimated and the relevant mechanism was studied in the meantime.     

Characterization and properties of plywood bioadhesive derived from cottonseed protein and sawdust cellulose

Cellulose - The development of plant adhesive with good bonding strength, water resistance and thermal stability remains challenging to replace formaldehyde-based adhesive resins that usually...     

Nonflammable nonaqueous electrolytes for lithium batteries

As the energy density of state-of-the-art lithium (Li)-ion batteries (LIBs) increases, the safety concern of LIBs using liquid electrolytes is drawing increasing attention. Flammability of electrolytes is a critical link of the overall safety performance of LIBs and Li metal batteries. For this reason, intensive efforts have been devoted to suppressing the flammability of liquid electrolytes. In this short review, the common approaches to reduce the flammability of the nonaqueous liquid electrolytes will be summarized. The advantages and limitations of these approaches will also be discussed.     

Phase‐Junction Electrocatalysts towards Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media

To ensure sustainable hydrogen production by water electrolysis, robust, earth‐abundant, and high‐efficient electrocatalysts are required. Constructing a hybrid system could lead to further improvement in electrocatalytic activity. Interface engineering in composite catalysts is thus critical to determine the performance, and the phase‐junction interface should improve the catalytic activity. Here, we show that nickel diphosphide phase junction (c‐NiP₂/m‐NiP₂) is an effective electrocatalyst for hydrogen production in alkaline media. The overpotential (at 10 mA cm^?2) for NiP₂‐650 (c/m) in alkaline media could be significantly reduced by 26 % and 96 % compared with c‐NiP₂ and m‐NiP₂, respectively. The enhancement of catalytic activity should be attributed to the strong water dissociation ability and the rearrangement of electrons around the phase junction, which markedly improved the Volmer step and benefited the reduction process of adsorbed protons.