From 2D Graphene Nanosheets to 3D Graphene‐based Macrostructures

The combination of exceptional functionalities offered by 3D graphene‐based macrostructures (GBMs) has attracted tremendous interest. 2D graphene nanosheets have a high chemical stability, high surface area and customizable porosity, which was extensively researched for a variety of applications including CO₂ adsorption, water treatment, batteries, sensors, catalysis, etc. Recently, 3D GBMs have been successfully achieved through few approaches, including direct and non‐direct self‐assembly methods. In this review, the possible routes used to prepare both 2D graphene and interconnected 3D GBMs are described and analyzed regarding the involved chemistry of each 2D/3D graphene system. Improvement of the accessible surface of 3D GBMs where the interface exchanges are occurring is of great importance. A better control of the chemical mechanisms involved in the self‐assembly mechanism itself at the nanometer scale is certainly the key for a future research breakthrough regarding 3D GBMs.     

Near infrared dye-encapsulated polymeric nanoparticles with enhanced photostability under hyperthermal condition

Abstract

Polymeric micelles are versatile nanocarriers to carry hydrophobic moieties within the core in aqueous media. We report engineered polymeric micelles encapsulating highly photostable organic near-infrared (NIR) dye, IR788, for generating heat under NIR irradiation. In addition, the core of micelle is stabilized via semi-interpenetrating network formation (sIPN), which ensures stable loading under low temperature and enhances biocompatibility in cell experiment.     

Utility of a Ferrocene Unit in a Cyclometallated Cp*Ir(III) Catalyst during Water Oxidation: Exploring Bimetallic Cooperativity

Ferrocene functionalized 2-phenylpyridine iridium(III) pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complex is synthesized and probed for oxygen evolution from water. The excellent activity of this system has been rationalized by proposing a Fe(III)/Ir(IV) transient intermediate where bimetallic redox synergism between the Fe and Ir centres possibly provide an alternative pathway rather than a conventional Ir(V) based cycle.