Macroporous Oxide Platforms Templated by Non‐Close‐Packed Spherical Copolymer Aggregates

Exclusive organic templating of macroporous oxide films is reported by using non‐close and lose packing of spherical copolymer aggregates, in combination with facile control of condensation degree/density of inorganic oxide frameworks. Unique macroporous oxide films, mainly titania showing highly porous, crystalline, and versatile properties, can be fabricated with continuous design from unusual 3‐D net‐shape to tunable spherical macrostructures, which expands the preparation of other inorganic oxide films (silica, alumina, and zirconia) and possibly adapts the use of other assembled organic polymers. The macroporous structures are helpful for effective accommodation of bulky biomoleculeshigh and diffusivity of organic molecules (useful for photocatalysts). Unusual structural variation, expansion of spherical voids, is also observed, being useful for fine tuning of optical property.     

Synthesis and Structure of a Novel Polyoxomolybdate Lanthanide Complex: [Er2(H2O)14Cr(OH)6Mo6O18][Cr(OH)6Mo6O18]?·?14H2O

Abstract  A novel polyoxometalate compound consisting of Anderson-type anions and trivalent lanthanide cations, [Er₂(H₂O)₁₄Cr(OH)₆Mo₆O₁₈][Cr(OH)₆Mo₆O₁₈]·14H₂O (1), has been synthesized in aqueous solution and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, IR spectrum and TG analyses. Single crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that compound 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 with a = 11.046 (5) ?, b = 11.653 (5) ?, c = 13.935 (5) ?, α = 75.006 (5)°, β = 84.497(5)°, γ = 89.515(5)°. The bulk ions of compound 1 in the cell unit exhibit orthorhombic C-centered packing mode, the eight [Cr(2)(OH)₆Mo₆O₁₈]³⁻ anions occupy the eight corners and the two [Er₂(H₂O)₁₄Cr(OH)₆Mo₆O₁₈]³⁺ cations occupy the centres of two opposite faces, whereas anions and cations are linked together via hydrogen bonding interactions tightly forming a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture, which contains one-dimensional channels occupied by free water molecules. Index Abstract  The bulk ions of compound 1 in the cell unit exhibit orthorhombic C-centered packing mode, the eight [Cr(2)(OH)₆Mo₆O₁₈]³⁻ anions occupy the eight corners and the two [Er₂(H₂O)₁₄Cr(OH)₆Mo₆O₁₈]³⁺ cations occupy the centres of two opposite faces, whereas anions and cations are linked together via hydrogen bonding interactions tightly forming a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture, which contains one-dimensional channels occupied by free water molecules. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Structural controlled pure metallo-triangular assembly through bisterpyridinyl Dibenzo[b,d]thiophene,Dibenzo[b,d]furan and Dibenzo[b,d]carbazole

A novel family of metallocycles was constructed by a one-pot self-assembly of three analogous bis(terpyridine) ligand monomers L1-L3, having different bent angles, with metal ions (Zn²⁺ or Cd²⁺). The dibenzo[b,d]thiophene-containing ligand L3 assembled with the metal ions to form a single trimer, whereas the dibenzo[b,d]furan-containing ligand L2 and dibenzo[b,d]carbazole-containing ligand L1 formed a mixture of trimers and tetramers. Heteroatoms (N, O, S) significantly contributed to the molecular size of the assemblies, owing to the bent angle of the bis-terpyridines ligands.     

An amphiphilic supramolecular polymer: Construction,self-assembly and pH-responsive behavior in water

A novel amphiphilic supramolecular polymer (ASP) with rigid linear main chain has been constructed by the co-assembly of a rigid amphiphilic monomer and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) in water, driven by CB[8]-based host-guest interactions. The ASP could further self-assemble into well-defined architectures including nanotubes and 2D films, depending on its concentration. Moreover, pH-responsive behavior of the ASP was also observed.     

Effect of the Spacer Chain Length of Organic Dicarboxylic Acid on the Supramolecular Assembly of Two Ternary Zinc (II) Coordination Polymers Derived from Mixed Ligands

Two new Zn^II coordination polymers (CPs), [Zn₂(SA)₂(L)₂]_n ( 1 ) and [Zn(AA)(L)]_n ( 2 ) [L = 1,6‐bis(benzimidazol‐1‐yl)hexane, H₂SA = succinic acid, H₂AA = adipic acid], were synthesized via hydrothermal method and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. CP 1 possesses a sql network, which is further extended into a 3D supramolecular skeleton by non‐classical C–H ··· O hydrogen bonding interactions. CP 2 exhibits a 1D linear chain, which is further assembled into a 2D supramolecular layer by π ··· π stacking interactions. The solid state fluorescence properties of two Zn^II CPs were investigated. Both CPs present high photocatalytic activities for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV light irradiation. The photodegradation efficiency using CP 1 as catalyst is 91.3 % and using CP 2 as catalyst is 85.0 %, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel two-component organogelator based on ion-bonded discotic complex

A novel ion-bonded discotic complex was prepared from 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexakis(N,N-dimethylaminopropylaminocarbonylmethoxy)triphenylene (HDTP) and 4′-dodecyloxybiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (DBC) by ionic self-assembly (ISA) route and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum. We found that the complex can self-assemble into stable gels in aromatic hydrocarbons. Nanofibers with diameters of 50–130 nm were observed in the gels by transmission electron micrograph (TEM). The FTIR data in conjunction with UV–vis and fluorescence spectra suggested that the aggregation of the complex into elongated fibers in solution was induced by a directional extended network of hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions. Based on the experiment analysis, we proposed a tentative model of the self-assembly of this two-component gel-phase material.     

A cucurbit[8]uril recognized rigid supramolecular polymer with photo-stimulated responsiveness

A rigid supramolecular polymer was constructed in aqueous solution via cucurbit[8]uril(CB[8]) host recognition with a rigid monomer containing an azobenzene unit and two 4,4'-bipyridin-1-ium(BP)moieties in the two ends, which also exhibited photo-responsiveness owing to the photoinduced trans–cis isomerization of azobenzene group.     

An asymmetric N-rim partially substituted calix[4]pyrrole: Its affinity for Ag(I) and its destruction by Hg(II)

A new partially substituted calix[4] pyrrole derivative obtained by the introduction of three thioamide functionalities in the N-rim has been synthesised and fully characterised by ¹H, ¹³C, HSQC, ROESY NMR and mass spectroscopy. Computer modelling suggested an alternate conformation which was confirmed through ROESY ¹H NMR. The receptor interacts only with the silver cation as shown by ¹H NMR. The strength of interaction is quantitatively assessed by titration calorimetry. N-rim modification eliminates the possibility of interaction with anions. Unlike calix[4] pyrrole derivatives obtained by the introduction of functionalities through the meso-position, addition of Hg(NO₃)₂ leads to the degeneration of the receptor as demonstrated by ¹H NMR, FTIR and XPS analyses. This is for the first time reported. Molecular simulation studies show significant strain in the mercury bound ligand in bonds, angles, torsions leading to the destruction of the receptor. Given the negative environmental impact produced by the availability of silver ions in aquatic organisms, the fundamental studies indicate that this receptor offers potential applications for monitoring silver (ion selective electrode) or indeed as a decontaminating material for removing silver ions from water.     

Solution combustion synthesis,energy and environment: Best parameters for better materials

Solution combustion synthesis (SCS) is a worldwide used methodology for the preparation of inorganic ceramic and composite materials with controlled properties for a wide number of applications, from catalysis to photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, from heavy metal removal to sensoristics and electronics. The high versatility and efficiency of this technique have led to the introduction of many variants, which allowed important optimization to the prepared materials. Moreover, its ecofriendly nature encouraged further studies about the use of sustainable precursors for the preparation of nanomaterials for energy and environment, according to the concept of circular economy. On the other hand, the large variety of expressions to define SCS and the often-contradictory definitions of the SCS parameters witnessed a scarce consciousness of the potentiality of this methodology. In this review article, the most important findings about SCS and the selection criteria for its main parameters are critically reviewed, in order to give useful guidelines to those scientists who want to use this methodology for preparing materials with improved or new functional properties. This review aims as well (i) to bring more clarity in the SCS terminology (ii) to increase the awareness of the SCS as a convenient tool for the synthesis of materials and (iii) to propose a new perspective in the SCS, with special attention to the use of ecofriendly procedures. Part of the review is also dedicated to precautions and limitations of this powerful methodology.     

Proton transfer-assisted host–guest complexation between a difunctional pillar[5]arene and amine-based guests

Proton transfer from a difunctional pillar[5]arene containing two carboxylic acid moieties to amine-based guests occurs in the host–guest complexation. The binding affinities are enhanced effectively due to the existence of electrostatic interactions.