High Correlation between Oxidation Loci on Graphene Oxide

Recent experiments have shown the coexistence of both large unoxidized and oxidized regions on graphene oxide (GO), but the underlying mechanism for the formation of the GO atomic structure remains unknown. Now, using density functional calculations, 52 oxidation pathways for local pyrene structures on GO were identified, and a kinetic profile for graphene oxidation with a high correlation between oxidation loci was proposed, which is different from the conventional view, which entails a random distribution of oxidation loci. The high correlation is an essential nature of graphene oxidation processes and can be attributed to three crucial effects: 1) breaking of delocalized π bonds, 2) steric hindrance, and 3) hydrogen‐bond formation. This high correlation leads to the coexistence of both large unoxidized and oxidized regions on GO. Interestingly, even in oxidized regions on GO, some small areas of sp²‐hybridized domains, similar to “islands”, can persist because of steric effects.     

Sulfur‐Functionalized Graphene Oxide by Epoxide Ring‐Opening

The treatment of graphene oxide (GO) with potassium thioacetate followed by an aqueous work‐up yields a new material via the ring‐opening of the epoxide groups. The new material is a thiol‐functionalized GO (GO‐SH) which is able to undergo further functionalization. Reaction with butyl bromide gives another new material, GO‐SBu, which shows significantly enhanced thermal stability compared to both GO and GO‐SH. The thiol‐functionalized GO material showed a high affinity for gold, as demonstrated by the selective deposition of a high density of gold nanoparticles.     

Dilithium Hexaorganostannate(IV) Compounds

Hypercoordination of main‐group elements such as the heavier Group 14 elements (silicon, germanium, tin, and lead) usually requires strong electron‐withdrawing ligands and/or donating groups. Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of two hexaaryltin(IV) dianions in form of their dilithium salts [Li₂(thf)₂{Sn(2‐py^Me)₆}] (py^Me=C₅H₃N‐5‐Me) ( 2 ) and [Li₂{Sn(2‐py^OtBu)₆}] (py^OtBu=C₅H₃N‐6‐OtBu) ( 3 ). Both complexes are stable in the solid state and solution under inert conditions. Theoretical investigations of compound 2 reveal a significant valence 5s‐orbital contribution of the tin atom forming six strongly polarized tin–carbon bonds.     

Nanocomposites of Tantalum‐Based Pyrochlore and Indium Hydroxide Showing High and Stable Photocatalytic Activities for Overall Water Splitting and Carbon Dioxide Reduction

Nanocomposites of tantalum‐based pyrochlore nanoparticles and indium hydroxide were prepared by a hydrothermal process for UV‐driven photocatalytic reactions including overall water splitting, hydrogen production from photoreforming of methanol, and CO₂ reduction with water to produce CO. The best catalyst was more than 20 times more active than sodium tantalate in overall water splitting and 3 times more active than Degussa P25 TiO₂ in CO₂ reduction. Moreover, the catalyst was very stable while generating stoichiometric products of H₂ (or CO) and O₂ throughout long‐term photocatalytic reactions. After the removal of In(OH)₃, the pyrochlore nanoparticles remained highly active for H₂ production from pure water and aqueous methanol solution. Both experimental studies and density functional theory calculations suggest that the pyrochlore nanoparticles catalyzed the water reduction to produce H₂, whereas In(OH)₃ was the major active component for water oxidation to produce O₂.     

Hierarchical Hybrid Peroxidase Catalysts for Remediation of Phenol Wastewater

We report a new family of hierarchical hybrid catalysts comprised of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)–magnetic nanoparticles for advanced oxidation processes and demonstrate their utility in the removal of phenol from water. The immobilized HRP catalyzes the oxidation of phenols in the presence of H₂O₂, producing free radicals. The phenoxy radicals react with each other in a non‐enzymatic process to form polymers, which can be removed by precipitation with salts or condensation. The hybrid peroxidase catalysts exhibit three times higher activity than free HRP and are able to remove three times more phenol from water compared to free HRP under similar conditions. In addition, the hybrid catalysts reduce substrate inhibition and limit inactivation from reaction products, which are common problems with free or conventionally immobilized enzymes. Reusability is improved when the HRP–magnetic nanoparticle hybrids are supported on micron‐scale magnetic particles, and can be retained with a specially designed magnetically driven reactor. The performance of the hybrid catalysts makes them attractive for several industrial and environmental applications and their development might pave the way for practical applications by eliminating most of the limitations that have prevented the use of free or conventionally immobilized enzymes.     

纳米结构Au/Fe_2O_3的制备、表征及催化氧化性能

分别以纳米和块状氧化铁为载体,通过沉积沉淀法制备了Au/Nano-Fe2O3和Au/Bulk-Fe2O3,并对其进行了表征和催化氧化性能测试。结果表明:对于Au/Nano-Fe2O3,5 nm Au颗粒被尺寸相当的Nano-Fe2O3所包覆,形成新颖的类似核壳结构;对于Au/Bulk-Fe2O3,3 nm Au颗粒高度分散于Bulk-Fe2O3的表面。在1-苯乙醇的氧化反应中,Au/Nano-Fe2O3显示出比Au/Bulk-Fe2O3更好的催化活性。活性的增强主要与小尺寸的Nano-Fe2O3以及Au和Nano-Fe2O3更大的接触界面有关。相比于广泛受到重视的Au的尺寸效应来说,对于Au/Nano-Fe2O3而言,Fe2O3尺寸的影响更大。     

Novel liver-specific nitric oxide（NO） releasing drugs with bile acid as both NO carrier and targeting ligand

Novel liver-specific nitric oxide（NO） releasing drugs with bile acid as both the NO carrier and targeting ligand were designed and synthesized by direct nitration of the hydroxyl group in bile acids or the 3-Ohydroxyl alkyl derivatives,with the intact 24-COOH being preserved for hepatocyte specific recognition.Preliminary biological evaluation revealed that oral administrated targeted conjugates could protect mice against acute liver damage induced by acetaminophen or carbon tetrachloride.The nitrate level in the liver significantly increased after oral administration of 1e while nitrate level in the blood did not significantly change.Co-administration of ursodeoxycholic acid（UDCA） significantly antagonized the increase of nitrate in the liver resulted by administration of 1e.     

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of ethyl 2-amino-6-methyl-5-oxo- 4-aryl-5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrano[3,2-c]quinoline-3-carboxylate

The three-component reaction of 4-hydroxy-1-methyl-2(1H)-quinolinone, aromatic aldehydes and ethyl cyanoacetate was carried out in the presence of a catalytic amount of 4-dimethyl aminopyridine(DMAP) in aqueous ethanol. The reactions result in the formation of pyranoquinoline derivatives in excellent yields. Antibacterial activity has been evaluated against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria for some of the synthesized compounds. The results indicated that these compounds are moderately effective against bacterial growth and their effectiveness is highest against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.