J. Appl. Cryst.の発刊に際して

Solar energy is an alternative, sustainable energy source for mankind. Finding a convenient way to convert sunlight energy into chemical energy is a key step towards realizing large-scale solar energy utilization. Owing to their structural regularity and synthetic tunability, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) provide an interesting platform to hierarchically organize light-harvesting antennae and catalytic centers to achieve solar energy conversion. Such photo-driven catalytic processes not only play a critical role in the solar to chemical energy conversion scheme, but also provide a novel methodology for the synthesis of fine chemicals. In this review, we summarize the fundamental principles of energy transfer and photocatalysis and provide an overview of the latest progress in energy transfer, light-harvesting, photocatalytic proton and CO2 reduction, and water oxidation using MOFs. The applications of MOFs in organic photocatalysis and degradation of model organic pollutants are also discussed.

Metal–organic frameworks for artificial photosynthesis and photocatalysis

Graphene-based materials are gaining heightened attention as novel materials for environmental applications The unique physicochemical properties of graphene, notably its exceptionally high surface area, electron mobility, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength, can lead to novel or improved technologies to address the pressing global environmental challenges This critical review assesses the recent developments in the use of graphene-based materials as sorbent or photocatalytic materials for environmental decontamination, as building blocks for next generation water treatment and desalination membranes, and as electrode materials for contaminant monitoring or removal The most promising areas of research are highlighted, with a discussion of the main challenges that we need to overcome in order to fully realize the exceptional properties of graphene in environmental applications

Environmental applications of graphene-based nanomaterials.

In the present review we try to give a comprehensive and most up to date view to the field, with an emphasis on the currently most investigated anodic TiO2 nanotube arrays. We will first give an overview of different synthesis approaches to produce TiO2 nanotubes and TiO2 nanotube arrays, and then deal with physical and chemical properties of TiO2 nanotubes and techniques to modify them. Finally, we will provide an overview of the most explored and prospective applications of nanotubular TiO2.

One-dimensional titanium dioxide nanomaterials: nanotubes.

The world is recently witnessing an explosive development of novel electronic and optoelectronic devices that demand more-reliable power sources that combine higher energy density and longer-term durability. Supercapacitors have become one of the most promising energy-storage systems, as they present multifold advantages of high power density, fast charging-discharging, and long cyclic stability. However, the intrinsically low energy density inherent to traditional supercapacitors severely limits their widespread applications, triggering researchers to explore new types of supercapacitors with improved performance. Asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) assembled using two dissimilar electrode materials offer a distinct advantage of wide operational voltage window, and thereby significantly enhance the energy density. Recent progress made in the field of ASCs is critically reviewed, with the main focus on an extensive survey of the materials developed for ASC electrodes, as well as covering the progress made in the fabrication of ASC devices over the last few decades. Current challenges and a future outlook of the field of ASCs are also discussed.

Asymmetric Supercapacitor Electrodes and Devices.

Polymer complexes with uranium, cobalt, and iron chlorides were synthesized and investigated by elemental analysis, electronic (uv–visible), IR vibration, and magnetic moment measurements. The thermal stabilities of N-acryloyl,N′-cyanoacetohydrazide (ACAH) homopolymers and polymer complexes of poly(ACAH) (PACAH) with metal chlorides were studied thermogravimetrically. The rates of polymerization of PACAH in the absence and presence of metal chlorides were studied. The activation energies of the degradation of the homopolymer and polymer complexes were calculated using the Arrhenius equation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 3354–3358, 2003

Synthesis and thermal studies of poly(N-acryloyl, N'-cyanoacetohydrazide) complexes with Co(II), Fe(III), and UO2(II) ions

Synthesis of Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Silver Nanocomposites and Effect of CTAB on their Morphology
Nacre-like film of silver-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-water soluble biologically friendly polymer) nanocomposites is prepared via chemical reduction method, using tyrosine as a catalytic and reducing agent. Preparing of silver-PVA ordered layered nanocomposites by this method is done for the first time. The Ag- nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, which shows an absorption band at 400-475 nm confirming the formation of nanoparticles. The results accord the formation of silver nanoclusters in conjunction with nanoparticles. The Ag nanoparticles were adsorbed in the PVA matrix through electrostatic interactions. PVA capped silver nanoparticles with or without cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB lead to the formation of nanostructures of various geometric shapes and sizes. Viscosity of the CTAB-PVA mixture was also determined. The role of PVA composition on the optical properties of silver nanoparticles has been examined and discussed.

Synthesis of Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Silver Nanocomposites and Effect of CTAB on their Morphology

The energetics of clouding in anionic surfactant (SDBS) and tetrabutylammonium bromide system in the presence of additives, such as ureas, amino acids and sugars is reported. The change of standard Gibbs energy of solubilization (ΔG
 o
 ) for all of the additives was found to be negative. The values of change of standard enthalpy (ΔH
 o
 ) and that of standard entropy (TΔS
 o
 ) values were found to depend on the type and chemistry of the additive. The results were explained on the basis including chemistry of additives, their effect on water structure, and solubilization of additives either in the micellar or in aqueous phases.

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Energetics of anionic surfactant-additive systems at the cloud point

Provided is a process for the preparation of an organo-template free, supported zeolite layer, preferably a BEA-type zeolite layer, said process comprising at least two steps, with a first step (i) wherein seed crystals are coated onto a support, and a second step (ii) wherein the zeolite layer is prepared on the support in the absence of an organo-template via (iia) a hydrothermal treatment of the support having seed crystals deposited thereon, or via (iib) a steam-assisted conversion process on the support having seed crystals coated thereon.

Process for the preparation of organo-template free supported zeolite layers

C−H methylation of sp2 and sp3 carbon centers is significant in many biological processes. Methylated drug candidates show unique properties due to the change in solubility, conformation and metabolic activities. Several photo-catalyzed, electrochemical, mechanochemical and metal-free techniques that are widely utilized strategies in medicinal chemistry for methylation of arenes and heteroarenes have been covered in this review.

/pdf/c-h-methylation-using-sustainable-approaches-tblzd2k5.pdf

Shaeel A. Al-Thabaiti

Papers

Synthesis and thermal studies of poly(N-acryloyl, N'-cyanoacetohydrazide) complexes with Co(II), Fe(III), and UO2(II) ions

Synthesis of Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Silver Nanocomposites and Effect of CTAB on their Morphology

Energetics of anionic surfactant-additive systems at the cloud point

Process for the preparation of organo-template free supported zeolite layers

C−H Methylation Using Sustainable Approaches