Showing papers in "Chemistry-an Asian Journal in 2021"

Preparation of Hierarchical Porous Activated Carbon from Banana Leaves for High-performance Supercapacitor: Effect of Type of Electrolytes on Performance

Abstract: We demonstrate a facile efficient way to fabricate activated carbon nanosheets (ACNSs) consisting of hierarchical porous carbon materials. Simply heating banana leaves with K2 CO3 produce ACNSs having a unique combination of macro-, meso- and micropores with a high specific surface area of ∼1459 m2 g-1 . The effects of different electrolytes on the electrochemical supercapacitor performance and stability of the ACNSs are tested using a two-electrode system. The specific capacitance (Csp ) values are 55, 114, and 190 F g-1 in aqueous 0.5 M sodium sulfate, organic 1 M tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate in acetonitrile, and pure ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF6 ]) electrolytes, respectively. The ACNSs also shows the largest potential window of 3.0 V, the highest specific energy (59 Wh kg-1 ) and specific power (750 W kg-1 ) in [BMIM][PF6 ]. A mini-prototype device is prepared to demonstrate the practicality of the ACNSs.

Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs): Properties, Synthesis and their Advanced Energy, Environmental and Biomedical Applications.

Abstract: Inducing plasmonic characteristics, primarily localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), in conventional AuNPs through particle size and shape controlling could lead to significant enhancement in electrical, electrochemical, and optical properties. Synthetic protocols and versatile fabrication methods play pivotal roles to produced plasmonic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which can be employed in multipurpose energy, environmental and biomedical applications. The main focus of this review is to provide a comprehensive and tutorial overview of various synthetic methods to design highly plasmonic AuNPs, along with a brief essay to understand the experimental procedure for each technique. The latter part of the review is dedicated to the most advanced and recent solar-induced energy, environmental and biomedical applications. The synthesis methods are compared to identify the best possible synthetic route, which can be adopted while employing plasmonic AuNPs for a specific application. The tutorial nature of the review would be helpful not only for expert researchers but also for the novices in the field of nanomaterial synthesis and utilization of plasmonic nanomaterials in various industries and technologies.

Co(III), Rh(III) & Ir(III)-Catalyzed Direct C-H Alkylation/Alkenylation/Arylation with Carbene Precursors.

Abstract: Metal carbenes play a pivotal role in transition-metal-catalyzed synthetic transfer reactions. The metal carbene is generated either from a diazo compound through facile extrusion of N2 with a metal catalyst or in situ generated from other sources like triazoles, pyriodotriazoles, sulfoxonium ylides and iodonium-ylide. On the other hand, Co(III), Rh(III) & Ir(III)-catalyzed C-H functionalizations have been well established as a key synthetic step to enable the construction of various synthetic transformations. Interestingly, in recent years, merging of these two concepts C-H activation and carbene migratory insertion gained much attention, in particular group 9 metal-catalyzed arene C-H functionalizations with carbene precursors via carbene migratory insertion. In this review, we summarize recent advances in Co(III), Rh(III) & Ir(III)-catalyzed direct C-H alkylation/alkenylation/arylation with carbene precursors and also discuss key synthetic intermediates within the catalytic cycles.

Recent Progress in LDH@Graphene and Analogous Heterostructures for Highly Active and Stable Photocatalytic and Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting.

Abstract: Photocatalytic (PC) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a plethora of green technological process, which transforms copiously available photon energy into valuable chemical energy. With the augmentation of modern civilization, developmental process of novel semiconductor photocatalysts proceeded at a sweltering rate, but the overall energy conversion efficiency of semiconductor photocatalyst in PC/PEC is moderately poor owing to the instability arises from the photocorrosion and messy charge configuration. Particularly, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as reassuring multifunctional photocatalysts, turned out to be intensively investigated owing to the lamellar structure and exceptional physico-chemical properties. However, major drawbacks of LDHs material are its low conductivity, sluggish mass transfer and structural instability in acidic medium, which make obstacle in their competence and stability. To surmount these lacunas, the formation of LDH@graphene and analogus heterostructure could proficiently amalgamate multi-functionalities, compensate distinct shortcomings, and endow novel properties, which ensure effective charge separation to persuade stability and superior catalytic activities. Herein, this review aims to summarize the currently updated synthetic strategies used to design heterostructure of 2D LDHs with 2D/3D graphene and graphene analogus material as graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ), and MoS 2 as mediator, or interlayer support, or co-catalyst or vice versa for superior PC/PEC water splitting activities along with long term stabilities. Furthermore, latest characterization technique measuring the stability along with variant interface mode for imparting charge separation in LDH@graphene and graphene analogus heterostructure has been identified in this field of research with understanding the intrinsic structural features and activities.

Vibrational Spectra and Molecular Vibrational Behaviors of All-Carboatomic Rings, cyclo[18]carbon and Its Analogues.

Abstract: The vibrational spectra of cyclo[18]carbon and its analogues, cyclo[2n]carbon (n = 3 to 15) , were carefully simulated and characterized. The in-plane C-C stretching vibrations shows strong rigidity, while out-of-plane motions seem to be extremely flexible. The solvation effect can enhance signal strengths of the electronic vibration spectra, but does not evidently change the shape of the spectral curves. The infrared and Raman spectra of cyclo[2n]carbon systems are quite sensitive to ring size in the range of n = 3 to 7, while the size only modestly affects peak positions and strengths for larger rings. Molecular dynamic trajectories show that the fluctuation period of the skeleton of cyclo[18]carbon is basically constant at different temperatures, and they are all about 300 fs. With increase of simulation temperature, the ring distortion due to thermal motion is notable and becomes much stronger. However, neither ring breaking nor isomerization in cyclo[18]carbon is observed during the simulations untill 298.15 K.

Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance Using a Co 3 O 4 @Co 3 S 4 Nanocomposite on Reduced Graphene Oxide/Ni Foam Electrodes.

Abstract: To avoid an enormous energy crisis in the not-too-distant future, it be emergent to establish high-performance energy storage devices such as supercapacitors For this purpose, a three-dimensional (3D) heterostructure of Co3 O4 and Co3 S4 on nickel foam (NF) that is covered by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has been prepared by following a facile multistep method At first, rGO nanosheets are deposited on NF under mild hydrothermal conditions to increase the surface area Subsequently, nanowalls of cobalt oxide are electro-deposited on rGO/Ni foam by applying cyclic-voltammetry (CV) under optimized conditions Finally, for the synthesis of Co3 O4 @Co3 S4 nanocomposite, the nanostructure of Co3 S4 was fabricated from Co3 O4 nanowalls on rGO/NF by following an ordinary hydrothermal process through the sulfurization for the electrochemical application The samples are characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) The obtained sample delivers a high capacitance of 1334 F cm-2 (565124 F g-1 ) at a current density of 6 mA cm-2 compared to the Co3 O4 /rGO/NF electrode with a capacitance of 306 F cm-2 (123077 F g-1 ) at the same current density The proposed electrode illustrates the superior electrochemical performance such as excellent specific energy density of 8568 W h Kg-1 , specific power density of 604803 W kg-1 and a superior cycling performance (86% after 1000 charge/discharge cycles at a scan rate of 5 mV s-1 ) Finally, by using Co3 O4 @Co3 S4 /rGO/NF and the activated carbon-based electrode as positive and negative electrodes, respectively, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device was assembled The fabricated ASC provides an appropriate specific capacitance of 7915 mF cm-2 at the applied current density of 1 mA cm-2 , and delivered an energy density of 0143 Wh kg-1 at the power density of 542 W kg-1

Thermoelectric Converters Based on Ionic Conductors.

Abstract: Thermoelectric materials represent a new paradigm for harvesting low-grade heat, which would otherwise be dissipated to the environment uselessly. Relative to conventional thermoelectric materials generally composed of semiconductors or semi-metals, ionic thermoelectric materials are rising as an alternative choice which exhibit higher Seebeck coefficient and lower thermal conductivity. The ionic thermoelectric materials own a completely different thermoelectric conversion mechanism, in which the ions do not enter the electrode but rearrange on the electrode surface to generate a voltage difference between the hot and cold electrodes. This unique character has inspired worldwide interests on the design of ionic-type thermoelectric converters with attractive advantages of high flexibility, low cost, limited environmental pollution, and self-healing capability. Referring to the categories of ionic thermoelectric conversion, some representative ionic thermoelectric materials with their respective characteristics are summarized in this minireview. In addition, examples of applying ionic thermoelectric materials in supercapacitors, wearable devices, and fire warning system are also discussed. Insight into the challenges for the further development of ionic thermoelectric materials is finally provided.

Recent Advances in the Development of Chiral Gold Complexes for Catalytic Asymmetric Catalysis.

Abstract: Asymmetric gold catalysis has been rapidly developed in the past ten years. Breakthroughs have been made by rational design and meticulous selection of chiral ligands. This review summarizes newly developed gold-catalyzed enantioselective organic transformations and recent progress in ligand design (since 2016), organized according to different types of chiral ligands, including bisphosphine ligands, monophosphine ligands, phosphite-derived ligands, and N-heterocyclic carbene ligands for asymmetric gold(I) catalysis as well as heterocyclic carbene ligands and oxazoline ligands for asymmetric gold(III) catalysis.

Zinc Oxide-Based Acetone Gas Sensors for Breath Analysis: A Review.

Abstract: Acetone is one of the toxic, explosive, and harmful gases. It may cause several health hazard issues such as narcosis and headache. Acetone is also regarded as a key biomarker to diagnose several diseases as well as monitor the disorders in human health. Based on clinical findings, acetone concentration in human breath is correlated with many diseases such as asthma, halitosis, lung cancer, and diabetes. Thus, its investigation can become a new approach for health monitoring. Better management at the early stages of such diseases has the potential not only to reduce deaths associated with the disease but also to reduce medical costs. ZnO-based sensors show great potential for acetone gas due to their high chemical stability, simple synthesis process, and low cost. The findings suggested that the acetone sensing performance of such sensors can be significantly improved by manipulating the microstructure (surface area, porosity, etc.), composition, and morphology of ZnO nanomaterials. This article provides a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art research activities, published during the last five years (2016 to 2020), related to acetone gas sensing using nanostructured ZnO (nanowires, nanoparticles, nanorods, thin films, etc). It focuses on different types of nanostructured ZnO-based acetone gas sensors. Furthermore, several factors such as relative humidity, acetone concentrations, and operating temperature that affects the acetone gas sensing properties- sensitivity, long-term stability, selectivity as well as response and recovery time are discussed in this review. We hope that this work will inspire the development of high-performance acetone gas sensors using nanostructured materials.

Visible-Light Photosynthesis of CHF2/CClF2/CBrF2-Substituted Ring-fused Quinazolinones in Dimethyl Carbonate

Abstract: With eco-friendly and sustainable CO2 -derived dimethyl carbonate as the sole solvent, the visible-light-induced cascade radical reactions have been established as a green and efficient tool for constructing various CHF2 /CClF2 /CBrF2 -substituted ring-fused quinazolinones.

Pyrimidinetrione-imidazoles as a Unique Structural Type of Potential Agents towards Candida Albicans: Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation

Abstract: Substantial morbidity and mortality of fungal infections have aroused concerns all over the world, and common Candida spp. currently bring about severe systemic infections. A series of pyrimidinetrione-imidazole conjugates as potentially antifungal agents were developed. Bioassays manifested that 4-fluobenzyl pyrimidinetrione imidazole 5 f exerted favorable inhibition towards C. albicans (MIC=0.002 mM), being 6.5 folds more active than clinical antifungal drug fluconazole (MIC=0.013 mM). Preliminary mechanism research indicated that compound 5 f could not only depolarize membrane potential but also permeabilize the membrane of C. albicans. Molecular docking was operated to simulate the interaction mode between molecule 5 f and CYP51. In addition, hybrid 5 f might form 5 f-DNA supramolecular complex via intercalating into DNA. The interference of membrane and DNA might contribute to its fungicidal capacity with no obvious tendency to induce the resistance against C. albicans. Conjugate 5 f endowed good blood compatibility as well as low cytotoxicity towards HeLa and HEK-293T cells.

Cadmium Selenide Quantum Dots for Solar Cell Applications: A Review

Abstract: Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) are significant energy-producing devices due to their remarkable capability to growing sunshine and produce many electrons/holes pairs, easy manufacturing, and low cost. However, their power conversion efficiency (4%) is usually worse than that of dye-sensitized solar cells (≤12%); this is mainly due to their narrow absorption areas and the charge recombination happening at the quantum dot/electrolyte and Ti O 2 /electrolyte interfaces. Thus, to raise the power conversion efficiency of QDSSC, new counter electrodes, working electrodes, sensitizers, and electrolytes are required. CdSe thin films have shown great potential for use in photodetectors, solar cells, biosensors, light-emitting diodes, and biomedical imaging systems. This article reviews the CdSe nanomaterials that have been recently used in QDSSCs as sensitizers. Their size, design, morphology, and density all noticeably influence the electron injection efficiency and light-harvesting capacity of these devices. A detailed overview of the development of QDSSCs is presented, including their basic principles, the synthesis methods for their CdSe quantum dots, and the device fabrication processes. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of realizing high-performance CdSe QDSSCs are discussed and some future directions are suggested.

Robust nickel silicate catalysts with high Ni loading for CO2 methanation.

Abstract: CO 2 is the main component of greenhouse gases and also an important carbon source. The hydrogenation of CO 2 to methane using Ni-based catalysts can not only alleviate CO 2 emissions but also obtain useful fuels. However, Ni-based catalysts face one major problem of the sintering of Ni nanoparticles in the process of CO 2 methanation. Thus, this work has synthesized a series of efficient and robust nickel silicate catalysts (NiPS-X) with different nickel content derived from nickel phyllosilicate by the hydrothermal method. It was found that the Ni loading plays a critical role in the structure and catalytic performance of the NiPS-X catalysts. The catalytic performance gradually increases with the increase of Ni loading. In particular, the highly dispersed NiPS-1.6 catalyst with a high Ni loading of 34.3 wt% could obtain the CO 2 conversion greater than 80%, and the methane selectivity was close to 100% for 48 h at 330 °C and the GHSV of 40,000 mL·g -1 ·h -1 . The excellent catalytic property can be assigned to the high dispersion of Ni nanoparticles and the strong interaction between the active component and the carrier, which is derived from a unique layered silicate structure with lots of nickel phyllosilicate and a large number of Lewis acid sites.

Detection of Urinary Albumin Using a “Turn-on” Fluorescent Probe with Aggregation-Induced Emission Characteristics

Abstract: Human serum albumin (HSA) is a broadly used biomarker for the diagnosis of various diseases such as chronic kidney disease. Here, a fluorescent probe TC426 with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics is reported as a sensitive and specific probe for HSA. This probe is non-emissive in aqueous solution, meanwhile it shows bright fluorescence upon interacting with HSA, which makes it applicable in detecting HSA with a high signal to noise ratio. Besides, the fluorescence of TC426 exhibits a high linear correlation with the concentration of albumin in the range of microalbumin (20–200 mg/L), which has a significant importance for the early diagnosis of glomerulus related diseases. Compared with previously reported HSA probes TPE-4TA and BSPOTPE, TC426 shows comparable anti-interference ability towards creatinine and other major components in urine but is excited by a longer excitation wavelength at the visible light range. Finally, with the established assay, TC426 shows excellent performance in detecting HSA in real human urine, indicating its great potential in practical urinalysis.

Heavier Tetrylenes as Single Site Catalysts.

Abstract: An overview of the development of compounds with heavier low-valent group 14 elements (known as tetrylenes) as single component catalyst for organic transformation has been provided. Compounds with heavier group 14 elements possess stereochemically active lone pairs and energetically accessible π-antibonding orbitals, thereby resembling the electronic configuration of transition-metal compounds. Such compounds with low-valent group 14 elements has been known for small molecule activation since Power's report of dihydrogen activation by a digermyne, but their utilization in catalysis remained as a "Holy Grail" in main group chemistry. In recent years, numerous methodologies have been discovered epitomizing the use of Si(II), Ge(II) and Sn(II) compounds as single site catalysts for hydroboration of aldehydes, ketones, pyridines, cyanosilylation of aldehydes and ketones, N-formylations aromatic amines, dehydrocoupling reactions. This mini-review highlights these significant developments with an emphasis on the mechanistic investigation.

Oxygen Vacancy Engineering in Titanium Dioxide for Sodium Storage.

Abstract: Titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) is a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its low cost, natural abundance, nontoxicity, and excellent electrochemical stability. Oxygen vacancies, the most common point defects in TiO2 , can dramatically influence the physical and chemical properties of TiO2 , including band structure, crystal structure and adsorption properties. Recent studies have demonstrated that oxygen-deficient TiO2 can significantly enhance sodium storage performance. Considering the importance of oxygen vacancies in modifying the properties of TiO2 , the structural properties, common synthesis strategies, characterization techniques, as well as the contribution of oxygen-deficient TiO2 on initial Coulombic efficiency, cyclic stability, rate performance for sodium storage are comprehensively described in this review. Finally, some perspectives on the challenge and future opportunities for the development of oxygen-deficient TiO2 are proposed.

Application of Metal-Organic Frameworks in Adsorptive Removal of Organic Contaminants from Water, Fuel and Air.

Abstract: Currently, our environment is contaminated with various toxic substances. Removal of such hazardous materials from water, air and fuel is important for sustainability. In this minireview, adsorptive removal of organic substances, by using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), for our safe environment will be discussed. For example, removal of (i) pharmaceuticals/personal care products, pesticides, and dyes from water; (ii) S- or N-containing compounds from liquid fuel; and (iii) volatile organic compounds from air will be summarized. Moreover, plausible mechanisms to explain the observation will also be discussed. Finally, prospects in the field will be suggested for further research and development.

Highly Emissive Metal-Organic Frameworks for Sensitive and Selective Detection of Nitrofuran and Quinolone Antibiotics.

Abstract: The overuse of antibiotics makes its detection very significant for human health. New facile methods and high-performance sensory materials will be urgently needed for detection of antibiotics. Unfortunately, there are few reports on fluorescence enhancement of antibiotics detection. Herein, based on the modulability of the coordination mode, we proposed two MOFs with different coordination modes based on different metal ions: Zn-MOF (1) and Cd-MOF (2). The fluorescence of 1 and 2 can be efficiently and selectively quenched by nitrofuran antibiotics (nitrofurazone, NFZ and furazolidone, FZD) and chloramphenicol (CAP), respectively. Particularly, the matched energy levels between 2 and enrofloxacin (ENR) enables 2 with turn-on sensing for ENR. Moreover, apart from the sensitivity and selectivity, 1 and 2 also have strong recyclable ability, fast response time and anti-interference ability, which make them great potential sensory materials to detect antibiotics.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Quaternary Carbon Stereocenters by Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation: A Review.

Abstract: Quaternary stereocenters are of great importance to the three-dimensionality and enhanced properties of new molecules, but the synthetic challenges in creating quaternary stereocenters greatly hinder their wide use in drug discovery, organic material design, and natural product synthesis. The asymmetric allylic alkylation (AAA) of allylic substrates has proven to be a powerful methodology for enantioselective formation of structure skeletons bearing single or more quaternary carbon centers in modern asymmetric organocatalysis. AAA has certain advantages in constructing the tetrasubstituted stereocenters, including but not limited to mild reactive conditions, effective reaction rates, new functional group introduction, and carbon chains length extension. This review outlines the key considerations in the application of AAA reactions and summarizes the recent progress of AAA reactions in the enantioselective synthesis of products containing quaternary stereocenters. Meanwhile, a detailed discussion of the AAA reactions such as ligands, scope of substrates, transformations and the general reaction mechanisms is also provided. We hope this review could stimulate further advances in much broader areas, including organic synthesis, asymmetric catalysis, C-H activation, and symmetrical pharmaceutical chemistry.

Recent Advances of Zinc-based Antimicrobial Materials.

Abstract: Zinc has been widely utilized as an antimicrobial material, often in the form of complexes or zinc oxide nanoparticles. The efficacy of zinc complexes are often due to the synergistic effect of both the zinc ions and the attached organic ligands. In contrast, the nanoparticle effect of ZnO, and the photocatalytic generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been postulated to be the effective mechanism of ZnO as a biocide. Recently, new forms of zinc-based biocidal materials have been reported with distinct antimicrobial mechanisms. This minireview summarizes these recent advances, including zinc-based nano-arrays, MOF-based ROS release and zinc composites that can self-generate ROS.

Diversity of Luminescent Metal Complexes in OLEDs: Beyond Traditional Precious Metals.

Abstract: Organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) have attracted increasing attention due to their excellent properties, such as self-luminosity, high color gamut and flexibility, and potential applications in display, wearable devices and lighting. The emitters are the most important composition in OLEDs, mainly classified into fluorescent compounds (first generation), metal phosphorescent complexes (second generation), and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials (third generation). In this review, we summarize the advances of novel emitters of organic metal complexes in the last decade, focusing on coinage metals (Cu, Ag, and Au) and non-precious metals (Al, Zn, W, and alkali metal). Also, the design strategy of d10 and Au(III) complexes was discussed. We aim to provide guidance for exploring efficient metal complexes beyond traditional phosphorescent complexes.

Remarkable Size Effect on Photophysical and Nonlinear Optical Properties of All-Carboatomic Rings, Cyclo[18]carbon and Its Analogues.

Abstract: Inspired by recent experimental observation of molecular morphology and theoretical predictions of multiple properties of cyclo[18]carbon, we systematically studied the photophysical and nonlinear optical properties of cyclo[2N]carbons (N=3-15) allotropes through density functional theory. This work unveils the unusual optical properties of the sp-hybridized carbon rings with different sizes. The remarkable size dependence of the optical properties of these systems and their underlying nature are profoundly explored, and the relevance between aromaticity and optical properties are highlighted. The extrapolation curves fitted for energy level of frontier molecular orbitals, maximum absorption wavelength, and (hyper)polarizability of considered carbon rings are presented, which can be used to reliably predict corresponding properties for arbitrarily large carbon rings. The findings in this study will facilitate the exploration of potential application of cyclocarbons in the field of optical materials.

Graphene and Carbon Nanotube-based Electrochemical Sensing Platforms for Dopamine

Abstract: Dopamine (DA) is an important neurotransmitter, which is created and released from the central nervous system. It plays a crucial role in human activities, like cognition, emotions, and response to anything. Maladjustment of DA in human blood serum results in different neural diseases, like Parkinson's and Schizophrenia. Consequently, researchers have started working on DA detection in blood serum, which is undoubtedly a hot research area. Electrochemical sensing techniques are more promising to detect DA in real samples. However, utilizing conventional electrodes for selective determination of DA encounters numerous problems due to the coexistence of other materials, such as uric acid and ascorbic acid, which have an oxidation potential close to DA. To overcome such problems, researchers have put their focus on the modification of bare electrodes. The aim of this review is to present recent advances in modifications of most used bare electrodes with carbonaceous materials, especially graphene, its derivatives, and carbon nanotubes, for electrochemical detection of DA. A brief discussion about the mechanistic phenomena at the electrode interface has also been included in this review.

Hydroboration of Nitriles, Esters, and Carbonates Catalyzed by Simple Earth-Abundant Metal Triflate Salts.

Abstract: During the past decade earth-abundant metals have become increasingly important in homogeneous catalysis. One of the reactions in which earth-abundant metals have found important applications is the hydroboration of unsaturated C-C and C-X bonds (X=O or N). Within these set of transformations, the hydroboration of challenging substrates such as nitriles, carbonates and esters still remain difficult and often relies on elaborate ligand designs and highly reactive catalysts (e. g., metal alkyls/hydrides). Here we report an effective methodology for the hydroboration of challenging C≡N and C=O bonds that is simple and applicable to a wide set of substrates. The methodology is based on using a manganese(II) triflate salt that, in combination with commercially available potassium tert-butoxide and pinacolborane, catalyzes the hydroboration of nitriles, carbonates, and esters at room temperature and with near quantitative yields in less than three hours. Additional studies demonstrated that other earth-abundant metal triflate salts can facilitate this reaction as well, which is further discussed in this report.

Roadmap on Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for Energy Storage Devices.

Abstract: Ionic liquids are considered to be promising electrolyte solvents or additives for rechargeable batteries (i. e., lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, aluminum-ion batteries, etc.) and supercapacitors. This is related with the superior physical and electrochemical properties of ionic liquids, which can influence the performance of rechargeable batteries. Therefore, it is necessary to write a roadmap on ionic liquids for rechargeable batteries. In this roadmap, some progress, critical techniques, opportunities and challenges of ionic liquid electrolytes for various batteries and supercapacitors are pointed out. Especially, properties and roles of ionic liquids should be considered in energy storage. Ionic liquids can be used as electrolyte salts, electrolyte additives, and solvents. For optimizing ionic liquid-based electrolytes for energy storage, their applications in various energy storage devices should be considered by combing native chemical/physical properties and their roles. We expect that this roadmap will give a useful guidance in directing future research in ionic liquid electrolytes for rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors.

Bioinspired Heterocyclic Compounds as Corrosion Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review.

Abstract: Corrosion is a phenomenon that devastatingly affects innovative, industrial, and mechanical applications, especially in the oil and gas industries. The corrosion conceivably influences industrial equipment; it deteriorates the environment and lessens the equipment/infrastructure's lifetime. Considering the significant impact of corrosion in our daily lives, this review article aims to briefly discuss the significance of corrosion and different control methods with special attention on corrosion inhibitors. The classification of corrosion inhibitors based on types and their advantage/limitations, and heterocyclic compounds as potential corrosion inhibitors, mainly nitrogen-based compounds (pyridine (1N), pyrimidine (2N), and triazines (3N) fused ring benzimidazole, etc.), and their biological significance has been discussed in detail. The mechanism, challenges, and applications of heterocyclic compounds as corrosion inhibitors in various industrial relevant corrosive environments such as acid pickling, descaling operation in the desalination plant, oil gas industry, etc., have also been highlighted in the review.

Ultralong PtPd Alloyed Nanowires Anchored on Graphene for Efficient Methanol Oxidation Reaction

Abstract: The rational synthesis of Pt-based alloyed nanowires still remains a great challenge because of the different reduction potentials between Pt and another metal and the intrinsic feature of isotropic growth in face-centered cubic (fcc) structured Pt. In this work, PtPd alloyed nanowires with ultrahigh aspect ratio anchored on graphene (PtPd NWs/graphene) were synthesized by a facile solvothermal method without the use of any templates or surfactants. Due to the integration of ultralong PtPd nanowires and stable graphene support, PtPd NWs/graphene exhibited outstanding electrochemical activity toward methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in comparison with pure Pt NWs/graphene and commercial Pt/C catalysts. Meanwhile, PtPd NWs/graphene had a much higher current density than Pt NWs/graphene and commercial Pt/C catalysts at a constant potential for 7200s in alkaline methanol solution. Moreover, after 1000 cycles of durability testing, PtPd NWs/graphene retained 89.2% of its initial mass activity, much superior to the 63.7% retained for commercial Pt/C.

Mechanical Motion in Crystals Triggered by Solid State Photochemical [2+2] Cycloaddition Reaction.

Abstract: Some special crystals respond to light by jumping, scattering or bursting just like popping of popcorn kernels on a hot surface. This rare phenomenon is called the photosalient (PS) effect. Molecular level control over the arrangement of light-responsive molecules in microscopic crystals for macroscale deformation or mechanical motion offers the possibility of using light to control smart material structures across the length scales. Photochemical [2+2] cycloaddition has recently emerged as a promising route to obtain photoswitchable structures and a wide variety of frameworks, but such reaction in crystals leading to macroscopic mechanical motion is relatively less explored. Study of chemistry of such novel soft crystals for the generation of smart materials is an imperative task. This minireview highlights recent advances in solid-state [2+2] cycloaddition in crystals to induce macroscale mechanical motion and thereby transduction of light into kinetic energy.

Insight into the Multistate Emissive N, P-doped Carbon Nano-Onions: Emerging Visible-Light Absorption for Photocatalysis.

Abstract: Carbon dots (CDs) have become one of the most emerging materials as an alternative solar light-induced photocatalyst in contrast to traditional metal-based systems. However, one of the major challenges is the lack of visible light absorption. Herein, we have fabricated unique N, P-co-doped CDs with a self-assembled onion-like layered structure by using a bottom-up facile synthesis technique from chitosan gel and phosphoric acid as molecular precursors. This typical layered structure of N, P-co-doped carbon nano onions (N, P-CNOs), with an average size of 25-50 nm, displays an enhanced visible light absorption. Detailed structural and elemental characterizations confirm the extensive aromatic domain with P-containing surface functionalities, while electrochemical study clarifies the lowering of band gaps as well as the creation of new electronic states in comparison to the pristine N-CDs. Furthermore, the intrinsic structural features are correlated with the underpinning photophysical processes by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, steady-state polarized emission and thermo-responsive PL properties have been carried out to unveil further the structure-property correlation of N, P-CNOs, and their comparative study with pristine N-CDs at the different excitation wavelengths. Finally, N, P-CNOs exhibit efficient visible-light-induced photocatalysis, and the detailed mechanistic study is carried out by trapping the photogenerated species in an aqueous medium. The prepared N, P-CNOs displayed an excellent visible-light photocatalytic performance over MB dye with a degradation efficiency of 75.8% within 120 min along with a degradation rate constant of ∼0.0109 min-1 . It is concluded that the easy to synthesize and low-cost N, P-CNOs with a unique morphology hold great potential for application in visible-light photocatalysis.