Showing papers in "Topics in Current Chemistry in 2017"

Sulfur-Containing Agrochemicals

Abstract: Modern agricultural chemistry has to support farmers by providing innovative agrochemicals. In this context, the introduction of sulfur atoms into an active ingredient is still an important tool in modulating the properties of new crop-protection compounds. More than 30% of today’s agrochemicals contain at least one sulfur atom, mainly in fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. A number of recently developed sulfur-containing agrochemical candidates represent a novel class of chemical compounds with new modes of action, so we intend to highlight the emerging interest in commercially active sulfur-containing compounds. This chapter gives a comprehensive overview of selected leading sulfur-containing pesticidal chemical families namely: sulfonylureas, sulfonamides, sulfur-containing heterocyclics, thioureas, sulfides, sulfones, sulfoxides and sulfoximines. Also, the most suitable large-scale synthetic methods of the recently launched or provisionally approved sulfur-containing agrochemicals from respective chemical families have been highlighted.

Recent Developments in the Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Epoxides and CO 2

Abstract: The use of CO2 as a C1 building block will be of essential importance in the future. In this context the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2 gained great attention recently. These products are valuable compounds in a variety of chemical fields. The development of new catalysts and catalytic systems for this atom-economic, scalable, and industrially relevant reaction is a highly active research field. Over the past 17 years great advances have been made in this area of research. This chapter covers the survey of the important known classes of homogeneous catalysts for the addition of CO2 to epoxides. Besides pioneering work, recent developments and procedures that allow this transformation under mild reaction conditions (reaction temperatures of ≤100 °C and/or CO2 pressures of 0.1 MPa) are especially emphasized.

Sorting Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract: Sorting of single-wall carbon nanotubes by their electronic and atomic structures in liquid phases is reviewed in this chapter. We first introduce the sorting problem, and then provide an overview of several sorting methodologies, following roughly the chronological order of their development over the past 15 years or so. Major methods discussed include ion-exchange chromatography, density-gradient ultracentrifugation, selective extraction in organic solvents, gel chromatography, and aqueous two-phase extraction. A main focus of the review is on the common mechanisms underlining all sorting processes. We propose that differences in solvation among different nanotube species are the ultimate driving force of sorting, and we corroborate this proposal by presenting analysis on how the differences are realized in electronic-structure-based sorting and atomic-structure-based sorting. In the end, we offer some suggestions on future directions that may grow out of carbon nanotube sorting. In particular, the prospect of expanding the function of DNA/carbon nanotube hybrid to control inter-particle interactions both inside and outside the nanotube is discussed.

Potential of Casein as a Carrier for Biologically Active Agents.

Abstract: Casein is the collective name for a family of milk proteins. In bovine milk, casein comprises four peptides: αS1, αS2, β, and κ, differing in their amino acid, phosphorus and carbohydrate content but similar in their amphiphilic character. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions of casein show block distribution in the protein chain. Casein peptides carry negative charge on their surface as a result of phosphorylation and tend to bind nanoclusters of amorphous calcium phosphate. Due to these properties, in suitable conditions, casein molecules agglomerate into spherical micelles. The high content of casein in milk (2.75 %) has made it one of the most popular proteins. Novel research techniques have improved understanding of its properties, opening up new applications. However, casein is not just a dietary protein. Its properties promise new and unexpected applications in science and the pharmaceutical and functional food industries. One example is an encapsulation of health-related substances in casein matrices. This review discusses gelation, coacervation, self-assembly and reassembly of casein peptides as means of encapsulation. We highlight information on encapsulation of health-related substances such as drugs and dietary supplements inside casein micro- and nanoparticles.

Proteins in Ionic Liquids: Current Status of Experiments and Simulations

Abstract: In the last two decades, while searching for interesting applications of ionic liquids as potent solvents, their solvation properties and their general impact on biomolecules, and in particular on proteins, gained interest. It turned out that ionic liquids are excellent solvents for protein refolding and crystallization. Biomolecules showed increased solubilities and stabilities, both operational and thermal, in ionic liquids, which also seem to prevent self-aggregation during solubilization. Biomolecules can be immobilized, e.g. in highly viscous ionic liquids, for particular biochemical processes and can be designed to some extent by the proper choice of the ionic liquid cations and anions, which can be characterized by the Hofmeister series.

Recent Trends in Sustainable Textile Waste Recycling Methods: Current Situation and Future Prospects

Abstract: In recent years, there have been increasing concerns in the disposal of textile waste around the globe. The growth of textile markets not only depends on population growth but also depends on economic and fashion cycles. The fast fashion cycle in the textile industry has led to a high level of consumption and waste generation. This can cause a negative environmental impact since the textile and clothing industry is one of the most polluting industries. Textile manufacturing is a chemical-intensive process and requires a high volume of water throughout its operations. Wastewater and fiber wastes are the major wastes generated during the textile production process. On the other hand, the fiber waste was mainly created from unwanted clothes in the textile supply chain. This fiber waste includes natural fiber, synthetic fiber, and natural/synthetic blends. The natural fiber is mostly comprised of cellulosic material, which can be used as a resource for producing bio-based products. The main challenge for utilization of textile waste is finding the method that is able to recover sugars as monosaccharides. This review provides an overview of valorization of textile waste to value-added products, as well as an overview of different strategies for sugar recovery from cellulosic fiber and their hindrances.

Ionic Liquids for Supercapacitor Applications

Abstract: Supercapacitors are electrochemical energy storage devices in which the charge is accumulated through the adsorption of ions from an electrolyte on the surface of the electrode Because of their large ionic concentrations, ionic liquids have widely been investigated for such applications The main properties that have to be optimized are the electrochemical window, the electrical conductivity, and the interfacial capacitances Ionic liquids allow a significant improvement of the former, but they suffer from their high viscosity In this review, I will discuss the advantages and the inconvenience of using ionic liquids in supercapacitors Some innovative approaches using mixtures of ionic liquids or redox-active ions will also be critically addressed

Synergistic Effect of Blended Components in Nonaqueous Electrolytes for Lithium Ion Batteries

Abstract: Application of different electrolyte components as blends in nonaqueous electrolyte formulations represents a viable approach towards improving the overall performance and reliability of a lithium ion battery cell. By combining the advantages of different electrolyte constituents, cell chemistry can be optimized and tailored for a specific purpose. In this paper, the current progress on possibilities, advantages, as well as limitations of blended nonaqueous electrolyte formulations, including solvent, salt and additive blends is reviewed and discussed. Emphasis is set on the physicochemical, electrochemical, and safety aspects. In addition, the aim of this review is to provide perspective and possible strategy for further and future development of blended nonaqueous electrolytes with long life, high energy density, high power, and adequate safety at competitive manufacturing costs. The provided overview and perspective on blended nonaqueous electrolyte formulations should encourage researchers to proceed with further and deeper investigations in this promising field of advanced batteries.

Ionic Liquids in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract: Lithium-ion batteries are among the most widespread energy storage devices in our society. In order to introduce these devices in new key applications such as transportation, however, their safety and their operative temperature range need to be significantly improved. These improvements can be obtained only by developing new electrolytes. Ionic liquids are presently considered among the most attractive electrolytes for the development of advanced and safer lithium-ion batteries. In this manuscript, the use of various types of ionic liquids, e.g. aprotic and protic, in lithium-ion batteries is considered. The advantages and the limits associated to the use of these innovative electrolytes are critically analysed.

Nanostructured Materials Synthesis Using Ultrasound

Abstract: Recent applications of ultrasound to the production of nanostructured materials are reviewed. Sonochemistry permits the production of novel materials or provides a route to known materials without the need for high bulk temperatures, pressures, or long reaction times. Both chemical and physical phenomena associated with high-intensity ultrasound are responsible for the production or modification of nanomaterials. Most notable are the consequences of acoustic cavitation: the formation, growth, and implosive collapse of bubbles, and can be categorized as primary sonochemistry (gas-phase chemistry occurring inside collapsing bubbles), secondary sonochemistry (solution-phase chemistry occurring outside the bubbles), and physical modifications (caused by high-speed jets, shockwaves, or inter-particle collisions in slurries).

Waste Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Recycling Techniques

Abstract: With the development of technologies and the change of consumer attitudes, the amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is increasing annually. As the core part of WEEE, the waste printed circuit board (WPCB) is a dangerous waste but at the same time a rich resource for various kinds of materials. In this work, various WPCB treatment methods as well as WPCB recycling techniques divided into direct treatment (landfill and incineration), primitive recycling technology (pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, biometallurgy and primitive full recovery of NMF-non metallic fraction), and advanced recycling technology (mechanical separation, direct use and modification of NMF) are reviewed and analyzed based on their advantages and disadvantages. Also, the evaluation criteria are discussed including economic, environmental, and gate-to-market ability. This review indicates the future research direction of WPCB recycling should focus on a combination of several techniques or in series recycling to maximize the benefits of process.

Thiophene-Based Organic Semiconductors

Abstract: Thiophene-based π-conjugated organic small molecules and polymers are the research subject of significant current interest owing to their potential use as organic semiconductors in material chemistry. Despite simple and similar molecular structures, the hitherto reported properties of thiophene-based organic semiconductors are rather diverse. Design of high performance organic semiconducting materials requires a thorough understanding of inter- and intra-molecular interactions, solid-state packing, and the influence of both factors on the charge carrier transport. In this chapter, thiophene-based organic semiconductors, which are classified in terms of their chemical structures and their structure-property relationships, are addressed for the potential applications as organic photovoltaics (OPVs), organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).

Metal Nanoparticles in Ionic Liquids

Abstract: During the last years ionic liquids (ILs) were increasingly used and investigated as reaction media, hydrogen sources, catalysts, templating agents and stabilizers for the synthesis of (monometallic and bimetallic) metal nanoparticles (M-NPs). Especially ILs with 1,3-dialkyl-imidazolium cations featured prominently in the formation and stabilization of M-NPs. This chapter summarizes studies which focused on the interdependencies of the IL with the metal nanoparticle and tried to elucidate, for example, influences of the IL-cation, -anion and alkyl chain length. Qualitatively, the size of M-NPs was found to increase with the size of the IL-anion. The influence of the size of imidazolium-cation is less clear. The M-NP size was both found to increase and to decrease with increasing chain lengths of the 1,3-dialkyl-imidazolium cation. It is evident from such reports on cation and anion effects of ILs that the interaction between an IL and a (growing) metal nanoparticle is far from understood. Factors like IL-viscosity, hydrogen-bonding capability and the relative ratio of polar and non-polar domains of ILs may also influence the stability of nanoparticles in ionic liquids and an improved understanding of the IL-nanoparticle interaction would be needed for a more rational design of nanomaterials in ILs. Furthermore, thiol-, ether-, carboxylic acid-, amino- and hydroxyl-functionalized ILs add to the complexity by acting also as coordinating capping ligands. In addition imidazolium cations are precursors to N-heterocyclic carbenes, NHCs which form from imidazolium-based ionic liquids by in situ deprotonation at the acidic C2-H ring position as intermediate species during the nanoparticle seeding and growth process or as surface coordinating ligand for the stabilization of the metal nanoparticle.

High-Power-Density Organic Radical Batteries

Abstract: Batteries that are based on organic radical compounds possess superior charging times and discharging power capability in comparison to established electrochemical energy-storage technologies. They do not rely on metals and, hence, feature a favorable environmental impact. They furthermore offer the possibility of roll-to-roll processing through the use of different printing techniques, which enables the cost-efficient fabrication of mechanically flexible devices. In this review, organic radical batteries are presented with the focus on the hitherto developed materials and the key properties thereof, e.g., voltage, capacity, and cycle life. Furthermore, basic information, such as significant characteristics, housing approaches, and applied additives, are presented and discussed in the context of organic radical batteries.

Advances in Production and Applications of Carbon Nanotubes.

Abstract: Recent decades have witnessed many breakthroughs in research on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), particularly regarding controllable synthesis, production scale-up, and application advances for this material. This sp 2-bonded nanocarbon uniquely combines extreme mechanical strength, exceptionally high electrical conductivity, as well as many other superior properties, making it highly attractive for fundamental research and industrial applications. Synthesis and mass production form the solid basis for high-volume applications of CNTs. During recent decades, CNT production capacity has reached more than thousands of tons per year, greatly decreasing the price of CNTs. Although the unique physiochemical properties of an individual CNT are stated repeatedly, manifestation of such unique properties in a macroscopic material, e.g., realization of high-strength CNT fibers, remains a great challenge. If such challenges are solved, many critical applications will be enabled. Herein we review the critical progress in the development of synthesis and scaled-up production methods for CNTs, and discuss advances in their applications. Scientific problems and technological challenges are discussed together.

Valorization of Proteins from Co- and By-Products from the Fish and Meat Industry

Abstract: Large volumes of protein-rich residual raw materials, such as heads, bones, carcasses, blood, skin, viscera, hooves and feathers, are created as a result of processing of animals from fisheries, aquaculture, livestock and poultry sectors. These residuals contain proteins and other essential nutrients with potentially bioactive properties, eligible for recycling and upgrading for higher-value products, e.g. for human, pet food and feed purposes. Here, we aim to cover all the important aspects of achieving optimal utilization of proteins in such residual raw materials, identifying those eligible for human consumption as co-products and for feed applications as by-products. Strict legislation regulates the utilization of various animal-based co- and by-products, representing a major hurdle if not addressed properly. Thorough understanding and optimization of all parts of the production chain, including conservation and processing, are important prerequisites for successful upgrading and industrial implementation of such products. This review includes industrially applied technologies such as freezing/cooling, acid preservation, salting, rendering and protein hydrolysis. In this regard, it is important to achieve stable production and quality through all the steps in the manufacturing chain, preferably supported by at- or online quality control points in the actual processing step. If aiming for the human market, knowledge of consumer trends and awareness are important for production and successful introduction of new products and ingredients.

Sonochemistry: from basic principles to innovative applications

Abstract: The term ‘‘sonochemistry’’ is used to describe the chemical and physical processes occurring in solution through energy provided by ultrasound (in the range from 20 kHz to 2 MHz). The effects of ultrasound are the consequence of the cavitation phenomenon, namely the formation, growth, and collapse of gaseous microbubbles in liquid phase. The intense local effects (mechanical, thermal, and chemical) due to the sudden collapse of these micrometric bubbles lie at the origin of all applications of sonochemistry. Use of ultrasound in chemical processes increased between 1980 and 2000, and the corresponding literature has increased enormously in volume from 2000 onwards, reporting many applications in several areas including but not limited to sonocatalysis, organic chemistry, materials preparation, polymer chemistry, biomass conversion, extraction, electrochemistry, enzymatic catalysis, and environmental remediation. The potential of sonochemistry is often directly connected to the choice of the sonochemical parameters and experimental conditions. The first contribution to this topical collection, provided by Prof. Ashokkumar’s research group, provides theoretical considerations regarding the use of ultrasound in the laboratory, to better

Synthesis of Carboxylic Acids and Esters from CO2

Abstract: The achievements in the synthesis of carboxylic acids and esters from CO2 have been summarized and discussed.

History of Polymeric Gene Delivery Systems

Abstract: As an option for genetic disease treatment and an alternative for traditional cancer chemotherapy, gene therapy achieves significant attention. Nucleic acid delivery, however, remains a main challenge in human gene therapy. Polymer-based delivery systems offer a safer and promising route for therapeutic gene delivery. Over the past five decades, various cationic polymers have been optimized for increasingly effective nucleic acid transfer. This resulted in a chemical evolution of cationic polymers from the first-generation polycations towards bioinspired multifunctional sequence-defined polymers and nanocomposites. With the increasing of knowledge in molecular biological processes and rapid progress of macromolecular chemistry, further improvement of polymeric nucleic acid delivery systems will provide effective tool for gene-based therapy in the near future.

Stimuli-Responsive Polymeric Nanocarriers for Efficient Gene Delivery

Abstract: Gene therapy provides an alternative and effective method for treatment of genetic diseases and cancers that are refractory to conventional therapeutics. The success of gene therapy is largely dependent on the development of safe and effective gene delivery vectors for transporting genetic material from the blood stream to the cytoplasm or nucleus. Current gene vectors can be divided into viral and non-viral vectors. Although non-viral gene delivery carriers can offer some advantages, such as safety and facile fabrication, they do not possess the same high gene transfection efficiency as viral vectors due to a lack of functionality to overcome extra- and intracellular gene delivery obstacles. On the basis of these disadvantages, researchers are developing "smart" non-viral gene-delivery carriers in order to overcome the physiological barriers and realize efficient gene transfection. These "smart" stimuli-responsive carriers can undergo physical or chemical reactions in response to internal tumor-specific environments, such as pH conditions, redox potentials, enzymatic activations and thermal gradients, as well as external stimulations, such as ultrasound, light, magnetic fields, and electrical fields. Furthermore, "smart" carriers can also be triggered by dual or multiple combinations of different stimuli. In this review, we highlight the recent stimuli-sensitive polymeric nanocarriers for gene delivery, and we discuss the potential of combining multiple stimuli-responsive strategies for future gene therapy applications.

Metallic Catalysts for Structure-Controlled Growth of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract: Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have shown great potential in various applications attributed to their unique structures and outstanding structure-dependent properties. The structure-controlled growth of SWNTs is a crucial issue for their advanced applications and has been a great challenge in this field for two decades. Metal catalyst-mediated SWNT growth is believed to be very efficient. In this review, progresses in diameter and chirality controlled growth of SWNTs with metal catalysts is summarized from several aspects, including growth mechanism and theory, effects of catalysts, and the chemical vapor deposition conditions. The design, preparation, handling and dispersion, and the size evolution of metal catalysts are all discussed. The influences of growth environment including the type, composition, and pressure/concentration of the carbon source as well as the temperature on the selectivity toward the nanotube structure are analyzed. We also discuss some of the challenges and trends in this field.

Polysaccharide-based Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery

Abstract: Nanoparticles based on nanotechnology and biotechnology have emerged as efficient carriers for various biopharmaceutical agents including proteins and genes. In particular, polysaccharides have attracted interest of many researchers in the drug delivery field due to their advantages such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and ease of modification. A number of polysaccharides including chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and dextran, and their derivatives have been widely used as polymeric backbones for the formation of nanoparticles, which can be provided as valuable gene delivery carriers. In this review, we introduce the chemical and physical natures of different polysaccharides particularly used in biomedical applications, and then discuss recent progress in the development of polysaccharide-based nanoparticles for gene delivery.

Helical Polyacetylenes Induced via Noncovalent Chiral Interactions and Their Applications as Chiral Materials.

Abstract: Construction of predominantly one-handed helical polyacetylenes with a desired helix sense utilizing noncovalent chiral interactions with nonracemic chiral guest compounds based on a supramolecular approach is described. As with the conventional dynamic helical polymers possessing optically active pendant groups covalently bonded to the polymer chains, this noncovalent helicity induction system can show significant chiral amplification phenomena, in which the chiral information of the nonracemic guests can transfer with high cooperativity through noncovalent bonding interactions to induce an almost single-handed helical conformation in the polymer backbone. An intriguing "memory effect" of the induced macromolecular helicity is observed for some polyacetylenes, which means that the helical conformations induced in dynamic helical polyacetylene can be transformed into metastable static ones by tuning their helix-inversion barriers. Potential applications of helical polyacetylenes with controlled helix sense constructed by the "noncovalent helicity induction and/or memory effect" as chiral materials are also described.

Spiro-oxindoles as a Promising Class of Small Molecule Inhibitors of p53-MDM2 Interaction Useful in Targeted Cancer Therapy.

Abstract: As a result of the toxicity of currently available anticancer drugs and the inefficiency of chemotherapeutic treatments, the design and discovery of effective and selective antitumor agents continues to be a hot topic in organic medicinal chemistry. Targeted therapy is a newer type of cancer treatment that uses drugs designed to interfere with specific molecules necessary for tumor growth and progression. This review explains the mechanism of regulation of p53 (tumor suppressor protein) by MDM2 and illustrates the role of targeting p53-MDM2 protein-protein interaction using small molecules as a new cancer therapeutic strategy. Spirocyclic oxindoles or spiro-oxindoles, with a rigid heterocyclic ring fused at the 3-position of the oxindole core with varied substitution around it, are the most efficacious class of small molecules which inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in cancer cells, leading to complete tumor growth regression without affecting activities of normal cells. In this review, we present a comprehensive account of the systematic development of and recent progress in diverse spiro-oxindole derivatives active as potent selective inhibitors of p53-MDM2 interaction with special emphasis on spiro-pyrrolidinyl oxindoles (the MI series), their mechanism of action, and structure-activity relationship. This review will help in understanding the molecular mechanism of p53 reactivation by spiro-oxindoles in tumor tissues and also facilitates the design and exploration of more potent analogues with high efficacy and low side effects for the treatment of cancer. Recent progress in spiro-oxindole derivatives as potent small molecule inhibitors of p53-MDM2 interaction, useful as anticancer agents, is described with reference to their mechanism of action and structure-activity relationship.

Biogenesis of Selenium Nanoparticles Using Green Chemistry.

Abstract: Selenium binds some enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, which may be activated in biological infections and oxidative stress. Chemical and physical methods for synthesizing nanoparticles, apart from being expensive, have their own particular risks. However, nanoparticle synthesis through green chemistry is a safe procedure that different biological sources such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae and plants can be the catalyst bed for processing. Synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) by macro/microorganisms causes variation in morphology and shape of the particles is due to diversity of reduction enzymes in organisms. Reducing enzymes of microorganisms by changing the status of redox convert metal ions (Se2-) to SeNPs without charge (Se0). Biological activity of SeNPs includes their protective role against DNA oxidation. Because of the biological and industrial properties, SeNPs have wide applications in the fields of medicine, microelectronic, agriculture and animal husbandry. SeNPs can show strong antimicrobial effects on the growth and proliferation of microorganisms in a dose-dependent manner. The objective of this review is to consider SeNPs applications to various organisms.

Review of Electronics Based on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract: Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are extremely promising materials for building next-generation electronics due to their unique physical and electronic properties. In this article, we will review the research efforts and achievements of SWNTs in three electronic fields, namely analog radio-frequency electronics, digital electronics, and macroelectronics. In each SWNT-based electronic field, we will present the major challenges, the evolutions of the methods to overcome these challenges, and the state-of-the-art of the achievements. At last, we will discuss future directions which could lead to the broad applications of SWNTs. We hope this review could inspire more research on SWNT-based electronics, and accelerate the applications of SWNTs.

An Update on Isocyanide-Based Multicomponent Reactions in Polymer Science

Abstract: Developments and progress in polymer science are often inspired by organic chemistry. In recent years, multicomponent reactions—especially the Passerini and Ugi reactions—have become very important tools for macromolecular design, mainly due to their modular character. In this review, the versatility of the Passerini and Ugi reactions in polymer science is highlighted by discussing recent examples of their use for monomer synthesis, as polymerization techniques, and for postpolymerization modification, as well as their suitability for architecture control, sequence control, and sequence definition.

Lewis Acidic Ionic Liquids

Abstract: Until very recently, the term Lewis acidic ionic liquids (ILs) was nearly synonymous with halometallate ILs, with a strong focus on chloroaluminate(III) systems. The first part of this review covers the historical context in which these were developed, speciation of a range of halometallate ionic liquids, attempts to quantify their Lewis acidity, and selected recent applications: in industrial alkylation processes, in supported systems (SILPs/SCILLs) and in inorganic synthesis. In the last decade, interesting alternatives to halometallate ILs have emerged, which can be divided into two sub-sections: (1) liquid coordination complexes (LCCs), still based on halometallate species, but less expensive and more diverse than halometallate ionic liquids, and (2) ILs with main-group Lewis acidic cations. The two following sections cover these new liquid Lewis acids, also highlighting speciation studies, Lewis acidity measurements, and applications.

Advance of Mechanically Controllable Break Junction for Molecular Electronics

Abstract: Molecular electronics stands for the ultimate size of functional elements, keeping up with an unstoppable trend over the past few decades As a vital component of molecular electronics, single molecular junctions have attracted significant attention from research groups all over the world Due to its pronounced superiority, the mechanically controllable break junctions (MCBJ) technique has been widely applied to characterize the dynamic performance of single molecular junctions This review presents a system analysis for single-molecule junctions and offers an overview of four test-beds for single-molecule junctions, thus offering more insight into the mechanisms of electron transport We mainly focus on the development of state-of-the-art mechanically controlled break junctions The three-terminal gated MCBJ approaches are introduced to manipulate the electron transport of molecules, and MCBJs are combined with characterization techniques Additionally, applications of MCBJs and remarkable properties of single molecules are addressed Finally, the challenges and perspective for the mechanically controllable break junctions technique are provided

Valorisation of Biowastes for the Production of Green Materials Using Chemical Methods

Abstract: With crude oil reserves dwindling, the hunt for a sustainable alternative feedstock for fuels and materials for our society continues to expand. The biorefinery concept has enjoyed both a surge in popularity and also vocal opposition to the idea of diverting food-grade land and crops for this purpose. The idea of using the inevitable wastes arising from biomass processing, particularly farming and food production, is, therefore, gaining more attention as the feedstock for the biorefinery. For the three main components of biomass-carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins-there are long-established processes for using some of these by-products. However, the recent advances in chemical technologies are expanding both the feedstocks available for processing and the products that be obtained. Herein, this review presents some of the more recent developments in processing these molecules for green materials, as well as case studies that bring these technologies and materials together into final products for applied usage.