Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shahzad Anwar, Muhammad Babar Khawar, Ali Afzal, Muhammad Ovais, Zhang Xiang
Summary: Metal ion-coordinated self-assembled short-chain amino acid peptide molecules with multi-photon excitation wavelengths and their photoluminescence properties can be used as antibacterial fluorescent agents. The designed biocompatible nanoparticles show antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic bacteria, making them potential alternatives to antibiotic drugs for clinical applications.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jack A. Davies, Andrew Tarzia, Tanya K. Ronson, Florian Auras, Kim E. Jelfs, Jonathan R. Nitschke
Summary: We have derived design principles for assembling rectangular tetramines into Zn8L6 pseudo-cubic coordination cages. The ligand panels' rectangular geometry and the handedness of each metal center at the corners of the pseudo-cube result in multiple possible cage diastereomers. However, our experiments showed that each tetra-aniline subcomponent assembled with zinc(II) and 2-formylpyridine into a single Zn8L6 pseudo-cube diastereomer. The preferred diastereomer depended on the subcomponent's aspect ratio and conformational flexibility.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pengge Zhang, Zhixuan Zhou, Wen Long, Yuping Yan, Youshan Li, Ting Fu, Yanlan Liu, Zilong Zhao, Weihong Tan, Peter J. Stang
Summary: This study utilized self-assembly techniques to construct stable and soluble metallacycle nanoparticles for combination chemotherapy. The nanoparticles, loaded with two chemotherapy drugs, were internalized into cancer cells through folate-mediated targeting. The drugs were released in the reducing intracellular environment, leading to a synergistic anticancer effect.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Di Liu, Yunning Chen, Renquan Guan, Jie Zhao, Huimin Jin, Siyi Zhang, Qingkun Shang
Summary: In this study, a new heterojunction photocatalyst was prepared by self-assembly and bonding with titanium dioxide, and its photocatalytic performance and degradation products under visible light were investigated. The high photocatalytic activity of the catalyst was revealed through spectroscopy, current density, resistance, and other experiments, and its degradation ability towards different pollutants was studied.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ying Yang, Jiali Huang, Yingbing Zou, Yunbin Li, Tingting Zhan, Limei Huang, Xiuling Ma, Zhangjing Zhang, Shengchang Xiang
Summary: This study reports a new method for electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Two new N,O-coordinated Zn-MOFs were constructed and showed high selectivity and efficiency for formate production in the CO2RR. These MOFs exhibited faradaic efficiencies of more than 60%, with the self-penetration structure of FJU-127-CH3 achieving a superior formate faradaic efficiency of 90.2% at -1.57 V vs. RHE compared to the common pillared-layer structure of FJU-127-NH2. This work proposes an effective strategy for altering the selectivity of electrocatalytic CO2RR.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chengfei Liu, Muqiong Li, Pengxiang Li, Yang Bai, Jun Pang, Li Fan, Wei Tian
Summary: A stable and efficient in-situ oxygen self-supply system for hypoxic tumors is proposed using organometallic drug complexes with a supramolecular interaction strategy. The ruthenium (II)-coordinated supramolecular metallodrug complex (RuSMDC) is designed to produce oxygen by catalyzing the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, leading to improved therapeutic effects of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy oncotherapy in anaerobic tumor environments. Further studies confirm that Ru-containing supramolecular metallodrug micelles effectively alleviate the tumor hypoxic environment and reduce systemic toxicity.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rosa M. Gomila, Antonio Bauza, Tiddo J. Mooibroek, Antonio Frontera
Summary: This manuscript provides evidence of the existence and significance of spodium bonds (SpB) in solid state structures involving five-coordinated square-pyramidal Zn(ii) spodium atoms. Statistical analysis from the Cambridge structural database (CSD) indicates that the SpB interaction may exhibit some directionality. The SpB interaction is distinct from classical coordination bonds, with longer distances and weaker interactions involving the sigma* orbital of the Y-Sp bond.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kai-Kai Liu, Peiyun Li, Yuqiu Lei, Zhuoqiong Zhang, Xiran Pan, Shu Kong So, Ting Lei
Summary: Currently, high-performance organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are mainly based on conjugated polymers. However, small molecules face difficulties in achieving high charge carrier mobilities due to the need for highly crystalline films and good molecular packings. In this study, a small-molecule-based supramolecular polymer approach is proposed to address this issue. A designed molecule, TDPP-RD-G7, exhibits J-type self-assembling behaviors and can form supramolecular polymers in solution and conjugated-polymer-like networks in solid state. The resulting porous supramolecular polymer networks allow fast ion diffusion and greatly increase device response speeds, leading to record-fast response speeds in small-molecule OECTs.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yu Kuai, Tao Yang, Feiya Yuan, Yujie Dong, Qingbao Song, Cheng Zhang, Wai-Yeung Wong
Summary: The study successfully prepared a metallo-supramolecular film using a liquid-liquid interface self-assembly method, showing excellent flexibility and electrochromic properties, suitable for electrochromic applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hugh P. Ryan, Cally J. E. Haynes, Alyssa Smith, Angela B. Grommet, Jonathan R. Nitschke
Summary: A method for immobilizing coordination cages on alumina has been reported, allowing for the encapsulation and separation of guest and non-guest molecules. Quantification of cage loadings and guest displacement assays demonstrate the retained ability of the adsorbed cages.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Emma Vargo, Katherine M. Evans, Qingjun Wang, Andrew Sattler, Yiwen Qian, Jie Yao, Ting Xu
Summary: The study demonstrates a straightforward approach to generate ring-shaped nanoparticle assemblies in thin films of supramolecular nanocomposites, simplifying and streamlining nanofabrication processes. Directed self-assembly is used to guide the formation of concentric rings with high-quality orbital angular momentum, introducing interparticle coupling as a new design axis. The detailed analysis confirms the flexibility of the supramolecular system in self-regulating the spatial distribution of components, providing guidelines for developing self-regulating DSA as an alternative to incommensurability-driven methods.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Morsy A. M. Abu-Youssef, Vratislav Langer, Assem Barakat, Matti Haukka, Saied M. Soliman
Summary: The supramolecular structures of three metal (II) azido complexes with 4-benzoylpyridine were presented. Complexes 1 and 2 are monomeric with terminal azido groups, while complex 3 is a one-dimensional coordination polymer. The molecular packing in the complexes is affected by polar O-H and N-H interactions, as well as hydrophobic C-H contacts.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jess L. Algar, James E. Phillips, Jack D. Evans, Dan Preston
Summary: This article reports flexible [Pd(L)2]2+ complexes that show self-recognition driven by π-π interactions between electron-rich aromatic arms and the cationic regions they are tethered to. This self-recognition hampers the association of these molecules with aromatic molecular targets in solution. In one case, the complex can be reversibly converted to an 'open' [Pd2(L)2]4+ macrocycle through introduction of more metal ion.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Chen, Yuqin Yang, Asuka A. Orr, Pandeeswar Makam, Boris Redko, Elvira Haimov, Yannan Wang, Linda J. W. Shimon, Sigal Rencus-Lazar, Meiting Ju, Phanourios Tamamis, Hao Dong, Ehud Gazit
Summary: The research describes a minimalistic approach to construct a dipeptide-based nano-superstructure with enzyme-like activity. The self-assembled biocatalyst exhibits remarkable hydrolysis activity and enduring stability, which can be used as basic units to further construct higher-order superstructure.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guillermo Moreno-Alcantar, Alessandro Aliprandi, Remi Rouquette, Luca Pesce, Klaus Wurst, Claudio Perego, Peter Bruggeller, Giovanni M. Pavan, Luisa De Cola
Summary: Self-assembly relies on the ability of smaller entities to arrange into organized systems, with the design of the media playing a crucial role. The media determines the self-assembly pathway and can control the wrapping process of supramolecular homo-aggregates by a different crystal lattice component. This reverse coating process is controlled by the media composition and could lead to the construction of hierarchical supramolecular structures.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lifei Xi, Mengyuan Zhang, Liling Zhang, Tedrick T. S. Lew, Yeng Ming Lam
Summary: Urban farming offers fresh food, improved sustainability, and productivity. Novel materials play a crucial role in urban farming, facilitating waste recycling and plant health monitoring.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daling Cui, Navathej Preetha Genesh, Oliver MacLean, Penghui Ji, Jennifer M. MacLeod, Maryam Ebrahimi, Andrey Lunchev, Andrew C. Grimsdale, Dmitrii F. Perepichka, Federico Rosei
Summary: Three types of moire patterns were observed on HOPG, with the incommensurate gamma-pattern being more stable than the commensurate alpha- and beta-patterns. The stability of the gamma-pattern can be explained by the presence of a static distortion wave exclusively observed in this pattern. Lateral relaxation of the TCPB lattice reduces the free energy of the gamma-pattern compared to the alpha- and beta-moire patterns.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yamin Wang, Swee Ngin Tan, Mohamed Lokman Mohd Yusof, Subhadip Ghosh, Yeng Ming Lam
Summary: Heavy metal and metalloid contamination in urban soils is a common problem. This study investigated the levels of 12 heavy metals and metalloids in soil and their accumulation by plant foliage in nature parks and industrial sites in Singapore. The results showed that certain tropical plant species have the potential to remediate contaminated lands.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Animesh Ghosh, Tianjiao Li, Wenjun Ni, Tong Wu, Caihong Liang, Maja Budanovic, Samuel A. Morris, Maciej Klein, Richard D. Webster, Gagik G. Gurzadyan, Andrew C. Grimsdale
Summary: The acid-catalysed Friedlander cyclization of 2-aminobenzophenones with different cyclohexadiones yielded dibenzophenanthrolines with varying phenanthroline units, showing differences in optoelectronic properties. The 4,7-isomers exhibited higher HOMOs and enhanced photoluminescence due to excimer formation, but were less photostable. Bis(phenylethynyl)-substituted derivatives demonstrated improved solubility and stronger luminescence properties compared to unsubstituted analogues.
ASIAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Jiayun Liu, Kyusup Lee, Yingshu Yang, Ziqi Li, Raghav Sharma, Lifei Xi, Teddy Salim, Chris Boothroyd, Yeng Ming Lam, Hyunsoo Yang, Marco Battiato, Elbert E. M. Chia
Summary: This study demonstrates that efficient spintronic terahertz emission can be achieved simply by adding a ferromagnetic layer on silicon. Leveraging on the natural formation of silicides at the interface of a transition metal and silicon can improve spin-to-charge conversion efficiency.
PHYSICAL REVIEW APPLIED
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Rui A. Goncalves, Joanne W. K. Ku, Hao Zhang, Teddy Salim, Guodong Oo, Alfred A. Zinn, Chris Boothroyd, Richard M. Y. Tang, Chee Lip Gan, Yunn-Hwen Gan, Yeng Ming Lam
Summary: This study reports copper nanoparticle coatings with extremely fast and sustained antibacterial activity. Coating with cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles and metallic copper nanoparticles on commonly used fabrics can kill bacteria within a short time, and both copper and Cu2O nanoparticles rapidly induce oxidative stress. Detailed physical and chemical analysis of the nanoparticles and the interaction between bacteria and the coated substrate help establish the parameters for achieving speedy and robust antibacterial properties in Cu2O-coated fabrics.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yun Li, Amit Kumar Tiwari, Jingyi Sandy Ng, Geok Leng Seah, Hong Kit Lim, Teeraporn Suteewong, Chor Yong Tay, Yeng Ming Lam, Kwan W. Tan
Summary: The one-pot synthesis strategy described in this study generates bimodal mesoporous silica nanoparticles through coassembly of a structure-directing Gemini surfactant with a sol additive. The resulting nanoparticles have versatile properties that can be controlled by synthesis temperature and molar ratio, and exhibit excellent carbon dioxide adsorption capacities and antimicrobial properties.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ning Yang, Hee Su Kim, Suha Lee, Bogyu Lim, Andrew C. Grimsdale, DuHyeon Ryu, Chang Eun Song, Do-Hoon Hwang
Summary: A sidechain optimization strategy was employed to optimize the solubility and solid-state properties of organic semiconductor materials. Through introducing octyl groups instead of phenylalkyl groups, three acceptor-donor-acceptor '-donor-acceptor (A-D-A '-D-A)-type acceptors were constructed. Among them, a fluorine-substituted acceptor CNDTBT-C8IDTT-FINCN showed excellent performance in solar cells, achieving the highest power conversion efficiency of 12.06% with efficient charge recombination suppression and good charge transport ability.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Navathej Preetha Genesh, Daling Cui, Dominik Dettmann, Oliver MacLean, Tarnjit Kaur Johal, Andrey V. Lunchev, Andrew C. Grimsdale, Federico Rosei
Summary: The precise control of molecular self-assembly on surfaces provides opportunities for complex nanostructure creation. Selective patterning using molecular interactions at the solid-liquid interface was observed in the self-assembly of 1,3,5-tris(4-methoxyphenyl)benzene (TMPB) molecules on the Au(111) surface. Resulting from higher adsorption energy, TMPB molecules preferred to assemble in the face-centered cubic (FCC) regions of Au(111). The coverage of TMPB molecules increased with solution concentration, leading to a full monolayer, and induced the lifting of the herringbone reconstruction at higher concentrations.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Senyun Ye, Haixia Rao, Minjun Feng, Lifei Xi, Zhihao Yen, Debbie Hwee Leng Seng, Qiang Xu, Chris Boothroyd, Bingbing Chen, Yuanyuan Guo, Bo Wang, Teddy Salim, Qiannan Zhang, Huajun He, Yue Wang, Xingchi Xiao, Yeng Ming Lam, Tze Chien Sum
Summary: By processing metal and ammonium halides together, Ye et al. expand the metal cation library for low-dimensional interface materials of perovskite solar cells. Three-dimensional/low-dimensional perovskite solar cells show improved efficiency and stability. This research provides greater flexibility and synthetic control for the design of low-dimensional capping materials.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Romika Sharma, Qiannan Zhang, Linh Lan Nguyen, Teddy Salim, Yeng Ming Lam, Tze Chien Sum, Martial Duchamp
Summary: In this article, the impact of environmental parameters on the structural properties of MAPbI3 thin films is investigated using microscopy techniques. It is found that even less than 3 minutes of air exposure increases the sensitivity to electron beam deterioration and modifies the structural transformation pathway. The optical responses and defect formation of both air-exposed and non-air-exposed MAPbI3 thin films are also measured.
ACS NANOSCIENCE AU
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xingchi Xiao, Liang Cheng, Di Bao, Qi Ying Tan, Teddy Salim, Cesare Soci, Elbert E. M. Chia, Yeng Ming Lam
Summary: Singlet fission (SF) materials have been used to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solar cells. However, SF implementation in perovskite solar cells has not been successful due to the lack of understanding of the SF/perovskite heterojunctions. In this study, the charge dynamics between a well-known SF molecule, TIPS-pentacene, and a triple-cation perovskite Cs-0.05(FA(0.85)MA(0.15))(0.95)PbI2.55Br0.45 were investigated. The results show that there is an electron-transfer process from TIPS-pentacene to perovskite, leading to an increase in carrier density in the perovskite layer. This study confirms the potential of SF-enhanced perovskite solar cells.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhihao Yen, Teddy Salim, Chris Boothroyd, Peter Ferdinand Haywood, Cheng-Tai Kuo, Sang-Jun Lee, Jun-Sik Lee, Deok-Yong Cho, Yeng Ming Lam
Summary: This study demonstrates a new application of Cu-doped MILD-synthesized Ti3C2Tx MXene for urea removal. Cu doping increases the affinity of MXene for urea due to the formation of Cu-urea complexes. Cu-doped MXene follows monolayer adsorption on a homogeneous surface model.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Catherine Mollart, Bartosz Ciborowski, Abbie Trewin
Summary: This work presents the synthesis of a conjugated microporous polymer, CMP-1, at the mesoscale using a hybrid coarse-grained methodology. Although the coarse-grained approach results in lower density and surface area compared to the all-atom equivalent, it allows for a significant scale-up of simulation cell volume and an overall speed increase of 44%.
MOLECULAR SYSTEMS DESIGN & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gurudutt Bhat, Marcin Kielar, Haixia Rao, Mahnaz D. Gholami, Isabel Mathers, Astrid C. R. Larin, Thomas Flanagan, Enkhtur Erdenebileg, Annalisa Bruno, Amandeep Singh Pannu, Kathryn E. Fairfull-Smith, Emad L. Izake, Pankaj Sah, Yeng Ming Lam, Ajay K. Pandey, Prashant Sonar
Summary: The versatile nature of organic conjugated materials allows them to be seamlessly integrated into various optoelectronic devices. By combining boron-azadipyrromethene with triphenylamine, a multi-purpose conjugated small molecule is developed. This molecule can be used as either a charge transporting interlayer or a light-sensing semiconducting layer in optoelectronic devices. It exhibits excellent performance in perovskite solar cells and near-infrared organic photodetectors.