Review
Polymer Science
Suleiman Gani Musa, Zulkifli Merican Aljunid Merican, Omid Akbarzadeh
Summary: With the escalating issue of global warming, efforts are being made towards achieving a carbon-neutral environment by utilizing non-fossil fuel sources such as solar, nuclear, and biomass energy. Metal-organic frameworks are being explored as potential catalysts for converting CO2 into organic carbonates, given their unique features and ease of synthesis.
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Gulzar A. Bhat, Donald J. Darensbourg
Summary: The use of carbon dioxide for producing polymeric materials as an alternative feedstock has promising prospects. The synthesis of polycarbonates from CO2 and epoxides has attracted much attention, and metal coordination complexes have greatly advanced the synthetic capability and mechanistic understanding of these reactions. This review focuses on the advancements in CO2/epoxide polymerization processes using various main group and transition metal complexes as catalysts for thermoplastic preparation, while also discussing the development of organocatalysts based on their metal counterparts.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Claire A. L. Lidston, Sarah M. Severson, Brooks A. Abel, Geoffrey W. Coates
Summary: The ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of epoxides with CO2 or cyclic anhydrides using multifunctional catalysts has been explored as a versatile route for synthesizing a wide range of polycarbonate and polyester copolymers. Covalently tethering the Lewis acid catalyst and cocatalyst together has been shown to increase both catalyst activity and selectivity in epoxide ROCOP. This review examines the development of multifunctional catalysts for copolymerization of epoxides with CO2, cyclic anhydrides, carbonyl sulfide (COS), and cyclic thioanhydrides, and evaluates how the mechanisms of these catalysts lead to improved activity and selectivity in ROCOP.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Mohamed Said El Ouahabi, Md Bin Yeamin, Raquel Rivas, Farid El Guemmout, Mar Reguero, Anna M. Masdeu-Bulto, Ali Aghmiz
Summary: Vegetal residues combined with nucleophiles can serve as catalysts for carbon dioxide fixation in epoxides to form cyclic carbonates, with the best performance seen in combinations of olive bones, grape waste, date pit, and corn leaves husk residues with tetrabutylammonium bromide. High conversions were achieved at low nucleophile loading under mild conditions. The vegetal wastes were stable under catalytic conditions and recyclable after suitable treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Harin Kim, Hyo-Jeong Lee, Jiwon Hwang, Su Min Jung, Jun Dong Park, Joon Hyun Baik
Summary: This study successfully synthesized poly(propylene carbonate) polyols with varying carbonate contents using Zn/Co double metal cyanide catalysts. By controlling the calcination temperature and CO2 pressure, polyols with high carbonate content and desirable properties were achieved.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francesca Fiorentini, Wilfred T. T. Diment, Arron C. C. Deacy, Ryan W. F. Kerr, Stephen Faulkner, Charlotte K. K. Williams
Summary: In this study, a series of heterodinuclear catalysts based on Co(III) combined with alkali and alkaline earth metals were evaluated for three different polymerization reactions. The results show that catalysts with lower Lewis acidity exhibit higher reaction rates and selectivity. These structure-performance correlations apply across different polymerization reactions and provide valuable insights for the future development of catalytic synergy.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yi Liu, Yuhang Hu, Jingsheng Zhou, Zhiyong Zhu, Zhengkun Zhang, Yuanyuan Li, Li Wang, Jinglai Zhang
Summary: A novel polystyrene-supported ionic liquid was successfully synthesized and applied in catalyzing the cycloaddition of CO2 and epichlorohydrin, showing high activity and stability. Various analytical methods were used to elucidate the catalytic mechanism.
Article
Polymer Science
Felipe De La Cruz-Martinez, Marc Martinez de Sarasa Buchaca, Almudena Del Campo-Balguerias, Juan Fernandez-Baeza, Luis F. Sanchez-Barba, Andres Garces, Carlos Alonso-Moreno, Jose A. Castro-Osma, Agustin Lara-Sanchez
Summary: Bimetallic heteroscorpionate acetate zinc complexes exhibited high catalytic activity and selectivity in ring-opening copolymerization reactions, particularly in copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide and cyclic anhydrides.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guan-Wen Yang, Cheng-Kai Xu, Rui Xie, Yao-Yao Zhang, Xiao-Feng Zhu, Guang-Peng Wu
Summary: This study presents pinwheel-shaped organoboron catalysts for the copolymerization of epichlorohydrin and CO2, achieving high polymer selectivity and quantitative CO2 uptake under mild conditions. The produced poly(chloropropylene carbonate) exhibits the highest molecular weight and glass transition temperature reported to date. The metal-free catalyst shows robust performance and potential for advancing CO2-based polycarbonates.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Charlotte H. U. Gregson, Adam Noble, Varinder K. Aggarwal
Summary: The azetidine moiety is a key structure in medicinal chemistry. New methods for accessing it efficiently through divergent reactions have been explored, with triggering agents dictating the pathway.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Zhuo-Qun Li, Yao-Yao Zhang, Yu-Jia Zheng, Bo Li, Guang-Peng Wu
Summary: This study systematically investigated the impact of different chain lengths, nucleophilic anions, and substituents on the catalytic performance of bifunctional catalysts in fixing CO2. The optimal spatial effect for the coupling of epoxides and CO2 was found to be the spacer length of tetramethylene. Additionally, the crystal structure analysis revealed the existence of interaction forces and hydrogen bonding interactions within the catalyst molecule. These findings provide important insights for the optimization of existing catalysts and the design of future catalysts.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guillermo Penche, Maria P. Gonzalez-Marcos, Juan R. Gonzalez-Velasco, Cyler W. Vos, Christopher M. Kozak
Summary: In this study, four novel 2D layered tetracyanonickelate complexes were prepared and tested as catalysts for CO2 and propylene oxide copolymerization. These complexes yielded random polyethercarbonates with medium-to-low CO2 content, moderate molecular weight, and broad dispersity. The Co-Ni DMC catalyst showed promising potential as an alternative to the classic Zn-Co DMC compound with 100% conversion of propylene oxide after 24 hours. The catalytic performance and kinetics of these compounds were compared and assessed.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Lea Grefe, Esteban Mejia
Summary: This review discusses the development of catalytic systems for the ring-opening copolymerization of epoxides and CO2 to produce polycarbonates, focusing on systems made from earth-abundant metals. It emphasizes on bi- and multimetallic heterogeneous catalytic systems developed since 1985 and homogeneous catalysts reported after 2015, with a focus on the structural features of these complexes and their corresponding reactivities.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Ruixiang Guo, Gang Wang, Wei Liu, Zibei Yao, Weisheng Liu
Summary: The novel strategy of adsorption-desorption-adsorption allows the catalyst to release active material for homogeneous catalysis during heating and reabsorb for heterogeneous catalysis after cooling. This process not only achieves recyclability of the catalyst but also improves catalytic activity, potentially applicable to other immobilized catalysts.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Prathana Nimmanterdwong, Pornpote Piumsomboon, Benjapon Chalermsinsuwan
Summary: CO2 to methanol technology is a sustainable solution with negative carbon emissions. This study analyzed three alternative methods of methanol production and found that one method (Case 2) is the most preferable with the lowest transformity, especially when renewable electrical sources are used.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Faraz Montazersadgh, Hao Zhang, Anas Alkayal, Benjamin Buckley, Ben W. Kolosz, Bing Xu, Jin Xuan
Summary: The study focuses on developing a new electrochemical platform to produce low-carbon e-biofuel through the integrated co-valorisation of biomass feedstocks with captured CO2. The approach involves reducing CO2 at the cathode to produce drop-in fuels while generating value-added chemicals at the anode. The reactor design was optimized using a numerical model and parametric analysis to determine the most feasible configurations in terms of energy efficiency, environmental impact, and economic values.
FRONTIERS OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahmed M. Sheta, Anas Alkayal, Mohammad A. Mashaly, Samy B. Said, Saad S. Elmorsy, Andrei V. Malkov, Benjamin R. Buckley
Summary: In this study, an electrochemical approach was explored for the hydrocarboxylation of α,β-unsaturated alkenes with excellent regioselectivity and the ability to carboxylate hindered substrates to afford α-quaternary center carboxylic acids. The process reported requires no chromatography, and products can be purified by simple crystallization from the reaction mixture after work-up.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Oladayo Ogunyinka, Felipe Iza, Benjamin Buckley, H. C. Hemaka Bandulasena
Summary: A novel microfluidic plasma reactor has been developed for trans-stilbene epoxidation with optimized operating conditions, achieving high epoxide yield and selectivity.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
R. D. I. G. Dharmasena, K. G. U. Wijayantha
Summary: Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) is a promising technology for autonomously powering wearable and portable electronics. Research on asymmetric triboelectric charging has shown significant improvements in power generation for TENGs. This study introduces a method to use identical triboelectric materials for TENG contact surfaces, enhancing the material range compatible for TENGs.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bhaskar Dudem, R. D. Ishara G. Dharmasena, Raheel Riaz, Venkateswaran Vivekananthan, K. G. U. Wijayantha, Paolo Lugli, Luisa Petti, S. Ravi P. Silva
Summary: In this study, a recycled material-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) was designed using plastic waste and carbon-coated paper wipes. This TENG can power low-power electronic devices and generate a Morse code for autonomous communication. With further redesigning, a 9-segment keyboard was also developed. The device is expected to have an impact on future self-powered sensors and internet of things systems.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tom D. D'Arcy, Mark R. J. Elsegood, Benjamin R. Buckley
Summary: The highly enantioselective organocatalytic tandem o-HPD-[4+2] reaction described offers a practical method for the synthesis of complex scaffolds. This approach utilizes a chiral oxaziridinium organocatalyst to afford dearomatized products in high enantioselectivity, demonstrating its potential for gram-scale applications.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Brian Jenkins, David Squires, John Barton, Dani Strickland, K. G. U. Wijayantha, James Carroll, Jonathan Wilson, Matthew Brenton, Murray Thomson
Summary: This paper introduces a device called Battolyser, which combines flow battery and electrolyser to efficiently produce hydrogen. By using stochastic modelling, the researchers assessed the economic benefits of adding Battolyser to a wind farm and compared it with adding a battery or an electrolyser. The results show that adding Battolyser or a battery to a wind farm can be economically viable, while electrolyser remains too expensive.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mulako Dean Mukelabai, K. G. U. Wijayantha, Richard E. Blanchard
Summary: This study evaluates the conditions for adopting hydrogen technologies effectively, including political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental aspects. The analysis reveals that countries with a government effectiveness index of -0.5 and 0.5 are leading the planning of hydrogen economies through strategic cooperation with technology developers. The combination of Doughnut and PESTLE analysis provides a novel approach to evaluating the adoption of hydrogen technologies and the impact of the hydrogen economy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
J. M. Baptista, G. Gaspar, K. G. U. Wijayantha, K. Lobato
Summary: Compared to organic electrolytes, aqueous electrolytes are safer, cheaper, and offer higher capacitance and lower internal resistance. Electrodeposition of poly(phenylene oxide) on activated carbon electrodes reduces anodic parasitic current and improves energy and power densities in supercapacitors.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mulako Dean Mukelabai, Upul K. G. Wijayantha, Richard E. Blanchard
Summary: Hydrogen offers an opportunity for Africa to reduce carbon emissions, provide clean energy access, and export renewable energy. This paper develops a framework for assessing renewable resources for hydrogen production and provides a critical analysis of the role hydrogen can play in Africa's energy landscape. The study finds that water shortages in some countries can be mitigated by importing water from regions with abundant renewable water resources. A techno-economic comparative analysis shows that a high voltage direct current (HVDC) system is the most cost-effective transportation system for hydrogen, followed by water pipelines and seawater desalination. The analysis also highlights the significance of economies of scale in compressed hydrogen pipelines and liquefied hydrogen tank truck systems when scaling up hydrogen production.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
N. S. Howard, A. J. Archer, D. N. Sibley, D. J. Southee, K. G. U. Wijayantha
Summary: This study demonstrates that the coffee ring effect during colloidal droplet evaporation can be mitigated by adding a specific concentration of a surfactant. Experiments were conducted on carbon nanotube suspensions with different surfactant concentrations on various substrates. The results showed different pattern types, with a critical surfactant concentration resulting in highly uniform deposits with coffee ring subfeatures. Image analysis and profilometry allowed for the identification of these subfeatures and the inference of deposit coverage.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Paulo Luis, Darren Southee, George W. Weaver, Upul Wijayantha
Summary: In order to address the issue of long-term electrochemical stability in metal-based materials for flexible energy storage, researchers have developed a method to protect the current collector by applying a conductive carbon-based barrier layer, resulting in improved electrical properties.
FLEXIBLE AND PRINTED ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Yiming Zhao, Fernanda Meloni, Louise Male, Cecile S. Le Duff, William D. G. Brittain, Benjamin R. Buckley, John S. Fossey
Summary: The synthesis of atropisomeric phoshino-triazoles is described. Phosphine introduction at the 5-position of a 1,2,3-triazole ring restricts rotation around a triazole-aryl bond. VT NMR and chiral HPLC studies confirm the conformational stability at high temperatures. Gold(i) chloride complexes of single-enantiomer phosphines also show conformational stability.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
J. M. Baptista, G. Gaspar, K. G. U. Wijayantha, K. Lobato
Summary: Laser-scribing can create ionic channels in highly porous carbon electrodes to enhance ion diffusion. Testing in Na2SO4 electrolyte shows that laser-scribed electrodes exhibit improved rate capability and reduced energy density decrease rate. However, these electrodes also have lower specific capacitance, potentially due to debris entrapment and decrease in oxygen functionalities. Testing in organic electrolyte reveals higher specific capacitance and energy density for laser-scribed electrodes.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
K. R. Sanjaya Gunawardhana, Nandula D. Wanasekara, Kahagala Gamage Wijayantha, R. D. Ishara Dharmasena
Summary: This article evaluates the use of textile materials and scalable fabrication techniques to develop triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with balanced electrical and wearable properties. By employing common textile manufacturing methods, the TENGs exhibit improved wearability and electrical performances.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2022)
