Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthew R. Elsby, R. Tom Baker
Summary: Homogeneous catalysis plays a crucial role in the synthesis of fine chemicals and achieving carbon-neutrality. The development of first-row transition metal catalysts with simple and economical ligands composed of biomimetic donors is essential for sustainable catalysis. Metal-ligand cooperativity is an effective strategy to yield high-performing first-row metal molecular catalysts.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wennan Xiong, Chen Zhu, Dongliang Guo, Chao Hou, Zhaoxi Yang, Zhangyu Xu, Lei Qiu, Hua Yang, Kan Li, YongAn Huang
Summary: Developing multifunctional flying perceptibility by mimicking the comprehensive capabilities of flying creatures, an intelligent flexible sensing skin with components similar to skin-like mechanosensing, neuron-like data transmission, immune system-like impact monitoring, and brain-like artificial intelligence has been shown to bring substantial improvements to aircraft performance. It also holds great potential for extending the capabilities of unmanned air vehicles and underwater vehicles.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hao Li, Yong Li, Jun Wu, Xiaohua Jia, Jin Yang, Dan Shao, Lei Feng, Sizhe Wang, Haojie Song
Summary: This study presents the design of bio-inspired hollow carbon microtubes (HCMTs) as a promising material for photothermal applications. The HCMTs, inspired by polar bears, effectively reduce heat loss and improve the utilization of light and photothermal properties. The coatings made from HCMTs show excellent superhydrophobic properties and can withstand various environmental conditions, making them highly durable and adaptable.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Miao ShuangShuang, Wang Yu, Zhao YuanJin, Chen YongPing
Summary: This study presents a novel multifunctional inverse opal slippery anti-icing surface inspired by natural microstructures, which exhibits ice-phobic properties such as inhibiting ice nucleation and easy removal of ice crystals. The surface is created using a combination of self-assembly of colloidal nanoparticles, microstructure replication, and lubricating fluid infiltration, making it suitable for a wide range of outdoor applications.
SCIENCE CHINA-TECHNOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Ashta C. Ghosh, Carole Duboc, Marcello Gennari
Summary: Transition metal-driven small molecule activation is essential for the production of fuels and chemicals or energy supply. The use of multimetallic catalysts, where two or more metal centers act in synergy to activate and transform the substrate(s), is widespread both in nature (metalloenzymes) and (bio)inorganic chemistry. Benefits of this strategy in terms of catalytic performances result from cooperation between different metals to bind and activate a single substrate, to activate different substrates reacting together, or with one assisting metal tuning the reactivity of the active metal center.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Jesiya Susan George, Poornima P. Vijayan, Anh Tuan Hoang, Nandakumar Kalarikkal, Phuong Nguyen-Tri, Sabu Thomas
Summary: Research and developments in novel smart coating systems, inspired by biomimetic materials such as lotus leaf, pitcher plant, and mussels, have shown promising results in providing better corrosion protection and longer service life for metal substrates. Introducing multifunctionalities through bioinspired coatings is an exciting route for enhancing anticorrosion efficiency.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiheng Ding, Hongran Zhao, Haibin Yu
Summary: In this study, a bio-inspired multilayered graphene-epoxy composite coating was fabricated using a scalable spraying approach. The composite coating exhibited good dispersity and structure repair capabilities, forming interlock structures to improve coating resistance. It also showed highly anisotropic thermal and electrical conductivities and the ability to self-monitor structural safety and health.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shijie Zhang, Yongshang Zhang, Guosheng Shao, Peng Zhang
Summary: The bio-inspired strategy of constructing ant-nest-like hierarchical porous ultrathin carbon nanosheet networks with metallic nanoparticles electrocatalysts (HPC-MEC) efficiently enables rapid mass transfer in Li-S batteries. This helps anchor polysulfides, promote sulfur species conversions, and increase sulfur utilization, contributing to high battery performance. For example, cobalt embedded hierarchical porous carbon (HPC-Co) demonstrates remarkably high specific capacity, excellent rate performance, and high area capacity even at high sulfur loads and low electrolyte/sulfur ratios.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yue Li, Xinxin Huang, Yantao Xu, Chao Ma, Li Cai, Jieyu Zhang, Jing Luo, Jingchao Li, Jianzhang Li, Sheldon Q. Shi, Qiang Gao
Summary: The development of underwater bonding materials using natural plant proteins, such as soy protein isolate, is a significant challenge. The synthesized USPI-CaO adhesive showed strong underwater adhesion and bonding performance to various materials in different aqueous environments, with potential applications in underwater 3D printing and fine machining. USPI-CaO also demonstrated antibacterial, mildew-resistant, and fire-resistant properties, making it versatile for applications in various fields.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chenchen Liao, Yingge Li, Meihuan Gao, Yurou Xia, Weihong Chai, Xinying Su, Zaihang Zheng, Yan Liu
Summary: This study presents a facile impregnation method to prepare superhydrophobic, fluorine-free and bio-based cotton fabrics with multi-functionality. By utilizing polydopamine as a binder and modifying with hydrophobic materials, the cotton fabrics exhibit excellent self-cleaning capability, oil-water separation efficiency, and flame-retardant properties. The fabrics maintain their superhydrophobic and flame-retardant properties even after several durability tests.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ouyang Yue, Xuechuan Wang, Xinhua Liu, Mengdi Hou, Manhui Zheng, Youyou Wang, Boqiang Cui
Summary: The multifunctional bio-inspired e-skin with high pressure sensitivity and humidity response, as well as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and breathability, shows great promise for practical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paramita Gayen, Somnath Jan, Nilkanta Chowdhury, Snehasish Ghosh, Monjuri Hembram, Angshuman Bagchi, Rituparna Sinha Roy
Summary: Developing non-immunogenic therapeutic biomolecules for facilitating blood clotting followed by wound healing via therapeutic angiogenesis is a formidable challenge. Advancements in stabilized growth-factor-based proangiogenic therapy offer effective possibilities for the treatment of ischemic pathology. Nature-inspired biocompatible stabilized peptide- and protein-based molecular medicines are being explored to address traumatic coagulopathy and impaired wound healing.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Letter
Chemistry, Organic
Na-Na Ma, Xuan-Bo Hu, Yuan-Shuai Wu, Ya-Wen Zheng, Mengtao Ma, Xue-Qiang Chu, Hao Xu, Haiqing Luo, Zhi-Liang Shen
Summary: A direct cross-coupling reaction of aryl thioether with aryl bromide was successfully achieved using nickel salt, magnesium, and lithium chloride as catalysts in tetrahydrofuran solvent at room temperature. The one-pot reactions efficiently cleaved the C-S bond, yielding the desired biaryls in moderate to good yields, without the need for pregenerated or commercial organometallic reagents.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lili Sun, Suzanne M. Adam, Walaa Mokdad, Rolf David, Anne Milet, Vincent Artero, Carole Duboc
Summary: A new heterobimetallic CoFe complex has been reported and compared with a series of related MFe complexes in terms of performance. It was found that although (CoFeII)-Fe-II is relatively easy to be reduced by one electron in terms of redox properties, it displays no significant electrocatalytic activity for H-2 production.
FARADAY DISCUSSIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Saravanakumar Elangovan, Elisabeth Irran, Hendrik F. T. Klare, Martin Oestreich
Summary: The synthesis and characterization of novel cationic cobalt-(III) thiolate complexes and their ability to promote cooperative, heterolytic Sn-H bond activation have been investigated. It was found that the least congested complex efficiently catalyzes the dehydrogenative homocoupling of nBu3SnH at room temperature.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elsa Walger, Nathalie Marlin, Gerard Mortha, Florian Molton, Carole Duboc
Summary: This study investigates the production of radicals by the H2O2/Cu-II-Phen system at near-neutral and alkaline pHs, demonstrating the enhancement of H2O2 decomposition by Phen tuning the electronic structure and structural properties of Cu-II complexes.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Ashta C. Ghosh, Carole Duboc, Marcello Gennari
Summary: Transition metal-driven small molecule activation is essential for the production of fuels and chemicals or energy supply. The use of multimetallic catalysts, where two or more metal centers act in synergy to activate and transform the substrate(s), is widespread both in nature (metalloenzymes) and (bio)inorganic chemistry. Benefits of this strategy in terms of catalytic performances result from cooperation between different metals to bind and activate a single substrate, to activate different substrates reacting together, or with one assisting metal tuning the reactivity of the active metal center.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Md Estak Ahmed, Dibyajyoti Saha, Lianke Wang, Marcello Gennari, Somdatta Ghosh Dey, Vincent Artero, Abhishek Dey, Carole Duboc
Summary: This study presents a bio-inspired FeFe electrocatalyst with a semi-bridging mu-CO ligand that is active and stable for H-2 evolution in acidic aqueous solutions after being adsorbed onto carbon-based electrodes, offering a promising alternative to platinum for Earth-abundant electrocatalysts.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Jeremy Domergue, Pawel Guinard, Magali Douillard, Jacques Pecaut, Olivier Proux, Colette Lebrun, Alan Le Goff, Pascale Maldivi, Pascale Delangle, Carole Duboc
Summary: This study reported a bioinspired Ni-II complex demonstrating SOD activity in water and revealed its reaction mechanism with O-2(center dot-) in acetonitrile. The research provides important insights for understanding the mechanism of NiSOD and its potential applications.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lili Sun, Suzanne M. Adam, Walaa Mokdad, Rolf David, Anne Milet, Vincent Artero, Carole Duboc
Summary: A new heterobimetallic CoFe complex has been reported and compared with a series of related MFe complexes in terms of performance. It was found that although (CoFeII)-Fe-II is relatively easy to be reduced by one electron in terms of redox properties, it displays no significant electrocatalytic activity for H-2 production.
FARADAY DISCUSSIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giulia Bonfant, Davide Balestri, Jacopo Perego, Angiolina Comotti, Silvia Bracco, Matthieu Koepf, Marcello Gennari, Luciano Marchio
Summary: Suitably functionalized porous matrices have been developed as versatile platforms for catalytic applications. In this study, porous organic polymers (POPs) with phosphine oxide groups were synthesized and used as electrocatalysts. The loaded polymers showed high efficiency for hydrogen evolution reaction, indicating their potential in electrochemical activation of small molecules.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Axel Almansa, Damien Jardel, Stephane Massip, Thierry Tassaing, Christophe Schatz, Jeremy Domergue, Florian Molton, Carole Duboc, Jean-Marc Vincent
Summary: By photolysis, the structurally defined complex [Ni-2(II)(mu-OH2)(dtbbpy)(2)(BPCO2)(4)] can be reduced into a diamagnetic Ni-I dimer or Ni-0 metallic nanosheets, which can catalyze cross-coupling reactions under specific conditions.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lili Sun, Carole Duboc, Kaiji Shen
Summary: This paper provides an update on the classification of bioinspired FeFe and NiFe (electro)catalysts, emphasizing the key features for optimal performance, including nearby electron reservoir, potential proton relay, and the presence of hydride species with specific structural and electronic properties.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Baptiste Abadie, Axel Almansa, Ouchan He, Stephane Massip, Florian Molton, Carole Duboc, Jean-Marc Vincent
Summary: In this study, a Ni(II) precatalyst with a benzophenone chromophore was used to catalyze the regioselective cycloaddition of alkynes and azides under UVA irradiation, resulting in the formation of 1,5-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles. The reaction exhibited high regioisomer selectivity, with 1,5:1,4 regioisomer ratios ranging from 1.7:1 to > 20:1. Speciation and reactivity studies suggested a Ni(I)/Ni(III) catalytic cycle for the reaction.
ADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jonathan De Tovar, Ashta C. Ghosh, Tom Di Santo, Mathieu Curtil, Dmitry Aldakov, Matthieu Koepf, Marcello Gennari
Summary: Immobilizing well-defined homogenous (electro)catalysts onto conductive supports is an attractive strategy for designing advanced functional materials for energy conversion. This study introduces a pyrene anchoring group on a PNP-pincer Ir-I complex and compares its CO2 reduction activity with two pyrene-free reference complexes in DMF/water mixtures. Surprisingly, all three catalysts produce HCOO- instead of CO as the main product in homogeneous conditions. After immobilization on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the complex is still capable of driving CO2 reduction and producing HCOO- with lower overpotential in aqueous media.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Jeireimy Domergue, Pawel Guinard, Magali Douillard, Jacques Pecaut, Sarah Hostachy, Olivier Proux, Colette Lebrun, Alan Le Goff, Pascale Maldivi, Carole Duboc, Pascale Delangle
Summary: To control the cellular level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevent pathologies related to oxidative stress, designing antioxidants based on natural enzymes involved in ROS degradation is a promising strategy. In this study, Ni complexes with tripeptides derived from the ATCUN motif were synthesized to mimic the active site of nickel superoxide dismutase (NiSOD). Six different Ni(II) complexes with various coordination modes were characterized and found to exhibit SOD-like activity. The complexes with equilibrium between N-coordination and S-coordination showed the highest efficiency, indicating the beneficial effect of a nearby proton relay. This study also demonstrated that two bound thiolates and two amidates are not prerequisites for the catalytic activity of NiSOD mimics.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Axel Almansa, Damien Jardel, Stephane Massip, Thierry Tassaing, Christophe Schatz, Jeremy Domergue, Florian Molton, Carole Duboc, Jean-Marc Vincent
Summary: In this study, a precatalytic system consisting of (NiX2)-X-II salts with a bipyridine-type ligand and aromatic carbonyl-based chromophores has been demonstrated to efficiently conduct cross-couplings mediated by light. Mechanistic studies revealed the reduction of a structurally defined complex into a Ni-I dimer in alcohols, while the formation of metallic ultrathin Ni nanosheets occurred in THF upon photolysis. The catalytic behavior of the system under UVA irradiation was also investigated, showing promising results in C(sp(3))-H arylation and O-arylation reactions.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jordan Mangue, Clement Gondre, Jacques Pecaut, Carole Duboc, Stephane Menage, Stephane Torelli
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)