Review
Environmental Sciences
Sandra Diaz, Yadvinder Malhi
Summary: This article synthesizes the literature on biodiversity, focusing on key concepts, debates, patterns, trends, and drivers. It covers a wide range of topics from the history and values of biodiversity to global patterns and drivers of biodiversity change throughout human history.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bulent G. Akinoglu, Bilge Tuncel, Viorel Badescu
Summary: The article provides a comprehensive overview of the history and classification of solar cells, highlighting the development of different generations of photovoltaic technologies. It points out that the current classification may not be appropriate given recent developments, calling for a more clear outlining of the categories.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Sheila Mary McSweeney, Robert Sarkany, Hiva Fassihi, Christos Tziotzios, John Alexander McGrath
Summary: Solar urticaria is a rare photodermatosis triggered by specific wavelengths of solar radiation, leading to rapid development of cutaneous symptoms. While a 'photoallergy' model has been proposed, recent observations challenge this explanation and highlight the need for a reevaluation of the disease pathogenesis in the context of contemporary scientific understanding.
EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Eldon R. Rene, Manivannan Sethurajan, Vinoth Kumar Ponnusamy, Gopalakrishnan Kumar, Thi Ngoc Bao Dung, Kathirvel Brindhadevi, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: E-waste poses a serious threat to the environment and human health, requiring enhanced regulation and management. Countries vary in their approaches to the generation, handling, and regulation of e-waste. New recycling methods and research suggest promising applications for extracting valuable resources from e-waste using biocatalysts.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mohaiyadeen Aliyar Farhana, Arumukham Manjceevan, Jayasundera Bandara
Summary: Although many environmentally friendly and non-toxic materials have been investigated for photovoltaic conversion (PVC) applications, Sb2S3 is the preferred material due to its optical response and electrical properties. However, its efficiency is lower than predicted, and this review aims to understand and improve current device performance by studying structural and morphological changes in Sb2S3 thin films. The research discusses the fundamental properties of Sb2S3 and how fabrication techniques and conditions affect solar cell performance.
JOURNAL OF SCIENCE-ADVANCED MATERIALS AND DEVICES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Yifan Xiao, Chuantian Zuo, Jun-Xing Zhong, Wu-Qiang Wu, Liang Shen, Liming Ding
Summary: This review introduces the blade-coating method for preparing large-area films, summarizes recent advances in blade-coated organic solar cells and perovskite solar cells, discusses the effects of blade parameters on the crystal growth of light-harvesting materials, and the limitations and advantages of making high-quality films via blade-coating. Finally, strategies for up-scaling solar cells via blade-coating are proposed.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tajammul Hussain, Ganga Jeena, Thanet Pitakbut, Nikolay Vasilev, Oliver Kayser
Summary: This review analyzed the historical transitions of cannabis research, from herbal medicine to illicit drug to legalized medicinal product, as well as the newage applications of cannabis extracts for treating COVID-19 inflammation. It also discussed the legal influences of cannabis cultivation on medicinal, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological research.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ghazanfar Nazir, Seul-Yi Lee, Jong-Hoon Lee, Adeela Rehman, Jung-Kun Lee, Sang Il Seok, Soo-Jin Park
Summary: This article discusses the role of electrode materials and interfaces in perovskite solar cells and their impact on power conversion efficiency and stability. It also presents the latest research progress in carbon-based perovskite solar cells as substitutes for noble metals, and explores the potential of flexible perovskite solar cells as high-power sources. Finally, the future directions and commercialization of perovskite solar cell research are discussed.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jianjun Li, Kaiwen Sun, Xiaojie Yuan, Jialiang Huang, Martin A. Green, Xiaojing Hao
Summary: Flexible photovoltaic technologies are increasingly in demand in modern and future society. Flexible kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)(4) (CZTSSe) has emerged as a potential 'green' photovoltaic material due to its abundance, low cost, stability, and high efficiency. This review discusses the recent progress, challenges, strategies, and future perspectives of flexible kesterite solar cells.
NPJ FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Alba Rocco, Costantino Sgamato, Debora Compare, Pietro Coccoli, Olga Maria Nardone, Gerardo Nardone
Summary: Hepatic encephalopathy, a severe complication of advanced liver disease and acute liver failure, ranges from minor cognitive dysfunctions to coma and significantly impacts patients' quality of life and mortality. The role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of HE is crucial, linking microbes, inflammation, and metabolic pathways. This connection offers promising therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of HE.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lujia Xu, Wenzhu Liu, Haohui Liu, Cangming Ke, Mingcong Wang, Chenlin Zhang, Erkan Aydin, Mohammed Al-Aswad, Konstantinos Kotsovos, Issam Gereige, Ahmed Al-Saggaf, Aqil Jamal, Xinbo Yang, Peng Wang, Frederic Laquai, Thomas G. Allen, Stefaan De Wolf
Summary: This study evaluates the economic impact of thermal effects on PV systems by establishing a temperature-dependent levelized cost of energy (LCOE) model and introducing a new metric, gamma. The investigation focuses on the root causes of heating in solar cells and modules, particularly in crystalline-Si (c-Si) PVs, to quantify ways to mitigate undesired heating effects.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luc Rochette, Geoffrey Dogon, Marianne Zeller, Yves Cottin, Catherine Vergely
Summary: GDF15, a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, is induced by injury and aging, and plays a role in inflammation and the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative processes. It functions as a heart-derived endocrine hormone with cardioprotective properties, and may serve as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Optics
Alejandro Aceves
Summary: This article presents the predictions of temporal optical solitons in 1973 by Hasegawa and Tappert, followed by advancements in spatial and discrete solitons in the following decade. It also discusses the perspectives and current research on topological photonics.
OPTICS COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anne-Laure Fameau, Bernard P. Binks
Summary: Surfactant crystals can stabilize liquid foams by adsorbing onto bubble surfaces, preventing coarsening and coalescence. Controlling the amount of crystals can lead to ultra-stable foams, while the melting of crystals allows for the design of thermoresponsive foams. The field is expected to grow in the coming years, contributing to the engineering of new soft materials for various applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marek Glowka, Tomasz Krawczyk
Summary: The production of 1,2-propanediol is facing significant challenges in the chemical industry due to the increasing demand and environmental regulations. The traditional method is energy intensive, therefore sustainable routes using renewable raw materials are becoming more attractive. This perspective reviews the current research and patents on 1,2-propanediol production, discussing alternative pathways, such as glycerol hydrogenolysis and biotechnological methods, and modern methods like chromium-free catalytic systems and multifunctional catalysts. Biobased 1,2-propanediol has the potential to replace traditional petroleum-derived 1,2-propanediol with environmental and economic benefits.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Benedikt Platzer, Basma Ghazal, Victor Marinas, Jorge Labella, M. Victoria Martinez-Diaz, Saad Maksheed, Dirk M. Guldi, Tomas Torres
Summary: This study reports the synthesis and photophysical characterization of a ZnPc-SubPc conjugate connected through a short-range alkyne spacer, confirming the occurrence of complete charge separation from a photoexcited charge transfer state.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nedjeljko Seselj, Silvia M. M. Alfaro, Eftychia Bompolaki, Lars N. N. Cleemann, Tomas Torres, Kobra Azizi
Summary: The constant increase in global emission standards has led to the importance of fuel cell (FC) technology. Research in the past two decades has focused on developing more active catalysts for high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC) and improving their durability. Two main approaches have been suggested: alloying platinum (Pt) with low-cost transition metals to reduce Pt usage, and developing novel catalyst supports to enhance metal particle anchoring and inhibit corrosion phenomena. This comprehensive review details the recent development of platinum group metal (PGM) and platinum group metal free (PGM-free) catalysts, as well as alternative carbon (C) supports for HT-PEMFCs.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marta Gomez-Gomez, Jorge Labella, Tomas Torres
Summary: This study presents the synthesis, electronic properties, and reactivity of borylated subphthalocyanines, which are prepared via Suzuki-Miyaura borylation with high yields. These compounds are easily purified, exhibit excellent stability, and serve as powerful starting materials for post-functionalization of SubPcs. This novel approach is more efficient than existing methods and enables the preparation of exotic SubPc dimeric species with promising properties for optoelectronic devices.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Gonzalo Duran-Sampedro, Evelyn Y. Xue, Marta Moreno-Simoni, Celia Paramio, Tomas Torres, Dennis K. P. Ng, Gema de la Torre
Summary: Pt(II)-BODIPY complexes combine the chemotherapeutic activity of Pt(II) with the photocytotoxicity of BODIPYs. Additional conjugation with targeting ligands can boost the uptake by cancer cells that overexpress the corresponding receptors. Both Pt(II) triangles, 1 and 2, built with pyridyl BODIPYs functionalized with glucose or triethylene glycol methyl ether, showed higher singlet oxygen quantum yields and cellular uptake compared to non-functionalized BODIPYs.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Henrik Gotfredsen, Dominik Thiel, Phillip M. Greibel, Lan Chen, Marcel Krug, Ilias Papadopoulos, Michael J. Ferguson, Mogens Brondsted Nielsen, Tomas Torres, Timothy Clark, Dirk M. Guldi, Rik R. Tykwinski
Summary: This study investigates the influence of sensitizer-chromophore geometry on the separation of singlet excited states into triplet excited states. Two conjugates with different arrangements were synthesized and compared. The results show that the energy transfer rate is 26 times faster in the peripheral arrangement, even though the chromophores are farther apart. This rate acceleration is attributed to the more favorable relative orientation of the transition dipole moments in the peripheral structure. These findings are of significant importance for solar energy research.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jorge Labella, Tomas Torres
Summary: Subphthalocyanines (SubPcs) have been extensively researched due to their unique properties, rich chemistry, and wide applicability. Significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular structure-property relationship of SubPcs and implementing them in advanced technological devices. However, SubPcs still have untapped potential more than 50 years after their discovery. In this short review, we highlight the main trends in SubPc chemistry, with a focus on their use as molecular materials.
TRENDS IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ainhoa Salazar, Marta Moreno-Simoni, Sunit Kumar, Jorge Labella, Tomas Torres, Gema de la Torre
Summary: This study introduces a supramolecular cage that acts as a catalytic molecular reactor for transformations over fullerenes in aqueous medium. The cage, based on metallo-organic Pd(II)-subphthalocyanine, facilitates Diels-Alder reactions between C60 and anthracene with high regioselectivity. Catalytic turnover is achieved by the lower stability of the host:guest complex with the resulting C60 cycloadduct, allowing for better conversions in the hydrophobic environment provided by the cage.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Evgenii N. Ivanov, Veronica Almeida-Marrero, Oskar I. Koifman, Viktor V. Aleksandriiskii, Tomas Torres, Mikhail K. Islyaikin
Summary: New substituted [30]trithiadodecaazahexaphyrines (hemihexaphyrazines) were synthesized by a crossover condensation of 2,5-diamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole with 4-chloro-5-(2,6-diisopropylphenoxy)- or 4,5-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenoxy)phthalonitriles. The compounds were characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Anna-Sophie Wollny, Giulia Lavarda, Ilias Papadopoulos, Ismael Lopez-Duarte, Henrik Gotfredsen, Yuxuan Hou, Rik R. Tykwinski, Tomas Torres, Dirk M. Guldi
Summary: In this study, the energy donor BODIPY is combined with pentacene dimer to form a conjugate BODIPYPnc(2) that can absorb a broad range of solar spectrum. Upon photoexcitation, the singlet excited state energy of BODIPY is transferred to the pentacene dimer through FRET, and then the pentacene dimer undergoes singlet fission. The results indicate that solvent polarity affects the system, with the highest FRET rate and triplet quantum yield obtained in the most polar solvent benzonitrile.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Jose Garcia-Calvo, Rosemary R. Cranston, Ismael Lopez-Duarte, Tomas Torres, Benoit H. Lessard
Summary: This article discusses the synthesis and implementation of two novel ruthenium phthalocyanine derivatives in organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). One derivative showed promising performance, while the other did not. This study provides a promising starting point for the future development of ruthenium phthalocyanine electronic devices.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Irene Paramio, Ainhoa Salazar, Mireia Jorda-Redondo, Santi Nonell, Tomas Torres, Gema de la Torre
Summary: In this study, the authors demonstrated the ability of amphiphilic Phthalocyanine (Pc) photosensitizers (PS) to assemble into cationic nanoparticles in water and effectively kill bacterial strains through photoinactivation. The stability and characteristics of the PS nanoparticles were investigated using various spectroscopic and imaging techniques. Among the synthesized PS, PS1 showed the highest efficacy in killing both gram-positive S. aureus and gram-negative E. coli, potentially due to its lower stability and ability to recover the photophysical properties of the non-aggregated species after binding to the bacteria surface.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jorge Labella, Kazutaka Shoyama, David Guzman, Tim Schembri, Matthias Stolte, Tomas Torres, Frank Wuerthner
Summary: Imide-fused porphyrinoid compounds with naphthalimide were synthesized as NIR-absorbing n-type organic semiconductors. Two different synthetic routes were used, including an annulation reaction between a boronic ester and dibromo-NMI, and a cyclotrimerization of NMI-fused phthalonitrile. The N-alkyl substituted derivative was utilized as a nonfullerene acceptor in organic solar cells, achieving a highest power conversion efficiency of 7.0%.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jorge Labella, Deb Kumar Bhowmick, Anil Kumar, Ron Naaman, Tomas Torres
Summary: High spin polarization (SP) in studies of chiral induced spin selectivity (CISS) is achieved through proper organization of chiral molecules using anchoring groups or complex supramolecular polymers. A new class of spin filters based on bowl-shaped aromatics show high-quality thin-film formation through simple spin-coating and exhibit high spin filtering properties. Devices containing enantiopure tribromo-subphthalocyanines (SubPcs) demonstrate well-ordered chiral structures and achieve high SPs comparable to current complex methodologies, opening up new possibilities for realistic and efficient spintronic devices based on the CISS effect.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giulia Lavarda, Jorge Labella, M. Victoria Martinez-Diaz, M. Salome Rodriguez-Morgade, Atsuhiro Osuka, Tomas Torres
Summary: The study of subporphyrinoids is a rapidly expanding research area with potential applications in various fields. To fully utilize their functionalities, the development of novel synthesis methods and a deep understanding of their supramolecular organization are crucial. This review summarizes the recent advances in subporphyrinoids, highlighting their versatility and promising applications.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jan Joseph, Leandro M. O. Lourenco, Joao P. C. Tome, Tomas Torres, Dirk M. Guldi
Summary: Controlling the molecular architecture of organic building blocks and linking their functionalities with solar-light converting systems is a challenge in materials science. In this study, versatile organic molecules were used as building blocks and their charge transfer characteristics were investigated.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dan He, Yawen Li, Fuwen Zhao, Yuze Lin
Summary: High trap density in organic solar cells leads to localized charge carriers and reduced carrier lifetime, limiting device efficiency. This feature article summarizes the recent advances of trap suppression by material design and device engineering.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Olivier Monfort, Arshitha Madhusudhan, Martin Motola
Summary: This article presents the advantages of coupling photocatalysis and Fenton-based processes for environmental remediation and discusses their synergy. It critically examines the simultaneous triggering of these two processes and provides insights into research approaches. The study aims to enhance understanding of this complex process and highlight the potential integration of new catalysts in current wastewater treatment technology.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manideepa Dhar, Chittaranjan Mishra, Avijit Das, Uttam Manna
Summary: An approach of 'polymerization of monomers in its aggregated form' has been introduced to tailor the water wettability of fibrous and porous substrates, achieving hydrophobicity to superhydrophobicity transition, as well as patterned wettability. This facile chemical method provides a durable coating with adjustable and patterned wettability for various potential applications.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Saswat Ranjan Bhoi, Chhanda Debnath, Shikha Gandhi
Summary: In this article, a novel catalytic reaction using Pd(0) and Bronsted acid is reported for the synthesis of biologically important imidazolidinone-fused N-heterocycles through redox-neutral intramolecular N-allylation of indoles and pyrroles with alkynes. This atom-economical method is applicable to a wide range of substrates and eliminates the need for leaving groups or oxidizing agents commonly used in traditional allylation reactions.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Longkun Chen, Mingshuai Zhang, Meichen Liu, Zhuoyuan Liu, Yuetong Qiu, Zhilai Zhang, Fuchao Yu, Jiuzhong Huang
Summary: In this study, an efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed selective mono- and dual-C-H bond functionalization/cyclization with iodonium ylide as the sole coupling partner was demonstrated. Fused benzodiazepine skeletons were obtained in excellent yields, providing an improved approach to dual C-H unsymmetrical functionalization.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alice Kennett, Sven Epple, Gabriella van der Valk, Irene Georgiou, Evelyne Gout, Romain R. Vives, Angela J. Russell
Summary: This study presents the design and synthesis of sulfated disaccharide inhibitors based on IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S), which showed potent inhibition of Sulf-2. The results suggest that IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S) is the shortest fragment size required for effective inhibition of Sulfs, and a trisulfated disaccharide is identified as the minimal fragment size of heparan sulfate for effective endosulfatase inhibition.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mauro Garbini, Andrea Brunetti, Riccardo Pedrazzani, Magda Monari, Massimo Marcaccio, Giulio Bertuzzi, Marco Bandini
Summary: The self-adaptability of galvanostatic electrolysis was found to be helpful in a multistage chemo- and diastereoselective electrochemically promoted cyclodimerization of chalcones. Through a series of reductive events, densely functionalized cyclopentanes with five contiguous stereocenters were obtained (25 examples, yields up to 95%, dr values up to >20:1). Further experimental and electrochemical investigations indicated the crucial role of dynamic kinetic resolution of the aldol intermediate in the reaction mechanism.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dhananjay S. Nipate, Neha Meena, Prakash N. Swami, Krishnan Rangan, Anil Kumar
Summary: In this study, the synthesis of functionalized benzo[a]phenazines and indazolo[2,3-a]quinolines was achieved through Rh(III)-catalyzed oxidative annulation of 2-arylquinoxalines and 2-aryl-2H-indazoles with allyl alcohols. The method showed a wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, good to high yields of annulated products, and the capability for scaled-up synthesis. A tentative mechanism of the annulation reaction was proposed based on a preliminary mechanistic investigation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruonan Zhang, Abudukadi Tudi, Xia Yang, Xuping Wang, Zhihua Yang, Shujuan Han, Shilie Pan
Summary: A new lead tellurium borate material with a unique fundamental building block [B4O10] was synthesized and found to exhibit high birefringence. The structure-property relationship was discussed using first-principles calculations.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amresh Kumar Singh, Baishali Thakurta, Anupam Giri, Monalisa Pal
Summary: This study introduces three key concepts for the quick synthesis of large-scale high-quality 2D materials films and their utilization in device fabrication.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reina Hagiwara, Shun Nishimura, Kosuke Okeyoshi
Summary: A copolymer-conjugated nanocatalytic system has been developed to improve electron transfer and enhance photoinduced H2 generation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)