Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel A. Decato, Asia Marie S. Riel, James H. May, Vyacheslav S. Bryantsev, Orion B. Berryman
Summary: This paper experimentally quantifies a Hydrogen Bond-Enhanced Halogen Bond (HBeXB) for the first time, showing that electron-rich halogen bond donors are strengthened most by an adjacent hydrogen bond, and stronger hydrogen bond donors enhance the halogen bond the most. X-ray crystal structures and F-19 NMR titrations support the findings, laying the foundation for future studies on hydrogen bonds and halogen bonds in close proximity.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Elisa Calabrese, Liberata Guadagno, Marialuigia Raimondo, Andrea Sorrentino, Simona Russo, Pasquale Longo, Annaluisa Mariconda
Summary: This study reports the synthesis and characterization of PEGMA-based copolymers incorporating different percentages of HEMA-UPy and evaluates their thermal properties and healing efficiency. The results show that increasing the amount of HEMA-UPy moiety leads to slight changes in glass transition temperature and significant changes in crystallization and melting temperatures. Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrates the ability of the copolymer to recover its original storage modulus values.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Shen, Ruijuan Ye, Zhiwei Liu, Huaqiang Zeng
Summary: This study introduces a novel biomimetic channel system that can replicate the high selectivity and permeation rate of natural protein channels. These artificial channels demonstrate high selectivity and fast proton transport rate, and utilize a unique proton transport mechanism to facilitate transmembrane flux.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nans Roques, Anthony Tovar-Molle, Carine Duhayon, Stephane Brandes, Alex Spiess, Christoph Janiak, Jean-Pascal Sutter
Summary: Five isostructural microporous supramolecular architectures with different R groups were obtained by H-bonded assembly, and a three-component H-bonded porous framework was successfully achieved using a mixture of tripodal cations with different R groups. The materials have pore diameters ranging from 3.0 to 8.5 angstrom and the sorption properties are influenced by the R groups.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Filip Perlitius, Anna Walczak, Miroslava Conkova, Grzegorz Markiewicz, Jack Harrowfield, Artur R. Stefankiewicz
Summary: This study investigates the non-covalent aggregation of four benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) derivatives formed from glycine or L-valine esters in both solid-state and chloroform solution. The study reveals the significant role of the steric bulk of the C-terminus protecting group in supramolecular aggregation in the solid-state and highlights the essential influence of substituent steric bulk on the nature and stability of BTA aggregates in distinct phases.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yutaka Ohsedo
Summary: Low-molecular-weight hydrogelators containing stearoyl, glycine, and D-glucamine moieties with or without methyl groups were synthesized to prepare chemically tuned molecular hydrogels. The role of hydrogen bonding in hydrogel formation was evaluated by synthesizing hydrogelators with or without methyl groups at their N-H in amide groups, resulting in the formation of fiber in molecular hydrogels. The obtained hydrogels exhibited improved thixotropic performance with tunable softness, and the thixotropic cycles depended on the methyl substitution positions in the hydrogelators. Chemical modification to change the positions of hydrogen bonds allowed for tuning of the mechanical properties of molecular gels.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Erez Cohen, Liat Avram, Elena Poverenov
Summary: This study suggests using non-covalent supramolecular interactions to improve the mechanical and barrier properties of nature-sourced polymers. By controlling the modification of chitosan, biopolymers with tailored thermal, mechanical, and surface properties can be obtained. These findings have the potential to become a method for the formation of high-performance biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based polymers, with applications in packaging, food, agriculture, and medicine.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Satoru Takeshita, Shanyu Zhao, Wim J. Malfait, Matthias M. Koebel
Summary: Chitosan, derived from food waste, is a biopolymer with high biocompatibility and easy chemical processability. Porous chitosan materials vary widely in properties, from supercritically dried mesoporous chitosan aerogels to very light freeze-dried macroporous scaffolds. Despite impressive performance at the laboratory scale, the highly porous nature of chitosan amplifies both its beneficial functionality and drawbacks, posing serious barriers to industrialization.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Vaishali Singh, Shubhra Kala, Tanmay Rom, Avijit Kumar Paul, Rampal Pandey
Summary: A new preparation method for a bidentate N,O-donor Schiff base fluorescent ligand and its complexes with Ni(ii) and Zn(ii) was illustrated. The structure of the ligand and one complex was determined by X-ray single crystal analysis. The ligand formed a mechanically stable Ni(ii)-gel, which exhibited reversible ON-OFF-ON fluorescence switching behavior in the presence of Zn2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiang Lin, Bohan Kou, Jinlian Cao, Peimin Weng, Xiaosheng Yan, Zhao Li, Yun-Bao Jiang
Summary: The formation of orthogonal homochiral supramolecular helices is proposed as a method to achieve spontaneous resolution, and chiral resolution is successfully achieved through the introduction of acetylalanine as the building block and a halogen atom.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Borui Zhang, Nethmi De Alwis Watuthanthrige, Shiwanka V. Wanasinghe, Saadyah Averick, Dominik Konkolewicz
Summary: Dynamic materials, or dynamers, have diverse applications in sustainable materials, advanced materials, and biomedical agents. Comprised of polymers with reversible bonds, the stability and dynamic properties of these materials are determined by the nature of the linker. Combining multiple dynamic linkers can introduce complementary functionalities and enhance material properties.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luka Dordevic, Hiroaki Sai, Yang Yang, Nicholas A. Sather, Liam C. Palmer, Samuel I. Stupp
Summary: This study reports on the synthesis, optoelectronic and electrochemical properties, aqueous supramolecular polymerization, and conductivity of polycyclic aromatic dicarboximide amphiphiles. The introduction of heterocycles, such as thiophene, pyridine or pyrrole rings, in the chemical structure of the model perylene monoimide amphiphile led to supramolecular polymerization in water. The presence of sulfur atoms in the thiophene-containing monomer resulted in crystalline nanoribbons with significantly higher electrical conductivity.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zaoming Wang, Gavin A. Craig, Alexandre Legrand, Frederik Haase, Saori Minami, Kenji Urayama, Shuhei Furukawa
Summary: Introduction of porosity into supramolecular gels endows soft materials with functionalities for molecular encapsulation, release, separation and conversion. Most of the materials can only be synthesized in organic solvents, and the examples of porous, MOP-based hydrogels are scarce. Gas sorption measurements confirmed the permanent porosity of the corresponding aerogels obtained from these MOP-based hydrogels, showing potentials for applications in gas sorption and catalysis.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhuo-Qin Wang, Xin Wang, Ying-Wei Yang
Summary: The design and synthesis of supramolecular polymers based on pillararenes have advanced the fields of supramolecular chemistry and polymer science. This review summarizes recent progress in the design, synthesis, and applications of pillararene-based supramolecular polymers (PSPs) as adsorption and separation materials. The review discusses the performance evaluation, topology classification, and challenges in functional supramolecular polymeric adsorbents. The future perspectives of PSPs for separation-based materials science are also explored.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicolas A. Grosso-Giordano, Christian Schroeder, Le Xu, Andrew Solovyov, David W. Small, Hubert Koller, Stacey I. Zones, Alexander Katz
Summary: This study investigates the interaction between a molecule and a pore mouth by characterizing the conformation of a macrocyclic calix[4]arene-Ti-IV complex grafted on the external surface of a zeotype. The unique conformation of the complex is detected when grafted at crystallographically equivalent locations, revealing how the surrounding environment controls this confinement. Overall, the study provides insights into the essential intermediate for adsorption processes and demonstrates the sensitivity of the confinement control.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abdalghani Daaoub, James M. F. Morris, Vanessa A. Beland, Paul Demay-Drouhard, Amaar Hussein, Simon J. J. Higgins, Hatef Sadeghi, Richard J. J. Nichols, Andrea Vezzoli, Thomas Baumgartner, Sara Sangtarash
Summary: Most studies in the field of molecular electronics have focused on modifying the backbone of the molecular wire to adjust the electrical properties of the entire junction. However, the impact of the chemical structure of the anchor groups on the electronic structure and conductance of the system is often overlooked. In this study, we synthesized electron-accepting dithienophosphole oxide derivatives and constructed single-molecule junctions. Our findings revealed that the anchor group significantly affects charge-transport efficiency, with electron-deficient 4-pyridyl contacts suppressing conductance and electron-rich 4-thioanisole termini promoting efficient transport. Our calculations attribute this phenomenon to subtle changes in charge distribution at the electrode interface.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Joshua Humphreys, C. Elizabeth Killalea, Flavia Pop, E. Stephen Davies, Giuliano Siligardi, David B. Amabilino
Summary: Chiral diketopyrrolopyrroles functionalized with enantiomeric ethyl lactate via ether linkage to the aryl backbone were successfully synthesized using the Mitsunobu reaction. These molecules exhibit good solubility and excellent optical properties, including high molar absorption coefficients and fluorescence quantum yields. They form helical aggregates with circular dichroism in solution and thin films, and also display circularly polarized luminescence (g(lum) approx. +/- 0.1). The molecules can self-assemble into monolayers on graphite and form supramolecular twisted tapes hundreds of microns long upon precipitation from solution.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Songbai Zhang, Vega Lloveras, Yufei Wu, Juan Tolosa, Joaquin C. Garcia-Martinez, Jose Vidal-Gancedo
Summary: Dual or multimodal imaging probes, such as metal-free organic species based on dendrimers, have been developed as powerful tools for disease diagnosis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical fluorescence imaging (OFI). In this study, six radical dendrimers were synthesized and characterized, demonstrating their paramagnetic properties for MRI contrast generation and fluorescence emission. This represents a significant development in the field of macromolecules with bimodal magnetic and fluorescent properties using organic radicals as the magnetic probe.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jordan C. Potts, Akhil Jain, David B. Amabilino, Frankie J. Rawson, Lluisa Perez-Garcia
Summary: Multifunctional gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have vast potential in various fields including sensing, imaging, delivery, and medicine. However, accurately quantifying surface conjugated molecules on multifunctional AuNPs has been challenging. In this study, a new method based on UV-visible absorption spectrum analysis was developed to calculate the precise concentration and number of specific molecules bound to each AuNP. This method provides valuable information for applications in drug delivery and biosensors.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David Jago, David C. Milan, Alexandre N. Sobolev, Simon J. Higgins, Andrea Vezzoli, Richard J. Nichols, George A. Koutsantonis
Summary: The modification of conjugated organic compounds with organometallic moieties allows the modulation of their properties and enables various material applications. In this study, organometallic complexes modified with an indole ligand were prepared and characterized. The indole ligand showed Lewis base properties and could extract a proton from a vinylidene intermediate and coordinate to CuI. However, molecular junction formation was not observed in wire-like compounds, possibly due to the binding characteristics of the indole groups used.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Angel Perez del Pino, Pablo Garcia Lebiere, Alifhers Mestra, Eniko Gyorgy, Carlos Garcia Lopez, Wolfgang Bacsa, Constantin Logofatu
Summary: The development of new synthetic methods is crucial for the versatile production of complex multi-component electrodes for supercapacitors. The reactive inverse matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (RIMAPLE) technique has potential in depositing complex functional nanocomposites in a simple way. This study successfully obtained hybrid supercapacitor electrodes composed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) decorated with a variety of cerium and manganese oxide nanoparticles using RIMAPLE targets. The post-annealing treatments led to a further reduction of rGO and CNTs, as well as changes in the oxidation states of the Ce and Mn oxides, resulting in a significant increase in electrode capacitance.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaohang Qiao, Andrea Vezzoli, Shaun Smith, Simon J. Higgins, Ross J. Davidson, Andrew Beeby, Richard J. Nichols
Summary: The choice of the environment surrounding a molecular junction is crucial for its charge-transport properties. In this study, we evaluated the deep eutectic solvent mixture ethaline for fabricating single-molecule junctions. Ethaline provided improved solvation capabilities and efficient electrical coupling, and also allowed for electrostatic gating to modulate the conductance of the junction.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jordan C. Potts, Akhil Jain, David B. Amabilino, Frankie J. Rawson, Lluisa Perez-Garcia
Summary: This study presents a new method based on UV-visible absorption spectrum to accurately calculate the concentration and number of molecules bound to multifunctional AuNPs. The method is able to reveal the precise binding situation of Cyt C and Zn Porph molecules with each multifunctional AuNP, providing valuable information for applications in drug delivery and biosensors.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joaquin Llacer-Wintle, Jan Renz, Lukas Hertle, Andrea Veciana, Denis von Arx, Jiang Wu, Pere Bruna, Marija Vukomanovic, Josep Puigmarti-Luis, Bradley J. Nelson, Xiang-Zhong Chen, Salvador Pane
Summary: Magnetoelectricity allows solid-state materials to generate electricity under magnetic fields. A new magnetopyroelectric (MPE) effect is demonstrated in nanostructured composites of magnetic and pyroelectric materials. The composites consist of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles dispersed in a ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) matrix. This new approach provides an opportunity to develop magnetoelectric materials for various applications.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Michael Clarke, Abigail Bellamy-Carter, Ferdinando Malagreca, Jack Hart, Stephen P. Argent, James N. O'Shea, David B. Amabilino, Alex Saywell
Summary: The incorporation of organic semiconducting materials within solid-state electronic devices is important for highly efficient photovoltaics, transistors, and light emitting diodes. This study focuses on the formation of a polymer based on a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) monomer unit, which is synthesized on a surface and possesses aryl-halide groups for covalent coupling. The self-assembly of both the monomer material and the domains of polymeric material are investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
MOLECULAR SYSTEMS DESIGN & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
P. Zhou, X. Qiao, D. C. Milan, S. J. Higgins, A. Vezzoli, R. J. Nichols
Summary: The electrical properties of large area molecular devices containing gold nanoparticles (GNPs) sandwiched between a double layer of alkanedithiol linkers have been investigated. It was found that the electrical conductance of the composite material is higher than that of the thinner single alkanedithiol material. This enhanced conductance may be attributed to the assembly or structure of the devices, which provide more efficient electron transport pathways without causing short circuits.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Raana Mahmoodi, Mir Ghasem Hosseini, Saeid Abrari, Richard J. Nichols
Summary: In this study, a new type of catalyst M@Pd/N was synthesized and studied, and it was used for the first time in formate-hydrogen peroxide fuel cells (DFHPFCs). It was found that replacing Co with Ni in the core and using rGO as the catalyst support significantly improved the catalytic performance.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yinqi Fan, Shuhui Tao, Sylvain Pitie, Chenguang Liu, Chun Zhao, Mahamadou Seydou, Yannick J. Dappe, Paul J. Low, Richard J. Nichols, Li Yang
Summary: This article discusses the significance of quantum interference on molecular conductance and elucidates the impact of different electrode materials and anchor groups on molecular conductance.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhongnan Duan, Joseph Phillips, Letizia Liiro-Peluso, Simon Woodward, Oleg Makarovsky, Michael P. Weir, H. Jessica Pereira, David B. Amabilino
Summary: The preparation and properties of conducting polymers comprising poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and carrageenan are described. The aim is to provide alternative and sustainable materials that can complement existing conducting polymers. The materials were prepared using chemical oxidation and show good conductivity and thermoelectric properties.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Elloise Z. Matthews, Stuart Lanham, Kate White, Maria-Eleni Kyriazi, Konstantina Alexaki, Afaf H. El-Sagheer, Tom Brown, Antonios G. Kanaras, Jonathan West, Ben D. MacArthur, Patrick S. Stumpf, Richard O. C. Oreffo
Summary: Researchers have developed a new method to isolate and enrich skeletal stem cells from human bone marrow, which have the potential to differentiate into bone, cartilage, and fat cells. This study provides valuable insights for further understanding and utilization of these stem cells.
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING
(2023)
