9 research outputs found
Weak Interaction Activates Esters: Reconciling Catalytic Activity and Turnover Contradiction by Tailored Chalcogen Bonding
The
activation of esters by strong Lewis acids via the formation
of covalent adducts is a classic strategy to give reactivity; however,
this approach frequently incurs limited turnover due to the low efficiency
in the dissociation of catalyst from a stable catalyst-product complex.
While the use of some weak interaction catalysts that can easily dissociate
from any bonding complexes in the reaction system would solve this
catalyst turnover problem, the poor catalytic activity in the ester
activation that can be provided by these noncovalent forces in turn
sets up a formidable challenge. Herein, we describe the activation
and catalytic transformation of esters by weak interactions, which
provides a promising platform to reconcile the catalytic activity
and turnover problems. Several tailored chalcogen-bonding catalysts
were developed for the activation of esters, enabling achieving several
inherently low reactive Diels–Alder reactions as well as the
ring-opening polymerization of lactones through weak chalcogen bonding
interactions. This supramolecular catalysis approach is particularly
highlighted by its capability to promote some uncommon Diels–Alder
reactions involving using dienes bearing electron-withdrawing groups
coupled by α,β-unsaturated ester as dienophiles and substrate
incorporating competitive Lewis basic sites, in which typical strong
Lewis acids showed low catalytic efficiency, while representative
hydrogen and halogen bonding catalysts were inactive
Ion Implantation-Modified Fluorine-Doped Tin Oxide by Zirconium with Continuously Tunable Work Function and Its Application in Perovskite Solar Cells
In recent years,
perovskite solar cells have drawn a widespread attention. As an electrode
material, fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) is widely used in various
kinds of solar cells. However, the relatively low work function (WF)
(∼4.6 eV) limits its application. The potential barrier between
the transparent conductive oxide electrode and the hole transport
layer (HTL) in inverted perovskite solar cells results in a decrease
in device performance. In this paper, we propose a method to adjust
WF of FTO by implanting zirconium ions into the FTO surface. The WF
of FTO can be precisely and continuously tuned between 4.59 and 5.55
eV through different dopant concentration of zirconium. In the meantime,
the modified FTO, which had a WF of 5.1 eV to match well the highest
occupied molecular orbital energy level of polyÂ(3,4-ethylenedioxylenethiophene):polystyrene
sulfonate, was used as the HTL in inverted planar perovskite solar
cells. Compared with the pristine FTO electrode-based device, the
open circuit voltage increased from 0.82 to 0.91 V, and the power
conversion efficiency increased from 11.6 to 14.0%
Fabrication of Breathable Multifunctional On-Skin Electronics Based on Tunable Track-Etched Membranes
The
on-skin electronics have been extensively studied in various
applications such as human–machine interfaces, intelligent
prostheses, and health monitoring. However, the current research on
flexible electronics tends to focus largely on improving flexibility,
functionality, and stability while overlooking the physiological comfort.
Therefore, it is necessary to develop a flexible, permeable material
and structure to improve long-term wearing comfort for on-skin electronics.
Here, the fabrication of breathable multifunctional on-skin electronics
based on highly flexible and tunable track-etched membranes is reported.
The track-etched membranes are fabricated by a state-of-the-art ion
bombardment strategy and feature a smooth surface and unique pore
structure regarding precisely tunable pore size and pore density,
which offer simultaneously controllable permeability, high functionality,
and durability. The track-etched membrane with a pore size of 12.63
μm exhibits an ultrahigh air permeability (190.6 mm s–1) and moisture permeability (2051 g m–2 day–1). Finally, highly flexible and breathable pressure
sensors and bioelectric electrodes based on track-etched membranes
with advanced thermoregulation are proposed for continuous monitoring
of motion and physiological signals
Phenothiazine-Based 2D Covalent Organic Framework for Efficient Visible-Light-Induced Free Radical Polymerization
Phenothiazine derivatives have attracted
tremendous research attention
due to their rich redox-active properties. In this work, a phenothiazine-based,
highly crystalline, and two-dimensional covalent organic framework
(PTz-An-COF) was developed. PTz-An-COF exhibited a low bandgap of
1.92 eV with a broad visible-light absorption. Interestingly, PTz-An-COF
can serve as an efficient photoinitiator for visible-light-induced
radical polymerization of methyl acrylate. Remarkably, PTz-An-COF
as a photoinitiator can be easily recycled and maintains the same
catalytic activity as that of pristine PTz-An-COF. This work provides
new insights into the development of high-performance heterogeneous
photocatalysts for radical polymerization
Natural Particulates Inspired Specific-Targeted Codelivery of siRNA and Paclitaxel for Collaborative Antitumor Therapy
The
effective combination of drugs promoting antiangiogenesis and
apoptosis effects has proven to be a promising collaborative tumor
antidote; and the codelivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and
chemotherapy agents within one efficient vehicle has gained more attention
over single regimen administration. Herein, vascular endothelial growth
factor specific siRNA (siVEGF) and paclitaxel (PTX) were introduced
as therapeutic companions and coencapsulated into naturally mimic
high-density lipoproteins (rHDL/siVEGF-PTX), so that various mechanisms
of treatment can occur simultaneously. The terminal nanoparticles
share capacity of specific-targeting to tumor cells overexpressed
scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and deliver siVEGF and PTX
into cytoplasm by a nonendocytosis mechanism. By exchanging HDL core
lipids with hydrophobic therapeutics, rHDL/siVEGF-PTX possessed particle
size of ∼160 nm, surface potential of ∼−20 mV,
and desirable long-term storage stability. <i>In vitro</i> results confirmed that the parallel activity of siVEGF and PTX displayed
enhanced anticancer efficacy. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration
(IC<sub>50</sub>) of rHDL/siVEGF-PTX toward human breast cancer MCF-7
cell is 0.26 μg/mL (PTX concentration), which presents a 14.96-fold
increase in cytotoxicity by taking Taxol as comparison. Moreover, <i>in vivo</i> results further demonstrated that rHDL/siVEGF-PTX
performed enhanced tumor growth inhibition via natural targeting pathway,
accompanied by remarkable inhibition of neovascularization <i>in situ</i> caused by siVEGF silencing in down-regulation of
VEGF proteins. On the premise of effective drug codelivery, rHDL/siVEGF-PTX
demonstrated high tumor targeting for collaborative antitumor efficacy
without side effects after systemic administration, and this bioinspired
strategy could open an avenue for exploration of combined anticancer
therapy
PVDF Nanofiber Modified with ZnO Nanowires/Polydopamine for the Treatment of Sewage Containing Heavy Metals, Organic Dyes, and Bacteria
In various countries worldwide, the
issue of wastewater contamination
poses a significant threat due to its intricate composition of heavy
metals, organic dyes, and microorganisms, thereby complicating the
purification process. Consequently, researchers have expressed considerable
interest in materials capable of eliminating organic, heavy metal,
and microbial pollutants. This study focuses on the fabrication of
a water purification membrane (PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF) with a hierarchical
structure and the ability to remove multiple pollutants. The membrane
was created by modifying poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofiber
with zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO-NWs) and reinforcing it with polydopamine
(PDA). The experimental results demonstrate that the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF
membrane exhibits a range of functionalities, including long-lasting
superhydrophilicity, Cu(II) adsorption, photocatalytic degradation,
and antibacterial ability. The manipulation of the DA synthesis procedure
allows for the adjustment of the wettability, adsorption, and photocatalytic
and antibacterial activities of the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite. According
to the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum Cu(II) adsorption capacity of
the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF membrane is determined to be 65.75 mg/g, which
is significantly higher (27.26 mg/g) than that of the ZnO-NWs/PVDF
membrane (38.49 mg/g). The PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite exhibited a
notable degradation capacity toward rhodamine B under natural sunlight,
reaching a maximum of 5.97 mg/g. Additionally, the degradation rate
achieved during daylight hours was as high as 90.42%. Furthermore,
the antibacterial efficacy of the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite against
both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria approached 100%. This
work presents a promising approach for the treatment of wastewater
containing various coexisting contaminants
PVDF Nanofiber Modified with ZnO Nanowires/Polydopamine for the Treatment of Sewage Containing Heavy Metals, Organic Dyes, and Bacteria
In various countries worldwide, the
issue of wastewater contamination
poses a significant threat due to its intricate composition of heavy
metals, organic dyes, and microorganisms, thereby complicating the
purification process. Consequently, researchers have expressed considerable
interest in materials capable of eliminating organic, heavy metal,
and microbial pollutants. This study focuses on the fabrication of
a water purification membrane (PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF) with a hierarchical
structure and the ability to remove multiple pollutants. The membrane
was created by modifying poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofiber
with zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO-NWs) and reinforcing it with polydopamine
(PDA). The experimental results demonstrate that the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF
membrane exhibits a range of functionalities, including long-lasting
superhydrophilicity, Cu(II) adsorption, photocatalytic degradation,
and antibacterial ability. The manipulation of the DA synthesis procedure
allows for the adjustment of the wettability, adsorption, and photocatalytic
and antibacterial activities of the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite. According
to the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum Cu(II) adsorption capacity of
the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF membrane is determined to be 65.75 mg/g, which
is significantly higher (27.26 mg/g) than that of the ZnO-NWs/PVDF
membrane (38.49 mg/g). The PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite exhibited a
notable degradation capacity toward rhodamine B under natural sunlight,
reaching a maximum of 5.97 mg/g. Additionally, the degradation rate
achieved during daylight hours was as high as 90.42%. Furthermore,
the antibacterial efficacy of the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite against
both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria approached 100%. This
work presents a promising approach for the treatment of wastewater
containing various coexisting contaminants
PVDF Nanofiber Modified with ZnO Nanowires/Polydopamine for the Treatment of Sewage Containing Heavy Metals, Organic Dyes, and Bacteria
In various countries worldwide, the
issue of wastewater contamination
poses a significant threat due to its intricate composition of heavy
metals, organic dyes, and microorganisms, thereby complicating the
purification process. Consequently, researchers have expressed considerable
interest in materials capable of eliminating organic, heavy metal,
and microbial pollutants. This study focuses on the fabrication of
a water purification membrane (PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF) with a hierarchical
structure and the ability to remove multiple pollutants. The membrane
was created by modifying poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofiber
with zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO-NWs) and reinforcing it with polydopamine
(PDA). The experimental results demonstrate that the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF
membrane exhibits a range of functionalities, including long-lasting
superhydrophilicity, Cu(II) adsorption, photocatalytic degradation,
and antibacterial ability. The manipulation of the DA synthesis procedure
allows for the adjustment of the wettability, adsorption, and photocatalytic
and antibacterial activities of the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite. According
to the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum Cu(II) adsorption capacity of
the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF membrane is determined to be 65.75 mg/g, which
is significantly higher (27.26 mg/g) than that of the ZnO-NWs/PVDF
membrane (38.49 mg/g). The PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite exhibited a
notable degradation capacity toward rhodamine B under natural sunlight,
reaching a maximum of 5.97 mg/g. Additionally, the degradation rate
achieved during daylight hours was as high as 90.42%. Furthermore,
the antibacterial efficacy of the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite against
both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria approached 100%. This
work presents a promising approach for the treatment of wastewater
containing various coexisting contaminants
PVDF Nanofiber Modified with ZnO Nanowires/Polydopamine for the Treatment of Sewage Containing Heavy Metals, Organic Dyes, and Bacteria
In various countries worldwide, the
issue of wastewater contamination
poses a significant threat due to its intricate composition of heavy
metals, organic dyes, and microorganisms, thereby complicating the
purification process. Consequently, researchers have expressed considerable
interest in materials capable of eliminating organic, heavy metal,
and microbial pollutants. This study focuses on the fabrication of
a water purification membrane (PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF) with a hierarchical
structure and the ability to remove multiple pollutants. The membrane
was created by modifying poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofiber
with zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO-NWs) and reinforcing it with polydopamine
(PDA). The experimental results demonstrate that the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF
membrane exhibits a range of functionalities, including long-lasting
superhydrophilicity, Cu(II) adsorption, photocatalytic degradation,
and antibacterial ability. The manipulation of the DA synthesis procedure
allows for the adjustment of the wettability, adsorption, and photocatalytic
and antibacterial activities of the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite. According
to the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum Cu(II) adsorption capacity of
the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF membrane is determined to be 65.75 mg/g, which
is significantly higher (27.26 mg/g) than that of the ZnO-NWs/PVDF
membrane (38.49 mg/g). The PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite exhibited a
notable degradation capacity toward rhodamine B under natural sunlight,
reaching a maximum of 5.97 mg/g. Additionally, the degradation rate
achieved during daylight hours was as high as 90.42%. Furthermore,
the antibacterial efficacy of the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite against
both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria approached 100%. This
work presents a promising approach for the treatment of wastewater
containing various coexisting contaminants