Multicomponent metal-organic framework membranes for advanced functional composites.

The diverse chemical and structural properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) make them attractive for myriad applications, but their native powder form is limiting for industrial implementation. Composite materials of MOFs hold promise as a means of exploiting MOF properties in engineered forms for real-world applications. While interest in MOF composites is growing, research to date has largely focused on utilization of single MOF systems. The vast number of different MOF structures provides ample opportunity to mix and match distinct MOF species in a single composite to prepare multifunctional systems. In this work, we describe the preparation of three types of multi-MOF composites with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF): (1) co-cast MOF MMMs, (2) mixed MOF MMMs, and (3) multilayer MOF MMMs. Finally, MOF MMMs are explored as catalytic membrane reactors for chemical transformations

Hydrazones as Singular Reagents in Asymmetric Organocatalysis

This Minireview summarizes strategies and developments regarding the use of hydrazones as reagents in asymmetric organocatalysis, their distinct roles in nucleophile–electrophile, cycloaddition, and cyclization reactions. The key structural elements governing the reactivity of these reagents in a preferred pathway will be discussed, as well as their different interactions with organocatalysts, leading to diverse activation modes. Along these studies, the synthetic equivalence of N-monoalkyl, N,N-dialkyl, and N-acyl hydrazones with several synthons is also highlighted. Emphasis is also put on the mechanistic studies performed to understand the observed reactivities. Finally, the functional group transformations performed from the available products has also been analyzed, highlighting the synthetic value of these methodologies, which served to access numerous families of valuable multifunctional compounds and nitrogen-containing heterocycles.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad CTQ2013-48164-C2-1-P, CTQ201348164-C2-2-PEuropean FEDER fundsJunta de Andalucía 2012/FQM 107

Characterization of vertically aligned carbon nanotube forests grown on stainless steel surfaces

Vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) forests are a particularly interesting class of nanomaterials, because they combine multifunctional properties, such as high energy absorption, compressive strength, recoverability and super-hydrophobicity with light weight. These characteristics make them suitable for application as coating, protective layers and antifouling substrates for metallic pipelines and blades. Direct growth of CNT forests on metals offers the possibility to transfer the tunable CNT functionalities directly onto the desired substrates. Here, we focus on characterizing the structure and mechanical properties, as well as wettability and adhesion of CNT forests grown on different types of stainless steel. We investigate the correlations between composition and morphology of the steel substrates with the micro-structure of the CNTs, and reveal how the latter ultimately controls the mechanical and wetting properties of the CNT forest. Additionally, we study the influence of substrate morphology on the adhesion of CNTs to their substrate. We highlight that the same structure-property relationships govern the mechanical performance of CNT forests grown on steels and on Si

Silicon carbide equipments for process intensification of silicon reactions.

Bluestar Silicones, one of the worldwide leaders in silicones chemistry, proposes a R&D project, aiming to design new equipment for the transposition of batch to continuous processes. The safety and environmental issues linked to this type of chemicals, and the productivity targets as well require innovative technologies characterized by a fair corrosion resistance and high heat and mass transfer performances. A preliminary prototype of heat exchanger reactor made of silicon carbide plates has been developed by the LGC in collaboration with a SME specialist of SiC, Boostec. It has allowed the pilot feasibility with some reactions of industrial interest for a Bluestar Silicones to be highlighted. Now, it is necessary to pursue this effort and beyond the feasibility step to go on up to the design of an industrial reactor. This project corresponds to a programme of innovative process development in order to design cleaner, safer and less consuming devices

Modified polyurethane foams for fuel-fire Patent

Modification of polyurethanes with alkyl halide resins, inorganic salts, and encapsulated volatile and reactive halogen for fuel fire contro

Sequential curing of thiol-acetoacetate-acrylate thermosets by latent Michael addition reactions

Thiol-acetoacetate-acrylate ternary dual-curing thermosets were prepared by a sequential process consisting of thiol-Michael addition to acrylates at room temperature followed by Michael addition of acetoacetates to acrylates at moderately elevated temperature. The curing sequence can be controlled with the help of the different acidities of the protons on thiol and acetoacetate groups, the favorable pKa of the base used as catalyst and the self-limiting character of Michael additions. The latency of the curing steps can be regulated by selection of the right catalysts, temperature and curing conditions. The properties of the intermediate and final materials can be tuned by changing the structure of the monomers and the contribution of both Michael addition reactions.Postprint (author's final draft

Elucidation of role of graphene in catalytic designs for electroreduction of oxygen

Graphene is, in principle, a promising material for consideration as component (support, active site) of electrocatalytic materials, particularly with respect to reduction of oxygen, an electrode reaction of importance to low-temperature fuel cell technology. Different concepts of utilization, including nanostructuring, doping, admixing, preconditioning, modification or functionalization of various graphene-based systems for catalytic electroreduction of oxygen are elucidated, as well as important strategies to enhance the systems' overall activity and stability are discussed