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In this work carbon quantum dot (CQD) nanoparticles are synthesized from d-lactose using a hydrothermal method and then they are coated with polyethylene glycol (CQDs@PEG). These particles exhibit a monodisperse spherical morphology with an average particle size of ∼4 nm. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed the presence of the hydroxyl groups from the ethylene glycol molecules grafted onto the CQDs’ surfaces, which confirms that PEG was covalently attached to the nanoparticles’ surfaces. Fluorescence analysis demonstrates a shift in the emission at 495 nm after PEG coating. Modified carbon dots were introduced into thermo-responsive pNIPAM microgels. The resultant pNIPAM–CQDs@PEG hybrid system exhibits interesting fluorescence properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorescence microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy confirm the incorporation of CQD particles into the microgels. Finally, dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis confirms that further hybrid microgels based on pNIPAM are thermo-responsive, with a transition temperature similar to that of a system with an ionic component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungstotellurates of the organic imidazolium and 4-methyl-imidazolium cations have been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction and i.r. spectroscopy. The [TeW6O24]6− anion is formed by close packing of oxygen atoms with Te and W atoms in distorted octahedral voids. In both compounds the organic cations are involved in hydrogen bonds, to the [TeW6O24]6− anion in [H2imz]6[TeW6O24] · 2(Himz) (1) and to Te(OH)6 units in [4-H2-methyl-imz]6[TeW6O24] · Te(OH)6 (2). Solution studies of (1) and (2) by 1H-, 183W- and 125Te-n.m.r. have been carried out. Thermogravimetric (t.g.) and calorimetric (d.s.c.) analyses were performed for both compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four molybdotellurates containing the 1-methylimidazolium, 2-methylimidazolium and 4-methylimidazolium cations have been synthesized and their structures: [2-H2-methyl-imz]6[TeMo6O24 ]·2H2O (2), [2-H2-methyl-imz]6[TeMo6O24 ]·2(2-H-methyl-imz)·2H2O (3) and [4-H2-methyl-imz]6[TeMo6O24 ]·Te(OH)6 (4) determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The protonated organic bases are bonded to the anion in the crystal by hydrogen bonds, except for (4) where the crystal structure consists of discrete [TeMo6O24]6− anions and Te(OH)6 units, both bonded to 4-methylimidazolium cations by hydrogen bonds. The hydrogen bonds were studied as a function of the unit charge of the oxygen atoms of the [TeMo6O24]6− anion. Distortions of the central octahedron of polyanions of formula [XMo6O24]n− (X=AlIII, MoVI, TeVI and IVII), and polyanions of formula [H6YMo6O24]n−, (Y=CoII, CuII, ZnII, CrIII, RhIII and PtIV) are discussed. 95Mo n.m.r spectroscopy of compounds [1-H2-methyl-imz]6[Te-Mo6O24]·Te(OH)6 (1), (2) and (4) indicates the existence of an octahedral oxygen atom arrangement around the molybdenum and a pH variation experiment, carried out with compound (1), confirmed the existence of hydrolytic processes of the compounds in aqueous solution. 125Te n.m.r. studies permitted identification of the Te atom in the [TeMo6O24]6− kernel in all compounds; the presence of two different Te(OH)6 moieties in compounds (1) and (4) was also detected. The similarity between the spectra of both compounds could indicate that (1) has the same structural arrangement as (4). Finally, the thermal behaviour and the thermal stabilities of the complexes as a function of the organic cation were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the physicochemical characterization and activity of zirconia-supported silver catalysts for the oxidation of pollutants present in diesel engine exhaust (propane, propene, naphthalene and soot). A series of silver-supported catalysts AgxZ (x = 1, 5 and 10 wt.%, Z = zirconia) were prepared, which were studied by various characterization techniques. The results show that silver is mainly found under the form of small metal nanoparticles (<10 nm) dispersed over the support. The metallic phase coexists with the AgOx oxidic phases. Silver is introduced onto the zirconia, generating Ag–ZrO2 catalysts with high activity for the oxidation of propene and naphthalene. These catalysts also show some activity for soot combustion. Silver species can contribute with zirconia in the catalytic redox cycle, through a synergistic effect, providing sites that facilitate the migration and availability of oxygen, which is favored by the presence of structural defects. This is a novel application of the AgOx–Ag/ZrO2 system in the combustion reaction of propene and naphthalene. The results are highly promising, given that the T50 values found for both model molecules are quite low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]