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Highlights Comprehensive summary of crystalline structures and morphologies of carbon nitride-based materials (CNBMs).Density functional theory computation for the design of functional CNBMs for rechargeable battery applications.The experimental synthesis strategies of CNBMs for rechargeable battery application., Carbon nitrides (including CN, C2N, C3N, C3N4, C4N, and C5N) are a unique family of nitrogen-rich carbon materials with multiple beneficial properties in crystalline structures, morphologies, and electronic configurations. In this review, we provide a comprehensive review on these materials properties, theoretical advantages, the synthesis and modification strategies of different carbon nitride-based materials (CNBMs) and their application in existing and emerging rechargeable battery systems, such as lithium-ion batteries, sodium and potassium-ion batteries, lithium sulfur batteries, lithium oxygen batteries, lithium metal batteries, zinc-ion batteries, and solid-state batteries. The central theme of this review is to apply the theoretical and computational design to guide the experimental synthesis of CNBMs for energy storage, i.e., facilitate the application of first-principle studies and density functional theory for electrode material design, synthesis, and characterization of different CNBMs for the aforementioned rechargeable batteries. At last, we conclude with the challenges, and prospects of CNBMs, and propose future perspectives and strategies for further advancement of CNBMs for rechargeable batteries.

Microorganisms with high oil-degrading ability are essential for bioremediation of oil-contaminated environments and oil spills. In the present study, a microbial consortium was enriched from a long-term oil-contaminated soil by acclimatization with crude oil, and was cultured with sucrose as a carbon source. Immobilization of the microbial consortium cells was prepared onto sodium alginate (SA) beads. To enhance the mass transfer of the immobilized microspheres, activated carbon, biochar, corn stalk and sawdust were used, respectively, to accelerate the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons. The immobilized beads and the distribution of microbial cells inside the immobilized beads were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The degradation efficiency of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) by different immobilized beads in aquatic systems (mineral salt medium, artificial seawater) was evaluated by gravimetric method after 7 d of incubation. Results showed that TPH degradation efficiency of the immobilized beads was higher than that of the microbial culture, and that of the immobilized beads containing adsorbent carriers was higher than the SA immobilized beads. The highest TPH degradation efficiencies of SA-CS immobilized beads in mineral salt and artificial seawater were up to 54.2% and 50.5%, respectively, and the highest TPH degradation efficiency of biostimulation + SA-AC immobilized beads treatment in oil-contaminated soil was up to 63.7% after 10 weeks of incubation. Our results suggest that the immobilized microorganism is a promising approach for a wide range of bioremediation applications in different petroleum-contaminated environments.

High-performance ternary transition-metal chalcogenides (TMDs) are desired in various application fields. However, developing ternary TMDs with unique performance via an efficient and economical me...

Engineering the heterogeneous interface fusing MOFs and inorganic active component is an effective strategy to improve the electrochemical performance. Herein, we report a new Ni3-based MOF (denoted as CTGU-24) with an infrequent two-fold interpenetrating 3D (3,8)-connected network constructed from Ni(II) trimer and mixed tripodal tectonics for the electrocatalytic methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). In order to improve its stability and activities, the heterogeneous hybrid CTGU-24@NiOOH has been fabricated successfully via the first preparation of the NiOOH nanosphere and then in situ formation of CTGU-24 decorated on the NiOOH surface. Moreover, the integration of CTGU-24@NiOOH and different additives [acetylene black (AB) and ketjen black (KB)], resulting in the optimized hybrid sample AB&CTGU-24@NiOOH (4:4). It attains better MOR performance with an area-specific peak current density of 34.53 mA·cm−2 than pure CTGU-24 (14.99 mA·cm−2) and improved durability in an alkali medium. The new findings indicate that the CTGU-24@NiOOH heterostructure formed in situ and the integration of moderate additives are critical to optimizing and improving electrocatalytic activity of pure MOF crystalline material.

Red mud is a type of highly alkaline waste residue produced in the process of alumina smelting by the Bayer process. Based on the idea of medium calcium content, solid wastes such as red mud and fly ash were used to prepare non-burnt bricks; and the mass ratio of CaO/SiO2 was selected in the range of 0.88–1.42. Mechanical properties and durability were investigated with a compressive strength test. X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques were used to characterize the hydration characteristic. The environmental performance was analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP). The results indicated that the mechanical properties and the durability were optimal when the mass ratio of CaO/SiO2 was 1.23. The hydration products were mostly C-S-H gel, ettringite, Na4Ca(Si10Al16)O32·12H2O and Ca3Al2(SiO4)(OH)8. They were responsible for the strength development, and the CaO/SiO2 mass ratio of 1.23 had the best polymerized structure. The results of an environmental performance test showed that the heavy metals in the raw materials were well-solidified in the brick. Therefore, this paper provides an effective solution for use of solid wastes in building material.

Recently, titanium nitrides have attracted extensive interests as an active material for electrodes in fuel cell because of their excellent physical properties (such as high melting points of approximately 3000 °C), hardness, wear resistance, high electrical conductivity, and chemical stability. This review highlights the background and recent progress in the applications of titanium nitrides in fuel cells. Some typical applications, such as sensors, electrodeposition, methanol oxidation reaction, ethanol oxidation reaction, formic acid oxidation reaction, and oxygen reduction reaction, are clearly classified and discussed in detail.

Biosurfactant lipopeptide is a promising dispersant over varieties of chemical ones in oil-spill remediation. The toxicity, biodegradability and performance of the biosurfactant lipopeptide are studied in this paper.

Designing novel multifunctional rare-earth metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has attracted intensive attention. In particular, employing such materials for sensing or catalytic reactions is still very challenging. Here, a new 3D porous Eu(iii)-MOF, [Eu(cppa)(OH)]·xS (denoted as CTGU-19, S = solvent molecule, CTGU = China Three Gorges University), was synthesized by using 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)picolinic acid (H2cppa) as an organic ligand, and it shows a 3D (3,12)-connected topological net with the point symbol (420·628·818)(43)4, constructed from cubane-shaped tetranuclear europium building units. Interestingly, CTGU-19 can be used as a highly sensitive luminescent sensor to identify ornidazole (ODZ) and nitrofurantoin (NFT) at different excitation wavelengths. This result represents the first example of a lanthanide-metal-organic-framework (Eu-MOF) that can be employed as a discriminating fluorescent probe to recognize ODZ and NFT at different excitation wavelengths. Furthermore, after loading CTGU-19 with Ag and/or Au nanoparticles, the composites exhibit efficient catalytic performance for reducing 2-/3-/4-nitrophenols (2-/3-/4-NP), in which the unit mass reduction rate constants of Ag0.8Au0.2@CTGU-19 for 2-NP, 3-NP, and 4-NP reach 68.8, 53.80, and 52.34 s-1 g-1, respectively.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), the most common consequence of AMI treatment, may induce severe myocardial cell injury, yet the precise mechanism continues to be enigmatic. In the present study, we found that miR‐129‐5p was significantly downregulated in mouse I/R model. Then, we overexpressed miR‐129‐5p via intravenous injection of specific miR‐129‐5p agomir before I/R model establishment. MiR‐129‐5p overexpression dramatically alleviated myocardial injury in I/R mice as evidenced by reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and infract size. We further detected the effect of miR‐129‐5p on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced H9C2 cell in vitro. MiR‐129‐5p overexpression improved H9C2 cell viability and inhibited cell apoptosis induced by H/R, accompanied with decreased LDH activity and MDA content. Besides, luciferase reporter assay indicated that suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) was a downstream target of miR‐129‐5p. SOCS2 was upregulated in H/R induced H9C2 cells, and miR‐129‐5p overexpression suppressed SOCS2 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, SOCS2 overexpression abolished the protective effects of miR‐129‐5p on H/R‐induced H9C2 cells, concomitant with elevated expression of apoptosis‐related cleaved poly‐(ADP‐ribose) polymerase and cleaved caspase‐3. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that miR‐129‐5p alleviated myocardial injury induced by I/R both in vitro and in vivo, and miR‐129‐5p/SOCS2 axis is a potential therapeutic target for alleviating myocardial injury in AMI patients after reperfusion.

Synthetic design and construction of P–N heterojunctions are attracting increasing attention due to their potential applications such as in catalysis, gas sensors, and energy storage and conversion...

A silver-based metal-organic framework (Ag-MOFs), [Ag2(H3ddcba)(dpp)2] (1) (H5ddcba = 3,5-(di(2',5'-dicarboxylphenyl)benozoic acid, dpp = 1,3-di(4-pyridyl)propane), was successfully constructed via hydrothermal assembly of a pentacaboxylate ligand, a N-donor ligand and Ag(I) ions, which possesses a pcu topology and exhibits excellent catalytic properties in aqueous solution for the degradation of o-nitrophenol (2-NP), m-nitrophenol (3-NP) and p-nitrophenol (4-NP). Related kinetics of such catalytic reactions, photoluminescent and thermal stability of compound 1 were also investigated.

Two isostructural Ln-MOFs, [H 2 N(CH 3 ) 2 ][Ln(cppa) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ] (Ln = Tb/Eu CTGU-1Tb /- 1Eu , H 2 cppa = 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)picolinic acid), were selected to investigate the effects of the different metal centre on the sensing properties. CTGU-1Eu can detect small organic molecule acetone and nitroaromatic explosives in water, whereas CTGU-1Tb can only detect explosive nitrophenol in water.

Herein, a highly stable luminescent heterometallic MOF, [NaEu2(TATAB)2(DMF)3]·OH (CTGU-7, H3TATAB = 4,4′,4′′-s-triazine-1,3,5-triyltri-m-aminobenzoic acid, DMF = N,N′-dimethylformamide, CTGU = China Three Gorges University), was synthesized. CTGU-7 crystallizes in a highly symmetric cubic framework with the pyrite-type topology, constructed from a novel Eu2Na trimeric cluster as a 6-connected node. Observably, this framework remains intact in a remarkably extensive environment such as in a common solvent and aqueous solutions. CTGU-7 is demonstrated to be the first known MOF for the selective detection of oridazole antibiotics. It also exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity for nitrophenol and benzyl alcohol. Thus, this material can potentially be used as a multi-responsive luminescent sensor.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are derived from the mesoderm and have the self-renewal capacity and multi-directional differentiation potential of adult stem cells. Stem cells from different sources have different molecular and growth characteristics; therefore, the mechanisms and effects of stem cell-mediated repair and tissue regeneration may be different. The aim of the present study was to compare the biological characteristics of MSCs derived from the umbilical cord (UC-MSCs) and MSCs derived from the decidua parietalis (DP-MSCs), and to provide new evidence for the selection of seed cells in regenerative medicine. Growth curves, cell doubling times, colony formation rates, immunophenotypes, differentiation capacities and secretion-factor levels of MSCs derived from the two sources were analysed. UC-MSCs and DP-MSCs exhibited similar properties with regards to morphology, spiral growth, immunophenotype, and potential to differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes. For each cell type, the positive rates of the cell surface markers CD73, CD90 and CD105 were >95%, whereas CD34 and CD45 positive rates were

Inconel 600 alloy is widely utilized for high temperature environment application due to the corresponding good oxidation and corrosion resistance properties. In order to estimate the high temperature oxidation resistance of Inconel 600 alloy at various temperatures, the oxidation weight gain of all specimens was measured and fitted for the curve at the temperatures of 700, 800 and 900 °C for exposure time of 100 h. The surface morphology and the component of the oxide film were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicate that the high temperature oxidation resistance of Inconel 600 alloy is excellent blew 800 °C due to the oxidation kinetic curves at different temperatures corresponding to the parabola dynamic rules. This means that the oxidation film protects the substrate well. The dense oxide layer formation containing Cr2O3 and NiCr2O4 at 700 and 800 °C and MnCr2O4 at 900 °C, respectively, is the main reason for the good oxidation resistance. In contrast, the oxide layer peels off easily under applied force as the temperature increases beyond 800 °C, on account of the complicated compositions of the oxide film and the binding force between the oxide layer and the substrate weakening. Corresponding oxidation mechanism is expected to be understood and the oxidation resistance of Inconel 600 alloy is improved through binding force enhancement.

A new metal–organic framework [Zn5(hfipbb)4(trz)2(H2O)2] (NNU-1) [H2hfipbb = 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid), Htrz = 1H-1,2,3-triazole] was assembled by hydrothermal synthesis. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that NNU-1 displays a twofold interpenetrating three-dimensional (3D) framework with a {424·64}-bcu topology. Interestingly, the 3D framework contains a two-dimensional (2D) layered structure that consists of alternating left- and right-handed double helical chains. On the basis of the hydrophobic −CF3 groups from H2hfipbb ligand, NNU-1 possesses excellent stability in water. It is worth noting that NNU-1 not only shows a highly selective fluorescence quenching effect to Fe3+ ion in aqueous solution but also resists the interference of other metals including Fe2+ ion. Accordingly, NNU-1 probably functions as a potential promising fluorescence sensor for detecting Fe3+ ion with high sensitivity and selectivity.

A rare Ni-ferromagnet [Ni(pdc)(bib)]·2H2O (H2pdc = pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, bib = 1,4-bis (imidazol-l-yl)butane) has been prepared, which possesses a 3D supramolecular network based on (3,5)-connected helical-armed 2D layers. Interestingly, at high temperature (> 12.7 K), 1 exhibits a weak ferromagnetism, whereas at low temperature, it shows unusual long-range ordering (LRO) behaviors combining spin canting and hysteresis loop.

In this work, a functionalizing active species 4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid-based IL on silica gel (IL-SO3H-SiO2) has been prepared, and characterized by FT-IR, XRD, TGA, SEM and EDX spectra. Then, IL-SO3H-SiO2 was utilized as an efficient and heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of indoles via the one-pot Fischer reaction of phenyl hydrazines with ketones or aldehydes at room temperature. The heterogeneous catalyst could be recovered easily by filtration and reused many times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.

Two low-dimensional Cu(I) boron imidazolate frameworks (BIFs), [CuBH(bim)3]n (BIF-40; bim = benzimidazolate) and [CuBH(im)3]n (BIF-6, im = imidazolate), have been synthesized and both of them display unique mechanochromism. In addition, BIF-40 showed reducing activity due to the rich B–H bonds in the structure, and it was employed to load AuPd bimetal nanoparticles through a one-step process for further catalysis. The corresponding mechanism involving a grinding process between chains or layers is discussed in detail. This work not only provides compelling evidence for designing and applying coordination polymers as mechanochromic materials, but also develops an eco-friendly strategy for loading bimetallic NPs into BIFs.

Two new Co(II) metal-organic frameworks, namely [Co{sub 2}(bpm)(H{sub 2}O){sub 3}(L)]{sub n} (1) and ([Co(bpe)(H{sub 2}O)(H{sub 2}L)]·(bpe){sub 0.5}·(H{sub 2}O)){sub n} (2), (H{sub 4}L=1,1′:2′,1″-terphenyl-3,3″,4′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid, bpm=bis(4-pyridyl)amine, bpe=1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene), have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions. Both complexes 1 and 2 have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Complexes 1 and 2 consist of 1D Co(II) chains bridging by carboxylate groups in syn-anti fashion. 1 shows a novel 3D tri-nodal (4,6,10)-connected net with a (3.4{sup 3}.5{sup 2}){sub 2}(3{sup 2}.4{sup 14}.5{sup 12}.6{sup 12}.7{sup 4}.8)(3{sup 2}.4{sup 2}.5{sup 5}.6{sup 4}.7{sup 2}) topology. While 2 exhibits a 2D sql layer. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that both 1 and 2 show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent Co(II) ions in 300–8 K for 1 and 300–16 K for 2, respectively, and then 2 also displays ferromagnetic coupling at lower temperatures. - Graphical abstract: Two Co(II) coordination polymers with similar metal chain bridging by carboxylates in syn-anti fashion have been synthesized. Both 1 and 2 show weak antiferromagnetic interactions in high temperature, and then 2 also displays ferromagnetic coupling at lower temperatures. - Highlights: • Two Co(II) coordination polymers with similar metal chain bridging by carboxylates. • A novelmore » 3D (4,6,10)-connected net and a 2D sql layers. • A antiferromagnetic coupling at high temperature for 1 and 2. • A ferromagnetic coupling at lower temperature for 2.« less

Three new metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based on hetero-O, N donor ligands, (Cu4I4)[Cu2(PDC)2DMF2]2·2DMF·H2O (JLU-Liu15), (Cu4I4)[Cu3(CPNA)3(Dabco)0.5DMF3]·4DMF·4H2O (JLU-Liu16), and (Cu4I4)[Cu3(CPNA)3(H2O)0.5DMF3]·4DMF·4H2O (JLU-Liu17), (H2PDC = pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, H2CPNA = 5-(4′-carboxylphenyl) nicotinic acid, Dabco = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. JLU-Liu15 features a (3,4,4)-c sqc5588 net, whereas JLU-Liu16 and JLU-Liu17 are isostructural and possess a new (3,4,4)-c topology. All of these compounds are composed of the binodal inorganic Cu2(CO2)4 paddlewheel and Cu4I4 cluster secondary building units (SBUs). It is worthy to note that the linkage between two nearby Cu4I4 clusters in JLU-Liu16 is μ2-Dabco, which changed to a μ2-water molecule in JLU-Liu17. Furthermore, JLU-Liu15 exhibits high CO2 adsorption behaviors as well as I2 uptake and release features.

A new 3D Ni(II)-MOF {[Ni3(ImhedpH)2(4,4′-bipy)]·4,4′-bipy·4H2O}n (1), based on 2-(1-imidazole)-1-hydroxyl-1,1′-ethylidenediphosphonate and 4,4′-bipyridyl, is presented, which possesses a (4,4)-connected frl-(42·64)4(64·82) network and shows ferrimagnetism and field-induced magnetic transition from ferrimagnetism to fully polarized state.

Background The objective of this study was to determine whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A subtypes improve cardiac stem cell (CSC) engraftment and promote CSC-mediated myocardial repair in the infarcted heart. Methods CSCs were treated with VEGF receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors, VCAM-1 antibody (VCAM-1-Ab), or PKC-α inhibitor followed by the treatment with VEGF-A. CSC adhesion assays were performed in vitro. In vivo, the PKH26-labeled and VCAM-1-Ab or PKC-α inhibitor pre-treated CSCs were treated with VEGF-A followed by implantation into infarcted rat hearts. The hearts were then collected for measuring CSC engraftment and evaluating cardiac fibrosis and function 3 or 28days after the CSC transplantation. Results All three VEGF-A subtypes promoted CSC adhesion to extracellular matrix and endothelial cells. VEGF-A-mediated CSC adhesion required VEGFR and PKCα signaling. Importantly, VEGF-A induced VCAM-1, but not ICAM-1 expression in CSCs through PKCα signaling. In vivo, VEGF-A promoted the engraftment of CSCs in infarcted hearts, which was attenuated by PKCα inhibitor or VCAM-1-Ab. Moreover, VEGF-A-mediated CSC engraftment resulted in a reduction in infarct size and fibrosis. Functional studies showed that the transplantation of the VEGF-A-treated CSCs stimulated extensive angiomyogenesis in infarcted hearts as indicated by the expression of cardiac troponin T and von Willebrand factor, leading to an improved performance of left ventricle. Blockade of PKCα signaling or VCAM-1 significantly diminished the beneficial effects of CSCs treated with VEGF-A. Conclusion VEGF-A promotes myocardial repair through, at least in part, enhancing the engraftment of CSCs mediated by PKCα/VCAM-1 pathway.

Since evidence suggests that transplantation of bone marrow stem cells with the C‑C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5)Δ32/Δ32 genotype may cure patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‑1, the present study aimed to reproduce the CCR5Δ32 mutation in cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ U87 cells using genome engineering methods. A modified transcription activator‑like effector nucleases (TALENs) technique, combined with homologous recombination for site‑specific, size‑controlled and homozygous DNA deletions, was used to reproduce the homozygous CCR5Δ32 mutation in CD4+ U87 cells. The results indicated that the frequency of the TALENs‑targeted mutation reached 50.4% without any selection, whereas homologous recombination from CCR5 to CCR5Δ32 occurred in 8.8% of targeted cells. Notably, a HIV‑1 challenge test demonstrated that CCR5Δ32/Δ32 CD4+ U87 cells were resistant to HIV infection. In conclusion, engineered CCR5Δ32/Δ32 mutations endowed CD4+ U87 cells with resistance against HIV‑1 infection; this site‑specific, size‑controlled and homozygous DNA deletion technique was able to induce precise genomic editing, i.e., the deletion or insertion of a predetermined length of DNA sequence at a specific locus throughout the genome.

New porous anionic Ln-MOFs, namely, [Me2NH2][Ln(CPA)2(H2O)2] (Ln = Eu, Gd), have been prepared through the self-assembly of 5-(4-carboxy phenyl)picolinic acid (H2CPA) and lanthanide ions. They feature open anionic frameworks with 1-D hydrophilic channels and exchangeable dimethylamine ions. The Eu phase could detect Fe3+ ions with high selectivity and sensitivity in either aqueous solution or biological condition. The ratios of lanthanide ions on this structure platform could be rationally tuned to not only achieve dichromatic emission colors with linear correlation but also attain three primary colors (RGB) and even white light with favorable correlated color temperature. Furthermore, the Ag(I)-exchanged phases can be readily reduced to afford Ag nanoparticles. The as-prepared Ag@Ln-MOFs composite shows highly efficient catalytic performance for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.

Through hydrothermal reactions, 4,4′-bipyridine (bpy) co-ligands firstly was introduce to CdII–H2FDC system (H2FDC = 9-fluorenone-2,7-dicarboxylic acid), generating a new coordination polymer {[Cd2(FDC)2(bpy)]∙H2O}n (1). Compound 1 has a pillar-layer 2-fold interpenetrating pcu network, based on the square-grid tetranuclear [Cd4(COO)8] units. Interestingly, 1 shows a blue-shifted photoemission, as well as enhanced fluorescence lifetime compared with the pure H2FDC ligand.

The reactions of Co II or Ni II acetate with azobenzene-3,3′-dicarboxylic acid (3,3′-H2AZDB) and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpe) afforded two isomorphic compounds [M 2(3,3′-AZDB)2(bpe)2]n (M=Co (1) and Ni (2)) under hydrothermal conditions. They were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 have similar 3-D 3-fold interpenetrating structures in which each 3-D net displayed a 6-connected pcu network consisting of M 2+-AZDB2− layers and bpe pillars. Variable-temperature magnetic-susceptibility measurements revealed the occurrence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Co(II) atoms in 1.

Based on two positional isomers of phenylenedioxydiacetate ligands and different N-containing co-ligands, six novel coordination polymers, formulated as {[Zn(o-PDOA)(bpp)]·2H2O}n (1), {[Cd(o-PDOA)(bix)]·3H2O}n (2), [Cd(m-PDOA)(bix)]n (3), [Cd(m-PDOA)(bib)]n (4), [Zn(m-PDOA)(bix)]n (5), {[Zn(m-PDOA)(bib)]·2H2O}n (6), (o/m-H2PDOA = 1,2/1,3-phenylenedioxydiacetic acid; bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-ylmethyl)benzene; bib = 1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-butane; bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Compound 1 features a three-dimensional (3D) 2-fold interpenetrating cds topology. In 2, the (H2O)6 clusters interlink the 1D double [Cd2(o-PDOA)2(bix)2]n chains into a 3D supramolecular network. Compound 3 is a (3,5)-connected 2D layer with (42.6)(42.67.8) topology. Compound 4 exhibits a 3-fold interpenetrating pcu topological network, while, 5 is a 2D puckered meso-helical 44-sql layer built by alternately arranged right-handed and left-handed helical chains. In contrast to 1–5, compound 6 possesses a 1D loop-like chain and, interestingly, rare D4 tetrameric (H2O)4 cluster extends the chains into a 3D supramolecular framework. Moreover, the thermal stabilities and luminescent properties of compounds 1–6 have also been investigated.

In this study, we used 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, hexanedioic acid, 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, and thioglycolic acid to functionalize the surface of micro silver flakes through in-situ replacements. Hexanedioic acid had the best effect on the functionalization. When the content of hexanedioic acid was 0.5–1 wt% of micro silver flakes, it could fully replace the long chain fatty acid and form a very thin molecular film on the surface of micro silver flakes. The micro silver flakes functionalized by hexanedioic acid played a significant role in the regards of improving the properties of electrically conductive adhesives, and letting the adhesives have low viscosity, e.g., 28,000 cPs, low bulk resistivity, e.g., 2.4×10 −4 Ω cm, and high shear strength, e.g, 10.4 MPa.

Different luminescent single crystals of 2-(anthracen-9-yl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole (ADPI) were obtained through the construction of different stacking modes with the aid of intermolecular interactions. Both the fluorescence and the stacking mode of the crystals can be reversibly tuned by mechanical and thermal forces to render ADPI piezochromic, which represents a unique example of reversibly controlled solid emission. The regulation of π–π stacking between the anthracene planes by mechanical and thermal forces is suggested to be the main driving force for the piezochromic character of ADPI.

Five new coordination polymers, namely, [Mn(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)2(H2L1)]n (1), {[Co(btb)(H2O)2(H2L1)]·0.5H2O}n (2), [Co(bib)(H2O)2(H2L1)]n (3), [Ni2(bpm)(H2O)3(L2)]n (4), and {[Co2(H2O)3(OH)(HL2)]·H2O}n (5), (H4L1 = 1,1′:2′,1′′-terphenyl-4,4′,4′′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid, H4L2 = 1,1′:2′,1′′-terphenyl-3,3′′,4′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, btb = 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butane, bib = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)butane, bpm = bis(4-pyridyl)amine), have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions. Complex 1 exhibits a 3D supramolecular framework based on 1D chains. Both complexes 2 and 3 are 3D supramolecular frameworks constructed from 1D zig-zag chains. Complex 4 features a 3D tetra-nodal (3,4,4,5)-connected architecture containing 1D μ-COO bridged chains with (5(2)·6(2)·7.9)(5(2)·6(4)·7(3)·8)2(5(2)·6)2(6(3)·7(2)·9) topology. Complex 5 shows a 3D penta-nodal (3,4,4,6,6)-connected net containing 1D μ-OH/μ-COO bridged chains and mononuclear Co(II) nodes with a (4(2)·6(3)·8)(4(3))2(4(4)·6(2))2(4(4)·6(6)·8(5))2(4(4)·6(7)·8(4)) topology. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that complexes 2 and 3 show antiferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent Co(II) ions, whereas 4 is a ferromagnetic system.

The thermally expandable microspheres (TEMs) were prepared through suspension polymerization with acrylonitrile (AN), methyl methacrylate (MMA) and methyl acrylate (MA) as the main monomers. Simultaneously, iso-pentane, n-hexane, iso-octane and other low-boiling hydrocarbons were prepared as blowing agents under two conditions, including high-pressure nitrogen and atmospheric conditions. The above physical foaming microspheres have a core-shell structure and excellent foaming effects. A layer of polyaniline (PANI) was deposited on the surface of the prepared TEMs by emulsion polymerization to obtain conductive and heat-expandable microspheres. Afterwards, the foaming ink was prepared by mixing the conductive TEMs and water-based ink. Finally, a conductive three-dimensional picture was obtained by screen-printing technology. This paper specifically focuses on the effects of particle size, morphology and the thermal expansion properties of the microspheres. The present research methods expect to obtain microspheres with a high foaming ratio, uniform particle size and antistatic properties, which may be applied to physical foaming ink.

To enhance field-emission (FE) properties, as-prepared TiO 2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) successfully transformed from semiconductor into semimetal by a carbonization treatment under an argon/acetylene flux at 750 °C. After semimetallic transformation, the TNAs maintain tubular morphology, however, their surface become rougher. Especially, their electronic structures are significantly improved. A low turn-on field of 3.0 V/μm and a threshold field of 7.0 V/μm are obtained. Such improvements of FE properties can be mainly attributed to the enhancements of electrical property and rough surface morphology.

The oxidation kinetic curves of four kinds of austenitic stainless steel at 700°C was measured by weighting method. It is showed that the oxidation curves of those austenitic stainless steels follow the parabolic law. The mass gain of 800Al steel. is the least of all. The surfacemorphology and structure of the oxide scale were studied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. It is found that adense oxide scale formed at 700°C in all four austenitic stainless steels. In austenitic stainless steel with high Mn content, scales are mainly composed of Mn2O3 and the spinel MnFe2O4. Scales of austenitic stainless steel with high Cr content but without element Al are composed by Cr2O3 and the small amount of spinel FeCr2O4 . Scales of austenitic stainless steel with element Al and Cr are composed of (Fe0.6Cr0.4)2O3 and Al oxide, showing the excellent oxidation resistance property.

Two novel Co(II)-cluster-based coordination polymers--namely, [Co5(μ3-OH)2(1,4-ndc)4(bix)2]n (1) and {[Co8(μ3-OH)4(1,4-ndc)6(btp)(H2O)6]·H2O}n (2)--were prepared by hydrothermal reactions of Co(II) perchlorate with 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (1,4-H2ndc) and different N-donor coligands (bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene and btp = 4,4'-bis(triazol-1-ylmethyl)biphenyl). In 1, 10-connected [Co5(μ3-OH)2(COO)8] clusters are extended by the μ4-1,4-ndc(2-) and trans-bix ligands to construct a rare, self-penetrating ile framework that can interestingly be regarded as the cross-link of two interpenetrating 6-connected pcu networks. While for 2, [Co8(μ3-OH)4(COO)12] clusters serve as the 8-connected nodes, which are bridged by the μ4/μ5-1,4-ndc(2-) and trans-btp ligands to afford the highest-connected uninodal self-penetrating (4(20).6(8)) network based on octacobalt clusters. A synthetic and structural comparison of 1 and 2 demonstrates that the features of auxiliary N-donor ligands play a key role in governing the in situ formed clusters and the final 3-D coordination frameworks. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that complex 1 shows an antiferromagnetic interaction between the adjacent Co(II) ions, whereas 2 displays the dominant antiferromagnetic exchanges in 300-50 K and a ferrimagnetic-like behavior at lower temperatures.

In this study, we incorporated micro-silver flakes and nano-hexagonal boron nitride (BN) particles into a matrix resin to prepare electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs). The humid and thermal aging results under a constant relative humidity level of 85% at 85 °C revealed that the aged ECAs containing 3 wt% of nano-hexagonal BN particles had high reliability. The contact resistance was low and the shear strength high. Nano-hexagonal BN particles have a good effect on the reliability of ECAs that can be used to improve the properties of ECAs.

By simple two-step technique, first anodization in an ethylene glycol solution and then oxidation in a low-pressure atmosphere by chemical vapor deposition at 750 °C, aligned rutile TiO2 nanorods (TNRs) were successfully synthesized. Furthermore, their growth mechanism and field-emission (FE) property were experimentally investigated. The results indicate that the aligned TNRs are rutile phase with a preferential growth direction of [1 1 0] and their structure parameters such as the aspect ratio and density can be easily adjusted by the anodization times, which are beneficial for optimizing their FE properties. When the anodization time increases from 30 to 480 s, the nanorods show various aspect ratios in a range of 16–28 and different turn-on fields within 1.78–6.46 V/μm. The optimized sample of anodized 120 s exhibits excellent FE properties involving both a low turn-on field of 1.78 V/μm, a high field enhancement factor (4757) and a good FE stability.

Two new 1D coordination polymers, [Zn(3,3′-bpdc)(2,2′-bpy)]n (1) and [Cd (3,3′-bpdc)(2,2′-bpy)]n (2) [3,3′-H2bpdc = 3,3′-biphenyl dicarboxylic acid, 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bi pyridine], were rationally designed and synthesized with an identical strategy that employed 3,3′-H2bpdc as a bridge and 2,2′-bpy as a terminal ligand. As expected, the 3,3′-bpdc2− anions bridge ZnII and CdII into a 1D zigzag single chain and 1D zigzag double chain, respectively. The 2,2′-bpy ligand serves as terminal components to decorate both sides of the 1D chain, which plays an important role in the self-assembly of the polymeric chain by providing potential supramolecular recognition sites for π–π stacking and C–H···π interactions. As a result, the two different zigzag chains in 1 and 2 are assembled into 2D wave-like layers via π–π stacking interactions. Furthermore, owing to the direction of the C–H···π interactions, the adjacent 2D layers embed into each other to form a 3D supramolecular framework. The thermogravimetric analysis and luminescent properties of 1 and 2 were also investigated. Two new 3D supramolecular embedded-frameworks based on 1D different-shaped coordination polymeric chains, have rationally synthesized and characterized. Moreover, the thermal stability and photoluminescence property of compounds 1 and 2 were also investigated.

A novel CdII-coordination framework [Cd(C4O4)(btb)(H2O)2]n (1) constructed by squaric acid (H2C4O4) and secondary N-donor spacer 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)butane (btb) is presented, which displays 2D → 3D inclined polycatenate framework consisting of two of sets of equivalent 2D 44-sql layers and (4,6)-connected self-catenated H-bonding topology. In addition, the thermal stability and photo-luminescence property of 1 were also investigated.

A facile growth procedure of low-pressure chemical vapor deposition has been developed to synthesize single crystal TiO 2 nanorods on Ni-coated Ti substrate. The results indicate that the as-prepared nanorods are high purity single crystal with a [110] preferential orientation. Using directly the nanorods as emitters, their field emission (FE) properties have been investigated. The turn-on field of the nanorods decreases from 3.96 V/μm to 2.98, and 2.16 V/μm as the growth temperature increases from 700 °C to 750, and 800 °C, respectively. In addition, the nanorods show good FE stability during 480 min. Such behavior is mainly related to the morphology of nanorods, which depends on the growth temperature. Also, the growth mechanisms of the nanorods are analyzed in detail based on the experimental results.

The kinetic curve of the high-temperature oxidation of austenitic stainless steel Cr18Ni11Cu3Al3MnNb at different temperatures was measured by weighting method. It is showed that the oxidation curves at 700 and 800 °C followed the parabolic law, and the steel presented an excellent anti-oxidation. The surface morphology and structure of the oxide film were studied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. A dense oxide film was attained at 700 and 800 °C, mainly composed of the hexagonal Al2O3, Fe2O3, and a small amount oxide of Cr at 700 °C. At 900 °C the oxide film started to delaminate, and was composed of (Cr, Fe)2O3 and the spinel CuCrMnO4 and Fe(Cr, Al)2O4.

Three new fluorous coordination polymers with a fluorinated carboxylate tecton and N-donor co-ligands, {[Zn2(hfipbb)2(phen)2]·2H2O}n (1), [Zn2(hfipbb)2(bipy)(H2O)]n (2), and [Zn5(hfipbb)4 (Hhfipbb)2 (bpp)]n (3), [H2hfipbb = 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid), phen = 1,10-phenthroline, bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, and bpp = 1,3-bi(4-pyridyl)propane], have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, and X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 exhibits a 3D supramolecular network assembled from two independent 1D chain motifs [Zn(hfipbb)(phen)] through π⋯π stacking, and C–H⋯F and O–H⋯O interactions. Compound 2 features 2D undulating layer structure with 44-sql network. Whereas, in compound 3, pentanuclear [Zn5(η2-O)2(μ2-η1:η1-CO2)]2− cores are bridged by hfipbb2− and bpp ligands into a 3D 6-connected sxd framework with a point symbol of (33·46·55·6). The diverse arrangements of the compounds show the modulation of the heterocyclic N-donor co-ligands can suitably mediate the coordination requirement of metal centers as well as the binding modes of fluorinated carboxylate tecton, which consequently generate diverse crystalline architectures. In addition, the properties of thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, and photoluminescent behaviors of the compounds have also been discussed.

In this contribution, we devote our effort to explore the effect of stoichiometry of the 4,4′-dipyridylsulfide (dps) ligand on the final structures in the ZnII-hfipbb binary system (H2hfipbb = 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid)). The solvothermal reaction of zinc acetate and H2hfipbb with the different stoichiometries of dps from 0.1 to 0.4 mmol has resulted in three new coordination polymers, [Zn(hfipbb)(H2hfipbb)0.5]n (1) and [Zn2(hfipbb)2(dps)(H2O)]n (2a and 2b). The structure determination reveals that complex 1 displays a three-dimensional (3D) 2-fold parallel interpenetrating pillared-layer network with one-dimensional double left- and right-handed helical tubes. Complexes 2a and 2b are framework-isomeric as two unusual (3,4)-connected 3D coordination networks, i.e., a 4-nodal (7·82)(4·7·9)(72·84)(4·72·8·92) net and 2-fold interpenetrating (83)2(85·10) net. In addition, the properties of thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, and photoluminescent behaviors of the complex...

Four coordination polymers, [Zn(o-bdc)(bth)0.5(H2O)] n (1), [Cd(o-bdc)(bth)0.5(H2O)] n (2), [Zn(m-bdc)(bth)] n (3), and [Cd(p-bdc)(bth) · (H2O)2] n (4) (where o-bdc = 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate, m-bdc = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylate, p-bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, and bth = 1,6-bis(triazol)hexane), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Both 1 and 2 are isostructural, featuring two binodal architectures: (63)(65·8) topology in terms of o-bdc and ZnII/CdII as three- and four-connected nodes. Complex 3 shows a 2-D (4,4) network with the Zn ··· Zn ··· Zn angle of 57.84°, whereas 4 exhibits planar 2-D (4,4) network. These 2-D networks of 3 and 4 are extended by supramolecular interactions, such as CH ··· π/π–π stacking and hydrogen-bonding into 3-D architecture. A structural comparison of these complexes demonstrates that the dicarboxylate building blocks with different dispositions of the carboxyl site play a key role in governing the coordination motifs as well as 3-D supramolecula...

Hollow TiO2nanospheres have been successfully prepared by templating the polymericmicelles of poly (styrene-b-[3-(methacryloylamino)propyl] trimethylammonium chloride- b-ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PMAPTAC-b-PEO), which shows a core-shell-corona structure in aqueous solutions. It was found that, in such system, the wall thickness of the hollow TiO2is fine tuned by varying the concentration of the TiO2precursor.

An unprecedented 2D coordination polymer with unique (3,4)-connected self-catenated topology, arising from the parallel interlocking of 1D loop chains via shared binuclear subunits, were prepared from CdII, 5-nitroisophthalic acid and 4,4′-dipyridylamine. The thermal stability and photoluminescence property as well as the photocatalytic performance of 1 were also examined, and the results indicated that 1 shows photocatalytic activity for dye degradation under UV light.

This research used low molecular surface modifiers, and observed that chemisorptions took place through the formation of a bond between silver surface and an adsorbed molecule, which improved the dispersion of silver flakes in the organic resin. Several different functionalizers, such as thioglycolic acid, silane and di-acid, were used to functionalize the silver surface. Results of shear viscosity, bulk resistivity etc. showed that by using these low molecular organic functionalizers, isotropic conductive adhesives (ICAs) with lower shear viscosity and better electrical conductivity at high silver fillers content were obtained. The adipic acid had the greatest effect on the rheological and electrical property of ICAs, so its weight percentage in silver flakes was also optimized; ICAs displayed the maximum electrical conductivity when there was 0.5 wt% of silver flakes.

A 3D CoII metal-organic framework, {[Co4(Hbpbc)2(4,4′-bipy)(H2O)4]·3H2O}n (1), based on a new penta-carboxylate(H5bpbc = biphenyl-2,4,6,3′,5′-pentacarboxylic acid) and 4,4′-bipyridine is presented. In 1, each μ7-Hbpbc4 − anion links five [Co2] SBUs to generate a 3D 5-connected noy net. Further, 4,4′-bipy ligands compensate for the need of Co2 coordination to regulate noy net into a 3D (5,6)-connected tcj/hc framework. Besides, the thermal stability and magnetic property of 1 were also investigated.

A novel 3D coordination framework [Pb2(hfipbb)2(bpp)]n (1) [H2hfipbb = 4,4′-(hexa-fluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid), bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane] based on inorganic rod-shaped infinite Pb–O–Pb chain is presented, which possesses a new (4,5)-connected network topology and shows high thermal stability and strong photoluminescence at room temperature.

A new CdII-coordination polymer, namely, [Cd3(nbtc)2·4H2O]n (1), has been hydrothermally synthesized with in situ generated 5-nitrobenzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylate (nbtc3−) ligand. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals that compound 1 is constructed from trinuclear CdII clusters and exhibits a previously unknown 2D (3,4,9)-connected (3.42)(32.43.5)(36.411.510.68.8) topology as well as 3D H-bonding pillared architecture. In addition, the photoluminescent property and thermal stability of 1 were also discussed.