Cationic Guests Research Articles

Evaluating the Intrinsic Zinc Storage Capacity of Cation-Preintercalated Cathode with Electrochemically Active Surface Area.

The guest cation preintercalation strategy has been widely adopted to improve the performance of zinc-vanadium batteries. However, existing studies always ignore the deintercalation of guest cations. This work focuses on the severe and universal deintercalation phenomenon and confirms the unaltered capacity after deintercalation, indicating that the capacity improvement mechanism cannot be attributed to the role of guest cations. Therefore, after excluding all of the previously researched factors for capacity improvement, the decisive factor is identified as the morphology (surface area). Based on the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), a quantitative relationship with intrinsic capacity is established for the first time. This guides us to enhance battery capacity via enhancing ECSA through liquid-phase ultrasonic crushing to achieve the highest capacity of cation-preintercalated V2O5·nH2O (333.7 mAh g-1 at 10 A g-1). We believe that the enhanced ECSA is a plausible explanation for the improved performance of hydrated vanadium oxides.

A Water‐Soluble Cycloparaphenylene: Supramolecular Receptor with Visible Fluorescence

AbstractWe report the first synthesis of a water‐soluble [9]cycloparaphenylene derivative containing three hydrindacene (1,2,3,5,6,7‐hexahydro‐s‐indacene) units with four carboxylates at the 2,6‐positions via a macrocyclic gold complex. This crown‐shaped macrocyclic compound exhibits remarkable water solubility, of up to 16 mmol L−1 (2.6 g/100 mL), as well as strong visible fluorescence in water (λem=447 nm, ϕF=0.64, brightness (ϵ×ϕF)=5.1×104). This molecule effectively encapsulates cationic guest compounds, such as methyl viologen dichloride, as indicated by a change in visible fluorescence.

Solvothermal syntheses, structures and properties of quaternary alkaline earth metal sulfides BaCu6Ge2S8 and BaCuAsS3

Two quaternary alkaline earth metal sulfides, BaCu6Ge2S8(1) and BaCuAsS3 (2), were synthesized under low-temperature solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 features a three-dimensional (3D) [Cu6Ge2S8]n2n- framework comprising CuS3, CuS4, and GeS4 units, with Ba2+ cations occupying the channels. Compound 2 exhibits a one-dimensional (1D) chained structure, with Ba2+ cations situated between the chains. Alkaline earth metal ions exhibit a structural directing effect that is distinct from that of other guest cations. Specifically, Compound 1 presents a rare instance of a 3D Cu-Ge-S framework formed by condensation of two parallel layers. Compound 2 is the first 1D A-Cu-As-S compound (where A represents guest cations). Additionally, compound 2 presents the first example of AⅡ-Cu-As-S (where AⅡ represents alkaline earth metal cations) compounds. Their optical properties and theoretical calculations were also investigated. Our results demonstrate that solvothermal synthesis is a promising method for obtaining multinary alkaline earth metal sulfides with diverse structures and properties.

Chameleonic Cages: Encapsulation of Anionic, Neutral, and Cationic Guest Species within [Fe4L4]8+ Tetrahedral Cages Synthesised from the tris(4-aminophenyl)phosphate pro-Ligand.

An adaptable Fe(II) tetrahedral cage, [Fe4L4][BF4]8 (L = tris(4-(((E)-pyridin-2-ylmethylene)amino)phenyl) phosphate), has been synthesised via self-assembly. By modulating the orientation of its pendant P=O groups, the cage was found to be capable of encapsulating anionic, neutral, and cationic guests, which was confirmed in the solid state via single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) and in solution by high-resolution mass spectroscopy (HR-MS), as well as by NMR (1H, 19F, 31P) studies where possible.

Host-Guest Interactions of Ruthenium(II) Arene Complexes with Cucurbit[7/8]uril.

Cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s) have been recognized for their chemical and thermal stability, and their ability to bind many neutral and cationic guest molecules makes them excellent hosts in a range of supramolecular applications. In drug delivery, CB[n]s can enhance drug solubility, improve chemical and physical drug stability, and allow for triggered and controlled release. This study aimed to investigate the ability of CB[7] and CB[8] as molecular hosts to bind ruthenium(II) arene complexes that are current anticancer lead structures in the area of metallodrugs. Both, experimental and computational methods, led to insights into the binding preferences and geometries of [RuII(cym)Cl2]2 (1; cym = η6-p-cymene), [RuII(cym)(dmb)Cl2]) (2; cym = η6-p-cymene; dmb = 1,3-dimethylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene), and [RuII(cym)(pta)Cl2] (3, RAPTA-C; cym = η6-p-cymene; pta = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phospha-adamantane) with CB[7] and CB[8]. Competition experiments by mass spectrometry revealed clear preferences of 2 for CB[8] and 3 for CB[7]. Based on a comparison of the associated interaction energies from quantum chemical calculations as well as experimental data, 3@CB[7] clearly prefers a binding mode, where the pta ligand is located inside the cavity of the host, and the metal ion interacts with two of the carbonyl groups on the rim of CB[7]. In contrast, complex 2 binds in two different orientations with interaction energies similar to those of both CB[n]s, with the cym ligand being either inside or outside of the cavity. These findings suggest that ruthenium(II) arene complexes are able to form stable host-guest interactions with CB[n]s, which can be exploited as drug delivery vehicles in further metallodrug development to improve their chemical stability.

Carboxylated pillar[5]arene cavity accommodates organic cations in the host-guest complexes

The electron-rich cavity of carboxylated pillar[5]arene efficiently encapsulates cationic guest molecules within supramolecular assemblies. In this study we provide evidence of the host-guest complexation between carboxylated pillar[5]arene and benzamidine, a competitive inhibitor of serine proteases. We show the unexpected inclusion of the polar amidinium functionality within the central cavity of the macrocyclic host sustained by N+-H···π and cation···π interactions. In addition to the in-cavity complexation, simultaneous external binding of bipyridinium guests with varying stoichiometries has been observed. The interesting aspect is the inclusion of a hydrogen bonded pair of 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene guests into pillar[5]arene cavity. Additional insights into inclusion characteristics are provided by NMR and ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) studies, offering information for the solution/gas phase and enabling a comprehensive description of the complexation process across different phases. This work expands the portfolio of cationic guest molecules capable of being encapsulated by carboxylated pillar[5]arene, showing new promises and directions for their inclusion and self-assembly behavior.

Hybridization makes the difference: [2Oxa.2Oxa.2Oxa] a sp2-Carbon dominated Lehn-type cryptand - Prediction of ion selectivity by quantum chemical calculations. XVIII

Substituting the O-C2H4-O-moiety of [2.2.2] by the O2CCO2-core of oxalic acid leads to the new Lehn-type cryptand [M ⊂ 2Oxa.2Oxa.2Oxa]m+. We explored by quantum chemical methods (B3LYP/LANL2DZp) the complexation behaviour and compared it with the original cryptand [2.2.2]. The cryptands [2Oxa.2Oxa.2Oxa] and [2.2.2] exhibit the same ion selectivity against alkaline and alkaline earth metal cation (K+ followed by Rb+; Ba2+ preferred over Sr2+). The exchange of the OC2H4O-moiety by the O2CCO2-moiety (the subsequent exchange of sp3- by sp2-carbon atoms) makes [2Oxa.2Oxa.2Oxa] less flexible in the OCCO-diether angle as [2.2.2]. This rigidity results in higher complexation energies for [M ⊂ 2Oxa.2Oxa.2Oxa]m+ and that the twisting of the dihedral angle CN…NC improves the nesting of the guest cations in the cryptand [2Oxa.2Oxa.2Oxa].

Synthesis and Characterization of Amido-Thiourea Based p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene Compound and Investigation of Transition Metal Complex Properties

In host-guest complexes, the compatibility of the size and shape of the host cavity and the guest molecule is essential in the formation of the host-guest complex. Considered third-generation macrocyclic hosts, calixarenes attract the attention of researchers in supramolecular chemistry as they offer a wide range of applications in fields such as biocatalysis, enzyme analysis, pharmaceuticals, and biosensing. The synthesis of host molecules for anionic and cationic guest compounds has a very important place in coordination chemistry. Calixarenes are known as one of the important types of supramolecular compounds and are an important class of easily synthesized compounds that can act as a suitable receptors for cations, anions, and organic molecules. When calixarene compounds, which have an important place in host-guest chemistry, are derivatized appropriately, the coordination ability of the molecule against metal cations increases. These derivatizations gained importance due to the sensory properties of the molecule, and different studies were started considering that a larger cavity and functional group are required for more guest molecules. In this study, a new ligand of 1,3-disubstituted p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivative with increased donor atomic number with amide and thiourea groups in its structure was synthesized. Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes were synthesized with the compound and the structures of the compounds were characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectrometry.

The ion selectivity of the Goedken-Peng cryptand: prediction of ion selectivity by quantum chemical calculations XVII

The cryptand developed by Virgil L. Goedken and Shie-Ming Peng, along with its interactions with alkaline and alkaline earth metal ions, was investigated using computational chemistry (B3LYP/LANL2DZp) to gain insight into the influence of the flexibility of the chelating N-C-C-N group on overall selectivity towards metal ions. According to DFT calculations, the most suitable cation for the cryptand is Li+, as Na+ is too large and would prefer a longer bond between Na+ and the N-donor. Additionally, the Be2+-N bond in the Goedken-Peng cryptand is excessively long compared to the Mg2+-N-cryptate bond, which is too short. The most effective method for hosting the guest cations is for the cryptand to twist itself, and the flexibility of the chelating N-C-C-N group serves as the most effective structural motive for the Goedken-Peng cryptand to interact with the guest cation.

Atomic-Scale Imaging of Clay Mineral Nanosheets and Their Supramolecular Complexes through Electron Microscopy: A Supramolecular Chemist's Perspective.

Recent advancements in electron microscopy techniques have revolutionized the ability to directly visualize and understand the intricate world of supramolecular chemistry. This paper provides a concise overview of a study delving into the atomic-scale imaging of monolayer clay mineral nanosheets and their associated supramolecular complexes. The imaging is conducted by harnessing the power of aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Clay mineral nanosheets, with their anionic charge and ultrathin thickness (of 1 nm), serve as a stable Coulombic host material for cationic guest molecules through electrostatic interactions, facilitating exceptional stability and control during observation. By incorporation of heavy-metal atom markers coordinated within the target molecules, high-angle annular dark field STEM enables a clear visualization of these supramolecular complexes. This approach helps to overcome the limitations of graphene-based systems and expands the possibilities of atomic-scale imaging of nonperiodic molecular assemblies formed by weak supramolecular interactions. The fusion of electron microscopy techniques with the principles of supramolecular and material chemistry offers exciting opportunities for studying the structure, behavior, and properties of complex supramolecular systems. It sheds light on the intricate molecular architectures and design principles governing these systems. This study showcases the immense potential of electron microscopy in supramolecular chemistry and invites researchers from various disciplines to explore the transformative possibilities of atomic-scale imaging in the field.

Planar Polymer Membranes Accommodate Functional Self-Assembly of Inserted Resorcinarene Nanocapsules.

Solid-supported polymer membranes (SSPMs) offer great potential in material and life sciences due to their increased mechanical stability and robustness compared to solid-supported lipid membranes. However, there is still a need for expanding the functionality of SSPMs by combining them with synthetic molecular assemblies. In this study, SSPMs served as a flexible matrix for the insertion of resorcinarene monomers and their self-assembly into functional hexameric resorcinarene capsules. Resorcinarene capsules provide a large cavity with affinity specifically for cationic and polyhydroxylated molecules. While the capsules are stable in apolar organic solvents, they disassemble when placed in polar solvents, which limits their application. Here, a solvent-assisted approach was used for copolymer membrane deposition on solid support and simultaneous insertion of the resorcinarene monomers. By investigation of the molecular factors and conditions supporting the codeposition of the copolymer and resorcinarene monomers, a stable hybrid membrane was formed. The hydrophobic domain of the membrane played a crucial role by providing a sufficiently thick and apolar layer, allowing for the self-assembly of the capsules. The capsules were functional inside the membranes by encapsulating cationic guests from the aqueous environment. The amount of resorcinarene capsules in the hybrid membranes was quantified by a combination of quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, while the membrane topography and layer composition were analyzed by atomic force microscopy and neutron reflectometry. Functional resorcinarene capsules inside SSPMs can serve as dynamic sensors and potentially as cross-membrane transporters, thus holding great promise for the development of smart surfaces.

Enhancing Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Activity of Palladium Catalyst by Immobilization on MXene Nanosheets.

Efficient catalysts with minimal content of catalytically active noble metals are essential for the transition to the clean hydrogen economy. Catalyst supports that can immobilize and stabilize catalytic nanoparticles and facilitate the supply of electrons and reactants to the catalysts are needed. Being hydrophilic and more conductive compared with carbons, MXenes have shown promise as catalyst supports. However, the controlled assembly of their 2D sheets creates a challenge. This study established a lattice engineering approach to regulate the assembly of exfoliated Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets with guest cations of various sizes. The enlargement of guest cations led to a decreased interlayer interaction of MXene lamellae and increased surface accessibility, allowing intercalation of Pd nanoparticles. Stabilization of Pd nanoparticles between interlayer-expanded MXene nanosheets improved their electrocatalytic activity. The Pd-immobilized K+-intercalated MXene nanosheets (PdKMX) demonstrated exceptional electrocatalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction with the lowest overpotential of 72 mV (@10 mA cm-2) and the highest turnover frequency of 1.122 s-1 (@ an overpotential of 100 mV), which were superior to those of the state-of-the-art Pd nanoparticle-based electrocatalysts. Weakening of the interlayer interaction during self-assembly with K+ ions led to fewer layers in lamellae and expansion of the MXene in the c direction during Pd anchoring, providing numerous surface-active sites and promoting mass transport. In situ spectroscopic analysis suggests that the effective interfacial electron injection from the Pd nanoparticles strongly immobilized on interlayer-expanded PdKMX may be responsible for the improved electrocatalytic performance.

Multiple Cations Nanoconfinement in Ultrathin V2O5 Nanosheets Enables Ultrafast Ion Diffusion Kinetics Toward High-performance Zinc Ion Battery.

Nanoconfinement of cations in layered oxide cathode is an important approach to realize advanced zinc ion storage performance. However, thus far, the conventional hydrothermal/solvothermal route for this nanoconfinement has been restricted to its uncontrollable phase structure and the difficulty on the multiple cation co-confinement simultaneously. Herein, this work reports a general, supramolecular self-assembly of ultrathin V2O5 nanosheets using various unitary cations including Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Al3+, NH4 +, and multiple cations (NH4 + + Na+, NH4 + + Na+ + Ca2+, NH4 + + Na+ + Ca2+ +Mg2+). The unitary cation confinement results in a remarkable increase in the specific capacity and Zn-ion diffusion kinetics, and the multiple cation confinement gives rise to superior structural and cycling stability by multiple cation synergetic pillaring effect. The optimized diffusion coefficient of Zn-ion (7.5 × 10-8 cm2 s-1) in this assembly series surpasses most of the V-based cathodes reported up to date. The work develops a novel multiple-cations nanoconfinement strategy toward high-performance cathode for aqueous battery. It also provides new insights into the guest cation regulation of zinc-ion diffusion kinetics through a general, supramolecular assembly pathway.

Polysulfonated covalent organic framework as active electrode host for mobile cation guests in electrochemical soft actuator

Tailoring transfer dynamics of mobile cations across solid-state electrolyte-electrode interfaces is crucial for high-performance electrochemical soft actuators. In general, actuation performance is directly proportional to the affinity of cations and anions in the electrolyte for the opposite electrode surfaces under an applied field. Herein, to maximize electrochemical actuation, we report an electronically conjugated polysulfonated covalent organic framework ( p S-COF) used as a common electrolyte-electrode host for 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cation embedded into a Nafion membrane. The p S-COF–based electrochemical actuator exhibits remarkable bending deflection at near-zero voltage (~0.01 V) and previously unattainable blocking force, which is 34 times higher than its own weight. The ultrafast step response shows a very short rising time of 1.59 seconds without back-relaxation, and substantial ultralow-voltage actuation at higher frequencies up to 5.0 hertz demonstrates good application prospects of common electrolyte-electrode hosts. A soft fluidic switch is constructed using the proposed soft actuator as a potential engineering application.

Hydro-Photo-Thermo-Responsive Multicolor Luminescence Switching of a Ternary MOF Hybrid for Advanced Information Anticounterfeiting.

Developing smart materials capable of solid-state multicolor photoluminescence (PL) switching in response to multistimuli is highly desirable for advanced anticounterfeiting. Here, a ternary MOF hybrid showing hydro-photo-thermo-responsive multicolor PL switching in the solid state is presented. This hybrid is constructed by co-immobilizing Eu3+ and methyl viologen (MV) cations within an anionic MOF via the cation-exchange approach. The confined guest cations are well arranged in the framework channels, facilitating the synergistic realization of stimuli-responsive multiple PL color-switching through intermolecular coupling. The hybrid undergoes a rapid and reversible PL color-switching from red to blue upon water simulation, which is achieved by activating the blue emission of the framework linker while simultaneously quenching the Eu3+ emission. Furthermore, the hybrid displays photo-thermo-responsive PL switching from red to dark. UV-light irradiation or heating triggers the chromic conversion of MV to its colored radical form, which exhibits perfect spectral overlap with Eu3+, thus activating Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from Eu3+ to MV radicals and quenching the Eu3+ emission. Inspired by these results, PL morse patterns are designed and fabricated using a novel triple-level encryption strategy, showcasing the exciting potential of this hybrid in advanced anticounterfeiting applications.

Ditopic Covalent Cage for Ion-Pair Binding: Influence of Anion Complexation on the Cation Exchange Rate.

A new hemicryptophane host with a ditopic molecular cavity combining a cyclotriveratrylene (CTV) unit with a tris-urea moiety was synthesized. The complexation of halides, tetramethylammonium (TMA+) cation, and ion pairs was investigated. A positive cooperativity was observed, since halides display a higher binding constant when a TMA+ cation is already present inside the cage. When TMA+ was complexed alone, a decrease of temperature from 298 K to 230 K was required to switch from a fast to a slow exchange regime on the NMR time scale. Nevertheless, the prior complexation of a halide guest in the lower part of the host resulted in significant decrease of the exchange rate of the subsequent complexation of the TMA+ cation. Under these conditions, the 1H NMR signals characteristic of a slow exchange regime were observed at 298 K. Addition of an excess of salts, increases the ionic strength of the solution, restoring the fast exchange dynamics. This result provides insight on how the exchange rate of a cation guest can be modulated by the complexation of a co-guest anion.

Cation Recognition by Dibenzoarsacrowns

AbstractWe recently reported dibenzoarsacrowns as a novel class of host molecules, and in this work, prepared four dibenzoarsacrowns:12‐dibenzoarsacrown‐4, 15‐dibenzoarsacrown‐5, 18‐dibenzoarsacrown‐6, and 21‐dibenzoarsacrown‐7, and investigated their guest recognition behaviors for alkali metal and ammonium cations (Li+, Na+, K+, and NH4+). It was found that the triphenylarsine moiety of the dibenzoarsacrowns could be electrochemically oxidized and that their oxidation potentials shifted in response to perturbation because of the weak interaction between the arsenic atom and guest cations. Thus, dibenzoarsacrowns could electrochemically detect cations with sizes that fit the host cavity. Electron spin resonance measurements revealed the generation of cation radical species of arsenic under the application of voltage and supported the idea that the interaction between the arsenic atom and guest cations played a crucial role in the detection of cations. In addition, ion chromatography studies showed that size‐selective cation recognition by dibenzoarsacrowns was achievable even in aqueous solutions.

D2/H2 separation by quantum sieving in LiNaA zeolites: the role of aperture size and strong guest–cation interactions

D2/H2 separation by quantum sieving in LiNaA zeolites: the role of aperture size and strong guest–cation interactions

In Situ Photoisomerization of an Azobenzene-Based Triple Helicate with a Prolonged Thermal Relaxation Time.

The phosphate-coordination triple helicates A2 L3 (A=anion) with azobenzene-spaced bis-bis(urea) ligands (L) have proven to undergo a rare in situ photoisomerization (without disassembly of the structure) rather than the typically known, stepwise "disassembly-isomerization-reassembly" process. This is enabled by the structural self-adaptability of the "aniono" assembly arising from multiple relatively weak and flexible hydrogen bonds between the phosphate anion and bis(urea) units. Notably, the Z→E thermal relaxation rate of the isomerized azobenzene unit is significantly decreased (up to 20-fold) for the triple helicates compared to the free ligands. Moreover, the binding of chiral guest cations inside the cavity of the Z-isomerized triple helicate can induce optically pure diastereomers, thus demonstrating a new strategy for making light-activated chiroptical materials.

In Situ Photoisomerization of an Azobenzene‐Based Triple Helicate with a Prolonged Thermal Relaxation Time

AbstractThe phosphate‐coordination triple helicates A2L3 (A=anion) with azobenzene‐spaced bis‐bis(urea) ligands (L) have proven to undergo a rare in situ photoisomerization (without disassembly of the structure) rather than the typically known, stepwise “disassembly‐isomerization‐reassembly” process. This is enabled by the structural self‐adaptability of the “aniono” assembly arising from multiple relatively weak and flexible hydrogen bonds between the phosphate anion and bis(urea) units. Notably, the Z→E thermal relaxation rate of the isomerized azobenzene unit is significantly decreased (up to 20‐fold) for the triple helicates compared to the free ligands. Moreover, the binding of chiral guest cations inside the cavity of the Z‐isomerized triple helicate can induce optically pure diastereomers, thus demonstrating a new strategy for making light‐activated chiroptical materials.