Dispersion Of Nanocrystals Research Articles

Ligand Desorption and Fragmentation in Oleate-Capped CdSe Nanocrystals under High-Intensity Photoexcitation.

Semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) offer prospective use as active optical elements in photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes, lasers, and photocatalysts due to their tunable optical absorption and emission properties, high stability, and scalable solution processing, as well as compatibility with additive manufacturing routes. Over the course of experiments, during device fabrication, or while in use commercially, these materials are often subjected to intense or prolonged electronic excitation and high carrier densities. The influence of such conditions on ligand integrity and binding remains underexplored. Here, we expose CdSe NCs to laser excitation and monitor changes in oleate that is covalently attached to the NC surface using nuclear magnetic resonance as a function of time and laser intensity. Higher photon doses cause increased rates of ligand loss from the particles, with upward of 50% total ligand desorption measured for the longest, most intense excitation. Surprisingly, for a range of excitation intensities, fragmentation of the oleate is detected and occurs concomitantly with formation of aldehydes, terminal alkenes, H2, and water. After illumination, NC size, shape, and bandgap remain constant although low-energy absorption features (Urbach tails) develop in some samples, indicating formation of substantial trap states. The observed reaction chemistry, which here occurs with low photon to chemical conversion efficiency, suggests that ligand reactivity may require examination for improved NC dispersion stability but can also be manipulated to yield desired photocatalytically accessed chemical species.

Transforming waste brake pads from automobiles into Nano-Catalyst: Synergistic Fe-C-Cu triple sites for efficient fenton-like oxidation of organic pollutants

The arbitrary disposal of used brake pads from motor vehicles has resulted in severe heavy metal pollution and resource wastage, highlighting the urgent need to explore the significant untapped potential of these discarded materials. In this study, The in-situ growth of highly dispersed Fe2O3 nanocrystals was achieved by simple oxidation annealing of brake pad debris(BPD). Interestingly, Cu remained unoxidized and acted as a “valence state transformation bridge of Fe2O3” to construct the “triple Fe-C-Cu sites”. The Fenton degradation experiment of pollutants was conducted under constant temperature conditions at 40 °C, a stirring rate of 1300 rpm, a pH value of 3, a catalyst dosage of 0.5 g/L, pollutant dosage ranging from 50 to 400 mg/L, and H2O2 dosage of 0.25 g/L. Experimental results showed that BPD treated at 300 °C for 2 h exhibited optimal Fenton-like oxidation activity, achieving rapid degradation of over 90 % of refractory antibiotics, such as tetracycline and ciprofloxacin, in organic wastewater within 10 min. This remarkable performance was mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of “Fe-C-Cu triple sites”, where the electron-donating role of C in the Fe-C and Cu-C interfaces facilitated the conversion of the Fe(III) to Fe(II) and Cu(II) to Cu(I). In addition, the ability of Cu2+ to accept electrons at the Fe-Cu interface promoted the transition from Fe (II) to Fe (III). This “balance of electron gain and loss” accelerated the interfacial electron transfer and the recycle of dual Fenton sites, Fe(II)/Fe(III) and Cu(I)/Cu(II), to generate more ·OH from H2O2. Therefore, this strategy of functionalizing BPD as Fenton-like catalysts without the addition of external Fe provides intriguing prospects for understanding the construction of Fe-based Fenton catalysts and resource utilization of Fe-containing solid waste materials.

Influence of cellulose nanocrystal surface chemistry and dispersion quality on latex nanocomposite stability, film formation and adhesive properties

The different surface functional groups on carboxylated and sulfated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) affect the latex CNC–polymer interactions.

Energy deposition in liquid scintillators composed of CsPbBr3 colloidal nanocrystal dispersions.

Liquid scintillation processes are commonly used for various applications involving radioactivity levels analysis, as well as experiments in the field of high energy physics, most commonly in the form of organic scintillating cocktails. In this paper, we explore the potential of halide perovskite nanocrystal colloidal dispersions as an alternative to those organic mixtures. After an optimization of the nanocrystals' mean size and surface chemistry, the scintillation yield of these composite mixtures is evaluated through Compton - Triple to Double Coincidence Ratio experiments and compared with commercial liquid scintillator. The obtained results shine a light on the energy deposition mechanisms in nanocrystals-based liquid scintillators.

Defect Engineering of Metal Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals via Spontaneous Diffusion of Ag Nanocrystals.

Perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have emerged as a promising building block for the fabrication of optic-/optoelectronic-/electronic devices owing to their superior characteristics, such as high absorption coefficient, rapid ion mobilities, and tunable energy levels. However, their low structural stability and poor surface passivation have restricted their application to next-generation devices. Herein, a drug delivery system (DDS)-inspired post-treatment strategy is reported for improving their structural stability by doping of Ag into CsPbBr3 (CPB) perovskite NCs; delivery to damaged sites can promote their structural recovery slowly and uniformly, averting the permanent loss of their intrinsic characteristics. Ag NCs are designed through surface-chemistry tuning and structural engineering to enable their circulation in CPB NC dispersions, followed by their delivery to the CPB NC surface, defect-site recovery, and defect prevention. The perovskite-structure healing process through the DDS-type process (with Ag NCs as the drug) is analyzed by a combination of theoretical calculations (with density functional theory) and experimental analyses. The proposed DDS-inspired healing strategy significantly enhances the optical properties and stability of perovskite NCs, enabling the fabrication of white light-emitting diodes.

Improving the hardness of tungsten boride-based composites through titanium doping

Tungsten borides have been explored as potential candidates for superhard materials. However, the insufficient density and strength of covalent bonds in these borides typically limit their hardness to less than 40 GPa. Tungsten boride-based composites with varying titanium content were synthesized using arc melting in this study. The results show that WB2-WB3-B4C-TiB2 composites with the highest hardness (∼37 GPa) were obtained. The hardening mechanism is attributed to the dispersion of TiB2 nanocrystals formed in composites. The approach can serve as a valuable reference for the design and development of other boride composites with ultra-high hardness.

A strategy for effective improvement the dispersion of cellulose nanocrystals and adhesive properties of starch-matrix sizing agent on polyester roving via dopamine self-polymerization

Starch sizing agent has poor mechanical property, strong hygroscopicity and weak adhesion to polyester yarns. In this study, cellulose nanocrystals embellished by dopamine (CNC-DA) as the filler of starch is used for sizing polyester roving. The structure of CNC-DA is characterized, and the structure and properties of starch-matrix nanocomposite (CS/CNC-DA) are studied. The results show that DA self-polymerizes on the surface of CNC to form polydopamine. With the increase of CNC-DA amount, tensile strength, elongation at break, fracture work, the initial degradation temperature, water contact angle of CS/CNC-DA film, and adhesion of CS/CNC-DA to polyester roving increase first, and then decrease, while moisture uptake of CS/CNC-DA film shows the opposite trend. When the addition amount of CNC-DA is 5 wt%, the corresponding tensile strength, elongation at break and fracture work reach maximum that are 53.82 MPa, 4.87% and 1.69 MJ/m3, respectively. Breaking force, elongation at break and work-to-break of sizing polyester roving by CS/5CNC-DA are 143.47 N, 15.49% and 550.95 N·mm, respectively. These are attributed to the better dispersion of CNC-DA in starch-matrix nanocomposite film and the stronger interfacial interaction between CNC-DA and starch.

Enhanced mechanical properties of nanocrystalline B4C–SiC composites by in-situ high pressure reactive sintering

A unique optimized of core–shell structural B4C nanopowder, sintering aid additive of Si, and high-pressure sintering technique has been used to process nanocrystalline B4C–SiC ceramics with enhanced mechanical properties. C-coated B4C nanopowder was initially uniformly mixed with micron Si of different content by ball-milling. B4C–SiC composites with a homogenous distribution of SiC in B4C matrix were subsequently obtained by sintering the mixed powders at 6 GPa and 1600 °C. The added Si reacted with submicron amorphous carbon layer and amorphous carbon nanoshell to form dispersed SiC nanocrystals and Si–C phase filled at B4C grain boundaries and pores, respectively. The prepared composite had the most outstanding mechanical properties when the Si content in the precursor was 15 wt%, with a hardness reaching 37.8 GPa and a fracture toughness reaching 7.3 MPa·m1/2. Microstructural characterizations indicated that the multi deflection of nanoscale crack caused by intergranular fracture, the covalent bonding of Si–C phase at the grain boundary, and the abundant nanotwin substructure were jointly responsible for the superior performance in hardness and fracture toughness.

Nasal Absorption Enhancement of Mometasone Furoate Nanocrystal Dispersions.

We designed a 0.05% mometasone furoate (MF) nanocrystal dispersion and investigated whether the application of MF nanocrystals in nasal formulations enhanced local absorption compared to traditional nasal MF formulations (CA-MF). MF nanocrystal dispersions (MF-NPs) were prepared by bead milling MF microcrystal dispersions (MF-MPs) consisting of MF, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, methylcellulose, and purified water. Pluronic F-127 combined with methylcellulose, Pluronic F-68, or carbopol was used as a base for in situ gelation (thickener). MF concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, and nasal absorption of MF was evaluated in 6 week-old male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. The particle size range of MF prepared with the bead mill treatment was 80-200 nm, and the nanoparticles increased the local absorption of MF, which was higher than that of CA-MF and MF-MPs. In addition, unlike the results obtained in the small intestine and corneal tissue, the high absorption of nanocrystalline MF in the nasal mucosa was related to a pathway that was not derived from energy-dependent endocytosis. Moreover, the application of the in situ gelling system attenuated the local absorption of MF-NPs, owing to a decrease in drug diffusion in the dispersions. We found that nanoparticulation of MF enhances local intranasal absorption, and nasal bioavailability is higher than that of CA-MF. In addition, we demonstrate that viscosity regulation is an important factor in the design of nasal formulations based on MF nanocrystals. These findings provide insights for the design of novel nanomedicines with enhanced nasal bioavailability.

Tuning the microstructure of polyurethane foam using nanocellulose for improved thermal insulation properties through an efficient dispersion methodology

AbstractNanocellulose is explored as an eco‐friendly cell modifier and reinforcer for improving the thermal insulation and mechanical performance of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF). In this study, we report on a promising method for achieving ‘solvent‐free' dispersion of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) into polyether polyol for the production of RPUF. This was achieved through wet grinding of CNC powder in polyol in an agitator bead mill and the dispersion of CNCs in polyol was superior to classical ultrasonication. While the improvements (reduction) in thermal conductivity, due to the nucleation effect of CNCs, in the RPUF from the milling method is comparable to that from the ultrasonication method, it should be noted that it was achieved despite of a reduction in closed cell content (~80%) and at a similar average cell size. This effect has been attributed to either superior dispersion quality of the milling method and/or involvement of a zirconium impurity within the CNC‐RPUF.Research Highlights Enhanced properties of polyurethane foam using well‐dispersed nanocellulose. Superior dispersion of nanocellulose in polyol using agitator bead mill. Involvement of zirconium for tuning microstructure of polyurethane foam.

Design Principles for Using Amphiphilic Polymers To Create Microporous Water.

Aqueous dispersions of microporous nanocrystals with dry, gas-accessible pores─referred to as "microporous water"─enable high densities of gas molecules to be transported through water. For many applications of microporous water, generalizable strategies are required to functionalize the external surface of microporous particles to control their dispersibility, stability, and interactions with other solution-phase components─including catalysts, proteins, and cells─while retaining as much of their internal pore volume as possible. Here, we establish design principles for the noncovalent surface functionalization of hydrophobic metal-organic frameworks with amphiphilic polymers that render the particles dispersible in water and enhance their hydrolytic stability. Specifically, we show that block co-polymers with persistence lengths that exceed the micropore aperture size of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) can dramatically enhance ZIF particle dispersibility and stability while preserving porosity and >80% of the theoretical O2 carrying capacity. Moreover, enhancements in hydrolytic stability are greatest when the polymer can form strong bonds to exposed metal sites on the external particle surface. More broadly, our insights provide guidelines for controlling the interface between polymers and metal-organic framework particles in aqueous environments to augment the properties of microporous water.

Rubusoside As a Multifunctional Stabilizer for Novel Nanocrystal-Based Solid Dispersions with a High Drug Loading: A Case Study

The oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs has always been the focus of pharmaceutical researchers. We innovatively combined nanocrystal technology and solid dispersion technology to prepare novel nanocrystalline solid dispersions (NCSDs), which enable both the solidification and redispersion of nanocrystals, offering a promising new pathway for oral delivery of insoluble Chinese medicine ingredients. The rubusoside (Rub) was first used as the multifunctional stabilizer of novel apigenin nanocrystal-based solid dispersions (AP-NSD), improving the in vitro solubilization rate of the insoluble drug apigenin(AP). AP-NSD has been produced using a combination of homogenisation and spray-drying technology. The effects of stabilizer type and concentration on AP nanosuspensions (AP-NS) particles, span, and zeta potential were studied. And the effects of different types of protective agents on the yield and redispersibility of AP-NSD were also studied. Furthermore, AP-NSD was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Solubility was used to assess the in vitro dissolution of AP-NSD relative to APIs and amorphous solid dispersions (AP-ASD), and AP-ASD was prepared by the solvent method. The results showed that 20% Rub stabilized AP-NSD exhibited high drug-loading and good redispersibility and stability, and higher in vitro dissolution rate, which may be related to the presence of Rub on surface of drug. Therefore provides a natural and safe option for the development of formulations for insoluble drugs.

Microwave-assisted dry synthesis of hybrid electrode materials for supercapacitors: Nitrogen-doped rGO with homogeneously dispersed CoO nanocrystals

In this research work, we have applied a dry microwave (MW) strategy to synthesize uniformly sized CoO nanocrystals homogeneously dispersed on the basal plane of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (N-rGO NSs). The MW treatment is an ultra-fast process for exfoliation and in-situ reduction of graphite oxide and simultaneous decomposition of the cobalt precursor. The results show that during the MW-assisted synthesis process, the graphite oxide is exfoliated, reduced and combined with the available nitrogen from the precursor to form N-rGO NSs. Simultaneously; the Co ions react with oxygen functionalities on surface of N-rGO NSs to form CoO ([email protected]) nanocrystals. These processes, when combined, effectively prevented the aggregation of the CoO nanocrystals and the re-stacking of the N-rGO layers. The resulting [email protected] nanocomposites exhibited unique surface morphology and electrochemical performance for supercapacitor (SC) applications. As the SC electrode, the nanocomposite delivered high specific capacitance (744.1 F/g at 5 mV/s) and excellent cyclic stability (91.3 % over 5000 cycles). Thus, the MW-processing method proved to be a rapid, effective, and simple approach for single step synthesis of doped rGO-metal oxide electrodes for SC applications.

Light-Driven Self-Oscillation of Thermoplasmonic Nanocolloids.

Self-oscillation-the periodic change of a system under a non-periodic stimulus-is vital for creating low-maintenance autonomous devices in soft robotics technologies. Soft composites of macroscopic dimensions are often doped with plasmonic nanoparticles to enhance energy dissipation and generate periodic response. However, while it is still unknown whether a dispersion of photonic nanocrystals may respond to light as a soft actuator, a dynamic analysis of nanocolloids self-oscillating in a liquid is also lacking. This study presents a new self-oscillator model for illuminated colloidal systems. It predicts that the surface temperature of thermoplasmonic nanoparticles and the number density of their clusters jointly oscillate at frequencies ranging from infrasonic to acoustic values. New experiments with spontaneously clustering gold nanorods, where the photothermal effect alters the interplay of light (stimulus) with the disperse system on a macroscopic scale, strongly support thetheory. These findings enlarge the current view on self-oscillation phenomena and anticipate the colloidal state of matter to be a suitable host for accommodating light-propelled machineries. In broad terms, a complex system behavior is observed, which goes from periodic solutions (Hopf-Poincaré-Andronov bifurcation) to a new dynamic attractor driven by nanoparticle interactions, linking thermoplasmonics to nonlinearity andchaos.

Lotus Leaf Derived NiS/Carbon Nanofibers/Porous Carbon Heterogeneous Structures for Strong and Broadband Microwave Absorption.

Developing composite materials with the synergistic effects of heterogeneous structures and multiple components is considered as a promising strategy to achieve high-performance electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers. To further satisfy the demand of broadband and strong microwave absorption, a novel NiS/carbon nanofibers (CNFs)/porous carbon composite is successfully synthesized by hydrothermal and chemical vapor deposition using lotus leaves as a biomass carbon source. A few carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and uniformly dispersed Ni nanocrystals have also been found in the hybrid. Benefiting from the porous structure derived from lotus leaves, the combination of dielectric NiS, conductive carbon nanomaterials, and magnetic Ni nanoparticles, together with the three-dimensional conductive network of CNFs and CNTs, the remarkable EMW absorption properties with a minimum reflection loss up to -67.65 dB have been achieved at merely 2.32 mm. Besides, the widest effective absorption band can reach 5.9 GHz with a thin thickness of 2.07 mm, covering almost the entire Ku band. In addition, under the incident angle of 31°, the radar cross-section reduction value of LNSF-600 can reach 42.88 dBm2. Therefore, this work provides an efficient and facile method for manufacturing outstanding biomass-derived EMW absorbers.

Improved mechanical, functional and antimicrobial properties of corn starch-based biodegradable nanocomposites films reinforced with lemongrass oil nanoemulsion and starch nano-crystal

In recent times, negative influence of petroleum-based packaging materials on environment, sustainability and health has become a serious issue. Therefore, development of biodegradable packaging material for food related applications is rapidly gaining attention. The present study evaluates the influence corn starch nanocrystals (SNCs) (0.5%, 1% and 2%) in conjugation with lemongrass oil nanoemulsion (LNE) (2%) on the functionality of corn starch based film. The develop nanocomposite films were evaluated for their functional, tensile, barrier and functional properties and also characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) techniques. Results revealed an increase in SNCs concentration caused a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in water barrier properties whereas incorporation of SNCs (≤1%) exhibited homogenous dispersion of nanocrystals into the matrix, improving tensile properties (15.53%). Opacity, color and crystallinity were influenced by the concentration of SNCs. SNCs/LNE loaded films exhibited increased opacity (↑63.1%) and antioxidant activity (↑348.2%). LNE induced small cavities on the film's surface, reducing the tensile strength and increasing elongation at break compared to SNCs loaded films. Antimicrobial activity of SNCs/LNE loaded films against E. coli. (ZOI-7.33 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (ZOI-10.59 mm) was higher than SNCs-loaded films. SNCs and LNE, both reduced the degradation rate, yet films were completely degradable in soil, proving their potential utility in the development of functional and biodegradable food packaging.

Freeze-dried nanocrystal dispersion of novel deuterated pyrazoloquinolinone ligand (DK-I-56-1): Process parameters and lyoprotectant selection through the stability study

Recently, nanocrystal dispersions have been considered as a promising formulation strategy to improve the bioavailability of the deuterated pyrazoloquinolinone ligand DK-I-56-1 (7‑methoxy-2-(4‑methoxy-d3-phenyl)-2,5-dihydro-3H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one). In the current study, the freeze-drying process (formulation and process parameters) was investigated to improve the storage stability of the previously developed formulation. Different combinations of lyoprotectant (sucrose or trehalose) and bulking agent (mannitol) were varied while formulations were freeze-dried under two conditions (primary drying at -10 or -45 °C). The obtained lyophilizates were characterized in terms of particle size, solid state properties and morphology, while the interactions within the samples were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In the preliminary study, three formulations were selected based on the high redispersibility index values (around 95%). The temperature of primary drying had no significant effect on particle size, but stability during storage was impaired for samples dried at -10 °C. Samples dried at lower temperature were more homogeneous and remained stable for three months. It was found that the optimal ratio of sucrose or trehalose to mannitol was 3:2 at a total concentration of 10% to achieve the best stability (particle size < 1.0 μm, polydispersity index < 0.250). The amorphous state of lyoprotectants probably provided a high degree of interaction with nanocrystals, while the crystalline mannitol provided an elegant cake structure. Sucrose was superior to trehalose in maintaining particle size during freeze-drying, while trehalose was more effective in keeping particle size within limits during storage. In conclusion, results demonstrated that the appropriate combination of sucrose/trehalose and mannitol together with the appropriate selection of lyophilization process parameters could yield nanocrystals with satisfactory stability.

Experimental simulations of cosmic impacts on rubrene nanoparticles in the water environment reveal the potentiality of condensed phases of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to generate prebiotic molecules

Organic compounds, such as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are among the major species responsible for the infrared spectral features characterising the cosmic background radiation. Similar to silicate dust, aggregates rich in carbon with micro- and nano-meter sizes are subjected to several weathering processes in various astrophysical environments that modify their chemistry and structure, thus contributing to the chemical richness of the cosmic environment. In particular, the study of the chemical and structural evolution of PAHs aggregates in the presence of water is relevant to understand the mechanism of formation of the prebiotic building blocks of life.Pulsed laser ablation of a water-dispersed nano-phase of rubrene (5,6,11,12-tetraphenyltetracene) is here performed to reproduce the high energy-density conditions occurring in shock events in the interstellar medium, while ensuring the presence of a water environment. We studied the structural and chemical evolution of the dispersed rubrene nanocrystals upon laser treatment, showing that rubrene undergoes a fragmentation process producing water soluble species. The results obtained demonstrate that the extreme conditions occurring in cosmic environments coupled with the presence of water are sufficient conditions for transforming PAHs into prebiotic molecules.

Stabilizing Pt3Co intermetallic nanocrystals on Co3ZnC/Co in N-doped carbon for efficient oxygen reduction reaction and high-performance zinc-air batteries

Tremendous attention has been paid to the stabilization of Pt-based catalysts on desirable supports to reduce Pt loading in zinc-air batteries (ZABs). However, it is still challenging to design catalysts with efficient activity and stability because of the sluggish kinetic of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) occurred at cathode. Here, we proposed an effective strategy to fabricate highly dispersed Pt3Co nanocrystals on zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-derived multicomponent support of Co3ZnC@Co in N-doped carbon. Especially, Pt3Co intermetallic can be simultaneously generated on the formed Co3ZnC@Co-NC after the two-step pyrolysis. The Co3ZnC@Co-NC is beneficial to enhance the anchoring ability, resulting in an improved stability for active Pt3Co nanocrystals. What's more, theoretical calculation reveals the unique composition of support could adjust the geometric configuration and electronic structure of Pt, resulting in a favorable ORR process. As expected, the optimal Pt3Co/Co3ZnC@Co-NC delivers the high half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.90 V and only 11 mV of negative shift on E1/2 after 30000 cycles. When applied in air cathode, Pt3Co/Co3ZnC@Co-NC-based ZABs also exhibit considerable performance with peak power density of 172 mW cm−2, specific capacity of 809 mAh g−1, and long-term cycling stability. This work provides an insight for preparation of durable ORR catalysts for ZABs.

Breathing porous liquids based on responsive metal-organic framework particles

Responsive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that display sigmoidal gas sorption isotherms triggered by discrete gas pressure-induced structural transformations are highly promising materials for energy related applications. However, their lack of transportability via continuous flow hinders their application in systems and designs that rely on liquid agents. We herein present examples of responsive liquid systems which exhibit a breathing behaviour and show step-shaped gas sorption isotherms, akin to the distinct oxygen saturation curve of haemoglobin in blood. Dispersions of flexible MOF nanocrystals in a size-excluded silicone oil form stable porous liquids exhibiting gated uptake for CO2, propane and propylene, as characterized by sigmoidal gas sorption isotherms with distinct transition steps. In situ X-ray diffraction studies show that the sigmoidal gas sorption curve is caused by a narrow pore to large pore phase transformation of the flexible MOF nanocrystals, which respond to gas pressure despite being dispersed in silicone oil. Given the established flexible nature and tunability of a range of MOFs, these results herald the advent of breathing porous liquids whose sorption properties can be tuned rationally for a variety of technological applications.