High Solvent Research Articles

A mixed polynuclear clusters-based Y-MOF with an unprecedented (12, 12, 18)-c topology: highly efficient propylene/ethylene separation and iodine adsorption

The design and synthesis of highly stable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) bearing unpredictable polynuclear clusters and new topologies are important for the development of novel and complicated MOFs. Herein, the polynuclear rare-earth (RE) clusters with more coordination modes and the small V-shaped ligand (2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid) were chosen, and subsequently JLU-MOF132 with three different yttrium clusters (two independent Y6 and one Y9 clusters) and a novel (12, 12, 18)-connected topology was successfully synthesized. Notably, JLU-MOF132 exhibits high porosity, excellent thermal, acid-base, and solvent stabilities. JLU-MOF132 shows considerable potential in methanol-to-olefins (MTO) products (C3H6 and C2H4) separation. The high ideal adsorbed solution theory C3H6/C2H4 selectivities (9.2, 10.6, and 15.1) and the breakthrough experiments results, including the high C2H4 purity (>99.9 %) and productivities (26.1, 73.1, and 101.0 L·kg-1), demonstrate its practical purification capability. Semi-empirical tight binding (xTB) quantum chemical calculations explain the mechanisms that differentiate C2H4 and C3H6 adsorption in JLU-MOF132. In addition, JLU-MOF132 also displays outstanding radioactive iodine adsorption performance, with an iodine uptake of 750 mg·g-1 in vapor and 153 mg·g-1 in cyclohexane solutions. Briefly, this work not only demonstrates the viability of employing the V-shaped ligand to increase the structural diversity of highly stable MOFs, but also enhances the application potential of MOFs in the fields of the MTO products separation and radioactive iodine adsorption.

Selective Extraction Process and Characterization of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds from Pereskia aculeata Leaves Using UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS.

This study innovates in comparing biological activities and chemical composition obtained from extracts and fractions from Pereskia aculeate leaves. Seven extracts and five fractions were produced by conventional successive solid-liquid extraction coupled with simultaneous bioguided purification using solvents of distinct polarities. A comparative analysis was conducted between these purified fractions and the original extracts to elucidate potential improvements in the bioactivity. The extract and fractions were evaluated using the ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and Folin-Ciocalteau methods and HPLC-DAD and UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS evaluated chemical composition. The fractions obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract showed better results, with the acetone fraction (Fr-Ace) exhibiting enhanced bioactivity, especially in the FRAP (1095 μmol of FeSO4/g) antioxidant capacity method. The results demonstrated that medium to high polarity solvents were the most effective in extracting bioactive phenolic compounds, with rutin being the predominant compound. The sequential hydroalcoholic fractionation (SHF) method extracted a greater variety of compounds, including vanillic acid and cinnamic acid, which were reported for the first time in P. aculeate leaves. The identified compounds by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS included flavonoids derived from quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol, phenolic acids, and their derivatives. Quercetin-3-O-xyloside, kaempferol-3-O-arabinoside, trehalose, feruloyltyramine, malyngic acid, pinellic acid, and 16-hydroxy-9-oxooctadeca-10,12,14-trienoic acid were identified for the first time in P. aculeata leaves.

Nanoflower Microreactor Based Versatile Enhancer for Recognition Cofactor-Dependent Enzyme Biocatalysis toward Saxitoxin Detection.

Investigating organic carriers' utilization efficiency and bioactivity within organic-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers is critical to constructing sensitive immunosensors. Nevertheless, the sensitivity of immunosensors is interactively regulated by different classes of biomolecules such as antibodies and enzymes. In this work, we introduced a new alkaline phosphatase-antibody-CaHPO4 hybrid nanoflowers (AAHNFs) microreactor based colorimetric immunoprobe. This system integrates a biometric unit (antibody) with a signal amplification element (enzyme) through the biomineralization process. Specifically, the critical factors affecting antibody recognition activity in the formation mechanism of AAHNFs are investigated. The designed AAHNFs retain antibody recognition ability with enhanced protection for encapsulated proteins against high temperature, organic solvents, and long-term storage, facilitating the selective construction of lock structures against antigens. Additionally, a colorimetric immunosensor based on AAHNFs was developed. After ascorbic acid 2-phosphate hydrolysis by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the generated ascorbic acid decomposes I2 to I-, inducing the localized surface plasmon resonance in the silver nanoplate, which is effectively tuned through shape conversion to develop the sensor. Further, a 3D-printed portable device is fabricated, integrated with a smartphone sensing platform, and applied to the data of collection and analysis. Notably, the immunosensor exhibits improved analytical performance with a 0.1-6.25 ng·mL-1 detection range and a 0.06 ng·mL-1 detection limit for quantitative saxitoxin (STX) analysis. The average recoveries of STX in real samples ranged from 85.9% to 105.9%. This study presents a more in-depth investigation of the recognition element performance, providing insights for improved antibody performance in practical applications.

Synthesis of a new unnatural polysaccharide, 2-deoxy-β(1→3)-glucan, by β−1,3-glucan phosphorylase-catalyzed enzymatic polymerization

Abstract We successfully synthesized a new unnatural polysaccharide, 2-deoxy-β(1→3)-glucan, by β−1,3-glucan phosphorylase-catalyzed enzymatic polymerization of a D-glucal monomer from a cellobiose primer, owing to recognition of such non-native substrates by the enzyme. Because of solubility of the product in several high polar organic solvents, acetylation as an example of its derivatizations smoothly occurred using acetic anhydride in the presence of base/catalyst in a DMF solvent. The NMR analysis of the acetylated derivative strongly supported the β(1→3)-linked chain structure.

Molecular Insights into Redox-Active Polymer Interfaces: Solvation and Ion Valency Effects on Metal Oxyanion Selectivity

Chemical separations are responsible for 10-15% of the world’s energy consumption. Minimizing energy and materials inputs in selective separations is imperative for a sustainable future. Ion-electrosorption mediated by redox-active metallopolymer interfaces has the unique advantage of selectively capturing and releasing metal oxyanions in a switchable manner by adjusting the applied potential, without any regenerants. Electrosorption addresses the need for selective separation approaches with low chemical and energy inputs. Previous studies on ferrocene metallopolymers have demonstrated the role of polymer structure and applied potential on selectivity—however, the ubiquitous role of solvation in redox-polymers has remained unexplored. Here, we investigate how solvation and ion valency influence selectivity of ReO4 - vs MoO4 2- for two redox-metallopolymers, poly(vinyl ferrocene) (PVFc) and poly(3-ferrocenylpropyl methacrylamide) (PFPMAm). Both polymers display time-dependent Re/Mo selectivity, with PVFc having higher selectivity compared to PFPMAm. Operando neutron reflectometry, ellipsometry, and electrochemical quartz-crystal microbalance show that both PVFc and PFPMAm swell in the presence of ReO4 - (with PFPMAm having higher solvation), but do not swell in contact with MoO4 2-. We find that the less solvated anion (ReO4 -) is preferably adsorbed by the more hydrophobic redox-polymer (PVFc). We expect that a deeper understanding of solvation and valency effects on selectivity mechanisms in redox interfaces will expedite the development of targeted selective ion-electrosorption systems. Figure 1

Anion-Dominated Solvation in Low-Concentration Electrolytes Promotes Inorganic-Rich Interphase Formation in Lithium Metal Batteries.

While the formation of an inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) plays a crucial role, the persistent challenge lies in the formation of an organic-rich SEI due to the high solvent ratio in low-concentration electrolytes (LCEs), which hinders the achievement of high-performance lithium metal batteries. Herein, by incorporating di-fluoroethylene carbonate (DFEC) as a non-solvating cosolvent, a solvation structure dominated by anions is introduced in the innovative LCE, leading to the creation of a durable and stable inorganic-rich SEI. Leveraging this electrolyte design, the Li||NCM83 cell demonstrates exceptional cycling stability, maintaining 82.85% of its capacity over 500 cycles at 1 C. Additionally, Li||NCM83 cell with a low N/P ratio (≈2.57) and reduced electrolyte volume (30µL) retain 87.58% of its capacity after 150 cycles at 0.5 C. Direct molecular information is utilized to reveal a strong correlation between solvation structures and reduction sequences, proving the anion-dominate solvation structure can impedes the preferential reduction of solvents and constructs an inorganic-rich SEI. These findings shed light on the pivotal role of solvation structures in dictating SEI composition and battery performance, offering valuable insights for the design of advanced electrolytes for next-generation lithium metal batteries.

Influence of hydroxyl group density in propane alcohols-based deep eutectic solvents: Physicochemical properties and potential application as an extraction medium for bioactive compounds

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) composed of citric acid monohydrate (CAM) as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and alcohol as hydrogen bond donor (HBD) were used for separating bioactive compounds from star anise. This study prepared three propane alcohols-based DES with different hydroxyl (OH) group densities in HBD. FTIR analysis verified the presence of hydrogen bond interactions between HBA and HBD, which strengthened with increasing the OH group densities. Increasing the OH group density in DES exhibited lower water content, but higher thermal stability, higher density, higher viscosity as well as enhanced the water absorption rate. All of the propane alcohols-based DES were miscible in high and semi-polar solvents as well as it also displayed frequency independence characteristics. Moreover, propane alcohols-based DES efficiently extracted bioactive compounds from star anise with high total phenolic and flavonoid contents more than traditional solvents. High bioactive phenolic and flavonoid contents in star anise extracts were the major contributors to potent antioxidant activities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, 84.50 %), azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS, 85.73 %), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, 3.74 mM FeSO4). Therefore, DES was suggested to be a promising extraction medium for valuable bioactive compounds from natural sources that could be utilized as therapeutic agent for oxidative stress.

A matter of extraction – Extraction yields and ratios of faecal lipid biomarker from archaeological soils using Soxhlet, microwave-assisted and accelerated-solvent extraction

The performance of Soxhlet (SOX), microwave-assisted (MAE) and accelerated-solvent extraction (ASE) in the analysis of faecal lipid biomarkers (FLB, Δ5-sterols, stanols, stanones) from archaeological soils was investigated to assess effectiveness and reproducibility of the extraction methods. Results from two Anthrosols that were analysed in six replicates show that SOX achieves significantly higher extraction yields for individual substances and steroid sums than MAE, while ASE produces the lowest lipid yields. Regarding the FLB ratios, which are used for sourcing of faeces, the three extraction methods show comparable values with three out of five ratios differing significantly between different soil samples. The reproducibility of extraction yields decreases with SOX > ASE > MAE, as well as for concentrations <100 ngg−1 sediment. Analyses of six different soils indicate a weak influence of soil properties (pH, texture, total organic carbon and cation exchange capacity) on the effectiveness of extraction methods. From our study we conclude that the classical SOX is still the preferred extraction approach when reliably higher FLB yields are of foremost interest or low concentrations are expected, as it is most effective and reproducible. However, considering the drawbacks of SOX (high extraction times and high solvent consumption), MAE and ASE appear to be comparably attractive for extracting FLBs in archaeological contexts. In addition to comparable FLB ratios, MAE and ASE are economically more efficient, as they reach a higher sample throughput and waste lower amounts of extractant.

Phage based biosensors: Enhancing early detection of emerging pathogens in diagnostics

Global health is seriously threatened by an increase in antibiotic resistance among ESKAPE pathogens- E- E. faecium, S- S.aureus, K- K.pneumoniae, A-A.baumannii, P- P.aeruginosa, and E-Enterobacter. The resistance of many bacteria to traditional antibiotics is increasing, making the search for novel approaches critical. In order to minimize the effect of these diseases, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are important. However, there are drawbacks to traditional detection techniques such molecular-based, biochemical, and microbiological assays. These include the inability to detect on-site, as well as their time-consuming, expensive, and labour-intensive nature. Viral agents that target bacteria exclusively, known as bacteriophages, have shown promise in combating over infections resistant to antibiotics. Bacteriophage-based biosensors are adaptable to many environmental conditions and offer special features such as host specificity and ability to identify active infections. They're very accurate, very specific, and have quick assay times, which makes them beneficial tools for detection. Also, phages are more easily produced than antibodies and can withstand high pH, temperature, and chemical solvents. The potential of bacteriophage-based biosensors in the fight against ESKAPE pathogens is highlighted by this review. Bacteriophage-based biosensors provide simplified detection processes in contrast to conventional approaches, which makes them invaluable in environmental and clinical situations. Numerous platforms, including electrochemical, magnetoelastic, quartz crystal microbalance, and surface plasmon resonance sensors, being investigated for their potential use to detect pathogenic bacteria in a range of sample types.

Peptide and Peptidomimetic Inhibitors Targeting the Interaction of Collapsin Response Mediator Protein 2 with the N-Type Calcium Channel for Pain Relief.

Ion channels serve pleiotropic functions. Often found in complexes, their activities and functions are sculpted by auxiliary proteins. We discovered that collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) is a binding partner and regulator of the N-type voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV2.2), a genetically validated contributor to chronic pain. Herein, we trace the discovery of a new peptidomimetic modulator of this interaction, starting from the identification and development of CBD3, a CRMP2-derived CaV binding domain peptide. CBD3 uncouples CRMP2-CaV2.2 binding to decrease CaV2.2 surface localization and calcium currents. These changes occur at presynaptic sites of nociceptive neurons and indeed, CBD3 ameliorates chronic pain in preclinical models. In pursuit of a CBD3 peptidomimetic, we exploited a unique approach to identify a dipeptide with low conformational flexibility and high solvent accessibility that anchors binding to CaV2.2. From a pharmacophore screen, we obtained CBD3063, a small-molecule that recapitulated CBD3's activity, reversing nociceptive behaviors in rodents of both sexes without sensory, affective, or cognitive effects. By disrupting the CRMP2-CaV2.2 interaction, CBD3063 exerts these effects indirectly through modulating CaV2.2 trafficking, supporting CRMP2 as an auxiliary subunit of CaV2.2. The parent peptide CBD3 was also found by us and others to have neuroprotective properties at postsynaptic sites, through N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor and plasmalemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 3, potentially acting as an auxiliary subunit for these pathways as well. Our new compound is poised to address several open questions regarding CRMP2's role in regulating the CaV2.2 pathways to treat pain with the potential added benefit of neuroprotection.

Fast Li-ion battery chemistry enabled by small-sized solvent

Carbonate-based electrolytes, known for their high solvation energy and high ionic conductivity at room temperature, present significant challenges in ultra-low temperature and fast charging applications. In the February issue of Nature, Fan and colleagues demonstrated that utilizing solvents like fluoroacetonitrile with small molecular size and low solvation energy, facilitates the creation of rapid ion-conduction ligand channels and enables the formation of an inorganic-rich interphase for high-performance ionic batteries, effectively addressing the aforementioned challenges.

Synthesis, Structural Analysis, and Peroxidase-Mimicking Activity of AuPt Branched Nanoparticles.

Bimetallic nanomaterials have generated significant interest across diverse scientific disciplines, due to their unique and tunable properties arising from the synergistic combination of two distinct metallic elements. This study presents a novel approach for synthesizing branched gold-platinum nanoparticles by utilizing poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)-stabilized branched gold nanoparticles, with a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) response of around 1000 nm, as a template for platinum deposition. This approach allows precise control over nanoparticle size, the LSPR band, and the branching degree at an ambient temperature, without the need for high temperatures or organic solvents. The resulting AuPt branched nanoparticles not only demonstrate optical activity but also enhanced catalytic properties. To evaluate their catalytic potential, we compared the enzymatic capabilities of gold and gold-platinum nanoparticles by examining their peroxidase-like activity in the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). Our findings revealed that the incorporation of platinum onto the gold surface substantially enhanced the catalytic efficiency, highlighting the potential of these bimetallic nanoparticles in catalytic applications.

Antibacterial Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Moringa oleifera Extract against Staphylococcus aureus Identified by Routine and Molecular Methods

Abstract Background: Many diseases caused by bacterial and viral infections may now be treated using herbal extracts instead of chemical drugs. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts against the bacterium employed in the experiment, as a commensal. Staphylococcus aureus can be found on the skin and in the nasal flora. It can also cause invasive, localized illnesses. Many virulence factors are present in S. aureus. It is recognized by routine and molecular methods depending on Vick Staphylococcal gene. Material and Methods: Phytochemical analysis of high polarity solvent leaves was done by using ethanol. Phytochemical study revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, and other compounds in the extract. Using the well-diffusion method, the antibacterial effect of the extracts on microorganisms was investigated. Results: The ethanol extract proved potent against pathogenic microorganisms, with S. aureus showing the highest activity (10–100 mg/mL). In comparison to the concentrations of alcoholic extracts, the zones’ inhibition of bacterial growth in diameters increased. However, dosages of 80–100 mg/mL were highly effective and significant against S. aureus growth, whereas concentrations of 10–20 mg/mL had low post-detected efficiency and concentrations of 40–60 mg/mL had medium post-detected efficiency. Conclusion: These studies demonstrate the validity of the plant’s traditional medicinal properties.

Impact of resin molecular weight on drying kinetics and sag of coatings

Coating performance is influenced by factors inherent to formulation design and processing conditions. Understanding the complex interplay of these attributes enables for mitigating defects, such as sag, which is a gravity-driven phenomenon that impacts the aesthetic and functionality of a coating. The work herein investigates the impact of resin molecular weight and solvent choice on the drying kinetics and sag velocity in polymer films. These films, ranging in thickness from ~60 μm to ~120 μm were formulated with 45 % by weight polymer resin in one of two solvent packages with different relative evaporation rates (RER). Gravimetry was initially used to track drying rate and a one-dimensional diffusion model was utilized to compute the apparent solvent diffusivity. In addition, the film thickness was tracked with optical profilometry. Results from these measurements showed that for fixed molecular weight the drying rate increased by approximately two-fold for the high RER solvent, whereas the apparent diffusivity tended to increase with increasing polymer molecular weight. Films formulated from higher molecular weight resins had greater initial viscosities and thicknesses for identical draw down blade clearance. By extension, the higher apparent diffusivities at greater molecular weights were attributed to effects of prolonged evaporation times for the thicker films. The sag velocity was measured through the thickness of the film for these systems at a 5° incline using the Variable Angle Inspection Microscope (VAIM). Measurements showed an increase in sag velocity for thinner and less viscous films, which was somewhat surprising both because a thinner film will experience lower gravitational stress and quicker drying times as compared to a thicker film. From these data we conclude that formulating a coating with higher molecular weight resin, although likely to increase drying time, will tend to deter sag because of the large impact of viscosity on these phenomena.

Solvation model effects on the static first hyperpolarizability of a push–pull π‐conjugated molecule

AbstractIn this work, we presented the results of density functional theory calculations for the static first hyperpolarizability for one representative push–pull π‐conjugated molecule, 2‐dimethylamino‐7‐nitrofluorene, in six organic solvents (p‐dioxane, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, acetonitrile, and dimethylsulfoxide) spanning a large range of dielectric constant. The finite‐field formalism was used to calculate the longitudinal component of the static first hyperpolarizability. The solvent effect was calculated using two distinct polarizable continuum solvation models: the linear response and the state‐specific polarizable continuum models. The calculations demonstrated the existence of solvation model effects on the property of interest, which warranted further analysis. The two‐level model was then employed to illustrate the impact of solvation model. Our findings suggested that the state‐specific polarizable continuum model gave a decrease of the dipole moment of the excited state in high polarity solvent for a bathochromic molecule whose excited state should have a larger polarization than its ground state.

Hollow fiber thin-film composite membrane regulated by macrocyclic polyamine molecules for high performance organic solvent nanofiltration

Organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) technology has the potential to separate and purify organic solvents in high efficiency. The self-supporting structure and ease scaling-up merit of hollow fiber (HF) type membrane make it an attractive option for OSN application. Nevertheless, low solvent permeance is one of technical limitation in conventional HF OSN membranes due to their excessively dense separation layer and limited free volume. Herein, we propose a straightforward methodology to fabricate HF thin-film composite (TFC) OSN membranes having exceptional solvent permeance and solute rejection. This methodology is conducted through the incorporation of macrocyclic molecules, 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (Cyclen), into the aqueous monomer solution of m-Phenylenediamine (MPD) during the interfacial polymerization to modulate the separation layer. In this way, the average pore size of the separation layer could be precisely enlarged and narrowed on a sub-nanometer scale. Consequently, the Cyclen-modulated HF TFC OSN membrane exhibits excellent separation performance, with a pure methanol permeance of 76.7 L m−2 h−1 MPa−1 and a pure ethanol permeance of 26.5 L m−2 h−1 MPa−1, which is nearly 60 % increase compared with the baseline TFC membrane, while the Rhodamine B (RDB) rejection only shows a neglectable decrease from 99.7 % to 99.6 % at optimal fabrication conditions. Furthermore, the optimal membrane exhibits remarkable solvent resistance, withstanding a 35 d immersion in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) at room temperature without a significant decline in RDB rejection. Additionally, the optimal membrane shows higher than 99 % rejection for Rifampicin (823 Da), which is considerable potential for applications in the separation and recovery of pharmaceuticals. In summary, incorporating macrocyclic polyamine Cyclen into the polyamide layer is a viable method for regulating the physical structure and strengthening the performance of HF OSN membrane.

Structural properties and biological effects of pectic polysaccharides extracted from Tartary buckwheat sprouts by high pressure-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction

Tartary buckwheat sprout is commonly consumed as salads and healthy vegetables, which is rich in pectic polysaccharides. Nevertheless, the knowledge about pectic polysaccharides extracted from Tartary buckwheat sprouts (TBSP) are still limited. To facilitate the potential applications of TBSP as fortified ingredients or healthy foods, the impacts of conventional hot water extraction (CHW), deep eutectic solvent (DES)-assisted extraction (DEE), and high pressure-assisted DES extraction (HPDEE) on their structural and biological properties were evaluated. Compared with the CHW method, our findings revealed that both DEE and HPDEE methods could obviously promoted the yields of TBSP and regulated their structural properties, resulting in the improvement of their biological functions. Especially, the HPDEE method could obviously decreased the molecular mass, apparent viscosity, and esterification degree of TBSP, while notably increased the uronic acids and bound flavonoids. Indeed, the HPDEE method could remarkedly enhance the antioxidant, anti-glycosylation, and immunostimulatory activities of TBSP probably via reducing its molecular mass and degree of esterification, and increasing its free uronic acids and bound flavonoids. These findings reveal that the HPDEE method has good potentials for selectively extracting distinctive TBSP with superior biological functions.

Enhanced solvent extraction of rare earth elements in ultra-high phase ratio with pore-throat microchannels

To enrich and recover low-concentration (101–102 ppm) rare earth elements from ores and industrial wastes, high phase-ratio solvent extraction is favored. However, high phase-ratio solvent extraction is limited by low mass transfer efficiency in the continuous phase due to the insufficient contact between large volume continuous phase and sparse droplets. To realize efficient solvent extraction of rare earth ions from low concentrations (100 ppm) aqueous phase to oil phase with high phase ratio, we introduce a type of microchannel with sequential pore-throat geometry. This sequential pore-throat geometry creates capillary barriers and effectively retains dispersed droplets, leading to a reduction of apparent water–oil volume ratio and thereby major mass transfer enhancement in the continuous phase. We experimentally highlight its advantage over classic uniform microchannel for solvent extraction of rare earth ions under high phase ratios: in a double pore-throat microchannel, extraction equilibrium can be reached within 30 s under high phase ratios of 50–250; for an extreme phase ratio of 500:1, extraction efficiency can achieve 77 % within a quadruple pore-throat channel, while that within a uniform microchannel is only below 40 %. The superiority of sequential pore-throat microchannel for extraction at a high phase ratio is reproduced using different types of rare earth ions. We thus conclude that sequential pore-throat geometry can drastically promote the performance of microfluidic-based solvent extraction at extreme phase ratios, for rare earth enrichment and potentially for other relevant applications.

Boosting Hole Mobility: Indenofluorene-Arylamine Copolymers and Their Impact on Solution-Processed OLED Performance.

We introduce three newly designed thermally cross-linkable hole transport copolymers (PIF-TPD, PIF-F2PCz, and PIF-TPAPCz) for improving the performance of solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes (s-OLEDs). These copolymers, designed through a strategic molecular approach with benzocyclobutene (BCB) and styrene-based cross-linking monomers, show high solvent resistance at a low cross-linking temperature (150 °C). Furthermore, these conjugated copolymers based on planar indenofluorene with three different hole transport (HT) units, exhibit outstanding charge carrier mobility (1.61 × 10-2 cm2 V-1s-1), demonstrated by comparing hole reorganization energy and electronic coupling strength of HT units. Despite these copolymers showing the overall vertical orientation in the horizontal dipole moment measurement results, we demonstrated that the HT units can exhibit the preferred orientation, contributing to high hole transport properties. As a result, they perform exceptionally well as hole transport layers in green phosphorescent s-OLEDs, achieving a maximum external quantum efficiency of 15.3% and a maximum current efficiency of 53.9 cd A-1 with a small efficiency roll-off despite their relatively low triplet energy levels. These results are comparable to vacuum-deposited OLEDs, highlighting the potential of these copolymers in advancing OLED technology for display panels and lighting applications.

A Benzothiadiazole-Based Zn(II) Metal–Organic Framework with Visual Turn-On Sensing for Anthrax Biomarker and Theoretical Calculation

2,6-pyridine dicarboxylic acid (DPA) is an exceptional biomarker of notorious anthrax spores. Therefore, the rapid, sensitive, and selective quantitative detection of DPA is extremely significant and urgent. This paper reports a Zn(II) metal–organic framework with the formula of {[Zn6(NDA)6(DPBT)3] 2H2O·3DMF}n (MOF-1), which consists of 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (2,6-NDA), 4,7-di(4-pyridyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DPBT), and Zn(II) ions. Structural analysis indicated that MOF-1 is a three-dimensional (3D) network which crystallized in the monoclinic system with the C2/c space group, revealing high pH, solvent, and thermal stability. Luminescence sensing studies demonstrated that MOF-1 had the potential to be a highly selective, sensitive, and recyclable fluorescence sensor for the identification of DPA. Furthermore, fluorescent test paper was made to detect DPA promptly with color changes. The enhancement mechanism was established by the hydrogen-bonding interaction and photoinduced electron transfer transition between MOF-1 and DPA molecules.