Introduction Of Amino Group Research Articles

Boosting C2H2/CO2 separation by porous organic cages through the amino-functionalization of cavities

The in-depth investigation of the structure–property relationship in porous organic cages (POCs) for real gas mixture separation is both significant and challenging. In this work, we employed microenvironment modulation strategy to systematically regulate the gas adsorption and separation performance of POCs. The introduction of amino groups into the cavity of [2 + 4] lantern-shaped POC (CPOC-108) can effectively facilitate multiple host–guest interactions in confined cavities via forming hydrogen bond interactions. The as-prepared amino-functionalized POC (CPOC-108-NH2) thus exhibits remarkably enhanced C2H2 and CO2 adsorption capacities, especially for the more polarizable C2H2 gas, as well as higher C2H2/CO2 selectivity in comparison to CPOC-108. More importantly, CPOC-108-NH2 displays significantly improved separation performance for C2H2/CO2 mixture, as evidenced by dynamic breakthrough experiments. This work provides an elegant example for a comparative study on C2H2/CO2 separation properties between amino-functionalized and unsubstituted POCs, and may shed light on fine-tuning the cavity surfaces of POCs to rationally regulate their properties.

Modulating the cavity micro-environments of Fe-MOFs for high-performance gas chromatographic separations

Precise modulation of cavity micro-environment in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is important for achieving significant separation performance. Herein, the Fe-MOF (MIL-142-BTB-BDC) with different tridentate and bidentate ligands to form cavities, was chosen as the platform to precisely modulate the cavity micro-environment and investigate the influence of cavity windows and cavity walls on gas chromatographic separations. Changing tridentate ligands on the cavity walls led to MIL-142-TATB-BDC while changing bidentate ligands on the cavity windows produced MIL-142-BTB-BDC-NH2. Mechanism investigation revealed that for MIL-142-BTB-BDC and MIL-142-TATB-BDC, altering the ligands of cavity walls had little influence on the thermodynamic interactions between MOFs and analytes while slightly reducing the kinetic diffusion rate of analytes. On the contrary, introducing amino groups on cavity windows in MIL-142-BTB-BDC-NH2 not only increased the thermodynamic interactions with analytes but also slowed down the kinetic diffusion of analytes, which resulted in poor separation performance of the MIL-142-BTB-BDC-NH2 coated column. This work provides a guide to precisely modulating the cavity micro-environment and analyzing the relationship between the cavity micro-environment and application properties of MOFs.

A green strategy to realize the high value utilization of lignin for hydrogel formation

Grafting lignin extracted from pulping black liquor onto hydrogel not only endows hydrogel with strong adsorption capacity, but also realizes the high value utilization of lignin, thereby alleviating the environmental pressure caused by the exhaust gas generated by direct combustion of black liquor. However, those lignin fragments have lost generous active functional groups as the high temperature polycondensation during industrial production, restricting the improvement of lignin-based hydrogel adsorption capacity. Herein, we propose a strategy combining amination and oxidation to prepare lignin derivatives with low molecular weight and high activity groups. The introduced amino groups promote the Cα-Cβ cleavage of β-O-4 unit and the oxidation treatment converts S-unit hydroxyl to carboxyl. The hydrogel obtained by grafting aminated-oxidized-lignin shows satisfactory adsorption performance with a methylene blue adsorption capacity of 697.47 mg/g (vs. 195.12 mg/g for pristine hydrogel). The retention ability has also been greatly improved that only 0.43 % of the adsorbed methylene blue is released even after 96 h (vs. 5 % within just 12 h for pristine hydrogel). This work not only provides a new strategy for the high-value utilization of biomass resources, but also offers a new idea for the preparation of hydrogels with high adsorption performance.

High-performance triboelectric nanogenerator with aminated barium titanate composite nanoparticles for early Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

High dielectric constant nanoparticles into polymer matrices have attracted much attention because this process can improve the nanofriction generator performance. However, the dispersion of the developed materials remains a challenge. In this paper, we present a novel high-performance nanofriction generator (FBT-TENG) based on composite nanoparticles of Amino-functionalized barium titanate and functionalized graphite oxide (FGO/ABTO) with Polyimide (PI) as substrate, which can be used as a sensor for intelligent monitoring systems. Specifically, we introduced amino groups on the surface of barium titanate to improve its dispersion in the PI solution, and the dual effect composite with functionalized graphite oxide improved the TENG performance of the PI film. Due to the FGO/ABTO synergy, the FBT-TENG can generate high output voltages, currents and power densities of 75 V, 13 µA and 4.6 W/m2, respectively, which is a 9 times increase in power density compared to the original PI film. FBT-TENG is capable of powering capacitors. In addition, the FBT-TENG can be used as a sensor to build an early Parkinson’s disease detection system, which provides a more convenient option for the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s patients and has the potential for a wide range of medical applications.

Controlling size and distribution of Au nano-particles on C3N4 for high-efficiency photocatalytic hydrogen production.

With advantages such as low cost, high stability, and ease of production, visible light photocatalytic C3N4 with a unique microscopic layered structure holds significant potential for development. However, its hydrogen production efficiency remains low due to the pronounced recombination of photo-generated charge carriers and limited surface reaction sites. Normally, the photocatalytic performance of C3N4 can be enhanced by loading noble metals with surface plasmon resonance. It is worth noting that the size of noble metal nanoparticles has a great influence on photocatalytic performance. In this study, accurate controlling of the size and distribution of Au nanoparticles was achieved on the surface of C3N4 by introducing amino groups to improve photocatalytic performance. Results show that uniformly distributed Au nanoparticles in the range of 2-6nm can be obtained on C3N4 with a remarkable enhancement of hydrogen production efficiency, which is about 114 times the property of pure C3N4. The small-sized and uniformly distributed Au nanoparticles can provide more reaction sites and increase the separation of photo-generated charge carriers, in turn improving Au/NH3-C3N4 photocatalytic hydrogen release rate to 6.85 mmol g-1h-1. This work offers a facile way to enhance photocatalytic performance by controlling the size of metal nanoparticles on C3N4 precisely.

Tailoring the local catalytic microenvironment of metal centers NH2 groups to enhance the CO2RR performance of Ni based catalysts

Efficient catalytic reduction of the main greenhouse gas CO2 into high value-added chemicals is an important measure to alleviate the greenhouse effect and energy depletion. Metal nitrogen (M-N4) macrocyclic complexes have attracted increasing attention in the field of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (CO2RR) due to the precise adjustment of the catalytic active site according to the requirements and the flexible modification of the external ligand structure. Nevertheless, the poor activity and low selectivity of reduction products restrict their widespread application in electrocatalytic CO2RR. Herein, a combination of nanoscale and molecular level method has been developed to construct easily obtainable 4NH2-NiPc/NH2-CNT hybrid material, in which amino groups are connected to provide electrons toward the central Ni-N4 site to promote the electrocatalytic CO2RR catalytic activity. As a result, the catalyst 4NH2-NiPc/NH2-CNT mainly produces CO in the electrocatalytic CO2RR, which exhibits a Faradaic efficiency of CO (FECO) higher than 92 % within a wide overpotential range of −0.70 to −0.95 V vs. RHE, and provides excellent stability with a current density of 12 mA cm−2 at −0.80 V vs. RHE. In addition, 4NH2-NiPc/NH2-CNT reaches its maximum FECO value of 96 % at −0.8 V vs. RHE, which is approximately 3.1 times that of the original unmodified NiPc/CNT, demonstrating excellent promotion of electrochemical performance. Similarly, compared to NiPc/CNT without amino modification, the current density of 4NH2-NiPc/NH2-CNT exceeds it by more than twice. The research results indicate that promoting role of electron substituted amino groups in catalysis dispersion and electronic environment coordination. This study proposes a promising strategy of introducing amino groups into molecular catalysts and hybridizing with carbon nanotube to enhance the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 to deep reduction products.

Synthesis of a Zn(II)-2-aminoimidazole Framework as an Efficient Carbonic Anhydrase Mimic.

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) plays a crucial role in the CO2 capture processes by catalyzing the hydration of CO2. In this study, we synthesized a bioinspired carbonic anhydrase Zn-MOF (metal-organic framework) incorporating 2-aminoimidazole and Zn2+ as initial constituents. The synthesized Zn-MOF exhibited promising potential for efficiently catalyzing the CO2 hydration. Structural analyses such as SEM, XRD, and BET confirmed that the Zn-MOF crystal consisted of stacked grains with an average size of approximately 36 nm, forming a micron-sized spherical structure. Functionally, Zn-MOF exhibited effective catalytic activity toward both CO2 hydration and ester hydrolysis. The introduction of amino groups significantly enhanced the esterase activity of Zn-MOF to 0.28 U/mg at ambient temperature, which was twice that of ZIF-8. Furthermore, the introduction of amino groups resulted in remarkable hydrothermal stability, with the esterase activity reaching 0.72 U/mg after undergoing hydrothermal treatment at 80 °C for 12 h. Additionally, Zn-MOF exhibited enhanced capability in CO2 hydration at a pH value exceeding 8.5. After six repeated uses, ZIF-8 and Zn-MOF retained approximately 68 and 65% of their initial enzyme activity, respectively, underscoring the potential practical applicability of Zn-MOF in industrial CO2 capture processes. This work showcases the development of a novel Zn-MOF crystal as an efficient CA mimic, effectively emulating the active sites of natural CA using 2-aminoimidazole as a coordinating ligand for Zn2+ coordination. These findings not only advance the field of innovative enzyme mimics but also pave the way for further exploration of industrial CO2 capture catalysts.

Regulating Charge Transfer in Cyanine Dyes: A Universal Methodology for Enhancing Cancer Phototherapeutic Efficacy.

ConspectusDue to the advantages of spatiotemporal selectivity and inherent noninvasiveness, cancer phototherapy, which includes both photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), has garnered significant attention in recent years as a promising cancer treatment. Despite the commendable progress in this field, persistent challenges remain. In PDT, limitations in dyes manifest as low intersystem crossing (ISC) efficiency and oxygen-dependent photoactivity, resulting in unsatisfactory performance, particularly under hypoxic conditions. Similarly, PTT encounters consistent insufficiencies in the photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) of dyes. Additionally, the suboptimal phototherapeutic efficacy often exhibits a limited immune response. These factors collectively impose significant constraints on phototherapy in oncological applications, leading to limited tumor inhibition, tumor recurrence, and even metastasis.Unlike strategies that rely on external assistance with complicated systems, manipulating excited-state deactivation pathways in biocompatible dyes offers a universal way to systematically address these challenges. Our group has devoted considerable effort to achieving this goal. In this Account, we present and discuss our journey in optimizing excited-state energy-release pathways through regulating molecular charge transfer based on cyanine dyes, which are renowned for their exceptional photophysical properties and harmonious biocompatibility. The investigation begins with the introduction of amino groups in the meso position of a heptamethine cyanine dye, where the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect causes a significant enlargement of the Stokes shift. Subsequently, ICT induced by introducing functional electron-deficient groups in cyanines is found to decrease the overlap of electron distribution or narrow the energy gaps of molecular frontier orbitals. Such modifications result in a reduction of the energy gaps between singlet and triplet states or an improvement in internal conversion, ultimately promoting phototherapy efficacy in both primary and distant tumors. Furthermore, with the intensification of the charge transfer effect aided by light, photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer occurs in some cyanines, leading to complete charge separation in the excited state. This process enhances the transition to the ground or triplet states, improving tumor phototherapy and inhibiting metastasis by increasing the PCE or the yield of reactive oxygen species, respectively. Shifting focus from intramolecular to intermolecular interactions, we successfully constructed and explored cyanines based on intermolecular charge transfer. These dyes, with excited-state dynamics mimicking natural photosynthesis, generate radicals and facilitate oxygen-independent hypoxic tumor PDT. Finally, we outlined the existing challenges and future directions for optimizing phototherapeutic efficacy by regulating molecular charge transfer. This Account provides molecular-level insights into improving phototherapeutic performance, offering valuable perspectives, and inspiring the development of functional dyes in other application fields.

Tunable optoelectronic performances of aminated benzothiadiazole-based D-A-D conjugated electrochromic polymers

Introducing heteroatom groups into benzothiadiazole (BT) unit has proven to be a very effective way to improve the optoelectronic properties of conjugate polymer due to its comprehensive advantages of lowering the HOMO or LUMO energy level, and increasing the interaction force on the polymer backbone. However, at present, little attention was paid to introducing amino groups into the BT unit. Herein, in this work, three D-A-D type aminated monomers (Th–NH2-BT, Th–2NH2-BT, and EDOT-2NH2-BT) with aminated benzothiadiazole as the acceptor unit and thiophene or 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) as the donor unit were successfully synthesized by Stille coupling reaction, and their corresponding aminated polymers (P(Th–NH2-BT), P(Th–2NH2-BT), and P(EDOT-2NH2-BT)) were facilely achieved by electrochemical polymerization method. The optoelectronic properties of the aminated monomers and their D-A polymers were carefully analyzed, and the electrochemical and electrochromic properties of the resultant aminated polymers were further studied. The finally results show that the absorption and fluorescence spectra of Th–2NH2-BT and EDOT-2NH2-BT are both blue-shifted compared to Th–NH2-BT, and the corresponding optical bandgap are gradually increased (2.41 eV–2.65 eV). EDOT-2NH2-BT has a relatively lower oxidation potential (0.73 V) and P(EDOT-2NH2-BT) also has a wide potential window and better redox stability, which was very beneficial for improving its resultant D-A aminated polymers’ optoelectronic properties. As a result, as-formed P(EDOT-2NH2-BT) shown obvious color change from green in the neutral state to gray in the oxidized state with favorable electrochromic performances, with a high optical contrast (ΔT = 17.17 % at 860 nm) and high coloration efficiency (CE = 223 C−1 cm2 at 860 nm), so it is one of the promising materials that can be used in electrochromic devices.

Preparation and Structural Analysis of a Water-Soluble Aminated Lignin.

Lignin is insoluble in water, thereby limiting its use in the synthesis of adhesives. Therefore, in this study, an aminated lignin compound was prepared through a lignin amination reaction to increase the amount of raw lignin material that can be used in the synthesis of adhesives; moreover, structural analysis was conducted. The main result of this was the introduction of amino groups into phenolic hydroxyl groups in the hydrolyzing lignin from the raw lignin materials, thus generating the product of aminated lignin. The resulting particle sizes were about 100 nm, the average molecular weight was 57,627 g/mol, and the water solubility of the aminated lignin was about 0.45 g/100 mL. Therefore, the water solubility of raw lignin was greatly improved. The proposed reaction mechanism of phenolic hydroxyl groups and carboxylic acid groups in lignin is a reaction with ammonia molecules; thus, the successful introduction of amino groups generated the aminated lignin compounds. Hence, this article enriches the scientific theory of lignin reactions and provides a reference for the widespread application of raw lignin materials in the field of adhesives.

A ratiometric electrochemical biosensor based on ARGET ATRP for detection of HER2 gene

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a common proto-oncogene, is overexpressed in a subset of breast cancer patients. It is essential to track HER2 expression for early breast cancer diagnosis. Herein, a ratiometric electrochemical biosensor for detection of HER2 based on activators generated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerisation (AGET ATRP) and hairpin DNA was developed. Specifically, hairpin DNA was first self-assembled on the gold electrode by Au–S bond. Upon capturing HER2, the stem-loop structure of hairpin DNA was unfolded, the signal value of methylene blue (MB) decreased as it moved away from the electrode surface. cDNA was linked with HER2 by complementary base pairing to introduce amino group. Then, the initiator 2-bromo-2-methylpropionic acid (BMP) were connected to the amino group on the cDNA to activate ARGET ATRP. The detection performance of biosensors for HER2 was explored by the ratio signal between two signal molecules. Under optimal conditions, this ratiometric electrochemical biosensor shows good selectivity and stability with a wide detection range of 1–1 × 106 pM and a detection limit of 78.47 fM. Furthermore, the biosensor exhibits satisfactory anti-interference ability due to the hairpin DNA and dual signal system, and has promising application prospects in the detection of other DNA disease markers.

Functionalization of PTFE substrates with quaternary ammonium groups – An approach towards anion conducting properties

Hydrogen produced by electrolysis using renewable energy sources offers a zero-emission alternative to fossil-based sources providing high efficiencies in all energy sectors. Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (AEM-WE) combines the advantages of the established technologies, alkaline (AEL) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis. However, AEM-WE still requires optimization, especially with regard to the membrane, catalysts and electrode structure. In this contribution we focus on the improvement of PTFE-based binders for AEM-WE membranes, which provide high chemical stability but lack the required ion conductivity. Thus, the functionalization of PTFE towards quaternary ammonium moieties (QAS) was investigated employing two approaches: (i) NH3-plasma treatment and (ii) O2-plasma with subsequent coupling of aminosilanes. Finally, the surface coupled amino groups were converted into QAS via alkylation with iodomethane (CH3-I), introducing ion conductivity. Successful functionalization was proved by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), displaying changes in the surface composition of PTFE surfaces such as the introduction of amino groups at the expense of fluorine, and the increase in surface carbon content upon alkylation. Furthermore, contact angle measurements revealed increased wettability with water due to the introduction of the polar surface functionalities, while zeta potential measurements confirmed the increase of positive surface charges along the modification processes.

Semisynthesis of new sulfated heterorhamnan derivatives obtained from green seaweed Gayralia brasiliensis and evaluation of their anticoagulant activity

Marine green algae produce sulfated polysaccharides with diverse structures and a wide range of biological activities. This study aimed to enhance the biotechnological potential of sulfated heterorhamnan (Gb1) from Gayralia brasiliensis by chemically modifying it for improved or new biological functions. Using controlled Smith Degradation (GBS) and O-alkylation with 3-chloropropylamine, we synthesized partially water-soluble amine derivatives. GBS modification increase sulfate groups (29.3 to 37.5 %) and α-l-rhamnose units (69.9 to 81.2 mol%), reducing xylose and glucose, compared to Gb1. The backbone featured predominantly 3- and 2-linked α-l-rhamnosyl and 2,3- linked α-l-rhamnosyl units as branching points. Infrared and NMR analyses confirmed the substitution of hydroxyl groups with aminoalkyl groups. The modified compounds, GBS-AHCs and GBS-AHK, exhibited altered anticoagulant properties. GBS-AHCs showed reduced effectiveness in the APTT assay, while GBS-AHK maintained a similar anticoagulant activity level to Gb1 and GBS. Increased nitrogen content and N-alkylation in GBS-AHCs compared to GBS-AHK may explain their structural differences. The chemical modification proposed did not enhance its anticoagulant activity, possibly due to the introduction of amino groups and a positive charge to the polymer. This characteristic presents new opportunities for investigating the potential of these polysaccharides in various biological applications, such as antimicrobial and antitumoral activities.

Amino-functionalized rare earth hexanuclear cluster based MOFs for CO2/CH4 separation

Climate pollution and global warming caused by greenhouse gases have become one of our toughest environmental challenges. CO2 capture and separation from natural gas can effectively reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency, accordingly, it is a serious challenge faced by industrial separation and scientific research to effectively reduce the carbon dioxide concentration in natural gas pipeline transportation and achieve the acquisition of high-purity methane (>99.5 %). In this study, three stable hexanuclear microporous rare earth cluster-based MOFs (Sm-BDC-NH2, Er-BDC-NH2, Y-BDC-NH2) were successfully synthesized. The selectivity of CO2/CH4 was improved by the introduction of amino groups to achieve better CO2/CH4 separation performance, which was proved by dynamic penetration experiments.

A highly sensitive SERS optical fiber probe with PSS modified gold nano-bipyramids for trace detection of water contamination

The combination of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and optical fiber has led to the development of SERS optical fiber probe, which demonstrates potential for real-time, in-situ, and flexible detection of water contamination. In this paper, a highly sensitive SERS optical fiber probe of gold nano-bipyramids (Au NBPs) was successfully developed for the first time. The Au NBPs were controllably synthesized by a heat-treated seed growth method. Surface modification of the Au NBPs was carried out by adding poly (sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) instead of hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), which changed the Zeta potential of the Au NBPs solution from positive to negative. The SERS properties of the Au NBPs can be significantly enhanced by optimizing the parameters of PSS content. The optical fiber end face was pretreated with silane coupling agent to introduce amino groups and exhibit positive charge. As a result, highly sensitive SERS optical fiber probes were prepared through electrostatic adsorption of the Au NBPs. The performance of the SERS optical fiber probe was evaluated. The crystalline violet (CV) limit concentration of 10−10 mol/L was detected by the optimized SERS optical fiber probe with satisfactory reproducibility and stability. Additionally, a limit concentration of 10−5 mol/L for thiram could also be detected by the SERS optical fiber probe. Finally, the SERS enhancement mechanism was further discussed. The finite element method was utilized to analyze the electromagnetic field distribution of Au NBPs, optical fibers, and SERS optical fiber probes, theoretically explaining the performance advantages of Au NBPs SERS optical fiber probes. Based on our results, the Au NBPs SERS optical fiber probe holds significant value for trace detection of water contamination and biomolecules.

Efficient Recovery of Lithium from Spent Lithium Ion Batteries Effluent by Solvent Extraction Using 2-Ethylhexyl Hydrogen {[Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Amino]methyl} Phosphonate Acid

In order to overcome the interface emulsification problem of TBP-FeCl3 systems and the instability of β-diketone systems in high-concentration alkaline medium, it is necessary to design and synthesize some new extractants. By introducing amino groups into a phosphorus extractant, a new 2-ethylhexyl hydrogen {[bis(2-ethylhexyl)amino]methyl} phosphonate acid (HA) extractant was synthesized. In this study, an efficient method of recovering lithium from the effluent of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is proposed. Experiments were conducted to assess the influential factors in lithium recovery, including the solution pH, saponification degree, extractant concentration, and phase ratio. Over 95% of lithium in the effluent was extracted into the organic phase, and nearly all lithium in the organic phase could be stripped into the aqueous phase using a 3 mol/L HCl solution. There was no significant decrease in extraction capacity after 10 cycles. The experimental results indicated that the extraction mechanism was a cation exchange process, and the extractive complex was proposed as LiA. Importantly, after three months of stable operation, the process demonstrated excellent stability and extraction efficiency, with rapid phase separation and a clear interface. This study offers an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method for lithium extraction from the effluent of spent LIBs.

Iron-Based nanoporous Metal-Organic frameworks with Side-Chain amino substituents for Efficiency-Regulated oxygen evolution reaction

Nanoporous iron-based MOFs, possessing notable attributes such as adjustable structure, considerable porosity, and large surface area, exhibit considerable promise for various applications in the field of photocatalysis. However, the effect of the ligand substitution ratio on the photocatalytic reaction process is currently unknown. In the current investigation, a series of iron-based MOFs MIL-101(Fe)-X with various ratios of amino substituents (X = H: NH2 = 1:0, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 0:1) were synthesized using the solvothermal method. The morphology and structure were characterized using SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, BET, FT-IR, etc. Their efficacy as water oxidation catalysts under AM1.5G (solar light) irradiation was investigated. The findings of the study indicated that MIL-101(Fe) with an X value of 1:2 exhibited the highest surface area of 380.4 m2/g. This resulted in the exposure of a greater number of active sites, leading to enhanced charge separation efficiency and exceptional oxygen evolution activity when illuminated by simulated sunlight. The oxygen evolution rate under solar light was measured to be 11.7 mmol·h−1·g−1. This research confirmed the effect of substituent variation on the oxygen evolution rate by modulating the substitution ratio of side-chain ligands on MOFs, thereby altering their microstructure and charge distribution. The incorporation of a suitable quantity of amino groups, that act as strong electron-donating groups, facilitated the effective separation of electron-hole pairs generated during the photocatalytic process. However, an excessive introduction of amino groups can result in a reduction in both pore structure and surface area, thereby impeding the efficiency of the photocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction.

Compatibilization of poly(methyl methacrylate) and cellulose nanocrystals through co‐continuous phase to enhance the thermomechanical properties

AbstractThe present study focuses on enhancing the thermomechanical properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), a transparent and biocompatible polymer known for its high strength but limited toughness. The approach involves the development of PMMA/cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) composites. To improve the interfacial compatibility between PMMA and CNCs, a two‐step process is employed. Initially, the CNCs undergo oxidation using sodium periodate, followed by the introduction of amino groups through reductive amination. The aminated CNCs are then covalently bonded to PMMA via an amidation reaction using the “grafting onto” approach. Subsequently, the grafted CNCs are incorporated into the PMMA matrix using the solvent casting method. The resulting composites are extruded into filaments. Elemental composition analysis confirms CNC modification, revealing the presence of 1.6% nitrogen. The modified CNCs exhibit a higher degradation temperature than unmodified CNCs, showing a 50°C increase. The composites' dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) reveals a 20% improvement in storage modulus (E′) upon incorporating 1.5% of the grafted CNCs into the PMMA matrix. This enhancement is attributed to the formation of co‐continuous phases in the composite structure.

Nanoarchitectonics Solution Plasma Polymerization of Amino-Rich Carbon Nanosorbents for Use in Enhanced Fluoride Removal.

Amino-functionalized carbon (NH2C) is an effective adsorbent in removing pollutants from contaminated water because of its high specific surface area and electrical charge. In the conventional preparation method, the introduction of amino groups onto the carbon surface is limited, resulting in low pollutant adsorption. Herein, we present simultaneous carbonization and amination to form NH2C via electrical discharge of nonequilibrium plasma, and the resultant material is applied as an effective adsorbent in fluoride removal. The simultaneous process introduces numerous amino groups into the carbon framework, enhancing the adsorption efficiency. The fluoride adsorption capacity is approximately 121.12 mg g-1, which is several times higher than those reported in previous studies. Furthermore, computational modeling is performed to yield deeper mechanistic insights into the molecular-level adsorption behavior. These data are useful in designing and synthesizing advanced materials for applications in water remediation.

Implanting pyrazine ring into g-C3N4 for accelerating photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

It is of great significance to develop an efficient and stable photocatalyst for the photocatalytic decomposition of water to produce hydrogen. Within this paper, an effective and simple strategy was adopted to introduce pyrazine ring into graphite-like carbon nitride framework to realize efficient and stable hydrogen production process. After evaluation, the hydrogen production efficiency of the modified semiconductor material is 3.05 folds higher than the unmodified graphite-like phase carbon nitride, and an excellent stability performance was also achieved. It is proved that the light absorption ability of doped semiconductor composite nanomaterials was enhanced markedly by introducing 2-aminopyrazine into the carbon nitride structure. Meanwhile, the segregation efficiency of photo-induced carriers was obviously accelerated because the amino groups can work as hole trapping agents. Additionally, the introduced amino groups own Lewis alkalinity, which is in favour of the photoreduction. This work expands a new perspective of stable photocatalysts in the water split to produce hydrogen.