Solid-state CP-MAS Research Articles

Form-Factor Control of Alginate Aerogels Via Thixotropic Sols: From Monoliths to Fibers to Films.

Producing homogeneous alginate aerogel monoliths is challenging due to the uncontrollably fast gelation of sodium alginate (NaALG) solutions, which is typically induced with metal ions. This issue is overcome by decoupling molding from gelation. Aqueous NaALG solutions are first converted into thixotropic liquids via in situ acidification with acetic acid (AcOH) generated gradually through the hydrolysis of acetic anhydride (Ac2O), thus, providing time for casting in molds. The resulting solid-like thixotropic liquids are rigidized into wet gels conforming to the molds by a membraneless dialysis process via nonsolvent-induced phase separation, treatment with strong acids (HCl), or aqueous metal ion solutions (Ca2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, Ag+, Au3+). The thixotropic nature of the NaALG/Ac2O mixtures enables extrusion into fibers or spreading into films, followed by rigidization using the same methods. Wet gels in monolithic, fibrous, or film form were dried into aerogels with supercritical fluid (SCF) CO2. All aerogels were characterized by SEM, N2-sorption porosimetry, IR spectroscopy, solid-state CP MAS 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. Oscillatory rheology tracked the transition of NaALG to thixotropic liquids during Ac2O and AcOH titrations run in parallel. Thixotropic liquids from both titrations were rigidized with the nonsolvent-induced phase separation method and were processed into aerogels establishing that AcOH from the hydrolysis of Ac2O converts up to ∼30% mol/mol of NaALG to alginic acid (ALGH). Conversion of the remaining NaALG in thixotropic liquids to ALGH (>95% mol/mol) requires a strong acid (HCl), while rigidization with metal ions just replaces residual Na. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed nearly identical storage moduli (E') for wet gels and aerogels, confirming that the solid network is formed during the rigidization step and is unaffected by subsequent processing. Notably, elemental analysis, porosimetry, and DMA data indicated that gels rigidized with Fe3+ included a secondary network, which, based on literature Mössbauer reports, is assigned to sol-gel-derived iron oxide.

Construction of Luminescent Three-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for Molecular Decoding of Wide Organic Compounds.

Constructing highly conjugated three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs), particularly those with luminescent features, remains a significant challenge. In this work, we successfully synthesized a 3D COF, named 3D-Py-SP-COF, using a rigid and orthogonal spirobifluorene building block for the spatial 3D structure construction and planar pyrene as luminescent units. The incorporation of the pyrene and the unique rigid 3D network structure endow 3D-Py-SP-COF with fluorescent properties. The successful formation of this 3D COF was verified by FT-IR, solid-state 13C CP-MAS NMR. Structural simulations based on the experimental powder X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that 3D-Py-SP-COF adopted a two-fold interpenetrated pts topology. The highly conjugated porous framework and fluorescent nature allow precise detection and localization of more than two dozen volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including aromatics, alcohols, and other commonly encountered industrial VOCs.

A novel chemical approach for the development of thioesterified cellulose derivatives

In this study, thioesterified cellulose was synthesized by grafting thiol moiety onto α-cellulose, which was first oxidized with different reactive oxygen species such as H2O2, Fenton reagent (FR), and peroxyacetic acid in aqueous solution. The thioesterification was done by refluxing oxidized cellulose with ethanedithiol in a mixture of toluene and water (4:1) at 85°C for 6 h. The modification of cellulose was evidenced by FTIR, Raman, solid-state 13C CP MAS NMR spectroscopy, conductometric titration, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, zeta potential measurement, molecular weight determination, and SEM analysis. The characteristic absorption bands for −C=O and −C(=O)−S− bonds in FTIR and Raman spectra were suggestive of the modification of cellulose. 20 % FR was the most efficient in introducing the highest amount (158.93 μmol g−1) of the -COOH groups, while cleavage of cellulose backbone was found to take place as evidenced by the result of the degree of polymerization. The presence of new peaks in 13C CP MAS NMR spectra of thiol-functionalized cellulose ascertained the anchoring of thiol onto oxidized cellulose. Additionally, the significant decrease in the C6 signals for the amorphous region of thiol-modified cellulose provided information about successful modification. In addition, the degree of substitution was determined to be about 0.025. The efficacious functionalization was further supported by the measurement of zeta potential, wherein thioesterified cellulose exhibited the highest negative zeta potential due to increased hydrophobicity. This study would open up a new route for the development of important derivatives of cellulose, including cellulose dimer, containing the thioester group which is the backbone of many antibiotics and natural products.

Ionothermal Carbonization of Sugarcane Bagasse in 1-Alkyl-3-methylimidazolium Ionic Liquids: Insights into the Role of the Chloroferrate Anion.

We report the ionothermal carbonization (ITC) of lignocellulosic biomass in imidazolium tetrachloroferrate ionic liquids (ILs) as an advantageous approach for the preparation of nanostructured carbonaceous materials, namely, ionochars. In a previous study, we investigated the role of the imidazolium cation and demonstrated the possibility of controlling both the textural and morphological properties of ionochars by cation engineering. Although essential for providing intermediate Lewis acidity and relatively high thermal stability, the role of the chloroferrate anion is still open to debate. Herein, we investigated the ITC of sugarcane bagasse and its main component, cellulose, in 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium ILs with different chloroferrate anions. We identified anionic speciation and its impact on the properties of the IL by Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The obtained ionochars were characterized by gas physisorption, electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and 13C solid-state CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy. We show that the anionic species have a predominant impact on the textural and morphological properties of the ionochars.

Enhancing the Crystallinity of Keto-enamine-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks through an in situ Protection-Deprotection Strategy.

β-Keto-enamine-linked 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as highly robust materials, showing significant potential for practical applications. However, the exclusive reliance on 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol (Tp aldehyde) in the design of such COFs often results in the production of non-porous amorphous polymers when combined with certain amine building blocks. Attempts to adjust the crystallinity and porosity by a modulator approach are inefficient because Tp aldehyde readily forms stable β-keto-enamine-linked monomers/oligomers with various aromatic amines through an irreversible keto-enol tautomerization process. Our research employed a unique protection-deprotection strategy to enhance the crystallinity and porosity of β-keto-enamine-linked squaramide-based 2D COFs. Advanced solid-state NMR studies, including 1D 13 C CPMAS, 1 H fast MAS, 15 N CPMAS, 2D 13 C-1 H correlation, 1 H-1 H DQ-SQ, and 14 N-1 H HMQC NMR were used to establish the atomic-level connectivity within the resultant COFs. The TpOMe -Sqm COFs synthesized utilizing this strategy have a surface area of 487 m2 g-1 , significantly higher than similar COFs synthesized using Tp aldehyde. Furthermore, detailed time-dependent PXRD, solid-state 13 C CPMAS NMR, and theoretical DFT studies shed more light on the crystallization and linkage conversion processes in these 2D COFs. Ultimately, we applied this protection-deprotection method to construct novel keto-enamine-linked highly porous organic polymers with a surface area of 1018 m2 g-1 .

Tailoring pore size of mesoporous silica and organosilica using biodegradable pentablock copolymer templates via EISA process

In this work, we have designed unique poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)-b-poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) pentablock copolymers using Pluronic F68 and F108 triblock copolymers as macroinitiators. The poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) blocks were attached as glycolide and lactide monomers at the both ends of each F68 and F108 triblock copolymer. The molecular weights and the block fractions were confirmed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) for the four kinds of pentablock copolymers. Using these pentablock copolymers as templates, we synthesized mesoporous ethane-silicas as well as silicas by the evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) method. 1,2-bis(triethoxysily)ethane (BTEE) were used as an organosilica precursor. The mesoporous ethane-silica samples were characterized using synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), nitrogen sorption experiments, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and solid-state 29Si CP-MAS NMR. Based on the experimental results, it was confirmed that the porosity and pore diameter can be varied with the PLGA weight fraction of the pentablock copolymer. It is due to the PLGA block in polymer forming the hydrophobic domain in micelles, which leads to the formation of increased pore size over 20 nm without any additive pore expander. In addition, it seems that as the organosilica precursor increases, the association number of block copolymers forming one micelle decreases, resulting in a decrease in pore size. In summary, the polymer template plays a vital part in tuning the structure of the mesoporous ethane-silica samples. Thus, the development of synthetic method of mesoporous organosilica materials using polymer templates with different topology is still challenging and can endow the unique structure and property for mesoporous organosilica for future applications.

Amphiphilic titania Janus nanoparticles containing ionic groups prepared in oil-water Pickering emulsion.

Titania nanoparticles with a diameter of 8 nm underwent an anisotropic modification using apolar 6-bromohexylphosphonic acid and cationic polar N,N,N-trimethyl-6-phosphonohexan-1-aminium bromide. The Janus modification was achieved through a straightforward one-step Pickering emulsion approach using toluene-water mixtures. The resulting Janus particles were compared with isotropically and statistically modified titania particles, where either a single coupling agent is attached to the surface or both coupling agents are assembled over the surface randomly, respectively. The covalent binding of the phosphonic acids to the titania surface was confirmed by FTIR and 31P solid-state CP-MAS NMR analyses. The grafting density was assessed using TGA, elemental analysis, and ICP-MS, revealing grafting densities of 0.1 mmol g-1 to 0.5 mmol g-1 for the cationic coupling agent and 1.2 mmol g-1 to 1.5 mmol g-1 for the apolar coupling agent, respectively. ζ-Potential titration measurements of both pristine and modified particles revealed isoelectric points at pH 4.5 to 9.3, depending on the type of modification. The ability of the particles to stabilize Pickering emulsions was tested under various conditions, with statistically and Janus-modified particles demonstrating a significant increase in stabilization compared to their isotropically modified counterparts. Furthermore, Janus particles were deposited onto glass substrates by a simple layer-by-layer approach. Through the self-assembly of these Janus particles, the glass substrate's properties could be tailored from hydrophilic to hydrophobic to hydrophilic, depending on the dipping cycle.

Ni(II)-Incorporated Porphyrin-Based Conjugated Porous Polymer Derived from 2,6-Diformyl-4-methylphenol as a Catalyst for the Urea Oxidation Reaction

The urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is an excellent alternative to the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) as an anode reaction for hydrogen generation via electrochemical water splitting. Here, a porphyrin-based conjugated porous polymer (CPP) has been developed through the polycondensation reaction of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol and pyrrole (DMP-POR). The nickel(II) complex of this conjugated polymer Ni-DMP-POR shows efficient UOR in an alkaline medium. The as-synthesized materials were characterized by solid-state 13C CP-MAS, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The porous property of the materials was characterized by N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms at 77 K. Both DMP-POR and Ni-DMP-POR showed excellent thermal stability. The Ni-DMP-POR exhibits very good UOR in 1 M KOH and 0.33 M urea with an overpotential of 260 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 48 mV dec-1. The catalyst also shows excellent chronoamperometric and chronopotentiometric stability, suggesting its future scope in sustainable hydrogen production from wastewater resources.

The preparation of CaCO3-polyalkoxysilane porous nanocomposites as effective sorbent for oil spill removal.

The novel porous nanocomposite sorbent was synthesized by the condensation of the diol monomer with the alkoxysilane cross-linker at moderately high temperatures in the presence of nano-CaCO3 particles. The structural, thermal, and morphological properties of the nanocomposite sorbents were determined by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), solid-state CPMAS 13C and 29Si NMR,scanning electron microscope (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Adding nano-CaCO3 to the network structure of the polymer not only provided pores to the sorbent but also enhanced its sorption capacity towards various oils and toxic organic solvents. The nanocomposite sorbent exhibited excellent absorption capacity for different toxic organic solvents and oils and great reusability for ten cycles. Moreover, the obtained sorbent material selectively absorbed organic liquids from the surface and bottom of the water without any capacity change owing to their hydrophobicity and oleophilicity. These features of the nanocomposite make it a potential sorbent for the cleaning of oils and oil derivative organic contaminants from the environment.

Organic matter composition and thermal stability influence greenhouse gases production in subtropical peatland under different vegetation types

Peatlands are a major carbon (C) sink globally. Organic matter quality influence greenhouse gases production. However, little is known about how organic matter from different vegetation types, influences C composition and resultant greenhouse gases production in subtropical peatland. Anoxic incubation experiments were conducted using two types of peats with different botanical origin to assess C composition, CO2 and CH4 production. First peat had cypress dominance and the second knotted spikerush and water lily (spike + lily). Solid-state CPMAS 13C NMR determined C chemical stability, MESTA determined C thermal stability, stable isotopes for C source and gas chromatograph for carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). The results indicated dominance of autochthonous C as indicated by δ13C signatures. Low thermal stable C (LTSC) dominated in litter, FL (fermentation layer) and spike + lily sediment, high thermal stable C was dominant in cypress peat. O-alkyl C strongly correlated with LTSC whereas aromatic C correlated negatively with R400 (LTSC:total C ratio). Generally, O-alkyl decreased and alkyl increased along litter-FL-peat continuum. Spike + lily peat exhibited initial stage of decomposition. Indicated by increased alkyl C, aromatic C and aromatic:O-alkyl ratio with increasing peat depth. Also, exhibited 3 times more CH4 and CO2 production compared to cypress peat that dominantly exhibited second stage of decomposition. O-alkyl C exhibited positive relationship with CH4 (P = 0.012, r2 = 0.57) and CO2 (P = 0.047, r2 = 0.41) production whereas R400 related positively with CH4 (P = 0.05, r2 = 0.40). Organic matter thermal and chemical composition varied between the peat types and thermally and chemically labile C influenced CO2 and CH4 production.

Solid-state 13C NMR study of annealing effect on the crystalline phase of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) ionomers

Annealing effect at 65 °C on the crystalline phase of Poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (EMAA) and the EMAA ionomer neutralized with Na+ cation (EMAA54Na: 54% of carboxy groups is neutralized) were mainly investigated by the solid-state 13C CP and DPMAS NMR. The 13C NMR spectra revealed the increase of Orthorhombic crystalline phase by annealing at 65 °C, while the Monoclinic crystalline phase unchanged. In addition, no appreciable changes were detected on carboxy groups. The crystallinity estimated from the 13C DPMAS NMR for EMAA did not increase (from 19% to 20%) after annealing, while that for EMAA54Na increased from 12% to 17%. The ratio of Monoclinic/Orthorhombic = 40/60 for EMAA did not change after annealing, whereas the ratio for EMAA54Na became 30/70 from 40/60. From the variable-temperature solid-state 13C CPMAS NMR measurements, it was suggested that the Monoclinic crystalline phase begins to melt beyond 55 °C, while the Orthorhombic crystal remained; the temperature was close to the Ti endothermic transition (so-called the order-disorder transition). Furthermore, the 13C spin-lattice relaxation time in the laboratory frame (T1C) of the Orthorhombic crystalline phase became significantly long after annealing, while that of the Monoclinic crystalline phase was not altered drastically. Similarly, the T1C of the amorphous phase was not affected by annealing. These observations suggested that the interaction between Na+ cations and carboxy groups in EMAA ionomers limits crystal growth of polyethylene, and the Ti is mainly caused by the melting of Monoclinic crystal.

Synthesis of a novel freestanding conjugated triazine-based microporous membrane through superacid-catalyzed polymerization for superior CO2 separation

This study aims at developing a novel freestanding conjugated triazine-based membrane (ETM-1) with permanent porosity via a low-temperature superacid-promoted polymerization reaction. In this venue, we used the bifunctional 4-ethynylbenzonitrile (4-EBN) monomer featuring ethynyl (CCH) and nitrile (CN) functionalities. At the same time, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (CF3SO3H) served as both the catalyst and solvent. The cross-linked Polymer's physicochemical properties were systematically examined using TGA, BET, solid-state 13C CP-MAS NMR, ATR-FT-IR, and XPS spectroscopy techniques. With conjugated s-triazine (as a result of cyclotrimerization of nitrile) and CCH (as a result of cationic polymerization of ethynyl), the microporous ETM-1 membrane displayed a superior CO2 uptake capacity of up to 3.87 mmol g−1 (170.3 mg g−1) and enhanced ideal CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 permselectivity values of 47 ± 2 and 21 ± 1 at 298 K and 1 bar, respectively. The notable selectivity of ETM-1 towards CO2 can be stated in terms of the molecular sieving (i.e., kinetic selection) characteristic of the microporous membrane, its electron-rich π-conjugated skeleton, and enhanced basicity, suitable for interacting with CO2via dipole-quadrupole and acid-base interactions. Moreover, ETM-1 exhibited the isosteric heat of CO2 adsorption ranging from 28.1 to 34.3 kJ mol−1, implying strong physisorption of CO2 upon the high-affinity adsorption sites of the membrane.

Silica Bonded Bis(Hydrogensulphato)Benzene as a New, Sustainable Catalytic Material for an Efficient and Aqueous Based Synthesis of 5-Oxo-4H-Pyrano[3,2-c]Quinolone Scaffolds

Catalytic use of benzene-1,3-disulfonic acid at an ordinary condition gets restricted due to its high hygroscopic and moisture sensitive nature. In the present study, a new catalytic material silica bonded bis(hydrogensulphato)benzene (SiO2-BHSB) was synthesized through a sequence of reactions, where the active catalytic part benzene-1,3-disulfonic acid was grafted on the surface of micro-sized silica by the chemical bonding. Structural features, purity, thermal stability, and acid strength of the synthesized SiO2-BHSB material were confirmed by the adequate analytical techniques such as FT-IR, solid-state CP-MAS 13C-NMR, CP-MAS 29Si-NMR, EDX, DTG, TGA, and volumetric studies. The synthesized material SiO2-BHSB was observed as an efficient and sustainable reaction promoter for a tandem reaction between 4-hydroxy-1-methyl-2(1H)-quinolone, malononitrile, and structurally diverse aldehydes to offer pyrano[3,2-c]quinolone scaffolds. An environmentally benign catalytic protocol in aqueous based solvent and at ordinary energy conditions was developed, wherein a tiny amount (3 mol%) of SiO2-BHSB was observed sufficient to catalyze the synthesis pyrano[3,2-c]quinolone scaffolds. Structures of the synthesized pyrano[3,2-c]quinolone derivatives were established from their physical and spectrometric data. Catalyst recovery and reuse study revealed that SiO2-BHSB sustains its catalytic activity even after five runs of its reuse. Use of aqueous-based solvent, environmentally compatible reaction conditions, ease of catalyst recovery and reuse are the additional salient features of the present protocol.

Ferrocene-Based Porous Organic Polymer (FPOP): Synthesis, Characterization and an Electrochemical Study

Ferrocene-based porous organic polymers (FPOPs) were prepared from phenol-formaldehyde polymer (Bakelite) and phenol as starting materials; and two possible mechanisms for polymerization were discussed. Solid-state 13C CP-MAS NMR, FTIR, powder XRD, elemental analysis and ICP (Fe, Na, B) were performed to characterize the prepared materials. The two synthetic approaches produced polymers with different pore sizes: the FPOP synthesized through Bakelite presented a higher surface area (52 m2 g−1) when compared to the one obtained by the bottom-up polymerization from phenol (only 5 m2 g−1). Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the thermal stability of the material, which decomposed at 350 °C. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry (CV) of the new FPOP on modified electrodes, in ACN and 0.1 M TBAP as an electrolyte, showed fully reversible electron transfer, which is similar to that observed for the ferrocene probe dissolved in the same electrolyte. As a proof-of-concept for an electrochromic device, this novel material was also tested, with a color change detected between yellow/brownish coloration (reduced form) and green/blue coloration (oxidized form). The new hybrid FPOP seems very promising for material science, energy storage and electrochromic applications, as well as for plastic degradation.

Single-pot tandem oxidative/C-H modification amidation process using ultrasmall PdNP-encapsulated porous organosilica nanotubes.

Herein, we studied a single-pot method with a dual catalysis process towards the conversion of primary aromatic alcohols to amides using ultrasmall PdNPs of controlled uniform size (1.8 nm) inside hybrid mesoporous organosilica nanotubes (MO-NTs). The catalyst exhibited excellent performance in water under mild conditions and showed high stability. The catalytic activity towards the tandem oxidation of alcohols in the presence of amine salts and H2O2 to their corresponding amides without producing byproducts was evaluated, and high yields were obtained for all products. The structure of the organosilica nanotubes containing palladium nanoparticles was investigated using various characterization techniques such as XRD, TEM, BET, solid-state 29Si NMR and solid-state 13C CP MAS NMR. Catalyst recycling tests showed that the catalytic power of PdNPs@B-SNTs was preserved after 8 cycles and a slight decrease in catalyst activity was observed.

Two structural types of dithiocarbamato-chlorido complexes of mercury(II): Preparation, supramolecular self-assembly, solid-state 13C and 15N NMR characterisation and thermal behaviour of pseudo-polymeric compounds of [Hg2(S2CNBu2)2Cl2] and [Hg4(S2CNiBu2)6][Hg2Cl6

Two new crystalline dithiocarbamato-chlorido complexes of mercury(II), [Hg2{S2CN(C4H9)2}2Cl2] (1) and [Hg4{S2CN(iso-C4H9)2}6][Hg2Cl6] (2), have been prepared and chemically identified by solution (1H, 13C) NMR and solid-state (13C, 15N) CP-MAS NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. The crystal, molecular and supramolecular structures of these compounds were established using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The obtained complexes reveal two principally different types of structural organisation. In the structure of the former neutral complex, there are two isomeric doubly-bridged binuclear molecules [Hg2(S2CNBu2)2Cl2] (‘A’ and ‘B’), whereas the latter compound comprises two ionic structural moieties: the tetranuclear cation [Hg4(S2CNiBu2)6]2+ and the binuclear anion [Hg2Cl6]2−. In both ionic units, pairs of iBu2Dtc or chloride ligands, which perform a bridging structural function, combine with neighbouring mercury atoms. In turn, intermolecular/interionic secondary interactions Hg···S/Hg···Cl are involved in the formation of supramolecular structures of complexes 1/2, yielding pseudo-polymeric chains of (···‘A’···‘B’···)n/(···[Hg4(S2CNiBu2)6]···[Hg2Cl6]···)n, which exhibit alternation of isomeric molecules of 1/ionic moieties of 2 along their lengths. Despite the significant structural difference between the above complexes, we established, using simultaneous thermal analysis (STA), that both exhibit very similar thermal behaviour. Moreover, during the thermal transformations of both compounds 1 and 2, the same two substances are generated: HgCl2 and HgS.

Silica Chemisorbed Bis(Hydrogensulphato)Benzene (SiO2-BHSB) as a New, Environmentally Benign and Recyclable Catalyst for an Efficient Synthesis of Biscoumarin Scaffolds in Water Based Solvent

The immobilization of homogeneous catalytic material over the inert heterogeneous support is a recent strategy to overcome the drawbacks and unite the merits associated with the homogeneous as well as heterogeneous catalysts. However the physisorption-induced immobilization does not serve the purpose because of its sensitive reversible nature, a tiny change in reaction parameters may revert the physisorption and so the immobilization. In this work, a new catalytic material silica chemisorbed bis(hydrogensulphato)benzene (SiO2-BHSB) was achieved through the chemisorption of bis(hydrogensulphato)benzene as an active catalytic part on the surface of porous silica. Structural features, purity, thermal stability, and acid strength of the synthesized SiO2-BHSB material were established by adequate analytical techniques, such as FT-IR, solid-state CP-MAS 13C NMR, solid-state CP-MAS 29Si NMR, EDX, DTG, TGA, and acid–base volumetric studies. An environmentally benign catalytic protocol for the synthesis of biscoumarin scaffolds through a tandem reaction between 4-Hydroxycoumarin and structurally diverse aldehydes was developed in which the synthesized material SiO2-BHSB was observed to work as an efficient and reusable catalyst. The structures of the synthesized biscoumarin derivatives were established from their physical and spectrometric data. The synthesized catalytic material was observed to show sustained catalytic activity even after five cycles of its recovery and reuse. In comparison with the earlier reported methods, a tiny amount (2.5 mol%) of catalyst is sufficient to bring out the transformation smoothly in an aqueous-based solvent, ease of recovery, and reusability of the catalyst are additional salient features of the present protocol.

Functionalization strategy influences the porosity of amino-containing porous aromatic frameworks and the hydrogenation activity of palladium catalysts synthesized on their basis

We investigated the influence of functionalization strategy (post- or pre-) on the structure of amino-modified porous aromatic frameworks (PAF-NH2). Different techniques, such as low-temperature N2 adsorption-desorption, IR spectroscopy and solid-state CP-MAS 13C NMR spectroscopy, were used to characterize the synthesized materials. Palladium catalysts were prepared based on obtained PAF-NH2 supports, characterized by TEM, XPS and elemental analysis and studied in the semihydrogenation of C8-acetylenes and dienes. The results show that the modification approach influences structure of PAF and, therefore, the morphology and distribution of palladium nanoparticles. Post-modified catalysts proved to be more active, while pre-modified ones exhibited enhanced selectivity towards desired olefins and improved stability.

Fast and Selective Aqueous-Phase Oxidation of Styrene to Acetophenone Using a Mesoporous Janus-Type Palladium Catalyst.

A heterogeneous Janus-type palladium interphase catalyst was obtained by selective surface modification of a hollow mesoporous silica material. The catalyst comprises hydrophobic octyl groups on one side of the silica nanosheets and single-site bis-imidazoline dichlorido palladium(II) complexes on the other. The structure of this composite material has been analyzed by means of elemental analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy, BET surface analysis, TGA, SEM and solid-state CP-MAS 13C and 29Si NMR spectroscopy. The catalyst showed extraordinary activity for the aqueous-phase oxidation of styrene to acetophenone using 30% hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. An 88% yield of acetophenone could be achieved after 60 min.

Newly Designed Mesoporous Silica and Organosilica Nanostructures Based on Pentablock Copolymer Templates in Weakly Acidic Media.

We developed a new category of porous silica and organosilicas nanostructures in a facile method based on weakly acidic aqueous-ethanol media by utilizing two different pentablock copolymer templates of type PLGA-PEO-PPO-PEO-PLGA. Pluronic block templates were used mainly to prepare these pentablock copolymers with different molecular weights and volume ratios. Silica precursor tetraethyl orthosilicate and organosilicas precursor 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene have been used as main source for synthesizing the silica and organosilicas samples. Weak Lewis acids iron(III) chloride hexahydrate, aluminum(III) chloride hexahydrate, and boric acid were utilized as catalyst instead of any strong inorganic acids and the molar ratio of catalyst/precursor has been optimized to 1–2 for preparation of ordered mesostructures. Reaction temperatures have been optimized to 25 °C for pure silica and both 25 °C as well as 40 °C for organosilicas to get the best result for mesostructures. A detailed analysis by using various analytical techniques like synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering, nitrogen sorption, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, solid-state 29Si CP-MAS nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and so on has revealed well developed mesostructures with surface area of 388–836 m2/g for silica and 210–691 m2/g for organosilica samples, respectively. Furthermore, bimodal typepores have been observed from pore size distribution plot of the samples. Thermal stability of the materials was up to 400 °C as analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis.