Weak Interactions Research Articles

Investigations on Growth, Characterization, NCI-RDG, AIM, Molecular Docking and In-Silico ADME Properties of 1,2-Benzene Dicarboxylic Acid Anhydride

Superior single crystal of 1,2-benzene dicarboxylic acid anhydride additionally called Phthalic anhydride (PAN) was developed via solution growth at low temperatures. Single crystal X-ray diffraction investigation revealed the crystal system and unit cell characteristics. The phase stability and crystalline nature were uncovered by powder X-ray diffraction analysis. FT-IR examination was done for the titular material so as to survey the various functional groups. With the use of the VEDA program's relevant resources, vibrational assignments have been made on the concept of Potential Energy Distribution (PED). Density Functional Theory (DFT) was employed to smooth out the molecular structure of PAN and was additionally utilized to consider FT-IR spectrum at molecular level. Non covalent interactions reduced density gradient (NCI-RDG) analysis has been used for the prediction of the weak interaction in the actual space in terms of the electron density along with its derivatives for PAN. Atoms in Molecules (AIM) analysis was carried for out for PAN. The docking research of the small molecule (PAN) with target protein confirmed that this is a great molecule which docks nicely with numerous targets associated with Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1-α. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) characteristics have been calculated with the assist of online server preADMET.

Hypervalent Iodine(III) Mediated Halogen Bonded Supramolecular Chiral System with Cholesteryl Naphthalimides.

Halogen bonding acknowledged as a noteworthy weak interaction, has gained growing recognition in the field of supramolecular chemistry. In this study, we selected structurally rigid diaryliodonium ions (I(III)) with two biaxial σ-holes as halogen-bond donors, to bind with three chiral acceptor molecules bearing cholesteryl and naphthalimides with distinct geometries. The abundant carbonyl oxygen atoms in side-arm substituents function as multiple acceptors for halogen bonding. The self-aggregation of chiral acceptor molecules demonstrates adaptiveness to solvent media, evidenced by the inversion of the Cotton effect and the morphological evolution from spherical to rod-like nanoarchitectures in different solvent systems. The distinct geometries of the acceptor molecules conferred various binding modes with I(III). The introduction of I(III) as a halogen-bond donor regulates the aggregation of the donors, achieving amplification of chiroptical signals and inheriting solvent responsiveness from the self-aggregated assembly. This study successfully utilized rational structural design and multimodal control strategies to achieve regulation of supramolecular chirality.

Sulfonated Chitosan Gel Membrane with Confined Amine Carriers for Stable and Efficient Carbon Dioxide Capture.

Capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from flue gases is a crucial step towards reducing CO2 emissions. Among the various carbon capture methods, facilitated transport membranes (FTMs) have emerged as a promising technology for CO2 capture owing to their high efficiency and low energy consumption in separating CO2. However, FTMs still face the challenge of losing mobile carriers due to weak interaction between the carriers and membrane matrix. Herein, we report a sulfonated chitosan (SCS) gel membrane with confined amine carriers for effective CO2 capture. In this structure, diethylenetriamine (DETA) as a CO2-mobile carrier is confined within the SCS gel membrane via electrostatic forces, which can react reversibly with CO2 and thus greatly facilitate its transport. The SCS ion gel membrane allows for the fast diffusion of amine carriers within it while blocking the diffusion of nonreactive gases, like N2. Thus, the prepared membrane exhibits exceptional CO2 separation capabilities when tested under simulated flue gas conditions with CO2 permeance of 1155 GPU and an ultra-high CO2/N2 selectivity of above 550. Moreover, the membrane retains a stable separation performance during the 170 h continuous test. The excellent CO2 separation performance demonstrates the high potential of gel membranes for CO2 capture from flue gas.

Ballistic to diffusive crossover in a weakly interacting Fermi gas

In the absence of disorder and interactions, fermions move coherently and their associated charge and energy exhibit ballistic spreading, even at finite energy density. In the presence of weak interactions and a finite energy density, fermion-fermion scattering leads to a crossover between early-time ballistic and late-time diffusive transport. The relevant crossover timescales and the transport coefficients are both functions of interaction strength, but the question of determining the precise functional dependence is likely impossible to answer exactly. In this work we develop a numerical method (fDAOE) which is powerful enough to provide an approximate answer to this question, and which is consistent with perturbative arguments in the limit of very weak interactions. Our algorithm, which adapts the existing dissipation-assisted operator evolution (DAOE) to fermions, is applicable to systems of interacting fermions at high temperatures. The algorithm approximates the exact dynamics by systematically discarding information from high n-point functions, and is tailored to capture noninteracting dynamics exactly. Applying our method to a microscopic model of interacting fermions, we numerically determine crossover timescales and diffusion constants for a wide range of interaction strengths. In the limit of weak interaction strength (Δ), we demonstrate that the crossover from ballistic to diffusive transport happens at a time tD∼1/Δ2 and that the diffusion constant similarly scales as D∼1/Δ2. We confirm that these scalings are consistent with a perturbative Fermi's golden rule calculation, and we provide a heuristic operator-spreading picture for the crossover between ballistic and diffusive transport. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Synthesis and fluorescence properties of a two-dimensional Cd-complex for the ratiometric fluorescence detection of Zn2+ ions

The two-dimensional complex [Cd3(L)(2,2'-bpy)2]n (1) was synthesized solvothermally from 4,5-di(3,5-dicarboxylphenoxy)phthalic acid (H6L) and 2,2'-bipyridine (2,2'-bpy) and fully characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 displays high stability in water and resistance towards acidic and basic media. Fluorescence studies revealed that it may be acted as a ratiometric fluorescence probe to detect Zn2+ ions in water with a superior detection limit of 3.48 nM. The fluorescence recognition mechanism stems from weak interactions between Zn2+ ions and complex 1. Its pronounced stability and recyclability suggest that the new material may be used for high-precision detection of Zn2+ ions in real-life aqueous samples, even under acidic and basic conditions.

Cosmological implications of gauged U(1) B-L on ΔN eff in the CMB and BBN

We calculate the effects of a light, very weakly-coupled boson X arising from a spontaneously broken U(1) B-L symmetry on ΔN eff as measured by the CMB and Yp from BBN. Our focus is the mass range 1 eV ≲ mX ≲ 100 MeV; masses lighter than about an eV have strong constraints from fifth-force law constraints, while masses heavier than about 100 MeV are constrained by other probes, including terrestrial experiments. We do not assume N eff began in thermal equilibrium with the SM; instead, we allow N eff to freeze-in from its very weak interactions with the SM. We find U(1) B-L is more strongly constrained by ΔN eff than previously considered. The bounds arise from the energy density in electrons and neutrinos slowly siphoned off into N eff bosons, which become nonrelativistic, redshift as matter, and then decay, dumping their slightly larger energy density back into the SM bath causing ΔN eff > 0. While some of the parameter space has complementary constraints from stellar cooling, supernova emission, and terrestrial experiments, we find future CMB observatories including Simons Observatory and CMB-S4 can access regions of mass and coupling space not probed by any other method. In gauging U(1) B-L , we assume the [U(1) B-L ]3 anomaly is canceled by right-handed neutrinos, and so our ΔN eff calculations have been carried out in two scenarios: neutrinos have Dirac masses, or, right-handed neutrinos acquire Majorana masses. In the latter scenario, we comment on the additional implications of thermalized right-handed neutrinos decaying during BBN. We also briefly consider the possibility that X decays into dark sector states. If these states behave as radiation, we find weaker constraints, whereas if they are massive, there are stronger constraints, though now from ΔN eff < 0.

Algae polysaccharide-induced transport transformation of nanoplastics in seawater-saturated porous media

This study examined the distinct effects of algae polysaccharides (AP), namely sodium alginate (SA), fucoidan (FU), and laminarin (LA), on the aggregation of nanoplastics (NP) in seawater, as well as their subsequent transport in seawater-saturated sea sand. The pristine 50 nm NP tended to form large aggregates, with an average size of approximately 934.5 ± 11 nm. Recovery of NP from the effluent (Meff) was low, at only 18.2 %, and a ripening effect was observed in the breakthrough curve (BTC). Upon the addition of SA, which contains carboxyl groups, the zeta (ζ)-potential of the NP increased by 2.8 mV. This modest enhancement of electrostatic interaction with NP colloids led to a reduction in the aggregation size of NP to 598.0 ± 27 nm and effectively mitigated the ripening effect observed in the BTC. Furthermore, SA's adherence to the sand surface and the resulting increase in electrostatic repulsion, caused a rise in Meff to 27.5 %. In contrast, the introduction of FU, which contains sulfate ester groups, resulted in a surge in ζ-potential of the NP to -27.7 ± 0.76 mV. The intensified electrostatic repulsion between NP and between NP and sand greatly increased Meff to 45.6 %. Unlike the effects of SA and FU, the addition of LA, a neutral compound, caused a near disappearance of ζ-potential of NP (-3.25 ± 0.68 mV). This change enhanced the steric hindrance effect, resulting in complete stabilization of particles and a blocking effect in the BTC of NP. Quantum chemical simulations supported the significant changes in the electrostatic potential of NP colloids induced by SA, FU and LA. In summary, the presence of AP can induce variability in the mobility of NP in seawater-saturated porous media, depending on the nature of the weak, strong, or non-electrostatic interactions between colloids, which are influenced by the structure and functionalization of the polysaccharides themselves. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex and variable behavior of NP transport in the marine environment.

Breathers, rogue waves, and interaction solutions for the variable coefficient Kundu-nonlinear Schrödinger equation

With the inhomogeneity of optical fiber media taken into account, under investigation in this paper is the variable coefficient Kundu-nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which describes the pulses propagation in optical fibers. Based on Lax pair, the Nth-order Darboux transformation is constructed. Depending on plane wave solution, the first- and second-order breather solutions are derived and the interactions between breathers are graphically analyzed. The Kuznetsov–Ma breather, Akhmediev breather, and spatial-temporal breather have been obtained. Moreover, the first-, second-, and third-order rogue wave solutions have been constructed. The usual rogue waves and first- and second-order line rogue waves are observed. The weak and strong interactions between the first-, second-order rogue waves, and spatial-temporal period breather are studied. Furthermore, variable coefficient δ(t) causes rogue waves to produce some interesting evolutionary phenomena, which have been systematically analyzed. In addition, the influences of parameters for the properties of solutions are discussed.

Dynamic physical network constructed by tripartite H-bonds in artificial SEI to shape ultra-long life dendrite-free lithium-metal anodes

Constructing artificial solid electrolyte interfaces (SEIs) to shape dendrite-free lithium (Li)-metal anodes remains challenges. Herein, we designed dynamic physical network (DPN) with abundant lithiophilic/anionphilic groups through tripartite hydrogen bonds (H-bonds), serving as artificial SEIs in high-loading NCM811-Li metal batteries. The formation and dissociation of DPN endowed by tripartite H-bonds under tension release during Li plating/stripping cycling skillfully balance the contradiction between mechanical robustness and deformability. LiO bonds between lithiophilic sites and Li ions, and extra H-bonds between hydroxyl and electrolyte anions, endow DPN with functions of homogenizing Li-ion flux and accelerating its desolvation, synergistically achieving the uniform Li-ion deposition and weakening the charge shielding. The artificial SEI enhanced Li-anode (DPN@Li) withstood repeated Li ions plating/stripping processes for over 1000 h, which is 5 times longer than pure Li-anodes, and maintained low overpotential at a high current density of 10 mA cm−2. DPN@Li-based NCM811 full cells deliver high specific capacities and outstanding cycle life over 3000 cycles. Further, DPN@Li possesses excellent electrochemical performance in the high active material loading (7.84 mg cm−2) and foldable pouch cells. This work provides a conceptual framework of DPN constructed by multiple weak intermolecular interaction for artificial SEI to shape anode performance, and achieves the idea with a facile manner and simple chemical substances to promote practical applications of LMBs.

Lanthanide complexes of monosubstituted Calix[4]arene-ligands: Synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of [Ln2(L)2(MeOH)4] (Ln = La, Gd, Tb, Tm) (H3L = mono-O-propargyl-calix[4]arene)

The ability of the propargylated calix[4]arene ligand H3L (= 25-(2-propynyloxy)-26,27,28-trihydroxy-calix[4]arene) to bind lanthanide ions has been studied. The triply deprotonated ligand was found to support dinuclear neutral complexes of composition [Ln2L2(MeOH)4] (Ln= La (1), Gd (2), Tb (3), Tm (4)). Spectroscopic data for 1–4 as well as X-ray crystallographic analysis of single crystals of 1∙(MeOH)2 and 2∙(MeOH)2 reveal that two [LnL] entities dimerize via two phenolato groups to generate a centrosymmetric (MeOH)2O3Ln(μ-O)2LnO3(OHMe)2 core structure. The Ln3+ ions reside in a distorted mono-capped octahedral coordination environment. Squid magnetic measurements for the Gd3+ and Tb3+ complexes agree with the formulation as dinuclear compounds, and reveal the presence of very weak antiferromagnetic exchange interactions (J < 0.1 cm−1). The ability of the La3+ complex to react with azides in a click reaction is also demonstrated.

Modeling reveals the strength of weak interactions in stacked-ring assembly

Cells employ many large macromolecular machines for the execution and regulation of processes that are vital for cell and organismal viability. Interestingly, cells cannot synthesize these machines as functioning units. Instead, cells synthesize the molecular parts that must then assemble into the functional complex. Many important machines, including chaperones such as GroEL and proteases such as the proteasome, comprise protein rings that are stacked on top of one another. While there is some experimental data regarding how stacked-ring complexes such as the proteasome self-assemble, a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of stacked-ring assembly is currently lacking. Here, we developed a mathematical model of stacked-trimer assembly and performed an analysis of the assembly of the stacked homomeric trimer, which is the simplest stacked-ring architecture. We found that stacked rings are particularly susceptible to a form of kinetic trapping that we term “deadlock,” in which the system gets stuck in a state where there are many large intermediates that are not the fully assembled structure but that cannot productively react. When interaction affinities are uniformly strong, deadlock severely limits assembly yield. We thus predicted that stacked rings would avoid situations where all interfaces in the structure have high affinity. Analysis of available crystal structures indicated that indeed the majority—if not all—of stacked trimers do not contain uniformly strong interactions. Finally, to better understand the origins of deadlock, we developed a formal pathway analysis and showed that, when all the binding affinities are strong, many of the possible pathways are utilized. In contrast, optimal assembly strategies utilize only a small number of pathways. Our work suggests that deadlock is a critical factor influencing the evolution of macromolecular machines and provides general principles for understanding the self-assembly efficiency of existing machines.

Emergence of Microphysical Bulk Viscosity in Binary Neutron Star Postmerger Dynamics

In nuclear matter in isolated neutron stars, the flavor content (e.g., proton fraction) is subject to weak interactions, establishing flavor (β-)equilibrium. However, there can be deviations from this equilibrium during the merger of two neutron stars. We study the resulting out-of-equilibrium dynamics during the collision by incorporating direct and modified Urca processes (in the neutrino-transparent regime) into general-relativistic hydrodynamics simulations with a simplified neutrino transport scheme. We demonstrate how weak-interaction-driven bulk viscosity in postmerger simulations can emerge and assess the bulk viscous dynamics of the resulting flow. We further place limits on the impact of the postmerger gravitational-wave strain. Our results show that weak-interaction-driven bulk viscosity can potentially lead to a phase shift of the postmerger gravitational-wave spectrum, although the effect is currently on the same level as the numerical errors of our simulation.

Enhanced hydrogen storage of single-layer blue phosphorus by synergistic effect between doped lightweight elements and grafted lithium atoms

Single-layer blue phosphorus (SLBP) has displayed charming photoelectric performances, but its property in hydrogen storage is not outstanding due to the weak interactions. To expand the application of SLBP in hydrogen storage, we attempt to screen SLBP-based materials with stable structures and strong polarity using density functional theory by doping lightweight elements and grafting alkali metal atoms. The simulation results indicate that the lightweight elements (B, C, N, O and F) doped SLBP systems have more stable structures due to the strong orbital interaction than pure SLBP, and exhibit electron deficient characteristics. Compared to the pure SLBP, the H2 adsorption energies of the doped systems improve and range from 0.05 to 0.09 eV, but it still cannot meet the requirements of ideal hydrogen storage. Therefore, the lightweight element doped SLBP systems are further grafted by Li atom. Under the synergistic effect of doping lightweight elements and grafting Li atoms, H2 molecules are strongly polarized, and the corresponding adsorption energies of H2 reach to 0.16, 0.26, 0.28, 0.30, and 0.10 eV, respectively. It is worth emphasizing in the C-doped SLBP system that the hydrogen storage capacity of reaches 5.53 wt% for each Li atom adsorbs one hydrogen molecule and the corresponding adsorption energy is 0.23 eV/H2 when the ratio of C to P atoms increases to 6:26. For each Li atom adsorbs two hydrogen molecules in the same hydrogen storage system, the hydrogen storage capacity reaches 10.48 wt% with 0.18 eV/H2 adsorption energy. We hope these results can provide theoretical basis and scientific guidance for searching for SLBP-based materials with excellent hydrogen storage performances at ambient temperature.

Zibotentan Can Be Co-administered with Contraceptives Containing Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel: A Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interaction Study.

The endothelin A receptor antagonist zibotentan, combined with the sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor dapagliflozin, is being investigated for the treatment of chronic kidney disease with high proteinuria. To allow women of childbearing potential access to this treatment, highly effective contraception is required and drug interactions compromising contraception reliability must be avoided. This study investigated the risk of pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction between zibotentan and the contraceptives ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. A single-sequence, within-participant comparison study was conducted in 24 healthy women of non-childbearing potential, comparing the PK of ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel alone and with zibotentan. Single oral doses of 0.06 mg ethinyl estradiol/0.3 mg levonorgestrel were administered on Days 1 and 15; zibotentan 10 mg was dosed orally, once-daily through Days 6-19. PK profiles were determined and ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel PK was compared between Day 1 and 15 based on geometric least-squares mean ratios of PK parameters, including maximum observed concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero to infinity (AUCinf). Co-administration with zibotentan did not affect ethinyl estradiol PK (geometric mean ratio [90% confidence interval] Cmax 1.05 [0.99-1.11], AUCinf 1.00 [0.96-1.05]), while a weak interaction (increased exposure) was observed for levonorgestrel (Cmax 1.12 [1.02-1.23], AUCinf 1.30 [1.21-1.39]), which was regarded as without clinical relevance. Plasma exposure of ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel was not reduced by multiple-dose zibotentan. In conclusion, contraception containing ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel is regarded possible under zibotentan-containing treatments. This expands choices for women of childbearing potential, supporting diversity in the ZENITH High Proteinuria trial.

Crystal structures, Hirshfeld surface analysis, thermogravimetric, and spectroscopic properties of three Zn(Ⅱ) complexes bridged by 4,4′-bipy with organic sulfonate anions as counterions

Three Zn(Ⅱ) sulfonate compounds: {[Zn3(Ac)4(4,4′-bipy)4]·2(3-pySO3)·H2O}n (1), {[Zn(4,4′-bipy)(H2O)4]·2(Me-phSO3)}n (2), and {[Zn(4,4′-bipy)(H2O)4]·2(NH2-phSO3)}n (3), were synthesized through solvent diffusion method at room temperature (3-pySO3H = Pyridine-3-Sulfonic acid; Me-phSO3H = P-Toluene Sulfonic acid; NH2-phSO3H = Sulfanilic acid). Single-crystal X-ray diffractions reveal that the crystal structure of compound 1 contains a 2D cationic layer with pseudo-square grid motifs formed by trinuclear Zn(II) units which connected by 4,4′-bipy ligands. Water molecule forms hydrogen bonds with free 3-PySO3− anions which are located in the voids of the cationic grids. Compounds 2 and 3 show isostructural 1D [Zn(4,4′-bipy)(H2O)4]2+ chains with sulfonate anions connected to the chain via hydrogen bonding. The weak interactions in the structures of the three compounds have been assessed using Hirshfeld surface analyses and 2D fingerprint plots. The Hirshfeld surface shows that the most important contributions for the crystal packing are from H···H and H··O/O··H interactions, which indicate dominant van der Waals interactions. In addition, the compounds were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), elemental analyses, UV–vis, FT-IR, solid-state fluorescence spectroscopy, and thermal analyses (TG-DSC).

Using quasi-bound states in the continuum in an all-dielectric metasurface array to enhance terahertz fingerprint sensing.

The terahertz absorption fingerprint spectrum is crucial for qualitative spectral analysis, revealing the rotational or vibrational energy levels of numerous biological macromolecules and chemicals within the THz frequency range. However, conventional sensing in this band is hindered by weak interactions with trace analytes, leading to subtle signals. In this Letter, an all-dielectric metasurface array is proposed to enhance the absorption fingerprint spectrum using quasi-bound states in the continuum (BIC) resonance. The observable quasi-BIC resonance is achieved by breaking the symmetry of the C2v structure. The periodic dimensions of the structure are adjusted to excite quasi-BIC resonances at different frequencies, thereby enhancing the fingerprint spectra of four different substances. By exploiting the correlation between the Q-factor and absorption across different frequencies, calibration of the molecular absorption fingerprint spectrum obtained through metasurface sensing yields precise enhanced absorption fingerprint spectra for various substances within the 0.55-1.6 THz range. Our Letter introduces a novel, to the best of our knowledge, strategy for trace sensing in the THz frequency range, demonstrating the promising potential for enhanced absorption fingerprint spectrum sensing.

Ionic‐Rich Vermiculite Tailoring Dynamic Bottom‐Up Gradient for High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractMixed‐halide perovskites are emerging as excellent photovoltaic candidates because of their tunable bandgaps for semitransparent and tandem perovskite solar cells. However, the notorious film quality originated from the rapidly downward crystallization process susceptibly propagates enormous detrimental defects, which deteriorate the photovoltaic performance and accelerate halide segregation. To address this issue, herein, a multilayer alkalis‐intercalated‐vermiculite is employed as pre‐buried interface modifier to regulate the perovskite lattice property. The matchable lattice structure between perovskite and vermiculite by forming Pb─O bond not only releases the interfacial strain during the film growth but also the embedded alkalis ions can gradually diffuse into perovskite lattice to form a favorable vertical gradient owing to the weak interlamellar van der Waals interaction, playing bis‐roles of atomical lubricant and ion‐reservoir to eliminate detrimental defects. As a result, the film quality and lattice stability is significantly improved with suppressed phase segregation for mixed‐halide perovskites, accompanying a champion efficiency of 11.42% for carbon‐based CsPbIBr2 device, 15.25% for carbon‐based CsPbI2Br device and 23.17% for p‐i‐n inverted (Cs0.05MA0.05FA0.9)Pb(I0.93Br0.07)3 cell. This work provides a new strategy on buried interface engineering for making high‐efficiency and stable perovskite platforms.

J-Aggregate Promoting NIR-II Emission for Fluorescence/ Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Phototherapy.

J-aggregate is a promising strategy to enhance second near-infrared window (NIR-II) emission, while the controlled synthesis of J-aggregated NIR-II dyes is a huge challenge because of the lack of molecular design principle. Herein, bulk spiro[fluorene-9,9'-xanthene] functionalized benzobisthiadiazole-based NIR-II dyes (named BSFX-BBT and OSFX-BBT) were synthesized with different alkyl chains. The weak repulsion interaction between the donor and acceptor units and the S…N secondary interactions make the dyes to adopt a co-planar molecular conformation and display a peak absorption > 880nm in solution. Importantly, BSFX-BBT can form a desiring J-aggregate in the condensed state, and femtosecond transient absorption spectra reveal that the excited states of J-aggregate are the radiative states, and J-aggregate can facilitate stimulated emission. Consequently, the J-aggregated nanoparticles (NPs) display a peak emission at 1124nm with a high relative quantum yield of 0.81%. The efficient NIR-II emission, good photothermal effect and biocompatibility make the J-aggregated NPs demonstrate efficient antitumor efficacy via fluorescence/photoacoustic imaging-guided phototherapy. The paradigm illustrates that tuning the aggregate states of NIR-II dye via spiro-functionalized strategy is an effective approach to enhance photo-theranostic performance. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effect of Fatty Acid Unsaturation on the Intermolecular Weak Interaction at the Low-Rank Coal-Water Interface: Density Functional Theory Calculations and Experimental Study.

The study on the effect of fatty acid saturation on low-rank coal (LRC) flotation is still limited. In this investigation, density functional theory (DFT) combined with Zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to study the mechanism of intermolecular weak interaction at the LRC-water interface of fatty acids (decanoic acid (DA), undecylenic acid (UA), and phenyl propionic acid (PA)) with different saturations and different dodecane (D) composition hydrocarbon oil-fatty acid mixed collectors (D-DA, D-UA, D-PA). The findings demonstrated that the hydrogen bond interaction and electrostatic interaction between the UA/PA with unsaturated bonded carbon chains and the LRC molecular fragments/water molecules were stronger than DA without a saturated bond carbon chain, and UA/PA strengthened its interaction with water molecules on the whole, even PA molecules would preferentially interact with water molecules. The unsaturated bond had a minimal impact on the adsorption of the LRC hydrophobic site, and the strength of the hydrogen bond between the mixed collector and LRC is D-DA > D-UA > D-PA. In the actual flotation process, the strong hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction between UA/PA and water molecules weaken the collection performance of the mixed collector D-UA/D-PA for LRC, which also confirmed the research results of DFT, FTIR, and Zeta.

Aiming at the valorization of CO2 through its capture by simply extruded high cell-density coal honeycombs

Integral coal honeycomb monoliths were easily prepared achieving the cell densities typical of commercial cordierites through extrusion plus physical activation. Different techniques such as volumetric adsorption, TGA, TPD and transient kinetic analysis were employed to study their interaction with CO2 at different temperatures (35–100 °C) and under both static and dynamic atmosphere. The CO2 capture capacity resulted to be 0.95 mmol/g at 35 °C, much higher than that of previously studied clay honeycomb adsorbents. The CO2 uptake exhibited fast second order kinetics, and a wide operative window for a highly efficient CO2 removal was found. Moreover, due to a weak interaction, most CO2 adsorbed could be released at 110 °C, what allows minimizing the costs related to controlled regeneration if ones wants to reuse the captured CO2 but at the same time prevents from desorption when this is undesirable. Treatment of the coal honeycomb monolith with a 1:1 CO2+CH4-containing stream revealed, through gas chromatography analysis, the conversion into syngas at relatively low temperatures (50% at 750 °C) in spite of the metal-free character of the monolith. Moreover, this activity reached 90% and remained quite stable for at least 12 h at 900 °C. These results demonstrate the potential of preparing honeycomb monoliths from coal as a strategy to diversify the uses of this abundant natural resource and as an alternative in the field of CO2 capture and valorization.