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At least 937 records · Page 52

Multifield stochastic particle production: beyond a maximum entropy ansatz

In this work, we explore non-adiabatic particle production for N f coupled scalar fields in a time-dependent background with stochastically varying effective masses, cross-couplings and intervals between interactions. Under the assumption of weak scattering per interaction, we provide a framework for calculating the typical particle production rates after a large number of interactions. After setting up the framework, for analytic tractability, we consider interactions (effective masses and cross couplings) characterized by series of Dirac-delta functions in time with amplitudes and locations drawn from different distributions. Without assuming that the fields are statistically equivalent, we present closed form results (up to quadratures) for the asymptotic particle production rates for the N f =1 and N f =2 cases. We also present results for the general N f >2 case, but with more restrictive assumptions. We find agreement between our analytic results and direct numerical calculations of the total occupation number of the produced particles, with departures that can be explained in terms of violation of our assumptions. We elucidate the precise connection between the maximum entropy ansatz (MEA) used in Amin & Baumann (2015) and the underlying statistical distribution of the self and cross couplings. We provide and justify a simple to use (MEA-inspired) expression for the particle production rate, which agrees with our more detailed treatment when the parameters characterizing the effective mass and cross-couplings between fields are all comparable to each other. However, deviations are seen when some parameters differ significantly from others. We show that such deviations become negligible for a broad range of parameters when N f >> 1.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Bis-pi-allylpalladium Complexes in Catalysis of Multicomponent Reactions (Final Report)

The research project involved the development of new and functionally improved Pd(II) catalyst for a three-component reaction of boronic acids, allenes and imines to afford homoallylic amines that are useful in synthesis of biologically active heterocycles. Furthermore, insights into the reaction mechanism and the structure and reactivity of the catalytically active intermediates involved in this process were sought. As a result of this work, a new type of Pd-catalysts possessing an auxiliary ligand attached to the Pd center via a C-Pd and N-Pd bonds were identified, and found to be more active than the traditional catalysts derived from Pd(OAc) 2 . The new catalysts provided an access to a broader range of homoallylic amine products. Although the final unequivocal evidence regarding the structure of the Pd(II) complex involved in the nucleophilic transfer of the allyl fragment from the palladium center to the imine could not be obtained, mechanistic insights into the events that are detrimental to the activity of the originally reported Pd(OAc) 2 -based catalytic systems were uncovered.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A Multicatalytic Approach to the Hydroaminomethylation of α-Olefins

Here, we report an approach to conducting the hydroaminomethylation of diverse α-olefins with a wide range of alkyl, aryl, and heteroarylamines at relatively low temperatures (70–80 °C) and pressures (1.0–3.4 bar) of synthesis gas. This approach is based on simultaneously using two distinct catalysts that are mutually compatible. The hydroformylation step is catalyzed by a rhodium diphosphine complex, and the reductive amination step, which is conducted as a transfer hydrogenation with aqueous, buffered sodium formate as the reducing agent, is catalyzed by a cyclometallated iridium complex. By adjusting the ratio of CO to H 2 , we conducted the reaction at one atmosphere of gas with little change in yield. A diverse array of olefins and amines, including hetreroarylamines that do not react under more conventional conditions with a single catalyst, underwent hydroaminomethylation with this new system, and the pharmaceutical ibutilide was prepared in higher yield and under milder conditions than with a single catalyst.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Anticancer activities of novel Mannich bases against prostate cancer cells

This study was designed to synthesize hybridizing molecules starting from compound of 6-(4-phenyl-piperazin-1-yl)pyridine-3-ylamine by enhancing its biological activity with other heterocycles and to determine anticancer activity of the resulting compounds. To this end, 6-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)pyridin-3-ylamine (4) was used as the leading compound, which is known to exert anticancer activities. The synthesis of the leading compound was carried out using 1-(5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-4-phenylpiperazine (3) which was obtained by a novel method with the reaction of N-phenylpiperazine (2) and 2-chloro-5-nitropyridine. 6-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)pyridin-3-ylamine (4) was converted to compound 5, an active intermediate compound, by substitution of one of the amine hydrogens with ethyl bromoacetate. The resulting ester product (5) followed by the hydrazidation (6) was added arylisocyanate to obtain the active intermediate (8). Then, by a series of substitution through cyclization and condensation reactions, thiazolidinone (9), 1,3,4-oxadiazole (7), and 1,2,4-triazole (10) were synthesized. Novel Mannich bases (11a–11f and 12a–12f) were obtained using oxazole (7) and triazole (10) hetero rings with primer or secondary amine compounds. The characterization of the compounds was completed using FT IR, {sup 1}H-NMR, {sup 13}C-NMR, HRMS spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis technique. The chemicals, then, were tested for their anticancer activities against prostate cancer cell lines PC3 [ATCC, CRL-1435], LNCaP [ATCC, CRL-1740], and DU145 [ATCC, HTB-81]. The results revealed that the Mannich bases exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against cancer cells tested.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Preparation and Characterization of New Environmental Functional Polymers Based on Vanillin and N-isopropylacrylamide for Post Polymerization

The study aims to synthetize a new functional acrylate monomer from vanillin in one step reaction. The new monomer has called by vanillin acrylate and abbreviated (VA). It was confirmed by chemical methods 1H NMR, 13C, IR and UV indicated logic results. The homopolymer has been prepared by free radical polymerization and characterized chemically and physically, the {sup 1}HNMR and IR have proofed the presence of aldehyde group in the polymer main chain. This monomer was used to synthesize three different molar concentrations of temperature responsive functional polymers with N-isopropylacrylamide via free radical polymerization by AIBN in solution. The {sup 1}H NMR was used for determination of actual mole concentration of each monomer. The aldehyde group in polymers were used as a linker for grafting with primary amine compounds by click reactions to form Schiff’s base imine compounds. The grafted copolymers were also investigated by 1H NMR and IR for structure elucidation. Gel permeation chromatography GPC was used for determination the molecular weight and polydispersity; DSC for glass temperature of solid polymers; XRD for crystallinity. UV–Vis Spectroscopy was used for the determination of phase separation or the lower critical solution temperature (Tc) of polymers solution before and after grafting, not only in deionized water but in pH 5 and pH 11. Graphical Abstract: Synthesis of new functional monomer based on vanillin in one step reaction. Monomer has been successfully polymerized by free radical polymerization using AIBN as initiator. Three different mole ratios (10, 15, 20 mol%) of copolymer with NIPAAm were prepared. All monomers and polymers have been chemically elucidated. The aldehyde functional group used as linker for primary amine compounds, the final products have been characteristics as T, pH dual responsive polymers the phase transition temperature of copolymer before and after grafting was determined by UV.vis Spectroscopy. .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Affinity of An(VI) for N4-Tetradentate Donor Ligands: Complexation of the Actinyl(VI) Ions with N4-Tetradentate Ligands

In this report the affinity of four N4-tetradentate ligands that incorporate the 2- methylpyridyl functionality with hexavalent actinides (AnO2+2 ) has been investigated in methanol solution. The ligands studied include N,N*-bis(2-methylpyridyl)diaminoethane (BPMDAE), N,N-bis(2-methylpyridyl)-1,3-diaminopropane (BPMDAP), N,N*-bis(2-pyridylmethyl) piperazine (BPMPIP), and trans-N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (BPMDAC). Conditional stability constants describing the strength of the interaction were determined by UV-visible spectrophotometry. The log10K101 values for both U(VI) and Pu(VI) are comparable and show the same trend of stability with ligand structure. Dinuclear complexes are also indicated as being important. The log10K201 values for Pu(VI) complexation with the N4-ligands are identical for the four ligands (within experimental error), indicating that the structure of the ligand backbone has little effect on the stability of the (PuO2)2L2+ complex. The exception to this trend is the behavior of N,N*- bis(2-pyridylmethyl)piperazine (BPMPIP) with Pu(VI). This ligand displays a tendency to reduce Pu(VI) within the experimental time frame of 45 minutes. BPMPIP is the only ligand tested that contains tertiary amines in the ligand backbone. The decomposition of BPMPIP by Pu(VI) suggests a susceptibility of tertiary amines to oxidative degradation.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Surface modification of amorphous nanosilica particles suppresses nanosilica-induced cytotoxicity, ROS generation, and DNA damage in various mammalian cells

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer There is increasing concern regarding the potential health risks of nanomaterials. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We evaluated the effect of surface properties of nanomaterials on cellular responses. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We showed that the surface properties play an important in determining its safety. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer These data provide useful information for producing safer nanomaterials. -- Abstract: Recently, nanomaterials have been utilized in various fields. In particular, amorphous nanosilica particles are increasingly being used in a range of applications, including cosmetics, food technology, and medical diagnostics. However, there is concern that the unique characteristics of nanomaterials might induce undesirable effects. The roles played by the physical characteristics of nanomaterials in cellular responses have not yet been elucidated precisely. Here, by using nanosilica particles (nSPs) with a diameter of 70 nm whose surface was either unmodified (nSP70) or modified with amine (nSP70-N) or carboxyl groups (nSP70-C), we examined the relationship between the surface properties of nSPs and cellular responses such as cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and DNA damage. To compare the cytotoxicity of nSP70, nSP70-N, or nSP70-C, we examined in vitro cell viability after nSP treatment. Although the susceptibility of each cell line to the nSPs was different, nSP70-C and nSP70-N showed lower cytotoxicity than nSP70 in all cell lines. Furthermore, the generation of ROS and induction of DNA damage in nSP70-C- and nSP70-N-treated cells were lower than those in nSP70-treated cells. These results suggest that the surface properties of nSP70 play an important role in determining its safety, and surface modification of nSP70 with amine or carboxyl groups may be useful for the development of safer nSPs. We hope that our results will contribute to the development of safer nanomaterials.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Diversifying hierarchical ionic assembly by docking cations to anions as salt bridges

Here, we expand the diversity of building blocks available for ionic assembly by introducing tertiary (3°) ammonium cations into anion complexes. We use proton transfer between 3° amines and organo-phosphoric acids to generate H-bonding cations (R 3 NH + ) and anions (RHPO 4 – ) that co-assemble with cyanostar macrocycles into assemblies with 2:2:2 stoichiometry. At the heart is a supramolecular dimer where phosphate anions form salt bridges by H-bonding with cations. Unlike conventional 4° ammonium cations, 3,000 commercial amines provide diversity for high-throughput screening of 72 combinations (9 nitrogen bases and 8 acids), producing 13 privileged partners for quantitative assembly. Yields depend on the solvent and sterics of salt bridge formation. Ten more nitrogen bases connect to fluorophores (pyrene), photocatalysts (quinoline), drugs (Cipralex, Zytiga), and ionic liquids (imidazole). The synthesis and examination of 82 new salts exemplify how acid-base chemistry can open a pipeline to a diversity of building blocks for exploring hierarchical ionic assembly.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Solvent Degradation and Emissions from a 0.7MWe Pilot CO 2 Capture System with Two-stage Stripping

The UKy-CAER team successfully tested an advanced 0.7 MWe post-combustion CO 2 capture system on a coal-fired power plant using a heat integration process combined with two-stage stripping to enhance the CO 2 absorber performance. One of the unique feature of the UKy-CAER integrated process is a two-stage stripping unit for solvent regeneration. The secondary stripper is empowered by the heat rejection from a conventional steam-heated (primary) stripper. The secondary stripper outlet stream at the commercial scale can be used as boiler secondary combustion air, consequently enriching the flue gas with CO 2 , resulting in less energy penalty required by the CO2 capture system. The primary goal of this study was to form an initial assessment of the impact on the amine solvent from coal combustion flue gas contaminants and the potential higher oxygen content in the solvent due to incorporation of the secondary air stripper into the conventional amine scrubber/stripper system. The overall oxidative degradation was comparable to previous reports with 30 wt% MEA solvent at similar flue gas run hours. This suggests that the addition of the secondary air stripper appears to be negligible with regards to solvent oxidation.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Enhancements in mass transfer for carbon capture solvents part I: Homogeneous catalyst

The novel small molecule carbonic anhydrase (CA) mimic [Co III (Salphen-COO - )Cl]HNEt 3 ( 1 ), was synthesized as an additive for increasing CO 2 absorption rates in amine-based post-combustion carbon capture processes (CCS), and its efficacy was verified. 1 was designed for use in a kinetically slow but thermally stable blended solvent, containing the primary amines 1-amino-2-propanol (A2P) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP). Together, the A2P/AMP solvent and 1 reduce the overall energy penalty associated with CO 2 capture from coal-derived flue gas, relative to the baseline solvent MEA. 1 is also effective at increasing absorption kinetics of kinetically fast solvents, such as MEA, which can reduce capital costs by requiring a smaller absorber tower. The transition from catalyst testing under idealized laboratory conditions, to process relevant lab- and bench-scale testing adds many additional variables that are not well understood and rarely discussed. As a result, the stepwise testing of both 1 and the novel A2P/AMP solvent blend is described through a transition process that identifies many of these process and evaluation challenges not often addressed when designing a chemical or catalytic additive for industrial CCS systems, where consideration of solvent chemistry is typically the primary goal.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Intercalation of organic molecules into SnS{sub 2} single crystals

SnS{sub 2} is a layered semiconductor with a van der Waals gap separating the covalently bonded layers. In this study, post-synthesis intercalation of donor organic amine molecules, such as ethylenediamine (en), into tin disulfide and secondary intercalation of p-phenylenediamine (PPD) and 1, 5-naphthalenediamine (NDA) into SnS{sub 2e}n have been verified with X-ray diffraction. PPD and NDA did not intercalate directly even during prolonged annealing but replaced en readily if en was already present in the van der Waals gap. The c-lattice dilation is proportional to the intercalant size. Unit cell lattices of intercalated products were determined from the positions of the X-ray diffraction peaks. Optical images taken during the intercalation showed that intercalation progressed from the periphery towards the interior of the crystal. TEM diffraction patterns in the [0 0 1] direction of SnS{sub 2} after intercalation revealed defects and stacking mismatches among the SnS{sub 2} layers caused by the intercalation. UV-Vis absorption studies showed a red shift in the band edge of the SnS{sub 2} material after intercalation. The band edge was 2.2 eV for pristine SnS{sub 2}; after intercalation with en or PPD, the absorbance spectra band edges shifted to approximately 0.7 eV or 0.5 eV, respectively. - Graphical Abstract: SnS{sub 2} single crystals were intercalated with organic amine molecules such as ethylenediamine, phenylenediamine and naphthalenediamine. Absorption studies showed red shift of band edge after intercalation, which was consistent with optical observations. X-ray diffraction indicated lattice dilation in the c-lattice of SnS{sub 2} after intercalation. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Organic molecules intercalated inhomogenously between covalently bonded SnS{sub 2} layers. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ethylenediamine (en) intercalate directly into SnS{sub 2}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Phenylenediamine (PPD) and naphthalenediamine (NDA) can be intercalated into SnS{sub 2} secondary. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer In a secondary intercalation the bonds between layers are weakened by direct intercalation of (en). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The optical band gap of SnS{sub 2} is reduced due to intercalation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

F{sup −}/OH{sup −} substitution in [H{sub 4}tren]{sup 4+} and [H{sub 3}tren]{sup 3+} hydroxyfluorotitanates(IV) and classification of tren cation configurations

Three [H{sub 3}tren]{sup 3+} or [H{sub 4}tren]{sup 4+} hydroxyfluorotitanates(IV) are solvothermally synthesized from TiO{sub 2}, tren amine, 40% HF aqueous solution and ethanol under microwave heating at 120 °C and 190 °C. [H{sub 4}tren]·(TiF{sub 4.6}(OH){sub 1.4}){sub 2}·2.7H{sub 2}O (I) and β-[H{sub 3}tren]·(TiF{sub 4.5}(OH){sub 1.5})·(F) (II) are described for the first time. The third compound, α-[H{sub 3}tren]·(TiF{sub 4.7}(OH){sub 1.3})·(F) (III), was previously reported as a pure fluorotitanate. The structure determinations are performed from single crystal (I) and powder (II) X-ray diffraction data. The F{sup −}/OH{sup −} substitution, expected from the presence of water in the reaction medium, is characterized by chemical analyses and {sup 19}F MAS solid state NMR experiments: all three structures are built up from Ti(F,OH){sub 6}{sup 2−} octahedra and “free” fluoride ions or water molecules. “Free” fluoride ions are not affected by F{sup −}/OH{sup −} substitution. The electroneutrality is ensured by triprotonated or tetraprotonated tren amines which adopt specific configurations. Additionally, based on the analysis of [H{sub 3}tren]{sup 3+} or [H{sub 4}tren]{sup 4+} hydroxo/oxo/fluorometalates, a classification of the configurations of tren cations is proposed. - Graphical abstract: The ratio of the relative intensities of the {sup 19}F NMR lines assigned to F atoms belonging to isolated TiF{sub 6−x}(OH){sub x} octahedra and to “free” fluoride ions shows that the F{sup −}/OH{sup −} substitution concerns only F atoms bonded to titanium. - Highlights: • Three tren templated hydroxyfluorotitanates(IV) have been solvothermally synthesized. • They are built up from Ti(F,OH){sub 6}{sup 2−} octahedra and “free” F{sup −} ions or H{sub 2}O molecules. • F{sup −}/OH{sup −} substitution does not affect “free” F{sup −} sites. • [H{sub 4}tren]{sup 4+} and [H{sub 3}tren]{sup 3+} cations adopt specific configurations. • A classification of the configurations of tren cations is proposed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Silica-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes impregnated with polyethyleneimine for carbon dioxide capture under the flue gas condition

In this study, silica-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes impregnated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) were prepared via a two-step process: (i) hydrolysis of tetraethylorthosilicate onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and (ii) impregnation of PEI. The adsorption properties of CO{sub 2} were investigated using CO{sub 2} adsorption–desorption isotherms at 298 K and thermogravimetric analysis under the flue gas condition (15% CO{sub 2}/85% N{sub 2}). The results obtained in this study indicate that CO{sub 2} adsorption increases after impregnation of PEI. The increase in CO{sub 2} capture was attributed to the affinity between CO{sub 2} and the amine groups. CO{sub 2} adsorption–desorption experiments, which were repeated five times, also showed that the prepared adsorbents have excellent regeneration properties. - Graphical abstract: Fabrication and CO{sub 2} adsorption process of the S-MWCNTs impregnated with PEI. - Highlights: • Silica coated-MWCNT impregnated with PEI was synthesized. • Amine groups of PEI gave CO{sub 2} affinity sites on MWCNT surfaces. • The S-MWCNT/PEI(50) exhibited the highest CO{sub 2} adsorption capacity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis optimisation and characterisation of the organic-inorganic layered materials ZnS(m-xylylenediamine){sub 1/2} and ZnS(p-xylylenediamine){sub 1/2}

Hybrid organic-inorganic layered materials of the type ZnS(amine){sub 1/2}, where amine=m-xylylenediamine (MXDA) or p-xylylenediamine (PXDA), were synthesised using a simple solvothermal method. Since the samples crystallised in the form of very fine powder, X-ray powder diffraction techniques were used for structural characterisation. The crystal structure studies, involving direct methods, show that both compounds crystallised in the orthorhombic crystal system, but in different space groups: ZnS(MXDA){sub 1/2} in non-centrosymmetric Ccm2{sub 1}, ZnS(PXDA){sub 1/2} in centrosymmetric Pcab. The obtained materials are built according to similar orders: semiconducting monolayers with the formula ZnS, parallel to the (010) plane, are separated by diamines. The organic and inorganic fragments are connected by covalent bonds between metal atoms of the layers and nitrogen atoms of the amino groups. The optical properties of the hybrid materials differ from those of their bulk counterpart. In both compounds a blue-shift of about 0.8 or 0.9 eV was observed with reference to the bulk phase of ZnS. - Highlights: • New hybrid compounds: ZnS(MXDA){sub 1/2} and ZnS(PXDA){sub 1/2} were obtained. • Hybrids were studied using XRD, TG/DSC, XRK, SEM, UV–vis spectroscopy. • Structures of both materials were solved by powder diffraction methods.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Transformation of thiolated chitosan-templated gold nanoparticles to huge microcubes

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Mercapto groups were grafted to chitosan molecule by a reactive amine reduction. • Functional polymer with well-defined monomer units controls AuNPs assembly. • Assembled morphologies depend on the ratio of AuNPs to thiolate groups. • Microcubes with side length of ∼20 μm was synthesized through a dialysis step. • A edge-to-middle growth mechanism of gold microcubes was observed. - Abstract: The L-cysteine molecules were successfully grafted to the 2-amino group of chitosan by a reactive amine reduction, and the as-synthesized thiolated chitosan (TC) molecules were used as the templates to direct the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles and induce the transformation of these assemblies to gold microcubes through a deep-going dialysis. We found that the ratio of gold nanoparticles to TC molecules could greatly affect the shape of the assembled clusters. Different stages of these clusters and microstructures during the dialysis process were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the microcubes with average side length of about 20 μm were successfully synthesized. According to the morphology evolution of the assembly, it could be concluded that the microcubes were formed from external to internal. The SERS area mapping images of microcubes and some clusters were also collected to study the formation mechanism of gold microcubes. Our work demonstrates a simple and highly effective way to assemble gold nanoparticles into microcubes with unique properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Development of TRPN dendrimer-modified disordered mesoporous silica for CO{sub 2} capture

Highlights: • A novel series of TRPN dendrimers are synthesized. • Structurally disordered mesoporous silica was used to develop the CO{sub 2} adsorbent. • The CO{sub 2} adsorption capacity is relatively high. • The sorbent exhibits a high stability after 12 cycling runs. • The sorbent achieves complete desorption at low temperature (60 °C). - Abstract: A novel series of tri(3-aminopropyl) amine (TRPN) dendrimers were synthesized and impregnated on structurally disordered mesoporous silica (DMS) to generate CO{sub 2} adsorbents (TS). The physicochemical and adsorption properties of the adsorbents before and after dendrimer modification were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N{sub 2} adsorption–desorption (N{sub 2}-BET) techniques. CO{sub 2} adsorption–desorption tests indicated that the sorbent demonstrates high CO{sub 2} adsorption capacity (138.1 mg g{sup −1} for G1 sample TS-G1-3CN-50 and 91.7 mg g{sup −1} for G2 sample TS-G2-6CN-50), and can completely desorb CO{sub 2} under vacuum at 60 °C. Its CO{sub 2} adsorption capacity at 25 °C increases with the amine loading, achieving the highest adsorption capacity (140.6 mg g{sup −1} for TS-G1-3CN) at 60%. The developed TS materials exhibited excellent cycling stability. After 12 consecutive adsorption–desorption runs, TS-G1-3CN-50 shows an adsorption capacity of 136.0 mg g{sup −1}, retaining 98.5% of its original value.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Folate conjugated Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2} nanoparticles for targeted magnetic resonance imaging in vivo

Graphical abstract: The Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2}(PEG)–FA has been used as a T{sub 1}-MRI probe for in vivo. - Highlights: • The PEG and FA modified Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2} nanoparticles (Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2}–FA) were prepared. • Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2}–FA exhibited the good colloidal stability in the simulated biological medium. • Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2}–FA showed the targeting ability to HeLa cells overexpressed the FA receptor. • The T{sub 1}-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated the targeting ability of Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2}–FA in vivo tumor. - Abstract: The monodisperse silica-coated manganese oxide nanoparticles (Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2} NPs) were synthesized via the high temperature pyrolysis approach and were aminated through silanization. The amine-functionalized Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs enabled the covalent conjugation of hydrophilic methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and the targeting ligand of folate (FA) onto their surface. The formed PEG and FA modified Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs (Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2}(PEG)–FA) exhibited the good colloidal stability in the simulated biological medium and the targeting ability to HeLa cells overexpressed the FA receptor. The T{sub 1}-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis of Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2}(PEG)–FA NPs further demonstrated their targeting ability in tumor.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Hydrothermal synthesis of highly nitrogen-doped few-layer graphene via solid–gas reaction

Highlights: • A novel approach to synthesis of N-doped few-layer graphene has been developed. • The high doping levels of N in products are achieved. • XPS and XANES results reveal a thermal transformation of N bonding configurations. • The developed method is cost-effective and eco-friendly. - Abstract: Nitrogen-doped (N-doped) graphene sheets with high doping concentration were facilely synthesized through solid–gas reaction of graphene oxide (GO) with ammonia vapor in a self-designed hydrothermal system. The morphology, surface chemistry and electronic structure of N-doped graphene sheets were investigated by TEM, AFM, XRD, XPS, XANES and Raman characterizations. Upon hydrothermal treatment, up to 13.22 at% of nitrogen could be introduced into the crumpled few-layer graphene sheets. Both XPS and XANES analysis reveal that the reaction between oxygen functional groups in GO and ammonia vapor produces amide and amine species in hydrothermally treated GO (HTGO). Subsequent thermal annealing of the resultant HTGO introduces a gradual transformation of nitrogen bonding configurations in graphene sheets from amine N to pyridinic and graphitic N with the increase of annealing temperature. This study provides a simple but cost-effective and eco-friendly method to prepare N-doped graphene materials in large-scale for potential applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗