Inorganics

12 pages, 1436 KiB

Open AccessReview

In Situ and In Operando Techniques to Study Li-Ion and Solid-State Batteries: Micro to Atomic Level

by Maryam Golozar, Raynald Gauvin and Karim Zaghib

Inorganics 2021, 9(11), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics9110085 - 22 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3928

This work summarizes the most commonly used in situ techniques for the study of Li-ion batteries from the micro to the atomic level. In situ analysis has attracted a great deal of interest owing to its ability to provide a wide range of [...] Read more.

This work summarizes the most commonly used in situ techniques for the study of Li-ion batteries from the micro to the atomic level. In situ analysis has attracted a great deal of interest owing to its ability to provide a wide range of information about the cycling behavior of batteries from the beginning until the end of cycling. The in situ techniques that are covered are: X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM). An optimized setup is required to be able to use any of these in situ techniques in battery applications. Depending on the type of data required, the available setup, and the type of battery, more than one of these techniques might be needed. This study organizes these techniques from the micro to the atomic level, and shows the types of data that can be obtained using these techniques, their advantages and their challenges, and possible strategies for overcoming these challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Themed Issue in Honor of Professor Michel Armand on the Occasion of His 75th Birthday)

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8 pages, 13242 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Hybrid Metal-Organic Framework-Cellulose Materials Retaining High Porosity: ZIF-8@Cellulose Nanofibrils

by Johannes Thunberg, Savannah C. Zacharias, Merima Hasani, Olayinka. A. Oyetunji, Francoise M. Amombo Noa, Gunnar Westman and Lars Öhrström

Inorganics 2021, 9(11), 84; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/inorganics9110084 - 20 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3344

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks have attracted a great deal of attention for future applications in numerous areas, including gas adsorption. However, in order for them to reach their full potential a substrate to provide an anchor may be needed. Ideally, this substrate should be environmentally [...] Read more.

Metal-organic frameworks have attracted a great deal of attention for future applications in numerous areas, including gas adsorption. However, in order for them to reach their full potential a substrate to provide an anchor may be needed. Ideally, this substrate should be environmentally friendly and renewable. Cellulose nanofibrils show potential in this area. Here we present a hybrid material created from the self-assembly of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) nanocrystals on cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) in aqueous medium. The CNF/ZIF-8 was freeze dried and formed free standing materials suitable for gas adsorption. A BET area of 1014 m² g⁻¹ was achieved for the CNF/ZIF-8 hybrid materials ZIF-8@cellulose which is comparable with reported values for free standing ZIF-8 materials, 1600 m² g⁻¹, considering the dilution with cellulose, and a considerable enhancement compared to CNF on its own, 32 m² g⁻¹. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Organic Frameworks: A Diverse Class of Compounds with Structures and Applications Only Limited by the Imagination of the Researcher)

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28 pages, 6103 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cytochrome c: Using Biological Insight toward Engineering an Optimized Anticancer Biodrug

by Louis J. Delinois, Omar De León-Vélez, Adriana Vázquez-Medina, Alondra Vélez-Cabrera, Amanda Marrero-Sánchez, Christopher Nieves-Escobar, Daniela Alfonso-Cano, Delvin Caraballo-Rodríguez, Jael Rodriguez-Ortiz, Jemily Acosta-Mercado, Josué A. Benjamín-Rivera, Kiara González-González, Kysha Fernández-Adorno, Lisby Santiago-Pagán, Rafael Delgado-Vergara, Xaiomy Torres-Ávila, Andrea Maser-Figueroa, Gladimarys Grajales-Avilés, Glorimar I. Miranda Méndez, Javier Santiago-Pagán, Miguel Nieves-Santiago, Vanessa Álvarez-Carrillo, Kai Griebenow and Arthur D. Tinoco Show full author list Hide full author list

Inorganics 2021, 9(11), 83; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/inorganics9110083 - 16 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4732

Abstract

The heme protein cytochrome c (Cyt c) plays pivotal roles in cellular life and death processes. In the respiratory chain of mitochondria, it serves as an electron transfer protein, contributing to the proliferation of healthy cells. In the cell cytoplasm, it activates intrinsic [...] Read more.

The heme protein cytochrome c (Cyt c) plays pivotal roles in cellular life and death processes. In the respiratory chain of mitochondria, it serves as an electron transfer protein, contributing to the proliferation of healthy cells. In the cell cytoplasm, it activates intrinsic apoptosis to terminate damaged cells. Insight into these mechanisms and the associated physicochemical properties and biomolecular interactions of Cyt c informs on the anticancer therapeutic potential of the protein, especially in its ability to subvert the current limitations of small molecule-based chemotherapy. In this review, we explore the development of Cyt c as an anticancer drug by identifying cancer types that would be receptive to the cytotoxicity of the protein and factors that can be finetuned to enhance its apoptotic potency. To this end, some information is obtained by characterizing known drugs that operate, in part, by triggering Cyt c induced apoptosis. The application of different smart drug delivery systems is surveyed to highlight important features for maintaining Cyt c stability and activity and improving its specificity for cancer cells and high drug payload release while recognizing the continuing limitations. This work serves to elucidate on the optimization of the strategies to translate Cyt c to the clinical market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Anticancer Drugs)

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15 pages, 4452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The bis(Biphenyl)phosphorus Fragment in Trivalent and Tetravalent P-Environments

by Jonas Hoffmann, Daniel Duvinage, Enno Lork and Anne Staubitz

Inorganics 2021, 9(11), 82; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/inorganics9110082 - 16 Nov 2021

Viewed by 2374

Abstract

Diaryl substituted phosphorus (III) compounds are commonly used motifs in synthesis. Although the basic synthetic routes to these molecules starting from PCl₃ are well reported, sterically hindered aryl substituents can be difficult to introduce, especially if the P atom is in ortho [...] Read more.

Diaryl substituted phosphorus (III) compounds are commonly used motifs in synthesis. Although the basic synthetic routes to these molecules starting from PCl₃ are well reported, sterically hindered aryl substituents can be difficult to introduce, especially if the P atom is in ortho position to another group. This work explores the chemistry of the bis(biphenyl)phosphorus(III) fragment. As third substituents, H, M, Cl, NR₂, two group 14 element substituents and also Li were introduced in high-yielding processes offering a wide chemical variety of the bis(biphenyl) phosphine motif. In addition, also a tetravalent phosphine borane adduct was isolated. All structures were thoroughly investigated by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopic analysis. Furthermore, the reaction conditions are discussed in connection with the structures and four crystal structures of the aminophosphine, phosphine, phosphine borane and phosphide are provided. The latter crystallized as a dimer with a unique planar P₂Li₂ ring, which is stabilized by the non-covalent C⋯Li interaction arising from the biphenyl motif and represents a rare example of a donor-free planar P₂Li₂ ring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Organometallic Chemistry)

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29 pages, 8813 KiB

Open AccessReview

Metal Organic Frameworks as Heterogeneous Catalysts in Olefin Epoxidation and Carbon Dioxide Cycloaddition

by Alessia Tombesi and Claudio Pettinari

Inorganics 2021, 9(11), 81; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/inorganics9110081 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4946

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a family of porous crystalline materials that serve in some cases as versatile platforms for catalysis. In this review, we overview the recent developments about the use of these species as heterogeneous catalysts in olefin epoxidation and carbon dioxide [...] Read more.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a family of porous crystalline materials that serve in some cases as versatile platforms for catalysis. In this review, we overview the recent developments about the use of these species as heterogeneous catalysts in olefin epoxidation and carbon dioxide cycloaddition. We report the most important results obtained in this field relating them to the presence of specific organic linkers, metal nodes or clusters and mixed-metal species. Recent advances obtained with MOF nanocomposites were also described. Finally we compare the results and summarize the major insights in specific Tables, outlining the major challenges for this emerging field. This work could promote new research aimed at producing coordination polymers and MOFs able to catalyse a broader range of CO₂ consuming reactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cornerstones in Contemporary Inorganic Chemistry)

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13 pages, 7362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Density Functional Theory Study on the Adsorption Mechanism of Sulphide Gas Molecules on α-Fe₂O₃(001) Surface

by Li Zhou, Huadong Zhu and Wen Zeng

Inorganics 2021, 9(11), 80; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/inorganics9110080 - 04 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3175

Abstract

Sulphide gas is an impurity that affects the quality of natural gas, which needs reasonable storage and transportation. In this work, we investigated the adsorption structure and electronic behavior of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), carbonyl sulfur (COS), and methyl mercaptan (CH₃ [...] Read more.

Sulphide gas is an impurity that affects the quality of natural gas, which needs reasonable storage and transportation. In this work, we investigated the adsorption structure and electronic behavior of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), carbonyl sulfur (COS), and methyl mercaptan (CH₃SH) on sulphide gas molecules on pure and vacant α-Fe₂O₃(001) surfaces by density functional theory with geometrical relaxations. The results show that H₂S and CH₃SH are mainly adsorbed in the form of molecules on the pure Fe₂O₃(001) surface. On the vacant α-Fe₂O₃(001) surface, they can be adsorbed on Fe atoms in molecular form and by dissociation. The absolute value of the adsorption energy of H₂S and CH₃SH on the vacancy defect α-Fe₂O₃ surface is larger, and the density of states show that the electron orbital hybridization is more significant, and the adsorption is stronger. The charge differential density and Mulliken charge population analysis show that the charge is rearranged and chemical bonds are formed. The affinity of H₂S to the vacancy α-Fe₂O₃(001) surface is slightly higher than that of CH₃SH, while COS molecules basically do not adsorb on the α-Fe₂O₃(001) surface, which may be related to the stable chemical properties of the molecules themselves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Solid-State Chemistry)

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13 pages, 2374 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pyridinesilver Tetraoxometallate Complexes: Overview of the Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Pyridine Complexed AgXO₄ (X = Cl, Mn, Re) Compounds

by Fernanda Paiva Franguelli, Kende Attila Béres and Laszló Kótai

Inorganics 2021, 9(11), 79; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/inorganics9110079 - 30 Oct 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2576

Abstract

We reviewed the synthesis, structure, and properties of pyridine complexes of AgXO₄ (X = Cl, Mn, and Re) compounds with various compositions ([AgPy₂] XO₄, [AgPy₂XO₄]·0.5Py, [AgPy₄] XO₄, and 4 [AgPy [...] Read more.

We reviewed the synthesis, structure, and properties of pyridine complexes of AgXO₄ (X = Cl, Mn, and Re) compounds with various compositions ([AgPy₂] XO₄, [AgPy₂XO₄]·0.5Py, [AgPy₄] XO₄, and 4 [AgPy₂XO₄] [AgPy₄] XO₄). We also clarified the controversial information about the existence and composition of pyridine complexes of silver permanganate, used widely as mild and selective oxidants in organic chemistry. We discussed in detail the available structural and spectroscopic (IR, Raman, and UV) data and thermal behavior, including the existence and consequence of quasi-intramolecular reactions between the reducing ligand and anions containing oxygen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cornerstones in Contemporary Inorganic Chemistry)

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12 pages, 5918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Vanadium Inhalation on the Tumor Progression of Urethane-Induced Lung Adenomas in a Mice Model

by Nelly López-Valdez, Marcela Rojas-Lemus and Teresa I. Fortoul

Inorganics 2021, 9(11), 78; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/inorganics9110078 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2165

Abstract

Lung cancer has the highest death rates. Aerosol drug delivery has been used for other lung diseases. The use of inhaled vanadium (V) as an option for lung cancer treatment is explored. Four groups of mice were studied: (1) Saline inhalation alone, (2) [...] Read more.

Lung cancer has the highest death rates. Aerosol drug delivery has been used for other lung diseases. The use of inhaled vanadium (V) as an option for lung cancer treatment is explored. Four groups of mice were studied: (1) Saline inhalation alone, (2) Single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of urethane, (3) V nebulization twice a week (Wk) for 8 Wk, and (4) A single dose of urethane and V nebulization for 8 Wk. Mice were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. Number and size of tumors, PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl tranferase dUTP nick-end labeling) immunohistochemistry were evaluated and compared within groups. Results: The size and number of tumors decreased in mice exposed to V-urethane and the TUNEL increased in this group; differences in the PCNA were not observed. Conclusions: Aerosol V delivery increased apoptosis and possibly the growth arrest of the tumors with no respiratory clinical changes in the mice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends on Vanadium Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Medicinal Chemistry)

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Inorganics, Volume 9, Issue 11 (November 2021) – 8 articles

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