A Chiral Metal-Organic 1D-Coordination Polymer Upon Complexation of Phenylene-Bridged Bipyrrole and Palladium (II) Ion

Metal-organic 1D-coordination polymers, having unique electronic and optical properties, are expected to be a novel advanced functional material capable of fabricating smart plastics, films, and fibers. In this study, we have synthesized a novel metal-organic 1D-coordination polymer composed of a phenylene-bridged bipyrrole bearing N-alkylimino groups (BPI) and palladium(II) ion. The BPI and Pd(II) form square planar bis(bidentate) complex to form a metal coordinated π-conjugation polymer (Poly-BPI/Pd). It is stable in solutions at room temperature, and allowed measurement of its average molecular weight in SEC (Mw = 106,000 and Mn = 18,000, Mw/Mn = 5.88). It also provided a reversible multi redox profile in cyclic voltammetry, most likely originating from strong π-electronic interactions between the BPI components via Pd ion. A variety of substituent groups can be attached to the imino-nitrogens of BPI. A coordination polymer composed of a BPI derivative bearing chiral alkyl chains and Pd(II) showed strong circular dichroism (CD) in the solution due to the unidirectional chiral conformation of the BPI components in the polymer backbone.

Trends in Advanced Functional Material Applications of Nanocellulose

The need to transition to more sustainable and renewable technology has resulted in a focus on cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and nanocrystals (CNCs) as one of the materials of the future with potential for replacing currently used synthetic materials. Its abundance and bio-derived source make it attractive and sought after as well. CNFs and CNCs are naturally hydrophilic due to the abundance of -OH group on their surface which makes them an excellent recipient for applications in the medical industry. However, the hydrophilicity is a deterrent to many other industries, subsequently limiting their application scope. In either light, the increased rate of progress using CNCs in advanced materials applications are well underway and is becoming applicable on an industrial scale. Therefore, this review explores the current modification platforms and processes of nanocellulose directly as functional materials and as carriers/substrates of other functional materials for advanced materials applications. Niche functional attributes such as superhydrophobicity, barrier, electrical, and antimicrobial properties are reviewed due to the focus and significance of such attributes in industrial applications.

Triamine-bearing activated rice husk ash as an advanced functional material for nitrate removal from aqueous solution

In this study, we proposed a simple method for preparing triamine-bearing activated rice husk ash material (TRI-ARHA) as an advanced functional material with high nitrate adsorption capacity and durability. The novel TRI-ARHA was generated via a post-synthesis grafting method and modified by acidification to form ammonium moiety. TRI-ARHA was then characterized by using thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and SEM-mapping. The TRI-ARHA had high nitrate adsorption capacity of 163.4 mgNO3−/g, which was 2.06 times higher than that of a commercial anion exchange resin (Akualite A420) due to strong interactions of Si, C, and N in the material structure. This functional material with good durability after 10 cycles could be very promising for adsorption of other anions (e.g. sulfate and phosphate) in water and wastewater treatment.

The Use of Scallop Shell Powder as a Method of Extracting Strontium

ABSTRACTIn Japan, scallop shells are considered to be industrial waste. Thus far, attempts for reusing these shells have been mainly limited to the commercial production of CaCO3. Nevertheless, there are no clear economic benefits associated with the use of scallop shells as a source of CaCO3. Hence, we are attempting to investigate a new value-added use for scallop shells as an advanced functional material. In this regard, we focused our attention on nuclear wastewater, which contains radioactive Sr and Cs. Sr, which tends to accumulate in bones, is believed to cause bone cancer. Hence, it is highly desirable to develop a method for removing Sr from contaminated water. In this study, we investigate whether scallop shells demonstrate the ability to remove Sr from a solution. From the results obtained, scallop shells can remove Sr solutes from a solution; furthermore, as compared to CaCO3, they demonstrate superior ability for removing Sr.