Combining different precious metals to generate alloy nanocrystals with desirable shapes and compositions remains a challenge. In this work, we demonstrate that Rh−Pd alloy nanorods with well-distributed and tunable compositions can be synthesized using a one-pot polyol method.

Abstract

Combining different precious metals to generate alloy nanocrystals with desirable shapes and compositions remains a challenge because of the low miscibility between these metals and/or the different reduction potentials of their salt precursors. Specifically, Rh and Pd are considered to be immiscible in the bulk solid over the entire composition range. Here we demonstrate that Rh−Pd alloy nanorods with well-distributed and tunable compositions can be synthesized using a one-pot polyol method. The success of our synthesis relies on the introduction of bromide as a coordination ligand to tune the redox potentials of Rh(III) and Pd(II) ions for the achievement of co-reduction. The atomic ratio of the Rh−Pd alloy nanorods can be facilely tuned by changing the molar feeding ratio between the two precursors. We also systematically investigate the effects of water on the morphology of the Rh−Pd alloy nanocrystals. In an attempt to promote future use of these alloy nanorods, we successfully scale up their synthesis in a continuous-flow reactor with no degradation to the product quality.

Platinum(II) complexes are widely as chemotherapeutic agents worldwide. Despite their application, these compounds are associated with severe side effects and lack of tumor selectivity. To address these issues, researchers have explored platinum(IV) prodrugs that remain stable and inactive in the body, but can be rapidly converted into active analogs using specific triggers. This article critically reviews the mechanisms of chemical and photophysical triggers for activating platinum(IV) prodrugs.

Abstract

Platinum(II) complexes are used in approximately 50% of chemotherapeutic treatments worldwide. Despite their undoubtful clinical success, these compounds are associated with severe side effects and poor tumor selectivity. To overcome these drawbacks, the development of platinum(IV) molecular prodrugs and nanoparticle formulations that remain stable and therapeutically inactive in a biological environment, but could be quickly reduced into the therapeutically active analogs through a specific trigger have been thought. Within this article, the mechanisms for chemical and photophysical triggers for the activation of platinum(IV) prodrugs have been critically reviewed.

Porous organic materials have received increasing attention due to their potential applications, such as gas storage, gas separation, and catalysis. In this work we present a series of aromatic, polyazide-containing building blocks that enable the formation of a new class of amorphous porous organic materials. The azide precursors are obtained in moderate to good yields following an easy synthesis procedure. By thermal decomposition, self-inflating porous structures named Azide Thermolysis Frameworks (ATFs) can be obtained. Modified thermogravimetric analysis is used to determine the onset temperature at which the azides decompose, and the frameworks are formed. The frameworks are further investigated via infrared (IR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and gas adsorption measurements. Specific surface areas and pore sizes are determined by nitrogen adsorption measurements at 77 K using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller-method (BET) to give surface areas of up to 677 m2/g for the ATF resulting from the thermolysis of TPB-Azide at 450 °C, which can compete with early Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs). Notably, the specific surface area can be tuned by varying the thermolysis temperature.

The effects of the concentration of gaseous intermediates on the polymerization, crystallization, and hydrogen production properties of graphitic carbon nitride synthesized under spontaneous ultrahigh atmospheric pressure are explored.

Abstract

Improving polymerization and crystallization properties has become a key point to maximize the intrinsic photocatalytic performance of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), however, the critical roles of intermediates in the polymerization and crystallization process are not clear. Herein, highly crystalline g-C₃N₄ is obtained by calcinating different amount of dicyandiamide in a closed environment. Ultrahigh atmospheric pressure up to 6.2 MPa can be spontaneously formed due to the produced gaseous intermediates. The best crystallization properties were achieved when 1.8 g of dicyandiamide was used. The photocatalytic hydrogen production rate reaches 9241.3 μmol ⋅ g⁻¹ ⋅ h⁻¹, which is improved by about 12.5 times by comparison. The crystallization and hydrogen production activities cannot be enhanced only by adding an initial gas pressure meanwhile keeping the quality of dicyandiamide constant, confirming that the intermediate concentration determines the polymerization and hydrogen production performance of g-C₃N₄. This study is important to improve the intrinsic photocatalytic performance of g-C₃N₄ and the composites.