Photocontrolled multiple-state photochromic benzo[b]phosphole thieno[3,2-b]phosphole-containing alkynylgold(I) complex via selective light irradiation

Photochromic materials have drawn growing attention because using light as a stimulus has been regarded as a convenient and environmental-friendly way to control properties of smart materials. While photoresponsive systems that are capable of showing multiple-state photochromism are attractive, the development of materials with such capabilities has remained a challenging task. Here we show that a benzo[b]phosphole thieno[3,2‑b]phosphole-containing alkynylgold(I) complex features multiple photoinduced color changes, in which the gold(I) metal center plays an important role in separating two photoactive units that leads to the suppression of intramolecular quenching processes of the excited states. More importantly, the exclusive photochemical reactivity of the thieno[3,2‑b]phosphole moiety of the gold(I) complex can be initiated upon photoirradiation of visible light. Stepwise photochromism of the gold(I) complex has been made possible, offering an effective strategy for the construction of multiple-state photochromic materials with multiple photocontrolled states to enhance the storage capacity of potential optical memory devices.

Applications of Chitosan-Alginate-Based Nanoparticles—An Up-to-Date Review

Chitosan and alginate are two of the most studied natural polymers that have attracted interest for multiple uses in their nano form. The biomedical field is one of the domains benefiting the most from the development of nanotechnology, as increasing research interest has been oriented to developing chitosan-alginate biocompatible delivery vehicles, antimicrobial agents, and vaccine adjuvants. Moreover, these nanomaterials of natural origin have also become appealing for environmental protection (e.g., water treatment, environmental-friendly fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides) and the food industry. In this respect, the present paper aims to discuss some of the newest applications of chitosan-alginate-based nanomaterials and serve as an inception point for further research in the field.

A mild heteroatom (O-, N-, and S-) methylation protocol using trimethyl phosphate (TMP)-Ca(OH)2 combination

A mild heteroatom methylation protocol using trimethyl phosphate (TMP)-Ca(OH)2 combination has been developed, which proceeds in DMF, or water, or under neat conditions at 80 oC or at room temperature. A series of O-, N- and S-nucleophiles, including phenols, sulfonamides, N-heterocycles such as 9H-carbazole, indole derivatives, 1,8-naphthalimide, and aryl/alkyl thiols are suitable substrates of this protocol. The high efficiency, operational simplicity, scalability, cost-efficiency, and environmental friendly nature of this protocol make it an attractive alternative to the conventional base prompted heteroatom methylation procedures.

Engineering of porous graphene oxide membranes for solar steam generation with improved efficiency

Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) is considered to be a highly efficient and environmental-friendly desalination technique for producing potable water. Herein, we demonstrate the high-performance SSG enabled by the porous...