Dendrimer/inorganic nanomaterial composites: Tailoring preparation, properties, functions, and applications of inorganic nanomaterials with dendritic architectures

Advances in functionalization and conjugation mechanisms of dendrimers with iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles

Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are crucial in various areas due to their unique magnetic properties. However, their practical use is often limited by instability and aggregation in aqueous solutions. This review explores the advanced technique of dendrimer functionalization to enhance MNP stability and expand their application potential. Dendrimers, with their symmetric and highly branched structure, effectively stabilize MNPs and provide tailored functional sites for specific applications. We summarize key synthetic modifications, focusing on the impacts of dendrimer size, surface chemistry, and the balance of chemical (e.g., coordination, anchoring) and physical (e.g., electrostatic, hydrophobic) interactions on nanocomposite properties. Current challenges such as dendrimer toxicity, control over dendrimer distribution on MNPs, and the need for biocompatibility are discussed, alongside potential solutions involving advanced characterization techniques. This review highlights significant opportunities in environmental, biomedical, and water treatment applications, stressing the necessity for ongoing research to fully leverage dendrimer-functionalized MNPs. Insights offered here aim to guide further development and application of these promising nanocomposites.

The Accurate Synthesis of a Multiscale Metallic Interface on Graphdiyne

The accurate construction of composite material systems containing graphdiyne (GDY) and other metallic materials has promoted the formation of innovative structures and practical applications in the fields of energy, catalysis, optoelectronics, and biomedicine. To fulfill the practical requirements, the precise formation of multiscale interfaces over a wide range, from single atoms to nanostructures, plays an important role in the optimization of the structural design and properties. The intrinsic correlations between the structure, synthesis process, characteristic properties, and device performance are systematically investigated. This review outlines the current research achievements regarding the controlled formation of multiscale metallic interfaces on GDY. Synthetic strategies for interface regulation, as well as the correlation between the structure and performance, are presented. Furthermore, innovative research ideas for the design and synthesis of functional metal-based materials loaded onto GDY-based substances are also provided, demonstrating the promising application potential of GDY-based materials.

Au Cluster-Cored Dendrimers Fabricated by Direct Synthesis and Post-functionalization Routes

The use of dendrimers and dendrons as stabilizing agents for metal nanoparticles and nanoclusters has captured interest in both the biomedicine and catalysis fields. Herein, we describe the synthesis of Au cluster-cored dendrimers by either direct synthesis or multi-step functionalization pathways. Direct synthesis of Au cluster-cored dendrimers was performed by the Brust-Schiffrin method using cystamine core poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrons as capping agents. Alternatively, a divergent approach to make nanoclusters with dendritic branching groups by functionalizing glycine-cystamine Au clusters was also carried out. This synthesis involved sequential Michael addition reactions of methyl acrylate followed by a subsequent amide coupling reaction with ethylenediamine on amine-terminated Au nanoclusters to form dendritic architectures around the Au core. The chemical structure of the ligands was confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance after each functionalization reaction, and the cluster size was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Au cluster-cored dendrimers with amine or ester terminal groups on the surface were produced. The resulting amine- and ester-terminated Au cluster-cored dendrimers synthesized by the divergent method are stable in solution and in the presence of excess reducing agent. In contrast, amine-terminated Au cluster-cored dendrimers synthesized by direct synthesis undergo aggregation in solution over time as a result of the high reactivity of the surface, while ester-terminated Au cluster-cored dendrimers formed by direct synthesis have much larger core sizes than seen using the divergent approach. Finally, the catalytic activities of these clusters for 4-nitrophenol reductions have been investigated. Cluster-cored dendrimers formed by direct synthesis had larger core sizes and higher catalytic activities than those formed by the divergent approach, which is likely due to the poor passivation of the Au surface for the directly synthesized clusters. Furthermore, Au cluster-cored dendrimers with less sterically bulky dendrons showed higher catalytic activities.

Synthetic methodologies and spatial organization of metal chelate dendrimers and star and hyperbranched polymers

The synthetic methodologies, physico-chemical peculiarities, properties, and structure of metal chelate dendrimers and star and hyperbranched polymers are considered.