Noncovalent Surface Modification of Metal-Organic Frameworks: Unscrambling Adsorption Properties via Isothermal Titration Calorimetry

Despite the importance of noncovalent interactions in the utilization of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), using these interactions to functionalize MOFs has rarely been explored. The ease of functionalization and potential for surface-selective functionalization makes modification via noncovalent interactions promising for the creation of porous photocatalytic assemblies. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, photoluminescence measurements, and desorption experiments, we have explored the nature and magnitude of the interactions of [Ru(bpy)₂(bpy-R)]²⁺-functionalized dyes with the surface of MIL-96, where R = C₃, C₈, C₁₂, and C₁₈ alkyl chains of either straight-chain or cyclic conformations. The orientation of the dyes appears to be flat against the surface with respect to the long alkyl chains, and the surface concentration approaches a monolayer at high initial concentrations of dye. Strangely, the dodecyl-functionalized dye, despite having a smaller interaction energy and larger footprint than either octyl-functionalized dye, achieves the highest maximum surface concentration. Based on photoluminescence spectra, desorption experiments, and ITC data, we believe this is due to the core of the dye being lifted from the surface as the chain length increases. Our understanding of these interactions is important for further utilization of this method for the functionalization of the internal and external surface areas of MOFs.

Heteroternary cucurbit[8]uril complexes as supramolecular scaffolds for self-assembled bifunctional photoredoxcatalysts

The self-assembly of bifunctional photoredoxcatalysts is reported. A series of photosensitizers and water-reducing catalysts were functionalized with viologen- and naphthol-units, respectively. Subsequent formation of the heteroternary cucurbit[8]uril-viologen-naphthol complexes was used for the constitution of bifunctional photoredoxcatalysts for hydrogen generation.

Nanoscale Anatomy of Iron-Silica Self-Organized Membranes: Implications for Prebiotic Chemistry

Iron-silica self-organized membranes, so-called chemical gardens, behave as fuel cells and catalyze the formation of amino/carboxylic acids and RNA nucleobases from organics that were available on early Earth. Despite their relevance for prebiotic chemistry, little is known about their structure and mineralogy at the nanoscale. Studied here are focused ion beam milled sections of iron-silica membranes, grown from synthetic and natural, alkaline, serpentinization-derived fluids thought to be widespread on early Earth. Electron microscopy shows they comprise amorphous silica and iron nanoparticles of large surface areas and inter/intraparticle porosities. Their construction resembles that of a heterogeneous catalyst, but they can also exhibit a bilayer structure. Surface-area measurements suggest that membranes grown from natural waters have even higher catalytic potential. Considering their geochemically plausible precipitation in the early hydrothermal systems where abiotic organics were produced, iron-silica membranes might have assisted the generation and organization of the first biologically relevant organics.

Photochemical CO2 reduction in water using a co-immobilised nickel catalyst and a visible light sensitiser

Dye-sensitised photocatalytic CO₂ reduction in water using an immobilised Nickel catalyst operates with efficiencies greatly exceeding the equivalent solution based system.