Isolating individual chains of selenium by incorporation into the channels of a zeolite

New pecJ-n (n = 1, 2) Basis Sets for Selenium Atom Purposed for the Calculations of NMR Spin-Spin Coupling Constants Involving Selenium

We present new compact pecJ-n (n = 1, 2) basis sets for the selenium atom developed for the quantum-chemical calculations of NMR spin-spin coupling constants (SSCCs) involving selenium nuclei. These basis sets were obtained at the second order polarization propagator approximation with coupled cluster singles and doubles amplitudes (SOPPA(CCSD)) level with the property-energy consistent (PEC) method, which was introduced in our previous papers. The existing SSCC-oriented selenium basis sets are rather large in size, while the PEC method gives more compact basis sets that are capable of providing accuracy comparable to that reached using the property-oriented basis sets of larger sizes generated with a standard even-tempered technique. This is due to the fact that the PEC method is very different in its essence from the even-tempered approaches. It generates new exponents through the total optimization of angular spaces of trial basis sets with respect to the property under consideration and the total molecular energy. New basis sets were tested on the coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) calculations of SSCCs involving selenium in the representative series of molecules, taking into account relativistic, solvent, and vibrational corrections. The comparison with the experiment showed that the accuracy of the results obtained with the pecJ-2 basis set is almost the same as that provided by a significantly larger basis set, aug-cc-pVTZ-J, while that achieved with a very compact pecJ-1 basis set is only slightly inferior to the accuracy provided by the former.

Optical properties of extreme tellurium nanowires formed in subnanometer-diameter channels

Single tellurium (Te) chains attract much attention as extreme nanowires with unique electronic and spintronic properties. Here, we encapsulate Te from a melt into channels of zeolites AFI (∼0.73 nm-channel diameter) and mordenite (MOR, ∼0.67 × 0.7 nm² channel cross-section) via high-pressure injection. Using polarized Raman and optical absorption spectra (RS and OAS) of zeolite single crystals with Te (AFI-Te and MOR-Te), we discriminate between features of Te chains and rings formed in the zeolites. We demonstrate good agreement of AFI-Te-chain RS and OAS with the calculated single Te-helix phonon and electron spectra. This suggests a very weak interaction of the AFI-Te-chain with the zeolite and its nearly perfect helix structure lacking inversion/mirror symmetry. An AFI-Te OAS feature, attributed to the electron transitions between Te-helix-Rashba-split valence and conduction bands confirms its 1D-electron-band origin with predicted possibilities of identifying Majorana fermions, manipulating spin transport and realizing topological superconductivity.

One-Dimensional Atomic Chains for Ultimate-Scaled Electronics

The continuous downscaling of semiconducting channels in transistors has driven the development of modern electronics. However, with the component transistors becoming smaller and denser on a single chip, the continued downscaling progress has touched the physical limits. In this Perspective, we suggest that the emerging one-dimensional (1D) material system involving inorganic atomic chains (ACs) that are packed by van der Waals (vdW) interactions may tackle this issue. Stemming from their 1D crystal structures and naturally terminated surfaces, 1D ACs could potentially shrink transistors to atomic-scale diameters. Also, we argue that 1D ACs with few-atom widths allow us to revisit 1D materials and uncover physical properties distinct from conventional materials. These ultrathin 1D AC materials demand substantive attention. They may bring opportunities to develop ultimate-scaled AC-based electronic, optoelectronic, thermoelectric, spintronic, memory devices, etc.

Growth, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface and vibrational properties of a new supramolecular hybrid material: (C4H7N2)2TeBr6

A novel tellurium (IV) hybrid compound with 2-methylimidazole was prepared. The crystal was grown by slow evaporation method from aqueous solutions at room temperature giving birth to a new compound with formula (C4H7N2)2TeBr6. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C 2/c, with the following parameters: a = 18.577(2)Å, b = 9.1497(10)Å, c = 13.5355(17)Å, α = 90°, β = 123.835(5)°, γ = 90° and Z = 8. The structure was solved with a final R = 0.044 for 2783 independent reflections. The crystal arrangement consists of [TeBr6]2− anions surrounded by [C4H7N2]2+ cations. The stability of the structure was ensured by hydrogen bonding contacts (N–H…Br) lengths that are in the range of 3.490–3.682 Å. The infrared spectra (FTIR) were recorded in the 4000–550 cm−1, confirming the existence of vibrational modes that correspond to the organic and inorganic groups. The crystal packing was stabilized mainly by Br…H (73.6%) interactions. Hirshfeld surface calculations were conducted to further investigate intermolecular interactions, associated 2D fingerprint plots and enrichment ratio, revealing the quantitatively relative contribution of these interactions in the crystal packing.

Synthesis of large single crystals of analcime in a template-free system

Large single ANA crystals with perfect icositetrahedral morphology have been synthesized under a simple system without templates and hydrofluoric acid.

Electron Microscopy Studies of Local Structural Modulations in Zeolite Crystals

Zeolites are widely used in catalysis, gas separation, ion exchange, etc. due to their superior physicochemical properties, which are closely related to specific features of their framework structures. Although more than two hundred different framework types have been recognized, it is of great interest to explore from a crystallographic perspective, the atomic positions, surface terminations, pore connectivity and structural defects that deviate from the ideal framework structures, namely local structural modulation. In this article, we review different types of local modulations in zeolite frameworks using various techniques, especially electron microscopy (EM). The most recent advances in resolving structural information at the atomic level with aberration corrected EM are also presented, commencing a new era of gaining atomic structural information, not only for all tetrahedral atoms including point vacancies in framework but also for extra‐framework cations and surface terminations.

Photoactive nanoarchitectures based on clays incorporating TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles

Thought as raw materials clay minerals are often disregarded in the development of advanced materials. However, clays of natural and synthetic origin constitute excellent platforms for developing nanostructured functional materials for numerous applications. They can be easily assembled to diverse types of nanoparticles provided with magnetic, electronic, photoactive or bioactive properties, allowing to overcome drawbacks of other types of substrates in the design of functional nanoarchitectures. Within this scope, clays can be of special relevance in the production of photoactive materials as they offer an advantageous way for the stabilization and immobilization of diverse metal-oxide nanoparticles. The controlled assembly under mild conditions of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles with clay minerals to give diverse clay-semiconductor nanoarchitectures are summarized and critically discussed in this review article. The possibility to use clay minerals as starting components showing different morphologies, such as layered, fibrous, or tubular morphologies, to immobilize these types of nanoparticles mainly plays a role in i) the control of their size and size distribution on the solid surface, ii) the mitigation or suppression of the nanoparticle aggregation, and iii) the hierarchical design for selectivity enhancements in the catalytic transformation and for improved overall reaction efficiency. This article tries also to present new steps towards more sophisticated but efficient and highly selective functional nanoarchitectures incorporating photosensitizer elements for tuning the semiconductor-clay photoactivity.

New Organic Acidic Cyclohexaphosphate: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Physicochemical Study, and In Vitro Biochemical Investigation

A novel organic cyclohexaphosphate [o-(OCH3)C6H4NH3]4H2P6O18·4H2O (1) has been synthesised by the slow evaporation method. An X-ray diffraction study on a single crystal was used to identify this compound. It shows that this acidic cyclohexaphosphate crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with V 2215.1(1) Å3 and Z 2. Its crystal structure is a packing of alternating inorganic and organic layers parallel to the (a, c) planes. Crystal symmetry is confirmed by 31P magic angle spinning-NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, spectroscopic (IR, UV-visible) and thermal (thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry) characteristics are given. The excitation and emission spectra were recorded showing blue photoluminescence. The alternating current conductivity and dielectric measurements were carried out in the temperature range 333–403 K and the frequency range from 5 Hz to 13 MHz. The impedance data were well fitted to an equivalent electrical circuit. The temperature dependence of the direct current conductivity follows the Arrhenius law and the frequency dependence of σAC(ω,T) follows Jonscher’s universal law. Antioxidant properties of this compound were studied, in vitro, at various concentrations with different tests; 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl scavenging ability, ferric reducing power, and ferrous ion chelating ability, using ascorbic acid as control.

The selective adsorption of tellurium in the aluminosilicate regions of AFI- and MOR-type microporous crystals

Attempts have been made to load tellurium (Te) atoms into the one-dimensional nano-channels of microporous crystals of aluminophosphate AlPO4-5 and of aluminosilicate mordenites of the Na(+) form (Na-MOR) and the H(+)-form (H-MOR) at 673 K. The density of the atoms adsorbed was in the sequence 0 ∼ AlPO4-5 ≪ H-MOR < Na-MOR. AlPO4-5 provides a shallow potential of periodical charge fluctuation for Te atoms, from the alternate ordering of Al and P atoms through O atoms. Mordenite offers a sufficiently strong potential for Te adsorption, but the magnitude varies with the type of cation. Dipoles between framework AlO2(-) anion sites and their Na(+) counter-ions in Na-MOR provide a stronger potential than the Brønsted acid points in H-MOR. The adsorption of Te atoms in the silico-aluminophosphate SAPO-5 was between that of AlPO4-5 and H-MOR, leading us to suspect that Te atoms are selectively adsorbed in the aluminosilicate regions accompanying the Brønsted acid points distributed in the major aluminophosphate network. The aluminosilicate regions in SAPO-5 are below 500 nm in size and are distributed throughout a single crystal.

Tetra-kis(2-amino-5-chloro-pyridinium) di-hydrogen cyclo-hexa-phosphate

In the crystal structure of the title compound, 4C₅H₆ClN₂⁺·H₂P₆O₁₈⁴⁻, the [H₂P₆O₁₈]⁴⁻ anions are interconnected by O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, leading to the formation of infinite ribbons extending along the a-axis direction. These ribbons are linked to the organic cations, via N—H⋯O and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, into a three-dimensional network. The six P atoms of the [H₂P₆O₁₈]⁴⁻ anion form a chair conformation. The complete cyclohexaphosphate anion is generated by inversion symmetry.

Photovoltaic effects of CdS and PbS quantum dots encapsulated in zeolite Y

Zeolite Y films (0.35-2.5 μm), into which CdS and PbS quantum dots (QDs) were loaded, were grown on ITO glass. The CdS QD-loaded zeolite Y films showed a photovoltaic effect in the electrolyte solution consisting of Na(2)S (1 M) and NaOH (0.1 M) with Pt-coated F-doped tin oxide glass as the counter electrode. In contrast, the PbS QD-loaded zeolite Y films exhibited a negligible PV effect. This contrasting behavior was proposed to arise from the large difference in driving force for the electron transfer from S(2-) in the solution to the hole in the valence band of QDs, with the former being much larger (~2 eV) than the latter (~1 eV). In the case of CdS QD-loaded zeolite Y with a loaded amount of CdS of 6.3 per unit cell, the short circuit current, open circuit voltage, fill factor, and efficiency were 0.3 mA cm(-2), 423 V, 28, and 0.1%, respectively, under the AM 1.5, 100 mW cm(-2) condition. This cell was stable for more than 18 days of continuous measurements. A large (3-fold) increase in overall efficiency was observed when PbS QD-loaded zeolite Y on ITO glass was used as the counter electrode. This phenomenon suggests that the uphill electron transfer from ITO glass to S in the solution is facilitated by the photoassisted pumping of the potential energy of the electron in ITO glass to the level that is higher than the reduction potential of S by PbS QDs. Under this condition, the incident-photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) value at 398 nm was 42% and the absorbed-photon-to-current conversion efficiency (APCE) value at 405 nm was 82%. The electrolyte-mediated interdot charge transport within zeolite films is concluded to be responsible for the overall current flow.

PbI2 Confined In The Spaces Of LTA Zeolites

PbI2 clusters confined in spaces of LTA zeolite are successfully prepared through vapour phase. An HREM image showed that the crystallinity of the zeolite was preserved after preparation and showed directly that the clusters were incorporated into the α-cages. Absorption spectra were measured by diffuse reflection method as a function of loading density of PbI2 molecules. Several absorption bands from different cluster sizes were observed and showed remarkable blue shift. At the maximum loading, extra reflections, which are forbidden for Fm3A of LTA, were observed in electron and X-ray diffraction patterns. The appearence of the extra reflections and the dependence of absorption curve on the loading density suggest that superlattice of clusters was produced. The characteristic feature of zeolites as containers to make an artificial superlattice of clusters is pointed out.

Bis(3-ammoniomethylpyridinium) cyclotetraphosphate

In the title compound, 2C₆H₁₀N₂²⁺·P₄O₁₂⁴⁻, which involves a doubly protonated 3-ammonio­methyl­pyridinium cation and a cyclo­tetra­phosphate anion, the cyclo­tetra­phospho­ric ring is arranged around an inversion center and the organic entity alternates with it, forming hybrid ribbons parallel to the b axis. The crystal structure is stabilized by a three-dimensional network of N—H⋯O and weaker C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Preparation, Crystal Structure, and Thermal Stability of the Cadmium Sulfide Nanoclusters Cd6S44+ and Cd2Na2S4+ in the Sodalite Cavities of Zeolite A (LTA)

The crystal structure and thermal stability of two cadmium sulfide nanoclusters prepared in zeolite A (LTA) have been studied by XPS, TGA, and single-crystal and powder XRD. The crystal structures of Cd2.4Na3.2(Cd6S4)0.4(Cd2Na2S)0.6(H2O)> or =5.8[Si12Al12O48]-LTA (a = 12.2919(7) A, crystal 1 (hydrated)) and /Cd4Na2(Cd2O)(Na2O)/[Si12Al12O48]-LTA (a = 12.2617(4) A, crystal 2 (dehydrated)) were determined by single-crystal methods in the cubic space group Pm3m at 294(1) K. Crystal 1 was prepared by ion exchange of Na12-LTA in an aqueous stream 0.05 M in Cd2+, followed by washing in a stream of water, followed by reaction in an aqueous stream 0.05 M in Na2S. Crystal 2 was made by dehydrating crystal 1 at 623 K and 1 x 10(-6) Torr for 3 days. In crystal 1, Cd6S4(4+) nanoclusters were found in and extending out of about 40% of the sodalite cavities. Central to each Cd6S4(4+) cluster is a Cd4S4 unit (interpenetrating Cd2+ and S2- tetrahedra with near Td symmetry, Cd-S = 2.997(24) A, Cd-S-Cd = 113.8(12) degrees, and S-Cd-S = 58.1(24) degrees). Each of the two remaining Cd2+ ions bonds radially through a 6-ring of the zeolite framework to a sulfide ion of this Cd4S4 unit (Cd-S = 2.90(8) A). In each of the remaining 60% of the sodalite cavities of crystal 1, a planar Cd2Na2S4+ cluster was found (Cd-S/Na-S = 2.35(5)/2.56(14) A and Cd-S-Cd/Na-S-Na = 122(5)/92(7) degrees). Cd6S4(4+) and Cd2Na2S4+ are stable within the zeolite up to about 700 K in air. Upon vacuum dehydration at 623 K, all sulfur was lost (crystal 2). Instead as anions, only two oxide ions remain per sodalite unit. One bridges between two Cd2+ ions (Cd2O2+, Cd-O = 2.28(3) A) and the other between two Na+ ions (Na2O, Na-O = 2.21(10) A).

A Combined Experimental and Quantum Chemistry Study of Selenium Chemical Shift Tensors

A comprehensive investigation of selenium chemical shift tensors is presented. Experimentally determined chemical shift tensors were obtained from solid-state 77Se NMR spectra for several organic, organometallic, or inorganic selenium-containing compounds. The first reported indirect spin-spin coupling between selenium and chlorine is observed for Ph(2)SeCl(2) where 1J(77Se,35Cl)iso is 110 Hz. Selenium magnetic shielding tensors were calculated for all of the molecules investigated using zeroth-order regular approximation density functional theory, ZORA DFT. The computations provide the orientations of the chemical shift tensors, as well as a test of the theory for calculating the magnetic shielding interaction for heavier elements. The ZORA DFT calculations were performed with nonrelativistic, scalar relativistic, and scalar with spin-orbit relativistic levels of theory. Relativistic contributions to the magnetic shielding tensor were found to be significant for (NH4)2WSe4 and of less importance for organoselenium, organophosphine selenide, and inorganic selenium compounds containing lighter elements.

Very High Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Activities of Intrazeolite PbS Quantum Dots

Zeolite-intercalated semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have long been proposed to give very high third-order nonlinear optical (3NLO) responses. However, measurements of their 3NLO responses have not been possible due to the lack of methods to prepare optically transparent QD-incorporating zeolite films supported on optically transparent substrates and to confine QDs only within zeolite interiors. We found that the zeolite-Y films grown on indium-tin-oxide-coated glass plates (Ygs) remain firmly bonded to the substrates during ion exchange with Pb2+ ions, drying, and formation of PbS QDs by treating Pb2+ ions with H2S. A series of Ygs encapsulating different numbers (n = 0, 8, 14, 23, and 33) of PbS in a unit cell [(PbS)n-Yg] were prepared. The PbS QDs were expelled by adsorbed moisture to the external surfaces, and the expelled QDs formed large QDs. Coating of the (PbS)n-Ygs with octadecyltrimethoxysilane results in effective confinement of the QDs within the internal pores. The zeolite-encapsulated PbS QDs showed remarkably high 3NLO activities at 532 and 1064 nm which are unparalleled by other PbS QDs dispersed in other matrixes.

Insight into Framework Destruction in Ultramarine Pigments

We report key evidence on the framework destruction in ultramarine pigments upon color fading. Experiments on faded pigments in a fresco painting environment reveal that the paramagnetic chromophores are set free via sodalite framework destruction and are subsequently degraded. Fading in acidic media produces similar results, although a larger number of beta-cages appear to be destroyed, and H2S is released. The findings are further supported by studies on natural and synthetic ultramarine pigments of various shades via solid-state resonance-Raman spectroscopy, colorimentry, and solid-state 29Si and 27Al NMR spectroscopy. NMR parameters are shown to correlate well with the intensities of Raman signals corresponding to the S3(-*) chromophores. A further correlation is established between the colorimetric parameters, L* (lightness) and C* (chroma), and the paramagnetic shift and paramagnetic linebroadening in NMR spectra for both 27Al and 29Si.

Selenium/zeolite Y nanocomposites

Confinement in molecular sieves is a promising strategy for fabricating nanostructured semiconductor assemblies with a highly uniform size and shape distribution. However, disorder effects often hamper the engineering of matrix-embedded cluster materials with specific properties. The host-guest interaction is a key factor for optimizing their structure, electronic characteristics, and stability. In this Account, we describe how the interplay between confined selenium and extra framework cations in zeolite hosts can be used to tailor these properties and to produce well-defined semiconductor nanocomposites with band gaps in the visible range.

Optical spectroscopy on Se clusters and chains confined in zeolites

The incorporation of selenium into the supercages of zeolite Y leads to the formation of Se(8) rings and distorted Se chains in a ratio which is influenced by the nature of the zeolitic cations. Here we review Raman (including resonance Raman) and UV/vis absorption spectroscopy results on Se encapsulated into a number of cation-exchanged faujasite zeolites. Both rings and chains give rise to characteristic Raman bands. In particular, low-frequency Raman bands are attributed to localized vibrations in ordered segments of distorted chains. The UV/vis absorption spectra indicate an opening of the band gap of selenium upon confinement in these zeolites. This can be reversed through electronic interaction with zeolite cations.

Role and mechanisms of interleukin-1 in the modulation of neurotoxicity

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies on cerebral ischemia in the rat have demonstrated that administration of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) markedly reduces the volumes of infarcts which are associated with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-mediated neurotoxicity. These observations suggested that endogenous interleukin-1 (IL-1) may be involved in the mediation of excitotoxic neuronal injury following ischemia.

METHOD

In the present studies, we examined the role of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in NMDA-related and microglia-induced excitotoxicity in cocultures of mixed neurons and microglia.

RESULTS

Our observations in these mixed cultures indicated that addition of IL-1beta exaggerated NMDA and glutamate-evoked hippocampal neuron death. Addition of microglia, activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), to cocultures of cortical neurons and glia induced significantly greater neurotoxicity when compared with cocultures of cortical neurons and untreated microglia. This neurotoxicity did not require that activated glia be in cell-to-cell contact with neurons. Addition of either IL-1ra or the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 to cocultures of cortical neurons and activated glia partially reversed the neuronal damage mediated by activated microglia. Finally, IL-1beta concentrations in the supernatant of cocultures of cortical neurons and microglia treated by LPS and IFN-gamma were markedly increased when compared with coculture of neurons with untreated microglia.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that both the NMDA receptor and the IL-1 receptor are involved in microglia-mediated neurotoxicity.

Structural elucidation of microporous and mesoporous catalysts and molecular sieves by high-resolution electron microscopy

Twenty years ago, one of us embarked (Bursill, L. A.; Lodge, E. A.; Thomas, J. M. Zeolitic structures as revealed by high-resolution electron microscopy. Nature 1980, 286, 111-113) on the study of zeolites (renowned for their electron-beam sensitivity) by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). In the ensuing years, high-resolution imaging aided by optical diffractometry has yielded details of the open framework structures of a number of new aluminosilicate and aluminophosphate molecular sieves and catalysts. The nature of intergrowth and recurrently twinned structures, as well as new types of structural imperfection in hitherto uncharacterized materials, has also been elucidated. With continued improvements in instrumental development, encompassing higher accelerating voltages, better objective lenses and vacua, computational advances, and the arrival of slow-scan CCD detectors, electron crystallographic methods and HRTEM imaging now enable the ab initio three-dimensional structures of micro- and mesoporous solids, with their occluded structure-directing organic species, to be determined. High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy using subnanometric probes provides supplementary structural and ultramicro analytical information and electron spectroscopic imaging (at the attogram level). In its high-angle annular dark-field mode, it is capable of locating and determining the composition of individual nanoparticle catalysts (consisting of just a few atoms) supported on porous hosts.