Self-Phosphorylated Polybenzimidazole: An Environmentally Friendly and Economical Approach for Hydrogen/Air High-Temperature Polymer-Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

The development of phosphorylated polybenzimidazoles (PBI) for high-temperature polymer-electrolyte membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cells is a challenge and can lead to a significant increase in the efficiency and long-term operability of fuel cells of this type. In this work, high molecular weight film-forming pre-polymers based on N¹,N⁵-bis(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,4,5-benzenetetramine and [1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-dicarbonyl dichloride were obtained by polyamidation at room temperature for the first time. During thermal cyclization at 330-370 °C, such polyamides form N-methoxyphenyl substituted polybenzimidazoles for use as a proton-conducting membrane after doping by phosphoric acid for H₂/air HT-PEM fuel cells. During operation in a membrane electrode assembly at 160-180 °C, PBI self-phosphorylation occurs due to the substitution of methoxy-groups. As a result, proton conductivity increases sharply, reaching 100 mS/cm. At the same time, the current-voltage characteristics of the fuel cell significantly exceed the power indicators of the commercial BASF Celtec^® P1000 MEA. The achieved peak power is 680 mW/cm² at 180 °C. The developed approach to the creation of effective self-phosphorylating PBI membranes can significantly reduce their cost and ensure the environmental friendliness of their production.

Proton-Conducting Polymer-Coated Carbon Nanofiber Mats for Pt-Anodes of High-Temperature Polymer-Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

High-temperature polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEM FC) are a very important type of fuel cell since they operate at 150-200 °C, allowing the use of hydrogen contaminated with CO. However, the need to improve stability and other properties of gas diffusion electrodes still hinders their distribution. Anodes based on a mat (self-supporting entire non-woven nanofiber material) of carbon nanofibers (CNF) were prepared by the electrospinning method from a polyacrylonitrile solution followed by thermal stabilization and pyrolysis of the mat. To improve their proton conductivity, Zr salt was introduced into the electrospinning solution. As a result, after subsequent deposition of Pt-nanoparticles, Zr-containing composite anodes were obtained. To improve the proton conductivity of the nanofiber surface of the composite anode and reach HT-PEMFC better performance, dilute solutions of Nafion^®, a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) and N-ethyl phosphonated polybenzimidazole (PBI-OPhT-P) were used to coat the CNF surface for the first time. These anodes were studied by electron microscopy and tested in membrane-electrode assembly for H₂/air HT-PEMFC. The use of CNF anodes coated with PBI-OPhT-P has been shown to improve the HT-PEMFC performance.

Development of High-Performance Hydrogen-Air Fuel Cell with Flourine-Free Sulfonated Co-Polynaphthoyleneimide Membrane

This paper presents research on the technological development of hydrogen-air fuel cells with high output power characteristics using fluorine-free co-polynaphtoyleneimide (co-PNIS) membranes. It is found that the optimal operating temperature of a fuel cell based on a co-PNIS membrane with the hydrophilic/hydrophobic blocks = 70/30 composition is in the range of 60-65 °C. The maximum output power of a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA), created according to the developed technology, is 535 mW/cm², and the working power (at the cell voltage of 0.6 V) is 415 mW/cm². A comparison with similar characteristics of MEAs based on a commercial Nafion 212 membrane shows that the values of operating performance are almost the same, and the maximum MEA output power of a fluorine-free membrane is only ~20% lower. It was concluded that the developed technology allows one to create competitive fuel cells based on a fluorine-free, cost-effective co-polynaphthoyleneimide membrane.

Cyclopropyl Substituents Transform the Viscosity-Sensitive BODIPY Molecular Rotor into a Temperature Sensor

A quantitative fluorescent probe that responds to changes in temperature is highly desirable for studies of biological environments, particularly in cellulo. Here, we report new cell-permeable fluorescence probes based on the BODIPY moiety that respond to environmental temperature. The new probes were developed on the basis of a well-established BODIPY-based viscosity probe by functionalization with cyclopropyl substituents at α and β positions of the BODIPY core. In contrast to the parent BODIPY fluorophore, α-cyclopropyl-substituted fluorophore displays temperature-dependent time-resolved fluorescence decays showing greatly diminished viscosity dependence, making it an attractive sensor to be used with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). We performed theoretical calculations that help rationalize the effect of the cyclopropyl substituents on the photophysical behavior of the new BODIPYs. In summary, we designed an attractive new quantitative FLIM-based temperature probe that can be used for temperature sensing in live cells.

Preparation and Study of Sulfonated Co-Polynaphthoyleneimide Proton-Exchange Membrane for a H2/Air Fuel Cell

The sulfonated polynaphthoyleneimide polymer (co-PNIS70/30) was prepared by copolymerization of 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether-2,2′-disulfonic acid (ODAS) and 4,4’-methylenebisanthranilic acid (MDAC) with ODAS/MDAC molar ratio 0.7/0.3. High molecular weight co-PNIS_70/30 polymers were synthesized either in phenol or in DMSO by catalytic polyheterocyclization in the presence of benzoic acid and triethylamine. The titration reveals the ion-exchange capacity of the polymer equal to 2.13 meq/g. The membrane films were prepared by casting polymer solution. Conductivities of the polymer films were determined using both in- and through-plane geometries and reached ~96 and ~60 mS/cm, respectively. The anisotropy of the conductivity is ascribed to high hydration of the surface layer compared to the bulk. SFG NMR diffusometry shows that, in the temperature range from 213 to 353 K, the ¹H self-diffusion coefficient of the co-PNIS_70/30 membrane is about one third of the diffusion coefficient of Nafion^® at the same humidity. However, temperature dependences of proton conductivities of Nafion^® and of co-PNIS_70/30 membranes are nearly identical. Membrane–electrode assemblies (MEAs) based on co-PNIS_70/30 were fabricated by different procedures. The optimal MEAs with co-PNIS_70/30 membranes are characterized by maximum output power of ~370 mW/cm² at 80 °C. It allows considering sulfonated co-PNIS_70/30 polynaphthoyleneimides membrane attractive for practical applications.

Fe(iii)-Catalyzed synthesis of steroidal imidazoheterocycles as potent antiproliferative agents

An efficient and practical method has been developed for the synthesis of steroidal imidazoheterocycles via cost-effective and environmentally benign FeCl₃-catalyzed oxidative amination. A library of steroidal imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines was directly synthesized from readily available 2-aminopyridines and steroidal ketones in aerobic conditions. The synthesized compounds were screened for activity on human microsomal cytochrome P450s CYP7, CYP17 and CYP21. Antiproliferative activity of two lead compounds 3ia and 3la was additionally evaluated against the human MCF-7 (breast cancer), SKOV3 (ovarian cancer), and 22Rv1 (prostate cancer) cell lines. Steroidal imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine 3la which is a substrate molecule for CYP17A1 with IC₅₀ = 1.7 μM (MCF-7), 3.0 (SKOV3), and 6.0 μM (22Rv1) has proved to be more active than reference drug cisplatin.

Sulfur-mediated synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted N-aryl oxalamides by the cascade thioamidation/cyclocondensation and hydrolysis reaction

A facile and straightforward synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted N-aryl oxalamides from 2,2'-biphenyldiamines, 2-chloroacetic acid derivatives, elemental sulfur, and water has been developed. This protocol is distinguished by efficiency in water under metal-free conditions for N-aryl oxalamides bearing a side-chain NH2-group; it can be adapted for scale-up synthesis. The scope and limitations of this transformation have been investigated.

Synthesis of 4-Nitroisoxazoles via NO/NO2-Mediated Heterocyclization of Aryl-Substituted α,β-Unsaturated Ketones

A straightforward approach for the synthesis of 4-nitroisoxazoles has been developed via heterocyclization of aryl/hetaryl-substituted α,β-unsaturated ketones upon treatment with tetranitromethane-triethylamine (TNM-TEA) complex or t-BuONO. This strategy features high efficiency and wide substrate tolerance under simple reaction conditions.

Iodine-promoted synthesis of pyrazoles from 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and oxamic acid thiohydrazides

A novel approach to 3,4-dicarbonyl-substituted pyrazoles from 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and oxamic acid thiohydrazides was developed via iodine-promoted cascade imination/halogenation/cyclization/ring contraction reaction.

Synthesis of Dibenzo[d,f][1,3]Diazepines via Elemental Sulfur-Mediated Cyclocondensation of 2,2'-Biphenyldiamines with 2-Chloroacetic Acid Derivatives

The three-component reaction of 2,2'-biphenyldiamines with 2-chloroacetic acid derivatives and elemental sulfur was developed for the practical synthesis of unknown 2-carboxamide-substituted dibenzo[d,f][1,3]diazepines. This protocol is distinguished by efficiency in water and good tolerance to functional groups and can be adapted to a large-scale synthesis. The chemoselective preparation of a variety of 2-S,N,O-substituted dibenzo[d,f][1,3]diazepines was accomplished using the developed method.

New Approach to Preparation of Heat-Resistant "Lola-M" Fiber

A new approach to the synthesis of polynaphthoylenebenzimidazoles and heat resistant fiber spinning has been developed using an environmentally friendly and energy efficient method, which operates with solutions of pre-polymers based on 3,3’,4,4’-tetraaminodiphenyl ether and 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride in N-methylpyrrolidone. Rheological properties of polymer reaction solutions and appropriate coagulant mixtures were investigated for further wet spinning process. The coagulation process was investigated through microscopic observation of solution droplets which imitate jet/fiber cross section surrounded with coagulants of different composition. For the case of the most optimal viscoelastic properties of dopes the best coagulant was found to be a ternary mixture ethanol/water/NMP (20/10/70). Fibers were prepared through the wet spinning from pre-polymers of various molecular weight characterized by intrinsic viscosity. As a result, complex yarns were spun, and their morphology was characterized and mechanical properties were measured. The strength of ~300 MPa and elastic modulus of ~2 GPa and elongation at break of ~20% were reached for the best fibers at average diameter of ~20 µm. After heat treatment “Lola-M” fibers do not burn and do not support combustion in open flame.

Development of 1,3-thiazole analogues of imidazopyridines as potent positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors

Structure-activity relationship studies were conducted in the search for 1,3-thiazole isosteric analogs of imidazopyridine drugs (Zolpidem, Alpidem). Three series of novel γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABA_AR) ligands belonging to imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles, imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles, and benzo[d]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles were synthesized and characterized as active agents against GABA_AR benzodiazepine-binding site. In each of these series, potent compounds were discovered using a radioligand competition binding assay. The functional properties of highest-affinity compounds 28 and 37 as GABA_AR positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) were determined by electrophysiological measurements. In vivo studies on zebrafish demonstrated their potential for the further development of anxiolytics. Using the OECD "Fish, Acute Toxicity Test" active compounds were found safe and non-toxic. Structural bases for activity of benzo[d]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles were proposed using molecular docking studies. The isosteric replacement of the pyridine nuclei by 1,3-thiazole, 1,3,4-thiadiazole, or 1,3-benzothiazole in the ring-fused imidazole class of GABA_AR PAMs was shown to be promising for the development of novel hypnotics, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, and sedatives drug-candidates.

Unexpected Heterocyclization of Electrophilic Alkenes by Tetranitromethane in the Presence of Triethylamine. Synthesis of 5-Nitroisoxazoles

A novel reaction of tetranitromethane with electrophilic alkenes in the presence of triethylamine affording substituted 5-nitroisoxazoles is described. Triethylamine reacts with tetranitromethane to generate N-nitrotriethylammonium and trinitromethanide. This process provides the heterocyclization of electrophilic alkenes. A variety of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, ketones, esters, amides, phosphonates, nitro, and sulfur compounds was involved in the heterocyclization reaction, and a wide range of functionalized 5-nitroisoxazoles was obtained in good to high yields. The scope and limitations of the reaction and the mechanistic proposal are discussed.

Probing of complex carbon nanofiber paper as gas-diffusion electrode for high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

The development of fuel cells is an important part of alternative energy studies. High-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) is a very promising and commercialized type of fuel cell since it allows the use of hydrogen contaminated with CO. However, current advances in HT-PEMFC are based on searching for more sustainable materials for the membrane electrode assembly. The key issue is to find new, more stable carbonaceous Pt-electrocatalyst supports instead of the traditional carbon black powder. In the present study, we primarily demonstrate a new electrode design concept. Complex carbon nanofiber paper (CNFP) electrodes, obtained by polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospinning with further pyrolysis at 900-1200 °C, are suitable for platinum deposition and were probed as the gas-diffusion electrode for HT-PEMFC. Complex composite electrodes were obtained by introducing zirconium and nickel salts into the electrospinning PAN solution. After pyrolysis, ZrO _x and Ni(0) nanoparticles were distributed in the CNFP throughout the whole nanofiber volume, as it is seen in the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images. The samples were thoroughly studied by X-ray photoelectron, Raman and impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and elemental analysis. The MEAs designed on platinized composite CNFPs demonstrate higher performance at 180 °C compared to non-composite ones and are comparable with commercial Celtec® P1000.

Synthesis and evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of benzylidenes of 16-dehydroprogesterone series

Novel benzylidenes (chalcones) of the 16-dehydroprogesterone series have been characterized and their antitumor activity against two breast cancer cell lines was evaluated. Benzylidenes exhibit significant antiproliferative effect on cells and inhibit cell growth in hormone-dependent MCF-7 and hormone-independent MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Compound 3d exhibits the highest activity against two breast cancer cell lines, with the IC₅₀ value of about 2 µM. Compounds 3e,m,n display considerable selectivity for hormone-dependent breast cancer cells, with the IC₅₀ value lower than 6 µM. Moreover, these steroidal benzylidenes regulate ERα signaling and reveal p53-independent mechanism of pro-apoptotic action in MCF-7 cells. The new class of antitumor compounds holds promise as the basis for the design of agents for cancer therapy.

Exploring viscosity, polarity and temperature sensitivity of BODIPY-based molecular rotors

Microviscosity is a key parameter controlling the rate of diffusion and reactions on the microscale. One of the most convenient tools for measuring microviscosity is by fluorescent viscosity sensors termed 'molecular rotors'. BODIPY-based molecular rotors in particular proved extremely useful in combination with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, for providing quantitative viscosity maps of living cells as well as measuring dynamic changes in viscosity over time. In this work, we investigate several new BODIPY-based molecular rotors with the aim of improving on the current viscosity sensing capabilities and understanding how the structure of the fluorophore is related to its function. We demonstrate that due to subtle structural changes, BODIPY-based molecular rotors may become sensitive to temperature and polarity of their environment, as well as to viscosity, and provide a photophysical model explaining the nature of this sensitivity. Our data suggests that a thorough understanding of the photophysics of any new molecular rotor, in environments of different viscosity, temperature and polarity, is a must before moving on to applications in viscosity sensing.

Steroidal Pyrimidines and Dihydrotriazines as Novel Classes of Anticancer Agents against Hormone-Dependent Breast Cancer Cells

Most breast and prostate tumors are hormone-dependent, making it possible to use hormone therapy in patients with these tumors. The design of effective endocrine drugs that block the growth of tumors and have no severe side effects is a challenge. Thereupon, synthetic steroids are promising therapeutic drugs for the treatment of diseases such as hormone-dependent breast and prostate cancers. Here, we describe novel series of steroidal pyrimidines and dihydrotriazines with anticancer activities. A flexible approach to unknown pyrimidine and dihydrotriazine derivatives of steroids with selective control of the heterocyclization pattern is disclosed. A number of 18-nor-5α-androsta-2,13-diene[3,2-d]pyrimidine, androsta-2-ene[3,2-d]pyrimidine, Δ^{1, 3, 5(10)}-estratrieno[16,17-d]pyrimidine, and 17-chloro-16-dihydrotriazine steroids were synthesized by condensations of amidines with β-chlorovinyl aldehydes derived from natural hormones. The synthesized compounds were screened for cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells and showed IC₅₀ values of 7.4 μM and higher. Compounds were tested against prostate cancer cells and exhibited antiproliferative activity with IC₅₀ values of 9.4 μM and higher comparable to that of cisplatin. Lead compound 4a displayed selectivity in ERα-positive breast cancer cells. At 10 μM concentration, this heterosteroid inhibited 50% of the E2-mediated ERα activity and led to partial ERα down-regulation. The ERα reporter assay and immunoblotting were supported by the docking study, which showed the probable binding mode of compound 4a to the estrogen receptor pocket. Thus, heterosteroid 4a proved to be a selective ERα modulator with the highest antiproliferative activity against hormone-dependent breast cancer and can be considered as a candidate for further anticancer drug development. In total, the synthesized heterosteroids may be considered as new promising classes of active anticancer agents.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity evaluation of steroidal imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

An elegant approach to unknown steroidal imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine hybrids is disclosed. Unique derivatives of androstene and estrane series containing imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine motifs were prepared from 17-ethynyl steroids in good yields via copper-catalyzed cascade aminomethylation/cycloisomerization with imines. The synthesized compounds were screened for cytotoxicity against human breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HBL-100, MDA-MB-453) and prostate (LNCaP-LN3, PC-3, DU 145) cancer cell lines. The majority of tested compounds showed activities at μM level in breast cancer cells. The hormone-responsive breast cancer cells MCF-7 were more sensitive to novel compounds than ERα-negative cells; in particular, compounds 6a,b exhibited promising cytotoxicity against this cell line with the IC50 values in the range of 3-4μM. Furthermore, compound 4a showed remarkable effects as a selective ERα receptor modulator.

A Straightforward Approach toward Multifunctionalized Pyridazines via Imination/Electrocyclization

A facile synthesis of functionalized 3-carbamide pyridazines starting from readily available chlorovinyl aldehydes and oxamic acid thiohydrazides via cascade imination/electrocyclization is reported. In the presence of p-toluenesulfuric acid, various ketones have been efficiently incorporated into the pyridazine derivatives through a two-step sequence involving a Vilsmeier-Haack reaction and imination. The synthetic value of this method has been demonstrated by efficient synthesis of steroidal pyridazines.

Novel composite Zr/PBI-O-PhT membranes for HT-PEFC applications

Novel composite membranes for high temperature polymer-electrolyte fuel cells (HT-PEFC) based on a poly[oxy-3,3-bis(4'-benzimidazol-2″-ylphenyl)phtalide-5″(6″)-diyl] (PBI-O-PhT) polymer with small amounts of added Zr were prepared. It was shown in a model reaction between zirconium acetylacetonate (Zr(acac)4) and benzimidazole (BI) that Zr-atoms are capable to form chemical bonds with BI. Thus, Zr may be used as a crosslinking agent for PBI membranes. The obtained Zr/PBI-O-PhT composite membranes were examined by means of SAXS, thermomechanical analysis (TMA), and were tested in operating fuel cells by means of stationary voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. The new membranes showed excellent stability in a 2000-hour fuel cell (FC) durability test. The modification of the PBI-O-PhT films with Zr facilitated an increase of the phosphoric acid (PA) uptake by the membranes, which resulted in an up to 2.5 times increased proton conductivity. The existence of an optimal amount of Zr content in the modified PBI-O-PhT film was shown. Larger amounts of Zr lead to a lower PA doping level and a reduced conductivity due to an excessively high degree of crosslinking.