More Like this

1. Identification of a prismatic P3N3 molecule formed from electron irradiated phosphine-nitrogen ices

   https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-25775-1  

   Zhu, Cheng; Eckhardt, André K.; Chandra, Sankhabrata; Turner, Andrew M.; Schreiner, Peter R.; Kaiser, Ralf I. (September 2021, Nature Communications)

   Abstract Polyhedral nitrogen containing molecules such as prismatic P₃N₃- a hitherto elusive isovalent species of prismane (C₆H₆) - have attracted particular attention from the theoretical, physical, and synthetic chemistry communities. Here we report on the preparation of prismatic P₃N₃[1,2,3-triaza-4,5,6-triphosphatetracyclo[2.2.0.0^2,6.0^3,5]hexane] by exposing phosphine (PH₃) and nitrogen (N₂) ice mixtures to energetic electrons. Prismatic P₃N₃was detected in the gas phase and discriminated from its isomers utilizing isomer selective, tunable soft photoionization reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry during sublimation of the ices along with an isomer-selective photochemical processing converting prismatic P₃N₃to 1,2,4-triaza-3,5,6-triphosphabicyclo[2.2.0]hexa-2,5-diene (P₃N₃). In prismatic P₃N₃, the P–P, P–N, and N–N bonds are lengthened compared to those in, e.g., diphosphine (P₂H₄), di-anthracene stabilized phosphorus mononitride (PN), and hydrazine (N₂H₄), by typically 0.03–0.10 Å.  These findings advance our fundamental understanding of the chemical bonding of poly-nitrogen and poly-phosphorus systems and reveal a versatile pathway to produce exotic, ring-strained cage molecules. 

   more » « less
2. Ni ₂ P‐Modified Ta ₃ N ₅ and TaON for Photocatalytic Nitrate Reduction

   https://doi.org/10.1002/cnma.202000174  

   Wei, Lin; Adamson, Marquix_A_S; Vela, Javier (May 2020, ChemNanoMat)

   Abstract Self‐sustaining photocatalytic NO₃⁻reduction systems could become ideal NO₃⁻removal methods. Developing an efficient, highly active photocatalyst is the key to the photocatalytic reduction of NO₃⁻. In this work, we present the synthesis of Ni₂P‐modified Ta₃N₅(Ni₂P/Ta₃N₅), TaON (Ni₂P/TaON), and TiO₂(Ni₂P/TiO₂). Starting with a 2 mM (28 g/mL NO₃⁻−N) aqueous solution of NO₃⁻, as made Ni₂P/Ta₃N₅and Ni₂P/TaON display as high as 79% and 61% NO₃⁻conversion under 419 nm light within 12 h, which correspond to reaction rates per gram of 196 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹and 153 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, respectively, and apparent quantum yields of 3–4%. Compared to 24% NO₃⁻conversion in Ni₂P/TiO₂, Ni₂P/Ta₃N₅and Ni₂P/TaON exhibit higher activities due to the visible light active semiconductor (SC) substrates Ta₃N₅and TaON. We also discuss two possible electron migration pathways in Ni₂P/semiconductor heterostructures. Our experimental results suggest one dominant electron migration pathway in these materials, namely: Photo‐generated electrons migrate from the semiconductor to co‐catalyst Ni₂P, and upshift its Fermi level. The higher Fermi level provides greater driving force and allows NO₃⁻reduction to occur on the Ni₂P surface. 

   more » « less
3. Denture base poly(methyl methacrylate) reinforced with SrTiO₃ / Y₂O₃ : Structural, morphological and mechanical analysis

   https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.29523  

   Elhmali, Houda_Taher; Radojevic, Vesna; Stajcic, Aleksandar; Petrovic, Milos; Stojanovic, Dusica_B; Vlahovic, Branislav; Stajcic, Ivana (January 2025, Polymer Composites)

   Abstract This study presented the use of SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃nanoparticles for the reinforcement of dental poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to enhance its mechanical properties important for everyday use of denture base materials. The average crystallite size of prepared nanoparticles was 19.9 nm. The influence of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt% SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃loading on absorbed impact energy, microhardness and tensile properties was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy of the composite fracture surface revealed multiple toughening mechanisms, with agglomerates directly included in the crack pinning, indicating improvement in mechanical performance. Dynamic mechanical analysis proved that agglomerates improved the elastic behavior of PMMA and confirmed the absence of a residual monomer. After the incorporation of SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃, the mechanical properties of composites showed a high increase compared to neat PMMA. The optimal concentration of nanoparticles was 1 wt%, for which the microhardness, modulus of elasticity, and absorbed impact energy were higher by 218.4%, 65.8% and 135.6%, respectively. With such a high increase, this research showed that SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃represents an efficient filler which use does not have to be limited to dental materials. HighlightsSrTiO₃/Y₂O₃hybrid nanoparticles were prepared.PMMA‐SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃composite showed increase in impact resistance up to 135.4%.Elastic behavior of PMMA was improved.With 1 wt% of SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃, microhardness increased by 218.4%. 

   more » « less
4. What happens when transition metal trichalcogenides are interfaced with gold?

   https://doi.org/10.1557/s43578-022-00744-6  

   Dhingra, Archit; Nikonov, Dmitri E.; Lipatov, Alexey; Sinitskii, Alexander; Dowben, Peter A. (September 2022, Journal of Materials Research)

   Abstract Transition metal trichalcogenides (TMTs) are two-dimensional (2D) systems with quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) chains. These 2D materials are less susceptible to undesirable edge defects, which enhances their promise for low-dimensional optical and electronic device applications. However, so far, the performance of 2D devices based on TMTs has been hampered by contact-related issues. Therefore, in this review, a diligent effort has been made to both elucidate and summarize the interfacial interactions between gold and various TMTs, namely, In₄Se₃, TiS₃, ZrS₃, HfS₃, and HfSe₃. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy data, supported by the results of electrical transport measurements, provide insights into the nature of interactions at the Au/In₄Se₃, Au/TiS₃, Au/ZrS₃, Au/HfS₃, and Au/HfSe₃interfaces. This may help identify and pave a path toward resolving the contemporary contact-related problems that have plagued the performance of TMT-based nanodevices. Graphical abstract I–Vcharacteristics of (a) TiS3, (b) ZrS3, and (c) HfS3 

   more » « less
5. Synthesis, structure and reactivity of μ ₃ -SnH capped trinuclear nickel cluster

   https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC04042E  

   Torquato, Nicole A.; Palasz, Joseph M.; Bertrand, Quentin C.; Brunner, Felix M.; Chan, Thomas; Gembicky, Milan; Mrse, Anthony A.; Kubiak, Clifford P. (October 2022, Chemical Science)

   The synthesis, structure, and reactivity of a μ₃-SnH capped trinuclear nickel cluster, [Ni₃(dppm)₃(μ₃-H)(μ₃-SnH)], is reported. This complex undergoes oxidative addition chemistry, alkyne insertion, and subsequent hydrogenation. 

   more » « less