Hafnium-Based Metal-Organic Framework Nanosystems Entrapping Squaraines for Efficient NIR-Responsive Photodynamic Therapy.

In this study, we present for the first time the incorporation of two distinct nonsymmetrical squaraines (SQ) into hierarchically porous Hafnium-based UiO-66 Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), each functionalized with various moieties, for application as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. SQs are meticulously designed to feature COOH moieties for interaction with the MOF's metallic cluster and bromine atoms to enhance intersystem crossing and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The distinct central functionalizations, one with squaric acid and the other with a dicyanovinyl-substituted squaric acid derivative, result in unique geometric conformations.

A UV-Protective Textile Coating Based on Recycled Poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB): A New Life for a Waste Polymer.

Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer, commonly used as an interlayer material in laminated safety glass for the automotive and architectural sectors. Currently, there is no end-of-life cycle program for a substantial amount of PVB film, which mainly ends up in landfills. According to a circular approach, PVB can be revalorized after efficient separation and recovery from glass.

Eco-Friendly and Ready-To-Market Polyurethanes: A Design of Experiment-Guided Substitution of Toxic Catalyst and Fossil-Based Isocyanate.

In this contribution, we tackle the replacement of the Hg-based catalyst and fossil-derived isocyanate precursors toward the formulation of a more sustainable polyurethane thermosetting resins (PUs), emulating the performance of a fully fossil-based one employed in industrial encapsulation of optoelectronics. A mixed Bi-Zn catalyst and a 71 % bio-based isocyanate are exploited at this aim through multivariate chemometric approaches, namely Design of Experiment (DoE). DoE allows us to investigate the effect of different formulation factors on selected parameters, such as the film flexibility and transparency or the gel time.

Recycling of Commercially Available Biobased Thermoset Polyurethane Using Covalent Adaptable Network Mechanisms.

Until recently, recycling thermoset polyurethanes (PUs) was limited to degrading methods. The development of covalent adaptable networks (CANs), to which PUs can be assigned, has opened novel possibilities for actual recycling. Most efforts in this area have been directed toward inventing new materials that can benefit from CAN theory; presently, little or nothing has been applied to industrially producible materials.

Exploring zinc oxide morphologies for aqueous solar cells by a photoelectrochemical, computational, and multivariate approach.

Dye-sensitized solar cells assembled with aqueous electrolytes are emerging as a sustainable photovoltaic technology suitable for safe indoor and portable electronics use. While the scientific community is exploring unconventional materials for preparing electrodes and electrolytes, this work presents the first study on zinc oxide as a semiconductor material to fabricate photoanodes for aqueous solar cells. Different morphologies (, nanoparticles, multipods, and desert roses) are synthesized, characterized, and tested in laboratory-scale prototypes.