Publications by authors named "S Pratihar"

Despite significant progress in the catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles, the persistent challenge of requiring additives to prevent condensation byproducts and achieve selectivity toward primary amines demands urgent attention. In this work, we present an integrated approach utilizing a ligand-bridged Ni-Ti bimetallic complex as a precursor to tune Ni-NiO-NiO(OH) heterojunctions and phases of black titania (bTiO) by controlling pyrolytic conditions. This tailored phase distribution and charge dynamics across heterojunctions create an effective balance of acidic and basic sites, enabling the direct hydrogenation of nitriles to primary amines without the need for additives.

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Metal-metal oxide interface catalysts are in high demand for advanced catalytic applications due to their multi-component active sites, which facilitate synergistic cooperation where a single component alone cannot effectively promote the desired reaction. Demonstrated herein graphene oxide-supported nanoscale MnO-CoO-Co as highly efficient catalysts for hydrogenation of nitro styrenes/nitro arenes to amino styrenes/arenes under mild reaction conditions (0.5 MPa and 100 °C in 1 : 1 THF/water).

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Identifying distinct noncanonical structures in pathogenic genomes is crucial for developing new diagnostic tools. This study uncovers stable G-quadruplex (GQ) structures in conserved DNA sequences unique to the monkeypox virus (MPV). Furthermore, we developed a method for the detection of target GQ using a fluorogenic probe.

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The noncanonical conformations within the genomes of viral pathogens is of significant diagnostic value, due to their unique secondary structures and interactions with specific fluorogenic molecules. In particular, adaptation of the G-quadruplex (GQ) conformation by the specific gene sequence leads to distinct topological features, resulting in unique binding sites that are crucial for the selective recognition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by small molecules. Leveraging the selective fluorescence response of a benzobisthiazole-based fluorogenic probe to the LTR-III GQ target, we developed a GQ-based diagnostic platform for HIV detection.

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Transition-metal-doped black titania, primarily in the anatase phase, shows promise for redox reactions, water splitting, hydrogen generation, and organic pollutant removal, but exploring other titania phases for broader catalytic applications is underexplored. This study introduces a synthetic approach using a Co-Ti bimetallic complex bridged by a 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione ligand as a precursor for the synthesis of cobalt-doped black titania [Co@L2N@b-TiO]. The synthesis involves precise control of pyrolysis conditions, yielding a distinct structure dominated by the rutile phase over anatase, with active cobalt encapsulated within a nitrogen-doped graphitic layer, primarily as Co rather than Co and Co.

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