Spontaneous Multi-scale Supramolecular Assembly Driven by Noncovalent Interactions Coupled with the Continuous Marangoni Effect.

Reported herein is the multi-scale supramolecular assembly (MSSA) process along with redox reactions driven by supramolecular interactions coupled with the spontaneous Marangoni effect in ionic liquid (IL)-based extraction systems. The black powder, the single sphere with a black exterior, and the single colorless sphere were formed step by step at the interface when an aqueous solution of KMnO was mixed with the IL phase 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (COHmimNTf) bearing octyl(phenyl)-,-diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO). The mechanism of the whole process was studied systematically.

Improvement on the Radiation Stability of Multi-scale Supramolecular Assembly in Ionic Liquid-Based Extraction.

The multi-scale supramolecular assembly (MSSA)-based extraction strategy with hydroxyl-functionalized ionic liquid (IL) is promising in the separation of metal ions from radioactive environments for which a comprehensive understanding toward the radiation stability of the MSSA system is necessary. Herein, we report on the analyses of the radiation stability of MSSA in extraction, especially the adopted ILs 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide () and 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (), by UV-vis, H NMR, and ESI-HRMS. It was found that the macroscopic assembly (MA) sphere could not be formed after γ irradiation on the extraction system with .

Insights into the spontaneous multi-scale supramolecular assembly in an ionic liquid-based extraction system.

Herein, we report a four-step mechanism for the spontaneous multi-scale supramolecular assembly (MSSA) process in a two-phase system concerning an ionic liquid (IL). The complex ions, elementary building blocks (EBBs), [EBB] clusters and macroscopic assembly (MA) sphere are formed step by step. The porous large-sized [EBB] clusters in the glassy state can hardly stay in the IL phase and they transfer to the IL-water interface due to both electroneutrality and amphiphilicity.

Coordination of Actinide Single Ions to Deformed Graphdiyne: Strategy on Essential Separation Processes in Nuclear Fuel Cycle.

The coordination of actinides and lanthanides, as well as strontium and cesium with graphdiyne (GDY) was studied experimentally and theoretically. On the basis of experimental results and/or theoretical calculations, it was suggested that Th , Pu , Am , Cm , and Cs exist in single-ion states on the special triangular structure of GDY with various coordination patterns, wherein GDY itself is deformed in different ways. Both experiment and theoretical calculations strongly indicate that UO , La , Eu , Tm and Sr are not adsorbed by GDY at all.

A uranium capture strategy based on self-assembly in a hydroxyl-functionalized ionic liquid extraction system.

A novel and efficient uranium capture strategy based on self-assembly is developed in an ionic liquid extraction system, by which the one-step separation and solidification of uranium are realized. This not only provides a promising method for separating metal ions but also promotes the development of a supramolecular assembly both in mechanism and application.

Structural Characteristics of Homogeneous Hydrophobic Ionic Liquid-HNO3-H2O Ternary System: Experimental Studies and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

The solubility of water in the hydrophobic ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C2mim][NTf2]) increases significantly in the presence of HNO3. [C2mim][NTf2] is completely miscible with HNO3 but immiscible with water. The triangular phase diagram of the ternary system [C2mim][NTf2]-HNO3-H2O was determined at 300.

Construction of supramolecular self-assemblies based on the biamphiphilic ionic liquid-β-cyclodextrin system.

A new kind of biamphiphilic ionic liquid (BAIL) consisting of 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium (C12mim(+)) and dodecyl sulfonate (DSN(-)) has been synthesized and characterized for the investigation on its self-assembling behavior with β-CD in the aqueous medium. Vesicles were found in the diluted C12mimDSN@3β-CD solution, and on increasing the concentrations of both IL and β-CD, the solution turned into a white hydrogel, which showed a temperature-dependent sol-gel transition. The building block consisting of one C12mimDSN and three β-CDs was proposed, and a novel self-assembly mechanism was studied.

Improvement of the cloud point extraction of uranyl ions by the addition of ionic liquids.

The cloud point extraction (CPE) of uranyl ions by different kinds of extractants in Triton X-114 (TX-114) micellar solution was investigated upon the addition of ionic liquids (ILs) with various anions, i.e., bromide (Br(-)), tetrafluoroborate (BF4(-)), hexafluorophosphate (PF6(-)) and bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide (NTf2(-)).

Temperature-induced reversible transition between vesicle and supramolecular hydrogel in the aqueous ionic liquid-β-cyclodextrin system.

The vesicle is found to form in the concentrated aqueous solution of ionic liquid 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (C(12)mimBr) and β-CD. By decreasing the temperature, the vesicle changes into a novel supramolecular hydrogel constructed from lamellae. The process is reversible and reproducible.

Multiple equilibria interaction pattern between the ionic liquids C(n)mimPF6 and β-cyclodextrin in aqueous solutions.

The interactions of ionic liquids (ILs) 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (C(n)mimPF(6), n = 2, 4, 6, 8) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) in aqueous solutions are investigated in this article. The stoichiometry and apparent association constants were obtained by the competitive fluorescence method, NMR measurements, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The results showed that C(2)mimPF(6), C(4)mimPF(6), and C(6)mimPF(6) form 1:1 (guest:host) inclusion complexes with β-CD whereas the 1:2 inclusion complex can be formed between C(8)mimPF(6) and β-CD.

A new monacolin analogue from Xuezhikang capsule.

Xuezhikang capsule (ethanol extract of red yeast rice) which produced by Beijing WBL Peking University Biotech Co., Ltd., is a traditional Chinese medication with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibiting activity.

Characterization and mechanism study of micrometer-sized secondary assembly of β-cyclodextrin.

We herein report a β-cyclodextrin-based secondary assembly (β-CD SA) obtained from an aqueous solution. It was found that the addition of a very small amount of organic molecule 2-phenyl-5-(4-diphenylyl) 1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD) into an aqueous solution of 10 mM β-CD led to the formation of a micrometer-sized rodlike SA, which made the mixture turbid immediately. After careful characterization, the structure and the formation mechanism of the β-CD SA were suggested.

Radiolytic syntheses of nanoparticles in supramolecular assemblies.

Ionizing radiation is a powerful method in the syntheses of nanoparticles (NPs). The application of ionizing radiation in supramolecular assemblies can afford us more unique conditions to control the composition and morphology of the NPs. So far, most work focused on water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsions or reversed micelles.

Efficient removal of caesium ions from aqueous solution using a calix crown ether in ionic liquids: mechanism and radiation effect.

The removal of radioactive (137)Cs from nuclear waste is of great importance for both the environment and energy saving. Herein, we report a study on the removal of Cs(+) using a calix crown ether bis(2-propyloxy)calix[4]crown-6 (BPC6) in ionic liquids [C(n)mim][NTf(2)], where [C(n)mim](+) is 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium and [NTf(2)](-) is bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. The BPC6/[C(n)mim][NTf(2)] system is highly efficient in removing Cs(+) from aqueous solution, even at a low concentration of BPC6.

Identification of the radiolytic product of hydrophobic ionic liquid [C4mim][NTf2] during removal of Sr2+ from aqueous solution.

SO(3)(2-) is identified as one of the radiolytic products of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C(4)mim][NTf(2)]) during the removal of strontium ions (Sr(2+)) from aqueous solution.

Interaction between ionic liquids and beta-cyclodextrin: a discussion of association pattern.

We report herein the interaction of three ionic liquids, i.e., 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (11), 1-hexyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium chloride (16), and 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (17), with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD).

[The effect of ethylene glycol on the morphology of Cu2O nanoparticles synthesized in w/o microemulsion by gamma-irradiation].

Cuprous oxide nanocubes were successfully prepared in w/o microemulsions by gamma-irradiation in the presence of ethylene glycol (EG). Absorption spectrum, XRD, TEM, HRTEM and SEM were used to characterize the as-prepared nanoparticles. The characteristic peak of Cu2O of absorption spectra of the irradiated microemulsions red-shifts apparently with the EG increasing, showing that the as-prepared Cu2O particle size becomes larger.

Cyclodextrin-based aggregates and characterization by microscopy.

Cyclodextrin-based aggregates have been widely investigated with microscopies such as STM, AFM, SEM, TEM, and fluorescent microscopy to obtain the direct morphology and structure of samples. In the present review, we discuss various types of cyclodextrin aggregates, that is, native and modified cyclodextrins, inclusion complexes and their aggregates of cyclodextrins, cyclodextrin rotaxanes and polyrotaxanes, cyclodextrin nanotubes and their secondary assembly, and other high-order aggregates of cyclodextrins. Especially, we focus on the use of microscopy to characterize above aggregates.

Formation of solid and hollow cuprous oxide nanocubes in water-in-oil microemulsions controlled by the yield of hydrated electrons.

A local ordered structure constructed from solid Cu(2)O nanocubes was obtained by the radiolytic reduction of Cu(NO(3))(2) in a water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion composed of Triton X-100, n-hexanol, cyclohexane, and water in the presence of ethylene glycol (EG). However, when Triton X-100 was replaced with Brij 56 in the microemulsion, hollow Cu(2)O nanocubes were synthesized. The addition of toluene into the Brij 56 system could decrease the ratio of hollow nanocubes.

Formation of nanoparticles in water-in-oil microemulsions controlled by the yield of hydrated electron: the controlled reduction of Cu2+.

In the water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsions based on nonionic surfactants, i.e., Brij 30, Brij 56, or Triton X-100, the omega value (molar ratio of water to surfactant), anion, and surfactant could remarkably affect the radiolytic reduction of Cu2+ and the morphologies of the reduction products simultaneously.

Micrometer-sized rodlike structure formed by the secondary assembly of cyclodextrin nanotube.

In this work, we report the observation on the self-assembly of beta-CD nanotube induced by 2-phenyl-5-(4-diphenylyl)1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD) molecule with fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Micrometer-sized rodlike structure is formed by the secondary assembly of cyclodextrin nanotube driven by the inter-nanotubular hydrogen bonding. The effects of pH value, urea, DMF and NaCl on the formation of the rodlike structure are investigated.

[Interaction of surface active fluorescence probes and bovine serum albumin].

The binding between two surface-active substituted 3H-indole fluorescence probes, i. e., iodo-dihexadecyl methyl-2-(p-dodecyl amino phenyl)-3, 3-dimethyl-5-carboethoxy-3H-indole ammonium and iodo-dimethyloctadecyl-2-(p-dodecyl amino phenyl)-3,3-dimethyl-5-carboethoxy-3H-indole ammonium, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in aqueous solution was studied using fluorescence.

Investigation on gamma-cyclodextrin nanotube induced by N,N'-diphenylbenzidine molecule.

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement provides an effective way to investigate the formation of nanotube of gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma-CD) induced by N,N'-diphenylbenzidine (DPB) in water. With the combination of steady-state fluorescence and fluorescence anisotropy experiments, it was found that for alpha- and beta-CD, only 1:2 (guest:host) inclusion complexes were formed and for gamma-CD, cyclodextrin nanotube was formed involving 16 gamma-CD units at maximum. The pH effect studies with both DLS and fluorescence anisotropy measurements indicated that the hydrogen bonding between neighboring CDs was necessary to the formation of cyclodextrin nanotube.

[Synthesis of substituted 3H-indole quaternary ammonium salt and study on its interaction with bovine serum albumin by fluorescence].

A substituted 3H-indole quaternary ammonium molecule was designed and synthesized using hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) as a solvent. The products were purified and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, MS and elemental analysis. The binding reaction of this compound with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in aqueous solution was studied using fluorescence.

[Investigation on the spectral characteristics and existing state of a substituted 3H-indole molecular probe in triton X-100 reverse micelle].

The interactions between a fluorescent molecular probe, i. e., [2-(p-hexylamino) phenyl-3, 3-dimethyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-3H-indole] methyldioctadecylammonium iodide (A) and Triton X-100/heptane/hexanol/water reverse micelle have been investigated by spectroscopy.