Nanocrystals (NCs) present unique physicochemical properties arising from their size and the presence of ligands. Comprehending and controlling the ligand-crystal interactions as well as the ligand exchange process is one of the central themes in NC science nowadays. However, the relationship between NC structural disorder and the ligand exchange effect in the NC atomic structure is not yet sufficiently understood. Here we combine pair distribution function analysis from electron diffraction data, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy as experimental techniques and first-principles density functional theory calculations to elucidate the ligand exchange effects in the ZrO NC structure. We report a substantial decrease in the structural disorder for ZrO NCs caused by strain rearrangements during the ligand exchange process. These results can have a direct impact on the development of functional nanomaterials, especially in properties controlled by structural disorder.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b00439 | DOI Listing |
Small Methods
January 2025
Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland.
In situ monitoring is essential for catalytic process design, offering real-time insights into active structures and reactive intermediates. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy excels at probing geometric and electronic properties of paramagnetic species during reactions. Yet, state-of-the-art liquid-phase EPR methods, like flat cells, require custom resonators, consume large amounts of reagents, and are unsuited for tracking initial kinetics or use with solid catalysts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWater Res X
May 2025
Integrated Science and Technology Research Center, Faculty of Technology and Environment, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, Kathu, Phuket 83120 Thailand.
This study rigorously evaluates the adsorption performance of the Cry-Ca-COS monolith for phosphate removal in a column operation mode. Characterization of the material both before and after exhaustion in a continuous flow system (column form) showed no difference compared to results from a batch system (tablet form). The XPS results indicated that the adsorption mechanism of phosphate on the Cry-Ca-COS column involved surface microprecipitation and ligand exchange (inner-sphere complexation).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAngew Chem Int Ed Engl
January 2025
TU Dortmund University, Faculty for Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227, Dortmund, GERMANY.
Precise control over the catenation process in interlocked supramolecular systems remains a significant challenge. Here, we report a system in which a lantern-shaped Pd2L4 cage can dimerize to form two distinct Pd4L8 catenanes with different interlocking degree: a previously described quadruply interlocked double cage motif of D4 symmetry and an unprecedented triply interlocked structure of C2h symmetry. While the former structure features a linear arrangement of four Pd(II) centers, separated by three mechanically linked pockets, the new motif has a staggered shape.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDalton Trans
January 2025
Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, P.O. Box 3065, Victoria, BC V8W 3 V6, Canada.
A charge-tagged N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) has been synthesized and its utility in allowing the dynamic behaviour of metal complexes to be monitored in real time using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry demonstrated. This compound was used to prepare different metal-NHC complexes, and the kinetic behaviour of complex formation and ligand exchange was monitored in real time through the use of pressurized sample infusion electrospray mass spectrometry (PSI-ESI-MS).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn motoneurons, spatiotemporal dendritic patterns are established in the ventral nerve cord. While many guidance cues have been identified, the mechanisms of temporal regulation remain unknown. Previously, we identified the actin modulator Cdc42 GTPase as a key factor in this process.
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