Mechanically Enhanced Detoxification of Chemical Warfare Agent Simulants by a Two-Dimensional Piezoresponsive Metal-Organic Framework.

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) refer to toxic chemical substances used in warfare. Recently, CWAs have been a critical threat for public safety due to their high toxicity. Metal-organic frameworks have exhibited great potential in protecting against CWAs due to their high crystallinity, stable structure, large specific surface area, high porosity, and adjustable structure.

Starfruit-Shaped Zirconium Metal-Organic Frameworks: From 3D Intermediates to 2D Nanosheet Petals with Enhanced Catalytic Activity.

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Cheng-an Tao, Jianfang Wang and co-workers at the University of Defense Technology. The image depicts a novel starfruit-shaped metal-organic framework composed of zirconium and tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine linkers and characterized by 2D nanosheet petals grown through edge-sharing that showcases superior catalytic activity. Read the full text of the article at 10.

Starfruit-Shaped Zirconium Metal-Organic Frameworks: From 3D Intermediates to 2D Nanosheet Petals with Enhanced Catalytic Activity.

We present the fabrication of a novel Starfruit-shaped metal-organic framework (SMOF) composed of zirconium and Tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine linkers. The SMOF exhibits a unique morphology with edge-sharing two-dimensional (2D) nanosheet petals. Our investigation unravels a captivating transformation process, wherein three-dimensional (3D) shuttle-shaped MOFs form initially and subsequently evolve into 2D nanosheet-based SMOF structures.

Humidity Enhances the Solid-Phase Catalytic Ability of a Bulk MOF-808 Metal-Organic Gel toward a Chemical Warfare Agent Simulant.

Zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks have emerged as promising materials for detoxifying chemical warfare agents (CWAs) due to their remarkable stability and porosity. However, their practical application is hindered by issues with their powder form and poor catalytic performance in solid-phase degradation. To address these challenges, herein, a granular MOF-808 metal-organic gel (G808) is prepared under optimized conditions for catalytic degradation of the simulant 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES), a sulfide blister agent, in a neat state under different humidity conditions.

Metal-Organic Framework Gels for Adsorption and Catalytic Detoxification of Chemical Warfare Agents: A Review.

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) have brought great threats to human life and social stability, and it is critical to investigate protective materials. MOF (metal-organic framework) gels are a class with an extended MOF architecture that are mainly formed using metal-ligand coordination as an effective force to drive gelation, and these gels combine the unique characteristics of MOFs and organic gel materials. They have the advantages of a hierarchically porous structure, a large specific surface area, machinable block structures and rich metal active sites, which inherently meet the requirements for adsorption and catalytic detoxification of CWAs.

An Angle-Independent Multi-Color Display Electro-Responsive Hydrogel Film.

In nature, some organisms have the ability to camouflage to adapt to environmental changes; they blend with the environment by changing their skin colors. Such a phenomenon is of great significance for the research of adaptive camouflage materials. In this study, we propose a novel design scheme for the study of angle-independent photonic materials and successfully prepare an electrically tunable multi-color display angle-independent inverse opal photonic gel (IOPG).

A portable acetylcholinesterase-based electrochemical sensor for field detection of organophosphorus.

A portable acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-based electrochemical sensor based on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) and a miniature potentiostat was constructed for the rapid field detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). Graphene (GR) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were successively introduced onto SPCE for surface modification. Due to the synergistic effect of the two nanomaterials, the signal of the sensor has a significant enhancement.

Porphyrin-Moiety-Functionalized Metal-Organic Layers Exhibiting Catalytic Capabilities for Detoxifying Nerve Agent and Blister Agent Simulants.

The development of very efficient bifunctional catalysts for the simultaneous detoxification of two kinds of the deadliest chemical warfare agents (CWAs), nerve agent and blister agent, is highly desirable. In this study, two porphyrin-based ligands [tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) and protoporphyrin IX (PPIX)] are introduced into 2D Zr-1,3,5-tris(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (BTB) metal-organic layers (MOLs), composed of six-connected Zr nodes and the tritopic carboxylate ligand BTB, by a solvent-assisted ligand incorporation method. The loads of TCPP and PPIX are 6.

Ultrafast Degradation and High Adsorption Capability of a Sulfur Mustard Simulant under Ambient Conditions Using Granular UiO-66-NH Metal-Organic Gels.

Zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) have been considered as prospective materials for the degradation of nerve chemical warfare agents (CWAs) but show poor catalytic performance toward blister agents. Moreover, the powder issues and the poor adsorption capability also remain as the major challenges for the application of Zr-MOFs in practical CWA detoxification. Herein, a series of defected granular UiO-66-NH metal-organic gels are synthesized via adjusting the amount of added concentrated hydrochloric acid for the decontamination of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES), a sulfur mustard simulant.

Synthesis of macroscopic monolithic metal-organic gels for ultra-fast destruction of chemical warfare agents.

The potential threat that has originated from chemical warfare agents (CWAs) has promoted the development of advanced materials to enhance the protection of civilian and military personnel. Zr-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) have recently been demonstrated as excellent catalysts for decomposing CWAs, but challenges of integrating the microcrystalline powders of Zr-MOFs into monoliths still remain. Herein, we report hierarchically porous monolithic UiO-66-X xerogels for the destruction of CWAs.

Aptamer-binding zirconium-based metal-organic framework composites prepared by two conjunction approaches with enhanced bio-sensing for detecting isocarbophos.

A novel label-free and enzyme-free detection strategy has been developed for the electrochemical biosensor detection of isocarbophos (ICP) using UiO-66-NH and aptamer as the signal transducers. In this work, the ICP aptamers were attached to UiO-66-NH through physical mixing and chemical combination methods. In the presence of ICP, the aptamers could undergo conformational change and bind to them, which prevent the electron transfer to the surface of electrode.

Facile Synthesis of Metal-Organic Layers with High Catalytic Performance toward Detoxification of a Chemical Warfare Agent Simulant.

Two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic layer (MOL) materials are highly desired against chemical warfare agents (CWAs). However, the rapid synthesis of 2DMOLs with open metal sites in a single step is very challenging. Herein, a facile bottom-up method for synthesizing MOLs with microwave assistance is applied to produce Zr/Hf-BTB MOLs, composed of six-connected MO(OH) and the tritopic carboxylate ligand 1,3,5-tris(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (BTB).

Amplified Analysis of DNA or Proteins by TdT-generated DNAzyme.

Sensitive and specific detection of nucleic acids or proteins, which act as biomarkers, is of great importance in disease diagnosis. By combing the concept and operation of an endonuclease-assisted target-responsive amplification method and peroxidase-mimic DNAzyme generated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), a novel and facile colorimetric biosensor was developed for DNA and protein. Target DNA and thrombin were chosen as representative biomolecules.

Layer-by-Layer Fabrication of Core-Shell FeO@UiO-66-NH with High Catalytic Reactivity toward the Hydrolysis of Chemical Warfare Agent Simulants.

Detoxifying materials against chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and their simulants are highly desired for proper handling of contamination by and destruction of CWAs. Herein, we report a facile layer-by-layer fabrication of core-shell FeO@UiO-66-NH and its application in fast degradation of CWA simulants. The FeO@UiO-66-NH composite was prepared through a layer-by-layer epitaxial growth strategy, by alternately immersing FeO nanoparticles in ethanol solutions of a metal node [ZrO(OH)] precursor and organic linkers [NH-BDC, 2-aminoterephthalic acid], respectively, and separating using a magnet.

Catalytic MOF-loaded cellulose sponge for rapid degradation of chemical warfare agents simulant.

Various metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are highly effective catalysts for detoxifying chemical warfare agents (CWAs). In this study, we reported a MOF-loaded cellulose sponge for fast degradation of CWAs simulant. In situ growth of UiO-66-NH onto γ-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) modified cellulose sponge was achieved.

Construction of a Biosensor Based on a Combination of Cytochrome , Graphene, and Gold Nanoparticles.

A biosensor based on a combination of cytochrome (Cyt ), electrochemical reduced graphene oxides (ERGO), and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was fabricated. The proposed biosensor electrode was denoted as GCE/ERGO-Nafion/AuNPs/Cyt /Nafion, where ERGO-Nafion was deposited by dropping graphene oxides-Nafion mixed droplet first and following electrochemical reduction, AuNPs were directly deposited on the surface of the ERGO-Nafion modified electrode by electrochemical reduction, and other components were deposited by the dropping-dry method. The effect of the deposition amount of AuNPs on direct electrochemistry of Cyt in the proposed electrode was investigated.

Ultrafast Synthesis of Ni-MOF in One Minute by Ball Milling.

A mechanical ball milling method for ultrafast synthesis of a nickel-based metal organic framework (Ni-MOF) has been proposed. The Ni-MOF was successfully synthesized in merely one minute without any solvent, additives, or preliminary preparation. The effect of milling time, mechano-frequency, type of assistant liquid, and amount of assistant water were systematically explored.

Dopamine Assisted One-Step Pyrolysis of Glucose for the Preparation of Porous Carbon with A High Surface Area.

Herein, a facile dopamine assisted one-pot synthesis approach is proposed for the preparation of porous carbon with a specific surface area (SSA) up to 2593 m²/g through the direct pyrolysis of a mixture of glucose, NH₄Cl, and dopamine hydrochloride (DAH). The glucose is adopted as the carbon source and foaming agent, NH₄Cl is used as the blowing agent, and DAH is served as collaborative carbon precursor as well as the nitrogen source for the first time. The effect of dopamine on the component, structure, and SSA of the as-prepared porous carbon materials are systematically studied.

Comparison of Fabrication Methods of Metal-Organic Framework Optical Thin Films.

Homogeneous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based optical thin films have attracted increasing attention, since they can potentially be used as active components in optical/opt-electrical devices, and how to fabricate MOF thin films with high quality is the premise of practically using them. Herein, five fabrication methods of MOF films are systematically investigated and compared from the aspects of appearance, reflectivity, micro-morphology, surface roughness, and optical properties of the films. The famous robust Zr-based MOF, UiO-66 (UiO = University of Oslo) is chosen as a model, and the five methods are spin-coating, dip-coating, self-assembly, direct growth, and the stepwise layer by layer growth method.

Preparation of Graphene Oxide-Based Ink for Inkjet Printing.

Fabrication of graphene-based conductive circuits via inkjet printing processes would be very significant, but preparation of graphene inks which can be used in ordinary household inkjet printer is still a challenge. Graphene oxide (GO) is an important graphene derivative with good dispersion properties in water, because it has a lot of oxygen-containing functional groups. In this paper, the relationship between the concentration of GO and the viscosity and surface tension of its dispersion were studied first, GO were prepared by modified Hummers' method.

The Tuning of Optical Properties of Nanoscale MOFs-Based Thin Film through Post-Modification.

Optical properties, which determine the application of optical devices in different fields, are the most significant properties of optical thin films. In recent years, Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based optical thin films have attracted increasing attention because of their novel optical properties and important potential applications in optical and photoelectric devices, especially optical thin films with tunable optical properties. This study reports the first example of tuning the optical properties of a MOF-based optical thin film via post-modification.

Electrothermally Driven Fluorescence Switching by Liquid Crystal Elastomers Based On Dimensional Photonic Crystals.

In this article, the fabrication of an active organic-inorganic one-dimensional photonic crystal structure to offer electrothermal fluorescence switching is described. The film is obtained by spin-coating of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and TiO nanoparticles alternatively. By utilizing the property of LCEs that can change their size and shape reversibly under external thermal stimulations, the λ of the photonic band gap of these films is tuned by voltage through electrothermal conversion.

Cucurbit[8]uril as building block for facile fabrication of well-defined organic crystalline nano-objects with multiple morphologies and compositions.

Cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]) have great potential in material and medical applications due to their advantageous molecular recognition properties. Despite organic microcrystals being highly desirable in materials science and the medical industry, CB[n]-based micro- and nanocrystals have not been reported. A facile and efficient approach for producing CB[8]-based organic crystals with well-defined micro- and nanostructures is described, based on the unique host-guest chemistry of CB[8] macrocycle with small guest molecules.

Metal-organic frameworks with a three-dimensional ordered macroporous structure: dynamic photonic materials.

Tuning MOFs: When a metal-organic framework (MOF) with an ordered three-dimensional macroporous structure is integrated into a film, the resulting materials have an additional optical element, which can be used as a general and effective signal transducer. This, in combination with the hierarchical pore structure, makes these films interesting dynamic photonic materials with potential applications in sensors.

Facile fabrication of photonic MOF films through stepwise deposition on a colloid crystal substrate.

Based on stepwise deposition of MOF films on a colloid crystal substrate, a strategy for fabricating photonic MOF films was developed. We found that the integration of a photonic structure endows MOF materials with unique optical properties, which can be used as a general and effective transduction scheme for a convenient study of the host-guest chemistry of MOFs.