We report the synthesis of a poly(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy-4-yl methacrylate) (PTMA)/graphene nanocomposite in which graphene is used as a support for improving electronic conductivity. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposite were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These results reveal that a graphene surface is decorated by nanoparticles of PTMAwith an average size of 10 nm. The electrochemical performance of the PTMA/graphene composite as a cathode material in rechargeable magnesium batteries was investigated using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge techniques. In a "first generation" electrolyte Mg(AlCl₂BuEt)₂/tetrahydrofuran (THF) (0.25 mol·L^-1), the material exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 81.2 mAh·g^-1 at 22.8 mA·g^-1. Further studies will focus on improving the capacity using electrolytes with a wider electrochemical window.

We synthesized two terminal alkynyl modified Salen ligands, H₂Lⁿ, and their metal complexes, MLⁿ (n=1, 2, M=Ni, Cu, Mn). The ligands and complexes were characterized by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The redox properties of the compounds were investigated with cyclic voltammetry (CV). Imine redox peaks appeared in the CV curves of all the ligands except H₂L¹. The Ni and Cu complexes underwent two single electron redox processes in the scanning range. Mn complexes gave a pair of quasi-reversible voltammetric peaks, which corresponded to the redox process between Mn(III)/Mn(II). Molar conductivity measurements of the complexes showed that they were all weak electrolytes with certain conductivity.

The gas-phase reaction of U⁺ with CO₂ was investigated with B3LYP density functional theory (DFT) in conjunction with the relativistic effective core potential (ECP) of the SDD basis sets for Uand the 6-311 + G(d) basis set for C and O. The potential energy surfaces (PESs) of the reaction system were explored in detail for both doublet and quartet spin states. The geometries of reactants, intermediates, transition states, and products in the two reaction pathways were fully optimized. The reaction mechanism was analyzed using"two-state reactivity (TSR)."The calculations demonstrate that the reaction preferentially involves the high-spin state entrance channel and the low-spin state exit channel. The spin multiplicity transition from the quartet state to the doublet state enables the reaction system to find a lower energy pathway.

The reaction mechanism for the ozonolysis of trans-CH₃CHC(CH₃)COOCH₃ as well as the isomerization reaction of CH₃CHOO and CH₃OC(O)C(CH₃)OO) without and with a water molecule were investigated at the G3B3 level. The profile of the potential energy surface (PES) was constructed. Ozone adds to trans-CH₃CHC(CH₃)COOCH₃ via a cyclic transition state to produce a highly unstable primary ozonide that can decompose readily to form P1(CH₃CHOO + CH₃OC(O)C(CH₃)O) and P₂(CH₃CHO + CH₃OC(O)C(CH₃)OO) because the bond breaks in different positions. The total rate constants over the temperature range of 200-1200 K are obtained using the conventional transition state theory with Wigner tunneling correction. The calculated rate constant is 7.55×10^-18 cm³·molecule^-1·s^-1 at 294 K, in od agreement with previous experimental data for similar reactions. The isomerization reaction of CH₃CHOO and CH₃OC (O)C(CH₃)OO) with a water molecule can occur via α-addition process and β-hydrogen transfer mechanism. The former is more favorable than the latter. Compared with the naked isomerization reactions of CH₃CHOO and CH₃OC(O)C(CH₃)OO), the presence of water molecules makes isomerization reactions much easier.

A systematic theoretical study was carried out to investigate the origin of the relatively low reactivity of peptide-prolyl-thioesters in the native chemical ligation (NCL) reaction. Mechanistic calculations were performed on the two NCL reactions of peptide-prolyl-thioester (Path-Pro) and peptidealanyl-thioester (Path-Ala). The results show that both include three steps: intermolecular thiol-thioester exchange, transthioesterification, and a final intramolecular S→N acyl migration. The calculations indicate that the first step is the rate determining step of both pathways. Path-Pro is kinetically disfavored, so the peptide-prolyl-thioester is found to be less reactive in NCL reaction. This conclusion is consistent with the experimental observations. Further examination of the rate determining steps of these two pathways shows that the n→π^* interaction of proline ^αN carbonyl increases the LUMO orbital energy of peptidyl-prolylthioester, decreases the interaction energy between proline carbonyl and the sulphur atom in aryl thiol, and finally increases the total energy barrier.

Square well chains of 4, 8, and 16 segments with well width λ=1.5 were investigated by grand ensemble Monte Carlo simulations. We used an unbiased, complete scaling, Q-parameter method, to estimate critical temperatures and densities in the thermodynamic limit, with the help of histogram reweighting technique and finite size scaling theory. We showed that a square well chain with more segments has a higher critical temperature than that with fewer segments. The critical temperatures for different chain lengths are all lower than those reported previously. Critical points obtained in this work are more precise because the complete scaling is totally unbiased. The relationship between critical temperature and chain length is in od agreement with the Flory-Huggins theory. We also estimated that the critical temperature for an infinitely long square well chain is a little higher than previous results.

Cu₂SnSe₃ (CTSe) nanoparticles with diameters of 150-250 nm were synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The nanoparticles drop-casted onto fluorine dope tin oxide (FTO) substrate were used as counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The morphology, structure and composition of the CTSe nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicated the formation of the nanoparticles with a single crystal phase and approximately stoichiometric composition. DSSCs fabricated with the CTSe-based counter electrodes exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 7.75%, which is similar to that of Ptbased devices (7.21%). The current-voltage curves of the DSSCs demonstrated that the thickness of the CTSe layer strongly influenced the photocurrent density and fill factor as a result of changes in the number of electrocatalytic sites and the resistance of the layers. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were performed and the results indicated that CTSe exhibited Pt-like electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of I₃^- to I^- in DSSCs. This work presents a new approach for expanding the possibilities for developing low-cost DSSCs that do not require expensive and rare Pt counter electrodes.

In this paper, the tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) ligand on CdSe quantum dots (QDs) are changed to ZnS coating layer through S^2- intermediate state. After ligand exchange, the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra indicate that the long chain organic ligands are replaced by S^2- ions. After ionic reaction, the generation of ZnS is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. In addition the UV-Vis absorption peaks did not move and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results show that the diameters of the quantum dots decrease. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results show that the interface resistance between the TiO₂/QDs/electrolyte is reduced under illumination conditions, meaning that forward electron transport was enhanced. In addition, the intensity-modulated photovoltage spectroscopy (IMVS) and intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS) results reveal an increase in the electronic lifetime and diffusion rate increased. Finally, the conversion efficiency increases by 1.78 times from 0.98% (TOPO ligand) to 1.75% (ZnS coating).

The effect of Pb(Ⅱ) and H⁺ concentrations on the electrochemical behavior of a PbO₂ anode and a Pb cathode on a graphite composite was investigated. It is shown that the electrode process is under an electrochemical and diffusion mixed control. When a PbO₂ deposit is formed, a nucleation loop occurs. The nucleation overpotential of a Pb cathode is rather small. The difference between charge and discharge potentials of the Pb cathode is much lower than that of the PbO₂ anode. This indicates that the polarization in an all lead flow battery is attributed mainly to the PbO₂ anode. An increase in H⁺ concentration is beneficial for a reduction in the polarization; however, side reactions producing oxygen and hydrogen, and corrosion also increase. An increase of Pb(Ⅱ) concentration favors the suppression of oxygen evolution, however, the potential of the PbO₂ electrode is increased. This results in an increase in the difference between potentials of the charged and discharged states. When the Pb(Ⅱ) concentration is relatively low, PbO₂ deposits shed from the substrate during charge and discharge. As a result, the charge potential is further reduced. Appropriate concentrations of HBF4 and Pb(Ⅱ) were determined to be 2 mol ·L^-1 and greater than 0.9 mol·L^-1, respectively.

Understanding the impact of microstructure of lithium-ion battery electrodes on performance is important for the development of relevant technologies. In the present work, the Monte Carlo Ising model was extended for the reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) microstructure of a LiCoO₂ lithium-ion battery cathode. The electrode is reconstructed with a resolution on the scale of 50 nanometers, which allows three individual phases to be evidently distinguished: LiCoO₂ particles as the active material, pores or electrolyte and additives (polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) + carbon black). Characterization of the reconstructed cathode reveals some important structural and transport properties, including the geometrical connectivity and tortuosity of specific phases, the spatial distribution and volume fractions of specific phases, the specific surface area, and the pore size distribution. A D3Q15 lattice Boltzmann model (LBM) was developed and used to calculate the effective thermal conductivity and the effective transport coefficient of the electrolyte (or solid) phase. It is found that tortuosity values determined by LBMare more reliable than those predicted by the random walk simulation or the Bruggeman equation.

We develop a model for the multi-disciplinary transport coupled electrochemical reaction processes in lithium-ion batteries via a smoothed particle hydrodynamics numerical approach. This model is based on a mesoscopic treatment to the micropore structures of electrodes. Focusing on the effects of solid active particle size, this work explores the feasibility of using this model for electrode microstructure design. The model results provide detailed distributive information of all the primary and participating parameters, including Li⁺ concentration in the electrolyte, Li concentration in solid active particles, solid/electrolyte phase potential, and transfer current density. Furthermore, macroscopic parameters such as the output voltage are also determined. Based on the simulation results, the underlying physicochemical fundamentals are analyzed and the relationships between the macroscopic performance of the battery and the size of solid active particles are revealed. The battery having the smallest solid active particles in both electrodes features a more uniform Li distribution inside the particles and a more uniform distribution of electrochemical reactions on the surface of each particle, leading to a higher output voltage.

Polypyrrole/sodium alginate (PPy/SA) nanospheres are successfully synthesized by oxidative polymerization of pyrrole using sodium alginate as structural templating agent. The morphology and structure of the PPy/SAnanospheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Their electrochemical properties are investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests. The PPy/SAnanospheres exhibit a high specific capacitance of 347 F·g^-1 at a charge-discharge current density of 1 A·g^-1 in 1 mol·L^-1 KCl electrolyte. Unlike pure PPy, there was little attenuation in the capacitance of the PPy/SAnanospheres over 500 continuous charging-discharging cycles demonstrating od electrochemical stability. This result indicates that PPy/SAnanospheres are a promising candidate for high-performance supercapacitors.

In this paper, we studied the formation of free ·OH on a TiO₂ nanotube array electrode in a photo-induced confined etching system. We used fluorescence spectroscopy, transient photocurrent response, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott-Schottky analysis to investigate the influence of several key factors, including the applied potential, the illumination time, and the pHvalue. The highest efficiency for the photoelectrocatalytic formation of free ·OH on the TiO₂ nanotube array electrode was achieved at an applied potential of 1.0 V (vs a saturated calomel electrode (SCE)); the photoelectrocatalytic generation and consumption of free ·OH quickly approached a steady state in this system, as the confined etching layer formed by ·OH remained stable during illumination. This may allow od control of the etching precision during continuous etching processes. The highest efficiency for the photoelectrocatalytic formation of free ·OH on the TiO₂ nanotube array electrode was observed at pH10. The results have an important significance for regulating and optimizing photo-induced confined etching system, which can be used to improve the etching speed or the leveling precision during the planarization of copper.

Spherical and flower-like ZnO micro/nanomaterials are synthesized through a hydrothermal method. ZnO/BiVO₄-V₂O₅ composite structures are then prepared in a solution containing Bi(NO₃)₃ and NH₄VO₃.The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopic (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Surface photovoltage (SPV), surface photocurrent (SPC), and transient photovoltage (TPV) techniques were used to investigate the generation and transport mechanisms of the photogenerated charge carriers in the heterogeneous ZnO/BiVO₄-V₂O₅ structure. The composite materials show od photoelectric response to visible light. Highly efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers is observed, and the so-formed charge carriers are long lived. Measurements of surface photocurrent by comb-like electrode were performed on the ZnO/BiVO₄-V₂O₅ system. Under irradiation by weak monochromatic light (wavelength: 500 nm), the ZnO/BiVO₄-V₂O₅composite materials generate surface photocurrent responses with od reproducibility.

The corrosion behavior of 3Cr steel in atmospheres composed of only O₂ or CO₂ or a combination of O₂ and CO₂ was investigated using an autoclave. The characteristics of the corrosion scale of the 3Cr steel were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), and electrochemical methods. The corrosion scale developed in the combined O₂ and CO₂ atmosphere was composed of FeCO₃, Fe₂O₃, and Fe₃O₄, and had a loose texture with a large number of pores. The surface and subsurface corrosion film resistance (R_f1, R_f2) and charge transfer resistance (R_t) were all lower than those found in samples treated in only CO₂ or O₂ atmospheres. The double-layer capacitance (C_dl) and corrosion film capacitance (C_f1, C_f2) were higher for the sample treated in the combined O₂ and CO₂ atmosphere than for those treated in only CO₂ or O₂ atmospheres. The resistance to formation of a corrosion film on the 3Cr steel in the combined O₂and CO₂ atmosphere was significantly lower than in the CO₂ only atmosphere. The corrosion mechanism of 3Cr steel is proposed: In the O₂ and CO₂ environment the corrosion is proceed by the formation of several corrosion products causing a loose film to develop. The Cr(OH)₃ layer which can greatly improve the protection of the corrosion film formed in a CO₂ only corrosion environment is not found in the O₂ and CO₂ environment, thus promoted the corrosion process of hydrogen evolutional and oxidation corrosion in acid medium.

Nanofibers and vesicles are fabricated in aqueous solution by self-assembly of complexes of cationic Gemini surfactants ((C_sH_2s-α,ω-(Me₂N⁺C_mH_2m+1Br^-)₂, m-s-m) and anionic bile salts (BS). Their morphology, structure, and properties are characterized by polarized optical microscopy (POM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The morphology of these aggregates was significantly influenced by minor structural changes of the building blocks, including the spacer and alkyl chain lengths of m-s-m, and the hydroxyl group number and position on the steroid skeleton of the BS. The formation of these aggregates is considered to arise mainly fromelectrostatic interactions, with contributions fromhydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The results obtained may be helpful for understanding the mechanisms of ionic self-assembly and aid the design of novel supramolecular aggregates.

Sulfonic acid functionalized MIL-101(Cr) (S-MIL-101(Cr)) are obtained by sulfonation of MIL-101(Cr) (Cr₃F(H₂O)₂O[(O₂C)-C₆H₄-(CO₂)]₃·nH₂O (n~25)) using triflic anhydride and sulfuric acid. The amount of sulfonic groups in the framework can be controlled by changing the molar ratio of MIL-101(Cr), triflic anhydride, and sulfuric acid. The sulfonated samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nitrogen physical adsorption/desorption, acid-base potentiometric titration, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that the sulfonated samples retain the general structure of MIL-101(Cr), but the specific areas and pore diameters decrease. The sulfonated samples formed with between 0.21 and 0.42 mmol·g^-1 of sulfonic acid groups. The adsorptive denitrogenation of a model fuel by different S-MIL-101(Cr) samples was investigated in batch adsorption experiments. Sulfonation can strengthen the interactions between nitrogen-containing compounds (NCCs) and the adsorbent. The sample obtained using a molar ratio of n(MIL-101(Cr)):n(H₂SO₄):n(Tf₂O)=1:3:4.5 had the largest adsorption capacity for quinoline and indole. Compared with the bare MIL-101(Cr), this sulfonated material showed enhancement of the maximum adsorption capacity by 12.2% and 6.3% for quinoline and indole, respectively. Regeneration of the used adsorbent was conducted by washing with ethanol, and the adsorptive capacity for NCCs from the model-fuel showed no obvious decrease after three cycles of use.

A series of Fe-Al pillared bentonites with different Fe contents were synthesized through a simple ion exchange method. The samples were used as catalysts for the heterogeneous Fenton degradation of Orange II. The microstructure of the catalysts was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area measurements (S_BET), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained results showed that the pillaring process increased the basal spacing (d₍₀₀₁₎) from 1.24 nm for the Na-bentonite (Bent) to 1.77 nm for the Al-Bent and ~1.72 nm for the Fe-Al pillared bentonites. The S_BET values of the samples were increased after pillaring. It was obvious from the XRD and Raman results that intercalation was not achieved and that hematite was formed in the 20Fe-Al-Bent sample. The influence of Fe content on the degradation of Orange II was investigated. The catalytic activity of pillared bentonites increased with Fe content and hardly increased when the molar ratio of Fe/(Al + Fe) in the pillaring solution exceeded 10% . The decolorization efficiency and chemical oxygen demand (COD_Cr) removal of Orange II reached 100% and 87.73%, respectively, after 4 h oxidation reaction using the 10Fe-Al-Bent sample. It is also proved that the whole decomposition of Orange II by 10Fe-Al-Bent was dominated by heterogeneous Fenton reaction. The catalysts were chemically stable and reusable, with low release of iron.

A La_0.7Sr_0.3Co_0.8Fe_0.2O₃ perovskite-type catalyst was synthesized by a sol-gel method. The influence of different reductants (CO, C₃H₆, and H₂) on the NO_x storage capacity and NO-to-NO₂ conversion of the perovskite was evaluated before and after the NO_x storage-reduction (NSR) tests. Our O₂temperature programmed desorption findings showed that a large number of oxygen vacancies were generated in the COreduced perovskite. These oxygen vacancies are effective sites for NO_x storage. The catalytic tests and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results showed that during the NSRtests of catalysts that used CO as the reductant, the catalysts demonstrated excellent NO_x storage performance. Further investigations revealed the generation of a new Sr₃Fe₂O₇ phase in the catalyst. This new phase may possess better NO_x storage ability than the La_0.7Sr_0.3Co_0.8Fe_0.2O₃ perovskite. In conclusion, the NO_x storage ability of the catalyst was greatly improved after reduction by CO due to an increase in oxygen vacancies and the generation of a Sr₃Fe₂O₇ phase during NSR cycling.

This paper investigated the vapor-phase synthesis of 3-methylindole from glycerol and aniline over the catalyst of Cu/SiO₂-Al₂O₃ modified by Co or Ni. The catalysts were characterized by N₂ adsorption, H₂ temperature-programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH₃-TPD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The results indicated that adding Co or Ni to Cu/SiO₂-Al₂O₃ improved the performance of the catalyst and Co exhibited higher efficiency than Ni. The yields of 3-methylindole over Cu-Co/SiO₂-Al₂O₃ and Cu-Ni/SiO₂-Al₂O₃ reached 47% and 45%, respectively at the third hour of reaction and the yields remained 44% and 42% after the catalysts were regenerated six times. The characterizations revealed that the addition of Co or Ni to Cu/SiO₂-Al₂O₃ improved the interaction between copper and the support, which promoted the dispersion of Cu particles on the surface of the support, and also prevented the loss of the copper component during the reaction. Furthermore, Co or Ni promoter decreased the amount of the middle-strong acid sites on the catalyst surface, which gave rise to a high selectivity for 3-methylindole, and inhibited the formation of the coke. In addition, Co promoter increased the amount of the weak acid sites on the catalyst, which was favorable for the production of 3-methylindole. Acatalytic mechanism in which copper and weak acid sites acted together to promote the formation of 3-methylindole was proposed.

NiO/CeO₂ catalysts with different NiO loadings were prepared by a novel solid state impregnation method. The physical and chemical properties of these catalysts were compared with those of catalysts prepared by traditional wet impregnation method. The catalysts were tested for low temperature catalytic CO oxidation and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ physical adsorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), H₂ temperature-programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), Raman spectrum, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). CO oxidation results showed that nickel-ceria catalysts were od candidates for low temperature CO oxidation, with complete oxidation achieved at temperatures below 200 ℃. The activity of the catalysts increased with nickel loading, and those prepared using the solid state impregnation method displayed higher activities than those prepared by wet impregnation method at the same nickel loading. TEM, XPS, and H₂-TPRresults showed that solid state impregnation increased the dispersion of the nickel species on the surface of catalysts and strengthened the interactions between nickel and cerium, which benefited the reduction of nickel species. Raman results showed that the 0001 concentration of oxygen vacancies in the catalysts could be increased using the solid state impregnation method, likely because of more doped nickel ions in the ceria lattice, which promote the activation of oxygen molecules to facilitate the CO oxidation.

Superhydrophobic surfaces exhibit self-cleaning, water-repellency and anti-sticking properties, and thus have potential applications in various fields. Maintaining the stability of superhydrophobicity and avoiding the intrusion of water are essential preconditions for realization of these properties. Based on the total reflection of underwater superhydrophobic interface and vacuum technique, we propose a continuous and visual method for investigating the wetting behavior and critical pressure of Cassie-Wenzel transition. The results indicate that, for a typical surface covered by asperities, the wetting transition has four stages; non-wetting stage, primary wetting stage, enhanced wetting stage, and complete wetting stage. The critical pressure during the primary wetting stage agrees with the theoretical one. The enhanced wetting stage takes place at a relatively high pressure, which drives the solid/liquid system into the complete wetting stage. In comparison with columnar microstructures, the lotus leaf does not exhibit the non-wetting stage during the wetting transition. This difference lies in their resistance mechanisms; columnar microstructures adapt to external pressure by increasing the curvature of the meniscus that hangs between pillars, while papillary microstructures adapt to external pressure by enhancing the capillary force via increased density of three-phase contact line during the wetting process.

To obtain novel complexes with active grafting ability and high fluorescent sensing performance, four phenanthroline ligands 2-(4-aminophenyl)-1H-imidazole[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrene (CImPB-NH₂), 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-imidazole[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrene (CImPB-OH), 2-(4-carboxylphenyl)-1H-imidazole[4, 5-f][1,10]phenanthrene (CImPB-COOH), and 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazole[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrene (CImPB-NO₂) and theirruthenium(II) complexes were synthesized. The photoelectric properties of the four complexes were evaluated with UV-Vis absorption measurements, fluorescence spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations. UV-Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy results show that the four complexes have broad, strong absorption in the visible light region, and display bright luminescence, exhibiting colors from green to red. In N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution, compared with that of [Ru(phen-NH₂)(bpy)₂]²⁺ which has no phenylimidazole group, the fluorescence quantum yield of the [Ru(CImPB-NH₂) (bpy)₂]²⁺ is increased by about 67% and that of [Ru(CImPB-COOH)(bpy)₂]²⁺ is enhanced 18 times to 29.8%, emitting bright red light from 600 to 620 nm. Calculation results indicate that an extending conjugated π system is formed along the whole ligand molecular skeleton among the aromaticities of benzene, imidazole and phenanthrene, the effective conjugation length of which is increased significantly compared with the single phenanthrene ligand, and a approximate octahedral configuration is built between Ru and the functional phenanthrene ligand. All the data indicate that the results of the theoretical calculations are in od agreement with the experimental results. These investigations might provide valuable data for designing grafting and fluorescent sensors with high performance.

An efficient method for preparing highly dispersed bimetallic catalysts is described based on the different Point Zero Charges of Fe₂O₃ and SiO₂. The strong electrostatic adsorption (SEA) technique was applied to the preparation of Pt-promoted Fe/SiO₂ by driving the Pt precursor onto the Fe₂O₃ phase instead of the silica support. Characterization of the samples was carried out using N₂ adsorptiondesorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that the SEA method can control the uptake of Pt onto the transition metal oxide instead of silica, forming tight coupling between the Pt and transition metal after reduction. Compared with the incipient wetness (IW) method, the SEA technique produced more intimately designed bimetallic particles with small, uniform distribution after reduction. The particle size is about 2 nm. From Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) reaction, the catalyst using SEA shows higher F-T activity and stability. The conversion is more than 51% after 150 h on the stream.