Inorganics

14 pages, 9284 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Rapid and Low-Cost Synthesis of ZSM-5 Single Crystals: The Inhibitory Effect of NH₄F on Twinning

by Juan Du, Xiang Wan, Caixiong Song, Kangsheng Wu, Wenbing Yang, Beiye Liu, Qi Yang, Jingjing Fang and Ayesha Razzaq

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080272 - 18 Aug 2025

Abstract

Crystal twinning, a common growth phenomenon, can substantially affect material performance in fields such as semiconductors, nonlinear optics, and drug development, yet its elimination during crystallization is challenging. This study presents a method for the controlled synthesis of ZSM-5 zeolite as either single [...] Read more.

Crystal twinning, a common growth phenomenon, can substantially affect material performance in fields such as semiconductors, nonlinear optics, and drug development, yet its elimination during crystallization is challenging. This study presents a method for the controlled synthesis of ZSM-5 zeolite as either single crystals or twinned crystals using kaolin as the primary raw material. The method leverages the etching effect of ammonium fluoride (NH

⁠_{4}

F) on the aluminosilicate structure derived from pre-treated kaolin. By adjusting the concentrations of NH

⁠_{4}

F and the structure-directing agent tetrapropylammonium bromide (TPABr), pure ZSM-5 single crystals and twinned crystals were selectively synthesized. Conventionally, NH

⁠_{4}

F is employed to introduce defects into zeolite structures. In contrast, this work demonstrates its utility in controlling crystal habit. The synthesis utilizes kaolin, an abundant and low-cost aluminosilicate mineral, to provide the entire aluminum source and a portion of the silicon source, offering an economical alternative to expensive precursors like aluminum isopropoxide. The resulting single and twinned crystals exhibited high crystallinity, demonstrating the viability of using natural minerals to produce high-quality zeolites. The physical and chemical properties of the kaolin-derived ZSM-5 were characterized and compared to those of ZSM-5 synthesized from conventional chemical reagents. A growth mechanism for the formation of single and twinned crystals is also proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Solid-State Chemistry)

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34 pages, 13202 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Some Novel Cr(III), Mn(II), and Pd(II) Complexes via the Sono-Chemical Route with a Chlorinated Quinolinyl-Imine Ligand: Structural Elucidation, Bioactivity Analysis, and Docking Simulations

by Dalal Alhashmialameer

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080271 - 18 Aug 2025

Abstract

The present study reports the sono-chemical synthesis of novel nanosized Cr(III), Mn(II), and Pd(II) complexes incorporating the chloro-2-(quinolin-8-yliminomethyl)-phenol imine ligand. The synthesized complexes were characterized using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), [...] Read more.

The present study reports the sono-chemical synthesis of novel nanosized Cr(III), Mn(II), and Pd(II) complexes incorporating the chloro-2-(quinolin-8-yliminomethyl)-phenol imine ligand. The synthesized complexes were characterized using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results confirmed the successful coordination of the ligand-to-metal centers, forming stable nanosized metal complexes with distinct physicochemical properties. Biological evaluations, including antimicrobial and antioxidant assays, revealed that the synthesized complexes exhibited enhanced biological activity compared to the free ligand, demonstrating potent antibacterial and antifungal properties against various pathogenic strains. The potential of the complexes to serve as efficient free-radical inhibitors was determined by employing DPPH radical scavenging assays, which underscored their significant antioxidant properties. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were conducted to elucidate the binding interactions of the metal complexes with biological targets, providing insights into their mechanism of action. The findings suggest that the synthesized nanosized Cr(III), Mn(II), and Pd(II) complexes possess promising biological properties, making them potential candidates for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. The study also demonstrates the effectiveness of sono-chemical synthesis in producing nanosized metal complexes with enhanced physicochemical and biological characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Metal Complexes)

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27 pages, 14331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Comprehensive Study of TiO₂ Blocking Layer with Complementary Electrochemical and SPM Methods for the Application in Photovoltaics

by Evgenija Milinković, Katarina Cvetanović, Marko V. Bošković, Nastasija Conić, Vladislav Jovanov, Dragomir Stanisavljev and Dana Vasiljević-Radović

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080270 - 17 Aug 2025

Abstract

The blocking layer is crucial for inhibiting recombination processes in photovoltaics that utilize oxide semiconductors, such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), and perovskite solar cells. However, its effectiveness strongly depends on the chosen deposition method. This study systematically evaluates [...] Read more.

The blocking layer is crucial for inhibiting recombination processes in photovoltaics that utilize oxide semiconductors, such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), and perovskite solar cells. However, its effectiveness strongly depends on the chosen deposition method. This study systematically evaluates the most suitable approach for obtaining a uniform, pinhole-free titanium dioxide (TiO₂) blocking layer by using three deposition methods: radio-frequency sputtering, spin-coating, and chemical bath deposition. The electrochemical, optical, and morphological properties of blocking layers were characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), UV-VIS spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). KPFM analysis, together with CV and EIS, revealed that the lower R_ct values and higher CV currents observed in spin-coated (SC_11-33) and vertically deposited CBD films (CB_5, CB_6) resulted from incomplete FTO coverage. In contrast, sputtered (SP_21-24) and horizontally deposited CBD films (CB_1, CB_2) demonstrated significantly higher R_ct values and improved surface coverage. Full DSSCs fabricated with SP_23, SC_33, and CB_2 confirmed the correlation between interfacial properties and photovoltaic performance. This combined approach offers a fast, material-efficient, and environmentally conscious screening method for optimizing blocking layers in solar cell technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Inorganic Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Catalysis Applications)

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16 pages, 7190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influences of π-Conjugated Aliphatic Chains in Ionic Liquids of Antimony Pentachloride with Pyridine Imidazolium Hybrid Salts: A DFT Study

by Manuel Luque-Román, Jesús Baldenebro-López, José J. Campos-Gaxiola, Adriana Cruz-Enríquez, Carlos A. Peñuelas, Alberto Báez-Castro, Rody Soto-Rojo, Tomás Delgado-Montiel, Samuel Soto-Acosta and Daniel Glossman-Mitnik

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080269 - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

A theoretical study was performed using Density Functional Theory (DFT) to investigate the impact of π-conjugated aliphatic chain growth on the chemical and electronic properties of hybrid antimony pentachloride salts with pyridine- and imidazolium-based cations. Ten molecular systems were optimized to determine their [...] Read more.

A theoretical study was performed using Density Functional Theory (DFT) to investigate the impact of π-conjugated aliphatic chain growth on the chemical and electronic properties of hybrid antimony pentachloride salts with pyridine- and imidazolium-based cations. Ten molecular systems were optimized to determine their ground-state geometry. Using conceptual DFT, parameters such as chemical hardness, electrophilicity index, electroaccepting power, and electrodonating power were studied. The energy gap was obtained for all ten molecular systems, ranging from −4.038 to −3.706 eV as the chain length increased, favoring intramolecular charge transfer in long-chain systems. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis showed charge redistribution between anion and cation as the π-conjugated aliphatic chain grows. At the same time, non-covalent interaction (NCI) studies revealed key attractions and repulsive interactions, such as H···Cl and Cl···π, which are modulated by chain length. These results demonstrate that the structural modification of the cation allows for the fine-tuning of the electronic properties of ionic liquids (ILs). Increasing the conjugated aliphatic chain length was observed to reduce the chemical hardness and electrophilicity index, as well as affecting the Egap of the molecular systems. This work demonstrates that there is an optimal size for the inorganic ion, allowing it to form an optimal IL compound. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Ion Research and Applications)

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25 pages, 10624 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Synthesis and Applications of Bismuth Vanadate-Based Structures

by Dragana Marinković, Giancarlo C. Righini and Maurizio Ferrari

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080268 - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

In recent years, researchers have made great efforts to develop effective semiconductor photocatalysts to harness the visible spectrum of sunlight in photocatalytic applications. Bismuth vanadate, BiVO₄, has emerged as one of the most promising candidates for photocatalytic applications among the few [...] Read more.

In recent years, researchers have made great efforts to develop effective semiconductor photocatalysts to harness the visible spectrum of sunlight in photocatalytic applications. Bismuth vanadate, BiVO₄, has emerged as one of the most promising candidates for photocatalytic applications among the few non-titania-based visible-light-driven semiconductor photocatalysts. BiVO₄-based structures are intensively studied due to their exceptional ionic conductivity, photocatalytic behavior under ultra-violet and visible light, dielectric properties, ferroelastic and paraelastic phase transitions, and strong pigmentation. BiVO₄ occurs in nature in three crystalline structures: orthorhombic pucherite, tetragonal dreyerite (tz), and monoclinic clinobisvanite (ms). All three crystal structures of BiVO₄ are n-type semiconductors with corresponding energy gap values of 2.34, 2.40, and 2.90 eV, respectively. Different methods of synthesis have been reported for the preparation of BiVO₄ structures of varying morphologies and sizes. The morphology of BiVO₄ is strongly influenced by the preparation method and reaction parameters. A comprehensive systematic study of developments, preparation methods, structure, properties, and advances in different applications over the past decades in research on BiVO₄-based structures will be described. Finally, the current challenges and future outlook of BiVO₄-based structures will be highlighted, in the hope of contributing to guidelines for future applications. Full article

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18 pages, 1014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Activity of Ethyl (2-(Methylcarbamoyl)phenyl)carbamate and Its Mixed Ligand Ni(II) and Co(II) Complexes

by Slava Tsoneva, Miglena Milusheva, Nikola Burdzhiev, Petya Marinova, Evelina Varbanova, Yulian Tumbarski, Rositsa Mihaylova, Emiliya Cherneva and Stoyanka Nikolova

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080267 - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to obtain ethyl (2-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl)carbamate and its metal complexes as promising antimicrobial agents. The title compound was synthesized using the ring-opening of isatoic anhydride with methylamine and further acylation with ethyl chloroformate. All metal complexes were successfully obtained [...] Read more.

The aim of this paper is to obtain ethyl (2-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl)carbamate and its metal complexes as promising antimicrobial agents. The title compound was synthesized using the ring-opening of isatoic anhydride with methylamine and further acylation with ethyl chloroformate. All metal complexes were successfully obtained after mixing the ligand dissolved in DMSO and water solutions of the corresponding metal salts and sodium hydroxide, in a metal-to-ligand-to base ratio 1:2:2. As a result, mixed ligand complexes of ethyl 2-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl)carbamate and 3-methylquinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione were obtained. The obtained complexes were characterized by their melting points, FTIR, NMR spectroscopy, and MP-AES. Then, the antimicrobial effect of the compounds against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, yeasts, and fungi was studied. Only the Co(II) complex showed antimicrobial activity against almost all Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The cobalt complex exhibited promising antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Micrococcus luteus with inhibition zones of 20 mm, Listeria monocytogenes (15 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (13 mm), as well as Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae (13 mm) and Proteus vulgaris (13 mm). Given the potential of metal complexes as antimicrobial agents, understanding their cytotoxic effects is crucial for evaluating their therapeutic safety. To assess the in vitro biocompatibility of the experimental compounds, a range of cell viability assays was conducted using human malignant leukemic cell lines (LAMA-84, K-562) and normal murine fibroblast cells (CCL-1). The Ni(II) complex shows IC₅₀ = 105.1 µM against human malignant leukemic cell lines LAMA-84. Based on the reported results, it may be concluded that the mixed cobalt complex of 2-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl)carbamate and 3-methylquinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione can be attributed as a promising antimicrobial agent. Future in vivo tests will contribute to establishing the antimicrobial properties of this complex. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Structural Analysis and Biological Activity of Metal Complexes)

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9 pages, 3634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Van Der Waals Mask-Assisted Strategy for Deterministic Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Organic−Inorganic Hybrid Perovskites Lateral Heterostructures

by Bin Han, Mengke Lin, Yanren Tang, Xingyu Liu, Bingtao Lian, Qi Qiu, Shukai Ding and Bingshe Xu

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080266 - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) organic−inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHPs) have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation optoelectronic applications. While vertical heterostructures of 2D OIHPs have been explored through mechanical stacking, the controlled fabrication of lateral heterostructures remains a significant challenge. Here, we present a lithography-free, van [...] Read more.

Two-dimensional (2D) organic−inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHPs) have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation optoelectronic applications. While vertical heterostructures of 2D OIHPs have been explored through mechanical stacking, the controlled fabrication of lateral heterostructures remains a significant challenge. Here, we present a lithography-free, van der Waals mask-assisted strategy for the deterministic fabrication of 2D OIHP lateral heterostructures. Mechanically exfoliated 2D materials such as graphene serve as removable masks that enable selective conversion of unmasked perovskite regions via ion exchange reaction. This technique enables the fabrication of various lateral heterostructures, such as BA₂MA₂Pb₃I₁₀/MAPbI₃, PEAPbI₄/MAPbI₃, as well as BA₂MAPb₂I₇/MAPbBr₃. Furthermore, complex multiheterostructures and superlattices can be constructed through sequential masking and conversion processes. Moreover, to investigate the electronic properties and demonstrate potential device applications of the lateral heterostructures, we have fabricated an electrical diode based on a BA₂MA₂Pb₃I₁₀/MAPbI₃ lateral heterostructure. Stable electrical rectifying behavior with a rectification ratio of around 10 was observed. This general and flexible approach provides a robust platform for constructing 2D OIHPs lateral heterostructures and opens new pathways for their integration into high-performance optoelectronic devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Materials)

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16 pages, 1084 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zinc Complexes of Guanidine– and Amidine–Phenolate Ligands for the Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactide

by Víctor Flores-Romero, Jesse LeBlanc and Gino G. Lavoie

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080265 - 13 Aug 2025

Abstract

A series of Zn complexes containing guanidine– and amidine–phenolate ligands were synthesized and evaluated as catalysts for the polymerization of rac-lactide at 130 °C, under solvent-free conditions, giving rate constants in the range of 0.71–4.37 × 10^–4 s^–1. Polymerization [...] Read more.

A series of Zn complexes containing guanidine– and amidine–phenolate ligands were synthesized and evaluated as catalysts for the polymerization of rac-lactide at 130 °C, under solvent-free conditions, giving rate constants in the range of 0.71–4.37 × 10^–4 s^–1. Polymerization under identical conditions with the guanidine– and amidine–phenol proligands themselves used as catalysts gave values in the range of 0.30–2.45 × 10^–4 s^–1. The stereoselective production of polylactic acid from either the Zn complexes or the proligands was limited (P_r = 0.47–0.62). The molecular weight of the polymers was lower than expected for living polymerizations due to chain transfer and/or transesterification but were comparable to those obtained in control experiments with Sn(Oct)₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Organometallic Chemistry)

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11 pages, 2667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pressure Effects on Structure and Optical Properties in Sn(II)-Doped Cs₂ZnCl₄ All-Inorganic Zero-Dimensional Halide Perovskite

by Ting Geng, Mengqing Wang, Yuhan Qin, Zhuo Chen, Ao Zhang, Chunmei Zhang, Yongguang Li and Guanjun Xiao

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080264 - 13 Aug 2025

Abstract

The toxicity of lead in conventional perovskites and their inherent chemical instability impede the commercialization of perovskite-based optoelectronics. Therefore, it is vital to develop chemically stable and environmentally friendly Pb-free alternatives. Recently, zero-dimensional (0D) all-inorganic Cs₂ZnCl₄ doped with Sn(II) has [...] Read more.

The toxicity of lead in conventional perovskites and their inherent chemical instability impede the commercialization of perovskite-based optoelectronics. Therefore, it is vital to develop chemically stable and environmentally friendly Pb-free alternatives. Recently, zero-dimensional (0D) all-inorganic Cs₂ZnCl₄ doped with Sn(II) has emerged as a promising candidate, exhibiting superior chemical robustness, minimal biotoxicity, and exceptional optoelectronic properties. In this work, pressure effects on structure and optical properties in Sn(II)-doped all-inorganic zero-dimensional halide perovskite are investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The structure–property relationship of Sn(II)-doped Cs₂ZnCl₄ is studied using high-pressure techniques. Piezochromism, accompanied by a remarkable change in emission color from orange/red and green to orange/yellow, was obtained from 1 atm to 22.5 GPa. Angle dispersive synchrotron X-ray diffraction (ADXRD) patterns and Raman spectra manifest that the material underwent an isostructural phase transition followed by amorphization with increasing pressure. The piezochromism and band gap engineering originate from the pressure-induced lattice compression and isostructural phase transition. This work advances STE emission studies and provides a robust strategy to boost emission efficiency and to construct multifunctional materials with piezochromism in environmentally friendly perovskites, thus facilitating diverse future applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Semiconductor Materials for Energy Conversion)

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15 pages, 1459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Manganese(II) Complexes with 3,5–Dibromosalicylaldehyde: Characterization and Interaction Studies with DNA and Albumins

by Vasia Theodoulou, Ariadni Zianna, Antonios G. Hatzidimitriou and George Psomas

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080263 - 12 Aug 2025

Abstract

The interaction of manganese(II) with deprotonated 3,5–dibromo–salicylaldehyde (3,5–diBr–saloH) in the absence or the presence of the N,N′-donors 2,2′–bipyridylamine (bipyam), 2,2′–bipyridine (bipy), 1,10–phenanthroline (phen), and 2,9–dimethyl–1,10–phenanthroline (neoc) as co-ligands yielded five neutral mononuclear complexes, namely Mn(3,5-diBr-salo)₂(CH₃OH)₂ [...] Read more.

The interaction of manganese(II) with deprotonated 3,5–dibromo–salicylaldehyde (3,5–diBr–saloH) in the absence or the presence of the N,N′-donors 2,2′–bipyridylamine (bipyam), 2,2′–bipyridine (bipy), 1,10–phenanthroline (phen), and 2,9–dimethyl–1,10–phenanthroline (neoc) as co-ligands yielded five neutral mononuclear complexes, namely Mn(3,5-diBr-salo)₂(CH₃OH)₂] (complex 1), [Mn(3,5-diBr-salo)₂(bipyam)] (complex 2), [Mn(3,5-diBr-salo)₂(bipy)] (complex 3), [Mn(3,5-diBr-salo)₂(phen)] (complex 4), and [Mn(3,5-diBr-salo)₂(neoc)] (complex 5), respectively. The resultant complexes were characterized with physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography was applied to determine the crystal structure of complex 2. The evaluation of the potential biological profile of the complexes focused on the interaction with linear calf-thymus (CT) DNA, and bovine (BSA) and human (HSA) serum albumin. According to the data derived, the complexes interact intercalatively and strongly with CT DNA and associate tightly and reversibly with both albumins studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Metal Complexes)

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20 pages, 3618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unraveling the Effect of Synthesis Temperature and Metal Doping on the Structural, Optical, and Photocatalytic Properties of g-C₃N₄ for Enhanced E. coli Photodisinfection and Self-Cleaning Surface Applications

by D. Fabio Mercado, Isabel Cristina Ortega Bedoya, Gloria Cristina Valencia and Ricardo A. Torres-Palma

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080262 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

The development of efficient photocatalytic materials for waterborne pathogen inactivation and self-cleaning surfaces in biomedical applications remains a critical challenge due to the rising prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This study systematically investigates the structural, optical, and photocatalytic disinfection properties of graphitic carbon nitride [...] Read more.

The development of efficient photocatalytic materials for waterborne pathogen inactivation and self-cleaning surfaces in biomedical applications remains a critical challenge due to the rising prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This study systematically investigates the structural, optical, and photocatalytic disinfection properties of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) synthesized at variable temperatures (450–600 °C) and doped with transition metals (Mn, Co, Cu). Through FTIR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, we demonstrate that synthesis temperatures between 450 and 550 °C yield a well-ordered polymeric network with enhanced π-conjugation and charge separation, while 600 °C induces structural degradation. Metal doping with Mn and Co significantly enhances photocatalytic disinfection, achieving complete E. coli inactivation (6-log reduction) within 6 h via optimized reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The best material (g-C₃N₄ synthesized at 500 °C and doped with Mn) was integrated into sodium alginate hydrogel surfaces, demonstrating reusable self-cleaning functionality with sustained bactericidal activity (5.9-log CFU/mL reduction after five cycles). This work provides a roadmap for tailoring metal-doped g-C₃N₄ composites for practical antimicrobial applications, emphasizing the interplay between synthesis parameters, ROS dynamics, and real-world performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transition Metal Catalysts: Design, Synthesis and Applications)

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13 pages, 4335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mg-Doped O3-Na[Ni_0.6Fe_0.25Mn_0.15]O₂ Cathode for Long-Cycle-Life Na-Ion Batteries

by Zebin Song, Hao Zhou, Yin Zhang, Haining Ji, Liping Wang, Xiaobin Niu and Jian Gao

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080261 - 4 Aug 2025

Abstract

The O3-type layered oxide materials have the advantage of high specific capacity, which makes them more competitive in the practical application of cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, the existing reported O3-type layered oxide materials still have a complex irreversible phase transition [...] Read more.

The O3-type layered oxide materials have the advantage of high specific capacity, which makes them more competitive in the practical application of cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, the existing reported O3-type layered oxide materials still have a complex irreversible phase transition phenomenon, and the cycle life of batteries needs, with these materials, to be further improved to meet the requirements. Herein, we performed structural characterization and electrochemical performance tests on O3-NaNi_0.6−xFe_0.25Mn_0.15Mg_xO₂ (x = 0, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.075, denoted as NFM, NFM-2.5Mg, NFM-5.0Mg, and NFM-7.5Mg). The optimized NFM-2.5Mg has the largest sodium layer spacing, which can effectively enhance the transmission rate of sodium ions. Therefore, the reversible specific capacity can reach approximately 148.1 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.2C, and it can even achieve a capacity retention of 85.4% after 100 cycles at 1C, demonstrating excellent cycle stability. Moreover, at a low temperature of 0 °C, it also can keep capacity retention of 86.6% after 150 cycles at 1C. This study provides a view on the cycling performance improvement of sodium-ion layered oxide cathodes with a high theoretical specific capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Electrode Chemistry for Next-Generation Electrochemical Energy Storage)

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5 pages, 195 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Functional Inorganic Biomaterials for Molecular Sensing and Biomedical Applications

by Nabanita Saikia

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080260 - 4 Aug 2025

Abstract

Inorganic biomaterials comprise a broad array of materials that include metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Inorganic Biomaterials for Molecular Sensing and Biomedical Applications)

27 pages, 747 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Insight into the Disease Prognostic Potentials of Nanosensors

by Nandu K. Mohanan, Nandana S. Mohanan, Surya Mol Sukumaran, Thaikatt Madhusudhanan Dhanya, Sneha S. Pillai, Pradeep Kumar Rajan and Saumya S. Pillai

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080259 - 4 Aug 2025

Abstract

Growing interest in the future applications of nanotechnology in medicine has led to groundbreaking developments in nanosensors. Nanosensors are excellent platforms that provide reliable solutions for continuous monitoring and real-time detection of clinical targets. Nanosensors have attracted great attention due to their remarkable [...] Read more.

Growing interest in the future applications of nanotechnology in medicine has led to groundbreaking developments in nanosensors. Nanosensors are excellent platforms that provide reliable solutions for continuous monitoring and real-time detection of clinical targets. Nanosensors have attracted great attention due to their remarkable sensitivity, portability, selectivity, and automated data acquisition. The exceptional nanoscale properties of nanomaterials used in the nanosensors boost their sensing potential even at minimal concentrations of analytes present in a clinical sample. Along with applications in diverse sectors, the beneficial aspects of nanosensors have been exploited in healthcare systems to utilize their applications in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. Hence, in this review, we have presented an overview of the disease-prognostic applications of nanosensors in chronic diseases through a detailed literature analysis. We focused on the advances in various nanosensors in the field of major diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and neurodegenerative diseases along with other prevalent diseases. This review demonstrates various categories of nanosensors with different nanoparticle compositions and detection methods suitable for specific diagnostic applications in clinical settings. The chemical properties of different nanoparticles provide unique characteristics to each nanosensors for their specific applications. This will aid the detection of potential biomarkers or pathological conditions that correlate with the early detection of various diseases. The potential challenges and possible recommendations of the applications of nanosensors for disease diagnosis are also discussed. The consolidated information present in the review will help to better understand the disease-prognostic potentials of nanosensors, which can be utilized to explore new avenues in improved therapeutic interventions and treatment modalities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bioinorganic Chemistry)

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12 pages, 2532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance Achieved by Tri-Doping Modification in Prussian Blue Analogs

by Yanhong Ding, Bin Liu, Haiyan Xiang, Fangqi Ren, Tianzi Xu, Jiayi Liu, Haifeng Xu, Hanzhou Ding, Yirong Zhu and Fusheng Liu

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080258 - 2 Aug 2025

Abstract

The high cost of hydrogen production is the primary factor limiting the development of the hydrogen energy industry chain. Additionally, due to the inefficiency of hydrogen production by water electrolysis technology, the development of high-performance catalysts is an effective means of producing low-cost [...] Read more.

The high cost of hydrogen production is the primary factor limiting the development of the hydrogen energy industry chain. Additionally, due to the inefficiency of hydrogen production by water electrolysis technology, the development of high-performance catalysts is an effective means of producing low-cost hydrogen. In water electrolysis technology, the electrocatalytic activity of the electrode affects the kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution rate. This study utilizes the liquid phase co-precipitation method to synthesize three types of Prussian blue analog (PBA) electrocatalytic materials: Fe/PBA(Fe₄[Fe(CN)₆]₃), Fe-Mn/PBA((Fe, Mn)₃[Fe(CN)₆]₂·nH₂O), and Fe-Mn-Co/PBA((Mn, Co, Fe)₃^II[Fe^III(CN)₆]₂·nH₂O). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses show that Fe-Mn-Co/PBA has a smaller particle size and higher crystallinity, and its grain boundary defects provide more active sites for electrochemical reactions. The electrochemical test shows that Fe-Mn-Co/PBA exhibits the best electrochemical performance. The overpotential of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under 1 M alkaline electrolyte at 10/50 mA·cm⁻² is 270/350 mV, with a Tafel slope of 48 mV·dec⁻¹, and stable electrocatalytic activity is maintained at 5 mA·cm⁻². All of these are attributed to the synergistic effect of Fe, Mn, and Co metal ions, grain refinement, and the generation of grain boundary defects and internal stresses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Catalysts for Photoelectrochemical Energy Conversion)

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12 pages, 3641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metallic Lanthanum (III) Hybrid Magnetic Nanocellulose Composites for Enhanced DNA Capture via Rare-Earth Coordination Chemistry

by Jiayao Yang, Jie Fei, Hongpeng Wang and Ye Li

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080257 - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Lanthanide rare earth elements possess significant promise for material applications owing to their distinctive optical and magnetic characteristics, as well as their versatile coordination capabilities. This study introduced a lanthanide-functionalized magnetic nanocellulose composite (NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃) for effective phosphorus/nitrogen [...] Read more.

Lanthanide rare earth elements possess significant promise for material applications owing to their distinctive optical and magnetic characteristics, as well as their versatile coordination capabilities. This study introduced a lanthanide-functionalized magnetic nanocellulose composite (NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃) for effective phosphorus/nitrogen (P/N) ligand separation. The hybrid material employs the adaptable coordination geometry and strong affinity for oxygen of La³⁺ ions to show enhanced DNA-binding capacity via multi-site coordination with phosphate backbones and bases. This study utilized cellulose as a carrier, which was modified through carboxylation and amination processes employing deep eutectic solvents (DES) and polyethyleneimine. Magnetic nanoparticles and La(OH)₃ were subsequently incorporated into the cellulose via in situ growth. NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃ showed a specific surface area of 36.2 m²·g⁻¹ and a magnetic saturation intensity of 37 emu/g, facilitating the formation of ligands with accessible La³⁺ active sites, hence creating mesoporous interfaces that allow for fast separation. NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃ showed a significant affinity for DNA, with adsorption capacities reaching 243 mg/g, mostly due to the multistage coordination binding of La³⁺ to the phosphate groups and bases of DNA. Simultaneously, kinetic experiments indicated that the binding process adhered to a pseudo-secondary kinetic model, predominantly dependent on chemisorption. This study developed a unique rare-earth coordination-driven functional hybrid material, which is highly significant for constructing selective separation platforms for P/N-containing ligands. Full article

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13 pages, 1573 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress of Carbon Dots in Fluorescence Sensing

by Xiao-Tian Lou, Lei Zhan and Bin-Bin Chen

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080256 - 31 Jul 2025

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) have attracted much attention as new types of luminescent carbon nanomaterials in recent years because of their tunable fluorescence, good biocompatibility, high stability, and low cost. In this review, the classification of CDs is overviewed based on their differences in [...] Read more.

Carbon dots (CDs) have attracted much attention as new types of luminescent carbon nanomaterials in recent years because of their tunable fluorescence, good biocompatibility, high stability, and low cost. In this review, the classification of CDs is overviewed based on their differences in structure. Subsequently, the latest research progress of CDs in fluorescence sensing is systematically summarized and various sensing principles are elucidated in detail, including fluorescence resonance energy transfer, aggregation-induced emission, aggregation-caused quenching, electron transfer, and the inner filter effect. Finally, the challenges and future direction of CD fluorescent probes are discussed in detail. The purpose of this review is to stimulate the design of advanced CD fluorescent probes and achieve the accurate and reliable measurement of analytes in complex samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Application of Luminescent Materials, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 2722 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fluorene-Containing β-Diketonato Ligands and Their Rhodium(I) Complexes—A Characterization and Crystallographic Study

by Frederick Jacobus Francois Jacobs, Siyanda Khoza and Eleanor Fourie

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080255 - 30 Jul 2025

Abstract

The highly fluorescent fluorene group is of interest for its unique optical and electronic properties. By incorporating it into a metal complex, these properties are extended to the complex and are useful in a number of different applications. Four β-diketone ligands were synthesized [...] Read more.

The highly fluorescent fluorene group is of interest for its unique optical and electronic properties. By incorporating it into a metal complex, these properties are extended to the complex and are useful in a number of different applications. Four β-diketone ligands were synthesized containing the fluorene-functional group, where the varying substituent on the β-diketone was CF₃ (1), PhCF₃ (2), Ph (3) and PhCH₃ (4). The corresponding cyclooctadiene rhodium(I) complexes of the type [Rh(cod)((fluorene)COCHCOR)], with R = CF₃ (5), PhCF₃ (6), Ph (7) and PhCH₃ (8) were also synthesized. A crystal structure determination of 2 and 6 was performed, highlighting important changes in the ligand structure as a result of metal complexation. The structure of 2 also showed a hydrogen interaction between the hydroxy and carboxyl groups, forming a pseudo six-membered ring that stabilizes the enol form of the compound. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) of the β-diketones 1–4 showed a reduction wave for the reduction of the β-diketonato backbone between −1500 mV and −2100 mV as measured against ferrocene (FcH). CVs of rhodium(I) complexes 5–8 showed a reduction of the β-diketonato backbone between −1800 and −2000 mV, as well as an oxidation wave for the oxidation of the rhodium(I) metal centre at approximately 300 mV. Full article

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15 pages, 2096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Missing Member of the Anderson–Evans Family: Synthesis and Characterization of the Trimethylolmethane-Capped {MnMo₆O₂₄} Cluster

by Andreas Winter, Patrick Endres, Nishi Singh, Nils E. Schlörer, Helmar Görls, Stephan Kupfer and Ulrich S. Schubert

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080254 - 29 Jul 2025

Abstract

In this work, the synthesis and structural characterization of the smallest possible member of the family of bis-functionalized {MnMo₆O₂₄} Anderson–Evans polyoxometalates (POMs) is reported. The synthesis of the title compound TBA₃{[HC(CH₂O)₃]₂ [...] Read more.

In this work, the synthesis and structural characterization of the smallest possible member of the family of bis-functionalized {MnMo₆O₂₄} Anderson–Evans polyoxometalates (POMs) is reported. The synthesis of the title compound TBA₃{[HC(CH₂O)₃]₂MnMo₆O₁₈} (1) was accomplished by using trimethylolmethane as the capping unit (TBA: tetra(n-butyl)ammonium, n-B_u4N⁺). The molecular structure of the organic–inorganic POM gave rise to yet undisclosed ¹H-NMR features, which are discussed thoroughly. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a highly regular 3D packing of the polyoxoanions within a matrix of TBA cations. The hybrid POM is of particular interest regarding potential applications in photocatalysis (i.e., hydrogen evolution) and energy storage. Thus, the electrochemical and thermal properties of 1 are also analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polyoxometalate Chemistry: Structure, Synthesis, and Applications)

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