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Reactions, Volume 6, Issue 4 (December 2025) – 6 articles

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12 pages, 2898 KB  
Article
Unraveling the Electrochemical Reaction Mechanism of Bronze-Phase Titanium Dioxide in Sodium-Ion Batteries
by Denis Opra, Sergey Sinebryukhov, Alexander Sokolov, Andrey Gerasimenko, Sviatoslav Sukhoverkhov, Andrey Sidorin, Alexandra Zavidnaya and Sergey Gnedenkov
Reactions 2025, 6(4), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions6040056 - 7 Oct 2025
Viewed by 263
Abstract
Searching anode materials is an important task for the development of sodium-ion batteries. In this regard, bronze-phase titanium dioxide, TiO2(B), has been considered as one of the promising materials, owing to its crystal structure with open channels and voids facilitating Na [...] Read more.
Searching anode materials is an important task for the development of sodium-ion batteries. In this regard, bronze-phase titanium dioxide, TiO2(B), has been considered as one of the promising materials, owing to its crystal structure with open channels and voids facilitating Na+ diffusion and storage. However, the electrochemical de-/sodiation mechanism of TiO2(B) has not been clearly comprehended, and further experiments are required. Herein, in situ and ex situ observations by a combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to provide additional insights into the electrochemical reaction scenario of bronze-phase TiO2 in Na-ion batteries. The findings reveal that de-/sodiation of TiO2(B) occurs through a reversible intercalation reaction and without the involvement of the conversion reaction (no metallic titanium is formed and no oxygen is released). At the same time, upon the first Na+ uptake process, crystalline TiO2(B) becomes partially amorphous, but is still driven by the Ti4+/Ti3+ redox couple. Importantly, TiO2(B) has pseudocapacitive electrochemical behavior during de-/sodiation based on a quantitative analysis of the cyclic voltammetry data. The results obtained in this study complement existing insights into the sodium storage mechanisms of TiO2(B) and provide useful knowledge for further improving its anode performance for SIBs application. Full article
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41 pages, 6916 KB  
Review
Green Photocatalysis: A Comprehensive Review of Plant-Based Materials for Sustainable Water Purification
by Safiya Mallah, Mariam El Mchaouri, Salma El Meziani, Hafida Agnaou, Hajar El Haddaj, Wafaa Boumya, Noureddine Barka and Alaâeddine Elhalil
Reactions 2025, 6(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions6040055 - 5 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Green synthesis represents a sustainable, reliable, and eco-friendly approach for producing various materials and nanomaterials, including metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. This environmentally conscious method has garnered significant attention from materials scientists. In recent years, interest in plant-mediated nanoparticle synthesis has grown markedly, [...] Read more.
Green synthesis represents a sustainable, reliable, and eco-friendly approach for producing various materials and nanomaterials, including metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. This environmentally conscious method has garnered significant attention from materials scientists. In recent years, interest in plant-mediated nanoparticle synthesis has grown markedly, owing to advantages such as enhanced product stability, low synthesis costs, and the use of non-toxic, renewable resources. This review specifically focuses on the green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles using plant extracts, highlighting five key oxides: TiO2, ZnO, WO3, CuO, and Fe2O3, which are prepared through various plant-based methods. The release of toxic effluents like synthetic dyes into the environment poses serious threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Therefore, the application of biosynthesized nanoparticles in removing such pollutants from industrial wastewater is critically examined. This paper discusses the synthesis routes, characterization techniques, green synthesis methodologies, and evaluates the photocatalytic performance and dye degradation mechanisms of these plant-derived nanoparticles. Full article
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16 pages, 627 KB  
Article
Regioselectivity of the Claisen Rearrangement of Meta- and Para-Substituted Allyl Aryl Ethers
by William Thomas Möller, Svava Dögg Hreinsdóttir, Luis Antonio Arana and Benjamín Ragnar Sveinbjörnsson
Reactions 2025, 6(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions6040054 - 5 Oct 2025
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Abstract
The regioselectivity of the Claisen rearrangement with different meta-substituted and meta- and para-substituted allyl phenyl ethers was investigated. The main results were that in meta-substituted Claisen rearrangements the regioselectivity depends roughly on the electronic nature of the substituent, with electron-donating groups favoring migration [...] Read more.
The regioselectivity of the Claisen rearrangement with different meta-substituted and meta- and para-substituted allyl phenyl ethers was investigated. The main results were that in meta-substituted Claisen rearrangements the regioselectivity depends roughly on the electronic nature of the substituent, with electron-donating groups favoring migration further from the meta-substituent while electron-withdrawing groups favor migration towards the meta-substituent. Different para-substituents were tested with two meta-substituents, Me, and Cl. Most of the para-substituent tested had a clear effect on the product ratio, in all but one case enhancing the proportion of the major product favored by the meta-substituent. Population analysis was performed with Mulliken, Löwdin, Hirshfeld, and natural population analysis to analyze the influence of the substituents on the atomic charges on the reaction sites. It was observed that the atomic charge on the carbon that forms the major isomer is of higher negativity than the atomic charge on the carbon that forms the minor isomer. Full article
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16 pages, 1415 KB  
Article
Decolorization and Detoxification of Synthetic Dyes by Trametes versicolor Laccase Under Salt Stress Conditions
by Thaís Marques Uber, Danielly Maria Paixão Novi, Luana Yumi Murase, Vinícius Mateus Salvatori Cheute, Samanta Shiraishi Kagueyama, Alex Graça Contato, Rosely Aparecida Peralta, Adelar Bracht and Rosane Marina Peralta
Reactions 2025, 6(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions6040053 - 3 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Fungal laccases are promising oxidative enzymes for bioremediation applications, particularly in the degradation of synthetic dyes present in industrial effluents. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) on the activity of Trametes [...] Read more.
Fungal laccases are promising oxidative enzymes for bioremediation applications, particularly in the degradation of synthetic dyes present in industrial effluents. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) on the activity of Trametes versicolor laccase and its ability to decolorize Congo Red (CR), Malachite Green (MG), and Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR). Enzyme assays revealed concentration-dependent inhibition, with IC50 values of 0.22 ± 0.04 M for NaCl and 1.00 ± 0.09 M for Na2SO4, indicating stronger inhibition by chloride. Kinetic modeling showed mixed-type inhibition for both salts. Despite this effect, the enzyme maintained significant activity: after 12 h, decolorization efficiencies reached 95 ± 4.0% for MG, 88 ± 3.0% for RBBR, and 75 ± 3.0% for CR, even in the presence of 0.5 M salts. When applied to a mixture of the three dyes, decolorization decreased only slightly in saline medium (94.04 ± 4.0% to 83.43 ± 5.1%). FTIR spectra revealed minor structural changes, but toxicity assays confirmed marked detoxification, with radicle length in lettuce seeds increasing from 20–38 mm (untreated dyes) to 41–48 mm after enzymatic treatment. Fungal growth assays corroborated reduced toxicity of treated dyes. These findings demonstrate that T. versicolor laccase retains functional robustness under ionic stress, supporting its potential application in saline textile wastewater remediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Green and Sustainable Catalytic Process)
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10 pages, 1449 KB  
Article
Enhanced Cycling Stability of High-Voltage Sodium-Ion Batteries via DFEC-Driven Fluorinated Interface Engineering
by Xin Li, Yali Yao and Xinying Liu
Reactions 2025, 6(4), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions6040052 - 1 Oct 2025
Viewed by 710
Abstract
With their considerable capacity and structurally favorable characteristics, layered transition metal oxides have become strong contenders for cathode use in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Nevertheless, their practical deployment is challenged by pronounced capacity loss, predominantly induced by unstable cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI) at elevated voltages. [...] Read more.
With their considerable capacity and structurally favorable characteristics, layered transition metal oxides have become strong contenders for cathode use in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Nevertheless, their practical deployment is challenged by pronounced capacity loss, predominantly induced by unstable cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI) at elevated voltages. In this study, difluoroethylene carbonate (DFEC) is introduced as a functional electrolyte additive to engineer a robust and uniform CEI. The fluorine-enriched CEI effectively suppresses parasitic reactions, mitigates continuous electrolyte decomposition, and facilitates stable Na+ transport. Consequently, Na/NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 (Na/NFM) cells with 2 wt.% DFEC retain 78.36% of their initial capacity after 200 cycles at 1 C and 4.2 V, demonstrating excellent long-term stability. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm the higher oxidative stability of DFEC compared to conventional solvents, further supporting its interfacial protection role. This work offers valuable insights into electrolyte additive design for high-voltage SIBs and provides a practical route to significantly improve long-term electrochemical performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Reactions in 2025)
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20 pages, 4097 KB  
Article
Ethylene and 1-butene Oligomerization with Benzimidazole Complexes of Nickel and Iron: A Case of Tandem Reaction
by Nelson N. dos Santos, Marcos F. Silva, Alexandre F. Young, Marcos L. Dias and Mariana M. V. M. Souza
Reactions 2025, 6(4), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions6040051 - 24 Sep 2025
Viewed by 355
Abstract
The coordination chemistry of benzimidazole ligands combines σ donation and π backbonding. Owing to this electronic flexibility, benzimidazole ligands stabilize both electron deficient and electron-rich transition states in the catalytic cycle of Ziegler-Natta polymerizations. In this study, Fe(III) and Ni(II) complexes of 2-substituted-benzimidazoles [...] Read more.
The coordination chemistry of benzimidazole ligands combines σ donation and π backbonding. Owing to this electronic flexibility, benzimidazole ligands stabilize both electron deficient and electron-rich transition states in the catalytic cycle of Ziegler-Natta polymerizations. In this study, Fe(III) and Ni(II) complexes of 2-substituted-benzimidazoles were tested as catalysts for ethylene and 1-butene oligomerization. The tests realized in toluene yielded mainly butenes and minor amounts of hexenes. When dichloromethane was used as solvent, a tandem reaction took place and 1-butene produced by ethylene dimerization was further oligomerized, yielding octenes and dodecenes as main products. All tested catalysts exhibited moderate selectivity for 1-octene, indicating 1-ω enchainment in 1-butene dimerization. Beyond catalytic tests, a theoretical study of the ligand 2,2′-(furan-2,5-diyl)bis(1H-benzimidazole) confirmed the planar structure of this compound as evidenced by NMR spectroscopy. Full article
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