Imidazolate-bridged dicopper(II) and copper(II)–zinc(II) complexes of macrocyclic ligand with methylimidazol pendants: Model study of copper(II)–zinc(II) superoxide dismutase

Two new homo- and hetero-dinuclear complexes, [Cu₂L(im)](ClO₄)₃4H₂O (1) and [CuZnL(im)](ClO₄)₃4H₂O (2) (where Im=1H-1midazole and L = 3, 6, 9, 16, 19, 22-hexaaza-6, 19-bis(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)tricycle[22, 2, 2, 2^11,14]triaconta-1, 11, 13, 24, 27, 29-hexaene) were synthesized and characterized as model compounds for the active site of copper(II)–zinc(II) superoxide dismutase (Cu₂Zn₂–SOD). X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed that the metal centers in both complexes exhibit distorted trigonal-bipyramid coordination geometry and the CuCu and CuZn distances are both 6.02 Å. Magnetic and ESR spectral measurements of 1 showed antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the imidazolate-bridged Cu(II) ions. The ESR spectrum of 2 displays typical signals of mononuclear Cu(II) complex, demonstrating the formation of heterodinuclear complex 2 rather than a mixture of homodinuclear Cu(II)/Zn(II) complexes. pH-dependent ESR and UV–visible spectral measurements manifest that the imidazolate exists as a bridging ligand from pH 6 to 11 for both complexes. The IC₅₀ values of 1.96 and 1.57 μM [per Cu(II) ion] for 1 and 2 suggest that they are good models for the Cu₂Zn₂–SOD.     

Nanodiamond‐Embedded p‐Type Copper(I) Oxide Nanocrystals for Broad‐Spectrum Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Copper(I) oxide (Cu₂O) is an attractive photocatalyst because of its abundance, low toxicity, environmental compatibility, and narrow direct band gap, which allows efficient light harvesting. However, Cu₂O exhibits poor photocatalytic performance and photostability because of its short electron diffusion length and low hole mobility. Here, it is demonstrated that nanodiamond (ND) can greatly improve the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of the p‐type photocatalyst Cu₂O nanocrystals by nanocomposition. Compared with pure Cu₂O nanocrystals, this composite shows a tremendous improvement in HER performance and photostability. HER rates of 100.0 mg NDs‐Cu₂O nanocrystals are 1597 and 824 under the simulated solar light irradiation (AM 1.5, 100 mW cm^?2) and visible light irradiation (420–760 nm, 77.5 mW cm^?2), respectively. The solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency of this composite is 0.85%, which is nearly ten times higher than that of pure Cu₂O. The quantum efficiency of the composite is high, with values of 0.17% at and 0.23% at . The broad spectral response of ND provides numerous carriers for the subsequent reactions. The electron‐donating ability of ND and suitable band structures of the two components promote electron injection from ND to Cu₂O. These results suggest the broad applicability of ND to ameliorate the photoelectric properties of semiconductors.     

Heterobimetallic M/Zn (M = Cu, Ni) complexes with open-chain N- and N,O-ligands: Template synthesis from metal powders and supramolecular crystal structures

A series of new heterometallic Cu^IIZn^II and Ni^IIZn^II complexes with N- and N,O open-chain multidentate ligands (L¹ = 4,6,6-trimethyl-1,9-diamino-3,7-diazanon-3-ene; L² = 3,7-bis(2-aminoethyl)-1,3,5,7-tetraazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane; L³ = 1,15-dihydroxy-7,9,9-trimethyl-3,6,10,13-tetraazapentadec-6-ene and L⁴ = 1-hydroxy-9-oxy-4,6,6-trimethyl-3,7-diazanon-3-ene) have been prepared through the “direct template synthesis” approach, which is a combination of classical template reactions of amines with acetone/formaldehyde and the “direct synthesis” method based on using elemental metals as starting materials. There is a significant decrease in the reaction time when the “direct synthesis” method is used compared to the conventional template condensation methods. X-ray crystallographic analyses of the complexes with the general formula M(L)ZnX₄ and [CuL⁴ZnCl₃]₂ (M = Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺; L = L¹-L³; X = Cl⁻, NCS⁻) reveal the presence of long intermolecular distance interactions, such as semi-coordination, S?S and H-bonding, in their crystal organization.     

Chiral copper(I)—thiolate clusters in metallothionein and glutathione

Metallothionein (MT) is a ubiquitous mammalian protein comprising 61 or 62 nonaromatic amino acids of which 20 are cysteine residues. The high sulfhydryl content imparts to this protein a unique and remarkable ability to bind multiple metal ions in structurally significant metal–thiolate clusters. MT can bind seven divalent metal ions per protein molecule in two domains with exclusive tetrahedral metal coordination. The domain stoichiometries for the M₇S₂₀ structure are M₄(S_cys)₁₁ (α domain) and M₃(S_cys)₉ (β domain). Up to 12 Cu(I) ions can displace the 7 Zn²⁺ ions bound per molecule in Zn₇–MT. The incoming Cu(I) ions adopt a trigonal planar geometry with domain stoichiometries for the Cu₁₂S₂₀ structure of Cu₆(S_cys)₁₁ and Cu₆(S_cys)₉ for the α and β domains, respectively. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra recorded as Cu⁺ is added to Zn₇–MT to form Cu₁₂–MT directly report structural changes that take place in the metal binding region. The spectrum arises under charge transfer transitions between the cysteine S and the Cu(I); because the Cu(I)–thiolate cluster units are located within the chiral binding site, intensities in the CD spectrum are directly related to changes in the binding site. The CD technique clearly indicates stoichiometries of several Cu(I)–MT species. Model Cu(I)–thiolate complexes, using the tripeptide glutathione as the sulfhydryl source, were examined by CD spectroscopy to obtain transition energies and the Cu(I)–thiolate coordination geometries which correspond to these bands. Possible structures for the Cu(I)–thiolate clusters in the α and β domains of Cu₁₂–MT are proposed. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Heterometallic coordination polymers constructed by linear ligands

Eight lanthanide–copper coordination polymers of linear rigid 4-(4-pyridyl)benzoate(L¹) and isonicotinate(L²), [LnCuI(L¹)₂(OAc) (H₂O)]_n (Ln = Pr, 1; Nd, 2; Sm, 3; Eu, 4; Gd, 5), [Ln₂Cu₄I₃(L²)₇ (H₂O)]_n (Ln = La, 6; Pr, 7), and [Nd₂Cu₇I₆(L²)₇ (H₂O)₆]_n·2.5nH₂O (8), were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The three-dimensional frameworks of 1–5 can be described as wave-like layer modules of [Ln(L¹)₂(OAc)(H₂O)]_n linking with each other through dimeric units of Cu₂I₂, whereas that of compounds 6 and 7 are constructed by layer modules of and Cu₄I₃ clusters. As for 8, dimeric units of Nd₂(L²)₇(H₂O)₆ connect layered polymeric forming a 3D framework.     

叶面喷施氨基酸和微量元素对金银花生长发育和质量的影响

以2年生金银花为试验材料,采用叶面喷施法,研究不同浓度的苯丙氨酸(Phe)、酪氨酸(Lyr)以及锌(Zn2+)、铜(Cu2+)对金银花生长发育和质量的影响。结果显示:(1)喷施不同浓度的Phe、Lyr以及Zn2+、Cu2+对叶面积无明显影响;不同处理的叶绿素含量随喷施次数的增加而出现不同程度的下降,喷施浓度适宜则有助于叶绿素的合成;喷施一定浓度的Phe、Lyr以及Zn2+、Cu2+可增加花蕾重量,如经1 000mg/g Phe处理后的花蕾鲜重与干重较对照增加了20.1%和51.4%。(2)不同浓度的Phe、Lyr可显著影响碳代谢,但对氮代谢影响不明显;Zn2+、Cu2+对碳氮代谢产物影响较明显,如喷施10mg/L的CuSO4及ZnSO4可提高可溶性糖及淀粉含量。(3)除Zn2+处理后的花蕾类黄酮含量显著低于对照外,其他处理较CK无显著差异;花蕾总黄酮含量均显著低于对照,但绿原酸含量均高于对照。(4)叶片中离子含量受喷施次数及浓度影响较明显,除30mg/L CuSO4处理外,其它处理的花蕾中Zn2+、Cu2+、Fe2+含量均显著低于对照。研究表明,在金银花的第一茬花抽枝初期喷施适宜浓度的Phe、Lyr(如1 000mg/g Phe、2 000mg/g Lyr)以及Zn2+、Cu2+(如50mg/L ZnSO4、10mg/L CuSO4)可改善金银花的生长发育,并提高产量和质量。     

Production,characterization and application of a keratinase from Chryseobacterium L99 sp. nov.

Keratins are important bioresources for apparels and feedstuffs, but recalcitrant to common enzymes. Now, it is popular and essential to develop keratinolytic enzymes for environmental prevention and improvement of keratin product quality. In the study, the medium optimization, purification, characterization and application of the keratinase from a newly isolated Chryseobacterium L99 sp. nov. were conducted. Exogenous sucrose, malt sugar, glucose, starch, tryptone, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Cu²⁺ could promote the keratinase production, while exogenous urea, NH₄Cl and yeast extract exhibited strong inhibition effects. Response surface methodology predicted a maximum keratinase yield of 213.8 U mL⁻¹, at (g L⁻¹) sucrose 16.8, MgCl₂·6H₂O 1.9, feather keratin 40.0, NaH₂PO₄·2H₂O 6.0 and K₂HPO₄·6H₂O 1.0, where dry cell weight nearly had a minimum 8.58 g L⁻¹. Then, a serine keratinase about 33 kDa was purified, and its optimal activity was acquired at 40 °C and pH 8.0 with K⁺, Zn²⁺or Co²⁺. Compared with Savinase 16 L and transglutaminase, the L99 keratinase could efficient prevent shrinkage and eliminate directional frictional effect of wool, indicating it as a promising prospect in the biotreatment of wool fibres.     

Improved Heterojunction Quality in Cu2O-based Solar Cells Through the Optimization of Atmospheric Pressure Spatial Atomic Layer Deposited Zn1-xMgxO

Atmospheric pressure spatial atomic layer deposition (AP-SALD) was used to deposit n-type ZnO and Zn_1-xMg_xO thin films onto p-type thermally oxidized Cu₂O substrates outside vacuum at low temperature. The performance of photovoltaic devices featuring atmospherically fabricated ZnO/Cu₂O heterojunction was dependent on the conditions of AP-SALD film deposition, namely, the substrate temperature and deposition time, as well as on the Cu₂O substrate exposure to oxidizing agents prior to and during the ZnO deposition. Superficial Cu₂O to CuO oxidation was identified as a limiting factor to heterojunction quality due to recombination at the ZnO/Cu₂O interface. Optimization of AP-SALD conditions as well as keeping Cu₂O away from air and moisture in order to minimize Cu₂O surface oxidation led to improved device performance. A three-fold increase in the open-circuit voltage (up to 0.65 V) and a two-fold increase in the short-circuit current density produced solar cells with a record 2.2% power conversion efficiency (PCE). This PCE is the highest reported for a Zn_1-xMg_xO/Cu₂O heterojunction formed outside vacuum, which highlights atmospheric pressure spatial ALD as a promising technique for inexpensive and scalable fabrication of Cu₂O-based photovoltaics.     

Synthesis and characterization of new unsaturated macrobicyclic and bis(macrocyclic) copper(II) complexes containing N-CH2-N linkages

New copper(II) complexes [CuL²]²⁺ (L²=7,7,9-trimethyl-1,3,6,10,13-pentaazabicyclo[11,2,1^1.13]hexadec-9-ene) and [Cu₂(L³)(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ have been prepared by the reaction of [CuL¹]²⁺ (L¹=5,5,7-trimethyl-1,4,8,11,14-pentaazatetradce-7-ene) and formaldehyde. The mononuclear complex [CuL²]²⁺ has a square-planar coordination geometry with a 5-6-5-6 chelate ring sequence and is relatively stable even in low pH at room temperature. The dinuclear complex [Cu₂(L³)(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ consists of two unsaturated 15-membered pentaaza macrocyclic units (7,7,9-trimethyl-1,3,6,10,13-pentaazacyclopentadec-9-ene) that are linked together by a methylene group in a tilted face-to-face arrangement [Cu?Cu distance: 7.413(2) Å ]. Each macrocyclic unit of [Cu₂(L³)(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ contains one four-membered chelate ring and has a severely distorted octahedral coordination polyhedron. The dinuclear complex is quite stable in aqueous solutions containing an excess of formaldehyde or in dry acetonitrile but is decomposed to [CuL¹]²⁺ and [CuL²]²⁺ in pure water.     

Studies of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexation by bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononane) ligands containing alkene and alkyne bridging groups

The copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of three new 1,2-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononane) ligands containing unsaturated four carbon bridging groups is studied by continuous variation UV-Vis spectroscopic and pH potentiometric equilibrium experiments. The cis-butene-2 (L_C) linked ligand may form monomeric MN₆-type complexes while the trans-butene-2 (L_T) and butyne-2 (L_Y) ligands are prevented by their stereochemistry from forming monomeric complexes and form oligomeric complexes. It is determined that the stability of the CuL_C²⁺ complex is not appreciably different from the oligomeric complexes of L_T and L_Y. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations are made on three square pyramidal Cu₂L⁴⁺ complexes: [Cu₂L_CCl₄] (1), [Cu₂L_YCl₄] (2), and [Cu₂L_T(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ (3). The structure of [Ni₂(L_C)₂](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (4) is a binuclear dimer that contains two nickel(II) ions sandwiched between two ligands, indicating that bis([9]aneN₃) ligands with four linker atom chains may form either monomeric or oligomeric structures.     

Extended Light Harvesting with Dual Cu2O‐Based Photocathodes for High Efficiency Water Splitting

Cu₂O is one of the most promising light absorbing materials for solar energy conversion. Previous studies with Cu₂O for water splitting usually deliver high photocurrent or high photovoltage, but not both. Here, a Cu₂O/Ga₂O₃/TiO₂/RuO_x photocathode that benefits from a high quality thermally oxidized Cu₂O layer and good band alignment of the Ga₂O₃ buffer layer is reported, yielding a photocurrent of 6 mA cm^?2 at 0 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), an onset potential of 0.9 V versus RHE, and 3.5 mA cm^?2 at 0.5 V versus RHE. The quantum efficiency spectrum (incident photon to current efficiency, IPCE) reveals a dramatically improved green/red response and a decreased blue response compared with electrodeposited Cu₂O films. Light intensity dependence and photocurrent transient studies enable the identification of the limitations in the performance. Due to the complementary IPCE curves of thermally oxidized and electrodeposited Cu₂O photocathodes, a dual photocathode is fabricated to maximize the absorption over the entire range of above band gap radiation. Photocurrents of 7 mA cm^?2 at 0 V versus RHE are obtained in the dual photocathodes, with an onset potential of 0.9 V versus RHE and a thermodynamically based energy conversion efficiency of 1.9%.     

Engineering Grain Boundaries in Cu2ZnSnSe4 for Better Cell Performance: A First‐Principle Study

Through first‐principle density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the atomic structure and electronic properties of intrinsic and passivated Σ3 (114) grain boundaries (GBs) in Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ (CZTSe) are studied. Intrinsic GBs in CZTSe create localized deep states within the band gap and thus act as Shockley‐Read‐Hall recombination centers, which are detrimental to cell performance. Defects, such as Zn_Sn (Zn atoms on Sn sites), Na⁺_i (interstitial Na ions), and O_Se (O atoms on Se sites), prefer to segregate into GBs in CZTSe. The segregation of these defects at GBs exhibit two beneficial effects: 1) eliminating the deep gap states via wrong bonds breaking or weakening at GBs, making GBs electrically benign; and 2) creating hole barriers and electron sinkers, promoting effective charge separation at GBs. The results suggest a unique chemical approach for engineering GBs in CZTSe to achieve improved cell performance.     

Imidazole derivatives of binuclear copper (II) and nickel (II) complexes incorporating bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl) ligands

A series of new binuclear copper (II) and nickel (II) complexes of the macrocyclic ligands bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl)butane (L^but) and bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl)-m-xylene (L^mx) have been synthesized: [Cu₂L^butBr₄] (1), [Cu₂L^but(imidazole)₂Br₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Cu₂L^mx(μ-OH)(imidazole)₂](ClO₄)₃ (3), [Cu₂L^but(imidazole)₄](ClO₄)₄ · H₂O (4), [Cu₂L^mx(imidazole)₄](ClO₄)₄ (5), [Ni₂ L^but(H₂O)₆](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (6), [Ni₂L^but(imidazole)₆](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (7) and [Ni₂L^mx (imidazole)₄(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₄ · 3H₂O (8). Complexes 1, 2, 7 and 8 have been characterized by single crystal X-ray studies. In each of the complexes, the two tridentate 1,4,7-triazacyclononane rings of the ligand facially coordinate to separate metal centres. The distorted square-pyramidal coordination sphere of the copper (II) centres is completed by bromide anions in the case of 1 and/or monodentate imidazole ligands in complexes 2, 4 and 5. Complex 3 has been formulated as a monohydroxo-bridged complex featuring two terminal imidazole ligands. Complexes 6-8 feature distorted octahedral nickel (II) centres with water and/or monodentate imidazole ligands occupying the remaining coordination sites. Within the crystal structures, the ligands adopt trans conformations, with the two metal binding compartments widely separated, perhaps as a consequence of electrostatic repulsion between the cationic metal centres. The imidazole-bearing complexes may be viewed as simple models for the coordinative interaction of the binuclear complexes of bis (tacn) ligands with protein molecules bearing multiple surface-exposed histidine residues.     

Construction of a series of 0D, 2D and 3D inorganic-organic hybrid coordination polymers based on octamolybdate and 2-(2-pyridyl)imidazole and its derivative

Four octamolybdate-based compounds, that is, Cu^II₂(L¹)₄(Mo₈O₂₆) (1), Cu^II₂(HL²)₄(Mo₈O₂₆)₂ (2), [Cu^IIL²(H₂O)(Mo₈O₂₆)_0.5]·2H₂O (3) and [Cu^IIL²(H₂O)(Mo₈O₂₆)_0.5]·2H₂O (4) (L¹ = 2-(2-pyridyl)imidazole, L² = 2-(1-(pyridine-3-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine), have been hydrothermally synthesized via changing the reaction conditions and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. With L¹ ligand, we obtained compound 1, which is a 0D molecule and extends to a 3D supramolecular structure via hydrogen-bonding interactions. By using L² instead of L¹ ligand, compound 2 comes into being which is as well a discrete molecule and further extended to a 3D supramolecular structure by hydrogen bonds. Intriguingly, compounds 3 and 4 are supramolecular isomers: the former is a 2D 4-connected network and the latter is a 3D (3,4)-connected framework. The measurements of diffuse reflectance for compounds 1-4 indicate that they are potential wide gap semiconductors.     

The kinetics of primary events in the reactions of L2Cu2X2 complexes (L is an N,N,N′N′-tetraalkyldiamine; X is Cl or Br) with M(NS)2 reagents

The rate laws for the earliest events in the transmetalation of dimeric copper(I) complexes L₂Cu₂X₂ (L = N,N,N′N′-tetraalkyldiamine; X = Cl or Br) by M(NS)₂ reagents (M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn; NS is a monoanionic S-methylhydrazinecarbodithioate Schiff base ligand) depend on L, X, M and NS and the aprotic solvent. The kinetic data are compared with those for monotransmetalation of copper(II) complexes (μ₄-O)N₄Cu₄X₆ by M(NS)₂. Different kinetic behavior is particularly marked for cobalt(II) reactants. Unexpectedly high rates of reactions with Cu(NS)₂ are attributed to electron transfer. The results provide a basis for discussion of transmetalation specificity.     

A membrane-free baffled microbial fuel cell for cathodic reduction of Cu(II) with electricity generation

A membrane-free baffled microbial fuel cell (MFC) was developed to treat synthetic Cu(II) sulfate containing wastewater in cathode chamber and synthetic glucose-containing wastewater fed to anode chamber. Maximum power density of 314 mW/m³ with columbic efficiency of 5.3% was obtained using initial Cu²⁺ concentration of 6400 mg/L. Higher current density favored the cathodic reduction of Cu²⁺, and removal of Cu²⁺ by 70% was observed within 144 h using initial concentration of 500 mg/L. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the Cu²⁺ was reduced to Cu₂O or Cu₂O plus Cu which deposited on the cathode, and the deficient cathodic reducibility resulted in the formation of Cu₄(OH)₆SO₄ at high initial Cu²⁺ concentration (500-6400 mg/L). This study suggested a novel low-cost approach to remove and recover Cu(II) from Cu²⁺-containing wastewater using MFC-type reactor.     

Solubility and mobility of copper,zinc and lead in acidic environments

Understanding the chemical speciation of metals in solution is necessary for evaluating their toxicity and mobility in soils. Soil samples from the Powder River Basin, Wyoming were extracted with distilled deionised H₂O. Soil water extracts were subjected to chemical speciation to determine the relative distribution and chemical forms of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) in acidic environments. As pyrite oxidised, the pH decreased from 6.6 to 2.4, concentration of dissolved sulfate (S_T) increased from 259 to 4,388 mg L^-1 and concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) decreased from 56.9 to 14.4 mg L^-1. Dissolved Cu concentrations ranged from 0.06 to 0.42 mg L^-1 and dissolved Zn concentrations ranged from 0.084 to 4.60 mg L^-1. Dissolved concentrations of Pb were found to be 0.003 to 0.046 mg L^-1. Chemical speciation indicated that at near neutral pH, dissolved metal concentration in soil water extracts was dominated by DOC- metal complexes. At low pH, dissolved metal concentration in soil water extracts was dominated by free ionic forms (e.g. Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺) followed by ion pairs (e.g. CuSO₄ ⁰, ZnSO _inf4 ^sup0 , PbSO _in4 ^sup0 ). Results obtained in this study suggest that as soil pH decreased, the availability and mobility of metal ions increased due to the chemical form in which these metal ions are present in soil solutions.     

Nanocrystal Cu2O-loaded TiO2 nanotube array films as high-performance visible-light bactericidal photocatalyst

In this work, we report the use of a non-toxic nanocrystal Cu₂O-loaded TiO₂ nanotube array (Cu₂O/TNTs) film as high-performance visible-light bactericidal photocatalyst. The samples were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible diffusion reflection spectroscopy. This Cu₂O/TNTs film photocatalyst is capable of complete inactivation of Escherichia coli in 5?×?10⁷ colony-forming units/mL within a record short disinfection time of 20?min under visible-light irradiation. The average bactericidal percentage of the Cu₂O/TNTs for E. coli under visible-light irradiation are 20 times and 6.6 times higher than those of TNTs under the same conditions and Cu₂O/TNTs without light, respectively. This superior bactericidal performance is mainly attributed to the high ability to produce OH radicals by both photogenerated electron and hole of the prepared photocatalyst under visible light. The Cu₂O/TNTs film photocatalyst makes it applicable to broad fields including drinking water disinfection.     

Rapid,controllable, one‐pot and room‐temperature aqueous synthesis of ZnO:Cu nanoparticles by pulsed UV laser and its application for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and ZnO:Cu nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using a rapid, controllable, one‐pot and room‐temperature pulsed UV‐laser assisted method. UV‐laser irradiation was used as an effective energy source in order to gain better control over the NPs size and morphology in aqueous media. Parameters effective in laser assisted synthesis of NPs such as irradiation time and laser shot repetition rate were optimized. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of ZnO NPs showed a broad emission with two trap state peaks located at 442 and 485 nm related to electronic transition from zinc interstitial level (I_Zn) to zinc vacancy level (V_Zn) and electronic transition from conduction band to the oxygen vacancy level (V_O), respectively. For ZnO:Cu NPs, trap state emissions disappeared completely and a copper (Cu)‐related emission appeared. PL intensity of Cu‐related emission increased with the increase in concentration of Cu²⁺, so that for molar ratio of Cu:Zn 2%, optimal value of PL intensity was obtained. The photocatalytic activity of Cu‐doped ZnO revealed 50 and 100% increasement than that of undoped NPs under UV and visible irradiation, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to smaller crystal size, as well as creation of impurity acceptor levels (T₂) inside the ZnO energy band gap.     

Polynuclear nickel (II) and copper (II) complexes of hexaazamacrocycles incorporating pairs of diethylenetriamine subunits separated by aromatic spacers

A series of Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of the hexaaza macrocycles, 3,6,9,17,20,23-hexaazatricyclo[23.3.1.1^11,15]triaconta-1(29),11(30),12,14,25,27-hexaene (L¹) and 3,6,9,16,19,22-hexaazatricyclo[22.2.2.2^11,14]triaconta-1(26),11(29),12,14(30),24(28),25-hexaene (L²), have been prepared and the crystal structures determined for [Ni₂L¹(O₂CCH₃)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Ni₂L²(DMF)₆](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (2), {[Cu₂L²Br(O₂CCH₃)](ClO₄)₂}_n (3), [Cu₂L²(μ-CO₃)(H₂O)₂]₂(ClO₄)₄ · 8H₂O (4), [Cu₂L²(O₂CCH₃)₂](BF₄)₂ (5), and [Cu₂L¹(μ-imidazolate)Br]₂Br₄ · 6H₂O (6). In these complexes, two metal centers are bound per ligand; in 1 and 3-6, the N₃ subunits of L¹ or L² coordinate meridionally to the metal centers, whilst in 2, each N₃ subunit in L² adopts a facial mode of coordination. The binuclear cations in 1 and 2 have chair-like conformations, with the distorted octahedral Ni(II) coordination spheres completed by terminal water and a bidentate acetate ligand in 1 and three DMF ligands in 2. The Cu(II) centers in 3-6 generally reside in square planar environments, although a weakly binding ligand enters the coordination sphere in some cases, generating a distorted square pyramidal geometry. The binuclear [Cu₂L²]⁴⁺ units in 3, 4 and 5 adopt similar bowl-shaped conformations, stabilized by H-bonding interactions between pairs of amine groups from L² and a perchlorate or tetrafluoroborate anion. In 3, the binuclear units are linked through acetate groups, bridging in a syn-anti fashion, to produce a zig-zag polymeric chain structure, whilst 4 incorporates a tetrameric cation consisting of two binuclear units linked via a pair of carbonate bridges. Compound 6 features an imidazolate bridge between the two Cu(II) centers bound by L¹. Pairs of [Cu₂L¹(μ-imidazolate)]³⁺ units are then weakly linked through a pair of bromide anions.