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Magnetic magnetite-graphene oxide (Fe3O4-GO) was synthesized using an in-situ precipitation technique and applied in the adsorption of cationic rhodamine B (RhB) and anionic methyl orange (MO) dyes from aqueous solution. The nanocomposite was characterized by different techniques including FTIR, XRD, Raman, XPS, PPMS, BET, SEM and TEM techniques. Batch adsorption studies were conducted to investigate the effect of solution pH, initial metal ion concentration, adsorbent dosage and contact time. The synthesized Fe3O4-GO exhibited characteristic magnetic properties (saturation magnetization of 34 emu/g) and it separated from aqueous solution with ease through the application of an external magnetic field. The adsorption equilibrium time on the adsorption of RhB and MO onto Fe3O4-GO showed best removal of 99.12% for RhB after 60 min, while MO was removed efficiently after 120 min with a removal efficiency of 97.60%. The adsorption of the azo dyes followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics model with high correlation coefficients (0.99995) for RhB and (0.99925) for MO. Maximum removal of the dye pollutants by occurred at pH 8 for RhB and pH 4 for MO, while the optimal adsorbent dosage was 30 mg. The results showed that adsorption equilibrium data were fitted to Langmuir isotherm model and maximum monolayer adsorption capacities for RhB and MO at 70.64 and 15.94 mgg−1, respectively. The magnetic adsorbents were reused for a maximum of 7 cycles and showed reasonable stability and reproducibility. Furthermore, the results showed that Fe3O4-GO nanocomposite can be used as an effective material in the removal of dyes from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanoluminescence (ML), a process that converts external mechanical energy into light energy, offers a solution to challenges in the area of energy saving by not requiring a load power supply. From the 17th century, when people started to explore this field, from the fracture luminescence of materials to the emergence of elastic-ML (EML) materials, there has been a great deal of research into the mechanisms and applications of ML. Piezoelectric properties are extremely important for ML materials, and most ML materials today have piezoelectric properties. Among them, quaternary oxysulfides M(Ca, Sr, Ba)ZnxSxO (x = 1, 2) are wide bandgap piezoelectric semiconductors developed in the 21st century. The doping of transition elements, trivalent lanthanides, and other metal-emitting ions has been realized in the last 20 years of development, and all of them show excellent ML properties. Quaternary oxysulfides have become significant inorganic mechanoluminescent materials. This article provides a detailed description of the development process, mechanism, performance optimization, and applications of quaternary oxysulfides, and highlights future trends and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coordination chemistry of the organotin(IV) compounds is dominated by nitrogen and oxygen donor ligands. Some of these complexes have found prominent applications in the fields of biomedicine such as anticancer and antibacterial agents. These complexes represent important building blocks in polymer and supramolecular assembly. This review aims to summarize the recent literature on the chemistry of organotin complexes with imine and polypyridyl ligands such as bipyridine, phenanthroline and terpyridine ligands as well as oxygen donor ligands and O, N donor ligands. Given that many organotin(IV) chlorides are inexpensive, widely available, and can be easily converted to the other corresponding halides and pseudo-halides, numerous innovative ideas could be generated through application of these compounds. Polymer-containing tin moieties were also highlighted and their biological activities in combatting diseases such as cancer and inflammatory and infectious diseases were described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of new star-shaped dendrimers with ketoprofen and mefenamic acid at the periphery was achieved using the divergent method. The use of cationic cyclopentadienyliron moieties coupled with the introduction of ketoprofen and mefenamic acid to the dendrimer allowed to produce dendrimeric materials that possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. The dendrimers' compositions were analyzed through FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, all synthesized dendrimers exhibited exceptional thermal stability within the 300–350 °C range, with the cationic iron moieties breaking down at around 200 °C. The surface morphology of the dendrimers was examined using Scanning Electron Micrographs (SEM) with no significant change between the three generations in the morphology. In addition, the electrochemical properties were also analyzed by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). The redox wave intensity and broadness showed changes as the dendrimer generation increased. These dendrimers were tested for their in vitro toxicities in mammalian cell lines, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities and displayed positive results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A supramolecular dimeric complex [Ag(dppf)(NO3)]2 was prepared via the reaction of a solution of AgNO3 in methanol/dichloromethane with 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) which was fully characterized by IR, elemental analysis, multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C and 31P) spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structure determination. The crystal structure of new complex [Ag(μ-dppf)(NO3)]2⋅4CHCl3 reveals that the coordination geometry about each Ag(I) center in the dimeric complex is 4 + 1 polyhedron. As well, the crystal packing of complex [Ag(μ-dppf)(NO3)]2⋅4CHCl3 clearly shows the formation of a supramolecular network through C–H⋯X (X = N, O, Cl) hydrogen bond interactions in which the asymmetric unit contains two independent molecules of [Ag(μ-dppf)(NO3)]2⋅4CHCl3. Both independent molecules related by inversion to form the dimeric silver complex with Ag⋯Ag distances of 4.000 and 4.0235 Å. Hirshfeld surface analysis of the structure as well as its fingerprints were used to identify and quantify the inter–molecular interactions of hydrogen bonds. Luminescence properties of the supramolecular silver complex were assigned to π–π* transitions in different solvents. Thermal properties of this complex showed a three-step decomposition. The cytotoxic properties of this complex were also studied using MTT assays against MCF-7 human breast cancer, U87-MG human glioblastoma, HT-29 human colorectal cancer, and SCOV-3 human ovarian cancer cell lines in comparison with AGO1522 human normal skin fibroblast cell line. The supramolecular silver complex exhibited higher cytotoxic effects (lower IC50) against U87-MG, MCF-7, HT-29 and SCOV-3 cancer cell lines in comparison with AGO1522. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, UiO-66 metal–organic framework (MOF) was prepared by a hydrothermal method and modified consequently with melamine (MUiO-66), as so as enhance the adsorption properties of these materials in liquid-phase adsorption. With respect to this, the adsorption of lead and cadmium divalent ions was performed under varying conditions of pH, metal ion concentration, contact time, adsorbent dose and temperature. Morphology, texture properties, functional groups, crystallinity and thermal properties of both MOFs were examined. UiO-66 composed of sphere-like particles and covered by layers of melamine with enhancing in crystallinity and active sites as well as the total surface area increased from 1080 to 1160 m2/g. The modified UiO-66 with melamine (MUiO-66) showed a notable adsorption capacity of 177.5 and 146.6 mg/g for Pb and Cd(II) ions, respectively. Adsorption of both metals fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir models and controlled by a physisorption mechanism at pH of 5. Also, adsorption process is an endothermic in nature and desorption is achieved well for three cycles by MUiO-66. Therefore, UiO-66 and MUiO-66 obtained in this work have a great promise in adsorption of heavy metals such as Pb and Cd(II) ions from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to obtain the thermodynamic parameters (the changes in enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and entropy) of two degradation steps observed in three novel families of organometallic dendrimers. The isoconversional Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) model was employed to calculate the effective activation energy and pre-exponential factor. The changes in enthalpy and the entropy revealed a quite consistent tendency with the activation energy whereas the change of Gibbs free energy always remained positive during the whole degradation process, which demonstrated the implication that the degradation is non-spontaneous and thus requires an external heat supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) modified magnetic graphene oxide was synthesized and applied in the adsorption of three heavy metals, Pb(II), Cd(II) and Ni(II) from aqueous solution. An approach to prepare magnetic GO was adopted by using (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) as a functionalizing agent on magnetic nanosilica coupled with GO to form the Fe3O4@SiO2–NH2/GO nanocomposite. FT-IR, XRD, BET, UV, VSM, SAXS, SEM and TEM were used to characterize the synthesized nanoadsorbents. Batch adsorption studies were conducted to investigate the effect of solution pH, initial metal ion concentration, adsorbent dosage and contact time. The maximum equilibrium time was found to be 30 min for Pb(II), Cd(II) and 60 min for Ni(II). The kinetics studies showed that the adsorption of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Ni(II) onto Fe3O4@SiO2–NH2/GO followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics. All the adsorption equilibrium data were well fitted to Langmuir isotherm model and maximum monolayer adsorption capacity for Pb(II), Cd(II) and Ni(II) were 13.46, 18.58 and 13.52 mg/g, respectively. The Fe3O4@SiO2–NH2/GO adsorbents were reused for at least 7 cycles without the leaching of mineral core, showing the enhanced stability and potential application of Fe3O4@SiO2–NH2/GO adsorbents in water/wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper-Metal organic framework (Cu-MOF) and melamine/Cu-MOF (MCu-MOF) samples were prepared by the hydrothermal process. The produced powder was dried and characterized by using the FTIR, X-ray techniques. The thermal-gravimetry (TG) analysis was performed to detect the thermal stability of the product. On other hand, the morphology and the surface area of this powder were carried. The bioactivity of the powder was carried by measuring the inhibition zone diameter around samples in (mm). The results of characterization showed that on the IR spectra a series of absorption peaks at 970, 1500 and 1640 cm−1 were appeared which characterized the formation of Cu-MOF, while an addition peaks were observed at 3121, 3324, 3415 and 3467 cm−1 and attributed to the incorporation of melamine into Cu-MOF. X-ray patterns of the prepared samples show sharp peaks at 7.4 and 8.5 specified to Cu-MOF. The intensity of these peaks increases by adding melamine which indicate the improving the crystanility. Moreover two peaks at 26, 30attributed to the incorporate melamine in the Cu-MOF. The surface area of Cu-MOF is equal to 1350 m2 g−1while increase to 1410 m2 g−1 by incorporates melamine into the Cu-MOF. The thermal behavior (TG) of the Cu-MOF showed three sequence stages attributed to the moisture evaporation, degradation of the Cu-MOF and forming the Cu–O as end product respectively. For melamine incorporated to Cu-MOF (MCu-MOF), the TG profile split the main degradation into two parts resulting from the presence of melamine. To study the morphology of these samples by both FESEM and HRTEM were examined. The bioactivities of the both samples were tested against microbial strains. The results showed that the Cu-MOF and MCu-MOF have insignificant antimicrobial activity against gram positive of bacteria and Fungi. While for gram negative of bacteria it is observed a considerable effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein report a direct and facil sol–gel method for the preparation of porous silicon dioxide nanoparticles using dissolved silica gel and nitric acid. We prepared SiO2 nanoparticles at three different pH values: 6, 7, and 8. The washed and dried products were calcined at 800 °C for 2 h. The average crystallite size of the prepared SiO2 nanoparticles was ca. 37.7 nm. The products were characterized by using FT-IR, TEM, FE-SEM, and XRD analyses. The as-prepared SiO2 nanoparticles showed high adsorption capacities; ca. 32.2 mg g−1 and 42.2 mg g−1, for the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions, respectively, from aqueous media. The adsorption data followed well the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm models. The determined thermodynamic parameters: ΔG° (from − 5.026 to − 5.180 kJ/mol for Cd(II) ion adsorption and from − 5.528 to − 5.732 kJ/mol for Pb(II) ion adsorption) and ΔH° (− 7.00 and − 7.607 kJ/mol, respectively), indicate the spontaneous, exothermic, and physisorption nature of the adsorption process. Besides, the excellent reusability and adsorption capacity for SiO2 nanoparticles revealed their good efficiency for the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new preparation method has been successfully utilized for the fabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles using the auto-combustion technique and fuels (tartaric acid: TA, citric acid: CA and a mix between them) with molar ratio (Zn:TA; Zn:CA and Zn:CA:CA = 1:1:0, 1:0:0.55 and 1:0.5:0.275). The as-fabricated zinc oxide powder (ZTA, ZCA and ZCTA samples) annealed at 500 °C. The annealed zinc oxide powder was tested by different techniques like DRS, UV–Vis, FT-IR, HR-TEM and XRD. The Crystallite size of the annealed zinc oxide was estimated to be 24, 39 and 26 nm for ZTA, ZCA and ZCTA samples, respectively. The direct band gap, lattice parameters, unit cell volume (V), the dislocation density (D) and the Zn–O bond length (L) of the prepared zinc oxide powder (ZTA, ZCA and ZCTA samples) were determined. The synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles are used as nanocatalyst for photodegradation of reactive red 195 and methyl orange as anionic dyes utilizing UV light irradiation. The degradation of reactive red 195 dye was 91–94% after 70 min over the synthesized zinc oxide and the values of degradation increased to be 99–99.8% in 50 min with H2O2 under UV light irradiation. Also, the degradation of methyl orange dye was 57.55–70.57% after 300 min over the synthesized zinc oxide (ZTA, ZCA and ZCTA samples) and the values of degradation increased to be 81–95% in 70 min with H2O2 under UV light irradiation. Finally, the appeared rate constant (Kapp) is determined and the mechanism of the photocatalysis process is suggested for the degradation of the dyes over the synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, various graphene-based/TiO2 and graphene-based magnetic nanocomposites which were developed as highly efficient photocatalysts for degrading organic dyes, pharmaceuticals and efficient adsorbent materials for the adsorption of heavy metal ions were reviewed. The nanocomposites revealed the effective adsorptive potential of graphene-based magnetic materials and the efficient photocatalytic ability of graphene-based/TiO2 nanocomposites in decontaminating industrial wastewater containing toxic heavy metals and organic pollutants. The magnetic properties of graphene-based magnetic materials facilitate easy magnetic separation after adsorption of pollutants. The efficient photocatalytic ability of TiO2 semiconductor helps in rapid degradation of organic pollutants while graphene-based materials increase the surface area for adsorption of pollutants. Literature studies show that combinations of synthetic methods have been employed for the generation of various nanocomposite materials such as GO/TiO2, rGO/TiO2, and Fe3O4/GO, that possess photocatalytic activity and magnetic properties for the commercial removal of organic and inorganic pollutants found in water/wastewaters. The photocatalytic performance is connected to the large surface area of graphene derivatives (e.g. GO) that limit electron–hole recombination for TiO2, while the presence of magnetic nanoparticles (e.g. Fe3O4) in heavy metal adsorbent materials facilitates magnetic separation when an external magnetic field is applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocomposites consisting of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and an organometallic dendrimer were synthesized by taking advantage of the exfoliating/restacking properties of lithiated molybdenum disulfide (LiMoS2). Based on the molecular weight of the dendrimer, nine different mole ratios of MoS2 to dendrimer were utilized in order to investigate the upper and lower limit of the dendrimer loading into the restacked MoS2. The developed nanocomposites were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and variable-temperature electrical conductivity measurements. Our studies revealed that the ideal condition for preparing reproducible monophasic systems is at low dendrimer concentration, no greater than 1:0.125 mole ratio of MoS2 to dendrimer, and no lower than 1:0.002 mole ratio of MoS2 to dendrimer. Biphasic systems can be produced at mole ratio of MoS2 to dendrimer higher than 1:0.125. Additionally, the average crystallite size decreased as the mole ratio of the MoS2 to dendrimer was increased. Specifically, a change from 1:0.002 to 1:0.5 resulted in a noticeable decrease from 365 to 155 Å. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites drops as the amount of dendrimer increases. Variable-temperature conductivity data are consistent with a variable-range hopping model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organometallic dendrimers are one of the most attractive macromolecules owing to their unique properties that derived from the combination of the metallic moieties and the remarkable architecture of the dendrimers. A new family of organoiron dendrimers has been synthesized using divergent methodology. To gain insight into the stability of these dendrimers, we investigated their thermal property using nonisothermal thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), which reveal the kinetic triplets, the pre-exponential factor, the effective activation energy and the reaction model involved in their thermal degradation. The results were obtained at heating rates of 10, 15 and 20 °C min−1. Four nonisothermal methods, the Friedman, the Ozawa and Flynn and Wall, the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose and the Minimizing were used to investigate the variation of the effective activation energy with the extent of crystallization and, hence, with temperature. In addition, the activation energy was calculated from isothermal data. The degradation mechanism follows the Avrami–Erofeev mechanism for solid-state reaction models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organometallic macromolecular polymers and dendrimers constructed with various chromophores and antimicrobial species are attracting considerable attention. Interest in these materials stems from their exceptional properties and potential applications in the industry as biomedical and photoactive agents, as well as their use as sensors. Over the past few decades, the exponential growth of many new classes of metallo-macromolecules that address these issues has been illustrated. Metal-based antimicrobial macromolecules are rising due to the combination of the multiple interactions of the unique properties of metallic moieties and the effect of the bioactive species. Progress in the field of organometallic photoactive materials derives from their broad applications, including photonic switches and upconversion lasers, in addition to sensors and electronic devices. The aim of this inclusive review is to highlight the design and properties of several types of bioactive and drug delivery macromolecules containing metallic moieties as well as metallopolymers and dendrimers containing organic light-emitting diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is focused on the design and photophysical properties of a series of novel porphyrin and metalloporphyrin dendrimers containing cationic η6-chloroarene-η5-cyclopentadienyliron(II) complexes functionalized with naphthalene and capped with ferrocene. The incorporation of cationic η6-chloroarene-η5-cyclopentadienyliron moieties into the dendrimer structures enhances solubility, and facilitates nucleophilic aromatic substitution and addition reactions due to the intense electron-withdrawing ability of the iron center. Divergent approaches were employed to yield highly symmetrical branched materials, with interesting and potentially useful properties. The preparation of these dendrimers was achieved via metal-mediated nucleophilic aromatic substitutions and Steglich esterifications. These dendrimers and their precursors were characterized through nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Substitution on the porphyrin core with various side chains and terminal functional groups and chromophores had little impact on the porphyrin emission properties, allowing for a wide variety of fluorescent macromolecules to be prepared which retain this characteristic emission. Also, the presence or absence of the organopyrene moieties also had little effect on the emission from these compounds. Complexation of a metal cation, such as Zn2+, by these compounds, did however result in a significant blue shift in the observed fluorescence; this interesting result has the potential for applications in the development of fluorescent-based cation sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medical field remains challenged with many unmet needs, prompting rigorous research for solutions. Dendrimers are emerging as innovative solutions to many unmet clinical needs. Indeed, commercial dendrimer-enabled gene transfection technologies exist and work is ongoing to translate many other dendrimer products into the market to assist patients. Here, we review the ongoing work on dendrimer-enabled drug delivery technologies, diagnostic platforms, and antimicrobial agents. Our goal is to inspire the continuous exploration of the dendritic scaffold to address many issues in the biomedical landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this present work is to investigate the adsorption capacity, kinetics and mechanism of arsenite ion removal onto beta-Cyclodextrin-Chitosan-Fe3O4 nanocomposite (β-CD-CS-Fe3O4 nanocomposite) from aqueous solutions. Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) were synthesized using the co-precipitation method and the nanocomposite was successfully prepared via the solution-blending method. The analysis to determine arsenite ion adsorption was carried out using ICP-MS by varying pH, contact time and arsenite concentration parameters. The sorption of arsenite was found to be dependent on pH, time and arsenite initial concentrations. The adsorption equilibrium was reached in the first 20 min with the maximum uptake of 96%. Adsorption data were fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm describing a monolayer adsorption mechanism and pseudo-second-order models for kinetic study. It was established that the β-CD-CS polymer blend grafted with Fe3O4 nanoparticles enhanced the adsorption capacity because of the complexation abilities of the multiple OH and NH2 groups in the polymer backbone with metal ions. Subsequently, the mechanism of adsorption was investigated by studying the physicochemical properties of the adsorbent and the adsorbed species using the FTIR, TGA, DSC, XRD, SEM and TEM techniques. The characterizations before and after incorporations of the β-CD-CS composite with Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed well-improved properties for better adsorption of arsenite (As(III)) ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ClPd(μ-dppm)PtCl ( 1) reacts with (CNCH-2-OCH-) to form a sparingly soluble and thermally stable orange polymeric material 4. 1 reacts with 1 or 2 equivalents of CNCH-2-OCH to form the soluble A-frame d-d model complexes 2 [ClPd(μ-dppm)(μ-CNR)PtCl], and 3 [ClPd(μ-dppm)(μ-CNR)Pt(CNR)](Cl) (R = CH-2-OCH), respectively. IR (ν(NC) bridging versus terminal) and NMR data reveal an A-frame structure where the terminal CNR ligands are bonded to Pt. 4 which is amorphous (XRD) appears stable up to 290 °C (TGA), but exhibits an exothermic process between 215 and 255 °C upon the first scan in DSC, but disappears upon the second. Two compounds, model 2 (λ = 674 nm; τ = 0.38 ± 0.01 μs; Φ = 0.0079 (±10%)) and polymer 4 (λ = 660 nm; τ = 0.18 ± 0.01 μs; Φ = 0.0056 (±10%)) are luminescent at 77 K in the solid state and in fluid solution (PrCN). Graphical abstract: The First A-Frame-Containing Organometallic Polymer: Taking Advantage of the Site Selectivity in PdPt-Mixed Metal Bimetallics Sébastien Clément, Shawkat Mohammed Aly, Karl Gagnon, Alaa S. Abd-El-Aziz, Michael Knorr, Pierre D. Harvey ClPd(μ-dppm)Cl reacts with (CN-CH-O-CH-) to form the first A-frame-containing organometallic polymer, which is unambiguously characterized with the use of model compounds. This polymer does not experience any weight loss up to 290 °C based on TGA measurements, but DSC traces reveal an irreversible process at 215 °C (DSC). The novel material is also luminescent at 77 K. For example, λ = 660 nm; τ = 0.18 ± 0.01 μs; Φ = 0.0056 (±10%) in PrCN. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This article is one of a number of reviews in the special issue of the Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the discovery of metallocene-based polymers. Since the first examples of polyferrocenes in 1955, research into the design of organometallic polymers has grown exponentially. Organoiron polymers have incorporated ferrocene and arene cyclopentadienyl complexes, and have been developed for materials, liquid crystals, and electrocatalysts. The focus of this review is on the synthesis, properties, and characterization of macromolecules based on ferrocene or arene cyclopentadienyliron cations. Ferrocene-based polymers in which the ferrocene moieties are in or pendent to the backbone are described, as well as, the use of arene cyclopentadienyliron complexes in the design of polymeric materials. The design of star-shaped macromolecules and dendrimer materials that contain ferrocene and/or arene cyclopentadienyliron units will be discussed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biography of Professor Didier Astruc, distinguished professor, researcher and a pioneer in the fields of organometallic electron-transfer processes, is presented. Astruc was born in Versailles, France on June 9, 1946. He achieved his doctoral degree on ferrocene-cage complexes under Professor R. Dabard in Rennes. Astruc was responsible for the concept of organometallic "Electron Reservoirs." His other works include the first peralkylation of polyalkylarenes, and the integration of inorganic and dendritic aspects in materials sciences.

Although the use of seawater is vital for future water resources, the majority of marine bacteria in seawater pose risks to human and animal health. It is therefore crucial to develop antibacterial membranes with high sterilization efficiency and low cost, especially if the membranes can use sunlight as a renewable source of energy. The composite Ti3C2Tx@PEI/Ag was prepared by in-situ reduction of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto nanosheets of the MXene Ti3C2Tx coated with polyethyleneimine (PEI). The composite exhibits enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency of 22.67% due to roughness of the surface and local plasmon effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) combined with the photothermal properties and thermal conductivity of the Ti3C2Tx nanosheets. The resulting composite Ti3C2Tx@PEI/Ag was then deposited on filter paper to yield the membrane, which was capable of reaching temperatures up to 48.7 °C for 50 s after a single irradiation with sunlight, with stability maintained after four cycles. In antibacterial assays for marine bacteria, the bacterial survival rate in seawater applied to the membrane was 18% in the absence of light and the bacteria were eliminated entirely on exposure to light. The sterilization rate was close to 100% in all five cycles and there was no leakage of silver ions.Graphical Abstract: Although the use of seawater is vital for future water resources, the majority of marine bacteria in seawater pose risks to human and animal health. It is therefore crucial to develop antibacterial membranes with high sterilization efficiency and low cost, especially if the membranes can use sunlight as a renewable source of energy. The composite Ti3C2Tx@PEI/Ag was prepared by in-situ reduction of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto nanosheets of the MXene Ti3C2Tx coated with polyethyleneimine (PEI). The composite exhibits enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency of 22.67% due to roughness of the surface and local plasmon effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) combined with the photothermal properties and thermal conductivity of the Ti3C2Tx nanosheets. The resulting composite Ti3C2Tx@PEI/Ag was then deposited on filter paper to yield the membrane, which was capable of reaching temperatures up to 48.7 °C for 50 s after a single irradiation with sunlight, with stability maintained after four cycles. In antibacterial assays for marine bacteria, the bacterial survival rate in seawater applied to the membrane was 18% in the absence of light and the bacteria were eliminated entirely on exposure to light. The sterilization rate was close to 100% in all five cycles and there was no leakage of silver ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]