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In this study, we introduce a novel indole‐containing pyridine‐based Schiff base, (E)‐2‐({[bis(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]hydrazin‐1‐ylidene}methyl)‐1H‐indole, C20H15N5 (2‐DPHI), and its cadmium(II) complex poly[[2‐({[bis(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]hydrazin‐1‐ylidene}methyl)‐1H‐indole]di‐μ‐chlorido‐cadmium(II)], [CdCl2(C20H15N5)]n (pCd2), as potential anticancer agents. The Schiff base was synthesized by reacting dipyridylmethanone hydrazone with indole‐2‐formaldehyde, while the cadmium complex was prepared by combining CdCl2 and 2‐DPHI in methanol at room temperature. Both compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines (A375, A549 and HeLa) and a normal cell line (HFF‐1). The ligand 2‐DPHI exhibited notable antitumour activity, with an IC50 value of 12.22 µM against A375 and 15.17 µM against A549 after 48 h, while the pCd2 complex showed an even stronger inhibition of A375 cells, with an IC50 value of 4.88 µM, outperforming both 2‐DPHI and CdCl2. Both compounds demonstrated lower toxicity towards normal cells compared to cancer cells. The structures of 2‐DPHI and pCd2 were fully characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, high‐resolution mass spectrometry and FT–IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many titanium-oxo clusters (TOCs) with various structure types have been reported, but research on co-crystallized TOCs still remains very rare. Herein, we successfully isolated heterometallic {Ti8Ni4+ Ti4Ni2} with co-crystal arrangement. Because of the Ni-to-TiO and Ti4Ni2-to-Ti8Ni4 charge transfer, cluster {Ti8Ni4+ Ti4Ni2} shows wide light absorption and narrow band gap based on the ultraviolet-visible spectra and density functional theory calculations. Moreover, the cluster co-crystallization and more metal centers in cluster {Ti8Ni4+ Ti4Ni2} endow it with better photocurrent response and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity than {Ti4Ni2} alone. This work not only provides a new model for co-crystallized TOCs but also stimulates research interest in their photochemical performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted escalating attention recently, owing to their energy density, decreasing cost, advanced safety, and environmental benignity. Nevertheless, ZIBs still lack suitable cathode materials with stable cycling performance, owing to the high polarization of zinc ion. Therefore, developing candidate materials with excellent properties remains a great challenge. Herein, we successfully synthesize a novel Mn3O4@N‐doped carbon matrix composite nanorods (Mn3O4@NC Nrs) by using MnOOH nanorods (the self‐sacrifice templates) and polypyrrole (carbon and nitrogen source). Benefiting from the N‐doped carbon shell and the synergetic effect of Zn2+ and Mn2+ in the electrolyte, the Mn3O4@NC Nrs show superior cycling stability and long cycling features for ZIBs. Specifically, the zinc cell conducts a high reversible capacity of 280 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and retains a high reversible capacity of 97 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 after 700 cycles. In addition, the work provides a new approach to fabricate long‐term and high‐rate capability cathodes for ZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yolk-shell nanocomposite particles (YSNPs) have been extensively investigated because of their great application potential and unique properties attributed to their distinct structures and multiple discrete functions. In this study, Fe3O4@Void@PMAA@Void@TiO2, a special YSNP with double shells and dual cavities (denoted as DDYSNPs), was prepared by conducting dispersion polymerization with a high production rate and by using a hydrothermal strategy. The synthesized DDYSNPs, which effectively integrate inorganic and organic functions, exhibit an outstanding photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet light irradiation for five experimental cycles and show an excellent adsorptive property for heavy metal ions. These comprehensive properties are mainly attributed to the novel structure of double-shelled and dual-cavity structures.ᅟ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]