Functionalization of ZnAl-Layered Double Hydroxide with Ensulizole and Its Application as a UV-Protective Agent in a Transparent Polymer Coating.

In this study, we propose a promising photoprotective additive that combines the advantages of both organic UV absorbers and inorganic particles without compromising the properties of the paint material. This additive involves the intercalation of a well-known organic UV absorber, 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBISA), into zinc-aluminum layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH). Three ZnAl-LDH intercalates with PBISA were prepared using various methods based on either anion exchange or direct synthesis. The intercalates were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, elemental analysis, and IR and UV-Vis spectroscopies. The composition and basal spacings of all three intercalates are very similar. An effective UV protection film was prepared when the ZnAl-PBISA-1 intercalate was incorporated into polyurethane-acrylate lacquer. The resultant UV protective film exhibited stability and uniform distribution of the intercalated fillers. Some minimal particle sedimentation and aggregation were observed on the cured film's underside, but did not compromise the films' UV protective properties. The prepared lacquers with intercalated fillers offer a viable solution for the surface modification of plastic products.

How N-(pyridin-4-yl)pyridin-4-amine and its methyl and nitro derivatives are arranged in the interlayer space of zirconium sulfophenylphosphonate: a problem solved by experimental and calculation methods.

Classical molecular simulation methods were used for a description of an arrangement of intercalated molecules N-(pyridin-4-yl)pyridin-4-amine (AH) and its derivatives, 3-methyl-N-(pyridin-4-yl)pyridin-4-amine (AMe), and 3-nitro-N-(pyridin-4-yl)pyridin-4-amine (ANO2) within a layered structure of zirconium 4-sulfophenylphosphonate. The intercalated molecules were placed between SO3H groups of the host layers. Their mutual positions and orientations were solved by molecular simulation methods and compared with the presented experimental results. Final calculated data showed differences of partially disordered arrangement of the intercalated molecules between zirconium 4-sulfophenylphosphonate layers. The calculation results revealed a dense net of hydrogen bonds connecting water molecules and the guests in the interlayer space and the sulfo groups of the host layers. We calculated the dipole moments of the AH, AMe and ANO2 guests in the final models in order to illustrate potential use of these materials in non-linear optics.

A layered Ge2Sb2Te5 phase change material.

In this study, a universal Ge2Sb2Te5 phase change material was sputtered to obtain a layered structure. The crystalline phase of this material was prepared by annealing. SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and HRTEM (high-resolution transmission electron microscopy) images give confirmed that the sputtered Ge2Sb2Te5 thin film in crystalline phase has multiple layers. The layers can be exfoliated by acetone. The thicknesses of acetone-exfoliated crystalline and amorphous flakes are approx. 10-60 nm.

Kelvin probe force microscopy of the nanoscale electrical surface potential barrier of metal/semiconductor interfaces in ambient atmosphere.

This study deals with the preparation and characterization of metallic nanoinclusions on the surface of semiconducting Bi2Se3 that could be used for an enhancement of the efficiency of thermoelectric materials. We used Au forming a 1D alloy through diffusion (point nanoinclusion) and Mo forming thermodynamically stable layered MoSe2 nanosheets through the reaction with the Bi2Se3. The Schottky barrier formed by the 1D and 2D nanoinclusions was characterized by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM). We used Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) in ambient atmosphere at the nanoscale and compared the results to those of ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) in UHV at the macroscale. The existence of the Schottky barrier was demonstrated at +120 meV for the Mo layer and -80 meV for the Au layer reflecting the formation of MoSe2 and Au/Bi2Se3 alloy, respectively. The results of both methods (KPFM and UPS) were in good agreement. We revealed that long-time exposure (tens of seconds) to the electrical field leads to deep oxidation and the formation of perturbations greater than 1 µm in height, which hinder the I-V measurements.

Outerly functionalized and non-functionalized boron clusters intercalated into layered hydroxides with different modes of binding: materials for superacid storage.

Two binary boron hydrides (NH4)2B10H10 and Na2B12H12 and mono- and dicarboxy p- and m-carboranes (namely, 1-(COOH)-closo-1,7-C2B10H11, 1,12-(COOH)2-closo-1,12-C2B10H10 and 1,7-(COOH)2-closo-1,7-C2B10H10) were intercalated into ZnAl-layered double hydroxides (ZnAl-LDH) and into Zn5(OH)8(NO3)2·2H2O. The formed compounds were characterized using elemental analysis, thermogravimetry analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and solid state NMR. All the intercalated boron compounds are present in the interlayer space of the layered hosts as anions. It is presumed that in the case of B10H102-, B12H122- and 1,12-(COO)2-closo-1,12-C2B10H102-, the guest molecules form a monolayer, whereas in the case of 1-(COO)-closo-1,7-C2B10H111- and 1,7-(COO)2-closo-1,7-C2B10H102- a bilayer arrangement is more probable. In the case of 1,7-(COO)2-closo-1,7-C2B10H102-, the guest molecules are strongly interdigitated resulting in lowering of the interlayer distance. Two different modes of binding were found. Whereas the carboxylate derivatives of p- and m-carboranes are bonded through classical hydrogen bonds, the corresponding parent borane anions interact with the host structures by mainly dihydrogen bonding. In effect, both kinds of hydrogen bonding are mainly of an electrostatic nature. The dihydrogen bond is detected, e.g. in crystal engineering, and represents a driving force for interactions of boranes with biomolecules. Since the latter dicarboxylic acids were found to be superacids, their interactions with the host structures should be stronger than in the case of the benzoic and terephthalic acid intercalates.