Abstract: An adhesive conducting electrode material containing of graphite, biocompatible ion exchange polymer nafion® and commercial mesoporous TiO2 impregnated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is prepared and characterized by amperometric, UVvis and N2 sorption methods. The factors influencing the performance of the resulting biosensor are studied in detail. The optimal electrode material consists of 45% graphite, 50% impregnated HRPTiO2 and 5% nafion®. The optimum conditions for H2O2 reduction are an applied potential of 0.3 V and 0.1 mM hydroquinone. Sensitivity and limit of detection in the optimum conditions are 1 A M−1 cm−2 and 1 µM correspondingly. The N2 sorption results show that the pore volume of TiO2 decreases sharply upon adsorption of HRP. The preparation process of the proposed enzyme electrode is straightforward and potentially can be used for preparation of carbon paste electrodes for bioelectrochemical detections.

Abstract: This current review focuses on contributions to amphetamine-type substances (ATS) analysis. This type of synthetic illicit drugs has been increasingly present worldwide reaching 5% of the market on illicit drugs in 2019. The increment of their production in many clandestine laboratories and easy distribution among society are two of the main concerns towards the battle against synthetic drugs. Therefore, the first part of this review details the classification and mechanism of action of ATS in the human body. Second, the pharmacological and toxicological effects of ATS on human health are described to motivate the need of early detection of ATS. Subsequently, the most used laboratory-based and portable methods are presented and critically discussed along the review. Finally, a careful discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of portable techniques employed on the field are addressed as potential tools for on-site ATS detection by law enforcement officers.

Abstract: Paintings are complex objects containing many different chemical compounds that can react over time. The degradation of arsenic sulfide pigments causes optical changes in paintings. The main degradation product was thought to be white arsenolite (As2O3), but previous research also showed the abundant presence of As(V) species. In this study, we investigate the influence of the presence of a medium on the degradation mechanism of orpiment (As2S3) using synchrotron radiation (SR)-based tomographic transmission X-ray microscopy, SR-based micro-X-ray fluorescence, and Xray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. Upon direct illumination of dry orpiment powder using UV-visible light, only the formation of As2O3 was observed. When As2S3 was surrounded by a medium and illuminated, As2O3 was only observed in the area directly exposed to light, while As(V) degradation species were found elsewhere in the medium. Without accelerated artificial light aging, As(V)(aq) species are formed and migrate throughout the medium within weeks after preparation. In both scenarios, the As(V) species form via intermediate As(III)(aq) species and the presence of a medium is necessary. As(V)(aq) species can react with available cations to form insoluble metal arsenates, which induces stress within the paint layers (leading to, e.g., cracks and delamination) or can lead to a visual change of the image of the painting.

Abstract: A novel synthetic approach is described for the targeted preparation of multivariate metal-organic frameworks (MTV-MOFs) with specific combinations of metal elements. This methodology is based on the use of molecular complexes that already comprise desired metal-atom combinations, as building units for the MTV-MOF synthesis. These units are transformed into the MOF structural constituents through a ligand/linker exchange process that involves structural modifications while preserving their origina l l y encoded atomic combination. Thus, through the use of heterometalli c ring-shaped molecules combining gallium and nickel or cobalt, we have obtained MOFs with identical combinations of the metal elements, now incorporated in the rod-shaped secondary building unit, as confirmed with a combination of X-ray and electron diffraction, electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques.

Abstract: The pursuit of two-dimensional (2D) borides, MBenes, has proven to be challenging, not the least because of the lack of a suitable precursor prone to the deintercalation. Here, we studied room-temperature topochemical deintercalation of lithium from the layered polymorphs of the LiNiB compound with a considerable amount of Li stored in between [NiB] layers (33 at. % Li). Deintercalation of Li leads to novel metastable borides (Li similar to 0.5NiB) with unique crystal structures. Partial removal of Li is accomplished by exposing the parent phases to air, water, or dilute HCl under ambient conditions. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and solid-state Li-7 and B-1(1) NMR spectroscopy, combined with X-ray pair distribution function (PDF) analysis and DFT calculations, were utilized to elucidate the novel structures of (Li similar to 0.5NiB) and the mechanism of Li-deintercalation. We have shown that the deintercalation of Li proceeds via a “zip-lock” mechanism, leading to the condensation of single [NiB] layers into double or triple layers bound via covalent bonds, resulting in structural fragments with Li[NiB](2) and Li[NiB](3) compositions. The crystal structure of Li similar to 0.5NiB is best described as an intergrowth of the ordered single [NiB], double [NiB](2), or triple [NiB](3) layers alternating with single Li layers; this explains its structural complexity. The formation of double or triple [NiB] layers induces a change in the magnetic behavior from temperature-independent paramagnets in the parent LiNiB compounds to the spin-glassiness in the deintercalated Li similar to 0.5NiB counterparts. LiNiB compounds showcase the potential to access a plethora of unique materials, including 2D MBenes (NiB).

Abstract: In this manuscript, we compare different analytical methodologies to validate or disprove the binding capabilities of aptamer sequences. This was prompted by the lack of a universally accepted and robust quality control protocol for the characterization of aptamer performances coupled with the observation of independent yet inconsistent data sets in the literature. As an example, we chose three aptamers with a reported affinity in the nanomolar range for ampicillin, a β-lactam antibiotic, used as biorecognition elements in several detection strategies described in the literature. Application of a well-known colorimetric assay based on aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) yielded conflicting results with respect to the original report. Therefore, ampicillin binding was evaluated in solution using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), native nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (native nESI-MS), and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). By coupling the thermodynamic data obtained with ITC with the structural information on the binding event given by native nESI-MS and 1H NMR we could verify that none of the ampicillin aptamers show any specific binding with their intended target. The effect of AuNPs on the binding event was studied by both ITC and 1H NMR, again without providing positive evidence of ampicillin binding. To validate the performance of our analytical approach, we investigated two well-characterized aptamers for cocaine/quinine (MN4), chosen for its nanomolar range affinity, and l-argininamide (1OLD) to show the versatility of our approach. The results clearly indicate the need for a multifaceted analytical approach, to unequivocally establish the actual detection potential and performance of aptamers aimed at small organic molecules.

Abstract: Understanding the electric dipole switching in multiferroic materials requires deep insight of the atomic-scale local structure evolution to reveal the ferroelectric mechanism, which remains unclear and lacks a solid experimental indicator in high-pressure prepared LiNbO3-type polar magnets. Here, we report the discovery of Zn-ion splitting in LiNbO3-type Zn2FeNbO6 established by multiple diffraction techniques. The coexistence of a high-temperature paraelectric-like phase in the polar Zn2FeNbO6 lattice motivated us to revisit other high-pressure prepared LiNbO3-type A(2)BB'O-6 compounds. The A-site atomic splitting (similar to 1.0-1.2 angstrom between the split-atom pair) in B/B'-mixed Zn2FeTaO6 and O/N-mixed ZnTaO2N is verified by both powder X-ray diffraction structural refinements and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images, but is absent in single-B-site ZnSnO3. Theoretical calculations are in good agreement with experimental results and suggest that this kind of A-site splitting also exists in the B-site mixed Mn-analogues, Mn2FeMO6 (M = Nb, Ta) and anion-mixed MnTaO2N, where the smaller A-site splitting (similar to 0.2 angstrom atomic displacement) is attributed to magnetic interactions and bonding between A and B cations. These findings reveal universal A-site splitting in LiNbO3-type structures with mixed multivalent B/B', or anionic sites, and the splitting-atomic displacement can be strongly suppressed by magnetic interactions and/or hybridization of valence bands between d electrons of the A- and B-site cations.

Abstract: Uniform-acceptance force-bias Monte Carlo (fbMC) methods have been shown to be a powerful technique to access longer timescales in atomistic simulations allowing, for example, phase transitions and growth. Recently, a new fbMC method, the time-stamped force-bias Monte Carlo (tfMC) method, was derived with inclusion of an estimated effective timescale; this timescale, however, does not seem able to explain some of the successes the method. In this contribution, we therefore explicitly quantify the effective timescale tfMC is able to access for a variety of systems, namely a simple single-particle, one-dimensional model system, the Lennard-Jones liquid, an adatom on the Cu(100) surface, a silicon crystal with point defects and a highly defected graphene sheet, in order to gain new insights into the mechanisms by which tfMC operates. It is found that considerable boosts, up to three orders of magnitude compared to molecular dynamics, can be achieved for solid state systems by lowering of the apparent activation barrier of occurring processes, while not requiring any system-specific input or modifications of the method. We furthermore address the pitfalls of using the method as a replacement or complement of molecular dynamics simulations, its ability to explicitly describe correct dynamics and reaction mechanisms, and the association of timescales to MC simulations in general.

Abstract: An important problem encountered during the preservation of paintings and other artworks is the fading of the original colors due to exposure of the colorants to light. This fact is clearly evidenced in some of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings in which an organic red, eosin or geranium lake, is present. The identification of eosin and the characterization of its degradation products in paintings represents a challenge because of (i) the generally low concentration of the pigment remaining after an aging period of ca 100 years, (ii) the scarcity of the paint micro samples available for analysis and the difficulty of obtaining additional ones and (iii) the complexity of the degradation behavior of eosin when it is mixed with organic or inorganic pigments, binding media or varnish. This study presents an accelerated aging experiment of eosin paint models in order to understand better the discoloration process; more specifically the influence of different metals with which eosin forms complexes and of the presence of admixture pigments such as lead white and cobalt blue on the lightfastness of eosin is evaluated. Paint model samples were prepared using eosin, lead white, and cobalt blue in different mixing ratios and were characterized with several techniques before and after aging. The possible formation of intermediate molecular forms during the aging experiment and the influence of pigment ratios on the discoloration process were monitored at periodic intervals using a combination of LTV Visible and attenuated total Reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopies. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) and optical microscopy (OM) analyses were performed to gain information about the discoloration processes taking place within the paint models. Eosin precipitated on lead, aluminum and potassium/aluminum salts was used. These three lakes showed similar discoloration rates under light exposure. In contrast, the presence and relative abundance of the admixture pigments lead white and cobalt blue had a significant influence on the (speed of the) eosin discoloration process. The presence of lead white and cobalt blue appears to stimulate the eosin degradation. However, the cobalt blue shows less influence in the discoloration process, showing a protective effect during the first stages of the aging. This may be qualitatively explained in terms of the ability of lead white to scatter light towards eosin molecules and the absorption characteristics of cobalt blue in the green range of the electromagnetic spectrum, shielding eosin from incoming light. The color changes observed in the paint reconstructions are similar to discoloration phenomena visible in some Van Gogh paintings and can offer an explanation of the gradual discoloration process that took place over the years. These insights will be helpful to estimate the original hues color used/intended by the artist.

Abstract: Colloidal CsPbX3 (X = Br, Cl, and I) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have emerged as promising phosphors and solar cell materials due to their remarkable optoelectronic properties. These properties can be tailored by not only controlling the size and shape of the NCs but also postsynthetic composition tuning through topotactic
anion exchange. In contrast, property control by cation exchange is still underdeveloped for colloidal CsPbX3 NCs. Here, we present a method that allows partial cation exchange in colloidal CsPbBr3 NCs, whereby Pb2+ is exchanged for several isovalent cations, resulting in doped CsPb1−xMxBr3 NCs (M= Sn2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+; 0 < x ≤ 0.1), with preservation of the original NC shape. The size of the parent NCs is also preserved in the product NCs, apart from a small (few
%) contraction of the unit cells upon incorporation of the guest cations. The partial Pb2+ for M2+ exchange leads to a blue-shift of the optical spectra, while maintaining the high photoluminescence quantum yields (>50%), sharp absorption features, and narrow emission of the parent CsPbBr3 NCs. The blue-shift in the optical spectra is attributed to the lattice contraction that accompanies the Pb2+ for M2+ cation exchange and is observed to scale linearly with the lattice contraction. This work opens up new possibilities to engineer the properties of halide perovskite NCs, which to date are demonstrated to be the only known
system where cation and anion exchange reactions can be sequentially combined while preserving the original NC shape, resulting in compositionally diverse perovskite NCs.

Abstract: The polar corundum structure type offers a route to new room temperature multiferroic materials, as the partial LiNbO3-type cation ordering that breaks inversion symmetry may be combined with long-range magnetic ordering of high spin d(5) cations above room temperature in the AFeO(3) system. We report the synthesis of a polar corundum GaFeO3 by a high-pressure, high-temperature route and demonstrate that its polarity arises from partial LiNbO3 -type cation ordering by complementary use of neutron, X-ray, and electron diffraction methods. In situ neutron diffraction shows that the polar corundum forms directly from AlFeO3-type GaFeO3 under the synthesis conditions. The A(3+)/Fe3+ cations are shown to be more ordered in polar corundum GaFeO3 than in isostructural ScFeO3. This is explained by DFT calculations which indicate that the extent of ordering is dependent on the configurational entropy available to each system at the very different synthesis temperatures required to form their corundum structures. Polar corundum GaFeO3 exhibits weak ferromagnetism at room temperature that arises from its Fe2O3-like magnetic ordering, which persists to a temperature of 408 K. We demonstrate that the polarity and magnetization are coupled in this system with a measured linear magnetoelectric coupling coefficient of 0.057 ps/m. Such coupling is a prerequisite for potential applications of polar corundum materials in multiferroic/magnetoelectric devices.

Abstract: The concept of template-confined chemical reactions allows the synthesis of complex molecules that would hardly be producible through conventional method. This idea was developed to produce high quality nanocrystals more than 20 years ago. However, template-mediated assembly of colloidal nanocrystals is still at an elementary level, not only because of the limited templates suitable for colloidal assemblies, but also because of the poor control over the assembly of nanocrystals within a confined space. Here, we report the design of a new system called “supracrystalline colloidal eggs” formed by controlled assembly of nanocrystals into complex colloidal supracrystals through superlattice-matched epitaxial overgrowth along the existing colloidosomes. Then, with this concept, we extend the supracrystalline growth to lattice-mismatched binary nanocrystal superlattices, in order to reach anisotropic superlattice growths, yielding freestanding binary nanocrystal supracrystals that could not be produced previously.