@article{MeiSiebertXuetal.2022,
  author    = {Mei, Shilin and Siebert, Andreas and Xu, Yaolin and Quan, Ting and Garcia-Diez, Raul and B{\"a}r, Marcus and H{\"a}rtel, Paul and Abendroth, Thomas and D{\"o}rfler, Susanne and Kaskel, Stefan and Lu, Yan},
  title     = {Large-Scale Synthesis of Nanostructured Carbon-Ti4O7 Hollow Particles as Efficient Sulfur Host Materials for Multilayer Lithium-Sulfur Pouch Cells},
  series = {Batteries \& supercaps},
  volume    = {5},
  journal   = {Batteries \& supercaps},
  number    = {6},
  publisher = {Wiley-VCH},
  address   = {Weinheim},
  issn      = {2566-6223},
  doi       = {10.1002/batt.202100398},
  pages     = {11},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Applications of advanced cathode materials with well-designed chemical components and/or optimized nanostructures promoting the sulfur redox kinetics and suppressing the shuttle effect of polysulfides are highly valued. However, in the case of actual lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries under practical working conditions, one long-term obstacle still exists, which is mainly due to the difficulties in massive synthesis of such nanomaterials with low cost and ease of control on the nanostructure. Herein, we develop a facile synthesis of carbon coated Ti4O7 hollow nanoparticles (Ti4O7) using spherical polymer electrolyte brush as soft template, which is scalable via utilizing a minipilot reactor. The C Ti4O7 hollow nanoparticles provide strong chemical adsorption to polysulfides through the large polar surface and additional physical confinement by rich micro- \& mesopores and have successfully been employed as an efficient sulfur host for multilayer pouch cells. Besides, the sluggish kinetics of the sulfur and lithium sulfide redox mechanism can be improved by the highly conductive Ti4O7 via catalyzation of the conversion of polysulfides. Consequently, the C-Ti4O7 based pouch cell endows a high discharge capacity of 1003 mAhg(-1) at 0.05 C, a high-capacity retention of 83.7\% after 100 cycles at 0.1 C, and a high Coulombic efficiency of 97.5\% at the 100th cycle. This work proposes an effective approach to transfer the synthesis of hollow Ti4O7 nanoparticles from lab- to large-scale production, paving the way to explore a wide range of advanced nanomaterials for multilayer Li-S pouch cells.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LepreHeskeNowakowskietal.2022,
  author    = {Lepre, Enrico and Heske, Julian and Nowakowski, Michal and Scoppola, Ernesto and Zizak, Ivo and Heil, Tobias and K{\"u}hne, Thomas D. and Antonietti, Markus and Lopez-Salas, Nieves and Albero, Josep},
  title     = {Ni-based electrocatalysts for unconventional CO2 reduction reaction to formic acid},
  series = {Nano energy},
  volume    = {97},
  journal   = {Nano energy},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {2211-2855},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.nanoen.2022.107191},
  pages     = {12},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Electrochemical reduction stands as an alternative to revalorize CO2. Among the different alternatives, Ni single atoms supported on carbonaceous materials are an appealing catalytic solution due to the low cost and versatility of the support and the optimal usage of Ni and its predicted selectivity and efficiency (ca. 100\% towards CO). Herein, we have used noble carbonaceous support derived from cytosine to load Ni subnanometric sites. The large heteroatom content of the support allows the stabilization of up to 11 wt\% of Ni without the formation of nanoparticles through a simple impregnation plus calcination approach, where nickel promotes the stabilization of C3NOx frameworks and the oxidative support promotes a high oxidation state of nickel. EXAFS analysis points at nickel single atoms or subnanometric clusters coordinated by oxygen in the material surface. Unlike the wellknown N-coordinated Ni single sites selectivity towards CO2 reduction, O-coordinated-Ni single sites (ca. 7 wt\% of Ni) reduced CO2 to CO, but subnanometric clusters (11 wt\% of Ni) foster the unprecedented formation of HCOOH with 27\% Faradaic efficiency at - 1.4 V. Larger Ni amounts ended up on the formation of NiO nanoparticles and almost 100\% selectivity towards hydrogen evolution.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HaubitzDrobotTsushimaetal.2021,
  author    = {Haubitz, Toni and Drobot, Bj{\"o}rn and Tsushima, Satoru and Steudtner, Robin and Stumpf, Thorsten and Kumke, Michael Uwe},
  title     = {Quenching mechanism of uranyl(VI) by chloride and bromide in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions},
  series = {The journal of physical chemistry : A, Molecules, spectroscopy, kinetics, environment \& general theory},
  volume    = {125},
  journal   = {The journal of physical chemistry : A, Molecules, spectroscopy, kinetics, environment \& general theory},
  number    = {20},
  publisher = {American Chemical Society},
  address   = {Washington},
  issn      = {1089-5639},
  doi       = {10.1021/acs.jpca.1c02487},
  pages     = {4380 -- 4389},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {A major hindrance in utilizing uranyl(VI) luminescence as a standard analytical tool, for example, in environmental monitoring or nuclear industries, is quenching by other ions such as halide ions, which are present in many relevant matrices of uranyl(VI) speciation. Here, we demonstrate through a combination of time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, transient absorption spectroscopy, and quantum chemistry that coordinating solvent molecules play a crucial role in U(VI) halide luminescence quenching. We show that our previously suggested quenching mechanism based on an internal redox reaction of the 1:2-uranyl-halide-complex holds also true for bromide-induced quenching of uranyl(VI). By adopting specific organic solvents, we were able to suppress the separation of the oxidized halide ligand X-2(center dot-) and the formed uranyl(V) into fully solvated ions, thereby "reigniting" U(VI) luminescence. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations show that quenching occurs through the outer-sphere complex of U(VI) and halide in water, while the ligand-to-metal charge transfer is strongly reduced in acetonitrile.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{PhamQuanMeietal.2022,
  author    = {Pham, Duong Tung and Quan, Ting and Mei, Shilin and Lu, Yan},
  title     = {Colloidal metal sulfide nanoparticles for high performance electrochemical energy storage systems},
  series = {Current opinion in green and sustainable chemistry},
  volume    = {34},
  journal   = {Current opinion in green and sustainable chemistry},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {2452-2236},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.cogsc.2022.100596},
  pages     = {11},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Transition metal sulfides have emerged as excellent replacement candidates of traditional insertion electrode materials based on their conversion or alloying mechanisms, facilitating high specific capacity and rate ability. However, parasitic reactions such as massive volume change during the discharge/ charge processes, intermediate polysulfide dissolution, and passivating solid electrolyte interface formation have led to poor cyclability, hindering their feasibility and applicability in energy storage systems. Colloidal metal sulfide nanoparticles, a special class that integrates the intrinsic chemical properties of metal sulfides and their specified structural features, have fairly enlarged their contribution due to the synergistic effect. This review highlights the latest synthetic approaches based on colloidal process. Their corresponding electrochemical outcomes will also be discussed, which are thoroughly updated along with their insight scientific standpoints.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ReitenbachGeigerWangetal.2023,
  author    = {Reitenbach, Julija and Geiger, Christina and Wang, Peixi and Vagias, Apostolos N. and Cubitt, Robert and Schanzenbach, Dirk and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Papadakis, Christine M. and M{\"u}ller-Buschbaum, Peter},
  title     = {Effect of magnesium salts with chaotropic anions on the swelling behavior of PNIPMAM thin films},
  series = {Macromolecules : a publication of the American Chemical Society},
  volume    = {56},
  journal   = {Macromolecules : a publication of the American Chemical Society},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {American Chemical Society},
  address   = {Washington},
  issn      = {0024-9297},
  doi       = {10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02282},
  pages     = {567 -- 577},
  year      = {2023},
  abstract  = {Poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PNIPMAM) is a stimuli responsive polymer, which in thin film geometry exhibits a volume-phase transition upon temperature increase in water vapor. The swelling behavior of PNIPMAM thin films containing magnesium salts in water vapor is investigated in view of their potential application as nanodevices. Both the extent and the kinetics of the swelling ratio as well as the water content are probed with in situ time-of-flight neutron reflectometry. Additionally, in situ Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy provides information about the local solvation of the specific functional groups, while two-dimensional FTIR correlation analysis further elucidates the temporal sequence of solvation events. The addition of Mg(ClO4)2 or Mg(NO3)2 enhances the sensitivity of the polymer and therefore the responsiveness of switches and sensors based on PNIPMAM thin films. It is found that Mg(NO3)2 leads to a higher relative water uptake and therefore achieves the highest thickness gain in the swollen state.},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{BreternitzSchorr2021,
  author    = {Breternitz, Joachim and Schorr, Susan},
  title     = {Halide perovskites},
  series = {Acta crystallographica / International Union of Crystallography. Section A, Foundations and advances},
  volume    = {77},
  booktitle = {Acta crystallographica / International Union of Crystallography. Section A, Foundations and advances},
  number    = {Suppl.},
  publisher = {Blackwell},
  address   = {Oxford [u.a.]},
  issn      = {2053-2733},
  pages     = {C750 -- C750},
  year      = {2021},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{NchiozemNgnitedemSperlichMatietaetal.2023,
  author    = {Nchiozem-Ngnitedem, Vaderament-Alexe and Sperlich, Eric and Matieta, Valaire Yemene and Kuete, Jenifer Reine Ngnouzouba and Kuete, Victor and Omer, Ejlal A. A. and Efferth, Thomas and Schmidt, Bernd},
  title     = {Synthesis and bioactivity of isoflavones from ficus carica and some non-natural analogues},
  series = {Journal of natural products : Lloydia},
  volume    = {86},
  journal   = {Journal of natural products : Lloydia},
  number    = {6},
  publisher = {American Chemical Society},
  address   = {Washington, DC},
  issn      = {0163-3864},
  doi       = {10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00219},
  pages     = {1520 -- 1528},
  year      = {2023},
  abstract  = {FicucariconeD (1) and its 4 '-demethyl congener 2 are isoflavones isolated from fruits of Ficus carica that share a 5,7-dimethoxy-6-prenyl-substituted A-ring. Both naturalproducts were, for the first time, obtained by chemical synthesisin six steps, starting from 2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenone. Key stepsare a microwave-promoted tandem sequence of Claisen- and Cope-rearrangementsto install the 6-prenyl substituent and a Suzuki-Miyaura crosscoupling for installing the B-ring. By using various boronic acids,non-natural analogues become conveniently available. All compoundswere tested for cytotoxicity against drug-sensitive and drug-resistanthuman leukemia cell lines, but were found to be inactive. The compoundswere also tested for antimicrobial activities against a panel of eightGram-negative and two Gram-positive bacterial strains. Addition ofthe efflux pump inhibitor phenylalanine-arginine-beta-naphthylamide(PA beta N) significantly improved the antibiotic activity in mostcases, with MIC values as low as 2.5 mu M and activity improvementfactors as high as 128-fold.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GeigerReitenbachHenscheletal.2021,
  author    = {Geiger, Christina and Reitenbach, Julija and Henschel, Cristiane and Kreuzer, Lucas and Widmann, Tobias and Wang, Peixi and Mangiapia, Gaetano and Moulin, Jean-Fran{\c{c}}ois and Papadakis, Christine M. and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and M{\"u}ller-Buschbaum, Peter},
  title     = {Ternary nanoswitches realized with multiresponsive PMMA-b-PNIPMAM films in mixed water/acetone vapor atmospheres},
  series = {Advanced engineering materials},
  volume    = {23},
  journal   = {Advanced engineering materials},
  number    = {11},
  publisher = {Wiley-VCH},
  address   = {Weinheim},
  issn      = {1438-1656},
  doi       = {10.1002/adem.202100191},
  pages     = {12},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {To systematically add functionality to nanoscale polymer switches, an understanding of their responsive behavior is crucial. Herein, solvent vapor stimuli are applied to thin films of a diblock copolymer consisting of a short poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) block and a long poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PNIPMAM) block for realizing ternary nanoswitches. Three significantly distinct film states are successfully implemented by the combination of amphiphilicity and co-nonsolvency effect. The exposure of the thin films to nitrogen, pure water vapor, and mixed water/acetone (90 vol\%/10 vol\%) vapor switches the films from a dried to a hydrated (solvated and swollen) and a water/acetone-exchanged (solvated and contracted) equilibrium state. These three states have distinctly different film thicknesses and solvent contents, which act as switch positions "off," "on," and "standby." For understanding the switching process, time-of-flight neutron reflectometry (ToF-NR) and spectral reflectance (SR) studies of the swelling and dehydration process are complemented by information on the local solvation of functional groups probed with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. An accelerated responsive behavior beyond a minimum hydration/solvation level is attributed to the fast build-up and depletion of the hydration shell of PNIPMAM, caused by its hydrophobic moieties promoting a cooperative hydration character.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{MelaniNagataSaalfrank2021,
  author    = {Melani, Giacomo and Nagata, Yuki and Saalfrank, Peter},
  title     = {Vibrational energy relaxation of interfacial OH on a water-covered alpha-Al2O3(0001) surface},
  series = {Physical chemistry, chemical physics : PCCP ; a journal of European chemical societies},
  volume    = {23},
  journal   = {Physical chemistry, chemical physics : PCCP ; a journal of European chemical societies},
  number    = {13},
  publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry},
  address   = {Cambridge},
  issn      = {1463-9076},
  doi       = {10.1039/d0cp03777j},
  pages     = {7714 -- 7723},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Vibrational relaxation of adsorbates is a sensitive tool to probe energy transfer at gas/solid and liquid/solid interfaces. The most direct way to study relaxation dynamics uses time-resolved spectroscopy. Here we report on a non-equilibrium ab initio molecular dynamics (NE-AIMD) methodology to model vibrational relaxation of OH vibrations on a hydroxylated, water-covered alpha-Al2O3(0001) surface. In our NE-AIMD approach, after exciting selected O-H bonds their coupling to surface phonons and to the water adlayer is analyzed in detail, by following both the energy flow in time, as well as the time-evolution of Vibrational Density of States (VDOS) curves. The latter are obtained from Time-dependent Correlation Functions (TCFs) and serve as prototypical, generic representatives of time-resolved vibrational spectra. As most important results, (i) we find a few-picosecond lifetime of the excited modes and (ii) identify both hydrogen-bonded aluminols and water molecules in the adsorbed water layer as main dissipative channels, while the direct coupling to Al2O3 surface phonons is of minor importance on the timescales of interest. Our NE-AIMD/TCF methodology is powerful for complex adsorbate systems, in principle even reacting ones, and opens a way towards time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{WangFritschBerendtsetal.2021,
  author    = {Wang, Zhenyu and Fritsch, Daniel and Berendts, Stefan and Lerch, Martin and Breternitz, Joachim and Schorr, Susan},
  title     = {Elucidation of the reaction mechanism for the synthesis of ZnGeN2 through Zn2GeO4 ammonolysis},
  series = {Chemical science / RSC, Royal Society of Chemistry},
  volume    = {12},
  journal   = {Chemical science / RSC, Royal Society of Chemistry},
  number    = {24},
  publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry},
  address   = {Cambridge},
  issn      = {2041-6539},
  doi       = {10.1039/d1sc00328c},
  pages     = {8493 -- 8500},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Ternary II-IV-N-2 materials have been considered as a promising class of materials that combine photovoltaic performance with earth-abundance and low toxicity. When switching from binary III-V materials to ternary II-IV-N-2 materials, further structural complexity is added to the system that may influence its optoelectronic properties. Herein, we present a systematic study of the reaction of Zn2GeO4 with NH3 that produces zinc germanium oxide nitrides, and ultimately approach stoichiometric ZnGeN2, using a combination of chemical analyses, X-ray powder diffraction and DFT calculations. Elucidating the reaction mechanism as being dominated by Zn and O extrusion at the later reaction stages, we give an insight into studying structure-property relationships in this emerging class of materials.},
  language  = {en}
}