ChemSusChem

Make it snappy: Clicked 1,2,3-triazoles incorporated into anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) provide more sites to form efficient continuous hydrogen-bond networks for anion transport. Such molecular structures show a dramatic enhancement in anion conductivity compared to typical AEMs without triazole groups.

Not just sugar! Lewis-acidic Sn-MWW zeolites are obtained through postsynthesis functionalization of deboronated B-MWW with Sn. These materials are highly active, selective, and recyclable catalysts for the conversion of triose sugars to methyl lactate (in methanol) and lactic acid (in water). They also demonstrate good performance in the conversion of hexose sugars and sucrose to methyl lactate.

WO₃/W—wow! A self-biasing photoelectrochemical cell based on a Pt-catalyst-decorated crystalline silicon photovoltaic cell photocathode and WO₃/W photoanode that can be self-driven for overall water splitting under visible-light illumination is described.

Workin′ in a bromine: A palladium–polyoxometalate amphiphilic hybrid material serves as catalyst for oxidative brominations. The emulsion-based process avoids the use of toxic and corrosive bromination agents such as Br₂ or HBr, and uses molecular oxygen as oxidant. The only side product is water, which is also the reaction medium. The catalyst offers good recoverability and recyclability.

Dye-ing to degrade: The degradation mechanism of cyanoacrylic acid-based organic sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has been studied. With the synergy of water and UV light, the sensitizer desorbs from the TiO₂ surface and the cyanoacrylic acid unit of sensitizer is converted into an aldehyde group. It is also observed that the oxygen atom of the aldehyde comes from the solvent water in DSSCs.