Formulation and Recycling of a Novel Electrolyte Based on Bio-Derived γ-Valerolactone and Lithium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

This work introduces a novel electrolyte comprising lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) salt dissolved in bio-based γ-valerolactone (GVL) for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Moreover, a simple and sustainable aqueous-based recycling approach for recovering the imide-based lithium salt is proposed. Beyond the sustainable origin of the GVL solvent, this electrolyte exhibits reduced flammability risk, characterized by a flash point of 136 °C, along with favorable transport properties (conductivity of 6.2 mS cm-1 at 20 °C) and good electrochemical stability (5.0 V vs Li+/Li). Its good compatibility with graphite and lithium iron phosphate electrodes ensures remarkable cycling stability in LIB full-cells after 200 galvanostatic cycles at 1  C. Furthermore, the proposed liquid-liquid phase electrolyte recycling method allows for a nearly complete recovery of the LiTFSI salt (97-99%) and the GVL solvent (78%). The feasibility of the recycling process is validated by the reutilization of the recovered LiTFSI salt in electric double-layer capacitors, achieving performances similar to that of the pristine salt with exceptional long-term stability.

Heterogeneous Brønsted Catalysis in the Solvent-Free and Multigram-Scale Synthesis of Polyalcohol Acrylates: The Case Study of Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate.

This article presents a thorough investigation into the synthesis of trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) via the esterification reaction of trimethylolpropane (TMP) with acrylic acid using Amberlite™ 120 IR (H+), Amberlyst® 15, and Dowex™ 50WX8 resins as heterogeneous catalysts. Preliminary comparative tests explored the impact of air flow on water removal during the reaction and different acid-to-alcohol molar ratios (3:1, 6:1, or 9:1 mol:mol). The findings revealed that introducing air significantly enhances TMPTA yield and -OH group conversion, particularly at a 6:1 acid-to-alcohol molar ratio. Based on cost considerations, Amberlite™ 120 IR (H+) was selected as the preferred catalyst for further optimization. This included evaluating the effect of catalyst loading (10%, 5.0%, and 2.5% w/wtot) and assessing the impact of a pre-drying process on resin efficiency. The study concluded that optimal conditions did not necessitate drying, requiring 120 °C, a catalyst loading of 10% w/wtot, a 4 h reaction time, an acid:alcohol ratio of 6:1 mol:mol, the presence of MEHQ (0.1% mol/molAA), and air bubbling at 6 ± 1 Nl/h. Catalyst recycling was effectively implemented with a slight reduction in catalytic activity over consecutive runs. Furthermore, the study explored a scaled-up system with a mechanical stirrer, demonstrating the potential for multi-hundred grams scale-up. Considerations for optimizing the air flow stripping system are also highlighted. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into designing and optimizing the esterification process for TMPTA synthesis, laying the foundation for potential industrial applications.

Impact of Hydrophobic Chains in Five-Coordinate Glucoconjugate Pt(II) Anticancer Agents.

This study describes new platinum(II) cationic five-coordinate complexes (1-R,R') of the formula [PtR(NHC)(dmphen)(ethene)]CF3SO3 (dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline), containing in their axial positions an alkyl group R (methyl or octyl) and an imidazole-based NHC-carbene ligand with a substituent R' of variable length (methyl or octyl) on one nitrogen atom. The Pt-carbene bond is stable both in DMSO and in aqueous solvents. In DMSO, a gradual substitution of dmphen and ethene is observed, with the formation of a square planar solvated species. Octanol/water partitioning studies have revealed the order of hydrophobicity of the complexes (1-Oct,Me > 1-Oct,Oct > 1-Me,Oct > 1-Me,Me). Their biological activity was investigated against two pairs of cancer and non-cancer cell lines. The tested drugs were internalized in cancer cells and able to activate the apoptotic pathway. The reactivity of 1-Me,Me with DNA and protein model systems was also studied using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence, and X-ray crystallography. The compound binds DNA and interacts in various ways with the model protein lysozyme. Remarkably, structural data revealed that the complex can bind lysozyme via non-covalent interactions, retaining its five-coordinate geometry.

Sustainable Ketalization of Glycerol with Ethyl Levulinate Catalyzed by the Iron(III)-Based Metal-Organic Framework MIL-88A.

The catalytic properties of a simple iron-containing MOF based on fumaric acid, MIL-88A, were investigated in the ketalization of ethyl levulinate with glycerol. The corresponding product is a component of current interest as a renewable building block for many uses. Under the following conditions (solventless, 120 °C, stoichiometric ratio, 1% cat.), the reaction proceeds with good yields (85%), and the catalyst can be recovered and recycled without loss of activity, despite some changes in the crystalline lattice and morphology. Moreover, the residual iron content in the product is in the order of units of ppm (≤2), which demonstrates the robustness of the MOF under the reaction conditions.

Pt(II) versus Pt(IV) in Carbene Glycoconjugate Antitumor Agents: Minimal Structural Variations and Great Performance Changes.

Octahedral Pt(IV) complexes (2Pt-R) containing a glycoconjugate carbene ligand were prepared and fully characterized. These complexes are structural analogues to the trigonal bipyramidal Pt(II) species (1Pt-R) recently described. Thus, an unprecedented direct comparison between the biological properties of Pt compounds with different oxidation states and almost indistinguishable structural features was performed. The stability profile of the novel Pt(IV) compounds in reference solvents was determined and compared to that of the analogous Pt(II) complexes. The uptake and antiproliferative activities of 2Pt-R and 1Pt-R were evaluated on the same panel of cell lines. DNA and protein binding properties were assessed using human serum albumin, the model protein hen egg white lysozyme, and double stranded DNA model systems by a variety of experimental techniques, including UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence, circular dichroism, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Although the compounds present similar structures, their in-solution stability, cellular uptake, and DNA binding properties are diverse. These differences may represent the basis of their different cytotoxicity and biological activity.

Fluorine-Free Lithium-Ion Capacitor with Enhanced Sustainability and Safety Based on Bio-Based Æ´-Valerolactone and Lithium Bis(Oxalato)Borate Electrolyte.

In this work, the properties of a novel electrolyte based on the combination of bio-based Æ´-valerolactone (GVL) solvent with lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB) salt and its use for lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) are presented. It is shown that the 1 m LiBOB in GVL electrolyte displays good transport properties, high thermal stability, and the ability to prevent anodic dissolution. Its impact on the performance of both battery-type and capacitive-type electrodes is evaluated. In this regard, special attention is paid to the filming properties associated with LiBOB and GVL decomposition at the electrode surfaces. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the full-cell devices assembled in this study are the first example of a fluorine-free LIC. These devices exhibit a favorable energy-to-power ratio, delivering 80 Wh kg-1 AM at 10 000 W kg-1 AM along with excellent cycling stability, retaining 80% of the initial capacitance after 25 000 cycles. Furthermore, post-mortem analysis of the LIC electrodes is conducted to gain deeper insights into the degradation mechanisms within the device.

γ-Valerolactone as Sustainable and Low-Toxic Solvent for Electrical Double Layer Capacitors.

In this work, γ-valerolactone (GVL), a green solvent based on largely available biomass (carbohydrates), highly biodegradable, and with low eco-toxicological profile, was used as electrolyte component in energy storage devices. This solvent allowed the realization of electrolytes with good transport properties and high thermal stability, which could be successfully applied in electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs). GVL-based EDLCs could operate at 2.7-2.9 V and displayed good performance in term of capacitance, cycling stability, as well as specific energy and power. The results of this study indicate that the use of solvent obtained from largely available natural sources is a feasible strategy for the realization of sustainable and safe electrolytes for EDLCs.

Homogeneous Catalysis and Heterogeneous Recycling: A Simple Zn(II) Catalyst for Green Fatty Acid Esterification.

This work describes the use of simple zinc(II) salts (ZnCl2, ZnCO3, Zn(OAc)2, ZnO, Zn(ClO4)2, Zn(TfO)2, and Zn(BF4)2) as effective catalysts for the esterification of fatty acids with long-chain alcohols and simple polyols through a homogeneous system that allows the gradual and selective removal of water. The results show that the catalytic activity depends on the nature of the counterion: the most effective are the salts with poorly coordinating anions (perchlorate and triflate) or containing basic Brønsted anions (oxide, acetate, and carbonate). However, only with the latter is it possible to fully recover the catalyst at the end of each run, which is easily filtered in the form of zinc carboxylate, given its insolubility in the ester produced. In this way, it is possible to recycle the catalyst numerous times, without any loss of activity. This beneficial prerogative couples the efficiency of the homogeneous catalysis with the advantage of the heterogeneous catalysis. The process is, therefore, truly sustainable, given its high efficiency, low energy consumption, ease of purification, and the absence of auxiliary substances and byproducts.