Multifunctional phosphate-based inorganic-organic hybrid nanoparticles.

Phosphate-based inorganic-organic hybrid nanoparticles (IOH-NPs) with the general composition [M](2+)[Rfunction(O)PO3](2-) (M = ZrO, Mg2O; R = functional organic group) show multipurpose and multifunctional properties. If [Rfunction(O)PO3](2-) is a fluorescent dye anion ([RdyeOPO3](2-)), the IOH-NPs show blue, green, red, and near-infrared fluorescence. This is shown for [ZrO](2+)[PUP](2-), [ZrO](2+)[MFP](2-), [ZrO](2+)[RRP](2-), and [ZrO](2+)[DUT](2-) (PUP = phenylumbelliferon phosphate, MFP = methylfluorescein phosphate, RRP = resorufin phosphate, DUT = Dyomics-647 uridine triphosphate). With pharmaceutical agents as functional anions ([RdrugOPO3](2-)), drug transport and release of anti-inflammatory ([ZrO](2+)[BMP](2-)) and antitumor agents ([ZrO](2+)[FdUMP](2-)) with an up to 80% load of active drug is possible (BMP = betamethason phosphate, FdUMP = 5'-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine 5'-monophosphate). A combination of fluorescent dye and drug anions is possible as well and shown for [ZrO](2+)[BMP](2-)0.996[DUT](2-)0.004. Merging of functional anions, in general, results in [ZrO](2+)([RdrugOPO3]1-x[RdyeOPO3]x)(2-) nanoparticles and is highly relevant for theranostics. Amine-based functional anions in [MgO](2+)[RaminePO3](2-) IOH-NPs, finally, show CO2 sorption (up to 180 mg g(-1)) and can be used for CO2/N2 separation (selectivity up to α = 23). This includes aminomethyl phosphonate [AMP](2-), 1-aminoethyl phosphonate [1AEP](2-), 2-aminoethyl phosphonate [2AEP](2-), aminopropyl phosphonate [APP](2-), and aminobutyl phosphonate [ABP](2-). All [M](2+)[Rfunction(O)PO3](2-) IOH-NPs are prepared via noncomplex synthesis in water, which facilitates practical handling and which is optimal for biomedical application. In sum, all IOH-NPs have very similar chemical compositions but can address a variety of different functions, including fluorescence, drug delivery, and CO2 sorption.

Magnesium aminoethyl phosphonate (Mg(AEP)(H2O)): an inorganic-organic hybrid nanomaterial with high CO2:N2 sorption selectivity.

The inorganic-organic hybrid magnesium aminoethyl phosphonate (Mg(AEP)(H(2)O), particle diameter: 20 nm; specific surface area: 322(10) m(2) g(-1); pore volume: 0.9(1) cm(3) g(-1)) shows reversible CO(2) sorption (152(5) mg g(-1)) at high pressure (≤110 bar). In contrast, N(2) uptake remains below 1.0(1) mg g(-1). Based on this selectivity (∼100%) Mg(AEP)(H(2)O) expands the range of materials available for CO(2) capture.

Sorption and separation of CO2 via nanoscale AlO(OH) hollow spheres.

The CO(2) uptake on nanoscale AlO(OH) hollow spheres (260 mg g(-1)) as a new material is comparable to that on many metal-organic frameworks although their specific surface area is much lower (530 m(2) g(¬1)versus 1500-6000 m(2) g(¬1)). Suited temperature-pressure cycles allow for reversible storage and separation of CO(2) while the CO(2) uptake is 4.3-times higher as compared to N(2).