Dec 2024
Abstract
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have garnered significant interest due to their structural diversity and wide-ranging applications. This research focuses on the derivation of new MOF topologies through innovative geometrical operations applied to existing nets. By systematically modifying structural parameters, our team developed a strategy that uses Centering Structure Directing Agents (cSDA) to facilitate the synthesis of these novel frameworks in the laboratory. This approach utilizes carefully selected agents to guide the assembly of the desired structures with high precision. Employing this methodology, we successfully synthesized two new MOF topologies, named hmc and flu, which were characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and sorption studies. These findings underscore the potential of using cSDA in expanding the library of MOF topologies and enhancing their applicability across various scientific domains.
Biography
Taslim Melliti holds a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Alfaisal University in Riyadh, where an early interest in chemistry evolved into a passion for inorganic chemistry. Currently, Taslim is pursuing an MS/PhD under the guidance of Prof. Mohamed Eddaoudi, with research centered on the design and synthesis of novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).
Abstract
Smart food represents a new frontier in nutrition and sustainability, combining advanced technology and scientific innovation to create healthier, more eco-friendly food systems. These foods are designed to address global challenges like malnutrition, chronic diseases, and environmental degradation. Smart food innovations are increasingly integrating nanotechnology to enhance their functionality, particularly through the use of nanocarriers for vitamin delivery. Nanocarriers, such as liposomes, nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions, enable the encapsulation and controlled release of vitamins, improving their bioavailability and stability. This technology addresses common challenges in nutrition, such as the degradation of vitamins during storage or digestion and poor absorption in the body. By incorporating nanocarriers, smart food can deliver essential nutrients more effectively, ensuring that individuals receive optimal health benefits even from small doses. This synergy between smart food and nanotechnology not only enhances nutritional value but also aligns with sustainability goals by reducing waste and resource use. Together, they represent a cutting-edge approach to addressing malnutrition and supporting global health.
This project aims to revolutionize Smart food technologies through the integration of advanced delivery systems like the SmartCube, a novel core-shell nanocarrier designed for effective vitamin D3 encapsulation and delivery. This innovative system enhances the bioavailability and stability of vitamin D3, addressing common challenges in nutrient fortification. SmartCube employs a lipid-based solid core for efficient entrapment of the lipophilic vitamin, combined with a protective magnesium-coordinated mucic acid shell. This design not only safeguards the sensitive core from environmental stresses but also introduces a co-nutrient for additional health benefits. Incorporating SmartCube offers a transformative approach to delivering essential vitamins. Its ability to withstand physiological conditions, penetrate biological barriers, and ensure controlled, prolonged release aligns perfectly with the goals of smart food: improving health outcomes, combating deficiencies, and enhancing nutrient absorption. This synergy exemplifies the potential of nanotechnology in creating smarter, more efficient food solutions.
Biography
Valeriia Nikolaeva is a PhD candidate from Smart Hybrid Materials Lab lead by Prof. Niveen Khashab. Valeriia’s main research interest lies in the field of stimuli-responsive smart materials for biomedical and environmental applications. During her PhD studies, Valeriia has already published two articles as a co-author and as an equal contributor. She was an active member of a team participating in the boot camp of regenerative agriculture organized by SABB bank. This team from Smart Hybrid Materials lab is listed among the top 3 finalists for their solution of smart encapsulation technologies to boost crop resilience in MENAT region. Additionally, Valeriia co-authored in licensing a patent focused on the nutrient delivery technology for plants.
Abstract
Thermodynamics and kinetics serve as fundamental descriptors for any chemical reaction, yet deciphering their roles in electrochemical systems has remained a significant challenge for over a century. In a typical multi-electron transfer process, distinct elementary steps often proceed concurrently at different active sites and are influenced by potential side reactions. As a result, accurately identifying the underlying electrochemical behavior of these elementary steps necessitates both a clearly defined reaction pathway and the application of transient electrochemical techniques. In this study, we selected the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) as a model reaction and developed a well-defined single-atom electrocatalyst to activate two competing reaction pathways simultaneously: the adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM) and the lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism (LOM). By employing a combination of transient electrochemical techniques, such as pulse voltammetry and alternating current techniques, we deconvoluted electrochemical signals of AEM and LOM directly in the frequency domain based on their kinetics. Our findings revealed that the deprotonation of replenished lattice OH groups is the pivotal step for the LOM pathway, addressing the long-standing question regarding the origin of the kinetic advantage of LOM. More significantly, this work establishes a novel paradigm for decoupling the thermodynamic and kinetic information in electrochemical reactions, which is critical for elucidating reaction mechanisms and enhancing the efficiency of energy conversion processes.
Biography
Yuanfu Ren obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Central South University in China, in 2021. He is currently in his third year of PhD under the supervision of Prof. Huabin Zhang. His research is centered on fundamental electrochemistry and the development of advanced electrochemical techniques for key catalytic reactions in energy conversion processes.