What is it about?
The photostability of dyes is considerably improved by inserting them into zeolite channels: in this way, the molecules are protected by the porous host matrix. Plugging the channel entrances, so that the dye molecules cannot escape into the environment, is crucial for the long-term stability of these important composites. Our work shows how the zeolite channel entrances may effectively be sealed by stopper molecules.
Featured Image
Photo by Yoko Correia Nishimiya on Unsplash
Why is it important?
How does the entrance of a nanometric pore appear to an incoming molecule? This information is greatly important for the fabrication and functionalization of novel electro-optical materials for solar energy applications, because these materials can be realized by loading dye molecules inside the pores of zeolites. For the first time, our study provides a molecular-level view of the pore entrances, which could facilitate the rational design of these useful materials.
Perspectives
We showed that different types of stopper molecules may plug the entrances of a porous host material either partially or completely, depending on the size, shape, and chemical nature of the stopper. This knowledge would be instrumental for obtaining the desired chemical functionalization of zeolite-pores in advanced materials. As dye-zeolite hybrids are important building blocks for artificial antenna systems, our results could foster further development of such fascinating biomimetic devices.
Gloria Tabacchi
university of insubria
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Structure of Nanochannel Entrances in Stopcock-Functionalized Zeolite L Composites, Angewandte Chemie, August 2015, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/ange.201504745.
You can read the full text:
Resources
supporting information
- Detailed description of the models - Additional figures of the functionalized zeolite materials and of their channel openings
Article page in Academia.edu
Our article in Academia
Article page in Researchgate
Our article in researchgate
Artificial Photosynthesis
To place our reseach in a broader context, here is a Wikipedia article on Artificial Photosynthesis mentioning dye-zeolite composites, and citing our paper.
Infographic explaining this paper
This infographic explains the basic concept of our work in 5 easy steps! Three formats are available (pdf, jpg, png).
Chemistry at Zeolite Entrances
Extended abstract of the contribution: "Chemistry at the entrances of Zeolite L nanochannels" (Oxide2016 conference, september 2016)
Full Paper - Open Access
Author version of this paper after peer review (accepted manuscript).
crossing channel entrances
This paper describes what happens when the zeolite channel entrances are not blocked.
Poster: "at the entrance of zeolite nanochannels"
Poster describing further development from this work presented at the 6th EuCheMS Congress in Seville and at the Oxide2016 Workshop in Naples
The devil makes the pots but not the lids
An informal blog post, describing this research and its practical application in the production of a new pigment.
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
