Hybrid nanocomposites of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-functionalized conducting polymers (CPs) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared by concurrent disproportionation and oxidative coupling. The formation of hybrid nanocomposites, NHC-CP/AuNPs, in the simultaneous process was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and 13C solid-state NMR analyses. More importantly, the NHC group played a pivotal role in the dispersion of AuNPs. Further, NHC-CP/AuNPs exhibited good catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.

A thiol–ene ‘click’ photopolymerization methodology for the covalent connection between vinyl-functionalized metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and the polymer matrix.

No abstract

Fine-tuning and pore environment control of covalently connected metal−organic framework (MOF) and mixed-matrix membrane (MMM) composite materials were achieved. Core−shell-type, dual-functionalized, zirconium-based MOFs were prepared through a postsynthetic ligand exchange (PSE) process, and active vinyl functionalities on the surface of MOF nanoparticles were utilized for polymerization by forming interfacial-covalent connections between MOF nanoparticles and polymeric membranes via thiol−ene click photopolymerization. The target functionality of the MOF pore originated from the parent MOFs, allowing pore engineering of the MOF−MMM composite materials. A series of defect-free, interface-controlled, and corefunctionalized MOF−MMMs were prepared through the present methodology, and the NO 2 -functionalized/covalently connected MOF−MMM showed the highest CO 2 permeability and solubility without loss of selectivity. This facile and versatile approach will be useful for the fabrication of functional MOF nanoparticle-based membranes for various applications, such as catalysis and separation.