In-depth photophysical studies of four flexible covalent cages bearing either two free-base porphyrins or one free-base porphyrin and one Zn(II) porphyrin, connected by linkers of different lengths, are reported. In the case of the cages with two free-base porphyrins, exciton coupling between the porphyrins is evidenced by large and split Soret bands in the absorption spectra, but the different length of the linkers has only a slight effect on their emission properties. Strong electronic interactions between the porphyrins are also evidenced for the cages that incorporate a free-base porphyrin and a Zn(II) porphyrin, with a more pronounced splitting of the Soret band for the system with longer linkers. In these cages, following excitation of the Zn-porphyrin component, an almost quantitative energy transfer to the free-base unit occurs, with a rate 1.4 times faster in the cage with longer linkers (1.4 × 10[Formula: see text] s[Formula: see text] vs. 1.0 × 10[Formula: see text] s[Formula: see text]. This difference might reflect the more flattened conformation adopted by the cage equipped with longer and more flexible linkers, the latter allowing for a shorter interplanar distance between the porphyrins. The results are discussed in terms of classical and short-range energy transfer mechanisms.

Triphenylphosphine stabilized Pd, Cu and PdCu nanocatalysts supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or phosphorus functionalised silica (P−SiO2) were prepared via a one‐pot methodology. The series of P−SiO2 supported catalysts evidenced metal particle sizes of metallic nanoparticles (M‐NPs) between 1 and 2.4 nm, smaller than their equivalents on CNTs (2.4–2.6 nm). Such a difference in particle size as a function of the support and the metallic composition indicated the more pronounced mediation of the CNTs support during the formation of the M‐NPs when compared to the P−SiO2 support. The series of supported catalysts were tested in the semi‐hydrogenation of alkynes providing differences in reactivity which might be correlated with the size and composition of the M‐NPs and the nature of corresponding support. The carbon supported catalysts displayed in general higher activities than those supported on silica and the bimetallic catalyst PdCu/CNTs were the most selective for the case of alkyl substituted alkynes. This catalyst could moreover be recycled several times without loss of activity nor selectivity.

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The photophysical characterization of four supramolecular complexes based on covalent cages 2H-S-2H , 2H-L-2H , Zn-S-2H , and Zn-L-2H , consisting in either two free-base porphyrins or one Zn(II) porphyrin and one free-base porphyrin connected by four flexible linkers of different lengths incorporating triazole binding sites, and their Ag(I) complexation are reported. The complexation processes have been followed by means of absorption and emission spectroscopies, and a comprehensive computational study explains the behavior of the free-base porphyrin-containing cages. Absorption and emission features have been interpreted on the bases of conformational changes, metalation processes, and modification of energy transfer efficiencies occurring in the different cases. In all cages, except 2H-L-2H , the coordination of four Ag(I) ions to the lateral triazole groups of the linkers leads to the enlargement of their cavity. Only for 2H-L-2H is a different behavior observed, where the process of silver metalation of the porphyrins’ core prevails.