Dicationic cobalt(II) complexes of the type [Co(fterpy)2]c(X)2·nH2O·mCH3OH (fterpy = 4′-(2-furyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine; 1: X = PF6-, n = 1.5, m = 0; 2: X = ClO4-, n = 1, m = 1) have been isolated using self-assembly method and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. In crystalline states both compounds exhibit gradual and incomplete spin crossover (SCO) behaviour in the temperature range 2-320 K. Various spin states of cobalt(II) in 1 have been confirmed by crystallographic evidences at 150 K and 293 K. A variation in counter anions and solvent molecules from 1 to 2 substantially improves the cooperativity among the spin active metal centres and thereby changing the nature of SCO behaviour.

Photocatalytic water splitting to form hydrogen can effectively alleviate energy and environmental problems attracting wide attention. However, the current photocatalysts have low photocatalytic efficiencies due to the narrow absorption spectrum, which is far from the actual application requirements. Herein, we use the as-prepared zinc porphyrin self-assemblies to visible-light-drive photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with Pt as the cocatalyst and ascorbic acid (AA) as the sacrificial agent. The results exhibit morphology-dependent performance and hexagonal stacks achieved optimal H2 evolution rate (47.1 mmol/h/g), then followed by nanodiscs, nanorod and tetragonal stacks, meanwhile the nanorods with different aspect ratios show size-dependent properties. The UV-vis absorption and photoluminescence spectra and the shortening of decay time of the corresponding ZnTPyP aggregates reveal that the well-defined self-assembled porphyrin networks are J-aggregation and boost efficient energy transfer with respect to monomer. Such porphyrin self-assemblies are standing for one of the most promising photosensitizers in photocatalysis field and provide an important reference for designing the next generation of hydrogen production.

A new family of six ionenes containing aromatic amide linkages has been synthesized from ready available starting materials at scales up to ∼50 g. These ionene-polyamides are all constitutional isomers and vary only in the regiochemistry of the amide linkages (para, meta) and xylyl linkages (ortho, meta, para) which are present in the polymer backbone. This paper details the synthesis of these ionenes and associated characterizations. Ionene-polyamides exhibit relatively low melting points (∼150 oC) allowing them to be readily processed into films and other objects. These ionene-polyamide materials are being developed for further study as polymer membranes for the separations of gases such as CO2, N2, CH4 and H2.

The design of safe and efficient gene transfer vectors remains one of the key challenges in gene therapy. Despite their remarkable transfection efficiency, viral vectors suffer from known safety issues. Consequently, significant research activity has been undertaken to develop nonviral approaches to gene transfer during the last decade. Numerous academic and industrial research groups are investigating synthetic cationic vectors, such as cationic amphiphiles, with the objective of increasing the gene transfection activity. Within this area, the development of functional synthetic vectors that respond to local environmental effects have met with success. These synthetic vectors are based on mechanistic principles and represent a significant departure from earlier systems. Many of these systems for gene delivery in vitro and in vivo are discussed in this article.