In this work, the response of Saos2 cells to polymeric Surfaces with different toughness/density Of nanometric dots produced by a tailored plasma-etching process has been studied. Topographical features have been evaluated by atomic force microscopy, while wetting behavior, in terms of water-surface adhesion energy, has been evaluated by measurements of drop sliding angle. Saos2 cytocompatibility has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy, fluor. escent macroscopy, and optical, microscopy. The similarity in outer chemical composition has allowed isolation of the impact of the topographical features on cellular behavior. The results indicate that Saos2 cells respond differently to surfaces with different nanoscale topographical - features, clearly showing a certain inhibition in cell adhesion when the nanoscale is particularly small. This effect appears to be attenuated in surfaces with relatively bigger nanofeatures, though these express a more pronounced slippery/dry wetting character.

We report on the N-decoration of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via chemical functionalization under mild reaction conditions. The introduction of tailored pyridinic functionalities as N-containing edge-type group mimics generates effective catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in an alkaline environment. The adopted methodology lists a number of remarkable technical advantages, among which is an easy tuning of the electronic properties of N-containing groups. The latter aspect further increases the level of complexity for the rationalization of the role of the N-functionalities on the ultimate electrochemical performance of the as-prepared metal-free catalysts. Electrochemical outcomes crossed with the computed electronic charge density distributions on each scrutinized pyridine group have evidenced the central role played by the N-chemical environment on the final catalyst performance. Notably, small variations of the atomic charges on the N-proximal carbon atoms of the chemically grafted heterocycles change the overpotential values at which the oxygen reduction reaction starts. The protocol described hereafter offers an excellent basis for the development of more active metal-free electrocatalysts for the ORR. Finally, the as-prepared catalytically active materials represent a unique model for the in-depth understanding of the underlying ORR mechanism.

A systematic study on copper(II) as catalyst for the synthesis of glycerol carbonate via oxidative carbonylation is here reported for the first time. Copper(II) chloride has been found to efficiently promote the process under homogeneous conditions treating glycerol with CO:O2 (Ptot = 4 MPa; P(O2) = 0.7 MPa), in DMA at 130 ◦C and in the presence of pyridine as co-catalyst. Excellent conversions (>92%) and selectivities (>93%) are obtained in relatively short reaction times (3–4 h) also with copper(II) complexes. The catalyst overall TON is evaluated and new experimental evidences are provided allowing significant advancements in the mechanism comprehension.

We describe the tailoring of polymer surfaces with CFx composition and roughness/density of different micro-/nanometric relieves (ribbons, petals, domes, dots) tuned independently in low pressure plasma deposition and etching processes. Similarity of outer chemical composition grants the comparison of cell culture results to analyze the impact of topographical features on cellular behavior. Such surfaces are of interest for biomedical substrates since tuning their surface composition and morphology can drive the behavior of cells in contact with them.

The combined use of Pd(OAc)2, Cu(OAc)2, and dioxygen in molten tetrabutylammonium acetate (TBAA) promotes an unusual cyclopropanation reaction between aryl methyl ketones and styrenes. The process is a dehydrogenative cyclizing coupling that involves a twofold CH activation at the a-position of the ketone. The substrate scope highlights the flexibility of the catalyst; a reaction mechanism is also proposed.

Organic functionalization of carbon nanotube sidewalls is a tool of primary importance in material science and nanotechnology, equally from a fundamental and an applicative point of view. In this paper, a mild and easily tunable approach to the sidewall decoration of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with epoxides and their subsequent derivatization (ring opening) upon treatment with reactive nucleophiles is presented. The treatment of HiPco purified SWCNTs with dioxirane solutions results in highly oxidized CNTs, which are used as electrophilic platforms for their successive derivatization/functionalization. As a result of the choice of accessible, easy to handle and store dioxiranes, multiple oxidation cycles could be performed on the same sample, thus allowing for a final improvement in the extent of oxidation at the CNT sidewall.

The catalyst thin layer consists of electronically conductive catalyst nano-particles embedded in a polymeric matrix. The ratio number of catalyst atoms/total number of atoms in the catalyst layer is comprised between 40% and 90%, more preferably between 50% and 60%.