Themed collection In memory of Paul O’Brien

36 items
Review Article

Synthetic routes to mercury chalcogenide quantum dots

In this report, we explore the synthetic chemistry behind the development of mercury chalcogenide quantum dots and highlight some key optical properties. Graphical abstract shows a HgTe quantum dots. Reproduced from M. Green, G. Wakefield and P. J. Dobson, J. Mater. Chem., 2003, 13, 1076 with permission from The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Graphical abstract: Synthetic routes to mercury chalcogenide quantum dots
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Tutorial Review

The single molecular precursor approach to metal telluride thin films: imino-bis(diisopropylphosphine tellurides) as examples

Pure thin films of metal tellurides, such as CdTe, Sb2Te3 and In2Te3, can be generated from complexes of the [TePri2PNPPri2Te] ligand by using the technique of aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition.

Graphical abstract: The single molecular precursor approach to metal telluride thin films: imino-bis(diisopropylphosphine tellurides) as examples
Open Access Communication

An atom efficient, single-source precursor route to plasmonic CuS nanocrystals

The synthesis of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) from single-source precursors offers simplified manufacturing processes at the cost of reduced atom efficiency.

Graphical abstract: An atom efficient, single-source precursor route to plasmonic CuS nanocrystals
Open Access Communication

Black phosphorus with near-superhydrophobic properties and long-term stability in aqueous media

We present the use of a polymeric stabilizer which stymies the degradation of black phosphorus nanosheets in aqueous media as well as imparting superhydrophobic properties to immobilised nanosheets.

Graphical abstract: Black phosphorus with near-superhydrophobic properties and long-term stability in aqueous media
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Open Access Communication

SPIONs for cell labelling and tracking using MRI: magnetite or maghemite?

SPIONs consisting predominantly of magnetite or maghemite display distinct chemical stability in solution but equivalent imaging properties when in cells.

Graphical abstract: SPIONs for cell labelling and tracking using MRI: magnetite or maghemite?
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Communication

Functionality preservation with enhanced mechanical integrity in the nanocomposites of the metal–organic framework, ZIF-8, with BN nanosheets

It has been possible to bestow significantly improved mechanical properties on a porous MOF by incorporating BN nanosheets.

Graphical abstract: Functionality preservation with enhanced mechanical integrity in the nanocomposites of the metal–organic framework, ZIF-8, with BN nanosheets
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Open Access Edge Article

Anisotropy of CoII transferred to the Cr7Co polymetallic cluster via strong exchange interactions

In the Cr7Co model-system the anisotropy of CoII is effectively transferred to the whole cluster through strong and anisotropic exchange interactions.

Graphical abstract: Anisotropy of CoII transferred to the Cr7Co polymetallic cluster via strong exchange interactions
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Edge Article

The chemical vapor deposition of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is a potentially important solar cell material. We report the first chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films using diethyldithiocarbamato complexes of copper, zinc and tin.

Graphical abstract: The chemical vapor deposition of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Open Access Paper

Full compositional control of PbSxSe1−x thin films by the use of acylchalcogourato lead(II) complexes as precursors for AACVD

Selenium and sulfur derivatives of lead(II) acylchalcogourato complexes have been used to deposit PbSxSe1−x thin films by AACVD.

Graphical abstract: Full compositional control of PbSxSe1−x thin films by the use of acylchalcogourato lead(ii) complexes as precursors for AACVD
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

Exploring the effect of the cyclometallating ligand in 2-(pyridine-2-yl)benzo[d]thiazole-containing iridium(III) complexes for stable light-emitting electrochemical cells

LECs with [Ir(tppy)2(btzpy)][PF6] (tppy = 2-(3-(tert-butyl)phenyl)pyridine, btzpy = 2-(pyridine-2-yl)benzo[d]thiazole) in the active layer exhibit pure red emission and are very stable over 5 days of continuous operation.

Graphical abstract: Exploring the effect of the cyclometallating ligand in 2-(pyridine-2-yl)benzo[d]thiazole-containing iridium(iii) complexes for stable light-emitting electrochemical cells
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Open Access Paper

Defect formation in In2O3 and SnO2: a new atomistic approach based on accurate lattice energies

A new consistent interatomic force field for In2O3 and SnO2.

Graphical abstract: Defect formation in In2O3 and SnO2: a new atomistic approach based on accurate lattice energies
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Open Access Paper

Direct and continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis of thermochromic phase pure monoclinic VO2 nanoparticles

The first direct synthesis of pure thermochromic VO2(M) nanoparticles with particle sizes below 50 nm by continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis (CHFS).

Graphical abstract: Direct and continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis of thermochromic phase pure monoclinic VO2 nanoparticles
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Open Access Paper

Intermolecular interactions in molecular crystals and their effect on thermally activated delayed fluorescence of helicene-based emitters

In crystals of donor–acceptor helicene molecules, thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) is strongly enhanced by the presence of occluded hexane molecules.

Graphical abstract: Intermolecular interactions in molecular crystals and their effect on thermally activated delayed fluorescence of helicene-based emitters
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Open Access Paper

Enhanced thermoelectric performance of Sn-doped Cu3SbS4

Enhanced thermoelectric performance of Cu3SbS4 with fine microstructure and optimized carrier concentration by Sn-doping.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced thermoelectric performance of Sn-doped Cu3SbS4
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

Bis(selenobenzoato)dibutyltin(IV) as a single source precursor for the synthesis of SnSe nanosheets and their photo-electrochemical study for water splitting

A new organo tin complex has been synthesized and used as a single source precursor for the synthesis of tin selenide nanosheets and deposition of thin films.

Graphical abstract: Bis(selenobenzoato)dibutyltin(iv) as a single source precursor for the synthesis of SnSe nanosheets and their photo-electrochemical study for water splitting
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

Shining light on the antenna chromophore in lanthanide based dyes

Lanthanide based molecular probes for bioimaging rely on the antenna effect; here we start unravelling the details of sensitized lanthanide luminescence.

Graphical abstract: Shining light on the antenna chromophore in lanthanide based dyes
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Open Access Paper

NASICON LiM2(PO4)3 electrolyte (M = Zr) and electrode (M = Ti) materials for all solid-state Li-ion batteries with high total conductivity and low interfacial resistance

All solid-state batteries based on NASICON-type LiM2(PO4)3 electrolyte phases are highly promising owing to their high ionic conductivities and chemical stabilities.

Graphical abstract: NASICON LiM2(PO4)3 electrolyte (M = Zr) and electrode (M = Ti) materials for all solid-state Li-ion batteries with high total conductivity and low interfacial resistance
Paper

Influence of lanthanides on spin-relaxation and spin-structure in a family of Fe7Ln4 single molecule magnets

A family of undecanuclear Fe–Ln clusters, comprising butterfly motifs, was explored and two are found to behave as single molecule magnets.

Graphical abstract: Influence of lanthanides on spin-relaxation and spin-structure in a family of Fe7Ln4 single molecule magnets
Open Access Paper

New insights into the nature of semi-soft elasticity and “mechanical-Fréedericksz transitions” in liquid crystal elastomers

Previously unseen coincidence of a semi-soft elastic-like load curve with a “mechanical-Fréedericksz transition” and negative liquid crystal order parameter (S).

Graphical abstract: New insights into the nature of semi-soft elasticity and “mechanical-Fréedericksz transitions” in liquid crystal elastomers
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

The role of fullerenes in the environmental stability of polymer:fullerene solar cells

Environmental stability is a common challenge for the commercialisation of low cost, encapsulation-free organic opto-electronic devices.

Graphical abstract: The role of fullerenes in the environmental stability of polymer:fullerene solar cells
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Open Access Paper

A solution-processable dissymmetric porous organic cage

A dissymmetric, soluble, porous organic cage from a low-cost racemic precursor.

Graphical abstract: A solution-processable dissymmetric porous organic cage
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Open Access Paper

Insights into the increased degradation rate of CH3NH3PbI3 solar cells in combined water and O2 environments

Halide perovskites offer low cost and high efficiency solar cell materials but serious issues related to air and moisture stability remain.

Graphical abstract: Insights into the increased degradation rate of CH3NH3PbI3 solar cells in combined water and O2 environments
Paper

Understanding the links between composition, polyhedral distortion, and luminescence properties in green-emitting β-Si6−zAlzOzN8−z:Eu2+ phosphors

Compositional tuning via Al/O in the SiAlON phosphor host distorts the activator site, resulting in improved optical properties.

Graphical abstract: Understanding the links between composition, polyhedral distortion, and luminescence properties in green-emitting β-Si6−zAlzOzN8−z:Eu2+ phosphors
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Open Access Paper

Swellable functional hypercrosslinked polymer networks for the uptake of chemical warfare agents

Porous materials can be used as sorbents for the bulk uptake (and potential deactivation) of chemical warfare agents (CWAs).

Graphical abstract: Swellable functional hypercrosslinked polymer networks for the uptake of chemical warfare agents
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

CH3NH3PbI3 films prepared by combining 1- and 2-step deposition: how crystal growth conditions affect properties

The growth of CH3NH3PbI3 films is transformed using a new combined one-step and two-step deposition method which results in controlled morphology and property changes.

Graphical abstract: CH3NH3PbI3 films prepared by combining 1- and 2-step deposition: how crystal growth conditions affect properties
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

Hot injection thermolysis of heterometallic pivalate clusters for the synthesis of monodisperse zinc and nickel ferrite nanoparticles

The heterometallic pivalate clusters have been used as single source precursors to synthesise zinc ferrite or nickel ferrite nanoparticles. The different reaction parameters, magnetic properties and XMCD were studied.

Graphical abstract: Hot injection thermolysis of heterometallic pivalate clusters for the synthesis of monodisperse zinc and nickel ferrite nanoparticles
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

Large pore raspberry textured phosphonate@silica nanoparticles for protein immobilization

Synthesis and characterization of large pore raspberry textured phosphonate@silica nanoparticles that are readily internalized by HeLa cells and form stable BSA@particle dispersions with high BSA load and retention of native protein structure at pH 7.4.

Graphical abstract: Large pore raspberry textured phosphonate@silica nanoparticles for protein immobilization
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

Enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity of mesoporous TiO2−xNx derived from the ethylenediamine-based complex

The as-formed ethylenediamine–titanium butoxide complex was employed to synthesize mesoporous TiO2−xNx with enhanced visible-light-responsive photocatalytic activity owing to its developed mesoporosity and reduced oxygen vacancies.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity of mesoporous TiO2−xNx derived from the ethylenediamine-based complex
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

Electronic and surface properties of PbS nanoparticles exhibiting efficient multiple exciton generation

Ultrafast transient absorption and photoemission measurements have been used to study multiple exciton generation and measure the electronic and surface properties of PbS nanoparticles.

Graphical abstract: Electronic and surface properties of PbS nanoparticles exhibiting efficient multiple exciton generation
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

Supported ionic liquid silica nanoparticles (SILnPs) as an efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

SILnPs showed 99.9% fructose conversion with 63.0% HMF yield in the dehydration of fructose; and were very easily and efficiently recycled over seven cycles.

Graphical abstract: Supported ionic liquid silica nanoparticles (SILnPs) as an efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

Catalysis by microporous phthalocyanine and porphyrin network polymers

Phthalocyanines and porphyrins incorporated into microporous network polymers show greatly enhanced activity as heterogeneous catalysts when compared to low molar mass analogues.

Graphical abstract: Catalysis by microporous phthalocyanine and porphyrin network polymers
From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

Developing environmentally benign routes for semiconductor synthesis: improved approaches to the solution deposition of cadmium sulfide for solar cell applications

From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

A novel metalorganic route for the direct and rapid synthesis of monodispersed quantum dots of indium phosphide

From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

Preparation of zinc oxide and zinc sulfide powders by controlled precipitation from aqueous solution

From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

Low temperature electrochemistry of chromium porphyrins: characterization of transient species

From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
Paper

Reactivity of co-ordination compounds in the solid state. Part 1. Mixed-ligand complexes of oxalate and 2,2′-bipyridlyl with copper(II), their preparation, interconversion, and novel solid-state reactivity

From the themed collection: In memory of Paul O’Brien
36 items

About this collection

After studying at the Universities of Liverpool (first degree) and Cardiff (PhD), Paul O’Brien FRS began his teaching career and research at Chelsea College. He enjoyed further academic posts in London at Queen Mary and Westfield College and Imperial College before moving to the University of Manchester where he spent the rest of his professional life. Over these years, and through numerous national and international collaborations and duties, he touched the hearts and minds of thousands of people. He did this in many guises - as a friend, a colleague, a mentor, a facilitator, a role model and a leader. Without a doubt, Paul inspired and helped to shape the careers of many practising researchers who now have established posts in academia and industry. This collection is a celebration of Paul’s achievements, of his own research with over 700 papers and numerous awards and Fellowships, but also for his passion to help others reach their potential and promote excellent and exciting science. This collection contains papers from friends and colleagues who wish to pay him respect and gratitude through a medium that Paul would have appreciated – through science.

Peter Skabara, University of Glasgow
Richard Winpenny, University of Manchester
Stephen Faulkner, University of Oxford

Spotlight

Advertisements