Diego Solis-Ibarra

Magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) insertion promotes exceptional sensitivity, lowering the limit of detection from 209.7 to 5.6 ppm.

The development of chemically robust sorbents capable of integrating capture and optical sensing of toxic gas remains a major challenge. Herein, the ultramicroporous Zn(II)‐based metal‐organic framework, MFM‐520, has been investigated for the adsorption and luminescent detection of H ₂ S. Breakthrough measurements at 298 K and 1 bar show a reversible H ₂ S uptake of 3.91 mmol g ⁻¹ , while powder X‐ray diffraction confirms full retention of crystallinity after adsorption. Solid‐state photoluminescence experiments reveal a pronounced, selective fluorescence turn‐off response to H ₂ S in the gas phase, with a limit of detection of 6.13 ppm. Time‐resolved spectroscopy shows a decrease in the excited‐state lifetime upon H ₂ S adsorption, indicating enhanced non‐radiative decay pathways. In situ DRIFTS measurements indicate that H ₂ S interacts with MFM‐520 through supramolecular interactions. The combined adsorption, structural, and spectroscopic analyses establish that fluorescence quenching arises from reversible, confinement‐amplified modulation of ligand‐centered excited‐state dynamics. These results highlight how coordinatively saturated Zn(II) nodes within ultramicroporous environments can couple chemical stability with selective luminescent gas sensing.

ConspectusTwo-dimensional (2D) organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites provide a stable alternative to three-dimensional (3D) absorbers, which often suffer from sensitivity to moisture and light. However, the traditional 2D perovskite architecture functions as a "quantum-well" structure, where insulating organic cations form dielectric barriers that restrict both light absorption and charge transport. The research described in this account focuses on transforming these passive organic spacers into active electronic components. Specifically, this transformation is achieved by incorporating diynes (molecules with two adjacent triple bonds) directly into the perovskite lattice and inducing topochemical polymerization through thermal treatment, which results in the formation of a 2D perovskite that intercalates a conductive polymer between its inorganic layers.The incorporation of such a polymer brings drastic changes in the properties of these materials. For example, it can significantly reduce their bandgap by up to 1.5 eV, thereby moving absorption well into the near-IR (NIR) range. Similarly, it can also improve the conductivity of the resulting material by up to 3 orders of magnitude while also enhancing their hydrophobicity and overall stability.In this Account, we describe the synthesis and characterization of these hybrid materials, highlighting how the inorganic lattice preorganizes diacetylene ligands to facilitate solid-state reactivity. Further, we discuss the impact of oxidative doping, showing that the incorporation of stable organic radicals in the polymers enhances electrical conductivity and the material's absorption. We further establish the versatility of this strategy by expanding the library of diynes and halides, confirming that this approach is a robust and reproducible method for modifying the optoelectronic properties of various 2D perovskite scaffolds.Beyond fundamental material design, we discuss the application of these systems in high-performance optoelectronic devices, specifically air-processed NIR photodetectors. For instance, devices utilizing one of these polymerized 2D-perovskites exhibit remarkable responsivities on par with state-of-the-art devices. Ultimately, this account argues that the integration of conjugated polymers represents a paradigm shift for 2D perovskites, successfully transforming the organic spacer from a passive dielectric barrier into an electronically active component, thereby opening the door to new and exciting properties and applications.

The search for nontoxic and stable alternatives to halide perovskites has driven significant research into lead‐free double perovskite compositions. Among these, layered variants offer unique properties, but their synthesis often relies on solvent or heat‐intensive methods. Herein, we demonstrate a scalable and solvent‐free mechanochemical approach for the synthesis of ⟨111⟩‐oriented layered double perovskites (LDPs). Three distinct solid solutions, Cs ₄ Cu _{1− x} Mn _x Sb ₂ Cl ₁₂ , Cs ₄ Cd _{1− x} Mn _x Sb ₂ Cl ₁₂ and Cs ₄ Cd _{1− x} Mn _x Bi ₂ Cl ₁₂ ( x = 0–1), were successfully obtained in batch sizes of up to 5.0 g. All compounds can be obtained in less than 30 min and retain their expected optical properties, highlighting mechanochemistry as a green and scalable route to lead‐free layered perovskites.

Different interactions between H ₂ S and porous cage-like materials.

This Special Topic in APL Energy highlights recent advances in applied energy research across Latin America, focusing on materials and technologies that support the regional energy transition. The collection showcases developments in organic and perovskite photovoltaics, perovskite quantum dots, photocatalysis, and photoelectrochemical hydrogen production, including both fundamental studies and prototype-level innovations. Together, these contributions, along with the vast renewable energy potential that Latin America possesses, demonstrate the region’s growing capacity for scientific innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technology development tailored to local resources and challenges, reinforcing Latin America’s role in shaping sustainable, low-carbon energy solutions.

This highlight aims to summarize the catalytic properties of coordination compounds and MOFs, with a particular focus on Professor Tilley's specific contributions and his pioneering work in hydrosilylation and water oxidation/evolution reactions.

A bromide–iodide alloyed copper cluster phosphor, TPA ₂ [Cu ₄ Br ₂ I ₄ ], exhibits visible-light excitation, near-unity quantum yield (∼95%), and dual emission from cis / trans isomers, demonstrating excellent processability and scalability.

Supramolecular chemistry has made substantial inroads through the development of innovative porous materials formed by the self-assembly of molecular building blocks, driven by diverse interactions, for the capture and detection of SO ₂ .