Translation of the highly promising electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) properties of Ir(III) complexes (with tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) as a co-reactant) into a new generation of ECL labels for ligand binding assays necessitates the introduction of functionality suitable for bioconjugation. Modification of the ligands, however, can affect not only the photophysical and electrochemical properties of the complex, but also the reaction pathways available to generate light. Through a combined theoretical and experimental study, we reveal the limitations of conventional approaches to the design of electrochemiluminophores and introduce a new class of ECL label, [Ir(C^N)₂(pt-TOxT-Sq)]⁺ (where C^N is a range of possible cyclometalating ligands, and pt-TOxT-Sq is a pyridyltriazole ligand with trioxatridecane chain and squarate amide ethyl ester), which outperformed commercial Ir(III) complex labels in two commonly used assay formats. Predicted limits on the redox potentials and emission wavelengths of Ir(III) complexes capable of generating ECL via the dominant pathway applicable in microbead supported ECL assays were experimentally verified by measuring the ECL intensities of the parent luminophores at different applied potentials, and comparing the ECL responses for the corresponding labels under assay conditions. This study provides a framework to tailor ECL labels for specific assay conditions and a fundamental understanding of the ECL pathways that will underpin exploration of new luminophores and co-reactants.

The exciting combination of high electrical conductivity, high specific capacitance and colloidal stability of two-dimensional Ti₃C₂T_x MXene (referred to as MXene) has shown great potential in a wide range of applications including wearable electronics, energy storage, sensors, and electromagnetic interference shielding. To realize its full potential, recent literature has reported a variety of solution-based processing methodologies to develop MXenes into multifunctional architectures, such as fibres, films and aerogels. In response to these recent critical advances, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the diverse solution-based processing methodologies currently being used for MXene-architecture fabrication. A critical evaluation of the processing challenges directly affecting macroscale material properties and ultimately, the performance of the resulting prototype devices is also provided. Opportunities arising from the observed and foreseen challenges regarding their use are discussed to provide avenues for new designs and realise practical use in high performance applications.

Solvate Ionic Liquids (SILs) are a relatively new class of ionic liquids consisting of a coordinating solvent and salt, that give rise to a chelate complex with very similar properties to ionic liquids. Herein is the exploration of the reported Kamlet-Taft parameters, Gutmann Acceptor numbers and the investigation of chelating effects through NMR spectroscopy of multiple atomic nuclei. These properties are related to the application of SILs as reaction media for organic reactions. This area is also reviewed here, including the implication in catalysis for the Aldol and Kabachnik-Fields reactions and electrocyclization reactions such as Diels-Alder and [2+2] cycloaddition. Solvate ILs exhibit many interesting properties and hold great potential as a solvent for organic transformations.

A key factor determining the performance of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites is their fibre-to-matrix interactions, the interface and interphase, as these allow for the efficient transfer of stress from the relatively weak and ductile resin to the strong reinforcing fibres. The manipulation of the interface via modulation of surface chemistry has been an active area of research with many approaches being taken. In this work we cover efforts in this area from traditional manufacturing condition optimisations, plasma, wet chemical, and electrochemical approaches to induce favourable properties in composites. The design of molecular interactions at the interface are exceedingly difficult to determine and design, and thus, we finish this review with a section on the use of molecular dynamics to design complementary interfaces for the next generation of composites.