Rhodanine vinyl bithiophene (BTR) was synthesized and characterized both spectroscopically and structurally. The reaction of BTR with molecular iodine led to the 1 : 1 “spoke” adduct BTR·I₂, formed by interaction of the rhodanine thiocarbonyl group with a diiodine (I₂) molecule. The elongation of the I–I bond in the adduct with respect to solid-state I₂ and the Raman response in the low-energy region (ν = 150 cm⁻¹) clearly indicate BTR·I₂ to be a weak CT adduct. Hybrid-DFT calculations showed that the adduct formation narrowed the HOMO–LUMO gap in BTR·I₂ as compared to BTR, while the extended network of secondary interactions, including type-I halogen bonds (XB), results in the formation of an extended 3D network. As a consequence, the room temperature conductivity of BTR·I₂ increased with respect to BTR, testifying for a more efficient molecular packing for charge percolation, with the formation of charge carriers in the crystal being facilitated by the presence of I₂. It is worth noting that the single-crystal junction device operates at room temperature, in air, and no variation of conductivity over time was observed, indicating that no loss of diiodine occurred during measurements. These results clearly indicate the formation of thiocarbonyl–diiodine CT adducts and their potential as a solid additive for modulating the organization of small molecule semiconductors.

This work focuses on the erodent capability of yttria‐stabilized zirconia beads impacting on a limestone target surface. The target surface was used as the cap of a hardened steel vial clamped on a SPEX Mixer/Mill 8000. The vial three‐dimensional swing results in repeated bead impacts that cause the material removal from the target surface. The mass loss varies linearly with the number of beads, which allowed estimating the mass lost per bead per impact. It amounts approximately to 70 ng, a value that compares fairly well with the one of about 80 ng estimated from the volume of the indents left on the target surface by individual impacts. Experimental findings indicate that the methodology developed can be reliably utilized to investigate solid particle erosion under highly reproducible and controllable experimental conditions.

The abnormal deposition of protein in the brain is the central factor in neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). These detrimental aggregates, stemming from the misfolding and subsequent irregular aggregation of α-synuclein protein, are primarily accountable for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Two-photon-excited (TPE) probes are a promising tool for the early-stage diagnosis of these pathologies as they provide accurate spatial resolution, minimal intrusion, and the ability for prolonged observation. To identify compounds with the potential to function as diagnostic probes using two-photon techniques, we explore three distinct categories of compounds: Hydroxyl azobenzene (AZO-OH); Dicyano-vinyl bithiophene (DCVBT); and Tetra-amino phthalocyanine (PcZnNH₂). The molecules were structurally and optically characterized using a multi-technique approach via UV-vis absorption, Raman spectroscopy, three-dimensional fluorescence mapping (PLE), time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), and pump and probe measurements. Furthermore, quantum chemical and molecular docking calculations were performed to provide insights into the photophysical properties of the compounds as well as to assess their affinity with the α-synuclein protein. This innovative approach seeks to enhance the accuracy of in vivo probing, contributing to early Parkinson’s disease (PD) detection and ultimately allowing for targeted intervention strategies.

The transition to a circular economy is crucial for addressing the environmental and resource challenges posed by traditional linear production models such as resource depletion, environmental degradation, and waste accumulation. In this context, growing interest is devoted to critical raw materials (CRMs), including rare earth elements (REEs), cobalt, and others, which play a vital role in clean energy technologies, advanced electronics and high-performance magnet applications. This study presents an eco-friendly method for the recovery of REEs from end-of-life (EoL) NdFeB permanent magnets. The proposed method involves a hydrometallurgical metal recovery using an aqueous solution of bio-based leaching agents (citric acid), enabling the one-pot material dissolution and selective precipitation of REE-based compounds. This approach demonstrates high recovery efficiency, with ≥ 90 wt.% of neodymium retained in the solid phase, and yields valuable metal-rich fractions that can be potentially repurposed into new advanced applications. By opening the possibility to valorize both REE-rich solids and base metal-containing leachates, the process offers a viable path toward reduced CRMs dependency and aligns with circular economy principles through waste minimization and resource reuse.