The shape-selective catalysis enabled by zeolite micropore’s molecular-sized sieving is an efficient way to reduce the cost of chemical separation in the chemical industry. Although well studied since its discovery, HZSM-5′s shape-selective capability has never been fully exploited due to the co-existence of its different-sized straight channels and sinusoidal channels, which makes the shape-selective p-xylene production from toluene alkylation with the least m-xylene and o-xylene continue to be one of the few industrial challenges in the chemical industry. Rather than modifications which promote zeolite shape-selectivity at the cost of stability and reactivity loss, here inverse Al zoned HZSM-5 with sinusoidal channels predominantly opened to their external surfaces is constructed to maximize the shape-selectivity of HZSM-5 sinusoidal channels and reach > 99 % p-xylene selectivity, while keeping a very high activity and good stability ( > 220 h) in toluene methylation reactions. The strategy shows good prospects for shape-selective control of molecules with tiny differences in size.

Fluorescent nitrogen-enriched carbon nanodots (C-dots) of 1 to 3 nm were obtained through a one-pot reaction between melamine and glycerol. These C-dots show quantum yields up to 22% and a high two-photon absorption cross-section. The TiO₂ based photoanode sensitized by these C-dots is capable of converting near IR photon energy to photocurrent.

A novel method has been developed for homogeneous dispersion of metal nanoparticles inside short carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with an inner diameter smaller than 10 nm. The process involves controlled cutting of pristine long nanotubesviaoxidation catalyzed by Ag or Fe and introduction of metal nanoparticles inside the CNT channels using a wet chemistry method aided by ultrasonic treatment and extended stirring. The resulting metal particles are very uniform with sizes in the range of 2–4 nm. In addition, selective dispersion of such nanoparticles on the exterior surfaces of open CNTs has been achieved by temporary blocking of the channels with an organic solvent while decorating the CNT exterior surfaces with aqueous solution of the metal salt. The trick is the choice of this organic solvent, which is immiscible with, and has a higher boiling point than, water.