Ultrathin LiMn(2)O(4) nanowires with cubic spinel structure were synthesized by using a solvothermal reaction to produce α-MnO(2) nanowire followed by solid-state lithiation. LiMn(2)O(4) nanowires have diameters less than 10 nm and lengths of several micrometers. Galvanostatic battery testing showed that LiMn(2)O(4) nanowires deliver 100 and 78 mAh/g at very high rate (60C and 150C, respectively) in a larger potential window with very good capacity retention and outstanding structural stability. Such performances are due to both the favorable morphology and the high crystallinity of nanowires.

Singlet oxygen sensitization by organic molecules is a topic of major interest in the development of both efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT) and aerobic oxidations under complete green chemistry conditions. We report on the design, synthesis, biology, and complete spectroscopic characterization (vis-NIR linear and two-photon absorption spectroscopy, singlet oxygen generation efficiencies for both one- and two-photon excitation, electrochemistry, intrinsic dark toxicity, cellular uptake, and subcellular localization) of three classes of innovative singlet oxygen sensitizers pertaining to the family of symmetric squaraine derivatives originating from pi-excessive heterocycles. The main advantage of pi-extended squaraine photosensitizers over the large number of other known photosensitizers is their exceedingly strong two-photon absorption enabling, together with sizable singlet oxygen sensitization capabilities, for their use at the clinical application relevant wavelength of 806 nm. We finally show encouraging results about the dark toxicity and cellular uptake capabilities of water-soluble squaraine photosensitizers, opening the way for clinical small animal PDT trials.

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