The highly enantioselective (up to >99.5:0.5 er) synthesis of polysubstituted spirocyclic oxindoles with four new contiguous stereocenters, including the spiro all-carbon quaternary center, is disclosed. It is accomplished by the highly stereoselective control of a dynamic conjugate/intramolecular allylic alkylation relay sequence based on the synergistic cooperation of metal and chiral amine catalysts in which the careful selection of organic Nand, metal complex, and chiral amine is essential. The intermolecular C-C bond-forming step occurred only when both the metal and chiral amine catalysts were present.
The highly enantioselective cascade reaction between N-protected a-cyanoglycine esters and a,beta-unsaturated aldehydes is disclosed. The reaction represents a one-step entry to polysubstituted 5-hydroxyproline derivatives having a quaternary a-stereocenter generally in high yields with up to >95:5 dr and 99:1 er. It is also a direct catalytic two-step entry to functionalized a-quaternary proline derivatives.
Metal–organic layers (MOLs) represent an emerging class of tunable and functionalizable two-dimensional materials. In this work, the scalable solvothermal synthesis of self-supporting MOLs composed of [Hf6O4(OH)4(HCO2)6] secondary building units (SBUs) and benzene-1,3,5-tribenzoate (BTB) bridging ligands is reported. The MOL structures were directly imaged by TEM and AFM, and doped with 4′-(4-benzoate)-(2,2′,2′′-terpyridine)-5,5′′-dicarboxylate (TPY) before being coordinated with iron centers to afford highly active and reusable single-site solid catalysts for the hydrosilylation of terminal olefins. MOL-based heterogeneous catalysts are free from the diffusional constraints placed on all known porous solid catalysts, including metal–organic frameworks. This work uncovers an entirely new strategy for designing single-site solid catalysts and opens the door to a new class of two-dimensional coordination materials with molecular functionalities.
Three three-dimensional (3D) open-framework vanadoborates, denoted as SUT-6-Zn, SUT-6-Mn, and SUT-6-Ni, were synthesized using diethylenetriamine as a template. SUT-6-Zn, SUT-6-Mn, and SUT-6-Ni are isostructural and built from (VO)(12)O-6 B18O36(OH)(6) clusters bridged by ZnO5, MnO6, and NiO6 polyhedra, respectively, to form the 3D frameworks. SUT-6 is the first vanadoborate with a 3D framework. The framework follows a semiregular hxg net topology with a 2-fold interpenetrated diamond-like channel system. The amount of template used in the synthesis played an important role in the dimensionality of the resulting vanadoborate structures. A small amount of diethylenetriamine led to the formation of this first 3D vanadoborate framework, while an increased amount of diethylenetriamine resulted in vanadoborates with zero-dimensional (0D) and one-dimensional (1D) structures. SUT-6-Zn was proved to be an efficient heterogeneous precatalyst for the oxidation of alkylbenzenes.
A novel microporous aluminoborate, denoted as PKU-3, was prepared by the boric acid flux method. The structure of PKU-3 was determined by combining the rotation electron diffraction and synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data with well resolved ordered Cl- ions in the channel. Composition and crystal structure analysis showed that there are both proton and chlorine ions in the channels. Part of these protons and chlorine ions can be washed away by basic solutions to activate the open pores. The washed PKU-3 can be used as an efficient catalyst in the Strecker reaction with yields higher than 90%.
A new porous vanadoborate was synthesized by employing the scale chemistry theory with the vanadoborate cluster V10B28. The twofold interpenetrated lvt network was assembled with zinc-containing elliptical vanadoborate clusters and Zn polyhedra. The single lvt framework contains a three-dimensional 38x38x20 ring channel system with the pore size (24.7x12.7 angstrom) reaching the mesoscale, thus indicating the possibility of constructing 3D ordered mesopores with vanadoborate clusters. The porosity of the SUT-7 structure was confirmed by CO2 adsorption of the as-synthesized materials.
Two layered V-B-O contained polyoxometalate (POM) net structures, denoted as SUT-12 and SUT-13, are reported here. SUT-12 was synthesized by the boric acid flux method, and it represents the first 2D structure constructed from the V6B20 vanadoborate cluster. SUT-13 was synthesized through the hydrothermal method and constructed from V12B6P12 vanadium borophosphate clusters. In both structures, the vanadoborate or vanadium borophosphate clusters were linked through in-situ formed Zn(DETA)2 or Cu(DETA)2 complexes. Surprisingly, for all DETA molecules in the two metal complexes, there is one dangling amine group when it coordinated to the metal. The phenomena of the dangling amine group feature is abnormal and the Cu(DETA)2 complexes in SUT-13 was taken as an example and studied by density function theory (DFT) calculation in order to understand this unusual feature.
An emerging strategy for exploring the application of polyoxometalates (POMs) is to assemble POM clusters into open-framework materials, especially inorganic organic hybrid three-dimensional (3D) open-framework materials, via the introduction of different organic linkers between the POM clusters. This strategy has yielded a few 3D crystalline POMs of which a typical class is the group of polyoxometalate metal organic frameworks (POMMOFs). However, for reported POMMOFs, only coordination bonds are involved between the linkers and POM clusters, and it has not yet produced any covalently bonded polyoxometalate frameworks. Here, the concept of covalently bonded POMs (CPOMs) is developed. By using vanadoborates as an example, we showed that the 3D CPOMs can be obtained by a condensation reaction through the oxolation mechanism of polymer chemistry. In particular, suitable single crystals were harvested and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. This work forges a link among polymer science, POM chemistry, and open-framework materials by demonstrating that it is possible to use covalent bonds according to polymer chemistry principles to construct crystalline 3D open-framework POM materials.
A new silicogermanate (PKU-20) was hydrothermally synthesized using triethylisopropylammonium cation as the structure directing agent in the presence of fluoride. Its structure was determined from a combination of synchrotron single crystal X-ray diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction data. PKU-20 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m, with the lattice parameters of a = 18.5901(6) angstrom, b = 13.9118 (4) angstrom, c = 22.2614(7) angstrom and beta = 100.1514 (12)degrees. The framework of PKU-20 is constructed from an alternate stacking of sti and asv layers. The sti layer is exactly the same as that in the STI framework, while the asv layer is a new layer sliced off from the ASV framework parallel to the (112) plane. The takeout scheme of the layer is discussed on the basis of a composite building unit D4R-/au-D4R. PKU-20 possesses a two-dimensional channel system, where the 10-ring channels parallel to the [010] direction are intercrossed by 12-ring pockets along the [101] direction.
The structure of the novel medium-pore borosilicate zeolite EMM-25 has been determined by continuous rotation electron diffraction (cRED). EMM-25 crystallizes in the space group Cmcm with unit cell parameters a = 11.055, b = 22.912, and c = 24.914 angstrom and a composition of IC4H8(C11H25N)(2)I (2)[Si112.5B3.5O232]. The EMM-25 framework possesses a two-dimensional channel system composed of 10-ring channels connected via 11-ring windows. Its channel system is analogous to that of the medium-pore zeolite NU-87 framework but with 11- rather than 12-ring windows, suggesting a different shape selectivity. EMM-25 was first obtained using 1,4-bis(N-methyl-N,N-dihexylammonium)butane as an organic structure directing agent (OSDA). Based on a molecular docking study of the OSDA within the pores of the determined framework structure, a new ammonium dication OSDA with an improved fit was devised. By using this new OSDA, the synthesis time was reduced 80%, from 52 to just 10 days. Furthermore, cRED data revealed a structural disorder of the EMM-25 framework present as swinging zigzag chains. The introduction of the disorder, which is a consequence of geometry relaxation, was crucial for an accurate structure refinement. Lastly, the cRED data from as-made EMM-25 showed residual potential consistent with the location of the OSDA position determined from the Rietveld refinement, concluding a complete refinement of the as-made structure based on the cRED data.
Totally tubular: A new tubular germanate is cotemplated by 2-methylpiperazine and an (H2O)16 cluster in a hydro(solvo)thermal synthesis. The germanate features a large, highly symmetric 68126 cavity (see picture; yellow sphere) built from 12 Ge7X19 (X=O, OH, F) clusters (GeX6 red, GeX5 yellow, GeX4 green).
Two new bismuth hydroxyl borates, Bi(2)O(2)[B(3)O5-(OH)] (I) and Bi(2)O(2)[BO(2)(OH)] (II), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Their structures were determined by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction data, respectively. Compound I crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with the lattice constants of a = 6.0268(3) angstrom, b = 11.3635(6) angstrom, and c = 19.348(1) angstrom. Compound II crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cm with the lattice constants of a = 5.4676(6) angstrom, b = 14.6643(5) angstrom, c = 3.9058(1) angstrom, and beta = 135.587(6)degrees. The borate fundamental building block (FBB) in I is a three-ring unit [B(3)O(6)(OH)](4-), which connects one by one via sharing corners, forming an infinite zigzag chain along the a direction. The borate chains are further linked by hydrogen bonds, showing as a borate layer within the ab plane. The FBB in II is an isolated [BO(2)(OH)](2-) triangle, which links to two neighboring FBBs by strong hydrogen bonds, resulting in a borate chain along the a direction. Both compounds contain [Bi(2)O(2)](2+) layers, and the [Bi(2)O(2)](2+) layers combine with the corresponding borate layers alternatively, forming the whole structures. These two new bismuth borates are the first ones containing [Bi(2)O(2)](2+) layers in borates. The appearance of Bi(2)O(2)[BO(2)(OH)] (II) completes the series of compounds Bi(2)O(2)[BO(2)(OH)], Bi(2)O(2)CO(3), and Bi(2)O(2)[NO(3)(OH)] and the formation of Bi(2)O(2)[B(3)O(5)(OH)] provides another example in demonstrating the polymerization tendency of borate groups.
Ln(2)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4)center dot H(2)O (Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm-Gd, Dy, Ho, and Y), a new series of hydrated rare earth borates, have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. A single crystal of Nd analogue was used for the structure determination by X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with lattice constants a = 21.756(4), b = 4.3671(9), c = 12.192(2) angstrom, and beta = 108.29(3)degrees. The other compounds are isostructural to Nd(2)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4)center dot H(2)O. The fundamental building block (FBB) of the polyborate anion in this structure is a three-membered ring [B(3)O(6)(OH)(2)](5-). The FBBs are connected by sharing oxygen atoms forming an infinite [B(3)O(5)(OH)(2)](3-) chain, and the chains are linked by hydrogen bonds, establishing a two-dimensional (2-D) [B(610)(OH)(4)center dot H(2)O](6-) layer. The 2-D borate layers are thus interconnected by Ln(3+) ions to form the complex three-dimensional structure. Ln(2)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4)center dot H(2)O dehydrates stepwise, giving rise to two new intermediate compounds Ln(2)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4) and Ln(2)B(6)O(11) (OH)(2). The investigation on the luminescent properties of Gd(2-2x)Eu(2x)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4)center dot H(2)O (x = 0.01-1.00) shows a high efficiency of Eu(3+) f-f transitions and the existence of the energy transfer process from Gd(3+) to Eu(3+). Eu(2)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4)center dot H(2)O and its two dehydrated products, Eu(2)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4) and Eu(2)B(6)O(11)(OH)(2), present the strongest emission peak at 620 nm ((5)D(0) -> (7)F(2) transition), which may be potential red phosphors.
It was found that either polymorph B or polymorph C of zeolite beta can be obtained from the same structure directing agent: 4,4-dimethyl-4-azonia-tricyclo[5.2.2.02,6]undec-8-ene hydroxide. The synthesis occurs through a consecutive process where polymorph B is first formed and then transformed into polymorph C. It is possible to produce a zeolite highly enriched in polymorph B, provided that the transformation of this phase into polymorph C is slowed down up to the point where polymorph C is only detected at trace levels. The structure of polymorph B was determined for the first time by electron crystallography with SAED and HRTEM from areas of unfaulted polymorph B crystals.
Nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (nMOFs) have shown tremendous potential in cancer therapy and biomedical imaging. However, their small dimensions present a significant challenge in structure determination by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. We report here the structural determination of nMOFs by rotation electron diffraction (RED). Two isostructural Zr- and Hf-based nMOFs with linear biphenyldicarboxylate (BPDC) or bipyridinedicarboxylate (BPYDC) linkers are stable under intense electron beams to allow the collection of high-quality RED data, which reveal a MOF structure with M12(μ3-O)8(μ3-OH)8(μ2-OH)6 (M = Zr, Hf) secondary building units (SBUs). The nMOF structures differ significantly from their UiO bulk counterparts with M6(μ3-O)4(μ3-OH)4 SBUs and provide the foundation for clarifying the structures of a series of previously reported nMOFs with significant potential in cancer therapy and biological imaging. Our work clearly demonstrates the power of RED in determining nMOF structures and elucidating the formation mechanism of distinct nMOF morphologies.
The development, scope and application of the highly enantioselective organocatalytic aziridination of a, b- unsaturated aldehydes is presented. The aminocatalytic aziridination of a, b- unsaturated aldehydes enables the asymmetric formation of b-formylaziridines with up to >19:1 dr and 99% ee. The aminocatalytic aziridination of a-monosobstituted enals gives access to terminal a-substituted-a-formyl aziridines in high yields and up to 99% ee. In the case of the organocatalytic aziridination of disubstituted a, b-unsaturated aldehydes, the transformations gives nearly enantiomeric pure b-formyl-functionalized aziridine products. A higly enantioselective one-pot cascade sequence based on combination of asymmetric amine and N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis is also disclosed. This transformation gives the corresponding N-Boc and N-Cbz protected b-amino acid esters with ee´s ranging from 92-99%.
The development, scope, and application of the highly enantioselective organocatalytic aziridination of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes is presented. The aminocatalytic azirdination of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes enables the asymmetric formation of β-formyl aziridines with up to >19:1 d.r. and 99% ee. The aminocatalytic aziridination of α-monosubstituted enals gives access to terminal α-substituted-α-formyl aziridines in high yields and upto 99% ee. In the case of the organocatalytic aziridination of disubstituted α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, the transformations were highly diastereo- and enantioselective and give nearly enantiomerically pure β-formyl-functionalized aziridine products (99% ee). A highly enantioselective one-pot cascade sequence based on the combination of asymmetric amine and N-heterocycliccarbene catalysis (AHCC) is also disclosed. This one-pot three-component co-catalytic transformation between α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, hydroxylamine derivatives, and alcohols gives the corresponding N-tert-butoxycarbonyl and N-carbobenzyloxy-protected β-amino acid esters with ee values ranging from 92–99%. The mechanisms and stereochemistry of all these catalytic transformations are also discussed.
A highly enantioselective, metal-free cascade reaction between di-1,2-N-protected hydrazine and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes is disclosed. The catalytic, asymmetric cascade transformation is a direct entry to 3-hydroxypyrazolidine and 3-allylpyrazolidine derivatives in one step and two steps, respectively, with >19:1 d.r. and 98–99 % ee using simple chiral pyrrolidines as catalysts.
The design and synthesis of three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs) have still been considered as a big challenge. Here we report the design and synthesis of an AIEgen-based 3D COF (3D-TPE-COF), with a high surface area (1084 m(2)g(-1)). According to powder X-ray diffraction and continuous rotation electron diffraction analyses, 3D-TPE-COF is identified to adopt a seven-fold interpenetrated pts topology. Interestingly, 3D-TPE-COF emits yellow fluorescence upon excitation, with a photoluminescence quantum yield of 20%. Moreover, by simply coating 3D-TPE-COF onto a commercial blue light-emitting diode (LED), a prototype white LED (WLED) under continuously driving without degradation for 1200 h was demonstrated. The present work suggests the possibility of using COF materials for stable WLEDs, which will greatly inspire us to design and synthesize fluorescent 3D COFs and facilitate the development of COF-based WLEDs in future.
Electrically conducting 2D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted considerable interest, as their hexagonal 2D lattices mimic graphite and other 2D van der Waals stacked materials. However, understanding their intrinsic properties remains a challenge because their crystals are too small or of too poor quality for crystal structure determination. Here, we report atomically precise structures of a family of 2D pi-conjugated MOFs derived from large single crystals of sizes up to 200 mu m, allowing atomic-resolution analysis by a battery of high-resolution diffraction techniques. A designed ligand core rebalances the in-plane and out-of-plane interactions that define anisotropic crystal growth. We report two crystal structure types exhibiting analogous 2D honeycomb-like sheets but distinct packing modes and pore contents. Single-crystal electrical transport measurements distinctively demonstrate anisotropic transport normal and parallel to the pi-conjugated sheets, revealing a clear correlation between absolute conductivity and the nature of the metal cation and 2D sheet packing motif. Two-dimensional MOFs can possess porosity and electrical conductivity but are difficult to grow as single crystals. Here, by balancing in-plane and out-of-plane interactions, single crystals of sizes up to 200 mu m are grown, allowing in-plane transport measurements and atomic-resolution analysis.
Nanostructured molybdenum oxides are promising materials for energy storage, catalysis, and electronic-based applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of MoO3-x nanosheets (x stands for oxygen vacancy) via an environmentally friendly liquid exfoliation approach. The process involves the reflux of the bulk alpha-MoO3 precursor in water at 80 degrees C for 7 days. Electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy show that the MoO3-x nanosheets are a few nanometer thick. MoO3-x nanosheets exhibit near infrared plasmonic property that can be enhanced by visible light irradiation for a short time (10 min). Photocatalytic activity of MoO3-x nanosheets for organic dye decolorization is examined using two different dyes (rhodamine B and methylene blue). Under visible light irradiation, MoO3-x nanosheets make a rapid decolorization for the dye molecules in less than 10 min. The simple synthesis procedure of MoO3-x nanosheets combined with their remarkable photochemical properties reflect the high potential for using the nanosheets in a variety of applications.
The synthesis of two dimensional (2D) materials from transition metal oxides, chalcogenides, and carbides mostly involve multiple exfoliation steps in which hazardous solvents and reagents are used. In this study, hydrated vanadium pentoxide (V2O5 center dot nH(2)O) nanosheets with a thickness of a few nanometers were prepared via a facile environmentally friendly water based exfoliation technique. The exfoliation process involved refluxing the precursor, vanadium dioxide (VO2(B)), in water for a few days at 60 degrees C. The proposed exfoliation mechanism is based on the intercalation/insertion of water molecules into the VO2(B) crystals and the subsequent cleavage of the covalent bonds holding the layers of VO2(B) together. The thermal and chemical analyses showed that the approximate chemical composition of the nanosheets is H0.4V2O5 center dot 0.55H(2)O, and the percentage of V-V content to that of V-IV in the nanosheets is about 80(3)% to 20(3)%. The exfoliated aqueous suspension of the V2O5 center dot 0.55H(2)O nanosheets was successfully deposited onto multi-walled carbon nanotube (MW-CNT) paper to form free-standing electrodes with a thickness of the V2O5 center dot 0.55H(2)O layer ranging between 45 and 4 mu m. A series of electrochemical tests were conducted on the electrodes to determine the cyclability and rate capability of lithium insertion into V2O5 center dot 0.55H(2)O nanosheets. The electrodes with the thinnest active material coating (similar to 4 mu m) delivered gravimetric capacities of up to 480 and 280 mA h g(-1) when cycled at current densities of 10 and 200 mA g(-1), respectively.
Herein, Zn plating-stripping onto metallic Zn using a couple of acetonitrile (AN)-based electrolytes (0.5 mZn(TFSI)(2)/AN and 0.5 mZn(CF3SO3)(2)/AN) is studied. Both electrolytes show a reversible Zn plating/stripping over 1000 cycles at different applied current densities varying from 1.25 to 10 mA cm(-2). The overpotentials of Zn plating-stripping over 500 cycles at constant current of 1.25 and 10 mA cm(-2)are +/- 0.05 and +/- 0.2 V, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveals that no decomposition product is formed on the Zn surface. The anodic stability of four different current collectors of aluminum foil (Al), carbon-coated aluminum foil (C/Al), TiN-coated titanium foil (TiN/Ti), and multiwalled carbon nanotube paper (MWCNT-paper) is tested in both electrolytes. As a general trend, the current collectors have a higher anodic stability in Zn(TFSI)(2)/AN compared with Zn(CF3SO3)(2)/AN. The Al foil displays the highest anodic stability of approximate to 2.25 V versus Zn2+/Zn in Zn(TFSI)(2)/AN electrolyte. The TiN/Ti shows a comparable anodic stability with that of Al foil, but its anodic current density is higher than Al. The promising reversibility of the Zn plating/stripping combined with the anodic stability of Al and TiN/Ti current collectors paves the way for establishing highly reversible Zn-ion batteries.
Ultrathin hydrated vanadium pentoxide (V2O5 center dot nH(2)O) nanosheets are fabricated via a water based exfoliation technique. The exfoliation process involves reflux of the precursor, 1:4 mixture of VO2 and V2O5, in water at 80 degrees C for 24 h. Operando and ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies are conducted to follow the structural changes during the exfoliation process. The chemical and thermal analyses suggest that the molecular formula of the nanosheet is (H0.2V1.8V0.2O5)-V-V-O-IV center dot 0.5H(2)O. The V2O5 center dot nH(2)O nanosheets are mixed with 10% of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MW-CNT) to form a composite material assigned as (VOx-CNT). Free standing electrodes (FSE) and conventionally casted electrodes (CCE) of VOx-CNT are fabricated and then tested as a positive electrode material for lithium batteries. The FSE shows reversible capacities of 300 and 97 mAhg(-1) at current densities of 10 and 200 mAhg(-1), respectively. This is better than earlier reports for free-standing electrodes. The CCE delivers discharge capacities of 175 and 93 mAhg(-1) at current densities of 10 and 200 mAhg(-1), respectively.
Nanostructured hydrated vanadium oxides (V2O5 center dot nH(2)O) are actively being researched for applications in energy storage, catalysis, and gas sensors. Recently, a one-step exfoliation technique for fabricating V2O5 center dot nH(2)O nano-sheets in aqueous media was reported; however, the underlying mechanism of exfoliation has been challenging to study. Herein, we followed the synthesis of V2O5 center dot nH(2)O nanosheets from the V2O5 and VO2 precursors in real using solution- and solid-state V-51 NMR. Solution-state V-51 NMR showed that the aqueous solution contained mostly the decavanadate anion [H2V10O28](4-) and the hydrated dioxova-nadate cation [VO2 center dot 4H(2)O](+), and during the exfoliation process, decavanadate was formed, while the amount of [VO2 center dot 4H(2)O](+) remained constant. The conversion of the solid precursor V2O5, which was monitored with solid-state V-51 NMR, was initiated when VO2 was in its monoclinic forms. The dried V2O5 center dot nH(2)O nanosheets were weakly paramagnetic because of a minor content of isolated V4+. Its solid-state V-51 signal was less than 20% of V2O5 and arose from diamagnetic V4+ or V5+.This study demonstrates the use of real-time NMR techniques as a powerful analysis tool for the exfoliation of bulk materials into nanosheets. A deeper understanding of this process will pave the way to tailor these important materials.
Two dimensional (2D) transition metal oxides and chalcogenides demonstrate a promising performance in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) application. In this study, we investigated the use of a composite of freeze dried V2O5·nH2O nanosheets and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) as a negative electrode material for SIBs. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) results indicated that a reversible sodium-ion insertion/deinsertion into the composite electrode can be obtained in the potential window of 0.1–2.5 V vs. Na+/Na. The composite electrodes delivered sodium storage capacities of 140 and 45 mAh g−1 under applied current densities of 20 and 100 mA g−1, respectively. The pause test during constant current measurement showed a raise in the open circuit potential (OCP) of about 0.46 V, and a charge capacity loss of ∼10%. These values are comparable with those reported for hard carbon electrodes. For comparison, electrodes of freeze dried V2O5·nH2O nanosheets were prepared and tested for SIBs application. The results showed that the MWCNT plays a significant role in the electrochemical performance of the composite material.
Herein, a simple aqueous‐exfoliation strategy is introduced for the fabrication of a series of MoO3−x nanosheets (where x stands for oxygen vacancies) using two commercial molybdenum oxide precursors, MoO2 and MoO3. The nanosheets offer a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect which is dependent on the structure and local environment of the nanosheets. The LSPR can be efficiently tuned by changing the weight ratio between the molybdenum oxide precursor(s) and/or by solar light irradiation using a low‐energy UV lamp (36 W). For the pristine MoO3−x nanosheets, the highest LSPR signal is obtained for nanosheets prepared using 80% MoO2. On the contrary, after solar light irradiation, the nanosheets prepared using pure MoO3 offer the highest LSPR response. The nanosheets also show an outstanding rate capability when used as binder‐free supercapacitor electrodes in an acidified Na2SO4 electrolyte. The electrodes exhibit discharge capacities of 110 and 75 C g−1 at a scan rate of 20 and 1000 mV s−1, respectively. The MoO3−x nanosheets can likewise be used as a negative electrode material for lithium‐ion batteries. The efficient eco‐friendly synthesis and the ability to tune the photochemical and electrochemical properties of the nanosheets make this approach interesting to many energy‐related research fields.
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells for light-driven water splitting are prepared using hematite nanorod arrays on conductive glass as the photoanode. These devices improve the photocurrent of the hematite-based photoanode for water splitting, owing to fewer surface traps and decreased electron recombination resulting from the one-dimensional structure. By employing a molecular ruthenium co-catalyst, which contains a strong 2,6-pyridine-dicarboxylic acid anchoring group at the hematite photoanode, the photocurrent of the PEC cell is enhanced with high stability for over 10000s in a 1m KOH solution. This approach can pave a route for combining one-dimensional nanomaterials and molecular catalysts to split water with high efficiency and stability.
Dipicolinic acidwas investigated as a new anchoring group for DSSCs. A pilot dye (PD2) bearing this new anchoring group was found to adsorb significantly stronger to TiO2 than its cyanoacrylic acid analogue. The electrolyte composition was found to have a strong effect on the photoelectrochemical properties of the adsorbed dye in the device, allowing the dye LUMO energy to be tuned by 0.5 eV. Using a pyridine-free electrolyte, panchromatic absorption of the dye on TiO2 extending to 900 nm has been achieved. Solar cells using PD2 and a Co(bpy)(3) based electrolyte showed unique stability under simulated sunlight and elevated temperatures.
Herein, we reported the designed synthesis of three isostructural three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs) with -H, -Me, or -F substituents, which have similar crystallinity and topology. Their crystal structures were determined by continuous rotation electron diffraction (cRED), and all three 3D COFs were found to adopt a fivefold interpenetrated pts topology. More importantly, the resolution of these cRED datasets reached up to 0.9-1.0 angstrom, enabling the localization of all non-hydrogen atomic positions in a COF framework directly by 3D ED techniques for the first time. In addition, the precise control of the pore environments through the use of different functional groups led to different selectivities for CO2 over N-2. We have thus confirmed that polycrystalline COFs can be definitely studied to the atomic level as other materials, and this study should also inspire the design and synthesis of 3D COFs with tailored pore environments for interesting applications.
The tuning of molecular switches in solid state toward stimuli-responsive materials has attracted more and more attention in recent years. Herein, we report a switchable three-dimensional covalent organic framework (3D COF), which can undergo a reversible transformation through a hydroquinone/quinone redox reaction while retaining the crystallinity and porosity. Our results clearly show that the switching process gradually happened through the COF framework, with an almost quantitative conversion yield. In addition, the redox-triggered transformation will form different functional groups on the pore surface and modify the shape of pore channel, which can result in tunable gas separation property. This study strongly demonstrates 3D COFs can provide robust platforms for efficient tuning of molecular switches in solid state. More importantly, switching of these moieties in 3D COFs can remarkably modify the internal pore environment, which will thus enable the resulting materials with interesting stimuli-responsive properties. Tuning of molecular switches in solid state toward stimuli-responsive materials attracted attention in recent years but has not yet been realized in three-dimensional (3D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Herein, the authors demonstrate a stable and switchable 3D COF which undergoes reversible transformation through a hydroquinone/quinone redox reaction.
Rational construction of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with novel structures still remains a challenge. Herein, we report the designed synthesis of two COFs, 2D-BPTA-COF and 3D-BMTA-COF, starting from biphenyl-based precursors but with different groups at the ortho positions. Both COFs exhibited high crystallinity and large surface area, and interestingly, 2D-BPTA-COF crystallizes into 2D sheets with AB stacking mode while 3D-BMTA-COF adopts a 7-fold interpenetrated structure with pts topology. This structural difference could be ascribed to the introduction of methyl groups in the building blocks, as the dihedral angle of biphenyl rings in 2D-BPTA-COF is similar to 0 degrees while in 3D-BMTA-COF it is similar to 60 degrees. Therefore, it is possible to synthesize COFs with different structures by twisting building blocks from planar to tetrahedral with steric hindrance. We believe this result represents a general and straightforward way to expand the diversity of tetrahedral nodes for constructing 3D COFs in the future, and moreover, a new tetrahedral node for constructing 3D COFs is now available.
In the attempted replacement of carbon monoxide by the bis(phosphane) dppv in a dinuclear [2Fe2S] complex, a trinuclear [3Fe2S] complex with two bis(phosphane) ligands was unexpectedly obtained. On protonation, this gave a bridged hydride complex with an unusually low potential for the reduction of protons to molecular hydrogen. The redox potential also appears sufficiently positive for direct electron transfer from an excited [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) sensitizer.
Azapropanedithiolate (adt)-bridged model complexes of [FeFe]-hydrogenase bearing a carboxylic acid functionality have been designed with the aim of decreasing the potential for reduction of protons to hydrogen. Protonation of the bisphosphine complexes 4–6 has been studied by in situ IR and NMR spectroscopy, which revealed that protonation with triflic acid most likely takes place first at the N-bridge for complex 4 but at the FeFe bond for complexes 5 and 6. Using an excess of acid, the diprotonated species could also be observed, but none of the protonated species was sufficiently stable to be isolated in a pure state. Electrochemical studies have provided an insight into the catalytic mechanisms under strongly acidic conditions, and have also shown that complexes 3 and 6 are electro-active in aqueous solution even in the absence of acid, presumably due to hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen evolution, driven by visible light, has been observed for three-component systems consisting of [Ru(bpy)3]2+, complex 1, 2, or 3, and ascorbic acid in CH3CN/D2O solution by on-line mass spectrometry.
The systematic exploration of the phase diagram of the GeO2-1,6-diaminohexane-water-pyridine-HF system has allowed the identification of specific roles of the HF, H2O contents, and HF/H2O ratio in the formation of Ge7X19 (Ge7), Ge9X25−26 (Ge9), and Ge10X28 (Ge10) clusters (X = O, OH, F). This work has led to the discovery of two novel structures with extra-large 18-membered rings accommodating 1,6-diaminohexane (DAH): SU-63, |1.5H2DAH|[Ge7O14X3]·2H2O, a layered germanate constructed from Ge7 clusters with the Kagom topology, and SU-64, |11H2DAH|[Ge9O18X4][Ge7O14X3]6·16H2O, a germanate built of two-dimensional slabs containing both Ge7 and Ge9 clusters (X = OH or F). We also put SU-64 in context with previously reported cluster germanate compounds with related topologies by means of a simple crystal deconstruction study.
Two-dimensional zeolitic materials have drawn increasing attention because of their structural diversity, high accessible surface areas, and potential as precursors to form novel three-dimensional (3D) structures. Here we report a new layered fluoroaluminophosphate, denoted as EMM-9 (ExxonMobil Material #9), synthesized in the same synthesis system as that for a previously reported 3D framework structure EMM-8 (framework-type code: SFO) using an F- medium and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) as the organic structure-directing agent. The structure of EMM-9 was solved from rotation electron diffraction data and refined against synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data. The fluoroaluminophosphate layer of EMM-9 is composed of sti composite building units. The DMAP cations are located between the layers. pi-pi interactions between the DMAP cations and hydrogen bonding between the DMAP cations and layers were identified. The layered EMM-9 structure is closely related to the 3D framework structure of EMM-8 and can be transformed to EMM-8 by calcination.
A new borosilicate zeolite vertical bar N2H36C16 vertical bar[Si22B2O48].H2O, denoted as EMM-26, has been synthesized by employing a linear dicationic organic structure directing agent 1,6-bis(N-methylpyrrolidinium) hexane (OSDA). EMM-26 has a novel zeolite framework and contains two-dimensional (2D) intersecting 10 x 10-ring channels. Its structure was solved from sub-micrometer sized crystals using rotation electron diffraction (RED) and refined against both the RED and synchrotron powder diffraction data. We have shown for the first time that RED data alone can be used to accurately determine zeolite structures. The OSDAs can be removed from the framework generating permanent pores. EMM-26 shows good CO2 uptake and CO2/CH4 selectivity.
A family of homeotypic porous lanthanide metal−organic frameworks (MOFs), [Ln(btc)(H2O)]·guest (Nd (1), Sm (2), Eu (3), Gd (4), Tb (5), Ho (6), Er (7), and Yb (8); guest: DMF or H2O) was synthesized. The structures of the as-synthesized compounds are tetragonal and contain 1D channels with accessible lanthanide ions. In situ single crystal X-ray diffraction shows that 1 undergoes a single-crystal to polycrystalline to single-crystal transformation from room temperature to 180 °C. During the release of DMF and water molecules from the channels by evacuation and subsequent heating, the structures of 1 and 7 transformed from tetragonal to monoclinic, and then to tetragonal, while the structure of 8 remained tetragonal. The transformation between the monoclinic and the low temperature tetragonal phases is reversible. The Ln(btc) MOFs are stable to at least 480 °C and are among the most thermally stable MOFs. The Ln(btc) MOFs act as efficient Lewis acid catalysts for the cyanosilylation of aldehydes yielding cyanohydrins in high yields within short reaction times. 1 also catalyzes the cyanosilylation of less reactive substrates, such as ketones at room temperature. The Ln(btc) MOFs could be recycled and reused without loss of their crystallinity and activity.
Two novel Mg-based metal-organic framework isomers with the formula [Mg-2(HCO2)(2)(NH2-BDC)-(DMF)(2)](n) (NH2-BDC = 2-amino-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) have been synthesized based on a 6-connected [24-MC-6] metallacrown secondary building unit (SBU), which display a two-dimensional (2D) 3(6) net (1) and three-dimensional primitive rhombohedral net (2) derived from a different extended orientation of SBU, respectively. The 2D framework of 1 exhibits relevant thermal stability, solvents stability, high CO2 adsorption, and strong luminescent properties.
Ordered porous materials with unique pore structures and pore sizes in the mesoporous range (2–50 nm) have many applications in catalysis, separation and drug delivery. Extensive research has resulted in mesoporous materials with onedimensional, cage-like and bi-continuous pore structures. Three families of bi-continuous mesoporous materials have been made, with two interwoven but unconnected channels, corresponding to the liquid crystal phases used as templates. Here we report a three-dimensional hexagonal mesoporous silica, IBN-9, with a tri-continuous pore structure that is synthesized using a specially designed cationic surfactant template. IBN-9 consists of three identical continuous interpenetrating channels, which are separated by a silica wall that follows a hexagonal minimal surface. Such a tri-continuous mesostructure was predicted mathematically, but until now has not been observed in real materials.
Keywords: mesoporous structure, electron microscopy, self-assembly
Zeolites have been widely used in industry owing to their ordered micropores and stable frameworks. The pore sizes and shapes are the key parameters that affect the selectivity and efficiency in their applications in catalysis, sorption, and separation. Zeolites with pores defined by 10 and 12 TO4 tetrahedra are often used for various catalytic processes. To optimize the performance of zeolites, it is extremely desirable to fine-tune the pore sizes/shapes. The first germanosilicate zeolite with a three-dimensional 11 x 11 x 12-ring channel system, PKU-16 (PKU, Peking University) is presented. Nanosized PKU-16 was structurally characterized by the new three-dimensional rotation electron diffraction (RED) technique. PKU-16 is structurally related to the zeolite beta polymorph C (BEC, 12 x 12 x 12-ring channels) by rotating half of the four-rings in double mtw units.
Covalently linking photosensitizers and catalysts in an inorganic-organic hybrid photocatalytic system is beneficial for efficient electron transfer between these components. However, general and straightforward methods to covalently attach molecular catalysts on the surface of inorganic semiconductors are rare. In this work, a classic rhenium bipyridine complex (Re catalyst) has been successfully covalently linked to the low toxicity CuInS2 quantum dots (QDs) by click reaction for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Covalent bonding between the CuInS2 QDs and the Re catalyst in the QD-Re hybrid system is confirmed by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray measurements. Time-correlated single photon counting and ultrafast time-resolved infrared spectroscopy provide evidence for rapid photo-induced electron transfer from the QDs to the Re catalyst. Upon photo-excitation of the QDs, the singly reduced Re catalyst is formed within 300 fs. Notably, the amount of reduced Re in the linked hybrid system is more than that in a sample where the QDs and the Re catalyst are simply mixed, suggesting that the covalent linkage between the CuInS2 QDs and the Re catalyst indeed facilitates electron transfer from the QDs to the Re catalyst. Such an ultrafast electron transfer in the covalently linked CuInS2 QD-Re hybrid system leads to enhanced photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction, as compared to the conventional mixture of the QDs and the Re catalyst.
Heavy metal-free CuInS2 quantum dots (QDs) were employed as a photosensitizer on a NiO photocathode to drive an immobilized molecular Re catalyst for photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction for the first time. A photocurrent of 25 mu A cm(-2) at -0.87 V vs. NHE was obtained, providing a faradaic efficiency of 32% for CO production.
A hybrid passivation strategy is employed to modify the surface of colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs) for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs), by using mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and iodide anions through a ligand exchange reaction in solution. This is found to be an effective way to improve the performance of QDSCs based on colloidal QDs. The results show that MPA can increase the coverage of the QDs on TiO2 electrodes and facilitate the hole extraction from the photoxidized QDs, and simultaneously, that the iodide anions can remedy the surface defects of the CdSe QDs and thus reduce the recombination loss in the device. This hybrid passivation treatment leads to a significant enhancement of the power conversion efficiency of the QDSCs by 41%. Furthermore, an optimal ratio of iodide ions to MPA was determined for favorable hybrid passivation; results show that excessive iodine anions are detrimental to the loading of the QDs. This study demonstrates that the improvement in QDSC performance can be realized by using a combination of different functional ligands to passivate the QDs, and that ligand exchange in solution effective approach to introduce can be an different ligands.
Two open-framework germanates, SUT-1 and SUT-2, have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions using ethylenecliamine (en, H(2)NCH(2)CH(2)NH(2)) as templates and Ni(NO(3))(2)center dot 6H(2)O as the transition-metal source. Their frameworks are built with Gel() clusters and [Ni(en)(2)](2+) complexes. In both structures, Gel clusters form square nets in the a-c plane, while the [Ni(en)2]2+ complexes bridge the square nets via Ni-O-Ge bonds to form 3D networks. They present the first examples to incorporate Ni(2+) complexes into the germanate frameworks. In SUT-2, additional linkages by Ge(2)O(7) clusters between the square nets generate a new type of topology.
An open-framework germanate denoted as SU-79 with the chemical formula [Ge12.5O26(OH)(2)]-[Ni(C3N2H10)(2)](1.1)(NH4)(0.8)(C3N2H12)(0.5)(C3N2H10)(1.5)(H2O)(2) has been synthesized under hydro/solvothermal conditions using [Ni(1,2-pda)(2)](2+) (1,2-pda = 1,2-diaminopropane) and 1,2-pda as templates. Owing to the complicated pseudo-merohedral twinning in the crystals, the rotation electron diffraction (RED) method was used for the unit cell and space group determination. The structure of SU-79 was solved and refined based on synchrotron single crystal X-ray diffraction data. SU-79 exhibits a 3D open germanate framework built with Ge-13 clusters, consisting of a 3D channel system with interconnected 10- and 11-ring channels. Interestingly, helical GeO4 tetrahedral chains with left-handed/right-handed chirality were found in the structure. The [Ni(1,2-pda)(2)](2+) complexes, adopting in a square-planar geometry, show a structure directing role on the SU-79 framework via hydrogen bonds. Comparing with its related structure, SU-67, the formation of the pseudo-merohedric twinning in SU-79 was also discussed.
A new open-framework germanate [Ge15O30(OH)(4)]center dot 2(H(2)tren), denoted SU-69, was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions with tris(2-aminoethyl)-amine (tren) as a structure directing agent (SDA). SU-69 crystallizes in a monoclinic space group (C2/c, No. 15) with a = 20.2656(7) angstrom, b = 11.6250(4) angstrom, c = 18.5602(10) angstrom, and beta = 90.528(4)degrees. The framework of SU-69 is built from a novel Ge13O27(OH)(2) (Ge-13) cluster with two additional GeO3(OH) tetrahedra. Two types of chiral 3,6-net building layers are found in the framework, which alternately stack and connect to form a three-dimensional achiral framework with a two-dimensional 10 x 12-ring channel system. The SDA molecules interact with the framework via H-bonds. The thermal stability of as-synthesized SU-69 has also been investigated.