Search

Hybrid halide perovskites form a promising class of light-absorbing materials. Among the numerous 3D semiconducting perovskites, there is a group of emerging aziridinium-based hybrids that are considered to be prospective materials for optoelectronic applications. In this work, we report the mixed halide aziridinium perovskites of (AzrH)PbBrxI3−x series (AzrH = aziridinium). Small changes in the composition of perovskites are shown to have a defining impact on the optoelectronic properties of the reported materials. Halogen substitution allowed a variation in band gap values of these compounds, ranging from 1.57 to 2.23 eV, as established using electronic spectroscopy. Crystal structures of (AzrH)PbBrxI3−x perovskites were studied using single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analysis. The lattice constant had a linear dependence on the Br content in the structure, thus strictly following Vegards's law. Importantly, the reported compounds displayed a preferential inclusion of iodine upon synthesis, revealing that the mixed halide perovskite composition cannot be estimated based on the precursors' ratio only, and it should be post-synthetically checked. The reported results expand the range of hybrid perovskites with tuneable band gaps beyond the conventional methylammonium and formamidinium-based perovskites and offer a new series of metal-halide hybrids suitable for photovoltaic and other optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A narrow-band green emitting K3Tb(PO4)2 phosphor has been synthesized by a novel single-crystal growth approach involving the application of an inert flux. Its structural and spectroscopic peculiarities have been systematically studied by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, and diffuse reflectance, infrared and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The layered framework of the title compound is organized by linking together slightly distorted phosphate tetrahedra with non-condensed TbO7 polyhedra into [Tb(PO4)2]3− sheets interconnected by potassium cations. K3Tb(PO4)2 reveals an intense slow green photoluminescence (PL) (decay time constant τ is near 2.6 ms) under excitation in the range from VUV (100 nm) up to blue light (484 nm). Intensive narrow lines of the 5D4 → 7F6-0 (4f8 → 4f8) radiative transitions in Tb3+ ions form the PL spectra. Besides, fast violet PL (time constant τ < 20 ns) occurs under PL excitations in a narrow range from 250 to 325 nm. Dependencies of the PL quantum yield, and the green and violet PL decays on the excitation wavelength have been analyzed taking into account the multi-phonons, cross-relaxation processes and exciting light absorption by the inherent defects in the K3Tb(PO4)2 crystal lattice. The dependency of the complex characteristics of PL quantum yield on the excitation wavelength and violet photoluminescence is ascribed to the formation of Tb4+ ions. The color coordinates and color purity of the emission were estimated for the cases of PL excitation in the 160–371 nm spectral range. It has been shown that these characteristics are similar to or even better than those reported for conventional commercial green phosphors. The high values of correlated color temperature (T > 4863 K) of the emission indicates the potential use of K3Tb(PO4)2 for enhancing cold-light emitting devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical composition is leading among the numerous factors that determine the spin transition properties of coordination compounds. Classic dicyanometallic bridges {M(CN)2}− are commonly used to build Hofmann-like spin-crossover frameworks, but some extended bridges are also synthetically available. In this paper, we describe a successful synthesis of two very similar spin-crossover frameworks that differ in the cyanometallic bridges involved, namely [Fe(etpz)2{Ag(CN)2}2] (1) and {Fe(etpz)2[Ag2(CN)3][Ag(CN)2]} (2) (where etpz = 2-ethylpyrazine). Magnetic and Mössbauer studies demonstrated the occurrence of abrupt one-step high-spin (HS) ↔ low-spin (LS) transitions for both complexes. The spin transition temperatures are T1/2 ↓ = 233 K and T1/2 ↑ = 243 K for 1 and T1/2 ↓ = 188 K and T1/2 ↑ = 191 K for 2 with thermal hysteresis loops of 10 K for 1 and 3 K for 2. The bridging mononuclear [Ag(CN)2]− units and FeII cations assemble to form infinite 2D layers in the structure of 1. Interestingly, compound 2 forms 2D layers of FeII cations bridged by both binuclear [Ag2(CN)3]− and mononuclear [Ag(CN)2]− units. The structures of 1 and 2 comprise different types of intermolecular interactions including Ag⋯Ag and Ag⋯Netpz, which induce the creation of supramolecular 3D frameworks. The synergy between metallophilic interactions and the spin transition is also confirmed by the variation of Ag⋯Ag distances during spin crossover. The characterization of such analogues allowed us to analyze in detail the effect of the cyanometallic bridge on the structure of new frameworks and on the bistability in Hofmann-like complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead halide hybrid perovskites incorporating chiral organic cations attract considerable attention due to their promising application in multifarious optoelectronic devices. However, the examples of chiral hybrid perovskites are still limited, which greatly impedes their further studies in various optoelectronic fields. Herein, we report on new low-dimensional lead-halide hybrid perovskites incorporating the enantiopure chiral α-amino acid L -proline. Two hybrid perovskites (L -proH)PbBr3·H2O (Pro-PbBr3) and (L -proH)4Pb3Br10·4H2O (Pro-Pb3Br10) have been synthesized by employing different ratios of organic and inorganic precursors. According to structural analysis, the inorganic sublattice of compound Pro-PbBr3 is built of one-dimensional (1D) [PbX3]∞n− lead halide chains, whereas the inorganic sublattice of compound Pro-Pb3Br10 is built upon a rare two-dimensional (2D) [Pb3Br10]∞4n− honeycomb-type inorganic framework. Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed an important role of various hydrogen bonding interactions in providing the binding between organic and inorganic parts of these hybrid perovskites. The optical band gap values of new hybrid perovskites as estimated using the Tauc plot approach are 4.19 eV (Pro-PbBr3) and 4.13 eV (Pro-Pb3Br10). Also, new compounds display low-temperature broadband photoluminescence which can be attributed to the self-trapped excitons. These results show the potential of α-proline for constructing novel and highly demanded chiral hybrid perovskites, which will hold great promise for further optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D hybrid perovskites based upon small organic cations gave start to a new intensively growing class of semiconducting materials. Here we report on the elaboration of quantum dots of a recently emerged new perovskite (AzrH)PbBr3 (AzrH = aziridinium cation). By employing the antisolvent precipitation technique and stabilization with a cationic surfactant we succeeded in obtaining quantum dots that display tunable luminescence. This piece of work shows the perspective of aziridinium-based materials for the elaboration of advanced photonic nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel chiral hybrid perovskites are highly demanded for various advanced applications such as spintronics, optoelectronics, photovoltaics etc. However, the scope of these new materials is still limited. Herein, we present new 2D hybrid perovskites based upon chiral α-amino acid L -histidine. The generalized formula of these new compounds can be denoted as (L -HisH)2PbBrxI4−x (where L -His = L -histidine; x = 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.4 and 0). All perovskites are characterized by a very similar structural motif that consists of corner-sharing lead halide octahedra arranged in one-layer thin inorganic slabs interleaved by organic layers established by L -histidinium(1+) cations. L -Histidine provides a breaking of spatial parity of these perovskites that results in their non-centrosymmetric crystal structures. These compounds show a multiband absorption up to 590 nm for iodide perovskite. In addition, new compounds display pronounced single-peak photoluminescence, which finely blue shifts upon the gradual substitution of iodine by bromine. New perovskites exhibit excellent thermal stability up to 490 K and 445 K for bromide and iodide compounds, respectively. These results show the ability of L -histidine to produce novel and highly demanded chiral hybrid perovskites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solvatomorphism and polymorphism play a crucial role in defining the characteristics of spin crossover (SCO) in coordination compounds. In this paper we describe a detailed characterization of the SCO bis[hydrotris(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)borate]iron(II) complex ([Fe(HB(1,2,3-tz)3)2]) 1. Five solvatomorphs of 1·2Solv (where Solv = DMSO, MeOH, and CHCl3), 1·7DMSO and 1·2DMF·H2O were obtained via recrystallization from the respective organic solvents. Solvatomorphs 1·2MeOH and 1·2CHCl3 undergo single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations leading to 1 upon heating above 313 K. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed π–π stacking and C–H⋯N contacts between molecules of the complex both in the solvated and desolvated crystals. The spin crossover and thermal properties of 1 and its solvates were investigated by means of calorimetry, thermogravimetry, Mössbauer spectroscopy, variable temperature magnetic susceptibility, Raman spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction measurements. The anhydrous [Fe(HB(1,2,3-tz)3)2] complex, obtained via dehydration of dodecahydrate, undergoes structural phase transitions upon the first heating in the 303–493 K range followed by reversible, gradual spin crossover upon further thermal cycling, with a transition temperature of T1/2 = 373 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the synthesis of the first aziridinium-based compounds, namely hybrid perovskites (AzrH)PbHal3 (where AzrH = aziridinium, Hal = Cl, Br or I). This highly reactive species was stabilized in 3D lead halide frameworks and was found to be a small enough organic cation to promote the formation of semiconducting organo-inorganic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a molecular cationic iron(II) complex with a 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole ligand and a tetraiodomercurate anion exhibiting an incomplete spin crossover (SCO). The complex exhibits an unusual disordered structure with a linear arrangement of ligand and water molecules that can potentially accommodate up to four iron atoms, but both terminal metal positions have half chemical occupancies, while occupancies of all ligands are full. This corresponds to the crystallisation of disordered trinuclear complexes arranged into 1D supramolecular chains. Iron cations have different N6 or N3O3 coordination environments, leading to the thermally induced SCO in two thirds of the metal centres. This SCO behaviour was characterised by magnetic susceptibility measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) attract attention due to their potential for application in optoelectronic, spintronic and photovoltaic devices. However, to this day the range of available chiral HOIPs is still scarce. In this context, we synthesized and thoroughly characterized two pairs of enantiomeric HOIPs incorporating enantiopure α-alanine, the simplest chiral amino acid: (AlaH)PbX3 (Ala = R-alanine or S-alanine, X = Br or I). Single-crystal XRD measurements revealed an unusual 2D anionic motif, which consists of haloplumbate octahedra bonded together in an edge-sharing manner along the c axis and in a corner-sharing manner along the b axis. Four compounds undergo melting/crystallization at unusually low temperatures. New compounds also display photoluminescence in the visible range: 380–640 nm (X = Br) and 480–640 nm (X = I). Electronic spectroscopy reveals an optical response typical for semiconductive materials with optical band gaps of 3.12 eV (X = Br) and 2.48 eV (X = I). These results show that the incorporation of simple and easily accessible α-alanine (and other chiral amino acids) as a cationic part is an efficient way for obtaining highly demanding chiral HOIPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hofmann-like cyanometallic complexes represent one of the biggest and well-known classes of FeII spin-crossover compounds. In this paper, we report on the first FeII Hofmann clathrate analogues with unsubstituted 1,2,3-triazole, which exhibit temperature induced spin transition. Two new coordination polymers with the general formula [FeII(1,2,3-triazole)2MII(CN)4] (M = Pt, Pd) undergo abrupt hysteretic spin crossover in the range of 190–225 K as revealed by magnetic susceptibility measurements. Two compounds are isostructural and are built of infinite cyanometallic layers which are supported by 1,2,3-triazole ligands. The thermal hysteresis loop is very stable at different scan rates from 0.5 to 10 K min−1. The compounds display strong thermochromic effect, changing their colour from pink in the low-spin state to white in the high-spin state. Our findings show that 1,2,3-triazole is suitable for elaboration of spin-crossover Hofmann clathrate analogues, and its use instead of more classical azines can advantageously expand this family of complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new 2D spin-crossover (SCO) analogues of Hofmann clathrates of composition [Fe(phth)2MII(CN)4] (where phth = phthalazine; MII = Pd, Pt) have been synthesized and their structures and switchable behaviour have been characterized. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that the Pt and Pd derivatives contain FeII centres equatorially surrounded by four equivalent μ4-[MII(CN)4]2− groups. Two crystallographically equivalent phthalazine (phth) ligands occupy the axial positions of each FeII site, completing its octahedral coordination environment. The stabilization of these structures is realized via supramolecular C–H⋯M interactions and π–π stacking. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that Pt (T1/2↓ = 211 K and T1/2↑ = 218 K) and Pd (T1/2↓ = 202 K and T1/2↑ = 207 K) derivatives display cooperative spin crossover with narrow thermal hysteresis loops. In addition, spin crossover in these complexes was characterized by optical measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, and IR and Raman spectroscopy. This research shows that the use of phthalazine leads to the production of new SCO systems with attractive transition characteristics and opens up new perspectives for the design of switchable complexes based on fused bicyclic azine ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new iron(ii)-based spin-crossover compound with thermal hysteresis operating under ambient conditions is reported. This complex exhibits a high reproducibility of the spin transition in many successive thermal cycles, stability of both spin states at room temperature and an attractive operational temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymorphism in spin-crossover (SCO) compounds allows accessing additional forms of switchable materials with diverse transition properties. We have prepared three polymorphs of a new complex [FeLBr(dca)2], where LBr is N,N′-bis[(5-bromo-2-pyridyl)methyl]ethane-1,2-diamine and dca is dicyanamide. They display different SCO properties: the α-form displays a hysteretic one-step switch centered at 134 K, the β-form undergoes hysteretic two-step spin transition with a plateau (T1/2 = 153 and 144 K) and the γ-form remains high spin (HS) over the whole temperature region. The kinetic origin of the hysteresis loop was demonstrated in temperature rate dependent magnetic measurements. Spin transition in the α-form is accompanied by symmetry breaking from a single Fe(ii) site in the HS state to two distinct Fe(ii) sites in the low spin (LS) state. In the β-form, the single crystal XRD has revealed a re-entrant symmetry change associated with the stepwise transition, with an ordered HS–LS alternating arrangement in the temperature plateau range. The corresponding Mössbauer study demonstrates a complicated evolution of spin transitions in the β-form through three different spin phases within different temperature regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pentanuclear CoII–CoIII cluster complex has been developed by a solvothermal synthesis. Its highly stable metal-mixed iron–cobalt derivatives display robust spin crossover (T1/2 = 268 K) controlled by the degree of substitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high temperature spin crossover (Tup = 367 K) was detected in a metal–organic framework [Fe(pz){Ag(CN)2}2]·MeCN (pz = pyrazine). Upon heating, this solvate released acetonitrile guest molecules, which slightly shifted the transition temperature of the complex (Tup = 370 K and Tdown = 356 K). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spin crossover complexes represent spectacular examples of molecular switchable materials. We describe a new approach towards homochiral coordination nanoparticles of [Fe(NH2trz)3](l-CSA)2 (NH2trz = 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole, l-CSA = l-camphorsulfonate) that display an abrupt switch of chiral properties associated with a cooperative spin transition. This is an original method that generates stable and additive-free colloidal solutions of nanoparticles with a spin transition around room temperature. The introduction of a chiral anion to the coordination framework makes these nanoparticles display specific chiro-optical (circular dichroism) properties that are different in high and low spin states. We also illustrate here an effect of the “chiral memory” which is caused by the hysteretic spin transition. In addition, a bistable chiral composite supramolecular system – a [Fe(NH2trz)3](l-CSA)2–CHCl3 gel – is described here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites of the spin crossover complex [Fe(trz)(H-trz)2](BF4) (H-trz = 1,2,4-4H-triazole and trz = 1,2,4-triazolato) dispersed in a poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) matrix were synthesized and investigated for their spin crossover properties by optical reflectivity, Raman spectroscopy and calorimetry. These composite films were used to fabricate bilayer cantilevers that can perform efficient and tuneable mechanical actuation based on the spin transition. A prototype device that uses the spin transition phenomenon to convert electrical energy into mechanical motion through Joule heating is described. This device is used to perform oscillatory actuation driven by a modulated current. The ability to tune the performance of this electromechanical system is demonstrated by varying the working temperature, the applied ac current and its frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of framework coordination polymers reveals the use of 1,2,4,5-tetrazines as efficient bridging ligands towards silver(I) and copper(I) ions. All four nitrogen atoms were functional as lone pair donors leading to an unprecedented m4-coordination of the ligands (1,2,4,5-tetrazine, ttz; 3,6-dimethyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, Me2ttz) in [Ag(ttz)(X)] (X = NO3, 1; ClO4, 2), [Ag2(Me2ttz)(NO3)2] (3), [Ag2(Me2ttz)(H2O)2(ClO4)2] (4), [Ag3(Me2ttz)(H2O)2(CF3SO3)3] (5) and [Cu4Cl4(Me2ttz)] (6). In 1 and 2, μ4-tetrazines and silver ions (AgN4, Ag-N 2.42-2.53Å ) compose a 3D framework of {42;84} topology. Structures 3 and 4 were based on disilver-tetrazine ribbons, while in 5 μ4-tetrazines interconnect silver-triflate chains. In 6, μ4-ligands connect inorganic layers sustained by copper-chloride squares, hexa- and octagons (1.974(2) and 1.981(2)Å ). Multiple N-coordination to metal ions enhances the ability of the electron deficient tetrazine system for anion … π binding. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit very short interactions of this type with corresponding O… C(N) separations down to a record value of 2.78Å and O… π 2.61Å . For 6, π-acidity of tetrazine was reflected by contacts Cl … π of 3.30Å . Results of high level ab initio calculations (RI-MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ) were in good agreement with experimental results, and were suggestive of the progressive enhancement of the π-acidity by increasing the number of Ag(I) ions N-coordinated to tetrazine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

K 2 Eu(PO 4 )(WO 4 ) has been prepared via the high-temperature solution growth (HTSG) method using K 2 WO 4 -KPO 3 molten salts as a self-flux and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, IR and luminescence spectroscopy. The structure of this new compound features a 2D framework containing [EuPO 6 ] 4- layers, which are composed of zigzag chains of [EuO 8 ] n interlinked by slightly distorted PO 4 tetrahedra. Isolated WO 4 tetrahedra are attached above and below these layers, leaving space for the K + counter-cations. The photoluminescence (PL) characteristics (spectra, line intensity distribution and decay kinetics) confirm structural data concerning one distinct position for europium ions. The luminescence color coordinates suggest K 2 Eu(PO 4 )(WO 4 ) as an efficient red phosphor for lighting applications., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

We studied the spin state dependence of the electrical conductivity of the spin crossover compound [Fe(Htrz)(2)(trz)](BF(4)) (Htrz = 1H-1,2,4-triazole) by means of dc electrical measurements. The low spin state is characterized by higher conductance and lower thermal activation energy of the conductivity, when compared to the high spin state.

Nitrogen donor tetradentate ligands 4,4'-bipyridazine (bpdz) and pyridazino[4,5-d]pyridazine (pp) were prepared by inverse electron demand Diels-Alder cycloaddition reactions of 1,2,4,5-tetrazine. Examination of their behaviour towards silver(I) ions revealed a special potential of the ligands for the design of 3D coordination frameworks involving characteristic polynuclear and polymeric silver(I)-pyridazine motifs and multiple coordination of the ligands. Ag4(pp)5(ClO4)4 and Ag4(pp)5(SiF6)(BF4)(2).4H2O adopt a unique 3D trinodal 4,4,5-connected topology based upon five-fold coordination of the metal ions and tetradentate bridging function of the organic modules. Complexes Ag3(L)3(SO3CF3)3.nH2O and Ag4(L)3(X)4.nH2O (L = bpdz, pp; X = BF4-, 0.5SiF(6)(2-)) illustrate formation of highly-connected frameworks incorporating trinuclear clusters as an origin of the net connectivity. In the carboxylate complexes Ag2(L)(R(F)COO)2 (R(F) = CF3, C2F5, C3F7) the pyridazine and acido ligands act as complementary linkers for generation of 3D frameworks involving helicate motifs. Fused bicyclic pyridazine pp is a unique system combining very efficient sigmaN-donor ability and pronounced pi-acidity. The coordination frameworks commonly exhibit strong anion-pi interactions, including unprecedented examples of double anion-pi,pi binding that occur between pyridazino[4,5-d]pyridazine as a double pi,pi-receptor for geometry complementary SiF(6)(2-) anions.

A new polydentate ligand 4,4'-bipyridazine (4,4'-bpdz) was prepared by employing inverse electron demand cycloaddition of 1,2,4,5-tetrazine. A unique combination of structural simplicity, ampolydentate character and efficient donor properties towards Cu(I), Cu(II) and Zn(II) provide wide new possibilities for the synthesis of coordination polymers incorporating the 4,4'-bpdz module either as a bi-, tri- or tetradentate connector between the metal ions. 1D coordination polymers Cu(2)(4,4'-bpdz)(CH(3)CO(2))(4) x 4H(2)O and Zn(4,4'-bpdz)(NO(3))(2), and interpenetrated (4,4)-nets in [Cu(4,4'-bpdz)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]S(2)O(6) were closely related to 4,4'-bipyridine compounds. 1D "ladder-like" polymer Cu(2)(4,4'-bpdz)(3)(CF(3)CO(2))(4) and the unprecedented 3D binodal net ({8(6)}{6(3);8(3)}) in [Cu(3)(4,4'-bpdz)(6)(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(6) x 6H(2)O were based upon a combination of linear and angular organic bridges. Complex [Cu(3)(OH)(2)(4,4'-bpdz)(3)(H(2)O)(2){CF(3)CO(2)}(2)](CF(3)CO(2))(2) x 2H(2)O has a "NbO-like" 3D topology incorporating discrete dihydroxotricopper(II) clusters linked by tri- and tetradentate ligands. The tetradentate function of the 4,4'-bpdz ligand was especially relevant for copper(I) complexes, which adopt layered Cu(2)X(2)(4,4'-bpdz) (X = Cl, Br) or 3D chiral framework (X = I) structures based upon infinite (CuX)(n) chains. The electron deficient character of the ligand was manifested by short anion-pi interactions (O-pi 3.02-3.20; Cl-pi 3.35 A), which may be involved as a factor for controlling the supramolecular structure.