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International audience; The first series of monocarboxylate-protected superatomic silver nanoclusters was synthesized and fully characterized by X-ray diffraction, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Specifically, compounds [Ag(16)(L)(8)(9-AnCO(2))(12)](2+) (L = Ph(3)P (I), (4-ClPh)(3)P (II), (2-furyl)(3)P (III), and Ph(3)As (IV)) were prepared by a solvent-thermal method under alkaline conditions. These clusters exhibit a similar unprecedented structure containing a [Ag(8)@Ag(8)](6+) metal kernel, of which the 2-electron superatomic [Ag(8)](6+) inner core shows a flattened and puckered hexagonal bipyramid of S(6) symmetry. Density functional theory calculations provide a rationalization of the structure and stability of these 2-electron superatoms. Results indicate that the 2 superatomic electrons occupy a superatomic molecular orbital 1S that has a substantial localization on the top and bottom vertices of the bipyramid. The π systems of the anthracenyl groups, as well as the 1S HOMO, are significantly involved in the optical and photothermal behavior of the clusters. The four characterized nanoclusters show high photothermal conversion performance in sunlight. These results show that the unprecedented use of mono-carboxylates in the stabilization of Ag nanoclusters is possible, opening the door for the introduction of various functional groups on their cluster surface.

Eight mixed-valence pentanuclear CuI4CuII clusters constructed by 1,2,3-triazole or tetrazole and different mono-phosphine ligands have been fabricated. They exhibit excellent photothermal conversion performance.

Two superatomic solids, a bi-cluster compound, [Ag6(3S)4(OTf)4][Ag6(3S)4(CCtBu)4](OTf)2 [Ag6(0)·Ag6(i)], and a homologous nanocluster, [Ag6(3S)4(tfa)4] (Ag6), have been described here, which are both close-packed in the crystal lattice with the ligation of trithiane.

The synthesis of nanoclusters from simple structural units is usually a challenging process because of the complexity and unpredictability of the self-assembly process of these types of compounds. Herein, two new neutral 19-nuclearity silver nanoclusters based on alkynyl ligands with the formulas [(CrO

For investigating the regulatory effects of the 1,3,5-trithiane (3S) in the formation of silver-alkynyl clusters, two new tetra-nucleus silver-alkynyl clusters, namely, [(3S)4Ag4(PhC≡C)(OTf)2]·OTf·CH3OH (1, OTf = CF3SO3−), and [(3S)2Ag4(tBuC≡C)(tfa)3]n (2, tfa = CF3CO2−), were synthesized and their unique structures were investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction analysis. Cluster 1 was a discrete cationic tetra-nucleus cluster co-ligated by 3S and phenylacetylene. Cluster 2 was a 2D coordination polymer based on a structurally similar tetra-nucleus cluster linking by 3S. Both clusters show excellent thermal stability and bright solid-state photoluminescence properties at room temperature. This work opens the door to using the supramolecular ligand-thiocrown ether to synthesize Ag clusters of attractive properties.

To design and make new metal-organic frameworks with desired structure and consequently spatial properties, there need to choose both metal ion as a node and ligands as their linkers. In pillared metal-organic frameworks, the presence of two linkers make bifunctional MOFs. Here, a pillar two-dimensional metal-organic framework (MOF) with molecular formula [Zn(cba)(bpdb)].DMF (2DTMU-1) was obtained by the reaction of zinc(II) nitrate with 4,4'-methylenedibenzoic acid (H2cba) as the carboxylate linker and 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene (bpdb) as the N-donor pillar. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). 2DTMU-1 is based on a binuclear paddlewheel Zn(II) unit complexed by four bridging bidentate (dicarboxylate) V-shaped ligand, 4,4'-methylenedibenzoic acid (H2cba), this tetragonal array being connected by bpdb with a bridging azine group in the middle as a potential Lewis basic site, making two-dimensional metal-organic framework structure and shows a pore size of 18 × 12 Å2.

Under the guidance of the ESI-MS result for [TeO6@Ag36(CCtBu)18(tfa)12] (1, tfa = trifluoroacetate), a new 36-nucleus silver-alkynyl cluster substituted by four pentafluorobenzoates, named as [TeO6@Ag36(CCtBu)18(tfa)8(F5PhCO2)4] (2), has been fabricated.

We report the synthesis and structure of the first all-carboxylate-protected superatomic silver nanocluster. It was prepared by heating a dimethylformamide solution of perfluoroglutaric acid and AgNO3 under alkaline conditions, yielding a single crystal of [(CH3)2NH2]6[Ag8(pfga)6]. The [Ag8(pfga)6]6- cluster has a rhombohedral Ag86+ core, with each of its faces protected by one dianionic perfluoroglutarate (pfga) ligand. Electronic-structure analysis from density functional theory confirms the stability of this two-electron cluster due to the shell closing of the superatomic orbital in the (1S)2 configuration and explains the optical absorption of the cluster in the visible region as the transition from 1S to 1P orbital. The [Ag8(pfga)6]6- cluster emits bright green-yellow light in THF solution and bright orange light in the solid state. This work opens the door to using the widely available carboxylic acids to synthesize atomically precise Ag clusters of attractive properties.

As redox-active based supercapacitors are known as highly desirable next-generation supercapacitor electrodes, the targeted design of two ferrocene-functionalized (Fc(COOH)2 ) clusters based on coinage metals, [(PPh3 )2 AgO2 CFcCO2 Ag(PPh3 )2 ]2 ⋅7 CH3 OH (SC1 : super capacitor) and [(PPh3 )3 CuO2 CFcCO2 Cu(PPh3 )3 ]⋅3 CH3 OH (SC2 ), is reported. Both structures are fully characterized by various techniques. The structures are utilized as energy storage electrode materials, giving 130 F g-1 and 210 F g-1 specific capacitance at 1.5 A g-1 in Na2 SO4 electrolyte, respectively. The obtained results show that the presence of CuI instead of AgI improves the supercapacitive performance of the cluster. Further, to improve the conductivity, the PSC2 ([(PPh3 )2 CuO2 CFcCO2 ]∞ ), a polymeric structure of SC2 , was synthesized and used as an energy storage electrode. PSC2 displays high conductivity and gives 455 F g-1 capacitance at 3 A g-1 . The PSC2 as a supercapacitor electrode presents a high power density (2416 W kg-1 ), high energy density (161 Wh kg-1 ), and long cycle life over 4000 cycles (93 %). These results could lead to the amplification of high-performance supercapacitors in new areas to develop real applications and stimulate the use of the targeted design of coordination polymers without hybridization or compositions with additive materials.

For investigating the template effects and the ligand roles in constructing structurally charming silver clusters, we isolated and analyzed a new cluster compound, namely, [(CO3)2@Ag25(C≡CtBu)15(CF3CO2)3(Ph2PO2)2I],1. We report here the synthesis, crystal structure, characterization by various spectroscopic (IR, solid-state NMR, XPS) techniques and the luminescent property of this cluster. Its X-ray crystal structure reveals that the cluster is a 25-nuclearity silver cage with double CO32− ions encapsulated in. Two diphenylphosphinates in new coordination mode (μ2:O1,O1) are co-protecting on the surface of cluster 1. Also, the cluster emits orange-red light in the solid-state at 77 K.

The evolution of semisolid microstructure during partial remelting of (CNTs + Sip)/AZ91D powder compacts prepared by cold pressing was studied. The results indicate that rapid grain coarsening is driven by the dissolution of eutectic β phase material during the initial heating period of 0–10 min, so the AZ91D powders with fine equiaxed grains surrounded by intergranular eutectic phases evolve into compact particles. As the heating time proceeds, α-Mg particles were gradually separated by liquid due to the phase transformations of α-Mg + β → L and α-Mg → L. The primary particles coarsened rather slowly and the as-received Mg powder evolved into nearly spheroidal particles surrounded by liquid phase after partial remelting. The in situ synthesized Mg2Sip were distributed homogeneously around the CNTs with maintained structural integrity during partial remelting. Moreover, this microstructural evolution was accompanied by densification through pore filling. An ideal semisolid ingot suitable for thixoforming can therefore be obtained by partially remelting a (CNTs + Sip)/Mg powder compact.

Advancement of the synthesis and control of the self-assembly process of new high-nucleus silver clusters with desired structures is important for both the material sciences and the many applications. Herein, three new silver clusters, 20-, 22-, and 8-nucleus, based on alkynyl ligands were constructed and their structures were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). For the first time, the trivalent tetrahedron anion of AsO

A one dimensional high-nucleus silver polymer (SSc: silver supercapacitor) was designed by a simple and single-step synthesis. This stable highly conductive metallic polymer without any modification steps such as pyrolysis or doping provides a desirable path for electron transfer and shows high capacitance as a non-hybrid electrode (specific capacitance of 827 F g−1 at 5 A g−1). This polymer could tolerate low to high scan rates (200 mV s−1 to 1 V s−1) and exhibit rectangular cyclic voltammetry shapes, high power density and long cycle life over 5000 cycles (90.7%). These results could promise the development of new types of high-performance supercapacitors by overcoming the low conductivity and the limited capacity challenges of known structures without the need for any modification which is unique in non-hybrid electrode materials.

Extensive composition engineering research has been conducted on bandgap tunability, but the combination of two mechanisms for better photon harvesting over a wide range has rarely happened; this is of great importance for improving photocatalytic efficiency with sunlight. In order to enable concurrent heterogenic Fenton and Fenton-like reactions for dye degradation, two novel ferrocene-functionalized clusters, [(PPh3)3CuO2CFcCO2Cu(PPh3)3]·3CH3OH (D1) and [(PPh3)2AgO2CFcCO2Ag(PPh3)2]2·7CH3OH (D2) were designed, synthesized and characterized by multiple techniques. These chemically and thermally stable coinage clusters exhibit high photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of methylene blue as a model dye in the presence of H2O2 under direct sunlight irradiation. The degradation performance of complex D1 is about twice that of complex D2. The catalytic performance of D1 (15 000 mg g−1 in less than 20 min) is superior to those of other reported complexes, which can be attributed to the high level of generated hydroxyl radicals which are the most active species for dye degradation in the combination of Fenton and Fenton-like mechanisms. In addition to the degradation carried out with the aid of the Fe(III) of ferrocene, based on the Fenton mechanism, the photogenerated holes trapped by Cu(I) act as catalysts in the Fenton-like mechanism to produce an excess of hydroxyl radicals, adding to those formed via scavenging of photogenerated electrons by hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, the performance of D1 in the presence of H2O2 as a dual photocatalyst under natural sunlight irradiation needs no pH adjustment which is a unique characteristic. This bilateral compound offers a promising strategy for the design of new photocatalysts.

A novel ferrocene-functionalized silver cluster (FcAgCs) has been designed and synthesized with the assistant of ultrasound treatment and fully characterized by single crystal spectroscopy, IR, UV–Vis, XRD, TGA, NMR, CV and elemental analyses. Ultrasound synthesis method facilitates and accelerates synthesis of this amazing structure and plays a vital role in the synthesis of this special cluster. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveal that the cluster can be described as a cationic [(dppf)2Ag4(C CtBu)2(CH3OH)2]2+ (dppf = 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) species consisted of four rhombic silver atom and two isolated BF4- counter anions. Thermal stability greater than 200 °C and solution CV results show that the title cluster is sufficiently stable and suitable for the fabricating of FcAgCs/ITO thin-films and exploring as electrochemical responding materials. Based on its properties, we use it to prepare thin-films on ITO substrate by spin coating method. Verification of synthesis, thickness, uniformity and stability of the fabricated FcAgCs/ITO thin-films were characterized and confirmed by UV, XRD, SEM and the scotch tape adhesion peel test. Moreover, we use this FcAgCs/ITO thin-film electrode as thin-film electrochemical detector which shows sensitive and quick response in the detection of H2O2.

Dense nano-grained Ni0.7Mn2.3O4 negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors were fabricated by a novel two-step sintering approach that combines rapid sintering and principle of conventional two-step sintering technique. Samples were sintered at 1042 °C for 30 s in the first rapid step and then at 850–950 °C for 20 h in the second soaking step. Crystal phase, microstructure and electrical properties of sintered samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), resistance temperature relationship and aging performance. Sintered samples show a single-phase cubic spinel structure and indicate a high relative density ranging from 84% to 91% of the theoretical density. Moreover, average grain sizes of sintered samples under SEM are distributed between 254 and 570 nm. Meanwhile, the resistivity and the aging coefficient significantly decrease when soaking sintering temperature rises. In addition, the obtained material constant (B) ranges from 3931 to 3981 K. Ni0.7Mn2.3O4-3 (soaking at 900 °C) and Ni0.7Mn2.3O4-4 (soaking at 950 °C) present little aging behavior, implying great electrical stability.

In our attempts to identify probable intermediates in the preparation of anionic silver hydride cluster [Ag8(H){S2CC(CN)2}6]5− under the condition of excess NaBH4, we isolated and analyzed a new cluster compound, namely, [Bu4N]6[Ag7(H){S2CC(CN)2}6]. We report here the synthesis, crystal structure, characterizations by various spectroscopic (UV–Vis, IR, multinuclear NMR, elemental analyses) techniques and the luminescent properties of this cluster. Its X-ray crystal structure reveals that the cluster contains a distorted; tricapped tetrahedral silver core enclosed an interstitial hydride anion and is surrounded by six 1,1-dicyanoethylene-2,2-dithiolate ([S2CC(CN)2]2−, i-MNT) ligands. The presence of hydride inside the heptanuclear silver cluster is unequivocally certified by both 1H and 109Ag NMR spectroscopies. The title compound represents the first atomic precisely anionic Ag7-H skeleton with a non-disordered, tricapped tetrahedral silver framework.

Incorporating ferrocenecarboxylato(-1) into [CuI2(μ-dppm)2]2+ (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) led to the isolation of a heterometallic complex [Cu2(μ2-η1,η1dppm)2(μ2-η1, η1FcCOO)(CH3CN)]BF4·...

Atomically precise silver nanoclusters (Ag-NCs) are known as a hot research area owing to their brilliant features and they have attracted an immense amount of research attention over the last year. There is a lack of sufficient understanding about the Ag-NC synthesis mechanisms that result in optimal silver nanoclusters with an appropriate size, shape, and morphology. In addition, the coexisting flexible coordination of silver ions, the argentophilic interactions, and coordination bonds result in a high level of sophistication in the self-assembly process. Furthermore, the expansion of clusters by the organic ligand to form a high dimensional structure could be very interesting and useful for novel applications in particular. In this study, a novel two-dimensional 14-nucleus silver poly-cluster was designed and synthesized by the combination of two synthetic methods. The high nucleus silver cluster units are connected together via tetradecafluoroazelaic acid (CF2) and this leads to the high stability of the polymer. This highly stable conductive poly-cluster, with bridging groups of difluoromethylene, displays a high energy density (372 F g−1 at 4.5 A g−1), excellent cycling stability, and great capacity. This nanocluster shows a high power density and long cycle life over 6000 cycles (95%) and can also tolerate a wide range of scan rates (5 mV s−1 to 1 V s−1), meaning it could act as a green energy source.

A high-nucleus silver nanopolycluster as a new type of silver-based polymer supercapacitor (SSc) by a simple and single-step synthesis process was designed and synthesized. The structural, optical, and electrochemical properties of SSc-2 were determined. This highly stable conductive 3D nanopolycluster shows great cycling stability, large capacity, and high energy density without any modification or doping process and so acts as an excellent SSc (412 F g-1 at 1.5 A g-1). In addition, there was a stable cycling performance (94% capacitance) following 7000 cycles at 3 A g-1 current density. The presence of fluorinated groups, 3D expansion of high-nucleus metallic clusters, and porosity are the advantages of SSc-2 that lead to stability, conductivity, and high capacity, respectively. These results lead to the development of a novel kind of SSc by overcoming the low conductivity and limited capacity challenges without any modification.

For further understanding of the molecular absorption mechanisms of photothermal conversion by coordination compounds, two newly prepared xanthene-functionalized silver(I) complexes, [Ag2(X9A)2(dppm)2] (1) (where dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane and X9A = 9H-xanthene-9-carboxylato(-1)) and [Ag4(X9A)4(dppm)2]·6CH3OH (2), have been isolated and structurally characterized. We report here the syntheses, crystal structures, characterizations by various spectroscopic (IR, UV–Vis, powder XRD) techniques, as well as photothermal conversion performance of 1 and 2. Their X-ray crystal structures reveal that 1 is a binuclear silver(I) coordination compound bridged by two dppm molecules with two monodentate 9H-xanthene-9-carboxylato(-1) ligands, and 2 can be described as the dimer of 1 bridged by two 9H-xanthene-9-carboxylato(-1) anions in the μ3-η1,η2 coordination mode. Their photothermal conversion experimental results give new insight into understanding the molecular mechanisms for improving the performance of photothermal conversion molecular materials.

We report the synthesis and structure of the first all-carboxylate-protected superatomic silver nanocluster. It was prepared by heating a dimethylformamide solution of perfluoroglutaric acid and AgNO

Ferrocene and its derivatives, especially ferrocene-based coordination polymers (Fc-CPs), offer the benefits of high thermal stability, two stable redox states, fast electron transfer, and excellent charge/discharge efficiency, thus holding great promise for electrochemical applications. Herein, we describe the synthesis and electrochemical applications of Fc-CPs and reveal how the incorporation of ferrocene units into coordination polymers containing other metals results in unprecedented properties. Moreover, we discuss the usage of Fc-CPs in supercapacitors, batteries, and sensors as well as further applications of these polymers, for example in electrocatalysts, water purification systems, adsorption/storage systems.

The first silver nanocluster with an octahedral template of TeO66– was synthesized as a neutral 36-nucleus nanocluster, and its structure was demonstrated using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Fo...

New 2D lead(II) coordination polymers, Pb(4-bpdh)(CH3COO)(NO3)]n (1) and [Pb(4-bpdh)(ClO4)(NO3)]n (2), 4-bpdh ​= ​2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-3,4-diaza-2,4-hexadiene, were prepared and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 3 with formula [Pb(4-bpdh)(NO3)2(H2O)]n (3) was obtained by solid state mechanochemical reaction of the compounds 1 and 2 via anion-exchange process. These conversions are reversible and the grinding of compound 3 with CH3COO¯ and ClO4¯ ions led to the formation of the compounds 1 and 2, respectively. Thermal decomposition of the compounds 1–3 results in the formation of different metallic composites. The composites were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and size and morphology of them were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Two novel Ru(II) complexes [(η6-p-cymene)RuCl(L2)]PF6 (R2) and [(η6-C6H6)RuCl(L2)]PF6 (R4), with ligand (E)-N-((6-bromopyridin-2-yl)methylene)-4-(methylthio)aniline (L2), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and IR spectroscopy. Based on X-ray crystallography studies, complexes R2 and R4 have coordination environments with formulated (η6-p-cymene)Ru(N2Cl) and (η6-C6H6)Ru(N2Cl), respectively. The thermal stabilities of compounds R2 and R4 were studied by thermal gravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Thermal decomposition of these complexes was at 280°C and 260°C under air atmosphere respectively. The interaction of these complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was explored through electronic absorption spectra, fluorescence and redox behavior studies. The results showed that the complexes bind to CT-DNA with electrostatic interactions. Nanoparticles of RuO2 were prepared by calcination of R2 and R4. Also the role of the ultrasound waves on the characteristics of the RuO2 nanoparticles was studied. The nanoparticles were characterized by IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Also size and morphology of nanoparticles were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

For further elucidating the molecular absorption mechanisms in the photothermal conversion performance, three xanthene-functionalized dicopper coordination compounds have been isolated and structurally characterized by IR, Powder XRD, Solid-state UV, and TGA. They were prepared by solvothermal treatment the mixture of 9H-xanthene-9-carboxylic acid with Cu(CH3CN)4BF4 with/without the assistance of the auxiliary ligands {2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) or bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm)}, namely, [Cu2(X9A)4(CH3CN)2] (1, X9A = xanthene-9-carboxylate), {[Cu2(X9A)(dppm)2(CH3CN)](BF4)∙(CH3CN)} (2), and {[Cu2(X9A)3(bpy)2](BF4)∙0.5(H2O)}2 (3). Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis and mass spectra revealed that the copper atoms in 2 were Cu(I), while in 1 and 3 were Cu(II) coordination compounds. The X9A ligands arranged in two types of coordination modes in 3: one in a bidentate bridging mode (μ2-η1, η1 mode) and two in an arrangement involving chelation and bridging mode (μ2-η1, η2 mode), while only simple bridging mode presented in 1 and 2. With the further stabilization of bpy ligands, compound 3 displayed excellent thermal stability, superior absorption ability as well as the best photothermal conversion performance (the highest temperature increment ~ 19 ℃ and equilibrium temperature ~ 32 ℃).

C92H98Ag2O8P4, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 11.179(3) Å, b = 12.623(3) Å, c = 15.656(4) Å, α = 83.607(8)°, β = 78.636(9)°, γ = 83.128(9)°, V = 2141.6(10) Å3, Z = 2, R gt(F) = 0.0398, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1034, T = 294(2) K.

C18H22F4N4O4, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 7.3295(9) Å, b = 8.6026(9) Å, c = 8.8041(11) Å, α = 77.240(4)°, β = 72.215(4)°, γ = 71.531(4)°, V = 496.61(10) Å3, Z = 1, R gt(F) = 0.1022, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1587, T = 294(2) K.

In order to study the charge effect on the formation of an anion-templated silver cluster, a trivalent tetrahedral anion was incorporated into the silver assembly. A 26-nuclear silver cluster was prepared, and its structure was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Also, the resulting structure was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction data. Its light absorption and photoluminescent properties were studied by solid-state UV diffuse-reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy. Compared with the other reported silver clusters with tetrahedral anion templates, the more negative VO43- anion led to the formation of a bigger silver cluster. Also, the supramolecular motif O-H(CH3OH)···O(trifluoroacetate) was confirmed on the cluster surface for the first time.

A novel ferrocene-functionalized silver cluster (FcAgCs) has been designed and synthesized with the assistant of ultrasound treatment and fully characterized by single crystal spectroscopy, IR, UV-Vis, XRD, TGA, NMR, CV and elemental analyses. Ultrasound synthesis method facilitates and accelerates synthesis of this amazing structure and plays a vital role in the synthesis of this special cluster. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveal that the cluster can be described as a cationic [(dppf)

In order to develop an easy and rapid identification method for distinguishing CH3OH from C2H5OH, a new carbonate-based trinuclear Cu(II) precursor, [Cu3(bpy)6(μ3-CO3)(CH3OH)](BF4)4·(CH3OH)2·(H2O)2 (1), has been isolated. We report here the synthesis, crystal structure, and characterizations by various spectroscopic (IR, UV–Vis, powder XRD) techniques, as well as the solvatochromic behavior of this coordination compound. Its X-ray crystal structure reveals that the main structure of 1 consists of three [(bpy)2Cu]2+ centers, which are bridged by carbonate via a μ3-η1,η1,η1 fashion. Strong O–H⋯O hydrogen bonding between the carbonate and solvent molecules has been observed for the first time in similar structures. Its ground powder exhibits solvatochromic behavior that selectively distinguishes CH3OH from C2H5OH.

For achieving solar absorber and conversion molecular materials with excellent photothermal conversion ability, five mononuclear Copper(II) coordination compounds have been designed and isolated. They are fully characterized by IR, Powder XRD, Solid-state UV, and TGA. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis reveals that they are typical photothermal conversion molecules with double chromophores: one antenna chromophore (NT group here) and the second chromophores (Cu(dmap)42+, Cu(dmap)22+, Cu(bpy)22+ and Cu(phen)22+). Both chromophores have great influence on their solid-state optical absorption. Their photothermal conversion experiments show that compounds 3, 4 and 5 have the better results (the highest temperature increment 21.7 ℃ and equilibrium temperature ~ 60.7 ℃) than compounds 1 and 2. Those results give some clues for illustrating the molecular mechanisms of solar absorber and photothermal conversion molecular materials.

Two new silver clusters, [Ag6(PhC C)2(bpy)4(NO3)4] (1), bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, Ag8(Phen)4(NEA)8(CH3CN)2 (2), NEA = naphthalene acetic acid, were synthesized with assistance of ultrasonic irradiation and their unique structure investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD) and Ultraviolet–visible spectrum (UV–Vis). Thermal stability of the clusters were studied through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The photoluminescence analysis of 2 was also carried out. Clusters 1 and 2 show the absorption bands at λmax in the range 200–380 nm and 310 nm, respectively. The band gap widths for clusters are 3.05 eV and 3.20 eV. The Ag…Ag contact range in the cluster 1 is 2.7211(4) A–3.1102(3) A and for the cluster 2 is 2.867–3.047 A.

A novel binuclear Cu(II) complex based on ferrocene dicarboxylate was synthesized through ultrasonic and solvothermal processes and its structure confirmed by spectroscopy (IR), ultraviolet-visible spectrum (UV–Vis) and powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD). Structural characterization of the complex was performed through single-crystal X-ray diffraction and thermal stability of it was perused via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The title Cu(II) complex was used as an effective sensor for H2O2. The electrochemical method is one of the most effective methods for material sensing. In many electrochemical techniques to increase the efficiency of activity, the electrochemically active agent is supported on a substrate. Instead of using substrate, the chemical active agent can be applied as a part of the complex structure. In this work, ferrocene dicarboxylate as an active agent in the Cu(II) complex has been used for sensing of H2O2. Due to the effect of particle size on electrochemical activity, the nano-sized complex was synthesized by ultrasonic technique (as an environmentally friendly method) and also, CuO nanoparticles were also obtained by thermal decomposition of ultrasonic treated complex at 500 °C. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As well as, they were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and elemental mapping.

C49H40BCu2F4Fe2N5O5, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 11.526(2) Å, b = 12.902(2) Å, c = 15.469(3) Å, α = 95.632(2)°, β =107.789(2)°, γ = 96.251(2)°, V = 2156.3(7) Å3, Z = 2, R gt(F) = 0.0443, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1198, T = 100(2) K.

In order to achieve a light-harvesting system with excellent photo-thermal conversion property, three naphthyl(NT)-functionalized Copper(II) coordination compounds have been designed and isolated. They are characterized by IR, Powder XRD, UV, and TGA. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis reveals that {[Cu4(bpy)4(1-NTAA)5](BF4)3∙3(CH3OH)∙H2O}∞ (1) has 1D chain structure, {[Cu2(1-NTAA)4(CH3CN)2]∙2(CH3CN)} (2) and {[Cu2(2-NTA)4(CH3CN)2]∙2.5(CH3CN)} (3) have similar paddle-wheel structures. Utilizing the introduction of NT-groups into copper(II) centers, all three compounds exhibit good solid-state optical absorption in a nearly full solar spectral region. The coordination polymer 1 exhibits the quickest temperature rising (nearly 2 ℃/min from the very beginning), the highest temperature increment (12 ℃) and equilibrium temperature (40 ℃) over the other two compounds in the photothermal conversion experiments. Those results point out the direction of molecular design for enhancing photothermal conversion performance.