Podlike N‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes Encapsulating FeNi Alloy Nanoparticles: High‐Performance Counter Electrode Materials for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Podlike nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes encapsulating FeNi alloy nanoparticles (Pod(N)‐FeNi) were prepared by the direct pyrolysis of organometallic precursors. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Tafel polarization measurements revealed their excellent electrocatalytic activities in the I^?/I₃^? redox reaction of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This is suggested to arise from the modification of the surface electronic properties of the carbon by the encapsulated metal alloy nanoparticles (NPs). Sequential scanning with EIS and CV further showed the high electrochemical stability of the Pod(N)‐FeNi composite. DSSCs with Pod(N)‐FeNi as the counter electrode (CE) presented a power conversion efficiency of 8.82 %, which is superior to that of the control device with sputtered Pt as the CE. The Pod(N)‐FeNi composite thus shows promise as an environmentally friendly, low‐cost, and highly efficient CE material for DSSCs.     

[(1,4,8,11‐Tetraazacyclotetradeca‐1,4,8,11‐tetrayl)tetraacetamide‐κ6N1,N4,N8,N11,O1,O8]copper(II) sulfate 4.5‐hydrate

The crystal structure of the title copper(II) complex, [Cu(C₁₈H₃₆N₈O₄)]SO₄·4.5H₂O, formed with the tetra­amide cyclam derivative 2‐(4,8,11‐triscarbamoyl­methyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetra­aza­cyclo­tetradec‐1‐yl)­acet­amide (TETAM), is described. The macrocycle lies on an inversion centre occupied by the hexacoordinated Cu atom. The four macrocyclic tertiary amines form the equatorial plane of an axially Jahn–Teller elongated octahedron. Two O atoms belonging to two diagonally opposite amide groups occupy the apical positions, giving rise to a trans‐III stereochemistry, while both the remaining pendant side arms extend outwards from the macrocyclic cavity and are engaged in hydrogen bonds with sulfate anions and co‐crystallized water mol­ecules.     

2,6‐Bis(1‐benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine and its octahedral copper complex

In the tridentate ligand 2,6‐bis(1‐benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine, C₂₃H₁₉N₇, both sets of triazole N atoms are anti with respect to the pyridine N atom, while in the copper complex aqua[2,6‐bis(1‐benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine](pyridine)(tetrafluoroborato)copper(II) tetrafluoroborate, [Cu(BF₄)(C₅H₅N)(C₂₃H₁₉N₇)(H₂O)]BF₄, the triazole N atoms are in the syn–syn conformation. The coordination of the Cu^II atom is distorted octahedral. The ligand structure is stabilized through intermolecular C—H...N interactions, while the crystal structure of the Cu complex is stabilized through water‐ and BF₄‐mediated hydrogen bonds. Photoluminiscence studies of the ligand and complex show that the ligand is fluorescent due to triazole–pyridine conjugation, but that the fluorescence is quenched on complexation.     

Two solvatomorphic forms of a copper complex formulated as Cu(L1)(ClO4)2·1.2H2O and Cu(L1)(ClO4)2, where L1 is 3,10‐C‐meso‐3,5,7,7,10,12,14,14‐octamethyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane

Two copper complex solvatomorphs, namely (3,10‐C‐meso‐3,5,7,7,10,12,14,14‐octamethyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane)bis(perchlorato‐κO)copper(II) 1.2‐hydrate, [Cu(ClO₄)₂(C₁₈H₄₀N₄)]·1.2H₂O, (I), and (3,10‐C‐meso‐3,5,7,7,10,12,14,14‐octamethyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane)bis(perchlorato‐κO)copper(II), [Cu(ClO₄)₂(C₁₈H₄₀N₄)], (II), are described and compared with each other and with a third, already reported, anhydrous diastereomer, denoted (III). Both compounds present very similar centrosymmetic coordination environments, with the Cu^II cation lying on an inversion centre in a distorted 4+2 octahedral environment, defined by the macrocyclic N₄ group in the equatorial sites and two perchlorate groups in trans‐axial positions [one of the perchlorate ligands in (I) is partially disordered]. The most significant difference in molecular shape is seen in the orientation of the perchlorate anions, and the influence of this on the intramolecular hydrogen bonding is discussed. The (partially) hydrated state of (I) favours the formation of chains along [011], while the anhydrous character of (II) and (III) promotes loosely bound structures with low packing indices.     

Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance of a Porous g‐C3N4/Graphene Composite as a Counter Electrode for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

A porous graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C₃N₄)/graphene composite was prepared by a simple hydrothermal method and explored as the counter electrode of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The obtained g‐C₃N₄/graphene composite was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that incorporating graphene nanosheets into g‐C₃N₄ forms a three‐dimensional architecture with a high surface area, porous structure, efficient electron‐transport network, and fast charge‐transfer kinetics at the g‐C₃N₄/graphene interfaces. These properties result in more electrocatalytic active sites and facilitate electrolyte diffusion and electron transport in the porous framework. As a result, the as‐prepared porous g‐C₃N₄/graphene composite exhibits an excellent electrocatalytic activity. In I^?/I₃^? redox electrolyte, the charge‐transfer resistance of the porous g‐C₃N₄/graphene composite electrode is 1.8 Ω cm², which is much lower than those of individual g‐C₃N₄ (70.1 Ω cm²) and graphene (32.4 Ω cm²) electrodes. This enhanced electrocatalytic performance is beneficial for improving the photovoltaic performance of DSCs. By employing the porous g‐C₃N₄/graphene composite as the counter electrode, the DSC achieves a conversion efficiency of 7.13 %. This efficiency is comparable to 7.37 % for a cell with a platinum counter electrode.     

Four‐ and five‐coordinate copper(II) complexes with N‐(4,4‐diphenyl‐5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)glycine

The two title mononuclear compounds are four‐coordinate bis[N‐(5‐oxo‐4,4‐diphenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene)glycinato]copper(II) dimethylformamide disolvate, [Cu(C₁₇H₁₄N₃O₃)₂]·2C₃H₇NO, (I), and five‐coordinate aquabis[N‐(5‐oxo‐4,4‐diphenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene)glycinato]copper(II) dimethylformamide disolvate, [Cu(C₁₇H₁₄N₃O₃)₂(H₂O)]·2C₃H₇NO, (II). In (I), the Cu^II ion lies on an inversion centre with one‐half of the complex molecule in the asymmetric unit, while in (II) there are two independent ligand molecules in the asymmetric unit, with the Cu^II ion and coordinated water molecule located on a general position. In both crystal structures, the complex molecules assemble in ribbons via N—H...O hydrogen‐bond networks.     

Dimethyl 2,2′‐bipyridine‐6,6′‐dicarboxylate and bis(dimethyl 2,2′‐bipyridine‐6,6′‐dicarboxylato‐κ2N,N′)copper(I) tetrafluoroborate

The single‐crystal X‐ray structures of dimethyl 2,2′‐bipyridine‐6,6′‐dicarboxylate, C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₄, and the copper(I) coordination complex bis(dimethyl 2,2′‐bipyridine‐6,6′‐dicarboxylato‐κ²N,N′)copper(I) tetrafluoroborate, [Cu(C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₄)₂]BF₄, are reported. The uncoordinated ligand crystallizes across an inversion centre and adopts the anticipated anti pyridyl arrangement with coplanar pyridyl rings. In contrast, upon coordination of copper(I), the ligand adopts an arrangement of pyridyl donors facilitating chelating metal coordination and an increased inter‐pyridyl twisting within each ligand. The distortion of each ligand contrasts with comparable copper(I) complexes of unfunctionalized 2,2′‐bipyridine.     

[N′‐Benzoyl‐N,N‐bis(2‐pyridylmethyl‐κN)­ethyl­enedi­amine‐κN]chloro­copper(II) hexa­fluoro­phosphate

The title mononuclear copper(II) complex, [CuCl(C₂₁H₂₂­N₄O)]­PF₆, shows a distorted square‐planar coordination and the benzoyl­amino N atom does not coordinate to the Cu atom.     

Tetrakis(μ‐benzoato‐κ2O:O)bis{[4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine‐κN1]copper(II)}

The title compound, [Cu₂(C₇H₅O₂)₄(C₇H₁₀N₂)₂], is a crystallographically centrosymmetric binuclear complex, with Cu atoms [Cu...Cu = 2.6982 (4) Å] bridged by four benzoate ligands. Each of the Cu atoms in this bunuclear copper(II) acetate hydrate analogue is present in an approximately square‐pyramidal environment, with four O atoms in a plane and the pyridine N atom at the apical site. Selected geometric parameters are compared with values for related tetrabenzoate complexes of copper(II).     

trans‐Di­aqua(C‐meso‐5,12‐di­methyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetra­aza­cyclo­tetra­decane‐N,N′,N′′,N′′′)copper(II) dichloride dihydrate

The crystal structure of the title complex, [Cu(C₁₂H₂₈N₄)(H₂O)₂]Cl₂·2H₂O, has been determined. The Cu^II atom is octahedrally coordinated by the four N atoms of the tetradentate macrocyclic ligand in equatorial positions and by the O atoms of two water mol­ecules in axial positions. The crystal structure is stabilized by a three‐dimensional network of hydrogen bonds.     

Platinum‐Free Binary Co‐Ni Alloy Counter Electrodes for Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted growing interest because of their application in renewable energy technologies in developing modern low‐carbon economies. However, the commercial application of DSSCs has been hindered by the high expenses of platinum (Pt) counter electrodes (CEs). Here we use Pt‐free binary Co‐Ni alloys synthesized by a mild hydrothermal strategy as CE materials in efficient DSSCs. As a result of the rapid charge transfer, good electrical conduction, and reasonable electrocatalysis, the power conversion efficiencies of Co‐Ni‐based DSSCs are higher than those of Pt‐only CEs, and the fabrication expense is markedly reduced. The DSSCs based on a CoNi_0.25 alloy CE displays an impressive power conversion efficiency of 8.39 %, fast start‐up, multiple start/stop cycling, and good stability under extended irradiation.     

Di‐μ‐hydroxo‐bis­[aqua(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ2N,N′)copper(II)] trans‐bis(2‐{[(E)‐5‐formyl‐2‐oxido‐κO‐benzyl­idene]­amino‐κN}ethanesulfonato(2–))copper(II) hexahydrate

The title compound, [Cu₂(OH)₂(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂(H₂O)₂][Cu(C₁₀H₉NO₅S)₂]·6H₂O, is comprised of a copper‐centred complex cation and a copper‐centred complex anion; the cation lies about an inversion centre and in the anion the Cu atom lies on an inversion centre. In the doubly charged bridged dicopper cation, each Cu centre has distorted square‐pyramidal geometry. In the square‐planar dianion, two sulfonate ligands are trans coordinated to the Cu atom via a deprotonated hydroxyl O atom and an imine N atom, forming two six‐membered chelate rings. The structure is stabilized by an extensive hydrogen‐bond system and aromatic‐ring stacking interactions.     

Structural studies of (prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine hetero‐scorpionate copper complexes

The structures of five compounds consisting of (prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine complexed with copper in both the Cu^I and Cu^II oxidation states are presented, namely chlorido{(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ³N,N′,N′′}copper(I) 0.18‐hydrate, [CuCl(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)]·0.18H₂O, (1), catena‐poly[[copper(I)‐μ₂‐(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ⁵N,N′,N′′:C²,C³] perchlorate acetonitrile monosolvate], {[Cu(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)]ClO₄·CH₃CN}_n, (2), dichlorido{(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ³N,N′,N′′}copper(II) dichloromethane monosolvate, [CuCl₂(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)]·CH₂Cl₂, (3), chlorido{(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ³N,N′,N′′}copper(II) perchlorate, [CuCl(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)]ClO₄, (4), and di‐μ‐chlorido‐bis({(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ³N,N′,N′′}copper(II)) bis(tetraphenylborate), [Cu₂Cl₂(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)₂][(C₆H₅)₄B]₂, (5). Systematic variation of the anion from a coordinating chloride to a noncoordinating perchlorate for two Cu^I complexes results in either a discrete molecular species, as in (1), or a one‐dimensional chain structure, as in (2). In complex (1), there are two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. Complex (2) consists of the Cu^I atom coordinated by the amine and pyridyl N atoms of one ligand and by the vinyl moiety of another unit related by the crystallographic screw axis, yielding a one‐dimensional chain parallel to the crystallographic b axis. Three complexes with Cu^II show that varying the anion composition from two chlorides, to a chloride and a perchlorate to a chloride and a tetraphenylborate results in discrete molecular species, as in (3) and (4), or a bridged bis‐μ‐chlorido complex, as in (5). Complex (3) shows two strongly bound Cl atoms, while complex (4) has one strongly bound Cl atom and a weaker coordination by one perchlorate O atom. The large noncoordinating tetraphenylborate anion in complex (5) results in the core‐bridged Cu₂Cl₂ moiety.     

trans‐Bis(2,2‐diphenyl­ethyl­amine‐κN)bis­(5,5‐diphenyl­hydantoinato‐κN3)copper(II) and its chloro­form disolvate

The crystal structures of the title compounds, [Cu(C₁₅H₁₁N₂O₂)₂(C₁₄H₁₅N)₂] and [Cu(C₁₅H₁₁N₂O₂)₂(C₁₄H₁₅N)₂]·2CHCl₃, respectively, have been determined. The red disolvate complex affords a square‐planar CuN₄ coordination environment in which the Cu^II atom lies on a centre of symmetry. The blue solvent‐free complex affords a distorted square‐pyramidal CuN₄O coordination environment and adjacent mol­ecules form centrosymmetric dimers. A comparison of the different crystal structures focuses on the role of the solvent mol­ecules in supramolecular assemblies of the copper(II) complexes.     

catena‐Poly[[(2,2′‐diamino‐4,4′‐bithiazole){μ3‐cis‐N‐(2‐carboxylatophenyl)‐N′‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]oxamidato(3−)}dicopper(II)] nitrate 0.6‐hydrate]

The title complex, {[Cu₂(C₁₄H₁₆N₃O₄)(C₆H₆N₄S₂)]NO₃·0.6H₂O}_n, is a one‐dimensional copper(II) coordination polymer bridged by cis‐oxamide and carboxylate groups. The asymmetric unit is composed of a dinuclear copper(II) cation, [Cu₂(dmapob)(dabt)]⁺ {dmapob is N‐(2‐carboxylatophenyl)‐N′‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]oxamidate and dabt is 2,2′‐diamino‐4,4′‐bithiazole}, one nitrate anion and one partially occupied site for a solvent water molecule. The two Cu^II ions are located in square‐planar and square‐pyramidal coordination environments, respectively. The separations of the Cu atoms bridged by oxamide and carboxylate groups are 5.2053 (3) and 5.0971 (4) Å, respectively. The complex chains are linked by classical hydrogen bonds to form a layer and then assembled by π–π stacking interactions into a three‐dimensional network. The influence of the terminal ligand on the structure of the complex is discussed.     

In situ synthesis of mononuclear copper(II) complexes of the new tridentate ligand bis[(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methyl]amine

Two mononuclear copper complexes, {bis[(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl‐κN²)methyl]amine‐κN}(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐κN²)(perchlorato‐κO)copper(II) perchlorate, [Cu(ClO₄)(C₅H₈N₂)(C₁₂H₁₉N₅)]ClO₄, (I), and {bis[(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl‐κN²)methyl]amine‐κN}bis(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐κN²)copper(II) bis(hexafluoridophosphate), [Cu(C₅H₈N₂)₂(C₁₂H₁₉N₅)](PF₆)₂, (II), have been synthesized by the reactions of different copper salts with the tripodal ligand tris[(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methyl]amine (TDPA) in acetone–water solutions at room temperature. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that they contain the new tridentate ligand bis[(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methyl]amine (BDPA), which cannot be obtained by normal organic reactions and has thus been captured in the solid state by in situ synthesis. The coordination of the Cu^II ion is distorted square pyramidal in (I) and distorted trigonal bipyramidal in (II). The new in situ generated tridentate BDPA ligand can act as a meridional or facial ligand during the process of coordination. The crystal structures of these two compounds are stabilized by classical hydrogen bonding as well as intricate nonclassical hydrogen‐bond interactions.     

Copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of pyridine‐2,6‐di­carboxyl­ic acid

The title compounds, bis­(pyridine‐2,6‐di­carboxyl­ato‐N,O,O′)copper(II) monohydrate, [Cu(C₇H₄NO₄)₂]·H₂O, andbis(pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylato‐N,O,O′)zinc(II) trihydrate, [Zn(C₇H₄NO₄)₂]·3H₂O, have distorted octahedral geometries about the metal centres. Both metal ions are bonded to four O atoms and two pyridyl‐N atoms from the two terdentate ligand mol­ecules, which are nearly perpendicular to each other. The copper(II) complex has twofold crystallographic symmetry and contains two different ligand mol­ecules, one of which is neutral and another doubly ionized. In contrast, the zinc(II) complex contains two identical singly ionized ligand mol­ecules. Both crystal structures are stabilized by O—H?O intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the complex and the water mol­ecules.     

[N‐(2‐Hydroxy­ethyl)ethyl­enediamine‐κ3N,N′,O]‐cis‐bis(isothio­cyanato‐κN)copper(II)

In the novel transition metal isothio­cyanate complex of N‐(2‐hydroxy­ethyl)ethyl­enediamine (hydet‐en) with copper, [Cu(NCS)₂(C₄H₁₂N₂O)], the Cu atom lies in a distorted square‐pyramidal environment, coordinated by four N atoms in the basal plane and an apical O atom. The hydet‐en ligand is N,N,O‐tridentate, in contrast to the disposition in previously studied complexes, while the isothio­cyanate ions act as N‐atom donor ligands. The monomeric units are linked to one another by hydrogen bonds.     

Effect of pH on the charge‐assisted hydrogen‐bonded assembly of the anionic [Cu(oxalate)2]2− building unit and N,N′‐ditopic cations

By the solvothermal reaction under acidic conditions of Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O, Na₂C₂O₄ and the N,N′‐ditopic organic coligands 1‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)piperazine (ppz) and 1,2‐bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)ethane (bpa), two novel anionic copper(II) coordination compounds were obtained, namely the one‐dimensional coordination polymer catena‐poly[4‐(pyridin‐1‐ium‐4‐yl)piperazin‐1‐ium [[(oxalato‐κ²O¹,O²)copper(II)]‐μ‐oxalato‐κ³O¹,O²:O^1′]], {(C₉H₁₅N₃)[Cu(C₂O₄)₂)]}_n or {(H₂ppz)[Cu(C₂O₄)₂]}_n, (I), and the discrete ionic complex 4,4′‐(ethane‐1,2‐diyl)dipyridinium bis(oxalato‐κ²O¹,O²)copper(II), (C₁₂H₁₄N₂)[Cu(C₂O₄)₂] or (H₂bpa)[Cu(C₂O₄)₂], (II). The products were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analyses and UV and IR spectroscopic techniques. The [Cu(C₂O₄)₂]²⁻ units for (I) and (II) are stabilized by H₂ppz²⁺ and H₂bpa²⁺ cations, respectively, via charge‐assisted hydrogen bonds. Also, a study of the pH‐controlled synthesis of this system shows that (I) was obtained at pH values of 2–4. When using bpa, a two‐dimensional square‐grid network of [Cu(C₂O₄)(bpa)]_n was obtained at a pH of 4. This indicates that the pH of the reaction also plays a key role in the structural assembly and coordination abilities of oxalate and N,N′‐ditopic coligands.     

Synthesis,structural characterization,EPR spectroscopy and Hirshfeld surface analysis of a novel Cu2+‐doped 3,14‐diethyl‐2,13‐diaza‐6,17‐diazoniatricyclo[16.4.0.07,12]docosane bis(perchlorate)

Cyclam derivatives and their metal complexes have been found to exhibit an anti‐HIV effect and stimulate the activity of stem cells from bone marrow. The strength of their binding to the CXCR4 receptor correlates with anti‐HIV and stem‐cell activities. Knowledge of the conformation and crystal packing of various macrocyclic metal complexes has become important in developing new effective anti‐HIV drugs. The synthesis and preparation of single crystals of a new Cu²⁺‐doped macrocyclic compound, (3,14‐diethyl‐2,6,13,17‐tetraazatricyclo[16.4.0.0^7,12]docosane)copper(II) bis(perchlorate)–3,14‐diethyl‐2,13‐diaza‐6,17‐diazoniatricyclo[16.4.0.0^7,12]docosane bis(perchlorate) (0.69/0.31), {[Cu(C₂₂H₄₄N₄)](ClO₄)₂}_0.69·(C₂₂H₄₆N₄²⁺·2ClO₄^?)_0.31, is reported. Characterization by X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that the asymmetric unit contains half of a centrosymmetric molecule. The macrocyclic ligand in the compound adopts the most stable trans‐III conformation. The Cu—N distances of 2.015 (3) and 2.047 (3) Å are normal, but the long axial Cu—O bond of 2.795 (3) Å may be due to a combination of the Jahn–Teller effect and the strong in‐plane ligand field. The crystal structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonding between secondary N—H groups, the N atoms of the macrocycle and the O atoms of the perchlorate anions. Hirshfeld surface analysis with 2D (two‐dimensional) fingerprint plots indicates that the main contributions to the crystal packing are from H…H (58.0%) and H…O/O…H (41.9%) interactions. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) properties are also described.