An Expanded Family of Dysprosium–Scandium Mixed‐Metal Nitride Clusterfullerenes: The Role of the Lanthanide Metal on the Carbon Cage Size Distribution

A large family of dysprosium–scandium (Dy‐Sc) mixed‐metal nitride clusterfullerenes (MMNCFs), Dy_xSc_3?xN@C_2n (x=1, 2, 2n=68, 70, 76–86) have been successfully synthesized and isolated. Among these, the C₇₀ and C₈₂‐based MMNCFs are two new cages that have never been isolated for MMNCFs. Synthesis of Dy_xSc_3?xN@C_2n was accomplished by the “selective organic solid” route using guanidinium thiocyanate as the nitrogen source, and their isolation was fulfilled by recycling HPLC. UV/Vis‐NIR spectroscopic study indicates that almost all Dy_xSc_3?xN@C_2n MMNCFs are kinetically stable fullerenes with optical band gaps beyond 1 eV. This feature is distinctly different to their counterparts Dy₃N@C_2n (78≤2n≤88), whose for optical band‐gaps are below 1 eV for relatively large cages such as C₈₄ and C₈₆. An FTIR spectroscopic study in combination with DFT calculations enables reasonable assignments of the cage isomeric structures of all isolated Dy_xSc_3?xN@C_2n (x=1, 2, 2n=68, 70, 76–86) MMNCFs. The carbon cage size distribution of Dy_xSc_3?xN@C_2n (2n=68, 70, 76–86) is compared to the reported Dy₃N@C_2n (78≤2n≤8) homogeneous NCF and Dy_xSc_3?xN@C_2n (78≤2n≤88) MMNCF families, revealing that the medium‐sized Dy metal plays a crucial role on the expanded cage size distribution of MMNCFs. As a result, Dy_xSc_3?xN@C_2n MMNCFs are the largest MMNCF family reported to date.     

Metallofullerenes Encaging Mixed‐Metal Clusters: Synthesis and Structural Studies of GdxHo3−xN@C80 and GdxLu3−xN@C80

Metallofullerenes of Gd_xHo_3?xN@C₈₀ and Gd_xLu_3?xN@C₈₀ encapsulating mixed‐metal nitride clusters were synthesized. Spectroscopic characterization of Gd_xHo_3?xN@C₈₀ and Gd_xLu_3?xN@C₈₀ was employed to reveal their structural and vibrational properties. The structural properties of these species were analyzed by using theoretical calculations. The studies of Gd_xHo_3?xN@C₈₀ and Gd_xLu_3?xN@C₈₀ laid the foundations for these species to be used as multifunctional molecules.     

Theoretical study of endohedral metallofullerenes: Sc3−nLanN@C80 (n=0–3)

To provide theoretical insight into the structures and properties of Sc₃N@C₈₀, which has been isolated in high yield and purity as a new stable endohedral metallofullerene, density functional calculations are carried out for the Sc_3?nLa_nN@C₈₀ (n=0–3) series. Because of electron transfer from Sc₃N to C₈₀, the electronic structure of Sc₃N@C₈₀ is formally described as (Sc₃N)⁶⁺C$_{80}^{6-}$. The encapsulated Sc₃N cluster takes a planar structure with long Sc–Sc distances and is highly stabilized inside the I_h cage of C₈₀, which rotates rapidly. As the number of La atoms increases, the Sc_3?nLa_nN cluster is forced to maintain a pyramidal structure in Sc_3?nLa_nN@C₈₀. In addition, the C₈₀ cage takes an open‐shell electronic structure due to an increase in the number of electrons transferring from Sc_3?nLa_nN. These make the endohedral structure less stable and more reactive. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1353–1358, 2001     

Theoretical study on the one‐, two‐, and three‐photon absorption properties of exohedral functionalized derivative of Sc3N@C80

Geometrical structures of three investigated molecules Sc₃N@C₈₀, Sc₃N@C₈₀‐Fc, and C₆₀‐Fc were optimized by density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level. Then the time‐dependent DFT was employed to investigate the excited states of these molecules. After exohedral functionalization by ferrocene (Fc‐) group as the electron donor or replacing C₆₀ with Sc₃N@C₈₀ as the electron acceptor, the wavelengths of the first one‐photon absorption peak and the strongest two‐photon absorption (2PA) and three‐photon absorption (3PA) peaks shift red. The corresponding cross sections of Sc₃N@C₈₀‐Fc in the 2PA and 3PA processes increase as compared with those of Sc₃N@C₈₀, which originate from the contributions of charge transfers from Fc‐ group to C₈₀ cage and simultaneously the transfers from the C₈₀ cage to the encapsulated Sc₃N cluster. When compared with C₆₀‐Fc, the 2PA and 3PA cross sections of Sc₃N@C₈₀‐Fc decrease, which may result from the more negative charge surface of C₈₀ cage in Sc₃N@C₈₀‐Fc molecule which blocks the charge transfers from Fc‐ moiety to the C₈₀ cage in the excitation processes by compared with C₆₀‐Fc. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012     

Effect of cage size on the third‐order optical properties of endohedral metallofullerenes Sc3N@C2n (2n = 68, 70, 78, and 80): A theoretical study

Geometrical structures of the investigated endohedral metallofullerenes Sc₃N@C_2n (2n = 68, 70, 78, and 80) were optimized at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level. The analyses of electronic structures display that the contribution of fullerene cage to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital decreases as the cage size increases. Based on the optimized structures, the time‐dependent density functional theory combined with the sum‐over‐states method was used to investigate their nonlinear optical properties. Calculated third‐order polarizabilities γ and two‐photon absorption (TPA) cross‐section δ do not present the monotone variation with the size of fullerene cage, with largest γ of 0.48 × 10^?34 esu for Sc₃N@C₇₈ in static state, and largest δ of 12.374 GM for Sc₃N@C₇₀ in the wavelength of 902.5 nm. However, the obtained TPA resonant peaks shift red with the size of fullerene cage. By analyzing the electronic origin of the third‐order optical properties, it is found that the charge transfers from the fullerene cage to the encapsulated Sc₃N cluster make important contributions to the studied properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011     

Direct Chemical Fine‐Tuning of Electronic Properties in Sc2Ir6−xPdxB

Crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) bonding analysis has predicted that ScPd₃B_0.5 is the least stable compound of the entire series Sc₂Ir_6?xPd_xB. Here, we report a systematic study of Sc₂Ir_6?xPd_xB (x=3, 5 and 6) by means of ¹¹B nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Knight shift (K) and nuclear spin‐lattice relaxation rate (1/T₁). NMR results combined with theoretical band structure calculations provide a measure of s‐ and non‐s‐character Fermi‐level density of states. We present direct evidence that the enhanced s‐state character of the Fermi level density of states (DOS) in ScPd₃B_0.5 reduces the strength of the B 2p and Pd 4d hybridized states across the entire Sc₂Ir_6?xPd_xB series. This hybridization strength relates to the opening of a deep pseudogap in the density of states of Sc₂IrPd₅B and the chemical bonding instability of ScPd₃B_0.5. This study is an experimental realization of a chemical fine‐tuning of the electronic properties in intermetallic perovskites.     

Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study of Scandium(III) Complexes of DTPA and DOTA: A Step Toward Scandium Radiopharmaceuticals

Diethylenetriamine‐N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetic acid (DOTA) scandium(III) complexes were investigated in the solution and solid state. Three ⁴⁵Sc NMR spectroscopic references suitable for aqueous solutions were suggested: 0.1 M Sc(ClO₄)₃ in 1 M aq. HClO₄ (δ_Sc=0.0 ppm), 0.1 M ScCl₃ in 1 M aq. HCl (δ_Sc=1.75 ppm) and 0.01 M [Sc(ox)₄]^5? (ox^2?=oxalato) in 1 M aq. K₂C₂O₄ (δ_Sc=8.31 ppm). In solution, [Sc(dtpa)]^2? complex (δ_Sc=83 ppm, ?ν=770 Hz) has a rather symmetric ligand field unlike highly unsymmetrical donor atom arrangement in [Sc(dota)]^? anion (δ_Sc=100 ppm, ?ν=4300 Hz). The solid‐state structure of K₈[Sc₂(ox)₇] ? 13 H₂O contains two [Sc(ox)₃]^3? units bridged by twice “side‐on” coordinated oxalate anion with Sc³⁺ ion in a dodecahedral O₈ arrangement. Structures of [Sc(dtpa)]^2? and [Sc(dota)]^? in [(Hguanidine)]₂[Sc(dtpa)] ? 3 H₂O and K[Sc(dota)][H₆dota]Cl₂ ? 4 H₂O, respectively, are analogous to those of trivalent lanthanide complexes with the same ligands. The [Sc(dota)]^? unit exhibits twisted square‐antiprismatic arrangement without an axial ligand (TSA′ isomer) and [Sc(dota)]^? and (H₆dota)²⁺ units are bridged by a K⁺ cation. A surprisingly high value of the last DOTA dissociation constant (pK_a=12.9) was determined by potentiometry and confirmed by using NMR spectroscopy. Stability constants of scandium(III) complexes (log K_ScL 27.43 and 30.79 for DTPA and DOTA, respectively) were determined from potentiometric and ⁴⁵Sc NMR spectroscopic data. Both complexes are fully formed even below pH 2. Complexation of DOTA with the Sc³⁺ ion is much faster than with trivalent lanthanides. Proton‐assisted decomplexation of the [Sc(dota)]^? complex (τ_1/2=45 h; 1 M aq. HCl, 25 °C) is much slower than that for [Ln(dota)]^? complexes. Therefore, DOTA and its derivatives seem to be very suitable ligands for scandium radioisotopes.     

Synthesis and Isolation of the Titanium–Scandium Endohedral Fullerenes—Sc2TiC@Ih‐C80, Sc2TiC@D5h‐C80 and Sc2TiC2@Ih‐C80: Metal Size Tuning of the TiIV/TiIII Redox Potentials

The formation of endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) in an electric arc is reported for the mixed‐metal Sc–Ti system utilizing methane as a reactive gas. Comparison of these results with those from the Sc/CH₄ and Ti/CH₄ systems as well as syntheses without methane revealed a strong mutual influence of all key components on the product distribution. Whereas a methane atmosphere alone suppresses the formation of empty cage fullerenes, the Ti/CH₄ system forms mainly empty cage fullerenes. In contrast, the main fullerene products in the Sc/CH₄ system are Sc₄C₂@C₈₀ (the most abundant EMF from this synthesis), Sc₃C₂@C₈₀, isomers of Sc₂C₂@C₈₂, and the family Sc₂C_{2 n} (2 n=74, 76, 82, 86, 90, etc.), as well as Sc₃CH@C₈₀. The Sc–Ti/CH₄ system produces the mixed‐metal Sc₂TiC@C_{2 n} (2 n=68, 78, 80) and Sc₂TiC₂@C_{2 n} (2 n=80) clusterfullerene families. The molecular structures of the new, transition‐metal‐containing endohedral fullerenes, Sc₂TiC@I_h‐C₈₀, Sc₂TiC@D_5h‐C₈₀, and Sc₂TiC₂@I_h‐C₈₀, were characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The structure of Sc₂TiC@I_h‐C₈₀ was also determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, which demonstrated the presence of a short Ti=C double bond. Both Sc₂TiC‐ and Sc₂TiC₂‐containing clusterfullerenes have Ti‐localized LUMOs. Encapsulation of the redox‐active Ti ion inside the fullerene cage enables analysis of the cluster–cage strain in the endohedral fullerenes through electrochemical measurements.     

Bonding in Endohedral Metallofullerenes as Studied by Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules

Metal–cage and intracluster bonding was studied in detail by quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) for the four major classes of endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs), including monometallofullerenes Ca@C₇₂, La@C₇₂, M@C₈₂ (M=Ca, Sc, Y, La), dimetallofullerenes Sc₂@C₇₆, Y₂@C₈₂, Y₂@C₇₉N, La₂@C₇₈, La₂@C₈₀, metal nitride clusterfullerenes Sc₃N@C_2n (2n=68, 70, 78, 80), Y₃N@C_2n (2n=78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88), La₃N@C_2n (2n=88, 92, 96), metal carbide clusterfullerenes Sc₂C₂@C₆₈, Sc₂C₂@C₈₂, Sc₂C₂@C₈₄, Ti₂C₂@C₇₈, Y₂C₂@C₈₂, Sc₃C₂@C₈₀, as well as Sc₃CH@C₈₀ and Sc₄O_x@C₈₀ (x=2, 3), that is, 42 EMF molecules and ions in total. Analysis of the delocalization indices and bond critical point (BCP) indicators such as G_bcp/ρ_bcp, H_bcp/ρ_bcp, and |V_bcp|/G_bcp, revealed that all types of bonding in EMFs exhibit a high degree of covalency, and the ionic model is reasonable only for the Ca‐based EMFs. Metal–metal bonds with negative values of the electron‐density Laplacian were found in Y₂@C₈₂, Y₂@C₇₉N, Sc₄O₂@C₈₀, and anionic forms of La₂@C₈₀. A delocalized nature of the metal–cage bonding results in a topological instability of the electron density in EMFs with an unpredictable number of metal–cage bond paths and large elipticity values.     

Metal Nitride Cluster Fullerene M3N@C80 (M=Y,Sc) Based Dyads: Synthesis,and Electrochemical,Theoretical and Photophysical Studies

The first pyrrolidine and cyclopropane derivatives of the trimetallic nitride templated (TNT) endohedral metallofullerenes I_h‐Sc₃N@C₈₀ and I_h‐Y₃N@C₈₀ connected to an electron‐donor unit (i.e., tetrathiafulvalene, phthalocyanine or ferrocene) were successfully prepared by 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions of azomethine ylides and Bingel–Hirsch‐type reactions. Electrochemical studies confirmed the formation of the [6,6] regioisomers for the Y₃N@C₈₀‐based dyads and the [5,6] regioisomers in the case of Sc₃N@C₈₀‐based dyads. Similar to other TNT endohedral metallofullerene systems previously synthesized, irreversible reductive behavior was observed for the [6,6]‐Y₃N@C₈₀‐based dyads, whereas the [5,6]‐Sc₃N@C₈₀‐based dyads exhibited reversible reductive electrochemistry. Density functional calculations were also carried out on these dyads confirming the importance of these structures as electron transfer model systems. Furthermore, photophysical investigations on a ferrocenyl–Sc₃N@C₈₀‐fulleropyrrolidine dyad demonstrated the existence of a photoinduced electron‐transfer process that yields a radical ion pair with a lifetime three times longer than that obtained for the analogous C₆₀ dyad.     

Electronic Structure and Redox Properties of Metal Nitride Endohedral Fullerenes M3N@C2n (M=Sc,Y, La,and Gd; 2n=80, 84, 88, 92, 96)

An extensive study of the redox properties of metal nitride endohedral fullerenes (MNEFs) based on DFT computational calculations has been performed. The electronic structure of the singly oxidized and reduced MNEFs has been thoroughly analyzed and the first anodic and cathodic potentials, as well as the electrochemical gaps, have been predicted for a large number of M₃N@C_2n systems (M=Sc, Y, La, and Gd; 2n=80, 84, 88, 92, and 96). In particular, calculations that include thermal and entropic effects correctly predict the different anodic behavior of the two isomers (I_h and D_5h) of Sc₃N@C₈₀, which is the basis for their electrochemical separation. Important differences were found in the electronic structure of reduced M₃N@C₈₀ when M=Sc or when M is a more electropositive metal, such as Y or Gd. Moreover, the changes in the electrochemical gaps within the Gd₃N@C_2n series (2n=80, 84, and 88) have been rationalized and the use of Y‐based computational models to study the Gd‐based systems has been justified. The redox properties of the largest MNEFs characterized so far, La₃N@C_2n (2n=92 and 96), were also correctly predicted. Finally, the quality of these predictions and their usefulness in distinguishing the carbon cages for MNEFs with unknown structures is discussed.     

An Efficient Method to Separate Sc3N@C80 Ih and D5h Isomers and Sc3N@C78 by Selective Oxidation with Acetylferrocenium [Fe(COCH3C5H4)Cp]+

Based on the different oxidation potentials of endohedral fullerenes Sc₃N@C₈₀ I_h and D_5h and Sc₃N@C₇₈, an efficient and useful method that avoids HPLC has been developed for their separation. Selective chemical oxidation of the Sc₃N@D_5h‐C₈₀ isomer and Sc₃N@C₇₈ by using an acetylferrocenium salt [Fe(COCH₃C₅H₄)Cp]⁺ followed by column chromatographic separation and reduction with CH₃SNa resulted in the isolation of pure Sc₃N@I_h‐C₈₀, Sc₃N@C₇₈, and a mixture of Sc₃N@D_5h‐C₈₀ and Sc₃N@C₆₈.     

Binding of Scandium Ions to Metalloporphyrin–Flavin Complexes for Long‐Lived Charge Separation

A porphyrin–flavin‐linked dyad and its zinc and palladium complexes (MPor?Fl: 2 ?M, M=2 H, Zn, and Pd) were newly synthesized and the X‐ray crystal structure of 2 ?Pd was determined. The photodynamics of 2 ?M were examined by femto‐ and nanosecond laser flash photolysis measurements. Photoinduced electron transfer (ET) in 2 ?H₂ occurred from the singlet excited state of the porphyrin moiety (H₂Por) to the flavin (Fl) moiety to produce the singlet charge‐separated (CS) state ¹(H₂Por^.+?Fl^.?), which decayed through back ET (BET) to form ³[H₂Por]*?Fl with rate constants of 1.2×10¹⁰ and 1.2×10⁹ s^?1, respectively. Similarly, photoinduced ET in 2 ?Pd afforded the singlet CS state, which decayed through BET to form ³[PdPor]*?Fl with rate constants of 2.1×10¹¹ and 6.0×10¹⁰ s^?1, respectively. The rate constant of photoinduced ET and BET of 2 ?M were related to the ET and BET driving forces by using the Marcus theory of ET. One and two Sc³⁺ ions bind to the flavin moiety to form the Fl?Sc³⁺ and Fl?(Sc³⁺)₂ complexes with binding constants of K₁=2.2×10⁵ M ^?1 and K₂=1.8×10³ M ^?1, respectively. Other metal ions, such as Y³⁺, Zn²⁺, and Mg²⁺, form only 1:1 complexes with flavin. In contrast to 2 ?M and the 1:1 complexes with metal ions, which afforded the short‐lived singlet CS state, photoinduced ET in 2 ?Pd???Sc³⁺ complexes afforded the triplet CS state (³[PdPor^.+?Fl^.??(Sc³⁺)₂]), which exhibited a remarkably long lifetime of τ=110 ms (k_BET=9.1 s^?1).     

P2‐Na0.67AlxMn1−xO2: Cost‐Effective,Stable and High‐Rate Sodium Electrodes by Suppressing Phase Transitions and Enhancing Sodium Cation Mobility

Sodium layered P2‐stacking Na_0.67MnO₂ materials have shown great promise for sodium‐ion batteries. However, the undesired Jahn–Teller effect of the Mn⁴⁺/Mn³⁺ redox couple and multiple biphasic structural transitions during charge/discharge of the materials lead to anisotropic structure expansion and rapid capacity decay. Herein, by introducing abundant Al into the transition‐metal layers to decrease the number of Mn³⁺, we obtain the low cost pure P2‐type Na_0.67Al_xMn_1?xO₂ (x=0.05, 0.1 and 0.2) materials with high structural stability and promising performance. The Al‐doping effect on the long/short range structural evolutions and electrochemical performances is further investigated by combining in situ synchrotron XRD and solid‐state NMR techniques. Our results reveal that Al‐doping alleviates the phase transformations thus giving rise to better cycling life, and leads to a larger spacing of Na⁺ layer thus producing a remarkable rate capability of 96 mAh g^‐1 at 1200 mA g^‐1.     

Modular Covalent Graphene Functionalization with C60 and the Endohedral Fullerene Sc3N@C80: A Facile Entry to Synthetic‐Carbon‐Allotrope Hybrids

Two novel graphene‐fullerene hybrid structures, containing C₆₀ and endohedral Sc₃N@C₈₀ bound to graphene, instead of the formerly used graphene oxide, were efficiently synthesized via a reductive activation/exfoliation approach starting from pristine graphite. The structures of these multifunctional hybrid systems were unambiguously characterized by statistical Raman spectroscopy, TG‐MS, TG‐GC‐MS, and LD‐TOF mass spectroscopy, confirming the covalent bonding of the respective C₆₀/Sc₃N@C₈₀ moieties to the pristine graphene. Furthermore, assisted by temperature‐dependent Raman spectroscopy studies the corresponding defunctionalization processes were also investigated. Finally, the formation of a carbon allotrope hybrid material on the basis of C₆₀/Sc₃N@C₈₀ moieties coupled to graphene could be visualized by HRTEM.     

Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of a Sc3N@C80‐Corrole Electron Donor–Acceptor Conjugate

Embedding endohdedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) into electron donor–acceptor systems is still a challenging task owing to their limited quantities and their still largely unexplored chemical properties. In this study, we have performed a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of a corrole‐based precursor with Sc₃N@C₈₀ to regioselectively form a [5,6]‐adduct ( 1 ). The successful attachment of the corrole moiety was confirmed by mass spectrometry. In the electronic ground state, absorption spectra suggest sizeable electronic communications between the electron acceptor and the electron donor. Moreover, the addition pattern occurring at a [5,6]‐bond junction is firmly proven by NMR spectroscopy and electrochemical investigations performed with 1 . In the electronically excited state, which is probed in photophysical assays with 1 , a fast electron‐transfer yields the radical ion pair state consisting of the one‐electron‐reduced Sc₃N@C₈₀ and of the one‐electron‐oxidized corrole upon its exclusive photoexcitation. As such, our results shed new light on the practical work utilizing EMFs as building blocks in photovoltaics.     

Developing Intense Blue and Magenta Colors in α‐LiZnBO3: The Role of 3d‐Metal Substitution and Coordination

We describe the synthesis, crystal structures, and optical absorption spectra/colors of 3d‐transition‐metal‐substituted α‐LiZnBO₃ derivatives: α‐LiZn_1?xM^II_xBO₃ (M^II=Co^II (0<x<0.50), Ni^II (0<x≤0.05), Cu^II (0<x≤0.10)) and α‐Li_1+xZn_1?2xM^III_xBO₃ (M^III=Mn^III (0<x≤0.10), Fe^III (0<x≤0.25)). The crystal structure of the host α‐LiZnBO₃, which is both disordered and distorted with respect to Li and Zn occupancies and coordination geometries, is largely retained in the derivatives, which gives rise to unique colors (blue for Co^II, magenta for Ni^II, violet for Cu^II) that could be of significance for the development of new, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly pigment materials, particularly in the case of the blue pigments. Accordingly, this work identifies distorted tetrahedral MO₄ (M=Co, Ni, Cu) structural units, with a long M?O bond that results in trigonal bipyramidal geometry, as new chromophores for blue, magenta, and violet colors in a α‐LiZnBO₃ host. From the L*a*b* color coordinates, we found that Co‐substituted compounds have an intense blue color that is stronger than that of CoAl₂O₄ and YIn_0.90Mn_0.10O₃. The near‐infrared (NIR) reflectance spectral studies indicate that these compounds exhibit a moderate IR reflectivity that could be significant for applications as “cool pigments”.     

Efficient Fe‐Co‐N‐C Electrocatalyst Towards Oxygen Reduction Derived from a Cationic CoII‐based Metal–Organic Framework Modified by Anion‐Exchange with Potassium Ferricyanide

Fe‐Co‐N‐C electrocatalysts have proven superior to their counterparts (e.g. Fe‐N‐C or Co‐N‐C) for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we report on a unique strategy to prepare Fe‐Co‐N‐C?x (x refers to the pyrolysis temperature) electrocatalysts which involves anion‐exchange of [Fe(CN)₆]^3? into a cationic Co^II‐based metal‐organic framework precursor prior to heat treatment. Fe‐Co‐N‐C‐900 exhibits an optimal ORR catalytic performance in an alkaline electrolyte with an onset potential (E_onset: 0.97 V) and half‐wave potential (E_1/2: 0.86 V) comparable to that of commercial Pt/C (E_onset=1.02 V; E_1/2=0.88 V), which outperforms the corresponding Co‐N‐C‐900 sample (E_onset=0.92 V; E_1/2=0.84 V) derived from the same MOF precursor without anion‐exchange modification. This is the first example of Fe‐Co‐N‐C electrocatalysts fabricated from a cationic Co^II‐based MOF precursor that dopes the Fe element via anion‐exchange, and our current work provides a new entrance towards MOF‐derived transition‐metal (e.g. Fe or Co) and nitrogen‐codoped carbon electrocatalysts with excellent ORR activity.     

Identification of the Most Stable Sc2C80 Isomers: Structure,Electronic Property,and Molecular Spectra Investigations

A systematic density functional theory investigation has been carried out to explore the possible structures of Sc₂C₈₀ at the BMK/6‐31G(d) level. The results clearly show that Sc₂@C₈₀‐I_h, Sc₂@C₈₀‐D_5h, and Sc₂C₂@C₇₈‐C_2v can be identified as three isomers of Sc₂C₈₀ metallofullerene with the lowest energy. Frontier molecular orbital analysis indicates that the two Sc₂@C₈₀ isomers have a charge state as (Sc³⁺)₂@C₈₀^6?and the Sc₂C₂@C₇₈ has a charge state of (Sc³⁺)₂C₂^2?@C₇₈^4?. Moreover, the metal‐cage covalent interactions have been studied to reveal the dynamics of endohedral moiety. The vertical electron affinity, vertical ionization potential, infrared spectra and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra have been also computed to further disclose the molecular structures and properties.     

Water‐Mediated Proton Conduction in a Robust Triazolyl Phosphonate Metal–Organic Framework with Hydrophilic Nanochannels

The development of water‐mediated proton‐conducting materials operating above 100 °C remains challenging because the extended structures of existing materials usually deteriorate at high temperatures. A new triazolyl phosphonate metal–organic framework (MOF) [La₃ L ₄(H₂O)₆]Cl ? x H₂O ( 1 , L ^2?=4‐(4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)phenyl phosphonate) with highly hydrophilic 1D channels was synthesized hydrothermally. Compound 1 is an example of a phosphonate MOF with large regular pores with 1.9 nm in diameter. It forms a water‐stable, porous structure that can be reversibly hydrated and dehydrated. The proton‐conducting properties of 1 were investigated by impedance spectroscopy. Magic‐angle spinning (MAS) and pulse field gradient (PFG) NMR spectroscopies confirm the dynamic nature of the incorporated water molecules. The diffusivities, determined by PFG NMR and IR microscopy, were found to be close to that of liquid water. This porous framework accomplishes the challenges of water stability and proton conduction even at 110 °C. The conductivity in 1 is proposed to occur by the vehicle mechanism.