Chemical species of iridium and other trace elements in the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary clays and their implication

The geological samples: Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary clays, meteorites, volcanic lava, and ultrabasic rock were separated into carbonate, metal, sulfide, oxide, silicate and acid-resistant residue by a selective chemical dissolution procedure developed in our laboratory. Some conclusions were drawn by analyzing the chemical speciation of anomalous iridum in the above samples and especially by studying the characteristics of mineral components in those residue phases. (1) It is impossible that the anomalous Ir was caused by geochemical enrichment; (2) The iridium enrichment in the K-T boundaries did not necessarily associate with kerogen; (3) The volcanic activity has participated in the extinction event at the end of Cretaceous; (4) Extraterrestrial impact was the trigger of K-T event. Then, we proposed a mixed model by which the extant anomalous Ir in K-T boundary clays was interpreted as a combined effect of extraterrestrial impact, volcano eruption and post-depositional redistribution.     

Molecular activation analysis for iridium

Molecular activation analysis (MAA) of iridium in geological samples, based on a combination of a newly-developed chemical sequential dissolution method and radiochemical and instrumental NAA, was described to study the distribution pattern and chemical species of iridium in various fractions (soluble carbonate, metal, sulfide, oxide, silicate and acid-insoluble residue) of geological boundary samples, meteorites, ultrabasic rock and volcanic lava. The correlations of Ir with Au, Os, siderophile, chalcophile and lithophile elements were discussed. In addition, the role of kerogen and noble-nugget in the Ir enrichment was scrutinized. The MAA results of Ir favors a mixed effect of asteroid impact, volcanic eruption and post-depositional redistribution to interpret the extant Ir anomaly at Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary layer.     

Neutron activation studies of refractory siderophile element anomaly and other trace element patterns in boundary clay between Permian/Triassic,Changxin, China

Although Ir anomaly has been discovered in a number of C/T boundaries in the world, no positive results of this anomaly in Permian/Triassic (P/Tr) boundary were given. There are many well-developed P/T sections in South China. One of representative sections is located at the Baoqing quarry, Meishan Town, Changxin County, Zhejiang Province. Ir, Os, Re, Au, Pt, Cu and Mo were determined by the radiochemical procedure developed in our laboratory. (1) Besides those accessible by INAA. The results reveal that the refractory siderophile and other chalcophile elements have certain enrichment near and at the boundary layer. However, the Ir/Au and other element abundance ratios fail to accord with the extraterrestrial values. The nature of the boundary event was discussed in terms of elemental geochemistry.     

Tuning the Selectivity of Catalytic Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation over Iridium/Cerium Oxide Catalysts with a Strong Metal–Support Interaction

A one‐step ligand‐free method based on an adsorption–precipitation process was developed to fabricate iridium/cerium oxide (Ir/CeO₂) nanocatalysts. Ir species demonstrated a strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) with the CeO₂ substrate. The chemical state of Ir could be finely tuned by altering the loading of the metal. In the carbon dioxide (CO₂) hydrogenation reaction it was shown that the chemical state of Ir species—induced by a SMSI—has a major impact on the reaction selectivity. Direct evidence is provided indicating that a single‐site catalyst is not a prerequisite for inhibition of methanation and sole production of carbon monoxide (CO) in CO₂ hydrogenation. Instead, modulation of the chemical state of metal species by a strong metal–support interaction is more important for regulation of the observed selectivity (metallic Ir particles select for methane while partially oxidized Ir species select for CO production). The study provides insight into heterogeneous catalysts at nano, sub‐nano, and atomic scales.     

Organometallic ruthenium and iridium phosphorus complexes: Synthesis,cellular imaging,organelle targeting and anticancer applications

The use of metal complexes containing phosphorus ligands as anticancer agents has not been well studied. In this work, eight novel half‐sandwich Ir^III and Ru^II compounds with P^P‐chelating ligands have been synthesized and fully characterized, and alongside two crystal structures were reported. All eight complexes displayed highly potent antiproliferative activity, up to nine times more potent than the clinical anticancer drug cisplatin towards A549 lung cancer cells. Complex Ir1 , which has a simpler structure and highly potent antiproliferative activity, was selected to investigate in further mechanistic studies. No hydrolysis and nucleobase binding occurred for complex Ir1 . In order to elucidate subcellular localization, the self‐luminescence of the complex Ir1 was utilized. Ir1 can specifically target lysosomes and facilitate excessive production of reactive oxygen species, resulting in lysosomal membrane permeabilization in A549 cells. Release of cathepsin B and changes in the mitochondria membrane potential also contributed to the observed cytotoxicity of Ir1 , which demonstrated an anticancer action mechanism that was different from that of cisplatin. The favorable results from biological and chemical research demonstrated that these types of complexes hold significant theranostic potential.     

Ppt range iridium determination by RNAA and application of that method on a Permian/Triassic boundary section,Bálvány,Bükk Mts., Hungary

A modified fire assay type analytical sample preparation method has been developed in order to extend iridium analysis of geological samples to the ppt level by neutron activation analysis (NAA). This method development was essential to trace a potential Ir signal at the Permian/Triassic boundary, the largest mass extinction event in the Phanerozoic history of Earth. The new analytical procedure was calibrated by several synthetic and natural standards and then applied for measuring the Ir profile in the continuous marine Permian/Triassic sedimentary sequence Bálvány north, Bükk Mts., Hungary. The analytical problem of applying the method also on practically pure limestones has been overcome, adding extra SiO₂ sand, to avoid the crucible being attacked by the fire assay flux. The nugget after the nickel fire-assay pre-concentration was identified by X-ray diffractometry and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS–SEM) as heazlewoodite (Ni₃S₂), hosting iridium in the form of pure metal inclusions, mainly of 2–5 μm size (EDS–SEM). Based on these observations, the filter size of the original preparation protocol was decreased to 0.2 μm, in order to get the highest yield for Ir in the analytical preparation process. By applying the new technique, we determined the iridium profile in the Bálvány north section. The whole profile studied, except for the lowest 10 cm of the “boundary shale”, can be characterized of a several hundred ppt—up to one ppb Ir concentration. At the lowest part of the “boundary shale” the Ir content drops below 100 ppt. These values show no sign of any meteorite impact at this border section. The detailed geological interpretation of the high Ir background and the negative course Ir peak at the lithological border needs further studies.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Reactivity Ratios of Phenyl Methacrylate-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone Copolymers

Free radical solution copolymerization of phenyl methacrylate and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone was carried out using benzoyl peroxide in 2-butanone solution at 70°C. The composition of the copolymer was determined using ¹H-NMR spectra by comparing the intensities of aromatic protons to that of total protons. The results were used to calculaie the copolymerization reactivity ratios by both the Fineman-Ross (F-R) and Kelen-Tüdös (K-T) methods. The reactivity ratios are r ₁ = 4.49 ± 1.27 and r ₂ = 0.05 ± 0.09 as determined by the K-T method. These values are in good agreement with those determined by the F-R method. The FT-infrared and ¹³C-NMR spectra of the copolymer are discussed.     

Control of the mutual arrangement of cyclometalated ligands in cationic iridium(III) complexes. Synthesis, spectroscopy, and electroluminescence of the different isomers

Synthetic control of the mutual arrangement of the cyclometalated ligands (C^N) in Ir(III) dimers, [Ir(C^N)(2)Cl](2), and cationic bis-cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes, [Ir(C^N)(2)(L^L)](+) (L^L = neutral ligand), is described for the first time. Using 1-benzyl-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole (HdfptrBz) as a cyclometalating ligand, two different Ir(III) dimers, [Ir(dfptrBz)(2)Cl](2), are synthesized depending on the reaction conditions. At 80 °C, the dimer with an unusual mutual cis-C,C and cis-N,N configuration of the C^N ligands is isolated. In contrast, at higher temperature (140 °C), the geometrical isomer with the common cis-C,C and trans-N,N arrangement of the C^N ligand is obtained. In both cases, an asymmetric bridge, formed by a chloro ligand and two adjacent nitrogens of the triazole ring of one of the cyclometalated ligands, is observed. The dimers are cleaved in coordinating solvents to give the solvento complexes [Ir(dfptrBz)(2)Cl(S)] (S = DMSO or acetonitrile), which maintain the C^N arrangement of the parent dimers. Controlling the C^N ligand arrangement in the dimers allows for the preparation of the first example of geometrical isomers of a cationic bis-cyclometalated Ir(III) complex. Thus, N,N-trans-[Ir(dfptrBz)(2)(dmbpy)](+) (dmbpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), with cis-C,C and trans-N,N arrangement of the C^N ligands, as well as N,N-cis-[Ir(dfptrBz)(2)(dmbpy)](+), with cis-C,C and cis-N,N C^N ligand orientation, are synthesized and characterized. Interestingly, both isomers show significantly different photophysical and electroluminescent properties, depending on the mutual arrangement of the C^N ligands. Furthermore, quantum chemical calculations give insight into the observed photophysical experimental data.     

Bestimmung von Palladium,Iridium und Platin in Silikatgesteinen durch Neutronenaktivierungsanalyse und chemische Abtrennung mit N,N′-Dibenzyl-Dithiooxamid

Palladium, iridium and platinum are determined by neutron activation and chemical separation via¹⁰⁹Pd,¹⁹²Ir and¹⁹⁷Pt. Palladium(II) reacts immediately with N, N-Dibenzyldithiooxamide, Pt(IV) after addition of SnCl₂ and Ir only upon heating in the presence of I. Palladium and platinum are separated together and measured simultaneously on a Ge-X-ray-detector. The chemical yields are determined by spectrophotometry of the extracted complexes. For samples of 0.2g the detection limits amount to 0.02 ppb Pd, 0.5 ppb Pt and 0.002 ppb Ir.     

类水滑石Mg3Al1-xFex负载Ir催化剂在肉桂醛加氢反应中的应用:Fe的促进作用

水滑石类化合物 (LDH) 的层板金属阳离子组成具有可调变性,通过将具有变价特性的过渡金属定量引入 LDH 层板,经热处理后可以得到具有高比表面积和层板金属原子级分散的混合金属氧化物,后者可广泛用作催化剂载体.如三元Mg-Al-Fe 类水滑石材料在光催化、H2S 选择性氧化和乙苯脱氢等反应中表现出较好的活性.Ir 催化剂在α,β-不饱和醛加氢反应中具有较好的活性,Fe 修饰 Ir 催化剂可提高不饱和醇选择性,但有关 Fe 的作用以及 Fe 与活性组分 Ir 间的相互作用本质还不是很清楚.本文以类水滑石材料 Mg3Al1–xFex为载体,采用等体积浸渍法制备了 Ir 催化剂,并用于肉桂醛加氢反应,通过考察 Fe的加入对 Ir 电子和几何结构的影响揭示了 Fe 的加入对活性和选择性的影响规律.结果表明,当 x 从 0 (Ir/Mg3Al) 增加到 1 (Ir/Mg3Fe) 时,肉桂醛加氢的反应速率在 x = 0.25 时达到最大值,肉桂醇选择性从 44.9% 增加到 80.3%,且不随肉桂醛转化率的增加而改变.透射电镜结果表明,Ir 纳米粒子的粒径随着 x 的增加未发生明显变化,均为 1.7±0.2 nm.H2程序升温还原结果发现 Ir 可以促进 Fe3+的还原且两者之间存在相互作用.X射线光电子能谱结果表明,Fe 的掺杂没有改变催化剂表面Ir0和 Ir4+含量的比值,但当 Fe 含量增加时,Fe2+2p3/2向高结合能方向偏移,且 Ir04f7/2向低结合能方向偏移,说明电子从 Fe2+转移到 Ir,形成了富电子的 Ir 物种和缺电子的 Fe 物种.富电子的 Ir 物种有利于肉桂醛分子中的 C=O 键在其表面吸附,并且和 Ir 相邻的 Fen+物种可以作为亲电位点吸附肉桂醛分子中氧,从而极化和活化 C=O 键,因而催化剂活性和选择性增大.采用吸附 CO 红外光谱表征了催化剂表面的几何结构,2058–2069 cm-1处出现了 CO 吸附峰,归属于 Ir0表面 CO 的线性吸附,高波数 2069 cm-1的吸附峰归属于 CO 在高配位 Ir 位点 (平台) 的吸附,低波数 2058 cm-1的吸附峰归属于 CO 在低配位Ir 位点 (台阶、角、楞) 的吸附.随着 Fe 含量的增加,CO 吸附峰蓝移 11 cm-1,表明 Fe 的加入改变了催化剂表面 Ir 的几何结构,低配位 Ir 位点减少,高配位 Ir 位点增多.高配位 Ir 位点 (平台) 有利于肉桂醛分子中 C=O 键的吸附,从而提高了肉桂醇的选择性.总之,Fe 的加入虽然没有明显改变 Ir 纳米粒子的粒径,但却改变了其电子和几何结构,从而提高了催化剂活性和选择性.     

Highly phosphorescent iridium complexes containing both tridentate bis(benzimidazolyl)-benzene or -pyridine and bidentate phenylpyridine: synthesis, photophysical properties, and theoretical study of Ir-bis(benzimidazolyl)benzene complex

Novel mixed-ligand Ir(III) complexes, [Ir(L)(NwedgeC)X]n+ (L = N/\C/\N or N/\N/\N; X = Cl, Br, I, CN, CH3CN, or -CCPh; n = 0 or 1), were synthesized, where N/\CwedgeN = bis(N-methylbenzimidazolyl)benzene (Mebib) and bis(N-phenylbenzimidazolyl)benzene (Phbib), N/\N/\N = bis(N-methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine (Mebip), and N/\C = phenylpyridine (ppy) derivatives. The X-ray crystal structures of [Ir(Phbib)(ppy)Cl] and [Ir(Mebib)(mppy)Cl] [mppy = 5-methyl-2-(2'-pyridyl)phenyl] indicate that the nitrogen atom of the ppy ligand is located trans to the coordinating carbon atom in Me- or Phbib, while the coordinating carbon atom in ppy occupies the trans position of Cl. [Ir(Mebip)(ppy)Cl]+ showed a quasireversible Ir(III/IV) oxidation wave at +1.05 V, while the Ir complexes, [Ir(Mebib)(ppy)Cl], were oxidized at +0.42 V versus Fc/Fc+. The introduction of an Ir-C bond in [Ir(Mebib)(ppy)Cl] induces a large potential shift of 0.63 V in a negative direction. Further, the oxidation potential of [Ir(Mebib)(Rppy)X] was altered by the substitution of R, R', and X groups. Compared to the oxidation potential, the first reduction potential revealed an almost constant value at -2.36 to -2.46 V for [Ir(L)(ppy)Cl] (L = Mebib and Phbib) and -1.52 V for [Ir(Mebip)(ppy)Cl. The UV-vis spectra of [Ir(Mebib)(R-ppy)X] show a clear singlet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transition around 407 approximately 425 nm and a triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transition at 498 approximately 523 nm. [Ir(Mebip)(ppy)Cl]+ emits at 610 nm with a luminescent quantum yield of Phi = 0.16 at room temperature. The phosphorescence of [Ir(Mebib)(ppy)X] was observed at 526 nm for X = CN and 555 nm for X = Cl with the high luminescent quantum yields, Phi = 0.77 approximately 0.86, at room temperature. [Ir(Phbib)(ppy)Cl] shows the emission at 559 nm with a luminescent quantum yield of Phi = 0.95, which is an unprecedentedly high value compared to those of other emissive metal complexes. Compared to the luminescent quantum yields of the Ir(ppy)2(L) derivatives and [Ir(Mebip)(ppy)Cl]+, the neutral Ir complexes, [Ir(L)(R-ppy)X] (L = Me- or Phbib), reveal very high quantum yields and large radiative rate constants (kr) ranging from 3.4 x 10(5) to 5.5 x 10(5) s(-1). The density functional theory calculation suggests that these Ir complexes possess dominantly metal-to-ligand charge-transfer and halide-to-ligand charge-transfer excited states. The mechanism for a high phosphorescence yield in [Ir(bib)(ppy)X] is discussed herein from the perspective of the theoretical consideration of radiative rate constants using perturbation theory and a one-center spin-orbit coupling approximation.     

Ir–V nanoparticles supported on microstructure controlled carbon nanofibers as electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

Ir–V nanoparticles supported on microstructure controlled carbon nanofibers (CNFs) or on carbon black, Vulcan XC-72 (XC-72), have been synthesized via chemical reduction, and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) properties of catalysts are investigated in this paper. The physico-chemical properties are characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), N₂ physisorption and electrochemical analysis. HRTEM results show that the metal nanoparticles are separated on carbon support with well-controlled particle size, dispersity, and composition uniformity. Moreover, the metal nanoparticles on CNFs have a smaller size than those on XC-72. Cyclic voltammetric analysis reveals that Ir–V/CNFs exhibits a higher ORR activity than Ir–V/XC-72, and this may be associated with the smaller metal nanoparticles and the stronger metal-support interaction of Ir–V/CNFs. Linear sweep voltammetric analysis at different rotation rates proves that ORR on the Ir–V/CNFs electrode is a 4e^? process.     

RNAA of trace iridium in Precambrian-Cambrian boundary samples by thiourea type chelate resin separation

A RNAA procedure is described for the determination of trace Ir in Precambrian-Cambrian boundary samples. After irradiation, the powdered sample is transferred to a graphite crucible to expel the massive silicon with mixed acid (HF–HCl–HNO₃) by heating. The residue is then fused with mixed fusion (Na₂O₂–NaOH) in a muffle furnace at 700°C for 15 minutes. After cooling, the fused mixture is leached with hot water. The final solution is adjusted to pH 1.5–2.0 and then passed through a column filled with thiourea type chelate resin. The resin absorbed with¹⁹²Ir is measured for 4000–10 000 s by means of SCORPIO-3000 multi-channel computer — Ge(Li) detector system. Experiments with radioactive tracer are carried aout for checking radiochemical separation yield. The accuracy and precision of the method are evaluated by the analysis of U.S. geological SRMs DTS-1 and AG-Bohor-1. The method is used for the determination of trace Ir in several sets of Precambrian-Cambrian boundary samples collected from Yunnan province in China and the Ir anomaly is observed.     

Determination of cadmium, chromium, copper and lead in sediments and soil samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using zirconium containing chemical modifiers.

A method for direct determination of cadmium, chromium, copper and lead in sediments and soil samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using Zr, Ir, etylenediamine acetic acid (EDTA), Zr + EDTA, Ir + EDTA, Zr + Ir and Zr + Ir + EDTA as chemical modifiers in 0.5% (v/v) Triton X-100 plus 0.2% (v/v) nitric acid mixture used as diluent was developed. The effects of mass and mass ratio of modifiers on analytes in sample solutions were studied. The optimum masses and mass ratios of modifiers: 20 microg of Zr, 4 microg of Ir, 100 microg of EDTA and 20 microg of Zr + 4 microg of Ir + 100 microg of EDTA, were used to enhance the analyte signals. Pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, atomization and background absorption profiles, characteristic masses, and detection limits of analytes in samples were compared in the presence or absence of a modifier. The detection limits and characteristic masses of analytes in a 0.5% (m/v) dissolved sample (dilution factor of 200 ml g(-1)) obtained with Zr + Ir + EDTA are 8.0 ng g(-1) and 1.2 pg for Cd, 61 ng g(-1) and 4.3 pg for Cr, 32 ng g(-1) and 23 pg for Cu, and 3.4 ng g(-1) and 19 pg for Pb, respectively. The Zr + Ir + EDTA modifier mixture was found to be preferable for the determination of analytes in sediment and soil-certified and standard reference materials. Depending on the sample type, the percent recoveries of analytes were increased from 81 to 103% by using the proposed modifier mixture; the results obtained are in good agreement with the certified values.     

TM7TM'6B8 (TM = Ta, Nb; TM' = Ru, Rh, Ir): new compounds with [B6] ring polyanions

The ternary boron compounds TM(7)TM'(6)B(8) (TM = Ta, Nb; TM' = Ru, Rh, Ir) were prepared by high-temperature thermal treatment of mixtures of the elements. An analysis of the chemical bonding by the electron density/electron localizability approach reveals formation of covalently bonded polyanions [B(6)] and [TM'(6)B(2)]. The cationic part of the structure contains separated TM cations. In agreement with the chemical bonding analysis and band structure calculations, all TM(7)TM'(6)B(8) compounds are metallic Pauli-paramagnets (TM' = Ru, Rh) or diamagnets (TM' = Ir).     

Simultaneous determination of Ir and Se in K-T boundary clays and volcanic sublimates

Our instrumental analytical method for an ultra-sensitive determination of Ir and Se in sediments and volcanic emission products is based on epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) coupled with multiparameter coincidence spectrometry. An adequate setting of the energy paths and of the multiparameter coincidence spectrometry. An adequate setting of the energy paths and of the multiparameter analyzer allows a simultaneous counting of⁷⁵Se and¹⁹²Ir coincidences. This tool has been used to analyse different sediments sampled at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary (KTB) and volcanic samples in order to discuss the extra-terrestrial or volcanic origin of the Ir anomaly.     

High-nuclearity iridium carbonyl clusters containing phenylgermyl ligands: synthesis, structures, and reactivity

The reaction of Ir4(CO)12 with Ph3GeH at 97 degrees C has yielded the new tetrairidium cluster complexes Ir4(CO)7(GePh3)(mu-GePh2)2[mu3-eta3-GePh(C6H4)](mu-H)2 (10) and Ir4(CO)8(GePh3)2(mu-GePh2)4 (11). The structure of 10 consists of a tetrahedral Ir4 cluster with seven terminal CO groups, two bridging GePh2) ligands, an ortho-metallated bridging mu3-eta3-GePh(C6H4) group, a terminal GePh3 ligand, and two bridging hydrido ligands. Compound 11 consists of a planar butterfly arrangement of four iridium atoms with four bridging GePh2 and two terminal GePh3 ligands. The same reaction at 125 degrees C yielded the two new triiridium clusters Ir3(CO)5(GePh3)(mu-GePh2)3(mu3-GePh)(mu-H) (12) and Ir3(CO)6(GePh3)3(mu-GePh2)3 (13). Compound 12 contains a triangular Ir3 cluster with three bridging GePh2), one triply bridging GePh, and one terminal GePh3 ligand. The compound also contains a hydrido ligand that bridges one of the Ir-Ge bonds. Compound 13 contains a triangular Ir3 cluster with three bridging GePh2 and three terminal GePh3 ligands. At 151 degrees C, an additional complex, Ir4H4(CO)4(mu-GePh2)4(mu4-GePh)2 (14), was isolated. Compound 14 consists of an Ir4 square with four bridging GePh2, two quadruply bridging GePh groups, and four terminal hydrido ligands. Compound 12 reacts with CO at 125 degrees C to give the compound Ir3(CO)6(mu-GePh2)3(mu3-GePh) (15). Compound 15 is formed via the loss of the hydrido ligand and the terminal GePh3 ligand and the addition of one carbonyl ligand to 12. All compounds were fully characterized by IR, NMR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and elemental analysis.     

Iridium(III) Complexes with [−2, −1, 0] Charged Ligand Realized Deep-Red/Near-Infrared Phosphorescent Emission

A series of [−2, −1, 0] charged-ligand based iridium(III) complexes of [Ir(bph)(bpy)(acac)] ( 1 ), [Ir(bph)(2MeO-bpy)(acac)] ( 2 ), [Ir(bph)(2CF₃-bpy)(acac)] ( 3 ), [Ir(bph)(bpy)(2^tBu-acac)] ( 4 ) and [Ir(bph)(bpy)(CF₃-acac)] ( 5 ), which using biphenyl as dianionic ligand [−2], acetylacetone (or its derivatives) as monoanionic ligand [−1], and 2,2′-bipyridine (or its derivatives) as neutral ligand [0] were designed and synthesized. The chemical structures were well characterized. All of the ligands have simple chemical structures, thus further making the complexes have excellent thermal stability and are easy to sublimate and purify. Phosphorescent characteristics with short emission lifetime were demonstrated for these emitters. Notably, all of the complexes exhibit remarkable deep red/near infrared emission, which is quite different from the reported [−1, −1, −1] charged-ligand based iridium(III) complexes. The photophysical properties of these complexes are regularly improved by introducing electron-donating or -withdrawing groups into [−1] or [0] charged-ligand. The related organic light-emitting diodes exhibited deep red/near infrared emission with acceptable external quantum efficiency and low turn-on voltage (<2.6 V). This work provides a new idea for the construction of new type phosphorescent iridium(III) emitters with different valence states of [−2, −1, 0] charged ligands, thus offering new opportunities and challenges for their optoelectronic applications.     

Preparation, characterization, and catalysis of mecro-catalysts

Because catalysis by metals is a surface phenomenon, many technological catalysts contain small (typically nanometre-sired) supported metal particles with a large fraction of the atoms exposed. Many reactions, such as hydrocarbon hydrogenations, are structure-insensitive, proceeding at approximately the same rates on metal particles of various sizes provided that they are larger than 1 nm and show bulk-like metallic behavior. But the catalytic properties are not known when metal particles become so small that their sizes are indium clusters consisting of several indium atoms. Here the catalytic behavior of precisely defined clusters of just four and six indium atoms on solid supports is shown. It is found that the Ir4 and Ir6 clusters differ in catalytic activity both from each other and from metallic Ir particles.