Temperature and pressure effects on the spin state of ferric ions in the [Fe(sal2-trien)][Ni(dmit)2] spin crossover complex

Thermal and pressure effects have been investigated on the [Fe(sal₂-trien)][Ni(dmit)₂] spin crossover complex by means of Mössbauer spectroscopic, calorimetric, X-ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The complex displays a complete thermal spin transition between the and spin states of Fe^III near 245 K with a hysteresis loop of ca. 30 K. This transition is characterised by a change of the enthalpy, ΔH_HL=7 kJ/mol, entropy, ΔS_HL=29 J/Kmol, and the unit cell volume, ΔV_HL=15.4 Å³. Under hydrostatic pressures up to 5.7 kbar the thermal transition shifts to higher temperatures by ca. 16 K/kbar. Interestingly, at a low applied pressure of 500 bar the hysteresis loop becomes wider (ca. 61 K) and the transition is blocked at ∼50% upon cooling, indicating a possible (irreversible) structural phase transition under pressure.     

The effect of pressure on the spin density wave transition in the layered cobaltites [Ca2CoO3]0.62[CoO2] and [Ca2Co4/3Cu2/3O4]0.62[CoO2]

In order to investigate the pressure effect on the magnetism in the layered cobaltites, positive muon spin rotation and relaxation μ⁺SR experiments have been carried out up to 1.3 GPa using c-aligned polycrystalline samples of [Ca₂CoO₃]_0.62[CoO₂] and [Ca₂Co_4/3Cu_2/3O₄]_0.62[CoO₂]. A transverse field μ⁺SR experiment indicates that the transition temperature to an incommensurate spin density wave IC-SDW state is independent of hydrostatic pressure up to 1.3 GPa for the both compounds. Furthermore, there are no changes in the spontanious muon precession frequency in zero field at 5 K even under 1.3 GPa. These results strongly suggest that the IC-SDW exists not in the rocksalt-type block ([Ca₂CoO₃] and/or [Ca₂Co_4/3Cu_2/3O₄]) but in the CoO₂ plane.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, Cu doped EPR, thermal and voltammetric studies of [Ni(isonicotinamide)2(H2O)4]·(sac)2 single crystal

The single crystal of [Ni(ina)₂(H₂O)₄]·(sac)₂, (NINS), (ina is isonicotinamide and sac is saccharinate) complex has been prepared and its structural, spectroscopic and thermal properties have been determined. The title complex crystallizes in monoclinic system with space group P2₁/c, Z=2. The octahedral Ni(II) ion, which rides on a crystallographic centre of symmetry, is coordinated by two monodentate ina ligands through the ring nitrogen and four aqua ligands to form discrete [Ni(ina)₂(H₂O)₄] unit, which captures two saccharinate ions in up and down positions, each through intermolecular hydrogen bands. The magnetic environment of copper(II) doped NINS crystal has also been identified by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique. The g and A values of Cu²⁺ doped NINS single crystal were calculated from the EPR spectra recorded in three mutually perpendicular planes. These values indicated that the paramagnetic centre has a rhombic symmetry with the Cu²⁺ ion having distorted octahedral environment. The complex exhibits only metal centred electroactivity in the potential range of −2.00, 1.25 V versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode.     

EPR studies of linewidth anomalies at phase transitions in [N(C2H5)4]2MnCl4

We have studied [N(C₂H₅)₄]₂MnCl₄ crystal by X-band CW EPR spectra in the temperature range 170-300 K. The angular dependences of linewidth ΔH were measured and described in the light of a double-layer system (2D) with exchange interactions. Two temperature anomalies of linewidth ΔH were found at T₁=225 K and T₂=192 K on cooling. Different behaviors of ΔH anomalies recorded for an external magnetic field parallel and perpendicular to the ab crystallographic plane indicate ordering/disordering of MnCl₄ groups in this plane and their displacement along the c-axis which occurs in the temperature of about 225 K.     

Similar luminescent behavior in an established rhenacarborane complex, [3,3-(CO)2-3-NO-closo-3,1,2-ReC2B9H11] and a new complex anion, [3,3,3-(CO)3-8-I-closo-3,1,2-ReC2B9H10]

The compounds [3,3-(CO)₂-3-NO-closo-3,1,2-ReC₂B₉H₁₁] and [NEt₄][3,3,3-(CO)₃-8-I-closo-3,1,2-ReC₂B₉H₁₀] have been shown to be emissive in MeTHF at 77 K, with λ_max in the blue region of the visible spectrum. Emission from [3,3,3-(CO)₃-8-I-closo-3,1,2-ReC₂B₉H₁₀]^-, which has been structurally characterized, is phosphorescent with a single exponential decay lifetime, τ=1.65 ms. The complex [3,3-(CO)₂-3-NO-closo-3,1,2-ReC₂B₉H₁₁] also emits in the solid state at 298 K and has been shown by diffuse-reflectance UV-vis measurement to have a band gap of 2.66 eV.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new monophosphate [2,5-(CH3)2C6H3NH3]H2PO4

Chemical preparation, calorimetric studies, crystal structure and spectroscopic investigations are given for a new noncentrosymmetric organic cation monophosphate [2,5-(CH₃)₂C₆H₃NH₃]H₂PO₄. This compound is orthorhombic P2₁2₁2₁ with the following unit-cell parameters: a=5.872(4), b=20.984(3), c=8.465(1) Å, Z=4, V=1043.0(5) Å³ and D_x=1.396 g cm⁻³. Crystal structure has been solved and refined to R=0.048 using 2526 independent reflections. Structure can be described as an inorganic layer parallel to (a,b) planes between which organic groups [2,5-(CH₃)₂C₆H₃NH₃]⁺ are located. Multiple hydrogen bonds connecting the different entities of compound thrust upon three-dimensional network a noncentrosymmetric configuration.     

X-ray diffraction, Cs and H NMR and thermal studies of CdZrCs1.5(H3O)0.5(C2O4)4·xH2O displaying Cs and water dynamic behavior

A novel mixed cadmium zirconium cesium oxalate with an open architecture has been synthesized from precipitation methods at room pressure. It crystallizes with an hexagonal symmetry, space group P3₁12 (no. 151), a=9.105(5) Å, c=23.656(5) Å, V=1698(1) Å³ and Z=3. The structure displays a [CdZr(C₂O₄)₄]²⁻ helicoidal framework built from CdO₈ and ZrO₈ square-based antiprisms connected through bichelating oxalates, which generates channels along different directions. Cesium cations, hydronium ions and water molecules are located inside the voids of the anionic framework. They exhibit a dynamic disorder which has been further investigated by ¹H and ¹³³Cs solid-state NMR. Moreover a phase transition depending both upon ambient temperature and water vapor pressure was evidenced for the title compound. The thermal decomposition has been studied in situ by temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry. The final product is a mixture of cadmium oxide, zirconium oxide and cesium carbonate.     

Magnetization reversal in [Ni/Pt]6/Pt(x)/[Co/Pt]6 multilayers

The magnetization reversal is studied in magnetron sputtered artificial superstructures of the form [Ni/Pt]₆/Pt(x)/[Co/Pt]₆ with perpendicular anisotropy, in which the [Co/Pt]₆ stacks have higher coercivity than the [Ni/Pt]₆. For x≥2 nm the two stacks reverse separately and exhibit characteristic stepped loops with a “plateau” in the region between the two switching fields. First-Order Reversal Curves (FORCs) reveal that the maximum coupling is obtained for x=1.5 nm. While each of the Ni/Pt and Co/Pt stacks by itself is thin enough to reverse in large domains when they are coupled, formation of maze like domains is observed. In this case some reversibility of the demagnetization curves associated with interfacial domain wall pinning appears while in the rest of the cases the reversal mechanism is based on lateral domain wall pinning with low reversibility. In the loops monitored by Extraordinary Hall Effect (EHE) measurements this “plateau” appears as a hump due to the different sign of the EHE coefficient between the [Ni/Pt]₆ and [Co/Pt]₆.     

Crystal structure,NMR study,dielectric relaxation and AC conductivity of a new compound [Cd3(SCN)2Br6(C2H9N2)2]n

The crystal structure, the ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and the complex impedance have been carried out on [Cd₃(SCN)₂Br₆(C₂H₉N₂)₂]_n. Crystal structure shows a 2D polymeric network built up of two crystallographically independent cadmium atoms with two different octahedral coordinations. This compound exhibits a phase transition at (T=355±2 K) which has been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-rays powder diffraction, AC conductivity and dielectric measurements. Examination of ¹³C CP/MAS line shapes shows indirect spin–spin coupling (¹⁴N and ¹³C) with a dipolar coupling constant of 1339 Hz. The AC conductivity of this compound has been carried out in the temperature range 325–376 K and the frequency range from 10⁻² Hz to 10 MHz. The impedance data were well fitted to two equivalent electrical circuits. The results of the modulus study reveal the presence of two distinct relaxation processes. One, at low frequency side, is thermally activated due to the ionic conduction of the crystal and the other, at higher frequency side, gradually disappears when temperature reaches 355 K which is attributed to the localized dipoles in the crystal. Moreover, the temperature dependence of DC-conductivity in both phases follows the Arrhenius law and the frequency dependence of σ(ω,T) follows Jonscher's universal law. The near values of activation energies obtained from the conductivity data and impedance confirm that the transport is through the ion hopping mechanism.     

Atomic force microscopy study on surface morphology of {0 0 1} faces of [MnHg(SCN)4(H2O)2]·2C4H9NO crystals

The growth morphologies of the {0 0 1} faces of [MnHg(SCN)₄(H₂O)₂]·2C₄H₉NO (MMTWD) crystals grown at 17 °C at a supersaturation of σ = 0.5 have been investigated by ex situ atomic force microscopy (AFM).Various spiral growth hillocks are described and discussed. Surface morphology changes as a result of dissolving the surface materials by absorbed moisture in air are also detected. The microcrystals are suggested to be as a result of the reconstruction of amorphous aggregates on the surfaces.     

Electrochemical behavior of Li intercalation processes into a Li[NixLi(1/3−2x/3)Mn(2/3−x/3)]O2 cathode

Li[Ni_xLi_(1/3−2x/3)Mn_(2/3−x/3)]O₂ (X=0.17, 0.25, 0.33, 0.5) compounds are prepared by a simple combustion method. The Rietvelt analysis shows that these compounds could be classified as having the α-NaFeO₂ structure. The initial charge-discharge and irreversible capacity increases with the decrease of x in Li[Ni_xLi_(1/3−2x/3)Mn_(2/3−x/3)]O₂. Indeed, Li[Ni_0.50Mn_0.50]O₂ compound shows relatively low initial discharge capacity of 200 mAh/g and large capacity loss during cycling, with Li[Ni_0.17Li_0.22Mn_0.61]O₂ and Li[Ni_0.25Li_0.17Mn₀.₅₈]O₂ compounds exhibit high initial discharge capacity over 245 mAh/g and stable cycle performance in the voltage range of 4.8 -2.0 V. On the other hand, XANES analysis shows that the oxidation state of Ni ion reversibly changes between Ni²⁺ and about Ni³⁺, while the oxidation state of Mn ion sustains Mn⁴⁺ during charge-discharge process. This result does not agree with the previously reported ‘electrochemistry model’ of Li[Ni_xLi_(1/3−2x/3)Mn_(2/3−x/3)]O₂, in which Ni ion changes between Ni²⁺ and NI⁴⁺. Based on these results, we modified oxidation-state change of Mn and Ni ion during charge-discharge process.     

Molecular material—{N(n-C4H9)4[Ni(II)0.5 Fe(II)0.5 Fe(III)(C2O4)3]}∞: Magnetic, Mössbauer and electrical conductivity studies

We have attempted to characterize the magnetic and electrical properties of a new mixed-metal molecular material {NBu₄[Ni(II)_0.5Fe(II)_0.5Fe(III)(ox)₃]}_N synthesized by the use of trioxalatoferrate as the building block. Mössbauer spectroscopy was utilized in order to understand local spin structures in this compound. The results indicate that the compound is a semiconducting ferrimagnet with T_N=30 K and room temperature conductivity of 6×10⁻¹⁵ Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹ along with 1.8 eV activation energy under dark. The compound has no appreciable electrical response towards illumination.     

The rotational spectrum of BiO radical in its X1Π1/2 and X2Π3/2 states

Rotational spectra have been observed for BiO produced in a DC discharge through a low pressure mixture of O₂, Ar, and Bi vapor. Because of the highly non-thermal distribution of states, it has been possible to observe spectra arising from the X₁²Π_1/2 level up to v = 9 and for the X₂²Π_3/2 level up to v = 5 near 10 538 cm⁻¹. Precise rotational and hyperfine parameters have been determined for the observed states. By using available near infrared (NIR) data in a merged fit, the 0-0 and 1-1 fine structure intervals have been more precisely determined. Although the quality of the fit is very good, the interpretation of the hyperfine constants is complicated by relativistic effects and the interaction of the X₂ state with A₁⁴Π_3/2 state. The magnetic and quadrupole coupling constants will be compared with those of the Bi atom and related molecules.     

Crystal structure and ferromagnetism of (n-C3H7)4N[CoFe(dto)3] (dto=C2O2S2)

Recently, we have discovered a new type of first order phase transition around 120 K for (n-C₃H₇)₄N[Fe^IIFe^III(dto)₃] (dto=C₂O₂S₂), where the charge transfer transition between Fe^II and Fe^III occurs reversibly. In order to elucidate the origin of this peculiar first order phase transition. Detailed information about the crystal structure is indispensable. We have synthesized the single crystal of (n-C₃H₇)₄N[Co^IIFe^III(dto)₃] whose crystal structure is isomorphous to that of (n-C₃H₇)₄N[Fe^IIFe^III(dto)₃], and determined its detailed crystal structure. Crystal data: space group P6₃, a=b=10.044(2) Å, c=15.960(6) Å, α=β=90°, γ=120°, Z=2 (C₁₈H₂₈NS₆O₆FeCo). In this complex, we found a ferromagnetic transition at T_c=3.5 K. Moreover, on the basis of the crystal data of (n-C₃H₇)₄N[Co^IIFe^III(dto)₃], we determined the crystal structure of (n-C₃H₇)₄N[Fe^IIFe^III(dto)₃] by simulation of powder X-ray diffraction results.     

Crystal growth, spectroscopic and crystal field studies of [N(CH3)4]2MnCl4 and [N(CH3)4]2CoCl4 single crystals in the paraelectric phase

Single crystals [N(CH₃)₄]₂MnCl₄ and [N(CH₃)₄]₂CoCl₄ were grown by the slow evaporation technique from the super-saturated solutions. The samples obtained were undergone the X-ray and spectroscopic studies. Absorption spectra in the paraelectric phase at T=303 K have been recorded using the Shimadzu 160A double beam automatic scanning spectrophotometers. On the basis of the exchange charge model and Racah theory the crystal field parameters and Racah parameters have been calculated; all absorption bands for both crystals were given an assignment.     

Detailed infrared spectroscopic study of thermal transitions in new hybrid [(CH3)2CHNH3]4Cd3Cl10 crystal

Phase transitions of tetra(isopropylammonium)decachlorotricadmate(II) [(CH₃)₂CHNH₃]₄Cd₃Cl₁₀ crystal have been studied by infrared, far infrared and Raman measurements in wide temperature range, between 11 K and 388 K. The temperature changes of wavenumber, center of gravity, width and intensity of the bands were analyzed to clarify cationic and anionic contributions to the phase transitions mechanism. The results of investigation showed earlier by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal expansion and dielectric measurements clearly confirmed the sequence of phase transitions at T₁=353 K, T₂=294 K and T₃=260 K. The current results derived from DSC and infrared measurements revealed additional phase transition at T₄=120 K.     

New quasi-one-dimensional tetracyanidoplatinate,Cs4[Pt(CN)4](CF3SO3)2: Synthesis,structure, and physical characterization

The synthesis and some physical properties of a new quasi-one-dimensional tetracyanidoplatinate, Cs₄[Pt(CN)₄](CF₃SO₃)₂ (CsCP(OTf)) are reported and described in comparison to the well-known K₂[Pt(CN)₄]Br_0.30·3.2H₂O (KCP). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals Pt–Pt spacings to be greater than those of KCP by 5% longitudinal and 38% transverse, but much shorter than comparable spacings in other non-partially oxidized platinates. Anomalies are observed between temperatures 100 K and 200 K: (1) Longitudinal DC conductivity is two orders of magnitude higher and is non-monotonic with temperature, showing a minimum at around 170 K. (2) Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) longitudinal relaxation time T₁ is at least three orders of magnitude higher than that of KCP, and is also non-monotonic with temperature, showing a sharp peak at around 120 K. Since X-ray diffraction reveals no structural transition at 120 K, these suggest a possible lattice freezing or stiffening at around 120 K.     

EPR and optical investigation of VO(II) in Zn(C3H3O4)2(H2O)2 single crystals: An interstitial site

EPR spectroscopic investigations on single crystals of diaquabis[malonato(1-)-κ²O,O′] zinc(II) doped with VO(II) ion have been carried out at X-band frequencies and at 300 K. The single crystal, rotated along the three mutually orthogonally axes, has yielded spin-Hamiltonian parameters g and A as: g_xx=1.980, g_yy=1.972, g_zz=1.937 and A_xx=8.4, A_yy=6.1, A_zz=18.1 mT, respectively. These spin-Hamiltonian parameters reflect a slight deviation from axial symmetry to rhombic, which is elucidated by the interstitial occupation of vanadyl ions. The isofrequency plots and powder EPR spectrum have been simulated. The percentage of metal-oxygen bond has been estimated. The optical absorption spectrum exhibits four bands at 257, 592, 720 and 764 nm suggesting a C_4v symmetry. The admixture coefficients and bonding parameters have also been calculated by collaborating EPR data with optical data.     

Structural characterisation of [Cu2(bptd) (H2O) Cl4] and [Ni2(bptd)2(H2O)4] Cl4·3H2O; evidence of null intramolecular exchanges by EPR and magnetic measurements

Using the 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole (bptd), we recently prepared [Cu₂(bptd) (H₂O) Cl₄] and [Ni₂(bptd)₂ (H₂O)₄] Cl₄, 3H₂O in which the magnetic centres are connected through one diazine+one chloro and two diazine ligand bridges, respectively. These two compounds are the first examples that show null intramolecular magnetic interactions despite M-M distances close to 3.7 Å within perfectly planar edifices:Down to , [Cu₂(bptd)Cl₄(H₂O)] is paramagnetic while, below T_t, half of the Cu²⁺ions interact, leading to residual paramagnetism of one Cu²⁺/f.u. Magnetic susceptibility measurements, EPR and pulsed EPR study indicate the original intermolecular nature of AF exchanges.[Ni₂(bptd)₂(H₂O)₄]Cl₄·3H₂O susceptibility obeys a Curie-law involving pure paramagnetism. Moreover, its EPR spectrum can be interpreted on the basis of virtual S=1 monomers. Below 70 K, Zero Field Splitting (D∼275 G) due to dipolar interactions without magnetic exchanges could be responsible for the LT spectra splitting. For both compounds, the thia role is suggested as partially responsible for the null-in-plane magnetic exchanges.     

Anomalous behavior of ultrasonic properties near 50 K in Rb0.30MoO3 and Rb0.30(Mo1−xVx)O3

Depending on the temperature, the charge density wave (CDW) nonlinear conductivity of the blue bronzes A_0.30MoO₃ (A=K, Rb) shows two different regimes: a strongly damped motion above ∼50 K and motion with almost no damping below ∼50 K. In a search for an elastic signature of this CDW behaviour, we performed ultrasonic measurements on Rb_0.30MoO₃ and Rb_0.30(Mo_1−xV_x)O₃ single crystals between 4 K and 300 K. In Rb_0.30MoO₃, at T∼50 K, upon cooling, a large increase of the sound velocity is observed. The ultrasonic attenuation coefficient shows an increase down to 50 K followed by a plateau. In Rb_0.30(Mo_1−xV_x)O₃ (x=0.4 at%) the anomaly broadens and is shifted towards higher temperatures. The results are discussed in terms of CDW glass.