Cation mobility and kinetics of ion exchange in zirconium hydrogen monothiophosphate hydrate, Zr(HPO(3)S)(2)x1.5H(2)O

The ion conductivity of zirconium hydrogen monothiophosphate (Zr(HPO(3)S)(2)x1.5H(2)O) has been measured by impedance spectroscopy. The measured value of proton conductivity is 3 x 10(-5) S/cm at 298 K. Conductivity was shown to decrease with increasing temperature due to a dehydration process. Above 450 K, the conductivity is likely governed by proton transport in the anhydrous phase Zr(HPO(3)S)(2). The activation energies of proton conductivity were measured to be 18 +/- 2 kJ/mol for Zr(HPO(3)S)(2)x1.5H(2)O and 60 +/- 3 kJ/mol for the anhydrous compound. The kinetics of ion exchange was studied with the use of potentiometric titration for several ion pairs, H(+)/Na(+), H(+)/Zn(2+), and Na(+)/Zn(2+) in Zr(HPO(3)S)(2)x1.5H(2)O. The diffusion coefficient values for H(+)/Na(+) ion exchange in Zr(HPO(3)S)(2)x1.5H(2)O are lower than those reported in alpha-zirconium phosphate. At the same time, the mobility of zinc ions in Zr(HPO(3)S)(2)x1.5H(2)O is higher than sodium ion mobility. The ion exchange H(+)/Zn(2+) is accompanied by the slow hydrolysis of the initial compound. In all cases, the powdered solids were evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction, and particle sizes were controlled by grinding and sieving the powders.     

The Diammoniates of dipotassiumtetraethinylozincate and -cadmate: K2M(C2H)4.2NH3 (M = Zn, Cd)

By reaction of KC(2)H and K(2)Zn(CN)(4) in liquid ammonia, the diammoniate K(2)Zn(C(2)H)(4).2NH(3) was obtained. K(2)Cd(C(2)H)(4).2NH(3) was synthesized by reacting KC(2)H, Cd(NH(2))(2), and acetylene in liquid ammonia. The crystal structures of the air and temperature sensitive compounds were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction at low temperatures (T = 170 K). Both compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group I2/a (No. 15) with Z = 4. K(2)Zn(C(2)H)(4).2NH(3): a = 7.289(1) A, b = 12.765(2) A, c = 14.066(2) A, beta = 98.11(2) degrees. K(2)Cd(C(2)H)(4).2NH(3): a = 7.444(1) A, b = 12.619(3) A, c = 14.304(2) A, beta = 98.94(1) degrees. Characteristic structural motifs are tetrahedral [M(C(2)H)(4)](2-) fragments (M = Zn, Cd) and zigzag chains of edge sharing distorted (C(2)H)(6) octahedra centered by potassium ions. These zigzag chains are connected by a second type of crystallographically distinct potassium ions that also bind to two ammonia molecules.     

Li mobility in Nasicon-type materials LiM2(PO4)3, M = Ge, Ti, Sn, Zr and Hf, followed by 7Li NMR spectroscopy

Lithium mobility in LiM(2)(PO(4))(3) compounds, M = Ge and Sn, has been investigated by (7)Li Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and deduced information compared with that reported previously in Ti, Zr and Hf members of the series in the temperature range 100-500 K. From the analysis of (7)Li NMR quadrupole interactions (C(Q) and η parameters), spin-spin T(2)(-1) and spin-lattice T(1)(-1) relaxation rates, structural sites occupancy and mobility of lithium have been deduced. Below 250 K, Li ions are preferentially located at M(1) sites in rhombohedral phases, but occupy intermediate M(12) sites between M(1) and M(2) sites in triclinic ones. In high-temperature rhombohedral phases, a superionic state is achieved when residence times at M(1) and M(12) sites become similar and correlation effects on Li motion decrease. This state can be obtained by large order-disorder transformations in rhombohedral phases or by sharp first order transitions in triclinic ones. The presence of two relaxation mechanisms in T(1)(-1) plots of rhombohedral phases has been associated with departures of conductivity from the Arrhenius behavior. Long term mobility of lithium is discussed in terms of the cation vacancy distribution along conduction paths.     

Syntheses, structures, ionic conductivities, and magnetic properties of three new transition-metal borophosphates Na5(H3O){M(II)3[B3O3(OH)]3(PO4)6}.2H2O (M(II) = Mn, Co, Ni)

Three new open-framework transition-metal borophosphates Na5(H3O){M(II)3[B3O3(OH)]3(PO4)6}.2H2O (M(II) = Mn, Co, Ni) (denoted as MBPO-CJ25) have been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that the three compounds possess isostructural three-dimensional (3D) open frameworks with one-dimensional 12-ring channels along the [001] direction. Notably, the structure can also be viewed as composed of metal phosphate layers [M(II)(PO4)2]4- with Kagomé topology, which are further connected by [B3O7(OH)] triborates, giving rise to a 3D open framework. The guest water molecules locate in the 12-ring channels. Partial Na+ ions reside in the 10-ring side pockets within the wall of the 12-ring channels, and the other Na+ ions and protonated water molecules locate in the 6-ring windows delimited by MO6 and PO4 polyhedra to compensate for the negative charges of the anionic framework. These compounds show a high thermal stability and are stable upon calcinations at ca. 500 degrees C. Ionic conductivities, due to the motion of Na+ ions, are measured for these three compounds. They have similar activation energies of 1.13-1.25 eV and conductivities of 2.7 x 10(-7)-9.9 x 10(-7) S cm(-1) at 300 degrees C. Magnetic measurements reveal that there are very weak antiferromagnetic interactions among the metal centers of the three compounds. Crystal data: MnBPO-CJ25, hexagonal, P6(3)/m (No. 176), a = 11.9683(5) A, c = 12.1303(6) A, and Z = 2; CoBPO-CJ25, hexagonal, P6(3)/m (No. 176), a = 11.7691(15) A, c = 12.112(2) A, and Z = 2; NiBPO-CJ25, hexagonal, P6(3)/m (No. 176), a = 11.7171(5) A, c = 12.0759(7) A, and Z = 2.     

Synthesis and characterization of copper-, zinc-, manganese-, and cobalt-substituted dimeric heteropolyanions, [(alpha-XW9O33)2M3(H2O)3](n-) (n = 12, X =As(III), Sb(III), M = Cu(2+), Zn(2+); n = 10, X = Se(IV), Te(IV), M = Cu(2+) and [(alpha-AsW9O33)2WO(H2O)M2(H2O)2](10-) (M = Zn(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+)

Interaction of the lacunary [alpha-XW9O33](9-) (X = As(III), Sb(III)) with Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) ions in neutral, aqueous medium leads to the formation of dimeric polyoxoanions, [(alpha-XW9O33)2M3(H2O)3](12-) (M = Cu(2+), Zn(2+); X = As(III), Sb(III)), in high yield. The selenium and tellurium analogues of the copper-containing heteropolyanions are also reported: [(alpha-XW9O33)2Cu3(H2O)3](10-) (X = Se(IV), Te(IV)). The polyanions consist of two [alpha-XW9O33] units joined by three equivalent Cu(2+) (X = As, Sb, Se, Te) or Zn(2+) (X = As, Sb) ions. All copper and zinc ions have one terminal water molecule resulting in square-pyramidal coordination geometry. Therefore, the title anions have idealized D3h symmetry. The space between the three transition metal ions is occupied by three sodium ions (M = Cu(2+), Zn(2+); X = As(III), Sb(III)) or potassium ions (M = Cu(2+); X = Se(IV), Te(IV)) leading to a central belt of six metal atoms alternating in position. Reaction of [alpha-AsW9O33](9-) with Zn(2+), Co(2+), and Mn(2+) ions in acidic medium (pH = 4-5) results in the same structural type but with a lower degree of transition-metal substitution, [(alpha-AsW9O33)2WO(H2O)M2(H2O)2](10-) (M = Zn(2+), Co(2+), Mn(2+)). All nine compounds are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The solution properties of [(alpha-XW9O33)2Zn3(H2O)3](12-) (X = As(III), Sb(III)) were also studied by 183W-NMR spectroscopy.     

Terphenyl-phenanthroline conjugate as a Zn(2+) sensor: H(2)PO(4)(-) induced tuning of emission wavelength

A new terphenyl-based macrocycle 5 incorporating phenanthroline as a fluorophore has been designed, synthesized and examined for its recognition ability toward various cations (Pb(2+), Hg(2+), Ba(2+), Cd(2+), Ag(+), Zn(2+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Co(2+), K(+), Mg(2+), Na(+) and Li(+)) by UV-vis, fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy. The receptor 5 showed highly selective 'Off-On' fluorescence signaling behavior for Zn(2+) ions in THF. Interestingly, the addition of H(2)PO(4)(-) ions to the [5-Zn] complex regulates the binding site for additional Zn(2+) ions and hence leads to a blue-shifted emission band.     

Field-induced magnetic transitions in metal phosphonates with ladderlike chain structures: (NH3C6H4NH3)M2(hedpH)2.H2O [M = Fe, Co, Mn, Zn; hedp = C(CH3)(OH)(PO3)2

This paper reports the syntheses and characterization of four isomorphous compounds (NH(3)C(6)H(4)NH(3))M(2)(hedpH)(2).H(2)O [M = Fe (1), Co (2), Mn (3), Zn (4); hedp = C(CH(3))(OH)(PO(3))(2)]. Each contains two crystallographically different kinds of {M(2)(hedpH)(2)}(n) double chains, where the {M(2)(mu-O)(2)} dimer units are connected by O-P-O bridges. The double chains are connected through extensive hydrogen bonds, hence generating a three-dimensional supramolecular network. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements show dominant antiferromagnetic interactions in compounds 1-3, mediated through the mu-O and/or O-P-O bridges between the metal(II) centers. The magnetization measurements reveal that compounds 1-3 experience field-induced magnetic transitions at low temperatures.     

Lithium exchange processes in the conduction network of the Nasicon LiTi2-xZrx(PO4)3 Series (0 < or = x < or = 2)

Structural sites occupied by lithium in the rhombohedral LiTi2-xZrx(PO4)3 series (0 < or = x < or = 2) have been investigated by 7Li NMR spectroscopy. At room temperature, the XRD patterns of the end-members of the series display rhombohedral R3c symmetry in LiTi2(PO4)3 and triclinic C in LiZr2(PO4)3. In the first compound, Li ions occupy M1 sites; however, in the second one Li occupy intermediate M1/2 sites. As the temperature increases, a first-order displacive transformation is detected in the triclinic phase, but a second-order/disorder transition is detected in the rhombohedral phase. From the temperature dependence of the 7Li NMR quadrupole constant (CQ) of the two compounds, the evolution of M1 and M1/2 sites occupancy in the Nasicon conduction network has been deduced. At high temperatures, analyzed phases tend toward a disordered rhombohedral phase, in which both M1 and M1/2 sites are equally populated and in which lithium mobility is favored by the existence of vacant M1 sites. According to this study, this phase can also be obtained by substituting Ti by Zr in the LiTi2-xZrx(PO4)3 series.     

Structures and properties of the ternary thallium chalcogenides Tl2MQ3 (M = Zr, Hf; Q = S, Se)

We have synthesized new compounds of the formula Tl(2)MQ(3), with M = Zr and Hf and Q = S and Se, and studied their crystallographic features, electronic structures and electrical conductivity. These isostructural compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/m (Z = 2), with unit cell parameters for the representative Tl(2)ZrS(3) of a = 7.9159(10) ?, b = 3.7651(5) ?, c = 10.275(2) ?, and β = 97.476(2)°. The Zr atoms of Tl(2)ZrS(3) are (distorted) octahedrally coordinated by the S atoms, with two such octahedra sharing edges along the c axis and forming infinite double chains running parallel to the b axis. Tl atoms separate these chains from one another along the a and c axes. The Tl atoms are also surrounded by S atoms in a distorted octahedral coordination. The structure may be viewed as alternating layers of Zr/Tl atoms and S atoms, and is therefore a distorted, ordered variant of the α-NaFeO(2) structure type. All atoms are in their standard oxidation states: Tl(+), Zr(4+), S(2-). The sulphide Tl(2)ZrS(3) has a calculated band gap of 1.15 eV, and the selenide Tl(2)HfSe(3) a gap of 0.57 eV. The electrical conductivity values of Tl(2)ZrS(3) and Tl(2)HfSe(3) at room temperature are 7.1 × 10(-6)Ω(-1) cm(-1) and 3.9 × 10(-3)Ω(-1) cm(-1), respectively.     

Preparation of bis(μ-chalcogeno) complexes [(η5-RC5H4)2M(μ-E)]2 M = Zr,Hf; R = H,t-Bu; E = S or Se from metallocene dichlorides,and isolation of the mixed μ-complexes [(t-BuC5H4)2Zr2](μ-O)(μ-E)

Metallocene dichlorides (RCp)₂MCl₂ (M = Zr, Hf; R = H, t-Bu) react with E/2HLiBEt₃ (E = S, Se) to give the symmetrical dinuclear compounds [(RCp)₂M(μ-E)]₂. UV irradiation in toluene of [(t-BuCp)₂Zr(CH₃)]₂(μ-O) in the presence of powdered sulfur or gray selenium gives the new compounds [(t-BuCp)₂Zr₂](μ-O)(μ-E).     

Synthesis, structure, and stereochemistry of trinuclear metal complexes formed from the phosphorus-based achiral tripodal ligand {P(S)[N(Me)N=CHC6H4-o-OH]3} (LH3): luminescent properties of L2Cd3 x 2H2O

Neutral trinuclear metal complexes L2Cd3 x 2H2O, L2Mn3 x MeOH, and L2Zn3 x MeOH were isolated in the reaction between the phosphorus-centered achiral tris(hydrazone) P(S)[N(Me)N=CHC6H(4)-o-OH]3 (LH3) and the corresponding divalent metal ions. The trinuclear complexes contain two equivalent terminal metal ions (M(t)) and a central metal ion (M(c)). The ligand encapsulates M(t) in a facial N3O3 coordination environment. From the coordination sphere of the two terminal metal ions a pair of phenolic oxygen atoms further coordinate to the central metal ion. The coordination requirements of M(c) are completed by the solvents of coordination. The achiral trianionic tripodal ligand (L)3- induces chirality in the metal complexes. This results in a delta (clockwise) or lambda (anticlockwise) configuration for the terminal metal ions. The enantiomeric complexes 2-4 (delta-delta or lambda-lambda) crystallize as racemic compounds. The supramolecular structures of 2-4 reveal chiral recognition in the solid-state; every molecule with the delta-delta configuration interacts stereospecifically, through C-H...S=P bonds, with two lambda-lambda molecules to generate a one-dimensional polymeric chain. Photophysical studies of the diamagnetic trinuclear complexes reveal that the tricadmium complex is luminescent in the solid state as well as in solution. In contrast LH3 and L2Zn3 x MeOH are nonluminescent.     

Structural diversity within analogous compounds: syntheses and studies of M(SCH2CH2NH2)Cl (M = Zn, Cd, Hg)

The novel complexes [Zn(L)Cl] (1), [Cd(L)Cl] (2), [Hg(L)Cl] (3), {[Hg(L)Cl].NaOH.2H2O} (3.NaOH.2H2O), and {[Hg3(HL)2Cl6].2H2O} (4) (L = -SCH2CH2NH2) were prepared and investigated by means of IR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures of 1, 2, and 3.NaOH.2H2O show chelating N,S-coordination of the cysteaminate ligand, bridging S, and terminally coordinating Cl. Apart from these common features, the coordination geometries and modes of intermolecular association are different. 1 forms a cyclic tetramer with a Zn4S4 ring, and 3.NaOH.2H2O contains one-dimensional [Hg(L)Cl]n chains with S-bridged Hg atoms. Zn and Hg atoms in 1 and 3.NaOH.2H2O are tetracoordinate with a distorted tetrahedral M(ClNS2) geometry (M = Zn, Hg). Each Cd atom of 2 binds to three S atoms and vice versa, such that layers of distorted Cd3S3 hexagons are formed. 2 is the first example for a compound exhibiting a group 12-group 16 layer structure, which can be described as an analogue of a graphite layer. Additionally, each Cd atom binds to a chlorine atom and a nitrogen atom from a cysteaminate ligand resulting in pentacoordination with a distorted trigonal bipyramidal Cd(ClNS3) geometry. 4 contains two differently coordinate Hg atoms. One displays a distorted trans-octahedral Hg(Cl4S2) geometry, while the other is coordinated by four Cl atoms and one S atom and additionally forms a long Hg...Cl contact.     

Covalent metal-organic networks: pyridines induce 2-dimensional oligomerization of (mu-OC6H4O)2Mpy2 (M = Ti, V, Zr)

Treatment of M(OiPr)4 (M = Ti, V) and [Zr(OEt)4]4 with excess 1,4-HOC6H4OH in THF afforded [M(OC6H4O)a(OC6H4OH)3.34-1.83a(OiPr)0.66-0.17a(THF)0.2]n (M = Ti, 1-Ti; V, 1-V, 0.91 < or = a < or = 1.82) and [Zr(1,4-OC6H4O)2-x(OEt)2x]n (1-Zr, x = 0.9). The combination of of 1-M (M = Ti, V, Zr) or M(OiPr)4 (M = Ti, V), excess 1,4- or 1,3-HOC6H4OH, and pyridine or 4-phenylpyridine at 100 degrees C for 1 d to 2 weeks afforded various 2-dimensional covalent metal-organic networks: [cis-M(mu 1,4-OC6H4O)2py2] infinity (2-M, M = Ti, Zr), [trans-M(mu 1,4-OC6H4O)2py2.py] infinity (3-M, M = Ti, V), solid solutions [trans-TixV1-x(mu 1,4-OC6H4O)2py2.py] infinity (3-TixV1-x, x approximately 0.4, 0.6, 0.9), [trans-M(mu 1,4-OC6H4O)2(4-Ph-py)2] infinity (4-M, M = Ti, V), [trans-Ti(mu 1,3-OC6H4O)2py2] infinity (5-Ti), and [trans-Ti(mu 1,3-OC6H4O)2(4-Ph-py)2] infinity (6-Ti). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments confirmed the pleated sheet structure of 2-Ti, the flat sheet structure of 3-Ti, and the rippled sheet structures of 4-Ti, 5-Ti, and 6-Ti. Through protolytic quenching studies and by correspondence of powder XRD patterns with known titanium species, the remaining complexes were structurally assigned. With py or 4-Ph-py present, aggregation of titanium centers is disrupted, relegating the building block to the cis- or trans-(ArO)4Tipy2 core. The sheet structure types are determined by the size of the metal and the interpenetration of the layers, which occurs primarily through the pyridine residues and inhibits intercalation chemistry.     

The N-alkyldithiocarbamato complexes [M(S2CNHR)2] (M=Cd(II) Zn(II); R=C2H5, C4H9, C6H13, C12H25); their synthesis, thermal decomposition and use to prepare of nanoparticles and nanorods of CdS

A series of N-alkyldithiocarbamato complexes [M(S2CNHR)2] (M=Cd(II), Zn(II); R=C2H5, C4H9, C6H13, C12H25) have been synthesised and characterized. The decomposition of these complexes to sulfates has been investigated, and a mechanism proposed. The structures of [Zn(S2CNHHex)2], [Cd(SO4)2(NC5H5)4)]n and [Cd(SO4)2(NC5H5)2(H2O)2)]n have been determined by X-ray single crystal method. The cadmium complex [Cd(S2CNHC12H25)2] and zinc complex [Zn(S2CNHC6H13)2] were used as single-source precursors to synthesize CdS and ZnS nanoparticles, respectively. The synthesis of CdS nanoparticles was carried under various thermolysis conditions and changes in the shape of derived nanoparticles were studied by transmission electron microscope (TEM).     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of new pillared layered ethylenediphosphonates of molybdenum(VI), A2[Mo2O5(O3PCH2CH2PO3)] (A = NH4, Tl, Cs, Rb) and K(H3O)[Mo2O5(O3PCH2CH2PO3)

New ethylenediphosphonates of molybdenum, A[Mo2O5(O3PCH2CH2PO3)] (A = NH4 (1), Tl (2), Cs (3), Rb (4)), and K(H3O)[Mo2O5(O3PCH2CH2PO3)] (5), have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic, and thermal studies. These compounds consist of pillared anionic layers [Mo2O5(O3PCH2CH2PO3)]2-, with A+, K+, and H3O+ ions in the interlayer region as well as in the cavities within the anionic layers. Single-crystal X-ray structures of compounds 1 and 5 have been determined. They crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmca with Z = 8 and have the following unit cell parameters. For 1, a = 25.60(1), b = 10.016(4), and c = 9.635(3) angstroms and for 5, a = 25.63(1), b = 10.007(2), and c = 9.512(1) angstroms.     

Double NASICON-type cell: ordered Nd3+ distribution in Li0.2Nd0.8/3Zr2(PO4)3

The NASICON compound Li(0.2)Nd(0.8/3)Zr(2)(PO(4))(3), synthesized by a sol-gel process, has been structurally characterized by TEM and powder diffraction (neutron and X-ray). It crystallizes in the space group R3[combining macron] (No. 148): at room temperature, the Nd(3+) ions present an ordered distribution in the [Zr(2)(PO(4))(3)](-) network which leads to a doubling of the classical c parameter (a = 8.7160(3) A, c = 46.105(1) A). Above 600 degrees C, Nd(3+) diffusion occurs leading at 1000 degrees C to the loss of the supercell. This reversible cationic diffusion in a preserved 3D [Zr(2)(PO(4))(3)](-) network is followed through thermal X-ray diffraction. Ionic conductivity measurements have been undertaken by impedance spectroscopy, while some results concerning the sintering of the NASICON compound are given.     

Chiral layered zincophosphate [d-Co(en)3]Zn3(H0.5PO4)2(HPO4)2 assembled about d-Co(en)(3)3+ complex cations

A new chiral layered zincophosphate [d-Co(en)3]Zn3(H(0.5)PO4)2(HPO4)2, designated ZnPO-CJ16, has been hydrothermally synthesized by using the optically pure chiral metal complex d-Co(en)3I3 as the template. It contains 4.6-net sheets which array in a helical fashion with an ABCDEF stacking sequence along the [001] direction. The chiral d-Co(en)3(3+) complex cations reside in the interlayer regions. Interestingly, there exist symmetrical O...H...O H-bonds between inorganic sheets, which results in a pseudo-three-dimensional open-framework structure stabilized by strong H-bonds. The crystal data are as follows: ZnPO-CJ16, [d-Co(en)3]Zn3(H(0.5)PO4)2(HPO4)2; M = 818.26; hexagonal; P6(5)22 (No. 179); a = 8.5832(12) A; c = 52.610(11) A; U = 3356.6(9) A(3); T = 293(2) K; Z = 6; R1 = 0.0415 (I > 2sigma(I)); wR2 = 0.1383 (all data); Flack parameter, 0.04(4).     

γ-苄基膦酸-磷酸锆的合成、表征及插层性能研究

于220℃水热晶化下制备了高结晶度的γ-ZrP,合成了3种γ-苄基膦酸-磷酸锆层状化合物Zr(PO₄).(H₂PO₄)_0.15(C₆H₅CH₂PO₃H)_0.85·0.4H₂O(1,d=1.86nm),Zr(PO₄)(H₂PO₄)_0.30(C₆H₅CH₂PO₃H)_0.70·0.6H₂O(2,d=1.78nm)和Zr(PO₄)(H₂PO₄)_0.50(C₆H₅CH₂PO₃H)_0.50·0.7H₂O(3,d=1.66nm).用X射线粉末衍射和³¹P固态核磁共振等手段表征其结构,并研究了其与α-苯乙胺的插层性能.     

New Zr(6)MTe(2) (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Pt), Zr(6)Fe(0.6)Se(2.4), and Zr(6)Fe(0.57)S(2.43) Intermetallics: Structural Links between Binary (Zr,Hf)(3)M Alloys and Porous Metal-Rich Tellurides

The synthesis of the group IV ternary chalcogenides Zr(6)MTe(2) (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Pt) and Zr(6)Fe(1)(-)(x)()Q(2+)(x)() (Q = S, Se) is reported, as are the single-crystal structures of Zr(6)FeTe(2), Zr(6)Fe(0.6)Se(2.4), and Zr(6)Fe(0.57)S(2.43). The structure of Zr(6)FeTe(2) was refined in the hexagonal space group P&sixmacr;2m (No. 189, Z = 1) with lattice parameters a = 7.7515(5) ? and c = 3.6262(6) ?, and the structures of Zr(6)Fe(0.6)Se(2.4) and Zr(6)Fe(0.57)S(2.43) were refined in the orthorhombic space group Pnnm (No. 58, Z = 4) with lattice parameters a = 12.737(2) ?, b = 15.780(2) ?, and c = 3.5809(6) ? and a = 12.519(4) ?, b = 15.436(2) ?, and c = 3.4966(6) ?, respectively. The cell parameters of Mn-, Co-, Ni-, Ru-, and Pt-containing tellurides were also determined. The Zr(6)ZTe(2) compounds are isostructural with Zr(6)CoAl(2), while Zr(6)Fe(1)(-)(x)()Q(2+)(x)() (Q = S, Se) were found to adopt a variant of the Ta(2)P-type structure. Chains of condensed M-centered, tetrakaidecahedra of zirconium constitute the basic structural unit in all these compounds. The modes of cross-linking that give rise to the Zr(6)FeTe(2) and Zr(6)Fe(1)(-)(x)()Q(2+)(x)() structures, differences among the title compounds, and the influence of chalcogen size differences are discussed. The stoichiometric nature of Zr(6)FeTe(2) and its contrast with sulfur and selenium congeners apparently result from a Te-Fe size mismatch. The importance of stabilization of both Zr(6)FeSe(2) and Zr(6)FeTe(2) compounds by polar intermetallic Zr-Fe bonding is underscored by a bonding analysis derived from electronic band structure calculations.     

Redox-induced solid-solid phase transformation of TCNQ microcrystals into semiconducting Ni[TCNQ]2(H2O)2 nanowire (flowerlike) architectures: a combined voltammetric, spectroscopic, and microscopic study

The facile solid-solid phase transformation of TCNQ microcrystals into semiconducting and magnetic Ni[TCNQ]2(H2O)2 nanowire (flowerlike) architectures is achieved by reduction of TCNQ-modified electrodes in the presence of Ni2+(aq)-containing electrolytes. Voltammetric probing revealed that the chemically reversible TCNQ/Ni[TCNQ]2(H2O)2 conversion process is essentially independent of electrode material and the identity of nickel counteranion but is significantly dependent on scan rate, Ni2+(aq) electrolyte concentration, and the method of solid TCNQ immobilization (drop casting or mechanical attachment). Data analyzed from cyclic voltammetric and double-potential step chronoamperometric experiments are consistent with formation of the Ni[TCNQ]2(H2O)2 complex via a rate-determining nucleation/growth process that involves incorporation of Ni2+(aq) ions into the reduced TCNQ crystal lattice at the triple phase TCNQ|electrode|electrolyte interface. The reoxidation process, which includes the conversion of solid Ni[TCNQ]2(H2O)2 back to TCNQ0 crystals, is also controlled by nucleation/growth kinetics. The overall redox process associated with this chemically reversible solid-solid transformation, therefore, is described by the equation: TCNQ0(S) + 2e- + Ni2+(aq)+ 2 H2O <==> {Ni[TCNQ]2(H2O)2}(S). SEM monitoring of the changes that accompany the TCNQ/Ni[TCNQ]2(H2O)2 transformation revealed that the morphology and crystal size of electrochemically generated Ni[TCNQ]2(H2O)2 are substantially different from those of parent TCNQ crystals. Importantly, the morphology of Ni[TCNQ]2(H2O)2 can be selectively manipulated to produce either 1-D/2-D nanowires or 3-D flowerlike architectures via careful control over the experimental parameters used to accomplish the solid-solid phase interconversion process.