Influence of Molecular Separation on Through-Space Intervalence Transient Charge Transfer in Metal–Organic Frameworks with Cofacially arranged Redox Pairs

We demonstrate direct evidence of photoinduced through-space intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) between two cofacially arranged redox-active pairs in metal–organic frameworks and their dynamic variation with their molecular separation. Two homologous MOFs [Co₂(NDC)₂(DPTTZ)₂]. DPTTZ. DMF, 1 and [Co₂(BDC)₂(DPTTZ)₂]. DMF, 2 (where NDC=naphthalene dicarboxylate, BDC=benzene dicarboxylate, DPTTZ=N, N′-di(4-pyridyl)thiazolo-[5,4-d]thiazole, DMF=N, N′-dimethyl formamide) are considered for this, whose intra-dimer distance of redox-active DPTTZ ligands differs ca. 1 Å from one system to another. Spectroelectrochemical study detects the formation of IVCT band at the NIR region between cofacially oriented DPTTZ molecules in both MOFs. Transient spectroscopy shows faster charge separation as well as charge recombination when intra-dimer distance is lesser (in MOF 2 ) due to stronger electronic coupling. We quantify the extent of IVCT by charge transfer integral calculation; and also by optical pump terahertz probe spectroscopy, where MOF 2 shows three times higher carrier mobility due to lesser inter-DPTTZ distance than MOF 1 . These findings reveal a more localized aspect of through-space IVCT between cofacially organized redox-active pair in a three-dimensional framework.     

Rheological studies and optimization of Herschel-Bulkley flow parameters of viscous karaya polymer suspensions using GA and PSO algorithms

Rheological characteristics of gum karaya suspensions which is proposed as a fracturing fluid were investigated with the main objective to determine the yield stress and other rheological parameters using various models. The flow hysteresis confirms the thixotropic behavior of fluid with increased structural breakdown at higher concentration and temperature. An empirical model developed for the studied samples accurately predicts the temperature and polymer concentration sensitivity of the apparent viscosity. The Herschel-Bulkley model showed the best fit to the experimental data; however, the yield stress obtained from some of the samples using nonlinear regression (NL) method reported physically insignificant, negative values. The proposed optimization technique, i.e., “Particle Swarm Optimization” offered the most realistic results with faster convergence over genetic algorithm making it a better choice. The oscillatory study provided more reliable yield stress values and revealed the thermogelation behavior of polymer suspensions making it suitable for high-temperature fracturing application.     

Conductive Metal-Organic Frameworks: Electronic Structure and Electrochemical Applications

Smarter and minimization of devices are consistently substantial to shape the energy landscape. Significant amounts of endeavours have come forward as promising steps to surmount this formidable challenge. It is undeniable that material scientists were contemplating smarter material beyond purely inorganic or organic materials. To our delight, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), an inorganic-organic hybrid scaffold with unprecedented tunability and smart functionalities, have recently started their journey as an alternative. In this review, we focus on such propitious potential of MOFs that was untapped over a long time. We cover the synthetic strategies and (or) post-synthetic modifications towards the formation of conductive MOFs and their underlying concepts of charge transfer with structural aspects. We addressed theoretical calculations with the experimental outcomes and spectroelectrochemistry, which will trigger vigorous impetus about intrinsic electronic behaviour of the conductive frameworks. Finally, we discussed electrocatalysts and energy storage devices stemming from conductive MOFs to meet energy demand in the near future.     

A mean field approach to Coulomb blockade for a disordered assembly of quantum dots

The Coulomb blockade (CB) in quantum dots (QDs) is by now well documented. It has been used to guide the fabrication of single electron transistors. Even the most sophisticated techniques for synthesizing QDs (e.g. MOCVD/MBE) result in an assembly in which a certain amount of disorder is inevitable. On the other hand, theoretical approaches to CB limit themselves to an analysis of a single QD. In the present work we consider two types of disorders: (i) size disorder; e.g. QDs have a distribution of sizes which could be unimodal or bimodal in nature. (ii) Potential disorder with the confining potential assuming a variety of shapes depending on growth condition and external fields. We assume a Gaussian distribution in disorder in both size and potential and employ a simplified mean field theory. To do this we rely on the scaling laws for the CB (also termed as Hubbard U) obtained for an isolated QD [1]. We analyze the distribution in the Hubbard U as a consequence of disorder and observe that Coulomb blockade is partially suppressed by the disorder. Further, the distribution in U is a skewed Gaussian with enhanced broadening.      

Peroxo Complexes of Molybdenum(VI) Containing Mannich Base Ligands

The molybdenum(VI)-peroxo complexes containing Mannich base ligands having a formula as [MoO(O2)2(L-L)] [where L-L＝morpholinobenzyl benzamide (MBB), piperidinobenzyl benzamide (PBB), morpholinobenzyl urea (MBU), piperidinobenzyl urea (PBU), morpholinobenzyl thiourea (MBTU), piperdinobenzyl thiourea (PBTU)] have been synthesized and characterized by physico-chemical, electrochemical techniques and TGA/DTA studies. The complexes have been prepared by stirring ammonium molybdate and excess of 30% aqueous-H2O2 and then treatment with ethanolic solution of the ligand. Studies revealed that these complexes were non-electrolytes and diamagnetic in nature. The ligands are bound to metal in a bidentate mode through carbonyl oxygen/thiocarbonyl sulphur and the ring nitrogen. The cyclic voltammograms of the complexes show two quasi-reversible steps involving complexes. The complexes have also been tested for antibacterial activity against Salmonella and Kleibsella. The antibacterial study of the ligands and complexes indicate that the complexes exhibit higher activity than the free ligands.