Unprecedented micro-sprout morphology of an ionic palladium(II) complex

The reaction of (tmeda)Pd(ClO₄)₂ (tmeda = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) with L (L = bis(4-(4-pyridylcarboxyl)phenyl)methane) affords the ionic cyclodimeric palladium(II) complex (tmeda)Pd(L)]₂(ClO₄)₄. The complex forms an unprecedented micro-sprout morphology via slow evaporation of acetone in a dilute concentration mixture of acetone and water without any template or additive. In contrast, the palladium(II) complex in a concentrated mixture forms uniform submicrospheres. The formation-process of the micro-sprout morphology has been explained in terms of a stepwise concentration effect. Furthermore, surface modifications and properties of the micro-sprouts via a typical anion exchange or sonication have been studied.