Computational studies of the interactions of I<Superscript>−</Superscript> and I<Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript> with TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> clusters: implications for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract  

First principle density-functional theory calculations have been carried out on the interaction of I⁻ and I₃ ⁻ with TiO₂ anatase surfaces, modeled by finite clusters that range in size from 48 to 180 atoms. The total energy per TiO₂ unit and the HOMO-LUMO gaps decrease with increasing the size of the clusters. Both redox species (I⁻ and I₃ ⁻) are strongly adsorbed on the TiO₂ surface with the adsorbtion of I⁻ being stronger. Adsorption of triiodide leads to its dissociation. The positions of the HOMO and LUMO of the adsorbed systems shift negatively from their respective cluster values. Solvation effects have been modeled using the CPCM model. Introducing solvent reduces the shifting of HOMO and LUMO. Implications for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are discussed. Both the HOMO-LUMO shifting and the strong adsorption might affect the performance of the cell.     

Reaction of the [B<Subscript>10</Subscript>H<Subscript>9</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>C<Subscript>4</Subscript>H<Subscript>8</Subscript>]<Superscript>–</Superscript> anion with C-nucleophiles

The reactions of 1,4-dioxane-substituted closo-decaborate anion ([B₁₀H₉O₂C₄H₈]^–) with metal acetylenides, diethyl malonate, ethyl acetoacetate, triethyl orthoformate, acetylacetone, and malonodinitrile were studied. The reactions were shown to be accompanied with substituent ring opening and attachment of the corresponding pendant functional group. The obtained compounds were characterized by various physicochemical methods (IR and polynuclear NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry).     

Thermal studies of ZnO–B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–P<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>–TeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> glasses

The effect of TeO₂ additions on the thermal behaviour of zinc borophosphate glasses were studied in the compositional series (100 − x)[0.5ZnO–0.1B₂O₃–0.4P₂O₅]–xTeO₂ by differential scanning calorimetry, thermodilatometry and heating microscopy thermal analysis. The addition of TeO₂ to the starting borophosphate glass resulted in a linear increase of glass transition temperature and dilatometric softening temperature, whereas the thermal expansion coefficient decreased. Most of glasses crystallize under heating within the temperature range of 440–640 °C. The crystallization temperature steeply decreases with increasing TeO₂ content. The lowest tendency towards crystallization was observed for the glasses containing 50 and 60 mol% TeO₂. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that major compounds formed by annealing of the glasses were Zn₂P₂O₇, BPO₄ and α-TeO₂. Annealing of the powdered 50ZnO–10B₂O₃–40P₂O₅ glass leads at first to the formation of an unknown crystalline phase, which is gradually transformed to Zn₂P₂O₇ and BPO₄ during subsequent heating.     

Study on the thermal behavior of the complexes of the type [PdX<Subscript>2</Subscript>(tdmPz)] (X = Cl<Superscript>−</Superscript>, Br<Superscript>−</Superscript>, I<Superscript>−</Superscript>, SCN<Superscript>−</Superscript>)

Four new mononuclear Pd(II) complexes of the type [PdX₂(tdmPz)] {X = Cl⁻ (1); Br⁻ (2); I⁻ (3); SCN⁻ (4); tdmPz = 1-thiocarbamoyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazole} have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, ¹H and ¹³C{¹H}-NMR experiments. The thermal behavior of the complexes 1–4 has been investigated by means of thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). From the initial decomposition temperatures, the thermal stability of the complexes can be ordered in the sequence: 3 < 4 ≡ 2 < 1. The final products of the thermal decompositions were characterized as metallic palladium by X-ray powder diffraction.     

Interaction between oxygen and polycrystalline palladium at O<Subscript>2</Subscript> pressures of 10<Superscript>−6</Superscript>–10 Pa

The interaction between oxygen and polycrystalline palladium (Pd(poly)) at \(P_{O_2 } \) = 2.6 × 10^?6–10 Pa and T = 300–1300 K was studied by the thermal desorption (TD) method. The interaction between O₂ and Pd(poly) is governed by the O₂ pressure and the sample temperature. At low pressures of \(P_{O_2 } \) (≤1.3 × 10^?5 Pa), O₂ is chemisorbed dissociatively on the Pd(poly) surface. During chemisorption, the O_ads-surface bond energy and the O₂ sticking coefficient gradually decrease as the surface coverage θ increases. At \(P_{O_2 } \) ≥ 10^?2 Pa and T ≤ 500 K, after the saturation of the O_ads layer (θ ～ 0.5), O_ads atoms penetrate under the surface layer of the metal to form surface palladium oxide. At \(P_{O_2 } \) ≥ 1 Pa and T > 500 K, after the saturation of the surface oxide film 2 ML in thickness (n ～ 2), O_ads atoms penetrate into the oxide film and then into the subsurface palladium layer and diffuse deep into the metal bulk. As a result, the oxygen uptake at 700 K is n ～ 50. Upon heating, the surface oxides decompose, desorbing O₂, which gives rise to a low-temperature TD peak with T _max = 715 K. The release of oxygen inserted in the subsurface layers of palladium shows itself as a distinct high-temperature TD peak with T _max ≥ 750 K.     

Framework coordination polymer based on the [Re<Subscript>3</Subscript>Mo<Subscript>3</Subscript>S<Subscript>8</Subscript>(CN)<Subscript>6</Subscript>]<Superscript>6–</Superscript>heterometallic cluster anions and Cd<Superscript>2+</Superscript> cations

A new coordination polymer, [Cd(NH₃)₄]₂{Cd[Re₃Mo₃S₈(CN)₆]}·1.5H₂O (I), was prepared by the reaction between solutions of Cd(CH₃COO)₂ · 2H₂O in aqueous ammonia and CaK₄[Re₃Mo₃S₈(CN)₆] · 8H₂O in water. The crystals are cubic, space group Fm3m (Prussian blue structural type); a = 15.0268(4) Å (CIF file CSD no. 431555). According to ESR data, compound I is paramagnetic, g-factor is 2.298. Thermal stability investigation by TGA and powder X-ray diffraction showed that elimination of coordinated NH₃ molecules is accompanied by sample amorphization.     

The ESCA analysis of the B<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Stack><Subscript>8</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> anion

Compounds [Et₄N]₂B₃H₈ and CsB₃H₈ are studied using the ESCA method. The results of analysis of the B1s electron spectra and estimation of the effective charge differences in [Et₄N]₂B₃H₈ are compared to the data of theoretical calculations of the B₃H₈⁻ anion.     

Structure of sulfanilamide-containing cobalt(III) dioximates with the [ZrF<Subscript>6</Subscript>]<Superscript>2−</Superscript> and [BF<Subscript>4</Subscript>]<Superscript>−</Superscript> anions

The complexes [Co(DH)₂(Sam)₂]₂[ZrF₆]·5H₂O (I) and [Co(DH)₂(Sam)₂][BF₄]·H₂O (II), where DH^? is the dimethylglyoxime monoanion, and Sam is para-aminobenzenesulfamide (sulfanilamide, white streptocid), were synthesized, and their crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The coordination polyhedron of the Co³⁺ atom is an N₆ octahedron formed by four nitrogen atoms of the two dimethylglyoxime residues and two nitrogen atoms of the Sam fragments. The latter are realized in virtually parallel orientation relative to the polyhedron of the metal atom and its equatorial plane; the average value of the dihedral angles is 26.8(1)°, and there is π-π interaction between the benzene rings of the Sam fragments and the π delocalized equatorial metallocycle. The deviation of the cobalt atom from the four-angle plane is up to 0.009(1) Å. The (Co-N)_DH? and (Co-N)_Sam distances in the [Co(DH)₂(Sam)₂]⁺ complex cations vary from 1.892(2) Å to 1.907(3) Å and from 2.000(2) Å to 2.012(2) Å, respectively. The [ZrF₆]^2? and [BF₄]^? complex anions play the major role in crystal formation; they produce a substantial effect on the formation of a complex system of hydrogen bonds.     

Adsorption of Cl<Superscript>−</Superscript> ions on γ-Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> oxide from nitrate solutions

The adsorption of chloride ions on γ-Fe₂O₃ oxide (maggemite) from nitrate solution is studied using the method of potentiometric titration and an ion-selective electrode. The specific character of adsorption is determined. It is shown that the maggemite surface coverage with Cl^? ions increases with increasing concentration of ions in the solution, decreasing pH value, and increasing potential. The adsorbability of ions changes drastically in the pH range about pH₀ (γ-Fe₂O₃)6.2. It is found that the adsorption of chloride ions from neutral nitrate solution exponentially increases in the potential range from 0.1 to 1.0 V. The type of adsorption isotherm and the adsorption parameters are determined. It is found that, in the absence of external polarization, the concentration dependences of adsorption of Cl^? ions are complex-shaped, and their initial portions are described by the Langmuir isotherm. Further increase of adsorption is explained by the penetration of Cl^? ions inwards the oxide.     

Structure,physicochemical properties,and reactivity of the [B<Subscript>9</Subscript>H<Subscript>9</Subscript>]<Superscript>2–</Superscript> anion

Data on the structure, properties, and reactivity of one of the least studied 3D aromatic clusters—nonahydro-closo-nonaborate anion [B₉H₉]^2–—have been systematized. It has been shown that the key aspects of its reactivity are related to structural flexibility, which essentially distinguishes the [B₉H₉]^2– anion from the higher representatives of closo-borate anions.     

A theoretical study of the interaction between [HB≡CH]<Superscript>−</Superscript>, [H<Subscript>2</Subscript>B=CH<Subscript>2</Subscript>]<Superscript>−</Superscript>, and boratabenzene anions with alkali and alkaline earth metals: properties and structures

The nature of [HB≡CH]⁻, [H₂B=CH₂]⁻, and boratabenzene interactions with alkaline and alkaline earth metals are studied by ab initio calculations. The interaction energies are calculated at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. The calculations suggest that the cation size and charge are two influential factors that affect the nature of the interaction. AIM and NBO analyses of the complexes indicate that the variation of densities and the extent of charge transfers upon complexation correlate well with the obtained interaction energies.     

Thermoelectric power and electrochemical studies on CdI<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Ag<Subscript>2</Subscript>O–V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>–B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

A quaternary super-ion-conducting system, 20CdI₂ − 80[xAg₂O − y(0.7V₂O₅ − 0.3B₂O₃)] where 1 ≤ x/y ≤ 3, has been prepared by melt quenching technique. The electrical conductivity measured was the order of 10⁻⁴  S/cm at room temperature. The values of silver-ion transport number obtained by electromotive force technique are nearly unity. The thermoelectric power and electrochemical studies were done on the CdI₂–Ag₂O–V₂O₅–B₂O₃ system. The discharge and polarization characteristics were examined for different cathodes to evaluate the utility of these cells as power sources for low energy applications.     

Peroxide derivatives of heteropoly compounds with Keggin anions [PW<Subscript>12</Subscript>O<Subscript>40</Subscript>]<Superscript>3−</Superscript> and [SiW<Subscript>12</Subscript>O<Subscript>40</Subscript>]<Superscript>4−</Superscript>: Synthesis and structure

Peroxide derivatives of heteropoly compounds with Keggin anions [PW₁₂O₄₀]^3? and [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4? are isolated in an individual state from concentrated hydrogen peroxide solutions and characterized by physicochemical methods. The structure of Ba₂[SiW₁₂O₄₀] · 4H₂O₂ · 11H₂O (I) is solved by X-ray crystallography. Crystals of compound I (H₃₀Ba₂O₅₉Si₁W₁₂, FW = 3483.21) are monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 24.981(2) Å, b = 12.2103(11) Å, c = 18.7142(17) Å, β = 122.620(2)^o, V = 4808.0(8) ų, Z = 4. The structure contains Keggin anions [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4?; all hydrogen peroxide molecules are coordinated to Ba²⁺ cations.     

A new method of synthesis of the B<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Stack><Subscript>8</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> anion

A new method of synthesis of the B₃H₈⁻ anion has been suggested. The method uses the reaction of some metal halides (CuCl, SnCl₂, CrCl₃, PbF₂, PbCl₂, PbBr₂, and BiCl₃) with sodium tetrahydroborate. It is characterized by high (up to quantitative) yields and simplicity of isolation of the target products ((n-C₄H₉)₄N)[B₃H₈] and Cs[B₃H₈].     

Identification of Anionic Supramolecular Complexes of Sulfonamide Receptors with Cl<Superscript>−</Superscript>, NO<Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack>, Br<Superscript>−</Superscript>, and I<Superscript>−</Superscript> by APCI-MS

As part of a mass spectrometric investigation of the binding properties of sulfonamide anion receptors, an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometric (APCI-MS) method involving direct infusion followed by thermal desorption was employed for identification of anionic supramolecular complexes in dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂). Specifically, the dansylamide derivative of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) (1), the chiral 1,3-benzenesulfonamide derivatives of (1R,2S)-(+)-cis-1-amino-2-indanol (2), and (R)-(+)-bornylamine, (3), were shown to bind halide and nitrate ions in the presence of (n−Bu)₄N⁺X⁻ (X⁻ = Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, Br⁻, I⁻). Solutions of receptors and anions in CH₂Cl₂ were combined to form the anionic supramolecular complexes, which were subsequently introduced into the mass spectrometer via direct infusion followed by thermal desorption. The anionic supramolecular complexes [M+X]⁻, (M=1–3, X⁻=Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, Br⁻, I⁻) were observed in negative mode APCI-MS along with the deprotonated receptors [M−H]⁻. Full ionization energy of the APCI corona pin (4.5 kV) was necessary for obtaining mass spectra with the best signal-to-noise ratios.     

Interaction of [В<Subscript>10</Subscript>H<Subscript>10</Subscript>]<Superscript>2–</Superscript> and [В<Subscript>12</Subscript>H<Subscript>12</Subscript>]<Superscript>2–</Superscript> with nitro compounds

The interaction of the [B₁₀H₁₀]^2– and [B₁₂H₁₂]^2– anions with aliphatic and aromatic nitro compounds (RNO₂, where R = Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, tert-Bu, Ph) has been studied under irradiation with visible and UV light. It has been shown that, depending on the reaction conditions, both mono- and disubstituted nitro-closo-decaborates can be selectively obtained in yields up to 50%.     

Comparison of the specific adsorption of sulfate (HSO<Subscript>4</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript>) ions on Cr and Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The specific adsorption of sulfate ions on powdered Cr was studied by a radiotracer technique using ³⁵S-labeled sulfuric acid in low concentration (c<10^–3 mol dm^–3) in the presence of a large excess of perchlorate supporting electrolyte. The pH and concentration dependence were determined. On the basis of a comparison of the results obtained for Cr₂O₃ and Cr, it can be assumed that, similar to other metals, the overall sorption behavior of Cr is determined by the protective oxide film present on the surface.     

Structural investigation of salts containing ions [Pd(NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>]<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and [IrF<Subscript>6</Subscript>]<Superscript>2–</Superscript>

Double complex salts (DCS) α-[Pd(NH₃)₄][IrF₆]·H₂O (P2₁/m, a = 6.3181(3) Å, b = 10.8718(5) Å, с = 7.4526(4) Å, β = 103.568(2)°), β-[Pd(NH₃)₄][IrF₆]·H₂O (P2₁/с, a = 8.5773(3) Å, b = 10.8791(4) Å, с = = 12.6741(3) Å, β = 122.497(2)°), [Pd(NH₃)₄]₃[IrF₆]₂Cl₂·H₂O (P-1, a = 7.6080(2) Å, b = 7.6274(2) Å, с = 11.8070(3) Å, β = 122.497(2)°), and [Pd(NH₃)₄]₂[IrF₆]NO₃ (Fm-3m, a = 11.21210(10) Å) have been synthesized and structurally characterized for the first time. The existence of polymorphs for the DCS has been revealed. The influence of the chemical composition of the initial reagents on the reaction course and, respectively, the products, has been demonstrated. A hypothesis on the influence of the second coordination sphere on the formation of one or the other polymorph of the DCS has been suggested. It has been shown that the series α-[Pd(NH₃)₄][МF₆]·H₂O (M = Pt, Pd) exhibits isostructurality.     

Theoretical study of oxoborate complexes with MO<Stack><Subscript>4</Subscript><Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>−</Superscript></Stack> tetraoxo anions in the inner and outer spheres of the B<Subscript>20</Subscript>O<Subscript>30</Subscript> cluster

The energies and structural and spectroscopic characteristics of endohedral (MO₄©B₂₀O ₃₀ ^n? ) and exohedral (MO₄ · B₂₀O ₃₀ ^n? ) isomers of oxoborate complexes with MO ₄ ^n? tetraoxo anions with 32 valence electrons located in the inner and outer spheres of the B₂₀O₃₀ cluster have been calculated by the density functional theory method (B3LYP). It has been demonstrated that, among the endohedral MO₄©B₂₀O ₃₀ ^n? clusters with strong multiply charged anions (VO ₄ ^3? , CrO ₄ ^2? , PO ₄ ^3? , SO ₄ ^2? , AsO ₄ ^3? , SeO ₄ ^2? , etc.), the isomer in which a “guest” tetrahedron MO₄ is located at the center of the B₂₀O₃₀ cage and bonded to it through internal oxygen bridges M-O*-B is the most favorable one. Among the exohedral analogues MO₄ · B₂₀O ₃₀ ^n? , two most favorable isomers contain the “capping” MO₄ tetrahedron bonded to the B₂₀O₃₀ cage through two and three external M-O-B bridges. For the complexes with doubly charged SO ₄ ^2? and SeO ₄ ^2? anions, the third exohedral isomer in which the sulfite or selenite group MO₃ is bidentately coordinated to the oxidized B₂₀O₂₉(OO) cage with one peroxide bridge turns out to be close in energy to the above two isomers. For the systems with high negative charge n, the exohedral isomers are much more favorable than the endohedral isomer; however, with decreasing charge, the difference in energy between them decreases to ~10–18 kcal/mol, so that the exo–endo transition between them can require moderate energy inputs. For the endohedral complexes with singly charged ClO ₄ ^? and BrO ₄ ^? anions, two isomers with close energies are preferable in which the central atoms of the guest tetrahedra are reduced to the state of singly charged ions, while the oxoborate cage is oxidized to B₂₀O₂₆(OO)₄ with four peroxide groups B-O-O-B and retains its closed (closo) structure. In the most favorable isomer of the complexes with multicharged ortho-anions BO ₄ ^5? , CO ₄ ^4? , and NO ₄ ^3? , the outersphere anion is reduced to, respectively, borate, carbonate, and nitrate bidentately coordinated to the oxidized B₂₀O₂₉(O)₂ cage with an open structure and two strongly elongated terminal B-O bonds. The results are compared with the data of previous calculations of endohedral and exohedral vanadate complexes MO₄©V₂₀O ₅₀ ^n? and MO₄ · V₂₀O ₅₀ ^n? with the same guest anions MO ₄ ^n? .