Role of surface modification of colloidal CdSe quantum dots on the properties of hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposites

In this work, tri-octyl phosphine/tri-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO)-capped cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) of varied sizes (5–9 nm), prepared by varying the input Cd:Se precursor ratio using chemical route, were dispersed in conducting polymer matrices viz. poly[2-methoxy, 5-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). By using a binary solvent mixture (pyridine–chloroform), homogeneous dispersion of CdSe nanocrystals in polymers (MEH-PPV, P3HT) could be realized. The properties of the resulting dispersions could be tailored by the composition and concentration of QDs in polymer. The emission and structural properties of polymer–CdSe nanocomposites are found to be dependent on the crystallite size and morphology of CdSe nanocrystallites. An effective quenching of photoluminescence emission in the polymer nanocomposite was observed for smaller CdSe quantum dots (size ∼6 nm) as compared to larger CdSe quantum dots (size ∼9 nm), thus ensuring efficient charge transfer process across the polymer–CdSe interface in the former case. The incomplete quenching, particularly for MEH-PPV:CdSe nanocomposites, could be as a result of insufficient coverage of polymers on the surface of CdSe nanocrystallites, mainly due to phase segregation for TOPO-stripped CdSe nanocrystallites. The superior morphology and optical properties of polymer nanocomposite (P3HT:CdSe QDs) could play a pivotal role for the realization of effective charge separation and transport in hybrid solar cells.     

Synthesis,characterization and luminescence properties of a coordination polymer based on self-assembly of PrIII with inorganic–organic hybrid bridging ligands

A new coordination polymer having the formula [Pr(μ ₅-S₂O₃)(μ ₄-tp)_0.5(H₂O)] _n (1) (S₂O₃ = thiosulfate dianion; tp = terephthalate dianions) was obtained by in situ reaction of Pr₂(SO₄)₃ · 6H₂O with H₂tp ligands under solvothermal conditions (H₂O/ethanol). The coordination polymer obtained was characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, thermogravimetry (TG), fluorescent spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The most intriguing structural feature is that the complex exhibits a 3D open framework resulting from bridge-linking coordination between ligands and praseodymium ions. Additionally, 1 has characteristic emission spectra of Pr^III with good fluorescence properties. This is the first coordination polymer based on thiosulfate/terephthalate ligands and a rare earth metal and has an unprecedented pentadentate-bridge-linking coordination mode of the thiosulfate group.     

Structure and surface properties of fluorinated organic–inorganic hybrid films

Fluorinated organic–inorganic hybrid films were prepared by sol–gel process from tridecafluoroctyltriethoxysilane (PFAS), 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). It has been found that the fluorinated hybrid films possessed fluorinated side chains originating from PFAS as top layer, and silica network as bottom layer, which had very low surface energy and could be used as water repellent functional coatings. The outermost layer of the water-repellent film may be fully covered by the perfluoroalkyl side chains as the molar ratio of PFAS/TEOS increases up to about 0.005:1. The addition of BPA can enhance the cross-link density of fluorinated hybrid films, and make more perfluoroalkyl groups enriching at the coating film-air interface to lower the surface free energy. However, the improvement of the cross-link density of fluorinated hybrid films tends to exhibit brittleness and micro-cracks. Consequently, it can be concluded that a small BPA additive content is preferred for the formation of fluorinated hybrid films with a smooth surface and less detectable cracks.     

Synthesis and properties of organic–inorganic hybrid liquid crystal gels

Organic–inorganic hybrid liquid crystal (LC) gels have been synthesised by the thiol-ene reaction of a multifunctional cyclic siloxane, 1,3,5,7-tetravinyl-1,3,5,7-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (TVMCTS) and alkane dithiols, 1,6-hexanedithiol (HDT) or 1,9-decanedithiol (DDT), in LC matrices, 4-cyano-4?-pentylbiphenyl (5CB) or 4′-n-octyl-4-cyano-biphenyl (8CB). The LC gels were prepared in an isotropic phase at 70°C or mesophases at 25°C using radical initiators. The phase transition temperatures from a mesophase to an isotropic phase of the resulting gels were lower than those of the original LCs. The gels containing 8CB (8CB gels) prepared at 25°C showed two phase transitions: smectic-to-nematic and nematic-to-isotropic transitions. By contrast, the 8CB gels synthesised in the isotropic phase showed only one phase transition from smectic phase directly to isotropic phase. Reaction conversions in the LC gels prepared at 70°C were higher than that in the gels prepared at 25°C. Scanning microscopic light scattering analysis of the LC gels cleared homogeneous small size mesh with a small amount of large defect. Polarisation micrographs of the LC gels showed framed optical textures derived from the LC molecules at room temperature. The LC gels containing more than 90 wt% of LC showed electro-optic response.     

Assembly of two novel inorganic–organic hybrid solids based on 3-(aminomethyl)pyridine ligand

Two new inorganic–organic hybrids, (Hampy)Zn₂(PO₄) (HPO₃) (1) and (ampy)Zn₂(HPO₃)₂ (2), where ampy = 3-(aminomethyl)pyridine, have been solvothermally prepared and structurally characterized. Compound 1 exhibits an unusual two-dimensional layer structure, which possesses a central 4.8² zincophosphate sheet wrapped by infinite zincophosphite chains. Left- and right-handed helical chains participate in the formation of the zincophosphate layer. Compound 2 features a three-dimensional pillared-layer structure, in which two-dimensional Zn^II(HPO₃) inorganic sheets were cross-linked by ampy ligands. The simultaneous occurrence of zinc-amine helical chains in 2 is unique and, to the best of our knowledge, firstly encountered in phosphite/phosphate hybrid materials. Different coordination modes and roles of the same ampy ligand were observed in the formation of the hybrid structures.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and structures of organic–inorganic hybrid solids based on arsenic-vanadate building blocks

Four novel organic–inorganic hybrid arsenic-vanadate complexes, [Cu(phen)][(As^VO₄)(V^V ₃O₇)(H₂O)] (1), [Cu(en)₂]₂[As₈V₁₄O₄₂(H₂O)]?·?2.5H₂O (2), [M(1,10-phen)₃]₂[As₈V₁₄O₄₂(H₂O)_0.5]?·?0.5H₂O (M?=?Mn, 3, Cd, 4) (1,10-phen?=?1,10-phenanthroline) have been hydrothermally synthesized for the first time and characterized by elemental analyses, XPS spectra, EPR spectra, IR spectra, TG analyses and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of compound 1 consists of arsenic vanadate ribbons coordinated by the [Cu(phen)]²⁺ complex, while compounds 2 to 4 possess a spherical [As₈ ^IIIV₁₄ ^IVO₄₂]^4? cage with H₂O molecules encapsulated. The unexpected preparation 1 and the synthesis of compounds 2 to 4 on the basis of same polyoxoanion structures show that the pH value of the reaction plays a crucial role in controlling the basic architectures.     

A new organic–inorganic hybrid based on Mn–salen and decavanadate

An organic–inorganic hybrid based on Mn-salen and decavanadate, [NH₄]₂[Mn(salen)(H₂O)₂]₄[V₁₀O₂₈]?·?6H₂O (1) (salen?=?N,N′-ethylene-bis(salicylideneiminate)), has been synthesized by the strategy of secondary building units in mixed methanol–water solution and was structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, IR, and UV-Vis. The [Mn(salen)(H₂O)₂]⁺ cations and water molecules are located in the interspaces among the polyoxoanions [V₁₀O₂₈]^6? forming a POM-based supramolecule. Compound 1 is the first example of metal-Schiff-base polyoxovanadates. The photocatalytic analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and electrocatalytic analysis of 1 have been investigated.     

New organic–inorganic hybrid structure based on paradodecatungstate clusters and imidazolium cations

An organic–inorganic hybrid material based on paradodecatungstate anions and imidazolium cations, Na₂(HIm)₈(H₂W₁₂O₄₂)·10H₂O (HIm: imidazolium), has been synthesized under mildly acidic conditions. This compound was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR and UV–visible spectroscopies, and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic P-1 space group with a = 11.6945(8) Å, b = 12.4782(6) Å, c = 14.0952(9) Å, α = 106.041(3)°, β = 109.338(2)°, γ = 100.249(3)°, V = 1781.0(3) Å³, and Z = 2. The crystal structure exhibits an infinite 1D inorganic structure built from [H₂W₁₂O₄₂]^10? clusters and sodium cations; adjacent chains are further joined up by hydrogen-bonding interactions between protonated imidazole cations, water molecules, and polyoxoanions, to form a 3D supramolecular architecture.     

Effect of modified organic–inorganic hybrid materials on thermal properties of cotton fabrics

Phosphorus-modified siloxanes monomer DOPO-IPDI-AMEO (DIA) was synthesized and characterized by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (H NMR), ³¹P NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR). It hydrolyzed and grew an organic–inorganic hybrid coating on the surface of cotton fabrics via sol–gel process. The conversion of gel reaction was characterized by solid-state ²⁹Si NMR. The effect of the modified organic–inorganic hybrid materials on thermal properties of cotton fabrics was investigated by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, real time Fourier transform infrared (RT-FTIR), and microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) experiments. In addition, thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectra (TG-FTIR) were used to investigate the released degradation products. The characterization information represented that DIA has been prepared successfully. Also the conversion of gel reaction was fairly high. The TG data showed that char residues increased with the addition of the DIA coating. While the peak heat release rate (PHRR) decreased with the presence of the coating in MCC test. Moreover, the flammable degradation products dropped obviously, which can be observed from the data of TG-FTIR.     

Hydrothermal syntheses and structural characterization of two organic–inorganic hybrid compounds based on Lindqvist polyanions

Two organic–inorganic hybrid polyoxometalates {[V₂W₄O₁₉{Cu(2,2′-bipy)₂}₂] · (4,4′-bipy)} _n (1) and [Co(2,2′-bipy)₃][W₆O₁₉] · H₂O (2) (2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine), constructed by Lindqvist polyanions and transition metal coordination cations, have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV spectra, thermogravimetric (TG) analyses, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and single- crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 is a neutral molecule and consists of a di-V^V substituted Lindqvist-type polyanion [V₂W₄O₁₉]^4?, two supporting copper cations [Cu(2,2′-bipy)₂]²⁺ and one free 4,4′-bipy. Neutral molecules of 1 are extended to a 2-D grid-like network by π–π stacking interactions between pyridine groups. The molecular structure of 2 contains one [W₆O₁₉]^2? cluster polyanion and a [Co(2,2′-bipy)₃]²⁺. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis and XPS spectrum of 1 prove the presence of V^V. TG curves of 1 and 2 indicate two weight loss steps.     

A new organic–inorganic hybrid polyoxoniobate based on Lindqvist-type anion and nickel complex

A new organic–inorganic hybrid polyoxoniobate (H₂en)₂[Ni(en)₃][H₂Nb₆O₁₉] · 5.5H₂O (1) (en = ethylenediamine) has been synthesized by the diffusion method and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectrum, ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal structure analysis reveals that 1 exhibits a 3-D supramolecular architecture constructed from Lindqvist-type [H₂Nb₆O₁₉]^6? polyoxoanions and [Ni(en)₃]²⁺ via hydrogen-bonding interactions. The XPS measurement indicates that the oxidation state of Ni is +2. TG curve of 1 exhibits two steps of weight loss. In situ UV spectra display that 1 can exist in large pH range in aqueous solution.     

Three inorganic–organic hybrid compounds based on Keggin polyoxometalate and transition metal complexes: crystal structures and electrochemical properties

Polyoxometalate (POM)-based coordination polymers, [Cu(L)₂][SiW₁₂O₄₀]·4py·H₂O (1), [Ag(py)₂]₄[SiW₁₂O₄₀] (2) and [Co(L)₃]₂[SiW₁₂O₄₀]·py·7H₂O (3) (L?=?pyridine-2-carboxylic acid, py?=?pyridine), have been obtained hydrothermally and characterized by elemental analyses, IR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Electrochemical properties are also investigated.     

Sol–gel synthesis and enhanced properties of a novel transparent PMMA based organic–inorganic hybrid containing phosphorus,nitrogen and silicon

A novel flame-retardant silane containing phosphorus and nitrogen, tetramethyl(3-(triethoxysilyl)propylazanediyl) bis(methylene) diphosphonate (TMSAP), is firstly synthesized and then incorporated into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix through sol–gel method to produce organic–inorganic hybrids. The chemical structure of TMSAP was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ³¹P NMR spectra. The hybrids obtained maintain relatively high transparency, and exhibit a significant improvement in thermal properties, mechanical performance and flame retardancy when compared to pure PMMA, including increased glass transition temperature (T _g ) by 11.4 °C, increased onset thermal degradation temperature (T_0.1) by 82.6 °C, increased half thermal degradation temperature (T_0.5) by 42.0 °C, increased hardness, increased limited oxygen index and decreased heat release rate. Morphological studies of hybrids by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ²⁹Si MAS NMR suggest that cross-linked silica network is formed in the hybrids and the inorganic silica particles are distributed well in the polymer matrix. Thermal degradation behaviors investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and char structure analysis studied by SEM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrate the catalytic charring function of TMSAP, and synergistic effect between phosphorus, nitrogen and silicon element. The formation of network structure, homogeneous distribution of silica and the char formation during degradation play key roles in these property enhancements. Detailed mechanisms for these enhancements are proposed.     

Syntheses,structures and properties of four organic–inorganic hybrid nicotinate-bridging rare-earth-containing phosphotungstates

Four novel organic–inorganic hybrid nicotinate-bridging dimeric rare-earth (RE)-containing phosphotungstates [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₈[RE(H₂O)(NA)(α-HPW₁₁O₃₉)]₂·24H₂O (RE = Ho^III for 1, Er^III for 2, Tb^III for 3, Dy^III for 4; HNA = nicotinic acid) have been synthesized from the reaction of trivacant Keggin precursor Na₉[α-PW₉O₃₄]∙16H₂O, RE(NO₃)₃·6H₂O, HNA by employing dimethylamine hydrochloride as organic solubilizing agent in the conventional aqueous solution system, which have been further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, thermogravimetric analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural analysis indicates that the hybrid dimeric {[RE(H₂O)(NA)(α-HPW₁₁O₃₉)]₂}⁸⁻ polyoxoanion in 1–4 can be considered as two head-to-head mono-RE-containing Keggin [RE(H₂O)(NA)(α-HPW₁₁O₃₉)]⁴⁻ subunits bridged by two (η²,μ-1,1)-nicotinate linkers, which stands for the first organic–inorganic hybrid RE-containing phosphotungstates functionalized by nicotinate ligands. What's more, the solid-state photoluminescence properties and lifetime decay behaviors of 1–4 have been measured at room temperature and their photoluminescence spectra display the characteristic emission bands of corresponding trivalent RE cations.     

Thermal and optical properties of novel polyurea/silica organic–inorganic hybrid materials

Current optical polymeric materials for advanced fiber laser development are susceptible to degradation due to the heat generated in high power usage. A suitable replacement light stripping material was explored to overcome this problem by examining optical and physical properties such as transmission/absorption, refractive index, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability. The synthesis and characterization of two new polyurea/silica ORMOSILs (ORganically MOdified SILicates) suitable for high temperature (up to 300 °C) optical applications are reported herein. A one-pot, room temperature synthesis is based upon commercially available bis-isocyanates and an amino-silane. These materials exhibit the combined traits of both glass and polymer by displaying optical clarity over a wide range of wavelengths stretching from the edge of the UV (250 nm) to well into the NIR (2,000 nm), refractive indices in the visible spectrum (n = 1.50–1.63), thermal conductivities of 0.26 ± 0.09 W/mK (ORMOSIL-A) and 0.27 ± 0.07 W/mK (ORMOSIL-B), and thermal stabilities up to 300 °C. The hybrid materials were found to be easily processed into films but thick casts (>2 mm) were subject to increased rates of cracking and longer curing times. Although this is typical of sol–gel chemistries, the organic constituents of ORMOSILs reduce this effect as compared to purely inorganic sol–gels. The effect of thermal aging on the materials’ properties will also be presented as well as a comparison of these materials and the current state of the art light stripping material.