Microwave-Assisted Elemental-Direct-Reaction Route to Nanocrystalline Copper Sulfides Cu9S8 and Cu7S4

Non-stoichiometric copper sulfides Cu₉S₈ and Cu₇S₄ nanocrystallites were synthesized by the reaction between elements S and Cu under microwave radiation for several minutes. The products were analyzed by using XRD, TEM, XPS, ICP and PL.     

A simple method of fabricating large-area α-MnO2 nanowires and nanorods

α-MnO₂ nanowires or nanorods have been selectively synthesized via the hydrothermal method in nitric acid condition. The α-MnO₂ nanowires hold with average diameter of 50 nm and lengths ranging between 10 and 40 μm, using MnSO₄·H₂O as manganese source; meanwhile, α-MnO₂ bifurcate nanorods with average diameter of 100 nm were obtained by adopting MnCO₃ as starting material. The morphology of α-MnO₂ bifurcate nanorods is the first one to be reported in this paper. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to characterize the products. Experimental results indicate that the concentrated nitric acid plays a crucial role in the phase purity and morphologies of the products. The possible formation mechanism of α-MnO₂ nanowires and nanorods has been discussed.     

Polysynthetic Twinning in RbIn3S5

The real structure of the new ternary compound RbIn₃S₅ is characterized by polysynthetic twinning of nanosized domains separated by coherent twin boundaries. Based on electron microscopy, a model of the structure at the twin interface is derived which allows a convincing simulation of experimental images. The details of twinning are described in a unified model. As a rule, a disordered arrangement of twin lamellas with a random distribution of their widths is observed with ordering of twin boundaries only in nanosized regions of the crystallites. For a minimal distance of the twin boundaries (back-to-back twinning) the close relationship between twinning and shearing is discussed. The distinction of these two cases is only possible by close inspection of the atomic structure at the boundaries. Twinning is not the only crystal defect in the structure of RbIn₃S₅. Variations in the connection of the characteristic structural units occur which lead to the formation of different real structures.     

Synthesis and X-ray crystallographic structures of [HGa(NMe2)2]2 and [PhGa(NHNMe2)2]2, and room-temperature conversions of [HGa(NMe2)2]2 to (HGaNH)n and (HGaNMe)n

The reactivity of bis(dimethylamido) complexes of phenyl- and hydridogallium with ammonia, dimethylamine and 1,1-dimethylhydrazine is described. Synthesis of the starting gallium hydride, [HGa(NMe₂)₂]₂, was achieved in nearly quantitative yield from the reaction of HGaCl₂(quinuclidine) with LiNMe₂. In neat ammonia or methylamine at room temperature both dimethylamido ligands in [HGa(NMe₂)₂]₂ were substituted by a single equivalent of NH₃ or MeNH₂ to produce amorphous (HGaNH)_n or (HGaNMe)_n, respectively. In contrast, the reaction of [PhGa(NMe₂)₂]₂ with neat Me₂NNH₂, at room temperature consumed two equivalents of the substituted hydrazine to form [PhGa(NHNMe₂)₂]₂ in a 73% yield. Single crystal X-ray crystallographic analyses of [HGa(NMe₂)₂]₂ and [PhGa(NHNMe₂)₂]₂ establish that in the solid state both compounds adopt a cyclic Ga-N-Ga-N structure with a crystallographic center of symmetry located at the center of the ring.     

[H3N(CH2)4NH3]2[Al4(C2O4)(H2PO4)2(PO4)4]·4[H2O]: A new layered aluminum phosphate-oxalate

A new layered inorganic-organic hybrid aluminum phosphate-oxalate [H₃N(CH₂)₄NH₃]₂[Al₄(C₂O₄)(H₂PO₄)₂(PO₄)₄]·4[H₂O](AlPO-CJ25) has been synthesized hydrothermally, by using 1,4-diaminobutane (DAB) as structure-directing agent. The structure has been solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and further characterized by IR, ³¹P MAS NMR, TG-DTA as well as compositional analyses. Crystal data: the triclinic space group P-1, a=8.0484(7) Å, b=8.8608(8) Å, c=13.2224(11) Å, α=80.830(6)°, β=74.965(5)°, γ=78.782(6)°, Z=2, R_1[I>2σ(I)]=0.0511 and wR_{2(all data)}=0.1423. The alternation of AlO₄ tetrahedra and PO₄ tetrahedra gives rise to the four-membered corner-sharing chains, which are interconnected through AlO₆ octahedra to form the layered structure with 4,6-net sheet. Interestingly, oxalate ions are bis-bidentately bonded by participating in the coordination of AlO₆, and bridging the adjacent AlO₆ octahedra. The layers are held with each other through strong H-bondings between the terminal oxygens. The organic ammonium cations and water molecules are located in the large cavities between the interlayer regions.     

The ability of RP-type cobaltites to accommodate carbonate groups: A new layered oxide Sr4Co2(CO3)O5.86

The possibility to introduce carbonate groups inside a pure cobalt based Ruddlesden Popper type matrix is demonstrated. This paper reports the synthesis as a single phase of a new layered oxycarbonate Sr₄Co₂(CO₃)O_5.86 and its structural characterizations at room temperature combining TEM observations and powder neutron diffraction data. Close structural relationships are observed with the homologous Sr₄Fe_3−x(CO₃)_xO_10−4x series and deal with the presence of two specific carbonate configurations, namely coat hanger and flag. Magnetization measurements reveal a complex antiferromagnetic behavior below 50 K with three others transitions, at 160, 210 and 250 K. Such behavior can be ascribed to the latent reactivity in air of this largely oxygen deficient phase.     

New binuclear vanadium(III) and (IV) squarate species: synthesis, structure and characterization of [V(OH)(H2O)2(C4O4)]2·2H2O and (NH4)[(VO)2(OH)(C4O4)2(H2O)3]·3H2O

Two new vanadium squarates have been synthesized, characterized by infrared and thermal behavior and their structures determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both structures are made of discrete, binuclear vanadium entity but in 1, [V(OH)(H₂O)₂(C₄O₄)]₂·2H₂O the vanadium atom is trivalent and the entity is neutral while in 2, (NH₄)[(VO)₂(OH)(C₄O₄)₂(H₂O)₃]·3H₂O, the vanadium atom is tetravalent and the entity is negatively charged, balanced by the presence of one ammonium ion. Both molecular anions are bridged by two terminal μ₂ squarate ligands. 1 crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P-1, with lattice constants a=7.5112(10) Å, b=7.5603(8) Å, c=8.2185(8) Å, α=106.904(8)°, β=94.510(10)°, γ=113.984(9)° while 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c, with a=14.9340(15) Å, b=6.4900(9) Å, c=17.9590(19) Å and β=97.927(12)°. From the magnetic point of view, V(III) binuclear species show ferromagnetic interactions at low temperatures. However, no anomalies pointing to magnetic ordering are observed down to 2 K.     

Molten salt synthesis (MSS) of Cu2Mo6S8—New way for large-scale production of Chevrel phases

The Chevrel phase (CP), Mo₆S₈, was found to be an excellent cathode material for rechargeable magnesium batteries. Mo₆S₈ is obtained by a leaching process of Cu₂Mo₆S₈, which removes the copper. A new method of Cu₂Mo₆S₈ production was developed. In contrast to the well-known solid-state synthesis of CP, the method is based on the reaction in a molten salt media (KCl). A fast kinetics of this reaction allows using less active, but more convenient precursors (sulfides instead of sulfur), decreasing temperature and synthesis duration, as well as operation in the inert atmosphere instead of dynamic evacuated systems. It was shown that the composition and the electrochemical behavior of the products obtained by MSS and by the solid-state synthesis are identical. Thus, the molten salt method is extremely attractive for the large-scale production of the active materials for Mg batteries.     

[Co(en)3][In3(H2PO4)6(HPO4)3]·H2O: A new layered indium phosphate templated by cobalt complex

A new layered indium phosphate [Co(en)₃][In₃(H₂PO₄)₆(HPO₄)₃]·H₂O (1) has been synthesized solvothermally by using a racemic mix of chiral metal complex Co(en)₃Cl₃ as a template. Its structure is determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and further characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, ICP, NMR and TG analyses. The inorganic layer is built up by alternation of In-centred octahedra (InO₆) and P-centered tetrahedra (PO₃(OH), PO₂(OH)₂, PO₂(=O)(OH) and PO(=O)(OH)₂) forming a 4.12-net. The metal complex cations locate in the interlayer region and interact with the host network through H-bonds. It is the first indium phosphate compound templated by a transition-metal complex and is isostructural with GaPO-CJ14. Crystal data: 1, monoclinic, space group P2₁/m (No. 11), a=9.1700(18) Å, b=22.6923(5) Å, c=9.9116(2) Å, β=107.87(3)°, Z=4, R_1[I>2σ(I)]=0.0287 and wR_{2(all data)}=0.0939.     

The new silver(I)thioantimonate(III) [C4N2H14][Ag3Sb3S7] and a new structural variant of the silver(I)thioantimonate(III) [C2N2H9]2[Ag5Sb3S8] both synthesized under solvothermal conditions

The novel silver(I)thioantimonates(III) [C₄N₂H₁₄][Ag₃Sb₃S₇] (I) (C₄N₂H₁₂=1,4-diaminobutane) and [C₂N₂H₉]₂[Ag₅Sb₃S₈] (II) (C₂N₂H₈=ethylenediamine) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions using AgNO₃, Sb, S and the amines as structure directing molecules. Both compounds crystallize as orange needles with lattice parameters a=6.669(1) Å, b=30.440(3) Å, c=9.154(1) Å for I (space group Pnma), and a=6.2712(4) Å, b=15.901(1) Å, c=23.012(2) Å, β=95.37(1)° for II (space group P2₁/n). In both compounds the primary building units are trigonal SbS₃ pyramids, AgS₃ triangles and AgS₄ tetrahedra. In I the layered [Ag₃Sb₃S₇]²⁻ anion is constructed by two different chains. An [Sb₂S₄] chain running along [100] is formed by vertex sharing of SbS₃ pyramids. The second chain contains a Ag₃SbS₅ group composed of the AgS₄ tetrahedron, two AgS₃ units and one SbS₃ pyramid. The Ag₃SbS₅ units are joined via S atoms to form the second chain which is also directed along [100]. The layered anion is then obtained by condensation of the two individual chains. The organic structure director is sandwiched by the inorganic layers and the shortest inter-layer distance is about 6.4 Å. In II the primary building units are linked into different six-membered rings which form a honeycomb-like layer. Two such layers are connected via Ag-S bonds of the AgS₄ tetrahedra giving the final undulated double layer anion. The structure directing ethylenediamine cations are located in pairs between the layers and a sandwich-like arrangement of alternating anionic layers and organic cations is observed. The inter-layer separation is about 5.4 Å. Both compounds decompose in a more or less complex manner when heated in an argon atmosphere. The optical band gaps of about 1.9 eV for the two compounds proof the semiconducting behavior. For II the conductivity was measured with impedance spectroscopy and amounts to σ_295K=7.6×10⁻⁷ Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹. At 80 °C the conductivity is significantly larger by one order of magnitude.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new layered gallium phosphate [Co(en)3][Ga3(H2PO4)6(HPO4)3] templated by cobalt complex

A new layered gallium phosphate [Co(en)₃][Ga₃(H₂PO₄)₆(HPO₄)₃], denoted as GaPO-CJ14, has been synthesized solvothermally by using a racemic mix of chiral metal complex Co(en)₃Cl₃ as a template. Its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and further characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, ICP, and TG analyses. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/m (No. 11) with a=9.2103(3), b=22.0936(8), c=9.5458(4) Å, β=108.278(2)°, Z=2, R₁=0.0497 and wR₂=0.1122 for all data. The inorganic layer is built up by alternation of Ga-centered octahedra (GaO₆) and P-centered tetrahedra (PO₃(OH), PO₂(OH)₂ , PO₂(O)(OH) and PO(O)(OH)₂) forming a 4.12-net. The sheet structure is featured by a series of structural units composed of two centrosymmetrically related [3.3.3] propellane-like chiral motifs. The metal complex cations locate in the interlayer region and interact with the host network through H-bonds.     

Synthesis, structure, and ionic conductivity of Na5Li3Ti2S8

The compound Na₅Li₃Ti₂S₈ has been synthesized by the reaction of Ti with a Na/Li/S flux at 723 K. Na₅Li₃Ti₂S₈ crystallizes in a new structure type with four formula units in space group C2/c of the monoclinic system. The structure contains three crystallographically independent Na⁺ cations and two crystallographically independent Li⁺ cations. Na₅Li₃Ti₂S₈ possesses a channel structure that features two-dimensional layers built from Li(1)S₄ and TiS₄ tetrahedra. The layers, which are stacked along c, comprise eight-membered rings and sixteen-membered rings. Na(3)⁺ cations are located between the eight-membered rings and Na(1)⁺, Na(2)⁺, and Li(2)⁺ cations are located between the sixteen-membered rings. These cations are each octahedrally coordinated by six S²⁻ anions. The ionic conductivity σ_T of Na₅Li₃Ti₂S₈ ranges from 8.8×10⁻⁶ S/cm at 303 K to 3.8×10⁻⁴ S/cm at 483 K. The activation energy E_a is 0.40 eV.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Organically Templated Copper Halides with Zero and One-dimensional Hybrid Structures: (nbq)4Cu4I8 and [(ipq)2(Cu5I7)] n

Two new organically templated copper halides, (nbq)₄Cu₄I₈ (1) and [(ipq)₂(Cu₅I₇)] _n (2) have been synthesized in the presence of nbq⁺ and ibq⁺ (nbq⁺ = N-(n-butyl)-quinolinium, ibq⁺ = N-(iso-pentyl)-quinolinium) acting as structure-directing agents(SDAs). Both of the compounds present hybrid structures with SDAs and inorganic moieties being incorporated. In 1, tetrameric Cu₄I₈ ⁴⁻ anion is composed by edge-sharing CuI₄ tetrahedrons and CuI₃ planar triangles. But the inorganic framework of 2 presents one-dimensional arrangement which results from the tetrahedron CuI₄ and pseudo trigonal pyramid CuI₃ through edge-sharing fashion. Electrostatic interactions between organic counter cations and inorganic moieties could be observed and contribute to the crystal packing. Both compounds are further characterized by IR, UV–Vis, elemental analysis, fluorescence and cyclic voltammetry.     

The structure and ordering of ε-MnO2

The presence of ε-MnO₂ as a major component of electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) has been demonstrated by a combined X-ray diffraction/transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study. ε-MnO₂ usually has a partially ordered defect NiAs structure containing 50% cation vacancies; these vacancies can be fully ordered by a low temperature (200 °C) heat treatment to form a pseudohexagonal but monoclinic superlattice.Numerous fine-scale anti-phase domain boundaries are present in ordered ε-MnO₂ and cause extensive peak broadening and a massive shift of a very intense, 0.37 nm superlattice peak. This suggests a radically different explanation of the ubiquitous, very broad ∼0.42 nm peak (∼21-22° 2θ, CuKα radiation) in EMDs, which heretofore has been attributed to Ramsdellite containing numerous planar defects. This work confirms the multi-phase model of equiaxed EMDs proposed by Heuer et al. [ITE Lett. 1(6) (2000) B50; Proc. Seventh Int. Symp. Adv. Phys. Fields 92 (2001)], rather than the defective single-phase model of Chabre and Pannetier [Prog. Solid State Chem. 23 (1995) 1] and Bowden et al. [ITE Lett. 4(1) (2003) B1].     

Dependence of the lone pair of bismuth on coordination environment and pressure: An ab initio study on Cu4Bi5S10 and Bi2S3

DFT calculations have been carried out for Cu₄Bi₅S₁₀ and Bi₂S₃ to provide an analysis of the relation between electronic structure, lone electron pairs and the local geometry. The effect of pressure is considered in Bi₂S₃ and the results are compared to published experimental data. Bi³⁺ in Cu₄Bi₅S₁₀ is found at both symmetrically and asymmetrically coordinated sites, whereas the coordination environments of Bi in Bi₂S₃ are asymmetric at room conditions and get more regular with increasing pressure. The charge density maps of the asymmetric sites show the lone pairs as lobes of non-shared charge. These lobes are related to an effective Bi s-Bi p hybridization resulting from coupling to S p orbitals, supporting the modern view of the origin of the stereochemically active lone pair. No effective Bi s-p hybridization is seen for the symmetric site in Cu₄Bi₅S₁₀, whereas Bi s-p hybridization coexists with a much reduced lone pair in Bi₂S₃ at high pressure.     

In[NC5H3(CO2)2](OH2)F: A new layered indium-organic framework material (NC5H3(CO2)2=2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate)

A new layered indium-organic framework material, In[NC₅H₃(CO₂)₂](OH₂)F has been synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction using In₂O₃, NH₄F, 2,6-NC₅H₃(CO₂H)₂ (2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid), HF, and water at 200 °C. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was used to determine the structure of the reported material. In[NC₅H₃(CO₂)₂](OH₂)F has a novel layered structure consisting of InO₅NF polyhedra and the pyridinedicarboxylate organic linker. Detailed structural analyses with full characterization including infrared spectrum, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, exchange reactions for the coordinated water molecule, and gas adsorption experiments are reported.     

层状多硫代锑(Ⅲ)酸镉(Ⅱ)化合物(1,4-DABH2)Cd2Sb2S6的溶剂热合成与表征

利用溶剂热方法合成了层状多硫代锑(Ⅲ)酸镉(Ⅱ)化合物(1,4-DABH₂)Cd₂Sb₂S₆ (1)(1,4-DAB=1,4-丁二胺),并通过红外光谱、热重分析对其进行了表征,用X-射线衍射测定了化合物的单晶结构。单晶解析表明,化合物属正交晶系,Cmca空间群,M_r=750.77,a=0.860 3(5) nm,b=0.898 7(6) nm,c=2.273(2) nm,V=1.758(2) nm³,Z=4,λ=0.071 073 nm,R=0.032,wR=0.106 7。晶体结构中含有六元环的Cd₂SbS₃和八元环的Cd₂Sb₂S₄的阴离子网络层状[CdSbS₃]_n^n-,双质子化的有机阳离子在阴离子层之间以氢键N-H…S形式连接。另外紫外-可见漫反射光谱研究表明,化合物为半导体。     

层状多硫代锑(Ⅲ)酸镉(Ⅱ)化合物(1,4-DABH2)Cd2Sb2S6的溶剂热合成与表征

利用溶剂热方法合成了层状多硫代锑髥酸镉髤化合物(1,4-DABH2)Cd2Sb2S6(1)(1,4-DAB=1,4-丁二胺),并通过红外光谱、热重分析对其进行了表征,用X-射线衍射测定了化合物的单晶结构。单晶解析表明,化合物属正交晶系,Cmca空间群,Mr=750.77,a=0.860 3(5)nm,b=0.898 7(6)nm,c=2.273(2)nm,V=1.758(2)nm3,Z=4,λ=0.071 073 nm,R=0.032,wR=0.106 7。晶体结构中含有六元环的Cd2SbS3和八元环的Cd2Sb2S4的阴离子网络层状[CdSbS3]nn-,双质子化的有机阳离子在阴离子层之间以氢键N-H…S形式连接。另外紫外-可见漫反射光谱研究表明,化合物为半导体。     

Flower-like Cu5Sn2S7/ZnS nanocomposite for high performance supercapacitor

Due to the synergistic effect between ZnS and Cu₅Sn₂S₇, the ZnS can enhance electrochemical performance of pristine Cu₅Sn₂S₇.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of (C8h8)Nd(C5H9C5H4) (THF)2 and [(C8H8)Gd(C5H9C4H4(THF)][(C8H8)GD(C5H9C5H4(THF)2]

LnCl₃ (Ln=Nd, Gd) reacts with C₅H₉C₅H₄Na (or K₂C₈H₈) in THF (C₅H₉C₅H₄ = cyclopentylcyclopentadienyl) in the ratio of 1 : to give (C₅H₉C₅H₄)LnCl₂(THF)_n (orC₈H₈)LnCl₂(THF)_n], which further reacts with K₂C₈H₈ (or C₅H₉C₅H₄Na) in THF to form the litle complexes. If Ln=Nd the complex (C₈H₈)Nd(C₅H₉C₅H₄)(THF)₂ (a) was obtained: when Ln=Gd the 1 : 1 complex [(C₈H₈)Gd(C_%H₉)(THF)][(C₈H₈)Gd(C₅H₉H₄)(THF)₂] (b) was obtained in crystalline form.

The crystal structure analysis shows that in (C₈H₈)Ln(C₅H₉C₅H₄)(THF)₂ (Ln=Nd or Gd), the Cyclopentylcyclopentadieny (η⁵), cyclooctatetraenyl (η⁸) and two oxygen atoms from THF are coordinated to Nd³⁺ (or Gd³⁺) with coordination number 10.

The centroid of the cyclopentadienyl ring (Cp′) in C₅H₉C₅H₄ group, cyclooctatetraenyl centroid (COTL) and two oxygens (THF) form a twisted tetrahedron around Nd³⁺ (or Gd³⁺). In (C₈H₈)Gd(C₅H₉C₅H₄)(THF), the cyclopentyl-cyclopentadienyl (η⁵), cyclooctatetraenyl (η⁸) and one oxygen atom are coordinated to Gd³⁺ with the coordination number of 9 and Cp′, COT and oxygen atom form a triangular plane around Gd³⁺, which is almost in the plane (dev. -0.0144 Å).