Template‐Free Synthesis of Nanorod‐Assembled Hierarchical Zn1−xMnxS Hollow Nanostructures with Enhanced Pseudocapacitive Properties

Mixed‐metal sulfide Zn_1?xMn_xS nanorod‐assembled hierarchical hollow spheres were synthesized by a template‐free solvothermal process based on Ostwald ripening. In the reaction system, glycerol plays a key role in the formation of Zn_xMn_1?xS hierarchical hollow structures by a quasi‐microemulsion‐template mechanism. When applied as capacitor electrode material, the hierarchical Zn_1?xMn_xS hollow spheres show excellent electrochemical performance. Specifically, Zn_0.25Mn_0.75S hollow spheres can deliver a high specific capacitance of 664 F g^?1 at a current rate of 1 A g^?1, which is almost five times of that of MnS under the same conditions and higher than those of previously reported single Mn‐based compounds.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a Two‐Dimensional Zinc Phosphite,Zn3(tren)(HPO3)3·xH2O (x ≈ 0.5; tren = tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine)

A new zinc phosphite with the formula Zn₃(tren)(HPO₃)₃·xH₂O (x≈0.5) has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by FTIR, elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and its fluorescent spectrum. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group (No.2), a = 10.1188(9) Å, b = 10.4194(9) Å, c = 10.5176(9) Å, α = 60.763(2)°, β = 70.6150(10)°, γ = 80.725(2)°, V = 912.77(14) ų, Z = 2. The structure consists of double crankshaft chains, which are linked by Zn‐O‐P bonds to form 8‐ and 12‐membered channels along the [100] direction. The claw‐like Zn‐centered complexes of Zn(N₄C₆H₁₈) as the supported templates, hang into the 12‐MR channels through Zn‐O‐P linkages with framework.     

The σ‐Aromatic Clusters [Zn3]+ and [Zn2Cu]: Embryonic Brass

The triangular clusters [Zn₃Cp*₃]⁺ and [Zn₂CuCp*₃] were obtained by addition of the in situ generated, electrophilic, and isolobal species [ZnCp*]⁺ and [CuCp*] to Carmona’s compound, [Cp*Zn? ZnCp*], without splitting the Zn? Zn bond. The choice of non‐coordinating fluoroaromatic solvents was crucial. The bonding situations of the all‐hydrocarbon‐ligand‐protected clusters were investigated by quantum chemical calculations revealing a high degree of σ‐aromaticity similar to the triatomic hydrogen ion [H₃]⁺. The new species serve as molecular building units of Cu_nZn_m nanobrass clusters as indicated by LIFDI mass spectrometry.     

Combining valproate and bipyridyl ligands to construct a 0D core‐shell Zn5(μ3‐OH)2 cluster and a 2D layered coordination network with a [Zn3(μ3‐OH)]2 SBU

Starting from the proposed zinc carboxylate cluster tetrakis(μ‐2‐propylpentanoato)dizinc(II), Zn₂(μ₂‐valp)₄ ( I ), of valproic acid, a branched short‐chain fatty acid, and bipyridine ligands, two new mixed‐ligand coordination compounds, namely, bis(2,2′‐bipyridine)di‐μ₃‐hydroxido‐hexakis(μ‐2‐propylpentanoato)bis(2‐propylpentanoato)pentazinc(II), [Zn₅(C₈H₁₅O₂)₈(OH)₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)₂] ( II ), and poly[[bis(μ‐4,4′‐bipyridine)di‐μ₃‐hydroxido‐octakis(μ‐2‐propylpentanoato)bis(2‐propylpentanoato)hexazinc(II)] dimethylformamide disolvate], {[Zn₆(C₈H₁₅O₂)₁₀(OH)₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)₂]·2C₃H₇NO}_n ( III ), were synthesized. Compound II is a core‐shell‐type zero‐dimensional discrete Zn₅(μ₃‐OH)₂ metal–organic cluster with Zn ions in double‐triangle arrangements that share one Zn ion coincident with an inversion centre. The cluster contains three crystallographically non‐equivalent Zn ions exhibiting three different coordination geometries (tetrahedral, square pyramidal and octahedral). The cluster cores are well separated and embedded in a protective shell of the aliphatic branched short chains of valproate. As a result, there is no specific interaction between the discrete clusters. Conversely, compound III , a 2D layered coordination network with a secondary building unit (SBU), is formed by Zn₆(μ₃‐OH)₂ clusters exhibiting a chair‐like hexagonal arrangement. This SBU is formed from two Zn₃(μ₃‐OH) trimers related by inversion symmetry and connected by two syn–anti bridging carboxylate groups. Each SBU is connected by four 4,4′‐bipyridine ligands producing a 6³‐hcb net topology. 2D coordination layers are sandwiched within layers of dimethylformamide molecules that do not interact strongly with the network due to the hydrophobic protection provided by the valproate ligands.     

Highly Efficient Conversion of Propargylic Amines and CO2 Catalyzed by Noble‐Metal‐Free [Zn116] Nanocages

The reaction of propargylic amines and CO₂ can provide high‐value‐added chemical products. However, most of catalysts in such reactions employ noble metals to obtain high yield, and it is important to seek eco‐friendly noble‐metal‐free MOFs catalysts. Here, a giant and lantern‐like [Zn₁₁₆] nanocage in zinc‐tetrazole 3D framework [Zn₂₂(Trz)₈(OH)₁₂(H₂O)₉?8 H₂O]_n Trz=(C₄N₁₂O)^4? ( 1 ) was obtained and structurally characterized. It consists of six [Zn₁₄O₂₁] clusters and eight [Zn₄O₄] clusters. To our knowledge, this is the highest‐nuclearity nanocages constructed by Zn‐clusters as building blocks to date. Importantly, catalytic investigations reveal that 1 can efficiently catalyze the cycloaddition of propargylic amines with CO₂, exclusively affording various 2‐oxazolidinones under mild conditions. It is the first eco‐friendly noble‐metal‐free MOFs catalyst for the cyclization of propargylic amines with CO₂. DFT calculations uncover that Zn^II ions can efficiently activate both C≡C bonds of propargylic amines and CO₂ by coordination interaction. NMR and FTIR spectroscopy further prove that Zn‐clusters play an important role in activating C≡C bonds of propargylic amines. Furthermore, the electronic properties of related reactants, intermediates and products can help to understand the basic reaction mechanism and crucial role of catalyst 1 .     

(Zn1-xMnx)C2O4·2H2O在空气中的热分解动力学研究

用热分析（TG-DTG/DTA）、X射线衍射（XRD）技术和透射电镜（TEM）研究了固态物质Zn_1-xMn_xC₂O₄•2H₂O在空气中热分解的过程。热分析结果表明，Zn_1-xMn_xC₂O₄•2H₂O在空气中分两步分解，其失重率与理论计算失重率相吻合。 XRD和TEM结果表明，Zn_1-xMn_xC₂O₄•2H₂O分解的最终产物为Zn_1-xMn_xO,其颗粒大小约为10-13 nm。在非等温条件下对Zn_1-xMn_xC₂O₄•2H₂O的热分解动力学进行了分析。用Friedman法和Flynn-Wall-Ozawa(FWO)法求取了分解过程的活化能E，并用多元线性回归给出了可能的机理函数。Zn_1-xMn_xC₂O₄•2H₂O两步热分解的活化能分别为155.7513 kJ/mol 和215.9397 kJ/mol。     

Identification of segregation phase on a batch hot‐dip‐coated Zn/0.1Al/0.2Sb surface

The segregation of antimony in a batch hot‐dipped regular‐spangle galvanized coating from a Zn‐0.1Al‐0.2Sb bath was investigated. The samples were characterized by using SEM/EDS. The nature of the segregation phase was determined by XRD as βSb₃Zn₄. Assisted with Sb? Zn phase diagram, the behavior of antimony during the solidification process of the Zn‐0.1Al‐0.2Sb coating is examined. It is suggested that the coating solidification proceeds in three stages. Owing to the cooling rate of batch hot dip galvanizing process smaller than that of continuous hot dip galvanizing line (CGL), the resulting structure of the segregation phase in current work is βSb₃Zn₄ instead of metastable ζSb₂Zn₃ for CGL. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Designing ultra-highly efficient Mn2+-activated Zn2GeO4 green-emitting persistent phosphors toward versatile applications

Developing highly efficient green-emitting phosphors is very significant because human eyes are sensitive to green spectral region. Herein, Mn²⁺-activated Zn₂GeO₄ phosphors, which can emit bright green light with an ultrahigh internal quantum efficiency of 98.5%, were prepared by a solid-state reaction technology in ambient atmosphere. At 323 nm irradiation, the emission spectrum shows a narrow band centered at 534 nm, which is ascribed to the ⁴T₁ → ⁶A₁ transition of Mn²⁺, with a full width at half maxima of 49.5 nm. Through monitoring the temperature-dependent photoluminescence emission intensity and decay time of Mn²⁺, we explored the thermometric properties of the resultant compound and found maximum relative sensitivities of Zn₂GeO₄:0.02Mn²⁺ phosphor are 4.90% K^?1 and 0.74% K^?1, respectively. Furthermore, green afterglow phenomenon is observed in the designed phosphors, and its mechanism is verified by discussing the thermoluminescence. Because of the excellent luminescence behaviors, various multimode luminescent patterns for information encryption are designed, including anticounterfeiting and fingerprint identification. Furthermore, using the prepared Zn₂GeO₄:0.02Mn²⁺ as green-emitting components, a white-light-emitting diode with suitable color coordinates, high color rending index (>90), and low correlated color temperature (5,000–6,000 K) was fabricated. These results demonstrate that Mn²⁺-activated Zn₂GeO₄ phosphors are multifunctional green-emitting components for optical thermometry, anticounterfeiting, fingerprint detection, and solid-state lighting applications.     

Zn/Mn–MOFs with `S‐shaped' packing modes

Two novel polymers exhibiting metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been synthesized by the combination of a metal ion with a benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate ligand (BTC) and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) under hydrothermal conditions. The first compound, poly[[(μ₄‐benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylato‐κ⁴O:O′:O′′:O′′′)(μ‐hydroxido‐κ²O:O)bis(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ²N,N′)dizinc(II)] 0.32‐hydrate], {[Zn₂(C₉H₃O₆)(OH)(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂]·0.32H₂O}_n, denoted Zn–MOF, forms a two‐dimensional network in which a binuclear Zn₂ cluster serves as a 3‐connecting node; the BTC trianion also acts as a 3‐connecting centre. The overall topology is that of a 6³ net. The phen ligands serve as appendages to the network and interdigitate with phen ligands belonging to adjacent parallel sheets. The second compound, poly[[(μ₆‐benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylato‐κ⁷O¹,O^1′:O¹:O³:O^3′:O⁵:O^5′)(μ₃‐hydroxido‐κ²O:O:O)(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ²N,N′)dimanganese(II)] 1.26‐hydrate], {[Mn₂(C₉H₃O₆)(OH)(C₁₂H₈N₂)]·1.26H₂O}_n, denoted Mn–MOF, exists as a three‐dimensional network in which an Mn₄ cluster serves as a 6‐connecting unit, while the BTC trianion again plays the role of a 3‐connecting centre. The overall topology is that of the rutile net. Phen ligands act as appendages to the network and form the `S‐shaped' packing mode.     

Ein Thiolato‐Zink‐Komplex mit einem Zn4O4‐Bicyclooctan‐Gerüst

A Thiolate‐Zinc Complex with a Zn₄O₄ Bicyclooctane Framework The reaction of diethyl zinc with 2,4,6‐triisopropyl thiophenol (HSR*) and N‐methyl‐2‐hydroxymethyl imidazole (ImCH₂OH) in methanol yields the complex Zn₄(SR*)₄ (ImCH₂O)₃(OMe) with terminal SR* and bridging ImCH₂O and MeO ligands. The structure of its Zn₄O₄ framework is that of a bicyclo[2.2.2]octane with Zn and O at the two apices.     

Mixed‐Ligand Zn‐MOFs for Highly Luminescent Sensing of Nitro Compounds

Three Zn^II metal‐organic frameworks (Zn‐MOFs), [Zn₂(tib)(HL¹)(H₂L¹)_0.5]?2H₂O ( 1 ), [Zn₂(tib)(L²)]?H₂O ( 2 ) and [Zn₃(tib)(L³)₂(H₂O)₆]?2 H₂O ( 3 ), have been prepared by reactions of 1,3,5‐tris(1‐imidazolyl)benzene (tib), and biphenyl‐3,3′,4,4′‐tetracarboxylic acid (H₄L¹), 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic acid (H₄L²), or benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (H₃L³) with corresponding Zn^II salts, respectively. Single crystal structure analyses reveal that 1 and 2 are constructed by Zn‐centered polyhedra, tib and multidentate tetracarboxylate ligands to form 3‐dimensional frameworks. In contrast, when the tetracarboxylate ligands were replaced by tricarboxylate ligand, layered structure of 3 is produced. These compounds are further characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, element analyses, thermogravimetric analyses and photoluminescent spectroscopy. The luminescent properties of three Zn‐MOFs dispersed in different solvents have been investigated systematically, demonstrating high sensitivity for the detection of nitro compounds via a fluorescence quenching mechanism.     

New Mechanistic Insight into Stepwise Metal‐Center Exchange in a Metal–Organic Framework Based on Asymmetric Zn4 Clusters

Herein, a mechanism of stepwise metal‐center exchange for a specific metal–organic framework, namely, [Zn₄(dcpp)₂(DMF)₃(H₂O)₂]_n (H₄dcpp=4,5‐bis(4′‐carboxylphenyl)phthalic acid), is disclosed for the first time. The coordination stabilities between the central metal atoms and the ligands as well as the coordination geometry are considered to be dominant factors in this stepwise exchange mechanism. A new magnetic analytical method and a theoretical model confirmed that the exchange mechanism is reasonable. When the metathesis reaction occurs between Cu^II ions and framework Zn^II ions, the magnetic exchange interaction of each pair of Cu^II centers gradually strengthens with increasing amount of framework Cu^II ions. By analyzing the changes of coupling constants in the Cu‐exchanged products, it was deduced that Zn4 and Zn3 are initially replaced, and then Zn1 and Zn2 are replaced later. The theoretical calculation further verified that Zn4 is replaced first, Zn3 next, then Zn1 and Zn2 last, and the coordination stability dominates the Cu/Zn exchange process. For the Ni/Zn and Co/Zn exchange processes, besides the coordination stability, the preferred coordination geometry was also considered in the stepwise‐exchange behavior. As Ni^II and Co^II ions especially favor octahedral coordination geometry in oxygen‐ligand fields, Ni^II ions and Co^II ions could only selectively exchange with the octahedral Zn^II ions, as was also confirmed by the experimental results. The stepwise metal‐exchange process occurs in a single crystal‐to‐single crystal fashion.     

Zn5Ir7B3, Zn5Rh7B3 und Zn7+xRh9–xB3 (x ≈ 0,4) – neue ternäre Zink‐Platinmetallboride

Zn₅Ir₇B₃, Zn₅Rh₇B₃, and Zn_7+xRh_9–xB₃ (x ≈ 0.4) – New Ternary Zinc Platinum Metal Borides The new ternary zinc borides Zn₅Ir₇B₃, Zn₅Rh₇B₃, and Zn_7+xRh_9–xB₃ (x ≈ 0.4) were prepared by reaction of the elemental components at temperatures in the range 1200 to 1230 ?C. They crystallize orthorhombically in the space group Pmma with Z = 2. Zn₅Ir₇B₃ (a = 1116.1(2) pm, b = 284.96(4) pm, c = 1178.1(2) pm; R = 0.042, 1414 reflections, 47 parameters) and Zn₅Rh₇B₃ (a = 1101.6(2) pm, b = 283.94(3) pm, c = 1166.6(4) pm, R = 0.033, 787 reflections, 47 parameters) are isotypic. Along the short axis planar nets of platinum metal atoms at y = 0 alternate with layers containing the boron and zinc atoms at z = ¹/₂. By the stacking of the platinum metal nets columns of trigonal prisms centered by boron atoms, columns of pentagonal prisms containing zinc atoms and channels with horse shoe shaped cross sections, all running along the b‐axis are formed. The latter are filled by an aggregation of zinc atoms consisting of four parallel rows. In the structure of Zn_7+xRh_9–xB₃ (a = 1117.1(3) pm, b = 285.38(8) pm, c = 1484.8(5) pm; R = 0.026, 975 reflections, 59 parameters) one of the sitesets is occupied by Rh and Zn atoms approximately in the ratio 6 : 4. The structure contains the same building elements as those found in Zn₅Rh₇B₃ and in addition Rh prisms with elongated hexagon cross sections accommodating pairs of zinc atoms. These prisms are connected by common faces to form layers perpendicular to the c axis.     

Retention of the Zn−Zn bond in [Ge9Zn−ZnGe9]6− and Formation of [(Ge9Zn)−(Ge9)−(ZnGe9)]8− and Polymeric [−(Ge9Zn)2−−]

Reactions of Zn^I₂L₂ (where L=[HC(PPh₂NPh)]⁻) with solutions of the Zintl phase K₄Ge₉ in liquid ammonia lead to retention of the Zn−Zn bond and formation of the anion [(η⁴‐Ge₉)Zn−Zn(η⁴‐Ge₉)]⁶⁻, representing the first complex with a Zn−Zn unit carrying two cluster entities. The trimeric anion [(η⁴‐Ge₉)Zn{μ₂(η¹:η¹Ge₉)}Zn(η⁴‐Ge₉)]⁸⁻ forms as a side product, indicating that oxidation reactions also take place. The reaction of Zn₂Cp*₂ (Cp*=1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) with K₄Ge₉ in ethylenediamine yielded the linear polymeric unit {[Zn[μ₂(η⁴:η¹Ge₉)]}²⁻ with the first head‐to‐tail arrangement of ten‐atom closo ‐clusters. All anions were obtained and structurally characterized as [A (2.2.2‐crypt)]⁺ salts (A =K, Rb). Copious computational analyses at a DFT‐PBE0/def2‐TZVPP/PCM level of theory confirm the experimental structures and support the stability of the two hypothetical ten vertex cluster fragments closo ‐[Ge₉Zn]²⁻ and (paramagnetic) [Ge₉Zn]³⁻.     

Röntgenographische und schwingungsspektroskopische Untersuchungen an Spinell-Mischkristallen des Systems (Zn,Ga) Cr2Se4

X-ray and I. R. Spectroscopic Studies on Spinel Solid Solutions of the Zn_1–xGa_0.67xCr₂Se₄ System With the aim to get new compounds with spinel defect structure of the ß-In₂S₃ type, we studied the phase diagram of the Zn_1–xGa_0.67xCr₂Se₄ system. The spinel type solid solutions formed within x = 0—0.6 show a relatively large phase width with respect to the metal selenium ratio, i. e. the parameter z in the formula Zn_1–xGa_0.67(x+0.5z)Cr_2–z^IIICr_z^IISe₄. Ternary Ga_0.67Cr₂Se₄ does not exist, it decomposes to Cr₂Se₃ and Ga₂Se₃. Instead of the ß-In₂S₃ type, superstructure reflections of LiFeCr₄O₈ type are observed.     

μ‐(4,4′‐Bi­pyri­dine)‐N:N′‐bis[bis‐(pyrrol­idine­dithio­car­boxyl­ato‐S,S′)zinc(II)]

The title compound, [Zn₂(C₅H₈NS₂)₄(C₁₀H₈N₂)], consists of two bis(pyrrol­idine­dithio­carboxylato)­zinc molecules bridged by a 4,4′‐bi­pyridine molecule, and has a 222 symmetry. Each Zn atom forms a five‐coordinate pseudo‐square‐based pyramidal arrangement, with four Zn—S interactions and one Zn—N interaction; the Zn—N distance is 2.085 (3) Å and the Zn—S distances are in the range 2.3319 (8)–2.6290 (9) Å.     

Charge storage mechanism of MnO2 cathodes in Zn/MnO2 batteries using ionic liquid-based gel polymer electrolytes

Cathode reactions in Zn/MnO₂ batteries using aqueous electrolytes have been usually interpreted by the reduction of Mn^4 + to Mn^3 + while protons and/or cations penetrate inside the cathode. However, until now, the MnO₂ storage charge mechanism using a non-aqueous gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) has not been investigated. In this work, ionic liquid-based GPEs including BMIM Tf and ZnTf₂ have been employed in Zn/MnO₂ batteries. Different states of charge of MnO₂ cathodes used in Zn/IL-GPE/MnO₂ batteries have been analyzed by XPS and EDX techniques. XPS analysis showed that Mn^4 + is reduced during the discharge process at the same time as Zn^2 + cations are incorporated into the cathode. Besides, Zn^2 + cations insertion is accompanied by triflate anions.     

Ni5‐δSn4Zn (δ ∼ 0.25) from single‐crystal data

Work on the ternary Ni–Sn–Zn phase diagram revealed the existence of the title compound pentanickel tetratin zinc, Ni_3.17Sn_2.67Zn_0.67 [Schmetterer et al. (2012). Intermetallics, doi:10.1016/j.intermet.2011.05.025]. It crystallizes in the Ni₅Ga₃Ge₂ structure type (orthorhombic, Cmcm) and is related to the InNi₂ type (hexagonal, P6₃/mmc) of the neighbouring Ni₃Sn₂ high‐temperature (HT) phase, but is not a superstructure. The crystal structure was determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Its homogeneity range was characterized using electron microprobe analysis. Phase analysis at various temperatures indicated that the phase decomposes between 1073 and 1173 K, where a more extended ternary solid solution of the Ni₃Sn₂ HT phase was found instead.     

[Zn4O] Cluster‐Based Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Catalysts for Conversion of CO2

One unique two‐dimensional (2D) Zn‐MOF {Na[Zn_1.5(μ₄‐O)(L)]}_n ( 1 ) was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Four Zn atoms are bridged through μ₄‐O to form [Zn₄O] clusters, which are further linked to form a 2D layer network through sharing Zn as vertexes. 1 exhibits high thermal stability up to 280 °C and keeps stable in common solvents and water solutions with pH ranging from 1 to 13. The catalytic studies reveal that compound 1 exhibits excellent catalytic activity for cycloaddition of CO₂ with epoxides into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions. Furthermore, 1 demonstrates good generality in CO₂ coupling reaction with extensive epoxides. Importantly, 1 can be reused for at least five times without significant reduction in catalytic ability.     

Effect of metal substitution for cobalt on the oxygen adsorption properties of YBaCo<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>

YBaCo₄O₇ compound is capable to intake and release a large amount of oxygen in the temperature range of 200–400°C. In the present study, the effect of Zn, Ga and Fe substitution for Co on the oxygen adsorption/desorption properties of YBaCo₄O₇ were investigated by thermogravimetry (TG) method. Due to fixed oxidation state of Zn2+ ions, the substitution of Zn²⁺ for Co²⁺ suppresses the oxygen adsorption of YBaCo_4−xZn_xO₇. The substitution of Ga³⁺ for Co³⁺ also decreases the oxygen absorption capacity of YBaCo_4−xGa_xO₇. This can be explained by the strong affinity of Ga³⁺ ions towards the GaO₄ tetrahedron. Compared with Zn- and Ga-substituted samples, the drop of oxygen adsorption capacity is smallest for Fe-substituted samples because of the similar changeability of oxidation states of Co and Fe ions.