Plasma‐Engraved Co3O4 Nanosheets with Oxygen Vacancies and High Surface Area for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Co₃O₄, which is of mixed valences Co²⁺ and Co³⁺, has been extensively investigated as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The proper control of Co²⁺/Co³⁺ ratio in Co₃O₄ could lead to modifications on its electronic and thus catalytic properties. Herein, we designed an efficient Co₃O₄‐based OER electrocatalyst by a plasma‐engraving strategy, which not only produced higher surface area, but also generated oxygen vacancies on Co₃O₄ surface with more Co²⁺ formed. The increased surface area ensures the Co₃O₄ has more sites for OER, and generated oxygen vacancies on Co₃O₄ surface improve the electronic conductivity and create more active defects for OER. Compared to pristine Co₃O₄, the engraved Co₃O₄ exhibits a much higher current density and a lower onset potential. The specific activity of the plasma‐engraved Co₃O₄ nanosheets (0.055 mA cm^?2_BET at 1.6 V) is 10 times higher than that of pristine Co₃O₄, which is contributed by the surface oxygen vacancies.     

Darstellung und Struktur von Ag2C4O4

Preparation and Structure of Ag₂C₄O₄ Ag₂C₄O₄ occurs in a yellow and a colourless modification. Both forms decompose to metallic silver upon heating. Ag⁺ is coordinated in two different fashions in the yellow Ag₂C₄O₄. Ag(1) shows distorted tetrahedral coordination, Ag(2) is coordinated in an unusual distorted square planar manner. The connection of Ag⁺ and C₄O₄^2? leads to a complicated three-dimensional framework. C₄O₄^2? is planar with C? O and C? C bonds lengths typical of complete delocalization of the π-electron system.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and studies on the interaction with albumin of a new silver(I) complex based on 2‐(4‐nitrobenzenesulfonamido)benzoic acid

In the present work, the two‐dimensional (2D) polymer poly[[μ₄‐2‐(4‐nitrobenzenesulfonamido)benzoato‐κ⁴O¹:O¹:O^1′:N⁶]silver(I)] (AgL), [Ag(C₁₃H₉N₂O₆S)]_n, was obtained from 2‐(4‐nitrobenzenesulfonamido)benzoic acid (HL), C₁₃H₁₀N₂O₆S. FT–IR, ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopic analyses were used to characterize both compounds. The crystal structures of HL and AgL were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In the structure of HL, O—H…O hydrogen bonds between neighbouring molecules result in the formation of dimers, while the silver(I) complex shows polymerization associated with the O atoms of three distinct deprotonated ligands (L^?). Thus, the structure of the Ag complex can be considered as a coordination polymer consisting of a one‐dimensional linear chain, constructed by carboxylate bridging groups, running parallel to the b axis. Neighbouring polymeric chains are further bridged by Ag—C monohapto contacts, resulting in a 2D framework. Fingerprint analysis of the Hirshfeld surfaces show that O…H/H…O hydrogen bonds are responsible for the most significant contacts in the crystal packing of HL and AgL, followed by the H…H and O…C/C…O interactions. The Ag…Ag, Ag…O/O…Ag and Ag…C/C…Ag interactions in the Hirshfeld surface represent 12.1% of the total interactions in the crystal packing. Studies of the interactions of the compounds with human serum albumin (HSA) indicated that both HL and AgL interact with HSA.     

A 3D Polyoxometalate‐Based Framework Constructed from Ag/trz Metal‐Organic Ribbons and P2W18 Polyoxoanions: Synthesis,Structure and Electrochemical Properties

A Wells‐Dawson Polyoxometalate‐based hybrid, Ag₉(trz)₃(Htrz)₄ (H₂O)(P₂W₁₈O₆₂)·3H₂O ( 1 ) (Htrz = 1,2,4‐1H‐triazole) was hydrothermally synthesized through using trz ligand and silver nitrate in the presence of [P₂W₁₈O₆₂]^6– polyoxoanion. In the 3D framework structure of compound 1 , two kinds of wave‐like Ag/trz chains originated from trz ligands and silver cations are aggregated in a “2+1” mode by {Ag₂/trz} linkages to result in a 1D Ag/trz metal‐organic ribbon, which is further extended into a 3D framework structure by [P₂W₁₈O₆₂]^6– polyoxoanions through Ag‐O covalent bonds. Additionally, the electrochemical properties of compound 1 have also been investigated.     

Coupling Magnetic Single‐Crystal Co2Mo3O8 with Ultrathin Nitrogen‐Rich Carbon Layer for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Transition‐metal oxides as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) provide a promising route to face the energy and environmental crisis issues. Although palmeirite oxide A₂Mo₃O₈ as OER catalyst has been explored, the correlation between its active sites (tetrahedral or octahedral) and OER performance has been elusive. Now, magnetic Co₂Mo₃O₈@NC‐800 composed of highly crystallized Co₂Mo₃O₈ nanosheets and ultrathin N‐rich carbon layer is shown to be an efficient OER catalyst. The catalyst exhibits favorable performance with an overpotential of 331 mV@10 mA cm^?2 and 422 mV@40 mA cm^?2, and a full water‐splitting electrolyzer with it as anode catalyst shows a cell voltage of 1.67 V@10 mA cm^?2 in alkaline. Combined HAADFSTEM, magnetic, and computational results show that factors influencing the OER performance can be attributed to the tetrahedral Co sites (high spin, t₂³e⁴), which improve the OER kinetics of rate‐determining step to form *OOH.     

Electronic Structure of Silver Oxides Investigated by AgL XANES Spectroscopy

The chemistry of binary and multinary silver oxides spans from subvalent species (with a mean oxidation number for Ag smaller than + 1) to compounds with Ag in high oxidation states as + 2 and + 3. We have investigated a range of silver oxides, including the binary compounds Ag₂O, AgO, Ag₃O₄ and Ag₂O₃ as well as subvalent ternary oxides, by AgL₃ and AgL₁ XANES spectroscopy. The different valence states of silver are clearly reflected in AgL₃ and AgL₁ XANES spectra. The method thus allows the determination of average oxidation numbers. In addition, the degree of electronic interaction (localized or delocalized electronic states) in silver‐oxygen compounds can be estimated on the basis of AgL₃ XANES spectra.     

Morphology and Roughness of Silver Deposit Formed by Cementation at Various Temperatures in Pure Sulfuric Acid

The morphology and surface roughness of silver (Ag) deposit formed on metallic copper (Cu) by cementation conducted in a 0.5M H₂SO₄ solution was investigated at various temperatures above 25°. The influence of the presence or absence of oxygen (O₂) on Ag morphology was studied at an initial Ag⁺ concentration of 20 mg/dm³. An analysis of distribution diagrams of the surface height calculated from scanning‐electron‐microscope (SEM) top‐view images was performed. The cementation reaction results in a non‐homogeneous Ag deposit formed on the surface independently of the presence or absence of O₂ in solution. The Ag deposit covers Cu mainly with a uniform and compact layer with separated germs of predendrites, but also a huge ‘fern‐leaf‐shaped’ and ‘lycopodium‐twigs‐shaped’ dendrites appear occasionally on the surface. The presence of O₂ in the system and temperature do not affect significantly the morphology of Ag dendrite as well as a deposit formed on the smooth part of the surface. The roughness of surface with Ag cement varies with temperature only under aerobic conditions where the enhanced Cu corrosion increases the size of anodic sites. The results obtained from the surface‐height‐distribution diagrams constructed for anaerobic conditions showed that the reaction between Cu⁺ and Ag⁺ does not start in the bulk of the solution even at the highest studied temperature.     

Silver(I) sulfate coordination polymers with 4,4′‐bipyridazine and pyridazino[4,5‐d]pyridazine

Poly[[μ₄‐4,4′‐bipyridazine‐μ₅‐sulfato‐disilver(I)] monohydrate], {[Ag₂(SO₄)(C₈H₆N₄)]·H₂O}_n, (I), and poly[[aqua‐μ₄‐pyridazino[4,5‐d]pyridazine‐μ₃‐sulfato‐disilver(I)] monohydrate], {[Ag₂(SO₄)(C₆H₄N₄)(H₂O)]·H₂O}_n, (II), possess three‐ and two‐dimensional polymeric structures, respectively, supported by N‐tetradentate coordination of the organic ligands [Ag—N = 2.208 (3)–2.384 (3) Å] and O‐pentadentate coordination of the sulfate anions [Ag—O = 2.284 (3)–2.700 (2) Å]. Compound (I) is the first structurally examined complex of the new ligand 4,4′‐bipyridazine; it is based upon unprecedented centrosymmetric silver–pyridazine tetramers with tetrahedral AgN₂O₂ and trigonal–bipyramidal AgN₂O₃ coordination of two independent Ag^I ions. Compound (II) adopts a typical dimeric silver–pyridazine motif incorporating two kinds of square‐pyramidal AgN₂O₃ Ag^I ions. The structure exhibits short anion–π interactions involving noncoordinated sulfate O atoms [O...π = 3.041 (3) Å].     

High Temperature Reactions in the MoO3-Ag2O System

High-temperature reactions were investigated in the MoO₃-Ag₂O system by means of X-ray, DTA and scanning microscopy methods, and a model was proposed according to which first an Ag₂Mo₄O₁₃ phase was formed at the MoO₃ and Ag₂O (or metallic Ag) interface. Subsequently, at the Ag₂Mo₄O₁₃-Ag₂O contact area a layer of Ag₂Mo₂O₇ appeared. If the amount of silver oxide is sufficiently high, a layer of Ag₂MoO₄ is formed between the Ag₂O and Ag₂Mo₂O₇ phases. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Optimal Geometrical Configuration of Cobalt Cations in Spinel Oxides to Promote Oxygen Evolution Reaction

MgCo₂O₄, CoCr₂O₄, and Co₂TiO₄ were selected, where only Co³⁺ in the center of octahedron (Oh), Co²⁺ in the center of tetrahedron (Td), and Co²⁺ in the center of Oh, can be active sites for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Co³⁺(Oh) sites are the best geometrical configuration for OER. Co²⁺(Oh) sites exhibit better activity than Co²⁺(Td). Calculations demonstrate the conversion of O* into OOH* is the rate‐determining step for Co³⁺(Oh) and Co²⁺(Td). For Co²⁺(Oh), it is thermodynamically favorable for the formation of OOH* but difficult for the desorption of O₂. Co³⁺(Oh) needs to increase the lowest Gibbs free energy over Co²⁺(Oh) and Co²⁺(Td), which contributes to the best activity. The coexistence of Co³⁺(Oh) and Co²⁺(Td) in Co₃O₄ can promote the formation of OOH* and decrease the free‐energy barrier. This work screens out the optimal geometrical configuration of cobalt cations for OER and gives a valuable principle to design efficient electrocatalysts.     

Active Electron Density Modulation of Co3O4‐Based Catalysts Enhances their Oxygen Evolution Performance

Despite the fact that many strategies have been developed to improve the efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the precise modulation of the surface electronic properties of catalysts to improve their catalytic activity is still challenging. Herein, we demonstrate that the surface active electron density of Co₃O₄ can be effectively regulated by an argon‐ion irradiation method. X‐ray photoelectron and synchrotron x‐ray absorption spectroscopy, UV photoelectron spectrometry, and DFT calculations show that the surface active electron density band center of Co₃O₄ has been upshifted, leading to a significantly enhanced absorption capability of the oxo group. The optimized Co₃O₄‐based catalysts exhibit an excellent overpotential of 260 mV at 10 mA cm^?2 and Tafel slope of 54 mV dec^?1, superior to the capability of the benchmark RuO₂, representing one of the best Co‐based OER catalysts. This approach could guide the future rational design and discovery of ideal electrocatalysts.     

Polyaniline‐Modified Silver and Binary Silver‐Cobalt Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Novel dendrite‐like silver particles were electrodeposited on Ti substrates from a supporting electrolyte‐free 30 mmol L^?1 Ag(NH₃)₂⁺ solution, to synthesize the den‐Ag/Ti electrode. Binary Ag_xCo_y/Ti electrodes with different Ag:Co atomic ratios were further obtained by electrodeposition of Co particles on the den‐Ag/Ti electrode. Polyaniline (PANI) modified den‐Ag/Ti and Ag_xCo_y/Ti electrodes, PANI(n)‐den‐Ag/Ti and PANI(n)‐Ag_xCo_y/Ti, were also obtained by cyclic voltammetry at different numbers of cycles (n) in acidic and alkaline solutions containing aniline, respectively. All these electrodes exhibit high electroactivity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline solution and their electroactivities follow the order: PANI(15)‐Ag₃₁Co₆₉/Ti>Ag₃₁Co₆₉/Ti>PANI(20)‐den‐Ag/Ti>den‐Ag/Ti. Among them, PANI(15)‐Ag₃₁Co₆₉/Ti displays the highest electrocatalytic activity for ORR with a much positive onset potential of 0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and a high ORR current density of 1.2 mA cm^?2 at ?0.12 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The electrocatalysts are electrochemically insensitive to methanol and ethanol oxidation, and, as cathode electrocatalysts of direct alcohol fuel cells, can resist poisoning by the possible alcohol crossover from the anode.     

A Sodalite‐Type Silver Orthophosphate Cluster in a Globular Silver Nanocluster

The synthesis and structure of a giant 102‐silver‐atom nanocluster (NC) 1 is presented. X‐ray structural analysis reveals that 1 features a multi‐shelled metallic core of Ag₆@Ag₂₄@Ag₆₀@Ag₁₂. An octahedral Ag₆ core is encaged by a truncated octahedral Ag₂₄ shell. The Ag₂₄ shell is composed of a hitherto unknown sodalite‐type silver orthophosphate cluster (SOC) {(Ag₃PO₄)₈}, reminiscent of the Ag₃PO₄ photocatalyst. The SOC is capped by six interstitial sulfur atoms, giving a unique anionic cluster [Ag₆@{(Ag₃PO₄)₈}S₆]^6?, which functions as an intricate polyhedral template with abundant surface O and S atoms guiding the formation of a rare rhombicosidodecahedral Ag₆₀ shell. An array of 6 linear Ag₂ staples further surround this Ag₆₀ shell. [Ag₆@{(Ag₃PO₄)₈}S₆]^6? is an unusual Ag‐based templating anion to induce the assembly of a SOC within silver NC. This finding provides molecular models for bulk Ag₃PO₄, and offers a fresh template strategy for the synthesis of silver NCs with high symmetry.     

Syntheses and Structural Characterization of Four New Silver(I) Complexes with the N,N′(O)‐bidentate Bridging Ligands

Four new bridged silver(I) complexes, namely [Ag₂(μ₂‐teda)(μ₂‐fbc)₂] ( 1 ), [Ag₂(μ₂‐1,6‐dah)₂](bpdc) · 4H₂O ( 2 ), [Ag₂(μ₂‐2‐ap)(2‐ap)(bnb)] · 0.34H₂O ( 3 ), [Ag₂(μ₂‐pyc)₂(2‐apy)₂] · 0.5H₂O ( 4 ), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and crystallographic methods [fbc = 4‐fluorobenzoate, teda = triethylenediamine ( 1 ); bpdc = biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylate, 1,6‐dah = 1,6‐diaminohexane ( 2 ); bnb = 3,5‐binitrobenzoate, 2‐ap = 2‐aminopyrimidine ( 3 ); pyc = 3‐pyridinecarboxylate acid, 2‐apy = 2‐aminopyridine ( 4 )]. Complex 1 contains a 1D linear chain paralleling to the c‐axis, whereas in complex 2 silver(I) atoms were bridged by the 1,6‐dah ligand into a zigzag chain, further giving a 1D ribbon by weak Ag ··· Ag interactions. Complex 3 consists of a dinuclear silver(I) [Ag₂(μ₂‐2‐ap)(2‐ap)(bnb)] moiety and a lattice water molecule, forming a 3D network via a number of hydrogen‐bonding interactions such as N–H ··· O, N–H ··· N and C–H ··· O hydrogen bond and other weak interactions such Ag ··· Ag, Ag ··· N, N ··· O as well as O ··· O interaction. Similar to 3 , the asymmetric unit of 4 consists of one dinuclear silver(I) [Ag₂(μ₂‐pyc)₂(2‐apy)₂] moiety and half lattice water molecule, further generating a tetranuclear silver(I) {[Ag₂(μ₂‐pyc)₂(2‐apy)₂]₂ · H₂O} moiety. These moieties construct a 3D supramolecular network structure of 4 through N–H ··· O, O–H ··· O and C–H ··· O hydrogen bonds as well as other weak interactions such as Ag ··· O and N ··· O interactions.     

Metallic Co4N Porous Nanowire Arrays Activated by Surface Oxidation as Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Designing highly efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a key role in the development of various renewable energy storage and conversion devices. In this work, we developed metallic Co₄N porous nanowire arrays directly grown on flexible substrates as highly active OER electrocatalysts for the first time. Benefiting from the collaborative advantages of metallic character, 1D porous nanowire arrays, and unique 3D electrode configuration, surface oxidation activated Co₄N porous nanowire arrays/carbon cloth achieved an extremely small overpotential of 257 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻², and a low Tafel slope of 44 mV dec⁻¹ in an alkaline medium, which is the best OER performance among reported Co‐based electrocatalysts to date. Moreover, in‐depth mechanistic investigations demonstrate the active phases are the metallic Co₄N core inside with a thin cobalt oxides/hydroxides shell during the OER process. Our finding introduces a new concept to explore the design of high‐efficiency OER electrocatalysts.     

Temperature Influence on the Morphology and Roughness of Silver Deposit Formed by Cementation

The morphology and surface roughness of silver deposits formed by cementation in 0.5M H₂SO₄ solution containing 0.5M CuSO₄ was investigated at various temperatures. The influence of O₂ on the morphology of deposited Ag on the Cu surface was studied in solutions containing 20 or 100 mg/dm³ initial Ag⁺. Surface‐height‐distribution diagrams were calculated from scanning‐electron‐microscopic (SEM) images. For the lower Ag⁺ concentration, the formation of granular deposits occurred in the presence of O₂. In contrast, under anaerobic conditions, rather flat deposits with tiny Ag crystals were observed. For the higher Ag⁺ concentration, the presence of O₂ did not significantly affect the morphology of the Ag deposit, but increasing temperature resulted in more‐compact and denser dendrites. Differences in the Ag‐deposit morphology and surface roughness were attributed to a different mechanism in the absence of O₂. Under anaerobic conditions, a competitive reaction between Ag⁺ and Cu⁺ occurs in bulk solution, which consumes additional Ag⁺ ions. The SEM images and, especially, distribution diagrams of the surface height provided useful information on the formation and expansion of anodic sites on the Cu surface at various temperatures.     

catena‐Poly­[[(di‐2‐pyridyl­amine)­silver(I)]‐μ‐nicotinato] and catena‐poly­[[(di‐2‐pyridyl­amine)silver(I)]‐μ‐2,6‐di­hydroxy­benzoato]

In catena‐poly­[[(di‐2‐pyridyl­amine‐κ²N,N′)silver(I)]‐μ‐nico­tinato‐κ²N:O], [Ag(C₆H₄NO₂)(C₁₀H₉N₃)]_n, the Ag^I atom is tetracoordinated by two N atoms from the di‐2‐pyridyl­amine (BPA) ligand [Ag—N = 2.3785 (18) and 2.3298 (18) Å] and by one N atom and one carboxyl­ate O atom from nicotinate ligands [Ag—N = 2.2827 (15) Å and Ag—O = 2.3636 (14) Å]. Bridging by nicotinate N and O atoms generates a polymeric chain structure, which extends along [100]. The carboxyl O atom not bonded to the Ag atom takes part in an intrachain C—H⋯O hydrogen bond, further stabilizing the chain. Pairs of chains are linked by N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds to generate ribbons. There are no π–π interactions in this complex. In catena‐poly­[[(di‐2‐pyridyl­amine‐κ²N,N′)silver(I)]‐μ‐2,6‐di­hydroxy­benzoato‐κ²O¹:O²], [Ag(C₇H₅O₄)(C₁₀H₉N₃)]_n, the Ag^I atom has a distorted tetrahedral coordination, with three strong bonds to two pyridine N atoms from the BPA ligand [Ag—N = 2.286 (5) and 2.320 (5) Å] and to one carboxyl­ate O atom from the 2,6‐di­hydroxy­benzoate ligand [Ag—O = 2.222 (4) Å]; the fourth, weaker, Ag‐atom coordination is to one of the phenol O atoms [Ag⋯O = 2.703 (4) Å] of an adjacent moiety, and this interaction generates a polymeric chain along [100]. Pairs of chains are linked about inversion centers by N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds to form ribbons, within which there are π–π interactions. The ribbons are linked about inversion centers by pairs of C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and additional π–π interactions between inversion‐related pairs of 2,6‐di­hydroxy­benzoate ligands to generate a three‐dimensional network.     

Discrete Silver(I)‐Palladium(II)‐Oxo Nanoclusters, {Ag4Pd13} and {Ag5Pd15}, and the Role of Metal–Metal Bonding Induced by Cation Confinement

We introduce the class of discrete silver(I)‐palladium(II)‐oxo nanoclusters with the preparation of {Ag₄Pd₁₃} and {Ag₅Pd₁₅}. Both polyanions represent the first examples of noble metal‐capped polyoxo‐noble‐metalates in a fully inorganic assembly, featuring an unprecedented host–guest mode containing hetero‐ and homometallic Ag–Pd and Ag–Ag bonding interactions. Comprehensive theoretical calculations suggest that the Ag–Pd metallic bonds originate partially from surface confinement of Ag^I guest ions onto the anionic polyoxopalladate host that is induced by strong electrostatic forces. This work opens the field of fully inorganic silver‐palladium‐oxo nanoclusters, which can be considered as discrete mixed noble metal precursors for the formation of monodisperse core–shell nanoparticles, with high relevance for catalysis.     

Tailoring Oxygen Vacancy on Co3O4 Nanosheets with High Surface Area for Oxygen Evolution Reaction?

Electrochemical water splitting requires efficient water oxidation catalysts to accelerate the sluggish kinetics of water oxidation reaction. Here, we designed an efficient Co₃O₄ electrocatalyst using a pyrolysis strategy for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Morphological characterization confirmed the ultra-thin structure of nanosheet. Further, the existence of oxygen vacancies was obviously evidenced by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The increased surface area of Co₃O₄ ensures more exposed sites, whereas generated oxygen vacancies on Co₃O₄ surface create more active defects. The two scenarios were beneficial for accelerating the OER across the interface between the anode and electrolyte. As expected, the optimized Co₃O₄ nanosheets can catalyze the OER efficiently with a low overpotential of 310 mV at current density of 10 mA/cm² and remarkable long-term stability in 1.0 mol/L KOH.     

Tetra­kis(μ2‐1,8‐naphthyridine)‐1:2κ4N:N′;3:4κ4N:N′‐bis­(μ2‐salicylato)‐1:4κ2O:O′;2:3κ2O:O′‐tetrakis­(salicylic acid)‐1κO,2κO,3κO,4κO‐tetra­silver(I)(4 Ag—Ag)

The title complex, [Ag₄(C₇H₅O₃)₂(C₈H₆N₂)₄(C₇H₆O₃)₄], lies about an inversion centre and has a unique tetra­nuclear structure consisting of four Ag^I atoms bridged by four N atoms from two 1,8‐naphthyridine (napy) ligands to form an N:N′‐bridge and four O atoms from two salicylate (SA) ligands to form an O:O′‐bridge. The Ag atoms have distorted octa­hedral coordination geometry. The centrosymmetric Ag₄ ring has Ag—Ag separations of 2.772 (2) and 3.127 (2) Å, and Ag—Ag—Ag angles of 107.70 (4) and 72.30 (4)°. All SA hydroxy groups take part in intra­molecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bonding. In the crystal packing, the napy rings are oriented parallel and overlap one another. These π–π inter­actions, together with weak inter­molecular C—H⋯O contacts, stabilize the crystal structure.