Suppression of the Charge Density Wave State in Two‐Dimensional 1T‐TiSe2 by Atmospheric Oxidation

Two‐dimensional (2D) metallic transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), such as 1T ‐TiSe₂, have recently emerged as unique platforms for exploring their exciting properties of superconductivity and the charge density wave (CDW). 2D 1T ‐TiSe₂ undergoes rapid oxidation under ambient conditions, significantly affecting its CDW phase‐transition behavior. We comprehensively investigate the oxidation process of 2D TiSe₂ by tracking the evolution of the chemical composition and atomic structure with various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and reveal its unique selenium‐assisting oxidation mechanism. Our findings facilitate a better understanding of the chemistry of ultrathin TMDCs crystals, introduce an effective method to passivate their surfaces with capping layers, and thus open a way to further explore the functionality of these materials toward devices.     

Lead‐ and Iodide‐Deficient (CH3NH3)PbI3 (d‐MAPI): The Bridge between 2D and 3D Hybrid Perovskites

3D and 2D hybrid perovskites, which have been known for more than 20 years, have emerged recently as promising materials for optoelectronic applications, particularly the 3D compound (CH₃NH₃)PbI₃ (MAPI). The discovery of a new family of hybrid perovskites called d ‐MAPI is reported: the association of PbI₂ with both methyl ammonium (MA⁺) and hydroxyethyl ammonium (HEA⁺) cations leads to a series of five compounds with general formulation (MA)_1−2.48x(HEA)_3.48x[Pb_1−xI_3−x]. These materials, which are lead‐ and iodide‐deficient compared to MAPI while retaining 3D architecture, can be considered as a bridge between the 2D and 3D materials. Moreover, they can be prepared as crystallized thin films by spin‐coating. These new 3D materials appear very promising for optoelectronic applications, not only because of their reduced lead content, but also in account of the large flexibility of their chemical composition through potential substitutions of MA⁺, HEA⁺, Pb²⁺ and I⁻ ions.     

High‐Performance CsPb1−xSnxBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dots for Light‐Emitting Diodes

All inorganic CsPbBr₃ perovskite quantum dots (QDs) are potential emitters for electroluminescent displays. We have developed a facile hot‐injection method to partially replace the toxic Pb²⁺ with highly stable Sn⁴⁺. Meanwhile, the absolute photoluminescence quantum yield of CsPb_1−x Sn_x Br₃ increased from 45 % to 83 % with Sn^IV substitution. The transient absorption (TA) exciton dynamics in undoped CsPbBr₃ and CsPb_0.67Sn_0.33Br₃ QDs at various excitation fluences were determined by femtosecond transient absorption, time‐resolved photoluminescence, and single‐dot spectroscopy, providing clear evidence for the suppression of trion generation by Sn doping. These highly luminescent CsPb_0.67Sn_0.33Br₃ QDs emit at 517 nm. A device based on these QDs exhibited a luminance of 12 500 cd m⁻², a current efficiency of 11.63 cd A⁻¹, an external quantum efficiency of 4.13 %, a power efficiency of 6.76 lm w⁻¹, and a low turn‐on voltage of 3.6 V, which are the best values among reported tin‐based perovskite quantum‐dot LEDs.     

Generalized Self‐Doping Engineering towards Ultrathin and Large‐Sized Two‐Dimensional Homologous Perovskites

Two‐dimensional (2D) homologous perovskites are arousing intense interest in photovoltaics and light‐emitting fields, attributing to significantly improved stability and increasing optoelectronic performance. However, investigations on 2D homologous perovskites with ultrathin thickness and large lateral dimension have been seldom reported, being mainly hindered by challenges in synthesis. A generalized self‐doping directed synthesis of ultrathin 2D homologous (BA)₂(MA)_{n −1}Pb_n Br_{3n +1} (1<n <∞) perovskites uses 2D (BA)₂PbBr₄ perovskites as the template with MA⁺ dopant. Ultrathin (BA)₂(MA)_{n −1}Pb_n Br_{3n +1} perovskites are formed via an intercalation–merging mechanism, with thickness shrinking down to 4.2 nm and the lateral dimension to 57 μm. The ultrathin 2D homologous (BA)₂(MA)_{n −1}Pb_n Br_{3n +1} perovskites are potential materials for photodetectors with promising photoresponse and stability.     

Poly[(μ5‐3‐carboxybenzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylato)lead(II)]: a helical lead(II) coordination polymer

In the title polymer, [Pb(C₉H₄O₆)]_n, the asymmetric unit contains a monomer of a Pb^II cation with a doubly deprotonated 3‐carboxybenzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylate dianion (1,2,3‐Hbtc²⁻). Each Pb^II centre is seven‐coordinated by seven O atoms of bridging carboxy/carboxylate groups from five 1,2,3‐Hbtc²⁻ ligands, forming a distorted pentagonal bipyramid. The Pb^II cations are bridged by 1,2,3‐Hbtc²⁻ anions, yielding two‐dimensional chiral layers. The layers are stacked above each other to generate a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture via a combination of C—H...O interactions. The thermogravimetric and optical properties are also reported.     

Poly[[(pentaethylenehexamine)manganese(II)] [hepta‐μ‐selenido‐tritin(IV)]]: a tin–selenium net with remarkable flexibility

The title compound, {[Mn(C₁₀H₂₈N₆)][Sn₃Se₇]}_n, consists of anionic _∞{[Sn₃Se₇]²⁻} layers interspersed by [Mn(peha)]²⁺ complex cations (peha is pentaethylenehexamine). Pseudocubic (Sn₃Se₄) cluster units within each layer are held together to form a 6³ net with a hole size of 8.74 × 13.87 Å. Weak N—H...Se interactions between the host inorganic frameworks and metal complexes extend the components into a three‐dimensional network. The incorporation of metal complexes into the flexible anion layer dictates the distortion of the holes.     

SIMS accurate determination of matrix composition of topological crystalline insulator material Pb1 − xSnxSe

Substitutional alloy Pb_1 − xSn_xSe is a new class of electronic materials called topological crystalline insulators, which at the temperature range from 0 K to 300 K exhibit topological state at compositions in the range 0.18 < x < 0.40 (in the rock-salt structure). In this report, we present a secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis technique to provide accurate Pb and Sn composition based on the measurement of PbCs⁺ and SnCs⁺ cluster ions intensities. Studies of Pb_1 − xSn_xSe bulk samples with various values of x show that x/(1 − x) is linear in relation to the intensity ratio of PbCs⁺/SnCs⁺ over the range from x = 0.15 to x = 0.41. This technique allows us to obtain an accurate Sn content for multilayered heterostructures, quantum wells containing Pb_1 − xSn_xSe with different x values for each layer.     

[Rb4Sn9] — A Low Dimensional Arrangement of Zintl Ions in [Rb(18‐crown‐6)]2Rb2[Sn9](en)1.5

The compound [Rb(18‐crown‐6)]₂Rb₂[Sn₉](en)_1.5 ( 1 ) was synthesized from an alloy of formal composition K₂Rb₂Sn₉ by dissolving in ethylenediamine (en) followed by the addition of 18‐crown‐6 and toluene. 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 10.557(2), b = 25.837(5), c = 20.855(4)Å, β = 102.39°, and Z = 4. The structure consists of [Sn₉]^4— cluster anions, which are connected via Rb atoms to infinite [Rb₄Sn₉] layers. The layers of binary composition are separated by the crown ether molecules. The crown ether molecules are bound by one side via the Rb atoms to the [Sn₉]^4— anions. The other side, which is turned away from the Rb atoms, shows only weak van der Waals interactions to the crown ether molecules of the next layer. Comparison with other compounds of similar composition shows, that the variation of the alkali metals and the complexing organic molecules leads to the low dimensional arrangement of the clusters.     

Suppression of the Charge Density Wave State in Two-Dimensional 1T-TiSe2 by Atmospheric Oxidation

Two-dimensional (2D) metallic transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), such as 1T-TiSe₂, have recently emerged as unique platforms for exploring their exciting properties of superconductivity and the charge density wave (CDW). 2D 1T-TiSe₂ undergoes rapid oxidation under ambient conditions, significantly affecting its CDW phase-transition behavior. We comprehensively investigate the oxidation process of 2D TiSe₂ by tracking the evolution of the chemical composition and atomic structure with various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and reveal its unique selenium-assisting oxidation mechanism. Our findings facilitate a better understanding of the chemistry of ultrathin TMDCs crystals, introduce an effective method to passivate their surfaces with capping layers, and thus open a way to further explore the functionality of these materials toward devices.     

A three‐dimensional PbII coordination framework: poly[[μ4‐(E)‐2,2′‐(diazene‐1,2‐diyl)dibenzoato]dimethanollead(II)]

In the title coordination polymer, [Pb(C₁₄H₈N₂O₄)(CH₃OH)₂]_n, the asymmetric unit contains half of a Pb^II cation, half of a 2,2′‐(diazene‐1,2‐diyl)dibenzoate dianionic ligand (denoted L²⁻) and one methanol ligand. Each Pb^II centre is eight‐coordinated by six O atoms of chelating/bridging carboxylate groups from four L²⁻ ligands and two O atoms from two terminal methanol ligands, forming a distorted dodecahedron. The [PbL₂(MeOH)₂] subunits are interlinked via the sharing of two carboxylate O atoms to form a one‐dimensional [PbL₂(MeOH)₂]_n chain. Adjacent chains are further connected by L²⁻ ligands, giving rise to a two‐dimensional layer, and these layers are bridged by L²⁻ linkers to afford a three‐dimensional framework with a 4¹²6³ topology.     

A Two‐Dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite Nanowire Laser Array based on Ultrafast Light‐Harvesting Quantum Wells

Miniaturized nanowire nanolasers of 3D perovskites feature a high gain coefficient; however, room-temperature optical gain and nanowire lasers from 2D layered perovskites have not been reported to date. A biomimetic approach is presented to construct an artificial ligh-harvesting system in mixed multiple quantum wells (QWs) of 2D-RPPs of (BA)₂(FA)_n−1Pb_nBr_3n+1, achieving room-temperature ASE and nanowire (NW) lasing. Owing to the improvement of flexible and deformable characteristics provided by organic BA cation layers, high-density large-area NW laser arrays were fabricated with high photostability. Well-controlled dimensions and uniform geometries enabled 2D-RPPs NWs functioning as high-quality Fabry–Perot (FP) lasers with almost identical optical modes, high quality (Q) factor (ca. 1800), and similarly low lasing thresholds.     

Poly[μ8‐4,4′‐bipyridine‐2,2′,6,6′‐tetracarboxylato‐dilead(II)]

The Pb^II cation in the title compound, [Pb₂(C₁₄H₄N₂O₈)]_n, is seven‐coordinated by one N atom and six O atoms from four 4,4′‐bipyridine‐2,2′,6,6′‐tetracarboxylate (BPTCA⁴⁻) ligands. The geometric centre of the BPTCA⁴⁻ anion lies on an inversion centre. Each pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylate moiety of the BPTCA⁴⁻ ligand links four Pb^II cations via its pyridyl N atom and two carboxylate groups to form two‐dimensional sheets. The centrosymmetric BPTCA⁴⁻ ligand then acts as a linker between the sheets, which results in a three‐dimensional metal–organic framework.     

Substitution Effects in Zintl Phases: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Novel Phases Ae3Sn4−xBi1+x (x ≤ 1; Ae = Sr,Ba) Containing Shubnikov‐Type Nets $^{2}_{\infty}\rm [Sn_{4-x}Bi_{x}]$

The compounds Ae₃Sn_4?xBi_1+x (Ae = Sr, Ba) with x < 1 have been synthesized by solid‐state reactions in welded Nb tubes at high temperature. Their structures were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies to be tetragonal; space group I4/mcm (No. 140); Z = 4, with a = 8.968(1) Å, c = 12.859(1) Å for Sr₃Sn_3.36Bi_1.64(3) ( 1 ) and a = 9.248(2), c = 13.323(3) Å for Ba₃Sn_3.16Bi_1.84(3) ( 2 ). The structure consists of two interpenetrating networks formed by a 3D Ae_6/2Bi substructure (anti‐ReO₃ type) forming the host, and layers of interconnected four‐member units [Sn_4?xBi_x] with “butterfly”‐like shape as the guest. According to the Zintl‐Klemm concept, the compounds are slightly electron deficient and will be charge balanced for x = 1. The electronic structures of Ae₃Sn_4?xBi_1+x calculated by the TB‐LMTO‐ASA method indicate that the compounds correspond to ideal semiconducting Zintl phases with a narrow band gap for x = 1 (zero‐gap semiconductor). The origin of the slight deviation from the optimal electron count for a valance compound is discussed.     

Darstellung und Kristallstruktur von Na2Sn2Se5 Ein neues Chalkogenostannat(IV) mit schichtförmigen Komplexanionen

Preparation and Crystal Structure of Na₂Sn₂Se₅ A Novel Chalcogenostannate(IV) with Layered Complex Anions Na₂Sn₂Se₅ was obtained from a stoichiometric mixture of Na₂Se, Sn, and Se powders through a solid state reaction at 450 °C. It crystallizes orthorhombic, space group Pbca with a = 13.952(6) Å, b = 12.602(2) Å, c = 11.524(2) Å; Z = 8 and undergoes peritectic decomposition at 471(2) °C. The crystal structure was determined at ambient temperature from diffractometer data (MoKα‐radiation) and refined to a conventional R of 0.040 (1490 F_o's, 83 variables). Na₂Sn₂Se₅ is characterized by layered complex anions running parallel to (100) which are built up by SnSe₄ tetrahedra sharing common corners. The mean Sn–Se bond length calculates as 2.252(2) Å. The Na⁺ cations are coordinated to 6 or 7 Se in irregular configurations. The crystal structure can be described as a stacking of distorted c. p. 3⁶ chalcogen layers and mixed square 4⁴ alkali‐chalcogen layers.     

Neue Zinn‐reiche Stannide der Systeme AII‐Al‐Sn (AII = Ca,Sr, Ba)

New Tin‐rich Stannides of the Systems A^II‐Al‐Sn (A^II = Ca, Sr, Ba) Four new tin‐rich intermetallics of the ternary systems Ca/Sr/Ba‐Al‐Sn were synthesized from stoichiometric amounts of the elements at maximum temperatures of 1200 °C. Their crystal structures, representing two new types, have been determined using single crystal x‐ray diffraction. Close to the 1:1 composition, the structures of the two isotypic compounds A₁₈[Al₄(Al/Sn)₂Sn₄][Sn₄][Sn]₂ (overall composition A₉M₈; A = Sr/Ba, tetragonal, space group P4/mbm, a = 1325.9(1)/1378.6(1), c = 1272.8(2)/1305.4(1) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0430/0.0293) contain three different anionic Sn/Al building units: Isolated Sn atoms (motif I) coordinated by the alkaline earth cations only (comparable to Ca₂Sn), linear Sn chains (II), which are comparable to the anions in trielides related to the W₅Si₃ structure type and finally octahedral clusters [Al₄M₂Sn₄] (III), composed of four Al atoms forming the center plane, two statistically occupied Al/Sn atoms at the apexes and four exohedral Sn attached to Al. Close to the AM₂ composition, two isotypic tin‐rich intermetallics A₉[Al₃Sn₂][(Sn/Al)₄]Sn₆ (overall composition A₉M₁₅; A = Ca/Sr; space group C2/m, a = 2175.2(1)/2231.0(2), b = 1210.8(1)/1247.0(1), c = 1007.4(1)/1042.0(2) pm, β = 103.38(1)/103.42(1)°, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0541/0.0378) are formed. Their structure is best described as a complex three‐dimensional network, that can be considered to consist of the building units of the binary border phases too, i.e. linear zig‐zag chains of Sn (motif I) like in CaSn, ladders of four‐bonded Sn/Al atoms (II) like in SrAl₂ and trigonal‐bipyramidal clusters [Al₃Sn₂] (III) also present in Ba₃Al₅. Despite the complex structures, some statistically occupied Al/Sn positions and the small disorder of one building unit, the bonding in both structure types can be interpreted using the Zintl concept and Wade's electron counting rules when taking partial Sn‐Sn bonds into account.     

Photocatalytic Self‐Doped SnO2−x Nanocrystals Drive Visible‐Light‐Responsive Color Switching

Visible‐light‐responsive reversible color‐switching systems are attractive to many applications because visible light has superior penetration and causes far less damage to organic molecules than UV. Herein, we report that self‐doping of SnO_2−x nanocrystals with Sn²⁺ red‐shifts their absorption to the visible region and simultaneously produces oxygen vacancies, which can effectively scavenge photogenerated holes and thus enable the color switching of redox dyes using visible light. Wavelength‐selective switching can also be achieved by coupling the photocatalytic activity of the SnO_2−x NCs with the color‐switching kinetics of different redox dyes. The fast light response enables the further fabrication of a solid film that can be repeatedly written on using a visible laser pen or projection printing through a photomask. This discovery represents a big step forward towards practical applications, especially in areas in which safety issues and photodamage by UV light are of concern.     

Two‐Dimensional Semiconductors Grown by Chemical Vapor Transport

Developing controlled approaches for synthesizing high‐quality two‐dimensional (2D) semiconductors is essential for their practical applications in novel electronics. The application of chemical vapor transport (CVT), an old single‐crystal growth technique, has been extended from growing 3D crystals to synthesizing 2D atomic layers by tuning the growth kinetics. Both single crystalline individual flakes and continuous films of 1 L MoS₂ were successfully obtained with CVT approach at low growth temperatures of 300–600 °C. The obtained 1 L MoS₂ exhibits high crystallinity and comparable mobility to mechanically exfoliated samples, as confirmed by both atomic resolution microscopic imaging and electrical transport measurements. Besides MoS₂, this method was also used in the growth of 2D WS₂, MoSe₂, Mo_x W_1−x S₂ alloys, and ReS₂, thus opening up a new way for the controlled synthesis of various 2D semiconductors.     

Structural features of Fe<Subscript> <Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis> </Subscript>TiSe<Subscript>2</Subscript> materials with the retrograde solubility in the solid state

Changes in the crystal structure, which are accompanied by iron intercalation and release in the layered intercalation compound TiSe₂, demonstrating the retrograde solubility in the completely solid state, are considered. Various concentration regions not exceeding, exceeding, and corresponding to the leakage limit of the overlap of titanium orbitals coordinated by iron are analyzed. It is shown that at low temperatures (below 400°С) the behavior of iron in the TiSe₂ lattice is governed by a covalent bond of iron with the lattice whereas at high temperatures (above 1000°С) iron becomes an ionic impurity. In the intermediate temperature range, iron atoms are involved in either covalent or ionic bond with the lattice. When the concentration of iron in the form of the ionic impurity increases, an increase in the cell parameter in the direction perpendicular to the layers is accompanied by a compression of the Se–Ti–Se sandwich and an increase in the van der Waals gap. When the covalent bond forms, there is a decrease in the lattice parameter in the direction perpendicular to the layers, which is accompanied by an increase in the width of the Se–Ti–Se sandwich and a decrease in the van der Waals gap.     

A three‐dimensional lead(II) coordination polymer: poly[aqua‐μ‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxyl­ato‐lead(II)]

In the title coordination polymer, [Pb(C₅H₂N₂O₄)(H₂O)]_n, the Pb^II atom is seven‐coordinated by one N atom and five O atoms from four individual imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxyl­ate (HIDC²⁻) groups and one water mol­ecule. It is inter­esting to note that the HIDC²⁻ group serves as a bridging ligand to link the Pb^II atoms into a three‐dimensional microporous open‐framework.     

A novel heterometallic dinuclear compound: rac‐pentaaqua‐1κ5O‐(μ‐2‐sulfidoacetato‐1:2κ3O:O′,S)bis(2‐sulfidoacetato‐2κ2O,S)manganese(II)tin(IV)

The title racemic heterometallic dinuclear compound, [MnSn(C₂H₂O₂S)₃(H₂O)₅], (I), contains one main group Sn^IV metal centre and one transition metal Mn^II centre, and, by design, links the Mn^II centre to the building unit of the (Δ/Λ) [SnL₃]²⁻ complex anion (L is the 2‐sulfidoacetate dianion). In this cluster, the Sn^IV centre of the (Δ/Λ) [SnL₃]²⁻ unit is coordinated by three O atoms and three S atoms from three L ligands to form an [SnO₃S₃] octahedral coordination environment. The Mn^II centre is in an [MnO₆] octahedral coordination environment, with five O atoms from five water molecules and the sixth from the μ₂‐L ligand of the (Δ/Λ) [SnL₃]²⁻ unit. Between adjacent dinuclear molecules, there are many hydrogen‐bond interactions of O—H...O, O—H...S, C—H...O and C—H...S types. Of these, eight pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds fuse all the dinuclear molecules into two‐dimensional supramolecular sheets along the bc plane. Adjacent supramolecular sheets are further connected through O—H...S hydrogen bonds to give a three‐dimensional supramolecular network.