CsVO2F(IO3): An Excellent SHG Material Featuring an Unprecedented 3D [VO2F(IO3)]− Anionic Framework

The first alkali-metal vanadium iodate fluoride, CsVO₂F(IO₃), with a novel 3D anionic framework, has been rationally designed and hydrothermally synthesized. The 3D [VO₂F(IO₃)]⁻ framework in CsVO₂F(IO₃) is built from 0D Λ-shaped cis-[VO₃F(IO₃)₂]⁴⁻ polyanions via corner-sharing of oxo anions and bridging of the iodate groups. CsVO₂F(IO₃) displays both a strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) 1.1 times as strong as KTiOPO₄ (KTP) under 2.05 μm laser radiation and high laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of 107.9 MW cm⁻². This work provides a new route to design SHG crystals with stable 3D anionic structures from low-dimensional structural building units.     

K3V2O3F4(IO3)3: a high-performance SHG crystal containing both five and six-coordinated V5+ cations

The combination of d⁰ transition metal oxofluorides with iodate anions helps to synthesize polar crystals. Herein, a novel polar crystal, K₃V₂O₃F₄(IO₃)₃, which is the first metal vanadium iodate with two types of V⁵⁺-centered polyhedra (VO₄F₂ octahedron and VO₃F₂ trigonal bipyramid), has been prepared hydrothermally. It crystallizes in the polar space group of Cmc2₁ and its structure displays an unprecedented 0D [V₂O₃F₄(IO₃)₃]³⁻ anion, which is composed of Λ-shaped cis-[VO₂F₂(IO₃)₂]³⁻ and [VO₂F₂(IO₃)]²⁻ anions interconnected via the corner-sharing of one oxo anion. The synergy gained from the VO₄F₂, VO₃F₂ and IO₃ groups resulted in K₃V₂O₃F₄(IO₃)₃ exhibiting both a strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) response (1.3 × KTiOPO₄) under 2050 nm laser irradiation and a large birefringence (0.158 @ 2050 nm). This study provides a facile route for designing SHG materials by assembling various vanadium oxide-fluoride motifs and iodate anions into one compound.

K₃V₂O₃F₄(IO₃)₃, which is the first metal vanadium iodate containing two different V-centered polyhedra, exhibits a strong SHG effect of 1.3 × KTP and a large birefringence of 0.158 @ 2050 nm.     

Bi(IO3)F2: The First Metal Iodate Fluoride with a Very Strong Second Harmonic Generation Effect

The first metal iodate fluoride, Bi(IO₃)F₂, with a strong second harmonic generation (SHG) effect has been prepared. Bi(IO₃)F₂ crystallizes in the polar space group C2 and features a three‐dimensional [BiF₂]⁺ cationic framework with IO₃ groups capping the inner walls of the one‐dimensional tunnels. This [BiF₂]⁺ cationic framework acts as a template for the assembly of the polar IO₃ units in a favorable superposed fashion, which leads to the polar structure of the material. Bi(IO₃)F₂ displays a rather wide transmittance window (0.3–11 μm) and exhibits a very strong SHG response that is about 11.5 times larger than that of KH₂PO₄ (KDP) under 1064 nm laser radiation and the same as that of KTiOPO₄ (KTP) under 2.05 μm laser radiation. Preliminary investigations indicate that Bi(IO₃)F₂ is a promising nonlinear optical material in the visible and mid‐IR region.     

K2Au(IO3)5 and β‐KAu(IO3)4: Polar Materials with Strong SHG Responses Originating from Synergistic Effect of AuO4 and IO3 Units

Two new polar potassium gold iodates, namely, K₂Au(IO₃)₅ (Cmc2₁) and β‐KAu(IO₃)₄ (C2), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Both compounds feature zero‐dimensional polar [Au(IO₃)₄]^? units composed of an AuO₄ square‐planar unit coordinated by four IO₃^? ions in a monodentate fashion. In β‐KAu(IO₃)₄, isolated [Au(IO₃)₄]^? ions are separated by K⁺ ions, whereas in K₂Au(IO₃)₅, isolated [Au(IO₃)₄]^? ions and non‐coordinated IO₃^? units are separated by K⁺ ions. Both compounds are thermally stable up to 400 °C and exhibit high transmittance in the NIR region (λ=800–2500 nm) with measured optical band gaps of 2.65 eV for K₂Au(IO₃)₅ and 2.75 eV for β‐KAu(IO₃)₄. Powder second‐harmonic generation measurements by using λ=2.05 μm laser radiation indicate that K₂Au(IO₃)₅ and β‐KAu(IO₃)₄ are both phase‐matchable materials with strong SHG responses of approximately 1.0 and 1.3 times that of KTiOPO₄, respectively. Theoretical calculations based on DFT methods confirm that such strong SHG responses originate from a synergistic effect of the AuO₄ and IO₃ units.     

(NH4)Bi2(IO3)2F5: An Unusual Ammonium‐Containing Metal Iodate Fluoride Showing Strong Second Harmonic Generation Response and Thermochromic Behavior

An ammonium‐containing metal iodate fluoride compound, (NH₄)Bi₂(IO₃)₂F₅, featuring a two‐dimensional double‐layered framework constructed by [BiO₂F₅]^6? and [BiO₄F₄]^9? polyhedra, as well as [IO₃]^? groups, was successfully synthesized. The well‐ordered alignment of these SHG‐active units leads to an extraordinary strong SHG response of 9.2 times that of KDP. Moreover, this compound possesses a large birefringence (Δn=0.0690 at 589.3 nm), a wide energy band gap (E_g=3.88 eV), and a high laser damage threshold (LDT; 40.2×AgGaS₂). In particular, thermochromic behavior was observed for the first time in this type of compound. Such multifunctional crystals will expand the application of nonlinear optical materials.     

(NH4)Bi2(IO3)2F5: An Unusual Ammonium-Containing Metal Iodate Fluoride Showing Strong Second Harmonic Generation Response and Thermochromic Behavior

An ammonium-containing metal iodate fluoride compound, (NH₄)Bi₂(IO₃)₂F₅, featuring a two-dimensional double-layered framework constructed by [BiO₂F₅]⁶⁻ and [BiO₄F₄]⁹⁻ polyhedra, as well as [IO₃]⁻ groups, was successfully synthesized. The well-ordered alignment of these SHG-active units leads to an extraordinary strong SHG response of 9.2 times that of KDP. Moreover, this compound possesses a large birefringence (Δn=0.0690 at 589.3 nm), a wide energy band gap (E_g=3.88 eV), and a high laser damage threshold (LDT; 40.2×AgGaS₂). In particular, thermochromic behavior was observed for the first time in this type of compound. Such multifunctional crystals will expand the application of nonlinear optical materials.     

Lithium dioxobis[trioxoiodato(V)]vanadate,Li[VO2(IO3)2]

The title compound represents a new structure type, in which distorted VO₆ octa­hedra are bridged by iodate groups to form infinite two‐dimensional [VO₂(IO₃)₂]⁻ layers that are separated by octa­hedrally coordinated Li⁺ cations.     

ABi2(IO3)2F5 (A=K,Rb, and Cs): A Combination of Halide and Oxide Anionic Units To Create a Large Second‐Harmonic Generation Response with a Wide Bandgap

A family of nonlinear optical materials that contain the halide, oxide, and oxyhalide polar units simultaneously in a single structure, namely ABi₂(IO₃)₂F₅ (A=K ( 1 ), Rb ( 2 ), and Cs ( 3 )), have been designed and synthesized. They crystallize in the same polar space group (P 2₁) with a two‐dimensional double‐layered framework constructed by [BiF₅]²⁻ and [BiO₂F₄]⁵⁻ units connected to each other by four F atoms, in which two [IO₃]⁻ groups are linked to [BiO₂F₄]⁵⁻ unit on the same side. A hanging Bi−F bond of [BiF₅]²⁻ unit is located on the other side via ionic interaction with the layer‐inserted alkali metal ions to form three‐dimensional structure. The well‐ordered alignments of these polar units lead to a very strong second‐harmonic generation response of 12 ( 1 ), 9.5 ( 2 ), and 7.5 ( 3 ) times larger than that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate under 1064 nm laser radiation. All of them exhibited a wide energy bandgap over 3.75 eV, suggesting that they will have a high laser damage threshold.     

Gallium tris­(iodate), Ga(IO3)3

Ga(IO₃)₃ crystallizes in the space group P6₃, with the Ga atom at a site with imposed threefold symmetry. The crystal structure consists of slightly distorted GaO₆ octa­hedra that are bridged by I atoms of IO₃⁻ groups, giving rise to a three‐dimensional polar network. The framework contains unoccupied hexa­gonal channels running parallel to the hexa­gonal [001] direction. The iodate groups have their stereochemically active non‐bonded electron pairs pointing in the same direction along [001], which creates the polarity in the structure. The I—O bond distances and O—I—O angles are normal, being in the ranges 1.783 (3)–1.847 (2) Å and 94.68 (11)–99.61 (12)°, respectively.     

ABi2(IO3)2F5 (A=K,Rb, and Cs): A Combination of Halide and Oxide Anionic Units To Create a Large Second‐Harmonic Generation Response with a Wide Bandgap

A family of nonlinear optical materials that contain the halide, oxide, and oxyhalide polar units simultaneously in a single structure, namely ABi₂(IO₃)₂F₅ (A=K ( 1 ), Rb ( 2 ), and Cs ( 3 )), have been designed and synthesized. They crystallize in the same polar space group (P 2₁) with a two‐dimensional double‐layered framework constructed by [BiF₅]²⁻ and [BiO₂F₄]⁵⁻ units connected to each other by four F atoms, in which two [IO₃]⁻ groups are linked to [BiO₂F₄]⁵⁻ unit on the same side. A hanging Bi−F bond of [BiF₅]²⁻ unit is located on the other side via ionic interaction with the layer‐inserted alkali metal ions to form three‐dimensional structure. The well‐ordered alignments of these polar units lead to a very strong second‐harmonic generation response of 12 ( 1 ), 9.5 ( 2 ), and 7.5 ( 3 ) times larger than that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate under 1064 nm laser radiation. All of them exhibited a wide energy bandgap over 3.75 eV, suggesting that they will have a high laser damage threshold.     

[GaF(H2O)][IO3F]: a promising NLO material obtained by anisotropic polycation substitution

A novel salt-inclusion fluoroiodate [GaF(H₂O)][IO₃F] derived from CsIO₂F₂ was ingeniously obtained through anisotropic polycation substitution. Because the catenulate [GaF(H₂O)]²⁺ framework serves as a template for the favorable assembly of the polar [IO₃F]²⁻ groups and contributes to the nonlinear coefficient, [GaF(H₂O)][IO₃F] exhibits a greatly improved second-harmonic generation (SHG) effect of 10 times that of KH₂PO₄ (KDP) and a considerable band gap of 4.34 eV compared to the parent compound CsIO₂F₂ (3 × KDP, 4.5 eV). Particularly, to the best of our knowledge, [GaF(H₂O)][IO₃F] has the largest laser-induced damage threshold (LDT) of 140 × AgGgS₂ of the reported iodates. All these results signify that [GaF(H₂O)][IO₃F] is a promising nonlinear optical (NLO) crystal. This work also proposes that anisotropic polycation substitution is an effective approach to optimize the SHG effect and develop excellent NLO materials.

A novel salt-inclusion fluoroiodate nonlinear optical material, [GaF(H₂O)][IO₃F], is derived from CsIO₂F₂ through polycation substitution, and it exhibits an intense SHG effect of 10 times that of KH₂PO₄ and improved overall performance.     

Cerium triiodate,Ce(IO3)3

The crystal structure of Ce(IO₃)₃ consists of one‐dimensional chains of edge‐sharing CeO₉ polyhedra which are crosslinked into two‐dimensional layers through bridging IO₃⁻ groups. The layers are held together via long I⋯O contacts, resulting in an extended three‐dimensional network. The I—O bond distances and O—I—O angles are normal, lying in the ranges 1.806 (4)–1.846 (4) Å and 89.9 (2)–100.9 (2)°, respectively. The three crystallographically independent iodate groups all show different coordination modes.     

Polymorphism of Anhydrous Cadmium Iodate Structure of ε‐Cd(IO3)2

The investigation of CdCl₂‐HIO₃ system, in aqueous and HNO₃ solutions, revealed that anhydrous cadmium iodate presents a marked polymorphism. No less than four new Cd(IO₃)₂polymorphs have been isolated and characterized, two of which showing second harmonic generation activity. Single crystals of ε‐Cd(IO₃)₂ are obtained by slowly evaporating, at 60 °C, a saturated solution of γ‐Cd(IO₃)₂ in 30 % nitric acid. This compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pca2₁ [a = 17.581(2), b = 5.495(2), c = 11.163(2) Å]. The basic structural unit can be described as the connection of two cadmium polyhedrons with a short metal – metal distance of 3.88Å. These units are further linked through two other iodate bridges resulting in layers parallel to the (100) plane. The 3D linkage is ensured by short bonds of the fourth iodate group.     

Ce(IO3)2F2⋅H2O: The First Rare-Earth-Metal Iodate Fluoride with Large Second Harmonic Generation Response

The first rare earth metal iodate fluoride, Ce(IO₃)₂F₂⋅H₂O, was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. In the structure, CeO₅F₄ polyhedra connect with isolated IO₃ groups to form 1D infinite [Ce(IO₃)₂F₂] chains, which interconnect with each other by weak hydrogen bonds to construct the whole structure. Ce(IO₃)₂F₂⋅H₂O produces a large second harmonic generation response, which is three times that of potassium dihydrogenphosphate. Theoretical calculations with DFT and dipole moments were performed to illustrate the relationships between the structure and the properties. The results show that Ce(IO₃)₂F₂⋅H₂O is a new iodate fluoride with novel structure and potential applications in nonlinear optics.     

LiMII(IO3)3 (MII=Zn and Cd): Two Promising Nonlinear Optical Crystals Derived from a Tunable Structure Model of α‐LiIO3

Excellent nonlinear optical materials simultaneously meet the requirements of large SHG response, phase‐matching capability, wide transparency windows, considerable energy band‐gap, good thermal stability and structure stability. Herein, two new promising nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals LiM^II(IO₃)₃ (M^II=Zn and Cd) are rationally designed by the aliovalent substitution strategy from the commercialized α‐LiIO₃ with the perfect parallel alignment of IO₃ groups. Compared with parent α‐LiIO₃ and related A^I₂M^IV(IO₃)₆, the title compounds exhibit more stable covalent 3D structure, and overcome the racemic twinning problem of A^I₂M^IV(IO₃)₆. More importantly, both compounds inherit NLO‐favorable structure merits of α‐LiIO₃ and show larger SHG response (≈14× and ≈12×KDP), shorter absorption edge (294 and 297 nm) with wider energy band‐gap (4.21 and 4.18 eV), good thermal stability (460 and 430 °C), phase‐matching behaviors, wider optical transparency window and good structure stability, achieving an excellent balance of NLO properties.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of a chiral rare earth iodate (Gd(IO3)3 · H2O) showing the rare (3, 8)-connected (43)(4 · 62) (49 · 617 · 82) topology

In the presence of Cu(II) ions, a chiral rare earth iodate Gd(IO₃)₃?·?H₂O (crystallizing in P2₁ (no. 4) space group), was synthesized hydrothermally from Gd₂O₃ and HIO₃; the structure is the topologically (3,?8)-connected (4³)(4?·?6²)(4⁹?·?6¹⁷?·?8²) network, constructed from 3-connected trigonal nodes (I1, I3) and 8-connected tetragonal prism nodes (Gd1).     

A new type of mixed anionic framework in microporous rubidium copper vanadyl(V) phosphate,Rb2Cu(VO2)2(PO4)2

In dirubidium copper bis[vanadyl(V)] bis(phosphate), Rb₂Cu(VO₂)₂(PO₄)₂, three different oxo complexes form an anionic framework. VO₅ polyhedra in a trigonal bipyramidal configuration and PO₄ tetrahedra share vertices to form eight‐membered rings, which lie in layers perpendicular to the a axis of the monoclinic unit cell. Cu atoms at centres of symmetry have square‐planar coordination and link these layers along [100] to form a three‐dimensional anionic framework, viz. [Cu(VO₂)₂(PO₄)₂]_∞²⁻. Intersecting channels in the [100], [001] and [011] directions contain Rb⁺ cations. Topological relations between this new structure type and the crystal structures of A(VO₂)(PO₄) (A = Ba, Sr or Pb) and BaCrF₂LiF₄ are discussed.     

A Facile Route to Nonlinear Optical Materials: Three‐Site Aliovalent Substitution Involving One Cation and Two Anions

Two mixed‐metal gallium iodate fluorides, namely, α‐ and β‐Ba₂[GaF₄(IO₃)₂](IO₃) ( 1 and 2 ), have been designed by the aliovalent substitutions of α‐ and β‐Ba₂[VO₂F₂(IO₃)₂](IO₃) ( 3 and 4 ) involving one cationic and two anionic sites. Both 1 and 2 display large second‐harmonic generation responses (≈6×KH₂PO₄ (KDP)), large energy band gaps (4.61 and 4.35 eV), wide transmittance ranges (≈0.27–12.5 μm), and high relevant laser‐induced damage thresholds (29.7× and 28.3×AgGaS₂, respectively), which indicates that 1 and 2 are potential second‐order nonlinear optical materials in the ultraviolet to mid‐infrared. Our studies propose that three‐site aliovalent substitution is a facile route for the discovery of good NLO materials.     

Rational Design of the Metal‐Free KBe2BO3F2⋅(KBBF) Family Member C(NH2)3SO3F with Ultraviolet Optical Nonlinearity

The first fluorosulfonic ultraviolet (UV) nonlinear optical (NLO) material, C(NH₂)₃SO₃F, is rationally designed by taking KBe₂BO₃F₂ (KBBF) as the parent compound. C(NH₂)₃SO₃F features similar topological layers as KBBF by replacing inorganic (BO₃)^3? with organic C(NH₂)₃⁺ trigonal units and BeO₃F with SO₃F^? tetrahedra. Therefore, C(NH₂)₃SO₃F is a metal‐free UV NLO crystal. Benefiting from the coplanar configuration of the C(NH₂)₃⁺ cationic groups, it possesses a large SHG response of 5×KDP and moderate birefringence of 0.133@1064 nm. Besides, it has a short UV cutoff edge of 200 nm. The calculated results reveal the shortest SHG phase‐matching wavelengths can reach 200 nm. These findings highlight the exploration of metal‐free compounds as nontoxic and low‐cost UV NLO materials as a new research area.     

Crystal Structure of a Cadmium Iodate Monohydrate: Cd(IO3)2·H2O

Single crystals of Cd(IO₃)₂·H₂O are obtained by slow evaporation of aqueous solutions of CdCl₂ and KIO₃. This compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1¯ [a = 7.119(2), b = 7.952(2), c = 6.646(2)Å, α = 102.17(2)°, β = 114.13(2)°, γ = 66.78(4)°]. The structure consists in Cd — (μ2‐O)₂ — Cd dimers with a metal — metal distance of 3.74Å. These dimers are connected through two iodate bridges resulting in layers parallel to the (010) plane. The 3D linkage is ensured by I1 — O1 long bonds (2.775Å).