Development of new pseudopotential methods: improved model core potentials for the first-row transition metals

We have recently developed new nonrelativistic and scalar-relativistic pseudopotentials for the first-row transition metal and several main-group elements. These improved Model Core Potentials were tested on a variety of transition metal complexes to determine their accuracy in reproducing electronic structures, bond lengths, and harmonic vibrational frequencies with respect to both all-electron reference data as well as experimental data. The new potentials are also compared with the previous model core potentials available for the first-row transition metals. The new potentials do a superior job at reproducing atomic data, reproduce molecular data as well as the previous version, and in conjunction with new main-group pseudopotentials that have L-shell structure of the valence basis set, they are slightly faster.     

Two compounds constructed from Strandberg-type polyoxoanions,metals and organic ligands

Two new hybrid compounds, [Cu(1)(phen)(H₂O)][Cu(2)(phen)(H₂O)]([Cu(3)]_0.25(H₂O)][P₂Mo₅O₂₃]·3.75H₂O (1) and [Cu(en)₂]_1.5[P₂Mo₅O₂₃]₂·(enH₂)₃·2H₂O (2) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, en = ethylenediamine), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), powder XRD analyses, TG analyses, cyclic voltammogram analyses, elemental analyses, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that the two compounds have a 1-D chain structure formed by Strandberg-type POMs and TMCs with –A–B–C–B–A–B–C–B– linking mode, then further extend into a 2-D layer structure through π?π or hydrogen bond interactions.     

3-Fold-interpenetrated uranium-organic frameworks: new strategy for rationally constructing three-dimensional uranyl organic materials

The first series of 3-fold-interpenetrated uranium-organic frameworks, UOF-1 and UOF-2, have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions of flexible semirigid carboxylic acids and uranyl nitrate. Structure analyses indicate that UOF-1 and UOF-2 possess flu and pts topologies, respectively.     

Polymer science with transition metals and main group elements: Towards functional,supramolecular inorganic polymeric materials

Inorganic polymers are relatively unexplored because the efficient formation of macromolecular chains from atoms of transition metals and main group elements has presented a synthetic challenge. Nevertheless, these materials offer exciting opportunities for accessing properties that are significantly different from and which therefore complement those available with the well‐established organic systems. Inorganic block copolymers are of particular interest for the generation of functional, nanoscale supramolecular architectures and hierarchical assemblies using self‐assembly processes. This article focuses on research in my group over the past decade, which has targeted the development of new and controlled routes to inorganic polymers and their subsequent use in forming supramolecular materials as well as studies of their properties and applications. The use of ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) and transition‐metal‐catalyzed polycondensation approaches are illustrated. Controlled ROP procedures have been developed that allow access to polyferrocene block copolymers that self‐assemble into interesting nanoscopic architectures such as cylinders and superstructures such as flowers. The future prospects for inorganic polymer science are discussed, and a growing emphasis on the study of supramolecular inorganic polymeric materials is predicted. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 179–191, 2002     

Stable (aryl)(phosphino)carbenes: new ligands for transition metals

The first direct complexation of a stable phosphino carbene to a transition metal center is described. Both eta1- and eta2-coordination modes have been characterized spectroscopically. The Fischer-type structure of the eta1-carbene rhodium complex was revealed by an X-ray diffraction study.     

Confinement synthesis in porous molecule-based materials: a new opportunity for ultrafine nanostructures

A balance between activity and stability is greatly challenging in designing efficient metal nanoparticles (MNPs) for heterogeneous catalysis. Generally, reducing the size of MNPs to the atomic scale can provide high atom utilization, abundant active sites, and special electronic/band structures, for vastly enhancing their catalytic activity. Nevertheless, due to the dramatically increased surface free energy, such ultrafine nanostructures often suffer from severe aggregation and/or structural degradation during synthesis and catalysis, greatly weakening their reactivities, selectivities and stabilities. Porous molecule-based materials (PMMs), mainly including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and porous organic polymers (POPs) or cages (POCs), exhibit high specific surface areas, high porosity, and tunable molecular confined space, being promising carriers or precursors to construct ultrafine nanostructures. The confinement effects of their nano/sub-nanopores or specific binding sites can not only effectively limit the agglomeration and growth of MNPs during reduction or pyrolysis processes, but also stabilize the resultant ultrafine nanostructures and modulate their electronic structures and stereochemistry in catalysis. In this review, we highlight the latest advancements in the confinement synthesis in PMMs for constructing atomic-scale nanostructures, such as ultrafine MNPs, nanoclusters, and single atoms. Firstly, we illustrated the typical confinement methods for synthesis. Secondly, we discussed different confinement strategies, including PMM-confinement strategy and PMM-confinement pyrolysis strategy, for synthesizing ultrafine nanostructures. Finally, we put forward the challenges and new opportunities for further applications of confinement synthesis in PMMs.

The space-, coordination-, and/or ion-confinement in porous molecule-based materials (PMMs) endow the PMM-confinement (pyrolysis) synthesis to construct a variety of ultrafine nanostructures.     

A new stable porous Pr-organic framework constructed by multi-iodine-substituted aromatic polycarboxylates: Synthesis,characterization, and selective adsorption of dyes

abstract

Poly[tris(dimethylformamide)(μ3-2,4,6-triiodol-1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid)-praseodymium (III)] {Pr(TIBTC)(DMF)₃}_n (1) (H₃TIBTC = 2,4,6-triiodo-1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid) was synthesized by the reaction of Pr(NO₃)₃·6H₂O and H₃TIBTC at 85°C in a pyrex vial. 1 was characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–vis, TGA, PXRD, and atomic force microscopy analytical means. Each of the central Pr ions and the three carboxyl groups from the same ligand constitute a SBU, which is then joined by a carboxyl group to form a building block. In order to further explore the functional properties of 1, we used this compound for adsorption experiments. It is found that 1 can effectively adsorb anionic dyes in aqueous solutions. In particular, there is a good adsorption efficiency for coomassie brilliant blue R-250. Therefore, 1 shows good prospects for selective adsorption of anionic dyes from wastewater solution.     

MOF-derived binary mixed carbon/metal oxide porous materials for constructing simultaneous determination of hydroquinone and catechol sensor

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - It is a top priority to simultaneously and accurately detect hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CC). Here, a new strategy for constructing simultaneous...     

A 3D porous zinc MOF constructed from a flexible tripodal ligand: Synthesis, structure, and photoluminescence property

A new metal-organic framework, [Zn₅(trencba)₂(OH)₂Cl₂·4H₂O] (1) [H₃trencba=N,N,N′,N′,N′′,N′′-tris[(4-carboxylate-2-yl)methyl]-tris(2-aminoethyl)amine], constructed from a flexible tripodal ligand based on C₃ symmetric tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, has been synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG, XRD and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 contains an unprecedented linear penta-nuclear zinc cluster fragment. Each ligand links four penta-nuclear fragments, and every fragment links eight ligands to generate a three-dimensional non-interpenetrated porous framework. The uncoordinated water molecules were observed trapped in the void pores. Compound 1 represents the first example of (6,8)-connected 3D bi-nodal framework based on a single kind of organic ligand. The photoluminescence measurements showed that complex 1 exhibits relatively stronger blue emissions at room temperature than that of the ligand.     

Oxide ultra-thin films on metals: new materials for the design of supported metal catalysts

Ultrathin oxide films on metals offer new opportunities for the design of supported nanoclusters with potential use in catalysis. This requires a characterization at the atomistic level of the structure and composition of the thin film, of its morphology and defect structure. A proper selection of metal/oxide interface, film thickness, lattice mismatch, etc. makes it possible to prepare collections of supported metal particles with novel properties. This critical review describes some illustrative examples, emphasizes the role of the interplay between theory and experiment, and relates some recent findings related to the possibility to control the charge state of a supported nanoparticle on an ultrathin oxide film (211 references).     

Synthesis,structural characterization,and photocatalytic study of transition metal coordination polymers constructed from mixed ligands

Three 3-D coordination polymers, [Cu(cca)(4,4′-bipy)]_n (1), [Co₃(pda)₃(1,10′-phen)₂]_n (2), and [Co(pda)(1,10′-phen)]_n (3), have been synthesized from 4-carboxycinnamic acid (cca), 1,4′-phenylenediacrylic acid (pda), 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy), 1,10′-phenanthroline (1,10′-phen), and Cu and Co salts under different conditions. The X-ray crystal structures of these three complexes are presented. Complex 1 exhibits a threefold 3-D α-Po interpenetration network. Complex 2 with a 3-D framework with six-connected single α-Po framework constructed from Co₃ unit has been synthesized and characterized. Complex 3 shows a 3-D framework with bcu topology composed of 1-D rod-shaped secondary building units. Furthermore, the photocatalytic properties of 2 were studied. When excited by UV light, 2 exhibits photocatalytic activity, in 300?min, about 71% Rhodamine B decomposes.     

Modelling relaxation processes for fluids in porous materials using dynamic mean field theory: application to pore networks

We present an application of a recently developed dynamic mean field theory to the study of relaxation dynamics in adsorption and desorption from pore networks. The theory predicts the evolution of density distribution in the system, based on an underlying free energy functional from static mean field theory and the system evolves to equilibrium or metastable equilibrium states consistent with the static theory. The theory makes it possible to follow the evolution of the density distribution with time in response to a change in the bulk pressure or chemical potential. We compare uptake dynamics for a 2D slit pore network with that in a single slit pore. We see more rapid uptake dynamics in the pore network in some cases, due to the greater access of the pore space to the bulk. We also observe that the formation of liquid bridges can slow down the mass transfer in the pore network in certain situations.     

Structures of alkali metals in silica gel nanopores: new materials for chemical reductions and hydrogen production

Alkali metals and their alloys can be protected from spontaneous reaction with dry air by intercalation (with subsequent heating) into the pores of silica gel (SG) at loadings up to 40 wt %. The resulting loose, black powders are convenient materials for chemical reduction of organic compounds and the production of clean hydrogen. The problem addressed in this paper is the nature of the reducing species present in these amorphous materials. The atomic pair distribution function (PDF), which considers both Bragg and diffuse scattering components, was used to examine their structures. Liquid Na-K alloys added to silica gel at room temperature (stage 0) or heated to 150 degrees C (stage I) as well as stage I Na-SG, retain the overall pattern of pure silica gel. Broad oscillations in the PDF show that added alkali metals remain in the pores as nanoscale metal clusters. 23Na MAS NMR studies confirm the presence of Na(0) and demonstrate that Na+ ions are formed as well. The relative amounts of Na(0) and Na(+) depend on both the overall metal loading and the average pore size. The results suggest that ionization occurs near or in the SiO2 walls, with neutral metal present in the larger cavities. The fate of the electrons released by ionization is uncertain, but they may add to the silica gel lattice, or form an "electride-like plasma" near the silica gel walls. A remaining mystery is why the stage I material does not show a melting endotherm of the encapsulated metal and does not react with dry oxygen. Na-SG when heated to 400 degrees C (stage II) yields a dual-phase reaction product that consists of Na(4)Si(4) and Na(2)SiO(3).     

Application of voltammetric methods for the analysis of gold and other transition metals in quartzite rock

Simple, rapid and accurate voltammetric methods viz. DCP, DPP and DPASV have been presented for the trace determination of gold and other transition metals in quartzite rock sample. The analysis has been performed using 0.1 M(NH4)2 tartrate, 0.1 M NaClO4 and 1 M NaOH as supporting electrolyte with 0.001% gelatin as maximum suppressor. The results show the presence of CuII(10.70), CoII(4.72), FeIII(66.96), AuIII(0.066), ZnII(1.68) and CdII(0.62) mg x g(-1) metal ions from the sample. Gold produced a well defined wave/peak with E1,2/Ep = -0.61 V/-0.64 V vs SCE, in 1 M NaOH supporting electrolyte. The quantitative analysis of metal inos was carried out by the method of standard addition. Statistical treatment of the observed voltammetric data reveals high accuracy and good precision of determination. The observed voltammetric results are comparable with those obtained using AAS method.     

Efficient electrosorption of uranium(VI) by B,N, and P co-doped porous carbon materials containing phosphate functional groups

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - In this paper, polyphosphazene was synthesized as precursors using benzene-1,4-diboronic acid and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) by a simple one-step...     

Effect of alkali metals,alkaline earth metals and lanthanides on the adsorption of uranium on activated charcoal from aqueous solutions

Effects of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and some lanthanides on the adsorption of uranium on activated charcoal from aqueous solutions have been studied. These effects are correlated with the ionic radii of metal ions present in the solutions. Adsorption capacity, X_m and binding energy contant, K for uranium adsorption were calculated from the Langmuir equätion. The mean energy of adsorption, E_s was calculated from adsorption energy constant, K, values determined from the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm equation. Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was used for measuring the uranium concentration.     

1,2,4-Triazolium-5-ylidene and 1,2,4-triazol-3,5-diylidene as new ligands for transition metals

Ab initio calculations show the 1,2,4-triazolium-5-ylidene (3a) and 1,2,4-triazol-3,5-diylidene (4a) are true minima on the potential surface. As expected, 4a is much higher in energy than its triazole isomers 5a, 6a and 8a and the 1,2,4-triazol-3-ylidene (7a). Sodium methoxyde adds to the diquaternary salt of 1,2,4-triazoles (9b,c) to give the corresponding monocationic heterocycles 10b,c in 70 and 50% yield, respectively. One equivalent of silver(I) acetate reacts with 9b leading to the bis(1,2,4-triazolium-5-ylidene)silver(I) complex (11b) in 80% yield. Under the same experimental conditions, but using two equivalents of silver(I) acetate, solid-state one-dimensional polymers 12′b,c featuring the coplanar 1,2,4-triazol-3,5-diylidene ligands coordinated to silver(I) are obtained in 90% yield. 12′c has been fully characterized including a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study.     

A new chelated C,N-benzyllithium reagent and some organometallic derivatives of selected early transition metals

The reactions of LiCH₂C₆H₄-o-NMe₂ with Cp₂MCl (M = Ti, V; Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅), CpTiCl₂, CrCl₃, and ScCl₃ have led to the isolation of thermally stable, air-sensitive organometallic complexes whose stability is attributed to chelation. The reaction of Cr(CH₂C₆H₄-o-NMe₂)₃ with CO₂ gives a paramagnetic complex in which CO₂ has inserted into only one CrC bond and with diketones to give (diketonate)Cr(CH₂C₆H₄-o-NMe₂)₂.