μ<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Oxobis[(aroxo)tris(<Emphasis Type="Italic">para</Emphasis>-tolyl)antimony]: Synthesis and Structure

µ₂-Oxobis[(2,4,6-tribromophenoxo)tris(para-tolyl)antimony] (I), µ₂-oxobis[(2,3,4,5,6-pentachlorophenoxo) tris(para-tolyl)antimony] (II), and µ₂-oxobis(2,4-dinitrophenoxo)tris(para-tolyl)antimony] (III) have been synthesized with high yields by the reaction of tris(para-tolyl)antimony with 2,4,6-tribromo-, 2,3,4,5,6-pentachloro-, and 2,4-dinitrophenol, respectively, in ether in the presence of tert-butylhydroperoxide. The Sb atoms in complexes I, II, and III have a distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination with the aroxyl ligands and the bridging oxygen atom in axial positions. The central Sb–O–Sb moiety in molecules of complexes I–III has an angular structure.     

Syntheses and structures of tris(<Emphasis Type="Italic">para</Emphasis>-tolyl)-, tris(3-fluorophenyl)-, and tris(4-fluorophenyl)antimony dioximates

Tris(para-tolyl)antimony bis(2-oxybenzaldoximate) (I), tris(para-tolyl)antimony bis(2-nitrobenzaldoximate) (II), tris(para-tolyl)antimony bis(2-bromobenzaldoximate) (III), tris(3-fluorophenyl)antimony bis(2-oxybenzaldoximate) (IV), tris(4-fluorophenyl)antimony bis(2-bromobenzaldoximate) (V), and tris(4-fluorophenyl)antimony bis(2-nitrobenzaldoximate) (VI) are synthesized by the reactions of tris(paratolyl)-, tris(3-fluorophenyl)-, and tris(4-fluorophenyl)antimony with 2-oxy-, 2-nitro-, and 2-bromobenzaldoxime in diethyl ether in the presence of tert-butyl hydroperoxide. The Sb atoms in complexes I–VI have a distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination mode with the oximate ligands in the axial positions. CIF files CCDC nos. 1062231 (I), 1059962 (II), 1465384 (III), 1465109 (IV), 1471948 (V), and 1060387 (VI).     

Synthesis and structure of tri(<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-tolyl) antimony dioximates

Tri(o-tolyl) antimony dioximates were synthesized by the reaction of tri(o-tolyl) antimony with 5-nitrofurfural and thiophen-2-carbaldehyde oximes in ether in the presence of hydrogen peroxide or tert-butylhydroperoxide (1: 2: 1 mol). Antimony atoms in the reaction products have distorted trigonal-bipyramidal coordination with the intramolecular distances Sb···N shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii of Sb and N by ~1 Å.     

Study on the Mixed ZnO Clusters and Ring-Like ZnO Ions

The pure Zn_m (m?=?2–10), mixed Zn_mO_m (m?=?1–10), Zn_mO_10??m (m?=?1–9) clusters and the univalent and divalent ring-like Zn_mO_m (m?=?2–10) cluster ions are systematically investigated by using Amsterdam density functional (ADF) program with Triple-zeta with two polarization functions basis set in conjunction with self-consistent field. Our calculated results show that the Zn₄ and Zn₇ clusters are the magic clusters. The structures of the Zn_mO_m (m?=?1–10) clusters evolve from two-dimension to three-dimension after m?=?8. For the Zn_mO_10??m (m?=?1–9) clusters, the Zn-rich structures evolve gradually from three-dimension to plane with an increase in the O ratios. The Zn₅O₅ cluster with equal ratio has a two dimensional structure. In the O-rich clusters, the O dimers can be easily detached from them. The O and Zn atoms partly adopt sp² and sp hybridization, respectively, in the ring-like Zn_mO_m (m?=?2–10) clusters and their ions. Gain and loss charge would affect the degree of hybridization and change their geometries. Their structural changes can be explained by valence bond theory.     

Substituted bismuth vanadates and chromates: New aspects

The work is devoted to the synthesis and attestation of a number of substituted vanadates and chromates of bismuth. For bismuth vanadates of the BIMEVOX family, the homogeneity regions of the Bi₄V_{2 – x}Cr _x O_{11 ± d} solid solutions have been refined, the features of the structure change of the compounds with increasing chromium content and changing temperature have been noted, and the powders and ceramics have been studied by electron microscopy. For the first time, as an impurity, an individually substituted bismuth chromate of the composition Substituted bismuth chromate of the Bi₁₃Cr_{5 – y}V _y O_{34.5 – d} (y = 0.95 ± 0.05) composition has been detected for the first time as an impurity and synthesized as an individual compound, which has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, chemical analysis, and photoelectron spectroscopy data; its homogeneity range has been determined, and electroconductive characteristics have been studied.     

Palladium clusters Pd<Subscript>4</Subscript>(SR)<Subscript>4</Subscript>(OAc)<Subscript>4</Subscript> and Pd<Subscript>6</Subscript>(SR)<Subscript>12</Subscript> (R = Bu,Ph): Structure and properties

The structures of the Pd₄(SBu)₄(OAc)₄ (I) and Pd₆ (SBu)₁₂ (II) palladium clusters are determined by the X-ray diffraction method. For cluster I: a = 8.650(2), b = 12.314(2), c = 17.659(4) Å, α = 78.03(3)°, β = 86.71(2)°, γ = 78.13(3)°, V = 1800.8(7) ų, ρcalcd = 1.878 g/cm³, space group P \(\bar 1\), Z = 4, N = 3403, R = 0.0468; for structure II: a = 10.748(2), b = 12.840(3), c = 15.233(3) Å, α = 65.31(3)°, β = 70.10(3)°, γ = 72.91(3)°, V = 1767.4(6) ų, ρ calcd = 1.605 g/cm³, space group P \(\bar 1\), Z = 1, N = 3498, R = 0.0729. In cluster I, four Pd atoms form a planar cycle. The neighboring Pd atoms are bound by two acetate or two mercaptide bridges (Pd…Pd 2.95–3.23 Å, Pd…Pd angles 87.15°–92.85°). In cluster II, the Pd atoms form a planar six-membered cycle with Pd···Pd distances of 3.09–3.14 Å, the PdPdPd angles being 118.95°–120.80°. The Pd atoms are linked in pairs by two mercaptide bridges. The formation of clusters I and II in solution is proved by IR spectroscopy and calorimetry. Analogous clusters are formed in solution upon the reaction of palladium(II) diacetate with thiophenol.     

A Systematic Search for Structures and Stabilities of Asymmetric Clusters (HfInN<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1-6)

In order to find single source precursors (SSP), the structures, relative stabilities, and IR spectra of small asymmetric clusters (HFInN₃) _n (n = 1–6) are systematically investigated by means of the density functional theory at the B3LYP level. The obtained geometries show that the frameworks of clusters (HFInN₃) _n (n = 2–6) prefer to be 2n-membered ring with alternating indium and α-nitrogen atoms. The averaged binding energies reveal that all of asymmetric clusters (HFInN₃) _n (n = 1–6) can continue to gain energy as the cluster size n increasing. The second-order difference of energy (Δ₂E) and the HOMO-LUMO energy gap (E_gap) as a function of the cluster size n both exhibit a pronounced even-odd alternation phenomenon. The influences of cluster size n and temperature T on the thermodynamic properties of clusters are discussed. Judged by enthalpies and Gibbs free energies, the formations of the most stable clusters (HFInN₃) _n (n = 2–6) from the monomer are thermodynamically favorable in the range of 200–800 K.     

Effect of photoanode active area on photovoltaic parameters of dye sensitized solar cells through its effect on series resistance investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

In the present work, the dependence of photovoltaic parameters of laboratory-scale dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) on photoanode active area (A) and also the effect of using current collector on this dependency were investigated. Current collectors were applied, in the form of silver strips, on the edges of electrodes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and current-voltage (I-V) curve measurement were employed as characterizing methods. The role of current collector was to decrease the resistance against current collection from the surface of electrodes and thus to decrease series resistance of DSSCs. It was observed that all photovoltaic parameters, i.e., short circuit current density (J _sc), open circuit voltage (V _oc), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (η), decrease with increasing A. Applying current collector had no influence on photovoltaic parameters of smallest DSSC, but it improved the performance of larger DSSCs. Also, applying current collector caused the photovoltaic parameters of DSSCs to be less dependent on A. It was shown that A dependence of photovoltaic parameters was due to the effect of A on area-specific series resistance (r _s) of DSSC. Also, the effect of current collector on A dependency of photovoltaic parameters was due to its effect on A dependency of r _s.     

Electron density distribution in crystals of the antimony(V) spiroendoperoxide complexes

The experimental and theoretical electron densities in complexes [6-(2,6-di-iso-propylphenyl)imino-2,4-di-tert-butylcyclohexa-2,4-diene-1-peroxo-1-olato-N,O,O′]tris(p-chlorophenyl)antimony(V), (p-Cl–C₆H₄)₃Sb(2,6-iso-Pr–Ph–AP) · O₂ (I), and [6-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)imino-2,4-di-tert-butylcyclohexa-2,4-diene-1-peroxo-1-olato-N,O,O′]tris(p-chlorophenyl)antimony(V), (p-Cl–C₆H₄)₃Sb(2,6-Me–Ph–AP) · O₂ (II), where AP is 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-o-iminobenzoquinone dianion, are studied on the basis of high-resolution X-ray diffraction data and theoretical calculations using the density functional theory (B3LYP/DGDZVP). The nature of chemical bonds and the charge distribution on atoms are studied, and the energy of molecular oxygen addition to the Sb(V) o-aminophenolate complexes is estimated. The structures are deposited with the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CIF files CCDC nos. 1560600 (spherical refinement) and 1560601 (multipole refinement) for complex I; 1560602 (spherical) and 1560603 (multipole) for complex II).     

Resonant photoemission and absorption spectroscopy study of the Cu<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>TiSe<Subscript>2</Subscript> electronic structure

The Cu3p and Cu2p resonance photoelectron spectra of the valence bands and core levels as well as Ti and CuL _2,3 absorption spectra for monocrystals 1T-Cu _x TiSe₂ were studied. The valence spectra obtained at Cu3p and Cu2p resonance drastically differ from each other. For Cu 3p-3d resonance, there are several bands corresponding to different channels of excited state decay. Spectra of the valence bands at Cu 2p-3d resonance are virtually identical to the spectra of pure TiSe₂. As follows from the absorption spectra, titanium atoms have the oxidation state 4+, whereas copper atoms are close to the free ion state.     

Compositions of nanoparticles of hexagonal symmetry

The formulas for calculation of the number of atoms in nanoparticles with symmetry group D _6h are reported. The numbers of atoms are determined by six structurally invariant numbers and the “quantum number” of the group order n. Eight classes of nanostructures with symmetry group D _6h are revealed: C _{? + 12z} , where z = 0, 1, 2, …, and C _? is C ₂, C ₆, C ₈, or C ₁₄. The sum rule for the coordination numbers of all atoms of subshells related to symmetry elements is established. Two-dimensional nanoparticles are considered.     

Computational Studies on the Mo-Doped Gold Nanoclusters Au<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>Mo(<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–10): Structures,Stabilities and Magnetic Properties

The geometric structures, relative stabilities, magnetic properties of Mo-doped gold clusters Au _n Mo(n = 1–10) have been investigated at the PBE1PBE/def2TZVP level of theory. The results show that molybdenum doping has a significant effect on the geometric structures and electronic properties of Au _n Mo(n = 1–10) clusters. For the lowest energy structures of Au _n Mo(n = 1–10), the two dimensional to three dimensional transition occurs at cluster size n ≥ 8, and their relative stabilities exhibit odd–even oscillation with the change of Au atom number. It is found that charge in corresponding Au _n Mo clusters transfers from Mo atom to Au _n host in the size range n = 1–7, whereas the charge in opposition direction in the size range n = 8–10. In addition, the magnetic properties of Au _n Mo clusters are enhanced after doping single Mo atom into the corresponding gold clusters. Our results are valuable for the design of magnetic material.     

Structural features of bismuth borates in the system <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis>B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The crystal structures of general composition nBi₂O₃-mB₂O₃ were analyzed and systematized with the use of the structures of borate groups. Based on the CNs calculated by the bond valence method, the shapes of bismuth coordination polyhedra derived from an octahedron were suggested. A correlation was found between the number of BO₃ triangles and BO₄ tetrahedra in borate groups, the average CN of Bi atoms, and the degree of distortion of Bi polyhedra as a function of the m: n ratio, as well as between the polarity of BO₄ tetrahedra and noncentrosymmetry of the structures. The role of Bi³⁺ with the active E pair in the manifestation of specific features of the forms of bismuth polyhedra and the types of connection of boron polyhedra was elucidated.     

Spatial Structure,Electron Energy Spectrum,and Growth of HfSi<Stack><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> Clusters (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 6–20)

The optimized spatial structure and calculated electronic spectra of anionic clusters HfSi _n ^? (n = 6–20) are presented. The calculations have been performed by the density functional theory method. By comparing the calculated and available experimental data, the spatial structures of the clusters detected in the experiment have been determined. It has been established that the formation of endohedral structures begins with n = 12, when a stable structure of a prism encapsulating a hafnium atom is formed. Clusters with n = 12 and 16 have increased stability and are basic for the construction of clusters with a close number of silicon atoms.     

Structural,Electronic and Tunable Magnetic Properties of Transition Metal Doped Rh<Subscript>8</Subscript> Cluster from First Principles Calculation

The configurations, electronic and magnetic properties of the Rh₇M (M?=?3d, 4d transition metal) are systematically investigated within the framework of the generalized gradient approximation density-functional theory (DFT-GGA). The results indicated that the ground state structures of Rh₇M (M?=?3d) clusters prefer to a bicapped octahedron configuration, while the Rh₇M (M?=?4d) clusters present a different degree of geometry reconstruction relative to the perfect cubic structure of Rh₈ cluster. In most cases, the doped clusters show relatively higher stability, indicating that impurity atoms could stabilize the pure Rh₈ cluster; the Rh₇M (M?=?3d, 4d) have smaller frontier orbital energy gaps in comparison to the host. The magnetic moments of Rh₇M (M?=?3d, 4d) exhibit a tunable magnetism with range from 3μ_B to 13μ_B and the Fe atom doping enhances the magnetic moment of mixed cluster.     

Balance,uniformity, and asymmetry of the structure of volborthite Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>)·2H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Four structural models of volborthite Cu₃(OH)₂(V₂O₇)·2H₂O (a = 10.646(2) Å, b = 5.867(1) Å, c = 14.432(2) Å, β = 95.19(1)°, V = 897.7(5) ų, Z = 4, R/R _w = 0.038/0.046) calculated in the space groups determined from the systematic absences are compared. Based on the structure balance and the similarity of constituting polyhedra, values of the R factor, and isotropic thermal parameters, the space group Ia is found to be preferable, which is the only possible asymmetric and uniform variant. Hydrogen atoms of OH-groups, oxygen atoms and, partially, hydrogen atoms of water are localized.     

Structure of silver clusters with magic numbers of atoms by data of molecular dynamics

The behavior of silver clusters (cubic octahedron habit) with magic numbers of atoms N = 13, 55, 146, 309, 561, 923, 1415, and 2057 in the 0–1300 K temperature range is studied for the embeded atom model by the molecular dynamics method. The structural method for the analysis of the dynamics of local configurations of atoms based on the construction of angular characteristics of simplexes of the Delone partition of a cluster is proposed. Structural transitions of clusters with a cubic octahedron habit to the stable clusters with an icosahedron habit are revealed. Motions of atoms in clusters with an icosahedron habit are transformed into the stationary vibration mode. Middle positions of atoms in clusters tend to form shells with a regular structure. At N = 561, there are 15 such shells. The cluster with N = 561 at 650 K is characterized by a reduced density close to that of silver melt.     

Search for the structures,stabilities, IR spectra,and thermodynamic properties of the asymmetric clusters (HClBN<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript> <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> </Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–6)

The density functional theory (DFT) method has been employed to systematically investigate the geometrical structures, stabilities, IR spectrum and thermodynamic properties of small asymmetric clusters (HClBN₃)_n (n = 1–6). When n ≥ 2, the optimized results suggest that the (BN_α)_2n cyclic structures with alternating boron and α-nitrogen atoms are observed in clusters. The influences of cluster size on the structures of clusters were discussed. The second-order difference in energies show that the (HClBN₃)₃ isomer is the most stable among the asymmetric clusters (HClBN₃)_n. Four main characteristic regions are obtained and assigned for the calculated IR spectra. A study of their thermodynamic properties suggests that monomer 1 forms clusters (2–6) thermodynamically favorable by the enthalpies at 298.2 K.     

Tri-<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-Tolylbismuth Diperchlorate and μ-Oxo-bis[(perchlorato)tri-<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-tolylbismuth]: Synthesis and Structure

Tri-p-tolylbismuth perchlorate (1) and μ-oxo-bis[(perchlorato)tri-p-tolylbismuth] (2) have been synthesized by the reaction between tri-p-tolylbismuth dibromide and silver perchlorate and its hydrate. The complexes have been studied by chemical analysis, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is triclinic, space group Pī, Z = 4, a =10.7271(9) Å, b = 13.5585(11) Å, c = 18.1592(13) Å, α = 110.867(3)°, β = 94.944(3)°, γ = 96.888(3)°, V = 2426.3(3) Å3, ρ_calcd = 1.865 g/cm3; complex 2 crystallizes in trigonal symmetry, space group R\(\bar 3\), a = 13.1157(2) Å, c = 22.1959(2) Å, γ = 120°, V = 3306.64(8) ų, ρ_calcd = 1.777 g/cm³. The bismuth atoms in the molecular structure of complex 1 have a distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination to the apically arranged oxygen atoms of perchlorate ions (Bi–C, 2.180(5)–2.201(5) Å; Bi–O, 2.324(4)–2.355(4) Å; OBiO axial angles, 170.1(1)°, 174.5(1)°). The structure of complex 2 contains binuclear [p-Tol₃Bi(ClO₄)]₂O molecules (Bi–O, 2.371(15), 1.9107(7) Å; OBiO axial angle, 180.0°).