Synthesis and characterization of methylcyclopentadienyl‐(η3‐allyl)platinum and its use as a metallo‐organic chemical vapour deposition precursor of platinum

This communication reports on rapid, efficient synthesis of the metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) precursor (methylcyclopentadienyl)allylplatinum. The compound is shown to be an effective precursor for the deposition of platinum thin films giving deposits of high quality and purity, probably due to the nature of ligands which seems to be good leaving <?tw=99%>groups as confirmed by mass spectrometric path‐­way. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vapor Phase Synthesis of SnS Facilitated by Ligand-Driven “Launch Vehicle” Effect in Tin Precursors

Extraordinary low-temperature vapor-phase synthesis of SnS thin films from single molecular precursors is attractive over conventional high-temperature solid-state methods. Molecular-level processing of functional materials is accompanied by several intrinsic advantages such as precise control over stoichiometry, phase selective synthesis, and uniform substrate coverage. We report here on the synthesis of a new heteroleptic molecular precursor containing (i) a thiolate ligand forming a direct Sn-S bond, and (ii) a chelating O^N^N-donor ligand introducing a “launch vehicle”-effect into the synthesized compound, thus remarkably increasing its volatility. The newly synthesized tin compound [Sn(SBu^t)(tfb-dmeda)] 1 was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis that verified the desired Sn:S ratio in the molecule, which was demonstrated in the direct conversion of the molecular complex into SnS thin films. The multi-nuclei (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹F, and ¹¹⁹Sn) and variable-temperature 1D and 2D NMR studies indicate retention of the overall solid-state structure of 1 in the solution and suggest the presence of a dynamic conformational equilibrium. The fragmentation behavior of 1 was analyzed by mass spectrometry and compared with those of homoleptic tin tertiary butyl thiolates [Sn(SBu^t)₂] and [Sn(SBu^t)₄]. The precursor 1 was then used to deposit SnS thin films on different substrates (FTO, Mo-coated soda-lime glass) by CVD and film growth rates at different temperatures (300–450 °C) and times (15–60 min), film thickness, crystalline quality, and surface morphology were investigated.     

Molecular Nitrides with Titanium and Group 13–15 Elements

Several heterometallic nitrido complexes were prepared by reaction of the imido–nitrido titanium complex [{Ti(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(μ‐NH)}₃(μ₃‐N)] ( 1 ) with amido derivatives of Group 13–15 elements. Treatment of 1 with bis(trimethylsilyl)amido [M{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃] derivatives of aluminum, gallium, or indium in toluene at 150–190 °C affords the single‐cube amidoaluminum complex [{(Me₃Si)₂N}Al{(μ₃‐N)₂(μ₃‐NH)Ti₃(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)₃(μ₃‐N)}] ( 2 ) or the corner‐shared double‐cube compounds [M(μ₃‐N)₃(μ₃‐NH)₃{Ti₃(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)₃(μ₃‐N)}₂] [M=Ga ( 3 ), In ( 4 )]. Complexes 3 and 4 were also obtained by treatment of 1 with the trialkyl derivatives [M(CH₂SiMe₃)₃] (M=Ga, In) at high temperatures. The analogous reaction of 1 with [{Ga(NMe₂)₃}₂] at 110 °C leads to [{Ga(μ₃‐N)₂(μ₃‐NH)Ti₃(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)₃(μ₃‐N)}₂] ( 5 ), in which two [GaTi₃N₄] cube‐type moieties are linked through a gallium–gallium bond. Complex 1 reacts with one equivalent of germanium, tin, or lead bis(trimethylsilyl)amido derivatives [M{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] in toluene at room temperature to give cube‐type complexes [M{(μ₃‐N)₂(μ₃‐NH)Ti₃(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)₃(μ₃‐N)}] [M=Ge ( 6 ), Sn ( 7 ), Pb ( 8 )]. Monitoring the reaction of 1 with [Sn{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] and [Sn(C₅H₅)₂] by NMR spectroscopy allows the identification of intermediates [RSn{(μ₃‐N)(μ₃‐NH)₂Ti₃(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)₃(μ₃‐N)}] [R=N(SiMe₃)₂ ( 9 ), C₅H₅ ( 10 )] in the formation of 7 . Addition of one equivalent of the metalloligand 1 to a solution of lead derivative 8 or the treatment of 1 with a half equivalent of [Pb{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] afford the corner‐shared double‐cube compound [Pb(μ₃‐N)₂(μ₃‐NH)₄{Ti₃(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)₃(μ₃‐N)}₂] ( 11 ). Analogous antimony and bismuth derivatives [M(μ₃‐N)₃(μ₃‐NH)₃{Ti₃(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)₃(μ₃‐N)}₂] [M=Sb ( 12 ), Bi ( 13 )] were obtained through the reaction of 1 with the tris(dimethylamido) reagents [M(NMe₂)₃]. Treatment of 1 with [AlCl₂{N(SiMe₃)₂}(OEt₂)] affords the precipitation of the singular aluminum–titanium square‐pyramidal aggregate [{{(Me₃Si)₂N}Cl₃Al₂}(μ₃‐N)(μ₃‐NH)₂{Ti₃(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)₃(μ‐Cl)(μ₃‐N)}] ( 14 ). The X‐ray crystal structures of 5 , 11 , 13 , 14 , and [AlCl{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] were determined.     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of β‐Ketoiminate‐Stabilized Gallium Hydrides for Chemical Vapor Deposition Applications

Bis‐β‐ketoimine ligands of the form [(CH₂)_n{N(H)C(Me)?CHC(Me)?O}₂] (LⁿH₂, n=2, 3 and 4) were employed in the formation of a range of gallium complexes [Ga(Lⁿ)X] (X=Cl, Me, H), which were characterised by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The β‐ketoimine ligands have also been used for the stabilisation of rare gallium hydride species [Ga(Lⁿ)H] (n=2 ( 7 ); n=3 ( 8 )), which have been structurally characterised for the first time, confirming the formation of five‐coordinate, monomeric species. The stability of these hydrides has been probed through thermal analysis, revealing stability at temperatures in excess of 200 °C. The efficacy of all the gallium β‐ketoiminate complexes as molecular precursors for the deposition of gallium oxide thin films by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) has been investigated through thermogravimetric analysis and deposition studies, with the best results being found for a bimetallic gallium methyl complex [L³{GaMe₂}₂] ( 5 ) and the hydride [Ga(L³)H] ( 8 ). The resulting films ( F5 and F8 , respectively) were amorphous as‐deposited and thus were characterised primarily by XPS, EDXA and SEM techniques, which showed the formation of stoichiometric ( F5 ) and oxygen‐deficient ( F8 ) Ga₂O₃ thin films.     

2D Zeolite Coatings: Langmuir–Schaefer Deposition of 3 nm Thick MFI Zeolite Nanosheets

Stable suspensions of zeolite nanosheets (3 nm thick MFI layers) were prepared in ethanol following acid treatment, which partially removed the associated organic structure‐directing agent. Nanosheets from these suspensions could then be dispersed at the air–water interface and transferred to silicon wafers using Langmuir–Schaefer deposition. Using layer‐by‐layer deposition, control on coating thickness was demonstrated. In‐plane X‐ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the deposited nanosheets contract upon calcination similar to bulk MFI crystals. Different methods for secondary growth resulted in preferentially oriented thin films of MFI, which had sub‐12‐nm thickness in certain cases. Upon calcination, there was no contraction detectable by in‐plane XRD, indicating well‐intergrown MFI films that are strongly attached to the substrate.     

Chalcogen-containing metal chelates as single-source precursors of nanostructured materials: recent advances and future development

Abstract

The analysis of the use of chalcogenide metal chelates as single-source precursors of nanostructured materials has been carried out. The influence of the nature of the ligand, temperature, capping agents, thermolysis time, and solvent on the kinetic laws of thermolysis and the properties of the resulting nanomaterials is considered. Particular attention is paid to thermolysis of polynuclear chalcogenide metal chelates. The basic data on the synthesis of metal-polymer nanocomposites by thermolysis of chalcogenide metal chelates in the presence of polymers are summarized. The problems and future prospects of obtaining nanostructured materials by thermolysis of chalcogenide metal chelates are outlined. The bibliography includes articles published during the last 5 years.     

Magnetically Induced Orientation of Mesochannels in Mesoporous Silica Films at 30 Tesla

We demonstrate the magnetically induced orientation of mesochannels in mesoporous silica films prepared with low‐molecular‐weight surfactants under an extremely high magnetic field of 30 T. This process is principally applicable to any type of surfactant that has magnetic anisotropy because such a high magnetic field provides sufficient magnetic energy for smooth magnetic orientation. Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and polyoxyethylene‐10‐cetyl ether (Brij 56) were used as cationic and nonionic surfactants, respectively. According to XRD and cross‐sectional TEM, mesochannels aligned perpendicular to the substrates were observed in films prepared with low‐molecular‐weight surfactants, although the effect was incomplete. The evolution of these types of films should lead to future applications such as highly sensitive chemical sensors and selective separation.     

Enantioselective Synthesis of β‐Amino Acids,Part 13

Inexpensive acryloyl chloride was converted in 91% overall yield to two derivatives of β‐alanine, (R,R,R)‐ 6 and (R,R,S)‐ 6 , containing two chiral auxiliaries. C‐Alkylation of (R,R,R)‐ and (R,R,S)‐ 6 via a dianion derivative, was performed by direct metallation with 2.2 equiv. of lithium hexamethyldisilazane (LHMDS) in THF at ?78°. C‐Alkylation of (R,R,S)‐ 6 ‐Li₂ (‘matched' pair of chiral auxiliaries) afforded the mono‐alkylated products 8 – 11 in 29–96% yield and 54–95% stereoselectivity. Employment of LiCl as an additive generally increased stereoselectivities, whereas the effect of HMPA as a cosolvent was erratic. Chemical correlation of the major diastereoisomer from the alkylation reactions with (S)‐α‐alkyl‐β‐alanine ( 12 – 15 ) showed that addition of the electrophile preferentially takes place on the enolate's Si‐face. This conclusion is also supported by molecular‐modeling studies (ab initio HF/3‐21G), which indicate that the lowest‐energy conformation for (R,R,S)‐ 6 ‐Li₂ presents the more sterically hindered Re‐face of the enolate. The theoretical studies also predict a determining role for N? Li? O chelation in (R,R,S)‐ 6 ‐Li₂, giving rise to an interesting ‘ion‐triplet' configuration for the dilithium dianion.     

π‐Conjugated Microporous Polymer Films: Designed Synthesis,Conducting Properties,and Photoenergy Conversions

Conjugated microporous polymers are a unique class of polymers that combine extended π‐conjugation with inherent porosity. However, these polymers are synthesized through solution‐phase reactions to yield insoluble and unprocessable solids, which preclude not only the evaluation of their conducting properties but also the fabrication of thin films for device implementation. Here, we report a strategy for the synthesis of thin films of π‐conjugated microporous polymers by designing thiophene‐based electropolymerization at the solution–electrode interface. High‐quality films are prepared on a large area of various electrodes, the film thickness is controllable, and the films are used for device fabrication. These films are outstanding hole conductors and, upon incorporation of fullerenes into the pores, function as highly efficient photoactive layers for energy conversions. Our film strategy may boost the applications in photocatalysis, energy storage, and optoelectronics.     

Flexible triboelectric generator and pressure sensor based on poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyric acid] biopolymer

The utilization of poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyric acid] (PHB) biopolymer for a device that uses charging process in friction to convert mechanical energy into electric power is reported. The triboelectric generator (TEG) is fabricated by stacking a drop cast PHB film between indium tin oxide coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and PET sheet. The charge transfer takes place through an established general rule according to which the material with higher dielectric constant becomes positively charged. Furthermore, the utilization of such TEG as pressure sensor is illustrated. TEGs have the potential of harvesting energy from touch screen, mechanical vibration, and more, with great applications in self‐powered sensors for heat and environmental monitoring and even large‐scale applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014 , 52, 859–863     

A NEXAFS orientation study of γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane on zinc oxide surfaces

Bifunctional silanes, such as γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (γ‐APS), are able to adsorb to a substrate via both functional groups creating a number of possible orientations for an adsorbed molecule within an organosilane film. The orientation of dip coated γ‐APS films on native zinc oxide surfaces as a function of solution pH has been studied using near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The NEXAFS results shed further light on the changes in the orientation that take place during the oscillatory adsorption of these molecules and reveal new insights into the molecular reorganisations that occur with changing solution pH. The results are discussed in terms of an electrokinetic model that has been developed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sol-Gel Synthesis of Nano-Scaled BaTiO3, BaZrO3 and BaTi0.5Zr0.5O3 Oxides via Single-Source Alkoxide Precursors and Semi-Alkoxide Routes

Sol-gel synthesis of nano-sized BaTiO₃, BaZrO₃ and BaTi_0.5Zr_0.5O₃ ceramics using alkoxide and semi-alkoxide routes has been investigated and the pervoskites obtained have been compared with respect to crystallisation temperature, crystallite size and compositional purity. Heterometal alkoxides containing two (for BaTiO₃ and BaZrO₃) and three (for BaTi_0.5Zr_0.5O₃) different metals were used as single-source precursors in the alkoxide route while semi-alkoxide synthesis was performed by reacting barium hydroxide or acetate with Ti and/or Zr alkoxides. Semi-alkoxide synthesis also produces stoichiometric and phase-pure oxides, however, at temperatures higher than 1000°C. At temperatures below 1000°C, BaCO₃ and small amounts of other undesired phases (e.g., BaTi₂O₄) were present in the oxides derived from semi-alkoxide synthesis. Thermal behaviour, studied by TGA/DTA measurements, shows that thermal decomposition occurs in three major steps and depends on the educt composition and the synthesis route. Among alkoxide derived powders, crystalline BaTi_0.5Zr_0.5O₃ phase is formed at 400°C while complete crystallisation of BaMO₃ ceramics occurs around 600°C. The cubic to tetragonal phase transition for BaTiO₃ is clearly observed at relatively low-temperature of 800°C. The stoichiometry and phase homogeneity of the obtained powders were demonstrated by energy dispersive X-ray analysis and powder diffractometry. The averaged crystallite size of the obtained nano-ceramics was evaluated using the FormFit programme. SEM and TEM observations revealed a high microstructural uniformity.     

Deposition of copper‐doped iron sulfide (CuxFe1−xS) thin films using aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition technique

Copper‐doped iron sulfide (Cu_xFe_1?xS, x = 0.010–0.180) thin films were deposited using a single‐source precursor, Cu(LH)₂Cl₂ (LH = monoacetylferrocene thiosemicarbazone), by aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition technique. The Cu‐doped FeS thin films were deposited at different substrate temperatures, i.e. 250, 300, 350, 400 and 450 °C. The deposited thin films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) and atomic force microscopy. XRD studies of Cu‐doped FeS thin films at all the temperatures revealed formation of single‐phase FeS structure. With increasing substrate temperature from 250 to 450 °C, there was change in morphology from wafer‐like to cylindrical plate‐like. EDX analysis showed that the doping percentage of copper increased as the substrate temperature increased from 250 to 450 °C. Raman data supports the doping of copper in FeS films. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Excited‐State Proton Transfer and Conformational Relaxation of 2‐(4′‐Pyridyl)benzimidazole in Nafion Films

The effect of annealing on the acidity and water uptake of Nafion films has been studied by using the acidity sensing fluorophore 2‐(4′‐pyridyl)benzimidazole (4PBI). The difference in acidity and the microenvironment of the fluorophore in annealed and nonannealed films is brought out in this study. The annealed film is found to have less water uptake than nonannealed films. The amount of water uptake increases upon acid treatment of the films, as all the steady‐state and time‐resolved behaviour of the molecule in nonannealed films is restored. These observations are rationalised by the formation of anhydrides upon annealing and their hydrolysis to sulfonic acid groups upon acid treatment. Interestingly, the acidity of annealed films is found to be even less than that of Na⁺exchanged films, indicating that annealing removes more protons from the Nafion films than cation exchange can.     

Complexes of Monocationic Group 13 Elements with Pentaphospha‐ and Pentaarsaferrocene

Reactions of the sandwich complexes [Cp*Fe(η⁵‐E₅)] (Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅; E=P ( 1 ), As ( 2 )) with the monovalent Group 13 metals Tl⁺, In⁺, and Ga⁺ containing the weakly coordinating anion [TEF] ([TEF]=[Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄]^?) are described. Here, the one‐dimensional coordination polymers [M(μ,η⁵:η¹‐E₅FeCp*)₃]_n[TEF]_n (E=P, M=Tl ( 3 a ), In ( 3 b ), Ga ( 3 c ); E=As, M=Tl ( 4 a ), In ( 4 b )) are obtained as sole products in good yields. All products were analyzed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, revealing a similar assembly of the products with η⁵‐bound E₅ ligands and very weak σ‐interactions between one P or As atom of the ring to the neighbored Group 13 metal cation. By exchanging the [TEF] anion of 4 a for the larger [FAl] anion ([FAl]=[FAl{OC₆F₁₀(C₆F₅)}₃]^?), the coordination compound [Tl{(η⁵‐As₅)FeCp*}₃][FAl] ( 5 ) without any σ‐interactions of the As₅‐ring is obtained. All products are readily soluble in CH₂Cl₂ and exhibit a dynamic coordination behavior in solution, which is supported by NMR spectroscopy and ESI‐MS spectrometry as well as by osmometric molecular‐weight determination. For a better understanding of the proceeding equilibrium DFT calculations of the cationic complexes were performed for the gas phase and in solution. Furthermore, the ³¹P{¹H} magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra of 3 a–c are presented and the first crystal structure of the starting material 2 was determined.     

Characterization of plasma polymerized hydrocarbons using CP–MAS 13C-NMR

Plasma polymerized hydrocarbons made from ethane and methane were produced under different reactor conditions and probed by solid-state carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C-NMR) with cross-polarization and magic-angle sample spinning. NMR experiments provided structural information about the plasma polymers. The conditions of low power, high hydrocarbon gas flow rate, and no added hydrogen gas appeared to give the highest amount of nonprotonated sp³ hybridized carbons in the films for the reactor design used. The use of methane or ethane as reactor gas did not affect plasma polymer structure significantly.     

Copoly(peryleneimide)s containing 1,3,4‐oxadiazole rings: Synthesis and properties

New copolyimides containing perylenediimide, oxadiazole and hexafluoroisopropylidene moieties were prepared by one‐step polycondensation reaction in solution at high temperature of aromatic diamines containing preformed oxadiazole ring with a mixture of a dianhydride having a perylene ring and another dianhydride with hexafluoroisopropylidene unit. The thermal stability and glass transition temperatures of these copolyimides were measured and compared with those of related polyimides. The solid polymers were also studied by polarized light microscopy and X‐ray diffraction which revealed a semicrystalline state consisting of face‐to‐face arranged columns of perylenediimide units. The film‐forming ability and properties of the resulting thin films were investigated by using atom force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy which showed that the films were organized into self‐assembled rod‐like structures. The UV‐Vis and photoluminescence properties in solution and in solid state were also investigated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 4230–4242, 2010