Effect of Fluoride Atoms on the Electrochemical Performance of Tetracyanoquinodimethane(TCNQ) Electrodes in Zinc-ion Batteries

Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) electrode material has achieved excellent performance in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). However, fundamental understanding about effect of substitutes on electrochemical performance of TCNQ remain unknown. In this work, the effects of fluorine (F) as an electron-absorbing group on the structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of TCNQ and storage mechanism of TCNQ in AZIBs are discussed. Theoretical calculation proves that the introduction of fluorine atoms decreases lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy of TCNQ thus affect the redox potential. Electrochemical performance of TCNQ/Fluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (FTCNQ)/2,3,5,6-Tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F₄TCNQ) is evaluated from 25 °C to −20 °C in AZIBs. Results tend out that with the increasing substituents of F on TCNQ molecular, their stability in AZIBs decrease. Dipole moment calculation further shows that the introduction of fluorine atoms is inconducive to the stability of the electrode material in aqueous solution. Ex-situ characterization demonstrate that electron withdrawing groups do not change the REDOX center of TCNQ electrode materials. Our work provides a new thought for the selection of the electrode material in AZIBs.     

带有噻吩侧基的有机硼小分子电子受体光伏材料

有机小分子电子受体材料的侧基能够影响异质结有机太阳能电池的给体/受体匹配和器件性能。我们设计并合成了一个硼原子带有噻吩侧基的有机硼小分子(MBN-Th)。该分子的LUMO离域在整个骨架上,HOMO定域在中心核上,其独特的电子结构使该分子具有两个强的吸收峰(波长分别为490和726nm),因此分子具有宽的吸收光谱和强的太阳光吸收能力。与苯基侧基相比,噻吩侧基使分子的HOMO能级下移0.1 eV,LUMO能级保持不变,进而引起分子带隙减小和吸收光谱蓝移20nm。基于该有机硼小分子受体材料的异质结有机太阳能电池,实现了4.21%的能量转化效率和300–850nm的宽响应光谱。实验结果表明,硼原子上的噻吩侧基是调控有机硼小分子光电性质的有效方法,可以用于有机硼小分子受体材料的设计。     

Elucidation of the electronic structure of molecules with the help of NMR spin-spin coupling constants: the FH molecule

It is demonstrated how the one-bond NMR spin-spin coupling constant (SSCC) (1)J(FH) can be used as a source of information on the electronic structure of the FH molecule. For this purpose, the best possible agreement between measured and calculated SSCC is achieved by large basis set coupled perturbed density functional theory calculations. Then, the calculated value is dissected into its four Ramsey terms: Fermi contact, the paramagnetic spin-orbit term, the diamagnetic spin-orbit term, and the spin dipole term, which in turn are decomposed into orbital contributions and then described by their spin densities and orbital current densities. In this way, the SSCC gives detailed information about the electronegativity of F, the bond polarity, the bond polarizability, the volume and the polarizability of sigma and pi lone pair orbitals, the s- or p-character of the bond orbital, the nature of the LUMO, and the density distribution around F.     

Low-Bias Conductance Mechanism of Diarylethene Isomers:a First-Principle Study

The structure-property relationship of diarylethene (DAE)-derivative molecular isomers, which involve ring-closed and ring-open forms, is investigated by employing the non-equilibrium Green's function formalism combined with density functional theory. Molecular junctions are formed by the isomers connecting to Au(111) electrodes through flanked pyridine groups. The difference in electronic structures caused by different geometry structures for the two isomers, particularly the interatomic alternative single bond and double bond of the ring-closed molecule, contributes to the vastly different low-bias conductance values. The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the isomers is the main channel for electron transport. In addition, more electrons transferred to the ring-closed molecular junction in the equilibrium condition, thereby decreasing the LUMO energy to near the Fermi energy, which may contribute to a larger conductance value at the Fermi level. Our findings are helpful for understanding the mechanism of low-bias conductance and are conducive to the design of high-performance molecular switching based on diarylethene or diarylethene-derivative molecules.     

Self-organization of electron acceptor molecules on graphene

Graphene grown on Ir(111) electronically decouples adsorbed molecules from the metallic substrate and allows the study of their self-organization on surfaces. We study two electron acceptor molecules from the same family. The intermolecular interaction, attractive for TCNQ and repulsive for F(4)-TCNQ, dictates the molecular ordering.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel terthiophene-based quinodimethane bearing a 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene central unit

The synthesis and a combined spectroscopic and density functional theoretical characterization of a 3',4'-ethylenedioxy-5,5' '-bis(dicyanomethylene)-5,5' '-dihydro-2,2':5',2' '-terthiophene analogue of 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) are presented. Electrochemical data show that this novel trimer can be both reversibly reduced and oxidized at relatively low potentials. Quantum-chemical calculations show that the compound exhibits a quinoidal structure in its ground electronic state and that a certain degree of intramolecular charge transfer takes place from the central terthienyl moiety toward both =C(CN)2 end-caps. Therefore, the amphoteric redox behavior of this novel material can be related to the coexistence of an electron-impoverished terthienyl core endowed by two electron-enriched =C(CN)2 substituents. The UV-vis spectrum is dominated by the appearance of a strong absorption near 660 nm, attributable to the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) --> lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) pi-pi electronic transition of the terthienyl spine on the basis of time-dependent density functional theory (DFT) computations. The DFT calculations performed on the minimum-energy molecular geometry about the equilibrium atomic charge distribution, topologies, and energies of the frontier orbitals around the gap and about the Raman-active vibrations associated with the strongest Raman features are also consistent with a rather effective pi-electron conjugation and the partial degree of intramolecular charge transfer mentioned above. Our study reveals this novel heteroquinoid trimer could act as a promising candidate in organic field-effect transistor (OFET) applications.     

Electric field effects on the performance of a candidate multipole molecular switch: a quantum computational study

Structural and electronic responses of the organic molecule di(4-nitro-2-methylenamine phenyl) diazene a candidate molecular switch, as an active device in a nanoelectronic circuit, to the external electric fields with strengths 5 x 10(-4) - 1.8 x 10(-2) a.u. included explicitly in the Hamiltonian are studied using B3LYP/6-31G* method. This study shows that thermodynamic formation functions are not affected significantly by the applied field. Electronic spatial extent show a negligibly small change (<2%) over the studied range of the electric field strength. Calculated electric dipole moments show significant sensitivity to the external electric field, which result consequently in much stronger interactions with the electrodes (poles) of the mother nanoelectronic circuit at higher electric field strengths. Natural bond orbital atomic charges analysis shows different field effects on different atoms depending on their positions with respect to the direction of the field. The applied field increases HOMO, LUMO, and the Fermi level energies; however, decreases the HOMO-LUMO gap (HLG) values. Results of this study show that it is possible to control field-induced charge redistribution over the molecule by using push-pull effects of different substitution via their connection points to the extended pi-system.     

Analysis of Bonding between Conjugated Organic Molecules and Noble Metal Surfaces Using Orbital Overlap Populations

The electronic structure of metal-organic interfaces is of paramount importance for the properties of organic electronic and single-molecule devices. Here, we use so-called orbital overlap populations derived from slab-type band-structure calculations to analyze the covalent contribution to the bonding between an adsorbate layer and a metal. Using two prototypical molecules, the strong acceptor 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) on Ag(111) and the strong donor 1H,1'H-[4,4']bipyridinylidene (HV0) on Au(111), we present overlap populations as particularly versatile tools for describing the metal-organic interaction. Going beyond traditional approaches, in which overlap populations are represented in an atomic orbital basis, we also explore the use of a molecular orbital basis to gain significant additional insight. On the basis of the derived quantities, it is possible to identify the parts of the molecules responsible for the bonding and to analyze which of the molecular orbitals and metal bands most strongly contribute to the interaction and where on the energy scale they interact in bonding or antibonding fashion.     

Ab initio assessment of the electronic structure of 5α-reduced progestins

Progesterone (P) yields to 5α-reduced progestins, namely 5α-pregnanedione (DHP), tetrahydroprogesterone (THP), and allopregnanolone (ALLO-P). The geometries and electronic structure of these steroids were assessed by ab initio calculations using the 6-31G* basis set. The parameters measured were bond distances, valence angles, and dihedral angles. Likewise, the following were calculated: total energy; frontier orbitals, i.e., highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO); lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO); dipole moment; atomic charges; and electrostatic potentials. The frontier orbitals of P were located at the π-double bond. However, the HOMO of the 5α-progestins was extended into the molecule, while the LUMO was confined at the C20 carbonyl group. The atomic charges, electronic density surfaces and electrostatic potentials showed patterns according to the stereochemical arrangement of the C3 and C20 carbonyl and hydroxyl functional groups. Interestingly, P and THP showed the larger dipole moment and high electronic density at the A-ring because the double bond and the 3α-hydroxy group, respectively. The present results might explain to some extent the metabolism of the studied progestins. Similarly, some physicochemical properties, such as dipole moments and electrostatic potentials, seem related with important biological actions such as uterine contractility and control of gonadotropin secretion. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 67: 329–338, 1998     

Proof of innocence for the quintessential noninnocent ligand TCNQ in its tetranuclear complex with four [fac-Re(CO)3(bpy)]+ groups: unusually different reactivity of the TCNX ligands (TCNX = TCNE, TCNQ, TCNB)

The reactions of [fac-Re(CO)(3)(bpy)(MeOH)](PF(6)), bpy = 2.2'-bipyridine, with the TCNX ligands (TCNE = tetracyanoethene, TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane, and TCNB = 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene) in CH(2)Cl(2) gave very different results. No reaction was observed with TCNB whereas TCNE produced very labile intermediates which converted under mild conditions to structurally characterized [(mu-CN)[fac-Re(CO)(3)(bpy)](2)](PF(6)) with an eclipsed conformation relative to the almost linear Re-CN-Re axis (Re-N(NC) 2.134(8) A, Re-C(CN) 2.098(8) A). With TCNQ, a stable tetranuclear complex [(mu(4)-TCNQ)[Re(CO)(3)(bpy)](4)](BF(4))(4) was obtained. Its structural, electrochemical, and spectroscopic analysis indicates only negligible charge transfer from the rhenium(I) centers to the extremely strong pi acceptor TCNQ. Evidence includes a calculated charge of only -0.09 for coordinated TCNQ according to the empirical structure/charge correlation of Kistenmacher, a high-energy nitrile stretching band nu(CN) = 2235 cm(-1), and unprecedented large anodic shifts >0.7 V of the reduction potentials. DFT calculations were used to confirm and explain the absence of electron delocalization from the electron-rich metals to the TCNQ acceptor bridge. Correspondingly, the X-band and high-frequency (285 GHz) EPR data (g = 2.007) as well as the IR and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical results (marginal nu(CO) shifts, TCNQ(*-) chromophore bands) support the almost exclusive confinement of the added electron in [(mu(4)-TCNQ)[Re(CO)(3)(bpy)](4)](3+) to the TCNQ bridge.     

Molecular orbital analysis of chemical carcinogens

Simple molecular orbital calculations are employed in searching electronic parameters which may characterize the chemical carcinogens. Using frontier orbitals, the carcinogen-DNA bond formation is described as an electron transfer from the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of DNA to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the carcinogen. Analysis of the DNA bases units shows that the electron donation occurs preferentially at the guanine site. The calculated low LUMO energy of several carcinogens indicate correctly the electrophilic character of these compounds. The difference between the carcinogen and the ultimate carcinogen is analyzed. Epoxides, free radicals, alkylating agents, and other metabolite forms are studied. A reasonable correlation is found between the LUMO energy and the carcinogenic function. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Theoretical study of a conjugated aromatic molecular wire

In this study, an organic conjugated molecule, 4,4′-[ethane-1,2-diylidenedi(nitrilo)] dibenzenthiol designed and is proposed as a molecular wire. Structural and electronic responses of this aromatic molecular wire to the static electric field with intensities −1.6 × 10⁻² to +1.6 × 10⁻² a.u., are studied using the DFT-B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory. Natural bond orbital atomic charge analysis shows that the imposition of static external electric field induces polarization—localization of charge on the two ends of molecule, especially on considered terminal contact sulfur atoms. The frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) energy levels including the highest occupied MO (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied MO (LUMO) and the HOMO–LUMO gap (HLG) values are modified by the static electric field as well. The electric dipole moment and polarizability of the proposed molecular wire under the studied electric field strengths are considerably increased. The current–voltage characteristic curve is estimated for the proposed molecular wire.     

Modulation of molecular conductance induced by electrode atomic species and interface geometry

We present a systematic theoretical investigation of the interaction of an organic molecule with gold and palladium electrodes. We show that the chemical nature of the electrode elicits significant geometrical changes in the molecule. These changes, which are characteristic of the electrode atomic species and the interface geometry, are shown to occur at distances as great as 10 Angstrom from the interface, leading to a significant modification of the inherent electronic properties of the molecule. In certain interface geometries, the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the palladium-contacted molecule exhibits enhanced charge delocalization at the center of the molecule, compared to gold. Also, the energy gap between the conductance peak of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and the Fermi level is smaller for the case of the palladium electrode, thereby giving rise to a higher current level at a given bias than the gold-contacted molecule. These results indicate that an optimal choice of the atomic species and contact geometry could lead to significantly enhanced conductance of molecular devices and could serve as a viable alternative to molecular derivatization.     

Zwitterionic pi-radical involving EDT-TTF-imidazole and F4TCNQ: redox properties and self-assembled structure by hydrogen-bonds and multiple S...S interactions

The reaction between an imidazole-functionalized EDT-TTF and F(4)TCNQ produced a zwitterionic pi-radical, which formed a self-assembled structure by the cooperation of hydrogen-bonds and multiple S...S interactions and exhibited three-step oxidation processes and a high electrical conductivity as a single-component organic molecule.     

Photophysical and electronic properties of five PCBM-like C60 derivatives: spectral and quantum chemical view

By means of transient UV-visible absorption spectra/fluorescence spectra, combined with electronic structure calculations, the present work focuses on characterizing the photophysical and electronic properties of five PCBM-like C(60) derivatives (F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5) and understanding how these properties are expected to affect the photovoltaic performance of polymer solar cells (PSCs) with those molecules as acceptors. Spectral data reveal that the fluorescence quantum yields (Φ(F)) are enhanced and the triplet quantum yields (Φ(T)) are lowered for the five PCBM-like C(60) derivatives as compared to those of the pristine C(60), suggesting that functionalization of a C═C double bond perturbs the fullerene's π-system and breaks the I(h) symmetry of pristine C(60), which results in modifications of photophysical properties of the fullerene derivatives. PBEPBE/6-311G(d,p)//PBEPBE/6-31G(d) level of electronic structure calculations yields the HOMO-LUMO gaps and LUMO energies, showing that the electron-withdrawing effect induced by the side chain functional groups perturbs LUMO energies, from which different open circuit voltages V(oc) are resulted. The predicted V(oc) from our calculation agrees with previous experiment results. Basically, we found that functionalization of a C═C double bond sustains the fullerene structure and its electron affinitive properties. Adducted side chains contribute to adjust the HOMO-LUMO gap and LUMO levels of the acceptors to improve open circuit voltage. The results could provide fundamental insights for understanding how structural modifications influence the photovoltaic performance, which paves a way for guiding the synthesis of new fullerene derivatives with improved performance in polymer solar cells.     

Covalent lanthanide chemistry near the limit of weak bonding: observation of (CpSiMe3)3Ce-ECp* and a comprehensive density functional theory analysis of Cp3Ln-ECp (E = Al, Ga)

Experimental evidence for the existence of two new lanthanide-metalloligand adducts (CpSiMe(3))(3)Ce-ECp* (E = Al, Ga) is presented. Paramagnetic (1)H NMR titration experiments were employed to derive thermodynamic parameters for Ce-Ga dative bond formation, and competition experiments with the U analogue were performed. Density functional theory calculations were undertaken using model complexes Cp(3)Ln-ECp where Ln = La-Lu and E = Al, Ga. The Ln-E bond distances were predicted to decrease more sharply across the Ln series than those involving hard Lewis bases; however, local increases were observed at Eu and Yb. Electronic analyses were performed in the natural bond orbital-natural localized molecular orbital (NBO/NLMO) formalism, indicating that the E→Ln acceptor orbital is primarily of d character in all cases. The Cp(-) ligands donate significant electron density to the Ln d manifold and thus in its bonding interactions with a dative ligand the Ln center may be considered to be Ln(2+) in the f((n-3))d(1) electronic configuration (n = 3 for La, etc.). Molecular dipole moments, NLMO and natural population analyses, bond order indices, measures of E→Ln charge transfer, and calculated Ln-E heterolytic bond disruption enthalpies were found to follow saw-tooth trends, which correlate to varying degrees with the ionization potentials of the Ln(+) ions (corrected for their ground state-to-f((n-3))d(2) excitations). It is proposed that a steric-strain component which increases with the lanthanide contraction in this case balances the Ln-E bond stabilizing effect of core-orbital contraction. All data indicate that the Ln-E bonding interactions are predominantly of covalent or nonpolar donor-acceptor character. However, the formation of a strong covalent bond is not observed because of resistance to reduction of an effectively divalent Ln center.     

Comments on some chemical properties of diphenyl disulfide and its derivatives: II.Correlating the studies of reductive cleavage of disulfide bonds with the studies of anti-human immunodeficiency virus activity with lowest unoccupied molecular orbital properties

The higher anti-human immunodeficiency virus activity of a symmetrical 2,2′-disubstitued derivative of diphenyl disulfide (DPDS) has been explained by the lower energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), resulted from a better hydrogen bond stabilization of the σ*_SS bond orbital (BO). This conclusion entails the participation of σ*_SS BO in constructing the LUMO. The higher content of σ*_SS BO, compared to π*_CC BOs of phenyl groups, in LUMO of DPDS has been found through analysis of the LUMO of DPDS expanded in the BO space. The high content of σ*_SS BO (%σ*_SS) in the LUMO of DPDS has laid the foundation for the formation of σ-type radical anion intermediate in the stepwise reductive cleavage of disulfide bond in the symmetrical 4,4′-disubstitued DPDS derivatives. For the nine 4,4′-disubstituted DPDS-derivatives under reductive cleavage studies, the increasing %σ*_SS in the LUMOs is parallel to the increasing value of inner reorganization energy.     

Potential-dependent reorientation of thiocyanate on Au electrodes

Thiocyanate (SCN) adsorption on an Au electrode is examined using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements, along with detailed density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Both the calculation and the spectroscopic measurements show that three different geometries are adopted by SCN adsorption in the potential region studied (0.0 V 相似文献