Identification of the Active Sites on Metallic MoO2−x Nano-Sea-Urchin for Atmospheric CO2 Photoreduction Under UV,Visible, and Near-Infrared Light Illumination

We report an oxygen vacancy (V_o)-rich metallic MoO_2−x nano-sea-urchin with partially occupied band, which exhibits super CO₂ (even directly from the air) photoreduction performance under UV, visible and near-infrared (NIR) light illumination. The V_o-rich MoO_2−x nano-sea-urchin displays a CH₄ evolution rate of 12.2 and 5.8 μmol g_catalyst⁻¹ h⁻¹ under full spectrum and NIR light illumination in concentrated CO₂, which is ca. 7- and 10-fold higher than the V_o-poor MoO_2−x, respectively. More interestingly, the as-developed V_o-rich MoO_2−x nano-sea-urchin can even reduce CO₂ directly from the air with a CO evolution rate of 6.5 μmol g_catalyst⁻¹ h⁻¹ under NIR light illumination. Experiments together with theoretical calculations demonstrate that the oxygen vacancy in MoO_2−x can facilitate CO₂ adsorption/activation to generate *COOH as well as the subsequent protonation of *CO towards the formation of CH₄ because of the formation of a highly stable Mo−C−O−Mo intermediate.     

Selective and Tunable Near‐Infrared and Visible Light Transmittance of MoO3−x Nanocomposites with Different Crystallinity

In this Communication, we report MoO_3−x nanocomposites in which the near‐infrared and visible light transmittance can be selectively modulated through the crystallinity. The MoO_3−x nanocomposites were fabricated by a hydrothermal method, and their optical properties were characterized by UV‐Vis spectrometer. The obtained results proved the possibility to tune the nanocomposite's optical properties in the UV/Visible spectral region: crystalline MoO₃ mainly regulates the near‐infrared range (800–2600 nm), and amorphous MoO_3−x mainly changes the visible range from 350 nm to 800 nm and MoO_3−x , with semi‐crystalline structures mainly modulating around 800–1000 nm. These kinds of optical modulations could be attributed to small polar absorption, free electron absorption and plasmon absorption according to different crystallinity. Our work may create new possibilities for future applications such as photochromism, photocatalysis, and electrochromism.     

Facile Fabrication of Amorphous Molybdenum Oxide as a Sensitive and Stable SERS Substrate under Redox Treatment

Amorphous MoO_3−x nanosheets were fabricated by the room-temperature oxidation of molybdenum powder with H₂O₂, followed by light-irradiation reduction in methanol. When applied as a substrate for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), these nanosheets exhibit higher sensitivity than the crystalline counterpart for a wide range of analytes. Moreover, the SERS activity remains stable on repeated oxygen insertion/extraction. In contrast, the performance of crystalline MoO_3−x continuously deteriorates on successive redox treatments. This unique SERS activity allows the recycling of the substrate through an H₂O₂-based Fenton-like reaction. More importantly, the non-invasive SERS was unprecedentedly used for the self-diagnosis of amorphous MoO_3−x as a more selective photocatalyst than its crystalline counterpart.     

Preparation of Ultrathin Two‐Dimensional TixTa1−xSyOz Nanosheets as Highly Efficient Photothermal Agents

Although two‐dimensional (2D) metal oxide/sulfide hybrid nanostructures have been synthesized, the facile preparation of ultrathin 2D nanosheets in high yield still remains a challenge. Herein, we report the first high‐yield preparation of solution‐processed ultrathin 2D metal oxide/sulfide hybrid nanosheets, that is, Ti_x Ta_1−x S_y O_z (x =0.71, 0.49, and 0.30), from Ti_x Ta_1−x S₂ precursors. The nanosheet exhibits strong absorbance in the near‐infrared region, giving a large extinction coefficient of 54.1 L g⁻¹ cm⁻¹ at 808 nm, and a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 39.2 %. After modification with lipoic acid‐conjugated polyethylene glycol, the nanosheet is a suitable photothermal agent for treatment of cancer cells under 808 nm laser irradiation. This work provides a facile and general method for the preparation of 2D metal oxide/sulfide hybrid nanosheets.     

Black Current: Structure,Characterization, and Optoelectronic Properties of Ce3Cl3[MoO6]

The admixture of CeO₂, Ce, CeCl₃, and MoO₃ with an excess of LiCl as flux in evacuated silica ampules leads to large black single crystals as well as a black microcrystalline powder of Ce₃Cl₃[MoO₆] after tempering at 850 °C for three days. The title compound crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6₃/m (a=934.93(4), c=538.86(2) pm) with two formula units per unit cell. The crystal structure consists of rather unusual trigonal-prismatic [MoO₆]⁶⁻ units besides Ce³⁺ ions in a tetra-capped trigonal-prismatic coordination, formed by four Cl⁻ and six O²⁻ ions. The black color is related to an optical band gap of 1.35(2) eV, which was determined by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and confirmed by theoretical calculations. The low band gap between the 4f¹ state of cerium (HOMO) and the 5d⁰ state of molybdenum (LUMO) gave rise to the idea of electronic excitation between these two states by IR irradiation, creating a drop in the resistivity of the material, which was detected by appropriate measurements.     

PrB7−: A Praseodymium‐Doped Boron Cluster with a PrII Center Coordinated by a Doubly Aromatic Planar η7‐B73− Ligand

The structure and bonding of a Pr‐doped boron cluster (PrB₇⁻) are investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemistry. The adiabatic electron detachment energy of PrB₇⁻ is found to be low [1.47(8) eV]. A large energy gap is observed between the first and second detachment features, indicating a highly stable neutral PrB₇. Global minimum searches and comparison between experiment and theory show that PrB₇⁻ has a half‐sandwich structure with C_6v symmetry. Chemical bonding analyses show that PrB₇⁻ can be viewed as a Pr^II[η⁷‐B₇³⁻] complex with three unpaired electrons, corresponding to a Pr (4f²6s¹) open‐shell configuration. Upon detachment of the 6s electron, the neutral PrB₇ cluster is a highly stable Pr^III[η⁷‐B₇³⁻] complex with Pr in its favorite +3 oxidation state. The B₇³⁻ ligand is found to be highly stable and doubly aromatic with six delocalized π and six delocalized σ electrons and should exist for a series of lanthanide M^III[η⁷‐B₇³⁻] complexes.     

Synthesis and physical studies on a new anion exchange material: Zirconium (IV) ethylenediamine and its application to the separation of MoO42− from other anionic species

Zirconium (IV) ethylenediamine has been prepared by interaction of aqueous solutions of zirconium oxychloride and ehtylenediamine at pH 4.4 and 9.6. Its anion exchange capacity, chemical and thermal stabilities, pH titration curve and chemical composition were studied. Infrared spectra using the KBr disc method, TGA and DTA were recorded. A tentative formula was proposed showing zirconium (IV) oxide : ethylenediamine in the ratio 3:1, [ZrO(OH)⁺²]₃ [NH₂ (CH₂) ₂NH₂]. 3 H₂O. Distribution coefficient (Kd) values of a number of anionic species were determined in distilled water, and various concentrations of ammonium nitrate solution. On the basis of the difference in Kd values, the separations such as Cl⁻ - MoO₄²⁻, Br - MoO₄²⁻, I⁻ - MoO₄²⁻, SO₄²⁻ - MoO₄²⁻ and C₂O₄²⁻ - MoO₄²⁻ have been achieved successfully on its column.     

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.     

Interface‐Driven Structural Distortions and Composition Segregation in Two‐Dimensional Heterostructures

The discovery of emergent phenomena in 2D materials has sparked substantial research efforts in the materials community. A significant experimental challenge for this field is exerting atomistic control over the structure and composition of the constituent 2D layers and understanding how the interactions between layers drive both structure and properties. While no segregation for single bilayers was observed, segregation of Pb to the surface of three bilayer thick PbSe–SnSe alloy layers was discovered within [(Pb_x Sn_1−x Se)_1+δ]_n (TiSe₂)₁ heterostructures using electron microscopy. This segregation is thermodynamically favored to occur when Pb_x Sn_1−x Se layers are interdigitated with TiSe₂ monolayers. DFT calculations indicate that the observed segregation depends on what is adjacent to the Pb_x Sn_1−x Se layers. The interplay between interface‐ and volume‐free energies controls both the structure and composition of the constituent layers, which can be tuned using layer thickness.     

Coupling of Magnetic and Elastic Domains in the Organic–Inorganic Layered Perovskite‐Like (C6H5C2H4NH3)2FeIICl4 Crystal

Multiferroic materials coupling ferroelasticity and ferromagnetism show strong magnetoelastic effects as magnetization is induced by mechanical stress or alternately strain induced by applying a magnetic field. These effects were reported for inorganic multiferroics such as LaCo_x Sr_1−x O₃. (C₆H₅C₂H₄NH₃)₂Fe^IICl₄ is the first example of an organic–inorganic perovskite to exhibit such effects below the canted antiferromagnetism at T _C=98 K and ferroelasticity at T _C=433 K. This is shown by switching the magnetic hysteresis on and off by uniaxial pressure through the strong coupling of the magnetic and elastic domains. The spin‐canting direction was controlled by mechanical stress in the heating and cooling cycles. This unique observation gives additional impetus in the search for coupled hysteretic effect in organic–inorganic multiferroics.     

Selective Template Removal by Thermal Depolymerization to Obtain Mesostructured Molybdenum Oxycarbide

The carbon content of mesostructured organic‐inorganic hybrid material of a cylindrical block copolymer template of poly(2‐vinylpyridine)‐block‐poly(allyl methacrylate) (P2VP‐b‐PAMA) and ammonium paramolybdate (APM) could be reduced by thermal depolymerization. By calcination in vacuo at 320 °C the PAMA core can be completely removed while the remaining P2VP brush preserves the mesostructure. The P2VP‐APM composite can then be carburized in‐situ to MoO_xC_y in a second pyrolysis step without any additional carbon source but P2VP. The molybdenum oxycarbide nanotubes obtained, form hierarchically porous non‐woven structures, which were tested as catalyst in the decomposition of NH₃. They proved to be catalytically active at temperatures above 450 °C. The activation energy was estimated from an Arrhenius Plot to be 127 kJ · mol^–1.     

Hierarchical Hollow-Nanocube Ni−Co Skeleton@MoO3/MoS2 Hybrids for Improved-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Improving the performance of anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is a hotly debated topic. Herein, hollow Ni−Co skeleton@MoS₂/MoO₃ nanocubes (NCM-NCs), with an average size of about 193 nm, have been synthesized through a facile hydrothermal reaction. Specifically, MoO₃/MoS₂ composites are grown on Ni−Co skeletons derived from nickel–cobalt Prussian blue analogue nanocubes (Ni−Co PBAs). The Ni−Co PBAs were synthesized through a precipitation method and utilized as self-templates that provided a larger specific surface area for the adhesion of MoO₃/MoS₂ composites. According to Raman spectroscopy results, as-obtained defect-rich MoS₂ is confirmed to be a metallic 1T-phase MoS₂. Furthermore, the average particle size of Ni−Co PBAs (≈43 nm) is only about one-tenth of the previously reported particle size (≈400 nm). If assessed as anodes of LIBs, the hollow NCM-NC hybrids deliver an excellent rate performance and superior cycling performance (with an initial discharge capacity of 1526.3 mAh g⁻¹ and up to 1720.6 mAh g⁻¹ after 317 cycles under a current density of 0.2 A g⁻¹). Meanwhile, ultralong cycling life is retained, even at high current densities (776.6 mAh g⁻¹ at 2 A g⁻¹ after 700 cycles and 584.8 mAh g⁻¹ at 5 A g⁻¹ after 800 cycles). Moreover, at a rate of 1 A g⁻¹, the average specific capacity is maintained at 661 mAh g⁻¹. Thus, the hierarchical hollow NCM-NC hybrids with excellent electrochemical performance are a promising anode material for LIBs.     

The First Molybdenum(VI) and Tungsten(VI) Oxoazides MO2(N3)2, MO2(N3)2⋅2 CH3CN, (bipy)MO2(N3)2, and [MO2(N3)4]2− (M=Mo,W)

Molybdenum(VI) and tungsten(VI) dioxodiazide, MO₂(N₃)₂ (M=Mo, W), were prepared through fluoride–azide exchange reactions between MO₂F₂ and Me₃SiN₃ in SO₂ solution. In acetonitrile solution, the fluoride–azide exchange resulted in the isolation of the adducts MO₂(N₃)₂⋅2 CH₃CN. The subsequent reaction of MO₂(N₃)₂ with 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) gave the bipyridine adducts (bipy)MO₂(N₃)₂. The hydrolysis of (bipy)MoO₂(N₃)₂ resulted in the formation and isolation of [(bipy)MoO₂N₃]₂O. The tetraazido anions [MO₂(N₃)₄]²⁻ were obtained by the reaction of MO₂(N₃)₂ with two equivalents of ionic azide. Most molybdenum(VI) and tungsten(VI) dioxoazides were fully characterized by their vibrational spectra, impact, friction, and thermal sensitivity data and, in the case of (bipy)MoO₂(N₃)₂, (bipy)WO₂(N₃)₂, [PPh₄]₂[MoO₂(N₃)₄], [PPh₄]₂[WO₂(N₃)₄], and [(bipy)MoO₂N₃]₂O by their X‐ray crystal structures.     

CO2‐Assisted Fabrication of Two‐Dimensional Amorphous Molybdenum Oxide Nanosheets for Enhanced Plasmon Resonances

As a remarkable class of plasmonic materials, two dimensional (2D) semiconductor compounds have attracted attention owing to their controlled manipulation of plasmon resonances in the visible light spectrum, which outperforms conventional noble metals. However, tuning of plasmonic resonances for 2D semiconductors remains challenging. Herein, we design a novel method to obtain amorphous molybdenum oxide (MoO₃) nanosheets, in which it combines the oxidation of MoS₂ and subsequent supercritical CO₂‐treatment, which is a crucial step for the achievement of amorphous structure of MoO₃. Upon illumination, hydrogen‐doped MoO₃ exhibits tuned surface plasmon resonances in the visible and near‐IR regions. Moreover, a unique behavior of the amorphous MoO₃ nanosheets has been found in an optical biosensing system; there is an optimum plasmon resonance after incubation with different BSA concentrations, suggesting a tunable plasmonic device in the near future.     

Structural and Electronic Flexibility in Hydrides of Zintl Phases with Tetrel–Hydrogen and Tetrel–Tetrel Bonds

The hydrogenation of Zintl phases enables the formation of new structural entities with main‐group‐element–hydrogen bonds in the solid state. The hydrogenation of SrSi, BaSi, and BaGe yields the hydrides SrSiH_{5/3−x ,} BaSiH_5/3−x and BaGeH_5/3−x . The crystal structures show a sixfold superstructure compared to the parent Zintl phase and were solved by a combination of X‐ray, neutron, and electron diffraction and the aid of DFT calculations. Layers of connected HSr₄ (HBa₄) tetrahedra containing hydride ions alternate with layers of infinite single‐ and double‐chain polyanions, in which hydrogen atoms are covalently bound to silicon and germanium. The idealized formulae AeTt H_5/3 (Ae =alkaline earth, Tt =tetrel) can be rationalized with the Zintl–Klemm concept according to (Ae ²⁺)₃(Tt H⁻)(Tt ₂H²⁻)(H⁻)₃, where all Tt atoms are three‐binding. The non‐stoichiometry (SrSiH_5/3−x , x =0.17(2); BaGeH_5/3−x , x =0.10(3)) can be explained by additional π‐bonding of the Tt chains.     

Synthese und Kristallstruktur zweier Formen von Ammoniummonomolybdat (NH4)2MoO4

Synthesis and Structure of Two Forms of Ammonium Monomolybdate (NH₄)₂MoO₄ Ammonium monomolybdate (NH₄)₂MoO₄ exists in two different polymorphic forms which differ in their lattice constants and in the arrangement of the ammonium cations relative to the molybdate anions. The ammonium molybdates (NH₄)₂MoO₄(mS60)¹⁾ and (NH₄)₂MoO₄(mP60)²⁾ are synthesized by the reaction of ammonia and (NH₄)₆[Mo₇O₂₄] · 4 H₂O. (NH₄)₂MoO₄(mS60) crystallizes isostructural to the potassium compound in space group C2/m (Nr. 12) and lattice constants a = 1263.6(3), b = 652.2(1) pm, c = 776.4(2) pm and β = 117.36(1)° (V = 568.3(2) · 10⁶ pm³) containig four formula units per unit cell (R = 0.0250). (NH₄)₂MoO₄(mP60) crystallizes monoclinic in space group P2₁/n (Nr. 14) and lattice constants a = 622.8(2), b = 777.0(1) pm, c = 1118.8(4) pm and β = 98.09(2)° (V = 536.0(3) · 10⁶ pm³) (R = 0.0205). The different arrangements of the polyhedra within the unit cell is caused by hydrogen bridges. A transition point was not yet determined.     

A Ternary Solvent Method for Large‐Sized Two‐Dimensional Perovskites

Recent reports demonstrate that a two‐dimensional (2D) structural characteristic can endow perovskites with both remarkable photoelectric conversion efficiency and high stability, but the synthesis of ultrathin 2D perovskites with large sizes by facile solution methods is still a challenge. Reported herein is the controlled growth of 2D (C₄H₉NH₃)₂PbBr₄ perovskites by a chlorobenzene‐dimethylformide‐acetonitrile ternary solvent method. The critical factors, including solvent volume ratio, crystallization temperature, and solvent polarity on the growth dynamics were systematically studied. Under optimum reaction condition, 2D (C₄H₉NH₃)₂PbBr₄ perovskites, with the largest lateral dimension of up to 40 μm and smallest thickness down to a few nanometers, were fabricated. Furthermore, various iodine doped 2D (C₄H₉NH₃)₂PbBr_x I_4−x perovskites were accessed to tune the optical properties rationally.     

Tris(ethyl­enediamine)zinc(II) molybdate(VI), [Zn(en)3][MoO4]

The crystal structure of the title compound, [Zn(C₂H₈N₂)₃][MoO₄], is composed of [MoO₄]²⁻ anions and [Zn(en)₃]²⁺ complex cations (en is ethyl­enediamine), both with symmetry 2, which are held together in a three‐dimensional network via hydrogen‐bonding inter­actions. The [Zn(en)₃]²⁺ cations in the crystal structure exhibit two configurations, viz. Λ(δδδ) and Δ(λλλ), as a pair of enantiomers.     

核壳结构MoOx/C微球的制备及储锂性能

采用水热法合成了MoO_3/酚醛树脂前驱体,然后在空气中进行煅烧处理,成功制备了一种新型核壳MoOx/C微球。对材料的晶体结构、形貌和元素价态进行分析表明,该材料的主要成分是单斜相MoO_2、正交晶系MoO_3和碳。树脂在空气中的煅烧碳化将MoO_3/酚醛树脂前驱体中的六方晶系的MoO_3还原为单斜相MoO_2。其中少量的MoO_2会在空气中重新被氧化成正交晶系的MoO_3,形成了MoO_2/MoO_3异质结构。在这一系列反应的综合作用下,形成这种表面有裂纹的核壳MoOx/C微球复合材料。将该材料用作锂离子电池负极材料,表现出了循环稳定性高、倍率性能好等优异的电化学性能。在100 mA·g-1的电流密度下充放电循环100次之后,可逆容量达640.6 mAh·g-1。     

The Rb7Bi3−3xSb3xCl16 Family: A Fully Inorganic Solid Solution with Room-Temperature Luminescent Members

Low-dimensional ns²-metal halide compounds have received immense attention for applications in solid-state lighting, optical thermometry and thermography, and scintillation. However, these are based primarily on the combination of organic cations with toxic Pb²⁺ or unstable Sn²⁺, and a stable inorganic luminescent material has yet to be found. Here, the zero-dimensional Rb₇Sb₃Cl₁₆ phase, comprised of isolated [SbCl₆]³⁻ octahedra and edge-sharing [Sb₂Cl₁₀]⁴⁻ dimers, shows room-temperature photoluminescence (RT PL) centered at 560 nm with a quantum yield of 3.8±0.2 % at 296 K (99.4 % at 77 K). The temperature-dependent PL lifetime rivals that of previous low-dimensional materials with a specific temperature sensitivity above 0.06 K⁻¹ at RT, making it an excellent thermometric material. Utilizing both DFT and chemical substitution with Bi³⁺ in the Rb₇Bi_3−3xSb_3xCl₁₆ (x≤1) family, we present the edge-shared [Sb₂Cl₁₀]⁴⁻ dimer as a design principle for Sb-based luminescent materials.