Order-disorder antiferroelectric phase transition in a hybrid inorganic-organic framework with the perovskite architecture

[(CH3)2NH2]Zn(HCOO)3, 1, adopts a structure that is analogous to that of a traditional perovskite, ABX3, with A = [(CH3)2NH2], B = Zn, and X = HCOO. The hydrogen atoms of the dimethyl ammonium cation, which hydrogen bond to oxygen atoms of the formate framework, are disordered at room temperature. X-ray powder diffraction, dielectric constant, and specific heat data show that 1 undergoes an order-disorder phase transition on cooling below 156 K. We present evidence that this is a classical paraelectric to antiferroelectric phase transition that is driven by ordering of the hydrogen atoms. This sort of electrical ordering associated with order-disorder phase transition is unprecedented in hybrid frameworks and opens up an exciting new direction in rational synthetic strategies to create extended hybrid networks for applications in ferroic-related fields.     

Polyurea-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes: synthesis, morphology, and Raman spectroscopy

An in situ polycondensation approach was applied to functionalize multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), resulting in various linear or hyperbranched polycondensed polymers [e.g., polyureas, polyurethanes, and poly(urea-urethane)-bonded carbon nanotubes]. The quantity of the grafted polymer can be easily controlled by the feed ratio of monomers. As a typical example, the polyurea-functionalized MWNTs were measured and characterized in detail. The oxidized MWNTs (MWNT-COOH) were converted into acyl chloride-functionalized MWNTs (MWNT-COCl) by reaction with neat thionyl chloride (SOCl2). MWNT-COCl was reacted with excess 1,6-diaminohexane, affording amino-functionalized MWNTs (MWNT-NH2). In the presence of MWNT-NH2, the polyurea was covalently coated onto the surfaces of the nanotube by in situ polycondensation of diisocyanate [e.g., 4,4'-methylenebis(phenylisocyanate)] and 1,6-diaminohexane, followed by the removal of free polymer via repeated filtering and solvent washing. The coated polyurea content can be controlled to some extent by adjusting the feed ratio of the isocyanato and amino groups. The structure and morphology of the resulting nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, NMR, Raman, confocal Raman, TEM, EDS, and SEM measurements. The polyurea-coated MWNTs showed interesting self-assembled flat- or flowerlike morphologies in the solid state. The signals corresponding to that of the D and G bands of the carbon nanotubes were strongly attenuated after polyurea was chemically tethered to the MWNT surfaces. Comparative experiments showed that the grafted polymer species and structures have a strong effect on the Raman signals of polymer-functionalized MWNTs.     

Rotational transitions in degenerate vibrational states of C3v symmetric top molecules,with application to CH3C15N

General algebraic expressions for the vibration-rotation energy levels and the associated rotational transitions of C_3v symmetric top molecules are developed. These expressions are presented in a convenient form for analysing the spectra of a molecule with any degree of excitation of a degenerate vibrational mode and have been applied to the spectrum of CH₃C¹⁵N.     

η1- and η2-coordination in phosphaalkeneplatinum(0) complexes. High resolution solid state 31P NMR spectrum of mesityl(diphenylmethylene)phosphinebis(triphenylphosphine)platinum(0)

The high resolution solid state ³¹P NMR spectrum of Pt(PPh₃)₂(P(mesityl)=CPh₂) shows the expected features for an η¹-coordinated phosphaalkene ligand and is completely different from that of the η²-complex which exists in solution.     

Generation of hollow crystalline tungsten oxide fibres

Hollow fibres of crystalline W₁₈O₄₉, arranged in a pine-tree-like structure, were generated by heating WS₂ powder in oxygen. SEM, TEM, X-ray and electron diffraction studies show that the individual fibres are composed of single-crystal tungsten oxide whiskers. One-dimensional growth, involving heat dissipation along the fibre axis, is proposed.