Investigating the effect of π-configurations and methoxy substitution on donor and π- spacers based dyes for dye-sensitized solar cell applications–computational approach

Research on Chemical Intermediates - Triphenylamine and methoxy substituted triphenylamine-based dyes are examined by density-functional theory and time-dependent density-functional theory. The...     

Giant metal-organic frameworks with bulky scaffolds: from microporous to mesoporous functional materials

New concepts on the design and synthesis of crystalline metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have made them a subject of considerable interest in the growing field of materials science. By creating larger cavity sizes by a nearly infinite combination of metal nodes and organic linkers, many innovative characteristics of microporous MOFs have been revealed. The primary goal of this perspective article is to highlight the frontiers in the development of giant MOFs that are deliberately constructed from metallated or metal-free bulky scaffolds. Incorporating these types of distinct bulky ligands into giant MOFs may lead to MOFs with a large cavity size, intriguing properties and new framework topology. Emerging applications of these materials in catalysis, adsorption, and sensors are also discussed.     

Hydrophobic Metal−Organic Frameworks and Derived Composites for Microelectronics Applications

The extraordinary characteristic features of metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) make them applicable for use in a variety of fields but their conductivity in microelectronics over a wide relative humidity (RH) range has not been extensively explored. To achieve good performance, MOFs must be stable in water, i. e., under humid conditions. However, the design of ultrastable hydrophobic MOFs with high conductivity for use in microelectronics as conducting and dielectric materials remains a challenge. In this Review, we discuss applications of an emerging class of hydrophobic MOFs with respect to their use as active sensor coatings, tunable low-κ dielectrics and conductivity, which provide high-level roadmap for stimulating the next steps toward the development and implementation of hydrophobic MOFs for use in microelectronic devices. Several methodologies including the incorporation of long alkyl chain and fluorinated linkers, doping of redox-active 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), the use of guest molecules, and conducting polymers or carbon materials in the pores or surface of MOFs have been utilized to produce hydrophobic MOFs. The contact angle of a water droplet and a coating can be used to evaluate the degree of hydrophobicity of the surface of a MOF. These unique advantages enable hydrophobic MOFs to be used as a highly versatile platform for exploring multifunctional porous materials. Classic representative examples of each category are discussed in terms of coordination structures, types of hydrophobic design, and potential microelectronic applications. Lastly, a summary and outlook as concluding remarks in this field are presented. We envision that future research in the area of hydrophobic MOFs promise to provide important breakthroughs in microelectronics applications.     

Weak interactions in imidazole-containing zinc(II)-based metal–organic frameworks

The self-assembly of the two zinc(II) metal–organic frameworks, [Zn₂(L)(bdc)₂]·3MeOH·4H₂O}_n ( 1 , L = 2-(pyridin-4-yl)-3H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine, H₂bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid) and [Zn₂(L)(bdc)₂]·2DMF·H₂O}_n ( 2 ), was achieved under mild reaction conditions. Both compounds 1 and 2 were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Interestingly, the coordination modes of the ligand L in two structures are entirely different. Compounds 1 and 2 were made up of paddle wheel-shaped {Zn₂(O₂C)₄} secondary building unit (SBU) clusters, which adopted three-dimensional structures with a pcu topology. Rich weak interactions were observed in the structures of both 1 and 2 . The uncoordinated imidazole and pyridine moieties exhibited electron donor–acceptor interactions, π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and CH–π interactions. These interactions also facilitated the abilities of the framework to adsorb CO₂ molecules. Gas adsorption studies revealed that compound 1 selectively adsorbed CO₂ (131.1 cm³/g) over N₂ (23.5 cm³/g) and H₂ (36.5 cm³/g) at a pressure of 1 atm.     

Self‐assembly: An intriguing relationship between structures of metal complexes and shapes of ancient Chinese characters

Self‐assembly is a fundamental principle, which generates structural organization on all scales from molecules to galaxies. In the field of chemistry and materials science, the self‐assembly process driven by noncovalent interactions offers considerable advantages over the stepwise bond formation in the construction of large supramolecular assemblies with different sizes and shapes. The structures of metal clusters are mainly constructed from the assembly of mononuclear metal center to dinuclear, trinuclear species, and so on. It is of interest that Chinese ancient people also used this concept to create and encrypt characters. Herein, we report on an intriguing relationship between structures of metal complexes and the shapes of ancient Chinese characters, in which the self‐assembly principle is clearly demonstrated.