A hybrid with uniaxial negative thermal expansion behaviour: the synergistic role of organic and inorganic components

Abstract

Presented is an inorganic–organic hybrid compound Mn₂(api)Sb₂S₅ (1) with uniaxial NTE behaviour. The NTE of 1 reflects a strong synergistic role of organic and inorganic components, which results from the novel zigzag linkage of interlamellar organic ligands. An “elevator-platform” expansion mechanism was proposed, with implications for future design of sensitive hybrid thermomechanical actuators.