Two Ti13-oxo-clusters showing non-compact structures, film electrode preparation and photocurrent properties

Abstract

Two benzene dicarboxylate (BDC) and salicylate (SAL) substituted titanium-oxo-clusters, Ti₁₃O₁₀(o-BDC)₄(SAL)₄(OⁱPr)₁₆ (1) and Ti₁₃O₁₀(o-BDC)₄(SAL-Cl)₄(OⁱPr)₁₆ (2), are prepared by one step in situ solvothermal synthesis. Single crystal analysis shows that the two Ti₁₃ clusters take a paddle arrangement with an S₄ symmetry. The non-compact (non-sphere) structure is stabilized by the coordination of BDC and SAL. Film photoelectrodes are prepared by the wet coating process using the solution of the clusters and the photocurrent response properties of the electrodes are studied. It is found that the photocurrent density and photoresponsiveness of the electrodes are related to the number of coating layers and the annealing temperature. Using ligand coordinated titanium-oxo-clusters as the molecular precursors of TiO₂ anatase films is found to be effective due to their high solubility, appropriate stability in solution and hence the easy controllability.