Themed collection 2021 Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers HOT articles

The addition of KBr changed the original transition mode of the material and realized the blue-light excitation and narrow red emission of Cs₂AgInCl₆ at low temperatures.

Two molybdenyl carbonates with different dimensional structures exhibit huge differences in band gaps, 0D Cs₃MoO₄(HCO₃) exhibiting a much larger band gap than 1D Cs₂MoO₃(CO₃).

Acyclic carbene–ruthenium catalysts were developed for the ethenolysis. Remarkable catalytic efficiency (turnover numbers of 100 000) and excellent α-olefin selectivity (up to 98%) were exhibited.

Based on three pairs of 2D homochiral Ag(I) enantiomers, we demonstrate that both the symmetry and degree of π-conjugation of the ligands have a significant effect on the type and intensity of their NLO responses.

We report a highly efficient synthesis of NaBH₄ by optimizing the uses of a hydrogen source and low-cost Mg–Al alloy.

We have investigated the effect of the concentration of single Ag atoms on the electronic structure of C₃N₄, and the relationship between the energy band structure and photocatalytic performance has been analysed in depth as well.

The depletion layer and more active sites are the key factors for improving the gas sensitivity of an Fe₂O₃/ZnO sensor.

Here, the cation modified Ni-MOFs catalysts was cleverly designed. And the multilayer FeNi-LDH with enrich active sites derived by in-situ self-reconstruction in alkali solution was considered to be the decisive factor driving the OER reaction.

Phosphomolybdic acid was encapsulated within a ZIF-8-based porous ionic liquid (HPMo@ZIF-8-PIL) for ultradeep reactive extraction desulfurization.

A novel brown mesoporous carbon nitride photocatalyst is synthesized by a doping strategy. The excellent visible light response and stable mesoporous structure lead to an efficient hydrogen evolution activity.

A novel photoactive MOF was prepared based on an electron-deficient perylenediimide derivative, which exhibits excellent photocatalytic activities towards the iodoperfluoroalkylation of alkenes and the oxidation of amines to imines.

PYM as a cross-linked bridge in CN frameworks via a multi-bonding mode expedites the transfer and separation of intramolecular photoproduced electron–hole pairs by π-conjugated channel expansion to improve the PHE activity.

Complexation of metal ions by a ligand bearing a azobenzene linker yielded two types of complexes: an [M₂L₂]⁴⁺ metallocycle and an [M₄L₆]⁸⁺ tetrahedral cage, which can be further converted into libraries of mononuclear [M(L′/L′′)_n]²⁺ species.

Cr³⁺-Doped BaMSi₃O₉ (M = Zr, Sn, Hf) NIR-emitting phosphors have been developed, which exhibit a broad NIR emission band over 650–1200 nm with a tunable band maximum longer than 800 nm and a FWHM of more than 155 nm upon blue light excitation.

First Mo^IV₃-Keggin anions [Mo^IV_xM^VI_12−xO_40−xpy_x]⁸⁻ (M = Mo, W; x = 3, 6) display unprecedented empty Keggin structure caused by the weak u₃-O coordinating capability of the [Mo^IV₃O₄] triads and LCF-dependent hydrogen transfer catalysis.

A superhydrophobic microenvironment in MIL-101(Cr) was constructed via coating polystyrene, resulting in improved Cu^I stability and adsorptive desulfurization performance.

Magnetic anisotropy is generated in two related d⁷ single-molecule magnets; (1) via 3d-4s orbital mixing in Fe^I; and (2) a non-Aufbau ground state in Co^II, demonstrating that the electronic configurations are large retained independent of geometry.

A COF with a large pore size was incorporated into a MOF matrix to construct an all-nanoporous composite membrane for high-permeance gas separation.

First icosahedral clusters built of polyantimony were prepared from the reactions of K₂ZnSb and Ni(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂. Sb₈⁴⁻-linked dimer provides a new way of thinking for the synthesis of hybrid clusters datively coordinated by polydentate Zintl anions.

The MOF shows charge-transfer sensitized Eu(III) emission and spontaneous/photoinduced guest-to-host electron transfer, which allow chromic and luminescent sensing of NH₃ (luminescence turn-off) and O₂ (luminescence turn-on).

A study of 6 families (42 members) demonstrates that within a family the easily calculated ¹⁵N-NMR values of ligands enable predictable tuning of T_1/2 in the corresponding complexes, except for 2 families with weakly influencing meta-substituents.

One-dimensional coordination polymer [(C₂H₄OH)C₄H₉NS]CdCl₃ has the performance of dielectric switching and SHG response. And the compound can adsorb precious Pd(II) and the adsorption could be monitored by dielectric anomaly and SHG signal.

The linear-optical and NLO properties of a ternary NLO-active telluride, Ba₂Ge₂Te₅, were investigated systematically at the experimental and theoretical levels for the first time.

The electronic and transport properties of Fe(IO₃)₃ have been characterized under compression. A nice correlation of bandgaps of iodates to orbital configuration is proposed giving an explanation for the 2.1 eV bandgap of Fe(IO₃)₃.

The heterostructure SnSe₂/CoSe₂ core encapsulated in a carbon nanobox shell guarantees the structural stability and further ensures stable high performance for sodium ion batteries.

Surface engineering with a functional DPPF ligand and Cd atom is employed on a Au₃₈ nanocluster to obtain a Au–Cd alloy nanocluster, that is, Au₂₇Cd₁. The difference in properties between Au₃₈ and Au₂₇Cd₁ indicates the importance of the surface structure.

A homogeneous series of polynuclear Gd-complexes (n = 1–8) based on a stable and bis-hydrated [Gd(AAZTA)]⁻ chelate shows high relaxivity values at high fields (1.5–7 T), per Gd, particularly pronounced for the more rigid and compact members.

We obtained two two-dimentional deep-ultraviolet nonlinear optical layers with a large band gap and proper second harmonic generation by a template-optimized design strategy.

The new iridium complex selectively targets cancer stem cells and has potential to induce immunogenic cell death in cancer cells.

A biodegradable gadolinium-doped mesoporous bismuth-based nanomaterial is used to diagnose kidneys with dysfunction accurately via magnetic resonance imaging in vivo.

An integrated ML model platform is developed to predict the peak emission wavelength (PEW), excitation band edge wavelength (EBEW), and band gap (E_g) from structural, elemental, chemical, and physical descriptors of Eu²⁺-activated phosphors.

Four isostructural complexes constructed from Anderson-type POM and new ‘V’-like ligands exhibited outstanding selective adsorption capacities for organic dyes, and electrochemical sensing behaviors toward Cr(VI) and Fe(III) ions.

Noncentrosymmetric chiral Zn- and Cd-coordination compounds have been synthesized by a slow evaporation method using histidine under acidic conditions.

The precise substitution of NH₄⁺ with Na⁺/Rb⁺ cations in NPF·H₂O leads to a stepwise reconstruction of the hydrogen bond networks from NPF·H₂O, NNPF·H₂O to NRPF·H₂O, giving rise to the symmetry and optical property tunings.

A mixed-valence vanadium oxide V₄O₉ with a tunnel structure was synthesized as a cathode material for aqueous zinc ion batteries. A Zn//V₄O₉ battery displays high specific capacity and excellent rate performance.

In this study, for the first time, olivine-structured Cd₂GeO₄ was identified as an excellent formaldehyde sensing material, with a low detection limit of 60 ppb.

RuO₂ monolayer nanosheets can be easily synthesized by an ultrasonic assisted exfoliation process.

The vanadium cluster chain in V-Ni-MOF can efficiently catalyze the oxidation of sulfides with hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant, achieving the complete conversion from sulfides to sulfones within 1 hour at 40 °C.

The atomically precise structure of a metastable nanocluster, Ag₂₇H₁₁(SPhMe₂)₁₂(DPPM)₆, was determined, and its transformations into size-reduction Ag₈ and size-growth Ag₂₉ nanoclusters have been mapped out.

3D flower-like NiCo-LDH microspheres synthesized via conformal alkaline hydrolysis strategy possess superior specific capacitance and stability, and the assembled HSC exhibits prominent power/energy density and durability.

Carbon coated SiO nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanosheets were synthesized via a scalable and cost-effective route, and exhibited enhanced cyclability and rate capability as an anode for lithium-ion batteries.

A cyclic Fe₆ like a “six-vane windmill” and a bricky Fe₁₈ clusters as a “Chinese knot” were obtained. Moreover, the alkali-induced conversion from Fe₆ to Fe₁₈ has been achieved, realizing the nuclearity enlargement and structural regulation.

When extracting metals with the sulfur donor ligand, Cyanex 301 (bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)dithiophosphinic acid), a transition in the coordination mode of extracted complexes has been observed between Eu and Gd, but not within the actinide series.

A 3-D metal sulfide ion exchanger (MSIE) with extra-framework H⁺ ions showed a remarkable capability for sorption of Pb²⁺ ions and highly efficient luminescence sensing properties towards various heavy metal ions.

Presented here is the self-assembly of metal-oxo clusters into molecular materials of different shapes and sizes via a “wheel mounting” mode, and molecular transformation was optical-driven.

The unique borate Pb_2.28Ba_1.72B₁₀O₁₉ containing a three-dimensional B–O anionic network with edge-sharing [BO₄] was obtained under ambient pressure, featuring an extremely large B–B interatomic distance (d_B–B) and small internal O–B–O angles (∠_{in(O–B–O)}).

K₂Pb(H₂C₃N₃O₃)₄(H₂O)₄ (I) features a 2D [K₂PbO₈(H₂O)₄]^12- anionic layer and reveals a moderate SHG signal of approximately 2.6 × KDP.

A stable mixed-valent uranium(V/VI) organic framework with a 3D interpenetrating structure was synthesized, which can be used as a dual-responsive fluorescence temperature sensor based on the fluorescence intensity and fluorescence lifetime.

High-defect molybdenite acts an efficient co-catalyst to substantially enhance the Fenton reaction.

A superior and low-temperature hydrogen supply technology based on the hydrolysis of an Al–Li alloy was developed.

Cu/TiO₂ photocatalysts can be considered a promising low-cost alternative to the well-known Pt/TiO₂ system for hydrogen production under UV-Vis irradiation.

A series of three-dimensional Ln-based coordination nanoframeworks were designed and shown potential as efficient and low toxic X-ray responsive radiosensitizers for the treatment of cervical cancer.

We present a facile one-step hydrothermal approach for the growth of PW₁₁Co/Co_0.85Se on a conductive glass substrate, which could be used as transparent CE in bifacial DSSCs with enhanced front and back efficiencies of 7.56% and 5.82%, respectively.

3CH₂Cl₂·2C₂H₅OH@[CdI₂L] with a new 2D topology of {4³·6²·8} are isomerized into new single crystals of 4C₄H₈O@[CdI₂L]. Interestingly, both crystals are integral to an efficient and tolerant matrix for recognition of diiodomethane in the SCSC mode.

Aluminum anodization process requires a lot of electrical energy for the migration of ions in a barrier-type oxide film, in which electrode polarization leads to massive energy consumption.

NiFeMn alloy@NiFeMn oxyhydroxide was fabricated by electrodeposition, which reveals exceptional electrocatalytic property toward overall water splitting owing to the extraordinary multi-level structure.

Ru compounds exhibit collateral sensitivity in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC and increase cisplatin activity by inhibiting efflux pumps.

2D TpPa-2-COF tightly decorated on the surface of SnNb₂O₆ nanosheets effectively increases the interface region, promotes separation of carriers and heightens charge utilization rate, thus achieving better solar H₂-production activity than bare SnNb₂O₆ and TpPa-2-COF.

The hierarchical structure and N-doped carbon coating buffer the volume expansion and maintain the structure integrity of MoSe₂, which enables the long cycle performance and high rate capability for both sodium and potassium storage.