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At least 181 records · Page 10

Tailoring a 3D Covalent Organic Framework Toward Facile Functionalization

Three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs) are notably crystalline and stable, but their architectures and monomer structures make them difficult to functionalize. Here, a new strategy is presented to render COF-300 and other imine-linked frameworks amenable to facile functionalization in the last step of synthesis. By reducing the imine linkages to secondary amines and appending them with acetyl halide groups, the linkages are converted to electrophiles that can be readily reacted with nucleophilic guests. This route yields eight new COF-300 derivatives, bearing chloroacetyl, bromoacetyl, azide, cyano, amino, hydroxyl, methoxy, or thiomethyl groups appended to the inter-monomer linkages. The new materials are characterized through solid-state NMR, infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction, among other techniques, finding that the reported linkage transformations proceed to complete conversion while retaining the crystallinity of the materials. Microcrystal electron diffraction (microED) data are used to solve the evacuated structure of the amine-linked framework COF-300-AR for the first time, providing conclusive evidence of this framework's guest-induced phase change, along with the structure of the new framework COF-300-NH 2 . Finally, COF-300-NH 2 is shown to have significantly improved adsorption capacity for CO 2 and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), highlighting the benefits of this synthetic strategy for the generation of customized adsorbents.

COF-300↗

The superior hydrothermal stability of Pd/SSZ-39 in low temperature passive NOx adsorption (PNA) and methane combustion

We successfully synthesized uniform SSZ-39 with an average crystal size of about a micron. Pd (0.7 - 3 wt%) was supported on SSZ-39 with Si/Al ratio ~12. The as-synthesized materials were characterized by FTIR, XRD, Helium Ion Microscopy, HAADF-STEM imaging, 27 Al, 29 Si and H solid state NMR spectroscopic techniques. FTIR studies with CO and NO probe molecules reveal that the 0.7 wt% Pd/SSZ-39 material with Si/Al ~12 has the majority of Pd dispersed atomically as isolated Pd(II) and Pd(II)-OH centers, and thus can be used as a low-temperature passive NOx adsorber. Pd(II)-NO, Pd(II)(OH)(NO) and Pd(II)(CO)(NO) complexes form during PNA in this material. We compare this PNA material directly with the Pd/SSZ-13 system (with Si/Al ratio ~12) and show its superior hydrothermal stability. Remarkably, Pd/SSZ-39 with Si/Al ratio ~12 survives hydrothermal aging up to 815 ºC in 10% H 2 O/Air vapor for 16 hours without significant loss in activity. The SSZ-39 crystal structure remains intact during hydrothermal aging up to 1,000 ºC as we elucidate it with XRD and HAADF-STEM imaging/EDS mapping. However, changes to the framework during such harsh hydrothermal treatment significantly change the NOx release profiles during PNA as evidenced by high-field 27 Al NMR on fresh and aged Pd/SSZ-39 samples as well as PNA performance measurements. Besides PNA application, these hydrothermally very stable materials (3 wt% Pd on SSZ-39 with Si/Al ratio ~12) can be used as a robust methane combustion catalyst under industrially relevant conditions (GHSV~600,000hr -1 ). This catalyst shows minimal deactivation after both harsh hydrothermal aging at 750 and 800 ºC, and prolonged time on stream (105 hrs) at 425 °C. In contrast, both 3wt% Pd/alumina and 3wt% SSZ-13 supported samples lose a significant portion of their activity. Our study opens new avenues to prepare the most hydrothermally stable known Pd/zeolite materials with applications for adsorption and catalytic hydrocarbon combustion under industrially relevant conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Assessing impact of real-world aging on Cu-redox half cycles of a Cu-SSZ-13 SCR catalyst via transient response measurements and kinetic modeling

We report that the SCR reaction on Cu-SSZ-13 is a redox process consisting of a reduction half-cycle (RHC) and an oxidation half-cycle (OHC). Despite extensive efforts to understand hydrothermal aging and sulfur poisoning, the impact of real-world aging on the SCR activity of Cu-SSZ-13 has not been reported. This work employs a transient response methodology consisting of experiments and kinetic models to investigate the SCR redox cycles at intra-catalyst locations of commercial Cu-SSZ-13 monolith catalysts in their degreened and real-world aged states, in the temperature range of 200–450 °C. Moreover, H 2 -TPR, NH 3 -TPD, SO 2 -TPD, ICP-OES and solid-state NMR were performed to investigate the catalyst properties. Sulfur aging and dealumination caused by real-world exposure decreased the reducible Cu density and SCR performance. Real-world aging was found to selectively slow OHC more than RHC, mainly due to lower mobility of the Cu ions coordinated to sulfur-related species leading to decreased formation of Cu-dimers necessary for OHC.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Carbon source-induced changes in the transcriptional landscape of Novacetimonas hansenii

Novacetimonas hansenii is a model organism for bacterial cellulose (BC) production, a biopolymer with broad industrial applications. To better understand its carbon source-dependent metabolism, we conducted the first time-resolved transcriptomic analysis of N. hansenii ATCC 23769 grown on five carbon sources (glucose, fructose, mannitol, galactose, and sucrose) across five time points (24–120h). Glucose, fructose, and mannitol supported growth and efficient BC production, whereas galactose and sucrose resulted in poor yields, likely due to limited transport and enzymatic capacity. Solid-state NMR revealed that cellulose crystallinity and polymorphism were carbon source-dependent, with reduced bcsD expression correlating with lower crystallinity. Transcriptomic profiling showed distinct metabolic responses. Cultures containing glucose and mannitol activated core metabolic pathways, fructose induced a delayed adaptive shift, and galactose and sucrose triggered stress-related gene expression. These results highlight the metabolic plasticity of N. hansenii and offer insights for enhancing BC production through carbon source optomization.

Bacterial cellulose↗

Remarkable self-degradation of Cu/SAPO-34 selective catalytic reduction catalysts during storage at ambient conditions

A model Cu/SAPO-34 SCR catalyst with all Cu species maintained as isolated Cu(II) ions is synthesized herein. Following lengthy storage on the shelf under ambient conditions, this catalyst completely and irreversibly deactivates upon any heat treatments above ~100 °C. Via detailed characterizations with surface area/pore volume analysis, XRD, H 2 -TPR, and 27 Al, 29 Si and 31 P solid-state NMR, as well as continuous wave and pulsed EPR studies, it is concluded that over the course of storage, the SCR active sites [Cu(OH)] + and Brønsted acid sites ≡Si-O(H)-Al≡ are attacked by H 2 O molecules trapped in the SAPO-34 framework pores, and undergo hydrolysis to form copper hydroxide and terminal Al sites. Upon thermal treatment, these species interact with each other to form copper-aluminate-like species, leading to irreversible deactivation of this catalyst. This deactivation mechanism does not require or necessarily lead to extensive degradation (i.e., crystallinity loss) of the SAPO-34 support.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Polymer electrolytes based on protic ionic liquids with perfluorinated anions for safe lithium-ion batteries

Here, the quest for safe and high-performance polymer electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has led researchers to explore protic ionic liquids (PILs) as potential candidates to be entrapped in polymer matrices. In this context, we present an investigation into solid polymeric systems based on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as a host for PILs, featuring 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5,4,0]-undec-7-ene (DBU) cation paired with three different anions: bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI – ), trifluoromethanesulfonate (TFO – ), and (trifluoromethanesulfonyl-nonafluorobutylsulfonyl)imide (IM14 – ). Additionally, we explore the lithium-doped IM14-gel-like system to broaden our understanding of these intriguing materials. Through comprehensive thermal analysis, solid-state NMR, and diffusion NMR techniques, we delve into the interactions and structural features of these binary and ternary polymeric systems. Our investigation reveals unique dynamics and ion interactions within the PMMA matrix, shedding light on the potential of these materials for advanced energy storage technologies. Particularly, we highlight the distinctive features of DBUH-IM14 and its specific interaction with the polymeric matrix and the lithium ions, underscoring its significance in advancing safer and more efficient energy storage devices.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Tunable structure and reinforcement of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels using fungal chitin particles

Polysaccharides, including chitin, are one of the most abundant biopolymers in nature and are increasingly recognized as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics and synthetic fillers in polymer composites. Traditionally sourced from crustacean shells, chitin offers mechanical strength and biocompatibility with limitations also in processability and functionality. Fungal-derived chitin material represents a promising alternative, with advantages including scalable fermentation on low-cost substrates, absence of shellfish allergens, and tunable molecular architectures that vary by species, developmental stage, and growth environment. Here, in this study, we systematically examined chitinous materials obtained from taxonomically and functionally distinct fungi, Laccaria bicolor, Trichoderma reesei and Rhizopus oryzae, to assess their structural, chemical, and morphological properties as reinforcement agents in polymer composites. Mild alkaline pretreatment was employed to obtain mycelium chitin particles, thereby improving accessibility to chitin and co-occurring β-D-glucans while maintaining microparticle integrity. Comprehensive FTIR and solid-state NMR analyses revealed species-specific differences in chemical composition and microstructure, with R. oryzae exhibiting a unique spectral signature. These fungal-derived chitin were then incorporated into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels, where they acted as reinforcing fillers without the need for additional chemical crosslinkers. Comparative evaluation of hydrogel properties demonstrated that fungal chitin significantly enhanced mechanical performance, with all mycelium fillers mitigating the water weakening in PVA hydrogels. R. oryzae-derived composites tripled the hydrogel tensile strength while the submicron fibrous morphology in L. bicolor contributes to over 45 % tensile improvement in dry PVA composites. Our findings highlight the potential of fungal biomass as a tunable, sustainable platform for producing chitin-based reinforcing agents.

Chitin↗

Enantioselective catalysts based on metal-organic framework-supported nucleotides

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and other nucleotides can be irreversibly bound to the metal-organic framework (MOF) MIL-101(Cr). Analysis of X-ray diffraction data suggests that the location of the adsorbed ATP molecule is in proximity of the Cr 3 clusters. Solid-state NMR and DFT calculations indicate that ATP is bound to MIL-101(Cr) through linkages of the terminal phosphate group with Cr(III) of the framework. In the presence of Cu(II) ions, the MOF-supported nucleotides can function as stable and reusable enantioselective heterogeneous catalysts for reactions like Diels-Alder and Michael addition. In conclusion, compared to the corresponding homogeneous nucleotide-based artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs), the MOF-supported nucleotide-based ArMs exhibit significantly enhanced activity and selectivity in certain cases, demonstrating their potential as a new class of enantioselective heterogeneous catalysts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Atomic-Level Structure of Mesoporous Hexagonal Boron Nitride Determined by High-Resolution Solid-State Multinuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory Calculations

Mesoporous hexagonal boron nitride (p-BN) has received significant attention over the last decade as a promising candidate for water cleaning/pollutant removal and hydrogen storage applications. In this work, high-resolution solid-state NMR spectroscopy and plane-wave density-functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to obtain an atomic-level description of p-BN. 1 H– 15 N or 1 H– 14 N heteronuclear (HETCOR) correlation experiments recorded with either conventional NMR at room temperature or dynamic nuclear polarization surface-enhanced spectroscopy (DNP-SENS) at ca. 100 K reveal NB 2 H, NBH 2 , NBH 3 + species residing on the edges of BN sheets. Ultra-high field 35.2 T 11 B NMR spectroscopy was used to resolve 11 B NMR signals from BN 3 , BN 2 O x (OH) 1–x (x = 0–1), BNO x (OH) 2–x (x = 0–2), BO x (OH) 3–x (x = 0–3), and BO x (OH) 4–x – (x = 0–4). Importantly, 2D 11 B dipolar double-quantum–single-quantum homonuclear correlation spectra reveal that many pore/defect sites are composed of boron oxide/hydroxide clusters connected to the BN framework through BN 2 O units. 1D and 2D 11 B{ 15 N} HETCOR NMR experiments, in addition to plane-wave DFT calculations of nine different structural models, further confirm the assignment of all NMR signals. The detailed structure determination of the pore and edge/defect sites within p-BN should further enable the rational design and development of next-generation p-BN-based materials. In addition, the techniques outlined here should be applicable to determine structure within other porous and/or boron-based materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Solution-Grown Ternary Semiconductors: Nanostructuring and Stereoelectronic Lone Pair Distortions in I–V–VI 2 Materials

Alkali pnictogen dichalcogenides–I–V–VI 2 or APnCh 2 –have been identified as promising semiconducting materials for energy conversion devices. However, the controlled nanoscale synthesis and our understanding of the effects of cation ordering and stereochemically active lone pairs on the structures of these ternary compounds remain underdeveloped. Here, we use solution-phase chemistry to synthesize a family of APnCh 2 materials, including LiSbSe 2 , NaSbS 2 , NaSbSe 2 , NaBiS 2 , and NaBiSe 2 . Our approach utilizes alkali metal hydrides (AH) or carboxylates, A(O 2 CR), PnPh 3 , and elemental chalcogens as synthetic precursors and oleylamine or 1-octadecene as solvents. Synthetic manipulation via fine-tuning of reaction temperature enables control over the degree of ordering caused by the Sb 5s 2 lone pair-induced distortions in NaSbS 2 . Pair distribution function analysis demonstrates that the structure of the Sb-containing phases deviates much more from a disordered rock salt structure than that of the Bi-containing phases. This local distortion, induced by the Sb lone pair, leads to a previously unreported noncentrosymmetric NaSbS 2 crystal structure, which is additionally supported by second-harmonic generation measurements. Infrared and multinuclear solid-state NMR spectroscopies show that oleylamine or chelating carboxylates and, in some cases, unreacted precursors (LiH and PnPh 3 ) remain bound to the nanocrystalline surfaces. Further, a deeper understanding of the local atomic environment, long-range ordering, surface chemistry, and optoelectronic properties of these materials may speed up their fundamental study and application.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Chlorination of Hydrogenated Silicon Nanosheets Revealed by Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

We report two-dimensional silicon nanosheets (Si-NS) synthesized by topotactic deintercalation of CaSi 2 are hypothesized to consist of buckled layers of sp 3 -hybridized silicon atoms that are bonded to three other framework Si atoms and a terminal atom or functional group such as H, Cl, or OH. Here, we apply 1 H{ 35 Cl} and 29 Si{ 35 Cl} Resonance-Echo Saturation-Pulse DOuble-Resonance (RESPDOR) solid-state NMR experiments to directly confirm the presence of chlorinated Si atoms within Si-NS. Plotting the 1 H{ 35 Cl} RESPDOR dephasing as a function of the 35 Cl saturation pulse offset reveals that the 35 Cl quadrupolar coupling constant (C Q ) is 38 MHz, consistent with Cl atoms that are covalently bonded to silicon. Modeling the 1 H{ 35 Cl} RESPDOR dephasing curve shows that the Si–Si interlayer spacing is approximately 6 Å. Plane-wave density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the direct band gap transition of the Si-NS decreases with increasing chlorination and hydroxylation, suggesting that the band gap of Si-NS can be tuned by modifying the terminal atoms or functional groups.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

FeSi 4 P 4 and CoSi 3 P 3 : Hidden Gems of Ternary Tetrel Pnictides with Outstanding Nonlinear Optical Properties

Metal silicon phosphides have shown promise as nonlinear optical materials. To be practically useful and cheap, earth-abundant 3d transition metals are preferred over their scarcer and more expensive 4d and 5d counterparts. Here, we developed a synthetic method to produce polycrystalline bulk powders and millimeter-sized single crystals of ternary compounds FeSi 4 P 4 and CoSi 3 P 3 . Both studied compounds have noncentrosymmetric and chiral crystal structures with ordered Si/P arrangements as was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR. Despite the presence of the transition metal, FeSi 4 P 4 and CoSi 3 P 3 are semiconductors with direct band gaps of 1.3 and 1.6 eV, respectively, indicating low-spin d 6 electronic configuration for octahedral Fe 2+ and Co 3+ . Relative to reported sulfide materials, FeSi 4 P 4 and CoSi 3 P 3 small band gap semiconductors demonstrate an outstanding combination of second-harmonic generation (SHG) activity and laser damage threshold (LDT). Both studied materials are phase-matchable with a 2.09 μm laser and not only exhibit 2.5–3.0 times stronger SHG signal than that of the state-of-the-art AgGaS 2 standard but also demonstrate an LDT response of 2.3–2.5 times higher than that of AgGaS 2 (at 1.09 μm laser with a pulse width of 10 ns)-which is unprecedented for small band gap semiconductors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Exploring the Links between Structural Distortions, Orbital Ordering, and Multipolar Magnetic Ordering in Double Perovskites Containing Re(VI) and Os(VII)

A combination of high-resolution powder diffraction techniques and solid-state NMR has been employed to explore the links between crystal structure, orbital ordering, and magnetism in three isostructural double perovskites containing transition metal ions with a 5d 1 configuration. In Ba 2 ZnReO 6 , both neutron and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data reveal a cubic-to-tetragonal transition at 23 K that breaks the degeneracy of the t 2g orbitals and leads to a pattern of orbital ordering that stabilizes magnetic ordering when the sample is cooled below 16 K. Similar behavior is observed in Ba 2 MgReO 6 , with an orbital ordering temperature of 33 K and a magnetic ordering temperature of 18 K. Prior theoretical works suggest that the pattern of orbital order seen in the P42/mnm space group is needed to stabilize the heavily canted antiferromagnetism of these compounds. Unfortunately, powder diffraction data is not sensitive enough to differentiate between the I4/mmm and P42/mnm structural models, as the distortions are too subtle to be unambiguously identified from either neutron or synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction methods. In contrast, both diffraction and 7 Li NMR data indicate that Ba 2 LiOsO 6 retains the cubic structure down to 1.7 K. The antiferromagnetic ground state and lack of any sign of orbital ordering in Ba 2 LiOsO 6 provide compelling evidence that the electronically driven tetragonal distortion seen in Ba2ZnReO6, and Ba2MgReO6 is intimately linked to the magnetic ordering seen in those compounds. The absence of magnetic reflections in high intensity neutron powder diffraction data collected on Ba 2 MgReO 6 strongly suggests ordering of multipolar moments on Re(VI), likely ferro-octupolar ordering.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Molecular Modifications of Crystalline Poly(triazine imide) for Advancing Its Structure–Property Relationships in Light-Driven Catalysis

Carbon-nitride materials represent light-absorbing structures composed of earth-abundant elements capable of being leveraged for semiconductor photocatalysis at their surfaces. This study systematically investigates the addition of molecular modifiers to the synthesis of crystalline carbon nitrides to assess their effects on the materials’ structure, optical bandgap, and photocatalytic activity for hydrogen (H 2 ) and oxygen (O 2 ) evolution under ultraviolet and visible-light irradiation. Melamine and five pyrimidine-centered analogs were employed as building blocks to modify various heteroatoms within the polymeric framework. The modified materials were characterized with attention to the differences introduced by the monomeric modifiers and their influence on the resulting structures and compositions. The findings indicate that these changes significantly broaden the visible-light absorption range, albeit with the gradual loss of the bulk crystalline structure. As the loading of modifiers increased beyond 50%, a predominantly amorphous form of carbon nitride emerged. XPS, 13 C solid-state NMR, and SEM analyses corroborated the changes, which were attributed to modifications of the elemental composition and a reduced amount of Li cations and charge-balancing Cl anions owing to fewer binding sites in the intralayer cavities. In photocatalytic measurements under an ultraviolet 390 nm LED, and aided by photodeposited nanoparticle cocatalysts, the unmodified PTI-LiCl framework demonstrated the highest H 2 evolution rate (HER; 3.44 mmol·g –1 ·h –1 ) with an apparent quantum yield of 5.4%, along with total water splitting at rates of 163 μmol of H 2 ·g –1 ·h –1 and 75.6 μmol·O 2 g –1 ·h –1 . While PTI-LiCl showed trace activity under a visible-light 440 nm LED, all modified materials exhibited enhanced reactivity with as low as 5% molecular modifiers. The photocatalytic rates peaked at a 15% modification level when using 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine, with rates of 33 μmol·g –1 ·h –1 for HER, along with 19.7 μmol of H 2 ·g –1 ·h –1 and 8.7 μmol of O 2 ·g –1 ·h –1 for total water splitting. Density functional theory calculations were used to probe electronic structure changes resulting from the modifications. Furthermore, these results elucidate the structural, optical, and electronic changes arising from the five selected molecular modifiers and their impact on the semiconductors’ photocatalytic properties.

Electrical conductivity↗

Ba 6 (Cu x Z y )Sn 4 S 16 (Z = Mg, Mn, Zn, Cd, In, Bi, Sn): High Chemical Flexibility Resulting in Good Nonlinear-Optical Properties

Seven acentric sulfides Ba 6 (Cu x Z y )Sn 4 S 16 (Z = Mg, Mn, Zn, Cd, In, Bi, Sn) were grown by a high-temperature salt flux method. The crystal structures of the Ba 6 (Cu x Z y )Sn 4 S 16 (Z = Mg, Mn, Zn, Cd, In, Bi, Sn) compounds were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction with the aid of solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The Ba 6 (Cu x Z y )Sn 4 S 16 (Z = Mg, Mn, Zn, Cd, In, Bi) compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the Ba 6 Ag 4 Sn 4 S 16 structure type. The Sn-containing compound exhibits high structural similarity to Ba 6 (Cu x Z y )Sn 4 S 16 (Z = Mg, Mn, Zn, Cd, In, Bi) with the presence of an interstitial atomic position partially occupied by Sn atoms. The chemical bonding characteristics of Ba 6 (Cu 2.9 Sn 0.4 )Sn 4 S 16 were understood with electron localization function calculations coupled with crystal orbital Hamilton population calculations. The Ba–S and Cu–S interactions are dominantly ionic, but the Sn–S interactions consist of strong covalent bonding characteristics in Ba 6 (Cu 2.9 Sn 0.4 )Sn 4 S 16 . The monovalent Cu atoms, mixed with certain metals with various oxidation states, significantly shift the optical properties of the Ba 6 (Cu x Z y )Sn 4 S 16 (Z = Mg, Mn, Zn, Cd, In, Bi) compounds. This results in a good balance between the second-harmonic-generation (SHG) response and laser damage threshold (LDT). Ba 6 (Cu 1.9 Zn 1.1 )Sn 4 S 16 possesses a high SHG response and a high LDT of 2.8 × AGS and 3 × AGS, respectively. Here, a density functional theory calculation revealed that CuS 4 and SnS 4 tetrahedra significantly contribute to the SHG response in Ba 6 (Cu 2 Mg)Sn 4 S 16 , which also confirmed that CuS 4 tetrahedra are crucial for the stability and optical properties of the Ba 6 (Cu x Z y )Sn 4 S 16 (Z = Mg, Mn, Zn, Cd, In, Bi, Sn) compounds revealed by electronic structure analysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

LiMo 8 O 10 : Polar Crystal Structure with Infinite Edge-Sharing Molybdenum Octahedra

Here, polycrystalline LiMo 8 O 10 was prepared in a sealed Mo crucible at 1380 °C for 48 h using the conventional high-temperature solid-state method. The polar tetragonal crystal structure (space group I4 1 md) is confirmed based on the Rietveld refinement of powder neutron diffraction and 7 Li/ 6 Li solid-state NMR. The crystal structure features infinite chains of Mo 4 O 5 (i.e., Mo 2 Mo 4/2 O 6/2 O 6/3 ) as a repeat unit containing edge-sharing Mo 6 octahedra with strong Mo–Mo metal bonding along the chain. X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy of the Mo-L 3 edge is consistent with the formal Mo valence/configuration. Magnetic measurements reveal that LiMo 8 O 10 is paramagnetic down to 1.8 K. Temperature-dependent resistivity [ρ(T)] measurement indicates a semiconducting behavior that can be fitted with Mott’s variable range hopping conduction mechanism in the temperature range of 215 and 45 K. The ρ(T) curve exhibits an exponential increase below 5 K with a large ratio of ρ 1.8 /ρ 300 = 435. LiMo 8 O 10 shows a negative field-dependent magnetoresistance between 2 and 25 K. Heat capacity measurement fitted with the modified Debye model yields the Debye temperature of 365 K.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗