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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Diverse Cd{sup II} coordination complexes derived from bromide isophthalic acid binding with auxiliary N-donor ligands

The coordination characteristics of 4-bromoisophthalic acid (4-Br-H{sub 2}ip) have been investigated in a series of Cd{sup II}-based frameworks. Hydrothermal reactions of Cd{sup II} salts and 4-Br-H{sub 2}ip together with flexible or semiflexible N-donor auxiliary ligands resulted in the formation of four three-dimensional coordination complexes with diverse structures: (Cd(bix){sub 0.5}(bix){sub 0.5}(4-Br-ip)]·H{sub 2}O){sub n} (1), [Cd(bbi){sub 0.5}(bbi){sub 0.5}(4-Br-ip)]{sub n} (2), ([Cd(btx){sub 0.5}(4-Br-ip)(H{sub 2}O)]·0.5CH{sub 3}OH·H{sub 2}O){sub n} (3) and ([Cd(bbt){sub 0.5}(4-Br-ip)(H{sub 2}O)]·3·5H{sub 2}O){sub n} (4). These compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. They displayed diverse structures depending on the configuration of the 4-connected metal node, the coordination mode of the 4-Br-H{sub 2}ip, the coordination ability and conformationally flexibility of the N-donor auxiliary. Compound 1 exhibits 3-fold interpenetrated 6{sup 6} topology and compound 2 has a 4{sup 12} topology. Compounds 3–4 have similar 3D pillar-layered structures based on 3,4-connected binodal net with the Schläfli symbol of (4·3{sup 8}). The thermal stabilities and photoluminescence properties of them were discussed in detail. - Graphical abstract: Four 3D Cd{sup II} coordination complexes on the basis of 4-bromoisophthalic acid (4-Br-H{sub 2}ip) and two types of flexible (bbi, bbt) and semiflexible (bix, btx) N-donor ligands are prepared. They displayed diverse topology structures of 6{sup 6} (1), 4{sup 12} (2) and 4·3{sup 8} (3−4), depending on the configuration of the 4-connected metal node, the coordination mode of the 4-Br-H{sub 2}ip, the coordination ability and conformationally flexibility of the N-donor auxiliary ligand. - Highlights: • Four 3D Cd{sup II} coordination complexes based on 4-Br-H{sub 2}ip and flexible/semiflexible N-donor ligands have been synthesized. • They displayed diverse topology structures of 6{sup 6} for 1, 4{sup 12} for 2 and 4·3{sup 8} for 3–4. • The structural diversity depends on the configuration of 4-Br-H{sub 2}ip and the coordination behaviors of the auxiliary ligand.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Four coordination polymers based on 5-tert-butyl isophthalic acid and rigid bis(imidazol-1yl)benzene linkers: Synthesis, luminescence detection of acetone and optical properties

Four coordination polymers including, [Co(µ-Htbip){sub 2}(µ-dib)]{sub n} (1), [Co(µ-tbip)(µ-dmib){sub 0.5}]{sub n} (2), [Zn{sub 2}(µ-tbip)(µ{sub 3}-tbip)(µ-dmib){sub 1.5}]{sub n} (3) and [Cd(µ{sub 3}-tbip)(µ-dib){sub 0.5} (H{sub 2}O)]{sub n} (4) (tbip: 5-tert-butylisophthalate, dib: 1,4-bis(imidazol-1yl)benzene, dmib: 1,4-bis(imidazol-1yl)-2,5-dimethylbenzene), were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The structural diversity is observed depending on ligands and coordination number of metal centers in the synthesized complexes. The tbip ligand displayed five different coordination modes in its complexes. In 1 and 2, complex 1 is 3D framework with the dia topology while complex 2 has 2D structure with the sql topology depending on coordination geometries of Co ions. Complex 3 is 3D framework with the fsh 4,6-conn topology and complex 4 has 2D 4-connected sql topology. Photoluminescent properties of complex 3 dispersed in various organic solvents were investigated and the results showed that 3 dispersed in methanol could be used as a fluorescent sensor for the detection of acetone. Moreover, thermal and optical properties of the complexes were also studied. - Graphical abstract: Four coordination polymers were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by various techniques. The complexes showed the structural diversity depending on ligands and coordination number of metal centers. The tbip ligand displayed four different coordination modes in its complexes. In 1 and 2, complexes 1 and 2 are 3D and 2D structures with the dia and sql topologies depending on coordination geometries of Co ions, respectively. Complexes 3 and 4 are 3D and 2D structures with the fsh 4,6-conn and sql topology, respectively. Photoluminescent properties of complex 3 dispersed in various organic solvents were investigated and the results showed that 3 dispersed in methanol could be used as a fluorescent sensor for the detection of acetone. Moreover, thermal and optical properties of the complexes were also studied. - Highlights: • Four new 2D and 3D coordination polymers with 5-tert-butyl isophthalic acid and rigid bis(imidazol-1yl)benzene linkers. • The structural diversity depending on ligands and coordination number of metal centers. • Fluorescent sensor for the detection of acetone.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Structure and properties of silver sulfate complexes derived from dipyridyl methylthio ligands with secondary donor site

Dipyridyl sulphide ligands 4-(pyridin-4-ylmethylthio)pyridine (abbreviated as L1) and 3-(pyridin-4-ylmethylthio)pyridine (abbreviated as L2) have been designed and used as μ-{sub N},{sub N}-bridging linkages to construct coordination polymers with free –S–CH{sub 2}– groups as secondary donor sites. By use solvent control method, coordination polymers ([Ag{sub 3}SO{sub 4}(L1){sub 3}](Cl)·4.5H{sub 2}O){sub ∞}(1), ([Ag{sub 2}SO{sub 4}(L1){sub 2}]·6H{sub 2}O·2CH{sub 3}OH){sub ∞}(2), ([Ag{sub 2}SO{sub 4}(L2){sub 2}]·H{sub 2}O){sub ∞}(3) and ([Ag{sub 4}(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}(L2){sub 4}]·5H{sub 2}O){sub ∞}(4) with different architectures were obtained. Complexes 1, 3 and 4 feature 1D channel with different sizes and structures. Complex 1 exhibits guest exchange by THF and 1,4-dioxane, and Hg{sup 2+} sorption ability from solution due to its relative larger channel and available bonding sites of –S– exposed to the channel region. All complexes have been characterized through single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), FT-IR spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. The guest exchange and Hg{sup 2+} sorption were monitored and identified, and the structure-property relationship of coordination polymers 1–4 are discussed. - Graphical abstract: Coordination polymers of silver(I) sulfate with secondary donor sites are shown guest exchange property and Hg{sup 2+} absorb ability from solution. This work provides a new method to construct functional materials with potential application. - Highlights: • New example of constructing functional coordination polymer with secondary donor methylthio group. • Guest exchange and interesting Hg(II) absorb ability from solution are investigated. • New method to construct functional materials with potential application.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Structural properties of barium stannate

Here BaSnO 3 has attracted attention as a transparent conducting oxide with high room temperature carrier mobility. We report a series of measurements that were carried out to assess the structure of BaSnO 3 over a variety of length scales. Measurements included single crystal neutron and x-ray diffraction, Rietveld and pair distribution analysis of neutron powder diffraction, Raman scattering, and high-pressure x-ray diffraction. Results from the various diffraction probes indicate that both the long-range and local structures are consistent with the cubic symmetry. The diffraction data under pressure was consistent with a robustly cubic phase up to 48.9 GPa, which is supported by density functional calculations. Additionally, transverse phonon velocities were determined from measured dispersion of the transverse acoustic phonon branches, the results of which are in good agreement with previous theoretical estimates and ultrasound measurements.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Growth, structural, optical, thermal and mechanical properties of cytosinium hydrogen selenite: A novel nonlinear optical single crystal

Highlights: • Growth of bulk single crystals of cytosinium hydrogen selenite (CHS) is reported. • Dielectric constant of CHS is measured as a function of Frequency and temperature. • Lower cut off value of UV–vis-NIR spectrum of CHS crystal is observed at 210 nm. • Meyer’s index value of CHS crystal calculated identifies it as a soft material. • Powder SHG efficiency of CHS is about 1.5 times that of KDP crystal. - Abstract: A novel nonlinear optical single crystal of cytosinium hydrogen selenite was grown from aqueous solution of cytosinium hydrogen selenite by slow solvent evaporation method at room temperature. The structural properties of grown crystal have been studied by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analysis. Presence of various functional groups was identified from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The optical transmittance and absorbance spectra were recorded by UV–vis-NIR spectrometer and the grown crystal possesses good transparency in the entire visible region. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the crystal were calculated as a function of frequency at different temperatures. The mechanical strength of the cytosinium hydrogen selenite crystal was estimated using Vicker’s microhardness tester. Etch patterns of the cytosinium hydrogen selenite crystal were obtained using distilled water as etchant for different etching time. Second harmonic generation efficiency tested using Nd:YAG laser is about 1.5 times that of KDP.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Template-free cyclic hexavanadate: Synthesis, characterization, solid-state structure, and solution-state dynamics

A novel hexavanadate–organic hybrid material of the formula [NH 4 ] 2 [V 6 (µ 2 -O) 6 (O) 4 (PDC) 6 ] (PDC = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate) has been prepared in dilute nitric acid under hydrothermal reaction conditions. The product was characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR, UV–Vis, Raman, and thermogravimetric analyses in the solid state, and small angle X-ray scattering, ESI-MS, NMR ( 1 H, 13 C, 51 V), and Raman spectroscopic techniques in aqueous solution. The crystal structure revealed a rare structure type in vanadium chemistry which crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1/n and consists of a cyclic polyoxovanadate core with edge-capped tetrahedral and octahedral vanadium centers. The “hollow” polyoxovanadate is stabilized by a PDC ligand on each metal center, and ammonium ions charge balance the anionic core and form hydrogen bonding interactions with the hexavanadate units. Solution-state studies showed that the structural unit observed in the solid state hydrolyzes upon dissolution in water, resulting in a symmetric dimer bearing similar ligand sets. Finally, catalytic experiments on the photodecomposition of crystal violet, rhodamine B, methylene blue, and rhodamine 6G showed ≥93% degradation of the dyes under UV light irradiation upon addition of the vanadium complex.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Unexpected Hydride: Ce 4 B 2 C 2 H 2.42 , a Stuffed Variant of the Nd 2 BC Structure Type

Ce 4 B 2 C 2 H 2.42 was grown as large crystals from a cerium/copper eutectic flux. The structure was characterized by single-crystal X-ray and neutron diffraction and was found to be a stuffed variant of Nd 2 BC with the addition of two interstitial hydrogen positions. The tetrahedral hydrogen position is fully occupied, while the octahedral position has an occupancy of 42(3)%. Initial synthesis was due to hydrogen contamination of the cerium metal but has been successfully repeated using anthracene as a carbon and hydrogen source. Density of states calculations suggest that the incorporation of hydrogen stabilizes the compound with respect to the nonhydrided model. Magnetic susceptibility data show a complex magnetic ordering at 7.7 K that originates from the localized electron on the Ce 3+ in the structure. The trivalent state is also supported by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Heat capacity and electrical resistivity data show that the phase transition is broad in temperature, which may be due to structural disorder. Furthermore, the large low temperature value of C/T also indicates possible heavy fermion behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Constraining Flexibility in the MIL-88 Topology through Integration of 3-Dimensional Linkers

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of crystalline, nanoporous materials that are recognized for their tunability. While some MOFs demonstrate flexibility, this characteristic can pose challenges in achieving precise pore control or establishing permanent porosity. Specifically, MIL-88B, is notable for its high flexibility, as it is constructed from metal trimer clusters and 2-dimensional linkers (2DLs) featuring planar, aromatic cores, allowing significant structural changes. In this study, we synthesized two new MOFs, NU-2010 and NU-2011, which are structurally analogous to MIL-88B but incorporate ditopic 3-dimensional linkers (3DLs) with sterically bulky cores and higher symmetry. Our aim was to investigate whether the introduction of 3DLs could mitigate the flexibility observed in MIL-88B. We employed a combination of single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction techniques to assess the flexibility of MIL-88B, NU-2010, and NU-2011 under various conditions including thermal activation, solvent exchange, and temperature changes. Furthermore, our findings indicate that incorporating 3DLs significantly reduces framework flexibility in NU-2010 and NU-2011 relative to MIL-88B.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Structural Insights into the Vapochromic Behavior of Pt- and Pd-Based Compounds

Anionic complexes having vapochromic behavior are investigated: [K(H 2 O)][M(ppy)(CN) 2 ], [K(H 2 O)][M(bzq)(CN) 2 ], and [Li(H 2 O) n ][Pt(bzq)(CN) 2 ], where ppy = 2-phenylpyridinate, bzq = 7,8-benzoquinolate, and M = Pt(II) or Pd(II). These hydrated potassium/lithium salts exhibit a change in color upon being heated to 380 K, and they transform back into the original color upon absorption of water molecules from the environment. The challenging characterization of their structure in the vapochromic transition has been carried out by combining several experimental techniques, despite the availability of partially ordered and/or impure crystalline material. Room-temperature single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction investigation revealed that [K(H 2 O)][Pt(ppy)(CN) 2 ] crystallizes in the Pbca space group and is isostructural to [K(H 2 O)][Pd(ppy)(CN) 2 ]. Variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction allowed the color transition to be related to changes in the diffraction pattern and the decrease in sample crystallinity. Water loss, monitored by thermogravimetric analysis, occurs in two stages, well separated for potassium Pt compounds and strongly overlapped for potassium Pd compounds. Furthermore, the local structure of potassium compounds was monitored by in situ pair distribution function (PDF) measurements, which highlighted changes in the intermolecular distances due to a rearrangement of the crystal packing upon vapochromic transition.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Crystal and Magnetic Structures of the Ternary Ho 2 Ni 0.8 Si 1.2 and Ho 2 Ni 0.8 Ge 1.2 Compounds: An Example of Intermetallics Crystallizing with the Zr 2 Ni 1–x P Prototype

We report two new rare-earth (R) ternary intermetallic compounds—Ho 2 Ni 0.8 T 1.2 with T = Si and Ge—that correspond to the R 5 Ni 2 T 3 phase earlier reported to form in Dy–Ni–T and Ho–Ni–T ternary systems. The compounds crystallize in a filled version of the orthorhombic Zr 2 Ni 1–x P-type structure with x = 0.52; their stoichiometry, determined from both single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction data, is centered on Ho 2 Ni 0.8 T 1.2 with a narrow solid solubility range for the silicide, while the germanide appears to be a line phase. In addition to R = Dy and Ho, R 2 Ni 0.8 T 1.2 compounds also form for R = Y and Tb, representing the first examples of rare-earth-based compounds adopting the Zr 2 Ni 1–x P structural prototype. Bulk magnetization data reveal the main transitions of the ferrimagnetic or ferromagnetic type at TC = 38 K for Ho 2 Ni 0.8 Si 1.2 and TC = 37 K for Ho 2 Ni 0.8 Ge 1.2 , which are followed by subsequent magnetic reordering at lower temperatures. Neutron diffraction shows complex magnetic structures below T C with both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic components and magnetic propagation vector κ 1 = [0, 0, 0]. Below T N ≅ 24 K (22 K) for the silicide (germanide), an additional antiferromagnetic coupling following an incommensurate magnetic propagation vector κ 2 = [κ x , 0, 0] appears to coexist with the first magnetic structure.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Rare Earth Nitrate Hybrid Double Perovskites [Me 4 N] 2 [MLn(NO 3 ) 6 ] (M = Na–Cs; Ln = La–Gd, ex. Pm)

An exploration of the synthetic and structural phase space of rare earth hybrid double perovskites A 2 B'BX 6 (A = organocation, B' = M + , B = M 3+ , X = molecular bridging anion) that include X = NO 3 – and B' = alkali metal is reported, complementing earlier studies of the [Me 4 N] 2 [KB(NO 3 ) 6 ] (B = Am, Cm, La–Nd, Sm–Lu, Y) (Me 4 N = (CH 3 ) 4 N + ) compounds. In the present efforts, the synthetic phase space of these systems is explored by varying the identity of the alkali metal ion at the B'-site. Herein, we report three new series of the form [Me 4 N] 2 [B'B(NO 3 ) 6 ] (B = La–Nd, Sm–Gd; B' = Na, Rb, Cs). The early members of the Na-series crystallize in the trigonal space group R3̅ from La to Nd where a phase transition occurs in the phase between 273 and 300 K, going from R3̅ to the high-symmetry, cubic space group Fm3̅m. The preceding trigonal members of the Na-series also undergo phase transitions to cubic symmetry at temperatures above 300 K, establishing a decreasing trend in the phase-transition temperature. The remainder of the Na-series, as well as the Rb- and Cs-series, all crystallize in Fm3̅m at 300 K. The temperature-dependent phase behavior of the synthesized phases is studied via variable-temperature spectroscopic methods and high-resolution powder X-ray diffractometry. All phases were characterized via single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopic methods. These results demonstrate the versatility of the perovskite structure type to include rare earth ions, nitrate ions, and a suite of alkali metal ions and serve as a foundation for the design of functional rare earth hybrid double perovskite materials such as those possessing useful multiferroic, optical, and magnetic properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Crystal Growth of Four Oxovanadium(IV) Tartrates Prepared via a Mild Two-Step Hydrothermal Method: Observation of Spin-Dimer Behavior and Second Harmonic Generation

Here, four new oxovanadium(IV) tartrates, namely, A 2 [(VO) 2 (C 4 H 4 O 6 )(C 4 H 2 O 6 )(H 2 O) 2 ]·(H 2 O) 2 , where A = Cs, 1, Rb, 2; K 2 [(VO) 2 (C 4 H 2 O 6 ) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ]·(H 2 O) 2 , 3; and Na 2 [(VO) 2 (C 4 H 4 O 6 )(C 4 H 2 O 6 )(H 2 O) 7 ]·(H 2 O) 2 , 4, were prepared utilizing a two-step, mild hydrothermal route involving l-(+)-tartaric acid as the reducing agent. All four compounds were structurally characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods and were found to crystallize in the non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic space groups P2 1 2 1 2 1 for 1, 2, and 4 and C222 1 for 3. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility of these compounds was measured, and 1, 2, and 4 were found to be paramagnetic down to 2 K, while 3 was found to exhibit spin-dimer behavior. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 were found to be second harmonic generation active. Furthermore, all compounds were characterized by IR and UV–vis spectroscopies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Cation-poor complex metallic alloys in Ba(Eu)–Au–Al(Ga) systems: Identifying the keys that control structural arrangements and atom distributions at the atomic level

Four complex intermetallic compounds BaAu 6±x Ga 6±y (x = 1, y = 0.9) (I), BaAu 6±x Al 6±y (x = 0.9, y = 0.6) (II), EuAu 6.2 Ga 5.8 (III), and EuAu 6.1 Al 5.9 (IV) have been synthesized, and their structures and homogeneity ranges have been determined by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. Whereas I and II originate from the NaZn 13 -type structure (cF104–112, Fm3C), III (tP52, P4/nbm) is derived from the tetragonal Ce 2 Ni 17 Si 9 -type, and IV (oP104, Pbcm) crystallizes in a new orthorhombic structure type. Both I and II feature formally anionic networks with completely mixed site occupation by Au and triel (Tr = Al, Ga) atoms, while a successive decrease of local symmetry from the parental structures of I and II to III and, ultimately, to IV correlates with increasing separation of Au and Tr on individual crystallographic sites. Density functional theory-based calculations were employed to determine the crystallographic site preferences of Au and the respective triel element to elucidate reasons for the atom distribution (“coloring scheme”). Chemical bonding analyses for two different “EuAu 6 Tr 6 ” models reveal maximization of the number of heteroatomic Au–Tr bonds as the driving force for atom organization. The Fermi levels fall in broad pseudogaps for both models allowing some electronic flexibility. Spin-polarized band structure calculations on the “EuAu 6 Tr 6 ” models hint to singlet ground states for europium and long-range magnetic coupling for both EuAu 6.2 Ga 5.8 (III) and EuAu 6.1 Al 5.9 (IV). This is substantiated by experimental evidence because both compounds show nearly identical magnetic behavior with ferromagnetic transitions at T C = 6 K and net magnetic moments of 7.35 μB/f.u. at 2 K. As a result, the effective moments of 8.3 μB/f.u., determined from Curie–Weiss fits, point to divalent oxidation states for europium in both III and IV.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Supramolecular Assembly of Molecular Rare-Earth–3,5-Dichlorobenzoic Acid–2,2':6',2"-Terpyridine Materials: Structural Systematics, Luminescence Properties, and Magnetic Behavior

The syntheses and crystal structures of 16 new rare-earth (RE = La 3+ –Y 3+ )–3,5-dichlorobenzoic acid–terpyridine molecular materials characterized via single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction are reported. These 16 complexes consist of four unique structure types ranging from molecular dimers (La 3+ and Ce 3+ ) to tetramers (Pr 3+ –Y 3+ ) as one moves across the RE 3+ series. This structural evolution is accompanied by subsequent changes in modes of supramolecular assembly (halogen bonding, halogen-π, halogen–halogen, and π–π interactions). Solid-state visible and near-infrared lifetime measurements were performed on complexes 6 (Sm 3+ ), 7 (Eu 3+ ), 9 (Tb 3+ ), 10 (Dy 3+ ), 11 (Ho 3+ ), 12 (Er 3+ ), and 14 (Yb 3+ ), and characteristic emission was observed for all complexes except 11. Lifetime data for 11, 12, and 14 suggest sensitization by the terpy antenna does occur in near-infrared systems, although not as efficiently as in the visible region. Additionally, direct current magnetic susceptibility measurements were taken for complexes 10 (Dy 3+ ) and 12 (Er 3+ ) and showed dominant ferromagnetic behavior.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Incorporation of Pyrazine and Bipyridine Linkers with High-Spin Fe(II) and Co(II) in a Metal–Organic Framework

A series of isoreticular metal organic frameworks (MOFs) of the formula M(BDC)(L) (M = Fe(II) or Co(II), BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, L = pyrazine (pyz) or 4,4'-bipyridine (bipy)) has been synthesized and characterized by N-2 gas uptake Measurements, single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, magnetometry, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and Mossbauer spectroscopy. These studies indicate the formation of a permanently porous solid with high-spin Fe(II) and Co(II) centers that are weakly coupled, consistent with first-principles density functional theory calculations. This family of materials represents unusual examples of paramagnetic metal centers coordinated by linkers capable of mediating magnetic or electronic coupling in a porous framework. While only weak interactions are observed, the rigid 3D framework of the MOF dramatically impacts the properties of these materials when compared with close structural analogues.

Kawamura, Airi (ORCID:0000000166666014)↗
DOE OSTI2017

Structural Characterization of β-Agostic Bonds in Pd-Catalyzed Polymerization

β-agostic Pd complexes are critical intermediates in catalytic reactions, such as olefin polymerization and Heck reactions. Pd β-agostic complexes, however, have eluded structural characterization, due to the fact that these highly unstable molecules are difficult to isolate. In this paper, we report the single-crystal X-ray and neutron diffraction characterization of β-agostic (α-diimine)Pd–ethyl intermediates in polymerization. Short C α –C β distances and acute Pd–C α –C β bond angles combined serve as unambiguous evidence for the β-agostic interaction. Finally, characterization of the agostic structure and the kinetic barrier for β-H elimination offer important insight into the fundamental understanding of agostic bonds and the mechanism of polymerization.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Water Adsorption in Porous Metal-Organic Frameworks and Related Materials

Water adsorption in porous materials is important for many applications such as dehumidification, thermal batteries, and delivery of drinking water in remote areas. In this study, we have identified three criteria for achieving high performing porous materials for water adsorption. These criteria deal with condensation pressure of water in the pores, uptake capacity, and recyclability and water stability of the material. In search of an excellently performing porous material, we have studied and compared the water adsorption properties of 23 materials, 20 of which are metal organic frameworks (MOFs). Among the MOFs are 10 zirconium(IV) MOFs with a subset of these, MOF-801-SC (single crystal form), -802, -805, -806, -808, -812, and -841 reported for the first time. MOF-801-P (microcrystalline powder form) was reported earlier and studied here for its water adsorption properties. MOF-812 was only made and structurally characterized but not examined for water adsorption because it is a byproduct of MOF-841 synthesis. All the new zirconium MOFs are made from the Zr6O4(OH)(4)(-CO2)(n) secondary building units (n = 6, 8, 10, or 12) and variously shaped carboxyl organic linkers to make extended porous frameworks. The permanent porosity of all 23 materials was confirmed and their water adsorption measured to reveal that MOF-801-P and MOF-841 are the highest performers based on the three criteria stated above; they are water stable, do not lose capacity after five adsorption/desorption cycles, and are easily regenerated at room temperature. An X-ray single-crystal study and a powder neutron diffraction study reveal the position of the water adsorption sites in MOF-801 and highlight the importance of the intermolecular interaction between adsorbed water molecules within the pores.

Furukawa, H↗
DOE OSTI2020

Crystallizing Atomic Xenon in a Flexible MOF to Probe and Understand Its Temperature-Dependent Breathing Behavior and Unusual Gas Adsorption Phenomenon

Flexible metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) hold great promise as smart materials for specific applications such as gas separation. These materials undergo interesting structural changes in response to guest molecules, which is often associated with unique adsorption behavior not possible for rigid MOFs. Understanding the dynamic behavior of flexible MOFs is crucial yet challenging as it involves weak host–guest interactions and subtle structural transformation not only at the atomic/molecular level but also in a nonsteady state. Here we report an in-depth study on the adsorbate- and temperature-dependent adsorption in a flexible MOF by crystallizing atomic gases into its pores. Mn(ina)2 shows an interesting temperature-dependent response toward noble gases. Its nonmonotonic, temperature-dependent adsorption profile results in an uptake maximum at a temperature threshold, a phenomenon that is unusual. Full characterization of Xe-loaded MOF structures is performed by in situ single-crystal and synchrotron X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and molecular modeling. The X-ray diffraction analysis offers a detailed explanation into the dynamic structural transformation and provides a convincing rationalization of the unique adsorption behavior at the molecular scale. The guest and temperature dependence of the structural breathing gives rise to an intriguing reverse of Xe/Kr adsorption selectivity as a function of temperature. The presented work may provide further understanding of the adsorption behavior of noble gases in flexible MOF structures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗