Dendritic molecular electrochromic batteries based on redox-robust metallocenes

From sandwich complexes to dendrimers: journey toward applications to sensing, molecular electronics, materials science, and biomedicine

This review links various areas of inorganic chemistry around the themes developed by our research group during the last four decades. It is firstly based on the electronic structure of iron sandwich complexes, showing how the metal electron count dictates their reactivities, with various applications (via C-H activation, C-C bond formation) as reducing and oxidizing agents, redox and electrocatalysts and precursors of dendrimers and catalyst templates through bursting reactions. Various electron-transfer processes and consequences are explored, including the influence of the redox state on the acidity of robust ligands and the possibility to iterate in situ C-H activation and C-C bond formation to build arene-cored dendrimers. Examples of how these dendrimers are functionalized are illustrated using the cross olefin metathesis reactions, with application to the synthesis of soft nanomaterials and biomaterials. Mixed and average valence complexes give rise to remarkable subsequent organometallic reactions, including the salt influence on these reactions. The stereo-electronic aspect of these mixed valencies is pointed out in star-shaped multi-ferrocenes with a frustration effect and other multi-organoiron systems, with the perspective of understanding electron-transfer processes among dendrimer redox sites involving electrostatic effects and application to redox sensing and polymer metallocene batteries. Dendritic redox sensing is summarized for biologically relevant anions such as ATP^2- with supramolecular exoreceptor interactions at the dendrimer periphery in parallel with the seminal work on metallocene-derived endoreceptors by Beer's group. This aspect includes the design of the first metallodendrimers that have applications in both redox sensing and micellar catalysis with nanoparticles. These properties provide the opportunity to summarize the biomedical (mostly anticancer) applications of ferrocenes, dendrimers and dendritic ferrocenes in biomedicine (in particular the contribution from our group, but not only). Finally, the use of dendrimers as templates for catalysis is illustrated with numerous reactions including C-C bond formation, click reactions and H₂ production reactions.

A decacationic ferrocene-based metallostar

Decacationic metallostars have been prepared by the reaction of permercurated ferrocene FeC₁₀(HgO₂CCF₃)₁₀ with superacidic (C₅F₅NH)(SbF₆) (pK _a = -11 estimated in H₂O) in multigram scale. In the resulting compound, [FeC₁₀Hg₁₀(NC₅F₅) _n ][SbF₆]₁₀, the labile pentafluoropyridine ligands are readily displaced by acetonitrile (MeCN) or tetrahydrothiophene (THT). In the X-ray structure of [FeC₁₀Hg₁₀(THT)₁₀][SbF₆]₁₀·24 MeCN no cation-anion contacts between mercury and fluorine were observed. Moreover, cyclic voltammetry measurements of [FeC₁₀(Hg(MeCN))₁₀]¹⁰⁺ and [FeC₁₀(Hg(THT))₁₀]¹⁰⁺ revealed a (quasi)reversible one-electron oxidation of Fe(ii) to Fe(iii). From the reaction of [FeC₁₀(Hg(MeCN))₁₀]¹⁰⁺ with MoF₆ as oxidant the ferrocenium cation [FeC₁₀(Hg(MeCN))₁₀]¹¹⁺ was obtained and characterized via single crystal XRD. These electrophilic metallostars are promising potential building blocks for the synthesis of dendritic architectures containing a robust, tenfold functionalized ferrocene core.

Emerging properties from mechanical tethering within a post-synthetically functionalised catenane scaffold

Maintaining close spatial proximity of functional moieties within molecular systems can result in fascinating emergent properties. Whilst much work has been done on covalent tethering of functional units for myriad applications, investigations into mechanically linked systems are relatively rare. Formation of the mechanical bond is usually the final step in the synthesis of interlocked molecules, placing limits on the throughput of functionalised architectures. Herein we present the synthesis of a bis-azide [2]catenane scaffold that can be post-synthetically modified using CuAAC 'click' chemistry. In this manner we have been able to access functionalised catenanes from a common precursor and study the properties of electrochemically active, emissive and photodimerisable units within the mechanically interlocked system in comparison to non-interlocked analogues. Our data demonstrates that the greater (co-)conformational flexibility that can be obtained with mechanically interlocked systems compared to traditional covalent tethers paves the way for developing new functional molecules with exciting properties.

Synthesis of Carbon Nanodots from Sugarcane Syrup, and Their Incorporation into a Hydrogel-Based Composite to Fabricate Innovative Fluorescent Microstructured Polymer Optical Fibers

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) are interesting materials due to their intrinsic fluorescence, electron-transfer properties, and low toxicity. Here, we report a sustainable, cheap, and scalable methodology to obtain CNDs from sugarcane syrup using a domestic microwave oven. The CNDs were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, absorption, and emission spectroscopies. The CNDs have 3 nm in diameter with low polydispersity and are fluorescent. A fluorescent hydrogel–CNDs composite was obtained using gelatin polypeptide as the polymeric matrix. The new hydrogel–CNDs composite was incorporated in the cavities of a double-clad optical fiber using an innovative approach that resulted in a microstructured polymer optical fiber with intrinsic fluorescence. This work shows a promising alternative for the fabrication of fluorescent materials since the CNDs synthesis is sustainable and environmentally friendly. These CNDs might substitute the rare-earth and other heavy metals of high cost and toxicity, which are usually incorporated in double-clad fibers for applications on lasers, amplifiers, and spectroscopy.

The comparison of structure, nature of bond, and electronic transitions in [M(η5 -Cp)(η5 -C60 Me5 )] (M = Fe2+ , Ru2+ , Os2+ ) hybrids and corresponding metallocenes; a theoretical study

In this paper, metallocene-fullerene hybrid complexes, [M(η⁵ -Cp)(η⁵ -C₆₀ Me₅ )] (M = Fe²⁺ , Ru²⁺ , Os²⁺ ), as well as corresponding classical metallocenes have been studied theoretically at BP86/def2-SVP and M06L/def2-SVP levels of theory. With considering these metal complexes as an ABA' system (B is the central metal ion and A and A' are related η⁵ -ligands), the total interaction energies were calculated using common methods, as well as by calculating the interaction energies between the four defined pairs of fragments including A-B, B-A', A-BA', and AB-A'. The resulting data clearly showed that in all complexes there is a strong anticoopertivity between two metal-(η⁵ -ligand) bonds. In order to understand the origin of difference in values of various calculated interactions in above two types of complexes, the nature of metal-ligand bonds was also studied using energy decomposition analysis-natural orbital for chemical valence calculations. The results showed that in hybrid complexes, in contrast to metallocenes, the orbital interactions are considerably larger than electrostatic interactions.

The Metallocene Battery: Ultrafast Electron Transfer Self Exchange Rate Accompanied by a Harmonic Height Breathing

The first all-metallocene rechargeable battery consisting of poly-cobaltocenium/- and poly-ferrocene/reduced graphene oxide composites as anode and cathode was prepared. The intrinsically fast ET self-exchange rate of metallocenes was successfully combined with an efficient ion-percolation achieved by molecular self-assembly. The resulting battery materials show ideal Nernstian behavior, is thickness scalable up to >1.2 C cm^-2 , and exhibit high coulombic efficiency at ultrafast rates (200 A g^-1 ). Using aqueous LiClO₄ , the charge is carried exclusively by the anion. The ClO₄ ^- intercalation is accompanied by a reciprocal height change of the active layers. Principally, volume changes in organic battery materials during charging/discharging are not desirable and represent a major safety issue. However, here, the individual height changes-due to ion breathing-are reciprocal and thus prohibiting any internal pressure build-up in the closed-cell, leading to excellent cycling stability.

Synthesis, characterization, and anticancer activity of folate γ-ferrocenyl conjugates

Novel folate γ-ferrocene conjugates were synthesized through a regiospecific route, and showed selectivity and enhanced cytotoxicity against Frα-positive malignant cells.

Tetraruthenium Metallamacrocycles with Potentially Coordinating Appended Functionalities

We present four new tetraruthenium macrocycles built from two 1,4-divinylphenylene diruthenium and two isophthalic acid building blocks with peripheral, potentially mono- or tridentate donor functions attached to the isophthalic linkers. These macrocycles are characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and, in the case of the thioacetyl-appended complex 4, by X-ray crystallography. Cyclic and square wave voltammetry establish that the macrocycles can be oxidized in four consecutive redox steps that come as two pairs of two closely spaced one-electron waves. Spectroscopic changes observed during IR and UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemical experiments (NIR = near infrared) show that the isophthalate linkers insulate the electroactive divinylphenylene diruthenium moieties against each other. The macrocycles exhibit nevertheless pronounced polyelectrochromism with highly intense absorptions in the Vis (2+/4+ states) and the NIR (2+ states) with extinction coefficients of up to >100,000 M−1·cm−1. The strong absorptivity enhancement with respect to the individual divinylphenylene diruthenium building blocks is attributed to conformational restrictions imposed by the macrocycle backbone. Moreover, the di- and tetracations of these macrocycles are paramagnetic as revealed by EPR spectroscopy.

Synthesis of unsymmetrical multi-aroyl derivatives of ferrocene using palladium catalysed oxidative C–H aroylation

Palladium catalysed oxidative C–H aroylation of ferrocene: accessing the multi-aroyl derivatives of ferrocene.

Functional Materials Based on Metal-Containing Polymers

Since the dawn of human civilization, there has been a demand for materials that include ceramics, metals, and polymers. Increasing demand as well as the need for enhanced performance has driven material scientists to research metal-containing polymers as complements of these materials. Consequently, metal-containing polymers that integrate the excellent thermal, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of metals with the lightweight, low cost, and in some cases, the chemical stability of organic-based polymers have been designed, and used as catalysts, sensors, ceramic precursors, magnetic materials, and electrical conductors. This chapter provides an overview of some of these functional metal-containing polymers.

RAFT-synthesized polymers based on new ferrocenyl methacrylates and electrochemical properties

A series of new alkoxy-ferrocene methacrylates was polymerized by the raft process leading to redox polymers with low T_g values.

A chemistry and material perspective on lithium redox flow batteries towards high-density electrical energy storage

This review summarizes the latest advances and challenges from a chemistry and material perspective on Li-redox flow batteries that combine the synergistic features of Li-ion batteries and redox flow batteries towards large-scale high-density energy storage systems.

Electrochemical and optical characterization of triarylamine functionalized gold nanoparticles

This paper describes the synthesis, structural analysis, and investigations of the optical and electrochemical properties of some gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) which consist of a triarylamine ligand shell attached to small gold cores (Au-Tara). The triarylamine chromophores were attached to small 4-bromobenzenethiol covered gold nanoparticles (ca. 2 nm in diameter) by Sonogashira reaction. This procedure yields triarylamine redox centers attached via π-conjugated bridging units of different length to the gold core. The AuNPs were analyzed with (1)H NMR spectroscopy, diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique was used to determine the composition of the redox active particles via the Randles-Sevcik equation. The optical and electrochemical properties of the Au-Tara nanoparticles and of their corresponding unbound ligands (Ref) were investigated with UV/vis/NIR absorption spectroscopy, Osteryoung square wave voltammetry (OSWV), and spectroelectrochemistry (SEC). These data show that the assembling of triarylamines in the vicinity of a gold nanoparticle can change the optical and electrochemical properties of the triarylamine redox chromophores depending on the kind and length of the bridging unit. This is due to gold core-chromophore and chromophore-chromophore interactions.

Photoactive and Electroactive Dendrimers: Future Trends and Applications

The initial interest in dendrimer chemistry was the synthesis of such aesthetically pleasant macromolecules. Nowadays, the field is moving to applications in various multidisciplinary areas, such as medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering, i.e. at the interface of many disciplines. This short review describes some promising applications of photoactive and electroactive dendrimers as artificial enzymes, molecular batteries, sensors with signal amplification, photoswitchable hosts, systems for energy up-conversion, and light-harvesting antennas. The reported examples clearly show that these applications take advantage of the unique aspects of dendrimer structure: (i) three-dimensional array; (ii) generation-dependent size; (iii) presence of selected functional units in predetermined sites; and (iv) endo- and exo-receptor capabilities.

Copper complex of a pyridine-modified poly(amidoamine) dendrimer as a chemical nuclease: synthetic and catalytic study

[Cu(Y)((G:2-6)-dendri-PAMAM-(Py)(n))](2Y+) complexes (3) were prepared, and their ability to generate oxygen radical anions was investigated. The maximum catalytic efficiency (k'(cat)/K(M)) was found to be 0.32 min(-1)·μM(-1), and a positive dendritic effect was observed. The saturated kinetics revealed that the improved catalytic efficiency resulted from an enhanced binding affinity toward molecular oxygen.

FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR

In this basic science study, the oxygen radical anion generating ability of specific copper complex of a pyridine-modified poly(amidoamine) dendrimer was investigated and reported in details.

Branching the electron-reservoir complex [Fe(eta(5)-C5H5)(eta(6)-C6Me6)][PF6] onto large dendrimers: "click", amide, and ionic bonds

Several strategies have been used to functionalize 1,3,5-trisubstituted arene-cored dendrimers with the organometallic electron-reservoir moiety [Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))](+), 1, to provide dendritic multielectron reservoirs. They all start from the carboxylic acid [Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)COOH)(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))][PF(6)], 2, or its acyl chloride derivative [Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)COCl)(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))][PF(6)], 3. For this purpose, a series of new polyamine dendrimers from G(0) to G(2) with 1--> 3 C connectivity of the branching to the core have been synthesized. Amide, "click" and ionic ammonium carboxylate linkage successfully provided G(0), G(1), and G(2) metallodendrimers with 9, 27, and 81 cationic terminal organoiron groups respectively. Further construction of large metallodendrimers up to G(7) with approximately 14 000 organoiron termini was only possible by combining amide, "click", and tether lengthening strategies to avoid steric bulk at the dendrimer periphery. Reduction of the 18-electron Fe(II) metallodendrimers, exemplified by a G(4)-DAB-64-Fe(II) complex, was achieved exergonically using the parent electron-reservoir complex [Fe(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))], 1a, at -30 degrees C in MeCN, which allowed further reduction of 64 equiv of C(60) to C(60)(*-) using the 19-electron Fe(I) metallodendrimer.