On the Complexity of Crystallization of Thioantimonates:In-situEnergy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction (EDXRD) Studies of the Solvothermal Formation of the Isostructural Thioantimonates [TM(tren)Sb4S7] (TM = Fe, Zn)

Syntheses, crystal structure, and photoelectric properties of two Zn-based chalcogenidoantimonates Zn-Sb-Q (Q = S, Se)

Metal chalcogenides are a special class of semiconducting materials characterized by their rich structures and compositions, making them a promising option for a broad range of applications in the field of inorganic chemistry. However, the path forward is not without its challenges, notably in the realms of interface management and enhancing carrier concentration. To address these issues, we solvothermally synthesized two novel chalcogenidoantimonates [Zn(tren)]2Sb2Se5 (1) [tren = tris (2-aminoethyl) amine] and [Zn(tepa)H]2Sb2S6 (2) (tepa = tetraethylenepentamine) utilizing transition metal Zn by band gap optimization strategy in the visible region. Both compounds exhibited distinct zero-dimensional cluster structures, with transition metal complex cations acting as structure-directing agents. A comprehensive analysis of the electronic structure, band gap, and photocurrent response of these crystals was undertaken, revealing significantly enhanced photocatalytic properties compared to preceding studies. This research underscores the potential of antimony chalcogenides in the realm of photoelectric properties and promotes the applications of chalcogenides.

How do layered double hydroxides evolve? First in situ insights into their synthesis processes

In situ characterisation techniques granted unprecedented experimental access to the formation dynamics of carbonate-intercalated Mg2+/Al3+ LDHs.

Influence of the synthesis parameters onto nucleation and crystallization of five new tin-sulfur containing compounds

The distinct control of the synthesis parameters achieved crystallization of five new inorganic-organic hybrid tin sulfides with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) as the organic component: {[Mn(phen)2]2(μ2-Sn2S6)} (1, 3), {[Mn(phen)2]2(μ2-Sn2S6)}·phen (2), {[Mn(phen)2]2(μ2-Sn2S6)}·phen·H2O (4), and {[Mn(phen)2]2[μ-η(2)-η(2)-SnS4]2[Mn(phen)]2}·H2O (5). Compounds 1, 3, and 4 occur successively under static conditions by increasing the reaction time up to 8 weeks. Stirring the reaction mixtures and keeping the educt ratio constant allow preparation of distinct phase pure samples within very short reaction times. At higher autogenous pressure, crystallization and conversion of several compounds are suppressed, and only 1 crystallized. Compound 2 could only be obtained in glass tubes at low pH value of the reaction mixture or at low amine concentration. Adjusting the pH value of the solution, the concentration, and the volume of the solvent, compounds 1-4 crystallize sequentially and were successively converted into each other. Results of thermal stability experiments and solubility studies suggest that compounds 1 and 3 are polymorphs following the density rule. Compounds 2 and 4 may be viewed as pseudopolymorphs of 1 and 3.

In situ studies of solvothermal synthesis of energy materials

Solvothermal and hydrothermal synthesis, that is, synthesis taking place in a solvent at elevated temperature and pressure, is a powerful technique for the production of advanced energy materials as it is versatile, cheap, and environmentally friendly. However, the fundamental reaction mechanisms dictating particle formation and growth under solvothermal conditions are not well understood. In order to produce tailor-made materials with specific properties for advanced energy technologies, it is essential to obtain an improved understanding of these processes and, in this context, in situ studies are an important tool as they provide real time information on the reactions taking place. Here, we present a review of the use of powder diffraction and total scattering methods for in situ studies of synthesis taking place under solvothermal and hydrothermal conditions. The experimental setups used for in situ X-ray and neutron studies are presented, and methods of data analysis are described. Special attention is given to the methods used to extract structural information from the data, for example, Rietveld refinement, whole powder pattern modelling and pair distribution function analysis. Examples of in situ studies are presented to illustrate the types of chemical insight that can be obtained.

Surfactant-thermal method to synthesize a novel two-dimensional oxochalcogenide

A new two-dimensional (2D) oxosulfide, (N2H4)2Mn3Sb4S8(μ3-OH)2 (1), has been successfully synthesized under surfactant-thermal conditions with hexadecyltributylphosphonium bromide as the surfactant. Compound 1 has a layered structure and contains a novel [Mn3(μ3-OH)2]n chain along the b-axis. The photocatalytic activity for compound 1 has been demonstrated under visible-light irradiation and continuous H2 evolution was observed. Our results indicate that surfactant-thermal synthesis could be a promising method for growing novel crystalline oxochalcogenides with interesting structures and properties.