Electrochemical and photochemical routes to semiconducting transition metal-tetracyanoquinodimethane coordination polymers

Inorganic-organic hybrid Cu-dipyridyl semiconducting polymers based on the redox-active cluster [SFe3(CO)9]2-: filling the gap in iron carbonyl chalcogenide polymers

The construction of sulfur-incorporated cluster-based coordination polymers was limited and underexplored due to the lack of efficient synthetic routes. Herein, we report facile mechanochemical ways toward a new series of SFe3(CO)9-based dipyridyl-Cu polymers by three-component reactions of [Et4N]2[SFe3(CO)9] ([Et4N]2[1]) and [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4] with conjugated or conjugation-interrupted dipyridyl ligands, 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpee), 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpea), 4,4'-dipyridyl (dpy), or 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (bpp), respectively. X-ray analysis showed that bpee-containing 2D polymers demonstrated unique SFe3(CO)9 cluster-armed and cluster-one-armed coordination modes via the hypervalent μ5-S atom. These S-Fe-Cu polymers could undergo flexible structural transformations with the change of cluster bonding modes by grinding with stoichiometric amounts of dipyridyls or 1/[Cu(MeCN)4]+. They exhibited semiconducting behaviors with low energy gaps of 1.55-1.79 eV and good electrical conductivities of 3.26 × 10-8-1.48 × 10-6 S cm-1, tuned by the SFe3(CO)9 cluster bonding modes accompanied by secondary interactions in the solid state. The electron transport efficiency of these polymers was further elucidated by solid-state packing, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), density of states (DOS), and crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) analysis. Finally, the solid-state electrochemistry of these polymers demonstrated redox-active behaviors with cathodically-shifted patterns compared to that of [Et4N]2[1], showing that their efficient electron communication was effectively enhanced by introducing 1 and dipyridyls as hybrid ligands into Cu+-containing networks.

A redox active rod coordination polymer from tetrakis(4-carboxylic acid biphenyl)tetrathiafulvalene

An enlarged version of the ubiquitous tetrathiafulvalene-tetrabenzoic acid is described, with 4,4'-biphenyl moieties as spacers between the coordination moieties and the electroactive core. The obtained rectangular ligand has a 14 × 22 Å2 size and is combined with Zn(II) under solvothermal conditions to yield a coordination polymer endowed with large cavities of ca. 15 × 11 Å2/10 × 10 Å2. The topology of the material is discussed in detail using the Points of Extension and Metals (PE&M) or the Straight-rod (STR) representation, and the sqc1121 or tfo topological type of the structure is observed, respectively. Its stability towards solvent removal and electrical properties are discussed. The material does not present any permanent porosity upon desolvation according to nitrogen sorption measurements at 77 K. Nevertheless, a significant increase in conductivity is observed on compressed pellets of the material upon post-synthetic oxidation with iodine. Raman spectroscopy combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations has been used to characterize the oxidation state of tetrakis(4-carboxylic acid biphenyl)tetrathiafulvalene for coordination polymers.

An Old Crystallization Technique as a Fast, Facile, and Adaptable Method for Obtaining Single Crystals of Unstable "Li2TCNQF4" and New Compounds of TCNQ or TCNQF4: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties

Detailed structural information is essential for understanding the properties of TCNQ and TCNQF₄ compounds (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane; TCNQF₄ = 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane). The ineludible requirement of obtaining crystals of a size and quality sufficient to yield a successful X-ray diffraction analysis has been challenging to satisfy because of the instability of many of these compounds in solution. Crystals of two new complexes of TCNQ, [trans-M(2ampy)₂(TCNQ)₂] [M = Ni (1), Zn (2); 2ampy = 2-aminomethylpyridine], as well as unstable [Li₂(TCNQF₄)(CH₃CN)₄]·CH₃CN (3), can be prepared in minutes by a horizontal diffusion technique and can be harvested easily for X-ray structural studies. Compound 3, previously described as "Li₂TCNQF₄," forms a one-dimensional (1D) ribbon. Compounds 1 and 2 can also be obtained as microcrystalline solids from methanolic solutions of MCl₂/LiTCNQ/2ampy. Their variable-temperature magnetic studies confirmed a contribution of strongly antiferromagnetically coupled pairs of TCNQ^•- anion radicals at higher temperatures with exchange coupling J/k_B = -1206 K and J/k_B = -1369 K for 1 and 2, respectively, estimated using a spin dimer model. The presence of magnetically active anisotropic Ni(II) atoms with S = 1 in 1 was confirmed, and the magnetic behavior of 1, representing an infinite chain of alternating S = 1 sites and S = 1/2 dimers, was described by a spin-ring model suggesting ferromagnetic exchange coupling between Ni(II) sites and anion radicals.

Rectangular Transition Metal-rTCNQ Organic Frameworks Enabling Polysulfide Anchoring and Fast Electrocatalytic Activity in Li-Sulfur Batteries: A Density Functional Theory Perspective

Two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown great development po-tential in the field of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. In this theoretical research work, we propose a novel 3d transition metals (TM)-embedded rectangular tetracyanoquinodimethane (TM-rTCNQ) as a potential high-performance sulfur host. The calculated results show that all TM-rTCNQ structures have excellent structural stability and metallic properties. Through exploring different adsorption patterns, we discovered that TM-rTCNQ (TM = V, Cr, Mn, Fe and Co) monolayers possess moderate adsorption strength for all polysulfide species, which is mainly due to the existence of the TM-N₄ active center in these frame systems. Especially for the non-synthesized V-rCTNQ, the theoretical calculation fully predicts that the material has the most suitable adsorption strength for polysul-fides, excellent charging-discharging reaction and Li-ion diffusion performance. Additionally, Mn-rTCNQ, which has been synthesized experimentally, is also suitable for further experimental con-firmation. These findings not only provide novel MOFs for promoting the commercialization of Li-S batteries, but also provide unique insights for fully understanding their catalytic reaction mecha-nism.

Increased Crystallization of CuTCNQ in Water/DMSO Bisolvent for Enhanced Redox Catalysis

Controlling the kinetics of CuTCNQ (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) crystallization has been a major challenge, as CuTCNQ crystallizing on Cu foil during synthesis in conventional solvents such as acetonitrile simultaneously dissolves into the reaction medium. In this work, we address this challenge by using water as a universal co-solvent to control the kinetics of crystallization and growth of phase I CuTCNQ. Water increases the dielectric constant of the reaction medium, shifting the equilibrium toward CuTCNQ crystallization while concomitantly decreasing the dissolution of CuTCNQ. This allows more CuTCNQ to be controllably crystallized on the surface of the Cu foil. Different sizes of CuTCNQ crystals formed on Cu foil under different water/DMSO admixtures influence the solvophilicity of these materials. This has important implications in their catalytic performance, as water-induced changes in the surface properties of these materials can make them highly hydrophilic, which allows the CuTCNQ to act as an efficient catalyst as it brings the aqueous reactants in close vicinity of the catalyst. Evidently, the CuTCNQ synthesized in 30% (v/v) water/DMSO showed superior catalytic activity for ferricyanide reduction with 95% completion achieved within a few minutes in contrast to CuTCNQ synthesized in DMSO that took over 92 min.

Direct Layer-by-Layer Growth of Crystalline Ag-TCNQ Thin Films on Functionalized Au Substrate: How Critical Is the pH of Ag(I) Solution?

Wet-chemical fabrication of a crystalline Ag-TCNQ (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) thin film on non-Ag substrate is challenging whereby the chemistry was powered by photon energy and/or electrical energy. We report for the first time, direct chemical growth of a Ag-TCNQ thin film on a functionalized Au substrate by employing the layer-by-layer (LbL) approach at ambient reaction conditions. Various Ag(I) salt precursors previously realized to be unsuitable for the fabrication of Ag-TCNQ thin films on non-Ag substrates ultimately gave rise to dense and uniform thin films of Ag-TCNQ. The crucial knob regulating the direct formation of the thin films of Ag-TCNQ was identified to be the pH of the respective Ag(I) solutions.

Supramolecular self-assembled coordination architecture composed of a doubly bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazolate bridged dinuclear CuII complex and 7,7′,8,8′,-tetracyano-p-quinodimethanide radicals

A tetranuclear Cu^II complex composed of a doubly bpypz⁻ bridged dinuclear Cu^II complex with TCNQ˙⁻ self-assembles into a 3D supramolecular coordination architecture via complementary weak coordination bonding and π-stacking interactions.

Electrochemically Directed Synthesis of Cobalt(II) and Nickel(II) TCNQF21–/2– Coordination Polymers: Solubility and Substituent Effects in the TCNQFn (n=0, 1, 2, 4) Series of Complexes

The reversible diffusion controlled cyclic voltammetry for the reduction of TCNQF­n0/1–/2– (where n=0, 1, 2, 4) changes significantly on addition of Co2+ and Ni2+ transition metal ions (M2+) because the kinetics associated with electrocrystallisation of the resulting coordination polymers [M(TCNQF2)2(H2O)2] and [M(TCNQF2)] are rapid on the voltammetric time scale. The voltammetry of solutions containing M2+ and TCNQF­2 was undertaken in acetonitrile (0.1M Bu4NPF6) at both GC and ITO electrodes. New one electron reduced TCNQF2 materials prepared via electrochemically directed synthesis were shown to have the formula [M(TCNQF2)2(H2O)2], assessed by vibrational (IR and Raman) spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The solubility of [Ni(TCNQF2)2(H2O)2] (Ksp=8.29×10−11 M3) was significantly higher than the [Co(TCNQF2)2(H2O)2] (Ksp=1.43×10−11M3). Cyclic voltammetric data suggest the electrocrystallisation of two phases of [Ni(TCNQF2)2(H2O)2] occurs, which is not evident for [Co(TCNQF2)2(H2O)2]. Electrocrystallisation of the highly insoluble [M(TCNQF2)] was achieved at low M2+ and TCNQF2 concentrations. A comparison with published data on the voltammetry of TCNQF­n (n=0, 1, 2 and 4) for the series of TCNQF­n (n=0, 1, 2 and 4) containing M2+ is provided. An assessment of the electronic impact of the fluorine substituent of the underlying redox reactions also is established. Predictions are made for the voltammetric behaviour expected for the other transition metal cations with reduced TCNQFn derivatives.

Ultrasonic-assisted synthesis and the structural characterization of novel the zig-zag Cd(II) metal-organic polymer and their nanostructures

A sonochemical method was used to synthesize nano-rods of a novel cadmium(II) metal-organic coordination polymer, [Cd(p-2yeinh)(NO₂)]_n (1) (p-2yeinh = pyridin-2-yl ethylidene-isonicotinohydrazide). The effect of the synthesis parameters such as time, concentrations and irradiation power has been studied and optimized. It was shown that the thickness of rods has changed from 27 nm to 45 nm. The compounds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XPRD), and single crystal X-ray analysis. The X-ray structure analysis revealed that the Cd(II) atom is coordinated by one oxygen and three nitrogen atoms from two p-2yeinh ligands and two oxygen atoms of single nitrite anion with a CuN₃O₃ donor set with distorted octahedral geometry. The crystal taking the form of a one-dimensional zig-zag polymer. The adjacent chains connected by π-π of adjacent aromatic rings of p-2yeinh and other weak interactions. Consequently, the weak interactions also allow the 1D zig-zag structure to form a 3D metal-organic coordination polymer. CdO nanoparticles were prepared by thermolysis of compound 1 at 180 °C with oleic acid as a surfactant. The average diameter of the nanoparticles was estimated by XPRD to be 23 nm. The morphology and size of the prepared CdO nanoparticles were further studied using SEM.

Correlating growth mechanism and morphology in Cu-TCNQ organometallic complex: A microscopic study

The structure-property correlation in the Cu-TCNQ organometallic complex is very important for explaining its unusual electrical, optical and magnetic properties. Consequently several morphological studies and their correlation with the properties of these materials can be found in the literature, although no systematic study of various morphologies with growth conditions and their correlation has been reported to the best of our knowledge. Therefore in this manuscript the interconversion of various morphologies is reported using electron and probe microscopies. A conventional Cu TEM grid acted as the copper source to form a Cu-TCNQ complex and the complex, which formed at the surface of the TEM grid. The complex thus prepared was characterized by FTIR and Raman spectroscopic techniques. The shifting of ̵-CN from 2221 cm^-1 (TCNQ) to 2201 cm^-1 indicates formation of a complex and the identical nature of IR spectra in two phases indicates that they are polymorphs. The morphologies of Cu-TCNQ were followed through FE-SEM and TEM studies. Various morphologies such as needle, square tube, platelet etc. were observed as a function of time. A distinct transition from needle to platelet morphology was observed as the complex grew. The conductance of various morphologies in phase-I as well as phase-II were also measured and compared by Spreading Resistance Imaging (SRI) at different bias voltage i.e. 1 V, 3 V and 5 V.

A new copper(II) supramolecular coordination polymer and a dinuclear compound with multifunctional 2-amino-5-sulfobenzoic acid and flexible N-donor ligands: synthesis, structure and characterization

Multifunctional 2-amino-5-sulfobenzoic acid (H2afsb) can exhibit a variety of roles during the construction of supramolecular coordination polymers. The pendant carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid and amino groups could not only play a role in directing bonding but could also have the potential to act as hydrogen-bond donors and acceptors, resulting in extended high-dimensional supramolecular networks. Two new CuIIcoordination compounds, namelycatena-poly[[[diaquacopper(II)]-μ-1,6-bis(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)hexane-κ2N4:N4′] bis(3-amino-4-carboxybenzenesulfonate) dihydrate], {[Cu(C10H16N6)2(H2O)2](C7H6NO5S)2·2H2O}nor {[Cu(bth)2(H2O)2](Hafsb)2·2H2O}n, (1), and bis(μ-2-amino-5-sulfonatobenzoato-κ2O1:O1′)bis{μ-1,2-bis[(1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl]benzene-κ2N3:N3′}bis[aquacopper(II)] trihydrate, [Cu2(C7H5NO5S)2(C14H14N4)2(H2O)2]·3H2O or [Cu2(afsb)2(obix)2(H2O)2]·3H2O, (2), have been obtained through the assembly between H2afsb and the CuIIion in the presence of the flexible N-donor ligands 1,6-bis(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)hexane (bth) and 1,2-bis[(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]benzene (obix), respectively. Compound (1) consists of a cationic coordination polymeric chain and 3-amino-4-carboxybenzenesulfonate (Hafsb−) anions. Compound (2) exhibits an asymmetric dinuclear structure. There are hydrogen-bonded networks within the lattices of (1) and (2). Interestingly, both (1) and (2) exhibit reversible dehydration–rehydration behaviour.

Combinatorial selection of a two-dimensional 3d-TM-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TM-TCNQ) monolayer as a high-activity nanocatalyst for CO oxidation

CO catalytic oxidation on Sc-TCNQ.

Transformation of Cadmium Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) into a Cadmium Terephthalate Metal–Organic Framework

The transformation of cadmium 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) into a cadmium terephthalate co-ordination polymer is reported, with the chemistry of this material elucidated using elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and synchrotron radiation single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A heptacoordinated CdII linear coordination polymer catena-poly[triaqua-(μ2-benzene-1,4-dicarboxylato-κO,O′)cadmium(ii)]hydrate (1) was isolated while attempting to recrystallize Cd(TCNQ)2. Density functional theory calculations for the oxidation of benzylic carbon attached to the cyano group provided evidence that the reaction pathway proposed herein is highly exergonic and thermodynamically plausible. This structure showed a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry together with a symmetrical mononuclear unit in which each CdII ion is doubly bridged by a dicarboxylato anion. Owing to the softness and minute size of these crystals, this structure had to be elucidated using synchrotron radiation X-ray crystallography.

Synthesis and characterization of nano-peanuts of lead(II) coordination polymer [Pb(qcnh)(NO3)2]n with ultrasonic assistance: A new precursor for the preparation of pure-phase nano-sized PbO

A sonochemical method was used to synthesize nano-peanuts of a new lead(II) coordination 1D polymer, [Pb(qcnh)(NO₃)₂]_n (1), where qcnh=2-quinolincarbaldehyde nicotinohydrazide. The compound was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and single crystal X-ray analysis. The X-ray structure revealed that the Pb(II) atom is coordinated by one oxygen and three nitrogen atoms from two qcnh ligands and five oxygen atoms from three nitrate ligands in an 8+1 fashion with a PbN₃O₆ donor set. One of the PdN distances in the vicinity of the central atom is a bit longer (Pb1N1=2.939(4) Å), which shows the effect of the 6s² lone electron pair localized within the valence shell of the lead(II) atom. PbO nanoparticles were obtained by thermolysis of 1 at 180°C with oleic acid as a surfactant. The average diameter of the nanoparticles was estimated by XRD to be 28nm. The morphology and size of the prepared PbO nanoparticles were further studied using SEM.

Disorder of the dimeric TCNQ-TCNQ unit in the crystal structure of [Ni(bpy)3]2(TCNQ-TCNQ)(TCNQ)2·6H2O (TCNQ is 7,7,8,8-tetra-cyano-quinodi-methane)

Crystallization from an aqueous methanol system composed of Ni(NO3)2, 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and LiTCNQ (TCNQ is 7,7,8,8-tetra-cyano-quinodi-methane) in a 1:3:2 molar ratio yielded single crystals of bis-[tris-(2,2'-bi-pyridine-κ2N,N')nickel(II)] bis-(7,7,8,8-tetra-cyano-quinodi-methane radical anion) bi[7,7,8,8-tetra-cyano-quino-dimethanide] hexa-hydrate, [Ni(C10H8N2)3]2(C24H8N8)(C12H4N4)2·6H2O or [Ni(bpy)3]2(TCNQ-TCNQ)(TCNQ)2·6H2O. The crystal structure comprises [Ni(bpy)3]2+ complex cations, two centrosymmetric crystallographically independent TCNQ ·- anion radicals with π-stacked exo groups, and an additional dimeric TCNQ-TCNQ unit which comprises 75.3 (9)% of a σ-dimerized (TCNQ-TCNQ)2- dianion and 24.7 (9)% of two TCNQ·- anion radicals with tightly π-stacked exo groups. The title complex represents the first example of an NiII complex containing a σ-dimerized (TCNQ-TCNQ)2- dianion. Disordered solvent water mol-ecules present in the crystal structure participate in hydrogen-bonding inter-actions.

Neutral mixed-metal coordination polymers based on a ditopic acetylacetonate, Mg(ii) and Ag(i): syntheses, characterization and solvent-dependent topologies

In binary Mg/Ag framework compounds, the co-crystallized solvents decide topology.

Metal-center exchange of tetrahedral cages: single crystal to single crystal and spin-crossover properties

Effective SCSC metal-center exchange was observed in a tetrahedral metal–organic cage, in which the metal centers can be induced to display spin crossover behaviors.

Nanostructured charge transfer complex of CuTCNQF4 for efficient photo-removal of hexavalent chromium

The fabrication of a nanostructured CuTCNQF₄ organic charge transfer complex on copper foil by employing a facile redox reaction in acetonitrile and its ability to promote catalytic reduction of toxic Cr⁶⁺ to its non-toxic Cr³⁺ counterpart.

Conducting polymer and metal–complex composites formed by complexation of the ligands from the vapour phase

Coordinating ligands to metal-ions inside a conducting polymer matrix via complexation from the vapour phase was shown for the first time.

Two-dimensional iron–tetracyanoquinodimethane (Fe–TCNQ) monolayer: an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction

The Fe–TCNQ monolayer exhibit superior catalytic performance for oxygen reduction and can serve as a promising alternative to Pt-based catalysts.

A cobalt(ii) spin-crossover compound with partially charged TCNQ radicals and an anomalous conducting behavior

The bifunctional salt [Co(terpy)₂](TCNQ)₃·CH₃CN (terpy = 2,2';6',2''-terpyridine, TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquino-dimethane) exhibits a high room temperature conductivity of 0.13 S cm^-1 and an anomaly in conductivity at ∼190 K as evidenced by variable temperature structural, magnetic and conductivity studies. The anomaly in the conductivity at 190 K has been correlated with the temperature dependent structural breathing and Jahn-Teller distortion of the low spin state of the SCO units, as well as the charge fluctuations and supramolecular π-stacking interactions of partially charged TCNQ radicals. The modular synthetic approach leads to an accessible source of partially charged TCNQ radicals for the facile preparation of bifunctional molecular materials with high electrical conductivity.

Crosslinking of the Pd(acacCN)2 building unit with Ag(i) salts: dynamic 1D polymers and an extended 3D network

Pd(acacCN)₂ and Ag(i) salts aggregate to a 3D network or 1D chains. The latter topology provides an example for a tunable phase transition.

Magnetic ordering in TCNQ-based metal–organic frameworks with host–guest interactions

Host–guest interactions between the TCNQ-based MOF and aromatic molecules have been found to modulate spontaneous magnetization behavior at low temperatures.