The chiral structure induced by lone-pair electrons: syntheses and characterization of two novel chiral rare-earth selenites containing homochiral helical chains

Chiral Inorganic Nanomaterials for Photo(electro)catalytic Conversion

Chiral inorganic nanomaterials due to their unique asymmetric nanostructures have gradually demonstrated intriguing chirality-dependent performance in photo(electro)catalytic conversion, such as water splitting. However, understanding the correlation between chiral inorganic characteristics and the photo(electro)catalytic process remains challenging. In this perspective, we first highlight the chirality source of inorganic nanomaterials and briefly introduce photo(electro)catalysis systems. Then, we delve into an in-depth discussion of chiral effects exerted by chiral nanostructures and their photo-electrochemistry properties, while emphasizing the emerging chiral inorganic nanomaterials for photo(electro)catalytic conversion. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of chiral inorganic nanomaterials for photo(electro)catalytic conversion are prospected. This perspective provides a comprehensive overview of chiral inorganic nanomaterials and their potential in photo(electro)catalytic conversion, which is beneficial for further research in this area.

Phase Transition in Tl2TeO3: Influence and Origin of the Thallium Lone Pair Distortion

A new modification of thallium tellurite, beta-Tl(2)TeO(3), has been synthesized by methanolothermal reaction, and its phase transition has been studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. At a temperature of 440(10) degrees C an irreversible phase transition from a monoclinic structure (beta-Tl(2)TeO(3): P2(1)/c (No. 14), Z = 4, a = 8.9752(18) A, b = 4.8534(6) A, c = 11.884(2) A, beta = 109.67(2) degrees, V = 487.47(15) A3 at 25 degrees C) to an orthorhombic structure (alpha-Tl(2)TeO(3): Pban (No. 50), Z = 8, a = 16.646(2) A, b = 11.094(2) A, c = 5.2417(8) A, V = 968.0(3) A3 at 25 degrees C) is observed. Both structures are characterized by psi-tetrahedral TeO(3)(2-) anions. In the orthorhombic structure psi-trigonal bipyramidal [TlO(4)] units are found together with psi-tetrahedral [TlO(3)] units whereas in the monoclinic structure the coordination polyhedron around Tl(I) can be best described as a psi-square pyramide, psi-[TlO(4)]. The electronic structure of Tl(2)TeO(3) in both modifications has been studied to explain the influence of the lone pairs. It can be conclusively shown that the minimization of antibonding ns-metal/2p-oxygen interactions is the driving force for "lone pair" distortions which determines the structures of Tl(2)TeO(3).