Charge Transfer Induced Multifunctional Transitions with Sensitive Pressure Manipulation in a Metal–Organic Framework

An Appraisal for Providing Charge Transfer (CT) Through Synthetic Porous Frameworks for their Semiconductor Applications

In recent years, there has been considerable focus on the development of charge transfer (CT) complex formation as a means to modify the band gaps of organic materials. In particular, CT complexes alternate layers of aromatic molecules with donor (D) and acceptor (A) properties to provide inherent electrical conductivity. In particular, the synthetic porous frameworks as attractive D-A components have been extensively studied in recent years in comparison to existing D-A materials. Therefore, in this work, the synthetic porous frameworks are classified into conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and compare high-quality materials for CT in semiconductors. This work updates the overview of the above porous frameworks for CT, starting with their early history regarding their semiconductor applications, and lists CT concepts and selected key developments in their CT complexes and CT composites. In addition, the network formation methods and their functionalization are discussed to provide access to a variety of potential applications. Furthermore, several theoretical investigations, efficiency improvement techniques, and a discussion of the electrical conductivity of the porous frameworks are also highlighted. Finally, a perspective of synthetic porous framework studies on CT performance is provided along with some comparisons.

Identifying a Universal Activity Descriptor and a Unifying Mechanism Concept on Perovskite Oxides for Green Hydrogen Production

Producing indispensable hydrogen and oxygen for social development via water electrolysis shows more prospects than other technologies. Although electrocatalysts have been explored for centuries, a universal activity descriptor for both hydrogen-evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) is not yet developed. Moreover, a unifying concept is not yet established to simultaneously understand HER/OER mechanisms. Here, the relationships between HER/OER activities in three common electrolytes and over ten representative material properties on 12 3d-metal-based model oxides are rationally bridged through statistical methodologies. The orbital charge-transfer energy (Δ) can serve as an ideal universal descriptor, where a neither too large nor too small Δ (≈1 eV) with optimal electron-cloud density around Fermi level affords the best activities, fulfilling Sabatier's principle. Systematic experiments and computations unravel that pristine oxide with Δ ≈ 1 eV possesses metal-like high-valence configurations and active lattice-oxygen sites to help adsorb key protons in HER and induce lattice-oxygen participation in the OER, respectively. After reactions, partially generated metals in the HER and high-valence hydroxides in the OER dominate proton adsorption and couple with pristine lattice-oxygen activation, respectively. These can be successfully rationalized by the unifying orbital charge-transfer theory. This work provides the foundation of rational material design and mechanism understanding for many potential applications.

Magnetoelectric effect generated through electron transfer from organic radical to metal ion

Magnetoelectric (ME) materials induced by electron transfer are extremely rare. Electron transfer in these materials invariably occurs between the metal ions. In contrast, ME properties induced by electron transfer from an organic radical to a metal ion have never been observed. Here, we report the ME coupling effect in a mononuclear molecule-based compound [(CH₃)₃NCH₂CH₂Br][Fe(Cl₂An)₂(H₂O)₂] (1) [Cl₂An = chloranilate, (CH₃)₃NCH₂CH₂Br⁺ = (2-bromoethyl)trimethylammonium]. Investigation of the mechanism revealed that the ME coupling effect is realized through electron transfer from the Cl₂An to the Fe ion. Measurement of the magnetodielectric (MD) coefficient of 1 indicated a positive MD of up to ∼12% at 10^3.0 Hz and 370 K, which is very different from that of ME materials with conventional electron transfer for which the MD is generally negative. Thus, the current work not only presents a novel ME coupling mechanism, but also opens a new route to the synthesis of ME coupling materials.

Ferroelectric coordination metal complexes based on structural and electron dynamics

Ferroelectrics that display electrically invertible polarisation are attractive materials because of their potential for wide-ranging applications. To date, considerable effort has thus been devoted towards developing ferroelectric materials, particularly those comprising organic/inorganic compounds. In these systems, structural dynamics such as atomic displacement and reorientation of polar ions/molecules play a key role in the generation of reversible spontaneous polarisation. Although there are many reports concerned with organic/inorganic ferroelectrics, ferroelectrics based on coordination metal complexes have been largely unexplored despite their often unique electronic and spin state properties. In this feature article, we discuss recent progress involving coordination metal complex-based ferroelectrics where the reversible polarisation originates not only from structural dynamics (represented by proton transfer, molecular motion, and liquid crystalline behaviour) but also from electron dynamics (represented by electron transfer and spin crossover phenomena) occurring at the metal centre. Furthermore, unique synergy effects (i.e. magnetoelectric coupling) resulting from the structural and electron dynamics are described. We believe that this review pertaining to ferroelectric coordination metal complexes provides new insights for fabricating further advanced functional materials such as multiferroics and spintronics.

A top-down strategy for amorphization of hydroxyl compounds for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution

Amorphous materials have attracted increasing attention in diverse fields due to their unique properties, yet their controllable fabrications still remain great challenges. Here, we demonstrate a top-down strategy for the fabrications of amorphous oxides through the amorphization of hydroxides. The versatility of this strategy has been validated by the amorphizations of unitary, binary and ternary hydroxides. Detailed characterizations indicate that the amorphization process is realized by the variation of coordination environment during thermal treatment, where the M-OH octahedral structure in hydroxides evolves to M-O tetrahedral structure in amorphous oxides with the disappearance of the M-M coordination. The optimal amorphous oxide (FeCoSn(OH)₆-300) exhibits superior oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity in alkaline media, where the turnover frequency (TOF) value is 39.4 times higher than that of FeCoSn(OH)₆. Moreover, the enhanced OER performance and the amorphization process are investigated with density functional theory (DFT) and molecule dynamics (MD) simulations. The reported top-down fabrication strategy for fabricating amorphous oxides, may further promote fundamental research into and practical applications of amorphous materials for catalysis.

Light actuated single-chain magnet with magnetic coercivity

A cyanide-bridged {Fe2Co}-based coordination polymer was synthesized. It showed photo-induced slow relaxation of magnetization and a coercive field of 400 Oe.

Post-synthetic modification within MOFs: a valuable strategy for modulating their ferroelectric performance

It is a great route designing new MOF ferroelectrics to enrich the scope of ferroelectrics or improving the ferroelectric performance to enhance the opportunity of applications through the strategy of post-synthetic modification (PSM).

Manipulating Selective Metal-to-Metal Electron Transfer to Achieve Multi-Phase Transitions in an Asymmetric [Fe2Co]-Assembled Mixed-Valence Chain

Manipulation of multi-functions in molecular materials is promising for future switching and memory devices, although is currently difficult. Herein, we assembled the asymmetric {Fe2Co} unit into a cyanide-bridged mixed-valence chain {[(Tp)Fe(CN)3]2Co(BIT)}·2CH3OH (1) (Tp = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate and BIT = 3,4-bis-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)thiophen), which showed reversible multi-phase transitions accompanied by the photo-switchable single-chain magnet property and dielectric anomalies. Variable temperature X-ray structural studies revealed thermo-and photo-induced selective electron transfer (ET) between the Co and one of the Fe ions. Alternating-current magnetic susceptibility studies revealed that 1 displayed on and off of the single-chain magnet behavior by alternating 946-nm and 532-nm light irradiations. A substantial anomaly in dielectric constant was discovered during the electron transfer process, which is uncommon in similar ET complexes. These findings illustrate that 1 provided a new platform for multi-phase transitions and multi-switches adjusted by selective metal-to-metal ET.

Smart Metal-Organic Frameworks for Biotechnological Applications: A Mini-Review

In this pandemic situation it is evident that viruses and bacteria, more specifically, multiple drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, endanger human civilization severely. It is high time to design smart weapons to combat these pathogens for the prevention and cure of allied ailments. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials designed from metal ions or inorganic clusters and multidentate organic ligands. Due to some unique features like high porosity, tunable pore shape and size, numerous possible metal-ligand combinations, etc., MOFs are ideal candidates to design "smart biotechnological tools". MOFs construct promising fluorescence based biosensing platforms for detection of viruses. MOFs also exhibit excellent antibacterial activity due to their ability for sustained release of active biocidal agents. There are several reviews that summarize the antibacterial applications of MOFs, but the biosensing platforms based on MOFs for detection of viruses have scarcely been summarized. This review carefully covers both the aspects including virus detection (nucleic acid recognition and immunological detection) with underlying mechanisms as well as antibacterial application of MOFs and doped MOFs or composites. This review will deliver valuable information and references for designing new, smarter antimicrobial agents based on MOFs.

5f Covalency Synergistically Boosting Oxygen Evolution of UCoO4 Catalyst

Electronic structure modulation among multiple metal sites is key to the design of efficient catalysts. Most studies have focused on regulating 3d transition-metal active ions through other d-block metals, while few have utilized f-block metals. Herein, we report a new class of catalyst, namely, UCoO₄ with alternative CoO₆ and 5f-related UO₆ octahedra, as a unique example of a 5f-covalent compound that exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity because of the presence of the U 5f–O 2p–Co 3d network. UCoO₄ exhibits a low overpotential of 250 mV at 10 mA cm^–2, surpassing other unitary cobalt-based catalysts ever reported. X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed that the Co²⁺ ion in pristine UCoO₄ was converted to high-valence Co^3+/4+, while U⁶⁺ remained unchanged during the OER, indicating that only Co was the active site. Density functional theory calculations demonstrated that the OER activity of Co^3+/4+ was synergistically enhanced by the covalent bonding of U⁶⁺-5f in the U 5f–O 2p–Co 3d network. This study opens new avenues for the realization of electronic structure manipulation via unique 5f involvement.

Exceptionally Robust Face-Sharing Motifs Enable Efficient and Durable Water Oxidation

Corner-sharing oxides usually suffer from structural reconstruction during the bottleneck oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) in water electrolysis. Therefore, introducing dynamically stable active sites in an alternative structure is urgent but challenging. Here, 1D 5H-polytype Ba₅ Bi_0.25 Co_3.75 FeO_{14- δ} oxide with face-sharing motifs is identified as a highly active and stable candidate for alkaline OER. Benefiting from the stable face-sharing motifs with three couples of combined bonds, Ba₅ Bi_0.25 Co_3.75 FeO_{14- δ} can maintain its local structures even under high OER potentials as evidenced by fast operando spectroscopy, contributing to a negligible performance degradation over 110 h. Besides, the higher Co valence and smaller orbital bandgap in Ba₅ Bi_0.25 Co_3.75 FeO_{14- δ} endow it with a much better electron transport ability than its corner-sharing counterpart, leading to a distinctly reduced overpotential of 308 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 in 0.1 m KOH. Further mechanism studies show that the short distance between lattice-oxygen sites in face-sharing Ba₅ Bi_0.25 Co_3.75 FeO_{14- δ} can accelerate the deprotonation step (*OOH + OH^-  = *OO + H₂ O + e^- ) via a steric inductive effect to promote lattice-oxygen participation. In this work, not only is a new 1D face-sharing oxide with impressive OER performance discovered, but also a rational design of dynamic stable and active sites for sustainable energy systems is inaugurated.

Controlling dynamic magnetic properties of coordination clusters via switchable electronic configuration

Large-sized coordination clusters have emerged as a new class of molecular materials in which many metal atoms and organic ligands are integrated to synergize their properties. As dynamic magnetic materials, such a combination of multiple components functioning as responsive units has many advantages over monometallic systems due to the synergy between constituent components. Understanding the nature of dynamic magnetism at an atomic level is crucial for realizing the desired properties, designing responsive molecular nanomagnets, and ultimately unlocking the full potential of these nanomagnets for practical applications. Therefore, this review article highlights the recent development of large-sized coordination clusters with dynamic magnetic properties. These dynamic properties can be associated with spin transition, electron transfer, and valence fluctuation through their switchable electronic configurations. Subsequently, the article also highlights specialized characterization techniques with different timescales for supporting switching mechanisms, chemistry, and properties. Afterward, we present an overview of coordination clusters (such as cyanide-bridged and non-cyanide assemblies) with dynamic magnetic properties, namely, spin transition and electron transfer in magnetically bistable systems and mixed-valence complexes. In particular, the response mechanisms of coordination clusters are highlighted using representative examples with similar transition principles to gain insights into spin state and mixed-valence chemistry. In conclusion, we present possible solutions to challenges related to dynamic magnetic clusters and potential opportunities for a wide range of intelligent next-generation devices.

Room-Temperature Magnetoelectric Coupling in Electronic Ferroelectric Film based on [(n-C3H7)4N][FeIIIFeII(dto)3] (dto = C2O2S2)

Great importance has been attached to magnetoelectric coupling in multiferroic thin films owing to their extremely practical use in a new generation of devices. Here, a film of [(n-C₃H₇)₄N][Fe^IIIFe^II(dto)₃] (1; dto = C₂O₂S₂) was fabricated using a simple stamping process. As was revealed by our experimental results, in-plane ferroelectricity over a wide temperature range from 50 to 300 K was induced by electron hopping between Fe^II and Fe^III sites. This mechanism was further confirmed by the ferroelectric observation of the compound [(n-C₃H₇)₄N][Fe^IIIZn^II(dto)₃] (2; dto = C₂O₂S₂), in which Fe^II ions were replaced by nonmagnetic metal Zn^II ions, resulting in no obvious ferroelectric polarization. However, both ferroelectricity and magnetism are related to the magnetic Fe ions, implying a strong magnetoelectric coupling in 1. Through piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), the observation of magnetoelectric coupling was achieved by manipulating ferroelectric domains under an in-plane magnetic field. The present work not only provides new insight into the design of molecular-based electronic ferroelectric/magnetoelectric materials but also paves the way for practical applications in a new generation of electronic devices.

Magnetodielectric Response in a Layered Mixed-Valence Ferrimagnetic Molecular Compound

The magnetodielectric effect is closely related to multiferroic or magnetoelectric coupling; thus, it can be used to predict magnetoelectric coupling, especially in compounds with special magnetic properties. The magnetodielectric response can often be used to predict many interesting and meaningful physical coupling mechanisms. Therefore, fabricating magnetodielectric materials is an effective step toward the development of magnetoelectric materials. Herein, we synthesize the mixed-valence layered ferrimagnetic molecular compound (C₆N₂H₁₄)Fe^III₂Fe^IIF₈(HCOO)₂ (1) and demonstrate that it exhibits both slow magnetic relaxation behavior and long-range magnetic order. This long-range order occurs because of the coexistence and competition between two typical magnetic interactions, namely, an Fe^III-F-Fe^II superexchange and a long-distance superexchange Fe^II-O-C-O-Fe^III-F-Fe^III path in the interlayer and interchain spin frustration. Notably, this compound also demonstrates two abnormal dielectric relaxation processes: the first process is dominated by dynamic guest cations, while the other process is related to the increasing magnetic correlation. Over a wide temperature range below 170 K, the magnetodielectric effect reveals that the magnetic correlation maybe promotes electron dynamics and leads to magnetodielectric coupling. These findings pave a novel path for designing magnetodielectric molecular materials.

Sequential Spin State Transition and Intermetallic Charge Transfer in PbCoO3

Spin state transitions and intermetallic charge transfers can essentially change material structural and physical properties while excluding external chemical doping. However, these two effects have rarely been found to occur sequentially in a specific material. In this article, we show the realization of these two phenomena in a perovskite oxide PbCoO₃ with a simple ABO₃ composition under high pressure. PbCoO₃ possesses a peculiar A- and B-site ordered charge distribution Pb²⁺Pb⁴⁺₃Co²⁺₂Co³⁺₂O₁₂ with insulating behavior at ambient conditions. The high spin Co²⁺ gradually changes to low spin with increasing pressure up to about 15 GPa, leading to an anomalous increase of resistance magnitude. Between 15 and 30 GPa, the intermetallic charge transfer occurs between Pb⁴⁺ and Co²⁺ cations. The accumulated charge-transfer effect triggers a metal-insulator transition as well as a first-order structural phase transition toward a Tetra.-I phase at the onset of ∼20 GPa near room temperature. On further compression over 30 GPa, the charge transfer completes, giving rise to another first-order structural transformation toward a Tetra.-II phase and the reentrant electrical insulating behavior.

A breakthrough in the intrinsic multiferroic temperature region in Prussian blue analogues

Thin films of [(Fe^II_xCr^II_1−x)]_1.5[Cr^III(CN)₆]·yH₂O (x ≈ 0.30–0.35, y ≈ 1.77) (1) on FTO substrates (namely film 1) were synthesized with an electrochemical method. Investigation of the ferroelectricity of film 1 at different temperatures reveals that it exhibits ferroelectric behaviour in the temperature range from 10 K to 310 K. Study of the X-ray absorption (XAS) of the crushed film 1 and simulation of the structure of film 1 and crushed film 1 by using the Materials Studio software indicate that the vacancy defects and interactions between the film and FTO substrate make a key contribution to the ferroelectricity of film 1. Owing to the magnetic phase transition point being up to 210 K, film 1 is a multiferroic material and its magneto/electric coexistence temperature can be as high as 210 K.

Prussian blue analogue film exhibits ferroelectric from 10 to 310 K and works up to 210 K as a molecular-based multiferroic material.

A pair of homochiral trinuclear Zn(ii) clusters exhibiting unusual ferroelectric behaviour at high temperature

A pair of homochiral trinuclear Zn(ii) clusters exhibit unusual ferroelectric behaviour at high temperature.

Probing charge transfer characteristics in a donor–acceptor metal–organic framework by Raman spectroelectrochemistry and pressure-dependence studies

Donor–Acceptor Metal–Organic Frameworks display redox and pressure dependent charge transfer properties.

Long-range magnetic ordering in a metal-organic framework based on octanuclear nickel(ii) clusters

A novel three-dimensional metal-organic framework [Ni₃(BTC)₂(bpp)₂(H₂O)]·3H₂O (1) based on mixed ligands H₃BTC (1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid) and bpp (1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane) was obtained under hydrothermal conditions. Crystal structure analysis reveals that 1 is a framework based on cage-like Ni₈(COO)₁₂ units. Furthermore, long-range magnetic ordering is observed at low temperature.

Two new metal–organic frameworks based on tetrazole–heterocyclic ligands accompanied by in situ ligand formation

Two new MOFs have been constructed by the Dimroth rearrangement of the in situ generated organic ligand 5-((2H-tetrazol-5-yl)amino)isophthalic acid (H₃L).

Macrocyclic {3d-4f} SMMs as building blocks for 1D-polymers: selective bridging of 4f ions by use of an O-donor ligand

Crystallisation of the tetranuclear 3d-4f Single-Molecule Magnet (SMM) [CuTb^III(L^Et)(NO₃)₃(MeOH)]·MeOH (1) with Na₂[tpa] (tpa = terephthalate and H₆L^Et is the [3 + 3] imine macrocycle derived from 1,4-diformyl-2,3-dihydroxybenzene and 1,2-diaminoethane) gives a structurally characterised one-dimensional cationic polymer {[CuTb^III(L^Et)(tpa)(H₂O)₃](NO₃)·0.5H₂O·0.25MeOH}_n (2). A comparative study of the static and dynamic magnetic properties of 2 and its precursor, 1, is reported.

A water-stable metal–organic framework of a zwitterionic carboxylate with dysprosium: a sensing platform for Ebolavirus RNA sequences

A 3D Dy-based metal–organic framework (MOF) 1 was synthesized. Compound 1 can interact with the probe DNA to form a P-DNA@1 system. This system can be used as an effective fluorescent sensing platform for the detection of Ebolavirus RNA.

Switchable Fe/Co Prussian blue networks and molecular analogues

Switchable Fe/Co Prussian blue compounds and their low dimensional analogues displaying thermally and photo-induced electron transfer phenomena are reviewed.

Photocatalysis from a series of polyoxoazocobaltate high-nuclearity nanoclusters

By changing the substituent groups of mercapto-based ligands, polyoxoazocobaltate high-nuclearity nanoclusters have been synthesized and structurally characterized, and they display photocatalytic activities for degradation of organic dyes.