Bimetallic Uranyl Organic Frameworks Supported by Transition-Metal-Ion-Based Metalloligand Motifs: Synthesis, Structure Diversity, and Luminescence Properties

Ni(2,2':6',2″-Terpyridine-4'-carboxylate)2 Zwitterions and Carboxylate Polyanions in Mixed-Ligand Uranyl Ion Complexes with a Wide Range of Topologies

The zwitterionic complex formed by Ni^II and 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine-4'-carboxylate, Ni(tpyc)₂, has been used as a coligand with a diverse group of polycarboxylates in uranyl ion complexes synthesized under solvo-hydrothermal conditions, thus giving a series of 14 mixed ligand, heterometallic compounds. Both [(UO₂)₂(c-1,2-chdc)Ni(tpyc)₂(NO₃)₂]₂·4CH₃CN (1) and [(UO₂)₂(tdc)Ni(tpyc)₂(NO₃)₂]₂ (2), where c-1,2-chdc^2- is cis-1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate and tdc^2- is 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate, display discrete U₄Ni₂ dinickelatetrauranacycles, a motif which is also found as part of a daisychain coordination polymer in [(UO₂)₄(bdc)₃Ni₂(tpyc)₄(NO₃)₂]·2CH₃CN·2H₂O (3), where bdc^2- is 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate. Similar U₄Ni₂ rings associate to form a nanotubular polymer in [(UO₂)₂(tca)Ni(tpyc)₂(NO₃)]·2CH₃CN·2H₂O (4), where tca^3- is tricarballylate. [(UO₂)₂(1,2-pda) (1,2-pdaH)Ni(tpyc)₂(NO₃)]·CH₃CN (5), where 1,2-pda^2- is 1,2-phenylenediacetate, crystallizes as a meander-like chain in which each bent section can be seen as an open, semi-U₄Ni₂ ring. Oxalate (ox^2-) gives [(UO₂)₂(ox)₂Ni(tpyc)₂] (6), a monoperiodic polymer containing smaller U₄Ni rings, while 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylate (1,2,3-btc^3-) and citrate (citH^3-) give [Ni(tpycH)(H₂O)₃][UO₂(1,2,3-btc)]₂·2H₂O (7) and [UO₂Ni₂(tpyc)₄][UO₂(citH)]₂ (8), two complexes with charge separation, the latter displaying one-periodic + two-periodic semi-interpenetration. [(UO₂)₂(btcH)Ni(tpyc)₂(NO₃)] (9) and [(UO₂)₂(cbtcH)Ni(tpyc)₂(NO₃)] (10), where btc^4- and cbtc^4- are 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate and cis,trans,cis-1,2,3,4-cyclobutanetetracarboxylate, respectively, are diperiodic networks with hcb topology, and [(UO₂)₂(ndc)Ni(tpyc)₂(OH)(NO₃)] (11), where ndc^2- is 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate, is a sql network containing dinuclear nodes and involving 100-membered U₁₀Ni₄ metallacyclic units. U₄Ni₂ rings are found in the diperiodic polymer formed in [(UO₂)₄(t-R-1,2-chdc)₄Ni₂(tpyc)₄] (12), where t-R-1,2-chdc^2- is trans-R,R-1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate, the heavily puckered sheets being interlocked. 1,3-Phenylenediacetate (1,3-pda^2-) gives a very thick diperiodic polymer with KIa topology, [(UO₂)₄(1,3-pda)₄Ni₂(tpyc)₄]·CH₃CN·2H₂O (13). A triperiodic framework is formed with nitrilotriacetate (nta^3-) in [(UO₂)₂(nta)₂Ni₂(tpyc)₂] (14), where Ni^II is found in Ni(tpyc)₂ units as well as in Ni(nta)₂^4- moieties which both act as 4-coordinated nodes.

A spectroscopic, structural, and computational study of Ag-oxo interactions in Ag+/UO22+ complexes

Twelve novel Ag⁺/UO₂²⁺ heterometallic complexes have been prepared and characterized via structural, spectroscopic, and computational methods to probe the effects of Ag-oxo interactions on bonding and photophysical properties of the uranyl cation. Structural characterization reveals Ag-oxo interaction distances ranging from 2.475(3) Å to 4.287(4) Å. These interactions were probed using luminescence and Raman spectroscopy which displayed little effect on the luminescence intensity and the energy of the Raman active UO symmetric stretch peak as compared to previously reported Pb-oxo interactions. Computational efforts via density functional theory-based natural bond orbital analysis revealed that the highest stabilization energy associated with the Ag-oxo interaction had a value of only 11.03 kcal mol^-1 and that all other energy values fell at 7.05 kcal mol^-1 or below indicating weaker interactions relative to those previously reported for Pb²⁺/UO₂²⁺ heterometallic compounds. In contrast, quantum theory of atoms in molecules analysis of bond critical point electron density values indicated higher electron density in Ag-oxo interactions as compared to Pb-oxo interactions which suggests more covalent character with the Ag⁺. Overall, this data indicates that Ag⁺ has a less significant effect on UO₂²⁺ bonding and photophysical properties as compared to other Pb²⁺, likely due to the high polarizability of the cation.

State-of-the-art progress for the selective crystallization of actinides, synthesis of actinide compounds and their functionalization

Crystallization and immobilization of actinides to form actinide compounds are of significant importance for the extraction and reutilization of nuclear waste in the nuclear industry. In this paper, the state-of-art progress in the crystallization of actinides are summarized, as well as the main functionalization of the actinide compounds, i.e., as adsorbents for heavy metal ions and organic pollutant in waste management, as (photo)catalysts for organic degradation and conversion, including degradation of organic dyes and antibiotics, dehydrogenation of N-heterocycles, CO₂ cycloaddition, selective alcohol oxidation and selective oxidation of sulfides. This review will give a comprehensive summary about the synthesis and application exploration of solid actinide crystalline salts and actinide-based metal organic frameworks in the past decades. Finally, the future perspectives and challenges are proposed in the end to give a promising direction for future investigation.

Luminescent Uranium-Thiophene Dicarboxylate Frameworks Supported by Transition-Metal-Organic Cations: Dimensionality and Luminescence Control in Uranyl Speciation

The study about the resourcfulization of uranium such as the usage as new materials can promote the harmless treatments of nuclear waste. In this work, with the direction of transition-metal...

Pb-Oxo Interactions in Uranyl Hybrid Materials: A Combined Experimental and Computational Analysis of Bonding and Spectroscopic Properties

Reported are the syntheses and characterization of six new heterometallic UO₂²⁺/Pb²⁺ compounds. These materials feature rare instances of M-oxo interactions, which influence the bonding properties of the uranyl cation. The spectroscopic effects of these interactions were measured using luminescence and Raman spectroscopy. Computational density functional theory-based natural bonding orbital and quantum theory of atoms in molecules methods indicate interactions arise predominantly through charge transfer between cationic units via the electron-donating uranyl O sp^x lone pair orbitals and electron-accepting Pb²⁺ p orbitals. The interaction strength varies as a function of Pb-oxo interaction distance and angle with energy values ranging from 0.47 kcal/mol in the longer contacts to 21.94 kcal/mol in the shorter contacts. Uranyl units with stronger interactions at the oxo display an asymmetric bond weakening and a loss of covalent character in the U═O bonds interacting closely with the Pb²⁺ ion. Luminescence quenching is observed in cases in which strong Pb-oxo interactions are present and is accompanied by red-shifting of the uranyl symmetric Raman stretch. Changes to inner sphere uranyl bonding manifest as a weakening of the U═O bond as a result of interaction with the Pb²⁺ ion. Comprehensive evaluation of the effects of metal ions on uranyl spectra supports modeling efforts probing uranyl bonding and may inform applications such as forensic signatures.

Stepwise Assembly of a Multicomponent Heterometallic Metal-Organic Framework via Th6-Based Metalloligands

Herein we present a new metalloligand, Th₆L₁₂ [IHEP-10; L = 4-pyrazolecarboxylic acid (H₂PyC)], which can be used to generate a novel multicomponent heterometallic metal-organic framework (MOF), [[Cu₃(μ₃-OH)(NO₃)(H₂O)₂]₂Th₆(μ₃-O)₄(μ₃-OH)₄(PyC)₆(HPyC)₆(H₂O)₆](NO₃)₂ (IHEP-11), through further assembly with second [Cu₃(μ₃-OH)(PyC)₃] clusters. In IHEP-11, six Cu₃ clusters are connected by six NO₃^- anions to form an unprecedented annular Cu₁₈ cluster, which can be viewed as a 12-connected node to link with 12 Th₆ clusters, resulting a 4,12-connected shp net. Benefiting from the cationic framework and 3D porous structure, IHEP-11 can efficiently remove ReO₄^- (an analogue of radioactive ⁹⁹TcO₄^-) from aqueous solution in a wide pH range. This work highlights the feasibility of constructing multicomponent MOFs through a step-by-step synthesis strategy based on metalloligands.

2,5-Thiophenedicarboxylate: An Interpenetration-Inducing Ligand in Uranyl Chemistry

Seven uranyl ion complexes have been crystallized under solvo-hydrothermal conditions from 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid (tdcH₂) and diverse additional, structure-directing species. [UO₂(tdc)(DMF)] (1) is a two-stranded monoperiodic coordination polymer, while [PPh₃Me][UO₂(tdc)(HCOO)] (2) is a simple chain with terminal formate coligands. Although it is also monoperiodic, [C(NH₂)₃][H₂NMe₂]₂[(UO₂)₃(tdc)₄(HCOO)] (3) displays an alternation of tetra- and hexanuclear rings. Two-stranded subunits are bridged by oxo-coordinated Ni^II cations to form a diperiodic network in [UO₂(tdc)₂Ni(cyclam)] (4), but a homometallic sql diperiodic assembly is built in [Cu(R,S-Me₆cyclam)(H₂O)][UO₂(tdc)₂]·H₂O (5), to which the counterion is hydrogen bonded only. Diperiodic networks with the hcb topology are formed in both [Zn(phen)₃][(UO₂)₂(tdc)₃]·2H₂O·3CH₃CN (6) and [PPh₄]₂[(UO₂)₂(tdc)₃]·2H₂O (7). The slightly undulating layers in 6 are crossed by oblique columns of weakly interacting counterions in polythreading-like fashion. In contrast, the larger curvature in 7 allows for three-fold, parallel 2D interpenetration to occur. These results are compared with previously reported cases of interpenetration and polycatenation in the uranyl-tdc^2- system.

Construction of Hybrid Bimetallic Uranyl Compounds Based on a Preassembled Terpyridine Metalloligand

Six hybrid uranyl-transition metal compounds [UO₂ Ni(cptpy)₂ (HCOO)₂ (DMF)(H₂ O)] (1), [UO₂ Ni(cptpy)₂ (BTPA)₂ ] (2), [UO₂ Fe(cptpy)₂ (HCOO)₂ (DMF)(H₂ O)] (3), [UO₂ Fe(cptpy)₂ (BTPA)₂ ] (4), [UO₂ Co(cptpy)₂ (HCOO)₂ (DMF)(H₂ O)] (5), and [UO₂ Co(cptpy)₂ (BTPA)₂ ] (6), based on bifunctional ligand 4'-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (Hcptpy) are reported (H₂ BTPA = 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid). Single-crystal XRD revealed that all six compounds feature similar metalloligands, which consist of two cptpy^- anions and one transition metal cation. The metalloligand M(cptpy)₂ can be considered to be an extended linear dicarboxylic ligand with length of 22.12 Å. Compounds 1, 3, and 5 are isomers, and all of them feature 1D chain structures. The adjacent 1D chains are connected together by hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions to form a 3D porous structure, which is filled with solvent molecules and can be exchanged with I₂ . Compounds 2, 4, and 6 are also isomers, and all of them feature 2D honeycomb (6,3) networks with hexagonal units of dimensions 41.91×26.89 Å, which are the largest among uranyl compounds with honeycomb networks. The large aperture allows two sets of equivalent networks to be entangled together to result in a 2D+2D→3D polycatenated framework. Remarkably, these uranyl compounds exhibit high catalytic activity for cycloaddition of carbon dioxide. Moreover, the geometric and electronic structures of compounds 1 and 2 are systematically discussed on the basis of DFT calculations.

Dimensional Structures and Electrocatalytic Activities of Platinum(II)-Palladium(II)-Manganese(II) Coordination Polymers Controlled by Chloride versus Bromide

Here we report the synthesis and structural characterization of heterotrimetallic (Pt^II₂Pd^II₂Mn^II₂)_n coordination polymers that show different dimensionalities and electrocatalytic activities depending on chloride and bromide employed in the system. The reaction of the Pt^II₂Pd^II₂ tetranuclear complex [Pd₂Pt₂(NH₃)₄(d-pen)₄] (1), bearing free carboxylate groups, with Mn²⁺ in the presence of chloride produced the (Pt^II₂Pd^II₂Mn^II₂)_n coordination polymer [Mn₂Cl₂(H₂O)₆(1)]Cl₂ (2^Cl), in which the Pt^II₂Pd^II₂ units of 1 are linked by [MnCl(H₂O)₃]⁺ moieties in a 1:2 ratio to form a 2D sheetlike structure. The corresponding reaction in the presence of bromide also gave the (Pt^II₂Pd^II₂Mn^II₂)_n coordination polymer [Mn₂(H₂O)₆(1)]Br₄ (3^Br), but 3^Br adopted a 3D network structure via a 1:1 linkage of the Pt^II₂Pd^II₂ units with [Mn₂(H₂O)₆]⁴⁺ moieties. These complexes showed appreciably different electrocatalytic activities for H₂ evolution.

Full-Range Ratiometric Detection of D2O in H2O by a Heterobimetallic Uranyl/Lanthanide Framework with 4f/5f Bimodal Emission

A uranyl-europium heterobimetallic compound, (TEA)₃[(UO₂)₆Eu(H₂O)₄(PPA)₆] (H₃PPA = phosphonoacetic acid, TEA = tetraethylammonium cation), was synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. The emission spectrum contains characteristic electronic transition features of both Eu³⁺ and UO₂²⁺, while the peak intensity of Eu³⁺ is notably higher than that of UO₂²⁺. This is primarily attributed to the energy transfer from uranyl to europium in the structure. Significantly, a positive correlation between the Eu³⁺ peak intensity at 621 nm and the D₂O content can be established in the aqueous system, while the uranyl peak intensity is almost unchanged, allowing for the full-range ratiometric detection of D₂O in H₂O.

The presence of mixed-valent silver in the uranyl phenylenediphosphonate framework

A 2-D silver uranyl phosphonate presents both Ag⁺ and Ag⁰ atoms in the free space between the adjacent layers and the incorporation of the mixed-valent silver sites results in the quenching of the fluorescent emission.

Occurrence of polyoxouranium motifs in uranyl organic networks constructed by using silicon-centered carboxylate linkers: structures, spectroscopy and computation

Four polyoxouranium-based uranyl carboxylates have been synthesized based on silicon-centered carboxylate linkers. Oligomerization of the uranyl units from tetrameric unit, to octameric motif and ultimately infinite polyoxouranium chain was observed.

Solvent-Induced Structural Diversity and Magnetic Research of Two Cobalt(II) Complexes

The solvent-induced topological and structural diversities of two Co(II) complexes, namely, [Co(L)₂(SCN)₂] (Co1) and [Co₂(L)₂(SCN)(OAc)₃] (Co2) (L = 8-methoxyquinoline), were comparatively analyzed. Certain proportions of L, Co(OAc)₂·4H₂O, and NaSCN were mixed and dissolved in CH₃OH at 60 °C to obtain complex Co1. Complex Co2, an asymmetric dinuclear compound, was obtained by simply replacing CH₃OH with CH₃CN as the solvent. The Co(II) ion in complex Co1 was coordinated by the N₄O₂ mode provided by two L ligands and two SCN^- anions. The two Co(II) ions in Co2 were in the N₂O₄ and NO₅ coordination environment and were linked by two μ₂-OAc^- bridges and one rare μ₃-OAc^- bridge. Weak interaction analysis revealed that complexes Co1 and Co2 exhibited 6-connected shp and 14-connected fcu nets, respectively. Magnetic studies showed that Co1 demonstrated single-ion magnet behavior under 2000 Oe. These behaviors are indicative of clearly field-induced single-ion magnetic behavior with U _eff = 34.7(2) K and τ₀ = 2.7(2) × 10^-7 s under 2000 Oe dc field, respectively. By contrast, Co2 lacked frequency dependence under zero-field conditions. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry indicated that two complexes were stable in N,N-dimethylformamide.

A Molecular Coordination Template Strategy for Designing Selective Porous Aromatic Framework Materials for Uranyl Capture

Uranium capture from seawater could solve increasing energy demand and enable a much needed relaxing from fossil fuels. Low concentration (∼3 ppb), competing cations (especially vanadium) and pH-dependent speciation prohibit highly efficient uranium uptake. Despite intensive research, selective extraction of uranyl ions over vanadyl units remains a tremendous challenge. Here, we adopted a molecular coordination template strategy to design a uranyl-specific bis-salicylaldoxime entity and decorated it into a highly porous aromatic framework (PAF-1) by programmable assembly. The superstructure (MISS-PAF-1) gives a strong affinity that removes 99.97% of uranium in 120 min. Notably, it binds to the uranyl ion at least 100 times more selectively than 14 different cations tested, including the vanadyl ion, in simulated seawater at ambient pH. Real seawater samples collected from the Bohai Sea achieve 5.79 mg g^-1 of uranium capacity over 56 days without PAF degradation, exceeding a 4-fold higher amount than commercial adsorbents.

Five complexes based on a new racemic tetraoxaspiro ligand: correlation of potential coordination preferences with the structure, magnetic properties and luminescence properties

A new ligand, rac-(R,S)-3,9-bis(pyridin-3-yl)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecane ((R,S)-bptu), is synthesized, and five novel complexes, namely, {[Cu[(R,S)-bptu]Cl2]·0.5NMP}n (1), {[Zn[(R,S)-bptu]Cl2]·CH3CN}n (2), {Cd2[(R,S)-bptu]2Cl4(NMP)2}n (3), {[Cd[(R,S)-bptu]2Cl2]·2CH3CN}n (4), and {Cd3[(R,S)-bptu]2Cl6(DMF)2}n (5), (NMP = N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide), are obtained via a layered diffusional reaction. (R,S)-bptu and complexes 1-5 are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, element analyses, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Complexes 1-3 show three different 1D structures: 1 is a mesomeric looped chain, 2 is a racemic helix compound, and 3 is a mesomeric zigzag chain, while 4 and 5 are two different mesomeric 2D structures, of which 4 is a 2D wave-like layer and 5 is a 2D cellular layer. Structural diversity indicates that the coordination preferences (cis- and trans-configurations) of (R,S)-bptu play a leading role in the self-assembly of complexes: cis-bptu tends to form one-dimensional structures 1-3, while trans-bptu is easier to construct higher dimensional structures 4-5. Secondly, the different transition metal atom M(ii) adopts diverse geometry in 1-5: Cu(ii) adopts square pyramidal geometry in 1, Zn(ii) employs a tetrahedron configuration in 2, and especially in 3-5, Cd(ii) displays a trigonal bipyramidal configuration, cis-cis-trans, cis and trans octahedral configuration. Finally, the different solvent system, the coordinated/free solvent, and the secondary building units (SBUs) affect the diversification of the structure. A variable temperature magnetic susceptibility investigation manifests that antiferromagnetic interactions exist between the neighbouring metal ions in 1. Furthermore, the luminescence properties of 2-5 are investigated in the solid state at room temperature, and 4 shows highly selective and sensitive sensing for Fe3+ ions.

Multi-colour uranyl emission efficiently tuned by hexacyanidometallates within hybrid coordination frameworks

Hexacyanidometallates of transition metal ions govern the topology and the photoluminescence of bimetallic d–f hybrid coordination networks incorporating uranyl cations.