Anomalous Non-Prussian Blue Structures and Magnetic Ordering of K2MnII[MnII(CN)6] and Rb2MnII[MnII(CN)6]

MnFe Prussian Blue Analogue Open Cages for Sodium-Ion Batteries: Simultaneous Evolution of Structure, Morphology, and Energy Storage Properties

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) exhibiting hollow morphologies have garnered considerable attention owing to their remarkable electrochemical properties. In this study, a one-pot strategy is proposed for the synthesis of MnFe PBA open cages. The materials are subsequently employed as cathode electrode in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The simultaneous evolution of structure, morphology, and performance during the synthesis process is investigated. The findings reveal substantial structural modifications as the reaction time is prolonged. The manganese content in the samples diminishes considerably, while the potassium content experiences an increase. This compositional variation is accompanied by a significant change in the spin state of the transition metal ions. These structural transformations trigger the occurrence of the Kirkendall effect and Oswald ripening, culminating in a profound alteration of the morphology of MnFe PBA. Moreover, the shifts in spin states give rise to distinct changes in their charge-discharge profiles and redox potentials. Furthermore, an exploration of the formation conditions of the samples and their variations before and after cycling is conducted. This study offers valuable insights into the intricate relationship between the structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance of MnFe PBA, paving the way for further optimizations in this promising class of materials for energy storage applications.

Cation Adaptive Structures Based on Manganese Cyanide Prussian Blue Analogues: Application of Powder Diffraction Data to Solve Complex, Unprecedented Stoichiometries and New Structure Types

A Mn(II) salt and A+ CN- under anaerobic conditions react to form 2-D and 3-D extended structured compounds of Am MnII n (CN)m+2n stoichiometry. Here, the creation and characterization of this large family of compounds, for example AMnII 3 (CN)7 , A2 MnII 3 (CN)8 , A2 MnII 5 (CN)12 , A3 MnII 5 (CN)13 , and A2 MnII [MnII (CN)6 ], where A represents alkali and tetraalkylammonium cations, is reviewed. Cs2 MnII [MnII (CN)6 ] has the typical Prussian blue face centered cubic unit cell. However, the other alkali salts are monoclinic or rhombohedral. This is in accord with smaller alkali cation radii creating void space that is minimized by increasing the van der Waals stabilization energy by reducing ∠Mn-N≡C, which, strengthens the magnetic coupling and increases the magnetic ordering temperatures. This is attributed to the non-rigidity of the framework structure due the significant ionic character associated with the high-spin MnII sites. For larger tetraalkylammonium cations, the high-spin Mn sites lack sufficient electrostatic A+ ⋅⋅⋅NC stabilization and form unexpected 4- and 5-coordinated Mn sites within a flexible, extended framework around the cation; hence, the size, shape, and charge of the cation dictate the unprecedented stoichio-metry and unpredictable cation adaptive structures. Antiferromagnetic coupling between adjacent MnII sites leads to ferrimagnetic ordering, but in some cases antiferromagnetic coupling of ferrimagnetic layers are compensated and synthetic antiferromagnets are observed. The magnetic ordering temperatures for ferrimagnetic A2 MnII [MnII (CN)6 ] with both octahedral high- and low-spin MnII sites increase with decreasing ∠Mn-N≡C. The crystal structures for all of the extended structured materials were obtained by powder diffraction.

Prussian Blue-Type Sodium-ion Conducting Solid Electrolytes for All Solid-State Batteries

Conventional solid electrolyte frameworks typically consist of anions such as sulphur, oxygen, chlorine, and others, leading to inherent limitations in their properties. Despite the emergence of sulphide, oxide, and halide-based solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries, their utilization is hampered by issues, including the evolution of H2 S gas, the need for expensive elements, and poor contact. Here, we first introduce Prussian Blue analogue (PBA) open-framework structures as a solid electrolyte that demonstrates appreciable Na+ conductivity (>10-2 mS cm-1 ). We delve into the relationship between Na+ conductivity and the lattice parameter of N-coordinated transition metal, which is attributed to the reduced interaction between Na+ and the framework, corroborated by the distribution of relaxation times and density functional theory calculations. Among the five PBAs studied, Mn-PBA have exhibited the highest Na+ conductivity of 9.1×10-2 mS cm-1 . Feasibility tests have revealed that Mn-PBA have maintained a cycle retention of 95.1 % after 80cycles at 30 °C and a C-rate of 0.2C. Our investigation into the underlying mechanisms that play a significant role in governing the conductivity and kinetics of these materials contributes valuable insights for the development of alternative strategies to realize all-solid-state batteries.

Structural complexity in Prussian blue analogues

We survey the most important kinds of structural complexity in Prussian blue analogues, their implications for materials function, and how they might be controlled through judicious choice of composition. We focus on six particular aspects: octahedral tilts, A-site 'slides', Jahn-Teller distortions, A-site species and occupancy, hexacyanometallate vacancies, and framework hydration. The promising K-ion cathode material K_xMn[Fe(CN)₆]_y serves as a recurrent example that illustrates many of these different types of complexity. Our article concludes with a discussion of how the interplay of various distortion mechanisms might be exploited to optimise the performance of this and other related systems, so as to aid in the design of next-generation PBA materials.

Pressure Dependence of the Magnetic Ordering Temperature (Tc) for the Na2Mn[Mn(CN)6] Noncubic Prussian Blue Analogue

The pressure dependence of the magnetic properties of rhombohedral Na₂Mn[Mn(CN)₆] up to 10 kbar has been studied. The magnetic ordering temperature, T_c, for Na₂Mn[Mn(CN)₆] reversibly increases with increasing applied hydrostatic pressure, P, by 9.0 K (15.2%) to 68 K at 10 kbar with an average rate of increase, dT_c/dP, of 0.86 K/kbar. The magnetization at 50 kOe and remanent magnetization, M_r(H), remain constant with an average value of 13,100 ± 200 and 8500 ± 200 emuOe/mol. The coercive field H_cr increases by 12% from 13,400 to 15,000 Oe. The increase and rate of increase of T_c for rhombohedral Na₂Mn[Mn(CN)₆] are reduced with respect to monoclinic A₂Mn[Mn(CN)₆] (A = K and Rb), but they are still greater than those of cubic Cs₂Mn[Mn(CN)₆]. This is attributed to the compression of the MnNC framework bonding without decreasing ∠Mn^II-N≡C, maintaining the unit cell in accord with cubic A = Cs at lower applied pressures, and not due to reduction in ∠Mn^II-N≡C, which correlates with increasing T_c that is reported for A = K and Rb as well as Cs at higher applied pressures.

Low-defect K2Mn[Fe(CN)6]-reduced graphene oxide composite for high-performance potassium-ion batteries

Here, a low-defect K₂Mn[Fe(CN)₆]-reduced graphene oxide (KMF-RGO) composite is fabricated, which demonstrates excellent cycling stability, fast rate capability, and exceptional air stability as a cathode material for potassium-ion batteries (KIBs). This work provides a practical strategy for the synthesis of high-performance K₂Mn[Fe(CN)₆] cathode materials for KIBs.

Exploring the Role of Crystal Water in Potassium Manganese Hexacyanoferrate as a Cathode Material for Potassium-Ion Batteries

The Prussian Blue analogue K2−δMn[Fe(CN)6]1−ɣ∙nH2O is regarded as a key candidate for potassium-ion battery positive electrode materials due to its high specific capacity and redox potential, easy scalability, and low cost. However, various intrinsic defects, such as water in the crystal lattice, can drastically affect electrochemical performance. In this work, we varied the water content in K2−δMn[Fe(CN)6]1−ɣ∙nH2O by using a vacuum/air drying procedure and investigated its effect on the crystal structure, chemical composition and electrochemical properties. The crystal structure of K2−δMn[Fe(CN)6]1−ɣ∙nH2O was, for the first time, Rietveld-refined, based on neutron powder diffraction data at 10 and 300 K, suggesting a new structural model with the Pc space group in accordance with Mössbauer spectroscopy. The chemical composition was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis combined with mass spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy microanalysis and infrared spectroscopy. Nanosized cathode materials delivered electrochemical specific capacities of 130–134 mAh g−1 at 30 mA g−1 (C/5) in the 2.5–4.5 V (vs. K+/K) potential range. Diffusion coefficients determined by potentiostatic intermittent titration in a three-electrode cell reached 10−13 cm2 s−1 after full potassium extraction. It was shown that drying triggers no significant changes in crystal structure, iron oxidation state or electrochemical performance, though the water level clearly decreased from the pristine to air- and vacuum-dried samples.

The Misconception of Mg2+ Insertion into Prussian Blue Analogue Structures from Aqueous Solution

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) are commonly believed to reversibly insert divalent ions, such as calcium and magnesium, rendering them as perspective cathode materials for aqueous magnesium-ion batteries. In this study, the occurrence of Mg²⁺ insertion into nanosized PBA materials is shown to be a misconception and conclusive evidence is provided for the unfeasibility of this process for both cation-rich and cation-poor nickel, iron, and copper hexacyanoferrates. Based on structural, electrochemical, IR spectroscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance data, the charge compensation of PBA redox can be attributed to protons rather than to divalent ions in aqueous Mg²⁺ solution. The reversible insertion of protons involves complex lattice water rearrangements, whereas the presence of Mg²⁺ ion and Mg salt anion stabilizes the proton (de)insertion reaction through local pH effects and anion adsorption at the PBA surface. The obtained results draw attention to the design of proton-based batteries operating in environmentally benign aqueous solutions with low acidity.

Probing the Influence of Defects, Hydration, and Composition on Prussian Blue Analogues with Pressure

The vast compositional space of Prussian blue analogues (PBAs), formula A_xM[M′(CN)₆]_y·nH₂O, allows for a diverse range of functionality. Yet, the interplay between composition and physical properties—e.g., flexibility and propensity for phase transitions—is still largely unknown, despite its fundamental and industrial relevance. Here we use variable-pressure X-ray and neutron diffraction to explore how key structural features, i.e., defects, hydration, and composition, influence the compressibility and phase behavior of PBAs. Defects enhance the flexibility, manifesting as a remarkably low bulk modulus (B₀ ≈ 6 GPa) for defective PBAs. Interstitial water increases B₀ and enables a pressure-induced phase transition in defective systems. Conversely, hydration does not alter the compressibility of stoichiometric MnPt(CN)₆, but changes the high-pressure phase transitions, suggesting an interplay between low-energy distortions. AMnCo(CN)₆ (A^I = Rb, Cs) transition from F4̅3m to P4̅n2 upon compression due to octahedral tilting, and the critical pressure can be tuned by the A-site cation. At 1 GPa, the symmetry of Rb_0.87Mn[Co(CN)₆]_0.91 is further lowered to the polar space group Pn by an improper ferroelectric mechanism. These fundamental insights aim to facilitate the rational design of PBAs for applications within a wide range of fields.

Insensitivity of Magnetic Coupling to Ligand Substitution in a Series of Tetraoxolene Radical-Bridged Fe2 Complexes

The elucidation of magnetostructural correlations between bridging ligand substitution and strength of magnetic coupling is essential to the development of high-temperature molecule-based magnetic materials. Toward this end, we report the series of tetraoxolene-bridged Fe^II₂ complexes [(Me₃TPyA)₂Fe₂(^RL)]ⁿ⁺ (Me₃TPyA = tris(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine; n = 2: ^OMeLH₂ = 3,6-dimethoxy-2,5-dihydroxo-1,4-benzoquinone, ^ClLH₂ = 3,6-dichloro-2,5-dihydroxo-1,4-benzoquinone, Na₂[^NO₂L] = sodium 3,6-dinitro-2,5-dihydroxo-1,4-benzoquinone; n = 4: ^SMe₂L = 3,6-bis(dimethylsulfonium)-2,5-dihydroxo-1,4-benzoquinone diylide) and their one-electron-reduced analogues. Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility data reveal the presence of weak ferromagnetic superexchange between Fe^II centers in the oxidized species, with exchange constants of J = +1.2(2) (R = OMe, Cl) and +0.3(1) (R = NO₂, SMe₂) cm^-1. In contrast, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and Mössbauer spectroscopy establish a ligand-centered radical in the reduced complexes. Magnetic measurements for the radical-bridged species reveal the presence of strong antiferromagnetic metal-radical coupling, with J = -57(10), -60(7), -58(6), and -65(8) cm^-1 for R = OMe, Cl, NO₂, and SMe₂, respectively. The minimal effects of substituents in the 3- and 6-positions of ^RL^x-• on the magnetic coupling strength is understood through electronic structure calculations, which show negligible spin density on the substituents and associated C atoms of the ring. Finally, the radical-bridged complexes are single-molecule magnets, with relaxation barriers of U_eff = 50(1), 41(1), 38(1), and 33(1) cm^-1 for R = OMe, Cl, NO₂, and SMe₂, respectively. Taken together, these results provide the first examination of how bridging ligand substitution influences magnetic coupling in semiquinoid-bridged compounds, and they establish design criteria for the synthesis of semiquinoid-based molecules and materials.

A spatially separated [KBr6]5− anion in the cyanido-bridged uranium(IV) compound [U2(CN)3(NH3)14]5+[KBr6]5−·NH3

The reaction of uranium tetrabromide with potassium cyanide in anhydrous liquid ammonia at room temperature leads to the formation of brown crystals of [U2(CN)3(NH3)14]5+ [KBr6]5− · NH3. We determined the crystal structure of the compound by single crystal X-ray diffraction. To the best of our knowledge it contains the unprecedented spatially separated [KBr6]5− anion and presents the first uranium(IV) cyanide compound which forms a layer structure. The compound crystallizes in the trigonal space group P3̅m1 (No. 164) with a = 10.3246(13), c = 8.4255(17) Å, V = 777.8(3) Å3, Z = 1 at T = 100 K and is well described with the Niggli formula [ U ( CN ) 3 2 ( NH 3 ) 7 1 ] ∞ 2 2 [ KBr 6 1 ] . $\mathop {} \limits_{\infty}^{2}{\left[ {{\rm{U}}{{({\rm{CN}})}_{{3 \over 2}}}{{({\rm{N}}{{\rm{H}}_3})}_{{7 \over 1}}}} \right]_2}\left[ {{\rm{KB}}{{\rm{r}}_{{6 \over 1}}}} \right].$

Mix and Match: Organic and Inorganic Ions in the Perovskite Lattice

Materials science evolves to a state where the composition and structure of a crystal can be controlled almost at will. Given that a composition meets basic requirements of stoichiometry, steric demands, and charge neutrality, researchers are now able to investigate a wide range of compounds theoretically and, under various experimental conditions, select the constituting fragments of a crystal. One intriguing playground for such materials design is the perovskite structure. While a game of mixing and matching ions has been played successfully for about 150 years within the limits of inorganic compounds, the recent advances in organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite photovoltaics have triggered the inclusion of organic ions. Organic ions can be incorporated on all sites of the perovskite structure, leading to hybrid (double, triple, etc.) perovskites and inverse (hybrid) perovskites. Examples for each of these cases are known, even with all three sites occupied by organic molecules. While this change from monatomic ions to molecular species is accompanied with increased complexity, it shows that concepts from traditional inorganic perovskites are transferable to the novel hybrid materials. The increased compositional space holds promising new possibilities and applications for the universe of perovskite materials.

Anomalous Stoichiometry and Antiferromagnetic Ordering for the Extended Hydroxymanganese(II) Cubes/Hexacyanometalate-Based 3D-Structured [MnII 4 (OH)4 ][MnII (CN)6 ](OH2 )6 ⋅H2 O

The reaction of Mn^II (O₂ CMe)₂ and NaCN or LiCN in water forms a light green insoluble material. Structural solution and Rietveld refinement of high-resolution synchrotron powder diffraction data for this unprecedented, complicated compound of previously unknown composition revealed a new alkali-free ordered structural motif with [Mn^II ₄ (μ₃ -OH)₄ ]⁴⁺ cubes and octahedral [Mn^II (CN)₆ ]^4- ions interconnected in 3D by Mn^II -N≡C-Mn^II linkages. The composition is {[Mn^II (OH₂ )₃ ][Mn^II (OH₂ )]₃ }(μ₃ -OH)₄ ][Mn^II (μ-CN)₂ (CN)₄ ]⋅H₂ O=[Mn^II ₄ (μ₃ -OH)₄ (OH₂ )₆ ][Mn^II (μ-CN)₂ (CN)₄ ]⋅H₂ O, which is further simplified to [Mn₄ (OH)₄ ][Mn(CN)₆ ](OH₂ )₇ (1). 1 has four high-spin (S=5/2) Mn^II sites that are antiferromagnetically coupled within the cube and are antiferromagnetically coupled to six low-spin (S=1/2) octahedral [Mn^II (CN)₆ ]^4- ions. Above 40 K the magnetic susceptibility, χ(T), can be fitted to the Curie-Weiss expression, χ ∝(T-θ)^-1 , with θ=-13.4 K, indicative of significant antiferromagnetic coupling and 1 orders as an antiferromagnet at T_c =7.8 K.

Anomalous Stoichiometry, 3-D Bridged Triangular/Pentagonal Layered Structured Artificial Antiferromagnet for the Prussian Blue Analogue A3MnII5(CN)13 (A = NMe4, NEtMe3). A Cation Adaptive Structure

The size of the organic cation dictates both the composition and the extended 3-D structure for hybrid organic/inorganic Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) of A _aMn^II _b(CN) _{a+2 b} (A = cation) stoichiometry. Alkali PBAs are typically cubic with both MC₆ and M'N₆ octahedral coordination sites and the alkali cation content depends on the M and M' oxidation states. The reaction of Mn^II(O₂CCH₃)₂ and A⁺CN^- (A = NMe₄, NEtMe₃) forms a hydrated material of A₃Mn^II₅(CN)₁₃ composition. A₃Mn^II₅(CN)₁₃ forms a complex, 3-D extended structural motif with octahedral and rarely observed square pyramidal and trigonal bipyramidal Mn^II sites with a single layer motif of three pentagonal and one triangular fused rings. A complex pattern of Mn^IICN chains bridge the layers. (NMe₄)₃Mn^II₅(CN)₁₃ possesses one low-spin octahedral and four high-spin pentacoordinate Mn^II sites and orders as an antiferromagnet at 11 K due to the layers being bridged and antiferromagnetically coupled by the nonmagnetic cyanides. These are rare examples of intrinsic, chemically prepared and controlled artificial antiferromagnets and have the advantage of having controlled uniform spacing between the layers as they are not physically prepared via deposition methods. A₃Mn₅(CN)₁₃ (A = NMe₄, NEtMe₃) along with [NEt₄]₂Mn^II₃(CN)₈, [NEt₄]Mn^II₃(CN)₇, and Mn(CN)₂ form stoichiometrically related A _aMn^II _b(CN) _{a+2 b} ( a = 0, b = 1; a = 2, b = 3; a = 1, b = 3; and a = 3, b = 5) series possessing unprecedented stoichiometries and lattice motifs. These unusual structures and stoichiometries are attributed to the very ionic nature of the high-spin N-bonded Mn^II ion that enables the maximization of the attractive van der Waals interactions via minimization of void space via a reduced ∠MnNC. This A _aMn^II _b(CN) _{a+2 b} family of compounds are referred to as being cation adaptive in which size and shape dictate both the stoichiometry and structure.

Potassium manganese hexacyanoferrate/graphene as a high-performance cathode for potassium-ion batteries

A potassium manganese Prussian blue/graphene nanocomposite exhibits a high capacity, excellent rate capability and long high-rate cycle life.

Structure and thermal expansion of the distorted Prussian blue analogue RbCuCo(CN)6

The structure and thermal expansion of the Prussian blue analogue RbCuCo(CN)6 has been determined via neutron and X-ray powder diffraction. The system crystallises in Cccm and harbours three coexisting distortions relative to the parent Fm3[combining macron]m structure, which leads to anisotropic thermal expansion with a near-zero component in one direction. The difficulties associated with determining octahedral tilt systems in Prussian blue analogues and related double molecular perovskites are discussed.

High-pressure behaviour of Prussian blue analogues: interplay of hydration, Jahn-Teller distortions and vacancies

We report a high-pressure crystallographic study of four hydrated Prussian blue analogues: M[Pt(CN)₆] and M[Co(CN)₆]_0.67 (M = Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺) in the range 0-3 GPa. Mn[Co(CN)₆]_0.67 was studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, whereas the other systems were only available in polycrystalline form. The Mn-containing compounds undergo pressure-induced phase transitions from Fm3[combining macron]m to R3[combining macron] at ∼1.0-1.5 GPa driven by cooperative tilting of the octahedral units. No phase transition was found for the orbitally disordered Cu[Co(CN)₆]_0.67 up to 3 GPa. Mn[Co(CN)₆]_0.67 is significantly softer than the other samples, with a bulk modulus of ∼14 GPa compared to ∼35 GPa of the powdered samples. The discrepant pressure responses are discussed in terms of the presence of structural defects, Jahn-Teller distortions, and hydration. The implications for the development of polar systems are reviewed based upon our high-pressure study.

Increase in the Magnetic Ordering Temperature (Tc) as a Function of the Applied Pressure for A2Mn[Mn(CN)6] (A = K, Rb, Cs) Prussian Blue Analogues

Magnetization measurements under pressure reveal that the external hydrostatic pressure significantly increases in the ferrimagnetic transition temperature, T_c, for A₂Mn[Mn(CN)₆] (A = K, Rb, Cs). In the case of monoclinic A = K and Rb, dT_c/dp values are 21.2 and 14.6 K GPa^-1, respectively, and T_c increases by 53 and 39%, respectively, from ambient pressure to 1.0 GPa. The cubic A = Cs compound also shows a monotonous increase with an initial rate of 4.22 K GPa^-1 and about 11.4 K GPa^-1 above 0.6 GPa, and an overall T_c increase by 26% at 1.0 GPa. The increase in T_c is attributed to deformation of the structure such that the Mn^II-N≡C angle decreases with increasing pressure. The smaller the alkali cation, the greater the decrease in the Mn^II-N≡C angle induced by pressure and the larger the increase of dT_c/dp. This is in accordance with the ambient-pressure structures for A₂Mn[Mn(CN)₆] (A = K, Rb, Cs), which have decreasing Mn^II-N≡C angles that correlate to the observed increasing T_cs as K > Rb > Cs. The large increase in T_c for the A = K compound is the highest class among several cyano-bridged metal complexes. The tuning of the transition temperature by such a weak pressure may lead to additional applications such as switching devices.

Facile synthesis of potassium copper ferrocyanide composite particles for selective cesium removal from wastewater in the batch and continuous processes

A composite CMC–KCuFC particle adsorbent was fabricated in this study, based on the use of a CMC biopolymer cross-linked with Cu²⁺via a syringe pump device, serving as an efficient biosorbent for Cs ion removal and adsorption from wastewater.

Structural and magnetic properties of heptacoordinated MnII complexes containing a 15-membered pyridine-based macrocycle and halido/pseudohalido axial coligands

Heptacoordinated Mn^II compounds with a pentadentate 15-membered pyridine-based macrocycle and two axially coordinated halido/pseudohalido coligands, having a monomeric or polymeric composition, were investigated.

A series of tetraazalene radical-bridged M2 (M = CrIII, MnII, FeII, CoII) complexes with strong magnetic exchange coupling

The ability of tetraazalene radical bridging ligands to mediate exceptionally strong magnetic exchange coupling across a range of transition metal complexes is demonstrated. The redox-active bridging ligand N,N',N'',N'''-tetra(2-methylphenyl)-2,5-diamino-1,4-diiminobenzoquinone (NMePhLH2) was metalated to give the series of dinuclear complexes [(TPyA)2M2(NMePhL2-)]2+ (TPyA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, M = MnII, FeII, CoII). Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility data for these complexes reveal the presence of weak superexchange interactions between metal centers, and fits to the data provide coupling constants of J = -1.64(1) and -2.16(2) cm-1 for M = MnII and FeII, respectively. One-electron reduction of the complexes affords the reduced analogues [(TPyA)2M2(NMePhL3-˙)]+. Following a slightly different synthetic procedure, the related complex [(TPyA)2CrIII2(NMePhL3-˙)]3+ was obtained. X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and Mössbauer spectroscopy indicate the presence of radical NMePhL3-˙ bridging ligands in these complexes. Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility data of the radical-bridged species reveal the presence of strong magnetic interactions between metal centers and ligand radicals, with simulations to data providing exchange constants of J = -626(7), -157(7), -307(9), and -396(16) cm-1 for M = CrIII, MnII, FeII, and CoII, respectively. Moreover, the strength of magnetic exchange in the radical-bridged complexes increases linearly with decreasing M-L bond distance in the oxidized analogues. Finally, ac magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that [(TPyA)2Fe2(NMePhL3-˙)]+ behaves as a single-molecule magnet with a relaxation barrier of Ueff = 52(1) cm-1. These results highlight the ability of redox-active tetraazalene bridging ligands to enable dramatic enhancement of magnetic exchange coupling upon redox chemistry and provide a rare opportunity to examine metal-radical coupling trends across a transmetallic series of complexes.

Prussian blue analogues Mn[Fe(CN)6]0.6667·nH2O cubes as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

In the present work, Prussian blue analogues, Mn[Fe(CN)6]0.6667·nH2O (Mn-PBA), were synthesized by a simple synthetic route and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR and TGA. When this material was firstly used as an anode for lithium-ion batteries, it exhibited a large capacity, good rate capability and cycling stability with a high Coulombic efficiency. For instance, a reversible capacity of 295.7 mA h g(-1) can be achieved after 100 cycles at 200 mA g(-1).

Removal of interstitial H2O in hexacyanometallates for a superior cathode of a sodium-ion battery

Sodium is globally available, which makes a sodium-ion rechargeable battery preferable to a lithium-ion battery for large-scale storage of electrical energy, provided a host cathode for Na can be found that provides the necessary capacity, voltage, and cycle life at the prescribed charge/discharge rate. Low-cost hexacyanometallates are promising cathodes because of their ease of synthesis and rigid open framework that enables fast Na(+) insertion and extraction. Here we report an intriguing effect of interstitial H2O on the structure and electrochemical properties of sodium manganese(II) hexacyanoferrates(II) with the nominal composition Na2MnFe(CN)6·zH2O (Na2-δMnHFC). The newly discovered dehydrated Na2-δMnHFC phase exhibits superior electrochemical performance compared to other reported Na-ion cathode materials; it delivers at 3.5 V a reversible capacity of 150 mAh g(-1) in a sodium half cell and 140 mAh g(-1) in a full cell with a hard-carbon anode. At a charge/discharge rate of 20 C, the half-cell capacity is 120 mAh g(-1), and at 0.7 C, the cell exhibits 75% capacity retention after 500 cycles.

Distinguishing between High- and Low-Spin States for Divalent Mn in Mn-Based Prussian Blue Analogue by High-Resolution Soft X-ray Emission Spectroscopy

We combine Mn L2,3-edge X-ray absorption, high resolution Mn 2p-3d-2p resonant X-ray emission, and configuration-interaction full-multiplet (CIFM) calculation to analyze the electronic structure of Mn-based Prussian blue analogue. We clarified the Mn 3d energy diagram for the Mn(2+) low-spin state separately from that of the Mn(2+) high-spin state by tuning the excitation energy for the X-ray emission measurement. The obtained X-ray emission spectra are generally reproduced by the CIFM calculation for the Mn(2+) low spin state having a stronger ligand-to-metal charge-transfer effect between Mn t2g and CN π orbitals than the Mn(2+) high spin state. The d-d-excitation peak nearest to the elastic scattering was ascribed to the Mn(2+) LS state by the CIFM calculation, indicating that the Mn(2+) LS state with a hole on the t2g orbital locates near the Fermi level.

Thermodynamic investigation by heat capacity measurements of ferrimagnetic A2Mn[Mn(CN)6] (A=K, Rb, Cs) Prussian blue compounds

Heat capacity measurements of a new series of Prussian blue analogs of A2Mn[Mn(CN)6] (A=K, Rb, Cs) composition were performed using thermal relaxation calorimetry. The Cs compound has a face-centered cubic structure with a linear Mn-C≡N-Mn linkage, while the monoclinic Rb and K compounds have nonlinear Mn-C≡N-Mn linkages. For all of the compounds, large broad thermal anomalies associated with magnetic transitions were observed in the temperature dependence of the heat capacity. The systematic changes in the heat capacity for the three compounds under magnetic fields of up to 7 T were found to be consistent with ferrimagnetic ordering with large spontaneous magnetization. Although the peak temperatures were slightly lower than reported values obtained by magnetic susceptibility measurements, the magnetic entropy was evaluated to be 22.0 ± 2.5 J K(-1) mol(-1). This value is consistent with an entropy of Rln12 corresponding to full entropy of one low-spin and one high-spin Mn(II) ion in the formula unit, though some ambiguity remains in lattice estimation. Broadening of the peak width of the magnetic heat capacity divided by the temperature was observed as the size of the alkali ions decreased from Cs to K. This behavior is consistent with an increase in the lattice distortion produced by the bending of the C≡N-Mn angles.

Coordination polymers for catalysis: enhancement of catalytic activity through hierarchical structuring

Hierarchical Prussian white (PW) crystals were synthesized by using a self-aggregation and etching strategy. The crystals exhibit superior catalytic activity in degradation of methylene blue to the non-hierarchical PW crystals.

Structure and magnetic ordering of the anomalous layered (2D) ferrimagnet [NEt4]2Mn(II)3(CN)8 and 3D bridged-layered antiferromagnet [NEt4]Mn(II)3(CN)7 Prussian blue analogues

The reaction of Mn(II) and [NEt(4)]CN leads to the isolation of solvated [NEt(4)]Mn(3)(CN)(7) (1) and [NEt(4)](2) Mn(3)(CN)(8) (2), which have hexagonal unit cells [1: R3m, a = 8.0738(1), c = 29.086(1) Å; 2: P3m1, a = 7.9992(3), c = 14.014(1) Å] rather than the face centered cubic lattice that is typical of Prussian blue structured materials. The formula units of both 1 and 2 are composed of one low- and two high-spin Mn(II) ions. Each low-spin, octahedral [Mn(II)(CN)(6)](4-) bonds to six high-spin tetrahedral Mn(II) ions through the N atoms, and each of the tetrahedral Mn(II) ions are bound to three low-spin octahedral [Mn(II)(CN)(6)](4-) moieties. For 2, the fourth cyanide on the tetrahedral Mn(II) site is C bound and is terminal. In contrast, it is orientationally disordered and bridges two tetrahedral Mn(II) centers for 1 forming an extended 3D network structure. The layers of octahedra are separated by 14.01 Å (c axis) for 2, and 9.70 Å (c/3) for 1. The [NEt(4)](+) cations and solvent are disordered and reside between the layers. Both 1 and 2 possess antiferromagnetic superexchange coupling between each low-spin (S = 1/2) octahedral Mn(II) site and two high-spin (S = 5/2) tetrahedral Mn(II) sites within a layer. Analogue 2 orders as a ferrimagnet at 27(±1) K with a coercive field and remanent magnetization of 1140 Oe and 22,800 emuOe mol(-1), respectively, and the magnetization approaches saturation of 49,800 emuOe mol(-1) at 90,000 Oe. In contrast, the bonding via bridging cyanides between the ferrimagnetic layers leads to antiferromagnetic coupling, and 3D structured 1 has a different magnetic behavior to 2. Thus, 1 is a Prussian blue analogue with an antiferromagnetic ground state [T(c) = 27 K from d(χT)/dT].

Control of the alkali cation alignment in Prussian blue framework

We found that the alignments of the alkali cations can be controlled by a distortion of Prussian blue framework; the rubidium ions form a rod structure in a distorted framework of Rb(0.85)Cu[Fe(CN)(6)](0.95)·1.3H(2)O, while the cesium ions are isolated dot structures in a non-distorted framework of Cs(0.97)Cu[Fe(CN)(6)](0.99)·1.1H(2)O. The Madelung energy calculations revealed that the novel rod structure is stabilized by the alternating rotations of the [Fe(CN)(6)] units within the three-dimensional coordination polymer framework.

Dimensionality selection in a molecule-based magnet

Gaining control of the building blocks of magnetic materials and thereby achieving particular characteristics will make possible the design and growth of bespoke magnetic devices. While progress in the synthesis of molecular materials, and especially coordination polymers, represents a significant step towards this goal, the ability to tune the magnetic interactions within a particular framework remains in its infancy. Here we demonstrate a chemical method which achieves dimensionality selection via preferential inhibition of the magnetic exchange in an S=1/2 antiferromagnet along one crystal direction, switching the system from being quasi-two- to quasi-one-dimensional while effectively maintaining the nearest-neighbor coupling strength.