High-Capacitance Pseudocapacitors from Li+ Ion Intercalation in Nonporous, Electrically Conductive 2D Coordination Polymers

On-Chip Micro-Supercapacitor with High Areal Energy Density Based on Dielectrophoretic Assembly of Nanoporous Metal Microwire Electrodes

Advances in the Internet of Things (IoT) technology have driven the demand for miniaturized electronic devices, prompting research on small-scale energy-storage systems. Micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) stand out in this regard because of their compact size, high power density, high charge-discharge rate, and extended cycle life. However, their limited energy density impedes commercialization. To resolve this issue, a simple and innovative approach is reported herein for fabricating highly efficient on-chip MSCs integrated with nanoporous metal microwires formed by dielectrophoresis (DEP)-driven gold nanoparticle (AuNP) assembly. Placing a water-based AuNP suspension onto interdigitated electrodes and applying an alternating voltage induces in-plane porous microwire formation in the electrode gap. The DEP-induced AuNP assembly and the gold microwire (AuMW) growth rate can be adjusted by controlling the applied alternating voltage and frequency. The microwire-integrated MSC (AuMW-MSC) electrically outperforms its unmodified counterpart and exhibits a 30% larger electrode area, along with 72% and 78% higher specific and areal capacitances, respectively, than a microwire-free MSC. Additionally, AuMW-MSC achieves maximum energy and power densities of 3.33 µWh cm-2 and 2629 µW cm-2, respectively, with a gel electrolyte. These findings can help upgrade MSCs to function as potent energy-storage devices for small electronics.

Enhanced Co-Adsorption of Alcohols and Amines for Visible Light Driven Oxidative Condensation Using Iron-Based MOF

Imines are essential intermediates in organic transformations, and is generally produced by dehydrogenative condensation of alcohols and amines with the assist of specialized catalysts and additives. Heterogeneous photocatalysis provides a sustainable platform for such process without the using of toxic oxidants, yet a functionalized photocatalyst with optimized co-adsorption of reactants needs to be developed to promote the stoichiometric oxidative condensation under ambient conditions. Here, we show that benzyl alcohol and aniline adsorb non-interferingly on the Fe node and the linker sites of the MIL-53(Fe) metal organic frameworks (MOFs), respectively. The co-adsorption of both reactants barely influences the reduction of molecular oxygen to generate oxygen radicals, resulting in efficient formation of benzaldehyde under visible light. Additionally, the weak adsorption of water together with surface acidity of the MIL-53(Fe) promote a rapid condensation of benzaldehyde with aniline and the depletion of generated water, achieving an efficient C-N bond creation for a wide range of substrates.

Arresting dissolution of two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks enables long life in electrochemical devices

Two-dimensional conjugated metal-organic frameworks (2D cMOFs) are emerging as promising materials for electrochemical energy storage (EES). Despite considerable interest, an understanding of their electrochemical stability and the factors contributing to their degradation during cycling is largely lacking. Here we investigate three Cu-based MOFs and report that the dissolution of 2D cMOFs into electrolytes is a prevalent and significant degradation pathway. Several factors, such as the inherent solubility of ligands in electrolyte solvents and the duration of charge-discharge cycling exert a strong influence on the dissolution process. When these factors combine within a MOF, severely limited cycling stability is observed, with dissolution accounting for up to 80% of capacity degradation. Conversely, excellent cycling stability is observed when testing a Cu-MOF with a sparingly soluble ligand within an optimized potential window. Overall, these findings represent essential insights into the electrochemical stability of 2D cMOFs, offering crucial guidelines for their targeted development in EES applications.

A Rhombic 2D Conjugated Metal-Organic Framework as Cathode for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Battery

2D conjugated metal-organic frameworks (2D c-MOFs) have garnered significant attention as promising electroactive materials for energy storage. However, their further applications are hindered by low capacity, limited cycling life, and underutilization of the active sites. Herein, Cu-TBA (TBA = octahydroxyltetrabenzoanthracene) with large conjugation units (narrow energy gap) and a unique rhombus topology is introduced as the cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Notably, Cu-TBA with a rhombus topology exhibits a high specific surface area (613 m2 g-1) and metallic band structure. Additionally, Cu-TBA outperforms its hexagonal counterpart, Cu-HHTP (HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxyltriphenylene), demonstrating superior reversible capacity (153.6 mAh g-1 at 50 mA g-1) and outstanding cyclability with minimal capacity decay even after 3000 cycles at 1 A g-1. This work elucidates a new strategy to enhance the electrochemical performance of 2D c-MOFs cathode materials by narrowing the energy gap of organic linkers, effectively expanding the utilization of 2D c-MOFs for SIBs.

Understanding Electrolyte Ion Size Effects on the Performance of Conducting Metal-Organic Framework Supercapacitors

Layered metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising materials for next-generation supercapacitors. Understanding how and why electrolyte ion size impacts electrochemical performance is crucial for developing improved MOF-based devices. To address this, we investigate the energy storage performance of Cu3(HHTP)2 (HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene) with a series of 1 M tetraalkylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TAABF4) electrolytes with different cation sizes. Three-electrode experiments show that Cu3(HHTP)2 exhibits an asymmetric charging response with all ion sizes, with higher energy storage upon positive charging and a greater charging asymmetry with larger TAA+ cations. The results further show that smaller TAA+ cations demonstrate superior capacitive performances upon both positive and negative charging compared to larger TAA+ cations. To gain further insights, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance measurements were performed to probe ion electrosorption during charging and discharging. These reveal that Cu3(HHTP)2 has a cation-dominated charging mechanism, but interestingly indicate that the solvent also participates in the charging process with larger cations. Overall, the results of this study suggest that larger TAA+ cations saturate the pores of the Cu3(HHTP)2-based electrodes. This leads to more asymmetric charging behavior and forces solvent molecules to play a role in the charge storage mechanism. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of ion electrosorption in layered MOFs, and they will guide the design of improved MOF-based supercapacitors.

Aliovalent Substitution Tunes Physical Properties in a Conductive Bis(dithiolene) Two-Dimensional Metal-Organic Framework

Two-dimensional conductive metal-organic frameworks have emerged as promising electronic materials for applications in (opto)electronic, thermoelectric, magnetic, electrocatalytic, and energy storage devices. Many bottom-up or postsynthetic protocols have been developed to isolate these materials or further modulate their electronic properties. However, some methodologies commonly used in classic semiconductors, notably, aliovalent substitution, are conspicuously absent. Here, we demonstrate how aliovalent Fe(III) to Ni(II) substitution enables the isolation of a Ni bis(dithiolene) material from a previously reported Fe analogue. Detailed characterization supports the idea that aliovalent substitution of Fe(III) to Ni(II) results in an in situ oxidation of the organic dithiolene linker. This substitution-induced redox tuning modulates the electronic properties in the system, leading to higher electrical conductivity and Hall mobility but slightly lower carrier densities and weaker antiferromagnetic interactions. Moreover, this aliovalent substitution improves the material's electrochemical stability and thus enables pseudocapacitive behavior in the Ni material. These results demonstrate how classic aliovalent substitution strategies in semiconductors can also be leveraged in conductive MOFs and add further support to this class of compounds as emerging electronic materials.

Electrochemical Capacitance Traces with Interlayer Spacing in Two-dimensional Conductive Metal-Organic Frameworks

Electrically conductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising candidates for electrochemical capacitors (EC) for fast energy storage due to their high specific surface areas and potential for redox activity. To maximize energy density, traditional inorganic pseudocapacitors have utilized faradaic processes in addition to double-layer capacitance. Although conductive MOFs are usually comprised of redox active ligands which allow faradaic reactions upon electrochemical polarization, systematic studies providing deeper understanding of the charge storage processes and structure-function relationships have been scarce. Here, we investigate the charge storage mechanisms of a series of triazatruxene-based 2D layered conductive MOFs with variable alkyl functional groups, Ni3(HIR3-TAT)2 (TAT=triazatruxene; R=H, Et, n-Bu, n-Pent). Functionalization of the triazatruxene core allows for systematic variation of structural parameters while maintaining in-plane conjugation between ligands and metals. Specifically, R groups modulate interlayer spacing, which in turn shifts the charge storage mechanism from double-layer capacitance towards pseudocapacitance, leading to an increase in molar specific capacitance from Ni3(HIH3-TAT)2 to Ni3(HIBu3-TAT)2. Partial exfoliation of Ni3(HIBu3-TAT)2 renders redox active ligand moieties more accessible, and thus increases the dominance of faradaic processes. Our strategy of controlling charge storage mechanism through tuning the accessibility of redox-active sites may motivate further design and engineering of electrode materials for EC.

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.

Ultra-Thin Hydrogen-Organic-Framework (HOF) Nanosheets for Ultra-Stable Alkali Ions Battery Storage

Organic frameworks-based batteries with excellent physicochemical stability and long-term high capacity will definitely reduce the cost, carbon emissions, and metal consumption and contamination. Here, an ultra-stable and ultra-thin perylene-dicyandiamide-based hydrogen organic framework (HOF) nanosheet (P-DCD) of ≈3.5 nm in thickness is developed. When applied in the cathode, the P-DCD exhibits exceptional long-term capacity retention for alkali-ion batteries (AIBs). Strikingly, for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), at current of 2 A g-1, the large reversible capacity of 108 mA h g-1 shows no attenuation within 5 000 cycles. For sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), the related capacity retains 91.7% within 10 000 cycles compared to the initial state, significantly much more stable than conventional organic materials reported previously. Mechanism studies through ex situ and in situ experiments and theoretical density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the impressive long-term performance retention originates from the large electron delocalization, fast ion diffusion, and physicochemical stability within the ultra-thin 2D P-DCD, featuring π-π and hydrogen bonding stacking, nitrogen-rich units, and low impedance. The advantageous features demonstrate that rationally designed stable and effective organic frameworks pave the way to utilizing complete organic materials for developing next-generation low-cost and highly stable energy storage batteries.

Lateral Heterometal Junction Rectifier Fabricated by Sequential Transmetallation of Coordination Nanosheet

Heterostructures of two-dimensional materials realise novel and enhanced physical phenomena, making them attractive research targets. Compared to inorganic materials, coordination nanosheets have virtually infinite combinations, leading to tunability of physical properties and are promising candidates for heterostructure fabrication. Although stacking of coordination materials into vertical heterostructures is widely reported, reports of lateral coordination material heterostructures are few. Here we show the successful fabrication of a seamless lateral heterojunction showing diode behaviour, by sequential and spatially limited immersion of a new metalladithiolene coordination nanosheet, Zn3 BHT, into aqueous Cu(II) and Fe(II) solutions. Upon immersion, the Zn centres in insulating Zn3 BHT are replaced by Cu or Fe ions, resulting in conductivity. The transmetallation is spatially confined, occurring only within the immersed area. We anticipate that our results will be a starting point towards exploring transmetallation of various two-dimensional materials to produce lateral heterojunctions, by providing a new and facile synthetic route.

Revealing the Effect of the [CoO]6 Microstructure in Pseudocapacitance by Controlled Delithium of LiCoO2

Revealing the in-depth structure-property relationship and designing specific capacity electrodes are particularly important for supercapacitors. Despite many efforts made to tune the composition and electronic structure of cobalt oxide for pseudocapacitance, insight into the [CoO]6 octahedron from the microstructure is still insufficient. Herein, we present a tunable [CoO]6 octahedron microstructure in LiCoO2 by a chemical delithiation process. The c-strained strain of the [CoO]6 octahedron is induced to form higher valence Co ions, and the (003) crystalline layer spacing increases to allow more rapid participation of OH- in the redox reaction. Interestingly, the specific capacity of L0.75CO2 is nearly four times higher than that of LiCoO2 at 10 mA g-1. The enhanced activity originated from the asymmetric strain [CoO]6 octahedra, resulting in enhanced electronic conductivity and Co-O hybridization for accelerated redox kinetics. This finding provides new insights into the modification strategy for pseudocapacitive transition metal oxides.

Intercalation pseudocapacitance mechanism realizes high-performance cathode for aqueous potassium ion batteries

Aqueous potassium-ion batteries have garnered significant interest due to their eco-friendly characteristics and affordability. However, The suboptimal lifetime and restricted energy density of electrode materials present considerable obstacles to the advancement of aqueous potassium ion batteries. In this paper, we report a Ce doped MnO2 material (Ce-MnO2). Ce-MnO2 with large lattice spacing and abundant oxygen defects successfully triggered the intercalation pseudocapacitance behavior in aqueous potassium ion batteries. The intercalation pseudocapacitance mechanism gives MnO2 good capacity and enhanced stability. The Ce-MnO2 demonstrates a high discharge capacity of 120 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 with a low concentration electrolyte. It also has a capacity retention rate of 82.5% at 2000 cycles at 5 A g-1. The application of the intercalation pseudocapacitance mechanism offers a new approach to addressing the challenges associated with aqueous potassium-ion batteries.

Thiol and thioether-based metal-organic frameworks: synthesis, structure, and multifaceted applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are unique hybrid porous materials formed by combining metal ions or clusters with organic ligands. Thiol and thioether-based MOFs belong to a specific category of MOFs where one or many thiols or thioether groups are present in organic linkers. Depending on the linkers, thiol-thioether MOFs can be divided into three categories: (i) MOFs where both thiol or thioether groups are part of the carboxylic acid ligands, (ii) MOFs where only thiol or thioether groups are present in the organic linker, and (iii) MOFs where both thiol or thioether groups are part of azolate-containing linkers. MOFs containing thiol-thioether-based acid ligands are synthesized through two primary approaches; one is by utilizing thiol and thioether-based carboxylic acid ligands where the bonding pattern of ligands with metal ions plays a vital role in MOF formation (HSAB principle). MOFs synthesized by this approach can be structurally differentiated into two categories: structures without common structural motifs and structures with common structural motifs (related to UiO-66, UiO-67, UiO-68, MIL-53, NU-1100, etc.). The second approach to synthesize thiol and thioether-based MOFs is indirect methods, where thiol or thioether functionality is introduced in MOFs by techniques like post-synthetic modifications (PSM), post-synthetic exchange (PSE) and by forming composite materials. Generally, MOFs containing only thiol-thioether-based ligands are synthesized by interfacial assisted synthesis, forming two-dimensional sheet frameworks, and show significantly high conductivity. A limited study has been done on MOFs containing thiol-thioether-based azolate ligands where both nitrogen- and sulfur-containing functionality are present in the MOF frameworks. These materials exhibit intriguing properties stemming from the interplay between metal centres, organic ligands, and sulfur functionality. As a result, they offer great potential for multifaceted applications, ranging from catalysis, sensing, and conductivity, to adsorption. This perspective is organised through an introduction, schematic representations, and tabular data of the reported thiol and thioether MOFs and concluded with future directions.

Sequential Water Sorption/Desorption of a Nonporous Adaptive Organic Ligand Bridged Coordination Polymer for Atmospheric Moisture Harvesting

Moisture harvesters with favourable attributes such as easy synthetic availability and good processability as alternatives for atmospheric moisture harvesting (AWH) are desirable. This study reports a novel nonporous anionic coordination polymer (CP) of uranyl squarate with methyl viologen (MV2+ ) as charge balancing ions (named U-Squ-CP) which displays intriguing sequential water sorption/desorption behavior as the relative humidity (RH) changes gradually. The evaluation of AWH performance of U-Squ-CP shows that it can absorb water vapor under air atmosphere at a low RH of 20 % typical of the levels found in most dry regions of the world, and have good cycling durability, thus demonstrating the capability as a potential moisture harvester for AWH. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on non-porous organic ligand bridged CP materials for AWH. Moreover, a stepwise water-filling mechanism for the water sorption/desorption process is deciphered by comprehensive characterizations combining single-crystal diffraction, which provides a reasonable explanation for the special moisture harvesting behaviour of this non-porous crystalline material.

Nonporous, conducting bimetallic coordination polymers with an advantageous electronic structure for boosted faradaic capacitance

Conductive coordination polymers (c-CPs) are promising electrode materials for supercapacitors (SCs) owing to their excellent conductivity, designable structures and dense redox sites. However, despite their high intrinsic density and outstanding electrical properties, nonporous c-CPs have largely been overlooked in SCs because of their low specific surface areas and deficient ion-diffusion channels. Herein, we demonstrate that the nonporous c-CPs Ag5BHT (BHT = benzenehexathiolate) and CuAg4BHT are both battery-type capacitor materials with high specific capacitances and a large potential window. Notably, nonporous CuAg4BHT with bimetallic bis(dithiolene) units exhibits superior specific capacitance (372 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1) and better rate capability than isostructural Ag5BHT. Structural and electrochemical studies showed that the enhanced charge transfer between different metal sites is responsible for its outstanding capacitive performance. Additionally, the assembled CuAg4BHT//AC SC device displays a favorable energy density of 17.1 W h kg-1 at a power density of 446.1 W kg-1 and an excellent cycling stability (90% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles). This work demonstrates the potential applications of such nonporous redox-active c-CPs in SCs and highlights the roles of bimetallic redox sites in capacitive performance, which hold promise for the future development of c-CP-based energy storage technologies.

A cage-on-MOF strategy to coordinatively functionalize mesoporous MOFs for manipulating selectivity in adsorption and catalysis

Functionalizing porous materials with capping agents generates hybrid materials with enhanced properties, while the challenge is how to improve the selectivity and maintain the porosity of the parent framework. Herein, we developed a "Cage-on-MOF" strategy to tune the recognition and catalytic properties of MOFs without impairing their porosity. Two types of porous coordination cages (PCCs) of opposite charges containing secondary binding groups were developed to coordinatively functionalize two distinct porous MOFs, namely MOF@PCC nanocomposites. We demonstrated that the surface-capped PCCs can act as "modulators" to effectively tune the surface charge, stability, and adsorption behavior of different host MOF particles. More importantly, the MOF@PCCs can serve as selective heterogeneous catalysts for condensation reactions to achieve reversed product selectivity and excellent recyclability. This work sets the foundation for using molecular cages as porous surface-capping agents to functionalize and manipulate another porous material, without affecting the intrinsic properties of the parent framework.

Tunable electronic and magnetic properties of planar and corrugated phases of two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks

The stability of two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their physical and chemical properties for potential applications are contentious. We herein investigated geometric, electronic and magnetic properties of the planar (p-) and corrugated (c-) phases of nickel ions with hexathiolbenzene (HTB)-based coordination nanosheets (Ni₃HTB). The c-Ni₃HTB is an antiferromagnetic semiconductor with a direct band gap of 0.33 eV, while the p-Ni₃HTB is a ferromagnetic metal. This indicates that the electronic and magnetic properties of c-Ni₃HTB and p-Ni₃HTB depend on their geometric pattern. Furthermore, we applied biaxial strain and molecular adsorption to control their electronic and magnetic properties. In addition, we have proved that the corrugated phase in some kinds of 2D MOFs is common. Our work not only demonstrates that the potential applications of 2D MOFs should be scrupulously explored but also offers a new platform to investigate the physical and chemical properties of 2D MOFs.

Largely Pseudocapacitive Two-Dimensional Conjugated Metal-Organic Framework Anodes with Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital Localized in Nickel-bis(dithiolene) Linkages

Although two-dimensional conjugated metal-organic frameworks (2D c-MOFs) provide an ideal platform for precise tailoring of capacitive electrode materials, high-capacitance 2D c-MOFs for non-aqueous supercapacitors remain to be further explored. Herein, we report a novel phthalocyanine-based nickel-bis(dithiolene) (NiS₄)-linked 2D c-MOF (denoted as Ni₂[CuPcS₈]) with outstanding pseudocapacitive properties in 1 M TEABF₄/acetonitrile. Each NiS₄ linkage is disclosed to reversibly accommodate two electrons, conferring the Ni₂[CuPcS₈] electrode a two-step Faradic reaction with a record-high specific capacitance among the reported 2D c-MOFs in non-aqueous electrolytes (312 F g^-1) and remarkable cycling stability (93.5% after 10,000 cycles). Multiple analyses unveil that the unique electron-storage capability of Ni₂[CuPcS₈] originates from its localized lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) over the nickel-bis(dithiolene) linkage, which allows the efficient delocalization of the injected electrons throughout the conjugated linkage units without inducing apparent bonding stress. The Ni₂[CuPcS₈] anode is used to demonstrate an asymmetric supercapacitor device that delivers a high operating voltage of 2.3 V, a maximum energy density of 57.4 Wh kg^-1, and ultralong stability over 5000 cycles.

Hierarchical V4C3TX@NiO-reduced graphene oxide heterostructure hydrogels and defective reduced graphene oxide hydrogels as free-standing anodes and cathodes for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors

Asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) based on a battery-type anode and a capacitive-type cathode have been attracting extensive interest because of their high energy density. Herein, NiO nanosheets are hydrothermally deposited onto a V₄C₃T_X substrate, which are then assembled into a 3D porous heterostructure hydrogel through a graphene oxide-assisted self-convergence hydrothermal process at low temperatures. The resultant hierarchical V₄C₃T_X@NiO-RGO heterostructure hydrogel exhibits an ultrahigh specific capacitance of up to 1014.5 F g^-1 at 1 A g^-1. In addition, a defective reduced graphene oxide (DRGO) hydrogel is prepared using a cost-effective hydrothermal procedure followed by cobalt-catalyzed gasification, which shows a higher specific capacitance (258 F g^-1 at 1 A g^-1) than the untreated RGO hydrogel (176 F g^-1). These two electrodes are then assembled into an ASC; the device features a stable operating voltage of 1.8 V, a maximum energy density of 86.22 W h kg^-1 at 900 W kg^-1, and excellent cycling stability at 96.4% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g^-1. The results from this work highlight the unique potential of MXene-based materials for the construction of high-performance ASCs.

A Pseudocapacitor Diode Based on Ion-Selective Surface Redox Effect

Supercapacitor diode (CAPode) is a novel device that integrates ion diode functionality into a conventional electrical double-layer capacitor and is expected to have great applications in emerging fields such as signal propagation, microcircuit rectification, logic operations, and neuromorphology. Here, a brand new pseudocapacitor diode is reported that has both high charge storage (50.2 C g^-1 at 20 mV s^-1 ) and high rectification (the rectification ratio of 0.79 at 200 mV s^-1 ) properties, which is realized by the ion-selective surface redox reaction of spinel ZnCo₂ O₄ in aqueous alkaline electrolyte. Furthermore, an application of the integrated device is demonstrated in the logic gate of circuit system to realize the logic operations of "AND" and "OR". This work not only expands the types of CAPodes, but also provides a train of thought for constructing high-performance capacitive ionic diodes.

Introduction of Multicomponent Dyes into 2D MOFs: A Strategy to Fabricate White Light-Emitting MOF Composite Nanosheets

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been extensively studied in host-guest chemistry by means of ultrahigh porosities, tunable channels, and component diversities. As the host matrix, MOFs exhibit immense potential in the preparation of single-phase white light-emitting (SPWLE) materials. Nonetheless, it is a great challenge that the size of the introduced guest molecules is limited by MOF pores, which affects the WLE optimization. In this work, two-dimensional (2D) MOFs are first utilized as the host matrices to simultaneously encapsulate red-green-blue fluorescent dyes for SPWLE. Various dyes@2D MOF composites with high-quality WLE performances and ultrathin nanosheet morphologies are directly assembled from 2D MOF precursors and dyes in high yields. Owing to the flexible interlamellar space of 2D MOFs, different types and sizes of guests can be easily introduced, which greatly expands the range of available MOF hosts and guests, making the WLE much more tunable. The strategy of employing 2D MOFs as the host matrices to introduce multicomponent dyes for SPWLE nanosheets resolves the restriction of MOF pores on the guest molecule size and opens a new avenue to rationally design and prepare SPWLE nanosheets that are highly solution-processable.

Bis(Vinylenedithio)-Tetrathiafulvalene-Based Coordination Networks

Novel coordination polymers embedding electroactive moieties present a high interest in the development of porous conducting materials. While tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) based metal-organic frameworks were reported to yield through-space conducting frameworks, the use of S-enriched scaffolds remains elusive in this field. Herein is reported the employment of bis(vinylenedithio)-tetrathiafulvalene (BVDT-TTF) functionalized with pyridine coordinating moieties in coordination polymers. Its combination with various transition metals yielded four isostructural networks, whose conductivity increased upon chemical oxidation with iodine. The oxidation was confirmed in a single-crystal to single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiment for the Cd(II) coordination polymer. Raman spectroscopy measurements and DFT calculations confirmed the oxidation state of the bulk materials, and band structure calculations assessed the ground state as an electronically localized antiferromagnetic state, while the conduction occurs in a 2D manner. These results are shedding light to comprehend how to improve through-space conductivity thanks to sulfur enriched ligands.

Conductivity and photoconductivity in a two-dimensional zinc bis(triarylamine) coordination polymer

We report the synthesis and characterization of a 2D semiconductive and photoconductive coordination polymer. [Zn(TPPB)(Cl₂)]·H₂O (1) (TPPB = N ¹,N ¹,N ⁴,N ⁴-tetrakis(4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl)benzene-1,4-diamine) consists of a TPPB redox-active linker with bis(triarylamine) as the core. It consists of two redox sites connected with a benzene ring as a bridge. Thus, this forms an extended conjugation pathway when the TPPB ligand is coordinated with the Zn²⁺ metal ions. The single crystal conductivity measurement revealed conductivity of 1 to be in the range of 0.83 to 1.9 S cm^-1. Band structure analysis predicted that 1 is a semiconductor from the delocalization of electronic transport in the network. The computational calculations show the difference in charge distribution between holes and electrons, which led to spatial separation. This implies a long charge carrier lifetime as indicated by lifetime measurement. Incorporating a bis(triarylamine)-based redox-active linker could lead to a new semiconductive scaffold material with photocatalytic applications.

f-block MOFs: A Pathway to Heterometallic Transuranics

A novel series of heterometallic f-block-frameworks including the first examples of transuranic heterometallic ²³⁸ U/²³⁹ Pu-metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and a novel monometallic ²³⁹ Pu-analog are reported. In combination with theoretical calculations, we probed the kinetics and thermodynamics of heterometallic actinide(An)-MOF formation and reported the first value of a U-to-Th transmetallation rate. We concluded that formation of uranyl species could be a driving force for solid-state metathesis. Density of states near the Fermi edge, enthalpy of formation, band gap, proton affinity, and thermal/chemical stability were probed as a function of metal ratios. Furthermore, we achieved 97 % of the theoretical maximum capacity for An-integration. These studies shed light on fundamental aspects of actinide chemistry and also foreshadow avenues for the development of emerging classes of An-containing materials, including radioisotope thermoelectric generators or metalloradiopharmaceuticals.

Cu(I)/Cu(II) Creutz-Taube Mixed-Valence 2D Coordination Polymers

Graphene-like 2D coordination polymers (GCPs) have been of central research interest in recent decades with significant impact in many fields. According to classical coordination chemistry, Cu(II) can adopt the dsp² hybridization to form square planar coordination geometry, but not Cu(I); this is why so far, there has been few 2D layered structures synthesized from Cu(I) precursors. Herein a pair of isostructural GCPs synthesized by the coordination of benzenehexathiol (BHT) ligands with Cu(I) and Cu(II) ions, respectively, is reported. Spectroscopic characterizations indicate that Cu(I) and Cu(II) coexist with a near 1:1 ratio in both GCPs but remain indistinguishable with a fractional oxidation state of +1.5 on average, making these two GCPs a unique pair of Creutz-Taube mixed-valence 2D structures. Based on density functional theory calculations, an intramolecular pseudo-redox mechanism is further uncovered whereby the radicals on BHT ligands can oxidize Cu(I) or reduce Cu(II) ions upon coordination, thus producing isostructures with distinct electron configurations. For the first time, it is demonstrated that using Cu(I) or Cu(II), one can achieve 2D isostructures, indicating an unusual fact that a neutral periodic structure can host a different number of total electrons as ground states, which may open a new chapter for 2D materials.

High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries Enabled by Binder-Free and Ultrathin V2O5-x@Graphene Aerogels with Intercalation Pseudocapacitance

As a result of the absence of solid-state diffusion limitation, intercalation pseudocapacitance behavior is emerging as an attractive charge-storage mechanism that can greatly facilitate the ion kinetics to boost the rate capability and cycle stability of batteries; however, related research in the field of zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) is still in the initial stage and only found in limited cathode materials. In this study, a novel V₂O_5-x@rGO hybrid aerogel consisting of ultrathin V₂O₅ nanosheets (∼1.26 nm) with abundant oxygen vacancies (Vö) and a three-dimensional (3D) graphene conductive network was specifically designed and used as a freestanding and binder-free electrode for ZIBs. As expected, the ideal microstructure of both the material and the electrode enable fast electron/ion diffusion kinetics of the electrode, which realize a typical intercalation pseudocapacitance behavior as demonstrated by the simulation calculation of cyclic voltammetry (CV), ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Thanks to the elimination of solid-state diffusion limitation, the V₂O_5-x@rGO electrode delivers a high reversible rate capacity of 153.9 mAh g^-1 at 15 A g^-1 and 90.6% initial capacity retention at 0.5 A g^-1 after 1050 cycles in ZIBs. The intercalation pseudocapacitance behavior is also realized in the assembled soft-pack battery, showing promising practical application prospects.

Conductive Metal-Organic Frameworks for Supercapacitors

As a class of porous materials with crystal lattices, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), featuring outstanding specific surface area, tunable functionality, and versatile structures, have attracted huge attention in the past two decades. Since the first conductive MOF is successfully synthesized in 2009, considerable progress has been achieved for the development of conductive MOFs, allowing their use in diverse applications for electrochemical energy storage. Among those applications, supercapacitors have received great interest because of their high power density, fast charging ability, and excellent cycling stability. Here, the efforts hitherto devoted to the synthesis and design of conductive MOFs and their auspicious capacitive performance are summarized. Using conductive MOFs as a unique platform medium, the electronic and molecular aspects of the energy storage mechanism in supercapacitors with MOF electrodes are discussed, highlighting the advantages and limitations to inspire new ideas for the development of conductive MOFs for supercapacitors.

Construction of conducting bimetallic organic metal chalcogenides via selective metal metathesis and oxidation transformation

Conducting organic metal chalcogenides (OMCs) have attracted considerable interest for their superior electrical properties and fascinating functions. However, the electronic structural and functional regulation of OMCs are typically limited to the combination of monometallic nodes and graphene-like ligands. Here, we report a family of bimetallic OMCs ([CuAg_x(C₆S₆)]_n, x = 4 or 2) synthesized via selective metal metathesis and oxidation transformation. Both OMCs have alternatively stacked one-dimensional (1D) copper-dithiolene chains and 2D Ag-S networks, which can synergistically serve as charge transport pathways, rendering these bimetallic materials highly conductive. The incorporation of heterometallic nodes turned nonmagnetic [Ag₅(C₆S₆)]_n into paramagnetic metallic [CuAg₄(C₆S₆)]_n, which exhibited a coherence-incoherence crossover in magnetic susceptibility measurements and an unusually large Sommerfeld coefficient, reminiscent of the characteristics of Kondo lattice. This work opens up an avenue for tailoring the electronic structures of OMCs and provides a platform for studying the dichotomy between electronic localization and itinerancy.

An Enzyme-Engineered Nonporous Copper(I) Coordination Polymer Nanoplatform for Cuproptosis-Based Synergistic Cancer Therapy

Cuproptosis, a newly identified form of regulated cell death that is copper-dependent, offers great opportunities for exploring the use of copper-based nanomaterials inducing cuproptosis for cancer treatment. Here, a glucose oxidase (GOx)-engineered nonporous copper(I) 1,2,4-triazolate ([Cu(tz)]) coordination polymer (CP) nanoplatform, denoted as GOx@[Cu(tz)], for starvation-augmented cuproptosis and photodynamic synergistic therapy is developed. Importantly, the catalytic activity of GOx is shielded in the nonporous scaffold but can be "turned on" for efficient glucose depletion only upon glutathione (GSH) stimulation in cancer cells, thereby proceeding cancer starvation therapy. The depletion of glucose and GSH sensitizes cancer cells to the GOx@[Cu(tz)]-mediated cuproptosis, producing aggregation of lipoylated mitochondrial proteins, the target of copper-induced toxicity. The increased intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) levels, due to the oxidation of glucose, activates the type I photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy of GOx@[Cu(tz)]. The in vivo experimental results indicate that GOx@[Cu(tz)] produces negligible systemic toxicity and inhibits tumor growth by 92.4% in athymic mice bearing 5637 bladder tumors. This is thought to be the first report of a cupreous nanomaterial capable of inducing cuproptosis and cuproptosis-based synergistic therapy in bladder cancer, which should invigorate studies pursuing rational design of efficacious cancer therapy strategies based on cuproptosis.

Curated Collection of More than 20,000 Experimentally Reported One-Dimensional Metal-Organic Frameworks

A collection of more than 20,000 experimentally derived crystal structures for metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that do not have two- or three-dimensional covalently bonded networks has been developed from the materials available at the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre. Of these 20,000 1D MOFs, more than 12,000 structures have been verified to be solvent-free and in exact agreement with the stoichiometry of the synthesized materials. More than 10% of the complete data set comprise materials including two or more distinct metals. The band gaps of more than 12,000 1D MOFs have been computed at the density functional theory-generalized gradient approximation level, finding more than 2000 materials that have a zero band gap. Molecular simulations of CH₄ adsorption in a small number of 1D MOFs indicated that adsorbate-induced deformation plays a significant role in determining adsorption isotherms in these materials. As a result, methods that have been used previously for high-throughput predictions of molecular adsorption in 3D MOFs are not suitable for 1D MOFs.

High performance Li-, Na-, and K-ion storage in electrically conducting coordination polymers

Coordination polymers (CPs) made of redox-active organic moieties and metal ions emerge as an important class of electroactive materials for battery applications. However, the design and synthesis of high voltage alkali-cation reservoir anionic CPs remains challenging, hindering their practical applications. Herein, we report a family of electrically conducting alkali-cation reservoir CPs with the general formula of A₂-TM-PTtSA (wherein A = Li⁺, Na⁺, or K⁺; TM = Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, or Mn²⁺; and PTtSA = benzene-1,2,4,5-tetra-methylsulfonamide). The incorporation of transition metal centers not only enables intrinsic high electrical conductivity, but also shows an impressive redox potential increase of as high as 1 V as compared to A₄-PTtSA analogues, resulting in a class of organometallic cathode materials with a high average redox potential of 2.95-3.25 V for Li-, Na- and K-ion batteries. A detailed structure - composition - physicochemical properties - performance correlation study is provided relying on experimental and computational analysis. The best performing candidate shows excellent rate capability (86% of the nominal capacity retained at 10C rate), remarkable cycling stability (96.5% after 1000 cycles), outstanding tolerance to low carbon content (5 wt%), high mass loading (50 mg cm^-2), and extreme utilisation conditions of low earth orbit space environment tests. The significance of the disclosed alkali-ion reservoir cathodes is further emphasized by utilizing conventional Li-host graphite anode for full cell assembly, attaining a record voltage of 3 V in an organic cathode Li-ion proof-of-concept cell.

In Situ Growth of Covalent Organic Framework Nanosheets on Graphene as the Cathode for Long-Life High-Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries

The poor electronic and ionic conductivities of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) severely restrict the development of COF-based electrodes for practical rechargeable batteries, therefore inspiring more research interest from the direction of both material synthesis and technology. Herein, a dual-porous COF, USTB-6, with good crystallinity and rich redox-active sites is conceived and fabricated by the polymerization of 2,3,8,9,14,15-hexa(4-formylphenyl)diquinoxalino [2,3-a:2',3'-c]phenazine and 2,7-diaminopyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraone. In particular, the heterogeneous polymerization of the same starting materials in the presence of graphene affords uniformly dispersed COF nanosheets with a thickness of 8.3 nm on a conductive carbon substrate, effectively enhancing the electronic conductivity of the COF-based electrode. Such a graphene-supported USTB-6 nanosheets cathode when used in a lithium-ion battery exhibits a specific capacity of 285 mA h g^-1 at a current density of 0.2 C and excellent rate performance with a prominent capacity of 188 mA h g^-1 at 10 C. More importantly, a capacity of 170 mA h g^-1 is retained by using the USTB-6 nanosheets cathode after 6000 cycles charge and discharge measurement at 5 C.

Enhancing the energy storage performances of metal-organic frameworks by controlling microstructure

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are among the most promising materials for next-generation energy storage systems. However, the impact of particle morphology on the energy storage performances of these frameworks is poorly understood. To address this, here we use coordination modulation to synthesise three samples of the conductive MOF Cu₃(HHTP)₂ (HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene) with distinct microstructures. Supercapacitors assembled with these samples conclusively demonstrate that sample microstructure and particle morphology have a significant impact on the energy storage performances of MOFs. Samples with 'flake-like' particles, with a pore network comprised of many short pores, display superior capacitive performances than samples with either 'rod-like' or strongly agglomerated particles. The results of this study provide a target microstructure for conductive MOFs for energy storage applications.

Mesoporous Polyimide-Linked Covalent Organic Framework with Multiple Redox-Active Sites for High-Performance Cathodic Li Storage

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are gaining increasing attention as renewable cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. However, COF electrodes reported so far still exhibit unsatisfying capacity due to their limited active site density and insufficient utilization. Herein, a new two-dimensional polyimide-linked COF, HATN-AQ-COF with multiple redox-active sites for storing Li⁺ ions, was designed and fabricated from a new module of 2,3,8,9,14,15-hexacarboxyl hexaazatrinaphthalene trianhydrides with a 2,6-diaminoanthraquinone linker. HATN-AQ-COF possessing excellent stability, good conductivity, and a large pore size of 3.8 nm enables the stable and fast ion transport. This, in combination with the abundant redox active sites, results in a high reversible capacity of 319 mAh g^-1 at 0.5 C (1 C=358 mA g^-1 ) for the HATN-AQ-COF electrode with a high active site utilization of 89 % and good cycle performance, representing one of the best performances among the reported COF electrodes.

The Increasing Number of Electron Reservoirs in Nonporous, High-Conducting Coordination Polymers Cux BHT (x = 3, 4, and 5, BHT = Benzenehexathiol) for Improved Faradaic Capacitance

Although asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) can achieve high energy density, the lifespan and power density are severely suppressed due to the low conductivity of using pseudocapacitive or battery-type electrode materials. Recently, nonporous conductive coordination polymers (c-CPs) have sparked interests in supercapacitors. However, their performance is expected to be limited by the nonporous features, low specific surface area and absence of ion-diffusion channels. Here, it is demonstrated that the capacity of nonporous CPs will be significantly enhanced by maximizing the number of faradaic redox sites in their structures through a comparative investigation on three highly conductive nonporous c-CPs, Cu_x BHT(x = 3, 4, 5.5). They show excellent capacitance of 312.1 F g^-1 (374.5 C g^-1 ) (Cu₃ BHT), 186.7 F g^-1 (224.0 C g^-1 ) (Cu₄ BHT) and 89.2 F g^-1 (107.0 C g^-1 ) (Cu_5.5 BHT) at 0.5 A g^-1 in a sequence related to the number of electron storage units in structures and outstanding rate performance and cycle stability. Furthermore, the constructed Cu₃ BHT//MnO₂ ASC device exhibits capacity retention of 92% (after 1500 cycles at 3 A g^-1 ) and delivers a high energy density of 39.1 Wh kg^-1 at power density of 549.6 W kg^-1 within a large working potential window of 0-2.2 V.

Imparting Functionality and Enhanced Surface Area to a 2D Electrically Conductive MOF via Macrocyclic Linker

The development of 2D electrically conductive metal-organic frameworks (EC-MOFs) has significantly expanded the scope of MOFs' applications into energy storage, electrocatalysis, and sensors. Despite growing interest in EC-MOFs, they often show low surface area and lack functionality due to the limited ligand motifs available. Herein we present a new EC-MOF using 2,3,8,9,14,15-hexahydroxyltribenzocyclyne (HHTC) linker and Cu nodes, featuring a large surface area. The MOF exhibits an electrical conductivity up to 3.02 × 10^-3 S/cm and a surface area up to 1196 m²/g, unprecedentedly high for 2D EC-MOFs. We also demonstrate the utilization of alkyne functionality in the framework by postsynthetically hosting heterometal ions (e.g., Ni²⁺, Co²⁺). Additionally, we investigated particle size tunability, facilitating the study of size-property relationships. We believe that these results not only contribute to expanding the library of EC-MOFs but shed light on the new opportunities to explore electronic applications.

High-Energy-Density Asymmetric Supercapacitor Based on Free-Standing Ti3C2TX@NiO-Reduced Graphene Oxide Heterostructured Anode and Defective Reduced Graphene Oxide Hydrogel Cathode

The rational design of an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) with an expanded operating voltage window has been recognized as a promising strategy to maximize the energy density of the device. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to have electrode materials that feature good electrical conductivity and high specific capacitance. Herein, a 3D layered Ti₃C₂T_X@NiO-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) heterostructured hydrogel was successfully synthesized by uniform deposition of NiO nanoflowers onto Ti₃C₂T_X nanosheets, and the heterostructure was assembled into a 3D porous hydrogel through a hydrothermal GO-gelation process at low temperatures. The resultant Ti₃C₂T_X@NiO-RGO heterostructured hydrogel exhibited an ultrahigh specific capacitance of 979 F g^-1 at 0.5 A g^-1, in comparison to that of Ti₃C₂T_X@NiO (623 F g^-1) and Ti₃C₂T_X (112 F g^-1). Separately, a defective RGO (DRGO) hydrogel was found to exhibit a drastic increase in specific capacitance, compared to untreated RGO (261 vs 178 F g^-1 at 0.5 A g^-1), owing to abundant mesopores. These two materials were then used as free-standing anode and cathode to construct an ASC, which displayed a large operating voltage (1.8 V), a high energy density (79.02 Wh kg^-1 at 450 W kg^-1 and 45.68 Wh kg^-1 at 9000 W kg^-1), and remarkable cycling stability (retention of 95.6% of the capacitance after 10,000 cycles at 10 A g^-1). This work highlights the unique potential of Ti₃C₂T_X-based heterostructured hydrogels as viable electrode materials for ASCs.

Electronically-coupled redox centers in trimetallic cobalt complexes

Synthesis and isolation of molecular building blocks of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can provide unique opportunities for characterization that would otherwise be inaccessible due to the heterogeneous nature of MOFs. Herein, we report a series of trinuclear cobalt complexes incorporating dithiolene ligands, triphenylene-2,3,6,7,10,11-hexathiolate (THT) (13+), and benzene hexathiolate (BHT) (23+), with 1,1,1,-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane (triphos) employed as the capping ligand. Single crystal X-ray analyses of 13+ and 23+ display three five-coordinate cobalt centers bound to the triphos and dithiolene ligands in a distorted square pyramidal geometry. Cyclic voltammetry studies of 13+ and 23+ reveal three redox features associated with the formation of mixed valence states due to the sequential reduction of the redox-active metal centers (Co^III/II). Using this electrochemical data, the comproportionality values were determined for 1 and 2 (log K_c = 1.4 and 1.5 for 1, and 4.7 and 5.8 for 2), suggesting strong resonance-stabilized coupling of the metal centers, with stronger electronic coupling observed for complex 2 compared to that for complex 1. Cyclic voltammetry studies were also performed in solvents of varying polarity, whereupon the difference in the standard potentials (ΔE_1/2) for 1 and 2 was found to shift as a function of the polarity of the solvent, indicating a negative correlation between the dielectric constant of the electrochemical medium and the stability of the mixed valence species. Spectroelectrochemical studies of in situ generated multi-valent (MV) states of complexes 1 and 2 display characteristic NIR intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) bands, and analysis of the IVCT transitions for complex 2 suggests a weakly coupled class II multi-valent species and relatively large electronic coupling factors (1700 cm^-1 for the first multi-valent state of 22+, and 1400 and 4000 cm^-1 for the second multi-valent state of 2+). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate a significant deviation in relative energies of the frontier orbitals of complexes 13+, 23+, and 3+ that contrasts those calculated for the analogous trinuclear cobalt dithiolene complexes employing pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp*) as the capping ligand (Co3Cp*3THT and Co3Cp*3BHT, respectively), and may be a result of the cationic nature of complexes 13+, 23+, and 3+.

Heterometallic Benzenehexathiolato Coordination Nanosheets: Periodic Structure Improves Crystallinity and Electrical Conductivity

Coordination nanosheets are an emerging class of 2D, bottom-up materials having fully π-conjugated, planar, graphite-like structures with high electrical conductivities. Since their discovery, great effort has been devoted to expand the variety of coordination nanosheets; however, in most cases, their low crystallinity in thick films hampers practical device applications. In this study, mixtures of nickel and copper ions are employed to fabricate benzenehexathiolato (BHT)-based coordination nanosheet films, and serendipitously, it is found that this heterometallicity preferentially forms a structural phase with improved film crystallinity. Spectroscopic and scattering measurements provide evidence for a bilayer structure with in-plane periodic arrangement of copper and nickel ions with the NiCu₂ BHT formula. Compared with homometallic films, heterometallic films exhibit more crystalline microstructures with larger and more oriented grains, achieving higher electrical conductivities reaching metallic behaviors. Low dependency of Seebeck coefficient on the mixing ratio of nickel and copper ions supports that the large variation in the conductivity data is not caused by change in the intrinsic properties of the films. The findings open new pathways to improve crystallinity and to tune functional properties of 2D coordination nanosheets.

Dimensionality Modulates Electrical Conductivity in Compositionally Constant One-, Two-, and Three-Dimensional Frameworks

We reveal here the construction of Ni-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and conjugated coordination polymers (CCPs) with different structural dimensionalities, including closely π-stacked 1D chains (Ni-1D), aggregated 2D layers (Ni-2D), and a 3D framework (Ni-3D), based on 2,3,5,6-tetraamino-1,4-hydroquinone (TAHQ) and its various oxidized forms. These materials have the same metal-ligand composition but exhibit distinct electronic properties caused by different dimensionalities and supramolecular interactions between SBUs, ligands, and structural motifs. The electrical conductivity of these materials spans nearly 8 orders of magnitude, approaching 0.3 S/cm.

Highly Conductive Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Silver Sulfide with 3D Silver-Sulfur Networks Constructed from Benzenehexathiol: Structural Topology Regulation via Ligand Oxidation

Construction of conductive coordination polymers (CPs) has already become an attractive strategy for the development of organic-inorganic hybrid functional materials with specific electrical performance, due to the great diversity and tunability of the chemical structures, electronic structures, as well as the functions they can offer. Here, we demonstrate a novel highly conductive CP based on silver (I) and benzenehexathiol (BHT), (Ag₃BHT)_n, which displays a different chemical stoichiometry and structural topology compared to the previously reported (Ag₅BHT)_n. Detailed structural analysis shows that this is caused by the unintentional oxidation of the ligand molecules during the CP formation process. (Ag₃BHT)_n displays an electrical conductivity of 39 S cm^-1 at room temperature. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy characterization and density functional theory calculation reveal that its highly conducting behavior comes from the highly doped character of (Ag₃BHT)_n. In addition, band structure calculation proposed an unusual double Dirac cone. This work emphasizes the importance of the ligand oxidation strategy, which can greatly enrich the family of conductive CPs based on BHT and other noninnocent ligands.

From 2D to 3D: Postsynthetic Pillar Insertion in Electrically Conductive MOF

The emergence of 2D electrically conductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has significantly expanded the scope of metal-organic framework applications from electrochemical energy storage to electronic devices. However, their potentials are not fully exploited due to limited accessibility to internal pores in stacked 2D structures. Herein we transform a 2D conjugated MOF into a 3D framework via postsynthetic pillar-ligand insertion. Cu-THQ was chosen due to its ability to adopt additional ligands at the axial positions at the copper nodes. Cu-THQ demonstrates that structural augmentation increases ion accessibility into internal pores, resulting in an increased gravimetric capacitance up to double that of the pristine counterpart. Beyond this, we believe that our findings can further be used to functionalize the existing 2D conductive MOFs to offer more opportunities in sensing, electronic, and energy-related applications by utilizing additional functions and increased accessibility from the pillars.

Hydrogen-Intercalated 2D Magnetic Bilayer: Controlled Magnetic Phase Transition and Half-Metallicity via Ferroelectric Switching

Electrically controlled magnetism in two-dimensional (2D) multiferroics is highly desirable for both fundamental research and the future development of low-power nanodevices. Herein, inspired by the recently experimentally realized 2D antiferromagnetic MnPSe₃ [ Nat. Nanotechnol. 2021, 16 (7), 782] and guided by a heteromagnetic structural design, we engineer strong magnetoelectric coupling in a hydrogen-intercalated 2D MnPSe₃ bilayer. Hydrogen functionalization breaks the centrosymmetry of bilayer MnPSe₃, leading to out-of-plane ferroelectricity. Moreover, there is a phase transition from antiferromagnetic semiconductor to ferromagnetic half-metal in the H-bonded MnPSe₃ layer, while the other remains antiferromagnetic and semiconducting. When reversing the electrical polarization, the intercalated H atom can flip between the top and bottom layers with an ultralow switching barrier, which allows one to tune the magnetic order and conductivity of the individual layers via an external electric field. Our results pave a new avenue to realize strong magnetoelectric coupling in single-phase multiferroic material. The ferroelectricity-controlled magnetic phase transition and half-metallicity offer promising applications in nanoscale spintronics such as electrically written and magnetically read memories.

Zero area thermal expansion of honeycomb layers via double distortion relaxation in (PPh4)[Cu2(CN)3]

The zero area TE of cyanide-bridged honeycomb layers occurs by complementary structural changes in the cation and anion counterparts.

Dual-Ion Intercalation and High Volumetric Capacitance in a Two-Dimensional Non-Porous Coordination Polymer

Intercalation is a promising ion-sorption mechanism for enhancing the energy density of electrochemical capacitors (ECs) because it offers enhanced access to the electrochemical surface area. It requires a rapid transport of ions in and out of a host material, and it must occur without phase transformations. Materials that fulfil these requirements are rare; those that do intercalate almost exclusively cations. Herein, we show that Ni₃ (benzenehexathiol) (Ni₃ BHT), a non-porous two-dimensional (2D) layered coordination polymer (CP), intercalates both cations and anions with a variety of charges. Whereas cation intercalation is pseudocapacitive, anions intercalate in a purely capacitive fashion. The excellent EC performance of Ni₃ BHT provides a general basis for investigating similar dual-ion intercalation mechanisms in the large family of non-porous 2D CPs.

Chemically Integrating a 2D Metal-Organic Framework with 2D Functionalized Graphene

Two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (2D MOFs) are the next-generation 2D crystalline solids. Integrating 2D MOFs with conventional 2D materials like graphene is promising for a variety of applications, including energy or gas storage, catalysis, and sensing. However, unraveling the importance of chemical interaction over an additive effect is essential. Here, we present an unconventional chemistry to integrate a Cu-based 2D MOF, Cu-HHTP (HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene), with 2D functionalized graphene, reduced graphene oxide (rGO), by an in situ oxidation-reduction reaction. Combined Raman spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements along with structural analysis evidenced the chemical interaction between Cu-HHTP and rGO, which was subsequently assigned to be the key for the manifestation of significantly modified physical properties. Of particular mention is the conversion of an n-type crystalline solid to a p-type crystalline solid upon the chemical integration of Cu-HHTP with rGO, as revealed by Seebeck coefficient. More importantly, the thermoelectric power factor exhibited an increasing trend with increasing temperature, unlike an opposite trend observed due to an additive effect. The results anticipate the ability of a redox reaction to chemically integrate other 2D MOFs with rGO and show how an in situ synthesis can trigger chemical interaction between two distinctive 2D materials.