Aqueous chemistry of the smallest rare earth: Comprehensive characterization of radioactive and non-radioactive scandium complexes for biological applications

The aqueous chemistry of scandium(III) is of emerging interest for biological applications, specifically in nuclear medicine, as radioactive isotopes of scandium are becoming more readily accessible. In contrast to other rare earths, Sc³⁺ has no d or f electrons, limiting characterization of corresponding coordination complexes to spectroscopic techniques that do not rely on the characteristic electronic transitions of f-elements or transition metal ions. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview on characterization techniques suitable to elucidate the solution behavior of small and macromolecular complexes of the smallest rare earth.

Hydride-based antiperovskites with soft anionic sublattices as fast alkali ionic conductors

Most solid-state materials are composed of p-block anions, only in recent years the introduction of hydride anions (1s²) in oxides (e.g., SrVO₂H, BaTi(O,H)₃) has allowed the discovery of various interesting properties. Here we exploit the large polarizability of hydride anions (H^-) together with chalcogenide (Ch^2-) anions to construct a family of antiperovskites with soft anionic sublattices. The M₃HCh antiperovskites (M = Li, Na) adopt the ideal cubic structure except orthorhombic Na₃HS, despite the large variation in sizes of M and Ch. This unconventional robustness of cubic phase mainly originates from the large size-flexibility of the H^- anion. Theoretical and experimental studies reveal low migration barriers for Li⁺/Na⁺ transport and high ionic conductivity, possibly promoted by a soft phonon mode associated with the rotational motion of HM₆ octahedra in their cubic forms. Aliovalent substitution to create vacancies has further enhanced ionic conductivities of this series of antiperovskites, resulting in Na_2.9H(Se_0.9I_0.1) achieving a high conductivity of ~1 × 10^-4 S/cm (100 °C).

Enhanced photoluminescence and thermal stability in solid solution Ca1−xSrxSc2O4:Ce3+ (x = 0–1) via crystal field regulation and site-preferential occupation

Enhanced photoluminescence efficiency and thermal stability as well as controllable blue-green tuning of solid solution Ca_1−xSr_xSc₂O₄:Ce³⁺ phosphors were realized based on crystal field regulation and site-preferential occupation.