Chromone-Based Cd(II) Fluorescent Coordination Polymer Fabricated to Study Optoelectronic and Explosive Sensing Properties

Here, electrical conductivity and explosive sensing properties of multifunctional chromone-Cd(II)-based coordination polymers (CPs) (1-4) have been explored. The presence of different pseudohalide linkers, thiocyanate ions, and dicyanamide ions resulted in 1D and 3D architecture in the CPs. Thin film devices developed from CPs 1-4 (complex-based Schottky devices, CSD1, CSD2, CSD3, and CSD4, respectively) showed semiconductor behavior. Their conductivity values increased under photo illumination (1.37 × 10-5, 1.85 × 10-5, 1.61 × 10-5, and 2.01 × 10-5 S m-1 under dark conditions and 5.06 × 10-5, 8.78 × 10-5, 7.26 × 10-5, and 10.21 × 10-5 S m-1 under light). The nature of the I-V plots of these thin film devices under light irradiation and dark are nonlinear rectifying, which has been observed in Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs). All four CPs (1-4) exhibited highly selective fluorescence quenching-based sensing properties toward well-known explosives, 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP). The limit of detection (LOD) values are 55, 28, 27, and 31 μM for TNP and 78, 44, 32, and 41 μM for DNP for complexes 1-4, respectively. A structure property correlation has been established to explain optoelectronic and explosive sensing properties.

Coordination polymers: a promising candidate for photo-responsive electronic device application

The design and synthesis of electrically conductive coordination polymers (CPs) are of special interest due to their applications in the fabrication of many environmentally benign emerging technologies, such as molecular wires, photovoltaic cells, light emitting diodes (LEDs), field effect transistors (FETs) and Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs). Owing to their structural flexibility, easy functionality and adjustable energy levels, CPs are promising candidates for providing a better pathway for superior charge transport. Again, the utilization of visible light as an external stimulus to control and manoeuvre the electrical properties of the CPs is exceptionally motivating for the development of many optoelectronic devices, such as photodetectors, photo-switches, photodiodes and chemiresistive sensors. The applications of such materials in devices will solve questions regarding the energy crisis and environmental concerns. This study provides an overview of the recent advances in the development of photo-responsive CPs and the possibility of their application in developing optoelectronic devices. In this regard, a thorough literature survey was performed and the studies related to the fabrication of photosensitive conducting CPs for applications in optoelectronic devices are listed.

Crystallographic Aspects, Photophysical Properties, and Theoretical Survey of Tetrachlorometallates of Group 12 Metals [Zn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II)] with a Triply Protonated 2,4,6-Tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine Ligand

Zn(II) (complex 1), Cd(II) (complex 2), and Hg(II) (complex 3) complexes have been synthesized using a triply protonated tptz (H₃tptz³⁺) ligand and characterized mainly by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The general formula of all of the complexes is (H₃tptz)³⁺·Cl^-·[MCl₄]^2-·nH₂O (where n = 1, 1.5, and 1.5 for complexes 1, 2, and 3, respectively). The crystallographic analysis reveals that the anion···π, anion···π⁺, and several hydrogen bonding interactions play a fundamental role in the stabilization of the self-assembled architectures that in turn help to enhance the dimensionality of all of the complexes. In addition, Hirshfeld surfaces and fingerprint plots have been deployed here to visualize the similarities and differences in hydrogen bonding interactions in 1-3, which are very important in forming supramolecular architectures. A density functional theory (DFT) study has been used to analyze and rationalize the supramolecular interactions by using molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces and combined QTAIM/NCI plots. Then, the device parameters for the complexes (1-3) have been thoroughly investigated by fabricating a Schottky barrier diode (SBD) on an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. It has been observed that the device made from complex 2 is superior to those from complexes 1 and 3, which has been explained in terms of band gaps, differences in the electronegativities of the central metal atoms, and the better supramolecular interactions involved. Finally, theoretical calculations have also been performed to analyze the experimental differences in band gaps as well as electrical conductivities observed for all of the complexes. Henceforth, the present work combined supramolecular, photophysical, and theoretical studies regarding group 12 metals in a single frame.

Nanoscale molecular rectifiers

The use of molecules bridged between two electrodes as a stable rectifier is an important goal in molecular electronics. Until recently, however, and despite extensive experimental and theoretical work, many aspects of our fundamental understanding and practical challenges have remained unresolved and prevented the realization of such devices. Recent advances in custom-designed molecular systems with rectification ratios exceeding 10⁵ have now made these systems potentially competitive with existing silicon-based devices. Here, we provide an overview and critical analysis of recent progress in molecular rectification within single molecules, self-assembled monolayers, molecular multilayers, heterostructures, and metal-organic frameworks and coordination polymers. Examples of conceptually important and best-performing systems are discussed, alongside their rectification mechanisms. We present an outlook for the field, as well as prospects for the commercialization of molecular rectifiers.

A novel supramolecular Zn(ii)-metallogel: an efficient microelectronic semiconducting device application

A unique strategy for the synthesis of a supramolecular metallogel employing zinc ions and adipic acid in DMF medium has been established at room temperature. Rheological analysis was used to investigate the mechanical characteristics of the supramolecular Zn(ii)-metallogel. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyse the hexagonal shape morphological features of the Zn(ii)-metallogel. Interestingly, the electrical conductivity is observed in the electronic device with Zn(ii)-metallogel based metal-semiconductor (MS) junctions. All aspects of the metallogel's electrical properties were investigated. The electrical conductivity of the metallogel-based thin film device was 7.38 × 10^-5 S m^-1. The synthesised Zn(ii)-metallogel based device was investigated for its semi-conductive properties, such as its Schottky barrier diode nature.

Insight into charge transportation in cadmium based semiconducting organic-inorganic hybrid materials and their application in the fabrication of photosensitive Schottky devices

A coordination polymer (1) and a trinuclear complex (2) have been synthesized using a compartmental N₂O₂O₂' donor Schiff base ligand. Both complexes are characterized using different spectroscopic techniques and their structures are determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Energies associated with different non-covalent (S⋯O chalcogen bonds, C-H⋯H-C, C-H⋯I and C-H⋯π) interactions in the solid state of both complexes have been calculated using the Turbomole program. Investigations of electrical conductivity and photosensitivity of both complexes reveal that suitable Schottky diode devices could be fabricated from both complexes. The current vs. voltage plots of the complex based devices have been used to calculate the conductivity under dark and irradiation conditions. In both complexes the charge transportation mainly occurs through space which involves the hopping process. Standard band theory has been used to compare the experimental and theoretical results of optoelectronic measurements. The calculations confirm that both are direct band gap (2.78 and 3.30 eV) semiconductors and that complex 1 exhibits a lower band gap, in line with the experimental results (3.21 and 3.43 eV in 1 and 2, respectively).

Phenoxo-bridged dinuclear mixed valence cobalt(III/II) complexes with reduced Schiff base ligands: synthesis, characterization, band gap measurements and fabrication of Schottky barrier diodes

Two homometallic class-I dinuclear mixed valence cobalt complexes, [(N3)CoIIIL1(μ-C6H4(NO2)CO2)CoII(N3)] (1) and [(N3)CoIIIL2(μ-C6H4(NO2)CO2)CoII(N3)] (2), have been synthesized using multisite N2O4 coordination ligands, H2L1 {where H2L1 = (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(iminomethylene)bis(6-methoxyphenol) and H2L2 = (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(iminomethylene)bis(6-ethoxyphenol)}. Each complex has been structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and spectral analysis. Both the cobalt centers in these dinuclear complexes adopt a distorted-octahedral geometry, where the cobalt(iii) center resides at the inner N2O2 cavity and the cobalt(ii) center resides at the outer O4 cavity of the reduced Schiff base. Both of them show good electrical conductivity, which has been rationalized by band gap measurements. The band gap in the solid state has been determined by experimental and DFT calculations and it confirms that each of the two complexes behaves as a semiconductor. The space-charge-limited current (SCLC) theory is employed to evaluate the charge transport parameters such as effective carrier mobility and transit time for both complexes. The difference in the conductivity values of the complexes may be correlated with the strengths of extended supramolecular interactions in the complexes. Bader's quantum theory of atoms-in-molecules (QTAIM) is applied extensively to get quantitative and qualitative insights into the physical nature of weak non-covalent interactions. In addition, the non-covalent interaction reduced density gradient (NCI-RDG) methods well support the presence of such non-covalent intermolecular interactions.

Anion-dependent structural variations and charge transport property analysis of 4′-(3-pyridyl)-4,2′:6′,4′′-terpyridinium salts

Anion-dependent structural variations and charge transport analysis of three 4′-(3-pyridyl)-4,2′:6′,4′′-terpyridinium salts are reported. They exhibit pronounced photosensing behavior when illuminated using visible light.

Mononuclear copper(ii) Schiff base complex: synthesis, structure, electrical analysis and protein binding study

A mononuclear copper(ii)-Schiff base complex has been explored for dual applications – complete electrical analysis and BSA protein binding study.

The fabrication and characterization of a supramolecular Cu-based metallogel thin-film based Schottky diode

The synthesis of a Cu–H₄L metallogel and its application in the fabrication of a Schottky diode are illustrated.

Linear dicarboxylate-based pyridyl-appended cobalt(ii) coordination polymers in search of opto-electronic properties

Two isotypical Co(ii)-based 1D coordination polymers with a linear ditopic linker along with pyridyl based ligands exhibit optoelectronic property.

Tetra- and poly-nuclear Cd(ii) complexes of an N3O4 Schiff base ligand: crystal structures, electrical conductivity and photoswitching properties

A tetranuclear and a polymeric Cd(ii) complex have been synthesized and characterized. The polymeric complex based device behaves as a Schottky barrier diode and exhibits a photoswitching property.

Synthesis of an electrically conductive square planar copper(ii) complex and its utilization in the fabrication of a photosensitive Schottky diode device and DFT study

A naphthalene based square planar copper(ii) complex shows significant C–H⋯π interactions to form a supramolecular chain structure. The complex shows efficient charge transport and reveals Schottky barrier diode behavior.

Designing of Pb(II)-Based Novel Coordination Polymers (CPs): Structural Elucidation and Optoelectronic Application

[Pb₂(bdc)_1.5(aiz)] _n (1) and [Pb₂(bdc)_1.5(aiz)(MeOH)₂] _n (2) (H₂bdc = 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, aiz = (E)-N'-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)isonicotinohydrazide) have been synthesized, and structural characterization has been established by X-ray analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Here, bdc^2- links two Pb(II) centers and the aiz ligand binds the metal centers in two different manners: chelating and monodonating. Thus, polymerizations have taken place from the combination of mixed ligand system. Optical band gaps have been studied via UV measurements. Again, the experimental and calculated (from density functional theory (DFT)) band gaps agree well and the semiconducting properties of synthesized polymeric materials have been approved. Thus, optoelectronic and photonic devices can be made by this type of coordination polymers (CPs). The I-V representative curves of 1 (device-A) and 2 (device-B) in both dark and illuminated conditions show that device-A has a higher magnitude of current than device-B. Dark- and photo-conductivity values of device-A are calculated as 2.94 × 10^-6 and 6.12 × 10^-6 S m^-1, respectively, whereas for device-B, the values of dark- and photo-conductivity are 2.92 × 10^-7 and 3.66 × 10^-7 S m^-1, respectively, at room temperature.

Azido bridged binuclear copper(ii) Schiff base compound: synthesis, structure and electrical properties

The structure, FESEM, Al/complex/ITO microstructure and the current–voltage characteristics of the copper(ii) azido bridged dimer.

Synthesis of a Zn(ii)-based 1D zigzag coordination polymer for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices with remarkably high photosensitivity

This study presents the fabrication of a novel Zn(ii)-based 1D zigzag coordination polymer, which shows remarkably high photosensitivity and has the potential to be used in photoswitching devices and solar cells.

Photosensitive Schottky barrier diode behavior of a semiconducting Co(iii)–Na complex with a compartmental Schiff base ligand

The opto-electronic properties of an X-ray characterized, end-to-end azide bridged cobalt(iii)–sodium complex, [(N₃)CoLNa(N₃)]_n, have been investigated in detail. The complex is found to be a direct semiconductor material as confirmed by determining the band gap of this complex by experimental as well as theoretical studies. The complex has also been used to construct a photosensitive Schottky device. Optical conductivity, calculated from the DFT study, has been used to analyze how the conductivity of the material changes upon illumination. The electrical conductivity and concomitantly, the photoconductivity of the material increase as a consequence of photon absorption.

The opto-electronic properties of a cobalt(iii)–sodium complex have been studied with the help of both experimental and theoretical investigation. The complex has also been used to fabricate an effective photosensitive Schottky device.

A tetranuclear nickel/lead complex with a salen type Schiff base: synthesis, structure and exploration of photosensitive Schottky barrier diode behaviour

A tetranuclear nickel(ii)/lead(ii) complex has been synthesized and characterized. The complex based device behaves as a Schottky diode. The charge transfer kinetics of the complex is enhanced after light soaking.

Fabrication of an Active Electronic Device Using a Hetero-bimetallic Coordination Polymer

A nickel(II)/lead(II) coordination polymer [(NCS)Pb(H₂O)LNi(NCS)]_n {H₂L = N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)propane-1,3-diamine} has been synthesized and characterized. The band gap (3.18 eV) calculated from Tauc's plot suggests the semiconducting nature of the complex. The material has a photosensitivity of 5.76, indicating its applicability in the fabrication of photosensitive devices. The complex has been successfully applied in a technologically challenging thin-film photosensitive Schottky device.

Electrical property and Schottky behavior of a flexible Schiff-base compound: X-ray structure and stabilization of 1D water chain

A flexible Schiff-base compound has been synthesized and structurally confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The compound behaves as a Schottky diode, as supported by the impedance spectroscopy.

Synthesis of a Cd(ii) based 1D coordination polymer by in situ ligand generation and fabrication of a photosensitive electronic device

A 1D coordination polymer, which has optoelectronic device applications, has been synthesized by in situ ligand formation.

A supramolecular Cd(ii)-metallogel: an efficient semiconductive electronic device

A supramolecular Cd(ii)-metallogel with oxalic acid in DMF medium has been achieved, and the semi-conductive characteristics such as the Schottky barrier diode nature of the metallogel were explored.

Two isostructural linear coordination polymers: the size of the metal ion impacts the electrical conductivity

Electrical conductivity was tuned by altering the metal ions in acetylenedicarboxylate (adc) and 4-styrylpyridine (4-spy)-based 1D coordination polymers, {[M(adc)(4-spy)₂(H₂O)₂]}_n (M = Zn and Cd).

Effect on Schottky behaviour of 1D coordination polymers by altering para-substituents on benzoate ligands

Schottky behaviour was tuned by altering para-substituents on benzoate ligands in two isostructural Zn(ii)-based 1D coordination polymers.

Cu(ii)-Based binuclear compound for the application of photosensitive electronic devices

Binuclear Cu(ii)-acetylenedicarboxylate assembled through extensive hydrogen bonding and C–H⋯π interactions to make 3D supramolecular aggregate behaves as light sensing electronic device.

Unprecedented photosensitivity of heterotrimetallic copper(ii)/sodium/mercury(ii) coordination polymer based thin film semiconductor device

A photosensitive, heterotrimetallic copper(ii)/sodium/mercury(ii) coordination polymer has been used to fabricate a Schottky diode device.

An aminoquinoline based biocompatible fluorescent and colourimetric pH sensor designed for cancer cell discrimination

A simple, low cost aminoquinoline based pH sensor,HLwas prepared and it works at a low pH range.HLexhibits cell permeability and used as an effective tool for differentiating between normal and cancer cells.