2D Cu(I)-I Coordination Polymer with Smart Optoelectronic Properties and Photocatalytic Activity as a Versatile Multifunctional Material

This work presents two isostructural Cu(I)-I 2-fluoropyrazine (Fpyz) luminescent and semiconducting 2D coordination polymers (CPs). Hydrothermal synthesis allows the growth of P-1 space group single crystals, whereas solvent-free synthesis produces polycrystals. Via recrystallization in acetonitrile, P2₁ space group single crystals are obtained. Both show a reversible luminescent response to temperature and pressure. Structure determination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 200 and 100 K allows us to understand their response as a function of temperature. Applying hydrostatic/uniaxial pressure or grinding also generates significant variations in their emission. The high structural flexibility of the Cu(I)-I chain is significantly linked to the corresponding alterations in structure. Remarkably, pressure can increase the conductivity by up to 3 orders of magnitude. Variations in resistivity are consistent with changes in the band gap energy. The experimental results are in agreement with the DFT calculations. These properties may allow the use of these CPs as optical pressure or temperature sensors. In addition, their behavior as a heterogeneous photocatalyst of persistent organic dyes has also been investigated.

Rational Design of Copper(II)-Uracil Nanoprocessed Coordination Polymers to Improve Their Cytotoxic Activity in Biological Media

This work is focused on the rational structural design of two isostructural Cu(II) nano-coordination polymers (NCPs) with uracil-1-acetic acid (UAcOH) (CP1n) and 5-fluorouracil-1-acetic acid (CP2n). Suitable single crystals for X-ray diffraction studies of CP1 and CP2 were prepared under hydrothermal conditions, enabling their structural determination as 1D-CP ladder-like polymeric structures. The control of the synthetic parameters allows their processability into water colloids based on nanoplates (CP1n and CP2n). These NCPs are stable in water at physiological pHs for long periods. However, interestingly, CP1n is chemically altered in culture media. These transformations provoke the partial release of its building blocks and the formation of new species, such as [Cu(UAcO)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (Cu(II)-complex), and species corresponding to the partial reduction of the Cu(II) centers. The cytotoxic studies of CP1n versus human pancreatic adenocarcinoma and human uveal melanoma cells show that CP1n produces a decrease in the cell viability, while their UAcOH and Cu(II)-complex are not cytotoxic under similar conditions. The copper reduction species detected in the hydrolysis of CP1n are closely related to the formation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) detected in the cytotoxic studies. These results prompted us to prepare CP2n that was designed to improve the cytotoxicity by the substitution of UAcO by 5-FUAcO, taking into account the anticancer activity of the 5-fluorouracil moiety. The new CP2n has a similar behavior to CP1n both in water and in biological media. However, its subtle structural differences are vital in improving its cytotoxic activity. Indeed, the release during the hydrolysis of species containing the 5-fluorouracil moiety provokes a remarkable increase in cellular toxicity and a significant increase in ROS species formation.

Copper(i)–iodide cluster structures as functional and processable platform materials

This review provides a complete overview of the progress towards implementation of CuI-nanoclusters in functional materials and devices.

New Promises and Opportunities in 3D Printable Inks Based on Coordination Compounds for the Creation of Objects with Multiple Applications

This review focuses on the usefulness of coordination bonds to create 3D printable inks and shows how the union of chemistry and 3D technology contributes to new scientific advances, by allowing amorphous or polycrystalline solids to be transformed into objects with the desired shape for successful applications. The review clearly shows how there has been considerable increase in the manufacture of objects based on the combination of organic matrices and coordination compounds. These coordination compounds are usually homogeneously dispersed within the matrix, anchored onto a proper support or coating the printed object, without destroying their unique properties. Advances are so rapid that today it is already possible to 3D print objects made exclusively from coordination compounds without additives. The new printable inks are made mainly with nanoscale nonporous coordination polymers, metal-organic gels, or metal-organic frameworks. The highly dynamic coordination bond allows the creation of objects, which respond to stimuli, that can act as sensors and be used for drug delivery. In addition, the combination of metal-organic frameworks with 3D printing allows the adsorption or selective capacity of the object to be increased, relative to that of the original compound, which is useful in energy storage, gas separation, or water pollutant elimination. Furthermore, the presence of the metal ion can give them new properties, such as luminescence, that are useful for application in sensors or anticounterfeiting. Technological advances, the combination of various printing techniques, and the properties of coordination bonds lead to the creation of surprising, new, printable inks and objects with highly complex shapes that will close the gap between academia and industry for research into coordination compounds.