Correlation in Structural Architecture toward Fabrication of Schottky Device with a Series of Pyrazine Appended Coordination Polymers

Energy is the center of importance for the survivability of civilization. Use of fossil fuel is going to be suspended, and renewable energy is technologically costlier. In the quest for new energy sources and to minimize fuel expenditure, the design of energy efficient devices is one of the solutions. Toward this objective, highly delocalized π-acidic N-hetreocycle pyrazine bridged Cd(II)-based coordination polymers (CPs), [Cd(tppz)(adc)(MeOH)] (1), [Cd(tppz)(trep)] (2), and [Cd(tppz)(2,6-ndc)] (3; tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine) are synthesized in combination with π-accessible dicarboxylato linkers (acetylene dicarboxylic acid (H2adc), terephthalic acid (H2trep), and 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid (2,6 H2ndc)). The structures of the compounds, 1-3, have been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. Analysis of electrical property demonstrates that light irradiation enhances the conductivity and follows the order 3 > 2 > 1; compound 3 possesses the highest conductivity (1.93 × 10-3 (light), 1.12 × 10-4 S m-1 dark)), than 2 (1.80 × 10-4 (light), 1.10 × 10-4 S m-1 (dark)) and 1 (5.06 × 10-5 (light), 4.72 × 10-5 S m-1 (dark)). This light-induced electrical conductivity can pave the way toward fabrication of an active electronic device by using the discussed materials.

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.

In Situ Oxidation of Pyridyl-Dihydrobenzoimidazoquinazoline and the Synthesis of a Highly Luminescent Cd(II) Coordination Polymer: A Promising Candidate for Mutagenic Nitroaromatic Detection and Device Fabrication

Pyridyl-substituted imidazoquinoline, a potent fluorescent framework, is advantageous to architect multifunctional coordination networks for sensing and fabricating emergent electrical conductors. In this work, a Cd(II)-based one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymer (1D CP), [Cd(glu)2(pbiq)2(H2O)]n (1), [H2glu = glutaric acid and pbiq = 4-(6-(pyridin-4-yl)benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline)], has been structurally confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The H-bonding and π···π interactions built a three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular structure that strongly emits at 416 nm in acetonitrile suspension. Potentially intrusive nitroaromatics (NAs) and trinitrophenol (TNP) selectively quench the strong emission of 1, and the highest quenching is noted in the case of TNP. A detection limit (limit of detection (LOD)) of 1.51 × 10-7 M for TNP is determined. The band gap (3.31 eV) of 1 recognizes semiconducting behavior, and an electronic device is fabricated. The correlation of current vs voltage (I-V plot) reveals a substantial non-ohmic electrical conductivity of 1 (Λ: 1.10 × 10-5 S m-1) along with a low energy barrier (ΦB: 0.69), and the series resistance (Rs) becomes 6.21 kΩ.

Aminoisophthalate Bridged Cd(II)-2D Coordination Polymer: Structure Description, Selective Detection of Pd2+ in Aqueous Medium, and Fabrication of Schottky Diode

Photoluminescence activity of coordination polymers (CPs) has evoked intricate applications in the field of materials science, especially sensing of ions/molecules. In the present study, 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine (tppz) and 5-aminoisophthalate (HAIPA^-) coordinated to Cd(II) to architect a coordination polymer, {[Cd(HAIPA)(tppz)(OH)]·3H₂O}_n (CP1) which unveils blue emission in an aqueous acetonitrile (98% aqueous) suspension. The emission is selectively quenched by Pd²⁺ only without interference in the presence of as many as 16 other cations. The structure of CP1 shows the presence of a free -COOH group, and the interlayer (-CO)O(2)···O(7) (OC-) distance, 4.242 Å, along with the π···π interactions (3.990, 3.927 Å), may make a cavity which suitably accommodates only Pd²⁺ (van der Waal's radius, 1.7 Å) through the Pd(II)-carboxylato (-COO-Pd) coordination. The stability of the composite, [CP1 + Pd²⁺] may be assessed from the fluorescence quenching experiment, and the Stern-Volmer constant (K_SV) is 7.2 × 10⁴ M^-1. Therefore, the compound, CP1, is a promising sensor for Pd(II) in a selective manner with limit of detection (LOD), 0.08 μM. The XPS spectra of CP1 and [CP1 + Pd²⁺] have proven the presence of Pd²⁺ in the host and the existence of a coordinated -COO-Pd bond. Interestingly, inclusion of Pd²⁺ in CP1 decreases the band gap from 3.61 eV (CP1) to 3.05 eV ([CP1 + Pd²⁺]) which lies in the semiconducting region and has exhibited improved electrical conductivity from 7.42 × 10^-5 (CP1) to 1.20 × 10^-4 S m^-1 ([CP1 + Pd²⁺]). Upon light irradiation, the electrical conductivities are enhanced to 1.45 × 10^-4 S m^-1 (CP1) and 3.81 × 10^-4 S m^-1 ([CP1 + Pd²⁺]); which validates the highly desired photoresponsive device applications. Therefore, such type of materials may serve as SDG-army (sustainable development goal) to battle against the environmental issues and energy crisis.

Rational synthesis of a pyridyl-imidazoquinazoline based multifunctional 3D Zn(II)-MOF: structure, luminescence, selective and sensitive detection of Al3+ and TNP, and its semiconducting device application

In the age of sustainable development, the exploration of multifunctional materials is of high priority due to their economic benefits and environmental suitability. A stable luminescent coordination polymer, [Zn₂(tdc)₄(pdiq)₃] (1), (pdiq = pyridyl-imidazoquinazoline; H₂tdc = 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid) has been prepared and structurally confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The 3D framework consists of a distorted octahedral geometry with a ZnO₄N₂ coordination sphere where four carboxylato-O donations come from two tdc^2- as bridging ligands and two pyridyl-Ns come from two pdiq. The π⋯π interactions between the imidazolium and phenyl groups bestow robustness on the architecture. The compound is chemically stable to water, shows tolerance to acid/base aqueous solutions (pH = 2-12), and is stable to the impact of organic solvents. The high dispersibility of Zn-MOF (1) in acetonitrile may enhance the fluorescence intensity compared to that in water, which prompted fluorescence measurements in the former solvent and it is used for the efficient and selective turn-off ratiometric sensing of Al³⁺ ions (LOD, 1.39 × 10^-7 M). In addition, the fluorescence emission of 1 is instantly quenched by trinitrophenol (TNP) and the LOD is 1.54 × 10^-7 M. The Tauc's plot is used to measure the semiconducting band gap (3.33 eV) and the electrical conductivity is significantly increased upon illumination (Λ: 1.14 × 10^-3 S m^-1 (dark), 5.35 × 10^-3 S m^-1 (light)) and the energy barrier declines marginally (FB: 0.57 (dark), 0.49 (light)). Transit time (τ) and diffusion length (L_D) at the quasi-Fermi level were analyzed to offer information on the charge transport mechanism of the compound. The better performance on photo-irradiation signifies the enhanced charge transfer kinetics of a Zn-MOF coated thin-film device (TFD 1), which encourages its application in semiconductor devices.

A Nd6 molecular butterfly: a unique all-in-one material for SMM, MCE and maiden photosensitized opto-electronic device fabrication

Besides iron, ironically neodymium (Nd) is the most ubiquitously used metal for magnetic purposes, even among the lanthanides, when it comes to the field of molecular magnetism, yet it ranks among the least studied metals. However, strong apathy towards this magnetic lanthanide means that vital information will be missed, which is required for the advancement of the subject. Herein, we have successfully demonstrated the usefulness of a hexanuclear neodymium complex as a magnetic material, and also in electronic device fabrication. A {NdIII6} cage with an aesthetically pleasing butterfly topology was synthesized using a rather non-conventional N-rich pyridyl-pyrazolyl based ligand. The cage shows single molecule magnet (SMM) properties, with an effective energy barrier, U_eff, value of 3.4 K and relaxation time, τ₀, of 3.1 × 10^-4 s, originating from an unusual occurrence of metal centres with different coordination environments. Furthermore, magnetic studies reveal significant cyrogenic magnetic cooling, with a magnetic entropy change of 8.28 J kg^-1 K^-1 at 5 T and 3 K. To the best of our knowledge, the titular compound is the only example of a Nd-complex that exhibits concomitant magnetocaloric effect (MCE) and SMM properties. Complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) calculations were carried out to shed light on the origin of the magnetic anisotropy and magnetic relaxation of the compound. The same uniqueness is also true for the first electronic investigation carried out on the Nd complex. The maiden electronic device fabricated using the Nd complex shows an interesting intertwining of electronic and optical features, which contribute towards its improved photosensitized optoelectronic data.

Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Novel 2D Cd (II) Metal–Organic Coordination Polymer with Nitrite End Stop Ligand as a Precursor for Preparation of CdO Nanoparticles

In the present research, a sonochemical approach was applied to prepare new cadmium(II) coordination 2D polymer, [Cd(L)(NO2)2]n (L = 1,2-bis(1-(pyridin-3-yl)ethylidene)hydrazine) and structurally characterized with various spectroscopic techniques including XRD, elemental analysis, SEM, and IR spectroscopy. The coordination number of cadmium (II) ions is seven (CdN2O5) by two nitrogen atoms from two organic Schiff base ligand and five oxygen of nitrite anions. The 2D sheet structures ended by nitrite anions and the nitrite anion displayed the end-stop role. The comprehensive system showed a three-dimensional structure with several weak interactions. The high-intensity ultrasound is regarded as an easy, environmentally-friendly, and flexible synthetic instrument for the compounds of coordination. CdO NPs was obtained by thermolysing 1 at 180 °C with oleic acid (as a surfactant). Further, the size and morphology of the produced CdO nanoparticles were investigated through SEM.

Semiconducting properties of pyridyl appended linear dicarboxylate based coordination polymers: theoretical prediction via DFT study

Coordination polymers (CPs) in recent times have emerged as active constituents in many semiconductor devices like light emitting diodes (LED), field effect transistors (FET), photovoltaic devices and Schottky barrier diodes. An intelligent choice of linkers, careful selection of metal ions and post synthetic modification (PSM) can provide a better pathway for charge transportation. However, a proper understanding of the charge transport mechanism in CPs is still inadequate due to the lack of considerable experimental and theoretical work. In this paper, we address the theoretical elucidation of semiconducting properties and a probable pathway for charge transportation in three of our previously published CPs using density functional theory (DFT). These results help us to recognize the orbitals that have major contributions in the formation of the valence band and also provide the most likely pathway for optimum electronic communication. In this regard, the role of hydrogen bonding and unpaired electrons of metal d-orbitals is also established.

Ultra-trace level detection of Cu2+ in an aqueous medium by novel Zn(ii)-dicarboxylato–pyridyl coordination polymers and cell imaging with HepG2 cells

Fluorescent 1D Zn(ii) coordination polymers are aggregated via noncovalent interactions. The emission of the CPs is exclusively quenched by Cu²⁺ and the LOD is at μM range. In aqueous medium internalization CPs within HepG2 cells is detected by microscopic cell image using Cu²⁺.

Electrically conductive 1D coordination polymers: design strategies and controlling factors

Due to the easy functionality and structural diversity of coordination polymers (CPs) coupled with superior thermal stability, many researchers have been prompted to explore the opportunity of introducing these hybrid materials as active components in various electronic devices, such as light emitting diodes (LED), solar cells, field effect transistors (FET), and Schottky barrier diodes (SBD). Therefore, the judicious selection of the structural components of CPs is directly related to their structure-property relationship and applications. One-dimensional (1D) CPs have recently emerged as excellent electrical conductors and are gaining enormous attention owing to their simple chain-like coordination arrays. In this article, we review the rational design strategies for synthesising 1D CPs and also point out the structural factors that affect the charge transport properties as well as the electrical conductivity of these materials.

In situ transformation of a tridentate to a tetradentate unsymmetric Schiff base ligand via deaminative coupling in Ni(ii) complexes: crystal structures, magnetic properties and catecholase activity study

An N₂O donor reduced Schiff base in presence of Ni(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O and SCN⁻ transforms into N₂O₂ donor ligand via deaminative coupling. Metal complexes 1 and 3 exhibit catecholase like activity and antiferromagnetic coupling between the Ni(ii) ions.

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.

Impact of solid-state photochemical [2+2] cycloaddition on coordination polymers for diverse applications

This Frontier article highlights the advancement of [2+2] photocycloaddition reactions within coordination polymers to fine tune their diverse physical and chemical properties.

Fabrication of Cu(ii) based halobenzoate appended ladder polymers with efficient charge transport properties

Two novel 1D Cu(ii) CPs based on halo-substituted benzoate ligands together with an N-donor bpe spacer ligand exhibit high electrical conductivity and reveal Schottky diode behaviour.

Stabilization of cyclic water tetramers and dimers in the crystal host of 2D coordination networks: electrical conductivity and dielectric studies

Construction of Zn(ii)-based 2D coordination polymers for selective recognition of water tetramers and dimers in crystal hosts and their exploitation in electrical studies.

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.

Three-Dimensional-Coordination Polymer of Zn(II)-Carboxylate: Structural Elucidation, Photoelectrical Conductivity, and Biological Activity

A newly designed mixed-ligand coordination polymer [Zn₄(bdc)₄(ppmh)₂(H₂O)] _n (1) (H₂ bdc = 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, ppmh = N-pyridin-2-yl-N'-pyridin-4-ylmethylene-hydrazine) has been characterized using different physicochemical techniques. The structure has been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. There are two pyridyl-N and one hydrazino-imine-N donor centers in ppmh, where two pyridyl-Ns bind simultaneously to two Zn(II) to serve as a bridging agent to form a coordination polymer. The 1,4-benzene dicarboxylato (bdc) is ligated via the aromatic dicarboxylato-O to form a one-dimensional (1D) chain. These two 1D chains about Zn(II) constitute a two-dimensional structure, which undergoes noncovalent interactions (C-H···π and π···π) to generate a three-dimensional supramolecular assembly. Electrical conductivity of 1 is higher by 1 order (1.37 × 10^-6 S/cm) than that of the free ligand, ppmh (6.2 × 10^-7 S/cm). Especially, the responsivity of the compound 1 was 56.21 mA/W, which is 11 times higher than that of the ligand ppmh (5.12 mA/W). The specific detectivity of the compound was 2.17 × 10¹⁰ Jones, which is also almost 10 times higher with respect to the specific detectivity of the ligand-based device (4.53 × 10⁹ Jones). The results show that the compound can be valuable for optoelectronic fields. The biological studies suggest that compound 1 is antibacterial as well as a promising anticancer agent (LD₅₀, 42.2 μg/mL against HepG2 cells), while ligands remain silent. Investigation of the mechanism of the cell killing activity of compound 1 accounts the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species.

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.

Tuning of the para-position of pyridyl ligands impacts the electrical properties of a series of Cd(ii) ladder polymers

This work describes the tuning of electrical nature of three Cd(ii)-based 1D coordination polymers by the modifications of para-substituent of pyridyl ligands.

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.

Supramolecular Assembly of a Zn(II)-Based 1D Coordination Polymer through Hydrogen Bonding and π···π Interactions: Crystal Structure and Device Applications

A new mixed-ligand divalent one-dimensional coordination polymer (1D CP) [Zn(adc)(4-nvp)₂(H₂O)₂] _n , (1) [H₂adc = acetylenedicarboxylic acid and 4-nvp = 4-(1-naphthylvinyl)pyridine] has been synthesized and well characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectrum, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, powder X-ray diffraction pattern, and thermogravimetric analysis. The compound 1 constructs a 3D supramolecular network by the combination of hydrogen bonding, C-H···π, and π···π interactions. Interestingly, the material shows Schottky behavior which is exclusively analyzed with the help of thermionic emission and space charge-limited current theory. In addition, the Schottky barrier diode parameters for compound 1 demonstrate better device performance after light soaking. Hence, the compound has applicability in the fabrication of optoelectronic devices.

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.