CsB3O4(OH)2: a new deep-ultraviolet birefringent crystal with [B3O4(OH)2] anionic group

A new cesium hydroxyborate CsB₃O₄(OH)₂, was designed and synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Remarkably, CsB₃O₄(OH)₂ presents novel [B₃O₄(OH)₂]_∞ chains formed by [B₃O₄(OH)₂] fundamental building blocks (FBBs). The report of less common [B₃O₄(OH)₂] FBBs and [B₃O₄(OH)₂]_∞ chains in CsB₃O₄(OH)₂ enriches the structural diversity of hydroxyborates. In addition, CsB₃O₄(OH)₂ has a wide transparent window in the DUV spectral range and a large birefringence.

Structural Characterization and ORR Activity of a Copper Complex Borate and an Unexpected [Ni(atta)(SO4)0.5]+ Borate-Sulfate

Two metal templated borates, [Ni(atta)(SO₄)_0.5]·[B₅O₆(OH)₄] (1) and [Cu(1-MI)₄]·[B₅O₆(OH)₄]₂·1-MI₂ (2), have been synthesized. The structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and further characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), elemental analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The structure of 1 consists of [B₅O₆(OH)₄]^- clusters and [Ni(atta)(SO₄)_0.5]⁺ complexes, which shows a very rare Ni-O-S bond. 1 and 2 exhibit a hydrogen-bonded network formed by [B₅O₆(OH)₄]^- clusters. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities of 1 and 2 were explored.

Five new rubidium borates with 0D clusters, 1D chains, 2D layers and 3D frameworks

By tuning the synthetic conditions, borates with 0D clusters were transformed into a 1D chain, 2D layer and 3D framework.