Perovskite-derived structure modulation in the iron sulfate family

We report the first example of a perovskite sulfate [Na₃(H₂O)]Fe(SO₄)₃. Further structure modulation, by dimensional reduction or ligand extension, has resulted in two related layered perovskite-like compounds Na₆Fe(SO₄)₄ and Na₁₂Fe₃(SO₄)₆F₈. Taken together, these results open up a more general strategy for the future design of more complex perovskite-related materials.

Co-crystal AX·(H3C3N3O3) (A = Na, Rb, Cs; X = Br, I): a series of strongly anisotropic alkali halide cyanurates with a planar structural motif and large birefringence

Birefringent crystals with strong anisotropy are important components in modern optical devices. The newly discovered planar π-conjugated cyanurate group (H_xC₃N₃O₃)^x-3 (x = 0-3) has been demonstrated as an effective functional motif for improving birefringence in the ultraviolet region. Here, single co-crystals of alkali halide cyanurates, RbBr·(H₃C₃N₃O₃) (I), RbI·(H₃C₃N₃O₃) (II), and CsBr·(H₃C₃N₃O₃) (III) were synthesized by the ethanol solution method, and NaBr·(H₃C₃N₃O₃) (IV) was obtained via the solvent-drop grinding method. These four co-crystals feature a planar (H₃C₃N₃O₃) arrangement and exhibit wide band gaps (> 4.90 eV), tunable birefringence (Δn_exp∼ 0.124-0.256), and high thermal stability (156 °C-349 °C). In addition, first principles calculations were also carried out to evaluate the relationship between molecule density, spatial arrangement and optical birefringence, and suggested a great tailoring effect of the alkali metal and halogen species on regulating the optical anisotropy of co-crystal cyanurates.

K-Ion Battery Cathode Design Utilizing Trigonal Prismatic Ligand Field

The intrinsic physical and chemical properties of materials are largely governed by the bonding and electronic structures of their fundamental building units. The majority of cathode materials contain octahedral TMO₆ (TM = transition metal), which dominates the redox chemistry during electrochemical operation. As a less symmetric form of TMO₆ , the trigonal prismatic geometry is not a traditionally favored coordination configuration as it tends to lose the crystal-field stabilization energy and thus generate large ligand repulsion. Herein, a K-ion battery cathode design, K₂ Fe(C₂ O₄ )₂ , is shown​, where the TMO₆ trigonal prism (TP) is not only electrochemically active but stable enough to allow for excellent cycling stability. Detailed synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements reveal the evolution of localized fine structure, evidencing the electrochemical activity, reversibility, and stability of the TP motif. The findings are expected to expand the toolbox for the rational design of electrode materials by taking advantage of TP as a structural gene.

Enhancing the chemical flexibility of hybrid perovskites by introducing divalent ligands

Herein we report the synthesis and structures of [(CH3)2NH2]Er(HCO2)2(C2O4) and [(NH2)3C]Er(HCO2)2(C2O4), in which the inclusion of divalent oxalate ligands allows for the exclusive incorporation of A+ and B3+ cations in an ABX3 hybrid perovskite structure for the first time. We rationalise the observed thermal expansion of these materials, including negative thermal expansion, and find evidence for weak antiferromagnetic coupling in [(CH3)2NH2]Er(HCO2)2(C2O4).

Structural insights into a new family of three-dimensional thiocyanate-bridged molecular double perovskites

Four new three-dimensional thiocyanate-bridged molecular double perovskites with bent Cd–S–C angles in a narrow distribution range reveal highly distorted frameworks with a relatively strong structural rigidity.