Deanna M. D’Alessandro

[V16O38(CN)]9–: a soluble mixed-valence redox-active building block with strong antiferromagnetic coupling.

A new discrete [V(16)O(38)(CN)](9-) cluster, which displays the hitherto unknown 8- charge on the cluster shell and is the first to encapsulate the cyanide anion, has been synthesized and characterized by IR and UV/vis/near-IR spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Bond valence sum calculations conducted on the basis of the crystal structure analysis of K(9)[V(16)O(38)(CN)]·13H(2)O confirm that this new member of the polyoxovanadate series is a mixed-valence complex. The intervalence charge transfer bands arising from intrametal interactions reveal that a localized (class II) assignment is appropriate for the cluster; however, a small degree of electronic delocalization is present. Interesting possibilities exist for the incorporation of this unit into higher dimensionality framework structures, where the redox, optical, and magnetic properties can be exploited and tuned.

Microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis and optical properties of tagged MIL-140A metal-organic frameworks.

A series of tagged MIL-140A-R frameworks have been synthesized using a microwave-assisted solvothermal method. Compared with their UiO-66-R polymorphs, the absorption energies in the MIL-140A-R series (R = NH2, NO2, Br, Cl, and F) are extended toward the visible region because of the spatial arrangement of the linkers.

Crystal Structures, Magnetic Properties, and Electrochemical Properties of Coordination Polymers Based on the Tetra(4-pyridyl)-tetrathiafulvalene Ligand

Seven new coordination polymers based on the redox-active tetra(4-pyridyl)-tetrathiafulvalene ligand (TTF(py)4) and different transition-metal ions, namely, {[Cu(hfac)2][TTF(py)4]·2(CH2Cl2)}n (1), {[Co(acac)2][TTF(py)4]0.5·(CHCl3)}n (2), {[Mn(hfac)2][TTF(py)4]0.5}n (3), {[Cu2(OAc)4][TTF(py)4]0.5·1.5(CHCl3)·0.5(H2O)·(CH3CN)}n (4), {[Mn(SCN)2][TTF(py)4]·6(CH2Cl2)}n (5), {[Mn(SeCN)Cl][TTF(py)4]}n (6), and {Cu2[TTF(py)4]2·(ClO4)2·2.5(CH2Cl2)·1.5(CH3CN)}n (7), were synthesized and characterized. The tetrapyridyl ligand coordinates to metal ions in a bidentate or tetradentate fashion, forming complexes 1-7 with different structures. Complex 1 exhibits a one-dimensional chain structure. Complexes 2, 3, and 4 possess similar (4,2)-connected binodal two-dimensional networks, while complexes 5 and 6 have similar (4,4)-connected binodal two-dimensional networks with two different rings. Complex 7 shows a 2-fold interpenetrated (4,4)-connected binodal PtS-type three-dimensional framework. Meanwhile, these complexes feature diverse nonclassical hydrogen bonding interactions. In addition, magnetic and solid-state electrochemical properties for typical complexes have been studied.

Through-Space Intervalence Charge Transfer as a Mechanism for Charge Delocalization in Metal–Organic Frameworks

Understanding the nature of charge transfer mechanisms in 3-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is an important goal owing to the possibility of harnessing this knowledge to design electroactive and conductive frameworks. These materials have been proposed as the basis for the next generation of technological devices for applications in energy storage and conversion, including electrochromic devices, electrocatalysts, and battery materials. After nearly two decades of intense research into MOFs, the mechanisms of charge transfer remain relatively poorly understood, and new strategies to achieve charge mobility remain elusive and challenging to experimentally explore, validate, and model. We now demonstrate that aromatic stacking interactions in Zn(II) frameworks containing cofacial thiazolo[5,4- d]thiazole (TzTz) units lead to a mixed-valence state upon electrochemical or chemical reduction. This through-space intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) phenomenon represents a new mechanism for charge transfer in MOFs. Computational modeling of the optical data combined with application of Marcus-Hush theory to the IVCT bands for the mixed-valence framework has enabled quantification of the degree of charge transfer using both in situ and ex situ electro- and spectro-electrochemical methods. A distance dependence for the through-space electron transfer has also been identified on the basis of experimental studies and computational calculations. This work provides a new window into electron transfer phenomena in 3-dimensional coordination space, of relevance to electroactive MOFs where new mechanisms for charge transfer are highly sought after, and to understanding biological light-harvesting systems where through-space mixed-valence interactions are operative.

Mixed Valency in a 3D Semiconducting Iron–Fluoranilate Coordination Polymer

A pair of coordination polymers of composition (NBu4)2[M2(fan)3] (fan = fluoranilate; M = Fe and Zn) were synthesized and structurally characterized. In each case the compound consists of a pair of interpenetrating three-dimensional, (10,3)-a networks in which metal centers are linked by chelating/bridging fluoranilate ligands. Tetrabutylammonium cations are located in the spaces between the two networks. Despite the structural similarity, significant differences exist between (NBu4)2[Fe2(fan)3] and (NBu4)2[Zn2(fan)3] with respect to the oxidation states of the metal centers and ligands. For (NBu4)2[Fe2(fan)3] the structure determination as well as Mössbauer spectroscopy indicate the oxidation state for the Fe is close to +3, which contrasts with the +2 state for the Zn analogue. The differences between the two compounds extends to the ligands, with the Zn network involving only fluoranilate dianions, whereas the average oxidation state for the fluoranilate in the Fe network lies somewhere between -2 and -3. Magnetic studies on the Fe compound indicate short-range ordering. Electrochemical and spectro-electrochemical investigations indicate that the fluoranilate ligand is redox-active in both complexes; a reduced form of (NBu4)2[Fe2(fan)3] was generated by chemical reduction. Conductivity measurements indicate that (NBu4)2[Fe2(fan)3] is a semiconductor, which is attributed to the mixed valency of the fluoranilate ligands.

Synthesis, properties and surface self-assembly of a pentanuclear cluster based on the new π-conjugated TTF-triazole ligand

The new π-extended redox-active ligand with both TTF and triazole units, 6-(4,5-bis(propylthio)-1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-1H-[1,3]dithiolo[4′,5′:4,5]benzo [1,2-d] [1–3]triazole, has been successfully prepared. Based on the versatile ligand and Cu(tta)2 precursors (tta− = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione), a TTF-based pentanuclear CuII cluster (Cu5(tta)4(TTFN3)6) is synthesized and structurally characterized. Their absorption and electrochemical properties are investigated. Antiferromagnetic couplings are operative between metal ion centers bridged by triazoles in the complex. The self-assembled structure of the cluster complex on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface was observed using scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to provide insight into the formation mechanism. The introduction of the redox-active TTF unit into the cluster complexes with interesting magnetic properties renders them promising candidates for new multifunctional materials.

In Situ Spectroelectrochemical Investigations of the Redox-Active Tris[4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl]amine Ligand and a Zn2+ Coordination Framework

An investigation of the redox-active tris[4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl]amine (NPy3) ligand in the solution state and upon its incorporation into the solid-state metal-organic framework (MOF) [Zn(NPy3)(NO2)2·xMeOH·xDMF]n (MeOH = methanol and DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) was conducted using in situ UV/vis/near-IR, electron paramagentic resonance (EPR), and fluorescence spectroelectrochemical experiments. Through this multifaceted approach, the properties of the ligand and framework were elucidated and quantified as a function of the redox state of the triarylamine core, which can undergo a one-electron oxidation to its radical cation. The use of pulsed EPR experiments revealed that the radical generated was highly delocalized throughout the entire ligand backbone. This combination of techniques provides comprehensive insight into electronic delocalization in a framework system and demonstrates the utility of in situ spectroelectrochemical methods in assessing electroactive MOFs.

Mixed Valency as a Strategy for Achieving Charge Delocalization in Semiconducting and Conducting Framework Materials

The fundamentally important phenomenon of mixed valency has been discussed in detail over the past 50 years, predominantly in the context of dinuclear complexes, which are used as model systems for understanding electron delocalization in more complex biological and physical systems. Very recently, mixed valency has been shown to be an important mechanism for charge transfer, leading to delocalization and conductivity in two- and three-dimensional framework materials such as metal-organic frameworks and related systems including covalent organic frameworks and semicrystalline semiconducting metal-organic graphenes. This Viewpoint provides a current perspective on the field of mixed-valence frameworks, where the property is either intrinsic or generated postsynthetically via an external stimulus. Aspects of the spectroscopy and applications of these materials are also discussed, highlighting the future potential for exploiting mixed valency in extended solid-state systems.

Photoactive and Physical Properties of an Azobenzene-Containing Coordination Framework*

A new three-dimensional coordination framework, [Zn4(tbazip)3(bpe)2(OH)2]·bpe·{solvent} (where bpe = 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethene) containing the novel photoactive ligand tbazip (tbazip = 5-((4-tert-butyl)phenylazo)isophthalic acid) has been synthesised and crystallographically characterised. The photoactivity of discrete tbazip was investigated and compared with its photoactivity while incorporated within the framework. The effect of isomerisation of the incorporated azobenzene on the chemical and physical properties of the framework were investigated using UV-vis and Raman spectroscopies. The framework is porous only to hydrogen gas at 77 K, but displayed an appreciable uptake for CO2 at 195 K.

Carbon Dioxide Separation, Capture, and Storage in Porous Materials

Solid porous materials represent one of the most promising technologies for separating and storing gases of importance in the generation and use of energy. Understanding the fundamental interaction of guest molecules such as carbon dioxide in porous hosts is crucial for progressing materials towards industrial use in post and pre combustion carbon-capture processes, as well as in natural-gas sweetening. Neutron scattering has played a significant role already in providing an understanding of the working mechanisms of these materials, which are still in their infancy for such applications. This chapter gives examples of insights into the working mechanisms of porous solid adsorbents gained by neutron scattering, such as the nature of the interaction of carbon dioxide and other guest molecules with the host as well as the host response. The synthesis of many of these porous hosts affords significant molecular-level engineering of solid architectures and chemical functionalities that in turn control gas selectivity. When directed by the insights gained through neutron-scattering measurements, these materials are leading toward ideal gas separation and storage properties.