Klaus Müller-Buschbaum

Lanthanide based tuning of luminescence in MOFs and dense frameworks--from mono- and multimetal systems to sensors and films.

This feature article focuses on tuning options of photoluminescence properties of lanthanide containing Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Dense Frameworks by selection of an appropriate set of metal ions together with suitable ligands. In addition to lanthanide-only systems, frameworks with main group and transition metal ions that are heterometallic or co-doped with variable lanthanide content offer excellent tuning options for luminescence. The MOF feature porosity enables further applications such as sensors for a large number of chemical analytes by selective influences on the luminescence upon contact. The application of functional thin films marks the most recent development of this amazingly growing field, involving processing and structuring.

Luminescence tuning of MOFs via ligand to metal and metal to metal energy transfer by co-doping of 2∞[Gd2Cl6(bipy)3]*2bipy with europium and terbium

The series of anhydrous lanthanide chlorides LnCl3, Ln = Pr–Tb, and 4,4′-bipyridine (bipy) constitute isotypic MOFs of the formula 2∞[Ln2Cl6(bipy)3]·2bipy. The europium and terbium containing compounds both exhibit luminescence of the referring trivalent lanthanide ions, giving a red luminescence for Eu3+ and a green luminescence for Tb3+ triggered by an efficient antenna effect of the 4,4′-bipyridine linkers. Mixing of different lanthanides in one MOF structure was undertaken to investigate the potential of this MOF system for colour tuning of the luminescence. Based on the gadolinium containing compound, co-doping with different amounts of europium and terbium proves successful and yields solid solutions of the formula 2∞[Gd2−x−yEuxTbyCl6(bipy)3]·2bipy (1–8), 0 ≤ x, y ≤ 0.5. The series of MOFs exhibits the opportunity of tuning the emission colour in-between green and red. Depending on the atomic ratio Gd:Eu:Tb, the yellow region was covered for the first time for an oxygen/carboxylate-free MOF system. In addition to a ligand to metal energy transfer (LMET) from the lowest ligand-centered triplet state of 4,4′-bipyridine, a metal to metal energy transfer (MMET) between 4f-levels from Tb3+ to Eu3+ is as well vital for the emission colour. However, no involvement of Gd3+ in energy transfers is observed rendering it a suitable host lattice ion and connectivity centre for diluting the other two rare earth ions in the solid state. The materials retain their luminescence during activation of the MOFs for microporosity.

Melamine–Melem Adduct Phases: Investigating the Thermal Condensation of Melamine

By studying the thermal condensation of melamine, we have identified three solid molecular adducts consisting of melamine C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3) and melem C(6)N(7)(NH(2))(3) in differing molar ratios. We solved the crystal structure of 2 C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3)C(6)N(7)(NH(2))(3) (1; C2/c; a=21.526(4), b=12.595(3), c=6.8483(14) A; beta=94.80(3) degrees ; Z=4; V=1850.2(7) A(3)), C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3)C(6)N(7)(NH(2))(3) (2; Pcca; a=7.3280(2), b=7.4842(2), c=24.9167(8) A; Z=4; V=1366.54(7) A(3)), and C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3)3 C(6)N(7)(NH(2))(3) (3; C2/c; a=14.370(3), b=25.809(5), c=8.1560(16) A; beta=94.62(3) degrees ; Z=4; V=3015.0(10) A(3)) by using single-crystal XRD. All syntheses were carried out in sealed glass ampoules starting from melamine. By variation of the reaction conditions in terms of temperature, pressure, and the presence of ammonia-binding metals (europium) we gained a detailed insight into the occurrence of the three adduct phases during the thermal condensation process of melamine leading to melem. A rational bulk synthesis allowed us to realize adduct phases as well as phase separation into melamine and melem under equilibrium conditions. A solid-state NMR spectroscopic investigation of adduct 1 was conducted.

Metal-organic framework luminescence in the yellow gap by codoping of the homoleptic imidazolate ∞(3)[Ba(Im)2] with divalent europium.

The rare case of a metal-triggered broad-band yellow emitter among inorganic-organic hybrid materials was achieved by in situ codoping of the novel imidazolate metal-organic framework ∞(3)[Ba(Im)2] with divalent europium. The emission maximum of this dense framework is in the center of the yellow gap of primary light-emitting diode phosphors. Up to 20% Eu2+ can be added to replace Ba2+ as connectivity centers without causing observable phase segregation. High-resolution energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that incorporation of even 30% Eu2+ is possible on an atomic level, with 2-10% Eu2+ giving the peak quantum efficiency (QE = 0.32). The yellow emission can be triggered by two processes: direct excitation of Eu2+ and an antenna effect of the imidazolate linkers. The emission is fully europium-centered, involving 5d → 4f transitions, and depends on the imidazolate surroundings of the metal ions. The framework can be obtained by a solvent-free in situ approach starting from barium metal, europium metal, and a melt of imidazole in a redox reaction. Better homogeneity for the distribution of the luminescence centers was achieved by utilizing the hydrides BaH2 and EuH2 instead of the metals.

Homoleptic Lanthanide 1,2,3-Triazolates ∞2–3[Ln(Tz*)3] and Their Diversified Photoluminescence Properties

The series of homoleptic lanthanide 1,2,3-triazolates (∞)(3)[Ln(Tz*)3] (Ln3+ = lanthanide cation, Tz*– = 1,2,3-triazolate anion, C2H2N3(–)) is completed by synthesis of the three-dimensional (3D) frameworks with Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Sm, and characterization by X-ray powder diffraction, differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetry (DTA/TG) investigations and molecular vibration analysis. In addition, α-(∞)(2)[Sm(Tz*)3], a two-dimensional polymorph of 3D β-(∞)(3)[Sm(Tz*)3], is presented including the single crystal structure. The 3D lanthanide triazolates form an isotypic series of the formula (∞)(3)[Ln(Tz*)3] ranging from La to Lu, with the exception of Eu, which forms a mixed valent metal organic framework (MOF) of different structure and the constitution (∞)(3)[Eu(Tz*)(6+x)(Tz*H)(2–x)]. The main focus of this work is put on the investigation of the photoluminescence behavior of lanthanide 1,2,3-triazolates (∞)(3)[Ln(Tz*)3] and illuminates that six different luminescence phenomena can be found for one series of isotypic compounds. The luminescence behavior of the majority of these compounds is based on the photoluminescence properties of the organic linker molecules. Differing properties are observed for (∞)(3)[Yb(Tz*)3], which exhibits luminescence properties based on charge transfer transitions between the linker and Yb3+ ions, and for (∞)(3)[Ce(Tz*)3] and (∞)(3)[Tb(Tz*)3], in which the luminescence properties are a combination of the ligand and the lanthanide metal. In addition, strong inner-filter effects are found in the ligand emission bands that are attributed to reabsorption of the emitted light by the trivalent lanthanide ions. Antenna effects of varying efficiency are present indicated by the energy being transferred to the lanthanide ions subsequent to excitation of the ligand. (∞)(3)[Ce(Tz*)3] shows a 5d-4f induced intense blue emission upon excitation with UV light, while (∞)(3)[Tb(Tz*)3] shows emission in the green region of the visible spectrum, which can be identified with 4f-4f-transitions typical for Tb3+ ions.

Three-dimensional networks of lanthanide 1,2,4-triazolates: 3∞[Yb(Tz)3] and 3∞[Eu2(Tz)5(TzH)2], the first 4f networks with complete nitrogen coordination

The solvent-free melt reaction of Eu and Yb with the N-heterocycle 1,2,4-triazole, gives the first three-dimensional networks of the lanthanides with complete nitrogen coordination spheres, further being the first unsubstituted triazolates of the lanthanides and exhibiting different valences.

The First Dinitrile Frameworks of the Rare Earth Elements : 3∞[LnCl3(1,4-Ph(CN)2)] and 3∞[Ln2Cl6(1,4-Ph(CN)2)], Ln = Sm, Gd, Tb, Y; Access to Novel Metal-Organic Frameworks by Solvent Free Synthesis in Molten 1,4-Benzodinitrile

The three-dimensional frameworks infinity(3)[LnCl3(1,4-Ph(CN)2)] of the lanthanides Ln = Sm (1), Gd (2), Tb (3), and infinity(3)[Ln2Cl6(1,4-Ph(CN)2)] for the group 3 metal Y (4) were obtained as single crystalline materials by the reaction of the anhydrous chlorides of the referring rare earth elements with a melt of 1,4-benzodinitrile. No additional solvents were used for the reactions. The dinitrile ligand is strongly coordinating and substitutes parts of the chlorine coordination. The Ln halide structures are reduced to two-dimensional networks, whereas coordination of both nitrile functions to the metal ions renders bridging in the third direction accessible. This enables formation of new metal organic framework (MOF) structure types with the large 1,4-benzodinitrile spacers interlinking infinity (2)[LnCl3] planes. In comparison to 1,4-Ph(CN)2 the mono functional benzonitrile ligand does not constitute framework structures, which is underlined by comparison with a reaction of yttrium chloride with PhCN resulting in the molecular complex [Y2Cl6(PhCN)6] (5) with end-on coordination PhCN ligands. The coordination spheres of the rare earth ions consist of double capped (infinity(3)[LnCl3(1,4-Ph(CN)2)] (1-3)) as well as single capped trigonal prisms (infinity(3)[Ln2Cl6(1,4-Ph(CN)2)] (4)) of chloride ions and N[triple bond]C groups while 5 displays edge sharing pentagonal bipyramids as coordination polyhedra. Sm (1), Gd (2), and Tb (3) exhibit isotypic framework structures with intercrossing dinitrile ligands. The group 3 metal Y (4) gives a framework with a coplanar arrangement of ligands and a lower ligand content. The largest cavities within the MOF structures of 1-4 have diameters of 3.9-8.0 A. All compounds were identified by single crystal X-ray analysis. Mid IR, Far IR, and Raman spectroscopy, microanalyses and simultaneous Differential Thermal Analysis-Thermogravimetry (DTA/TG) were also carried out to characterize the products. Crystal data for infinity(3)[LnCl3(1,4-Ph(CN)2)] (1-3): Pnma, T = 170(2) K; Sm (1): a = 7.172(1) A, b = 22.209(3) A, c = 6.375(1) A, V = 1015.4(3) A(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.032, wR2 = 0.079. Gd (2): a = 7.116(1) A, b = 22.147(4) A, c = 6.345(1) A, V = 1000.0(3) A(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.033, wR2 = 0.085. Tb (3): a = 7.090(2) A, b = 22.140(4) A, c = 6.325(2) A, V = 992.8(3) A(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.025, wR2 = 0.061. Crystal data for infinity (3)[Y2Cl6(1,4-Ph(CN)2)] (4): P1, T = 170(2) K; a = 6.653(2) A, b = 6.799(2) A, c = 9.484(2) A, V = 397.9(2) A(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.027, wR2 = 0.069. Crystal data for [Y2Cl6(PhCN)6] (5): P2(1)/c, T = 170(2) K; a = 9.767 (2) A, b = 12.304(3) A, c = 19.110(4) A, V = 2294.8(8) A(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.041, wR2 = 0.092.

Deprotonation of a Hydridoborate Anion

The first deprotonation of a borohydride anion was achieved by treatment of [BH(CN)3 ]- with strong non-nucleophilic bases, which resulted in the formation of alkali-metal salts of the tricyanoborate dianion B(CN)32- in up to 97 % yield and 99.5 % purity. [BH(CN)3 ]- is less acidic than (Me3 Si)2 NH but a stronger acid than iPr2 NH. Less sterically hindered, more nucleophilic bases such as PhLi and MeLi mostly attack a CN group under formation of imine dianions [RC(N)B(CN)3 ]2- , which can be hydrolyzed to ketones of the [RC(O)B(CN)3 ]- type. The boron-centered nucleophile B(CN)32- reacts with CO2 and CN+ reagents to give salts of the [B(CN)3 CO2 ]2- dianion and the tetracyanoborate anion [B(CN)4 ]- , respectively, in excellent yields.

X20CoCrWMo10-9//Co3O4: a metal–ceramic composite with unique efficiency values for water-splitting in the neutral regime

Water splitting allows the storage of solar energy into chemical bonds (H2 + O2) and will help to implement the urgently needed replacement of limited available fossil fuels. In particular, in a neutral environment electrochemically initiated water splitting suffers from low efficiency due to high overpotentials (η) caused by the anode. Electro-activation of X20CoCrWMo10-9, a Co-based tool steel resulted in a new composite material (X20CoCrWMo10-9//Co3O4) that catalyzes the anode half-cell reaction of water electrolysis with a so far, unequalled effectiveness. The current density achieved with this new anode in pH 7 corrected 0.1 M phosphate buffer is over a wide range of η around 10 times higher compared to recently developed, up-to-date electrocatalysts and represents the benchmark performance which advanced catalysts show in regimes that support water splitting significantly better than pH 7 medium. X20CoCrWMo10-9//Co3O4 exhibited electrocatalytic properties not only at pH 7, but also at pH 13, which are much superior to the ones of IrO2–RuO2, single-phase Co3O4- or Fe/Ni-based catalysts. Both XPS and FT-IR experiments unmasked Co3O4 as the dominating compound on the surface of the X20CoCrWMo10-9//Co3O4 composite. By performing a comprehensive dual beam FIB-SEM (focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy) study, we could show that the new composite does not exhibit a classical substrate-layer structure due to the intrinsic formation of the Co-enriched outer zone. This structural particularity is basically responsible for the outstanding electrocatalytic OER performance.

Erste Pyridylbenzimidazolate der Lanthanide: Synthese, Kristallstruktur und thermischer Abbau von NH4[Ln(N3C12H8)4] mit Ln = Nd, Yb

Mit Hilfe solvensfreier Synthese konnten durch Reaktionen der Lanthanide mit 2-(2-Pyridyl)-Benzimidazol transparente, zartgelbe Kristalle der Verbindungen NH4 [LnIII (N3C12H8)4] mit Ln = Nd, Yb erhalten werden. Die Umsetzung verlauft vollstandig und fuhrt ungeachtet der unterschiedlichen Ionenradien von NdIII und YbIII zu isotypen Verbindungen mit reiner N-Koordination der Lanthanide. Beide Verbindungen wurden IR- und Raman-spektroskopisch sowie auf ihr thermisches Verhalten hin untersucht. Es handelt sich um die ersten Beispiele, komplett solvensfreier (koordinierend und nicht-koordinierend) Komplex-Verbindungen der Lanthanide mit reiner N-Koordination, die auf festkorperchemischem Wege erhalten wurden. The First Pyridylbenzimidazolates of the Lanthanides: Syntheses, Crystal Structure and Thermal Decomposition of NH4[Ln(N3C12H8)4] with Ln = Nd, Yb Transparent yellow crystals of the compounds NH4 [LnIII (N3C12H8)4] with Ln = Nd, Yb were obtained by solvent-free reactions of the lanthanides neodymium and ytterbium with 2-(2-Pyridyl)-benzimidazole. The bulk syntheses lead to isotypic compounds despite the different ionic radii of NdIII and YbIII exhibiting nitrogen coordination of the lanthanides only. Both compounds were investigated IR- and Raman-spectroscopically and in regard to their thermal behaviour. They are the first examples of completely solvent-free (coordinating and non-coordinating) compounds of the lanthanides with a complete N-coordination that were obtained via a solid-state reaction method.