Self-assembly of a layered two-dimensional molecularly woven fabric.

Fabrics-materials consisting of layers of woven fibres-are some of the most important materials in everyday life1. Previous nanoscale weaves2-16 include isotropic crystalline covalent organic frameworks12-14 that feature rigid helical strands interlaced in all three dimensions, rather than the two-dimensional17,18 layers of flexible woven strands that give conventional textiles their characteristic flexibility, thinness, anisotropic strength and porosity. A supramolecular two-dimensional kagome weave15 and a single-layer, surface-supported, interwoven two-dimensional polymer16 have also been reported. The direct, bottom-up assembly of molecular building blocks into linear organic polymer chains woven in two dimensions has been proposed on a number of occasions19-23, but has not previously been achieved. Here we demonstrate that by using an anion and metal ion template, woven molecular 'tiles' can be tessellated into a material consisting of alternating aliphatic and aromatic segmented polymer strands, interwoven within discrete layers. Connections between slowly precipitating pre-woven grids, followed by the removal of the ion template, result in a wholly organic molecular material that forms as stacks and clusters of thin sheets-each sheet up to hundreds of micrometres long and wide but only about four nanometres thick-in which warp and weft single-chain polymer strands remain associated through periodic mechanical entanglements within each sheet. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy show clusters and, occasionally, isolated individual sheets that, following demetallation, have slid apart from others with which they were stacked during the tessellation and polymerization process. The layered two-dimensional molecularly woven material has long-range order, is birefringent, is twice as stiff as the constituent linear polymer, and delaminates and tears along well-defined lines in the manner of a macroscopic textile. When incorporated into a polymer-supported membrane, it acts as a net, slowing the passage of large ions while letting smaller ions through.

Photoemission core level binding energies from multiple sized nanoparticles on the same support: TiO2(110)/Au.

A novel method of measuring the core level binding energies of multiple sized nanoparticles on the same substrate is demonstrated using the early stage of Au nanoparticle growth on reduced r-TiO2(110). This method employed in situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and microfocused X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. An STM tip-shadowing method was used to synthesize patterned areas of Au nanoparticles on the substrate with different coverages and sizes. Patterns were identified and imaged using a UV photoelectron emission microscope. The Au 4f core level binding energies of the nanoparticles were investigated as a function of Au nanoparticle coverage and size. A combination of initial and final state effects modifies the binding energies of the Au 4f core levels as the nanoparticle size changes. When single Au atoms and Au3 clusters are present, the Au 4f7/2 binding energy, 84.42 eV, is similar to that observed at a high coverage (1.8 monolayer equivalent), resulting from a cancellation of initial and final state effects. As the coverage is increased, there is a decrease in binding energy, which then increases at a higher coverage to 84.39 eV. These results are consistent with a Volmer-Weber nucleation-growth model of Au nanoparticles at oxygen vacancies, resulting in electron transfer to the nanoparticles.

Influence of support morphology on the bonding of molecules to nanoparticles.

Supported metal nanoparticles form the basis of heterogeneous catalysts. Above a certain nanoparticle size, it is generally assumed that adsorbates bond in an identical fashion as on a semiinfinite crystal. This assumption has allowed the database on metal single crystals accumulated over the past 40 years to be used to model heterogeneous catalysts. Using a surface science approach to CO adsorption on supported Pd nanoparticles, we show that this assumption may be flawed. Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure measurements, isolated to one nanoparticle, show that CO bonds upright on the nanoparticle top facets as expected from single-crystal data. However, the CO lateral registry differs from the single crystal. Our calculations indicate that this is caused by the strain on the nanoparticle, induced by carpet growth across the substrate step edges. This strain also weakens the CO-metal bond, which will reduce the energy barrier for catalytic reactions, including CO oxidation.

An Extensive Family of Heterometallic Titanium(IV)-Metal(III) Rings with Structure Control through Templates.

A family of heterometallic [Cat][Tix MO(x+1 )(O2 Ct Bu)2x+2 ] rings is reported where Cat=a secondary or tertiary alkyl ammonium ion, x=7, 8 or 9, and M=FeIII , GaIII , CrIII , InIII and AlIII . The structures are regular polygons with eight, nine or ten vertices with each edge bridged by an oxide and two pivalates. The size of the ring formed is controlled by the alkylammonium cation present. In each case a homometallic by-product is found [Cat][Tix O(x+1 )(O2 Ct Bu)2x-1 ].

Use of Supramolecular Assemblies as Lithographic Resists.

A new resist material for electron beam lithography has been created that is based on a supramolecular assembly. Initial studies revealed that with this supramolecular approach, high-resolution structures can be written that show unprecedented selectivity when exposed to etching conditions involving plasmas.

Controlled Synthesis of Nanoscopic Metal Cages.

Here we show an elegant and general route to the assembly of a giant {M12C24} cage from 12 palladium ions (M) and 24 heterometallic octanuclear coordination cages (C = {Cr7Ni-Py2}). The molecule is 8 nm in size, and the methods for its synthesis and characterization provide a basis for future developments at this scale.

g-Engineering in Hybrid Rotaxanes To Create AB and AB2 Electron Spin Systems: EPR Spectroscopic Studies of Weak Interactions between Dissimilar Electron Spin Qubits.

Hybrid [2]rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes are reported where the magnetic interaction between dissimilar spins is controlled to create AB and AB2 electron spin systems, allowing independent control of weakly interacting S=${{ 1/2 }}$ centers.

Lanthanide template synthesis of a molecular trefoil knot.

We report on a complex featuring three 2,6-pyridinedicarboxamide ligands entwined around a lanthanide (Ln(3+)) ion. The ligand strands can be cyclized by ring-closing olefin metathesis to form a molecular trefoil knot in 58% yield. Demetalation with tetraethylammonium fluoride quantitatively generates the wholly organic 81-atom-loop trefoil knot.

Fabrication of Isolated Iron Nanowires.

Nanoscale interconnects are an important component of molecular electronics. Here we use X-ray spectromicroscopy techniques as well as scanning probe methods to explore the self-assembled growth of insulated iron nanowires as a potential means of supplying an earth abundant solution. The intrinsic anisotropy of a TiO2(110) substrate directs the growth of micron length iron wires at elevated temperatures, with a strong metal-support interaction giving rise to ilmenite (FeTiO3) encapsulation. Iron nanoparticles that decorate the nanowires display magnetic properties that suggest other possible applications.

Chemical control of spin propagation between heterometallic rings.

We present a synthetic, structural, theoretical, and spectroscopic study of a family of heterometallic ring dimers which have the formula [{Cr(7)NiF(3)(Etglu)(O(2)CtBu)(15)}(2)(NLN)], in which Etglu is the pentadeprotonated form of the sugar N-ethyl-D-glucamine, and NLN is an aromatic bridging diimine ligand. By varying NLN we are able to adjust the strength of the interaction between rings with the aim of understanding how to tune our system to achieve weak magnetic communication between the spins, a prerequisite for quantum entanglement. Micro-SQUID and EPR data reveal that the magnetic coupling between rings is partly related to the through-bond distance between the spin centers, but also depends on spin-polarization mechanisms and torsion angles between aromatic rings. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations allow us to make predictions of how such chemically variable parameters could be used to tune very precisely the interaction in such systems. For possible applications in quantum information processing and molecular spintronics, such precise control is essential.

Gold(i) bridged dimeric and trimeric heterometallic {Cr7Ni}-based qubit systems and their characterization.

Gold(i) bridged dimeric and trimeric structures of a ground state spin S = 1/2 heterometallic {Cr7Ni} wheel have been prepared and studied by continuous wave (CW) and pulsed wave EPR spectrometry. The {Cr7Ni} relaxation time constants (T1 and Tm) show rates matching well with previous observations. Four pulse Double Electron Resonance (DEER) studies suggest presence of more than one conformations. Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) in conjunction with Molecular Dynamic (MD) Simulations were performed to look at the possible conformations in solution. In line with DEER results, simulation data further indicated more flexible molecular geometry in solution than the one in solid state.

Synthesis, structure, and dynamic properties of hybrid organic-inorganic rotaxanes.

The synthesis and characterization of a series of hybrid organic-inorganic [2]rotaxanes is described. The ring components are heterometallic octa- ([Cr(7)MF(8)(O(2)C(t)Bu)(16)]; M = Co, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Cd) nuclear cages in which the metal centers are bridged by fluoride and pivalate ((t)BuCO(2)(-)) anions; the thread components feature dialkylammonium units that template the formation of the heterometallic rings about the axle to form the interlocked structures in up to 92% yield in conventional macrocyclization or one-pot 'stoppering-plus-macrocyclization' strategies. The presence in the reaction mixture of additives (secondary or tertiary amines or quaternary ammonium salts), and the nature of the stoppering groups (3,5-(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(3)CO(2)- or (t)BuCONH-), can have a significant effect on the rotaxane yield. The X-ray crystal structures of 11 different [2]rotaxanes, a pseudorotaxane, and a two-station molecular shuttle show two distinct types of intercomponent hydrogen bond motifs between the ammonium groups of the organic thread and the fluoride groups of the inorganic ring. The different hydrogen bonding motifs account for the very different rates of dynamics observed for the heterometallic ring on the thread (shuttling slow; rotation fast).

Probing the structure, conformation, and stereochemical exchange in a family of lanthanide complexes derived from tetrapyridyl-appended cyclen.

A series of lanthanide complexes have been synthesized from 1,4,7,10-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane. Crystallographic studies indicate that, in the solid phase, all of the lanthanide ions are 9-coordinate and are bound to eight N atoms from the donor ligand, with the ninth site being filled by a counterion or solvent molecule. In solution, time-resolved luminescence studies indicate that the luminescence exhibits contributions from two species corresponding to the nonhydrated and hydrated forms. The NMR spectra in protic media show the presence of two dominant isomers on the NMR time scale; furthermore, the spectra are very different from those obtained for 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N',N'',N''',N''''-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and its derivatives. The different forms of the complex undergo slow conformational and enantiomeric exchange in solution, which has been measured by NMR. The exchange path has been mapped out by density functional theory calculations and shows multiple metastable conformations (with respect to the dihedral angles of the cyclen ring). This contrasts with the established NMR behavior of DOTA complexes, which has been described by a two-state solution equilibrium.

Linkage isomerism and spin frustration in heterometallic rings: synthesis, structural characterization, and magnetic and EPR spectroscopic studies of Cr(7)Ni, Cr(6)Ni(2), and Cr(7)Ni(2) rings templated about imidazolium cations.

The synthesis and structural characterization of three heterometallic rings templated about imidazolium cations is reported. The compounds are [2,4-DiMe-ImidH][Cr(7)Ni(II)F(8)(O(2)CtBu)(16)] 1 (2,4-DiMe-ImidH=the cation of 2,4-dimethylimidazole), [ImidH](2)[Cr(6)Ni(II) (2)F(8)(O(2)CCtBu)(16)] 2 (ImidH=the cation of imidazole), and [1-Bz-ImidH](2) [Cr(7)Ni(II) (2)F(9)(O(2)CtBu)(18)] 3 (1-Bz-ImidH=the cation of 1-benzylimidazole). The structures show the formation of octagonal arrays of metals for 1 and 2 and a nonagon of metal centers for 3. In all cases the edges of the polygon are bridged by a single fluoride and two pivalate ligands, and the position of the divalent metal centers cannot be distinguished by X-ray diffraction. Magnetic studies combined with EPR spectroscopy allow the characterization of the magnetic states of the compounds. In each case the exchange is antiferromagnetic with a magnetic exchange parameter J approximately -5.8 cm(-1), and it is not possible to differentiate the exchange between two Cr(III) centers (J(CrCr)) from the exchange between a Cr(III) and a Ni(II) center (J(CrNi)). For 2 there is evidence for the presence of at least two, possibly four, linkage isomers of the heterometallic ring, caused by the presence of two divalent metal centers in the ring. The EPR spectroscopy of 3 suggests an S=1/2 ground state of the ring and that it is likely that only one linkage isomer is present.

Proton NMR study of Cr-Co heterometallic wheel complexes.

(1)H NMR spectra of the paramagnetic heterometallic complexes of general formula [cation][Cr(7)CoF(8)(O(2)C(t)Bu)(16)] have been recorded. The NMR spectra have allowed the investigation of the structure of these complexes in solution. These experiments show that the complexes are stable and maintain the solid state structure in solution, retaining the protonated amine in the cavity of the heterometallic ring.

Formation of an interlocked double-chain from an organic-inorganic [2]rotaxane.

Here we show that a structure containing a polymeric interlocking daisy chain is obtained from the reaction of an inorganic-organic [2]rotaxane [HB{CrIII7NiII(µ-F)8(O2CtBu)16}], where B is an organic thread terminated with a bi-pyridyl unit, with an oxo-centered metal carboxylate triangle [FeIII2CoII(µ3-O)(O2CtBu)6(HO2CtBu)3].

A [13]rotaxane assembled via a palladium molecular capsule.

Molecules that are the size of small proteins are difficult to make. The most frequently examined route is via self-assembly, and one particular approach involves molecular nanocapsules, where ligands are designed that will enforce the formation of specific polyhedra of metals within the core of the structure. Here we show that this approach can be combined with mechanically interlocking molecules to produce nanocapsules that are decorated on their exterior. This could be a general route to very large molecules, and is exemplified here by the synthesis and structural characterization of a [13]rotaxane, containing 150 metal centres. Small angle X-ray scattering combined with atomistic molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate the compound is intact in solution.

s-Block metal complexes of a bulky, donor-functionalized allyl ligand.

Crystallographic and NMR spectroscopic studies on allyl complexes of lithium, potassium and magnesium containing an O-donor functionality are described.

Mixed antimonate-phosphonate ligands as polydentate bridging oxygen donors.

A new class of oxygen donor ligands is described and preliminary results using these ligands are given which show they can be used to make polymetallic cages.

Chemistry and supramolecular chemistry of chromium horseshoes.

Synthetic and structural studies of Cr horseshoes are reported which show that these compounds demonstrate a rich supramolecular chemistry through H-bonding interactions, and can act as ligands for metal clusters.