Structural transformations of layered structures constructed from Cu(ii)-chloranilate monomer compounds.

Hydrogen-bond supported intercalation compounds constructed from three types of two-dimensional layers and common guests, {(Hha)2[Cu(CA)2(EtOH)2]}n (1), {(Hha)2[Cu(CA)2(EtOH)]}n (2), and {(Hha)2[Cu(CA)2]}n (3) (ha = hexylamine), have been synthesized and characterized. The hexylaminium cations are introduced between the anionic layers of the metal-chloranilate by not only electrostatic interactions but also hydrogen bonding interactions. These compounds show reversible EtOH adsorption and desorption accompanied by a structural transformation. With a change in the interaction between the mononuclear complexes of the host layer, the interaction between the host layer and the intercalated guest cations also changes. Moreover, the mobility and flexibility of the intercalated Hha+ cations enable the rearrangement of the mononuclear complexes while maintaining their layer structure. Thus, these compounds have flexibilities both in the inter- and intra-layers.

Proton conduction via lattice water molecules in oxalato-bridged lanthanide porous coordination polymers.

The proton conducting properties of two different structural types of porous coordination polymers [La2(ox)3(H2O)6]·4H2O (1) and [Er2(ox)3(H2O)6]·12H2O (2), where ox2- = oxalate, were investigated. 1 has a two-dimensional layered structure, whereas 2 has a three-dimensional structure. Both 1 and 2 have hydrophilic one-dimensional channels filled by lattice water molecules with hydrogen-bonding networks. The coordinated H2O molecules are Lewis acidic due to the lanthanoid ions donating protons to lattice-filling H2O molecules, thereby forming efficient proton conduction pathways. Alternating-current impedance analyses of 1 and 2 indicated significant proton conduction (σ = 3.35 × 10-7 S cm-1 at 368 K for 1, 1.79 × 10-6 S cm-1 at 363 K for 2 under RH = 100%, with Ea = 0.35 eV for 1 and 0.47 eV for 2), which was attributed to the Grotthuss mechanism via the lattice H2O molecules.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Nanocrystals with Controlled Yttria Content.

In this study, we demonstrate for the first time the hydrothermal synthesis of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) nanocrystals with controlled yttria content (x = 3-12 mol %; xYSZ) with negligible aggregation from aqueous solution. The nanocrystals were grown via the hydrothermal treatment of basic Zr(IV) and Y(III) carbonate complex aqueous solutions in the presence of a cationic ligand, N(CH3)4(+). The nanocrystals were characterized in detail by dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential measurement, X-ray diffraction, specific surface area measurement based on the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Shorter reaction times and higher Y2O3 content produce aqueous solutions with higher transparencies containing nanocrystals with sizes of 10 nm or less. Nanocrystals with the target composition were obtained by hydrothermal reaction for longer than 3 h, regardless of the Y2O3 content. The main phase is tetragonal for (3-6)YSZ and cubic with disordered oxygen vacancies for (8-12)YSZ. The characteristics of the nanocrystalline material synthesized are consistent with those of bulk YSZ crystals, indicating the growth of high-quality nanocrystals.

Stepwise guest adsorption with large hysteresis in a coordination polymer {[Cu(bhnq)(THF)2](THF)}n constructed from a flexible hingelike ligand.

Reversible vapochromic behavior of a porous copper(II) coordination polymer {[Cu(bhnq)(THF)2](THF)}n (1; THF = tetrahydrofuran) constructed from a flexible hingelike ligand H2bhnq [2,2'-bis(3-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone)] has been investigated by adsorption measurements. The isotherms show large hysteretic and stepwise profiles, suggesting the occurrence of the guest-induced framework transformation. The dynamic coil-like behavior of 1 can be controlled through the change of the hydrogen-bonding interactions caused by the reversible and selective incorporation of guest molecules.

Metal-complex assemblies constructed from the flexible hinge-like ligand H2bhnq: structural versatility and dynamic behavior in the solid state.

Novel metal-complex assemblies constructed from the flexible hinge-like ligand H(2)bhnq (H(2)bhnq=2,2'-bi(3-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone)) have been synthesized. The X-ray crystal structures of these compounds reveal that four types of architectures are accessible by variation of the metal ions. In copper(II) compounds 1-3, the chelating bhnq(2-) ions bridge copper(II) centers to form one-dimensional zigzag chains. The chains of 1-3 are arranged by hydrogen-bonding interactions and stacking interactions to produce porous structures. Cobalt(II) and zinc(II) compounds 4 and 5 form one-dimensional helical chains. In 4 and 5, the crystal packing induces spontaneous resolution of the helical chains with chiral cavities formed perpendicular to the helices. Nickel(II) compounds 6 and 7 form cyclic tetramers. The fourth architecture, a dimer (compound 8), is obtained by the reaction of zinc(II) and bhnq(2-) in MeOH. In these compounds, changes of the dihedral angles and the metal-coordination mode of the bhnq(2-) ion induce the structural versatility. The assemblies of the zigzag chains of the copper(II) compounds exhibit reversible vapochromic behavior. UV/Vis, powder X-ray diffraction, EPR, and adsorption isotherm measurements indicate that this vapochromic behavior is based on the hinge-like flexibility of the bhnq(2-) ion.