Various Stacking Patterns of Two-Dimensional Molecular Assemblies in Hydrogen-Bonded Cocrystals: Insight into Competitive Intermolecular Interactions and Control of Stacking Patterns.

Control over the stacking patterns in 2D molecular assemblies is demonstrated using chemical modification. A target system is a hydrogen-bonded cocrystal (2:1) composed of 2-pyrrolidone (Py) and chloranilic acid (CA) (PyCA). X-ray crystallography showed that weak intersheet interactions give rise to a variety of metastable overlapping patterns comprised of the 2D assemblies mainly formed via hydrogen bonds, affording reversible and irreversible structural phase transitions. We prepared cocrystals of Py and anilic acids bearing different halogens, in which 2D assemblies isostructural with those observed in PyCA exhibit various overlapping patterns. The order of stability for each overlapping pattern estimated using calculations of the intermolecular interactions did not completely coincide with those indicated by our experimental results, which can be explained by considering the entropic effect: the molecular motion of Py as detected using nuclear quadrupole resonance spectroscopy.

Confined water-mediated high proton conduction in hydrophobic channel of a synthetic nanotube.

Water confined within one-dimensional (1D) hydrophobic nanochannels has attracted significant interest due to its unusual structure and dynamic properties. As a representative system, water-filled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are generally studied, but direct observation of the crystal structure and proton transport is difficult for CNTs due to their poor crystallinity and high electron conduction. Here, we report the direct observation of a unique water-cluster structure and high proton conduction realized in a metal-organic nanotube, [Pt(dach)(bpy)Br]4(SO4)4·32H2O (dach: (1R, 2R)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane; bpy: 4,4'-bipyridine). In the crystalline state, a hydrogen-bonded ice nanotube composed of water tetramers and octamers is found within the hydrophobic nanochannel. Single-crystal impedance measurements along the channel direction reveal a high proton conduction of 10-2 Scm-1. Moreover, fast proton diffusion and continuous liquid-to-solid transition are confirmed using solid-state 1H-NMR measurements. Our study provides valuable insight into the structural and dynamical properties of confined water within 1D hydrophobic nanochannels.

Superionic Conduction over a Wide Temperature Range in a Metal-Organic Framework Impregnated with Ionic Liquids.

Most molecules in confined spaces show markedly different behaviors from those in the bulk. Large pores are composed of two regions: an interface region in which liquids interact with the pore surface, and a core region in which liquids behave as bulk. The realization of a highly mobile ionic liquid (IL) in a mesoporous metal-organic framework (MOF) is now reported. The hybrid shows a high room-temperature conductivity (4.4×10-3  S cm-1 ) and low activation energy (0.20 eV); both not only are among the best values reported for IL-incorporated MOFs but also are classified as a superionic conductor. The conductivity reaches over 10-2  S cm-1 above 343 K and follows the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann equation up to ca. 400 K. In particular, the hybrid is advantageous at low temperatures (<263 K), where the ionic conduction is superior to that of bulk IL, making it useful as solid-state electrolytes for electrochemical devices operating over a wide temperature range.

Double enhancement of hydrogen storage capacity of Pd nanoparticles by 20 at% replacement with Ir; systematic control of hydrogen storage in Pd-M nanoparticles (M = Ir, Pt, Au).

We report on binary solid-solution nanoparticles (NPs) composed of Pd and Ir, which are not miscible at the equilibrium state of the bulk, for the first time, by means of a process of hydrogen absorption/desorption from core (Pd)/shell (Ir) NPs. Only 20 at% replacement with Ir atoms doubled the hydrogen-storage capability compared to Pd NPs, which are a representative hydrogen-storage material. Furthermore, the systematic control of hydrogen concentrations and the corresponding pressure in Pd and Pd-M NPs (M = Ir, Pt, Au) have been achieved based on the band filling control of Pd NPs.

The Electronic State of Hydrogen in the α†Phase of the Hydrogen-Storage Material PdH(D)x : Does a Chemical Bond Between Palladium and Hydrogen Exist?

The palladium-hydrogen system is one of the most famous hydrogen-storage systems. Although there has been much research on ß-phase PdH(D)x , we comprehensively investigated the nature of the interaction between Pd and H(D) in α-phase PdH(D)x (x<0.03 at 303 K), and revealed the existence of Pd-H(D) chemical bond for the first time, by various in situ experimental techniques and first-principles theoretical calculations. The lattice expansion, magnetic susceptibility, and electrical resistivity all provide evidence. In situ solid-state 1 H and 2 H NMR spectroscopy and first-principles theoretical calculations revealed that a Pd-H(D) chemical bond exists in the α phase, but the bonding character of the Pd-H(D) bond in the α phase is quite different from that in the ß phase; the nature of the Pd-H(D) bond in the α phase is a localized covalent bond whereas that in the ß phase is a metallic bond.

Drastic rearrangement of self-assembled hydrogen-bonded tapes in a molecular crystal.

A 2 : 1 hydrogen-bonded crystal of 2-pyrrolidone and chloranilic acid shows structural phase transitions accompanied by the drastic rearrangement of hydrogen-bonded tapes. Such a phenomenon is attributed to the selective and directional character of hydrogen bonds.

Low temperature ionic conductor: ionic liquid incorporated within a metal-organic framework.

Ionic liquids (ILs) show promise as safe electrolytes for electrochemical devices. However, the conductivity of ILs decreases markedly at low temperatures because of strong interactions arising between the component ions. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are appropriate microporous host materials that can control the dynamics of ILs via the nanosizing of ILs and tunable interactions of MOFs with the guest ILs. Here, for the first time, we report on the ionic conductivity of an IL incorporated within a MOF. The system studied consisted of EMI-TFSA (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide) and ZIF-8 (Zn(MeIM)2, H(MeIM) = 2-methylimidazole) as the IL and the MOF, respectively. While the ionic conductivity of bulk EMI-TFSA showed a sharp decrease arising from freezing, the EMI-TFSA@ZIF-8 showed no marked decrease because there was no phase transition. The ionic conductivity of EMI-TFSA@ZIF-8 was higher than that of bulk EMI-TFSA below 250 K. This result points towards a novel method by which to design electrolytes for electrochemical devices such as batteries that can operate at low temperatures.

Introduction of an ionic liquid into the micropores of a metal-organic framework and its anomalous phase behavior.

Controlling the dynamics of ionic liquids (ILs) is a significant issue for widespread use. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are ideal host materials for ILs because of their small micropores and tunable host-guest interactions. Herein, we demonstrate the first example of an IL incorporated within the micropores of a MOF. The system studied consisted of EMI-TFSA (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide) and ZIF-8 (composed of Zn(MeIM)2 ; H(MeIM)=2-methylimidazole) as the IL and MOF, respectively. Construction of the EMI-TFSA in ZIF-8 was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction, nitrogen gas adsorption, and infrared absorption spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry and solid-state NMR measurements showed that the EMI-TFSA inside the micropores demonstrated no freezing transition down to 123 K, whereas bulk EMI-TFSA froze at 231 K. Such anomalous phase behavior originates from the nanosize effect of the MOF on the IL. This result provides a novel strategy for stabilizing the liquid phase of the ILs down to a lower temperature region.

Shape-dependent hydrogen-storage properties in Pd nanocrystals: which does hydrogen prefer, octahedron (111) or cube (100)?

Pd octahedrons and cubes enclosed by {111} and {100} facets, respectively, have been synthesized for investigation of the shape effect on hydrogen-absorption properties. Hydrogen-storage properties were investigated using in situ powder X-ray diffraction, in situ solid-state (2)H NMR and hydrogen pressure-composition isotherm measurements. With these measurements, it was found that the exposed facets do not affect hydrogen-storage capacity; however, they significantly affect the absorption speed, with octahedral nanocrystals showing the faster response. The heat of adsorption of hydrogen and the hydrogen diffusion pathway were suggested to be dominant factors for hydrogen-absorption speed. Furthermore, in situ solid-state (2)H NMR detected for the first time the state of (2)H in a solid-solution (Pd + H) phase of Pd nanocrystals at rt.

Hydrogen storage in Pd nanocrystals covered with a metal-organic framework.

Hydrogen is an essential component in many industrial processes. As a result of the recent increase in the development of shale gas, steam reforming of shale gas has received considerable attention as a major source of H2, and the more efficient use of hydrogen is strongly demanded. Palladium is well known as a hydrogen-storage metal and an effective catalyst for reactions related to hydrogen in a variety of industrial processes. Here, we present remarkably enhanced capacity and speed of hydrogen storage in Pd nanocrystals covered with the metal-organic framework (MOF) HKUST-1 (copper(II) 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate). The Pd nanocrystals covered with the MOF have twice the storage capacity of the bare Pd nanocrystals. The significantly enhanced hydrogen storage capacity was confirmed by hydrogen pressure-composition isotherms and solid-state deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. The speed of hydrogen absorption in the Pd nanocrystals is also enhanced by the MOF coating.

Magnetic anisotropy in a spin 1/2 quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnetic copper(II) complex CuCl2(pdz) with a staggered g-tensor.

We report an unusual magnetic anisotropy in a S = 1/2 1D antiferromagnetic (AF) compound CuCl2(pdz) (pdz = pyridazine). The magnetic susceptibility for H//a* and H//c showed characteristic behavior in the S = 1/2 1D Heisenberg AF system, whereas that for H//b exhibited a 1/T contribution. The origin of such an anomalous anisotropy in the magnetic susceptibility is explained by the staggered g-tensor of this compound.

Solid solution alloy nanoparticles of immiscible Pd and Ru elements neighboring on Rh: changeover of the thermodynamic behavior for hydrogen storage and enhanced CO-oxidizing ability.

Pd(x)Ru(1-x) solid solution alloy nanoparticles were successfully synthesized over the whole composition range through a chemical reduction method, although Ru and Pd are immiscible at the atomic level in the bulk state. From the XRD measurement, it was found that the dominant structure of Pd(x)Ru(1-x) changes from fcc to hcp with increasing Ru content. The structures of Pd(x)Ru(1-x) nanoparticles in the Pd composition range of 30-70% consisted of both solid solution fcc and hcp structures, and both phases coexist in a single particle. In addition, the reaction of hydrogen with the Pd(x)Ru(1-x) nanoparticles changed from exothermic to endothermic as the Ru content increased. Furthermore, the prepared Pd(x)Ru(1-x) nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced CO-oxidizing catalytic activity; Pd0.5Ru0.5 nanoparticles exhibit the highest catalytic activity. This activity is much higher than that of the practically used CO-oxidizing catalyst Ru and that of the neighboring Rh, between Ru and Pd.

Temperature dependence of one-dimensional hydrogen bonding in morpholinium hydrogen chloranilate studied by 35Cl nuclear quadrupole resonance and multi-temperature X-ray diffraction.

The temperature dependence of (35)Cl NQR frequencies and the spin-lattice relaxation times T(1) has been measured in the wide temperature range of 4.2-420 K for morpholinium hydrogen chloranilate in which a one-dimensional O-HO hydrogen-bonded molecular chain of hydrogen chloranilate ions is formed. An anomalous temperature dependence of the NQR frequencies was analyzed to deduce a drastic temperature variation of the electronic state of the hydrogen-bonded molecular chain. The hydrogen atom distribution in the OHO hydrogen bond is discussed from the results of NQR as well as multi-temperature X-ray diffraction. Above ca. 330 K, the T(1) showed a steep decrease with an activation energy of ca. 70 kJ mol(-1) and with an isotope ratio (37)Cl T(1)/(35)Cl T(1) = 0.97 ± 0.2. The orientational change of the z axis of electric field gradient tensor in conjunction with the hydrogen transfer between adjacent hydrogen chloranilate ions is suggested as a possible relaxation mechanism.

Nanosize-induced drastic drop in equilibrium hydrogen pressure for hydride formation and structural stabilization in Pd-Rh solid-solution alloys.

We have synthesized and characterized homogeneous solid-solution alloy nanoparticles of Pd and Rh, which are immiscible with each other in the equilibrium bulk state at around room temperature. The Pd-Rh alloy nanoparticles can absorb hydrogen at ambient pressure and the hydrogen pressure of Pd-Rh alloys for hydrogen storage is dramatically decreased by more than 4 orders of magnitude from the corresponding pressure in the metastable bulk state. The solid-solution state is still maintained in the nanoparticles even after hydrogen absorption/desorption, in contrast to the metastable bulks which are separated into Pd and Rh during the process.

Nanosize-induced hydrogen storage and capacity control in a non-hydride-forming element: rhodium.

We report the first example of nanosize-induced hydrogen storage in a metal that does not absorb hydrogen in its bulk form. Rhodium particles with diameters of <10 nm were found to exhibit hydrogen-storage capability, while bulk Rh does not absorb hydrogen. Hydrogen storage was confirmed by in situ powder X-ray diffraction, solid-state (2)H NMR, and hydrogen pressure-composition isotherm measurements. The hydrogen absorption capacity could be tuned by controlling the particle size.

Atomic-level Pd-Au alloying and controllable hydrogen-absorption properties in size-controlled nanoparticles synthesized by hydrogen reduction.

Size-controlled atomic-level Pd-Au alloy nanoparticles have been synthesized with a wide range of atomic ratios by a facile method using H2 gas, and their controllable hydrogen-absorption properties have been studied from hydrogen pressure-composition isotherms and solid-state 2H NMR spectra.

(129)I Mössbauer spectroscopic study of a metallic MMX chain system.

One-dimensional iodide-bridged mixed-valence binuclear platinum complexes (the so-called "MMX chains") and their Pt(III) dimer precursors were investigated with (129)I Mossbauer spectroscopy. Spectra consisting of two sets of octuplets were observed at low temperatures for a neutral MMX chain complex, Pt(2)(dtp)(4)I (dtp = C(2)H(5)CS(2)(-)), with various charge-ordering states at the Pt dimers, indicating that the charge-ordering state is in an alternate-charge-polarization phase (ACP: ...[Pt(2+)-Pt(3+)]-I(0.4-)-[Pt(3+)-Pt(2+)]...I(0.3-)...), which is consistent with a previous low-temperature X-ray diffraction study. The estimated valence states of the bridging iodines of [(C(2)H(5))(2)NH(2)](4)[Pt(2)(pop)(4)I] (pop = H(2)P(2)O(5)(2-)), with a charge-polarization phase (CP: ...[Pt(2+)-Pt(3+)]-I(0.4-)...[Pt(2+)-Pt(3+)]-I(0.4-)...), and [H(3)N(CH(2))(6)NH(3)](2)[Pt(2)(pop)(4)I], with a charge-density-wave phase (CDW: ...[Pt(2+)-Pt(2+)]...I(0.3-)-[Pt(3+)-Pt(3+)]-I(0.3-)...), suggest that the covalent bond interaction is dominant in the CDW phase, whereas the Coulomb interaction is dominant in the CP phase. The estimated absolute quadrupole coupling constant (QCC) values for negatively charged MMX chain complexes with pop ligands are larger than those for neutral MMX chain complexes with CH(3)CS(2)(-) (dta) ligands, implying that the Madelung potential formed by the more-negative pop ligands and countercations effectively contributes to the physical properties of the pop system. The three Pt(III) dimer complexes Pt(2)(dta)(4)I(2), Pt(2)(dtp)(4)I(2), and K(4)[Pt(2)(pop)(4)I(2)] showed almost the same isomer shifts, indicating that the valence state of the iodide ion (I(0.5-)) depends negligibly on the terminal ligand. The QCC value observed for K(4)[Pt(2)(pop)(4)I(2)] was larger than those for Pt(2)(dta)(4)I(2) and Pt(2)(dtp)(4)I(2), originating from the anisotropic arrangement of the iodide anions, which form layers lying on the ab plane in the crystal.

Size-controlled stabilization of the superionic phase to room temperature in polymer-coated AgI nanoparticles.

Solid-state ionic conductors are actively studied for their large application potential in batteries and sensors. From the view of future nanodevices, nanoscaled ionic conductors are attracting much interest. Silver iodide (AgI) is a well-known ionic conductor for which the high-temperature alpha-phase shows a superionic conductivity greater than 1 Omega(-1) cm(-1). Below 147 degrees C, alpha-AgI undergoes a phase transition into the poorly conducting beta- and gamma-polymorphs, thereby limiting its applications. Here, we report the facile synthesis of variable-size AgI nanoparticles coated with poly-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (PVP) and the controllable tuning of the alpha- to beta-/gamma-phase transition temperature (Tc). Tc shifts considerably to lower temperatures with decreasing nanoparticle size, leading to a progressively enlarged thermal hysteresis. Specifically, when the size approaches 10-11 nm, the alpha-phase survives down to 30 degrees C--the lowest temperature for any AgI family material. We attribute the suppression of the phase transition not only to the increase of the surface energy, but also to the presence of defects and the accompanying charge imbalance induced by PVP. Moreover, the conductivity of as-prepared 11 nm beta-/gamma-AgI nanoparticles at 24 degrees C is approximately 1.5 x 10(-2) Omega(-1) cm(-1)--the highest ionic conductivity for a binary solid at room temperature. The stabilized superionic phase and the remarkable transport properties at a practical temperature reported here suggest promising applications in silver-ion-based electrochemical devices.

Synthesis of a one-dimensional metal-dimer assembled system with interdimer interaction, M2(dtp)4 (M = Ni, Pd; dtp = dithiopropionato).

A metal-dimer assembled system, M(2)(dtp)(4) (M = Ni, Pd; dtp = dithiopropionate, C(2)H(5)CS(2-)), was synthesized and analyzed by the X-ray single-crystal diffraction method, UV-vis-near-IR spectra of solutions, solid-state diffuse reflectance spectroscopies, and electrical conductivity measurements. The structures exhibit one-dimensional metal-dimer chains of M(2)(dtp)(4) with moderate interdimer contact. These complexes are semiconducting or insulating, which is consistent with the fully filled d(z)2 band of M(II)(d(8)). Interdimer metal-metal distances were 3.644(2) Angstroms in Ni(2)(dtp)(4) and 3.428(2) Angstroms in Pd(2)(dtp)(4), each of which is marginally longer than twice the van der Waals radius of the metal. Interdimer charge-transfer transitions were nevertheless observed in diffuse reflectance spectra. The origin of this transition is considered to be due to an overlap of two adjacent d(sigma) orbitals, which spread out more than the d(z)2 orbital because of the antibonding d(sigma) character of the M(d(z)2)-M(d(z)2). The Ni(2)(dtp)(4) exhibited an interdimer charge-transfer band at a relatively low energy region, which is derived from the Coulomb repulsion of the 3d(sigma) orbital of Ni.

The NQR observation of spin-Peierls transition in an antiferromagnetic MX-chain complex [NiBr(chxn)2]Br2.

81Br Nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) measurement was performed in an S = 1/2 one-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnetic metal complex [NiBr(chxn)2]Br2 (chxn: 1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane), having a halogen-bridged MX chain structure -Br-Ni3+-Br-Ni3+-Br-. Two 81Br NQR signals were observed below 40 K, while a single signal was observed above 130 K, showing the presence of two nonequivalent bridging Br sites below 40 K. This NQR result together with previously reported magnetic susceptibility and X-ray results indicate the occurrence of a transition into a spin-Peierls state between 40 and 130 K. This communication reports the first spin-Peierls transition in metal complexes in which pure d electrons contribute to the magnetism. In addition, we demonstrated a new experimental method for studying a spin-Peierls system.