Carbon Nanotube/Silica Coaxial Nanocable as a Three-Dimensional Support for Loading Diverse Ultra-High-Density Metal Nanostructures: Facile Preparation and Use as Enhanced Materials for Electrochemical Devices and SERS

In this paper, we have reported a very simple strategy (combined sonication with sol-gel techniques) for synthesizing well-defined silica-coated carbon nanotube (CNT) coaxial nanocable without prior CNT functionalization. After functionalization with NH2 group, the CNT/silica coaxial nanocable has been employed as a three-dimensional support for loading ultra-high-density metal or hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) such as gold NPs, Au/Pt hybrid NPs, Pt hollow NPs, and Au/Ag core/shell NPs. Most importantly, it is found that the ultra-high-density Au/Pt NPs supported on coaxial nanocables (UASCN) could be used as enhanced materials for constructing electrochemical devices with high performance. Four model probe molecules (O-2, CH3OH, H2O2, and NH2NH2) have been investigated on UASCN-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). It was observed that the present UASCN exhibited high electrocatalytic activity toward diverse molecules and was a promising electrocatalyst for constructing electrochemical devices with high performance. For instance, the detection limit for H2O2 with a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 was found to be 0.3 mu M, which was lower than certain enzyme-based biosensors.

Synthesis, structure and optical properties of different dimensional organic-inorganic perovskites

By varying the substituent position of aminomethyl on pyridine ring in acid solution, different dimensional lead bromide frameworks ranging from zero-dimension and one-dimension to two-dimension were obtained. 2-(Aminomethyl)pyridine (2-AMP) or 3-(aminomethyl)pyridine (3-AMP) and PbBr2 construct hybrid perovskites, of which (H(2)2-AMP)PbBr4 (1) exhibits two-dimensional perovskite sheets with special hydrogen bonds and (H(2)3-AMP)PbBr6 (2) shows an uncommon zero-dimensional inorganic framework with isolated octahedra. The characteristic exciton peaks in absorption spectra are located at 431 nm for compound 1 and at 428 nm for compound 2. (H(2)4-AMP)PbBr4 (3) with one-dimensional zigzag edge-sharing octahedral PbBr(4)(2-)chains can be obtained using 4-(aminomethyl)pyridine (4-AMP) as organic component under the same experimental conditions as those for 2-AMP and 3-AMP.

Thermoluminescence properties of Ce3+-doped LiSr4(BO3)(3) phosphor

Borates LiSr4(BO3)(3) were synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction. The thermoluminescence (TL) and some of the dosimetric characteristics of Ce3+-activated LiSr4(BO3)(3) were reported. The TL glow curve is composed of only one peak located at about 209 degrees C between room temperature and 500 degrees C. The Optimum Ce3+ concentration is 1 mol% to obtain the highest TL intensity. The TL kinetic parameters of LiSr4(BO3)(3):0.01Ce(3+) were studied by the peak shape method. The TL dose response is linear in the protection dose ranging from 1 mGy to 1 Gy. The three-dimensional thermoluminescence emission spectra were also studied, peaking at 441 and 474 nm due to the characteristic transition of Ce3+.

Supramolecular architectures, photophysics, and electroluminescence of 1,3,4-oxadiazole-based iridium(III) complexes: From mu-dichloro bridged dimer to mononuclear complexes

One mu-dichloro bridged diiridium complex and three mononuclear iridium(III) complexes based on the 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as cyclometalated ligands and acetylacetonate (acac) or dithiolates O,O'-diethyldithiophosphate (Et(2)dtp) or N,N'-diethyldithiocarbamate (Et(2)dtc) as ancillary ligands have been synthesized and systematically studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. The results reveal that three mononuclear complexes all adopt distorted octahedral coordination geometry around the iridium center by two chelating ligands with cis-C-C and trans-N-N dispositions, which have the same coordination mode as the diiridium dimer. The dinuclear complex crystallizes in the monoclinic system and space group C2/c, whereas three mononuclear iridium complexes are all triclinic system and space group P(1) over bar. In the stacking structure of the dimer, one-dimensional tape-like chains along the b-axis are formed by hydrogen bondings, which are strengthened by pi stacking interactions between phenyl rings of 1,3,4-oxadiazole ligands. Then these chains assemble a three-dimensional alternating peak and valley fused wave-shape structure. In each stacking structure of three mononuclear complexes, two molecules form a dimer by the C-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bondings, and these dimers are connected by pi stacking interactions along the b-axis, constructing a zigzag chain.

Assembly of one-dimensional organic luminescent nanowires based on quinacridone derivatives

The quinacridone derivatives N,N'-dialkyl-1,3,8,10-tetramethylquinacridone (CnTMQA, n = 6, 10, 14) were used as building blocks to assemble luminescent nano- and microscale wires. It was demonstrated that CnTMQA with different lengths of alkyl chains display obviously different wire formation properties. C10TMQA and C14TMQA showed a stronger tendency to form 1-D nano- and microstructures compared with C6TMQA. The C10TMQA molecules could be employed to fabricate the wires with different diameters, which exhibited a size-dependent luminescence property. The emission spectrum of the C10TMQA wires with diameters of 200-500 nm shows a broad emission band at 560 nm and a shoulder at around 535 nm, while the emission spectrum of the C10TMQA wires with diameters of 2-3 mu m reveals a narrower emission band at 563 nm. For the CnTMQA-based samples with different morphologies, the emission property change tendency agrees with that of the powder X-ray diffraction patterns of these samples.

Hydrothermal synthesis, structure characterization of a new mixed Mo/V metal-oxygen cluster compound: [Co(phen)(3)](2)[HPMo4V (Mo4V6IV)-V-VI M2O44]center dot 4H(2)O, (M=0.78Mo(V)+0.22V(IV))

A new polyoxometalate [Co(phen)(3)](2)[HPMo4V Mo-4(VI) V-6(IV) M2O44]center dot 4H(2)O (M = 0.78Mo(V)+ 0.22V(IV)) 1 was hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analyses, X-ray photoelectron spectrum, ESR and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The title compound is in the triclinic space group P (1) over bar with a = 12.0953(7) angstrom, b = 14.0182(6) angstrom, c = 14.6468(7) angstrom, V=2402.55(18) angstrom(3), alpha = 105.134(2), beta = 91.841(3), gamma = 91.401(2), Z = 1, and R-1 (wR(2)) = 0.0617 (0.1701). The compound was prepared from tetra-capped pseudo-Kepin with phosphorus-centered polyoxoanions [PMo8V6M2O44](5-) , [Co(phen)(3)](2+) cations and linked through hydrogen bonds and pi-pi stacking interaction into three-dimensional supramolecular framework. Astudy of the magnetic properties of 1 demonstrates that it exhibits antiferromagnetic coupling interactions.

Supramolecular isomerism in zinc hydroxide coordination polymers with pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid: Two polymorphs with centrosymmetric two-dimensional and acentric three-dimensional coordination networks

Reactions of Zn(BF4)(2) and pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (2,4-pydcH(2)) in the presence of 1,2-bis( 4-pyridyl) ethylene or 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl) propane under hydro(solvo) thermal conditions yielded two polymorphic metal-organic coordination polymers formulated as Zn-2(OH)(2)(2,4-pydc) (1 and 2). Polymorph 1 features a two-dimensional (2-D) layer-like structure that is constructed by 2,4-pydc ligands bridging between the Zn-OH-Zn double-chain units. Each single Zn-OH-Zn chain is composed of mu(2)-OH groups connecting trigonal bipyramidal and tetrahedral Zn centers. Polymorph 2 is a 3-D coordination polymer containing 2-D Zn-OH-Zn sheets that consist of mu(2)- and mu(3)-OH groups and trigonal bipyramidal Zn centers. The sheets are pillared by 2,4-pydc ligands to form an acentric structural architecture. 1 and 2 are rare examples that the two polymorphs exhibit a centrosymmetric 2-D coordination network and an acentric 3-D coordination network, respectively. The different structures lead to differences in photoluminescent properties and thermal stabilities for 1 and 2.

Assemble of poly(aniline-co-o-aminobenzenesulfonic acid) three-dimensional tubal net-works onto ITO electrode and its application for the direct electrochemistry and electrocatalytic behavior of cytochrome c

Stable electroactive film of poly(aniline-co-o-aminobenzenesulfonic acid) three-dimensional tubal net-works was assembled on indium oxide glass (ITO) successfully, and the cytochrome c was immobilized on the matrix by the electrostatic interactions. The adsorbed cytochrome c showed a good electrochemical activity with a pair of well-defined redox waves in pH 6.2 phosphate buffer solution, and the adsorbed protein showed more faster electron transfer rate (12.9 s(-1)) on the net-works matrix than those of on inorganic porous or even nano-materials reported recently. The immobilized cytochrome c exhibited a good electrocatalytic activity and amperometric response (2 s) for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The detection limit for H2O2 was 1.5 mu M, and the linear range was from 3 mu M to 1 mM. Poly(aniline-co-o-aminobenzenesulfonic acid) three-dimensional tubal net-works was proved to be a good matrix for protein immobilization and biosensor preparation.

Geometries and electronic properties of Ta-n, TanO and TaOn (n=1-3) clusters

Geometries, vibrational frequencies, electron affinities, ionization potentials and dissociation energies of the title clusters in both neutral and positively and negatively charged states were studied by use of density functional theory. For both neutral and charged species, different initial isomers were studied in order to determine the structure with the lowest energy. Vibrational analysis was also performed in order to characterize these isomers. For Ta-2, Ta-Ta metallic bond is strengthened by adding or removing an electron, i.e. the charged species are much more stable than the neutral counterpart. For Ta-3, equilateral triangle with D-3h symmetry has the lowest energy for both neutral and charged species (near equilateral triangle for cation). TaO and its charged species have much larger dissociation energy compared with other tantalum oxides. For Ta2O and TaO2. structure with C-2v symmetry is much more stable than linear chains. For Ta3O, planar structure with doubly bridging oxygen atoms of C-2v, symmetry is the global minimum for both neutral and charged species. While for TaO3, three-dimensional structures are favored for both neutral (C-1 symmetry) and charged species (C-3v symmetry).

A new alpha-Keggin type polyoxometalate coordinated to four silver complex moieties: {PW9V3O40[Ag(2,2 '-bipy)](2)[Ag-2(2,2 '-bipy)(3)](2)}

A new polyoxometalate derivative {PW9V3O40[Ag(2,2'-bipy)](2)[Ag-2(2,2'-bipy)(3)](2)} 1 has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by the single crystal X-ray diffraction. X-Ray analysis showed that both [Ag(2,2'-bipy)](+) and [Ag-2(2,2'-bipy)(3)](2+) units are supported on the alpha-Keggin polyoxoanion [PW9V3O40](6-) via the surface bridging oxygen atoms. 1 represents the first alpha-Keggin type polyoxoanion coordinated with four transition metal complex moieties, which further acts as a neutral molecular units for the construction of an interesting three-dimensional supramolecular framework.

New high-dimensional networks based on polyoxometalate and crown ether building blocks

Three novel supramolecular assemblies constructed from polyoxometalate and crown ether building blocks, [(DB18C6)Na(H2O)(1.5)](2)Mo6O19.CH3CN, 1, and [{Na(DB18C6)(H2O)(2)}(3)(H2O)(2)]XMo12O40.6DMF.CH3CN (X = P, 2, and As, 3; DB18C6 = dibenzo-18-crown-6; DMF = N,N-dimethylfomamide), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis, EPR, TG, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/mbm with a = 16.9701(6) Angstrom, c = 14.2676(4) Angstrom, and Z = 2. Compound 2 crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6(3)/m with a = 15,7435(17) Angstrom, c = 30.042(7) Angstrom, gamma = 120degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 3 crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6(3)/m with a = 15.6882(5) Angstrom, c = 29.9778(18) Angstrom, gamma = 120degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 1 exhibits an unusual three-dimensional network with one-dimensional sandglasslike channels based on the extensive weak forces between the oxygen atoms on the [Mo6O19](2-) polyoxoanions and the CH2 groups of crown ether molecules, Compounds 2 and 3 are isostructural, and both contain a novel semiopen cagelike trimeric cation [{Na(DB18C6)(H2O)(2)}(3)(H2O)(2)](3+). In their packing arrangement, an interesting 2-D "honeycomblike" "host" network is formed, in which the [XMo12O40](3-) (X = As and P) polyoxoanion "guests" resided.

Novel polyoxometalate-templated, 3-D supramolecular networks based on lanthanide dimers: Synthesis, structure, and fluorescent properties of [Ln(2)(DNBA)(4)(DMF)(8)][Mo6O19] (DNBA=3,5-dinitrobenzoate)

The spherical Lindquist type polyoxometalate, Mo6O192-, has been used as a noncoordinating anionic template for the construction of novel three-dimensional lanthanide-aromatic monocarboxylate dimer supramolecular networks [Ln(2)(DNBA)(4)(DMF)(8)][Mo6O19] (Ln = La 1, Ce 2, and Eu 3, DNBA = 3,5-dinitrobenzoate, DMF = dimethylformamide). The title compounds are characterized by elemental analyses, IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffractions. X-ray diffraction experiments reveal that two Ln(III) ions are bridged by four 3,5-dinitrobenzoate anions as asymmetrically bridging ligands, leading to dimeric cores, [Ln(2)(DNBA)(4)(DMF)(8)](2+); [Ln(2)(DNBA)(4)(DMF)(8)](2+) groups are joined together by pi-pi stacking interactions between the aromatic groups to form a two-dimensional grid-like network; the 2-D supramolecular layers are further extended into 3-D supramolecular networks with 1-D box-like channels by hydrogen-bonding interactions, in which hexamolybdate polyanions reside. The compounds represent the first examples of 3-D carboxylate-bridged lanthanide dimer supramolecular "host" networks formed by pi-pi stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions encapsulating noncoordinating "guest" polyoxoanion species. The fluorescent activity of compound 3 is reported.

A novel 3D network coordination polymer consisting of paddlewheel Co-3 clusters connected by PO4 and 4-pyridinecarboxylate

The synthesis, structural characterization and preliminary magnetic studies of a novel coordination polymer with paddlewheel Co-3 clusters are reported firstly. In the polymer, Co-3 clusters are covalently linked through PO4 tetrahedra and 4-pyridinecarboxylate (4-pya) ligands into interpenetrated three-dimensional network.

Novel hydrogen-bonded three-dimensional networks encapsulating one-dimensional covalent chains: [M(4,4 '-bipy)(H2O)4](4-abs)2 center dot nH(2)O (4,4 '-bipy=4,4 '-Bipyridine; 4-abs=4-aminobenzenesulfonate) (M=Co, n=1; M=Mn, n=2)

Two novel compounds, [Co(4,4'-bipy)(H2O)(4)](4-abS)(2).H2O (1) and [Mn(4,4'-bipy)(H2O)(4)](4-abs)(2).2H(2)O (2) (4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine; 4-abs = 4-aminobenzenesulfonate), have been synthesized in aqueous solution and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, UV-vis and IR spectra, and TG analysis. X-ray structural analysis revealed that 1 and 2 both possess unusual hydrogen-bonded three-dimensional (3-D) networks encapsulating one-dimensional (1-D) covalently bonded infinite [M(4,4'-bipy)(H2O)(4)](2+) (M = Co, Mn) chains. The 4-abs anions in 1 form 1-D zigzag chains through hydrogen bonds. These chains are further extended through crystallization water molecules into 3-D hydrogen-bonded networks with 1-D channels, in which the [Co(4,4'-bipy)(H2O)(4)](2+) linear covalently bonded chains are located. Crystal data for 1: C22H30CoN4O11S2, monoclinic P2(1), a = 11.380(2) Angstrom, b = 8.0274(16) Angstrom, c = 15.670(3) Angstrom, alpha = gamma = 90degrees, beta = 92.82(3)degrees, Z = 2. Compound 2 contains interesting two-dimensional (2-D) honeycomb-like networks formed by 4-abs anions and lattice water molecules via hydrogen bonding, which are extended through other crystallization water molecules into three dimensions with 1-D hexagonal channels. The [Mn(4,4'-bipy)(H2O)(4)](2+) linear covalent chains exist in these channels. Crystal data for 2: C22H32WN4O12S2, monoclinic P2(1)/c, a = 15.0833(14) Angstrom, b = 8.2887(4) Angstrom, c = 23.2228(15) Angstrom, alpha = gamma = 90degrees, beta = 95.186(3)degrees, Z = 4.

Branched crystal morphology of linear polyethylene crystallized in a two-dimensional diffusion-controlled growth field

The branched crystal morphology of linear polyethylene formed at various temperatures from thin films has been studied by atomic-force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction (ED) pattern and polymer decoration technique. Two types of branched patterns, i.e. dendrite and seaweed patterns, have been visualized. The fractal dimension d(f) = 1.65 of both dendrite and some of seaweed patterns was obtained by using the box-counting method, although most of the seaweed patterns are compact. Selected-area ED patterns indicate that the fold stems tilt about 34.5degrees around the b-axis and polymer decoration patterns show that the chain folding direction and regularity in two (200). regions are quite different from each other. Because of chain tilting, branched crystals show three striking features: 1) the lamella-like branches show two (200) regions with different thickness; 2) the crystals usually bend towards the thin region; 3) the thick region grows faster by developing branches, thus branches usually occur outside the thick region. The branched patterns show a characteristic width w, which gives a linear relationship with the crystallization temperature on a semilogarithmic plot.