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Changes in the global bulk and local structures, of three different barium compounds (BaZrO3, BaF2, and BaFCl),were induced by mechanical milling and followed using X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), subsequent microstructure analysis, and 137Ba solid state NMR spectroscopy. Harder materials like BaZrO3 experience significantly higher structural changes upon milling than softer materials like BaF2. Moreover, soft materials with layered structures, like BaFCl, show a pronounced structural change during the milling process. By combining PXRD and solid state NMR, detailed information on the changes to the global and local structures were obtained, which are of interest for mechanochemical synthesis, mechanically treated catalysts or ionic conductors.
New coordination polymers with 2D network structures with fluorine directly coordinated to the metal ion were prepared both via mechanochemical synthesis and fluorolytic sol–gel synthesis. Depending on the synthesis route, the samples show different particle sizes, according to SEM imaging. The crystal structures of barium acetate fluoride, strontium acetate fluoride, and lead acetate fluoride (BaFIJCH3COO), SrFIJCH3COO) and PbFIJCH3COO)) were solved from X-ray powder diffraction data. The structure solution is backed by the results from 19F MAS NMR, FT IR data, and thermal analysis. The calculated chemical shifts of the 19F MAS NMR spectra coincide well with the measured ones. It turns out that the grinding conditions have a remarkable influence on the mechanochemical synthesis and its products. Our systematic study also indicates a strong influence of the atomic radii of Ca, Sr, Ba, and Pb on the success of the syntheses.
This study investigates the mechanochemical reactions between AgBr 3-picolylamine and 4-picolylamine. The use of different stoichiometry ratios of the reagents allows [(AgBr)(n-pica)]n and [(AgBr)2(n-pica)]n to be obtained, and we report the new structures of [(AgBr)2(3-pica)]n and [(AgBr)2(4-pica)]n which are characterized by the presence of the following: (a) infinite inorganic chains, (b) silver atom coordinated only by bromide atoms and (c) argentophilic interactions. Furthermore, we studied the interconversion of [(AgBr)(n-pica)]n/[(AgBr)2(n-pica)]n by mechanochemical and thermal properties. The in situ experiments suggest that [(AgBr)(3-pica)]n is kinetically favoured while [(AgBr)2(3-pica)]n is converted into [(AgBr)(3-pica)]n only with a high excess of the ligand. Finally, the liquid nature of the ligands is not sufficient to assist the grinding process, and the complete reaction is observed with the addition of a small quantity of acetonitrile.
The syntheses and crystal structures of two cerium(IV) phosphonates are presented. Cerium(IV) bis(phenylphosphonate) Ce(O3PC6H5)2 1 can be formed from precipitation and mechanochemical reaction, whereas cerium(IV) bis(carboxymethylphosphonate) monohydrate Ce(O3PCH2COOH)2 H2O 2 is only accessible via ball milling. All reactions proceed very fast and are completed within a short time span. In situ measurements for the syntheses of 1 show that the product occurs within seconds or a few minutes, respectively. The structures were solved from powder X-ray diffraction data.
Proline has been widely used for various cocrystallization applications, including pharmaceutical cocrystals. Combining enantiopure and racemic flurbiprofen and proline, we discovered 18 new crystal structures. Liquid-assisted grinding proved highly efficient to explore all the variety of crystal forms. A unique combination of stateof-the-art characterization techniques, comprising variable temperature in situ X-ray diffraction and in situ ball-milling, along with other physicochemical methods and density functional theory calculations, was indispensable for identifying all the phases. Analyzing the results of in situ ball-milling, we established a stepwise mechanism for the formation of several 1:1 cocrystals via an intermediate 2:1 phase. The nature of the solvent in liquidassisted grinding was found to significantly affect the reaction rate and, in some cases, the reaction pathway.
Ball mass is an important parameter that is known to have an influence on the outcome of a mechanochemical reaction induced by ball-milling. A standard way of modifying the ball mass is to change the size of the ball made of the same material. In this case, however, a change in mass is accompanied by a simulatneous change in the ball size. It is therefore not possible to disentangle the effects of mass and Surface area in these cases. In the present work we report the results of experiments with specially designed and manufactured balls in which (1) milling ball mass is held constant, but their size differs, and (2) the ball mass is altered, with the diameter of the milling ball being held constant. Using the cocrystallisation of theophylline + nicotinamide as a case study it was found that both diameter and ball mass play crucial roles in determining the rate of a mechanochemical reaction. For comparison, we have also used milling balls with the same size (different mass), and others with the same mass (different size) made of different materials, as would be “traditional”. It was found that, despite having the same size, the lightest milling ball (nylon) was the most efficient in initiating the co-crystallisation, presumably due to the sorption of EtOH. Hence, the results of this manuscript also demonstrate how milling ball material can in fact be the most influential parameter, and potentially counterintuitive to classical mechanics.
n this work, three new pharmaceutical hydrated salts of ciprofloxacin with selected derivatives of benzoic acid, namely 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-aminobenzoic acid and gallic acid, were obtained and systematically investigated by several solid-state analytical techniques. In situ Raman spectroscopy was applied to elucidate the alternative pathways of the solid forms' formation under mechanochemical conditions. Crystal structure analysis and a CSD survey allowed us to establish a distinct supramolecular motif formed by infinite columnar stacks of ciprofloxacin dimers arranged in the “head-to-tail” manner. An alternative “head-to-head” packing arrangement was only observed in the crystal of the hydrated ciprofloxacin salt with 4-aminobenzoic acid. In addition, the pH-solubility behavior of the solid forms was thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, a distinct structure–property relationship between the specific features of the supramolecular organization of the hydrated salts and their solubility was observed and discussed.
Mechanochemistry offers an environmentally benign and facile synthesis method for a variety of cement paste constituents. In addition, these methods can be used to selectively tune the properties of cement components. The mineral ettringite is an important component of cementitious materials and has additional technological potential due to its ion exchange properties.
Synthesis of ettringite via mechanochemistry is an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional wet-chemical synthesis established in industry. This contribution explores the mechanism of a two-step mechanochemical synthesis of ettringite, which was previously found to greatly improve the reaction conversion as compared with one-pot synthesis. The crystallinity of Al(OH)3 was found to decrease during the first stage of this mechanochemical synthesis. This was correlated to a significant decrease in the particle size of Al(OH)3 in this stage. No other significant changes were found for the other components, suggesting that mechanochemical activation of Al(OH)3 is responsible for the enhanced formation of ettringite by the two-step approach. The environmentally friendly approach developed for ettringite synthesis offers a versatile synthetic strategy, which can be applied to synthesise further cementitious materials.
Here, we report on a first mechanochemical synthesis of ettringite, an important cement hydrate phase. The mineral compound ettringite ([Ca3Al(OH)6]2·(SO4)3·26H2O) occurs rarely in nature, but is common for cement-based materials. Ettringite has wide technical application in the ceramic and paper industry. However, its typical wet-chemical synthesis is cumbersome and produces waste water and CO2 emissions. Here, we investigate the first mechanochemical synthesis of ettringite for developing an easy and sustainable alternative for industrial application. The mechanosynthesis was monitored in situ by coupled synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared thermography (IRT). The consumption of the reactants and the formation of the reaction product were monitored with time-resolved XRD. IRT showed the temperature increase based on the exothermic reaction. The reaction conversion was significantly improved changing the strategy of the mechanosynthesis from a one- to a two-step process. The latter included neat pregrinding of solid reactants followed by a delayed addition of the stoichiometric amount of water. Thus, an increase of reaction conversion from 34 to 94% of ettringite could be achieved.
The application of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is still limited by their rapid capacity fading. The pulverization of the sulfur positive electrode after the lithiation and the consequence dissolution of long chain polysulfides in organic solvents lead to the shuttle effect. To address these issues, here we report the mechanochemical preparation of ZIF-8 (Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-8)-based composites as sulfur hosts for positive electrodes in Li-S batteries. We studied different methods for the incorporation of conductive carbon. Also, the replacement of Zn2+ metal centers by other bivalent metals (Cu2+, Co2+ and Ni2+), enabled the preparation of other ZIF-8-based materials. The positive electrode ZIF-8/C/S8 showed initial discharges of 772 mA h g−1 while the pristine one, ZIF-8/S8, displayed 502 mA h g−1. The enhanced performance of 54% for ZIF-8/C/S8 indicates that the direct mechanochemical synthesis of ZIF-8 with conductive carbon is beneficial at initials charge/discharge process in comparison to traditional slurry preparation (ZIF-8/S8). Also, the Li2S6 absorption tests shows 87% of discoloration with ZIF-8/C/S8, confirming the better polysulfides absorption.
We present an approach towards the in situ solid state NMR monitoring of mechanochemical reactions in a ball mill. A miniaturized vibration ball mill is integrated into the measuring coil of a home-built solid state NMR probe, allowing for static solid state NMR measurements during the mechanochemical reaction within the vessel. The setup allows to quantitatively follow the product evolution of a prototypical mechanochemical reaction, the formation of zinc phenylphosphonate from zinc acetate and phenylphosphonic acid. MAS NMR investigations on the final reaction mixture confirmed a reaction yield of 89% in a typical example. Thus, NMR spectroscopy may in the future provide complementary information about reaction mechanisms of mechanochemical reactions and team up with other analytical methods which have been employed to follow reactions in situ, such as Raman spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction.
Catalysts derived from pyrolysis of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising candidates to replace expensive and scarce platinum-based electrocatalysts commonly used in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. MOFs contain ordered connections between metal centers and organic ligands. They can be pyrolyzed into metal- and nitrogen-doped carbons, which show electrocatalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Furthermore, metal-free heteroatom-doped carbons, such as N-F-Cs, are known for being active as well. Thus, a carbon material with Co-N-F doping could possibly be even more promising as ORR electrocatalyst. Herein, we report the mechanochemical synthesis of two polymorphs of a zeolitic imidazole framework, Co-doped zinc 2-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazolate (Zn0.9Co0.1(CF3-Im)2). Time-resolved in situ X-ray diffraction studies of the mechanochemical formation revealed a direct conversion of starting materials to the products. Both polymorphs of Zn0.9Co0.1(CF3-Im)2 were pyrolyzed, yielding Co-N-F containing carbons, which are active toward electrochemical ORR.
The mechanism of mixed-ligand metal–organic framework (MOF) formation, and the possible role of intermediate single-ligand metal complexes during mechanosynthesis, have not been explored yet. For the first time, we report here in situ real-time monitoring of the mechanochemical formation mechanism of mixed-ligand MOFs. Our results show that binary phases can act as intermediates or competing products in one-pot and stepwise synthesis.
Water-stable metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) with proton-conducting behavior have attracted great attention as promising materials for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. Herein, we report the mechanochemical gram-scale synthesis of three new mixed-ligand phosphonate-based MOFs, {Co(H2PhDPA)(4,4′-bipy)H2O)·2H2O}n (BAM-1), {Fe(H2PhDPA)(4,4′-bipy) (H2O)·2H2O}n (BAM-2), and {Cu(H2PhDPA)(dpe)2(H2O)2·2H2O}n (BAM-3) [where H2PhDPA = phenylene diphosphonate, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, and dpe = 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene]. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that BAM-1 and BAM-2 are isostructural and possess a three-dimensional (3D) network structure comprising one-dimensional (1D) channels filled with guest water molecules. Instead, BAM-3 displays a 1D network structure extended into a 3D supramolecular structure through hydrogenbonding and π−π interactions. In all three structures, guest water molecules are interconnected with the uncoordinated acidic hydroxyl groups of the phosphonate moieties and coordinated water molecules by means of extended hydrogen-bonding interactions. BAM-1 and BAM-2 showed a gradual increase in proton conductivity with increasing temperature and reached 4.9 × 10−5 and 4.4 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 90 °C and 98% relative humidity (RH). The highest proton conductivity recorded for BAM-3 was 1.4 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 50 °C and 98% RH. Upon further heating, BAM-3 undergoes dehydration followed by a phase transition to another crystalline form which largely affects its performance. All compounds exhibited a proton hopping (Grotthuss model) mechanism, as suggested by their low activation energy.
We studied the influence of coformers flexibility on the supramolecular assembly of 5-substituted resorcinol. Two cocrystals of orcinol (ORL) with two dipyridine molecules, i.e. 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethane (ORLeBPE) and 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene (ORLeBPY), were prepared by mechanochemical synthesis and slow evaporation of solvent. The new crystalline solids were thoroughly characterized by single crystal Xray diffraction (SCXRD), powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Structural determination reveals that in both cocrystals, the phenolepyridine, i.e. OeH/N(py) heterosynthon takes the main role in the formation of cocrystals. In ORLeBPE, the components form infinite 1D zig-zag chains, which are extended to 2D layer structure by inter-chain CeH/O interactions between BPE hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl oxygen atoms of ORL. In ORLeBPY, the components form a 0D fourcomponent complex. Formation of the discrete assemblies is attributed to the comparative rigid nature of BPY, which restricts the formation of an extended network.
Crystalline porous materials are recognized as promising proton conductors for the proton exchange membrane (PEM) in fuel cell technology owing to their tunable framework structure. However, it is still a challenging bulk synthesis for real-world applications of these materials. Herein, we report the mechanochemical gram-scale synthesis of two isostructural metal hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (MHOFs) of Co(II) and Ni(II) based on 1-hydroxyethylidenediphosphonic acid (HEDPH4) with 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bipy): Co(HEDPH3)2(2,2′-bipy)·H2O (1) and Ni(HEDPH3)2(2,2′-bipy)·H2O (2). In situ monitoring of the mechanochemical synthesis using different synchrotron-based techniques revealed a one-step mechanism – the starting materials are directly converted to the product. With the existence of extensive hydrogen bonds with amphiprotic uncoordinated phosphonate hydroxyl and oxygen atoms, both frameworks exhibited proton conduction in the range of 10–4 S cm–1 at room temperature under humid conditions. This study demonstrates the potential of green mechanosynthesis for bulk material preparation of framework-based solid-state proton conductors.
In current Li-ion batteries electrode materials consist typically of inorganic materials, such as LiCoO2, LiNixCoyMn1-zO2, LiFePO4, Li4Ti5O12. These materials struggle with toxicity or limited mineral resources, making them expensive. Therefore, eco-friendly, sustainable, and low-cost alternatives are researched for in recent years. A series of organic compounds were investigated as electrode materials for alkali-ion batteries. Among them organic carbonyl-based materials show reversible storage of lithium- or sodium-ions. Metal terephthalates stand out with their easy synthesis, moderate operational voltage and enhanced dissolution stability compared to other organic compounds. One degradation pathway consists of the dissolution of the electrode material by HF, formed in a side reaction by water and the fluorous electrolyte. Fluorinated metal terephthalates could offer higher dissolution stability against HF and less contamination by water due to their increased hydrophobicity.
The goal of this project is the synthesis and the investigation of the formation mechanism of a series of calcium-based MOFs with increasing fluorine content. For this purpose, we aimed for the construction of calcium-based MOFs with terephthalic acid (H2-pBDC), 2-fluoro-terephthalic acid (H2-2F-pBDC), 2,3,4,5-tetrafluoroterephthalic acid (H2-pBDC-F4), isophthalic acid (H2-mBDC) and 5-fluoro-isophthalic acid (H2-5F-mBDC).
The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) – an important reaction in electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells - is characterized by its sluggish kinetics and therefore requires catalysis. The industry currently relies on platinum as a catalyst, although it is scarce and expensive, hindering the commercial breakthrough of fuel cells in automotive applications. Platinum-free catalysts on basis of nitrogen- and metal doped carbons (NMCs) and fluorinated carbons are promising materials to replace platinum-based catalysts for the ORR. In this work we prepared six metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by mechanical ball mill grinding and studied their formation by in-situ powder X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, the samples were carbonized under controlled conditions (900°C, 1h, N2-atmosphere) to yield carbon materials, that were employed in ORR-electrocatalysis. The effect of Co-doping and fluorination was systematically studied and outstanding ORR activity was found for the catalyst prepared from the Co-doped fluorinated ZIF-8.
The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a common process in a variety of electrochemical devices, like fuel cells and metal air batteries. The sluggish kinetics of the ORR require an electrocatalyst to pass this bottleneck.[1] Currently, the most used catalytical systems are platinum-based, with several drawbacks, such as the high cost, low availability, and deactivation by CO poisoning.[2] Efforts are made to develop efficient, durable and low cost catalysts to promote the commercialization of fuel cells.
Non-precious metal catalysts are promising candidates for efficient ORR catalysis. It has been shown that pyrolyzing metal organic frameworks (MOFs) under inert conditions yields carbon-rich materials, with evenly distributed metal sites, which possess promising electrocatalytic activity.[3] One widely used type of MOF as ORR catalyst precursors is the zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF) where metal cations are linked through imidazole-based ligands. Their porous nature is partially retained after carbonization, making MOFs very suitable precursor materials.
Herein we report the mechanochemical synthesis and structural analysis of Co-doped ZIF-8 (Zn), as well as two polymorphs (dense and prorous) of fluorinated Co-doped CF3-ZIF-8 (Zn). The samples showed electrochemical performance comparable to platinum after carbonization for 1 h at temperatures ranging between 850 – 1000°C.
Coordination polymers can be used as sacrificial templates to prepare nitrogen- and metal doped carbons (NMCs), which are promising catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. We at BAM employ mechanochemistry as a "green" synthetic approach to coordiantion polymers, which are throroughly characterized by methods such as XRD, XPS and sorption studies. Our collaborators can prepare NMCs from our coordination polymers and assess the catalytic activity thereof.
Carbonization of fluorinated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) should yield fluorinated nitrogen- and metal-doped carbons (F-NMCs), which are a combination of NMCs and fluorinated carbons, each promising electrocatalysts on their own. We synthesized two polymorphs of a fluorinated MOF by mechanical ball mill grinding, and carbonized them to yield potential electrocatalyt materials. The catalytical activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was examined, finding good activites. Simulations from a theoretic model helped assesing the stability of proposed catalytic sites and understanding the measured activites towards the ORR catalysis.
The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a common process in a variety of electrochemical devices, like fuel cells
and metal air batteries. The sluggish kinetics of the ORR require an electrocatalyst to pass this bottleneck.[1]
Currently, the most used catalytical systems are platinum-based, with several drawbacks, such as the high cost,
low availability, and deactivation by CO poisoning.[2] Efforts are made to develop efficient, durable and low cost
catalysts to promote the commercialization of fuel cells.
Non-precious metal catalysts are promising candidates for efficient ORR catalysis. It has been shown that
pyrolyzing metal organic frameworks (MOFs) under inert conditions yields carbon-rich materials, with evenly
distributed metal sites, which possess promising electrocatalytic activity.[3] One widely used type of MOF as ORR
catalyst precursors is the zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF) where metal cations are linked through imidazolebased ligands.
Herein we report the mechanochemical synthesis, structural analysis and of Co-doped ZIF-8 (Zn), as well as its
fluorinated counterpart Co-doped CF3
-ZIF-8 (Zn). The samples showed electrochemical performance comparable
to platinum after carbonization for 1h at temperatures ranging between 850 – 1000°C.
Metal phosphonates are promising materials for applications in fuel cells, due to their high proton conductivity and higher chemical and thermal stability compared to the industry standard (e.g. Nafion®). Additionally, metal phosphonates are precursors to porous carbon materials with evenly distributed centers for ORR catalysis. As a fast and sustainable synthesis, mechanochemistry is the synthesis method of choice. Thorough characterization is carried out by XRD, MAS-NMR, XAS, BET, and DVS.
Insights into the In Vitro Formation of Apatite from Mg‐Stabilized Amorphous Calcium Carbonate
(2020)
A protein‐free formation of bone‐like apatite from amorphous precursors through ball‐milling is reported. Mg2+ ions are crucial to achieve full amorphization of CaCO3. Mg2+ incorporation generates defects which strongly retard a recrystallization of ball‐milled Mg‐doped amorphous calcium carbonate (BM‐aMCC), which promotes the growth of osteoblastic and endothelial cells in simulated body fluid and has no effect on endothelial cell gene expression. Ex situ snapshots of the processes revealed the reaction mechanisms. For low Mg contents (<30%) a two phase system consisting of Mg‐doped amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) and calcite “impurities” was formed. For high (>40%) Mg2+ contents, BM‐aMCC follows a different crystallization path via magnesian calcite and monohydrocalcite to aragonite. While pure ACC crystallizes rapidly to calcite in aqueous media, Mg‐doped ACC forms in the presence of phosphate ions bone‐like hydroxycarbonate apatite (dahllite), a carbonate apatite with carbonate substitution in both type A (OH−) and type B (PO43−) sites, which grows on calcite “impurities” via heterogeneous nucleation. This process produces an endotoxin‐free material and makes BM‐aMCC an excellent “ion storage buffer” that promotes cell growth by stimulating cell viability and metabolism with promising applications in the treatment of bone defects and bone degenerative diseases.
Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) is an important precursor in the biomineralization of crystalline CaCO3. In nature, it serves as a storage material or as a permanent structural element, whose lifetime is regulated by an organic matrix. The relevance of ACC in materials science is primarily related to our understanding of CaCO3 crystallization pathways and CaCO3/(bio)polymer nanocomposites. ACC can be synthesized by liquid–liquid phase separation, and it is typically stabilized with macromolecules. We have prepared ACC by milling calcite in a planetary ball mill. Phosphate “impurities” were added in the form of monetite (CaHPO4) to substitute the carbonate anions, thereby stabilizing ACC by substitutional disorder. The phosphate anions do not simply replace the carbonate anions. They undergo shear-driven acid/base and condensation reactions, where stoichiometric (10%) phosphate contents are required for the amorphization to be complete. The phosphate anions generate a strained network that hinders ACC recrystallization kinetically. The amorphization reaction and the structure of BM-ACC were studied by quantitative Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and solid state 31P, 13C, and 1H magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which are highly sensitive to symmetry changes of the local environment. In the first—and fast—reaction step, the CO32– anions are protonated by the HPO42– groups. The formation of unprecedented hydrogen carbonate (HCO3–) and orthophosphate anions appears to be the driving force of the reaction, because the phosphate group has a higher Coulomb energy and the tetrahedral PO43– unit can fill space more efficiently. In a competing second—and slow—reaction step, pyrophosphate anions are formed in a condensation reaction. No pyrophosphates are formed at higher carbonate contents. High strain leads to such a large energy barrier that any reaction is suppressed. Our findings aid in the understanding of the mechanochemical amorphization of calcium carbonate and emphasize the effect of impurities for the stabilization of the amorphous phases in general. Our approach allowed the synthesis of new amorphous alkaline earth defect variants containing the unique HCO3– anion. Our approach outlines a general strategy to obtain new amorphous solids for a variety of carbonate/phosphate systems that offer promise as biomaterials for bone regeneration.
Mechanochemical transformations offer environmentally benign synthesis routes, whilst enhancing both the speed and selec-tivity of reactions. In this light, mechanochemistry promises to trans-form the way in which chemistry is done in both academia and indus-try but is greatly hindered by a current lack in mechanistic understand-ing. The continued development and use of time-resolved in situ(TRIS) approaches to monitor mechanochemical reactions provides a new dimension to elucidatethese fascinating transformations. We here discuss recent trends in method development that have pushed the boundaries of mechanochemical research. New features of mech-anochemical reactions obtained by TRIS techniques are subse-quently discussed, shedding light on how different TRISapproaches have beenused. Emphasis is placed on the strength of combining complementary techniques. Finally, we outline our views for the po-tential of TRIS methods in mechanochemical research, towards es-tablishing a new, environmentally benign paradigm in the chemical sciences
Over the decades, the application of mechanical force to influence chemical reactions has been called by various names: mechanochemistry, tribochemistry, mechanical alloying, to name but a few. The evolution of these terms has largely mirrored the understanding of the field. But what is meant by these terms, why have they evolved, and does it really matter how a process is called? Which parameters should be defined to describe unambiguously the experimental conditions such that others can reproduce the results, or to allow a meaningful comparison between processes explored under different conditions? Can the information on the process be encoded in a clear, concise, and self-explanatory way? We address these questions in this Opinion contribution, which we hope will spark timely and constructive discussion across the international mechanochemistry community.
Mechanochemical reactions are driven by the direct absorption of mechanical energy by a solid (often crystalline) material. Understanding how this energy is absorbed and ultimately causes a chemical transformation is essential for understanding the elementary stages of mechanochemical transformations. Using as a model system the energetic material LiN3 we here consider how vibrational energy flows through the crystal structure. By considering the compression response of the crystalline material we identify the partitioning of energy into an initial vibrational excitation. Subsequent energy flow is based on concepts of phonon–phonon scattering, which we calculate within a quasi-equilibrium model facilitated by phonon scattering data obtained from Density Functional Theory (DFT). Using this model we demonstrate how the moments (picoseconds) immediately following mechanical impact lead to significant thermal excitation of crystalline LiN3, sufficient to drive marked changes in its electronic structure and hence chemical reactivity. This work paves the way towards an ab initio approach to studying elementary processes in mechanochemical reactions involving crystalline solids.
Mechanochemistry has become a sustainable and attractive cost-effective synthetic technique, largely used within the frame of crystal engineering. Cocrystals, namely, crystalline compounds made of different chemical entities within the same crystal structure, are typically synthesized in bulk via mechanochemistry; however, whereas the macroscopic aspects of grinding are becoming clear, the fundamental principles that underlie mechanochemical cocrystallization at the microscopic level remain poorly understood. Time-resolved in situ (TRIS) monitoring approaches have opened the door to exceptional detail regarding mechanochemical reactions. We here report a clear example of cocrystallization between two solid coformers that proceeds through the formation of a metastable low melting binary eutectic phase. The overall cocrystallization process has been monitored by time-resolved in situ (TRIS) synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction with a customized ball milling setup, currently available at μ Spot beamline at BESSY-II, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin. The binary system and the low melting eutectic phase were further characterized via DSC, HSM, and VT-XRPD.
The debate on the mechanisms which underpin mechanochemical reactions via ball mill grinding is still open. Our ability to accurately measure the microstructural (crystal size and microstrain) evolution of materials under milling conditions as well as their phase composition as a function of time is key to the in-depth understanding of the kinetics and driving forces of mechanochemical transformations. Furthermore, all ball milling reactions end with a steady state or milling equilibrium – represented by a specific phase composition and relative microstructure – that does not change as long as the milling conditions are maintained. The use of a standard sample is essential to determine the instrumental contribution to the X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) peak broadening for time-resolved in situ (TRIS) monitoring of mechanochemical reactions under in operando conditions. Using TRIS-XRPD on a ball milling setup, coupled with low-energy synchrotron radiation, we investigated different data acquisition and analysis strategies on a silicon standard powder. The diffraction geometry and the microstructural evolution of the standard itself have been studied to model the instrumental contribution to XRPD peak broadening throughout the grinding activity. Previously proposed functions are here challenged and further developed. Importantly, we show that minor drifts of the jar position do not affect the instrumental resolution function significantly. We here report and discuss the results of such investigations and their application to TRIS-XRPD datasets of inorganic and organic ball mill grinding reactions.
Mechanochemistry has become a valuable tool for the synthesis of new molecules, especially in the field of organic chemistry. In the present work, we investigate the kinetic profile of the chlorination reaction of N-3-ethyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (EDMH) activated and driven by ball milling. The reaction has been carried out using 2 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm ball sizes in a new small custom-made Perspex milling jar. The Crystal structure of the starting material EDMH and the 1-chloro-3-ethyl5,5′-dimethyl hydantoin (CEDMH) chlorination product was solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The reaction was monitored, in situ and in real time, by both powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Our kinetic data show that the reaction progress to equilibrium is similar at all milling ball sizes. The induction period is very short (between 10 and 40 s) when using 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm balls. For the reaction performed with a 2 mm ball, a significantly longer induction period of 9 min was observed. This could indicate that an initial energy accumulation and higher mixing efficiency are necessary before the reaction starts. Using different kinetic models, we found that the amount of powder affected by critical loading conditions during individual impacts is significantly dependent on the ball size used. An almost linear correlation between the rate of the chemical transformations and the ball volume is observed.
Mechanochemistry offers a unique opportunity to modify and manipulate crystal forms, often providing new products as compared with conventional solution methods. While promising, there is little known about how to control the solid form through mechanochemical means, demanding dedicated investigations. Using a model organic cocrystal system (isonicotinamide:glutaric acid), we here demonstrate that with mechanochemistry, polymorphism can be induced in molecular solids under conditions seemingly different to their conventional thermodynamic (thermal) transition point. Whereas Form II converts to Form I upon heating to 363 K, the same transition can be initiated under ball milling conditions at markedly lower temperatures (348 K). Our results indicate that mechanochemical techniques can help to reduce the energy barriers to solid form transitions, offering new insights into controlling polymorphic forms. Moreover, our results suggest that the nature of mechanochemical transformations could make it difficult to interpret mechanochemical solid form landscapes using conventional equilibrium-based tools.
Mechanochemistry offers a unique opportunity to modify and manipulate crystal forms, often providing new products as compared with conventional solution methods. While promising, there is little known about how to control the solid form through mechanochemical means, demanding dedicated investigations. Using a model organic cocrystal system (isonicotinamide:glutaric acid), we here demonstrate that with mechanochemistry, polymorphism can be induced in molecular solids under conditions seemingly different to their conventional thermodynamic (thermal) transition point.
Whereas Form II converts to Form I upon heating to 363 K, the same transition can be initiated under ball milling conditions at markedly lower temperatures (348 K). Our results indicate that mechanochemical techniques can help to reduce the energy barriers to solid form transitions, offering new insights into controlling polymorphic forms. Moreover, our results suggest that the nature of mechanochemical transformations could make it difficult to interpret mechanochemical solid form landscapes using conventional equilibrium-based tools.
Unintended Rate Enhancement in Mechanochemical Kinetics by Using Poly(methyl methacrylate) Jars
(2022)
Time-resolved in situ (TRIS) X-ray diffraction has changed how mechanochemical transformations are studied but requires the use of X-ray transparent jars often made from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). However, using PMMA jars can alter the apparent kinetics of mechanochemical polymorphism by an order of magnitude, questioning the interpretability of established TRIS methods. Our results suggest that rate enhancement in PMMA jars may not be dominated by chemical effects of the polymer, but rather a result of different equilibrium temperatures within the jar. These features must be better understood before control over mechanochemical reactions can be achieved.
The mechanochemical formation of the ionic cocrystals of glucose (Glc) and sodium salts Glc2NaCl·H2O (1) and Glc2NaX (X = Br (2), I (3)) is presented. Products are formed by co-milling Glc with three sodium salts (NaCl, NaBr, NaI). The ionic cocrystals were obtained under both neat grinding and liquid-assisted grinding conditions, the later found to accelerate the reaction kinetics. The crystal structures of the ionic cocrystals (2) and (3) were solved from powder X-ray diffraction data. The structure solution contrasts with the structure of Glc2NaCl·H2O (1) where the electron density at three halide crystallographic sites is modeled as of being the intermediate between water molecule and a chloride ion. The reaction pathways of the three ionic cocrystals were investigated in real time using our tandem approach comprising a combination of in situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicate the rapid formation of each cocrystal directly from their respective starting materials without any intermediate moiety formation. The products were further characterized by DTA-TG and elemental analysis.
Mechanochemistry offers a unique opportunity to modify or synthesize new crystal forms. Although the method is very promising, little is known about the mechanochemical means to control the synthesis of a solid form. Using an polymorphic organic cocrystal system, we show here that mechanochemistry can be used to obtain a polymorph transformation under the apparently conventional (thermal) transition point.
Control of ball milling conversions is required before the full potential of mechanochemical processing can be realized. It is well known that many parameters affect the outcome of mechanochemical polymorphism, but the energy of ball milling itself is often overlooked. We show here how this parameter alone can exert a significant influence on the polymorphic outcome of ball mill grinding by allowing the selective isolation of two polymorphic forms in their pure form under the same grinding conditions. Furthermore, we show how apparent mechanochemical equilibria can be deceptive. Our results clearly demonstrate the need for careful design and interpretation of ball milling experiments beyond current thinking.
The mechanochemical formation of the ionic cocrystals of glucose (Glc) and sodium salts is presented. Products are formed by co-milling Glc with three sodium salts (NaCl, NaBr, NaI). The reaction pathways of the three ionic cocrystals were investigated using our tandem approach comprising a combination of in situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.
The reactivity of organic solids under mechanochemical conditions remains very little understood, though many processes have been found empirically. Importantly, it is not well understood how mechanical treatment induces experimentally observed chemical transformations, and if the elevated pressures arising at the point of impact can play a role in the transformation. To understand this aspect of the mechanochemical reactions, the same compounds need to be explored under high pressure conditions. As a model system, we considered the reaction between the bis(4-chlorophenyl) disulfide and bis(2-nitrophenyl) disulfide. A powder mixture of these two compounds is known to undergo a disulfide exchange reaction under ball milling conditions. Using a combination of X-ray powder diffraction and dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations, we investigated how this binary solid system behaves at elevated pressures and whether pressure alone can explain its mechanochemical reactivity.
Mechanochemistry provides polymorphs that are difficult to obtain by conventional solution-based methods. Based on the nicotinamide and pimelic acid cocrystal, we demonstrated that the ball size, frequency, and temperature are essential parameters. Our results indicate that fine-tuning the energy input during a mechanochemical reaction can provide control over polymorphism.
Time resolved in situ (TRIS) monitoring has revolutionised the study of mechanochemical transformations but has been limited by available data quality. Here we report how a combination of miniaturised grinding jars together with innovations in X-ray powder diffraction data collection and state-of-the-art analysis strategies transform the power of TRIS synchrotron mechanochemical experiments. Accurate phase compositions, comparable to those obtained by ex situ measurements, can be obtained with small sample loadings. Moreover, microstructural parameters (crystal size and microstrain) can be also determined with high confidence. This strategy applies to all chemistries, is readily implemented, and yields high-quality diffraction data even using a low energy synchrotron source. This offers a direct avenue towards the mechanochemical investigation of reactions comprising scarce, expensive, or toxic compounds. Our strategy is applied to model systems, including inorganic, metal-organic, and organic mechanosyntheses, resolves previously misinterpreted mechanisms in mechanochemical syntheses, and promises broad, new directions for mechanochemical research.
Pirfenidone is an important drug molecule used in the treatment of idiopathic lung fibrosis. Although approved by the USFDA in 2014, pirfenidone’s aqueous solubility is too high and must be mitigated by additives. In this work, the cocrystallization of pirfenidone is explored as an alternative approach to reducing its solubility. Herein, an anhydrous form of pirfenidone is reported, alongside its first two reported cocrystals. The new crystalline solids are thoroughly characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Equilibrium solubility and intrinsic dissolution rates (IDR) are studied for the cocrystals and compared to that of the parent drug. Both cocrystal forms exhibit drastically lower aqueous solubility (by up to 90%) and dissolution rates, rationalized based on both lattice energy calculations and consideration of intermolecular interactions in the solid state. Furthermore, we compare the physicochemical properties of solution-based material with that of material produced mechanochemically. Importantly, no differences are observed between the two production methods. This work demonstrates the strength of crystal Engineering strategies to beneficially modify important pharmaceutical properties and highlights the potential of mechanochemistry to facilitate this in an environmentally benign way.
The mechanism of ternary cocrystal formation, and the potential role of intermediate binary phases, has been debated for some time. We report here the first in situ real-time monitoring of two prototypic ternary cocrystals. Our results suggest that the question is more complicated than previously considered. The mechanism of mechanochemical ternary cocrystal formation depends on the milling conditions, here the milling frequency and addition of liquid. Binary phases can form under certain conditions, but do not act as intermediates in the formation of the ternary cocrystals. Rather, binary phases are competitive with the ternary phase, and their formation appears to compete with that of the ternary components. The presence of binary phases leads to an increase in the overall reaction time. The results reported here offer the first insights into the true complexities of mechanochemical multi-component synthesis of higher order multi-component crystals and demonstrate a new understanding of the influence of milling condition for the study of mechanisms and kinetics.
We present an in situ triple coupling of synchrotron X-ray diffraction with Raman spectroscopy, and thermography to study milling reactions in real time. This combination of methods allows a correlation of the structural evolution with temperature information. The temperature information is crucial for understanding both the thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. The reaction mechanisms of three prototypical mechanochemical syntheses, a cocrystal formation, a C@C bond formation (Knoevenagel condensation), and the formation
of a manganese-phosphonate, were elucidated. Trends in the temperature development during milling are identified. The heat of reaction and latent heat of crystallization of the product contribute to the overall temperature increase. A decrease in temperature occurs via release of, for example, water as a byproduct.
Solid and liquid intermediates are detected. The influence of the mechanical impact could be separated from temperature effects caused by the reaction.
We present an in situ PXRD investigation of the mechanochemical cocrystal formation of pyrazinamide with pimelic acid in two milling jar materials. DFT calculations of the two synthesized polymorphs suggest that the relative stability is based on a conformation change of pyrazinamide in the cocrystal.
The transformation of a base-catalyzed, mechano-assisted Knoevenagel condensation of mono-fluorinated benzaldehyde derivatives (p-, m-, o-benzaldehyde) with malonodinitrile was investigated in situ and in real time. Upon milling, the para-substituted product was found to crystallize initially into two different polymorphic forms, depending on the quantity of catalyst used. For low catalyst concentrations, a mechanically metastable phase (monoclinic) was initially formed, converting to the mechanically stable phase (triclinic) upon further grinding. Instead, higher catalyst concentrations crystallize directly as the triclinic product. Inclusion of catalyst in the final product, as evidenced by mass spectrometric analysis, suggests this complex polymorphic pathway may be due to seeding effects. Multivariate analysis for the in situ Raman spectra supports this complex formation pathway, and offers a new approach to monitoring multi-phase reactions during ball milling.
Mechanochemistry paves the way to simple, fast, and green syntheses. Despite considerable effort, there is a lack in understanding of the underlying mechanisms. In situ investigations help to understand these mechanisms, which occur during a mechanochemical reaction. Here we present a universal strategy for simultaneous real-time in situ analysis, combining X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and thermography. The potential of of our approach is shown for diffrent model reactions.
Mechanochemistry paves the way to simple, fast, and green syntheses. Despite considerable effort, there remains a lack in understanding of the underlying mechanisms. In situ investigations help to understand these mechanisms, which occur during a mechanochemical reaction. Here we present a universal strategy for simultaneous real-time in situ analysis, combining X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and thermography. The potential of our approach is shown for different model reactions.
Mechanochemistry is known for short reaction times, nearly quantitative conversions, and decreasing amount of solvents. Among organic syntheses, the Knoevenagel condensation is an important C-C bond forming reaction. We investigated the reaction of benzaldehyde derivates (nitro- and fluoro-derivates) with malononitrile syntheses by a combination of different in situ investigation techniques.