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The vibrational density of states of a series of homologous triphenylene-based discotic liquid crystals HATn (n = 5, 6, 8, 10, 12) depending on the length of the aliphatic side chain is investigated by means of inelastic neutron scattering. All studied materials have a plastic crystalline phase at low temperatures, followed by a hexagonally ordered liquid crystalline phase at higher temperatures and a quasi isotropic phase at the highest temperatures. The X-ray scattering pattern for the plastic crystalline phase of all materials shows a sharp Bragg reflection corresponding to the intercolumnar distance in the lower q-range and a peak at circa 17 nm-1 related to intracolumnar distances between the cores perpendicular to the columns as well as a broad amorphous halo related to the disordered structure of the methylene groups in the side chains in the higher q-range. The intercolumnar distance increases linearly with increasing chain length for the hexagonal columnar ordered liquid crystalline phase. A similar behaviour is assumed for the plastic crystalline phase. Besides n = 8 all materials under study exhibit a Boson peak. With increasing chain length, the frequency of the Boson peak decreases and its intensity increases. This can be explained by a self-organized confinement model. The peaks for n = 10, 12 are much narrower than for n = 5, 6 which might imply the transformation from a rigid system to a softer one with increasing chain length. Moreover the results can also be discussed in the framework of a transition from an uncorrelated to a correlated disorder with increasing n where n = 8 might be speculatively considered as a transitional state.
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 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.
The ability to selectively tune the optical and the mechanical properties of organic molecular crystals offers a promising approach towards developing flexible optical devices. These functional properties are sensitive to crystallographic packing features and are hence expected to vary with polymorphic modification. Using as a model system the photoluminescent material 4-bromo-6-[(6-chloropyridin-2-ylimino)methyl]phenol (CPMBP), we herein demonstrate the simultaneous tuning of mechanical flexibility and photoluminescence properties via polymorphism. Two new polymorphic forms of CPMBP were obtained from a solution and fully characterised using a combination of experiments and density functional theory simulations. These polymorphic forms exhibit remarkably distinct mechanical properties and an order of magnitude difference in photoluminescence quantum yield. The mechanically plastic form has a higher quantum yield than the brittle polymorphic form. However, their photoluminescence emission profile is largely unaffected by the observed polymorphism, thereby demonstrating that the optical properties and bulk mechanical properties can in principle be tuned independently. By distinguishing between active (involving absorption and emission) and passive (involving no absorption) light propagation, the waveguiding properties of the plastic form of CPMBP (form II) were explored using the straight and bent crystals to highlight the potential applications of CPMBP in designing flexible optical devices. Our results demonstrated that polymorph engineering would be a promising avenue to achieve concurrent modulation of the optical and mechanical properties of photoluminescent molecular crystals for next-generation flexible optical device applications.
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.
Metal nanoparticles have a substantial impact across diferent felds of science, such as photochemistry, energy conversion, and medicine. Among the commonly used nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles are of special interest due to their antibacterial properties and applications in sensing and catalysis. However, many of the methods used to synthesize silver nanoparticles often do not result in well-defned products, the main obstacles being high polydispersity or a lack of particle size tunability. We describe an automated approach to on-demand synthesis of adjustable particles with mean radii of 3 and 5 nm using the polyol route. The polyol process is a promising route for silver nanoparticles e.g., to be used as reference materials. We characterised the as-synthesized nanoparticles using small-angle X-ray scattering, dynamic light scattering and further methods, showing that automated synthesis can yield colloids with reproducible and tuneable properties.
The reaction of iron chlorides with an alkaline reagent is one of the most prominent methods for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles. We studied the particle formation mechanism using triethanolamine as reactant and stabilizing agent. In situ fast-X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering provide information on the oxidation state and the structural information at the same time. In situ data were complemented by ex situ transmission electron microscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering and Raman analysis of the formed nanoparticles. The formation of maghemite nanoparticles (γ-Fe2O3) from ferric and ferrous chloride was investigated. Prior to the formation of these nanoparticles, the formation and conversion of intermediate phases (akaganeite, iron(II, III) hydroxides) was observed which undergoes a morphological and structural collapse. The thus formed small magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) grow further and convert to maghemite with increasing reaction time.
A new concept that comprises both time- and lateral-resolved X-ray absorption fine-structure information simultaneously in a single shot is presented. This uncomplicated set-up was tested at the BAMline at BESSY-II (Berlin, Germany). The primary broadband beam was generated by a double multilayer monochromator. The transmitted beam through the sample is diffracted by a convexly bent Si (111) crystal, producing a divergent beam. This, in turn, is collected by either an energy-sensitive area detector, the so-called color X-ray camera, or by an area-sensitive detector based on a CCD camera, in θ-2θ geometry. The first tests were performed with thin metal foils and some iron oxide mixtures. A time resolution of lower than 1 s together with a spatial resolution in one dimension of at least 50 µm is achieved.
Calcium alkali phosphates Ca(Na,K)PO4 are main constituents of bioceramics and thermochemically produced phosphorus fertilizers because of their bioavailability. Sparse thermodynamic data are available for the endmembers CaNaPO4 and CaKPO4. In this work, the missing data were determined for the low-temperature phase modifications of the endmembers CaNaPO4 and CaKPO4 and three intermediate Ca(Na,K)PO4 compositions. Standard enthalpy of formation ranges from - 2018.3 ± 2.2 kJ mol-1 to - 2030.5 ± 2.1 kJ mol-1 and standard entropy from 137.2 ± 1.0 J mol-1 K-1 to 148.6 ± 1.0 J mol-1 K-1 from sodium endmember b-CaNaPO4 to potassium endmember b0-CaKPO4.
Thermodynamic functions are calculated up to 1400 K for endmembers and the sodium-rich intermediate phase b-Ca(Na0.93K0.07)PO4. Functions above 640 K are extrapolated because of the phase transition from low- to high-temperature phase. Impurities in the synthesized intermediate phases c-Ca(Na0.4K0.6)PO4 and c-Ca Na0.35K0.65)PO4 and one additional phase transition around 500 K impeded the determination of high-temperature thermodynamic functions. In general, data for phase transition temperatures agree with the previously reported phase diagrams.
We present how mesoporosity can be engineered in transition metal phosphate (TMPs) materials in a template-free manner. The method involves the transformation of a precursor metal phosphate phase, called M-struvite (NH4MPO4·6H2O, M = Mg2+, Ni2+, Co2+, NixCo1−x2+). It relies on the thermal decomposition of crystalline M-struvite precursors to an amorphous and simultaneously mesoporous phase, which forms during degassing of NH3 and H2O. The temporal evolution of mesoporous frameworks and the response of the metal coordination environment were followed by in situ and ex situ scattering and diffraction, as well as X-ray spectroscopy. Despite sharing the same precursor struvite structure, different amorphous and mesoporous structures were obtained depending on the involved transition metal. We highlight the systematic differences in absolute surface area, pore shape, pore size, and phase transitions depending on the metal cation present in the analogous M-struvites. The amorphous structures of thermally decomposed Mg-, Ni- and NixCo1−x-struvites exhibit high surface areas and pore volumes (240 m2 g−1 and 0.32 cm−3 g−1 for Mg and 90 m2 g−1 and 0.13 cm−3 g−1 for Ni). We propose that the low-cost, environmentally friendly M-struvites could be obtained as recycling products from industrial and agricultural wastewaters. These waste products could be then upcycled into mesoporous TMPs through a simple thermal treatment for further application, for instance in (electro)catalysis.
We describe a fast and effective synthesis for molecular metal phosphonates. Isomorphic compounds [M(II)(HO₃PPh)₂(H₂O₃PPh)₂(H₂O)₂] (M = Mn (1), Co (2), Ni (3); Ph = C₆H₅) were obtained by grinding. The complexes are mononuclear compounds containing neutral and monodeprotonated phenylphosphonic acid and water as ligands. The crystal structures were determined using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data and validated by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) data. Combined synchrotron XRD measurements and Raman spectroscopy were conducted for investigating the reactions in situ. Based on these data, the intermediates were characterized and the formation mechanism was derived.
Amyloid fibrils are polymers formed by proteins under specific conditions and in many cases they are related to pathogenesis, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Their hallmark is the presence of a β-sheet structure. High resolution structural data on these systems as well as information gathered from multiple complementary analytical techniques is needed, from both a fundamental and a pharmaceutical perspective. Here, a previously reported de novo designed, pH-switchable coiled coil-based peptide that undergoes structural transitions resulting in fibril formation under physiological conditions has been exhaustively characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cryo-TEM, atomic force microscopy (AFM), wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and solid-state NMR (ssNMR). Overall, a unique 2-dimensional carpet-like assembly composed of large coexisiting ribbon-like, tubular and funnel-like structures with a clearly resolved protofilament substructure is observed. Whereas electron microscopy and scattering data point somewhat more to a hairpin model of β-fibrils, ssNMR data obtained from samples with selectively labelled peptides are in agreement with both, hairpin structures and linear arrangements.
We show that mechanochemically driven polymorphic transformations can require extremely long induction periods, which can be tuned from hours to days by changing ball milling energy. The robust design and interpretation of ball milling experiments must account for this unexpected kinetics that arises from energetic phenomena unique to the solid state. Detailed thermal analysis, combined with DFT simulations, indicates that these marked induction periods are associated with processes of mechanical activation. Correspondingly, we show that the pre‐activation of reagents can also lead to marked changes in the length of induction periods. Our findings demonstrate a new dimension for exerting control over polymorphic transformations in organic crystals. We expect mechanical activation to have a much broader implication across organic solid‐state mechanochemistry.
Lanthanides (Ln) are critical raw materials, however, their mining and purification have a considerable negative environmental impact and sustainable recycling and separation strategies for these elements are needed. In this study, the precipitation and solubility behavior of Ln complexes with pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), the cofactor of recently discovered lanthanide (Ln) dependent methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) enzymes, is presented. In this context, the molecular structure of a biorelevant europium PQQ complex was for the first time elucidated outside a protein environment. The complex crystallizes as an inversion symmetric dimer, Eu2PQQ2, with binding of Eu in the biologically relevant pocket of PQQ. LnPQQ and Ln1Ln2PQQ complexes were characterized by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, 151Eu‐Mössbauer spectroscopy, X‐ray total scattering, and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). It is shown that a natural enzymatic cofactor is capable to achieve separation by precipitation of the notoriously similar, and thus difficult to separate, lanthanides to some extent.
Lanthanides (Ln) are critical raw materials, however, their mining and purification have a considerable negative environmental impact and sustainable recycling and separation strategies for these elements are needed. In this study, the precipitation and solubility behavior of Ln complexes with pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), the cofactor of recently discovered lanthanide (Ln) dependent methanol Dehydrogenase (MDH) enzymes, is presented. In this context, the molecular structure of a biorelevant europium PQQ complex was for the first time elucidated outside a protein environment.
The complex crystallizes as an inversion symmetric dimer, Eu2PQQ2, with binding of Eu in the biologically relevant pocket of PQQ. LnPQQ and Ln1Ln2PQQ complexes were characterized by using inductively coupled Plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, 151Eu-Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray total scattering, and Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). It is shown that a natural enzymatic cofactor is capable to achieve Separation by precipitation of the notoriously similar, and thus difficult to separate, lanthanides to some extent.
The crystal structures and syntheses of four different copper(II) phenylphosphonates, the monophenylphosphonates α-, β-, and γ-Cu(O3PC6H5)·H2O (α-CuPhPmH (1) β-CuPhPmH (2) and γ-CuPhPmH (3)), and the diphosphonate Cu(HO3PC6H5)2·H2O (CuPhP2mH (4)), are presented. The compounds were synthesized from solution at room temperature, at elevated temperature, under hydrothermal conditions, and mechanochemical conditions. The structures of α-CuPhPmH (1) and CuPhP2mH (4) were solved from powder X-ray diffraction data. The structure of β-CuPhPmH (2) was solved by single crystal X-ray analysis. The structures were validated by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and DTA analyses. Disorder of the crystal structure was elucidated by electron diffraction. The relationship between the compounds and their reaction pathways were investigated by in situ synchrotron measurements.
We present how mesoporosity can be engineered in transition metal phosphate (TMPs) materials in a template-free manner. The method involves a transformation of a precursor metal phosphate phase, called M-struvite (NH4MPO4·6H2O, M = Mg2+, Ni2+, Co2+, NixCo1-x2+). It relies on the thermal decomposition of crystalline M-struvite precursors to an amorphous and simultaneously mesoporous phase, which forms while degassing of NH3 and H2O. The temporal evolution of mesoporous frameworks and the response of the metal coordination environment were followed with in-situ and ex-situ scattering and diffraction, as well as X -ray spectroscopy. Despite sharing the same precursor struvite structure, different amorphous and mesoporous structures were obtained depending on the involved transition metal. We highlight the systematic differences in absolute surface area, pore shape, pore size, and phase transitions depending on a metal cation present in the analogous M-struvites. The amorphous structures of thermally decomposed Mg-, Ni- and NixCo1-x-struvites exhibit high surface areas and pore volumes (240 m²g-1 and 0.32 cm-3 g-1 for Mg and 90 m²g-1 and 0.13 cm-3 g-1 for Ni). We propose that the low-cost, environmentally friendly M-struvites could be obtained as recycling products from industrial and agricultural wastewaters. These waste products could be then upcycled into mesoporous TMPs through a simple thermal treatment for further applications, for instance, in (electro)catalysis.
Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) hybrid fluorescent nanoparticles and ZIF antibody conjugates have been synthesized, characterized, and employed in lateral-flow immunoassay (LFIA). The bright fluorescence of the conjugates and the possibility to tailor their mobility gives a huge potential for diagnostic assays. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as label, proved the integrity, stability, and dispersibility of the antibody conjugates, LC-MS/MS provided evidence that a covalent link was established between these metal-organic frameworks and lysine residues in IgG antibodies.
Synthesis, structure determination, and formation of a theobromine: oxalic acid 2:1 cocrystal
(2015)
The structure and the formation pathway of a new theobromine : oxalic acid (2 : 1) cocrystal are presented. The cocrystal was synthesised mechanochemically and its structure was solved based on the powder X-ray data. The mechanochemical synthesis of this model compound was studied in situ using synchrotron XRD. Based on the XRD data details of the formation mechanism were obtained. The formation can be described as a self-accelerated ('liquid like') process from a highly activated species.
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.
he mutual influence of F and OH groups in neighboring sites in topaz (Al2SiO4(F,OH)2) was investigated using magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) and Raman spectroscopy. The splitting of 19F and 1H NMR signals, as well as the OH Raman band, provides evidence for hydrogen bond formation within the crystal structure. Depending on whether a given OH group has another OH group or fluoride as its neighbor, two different hydrogen bond constellations may form: either OH···O···HO or F···H···O. The proton accepting oxygen was determined to be part of the SiO4 tetrahedron using 29Si MAS NMR. Comparison of the MAS NMR data between an OH-bearing and an OH-free topaz sample confirms that the 19F signal at −130 ppm stems from F− ions that take part in H···F bonds with a distance of ∼ 2.4 Å, whereas the main signal at −135 ppm belongs to fluoride ions with no immediate OH group neighbors. The Raman OH sub-band at 3644 cm−1 stems from OH groups neighboring other OH groups, whereas the sub-band at 3650 cm−1 stems from OH groups with fluoride neighbors, which are affected by H···F bridging. The integrated intensities of these two sub-bands do not conform to the expected ratios based on probabilistic calculations from the total OH concentration. This can be explained by a difference in the polarizability of the OH bond between the different hydrogen bond constellations or partial order or unmixing of F and OH, or a combination of both. This has implications for the quantitative interpretation of Raman data on OH bonds in general and their potential use as a probe for structural (dis-)order. No indication of tetrahedrally coordinated Al was found with 27Al MAS NMR, suggesting that the investigated samples likely have nearly ideal Al/Si ratios, making them potentially useful as high-density electron microprobe reference materials for Al and Si, as well as for F.
As the most electronegative element, fluorine has a strong influence on material properties such as absorption behaviour or chemical and thermal stability. Fluorine can be easily integrated into coordination polymers (CPs) via a fluorinated acetate, here trifluoroacetate in Ba(CF3COO)2, or directly via a metal fluorine bond (BaF(CH3COO)). In the present study both possibilities of fluorine integration were tested and their effect on structure and properties of barium coordination polymers was investigated in comparison with the non-fluorinated barium acetate (Ba(CH3COO)2). In addition to the study of their thermal behaviour and their decomposition temperature, the CPs structures were tested for their application as possible anode materials in lithium ion batteries and for their sorption of water and ammonia. The properties of the CPs can be traced back to the individual structural motifs and could thus trigger new design ideas for CPs in LIBs and/or catalysis.
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.
A big problem with the chemistry literature is that it is not standardized with respect to precise operational parameters, and real time corrections are hard to make without expert knowledge. This lack of context means difficult reproducibility because many steps are ambiguous, and hence depend on tacit knowledge. Here we present the integration of online NMR into an automated chemical synthesis machine (CSM aka. “Chemputer” which is capable of small-molecule synthesis using a universal programming language) to allow automated analysis and adjustment of reactions on the fly. The system was validated and benchmarked by using Grignard reactions which were chosen due to their importance in synthesis. The system was monitored in real time using online-NMR, and spectra were measured continuously during the reactions. This shows that the synthesis being done in the Chemputer can be dynamically controlled in response to feedback optimizing the reaction conditions according to the user requirements.
Here, we show that calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) can be directly, rapidly and reversibly converted to calcium sulfate hemihydrate (bassanite) in high salinity solutions (brines). The optimum conditions for the efficient production of bassanite in a short time (<5 min) involve the use of brines with c(NaCl) > 4 M and maintaining a temperature, T > 80 °C. When the solution containing bassanite crystals is cooled down to around room temperature, eventually gypsum is formed. When the temperature is raised again to T > 80 °C, bassanite is rapidly re-precipitated. This contrasts with the better-known behaviour of the bassanite phase in low-salt environments. In low-salinity aqueous solutions, bassanite is considered to be metastable with respect to gypsum and anhydrite, and therefore gypsum-to-bassanite conversion does not occur in pure water. Interestingly, the high-salinity transformation of gypsum-to-bassanite has been reported by many authors and used in practice for several decades, although its very occurrence actually contradicts numerical thermodynamic predictions regarding solubility of calcium sulfate phases. By following the evolution of crystalline phases with in situ and time-resolved X-ray diffraction/scattering and Raman spectroscopy, we demonstrated that the phase stability in brines at elevated temperatures was inaccurately represented in the thermodynamic databases. Most notably for c(NaCl) > 4 M, and T > 80 °C gypsum becomes readily more soluble than bassanite, which induces the direct precipitation of the latter from gypsum. The fact that these transformations are controlled by the solution provides extensive opportunities for precise manipulation of crystal formation. Our experiments confirmed that bassanite remained the sole crystalline phase for many hours before reverting into gypsum. This property is extremely advantageous for practical processing and efficient crystal extraction in industrial scenarios.
A facile and efficient methodology is described for the solvothermal synthesis of size-tunable, stable, and uniform NiCu core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) for application in catalysis. The diameter of the NPs is tuned in a range from 6 nm to 30 nm and to adjust the Ni:Cu ratio from 30:1 to 1:1. Furthermore, the influence of different reaction parameters on the final NPs is studied. The NPs are structurally characterized by a method combination of transmission electron microscopy, anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray absorption fine structure, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Using these analytical methods, it is possible to elucidate a core–shell–shell structure of all particles and their chemical composition. In all cases, a depletion from the core to the shell is observed, with the core consisting of NiCu alloy, surrounded by an inner Ni-rich shell and an outer NiO shell. The SiO2-supported NiCu core–shell NPs show pronounced selectivity of >99% for CO in the catalytic reduction of CO2 to CO using hydrogen as reactant (reverse water–gas shift reaction) independent of size and Ni:Cu ratio.
We report on calibration standards of nanoparticles meeting the definition of a nanomaterial given by the European Commission (EU 2011) which are relevant for the characterisation methods applied in the NanoDefine project. We found that the Impact of nanoparticles is outstanding in the scientific literature. A number of 270.000 paper titles on nanoparticles are listed in the Web of Science data base. But surprisingly, the availability of suitable certified standard reference materials is scarce. Only a few sources were found. For example, BAM provides the database Nanoscaled Reference Materials at http://www.nano-refmat.bam.de/en/ in cooperation with the ISO/TC 229 Nanotechnologies. In addition, two publications from 2013 on nanoscale reference materials are available. Candidates of nano-(certified) reference materials from other ongoing or just finished FP6 and FP7 nano-metrology projects have been extracted from the Compendium of Projects in the European NanoSafety Cluster (Compendium NSC, 2013). Recommendations for selection of representative test materials and calibration standards for NanoDefine internal tasks, respectively, are also given.
We demonstrate here using a disulfide system the first example of reversible, selective, and quantitative transformation between three crystalline polymorphs by ball mill grinding. This includes the discovery of a previously unknown polymorph. Each polymorph is reproducibly obtained under well-defined neat or liquid-assisted grinding conditions, revealing subtle control over the apparent thermodynamic stability. We discovered that the presence of a contaminant as low as 1.5% mol mol−1 acting as a template is required to enable all these three polymorph transformations. The relative stabilities of the polymorphs are determined by the sizes of the nanocrystals produced under different conditions and by surface interactions with small amounts of added solvent. For the first time, we show evidence that each of the three polymorphs is obtained with a unique and reproducible crystalline size. This mechanochemical approach gives access to bulk quantities of metastable polymorphs that are inaccessible through recrystallisation.
Mechanochemical reactions often result in 100% yields of single products, making purifying procedures obsolete. Mechanochemistry is also a sustainable and eco-friendly method. The ever increasing interest in this method is contrasted by a lack in mechanistic understanding of the mechanochemical reactivity and selectivity. Recent in situ investigations provided direct insight into formation pathways. However, the currently available theories do not predict temperature T as an influential factor. Here, we report the first determination of an apparent activation energy for a mechanochemical reaction. In a temperaturedependent in situ study the cocrystallisation of ibuprofen and nicotinamide was investigated as a model system. These experiments provide a pivotal step towards a comprehensive understanding of milling reaction mechanisms.
Fluorescent plastically bendable crystals are a promising alternative to silicon-based materials for fabricating photonic integrated circuits, owing to their optical attributes and mechanical compliance. Mechanically bendable plastic organic crystals are rare. Their formation requires anisotropic intermolecular interactions and slip planes in the crystal lattice. This work presents three fluorescent plastically bendable crystalline materials namely, 2-((E)-(6-methylpyridin-2-ylimino)methyl)-4-chlorophenol (SB1), 2-((E)-(6-methylpyridin-2-ylimino)methyl)-4-bromophenol (SB2), and 2-((E)-(6-Bromopyridin-2-ylimino)methyl)-4-bromophenol (SB3) molecules. The crystal plasticity in response to mechanical stress facilitates the fabrication of various monolithic and hybrid (with a tip-to-tip coupling) photonic circuits using mechanical micromanipulation with an atomic force microscope cantilever tip. These plastically bendable crystals act as active (self-guiding of fluorescence) and passive waveguides both in straight and extremely bent (U-, J-, and O-shaped) geometries. These microcircuits use active and passive waveguiding principles and reabsorbance and energy-transfer mechanisms for their operation, allowing input-selective and direction-specific signal transduction.
Transition metal phosphates (TMPs) have attracted interest as materials for (electro-) catalysis, and electrochemistry due to their low-cost, stability, and tunability. In this work, an automated synthesis platform was used for the preparation of transition metal phosphate crystals to efficiently explore the multidimensional parameter space, determining the phase selection, crystal sizes, shapes. By using X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy-based methods and electron microscopy imaging, a complete characterization of the phase stability fields, phase transitions, and crystal morphology/sizes was achieved. In an automated three-reactant synthesis, the individual effect of each reactant species NH4+, M2+, and PO43- on the formation of transition metal phosphate phases: M-struvite NH4MPO4·6H2O, M-phosphate octahydrate M3(PO4)2·8H2O with M = Ni, Co and an amorphous phase, was investigated. The NH4+ concentration dictates the phase composition, morphology, and particle size in the Ni-system (crystalline Ni-struvite versus amorphous Ni-PO4 phase), whereas in the Co-system all reactant species - NH4+, Co2+, and PO43- - influence the reaction outcome equivalently (Co-struvite vs. Co-phosphate octahydrate). The coordination environment for all crystalline compounds and of the amorphous Ni-PO4 phase was resolved by X-ray absorption spectroscopy, revealing matching characteristics to its crystalline analogue, Ni3(PO4)2·8H2O. The automated synthesis turned out to be significantly advantageous for the exploration of phase diagrams due to its simple modularity, facile traceability, and enhanced reproducibility compared to a typical manual synthesis.
Phosphotyrosine residues are essential functional switches in health and disease. Thus, phosphotyrosine biomimetics are crucial for the development of chemical tools and drug molecules. We report here the discovery and investigation of pentafluorophosphato amino acids as novel phosphotyrosine biomimetics. A mild acidic pentafluorination protocol was developed and two PF5-amino acids were prepared and employed in peptide synthesis. Their structures, reactivities, and fluorine-specific interactions were studied by NMR and IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and in bioactivity assays. The mono-anionic PF5 motif displayed an amphiphilic character binding to hydrophobic surfaces, to water molecules, and to protein-binding sites, exploiting charge and H−F-bonding interactions. The novel motifs bind 25- to 30-fold stronger to the phosphotyrosine binding site of the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B than the best current biomimetics, as rationalized by computational methods, including molecular dynamics simulations.
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.
In September 2018, the First European Workshop on Metal Phosphonates Chemistry brought together some prominent researchers in the field of metal phosphonates and phosphinates with the aim of discussing past and current research efforts and identifying future directions. The scope of this perspective article is to provide a critical overview of the topics discussed during the workshop, which are divided into two main areas: synthesis and characterisation, and applications. In terms of synthetic methods, there has been a push towards cleaner and more efficient approaches. This has led to the introduction of high-throughput synthesis and mechanochemical synthesis. The recent success of metal–organic frameworks has also promoted renewed interest in the synthesis of porous metal phosphonates and phosphinates. Regarding characterisation, the main advances are the development of electron diffraction as a tool for crystal structure determination and the deployment of in situ characterisation techniques, which have allowed for a better understanding of reaction pathways. In terms of applications, metal phosphonates have been found to be suitable materials for several purposes: they have been employed as heterogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of fine chemicals, as solid sorbents for gas separation, notably CO2 capture, as materials for electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells and rechargeable batteries, and as matrices for drug delivery.
Herein we report the synthesis of a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) by an easy “mix and wait” procedure. In a closed vial, without any interference, the mixture of 2-methylimidazole and basic zinc carbonate assembles into the crystalline product with approx. 90% conversion after 70 h. The reaction exhibits sigmoidal kinetics due to the self-generated water which accelerates the reaction.
Soda lakes of the East African Rift Valley are hyperalkaline, hypersaline lakes extremely enriched in Na+, K+, Cl−, CO32−, HCO3−, and SiO2. In this paper, we investigate the chemical evolution in these lakes and the production of chemical sediments by salt precipitation via evaporation. Water samples from tributary springs and three lakes (Magadi, Nasikie Engida and Natron) have been experimentally studied by in-situ X-ray diffraction during evaporation experiments to characterize the sequence of mineral precipitation. These data are complemented by ex-situ diffraction studies, chemical analyses and thermodynamic hydrochemical calculations producing detailed information on the activity of all solution species and the saturation state of all minerals potentially generated by the given composition. Major minerals precipitating from these samples are sodium carbonates/bicarbonates as well as halite. The CO3/HCO3 ratio, controlled by pH, is the main factor defining the Na‑carbonates precipitation sequence: in lake brines where CO3/HCO3 > 1, trona precipitates first whereas in hot springs, where CO3/HCO3 ≪ 1, nahcolite precipitates instead of trona, which forms later via partial dissolution of nahcolite. Precipitation of nahcolite is possible only at lower pH values (pCO2 higher than −2.7) explaining the distribution of trona and nahcolite in current lakes and the stratigraphic sequences. Later, during evaporation, thermonatrite precipitates, normally at the same time as halite, at a very high pH (>11.2) after significant depletion of HCO3− due to trona precipitation. The precipitation of these soluble minerals increases the pH of the brine and is the main factor contributing to the hyperalkaline and hypersaline character of the lakes. Villiaumite, sylvite, alkaline earth carbonates, fluorapatite and silica are also predicted to precipitate, but most of them have not been observed in evaporation experiments, either because of the small amount of precipitates produced, kinetic effects delaying the nucleation of some phases, or by biologically induced effects in the lake chemistry that are not considered in our calculations. Even in these cases, the chemical composition in the corresponding ions allows for discussion on their accumulation and the eventual precipitation of these phases. The coupling of in-situ and ex-situ experiments and geochemical modelling is key to understanding the hydrogeochemical and hydroclimatic conditions of soda lakes, evaporite settings, and potentially soda oceans of early Earth and other extraterrestrial bodies.
Crystals of the title compound, C18H26O2, were grown from ethyl acetate. Due to the racemic precursor, the title compound is also obtained as a racemate. Disorder was observed during structure refinement, originating from two possible half-chair conformations of the non-aromatic ring. The disorder was refined by introducing split positions in the cyclo-hexane ring regarding the two possible R and S-enantiomers at the chiral CH group [ratio 0.744 (3):0.256 (3)]. The crystal structure features pairs of inversion-related molecules connected by pairs of non-classical C–H···O hydrogen bonds.
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.
Iron-based catalysts have been reported manifold and studied as platinum group metal (PGM) free alternatives for the catalysis of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, their sustainable preparation by greener synthesis approaches is usually not discussed. In this work, we propose a new method for the sustainable preparation of such catalysts by using a mechanochemical approach, with no solvents and non-toxic chemicals. The materials obtained from low temperature carbonization (700 °C) exhibit considerable and stable catalytic performance for ORR in alkaline medium. A catalyst obtained
from iron hydroxide, tryptophan, dicyandiamide, and ammonium nitrate shows the best electrocatalytic Performance with an overpotential of 921 mV vs. RHE at 0.1 mA/cm2 and an electron transfer number of 3.4.
Two metal organic structures composed of the ligands benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate and pyridine-
2,5-dicarboxylate and bismuth cations are presented: (H2Im)[Bi(1,4-bdc)2] (1) and
[Bi(pydc)(NO3)2(H2O)2]*H2O (2) (bdc = benzenedicarboxylate, H2Im = imidazole cation, pydc
= pyridinedicarboxylate). Both compounds were synthesised via grinding and the crystal
structure of compound (2) was solved based on its powder diffraction pattern. Compound 1
crystallises isostructurally to the dimethyl ammonium containing compound (dma)[(Bi(1,4-
bdc)2]. Raman spectroscopy and Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS)
measurements provided additional information about the two mechanochemically
synthesised metal organic compounds.
The mechanochemical synthesis of two model compounds, a metal organic framework ([Bi(1,4-bdc)2]*(Im) (bdc = benzene dicarboxylate, Im = imidazole cation)) and a cocrystal (Carbamazepine:Indometacin 1:1) were followed ex situ by combined analytical methods. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy data were evaluated for the synthesis of the metal organic framework. XRD measurements and REM images were analysed for the synthesis of the cocrystal. The measurements revealed that both model compounds were synthesised within minutes. The metal organic framework [Bi(1,4-bdc)2]*(Im) is synthesised via an intermediate structure. The cocrystal Carbamazepine:Indometacin 1:1 is formed within few seconds and afterwards the crystallite size decreases extremely.
Tuning and controlling the solid-state photophysical properties of organic luminophore are very important to develop next-generation organic luminescent materials. With the aim of discovering new functional luminescent materials, new cocrystals of 9-anthracene carboxylic acid (ACA) were prepared with two different dipyridine coformers: 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane. The cocrystals were successfully obtained by both mechanochemical approaches and conventional solvent crystallization. The newly obtained crystalline solids were characterized thoroughly using a combination of single crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. Structural analysis revealed that the cocrystals are isostructural, exhibiting two-fold interpenetrated hydrogen bonded networks. While the O–H···N hydrogen bonds adopts a primary role in the stabilization of the cocrystal phases, the C–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions appear to play a significant role in guiding the three-dimensional assembly. Both π···π and C–H···π interactions assist in stabilizing the interpenetrated structure. The photoluminescence properties of both the starting materials and cocrystals were examined in their solid states. All the cocrystals display tunable photophysical properties as compared to pure ACA. Density functional theory simulations suggest that the modified optical properties result from charge transfers between the ACA and coformer molecules in each case. This study demonstrates the potential of crystal engineering to design solid-state luminescence switching materials through cocrystallization.
The mechanochemical Knoevenagel condensation of malononitrile with p-nitrobenzaldehyde was studied in situ using a tandem approach. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were combined to yield time-resolved information on the milling process. Under solvent-free conditions, the reaction leads to a quantitative conversion to p-nitrobenzylidenemalononitrile within 50 minutes. The in situ data indicate that the process is fast and proceeds under a direct conversion. After stopping the milling process, the reaction continues until complete conversion. The continuous and the stopped milling process both result in crystalline products suitable for single crystal X-ray diffraction.
Mechanical flexibility in molecular crystals is a fascinating behavior with potential for developing advanced technologies. However, the phenomenon of mechanical bending is poorly understood. We explore for the first time the atomistic origin of elastic bending in a single component organic crystal using a combination of μ-focus synchrotron X-ray diffraction and ab initio simulation.
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.
Equipping ZIF particles with a polyelectrolyte membrane provides functional groups at their interface, enabling further conjugations necessary for applications such as targeted drug delivery. Previous approaches to coat ZIF particles with polyelectrolytes led to surface corrosion of the template material. This work overcomes previous limitations by performing a Layer-by-Layer (LbL) polyelectrolyte coating onto ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 particles in nonaqueous environment. Using the 2-methylimidazolium salt of polystyrensulfonic acid instead of the acid itself and polyethyleneimine in methanol led to intact ZIF particles after polyelectrolyte coating. This was verified by electron microscopy. Further, zetapotential and atomic force microscopy measurements confirmed a continuous polyelectrolyte multilayer built up. The here reported adaption to the well-studied (LbL) polyelectrolyte selfassembly process provides a facile method to equip ZIF particles with a nanometer thin polyelectrolyte multilayer membrane.
Rare-earth based luminescent materials are key functional components for the rational design of light-conversion smart devices. Stable Eu3+-doped strontium fluoride (SrF2) nanoparticles were prepared at room temperature in ethylene glycol. Their luminescence depends on the Eu content and changes after heat treatment. The crystallinity of heat-treated material increases in comparison with as-synthesized samples. Particles were investigated in solution using X-ray diffraction, small-angle X-ray scattering, and X-ray spectroscopy. After heat treatment, the size of the disordered nanoparticles increases together with a change of their local structure. Interstitial fluoride ions can be localized near Eu3+ ions. Therefore, non-radiative relaxation from other mechanisms is decreased. Knowledge about the cation distribution is key information for understanding the luminescence properties of any material.
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.