Quinoid-Based Three-Dimensional Metal-Organic Framework Fe2(dhbq)3: Porosity, Electrical Conductivity, and Solid-State Redox Properties.

We report the synthesis, characterization, and electronic properties of the quinoid-based three-dimensional metal-organic framework [Fe2(dhbq)3]. The MOF was synthesized without using cations as a template, unlike other reported X2dhbq3-based coordination polymers, and the crystal structure was determined by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure was entirely different from the other reported [Fe2(X2dhbq3)]2-; three independent 3D polymers were interpenetrated to give the overall structure. The absence of cations led to a microporous structure, investigated by N2 adsorption isotherms. Temperature dependence of electrical conductivity data revealed that it exhibited a relatively high electrical conductivity of 1.2 × 10-2 S cm-1 (Ea = 212 meV) due to extended d-π conjugation in a three-dimensional network. Thermoelectromotive force measurement revealed that it is an n-type semiconductor with electrons as the majority of charge carriers. Structural characterization and spectroscopic analyses, including SXRD, Mössbauer, UV-vis-NIR, IR, and XANES measurements, evidenced the occurrence of no mixed valency based on the metal and the ligand. [Fe2(dhbq)3] upon incorporating as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries engendered an initial discharge capacity of 322 mAh/g.

Deprotonation-Induced Color Modulation in N,N'-Dihydroxynaphthalenediimide-Based Organic Crystals.

N,N'-dihydroxy-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxdiimide (NDI-(OH)2 ) has attracted much attention in recent years, because its doubly deprotonated state, (O-NDI-O)2- , has metal-coordination ability and characteristic electronic transition useful for designing electronic and optical functions. In contrast, a molecular crystal with the mono-deprotonated (HO-NDI-O)- ion remains unknown. We herein report an organic crystal containing non-disproportionated (HO-NDI-O)- ions, which are connected by very strong O-H-O hydrogen bonds. Its lowest energy absorption band (450 to 650 nm) is observed in between that of NDI-(OH)2 (380 nm) and isolated (O-NDI-O)2- (500 to 850 nm) species, consistent with the molecular orbital calculations. This absorption originates from the electronic transition from deprotonated imide-based orbitals to NDI-core orbitals, which can be influenced by the hydrogen bonds around imide group. Consequently, the optical properties of NDI-(OH)2 can be modulated by the stepwise deprotonation and hydrogen-bonding interactions.

Interdigitated Pt-Br chains with π-stacking: an approach toward Robin-Day class I mixed valency in MX-chain complexes.

The first interdigitated MX-type chain complex with infinite π-stacked arrays was synthesized. The synchronization between a Pt-Br⋯ chain and π-stacking periodicities led to the longest M-X-M distance (6.6978(15) Å) and nil or negligible intervalence charge transfer, which is essential to realize the Robin-Day class I mixed valence state in MX chains.

Electron-Conductive Metal-Organic Framework, Fe(dhbq)(dhbq = 2,5-Dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone): Coexistence of Microporosity and Solid-State Redox Activity.

Redox-active metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have great potential for use as cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with large capacities because the organic ligands can undergo multiple-electron redox processes. However, most MOFs are electrical insulators, limiting their application as electrode materials. Here, we report an electron-conductive MOF with a 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (dhbq) ligand, Fe(dhbq). This compound had an electrical conductivity of 5 × 10-6 S cm-1 at room temperature due to d-π interactions between the Fe ion and the ligand and the permanent microporosity. Fe(dhbq) had an initial discharge capacity of 264 mA h g-1, corresponding to the two-electron redox process of dhbq.

Emergence of electrical conductivity in a flexible coordination polymer by using chemical reduction.

A flexible coordination polymer with a naphthalenediimide core exhibited reversible desorption-adsorption of solvent molecules and an enhancement of electrical conductivity (∼10-7 S cm-1) upon chemical reduction using hydrazine.