Synthesis and crystallochromy of 1,4,7,10-tetraalkyltetracenes: tuning of solid-state optical properties of tetracenes by alkyl side-chain length.

We synthesized a series of 1,4,7,10-tetraalkyltetracenes using a new 2,6-naphthodiyne precursor and 2,5-dialkylfurans as starting materials (alkyl=methyl to hexyl). Surprisingly, the solid-state color of the tetracenes ranges through yellow, orange, and red. Both yellow and red solids are obtained for the butyl derivative. Optical properties in solution show no marked differences; however, those in the solid state show characteristics that vary with alkyl side-chain length: methyl, propyl, and pentyl derivatives are orange; ethyl and butyl derivatives are yellow; and another butyl and hexyl derivative are red. X-ray analyses reveal that the molecular structures are planar, semi-chair, or chair forms; the chair form takes a herringbone-like arrangement and the other forms take slipped parallel arrangements. The mechanism of crystallochromy is discussed in terms of molecular structure, crystal packing, and calculations that take account of exciton coupling.

Reduction of Pt usage in fuel cell electrocatalysts with carbon nanotube electrodes.

The 12 wt% Pt-deposited carbon nanotube electrode gives 10% higher voltages than 29 wt% Pt-deposited carbon black and reduces the Pt usage by 60% in polymer electrolyte fuel cells with hydrogen and oxygen.

Synthesis of crystalline boron nanowires by laser ablation.

Crystalline boron nanowires with tetragonal structure have been synthesized based on laser ablation of a B/NiCo target; the nanowires are sometimes single crystals and have a droplet at one end of the nanowire; the droplet contains B, Ni and Co elements, which indicates that the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism may play a key role in the growth of the boron nanowires.