Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingfei Zhou, Gernot Frenking
Summary: The alkaline earth elements, previously considered chemically uninteresting, are now recognized for their rich covalent chemistry and similar coordination structures to classic transition metals. Their properties and structures suggest a classification closer to transition metals rather than main group elements.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xin Zheng, Airan Li, Shuo Liu, Zhongkang Han, Min Zhang, Feng Liu, Chenguang Fu, Tiejun Zhu
Summary: This study investigates the influence of negatively charged defects on the n-type thermoelectric properties of Zintl phases from both theoretical and experimental perspectives. The results show that suppressing the formation of specific defects can successfully achieve n-type conduction, and further isoelectronic alloying and donor doping can significantly improve the thermoelectric performance of the material.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mabel Rojas, Gabriel Bernales, Ana Belen Dongil, Gina Pecchi, Nestor Escalona
Summary: This study investigated the effect of partial substitution of La by Ca and Sr on the catalytic activity of lanthanum cobaltite (LaCoO3). It was found that Sr substitution leads to the oxidation of Co3+ to Co4+ to neutralize electronic instability, while the presence of Ca generates oxygen vacancies. Reduced LaCoO3 exhibited a higher conversion rate compared to the substituted catalysts, which may be attributed to the smaller Co crystal size and absence of segregated phases.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
M. Kumar, H. Nagabhushana, Y. C. Ratnakaram
Summary: This study synthesized transparent glass ceramics doped with Sm3+ ions in BiPO4 nanocrystals, analyzing their thermal stability and crystalline phase. FTIR was used for structural unit validation, while Judd-Ofelt theory was applied to obtain spectral intensities and optical parameters, studying the influence of alkali and alkaline earths metals on Sm3+ excited levels. SrF2 glass ceramics showed promising properties in optical devices for visible laser applications compared to other glass networks and ceramics.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Eun Jun Lee, Kwan-Young Lee
Summary: This study shows that the addition of alkaline-earth metals to the catalyst enhances the NOx-assisted soot oxidation activity, with AgSr/2MnOx-1CeO2 exhibiting the best performance.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qian Liu, Ke-Feng Liu, Qi-Qi Wang, Xiao-Cun Liu, Fang Yu, Jian Liu, Yuan-Yuan Su, Sheng-Qing Xia
Summary: This report systematically investigated the thermoelectric properties of TiNiSi-type Zintl phases with the nominal formulae of ALiSb (A = Ca, Sr, Eu, Yb) for the first time. The results showed that ALiSb Zintl phases had inherently low lattice thermal conductivity despite their simple structure. Rattling-like scattering behavior originating from the Li atoms was suggested as the mechanism for this low thermal conductivity. By configuring solid solutions, such as Sr0.8Eu0.2LiSb, the zT value of the material was further optimized, reaching a maximum of 1.2 at 823 K. These findings challenge the previous understanding that low thermal conductivity in Zintl phases is achieved through complex crystal structures, and suggest that light-element containing Zintl phases can be a promising resource for thermoelectric applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bin Huo, Rui Sun, Bo Jin, Lingfei Hu, Jian-Hong Bian, Xiao-Ling Guan, Caixia Yuan, Gang Lu, Yan-Bo Wu
Summary: The study predicted stable alkaline earth complexes where the metal centers were in their stable +2 oxidation state and participated in bonding with the pi orbitals of Cp ligands using their d orbitals, mimicking the bonding behavior of transition metals.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiale Chen, Yujie Zhang, Hongping Wu, Zhanggui Hu, Jiyang Wang, Yicheng Wu, Hongwei Yu
Summary: In this study, new infrared nonlinear optical crystals with outstanding performance were successfully designed and synthesized. These crystals achieve the optimal balance between large second harmonic generation response and wide band gap, and have significant potential for practical applications.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ahmad Telfah, Djemaa Guendouz, Zoulikha Charifi, Hakim Baaziz, Ahmad Mohammad Alsaad, Roland Hergenroder, Renat Sabirianov
Summary: The research focused on studying the structural, electronic, optical, and mechanical properties of XH2 (X=Cа, Sr, Ba) earth hydrides, revealing their stability and phase transition behavior. The results showed strong agreement between calculations and experimental data, highlighting the unique properties of these alkaline earth hydrides.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Imene Saoula, Chahinez Siad, Abdelouhab Ouahab, Nassiba Allag, Abdelouahad Chala, Saad Rahmane, Saida Marmi, Nouari Saheb
Summary: In this study, calcium, strontium, and barium doped SnO2 thin films were synthesized using spray pyrolysis technique. The optical and electrical properties of these films were characterized. Doping with calcium and strontium improved the optical transmittance of SnO2, while barium doping increased its band gap. Calcium and strontium doping also increased the electrical conductivity of SnO2, while barium doping decreased it. The calcium and strontium doped films showed great potential in functional applications.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Xin Gui, Robert J. Cava
Summary: Four new phases with formulas M3Pt23Ge11 adopting the same structure type as Ce3Pt23Si11 were reported in this study. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that none of the phases display superconductivity above 1.8 K. Ferromagnetic ordering was observed in Eu3Pt23Ge11 at around 3 K, with a lower Curie temperature compared to Eu3Pt23Si11 due to a larger Eu-Eu distance.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiajia Wang, Zhengpeng Chen, Mingfei Li, Mumin Rao, Ruoyu Li, Xuemei Ou, Yunfeng Tian, Fangjun Jin, Chengjin Shen, Yihan Ling
Summary: Symmetric solid oxide fuel cells are attracting increasing attention due to their simple fabrication and low cost. In this study, Sm-0.5 x 0.5Fe0.9Ni0.1O3-delta materials were synthesized and their physico-chemical properties and electrochemical performance as electrodes were systematically studied. The synthesized materials showed stable phase structures under oxidizing and reducing atmospheres below 750 degrees C, and the peak power densities of the symmetrical cells with different electrodes were measured.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maciej Hodorowicz, Monika Sternal, Anna Jurowska, Janusz Szklarzewicz
Summary: Five complexes containing alkaline earth metal salts (Be2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+) and [W(CN)(6)(bpy)](-) ion were synthesized and characterized. The structures of Ca[W(CN)(6)(bpy)]ClO4 center dot 3H(2)O and Sr[W(CN)(6)(bpy)]NO3 center dot 2H(2)O were analyzed using X-ray crystallography and compared with previously studied Me-2[WIV(CN)(6)(bpy)] and Me[WV(CN)(6)(bpy)] complexes.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Xianhui Zhang, Dong Yang, Shaofan Wu, Xieming Xu, Ronghua Ma, Dengfeng Peng, Zhilin Wang, Shuaihua Wang
Summary: Materials exhibiting mechanoluminescence have significant applications in various electronic devices. This study presents a new family of semiconductor host materials and proposes a novel mechanism for mechanoluminescence, achieving efficient mechanical-to-light energy conversion.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Maksym Buryi, Tatsiana Salamakha, Vladimir Babin, Juraj Paterek, Frantisek Hajek, Zdenek Remes, Lucie Landova, Ekaterina Trusova, Yauhen Tratsiak
Summary: Through experiments, it has been confirmed that glass ceramics containing MI2:Eu crystalline particles, with M = Ca, Sr, and Ba, have been formed in MO-B2O3 glass, with the source of Eu2+ ions originating from the MO-B2O3 glass hosts. The distribution of Eu2+ and its properties in the glass ceramics were studied, and the optimal conditions leading to enhanced emission of Eu2+ in CaI2 and SrI2 crystals inside the glasses were determined.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Benjamin A. Trump, Omid T. Qazvini, Seok J. Lee, Elnaz Jangodaz, Wei Zhou, Craig M. Brown, Shane G. Telfer
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide great opportunities for gas uptake, storage, and separation due to their porosity, chemical tunability, and flexibility. The MUF-16 family, with exceptional gas adsorption properties, including selective uptake of carbon dioxide, shows flexibility upon the adsorption of hydrocarbon gases. Through in situ synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction, we identified the framework-gas interactions and utilized inelastic neutron scattering and calculations to understand the dynamics of the flexibility. C-3 hydrocarbons effectively bridge hydrogen-bonded carboxyl dimers in the framework, leading to pore expansion and inhibition of certain framework motions.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Minjie Hu, Jordi Sardans, Ruibing Yan, Hui Wu, Ranxu Ni, Josep Penuelas, Chuan Tong
Summary: The conversion of wetlands to aquaculture ponds alters phosphorus (P) cycling and its budget balance, leading to increased P release into water and exacerbating water quality degradation and eutrophication in coastal areas. This study investigates the availability and mobilization mechanisms of P in natural coastal wetlands and converted aquaculture ponds using advanced techniques, revealing that the conversion weakens the dependence of sediment P mobilization on iron and sulfur reactions. The findings emphasize the urgent need for specific actions to alleviate internal P-loading in aquaculture.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Hui Wu, Wei Zhou, Terrence J. Udovic, Robert C. Bowman, Bjorn C. Hauback
Summary: Since the initial assessment four decades ago, research on the hydrogen-storage applications of zirconium diberyllide, ZrBe2, has mainly focused on its hydride composition, ZrBe2H1.5. However, recent studies using neutron techniques have revealed the existence of two other ordered phases of ZrBe2Hx with lower hydrogen contents (x < 1.5) at low temperatures. These phases have different structural symmetries, H-sublattice orderings, and undergo higher-temperature phase transitions. This study provides a more complete understanding of the ZrBe2Hx phase diagram.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Yu, Jintao Wang, Zhaoxian Qin, Yingtong Lv, Qijun Pei, Khai Chen Tan, Tengfei Zhang, Anan Wu, Teng He, Hui Wu, Andrew S. Lipton, Ping Chen
Summary: Replacing liquid electrolytes with solid-state electrolytes can solve the safety issues in sodium-ion batteries. However, challenges still exist in finding solid-state electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and stability. Researchers have fabricated sodium carbazolide and its THF-coordinated derivatives as fast sodium conductors with excellent interfacial stability. The evaporation of THF is found to play a crucial role in facilitating the migration of sodium ions.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Radovan Cerny, Matteo Brighi, Hui Wu, Wei Zhou, Mirjana Dimitrievska, Fabrizio Murgia, Valerio Gulino, Petra E. de Jongh, Benjamin A. Trump, Terrence J. Udovic
Summary: This study investigates the thermal polymorphism in CsCB11H12 and discovers the existence of two polymorphs: the ordered R3 polymorph at around 313K and the disordered I43d polymorph at around 353K. Additionally, it identifies a disordered Fm3 polymorph appearing from the disordered I43d polymorph at 513K and transforming into a high-temperature P6(3)mc polymorph. Neutron scattering results show isotropic rotational diffusion of CB11H12- anions in the disordered phase at 560K.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haofei Zhao, Ziwen Zhou, Xuenan Feng, Chao Liu, Hui Wu, Wei Zhou, Hailong Wang
Summary: This study establishes a hydrogen-bonded organic framework that can be used for red light photocatalysis. By introducing ethylamino groups to the core molecule, the material is able to absorb red light at 619 nm and generate singlet oxygen, thereby enhancing the oxidation rate of sulfides.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Youlie Cai, Junkuo Gao, Jing-Hong Li, Puxu Liu, Yanchun Zheng, Wei Zhou, Hui Wu, Libo Li, Rui-Biao Lin, Banglin Chen
Summary: By incorporating structure-directing agents (SDAs) into the hydrogen-bonding network of TCPP, a series of HOFs with different pore structures were obtained. Among them, HOF-ZSTU-2 forms a strong layered hydrogen-bonding network with ammonium (NH4+) through multiple carboxyl groups and has a suitable 1D pearl-chain channel for the selective capture of propylene (C3H6). HOF-ZSTU-2 achieves a C3H6 storage density of 0.6 kg L-1 at 298 K and 1 bar, and exhibits a propylene/propane (C3H6/C3H8) selectivity of 12.2.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui-Min Wen, Chenyi Yu, Miaoyu Liu, Chenyan Lin, Beiyu Zhao, Hui Wu, Wei Zhou, Banglin Chen, Jun Hu
Summary: This study achieves one-step separation of C2H4 from ternary mixtures by constructing negative electrostatic pore environments in a stable, low-cost metal-organic framework (MOF-303). The material exhibits high adsorption capacity and selectivity, and shows exceptional separation performance at ambient conditions. It is highly stable and can be easily synthesized using a water-based green synthesis method.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gavin A. McCarver, Taner Yildirim, Wei Zhou
Summary: This study investigates the CO2RR process using first-principles methods and highlights the unique attributes of the Fe-MOF-74 cluster for CO2 conversion to methane. The analysis identifies critical factors driving the selective CO2RR pathway, providing insights into the reaction mechanism.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Baoqiu Yu, Rui-Biao Lin, Gang Xu, Zhi-Hua Fu, Hui Wu, Wei Zhou, Shanfu Lu, Qian-Wen Li, Yucheng Jin, Jing-Hong Li, Zhenguo Zhang, Hailong Wang, Zier Yan, Xiaolin Liu, Kang Wang, Banglin Chen, Jianzhuang Jiang
Summary: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction demonstrates the single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations of imine linkages in a flexible covalent organic framework with interpenetrating quartz topology. The material exhibits large anisotropic positive thermal expansion and can undergo structural transformations upon removal of solvent molecules. Redox-induced linkage conversions improve the stability of the COFs towards strong acids and enable high anhydrous proton conductivity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nie Fang, Siquan Zhang, Zhenchuang Xu, Si Chen, Xu Zhang, Hui Wu, Wei Zhou, Yanchuan Zhao
Summary: Building robust porous molecular architectures through van der Waals interactions is promising for catalysis, chemosensing, and separation techniques. This study presents a molecular porous crystal with layered packing and interdigitation of concaved building blocks. Despite the interdigitation, one-dimensional channels emerge due to the irregular shape and size of the constituent building blocks, showing significant structural flexibility and exceptional thermal and chemical stability.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Baoqiu Yu, Wenliang Li, Xiao Wang, Jing-Hong Li, Rui-Biao Lin, Hailong Wang, Xu Ding, Yucheng Jin, Xiya Yang, Hui Wu, Wei Zhou, Jingping Zhang, Jianzhuang Jiang
Summary: This study reveals the formation mechanism of isomers in covalent organic frameworks through experimental and theoretical simulations. Two rare isomers structures are obtained, and the crucial role of flexible molecular configurations of building blocks in isomer formation is demonstrated.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
