Ambient synthesis of nanomaterials by in situ heterogeneous metal/ligand reactions. Issue 29 (17th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chang, Boyce S.; Thomas, Brijith; Chen, Jiahao; Tevis, Ian D.; Karanja, Paul; Çınar, Simge; Venkatesh, Amrit; Rossini, Aaron J.; Thuo, Martin M.
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 11:Issue 29(2019)
• Page Start: 14060
• Page End: 14069
• Publication Date: 2019-07-17
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c9nr05448k
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : Coordination polymers are ideal synthons for high aspect ratio nanomaterials. Using conjugate acid-base pairs, liquid metals are etched and chelated in situ . Solubility-driven polymerization, precipitation, and self-assembly gives tunable structures. Abstract : Coordination polymers are ideal synthons in creating high aspect ratio nanostructures, however, conventional synthetic methods are often restricted to batch-wise and costly processes. Herein, we demonstrate a non-traditional, frugal approach to synthesize 1D coordination polymers by in situ etching of zerovalent metal particle precursors. This procedure is denoted as the heterogeneous metal/ligand reaction and was demonstrated on Group 13 metals as a proof of concept. Simple carboxylic acids supply the etchant protons and ligands for metal ions (conjugate base) in a 1 : 1 ratio. This scalable reaction produces a 1D polymer that assembles into high-aspect ratio 'nanobeams'. We demonstrate control over crystal structure and morphology by tuning the: (i) metal center, (ii) stoichiometry and (iii) structure of the ligands. This work presents a general scalable method for continuous, heat free and water-based coordination polymer synthesis.