Electronic Transfer and Phase Transitions in Cationic Intercalation Chemistry in Low‐Dimensional Chalcogenides

Abstract

AbstractBesides their striking physical properties, low‐dimensional solids have also a very rich chemical reactivity, of which the redox intercalation‐disintercalation processes represent an essential part. The intercalation of cations is the result of a coupled ion‐electron transfer reaction. The geometrical features associated to the ions are well known at present. However the role of the electron is oftentime restricted to a modification of the physical properties of the host structure. In this contribution it will be shown that the electronic transfer plays an essential role concerning the ability to intercalate and, also, largely governs the phase transitions that can be observed. Such phase transitions concern either the position taken by the intercalated cations or the host framework itself. They can be also related to a strong ion‐electron coupling.