Structural and thermal characterization of novel Ni(II)(L-threoninato)2(H2O)2 crystal

Abstract

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of the novel Ni(II)(L-threoninato)2(H2O)2 crystal, a bivalent transition metal complex based on Ni(II) ions, based on crystalline structure and thermal properties. Through crystallographic analysis, we reveal that Ni(II)(L-threoninato)2(H2O)2 complex adopts an orthorhombic system with the C2221 space group. To gain insights into its thermal behavior, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques were employed to estimate kinetic parameters related to its thermal degradation. Model-free analysis, employing Friedman, Ozawa-Flynn-Wall, and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose methods, along with model-based analysis, were utilized to evaluate the activation energy and the logarithm of the pre-exponential factor. Furthermore, we elucidated the complex's crystalline structure thermal behavior using Powder X-ray Diffraction measurements as a function of temperature, at air and under vacuum. No phase transitions were detected at low temperatures only at high temperatures due to loss of water molecules. The measurements showed the crystal goes to a partially crystalline anhydrous phase with a certain long-range order in the [001] direction. Through Rietveld refinement the behavior of the lattice parameters and thermal expansion coefficients were obtained. This comprehensive study provides valuable knowledge about the Ni(II)(L-threoninato)2(H2O)2 crystals and lays the foundation for further exploration of similar complexes.