Synthesis and mechanical properties of a new 1D hybrid organic-inorganic lead iodide

Abstract

A new one-dimensional (1D) hybrid organic-inorganic lead iodide, [(Me)2-bipy][Pb2I6] ([(Me)2-bipy]2+=(C6H7N)22+) (1), has been synthesised and structurally characterised. Compound 1 crystalizes in an orthorhombic system with space group Pbca and cell parameters a=17.6366(8), b=16.0405(5) and c=18.4693(7) Å, V=5225.2(3) Å3. In the structure, the 1D lead iodide columns are interspersed by the organic species to form a dense packed structure. Nanoindentation studies reveal orientationally dependent elastic moduli (8.6–10.5GPa) and hardnesses (0.37–0.44GPa), which can be rationalized with the underlying structure from an atomic level.