Synthesis of a New Class of Hybrid Solids via Salt Inclusion

Abstract

ABSTRACTVia salt inclusion methods, we have recently isolated a new class of transitionmetal-containing hybrid solids that consist of a composite structure of covalent and ionic lattices. These new solids can be synthesized by conventional high-temperature, solid-state methods employing reactive molten alkali and alkaline-earth metal halide salts. Single crystal structure studies have revealed fascinating extended salt lattices that exhibit structural directing effects that give rise to a variety of nano-structured covalent oxide frameworks. Depending upon the composition of incorporated salt and the coordination environment of halide anions, resulting covalent lattices range from sheets, clusters, to porous structures. Due to the weak interaction between the two chemically dissimilar lattices, the salt lattice, in some cases, is removable showing reversible salt-intercalation at room temperature. In this report, we will demonstrate the utilities of salt-inclusion reactions in the formation of metal-oxide nanostructures in the selected compound families. We will also give some highlights on the recent discoveries of non-centrosymmetric solids via newly exploited salt-inclusion methods.