Charge-transfer Complexes Research Articles

Porphyrin nanoparticles-based portable smartphone platform for visual monitoring heavy metal Cr (Ⅲ) in the environment

Chromium ions exist in various valence states in the environment, and their pollution poses serious harm to social ecology and human health. The existing detection is mostly focused on Cr6+, while the detection related to Cr3+ is often overlooked. Cr3+ has a certain impact on soil, water, and the growth of animals and plants and even disrupts ecological balance. Accordingly, it is necessary to explore sensitive, convenient, and fast detection devices for Cr3+ in the environment. Here, we have designed a ratio fluorescence probe with porphyrin nanoparticles formed by block copolymers as the sensing core for ultra sensitive detection of Cr3+. The porphyrin nanoparticles can effectively bind with Cr3+ to form metal complexes, leading to ligand metal charge transfer (LMCT), which will result in a significant color change of the probe from red to blue. Furthermore, we have developed two portable fluorescence sensors for Cr3+ in soil and water, respectively. These portable sensing platforms based on designed nanoprobes and smartphones can convert the color information of fluorescent photos into digital information for real-time analysis. Thus, the method reported in this article can provide a possibility for rapid on-site and visual inspection of Cr3+ in soil and water from different regions.

M(TEIM) complexes with M as Co and Fe: Analogues of classic M(TIM)

The syntheses and characterization of Fe and Co complexes supported by a new tetra-imine macrocycle, TEIM (2,3,9,10-tetraethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-1,3,8,10-tetraene), are reported. Templating with Co(OAc)2·4H2O yielded trans-[Co(TEIM)Cl2][PF6] (1a), which was converted to trans-[Co(TEIM)X2][PF6] (X = N3 (2a) and NO2 (3a)) through reactions with NaX (X = N3 or NO2). Templating with Fe generated trans-[Fe(TEIM)(NCCH3)2][PF6]2, which was oxidized to trans-[Fe(TEIM)Cl2][PF6] (1b). The reaction of 1b with NaN3 formed [Fe(TEIM)(N3)2][PF6] (2b) while the reaction with [Fe(TEIM)(NCCH3)2][PF6]2 and NaNO2 yielded trans-[Fe(TEIM)(NO2)2] (3b). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed a pseudo-octahedral geometry around the Co / Fe centers with the ethyl groups oriented above or below the plane of the TEIM ring. The absorption spectra of 1b displays weak charge transfer bands near the UV to visible region, while 2b and 3b displayed intense charge transfer bands within the visible region. Cyclic voltammograms of 1a revealed four 1 e− reductions while those of 2a and 3a display only three cathodically shifted reductions. Analogous studies of 1b and 2b revealed two 1 e- reductions while 3b displays only an oxidation event. EPR studies of ferric complexes 1b and 2b indicated a low spin d5 electronic figuration with S = ½ ground state.

Trapping highly reactive photoinduced charge-transfer complex between amine and imide by light

Trapping highly reactive photoinduced charge-transfer complex between amine and imide by light

Enhancing thermoelectric efficiency of benzodithiophene-thienothiophene copolymers through doping-induced charge transfer

Organic thermoelectric materials have been gaining increasing interest due to their capacity to convert waste heat into electricity. This study explores the impact of doping-induced charge transfer states on the thermoelectric properties of benzodithiophene-thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-based polymers (PBDTTT) doped with 2,3,5,6-Tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ). Detailed structural, optical, and electrical analyses were conducted on two specific polymers, PBDTTT:C (P1) and PBDTTT:EFT (P2). The investigation revealed distinct doping behaviors: P1 formed a partial charge transfer (PCT) complex, whereas P2 predominantly formed an integer charge transfer (ICT) complex. This distinction is attributed to the inherent structural differences and varying aggregation capabilities of the polymers. As a result, P2 exhibited enhanced electrical conductivity and a superior thermoelectric power factor compared to P1. This study emphasizes the critical role of polymer aggregation and charge-transfer mechanisms in optimizing the thermoelectric performance of conjugated polymers. It offers valuable insights for the development of efficient thermoelectric materials and the advancement of energy conversion technologies.

Odd–Even Effect in Charge Transfer Complexes through the Regulation of the Alkyl Chain

Odd–Even Effect in Charge Transfer Complexes through the Regulation of the Alkyl Chain

Spacer dependence of exciplex dynamics in donor/spacer/acceptor layers

Exciplexes are crucial in organic optoelectronic devices since well-elaborated charge-transfer (CT) complexes exhibit unique exciton generation behavior. Thus, understanding the CT energy structures with exciton dynamics depending on donor–acceptor separation distances is essential for extracting their full potential. In this study, we investigated a long-range exciplex behavior between the electron donor of tris(4-carbazoyl-9-ylphenyl)amine (TCTA) and the electron acceptor of 2,4,6-tris[3-(diphenylphosphinyl)phenyl]-1,3,5-triazine (PO-T2T) by finely controlling their distance with 1,4-bis(triphenylsilyl)benzene (UGH-2) as a spacer layer. We report the characteristic exciplex photophysical kinetic behavior with time-dependent dynamics in terms of the donor–acceptor distance associated with the singlet–triplet energy gap and activation energy variation.

π‐Conjugated polyfluorenes with o‐phenylenediamine unit: Synthesis, optical and electrochemical properties, charge transfer complexation, and DNA sensing

Abstractπ‐Conjugated polyfluorenes (PPs) comprising 2,3‐diaminobenzene‐1,4‐diyl (unit A) and 9,9‐dihexylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl (polymer‐1) or 9,9‐bis(6‐N,N,N,‐trimethylammoniumhexyl)fluorene‐2,7‐diyl (unit B) (polymer‐2) units were synthesized using Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling polycondensation. To compare the chemical properties and functionality of polymer‐2, a water‐soluble PP comprising benzene‐1,4‐diyl and unit B (polymer‐3) was synthesized. Polymer‐1 exhibited solvatochromism: the photoluminescence (PL) peak of the polymer in solutions shifted to a longer wavelength with an increase in the dielectric constants of solvents. Polymer‐1 formed charge transfer (CT) complexes with organic electron acceptors. The CT complexation behavior was systematically elucidated by the PL measurements using Stern–Volmer and Benesi–Hildebrand methods. Water‐soluble polymer‐2 could be used as a sensor for the chain length of telomere DNA by monitoring the changes in its PL intensity upon the addition of the analyte. The DNA sensing performance of polymer‐2 surpassed that of polymer‐3, attributed to the presence of unit A in polymer‐2. This unit brought polymer‐2 closer to DNA through hydrogen bonding between the amino group of polymer‐2 and nucleic acids in DNA. This interaction facilitated the occurrence of CT from the polymer backbone to DNA.

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of new anti-inflammatory iron charge transfer complexes

The novelty and the essential purpose of this research is the preparation of new anti-inflammatory iron complexes in water green solvent using critical micelle concentration of anionic surface active agent (SAA). Three new anti-inflammatory iron complexes have been prepared. Thiophene-electron (es) donor (D) Schiff base (2-(2-OH-benzylidene)-amino)-4, 5, 6, 7-tetrah ydrobenzo[b] thiophene-3-carbonitrile) has been prepared. Molecular structures of all samples were confirmed based on CNH analysis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. The molecular structure of Schiff base is further confirmed by computational chemistry using the DFT-B3LYP method, 6-31G (d) basis set. Observed and simulated 1H NMR, UV–Vis. IR/Raman spectra confirmed the molecular structure of D. This Schiff base is intercalated to ferric chloride (FeCl3) giving pure iron charge transfer complex (CTCs). In vitro and kinetic studies confirmed Fe-CTC complexes had (concentration-dependent) potent antimicrobial-, good anti-inflammatory activities. Free radical scavenging activity nitrous oxide (NO.) of Fe (III)CTCs is attributed to geometry Fe(III) ions as distorted octahedral (either monoclinic or triclinic single crystals) via functional groups (-C]N–O, NH2). Elemental analysis and EDS spectra confirmed strong binding between iron and hetero atoms (N, S, O) of D molecules.

Cationic manganese(II)-based metal-organic framework constructed from viologen derivative with multifunctional properties

Utilizing the rigid and linear viologen carboxylic ligand as an organic linker, we have successfully synthesized and structurally characterized a multifunctional Mn-based cationic metal-organic framework (1). Compound 1 features a three-dimensional framework structure with a positively charged skeleton, wherein triangular pores accommodate [MnCl4]2− anions to preserve charge neutrality. Notably, compound 1 demonstrates a chemical chromism phenomenon, transitioning from yellow-brown to deep green upon exposure to ammonia. This color change is attributed to the nucleophilic attack of electron-rich ammonia molecules on the electron-deficient viologen moiety of viologen carboxylic ligand, leading to the formation of viologen radicals and charge transfer complexes. Moreover, compound 1 exhibits rapid and selective detection of antibiotics like metronidazole (MDZ) and dimetridazole (DTZ) via a competitive absorption-induced luminescence quenching process, featuring high quenching coefficients and low detection limits. Additionally, magnetic property investigations reveal predominant antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn(II) ions within compound 1.

P‐250: Highly Transparent Optical Window Film with Outstanding Mechanical Strength and Folding Reliability for Flexible Displays

This research presents a new approach to developing an optical window film, leveraging the concept of charge‐transfer complex (CTC) intensification of colorless polyimide The window film demonstrates exceptional characteristics, including a tensile modulus of 8.4 GPa, a high total light transmittance of approximately 90%, and a yellow index below 3. This is the best‐recorded balance between mechanical strength and optical properties for a highly flexible optical film. Furthermore, the resulting film exhibits a pencil hardness grade surpassing 2H, alongside remarkable folding reliability, sustaining over 200,000 cycles of folding and unfolding. The excellent properties are ascribed to the unique supramolecular structure characterized by multiple hydrogen bonding and salt complexation interactions, significantly enhancing CTC intensification.

Redox reactivity of LMCT and MLCT excited states of Earth‐abundant metal complexes

AbstractPrecious metal complexes, which act as excellent photoredox catalysts, have now being replaced by earth‐abundant metal complexes. This review focused on redox reactivity of ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (LMCT) and metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states of earth‐abundant metal complexes. Iron complexes with strongly σ‐donating NHC‐ligands (NHC = N‐heterocyclic carbene) has emerged, featuring long lived LMCT excited states due to a significantly increased barrier for deactivation via metal centered states. A Fe(III)‐NHC complex acts as an effective photoredox catalyst for various photocatalytic redox reactions. Although manganese(IV)‐oxo complexes have no long‐lived excited states (τ < < 1 ns). Once acids such as Sc(OTf)3 and HOTf are bound to the oxo moiety of Mn(IV)‐oxo complexes, the photoexcitation of acid‐bound Mn(IV)‐oxo complexes resulted in formation of the excited states with microseconds lifetimes, which are capable of oxidation of substrates including benzene to phenol. Photoexcited states of Mn(III), Mn(II) and Mn(I) complexes act as photoreductants to reduce substrates including O2. On the other hand, photoexcited states of Co(IV) and Co(III) complexes act as photooxidants, whereas those of Co(II) and Co(I) complexes act as photoreductants. With regard to the excited state lifetime, [Cr(tpe)2]3+ (tpe = 1,1,1‐tris(pyrid‐2‐yl)ethane) exhibited the longest luminescence lifetime (τ = 4500 μs), acting as an effective photoredox catalyst for photocatalytic redox reactions. The LMCT state of a Cr(0) complex acts as a super photoreductant. Thus, LMCT and MLCT excited states of earth‐abundant metal complexes are utilized as strong photooxidants and photoreductants, respectively.

Charge Transfer Complexes of 1-Cyclohexylpiperazine as Donor with 2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone and 2,3,5,6-Tetra chloro-p-benzoquinone as Acceptors: A Comparative Studies of Spectroscopic, Thermodynamic and DFT Analysis

Charge Transfer Complexes of 1-Cyclohexylpiperazine as Donor with 2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone and 2,3,5,6-Tetra chloro-p-benzoquinone as Acceptors: A Comparative Studies of Spectroscopic, Thermodynamic and DFT Analysis

Near‐Infrared and Cyan Dual‐Band Emission Copper Iodide Based Halides with [Cu6I9]3− Cluster

AbstractThe luminescence property of various compounds is developed in the photoelectric applications field, while the near‐infrared (NIR) dual‐band emission of compounds is extremely challenging. Herein, 0D Cu(I)‐based organic–inorganic module (ETA)3Cu6I9 is synthesized to achieve NIR and cyan dual‐band emission in metal halide systems. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations combined with comprehensive spectroscopic data reveal its emission mechanism. Under the excitation at 371 nm, (ETA)3Cu6I9 shows the broadband NIR emission peaking at 775 nm with a large wavelength, attributed to the triple‐cluster‐center (3CC) transition. Meanwhile, under 286 nm excitation, (ETA)3Cu6I9 shows a bright cyan emission peaking at 490 nm, attributed to the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) or halide‐to‐ligand charge transfer (XLCT) transitions. Moreover, (ETA)3Cu6I9 presents relatively superior thermal and air stability. Benefiting from the good stability of (ETA)3Cu6I9, the as‐fabricated NIR‐LED device demonstrates great potential in biological imaging and night vision. This study opens up a new way for designing new non‐toxic NIR and cyan dual‐band emission materials, which guides to synthesize new materials in metal halide field.

A novel optical thermometry strategy: Based on the combined effects of red-shift charge transfer band and thermal coupling

The non-contact temperature measurement method based on the fluorescence intensity ratio of thermally coupled energy levels has emerged as a focal point of research in recent years due to its characteristics of short response time, suitability for extreme environments, and high sensitivity. The enhancement of relative sensitivity (Sr) is a key objective in refining ratio-metric optical thermometry. However, the Sr is limited by the thermometry strategies. Regarding excitation and monitoring methods, ratio-metric temperature measurement strategies typically adopt two distinct approaches: single-excitation dual-emission (S-D), and dual-excitation single-emission (D-S). In this study, we developed a dual-excitation dual-emission (D-D) thermometry strategy that theoretically and experimentally demonstrates higher Sr and reduced temperature uncertainty (δT). This advancement was achieved by analyzing thermal coupling energy levels (TCELs) and the red-shift charge transfer band (CTB) properties. YVO4:Er3+ was selected for experimental validation due to its pronounced thermal coupling and red-shift CTB effects. The experimental results show that the Sr(D-D) equal to the sum of Sr(S-D) and Sr(D-S), and 1/δT(D-D) equal to the sum of 1/δT(S-D) and 1/δT(D-S), which well verifies the theoretical expectations. Thus, the D-D strategy emerges as a novel and effective method for ratio-metric thermometry, promising enhanced precision in temperature measurements.

Synthesis and Characterization of Multiple Stimuli-Responsive Fluorescent Polymer Hydrogels Based on Terpyridine and N-Isopropylacrylamide.

A series of stimuli-responsive fluorescent hydrogels were successfully synthesized via micelle radical copolymerization of hydrophilic acrylamide (AM), hydrophobic chromophore terpyridine-based monomer (TPY), and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM). These hydrogels presented blue emissions (423-440 nm) under room temperature, which is caused by the π-π* transition of the conjugated structures. Once the ambient temperature was increased to 55 °C, the fluorescence color changed from blue (430 nm) to pink (575 nm) within 10 min, subsequently to yellow (535 nm), and eventually back to pink. The thermal-responsive properties are attributed to the transition of the TPY units from unimer to dimer aggregation via the intermolecular charge transfer complex at high temperatures. The hydrogels showed pH-responsive properties. The emission peak of the hydrogel exhibited a blue shift of ~54 nm from neuter conditions to acidic conditions, while a 6 nm red shift to an alkaline environment was observed. The hydrogels demonstrated an obvious change in fluorescence intensity and wavelength upon adding different metal ions, which is caused by the coordination between the terpyridine units incorporated on the backbones and the metal ions. As a consequence, the hydrogels presented a sharp quenching fluorescence interaction with Fe2+, Fe3+, Cu2+, Hg2+, Ni2+, and Co2+, while it exhibited an enhanced fluorescence intensity interaction with Sn2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+. The microstructural, mechanical, and rheological properties of these luminescent hydrogels have been systematically investigated.

Photogeneration of α-Bimetalloid Radicals via Selective Activation of Multifunctional C1 Units.

Light-driven strategies that enable the chemoselective activation of a specific bond in multifunctional systems are comparatively underexplored in comparison to transition-metal-based technologies, yet desirable when considering the controlled exploration of chemical space. With the current drive to discover next-generation therapeutics, reaction design that enables the strategic incorporation of an sp3 carbon center, containing multiple synthetic handles for the subsequent exploration of chemical space would be highly enabling. Here, we describe the photoactivation of ambiphilic C1 units to generate α-bimetalloid radicals using only a Lewis base and light source to directly activate the C-I bond. Interception of these transient radicals with various SOMOphiles enables the rapid synthesis of organic scaffolds containing synthetic handles (B, Si, and Ge) for subsequent orthogonal activation. In-depth theoretical and mechanistic studies reveal the prominent role of 2,6-lutidine in forming a photoactive charge transfer complex and in stabilizing in situ generated iodine radicals, as well as the influential role of the boron p-orbital in the activation/weakening of the C-I bond. This simple and efficient methodology enabled expedient access to functionalized 3D frameworks that can be further derivatized using available technologies for C-B and C-Si bond activation.

Luminescence of Yb3+ incorporated into SrTi1-xZrxO3 solid-solutions: Inquiring into the charge transfer state nature in lanthanide-doped titanates

For more than forty years, quenching of the 3P0 → 3H4 emission in favor of the 1D2 → 3H4 one in Pr3+-doped titanates has been explained by a mechanism involving a metal-to-metal charge transfer (MMCT) state, profusely designated in the literature as IVCT Pr3+/Ti4+ → Pr4+/Ti3+ state. Here, we present experimental evidence making unnecessary this mechanism and supporting theoretical results that points towards an alternative process based on a ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) O2−/Ti4+ → O−/Ti3+ state as being responsible for that quenching (Z. Barandiarán et al. J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2017, 8, 3095). Photoluminescent spectra of Yb3+ incorporated into SrTi1-xZrxO3 solid-solutions interpreted in the framework of phenomenological models leading to vacuum referred binding energy diagrams and compared with equivalent solid solutions but doped with Pr3+, indicate that the emission of both lanthanide ions is excited through the same host state: the LMCT O2−/Ti4+ → O−/Ti3+ state. Photoluminescence spectra and decay curves performed in Pr-doped SrTiO3 as a function of the temperature suggest a thermally activated mechanism as being responsible for the quenching of the emission associated with the 3P0 → 3H4 transition.

Enhancing bioavailability of resveratrol through complexation with π-acceptors: A spectroscopic investigation

Polyphenols, including the highly effective resveratrol, have garnered attention due to their potential as drug candidates for COVID-19 prevention and treatment, as well as their diverse biological activities. However, clinical application is hindered by limited bioavailability. To address this, complexation of resveratrol (RES) with electron-accepting compounds, such as TCNE and DDQ, was investigated. A spectroscopic and thermodynamic study of these charge transfer complexes was conducted in methanol and ethanol using UV-visible spectrophotometry. The composition of the charge transfer complexes (CTC) were determined using molar ratio method and Job's continuous variation method. Benesi–Hildbrand equation was used to calculate the formation constants KCT and the molar extinction coefficient ɛCT of the formed complexes. Thermodynamic parameters (∆G°), (∆H°), (∆S°) and other physical factors, transition energy (ECT), ionization potential (IP), resonance energy (RN), oscillator strength (ƒ) and dipole moment (μ) were determined too.Solid CTC were characterized by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. CTC formed in the reaction of resveratrol with both π -acceptors have high formation constants KCT indicating the high stability of these complexes. The solvent nature was identified as a factor influencing KCT values. Specifically, the KCT values for [RES-DDQ] CTC formed in ethanol surpassed those of the same complex formed in methanol. Conversely, the KCT values of [RES-TCNE] CTC formed in methanol were higher than those of the same complex formed in ethanol.This research offers insights into enhancing the properties of resveratrol through charge transfer complex formation, paving the way for potential applications in anticancer therapeutics.

Ultrafast Photophysics of Ni(I)-Bipyridine Halide Complexes: Spanning the Marcus Normal and Inverted Regimes.

Owing to their light-harvesting properties, nickel-bipyridine (bpy) complexes have found wide use in metallaphotoredox cross-coupling reactions. Key to these transformations are Ni(I)-bpy halide intermediates that absorb a significant fraction of light at relevant cross-coupling reaction irradiation wavelengths. Herein, we report ultrafast transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy on a library of eight Ni(I)-bpy halide complexes, the first such characterization of any Ni(I) species. The TA data reveal the formation and decay of Ni(I)-to-bpy metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states (10-30 ps) whose relaxation dynamics are well described by vibronic Marcus theory, spanning the normal and inverted regions as a result of simple changes to the bpy substituents. While these lifetimes are relatively long for MLCT excited states in first-row transition metal complexes, their duration precludes excited-state bimolecular reactivity in photoredox reactions. We also present a one-step method to generate an isolable, solid-state Ni(I)-bpy halide species, which decouples light-initiated reactivity from dark, thermal cycles in catalysis.

Metal-Loaded Synthetic Melanin via Oxidative Polymerization of Neurotransmitter Norepinephrine Exhibiting High Photothermal Conversion.

Polydopamine (PDA)-derived melanin-like materials exhibit significant photothermal conversion owing to their broad-spectrum light absorption. However, their low near-infrared (NIR) absorption and inadequate hydrophilicity compromise their utilization of solar energy. Herein, we developed metal-loaded poly(norepinephrine) nanoparticles (PNE NPs) by predoping metal ions (Fe3+, Mn3+, Co2+, Ca2+, Ga3+, and Mg2+) with norepinephrine, a neuron-derived biomimetic molecule, to address the limitations of PDA. The chelation between catechol and metal ions induces a ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) through the formation of donor-acceptor pairs, modulating the light absorption behavior and reducing the band gap. Under 1 sun illumination, the Fe-loaded PNE coated wood evaporator achieved a high seawater evaporation rate and efficiency of 1.75 kg m-2 h-1 and 92.4%, respectively, owing to the superior hydrophilicity and photothermal performance of PNE. Therefore, this study offers a comprehensive exploration of the role of metal ions in enhancing the photothermal properties of synthetic melanins.