Jonathan D Woodward | PubMed Health

PubMed2006

Self-assembled colloidal crystals from ZrO2 nanoparticles.

Ordered three-dimensional (3-D) assemblies of nanocrystalline zirconia were synthesized from aqueous suspensions of ZrO(2) nanoparticles without the need for hydrocarbon surfactants or solvents to control colloidal crystal growth. Nanoparticles were suspended in mild acid and subsequently titrated from low to neutral pH. The solubility was reduced as the surfaces were neutralized, promoting assembly of the nanoparticles into ordered monoliths. TEM measurements indicated the formation of three-dimensional, hexagonal faceted, micrometer-sized colloidal crystals composed of 4 nm diameter ZrO(2) nanoparticles. Lacking organic surfactants, the colloidal crystals were exceptionally robust and were sintered at high temperatures (300-500 degrees C) for further stability. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements demonstrate that the samples become progressively more amorphous above 350 degrees C, although some ordered domains of nanoparticles persist. Additionally, the heat treatment dramatically increases the surface area of the colloidal crystals as water and residual organics are desorbed, revealing highly controlled interstitial spaces and pores.

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PubMed2005

Dramatic variation of magnetic exchange through double end-on azide bridges in a series of ladder-like copper(II) coordination polymers.

Three ladder-like coordination polymers, [Cu2(phprpy)2-mu-(N3)2(N3)2], 1; [Cu2(terpy)2-mu-(N3)4Cu2-mu-(N3)2(N3)2], 2; and[Cu2(terpy)2-mu-(N3)2(N3)2Cu3-mu-(N3)4(N3)2], 3, consisting of Cu2+ ions with double end-on azide bridges were synthesized, their crystal structures and magnetic properties were determined, and spin dimer analysis was performed to explain the signs and strengths of their strong spin exchange interactions [phprpy is 4-(3-phenylpropyl)pyridine and terpy is 2,2':6,2''-terpyridine]. Although these compounds have ladder-like arrangements of Cu2+ ions, their magnetic structures are described as isolated dimers for 1 and 2 and as isolated trimers for 3. The predominant spin exchange paths in 1-3 have double end-on azide bridges linking adjacent Cu2+ ions, and the geometrical parameters of these bridging structures are similar. However, the spin dimer of 1 exhibits a strong ferromagnetic coupling; that of 2, a strong antiferromagnetic coupling; and that of 3, a weak ferromagnetic coupling. These findings are well explained by the present spin dimer analysis and show that the nature and geometry of the nonbridging ligands can have a strong influence on the sign and strength of the spin exchange interaction between Cu2+ ions connected by double end-on azide bridges.

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