Intrinsic electrical conductivity of nanostructured metal-organic polymer chains

Anomalous Transport of Small Polarons Arises from Transient Lattice Relaxation or Immovable Boundaries

Elucidating transport mechanisms is crucial for advancing material design, yet state-of-the-art theory is restricted to exact simulations of small lattices with severe finite-size effects or approximate ones that assume the nature of transport. We leverage algorithmic advances to tame finite-size effects and exactly simulate small polaron formation and transport in the Holstein model. We further analyze the applicability of the ubiquitously used equilibrium-based Green-Kubo relations and nonequilibrium methods to predict charge mobility. We find that these methods can converge to different values and track this disparity to finite-size dependence and the sensitivity of Green-Kubo relations to the system's topology. Contrary to standard perturbative calculations, our results demonstrate that small polarons exhibit anomalous transport that manifests transiently due to nonequilibrium lattice relaxation or permanently as a signature of immovable boundaries. These findings can offer new interpretations of transport experiments on polymers and transition metal oxides.

Macro- and atomic-scale observations of a one-dimensional heterojunction in a nickel and palladium nanowire complex

The creation of low-dimensional heterostructures for intelligent devices is a challenging research topic; however, macro- and atomic-scale connections in one-dimensional (1D) electronic systems have not been achieved yet. Herein, we synthesize a heterostructure comprising a 1D Mott insulator [Ni(chxn)₂Br]Br₂ (1; chxn = 1R-2R-diaminocyclohexane) and a 1D Peierls or charge-density-wave insulator [Pd(chxn)₂Br]Br₂ (2) using stepwise electrochemical growth. It can be considered as the first example of electrochemical liquid-phase epitaxy applied to molecular-based heterostructures with a macroscopic scale. Moreover, atomic-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy images reveal a modulation of the electronic state in the heterojunction region with a length of five metal atoms (~ 2.5 nm), that is a direct evidence for the atomic-scale connection of 1 and 2. This is the first time that the heterojunction in the 1D chains has been shown and examined experimentally at macro- and atomic-scale. This study thus serves as proof of concept for heterojunctions in 1D electronic systems.

Low-dimensional heterojunctions are interesting for fundamental studies and applications, but their demonstrations have been limited to planar structures. Here the authors report synthesis and macro- and atomic scale characterization of a one-dimensional heterojunction formed by halogen-bridged metal-organic nanowires.

Manipulating Edge Current in Hexagonal Boron Nitride via Doping and Friction

We map spatially correlated electrical current on the stacking boundaries of pristine and doped hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) to distinguish from its insulating bulk via conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM). While the pristine edges of hBN show an insulating nature, the O-doped edges reveal a current 2 orders of higher even for bulk layers where the direct transmission through tunnel barrier is implausible. Instead, the nonlinear current-voltage characteristics (I-V) at the edges of O-doped hBN can be explained by trap-assisted lowering of the tunnel barrier by adopting a Poole-Frenkel (PF) model. However, in the stacked heterostructure with multilayer graphene (MLG) on top, the buried edge of pristine hBN shows a signature of electron conduction in the scanning mode which contradicts the first-principle calculation of spatial distribution of local density of states (LDOS) data. Enhancement of friction between the Pt-tip and MLG at the step-edge of the heterostructure while scanning in the contact mode has prompted us to construct a phenomenological model where the localization of opposite surface charges on two conducting plates (MLG and Si substrate) containing a dielectric film (hBN) with negatively charged defects creates an internal electric field opposite to the external electric field due to the applied voltage bias in the CAFM setup. An equivalent circuit with a parallel resistor network based on a vertical conducting channel through the MLG/hBN edge and an in-plane surface carrier transport through MLG can successfully analyze the current maps on pristine/doped hBN and the related heterostructures. These results yield fundamental insight into the emerging field of insulatronics in which defect-induced electron transport along the edge can be manipulated in an 1D-2D synergized insulator.

The alloying-induced electrical conductivity of metal-chalcogenolate nanowires

Alloying is one of the most effective strategies to change the properties of inorganic-organic hybrid materials, but there are few reports of the alloying of one-dimensional nanowires with precise atomic structure due to the difficulties in obtaining the single crystals of nanowires themselves. Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of an alloyed one-dimensional Ag-Cu nanowire [Ag_2.5Cu_1.5(S-Adm)₄]_n. Compared with the unalloyed [Ag₄(S-Adm)₄]_n, our novel alloyed nanowire exhibits good conductivity, and its resistivity (as a powder) was determined to be 107 Ω m by impedance analysis-consistent with that of a semiconductor. Accordingly, based on these properties combined with its excellent thermal stability and high-yielding, gram-scale synthesis, [Ag_2.5Cu_1.5(S-Adm)₄]_n is proposed for electronic-device applications.

Electrically conductive 1D coordination polymers: design strategies and controlling factors

Due to the easy functionality and structural diversity of coordination polymers (CPs) coupled with superior thermal stability, many researchers have been prompted to explore the opportunity of introducing these hybrid materials as active components in various electronic devices, such as light emitting diodes (LED), solar cells, field effect transistors (FET), and Schottky barrier diodes (SBD). Therefore, the judicious selection of the structural components of CPs is directly related to their structure-property relationship and applications. One-dimensional (1D) CPs have recently emerged as excellent electrical conductors and are gaining enormous attention owing to their simple chain-like coordination arrays. In this article, we review the rational design strategies for synthesising 1D CPs and also point out the structural factors that affect the charge transport properties as well as the electrical conductivity of these materials.

Catalytically active coordination polymer with a tiny Zn2Se2 ring bridged by bis-selone

The unprecedented architecture of a one-dimensional coordination polymer with a tiny Zn₂Se₂ ring system incorporated in the hydrogen-bonded array has been prepared, where the di-selone ligand functions as a unique neutral bridging ligand. The coordination polymer shows excellent catalytic activity in substituted 8-hydroxy-2-quinolinyl synthesis through Knoevenagel condensation reaction.

A bioinspired metal-organic approach to cross-linked functional 3D nanofibrous hydro- and aero-gels with effective mixture separation of nucleobases by molecular recognition

The direct reaction between Cu(CH3COO)2 and uracil-1-acetic acid in water gives rise to the formation of a hydrogel consisting of entangled nanometric ribbons of a crystalline antiferromagnetic 1D Cu(ii) coordination polymer (CP) decorated with biocompatible uracil nucleobases. This hydrogel is the precursor for the preparation of a meso/macroporous ultralight aerogel that shows a remarkable Young's modulus. As a proof-of-concept of the molecular recognition capability of the terminal uracil moieties anchored at Cu(ii) CP chains, this material has been tested as the selective stationary phase for the separation of nucleobase derivatives in HPLC columns.

Coordination polymers for n-type thermoelectric applications

Coordination polymers (CPs) are potential thermoelectric (TE) materials to replace the sometimes costly, brittle and toxic heavy metal inorganic TEs for near-ambient-temperature applications. Air-stable and highly conductive p-type thermoelectric CPs are relatively well known, but the their n-type counterparts are only now emerging and both are needed for most practical applications. This perspective reviews recent advances in the development of n-type thermoelectric CPs, particularly the 1D and 2D metal bisdithiolenes, and introduces a relatively new class of guest@metal-organic framework(MOF)-based composites. Low dimensional CPs with reasonable n-type thermoelectric performance are emerging with good charge mobility and air-stability but still relatively low electrical conductivity.

Gas Sensors Based on Chemi-Resistive Hybrid Functional Nanomaterials

Chemi-resistive sensors based on hybrid functional materials are promising candidates for gas sensing with high responsivity, good selectivity, fast response/recovery, great stability/repeatability, room-working temperature, low cost, and easy-to-fabricate, for versatile applications. This progress report reviews the advantages and advances of these sensing structures compared with the single constituent, according to five main sensing forms: manipulating/constructing heterojunctions, catalytic reaction, charge transfer, charge carrier transport, molecular binding/sieving, and their combinations. Promises and challenges of the advances of each form are presented and discussed. Critical thinking and ideas regarding the orientation of the development of hybrid material-based gas sensor in the future are discussed.

Ubiquitous energy conversion of two-dimensional molecular crystals

Two-dimensional (2D) atomic crystals have triggered significant excitement due to their rich physics as well as potential industrial applications. The possibility of a molecular counterpart with scalable processability and superior performance is intriguing from both fundamental and applied perspectives. Here, we present the freestanding 2D molecular charge-transfer bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene-C₆₀ crystals prepared by a modified Langmuir-Blodgett method, with precisely controlled few-layer thickness and centimeter-scale lateral dimension. The interconversion of intrinsic excited process, the long-range ordering and anisotropic stacking arrangement of the molecular layered crystals generate external stimuli responsive behaviors and anisotropic spin-charge conversion with magnetic energy conversion ability, as well as a superior UV photosensitivity. Moreover, the 2D freestanding crystals demonstrate superior magneto-electrical properties. These results suggest that a new class of 2D atomically thin molecular crystals with novel electronic, optical and magnetic properties have great potential for spintronic, energy and sensor applications.

Theoretical investigation on the electronic structure of one dimensional infinite monatomic gold wire: insights into conducting properties

Mixed-valence metal-organic nanostructures show unusual electronic properties. In our pervious investigation, we have designed and predicted a unique one-dimensional infinite monatomic gold wire (1D-IMGW) with excellent conductivity and the interesting characteristic of mixed valency (Auc 3+ and Au0 i). For further exploring its conduction properties and stability in conducting state, here we select one electron as a probe to explore the electron transport channel and investigate its electronic structure in conducting state. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show the 1D-IMGW maintains its original structure in conducting state illustrating its excellent stability. Moreover, while adding an electron, 1D-IMGW is transformed from a semiconductor to a conductor with the energy band mixed with Auc (5d) and Aui (6s) through the Fermi level. Thus 1D-IMGW will conduct along its gold atom chain demonstrating good application prospect in nanodevices.

One-Pot Preparation of Mechanically Robust, Transparent, Highly Conductive, and Memristive Metal-Organic Ultrathin Film

The future of 2D flexible electronics relies on the preparation of conducting ultrathin films of materials with mechanical robustness and flexibility in a simple but controlled manner. In this respect, metal-organic compounds present advantages over inorganic laminar crystals owing to their structural, chemical, and functional diversity. While most metal-organic compounds are usually prepared in bulk, recent work has shown that some of them are processable down to low dimensional forms. Here we report the one-pot preparation, carried out at the water-air interface, of ultrathin (down to 4 nm) films of the metal-organic compound [Cu₂I₂(TAA)] _n (TAA= thioacetamide). The films are shown to be homogeneous over mm² areas, smooth, highly transparent, mechanically robust, and good electrical conductors with memristive behavior at low frequencies. This combination of properties, as well as the industrial availability of the two building blocks required for the preparation, demonstrates their wide range potential in future flexible and transparent electronics.

High Electrical Conductivity of Single Metal-Organic Chains

Molecular wires are essential components for future nanoscale electronics. However, the preparation of individual long conductive molecules is still a challenge. MMX metal-organic polymers are quasi-1D sequences of single halide atoms (X) bridging subunits with two metal ions (MM) connected by organic ligands. They are excellent electrical conductors as bulk macroscopic crystals and as nanoribbons. However, according to theoretical calculations, the electrical conductance found in the experiments should be even higher. Here, a novel and simple drop-casting procedure to isolate bundles of few to single MMX chains is demonstrated. Furthermore, an exponential dependence of the electrical resistance of one or two MMX chains as a function of their length that does not agree with predictions based on their theoretical band structure is reported. This dependence is attributed to strong Anderson localization originated by structural defects. Theoretical modeling confirms that the current is limited by structural defects, mainly vacancies of iodine atoms, through which the current is constrained to flow. Nevertheless, measurable electrical transport along distances beyond 250 nm surpasses that of all other molecular wires reported so far. This work places in perspective the role of defects in 1D wires and their importance for molecular electronics.

Tunable two-dimensional interfacial coupling in molecular heterostructures

Two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures are of considerable interest for the next generation nanoelectronics because of their unique interlayer coupling and optoelectronic properties. Here, we report a modified Langmuir-Blodgett method to organize two-dimensional molecular charge transfer crystals into arbitrarily and vertically stacked heterostructures, consisting of bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF)/C₆₀ and poly(3-dodecylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3DDT)/C₆₀ nanosheets. A strong and anisotropic interfacial coupling between the charge transfer pairs is demonstrated. The van der Waals heterostructures exhibit pressure dependent sensitivity with a high piezoresistance coefficient of -4.4 × 10^-6 Pa^-1, and conductance and capacitance tunable by external stimuli (ferroelectric field and magnetic field). Density functional theory calculations confirm charge transfer between the n-orbitals of the S atoms in BEDT-TTF of the BEDT-TTF/C₆₀ layer and the π* orbitals of C atoms in C₆₀ of the P3DDT/C₆₀ layer contribute to the inter-complex CT. The two-dimensional molecular van der Waals heterostructures with tunable optical-electronic-magnetic coupling properties are promising for flexible electronic applications.Two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures are of interest due to their unique interlayer coupling and optoelectronic properties. Here authors develop a Langmuir-Blodgett method to organize charge transfer molecular heterostructures with externally tunable conductance and capacitance and broadband photoresponse.

Nanosheets of Two-Dimensional Magnetic and Conducting Fe(II)/Fe(III) Mixed-Valence Metal-Organic Frameworks

We report the synthesis, magnetic properties, electrical conductivity, and delamination into thin nanosheets of two anilato-based Fe(II)/Fe(III) mixed-valence two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Compounds [(H₃O)(H₂O)(phenazine)₃][Fe^IIFe^III(C₆O₄X₂)₃]·12H₂O [X = Cl (1) and Br (2)] present a honeycomb layered structure with an eclipsed packing that generates hexagonal channels containing the water molecules. Both compounds show ferrimagnetic ordering at ca. 2 K coexisting with electrical conductivity (with room temperature conductivities of 0.03 and 0.003 S/cm). Changing the X group from Cl to Br leads to a decrease in the ordering temperature and room temperature conductivity that is correlated with the decrease of the electronegativity of X. Despite the ionic charge of the anilato-based layers, these MOFs can be easily delaminated in thin nanosheets with the thickness of a few monolayers.

GaN nanowire tips for nanoscale atomic force microscopy

Imaging of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures with sharp edges and straight walls in nanoscale metrology by atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been challenging due to the mechanical properties and conical geometry of the majority of available commercial tips. Here we report on the fabrication of GaN probes for nanoscale metrology of high-aspect-ratio structures to enhance the resolution of AFM imaging and improve the durability of AFM tips. GaN nanowires were fabricated using bottom-up and top-down techniques and bonded to Si cantilevers to scan vertical trenches on Si substrates. Over several scans, the GaN probes demonstrated excellent durability while scanning uneven structures and showed resolution enhancements in topography images, independent of scan direction, compared to commercial Si tips.

Coordination-Controlled One-Dimensional Molecular Chains in Hexapodal Adenine-Silver Ultrathin Films

Growth of a silver coordination polymer of a C₃-symmetric hexaadenine ligand is studied on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), using high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM). This unusual ligand offers 6-fold multidentate coordination sites, and consequently, a multidimensional growth of coordination polymer is expected. Notably, each discrete hexapodal unit is bridged by two silver ions along one of the crystallographic directions, resulting in high interaction energy along this direction. When the polymer was deposited on an HOPG surface from a dilute solution, we observed abundant one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymer chains, with a minimum width of approximately 4.5 nm. The single-crystal structure using X-ray analysis is compared with the surface patterns to reconcile and understand the structure of the 1D polymer on an HOPG surface. The energy levels of Ag-L1 within the proposed model were calculated, on the basis of the X-ray crystal structure, and compared to the ligand states to gain information about the electronic structure of ligand upon Ag coordination. On the basis of the wave functions of a few molecular orbitals (MOs) near the Fermi energy, it is surmised that unfilled MOs may play a crucial role in the transport properties of the Ag-L1 adlayer.

N9 substituent mediated structural tuning of copper–purine complexes: chelate effect and thin film studies

Six Cu(ii) complexes of strategically designed derivatives of 6-chloropurine, one of which has been explored as a thin film precursor on quartz and Si(111) surfaces by using chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

Emerging Multifunctional Metal-Organic Framework Materials

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), also known as coordination polymers, represent an interesting type of solid crystalline materials that can be straightforwardly self-assembled through the coordination of metal ions/clusters with organic linkers. Owing to the modular nature and mild conditions of MOF synthesis, the porosities of MOF materials can be systematically tuned by judicious selection of molecular building blocks, and a variety of functional sites/groups can be introduced into metal ions/clusters, organic linkers, or pore spaces through pre-designing or post-synthetic approaches. These unique advantages enable MOFs to be used as a highly versatile and tunable platform for exploring multifunctional MOF materials. Here, the bright potential of MOF materials as emerging multifunctional materials is highlighted in some of the most important applications for gas storage and separation, optical, electric and magnetic materials, chemical sensing, catalysis, and biomedicine.

Coordination Programming of Two-Dimensional Metal Complex Frameworks

Since the discovery of graphene, two-dimensional materials with atomic thickness have attracted much attention because of their characteristic physical and chemical properties. Recently, coordination nanosheets (CONASHs) came into the world as new series of two-dimensional frameworks, which can show various functions based on metal complexes formed by numerous combinations of metal ions and ligands. This Feature Article provides an overview of recent progress in synthesizing CONASHs and in elucidating their intriguing electrical, sensing, and catalytic properties. We also review recent theoretical studies on the prediction of the unique electronic structures, magnetism, and catalytic ability of materials based on CONASHs. Future prospects for applying CONASHs to novel applications are also discussed.

A two-dimensional π-d conjugated coordination polymer with extremely high electrical conductivity and ambipolar transport behaviour

Currently, studies on organic two-dimensional (2D) materials with special optic-electronic properties are attracting great research interest. However, 2D organic systems possessing promising electrical transport properties are still rare. Here a highly crystalline thin film of a copper coordination polymer, Cu-BHT (BHT=benzenehexathiol), is prepared via a liquid–liquid interface reaction between BHT/dichloromethane and copper(II) nitrate/H₂O. The morphology and structure characterization reveal that this film is piled up by nanosheets of 2D lattice of [Cu₃(C₆S₆)]_n, which is further verified by quantum simulation. Four-probe measurements show that the room temperature conductivity of this material can reach up to 1,580 S cm⁻¹, which is the highest value ever reported for coordination polymers. Meanwhile, it displays ambipolar charge transport behaviour and extremely high electron and hole mobilities (99 cm²V⁻¹s⁻¹ for holes and 116 cm²V⁻¹s⁻¹ for electrons) under field-effect modulation.

Conjugated 2D materials are able to marry the properties of transparency and conductivity for implementation in a wide range of devices. Here, Huang and et al. adopt this design principal in synthesizing a copper bis(dithiolene) coordination polymer which exhibits remarkable electronic performances.

1D polymeric platinum cyanoximate: a strategy toward luminescence in the near-infrared region beyond 1000 nm

We report the synthesis and properties of the first representative of a new class of PtL2 complexes with ambidentate mixed-donor cyanoxime ligands [L = 2-cyano-2-oximino-N,N'-diethylaminoacetamide, DECO (1)]. Three differently colored polymorphs of "Pt(DECO)2" (3-5) were isolated, with the first two being crystallographically characterized. The dark-green complex [Pt(DECO)2]n (5) spontaneously forms in aqueous solution via aggregation of yellow monomeric complex 3 into the red dimer [Pt(DECO)2]2 (4), followed by further oligomerization into coordination polymer 5. A spectroscopic and light-scattering study revealed a "poker-chips"-type 1D polymeric structure of 5 in which units are held by noncovalent metallophilic interactions, forming a Pt---Pt wire. The polymer 5 shows a broad absorption at 400-900 nm and emission at unusually long wavelengths in the range of 1000-1100 nm in the solid state. The near-infrared (NIR) emission of polymer 5 is due to the formation of a small amount of nonstoichiometric mixed-valence Pt(II)/Pt(IV) species during synthesis. A featureless electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum of solid sample 5 recorded at +23 and -193 °C evidences the absence of Pt(III) states, and the compound represents a "solid solution" containing mixed-valence Pt(II)/Pt(IV) centers. Exposure of KBr pellets with 5% 5 to Br2 vapors leads to an immediate ∼30% increase in the intensity of photoluminescence at 1024 nm, which confirms the role and importance of mixed-valence species for the NIR emission. Thus, the emission is further enhanced upon additional oxidation of Pt(II) centers, which improves delocalization of electrons along the Pt---Pt vector. Other polymorph of the "Pt(DECO)2" complex--monomer--did not demonstrate luminescent properties in solutions and the solid state. An excitation scan of 5 embedded in KBr tablets revealed an emission only weakly dependent on the wavelength of excitation. The NIR emission of quasi-1D complex 5 was studied in the range of -193 to +67 °C. Data showed a blue shift of λmax and a simultaneous increase in the emission line intensity with a temperature rise, which is explained by analogy with similar behavior of known quasi-1D K2[Pt(CN)4]-based solids, quantum dots, and quantum wells with delocalized carriers. The presented finding opens a route to a new class of platinum cyanoxime based NIR emissive complexes that could be used in the design of novel NIR emitters and imaging agents.

Conductance measurements of individual polypyrrole nanobelts

We present here a study on the electrical conduction properties of individual polypyrrole nanobelts by using conductive atomic force microscopy and discuss a general effect while probing soft materials. A length-dependent analysis demonstrates that the tip could induce local defects into the polymer structure and, thus diminishes the electrical conduction.

Predominance of covalency in water-vapor-responsive MMX-type chain complexes revealed by (129)I Mössbauer spectroscopy

(129)I Mössbauer spectroscopy was applied to water-vapor-responsive MMX-type quasi-one-dimensional iodide-bridged Pt complexes (MMX chains) in order to investigate their electronic state quantitatively. Two sets of octuplets observed in K2(H3NC3H6NH3)[Pt2(pop)4I]·4H2O (2·4H2O) and one octuplet observed in K2(cis-H3NCH2CH=CHCH2NH3)[Pt2(pop)4I]·4H2O (1·4H2O) and dehydrated complexes (1 and 2) indicate a unique alternating charge-polarization + charge-density-wave (ACP + CDW) electronic state and a charge-density-wave (CDW) electronic state, respectively. These spectra correspond to their crystal structure and the change of electronic states upon dehydration. Since these complexes consist of an alternating array of positively charged and negatively charged layers, the charge on the iodide ion (ρIS) was discussed on the basis of the isomer shift (IS). The ρIS of the water-vapor-responsive MMX chains was mainly -0.13 to -0.21, which are the smallest of all MMX chains reported so far. Hence, it indicates that the negative charge on the iodide ion is strongly donated to the Pt ion in these complexes. This covalent interaction predominates in the ACP + CDW state as well as in the CDW state. Therefore, the ACP + CDW state is in fact the CDW state with the ACP-type lattice distortion. Because the ρIS became smaller with the decreasing Pt-I-Pt distance, it can be concluded that the covalent interaction plays an important role in determining the electronic states of the MMX chains with pop (= P2H2O5(2-)) ligands.

DNA-templated nanowires: morphology and electrical conductivity

DNA-templating has been used to create nanowires from metals, compound semiconductors and conductive polymers. The mechanism of growth involves nucleation at binding sites on the DNA followed by growth of spherical particles and then, under favourable conditions, a slow transformation to a smooth nanowire. The final transformation is favoured by restricting the amount of templated material per unit length of template and occurs most readily for materials of low surface tension. Electrical measurements on DNA-templated nanowires can be facilitated using three techniques: (i) standard current-voltage measurements with contact electrodes embedded in a dielectric so that there is a minimal step height at the dielectric/electrode boundary across which nanowires may be aligned by molecular combing, (ii) the use of a dried droplet technique and conductive AFM to determine contact resistance by moving the tip along the length of an individual nanowire and (iii) non-contact assessment of conductivity by scanned conductance microscopy on Si/SiO2 substrates.

Semiconductive and magnetic one-dimensional coordination polymers of Cu(II) with modified nucleobases

Four new copper(II) coordination complexes, obtained by reaction of CuX2 (X = acetate or chloride) with thymine-1-acetic acid and uracil-1-propionic acid as ligands, of formulas [Cu(TAcO)2(H2O)4]·4H2O (1), [Cu(TAcO)2(H2O)2]n (2), [Cu3(TAcO)4(H2O)2(OH)2]n·4H2O (3), and [Cu3(UPrO)2Cl2(OH)2(H2O)2]n (4) (TAcOH = thymine-1-acetic acid, UPrOH = uracil-1-propionic acid) are described. While 1 is a discrete complex, 2-4 are one-dimensional coordination polymers. Complexes 2-4 present dc conductivity values between 10(-6) and 10(-9) S/cm(-1). The magnetic behavior of complex 2 is typical for almost isolated Cu(II) metal centers. Moderate-weak antiferromagnetic interactions have been found in complex 3, whereas a combination of strong and weak antiferromagnetic interactions have been found in complex 4. Quantum computational calculations have been done to estimate the individual "J" magnetic coupling constant for each superexchange pathway in complexes 3 and 4. Compounds 2-4 are the first known examples of semiconductor and magnetic coordination polymers containing nucleobases.

Low-temperature hopping dynamics with energy disorder: renormalization group approach

We formulate a real-space renormalization group (RG) approach for efficient numerical analysis of the low-temperature hopping dynamics in energy-disordered lattices. The approach explicitly relies on the time-scale separation of the trapping/escape dynamics. This time-scale separation allows to treat the hopping dynamics as a hierarchical process, RG step being a transformation between the levels of the hierarchy. We apply the proposed RG approach to analyze hopping dynamics in one- and two-dimensional lattices with varying degrees of energy disorder, and find the approach to be accurate at low temperatures and computationally much faster than the brute-force direct diagonalization. Applicability criteria of the proposed approach with respect to the time-scale separation and the maximum number of hierarchy levels are formulated. RG flows of energy distribution and pre-exponential factors of the Miller-Abrahams model are analyzed.