Formation and distortion of iodidoantimonates(III): the first isolated [SbI6]3- octahedron

Temperature symmetry breaking and properties of lead-free organic-inorganic hybrids: bismuth(III) iodide and antimony(III) iodide: (S(CH3)3)3[Bi2I9] and (S(CH3)3)3[Sb2I9]

We have synthesized and characterized two novel lead-free organic-inorganic hybrid crystals: (S(CH3)3)3[Bi2I9] (TBI) and (S(CH3)3)3[Sb2I9] (TSI). Thermal DSC, TG, and DTA analyses indicate structural phase transitions (PTs) in both compounds; TBI undergoes two structural phase transitions at 314.2/314.8 K (cooling/heating) and at 181.5 K of first (I ↔ II) and second order (II ↔ III), respectively. The crystal structures of TBI are refined for phases I (325 K), II (200 K) and III (100 K). TBI exhibits ferroelastic properties since both PTs are accompanied by a change in the symmetry of crystals: P63/mmc → C2/c (I → II) and C2/c → P1̄ (II → III). The presence of a ferroelastic domain structure has been confirmed by optical observations. In turn, TSI also reveals two PTs: I ↔ II (at 303.9/304.1 K) and II ↔ III (212.9/221.4 K). To compare and obtain insight into the mechanism of the PTs of TBI, we have carried out temperature dependent single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Additionally, to confirm the change in the dynamical states of molecules in PTs, dielectric measurements have been carried out between 100 K and 400 K in the frequency range of 200 Hz to 2 MHz. Moreover, the measurements of the 1H NMR spin-lattice relaxation time, T1, and a second moment, M2, of the 1H NMR line have been undertaken in the temperature range between 100 and 300 K.

Establishing Family Relations in Group 15 Halogenido Metalates with the Largest Molecular Antimony Iodide Anion

Studying structurally related families of compounds is a valuable tool in understanding and predicting material properties and has been extensively used for metal halide perovskites. Due to the variable anion structures in group 15 halogenido metalates, similar family relations are still largely missing. Herein, we present compounds featuring the [Sb_2n I_6n+4 ]^4- family of anions, including the first n=5 member in [Hpyz]₄ [Sb₁₀ I₃₄ ] (Hpyz=pyrazinium), which contains the largest halogenido pentelate anion reported to date. The optical properties of compounds featuring n=1-5 anions show a clear trend as well as an outlier, a low band gap of 1.72 eV for [Hpyz]₄ [Sb₁₀ I₃₄ ], that can be well understood using quantum chemical investigations. Also using SbI₃ and [H₂ NMe₂ ]₃ [SbI₆ ], a compound featuring a single octahedral [SbI₆ ]^3- unit, as limiting cases, we show that structure-property relationships can be established in group 15 halogenido metalates in a similar way as in metal halide perovskites, thus providing a framework for understanding new and known compounds in this emerging class of materials.

Mixed Group 14–15 Metalates as Model Compounds for Doped Lead Halide Perovskites

Doping and alloying are valuable tools for modifying and enhancing the properties and performance of lead halide perovskites. However, the effects of heterovalent doping with Sb³⁺ and Bi³⁺ cations are still a matter of current investigation. Due to the different charge of the dopants compared to the constituting Pb²⁺ ions, a simultaneous creation of defects is unavoidable and the influence of these defects and the actual metal substitution become entangled. Herein, we present the first 14–15 iodido metalates, (BED)₄PbE₂I₁₆ (BED=N‐benzylethylenediammonium; E=Sb (1), Bi (2)), which are model compounds for doped lead iodide perovskites and display surprisingly low band gaps of 2.01 (1) and 1.88 eV (2). Quantum chemical investigations show that this stems from a good electronic match between the PbI₆ and EI₆ units of the compounds. Our results provide a model system for doped perovskites, but also represent the first examples of a promising new class of metal halide materials.

Isostructural Inorganic–Organic Piperazine-1,4-diium Chlorido- and Bromidoantimonate(III) Monohydrates: Octahedral Distortions and Hydrogen Bonds

Halogenidoantimonate(III) monohydrates of the (C₄H₁₂N₂)[SbX₅]·H₂O (X = Cl, 1 or Br, 2) formula, crystallizing in the same monoclinic space group of P2₁/n, are isostructural, with an isostructurality index close to 99%. The single crystal X-ray diffraction data do not show any indication of phase transition in cooling these crystals from room temperature to 85 K. Both hybrid crystals are built up from [SbX₆]^3– octahedra that are joined together by a common edge forming isolated bioctahedral [Sb₂X₁₀]^4– units, piperazine-1,4-diium (C₄H₁₂N₂)²⁺ cations and water of crystallization molecules. These structural components are joined together by related but somewhat different O/N/C–H···X and N–H···O hydrogen bonded systems. The evolution of structural parameters, notably the secondary Sb–X bonds along with the associated X/Sb–Sb/X–X/Sb angles and O/N/C–H···X hydrogen bonds, as a function of ligand exchange and temperature, along with their influence on the irregularity of [SbX₆]^3– octahedra, was determined. The comparison of packing features and hydrogen bond parameters, additionally supported by the Hirshfeld surface analysis and data retrieved from the Cambridge Structural Database, demonstrates the hierarchy and importance of hydrogen bond interactions that influence the irregularity of single [SbX₆]^3– units.