Covalent and Ionic Functionalization of HLN Layered Perovskite by Sonochemical Methods
We describe the functionalization of the layered perovskite HLaNb2O7 with n-propanol, n-decanol, 3-mercaptopropyl-trimethoxysilane, imidazole, n-decylamine, and histamine. The use of sonication is found to significantly improve the reaction yield and to reduce the reaction time, compared to conventional thermal treatment under reflux. The obtained intercalates are thoroughly characterized through the use of several complementary experimental techniques (scanning electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, magic-angle spinning NMR), clarifying their structure and chemical bonding. The implications for the design of inorganic–organic composite material…
Theoretical insights into inorganic-organic intercalation products of the layered perovskite HLaNb2O7: perspectives for hybrid proton conductors
The modification of metal oxide surfaces with organic moieties has been widely studied as a method of preparing organic-inorganic hybrid materials for various applications. Among the inorganic oxides, ion-exchangeable layered perovskites are particularly interesting, because of their appealing electronic and reactive properties. In particular, their protonated interlayer surface can be easily functionalized with organic groups allowing the production of stable hybrid materials. As a further step in the design of new inorganic-organic hybrid proton conductors, a combined experimental and theoretical study of two intercalated compounds (propanol and imidazole) in HLaNb2O7 is presented here. A…
Average versus local structure in K2NiF4-type LaSrAlO4: direct experimental evidence of local cationic ordering
The long-range ordering of a crystalline material can be accurately determined by analyzing the Bragg intensities and positions. In contrast, direct observation of short-range ordering in crystalline materials, which is increasingly considered of fundamental importance to unravel the structure-property relationships that underpin their technological applications, is a challenging task. In this study we have investigated the structure of LaSrAlO4, a representative example of compounds with the K2NiF4-type structure. By the combined use of synchrotron and neutron diffraction, pair distribution function analysis, Al-27 MQMAS NMR and atomistic simulations we have highlighted differences between…
Solid-state NMR characterization of the structure and thermal stability of hybrid organic-inorganic compounds based on a HLaNb2O7 Dion-Jacobson layered perovskite.
Dion-Jacobson phases, like MLaNb2O7, are an interesting class of ion-exchangeable layered perovskites possessing electronic and photocatalytic properties. Their protonated and organo-modified homologues, in particular, have already been indicated as promising catalysts. However, the structural analysis of these highly tailorable materials is still incomplete, and both the intercalation process and thermal stability of the included organic moieties are far from being completely understood. In this study, we present a thorough solid-state NMR characterization of HLaNb2O7·xH2O intercalated with different amounts of octylamine, or with decylamine. Samples were analyzed as prepared, and after th…