Prussian Blue Analogues of Reduced Dimensionality

Abstract: Mixed-valence polycyanides (Prussian Blue analogues) possess a rich palette of properties spanning from room-temperature ferromagnetism to zero thermal expansion, which can be tuned by chemical modifications or the application of external stimuli (temperature, pressure, light irradiation). While molecule-based materials can combine physical and chemical properties associated with molecular-scale building blocks, their successful integration into real devices depends primarily on higher-order properties such as crystal size, shape, morphology, and organization. Herein a study of a new reduced-dimensionality system based on Prussian Blue analogues (PBAs) is presented. The system is …

Mixed Valence Materials: Prussian Blue Analogues of Reduced Dimensionality (Small 16/2012)

New Magnetic Thin Film Hybrid Materials Built by the Incorporation of Octanickel(II)-oxamato Clusters Between Clay Mineral Platelets

We report on a new method based on the combination of Langmuir-Schaefer deposition with self-assembly to insert highly anisotropic Ni(8) molecules in a hybrid organic-inorganic nanostructure. Spectroscopic, crystallographic, and magnetic data prove the successful insertion of the guest cationic molecule between templating clay platelets. These results open a new route toward the highly controlled fabrication of tailored functional organic-inorganic nanomaterials.

DETECTION LIMITS FOR NATURAL CIRCULAR-DICHROISM OF CHIRAL COMPLEXES IN THE X-RAY RANGE

Whereas both Magnetic Circular Dichroism and Faraday Rotation studies have been successfully carried out at the K-, L- and M-absorption edges of metal atoms in ferromagnetic systems, Natural optical activity of chiral complexes has not yet been detected quite unambiguously in the X-ray range. We review a number of theoretical arguments which confirm that the optical asymmetry factor gσ should be very small in the X-ray range for unoriented powdered samples, especially at the K-absorption edges. This stimulating challenge prompted us to start an intensive programme of measurements aimed at detecting natural circular dichroism in both the soft and “firm” X-ray ranges. Although some of our ex…