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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Author Spotlight: A Rapid, Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis Of Nickel Hydroxide Nanosheets
Published on: August 18, 2023
Photophysical properties of open-framework germanates templated by nickel complexes
M V Peskov1, U Schwingenschlögl
1Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. udo.schwingenschlogl@kaust.edu.sa.
Abstract:
Open-framework germanates are a group of germanium oxides with a well-defined porous structure, suitable for ion-exchange and gas adsorption applications. Recently, Ni incorporation into the porous structure by establishing Ge-O-Ni bonds with the molecular complexes [Ni(H2N(CH2)2NH2)2] was realized. We investigate the optical and electronic features of these systems (SUT-1 and SUT-2) from first principles. To describe the photophysical behavior, we analyze the bonding between the Ni and nearest-neighboring atoms and simulate the absorption spectra. Because of their optical characteristics, germania-based nanomaterials are expected to be essential components of future optical and electronic devices. We discuss to what extent molecular transition-metal complexes embedded into porous germanium oxide can modify the optical response to potentially expand the area of applications.
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