Dimensionality Mediated Highly Repeatable and Fast Transformation of Coordination Polymer Single Crystals for...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Dynamic coordination polymers (CPs) are crucial for molecular separation, catalysis, and data processing.
• Achieving fast structural dynamics and endurance in CPs at ambient conditions remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize novel copper-based CPs with dynamic structural elements.
• To investigate the dimensionality-mediated flexibility and reversible structural transformations of these CPs.
• To explore their potential for all-optical data processing applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Cu-based CPs using a flexible ligand (1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)butane).
• Characterization of 1D and 2D CP structures.
• Utilizing laser pulses to induce rapid heating and trigger anisotropic thermal expansion.
• Testing endurance over 10^3 cycles of structural transformation.

Main Results:

• Developed Cu-based CPs ([Cu(bImB)Cl2] and [Cu(bImB)2Cl2]) exhibiting 1D and 2D structures.
• Observed record transformation rates from 2220 to 1640 s^-1 for 1D and 2D CPs, respectively.
• Demonstrated high endurance over 10^3 cycles of reversible structural transformations at ambient conditions.
• Achieved 0.2-0.8% volume changes via laser-induced anisotropic thermal expansion.

Conclusions:

• The designed CPs exhibit remarkable flexibility and rapid, reversible structural transformations.
• The high endurance and fast dynamics of these materials are suitable for advanced applications.
• Demonstrated potential for integration into optical fiber systems for all-optical data processing.