Search

This work highlights the design, synthesis, structural characterization, electrical conductivities, and hydrogen evolution activities of a new pair of hybrid 3d(Ni)-4f(Ce) block metal complex salts, [Ni(phen)2(NO3)]2[Ce(NO3)6] (1) and [Ni(bpy)3][Ce(NO3)6][Ce(NO3)2(H2O)5]NO3(2) containing phen and bpy ligands; [phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine]. Crystal structural analysis divulges that complex salt 1adopts two units of monocationic Ni(II) complex with one dianionic Ce(IV) complex unit while complex salt 2exists in an association of one unit of dicationic Ni(II) complex with two complex units of Ce along with a counteranionic nitrate. The Ni(II) ions exist in distorted bicapped square pyramidal coordination geometry, while the Ni(II) center in 2exists in an octahedral geometry. The cerium ion in 1exists in dodecahedron geometry while the first and second Ce ions hold dodecahedral and tricapped trigonal prism coordination geometries, respectively. Supramolecular interactions reveal that predominant nonclassical forces like O···H, N···H, π···π, O···π, and O···O are interactive to shape highly ordered crystalline frameworks. Complex salt 2exhibits a unique formation of the supramolecular cage-type framework by the cerium complex units, leading to the inclusion of Ni(II)-complex units into the supramolecular cages. The complex salts (1, 2) were employed to fabricate the Schottky devices to unveil the fate of the hybrid salts in charge transport applications. Carrier mobility (μ) for 1and 2were determined as 3.02 × 10–6and 8.022 × 10–5m2V–1s–1with respective transit time(τ) of 2.60 × 10–7and 9.67 × 10–9s attributing the excellent candidature of complex salt 2in transport properties. The hybrid salts were also found to be highly active electrocatalysts for proton reduction in 1 M aqueous KOH solution at room temperature. The overpotential values of 1and 2were determined to be 730 mV and 687 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm–2with 0.081 s–1and 0.225 s–1as turnover frequencies. The supramolecular interactions–driven crystalline framework sheds light on the electrical conductivities and casting the hydrogen evolution activities for the newly designed hybrid d–f type complex salts.

A unique strategy for the attainment of a discotic nematic (ND) mesophase is reported consisting of a central benzene core to which are attached two 4-alkylphenyl and two 4-pentylbiphenyl moieties diagonally via alkynyl linkers. The rotational nature and incompatibility of unequal phenylethynyl units led to the disruption of π–π interactions within cores that aids to the realization of NDphase and favors high solid-state emission. When used in OLEDs, compounds act as an efficient solid-state pure deep-blue emitter with Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage (CIEx,y) coordinates of (0.16, 0.07).

In the Himalaya, the natural hazards are common and their places, as well as timings, are difficult to predict. Rough terrain, unpredictable weather conditions and poor road networks of the Himalaya make the mitigation measures even more challenging as well as difficult. On April 4, 2023, 7 people have died and 13 were injured due to a small loose snow avalanche at 14th Mile, on the way to Nathula Pass, near Indo-China Border in Sikkim state (India). State government had advised the people, not to visit the area due to the poor weather conditions. However, people have ignored this precious advice and lost their lives. Along with Indo-China border, the region is famous for its scenic beauty. In addition, the region is one of the most difficult border areas with the limited infrastructural development for armed forces. The present study explores the causes and consequences of this killer avalanche from an environmental determinism. The results suggest that, due to the western disturbances, the region received heavy snowfall. Higher average temperature and flowing stream beneath snow, make the snow unstable. Weight of human mass put pressure on the weak snow which led to formation of avalanche. Our finding suggests that peoples’ negligence about government advices have led to casualties. The purpose of this case study is to highlight the human folly which invites such unfortunate incidences across the globe. Further, this study emphasis the need of public-government partnership to minimize the impact of such upcoming hazards.

Tuning of solid and solution phase emission with simple push-pull ‘Aggregation Induced Enhanced Emission’ (AIEE) pyrene compounds for deeper understanding on the mechanism for selectivity and sensitivity towards the nitro explosives with lowering the detection limit upto ppt (parts per trillion) level.