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Four new transition metal borates have been successfully synthesized. Borate-based catalysts were prepared at different temperatures and their electrocatalytic properties were explored. 1-CoB5/600 and 2-CoSB/450 exhibited ideal ORR activities.

Three borates (1, 2, and 3) exhibit different interlinkage modes. 1, 2, and 3-based catalysts have shown the best ORR activity with a half-wave potential of 0.78 V for 1, 0.74 V for 2 and 0.79 V for 3.

Mn-doped PQDs exhibit higher quantum efficiency of 83.9%. The stabilities of CsPbBr3 PQDs and Mn-doped PQDs decreased as the polarity of solution increased, but Mn-doped PQDs still maintained higher PL intensity than undoped PQDs.

A zinc acetate borate, [ZnAc]·[ZnBO3] (1), was synthesized under mild conditions; the B@Zn2O3 layer of 1 contains a 6-membered ring embedded with a rare BO3 unit. The layers are pillared by acetate...

Two hybridized skeleton borates [Zn(en)2]·[B7O12(OH)] (1; en = ethylenediamine) and [Cd(1,3-dap)2]·[B5O8(OH)]·H2O (2; 1,3-dap = 1,3-diaminopropane) were solvothermally synthesized. The boron oxide clusters formed 2D planes, and these planes formed a 3D structure through co-oxygen links of metal complexes. Herein, a novel strategy has been developed, i.e., the derived guest carbon materials from semi-decomposed borate are incorporated into the void of host borate crystals in situ during the thermal etching process. Moreover, the effect of temperature on fluorescence of derived carbon materials was studied. By controlling the calcining temperature, carbon dots with obvious free radicals can be found via ESR technique. Carbon dots in the ethanol phase exhibited variable photoluminescence. Furthermore, it derived semi-decomposition carbon materials via thermal etching based on compounds 1 and 2. In an hydrogen cell reactor, carbon material Zn-based catalyst 1-200 catalyzes CO2 reduction to CO with a selectivity that reaches 50.8% at -1.4 V vs RHE.

A polyanionic borate [Zn(H2O)6](NO3)2·[Zn{B3O3(OH)4}2(H2O)4]·2H2O (1) have been synthesized by a molten salt method in this work. Its crystal structure consists of [B3O3(OH)4]− cluster and NO3− anions. Zn2+ cations are covalently bonded to the polyanionic clusters and water molecules leading to a [Zn(H2O)6] octahedron and a [Zn{B3O3(OH)4}2(H2O)4] cluster, which are connected by hydrogen bonds (H-Bs) to form a fictitious 3D structure, in which the NO3− anion are filled in the void. Crystal data for 1 is as following: Monoclinic, P21/c, a = 11.2817(12)A, b = 6.5374(7)A, c = 17.668(2)A, α = 90.00°, β = 100.981(5)°, γ = 90.00°, Z = 2. Two isostructural compounds, [Co(H2O)6](NO3)2·[Co{B3O3(OH)4}2(H2O)4]·2H2O (2) and [Ni(H2O)6](NO3)2·[Ni{B3O3(OH)4}2(H2O)4]·2H2O (3) have been obtained by similar molten salt method, indicating the structure of 1 can be manipulated by replacement of Zn2+ with Co2+ or Ni2+. Structures of the borates have been further confirmed by element analysis, FTIR, PXRD, TG, and UV–vis diffusion reflectance spectra. The bandgap of the borates showed a tunable performance with a change of metallic ions. Furthermore, we studied that flame retardant property of 1 by mixing it with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The cone calorimetry tests confirmed that ABS/1 composites with 15 wt% loading of 1 exhibited superior performance.

The general synthesis and control of the coordination environment of single-atom catalysts (SACs) remains a great challenge. Herein, a general host-guest cooperative protection strategy has been developed to construct SACs by introducing polypyrrole (PPy) into a bimetallic metal-organic framework. As an example, the introduction of Mg2+ in MgNi-MOF-74 extends the distance between adjacent Ni atoms; the PPy guests serve as N source to stabilize the isolated Ni atoms during pyrolysis. As a result, a series of single-atom Ni catalysts (named NiSA -Nx -C) with different N coordination numbers have been fabricated by controlling the pyrolysis temperature. Significantly, the NiSA -N2 -C catalyst, with the lowest N coordination number, achieves high CO Faradaic efficiency (98 %) and turnover frequency (1622 h-1 ), far superior to those of NiSA -N3 -C and NiSA -N4 -C, in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. Theoretical calculations reveal that the low N coordination number of single-atom Ni sites in NiSA -N2 -C is favorable to the formation of COOH* intermediate and thus accounts for its superior activity.

In this work, different synthetic methods were used to prepare metal borates. One cadmium borate Cd3[B6O9(OH)2]2·2NO3·4H2O (1) and two nickel borate Ni0.8Mn0.2{B6O7(OH)3[O(CH2)2NH2]3} (2), [Ni(1-MI)6]·[B5O6(OH)4]2·2DMF (3, 1-MI = 1-methylimidazole, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) species were successfully prepared. The structures of these three compounds were confirmed via single crystal powder X-ray diffraction (SCPXRD), elemental analysis, FTIR, PXRD, and ICP studies. Compound 1 was prepared via molten salt synthesis, and compounds 2 and 3 were prepared via precursor synthesis, which is a synthetic method that uses a certain polyanionic cluster as a reagent. Compound 1 shows a novel three-dimensional (3D) structure, in which the [B6O11(OH)2] units acting as the basic polyanionic cluster form a two-dimensional (2D) anionic structure. In addition, the unexpected Cd3O14 clusters are connected with the 2D structures, leading to the 3D structure. The crystal structure of 2 is packed with very large neutral Ni0.8Mn0.2{B6O7(OH)3[O(CH2)2NH2]3} oxo-metal-boron clusters. The crystal structure of 3 consists of a [B5O6(OH)4]- cluster, a DMF molecule, and a [Ni(1-MI)6]2+ complex. In particular, 2 was successfully constructed using the same hexaborate cluster as its precursor. However, 3 only contains Ni2+ cations when a neutral NixMn1-x[B6O7(OH)6] cluster was used as an initial reagent, and it shows an ability to select a certain metal cation during the self-assembly process. Moreover, compounds 1, 2, and 3 exhibit different wide band gaps of 3.06 eV (1), 3.95 eV (2), and 4.24 eV (3).

Lithium-ion batteries with the FeF3·0.33H2O cathode material enable a high energy density and safety. However, a major challenge of FeF3·0.33H2O is its low conductivity. In this work, Fe1-2x/3MnxF3·0.33H2O (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07) are prepared via the solvent thermal method. Systematic investigations have studied the effect of Mn-doping on the physical and electrochemical properties. The results indicate that Mn-doping not only does not destroy the lattice structure of FeF3·0.33H2O, but also reduces the resistance and improves the diffusion coefficient of lithium ion, which provide it with better electrochemical properties. Fe0.98Mn0.03F3·0.33H2O delivers much excellent cycling performance and rate capacity than other materials. It has a 284.2 mAh g−1 initial discharge capacity that remains at 258.9 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 0.1 C, giving the high capacity retention rate of 91.1%. Additionally, the initial discharge capacity of Fe0.98Mn0.03F3·0.33H2O is 245, 231, 217, and 203 mAh g−1 at 1, 2, 5, and 10 C in the voltage range of 1.5–4.5 V vs. Li+/Li, respectively.

The FeF3·0.33H2O cathode material can exhibit a high capacity and high energy density through transfer of multiple electrons in the conversion reaction and has attracted great attention from researchers. However, the low conductivity of FeF3·0.33H2O greatly restricts its application. Generally, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene can be used as conductive networks to improve the conductivities of active materials. In this work, the FeF3·0.33H2O cathode material was synthesized via a liquid-phase method, and the FeF3·0.33H2O/CNT + graphene nanocomposite was successfully fabricated by introduction of CNTs and graphene conductive networks. The electrochemical results illustrate that FeF3·0.33H2O/CNT + graphene nanocomposite delivers a high discharge capacity of 234.2 mAh g−1 in the voltage range of 1.8–4.5 V (vs. Li+/Li) at 0.1 C rate, exhibits a prominent cycling performance (193.1 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 0.2 C rate), and rate capability (140.4 mAh g−1 at 5 C rate). Therefore, the electronic conductivity and electrochemical performance of the FeF3·0.33H2O cathode material modified with CNTs and graphene composite conductive network can be effectively improved.

White-light-emitting Ag, Mn: Zn-Ga-S/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) with a gratifying photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) of up to 90% were prepared, and shown to be ultra-stable, maintaining a high PL intensity at 300 °C or for 32 h of UV illumination. These QDs were employed in a white QD-LED displaying a color rendering index (CRI) of 72 and maximum current efficiency of 0.22 cd A-1.

A zinc acetate borate, [ZnAc]·[ZnBO

In this work, different synthetic methods were used to prepare metal borates. One cadmium borate Cd3[B6O9(OH)2]2·2NO3·4H2O (1) and two nickel borate Ni0.8Mn0.2{B6O7(OH)3[O(CH2)2NH2]3} (2), [Ni(1-MI)6]·[B5O6(OH)4]2·2DMF (3, 1-MI = 1-methylimidazole, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) species were successfully prepared. The structures of these three compounds were confirmed via single crystal powder X-ray diffraction (SCPXRD), elemental analysis, FTIR, PXRD, and ICP studies. Compound 1 was prepared via molten salt synthesis, and compounds 2 and 3 were prepared via precursor synthesis, which is a synthetic method that uses a certain polyanionic cluster as a reagent. Compound 1 shows a novel three-dimensional (3D) structure, in which the [B6O11(OH)2] units acting as the basic polyanionic cluster form a two-dimensional (2D) anionic structure. In addition, the unexpected Cd3O14 clusters are connected with the 2D structures, leading to the 3D structure. The crystal structure of 2 is packed with very large neutral Ni0.8Mn0.2{B6O7(OH)3[O(CH2)2NH2]3} oxo-metal-boron clusters. The crystal structure of 3 consists of a [B5O6(OH)4]- cluster, a DMF molecule, and a [Ni(1-MI)6]2+ complex. In particular, 2 was successfully constructed using the same hexaborate cluster as its precursor. However, 3 only contains Ni2+ cations when a neutral NixMn1-x[B6O7(OH)6] cluster was used as an initial reagent, and it shows an ability to select a certain metal cation during the self-assembly process. Moreover, compounds 1, 2, and 3 exhibit different wide band gaps of 3.06 eV (1), 3.95 eV (2), and 4.24 eV (3).

The general synthesis and control of the coordination environment of single-atom catalysts (SACs) remains a great challenge. Herein, a general host-guest cooperative protection strategy has been developed to construct SACs by introducing polypyrrole (PPy) into a bimetallic metal-organic framework. As an example, the introduction of Mg

Two templated borates [HDBU][B5O6(OH)4] and [HDBN][B5O6(OH)4] (denoted 1 and 2, DBU=1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene and DBN=1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene) have been synthesized by solvent evaporation in this work. The crystal structure of 1 is reported and consists of superbase cations and [B5O6(OH)4]− anions. The [B5O6(OH)4]− anions are connected together by H-bonds to form a supramolecular framework in which the [HDBU]+ cations are located. Crystal data for 1 are as following: Triclinic, P-1(NO.2), a = 9.5380(7) A, b = 9.9420(8) A, c = 10.5633(7) A, α = 66.697(3)°, β = 66.457(3)°, γ = 87.720(4)°, Z = 2. Additionally, structures of the obtained templated borates have been further confirmed by Elemental Analysis, FTIR, PXRD, TG and DSC techniques.

Self-assembly reaction of Pb(NO3)2 with thiophene-2, 5-dicarboxylic acid (H2TDC) led to an acentric three-dimensional (3D) metal-organic framework under solvothermal conditions, namely, Pb(TDC) (1). The 3D framework of 1 is a pillared-layer structure with the I2O1 type which is composed of a 2D inorganic Pb–O–Pb substructural layer and two independent μ6-TDC2- anions pillars. This 3D framework shows a six-connected pcu topological net according to the topological analysis. Compound 1 crystallizes in an acentric space group and displays potential ferroelectric property which could be due to the swing of the thiophene rings. The remnant polarization (Pr), coercive field (Ec) and saturation spontaneous polarization (Ps) of 1 are ca. 0.034 μC cm−2, 15.7 kV cm−1 and 0.0997 μC cm−2, respectively. Among the H2TDC-based MOFs, the present compound is the first example which shows ferroelectric property. In addition, 1 also exhibits photoluminescent property which can be attributed to ligand-to-metal charge transfer.

Optimized white light emitting Ag,Mn:Zn–In–S quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized via a simple, scalable, reproducible, and low-cost one-pot non-injection synthetic approach. After coating a thick ZnS shell (∼12 monolayers) on the core QDs, high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) up to 76% was achieved and high emission efficiency was retained even when the initially oil-soluble QDs were transferred into aqueous media by ligand replacement. Moreover, both thermal stability and photostability of thick shell-Ag,Mn:Zn–In–S/ZnS QDs were significantly enhanced as compared with those of Ag,Mn:Zn–In–S core QDs due to the suppressed surface defects resulting from the passivation of the dense ZnS layers. White quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) were fabricated using thick shell Ag,Mn:Zn–In–S/ZnS QDs as single QDs emitter, showing good performance with maximum current efficiency of 1.86 cd A−1 corresponding to external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 0.82% at a current density of 0.065 mA cm−2, color rendering indices (CRI) of 83, Commission International d’Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.344, 0.393) and correlated color temperature (CCT) of 5156 K.

Herein, we report a new series of ultra-stable Cd-free Ag:Zn-Ga-S/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) with an overall short emission wavelength tunable from 370 to 540 nm via a facile one-pot non-injection method. The highest PL quantum yield of the resultant core/shell QDs could be up to 85%, and the exceptional luminescence could be maintained not only at 300 °C but also after phase transfer.

Crystalline materials containing hybrid inorganic–organic metal borates (complexes with oxidoborate ligands) display a variety of novel framework building blocks. The structural aspects of these hybrid metallaoxidoborates containing Cd(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ga(III), In(III), Mn(II), Ni(II) or Zn(II) metal centers are discussed in this review. The review describes synthetic approaches to these hybrid materials, their physical properties, their spectroscopic properties and their potential applications.

Two unusual organic templated borates, [Al(C 3 H 12 N 2 )(C 2 H 7 N)]·[B 5 O 10 ] ( 1 ) and [Zn(HCOO)(1,2-dap) 2 ]·[B 5 O 7 (OH) 4 ] ( 2 ) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions ([HCOO] − = formic ion; 1,2-dap = 1,2-diaminopropane). The obtained 1 and 2 borates were characterized by using elemental analysis, FTIR, PXRD, TG, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 crystallizes in the Pbca space group and shows a 3D anionic framework based on AlO 4 and B 5 O 10 clusters. Interestingly, there are two kinds of organic amines in the structure: one was 1, 2-dap, while the other was ethylamine from the in situ reaction of 1,2-dap. 2 crystallizes in the P -1 space group, and consists of a [Zn(HCOO)(1,2-dap) 2 ] + cation and [B 5 O 6 (OH) 4 ] − polyanion, the presence of [HCOO] − suggests the in situ decomposition of DMF (DMF = N, N-Dimethylformamide).

We herein report the first example of Li+ exchanged with both the guest H2N(Me)2+ cations located in the channels and the coordinated metal ions from an anionic metal–organic framework (MOF), leading to significant enhancement of the pore volume and gas sorption abilities of the exchanged MOF. Furthermore, both MOFs before and after Li+ exchange show good selective adsorption for CO2 over CH4.

We developed a facile noninjection synthetic method to prepare white light-emitting Cd-free thick shell Cu,Mn:Zn–In–S/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) with high stability. Based on systematic research on the relationship between shell thickness and QD stability, it was demonstrated that overcoating thick ZnS passivation layers (∼7.9 monolayers) onto a Cu,Mn:Zn–In–S core could improve the photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) substantially up to 75% and the high PL QY could be maintained after the initial oil-soluble QDs were transferred into aqueous media via ligand exchange. The PL lifetime of thick shell Cu,Mn:Zn–In–S/ZnS QDs increased remarkably by 30-fold (from 0.13 μs to 3.50 μs). Also, the prominent thermally and photochemically stable properties of the resultant thick shell QDs have been ascertained. Moreover, gram-scale white emission Cu,Mn:Zn–In–S/ZnS QDs could be prepared in a single batch reaction via the noninjection synthetic approach. In addition, the as-obtained white emissive Cu,Mn:Zn–In–S/ZnS QDs could be employed in white quantum dot light-emitting diode (QD-LED) devices and have shown good performance with a lower turn-on voltage of 5.7 V and color rendering indexes (CRI) as high as 85, indicating that Cu,Mn:Zn–In–S/ZnS QDs could be a potential candidate in QD-based lighting or solid-state lighting as a single color-converting material.

Herein, a templated borate, [Emmim][B5O6(OH)4] (denoted 1, Emmim = 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium), has been synthesized. It is unexpectedly observed that 1 exhibits a series of broadened luminescence curves from −183 to 75 °C, the emission intensities are measured as a decreasing function of temperature, and the line width of the PL emission is strongly enhanced when temperatures decrease below −100 °C. In addition to this, hydrogen bonding (H–B) in 1 with distinctly enlarging trends was observed as the temperature increased. The influence of temperature on H-Bs and physical properties was explored through single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, theoretical calculations, PL, and dielectric constant test. The results indicate that the temperature can impact weak H-Bs interactions and the PL can be seen as a prober to the varying of structure such as H-Bs in borate crystal.

Our systematic exploration of chainlike borate in the hybrid templated borate systems has led to three new borates, namely, [GaTETA]·[B5O8(OH)2]·H2O, [InTETA]·[B5O8(OH)2]·1.5H2O, and [Cd(1,2-dap)]·[B6O11(OH)2]·H2O. The structures of the three borates were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. [Cd(1,2-dap)]·[B6O11(OH)2]·H2O represents the first example of chainlike borate containing Cd2+ transition metal cations and [B6O11(OH)2] cluster. [GaTETA]·[B5O8(OH)2]·H2O is isostructural with [InTETA]·[B5O8(OH)2]·1.5H2O, whose structure features a one-dimensional (1D) polyatomic chain constructed of MO2N4 octahedron and [B5O8(OH)2] groups, such chains are further bridged by HBs resulting in a three-dimensional (3D) supermolecular network. Optical and luminescent property measurements have also been performed on the three compounds. Only fluorescence intensity of [GaTETA]·[B5O8(OH)2]·H2O decreased fiercely with temperature increase. Besides, the band gap of [GaTETA]·[B5O8(OH)2]·H2O and its isomer [InTETA]·[B5O8(OH)2]·1.5H2O and [Cd(1,2-dap)]·[B6O11(OH)2]·H2O are very distinct from each other, it may indicate that optical and luminescent property of hybrid borate can be manipulated by adjusting of polyatomic cluster and metallic ion.

A 3D inorganic–organic hybridized skeleton cadmium borate [Cden][B5O8(OH)] (1) (en = ethylenediamine) has been solvothermally synthesized. By calcining it, specific shape carbon dots (C-dots) with abundant free radicals were observed. In addition, C-dots in the ethanol phase exhibited variable photoluminescence and showed rare turn on or off effects to Cr3+ ions and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots, but only a turn on effect to Cs+ ions and a turn off effect to CsPbBr3 quantum dots.

Herein, a templated borate, [Emmim][B

Two highly stable dynamic metal–organic frameworks exhibit photochromism, tunable photoluminescence, and selective detection of oxygen, which can be recognised by the naked eye through color changes. Furthermore, they also display selective recognition of benzyl alcohol and halogenated solvents, respectively.

A sodium-ammonia tetraborate Na1.33(NH4)0.67B4O5(OH)4·(H2O)2 (denoted 1) has been synthesized under mild solvothermal condition. The compound crystallizes in the chiral trigonal R32 (155) space group, with the following unit cell parameters: a = 11.172(3) A, b = 11.172(3) A, c = 21.282(10) A; V = 2300.4(14) A3; Z = 3. It has been characterized by single crystal X-ray analysis, element analysis, FTIR, PXRD, TG-DSC and Second-harmonic-generation response. Its structure contains [B4O5(OH)4]2− polyanions, which are further linked by a rare [Na4O18] cluster to form a 3-D framework.

A templated borate [Hdmpip][B5O6(OH)4] (dmpip = 1,4-dimethylpiperazine) has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray analysis, element analysis, IR spectroscopy, PXRD, TG-DSC, EPR, luminescence spectroscopy, and quantum chemistry analysis. The title compound contains the [B5O6(OH)4]− anions that are connected together by O–H···H H-bonds to form a 3-D network with 1-D tunnels, in which [Hdmpip]+ cations were located in. The luminescence spectra of [C9H14N]·[B5O6(OH)4] showed tunable luminescence emission by means of annealing treatment from 150 to 360 °C.

We herein report the first example of Li

A new phosphor Sm(IO3)3·2H2O was synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. The structure was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray powder diffraction analysis. It crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group P (No.2), a = 7.1570A, b = 7.4306A, c = 10.6367A, α = 95.205°, β = 104.844°, γ = 109.958°. Some characterizations were performed such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and luminescence spectroscopy. The overall structure of the title compound is two-dimensional. The adjacent iodate layers are further linked with each other by hydrogen bonds to form a three-dimensional supramolecular network. The luminescent properties of Sm(IO3)3·2H2O were studied, the exhibit tunable emission spectra by means of heating treatment.

The templated borate, [C9H14N]·[B5O6(OH)4], was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Single crystal X-ray diffraction techonology reveals that it crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P (No. 2). The material was also characterized by element analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and luminescence spectroscopy. The compound consisted of isolated pentaborate [B5O6(OH)4]– and N-butylpyridinium cations [C9H14N]+. The [B5O6(OH)4]– anions are connected together by hydrogen bonds to form a three-dimensional framework, in which [C9H14N]+ cations are located in. [C9H14N]·[B5O6(OH)4] exhibits tunable luminescence emission at 415–458 nm by means of heating treatment from 100 to 300 °C.

We report herein the preparation of a new zeotype borogermanate β -K 2 B 2 Ge 3 O 10 , and an unusual isostructural phenomenon is revealed for the first time in borogermanate family. β -K 2 B 2 Ge 3 O 10 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C 2 , a = 15.884(4) A, b = 6.1758(9) A, c = 11.877 A, β = 131.237(6)°, V = 878.3(4) A 3 , Z = 4. β -K 2 B 2 Ge 3 O 10 with 8-M ring helical channels possesses the framework topology of the NAT. Its property related to its chiral space group are performed and discussed in this work.

3 mol% yttric(Y2O3)-stabilized tetragonal zirconia ( denoted as: 3Y-TZP) powders were synthesized by the reaction of Zr(CO3)2·nH2O,Y2(C2O4)3·nH2O,H2C2O4·2H2Oand H4C2O2-C2H5OH mixed via stirring ball milling. The curve of decomposition of precursors was studied according to differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry (DTA-TG). The 3Y-TZP powders were confirmed by characterization of XRD, TEM and BET. These results shown that the size of the 3Y-TZP powders were in the range of about 18nm-28nm with good dispersion and the main phase of target production was tetragonal phase. When calcining temperature and holding time was higher, the size of particles grown up and the tetragonal phase volume fraction decrease gradually. And the calcining temperature has more significant effect.

A new hydrated borate compound, [NH3CH2CHCH3NH3]][B(8)O11(OH)(4)].H2O 1, has been synthesized in the presence of 1,2diaminopropane acting as a structure-directing agent under mild conditions. Its structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction and further characterized FTIR, elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. Compound I crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c (No. 14), a = 10.0787(7)angstrom, b = 8.8482(6) angstrom, c = 19.3097(4) angstrom, beta = 91.352(6)degrees, V = 1721.53(2)angstrom(3), and Z = 4. The structure consists of infinite open-branched borate chains constructed from [B3O6(OH)] units, onto which the [B5O7(OH)(3)] groups are grafted. It represents the first example of one-dimensional borate templated by an organic amine. The adjacent borate chains are further linked together by extensive hydrogen bonds to form a 3D supramolecular network. The diprotonated organic amines and guest water molecules are filled in the free space of the hydrogen-bonded network and interact with the inorganic framework by extensive hydrogen bonds. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The title compound is prepared by solvothermal treatment of a mixture of H3BO3, NiCl2, DMF, en, and 3-nitrophenylboronic acid in the respective molar ratio of 7.7:0.5:25.9:44.9:0.8 under the co-templating effect of [Ni(en)3]2+ and Hen+ cations (autoclave, 128 °C, 7 d; 34% yield).

Ni(en)3·Hen·[B9O13(OH)4]·H2O was prepared under the cotemplating effect of [Ni(en)3](2+) and Hen(+). It was the first example of a cotemplated borate with an unusual chiral polyanionic chain, which was constructed from [B5O8(OH)2] and [B4O7(OH)2] clusters.

A zinc borate Zn(1,3-DAP)[B4O7] (1) was prepared. 1 possessed a rare chiral zeolitic framework based on a [B4O9] cluster. The combination of a [B4O9] cluster and Zn(1,3-DAP)O3 chain produced a helical ribbon motif and gave rise to a single-stranded helical channel.