The development of microelectronics prompts a search for precursors that can deposit conductive features. There is scarce research on Al as it is normally deposited using pyrophoric AlH3 etherates/aminates. Ligands can impart increased stability while maintaining the ability to deposit target materials. Accordingly, we have engineered an aluminium complex that can undergo conversion to Al(0) at 100 °C. Our multi-step synthetic design features β-ketoiminate compounds, [Al(R-ketoiminate)2Cl] (R = Me, Et, iPr, Ph and Mes, 1-5) as starting materials to obtain aluminium hydride complexes: the polymeric amidoalane Li[AlH2(iPr-Hacnac)AlH3]n (6) and the imidoalane cluster [AlH2AlH2(N-Mes)3(AlH2 ּ Li(Et2O)2)2] (8). Decomposition of 8 into aluminium metal is observed when heated under vacuum at 100 °C and is confirmed by XRD, TEM, XPS. Deposition of a highly conductive film of Al is achieved from 8 after three weeks under nitrogen at room temperature. This represents a route to metallic aluminium involving non-pyrophoric precursors at low temperatures.

For the rapidly growing demands and expanding range of applications of printed electronics in medicine lower processing temperatures and simpler steps are preferred to minimize the fabrication processes onto a range of substrates. Various hybrid inks are formulated for fabricating multi‐compositional functional patterns with fewer manufacturing processes. However, most hybrid inks can only form patterns with fully‐mixed compositional distribution. This study proposes a novel hybrid metal‐based ink formulation pathway and develops a particle‐free Ag‐Cu hybrid metal‐organic decomposition (MOD) ink. When sintering under N 2 the in situ formed Ag and Cu nano‐particulates during the sintering process self‐regulate into a unique vertical compositional gradient with Cu dominant on top and the majority of Ag existing beneath. Highly conductive (1.88 ± 0.7 × 10 6 S m −1 ) metallic patterns are fabricated by single‐step inkjet printing at low temperature (<150 °C) on both rigid and cellulose fiber substrates. When sintered under air a porous CuO layer is generated on the surface with high electrocatalytic activity with glucose (stable for over 2 h of continuous measurement). This work shows the feasibility of fabricating a glucose sensor including electrode layer and functional layer by single‐step printing.

Here, we present the effect of 1.2-9.9 nm Au particles on crystal violet-treated polymer under a low intensity of visible light. The use of Au particles ≤ 6.3 nm promoted charge carrier transfer from crystal violet to Au particles. Photospectroscopy analyses and DFT computations revealed that a change in the electronic band structure caused by the size reduction of the particle altered the charge carrier transfer pathway in crystal violet. Especially for crystal violet─1.2 nm Au particles, charge carrier transfer predominantly occurs at the S1 of crystal violet because the T1 state lacks sufficient potential energy for transfer. 1.2 nm Au particles on crystal violet not only most significantly enhanced the generation of O2•-, H2O2, and •OH by minimizing unnecessary side reactions or energy loss but also showed the most potent disinfection activity against Staphylococcus aureus, even at low visible light flux levels (0.037-0.054 mW cm-2), which resulted in a 5.3 log reduction in viable bacteria after 6 h exposure to visible light. This finding provides fundamental insights into the Au effect as a cocatalyst in photocatalysts and the development of light-activated self-sterilizing surfaces that can be applied to various hospital surfaces to prevent the spread of pathogens, which remains a global challenge.

A synthetically straightforward and high-yielding route to the series of complexes [AuMe2(dtc)] (dtc = dithiocarbamate) has been developed using dialkyl-, cyclic-dialkyl-, and diaryldithiocarbamate ligands. These compounds were screened by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to determine their viability as molecular precursors to thin films of elemental gold by atomic layer deposition. TGA revealed that the volatility of the precursor decreased as the mass of the precursor increased, making the heavier molecules less suitable precursors. However, [AuMe2(Me2dtc)], the lightest member of the series, is potentially a better precursor than [AuMe2(Et2dtc)] due to its higher volatility and slightly lower residual mass.

Tattoo-like electronics heralds the amalgamation of electronics with the human body, representing a breakthrough in healthcare by empowering continuous monitoring and neural interfaces. The current focus in the development of tattoo-like electronics is the fabrication of self-powering and substrate-free designs. Self-powered tattoos gather energy from the body or external sources while substrate-free tattoos, implanted directly onto the skin, eliminate any discomfort and make tattoos suitable for the human body. In this review, we summarize tattoo-like electronics with an emphasis on substrate-free and self-powering features. Concerning conventional and additive manufacturing methods, we provide detailed descriptions of the state of the art, including recent trends and relevant illustrations. Furthermore, the scope of tattoo-like-electronics will be expanded beyond the human-centric domains. We investigate possible applications in plant health monitoring and food safety monitoring and examine the existing challenges and suggest possible pathways for future studies in this research area along with potential in marine life. Despite the great achievements, there are still some problems in the widespread use of tattoo-like electronics, which are biocompatibility, long-term reliability, and integration with various applications. The solution to these issues points to interdisciplinary solutions encompassing materials science, fabrication techniques, and application-specific development.

Acetyl coenzyme A synthase (ACS) catalyzes the formation and deconstruction of the key biological metabolite, acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). The active site of ACS features a {NiNi} cluster bridged to a [Fe4S4]n+ cubane known as the A-cluster. The mechanism by which the A-cluster functions is debated, with few model complexes able to replicate the oxidation states, coordination features, or reactivity proposed in the catalytic cycle. In this work, we isolate the first bimetallic models of two hypothesized intermediates on the paramagnetic pathway of the ACS function. The heteroligated {Ni2+Ni1+} cluster, [K(12-crown-4)2][1], effectively replicates the coordination number and oxidation state of the proposed "Ared" state of the A-cluster. Addition of carbon monoxide to [1]- allows for isolation of a dinuclear {Ni2+Ni1+(CO)} complex, [K(12-crown-2)n][2] (n = 1-2), which bears similarity to the "ANiFeC" enzyme intermediate. Structural and electronic properties of each cluster are elucidated by X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, cyclic voltammetry, and UV/vis and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, which are supplemented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Calculations indicate that the pseudo-T-shaped geometry of the three-coordinate nickel in [1]- is more stable than the Y-conformation by 22 kcal mol-1, and that binding of CO to Ni1+ is barrierless and exergonic by 6 kcal mol-1. UV/vis absorption spectroscopy on [2]- in conjunction with time-dependent DFT calculations indicates that the square-planar nickel site is involved in electron transfer to the CO π*-orbital. Further, we demonstrate that [2]- promotes thioester synthesis in a reaction analogous to the production of acetyl coenzyme A by ACS.

Herein, we introduce a photobiocidal surface activated by white light. The photobiocidal surface was produced through thermocompressing a mixture of titanium dioxide (TiO2), ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) powders. A photobiocidal activity was not observed on UHMWPE-TiO2. However, UHMWPE-TiO2@rGO exhibited potent photobiocidal activity (>3-log reduction) against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli bacteria after a 12 h exposure to white light. The activity was even more potent against the phage phi 6 virus, a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate, with a >5-log reduction after 6 h exposure to white light. Our mechanistic studies showed that the UHMWPE-TiO2@rGO was activated only by UV light, which accounts for 0.31% of the light emitted by the white LED lamp, producing reactive oxygen species that are lethal to microbes. This indicates that adding rGO to UHMWPE-TiO2 triggered intense photobiocidal activity even at shallow UV flux levels.

The reversible insertion of carbon dioxide into the silicon-nitrogen bond of an N-heterocyclic iminosilane is reported. Solution-phase thermodynamic investigations indicate that this process is thermoneutral and reversible, whereas in the solid-phase CO2 can be stored for extended periods and is only released upon heating to 133 degrees C.

Precursor design is the crucial step in tailoring the deposition profile towards a multitude of functional materials. Most commercially available aluminium oxide precursors require high processing temperatures (>500 °C). Herein, we report the tuning of the decomposition profile (200-350 °C) of a range of octahedrally coordinated tris(β-ketoiminate) aluminium complexes of the type [Al(MeCN(R)CHC=OMe)3 ], by varying the R substituents in the ligands. The complexes are derived from the reaction of trimethylamine alane (TMAA) and a series of N-substituted β-ketoiminate ligands (R-acnacH, R=Me, Et, i Pr, Ph) with varying R-substituents sizes. When the more sterically encumbered ligand (R=Mes) was used, the Al atom became five-coordinate, therefore representing the threshold to octahedral coordination around the metal in these type of compounds, which, consequently, lead to a change of decomposition profile. The resulting compounds have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. [Al(MeCN(Me)CHC=OMe)3 ] has been used as a single source precursor for the deposition of Al2 O3 . Thin films were deposited via aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD), with toluene as the solvent, and were analysed using SEM, EDX and XPS.

Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) have been considered the ultimate anode materials for next-generation batteries. However, the uncontrollable lithium dendrite growth and huge volume expansion that can occur during charge and discharge seriously hinder the practical application of LMAs. Metal–organic framework (MOF) materials, which possess the merits of huge specific surface area, excellent porosity, and flexible composition/structure tunability, have demonstrated great potential for resolving both of these issues. This article first explores the mechanism of lithium dendrite formation as described by four influential models. Subsequently, based on an in-depth understanding of these models, we propose potential strategies for utilizing MOFs and their derivatives to suppress lithium dendrite growth. We then provide a comprehensive review of research progress with respect to various applications of MOFs and their derivatives to suppress lithium dendrites and inhibit volume expansion. The paper closes with a discussion of perspectives on future modifications of MOFs and their derivatives to achieve stable, dendrite-free lithium metal batteries.

The developments in inkjet printing technology and the printed electronics industry in the past two decades have provided cost‐effective, environment‐friendly, and reliable alternates to traditional methods of fabricating electrical devices. However, most commercial metallic inks require high sintering temperatures to form desired functional patterns, which limits the applications of printed electronics in scenarios that require electrical devices on thermally sensitive substrates, like biomaterials or bio‐synthetic composite materials. This study provides the synthetic route of a novel silver‐based metal organic decomposition (MOD) ink which is used to form highly conductive silver films on the thermally sensitive skin‐inspired silk/epoxy composite substrates by directly inkjet printing with accurate pattern control, whilst self‐decomposing and sintering at room temperature. The fabricated silver patterns on the thermally sensitive silk/epoxy composite substrate are highly conductive with conductivity of 4.65 × 10 4 S m −1 . These silver patterns also show impressive malleability as bulk silver films, which can be further developed into motion sensors for wearable devices or medical applications. Our strategy provides a general platform for electronic functionalization without temperature constraints. The particle‐free, reactive silver‐precursor, and lower sintering temperature of the ink also widen the choices of substrates, as exemplified herein with outstanding printing quality and high electrical conductivity (1.20 × 10 6 S m −1 ) also achieve on paper.

Quasi-1D nanoribbons provide a unique route to diversifying the properties of their parent 2D nanomaterial, introducing lateral quantum confinement and an abundance of edge sites. Here, a new family of nanomaterials is opened with the creation of arsenic-phosphorus alloy nanoribbons (AsPNRs). By ionically etching the layered crystal black arsenic-phosphorus using lithium electride followed by dissolution in amidic solvents, solutions of AsPNRs are formed. The ribbons are typically few-layered, several micrometers long with widths tens of nanometers across, and both highly flexible and crystalline. The AsPNRs are highly electrically conducting above 130 K due to their small band gap (ca. 0.035 eV), paramagnetic in nature, and have high hole mobilities, as measured with the first generation of AsP devices, directly highlighting their properties and utility in electronic devices such as near-infrared detectors, quantum computing, and charge carrier layers in solar cells.

Inside Back Cover In article number 2300038, Caroline E. Knapp and co-workers have established a link between the geometry of copper precursors and their decomposition to copper metal by single crystal X-ray diffraction investigation alongside density functional theory calculations. Precursor synthesis and their decomposition profiles are reported. Inkjet printing yielded conductive (ρ = 4.7–5.3 × 10−7 Ω m; ≈30% bulk) copper features onto paper and polyimide substrates at 125 °C and 150 °C.

The field of printed electronics strives for lower processing temperatures to move toward flexible substrates that have vast potential: from wearable medical devices to animal tagging. Typically, ink formulations are optimized using mass screening and elimination of failures; as such, there are no comprehensive studies on the fundamental chemistry at play. Herein, findings which describe the steric link to decomposition profile: combining density functional theory, crystallography, thermal decomposition, mass spectrometry, and inkjet printing, are reported. Through the reaction of copper(II) formate with excess alkanolamines of varying steric bulk, tris-co-ordinated copper precursor ions: "[CuL3]," each with a formate counter-ion (1-3) are isolated and their thermal decomposition mass spectrometry profiles are collected to assess their suitability for use in inks (I1-3). Spin coating and inkjet printing of I-1,I-2 provides an easily up-scalable method toward the deposition of highly conductive copper device interconnects (rho = 4.7-5.3 x 10(-7) omega m; approximate to 30% bulk) onto paper and polyimide substrates and forms functioning circuits that can power light-emitting diodes. The connection among ligand bulk, coordination number, and improved decomposition profile supports fundamental understanding which will direct future design.

Here we describe a two-step aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) synthesis method for the fabrication of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) decorated WO3 nanorods (NRs), evaluating the use of different or-ganometallic silver precursors. Physical property characterization techniques including XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS were carried out to investigate the composition and morphology of the pristine WO3 NRs and func-tionalized WO3 NRs with Ag NPs. The results showed that uniform WO3 NRs were obtained with a length of 600 nm to several mu m and a diameter of 100-200 nm, and Ag NPs were well-dispersed on the surface of WO3 NRs with the size of 6-20 nm. The nanostructured WO3 thin films were synthesized and integrated directly onto alumina platforms via the AACVD method to fabricate gas sensors. Gas sensing performance was investigated towards different O2 concentrations between 1% and 20% at various operating tempera-tures. The sensing response revealed that an increase in baseline resistance was observed for the Ag-de-corated WO3 sensors fabricated by using organometallic silver precursors, and the decoration of Ag NPs on WO3 sensors improved sensing properties as compared to the undecorated ones. The possible formation process and sensing mechanism of the Ag NPs decorated WO3 NRs are proposed. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Silver (Ag) amidinate metal organic decomposition precursors of the type: [Ag 2 ((ArN) 2 C(H)) 2 ] (Ar = 2,6-dimethylphenyl (1), 2,6-diethylphenyl (2) and 2,6-diisopropylphenyl (3)) have been used for the first time in the deposition of Ag films on glass with multiple functionalities with potential application in optical/biological sensors or for use in electronic circuitry. Precursors 1–3 were isolated from the reaction of silver acetate with the appropriate ligand in a 1:2 stoichiometry and were characterized by 1 H and 13 C{ 1 H} NMR, thermal gravimetric analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction for 2. Single-layer depositions at 200 °C on glass substrates via spin coating produced transparent (>90% transmittance) coatings, with well-defined Ag nanoparticles. Multi-layer depositions at 200 °C on glass had a metallic lustre and were found to be conductive ( ρ = 0.916–1.83 × 10 −6 Ωm). All films were strongly adhered and displayed excellent coverage of the substrate. Ag films deposited from 1 to 3 were analysed by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy, with optical properties determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy.

An entry from the Cambridge Structural Database, the world’s repository for small molecule crystal structures. The entry contains experimental data from a crystal diffraction study. The deposited dataset for this entry is freely available from the CCDC and typically includes 3D coordinates, cell parameters, space group, experimental conditions and quality measures.

An entry from the Cambridge Structural Database, the world’s repository for small molecule crystal structures. The entry contains experimental data from a crystal diffraction study. The deposited dataset for this entry is freely available from the CCDC and typically includes 3D coordinates, cell parameters, space group, experimental conditions and quality measures.

Highly transparent (>85 %) and conductive (1.086×10-3  Ω cm) zinc oxide thin films have been deposited from specifically selected precursors allowing us to establish a direct correlation between their molecular structure and the optoelectronic properties of the deposited films. Mono-ligated ethyl zinc compounds of varying steric bulk: [EtZn(OC(Me)CH(Me)N(i Pr))]2 (1), [EtZn(OC(OEt)CH(Me)N(i Pr))]2 (2) and [EtZn(OC(OEt)CH(CH3 )N(Dipp))]2 (3) were compared with the related bis-ligated zinc complexes [Zn(OC(Me)CH(Me)N(i Pr))2 ] (4), [Zn(OC(OEt)CH(Me)N(i Pr))2 ] (5) and [Zn(OC(OEt)CH(Me)N(Dipp))2 ] (6). In all cases bulkier ligands resulted in poorer electronic properties of deposited films, whilst all mono-ligated compounds were shown as superior precursors. All complexes were characterised by 1 H and 13 C{1 H} NMR and elemental analysis, with the structure of 6 determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Zinc oxide films were deposited from single and dual source (with methanol) reactions of these precursors, and analysed via XRD, XPS and EDX. Optoelectronic properties were investigated through UV/vis spectroscopy and Hall effect measurements, and morphology was examined via SEM. Tauc plots from UV/vis data indicated that Film A showed the lowest band gap of 3.31 eV. Varying the elemental composition of the precursors led to changes in the elemental composition of the resultant films, as well as changes in their structural and optoelectronic properties. Using this approach of precursor design, we have been able to tune single source precursors towards zinc oxide to deposit films with specific properties.