Electrochemically-induced TCNQ/Mn[TCNQ]2(H2O)2 (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) solid-solid interconversion: two voltammetrically distinct processes that allow selective generation of nanofiber or nanorod network morphologies.
Unlike the case with other divalent transition metal M[TCNQ](2)(H(2)O)(2) (M = Fe, Co, Ni) analogues, the electrochemically induced solid-solid phase interconversion of TCNQ microcrystals (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) to Mn[TCNQ](2)(H(2)O)(2) occurs via two voltammetrically distinct, time dependent processes that generate the coordination polymer in nanofiber or rod-like morphologies. Careful manipulation of the voltammetric scan rate, electrolysis time, Mn(2+)((aq)) concentration, and the method of electrode modification with solid TCNQ allows selective generation of either morphology. Detailed ex situ spectroscopic (IR, Raman), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) characterization clearly establish that differences in the electrochemically synthesized Mn-TCNQ material are confined to morphology. Generation of the nanofiber form is proposed to take place rapidly via formation and reduction of a Mn-stabilized anionic dimer intermediate, [(Mn(2+))(TCNQ-TCNQ)(2)(*-)], formed as a result of radical-substrate coupling between TCNQ(*-) and neutral TCNQ, accompanied by ingress of Mn(2+) ions from the aqueous solution at the triple phase TCNQ/electrode/electrolyte boundary. In contrast, formation of the nanorod form is much slower and is postulated to arise from disproportionation of the [(Mn(2+))(TCNQ-TCNQ)(*-)(2)] intermediate. Thus, identification of the time dependent pathways via the solid-solid state electrochemical approach allows the crystal size of the Mn[TCNQ](2)(H(2)O)(2) material to be tuned and provides new mechanistic insights into the formation of different morphologies.
Nafady
Ayman
A
School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
Bond
Alan M
AM
O'Mullane
Anthony P
AP
D003460:Crystallization; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D009570:Nitriles / Q000737:chemistry*
D009570:Nitriles; C013703:tetracyanoquinodimethane