Reversible Thermochromism of Nickel(II) Complexes and Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Transformation.

A molecular Ni(II)-NNN pincer complex () exhibited unprecedented reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation and color change upon heating and cooling due to a subtle change in the N-Ni(II) bond length and ligand conformation. UV-vis, thermogravimetric, differential scanning calorimetry, single-crystal structural data, temperature-dependent powder X-ray diffraction, and Raman and computational studies supported the structural change of the Ni(II) complex with temperature.

Interfacial Modification of Photoanode|Electrolyte Interface Using Oleic Acid Enhancing the Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are useful devices in converting renewable solar energy into electrical energy. In DSSCs, the triiodide reduction at the surface of TiO is one of the detrimental processes that limit the realization of high efficiencies of the device. To alleviate the active sites available on the semiconductor surface for this detrimental process, the interfacial modification of the dye-adsorbed TiO|electrolyte interface has been attempted by coadsorption of oleic acid (OA) over the TiO surface.

A Convenient Synthesis Route for CoO Hollow Microspheres and Their Application as a High Performing Anode in Li-Ion Batteries.

A new, rapid, and cost-effective method for synthesizing hollow microspheres (HMSs) of cobalt oxide (CoO) using the phloroglucinol-formaldehyde gel route is reported here. Further, the synthesized hollow CoO microspheres were investigated as an anode material for Li-ion batteries. The CoO hollow spheres exhibited excellent electrochemical performance and cycling stability, for example, a capacity of 915 mA h g was obtained at 1 C rate over 350 cycles.