RECRYSTENG

Rare Earth Metal-Organic Frameworks and their Application in Crystal Engineering

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Rare earth complexes are involved in a new scientific approach in crystal engineering. The synthesis will include organic, inorganic, and materials chemistry techniques using lanthanide salts and organic linkers as building blocks for the formation of crystalline molecular 3D networks. Green chemistry methods applying solvent-free solid-solid and solid-gas preparation techniques will be developed for a high-yield low energy production of new crystalline rare earth materials. Analysis of the new compounds will not only be based on advanced X-ray structure determination using single-crystals and crystalline powders but also on microscopy, thermoanalytical, and spectroscopical analysis of the expected luminescent crystals. Training and collaborations of the researcher in an industrial company and university working and learning new aspects in the field of polymorph screening will guarantee a deeper insight into the optical and solid-state properties of the produced solids as well as their formation of polymorphs. The combination of the analytical and scientific expertise between the University of Bristol and the collaborators create a unique environment for a new rare earth based research in the field of crystal engineering.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Uncommon materials in the bowels of the earth can now be extracted in an eco-friendly manner, opening up intriguing possibilities in science and technology.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Rare materials from the earth are very useful in the world of science, particularly in newer disciplines such as designed crystalline 3D molecular materials. Specific crystalline materials, in particular, have important properties such as magnetic memory or fluorescence.

However, extracting and processing these rare materials can be costly and can harm the environment. The EU-funded Recrysteng project, which stands for 'Rare earth crystal engineering', is deploying a new approach for the discovery and processing of desired materials.

An important aspect of this project has been to significantly lower production costs associated with energy, solvents and special equipment used in obtaining and synthesising these new materials. This 'green chemistry' approach was successfully applied by using solvent-free preparation techniques, such as grinding and liquid-assisted ball-milling. These methods are especially appropriate for high-yield, low-energy production of the new crystalline rare earth materials.

One of the most significant results was the successful synthesis of a series of new rare-earth materials, such as a new type of melamine. Some of the new compounds have shown remarkable electromagnetic properties such as magnetic memory effects at low temperatures and fluorescence properties with unusually long life times.

The thermal stability, easy availability, and simplified processing techniques such as grinding, has transformed this new class of compounds into potential high-tech materials. These include high-performance rare earth magnets, essential components for manufacturing highly efficient optical fibres or luminescent materials for transmitting information or light. Thus, these materials can enable communication technologies and microelectronics, considered two major competitive sectors by the EU.

Due to its interdisciplinary nature, the project brought together a number of fruitful partnerships and projects featuring scientists and industrial companies with advanced scientific experience in different fields.

Overall, Recrysteng has successfully opened a new synthetic gateway for a substantial series of rare earth materials, bearing important novel electromagnetic and structural features. Furthermore, the project's new approach in developing functional molecular materials and polymers introduced a greener approach to this branch of chemistry. A very competitive network in this field was created, with strong potential for furthering research activity beyond the project's end.