Structures, photophysical properties, and growth patterns of methylurea coordinated Ni(II) and Mn(II) complexes

Abstract

Four coordinated complexes MnxNi(1−x) (C2H6N2O)6SO4 (x=0, 0.33, 0.75, 0.90) were synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray analysis revealed that the complexes belong to the trigonal crystal family, R-3c space group. Spiral and terraced nucleus growth modes were observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in the crystals. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) measurements showed their excellent thermostability until 200°C. UV–vis spectra revealed that the transmission peaks of these crystals have a slight bathochromic shift compared to nickel sulfate hexahydrate (NSH), and the transmittance in the UV range increased as the proportion of Mn2+ increased. With their photophysical properties remaining similar, the much higher heat endurance is rendering these crystals better suitable for UV light filter (ULF) applications.