Colossal positive and negative thermal expansion in the framework material Ag3[Co(CN)6]

Andrew L. Goodwin, Mark Calleja, Michael J. Conterio, Martin T. Dove, John S.O. Evans, David A. Keen, Lars Peters, Matthew G. Tucker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

590 Scopus citations

Abstract

We show that silver(I) hexacyanocobaltate(III), Ag3[Co(CN) 6], exhibits positive and negative thermal expansion an order of magnitude greater than that seen in other crystalline materials. This framework material expands along one set of directions at a rate comparable to the most weakly bound solids known. By flexing like lattice fencing, the framework couples this to a contraction along a perpendicular direction. This gives negative thermal expansion that is 14 times larger than in ZrW2O 8. Density functional theory calculations quantify both the low energy associated with this flexibility and the role of argentophilic (Ag +...Ag+) interactions. This study illustrates how the mechanical properties of a van der Waals solid might be engineered into a rigid, useable framework.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)794-797
Number of pages4
JournalScience
Volume319
Issue number5864
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 8 2008
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Colossal positive and negative thermal expansion in the framework material Ag3[Co(CN)6]'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this