Mixed anionic materials, like FeOCl and WO2Cl2, exhibit remarkable diversity in elements, structure, and physical properties. Mixed anionic materials therefore give material scientists a versatile platform to help them solve a multitude of problems. This talk will focus on one particular layered mixed anionic material, WO2Cl2, selected for its unique ability to intercalate a variety of ions including the alkali metals and various transition metals. Intercalated WO2Cl2 has been investigated via XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, and XPS with careful examination of how it’s optical and electrical properties are affected via the various intercalants and the level of intercalation. Li intercalated WO2Cl2 shows a dramatic increase in interlayer spacing via XRD, a cartoon of this change can be seen in the attached figure, alongside a dramatic change in electrical and optical properties. As Li intercalation progresses, WO2Cl2 goes from an optically clear insulator, to a blue semiconductor, to a bronze reflective phase with electrical conductivity orders of magnitude greater than the base material. This intense optical change is demonstrated in the attached figure with a crystal of Li intercalated WO2Cl2 that exhibits both the blue and bronze phase. This talk will also briefly cover the intercalation of various other ions, alongside WO2Cl2 congeners, WO2Br2 and WO2I2, and should help to inform a discussion about intercalation methods, intercalants, and hosts.

Intercalation chemistry of mixed anionic materials

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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