Intercalation of Layered Metal Iodides with Pyridine Evidenced by Raman Spectroscopy

PbI2, BiI3, CdI2 and AgI crystalline samples intercalated with pyridine have been studied by Raman spectroscopy. Comparing the Raman spectra of pristine metal iodides with those of intercalated samples we have shown the coexistence, in the host crystalline lattice, of two adsorbed forms: a physisorbed one, featured by weak forces of van der Waals type and a chemisorbed one, involving stronger forces related to an electrostatic interaction. The physisorbed form is consistent with the molecules inserted into the interlayer spaces while the chemisorbed form is represented by the molecules forming coordination complexes with the crystalline lattice cations. The crucial role in the formation of such complexes is played by the lone pair of nitrogen atom belonging to the molecules.