Intervaliins

Intervaliins are a class of synthetic materials hypothesized in theoretical chemistry and materials science to possess layered inorganic–organic frameworks in which the spacing between layers is governed by discrete interval units, called intervals. The concept arose from attempts to rationalize emergent electronic and photophysical properties that depend on precise interlayer distances.

A typical Intervaliin consists of inorganic sheets, such as metal-oxide layers, linked by multitopic organic ligands. The interval parameter, an adjustable interlayer distance, can be tuned by changing ligands or metal composition. This tunability leads to anisotropic conductivity and tunable band gaps. Some proposed Intervaliin variants exhibit strong exciton binding and planarity along the layers, enabling high photoluminescence.

Synthesis involves solvothermal or hydrothermal methods mixing metal salts with conjugated ligands under controlled temperature; by varying metal choice, ligand geometry, and solvent, researchers define subclasses Intervaliin-A, Intervaliin-B, Intervaliin-C with different interval spacings and properties.

Potential applications include optoelectronic devices, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, and energy storage, though practical devices remain speculative. The concept has generated discussion about stability, reproducibility, and the need for standardized characterization. As of the literature, Intervaliiins remain a proposed framework with several experimental reports showing instances, but ongoing debate about classification and viability.