Structural and thermal studies on the solid products in the system MnSeO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-SeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The solubility of MnSeO₃-SeO₂-H₂O system was studied in the temperature region 25–300°C. The compounds of the three-component system were identified by the Schreinemaker’s method. The phase diagram of manganese(II) selenites was drawn and the crystallization fields for the different phases were determined. Depending on the conditions for hydrothermal synthesis, MnSeO₃·H₂O, MnSeO₃·3/4H₂O, MnSeO₃·l/3H₂O and MnSe₂O₅ were obtained. The different phases were proven and characterized by chemical, powder X-ray diffraction and thermal analyses, as well as IR spectroscopy. The kinetics of dehydration and decomposition of MnSeO₃·H₂O was studied under non-isothermal heating. Based on 4 calculation procedures and 27 kinetic equations, the values of activation energy and pre-exponential factor in Arrhenius equation were calculated for both processes.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Cs<Subscript>2</Subscript>Mo<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>13</Subscript> and Cs<Subscript>4</Subscript>Mo<Subscript>8</Subscript>O<Subscript>26</Subscript>

Polymolybdates of the composition Cs₂Mo₄O₁₃ (1) and Cs₄Mo₈O₂₆ · 4H₂O (2) are synthesized under hydrothermal conditions from a mixture containing (NH₄)₆Mo₇O₂₄ · 4H₂O and CsCl at pH 2.5 and 3.6, respectively.     

Synthesis and study of sodium triuranate Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>(UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Sodium triuranate Na₂(UO₂)₃O₃(OH)₂ was synthesized by the reaction between aqueous uranyl acetate solution and aqueous sodium nitrate solution under hydrothermal conditions at 200°C. The composition and structure of the synthesized compound were determined, and its dehydration and thermal decomposition were studied, by chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and thermodynamic properties of 2CaO·3B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>·H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

2CaO·3B₂O₃·H₂O which has non-linear optical (NLO) property was synthesized under hydrothermal condition and identified by XRD, FTIR and TG as well as by chemical analysis. The molar enthalpy of solution of 2CaO·3B₂O₃·H₂O in HCl·54.572H₂O was determined. From a combination of this result with measured enthalpies of solution of H₃BO₃ in HCl·54.501H₂O and of CaO in (HCl+H₃BO₃) solution, together with the standard molar enthalpies of formation of CaO(s), H₃BO₃(s), and H₂O(l), the standard molar enthalpy of formation of −(5733.7±5.2) kJ mol⁻¹ of 2CaO·3B₂O₃·H₂O was obtained. Thermodynamic properties of this compound were also calculated by a group contribution method.     

Interactions in the system Mn(NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>-HCONH<Subscript>2</Subscript>-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Solubilities and solid phases in the system Mn(NO₃)₂-HCONH₂-H₂O were studied by an isothermal method at 25°C. The congruently saturating compound Mn(NO₃)₂ · 2HCONH₂ · 2H₂O was isolated; the concentration conditions for its crystallization in the system were determined. The solid phases of the system were characterized by physicochemical methods (X-ray powder diffraction, differential thermal analysis, IR spectroscopy, and crystal-optical analysis).     

Phase composition,formation parameters,and morphology of precipitates in the LiVO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-VOSO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O system

The phase and chemical compositions of the precipitates formed in the LiVO₃-VOSO₄-H₂O system at initial pH within 1 ≤ pH ≤ 4 and 90°C were studied. The following phases were prepared: an α phase Li_1.4(VO)_1.3[H₂V₁₀O₂₈] · nH₂O and a β phase Li_{0.6 ? x} H_{1.4 + x} [V₁₂O_{31 ? y/2}] · nH₂O (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5, 1.3 ≤ y ≤ 2.0) with a layered structure. Li_0.4V₂O₅ · H₂O nanorods with the interlayer distance 10.30 ± 0.08 Å were synthesized at 180°C in an autoclave. The morphology, IR spectra, and main formation processes for these polyvanadates were studied.     

Thermal behavior of LaPO<Subscript>4</Subscript>·<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O and NdPO<Subscript>4</Subscript>·<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O nanopowders

Thermal behavior of LaPO₄·nH₂O and NdPO₄·nH₂O nanopowders from room temperature to 973 K was investigated by DSC, TA/DTG, ESM, and X-ray study. Mass loss due to the release of adsorbed and hydrate water was found in the range from 323 to 623 K. Phase transitions from hexagonal structure nanopowders to monoclinic one for bulk specimens were found above 873 K.     

Novel large heteropolymetalate complexes formed from Ni(II) and cryptate [As<Subscript>4</Subscript>W<Subscript>40</Subscript>O<Subscript>140</Subscript><Superscript>28-</Superscript>

The heteropolytungstate (NH4)₂₀[Na2(H₂O)₂Ni(H₂O)₅{Ni(H₂O)}₂As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀] · 61H₂O is obtained by the reaction of Na₂₇[NaAs₄W₄₀O₁₄₀] · 60H₂O with NiCl₂ · 6H₂O and NH₄Cl in pH≈4.0. The structure and chemical composition are determined by X-ray diffraction analysis and element analysis. The crystal data and main structure refinement are: a = 1.33135(18) nm, b = 1.9722(3) nm, c = 3.6430(5) nm, α = 78.010(2)°, β = 82.145(2)δ, γ = 74.385(2)°, V = 8.978(2) nm³, triclinic crystal system, space group: P1, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0512, and wR2 = 0.0684(I >2σ). The four S2 sites of the big cyclic ligand [As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]^28- are occupied by two Na⁺ and two Ni²⁺ respectively, and each site supplies four O_d coordinating to metal ion. The coordination number of Ni²⁺ is six, and that of two Na⁺ is five and six respectively. The third Ni²⁺ locates outside the cyclic [As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]^28- and connects with one O_d, and its coordination number is six.     

Structure and properties of H<Subscript>8</Subscript>(PW<Subscript>11</Subscript>TiO<Subscript>39</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>O heteropoly acid

Heteropoly acid (HPA) H₈(PW₁₁TiO₃₉)₂O·xH₂O (I) is synthesized by three different ways and studied by chemical analysis, potentiometric titration, mass-spectrometry, IR, ³¹P, ¹⁸³W, and ¹⁷O NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and transmission electron microscopy. Anion I consists of two subparticles of the Keggin structure bridged by Ti-O-Ti. The dimeric anion exists in HPA aqueous solutions at [I] > 0.02 M. At pH > 0.6 it splits to a [PW₁₁TiO₄₀]⁵⁻ monomer stable up to pH ∼ 6. When heated (150–400)°C, I splits into H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ and, apparently, H₃PW₁₀Ti₂O₃₈ without phase separation. Thermolysis products are soluble and when dissolved in water turn again into I. Complete decomposition of I to oxides occurs at ∼450°C.     

Formation of nanocrystalline structures in the Ln<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-MO<Subscript>2</Subscript> systems (Ln = Gd,Dy; M = Zr,Hf)

The formation of (Ln³⁺)₂(M⁴⁺)₂O₇ (Ln = Gd, Dy; M = Zr, Hf) nanocrystallites obtained by annealing mixed hydroxides LnM(OH)₇ · nH₂O (precursors) synthesized by coprecipitation has been studied by synchronous thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction (normal and anomalous diffraction of synchrotron radiation), and EXAFS. In the systems under consideration, heat treatment of the X-ray amorphous precursors leads to their dehydration, and at 600–700°C, nanocrystallites with an fcc structure of disordered fluorite start forming. A further increase in temperature is accompanied by crystallite growth (CDD) and considerable change in the local structure of the heat-treated compounds. The crystallization enthalpies and activation energies have been determined.     

Synthesis,structural, spectral,thermal and comparative biological activity studies of [V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>6</Subscript>]

The hydrothermal reaction of a mixture of V₂O₅, VCl₃, 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid and diluted H₂SO₄ for 68 h at 180°C gives a blue colored solution which yields prismatic blue crystals of IV ₂ ^IV O₂(SO₄)₂(H₂O)₆] (1) in 32% yield (based on V). Complex 1 was investigated by means of elemental analysis (C, H and S), TGA, FT-IR, manganometric titration, Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction Methods and also comparative antimicrobial activities. Crystal data for the compound: monoclinic space group P2₁/c and unit cell parameters are a = 7.3850(12) Å, b = 7.3990(7) Å, c = 12.229(2) Å, β = 108.976(12)° and Z = 2. Although structure of 1 as a natural mineral has been previously determined, this work covers new preparation method and full characterization of 1 along with comparison of antibacterial activity between 1 and the commercial vanadium(IV) oxide sulfate hydrate compounds, VOSO₄ · xH₂O (Riedel-de Haën and Alfa Aesar brand names). 1 was evaluated for the antimicrobial activity against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and mould compared with the commercial VOSO₄ · xH₂O compounds. 1 showed weak activity against bacteria Bacillus cereus, Nocardia asteroides and yeast Candida albicans. A good antimicrobial activity was recorded against Cirtobacter freundii (15 mm). There are only a few reproducible well-defined vanadium(IV) starting materials to use for exploring the synthesis of new materials. VCl₄, VO(acac)₂, VOSO₄ · xH₂O and [V(IV)OSO₄(H₂O)₄] · SO₄ · [H₂N(C₂H₄)₂NH₂] are common starting materials for such applications. In addition to these compounds, 1 can be used as an oxovanadium precursor.     

Synthesis of nanocrystalline ZnO by the thermal decomposition of [Zn(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)(O<Subscript>2</Subscript>C<Subscript>5</Subscript>H<Subscript>7</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>] in isoamyl alcohol

It was studied how the conditions of heat treatment of a [Zn(H₂O)(O₂C₅H₇)₂] solution in isoamyl alcohol at 120–140°C for 2–60 min affect the precursor decomposition mechanism and the characteristics of the obtained nanocrystalline zinc oxide. In all the cases, the product was a crystalline substance with the wurtzite structure and a size of crystallites of 14–18 nm, which was independent of the synthesis conditions. The thermal behavior and microstructure of the separated and dried nanostructured ZnO powder were investigated. It was determined how the duration and temperature of the heat treatment of the precursor solution affects the microstructure of ZnO coatings dip-coated onto glass substrates using dispersions produced at 120 and 140°C. The nanosized ZnO application procedure was shown to be promising for creating a gas-sensing layer of chemical gas sensors for detecting 1% H₂ (\(R_0 /R_{H_2 } \) was 58 ± 2 at an operating temperature of 300°C) and 4 ppm NO₂ (\(R_{NO_2 } /R_0\) were 15 ± 1 and 1.9 ± 0.1 at operating temperatures of 200 and 300°C, respectively).     

Phase transformations of CuCrS<Subscript>2</Subscript>: Structural and chemical study

The structure and composition of the CuCrS₂ powder synthesized by sulfidation of a mixture of oxides Cu₂O:Cr₂O₃ = 1:1 at 850°C and cooled to room temperature at a rate of 60°C/min were studied by X-ray powder diffraction and differentiating solution. A rhombohedral CuCrS₂ phase (space group R3m) was found, which was stoichiometric in composition and had disordering in the copper sublattice because copper was arranged at the tetrahedral and octahedral sites with occupancy 10% at the latter. The structure of CuCrS₂, in which the octahedra were occupied by copper atoms at room temperature, was found for the first time; in known structures, the copper atoms occupied only the tetrahedral sites, while the probability of octahedral occupation appeared around 400°C (order-disorder transition). The partially disordered CuCrS₂ phase is intermediate on the route to complete ordering. The quickly cooled CuCrS₂ powder is unstable; after the second heating to 500°C with prolonged annealing at 390°C→180°C→80°C→25°C, its transition to the stable state was accompanied by liberation of 2–4 wt.% Cu₉S₅. The real composition of ternary sulfide after isolation of the Cu₉S₅ phase is discussed using the data of the structural method, differential dissolution, and magnetic measurements.     

Use of the differential charging effect in XPS to determine the nature of surface compounds resulting from the interaction of a Pt/(BaCO<Subscript>3</Subscript> + CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>) model catalyst with SO<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>

Changes in the chemical composition of the surface of a Pt/(BaCO₃ + CeO₂) model NO _x storage-reduction catalyst upon its interaction with SO _x (SO₂ (260 Pa) + O₂ (2600 Pa) + H₂O (525 Pa)) followed by regeneration in a mixture of CO (2100 Pa) with H₂O (525 Pa) were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Model catalyst samples were prepared as a thin film (about several hundreds of angstrom units in thickness) on the surface of tantalum foil coated with a layer of aluminum oxide (～100 Å). It was found that the Pt/BaCO₃ and Pt/CeO₂ catalyst constituents acquired different surface charges (differential charging) in the course of photoelectron emission; because of this, it was possible to determine the nature of surface compounds formed as a result of the interaction of the catalyst with a reaction atmosphere. It was found that barium carbonate was converted into barium sulfate as a result of reaction with SO _x on the surface of BaCO₃ at 150°C. As the treatment temperature in SO _x was increased to 300°C, the formation of sulfate on the surface of CeO₂ was observed. The sulfatization of CeO₂ was accompanied by the reduction of Ce(IV) to Ce(III). The regeneration reaction of the catalyst treated in SO _x at 300°C resulted in the consecutive decomposition of cerium(III) sulfate at ≤500°C and then barium sulfate at 600–700°C. Upon the decomposition of BaSO₄, a portion of sulfur was converted into a sulfide state, probably, because of the formation of BaS.     

Thermal Decomposition of the System CO(NH<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>-H<Subscript>3</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript> in the Presence of Nitrate Compounds

Chemical, derivatographic, IR spectral, and X-ray diffraction analyses were used to study thermal transformations in the system CO(NH₂)₂-H₃PO₄ and in the same system with addition of KNO₃, CsNO₃, LiNO₃ · 3H₂O, and NH₄NO₃ salts in the temperature range 20–600°C. The influence of the chosen nitrate compounds on the process of reorganization of the constituent ingredients, evolution of nitrogen into the gas phase, yield of the solid residue, and preservation of nitrogen and phosphorus was revealed.     

Crystal Structure Of [Au(Dien)Cl]<Subscript>2</Subscript>[Re<Subscript>4</Subscript>Te<Subscript>4</Subscript>(Cn)<Subscript>12</Subscript>]Sd5H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The structure of the [Au(Dien)Cl]₂[Re₄Te₄(CN)₁₂]·5H₂O compound prepared in an aqueous medium by the reaction of a gold(III) complex [Au(Dien)Cl]Cl₂ with a tetranuclear tetrahedral tellurocyanide cluster complex of rhenium K₄[Re₄Te₄(CN)₁₂]·5H₂O is determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Phase formation in the ZrO(NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>-H<Subscript>3</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-CsF-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O system at low concentration of the phosphorus-containing component

The ZrO(NO₃)₂-H₃PO₄-CsF-H₂O system was studied at 20°C along the section at a molar ratio of PO₄³⁻/Zr = 0.5 (which is of the greatest interest in the context of phase formation) at ZrO₂ concentrations in the initial solutions of 2–14 wt % and molar ratios of CsF: Zr = 1−6. The following compounds were isolated for the first time: crystalline fluorophosphates CsZrF₂PO₄ · H₂O, amorphous oxofluorophosphate Cs₂Zr₃O₂F₄(PO₄)₂ · 3H₂O, and amorphous oxofluorophosphate nitrate CsZr₃O_1.25F₄(PO₄)₂(NO₃)_0.5 · 4.5H₂O. The compound Cs₃Zr₃O_1.5F₆(PO₄)₂ · 3H₂O was also isolated, which forms in a crystalline or glassy form, depending on conditions. The formation of the following new compounds was established: Cs₂Zr₃O_1.5F₅(PO₄)₂ · 2H₂O, Cs₂Zr₃F₂(PO₄)₄ · 4.5H₂O, and Zr₃O₄(PO₄)_1.33 · 6H₂O, which crystallize only in a mixture with known phases. All the compounds were studied by X-ray powder diffraction, crystal-optical, thermal, and IR spectroscopic analyses.     

WO<Subscript>3</Subscript> thin film coating from H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-controlled peroxotungstic acid and its electrochromic properties

We prepared PTA coating solution by hot plate evaporation, N₂ bubbling evaporation, and rotary evaporation. N₂ bubbling and rotary evaporation are very efficient way to synthesize PTA which reduces the synthesis process time to 1/5, compared to hot plate evaporation method. Another strong point is that N₂ bubbling and rotary evaporation make it possible to control excess hydrogen peroxide and water contents in PTA. The PTA formula were WO₃·0.13H₂O₂·10.0H₂O for hot plate method, WO₃·0.16H₂O₂·7.1H₂O for N₂ bubbling method, and WO₃·0.15H₂O₂·3.00H₂O for rotary evaporation method. Thermal analysis and mass spectroscopy analysis show that water is evaporated at around 100 °C and hydrogen peroxide is dissociated at the range of 150 and 250 °C. Amorphous phase of WO₃ thin film prepared from rotary evaporated PTA solution has the best electrochromic property, light transmission difference from 91% at its bleached state and 5.5% colored state, and charge density of 22 mC/cm². It is thought that the control of excess hydrogen peroxide and water contents in PTA is very important to enhance the electrochromic properties of WO₃ thin film.     

Synthesis and studies of magnesium hexafluorozirconates MgZrF<Subscript>6</Subscript> · <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 5, 2, 0)

Crystalline magnesium hexafluorozirconate MgZrF₆ · 5H₂O isostructural to MnZrF₆ · 5H₂O, and having a chain-like structure, was synthesized and studied. According to thermogravimetry, the compound undergoes stepwise dehydration in the temperature range of 50–420°C to give the stable phase MgZrF₆ · 2H₂O and the final product MgZrF₆ isostructural to the cubic modification of MZrF₆ (M = Cu, Fe). The vibrational spectra of the initial compound and the dehydration products are analyzed and the structures of the compounds are considered.     

The effect of tin precursors on the formation of Zr<Subscript>0.8</Subscript>Sn<Subscript>0.2</Subscript>TiO<Subscript>4</Subscript> nano-powder by sol gel process

Different precursors can have different effects upon the properties of materials. In this paper, two different tin precursors, i.e., tin (IV) chloride pentahydrate (SnCl₄·5H₂O) and tin (IV) t-butoxide (Sn(OC₄H₉)₄) have been used to prepare Zr_0.8Sn_0.2TiO₄ powders. The dry gel and powder were characterized by Simultaneous DTA/TGA analysis (SDT), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Accelerated surface area and porosimetry analyzer (ASAP). The results show less weight loss for dry gel from precursor SnCl₄·5H₂O than that of Sn(OC₄H₉)₄. The onset of polycrystalline ZST nano powders occurred at 450 °C from precursor SnCl₄·5H₂O which is 50 °C lower than that of Sn(OC₄H₉)₄. Even though the powders from SnCl₄·5H₂O had a specific surface area of 30.4 m²/g which is higher than that of 28.7 m²/g from Sn(OC₄H₉)₄. The crystallite size of ZST powders were about the same around 15 nm. This may be due to the powders are more aggregated in Sn(OC₄H₉)₄ system. Two major mechanisms are proposed for above differences in morphology and the formation of powders.