Hydrothermal synthesis of 2D ordered macroporous ZnO films

The ZnO films with two-dimensional ordered macroporous structure were successfully fabricated through hydrothermal crystal growth of ZnO on the ZnO substrate covered with a monolayer of polystyrene (PS) spheres as template. The precursor solution of hydrothermal crystal growth of ZnO were prepared by equimolar solution of Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O and hexamethylenetramine (HMT). The confinement effect of the PS spheres template on the growth of ZnO nanorods and the influence of sodium citrate on the crystal growth of ZnO had been studied. The film surface morphology and the preferential growth of ZnO crystal were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Also, the photoluminescence spectrum of ZnO films had been measured, and the corresponding mechanism was discussed. __________ Translated from Chemistry, 2007, 70 (8): 587–592 [译自: 化学通报]     

Synthesis of silica adsorbent and its selective separation for flavone

One kind of built-in silica adsorbent, which has high adsorption selectivity to rutin, was synthesized using molecular imprinting technology by the following steps: synthesis of precursor from the reaction between water soluble rutin (as template molecule) and the functional monomer chloropropyltriethoxysilane, co-hydrolysis of the precursor and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), sol-gel aging process, and removal of template molecules. The results of adsorption experiment show that this adsorbent has a high adsorption capacity for rutin, and good adsorption selectivity towards rutin even under the interference of a flavone with a similar structure. TEM photos suggest that nanocaves corresponding to rutin were formed inside the adsorbent while FTIR spectra indicate that new bond was generated during the recognition process. __________ Translated from Journal of Tianjin University, 2007, 40(4): 411–415 [译自: 天津大学学报]     

Study on catalyst carrier nano-α-alumina with high specific surface area

A nano-alumina with high specific area was prepared using a homogeneous precipitation method with titanium dioxide and barium oxide as modifying additives. Results showed that 5 wt% TiO₂ or BaO added in the alumina gels can decrease the particle size and increase the specific area, but excessive TiO₂ or BaO could deteriorate the properties of α-Al₂O₃. __________ Translated from Journal of Shandong University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2007, 27(3): 23–26 [译自: 山东理工大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Synthesis of ZnS hollow nanospheres with holes using different amine templates

ZnS hollow nanospheres with holes were prepared by reacting ZnSO₄ with H₂S, the sulfide source formed in the reaction of CS₂ with ethylenediamine, 1,3-propylenediamine, butylamine or 2-(2-aminoethylamino) ethanol, which also acted as a template agent, at 50°C under agitation. The shape, particle size of about 100–850 nm and hole size of about 150–600 nm of ZnS hollow nanospheres with holes were shown by SEM and TEM images. These ZnS nanospheres with β cubic ZnS phase and composed of 2–5 nm nanocrystals were characterized by XRD and HRTEM. The blue shift of maximum absorption in UV-vis displayed the effect of quantum size. The two amino groups of amine templates reacted favorably with Zn²⁺ to form uniform and relatively smooth ZnS nanospheres with holes, while hydroxyethyl played a disadvantageous role. A reasonable mechanism of hole formation by H₂S rushing out is suggested. __________ Translated from Journal of Jinan University (Natural Science), 2007, 28(1): 92–95 [译自: 暨南大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Synthesis and characterization of 5-bromo-3-sec-butyl-6-methyluracil

A new synthetic method for 5-bromo-3-sec-butyl-6-methyluracil (Bromacil) using 2-bromobutane and urea as starting materials is described. The synthesis involved condensation, cyclization and bromination with a total yield of 60%. The structure of Bromacil was determined by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and IR spectroscopy. __________ Translated from Journal of Shandong University (Natural Science Edition), 2007, 42(7): 9–12 [译自: 山东大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Kinetics of thermal decomposition of CeO2 nanocrystalline precursor prepared by precipitation method

The thermal decomposition of CeO₂ nanocrystalline precursor prepared by chemical precipitation method was investigated using thermo-gravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). In particular, the differential thermal analysis curves for the decomposition of CeO₂ nanocrystalline precursor were measured at different heating rates in air by a thermal analyzer (NETZSCH STA 449C, Germany). The kinetic parameters of the thermal decomposition of CeO₂ nanocrystalline precursor were calculated using the Kissinger method and the Coats-Redfern method. Results show that the apparent active energy E of the reaction is 105.51 kJ/mol, the frequency factor lnA is 3.602 and the reaction order n is 2. This thermal decomposition process can be described by the anti-Jander equation and a three-dimensional diffusion mechanism. Tanslated from Journal of Central South University (Science and Technology), 2007, 38(3): 428–432 [译自: 中南大学学报(自然科学版]     

Structure and properties of polymer modified TiO2 pillared montmorillonite

With the aim of improving the microstructures and properties of TiO₂ pillared montmorillonite (MMT), a long-chain polymer (polyoxypropylenediamine, PPO-D 2000) was used as a template to synthesize composite pillared MMT. The materials were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometer, Fourier Raman (FT-Raman) spectrophotometer, thermo-gravimeter/differential thermogravimeter (TG/DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) methods. The results show that as compared to low-molecular weight surfactant, this polymer significantly expanded the interlayer spacing and thus more TiO₂ could be intercalated into MMT. The specific surface area of polymer/TiO₂ pillared MMT was increased by 13% with comparison to TiO₂ pillared MMT and rose to 241.52 m²/g. Both the pore diameter and volume are doubled, and thus the pore structure is optimized markedly. The investigation on the photo-catalytic degradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution show that the modulation of polymer molecules raise the adsorption content of montmorillonite and improve the photo-catalytic activity. Therefore, this process provides a novel alternative to design and prepare the advanced eco-catalytic materials with high adsorption capacity and photo-catalytic activity. __________ Translated from Huaxue Tongbao, 2007, 12: 936–941 [译自: 化学通报]     

Hydrothermal preparation of nanostructured MnO2 and morphological and crystalline evolution

Manganese dioxides with various morphologies were prepared using a common hydrothermalmethod without any templates or additives. The evolution of the morphology was accompanied by the gradual conversion of the polymorphic forms from γ-type to β-type. Meanwhile, MnO₂ microspheres, urchin-like nanostructures and nanowires were successfully synthesized. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The evolution process can be explained by the Ostwald Ripening mechanism. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Chinese Universities 28(7): 1223–1226 [译自: 高等学校化学学报]     

Preparation and formation mechanism of CdS nano-films via chemical bath deposition

CdS semiconductor nano-films were grown on ITO glass substrates by means of chemical bath deposition (CBD), with Cd(NO₃)₂ as Cd ion and (NH₂)₂CS as S ion sources. The concentration of Cd ions, deposition temperature, deposition time and post-treatment temperature have an impact on the formation of CdS nano-films. UV-vis absorption spectrum and atomic force microscope (AFM) images indicated that the change of concentration and post-treatment temperature may adjust the band-gap of CdS to obtain stable, homogeneous and compact films. Formation mechanism of the crystal nucleus and CdS film was also discussed. Active sites on the surface of ITO are critical to the formation of the crystal nucleus and a uniform and compact CdS nano-film. The active site and crystal nucleus are formed due to the comprehensive effect of electricity, thermodynamics and chemistry. __________ Translated from Journal of Jilin University (Science Edition), 2007, 45(1): 116–120 [译自: 吉林大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Nuclease activity of copper(II) complex containing 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione and L-phenylalanine ligands

The interaction between CT-DNA and a ternary copper (II) complex, [Cu(phendio)(L-Phe)(H₂O)](ClO₄)·H₂O (CuPP, phendio = 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione, L-Phe = L-phenylalanine), has been conducted by electronic spectra, fluorescence spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. It has been found that the max. absorption peak from the electronic spectra is red shifted and the intensity is weakened and that the values of peak current from cyclic voltammetry are decreased significantly in the presence of DNA compared with that in the absence of DNA. At the same time, the complex can quench the emission intensity of EB-DNA system. The existence of the intercalation mode between the complex and DNA was proven. By submarine gel electrophoresis, we found that the copper(II) complex can cleave circular plasmid pBR322 DNA into nicked and linear forms in the presence of ascorbic acid and H₂O₂. __________ Translated from Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Nankaiensis, 2007, 40(1): 32–36 [译自: 南开大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue on Fe3+-doped TiO2 nanoparticles under visible light irradiation

Fe³⁺-doped TiO₂ composite nanoparticles with different doping amounts were successfully synthesized using sol-gel method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultravioletvisible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was used as a model reaction to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of Fe³⁺/TiO₂ nanoparticles under visible light irradiation. The influence of doping amount of Fe³⁺ (ω: 0.00%–3.00%) on photocatalytic activities of TiO₂ was investigated. Results show that the size of Fe³⁺/TiO₂ particles decreases with the increase of the amount of Fe³⁺ and their absorption spectra are broaden and absorption intensities are also increased. Doping Fe³⁺ can control the conversion of TiO₂ from anatase to rutile. The doping amount of Fe³⁺ remarkably affects the activity of the catalyst, and the optimum efficiency occurs at about the doping amount of 0.3%. The appropriate doping of Fe³⁺ can markedly increase the catalytic activity of TiO₂ under visible light irradiation. __________ Translated from Journal of Northwest Normal University (Natural Science), 2006, 42(6): 55–56 [译自: 西北师范大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of bimetallic complex of Ni2Co(TTHA)·12H2O

The bimetallic complex of Ni₂Co(TTHA)·12H₂O (TTHA = triethylene tetraminehexaacetic acid) was synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. The title complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P ī with a = 0.7316(2), b = 0.8624(2), c = 1.5041(4) nm; α = 73.38(2), β = 83.97(2), γ = 70.50(2)°. The crystal structure is built up of [Ni₂(TTHA)(H₂O)₂]²⁻, Co(H₂O)₆²⁺ and water molecules. The variable magnetic measurement shows that there is strong antiferromagnetic interaction between two Ni(II) ions in [Ni₂(TTHA) (H₂O)₂]²⁻ with J _Ni−Ni = −141.64 cm⁻¹, g _Ni = 2.21 and that the constant of spin-orbit coupling of Co(II) ion is −134.8 cm⁻¹. __________ Translated from Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Nankaiensis, 2007, 40(1): 6–10 [译自: 南开大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Microwave synthesis and photoluminescent properties of Sr2CeO4/Ln3+ (Ln = Er, Ho, Tm)

Sr₂CeO₄/Ln³⁺ (Ln = Er, Ho, Tm) phosphors were synthesized with the microwave radiation method for the first time. The luminescent properties of the samples were investigated and the up-conversion luminescence of Er³⁺, Ho³⁺ and Tm³⁺ doped Sr₂CeO₄ phosphors was observed. The spectra indicate that the energy transfer takes place from the triplet excited state of MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) state for Sr₂CeO₄ (sensitizer) to the rare earth ions (activator). __________ Translated from Journal of Hebei Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 2007, 31(2): 212–216 [译自: 河北师范大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Effect of TiO2-coating on structure and electrochemical performance of LiCo0.2Ni0.4Mn0.4O2

LiCo_0.2Ni_0.4Mn_0.4O₂, as the cathode material for lithium ion batteries, was modified by TiO₂-coating. The effect of TiO₂-coating on the structure and electrochemical performance of LiCo_0.2Ni_0.4Mn_0.4O₂ was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests. The results suggest that a small amount of TiO₂-coating does not change the crystalline structure, but considerably improves the electrochemical performance of LiCo_0.2Ni_0.4Mn_0.4O₂ in terms of capacity delivery and cyclability. XPS measurements confirm that the improved electrochemical performance is most possibly attributed to a decrease in interaction between the layered material and non-aqueous electrolyte during the charge-discharge processes. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2007, 23(5): 753–758 [译自: 无机化学学报]     

Synthesis and properties of oil-soluble butyl crystal violet lactone

A novel compound of butyl crystal violet lactone (BCVL) has been prepared by oxidizing leuco butyl crystal violet lactone (LBCVL), which was obtained by the mixture of N,N-dibutylaniline, p-(dibutylamino) benzaldehyde and methyl-m-(dibutylamino) benzoate. The structure of BCVL was characterized by ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR), and mass spectrometry (MS). The color of BCVL can change reversibly in some acid or alkali solvents. The result of the dissolution experiment showed that solubility of BCVL in organic solvent was improved compared with crystal violet lactone (CVL). Translated from Journal of Fudan University (Natural Science), 2006, 45(3): 375–379 [译自: 复旦学报(自然科学版)]     

Preparation of nanometer MgO by sol-gel auto-combustion

Nanometer MgO was prepared via a sol-gel auto-combustion technique using magnesium nitrate as raw material and citric acid as chelating agent. IR spectra of the dried gel were used to investigate the structure of the precursors. By studying the different TG curves of magnesium citrate gel prepared by different methods, we found that a combustion process occurred and the nitrate ions acted as an oxidant in the combustion process. TEM photographs of synthesized powders from the sol-gel auto-combustion showed that the crystallites were uniform in size. In addition, the XRD pattern of this sample showed that the particle size was 8.9 nm. The BET curves, in turn, showed that the specific surface of the sample was 26.34 m²/g. The mechanism of the frothing process in restraining agglomeration is discussed. __________ Translated from Journal of East China Normal University (Natural Science), 2007, (2): 52–57 [译自: 华东师范大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Controlled/living photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate in miniemulsion mediated by HTEMPO

Controlled/living photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in miniemulsion mediated by 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidinyloxy (HTEMPO) was carried out at ambient temperatures. MMA miniemulsion was prepared by using an anionic surfactant with cetylalcohol as a co-stabilizer. The photopolymerization led to stable lattices and they were obtained with no coagulation during synthesis and no destabilization over time. It was found that the obtained MMA homopolymers exhibited relatively narrow molecular weight distribution (PDI = 1.27 − 1.36) which was characterized by GPC. The plots of number-average molecular weight in (M _n) vs. conversion and ln([M₀]/[M]) vs. time both were linear indicating that the reaction was a controlled/living free radical polymerization. __________ Translated from Chemical Journal of Chinese Universities, 2007, 28(4): 774–778 [译自: 高等学校化学学报]     

Polymerization of styrene catalyzed by rare earth Schiff base complexes

The rare earth Schiff base complex Nd (H₂Salen)₂Cl₃·2C₂H₅OH was synthesized by a simple and convenient method and characterized by IR and elemental analysis. The catalyst system composed of Nd (H₂Salen)₂Cl₃·2C₂H₅OH/Al(i-Bu)₃/CCl₄ is effective for the polymerization of styrene (St). The optimum conditions are as follows: [St]/[Nd] = 1000, [CCl₄]/[Nd] = 9, [Al]/[Nd] = 30, and polymerization at 50°C for 20 h. The resulting polystyrene was characterized by NMR and GPC. The results of NMR show that the polymer obtained had a stereoregularity with 52.3% isotacticity and 47.7% syndiotacticity without any random structure. __________ Translated from Journal of Zhejiang University (Science Edition), 2007, 34(2): 189–196 [译自: 浙江大学学报(理学版)]     

Poly(vinyl chloride) composite emulsion resins modified by polyurethane

An ionomer-type of polyurethane (PU) emulsion was prepared from toluene diisocyanate (TDI), polypropylene glycol (PPG) and dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA) following a self-emulsification process. The modified poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) emulsion resin was obtained by in situ emulsion copolymerization using the PU as seeds in an autoclave. The effects of PU molecular weight on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the PU/PVC materials were investigated. The composite latex particles and composite materials were determined and characterized using a laser particle size analyzer, transmission electron microscopy or scanning electron microscopy. The study results showed that the PU/PVC hybrid emulsion particles possess a core/shell structure. When the general mechanical properties of the composite materials increase, the thermal stabilities decrease a little. The tough fractures on the surface of the PU/PVC composite sample following impact are quite obvious. __________ Translated from Journal of Hebei Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 2007, 31(2): 228–232 [译自: 河北师范大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Preparation and characterization of ZrWMoO<Subscript>8</Subscript> powders with different morphologies

ZrWMoO₈ powders with different morphologies were obtained using ammonium tungstate, molybdate tungstate and zirconium tungstate as the starting materials by dehydrating the precursor ZrWMoO₇(OH)₂(H₂O)₂. The precursor was studied by thermo-gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). The influence of the gelling agents (HCl, HClO₄, HNO₃, H₂SO₄ and H₃PO₄) on the crystallization process and crystal morphology of the products prepared was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). Results showed that the morphology of the ZrWMoO₈ particles can be simply adjusted by changing the gelling agents, and the thermal expansion coefficients of cubic ZrWMoO₈ prepared in HCl solution are −3.84 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ from 100°C to 700°C. __________ Translated from Chemical Journal of Chinese University, 2007, 28(3): 397–401 [译自: 高等学校化学学报]