The hierarchy of localization basins: a tool for the understanding of chemical bonding exemplified by the analysis of the VOx and VOx+ (x=1–4) systems

The hierarchy of the electron localization basins is a powerful tool of analysis of the bonding in molecules and solids within the “elfological” framework. It is a generalization of the molecular isodensity contour analysis originally proposed by Mezey. In this approach the basins are ordered with respect to the electron localization function values at the critical points which determine the reduction of the reducible localization domains. The procedure enabling the corresponding tree diagrams to be built is described and it is shown how the method can be used as a generator of mathematical definitions of chemical concepts. The possibility offered by this simple tool is illustrated by a study of the VO _x and VO _x ⁺ (x=1–4) oxides in their ground state and in some excited states. Received: 20 July 2000 / Accepted: 20 October 2000 / Published online: 23 January 2001     

NO Reduction Over Noble Metal Ionic Catalysts

In last 40 years, catalysis for NO _x removal from exhaust gas has received much attention to achieve pollution free environment. CeO₂ has been found to play a major role in the area of exhaust catalysis due to its unique redox properties. In last several years, we have been exploring an entirely new approach of dispersing noble metal ions in CeO₂ and TiO₂ for redox catalysis. We have extensively studied Ce_1−x M _x O_2−δ (M = Pd, Pt, Rh), Ce_1−x−y A _x M _y O_2−δ (A = Ti, Zr, Sn, Fe; M = Pd, Pt) and Ti_1−x M _x O_2−δ (M = Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru) catalysts for exhaust catalysis especially NO reduction and CO oxidation, structure–property relation and mechanism of catalytic reactions. In these catalysts, lower valent noble metal ion substitution in CeO₂ and TiO₂ creates noble metal ionic sites and oxide ion vacancy. NO gets molecularly adsorbed on noble metal ion site and dissociatively adsorbed on oxide ion vacancy site. Dissociative chemisorption of NO on oxide ion vacancy leads to preferential conversion of NO to N₂ instead of N₂O over these catalysts. It has been demonstrated that these new generation noble metal ionic catalysts (NMIC) are much more catalytically active than conventional nano crystalline noble metal catalysts especially for NO reduction.     

Features of deposit formation from 1,3-butadiene over Pd catalysts

Formation of carbonaceous deposits from 1,3-butadiene has been investigated over a group of Pd catalysts. Hydrogen generated in decomposition of diene at 473–523 K participates in diene hydrogenation, resulting in the formation ofn-butenes. XRD measurements have confirmed formation of dissolved carbon (PdC_x) phase. DRIFT measurements over 0.06 wt.%Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ have revealed bands at 1575 and 1464 cm⁻¹, suggesting formation of carboxylate structures. Selectivity of the competitive hydrogenation in 1,3-butadiene and propene mixture R(BD)/R(Pr) has been measured on “fresh” and poisoned samples. Accumulation of deposits has decreased the R(BD)/R(Pr) ratio. The results have been interpreted by transport hindrance and a greater prevalence of non-selective low coordination sites on the poisoned surface. Measurements over Pd, Cu, Pt and Rh catalysts have shown that the highn-butane selectivity over Pt and Rh is also accompanied with low R(BD)/R(Pr) values, suggesting that thermodynamic and mechanistic factors are not entirely separable. Dedicated to Professor Pál Tétényi on the occasion of his 70th birthday     

Emission of secondary ions from 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metals under chloro-trifluoro-methane CClF3 as reactant gas

Surface interactions of CClF₃ with polycrystalline samples of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ta, W, Re, Ir, and Pt were investigated by means of moderate dynamic SIMS. As observed with other reactant gases these transition metals in most cases appear to be discernible into “dissociative” and (partial) “molecular” adsorbents. Small signals of oxidic secondary ions which are detectable for residual gas conditions vanished under the action of CClF₃. However, due to strong polarization by either of the halogens, the emission of Me²⁺ ions is enhanced for Ti, V, and Nb. Received: 6 August 1997 / Revised: 22 December 1997 / Accepted: 29 December 1997     

Nano-composites SnO(VO<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>) as anodes for lithium ion batteries

Nano-composites of SnO(V₂O₃) _x (x = 0, 0.25, and 0.5) and SnO(VO)_0.5 are prepared from SnO and V₂O₃/VO by high-energy ball milling (HEB) and are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques. Interestingly, SnO and SnO(VO)_0.5 are unstable to HEB and disproportionate to Sn and SnO₂, whereas HEB of SnO(V₂O₃) _x gives rise to SnO₂.VO _x . Galvanostatic cycling of the phases is carried out at 60 mA g⁻¹ (0.12 C) in the voltage range 0.005–0.8 V vs. Li. The nano-SnO(V₂O₃)_0.5 showed a first-charge capacity of 435 (±5) mAh g⁻¹ which stabilized to 380 (±5) mAh g⁻¹ with no noticeable fading in the range of 10–60 cycles. Under similar cycling conditions, nano-SnO (x = 0), nano-SnO(V₂O₃)_0.25, and nano-SnO(VO)_0.5 showed initial reversible capacities between 630 and 390 (±5) mAh g⁻¹. Between 10 and 50 cycles, nano-SnO showed a capacity fade as high as 59%, whereas the above two VO _x -containing composites showed capacity fade ranging from 10% to 28%. In all the nano-composites, the average discharge potential is 0.2–0.3 V and average charge potential is 0.5–0.6 V vs. Li, and the coulombic efficiency is 96–98% after 10 cycles. The observed galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry, and ex situ XRD data are interpreted in terms of the alloying–de-alloying reaction of Sn in the nano-composite “Sn-VO _x -Li₂O” with VO _x acting as an electronically conducting matrix.     

Physicochemical and catalytic properties of systems based on CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The effect of synthesis conditions, the nature of components, and the ratio between the components on the phase composition, the texture, and the redox and catalytic properties of the Ce-Zr-O, Ce-Zr-M₁-O (M₁ = Mn, Ni, Cu, Y, La, Pr, or Nd), N/Ce-Zr-O (N = Rh, Pd, or Pt), and Pd/Ce-Zr-M₂-O/Al₂O₃ (M₂ = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Y, La, Pr, Nd, or Sm) was considered. A cubic solid solution with the fluorite structure was formed on the introduction of <50 mol % zirconium into CeO₂, and the stability of this solid solution depended on preparation procedure and treatment conditions. The presence of transition or rare earth elements in certain concentrations extended the range of compositions with the retained fluorite structure. The texture of the Ce-Zr-O system mainly depended on treatment temperature. An increase in this temperature resulted in a decrease in the specific surface area of the samples. The total pore volume varied over the range of 0.2–0.3 cm³/g and depended on the Ce/Zr ratio. The presence of transition or rare earth elements either increased the specific surface area of the system or made it more stable to thermal treatment. The introduction of the isovalent cation Zr⁴⁺ into CeO₂ increased the number of lattice defects both on the surface and in the bulk to increase the mobility of oxygen and facilitate its diffusion in the Ce_{1 − x} Zr _x O₂ lattice. The catalytic properties of the Ce-Zr-M₁-O or N/Ce-Zr-M₂-O systems were due to the presence of anion vacancies and the easy transitions Ce⁴⁺ ai Ce³⁺, M₁²ⁿ⁺ ai M₁ ⁿ⁺, and N ^δ+ → N ⁰ in the case of noble metals.     

Ionic mobility and structure of fluorozirconates Rb2? x (NH4) x ZrF6 ( x > 1.5) by NMR, x-ray structure analysis, and impedance spectroscopy

The ionic mobility in the temperature interval 180 to 480 K, structure, and electrophysical properties of rubidium-ammonium hexafluorozirconates Rb_2−x (NH₄) _x ZrF₆ (1.5 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) are studied by methods of the ¹⁹F, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, x-ray structure analysis, differential thermal analysis, and impedance spectroscopy. Correlations between the composition of the cationic sublattice, the character of ionic motions, and the phase transition temperature (of the type order-disorder) are established in these compounds. The salient feature of the high-temperature modifications of these fluorozirconates with x ≥ 1.5 is the translation diffusion of ions inside the fluoride and ammonium sublattices and the ¹⁹F NMR spectra are characterized by monoaxial anisotropy of the magnetic shielding tensor of the fluorine nuclei. Fluorozirconates with x > 1.5 are shown to belong with the structural type (NH₄)₂ZrF₆. The rubidium cations isomorphically replace the ammonium cations. The electrophysical characteristics of the compounds are examined in the temperature interval 300 to 480 K. It is established that the electroconductivity of these compounds increases with x. Original Russian Text ? V.Ya. Kavun, A.V. Gerasimenko, A.B. Slobodyuk, N.A. Didenko, N.F. Uvarov, V.I. Sergienko, 2007, published in Elektrokhimiya, 2007, Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 563–570. Based on the paper delivered at the 8th Meeting “Fundamental Problems of Solid-State Ionics”, Chernogolovka (Russia), 2006.     

Effect of platinum and palladium additives on the surface state and catalytic activity of vanadium oxides in the oxidation of carbon monoxide

The Pt/V₂O₅ and Pd/V₂O₅ systems formed upon hydrogen reduction have catalytic activity in the oxidation of carbon monoxide exceeding the activity of Pt/Al₂O₃ and Pd/Al₂O₃. The transition from the low-activity to high-activity state on the Pt/V₂O₅ and Pd/V₂O₅ catalysts is characterized by temperature hysteresis and change in the kinetic equation. X-ray phase analysis (XPA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPES), and X-ray spectral microanalysis were used to establish that prior reduction of V₂O₅ by hydrogen gives VO₂, V₆O₁₃, a-H _x V₂O₅, and b-H _x V₂O₅, which facilitates the formation of an active catalyst surface.     

Reduction of palladium(II) monoglycinate complexes at rotating disc palladium electrode in acid media

Reduction of palladium(II) glycinate complexes in strongly acid 0.5 M NaClO₄ solutions (pH 0.6 and 1.0) with variable palladium(II) complex and free glycine concentration was studied by the taking of cyclic voltammograms at palladium rotating disc electrode. It is shown that it was a chelate monoglycinate palladium(II) complex that was present in all studied solutions and underwent the reduction. The diffusion coefficient of the chelate monoglycinate palladium(II) complex D = (6.5 ± 0.5) × 10⁻⁶ cm²/s was determined from the limiting diffusion current of the complex reduction. The monoglycinate palladium(II) complex reduction occurred in the double-layer segment of the palladium charging curve; it was not complicated by hydrogen adsorption at electrodes. The palladium(II) complex reduction half-wave potential was determined (E _1/2 = ∼0.300 to 0.330 V (SCE)). It is shown that the decreasing of the number of ligands coordinated by palladium via nitrogen atom facilitates the complex reduction process. In particular, the reduction potentials of palladium(II) complexes with different ligand number at palladium electrode shifted markedly toward negative potentials in the series: Pdgly⁺ < Pd(gly)2 < Pd(gly)₄²⁻.     

Hydrosilylation of acetophenone with diphenylsilane in the presence of rhodium(I) complexes with chiral amines

New chiral rhodium complexes cis-[Rh(CO)₂(RNH₂)Cl] [RNH₂ = (R)-(−)-cis-MyrtNH₂, (R)-(−)-MenthylNH₂, (R)-(+)-BornylNH₂] were synthesized and their catalytic properties in reactions of hydrosilylation of acetophenone with diphenylsilane were studied. It was shown that the reaction products were diphenyl-1-phenylethoxysilane, diphenyl-1-phenylvinyloxysilane and 1,1,3,3-tetraphenyldisiloxane. The best catalytic activity displayed (−)-cis-[Rh(CO)₂(MenthNH₂)Cl]. The hydrosilylation of acetophenone with diphenylsilane in the presence of [Rh(CO)₂(μ-Cl)]₂ and [Rh(cod)Cl]₂ and amines in situ was studied. The best ratio amine:complex = 5:1 was established. With the catalytic systems based on [Rh(cod)Cl]₂ or [Rh(CO)₂(μ-Cl)]₂ the activity increased in the series of amines: (R)-(−)-cis-MyrtNH₂ < (R)-(−)-MenthylNH₂ < (R)-(+)-BornylNH₂, and (R)-(−)-MenthylNH₂ < (R)-(+)-BornylNH₂ < (R)-(−)-cis-MyrtNH₂, respectively. The chemoselectivity maximum was observed in the presence of [Rh(cod)Cl]₂ with (R)-(−)-MenthylNH₂ and [Rh (CO)₂(μ-Cl)]₂ with (R)-(+)-BornylNH₂; maximum asymmetric induction was 43.5% ee at the use of [Rh(CO)₂ (μ-Cl)]₂ and (R)-(+)-BornylNH₂.     

X-ray structure of KCs[Pd(NO3)4]·0.5H2O

A new Pd nitrate complex KCs[Pd(NO₃)₄]·0.5H₂O is synthetized. Its crystal structure contains isolated complex anions [Pd(NO₃)₄]²⁻, cations K⁺, Cs⁺, and crystallization water. Square-planar coordination around Pd is achieved by oxygen atoms of monodentate nitrate ligands. The coordinated nitrate ligands are all oriented in the same way, in a “basket”-like arrangement. The coordination around Pd is completed to 4+1 by forming Pd...Pd contacts of 3.564 ?. Original Russian Text Copyright ? 2009 by S. P. Khranenko, I. A. Baidina, N. V. Kuratieva, and S. A. Gromilov __________ Translated from Zhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 173–176, January–February, 2009.     

Influence of protective layers on SOFC operation

Corrosion kinetics of ferritic alloys/steels (Crofer22APU, ITMLC, ZMG232L) were studied at high temperature. An extent of corrosion was evaluated by measuring the oxide scale thickness and the weight gain as a function of heating time. It is shown that even porous layer applied to interconnect can significantly reduce the rate of the steel oxidation. Contribution of the “oxide component” into the total degradation of the SOFC stack performance is estimated. Different protection materials and combinations were tested to analyze their influence on the processes of high temperature oxidation and long-term degradation of Fe-Cr steels. It has been shown that “more soft” materials on the basis of spinels (Mn(Co_{1 − x} Fe _x )₂O₄, Cu_{1 − x} Ni _x Mn₂O₄) are most suitable materials for the use as protective layers in comparison to perovskites. The efficiency of different protective materials was also tested in the real SOFC stacks designed in cooperation with company Staxera GmbH. It has been shown that applied spinel materials can effectively increase the long-term stability of the SOFC stacks.     

Phase equilibria in binary subsystems of urea–biuret–water system

Joint results of the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG) experiments were the basis for the fusion enthalpy and temperature determination of the biuret (NH₂CO)₂NH (synthesis by-product of the urea fertilizer (NH₂)₂CO). Recommended values are Δ_m H = (26.1 ± 0.5) kJ mol⁻¹, T _m = (473.8 ± 0.4) K. The DSC method allowed for the phase diagrams of “water–biuret,” “water–urea,” “urea–biuret” binary systems to be studied; as a result, liquidus and solidus curves were precisely defined. Stoichiometry and decomposition temperature of the biuret hydrate identified, composition of the compound in “urea–biuret” system was suggested.     

Electrochemical behavior and parameters of hydrofullerene C60H36

Electrochemistry of hydrofullerene C₆₀H₃₆ was studied by cyclic voltammetry in THF and CH₂Cl₂ in the −47–14 °C temperature range. Hydrofullerene undergoes reversible one-electron reduction to form a radical anion in THF (E ⁰=−3.18 V (Fc⁰/Fc⁺), Fc=ferrocene) and irreversible one-electron oxidation in CH₂Cl₂ (E _p ^a =1.22 V (Fc⁰/Fc⁺)). The reduction potential was used to estimate electron affinity of hydrofullerene as EA=−0.33 eV. It was suggested that C₆₀H₃₆ is an isomer withT-symmetry in which 12 double bonds form four isolated benzenoid rings located in vertices of an imaginary inscribed tetrahedron on the molecular surface. For hydrofullerene, the “electrochemical gap” is an analog of the energy gap (HOMO−LUMO), equal to (E ^Ox−E ^Red)=4.4 V, and indicates that C₆₀H₃₆ is a sufficiently “hard” molecule with a low reactivity in redox reactions. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 11, pp. 2083–2087, November, 1999.     

Characterization of superparamagnetic Mg x Zn1−x Fe2O4 powders

Structural and magnetic properties of Mg _x Zn_1−x Fe₂O₄ powders have been studied with respect to the application for thermal cancer therapy (magnetic hyperthermia). Mg _x Zn_1−x Fe₂O₄ (x=0.1–0.5) powders with particle sizes between 5 and 8 nm were produced by citrate method. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples correspond to a spinel phase. The lattice constant and the volume of the elementary cell increase when x changes from 0.1 to 0.5. The FTIR-spectra ascertain the spinel phase formation. The Mossbauer studies reveal the presence of extremely small particles, which undergo superparamagnetic relaxation at room temperature. The core-shell model has been applied to explain quadruple doublets. The quadruple splitting at “shells” is bigger than those at “cores” whereas the isomer shifts remain close. Magnetic studies confirm the presence of extremely small particles that behave as superparamagnetic ones.      

Synthesis and Properties of The Solid Solutions Formed in The Fe2V4O13–Cr2V4O13 System

DTA and XRD studies of the Fe₂V₄O₁₃–Cr₂V₄ O₁₃ system have shown that continuous solid solutions of a Fe_2–xCr_xV₄O₁₃ type, bearing a Fe₂ V₄ O₁₃ structure, are formed in the system. With the increasing degree of the Cr3+ ion incorporation into the Fe₂ V₄ O₁₃ structure, a contraction of the solid solution crystal lattice develops. Solid solutions of a Fe_2–x Cr_x V₄ O₁₃ type melt incongruently, their melting temperature increasing from 953 to 1003 K with increase in the degree of the Cr³⁺ ion incorporation. The solid product of melting Fe_2–x Cr_x V₄ O₁₃ solid solutions for 0.2<x >1.2 is the Fe_1–x Cr_x VO₄ solution phase, and for x ≤0.2 and x ≥1.4 – the Fe_1–x Cr_x VO₄ phase as well as FeVO₄ or CrVO₄ , respectively. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

XAFS investigation of [Pd(NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>][AuCl<Subscript>4</Subscript>]<Subscript>2</Subscript> and its thermolysis products

Thermolysis of double complex salt [Pd(NH₃)₄][AuCl₄]₂ has been studied in helium atmosphere from ambient to 350 °C. The XAFS of Pd K and Au L₃ edges and thermogravimetry measurements have been carried out to characterize the intermediates and the final product. In the temperature range 115–160 °C the complex is decomposed to form Pd(NH₃)₂Cl₂ and AuCl_4−x N _x species with x ranging from 2 to 3. Subsequent heating of the intermediate up to 300 °C leads to the total loss of NH₃. The Au–Cl and Au–Au bonds form the local environment of Au at the stage of decomposition while only four chlorine atoms are around Pd. At the temperature of 330 °C the Au and Pd nanoparticles as well as residues of palladium chloride are detected. The final product consists of separated Au and Pd nanoparticles.     

Preparation and properties of the oxyfluoride systems V2O5−xFx and VO2−xFx

Partial substitution of fluorine for oxygen in VO₂ and V₂O₅ was achieved by reacting V and V₂O₅ under 1.33 kb pressure in the presence of concentrated or dilute solutions of HF. Two new phases having the composition V₂O_5−xF_x (0 < x < 0.025) and VO_2−xF_x (0 < x < 0.2) were prepared. X-Ray diffraction studies have been carried out on both phases and show the structure of V₂O_5−xF_x to be orthorhombic and isostructural to V₂O₅, while VO_2−xF_x has a tetragonal structure of the rutile type (for x ? 0.03). Single-crystal-resistivity data show V₂O_5−xF_x to be a semiconductor, whereas VO_2−xF_x undergoes a metallic to semiconductor transition at a temperature solely dependent upon the value of x.     

Rhenium- and ruthenium-containing catalysts for neutralization of automobile exhaust

The rhenium- and ruthenium-containing catalysts are active in the oxidation of CH _x and CO and in the reduction of NO _x . Comparative testing of catalyst samples under laboratory conditions and on an engine stand demonstrated that these catalysts outperform the known commercial catalysts in the neutralization of exhaust gas from automotive gasoline engines. It is, therefore, possible to completely replace expensive Rh and partially replace Pt and Pd with cheaper components—Re and Rh—in the manufacturing of catalytic converters.     

Oxygen States in Oxides with a Perovskite Structure and Their Catalytic Activity in Complete Oxidation Reactions: System La1 – x Ca x FeO3 – y (x = 0–1)

Oxygen states in the La_{1 – x} Ca _x FeO_{3 – y} perovskites prepared using different procedures are studied by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). Results are compared to data on the catalytic activity in the oxidation of methane and carbon monoxide. The activity of the samples in the CO and CH₄ oxidation over a wide temperature range (200–600°C) is shown to correlate with the amount of reactive surface and subsurface oxygen removable during TPR below 420°C. These oxygen states in the samples of the La_{1 – x} Ca _x FeO_{3 – y} series can be associated with the domain or intergrain boundaries. No correlation is found between the amount of lattice oxygen removable during TPR and the activity of the La_{1 – x} Ca _x FeO_{3 – y} samples in the complete oxidation of methane at temperatures of 450–600°C. It is suggested that catalytic complete oxidation is determined by the most reactive surface and subsurface oxygen states located at the interphase boundaries, whereas the lattice oxygen does not participate in these reactions.