Synthesis of magnesium oxysulfate whiskers in the presence of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate

Uniform magnesium oxysulfate (5Mg(OH)₂·MgSO₄·3H₂O) whiskers with a length of 10‐15 µm and a diameter of 0.4‐1.0 µm were synthesized in the presence of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (Na‐SO₃‐C₆H₄‐C₁₂H₂₅) at 200°C for 1 h, using MgSO₄·7H₂O and NaOH as the reactants. Mg(OH)₂ precursor with poor crystallization and small crystal size was formed owing to the adsorption of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate on the Mg(OH)₂ surface. The quick dissolution of Mg(OH)₂ precursor in the subsequent hydrothermal reaction inhibited the occurrence of the sector‐like byproduct and promoted the formation of magnesium oxysulfate whiskers with uniform morphology. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Structural and spectroscopic study of Mg13.4(OH)6(HVO4)2(H0.2VO4)6

Single‐crystals of the polar compound magnesium hydrogen vanadate(V), Mg_13.4(OH)₆(HVO₄)₂(H_0.2VO₄)₆, were synthesized hydrothermally. It represents the first hydrogen vanadate(V) among inorganic compounds. Its structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction [space group P 6₃mc, a = 12.9096(2), c = 5.0755(1) Å, V = 732.55(2) ų, Z = 1]. The crystal structure of Mg_13.4(OH)₆(HVO₄)₂(H_0.2VO₄)₆ consists of well separated, vacancy‐interrupted chains of face sharing Mg2O₆ octahedra, with short Mg2—Mg2 distances of 2.537(1) Å, embedded in a porous magnesium vanadate 3D framework having the topology of the zeolite cancrinite. All three hydrogen positions in the structure were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Effect of alcohols additives on hydrothermal formation of magnesium hydroxide sulfate hydrate whiskers

Two different organic alcohols, ethylene glycol and 1, 2‐propanediol, were used in hydrothermal formation of MgSO₄·5Mg(OH)₂·2H₂O (MHSH) whiskers. Compared with the MHSH whiskers without alcohols, the crystallinity and defect of products were improved. It could also be observed that not only aspect ratio but also crystallinity and purity of the products were improved when 1, 2‐propanediol was used. A reasonable model was proposed to explain the growth process derived from the organic alcohol. In addition, the room temperature photoluminescence (PL) indicated that the spectrum intensity of MHSH whiskers used 1, 2‐propanediol was also significantly improved.     

The effects of solvent and microwave on the preparation of Magnesium Oxide Precursor

Four methods including hydrothermal method, glycol‐hydrothermal method, microwave‐hydrothermal method and glycol‐microwave‐hydrothermal method were used to prepare magnesium oxide precursor by the reaction of MgSO₄·7H₂O with (NH₄)₂CO₃. The composition, crystallinity, morphology, aspect ratio, yield, functional groups, atom distribution, and interplanar spacing of the sample were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Scan Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM). The properties of Magnesium Oxide precursor were compared with each other. The results of FT‐IR and XRD showed that the crystals were all nesquehonite. However, it was shown by FT‐IR results that the crystals prepared by glycol‐microwave‐hydrothermal method contained OH⁻ and HCO₃⁻ groups, which indicated that the Mg(OH)(HCO₃)·2H₂O type crystals would be facilitated by this method. The glycol‐hydrothermal method can create high quality Magnesium Oxide precursor with a high degree of crystallinity, high purity, high aspect ratio, smooth surface, and good dispersibility.     

Solvothermal syntheses and crystal structures of two 4‐heterocyclic acylpyrazolone complexes

Many explorations of transition metal (M)‐L system under solvothermal condition, have led to the syntheses of two new 4‐heterocyclic acylpyrazolone complexes [Co(L)₂(CH₃OH)₂] (HL = 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐(2‐furoyl)‐5‐pyrazolone) ( 1 ) and [Cr(L)₃] ( 2 ). Single‐crystal X‐ray analyses reveal that crystal structures of compound 1 and 2 are respectively orthorhombic, Pbca, a = 15.0378(6) Å, b = 9.8405(4) Å, c = 20.7321(8) Å, V = 3067.9(2) ų, Z = 8 and triclinic, P‐1, a = 10.7966(18) Å, b = 13.023(2) Å, c = 15.520(3) Å, α = 73.011(4)°, β = 84.884(4)°, γ = 70.267(4)°, V = 1964.3(6) ų, Z = 2. Complex 1 has a two‐dimensional (2D) network structure that is formed by O–H···N H‐bonding interactions. Complex 2 makes a one‐dimensional (1D) zigzag chain structure by intermolecular π···π interactions, which is further interlinked via C–H···N H‐bonding interactions to generate a 2D sheet, and then a three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular network structure is further linked by intermolecular C–H···π interactions. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The Thermal Decomposition of Polyhalite K2SO4 · MgSO4 · 2 CaSO4 · 2 H2O

The thermal decomposition of polyhalite (K₂SO₄ · MgSO₄ · 2 CaSO₄ · 2H₂O) was investigated by DSC/TG and X-ray powder diffraction. The decomposition of the polyhalite starts at 285 °C in releasing the crystal water within one step. Simultaneously the decomposition of the polyhalite into anhydrite and two solid solutions of the compositions K₂SO₄ · 1.76 MgSO₄ · 0.24 CaSO₄ and K₂SO₄ · 0.64 MgSO₄ · 1.36 CaSO₄ is taking place. The mechanism of decomposition runs through K₂SO₄ · MgSO₄ CaSO₄. This phase reacts immediately to the solid solutions, mentioned above.     

Structural and optical properties of CdO nanowires synthesized from Cd(OH)2 precursors by calcination

CdO nanowires were produced by calcination process using Cd(OH)₂nanowires as precursors. The Cd(OH)₂ nanowires were synthesized via arc discharge method submerged in de‐ionized water. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the as‐synthesized Cd(OH)₂ nanowires revealed that nanowire morphology was abundant form with the diameters range from 5 to 40 nm. In addition to the nanowire morphology, Cd(OH)₂ nanospheres and hexagonal shaped nanoparticles were also displayed. The Cd(OH)₂ nanostructures were used as precursors to produce CdO nanowires and calcinated in air at 400 °C for four hours. After calcination, the structural, morphological and optical properties of the as‐synthesized CdO nanowires were characterized by means of TEM, selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and UV‐vis spectroscopy. The XRD and SAED techniques showed that the as‐synthesized Cd(OH)₂ nanostructures could be transformed into CdO nanostructures after the calcination process. TEM results revealed that the as‐synthesized CdO nanowires were 5–30 nm in diameter and shorter than corresponding Cd(OH)₂ nanowires. In addition, the diameters of the spherical or irregular CdO nanoparticles ranged from 20 nm to 50 nm. UV‐vis spectroscopy analysis was showed that the direct gap of the CdO nanowires were found to be 2.60 eV which is slightly higher than the earlier reported values of the bulk CdO for direct band gaps (2.3 eV) due to quantum size effect. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Composition and morphology control of Fex(PO4)y(OH)z·nH2O microcrystals

A series of Fe_x(PO₄)_y(OH)_z·nH₂O microcrystals were prepared by the hydrothermal reaction at 150 °C. The ratio of Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ in Fe_x(PO₄)_y(OH)_z·nH₂O microcrystals can be adjusted by using Na₂S₂O₃·5H₂O as a reducing agent. The morphology control of Fe_x(PO₄)_y(OH)_z·nH₂O microcrystals was realized through regulating the molar ratio of LiAc·2H₂O/FeCl₃. Further, the morphology, structure and composition of Fe_x(PO₄)_y(OH)_z·nH₂O microcrystals were also investigated by x‐ray diffraction (XRD), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Crystallization kinetics of MgSO4·12H2O from different scales of batch cooling scraped crystallizers

For reliably scaling up of crystallizers, a full kinetic model is required in addition to heat, mass and population balances. A method for extracting nucleation and growth kinetic parameters for scaling‐up seeded batch cooling crystallization was developed and demonstrated with a 15 L and in a 115 L scraped crystallizer using MgSO₄·12H₂O as the model system. The method includes fitting the time resolved measured solute concentration and the crystal size distributions with a dynamic population‐based model. The kinetic parameters extracted from the bench‐scale crystallizer agree with those obtained from the pilot scale, confirming that they can be employed for design purposes. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Precipitation of nesquehonite from homogeneous supersaturated solutions

The homogeneous (unseeded) precipitation of nesquehonite (MgCO₃·3H₂O) was studied over the temperature range of 10‐40 °C. Precipitation was triggered by the supersaturation created by mixing MgCl₂ solution (0.5‐1.5 M) with Na₂CO₃ solution in the same concentration range. The Meissner's method was adopted in the calculation of supersaturations during the MgCl₂‐Na₂CO₃ reaction to monitor the precipitation. Solids were identified using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. In the temperature range of 10‐40 °C, MgCO₃·3H₂O with needle‐like or gel‐like morphology was precipitated. It was seen that the length, width and surface smoothness of the particles changed with reaction temperature and supersaturation. The supersaturation (S) was in the range of 1.09‐58.68 during titration of Na₂CO₃ solution. The dimension of the crystals increased with longer addition time (or lower initial concentration of reactant) at the same temperature. Slower addition via titration of 2 h followed by 2 h of equilibration at 40 °C proved successful in producing well developed needle‐like MgCO₃·3H₂O crystals of 30‐50 μm long and 3‐6 μm wide. MgCO₃·3H₂O obtained were calcined to produce highly pure magnesium oxide (MgO) at 800 °C. The morphology of MgO was similar to that of their corresponding precursors. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Crystallization and Characterization of Orthorhombic β‐MgSO4 · 7H2O

In solution, the growth rate and the crystal habit are influenced by a number of factors such as supersaturation, temperature, pH of the solution, cooling rate, agitation, viscosity, initial state of the seed crystal and the presence of impurities. The crystallization of orthorhombic β‐MgSO₄ · 7H₂O, from low temperature aqueous solution by slow cooling process was studied. The metastable zone width, the induction periods (τ) for different supersaturations and the effect of pH on the growth rate of the crystals were investigated. The increase of pH yielded bigger crystals. The structural, optical, thermal and mechanical properties of β‐MgSO₄ · 7H₂O have been studied using FT‐IR, X‐ray diffraction, TGA‐DTG and micro hardness analyses.     

Spray pyrolysis deposition and characterization of highly (100) oriented magnesium oxide thin films

Transparent dielectric thin films of MgO has been deposited on quartz substrates at different temperatures between 400 and 600°C by a pneumatic spray pyrolysis technique using Mg(CH₃COO)₂·4H₂O as a single molecular precursor. The thermal behavior of the precursor magnesium acetate is described in the results of thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The prepared films are reproducible, adherent to the substrate, pinhole free and uniform. Amongst the different spray process parameters, the substrate temperature effect has been optimized for obtaining single crystalline and transparent MgO thin films. The films crystallize in a cubic structure and X‐ray diffraction measurements have shown that the polycrystalline MgO films prepared at 500°C with (100) and (110) orientations are changed to (100) preferred orientation at 600°C. The MgO phase formation was also confirmed with the recorded Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) results. The films deposited at 600°C exhibited highest optical transmittivity (>80%) and the direct band gap energy was found to vary from 4.50 to 5.25 eV with a rise in substrate temperature from 500 to 600°C. The measured sheet resistance and the resistivity of the film prepared at 600°C were respectively 10¹³Ω/□ and 2.06x10⁷Ω cm. The surface morphology of the prepared MgO thin films was examined by atomic force microscopy. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Synthesis of ZnSn(OH)6 regular octahedrons by a simple hydrothermal process

ZnSn(OH)₆ regular octahedrons were successfully synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method using an aqueous solution containing ZnO flower‐like structures, SnCl₄·5H₂O, and NaOH. Phase structure, morphology and microstructure of the samples were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Parameters in preparation process such as the ratios of Sn⁴⁺/OH^‐, the molar ratio of Zn/Sn and reaction time were discussed. Results show that the obtained samples are comprised of ZnSn(OH)₆ regular octahedrons with about 2 μm in side length and ZnSn(OH)₆ urchins‐like structures. ZnSn(OH)₆ urchins‐like structures preferentially grow on the edges and corners of regular octahedrons. Morphology of the products is susceptible to the ratios of Sn⁴⁺/OH^‐. A relatively low concentration of OH^‐ is favored to obtain ZnSn(OH)₆ regular octahedrons with urchins‐like structures on the surface, while a high concentration of OH^‐ results in a handful of regular octahedrons without urchins‐like structures on the surface. When the molar ratio of Zn/Sn changes to 1:2 or 2:1, the edges and corners of regular octahedrons become coarse and urchins‐like structures disappear from the surface. More urchins‐like structures form on the surface of regular octahedrons and the edges and corners of regular octahedrons become coarsened with the increase of reaction time. Moreover, the possible mechanism for ZnSn(OH)₆ regular octahedrons is discussed. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Hydrothermal synthesis and structure of a 2D supramolecular framework with right‐ and left‐helices based on mixed ligands

An exploration of the cobalt‐OH‐BDC‐bpp system under hydrothermal conditions, has led to the isolation of a novel framework [Co(OH‐BDC)(bpp)_0.5(H₂O)]_n (OH‐BDC = 5‐hydroxyisophthalic acid, bpp = 1,3‐bi(4‐pyridyl)propane). Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis reveals that it crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n. a = 10.235(8) Å, b =17.882(14) Å, c = 14.291(11) Å, β = 92.107(9)°.The cobalt ions are linked into an extended helical chain via OH‐BDC and mono‐coordinated bpp ligands through hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Further these helical chains are united together through the bridging bpp to form a 2D layer and the adjacent chains possess the opposite chirality. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

pH‐Controlled topologies of two Co(II) complexes based on 5‐Nitro‐1,2,3‐benzenetricarboxylic acid and 1,6‐Bis(1,2,4‐triazole‐1‐yl)hexane

Two new Co(II) coordination polymers, [Co(Hnbta)(bth)]_n ( 1 ) and {[Co₃(nbta)₂(bth)₃(H₂O)]·H₂O}_n ( 2 ), (H₃nbta = 5‐nitro‐1,2,3‐benzenetricarboxylic acid and bth = 1,6‐bis(1,2,4‐triazole‐1‐yl)hexane), have been synthesized under different pH values through hydrothermal reactions. Both complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. Complex 1 exhibits a 3D polythreaded network based on 4‐connected sql 2D layer. Complex 2 has a (4,4,5)‐connected trinodal 3D pillar‐layered network with a (4²·6⁴)₂(4²·6⁷·8)₂(6⁴·8²) topology. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that complexes 1 and 2 show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent Co(II) ions.     

Synthesis of magnesium borates using sodium borate and magnesium sulfate

Synthesis conditions of magnesium borate compounds in aqueous medium using Na₂B₄O₇ · 10H₂O and MgSO₄ · 7H₂O were determined. The effects of B/Mg mole ratio, pH, reaction time and precipitation temperature on the reaction performed at 90 °C were examined. 0.04Na₂O · MgO · 1.23B₂O₃ · 3.42H₂O and 0.06Na₂O · MgO · 1.65B₂O₃ · 3.34H₂O were synthesized at optimum B/Mg mole ratios of 3.60 and 4.80 by precipitation at 5 °C and the amorphous compounds formed were identified by B, Mg, Na and XRD analyses and some physical tests.     

Synthesis,characterization and crystal structure of a novel 3‐D copper(II) polymer with bent N‐containing ligand

An exploration of the mixed‐ligand system under hydrothermal condition, has led to the isolation of a 3‐D novel framework {[Cu₂(mp)L₂)(H₂O)₂]·6H₂O}_n ( 1 ) (mp = benzene‐1,2,4,5‐ tetracarboxylate tetraanion, L = 4‐(5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2yl)pyridine). Single‐crystal X‐ray analyses reveal that it crystallizes in the triclinic space group P‐1, a = 8.807(4) Å, b =11.139(6) Å, c = 11.291(5) Å, α=75.337(7), β = 73.584(5), γ= 66.795(5)°. The Cu^II ions are linked into an extended 2‐D grid net via mp molecules. Further these layers are united together through the bridging L to form a 3‐D structure, which exhibits a new 4‐connected topological network. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Synthesis and crystal structure of hexaaquamagnesium hydrogen phosphododecatungstate tetrahydrate [Mg(H2O)6][HPW12O40]·4H2O

Crystals suitable for X-ray structure analysis were obtained after the slow evaporation of the reaction mixture containing equimolar quantities of magnesium chloride and dodecatungstophosphoric acid aqueous solution insuring pH of the solution between 1.0 and 1.2. This simple synthetic route yielded stability of Keggin anion and high quality [Mg(H₂O)₆][HPW₁₂O₄₀]·4H₂O single crystals. The obtained compound belongs to the group of heteropoly compounds and its structure is composed of Keggin [PW₁₂O₄₀]^3– anions, [Mg(H₂O)₆]²⁺ cations and lattice water molecules. Zigzag arrangement of Keggin anions along c-axis creates irregular channels occupied by [Mg(H₂O)₆]²⁺ cations and lattice H₂O molecules. The calculation of the total potential solvent volume indicated the presence of 4.1 lattice H₂O lattice molecules per formula unit, which is in agreement with the here presented structural model. The position of one lattice water molecule is well defined, while each of three other molecules is statistically distributed over two locations. Hydrogen bonds involve all coordinated and lattice H₂O molecules, as well as some oxygen atoms from the Keggin anion. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Synthesis,characterization and crystal structure of a 3‐D supramolecular Cu/Mn complex with pydc

A supramolecular compound, {[CuMn(pydc)₂(H₂O)₅]·2H₂O} ( 1 ) (pydc = pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylate dianion), has been synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis reveals that it crystallizes in the triclinic space group P‐1, a = 8.4763(17) Å, b = 9.7715(19) Å, c = 13.909(3) Å, α =101.234(3)°, β =102.520(3)°, γ= 97.375(4)°. Two mixed‐metal ions exhibit similar coordinated geometries with octahedron. 1 possesses a 3‐D unusual supramolecular network featuring 1D water tape. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Synthesis and characterization of single crystals of the layered copper hydroxide acetate Cu2(OH)3(CH3COO)·H2O

Single‐crystals of the layered copper hydroxide acetate Cu₂(OH)₃(CH₃COO)·H₂O were synthesized by heating copper acetate solution at 60 °C. The standard synthesis of the title compound based on slow titration of copper acetate solution with NaOH yielded materials with worse morphology and an additional phase present. The obtained products were characterized with powder X‐ray diffraction, high temperature powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The crystal structure was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data, collected both at 120 K and at 293 K. The title compound crystallizes in the monoclinic botallackite‐type layered structure, space group P 2₁, with the lattice parameters a = 5.5776(3) Å, b = 6.0733(2) Å, c = 18.5134(8) Å, β = 91.802(4)° and a = 5.5875(4)Å, b = 6.0987(4) Å, c = 18.6801(10)Å, β = 91.934(5)° for 120 K and for 293 K, respectively. Acetate groups and water molecules are interlayered between corrugated sheets of edge‐sharing CuO6 octahedra exhibiting strong distortion resulted from the Jahn‐Teller effect. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)