Formation and properties of n-alkylammonium complexes with layered tri- and tetra-titanates

The formation of n-alkylammonium complexes was studied using Na₂Ti₃O₇ and K₂Ti₄O₉ and the results for both compounds were compared. Alkylammonium complexes could be obtained from H₂Ti₃O₇ and H₂Ti₄O₉·H₂O, which were prepared by HCl treatment of Na₂Ti₃O₇ and K₂Ti₄O₉ respectivel The complexes were formed by exchange of H⁺ with alkylammonium ions. Molecular intercalation of alkylamine was also possible with H₂Ti₄O₉·H₂O. However, alkylammonium complexes were not formed directly from Na₂Ti₃O₇ and from K₂Ti₄O₉. Orientations of alkylammonium ions in the interlayer are also discussed in relation to the structure of the titanate layers.     

Microporous Framework (Nb,Fe)-Silicate with Much Potential to Remove Rare-Earth Elements from Waters

Nanoparticles of a new small-pore metal silicate formulated as Na_2.9(Nb_1.55Fe_0.45)Si₂O₁₀ ⋅ xH₂O and exhibiting the structure of previously reported Rb₂(Nb₂O₄)(Si₂O₆) ⋅ H₂O have been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. Replacement of the bulky Rb⁺ by smaller Na⁺ ions was accomplished by stabilizing the framework structure via partial occupancy of the Nb⁵⁺ sites by Fe³⁺ ions. Exploratory ion-exchange assays evidence the considerable potential of this new silicate to remove rare-earth elements from aqueous solutions.     

Thermogravimetry study of ion exchange and hydration in layered oxide materials

The behavior in aqueous solutions of the two types of layered perovskite-like structures, NaLnTiO₄ titanates (Ln?=?Nd, La) belonging to the family of Ruddlesden?CPopper phases and ANdTa₂O₇ tantalates (A?=?Na, Cs, H) belonging to the family of Dion?CJacobson phases, has been studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis and powder X-ray diffraction. In the case of NaLnTiO₄ compounds, the substitution of protons for sodium cations and the water intercalation into the interlayer space of the crystal structure were observed and proton-containing layered oxides with general formula H _x Na_1?x LnTiO₄·yH₂O (0.63?<?x?<?1, 0?<?y?<?0.74) have been obtained. Investigation on the hydration in layered tantalates ANdTa₂O₇ (A?=?H, Na, Cs) showed that NaNdTa₂O₇ and HNdTa₂O₇ form compounds intercalated by water molecules. Two steps of water intercalation were observed for NaNdTa₂O₇ and HNdTa₂O₇. Stable hydrated compounds HNdTa₂O₇·0.84H₂O, NaNdTa₂O₇·0.60H₂O, and NaNdTa₂O₇·1.35H₂O were synthesized.     

Nonstoichiometric Compounds Based on Manganese(III, IV) Oxides with the Birnessite Structure

Nonstoichiometric manganese(III, IV) oxides with the layered birnessite structure were analyzed in terms of the model expressed by the general formula Mn_{1 - q}O,OH)₂(Mn,R)_2q (O,OH,H₂O)_6q ,in which the first part reflects the composition of layers, the second part, the composition of the interlayer spaces of the structure, and q is the coefficient characterizing the relative content of vacant positions in the layers. As R⁺ (R^{2 +}) ions, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Sr^{2 +}, Ba^{2 +}, and Ag⁺ were taken. The H form of birnessite has a particular composition. Experimental data show that metal ions participate in ion exchange with OH groups in the birnessite structure. The increased content of the Li⁺ and Ag⁺ ions in birnessite is attributed to their increased participation in the ion exchange M⁺ + HO-Mn arr; 4 H⁺ + MO-Mn. As the heat treatment temperature is increased, Mn^{3 +} ions are accumulated in the interlayer spaces of the structure, and, above 350°C, the positions of these ions become regular, with transition from the layered birnessite structure to the tunnel structure.     

Effect of intercalation of metal ions on the colloidal and solid properties of vanadium pentaoxide hydrate,V2O5 nH2O

The colloidal stability of V₂O₅ nH₂O was studied on the basis of the measurements of critical flocculation concentration (CFC) by metal ions, amount of ions exchanged (or intercalated), and -potential. In total, the CFC values obeyed the Schulze Hardy law and strong Hofmeister's series was found in the systems including alkaline ions. The sequence of colloidal stability of V₂O₅ nH₂O in the electrolyte solutions was related to the intercalation of metal ions in the interlayer spaces of the solid. The largest CFC value for Li⁺ (87 mmol dm^–3) was explained by smaller affinity of Li⁺ to be intercalated in V₂O₅ nH₂O as well as smaller Hamaker constant of the intercalated solid compared to the other systems.Effect of intercalation of metal ions on the crystalline properties of the materials was measured by use of XRD and electron microscope. Under highly dehydrated condition the ions whose radii are smaller than 0.1 nm are captured in the structure of V₂O₅ nH₂O without changing interlayer distances, while those larger than 0.1 nm increase the interlayer distance. In a saturated H₂O vapor interlayer distances increased with increasing charge of intercalated ions. However, when intercalated with ions carrying the same valency the interlayer distances of the sample decreased with decrease in the hydration property of ions. Hydrolyzable Cr³⁺ gave exceptionally larger interlayer distances, both in a vacuum and in H₂O vapor.     

Structure and dehydration of layered perovskite niobate with bilayer hydrates prepared by exfoliation/self-assembly process

The crystals of an H-form niobate of HCa₂Nb₃O₁₀·xH₂O (x=0.5) being tetragonal symmetry (space group P4/mbm) with unit cell parameters a=5.4521(6) and c=14.414(2) Å were exfoliated into nanosheets with the triple-layered perovskite structure. The colloid suspension of the nanosheets was put into dialysis membrane tubing and allowed self-assembly in a dilute KCl solution. By this method, a novel layered K-form niobate KCa₂Nb₃O₁₀·xH₂O (x=1.3, typically) with bilayer hydrates in the interlayer was produced. The Rieveld refinement and transmission electron microscope (TEM)/selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) observation indicated that the orientations of the a-/b-axis of each nanosheet as well as the c-axis are uniform, and the self-assembled compound had the same symmetry, tetragonal (P4/mbm) with a=5.453(2) and c=16.876(5) Å, as the H-form precursor; the exfoliation/self-assembly process does not markedly affect the two-dimensional lattice of the layer. The large basal spacing resulted from the interlayer K⁺ ions solvated by two layers of water molecules. The interlayer bilayers-water was gradually changed to monolayer when the temperatures higher than 100 °C, and all the water molecules lost when over 600 °C. Accompanying the dehydration, the crystal structure transformed from tetragonal to orthorhombic symmetry. Water molecules may take an important role for the layer layered compound to adjust the unit cell to tetragonal symmetry.     

Preparation of ammonium intercalated vanadyl phosphate by redox intercalation and ion exchange

Redox intercalation of NH₄⁺ into vanadyl phosphate dihydrate (VOPO₄·2H₂O) leads to a two-phase (NH₄)_xVOPO₄·H₂O (x=0.2−0.9) compound with interlayer distances of 6.7 and 6.4 Å. Ammonium ions can be incorporated into the interlayer space of VOPO₄ also by an ion exchange, starting from alkali-metal redox-intercalated vanadyl phosphate Me_xVOPO₄·yH₂O (Me=Li, Na, K, Rb). Several phases are formed during the ion exchange, one of them with the interlayer distance corresponding to the original Me_xVOPO₄·yH₂O phase, the second one corresponding to formed (NH₄)_xVOPO₄·H₂O. In addition, a third phase is formed by the ion exchange when Li_0.98VOPO₄·1.98H₂O or Rb_0.60VOPO₄·1.3H₂O are used as starting compounds. An opposite ion exchange of NH₄⁺ for Me⁺ starting from (NH₄)_xVOPO₄·H₂O does not proceed.     

Ion-Exchange Properties of Alkali-Metal Redox-Intercalated Vanadyl Phosphate

Ion exchange of alkali metals in M_xVOPO₄·yH₂O (M=H, Na, K, Rb, Cs) is reported. The role of valence, size, and affinity of the cations in the exchange process is discussed. The interlayer distance in the H_1-xK_xVOPO₄·yH₂O system is discussed in terms of finite layer rigidity theory. Different behavior is observed for K_xNa_1-xVOPO₄·yH₂O dependening on the starting compound used. When potassium in KVOPO₄·H₂O is exchanged for Na⁺, one phase compound is formed. In contrast, K_xNa_1-xVOPO₄·yH₂O formed from NaVOPO₄·H₂O and K⁺ is a multiphase system. Ion exchange does not proceed when exchanging ions differ distinctly from each other in size, e.g., sodium and cesium.     

The Role of Alkali Cation Intercalates on the Electrochemical Characteristics of Nb2CTX MXene for Energy Storage

The intercalation of cations into layered-structure electrode materials has long been studied in depth for energy storage applications. In particular, Li⁺-, Na⁺-, and K⁺-based cation transport in energy storage devices such as batteries and electrochemical capacitors is closely related to the capacitance behavior. We have exploited different sizes of cations from aqueous salt electrolytes intercalating into a layered Nb₂CT_x electrode in a supercapacitor for the first time. As a result, we have demonstrated that capacitive performance was dependent on cation intercalation behavior. The interlayer spacing expansion of the electrode material can be observed in Li₂SO₄, Na₂SO₄, and K₂SO₄ electrolytes with d-spacing. Additionally, our results showed that the Nb₂CT_x electrode exhibited higher electrochemical performance in the presence of Li₂SO₄ than in that of Na₂SO₄ and K₂SO₄. This is partly because the smaller-sized Li⁺ transports quickly and intercalates between the layers of Nb₂CT_x easily. Poor ion transport in the Na₂SO₄ electrolyte limited the electrode capacitance and presented the lowest electrochemical performance, although the cation radius follows Li⁺>Na⁺>K⁺. Our experimental studies provide direct evidence for the intercalation mechanism of Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ on the 2D layered Nb₂CT_x electrode, which provides a new path for exploring the relationship between intercalated cations and other MXene electrodes.     

Structural characterization and electrochemical intercalation of Li+ in layered Na0.65Ni0.5Mn0.5O2 obtained by freeze-drying method

New data on the structure and reversible lithium intercalation properties of sodium-deficient nickel–manganese oxides are provided. Novel properties of oxides determine their potential for direct use as cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The studies are focused on Na _x Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ with x?=?2/3. Between 500 and 700 °C, new layered oxides Na_0.65Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ with P3-type structure are obtained by a simple precursor method that consists in thermal decomposition of mixed sodium–nickel–manganese acetate salts obtained by freeze-drying. The structure, morphology, and oxidation state of nickel and manganese ions of Na_0.65Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ are determined by powder X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The lithium intercalation in Na_0.65Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ is carried out in model two-electrode lithium cells of the type Li|LiPF₆(EC:DMC)|Na_0.65Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂. A new structural feature of Na_0.65Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ as compared with well-known O3–NaNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ and P2–Na_2/3Ni_1/3Mn_2/3O₂ is the development of layer stacking ensuring prismatic site occupancy for Na⁺ ions with shared face on one side and shared edges on the other side with surrounding Ni/MnO₆ octahedra. The reversible lithium intercalation in Na_0.65Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ is demonstrated and discussed.     

Die Kristallstruktur des Natriumoxohydroxoaluminathydrates Na2[Al2O3(OH)2] · 1,5 H2O

The Crystal Structure of the Sodium Oxohydroxoaluminate Hydrate Na₂[Al₂O₃(OH)₂] · 1.5 H₂O The crystal structure of the sodium oxohydroxoaluminate hydrate Na₂[Al₂O₃(OH)₂] ·s 1.5 H₂O (up to now described as Na₂O · Al₂O₃ · 2.5 H₂O and Na₂O · Al₂O₃ · 3 H₂O, respectively) was solved. The X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis (tetragonal, space group P-42₁m, a = 10.522(1) Å, c = 5.330(1) Å, Z = 4) results in a polymeric layered structure, consisting of AlO_3/2(OH) tetrahedral groups. Between these layers the Na⁺ ions are situated, which form tetrameric groups of face-linked NaO₆ octahedra. The involved O^2? ions are due to Al? O? Al bridges, Al? OH groups and water of crystallization. ²⁷Al and ²³Na MAS NMR investigations confirm the crystal structure analysis. The relations between the crystallization behaviour of the compound and the constitution of the aluminate anions in the corresponding sodium aluminate solution and in the solid, respectively, are discussed.     

Electrochemical properties and state of paramagnetic centers in copper-modified complex vanadium and titanium oxides

Complex vanadium and titanium oxides modified by copper ions are studied by the electrochemical and ESR methods. Oxides Cu _x V_2?y Ti _y O_5?δ·nH₂O (0<y<1.33) have a layered structure and oxides Cu _x Ti_1?y V _y O_5+δ·nH₂O (0<y<0.25), an anatase structure. The intercalation of cations Cu²⁺ into the hydrates leads to oxidation of V⁴⁺. According to ESR data, V⁴⁺ exists in the oxides in the form of VO²⁺ and an octahedral surround of oxygen (V⁴⁺?O₆), respectively. The electroreduction of ions of d-elements and chemisorbed oxygen in the oxides is analyzed. The intercalation of cations Cu²⁺ alters the content of V⁴⁺ and the chemisorption ability of the oxides. Possible reasons for this phenomenon are discussed.     

Crystal chemistry of the (Ta6Si4O26)6− and (Ta14Si4O47)8− frameworks

The range of chemical flexibilities of the hexagonal frameworks (Ta₆Si₄O₂₆)^6? and (Ta₁₄Si₄O₄₇)^8? have been partially explored. This has been done with high-temperature preparations as in general ionic mobilities in these frameworks are too low to permit low-temperature ion exchange. Ionic site potential calculations indicate that preferential site-occupancy factors as well as geometric constraints are responsible for the absence of ionic motion. New phases K_6?xNa_xTa₆Si₄O₂₆ (x ? 4), K_8?xNa_xTa₁₄Si₄O₄₇ (x ? 5), and impure Ba_3?xNa_2xTa₆Si₄O₂₆ have been prepared. Introduction of up to 2 moles of Li⁺ and 1 mole of Mg²⁺ ions per formula unit into sites of the framework not normally occupied has been demonstrated as well as the possibility of partially substituting Zr⁴⁺ for Ta⁵⁺ ions. Substitutions designed to introduce large tunnel vacancies in the presence of only monovalent K⁺ or Na⁺ ions (P for Si, W for Ta and F for O) generally proved unsuccessful. Competitive phases also frustrated attempts to substitute either the larger Rb⁺ or the smaller Li⁺ ions into the large-tunnel sites. A large area of solid solution was discovered in the BaONa₂OTa₂O₅ phase diagram; it has a (TaO₃)-framework with the structure of tetragonal potassium tungsten bronze.     

Ion-exchange properties of P2-NaxMnO2: evidence of the retention of the layer structure based on chemical reactivity data and electrochemical measurements of lithium cells

The ion-exchange properties of two P2-type layered Na_xMnO₂ bronzes (x=0.6, 0.75) with a differential microstructure were studied in LiCF₃SO₃ solutions in acetonitrile under ambient conditions. Na⁺ ions are readily exchanged with Li⁺, but the reaction causes a significant loss of crystallinity that results in some amorphization. The feasibility of the process increases with increasing structural disorder in the parent compound; conversion, however, is incomplete. The ability of the exchanged material to intercalate water in the air is consistent with the formation of an Li-Mn-O compound that retains the layered framework. Also, the electrochemical data obtained for this material as cathode in lithium cells are consistent with retention of the layer structure and exclude a potential spinel transition due to the ion-exchange reaction. However, the cycling properties of cells made from these layered compounds are quite modest, probably because of the strong structural disorder induced by the lithium reaction.     

Structural difference between a superconducting sodium cobalt oxide and its related phase

Monolayer hydrate (MLH) Na_xCoO₂·y′H₂O was obtained from superconducting bilayer hydrate (BLH) Na_xCoO₂·yH₂O by partial extraction of H₂O molecules between the CoO₂ layers. Magnetization measurements indicated that electron densities in the CoO₂ layer of the MLH phase remained unchanged after the water extraction. Nevertheless, superconductivity was completely suppressed in the MLH phase. This strongly suggests that the highly 2D nature in the BLH phase due to its thick insulating layers consisting of H₂O molecules and Na⁺ ions plays an important role for inducing superconductivity.     

Electrical and magnetic properties of ion-exchangeable layered ruthenates

An ion-exchangeable ruthenate with a layered structure, K_0.2RuO_2.1, was prepared by solid-state reactions. The interlayer cation was exchanged with H⁺, C₂H₅NH₃⁺, and ((C₄H₉)₄N⁺) through proton-exchange, ion-exchange, and guest-exchange reactions. The electrical and magnetic properties of the products were characterized by DC resistivity and susceptibility measurements. Layered K_0.2RuO_2.1 exhibited metallic conduction between 300 and 13 K. The products exhibited similar magnetic behavior despite the differences in the type of interlayer cation, suggesting that the ruthenate sheet in the protonated form and the intercalation compounds possesses metallic nature.     

Vanadyl phosphate dihydrate,a solid acid: the role of water in VOPO4·2H2O and its sodium derivatives Na x (VIV x VV 1−x O)PO4·(2−x)H2O

Sodium-containing intercalates having as general formula Na _x VOPOP₄·(2–x)H₂O (0.25x<0.50) have been obtained and characterized. Orthorhombic phases, which essentially maintain the structure of the layered oxide hydrate VOPO₄·2H₂O result. Intercalated sodium ions act as pillars. The presence of H₃O⁺ ions in the parent VOPO₄·2H₂O and also in some reduced phases, is detected. The understanding of the structural role of the water molecules is advanced and the topotactic dehydration/rehydration processes are studied. The formation of a new metastable VOPO₄·H₂O phase is established.     

Ion-exchange reactions in the structure of perovskite-like layered oxides: I. Protonation of NaNdTiO<Subscript>4</Subscript> complex oxide

The behavior of perovskite-like NaNdTiO₄ complex oxide in acid aqueous solutions was studied. By the X-ray and thermogravimetry analyses the instability of NaNdTiO₄ in aqueous solutions was found, which is determined by the sodium cation exchange for protons and by water molecules intercalation into the interlayer space of the crystal structure. The proton-containing layered oxides HNdTiO₄ and H _x Na_1−x NdTiO₄·yH₂O were obtained (1 < x < 0.64, 0 < y < 0.47). The structure of the H_0.73Na_0.27NdTiO₄·0.3H₂O compound was refined.     

Structural change in a series of protonated layered perovskite compounds, HLnTiO4 (Ln=La, Nd and Y)

A deuterated n=1 Ruddlesden-Popper compound, DLnTiO₄ (HLnTiO₄, Ln=La, Nd and Y), was prepared by an ion-exchange reaction of Na⁺ ions in NaLnTiO₄ with D⁺ ions, and its structure was analyzed by Rietveld method using powder neutron diffraction data. The structure analyses showed that DLaTiO₄ and DNdTiO₄ crystallized in the space group P4/nmm with a=3.7232(1) and c=12.3088(1) Å, and a=3.7039(1) and c=12.0883(1) Å, respectively. On the other hand, DYTiO₄ crystallized in the space group P2₁/c with a=11.460(1), b=5.2920(4), c=5.3628(5) Å and β=90.441(9)°. The loaded protons were found to statistically occupy the sites around an apical oxygen of TiO₆ octahedron in the interlayer of these compounds, rather than Na atom sites in NaLnTiO₄.     

Nanocomposites with the layered structure of V2O5 · nH2O xerogel

New layered nanocomposites of V₂O₅ · nH₂O xerogels with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), pyrocatechol (PC), and hydroquinone (HQ) were synthesized with the compositions (C₂H₃)_0.32V₂O_4.90 · nH₂O, (C₆H₄)_xV₂O_4.60 · nH₂O, and (C₆H₄)_0.17V₂O_4.94 · nH₂O and the interlayer distances d ₀₀₁ = 11.73, 12.85, and 15.28 ± 0.05 Å, respectively. IR and Raman spectroscopy was used to analyze which structural changes occur in the V-O layers of the xerogel upon composite formation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed V⁴⁺ and V⁵⁺ ions in the layers with binding energies lower than in V₂O₅ · nH₂O. The electrical conductivity of the nanofilms and the thermal properties of the nanopowders were studied.