Thermal decomposition of lutetium propionate

The thermal decomposition of lutetium(III) propionate monohydrate (Lu(C₂H₅CO₂)₃·H₂O) in argon was studied by means of thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, IR-spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Dehydration takes place around 90 °C. It is followed by the decomposition of the anhydrous propionate to Lu₂O₂CO₃ with evolution of CO₂ and 3-pentanone (C₂H₅COC₂H₅) between 300 °C and 400 °C. The further decomposition of Lu₂O₂CO₃ to Lu₂O₃ is characterized by an intermediate constant mass plateau corresponding to a Lu₂O_2.5(CO₃)_0.5 overall composition and extending from approximately 550 °C to 720 °C. Full conversion to Lu₂O₃ is achieved at about 1000 °C. Whereas the temperatures and solid reaction products of the first two decomposition steps are similar to those previously reported for the thermal decomposition of lanthanum(III) propionate monohydrate, the final decomposition of the oxycarbonate to the rare-earth oxide proceeds in a different way, which is here reminiscent of the thermal decomposition path of Lu(C₃H₅O₂)·2CO(NH₂)₂·2H₂O.     

An investigation on the solid state pyrolytic decomposition of bimetallic oxalate precursors of Ca,Sr and Ba with cobalt: A mechanistic approach

The mixed metal oxalate precursors, calcium(II)bis(oxalato)cobaltate(II)hydrate (COC), strontium(II)bis(oxalato)cobaltate(II)pentahydrate (SOC) and barium(II)bis(oxalato)cobaltate(II)octahydrate (BOC) have been synthesized and their thermal stability was investigated. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectral and X-ray powder diffraction studies. Thermal decomposition studies (TG, DTG and DTA) in air showed that the compound COC decomposed mainly to CaC₂O₄ and Co₃O₄ at 340 °C, and a mixture of CaCO₃ and Co₃O₄ identified at 510 °C. A mixture of CaCO₃ and Ca₃Co₂O₆ along with the oxides and carbides of both the cobalt and calcium were attributed at 1000 °C as end products. DSC study in nitrogen ascertained the formation of a mixture of CaO and CoO along with a trace of carbon at 550 °C. The mixture species, SrC₂O₄, CoC₂O₄ and Co₃O₄ were generated at 255 °C in case of SOC in air, which ultimately changed to CoSrO₃, SrCO₃ and oxides of strontium and cobalt at 1000 °C. The several mixture species also generated as intermediate at 332 and 532 °C. The DSC study in nitrogen indicated the formation of CoSrO_x (0.5 < x < 1) as end product. In case of BOC in air, a mixture of BaCoO₂, BaO, CoO and carbides are identified as end product at 1000 °C through the generation of several intermediate species at 350 and 530 °C. A mixture of BaO and CoO is identified as end product in DSC study in nitrogen. The kinetic parameters have been evaluated for all the dehydration and decomposition steps of all the three compounds using four non-mechanistic equations. Using seven mechanistic equations, the kind of dominance of kinetic control mechanism of the dehydration and decomposition steps are also inferred. The kinetic parameters, ΔH and ΔS of all the steps are explored from the DSC studies. Some of the decomposition products are identified by IR and X-ray powder diffraction studies.     

Ni–Al hydrotalcite-like material as the catalyst precursors for the dry reforming of methane at low temperature

Nickel–aluminium and magnesium–aluminium hydrotalcites were prepared by co-precipitation and subsequently submitted to calcination. The mixed oxides obtained from the thermal decomposition of the synthesized materials were characterized by XRD, H₂-TPR, N₂ sorption and elemental analysis and subsequently tested in the reaction of methane dry reforming (DRM) in the presence of excess of methane (CH₄/CO₂/Ar = 2/1/7). DMR in the presence of the nickel-containing hydrotalcite-derived material showed CH₄ and CO₂ conversions of ca. 50% at 550 °C. The high values of the H₂/CO molar ratio indicate that at 550 °C methane decomposition was strongly influencing the DRM process. The sample reduced at 900 °C showed better catalytic performance than the sample activated at 550 °C. The catalytic performance in isothermal conditions from 550 °C to 750 °C was also determined.     

Vesicle stability in aqueous mixtures of zwitterionic/anionic surfactants

It was studied that the influences of the aging, temperature, addition of the polymer and cosolvent on the stability of the vesicles spontaneously formed in the mixtures of zwitterionic surfactant (dodecyl carboxyl betaine, C₁₂BE) and double-tailed anionic surfactant (sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, AOT) under the inducement of salt by means of freeze-fracture and negative-staining transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and turbidity measurements. It is found that the vesicles can exist over a long period of aging (about 300 days) at room temperature, show good stability after a heating–cooling cycle of 90–25 °C and a freeze–thaw cycle of −10 to 25 °C, respectively, and may be transformed from spherical vesicles to tubelike structures induced by high temperature 90 °C. Under the effect of (PEO)₁₃(PPO)₃₀(PEO)₁₃ (L64), the transition from unilameller vesicles to large multivesicular vesicles. The presence of ethanol may decrease the stability of vesicles, resulting in the fusion among vesicles to form large vesicles. The excessive amount of ethanol may destroy the vesicles, and the order of ability of destroying vesicles was obtained to be C₅H₁₁OH > C₄H₉OH > C₃H₇OH > C₂H₅OH > CH₃OH.     

Effect of γ-irradiation and doping with MoO3 and V2O5 on surface and catalytic properties of manganese oxides

The effects of γ-irradiation (0.2–1.6 MGy), thermal treatment and doping with MoO₃ and V₂O₅ (0.25–4 mol%) on the surface and catalytic properties of manganese oxides prepared by thermal decomposition of manganese carbonate at 400°C and 600°C have been investigated. The techniques employed were X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption at −196°C, oxidation of CO by O₂ at 120–220°C and decomposition of H₂O₂ at 20–50°C. The results revealed that γ-irradiation decreased the particle size of manganese oxides, increased their specific surface areas, decreased the amount of surface excess oxygen and decreased their catalytic activities. The doping with MoO₃ and V₂O₅ conducted at 600°C brought about a measurable decrease in the BET-surface area and catalytic activities of the treated solids. These results were discussed in terms of splitting of manganese oxide particles and removal of chemisorbed oxygen by treating with γ-irradiation and formation of manganese molybdate and vanadates by treating with the used dopant oxides.     

The thioantimonate anion [Sb4S8]4− acting as a tetradentate ligand: Solvothermal synthesis,crystal structure and properties of {[In(C6H14N2)2]2Sb4S8}Cl2 exhibiting unusual uniaxial negative and biaxial positive thermal expansion

The new compound {[In(C₆H₁₄N₂)₂]₂Sb₄S₈}Cl₂ was prepared under solvothermal conditions reacting InCl₃, Sb and S using 1,2-trans-diaminocyclohexane as solvent and structure directing molecule. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 29.0259(12), b = 6.7896(2), c = 24.2023(12) Å, β = 99.524(4)°, V = 4703.9(3) ų. The central structural motif is the thioantimonate(III) anion [Sb₄S₈]^4? acting as a tetradentate ligand thus joining two symmetry related In³⁺ centered complexes. This binding mode was never observed before for the [Sb₄S₈]^4? anion. The optical band gap was determined as 2.03 eV in agreement with the red color of the compound. The thermal decomposition was monitored with in-situ X-ray diffraction experiments. After the emission of the amine molecules an amorphous intermediate is formed followed by the crystallization of InSbS₃ which is stable up to about 590 °C. On further heating, InSbS₃ is destroyed and reflections of γ-In₂S₃ appear being contaminated with some elemental Sb. Temperature dependent in-situ X-ray powder diffractometry performed between 30 and 220 °C reveals an unusual reversible negative and positive thermal expansion. The decrease of the a-axis in the temperature range is about 0.74 Å and the increase of the c-axis ca. 0.54 Å. Interestingly, the b-axis exhibits also a thermal expansion, i.e., a biaxial positive and an uniaxial negative thermal expansion coexist which is very unusual. The relative negative expansion coefficients for the a-axis of ?194 × 10^?6K^?1 (30–120 °C) and ?82 × 10^?6K^?1 (120–220 °C) are in the region of so-called colossal thermal expansion.     

Nonstoichiometry,point defects and magnetic properties in Sr2FeMoO6−δ double perovskites

The phase stability, nonstoichiometry and point defect chemistry of polycrystalline Sr₂FeMoO_6?δ (SFMO) was studied by thermogravimety at 1000, 1100, and 1200 °C. Single-phase SFMO exists between ?10.2≤log pO₂≤?13.7 at 1200 °C. At lower oxygen partial pressure a mass loss signals reductive decomposition. At higher pO₂ a mass gain indicates oxidative decomposition into SrMoO₄ and SrFeO_3?x. The nonstoichiometry δ at 1000, 1100, and 1200 °C was determined as function of pO₂. SFMO is almost stoichiometric at the upper phase boundary (e.g. δ=0.006 at 1200 °C and log pO₂=?10.2) and becomes more defective with decreasing oxygen partial pressure (e.g. δ=0.085 at 1200 °C and log pO₂=?13.5). Oxygen vacancies are shown to represent majority defects. From the temperature dependence of the oxygen vacancy concentration the defect formation enthalpy was estimated (ΔH_OV=253±8 kJ/mol). Samples of different nonstoichiometry δ were prepared by quenching from 1200 °C at various pO₂. An increase of the unit cell volume with increasing defect concentration δ was found. The saturation magnetization is reduced with increasing nonstoichiometry δ. This demonstrates that in addition to Fe/Mo site disorder, oxygen nonstoichiometry is another source of reduced magnetization values.     

Synthesis of nanosized rubidium ferrite by thermolysis of ferricarboxylate precursors and combustion method

Nanosized pure rubidium ferrites have been successfully prepared by thermal decomposition of rubidium hexa(carboxylato)ferrate(III) precursors, Rb₃[Fe(L)₆]·xH₂O (L = formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate), in flowing air atmosphere from ambient temperature to 1000 °C. Various physico-chemical techniques i.e. simultaneous TG–DTG–DTA, XRD, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), IR and Mössbauer spectroscopy etc. have been employed to characterize the intermediates and end products. After dehydration, the anhydrous precursors undergo exothermic decomposition to yield various intermediates i.e. rubidium carbonate/acetate/propionate/butyrate and α-Fe₂O₃. A subsequent decomposition of these intermediates, followed by solid state reaction, lead to the formation of nanosized rubidium ferrite (RbFeO₂). The same nano-ferrite has also been prepared by the combustion method at a comparatively lower temperature and in less time than that of the conventional ceramic method (>1200 °C).     

Solvothermal synthesis and crystal structure of the Mo(VI)-bridged helical chain containing Mo2(V) dimers: (C4H12N2)2[(MoV2O4)(MoVIO4)(C2O4)2]·2H2O

A new molybdenum complex (C₄H₁₂N₂)₂[(Mo^V₂O₄)(Mo^VIO₄)(C₂O₄)₂]·2H₂O, was solvothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of the compound consists of oxalate acid-coordinated mixed-valent [Mo^V₂O₄][Mo^VIO₄] helical chains and protonated piperazine cations. The helical chains are built up from the [Mo^V₂O₄] units and [Mo^VIO₄] tetrahedral. The central axis about helical chain is a 2-fold screw axis. The compound crystallizes in the space group P2₁/n of monoclinic system with a = 11.396(2) Å, b = 14.107(3) Å, c = 15.805(3) Å, β = 102.09(3)°, V = 2484.6(9) Å³, Z = 4. Other characterizations by elemental analysis, IR, and thermal analysis for this compound are also given.     

Thermal degradation and evolved gas analysis: A polymeric blend of urea formaldehyde (UF) and epoxy (DGEBA) resin

A polymeric blend has been prepared using urea formaldehyde (UF) and epoxy (DGEBA) resin in 1:1 mass ratio. The thermal degradation of UF/epoxy resin blend (UFE) was investigated by using thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), coupled with FTIR and MS. The results of TGA revealed that the pyrolysis process can be divided into three stages: drying process, fast thermal decomposition and cracking of the sample. There were no solid products except ash content for UFE during combustion at high temperature. The total mass loss during pyrolysis at 775 °C is found to be 97.32%, while 54.14% of the original mass was lost in the second stage between 225 °C and 400 °C. It is observed that the activation energy of the second stage degradation during combustion (6.23 × 10⁻⁴ J mol⁻¹) is more than that of pyrolysis (5.89 × 10⁻⁴ J mol⁻¹). The emissions of CO₂, CO, H₂O, HCN, HNCO, and NH₃ are identified during thermal degradation of UFE.     

Infiltrated Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6/La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 electrodes towards high performance symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells fabricated by an ultra-fast and time-saving procedure

Herein, the Sr₂Fe_1.5Mo_0.5O₆ (SFM) precursor solution is infiltrated into a tri-layered “porous La_0.9Sr_0.1Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O₃ (LSGM)/dense LSGM/porous LSGM” skeleton to form both SFM/LSGM symmetrical fuel cells and functional fuel cells by adopting an ultra-fast and time-saving procedure. The heating/cooling rate when fabricating is fixed at 200 °C/min. Thanks to the unique cell structure with high thermal shock resistance and matched thermal expansion coefficients (TEC) between SFM and LSGM, no SFM/LSGM interfacial detachment is detected. The polarization resistances (Rp) of SFM/LSGM composite cathode and anode at 650 °C are 0.27 Ω·cm² and 0.235 Ω·cm², respectively. These values are even smaller than those of the cells fabricated with traditional method. From scanning electron microscope (SEM), a more homogenous distribution of SFM is identified in the ultra-fast fabricated SFM/LSGM composite, therefore leading to the enhanced performance. This study also strengthens the evidence that SFM can be used as high performance symmetrical electrode material both running in H₂ and CH₄. When using H₂ as fuel, the maximum power density of “SFM-LSGM/LSGM/LSGM-SFM” functional fuel cell at 700 °C is 880 mW cm^− 2. By using CH₄ as fuel, the maximum power densities at 850 and 900 °C are 146 and 306 mW cm^− 2, respectively.     

Piperazinium dihydrogen phosphate,C4H12N2(H2PO4)2: Synthesis, 31P CP/MAS NMR,structural and thermal investigations

A new piperazinium dihydrogen orthophosphate, C₄H₁₂N₂(H₂PO₄)₂ was discovered and characterized by combining information from X-ray diffraction, ³¹P CP/MAS NMR and thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The compound C₄H₁₂N₂(HPO₄)·H₂O, was also studied in order to compare these two similar materials. The hydrothermal stability is investigated for the system: 1.0 C₄H₁₀N₂: n H₃PO₄: 55–60 H₂O, 0.5 < n < 3. The reaction mixtures with pH in the range 1.6–8.4 were placed at a fixed temperature in the range 20–180 °C for ca. 5 days. C₄H₁₂N₂(H₂PO₄)₂ was obtained when n > ca. 2. A crystal of piperazinium dihydrogen phosphate, C₄H₁₂N₂(H₂PO₄)₂ was structurally investigated using X-ray diffraction: triclinic, space group $P\overline{1}$, a = 7.023(2), b = 7.750(3), c = 12.203(4) Å, α = 84.668(7), β = 81.532(7) and γ = 63.174(6)°, V = 586.0(4) Å³ and Z = 2. The reactivity of C₄H₁₂N₂(H₂PO₄)₂ was investigated by systematic solvothermal syntheses.     

New α,ω-dicarboxylate coordination polymers with 4,4′-bipyridine: Cu(bpy)(C5H6O4), Zn(bpy)(C5H6O4), Zn(bpy)(C6H8O4) and Mn(bpy)(C8H12O4) · H2O

Four 4,4′-bipyridine α,ω-dicarboxylate coordination polymers Cu(bpy)(C₅H₆O₄) (1), Zn(bpy)(C₅H₆O₄) (2), Zn(bpy)(C₆H₈O₄) (3) and Mn(bpy)(C₈H₁₂O₄) · H₂O (4) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods (bpy = 4,4-bipyridine, (C₅H₆O₄)²⁻ = glutarate anion, (C₆H₈O₄)²⁻ = adipate anion, (C₈H₁₂O₄)²⁻ = suberate anion). Their crystal structures are featured by dimeric metal units, which are co-bridged by 4,4′-bipyridine ligands and dicarboxylate anions such as glutarate, adipate and suberate anions to generate 2D layers with a (4,4) topology in 1, 2 and 4 as well as to form 3D frameworks in 3. Two 3D frameworks in 3 interpenetrate with each other to form a topology identical to the well-known Nb₆F₁₅ cluster compound. Over 5–300 K, the paramagnetic behavior of 4 follows the Curie–Weiss law χ_m(T − Θ) = 4.265(5) cm³ mol⁻¹ with the Weiss constant Θ = −6.3(2) K. Furthermore, the thermal behavior of 3 and 4 is also discussed.     

Inhibitors for magnesium corrosion: Metal organic frameworks

Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that magnesium surfaces can be protected by alkyl carboxylate. In a nearly neutral pH solution of sodium decanoate, the reduced corrosion rate and a passivation behaviour are attributed to the formation of Mg(C₁₀H₁₉O₂)₂(H₂O)₃ (Mg(C10)₂) at the magnesium surface whereas heptanoate Mg(C₇H₁₃O₂)₂(H₂O)₃ (Mg(C7)₂) is not efficient in such media. The crystal structures of the two metal carboxylates Mg(C7)₂ and Mg(C10)₂ are determined by X-ray diffraction. Single crystal data: Mg(C7)₂, P2₁/a, a = 9.130(5) Å, b = 8.152(5) Å, c = 24.195(5) Å, β = 91.476(5)°, V = 1800.3(15) Å³, D_x = 1.242 g cm⁻³, Z = 4. Synchrotron powder data: Mg(C10)₂, P2₁/a, a = 9.070(3) Å, b = 8.165(1) Å, c = 32.124(1) Å, β = 98.39(1)°, V = 2353.85(8) Å³, D_x = 1.188 g cm⁻³, Z = 4. Their layered structures are quite similar and differ mainly by the length of the hydrophobic chains. They consist of two planes of O-octahedra centred by Mg atoms, parallel to (001). The distorted octahedra are constituted by three oxygen atoms from carboxylate groups and by three oxygen atoms coming from water molecules. The layers are connected by hydrogen bonds. The carboxylate chains are located perpendicularly and on both sides of these planes. One carboxylate chain is bridging the Mg atom along [010] while the other is monodendate. The presence of structural water is confirmed by thermal analyses.     

A simple synthesis and room temperature magnetic properties of new binary Mn0.5Fe0.5(H2PO4)2·xH2O obtained from a rapid co-precipitation at ambient temperature

A new binary Mn_0.5Fe_0.5(H₂PO₄)₂·xH₂O powder was synthesized by simple and cost-effective method using phosphoric acid, manganese and iron metals as starting chemicals. The synthesized solid shows the complex thermal transformations and the final decomposition product is a new binary manganese iron cyclo-tetraphosphate, MnFeP₄O₁₂. The X-ray diffraction and FTIR results indicate that the synthesized new binary Mn_0.5Fe_0.5(H₂PO₄)₂·xH₂O and the decomposition MnFeP₄O₁₂ powders are a pure monoclinic phase with space group P2₁/n (Z = 2) and C2/c (Z = 4), respectively. The particle morphologies of Mn_0.5Fe_0.5(H₂PO₄)₂·xH₂O and MnFeP₄O₁₂ powders appear as the rod-like tetragonal shape and show a high agglomeration of small particles, which are similar to the case of Mn(H₂PO₄)₂·2H₂O and Fe₂P₄O₁₂, respectively. Room temperature magnetization results show a ferromagnetic behavior of the Mn_0.5Fe_0.5(H₂PO₄)₂·xH₂O and MnFeP₄O₁₂ powders, having the hysteresis loops in the range of ?10,000 Oe < H < +10,000 Oe with the specific magnetization values of 25.63 and 13.14 emu/g at 10 kOe, respectively. The lower magnetizations of Mn_0.5Fe_0.5(H₂PO₄)₂·xH₂O and MnFeP₄O₁₂ than those of Fe(H₂PO₄)₂·2H₂O and Fe₂P₄O₁₂ powders indicate the presence of Mn ions in substitution position of Fe ions.     

Ab initio crystal structure of nickel(II) hydroxy-terephthalate by synchrotron powder diffraction and magnetic study

The structure of the new hybrid compound [Ni₃(OH)₂(tp)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (tp = C₈H₄O₄²⁻) has been determined ab initio from synchrotron powder diffraction data and refined with the Rietveld method: space group P-1, a = 10.2077(6) Å, b = 8.0135(5) Å, c = 6.3337(4) Å, α = 97.70 (1)°, β = 97.21(1)°, γ = 108.77(1)°, D_x = 2.124 g/cm³, Rp = 0.045, R_B = 0.095 (757 independent reflections). H atoms were placed geometrically and their position optimized by DFT calculation. The repeating structural unit is the chain [Ni(1)O₆]₂Ni(2)O₆, consisting of two edges sharing octahedrons related by the symmetry center and linked via μ3-OH to a vertex of Ni(2) octahedron. The Ni(1) coordination is ensured by two oxygen atoms from two water molecules, two OH and two oxygen atoms from carboxylate groups. The linkage of the chains by the tp anions forms infinite layers parallel to the (010) planes. Interchain hydrogen bonds between the water molecules coordinating the metal ensure the cohesion of the 2D structure. The structural and magnetic properties are compared with that of the 3D fumarate-based compound [Ni₃(OH)₂(fum)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (fum = C₄H₂O₄²⁻).     

Physico–chemical properties of CdO–Al2O3 catalysts. I – Structural characteristics

Alumina gels AN6 and AN7 were prepared by precipitation with NaOH from hydrated aluminum sulfate at pH 6 and 7, respectively. A third alumina gel AA7 was similarly prepared, but by precipitation with 30% ammonia. Pure cadmia C8 and C9 were precipitated from cadmium sulfate at pH 8 and 9 using NaOH. Five mechanically mixed gels ACM (1:0.25), ACM (1:0.5), ACM (1:1), ACM (0.5:1) and ACM (0.25:1) were prepared by thoroughly mixing the appropriate molar ratios of AN7 and C8. Also, five coprecipitated gels ACC (1:0.25), ACC (1:0.5), ACC (1:1), ACC (0.5:1) and ACC (0.25:1) were coprecipitated by dropping simultaneously the appropriate volumes of 1 M aluminum sulfate, 1 M cadmium sulfate and 3 M NaOH. Calcination products at 400, 500, 600, 800 and 1000 °C were obtained from each preparation.TG–DTA patterns of uncalcined samples were analyzed and the XRD of all 1000 °C-products and some selected samples calcined at 400–800 °C were investigated. The thermal behaviors of pure and mixed gels depend on the precipitating agent, pH of precipitation, chemical composition and method of preparation. Generally, calcination at temperatures below 800 °C gave poorly crystalline phases. Well crystalline phases are obtained at 800 and 1000 °C. For pure alumina γ-Al₂O₃ was shown as 400 °C-calcination product that transforms into the δ form around 900 °C and later to θ-Al₂O₃ as a major phase and α-Al₂O₃ as a minor phase at 1000 °C. CdO was shown by 500 °C-calcined cadmia gel that showed color changes with rise of calcination temperature. The most stable black cadmium oxide phase (Monteponite) is obtained upon calcination at 1000 °C. Thousand degree celsius- calcined mixed oxides showed θ-Al₂O₃, α-Al₂O₃, CdAl₂O₄ and monteponite which dominate depending on the chemical composition.     

Natural gas permeation in polyimide membranes

Polyimide membranes derived from 6FDA-DAM:DABA and 6FDA-6FpDA:DABA copolymers have been used to separate 50/50 CO₂/CH₄ mixtures and multicomponent synthetic natural gas mixtures at 35 °C and feed pressures up to 55 atm. For 6FDA-DAM:DABA 2:1 membranes the effects of thermal annealing and covalent crosslinking are decoupled with respect to effects on permeabilities and selectivity. Crosslinking at 295 °C with 1,4-butylene glycol and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol increases CO₂ permeabilities by factors of 4.1 and 2.4, respectively, at 20 atm feed pressure, without a loss in selectivity, relative to crosslinking at 220 °C. Thermal annealing and crosslinking also reduce CO₂ plasticization effects. Crosslinking of DABA-containing copolymers, therefore, can produce membranes with tunable transport properties that offer significantly higher performance with better plasticization-resistance than that reported in the literature for the commercial polymers Matrimid^® and cellulose acetate for CO₂ removal from natural gas mixtures. Separation of complex mixtures containing CO₂, CH₄, C₂H₆, C₃H₈, and C₄H₁₀ or toluene results in a significant decrease of the CO₂ permeability, but only a moderate decrease in the CO₂/CH₄ selectivity.     

A cobalt-free electrode material La0.5Sr0.5Fe0.8Cu0.2O3 − δ for symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells

Cobalt-free perovskite oxide La_0.5Sr_0.5Fe_0.8Cu_0.2O_3 − δ (LSFC) was applied as both anode and cathode for symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells (SSOFCs). The LSFC shows a reversible transition between a cubic perovskite phase in air and a mixture of SrFeLaO₄, a K₂NiF₄-type layered perovskite oxide, metallic Cu and LaFeO₃ in reducing atmosphere at elevated temperature. The average thermal expansion coefficient of LSFC in air is 17.7 × 10^− 6 K^− 1 at 25 °C to 900 °C. By adopting LSFC as initial electrodes to fabricate electrolyte supported SSOFCs, the cells generate maximum power output of 1054, 795 and 577 mW cm^− 2 with humidified H₂ fuel (~ 3% H₂O) and 895, 721 and 482 mW cm^− 2 with humidified syngas fuel (H₂:CO = 1:1) at 900, 850 and 800 °C, respectively. Moreover, the cell with humidified H₂ fuel demonstrates a reasonable stability at 800 °C under 0.7 V for 100 h.     

The dimeric unit [La(H2O)4(m-PO3C6H4COOH)(m-PO2(OH)C6H4COOH)(m-PO(OH)2C6H4COOH)]2 as building block of layered hybrid material

A new hybrid organic–inorganic material with the structural formula unit [La(H₂O)₄(m-PO₃C₆H₄COOH)(m-PO₂(OH)C₆H₄COOH)(m-PO(OH)₂C₆H₄COOH)]₂ (or [La(H₂O)₄C₂₁H₁₈O₁₅P₃]₂) has been synthesized under hydrothermal condition from La(NO₃)₃·6H₂O and 3-phosphonobenzoic acid (m-PO(OH)₂–C₆H₄–COOH) which is a rigid organic precursor possessing two types of functional groups: phosphonic acid and carboxylic acid. The two units of the produced hybrid are linked together by hydrogen bonds leading to a layered framework composing of by a repetition of inorganic and organic slices. The organic layers consist of dimeric units made of two meta-phosphono-benzoic acid linked together by hydrogen bonds involving their COOH groups. Two kinds of dimeric units are observed: PO₃C₆H₄COOH?HOOCC₆H₄PO(OH)₂, present 2 times in the structure, and PO₂(OH)C6H4COOH?HOOCC₆H₄PO₂(OH). The material crystallises in a monoclinic cell (C2/c (15) space group) with the following parameters: a = 42.515(4) Å, b = 7.4378(6) Å, c = 20.307(2) Å, β = 118.031(6)°, V = 5668.2(9) Å³, Z = 4, density = 1.908 g/cm³.