Synthesis,characterization, and application of monodisperse gelatin-stabilized silver nanospheres in reduction of aromatic nitro compounds

Monodisperse colloidal silver nanospheres were synthesized by the reaction of silver nitrate, hydroxylammonium hydrosulphate (NH₂OH)₂ · H₂SO₄ and sodium hydroxide in the presence of gelatin as stabilizer. Colloidal nanospheres were characterized by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and dynamic light scattering. X-ray diffraction data confirmed that the silver nanospheres were crystalline with face-centered-cubic structure. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the formation of homogeneously distributed silver nanoparticles of spherical morphology and size of the nanoparticles was in the range of 0.7–5.2 nm. Silver nanospheres were stable for more than two months when stored at ambient temperature. Size and size distribution were studied by varying pH, reaction temperature, silver ion concentration in feed solution, concentration of reducing agent and concentration of the stabilizing agent. Catalytic activity of silver nanospheres was tested for the reduction reaction of nitro compounds in sodium borohydride solution. Monodisperse silver nanospheres showed excellent catalytic activity towards the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds. The reduction rate of aromatic nitro compounds had been observed to follow the sequence 4-nitrophenol > 2-nitrophenol > 3-nitrophenol.     

Facile preparation of BiVO4 thin film by screen-printing technique for its photocatalytic performance in the degradation of tetracycline under simulated sunlight irradiation

BiVO₄ films were prepared by a screen-printing technique on Corning glass substrate. The material employed to prepare the films was synthetized by the hydrothermal method. For comparative purposes, the BiVO₄ was synthesized via solid state reaction and deposited in film form by the same technique. From the X-ray diffraction structural characterization it has been stated that BiVO₄ films crystallized in the monoclinic structure. The characterization of BiVO₄ films was complemented with scanning electron microscopy, which revealed a morphology of irregular form and dendritic type depending on the starting material. The thickness of the BiVO₄ films were determined by profilometry. The film obtained from the hydrothermal method showed minor photoluminescence, i.e., the sample showed low recombination of electron–hole pairs. The highest photocatalytic activity in the degradation of tetracycline (TC) was presented for the BiVO₄ films obtained from hydrothermal powders under simulated sunlight irradiation; attributed mainly to the surface area value, smaller particle size and lower recombination of electron–hole pairs. Mineralization degree of TC by BiVO₄ films was determined by the total organic carbon analysis, reaching 50% after 24 h of irradiation. The main oxidizing species that was most influenced in the degradation of TC was the hydroxyl radical (OH^·).

     

Layered compounds based on perforated graphene

A method to obtain previously unknown layered structure composed of stacks of perforated graphene sheets is developed. The method consists in the thermal decomposition of graphite oxide in the concentrated H₂SO₄ and H₃PO₄ medium. In order to confirm the presence of holes in graphene layers, a large set of chemical and physicochemical analysis methods are applied. Based on a new matrix, treated thermally and chemically, layered compounds are obtained: oxide, fluoride, and fluoroxide of two types. The obtained compounds are analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction.     

Unmodified Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanostructure promoted with external magnetic field: safe,magnetically recoverable,and efficient nanocatalyst for N- and C-alkylation reactions in green conditions

Transition metal compounds have emerged as suitable catalysts for organic reactions. Magnetic compounds as soft Lewis acids can be used as catalysts for organic reactions. In this report, the Fe₃O₄ nanostructures were obtained from Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺-salts, under an external magnetic field (EMF) without any protective agent. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy tools were used to characterize these magnetic compounds. The two-dimensional (2-D, it showed nanometric size in the two dimensions, nanorod structure) Fe₃O₄ compound showed high catalytic activity and stability in N- and C-alkylation reactions. A diverse range of N- and C-alkylation products were obtained in moderate to high yield under green and mild conditions in air. Also the N- and C-alkylation products can be obtained with different selectivity and yield by exposure reactions with EMF. Results of alkylation reactions showed that the presence of Fe(II) and Fe(III) species on the surface of magnetic catalysts (phase structure of magnetic compounds) are essential as very cheap active sites. Also, morphology of magnetic catalysts had influence on their catalytic performances. After the reaction, the catalyst/product(s) separation could be easily achieved with an external magnet and more than 95% of catalyst could be recovered. The catalyst was reused at least four times without any loss of its high catalytic activity for N- and C-alkylation reactions.     

A thermal study of hydrated lanthanide heptafluorobutyrates

Several hydrated lanthanide salts of heptafluorobutyric acid have been prepared and characterized.Hydration studies have shown the compounds to exist in various hydration states across the series. Powder X-ray diffraction studies support the existence of variable hydration states in that three distinct crystalline forms exist. Infrared analysis revealed two types of structures to be present. Upon dehydration of the lighter rare earth hydrates to intermediate dihydrates, all of the compounds showed similar structures. Decomposition was found to be exothermic. The volatile decomposition products were identified by infrared analysis and found to consist of CO, CO₂, CF₃CF₂COF and CF₃CF₂CF₂COF. The amounts of each gas were found to be dependent on the decomposition temperature. The non-volatile decomposition products were identified by powder X-ray diffraction and found to consist of LnF₃, LnOF and Ln₂O₃.     

Green synthesis of Fe3O4/ZnO magnetic core-shell nanoparticles by Petasites hybridus rhizome water extract and their application for the synthesis of pyran derivatives: Investigation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity

In this research, Fe₃O₄/ZnO magnetic core-shell nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄/ZnO MCNPs) were synthesized through a green method using Petasites hybridus rhizome water extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The morphology and size of the Fe₃O₄/ZnO MCNPs was identified by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The catalytic activity of the Fe₃O₄/ZnO MCNPs was evaluated in the efficient and green preparation of pyran derivatives in excellent yield using three-component reactions of dimedone, aldehydes, and malononitrile in ethanol at room temperature. The ability of some synthesized compounds to scavenge the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical was measured and the results proved this observation. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of some synthesized compounds was proved by employing the disk diffusion test on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results for the disk diffusion test showed that compounds ( 4c, 4d, 4f and 4g ) prevented bacterial growth.     

Effect of hydrothermal treatment on the composition and structure of Pt(IV) hydroxo complexes as model precursors of the active component in Pt/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalysts

The influence of hydrothermal treatment conditions (temperature, duration, acidity of the medium) on the structural and chemical transformations of the complex H₂[Pt(OH)₆] was studied. The composition and structure of the resulting compounds were determined by several physicochemical methods. Thermal analysis coupled with mass spectrometry showed that, as the hydrothermal treatment temperature is raised from 25 to 120 and 150°C, the product composition in terms of empirical formulas changes as follows: PtO₂ · 4H₂O → PtO₂ · 3.5H₂O → PtO₂ · 1.5H₂O. X-ray diffraction and UV and IR spectroscopy demonstrated that the changes in the chemical composition are accompanied by the amorphization of the structure and Pt-O bond strengthening. X-ray structure determination using the radial electron density distribution method showed that polynuclear species ～10–15 Å in size with a structure similar to that of orthorhombic PtO₂ form in the complexes subjected to “hard” hydrothermal treatment (T ≥ 150°C).     

X-ray,SEM, and DSC studies of ferroelectric Pb<Subscript>1−<Emphasis Type="Italic">X</Emphasis></Subscript>Ba<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">X</Emphasis></Subscript>TiO<Subscript>3</Subscript> ceramics

The polycrystalline ferroelectric compounds of general formula Pb_1−X Ba _X TiO₃ with X = 0.00, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 were prepared by high temperature solid-state reaction technique using high purity oxides and carbonates. The compounds formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and all the X-ray peaks were indexed with tetragonal structure of space group P4mm. Morphology and particle size of the compounds were obtained using scanning electron microscopy. Ferroelectric phase transition, enthalpy change, and specific heat of the compounds were obtained using modulated differential scanning calorimetry. It was observed that the phase transition temperature decreased linearly with the increase of substitution concentration.     

Structure-based 3D QSAR and design of novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

The paper describes the construction, validation and application of a structure-based 3D QSAR model of novel acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. Initial use was made of four X-ray structures of AChE complexed with small, non-specific inhibitors to create a model of the binding of recently developed aminopyridazine derivatives. Combined automated and manual docking methods were applied to dock the co-crystallized inhibitors into the binding pocket. Validation of the modelling process was achieved by comparing the predicted enzyme-bound conformation with the known conformation in the X-ray structure. The successful prediction of the binding conformation of the known inhibitors gave confidence that we could use our model to evaluate the binding conformation of the aminopyridazine compounds. The alignment of 42 aminopyridazine compounds derived by the docking procedure was taken as the basis for a 3D QSAR analysis applying the GRID/GOLPE method. A model of high quality was obtained using the GRID water probe, as confirmed by the cross-validation method (q² _LOO=0.937, q² _{L50% O}=0.910). The validated model, together with the information obtained from the calculated AChE-inhibitor complexes, were considered for the design of novel compounds. Seven designed inhibitors which were synthesized and tested were shown to be highly active. After performing our modelling study the X-ray structure of AChE complexed with donepezil, an inhibitor structurally related to the developed aminopyirdazines, has been made available. The good agreement found between the predicted binding conformation of the aminopyridazines and the one observed for donepezil in the crystal structure further supports our developed model.     

The synthesis,X-ray crystal structure and optical properties of novel 1,3,5-triaryl pyrazoline derivatives

A series of novel 1,3,5-triaryl pyrazoline derivatives has been synthesized by the reaction of chalcone and 3-chloro-6-hydrazinylpyridazine in 47–82% yields. The structures of compounds obtained were determined by IR, ¹H NMR and HRMS spectra. Representatively, the spatial structure of compound 3d was determined by using X-ray diffraction analysis. Absorption and fluorescence spectral characteristics of the compounds were investigated in CHCl₃ by UV–vis absorption and emission spectra. The results showed that the absorption maxima of the compounds vary from 332 to 342 nm depending on the group bonded to benzene rings. The maximum emission spectra of compounds in CHCl₃ are dependent on groups in benzene ring in which a strong electron-donating group in benzene ring such as methoxyl group on C3 position of pyrazoline made the emission wavelength of 3e, 3f and 3g red shifted than that of compounds 3b, 3c and 3d with chlorine group. The intensity of absorption and fluorescence was also correlated with substituent on two aryl rings. In addition, the absorption spectra of these compounds change very little with increasing solvent polarity.     

Evaluation of the electrochemical capacity of spinel Li1.0348Mn1.9152Fe0.0494O4 compound from combined X-ray diffraction and particle size distribution measurements

A cathode material of the form Li_1.0348Mn_1.9152Fe_0.0494O₄ was prepared by a sol-gel method for lithium ion batteries. The synthesized material was found to have a pure cubic spinel structure of \( Fd\overline{3}m \) space group. The compound electrochemical capacity was estimated with high accuracy from a combined particle size distribution and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements based on considerations of particles sizes, crystal structure, and Li contribution from well-defined unit cells in the compound particles. It was possible to estimate the thickness of the most delithiated region near the particle surfaces at any delithiation depth using a direct and nondestructive procedure. Results showed that most of the attainable capacity in the conventional voltage range originates from the surface region rather than the core of the compound particles. The present analysis is believed to be of some value for estimation of the failure mechanism in cathode compounds, thus assisting the development of Li ion batteries.     

Low temperature nanostructured lithium titanates: controlling the phase composition, crystal structure and surface area

Low temperature lithium titanate compounds (i.e., Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ and Li₂TiO₃) with nanocrystalline and mesoporous structure were prepared by a straightforward aqueous particulate sol–gel route. The effect of Li:Ti molar ratio was studied on crystallisation behaviour of lithium titanates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the powders were crystallised at the low temperature of 500 °C and the short annealing time of 1 h. Moreover, it was found that Li:Ti molar ratio and annealing temperature influence the preferable orientation growth of the lithium titanate compounds. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed that the average crystallite size of the powders annealed at 400 °C was in the range 2–4 nm and a gradual increase occurred up to 10 nm by heat treatment at 800 °C. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) analysis revealed that the deposited thin films had mesoporous and nanocrystalline structure with the average grain size of 21–28 nm at 600 °C and 49–62 nm at 800 °C depending upon the Li:Ti molar ratio. Moreover, atomic force microscope (AFM) images confirmed that the lithium titanate films had columnar like morphology at 600 °C, whereas they showed hill-valley like morphology at 800 °C. Based on Brunauer–Emmett–Taylor (BET) analysis, the synthesized powders showed mesoporous structure containing pores with needle and plate shapes. The surface area of the powders was enhanced by increasing Li:Ti molar ratio and reached as high as 77 m²/g for the ratio of Li:Ti = 75:25 at 500 °C. This is one of the smallest crystallite size and the highest surface areas reported in the literature, and the materials could be used in many applications such as rechargeable lithium batteries and tritium breeding materials.     

Synthesis,characterization, crystal structure,catalytic activity in oxidative bromination,and thermal study of a new oxidovanadium Schiff base complex containing O,N-bidentate Schiff base ligand

A new oxidovanadium(IV) Schiff base complex, VOL₂ (1), HL = 2-{(E)-[2- (bromoethyl)imino]methyl}-6-methoxy phenol, containing ethyl bromide pendant group was synthesized by direct reaction of HL and VO(acac)₂ in the ratio of 2 : 1 in methanol at reflux. The Schiff base ligand and its vanadyl complex were characterized by FT-IR spectra and CHN analysis. Additionally, the Schiff base ligand has been characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of 1 was also determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis, showing the distorted square-pyramidal N₂O₃ coordination around vanadium(IV). The catalytic activity of 1 was studied in the oxidative bromination of 2-nitrophenol as a model substrate, and different reaction parameters were investigated. The oxidative bromination of some organic compounds in the presence of 1 in optimal conditions showed that it was an effective and selective catalyst in those optimal conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis of 1 showed that it decomposed in two stages. 1 was thermally decomposed in air at 660 °C, and the XRD pattern of the obtained solid showed the formation of the V₂O₅ nanoparticles with average size of 34 nm .     

New intermetallic compounds in the Ce–Pt system

The Ce-rich part of Ce–Pt phase diagram has been investigated by means of differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical and electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Two new intermediate phases, Ce₅Pt₃ and Ce₅Pt₄, have been discovered and found to crystallize with tetragonal Pu₅Pd₃-type structure and orthorhombic Ge₄Sm₅-type structure, respectively. All the Ce-rich compounds of the system were found to crystallize with a peritectic type formation. We have determined the temperatures of the peritectic plateaus and established the liquidus curves up to 1500 °C.     

X射线吸收谱研究碳纳米管内Rh-Mn纳米粒子结构的变化

利用X射线吸收谱技术研究了负载于多壁碳纳米管内的Rh-Mn纳米粒子在不同气氛和温度下的结构. 结果表明,Rh-Mn粒子在空气中是由氧化铑团簇和混合锰氧化物组成. 经过氢气在300 ℃下还原后,混合锰氧化物种转化成MnO. 而氧化铑团簇在He气氛下当温度达到250 ℃时就会发生分解而形成金属铑团簇. 对形成的铑团簇用H₂或CO进行热处理,发现其分散性随温度升高而提高; 同时,X射线吸收谱实验没有观察到Mn和Rh之间存在显著的相互作用,助剂Mn的主要作用是提高了Rh的分散性.     

[Mo12O40P][C44H38P2][CoC10H10] * 3(C3H7NO): A quasi-ternary intercluster compound

Binary intercluster compounds (IC) can be reduced to basic structure types of ionic solids. We examined the validity of this concept for ternary compounds, on the example of a quasi-ternary intercluster compound made from a Keggin anion ([PMo₁₂O₄₀]^3?), an organic cation (o-xylylenebis(triphenylphosphonium)), and a complex (cobaltocenium). The new compound and its two related quasi-binary IC were investigated by X-ray diffractometry, examined for intermolecular interactions such as hydrogen-bonding, π–, or van der Waals-interactions, and evaluated for possible reductions to basic structure types.     

P-chiral phosphinoselenoic chlorides and phosphinochalcogenoselenoic acid esters: synthesis, characterization, and conformational studies

P-Chiral alkyl or aryl phenylphosphinoselenoic chlorides were obtained by reacting PhPCl(2) with Grignard reagents and elemental selenium. P-Chiral dialkyl chlorides were also obtained by treating PCl(3) with two different Grignard reagents and elemental selenium. The structure of the chloride was determined by X-ray molecular structure analysis. P-Chiral phosphinochalcogenoselenoic acid esters bearing a P=Se double bond were synthesized by treating the chlorides with alkali metal alkoxide and chalcogenolates, whereas those bearing a P-Se single bond were obtained by sequential treatment of the chlorides with sodium hydroxide, sulfide or selenide, and alkyl iodides. X-ray molecular structure analyses of esters showed that they adopted gauche conformations. The computational results supported the observed conformational preference. Natural bond orbital analyses of the model compounds showed that two types of nonbonding orbital interactions, n(E') -->sigma*(P=E') and n(E) --> sigma*(P-E'), are important in these compounds. Linear correlations were observed between the experimental (77)Se NMR chemical shifts or the coupling constants of P-Se bonds in the esters and the calculated P-Se bond lengths of the model compounds.     

Synthesis,properties and crystal structure of a novel organic–inorganic hybrid constructed from tungstophosphoric acid and benzotriazole

A novel compound, (C₆H₅N₃)₈[PW₁₂O₄₀]·2H₂O, was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, i.r., ¹H-n.m.r., u.v., c.v. and single crystal X-ray diffraction. An X-ray crystallographic study showed that the crystal was constructed by electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonds between tungstophosphoric acid and the benzotriazole cation. The benzotriazole and water molecules are arranged in good order to form a large hole in the structure, the polyoxometalates occupying the cavities. The catalytic behavior of the title compound in the context of oxidation of benzaldehyde to benzoic acid, using H₂O₂ as oxidant in a liquid–solid biphase system, was investigated.     

Preparation and magnetic properties of RFeO<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanocrystalline powders

The rare-earth orthoferrites RFeO₃ (R, rare-earth element) crystallize in an orthorhombic distorted perovskite structure. RFeO₃ compounds exhibit interesting physical and chemical properties because of their ionic and electronic defects. Polycrystalline nano-sized RFeO₃ powders were synthesized by the sol–gel combustion method. X-ray powder diffraction indicated that nanocrystalline powders were single ReFeO3 phase, which are agglomerated with average crystallite size of 60–90 nm estimated with the Scherrer’s equation. Magnetic measurements were carried out using a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer. The influence on hysteresis curve of electronic structure of rare-earth element was investigated for R = Y, La and Nd. Varied magnetic behaviors were observed in these compounds, which are believed to be associated with the different interactions of Fe and rare earths.     

Ordering of metal atoms in the SnTe-Bi2Te3 system

In compounds belonging to the SnTe-Bi₂Te₃ system the close-packed anionic sublattice forms both regular and distorted octahedral cavities acting as cation sites. On the basis of X-ray analysis a statistical distribution of Sn and Bi atoms in both types of cation site has been proposed. However, the results of a Mössbauer investigation indicate that there is in fact an ordered distribution of Sn atoms into regular octahedral sites.