Compound clusters of heavy post-transition elements

Neutral binary clusters of Pb-As, Pb-Se, Pb-Te, Bi-In and Bi-Te are generated by inert gas condensation in a double oven source and probed by electron impact. Cluster ions corresponding to the Zintl polyanions Pb ₅ ^2? and Pb ₉ ^4? with respect to atom and valence electron number, are strongly enriched by electron induced dissociation ((Pb₂As₃)⁺, (Bi₄In)⁺, (Pb₄As₅)⁺, (Bi₇In₂)⁺). For the corresponding systems, no other compound cluster ions are enriched in a comparable manner. Enhanced stability is found for (Pb_n?1As)⁺ (n=7, 10, 13) and (Bi₃Te)⁺, which are isoelectronic with neutral ‘magic’ Pb_n clusters and the very stable Bi₄ molecule, respectively.     

Vacuum Ultraviolet Excited Photoluminescence Properties of Y2O2S：Eu^3＋,Bi^3＋ Phosphor

As an Hg-free lamp using phosphor, the Bi^3＋ and EH^3＋ co-doped Y2O2S phosphors were prepared and their luminescence properties under vacuum ultraviolet（VUV） excitation were investigated. The VUV photoluminescent intensity of Y2O2S：Eu^3＋ was weak, however, considerably stronger red emission at 626 nm with good color purity was observed in Y2O2S：Eu^3＋,Bi^3＋ systems. Investigation on the photoluminescence reveals that the strong VUV luminescence of Y2O2S：Eu^3＋,Bi^3＋ at 147 nm is mainly because the Bi^3＋ acts as a medium and effectively performs the energy transfer process： Y^3＋-O^2-→Bi^3＋→Eu^3＋, while the intense emission band at 172 nm is attributed to the absorption of the characteristic ^1So-^1P1 transition of Bi^3＋ and the direct energy transfer from Bi^3＋ to Eu^3＋. The Y2O2S：Eu^3＋,Bi^3＋ shows excellent VUV optical properties compared with the commercial （Y,Gd）BO3：Eu^3＋. Thus, the Y2O2S：Eu^3＋,Bi^3＋ can be a potential red VUV-excited candidate applied in Hg-free lamps for backlight of liquid crystal display.     

The properties of clusters in the gas phase: ammonia about Bi+, Rb+, and K+

Thermodynamic data are reported for NH₃ clustered about Bi⁺, Rb⁺, and K⁺ in the gas phase. Unusually strong bondings of NH₃ to Bi⁺ suggests the probable importance of partial covalent bonding in stabilizing the first ligand cluster. Differences in relative bond strengths for NH₃ and H₂O about Rb⁺ andK⁺ are consistent with the results of extended Hückel calculations reported herein.     

Synthesis and structure determination of seven ternary bismuthides: crystal chemistry of the RELi3Bi2 family (RE = La–Nd,Sm, Gd,and Tb)

Zintl phases are renowned for their diverse crystal structures with rich structural chemistry and have recently exhibited some remarkable heat‐ and charge‐transport properties. The ternary bismuthides RELi₃Bi₂ (RE = La–Nd, Sm, Gd, and Tb) (namely, lanthanum trilithium dibismuthide, LaLi₃Bi₂, cerium trilithium dibismuthide, CeLi₃Bi₂, praseodymium trilithium dibismuthide, PrLi₃Bi₂, neodymium trilithium dibismuthide, NdLi₃Bi₂, samarium trilithium dibismuthide, SmLi₃Bi₂, gadolinium trilithium dibismuthide, GdLi₃Bi₂, and terbium trilithium dibismuthide, TbLi₃Bi₂) were synthesized by high‐temperature reactions of the elements in sealed Nb ampoules. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that all seven compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the LaLi₃Sb₂ type structure in the trigonal space group Pm1 (Pearson symbol hP6). The unit‐cell volumes decrease monotonically on moving from the La to the Tb compound, owing to the lanthanide contraction. The structure features a rare‐earth metal atom and one Li atom in a nearly perfect octahedral coordination by six Bi atoms. The second crystallographically unique Li atom is surrounded by four Bi atoms in a slightly distorted tetrahedral geometry. The atomic arrangements are best described as layered structures consisting of two‐dimensional layers of fused LiBi₄ tetrahedra and LiBi₆ octahedra, separated by rare‐earth metal cations. As such, these compounds are expected to be valance‐precise semiconductors, whose formulae can be represented as (RE³⁺)(Li¹⁺)₃(Bi³⁻)₂.     

Bismut(II)-chalkogenometallate(III) Bi2M4X8, Verbindungen mit Bi24+-Hanteln (M = Al,Ga; X = S,Se)

Bismuth(II) Chalcogenometallates(III) Bi₂M₄X₈, Compounds with Bi₂⁴⁺ Dumbbells (M = Al, Ga and X = S, Se) The ternary bismuth(II) chalcogenometallates(III) Bi₂M₄X₈ (with M = Al, Ga and X = S, Se) were synthesized from the binary chalcogenides M₂X₃ and Bi₂X₃ and elementary bismuth. All compounds are diamagnetic semiconductors with E_g (opt.) = 1.8–2.7 eV. The phases (except Bi₂Al₄Se₈) are thermodynamically stable and decompose peritectically above 965–1020 K. Bi₂Al₄Se₈ is metastable below 825 K and is obtained only by rapid quenching from T > 825 K. The isotypic compounds crystallize in a new tetragonal tP28 structure type (P4/nnc). The characteristic unit is the hitherto unknown clustercation Bi₂⁴⁺, with the mean bond length d(Bi–Bi) = 314.2 pm, the Raman frequency 102 cm^–1 ≤ ν_s ≤ 108 cm^–1, and the mean force constant of f = 0.68 N · cm^–1. The Electron Localization Function, ELF, shows the covalent Bi–Bi bond, the lone electron pairs of the ψ-octahedrally coordinated Bi(II) cations, and the polar character of the Bi–X bonds.     

High sensitivity and multicolor tunable optical thermometry in Bi3+/Eu3+ co-doped Ca2Sb2O7 phosphors

Currently, with increasing demand for non-contact fluorescence intensity ratio-based optical thermometry, a novel phosphor with high-efficiency, dual-emitting centers, and differentiable temperature sensitivity is more and more urgent to develop. In this work, an efficient dual-emitting center optical thermometry with high sensitivity and multicolor tunable in Ca₂Sb₂O₇:Bi³⁺, Eu³⁺ phosphor is firstly designed and successfully prepared. Under 330 nm excitation, the fabricated phosphor presents the featured and distinguishable emissions of Bi³⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions. The high efficiency energy transfer from Bi³⁺ to Eu³⁺ ions is proved and its corresponding mechanism belongs to dipole-dipole interaction. By modulating the ratio of Bi³⁺/Eu³⁺, the multicolor changes from blue to pink are realized. Based on the discriminative thermal quenching behavior between Bi³⁺ and Eu³⁺, the fluorescence intensity ratio of Eu³⁺ to Bi³⁺ in Ca₂Sb₂O₇ samples illustrates excellent optical thermometry performance from 298 to 523 K. The maximum absolute sensitivity (S_a) and relative sensitivity (S_r) reach as high as 0.2773 K^?1 at 523 K and 2.37% K^?1 at 448 K, respectively. Notably, the discriminated surrounding temperature can be directly confirmed by observing the emitting color from purple to orange-red with the temperature increase from 298 to 523 K. Furthermore, the as-prepared phosphor materials also demonstrate outstanding repeatability and excellent reversibility. These results exhibit that the designed Ca₂Sb₂O₇:Bi³⁺, Eu³⁺ phosphors have great promising applications in the field of non-contact optical temperature thermometry and thermochromic.     

Transition metal incorporated,modified bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nano photo catalyst for deterioration of rosaniline hydrochloride dye as resource for environmental rehabilitation

The work presented here deals with the fabrication of bare Bi₂O₃ and modified Bi₂O₃ photocatalyst. The Bi₂O₃ material was modified with selected transition metals Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ with the 1% and 3% atomic weight percent insitu doping method via co-precipitation strategy. These three catalysts were successfully utilized for the waste water purification via photocatalytic degradation route. These all fabricated materials were precisely characterized by characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, IR and UV-DRS. The characterization techniques reveal the successful synthesis of material and effective modification of bismuth oxide lattice. Since, surface area for modified Bi₂O₃ was found to be enhanced in comparison to the bare Bi₂O_3, as well as declined band gap energy for modified Bi₂O₃ clearly indicates the successful doping of Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ metals. The bare Bi₂O₃ and modified Bi₂O₃ catalyst were employed for photocatalytic degradation of cationic dye R-HCl dye. The modified Bi₂O₃ found to be excellent over degradation efficiency of R-HCl with almost 97% of dye degradation in comparison to the bare Bi₂O_3. Reactive oxygen species experiment demonstrate that the addition of isopropyl alcohol (IPA), benzoquinone (BQ) and EDTA found to be successful to quench ^.OH, O₂^.- and h⁺ in photocatalysis mechanism. Additionally, the modified Bi₂O₃ was employed for phenol molecule degradation to investigate the possible excitation of this molecule under visible light irradiation.     

Heat capacity, enthalpy and entropy of ternary bismuth tantalum oxides

Heat capacity and enthalpy increments of ternary bismuth tantalum oxides Bi₄Ta₂O₁₁, Bi₇Ta₃O₁₈ and Bi₃TaO₇ were measured by the relaxation time method (2-280 K), DSC (265-353 K) and drop calorimetry (622-1322 K). Temperature dependencies of the molar heat capacity in the form C_pm=445.8+0.005451T−7.489×10⁶/T² J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹, C_pm=699.0+0.05276T−9.956×10⁶/T² J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ and C_pm=251.6+0.06705T−3.237×10⁶/T² J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ for Bi₃TaO₇, Bi₄Ta₂O₁₁ and for Bi₇Ta₃O₁₈, respectively, were derived by the least-squares method from the experimental data. The molar entropies at 298.15 K, S°_m(298.15 K)=449.6±2.3 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ for Bi₄Ta₂O₁₁, S°_m(298.15 K)=743.0±3.8 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ for Bi₇Ta₃O₁₈ and S°_m(298.15 K)=304.3±1.6 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ for Bi₃TaO₇, were evaluated from the low-temperature heat capacity measurements.     

Syntheses, structures, optical properties, and theoretical calculations of Cs2Bi2ZnS5, Cs2Bi2CdS5, and Cs2Bi2MnS5

Three new compounds, Cs₂Bi₂ZnS₅, Cs₂Bi₂CdS₅, and Cs₂Bi₂MnS₅, have been synthesized from the respective elements and a reactive flux Cs₂S₃ at 973 K. The compounds are isostructural and crystallize in a new structure type in space group Pnma of the orthorhombic system with four formula units in cells of dimensions at 153 K of a=15.763(3), b=4.0965(9), c=18.197(4) Å, V=1175.0(4) Å³ for Cs₂Bi₂ZnS₅; a=15.817(2), b=4.1782(6), c=18.473(3)  Å, V=1220.8(3)  ų for Cs₂Bi₂CdS₅; and a=15.830(2), b=4.1515(5), c=18.372(2) Å, V=1207.4(2) Å³ for Cs₂Bi₂MnS₅. The structure is composed of two-dimensional _∞²[Bi₂MS₅²⁻] (M=Zn, Cd, Mn) layers that stack perpendicular to the [100] axis and are separated by Cs⁺ cations. The layers consist of edge-sharing _∞¹[Bi₂S₆⁶⁻] and _∞¹[MS₃⁴⁻] chains built from BiS₆ octahedral and MS₄ tetrahedral units. Two crystallographically unique Cs atoms are coordinated to S atoms in octahedral and monocapped trigonal prismatic environments. The structure of Cs₂Bi₂MS₅, is related to that of Na₂ZrCu₂S₄ and those of the AMM′Q₃ materials (A=alkali metal, M=rare-earth or Group 4 element, M′= Group 11 or 12 element, Q=chalcogen). First-principles theoretical calculations indicate that Cs₂Bi₂ZnS₅ and Cs₂Bi₂CdS₅ are semiconductors with indirect band gaps of 1.85 and 1.75 eV, respectively. The experimental band gap for Cs₂Bi₂CdS₅ is ≈1.7 eV, as derived from its optical absorption spectrum.     

Crystal chemistry and crystallography of the Aurivillius phase Bi5AgNb4O18

Bi₅AgNb₄O₁₈ is a new phase, which was discovered during the phase equilibrium study of the Bi₂O₃-Ag₂O-Nb₂O₅ system. Bi₅AgNb₄O₁₈ was prepared at 750°C and is stable in air up to its melting temperature of 1160.1±5.0°C (standard error of estimate). Results of a Rietveld refinement using neutron powder diffraction confirmed that Bi₅AgNb₄O₁₈ is isostructural with Bi₃TiNbO₉, Bi₅NaNb₄O₁₈, and Bi₅KNb₄O₁₈. The structure was refined in the orthorhombic space group A2₁am, Z=2, and the lattice parameters are a=5.4915(2) Å, b=5.4752(2) Å, c=24.9282(8) Å, and V=749.52(4) Å³. The structure can be described as the m=2 member of the Aurivillius family, (Bi₂O₂)²⁺ (A_m−1B_mO_3m+1)²⁻ (where A=Bi and B=Ag, Nb), which is characterized by perovskite-like (A_m−1B_mO_3m+1)²⁻ slabs regularly interleaved with (Bi₂O₂)²⁺ layers. The octahedral [NbO₆] units are distorted with Nb-O distances ranging from 1.856(4) to 2.161(2) Å and the O-Nb-O angles ranging from 82.6(3)° to 98.5(3)°. These octahedra are tilted about the a- and c-axis by about 10.3° and 12.4°, respectively. Ag was found to substitute exclusively into the Bi-site that is located in the layer between the two distorted [NbO₆] units. Although the Ag substitutes into the Bi-site with the Bi:Ag ratio of 1:1, the existence of a superlattice was not detected using electron diffraction. A comparison of (Bi₂O₂)²⁺(A_m−1Nb_mO_3m+1)²⁻ structures (where A=Ag, Na, and K) revealed a relation between the pervoskite tolerance factor, t, and structural distortion. The reference pattern for Bi₅AgNb₄O₁₈ has been submitted to the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File.     

Physicochemical properties and mixed electronic and ionic conduction of composite ceramics in the system ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>CuO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Composites ZrO₂-(Bi₂CuO₄+ 20 wt % Bi₂O₃) (50–80 vol % ZrO₂) are synthesized and their physicochemical properties are studied. It is demonstrated that the composites comprise triple-phase mixtures of ZrO₂ of a monoclinic modification, Bi₂CuO₄, and solid solution Bi_2?x Zr _x O_{3 + x/2} and retain their mechanical strength up to 800°C. Impedance spectroscopy is used to examine their electroconductivity at 700–800°C in the interval of partial oxygen pressures extending from 37 to 2.1 × 10⁴ Pa. Contributions made by electronic and ionic constituents to their overall conductivity are evaluated. The best specimens’ conductivity is ～0.01 S cm^?1, with the electronic and ionic transport numbers nearly equal. The composite consisting of 50 vol % ZrO₂ and 50 vol % (Bi₂CuO₄ + 20 wt % Bi₂CuO₄) is tested in the role of an oxygen-separating membrane. The selective flux of oxygen in the temperature interval 750–800°C amounts to (2.2–6.3) × 10^?8 mol cm^?2 s^?1, testifying that these materials may be used as gas-separating membranes.     

Significant enhancement of luminescence intensity of CaTiO3:Eu3+ red phosphor prepared by sol–gel method and co-doped with Bi3+ and Mg2+

In this study, red phosphors Ca_1?n Mg _n TiO₃:Eu³⁺,Bi³⁺ were prepared by the sol?Cgel method and the impact of single dopant, co-dopants and solid solutions on the photoluminescence of the samples has been also investigated. Our results show that the crystal structure of the host does not have distinct changes when doped with Eu³⁺, Bi³⁺ and/or Mg²⁺. The emission intensity at 615?nm of Eu³⁺ increased at the presence of Bi³⁺ ions owing to the energy transfer from Bi³⁺ ion to Eu³⁺ ion. Moreover, with the addition of Mg²⁺, the red emission of the phosphor was further enhanced due to the stronger absorption at 399 and 467?nm, which match well with the emission of near-UV (395?C400?nm) and blue-LED (450?C470?nm), respectively. Under the near-UV (399?nm) or blue light (467?nm) excitation, the fluorescence quantum yield of the optimal composition Ca_0.9Mg_0.1TiO₃:0.18Eu³⁺,0.018Bi³⁺ is 0.36 and 0.41, respectively, which possesses the higher photoluminescence intensity than CaMoO₄:0.2Bi³⁺,0.05Eu³⁺ and the commercially available Y₂O₂S:Eu³⁺ phosphors under near-UV excitation. Based on these results, we are currently considering the potential application of Ca_0.9Mg_0.1TiO₃:Eu³⁺,Bi³⁺ as a near-UV or blue-chip convertible red-emitting phosphor.     

Synthese und Kristallstruktur von Bi2ErO4I

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Bi₂ErO₄I Bi₂ErO₄I was prepared by solid‐state reaction of stoichiometric mixture of BiOI, Bi₂O₃ and Er₂O₃. Bi₂ErO₄I is a new compound and the first bismuth rare earth oxide iodide. The crystal structure was determined by the Rietveldmethod (P4/mmm, a = 3,8896(6) Å, c = 9,554(2) Å, Z = 1). In this structure [M₃O₄]⁺‐layers are interleaved by single I^–‐layers. Er and Bi atoms of Bi₂ErO₄I are 8‐coordinated. The structure can be derived from the LiBi₃O₄Cl₂‐structure type.     

Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von (Ph4P)4[Bi8I28], (nBu4N)[Bi2I7] und (Et3PhN)2[Bi3I11] – Iodobismutate mit isolierten bzw. polymeren Anionen

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of (Ph₄P)₄[Bi₈I₂₈], (ⁿBu₄N)[Bi₂I₇], and (Et₃PhN)₂[Bi₃I₁₁] – Bismuth Iodo Complexes with Isolated and Polymeric Anions Solutions of BiI₃ in methanol react with NaI and (ⁿBu₄N)(PF₆) or (Et₃NPh)(PF₆) to form anionic bismuth iodo complexes (ⁿBu₄N)[Bi₂I₇] 1 and (Et₃PhN)₂[Bi₃I₁₁] 2 . In 1 Bi₄I₁₆ units, and in 2 Bi₆I₂₄ units are linked by common I-atoms to onedimensional infinite chains. Reaction of BiI₃ with (Ph₄P)(PF₆) in methanol yields (Ph₄P)₄[Bi₈I₂₈] 3 . The anions of 1–3 consist of edge-sharing BiI₆ octahedra. (ⁿBu₄N)[Bi₂I₇] 1 : Space group I2/m (No. 13), a = 1 082.3(5), b = 2 597.1(13), c = 1 206.1(6) pm, β = 93.17(2)°, V = 3 385(3) · 10⁶ pm³; (Et₃PhN)₂[Bi₃I₁₁] 2 : Space group P1 (No. 2), a = 1 283.5(6), b = 1 345.9(7), c = 1 546.3(8) pm, α = 83.87(2), β = 74.24(2), γ = 68.26(2)°, V = 2 388(2) · 10⁶ pm³; (Ph₄P)₄[Bi₈I₂₈] 3 : Space group P1 (No. 2), a = 1 329.3(4), b = 1 337.0(4), c = 2 193.1(5) pm, α = 104.20(2), β = 99.73(2), γ = 100.44(2)°, V = 3 622(2) · 10⁶ pm³.     

Structural studies of some body-centered cubic phases of mixed oxides involving Bi2O3: The structures of Bi25FeO40 and Bi38ZnO60

The structures of the compounds initially reported to be 7·Bi₂O₃·ZnO and 96·Bi₂O₃·4Fe₂O₃, have been determined by X ray methods. Three dimensional, absorption corrected diffractometer data were used and atomic parameters were refined by least-squares procedures. The structures are isomorphous, cubic witha = 10.194(3)and10.179(3)A?, respectively, and space group I23. Each Bi³⁺ ion is surrounded by five oxygen atoms that form an incomplete octahedral arrangement with BiO distances ranging from 2.07–2.60A?. The6s²inert electron pair completes the octahedron. The Bi³⁺ ions are vibrating anisotropically. Tetrahedral sites in the structures contain 61 and 46 electrons, respectively. These values are consistent with a statistical distribution of Zn²⁺ and Bi⁵⁺ ions or Fe³⁺ and Bi⁵⁺ ions on these sites. Molar ratios are derived that agree with the observed distributions of electron density and give rise to perfectly stoichiometric systems, devoid of cationic or anionic vacancies. The compositions studied correspond to Bi³⁺₂₄Bi⁵⁺Fe³⁺O₄₀ and Bi³⁺₃₆Bi⁵⁺₂ZnO₆₀ and they are optical enantiomorphs.It is proposed that a reduction in the percentage composition of Bi₂O₅ leads to metastable phases, in which all atomic positions remain fully occupied but some tetrahedral sites contain Bi³⁺ ions. The end product of the series is γ-Bi₂O₃ in which 50% of these sites contain Bi³⁺ and the remainder Bi⁵⁺ ions. We believe that γ-Bi₂O₃ is Bi³⁺₂₅Bi⁵⁺O₄₀.     

209Bi NQR in Mixed Oxides 2Bi2O3· B2O3, 3Bi2O3· 5B2O3, and Bi2O3· 3B2O3

It was earlier found from nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) measurements and computer modeling that -Bi₂O₃, Bi₃O₄Br and mixed oxides Bi₂O₃· 2Al₂O₃, Bi₂O₃· 2Ga₂O₃, Bi₂O₃· 3GeO₂, and 2Bi₂O₃· 3GeO₂exhibit local ordered magnetic fields from 30 to 200 G. It thus follows that these compounds are not diamagnets in a conventional sence of the word. With the aim of revealing previously unknown magnetic properties in bismuth(III) oxide-based Main Group element compounds, the mixed bismuth–boron oxides 2Bi₂O₃· B₂O₃, 3Bi₂O₃· 5B₂O₃, and Bi₂O₃· 3B₂O₃were prepared and studied using ²⁰⁹Bi NQR. The quadrupole interactions of the ²⁰⁹Bi nuclei and their electronic environment were studied, the crystallochemical features of the compounds were discussed, and the conformity of the ²⁰⁹Bi results to the X-ray structure data was verified. The preliminary tests in the field of a permanent magnet showed that the resonance intensities increase in external magnetic fields, indicating that a magnetism of unknown nature develops in the titled compounds. It was found reasonable to continue studies of the magnetic properties of these compounds using single-crystal ²⁰⁹Bi NQR in external magnetic fields.     

Bismuth Polyanions in Solution: Synthesis and Structural Characterization of (2, 2, 2‐crypt‐A)2Bi4 (A = K,Rb) and the Formation of the Laves Phases ABi2 (A = K,Rb, Cs) from Solution

The possibility to synthesize and isolate different types of bismuth polyanions by dissolving various intermetallic precursors (binary samples from A‐Bi or ternary samples from A‐A'‐Bi systems, A and A' = K, Rb, Cs) in ethylenediamine or dimethylform amide in the presence of sequestering agents (2, 2, 2‐crypt or 18‐crown‐6) was investigated. The crystals of (2, 2, 2‐crypt‐K)₂Bi₄ ( 1 ) and (2, 2, 2‐crypt‐Rb)₂Bi₄ ( 2 ) compound were obtained from such solutions, the latter for the first time, and their structures were determined. The two compounds are isostructural (P1, Z=1, a = 11.052(2) Å, b = 11.370(2) Å, c = 11.698(2) Å, α = 61.85(3) °, β = 82.58(3) °, γ = 81.87(3) °, R₁ = 0.058, wR² = 0.149 for 1 and a = 11.181(2) Å, b = 11.603(2) Å, c = 11.740(2) Å, α = 61.96(3) °, β = 81.45(3) °, γ = 82.26(3) °, R₁ = 0.041, wR² = 0.109) and contain Bi₄^2— square planar cluster anions and cryptated alkali metal cations. In the case of the presence of 18‐crown‐6 the Laves phases ABi₂ (A = K, Rb, Cs) could be isolated from the solutions. A mechanism for the formation of ABi₂ is proposed.     

Abnormal Anti‐Quenching and Controllable Multi‐Transitions of Bi3+ Luminescence by Temperature in a Yellow‐Emitting LuVO4:Bi3+ Phosphor for UV‐Converted White LEDs

Phosphors with an efficient yellow‐emitting color play a crucial role in phosphor‐converted white LEDs (pc‐WLEDs), but popular yellow phosphors such as YAG:Ce or Eu²⁺‐doped (oxy)nitrides cannot smoothly meet this seemingly simple requirement due to their strong absorptions in the visible range. Herein, we report a novel yellow‐emitting LuVO₄:Bi³⁺ phosphor that can solve this shortcoming. The emission from LuVO₄:Bi³⁺ shows a peak at 576 nm with a quantum efficiency (QE) of up to 68 %, good resistance to thermal quenching (T_{50 %}=573 K), and no severe thermal degradation after heating–cooling cycles upon UV excitation. The yellow emission, as verified by X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), originates from the (³P₀,³P₁)→¹S₀ transitions of Bi³⁺. Increasing the temperature from 10 to 300 K produces a temperature‐dependent energy‐transfer process between VO₄^3? groups and Bi³⁺, and further heating of the samples to 573 K intensifies the emission. However, it subsequently weakens, accompanied by blueshifts of the emission peaks. This abnormal anti‐thermal quenching can be ascribed to temperature‐dependent energy transfer from VO₄^3? groups to Bi³⁺, a population redistribution between the excited states of ³P₀ and ³P₁ upon thermal stimulation, and discharge of electrons trapped in defects with a trap depth of 359 K. Device fabrication with the as‐prepared phosphor LuVO₄:Bi³⁺ has proved that it can act as a good yellow phosphor for pc‐WLEDs.     

Valence States of Lead and Bismuth Atoms in the High-Temperature Superconductor BaPb1-xBixO3

X-ray photoelectron spectra of valence bands and core levels of BaPb_0.8Bi_0.2O₃, PbO, PbO₂, BaPbO₃, BaBiO₃, NaBiO₃, and Bi₂O₃ were studied. Comparison of the electron binding energies of the Pb 4f7/2 or Bi 4f7/2 core levels for all the oxides studied showed that the high-temperature oxide superconductor BaPb_0.8Bi_0.2O₃ contains simultaneously two different valence forms of lead atoms (Pb^IV and Pb^II) and two different valence forms of bismuth atoms (Bi^V and BiIII). Parameters of the X-ray photoelectron spectra of the valence bands do not contradict the conclusion on heterovalent states of lead and bismuth atoms in BaPb_0.8Bi_0.2O₃.     

Effect of Bismuth Oxide Particles Size on the Thermal Excitation and Combustion Properties of Thermite Systems

The influence of Bi₂O₃ particles size at the sub-micron scale on the thermal excitation threshold and combustion performance of nano-thermite systems was investigated. Three formulas were designed and prepared, Al(100 nm)/Bi₂O₃(170 nm), Al(100 nm)/Bi₂O₃(370 nm) and Al(100 nm)/Bi₂O₃(740 nm). The samples were characterized and tested by SEM, XRD, and DSC techniques. Electrical ignition and combustion experiments were performed. The results showed that with the increase of the particle size of Bi₂O₃, in the case of slow linear heating, the exothermic heat decreased (1051.2 J g⁻¹, 527.3 J g⁻¹ and 243.6 J g⁻¹) and the thermal excitation threshold temperature increased (564.52 °C, 658.1 °C and 810.9 °C). Simultaneously, the state of the thermite reaction correspondingly changed to solid-solid, liquid-solid and liquid-liquid thermite reaction. In the case of rapid heating , the increase in particle size increased the excitation current (0.561A, 0.710A and 0.837A). During the combustion process, the thermite system with the smallest Bi₂O₃ particle size showed the largest combustion rate, and that with the largest particle size had the longest combustion duration.