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.     

Controllable thermal expansion and phase transition in Yb2−xCrxMo3O12

The thermal expansion and phase transition of solid solutions Yb_2?xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and differential thermal analysis. The XRD patterns and the results of Rietveld refinement of Yb_2?xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ indicate that the solid solution limit was in the composition range of 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 and 1.7 ≤ x ≤ 2.0. Yb_2?xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) has an orthorhombic structure and exhibits negative thermal expansion between 200 °C and 800 °C. Yb_2?xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ (1.7 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) crystallizes in monoclinic below the phase transition and above, transforms to orthorhombic. Both monoclinic and orthorhombic compounds Yb_2?xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ (1.7 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) present positive thermal expansion. Orthorhombic Yb_2?xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ exhibit anisotropic thermal expansion with the contraction of a and c axes, and the linear thermal expansion coefficients range from negative to positive with increasing chromium content. Partial substitution of Yb³⁺ for Cr³⁺ exhibits depressed monoclinic to orthorhombic phase transition.     

Synthesis,crystal structure modeling and thermal decomposition of yttrium propionate [Y2(CH3CH2COO)6·H2O]·3.5H2O

An yttrium propionate complex was synthesized and characterized for its application as precursor for Y₂O₃ based oxide thin films deposition and YBa₂Cu₃O_7 − x superconducting thin films. The TG–DTA and FT-IR analyses have revealed the formation of an yttrium propionate complex with the formula [Y₂(CH₃CH₂COO)₆·H₂O]·3.5H₂O. The molecular structure of the yttrium propionate complex was determined by modeling the FT-IR spectra. The coordination numbers for the yttrium ions are eight and nine, respectively being coordinated by bridging bimetallic triconnective and chelating bidentate propionate groups.The thermal decomposition of yttrium propionate has been investigated by thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) coupled with quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques.     

A new class of 30-molybdo complexes: Formation,structure and electrochemical properties of bisselenitopyrophosphatotriacontamolybdate, [(SeO3)2(P2O7)Mo30O90]8−, and bispyrophosphatotriacontamolybdate, [(P2O7)2Mo30O90]8−

The tetrapropylammonium (Pr₄N⁺) salt of [(SeO₃)₂(P₂O₇)Mo₃₀O₉₀]^8? was prepared from a 75 mM Mo^VI–2.8 mM P₂O₇^4?–5.6 mM SeO₃^2?–0.95 M HCl–60% (v/v) CH₃CN system, where [(P₂O₇)Mo₁₈O₅₄]^4? and [H₆(SeO₃)₂Mo₁₅O₄₈]^4? are first formed, then being spontaneously fused into [(SeO₃)₂(P₂O₇)Mo₃₀O₉₀]^8?. The [(SeO₃)₂(P₂O₇)Mo₃₀O₉₀]^8? anion may be isotypic with [(HPO₃)₂(P₂O₇)Mo₃₀O₉₀]^8?, in which each side of a (P₂O₇)Mo₁₂O₄₂ fragment is capped by a B-type (HPO₃)Mo₉O₂₄ unit derived from [H₆(HPO₃)₂Mo₁₅O₄₈]^4?. [(XO₃)₂(P₂O₇)Mo₃₀O₉₀]^8? (X = HP, Se) have the same type of 30-molybdo framework as [(P₂O₇)₂Mo₃₀O₉₀]^8?, previously isolated by Koltz. These three 30-molybdo complexes with the same ionic charge of ?8 constitute a new class of polyoxometallates and have common properties of undergoing a two-electron reduction in the absence of H⁺.     

Tunable and rapid crystallisation of phase pure Bi2MoO6 (koechlinite) and Bi2Mo3O12 via continuous hydrothermal synthesis

Herein, we report the rapid single step hydrothermal synthesis of phase pure Bi₂MoO₆ (koechlinite) and Bi₂Mo₃O₁₂, via a continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis (CHFS) reactor, which uses supercritical water of 375–450 °C at a pressure of 24.1 MPa as a crystallising medium. The product being obtained as highly crystalline nano-materials with high surface area. Simple variation in synthesis condition and appropriate solution stoichiometry were shown to be sufficient to select the phase of the product. The materials synthesised showed significant photcatalytic activity towards the decolourisation of methylene blue in comparison to a commercial gold standard photocatalyst.     

Synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles of α-Bi2Mo3O12 prepared by co-precipitation method: Langmuir adsorption parameters and photocatalytic properties with rhodamine B

Nanoparticles of α-Bi₂Mo₃O₁₂ were prepared by co-precipitation method at calcination temperatures of 250, 300, 400 and 480 °C. The characterization of α-Bi₂Mo₃O₁₂ synthesized at different temperatures was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Adsorption parameters and photocatalytical activity under visible light irradiation of α-Bi₂Mo₃O₁₂ were evaluated using the rhodamine B (rhB) dye as model. The adsorption constant (K) and maximum amount of dye adsorbed (q_max) on the surface of the samples synthesized were evaluated following the Langmuir isotherm. The sample calcinated at 250 °C showed the maximum adsorption percentage of dye, which ranged between 20 and 46% for initial concentrations of rhB from 5 to 15 mg L^?1, with a K = 6.96 × 10⁵ L mol^?1 and q_max = 2.73 mg g^?1. All samples were able to induce the oxidative photodegradation of rhB, however, the bleaching of dye solution was reached more quickly for the sample calcinated at 250 °C.     

Ultrafine molybdenum carbide nanoparticles supported on nitrogen doped carbon nanosheets for hydrogen evolution reaction

Nitrogen doped carbon nanosheets supported molybdenum carbides nanoparticles (Mo_xC/NCS) have been synthesized by tuning the mass ratio of melamine and ammonia molybdate. The Mo₂C/NCS-10 exhibits superior electrocatalytic performance and stability for HER, which was attributed to N-doped carbon nanosheets, small particle size, mesoporous structure, and large electrochemical active surface area.     

Li2ZnTi3O8 nanorods: A new anode material for lithium-ion battery

Spinel Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ nanorods were first synthesized using titanate nanowires as a precursor. The synthesized nanorods are highly crystalline and used as an anode material in a rechargeable Li-ion battery. A large capacity of 220 mA h g^? 1 was kept after 30 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g^? 1, which is close to the theoretic capacity. The electrochemical measurements indicate that the anode material made of spinel Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ nanorods displayed a highly reversible capacity and excellent cycling stability.     

Composition space analysis of templated molybdates

A systematic investigation of the factors governing reaction product composition and three-dimensional structure was conducted in the MoO₃/H₂N(CH₂)_nNH₂/H₂O (n = 3–7) systems. Composition space analysis was performed through approximately 30 reactions using each amine under mild hydrothermal conditions. Ten new compounds were synthesized, of which single crystals of nine were grown. Five different molybdate structures were observed in these ten compounds, including β-[Mo₈O₂₆]⁴⁻ molecular anions, two distinct [Mo₃O₁₀]_n²ⁿ⁻ chain polymorphs, [Mo₈O₂₆]_n⁴ⁿ⁻ chains and [Mo₅O₁₆]_n²ⁿ⁻ layers. The relative phase stabilities of the reaction products and associated molybdate architectures are dependent upon the concentrations of each reactant in solution.     

One-dimensional MoO2 nanorods for supercapacitor applications

One-dimensional (1D) MoO₂ nanorods were prepared by thermal decomposition of tetrabutylammonium hexamolybdate (((C₄H₉)₄N)₂Mo₆O₁₉) in an inert atmosphere. The synthesized nanorods have been characterized by XRD, TEM and HRTEM. The capacitive behaviour of 1D MoO₂ nanorods was studied by galvanostatic charge–discharge studies in 1 M H₂SO₄ solution at different current densities. The results indicate that the MoO₂ nanorods show good capacitive behaviour with a specific capacitance of 140 Fg^?1.     

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.     

Influence of Al2O3/ Y-TSZ Mixture as Filler Loading on the Radiopacity of PMMA Denture Base Composites

The radiopacity of alumina/yttrium stabilizer zirconia (Al₂O₃/Y-TSZ) particles with nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) dispersed in PMMA denture base material has been investigated. PMMA matrix without filler was prepared from PMMA powder with 0.5% benzoyl peroxide (PBO) as the control material. The similar PMMA matrix was mixed with Al₂O₃/Y-TSZ (1:1) together with NBR particles as the reinforcement. The amount of NBR was fixed at 7.5 wt %, however, Al₂O₃/Y-TSZ varied from 1 to 10 wt %, respectively. Samples with 4 mm thickness for each composition were irradiated using 60 KV, 10 mA, 0.4 s to examine their radiopacity. This radiopacity was compared to radiopacity of aluminum plate which having the same thickness. The result shows that the radiopacity (i.e. the lower optical density the higher radiopacity) of reinforced PMMA matrix slightly increased from 1.40 to 1.05, respectively, with the increased of filler loading compared to unreinforced PMMA matrix.     

The reactivity of delithiated Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2, Li(Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05)O2 or LiCoO2 with non-aqueous electrolyte

The high temperature reactions of 1 M LiPF₆ EC:DEC and LiCoO₂, Li(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)O₂ (NCM) or Li(Ni_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05)O₂ (NCA) charged to 4.2 V and 4.4 V, respectively, were studied by accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC). The results indicate that NCM shows better thermal stability than both LiCoO₂ and NCA. The state-of-the-art NCA sample shows better safety properties than LiCoO₂. The reactivity of the samples depends on the electrolyte:active material ratio used during ARC testing. Electrode materials charged to 4.4 V are more reactive than the electrode materials charged to 4.2 V. These results should be useful for Li-ion battery researchers interested in maximizing the safety of high energy density cells and also as a benchmark for other researchers using ARC.     

An unusual chain constructed from heteropolyanions and isopolyanions: [{Cu(2,2′-bipy)}6(Mo6O22)][SiMo12O40]

A new compound based on transition metal complexes modified heteropolyanions and isopolyanions: [{Cu(2,2′-bipy)}₆(Mo₆O₂₂)][SiMo₁₂O₄₀] (1) (2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine), has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In compound 1, each of the [Mo₆O₂₂]^8? clusters is surrounded by six {Cu(2,2′-bipy)}²⁺ fragments forming [{Cu(2,2′-bipy)}₆(Mo₆O₂₂)]⁴⁺ cations which further alternately link the [SiMo₁₂O₄₀]^4? anions to result in an unusual 1D chain.     

Growth and characterization of thin films of Y2O3, La2O3 and La2CuO4

Films of Y₂O₃, La₂O₃, and La₂CuO₄ were prepared by an ultrasonic nebulization and pyrolysis method using acetylacetonates of the corresponding metals in alcohol solvents as source materials. Homogeneous, uniform films with good adherence have been obtained using this simple technique. As-deposited yttrium and lanthanum oxide films were poorly crystallized. After postannealing in oxygen at higher temperature, they crystallized into cubic and hexagonal phases, respectively. Transparent yttrium and lanthanum oxide films have high electric breakdown voltages. Single phase polycrystalline La₂CuO₄ thin films were obtained from a source solution with a La:Cu ratio of 2:1.     

Electrochemical properties of Li(Li(1−x)/3CoxMn(2−2x)/3)O2 (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1) solid solutions prepared by poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) method

The whole range of solid solutions Li(Li_(1−x)/3Co_xMn_(2−2x)/3)O₂ (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1) was firstly synthesized by an aqueous solution method using poly-vinyl alcohol as a synthetic agent to investigate their structure and electrochemical properties. X-ray diffraction results indicated that the synthesized solid solutions showed a single phase without any detectable impurity phase and have a hexagonal structure with some additional peaks caused by monoclinic distortion, especially in the solid solutions with a low Co amount. In the electrochemical examination, the solid solutions in the range between 0.2 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.9 showed higher discharge capacity and better cyclability than LiCoO₂ (x = 1) on cycling between 2.0 and 4.6 V with 100 mA g⁻¹ at 25 °C. For example, Li(Li_0.2Co_0.4Mn_0.4)O₂ (x = 0.4) exhibited a high discharge capacity of 180 mA h g⁻¹ at the 50th cycle. By synthesizing the solid solution between Li₂MnO₃ and LiCoO₂, the electrochemical properties of the end members were improved.     

Structures,thermal expansion properties and phase transitions of ErxFe2−x(MoO4)3 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0)

Structures, thermal expansion properties and phase transitions of Er_xFe_2−x(MoO₄)₃ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) have been investigated by X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis. The partial substitution of Er³⁺ for Fe³⁺ induces pronounced decreases in the phase transition temperature from monoclinic to orthorhombic structure. Rietveld analysis of the XRD data shows that both the monoclinic and orthorhombic Fe₂(MoO₄)₃, as well as the orthorhombic Er_xFe_2−x(MoO₄)₃ (x ≤ 0.8) have positive thermal expansion coefficients. However, the linear thermal expansion coefficients of Er_xFe_2−x(MoO₄)₃ (x = 0.6–2.0) decrease with increasing content of Er³⁺ and for x ≥ 1.0, compounds Er_xFe_2−x(MoO₄)₃ show negative thermal expansion properties. Attempts for making zero thermal expansion coefficient materials result in that very low negative thermal expansion coefficient of −0.60 × 10⁻⁶/°C in Er_1.0Fe_1.0(MoO₄)₃ is observed in the temperature range of 180–400 °C, and zero thermal expansion is observed in Er_0.8Fe_1.2(MoO₄)₃ in the temperature range of 350–450 °C. In addition, anisotropic thermal expansions are found for all the orthorhombic Er_xFe_2−x(MoO₄)₃ compounds, with negative thermal expansion coefficients along the a axes.     

Novel SrSc0.2Co0.8O3−δ as a cathode material for low temperature solid-oxide fuel cell

The SrSc_0.2Co_0.8O_3−δ (SSC) perovskite was investigated as a cathode material for low temperature solid-oxide fuel cell. The material showed an almost linear thermal expansion from room temperature to 1000 °C in air with the average thermal expansion coefficient of only 16.9 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹. The Sc-doping made the absence of Co⁴⁺ in SSC, which resulted in not only dramatically reduced thermal expansion coefficient but also extremely high oxygen vacancies concentrations in the lattice at low temperature. The area specific polarization resistance was 0.206 Ω cm² for SSC at 550 °C, which is about 52% lower than the value of a Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ-based cathode. A peak power density as high as 564 mW cm⁻² was obtained at 500 °C based on a 20 μm thick Sm_0.2Ce_0.8O_1.9 electrolyte by adopting SSC cathode.     

LiMn2O4 hollow nanosphere electrode material with excellent cycling reversibility and rate capability

Lithium-rich Li_1.05Mn₂O₄ hollow nanospheres have been successfully prepared by air-calcining lithiated MnO₂ precursor at a low temperature of 550 °C, which was synthesized by chemical lithiation of hollow MnO₂ nanospheres with LiI at 70 °C for 12 h. The lithium-rich Li_1.05Mn₂O₄ hollow nanospheres exhibit an excellent cycling stability and rate capability as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries: it maintains 90% of its initial capacity after 500 cycles, and keeps 70% of the reversible capacity at 0.1 C rat, even at 15 C rate.     

Thermodynamic measurement of (Al2O3 + B2O3) system by double Knudsen cell mass spectrometry

Thermodynamic properties of B₂O₃ in the (Al₂O₃ + B₂O₃) binary system were investigated by vapor pressure measurement of B₂O₃ in equilibrium with (Al₂O₃ + B₂O₃) compounds or melts using double Knudsen cell mass spectrometry. The Gibbs free energy change of formation of Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ (9Al₂O₃·2B₂O₃) was estimated from the vapor pressure in equilibrium with a mixture of Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ and Al₂O₃ at 1573 K to 1673 K. And activities of B₂O₃ in the two-phase region Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ and B₂O₃-rich liquid, and (Al₂O₃ + B₂O₃) melts were obtained at 1373 K to 1423 K by vapor pressure measurements.