Structure and redox properties of CexPr1−xO2−δ mixed oxides and their catalytic activities for CO, CH3OH and CH4 combustion

A series of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides were synthesized by a sol–gel method and characterized by Raman, XRD and TPR techniques. The oxidation activity for CO, CH₃OH and CH₄ on these mixed oxides was investigated. When the value x was changed from 1.0 to 0.8, only a cubic phase CeO₂ was observed. The samples were greatly crystallized in the range of the value x from 0.99 to 0.80, which is due to the formation of solid solutions caused by the complete insertion of Pr into the CeO₂ crystal lattices. Raman bands at 465 and 1150 cm⁻¹ in Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ samples are attributed to the Raman active F_2g mode of CeO₂. The broad band at around 570 cm⁻¹ in the region of 0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.99 can be linked to oxygen vacancies. The new band at 195 cm⁻¹ may be ascribed to the asymmetric vibration caused by the formation of oxygen vacancies. The TPR profile of Pr₆O₁₁ shows two reduction peaks and the reduction process is followed: . The reduction temperature of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides is lower than those of Pr₆O₁₁ or CeO₂. TPR results indicate that Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides have higher redox properties because of the formation of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ solid solutions. The presence of the oxygen vacancies favors CO and CH₃OH oxidation, while the activity of CH₄ oxidation is mostly related to reduction temperatures and redox properties.     

Oxygen permeation through a Ce0.8Sm0.2O2−δ–La0.8Sr0.2CrO3−δ dual-phase composite membrane

A composite of oxygen ion conducting oxide Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_2−δ (60 vol.%) and electron conducting oxide La_0.8Sr_0.2CrO_3−δ was prepared by sintering a powder compact at a temperature of 1550 °C. No significant reaction between the two constituent oxides was observed under preparation and oxygen permeation conditions. Appreciable oxygen permeation fluxes through the composite membrane were measured at elevated temperatures with one side of it exposed to the ambient air and the other side to a flowing helium gas stream. The oxygen flux initially increased with time, and took a long time to reach a steady value. A steady oxygen permeation flux as high as 1.4 × 10⁻⁷ mol cm⁻² s⁻¹ was obtained with a 0.3 mm thick membrane at 950 °C under a relatively small oxygen partial pressure difference of 0.21 bar/0.0092 bar. It was revealed that the overall oxygen permeation process was mainly limited by the transport in the bulk of the membrane in the range of the membrane thickness greater than 1.0 mm, and the limitation by the surface oxygen exchange came into play at reduced thickness of 0.6 mm.     

Survey of the quasi-ternary system La0.8Sr0.2MnO3–La0.8Sr0.2CoO3–La0.8Sr0.2FeO3

An overview on the variation of the thermal expansion, the electrical conductivity as well as non-stoichiometry of the oxide content as a function of composition within the quasi-ternary system La_0.8Sr_0.2MnO_3−δ–La_0.8Sr_0.2CoO_3−δ–La_0.8Sr_0.2FeO_3−δ in air is presented. The various powders were synthesized under identical conditions. The DC electrical conductivity values of the compositions at 800 °C in air vary in a wide range from 15 to 1338 S cm⁻¹. The magnitude of electrical conductivity of the perovskites is mainly determined by the percentage of cobalt in the compositions. A similar behaviour was observed for the measured thermal expansion coefficients between room temperature and 1000 °C in air, increasing from 10.9 to 19.4 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ as a function of cobalt content. Changes in the oxygen stoichiometry of the materials were characterized by temperature-programmed oxidation measurements.     

The infrared spectrum of gaseous Sb4O6

The vibrational spectrum of Sb₄O₆ in the gas phase has been measured at 1000 K by high-temperature infrared spectroscopy. The four infrared-active absorption bands were observed at ν₇ = 785.0 cm¹, ν₈ = 176.2 cm⁻¹, ν₉ = 292.4 cm⁻¹ and ν₁₀ = 415.6 cm⁻¹. By combining these results with data on the molecular geometry and the infrared-inactive modes, as reported in the literature, the thermodynamic functions of Sb₄O₆ have been calculated.     

Matrix-isolation spectroscopy of Pb2

Fluorescence and Raman scattering were observed from Pb₂ isolated in neon and argon matrices. Two new excited states were observed by two-photon stepwise excitations, which involve low-lying electronic states of Pb₂. Most spectroscopic constants of the states observed could be given and complement previous results. Two resonance Raman progressions with ω_c = 112.5 and 123.1 cm⁻¹ and a single Raman signal at 80 cm⁻¹ were observed in argon matrices. The ω_c = 123.1 cm⁻¹ Raman signal which had recently been assigned to a larger Pb cluster was shown to arise from Raman scattering within the electronically excited A state of Pb₂ at 5500 cm⁻¹.     

Mechanical stability and transport properties of the Sn-promoted SrCo0.8Fe0.2O3−δ ceramic membrane

In this article, the phase compositions, thermal, mechanical and transport properties of both the SrCo_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ (SCF) and the SrCo_0.8Fe_0.1Sn_0.1O_3−δ (SSCF) ceramic membranes were investigated systematically. As compared with the SCF membrane, the SSCF one had a more promoted thermal shock resistance, which related to its small thermal expansion coefficient between them and an enhanced composite structure for it. For the SCF membrane, a permeation rate of 1.9 × 10⁻⁶ mol cm⁻² s⁻¹ was obtained at 1000 °C and under the oxygen partial pressure gradient of P_O2 (h)/P_O2 (l) = 0.209 atm/0.012 atm; however, the permeation rate was 2.5 × 10⁻⁶ mol cm⁻² s⁻¹ for the SSCF one in the same measuring condition. In addition, both peak values of total electrical conductivity (σ_e) for SSCF sample appeared with increasing temperature. The second peak value of σ_e for SSCF one was regarded as the contribution from its minor phase, which appeared with the mixed conducting behavior resulting from partly Co-dissolving into its lattice.     

EPR and UV–visible spectroscopic studies of alumina-supported chromium oxide catalysts

The oxidation state, the mobility and the molecular structure of chromium species present on CrO_x–Al₂O₃ catalysts have been studied by combined diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, EPR and reduction–extraction by ethane 1,2 diol. CrO₄²⁻ species exist on the alumina surface in the form of loosely-interacting species on hydrated surface (species A) and in the form of strongly bonded species on dehydrated Al₂O₃ surface (species B). The CrO₄²⁻ species show high mobility and are probably responsible for the formation of CrO_x clusters.     

Gaseous nitryl azide N4O2: A joint theoretical and experimental study

Gaseous nitryl azide N₄O₂ is generated by the heterogeneous reaction of gaseous ClNO₂ with freshly prepared AgN₃ at −50 °C. The geometric and electronic structure of the molecule in the gas phase has been characterized by in situ photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and quantum chemical calculations. The experimental first vertical ionization energy of N₄O₂ is 11.39 eV, corresponding to the ionization of an electron on the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) {4a″(π_{nb(N4–N5–N6)})}⁻¹. An apparent vibrational spacing of 1600 ± 60 cm⁻¹ (ν_asO1N2O3) on the second band at 12.52 eV (π_{nb(O1–N2–O3)}) further confirms the preference of energetically stable chain structure in the gas phase. To complement the experimental results, the potential-energy surface of this structurally novel transient molecule is discussed. Both calculations and spectroscopic results suggest that the molecule adopts a trans-planar chain structure, and a five-membered ring decomposition pathway is more favorable.     

The rovibrational analysis of the high-resolution IR spectrum of CD2HF below 1200 cm: an interacting tetrad of vibrational levels

The spectrum of CD₂HF was measured by high-resolution interferometric Fourier-transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy (apodised instrumental band with:0.004 cm⁻¹ fwhm) between 800 and 1200 cm⁻¹ covering the four lowest fundamentals. A complete rotational analysis using a semi-automatic assignment procedure yields accurate band centres (ν₉: 912.2028 cm⁻¹, ν₆:964.4994 cm⁻¹, ν₅: 1050.5104 cm⁻¹, ν₄: 1093.8632 cm⁻¹) and a complete set of first-order Coriolis coupling constants. The most important couplings occur between ν₉ and ν₆ (ξ_a= 1.069 cm⁻¹, ξ_c= −0.3535 cm⁻¹) and between ν₅ and ν₄ (ξ_b= −0.80606 cm⁻¹). The analysis was guided by and compared with results from our ab initio calculations for Coriolis constants and transition moments using CADPAC at TZP/MP2 level.     

EPR lineshape studies of low-temperature vanadium 3d polaron dynamics in the 70V2O5-30P2O5 binary glass

In a specimen of 70V₂O₅-30P₂O₅glass, EPR lineshapes of the vanadium 3d¹ polaron have been studied between 4 and 77 K. At the lowest temperature the unpaired electron is localized at a single ⁵¹V site, and values of g=1.959, g= 1.989, A = 156.6 × 10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹ and A=53.8 × 10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹ have been measured. A Markovian small-step rotational diffusion model consistent with the random structure of the glass network is proposed for the polaron dynamics at the higher temperatures up to 77 K. This motion has a small activation energy barrier of 114 μeV.     

Syntheses and structural determination of nine-coordinate K3[Nd(nta)2(H2O)]·6H2O and K3[Er(nta)2(H2O)]·5H2O

The syntheses and structural determination of Nd^III and Er^III complexes with nitrilotriacetic acid (nta) were reported in this paper. Their crystal and molecular structures and compositions were determined by single-crystal X-ray structure analyses and elemental analyses, respectively. The crystal of K₃[Nd^III(nta)₂(H₂O)]·6H₂O complex belongs to monoclinic crystal system and C2/c space group. The crystal data are as follows: a=1.5490(11) nm, b=1.3028(9) nm, c=2.6237(18) nm, β=96.803(10)°, V=5.257(6) nm³, Z=8, M=763.89, D_c=1.930 g cm⁻³, μ=2.535 mm⁻¹ and F(000)=3048. The final R₁ and wR₁ are 0.0390 and 0.0703 for 4501 (I>2σ(I)) unique reflections, R₂ and wR₂ are 0.0758 and 0.0783 for all 10474 reflections, respectively. The Nd^IIIN₂O₇ part in the [Nd^III(nta)₂(H₂O)]³⁻ complex anion has a pseudo-monocapped square antiprismatic nine-coordinate structure in which the eight coordinate atoms (two N and six O) are from the two nta ligands and a water molecule coordinate to the central Nd^III ion directly. The crystal of the K₃[Er^III(nta)₂(H₂O)]·5H₂O complex also belongs to monoclinic crystal system and C2/c space group. The crystal data are as follows: a=1.5343(5) nm, b=1.2880(4) nm, c=2.6154(8) nm, b=96.033(5)°, V=5.140(3) nm³, Z=8, M=768.89, D_c=1.987 g cm⁻³, μ=3.833 mm⁻¹ and F(000)=3032. The final R₁ and wR₁ are 0.0321 and 0.0671 for 4445 (I>2σ(I)) unique reflections, R₂ and wR₂ are 0.0432 and 0.0699 for all 10207 reflections, respectively. The Er^IIIN₂O₇ part in the [Er^III(nta)₂(H₂O)]³⁻ complex anion has the same structure as Nd^IIIN₂O₇ part in which the eight coordinate atoms (two N and six O) are from the two nta ligands and a water molecule coordinate to the central Nd^III ion directly.     

Spectroscopic properties of K5Li2UF10

A new uranium (III) fluoro-complex of the formula K₅Li₂UF₁₀ has been synthesised and characterised by X-ray powder diffraction and electronic absorption spectra measurements. The compound crystallises in the orthorhombic system, space group Pnma, with a = 20.723, b = 7.809, c = 6.932 Å, V = 1121.89 ų, Z = 4 and is isostructural with its K₅Li₂NdF₁₀ and K₅Li₂LaF₁₀ analogous. The absorption spectrum of a polycrystalline sample of K₅Li₂UF₁₀ was recorded at 4.2 K in the 3500–45,000 cm⁻¹ range and is discussed. The observed crystal-field levels were assigned and fitted to parameters of the simplified angular overlap model (AOM) and next to those of a semi-empirical Hamiltonian, which was representing the combined atomic and one-electron crystal-field interactions. The starting values of the AOM parameters were obtained from ab initio calculations. The analysis of the spectra enabled the assignment of 71 crystal-field levels of U³⁺ with a relatively small r.m.s. deviation of 37 cm⁻¹. The total splitting of 714 cm⁻¹ was calculated for the ⁴I_9/2 ground multiplet.     

EPR and IR studies on the local structure of 80MoO3–20B2O3 glass

EPR lineshape simulation studies have been performed on a specimen of 80MoO₃–20B₂O₃ glass in the temperature range of 300–77 K. The values of the obtained spin Hamiltonian parameters are: g=1.940, g=1.974, A=150.0×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, A=35.6×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹ and g=1.935, g=1.975, A=141.9×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, A=34.5×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹ at 300 and 77 K, respectively. The paramagnetic site in the specimen is molybdenyl, MoO³⁺, ion in which the Mo is in a distorted octahedral environment of six oxygen atoms with C_4v symmetry. The 11-parallel and 11-perpendicular line feature of the EPR lineshape shows that two Mo nuclei are magnetically equivalent in the glassy matrix, in the temperature range 300–77 K.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and characterization of [Zn(H2O)4]2 [H2As6V15O42(H2O)]·2H2O

The compound [Zn(H₂O)₄]₂[H₂As₆V₁₅O₄₂(H₂O)]·2H₂O (1) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ESR, magnetic measurement, third-order nonlinear property study and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound 1 crystallizes in trigonal space group R3, a=b=12.0601(17) Å, c=33.970(7) Å, γ=120°, V=4278.8(12) Å³, Z=3 and R1(wR2)=0.0512 (0.1171). The crystal structure is constructed from [H₂As₆V₁₅O₄₂(H₂O)]⁴⁻ anions and [Zn(H₂O)₄]²⁺ cations linked through hydrogen bonds into a network. The [H₂As₆V₁₅O₄₂(H₂O)]⁶⁻ cluster consists of 15 VO₅ square pyramids linked by three As₂O₅ handle-like units.     

Synthesis and low temperature fluorination of the alkaline-earth palladates Ba2−xSrxPdO3 (x = 0–2)

Since the discovery of superconductivity in Sr₂CuO₂F_2+δ there has been an increased interest in ternary oxide-fluorides. Sr₂CuO₂F_2+δ is prepared via low temperature (T = 220 °C) reaction routes. Low temperature fluorination induces an interesting structural rearrangement in the parent compound Sr₂CuO₃, which is a one-dimensional material containing linear chains of vertex sharing CuO₄ squares along the crystallographic b axis. Upon fluorination, one oxide is substituted by two fluorides and Cu²⁺ becomes octahedrally coordinated by four oxides and two fluorides. The fluorinated compound Sr₂CuO₂F_2+δ displays the T-type structure (La₂CuO₄). Insertion of excess fluorine, δ, also takes place and this fluorine occupies interstitial sites in the T structure. Although the starting material Ca₂CuO₃ is isostructural to Sr₂CuO₃, Ca₂CuO₂F_2+δ displays the T′ (Nd₂CuO₄) structure due to the smaller radius of Ca²⁺ compared to that of Sr²⁺.

The alkaline-earth palladates with the general formula A₂PdO₃ (A = Ba, Sr) are isostructural with the A₂CuO₃(A = Ca, Sr) materials. We prepared the Ba_2−xSr_xPdO₃ (x = 0–2) series and performed low temperature fluorination, which led to the synthesis of the series Ba_2−xSr_xPdO₂F_2+δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.5). All the compounds in the Ba_2−xSr_xPdO₂F_2+δ series show T′ structure (Ca₂CuO₂F_2+δ). Similarities and differences with Sr₂CuO₂F_2+δ and Ca₂CuO₂F_2+δ will be discussed.     

Preparation of dense, ultra-thin MIEC ceramic membranes by atmospheric spray-pyrolysis technique

Dense ceramic mixed ionic and electronic conducting membranes have been deposited by atmospheric spray-pyrolysis technique onto porous ceramic substrates. Perovskite oxide layers, i.e. manganites La_1−xSr_xMnO₃, ferrites La_1−xSr_xFe_1−y(Co,Ni)_yO₃, gallates La_1−xSr_xGa_1−y(Co,Ni,Fe)_yO₃, cobaltites La_1−xSr_xCoO₃ and related perovskites such as lanthanum nickelate La₂NiO₄ layers have been prepared. The structure, morphology and composition of the layers were characterised by XRD, SEM and WDS, respectively. Density and gas tightness of the layers were studied as a function of deposition process parameters, film thickness (from 0.5 to 3 μm) and preparation procedure. The presence of cracks and defects due to thermo-mechanical stresses applied during or after the preparation process were correlated with the membrane composition and the corresponding thermal expansion coefficient differences between substrates and membranes.     

Novel CO2 selectively permeating membranes containing PETEDA dendrimer

Pentaerythrityl tetraethylenediamine (PETEDA) dendrimer was synthesized from pentaerythrityl tetrabromide and ethylenediamine. Its molecular structure was characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared resonance (FT-IR) and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy. The composite membranes for selectively permeating CO₂ were prepared by using PETEDA-PVA blend polymer as the active layer and polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membrane as the support layer and their permselectivity was tested by pure CO₂ and CH₄ gases and the gas mixture containing 10 vol.% CO₂ and 90 vol.% CH₄, respectively. For pure gases, the membrane containing 78.6 wt% PETEDA and 21.4 wt% PVA in the blend has a CO₂ permeance of 8.14 × 10⁻⁵ cm³ (STP) cm⁻² s⁻¹ cmHg⁻¹ and CO₂/CH₄ selectivity of 52 at 143.5 cmHg feed gas pressure. While feed gas pressure is 991.2 cmHg, CO₂ permeance reaches 3.56 × 10⁻⁵ cm³ (STP) cm⁻² s⁻¹ cmHg⁻¹ and CO₂/CH₄ selectivity is 19. For the gas mixture, the membrane has a CO₂ permeance of 6.94 × 10⁻⁵ cm³ (STP) cm⁻² s⁻¹ cmHg⁻¹ with a CO₂/CH₄ selectivity of 33 at 188.5 cmHg feed gas pressure, and a CO₂ permeance of 3.29 × 10⁻⁵ cm³ (STP) cm⁻² s⁻¹ cmHg⁻¹ with a CO₂/CH₄ selectivity of 7.5 at a higher feed gas pressure of 1164 cmHg. A possible gas transport mechanism in the composite membranes is proposed by investigating the permeating behavior of pure gases and the gas mixture and analyzing possible reactions between CO₂/CH₄ gases and the PETEDA-PVA blend polymer. The effect of PETEDA content in the blend polymer on permselectivity of the composite membranes was investigated, presenting that CO₂ permeance and CO₂/CH₄ selectivity increase and CH₄ permeance decreases, respectively with PETEDA content. This is explained by that with increasing PETEDA content, the carrier content increases, and the crystallinity and free volume of the PETEDA-PVA blend decrease that were confirmed by the experimental results of X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD) and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS).     

Matrix isolation and theoretical study of the photochemical reaction of CH3CN with CrO2Cl2 and OVCl3

The matrix isolation technique has been combined with theoretical calculations to identify and characterize the photoproducts in the reactions of CH₃CN with CrCl₂O₂ and OVCl₃. Twin jet co-deposition of these reagents led to the formation of a 1:1 molecular complex which was observed using UV/visible spectroscopy. Irradiation of these matrices with light of λ>300 nm led to the observation of new bands in the infrared spectra, the most intense of which was seen at 1942 cm⁻¹ for the CrCl₂O₂/CH₃CN system. The product bands are assigned to the ²η complexes of acetonitrile n-oxide with CrCl₂O and VCl₃, respectively. Identification of these species was supported by extensive isotopic labeling (²H and ¹⁵N), as well as by B3LYP/6-311++G(d,2p) density functional calculations.     

On the 6Πu state of Na2

The 6¹Π_u state of sodium dimer has been observed up to v = 53 in excitation spectra of the system, recorded by polarisation labelling spectroscopy technique. The Dunham coefficients are derived and the potential energy curve constructed by the inverted perturbation approach method. Equilibrium constants for the 6¹Π_u state of Na₂ are: T_e = 35446.06 ± 0.04 cm⁻¹ (with respect to the minimum of the electronic ground state), Y₁₀ = 111.388 ± 0.019 cm⁻¹, Y₀₁ = 0.112122 ± 0.000017 cm⁻¹.     

A dense oxygen separation membrane with a layered morphologic structure

A configuration of dense mixed ionic and electronic conducting (MIEC) membrane with layered morphological structure for oxygen separation, which combines the benefits of high oxygen permeation flux of cobalt-based membrane, high chemical stability of iron-based perovskite and high mechanical strength of thick membrane, was studied. The membrane is normally composed of two layers; each layer is a dense MIEC oxide. The substrate layer is a thick dense membrane with high oxygen permeability but relatively lower chemical stability. The feasibility of dense thick Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ (BSCF5582) membrane as the substrate layer and Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_3−δ (BSCF5528) as the thin-film layer was mainly experimentally investigated. Both the BSCF5582 and the BSCF5528 show the same cubic perovskite structure and the similar lattice constant with no detrimental reaction products formed. By optimizing fabrication parameters of a simple dry pressing process, dual-layered membrane, free of cracks, was successfully fabricated. The oxygen permeation flux of a dual-layered membrane with the thin-film BSCF5528 layer facing to the sweep gas reached 2.1 mL cm⁻² min⁻¹ [STP] (1.56 × 10⁻⁶ mol cm⁻² s⁻¹) at 900 °C, which is about 3.5 times higher than that of the BSCF5528 membrane (0.6 mL cm⁻² min⁻¹, [STP] (4.46 × 10⁻⁷ mol cm⁻² s⁻¹) under the same conditions.