Visible light photo-oxidation of model pollutants using CaCu3Ti4O12: an experimental and theoretical study of optical properties, electronic structure, and selectivity

Charge transfer between metal ions occupying distinct crystallographic sublattices in an ordered material is a strategy to confer visible light absorption on complex oxides to generate potentially catalytically active electron and hole charge carriers. CaCu3Ti4O12 has distinct octahedral Ti4+ and square planar Cu2+ sites and is thus a candidate material for this approach. The sol?gel synthesis of high surface area CaCu3Ti4O12 and investigation of its optical absorption and photocatalytic reactivity with model pollutants are reported. Two gaps of 2.21 and 1.39 eV are observed in the visible region. These absorptions are explained by LSDA+U electronic structure calculations, including electron correlation on the Cu sites, as arising from transitions from a Cu-hybridized O 2p-derived valence band to localized empty states on Cu (attributed to the isolation of CuO4 units within the structure of CaCu3Ti4O12) and to a Ti-based conduction band. The resulting charge carriers produce selective visible light photodegradation of 4-chlorophenol (monitored by mass spectrometry) by Pt-loaded CaCu3Ti4O12 which is attributed to the chemical nature of the photogenerated charge carriers and has a quantum yield comparable with commercial visible light photocatalysts.     

Magnetic and electronic properties of CaCu3Cr4O12 and CaCu3Cr2Sb2O12 by first-principles density functional calculation

The electronic and magnetic properties of CaCu3Cr4O12 and CaCu3Cr2Sb2O12 are investigated by the use of the full-potential linearized augumented plane wave (FPLAPW) method. The calculated results indicate that CaCu3Cr4O12 is a ferrimagnetic and half-metallic compound, in good agreement with previous theoretical studies. CaCu3Cr2Sb2O12 is a ferrimagnetic semiconductor with a small gap of 0.136 eV. In both compounds, because Cr4+ 3d (d2) and Cr3+ 3d (d3) orbitals are less than half filled, the coupling between Cr-Cu is antiferromagnetic, whereas that between Cu-Cu and Cr-Cr is ferromagnetic. The total net spin moment is 5.0 and 3.0 microB for CaCu3Cr4O12 and CaCu3Cr2Sb2O12, respectively. In CaCu3Cr4O12, the 3d electrons of Cr4+ are delocalized, which strengthens the Cr-Cr ferromagnetic coupling. For CaCu3Cr2Sb2O12, the doping of nonmagnetic ion Sb5+ reduces the Cr-Cr ferromagnetic coupling, and the half-filled Cr3+ t2g (t2g3) makes the chromium 3d electrons localized. In addition, the ordering arrangement of the octahedral chromium and antimony ions also prevents the delocalization of electrons. Hence, CaCu3Cr2Sb2O12 shows insulating behavior, in agreement with the experimental observation.     

A novel three-dimensional network constructed from tetramolybdate clusters linked via two types of copper complex fragments: synthesis, characterization, and magnetic behavior of [[CuII(2,2'-bpy)][CuII(IN)2][Mo4O12(OH)2]

A novel three-dimensional copper molybdate with mixed ligands, [[Cu(II)(2,2'-bpy)][Cu(II)(IN)(2)][Mo(4)O(12)(OH)(2)]] (IN(-) = isonicotinate ion, 2,2'-bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine), 1, has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized, and this compound is built from an unprecedented tetranuclear molybdenum oxide cluster covalently bonded to two types of copper complex fragments, [Cu(II)(2,2'-bpy)](2+) and [Cu(II)(IN)(2)], via terminal oxygen atoms of [MoO(6)] octahedra. Crystal data for compound 1: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 16.4755 A, b = 10.3714 A, c = 17.4382 A, alpha = 90.0000 degrees, beta = 94.8098 degrees, gamma = 90.0000 degrees; V = 2969.24 A(3); Z = 2. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility indicates that both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions exist in 1.     

Magnetic interactions in A-site-ordered perovskites LnCu3(Ge(3/4)Ga(1/4))4O12 (Ln = La, Dy)

A-site-ordered perovskites LaCu(3)(Ge(3/4)Ga(1/4))(4)O(12) and DyCu(3)(Ge(3/4)Ga(1/4))(4)O(12) were synthesized, and their magnetism was investigated. Ferromagnetic ordering of the square-planar-coordinated Cu(2+) spins was observed at 12-13 K in both compounds, and the Dy(3+) moment in DyCu(3)(Ge(3/4)Ga(1/4))(4)O(12) stayed paramagnetic below T(C). The decoupling of the magnetic behavior of Cu(2+) and Dy(3+) sublattices revealed the weak magnetic interaction between Cu(2+) and Dy(3+).     

Importance of the O-M-O bridges (M = V5+, Mo6+) for the spin-exchange interactions in the magnetic oxides of Cu2+ ions bridged by MO4 tetrahedra: spin-lattice models of Rb2Cu2(MoO4)3, BaCu2V2O8, and KBa3Ca4Cu3V7O28

The spin-lattice models relevant for the magnetic oxides Rb2Cu2(MoO4)3, BaCu2V2O8, and KBa3Ca4Cu3V7O28 were determined by evaluating the relative strengths of the spin-exchange interactions between their Cu2+ ions on the basis of spin dimer analysis. Our study shows that the O-M-O bridges (M = V5+, Mo6+) between the magnetic ions Cu2+, provided by the MO4 tetrahedra, are crucial for the spin-exchange interactions and hence for deducing the spin-lattice models needed to interpret the magnetic properties of these oxides. The spin-lattice model of Rb2Cu2(MoO4)3 is not a uniform chain but two interpenetrating spin ladders that interact weakly with geometric spin frustration. The spin-lattice model of BaCu2V2O8 is an alternating chain as expected, but the spin-exchange paths responsible for it differ from those expected. With respect to the strongest spin exchange of BaCu2V2O8, the spin exchange of KBa3Ca4Cu3V7O28 is only slightly weaker, but the strongest spin exchange of Rb2Cu2(MoO4)3 is much weaker. This difference in the spin-exchange strengths is caused by the difference in the bridging modes of the MO4 tetrahedra leading to these spin-exchange interactions.     

A mixed-valence polyoxovanadate(III,IV) cluster with a calixarene cap exhibiting ferromagnetic V(III)-V(IV) interactions

A series of compounds (cat)[V6O6(OCH3)8(calix)(CH3OH)] was obtained under anaerobic conditions and solvothermal reaction of VOSO4 with p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (calix) in methanol using different types of bases (Et4NOH, NH4OH, pyridine, Et3N). All compounds contain the same polyoxo(alkoxo)hexavanadate anion [V6O6(OCH3)8(calix)(CH3OH)]- (1) exhibiting a mixed valence {VIIIVIV5O19} core with the so-called Lindqvist structure coordinated to a calix[4]arene macrocycle and cocrystallizing with the conjugated acid of the base (cat = Et4N+, NH4(+), pyridinium, Et3NH+) involved in the synthesis process. The structures have been fully established from X-ray diffraction on single crystals and the mixed valence state has been confirmed by bond valence sum calculations. The magnetic behavior of all compounds are the same because of the polyalkoxohexavanadate anion [V6O6(OCH3)8(calix)(CH3OH)]- (1) and have been interpreted by DFT calculations. Thus the V(III)...V(IV) interactions are found to be weakly ferromagnetic (<5.5 cm(-1)) while the V(IV)...V(IV) are antiferromagnetic (-17.6; -67.6 cm(-1)). The set of the coupling exchange parameters allows a good agreement with the magnetic experimental data.     

Cu3O1217-模型簇的电子态

在铜氧基超导体中,超导电性与接近充满的Cu3d-O2p价带空穴浓度有关.若干研究表明,添加空穴进入CuO_2面σ(P_(x,y))轨道,但另外一些工作认为,空穴态存在于Cu-O面π(p_(x,y))或π(p_z)轨道,还有其它一些作者建议,空穴集居于BaO面上σ(p_z)轨道.通过理论计算来区分未占O2p态的特征具有重要意义.因此,本文对模型簇Cu_3O_(12)~(17-)进行了Fenske-Hall MO计算,探讨了添加空穴态的对称性和添加对Cu-O键强度的影响.     

Solid state coordination chemistry of the copper(ii)-terpyridine/oxovanadium organophosphonate system: hydrothermal syntheses, structural characterization and magnetic properties

The hydrothermal reactions of CuSO4.5H2O, Na3VO4, 2,2':6':2'-terpyridine (terpy), and the appropriate organophosphonate ligand yield a series of materials of the Cu(ii)-terpy/oxovanadium organophosphonate family. The complexes exhibit distinct structures spanning one-, two- and three-dimensions and exhibiting diverse oxovanadium building blocks. Thus, [{Cu(terpy)}(V2O4)(O3PPh)(HO3PPh)2] (1) is one-dimensional and constructed from binuclear units of corner-sharing V(v) square pyramids. While [{Cu(terpy)}VO(O3PCH2PO3)] (2), [{Cu(terpy)}2(V4O10)(O3PCH2CH2PO3)] (3), and [{Cu(terpy)}(V2O4){O3P(CH2)3PO3}].2.5H(2)O (4.2.5H2O) are similarly one-dimensional, the V/O structural components consist of isolated V(iv) square pyramids, tetranuclear V(v) units of three tetrahedra and one square pyramid in a corner-sharing arrangement, and isolated V(v) tetrahedra and square pyramids, respectively. The second propylenediphosphonate derivative, [{Cu(terpy)}(V2O4){O3P(CH2)3PO3}] (5) is three-dimensional and exhibits isolated V(v) tetrahedra as the vanadate component. The two-dimensional structure of [{Cu(terpy)(H2O)}(V3O6){O3P(CH2)4PO3}] (6) is mixed valence with isolated V(iv) square pyramids and binuclear units of corner-sharing V(v) tetrahedra providing the V/O substructures.     

Synthesis and characterizations of cyclic octanuclear mixed-valence vanadium(IV,V) clusters with polyoxometalate counterions

Hydrothermal reaction of Na2WO4, VOSO4, 2,2'-bpy and H3PO4 has afforded in high yield the compound [V(IV)2V(V)6O14(bpy)8(PO4)2][PW11V(V)O40](bpy).12H2O (1). Compound 1 contains a novel octanuclear mixed valence V(IV,V) cluster, [V(IV)2V(V)6O14(bpy)8(PO4)2]4+, with [PW11V(V)O40]4- as counterion. In the vanadium cluster, four V(V) centers are localized and the remaining two V(IV) and two V(V) ions are disordered over four crystallographically equivalent positions. The isostructural compound [V(IV)2V(V)6O14(bpy)8(PO4)2][PMo11V(V)O40](bpy).3H2O (2) has also been synthesized. Thermodiffractometry experiments indicate that 2 is stable up to 360 degrees C. Redox activities for both the vanadium and molybdenum centers have been observed by solid-state electrochemical measurements performed on mechanically attached microparticles of 2. Magnetic measurements performed on have shown the occurrence of weak ferromagnetic interactions between the V(IV) centres (J = +0.34 cm(-1), H(ex) = -JS1 x S2), and combined with DFT calculations, have allowed to propose a localization of the two V(IV) centers on two of the four equivalent crystallographic sites. Finally high field electron paramagnetic resonance has evidenced the magnetic axial anisotropy of the paramagnetic centers (g(x) = g(y) = 1.975(3); g(z) = 1.939(4)).     

LnCu_2O_4(Ln=Gd,Nd)电子结构的XPS研究

用 XPS测定了 LnCu2O4(Ln=Gd, Nd)的内层和价层电子能谱,观察到 LnCu2O4中稀土金属的 3d电子结合能比相应的稀土金属简单氧化物的 3d结合能低 0.8～ 0.9 eV,而 Cu的 2p电子结合能比 CuO的高 0.4～ 0.5 eV,因此推断在 LnCu2O4的 Ln－ O－ Cu链中存在 Cu→ O→ Ln电荷转移 .XPS分析还表明 LnCu2O4的 Cu原子上有较低的电荷密度,但不存在混合价态 .此外,通过比较价电子能谱,发现 NdCu2O4的 Ln 4f Cu 3d O 2p价带中心比 GdCu2O4的价带中心向 Fermi能级移近了 3.4 eV,而且 NdCu2O4的价带谱更窄 .     

Electronic structure, X-ray absorption, and optical spectroscopy of LaCoO(3) in the ground-state and excited-states

We present the magnetic and optical properties of various combinations of ordered spin state configurations between low-spin (LS) state, intermediate-spin (IS) state, and high-spin (HS) state of LaCoO(3) . In this study, we use the state-of-the-art first principles calculations based on generalized gradient (GGA) + Hubbard U approach. The excited-state properties of different spin configurations of LaCoO(3) such as the X-ray absorption spectra, optical conductivity, reflectivity, and electron energy loss are calculated. We have demonstrated that the optical spectra results can be used for analyzing the spin state of Co(3+) ion. The first specie is the local excitation of IS cobalt ions in the LS ground state. The second excitation leads to the stabilization of the mixed IS/HS Co(3+) metallic state. At low temperature, the comparison between O 2p and Co 3d projected density of states with the experimental valence band spectra indicates significant IS Co(3+) ions and this is in sharp contrast to the HS state which is negligible. The line shape of O 2s and Co 3d core level spectra are well reproduced in this study. The present results are in excellent agreement with the available experimental data. The variation in the spectra of different configurations of LaCoO(3) suggests a changing in the spin state as the temperature is enhanced from 90 to 500 K.     

Introducing organosilicone source into the synthetic system of polyoxovanadates: two novel {V15Si6O48}-based extended chains

Two novel extended chains based on rare {V(IV)(15)Si(6)O(48)} have been prepared under hydrothermal conditions by introducing an organosilicone source into the synthetic system of the polyoxovanadates. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses show that the neighboring {V(IV)(15)Si(6)O(48)} clusters are linked by a pair of V(V)O(2) fragments via the coordination bonds of (Si-)O-V-O(-Si) to give rise to a zig-zag chain in compound 1, which is the first example of V(iv,v) mixed valence states successfully synthesized in {V(15)Si(6)O(48)}-containing POMs. While in 2 the linkages are changed to [Co(pdn)(2)(H(2)O)](2+) (pdn = 1,3-propanediamine) cations instead of {V(V)O(2)} fragments, to generate another comparable 1-D infinite chain, which demonstrates the first organic-inorganic vanadosilicon hybrid linked by a second transition-metal complex. The possible hydrolysis mechanism of tetraethyl orthosilicate as the Si source is postulated to afford a feasible protocol to synthesize a new type of vanadosilicate cluster. The magnetic properties of the two compounds have also been investigated.     

LnCu2O4(Ln=Gd,Nd)电子结构的XPS研究

用XPS测定了LnCu2O4(Ln=Gd, Nd)的内层和价层电子能谱,观察到LnCu2O4中稀土金属的3d电子结合能比相应的稀土金属简单氧化物的3d结合能低0.8～0.9 eV,而Cu的2p电子结合能比CuO的高0.4～0.5 eV,因此推断在LnCu2O4的Ln－O－Cu链中存在Cu→O→Ln电荷转移.XPS分析还表明LnCu2O4的Cu原子上有较低的电荷密度,但不存在混合价态.此外,通过比较价电子能谱,发现NdCu2O4的Ln 4f Cu 3d O 2p价带中心比GdCu2O4的价带中心向Fermi能级移近了3.4 eV,而且NdCu2O4的价带谱更窄.     

New cubic perovskite Na(Cu2.5Ti0.5)Ti4O12 with square planar coordination of Ti4+

A new perovskite, Na[Cu(2.5)Ti(0.5)]Ti4O12, has been synthesized using a conventional solid-state technique. Neutron and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction studies in combination with density measurements and bond-valence calculations have revealed that the material crystallizes in the cubic Im space group (a = 7.38472(2) A, Z = 2) with the square-plane site accommodating 16.7% of Ti4+. This is the highest level of non-Jahn-Teller cation substitution for Cu2+ reported to date for CaCu3Ti4O12-type perovskites prepared at ambient pressure.     

Selective oxidation and reduction of trinuclear titanium(II) hexaazatrinaphthylene complexes-synthesis, structure, and electrochemical investigations

Titanocene complexes with chelating N-heterocyclic ligand bridges react with ferrocenium salts as selective oxidants to afford air-stable cationic complexes and allow the preparation of exceptional mixed valence hexaazatrinaphthylene complexes [(Cp2Ti)3(mu3-HATNMe6)]n+ (1n+) (n=1, 2, 3, 4). Cyclic voltammograms (CV) and differential pulse voltammograms (DPV) show that nine oxidation states of 1 are generated without decomposition. Comproportionation constants Kc have been calculated in order to determine the extent of electronic communication between the titanium centers. The Kc values of the mixed valence states are indicative of uncoupled (14+), moderately coupled (15+), and strongly coupled (1-, 1+, and 12+) systems. Small but significant structural changes occurring upon oxidation of neutral 1 are observed by X-ray structural analysis on 1+-14+. Anion-pi interactions between the electron-deficient central ring of the HATNMe6 moiety and PF6- and BF4- counterions, respectively, are found for 12+, 13+, and 14+. The short cation-anion contacts cause interesting molecular allignments in terms of molecular architecture. For 12+ the assembly of an one-dimensional (1D) polymer is observed. Electrochemical investigations on the mononuclear cationic titanocene complexes [(Cp2Ti)(L)]+ (L=2,2'-biquinoline (2+), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-biquinoline (3+), and 5,8'-dimethyl-2,3'-biquinoxaline (4+)) showed similar oxidation and reduction characteristics among each other. Conversion to monoanionic, neutral, and dicationic states is enabled. As found for the trinuclear compounds 1n+, the molecular structures of 2+-4+ reveal significant differences compared to their neutral parents.     

Electronic structure of HgBa2Ca(n-1)Cu(n)O(2n+2) (n = 1, 2, 3) superconductor parent compounds from periodic hybrid density functional theory

The electronic structure of HgBa(2)Ca(n) (-1)Cu(n)O(2n+2) (n = 1, 2, and 3) high T(c) superconductor parent compounds has been investigated by means of periodic hybrid density functional theory. Similar to other cuprates, these materials are predicted to exhibit an antiferromagnetic ground state with well localized S = 1/2 magnetic centers at the Cu(2+) sites. However, the presence of the HgO(2) structural units largely defines the nature of states dominating the energy range around Fermi energy. This results in a complex charge transfer character of the insulating gap which decreases when increasing the number of CuO(2) planes in the unit cell, to the point that in the HgBa(2)Ca(2)Cu(3)O(8) compound it becomes so small that one can claim that the resulting material is metallic. Nevertheless, the metallic character arises from the HgO(2) structural units and coexists with the antiferromagnetic order arising from the localized spins at the Cu(2+) sites.     

A new noncentrosymmetric vanadoborate: synthesis, crystal structure and characterization of K2SrVB5O12

A new noncentrosymmetric vanadoborate compound, K(2)SrVB(5)O(12), is synthesized by the high temperature solution method. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1) (no. 4) with lattice constants a = 6.618(3) ?, b = 8.378(4) ?, c = 9.974(5) ?, β = 99.789(6)°, Z = 2. The structure consists of vanadoborate anionic layers with K(+) and Sr(2+) cations filling the void spaces via electrostatic interactions to form the three-dimensional network. The TG-DSC curves and the UV-Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectrum were measured. Band structures and density of states were calculated. The powder second harmonic generation (SHG) effect of K(2)SrVB(5)O(12) is similar to that of KH(2)PO(4) (KDP).     

K4Fe4P5O20: a new mixed valence microporous compound with elliptical eight-ring channels

A new small-pore compound K(4)Fe(4)P(5)O(20) was obtained by conventional solid-state reaction in a closed crucible. The crystal structure is constructed by Fe(4)P(5)O(20) units forming chains along the c axis and elliptical eight-ring channels on the a-b plane in which K cations locate inside. Such structural characteristics seem to be quite similar to those seen in the natrolite family. However, Fe ions in K(4)Fe(4)P(5)O(20) have trigonal-bipyramidal instead of common tetrahedral coordination. Furthermore, our experimental results combined from magnetic susceptibility and (57)Fe M?ssbauer spectrum measurements show mixed valence Fe(3+)/Fe(2+) in the titled material. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example that contains mixed valence iron ions in a so-called natrolite framework.     

Structural tuning of charge,orbital, and spin ordering in double-cell perovskite series between NdBaFe(2)O(5) and HoBaFe(2)O(5)

Charge, orbital, and magnetic ordering of NdBaFe(2)O(5) and HoBaFe(2)O(5), the two end-members of the double-cell perovskite series RBaFe(2)O(5), have been characterized over the temperature range 2-450 K, using differential scanning calorimetry, neutron thermodiffractometry and high-resolution neutron powder diffraction. Upon cooling, both compounds transform from a class-III mixed valence (MV) compound, where all iron atoms exist as equivalent MV Fe(2.5+) ions, through a "premonitory" charge ordering into a class-II MV compound, and finally to a class-I MV phase at low-temperature. The latter phase is characterized by Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) charge ordering as well as orbital ordering of the doubly occupied Fe(2+) d(xz) orbitals. The relative simplicity of the crystal and magnetic structure of the low-temperature charge-ordered state provide an unusual opportunity to fully characterize the classical Verwey transition, first observed in magnetite, Fe(3)O(4). Despite isotypism of the title compounds at high temperature, neutron diffraction analysis reveals striking differences in their phase transitions. In HoBaFe(2)O(5), the Verwey transition is accompanied by a reversal of the direct Fe-Fe magnetic coupling across the rare earth layer, from ferromagnetic in the class-II and -III MV phases to antiferromagnetic in the low-temperature class-I MV phase. In NdBaFe(2)O(5), the larger Nd(3+) ion increases the Fe-Fe distance, thereby weakening the Fe-Fe magnetic interaction. This decouples the charge and magnetic ordering so that the Fe-Fe interaction remains ferromagnetic to low temperature. Furthermore, the symmetry of the charge-ordered class-I MV phase is reduced from Pmma to P2(1)()ma and the magnitude of the orbital ordering is diminished. These changes destabilize the charge-ordered state and suppress the temperature at which the Verwey transition occurs. A comparison of the magnetic and structural features of RBaFe(2)O(5) compounds is included in order to illustrate how structural tuning, via changes in the radius of the rare-earth ion, can be used to alter the physical properties of these double-cell perovskites.     

Theoretical and experimental determination of the electronic structure of V(2)O(5), reduced V(2)O(5-x) and sodium intercalated NaV(2)O(5)

In this work the electronic structure of V(2)O(5), reduced V(2)O(5-x) (V(16)O(39)) and sodium intercalated NaV(2)O(5) has been studied by both theoretical and experimental methods. Theoretical band structure calculations have been performed using density functional methods (DFT). We have investigated the electron density distribution of the valence states, the total density of states (total DOS) and the partial valence band density of states (PVBDOS). Experimentally, amorphous V(2)O(5) thin films have been prepared by physical vapour deposition (PVD) on freshly cleaved highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrates at room temperature with an initial oxygen understoichiometry of about 4%, resulting in a net stoichiometry of V(2)O(4.8). These films have been intercalated by sodium using vacuum deposition with subsequent spontaneous intercalation (NaV(2)O(5)) at room temperature. Resonant V3p-V3d photoelectron spectroscopy (ResPES) experiments have been performed to determine the PVBDOS focusing on the calculation of occupation numbers and the determination of effective oxidation state, reflecting ionicity and covalency of the V-O bonds. Using X-ray absorption near edge spectra (XANES) an attempt is made to visualize the changes in the unoccupied DOS due to sodium intercalation. For comparison measurements on nearly stoichiometric V(2)O(5) single crystals have been performed. The experimental data for the freshly cleaved and only marginally reduced V(2)O(5) single crystals and the NaV(2)O(5) results are in good agreement with the calculated values. The ResPES results for V(2)O(4.8) agree in principle with the calculations, but the trends in the change of the ionicity differ between experiment and theory. Experimentally we find partly occupied V 3d states above the oxygen 2p-like states and a band gap between these and the unoccupied states. In theory one finds this occupation scheme assuming oxygen vacancies in V(2)O(5) and by performing a spin-polarized calculation of an antiferromagnetic ordered NaV(2)O(5.).