Solid-Liquid Equilibria in the Quaternary Systems KCl–MgCl<Subscript>2</Subscript>–SrCl<Subscript>2</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O and NaCl–KCl–SrCl<Subscript>2</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O at 348 K

Solid-liquid equilibria in the quaternary systems KCl–MgCl₂–SrCl₂–H₂O and NaCl–KCl–SrCl₂–H₂O at 348 K were measured by the isothermal solution saturation method. The composition of the equilibrium solid phase, solubilities of salts, and densities of saturated solution in the two systems were determined. Phase diagrams, water content diagrams and solution density diagrams of quaternary systems were plotted according to experimental data. The phase diagram of the quaternary system NaCl–KCl–SrCl₂–H₂O has one invariant point, three univariant curves as the boundary of NaCl, KCl and SrCl₂ · 2H₂O. This phase diagrams were simple co-saturation type without complex salt and solid solution. For the quaternary system KCl–MgCl₂–SrCl₂–H₂O, one complex salt KCl · MgCl₂ · 6H₂O (Car) had been found in this system, consisted of five univariant curves, two invariant points and four crystallization regions of MgCl₂ · 6H₂O (Bis), KCl, SrCl₂ · 2H₂O and KCl · MgCl₂ · 6H₂O. And the densities transformation rules were simply discussed. Simultaneously, the solubilities and densities data in invariant point of the quaternary system NaCl–KCl–SrCl₂–H₂O had been compared with the experimental data of previous researchers.     

Thermal characterisation of raw aluminosilicate glazes in SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–CaO–K<Subscript>2</Subscript>O–Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>O–ZnO system with variable content of ZnO

Thermal properties of raw aluminosilicate ceramic glazes in the multicomponent system of SiO₂–Al₂O₃–CaO–K₂O–Na₂O–ZnO modified by ZnO addition were studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA), dilatometry (DIL), hot-stage microscopy (HSM), X-ray diffraction and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Using the method of differential thermal analysis, the ways in which zinc oxides affect the temperature of transition (T _g), crystallisation (T _c) were determined. An analysis of the DTA data obtained during thermal tests showed that an increase in ZnO content results in decreasing the T _g value. Also, the influence of ZnO on characteristic temperatures and viscosity of glazes was checked. The introduction of zinc oxide (ZnO) into the glaze composition contributes to the decrease in viscosity of such glazes. An increasing ZnO content in the glazes also causes the reduction in softening (T _s), half-sphere (T _half-sphere) and fusion (T _fusion) temperatures. The mid-infrared spectroscopy showed that the thermal properties of glazes in SiO₂–Al₂O₃–CaO–K₂O–Na₂O–ZnO system modified by addition of ZnO can be associated with the depolymerising influence of zinc ions on the structure of the tested glazes.     

Thermoelectric power and electrochemical studies on CdI<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Ag<Subscript>2</Subscript>O–V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>–B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

A quaternary super-ion-conducting system, 20CdI₂ − 80[xAg₂O − y(0.7V₂O₅ − 0.3B₂O₃)] where 1 ≤ x/y ≤ 3, has been prepared by melt quenching technique. The electrical conductivity measured was the order of 10⁻⁴  S/cm at room temperature. The values of silver-ion transport number obtained by electromotive force technique are nearly unity. The thermoelectric power and electrochemical studies were done on the CdI₂–Ag₂O–V₂O₅–B₂O₃ system. The discharge and polarization characteristics were examined for different cathodes to evaluate the utility of these cells as power sources for low energy applications.     

Structural characterisation and thermo-physical properties of glasses in the Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>O–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–K<Subscript>2</Subscript>O system

This article aims to shed some light on the structure and thermo-physical properties of lithium disilicate glasses in the system Li₂O–SiO₂–Al₂O₃–K₂O. A glass with nominal composition 23Li₂O–77SiO₂ (mol%) (labelled as L₂₃S₇₇) and glasses containing Al₂O₃ and K₂O with SiO₂/Li₂O molar ratios (3.13–4.88) were produced by conventional melt-quenching technique in bulk and frit forms. The glass-ceramics (GCs) were obtained from nucleation and crystallisation of monolithic bulk glasses as well as via sintering and crystallisation of glass powder compacts. The structure of glasses as investigated by magic angle spinning-nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) depict the role of Al₂O₃ as glass network former with four-fold coordination, i.e., Al(IV) species while silicon exists predominantly as a mixture of Q ³ and Q ⁴ (Si) structural units. The qualitative as well as quantitative crystalline phase evolution in glasses was followed by differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) adjoined with Rietveld-reference intensity ratio (R.I.R.) method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The possible correlation amongst structural features of glasses, phase composition and thermo-physical properties of GCs has been discussed.     

Transformations of CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> in Two-Phase Systems C<Subscript>8</Subscript>F<Subscript>18</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O and C<Subscript>6</Subscript>F<Subscript>6</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The transformation of carbon dioxide in aqueous emulsions of perfluorons in the presence of oxygen in the air results in the formation of a mixture of oxalic acid and a minor set of organic compounds C₄–C₈. The maximum CO₂ consumption occurs in the emulsion with the C₈F₁₈: H₂O vol/vol ratio of 1: 0.42 at pH 2.4; the H₂C₂O₄ yield is 11 mol %.     

Phase formation in the system Zn(VO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>–HCl–VOCl<Subscript>2</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The phase and chemical compositions of precipitates formed in the system Zn(VO₃)₂–HCl–VOCl₂–H₂O at pH 1?3, molar ratio V⁴⁺: V⁵⁺ = 0.1?9, and 80°C were studied. It was shown that, within the range 0.4 ≤ V⁴⁺: V⁵⁺ ≤ 9, zinc vanadate with vanadium in a mixed oxidation state forms with the general formula Zn_xV⁴⁺ _yV⁵⁺ _2-yO₅ ? nH₂O (0.005 ≤ x ≤ 0.1, 0.05 ≤ y ≤ 0.3, n = 0.5?1.2). Vanadate Zn_xV₂O₅ ? nH₂O with the maximum tetravalent vanadium content (y = 0.30) was produced within the ratio range V⁴⁺: V⁵⁺ = 1.5?9.0. Investigation of the kinetics of the formation of Zn_xV₂O₅ ? nH₂O at pH 3 determined that tetravalent vanadium ions VO2+ activate the formation of zinc vanadate, and its precipitation is described by a second-order reaction. It was demonstrated that, under hydrothermal conditions at pH 3 and 180°C, zinc decavanadate in the presence of VOCl₂ can be used as a precursor for producing V₃O₇ ? H₂O nanorods 50–100 nm in diameter.     

Physicochemical Analysis of the System Zr(SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O at 25°С

The solubility in the quaternary water–salt system Zr(SO₄)₂ · 4Н₂О–Na₂SO₄–H₂SO₄–H₂O at 25°C was studied. It was found that, in the system, there is crystallization of not only Na₂SO₄ and Zr(SO₄)₄ · 4H₂O, but also sodium sulfate zirconates Na₂Zr(SO₄)₂(OH)₂ · 0.3H₂O, Na₄Zr(SO₄)₄ · 3H₂O, and Na₂Zr(SO₄)₂ · 3H₂O and two new compounds, S₁ and S₂, which are presumably Na₂ZrO(SO₄)₂ · 2H₂O and Na₂Zr₂O₂(SO₄)₃ · 6H₂O.     

Glass Formation in the Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>–(CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O System

The glass formation in the Al₂(SO₄)₃–(CH₃)₂SO–H₂O system was found for the first time. The competitive ability of ligands, dimethyl sulfoxide and water (which are strong donors), for entering the first coordination sphere of aluminum is considered. The possibility of mixed coordination of (CH₃)₂SO (via sulfur and oxygen atoms) in the first coordination sphere of aluminum with retention of the glass-forming ability of the sample was suggested on the basis of IR spectral study.     

Ternary Systems LiBr–LiVO<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>CrO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and KBr–KVO<Subscript>3</Subscript>–K<Subscript>2</Subscript>CrO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The binary system KVO₃–K₂CrO₄ and two ternary systems, LiBr–LiVO₃–Li₂CrO₄ and KBr–KVO₃–K₂CrO₄, were studied. In the ternary systems, the compositions and melting points of eutectic alloys were determined by differential thermal analysis: (49.0 mol % LiBr, 5.0 mol % LiVO₃, 46.0 mol % Li₂CrO₄, 400°C) and (17.0 mol % KBr, 78.0 mol % KVO₃, 5.0 mol % K₂CrO₄, 458°C), respectively.     

Thermal studies of ZnO–B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–P<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>–TeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> glasses

The effect of TeO₂ additions on the thermal behaviour of zinc borophosphate glasses were studied in the compositional series (100 − x)[0.5ZnO–0.1B₂O₃–0.4P₂O₅]–xTeO₂ by differential scanning calorimetry, thermodilatometry and heating microscopy thermal analysis. The addition of TeO₂ to the starting borophosphate glass resulted in a linear increase of glass transition temperature and dilatometric softening temperature, whereas the thermal expansion coefficient decreased. Most of glasses crystallize under heating within the temperature range of 440–640 °C. The crystallization temperature steeply decreases with increasing TeO₂ content. The lowest tendency towards crystallization was observed for the glasses containing 50 and 60 mol% TeO₂. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that major compounds formed by annealing of the glasses were Zn₂P₂O₇, BPO₄ and α-TeO₂. Annealing of the powdered 50ZnO–10B₂O₃–40P₂O₅ glass leads at first to the formation of an unknown crystalline phase, which is gradually transformed to Zn₂P₂O₇ and BPO₄ during subsequent heating.     

Multicomponent systems LiCl–LiBr–Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and LiCl–LiBr–Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>–Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

Phase equilibria in the LiCl–LiBr–Li₂SO₄ ternary system and the LiCl–LiBr–Li₂SO₄–Li₂MoO₄ quaternary system were studied by differential thermal analysis. The compositions and temperatures of minima in the ternary and quaternary systems were determined to be (31.2 mol % LiCl, 46.8 mol % LiBr, 22.0 mol % Li₂SO₄, 460°C) and (25.2 mol % LiCl, 30.2 mol % LiBr, 14.6 mol % Li₂SO₄, 30.0 mol % Li₂MoO₄, 411°C), respectively.     

Phase and extraction equilibria in H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O–sulfonol–HCl (H<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>) and H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O–sodium dodecyl sulfate–HCl (H<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>) systems

Solubility isotherms of water–sulfonol–hydrochloric (or sulfuric) acid and water–sodium dodecyl sulfate–hydrochloric acid systems at 75°C and a water–sodium dodecyl sulfate–sulfuric acid system at 50°C are constructed. Regions of two-phase liquid equilibrium suitable for use in extraction are found. Concentration parameters for extraction are determined. The interfacial distribution of a series of metal ions with and without such additional complexing reagents as diantipyrylmethane and diantipyrylheptane is studied.     

Crystal structure of Ba<Subscript>3</Subscript>[UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(NCS)]<Subscript>2</Subscript> · 9H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Single crystals of Ba₃[UO₂(C₂O₄)₂(NCS)]₂ · 9H₂O are synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction. The crystals are orthorhombic, space group Fddd, Z = 16, and the unit cell parameters are a = 16.253(3) Å, b = 22.245(3) Å, c = 39.031(6) Å. The main crystal structural units are mononuclear complex groups [UO₂(C₂O₄)₂NCS]^3? of the crystal-chemical family (AB ₂ ⁰¹ M¹ (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , B⁰¹ = C₂O ₄ ^2? , M¹ = NCS^?) of the uranyl complexes linked into a three-dimensional framework by electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds involving oxalate ions and water molecules.     

Crystal structure of Cs[(UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(OH)] · H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Single crystals of Cs[(UO₂)₂(C₂O₄)₂(OH)] · H₂O were synthesized and structurally studied using X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2₁/m, Z = 2, with the unit cell parameters a = 5.5032(4) Å, b = 13.5577(8) Å, c = 9.5859(8) Å, β = 97.012(3)°, V = 709.86(9) ų, R = 0.0444. The main building units of crystals are [(UO₂)₂(C₂O₄)₂(OH)]^? layers of the A₂K ₂ ⁰² M² (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , K⁰² = C₂O ₄ ^2? , and M² = OH^?) crystal-chemical family. Uranium-containing layers are linked into a three-dimensional framework via electrostatic interactions with outer-sphere cations and hydrogen bonds with water molecules.     

Synthesis and X-ray diffraction study of Li(H<Subscript>3</Subscript>O)[UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)] · H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Single crystals of Li(H₃O)[UO₂(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)] · H₂O (I) have been synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction. Compound I crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with the unit cell parameters: a = 7.1682(10) Å, b = 29.639(6) Å, c = 6.6770(12) Å, β= 112.3(7)°, space group P 2₁/c, Z = 4, R = 4.36%. Structure I contains discrete mononuclear groups [UO₂(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)]^2? ascribed to the crystal-chemical group AB ₂ ⁰¹ M¹ (A = UO₂ ²⁺, B⁰¹ =C₂O ₄ ^2? , M¹ = H₂O), which are “cross-linked” by the lithium ions into infinite layers {Li(UO₂)(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂}^? perpendicular to [010]. The hydroxonium ions are located between adjacent uranium-containing layers. A hydrogen bond system involving water molecules, oxalate ions, and hydroxonium combines the anionic layers into a three-dimensional framework.     

Phase diagram of the NaCl–MgCl<Subscript>2</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O system at 25–75°C and its application for MgCl<Subscript>2</Subscript> · 6H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O purification

The co-saturation line for the solid phases NaCl_(s) and MgCl₂ · 6H₂O_(s) in aqueous solution has been measured by a phase equilibrium at various temperatures. It was found that the Y _b (Y _b = w(NaCl)/(w(NaCl) + w(MgCl₂))) value of the co-saturation line increase with increasing temperature. A new recrystallization approach has been suggested for the purification of MgCl₂ · 6H₂O_(s) containing quite amount of impurity NaCl, i.e., dissolving the crude sample at low temperatures, followed by evaporating and phase separating at high temperatures. Applying the proposed approach a crude MgCl₂ · 6H₂O_(s) sample can be purified to the level of Y _b = 0.17% by only one crystallization process.     

Neutron diffraction study of Rb<Subscript>2</Subscript>UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SeO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> · 2D<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

A powder of deuterated rubidium diselenatouranylate dihydrate Rb₂UO₂(SeO₄)₂ · 2D₂O has been studied by neutron diffraction. The compound is orthorhombic, space group Pna2₁, with the following unit cell parameters: a = 13.654(2) Å, b = 11.863(2) Å, c = 7.625(1) Å, Z = 4, R _F = 3.77, R _I = 6.12, and χ² = 2.21. Basic structure units are [UO₂(SeO₄)₂ · D₂O]^2? layers belonging to the AB ₂ ² M¹ crystal-chemical group (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , B² = SeO ₄ ^2? , M¹ = D₂O) of uranyl complexes. The hydrogen atoms if the water molecules involved in the layer form intralayer hydrogen bonds with the terminal oxygen atoms of selenate ions. The outer-sphere water molecules are coordinated to the rubidium ions and are involved in hydrogen bonding with oxygen atoms of neighboring [UO₂(SeO₄)₂ · D₂O]^2? layers.     

Glass Formation in the Ternary System La<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–As<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Er<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The boundaries of the glass formation region in the ternary system La₂O₃–As₂S₃–Er₂O₃ were found. Transparent glass of composition (La₂O₃)_0.03(As₂S₃)0.90(Er₂O₃)0.07 was studied by X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy. The intensities of the bands characterizing As–S, La–O, and Er–O bonds increased, and these bands were shifted toward higher energies. This was due to an increase in the covalence of these bonds and probably due to the formation of new bonds in the glasses. Samples in the glass formation region are resistant at 300 K to air, water, and organic solvents.     

Thermogravimetric analysis of wheatleyite Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>·2H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Evidence for the existence of primitive life forms such as lichens and fungi can be based upon the formation of oxalates. These oxalates form as a film like deposit on rocks and other host matrices. The anhydrous oxalate mineral moolooite CuC₂O₄ as the natural copper(II) oxalate mineral is a classic example. Another example of a natural oxalate is the mineral wheatleyite Na₂Cu²⁺(C₂O₄)₂·2H₂O. High resolution thermogravimetry coupled to evolved gas mass spectrometry shows decomposition of wheatleyite at 255°C. Two higher temperature mass losses are observed at 324 and 349°C. Higher temperature mass losses are observed at 819, 833 and 857°C. These mass losses as confirmed by mass spectrometry are attributed to the decomposition of tennerite CuO. In comparison the thermal decomposition of moolooite takes place at 260°C. Evolved gas mass spectrometry for moolooite shows the gas lost at this temperature is carbon dioxide. No water evolution was observed, thus indicating the moolooite is the anhydrous copper(II) oxalate as compared to the synthetic compound which is the dihydrate.     

Crystal Structure of Neptunium(V) Acetate [(NpO<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(OOCCH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)] ⋅ 2H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

A new neptunium(V) complex [(NpO₂)₂(CH₃COO)₂(H₂O)] ? 2H₂O was synthesized and its crystal structure was determined. The unit cell parameters are: a = 24.007(10) Å, b = 6.779(3) Å, c = 8.076(3) Å, space group Pnma, Z = 4, V = 1314.2(9) ų, R = 0.049, wR(F²) = 0.105. The crystal structure of the compound is composed of neutral [(NpO₂)₂(CH₃COO)₂(H₂O)] layers and molecules of the water of crystallization. Each of the crystallographically independent neptunoyl ions performs a bidentate function thus forming a composite system of cation-cation bonds.