Synthesis and optical absorption property of the Zn2TixSn1−xO4 (0?x?1) solid solutions

Zn₂Ti_xSn_1−xO₄ (0?x?1) solid solutions with an inverse spinel structure (Fd3m) were synthesized by solid-state reactions at 1300°C of the stoichiometric mixtures of ZnO, TiO₂ and SnO₂. X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and BET specific surface area measurements were used to gain insights into the solid-state reactions and phase transformation of the system. Optical absorption property of the Zn₂Ti_xSn_1−xO₄ (0?x?1) solid solutions was studied with the ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). The Zn₂Ti_xSn_1−xO₄ (0?x?1) solid solutions showed optical absorptions of the semiconductors in the near ultraviolet region; the adsorption band shifts with the composition of the solid solution.     

Prediction of transport properties of new functional materials based on lanthanum-strontium cuprates: Molecular mechanics calculations

The method of molecular dynamics is used for prediction of properties of new functional materials based on lanthanum-strontium cuprates La_{2 ? x} Sr _x CuO_{4 ? δ} as new materials of the solid state ionics. The most interesting phases are synthesized to test the obtained calculation data and their electrophysical and thermomechanical characteristics are studied. It is shown that the high values of the oxygen diffusion coefficients are obtained in the La_{2 ? x} Sr _x CuO_{4 ? δ} solid solutions with a high replacement degree of Sr → La (up to x = 1). The calculated values of lattice cell parameters, thermal expansion coefficients and oxygen diffusion coefficients agree with the experimental data. The observed anisotropy of anionic transport for all the studied compositions corresponds to the regularities of crystal structure of complex oxides. Using the molecular dynamics method allows tracing the contribution of separate types of oxygen ions (equatorial and apical) into ionic transport at the microscopic level and also confirming directly that oxygen diffusion occurs according to the usual jump mechanism, mainly in (CuO₂) layers.     

Crystal structure and conduction of BICUTIVOX

Existence boundaries, structure, and transport parameters were studied for Bi₄V_{2 ? x} Cu _x/2Ti _x/2O_{11 ? x} solid solutions. Doping levels within x = 0.025–0.15 distort the C2/m crystal lattice (this lattice is characteristic of individual the Bi₄V₂O₁₁ phase) and lowers its symmetry to triclinic. The solid solutions with 0.25 ≤ x ≤ 0.30 crystallize in tetragonal space group I4/mmm. High-temperature X-ray diffraction and dilatometry measurements for Bi₄V_{2 ? x} Cu _x/2Ti _x/2O_{11 ? x} (x ≤ 0.35) solid solutions verified the existence of three structural varieties within 298–1023 K. Electrical conductivity of BICUTIVOX was studied by impedance spectroscopy as a function of temperature, composition, and oxygen partial pressure. Equivalent circuits of cells were analyzed. Features of electrical conductivity versus temperature for the structural varieties are noted. Above 873 K, the solid solutions samples with x = 0.05 have the highest conductivity. At lower temperatures, higher conductivities are in the solid solutions that retain the γ phase in the low-temperature region. The dominant oxygen-ion conduction mechanism was discovered in the solid solutions.     

Structure, magnetic, and electric properties of bismuth niobates doped with d-elements: VII. State of copper in the Bi2BaCu x Nb2−x O9−δ solid solutions

Magnetic susceptibility of the Bi₂BaCu _x Nb_2?x O_9?δ solid solutions (0.01 < x < 0.20) with the layered perovskite-like structure was studied. In dilute solid solutions, copper atoms are in the form of Cu(II) monomers. As the concentration increases, the fraction of monomers decreases and the fraction of exchange-bonded aggregates (dimers) of Cu(II) with antiferromagnetic exchange increases. The antiferromagnetic exchange parameter in the copper dimers was estimated at ?300 cm^?1.     

Synthesis and study of cesium-containing phosphates with a β-tridymite structure

Complex phosphates CsMg_{1 ? x} M _x PO₄ (M = Mn, Co, Cu, Zn), containing cesium and metals in the oxidation state +2, have been synthesized, and their structure and thermal behavior have been studied. Continuous solid solutions (0 ?? x ?? 1) of the ??-tridymite structure type are formed in the CsMg_{1 ? x} Mn _x PO₄, CsMg_{1 ? x} Co _x PO₄, and CsMg_{1 ? x} Zn _x PO₄ systems, whereas limited solid solutions (0 ?? x ?? 0.4) are formed in the CsMg_{1 ? x} Cu _x PO₄ system. Based on DTA data, phase transitions have been revealed in the cobalt-, copper-, and zinc-containing phosphates, and the orthorhombic or monoclinic crystal system has been identified. Unit cell parameters of the solid solutions have been calculated. Thermal expansion of the CsMPO₄ phosphates has been studied.     

Photocatalytic hydrogen generation using glucose as electron donor over Pt/Cd x Zn1−x S solid solutions

Cd _x Zn_1?x S solid solution photocatalysts were prepared by a hydrothermal process. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffusive reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) measurements. Using glucose as an electron donor, photocatalytic hydrogen generation over Pt/Cd _x Zn_1?x S was investigated. The results show that glucose not only improves the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen generation but prevents photocorrosion of Cd _x Zn_1?x S. Glucose was degraded effectively with the hydrogen generation. The factors which affect photocatalytic hydrogen generation, such as composition and structure of Cd _x Zn_1?x S solid solutions, irradiation time, initial concentration of the glucose, and concentration of NaOH were studied.     

Electrochemical properties of solid solutions in the Li8Zr1 − x Ce x O6 system

Li₈Zr_{1 ? x} Ce _x O₆ solid solutions based on lithium zirconate Li₈ZrO₆ were obtained by solid-state synthesis in an inert atmosphere. Their transport properties (the electron component of the total conductivity, the temperature and concentration dependences of conductivity, and the activation energies) were studied by impedance spectroscopy. The practical stability of the ceramic samples of Li₈Zr_{1 ? x} Ce _x O₆ solid solutions (x = 0–0.07) at 473–573 K against melted lithium was studied.     

Glycolate Ti1 − x Fe x (OCH2CH2O)2 − x/2 as a precursor for the preparation of quasi-one-dimensional (1D) solid solutions Ti1 − x Fe x O2 − 2x/2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1)

Quasi-one-dimensional (1D) solid solutions Ti_{1 ? x} Fe _x (OCH₂CH₂O)_{2 ? x/2} (0 < x ≤ 0.1) with the structure of anatase were prepared by heating the glycolate Ti_{1 ? x} Fe _x (OCH₂CH₂O)_{2 ? x/2} in an atmosphere of air at a temperature of >450°C. The conditions of formation and the properties of the new glycolate Ti₃Fe₂(OCH₂CH₂O)₉ were described. It was found that the synthesized Ti_{1 ? x} Fe _x O_{2 ? 2x/2} solid solutions exhibit photocatalytic activity in the reaction of hydroquinone oxidation in an aqueous solution on irradiation with UV light. A correlation between the rate of oxidation of hydroquinone and the concentration of iron in the catalyst was established. A procedure for the preparation of titanium dioxide with the structure of anatase doped with iron and carbon (Ti_{1 ? x} Fe _x O_{(2 ? x/2) ? yCy)} and also composites on its basis, which contain an excess amount of carbon, was proposed.     

Electrophysical properties of solid solutions of Zn2 − x (Zr a Sn b )1 − x Fe2x O4 compositions

The electrophysical properties of the multicomponent Zn₂ZrO₄ ? Zn₂SnO₄ ? ZnFe₂O₄ system are studied. The electrophysical parameters of solid solutions of Zn_{2 ? x} (Zr _a Sn _b )_{1 ? x} Fe_2x O₄ (x = 0–1.0, Δx = 0.1, a + b = 1) are determined. It is found that the formed solid solutions are semiconductors with electrophysical properties that change in a regular fashion with composition and are distinguished by high values of resistivity (107–1012 Ω cm).     

Surface degradation of fluoride conducting crystals MF2:UF4:CeF3 (M = Ca,Sr, Ba)

The ac electrical response of cell systems composed of single crystals of the concentrated solid solutions M_1?x?yU_xCe_yF_2+2x+y (M = Ca, Sr, Ba and 2.7 < 2x + y < 26.5 m/o), and ionically blocking electrodes has been studied as a function of frequency and temperature. At elevated temperatures the crystals react with traces of oxygen or water vapor. Complex admittance analysis reveals the formation of low-conducting surface layers, contrary to diluted solid solutions which under similar conditions react to form high-conducting surface layers (2). The activation enthalpy for the layer conductivity is substantially larger than that for the bulk conductivity, and equals that for interstitial fluoride ion motion in dilute solid solutions. A mechanism of charge compensation in the layers is presented. After reaction the solid solutions based on CaF₂ show also a surface electronic conductivity. Scanning electron micrographs clearly reveal the surface degradation.     

Synthesis and antioxidant activity of biocompatible maltodextrin-stabilized aqueous sols of nanocrystalline ceria

A novel method is proposed for preparing biocompatible aqueous CeO₂ sols, which allows purposefully adjusting particle sizes and biochemical properties of nanocrystalline ceria (NC). The usefulness of this method for preparing aqueous sols of Ce_{1 ? x} Gd _x O_{2 ? x/2} solid solutions is demonstrated. Nanocrystalline ceria has been demonstrated to have a size-dependent activity in hydroxyl radical inactivation and in protecting mouse fibroblast cells (L929) from oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide administration.     

Atoms state and interatomic interactions in perovskite-like oxides: XXXII. Formation of paramagnetic clusters in the La1−0.33x Ca0.33x Fe x Al1−x O3 and La1−0.33x Sr0.33x Fe x Al1−x O3 solid solutions

Calcium- and strontium-containing lanthanum orthoferrites have been studied using magnetic dilution method. It has been shown that the iron-atom clusters with competing ferro- and antiferromagnetic exchange interactions can exist. By using Mossbauer spectroscopy, Fe(IV) atoms have been found in the La_1?0.33x Ca_0.33x Fe_xAl_1?x O₃ solid solutions and Fe(III) atoms in two different surroundings have been found in the La_1?0.33x Sr_0.33x Fe _x Al_1?x O₃ solid solutions. The compositions of paramagnetic clusters stable at the infinite dilution have been proposed basing of the magnetic susceptibility and Mossbauer spectroscopy data.     

Evolution structurale de quelques solutions solides oxyfluorées de structure pyrochlore

Pyrochlore solid solutions Cd₂Nb_2−2xM^IV_2xO_7−2xF_2x are studied with M = Ge and Sn; the domain of existence is 0 ? x ? 0.5. We can observe two cubic domains for different values of the position parameter u. With M = Zr we obtain a pyrochlore solid solution varying between 0 ? x ? 0.875. It offers a rhomboedric distortion for 0.25 < x < 0.55 due to an ordered distribution of Nb and Zr in the (111) plans of the cell.     

Synthesis,optical properties,and photocatalytic activity of lanthanide-doped anatase

Quasi-one-dimensional (1D) Ti_{1 ? x} Ln _x O_{2 ? x/2} anatase solid solutions were prepared by heating Ti_{1 ? x} Ln _x (OCH₂CH₂O)_{2 ? x/2} precursors, where Ln = Nd, Eu, Tb, Er (x = 0.025), or Sm (0.005 ≤ x ≤ 0.025), in air. These solid solution were found to have a photocatalytic activity in hydroquinone oxidation in aqueous solution under exposure to UV radiation. UV-Vis absorption spectra were recorded for Ti_{1 ? x} Ln _x O_{2 ? x/2} (Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, or Er). The electronic structure and optical absorption spectra were calculated for anatase doped with neodymium, samarium, or terbium.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of (Na,K)Ti2(PO4)3 solid solutions

Na_1?x K_xTi₂(PO₄)₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) solid solutions are synthesized through ion exchange under hydrothermal conditions and a sol-gel process. The unit cell parameters are calculated for (Na,K) titanium phosphates. Cation-exchange reactions in the NaTi₂(PO₄)₃-KTi₂(PO₄)₃-NaCl-KCl-H₂O system are studied at T = 973 K and p = 200 MPa. The solid phase with compositions in the range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7 is enriched with sodium; in the range 0.7 ≤ x ≤ 1.0, it is enriched with potassium. The excess functions of mixing for the solid solutions are described in terms of the Margules model. Titanium phosphates Na_1?x K_xTi₂(PO₄)₃ show greater nonideality than zirconium phosphates Na_1?x K_xZr₂(PO₄)₃ and lower thermodynamic stability in decay into pure components at high pressures and temperatures.     

Preparation of mesoporous Ce<Subscript>1 − <Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Fe<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> mixed oxides and their catalytic properties in methane combustion

Mesoporous Ce_{1 ? x} Fe _x O₂ mixed oxide catalysts of different molar ratios (x = 0.1–0.5) were prepared by the citric acid sol-gel method and the microwave technique. The activities of Ce_{1 ? x} Fe _x O₂ mixed oxides on methane combustion were investigated, and the structure and reductive properties were characterized by XRD, BET, DRS, and TPR. The data showed that Ce_{1 ? x} Fe _x O₂ mixed oxides prepared were mesoporous material. When x ≤ 0.2, the transition metal Fe incorporated into the lattice of CeO₂ to form cubic Ce_{1 ? x} Fe _x O₂ solid solutions, and mixed phases of cubic Ce_{1 ? x} Fe _x O₂ solid solutions and α-Fe₂O₃ existed when x > 0.2. Ce_{1 ? x} Fe _x O₂ solid solutions show higher activity for methane combustion than pure CeO₂, especially for Ce_0.9Fe_0.1O₂.     

Phase transitions and electroconducting properties of BIMEVOX solid electrolytes

Ceramic solid solutions Bi₄ (V_{1 ? x} Me _x )₂O_{11 ? y} (x= 0?0.3, Me = Zr, Ga, Fe) were obtained by solid-state synthesis. The homogeneity regions, x ≤ 0.3 for Me = Ga, Fe and x ≤ 0.15 for Me = Zr, were established. Structure parameters, microstructure, and the thermal, dielectric, and conducting properties of the samples were studied. The concentration and temperature ranges of the existence of different polymorphs and the concentration ranges x over which the high-conductivity phase was stable at ～20°C were established. Using DTA, DSC, and dielectric spectroscopy, the α?β and β?γ phase transitions were revealed. It was found that the electrical conductivity of the solid solutions decreased as x increased.     

Neutronenbeugungsuntersuchungen an ternären Laves-Phasen vom MgCu2-Typ

Both X-ray and neutron diffraction investigations were carried out on polycrystalline Laves phases of the MgCu₂ type in the MgCu_2?xZn_x, MgCu_2?xNi_x, and MgNi_2?xZn_x ternary systems. Within the existence range of the solid solutions, no indication was found for either a structure change or ordering. The lattice parameters of the cubic MgCu_2?xZn_x solid solutions were measured for the entire existence range. A relationship between the local changes in physical properties and the integral number of electrons per one elementary cell is discussed.     

Synthesis and CO2 capture evaluation of Li2−xKxZrO3 solid solutions and crystal structure of a new lithium-potassium zirconate phase

Solid solutions of lithium and potassium metazirconates Li_2−xK_xZrO₃ (where, 0?x?2) were prepared by coprecipitation. Samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses. Results showed that the solubility limits of potassium into Li₂ZrO₃ is x=0.2. Furthermore, at higher potassium concentrations, a new phase was synthesized, Li_2.27K_1.19Zr_2.16O_6.05. For structural studies of this new phase, XRD data were analyzed by Rietveld refinements. Additionally, at high potassium concentrations different phases of ZrO₂ were found, as potassium tends to sublimate. On the other hand, lithium-potassium metazirconate solid solutions, Li_2−xK_xZrO₃, were tested as CO₂ captors. Thermal analyses into a CO₂ flux showed that Li_2−xK_xZr₂O₃ solid solutions present a better CO₂ absorption than Li₂ZrO₃ pure. The differences observed in the CO₂ sorption processes were explained with thermodynamic data.     

New anion-conducting fluorite-like solid solution Bi1 − x Te x (O,F)2 + δ (0.28 < x < 0.43) in the BiF3-BiOF-TeO2 system

A new fluorite-like solid solution, II-Bi_{1 ? x} Te _x (O,F)_{2 + δ}, was produced by solid-phase synthesis at 873 K with subsequent annealing, its concentration boundaries were determined, and a scheme of an isothermal (873 K) section of the BiF₃-BiOF-TeO₂ system was proposed. The new phase was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, electron microscopy, and impedance spectroscopy. Making heterovalent substitutions simultaneously in the cation and anion sublattices, Te⁴⁺ ? Bi³⁺ and O^2? ? F^? allowed one to vary the tellurium cation content x (at constant anion nonstoichiometry δ) or the anion nonstoichiometry δ (at constant tellurium cation content x or constant fluoride ion content), which enabled one to describe the effect of these parameters on the properties of the solid solution. The anion excess δ was found to dominate the unit cell parameter of the solid solution and its ionic conductivity. The conduction within the studied temperature range was proven to be mainly by fluoride ions. It was assumed that the ordering of superstoichiometric anions, or clustering, can manifest itself as the structural modulations of the phase II-Bi_{1 ? x} Te _x (O,F)_{2 + δ} that were detected in this work.