Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetic TiO2/SiO2/NiFe2O4 Composite Photocatalysts

Magnetic TiO2/SiO2/NiFe2O4 composite photocatalytic particles with high crystalline TiO2 shell were synthesized via a mild solution route.The prepared composite particles were characterized with X-ray diffraction(XRD),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),high resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis) spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM).The results show that the obtained TiO2/SiO2/NiFe2O4 composite particles were composed...     

Epitaxial growth of single-crystalline Al(2)O(3) films on Cr(2)O(3)(0001)

Thin, crystallographically oriented single-crystalline Al2O3 films can be grown epitaxially on Cr2O3(0001) by codeposition of Al vapor and O2 at a substrate temperature of 825 K. The properties and growth of these films were monitored by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), low-energy ion scattering (LEIS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Two routes of preparation were investigated: (i) stepwise growth by alternating deposition of Al at room temperature and subsequent exposure to O2 at elevated temperatures; (ii) codeposition of Al and O2 at T > 800 K. The first route was consistently found to result in the growth of a complex interfacial oxide followed by the growth of polycrystalline Al2O3. The second mode of preparation provided homogeneous and ordered, probably (0001)-oriented, films of Al2O3 that maintained a LEED pattern up to a thickness around 10 A. The surface sensitive Cr MVV Auger transition at 34 eV was completely attenuated once the Al2O3 layer had reached a thickness of 6 A, pointing to film homogeneity at an early stage. This was confirmed by the absence of a significant Cr signal in LEIS spectra.     

[NiFe/Cu/Co/Cu]n纳米多层线的电化学制备及表征

采用电沉积法,在阳极氧化铝(AAO)模板中制备了[NiFe/Cu/Co/Cu]_n多层纳米线.利用扫描电子显微镜(SEM)及透射电子显微镜(TEM)对纳米多层线的表面形貌及结构进行了表征,纳米线阵列高度有序、直径均一、层状结构清晰,NiFe层厚度约40 nm,Cu层厚度约60 nm,Co层厚度约15 nm,各子层厚度可控.利用X射线能谱分析仪(EDS)对纳米多层线NiFe层的成分进行了测试,Ni,Fe的原子比为4:1.利用X射线衍射仪(XRD)对[NiFe/Cu/Co/Cu]_n纳米多层膜和多层线结构进行了测试,多层膜为面心立方(fcc)结构,多层线NiFe层为面心立方(fcc)结构,Cu层为六方密排hcp(100),Co层为面心立方(fcc)结构.与组成、结构完全相同的多层膜相比,[NiFe/Cu/Co/Cu]_n多层纳米线具有更优越的巨磁电阻性能.     

Magnesium indium oxide (MgIn2O4) spinel thin films: chemical spray pyrolysis (CSP) growth and materials characterizations

MgIn(2)O(4), which has an inverse spinel structure, has been adopted as the transparent material in optoelectronic device fabrication due to its high optical transparency and electrical conductivity. Such a technologically important material was prepared by the spray pyrolysis technique. Precursors prepared for the cationic ratio Mg/In=0.5 were thermally sprayed onto glass substrates at 400 and 450 degrees C. We report herein the preparation and characterization of the films by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive absorption X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The XRD results showed the single phase formation of the material that revealed the presence of Mg(2+) and In(3+) in the inverse spinel-related structure. The FTIR and EDAX results further confirmed that the nanocrystalline films were mainly composed of magnesium, indium, and oxygen, in agreement with XRD analysis. We surmised from the AFM micrographs that the atoms have enough diffusion activation energy to occupy the correct site in the crystal lattice. For the 423-nm-thick magnesium indium oxide films grown at 400 degrees C, the electrical conductivity was 5.63x10(-6) Scm(-1) and the average optical transmittance was 63% in the visible range (400-700 nm). Similar MgIn(2)O(4) films deposited at 450 degrees C have a conductivity value of 1.5x10(-5) Scm(-1) and an average transmittance of 75%. Hall coefficient observations showed n-type electrical conductivity and high electron carrier concentration of 2.7x10(19) cm(-3).     

Schiff碱Ni(Ⅱ)单核及Ni(Ⅱ)-Fe(Ⅲ)异双核配合物的合成表征及电化学性质

合成了二(3 羧基水杨醛叉)缩1,3 丙二胺(TS)Schiff碱配体的Ni(Ⅱ)单核配合物Na2Ni(TS)·2H2O和Ni(Ⅱ) Fe(Ⅲ)异双核配合物NiFe(TS)Cl·2.5H2O 用元素分析、摩尔电导、IR光谱、UV光谱及差热分析对配合物的组成和结构进行了表征 采用循环伏安法研究了配合物的电化学性质,研究表明:由于第二金属离子的配位增强了内部镍离子的电化学稳定性     

Thermochemistry of Sr2Ce(1-x)Pr(x)O4 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, and 1): variable-temperature and -atmosphere in-situ and ex-situ powder X-ray diffraction studies and their physical properties

A novel family of metal oxides with a chemical formula of Sr(2)Ce(1-x)Pr(x)O(4) (x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, and 1) was developed as mixed oxide ion and electronic conductors for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). All of the investigated samples were synthesized by the ceramic method at 1000 °C in air and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Ex-situ PXRD reveals that the Sr(2)PbO(4)-type Sr(2)CeO(4) decomposes readily into a mixture of perovskite-type SrCeO(3) and rock-salt-type SrO at 1400 °C in air. Surprisingly, the decomposed products are converted back to the original Sr(2)PbO(4)-type Sr(2)CeO(4) phase at 800 °C in air, as confirmed by in-situ PXRD. Thermal decomposition is highly suppressed in Sr(2)Ce(1-x)Pr(x)O(4) compounds for Pr > 0, suggesting that Pr improves the thermal stability of the compounds. Rietveld analysis of PXRD and SAED supported that both Pr and Ce ions are located on the 2a site in Pbam (space group no. 55). The electrical transport mechanism could be correlated to the reduction of Pr and/or Ce ions and subsequent loss of oxide ions at elevated temperatures, as shown by TGA and in-situ PXRD. Conductivity increases with Pr content in Sr(2)Ce(1-x)Pr(x)O(4). The highest total conductivity of 1.24 × 10(-1) S cm(-1) was observed for Sr(2)Ce(0.2)Pr(0.8)O(4) at 663 °C in air.     

Structural study on 2,2'-(methylimino)bis(N,N-dioctylacetamide) complex with Re(VII)O4- and Tc(VII)O4- by 1H NMR, EXAFS, and IR spectroscopy

The structures of the complex of 2,2'-(methylimino)bis(N,N-dioctylacetamide) (MIDOA) with M(VII)O(4)(-) (M = Re and Tc), which were prepared by liquid-liquid solvent extraction, were investigated by using (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The (1)H NMR spectra of the complex of MIDOA with Re(VII)O(4)(-) prepared in the organic solution suggest the transfer of a proton from aqueous to organic solution and the formation of the H(+)MIDOA ion. The EXAFS spectra of the complexes of H(+)MIDOA with Re(VII)O(4)(-) and Tc(VII)O(4)(-) show only the M-O coordination of the aquo complexes, suggesting that the chemical state of M(VII)O(4)(-) was unchanged during the extraction process. The results from (1)H NMR and EXAFS, therefore, provide evidence of M(VII)O(4)(-)···H(+)MIDOA complex formation in the organic solution. The IR spectra of Re(VII)O(4)(-)···H(+)MIDOA and Tc(VII)O(4)(-)···H(+)MIDOA were analyzed based on the structures and the IR spectra that were calculated at the B3LYP/cc-pVDZ level. Comparison of the observed and calculated IR spectra demonstrates that an intramolecular hydrogen bond is formed in H(+)MIDOA, and the M(VII)O(4)(-) ion interacts with H(+)MIDOA through multiple C-H(n)···O hydrogen bonds.     

Fast removal and recovery of Cr(VI) using surface-modified jacobsite (MnFe2O4) nanoparticles

In this work, the effectiveness of surface-modified jacobsite (MnFe2O4) nanoparticles was investigated for the removal and recovery of Cr(VI) from synthetic wastewater. Ten nanometer modified MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were produced to be a new adsorbent using a co-precipitation method followed by a surface redox reaction. The equilibrium time for Cr(VI) adsorption onto modified MnFe2O4 nanoparticles was as short as 5 min, and the adsorption data fit the Langmuir model well. The maximum uptake of 31.5 mg of Cr(VI)/g of modified MnFe2O4 was obtained at pH 2, which was comparable with other common adsorbents such as activated carbon and sawdust. The effects of ligands (EDTA, SO4(2-), NH4+) and ionic strength were studied in a pH range of 2-10. EDTA and SO4(2-) inhibited the adsorption of Cr(VI) over the entire pH range studied, whereas NH4+ enhanced the uptake of Cr(VI) at pH greater than 6.5. The mechanisms leading to Cr(VI) adsorption by modified MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were determined by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to be a combination of electrostatic interaction and ion exchange. Regeneration studies indicated the potential reuse of the modified MnFe2O4 nanoparticles without sacrificing adsorption capacity and the possible recycling of Cr(VI) without changing the valence.     

Synthesis and properties of oxynitrides (La,Sr)Ti(O,N)3 thin films

We report on the synthesis, optical and electrical properties of thin films of La_xSr_(1−x)Ti(O,N)₃, x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1. The films were grown by a soft chemistry process from polymeric precursor solutions, which were deposited by spin coating on 100-oriented SrTiO₃ substrates. After drying, the organic matrix was burned at 400 °C. These steps were repeated six times to obtain a reasonable thickness of the films. Afterwards, the samples were heated in a tube furnace at 950 °C in flowing ammonia. The oxynitride films showed different colours from red-orange for LaTiO₂N to greenish-blue for SrTiO₃:N. The films were characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry and electrical measurements. The results show that the films are polycrystalline and have the perovskite structure. Their thickness is about 440 nm and the average roughness value is 7.5 nm. UV–vis transmittance measurements showed a strong decrease in the band gap values for the oxynitrides compared to the respective oxides. The values change from approximately 3.2 eV for the oxides to an average value of 2.4 eV for the oxynitrides. The electrical measurements indicate a change in the electrical behaviour from insulator for LaTiO₂N to semiconductor for SrTiO₃:N.     

CO oxidation on nanostructured SnO(x)/Pt(111) surfaces: unique properties of reduced SnO(x)

We have investigated surface CO oxidation on "inverse catalysts" composed of SnO(x) nanostructures supported on Pt(111) using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), low-energy ion scattering spectroscopy (LEISS) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). Nanostructures of SnO(x) were prepared by depositing Sn on Pt(111) pre-covered by NO(2) layers at low temperatures. XPS data show that the SnO(x) nanoparticles are highly reduced with Sn(II)O being the dominant oxide species, but the relative concentration of Sn(II) in the SnO(x) nanoparticles decreases with increasing Sn coverage. We find that the most active SnO(x)/Pt(111) surface for CO oxidation has smallest SnO(x) coverage. Increasing the surface coverage of SnO(x) reduces CO oxidation activity and eventually suppresses it altogether. The study suggests that reduced Sn(II)O, rather than Sn(IV)O(2), is responsible for surface CO oxidation. The occurrence of a non-CO oxidation reaction path involving reduced Sn(II)O species at higher SnO(x) coverages accounts for the decreased CO oxidation activity. From these results, we conclude that the efficacy of CO oxidation is strongly dependent on the availability of reduced tin oxide sites at the Pt-SnO(x) interface, as well as unique chemical properties of the SnO(x) nanoparticles.     

Thermal Decomposition of Ni(II) and Fe(III) Nitrates and their Mixture

The thermal decompositions of nickel(II) nitrate hexahydrate and iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate were followed. It was found that the final decomposition products were NiO at 623 K and Fe2O3 at 523 K, respectively. The two salts exhibited only endothermic peaks and a loss in mass until constant mass was attained. The decomposition reactions and the compounds corresponding to each reaction were established. A heating rate of 1 K min-1 revealed several intermediates; higher heating rates shifted the peaks to higher temperatures. The use of an air flow during decomposition shifted the reactions to lower temperatures. The DTA for the mixed salts was found to be an overlap and the TG a summation of the results for the two individual salts. At 773 K, the decomposition products were composed of three phases: NiO, Fe2O3 and NiFe2O4. When these products were heated to 1773 K, only NiFe2O4 was identified by X-ray diffraction. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Epitaxial BaTiO3(100) films on Pt(100): a low-energy electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study

The growth of epitaxial ultrathin BaTiO(3) films on a Pt(100) substrate has been studied by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The films have been prepared by radio-frequency-assisted magnetron sputter deposition at room temperature and develop a long-range order upon annealing at 900 K in O(2). By adjusting the Ar and O(2) partial pressures of the sputter gas, the stoichiometry was tuned to match that of a BaTiO(3)(100) single crystal as determined by XPS. STM reveals the growth of continuous BaTiO(3) films with unit cell high islands on top. With LEED already for monolayer thicknesses, the formation of a BaTiO(3)(100)-(1 × 1) structure has been observed. Films of 2-3 unit cell thickness show a brilliant (1 × 1) LEED pattern for which an extended set of LEED I-V data has been acquired. At temperatures above 1050 K the BaTiO(3) thin film starts to decay by formation of vacancy islands. In addition (4 × 4) and (3 × 3) surface reconstructions develop upon prolonged heating.     

Gallium oxide thin films from the AACVD of [Ga(NMe2)3]2 and donor functionalised alcohols

Thin films of Ga(2)O(3) have been produced from [Ga(NMe(2))(3)](2) and ROH (R = CH(2)CH(2)NMe(2), CH(CH(2)NMe(2))(2), CH(CH(3))CH(2)NMe(2), CH(2)CH(2)OMe and C(CH(3))(2)CH(2)OMe) by aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition on glass. Transparent, unreflective films were obtained at a deposition temperature of 550 degrees C using toluene as solvent. The gallium oxide films were analyzed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, wavelength dispersive analysis of X-rays (WDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The gallium oxide films obtained were X-ray amorphous. Gas-sensing experiments indicated that the films showed an n-type response to ethanol at a variety of temperatures.     

Thermal,spectroscopic, X-ray powder diffraction,and structural studies on a new Cd(II) mixed-ligand coordination polymer

A new coordination polymer derived from Cd(II) with both rigid and flexible spacer ligands trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpa) and 4,4′-bipyridine (4, 4′-bipy), {[Cd(μ-bpa)(4, 4′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₂] · (ClO₄)₂} _n has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR-, ¹H NMR spectroscopy and studied by thermal analyses as well as X-ray crystallography. The single crystal X-ray analysis shows that the complex is a 1-D polymer as a result of bridging 1,3-di(4-pyridyl)propane (bpa). The 1-D chains are further self-assembled into a 3-D network via hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking. In this structure the perchlorates fill the voids. Thermal studies of this polymer show step to step separating of ligands and counter ion at different temperatures.     

Surfactant-encapsulated clusters (SECs): (DODA)20(NH4)[H3Mo57V6(NO)6O183(H2O)18], a case study

We present a comprehensive study of the partially reduced polyoxomolybdate [H3-Mo57V6(NO)6O183(H2O)18]21-encapsulated in a shell of dimethyldioctadecylammonium (DODA) surfacmolecules. Treatment of an aqueous solution of (NH4)21[H3Mo57V6-(NO)6O183(H2O)18] . 65H2O (1a) with a trichloromethane solution of the surfactant leads to instant transfer of the encapsulated complex anion into the organic phase. Results from vibrational spectroscopy. analytical ultracentrifugation, small-angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy, elemental analysis, and Langmuir compression isotherms are consistent with a single polyoxometalate core encapsulated within a shell of 20 DODA molecules. The molar mass of the supramolecular assembly is 20249 gmol(-1) and the diameter is 3.5 nm. A material with the empirical formula (DODA)20(NH4)[H3-Mo57V6NO)6O183(H2O)18] (2) was isolated as a dark violet solid, which readily dissolves in organic solvents. Slow evaporation of solutions of 2 on solid substrates forces the hydrophobic particles to aggregate into a cubic lattice. Annealing these so-formed films at elevated temperature causes de-wetting with terrace formation similar to liquid crystals and block copolymers. Compound 2 forms a stable Langmuir monolayer at the air-water interface; Langmuir-Blodgett multilayers are readily prepared by repeated transfer of monolayers on solid substrates. The films were characterized by optical ellipsometry, Brewster angle microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray reflectance.     

Detailed studies of a high-capacity electrode material for rechargeable batteries, Li2MnO3-LiCo(1/3)Ni(1/3)Mn(1/3)O2

Lithium-excess manganese layered oxides, which are commonly described by the chemical formula zLi(2)MnO(3)-(1-z)LiMeO(2) (Me = Co, Ni, Mn, etc.), are of great importance as positive electrode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. In this Article, Li(x)Co(0.13)Ni(0.13)Mn(0.54)O(2-δ) samples are prepared from Li(1.2)Ni(0.13)Co(0.13)Mn(0.54)O(2) (or 0.5Li(2)MnO(3)-0.5LiCo(1/3)Ni(1/3)Mn(1/3)O(2)) by an electrochemical oxidation/reduction process in an electrochemical cell to study a reaction mechanism in detail before and after charging across a voltage plateau at 4.5 V vs Li/Li(+). Changes of the bulk and surface structures are examined by synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). SXRD data show that simultaneous oxygen and lithium removal at the voltage plateau upon initial charge causes the structural rearrangement, including a cation migration process from metal to lithium layers, which is also supported by XAS. This is consistent with the mechanism proposed in the literature related to the Li-excess manganese layered oxides. Oxygen removal associated with the initial charge on the high voltage plateau causes oxygen molecule generation in the electrochemical cells. The oxygen molecules in the cell are electrochemically reduced in the subsequent discharge below 3.0 V, leading to the extra capacity. Surface analysis confirms the formation of the oxygen containing species, such as lithium carbonate, which accumulates on the electrode surface. The oxygen containing species are electrochemically decomposed upon second charge above 4.0 V. The results suggest that, in addition to the conventional transition metal redox reactions, at least some of the reversible capacity for the Li-excess manganese layered oxides originates from the electrochemical redox reaction of the oxygen molecules at the electrode surface.     

Epitaxial thin films of ATiO(3-x)H(x) (A = Ba, Sr, Ca) with metallic conductivity

Epitaxial thin films of titanium perovskite oxyhydride ATiO(3-x)H(x) (A = Ba, Sr, Ca) were prepared by CaH(2) reduction of epitaxial ATiO(3) thin films deposited on a (LaAlO(3))(0.3)(SrAl(0.5)Ta(0.5)O(3))(0.7) substrate. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy detected a substantial amount and uniform distribution of hydride within the film. SrTiO(3)/LSAT thin film hydridized at 530 °C for 1 day had hydride concentration of 4.0 × 10(21) atoms/cm(3) (i.e., SrTiO(2.75)H(0.25)). The electric resistivity of all the ATiO(3-x)H(x) films exhibited metallic (positive) temperature dependence, as opposed to negative as in BaTiO(3-x)H(x) powder, revealing that ATiO(3-x)H(x) are intrinsically metallic, with high conductivity of 10(2)-10(4) S/cm. Treatment with D(2) gas results in hydride/deuteride exchange of the films; these films should be valuable in further studies on hydride diffusion kinetics. Combined with the materials' inherent high electronic conductivity, new mixed electron/hydride ion conductors may also be possible.     

单斜层状LiMn0.97Al0.03O2-x(PO4)x材料的合成及其电化学性能

以Na₂CO₃, (CH₃CO₂)₂Mn·4H₂O, Al₂O₃, Na₃PO₄·12H₂O和CH₃COOLi·2H₂O为原料, 通过2次高温固相法和一步水热离子交换法得到一系列铝和磷掺杂的LiMn_0.97Al_0.03O₂, LiMnO_1.99(PO₄)_0.01和LiMn_0.97Al_0.03O_2-x(PO₄)_x(x=0.01, 0.03, 0.05)化合物. 用X射线衍射(XRD)表征了前驱体及交换产物的晶体结构, 用扫描电镜(SEM) 测定了晶体的形貌. 通过X射线光电子能谱(XPS)、傅里叶红外光谱及恒电流充放电测试, 研究了掺杂离子对合成材料结构及电化学性能的影响. 研究结果表明, Al-PO₄复合掺杂综合了Al³⁺掺杂提高材料的电化学反应活性和减低材料的电化学反应阻抗以及PO₄^3-掺杂增大材料的晶胞体积的特点, 提高材料中Li⁺的扩散能力, 有效地抑制了材料由于Jahn-Teller效应引起的结构畸变, 改性后的LiMnO₂正极材料既保持了较高的容量又获得了良好的电化学循环性能.     

Preparation and Electromagnetic Properties of Composites of Hollow Glass Microspheres Coated with NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles

"The composites of hollow glass microspheres coated with NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared using polyacrylamide gel method. The structural characteristics, morphology and electromagnetic properties of the composite powders with different weight percent of glass microspheres (15%, 40%, and 65%) were obtained by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, infrared spectroscopy and HP8510 network analyzer. The results indicated that the phase structure of composite powders was the mixtures of nickel ferrite, quartz, and mullite. The peak intensity for nickel ferrite decreased rapidly and for mullite increased remarkably with the increasing amount of microspheres. A pure spinel structure of NiFe2O4 formed on the glass microspheres at 600 oC. A uniform and continuous NiFe2O4-coating was obtained when the content of microspheres was 40%. A great amount of NiFe2O4 particle size is less than 80 nm. The composite with a content of 40% microspheres exhibits better dielectric and magnetic loss properties which are useful to absorb more electromagnetic wave. It can be a kind of good and light electromagnetic wave absorbing material in the X-band."     

Coordination ability of trans-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine-N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid) towards lanthanide(III) ions

The proton and metal complex equilibria of trans-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine-N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid) (CDTP) with lanthanide(iii) ions, where Ln(III) = La(III), Nd(III), Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III), Ho(III) and Lu(III) were studied. The stoichiometry, protonation and complex formation constants were determined by potentiometric titration at 25.0 degrees C and ionic strength of 0.1 mol dm(-3) (KCl). All metal ions form several species: [LnH4L]-, [LnH3L](2-), [LnH2L](3-), [LnHL](4-), [LnL](5-), [LnH(-1)L](6-) and [LnH(-2)L](7-) in the pH range between 2 and 11. The stability constants log beta(LnL) were found to be between 14.7 and 16.7. The studied complexes were also characterized by spectroscopic methods (31P NMR, UV-Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy). These studies allowed to reveal a distinct structural change of the Ln(III)-CDTP complex which occurs between protonated and hydroxy species in solutions at pH around 7.5. The major change is caused by the involvement of both nitrogen donors in the metal ion coordination occurring in ML species. The data obtained from UV-Vis spectroscopy allowed to draw conclusions about complex symmetry and to estimate a number of coordinated water molecules. The hydration number or more precisely the number of two OH oscillators was found to be approximately one in all species formed over the pH range between 5 and 10. The structure of the major hydroxy complex was supported by X-ray crystallographic data. The crystal structures of the Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes clearly show that the CDTP ligand is coordinated to the Ln(III) ion by two nitrogen and four oxygen atoms in such a way that only one oxygen atom from each phosphonic group is placed in the lanthanide inner sphere. The monomeric complex anion is connected to a symmetry related ion through short hydrogen bonds formed by two hydroxy ions and one water molecule. In this way the two neighbouring anions form a quasi-dimer in which one of the Ln(III) ion is seven-coordinate (two N atoms, four O atoms and one hydroxy ion) and the other is eight-coordinate (two N atoms, four O atoms, one hydroxy ion and one water molecule).