Activation of Water-Splitting Photocatalysts by Loading with Ultrafine Rh–Cr Mixed-Oxide Cocatalyst Nanoparticles

The activity of many water-splitting photocatalysts could be improved by the use of Rh^III–Cr^III mixed oxide (Rh_2−xCr_xO₃) particles as cocatalysts. Although further improvement of water-splitting activity could be achieved if the size of the Rh_2−xCr_xO₃ particles was decreased further, it is difficult to load ultrafine (<2 nm) Rh_2−xCr_xO₃ particles onto a photocatalyst by using conventional loading methods. In this study, a new loading method was successfully established and was used to load Rh_2−xCr_xO₃ particles with a size of approximately 1.3 nm and a narrow size distribution onto a BaLa₄Ti₄O₁₅ photocatalyst. The obtained photocatalyst exhibited an apparent quantum yield of 16 %, which is the highest achieved for BaLa₄Ti₄O₁₅ to date. Thus, the developed loading technique of Rh_2−xCr_xO₃ particles is extremely effective at improving the activity of the water-splitting photocatalyst BaLa₄Ti₄O₁₅. This method is expected to be extended to other advanced water-splitting photocatalysts to achieve higher quantum yields.     

Activation of Water‐Splitting Photocatalysts by Loading with Ultrafine Rh–Cr Mixed‐Oxide Cocatalyst Nanoparticles

The activity of many water‐splitting photocatalysts could be improved by the use of Rh^III–Cr^III mixed oxide (Rh_2?xCr_xO₃) particles as cocatalysts. Although further improvement of water‐splitting activity could be achieved if the size of the Rh_2?xCr_xO₃ particles was decreased further, it is difficult to load ultrafine (<2 nm) Rh_2?xCr_xO₃ particles onto a photocatalyst by using conventional loading methods. In this study, a new loading method was successfully established and was used to load Rh_2?xCr_xO₃ particles with a size of approximately 1.3 nm and a narrow size distribution onto a BaLa₄Ti₄O₁₅ photocatalyst. The obtained photocatalyst exhibited an apparent quantum yield of 16 %, which is the highest achieved for BaLa₄Ti₄O₁₅ to date. Thus, the developed loading technique of Rh_2?xCr_xO₃ particles is extremely effective at improving the activity of the water‐splitting photocatalyst BaLa₄Ti₄O₁₅. This method is expected to be extended to other advanced water‐splitting photocatalysts to achieve higher quantum yields.     

Overall Water Splitting on the Transition‐Metal Oxynitride Photocatalyst LaMg1/3Ta2/3O2N over a Large Portion of the Visible‐Light Spectrum

One of the main targets of studies on water splitting photocatalysts is to develop semiconductor materials with narrower bandgaps capable of overall water splitting for efficient harvesting of solar energy. A series of transition‐metal oxynitrides, LaMg_xTa_1?xO_1+3xN_2?3x (x≥1/3), with a complex perovskite structure was reported as the first example of overall water splitting operable at up to 600 nm. The photocatalytic behavior of LaMg_1/3Ta_2/3O₂N was investigated in detail in order to optimize photocatalyst preparation and water‐splitting activity. Various attempts exploring photocatalyst preparation steps, that is, cocatalyst selection, coating material and method, and synthesis method for the oxide precursor, revealed photocatalyst structures necessary for achieving overall water splitting. Careful examination of photocatalyst preparation procedures likely enhanced the quality of the produced photocatalyst, leading to a more homogeneous coating quality and semiconductor particles with fewer defects. Thus, the photocatalytic activity for water splitting on LaMg_1/3Ta_2/3O₂N was largely enhanced.     

Preparation and characterization of silicate gel glasses containing Cr2O3

The effect of thermal treatment on the structural incorporation of Cr₂O₃ in xCr₂O₃·(100 – x)SiO₂ and 5R _n O·xCr₂O₃·(95 – x)SiO₂ (where x=0.01–1 mol.% and R=Li, Na and Ca) gel glasses was studied by optical absorption spectrophotometry, DTA-TG, XRD and electron microscopy.Samples heat treated at 60°C have green color due to the presence of Cr³⁺ in octahedral coordination. The optical transmission, and color (yellow, orange or ambar), of the samples heat treated between 200 and 700°C prove that Cr³⁺ (octahedrally coordinated) and Cr⁶⁺ (tetrahedrally coordinated) are both present. Segregation of Cr₂O₃ take place at temperatures above 800°C.In reducing conditions the gel glasses were green due to the presence of a high content of Cr³⁺ ions. Samples containing Li or Na show crystalline phases at temperatures below 850°C.     

Synthesis and Properties of The Solid Solutions Formed in The Fe2V4O13–Cr2V4O13 System

DTA and XRD studies of the Fe₂V₄O₁₃–Cr₂V₄ O₁₃ system have shown that continuous solid solutions of a Fe_2–xCr_xV₄O₁₃ type, bearing a Fe₂ V₄ O₁₃ structure, are formed in the system. With the increasing degree of the Cr3+ ion incorporation into the Fe₂ V₄ O₁₃ structure, a contraction of the solid solution crystal lattice develops. Solid solutions of a Fe_2–x Cr_x V₄ O₁₃ type melt incongruently, their melting temperature increasing from 953 to 1003 K with increase in the degree of the Cr³⁺ ion incorporation. The solid product of melting Fe_2–x Cr_x V₄ O₁₃ solid solutions for 0.2<x >1.2 is the Fe_1–x Cr_x VO₄ solution phase, and for x ≤0.2 and x ≥1.4 – the Fe_1–x Cr_x VO₄ phase as well as FeVO₄ or CrVO₄ , respectively. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Sol-Gel Synthesis of Sub-Micron Titanium-Doped Chromia Powders for Gas Sensing

Cr_{1 – x} Ti _x O_3+x/2, with x = 0.05,0.1 and 0.2, powders have been synthesised by an emulsion gelation route starting from aqueous chloride solutions. Gel particles were produced by de-anionisation of a water-in-oil emulsion using an immiscible organic amine solution. After calcination to produce the oxide, the powders were characterised in terms of particle size distribution, crystallinity, surface composition, particle shape, surface area, anion contamination and doping uniformity. By optimising the processing variables it has been possible to produce un-agglomerated, spherical, uniformly doped powders with a narrow particle size distribution. The mean particle size can be controlled within the range 0.3 to 3 microns and the particles are porous and nano-crystalline. The powders have been used to fabricate thick film sensor structures and show good response to combustible gases in air.     

Structural and spectroscopic characterization of Al2−x Cr x O3 powders obtained by polymeric precursor method

Al₂O₃ and Al_2−x Cr _x O₃ (x = 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04) powders have been synthesized by the polymeric precursors method. A study of the structural evolution of crystalline phases corresponding to the obtained powders was accomplished through X-Ray Diffraction and UV-vis spectroscopy (reflectance spectra and CIEL^*a^*b^* color data). The obtained results allow to identify the γ-Al₂O₃ to α-Al₂O₃ phase transition. The single-phase α-Al₂O₃ powder was obtained after heat treatment at 1050 °C for 2 h. The results show that the green to red color transition and ruby luminescence lines observed for the powders of Al_2−x Cr _x O₃ are related to the γ to α-Al₂O₃ phase transition and the temperature and time range for such transition depends on the chromium content.     

Cr3+在不同基质Y3Ga5O12或Ga2O3中的荧光特性

以Ga_2O_3、Y_2O_3、Cr(NO_3)_3·9H_2O为原料,柠檬酸为配位剂,通过溶胶-凝胶高温固相合成法制备出Ga_(2-2x)O_3∶2xCr~(3+)(Ga_2O_3∶xCr)与Y_3Ga_(5-5x)O_(12)∶5xCr~(3+)(YGG∶xCr)2种多晶粉体(x=0.01,0.03,0.05,0.07)。并采用X射线衍射(XRD)、红外光谱(IR)、扫描电镜(SEM)、荧光光谱(PL)对样品的结构、组成、形貌和荧光性能进行测试分析。XRD和IR分析结果显示在900℃煅烧后Ga_2O_3∶xCr和YGG∶xCr两种样品均成相。SEM照片显示Ga_2O_3∶xCr样品形貌为柱形多面体,YGG∶xCr为短棒状。PL结果显示Cr~(3+)在Ga_2O_3和YGG两种基质中的最强荧光发射峰分别位于742和740 nm,均属于Cr~(3+)的~2E-~4A_2跃迁,对比发现Cr~(3+)在YGG基质中的荧光发射强度更强,在远红光区的荧光性能更好,能满足温室照明中植物光合作用的需求。     

Stability of chromium dioxide particles in aqueous media

An investigation was carried out to characterize the dissolution behavior of stabilized and unstabilized CrO₂ particles in water, used in magnetic recording. Special attention was paid to the measurement of Cr(VI) concentration in the contact solution and to the elucidation of the effects of the stabilizing treatment by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The experimental results indicate that both stabilized and unstabilized CrO₂ particles predominantly release hexavalent chromium when in contact with water. The solubility of freshly stabilized CrO₂ is considerably smaller than that of unstabilized CrO₂, but the difference in solubility diminishes with aged particles. The XPS study indicated that stabilization of CrO₂ particles with a bisulfite solution results in the formation of Cr₂O₃ or a Cr₂O₃-like product on the particle. However, it appears that Cr(III) oxide coating does not uniformly form on all particles.     

Rh/Cr2O3 and CoOx Cocatalysts for Efficient Photocatalytic Water Splitting by Poly (Triazine Imide) Crystals

In situ photo-deposition of both Pt and CoO_x cocatalysts on the facets of poly (triazine imide) (PTI) crystals has been developed for photocatalytic overall water splitting. However, the undesired backward reaction (i.e., water formation) on the noble Pt surface is a spontaneously down-hill process, which restricts their efficiency to run the overall water splitting reaction. Herein, we demonstrate that the efficiency for photocatalytic overall water splitting could be largely promoted by the decoration of Rh/Cr₂O₃ and CoO_x as H₂ and O₂ evolution cocatalysts, respectively. Results reveal that the dual cocatalysts greatly extract charges from bulk to surface, while the Rh/Cr₂O₃ cocatalyst dramatically restrains the backward reaction, achieving an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 20.2 % for the photocatalytic overall water splitting reaction.     

Formation, sintering, and electrical conductivity of perovskite Sm(Cr1−xMgx)O3 (0?x?0.23) prepared by the hydrazine method

The presence of SmCrO₄ is experimentally established. In Mg²⁺-substituted SmCrO₃, single-phase perovskite Sm(Cr_1−xMg_x)O₃, where x=0-0.23, are formed at ∼830°C by decomposition of Sm(Cr_1−xMg_x)O₄ which crystallizes at 530-570°C from amorphous materials prepared by the hydrazine method. Sm(Cr_1−xMg_x)O₃ solid solution powders consisting of submicrometer-size particles are sinterable; dense materials can be fabricated by sintering for 2 h at 1700°C in air. The relative densities, grain sizes, and electrical conductivities increase with increased Mg²⁺ content. Sm(Cr_0.77Mg_0.23)O₃ materials exhibit an excellent direct current electrical conductivity of 2.2×10³ S m⁻¹ at 1000°C.     

State of atoms and interatomic interactions in complex perovskite-like oxides: XXX. Influence of the nature of diamagnetic substituents on the dynamics of clustering in lanthanum gallate doped with strontium,chromium, and magnesium

The fractions of clusters and single chromium atoms were calculated by the diluted solution and Heisenberg-Dirac-van-Vleck models for a series of solid solutions containing chromium, strontium, and magnesium in the ratio 5:1:1, respectively. A principal genetic relationship was revealed between La_1−0.2x Sr_0.2x ·Cr _x Ga_1−x O_3−δ, La_1−0.5x Sr_0.5x Cr _x Ga_1−x O_3−δ, and La_1−0.2x Sr_0.2x Cr _x Ga_1−1.2x Mg_0.2x O_3−δ systems. Deviations from Curie-Weiss law are observed for the systems with the ratio [Cr]:[Sr]:[Mg]=5:1:1, which point to a noncompensated magnetic moment.     

Electronic Spectrum and Antiferromagnetic A-B Interactions between Tetrahedral 3d and 3d or 3d Octahedral Cations in Oxidic Lithium Spinels

The compounds chosen to illustrate the interpretation of ligand field spectra of inorganic solids with A-B antiferromagnetic coupling between Fe³⁺ tetrahedral and Fe³⁺ or Cr³⁺ octahedral cations belong to the Li_0.5Fe_xGa_2.5-xO₄ and Li_0.5(FeCr)_xGa_2.5-2xO₄ systems. New features, such as the interpretation of the iron(III) electronic spectrum in ferrimagnetic spinels, the influence of the nature of the superexchange interactions of the pair excitation processes, and the growth of an electronic transition assigned to Cr³⁺ + Fe³⁺ → Cr⁴⁺ + Fe²⁺ intervalence charge transfer at 1.8 eV are reported in this study.     

Influence of MgO/CeO2 ratio on CO2-oxidative transformation of C2H6 to C2H4 over highly active and stable Cr/MgO(x)–CeO2(100−x) nanocatalysts

Cr/MgO(x)–CeO₂(100?x) nanocatalysts were synthesized by a coprecipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The effect of ceria addition on their physicochemical characteristics was investigated, and the results were correlated with their catalytic performance in oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane. A decrease in the size of the metal particles was found when adding a suitable content of ceria to the support. Crystalline Cr₂O₃ was not found in the calcined samples, indicating good dispersion of Cr species on the support. All samples showed nanosized particles with uniform morphology, with the best surface morphology for the Cr/MgO(50)–CeO₂(50) sample, on which the particle distribution mainly lay in the range of 40–60 nm. Variation of the amount of Ce in the support led to an enhancement of the Cr⁶⁺/Cr³⁺ ratio, with the highest value for the Cr/MgO(50)–CeO₂(50) sample. This catalyst effectively dehydrogenated ethane to ethylene with CO₂ at 700 °C even after 5 h on-stream, giving 42.76 % ethylene yield.

     

Structure and Electrochemical Behavior of Lithium-Manganese Spinels Doped with Chromium and Nickel

A series of compounds with the general formula LiMn_{2 - x - y} Cr _x Ni _y O₄, where x + y = 0.05, 0.5, or 1.0, is synthesized. It is shown that all these compounds are pure-phase spinels with parameter aequal to 0.8193-0.8236 nm. Doping a stoichiometric lithium-manganese spinel simultaneously with chromium and nickel makes the spinel structure stable. The initial specific capacity of a spinel depends on its doping degree. Doping LiMn₂O₄ with chromium and nickel simultaneously at an Mn : Cr : Ni ratio of 195 : 3 : 2 raises the spinel's specific capacity and reduces the cycling degradation. The change in the discharge capacity of LiMn_1.95Cr_0.03Ni_0.02O₄ electrodes cycled at 20, 0, and -14°C is determined.     

Strong Metal–Support Interactions between Copper and Iron Oxide during the High‐Temperature Water‐Gas Shift Reaction

The commercial high‐temperature water‐gas shift (HT‐WGS) catalyst consists of CuO‐Cr₂O₃‐Fe₂O₃, where Cu functions as a chemical promoter to increase the catalytic activity, but its promotion mechanism is poorly understood. In this work, a series of iron‐based model catalysts were investigated with in situ or pseudo in situ characterization, steady‐state WGS reaction, and density function theory (DFT) calculations. For the first time, a strong metal‐support interaction (SMSI) between Cu and FeO_x was directly observed. During the WGS reaction, a thin FeO_x overlayer migrates onto the metallic Cu particles, creating a hybrid surface structure with Cu‐FeO_x interfaces. The synergistic interaction between Cu and FeO_x not only stabilizes the Cu clusters, but also provides new catalytic active sites that facilitate CO adsorption, H₂O dissociation, and WGS reaction. These new fundamental insights can potentially guide the rational design of improved iron‐based HT‐WGS catalysts.     

Thermoanalytical characterization of vanadium-chromium oxide compounds prepared by 'soft chemistry' method

Summary Hydrated microcrystalline compound, V_1-xCr_xO_y·nH₂O, where x<0.063 and 4.4<n<8 and hydrated amorphous phases, CrVO₄·H₂O and Cr₂V₄O₁₃·4H₂O have been prepared using peroxo-polyacids of vanadium and chromium. The transformations of these hydrated phases upon heating were studied by TG-DTA and XRD techniques and led to three crystalline anhydrous compounds: (i) phase V_1-xCr_xO_y, which is closely related to the orthorhombic V₂O₅, (ii) Cr₂V₄O₁₃ and (iii) monoclinic CrVO₄-M. The ranges of coexistence of phases in equilibrium were also determined.     

Spektroskopische Untersuchungen und Phasenbeziehungen im System Li2O−Al2O3−Cr2O3

Zusammenfassung Aus Li₂CO₃ und (Al_1–x Cr _x )₂O₃ wurde durch Festkörperreaktionen die Mischkristallreihe LiAl_1–x Cr _x O₂ hergestellt. Die thermische Stabilität der mikrokristallinen Substanzen (-NaFeO₂-Typ, Raumgruppe R3m) wurde röntgenographisch verfolgt. Die diffusen Reflexionsspektren (12 bis 30 kK, 25°C) wurden mit dem Modell der erweiterten Kristallfeldtheorie ausgewertet. Die durch Multiphononen-Struktur charakterisierten spin-erlaubten Banden ergeben für kubische MikrosymmetrieDq- undRacah-B-Werte, die im Gegensatz zur Rubinreihe nur wenig von Cr-Gehalt abhängen.Dq beruht zum Teil auf dem Einfluß von zweitnächsten Li⁺-Nachbarn, wodurch die effektive Ladung der Sauerstoff-Liganden in der Bindung größer ist. Die breite spin-verbotene Bande bei 15 kK deutet auf eine Magnon-Satellitenstruktur durch antiferromagnetische Ordnung hin.

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Optical studies and phase relations in the system Li₂O–Al₂O₃–Cr₂O₃

The series LiAl_1–x Cr _x O₂ was prepared by solid state reactions with Li₂CO₃ and (Al_1–x Cr _x )₂O₃. The thermal stability of the microcrystalline samples (-NaFeO₂ type, space group R3m) was controlled by X-ray methods. The diffuse reflectance spectra at 25 °C in the region from 12 to 30 kK were analyzed by the extended crystal field theory. From the spin-allowed peaks characterized by a multiphonon structureDq-andRacah-B-values were obtained for cubic site symmetry (neglecting trigonal distortions and spin-orbit effects) that are only slightly dependent on the Cr-content, in contrast to the ruby series.Dq is partly due to the influence of the secondnearest Li⁺-neighbours leading to a greater effective charge of the oxygen ligands in the bond. The broad spin-forbidden peak at 15 kK points to a magnon satellite structure caused by antiferromagnetic ordering.

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Mit 1 Abbildung     

Magnetische Eigenschaften von Ti3−xMxO5-Phasen (M = V3+, Cr3+, Nb4+)

Magnetic Properties of Ti_3?xM_xO₅ Phases (M = V³⁺, Cr³⁺, Nb⁴⁺) The magnetic properties of Ti_3?xV_xO₅, Ti_3?xCr_xO₅, and Ti_3?xNb_xO₅ phases are reported. In the case of V³⁺ and Cr³⁺ the magnetic leaping-temperature decreases, however Nb⁴⁺ shift the phase-transition towards higher temperatures. All samples show a “memory-effect” in magnetic properties, i. e. the results of heating- and cooling-cycles are higher susceptibilities of the α-phase of Ti₃O₅. Endowed Ti₃O₅ phases show for the α- and β-Ti_3?xM_xO₅ til the leap Curie-Weiss characteristic in 1/X vs. temperature measurements. Exception is β-Ti_3?xNb_xO₅, its susceptibility is independend of the temperature up to x ? 0.3.     

Tetraammineplatinum(II) and Tetraamminepalladium(II) Chromates as Precursors of Metal Oxide Catalysts

[M(NH₃)₄]A (M=Pt, Pd; A=CrO₄, Cr₂O₇) and [Pt(NH₃)₄(NO₂)(Cr₂O₇)]NO₃ complex salts were synthesized and characterized by a number of physicochemical methods of analysis (IR, single-crystal and powder XRD, and simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry with evolved gas analysis mass spectrometry). Thermolysis of the salts obtained in a hydrogen atmosphere proceeds with the partial reduction of chromium to a metallic state and the formation of M_xCr_1−x (M=Pt, Pd) metal solid solution with a chromium content of up to 22 at % and chromium(III) oxide. The thermal decomposition of salts in an inert and oxidizing atmosphere passes through the formation stage of the MCrO₂ phase with the delafossite structure followed by its subsequent decomposition into chromium(III) oxide and noble metal. Nanosized Pt−Cr₂O₃ and Pd−Cr₂O₃ composites obtained by the thermolysis of precursor salts in air at 500 °C and being held at this temperature for 1 h showed a high catalytic activity in the CO total oxidation (TOX) and preferential oxidation in the excess of hydrogen (PROX) processes compared with that of monometallic Pt and Pd powders.