The effect of experimental methods and measurement conditions on values of the kinetic parameters of [Co(NH3)6]2(C2O4)3·4H2O

Using the thermal decomposition of [Co(NH₃)₆]₂(C₂O₄)₃·4H₂O as a basis, the paper presents results which show how computed values of kinetic parameters are influenced by experimental conditions (ambient atmosphere, sample mass, linear heating rate) when using the non-isothermal methods and the Coats-Redfern (CR) modified equation. It also illustrates the influence of the experimental methods i.e. non-isothermal and isothermal (conventional) methods and also a quasiisothermal-isobaric one which can be recognised as equivalent to Constant Rate Thermal Analysis (CRTA). The results obtained have confirmed the significant influence of the experimental parameters as well as that of the experimental method used on the estimated values of kinetic parameters. The correlation between activation energy (E) and sample mass (m) or heating rate (β) is generally of a linear nature:E=a+bx     

Formation of different products during photo-catalytic reaction on TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> suspension in water with and without 2-propanol under diverse ambient conditions

Studies on photo-catalytic reduction of CO₂ using TiO₂ photo-catalyst (0.1%, w/v) as a suspension in water was carried out at 350 nm light. CO₂ from both commercially available source, as well as generated in situ through 2-propanol oxidation, was used for this study. The photolytic products such as hydrogen (H₂), carbon monoxide (CO) andmethane (CH₄) generated were monitored in TiO₂ suspended aqueous solution with and without a hole scavenger, viz., 2-propanol. Similar photolytic experiments were also carried out with varying ambient such as air, O₂, N₂ and N₂O. The yields of CO and CH₄ in all these systems under the present experimental conditions were found to be increasing with light exposure time. H₂ yield in N₂-purged systems containing 2-propanol was found to be more as compared to the without 2-propanol system. The rate of H₂ production in N₂-purged aqueous solutions containing 0.1% TiO₂ suspension were evaluated to be 0.226 and 5.8 μl/h, without and with 0.5 M 2-propanol, respectively. This confirmed that 2-propanol was an efficient hole scavenger and it scavenged photo-generated holes (h⁺), allowing its counter ion, viz., e⁻, to react with water molecule/H⁺ to yield more H₂. The formation of both CO and CH₄ in the photolysis of CO₂-purged aqueous solutions containing suspended TiO₂ in absence of 2-propanol reveal that the generation of CH₄ is taking place mainly through CO intermediate. In presence of air/O₂, the yield of H₂ in the system without 2-propanol was observed to be negligible as compared to the system containing 2-propanol in which low yield of H₂ was obtained with a formation rate of approx. 0.5 μl/h.     

Investigation on The Thermal Properties of Fe2O(SO4)2. Part II

Fe₂O(SO₄)₂ is a secondary product of the decomposition of FeSO₄⋅H₂O. Part I of this study presents results on the synthesis of Fe₂O(SO₄)₂ in gaseous environment containing either low or high concentration of oxygen. In this paper the existence of differences between the structures of Fe₂O(SO₄)₂ and Fe₂(SO₄)₃ is proved on the basis of a detailed thermal study of Fe₂O(SO₄)₂ upon dynamic heating (differential thermal analysis) and upon isothermal heating (thermal-analytic balance) in various gaseous environments as well as by presenting kinetic data on the processes of decomposition of both compounds. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis and Structure of a Neutral Trimetallic Biicosahedral Cluster, (Ph3P)10Au11Ag12Pt2Cl7. A Comparative Study of Molecular and Crystal Structures of Vertex-Sharing Biicosahedral Mixed-Metal Nanoclusters

The synthesis and structure of a new, neutral Au–Ag–Pt vertex-sharing biicosahedral cluster, [(Ph₃P)₁₀Au₁₁Ag₁₂Pt₂Cl₇] (3), is reported. The title cluster was synthesized via a new synthetic strategy based on preformed clusters. The title cluster crystallizes in a monoclinic unit cell of P2₁/m space-group symmetry with lattice parameters a=16.553(14) Å, b=25.130(7) Å, c=29.633(13) Å, =103.03(5); V=12009.3 ų and Z=2. The structure was refined to R₁=7.7% and R₂=9.2% for 3585 independent reflections (242°) with I>3. The metal core of the title structure can be described as two Pt-centered Au₆Ag₆ icosahedra sharing a common Au atom. The four metal pentagons adopt the staggered–eclipsed–staggered (ses) configuration, or, the R(0) rotamer. The ten triphenylphosphine ligands coordinate to the ten peripheral (surface) Au atoms in a radial fashion. There are five doubly-bridging chloride ligands connecting two Ag₅ pentagons and two more chloride ligands coordinating terminally to two apical Ag atoms. The title cluster completes the series of Au-shared biicosahedral clusters with 0, 1, and 2 Pt atom(s) occupying the two icosahedral centers, as exemplified by [(p-Tol₃P)₁₀Au₁₃Ag₁₂Cl₇]²⁺ (1), [(Ph₃P)₁₀Au₁₂Ag₁₂PtCl₇]⁺ (2), and the title cluster [(Ph₃P)₁₀Au₁₁Ag₁₂Pt₂Cl₇] (3), respectively. The structure of the title cluster satisfies the site preference rules established for mixed-metal vertex-sharing polyicosahedral nanoclusters. The molecular structural invariance and the ubiquity of the P2₁/m space group for the crystal structures of the biicosahedral cluster series with Ph₃P as phosphine ligands and conforming to the R(0) rotameric metal configuration are discussed. Furthermore, endo- and exo-icosahedral chemistries, and rotamerism and roulettamerism of an extensive series of vertex-sharing biicosahedral nanoclusters, as well as their bonding implications, are described via a comparative study.     

Isomorphism of bis(diethyldithiocarbamato)zinc(II) adduct with pyridine, [Zn(Py)(EDtc)2]: hysteresis in the reaction of the adduct formation

The structure of the polycrystalline adduct bis(diethyldithiocarbamato)-pyridine zinc(II) depends on the pathway of physico-chemical conditions during the preparation procedure, as was revealed by solid state ¹⁵N CP/MAS spectroscopy in good correlation with known single crystal X-ray diffraction structures of this adduct. Two isomorphs of the adduct, namely α-[Zn(Py)(S₂CNEt₂)₂] and β-[Zn(Py)(S₂CNEt₂)₂], are the two molecules in the asymmetric unit of a single crystal (or polycrystalline) sample that can be obtained by recrystallization from toluene of the equimolar solution of the initial diethyldithiocarbamate zinc(II) complex and pyridine. The third isomorph, γ-[Zn(Py)(S₂CNEt₂)₂], can be obtained by recrystallization from pure pyridine of the diethyldithiocarbamate zinc(II) complex, or by its equimolar absorption of pyridine, or by desorption of pyridine from the clathrated adduct, [Zn(Py)(S₂CNEt₂)₂]·Py. Finally, the γ-[Zn(Py)(S₂CNEt₂)₂] isomorph recrystallizes from the melt into α/β-isomorphs of the adduct.     

Study of Zircon-Dolomite Reactions Monitored by Neutron Thermodiffractometry

The reaction mechanism that takes place in ZrSiO₄-Mg Ca(CO₃)₂ mixtures was studied in air up to 1300°C by collecting neutron diffraction patterns during the heating ramp. Neutron diffraction intensities were used to monitor and establish the mechanism of reaction that occurs in successive stages. (a) MgCa(CO₃)₂ decomposition yielding MgO and CaCO₃; (b) CaCO₃ decomposition; (c) reactions between CaO, MgO, and ZrSiO₄ involving the formation of phases such as: tetragonal-ZrO₂, α-Ca₂SiO₄, and Ca₃MgSi₂O₈, some of them acting as transitory phases; and (d) formation of CaZrO₃. The results obtained by this technique agree with data obtained by differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry. The final product has a porous structure, due to the release of CO₂, with a very narrow pore size distribution (≈1 μm). This open-porosity can be controlled by tailoring the reaction sintering process.     

Thermal decomposition of cobalt nitrato compounds: Preparation of anhydrous cobalt(II)nitrate and its characterisation by Infrared and Raman spectra

The thermal decomposition of Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O (1) as well as that one of NO[Co(NO₃)₃] (Co(NO₃)₂·N₂O₄) (2) was followed by thermogravimetric (TG) measurements, X-ray recording and Raman and IR spectra. The stepwise decomposition reactions of 1 and 2 leading to anhydrous cobalt(II)nitrate (3) were established. In N₂ atmosphere, cobalt oxides are finally formed whereas in H₂/N₂ (10% H₂) cobalt metal is produced. Rapid heating of cobalt(II)nitrate hexahydrate causes melting (formation of a hydrate melt) and therefore side reactions in the hydrate melt by incoupled reactions and evolution/evaporation of different species as, e.g., HNO₃, NO₂, etc. In case of larger amounts in dense packing in the sample container, the formation of oxo(hydoxo)nitrates is possible at higher temperature. For 2, its thermal decomposition to 3 was followed and its decomposition mechanism is proposed.     

Synthesis and nonlinear optical properties of BaTi(BO3)2 and Ba3Ti3O6(BO3)2 crystals in glasses with high TiO2 contents

The ternary BaO-TiO₂-B₂O₃ glasses containing a large amount of TiO₂ (20-40 mol%) are prepared, and their optical basicities (Λ), the formation, structural features and second-order optical nonlinearities of BaTi(BO₃)₂ and Ba₃Ti₃O₆(BO₃)₂ crystals are examined to develop new nonlinear optical materials. It is found that the glasses with high TiO₂ contents of 30-40 mol% show large optical basicities of Λ=0.81-0.87, suggesting the high polarizabity of TiO_n polyhedra (n=4-6) in the glasses. BaTi(BO₃)₂ and Ba₃Ti₃O₆(BO₃)₂ crystals are found to be formed as main crystalline phases in the glasses. It is found that BaTi(BO₃)₂ crystals tend to orient at the surface of crystallized glasses. The new XRD pattern for the Ba₃Ti₃O₆(BO₃)₂ phase is proposed through Rietvelt analysis. The second harmonic intensities of crystallized glasses were found to be 0.8 times as large as α-quartz powders, i.e., I^2ω(sample)/I^2ω(α-quartz)=0.8, for the sample with BaTi(BO₃)₂ crystals and to be I^2ω(sample)/I^2ω(α-quartz)=68 for the sample with Ba₃Ti₃O₆(BO₃)₂ crystals. The Raman scattering spectra for these two crystalline phases are measured for the first time and their structural features are discussed.     

硅酸盐对Ferrihydrite相转化为α-Fe2O3微粒形貌的调控作用

以Ferrihydrite(又称水合氧化铁hydrous iron oxide)为反应前驱物, Fe(II)为催化剂, 在微量Na₂SiO₃存在下, 控制pH＝6～9范围内合成出了亚微米级纺锤形和准立方形α-Fe₂O₃微粒. 研究了初始pH, Na₂SiO₃浓度, Ferrihydrite老化方式对相转化时间和产物形貌的影响, 利用XRD, SEM等手段对产物进行了表征. 结果表明, Na₂SiO₃对Ferriihydrite催化相转化有一定的抑制作用, 是影响其相转化过程及产物形貌的关键. 在弱碱性条件下, [Si]/[Fe^3＋]为0.01时可直接获得纺锤形(轴比≥2)或准立方形(300～400 nm) α-Fe₂O₃粒子, 并对形成机理进行了初步讨论.     

A sol-gel route for the development of rare-earth aluminum borate nanopowders and transparent thin films

A new sol-gel route was applied to obtain Y_0.9Er_0.1Al₃(BO₃)₄ crystalline powders and amorphous thin films by using Al(acac)₃, B(OPrⁱ)₃, Y(NO₃)₃·6H₂O, and Er(NO₃)₃·5H₂O as starting materials dissolved in propionic acid and ethyl alcohol mixtures. Our study shows that propionic acid acts as good chelant agent for yttrium and erbium ions while ethyl alcohol allows to dissolve Al(acac)₃. This process makes the resulting sols very stable to obtain homogeneous gels and transparent amorphous thin films. In addition, the propionic acid prevents the sol precipitation, making easy porous- and crack-free thin film depositions. Chemical reactions involved in the complexation were discussed. As-prepared powders and films are amorphous and present a good thermal stability due to their high glass transition (746 °C) and crystallization temperatures (830 °C). This new sol-gel route showed to be adequate to obtain dense and crack-free thin films free of organic and hydroxyl groups that can be considered as promising materials to be used in integrated optical systems.     

A novel germanate, Cu2Fe2Ge4O13, with a four tetrahedra oligomer

The structure of Cu₂Fe₂Ge₄O₁₃, previously thought to be CuFeGe₂O₆, has been determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to be monoclinic, P2₁/m, a=12.1050(6), b=8.5073(4), c=4.8736(2) Å, β=96.145(1)°, Z=2, with R1=0.0231 and wR2=0.0605. The unique structure has an oligomer of four germanate tetrahedra, cross-linked laterally by square-planar copper ions, joined end-to-end by a zigzag chain of edge-sharing iron oxide octahedra. Running along the a-direction the metal oxide chain consists of alternating Cu-Cu and Fe-Fe dimers. A hypothetical series of homologous structures (Cu_n−2Fe₂Ge_nO_3n+1 with n=3,4,…,∞) with different length germanate oligomers is proposed, where as n increases, the infinite chain of the CuGeO₃ is approached. In this context, Cu₂Fe₂Ge₄O₁₃ is viewed as being built from blocks of CuGeO₃ and the Fe oxide chains. This material has significance to the study of low-dimensional mixed-spin systems.     

Ultradeep Hydrodesulfurization of Dibenzothiophene (DBT) Derivatives over Mo-Sulfide Catalysts Supported on TiO2-Coated Alumina Composite

The present paper reviews in detail the different studies now being conducted by our research team concerning the ultradeep hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of dibenzothiophene (DBT) derivatives over Mo/TiO₂ and Mo/TiO₂–Al₂O₃ catalysts. First, a detailed characterization of Mo/TiO₂ (P-25 Degussa, 50 m²/g) catalysts prepared by equilibrium adsorption technique shows that Mo- species are highly and uniformly dispersed on the surface of titania up to 6.6 wt% MoO₃ loading. Above this value, some aggregation of Mo occurs, leading to the formation of bulk MoO₃. Below 6.6 wt% MoO₃ loading, the Raman spectroscopy data of the calcined samples show that the supported Mo-species possess a highly distorted octahedral MoO₆ structure. TiO₂–Al₂O₃ composites were prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using TiCl₄ as a precursor. Using several characterization techniques, we demonstrated that the support composite presents a high dispersion of TiO₂ over -Al₂O₃ without forming precipitates up to ca. 11 wt% loading. Moreover, the textural properties of the composite support are comparable to those of alumina. Under the present sulfidation conditions (673 K, 5%H₂S/95%H₂), Mo-species supported on TiO₂ are better sulfided than on alumina, as demonstrated using XPS. This can be attributed to the relatively lower interaction between Mo-species and titania. The state of sulfide species supported on the composite support can be considered as a transition state between TiO₂ and Al₂O₃. However, at relatively higher TiO₂ loadings (ca. 11 wt%), Mo/TiO₂–Al₂O₃ catalysts exhibit sulfidability similar to that of Mo/TiO₂. The HDS tests conducted in both the laboratory and in industry show that sulfide catalysts supported on TiO₂–Al₂O₃ (ca. 11 wt% TiO₂) are more active than those supported on TiO₂ or Al₂O₃.     

The reaction of MgCl2·4H2O with CCl2F2

A new reaction of MgCl₂·4H₂O with CCl₂F₂ is investigated by DTA and TG from room temperature to 350 °C. It is observed that MgF₂ was obtained between 252 and 350 °C, Below the temperature, MgCl₂·4H₂O dehydrates and hydrolyzes to MgCl₂ and Mg(OH)Cl, which are the real reactants of the reaction with CCl₂F₂. The formation of MgF₂ is ascribed to the reaction of MgCl₂ and Mg(OH)Cl with HF, which forms by decomposition of CCl₂F₂ with the taking part in of H₂O released from dehydration of hydrated magnesium chloride on the surface of MgCl₂ and Mg(OH)Cl, which catalyzes the decomposition of CCl₂F₂ in this case. Consequently, the reactions are tested in the fluid-bed condition. It is found that MgF₂ formed at temperatures down to 200 °C in a fluid-bed reactor. This reaction may be used as a method of disposing of the environmentally sensitive CCl₂F₂ (rather than release into the atmosphere). It is also a method for the preparation of MgF₂.     

配位化合物Zn(Met)3(NO3)2·H2O(s)(Met=L-α-蛋氨酸)的低温热容及标准摩尔生成焓

利用精密绝热热量仪测定了化合物配合物Zn(Met)₃(NO₃)₂·H₂O (s) (Met=L-α-蛋氨酸)在78-371 K温区的摩尔热容. 通过热容曲线解析, 得到了该配合物的起始脱水温度为T_D=325.10 K. 将该温区的摩尔热容实验值用最小二乘法拟合得到了摩尔热容(C_p)对约化温度(T)的多项式方程, 由此计算得到了配合物的舒平热容值和热力学函数值. 基于设计的热化学循环, 选择100 mL of 2 mol·L^-1 HCl为量热溶剂, 利用等温环境溶解-反应热量计, 得到了298.15 K配合物的标准摩尔生成焓为Δ_fH_m⁰[Zn(Met)₃(NO₃)₂·H₂O(s),s]=-(1472.65±0.76) J·mol^-1.     

Cr2(WO4)3和Cr2(MoO4)3的负热膨胀特性研究

用液相反应-前驱物烧结法制备了Cr₂(WO₄)₃和Cr₂(MoO₄)₃粉体。298～1 073 K的原位粉末X射线衍射数据表明Cr₂(WO₄)₃和Cr₂(MoO₄)₃的晶胞体积随温度的升高而增大, 本征线热膨胀系数分别为(1.274±0.003)×10^-6 K^-1和(1.612±0.003)×10^-6 K^-1。用热膨胀仪研究了Cr₂(WO₄)₃和Cr₂(MoO₄)₃在静态空气中298～1 073 K范围内热膨胀行为，即开始表现为正热膨胀，随后在相转变点达到最大值，最后表现为负热膨胀，其负热膨胀系数分别为(-7.033±0.014)×10^-6 K^-1和(-9.282±0.019)×10^-6 K^-1。     

Replacement of the Common Chromium Source CrCl3(thf)3 with Well-Defined [CrCl2(μ-Cl)(thf)2]2

CrCl₃(thf)₃ is a common starting material in the synthesis of organometallic and coordination compounds of Cr. Deposited as an irregular solid with no possibility of recrystallization, it is not a purity guaranteed chemical, causing problems in some cases. In this work, we disclose a well-defined form of the THF adduct of CrCl₃ ([CrCl₂(μ-Cl)(thf)₂]₂), a crystalline solid, that enables structure determination by X-ray crystallography. The EA data and XRD pattern of the bulk agreed with the revealed structure. Moreover, its preparation procedure is facile: evacuation of CrCl₃·6H₂O at 100 °C, treatment with 6 equivalents of Me₃SiCl in a minimal amount of THF, and crystallization from CH₂Cl₂. The ethylene tetramerization catalyst [iPrN{P(C₆H₄-p-Si(nBu)₃)₂}₂CrCl₂]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ prepared using well-defined [CrCl₂(μ-Cl)(thf)₂]₂ as a starting material exhibited a reliably high activity (6600 kg/g-Cr/h; 1-octene selectivity at 40 °C, 75%), while that of the one prepared using the impure CrCl₃(thf)₃ was inconsistent and relatively low (~3000 kg/g-Cr/h). By using well-defined [CrCl₂(μ-Cl)(thf)₂]₂ as a Cr source, single crystals of [(CH₃CN)₄CrCl₂]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ and [{Et(Cl)Al(N(iPr)₂)₂}Cr(μ-Cl)]₂ were obtained, allowing structure determination by X-ray crystallography, which had been unsuccessful when the previously known CrCl₃(thf)₃ was used as the Cr source.     

Structure, and magnetic and transport behavior of twinned Ce2Rh3(Pb,Bi)5

Single crystals of a new compound, Ce₂Rh₃(Pb,Bi)₅, have been grown via a flux-growth technique using molten Pb as a solvent. The compound has been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and found to be of the orthorhombic Y₂Rh₃Sn₅ structure type [Cmc2₁ (No. 36), Z=4] with lattice parameters a=4.5980(2), b=27.1000(17) and c=7.4310(4) Å, with V=925.95(9) Å³. Ce₂Rh₃(Pb,Bi)₅ has a complex crystal structure containing Ce atoms encased in Rh-X (X=Pb/Bi) pentagonal and octagonal channels in [100], with polyanions similar to those found in Ce₂Au₃In₅ and Yb₂Pt₃Sn₅. Magnetization measurements find that Ce₂Rh₃(Pb,Bi)₅ is a quasi-two-dimensional system, where the Ce moments are spatially well-localized. Heat capacity measurements show a transition at the Néel temperature of 1.5 K. Evidence for Fermi surface nesting is found in electrical resistivity measurements, and we argue that Ce₂Rh₃(Pb,Bi)₅ is very near a metal-insulator transition in zero field.     

Hydration behavior of mixed ligand chromium complexes. Part I: partial molar volumes and partial molar adiabatic compressibilities of oxalato and mixed oxalato — Ethylxanthato chromate(III) complexes

Densities and ultrasonic velocities in aqueous solutions of cis-K[Cr(ox)₂(H₂O)₂], K₃[Cr(ox)₃] and KSSCOC₂H₅ and a mixed ligand complex K₂[Cr(ox)₂SSCOC₂H₅], where SSCOC₂H₅ is the ethylxanthate ligand, have been measured at 25, 35 and 45°C. Limiting partial molar volumes, partial molar adiabatic compressibilities and hydration numbers of the complex salts as well as of the ligand have been calculated. The implication of the findings are discussed.     

Preparation of a new pyrochlore-type compound Na0.32Bi1.68Ti2O6.46(OH)0.44 by hydrothermal reaction

A new pyrochlore-type Na_0.32Bi_1.68Ti₂O_6.46(OH)_0.44 with the cubic cell of a=10.339(5) Å was prepared by hydrothermal reaction using TiO₂ (anatase) and Bi₂O₃ in NaOH solution. This compound was obtained when the molar ratio of NaOH/TiO₂ was above 2 and the reaction temperature was above 240 °C. The TG-curve of as-prepared sample showed a mass loss of 0.8 mass% which was caused by release of OH group. This compound decomposed to a pyrochlore-type compound and a layered-type Na_0.5Bi_4.5Ti₄O₁₅ above 800 °C. The optical band gap of Na_0.32Bi_1.68Ti₂O_6.46(OH)_0.44 was estimated to be 2.5 eV.     

Fabrication, characterization and magnetic behaviour of alumina-doped zinc ferrite nano-particles

Zinc ferrite nano-powders with a nominal composition of ZnFe₂O₄ were prepared by combustion synthesis using mixture of urea and ammonium nitrate as fuel. The influence of alumina-doping on the structural, morphological and magnetic properties of ZnFe₂O₄ nano-particles was investigated by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). XRD and IR analyses confirm the cubic spinel phase of ZnFe₂O₄ nano-particles. The Zn ferrite presented a uniform microstructure with grain size in nano-scale. Alumina-doping brought about a change in the morphology of the as prepared ferrite from sphere-like to regular hexagon. Al₂O₃-treatment led to a decrease in the coercivity (H_c), magnetization (M_s) and magnetic moment (n_B) of the investigated system. The maximum decrease in the values of H_c, M_s and n_B due to the treatment with 1.5 wt% Al₂O₃ attained 13.5, 17.4 and 13.5%, respectively. The observed results can be explained on the basis of particle size and the Fe³⁺ concentration in the octahedral and tetrahedral sites involved in the cubic spinel structure.