ZnWO4 nanocrystals/reduced graphene oxide hybrids: Synthesis and their application for Li ion batteries

ZnWO4,as an environment-friendly and economic material,has the potential for Li ion batteries(LIB)application.In this paper,a facile method has been developed to synthesize ZnWO4supported on the reduced graphene oxide(RGO)to improve its LIB performance.The cuboid-like ZnWO4nanocrystals are prepared by directly adding Na2WO4 powders into the graphene oxide/Zn aqueous solution followed by a hydrothermal treatment.The high-resolution TEM,XRD and XPS characterizations were employed to demonstrate structural information of the as-prepared ZnWO4/RGO hybrids carefully.Besides,we also discussed the LIB properties of the hybrids based on the detailed galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling tests.As a result,the specific capacity of the as-prepared ZnWO4/RGO hybrids reached more than 477.3 mA h g 1after 40 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g 1(only less than 159 mA g 1for bare ZnWO4).During the whole cyclic process,the coulombic efficiency steadily kept the values higher than 90%.     

Photocatalytic Activity of Nanosized ZnWO4 Prepared by the Sol-gel Method

Nanosized ZnWO4 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized via the sol-gel process in a temperature range of 450-800 ℃.The grain size,crystal size,and crystallinity of ZnWO4 particles increased with the increase of calcination temperature and prolonging calcination time.The photocatalytic activity was measured for the degradation of an aqueous Rhodamine-B(RhB)solution and gaseous formaldehyde(FAD).With the increase of calcination temperature and time,the activities increased to a maximum and then decreased.ZnWO4 photocatalyst prepared at 550 ℃ for 10 h showed the highest activity,which is similar to the photocatalytic activity of P25TiO2 for the degradation of gaseous FAD.High crystallinity,large surface area,and good dispersion are responsible for the high photocatalytic performance of the prepared ZnWO4.     

反应条件对ZnWO4纳米棒的形貌和光致发光性能的影响

采用水热法合成了ZnWO4纳米棒, 并用扫描电镜(SEM)、透射电镜(TEM)和粉末X射线衍射(XRD)等技术对产物进行了表征. 实验结果表明, 反应溶液的pH值和反应时间是影响ZnWO4纳米棒形成的重要因素. 研究了不同反应条件下制备的ZnWO4纳米晶的光致发光性能.     

Controlled synthesis of the ZnWO4 nanostructure and effects on the photocatalytic performance

ZnWO4 photocatalysts with various morphologies were synthesized by a hydrothermal process. The effects of hydrothermal temperature and time on the crystallinity and morphology of ZnWO4 catalyst were investigated. The crystallinity was enhanced with the increase of hydrothermal temperature and hydrothermal time. The formation of ZnWO4 nanoparticles was controlled via kinetic process above 160 degrees C, and ZnWO4 nanorods with a highly [100]-preferred orientation formed via the thermodynamically control process in the temperature range of 120-140 degrees C. The morphology and crystallinity of ZnWO4 photocatalyst have a significant influence on the photocatalytic activity for aqueous Rhodamine B and gaseous formaldehyde degradation. ZnWO4 nanorod catalyst showed a much higher photocatalytic activity than the nanoparticle one. The enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the anisotropic structure of nanorod.     

超细钨酸锌纳米棒的制备及其光催化性能

在含有溴化十六烷基三甲基铵(CTAB)的水溶液中,通过水热法制备了超细钨酸锌（ZnWO4）纳米棒。 用X射线衍射、扫描电子显微镜和紫外可见漫反射光谱表征了所制备的样品。 在汞灯照射下,通过降解甲基橙（MO）检测了超细ZnWO4纳米棒的光催化活性。 结果表明,在CTAB胶束作用下,ZnWO4纳米棒更细更长,超细ZnWO4纳米棒光催化活性比普通ZnWO4纳米棒更强,在同样条件下,前者对MO的降解率为90.2%,后者为50%。     

Synthesis and characterization of [PtIn6](GeO4)2O and its solid solution [PtIn6](GaO4)(2-x)(GeO4)xOx/2 (0 < or = x < or = 2): gradual color change of the solid solution from black (x = 0) to yellow (x = 2) as a consequence of quantum dot effect

A new phase [PtIn6](GeO4)2O, a filled variant of [PtIn6](GaO4)2, and the solid solution [PtIn6](GaO4)(2-x)(GeO4)xOx/2 (0 < or = x < or = 2) were prepared and characterized. Single-crystal structure refinements show that [PtIn6](GeO4)2O is isotypic with the mineral, sulfohalite Na6FCl(SO4)2, and crystallizes in the space group Fmm (Z = 4) with a = 1006.0(1) pm. The building units of [PtIn6](GeO4)2O are isolated [PtIn6]10+ octahedra and (GeO4)4- tetrahedra, and the isolated O2- ions occupy the centers of the In6 octahedra made up of six adjacent PtIn6 octahedra. The lattice parameter of the solid solution [PtIn6](GaO4)(2-x)(GeO4)xOx/2 (0 < or = x < or = 2) varies gradually from a = 1001.3(1) pm at x = 0 to a = 1006.0(1) pm at x = 2, and the color of the solid solution changes gradually from black (x = 0) to red (x = 1) to yellow (x = 2). The cause for the gradual color change was examined by performing density functional theory electronic structure calculations for the end members [PtIn6](GaO4)2 and [PtIn6](GeO4)2O. Our analysis indicates that an oxygen atom at the center of a In6 octahedron cuts the In 5p/In 5p bonding interactions between adjacent [PtIn6]10+ octahedra thereby raising the bottom of the conduction bands, and the resulting quantum dot effect is responsible for the color change.     

Ion-exchange synthesis of a micro/mesoporous Zn2GeO4 photocatalyst at room temperature for photoreduction of CO2

Micro/mesoporous Zn(2)GeO(4) with crystalline pore-walls was successfully synthesized via a simple ion exchange method at room temperature. This structure showed enhanced activity in photoreduction of CO(2) in comparison with Zn(2)GeO(4) prepared by a solid state reaction.     

(Zn, Mg)2GeO4:Mn2+ submicrorods as promising green phosphors for field emission displays: hydrothermal synthesis and luminescence properties

(Zn(1-x-y)Mg(y))(2)GeO(4): xMn(2+) (y = 0-0.30; x = 0-0.035) phosphors with uniform submicrorod morphology were synthesized through a facile hydrothermal process. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), photoluminescence (PL), and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the samples. SEM and TEM images indicate that Zn(2)GeO(4):Mn(2+) samples consist of submicrorods with lengths around 1-2 μm and diameters around 200-250 nm, respectively. The possible formation mechanism for Zn(2)GeO(4) submicrorods has been presented. PL and CL spectroscopic characterizations show that pure Zn(2)GeO(4) sample shows a blue emission due to defects, while Zn(2)GeO(4):Mn(2+) phosphors exhibit a green emission corresponding to the characteristic transition of Mn(2+) ((4)T(1)→(6)A(1)) under the excitation of UV and low-voltage electron beam. Compared with Zn(2)GeO(4):Mn(2+) sample prepared by solid-state reaction, Zn(2)GeO(4):Mn(2+) phosphors obtained by hydrothermal process followed by high temperature annealing show better luminescence properties. In addition, codoping Mg(2+) ions into the lattice to substitute for Zn(2+) ions can enhance both the PL and CL intensity of Zn(2)GeO(4):Mn(2+) phosphors. Furthermore, Zn(2)GeO(4):Mn(2+) phosphors exhibit more saturated green emission than the commercial FEDs phosphor ZnO:Zn, and it is expected that these phosphors are promising for application in field-emission displays.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterization of a new organically templated germanate,Ge(10)O(21)(OH).N(4)C(6)H(21)

A new open-framework germanium oxide Ge(10)O(21)(OH).N(4)C(6)H(21) has been hydrothermally synthesized at 180 degrees C for 6 days by using the tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) molecule as a structure-directing agent. This compound was characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction and FTIR. It crystallizes in the noncentric monoclinic system Cm (a = 14.0495(2) A, b = 12.8058(3) A, c = 9.2637(2) A, beta = 128.406(1) degrees, Z = 4). Its three-dimensional framework is built up from GeO(4) and GeO(3)(OH) tetrahedra connected by vertexes to GeO(5) trigonal bipyramids and GeO(6) octahedra. A pseudo-cubic building unit ("4-3" subunit) consists of four GeO(4) tetrahedra, two GeO(5) trigonal bipyramids, and one GeO(6) octahedron (Ge(7)). In the "4-3" block, the GeO(5) trigonal bipyramids share a common edge. This Ge(7) entity is linked to three tetrahedral units GeO(3)X (X = O, OH), and this forms an original decameric building unit Ge(10)O(21)(OH) which is new in the germanates crystal chemistry. It results in a relatively dense open framework composed of pear-shape cavities (7(8)6(2)5(2)4(4)3(2)) encapsulating the triprotonated tren molecule. The inorganic network contains small pores delimited by 7-ring channels running along [001].     

U(VI) uranyl cation-cation interactions in framework germanates

The isomorphous compounds NH(4)[(UO(6))(2)(UO(2))(9)(GeO(4))(GeO(3)(OH))] (1), K[(UO(6))(2)(UO(2))(9)(GeO(4))(GeO(3)(OH))] (2), Li(3)O[(UO(6))(2)(UO(2))(9)(GeO(4))(GeO(3)(OH))] (3), and Ba[(UO(6))(2)(UO(2))(9)(GeO(4))(2)] (4) were synthesized by hydrothermal reaction at 220 °C. The structures were determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction and refined to R(1) = 0.0349 (1), 0.0232 (2), 0.0236 (3), 0.0267 (4). Each are trigonal, P(3)1c. 1: a = 10.2525(5), c = 17.3972(13), V = 1583.69(16) ?(3), Z = 2; 2: a = 10.226(4), c = 17.150(9), V = 1553.1(12) ?(3), Z = 2; 3: a = 10.2668(5), c = 17.0558(11), V = 1556.94(15) ?(3), Z = 2; 4: a = 10.2012(5), c = 17.1570(12), V = 1546.23(15) ?(3), Z = 2. There are three symmetrically independent U sites in each structure, two of which correspond to typical (UO(2))(2+) uranyl ions and the other of which is octahedrally coordinated by six O atoms. One of the uranyl ions donates a cation-cation interaction, and accepts a different cation-cation interaction. The linkages between the U-centered polyhedra result in a relatively dense three-dimensional framework. Ge and low-valence sites are located within cavities in the framework of U-polyhedra. Chemical, thermal, and spectroscopic characterizations are provided.     

石墨炉原子化器中原子化过程的研究(Ⅲ)——石墨炉中锗的原子化机理

有关锗的石墨炉原子吸收光谱分析,文献报道较少,对锗的原子化机理,亦有不同的看法^[1~3].本文基于右墨炉中锗原孚化行为的观察,对锗原子形成的过程进行了讨论,认为原子化过程中,并存着二种还原反应:GeO₂(s)+C→GeO(g)+CO(g),GeO₂(s)+CO→GeO(g)+CO₂,而锗原子的形成是GeO(g)热分解的结果。     

Atomic-scale mechanistic features of oxide ion conduction in apatite-type germanates

Atomistic modelling studies of the apatite-type oxide ion conductor La9.33(GeO4)6O2 show that a key role of the O4 channel oxygen atoms appears to be as a reservoir for the creation of interstitial oxide ion defects, while the migration of these defects proceeds via the GeO4 tetrahedra.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a novel germanate: (NH4)4[(GeO2)3(GeO1.5F3)2].0.67H2O

The novel microporous germanate (NH4)4[(GeO2)3(GeO1.5F3)2].0.67H2O was prepared from an aqueous solution containing germanium dioxide, pyridine, hydrofluoric acid, and 2,6-diaminopyridine as a template. The solution was kept at 165 degrees C in a Teflon-lined autoclave for 4 days. Large crystals were produced and studied by X-ray powder diffraction, FTIR, thermal analysis, and elemental analysis. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal is orthorhombic, space group Pbcn, with a = 7.0065(4) A, b = 11.7976(6) A, c = 19.5200(14) A, and Z = 4. The structure is a layered framework built up from GeO4 tetrahedral and GeO3F3 octahedral units. The polyhedral units are connected in such a way that they form a zeolite-like porous structure with three- and nine-membered rings. Half of the ammonium ions are located inside the nine-membered rings. The other half are above and below the three-membered rings. The connectivity of the germanium polyhedral units is interrupted along the c axis by ammonium ions and water molecules inserted between the layers.     

Surface dependence of CO2 adsorption on Zn2GeO4

An understanding of the interaction between Zn(2)GeO(4) and the CO(2) molecule is vital for developing its role in the photocatalytic reduction of CO(2). In this study, we present the structure and energetics of CO(2) adsorbed onto the stoichiometric perfectly and the oxygen vacancy defect of Zn(2)GeO(4) (010) and (001) surfaces using density functional theory slab calculations. The major finding is that the surface structure of the Zn(2)GeO(4) is important for CO(2) adsorption and activation, i.e., the interaction of CO(2) with Zn(2)GeO(4) surfaces is structure-dependent. The ability of CO(2) adsorption on (001) is higher than that of CO(2) adsorption on (010). For the (010) surface, the active sites O(2c)···Ge(3c) and Ge(3c)-O(3c) interact with the CO(2) molecule leading to a bidentate carbonate species. The presence of Ge(3c)-O(2c)···Ge(3c) bonds on the (001) surface strengthens the interaction of CO(2) with the (001) surface, and results in a bridged carbonate-like species. Furthermore, a comparison of the calculated adsorption energies of CO(2) adsorption on perfect and defective Zn(2)GeO(4) (010) and (001) surfaces shows that CO(2) has the strongest adsorption near a surface oxygen vacancy site, with an adsorption energy -1.05 to -2.17 eV, stronger than adsorption of CO(2) on perfect Zn(2)GeO(4) surfaces (E(ads) = -0.91 to -1.12 eV) or adsorption of CO(2) on a surface oxygen defect site (E(ads) = -0.24 to -0.95 eV). Additionally, for the defective Zn(2)GeO(4) surfaces, the oxygen vacancies are the active sites. CO(2) that adsorbs directly at the Vo site can be dissociated into CO and O and the Vo defect can be healed by the oxygen atom released during the dissociation process. On further analysis of the dissociative adsorption mechanism of CO(2) on the surface oxygen defect site, we concluded that dissociative adsorption of CO(2) favors the stepwise dissociation mechanism and the dissociation process can be described as CO(2) + Vo → CO(2)(δ-)/Vo → CO(adsorbed) + O(surface). This result has an important implication for understanding the photoreduction of CO(2) by using Zn(2)GeO(4) nanoribbons.     

Direct formation of Ge-C bonds from GeO(2)

Germanium dioxide in the presence of 5% KOH reacted with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) at 250 degrees C to give (MeO)(4)Ge. The reaction of GeO(2) and DMC is similar to that reported for SiO(2); however, the rate of reaction for germanium is much higher than that of the corresponding silicon reaction. In a side-by-side experiment using SiO(2) and GeO(2) where the surface area of the silicon dioxide was 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of the GeO(2), the base-catalyzed reaction with DMC was about an order of magnitude higher for the germanium dioxide. When GeO(2) and 5% KOH were reacted with DMC at 350 degrees C, two products formed: (MeO)(4)Ge (70%) and MeGe(OMe)(3) (30%). Confirmation of the identity of MeGe(OMe)(3) was by GCMS, (1)H and (13)C NMR, and comparison to an authentic sample made by reaction of MeGeCl(3) with NaOMe. Experiments to determine the mechanism of the direct formation of Ge-C from GeO(2) ruled out participation from CO, H(2), or carbon. The KOH-catalyzed reaction of other metal oxides was explored including B(2)O(3), Ga(2)O(3), TiO(2), Sb(2)O(3), SnO(2), and SnO. Boron reacted to give unknown volatile products. Antimony reacted to give a solid which analyzed as Sb(OMe)(3). SnO reacted with DMC to give a mixture that included (MeO)(4)Sn and possibly Me(3)Sn(OMe).     

Growth of piezoelectric water-free GeO2 and SiO2-substituted GeO2 single-crystals

Using the slow-cooling method in selected fluxes, we have grown spontaneously nucleated single-crystals of pure GeO(2) and SiO(2)-substituted GeO(2) materials with the α-quartz structure. These piezoelectric materials were obtained in millimeter size as well-faceted, visually colorless, and transparent crystals. Cubic-like or hexagonal prism-like morphology was identified depending on the chemical composition of the single-crystals and on the nature of the flux. Both the silicon substitution rate and the homogeneity of its distribution were estimated by Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The cell parameters of the flux-grown GeO(2) and Ge(1-x)Si(x)O(2) (0.038 ≤ x ≤ 0.089) solid-solution were deduced from their X-ray powder diffraction pattern. As expected, the cell volumes decrease as the silicon content substitution increases. A room temperature Infrared spectroscopy study confirms the absence of hydroxyl groups in the as-grown crystals. Unlike what was observed for hydrothermally grown GeO(2) crystals, these flux-grown oxide materials did not present any phase transition before melting as pointed out by a Differential Scanning Calorimetry study. Neither a α-quartz/β-quartz transition as encountered in SiO(2) near 573 °C nor a α-quartz to rutile transformation were detected for these GeO(2) and Ge(1-x)Si(x)O(2) single-crystals.     

A neutron scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance study of the structure of GeO2-P2O5 glasses

Germanophosphate (GeO2-P2O5) glasses were studied with neutron diffraction, phosphorus, and oxygen nuclear magnetic resonance, calorimetry, viscosity measurements, and first-principles calculations. These data sets were combined to propose a structural model of GeO2-P2O5 glasses, which includes tetrahedrally coordinated phosphorus, formation of octahedrally coordinated germanium as P2O5 content increases, an absence of trigonally coordinated oxygen, and hence an absence of rutile-like GeO2 domains. The structural model was then used to propose explanations for both the observed composition dependence of the glass transition temperature and the fragility of the GeO2-P2O5 liquids.     

Nonstoichiometric La(2 - x)GeO(5 - delta) monoclinic oxide as a new fast oxide ion conductor.

Oxide ion conductivity in La(2)GeO(5)-based oxide was investigated and it was found that La-deficient La(2)GeO(5) exhibits oxide ion conductivity over a wide range of oxygen partial pressure. The crystal structure of La(2)GeO(5) was estimated to be monoclinic with P2(1)/c space group. Conductivity increased with increasing the amount of La deficiency and the maximum value was attained at x = 0.39 in La(2 - x)GeO(5 - delta). The oxide ion transport number in La(2)GeO(5)-based oxide was estimated to be unity by the electromotive force measurement in H(2)-O(2) and N(2)-O(2) gas concentration cells. At a temperature higher than 1000 K, the oxide ion conductivity of La(1.61)GeO(5 - delta) was almost the same as that of La(0.9)Sr(0.1)Ga(0.8)Mg(0.2)O(3 - delta) or Ce(0.85)Gd(0.15)O(2 - delta), which are well-known fast oxide ion conductors. On the other hand, a change in the activation energy for oxide ion conductivity was observed at 973 K, and at intermediate temperature, the oxide ion conductivity of La(1.61)GeO(5 - delta) became much smaller than that of these well-known fast oxide ion conductors. The change in the activation energy of the oxide ion conductivity seems to be caused by a change in the local oxygen vacancy structure. However, doping a small amount of Sr for La in La(2)GeO(5) was effective to stabilize the high-temperature crystal structure to low temperature. Consequently, doping a small amount of Sr increases the oxide ion conductivity of La(2)GeO(5)-based oxide at low temperature.     

Determination of germanium by graphite-furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry

The premature loss of germanium as volatile GeO results in low sensitivity and poor reproducibility in the determination of germanium by graphite-furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry. This interference can be eliminated by suppressing the premature reduction of GeO(2) to GeO during the ashing step, and dissociating the germanium oxides into the atoms simultaneously with their vaporization during the atomization step. The premature reduction of GeO(2) to GeO has been successfully prevented by several approaches: (1) diminishing the reducing activity of the graphite furnace by (a) oxidizing the graphite surface and intercalating oxygen into the graphite lattice with oxidizing acids, such as nitric or perchloric, in the sample solution, or (b) using a tantalum-treated graphite furnace; (2) keeping the analyte as germanium (IV) by addition of sodium or potassium hydroxide to the sample solutions.     

Synthesis and photoluminescent properties of size-controlled germanium nanocrystals from phenyl trichlorogermane-derived polymers

We report the preparation of luminescent oxide-embedded germanium nanocrystals (Ge-NC/GeO2) by the reductive thermal processing of polymers derived from phenyl trichlorogermane (PTG, C6H5GeCl3). Sol-gel processing of PTG yields air-stable polymers with a Ge:O ratio of 1:1.5, (C6H5GeO1.5)n, that thermally decompose to yield a germanium rich oxide (GRO) network. Thermal disproportionation of the GRO results in nucleation and initial growth of oxide-embedded Ge-NC, and subsequent reaction of the GeO2 matrix with the reducing atmosphere results in additional nanocrystal growth. This synthetic method affords quantitative yields of composite powders in large quantities and allows for Ge-NC size control through variations of the peak thermal processing temperature and reaction time. Freestanding germanium nanocrystals (FS-Ge-NC) are readily liberated from Ge-NC/GeO2 composite powders by straightfoward dissolution of the oxide matrix in warm water. Composites and FS-Ge-NC were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy.