Synthesis of homologously pure bacteriochlorophyll-e and f analogues from BChls-c/d via transformation of the 7-methyl to formyl group and self-aggregation of synthetic zinc methyl bacteriopheophorbides-c/d/e/f in non-polar organic solvent

Homologously pure methyl bacteriopheophorbides-e and f (BPhes-e/f_M) were prepared from modification of naturally occurring bacteriochlorophylls-c and d (BChls-c/d), respectively, by transformation of the methyl to formyl group at the 7-position. The absolute configuration of the 1-hydroxyethyl group at the 3-position of (Zn-)BPhes-e/f_M was determined from comparison with structurally known BChl-c/d epimers. Visible spectra of synthetic (Zn-)BPhe-c/d/e/f_M showed that the 7¹-oxidation and the 8²/12¹/20-methylation affected Soret, Q_x and Q_y bands of both the monomeric (in a polar organic solvent) and oligomeric species (in a non-polar solvent).     

A structural study of the perovskite series Ca1−xNaxTi1−xTaxO3

Compounds in the solid solution series Ca_1−xNa_xTi_1−xTa_xO₃ were synthesized at 1300 °C, followed by annealing at 850 °C or 800 °C with quenching and/or slow cooling to room temperature. Rietveld refinement of their powder X-ray diffraction patterns show that all compounds are single-phase ternary perovskites which adopt the space group Pbnm (a≈b≈√2a_p; c≈2a_p; Z=4) at ambient conditions. The unit cell parameters and cell volumes of the compounds increase regularly with increasing values of x. The coordination of the A-site cations changes throughout the series from eight for CaTiO₃ to nine for NaTaO₃. Compounds with 0?x ?0.4 have A-site cations in eight fold coordination, whereas the coordination of those with 0.4<x<0.9 is ambiguous. Analysis of the crystal chemistry of the compounds shows that the change in coordination at x=0.4 is related to the departure of the B-site cations from the second coordination sphere of the A-site cations, as in compounds with x>0.4 the A-^IIO distances become less than the A-B intercation distances. Contemporaneous with these coordination changes, the tilt angles of the BO₆ polyhedra decrease with increasing values of x. This solid solution series is unusual in that these structural and coordination changes occur regardless that Goldschmidt tolerance factors remain essentially constant at approximately 0.89, and observed tolerance factors, assuming eight fold coordination of the A-site cations, range only from 0.91 to 0.93 (0?x?0.8).     

Effects of the A-site cation number on the properties of Ln5/8M3/8MnO3 manganites

The properties of manganites can be tuned by changing the doping level x in Ln_1−xM_xMnO₃. A second mechanism allows tuning of magnetic and electronic properties, for fixed x values, by varying the average A-cation radius, 〈r_A〉. Moreover, for fixed x and 〈r_A〉 values, the changes in the A-cation size variance, σ², also modify the ferromagnetic and metal-insulator transition temperatures. Here, we investigate the influence of the number of A-site cations on Ln_5/8M_3/8MnO₃ manganites, where x, 〈r_A〉 and σ² values are kept constant, and in the absence of phase separation phenomena. We have found that the number of cation species at the A site (N_A) has a strong influence on the width of the ferromagnetic and metal-insulator transitions, and a small influence on the average transition temperature. This behavior is opposite to that observed for increasing values of the variance σ² in manganites, with the same x and 〈r_A〉 values, where average transition temperatures are strongly reduced.     

Electronic and magnetic properties of LaNi1−xCoxO3, LaCo1−xFexO3 and LaNi1−xFexO3

LaNi_1?xCo_xO₃ shows itinerant d-electron behavior similar to LaNiO₃ up to x = 0.5. In the range 0.5 < x < 1.0, the cobalt spin state equilibrium is markedly affected; the localized-itinerant electron transition of LaCoO₃ is not seen when x < 0.95. In LaCo_1?xFe_xO₃, itinerancy of d-electrons decreases with increase in x and the compositions with x > 0.5 are similar to LaFeO₃. If x > 0.1, the localized-itinerant electron transition is not seen and the cobalt spin state equilibrium is considerably altered. In LaNi_1?xFe_xO₃, itinerancy decreases with increase in x. These observations can be satisfactorily explained in terms of Goodenough's energy band schemes.     

Water-containing derivative phases of the Srn+1FenO3n+1 series

The n=1, 2, 3 and ∞ members of the homologous series Sr_n+1Fe_nO_3n+1 of layered iron oxides are investigated for their tendency to accept additional layers of water in their crystals. The phases possess a Ruddlesden-Popper-type SrO-(SrO-FeO₂)_n crystal structure, where the n=∞ limit is nothing but the perovskite structure. It is revealed that the n=1, 2 and 3 phases readily accommodate one or two layers of water between adjacent SrO layers, whereas the n=∞ member which lacks the SrO-SrO double-layer unit remains intact in the presence of water. The speed of the water intercalation process is found to decrease with increasing n. Among the layered water derivatives, the n=2 phase with two water molecules per formula unit, i.e. Sr₃Fe₂O₇·2H₂O, was found to be most stable.     

Structural characterisation of the perovskite series SrxCa1−x−yNdyMnO3: Influence of the Jahn-Teller effect

The crystal structures of the perovskite manganites Sr_xCa_1−x−yNd_yMnO₃ with y=0.1 or 0.2 have been investigated using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. At room temperature the structures change from depending on the cation distribution, the different structures exhibiting different tilts of the MnO₆ octahedra. High temperature diffraction measurements demonstrate the presence of, an apparently continuous, isosymmetric I4/mcm to I4/mcm phase transition associated with the removal of long range orbital ordering. Heating the manganites to still higher temperatures results in a continuous transition to the cubic structure. A feature of such transitions is the continuous evolution of the octahedral tilt angle through the I4/mcm to I4/mcm phase transition. The orthorhombic structures do not exhibit orbital ordering and although a first order transition to the tetragonal structure is observed in Sr_0.4Ca_0.5Nd_0.1MnO₃, this high temperature tetragonal structure does not exhibit orbital ordering.     

Thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline La1−xSrxCoO3

Thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline La_1−xSr_xCoO₃, where Sr²⁺ is substituted in La³⁺ site in perovskite-type LaCoO₃, have been investigated. Sr-doping increases the electrical conductivity (σ) of La_1−xSr_xCoO₃, and also decreases the Seebeck coefficient (S) for 0.01?x?0.40. A Hall coefficient measurement reveals that the increase in electrical conductivity arises from increases in both carrier concentration and the Hall mobility. The decrease in the Seebeck coefficient is caused by a decrease in carrier effective mass as well as increase in carrier concentration. The highest power factor (σS²) is 3.7×10⁻⁴ W m⁻¹ K⁻² at 250 K for x=0.10. The thermal conductivity (κ) is about 2 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 300 K for 0?x?0.04, and increases for x?0.05 because of an increase in heat transport by conductive carrier. The thermoelectric properties of La_1−xSr_xCoO₃ are improved by Sr-doping, and the figure of merit (Z=σS² κ⁻¹) reaches 1.6×10⁻⁴ K⁻¹ for x=0.06 at 300 K (ZT=0.048). For heavily Sr-doped samples, the thermoelectric properties diminish mainly because of the decrease in the Seebeck coefficient and the increase in thermal conductivity.     

Synthesis and properties of the Co7Se8−xSx and Ni7Se8−xSx solid solutions

We report the synthesis and elementary properties of the Co₇Se_8−xS_x (x=0-8) and Ni₇Se_8−xS_x (x=0-7) solid solutions. Both systems form a NiAs-type structure with metal vacancies. In general, the lattice parameters decrease with increasing x, but in the Ni₇Se_8−xS_x system c increases on going from x=5 to 7. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that all samples exhibit temperature-independent paramagnetism from 25-250 K. Samples within the Co₇Se_8−xS_x system, as well as Ni₇Se₈ and Ni₇SeS₇, were found to be poor metals with resistivities of ∼0.20 and ∼0.06 mΩ cm at 300 K, respectively. The Sommerfeld constant (γ) was determined from specific heat measurements to be ∼13 mJ/mol_CoK² and ∼7 mJ/mol_NiK² for Co₇Se_8−xS_x and Ni₇Se_8−xS_x, respectively.     

Long-range ordering in the Bi1−xAexFeO3−x/2 perovskites: Bi1/3Sr2/3FeO2.67 and Bi1/2Ca1/2FeO2.75

Two-ordered perovskites, Bi_1/3Sr_2/3FeO_2.67 and Bi_1/2Ca_1/2FeO_2.75, have been stabilized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction techniques. They both exhibit orthorhombic superstructures, one with a≈b≈2a_p and c≈3a_p (S.G.: Pb2n or Pbmn) for the Sr-based compound and one with a≈b≈2a_p and c≈8a_p (S.G.: B222, Bmm2, B2mm or Bmmm) for the Ca-based one. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images evidence the existence of one deficient [FeO_x]_∞ layer, suggesting that Bi_1/3Sr_2/3FeO_2.67 and Bi_1/2Ca_1/2FeO_2.75 behave differently compared to their Ln-based homolog. The HAADF-STEM images allow to propose a model of cation ordering on the A sites of the perovskite. The Mössbauer analyses confirm the trivalent state of iron and its complex environment with three types of coordination. Both compounds exhibit a high value of resistivity and the inverse molar susceptibility versus temperature curves evidence a magnetic transition at about 730 K for the Bi_1/3Sr_2/3FeO_2.67 and a smooth reversible transition between 590 and 650 K for Bi_1/2Ca_1/2FeO_2.75.     

Structure refinement, dielectric, pyroelectric and Raman characterizations of Ba1−xLax(1−y)/2Euxy/2Nax/2TiO3 solid solution

The perovskite-type oxides Ba_1−xLa_x(1−y)/2Eu_xy/2Na_x/2TiO₃ (0?x?0.5 and xy=0.04) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction as well as dielectric measurements and Raman spectroscopy. The crystal structure of these ceramics has been determined by the Rietveld refinement powder X-ray diffraction data at room temperature. These compounds crystallize at room temperature in tetragonal space group P4mm for 0?x?0.1 and in the cubic group for 0.2?x?0.5. The phase transition temperature T_C (or T_m) decreases as x content increases. The degree of diffuseness of the phase transition is more pronounced for higher x content, implying the existence of a composition-induced diffuse phase transition of the ceramics with x?0.1. The evolution of the Raman spectra was studied as a function of various compositions at room temperature. The polarization state was checked by pyroelectric measurements.     

Atomistic simulation on the site preference and mechanical properties of Th3Co4+xAl12−x and U3Co4+xAl12−x

An atomistic study is presented on the phase stability, site preference and lattice constants of the actinide intermetallic compounds Th₃Co_4+xAl_12−x and U₃Co_4+xAl_12−x. Calculations are based on a series of interatomic pair potentials related to the actinides and transition metals, which are obtained by a strict lattice inversion method. The lattice constants of Th₃Co_4+xAl_12−x and U₃Co_4+xAl_12−x are calculated for different values of x. The site preference of Co atoms at Al sites is also evaluated and the order is given as 6h, 4f, 2b and 12k for Th₃Co_4+xAl_12−x, and 6h, 4f, 12k and 2b for U₃Co_4+xAl_12−x. In addition, some simple mechanical properties such as the elastic constants and bulk modulus are investigated for the actinide compounds with complex structures.     

Crystal structures of the double perovskites Ba2Sr1−xCaxWO6

Structures of the double perovskites Ba₂Sr_1−xCa_xWO₆ have been studied by the profile analysis of X-ray diffraction data. The end members, Ba₂SrWO₆ and Ba₂CaWO₆, have the space group I2/m (tilt system a⁰b⁻b⁻) and Fm3¯m (tilt system a⁰a⁰a⁰), respectively. By increasing the Ca concentration, the monoclinic structure transforms to the cubic one via the rhombohedral R3¯ phase (tilt system a⁻a⁻a⁻) instead of the tetragonal I4/m phase (tilt system a⁰a⁰c⁻). This observation supports the idea that the rhombohedral structure is favoured by increasing the covalency of the octahedral cations in Ba₂MM′O₆-type double perovskites, and disagrees with a recent proposal that the formation of the π-bonding, e.g., d⁰-ion, determines the tetragonal symmetry in preference to the rhombohedral one.     

High Lithium Capacity MxV2O5Ay·nH2O for Rechargeable Batteries

The aqueous synthesis and electrochemical properties of nanocrystalline M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O are described. It is easily and quickly prepared by precipitation from acidified vanadate solutions. M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O has been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, electron microscopy, TGA, chemical analyses, and electrochemical studies. The atomic structure is related to that of xerogel-derived V₂O₅·nH₂O. In M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O, M is a cation from the starting vanadate salt and A is an anion from the mineral acid. This material exhibits high, reversible Li capacity and may be considered for use in a cathode in primary and secondary batteries. The lithium capacity of an electrode composed of M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O/EPDM/carbon (88/4/8) is ∼380(mA h)/g (C/80 rate) and the energy density is ∼1000(W h)/kg (120-μm-thick cathode, 4-1.5 V, versus Li metal anode). Critical parameters identified in the synthesis of M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O, with respect to achieving high Li-ion insertion capacity, are acid/vanadium ratio, starting vanadate salt, and temperature. Inclusion of carbon black in the synthesis yields a composite that maintains the high Li capacity, lowers the electrochemical-cell polarization, and preserves the lithium capacity at higher discharge rates. Li-ion coin cells, using pre-lithiated graphite anodes, exhibit electrochemical performance comparable to that of Li-metal coin cells.     

Estimation of the standard entropy change on complete reduction of oxide MmOn

The standard entropy change ΔS° for the reduction of nonmagnetic, nonconducting oxides, $\text{M}{}_{\mathrm{m}}\text{O}{}_{\mathrm{n}}\text{(}\text{s}\text{) = mM(}\text{s}\text{) + (}\text{n}\text{2}\text{)}\text{O}{}_2\text{(g)}$, has been estimated as a function of m, n, and temperature T from motional entropies of oxygen molecules and vibrational entropies of solid phases. An available formula of ΔS°_calc = a · m + b · n with constant a and b based on effective Debye temperatures, θ_M = 165 K for M and θ_OX = 540 K for M_mO_n, agrees well with the observed ΔS°_obs for M₂O, MO, M₂O₃, MO₂, M₂O₅, and MO₃ in the temperature range T = 300 – 1300 K. Possible electronic entropy corrections are applied to ΔS°_calc for M₂O₇ and MO₄.     

Synthesis and aromatic nucleophilic N-N, N-S and N-O exchange reactions of N,N-dimethyl-2-trifluoroacetyl-1-naphthylamine

We succeeded in the synthesis of N,N-dimethyl-2-trifluoroacetyl-1-naphthylamine (10) by the regioselective deacylation of N,N-dimethyl-2,4-bis(trifluoroacetyl)-1-naphthylamine with trifluoroacetic acid and water. The aromatic nucleophilic substitutions of 10 with various amines, thiols and alcohols proceeded cleanly to give the corresponding N-N, N-S and N-O exchanged products in moderate to excellent yields.     

HRTEM study of cation-deficient perovskite-related AnBn−δO3n (n?4δ) microphases in the Ba5Nb4O15-BaTiO3 system

The occurrence of coherent intergrowths of cation-deficient perovskites in the Ba₅Nb₄O₁₅-BaTiO₃ system has been examined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. Because of their structural similarity, the simple members Ba₅Nb₄O₁₅ (n=5) and Ba₆TiNb₄O₁₈ (n=6) form coherent intergrowths—noted 5^P6¹—by the juxtaposition along the c-axis of P perovskite-like blocks n=5 and one perovskite-like block n=6, with P=1, 2 and 3. More generally, the ability to form intergrowths in the hexagonal perovskite systems is discussed considering the structural characteristics of the simple members. Examples taken from various systems show that the formation of such intergrowths is highly dependent on the size of the A cation present in simple members.     

Structural Characterization of the Complex Perovskites Ba1−xLaxTi1−xCrxO3

The series Ba_1−xLa_xTi_1−xCr_xO₃ (0≤x≤1) was synthesized at 1400°C for about 60 h. Their structure was carefully analyzed by the use of powder X-ray diffraction and Rietveld analysis software GSAS (General Structure Analysis System). Four solid solutions are found in this series: tetragonal solid solution Ba_1−xLa_xTi_1−xCr_xO₃ (0≤x≤0.029), cubic solid solution Ba_1−xLa_xTi_1−xCr_xO₃ (0.0365≤x≤0.600), rhombohedral solid solution Ba_1−xLa_xTi_1−xCr_xO₃ (0.700≤x≤0.873), and orthorhombic solid solution Ba_1−xLa_xTi_1−xCr_xO₃ (0.956≤x≤1). There are corresponding two-phase regions between the adjacent two solid solutions. The detailed lattice parameters are presented. The relationship between the lattice parameters and the composition of the solid solutions is developed.     

Far-infrared and X-ray investigations of the mixed platinum dichalcogenides PtS2−xSex, PtSe2−xTex, and PtS2−xTex

Polycrystalline samples of the CdI₂-type mixed crystals PtS_2?xSe_x, PtSe_2?xTe_x, and PtS_2?xTe_x were prepared and characterized by far-infrared (4000-40 cm^?1) and X-ray techniques. A change in the behavior of the c/a-ratio and in the x dependence of the plasma resonance frequency of the free carriers present is observed in the system PtS_2?xSe_x near PtS_0.6Se_1.4, which is interpreted as a critical composition for (p,d)-band overlap in the platinum dichalcogenides. Optical phonon frequencies are given for the two-mode system PtS_2?xSe_x.     

Structural investigation of KxBa1−xGa2−xGe2+xO8 solid solutions using the X-ray Rietveld method

The K_xBa_1−xGa_2−xGe_2+xO₈ (x=0.6−1.0) solid solutions undergo a structural phase transition that has a significant effect on their sintering behavior and their microwave dielectric properties. The crystal structures of both phases within the solid-solution region were determined by the Rietveld method using powder X-ray diffraction data. We found that the low-temperature-stable phase is isostructural with the pseudo-orthorhombic KGaGe₃O₈ (space group P2₁/a), while the high-temperature-stable phase has a typical monoclinic feldspar structure (space group C2/m). Due to the topological differences between the two structures, the T-O bonds within the tetrahedra must be partially recombined to make a new framework, which causes an endothermic effect during the P2₁/a to C2/m phase transition. The correlation between the crystal structures, the microwave dielectric properties and the phase-transition behaviors were discussed in terms of the crystallographic features, the lattice parameters, and the strain-induced anisotropic peak-broadening.