Study of ceramic pigments based on cobalt doped Y2O3–Al2O3 system

Ceramic pigments based on Y₂O₃–Al₂O₃ system doped by cobalt as a colourant agent were synthesized by solid-state reaction at temperatures up to 1,400 °C. The reactivity of initial mixtures of components was improved by the mineralizer LiF and the mechanical activation in a planetary ball mill. The temperature region of the product formation was followed by the method of thermal analysis. The effect of the synthetic method on the phase composition of the products was studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. Studied pigment-application properties of the product include the measurement of optical properties in the visible region of light and particle size distribution. The simple solid-state reaction led to the formation of turquoise samples that contain mainly blue CoAl₂O₄ spinel and next to it also YAlO₃ perovskite and Y₃Al₅O₁₂ garnet phases. The mineralizer LiF promotes the formation of yttrium aluminium double oxides of sandy-yellow to grey–brown colour hue, although the samples also contain small amount of blue CoAl spinel phase. Intensive milling process did not results in CoAl spinel phase and the samples contain yttrium aluminium perovskite and cobalt oxide. Evaluation of Kubelka–Munk absorption as a function of the pigment concentration was found that hiding is complete by adding of 5 mass% of pigment to the ceramic glaze. Resulting colour hue of all pigment applications into ceramic glaze is blue. The size of particles lies in the range of 7–26 μm.     

Study of the oxygen permeability of ceramic membranes based on nonstoichiometric perovskites SrCo0.8–x Fe0.2W x O3–δ

The effect of the substitution of highly charged cations W⁶⁺ for Co³⁺/Co⁴⁺ cations in the SrCo_0.8Fe_0.2O_3–δ structure on the transport properties of new membrane materials has been studied.     

Synthesis and characterization of nano-structured Th1?x Ce x O2 mixed oxide

GEL combustion technique was applied to obtain oxides of thorium and cerium from their respective nitrate solutions using citric acid as the gelating agent. The dried samples were characterized by IR and TG studies. Intermediate and final products during TG studies have been isolated and characterized by XRD studies. All the TG runs during heating of thorium and cerium nitrate with citric acid dried Gels showed a two step process. The weight loss at each step and the X-ray data of the product at each step, helped in suggesting a possible mechanism. Kinetic study was carried out independently for each step. The reaction mechanism as observed during interactive procedure was found to be diffusion controlled. The kinetic parameters (activation energy and pre-exponential factor) for each step in all reactions have been calculated. Observations from XRD studies show that with increase in cerium concentration in the oxides, the lattice parameter values have shown a decreasing trend for all the five compositions studied. It was observed that in TG studies with increase in cerium concentration, the final temperature of the reactions have shown a decreasing trend. SEM studies of the powders reveal that synthesized oxides have a tendency to form agglomerate of varying size ranging from 50 to 100 μm in case of mixed oxides but the size of thorium oxide powder so synthesized have pore size 10–100 μm. SEM images shows that GEL combustion may result in agglomeration, if the temperature is not properly controlled to the desired value. SEM studies also reveal that each agglomerate contains approximately 10–100 individual particles. Surface area of the mixed oxide powders were determined using Gas adsorption technique. The surface area was found to be in the range of 3–17 m²/g in all cases. Specific surface area of thorium oxide was found to be lesser than cerium oxide but in case of mixed oxides surface area decreases with increase in cerium content. Majority of pores, indicating the particle size are in the range of 0.01–0.04 cm³/g.     

Electrochemical sensors based on platinized Ti1 − x Ru x O2

Electrocatalysts based on platinized titania modified with ruthenia (0–9 mol %) were studied. The synthesized materials were investigated as working electrodes in potentiometric sensors sensitive to hydrogen and carbon monoxide. All electrocatalysts showed reproducible behavior at pure gas concentrations from 400 to 4000 ppm. In CO-H₂ mixtures with comparable concentrations of both gases, the sensors were selective toward hydrogen at ≥0.05 mol % Ru, but not selective to hydrogen or CO at less than 0.05 mol % Ru in the substrate.     

Brown pigments based on perovskite structure of BiFeO3−δ

Light brown inorganic pigments based on BiFeO₃ doped by Sr²⁺ cations were prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction at high temperature. This study is focused on the synthesis of Bi_1?x Sr _x FeO_3?δ powders in a range of substitution (x = 0–0.35; with step size 0.05). The main role of strontium is to overcome the defects that come to exist during the evaporation of Bi over material preparation. The substitution of trivalent bismuth ions by divalent strontium ions results in oxygen deficiency in the lattice, which was proved by both thermogravimetric analysis and elemental analysis. The substitution has a positive effect on the thermal stability of samples. The thermal stability of BiFeO₃ is 1046 K, whereas the substitution of 20 mol% of Bi³⁺ by Sr²⁺ ions shifted it to 1403 K and powder with composition Bi_0.65Sr_0.35FeO_3?δ has a thermal stability that is higher than 1434 K. An increasing range of substitution is connected with the change in the pigment color from reddish-brown to orange-brown and back to reddish-brown. The Bi_0.85Sr_0.15FeO_3?δ pigment prepared by calcination at 1273 K offers the most interesting color properties (L* = 45.57; a* = 20.38; b* = 26.23).

     

Theoretical Study on Mechanism of C5H7·+O2 Reaction

The potential energy surface (PES) for the reaction of E,E-pentadienyl with molecular oxygen was theoretically studied at the G3B3//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. The first step of the reaction was found to be the direct adduction of molecular O2 on either the C1 or the C3 atoms of E,E-pentadienyl, forming two C5H7O2· isomers. These two C5H7O2· isomers undergo a series of isomerization processes through either the hydrogen-transfer or cyclization pathway. In the final step, the hydrogen-transferred and cyclized isomers decompose into unsaturated aldehydes, unsaturated ketones, and hydroxyl radicals. Involves 20 stable species and 14 transition states, and the energies and structures of all reactants, products and transition states were calculated. Based on the calculated barriers and heats of formation, the authors suggest that the C2H3O·+C3H4O formation channel is the dominant channel for the C5H7·+O2 reaction. The possible existence of C5H7O2· radicals as long lifetime intermediates is also proposed, which is consistent with the recent photoionization mass spectrometric experiments by Zils et al.     

Sol–gel synthesis and catalytic property of Ce1−x Ti x O2 nanocomposites supported on attapulgite clay

Ce_1?x Ti _x O₂ nanocomposites supported on attapulgite clay (Ce_1?x Ti _x O₂/ATP) were prepared by a facile sol–gel route. The textural and structural properties of the prepared products were characterized by thermogravimetric-differential scanning calormetry analysis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements. The catalytic activity of the prepared Ce_1?x Ti _x O₂/ATP catalysts for rhodamine B degradation was investigated. Results indicate that the particle size of Ce_1?x Ti _x O₂ nanoparticles evenly attached onto the surface of ATP is approximately 10 nm. The Ti⁴⁺ doping ratios exhibit considerable impact on the redox ability and catalytic activity of Ce_1?x Ti _x O₂/ATP composites. The introduction of an optimal amount of Ti⁴⁺ contributes to forming structure defects and electronic defects in the oxide lattice, increasing concentration of oxygen vacancies, consequently improving low-temperature redox ability of Ce⁴⁺ and enhancing catalytic activity of the composites. Ce_1?x Ti _x O₂/ATP (x = 0.5) catalyst has the best catalytic degradation efficiency, which can reach as high as 97 % after reaction for 240 min. It is also found that attapulgite clay exhibit a positive synergistic effect to the Ce_1?x Ti _x O₂ nanoparticles.     

Synthesis of New Solid Solutions on Neodymium-stabilized La2Mo2O9

Oxide ion conductors form a class of materials which are widely sought for and studied since they can be used in different field among solid oxide fuel cells (FOFC), oxygen sensors, oxygen pumping devices, or oxygen-permeable membrane catalysts, for instance1-3. Now research focuses on the oxide ion conductors with new structure and improving the conductivity or lowering the operating temperature. Recently P.Lacorre et al.4 have reported a novel oxide-ion conductor based on La2Mo2O9. F.…     

TG Study of the Dispersion Threshold of Mn2O3 on γ-Al2O3

Mn₂O₃/-Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method, and the maximum monolayer dispersion capacity or dispersion threshold value of Mn₂O₃ on the surface of -Al₂O₃ was determined to be 13.08% from the decomposition mass loss of supported Mn(NO₃)₂ in the monolayer state. This was compared with the values estimated from a close-packed monolayer model and an interaction model. It was confirmed that the high activities and selectivities of the catalysts for benzoic acid hydrogenation to benzaldehyde are due to the monolayer dispersion of the Mn₂O₃ on the surface of -Al₂O₃.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of Zr/Ce molar ratio on the structure of powders and Zr1−x Ce x O2 coatings on quartz fiber reinforced polyimide matrix composites via sol–gel process

In this investigation, Zr_1−x Ce _x O₂ coatings were fabricated on quartz fiber reinforced polyimide matrix composites via sol–gel process at 400 °C. The phase evolution, structural and morphological characteristic of specimens were investigated by differential scanning calorimetric, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The significant phase evolution of final powders with the decreasing Zr/Ce molar ratio could be observed as follows: tetragonal (t′) → cubic + tetragonal (t′) → tetragonal (t″). BET specific surface areas of powders exhibited a decreased tendency with the increasing calcination temperature as well as the decreasing Zr/Ce molar ratio. The average crystallite size and the mean particle size increased with the elevated calcination temperature, while the particle size also increased with the increase in Ce content. The progressive addition of Ce could promote the sintering process and the densification of coating. Morphologies of coatings changed with the variation of the Zr/Ce molar ratio. The results indicate that Zr_0.75Ce_0.25O₂ coating with the Zr/Ce molar ratio of 3 is a stable uniform coating with excellent adhesion.     

Electrochemical studies of LiCr x Fe x Mn2?2x O4 in an aqueous electrolyte

In this paper, LiCr _x Fe _x Mn_2−2x O₄ (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1) electrode materials were prepared by sol–gel technique and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy or high-resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques. XRD results reveal that the Cr–Fe-co-doped LiCr _x Fe _x Mn_2−2x O₄ materials are phase-pure spinels. The electrochemical properties of the LiMn₂O₄, LiCr_0.05Fe_0.05Mn_1.9O₄, and LiCr_0.1Fe_0.1Mn_1.8O₄ electrodes in 5 M LiNO₃ aqueous electrolyte were investigated using cyclic voltammetry, AC impedance, and galvanostatic charge/discharge methods. In the current range of 0.5–2 A g⁻¹, the specific capacity of the LiCr_0.05Fe_0.05Mn_1.9O₄ electrode is close to that of the LiMn₂O₄ electrode, but the specific capacity of the LiCr_0.1Fe_0.1Mn_1.8O₄ electrode is obviously lower than that of the LiMn₂O₄ electrode. When the electrodes are charge/discharge-cycled at the high current rate of 2 A g⁻¹, the LiCr_0.05Fe_0.05Mn_1.9O₄ electrode exhibits an initial specific capacity close to that of the LiMn₂O₄ electrode, but its cycling stability is obviously prior to that of the LiMn₂O₄ electrode.     

Structure and properties of La2Mo2O7: A quasi-two-dimensional metallic oxide with strong MoMo bonds

Single crystals of La₂Mo₂O₇, prepared by fused salt electrolysis, were used for structural and electronic characterization. La₂Mo₂O₇ is orthorhombic with a = 6.034Å, b = 12.236 Å, and c = 3.888 Å. The dominant feature of the structure, which was refined in space group Pnnm, is Mo₂O₁₀ units formed by edge-sharing MoO₆ octahedra which contain MoMo distances of only 2.478 Å. These groups then share corners in two dimensions to give rise to MoO layers which are held together by the lanthanum ions. The relationship of the La₂Mo₂O₇ structure to those of other reduced oxides is discussed. La₂Mo₂O₇ is a metallic conductor down to 125 K where a phase transition takes place. A similar transition is seen in the magnetic susceptibility. The anomalous electric and magnetic behavior of this compound may be associated with a charge density wave instability of the type often found in quasi-two-dimensional materials.     

Hydration and forms of oxygen-hydrogen groups in Oxyfluorides Ba2 ? 0.5x In2O5 ? x F x

A number of fluorine-substituted compounds were synthesized from brownmillerite Ba₂In₂O₅. The homogeneity range of the Ba_{2 ? 0.5x} In₂O_{5 ? x} F _x solid solution (x ?? 0.3) was determined by X-ray diffractometry. The studied phases were found to be able to incorporate water from the gas phase, due to which their orthorhombic structure transforms into tetragonal one. The degree of hydration decreased as the fluorine content in the solid solution increased. As in the case of Ba₂In₂O₅, the energetically nonequivalent hydroxo groups were found to be the main form of oxygen-hydrogen groups.     

Study of Nd2–x Ce x CuO4?±?δ (x?=?0.1–0.25) as cathode material for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

The solid solubility limit of Ce in Nd_2–x Ce _x CuO_4 ± δ , prepared by sol–gel process, is established up to x = 0.2. The transition from negative temperature coefficient to positive temperature coefficient, within the solid solubility region, is observed at 620 °C. The area-specific-resistance (ASR) is optimized for electrochemical cell sintered at 800 °C. ASR enhances with increase in sintering temperature of cell. ASR value of 0.93 ohm cm² at 700 °C, determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is comparable against that by voltage versus current (V–I) characteristics at 0.98 ohm cm² at the same temperature. Electrochemical performance and ASR of Nd_1.8Ce_0.2CuO_4 ± δ is improved when prepared by sol–gel route over solid-state reaction, which is attributed to uniform size and shape of nanocrystalline grains.     

An Ab Initio Study of N_2O Decomposition on MgO Catalyst

Nl0isalwaysusedasoxidantinalotofoxidativecatalyticprocesses,suchastheoxidativecouplingofmethane(0CM),oxidativedehydr0genationofalkanesands0on,becauseitdecomPosestoprovideOadspeciesonmetal0xidecatalystsandleadstothespecificoxidativeselectivity.Forexample,itwasf0undthatf0rOCMreacti0nonMgOandLougOcatalystS,thereactiontemPeraturerequiredislowerwhenoneusesN20asoxidantthanusing0,'.TheunderstandingofN20dec0mposihon0nmetal0xidecatalystsandthepropertiesofthereIevant0adspeciesshouldbeagoodstarting…     

Effect of electronic state of ions on the electrochemical properties of layered cathode materials LiNi1−2x Co x Mn x O2

The cathode materials of the composition LiNi_{1 − 2x} Co _x Mn _x O₂ (x = 0.1, 0.2. 0.33) synthesized from the Ni, Co, Mn mixed hydroxides and LiOH by using mechanical activation method are studied. It is shown that all synthesized compounds have layered structure described by the space group R-3m. With the decreasing of the nickel content the cell volume and the degree of structure disordering decrease. According to XPS data, the electronic main state of d-ions at the prepared samples’ surfaces corresponds to Ni²⁺, Co³⁺, and Mn⁴⁺. An increase in the nickel content leads to the increase of the Ni2p _3/2 and Co2p _3/2 binding energy, which points to the change in the Me-O bond covalence. According to magnetic susceptibility measurements data, the nickel ions in LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ exist in the two oxidation states: Ni²⁺ and Ni³⁺. It is shown that this sample has the highest specific discharge capacity (∼170 mAh/g). The positions of redox peaks in the differential capacitance curves depend on the sample composition: with the increasing of nickel content they are shifted toward lower voltages. Based on the paper presented in the IX International Conference “Basic Problems of Energy Conversion in Lithium Electrochemical Systems” (Ufa, 2006).     

Electrochemical reduction of NO and O2 on La2−x Sr x CuO4-based electrodes

A series of La_2 − x Sr _x CuO₄ (x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.25 and 0.35) compounds was investigated for the use of direct electrochemical reduction of NO in an all-solid-state electrochemical cell. The materials were investigated using cyclic voltammetry in 1% NO in Ar and 10% O₂ in Ar. The most selective electrode material was La₂CuO₄, which had an activity of NO reduction that was 6.8 times higher than that of O₂ at 400 °C. With increasing temperature, activity increased while selectivity decreased. Additionally, conductivity measurements were carried out, and the materials show metallic conductivity behavior which follows an adiabatic small polaron hopping mechanism.