Zn<Subscript>0.97</Subscript>M<Subscript>0.03</Subscript>O (M = Co,Fe, and V) pigments: thermal,structural, and optical characterization

Zinc oxide is a widely used white inorganic pigment. Transition metal ions are used as chromophores and originate the ceramic pigments group. In this context, ZnO particles doped with Co, Fe, and V were synthesized by the polymeric precursors method, Pechini method. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG) techniques were used to accurately characterize the distinct thermal events occurring during synthesis. The TG and DSC results revealed a series of decomposition temperatures due to different exothermal events, which were identified as H₂O elimination, organic compounds degradation and phase formation. The samples were structurally characterized by X-Ray diffractometry revealing the formation of single phase, corresponding to the crystalline matrix of ZnO. The samples were optically characterized by diffuse reflectance measurements and colorimetric coordinates L*, a*, b* were calculated for the pigment powders. The pigment powders presented a variety of colors ranging from white (ZnO), green (Zn_0.97Co_0.03O), yellow (Zn_0.97Fe_0.03O), and beige (Zn_0.97V_0.03O).     

Nanoparticulate alkali tungsten and thallium tungsten heterocation bronzes: Synthesis in M′,M″(Tl)‖BO<Subscript>2</Subscript>,WO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-WO<Subscript>3</Subscript> melts,where M′ and M″ are alkali metals

We report experimental data on the synthesis and identification of nanoparticulate heterocation tungsten bronzes (TBs) of alkali metals and thallium in electrolyte melts, which were developed during a study of the thermal and physical properties of systems M′,M″(Tl)‖BO₂,WO₄-WO₃ in heterogeneous and homogeneous regions.     

Phase equilibria,charge transport,and mass transport in Sr<Subscript>4</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript>-“M<Subscript>4</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript>” (M = Cd,Cu, Ni,and Zn) systems

Homogeneous fields of Sr_{4 − x} M _x Nb₂O₉ (M = Cd, Cu, Ni, or Zn) solid solutions were determined using powder X-ray diffraction. Phase fields were plotted proceeding from the tolerance factor t and electronegativity ratio $ \bar k_A /\bar k_B $ \bar k_A /\bar k_B with a satisfactory fit of experimental results. Thermogravimetry was used to establish the major kinetic laws of solid-phase synthesis (conversion, rate-controlling stage, and effective activation energy) in (4 − x)SrCO₃ + xMO + Nb₂O₅ powdery mixtures. Direct radiometry was used to determine ⁹⁰Sr, ⁶³Ni, and ⁶⁵Zn self-diffusion coefficients in solid solutions based on the Sr₄Nb₂O₉ phase. Electrical conductivity was measured as a function of temperature for all Sr₄Nb₂O₉-“M₄Nb₂O₉” samples. The conductivity of Sr_{4 − x} M _x Nb₂O₉ (M = Cd, Cu, Ni, or Zn) solid solutions has a mixed ion-electron character.     

Crystal structure and vibrational spectra of M[VO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SeO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]·H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O (M = K,Rb, NH<Subscript>4</Subscript>)

By the hydration of MVO(SeO₄)₂ with saturated water vapors at room temperature a series of isostructural complex compounds of vanadium(V) of the composition M[VO₂(SeO₄)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O (K, Rb, NH₄) are synthesized and their physicochemical properties are studied. Based on the X-ray and neutron diffraction data, it is found that their crystal structure is composed of VO₆ octahedra linked in infinite chains by bridging SeO₄ tetrahedra. Each of the VO₆ octahedra has two short terminal V-O bonds forming a bent dioxovanadium group VO₂⁺. Two water molecules are coordinated by vanadium and one molecule is out of the first coordination sphere in the interchain space. The vibrational spectra of the studied compounds are completely consistent with their structural features.     

Synthesis and physicochemical study of M<Subscript>4</Subscript>Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>V<Subscript>10</Subscript>O<Subscript>28</Subscript> · 10H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O (M=K,Rb, NH<Subscript>4</Subscript>)

The formation conditions and physicochemical properties of binary decavanadates M₄Na₂V₁₀O₂₈ · 10H₂O (M=K, Rb, NH₄), synthesized by crystallization from saturated solutions of the NaVO₃-MH₂AsO₄-H₂O systems, were studied by chemical analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, microscopy, thermogravimetry, and IR spectroscopy. To optimize the synthesis conditions of M₄Na₂V₁₀O₂₈ · 10H₂O, the ( 1-x)NaVO₃ · 2H₂O · xMH2AsO4-H₂O (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) isomolar series method was applied to studying the interaction in the NaVO₃-MH₂AsO₄-H₂O systems (M = K, Rb, Cs) at the 0.4 mol/L total molar concentration of NaVO₃ and MH₂AsO₄ in solutions. The studied M₄Na₂V₁₀O₂₈ · 10H₂O compounds were shown to be isostructural with triclinic crystals (Z= 1, space group P $ \bar 1 $ \bar 1 ), and their unit cell parameters were estimated.     

Fullerides: heterometallic superconductors with composition M<Subscript>2</Subscript>M′C<Subscript>60</Subscript> (M = K,Rb; M′ = Yb,Lu, Sc)

One- or two-step reactions of potassium and rubidium fullerides with composition M_k C₆₀ (M = K, Rb; k = 3—6) and K₆C₆₀ + m K mixtures (m = 1, 3) with anhydrous salts MCl₃ (M = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Yb, Lu, Y, Sc) and YbI₂ in a toluene—THF medium afforded heterometallic fullerides M_3–nM_nC₆₀ (n = 1—3). Among these compounds, substituted fullerides with composition M₂MC₆₀ (M = Yb, Lu, Sc) display superconducting properties with critical temperatures of 14—20 K.Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 8, pp. 1623–1628, August, 2004.     

A theoretical investigation on the structures and stabilities of C<Subscript>60</Subscript>X<Subscript>18</Subscript> and C<Subscript>70</Subscript>X<Subscript>10</Subscript> (X = H,F, Cl,and Br)

A density functional theory study was performed on fullerene derivatives C₆₀X₁₈ and C₇₀X₁₀ (X = H, F, Cl, and Br). The calculated results show that the lowest energy isomers are IPR-satisfying for C₆₀X₁₈ (X = H, F, Cl, and Br). It is found that the addition patterns of X (X = Cl and Br) are different from those of X (X = H and F) for C₆₀, demonstrating that the stability of fullerene derivatives is partly attributed to the steric repulsion and electronegativity of added atoms. However, the lowest energy isomers are IPR-violating for C₇₀X₁₀ (X = H, F, and Cl), suggesting that many more fullerene derivatives may violate the isolated pentagon rule.     

Thermal,XRD, and magnetization studies on ZnAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> and NiAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> spinels,synthesized by citrate precursor method and annealed at 450 and 650 °C

Two aluminate spinel materials (ZnAl₂O₄ and NiAl₂O₄) were synthesized by the citrate precursor method. The citrate precursors consisting of coprecipitated citrates of Zn²⁺ or Ni²⁺ and aluminum were first subjected to thermal analysis (TG-DSC) for determining the optimum temperature for annealing. Two step decomposition was observed incorporating dehydration and formation of the aluminate. The second step gives an endo peak (−2937 J/g) at 356 °C in the DSC curve of the coprecipitated nickel(II) citrate–aluminum citrate gel in O₂ atmosphere. Kinetic/mechanistic analysis of the TG data has also been carried out and values of E _a, ΔS ^#, ΔG ^#, and A were approximated. On the basis of the findings, 450 °C has been chosen for annealing of the gels. Annealing has also been done at 650 °C for 1 h in muffle furnace in an attempt to obtain nanometric particles of aluminates (MAl₂O₄) {M = Ni, Zn} and to find out their magnetic properties which could render them useful for chemical sensing applications, etc. The TG-DSC curves of various powders which were obtained on annealing at the two temperatures did exhibit thermal instability when carried out in N₂ atmosphere. NiAl₂O₄ and ZnAl₂O₄ spinels (particle size 17 and 34 nm, respectively) are obtained in pure crystalline phase at 650 °C. ZnAl₂O₄ prepared this way shows coercivity values of 470 and 58.37 G and NiAl₂O₄, 107 and 23.24 G when annealed at 450 and 650 °C, respectively. ZnAl₂O₄ prepared by a polymer precursor method and annealed at 1000 °C, has earlier been reported to have coercivity value of 469 G. Thus, the citrate precursor method is good for the synthesis of ZnAl₂O₄, producing single phase nanocrystalline powder of high quality and crystallinity. The value of magnetization was found to be small in the present case for the NiAl₂O₄ spinel obtained at 450 °C.     

Direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen over insoluble Pd<Subscript>0.15</Subscript>M<Subscript>2.5</Subscript>H<Subscript>0.2</Subscript>PW<Subscript>12</Subscript>O<Subscript>40</Subscript> (M = K,Rb, and Cs) heteropolyacid catalysts

Palladium-containing insoluble heteropolyacid (HPA) catalysts (Pd_0.15M_2.5H_0.2PW₁₂O₄₀) were prepared by an ion-exchange method using various alkaline metal ions (M = K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺) (denoted as Pd-KPW, Pd-RbPW, and Pd-CsPW). They were then applied to the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen. Conversion of hydrogen over the catalysts was almost identical with no great difference, while selectivity for hydrogen peroxide increased in the order of Pd-KPW < Pd-RbPW < Pd-CsPW. As a consequence, yield for hydrogen peroxide increased in the order of Pd-KPW < Pd-RbPW < Pd-CsPW. It was found that yield for hydrogen peroxide increased with increasing Pd 3d_5/2 binding energy of the catalyst. Among the catalysts tested, Pd-CsPW catalyst with the highest Pd 3d_5/2 binding energy showed the highest yield for hydrogen peroxide.     

Singlet–triplet energy differences in divalent five membered cyclic conjugated Arduengo-type carbenes XC<Subscript>2</Subscript>HN<Subscript>2</Subscript>M (M = C,Si, Ge,Sn, and Pb; X = F,Cl, Br,and I)

Singlet-triplet energy differences in Arduengo-type carbenes XC₂HN₂C compared and contrasted with their sila, germa, stana and plumba analogues; at B3LYP/6-311++G** level of theory. Free Gibbs energy differences between triplet (t) and singlet (s) states (ΔG(t–s)) change in the following order: plumbylenes > stannylenes > germylenes > silylenes > carbenes. The singlet states in XC₂HN₂C are generally more stable when the electron withdrawing groups such as–F was used at β-position. However, the singlet states in XC₂N₂HM (M = Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb) are generally more stable when the withdrawing groups such as–F was placed. The puckering energy is investigated for each the singlet and triplet states. The DFT calculations found the linear correlation to size of the group 14 divalent element (M), the ∠N–M–N angle, and the Δ(LUMO–HOMO) of XC₂HN₂M.     

Molecular geometries,electronic properties,and vibrational spectroscopic studies of endohedral metallofullerenes TM@C<Subscript>24</Subscript> and TM@C<Subscript>24</Subscript>H<Subscript>12</Subscript> (TM = Cr,Mo, and W)

Molecular geometries, electronic properties, and vibrational spectroscopies of TM@C₂₄ and TM@C₂₄H₁₂ (TM = Cr, Mo, and W) in their different spin configurations have been systematically investigated with the hybrid DFT-(U)B3PW91 functional. The results show that the TM atoms bind over the pentagon ring inside C₂₄ cage, and they move gradually toward the center of C₂₄ cage along with the increasing atomic radii. The most stable Mo@C₂₄H₁₂ and W@C₂₄H₁₂ are in their spin-triplet states. The analyses of dissociation energy and energy gap reveal that TM@C₂₄ (TM = Cr, Mo, and W) and Cr@C₂₄H₁₂ are not only thermodynamically stable, but also considerably stable kinetically. Meanwhile, natural population analyses tell us that the two cages act as electron acceptors, and the transferred charge from the W atom to C₂₄ cage is the largest in the endohedral metallofullerenes. Additionally, the vibrational frequencies and active infrared intensities may be used as evidence to characterize these unknown species.     

Ionic mobility and structure of glasses in Zrf<Subscript>4</Subscript>—Bif<Subscript>3</Subscript>—Mf<Subscript>2</Subscript> (M = Sr,Ba, Pb) systems according to Nmr,Ir, and Raman spectroscopic data

The NMR (¹⁹F and MAS NMR ¹⁹F), IR, and Raman spectroscopic methods are used to study the ionic mobility and structure of a series of new glasses in ZrF₄—BiF₃—MF₂ (M = Sr, Ba, Pb) systems in a temperature range of 180 K to 500 K. The temperature range, in which diffusion of fluorine ions becomes the dominant form of ionic motion, is determined by the nature of the M₂+ cation. The factors determining the basic model of the structure of glasses in ZrF₄—BiF₃—MF₂ (M = Sr, Ba, Pb) systems and conditions under which bismuth polyhedra can participate in the construction of the glass network are considered. According to the data of impedance spectroscopy, the studied glasses have relatively high ionic conductivity (δ ≥ 10–₄ S/cm above 480 K).     

Cuboidal cluster aqua complexes with {M<Subscript>3</Subscript>M′Q<Subscript>4</Subscript>} cores (M = Mo,W; M′ = Ni,Pd; Q = S,Se) and their derivatives

The results of the studies on the synthesis, structure, and reactivity of heterometal cuboidal clusters of Mo and W, {M₃M′(μ₋₃Q)₄}⁴⁺ (M = Mo, W; Q = S, Se; M′ = Ni, Pd), published in the last decade by the authors, have been summarized.     

Phase formation in Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-K<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-MMoO<Subscript>4</Subscript> (M = Ca,Pb, Ba) systems and the crystal structure of α-KLiMoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

Solid-phase interactions in Li₂MoO₄-K₂MoO₄-MMoO₄ (M = Ca, Pb, Ba) systems were studied, and the subsolidus regions of these systems were triangulated. The lead and barium systems were studied in a more detailed way to discover that, along KLiMoO₄-K₂M(MoO₄)₂ (M = Pb, Ba), KLiMoO₄-PbMoO₄, and Li₂MoO₄-K₂Ba(MoO₄)₂ quasi-binary sections, there are homogeneity regions reaching 6–11 mol % based on K₂M(MoO₄)₂ and lead molybdate. Triple molybdates are formed in none of the systems, which is verified by experiments on spontaneous crystallization from solution in melt. Crystallization experiments yielded crystals of potassium dimolybdate and simple and double molybdates from the boundary systems. The crystal structure was solved for a hexagonal KLiMoO₄ phase: (Na,K){ZnPO4}, a = 18.8838(7) Å, c = 8.9911(6)Å, Z = 24, space group P6₃, R = 0.065. The structure comprises a three-dimensional tridymite framework built by an alternation of corner-sharing LiO₄- and MoO₄ tetrahedra wherein voids are occupied by potassium cations.     

Synthesis,morphology, and activity of La<Subscript>1–x</Subscript>Ag<Subscript>x</Subscript>MnO<Subscript>3 ± y</Subscript> catalysts

La_1–xAg_xMnO_{3 ± y} (x = 0-0.3) mixed oxides have been synthesized by the pyrolysis of polymer–salt compositions using different organic compounds and different salt: organic compound ratios. The correlation between the reaction medium temperature during pyrolysis, the composition of the resulting oxide, and synthesis conditions has been investigated. The effect of these conditions on the character of the pyrolysis process, on the phase composition and microstructure of the resulting oxide particles and metallic silver, and on their mutual distribution is reported. The catalytic properties of the synthesized oxides in methane and soot oxidation are considered, and a correlation is established between the catalytic activity of the oxides and the synthesis conditions.     

Sol–Gel Synthesis of Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-P<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> Glasses and their Characterization by NMR,SNMS, and AFM

Sodium aluminophosphate samples with composition 43.8Na₂O12.5Al₂O₃43.8P₂O₅ were prepared by the sol–gel route using different precursors and working in different pH ranges from pH < 1 up to pH > 10. The structures of the gels and of the corresponding glasses were investigated by solid state NMR and compared to that of a glass with the same composition prepared by a traditional melting process. In addition to bulk materials, thin films were deposited by dip coating on silica glasses. Applying secondary neutral mass spectrometry (SNMS), the expected elements and residual carbon were identified. The surfaces of the coatings and fracture surfaces of bulk material were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Solid state NMR revealed that samples prepared via a lactate route exhibited local Al and P environments closest to that of the melt-prepared glass, with the highest extent of Al-O-P connectivity.     

Crystal structure and infrared spectroscopy of MCl<Subscript>2</Subscript>·2CONH<Subscript>3</Subscript> (M = Cu,Mn)

Crystals of MCl₂·2CONH₃ (M = Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺) are synthesized from low-temperature water-formamide solutions and studied by crystal optical, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy methods. The crystal structures of CuCl₂·2CONH₃ and MnCl₂·2CONH₃ are solved by direct methods and refined in the P1triclinic space group, R1= 0.043 and 0.038 for 501 and 686 reflections with F ₀ÃΣ(F₀) respectively. Unit cell parameters for Cu and Mn salts are: a = 3.705(1) Å and 3.685(1) Å, b = 7.049(2) Å and 7.136(2) Å, c = 7.375(2) Å and 7.779(2) Å, 6h =113.57(3)² and 117.17(2)², β = 96.17(3)² and 95.35(2)², γ = 94.85(3)² and 92.23(2)² respectively, Z= 1. In the studied crystal structures, MCl₄O₂ octahedra share Cl-Cl edges and form chains along the [100] direction. This direction corresponds to a morphological elongation of the obtained crystals and orientation of the maximum refractive index. The FT infrared spectra obtained in a range from 4000 cm^?1 to 300 cm^?1 are very close to the spectrum of liquid formamide, but exhibit better resolution of absorption bands.     

Exohedral Silicon Fullerenes: Si<Subscript>60</Subscript>Pn<Subscript>60</Subscript> and Si<Subscript>80</Subscript>Pn<Subscript>60</Subscript> (Pn = P,As, Sb and Bi)

Based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we predict that the icosahedral structures of the silicon fullerenes Si₆₀ and Si₈₀ can be stabilized by 12 exohedral pentagons of group V-A unit Pn₅ (Pn = P, As, Sb or Bi). The 12 pentagons can fully passivate the dangling bonds associated with 12 pentagonal Si₅ rings on the silicon fullerene cages, thereby resulting in stable exohedral silicon fullerenes Si₆₀Pn₆₀ and Si₈₀Pn₆₀. Properties of the eight Si₆₀Pn₆₀ and Si₈₀Pn₆₀ clusters, including harmonic vibrational frequencies, electron affinity (EA), the HOMO–LUMO gap and NICS values, are computed. We find that all eight Si₆₀Pn₆₀ and Si₈₀Pn₆₀ fullerenes possess relatively large HOMO–LUMO gaps, high electron affinities, and that the Si₆₀Pn₆₀ fullerenes exhibit weak aromaticity. Among eight clusters examined, the exohedral fullerene I _h-Si₆₀P₆₀ possesses the largest cohesive energy per atom. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation is performed to demonstrate thermal stability of the hollow cage structure of Si₆₀P₆₀ at the room temperature.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Crystal Structures of Metal Amide Cage Complexes Containing a M<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> (M = Nb,Ta) Core Unit

Metal cage complexes [(Me₂N)₃MO]₄ (M = Nb, 3; Ta, 4) have been prepared from the reactions of M(NMe₂)₅ (M = Nb, 1; Ta, 2) with water. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 3 and 4 reveal that they adopt cubane-like structures with M–O bridges. Variable-temperature NMR studies of –NMe_AMe_B rotations in 3 and 4 have been performed to give the following activation parameters for the exchanges: ΔH ^≠ = −1.4(1.1) kJ/mol, ΔS ^≠ = −209(8) J/mol K, \Updelta G _{30 8  \textK} ¹ = 6 4( 2)  \textkJ/\textmol \Updelta G_{{_{{ 30 8\;{\text{K}}}} }}^{{^{ \ne } }} = 6 4\left( 2\right)\;{\text{kJ}}/{\text{mol}} for 3, and ΔH ^≠ = −0.9(1.2) kJ/mol, ΔS ^≠ = −2.1(0.2) × 10² J/mol K, \Updelta G _{30 8  \textK} ¹ = 6 3( 6)  \textkJ/\textmol \Updelta G_{{ 30 8\;{\text{K}}}}^{{^{ \ne } }} = 6 3\left( 6\right)\;{\text{kJ}}/{\text{mol}} for 4.