Isolation of Rare-Earth Elements from Mixtures of Calcium and Lanthanide Oxalates

The temperature regions for separate crystallization of rare-earth element (REE) oxides of the cerium group in the presence of CaCO₃ have been determined using X-ray diffraction, differential thermogravimetric analysis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence. The possibility to separate REE oxides from CaCO₃ in H₂SO₄ solutions after heat treatment (450–600°C) has been studied. The solid phase of the precipitate is represented by slightly soluble calcium sulfate, whereas the REE oxides pass into the liquid phase in the form of highly soluble sulfates. After heat treatment of the test mixture of REE oxalates and calcium oxalate at a temperature higher than 750°C, calcium compounds pass into 1–2% HNO₃ liquid phase in the form of nitrates, whereas lanthanide oxides remain in the insoluble phase of REE oxide solid solution having CeO₂ structure.     

Fast reactions of*CH2(CH3)NCHO radicals from the photolysis of Feaq3+ in the presence ofN,N-dimethylformamide

Carbon monoxide and H₂ were allowed to react to produce methanol over Pd catalyst, and the effect of the supports was investigated. Among the supports examined, oxides of lanthanide such as La₂O₃, Pr₆O₁₁, Sm₂O₃, Gd₂O₃, and Dy₂O₃ exhibited considerable performance for the synthesis of methanol at low temperatures (250–300°C). The behavior of CeO₂ was peculiar in activating Pd remarkably, while the selectivity to methanol was low and the main product was methane. In order to take advantage of the feature of CeO₂, Pd was loaded on basic supports (ZnO, MgO, and TiBaO₃) and a small amount of CeO₂ was added. These CeO₂-promoted Pd catalysts exhibited high performance to produce methanol at low temperatures.     

Synthesis and description of SrSn0.6Ln0.4O3 perovskite pigments

Inorganic pigments containing lanthanides based on pseudo cubic structure of SrSnO₃ have been prepared by solid state reaction between SrCO₃, SnO₂ and lanthanide oxides (Tb₄O₇, Pr₆O₁₁, CeO₂) in the temperature range 1300–1550°C. The resultant materials were characterised by XRD, TG-DTA and colourimetric techniques were used. The most interesting colour properties were provided by SrTb_0.4Sn_0.6O₃ prepared by firing at temperature 1500°C which has light yellow-green colour hue. The increase of temperature 1300–1500°C caused the creation of pigments with deeper and brighter colour hue. Colour properties of the samples prepared by calcination at 1550°C were of inferior quality due to structural changes from pseudo cubic to orthorhombic system.     

Preparation and selected properties of pigments on base of Ln-doped CaSnO<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Inorganic pigments containing lanthanides based on orthorhombic perovskite structure of CaSnO₃ have been prepared by solid state reaction of CaCO₃, SnO₂ and lanthanide oxides (Tb₄O₇, Pr₆O₁₁, CeO₂). The TG-DTA analysis indicates the formation of Ca-stannates around of temperature 1200°C, but from the pigmentary — application point of view, it is better to synthesize the product at higher temperature (1400 or 1500°C). The resultant materials were characterised by XRD, particle size distribution and measurement of colour properties. The doping of Ca-stannates by ions of rare earth elements (Tb, Pr, Ce) brings the production of two-and three-phase systems. The most interesting colour properties provided the stannate doped by ions of terbium and cerium and synthesized by heating at temperature 1400°C. The pigment has reddish brown colour hue.     

Separate Crystallization of Lanthanide Oxalates and Calcium Oxalates from Nitric Acid Solutions

The separation of lanthanides from calcium compounds in the form of oxalates from hot nitric acid solutions of Ln(NO₃)₃ and Ca(NO₃)₂ with the insertion of oxalic acid and a Ln₂(C₂O₄)₃ · nH₂O crystal seed was studied by mass-spectrometric, atomic emission, microscopic, X-ray diffraction, and fluorescence analyses. The produced single-phase precipitate was found to contain an isomorphic impurity of La–Sm oxalates, while calcium oxalate remained in the hot nitric acid solution (95°С) saturated with oxalic acid. This facile and efficient method provides Ln₂(C₂O₄)₃ · nH₂O (n = 9.5 mol) in one step in a 80.1 rel. % yield, with the major phase being at least 99.4 wt %. The unit cell parameters were determined for the crystals of the isomorphic lanthanide oxalate mixture: a = 11.243(2) Å, b = 9.591(2) Å, c = 10.306(2) Å; α = γ = 90°, β = 114.12(1)°; Z = 2; V = 1013.7(5) ų.     

Synthesis of nanoparticles of the giant dielectric material,CaCu<Subscript>3</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript> from a precursor route

A complex oxalate precursor, CaCu₃(TiO)₄(C₂O₄)₈·9H₂O, (CCT-OX), was synthesized and the precipitate that obtained was confirmed to be monophasic by the wet chemical analyses, X-ray diffraction, FTIR absorption and TG/DTA analyses. The thermal decomposition of this oxalate precursor led to the formation of phase-pure calcium copper titanate, CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂, (CCTO) at ≥680°C. The bright-field TEM micrographs revealed that the size of the as synthesized crystallites to be in the 30–80 nm range. The powders so obtained had excellent sinterability resulting in high density ceramics which exhibited giant dielectric constants upto 40000 (1 kHz) at 25°C, accompanied by low dielectric losses, <0.07.     

Thermal analysis of kidney stones and their characterization

Thermal decomposition and structural characterization of three human kidney stones (KS1–KS3) extracted from patients of Eastern Bohemia have been carried out using X-ray powder diffraction systems (XRD), scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray micro analyser (SEM-EDX) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The samples KS1 and KS2 solely consisted of calcium oxalate monohydrate (a.k.a. whewellite, CaC₂O₄·H₂O). The third sample, KS3, was formed from calcium oxalate dihydrate (weddellite, CaC₂O₄·2H₂O), calcium oxalate monohydrate, and hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂). Thermal measurements were carried out in the range between room temperature and 1,230 °C. XRD analysis was utilized to investigate the change of phases at 800 and 1,230 °C.     

Thermal decompositions of lanthanum and lanthanide salts of sebacic acid

The conditions of thermal decomposition of La, Ce(III), Pr(III), Nd, Sm(III), Eu, Gd, Tb(III), Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu sebacates have been studied. When heated in air atmosphere, the sebacates of La and lanthanides with general formula Ln₂(C₁₀H₁₆O₄)₃·nH₂O, wheren=6?24, lose some crystallization water molecules in one or two steps at 323–343 K and are then dehydrated and decomposed simultaneously to the oxides Ln₂O₃, CeO₂, Pr₆O₁₁ and Tb₄O₇. The oxides are formed over the range of temperature 783 K (CeO₂)?1073 K (Nd₂O₃).     

Solid state reactivity and mechanisms in oxide systems

Starting from oxalate mixed crystals Ni_xMn_3?x(C₂O₄)₃·6H₂O thermal decomposition at reduced oxygen partial pressure (po₂= 2%) leads to the formation of NiMn₂O₄ (x = 1) at metastable conditions. Ni_1.5Mn_1.5O₄ (x = 1.5) existing in the metastable state only has been also prepared. The spinel compounds both are of the highly inversed type. Following a sol-gel preparation route Mg₂TiO₄ has been also found to be formed in the metastable state. Annealing results in decomposition of the compounds providing NiMnO₃ and 1/2α-Mn₂O₃ or NiMnO₃ only or MgTiO₃ and MgO, respectively. The reaction rates observed are lower for NiMn₂O₄ and Ni_1.5Mn_1.5O₄ than for Mg₂TiO₄ decomposition. The reverse reaction of NiMn₂O₄ formation above 730°C shows an endothermic enthalpy of +61 kJ·mol^?1. For Mg₂TiO₄ formation above 1050°C an endothermic enthalpy of +19.3 kJ·mol^?1 is found. The results are discussed in terms of structural features of the oxides.     

Synthesis of CeO2 by thermal decomposition of oxalate and kinetics of thermal decomposition of precursor

CeO₂ was synthesized by calcining Ce₂(C₂O₄)₃·8H₂O above 673 K in air. The precursor and its calcined products were characterized using thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. The result showed that cubic CeO₂ was obtained when the precursor was calcined above 673 K in air for 2 h. The UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy studies showed that superfine CeO₂ behaved as an excellent UV-shielding material. The thermal decomposition of the precursor in air experienced two steps, which are: first, the dehydration of eight crystal water molecules, then the decomposition of Ce₂(C₂O₄)₃ into cubic CeO₂. The values of the activation energies associated with the thermal decomposition of Ce₂(C₂O₄)₃·8H₂O were determined based on the Starink equation.     

Isolation of Rare Earth Element's Radionuclides from Phosphoric Acid Solutions on Cerium (III) Phosphate

Abstract

The isolation of the lanthanide phosphates by crystallization from the solutions of phosphoric acid with the concentration of 2–5 mol·dm^?3, produced during destruction of the apatite, was investigated. The kinetic parameters of crystallization of the lanthanide phosphates and the values of their solubility in phosphoric acid with various impurities under temperatures between 60–90°C have been obtained from the data on distribution of Ce¹⁴⁴ and Eu^152–154 radio- nuclides between the solution and the solid phase. The wide region of supersaturated solution metastability has been determined. The possibility to remove supersaturation in the metastable region by introduction of the cerium (III) phosphate seeds has been proved. Separation of the lanthan-ides from calcium and other accompanying elements in the apatites by crystallization of the phosphates on the CePO₄ ·0.5H₂O seed in the region of small supersaturation of strongly acid solutions has been studied. Calcium phosphate demonstrates the “salting out” effect on the lanthanide phosphates. By thermodynamic computations the ionic compositions of the produced solutions from breaking down the apatite and the solubilities of the lanthanide phosphates were obtained, which agrees with the experimental data. The distribution coefficients for the solid phase and the liquid phase are 1.1.10⁴ for cerium and 4–10³ for europeum. The lanthanides/calcium separation coefficient is 1.3·10³.     

Compound Formation in the Systems TeO2?SeO2 and TeO2?SeO2?H2O

The solid state reaction between TeO₂ and SeO₂ in inert atmosphere was studied by x-ray diffraction techniques and compound formation was observed. The pale-white reaction product α-TeSeO₄, obtained at 300°C, is not isostructural with the component oxides. The substance is stable at room temperature under exclusion of moisture but decomposes above about 320°C in dry atmosphere. Evidence is given for the formation of 3 TeO₂ · SeO₂ · nH₂O and other hydrated mixed oxides in the system TeO₂? SeO₂? H₂O; d-spacings are reported.     

Thermal studies on yttrium,neodymium and holmium oxalates

The thermal decomposition patterns of Y₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 9 H₂O, Nd₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 10 H₂O and Ho₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 5.5 H₂O have been studied using TG and DTG. The hydrated neodymium oxalate loses all the water of hydration in one step to give the anhydrous oxalate while Y₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 9 H₂O and Ho₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 5.5 H₂O involve four or more dehydration steps to yield the anhydrous oxalates. Further heating of the anhydrous oxalates results in the loss of CO₂ and CO to give the stable metal oxides.     

Thermogravimetric analysis of wheatleyite Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>·2H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Evidence for the existence of primitive life forms such as lichens and fungi can be based upon the formation of oxalates. These oxalates form as a film like deposit on rocks and other host matrices. The anhydrous oxalate mineral moolooite CuC₂O₄ as the natural copper(II) oxalate mineral is a classic example. Another example of a natural oxalate is the mineral wheatleyite Na₂Cu²⁺(C₂O₄)₂·2H₂O. High resolution thermogravimetry coupled to evolved gas mass spectrometry shows decomposition of wheatleyite at 255°C. Two higher temperature mass losses are observed at 324 and 349°C. Higher temperature mass losses are observed at 819, 833 and 857°C. These mass losses as confirmed by mass spectrometry are attributed to the decomposition of tennerite CuO. In comparison the thermal decomposition of moolooite takes place at 260°C. Evolved gas mass spectrometry for moolooite shows the gas lost at this temperature is carbon dioxide. No water evolution was observed, thus indicating the moolooite is the anhydrous copper(II) oxalate as compared to the synthetic compound which is the dihydrate.     

Thermal decomposition of lutetium propionate

The thermal decomposition of lutetium(III) propionate monohydrate (Lu(C₂H₅CO₂)₃·H₂O) in argon was studied by means of thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, IR-spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Dehydration takes place around 90 °C. It is followed by the decomposition of the anhydrous propionate to Lu₂O₂CO₃ with evolution of CO₂ and 3-pentanone (C₂H₅COC₂H₅) between 300 °C and 400 °C. The further decomposition of Lu₂O₂CO₃ to Lu₂O₃ is characterized by an intermediate constant mass plateau corresponding to a Lu₂O_2.5(CO₃)_0.5 overall composition and extending from approximately 550 °C to 720 °C. Full conversion to Lu₂O₃ is achieved at about 1000 °C. Whereas the temperatures and solid reaction products of the first two decomposition steps are similar to those previously reported for the thermal decomposition of lanthanum(III) propionate monohydrate, the final decomposition of the oxycarbonate to the rare-earth oxide proceeds in a different way, which is here reminiscent of the thermal decomposition path of Lu(C₃H₅O₂)·2CO(NH₂)₂·2H₂O.     

Peculiarities of polythermic decomposition of iron,cobalt and nickel oxalates within pores of photonic crystals based on SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> in atmosphere with oxygen lack

Iron(II), cobalt(II) and nickel(II) oxalates were synthesized as nanofractals inside the voids of the photonic crystals based on SiO₂. Guest substances undergone polythermic decomposition within the pores of the photonic crystals in helium atmosphere containing of oxygen traces (∼1 Pa) under static conditions. Pyrolysis of Fe(COO)₂·2H₂O, Co(COO)₂·2H₂O and Ni(COO)₂·2H₂O studied by TG and DSC techniques results in the formation of the metal oxides. The nanoparticles of Fe₂O₃, CoO (Co₃O₄) and NiO populated the interspheric voids of the photonic crystals exhibited no ferromagnetic effects indicating that no metallic inclusions were formed in helium in the presence of O₂ traces. The exothermic effect was observed by the thermal decomposition of the cobalt(II) oxalate only under oxygen lack.     

Thermal decomposition of cadmium succinate dihydrate

Thermal decomposition of cadmium succinate dihydrate, CdC₄H₄O₄·2H₂O, was studied in dynamic helium and air atmospheres by means of simultaneous TG, DTA and MS analysis. It was found that dehydration of CdC₄H₄O₄·2H₂O takes place in the temperature range 80–165°C and at low heating rates formation of monohydrate was stated. The anhydrous cadmium succinate decomposes at about 350°C to metallic cadmium. The gaseous products of cadmium succinate decomposition are CO₂ and H₂O. Formation of small amounts of 3-phenylpropanal and 1,7-octadiene during decomposition in helium was revealed. In helium cadmium evaporates at the temperature of decomposition and the residue consists of small amount of elementary carbon formed in result of pyrolysis of succinate groups. In air cadmium oxidizes and the final solid product of decomposition is CdO.     

Oxidative decomposition of oxalate ion with ozone in aqueous solution

The oxidation of oxalate ions with ozone in aqueous solution has been studied, and the effects of pH, temperature, and reactant concentrations on the reaction rate and efficiency have been estimated. The oxidative decomposition is most effective in alkaline medium (pH ≥ 10) at 50°C. Under these conditions, the consumption of ozone is 0.6±0.1 g per gram of oxalate or 1.1±0.1 mol per mole of oxalate, which corresponds to the stoichiometry (COO^–)₂ + O₃ + H₂O → 2CO₃^2– + O₂ + 2H⁺.     

The decomposition of the oxalate precursor and the stability and reduction of the YBa2Cu4O8 superconductor studied by TG coupled with FTIR and by XRD

The 124 superconductor YBa₂Cu₄O₈ was prepared from the oxalate precursor Y₂(C₂O₄)₃. ·4BaC₂O₄·8CuC₂O₄·xH₂O at one atmosphere oxygen pressure. In O₂ the precursor decomposes in one step at 300°C and more gradually (300°–600°C) in Ar. The stability of the superconductor is strongly dependent on the gas atmosphere: in O₂ and in air there is no significant weight change as long as the temperature does not exceed 800°C, whereas in a 1% O₂-99%N₂ mixture decomposition starts at about 670°C with the formation of CuO and YBa₂Cu₃O_x withx<7. The reduction of YBa₂Cu₄O₈ in a 5% H₂-95% Ar mixture takes place in at least four major steps with formation of products such as Y₂O₃, BaO, Cu₂O, Cu, BaY₂O₄ and Ba₄Y₂O₇.     

Coordination compounds of europium(III), terbium(III), dysprosium(III), samarium(III), and gadolinium(III) with 2-acetylbenzoic acid

LnAcbenz₃ · 3H₂O complexes of Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺, Sm³⁺, and Gd³⁺ with 2-acetylbenzoic acid (HAcbenz) have been synthesized. The complexes have been studied by thermogravimetry and infrared and luminescence spectroscopy. According to IR spectroscopy data, the complexation of Acbenz^? with lanthanide ions occurs due to the bidentate coordination of carboxyl groups. According to thermal analysis, the complexes are dehydrated at a temperature above 140°C, and their thermodestruction begins at a temperature above 250°C. From the luminescence spectra measured at 77 and 300 K, it has been established that the integral luminescence intensity of EuAcbenz₃ · 3H₂O and TbAcbenz₃ ° 3H₂O is, respectively, 10 and 19 times higher than for tris-benzoates of the same metals. TbAcbenz₃ ° 3H₂O, the most intensively luminescing complex, is recommended for use as a promising luminescent material.