High-temperature behaviour of lithium borates:: Part I: Characterization and thermal stability

Nine compounds, namely Li₃BO₃, -Li₄B₂O₅, β-Li₄B₂O₅, Li₆B₄O₉, -LiBO₂, Li₂B₄O₇, Li₃B₇O₁₂, LiB₃O₅ and Li₂B₈O₁₃ in the Li₂O–B₂O₃ system have been synthesized and characterized. The unit-cell parameters, density and solubility in water at room temperature of all the compounds are reported. The densities of the compounds were found to be in the 1.90–2.50 g cm⁻³ range, while their solubility in water at room temperature was in the 0.91–8.64×10⁻² g cm⁻³ range. Determination of the thermal stability of the compounds by quenching and differential thermal analysis (DTA) showed that only -LiBO₂ and Li₂B₄O₇ retained their original symmetry up to their congruent melting at 1121 and 1188 K, respectively, in air.     

Anaerobic oxidation of isobutane: Catalytic properties of MgV2O6 and Mg2V2O7 prepared by the molten method

The catalytic activity of MV₂O₆ and M₂V₂O₇ type oxides prepared by the molten method (MM) for anaerobic oxidation of isobutane was studied in order to construct a system for the selective oxidation of isobutene using a thin layer reactor. Isobutene, CO and CO₂ were formed by every catalyst tested. The activities for isobutene formation were CuV₂O₆ > ZnV₂O₆, NiV₂O₆, CoV₂O₆ > MgV₂O₆ > MnV₂O₆  CaV₂O₆. Isobutene was a major product over M₂V₂O₇ (MM). Co₂V₂O₇ showed the highest activity and high isobutene selectivity exceeded 90%, demonstrating that Co₂V₂O₇ is a suitable oxide for a thin layer reactor for anaerobic oxidation of isobutane. Partial substitution of Mg by Cu in Mg₂V₂O₇ (MM) improved the activity. It is shown by the oxidation at low O₂ concentration as 2–3% that two types of oxidations occurred simultaneously: isobutene formation by the lattice oxygen ions diffused from the bulk, and CO and CO₂ formation by the oxygen species derived from molecular oxygen in the gas phase.     

Metal doped silica membrane reactor: Operational effects of reaction and permeation for the water gas shift reaction

In this work, we investigate the performance of metal (Cobalt) doped silica membranes in a membrane reactor (MR) configuration for the low temperature water gas shift (WGS) reaction. The membranes were hydrostable and showed activated transport even after 2 weeks exposure to steam. High CO conversions resulted in the H₂ and CO partial pressures in the reaction chamber moving in opposite directions, thus favouring H₂/CO separation to treble (5–15) from 150 to 250 °C. On the other hand, the separation of H₂/CO₂ remained relatively low (2–4) as the driving force for diffusion or partial pressure of these gases remained equal in the reaction chamber irrespective of the extent of conversion. Below approximately 40% CO conversion, the MR is ineffective as the H₂ driving force for permeation was so low that H₂/CO selectivity was below unity. Operating under equilibrium limited conversion (space velocities 7500 h⁻¹) conditions, very high conversions in excess of 95% were observed and there were no significant advantages of the MR performance over the packed bed reactor (PBR). However, for higher throughputs (space velocities 38000 and 75000 h⁻¹) conversion is affected by the reaction rate, and relatively enough H₂ is removed from the reactor through the membrane. Increasing temperature to 250 °C as a function of the space velocity (75000 h⁻¹) allowed for the CO conversion in the MR to shift up to 12% as compared to the PBR.     

The direct synthesis of dimethyl ether from syngas over hybrid catalysts with sulfate-modified γ-alumina as methanol dehydration components

A series of γ-Al₂O₃ samples modified with various contents of sulfate (0–15 wt.%) and calcined at different temperatures (350–750 °C) were prepared by an impregnation method and physically admixed with CuO–ZnO–Al₂O₃ methanol synthesis catalyst to form hybrid catalysts. The direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from syngas was carried out over the prepared hybrid catalysts under pressurized fixed-bed continuous flow conditions. The results revealed that the catalytic activity of SO₄²⁻/γ-Al₂O₃ for methanol dehydration increased significantly when the content of sulfate increased to 10 wt.%, resulting in the increase in both DME selectivity and CO conversion. However, when the content of sulfate of SO₄²⁻/γ-Al₂O₃ was further increased to 15 wt.%, the activity for methanol dehydration was increased, and the selectivity for DME decreased slightly as reflected in the increased formation of byproducts like hydrocarbons and CO₂. On the other hand, when the calcination temperature of SO₄²⁻/γ-Al₂O₃ increased from 350 °C to 550 °C, both the CO conversion and the DME selectivity increased gradually, accompanied with the decreased formation of CO₂. Nevertheless, a further increase in calcination temperature to 750 °C remarkably decreased the catalytic activity of SO₄²⁻/γ-Al₂O₃ for methanol dehydration, resulting in the significant decline in both DME selectivity and CO conversion. The hybrid catalyst containing the SO₄²⁻/γ-Al₂O₃ with 10 wt.% sulfate and calcined at 550 °C exhibited the highest selectivity and yield for the synthesis of DME.     

Properties of CMR composites

Colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) composites form an interesting field of study. The intrinsic CMR, governed by the intragrain transport of the conduction electrons through the double exchange, limits its application owing to the high field requirement and generally low transition temperatures. Extrinsic CMR, a function of the intergrain transport between ferromagnetic (FM) particles, plays a crucial role in enhancing low field magnetoresistance (LFMR) or increasing room temperature magnetoresistance. Since extrinsic CMR is a grain boundary controlled phenomena, magnetically dirty grain boundaries in the virgin state of the sample help in achieving a high LFMR or increase the field sensitivity. In this article, we give the properties of different composites of magnetoresistive LCMO or LSMO where the second component is (a) an insulating phase, (b) a conducting phase, (c) a nonmagnetic phase and (d) a magnetic phase. We present here some of our recent work on CMR composites where the CMR phase is chosen as LCMO and SiO₂, ZnO, ZrO₂ and SiCN have been used as the different second phase of the composites. We summarise some of the salient features of the results. Dedicated to Professor C N R Rao on his 70th birthday     

Structure and redox properties of CexPr1−xO2−δ mixed oxides and their catalytic activities for CO, CH3OH and CH4 combustion

A series of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides were synthesized by a sol–gel method and characterized by Raman, XRD and TPR techniques. The oxidation activity for CO, CH₃OH and CH₄ on these mixed oxides was investigated. When the value x was changed from 1.0 to 0.8, only a cubic phase CeO₂ was observed. The samples were greatly crystallized in the range of the value x from 0.99 to 0.80, which is due to the formation of solid solutions caused by the complete insertion of Pr into the CeO₂ crystal lattices. Raman bands at 465 and 1150 cm⁻¹ in Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ samples are attributed to the Raman active F_2g mode of CeO₂. The broad band at around 570 cm⁻¹ in the region of 0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.99 can be linked to oxygen vacancies. The new band at 195 cm⁻¹ may be ascribed to the asymmetric vibration caused by the formation of oxygen vacancies. The TPR profile of Pr₆O₁₁ shows two reduction peaks and the reduction process is followed: . The reduction temperature of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides is lower than those of Pr₆O₁₁ or CeO₂. TPR results indicate that Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides have higher redox properties because of the formation of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ solid solutions. The presence of the oxygen vacancies favors CO and CH₃OH oxidation, while the activity of CH₄ oxidation is mostly related to reduction temperatures and redox properties.     

Effect of interaction between potassium and structural promoters on Fischer–Tropsch performance in iron-based catalysts

The Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) performances of iron-based catalysts promoted with/without potassium compounds containing different acidic structural promoters (Al₂O₃, SiO₂, and ZSM-5) were studied in this research. Characterization technologies of temperature-programmed reduction with CO (CO-TPR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Mössbauer effect spectroscopy (MES) were used to study the effect of K–structural promoter interactions on the carburization behaviors of catalysts. It showed that the addition states of potassium (K–Al₂O₃, K–SiO₂, K–ZSM-5 and K-free) have a significant influence on the formation of iron carbides, which shows a following sequence in promotion of carburization: K–Al₂O₃ > K–SiO₂ > K–ZSM-5 > K-free. The FTS reaction test was performed in a fixed bed reactor. It is found that Fe/K–Al₂O₃ catalyst leads to the highest CO conversion, Fe/K–ZSM-5 catalyst shows the highest H₂ conversion, and Fe/K-free catalyst shows the lowest CO and H₂ conversion. As for the hydrocarbon selectivity, Fe/K–SiO₂ catalyst yields the lowest methane and the highest C₅⁺ products, Fe/K–ZSM-5 catalyst yields higher methane and the highest liquid hydrocarbon product, whereas Fe/K-free catalyst yields the highest methane and the lowest C₅⁺ products. These results can be explained from the interaction between potassium and structure promoters, and the spillover of reactants or intermediates from Fe sites to the surfaces of structural promoters.     

负载型钯催化剂上生物质气化气催化燃烧

采用浸渍法制备了Pd/Al2O3、Pd/Ce/Al2O3、Pd/Mn/Al2O3、Pd/La/Al2O3四种催化剂。并借助XRD、BET对催化剂相结构、比表面积、孔结构进行了表征,在固定床反应器上考察了四种催化剂对CO、H2和CH4的催化燃烧性能。结果表明,随着La、Ce、Mn离子的引入使得催化剂的比表面积和孔容积不断降低;添加助剂Ce可以提高催化剂活性和热稳定性,助剂La可以提高催化剂的抗烧结能力,而助剂Mn在低温时可以提高催化剂活性,但并不能抑制催化剂的高温钝化。CO和H2的起燃顺序随催化剂的不同而不同,但四种催化剂对CO和H2的催化燃烧活性接近,均可以在低温条件下迅速燃烧,同时其燃烧特征温度明显低于CH4。     

1.54 and 1.75 μm infrared luminescence of Y2O3:Er

A new 1.75 μm infrared emission transition of Y₂O₃:Er³⁺ is assigned to the ⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_9/2 transition of Er³⁺ ions situated at the C₂ sites of cubic RE₂O₃ (RE = Y, Gd, Lu). The intensities of features in the 1.54 μm ⁴I_15/2–⁴I_13/2 absorption transition due to Er³⁺ at S₆ and C₂ sites are consistent with the site occupation ratio and the relative magnetic dipole–electric dipole intensity contributions of Er³⁺ at the different sites. The 1.54 μm emission lines are predominantly from Er³⁺ ions at C₂ sites. The different behaviours of the emission intensities 1.75 and 1.54 μm groups with change in Er³⁺ dopant ion concentration, preparation technique, Yb³⁺ co-doping, temperature change and different excitation line are rationalized.     

Structure and phase transitions in guanidinium halogenobismuthates(III)

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dilatometric and dielectric measurements have been used to study the phase transitions in [C(NH₂)₃]₃BiBr₆. The [C(NH₂)₃]₃BiBr₆ crystal undergoes four phase transitions: at 419, 429, 475 and 495 K (on heating). The high-temperature phase transition is clearly of first-order type and its high entropy effect allows classifying it as of the order–disorder type. X-ray diffraction studies showed that [C(NH₂)₃]₃BiBr₆ crystallises in monoclinic, centrosymmetric space group, C2/c. The anionic sublattice is composed of isolated BiBr₆³⁻ octahedra. The infrared between 100 and 350 K and Raman spectra at room temperature in the frequency range related to the internal vibrations of guanidinium cations were studied for [C(NH₂)₃]₃BiBr₆, [C(NH₂)₃]₃Bi₂Br₉, [C(NH₂)₃]₃BiCl₆xCl₂ and C(NH₂)₃Cl to analyse the dynamical state of cations. At room temperature, the cations in the studied guanidinium halogenobismuthates(III) are almost rigid, so the mechanism of high-temperature phase transitions is probably connected with the release of rotation of the cations.     

Gas-phase Boudouard disproportionation reaction between highly vibrationally excited CO molecules

The gas-phase Boudouard disproportionation reaction between two highly vibrationally excited CO molecules in the ground electronic state has been studied in optically pumped CO. The gas temperature and the CO vibrational level populations in the reaction region, as well as the CO₂ concentration in the reaction products have been measured using FTIR emission and absorption spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that CO₂ formation in the optically pumped reactor is controlled by the high CO vibrational level populations, rather than by CO partial pressure or by flow temperature. The disproportionation reaction rate constant has been determined from the measured CO₂ and CO concentrations using the perfectly stirred reactor (PSR) approximation. The reaction activation energy, 11.6 ± 0.3 eV (close to the CO dissociation energy of 11.09 eV), was evaluated using the statistical transition state theory, by comparing the dependence of the measured CO₂ concentration and of the calculated reaction rate constant on helium partial pressure. The disproportionation reaction rate constant measured at the present conditions is k_f = (9 ± 4) × 10⁻¹⁸ cm³/s. The reaction rate constants obtained from the experimental measurements and from the transition state theory are in good agreement.     

Thermoelectric properties of perovskites: Sign change of the Seebeck coefficient and high temperature properties

The possibility to change the Seebeck coefficient sign has been evidenced in the LaCoO₃ perovskites. A small hole doping (Co³⁺/Co⁴⁺) will result in a large positive Seebeck coefficient, while a small electron doping (Co²⁺/Co³⁺) will give a large negative Seebeck coefficient at room temperature. This mechanism is shown to be efficient as well in 1D Ca₃Co₂O₆ deriving from hexagonal perovskites. By doping Ca₃Co₂O₆ with Ti⁴⁺, a mixed valency Co²⁺/Co³⁺ is introduced and the thermopower turns negative.

At high temperature, the Seebeck coefficients of LaCoO₃ and related compounds decrease to small values due to the spin state transition. The values converge towards a positive value, close to +20 μV/K at 800 K. This suggests that at high T, the Seebeck coefficients in the case of localized charges do not depend on the doping, but only on the spin and orbital degeneracies. On the other hand, in the case of metallic-like samples as electron-doped manganites, the properties can be described up to high T in terms of a single-band metal. Due to the linear variation of S as a function of T and the almost constant value of ρ, the ratio S²/ρ which is crucial for high temperature applications increases.     

Bi4B2O9晶体及其熔体结构的高温原位拉曼光谱研究

利用密度泛函理论计算了Bi₄B₂O₉晶体的常温拉曼光谱, 并通过与实验拉曼光谱对比, 对其振动模式进行了归属. 利用高温原位拉曼光谱研究了Bi₄B₂O₉从常温到750 ℃升温过程中微结构的变化. 随着温度的升高, 晶体的平均键长变长, 键角分布变宽, 熔化后晶体中的BiO₄和BiO₅多面体解体, BO₃构型则保持三配位不变. 运用量子化学从头算法模拟了Bi₄B₂O₉的熔体结构并与实验拉曼光谱进行了对比分析, 发现在Bi₄B₂O₉熔体中B原子团簇为孤立的BO₃构型, Bi ³⁺游离于BO₃之间, 并结合未参与形成BO₃的O原子起到平衡电荷的作用.     

室温固相反应制备Keggin结构杂多酸铵盐纳米粒子

纳米材料由于其量子尺寸效应及表面效应而在磁、光、电等方面显示出许多常规粒子所不具有的特性[1] .纳米材料成功应用的实例及潜在应用前景推动了各种纳米粉末的合成及合成方法的发展 [2～ 4 ] .利用低温固相反应制备纳米粒子尚不多见 ,但已有报道 [5,6] .多金属氧酸盐因其独特的结构而具有较高的催化活性、导电性、磁性、光电致变色性以及抗病毒活性 ,因而有着广阔的应用前景 ,这些方面的研究已越来越引起人们的兴趣 [7～ 10 ] .本文采用室温固相反应首次制备了多金属氧酸盐纳米粒子 (NH4 ) 3PMo12 O4 0 · 9H2 O(1 )和 (NH4 ) 3PW12…     

Thermogravimetric study on perovskite-like oxygen permeation ceramic membranes

The oxygen permeation properties of mixed-conducting ceramics SrFeCo_0.5O_3−δ (SFCO), Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ (BSCFO), La_0.2Sr_0.8Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ (LSCFO) and Ba_0.95Ca_0.05Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ (BCCFO) were studied by thermogravimetric method in the temperature range 600–900 °C. The results show that the oxygen adsorption rate constants k_a of all material are larger than oxygen desorption rate constants k_d and both k_a and k_d are not strongly dependent on temperature in the studied temperature range. The oxygen vacancy contents δ(N₂) and δ(O₂) in nitrogen and oxygen and their difference Δδ = δ(N₂) − δ(O₂) play an important role in determining the temperature behavior of oxygen permeation flux J_O2.     

Fast 5d → 4f luminescence of Pr in Lu2SiO5 single crystal host

Absorption and photoluminescence spectra including the decay kinetics of the Pr³⁺-doped Lu₂SiO₅ were measured. Fast luminescence originating from the radiative 5d → 4f transition of Pr³⁺ center is revealed with the maximum at 273 nm at room temperature. Low temperature photoluminescence decay is governed by the 25 ns decay, while substantial shortening to 6–7 ns occurs at room temperature. With the help of slow decay measurement in the millisecond time scale we evidence the thermal ionization of the relaxed excited 5d₁ state of Pr³⁺. The ionization can explain the observed temperature dependences of the decay times and emission intensity.     

Monoolein cubic phases containing hydrogen peroxide

Monoolein (MO) cubic phases were prepared by hydrating MO using distilled water or 12 wt.% H₂O₂ solution so that the content of aqueous phase in the cubic phase is 30 wt.%. The thermal transition of the isotropic cubic phase to reversed hexagonal phase was observed on a polarizing photomicroscope and the transition temperature was found to be around 65 °C on a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) patterns indicated the cubic phases had diamond surfaces. The cubic phase released H₂O₂ into an aqueous phase in a saturation manner so that approx. 50% of total loaded H₂O₂ release in the first 10 h and thereafter relatively slow was observed over 40 h. The cubic phase was stable at 45 °C for 56 days before it broke down into an oily phase and an aqueous phase in 70 days. According to ¹H NMR spectrum, glycerol moiety and ---CH₂=CH₂--- of the oily phase were detected less in number than those of intact MO. Therefore, the hydrolysis and the oxidation of MO would be responsible for the breakdown of the cubic phase. The tensile adhesive forces of the cubic phases were higher than a skin-adhesive patch prepared using polyacrylate. The cubic phase containing H₂O₂ could be used as a topical disinfected gel for a wounded skin.     

Selective Oxidation of CO in Excess H2 over Ru/Al2O3 Catalysts Modified with Metal Oxide

The Ru/Al_2O_3 catalysts modified with metal oxide(K_2O and La_2O_3)were prepared via incipient wetness impregnation method from RuCl_3·nH_2O mixed with nitrate loading on Al_2O3 support. The activity of catalysts was evaluated under simulative conditions for the preferential oxidation of CO (CO-PROX)from the hydrogen-rich gas streams produced by reforming gas,and the performances of catalysts were investigated by XRD and TPR.The results showed that the activity temperature of the modified catalysts Ru-K_2O/Al_2O3 and Ru-La_2O_3/Al_2O_3 were lowered approximately 30℃compared with pure Ru/Al_2O_3,and the activity temperature range was widened.The conversion of CO on Ru-K_2O/Al_2O_3 and Ru-La_2O_3/Al_2O_3 was above 99% at 140-160℃,suitable to remove CO in a hydrogen-rich gas and the selectivity of Ru-La_2O_3/Al_2O_3 was higher than that of Ru-K_2O/Al_2O_3 in the active temperature range. Slight methanation reaction was detected at 220℃and above.     

Solid–solid interactions between ferric and cobalt oxides as influenced by Al2O3-doping

The solid–solid interactions between pure and alumina-doped cobalt and ferric oxides have been investigated using DTA, IR and XRD techniques. Equimolar proportions of basic cobalt carbonate and ferric oxide and different amounts of aluminum nitrate were added as dopant substrate. The amounts of dopant were 0.75, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mol% Al₂O₃.

The results obtained revealed that solid–solid interaction between Fe₂O₃ and Co₃O₄ takes place at temperatures starting from 700°C to produce cobalt ferrite. The degree of propagation of this reaction increases progressively as a function of precalcination temperature and Al₂O₃-doping of the reacting solids. However, the heating of pure mixed solids at 1000°C for 6 h. was not sufficient to effect the complete conversion of the reacting solids into CoFe₂O₄, while the addition of a small amount of Al₂O₃ (1.5 mol%) to ferric/cobalt mixed solids followed by precalcination at 1000°C for 6 h conducted the complete conversion of the reacting solids into cobalt ferrite. The heat treatment of pure and the 0.75 mol%-doped solids at 900 and 1000°C effected the disappearance of most of IR transmission bands of the free oxides with subsequent appearance of new bands characteristic for the CoFe₂O₄ structure. An increase in the amount of Al₂O₃ added from 1.5–4.5 mol% to the mixed solids precalcined at 1000°C led to the disappearance of all bands of free oxides and appearance of all bands of cobalt ferrite. The promotion effect of Al₂O₃ in cobalt ferrite formation was attributed to an effective increase in the mobility of the various reacting cations. The activation energy of formation (ΔE) of CoFe₂O₄ phase was determined for pure and doped solids. The computed values of ΔE were, respectively, 99.6, 87.8, 71.9, 64.7 and 48.7 kJ mol⁻¹ for the pure solid and those treated with 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 mol% Al₂O₃.