Films of certain oxides of rare-earth elements as the activators of platinum electrode on ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> + 10 mol % Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> electrolyte

The characteristics of porous Pt/YSZ (ZrO₂ + 10 mol % Y₂O₃) electrodes activated with small amounts of either oxides of rare-earth elements (REE) of the cerium subgroup (CeO₂, PrO _x , TbO _x ) or a mixed oxide with the Сe₂Tb₄O₁₁ composition by the procedure of impregnating the electrodes with ethanol solutions of REE nitrates and subsequent heating at 850°С are studied by the impedance method. The studies are carried out for those cases where the REE oxides after thermal treatment form a film on the electrolyte and also where no activator film is formed. The characteristics of films and activated electrodes are compared. Film-activated Pt/YSZ electrodes are discussed within the framework of the model of compact oxide electrodes.     

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic study of the interaction of supported metal catalysts with NO<Subscript>x</Subscript>

The reactions of the platinum and rhodium model catalysts applied to aluminum oxide with NO_x (10 Torr NO + 10 Torr O₂) were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The reaction conducted at room temperature formed on the surface of the oxide support the NO _3,s ^? nitrate ions characterized by the N1s line at 407.4 eV and O1s line at 533.1 eV and the NO _2,s ^? nitrite ions characterized by the N1s line with a binding energy of 404.7 eV. At the same time, the Pt4f and Rh3d lines of the supported platinum particles are shifted toward higher binding energies by 0.5–1.0 eV and 0.7–1.2 eV, respectively. It is assumed that the binding energies increase due to changes in the chemical state of the platinum metal in which oxygen is dissolved. The reaction of NO_x with Pt/Al₂O₃ at 200°C forms platinum oxide defined by the Pt4f _7/2 line with a binding energy of 72.3 eV.     

Promising electrochemical performance of high-surface-area boron-doped diamond/carbon nanotube electroanalytical sensors

Porous boron-doped diamond (p-BDD) electrodes of high-surface-area have been prepared on vertically aligned carbon nanotube substrates, and their electrochemical performance has demonstrated promising results for application in electroanalysis. The electrochemical features of the p-BDD electrodes were investigated and compared with those of a conventional flat BDD electrode (f-BDD). From cyclic voltammetry studies performed for the electrochemical probes [Fe(CN)₆]^3? and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-para-phenylenediamine (TMPD), a fast charge transfer was observed at the p-BDD/electrolyte interface. For the [Fe(CN)₆]^3? redox probe, the heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constant (k ⁰) value obtained for p-BDD was 10.9 times higher than that obtained using a f-BDD electrode. Moreover, the p-BDD electrodes also gave a smaller peak potential separation, ΔE _p, and larger analytical signal magnitude for different biomolecules, such as dopamine (DA), acetaminophen (AC), and epinephrine (EP). These set of results demonstrated that the p-BDD electrode is a suitable candidate for applications in electroanalytical chemistry.     

Galvanostatic investigation of electrochemical processes at the LaF<Subscript>3</Subscript>/M (M: Ag,Bi) interface

The electrochemical processes at the interface between solid fluorine-conducting electrolyte LaF₃(Eu²⁺ 0.8 mol %) and silver or bismuth electrodes in the two-electrode cell with nonpolarizable reference electrode are studied using the galvanostatic method. The anodic galvanostatic transients of LaF₃: Eu²⁺/Ag and LaF₃: Eu²⁺/Bi interfaces are linearized on the log(η ? η_max), vs. t coordinates, i.e. the rate of LaF₃|MF _n |M electrode formation is limited by slow surface diffusion of metal adions. The initial portions of cathodic galvanostatic transients in the range of solid-electrolyte lanthanum reduction are approximated by the linear dependence of η on log(1 ? √t/τ). The plots of logI vs. 1/η are linear both for the lanthanum reduction and for silver and bismuth oxidation involving mobile fluoride ion of solid electrolyte, which is typical for two-dimensional growth of new phase.     

Electrode materials based on lanthanum ferrite cobaltite for molten carbonate fuel cells

New cathode and anode materials for fuel cells with an electrolyte based on alkali carbonate melts have been studied. The regions of the orthorhombic and rhombohedral phases in the LaFe_1–yCo_yO₃ + x/2Li₂O system in air and in contact with molten (Li_0.68K_0.32)₂CO₃ electrolyte were investigated. The electric conductivity was analyzed in the range 300–1020 K. The electrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction was analyzed for the new cathode materials. A method for introducing the Al₂O₃ additive in the anode material was suggested. The polarization characteristics of the porous gas-diffusion electrodes were determined.     

Synthesis,characterization, and cytotoxicity of Pt(IV) complexes containing 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2′-bipyridine and diaminocyclohexane ligands

Four platinum(IV) complexes containing intercalating ligands [1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy)] and ancillary ligands [(1S,2S)-diaminocyclohexane (SS-DACH) and (1R,2R)-diaminocyclohexane (RR-DACH)] were synthesized and characterized by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, X-ray crystal structure analysis, elemental analysis, ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and electrochemical analysis. The reactions between [Pt(phen)(SS-DACH)Cl₂]²⁺ and glutathione and Ac-CPFC-NH₂ were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography. [Pt(phen)(SS-DACH)Cl₂]²⁺ was reduced to its corresponding Pt(II) complex [Pt(phen)(SS-DACH)]²⁺, while glutathione and Ac-CPFC-NH₂ were oxidized to glutathione-disulfide and a peptide containing an intramolecular disulfide bond, respectively. The cytotoxicities of the Pt(IV) complexes against a human non-small cell lung cancer cell line (A549) and the corresponding cisplatin-resistant cell line (A549cisR) were evaluated. These Pt(IV) complexes showed a higher activity toward A549 and A549cisR than did cisplatin. Also, the cytotoxicities of the Pt(IV) complexes were higher for A549cisR than for A549 cells. Moreover, the cytotoxicities of the (SS-DACH)-liganded platinum complexes were higher than those of the (RR-DACH)-liganded platinum complexes in either A549 or A549cisR cells. Phen-liganded platinum complexes were more cytotoxic than the bpy-liganded platinum complexes. The cytotoxicities of these Pt(IV) complexes had no correlation with reduction potentials.     

Iridium–nickel composite oxide catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction in acidic water electrolysis

A series of Ir_1–xNi_xO_2–y (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) composite oxides have been prepared by a simple pyrolysis method in ethanol system and used as the electrocatalysts for OER in acidic medium. The materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical performances of these Ir_1–xNi_xO_2–y composite catalysts are evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and steady-state measurements. The resulting oxides with the Ni content (x) less than 0.3 have a complex nature of metal Ir and rutile structure IrO₂ which is similar to the Ir oxide prepared by the same approach and possess the contracted lattice resulted from the Ni-doping. Although the addition of Ni reduces the electroactive surface areas due to the coalescence of particles, the catalytic activity of the Ir_1–xNi_xO_2–y (0 < x ≤ 0.3) catalysts is slightly higher than that of the pyrolyzed Ir oxide. Regardless of the surface area difference, the intrinsic activity first increases and then decreases with the Ni content in Ir_1–xNi_xO_2–y catalysts, and the intrinsic activity of Ir_0.7Ni_0.3O_2–y catalyst is about 1.4 times of the Ni-free Ir oxide mainly attributed to the enhancement of conductivity and a change of the binding energy as increasing amount of the incorporated Ni with respect to the pure IrO₂. The Ir_0.7Ni_0.3O_2–y catalyst shows a prospect of iridium-nickel oxide materials in reducing the demand of the expensive Ir oxide catalyst for OER in acidic water electrolysis.     

Alkali (alkaline-earth) metal,aluminum, and titanium complex orthophosphates: Synthesis and characterization

Phase formation in the A_{1 + x} Al _x Ti_{2 ? x} P₃O₁₂ (A = Li, Na, K, Rb, or Cs; 0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) and B_{0.5(l + x)}Al _x Ti_{2 ? x} P₃O₁₂ (B = Mg, Ca, Sr, or Ba; 0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) systems was studied using X-ray powder diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, and IR spectroscopy. The following double and triple orthophosphates were found to exist: A_{1 + x} Al _x Ti_{2 ? x} (PO₄)₃ with A = Li (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3), Na (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0), K (x = 0, 1.0, or 2.0), Rb (x = 0, 1.0, or 2.0), or Cs (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) and B_{0.5(l + x)}Al _x Ti_{2 ? x} (PO₄)₃ with B = Mg and Ba (x = 0), Ca and Sr (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2). These orthophosphates crystallize in the structure types of kosnarite, langbeinite, cesium titanium arsenate, potassium aluminum phosphate, or rubidium aluminum phosphate. Their crystal parameters were calculated. For CsTi₂(PO₄)₃ (x = 0), Rietveld refinement was carried out: space group Ia \(\bar 3\) d, Z = 32, a = 19.909(5) Å, V = 7892(1) ų. This compound has a framework structure. The framework is built of TiO₆ octahedra and PO₄ tetrahedra; eight- and 12-coordinated Cs⁺ cations populate interstices.     

Synthesis,structure, and conduction of solid solutions BIMEVOX (Me = Cu,Ti)

Conditions for synthesizing single-phase solid solutions Bi₄V_{2 ? x} Cu _x/2Ti _x/2O_{11 ? x} and Bi_{4 ? x/2}V_{2 ? x/2}Cu _x/2Ti _x/2O_{11 ? x/2} are studied. The sequence of phase transformations is determined. Possible domains of stability of polymorphic modifications and the overall conductivity as a function of temperature and composition are studied. The structure of the γ-modification is refined using Rietveld’s full-profile analysis.     

Preparation of mesoporous Ce<Subscript>1 − <Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Fe<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> mixed oxides and their catalytic properties in methane combustion

Mesoporous Ce_{1 ? x} Fe _x O₂ mixed oxide catalysts of different molar ratios (x = 0.1–0.5) were prepared by the citric acid sol-gel method and the microwave technique. The activities of Ce_{1 ? x} Fe _x O₂ mixed oxides on methane combustion were investigated, and the structure and reductive properties were characterized by XRD, BET, DRS, and TPR. The data showed that Ce_{1 ? x} Fe _x O₂ mixed oxides prepared were mesoporous material. When x ≤ 0.2, the transition metal Fe incorporated into the lattice of CeO₂ to form cubic Ce_{1 ? x} Fe _x O₂ solid solutions, and mixed phases of cubic Ce_{1 ? x} Fe _x O₂ solid solutions and α-Fe₂O₃ existed when x > 0.2. Ce_{1 ? x} Fe _x O₂ solid solutions show higher activity for methane combustion than pure CeO₂, especially for Ce_0.9Fe_0.1O₂.     

Kinetics of Na|CF<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript> and Li|CF<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript> systems

Properties of CF _x /Li and CF _x /Na cells were examined while using galvanostatic charging/discharging, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The capacity during the first cycle was as high as ca. 1000 mAh g^?1. Such an electrode is suitable for primary CF _x /Li and CF _x /Na batteries. SEM images of CF _x cathode showed that during discharging it was transformed into amorphous carbon and LiF or NaF crystals (of diameter of ca. 5–20 μm). These systems (C?+?LiF or C?+?NaF) cannot be reversibly converted back into CF _x /Li or CF _x /Na, respectively. Exchange current densities are between 10^?7 Acm^?2 and 10^?9 Acm^?2 when working with LiPF₆ and NaPF₆ electrolytes (1.12?×?10^?7 Acm^?2 and 6.82?×?10^?9 Acm^?2, respectively). Those values are low and indicate that the charge transfer process may be the rate-determining step. Activation energies for the charge transfer process were 57 and 72 kJ mol^?1 for CF _x /LiPF₆ and CF _x /NaPF₆ systems, respectively. Higher activation energy barrier for the CF/Na⁺?+?e^??→?C?+?NaF reaction results in lower observed exchange current density in comparison to the system with lithium ions.     

Platinum state in highly active Pt/CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> catalysts from the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data

The states of components of highly efficient Pt/CeO₂ catalysts for low-temperature oxidation of carbon monoxide are studied in detail by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Using the precise calibration of the spectra relative to the internal standard and the fitting of Ce3d and Pt4f spectra by elementary doublets, we found the features of the platinum interaction with the ceria lattice. It is shown that when the codeposition technique is used, depending on the quality of stock solutions, it is possible to obtain both homogeneous solid solutions of platinum in the ceria lattice and solutions containing polyatomic platinum associates of the (PtO) _m type. It is found that when homogeneous PtCeO _x solid solutions are stored in air at room temperature, the homogeneous solutions slowly pass into the state of solutions with platinum associates. Mechanical mixtures of metallic platinum and ceria nanoparticles, synthesized by laser ablation, were also investigated in the course of their annealing in the air. The results obtained from the Pt4f spectra completely confirm the specific features of the interaction of platinum with ceria.     

New Phosphate-Sulfates with NZP Structure

NaZr_2–xB_x(PO₄)_3–2x(SO₄)_2x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.25, B = Mg, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn), and NaZr_2–xR_x(PO₄)_3–x(SO₄)_x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.25, R = Al, Fe) phosphate-sulfates series have been prepared by a sol–gel process. These compounds belong to the NaZr₂(PO₄)₃ (NZP) structure family and crystallize in hexagonal crystal system, space group R\(\bar 3\)c. Limited solid solution series were found to exist; their formation temperatures and thermal stability limits were determined. Particle sizes as determined by microstructure observation were 50–200 nm, and for Cu- and Zn-containing samples, 200–500 nm. The thermal expansion of phosphate-sulfate NaZr_1.25Cu_0.75(PO₄)_1.5(SO₄)_1.5 was studied in the range 25–700°C. Thermal expansion coefficients and thermal expansion anisotropy were found to be α_a =–5.40 × 10^–6 °C^–1, α_с = 18.88 × 10^–6 °C^–1, α_avg = 2.69 × 10^–6 °C^–1, and Δα = 24.28 × 10^–6 °C^–1.     

Study of the effect of methods for liquid-phase synthesis of nanopowders on the structure and physicochemical properties of ceramics in the CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

Two alternative chemical synthesis methods—cryotechnological coprecipitation of hydroxides and cocrystallization of salts—were used for preparing (CeO₂)_1–x (Y₂O₃) _x nanopowders (x = 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) with a mean coherent scattering domain size of ~7–11 nm and S _sp = 2.1–97.5 m²/g. From these nanopowders, ceramic nanomaterials with mean coherent scattering domain sizes of ~61–85 nm were synthesized. It was studied how the phase composition, microstructure, and electrical transport properties of the produced samples depend on the Y₂O₃ content of a CeO₂-based solid solution and on the synthesis method. It was shown that, in the series (CeO₂)_1–x (Y₂O₃) _x (x = 0.10, 0.15, 0.20), the solid solution (CeO₂)_0.90(Y₂O₃)_0.10 has the highest ionic conductivity with the ion transport number t _i = 0.73 (600°C). In its physicochemical characteristics, this ceramic can be used as a solid electrolyte of intermediate-temperature fuel cells.     

Electrochemical properties of composition solid electrolytes LiClO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-MgO

Composition solid electrolytes (1 ? x)LiClO₄-xMgO are synthesized and their physicochemical properties are studied. According to the data of differential scanning calorimetry, for sufficiently high oxide concentrations, all lithium perchlorate is present in the composite in the amorphous state. Impedance spectroscopic studies demonstrate that the conductivity of composites passes through a maximum at x = 0.8?0.9, reaching ～10^?2 S/cm at 200°C. Based on voltammetric characteristics, it is shown that the voltage of electrochemical decomposition of composites in vacuum does not exceed 3.5–4.0 V, decreasing to 1.8–2.0 V in humid atmosphere. The conductivity of studied composites in vacuum may apparently be attributed to lithium ions, and these solid electrolytes can be used in solid-state electrochemical lithium cells.     

Layers of <Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis>CuS-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>·<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O nanocomposite,synthesized by the layer-by-layer technique

For the first time conditions were determined for the synthesis of Cu _x SiO_2+x ·nH₂O nanostructured layers by consecutive adsorption of copper ammine cations and adagulation of colloidal SiO₂ particles and also for the synthesis of xCuS-SiO₂·nH₂O nanocomposite layers by consecutive surface adsorption of copper cations and HS^? anions. These layers were studied by means of UV and visible transmission spectroscopy, X-ray spectral microanalysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Schemes of the surface reactions were constructed on the basis of this experimental material.     

Preparation of Pt-MO<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript> systems via oxidation of alloys

Supported platinum systems Pt-MO _x (M = Mo or Ce) were prepared by oxidizing Pt-Mo or Pt-Ce alloys of various compositions. The phase composition and crystal structure of samples before and after oxidative treatment were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The oxidation of Pt-Mo alloys or Pt-Ce intermetallic compounds yields Pt-MO _x systems in which nanosized platinum particles are homogeneously supported on metal oxide. This method can be used to synthesize Pt-MO _x systems with other transition or rare-earth elements and with various component concentrations.     

Catalytic pyrolysis of the propane-butane hydrocarbon raw material

Principal characteristics are determined of the process of pyrolysis of the propane-butane hydrocarbon raw material in a steel reactor in the presence of catalysts (ceramic film type polyphosphate covering on the steel reactor walls) containing metals of II and III groups of Periodical Table with the overall composition Me _x O _y ·z(P₂O₅), where x = 1, 2; y = 1, 3; z = 2, 3. By the investigation a sequence of catalytic activity of the samples of the metal-containing coverings by their effect on the yield of ethylene and propylene is elucidated: Zn > Cd > Sr > Ce. The similar sequence corresponds to inhibiting activity at the cocking inhibition.     

Crystal structure and conduction of BICUTIVOX

Existence boundaries, structure, and transport parameters were studied for Bi₄V_{2 ? x} Cu _x/2Ti _x/2O_{11 ? x} solid solutions. Doping levels within x = 0.025–0.15 distort the C2/m crystal lattice (this lattice is characteristic of individual the Bi₄V₂O₁₁ phase) and lowers its symmetry to triclinic. The solid solutions with 0.25 ≤ x ≤ 0.30 crystallize in tetragonal space group I4/mmm. High-temperature X-ray diffraction and dilatometry measurements for Bi₄V_{2 ? x} Cu _x/2Ti _x/2O_{11 ? x} (x ≤ 0.35) solid solutions verified the existence of three structural varieties within 298–1023 K. Electrical conductivity of BICUTIVOX was studied by impedance spectroscopy as a function of temperature, composition, and oxygen partial pressure. Equivalent circuits of cells were analyzed. Features of electrical conductivity versus temperature for the structural varieties are noted. Above 873 K, the solid solutions samples with x = 0.05 have the highest conductivity. At lower temperatures, higher conductivities are in the solid solutions that retain the γ phase in the low-temperature region. The dominant oxygen-ion conduction mechanism was discovered in the solid solutions.     

Synthesis,structure, and thermal expansion of sodium zirconium arsenate phosphates

Sodium zirconium arsenate phosphates NaZr₂(AsO₄) _x (PO₄)_3?x were synthesized by precipitation technique and studied by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. In the series of NaZr₂(AsO₄) _x (PO₄)_3?x , continuous substitution solid solutions are formed (0 ≤ x ≤ 3) with the mineral kosnarite structure. The crystal structure of NaZr₂(AsO₄)_1.5(PO₄)_1.5 was refined by full-profile analysis: space group R \(\bar 3\) c, a = 8.9600(4)Å, c = 22.9770(9) Å, V = 1597.5(1) ų, R _wp = 4.55. The thermal expansion of the arsenate-phosphate NaZr₂(AsO₄)_1.5(PO₄)_1.5 and the arsenate NaZr₂(AsO₄)₃ was studied by thermal X-ray diffraction in the temperature range of 20–800°C. The average linear thermal expansion coefficients (α_av = 2.45 × 10^?6 and 3.91 × 10^?6 K^?1, respectively) indicate that these salts are medium expansion compounds.