Electronic structure and quadrupole interactions in triple molybdates Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>M<Subscript>3</Subscript>Al(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>, M = Cs,Rb

Within the density functional theory the electronic structure of triple molybdates Li₂M₃Al(MoO₄)₄, where M = Cs, Rb, is studied for the first time. It is found that all molybdates studied belong to wide band insulators with a band gap of ~4 eV. Quadrupole frequencies and asymmetry parameters of the electric field gradient near magnetic ⁷Li, ²⁷Al, ⁸⁷Rb, and ¹³³Cs nuclei are calculated and experimental NMR spectra are interpreted.     

Comparative structural analysis of LiMPO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>MPO<Subscript>4</Subscript>F (M = Mn,Fe, Co,Ni) according to XRD,IR, and NMR spectroscopy data

A comparative structural study of LiMPO₄ (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) orthophosphates and Li₂MPO₄F (M = Co, Ni) fluorophosphates obtained by mechanochemically assisted solid-state synthesis is performed using powder XRD, IR, and NMR spectroscopy methods. It is shown that all compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic symmetry (space group Pnma). Lattice parameters decrease on passing from Mn to Ni, which is due to the decrease in the ionic radius of the d metal. According to the IR spectroscopy data, in this series an increase in the covalency of the P–O bond is observed along with a decrease in the covalency of the M–O bond. On passing to fluorophosphates, the symmetry of PO₄ tetrahedra increases. ⁶Li and ³¹P NMR spectra of all compounds are characterized by the dependence of the contact shift on the nature of metal M and the degree of distortion of the MO₆ coordination polyhedron. ⁶Li MAS NMR line width is noticeably affected by the concentration of structural defects. Unlike orthophosphates with equivalent lithium ions, fluorophosphates contain lithium ions in three different positions.     

Effect of the Structure of Pyridine Ligands and the Substituent in the Carboxylate Anion on the Geometry of Transition Metal Complexes [M<Subscript>2</Subscript>(O<Subscript>2</Subscript>CR)<Subscript>4</Subscript>L<Subscript>2</Subscript>]

A series of binuclear tetracarboxylate-linked Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes with 1,2-substituted pyridine, viz., 2,3-cyclododecenopyridine (L), were prepared. Study of the crystal structures of isolated compounds (CIF file CCDC nos. 1575855–1575859) revealed a distortion of the {Ni₂(O₂CR)₄L₂} binuclear moiety, manifested as a change in the NiNiN angle (151.67°), in the bridging function of two out of the four carboxylate groups (from μ_2- to (κ²,μ_2-)), and in the coordination environment of the metal ion (NiO₅N). The results were analyzed in comparison with known data. The magnetic properties of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes were studied. The copper(II) complex is diamagnetic as a result of strong exchange interactions between the unpaired electrons; in the nickel(II) complex antiferromagnetic exchange interactions were detected (J_Ni–Ni =–25 cm^–1).     

Heat capacity,entropy of Ln<Subscript>2</Subscript>(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> (Ln = La,Sm, and Gd), and the high-temperature enthalpy of Ln<Subscript>2</Subscript>(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> (Ln = Eu,Dy, and Ho)

The low-temperature heat capacity of Ln₂(MoO₄)₃ (Ln = La, Sm, and Gd) is investigated by means of adiabatic calorimetry within the range of 60–300 K. The temperature dependences of the heat capacity are found and the values of the standard entropy are calculated, based on extrapolations to 0 K. Characteristic temperatures for molybdates are determined from the results of IR spectroscopic studies. The high-temperature enthalpy of Ln₂(MoO₄)₃ (Ln = Eu, Dy, and Ho) is measured via high-temperature microcalorimetry, and the temperature dependence of heat capacity is calculated in the range of 298–1000 K. Since samarium and gadolinium molybdates are of the same structural type as terbium molybdate, we can estimate the anomaly of the heat capacity in the low-temperature region using the data for terbium molybdate and find the entropy of samarium and gadolinium molybdates.     

The Solid-State-Grinding Synthesis of Maganese-Modified Cobalt Oxides and Application in the Low-Temperature CO Preferential Oxidation in H<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Rich Gases

A series of MnOx modified cobalt oxides with different atomic molar ratios of Mn/(Mn?+?Co) were prepared by a soft reactive grinding route and investigated for CO preferential oxidation in H₂. It was found that as-prepared Mn-doped cobalt oxides exhibited superior activity compared to the single constituted oxides, other Mn–Co–O mixed oxides synthesized by solution-based route, and other grinding-derived mixed metal oxides M–Co–O (M?=?Zn, Ni, Cu, Fe). The grinding-derived MnCo10 catalyst with Mn/(Mn?+?Co) molar ration of 10% showed the best CO oxidation activity and higher selectivity at low temperature. The surface richness of Co³⁺ was not found as increasing the Mn molar ratio in the present work. However, the incoporation of MnOx with proper amount into Co₃O₄ could produce high surface area, high structure defects, and rich surface active oxygen species, while the ability to supply the active oxygen species was suggested to play the crucial role in promoting the catalytic performance of Mn–Co–O mixed oxides.     

Electrical properties of triple molybdates Rb<Subscript>5</Subscript>LnHf(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>6</Subscript>

Triple molybdates of the compositions Rb₅LnHf(MoO₄)₆ (5:1:2) and Rb₂LnHf₂(MoO₄)_6.5 (2:1:4), Ln = Ce-Lu, were prepared by solid-phase reactions. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of the compounds Rb₅LnHf(MoO₄)₆ (5:1:2) at 200–500°C was studied.     

Phase transitions in double molybdates K<Subscript>2</Subscript>M<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>II</Superscript></Stack>(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> with M = Mg or Co

Phase transitions and cation mobility in double molybdates K₂M ₂ ^II (MoO₄)₃ with M = Mg or Co and the products of their heterovalent doping with scandium(III) and vanadium(V) have been studied. The transition from low to high conductivity in K₂M ₂ ^II (MoO₄)₃ is the result of a two-stage phase transition, whose occurrence is significantly extended in time. Heterovalent substitutions noticeably decrease the heat of the phase transition. The transition to the low-temperature phase is not achieved even after long-term exposure.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Magnetic Properties of a Twist Linear Tetranuclear Co<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>III</Superscript></Stack>Ln<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>III</Superscript></Stack> Complexes

A series of twist linear tetranuclear 3d–4f Co ₂ ^III Ln ₂ ^III [Ln = Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3), Ho (4), Er (5)] complexes have been prepared under solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized with Schiff-base ligand 2-(((2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methylene)amino)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol (H₄L). The two central Co ions are linked by two alkoxyl oxygen atoms, and one Ln ion lying above and the other below the Co–Co dimer, form a twist linear array. The magnetic susceptibility studies reveal antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic behaviour, whilst dynamic magnetic studies indicate no slow magnetic relaxation for these complexes.     

Modern spectroscopic and biological approach in the characterization of a novel 14-membered [N<Subscript>4</Subscript>] macrocyclic ligand and its transition metal complexes

A novel tetradentate nitrogen donor [N₄] macrocyclic ligand, i.e. 1,3,4,8,9,11-hexaaza-2,5,10,12-tetraoxo-7,14-diphenyl-cyclotetradecane (L), has been synthesized. Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of this ligand have been prepared and subjected to elemental analyses, molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility measurements, mass, ¹H-n.m.r. (Ligand), i.r., electronic, and e.p.r. spectral studies. On the basis of molar conductance the Mn(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes may be formulated as [M(L)X₂] [where X = Cl⁻ & NO ₃ ⁻ ] due to their non-electrolytic nature in dimethylformamide (DMF). Whereas the Ni(II) complexes are 1:2 electrolytes and formulated as [Ni(L)]X₂. All the complexes are of the high spin type and are six/four coordinate. On the basis of i.r., electronic and e.p.r. spectral studies an octahedral geometry has been assigned to Mn(II) and Co(II), square planar for Ni(II) complexes, and tetragonal for Cu(II) complexes. The antimicrobial activities of the ligand and its complexes, as growth inhibiting agents, have been screened in vitro against several species of bacteria and plant pathogenic fungi.     

LiMO<Subscript>2</Subscript>@Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>MnO<Subscript>3</Subscript> positive-electrode material for high energy density lithium ion batteries

Li[Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3]O₂ (NCM 111) is a promising alternative to LiCoO₂, as it is less expensive, more structurally stable, and has better safety characteristics. However, its capacity of 155 mAh g^?1 is quite low, and cycling at potentials above 4.5 V leads to rapid capacity deterioration. Here, we report a successful synthesis of lithium-rich layered oxides (LLOs) with a core of LiMO₂ (R-3m, M?=?Ni, Co) and a shell of Li₂MnO₃ (C2/m) (the molar ratio of Ni, Co to Mn is the same as that in NCM 111). The core–shell structure of these LLOs was confirmed by XRD, TEM, and XPS. The Rietveld refinement data showed that these LLOs possess less Li⁺/Ni²⁺ cation disorder and stronger M*–O (M*?=?Mn, Co, Ni) bonds than NCM 111. The core–shell material Li_1.15Na_0.5(Ni_1/3Co_1/3)_core(Mn_1/3)_shellO₂ can be cycled to a high upper cutoff potential of 4.7 V, delivers a high discharge capacity of 218 mAh g^?1 at 20 mA g^?1, and retains 90 % of its discharge capacity at 100 mA g^?1 after 90 cycles; thus, the use of this material in lithium ion batteries could substantially increase their energy density.

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Graphical Abstract Average voltage vs. number of cycles for the core–shell and pristine materials at 20 mA g^?1 for 10 cycles followed by 90 cycles at 100 mA g^?1

     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and biological properties of the complex [Co(DmgH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(Seu)<Subscript>1.4</Subscript>(Se-Seu)<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>(Se<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>0.1</Subscript>][BF<Subscript>4</Subscript>]

A new Co(III) dioxime complex with selenocarbamide was obtained by the reaction of Co(BF₄)₂ ? 6H₂O, DmgH₂, and Seu (DmgH2 = dimethylglyoxime, Seu = selenocarbamide). According to X-ray diffraction (CIF file CCDC no. 1485732), the product was an ionic coordination compound with unusual composition, [Co(DmgH)₂(Seu)_1.4(Se-Seu)_0.5(Se₂)_0.1][BF₄] (I). Apart from two monodeprotonated DmgH￣ molecules, the central atom coordinates neutral Seu, Se-Seu, and Se₂ molecules. Thus, the crystal contains the complex cations [Co(DmgH)₂(Seu)₂]⁺, [Co(DmgH)₂(Seu)(Se-Seu)]⁺, and [Co(DmgH)₂(Seu)(Se₂)]⁺. Each [BF₄]￣ anion is linked to the cations not only by electrostatic forces but also by intermolecular N–H···F hydrogen bonds (H-bonds). The complex cations are combined by intermolecular N–H···O H-bonds. The new coordination compound was found to possess biological activity. Treatment of the garlic (Allium sativum L.) foliage with an aqueous solution of I optimizes the content of selenium in the leaves and cloves and enhances the growth and plant productivity. The organs of treated plants are characterized by enhanced antioxidant protection owing to increasing activity of antioxidant enzymes and contents of proline and assimilation pigments, and decreasing lipid peroxidation.     

A comparative screening of the catalytic activity of nanocrystalline M<Superscript>II</Superscript>Zr<Subscript>4</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>6</Subscript> ceramics in the one-pot synthesis of 1,6-diamino-4-aryl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile derivatives

A four-component reaction of hydrazine hydrate, ethyl cyanoacetate, malononitrile, and aromatic aldehydes was achieved in the presence of nanocrystalline M^IIZr₄(PO₄)₆ ceramics (M^II: Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd) as heterogeneous catalysts to produce N-amino-2-pyridones. The reactions were performed in the presence of different catalysts, and it is observed that CdZr₄(PO₄)₆ nanocrystallines are the best catalysts among those examined. Atom economy, excellent yields in short times, high catalytic activity, recycling of catalyst, and environmental benignity are some of the important features of this protocol.     

Supramolecular 2D structure of [Co(2-Me-Pyz)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>4</Subscript>](NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The complex [Co(2-Me-Pyz)₂(H₂O)₄](NO₃)₂ is synthesized and its structure is determined. The crystals are monoclinic: space group P2₁/n, a = 10.685(2) Å, b = 6.837(1), c = 12.515(3) Å, β = 91.84(3)°, V = 913.8(3) ų, ρ_calcd = 1.042 g/cm ³, Z = 2. The Co²⁺ ion (in the inversion center) is coordinated at the vertices of the distorted octahedron by two nitrogen atoms of methylpyrazine and four oxygen atoms of the water molecules (Co(1)–N(1) 2.180(3), average Co(1)–O(w) 2.079(3) Å, angles at the Co atom 87.9(1)–92.1(1)°). Supramolecular pseudometallocycles are formed in the structure through the O(w)–H…N(1) hydrogen bonds between the coordinated H₂O molecules and the terminal nitrogen atoms of the 2-methylpyrazine molecules. Their interaction results in the formation of supramolecular layers joined by the NO₃ groups into a three-dimensional framework.     

Synthesis and X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy studies of ternary molybdates Li<Subscript>3</Subscript>Ba<Subscript>2</Subscript>R<Subscript>3</Subscript>(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>8</Subscript> (R = La-Lu,Y)

Ternary molybdates Li₃Ba₂R₃(MoO₄)₈ (R = La-Lu, Y) were synthesized by the solid-phase method. Their unit cell parameters were determined and IR spectra were assigned. The compounds are isostructural to each other and crystallize in the monoclinic system (space group C2/c).     

Carboxylate clusters with the M<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> cubane-like core: pivalate cocrystal containing Co<Superscript>II</Superscript> and Ni<Superscript>II</Superscript>

Joint thermolysis of the dinuclear pivalate complexes M₂(μ-H₂O)(μ-Piv)₂(Piv)₂(HPiv)₄ (M = Co (1) and Ni (2), Piv^- is the pivalate anion), in decane at 174 °C at the reactant ratio 1: 1 followed by treatment of the dry thermolysis product with methanol afforded crystals of a new cocrystallization product of the molecules containing the heterometallic cubane-like core M₄(Co,Ni)O₄. According to the X-ray diffraction data and the results of magnetic measurements, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and investigations of the solid-state thermal decomposition products, the isolated cocrystallization product has the general formula [Co_1.6Ni_2.4(μ₃-OMe)₄(μ₂-Piv)₂(pg² -Piv)₂(MeOH)₄] ·4MeOH (3·4MeOH). Thermolysis of the crystals of the solvate 3·4MeOH is a destructive process accompanied by the intramolecular redox reaction. A mixture of metallic Ni and cobalt oxide (CoO) are the final solid decomposition products of 3 · 4MeOH in an argon atmosphere, whereas a mixture of the phases NiO, Co₃O₄, and NiCo₂O₄ is formed in air.     

Quantum-chemical modeling of the electronic structure and chemical bond of Sn<Subscript>0.875</Subscript>M<Subscript>0.125</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> (M = Cr,Mn, Co)

The electronic structure of the Sn_0.875M_0.125O₂ compounds (M = Cr, Mn, Co) with a rutile structure and magnetic moments of the transition metal atoms in them were calculated by the ab initio spin-polarized linear muffin-tin orbital method. The electron density and electron localization function maps for these compounds were constructed. Based on these data, the effect of the composition of these phases on the electronic spectrum, chemical bond, and magnetic and transport properties were analyzed.     

Investigation of binuclear metal phthalocyanines as electrocatalysts for Li/SOCl<Subscript>2</Subscript> battery

Three novel series of the binuclear metal phthalocyanines M₂Pc₂, M₂Pc₂Hc, and M₂Nc₂ (M?=?Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II)) were synthesized and characterized. The electrocatalytic performance of the binuclear compounds to lithium–thionyl chloride battery was evaluated by operating these compounds in the electrolyte of the battery. The results indicated that the binuclear metal phthalocyanines improved the capacity of the battery by an increase of approximately 30–58 %. Of all, Cu₂Pc₂Hc and Fe₂Nc₂ displayed the highest increments of 56 and 57 %, respectively.     

Silica-supported perchloric acid (HClO<Subscript>4</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>) as efficient catalyst for the synthesis of tetraazamacrocyclic complexes of transition metals

Silica-supported perchloric acid (HClO₄/SiO₂) was used to catalyze the synthesis of tetraazamacrocyclic complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) from the corresponding metal chlorides, nitrates, or acetates, isatin, and benzene-1,2-diamine in ethanol. The use of HClO₄/SiO₂ as catalyst allowed the reaction to be performed under stirring at room temperature instead of traditional reflux and completed in two hours. The synthesized complexes were characterized by molar conductance and magnetic susceptibility measurements, IR, electronic, ¹H NMR, and mass spectra, and thermogravimetric and X-ray powder analyses. On the basis of these data, six-coordinate octahedral geometry was proposed for all complexes. The synthesized complexes were also tested for antimicrobial activity.     

The catalytic performance of different promoted iron catalysts on combined supports Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> for carbon dioxide hydrogenation

Global warming, fossil fuel depletion and fuel price increases have motivated scientists to search for methods for the storage and reduction of the amount of greenhouse gases, especially CO₂. The hydrogenation process has been introduced as an emerging method of CO₂ capture and convertion into value-added products. In this study, new types of catalysts are introduced for CO₂ hydrogenation and are compared based on catalytic activity and product selectivity. The physical properties of the samples are specified using BET. Iron catalysts supported on γ-Al₂O₃ with different metal promoters (X = Ni, K, Mn, Cu) are prepared through the impregnation method. Moreover, Fe–Ni catalysts supported on HZSM5-Al₂O₃ and Ce–Al₂O₃ are synthesized. Samples are reduced by pure H₂ and involved in hydrogenation reaction in a fixed bed reactor (H₂/CO₂ = 3, total pressure = 10 MPa, temperature = 523 K, GHSV = 2000, 1250 nml/min). All catalysts provide high conversion in hydrogenation reactions and the results illustrate that the selectivity of light hydrocarbons is higher than that of methane and CO. It is found that Ni has a promoting effect on the conversion fluctuations throughout the reaction with 66.13% conversion. Using combined supported catalysts leads to enhancing catalytic performance. When Fe–Ni/γ–Al₂O₃—HZSM5 is utilized, CO₂ conversion is 81.66% and the stability of the Fe–Ni catalyst supported on Al₂O₃ and Ce–Al₂O₃ furthey improves.