Colour tuneability and white light generation in Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>–Ho<Superscript>3+</Superscript>–Tm<Superscript>3+</Superscript> co-doped SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–LaF<Subscript>3</Subscript> nano-glass-ceramics prepared by sol–gel method

Nanostructured transparent glass-ceramics with composition of 95SiO₂–5LaF₃ co-doped with 0.3Yb³⁺, 0.1Ho³⁺ and 0.1Tm³⁺ (mol%) were synthesized by thermal treatment of precursor sol–gel derived glasses. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis point out the precipitation of hexagonal LaF₃ nanocrystals with diameter ranging from 11 to 20 nm in these nano-glass-ceramics. White light generation by means of efficient blue, green and red up-conversion luminescence under infrared excitation at 980 nm was observed and involved mechanisms were analyzed. Colour tuneability is achieved by varying the up-conversion emission ratios as a function of pump power.     

Blue and green upconversion luminescence modification of Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>–Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> co-doped Ca<Subscript>5</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>F inverse opal

Tb³⁺–Yb³⁺ co-doped Ca₅(PO₄)₃F inverse opal photonic crystals were prepared by a self-assembly technique in combination with a sol–gel method. Upconversion luminescence characteristics of the inverse opals were investigated. The results indicate that photonic band gap has a significant effect on upconversion luminescence of Tb³⁺–Yb³⁺ co-doped Ca₅(PO₄)₃F inverse opal. Significant inhibition of the green or blue upconversion luminescence was inspected if the photonic band gap overlapped with the emission band of Tb³⁺ ions.     

Synthesis of Pr<Superscript>3+</Superscript> doped or Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>–Mg codoped CaSnO<Subscript>3</Subscript> perovskite phosphor by the polymerized complex method

Pr³⁺ doped or Tb³⁺–Mg codoped CaSnO₃ phosphor powder with perovskite structure was synthesized by the polymerized complex method. Powder samples crystallized into the perovskite phase at approximately 600 °C, which is 400 °C lower than the crystallization temperature for the solid-state reaction method. Uniform-sized powders with average particle sizes of 1–2 μm were obtained after heat treatment at 1,400 °C. Although the samples heat-treated at 600 °C did not exhibit photoluminescence, white photoluminescence of Pr³⁺ doped CaSnO₃ or green photoluminescence of Tb³⁺–Mg codoped CaSnO₃ was observed from the sample heat-treated above 800 °C. The intensity of the photoluminescence increased with increase of the heat-treatment temperature and reached a maximum for heat treatment at 1,400 °C. The maximum photoluminescence intensity for the samples prepared by the polymerized complex method was larger than those prepared by solid-state reaction method, which is probably due to the homogeneous mixing of the doped rare earth ions.     

IR Luminescence of Nd<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, Sm<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, and Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> β-Diketonates in Different Aggregate States

The influence of the aggregate state on the IR luminescence is studied for the Nd(III), Sm(III), and Yb(III) complexes with the thienyl, phenyl, and alkyl derivatives of acetylacetone in solutions and as sorbates on the polymer matrix. It is found that the luminescence intensity of the sorbates of the complexes is 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than that in solutions due to the elimination of diffusion and respective intermolecular nonradiative losses of the excitation energy.     

Strong visible up-conversion emissions and thermometric applications of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>–Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> codoped Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> prepared by the sol–gel method

The Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ codoped Al₂O₃ has been prepared by the sol–gel method using the aluminium isopropoxide [Al(OC₃H₇)₃]-derived Al₂O₃ sols with addition of the erbium nitrate [Er(NO₃)₃ · 5H₂O] and ytterbium nitrate [Yb(NO₃)₃ · 5H₂O]. The phase structure, including only two crystalline types of doped Al₂O₃ phases, θ and γ, was obtained for the 1 mol% Er³⁺ and 5 mol% Yb³⁺ codoped Al₂O₃ at the sintering temperature of 1,273 K. By a 978 nm semiconductor laser diodes excitation, the visible up-conversion emissions centered at about 523, 545, and 660 nm were obtained. The temperature dependence of the green up-conversion emissions was studied over a wide temperature range of 300–825 K, and the reasonable agreement between the calculated temperature by the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) theory and the measured temperature proved that Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ codoped Al₂O₃ plays an important role in the application of high temperature sensor.     

Flame synthesized Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>:Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>–Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> phosphors as spectral convertors for solar cells

Near-infrared (NIR) quantum cutting phosphors serve as a potential material for fabricating photovoltaic spectral convertors. In many cases, quantum cutting phosphors are obtained via a wet chemical method coupled with a post-annealing treatment—a very costly process. In this report, we used continuous flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) for fabricating Y₂O₃:Tb³⁺–Yb³⁺ quantum-cutting phosphors without any post-treatment. Based on characterizations by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, we found that as-synthesized Y₂O₃:Tb³⁺–Yb³⁺ phosphors exhibit hollow and shell-like micro-structures composed of highly crystalline and pure cubic-phase nanoparticles (< 50 nm). Photoluminescence studies of the phosphors revealed that NIR emissions appeared with the introduction of Yb to Y₂O₃:Tb³⁺. Phosphor size was successfully controlled by managing the concentration of the metal precursor solution for FSP. The Y₂O₃:Tb³⁺–Yb³⁺ phosphors were then embedded into transparent poly-ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA) film to form a spectral convertor. The composite films of Y₂O₃:Tb³⁺–Yb³⁺ phosphors and poly-EVA were found to be highly transparent in the visible range (> 500 nm), making them suitable as spectral photovoltaic convertors.     

Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> → Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> energy transfer in Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and temperature characteristic of near-infrared photoluminescence

For the Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ codoped Al₂O₃ powders, the strong near-infrared photoluminescence (PL) centered at 1.535 μm derived from the energy transfer (ET) from Yb³⁺ to Er³⁺ was detected by a 978 nm laser diode excitation. Compared with that of Er³⁺ doped Al₂O₃ powders, the PL intensity enhanced about 9 times, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) extended from 82 to 90 nm, and the lifetime increased from 3.22 to 4.17 ms for Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ codoped Al₂O₃ powders at room temperature. The ET coefficient of 2.18 × 10⁻¹⁸ cm³ s⁻¹ from Yb³⁺ to Er³⁺ was obtained based on the rate equations. The decrease of PL intensity with increasing temperature in the range of 298–733 K was observed, due to thermally enhanced nonradiative relaxation ⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2 dominated over thermally enhanced phonon-assisted ET in the Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ codoped Al₂O₃.     

Luminescence and long-lasting afterglow in Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> co-doped ZnO–GeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> glasses and glass ceramics prepared by sol–gel method

To develop new fluorescent and afterglow materials, Mn²⁺ and Eu³⁺ co-doped ZnO–GeO₂ glasses and glass ceramics were prepared by a sol–gel method and their optical properties were investigated by measuring luminescence, excitation and afterglow spectra, and luminescence quantum yield (QY). Under UV irradiation at 254 nm, some glasses and all of the glass ceramics showed green luminescence peaking at 534 nm due to the ⁴T₁ → ⁶A₁ transition of tetrahedrally coordinated Mn²⁺ ions. The strongest luminescence was observed in a glass ceramic of 0.1MnO–0.3Eu₂O₃–25ZnO–75GeO₂ heat treated at 900 °C, with QY of 49.8%. All of the green-luminescent glasses and glass ceramics showed green afterglow, and the afterglow lasting for more than 60 min was obtained in a glass ceramic heat treated at 900 °C. It is considered that the Eu³⁺ ions may behave as electron trapping centers to be associated with the occurrence of the green afterglow due to the Mn²⁺ ions in the co-doped system.     

Extractive separation of Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>–Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Ni<Superscript>2+</Superscript>–Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript> mixtures using <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-salicylideneaniline

A study on the extraction of copper(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II) from solutions containing ions of both metals with N-salicylideneaniline(SAN) in chloroform has been realized. Distribution of the metal ions in wide range of pH has been studied. Extraction of copper(II) was always favored over that of cobalt(II). Extraction of copper(II) from binary metal solution is selective and it can be quantitatively separated from cobalt(II). The equilibrium constant of the extraction of cobalt and nickel from an aqueous solution containing both metals using SAN were evaluated. The separation factors for cobalt and nickel were expressed as a function of the distribution of nickel and cobalt. From these results, salicylideneaniline is an adequate extractant for extractive separation of such mixtures.     

Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript>,Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> thin films prepared by sol–gel method: structural and optical studies

Y₂O₃: Eu³⁺,Tb³⁺ transparent, high density and optical quality thin films were prepared by the sol–gel dip-coating technique. Yttrium (III) 2,4-pentadionate was used as a precursor by its hydrolysis in ethanol. The doping agents were incorporated in the form of europium and terbium nitrate. Structural, morphological and optical properties of prepared films were investigated for different annealing temperatures in order to establish the ideal processing route that enhances the luminescent properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows the cubic phase for 10-layer films and annealing temperatures higher than 500°C. At 700°C, highly densified (4.52 g cm⁻³) and very smooth films (1.4 nm at 700°C) are produced, composed of crystallites with a grain size of 11 nm. The film thickness, refractive index and porosity, as well as the luminescent properties, were found to vary with treatment temperature.     

Complexation of 4′-Nitrobenzo-15-crown-5 with Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Cr<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and Sn<Superscript>4+</Superscript> Cations in Acetonitrile–Ethanol Binary Mixtures

The complexation reactions of 4′-nitrobenzo-15-crown-5 (4′NB15C5) with Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cr³⁺ and Sn⁴⁺ cations were studied in acetonitrile–ethanol (AN–EtOH) binary solvent mixtures at different temperatures by the electrical conductometry method. The stability constants of the resulting 1:1 complexes were determined from computer fitting of the conductance versus mole ratio data. The results show that the selectivity order of 4′NB15C5 for the metal cations in the AN–EtOH (mol-%AN=76) binary solvent at 298.15 K is: Cr³⁺>Mn²⁺≈Zn²⁺>Sn⁴⁺, but the selectivity order changes with the composition of the mixed solvents. A nonlinear relationship was observed between the stability constants (log ₁₀ K _f) of these complexes and the composition of the AN–EtOH binary solvents. The corresponding thermodynamic parameters (DH_c^o, DS_c^o)(\Delta H_{\mathrm{c}}^{\mathrm{o}}, \Delta S_{\mathrm{c}}^{\mathrm{o}}) were obtained from the temperature dependence of the stability constants using van’t Hoff plots. The results show that the values and also the sign of these parameters are influenced by the nature and composition of the mixed solvents.     

Preparation and Characteristics of Nb<Superscript>5+</Superscript>, Ta<Superscript>5+</Superscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Nanoscale Powders by Sol–Gel Process Using TiCl<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Nanoscale TiO₂ powders doping with niobium and tantalum were prepared using TiCl₃ as a source matter. Characterization of the materials was performed by Thermoanalys, particle size, XRD, BET, FTIR, Magnetic Susceptibility. The influence of niobium and tantalum ions on the phase transition was studied, the changes in the crystal size and microstain distributions obtained at 400C were analyzed. The results show that the substitutes of Nb^{5 +}, Ta^{5 +} for Ti⁴⁺ in the anatase structure cause distortions and improve to form rutile. When the dopant content is over certain molar percent, biphase reappears. The IR spectra and magnetic susceptibility indicate the Nb–Nb (or Ta–Ta) bonds along c-axis in rutile by two Nb^{5 +} (Ta^{5 +}) ions located in sites adjacent along the c-axis appear with the dopant content. The magnetic characteristics at rutile showed a weak paramagnetism.     

<Superscript>13</Superscript>C-labeled bilirubin: synthesis of 3<Superscript>1</Superscript>(3<Superscript>2</Superscript>),17<Superscript>1</Superscript>(17<Superscript>2</Superscript>)-di-[<Superscript>13</Superscript>C]-mesobilirubin-XIIIα

Abstract  The title compound, labeled with ¹³C in the ethyl groups was synthesized from K¹³CN and low-molecular-weight components. The synthetic relay compound was 3¹(3²)[¹³C]-xanthobilirubinic acid methyl ester in a synthetic route that leads to a label in the ethyl β-substituent of a dipyrrinone model for bilirubin. This labeled dipyrrinone was oxidatively coupled to the dimethyl ester of mesobiliverdin-XIIIα, thereby providing a route to a ¹³C-labeled mesobiliverdin and mesobilirubin, with one carbon of each ethyl being 98% ¹³C-enriched. Graphical Abstract        

Synthesis of Ca<Subscript>3</Subscript>Al<Subscript>6</Subscript>Si<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>16</Subscript>: Ce<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> phosphors by sol–gel method and optical properties

Ca₃Al₆Si₂O₁₆: Ce³⁺, Tb³⁺ phosphors have been prepared by sol–gel method. The structure and photoluminescence properties were studied with careful. The results indicated that the single-phased Ca₃Al₆Si₂O₁₆ phosphors crystallize at 1,000 °C for 2 h in conventional furnace. With appropriate concentrations of Ce³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions into Ca₃Al₆Si₂O₁₆ matrix, these materials exhibit blue phosphors and white light under ultraviolet radiation. White-light emission can be achieved because of a 400 nm emission ascribed to transitions of Ce³⁺ ions and three sharp peaks at 487, 543, 585 nm, respectively, resulting from transitions of Tb³⁺ ions.     

Identification of Anionic Supramolecular Complexes of Sulfonamide Receptors with Cl<Superscript>−</Superscript>, NO<Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack>, Br<Superscript>−</Superscript>, and I<Superscript>−</Superscript> by APCI-MS

As part of a mass spectrometric investigation of the binding properties of sulfonamide anion receptors, an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometric (APCI-MS) method involving direct infusion followed by thermal desorption was employed for identification of anionic supramolecular complexes in dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂). Specifically, the dansylamide derivative of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) (1), the chiral 1,3-benzenesulfonamide derivatives of (1R,2S)-(+)-cis-1-amino-2-indanol (2), and (R)-(+)-bornylamine, (3), were shown to bind halide and nitrate ions in the presence of (n−Bu)₄N⁺X⁻ (X⁻ = Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, Br⁻, I⁻). Solutions of receptors and anions in CH₂Cl₂ were combined to form the anionic supramolecular complexes, which were subsequently introduced into the mass spectrometer via direct infusion followed by thermal desorption. The anionic supramolecular complexes [M+X]⁻, (M=1–3, X⁻=Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, Br⁻, I⁻) were observed in negative mode APCI-MS along with the deprotonated receptors [M−H]⁻. Full ionization energy of the APCI corona pin (4.5 kV) was necessary for obtaining mass spectra with the best signal-to-noise ratios.     

Experimental Determination of the Isotherm at 15°C of the System Mg<Superscript>2+</Superscript>/Cl<Superscript>−</Superscript>, SO<Subscript>4</Subscript><Superscript>2</Superscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Summary.  The diagram of the ternary system Mg²⁺/Cl⁻, SO₄ ²⁻–H₂O was established at 15°C by means of analytical and conductimetric measurements. Three compounds were found in this diagram, which are MgSO₄·6H₂O, MgSO₄·7H₂O, and MgCl₂·6H₂O. The solubility field of MgSO₄·7H₂O is important whereas those of MgSO₄·6H₂O and MgCl₂·6H₂O are small. The compositions (mass-%) of the two invariant points determined by the two methods are: MgSO₄:MgCl₂=2.73:33.80 and MgSO₄: MgCl₂=3.38:28.91. Both the measured and the calculated isotherm at 15°C have been used for modelling of the diagram Mg²⁺/Cl⁻, SO₄ ²⁻–H₂O between 0 and 35°C. The polythermal invariant point was approximately located between 15 and 10°C.  Corresponding author. E-mail: ariguib@planet.tn Received October 16, 2002; accepted (revised) December 3, 2002 Published online April 24, 2003 RID="a" ID="a" Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Heinz Gamsj?ger on the occasion of his 70^th birthday     

Single-phased white-light emitting CaAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>Si<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>8</Subscript>: Eu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> phosphors prepared by a sol–gel method

CaAl₂Si₂O₈: Eu²⁺, Mn²⁺ phosphors have been prepared by a sol–gel method. X-ray diffractometer, spectrofluorometer and UV–Vis spectrometer were used to characterize structural and optical properties of the samples. The results indicate that anorthite (CaAl₂Si₂O₈) directly crystallizes at 1000 °C in the sol–gel process. CaAl₂Si₂O₈: Eu²⁺, Mn²⁺ phosphors show two emission bands excited by ultraviolet light. Blue (around 415 nm) and yellow (around 575 nm) emissions originate from Eu²⁺ and Mn²⁺, respectively. With appropriate tuning of Mn²⁺ content, CaAl₂Si₂O₈: Eu²⁺, Mn²⁺ phosphors exhibit different hues and relative color temperatures.     

Associative ionization reaction N + O → NO<Superscript>+</Superscript> + e<Superscript>–</Superscript> in slow collisions of atoms

The endothermic associative ionization reaction N(²D) + O(³P) → NO** → NO(¹Σ⁺) +e^- in slow collisions of the atoms has been considered in terms of the multichannel quantum defect theory. The dependences of the partial and total cross sections of the reaction on the energy of the colliding atoms in the range of 0–0.3 eV have been calculated. It has been shown that the cross sections have a pronounced resonance structure, which is formed as a result of the multichannel interaction of autoionization states of the intermediate Rydberg complex NO** with dissociative states. The temperature dependence of the reaction rate constant is presented. The results are compared with those of other calculations and available experimental data.     

Studies on structure and electrochemical properties of pillared M–MnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> (M=Ba<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Sr<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, ZrO<Superscript>2+</Superscript>)

Supramolecular pillared oxides were prepared through the intercalation of M²⁺ cations into a MnO₂ host matrix by the method of ion exchange between the precursor δ-K _x MnO₂ and the corresponding guest. The materials M-MnO₂ crystallize in the hexagonal system, the same structure as the precursor, with a larger interlamellar spacing. In the case of ZrO-MnO₂, extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) determination indicates that the Zr atom locates between the MnO₂ layers forming a stable structure. Compared with the precursor, the cycling property of M-MnO₂ was improved distinctly, while the capacity decreased to some degree due to the strong interaction between pillars and the host matrix. Among these pillared materials, ZrO-MnO₂ has an advanced reversible capacity of 161.5 mAh·g⁻¹ and improved cycling behavior compared with the precursor.     

Structural investigation of salts containing ions [Pd(NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>]<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and [IrF<Subscript>6</Subscript>]<Superscript>2–</Superscript>

Double complex salts (DCS) α-[Pd(NH₃)₄][IrF₆]·H₂O (P2₁/m, a = 6.3181(3) Å, b = 10.8718(5) Å, с = 7.4526(4) Å, β = 103.568(2)°), β-[Pd(NH₃)₄][IrF₆]·H₂O (P2₁/с, a = 8.5773(3) Å, b = 10.8791(4) Å, с = = 12.6741(3) Å, β = 122.497(2)°), [Pd(NH₃)₄]₃[IrF₆]₂Cl₂·H₂O (P-1, a = 7.6080(2) Å, b = 7.6274(2) Å, с = 11.8070(3) Å, β = 122.497(2)°), and [Pd(NH₃)₄]₂[IrF₆]NO₃ (Fm-3m, a = 11.21210(10) Å) have been synthesized and structurally characterized for the first time. The existence of polymorphs for the DCS has been revealed. The influence of the chemical composition of the initial reagents on the reaction course and, respectively, the products, has been demonstrated. A hypothesis on the influence of the second coordination sphere on the formation of one or the other polymorph of the DCS has been suggested. It has been shown that the series α-[Pd(NH₃)₄][МF₆]·H₂O (M = Pt, Pd) exhibits isostructurality.