Hydrogen‐Atom Abstraction from Methane by Stoichiometric Vanadium–Silicon Heteronuclear Oxide Cluster Cations

Vanadium–silicon heteronuclear oxide cluster cations were prepared by laser ablation of a V/Si mixed sample in an O₂ background. Reactions of the heteronuclear oxide cations with methane in a fast‐flow reactor were studied with a time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometer to detect the cluster distribution before and after the reactions. Hydrogen abstraction reactions were identified over stoichiometric cluster cations [(V₂O₅)_n(SiO₂)_m]⁺ (n=1, m=1–4; n=2, m=1), and the estimated first‐order rate constants for the reactions were close to that of the homonuclear oxide cluster V₄O₁₀⁺ with methane. Density functional calculations were performed to study the structural, bonding, electronic, and reactivity properties of these stoichiometric oxide clusters. Terminal‐oxygen‐centered radicals (O_t ^. ) were found in all of the stable isomers. These O_t ^. radicals are active sites of the clusters in reaction with CH₄. The O_t ^. radicals in [V₂O₅(SiO₂)_1–4]⁺ clusters are bonded with Si rather than V atoms. All the hydrogen abstraction reactions are favorable both thermodynamically and kinetically. This work reveals the unique properties of metal/nonmetal heteronuclear oxide clusters, and may provide new insights into CH₄ activation on silica‐supported vanadium oxide catalysts.     

Models of finely dispersed MgO and V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> on silica. Theoretical analysis of optical properties using TDDFT

The results of Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations on optical properties of vanadium complexes VOCl₃, VOCl₄ ^-, VOCl₅ ^2-, as well as the VO₄ ^3- ion, are presented. The spectra of excited states in the range 25000-60000 cm^-1 have been analyzed using the time-dependent DFT method (TDDFT). Spectroscopic features of structural defects (low-coordinated (LC) oxygen ions), as well as surface point defects (F⁺ and F sites) in MgO, have been studied within the cluster approach. The charge-transfer spectra and frequencies of normal vibrations for a number of active site models of finely dispersed oxides MgO and V₂O₅ on silica have been calculated. Comparison of the obtained results with experimental electronic diffuse reflectance spectra and fundamental frequencies confirms a hypothesis about the structure of active centers of finely dispersed oxide V₂O₅ on silica as monomeric forms, (O=V-O _n ).     

Effect of direct ultrasound synthesis via a sesquihydrate route on bismuth-promoted vanadyl pyrophosphate catalysts

A series of 1, 3, and 5% Bi-doped vanadium phosphate catalyst catalysts were prepared via sesquihydrate route using direct ultrasound method and were denoted as VPSB1, VPSB3, and VPSB5, respectively. These catalysts were synthesized solely using a direct ultrasound technique and calcined in a n-butane/air mixture. This study showed that catalyst synthesis time can be drastically reduced to only 2 hr compared to conventional 32–48 hr. All Bi-doped catalysts exhibited a well-crystallized (VO)₂P₂O₇ phase. In addition, two V⁵⁺ phases, that is, β-VOPO₄ and α_II-VOPO₄, were observed leading to an increase in the average oxidation state of vanadium. All catalysts showed V2p_3/2 at approx. 517 eV, giving the vanadium oxidation state at approx. 4.3–4.6. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed the secondary structure consisting of thin and small plate-like crystal clusters due to the cavitation effect of ultrasound waves. VPSB5 showed the highest amount of oxygen species removed associated with the V⁵⁺ and V⁴⁺ species in temperature-programmed reduction in H₂ analyses. TheX-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measurement showed the occurrence of vanadium oxide reductions in hydrogen gas flow, indicating the presence of V⁴⁺ and V⁵⁺ species. Higher average valence states of V⁵⁺, indicating more V⁵⁺ phases, were present. The addition of bismuth has increased the activity and selectivity to maleic anhydride.     

Methane Activation Mediated by a Series of Cerium–Vanadium Bimetallic Oxide Cluster Cations: Tuning Reactivity by Doping

The reactions of cerium–vanadium cluster cations Ce_xV_yO_z⁺ with CH₄ are investigated by time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and density functional theory calculations. (CeO₂)_m(V₂O₅)_n⁺ clusters (m=1,2, n=1–5; m=3, n=1–4) with dimensions up to nanosize can abstract one hydrogen atom from CH₄. The theoretical study indicates that there are two types of active species in (CeO₂)_m(V₂O₅)_n⁺, V[(O_t)₂]^. and [(O_b)₂CeO_t]^. (O_t and O_b represent terminal and bridging oxygen atoms, respectively); the former is less reactive than the latter. The experimentally observed size‐dependent reactivities can be rationalized by considering the different active species and mechanisms. Interestingly, the reactivity of the (CeO₂)_m(V₂O₅)_n⁺ clusters falls between those of (CeO₂)_2–4⁺ and (V₂O₅)_1–5⁺ in terms of C?H bond activation, thus the nature of the active species and the cluster reactivity can be effectively tuned by doping.     

Classification of VxOyq Clusters by △=2y+q-5x

Vanadium oxide clusters V_xO_y^q (x≤8, q=0,±1) are classified according to the oxidation index (△=2y+q-5x) of each cluster. Density functional calculations indicate that clusters with the same oxidation index tend to have similar bonding characters, electronic structures, and reactivities. This general rule leads to the findings of new possible ground state struc-tures for V₂O₆ and V₃O₆⁺ clusters. This successful application of the classification method on vanadium oxide clusters proves that this method is very effective in studying the bonding properties of early transition metal oxide clusters.     

XPS study of nanorods of doped vanadium oxide MxV2O5 · nH2O (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs)

Nanorods of vanadium oxide doped with alkali metal ions M _x V₂O₅ · nH₂O (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs, x = 0.31–0.44) have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions. The particles are 30–80 nm in diameter and a few micrometers in length. The chemical state of atoms and their concentration ratios have been studied by XPS. It has been shown that vanadium atoms are in two oxidation states V⁵⁺ and V⁴⁺ and the concentration of vanadium(IV) ions directly depends on the alkali metal. The X-ray photoelectron spectra of the valence bands of M _x V₂O₅ · nH₂O (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) nanorods have been measured and interpreted.     

A Molecular Placeholder Strategy To Access a Family of Transition‐Metal‐Functionalized Vanadium Oxide Clusters

Systematic access to metal‐functionalized polyoxometalates has thus far been limited to lacunary tungsten oxide and molybdenum oxide clusters. The first controlled, stepwise bottom‐up assembly route to metal‐functionalized molecular vanadium oxides is now presented. A di‐vacant vanadate cluster with two metal binding sites, (DMA)₂[V₁₂O₃₂Cl]^3? (DMA=dimethylammonium) is formed spontaneously in solution and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, ESI mass spectrometry, ⁵¹V NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. In the cluster, the metal binding sites are selectively blocked by hydrogen‐bonded DMA placeholder cations. Reaction of the cluster with transition metals TM (Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺) gives access to mono‐functionalized vanadate clusters (DMA)[{TM(L)}V₁₂O₃₂Cl]^n? (L=ligand). Metal binding is accomplished by significant distortions of the vanadium oxide framework reminiscent of a pincer movement. Cluster stability under technologically relevant conditions in the solid‐state and solution is demonstrated.     

Multiple Metal–Metal Bond or No Bond? The Electronic Structure of V2O2

Detailed knowledge of the electronic structure of vanadium oxide clusters provides the basis for understanding and tuning their significant catalytic properties. However, already for the simple four‐atom V₂O₂ molecule, there are contradictory reports in the literature regarding the electronic ground state and a possible vanadium–vanadium bond. We herein show through a combination of experimental (matrix isolation) studies and theoretical results that there is a multiple vanadium–vanadium bond in this benchmark vanadium oxide molecule.     

Field emission of vertically aligned V2O5 nanowires on an ITO surface prepared with gaseous transport

Growing V₂O₅ nanowires (NWs) on a conducting glass substrate combines gaseous transport and pyrolytic deposition of vanadium polyoxometalate anions, and yields vertically aligned vanadium-oxide nanowires. Scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy, selected-area electron diffraction, Raman spectra and powder X-ray analyses indicate that V₂O₅ nanowires as synthesized were single-crystalline and grew anisotropically among direction [010]. NH₂OH·HCl served not only as a reducing agent to produce vanadium polyoxometalate clusters but also as a source of NH₃ gas to facilitate the vapor pyrolysis and deposition. The optical properties of V₂O₅ nanowires exhibit a character dependent on structure. Field emission (FE) measurements show a small turn-on field voltage ~8.3 V/μm, maximum current density 1.8 mA/cm², and a linear Fowler–Nordheim behavior.     

Gas‐Phase Reactions of Cationic Vanadium‐Phosphorus Oxide Clusters with C2Hx (x=4, 6): A DFT‐Based Analysis of Reactivity Patterns

The reactivities of the adamantane‐like heteronuclear vanadium‐phosphorus oxygen cluster ions [V_xP_4?xO₁₀]^.+ (x=0, 2–4) towards hydrocarbons strongly depend on the V/P ratio of the clusters. Possible mechanisms for the gas‐phase reactions of these heteronuclear cations with ethene and ethane have been elucidated by means of DFT‐based calculations; homolytic C? H bond activation constitutes the initial step, and for all systems the P? O^. unit of the clusters serves as the reactive site. More complex oxidation processes, such as oxygen‐atom transfer to, or oxidative dehydrogenation of the hydrocarbons require the presence of a vanadium atom to provide the electronic prerequisites which are necessary to bring about the 2e^? reduction of the cationic clusters.     

Ab initio DFT studies of oxygen K edge NEXAFS spectra for the V2O3(0001) surface

Theoretical near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra describing oxygen 1s core excitation have been evaluated for the differently coordinated oxygen species appearing near the V₂O₃(0001) surface with half metal layer V^′OV termination. Adsorption of oxygen above vanadium centers of the V^′OV terminated surface (O_tV^′O termination) results in very strongly bound vanadyl oxygen, which has also been considered for core excitation in this study. The angle-resolved spectra are based on electronic structure calculations using ab initio density functional theory (DFT) together with model clusters. Experimental NEXAFS spectra for V₂O₃(0001) show a rather strong dependence of peak positions and relative intensities on the photon polarization direction. This dependence is well described by the present theoretical spectra and allows us to assign spectral details in the experiment to specific O 1s core excitations where final state orbitals are determined by the local binding environments of the differently coordinated oxygen centers. As a result, a combination of the present theoretical spectra with experimental NEXAFS data enables an identification of differently coordinated surface oxygen species at the V₂O₃(0001) surface.     

Electrochemical Proton Intercalation in Vanadium Pentoxide Thin Films and its Electrochromic Behavior in the near-IR Region

This work examines the proton intercalation in vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) thin films and its optical properties in the near-infrared (near-IR) region. Samples were prepared via direct current magnetron sputter deposition and cyclic voltammetry was used to characterize the insertion and extraction behavior of protons in V₂O₅ in a trifluoroacetic acid containing electrolyte. With the same setup chronopotentiometry was done to intercalate a well-defined number of protons in the H_xV₂O₅ system in the range of x=0 and x=1. These films were characterized with optical reflectometry in the near-IR region (between 700 and 1700 nm wavelength) and the refractive index n and extinction coefficient k were determined using Cauchy ’s dispersion model. The results show a clear correlation between proton concentration and n and k.     

Synthesis and characterization of vanadium oxide/hexadecylamine membrane and its application as pH-EGFET sensor

Vanadium oxide/hexadecylamine (V₂O₅/HDA) sensing membrane was deposited on the glassy carbon substrate and used as the sensing layer of the extended gate H⁺-ion sensitive field effect transistor (EGFET) device. The structural and morphological features of V₂O₅/HDA were studied by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed-infrared spectroscopy and Scanning electronic microscopy images; and the electrochemical behavior was analyzed by cyclic voltammogram. V₂O₅/HDA presents a lamellar structure as well as several rod formations. The material stabilizes electrochemically after several cycles and leads to reproducibility of Li⁺ ion insertion/de-insertion into the vanadium oxide structure. The material was investigated as a pH sensor in the pH range 2–12 and presented a sensitivity of 38.1 mV/pH. The sensitive membrane structure is simple to fabricate and the measurement is fast for application as a disposable sensor.     

Multisensor system for determination of polyoxometalates containing vanadium at its different oxidation states

The electronic tongue (ET) multisensor system has been employed for the detection of metal-oxygen cluster anions (polyoxometalates) containing vanadium (IV/V) atoms. Sensitivity of a variety of potentiometric chemical sensors with plasticized polyvinyl chloride and chalcogenide glass membranes was evaluated with respect to vanadyl/vanadate ions, decavanadate and a series of Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POM) such as α-[SiW₁₁V^IVO₄₀]⁶⁻, α-[SiW₁₁V^VO₄₀]⁵⁻, α-[BW₁₁V^IVO₄₀]⁷⁻, α-[BW₁₁V^VO₄₀]⁶⁻, α-[PW₁₁V^IVO₄₀]⁵⁻ and α-[PW_12−nV_n^VO₄₀]⁽³⁺ⁿ⁾⁻ (n = 1, 2, 3). Sensor's responses to vanadium complexes were evaluated in the pH range of 2.4-6.5 and a set of sensors appropriate for detecting a variety of vanadium species was selected. Such sensor array was able to distinguish different vanadium complexes allowing their simultaneous quantification in binary (V(IV)/V(V)) mixtures. The vanillyl alcohol oxidation with α-[SiW₁₁V^VO₄₀]⁵⁻ was monitored using ET to evaluate the capacity of proposed analytic system to detect simultaneously V(IV)/V(V) in POM under dynamic equilibrium. ET was demonstrated to be a promising tool for the discrimination and quantification of vanadium-containing POMs at different oxidation states. In particular, such a system could represent a significant interest for the mechanistic studies of redox reactions with POMs.     

C−−H activation on aluminum-vanadium bimetallic oxide cluster anions

Aluminum–vanadium bimetallic oxide cluster anions (BMOCAs) have been prepared by laser ablation and reacted with ethane and n‐butane in a fast‐flow reactor. A time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer was used to detect the cluster distribution before and after the reactions. The observation of hydrogen‐containing products AlVO₅H^? and Al_xV_4?xO_11?xH^? (x=1–3) strongly suggests that AlVO₅^? and Al_xV_4?xO_11?x^? (x=1–3) can react with ethane and n‐butane by means of an oxidative dehydrogenation process at room temperature. Density functional theory studies have been carried out to investigate the structural, bonding, electronic, and reactive properties of these BMOCAs. Terminal‐oxygen‐centered radicals (O_t^.) were found in all of the reactive clusters, and the O_t^. atoms, which prefer to be bonded with Al rather than V atoms, are the active sites of these clusters. All the hydrogen‐abstraction reactions are favorable both thermodynamically and kinetically. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of hydrogen‐atom abstraction by BMOCAs and may shed light on understanding the mechanisms of C? H activation on the surface of alumina‐supported vanadia catalysts.     

Modeling the active centers of V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> supported catalysts. DFT theoretical analysis of optical properties

Within the framework of the density functional theory (DFT), the electronic structure of monooxodioxovanadium functional groups in tetrahedral coordination, which model the active centers (ACs) of fine supported catalysts V₂O₅/SiO₂ and V₂O₅/TiO₂, has been analyzed. The optimal structures of three ACs as possible models of monomeric and polymeric oxovanadium forms on the carriers with low vanadium content were determined. The modified DFT method involving the time dependence of Kohn-Sham equation (TDDFT) was used for the adopted AC models to calculate the energies of the excited states, and optical spectra of the absorption in 25000–60000 cm^?1 region were reconstructed on their base. The spectrum in this region is due to O → V charge transfer. The features of electronic spectra with the charge transfer for V₂O₅/SiO₂ and V₂O₅/TiO₂ catalysts and the vibrational spectra of three AC models corresponding to the monomeric and dimeric oxovanadium forms of the supported catalysts V₂O₅/SiO₂ and V₂O₅/TiO₂ were defined. The detailed interpretation of normal vibration frequencies is given. The frequencies typical of the monomeric and dimeric oxovanadium forms on the carrier surface were identified.     

One-Electron Pseudo-Potential Determination of Stable Isomers of the Li*Ar n Excited Clusters: Absorption Spectra

We present pseudo-potential calculations of geometrical structures of stable isomers of LiAr _n clusters with both an electronic ground state and excited states of the lithium atom. The Li atom is perturbed by argon atoms in LiAr _n clusters. Its electronic structure obtained as the eigenfunctions of a single-electron operator describing the electron in the field of a Li⁺Ar _n core, the Li⁺ and Ar atoms are replaced by pseudo-potentials. These pseudo-potentials include core-polarization operators to account for the polarization and correlation of the inert core with the valence Lithium electron [J Chem Phys 116, 1839 1]. The geometry optimization of the ground and excited states of LiAr _n (n = 1–12) clusters is carried out via the Basin-Hopping method of Wales et al. [J Phys Chem 101, 5111 2; J Chem Phys 285, 1368 3]. The geometries of the ground and ionic states of LiAr _n clusters were used to determine the energy of the high excited states of the neutral LiAr _n clusters. The variation of the excited state energies of LiAr _n clusters as a function of the number of argon atoms shows an approximate Rydberg character, corresponding to the picture of an excited electron surrounding an ionic cluster core, is already reached for the 3s state. The result of optical transitions calculations shows that the absorption spectral features are sensitive to isomer structure. It is clearly the case for transitions close to the 2p levels of Li which are distorted by the cluster environment.     

Effects of lithium insertion and deinsertion into V2O5 thin films: Optical,structural, and absorption properties

The lithiated/delithiated vanadium pentoxide films deposited by sol‐gel spin coating on indium tin oxide–coated glass substrates were analyzed by sputter‐induced photon spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and optical absorption techniques. First, it is shown that the crystalline structure of V₂O₅ after intercalation remains practically unchanged. Particularly, in the optical spectra during 5 keV Kr⁺ ion bombardment of clean, intercalated, and deintercalated V₂O₅ films, a series of sharp lines and unexpected continuum radiation were observed and well explained. It is also demonstrated that the intercalation and deintercalation of lithium have strong influences on various characteristics of pentoxide vanadium. The interpretations of the obtained results in the 3 experiments—X‐ray diffraction, sputter‐induced photon spectroscopy, and optical absorption techniques—are coherent and complement each other.     

Effect of tellurium promoter on vanadium phosphate catalyst for partial oxidation of n-butane

Te-promoted (1%) vanadium phosphate catalyst (VPDTe) was prepared via VOPO4·2H2O by calcining its precursor VOHPO4·0.5H2O in a flow of n-butane/air.VPDTe catalyst has resulted a higher existence of V5+ phase with V5+/V4+ ratio of 0.23.SEM micrographs show that Te addition altered the arrangement of the platelets from "rose-like" clusters to layer with irregular shape.Te addition has also markedly lowered the reduction activation energies of the vanadium phosphate catalyst as revealed by TPR profile.The amount of active oxygen species associated with V4+ phase of the Te promoted catalyst was significantly higher than those of the unpromoted catalyst.These observations suggest that high mobility and availability of reactive oxygen species contributed to the enhancement of n-butane conversion up to 80% at 673 K,while only 47% over unpromoted catalyst (2400 h-1,1.7% n-butane in air).     

Electrical conductivity of g-Bi2O3-V2O5 solid solution

The total conductivity (σ_T) in bcc γ-Bi₂O₃ doped with V₂O₅ system has been measured in the composition range between 1 and 7 mol% V₂O₅ at different temperatures. Phase transitions for different addition amounts depending on the temperature were investigated by quenching the samples. According to the XRD and DTA/TG results, this bcc type solid solution was stable up to about 720°C and the solubility limit was found at ˜7 mol% V₂O₅ in γ-phase. This system showed predominantly an oxide ionic conduction. As the V₂O₅ addition increased, the ionic conduction increased up to 5 mol% V₂O₅ at which the highest conductivity was found to be 8.318·10^-2 Ω^-1 cm^-1 at 700°C and then decreased. It has been proposed that γ-Bi₂O₃ phase contains a large number of oxide anion vacancies and incorporated vanadium cations at tetrahedral sites which affect the oxygen sublattice of the crystal structure. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.