Hydrogen generation from H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O/H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>/MnWO<Subscript>4</Subscript> system

Hydrogen gas as a clear energy resource was found to be largely bubbled from a H₂O/H₂O₂/MnWO₄ system. MnWO₄ powder was fabricated by an aqueous reaction method. The powder was characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS). The efficiency of the hydrogen generation increases with an increase in initial pH in the appropriate range, H₂O₂ proportion, MnWO₄ proportion, and intensity of light resource. Calcining at 400 °C for 1 h can make the MnWO₄ powder synthesized by an aqueous reaction more effective for H₂ generation and more stable in higher initial pH. The MnWO₄ catalyst shows a long-term stability for photocatalytic H₂ generation. A mechanism was suggested for the hydrogen generation from the H₂O/H₂O₂/MnWO₄ system together with XPS analysis.     

Specific heat on Sr<Subscript>2</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> and Sr<Subscript>2</Subscript>Ta<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>

Summary Specific heats on the single crystals of Sr₂Nb₂O₇, Sr₂Ta₂O₇ and (Sr_1-xBa_x)₂Nb₂O₇ were measured in a wide temperature range of 2-600 K. Heat anomalies of a λ-type were observed at the incommensurate phase transition of T_INC (=495 K) on Sr₂Nb₂O₇ and at the super-lattice phase transition of T_SL (=443 K) on Sr₂Ta₂O₇; the transition enthalpies and the transition entropies were estimated. Furthermore, a small heat anomaly was observed at the low temperature ferroelectric phase transition of T_LOW (=95 K) on Sr₂Nb₂O₇. The transition temperature T_LOW decreases with increasing Ba content x and it vanishes for samples of x>2%.     

NaBO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>CO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>WO<Subscript>4</Subscript> quaternary system

This is the first study of the NaBO₂-Na₂CO₃-Na₂MoO₄-Na₂WO₄ quaternary system by differential thermal analysis. Na₂[MoO_4(x)WO_{4(1 − x)}] solid solutions in the quaternary system are found to not decompose.     

Synthesis and structure of [UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>){CONH<Subscript>2</Subscript>N(CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>}<Subscript>2</Subscript>]

The single crystals of [UO₂(C₂O₄){CONH₂N(CH₃)₂}₂] were synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction. The crystals are monoclinic, a = 7.461(2) Å, b = 8.828(2) Å, c = 11.756(2) Å, β = 107.21(3)°, space group Pc, Z = 2, R = 2.94%. The structure comprises infinite chains [UO₂(C₂O₄){CONH₂N(CH₃)₂}₂] extended along [001] and corresponding to the AT¹¹M ₂ ¹ crystallochemical group (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , T¹¹ = C₂O ₄ ^2? , M¹ = N,N-CONH₂N(CH₃)₂) of uranyl complexes. The chains are connected into a three-dimensional framework by hydrogen bonds involving the oxygen atoms of oxalate and uranyl ions and the N,N-dimethylcarbamide methyl groups.     

Interpretation of the difference of optimal Mo density in MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript>-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> HDS catalysts

The first part of this paper deals with the morphology of the MoS₂ phase and its oxide precursor, the MoO₃ phase, mainly from a geometrical point of view. After giving a brief review of the literature describing the structure of these compounds, Mo densities in both phases were calculated along various crystallographic planes. Further, using structural models recently proposed by others, Mo densities in MoS₂ were also calculated in the case of an epitactic growth on γ-Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ model surfaces. Then, the calculated Mo densities were compared with experimental results (Mo density when HDS activity is maximal) previously obtained for catalysts constituted of MoS₂ supported on a low SSA TiO₂, a high SSA TiO₂ and a conventional γ-alumina. It was suggested that either on alumina or titania the MoS₂ phase is growing as (100) MoS₂ planes. However, while on the alumina the optimal MoS₂ phase might be constituted of dispersed MoS₂ slabs covering only a part of the alumina surface (2.9–3.9 Mo atoms/nm²), on titania the optimal MoS₂ phase might be constituted of a uniform MoS₂ monolayer (5.2 atoms/nm² for the high SSA titania, which is equal to the Mo density of a perfect MoS₂ (100) plane). This difference may originate in the creation of a 'TiMoS' phase enhancing the S atoms mobility over Mo/TiO₂-sulfided catalysts. Indeed, while in the case of a γ-alumina carrier the active sites (labile S atoms) are located on the edge of MoS₂ slabs making the ratio Mo_edge/Mo_total a crucial parameter for the catalytic performances, in the case of a titania carrier the labile sulfur atoms might be statistically distributed all over the TiMoS active phase. Further, the higher Mo density observed over the high SSA titania (5.2 atoms/nm²) when compared to that over the low SSA titania (4.2 atoms/nm²) was supposedly due to the pH-swing method advantageously used to prepare the former carrier. Indeed, this method allows giving a solid with enhanced mechanical properties providing a good stability to the derived catalysts under experimental conditions. In addition, this TiO₂ carrier exhibits a great homogeneity, with a surface structure substantially uniform, which might be adequate for a long-range growth of (100) MoS₂ slabs.     

Thermal synthesis of the CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-PrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Nd<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>pigments

Summary The synthesis of new compounds based on the CeO₂-PrO₂-Nd₂O₃system, which can be used as pigments for colouring of ceramic glazes, is investigated in our laboratory. The optimum conditions for the syntheses of these compounds have been estimated. The methods of thermal analysis provided first information about the temperature region of the formation of the pigments investigated. The synthesis of these compounds was followed by thermal analysis using STA 449/C Jupiter (Netzsch, Germany).     

Subsolidus phase relations in the Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-Ta<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> (Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>) systems

The phase composition has been studied and an equilibrium phase diagram has been designed for the Al₂O₃-Li₂O-R₂O₅ (R = Ta or Nb) systems in the subsolidus region up to 1000°C and 85 mol % Li₂O. New phases with the composition Li_1+x Al_1?x O_2?x , where x = 0–0.67, have been found.     

Three-component systems LiBr-LiVO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and LiBr-Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

Phase equilibria in the three-component systems LiBr-LiVO₃-Li₂MoO₄ and LiBr-Li₂SO₄-Li₂MoO₄ have been studied using differential thermal analysis (DTA). Eutectic compositions have been determined (mol %): in the system LiBr-LiVO₃-Li₂MoO₄, 56.0 LiBr, 22.0 LiVO₃, and 22.0 Li₂MoO₄ with a melting temperature of 413°C; and in the system LiBr-Li₂SO₄-Li₂MoO₄, 65.0 LiBr, 14.0 Li₂SO₄, and 21.0 Li₂MoO₄ with a melting temperature of 421°C. Phase fields have been demarcated.     

Nanosized TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> particles decorated on SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> spheres (TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>): synthesis and photocatalytic activities

Nanosized TiO₂ and nano-anatase TiO₂ decorated on SiO₂ spherical core shells were synthesized by using a sol–gel method. The synthesized pure TiO₂ nano particle and TiO₂ grafted on SiO₂ sphere with various ratios have been characterized for their structure and morphologies by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their surface areas were measured using the BET method. The photocatalytic activity of all nanocomposites was investigated using methylene blue as a model pollutant. The synthesized TiO₂/SiO₂ particles appeared to be more efficient in the degradation of methylene blue pollutant, as compared to pure TiO₂ particles.     

Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Ga<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> phase diagram

Phase relations in the Y₂O₃-Ga₂O₃ system were studied by the anneal-and-quench technique in air within 1000–2300°C, and a phase diagram was plotted. Three compounds were found to form: Y₃GaO₆, Y₄Ga₂O₉, and Y₃Ga₅O₁₂; the temperature and concentration bounds of stability were determined for these compounds. Indexing results for Y₃GaO₆ are given.     

High-temperature heat capacity of stannates Er<Subscript>2</Subscript>Sn<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> and Tm<Subscript>2</Subscript>Sn<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>

Erbium stannate Er₂Sn₂O₇ and thulium stannate Tm₂Sn₂O₇ with a pyrochlore-type structure were produced by solid-phase synthesis by calcining stoichiometric mixtures of the respective oxides in air at 1473 K for 240 and 200 h. The high-temperature heat capacity of Er2Sn2O7 and Tm₂Sn₂O₇ was studied by differential thermal calorimetry at 353–1000 K. From the experimental dependences C _P = f(T), the thermodynamic functions (enthalpy change, entropy change, and reduced Gibbs free energy) of oxide compounds were calculated.     

Influence of composition on corroding process of Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-K<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-CaO-ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> glasses

The corroding process of six glasses of the Na₂O-K₂O-CaO-ZrO₂-SiO₂ system with ZrO₂content 0–2.13 mass % by water was observed during static tests at 121°C and pressure of 0.25 MPa in steam sterilizer. Significant increase of Na⁺ and K⁺ content in leachates was observed after the addition of ZrO₂ into glass. Further increase of the content of ZrO₂ in glasses slowed down the rate of Na⁺ and K⁺ leaching. The leaching process of SiO₂ as well as Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ ions was evaluated on the basis of comparison with model leaching processes. Variation of the concentrations of Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and SiO₂ in leachates with time was described by empirical equation. Observed changes in the initial leaching rates of Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and SiO₂ can be ascribed to the content of ZrO₂ in glasses. The presence of ZrO₂ in glasses reduced the overall rate of glass dissolution.     

Advanced Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2.7</Subscript>/Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> composite film with enhanced visible-light-driven activity for the degradation of organic dyes

Bi₂O_2.7/Bi₂Ti₂O₇ composite photocatalyst films are synthesized by sol–gel dip-coating. The ratio of adding Bi and Ti precursors can be controlled during the preparation process. The phase structure is confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectrum shows that the composite catalysts present light absorption in the visible region. The obtained Bi₂O_2.7/Bi₂Ti₂O₇ composite films possess superior photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B, owing to the visible light response of Bi₂O_2.7 and the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes between the two components. As a result, the Bi₂O_2.7/Bi₂Ti₂O₇ (Bi/Ti = 1:1) displays the highest photocatalytic activity under visible light or UV light irradiation for the degradation of different organic dyes, including methyl blue, methyl orange and acid orange 7.     

Phase equilibria in the La<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript>-La<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> ternary system

Phase equilibria in the La₂S₃-Bi₂S₃-La₂O₃ ternary system were studied by differential thermal, X-ray powder diffraction, and microstructure analyses. Phase diagrams of five vertical sections and a liquidus surface projection were plotted for the La₂S₃-Bi₂S₃-La₂O₃ system. The regions of primary crystallization of phases and coordinates of non- and monovariant equilibria were determined for the system.     

Synthesis,structural, spectral,thermal and comparative biological activity studies of [V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>6</Subscript>]

The hydrothermal reaction of a mixture of V₂O₅, VCl₃, 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid and diluted H₂SO₄ for 68 h at 180°C gives a blue colored solution which yields prismatic blue crystals of IV ₂ ^IV O₂(SO₄)₂(H₂O)₆] (1) in 32% yield (based on V). Complex 1 was investigated by means of elemental analysis (C, H and S), TGA, FT-IR, manganometric titration, Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction Methods and also comparative antimicrobial activities. Crystal data for the compound: monoclinic space group P2₁/c and unit cell parameters are a = 7.3850(12) Å, b = 7.3990(7) Å, c = 12.229(2) Å, β = 108.976(12)° and Z = 2. Although structure of 1 as a natural mineral has been previously determined, this work covers new preparation method and full characterization of 1 along with comparison of antibacterial activity between 1 and the commercial vanadium(IV) oxide sulfate hydrate compounds, VOSO₄ · xH₂O (Riedel-de Haën and Alfa Aesar brand names). 1 was evaluated for the antimicrobial activity against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and mould compared with the commercial VOSO₄ · xH₂O compounds. 1 showed weak activity against bacteria Bacillus cereus, Nocardia asteroides and yeast Candida albicans. A good antimicrobial activity was recorded against Cirtobacter freundii (15 mm). There are only a few reproducible well-defined vanadium(IV) starting materials to use for exploring the synthesis of new materials. VCl₄, VO(acac)₂, VOSO₄ · xH₂O and [V(IV)OSO₄(H₂O)₄] · SO₄ · [H₂N(C₂H₄)₂NH₂] are common starting materials for such applications. In addition to these compounds, 1 can be used as an oxovanadium precursor.     

Structure and some properties of [UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>CrO<Subscript>4</Subscript>{CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>CON(CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>}<Subscript>2</Subscript>]

A new complex [UO₂CrO₄{CH₃CON(CH₃)₂}₂] (I) was studied by thermal analysis, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The crystals are monoclinic: a = 13.8108(11) Å, b = 8.6804(7) Å, c = 13.0989(10) Å, β = 104.777(1)°, V = 1518.4(2) ų, space group P2₁/c, Z = 4, R = 2.39%. The structure of I contains infinite chains of the [UO₂CrO₄{CH₃CON(CH₃)₂}₂] composition running along [001]; the complex belongs to the AT¹¹M¹ ₂ crystal-chemical group (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , T¹¹ = CrO ₄ ^2? , M¹ = CH₃CON(CH₃)₂) of uranyl complexes. The chains are linked into a three-dimensional framework due to hydrogen bonds between oxygen atoms of chromate ions and hydrogen atoms of methyl groups of the dimethylacetamide.     

Mechanism and kinetics of formation of La<Subscript>2</Subscript>SrFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> and Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>SrFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>

Phase formation processes in the systems Ln₂O₃-SrO-Fe₂O₃ (Ln = La, Nd) in air in the temperature range 1200–1500°C were studied. The synthesis of the complex ferrites La₂SrFe₂O₇ and Nb₂SrFe₂O₇ involves the formation of the intermediate compounds LnFeO₃ and LnSrFeO₄ and occurs by the same mechanism as the synthesis of the corresponding aluminates, but much faster.     

Glass formation in the Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Al(NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O system

Glass formation boundaries in the Al₂(SO₄)₃-Al(NO₃)₃-H₂O system were determined. IR spectra were studied. Schemes of structural rearrangements within the boundaries of a second glass formation region in the Al(NO₃)₃-H₂O binary subsystem are suggested. A structure is suggested for glassy Al(NO₃)₃H₂O.     

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.     

Towards high-performance cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries: Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-coated LiNi<Subscript>0.8</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.15</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>0.05</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Zn-doped LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ exhibits impressive electrochemical performance but suffers limited cycling stability due to the relative large size of irregular and bare particle which is prepared by conventional solid-state method usually requiring high calcination temperature and prolonged calcination time. Here, submicron LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Zn_0.05O₂ as cathode material for lithium-ion batteries is synthesized by a facile sol-gel method, which followed by coating Al₂O₃ layer of about 15 nm to enhance its electrochemistry performance. The as-prepared Al₂O₃-coated LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Zn_0.05O₂ cathode delivers a highly reversible capacity of 182 mA h g^?1 and 94% capacity retention after 100 cycles at a current rate of 0.5 C, which is much superior to that of bare LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Zn_0.05O₂ cathode. The enhanced electrochemistry performance can be attributed to the Al₂O₃-coated protective layer, which prevents the direct contact between the LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Zn_0.05O₂ and electrolyte. The escalating trend of Li-ion diffusion coefficient estimated form electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) also indicate the enhanced structural stability of Al₂O₃-coated LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Zn_0.05O₂, which rationally illuminates the protection mechanism of the Al₂O₃-coated layer.