Development of Accurate Chemical Equilibrium Models for Oxalate Species to High Ionic Strength in the System: Na—Ba—Ca—Mn—Sr—Cl—NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>—PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>—SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>—H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O at 25 °C

The development of an accurate aqueous thermodynamic model is described for oxalate species in the Na—Ba—Ca—Mn—Sr—Cl—NO₃—PO₄—SO₄—H₂O system at 25 °C. The model is valid to high ionic strength (as high as 10 mol·kg⁻¹) and from very acid (10 mol·kg⁻¹ H₂SO₄) to neutral and basic conditions. The model is based upon the equations of Pitzer and co-workers. The necessary ion-interaction parameters are determined by comparison with experimental data taken from the literature or determined in this study. The proposed aqueous activity and solubility model is valid for a range of applications from interpretation of studies on mineral dissolution at circumneutral pH to the dissolution of high-level waste tank sludges under acidic conditions.     

Solubilities of Dilute SO<Subscript>2</Subscript> in the Binary System of Glycol and Dimethylsulfoxide

The solubility of SO₂ in binary mixtures of ethylene glycol (EG) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), a potential candidate for use as the scrubbing liquid for the absorption of SO₂ from flue gas, are lacking in the literature. The paper presents solubility data of dilute SO₂ in these inexpensive solvent mixtures at T = (303.15, 308.15, and 313.15) K and p = 122.66 kPa. The solubilities of dilute SO₂ in the mixtures increases gradually with increasing concentration of DMSO and decreasing temperature. The solubility of SO₂ is linearly proportional to the experimental pressure. Meanwhile, the Henry’s law constants (H _x ), dissolution enthalpy changes, dissolution entropy changes, and dissolution Gibbs energy changes were also obtained from the solubility data of SO₂ in the mixtures. The experimental results demonstrate that the binary system of EG and DMSO is a promising alternative in SO₂ separation processes due to its excellent absorption and regeneration performance.     

Hydrolysis of cellulose by the heteropoly acid H<Subscript>3</Subscript>PW<Subscript>12</Subscript>O<Subscript>40</Subscript>

The potential of heteropoly acid H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ to catalyze the hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose under hydrothermal conditions was explored. This technology could contribute to sustainable societies in the future by using cellulose biomass. A study to optimize the reaction conditions, such as the amount of catalyst, reaction time, temperature, and the amount of cellulose used, was performed. A remarkably high yield of glucose (50.5%) and selectivity higher than 90% at 453 K for 2 h with a mass ratio of cellulose to H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ of 0.42 were achieved. This was attributed to the high hydrothermal stability and the excellent catalytic properties, such as the strong Brønsted acid sites. This homogeneous catalyst can be recycled for reuse by extraction with diethyl ether. The results illustrate that H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ is an environmentally benign acid catalyst for the hydrolysis of cellulose.     

Dissolution and regeneration of cellulose in NaOH/thiourea aqueous solution

A novel cellulose solvent, 1.5 M NaOH/0.65 M thiourea aqueous solution, was used to dissolve cotton linters having a molecular weight of 10.1 × 10⁴ to prepare cellulose solution. Regenerated cellulose (RC) films were obtained from the cellulose solution by coagulating with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) aqueous solution with a concentration from 2 to 30 wt %. Solubility of cellulose, structure, and mechanical properties of the RC films were examined by infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ¹³C NMR, and tensile tests. ¹³C NMR analysis indicated that the novel solvent of cellulose is a nonderivative aqueous solution system. The presence of thiourea enhanced significantly the solubility of cellulose in NaOH aqueous solution and reduced the formation of cellulose gel; as a result, thiourea prevented the association between cellulose molecules, leading to the solvation of cellulose. The RC film obtained by coagulating with 5 wt % H₂SO₄ aqueous solution for 5 min exhibited higher mechanical properties than that with other H₂SO₄ concentrations and a homogenous porous structure with a mean pore size of 186 nm for free surface in the wet state. The RC film plasticized with 10% glycerin for 5 min had a tensile strength of 107 MPa and breaking elongation of 10%, and about 1% glycerin in the RC film plays an important role in the enhancement of the mechanical properties. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 1521–1529, 2002     

Enhanced visible light photocatalytic H<Subscript>2</Subscript> evolution over CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> loaded with Pt and CdS

CdS-Pt@CeO₂ ternary composites are successfully prepared by an in situ redox precipitation followed by a subsequent precipitation. The prepared CdS-Pt@CeO₂ sample exhibits high photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution from lactic acid aqueous solution under visible light irradiation, with a H₂-evolation rate of 20.09 mmol h^?1g^?1 and apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 15.32%. With techniques such as XRD, TEM, DRS, XPS, N₂ adsorption/desorption and electrochemistry measurements, the physicochemical properties of the CdS-Pt@CeO₂ ternary composites are discussed, and a possible mechanism for the hydrogen evolution is proposed.     

Facile synthesis of Fe@Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> core-shell nanowires as O<Subscript>2</Subscript> electrode for high-energy Li-O<Subscript>2</Subscript> batteries

Fe@Fe₂O₃ core-shell nanowires were synthesized via the reduction of Fe³⁺ ions by sodium borohydride in an aqueous solution with a subsequent heat treatment to form Fe₂O₃ shell and employed as a cathode catalyst for non aqueous Li-air batteries. The synthesized core-shell nanowires with an average diameter of 50–100 nm manifest superior catalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in Li-O₂ batteries with the charge voltage plateau reduced to ～3.8 V. An outstanding performance of cycling stability was also achieved with a cutoff specific capacity of 1000 milliampere hour per gram over 40 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g^?1. The excellent electrochemical properties of Fe@Fe₂O₃ as an O₂ electrode are ascribed to the high surface area of the nanowires’ structure and high electron conductivity. This study indicates that the resulting iron-containing nanostructures are promising catalyst in Li-O₂ batteries.     

Study on the non-isothermal kinetics of decomposition of 4Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>·2H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>·NaCl

The non-isothermal decomposition kinetics of 4Na₂SO₄·2H₂O₂·NaCl have been investigated by simultaneous TG-DSC in nitrogen atmosphere and in air. The decomposition processes undergo a single step reaction. The multivariate nonlinear regression technique is used to distinguish kinetic model of 4Na₂SO₄·2H₂O₂·NaCl. Results indicate that the reaction type Cn can well describe the decomposition process, the decomposition mechanism is n-dimensional autocatalysis. The kinetic parameters, n, A and E are obtained via multivariate nonlinear regression. The n ^th-order with autocatalysis model is used to simulate the thermal decomposition of 4Na₂SO₄·2H₂O₂·NaCl under isothermal conditions at various temperatures. The flow rate of gas has little effect on the decomposition of 4Na₂SO₄·2H₂O₂·NaCl.     

Electrochemical performance of novel Li<Subscript>3</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> glass-ceramic nanocomposites as electrodes for energy storage devices

The novel Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ glass-ceramic nanocomposites were synthesized and investigated as electrodes for energy storage devices. They were fabricated by heat treatment (HT) of 37.5Li₂O–25V₂O₅–37.5P₂O₅?mol% glass at 450 °C for different times in the air. XRD, SEM, and electrochemical methods were used to study the effect of HT time on the nanostructure and electrochemical performance for Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ glass-ceramic nanocomposites electrodes. XRD patterns showed forming Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ NASICON type with monoclinic structure. The crystalline sizes were found to be in the range of 32–56 nm. SEM morphologies exhibited non-uniform grains and changed with variation of HT time. The electrochemical performance of Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ glass-ceramic nanocomposites was investigated by using galvanostatic charge/discharge methods, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 1 M H₂SO₄ aqueous electrolyte. The glass-ceramic nanocomposites annealed for 4 h, which had a lower crystalline size, exhibited the best electrochemical performance with a specific capacity of 116.4 F g^?1 at 0.5 A g^?1. Small crystalline size supported the lithium ion mobility in the electrode by decreasing the ion diffusion pathway. Therefore, the Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ glass-ceramic nanocomposites can be promising candidates for large-scale industrial applications in high-performance energy storage devices.     

Preparation and characterization of H<Subscript>3</Subscript>PW<Subscript>12</Subscript>O<Subscript>40</Subscript>/ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> catalyst for carbonation of methanol into dimethyl carbonate

A H₃PW₁₂O₄₀/ZrO₂ catalyst for effective dimethyl carbonate (DMC) formation via methanol carbonation was prepared using the sol–gel method. X-ray photoelectron spectra showed that reactive and dominant (63%) W(VI) species, in WO₃ or H₂WO₄, enhanced the catalytic performances of the supported ZrO₂. The mesoporous structure of H₃PW₁₂O₄₀/ZrO₂ was identified by nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. In particular, partial sintering of catalyst particles in the duration of methanol carbonation caused a decrease in the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of the catalyst from 39 to 19 m²/g. The strong acidity of H₃PW₁₂O₄₀/ZrO₂ was confirmed by the desorption peak observed at 415 °C in NH₃ temperature-programmed desorption curve. At various reaction temperatures (T?=?110, 170, and 220 °C) and CO₂/N₂ volumetric flow rate ratios (CO₂/N₂?=?1/4, 1/7, and 1/9), the calculated catalytic performances showed that the optimal methanol conversion, DMC selectivity, and DMC yield were 4.45, 89.93, and 4.00%, respectively, when T?=?170 °C and CO₂/N₂?=?1/7. Furthermore, linear regression of the pseudo-first-order model and Arrhenius equation deduced the optimal rate constant (4.24?×?10^?3 min^?1) and activation energy (E_a?=?15.54 kJ/mol) at 170 °C with CO₂/N₂?=?1/7 which were favorable for DMC formation.     

Electrochemical Synthesis of Co-intercalation Compounds in the Graphite-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-H<Subscript>3</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>System

Anodic oxidation of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite in an electrolyte containing concentrated sulfuric and anhydrous phosphoric acids is studied for the first time. The synthesis was carried out under galvanostatic conditions at a current I = 0.5 mA and an elevated temperature (t = 80°C). Intercalation compounds of graphite (ICG) are shown to form at all concentration ratios of H₂SO₄ and H³PO⁴ acids. The intercalation compound of step I forms in solutions containing more than 80 wt % H₂SO₄, a mixture of compounds of intercalation steps I and II forms in 60% H²SO⁴, intercalation step II is realized in the sulfuric acid concentration range from 10 to 40%, and a mixture of compounds of intercalation steps III and II is formed in 5% H₂SO₄ solutions. The threshold concentration of H₂SO₄ intercalation is ∼2%. With the decrease in active intercalate (H₂SO₄) concentration, the charging curves are gradually smoothed, the intercalation step number increases, and the potentials of ICG formation also increase. As the sulfuric acid concentration in the electrolyte changes from 96 to 40 wt %, the filled-layer thickness d _i in ICG monotonously increases from 0.803 to 0.820 nm, which apparently is associated with the greater size of phosphoric acid molecules. With further increase in H₃PO₄ concentration in solution, d _i remains unchanged. According to the results of chemical analysis, both acids are simultaneously incorporated into the graphite interplanar spacing and their ratio in ICG is determined by the electrolyte composition.__________Translated from Elektrokhimiya, Vol. 41, No. 5, 2005, pp. 651–655.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Leshin, Sorokina, Avdeev.     

Phase equilibriums,ion association,and mechanisms of solvation in the LiN(CF<Subscript>3</Subscript>SO<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>-(CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>2</Subscript> system

The phase diagrams, isotherms of the electrical conductivity, Raman spectra, and time correlation functions of vibrational dephasing are studied for the LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂-(CH₃)₂SO₂ system, which is promising for use as an electrolyte in medium-temperature lithium-ion batteries. The phase diagram of this system contains a broad supercooled region. It is shown that the concentration dependences of the electrical conductivity are typical for solutions of strong electrolytes. The Raman spectra and the time correlation functions of vibrational dephasing for the anion and the solvent indicate that in the supercooling range, cations are weakly solvated by solvent molecules and form ion pairs.     

Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>/rice husk-based maco-/mesoporous carbon bone nanocomposite as superior high-rate anode for lithium ion battery

Rice husks (RHs), a kind of biowastes, are firstly hydrothermally pretreated by HCl aqueous solution to achieve promising macropores, facilitating subsequently impregnating ferric nitrate and urea aqueous solution, the precursor of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. A Fe₃O₄/rice husk-based maco-/mesoporous carbon bone nanocomposite is finally prepared by the high-temperature hydrothermal treatment of the precursor-impregnated pretreated RHs at 600 °C followed by NaOH aqueous solution treatment for dissolving silica and producing mesopores. The macro-/mesopores are able to provide rapid lithium ion-transferring channels and accommodate the volumetric changes of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles during cycling as well. Besides, the macro-/mesoporous carbon bone can offer rapid electron-transferring channels through directly fluxing electrons between Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and carbon bone. As a result, this nanocomposite delivers a high initial reversible capacity of 918 mAh g^?1 at 0.2 A g^?1 and a reversible capacity of 681 mAh g^?1 remained after 200 cycles at 1.0 A g^?1. The reversible capacities at high current densities of 5.0 and 10.0 A g^?1 still remain at high values of 463 and 221 mAh g^?1, respectively.     

Thermal analysis on C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>10</Subscript>Ge<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>-doped MgB<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Additives to MgB₂ can improve the superconducting functional characteristics, such as critical current density (J _c) and irreversibility field (H _irr). Recently, we have shown that repagermanium (C₆H₁₀Ge₂O₇) is an effective additive, enhancing both J _c and H _irr. To look into details of the processes taking place during the reactive sintering, a thermal analysis study (0.167 K s^?1, in Ar) is reported. We used differential scanning calorimetry between 298 and 863 K and simultaneous thermogravimetric—differential thermal analysis between 298 and 1233 K. Samples were mixtures of powders with composition 97 mol% MgB₂ and 3 mol% C₆H₁₀Ge₂O₇. Up to 863 K, repagermanium decomposes by multiple steps and forms amorphous phases. A reaction with MgB₂ is not observed. Above this temperature, partial decomposition of MgB₂ occurs. Crystalline Ge and MgO are detected before formation of Mg₂Ge and MgB₄, when temperature approaches the melting point of Ge (1211 K). Carbon substitution for boron in the crystal lattice of MgB₂ is observed for samples heated above 863 K. The amount of substitutional C does not significantly change with temperature.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new monophosphate (C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>16</Subscript>N<Subscript>2</Subscript>)(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Chemical preparation, crystal structure, and NMR spectroscopy of a new trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazinium monophosphate are given. This new compound crystallizes in the triclinic system, with the space group P-1 and the following parameters: a = 6.5033(3), b = 7.6942(4), c = 8.1473(5) Å, α = 114.997(3), β = 92.341(3), γ = 113.136(3), V = 329.14(3) ų, Z = 1, and D_x = 1.565 g cm^?3. The crystal structure has been determined and refined to R = 0.030 and R _w(F ²) = 0.032 using 1558 independent reflections. The structure can be described as infinite [H₂PO₄] _n ^n? chains with (C₆H₁₆N₂)²⁺ organic cations anchored between adjacent polyanions to form columns of anions and cations running along the b axis. This compound has also been investigated by IR, thermal, and solid-state, ¹³C and ³¹P MAS NMR spectroscopies and Ab initio calculations.     

Al-doped La<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Sr<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>MnO<Subscript>3</Subscript> as oxide anode for solid oxide fuel cells using dry C<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Subscript>8</Subscript> fuel

Direct hydrocarbon type solid oxide fuel cells are attractive from simple gas feed process and also high energy conversion efficiency. In this study, La_0.5Sr_0.5MnO₃ (LSM55) perovskite oxide was studied as oxide anode for direct hydrocarbon type solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Although reasonable power density like 1 W/cm² and open circuit voltage (OCV) (1.1 V) at 1273 K was exhibited when H₂ was used as fuel, the power density as well as OCV of the cell using LSM55 for anode was significantly decreased when dry C₃H₈ was used for fuel. After power generation measurement, LSM55 phase was decomposed to MnO and La₂MnO₄. Effects of various dopants to Mn site in LSM55 were studied and it was found that partial substitution of Mn in LSM55 with other cation, especially transition metal, is effective for increasing maximum power density. In particular, reasonable high power density can be achieved on the cell using Ni-doped LSM55 for anode. On the other hand, Al substitution is effective for increasing stability against reduction and so, dopant effects of Al were studied in more details for dry C₃H₈ fuel. The power density as well as OCV increased with increasing Al content and the highest power density was achieved at x = 0.4 in La_0.5Sr_0.5Mn_1 ? x Al _x O₃. Among the examined composition, it was found that the cell using La_0.5Sr_0.5Mn_0.6Al_0.4O₃ anode shows the largest power density (0.2 W/cm²) at 1173 K and high OCV (1.01 V) against dry C₃H₈ fuel.     

Concurrent synthesis of SnO/SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocomposites and their enhanced photocatalytic activity

The SnO/SnO₂ nanocomposites were synthesized using semisolvothermal reaction technique. These nanocomposites were prepared using different combination of solvents viz., ethanol, water, and ethylene glycol at 180 °C for 24 h. The synthesized nanocomposites were analyzed with various characterization techniques. Structural analysis indicates the formation of tetragonal phase of SnO₂ for the sample prepared in ethanol, whereas for other solvent combinations, the mixture of SnO and SnO₂ having tetragonal crystal structures were observed. The optical study shows enhanced absorbance in the visible region for all the prepared SnO/SnO₂ nanocomposites. The observed band gap was found to be in the range of 3.0 to 3.25 eV. Microstructural determinations confirm the formation of nanostructures having spherical as well as rod-like morphology. The size of nanoparticles in ethanol-mediated solvent was found to be in the range of 5 to 7 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis indicate the weight gain around 1.3 wt% confirming the conversion of SnO to SnO₂ material. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized nanocomposites was evaluated by following the aqueous methylene blue (MB) degradation. The sample prepared in ethylene glycol-mediated solvent showed highest photoactivity having apparent rate constant (K_app) 0.62 × 10^?2 min^?1.     

One-step synthesis of nitrogen-doped porous carbon for supercapacitors utilizing KNO<Subscript>3</Subscript> as an electrolyte

Nitrogen-doped porous carbons were prepared using a facile method, with low-biotechnology fulvic acid potassium salts as a precursor. The prepared carbons had a high surface area (1623 m² g^?1) and good electrochemical properties, making them suitable electrode materials for supercapacitors. Nitrogen-doped porous carbons were tested as an electrode in both 6 M KOH aqueous solution and different concentrations KNO₃ aqueous solution. The nitrogen-doped porous carbons with unique microstructure and nitrogen functionalities exhibited a capacitance of 235 F g^?1 in a 6 M KOH aqueous solution. Electrochemical investigation showed that the nitrogen-doped porous carbons exhibited a broad potential operational window in a 2.5 M KNO₃ aqueous solution. Furthermore, a high capacitance retention of 88.1 % was achieved even after 5000 cycles at 1.7 V. Potassium nitrate solutions in a wide range of concentrations were also proven to be promising electrolytes for electrochemical capacitors because they are cheap, noncorrosive, electrochemically stable, and compatible to diverse current collectors.     

Coordination Chemistry of the Magic Inorganic Building Block {Fe<Superscript>II</Superscript>[Mo<Subscript>6</Subscript>P<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>31</Subscript>]<Subscript>2</Subscript>}: Hydrothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a New Reduced Ferrous Molybdophosphate

A new reduced ferrous molybdophosphate composite solid of the formula, [(C₁₀H₁₄N₂)H]₄[Fe^II ₁₀Mo^V ₂₄(H₂PO₄)₄(HPO₄)₁₂(PO₄)₄(H₂O)₁₆(OH)₁₆O₄₄]·12H₂O, has been synthesized from a reaction mixture of MoO₃, FeSO₄·7H₂O, C₂H₂O₄·2H₂O, nicotine, H₃PO₄, and H₂O under hydrothermal conditions. The crystal data: monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 24.4349(124), b = 12.9935(66), c = 14.7281(74) Å, β = 104.87(1) Å, V = 4520(4) Å³, Z = 2, R ₁  = 0.0874, wR ₂  = 0.2179. The structure is built from the building blocks of the formula, {Fe^II[Mo₆P₄O₃₁]₂}, consisting of a network of MO₆ (M = Fe, Mo) octahedral and PO₄ tetrahedral linked through their vertices. The connectivity of the building blocks with two pairs of face-sharing dinuclear Fe(II) clusters of the formula of [Fe^II ₂(H₂O)₄O₅] on which a phosphate group is hanging gives rise to one-dimensional chains with eight-membered apertures. The remarkable hydrogen bonded interactions between the chains form a unique and interesting framework with three-dimensional intersecting tunnels where the protonated nicotine molecules as structuring templates and crystallization water molecules are situated.     

Substituted sulphoxide ligands in piperidinium based ionic liquid: novel solvent systems for the extraction of Pu<Superscript>4+</Superscript> and PuO<Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>2+</Superscript>

Sulphoxide ligands in piperidinium based ionic liquid were demonstrated as highly efficient, selective and environmentally benign systems for the extraction of plutonium from acidic aqueous solution. The extraction followed ‘cation-exchange mechanism’ via [Pu(NO₃)·L]³⁺ and [PuO₂(NO₃)·L]⁺ species. The extraction efficiency followed the trend: APSO > BPSO > BMSO. The phenyl substituted sulphoxides showed higher affinity for plutonium due to a combination of steric as well as electronic factors. Extraction process was thermodynamically spontaneous for all three solvent systems. Oxalic acid and sodium carbonate were suitable for quantitative stripping of Pu⁴⁺ and PuO₂ ²⁺, respectively. APSO in ionic liquid showed good radiolytic stability.     

Studies on the copolymerization of norbornene with CO catalyzed by a new catalytic system PdCl<Subscript>2</Subscript>/phen/M(CF<Subscript>3</Subscript>SO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>n</Subscript>

A new three-component catalytic system, PdCl₂/phen/M(CF₃SO₃)_n where M = La, Y, Yb, Zn, and Cu, was studied for the copolymerization of norbornene (NBE) with CO to prepare polyketone (PK). It was found that the CF₃SO₃H catalytic system gave a low catalytic activity for the copolymerization of norbornene with CO, but when M(CF₃SO₃)_n was introduced instead of CF₃SO₃H, the PdCl₂/phen/M(CF₃SO₃)_n catalytic system exhibited much higher activity. The effects of ligands, M(CF₃SO₃)_n, solvents, and temperatures on the copolymerization have been discussed in detail. The results showed that with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and Cu(CF₃SO₃)₂ used as cocatalysts, the corresponding reaction rate reached 82 000 g PK (mol Pd)⁻¹h⁻¹ when the reaction was carried out in methanol at 90°C and 3.0 MPa of CO, and the weight average molecular weight (M _w) of the resultant copolymer is 1090 g/mol. The copolymer was characterized with various techniques such as FT-IR, ¹HNMR, ¹³CNMR, TGA, and DSC. The infrared spectrum of the product includes two features at 1697 and 1732 cm⁻¹ for the NBE/CO copolymer in CH₃OH that are attributed to carbonyl groups in ketones (repeating unit) and esters (end group), respectively. Due to the tension of the ring of norbornene, the degree of copolymerization is not high. Published in Russian in Kinetika i Kataliz, 2007, Vol. 48, No. 1, pp. 51–58. This article was submitted by the authors in English.