Dependence of the Physicochemical and Catalytic Properties of Ce<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> Oxide on the Means of Synthesis

The effect the means of synthesis have on the texture, phase composition, redox properties, and catalytic activity of binary oxide systems with the composition Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ are studied. The obtained samples are characterized via BET, SEM, DTA, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. A comparative analysis is performed of the physicochemical properties of biomorphic systems Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ obtained using wood sawdust and cellulose as templates and the properties of binary oxides of the same composition obtained by template-free means. The catalytic properties of the obtained oxide systems Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ are studied in the reaction of carbon black oxidation. It is shown that the texture of the oxide depends on the means of synthesis. When biotemplates are used, fragile porous systems form from thin binary oxide plates containing micro-, meso-, and macropores. Oxide obtained via coprecipitation consists of dense agglomerates with pores around 30 Å in size. In supercritical water, nanoparticles of metal oxide form that are loosely agglomerated. The intermediate spaces between them act as pores more than 100 Å in size. A system of single-phase pseudocubic modification is obtained using a cellulose template. The crystal lattices of all the obtained systems contain a great many defects. It is shown that the system prepared via synthesis in supercritical water has the best oxygen-exchange properties. A comparative analysis is performed of the effect the physicochemical properties of the samples have on their activity in the catalytic oxidation of carbon black.     

Effect of pretreatment conditions on the catalytic activity of coprecipitated Ce<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> catalyst in soot oxidation

The temperature of soot oxidation and efficiency of Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ catalyst depends on its morphology, which determines the area of intergranular contact between the solid substrate and the catalyst. The temperature-programmed reduction in hydrogen to 1000°C and oxidation at 500°C (redox cycles) cause the mobility of oxygen in oxide to be enhanced and decrease the temperature of soot combustion. Oxidation of soot in the air flow on the Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ catalyst result in its activation. Reuse of the catalyst decreases the temperature of soot oxidation.     

Promotional effect of cobalt addition on catalytic performance of Ce<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> mixed oxide for diesel soot combustion

A series of Co-modified Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ catalysts with different concentrations of Co (mass %: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) was investigated for diesel soot combustion. Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ was prepared using the coprecipitation method and Co was loaded onto the oxide using the incipient wetness impregnation method. The activities of the catalysts were evaluated by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) experiments. The results showed the soot combustion activities of the catalysts to be effectively improved by the addition of Co, 6 % Co/Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ and that the 8 % Co/Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ catalysts exhibited the best catalytic performance in terms of lower soot ignition temperature (T_i at 349°C) and maximal soot oxidation rate temperature (T_m at 358°C). The reasons for the improved activity were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), H₂ temperature-programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These results revealed that the presence of Co could lower the reduction temperature due to the synergistic effect between Co and Ce, thereby improving the activity of the catalysts in soot combustion. The 6 % Co catalyst exhibited the best catalytic performance, which could be attributed to the greater amounts of Co³⁺ and surface oxygen species on the catalyst.     

Structure and surface properties of ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>, CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>, and Zr<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Ce<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> prepared by a microemulsion method according to X-ray diffraction,TPR, and EPR data

It was established by X-ray diffraction, TPR, and EPR that microemulsion (m.e.) synthesis yields the binary oxides ZrO₂(m.e.) and CeO₂(m.e.) and the mixed oxide Zr_0.5Ce_0.5O₂(m.e.) in the form of a tetragonal, cubic, and pseudocubic phase, respectively, having crystallite sizes of 5–6 nm. The bond energy of surface oxygen in the (m.e.) samples is lower than in their analogues prepared by pyrolysis. Hydrogen oxidation on the oxides under study occurs at higher temperatures than CO oxidation. ZrO₂(m.e.) and CeO₂(m.e.) are active in O₂⁻ formation during NO + O₂ adsorption, while CeO₂ is active during CO + O₂ adsorption, too. However, its amount here is one-half to one-third its amount in the pyrolysis-prepared samples, signifying a reduced number of active sites, which are Zr⁴⁺ and Ce⁴⁺ coordinatively unsaturated cations and Me⁴⁺-O²⁻ pairs. O₂⁻ radical anions are stabilized in the coordination sphere of Zr⁴⁺ coordinatively unsaturated cations via ionic bonding, and in the sphere of Ce⁴⁺ cations, via covalent bonding. Ionic bonds are stronger than ionic-covalent bonds and do not depend on the ZrO₂ phase composition. Zr_0.5Ce_0.5O₂ is inactive in these reactions because of the strong interaction of Zr and Ce cations. It is suggested that Ce^{(4 + β)+} coordinatively unsaturated cations exist on its surface, and their acid strength is lower than that of Zr⁴⁺ and Ce⁴⁺ cations in ZrO₂ and CeO₂, according to the order ZrO₂ > CeO₂ ≥ Zr_0.5Ce_0.5O₂. Neither TPR nor adsorption of probe molecules revealed Zr cations on the surface of the mixed oxide.     

Phase equilibria in the Ce<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-K<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-P<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> system

Ce₂O₃-K₂O-P₂O₅ ternary system has been investigated by thermoanalytical methods (DTA, DSC), powder X-ray diffraction, XPS and IR spectroscopy. The existence of three double potassium-cerium(III) phosphates has been confirmed and a new binary phosphate K₄Ce₂P₄O₁₅ has been found. Phase diagram and isothermal section at room temperature of the system Ce₂O₃-K₂O-P₂O₅ have been presented.     

Thermal study of the Ce<Subscript>0.9</Subscript>Tb<Subscript>0.1</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> pigment prepared by different synthesis

The inorganic ceramic compounds based on the CeO₂ belong into the group of high-temperature pigments. The pigments have been prepared by the classical dry process (i.e. solid-state reaction) in the temperature range from 1,300 to 1,600 °C and by the coprecipitation at the three different temperatures: 400, 600 and 1,100 °C. The principal of these pigments makes the host lattice of the CeO₂, which is doped by terbium ions. This incorporation of the doped ions leads to obtaining of the interesting dark orange colour after application into ceramic glaze. The aim of our research was to improve and optimize the synthesis conditions of these pigments. The samples were submitted to thermal analysis (TG–DTA) for determination of the temperature interval of the pigment formation and the thermal stability of pigments. The compounds were also measured from the point of view of their colouring, structure and particle size distribution.     

Study on the oxygen exchange capacities of Ce<Subscript>2</Subscript>Sn<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> pyrochlore

Ce₂Sn₂O₇ pyrochlore was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the composition and valence state of the sample. The oxygen exchange property of the Ce₂Sn₂O₇ phase was measured by an oxidation reaction in sealed air atmosphere and a followed reduction reaction in 5% H₂-95% N₂ atmosphere. Gas chromatography (GC) was used to analyze the oxygen change in the reaction. The results show that Ce₂Sn₂O₇ sample has excellent oxygen absorption capacity at 250°C as Ce³⁺ ions are oxidized to Ce⁴⁺ ions. The oxidized sample can be reduced by 5% H₂-95% N₂. The refreshed sample remains the capacity of oxygen absorption, while the oxygen exchange capacity degrades with the reduction times.     

Effect of Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> addition on structure and magnetic properties of Ni<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanofibers

Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanofibers with addition of 0–5 wt% Bi₂O₃ were synthesized by calcination of the electrospun polyvinylpyrrolidone/inorganic composite nanofibers at the temperature below the melting point of Bi₂O₃. The effects of Bi₂O₃ addition on the phase structure, morphology and magnetic properties of the nanofibers were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometer. It is found that the nanofiber diameter, crystallite size and magnetic parameters can be effectively tuned by simply adjusting the amount of Bi₂O₃ addition. The average diameter of Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanofibers doped with different contents of Bi₂O₃ ranges from 40 to 63 nm and gradually decreases with increasing Bi₂O₃ content. The addition of Bi₂O₃ does not induce the phase change and all the samples are a single-phase spinel structure. The amorphous Bi₂O₃ tends to concentrate on the nanoparticle surface and/or grain boundary and can retard the particles motion as well as the grain growth, resulting in a considerable reduction in grain size compared to the pristine sample. The specific saturation magnetization and coercivity of the nanofibers gradually decrease with the increase of Bi₂O₃ amount. Such behaviors are explained on the basis of chemical composition, surface effect, domain structure and crystal anisotropy.     

LaNi<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/CoFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>-based sensor for sensitive determination of paracetamol

A novel electrochemical sensor based on LaNi_0.5Ti_0.5O₃/CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticle-modified electrode (LNT–CFO/GCE) for sensitive determination of paracetamol (PAR) was presented. Experimental conditions such as the concentration of LNT–CFO, pH value, and applied potential were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the electrochemical performances of LNT–CFO/GCE have been researched on the oxidation of PAR. The electrochemical behaviors of PAR on LNT–CFO/GCE were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The results showed that LNT–CFO/GCE exhibited excellent promotion to the oxidation of PAR. The over-potential of PAR decreased significantly on the modified electrode compared with that on bare GCE. Furthermore, the sensor exhibits good reproducibility, stability, and selectivity in PAR determination. Linear response was obtained in the range of 0.5 to 901 μM with a detection limit of 0.19 μM for PAR.     

Glycine-assisted combustion synthesis and electrochemical behavior of LiNi<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles under microwave irradiation

Layered LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ nanoparticles have been successfully prepared by the glycine-assisted combustion method under microwave irradiation. The exothermic reaction can generate a large quantity of heat rapidly leading to the formation and crystallization of LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂. From the X-ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy results, the resulting powders have a well-developed layered structure and average particle-size is about 80 nm. The chemical composition analysis and electrochemical characteristics of the obtained LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ nanoparticles as cathode material for rechargeable lithium-ion battery were also investigated. The improved electrochemical performances of the layered LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ nanoparticles might be ascribed to the nanostructure of the powders and the unique combustion synthesis under microwave irradiation.     

The synthesis and selected properties of Co<Subscript>2</Subscript>InV<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>11</Subscript>

It has been demonstrated that Co₂V₂O₇ and InVO₄ react with each other forming a new compound of the Co₂InV₃O₁₁ formula, when their molar ratio is equal to 1:1, or among CoCO₃, In₂O₃ and V₂O₅, mixed at a molar ratio of 4:1:3. This compound melts incongruently at the temperature of 960±5°C, depositing crystals of InVO₄. It crystallizes in the triclinic system and the unit cell parameters amount to: a=0.6524(6) nm, b=0.6885(5) nm, c=1.0290(4) nm, α=96.5°, β=104.1°, γ=100.9°, Z=2. The phase equilibria being established in the Co₂V₂O₇–InVO₄ system over the whole components concentration range up to the solidus line were described.     

Electrochemical properties of nano-crystalline LiNi<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> synthesized by polymer-pyrolysis method

LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ powders were prepared through polymer-pyrolysis method. XRD and TEM analysis indicated that the pure spinel structure was formed at around 450 °C due to the very homogeneous intermixing of cations at the atomic scale in the starting precursor in this method, while the well-defined octahedral crystals appeared at a relatively high calcination temperature of 900 °C with a uniform particle size of about 100 nm. When cycled between 3.5 and 4.9 V at a current density of 50 mA/g, the as prepared LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ delivered an initial discharge capacity of 112.9 mAh/g and demonstrated an excellent cyclability with 97.3% capacity retentive after 50 cycles.     

Improvement of the electrochemical properties of a LiNi<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> cathode material formed by a new solid-state synthesis method

In order to avoid the shortcomings of large particle size and poor uniformity of material synthesized by the traditional solid-state method, this paper utilizes a simple improvement of calcination process (i.e., calcination–milling–recalcination) based on the traditional solid-state synthesis to successfully prepare a large number of well-distributed, micrometer-sized, spherical secondary LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ particles. Each particle is composed of nano- and/or sub-micrometer-sized grains. Results of the electrochemical performance tests show that the material exhibits a remarkable cycle performance and rate capability compared with that obtained from traditional synthesis method; the spherical LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ particles can deliver a large capacity of 135.8 mAh g^?1 at a 1 C discharge rate with a high retention of 77 % after 741 cycles and a good capacity of 105.9 mAh g^?1 at 10 C. Cyclic voltammetry measurements confirm that the significantly improved electrochemical properties are due to enhanced electronic conductivity and lithium-ion diffusion coefficient resulting from the optimized morphology and particle size. This improved method is more suitable for mass production.     

The synthesis and properties of solid solutions based on Ba<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ca<Subscript>2</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>11</Subscript>

(Ba_{1 ? x} Ca _x )₆Nb₂O₁₁ solid solutions were synthesized. The compositions were shown to be single-phase at 0.23 ≤ x ≤ 0.47 and have a double perovskite cubic structure with an incomplete oxygen sublattice. The interaction of solid solutions with water vapor and their electrical properties were studied. In dry atmosphere, these complex oxides were mixed oxygen-hole conductors. In humid atmosphere, they intercalated water and exhibited protonic conductivity. The influence of Ba/Ca isovalent substitution, the dynamics of the oxygen sublattice, and the concentration of intercalated water on the value and contribution of protonic and hole conductivity was analyzed.     

Effect of the modifier ion on the properties of MgFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> and ZnFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> pigments

Magnesium and zinc ferrites have been prepared by the polymeric precursor method. The organic material decomposition was studied by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The variation of crystalline phases and particle morphology with calcination temperature were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), respectively. The colors of the ferrites were evaluated using colorimetry. Magnesium ferrite crystallizes above 800°C, presenting a yellow- orange color with a reflectance peak at the 600–650 nm range, while zinc ferrite crystallizes at 600°C, with a reflectance peak between 650–700 nm, corresponding to the red-brick color.     

Preparation and adsorption of magnetic Co<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>-chitosan nanoparticles

In this paper, magnetic chitosan microspheres were prepared by the emulsification cross-linking technique, with glutaraldehyde as the cross-linking agent, liquid paraffin as the dispersant, and the Span-80 as emulsifier. The time of cross-linking and the ratio of Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄/chitosan were investigated. The morphology was studied by different instruments. The adsorption performance was investigated and the effects of initial concentration of methyl orange, the time of cross-linking, and the amount of adsorbent were discussed. It is found that the product has uniform morphology when the ratio of magnetic Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄/chitosan is 1 : 2 and the time of cross-linking is 5 h; At room temperature, magnetic Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄–chitosan has a good adsorption toward methyl orange when the magnetic Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄/chitosan dosage is 20 mg.     

Electronic-Ionic Processes in Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Mg<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript> with Pyrochlore Structure

Solid solution Bi₂Cu_0.5Mg_0.5Nb₂O_9–δ with the pyrochlore structure is synthesized by three different methods. Its structure and chemical composition are confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The electronic-ionic processes are studied by the method of impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range from 0.3 Hz to 1.0 MHz and the temperature range from 0 to 340°С. The data are processed with the use of ZView program. Electrochemical models of samples are obtained in the form of equivalent circuits. The sign of the main charge carrier is determined by the thermo-emf method. Nonlinear effects are studied based on voltammetric characteristics. It is found that at room temperature, the charge in samples is transferred by electrons and cations (presumably, copper). In the temperature range of 260–300°С, the capacitance of samples and the specific conductivity of their volume demonstrate local minimums. Insofar as at these temperatures the oxygen conduction may occur, it is assumed that associates of anions and cations are formed. The decrease in the concentration of charge carries is confirmed by sample’s equivalent circuit into which the Gerischer impedance is introduced to enhance the accuracy. It is shown that at t = 260°С, the lifetime of charge carriers is the minimum.     

Glass formation in the CaO-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and SrO-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> systems

A physicochemical study of glasses based on the MO-Bi₂O₃-B₂O₃ and SrO-Bi₂O₃-B₂O₃ systems was performed. Glass formation regions were found. The structural and optical properties, as well as the thermal behavior of the glasses, were studied.     

Synthesis of La<Subscript>2</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> by thermal treatment of mechanically activated salt mixture

A lanthanum zirconate La₂Zr₂O₇ was synthesized by soft mechanochemical method using zirconium oxynitrate ZrO(NO₃)₂·6H₂O and lanthanum carbonate La₂(CO₃)₃·8H₂O as reagents. Mechanical activation of the reagents was carried out in a centrifugal planetary ball mill. The processes occurring during calcination of the jointly and the separately mechanically activated salt mixture were studied using DSC, TG coupled with mass spectrometry, XRD analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy. It was shown that in the course of joint mechanical activation in the mill alongside with intimate mixing of the reagents and their amorphization exchange reaction occurred, producing lanthanum nitrate, basic lanthanum nitrate, basic zirconium carbonate, and hydrated zirconium oxide. The DSC curve of the jointly mechanically activated salt mixture showed a strong exothermic peak at 878 °C which was not associated with mass loss. This peak was attributed to La₂Zr₂O₇ crystallization in agreement with XRD data. Nanocrystalline lanthanum zirconate synthesized by annealing of the jointly mechanically activated salt mixture was characterized using XRD analysis, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy.     

Controlled synthesis,characterization and thermal properties of Mg<Subscript>2</Subscript>B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>

Optimum conditions for synthesizing monoclinic and triclinic Mg₂B₂O₅ compounds by high-temperature solid-state reactions were investigated. Mixtures composed of boric acid and magnesium oxide at MgO:B₂O₃ mole ratios of 1:0.25, 1:0.5 and 1:1.5 were heated for 1 hour at temperatures between 600–1050°C and the formed phases were identified by XRD analysis. Monoclinic Mg₂B₂O₅ was formed by heating at 850°C for 4 hours together with minimum amounts of triclinic Mg₂B₂O₅, while triclinic Mg₂B₂O₅ was formed as a single phase at 1050°C for the same reaction time. The products obtained at optimum conditions were subjected to a series of tests to determine their chemical compositions, particle size distributions, surface area values, IR spectra and TG/DTA patterns.