Crystal structure of Li2Cu3(SeO3)2(SeO4)2

Summary Single crystal X-ray data of the hydrothermally grown new phase Li₂Cu₃(SeO₃)₂(SeO₄)₂ were measured with a four-circle diffractometer up to sin /=0.81 Å^–1 [I2/a,Z=4,V=1175.5 ų,a=16.293(6),b=5.007(2),c=14.448(6) Å, = 94.21(1)°]. The structure was determined by direct and Fourier methods and refined toR=0.034,R _w =0.027 for 2 086 independent reflections.Cu(1)^[4+1]O₅ forms a tetragonal pyramid, Cu(2)^{[4 + 2]}O₆ is a strongly elongated octahedron. The Li atom is surrounded by four O atoms forming a distorted tetrahedron. Se(IV)O₃ and Se(VI)O₄ groups are in accordance to literature, mean Se-O bond lengths are 1.714 and 1.644 Å.

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Die Kristallstruktur von Li₂Cu₃(SeO₃)₂(SeO₄)₂

Zusammenfassung Einkristall-Röntgendaten der hydrothermal gezüchteten neuen Phase Li₂Cu₃(SeO₃)₂(SeO₄)₂ wurden mit einem Vierkreisdiffraktometer im Bereich bis zu sin /=0.81 Å^–1 gemessen [I2/a,Z=4,V=1175.5 ų,a=16.293(6),b=5.007(2),c=14.448(6) Å, =94.21(1)°]. Die Kristallstruktur wurde mittels direkter und Fourier-Methoden bestimmt und für 2 086 unabhängige Reflexe zuR=0.034,R _w =0.027 verfeinert.Cu(1)^[4+1]O₅ bildet eine tetragonale Pyramide, Cu(2)^[4+2]O₆ ist ein stark verlängertes Oktaeder. Das Li-Atom ist von vier O-Atomen in Gestalt eines verzerrten Tetraeders umgeben. Die Se(IV)O₃-und Se(VI)O₄-Gruppen entsprechen der Literatur, die mittleren Se-O-Abstände betragen 1.714 und 1.644 Å.

     

On the crystal chemistry of three copper(II)-arsenates: Cu3(AsO4)2-III,Na4Cu(AsO4)2, and KCu4(AsO4)3

The three copper(II)-arsenates were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions; their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods:Cu₃(AsO₄)₂-III:a=5.046(2) Å,b=5.417(2) Å,c=6.354(2) Å, =70.61(2)°, =86.52(2)°, =68.43(2)°,Z=1, space group ,R=0.035 for 1674 reflections with sin / 0.90 Å^–1.Na₄Cu(AsO₄)₂:a=4.882(2) Å,b=5.870(2) Å,c=6.958(3) Å, =98.51(2)°, =90.76(2)°, =105.97(2)°,Z=1, space group ,R=0.028 for 2157 reflections with sin / 0.90 Å^–1.KCu₄(AsO₄)₃:a=12.234(5) Å,b=12.438(5) Å,c=7.307(3) Å, =118.17(2)°,Z=4, space group C2/c,R=0.029 for 1896 reflections with sin / 0.80 Å^–1.Within these three compounds the Cu atoms are square planar [4], tetragonal pyramidal [4+1], and tetragonal bipyramidal [4+2] coordinated by O atoms; an exception is the Cu(2)^[4+1] atom in Cu₃(AsO₄)₂-III: the coordination polyhedron is a representative for the transition from a tetragonal pyramid towards a trigonal bipyramid. In KCu₄(AsO₄)₃ the Cu(1)^[4]O₄ square and the As(1)O₄ tetrahedron share a common O—O edge of 2.428(5) Å, resulting in distortions of both the CuO₄ square and the AsO₄ tetrahedron. The two Na atoms in Na₄Cu(AsO₄)₂ are [6] coordinated, the K atom in KCu₄(AsO₄)₃ is [8] coordinated by O atoms.Die drei Kupfer(II)-Arsenate wurden unter Hydrothermalbedingungen gezüchtet und ihre Kristallstrukturen mittels Einkristall-Röntgenbeugungsmethoden ermittelt:Cu₃(AsO₄)₂-III:a = 5.046(2) Å,b = 5.417(2) Å,c = 6.354(2) Å, = 70.61 (2)°, = 86.52(2)°, = 68.43(2)°,Z = 1, Raumgruppe ,R = 0.035 für 1674 Reflexe mit sin / 0.90 Å^–1.Na₄Cu(AsO₄)₂:a = 4.882(2) Å,b = 5.870(2) Å,c = 6.958(3) Å, = 98.51(2)°, = 90.76(2)°, = 105.97(2)°,Z = 1, Raumgruppe ,R = 0.028 für 2157 Reflexe mit sin / 0.90 Å^–1.KCu₄(AsO₄)₃:a = 12.234(5) Å,b = 12.438(5) Å,c = 7.307(3) Å, = 118.17(2)°,Z = 4, Raumgruppe C2/c,R = 0.029 für 1896 Reflexe mit sin / 0.80 Å^–1.Die Cu-Atome in diesen drei Verbindungen sind durch O-Atome quadratisch planar [4], tetragonal pyramidal [4 + 1] und tetragonal dipyramidal [4 + 2]-koordiniert; eine Ausnahme ist das Cu(2)^{[4 + 1]}-Atom in Cu₃(AsO₄)₂-III: Das Koordinationspolyeder stellt einen Vertreter des Übergangs von einer tetragonalen Pyramide zu einer trigonalen Dipyramide dar. In KCu₄(AsO₄)₃ haben das Cu(1)^[4]O₄-Quadrat und das As(1)O₄-Tetraeder eine gemeinsame O—O-Kante von 2.428(5) Å, was eine Verzerrung der beiden Koordinationsfiguren CuO₄-Quadrat und AsO₄-Tetraeder bedingt. Die zwei Na-Atome in Na₄Cu(AsO₄)₃ sind durch O-Atome [6]-koordiniert, das K-Atom in KCu₄(AsO₄)₃ ist [8]-koordiniert.

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Zur Kristallchemie dreier Kupfer (II)-Arsenate: Cu₃(AsO₄)₂-III, Na₄Cu(AsO₄)₂ und KCu₄(AsO₄)₃

     

PbCu3(OH)(NO3)(SeO3)3·1/2H2O und Pb2Cu3O2(NO3)2(SeO3)2: Synthese und Kristallstrukturuntersuchung

Crystals of PbCu₃(OH)(NO₃)(SeO₃)₃·1/2H₂O [a=7.761(3)Å,b=9.478(4)Å,c=9.514(4)Å, =66.94(2)°, =69.83(2)°, =81.83(2)°, space group P ,Z=2] and Pb₂Cu₃O₂(NO₃)₂(SeO₃)₂ [a=5.884(2)Å,b=12.186(3)Å,c=19.371(4)Å, space group Cmc2₁,Z=4] were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Their crystal structures were refined with three-dimensional X-ray data toR _w=0.033 resp. 0.055. In PbCu₃(OH)(NO₃)(SeO₃)₃·1/2H₂O the Cu atoms are [4+1] and [4+2] coordinated and via SeO₃ groups a three-dimensional atomic arrangement is built up. In Pb₂Cu₃O₂(NO₃)₂(SeO₃)₂ there are sheets, which are connected only via Pb-O bonds ranging from 2.98 Å to 3.16 Å.

     

Die Kristallstruktur von Cu7(OH)6(TeO3)2(SO4)2

The crystal structure of the new phase Cu₇(OH)₆(TeO₃)₂(SO₄)₂ [a=7.389 (1),b=7.638 (1),c=7.662 (2) Å, =75.17 (1), =75.90 (1), =84.19 (1)°;Z=1] was determined by direct methods andFourier summations from X-ray intensities, and was refined in space group P -C _i ¹ toR=0.039. As usual, the Cu(II) atoms are coordinated to four O atoms forming approximately a square with average Cu-O=1.96 (3) Å; one or two more distant O neighbours complete the coordination. The shape of the TeO₃ group is a rather clear-cut trigonal pyramid. A disorder was found for the SO₄ tetrahedra. The compound was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions [500 (10) K, saturation vapour pressure].

Herrn Prof. Dr.K. Komarek zum 60. Geburtstag gewidmet.     

Formation and Crystallization Behavior of Gels in the Na2O-SiO2-TiO2-ZrO2 System

SiO₂-TiO₂-ZrO₂ and 5Na₂O·95(SiO₂ + TiO₂ + ZrO₂) gels were synthesized and role of Na₂O in gel formation and crystallization behavior of gels were studied. From Si(OC₂H₅)₄, Ti(iso-OC₃H₇)₄, Zr(n-OC₃H₇)₄ and NaOCH₃ solutions in EtOH without H₂O, transparent and opaque gels were obtained. Opaque bulk gels, rich in TiO₂ or ZrO₂ composition in Na₂O containing SiO₂-TiO₂-ZrO₂ system, contain agglomerated spherical particles of diameter small <10 m, in contrast with opaque gels having large particles <30 m in alkali-free SiO₂-TiO₂-ZrO₂ system. Crystallization temperature (Tc) was measured by DTA on dried gels. Compared with the alkali-free SiO₂-TiO₂-ZrO₂ gels, 5 mol% Na₂O containing gels gave lower Tc in SiO₂ rich compositions and higher in TiO₂ rich or ZrO₂ rich compositions.     

Die Kristallstruktur von Dikalium-trikobalt(II)-dihydroxid-trisulfat-dihydrat,K2Co3(OH)2(SO4)3·2H2O

Crystals of K₂Co₃(OH)₂(SO₄)₃·2H₂O were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The crystal structure [a=17.945 (4) Å,b=7.557 (2) Å,c=9.760 (3) Å, space group Cmc2₁,Z=4] was determined by direct methods and refined with single crystal X-ray data. The H atoms were located byFourier syntheses. Their structural parameters were refined, too. The finalR-values areR=0.025 andR _w =0.028 (w=1/) for 612 reflections withF ₀>3 (F ₀). Both Co(II) atoms are octahedral six coordinated and form zigzag chains running parallel [001]. These chains are connected via sulfate groups to built up sheets parallel (100). The KO₉ polyhedron and one of the four hydrogen bonds link these sheets.

     

Potential energy profiles of the geometric isomerization and the thermal decomposition of diphosphene HP=PH in the ground and excited electronic states

Summary The geometric isomerization and the dehydrogenation of HP=PH in the ground and some low-lying excited states are investigated by theoretical calculations. The reaction paths are traced by either the CASSCF or UHF-SCF calculations using the 6-31G(d,p) basis functions, and the accompanying energy changes are calculated by the MRD-CI method employing the [5s3p1d]/[2s1p] basis functions. The barrier heights for the trans-to-cis isomerization, by the planar inversion and the nonplanar twisting, in the ground state are calculated to be 265 and 144 kJ/mol (with the vibrational zero-point energy corrections), respectively. The latter barrier is noticeably lower than the H-P and the P-P bond dissociation energies oftrans-HP=PH (¹A_g), which are 304 and 271 kJ/mol, respectively. The ground-state HP₂ radical (²A'), which is to be formed by the dehydrogenation of HP=PH, should suffer further decomposition into P₂ (¹ _g ⁺ ) and H with an activation energy of 139 kJ/mol. The lowest excited state of HP₂ is found to be a hydrogen-bridged 3-electron system (²A₂) having an isosceles triangle structure. It has proved to be formed by the dehydrogenation of the lowest excited singlet state (¹B) of HP=PH via a transition state which lies 194 kJ/mol above the¹B state. The excited HP₂ (²A₂) is state-correlated with P₂ (³_u)+H.     

Effect of ionic interactions on the oxidation of Fe(II) with H2O2 in aqueous solutions

The oxidation of Fe(II) with H₂O₂ has been measured in NaCl and NaClO₄ solutions as a function of pH, temperature T (K) and ionic strength (M, mol-L^–1). The rate constants, k (M^–1-sec^–1), d[Fe(II)]/DT=-k[Fe(II)][₂O₂]at pH=6.5 have been fitted to equations of the formlog k = log k₀+ AI ^1/2+BI+CI ^1/2/T Where log k₀=15.53-3425/T in water; A=–2.3, –1.35; B=0.334, 0.180; and C=391, 235, respectively, for NaCl (=0.09) and NaClO₄ ( =0.08). Measurements made in NaCl solutions with added anions yield rates in the order B(OH) ₄ ^– >HCO ₃ ^– >ClO ₄ ^– >Cl^–>NO ₃ ^– >SO ₄ ^2– and are attributed to the relative strength of the interactions of Fe²⁺ or FeOH⁺ with these anions. The FeB(OH) ₄ ⁺ species is more reactive while the FeCO ₃ ⁰ , FeCl⁺, FeNO ₃ ⁺ and FeSO ₄ ⁰ species are less reactive than the FeOH⁺ ion pair. The general trend is similar to our earlier studies of the oxidation of Fe(II) with O₂ except for B(OH) ₄ ^– . The effect of pH on the logk was found to be a quadratic function of the concentration of H⁺ or OH^– from pH=4 to 8. These results have been attributed to the different rate constants for Fe²⁺ (k₀) and FeOH⁺ (k₁) which are related to the measured k by, k=k_0Fe + k_1FeOH, where _i is the molar fraction of species i. The rates increase due to the greater reactivity of FeOH⁺ compared to Fe²⁺. k₀ is independent of composition and ionic strength but k₁ is a function of ionic strength and composition due to the interactions of FeOH⁺ with various anions.     

Novel M(II)–Hg(II) coordination polymers generated from metal-containing building blocks M(2-pyrazinecarboxylate)2 · (H2O)2 (M=Cu, Ni, Co) and HgCl2

A new class of M(II)–Hg(II) (M=Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II)) mixed-metal coordination polymers, Cu(2-pyrazinecarboxylate)₂HgCl₂ (4), [Co(2-pyrazinecarboxylate)₂(HgCl₂)₂] · 0.61H₂O (5) and [Ni(2-pyrazinecarboxylate)₂(HgCl₂)₂] · 0.77H₂O (6), have been prepared by self assembly of metal-containing building blocks, M(2-pyrazinecarboxylate)₂ · (H₂O)₂(M=Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II)), with HgCl₂. Compounds 4–6 were characterized fully by IR, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 4 crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with a=17.916(5) Å, b=7.223(2) Å, c=13.335(4) Å, β=128.726(3)°, V=1346.2(6) ų, Z=4. It contains alternating Hg(II) and Cu(II) metal centers that are cross-linked by 2-pyrazinecarboxylate spacers and chlorine co-ligands to generate a unique three-dimensional Hg(II)–Cu(II) mixed metal framework. Compound 5 crystallized in the triclinic space group P , with a=6.3879(7) Å, b=6.6626(8) Å, c=13.2286(15) Å, α=96.339(2)°, β=91.590(2)°, γ=113.462(2)°, V=511.71(10) ų, Z=1. Compound 6 also crystallized in the triclinic space group P , with a=6.3543(8) Å, b=6.6194(8) Å, c=13.2801(16) Å, α=96.449(2)°, β=92.263(2)°, γ=113.541(2)°, V=506.67(11) ų, Z=1. Compounds 5 and 6 are isostructural and in the solid state the Hg(II)M(II)Hg(II) units are connected by Hg₂Cl₂ linkages to produce a novel M(II)–Hg(II) (M=Co(II), Ni(II)) zigzag mixed-metal chain, in which a new type of M–M′–M′–M array was observed. The metal containing building blocks, M(2-pyrazinecarboxylate)₂ · (H₂O)₂ (M=Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II)), exhibit different connectivities to HgCl₂ depending on the metal cation contained within them.     

Zur Kenntnis von Cr2H2(As2O7)(As4O12)

The crystal structure of Cr₂H₂(As₂O₇)(As₄O₁₂) has been determined by X-ray methods using single crystal diffractometer data (1,152 reflections,R=0.054, orthorhombic,Pmmn,a=1317.7 (7),b=1124.9 (6),c=494.3 (4) pm,Z=2). The crystal structure contains both diarsenate(V) and the hitherto unknown cyclo-tetraarsenate(V)-anions. The magnetic susceptibility follows theCurie-Weiss law (=3.86±0.01 _B/Cr³⁺, =–31 K).

     

Structural and electrical properties of the 2Bi2O3·3ZrO2 system

Powder mixtures of α-Bi₂O₃ (bismite) and monoclinic m-ZrO₂ (baddeleyite) in the molar ratio 2:3 were mechanochemically and thermally treated with the goal to examine the phases, which may appear during such procedures. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electrical measurements, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanochemical reaction leads to the gradual formation of a nanocrystalline phase, which resembles δ-Bi₂O₃, a high-temperature Bi₂O₃ polymorph. Isothermal sintering in air at a temperature of 820 °C for 24 h followed by quenching to room temperature yielded a mixture of ZrO₂-stabilized β-Bi₂O₃ and m-ZrO₂ phases, whereas in slowly cooled products, the complete separation of the initial α-Bi₂O₃ and m-ZrO₂ constituents was observed. The dielectric permittivity of the sintered samples significantly depended on the temperature. The sintered and quenched samples exhibited a hysteresis dependence of the dielectric shift, showing that the ZrO₂-doped β-Bi₂O₃ phase possess ferroelectric properties, which were detected for the first time. This fact, together with Rietveld refinement of the β-Bi₂O₃/m-ZrO₂ mixture based on neutron powder diffraction data showed that ZrO₂-doped β-Bi₂O₃ has a non-centrosymmetric structure with as the true space group. The ZrO₂ content in the doped β-Bi₂O₃ and the crystal chemical reasons for the stabilization of the β-Bi₂O₃ phase by the addition of m-ZrO₂ are discussed.     

Syntheses and characterization of two oxoborates, (Pb3O)2(BO3)2MO4 (M=Cr, Mo)

Two oxoborates, (Pb₃O)₂(BO₃)₂MO₄ (M=Cr, Mo), have been prepared by solid-state reactions below 700 °C. Single-crystal XRD analyses showed that the Cr compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic group Pnma with a=6.4160(13) Å, b=11.635(2) Å, c=18.164(4) Å, Z=4 and the Mo analog in the group Cmcm with a=18.446(4) Å, b=6.3557(13) Å, c=11.657(2) Å, Z=4. Both compounds are characterized by one-dimensional chains formed by corner-sharing OPb₄ tetrahedra. BO₃ and CrO₄ (MoO₄) groups are located around the chains to hold them together via Pb–O bonds. The IR spectra further confirmed the presence of BO₃ groups in both structures and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra showed band gaps of about 1.8 and 2.9 eV for the Cr and Mo compounds, respectively. Band structure calculations indicated that (Pb₃O)₂(BO₃)₂MoO₄ is a direct semiconductor with the calculated energy gap of about 2.4 eV.     

Darstellung und Kristallstruktur von Pb2(NO2)(NO3)(SeO3)

Crystals of Pb₂(NO₂)(NO₃)(SeO₃) were synthesized by partial reduction of nitrate ions with native copper under hydrothermal conditions. The crystal structure [a=5.529 (2) Å,b=10.357 (3) Å,c=6.811 (2) Å, space group Pmn2₁,Z=2] was determined from 1 707 independent X-ray data up to sin /=0.81 Å^–1 and was refined toR _w =0.028. The Pb(1) atom is ten coordinated to O atoms [Pb(1)-O from 2.51 Å to 2.96 Å], the Pb(2) atom has three nearest O atoms [Pb(2)-O=2.41 Å (1 ×) and 2.45 Å (2 ×)] and six next-nearest O atoms [Pb(2)-O from 2.80 Å to 3.22 Å].

Herrn Prof. Dr.K. Komarek zum 60. Geburtstag gewidmet.     

Hexagonal high pressure phase of copper(I)tetraiodomercurate (Cu2HgI4)

Summary Using a high pressure X-ray camera Cu₂HgI₄ was subjected at room temperature to pressures up to about 8 GPa. A hexagonal high pressure phase (a=8.28 (2) Å,c=3.40 (0) Å, space group P lm,Z=1) could be detected. This phase shows a reversible transformation with pressure hysteresis. The transition occurs at 7 GPa when the pressure is increased but at 6 GPa when the pressure is decreased.

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Hexagonale Hochdruckphase von Kupfer(I)tetraiodomercurat (Cu₂HgI₄)

Zusammenfassung Cu₂HgI₄ wurde in einer Hochdruckkamera bei Raumtemperatur mit einem Druck bis zu 8 GPa belastet. Dabei bildete sich eine hexagonale Hochdruckmodifikation (a=8.28 (2) Å,c=3.40 (0) Å, Raumgruppe P lm,Z=1). Für diese Phase wurde eine reversible Umwandlung mit Druckhysterese festgestellt. Mit steigendem Druck findet die Umwandlung bei 7 GPa mit sinkendem Druck jedoch bei 6 GPa statt.

     

Microstructure Control of RF and Carbon Aerogels Prepared by Sol-Gel Process

A novel sol–gel process has been successfully developed for preparing strontium bismuth tantalate (SrBi₂Ta₂O₉, known as SBT) with ethylene alcohol as a solvent and acetic acid as a catalyst. The size of phase-pure SBT nanoparticles could be 4 nm in diameter by avoiding the formation of the fluorite phase at the low temperatures (550–600C). The behavior of the crystallization in SBT is investigated by XRD, TG-DTA, FT-IR and TEM. The nanoparticle size as a function of the annealing temperature is also investigated. By fitting the Arrhenius curve, we obtain the crystalline and vitreous growth activation energies, i.e, E_a1 = 0.709 eV and E_a2 = 0.093 eV. The two other fitting parameters, transition temperature T₀ = 814 K (541C) and transition width = 0.022, directly show the behavior of the phase transition from vitreous phase to crystalline phase.     

普鲁士蓝/CdS纳米复合物电致化学发光及其H2O2传感应用

通过一定体积比的CdS和普鲁士蓝(PB)胶体纳米溶液的简单混合,制备了PB/CdS纳米复合物。在共反应剂存在条件下,PB纳米粒子含量较低时,在ITO电极上CdS纳晶的电致化学发光(ECL)强度可以增强3倍左右。PB纳米粒子含量较高时,CdS纳晶的ECL强度则显著降低。详细讨论了PB纳米粒子对CdS纳晶ECL影响的机理。PB纳米粒子对CdS纳晶的ECL增强可用于H2O2传感。该传感器对H2O2响应的线性范围为3.3×10-8～6.5×10-3 mol.L-1(R=0.999 2),检测限为12 nmol.L-1(S/N=3),传感器具有良好的稳定性和重现性。     

Oxygen non-stoichiometry and diffusion in RBA2CU3O6+x (R=Y, Gd, Ho) investigated by TG method

By means of thermogravimetry (TG) and chemical analysis equilibrium dependencies of oxygen content in GdBa₂Cu₃O_6+x and HoBa₂Cu₃O_6+x on temperature and were studied. It is found that at equal temperature and the oxygen content in RBa₂Cu₃O_6+x increased in order Ho-Y-Gd.On the basis of Fick 2nd law mathematical procedures to determine diffusion coefficients of oxygen from TG data were developed. The oxygen diffusion coefficients in RBa₂Cu₃O_6+x (R=Y, Gd, Ho) were evaluated in a wide temperature (300–900°C) range (at =0.21 bar). The developed model rather satisfactory decribes oxygen diffusion processes in phases under investigation. It is found that for all studied compounds oxygen diffusion in orthorhombic phase happened faster than in tetragonal one. The values of diffusion coefficients increase in order Ho-Y-Gd with increasing of ionic radius of the rare earth element.     

Rate Constant for the Reaction of the OH-Radical with CH2F2

The rate constant value of k ₁ = (6.05 ± 0.20)×10⁹ cm³ mol^–1 s^–1 (with ± 1 error) has been determined for the reaction OH + CH₂F₂ (1) by applying the discharge-flow/resonance-fluorescence method at 298 K.     

Intensity distribution in the vibronic Γ7(2 T 2g )→Γ8(4 A 2g ) transition of ReBr 6 2− in Hexahalogenostannate host crystals

The phosphorescence spectra of ReBr ₆ ^2– doped A₂SnX₆ (A = K, Rb, Cs; X = Cl, Br) have been measured at 10 K. The spectra consist of a weighted sum of progressions associated with the local modes of the ReBr ₆ ^2– center. By a fit to a generalized Lorentzian line shape function the totally symmetric distortion of the ₇(² T _2g ) excited state relative to the ₈(⁴ A _2g ) ground state has been determined.Dedicated to Professor Dr. H.-H. Schmidtke on the occasion of his 50th birthday.     

Preparation and Characterization of Amorphous ZrO2-SiO2 Composite Powders Processed by Sol-Gel Chemistry

Composite ZrO₂-SiO₂ powders, with different ZrO₂ contents, including pure ZrO₂ powders, were prepared by precipitation in SiO₂ suspensions, of zirconia gels from solutions of zirconyl chloride at pH = 11. These products were investigated in connection with the phase changes in ZrO₂ caused by heat-treatments. ZrO₂-SiO₂ mixtures containing 0–100% mol ZrO₂, were studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed desorption combined with mass spectroscopy (TPD-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), to obtain information on the morphological and structural features of the particles before and during the heat treatment up to 1200°C. Specific surface areas were determined using nitrogen adsorption by the BET method. The results offer an explanation about some of the factors which can be influencing on the stabilization of metastable-cubic/tetragonal (C/T) phase of ZrO₂ and the evolution of surface areas (vulcano profile) observed in the composites.