Facile sonochemical synthesis and photoluminescent properties of lanthanide orthophosphate nanoparticles

Uniform lanthanide orthophosphate LnPO₄ (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho) nanoparticles have been systematically synthesized via a facile, fast, efficient ultrasonic irradiation of inorganic salt aqueous solution under ambient conditions without any surfactant or template. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), photoluminescence (PL) spectra as well as kinetic decays were employed to characterize the samples. The SEM and the TEM images show that the hexagonal structured lanthanide orthophosphate LnPO₄ (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) products have nanorod bundles morphology, while the tetragonal LnPO₄ (Ln=Tb, Dy, Ho) samples prepared under the same experimental conditions are composed of nanoparticles. HRTEM micrographs and SAED results prove that these nanostructures are polycrystalline in nature. The possible formation mechanism for LnPO₄ (Ln=La-Gd) nanorod bundles is proposed. Eu³⁺-doped LaPO₄ and Tb³⁺-doped CePO₄ samples were also prepared by using the same synthetic process, which exhibit an orange-red (Eu³⁺:⁵D₀-⁷F_{1, 2, 3, 4}) and green (Tb³⁺, ⁵D₄-⁷F_{3, 4, 5, 6}) emission, respectively.     

Thermodynamic investigation of the phase formation processes in the systems LnSe2–LnSe1.5 (Ln = La,Ce, Pr,Nd)

The pressure of selenium was measured by the static method with quartz membrane-gauge manometers in the systems LnSe₂–LnSe_1.5 (Ln = Ce, Pr) within the temperature range (893–1332) K. From p_Se-T-x dependences obtained, the composition of intermediate phases and the thermodynamic characteristics (Δ_rH₂₉₈, Δ_rS°₂₉₈) for the stepwise dissociation processes in the systems studied were calculated. Data obtained in our previous works for the systems LnSe₂–LnSe_1.5 (Ln = La, Pr, Nd) were reprocessed in connection with more correct estimation of heat capacities and absolute entropies of polyselenides. The standard thermodynamic functions (Δ_fH₂₉₈, S°₂₉₈, Δ_fG°₂₉₈) of La, Ce, Pr, Nd polyselenides were determined. Solid phase compositions in the systems LnSe₂–LnSe_1.5 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) may be described by general formula Ln_nSe_2n−1 (n = 5, 7, 10, 20). The dependence of thermodynamic values of polyselenides on the selenium content was analysed. The set of thermodynamic characteristics obtained may be used for phase equilibria calculation and for thermodynamic modelling of single-crystal growth processes in the systems LnSe₂–LnSe_1.5 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd).     

Synthesis, identification and thermal decomposition of double sulfates of La, Ce, Pr or Nd with ethanolammonium

On evaporation at room temperature of an aqueous reaction mixture of Ln(III) sulfate and ethanolammonium sulfate in a molar ratio higher than 1∶16, crystal products with a waxy feel were obtained. They were identified by means of the X-ray powder diffraction patterns and it was concluded that they are isostructural. The results of elemental analysis and the mass losses by TG analysis indicated the formation of double sulfates with general formula: (HOCH₂CH₂NH₃)₄Ln₂(SO₄)5·4.5H₂O (Ln=La, Ce, Pr or Nd) Their thermal decompositions in static atmosphere in the temperature range from ambient up to 1173 K took place in a similar way, and mainly Ln₂O₂SO₄ was obtained as final product. The exception was the Ce compound, which decomposed to CeO₂. The double sulfates decomposed in many not well-differentiated steps. From the mass losses occurring during thermal decomposition, the mode of thermal decomposition was presumed. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns of Ln₂O₂SO₄ (Ln=La, Pr and Nd) show that they are also isostructural.     

Synthese und Aufbau von (4-Picolinium)[LnCl4(H2O)3] (Ln = La,Ce, Pr,Nd)

Preparation and Crystal Structure of (4-Picolinium)[LnCl₄(H₂O)₃] (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) The complex water containing chlorides (4-Picolinium)[LnCl₄(H₂O)₃] (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) were prepared for the first time, and the crystal structures of (4-Picolinium)[LnCl₄(H₂O)₃] (Ln = La, Pr) were determined on single crystals by X-ray methods. The isotypic compounds crystallize with triclinic symmetry, space group P1 , Z = 2. Surprisingly there exist the dimeric complex anions [Ln₂Cl₈(H₂O)₆]^2? (Ln = La, Pr).     

Ln3UO6Cl3 (Ln=La,Pr, Nd) -. Die ersten Oxochlorouranate der Seltenen Erden

Ln₃UO₆Cl₃ (Ln=La, Pr, Nd) — The First Oxochlorouranates of the Rare Earths . The new compounds Ln₃UO₆Cl₃ (Ln=La, Pr, Nd) were prepared by heating stoichiometric amounts of LnOCl/Ln₂O₃/U₃O₈ (7 : 1 : 1) (Ln=La, Nd) and PrOCl/Pr₆O₁₁/U₃O₈ (12 : 1 : 2) in silica ampoules (5 d, 1000°C, Ln=La; 9 d 800°C, Ln=Pr, Nd) in the presence of an excess of chlorine [p(Cl₂, 25°C)=1 atm]. Single crystals were obtained by chemical transport reactions using chlorine [p(Cl₂, 25°C)=1 atm] as transport agent [T₂=1000°C→T₁=900°C (Ln=La); T₂=840°C→T₁=780°C (Ln=Pr, Nd)]. Crystals of Ln₃UO₆Cl₃ (Ln=La, Pr, Nd) were investigated by X-ray diffraction methods and La₃UO₆Cl₃ additionally by high resolution electron microscopy. The compounds Ln₃UO₆Cl₃ crystallize in the hexagonal spacegroup P6₃/m (No. 176) with Z=2 formula units per unit cell. Isotypical structure refinements resulted in R=3.04% respectively R_w=1.91% (Ln=La), R=4.72% respectively R_w=3.80% (Ln=Pr) and R=3.99% respectively R_w=2.49% (Ln=Nd). Uranium is coordinated with six oxygen atoms forming a trigonal prism. Lanthanide ions are 10-coordinated (6 oxygen atoms, 4 chlorine atoms).     

Thermal decomposition of light lanthanide diglycolates

The conditions of thermal decomposition of La, Ce(III), Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd diglycolates have been studied. On heating, the diglycolates of Ce(III), Pr, Eu and Gd lose crystallization water and yield anhydrous salts, which are then transformed into oxides. The diglycolates of La, Nd and Sm are decomposed in three stages. First, the diglycolates undergo dehydration to form the anhydrous salts, which are next decomposed to Ln₂O₂CO₃. In the last step the thermal decomposition of Ln₂O₂CO₃ to Ln₂O₃ takes place, accompanied by an endothermic effect.     

Solid-state 2-methoxybenzoates of light trivalent lanthanides

Solid-state LnL₃ compounds, where L is 2-methoxybenzoate and Ln is light trivalent lanthanides, have been synthesized. Thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffractometry, infrared spectroscopy and elementary analysis were used to characterize and to study the thermal behaviour of these compounds. The results led to information on the composition, dehydration, thermal stability and thermal decomposition of the isolated compounds. On heating these complexes decompose in three (Ce, Pr) or five (La, Nd, Sm) steps with the formation of the respective oxide: CeO₂, Pr₆O₁₁ and Ln₂O₃ (Ln=La, Nd, Sm) as final residues. The theoretical and experimental spectroscopic study suggests predominantly the ionic bond between the ligand and metallic center.     

Regularities of change in the structural parameters of EuLnCuS<Subscript>3</Subscript> (Ln = La–Nd,Sm, Gd,Ho)

Regularities of change in the structural parameters of EuLnCuS₃ (Ln = La–Nd, Sm, Gd, Ho) at an annealing temperature of 970 and 1170 K have been established. A decrease in the Ln³⁺ ionic radius results in the consecutive change of structural types (STs) for the compounds: α-EuLnCuS₃ (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd; BaLaCuS₃ ST) → β-EuLnCuS₃ (Ln = Ce, Pr, Nd; Ba2MnS₃ ST) → γ-EuLnCuS₃ (Ln = Sm, Gd, Ho; Eu₂CuS₃ST). The change of structural types for EuLnCuS₃ leads to a jump-like change in their unit cell parameters and the transformation of coordination polyhedra shaped as a one-capped trigonal prism LnS₇ (α and β phases) into an octahedron LnS₆ (γ phases). The appearance of morphotropic changes correlates with the tetrad effect.     

Thermal decompositions of lanthanum and lanthanide salts of sebacic acid

The conditions of thermal decomposition of La, Ce(III), Pr(III), Nd, Sm(III), Eu, Gd, Tb(III), Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu sebacates have been studied. When heated in air atmosphere, the sebacates of La and lanthanides with general formula Ln₂(C₁₀H₁₆O₄)₃·nH₂O, wheren=6?24, lose some crystallization water molecules in one or two steps at 323–343 K and are then dehydrated and decomposed simultaneously to the oxides Ln₂O₃, CeO₂, Pr₆O₁₁ and Tb₄O₇. The oxides are formed over the range of temperature 783 K (CeO₂)?1073 K (Nd₂O₃).     

Seven new rare-earth transition-metal oxychalcogenides: Syntheses and characterization of Ln4MnOSe6 (Ln=La, Ce, Nd), Ln4FeOSe6 (Ln=La, Ce, Sm), and La4MnOS6

The quaternary oxychalcogenides Ln₄MnOSe₆ (Ln=La, Ce, Nd), Ln₄FeOSe₆ (Ln=La, Ce, Sm), and La₄MnOS₆ have been synthesized by the reactions of Ln (Ln=La, Ce, Nd, Sm), M (M=Mn, Fe), Se, and SeO₂ at 1173 K for the selenides or by the reaction of La₂S₃ and MnO at 1173 K for the sulfide. Warning: These reactions frequently end in explosions. These isostructural compounds crystallize with two formula units in space group of the hexagonal system. The cell constants (a, c in Å) at 153 K are: La₄MnOSe₆, 9.7596(3), 7.0722(4); La₄FeOSe₆, 9.7388(4), 7.0512(5); Ce₄MnOSe₆, 9.6795(4), 7.0235(5); Ce₄FeOSe₆, 9.6405(6), 6.9888(4); Nd₄MnOSe₆, 9.5553(5), 6.9516(5); Sm₄FeOSe₆, 9.4489(5), 6.8784(5); and La₄MnOS₆, 9.4766(6), 6.8246(6). The structure of these Ln₄MOQ₆ compounds comprises a three-dimensional framework of interconnected LnOQ₇ bicapped trigonal prisms, MQ₆ octahedra, and the unusual LnOQ₆ tricapped tetrahedra.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of 12L-perovskites Ba4LnIr3O12 (Ln=lanthanides)

New quadruple perovskite oxides Ba₄LnIr₃O₁₂ (Ln=lanthanides) were prepared and their magnetic properties were investigated. They crystallize in the monoclinic 12L-perovskite-type structure with space group C2/m. The Ir₃O₁₂ trimers and LnO₆ octahedra are alternately linked by corner-sharing and form the perovskite-type structure with 12 layers. The Ln and Ir ions are both in the tetravalent state for Ln=Ce, Pr, and Tb compounds , and for other compounds (Ln=La, Nd, Sm-Gd, Dy-Lu), Ln ions are in the trivalent state and the mean oxidation state of Ir ions is . An antiferromagnetic transition has been observed for Ln=Ce, Pr, and Tb compounds at 10.5, 35, and 16 K, respectively, while the other compounds are paramagnetic down to 1.8 K.     

Darstellung und elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchung neuer Verbindungen des Typs Ln3MO4Cl5 (Ln = La?Nd; M = Ge,V)

Preparation and Electronmicroscopic Investigation of New Compounds Ln₃MO₄Cl₅ (Ln = La? Nd; M = Ge, V) By heating mixtures of LnOCl, LnCl₃ und GeO₂ (2:1:1) in evacuated silica tubes (Pt-shells inside) the compounds Ln₃GeO₄Cl₅ (Ln = La? Nd) were prepared. The case that the temperature of preparation (La: T = 900°C, 8d; Ce: T = 800°C, 9d; Pr, Nd: T = 650°C, 13 d) had to be reduced from Ln = La to Ln = Nd indicates a decreasing thermodynamic stability in this direction. The compound La₃VO₄Cl₅ was prepared by heating (900°C, 8d) a mixture (2:1:1) of LaOCl, LaCl₃ and VO₂ and was investigated by electronmicroscopic techniques.     

Preparation and structure of the light rare-earth copper selenides LnCuSe2 (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm)

The ternary selenides LnCuSe₂ (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) have been synthesized by the reaction at 1173 K of Ln, Cu, and Se in a KBr or KI flux. The compounds, which are isostructural with LaCuS₂, crystallize with four formula units in the space group P2₁/c of the monoclinic system. The structure may be thought of as consisting of layers of CuSe₄ tetrahedra separated by double layers of LnSe₇ monocapped trigonal prisms along the a-axis. Cell constants (Å or deg) at 153 K are: LaCuSe₂, 6.8142(5), 7.5817(6), 7.2052(6), 97.573(1)°; CeCuSe₂, 6.7630(5), 7.5311(6), 7.1650(6), 97.392(1)°; PrCuSe₂, 6.740(1), 7.481(1), 7.141(1), 97.374(2)°; NdCuSe₂, 6.7149(6), 7.4452(7), 7.1192(6), 97.310(1)°; SmCuSe₂, 6.6655(6), 7.3825(7), 7.0724(6), 97.115(1)°. There are no Se-Se bonds in the structure of LnCuSe₂; the formal oxidation states of Ln/Cu/Se are 3+/1+/2−.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization and thermal studies of some rare earth metal complexes of unsymmetrical tetradentate Schiff base ligand

The solid complexes of La(III), Ce(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), Sm(III) and Gd(III) with 4-hydroxy-3-(1-{2-(2-hydroxy-benzylidene)-aminophenylimino}-thyl)-6-methy-pyran-2-one (H₂L) derived from o-phenylenediamine, 3-acetyl-6-methyl-(2H)pyran,2,4(3H)-dione (dehydroacetic acid or DHA) and salicylic aldehyde have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductometry, magnetic susceptibility, UV–visible, FTIR, ¹H NMR spectra, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis and screened for antimicrobial activity. The FTIR spectral data suggest that the ligand behaves as a dibasic tetradentate ligand with ONNO donar atoms sequence towards central metal ion. From the microanalytical data, the stoichiometry of the complexes has been found to be 1:1 (metal:ligand). The physico-chemical data suggest distorted octahedral geometry for La(III), Ce(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), Sm(III) and Gd(III) complexes. The X-ray diffraction data suggest monoclinic crystal system for La(III) and Ce(III) and orthorhombic crystal system for Pr(III) and Nd(III) complexes. Thermal behaviour (TGA/DTA) of the complexes was studied and kinetic parameters were determined by Horowitz–Metzger and Coats–Redfern methods. The ligand and their metal complexes were screened for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus sp. Fungicidal activity against Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma and Fusarium oxysporum.     

Structure and physical properties of rare-earth zinc antimonides REZn1-xSb2 (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb)

The ternary rare-earth zinc antimonides REZn_1-xSb₂ (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb) were prepared by heating at 1050 °C followed by annealing at 600 °C. For all members, single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies indicated that the Zn deficiency is essentially fixed, corresponding to the formula REZn_0.6Sb₂, with no appreciable homogeneity range. These compounds adopt the HfCuSi₂-type structure (Pearson symbol tP8, space group P4/nmm, Z=2). Single-crystal electrical resistivity measurements confirmed the occurrence of an abrupt resistivity decrease near 4 K for RE=Ce, and a less pronounced one for RE=La, Pr, and Gd. Except for the ferromagnetic Ce (T_c=2.5 K) and antiferromagnetic Tb (T_N=10 K) members, all remaining compounds exhibit no long-range magnetic ordering down to 2 K, instead showing temperature-independent (RE=La), van Vleck (RE=Sm), or Curie-Weiss paramagnetism (RE=Pr, Nd, Gd).     

Thermal decomposition of 4,4′-dipyridyl complexes of light rare-earth thiocyanates in air atmosphere

The thermal decompositions of Ln(NCS)₃(4-dipy)₂·5H₂O were studied, whereLn=La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu and Y, and 4-dipy=4,4′-dipyridyl. The compounds are first dehydrated. During the thermal decomposition of Ln(NCS)₃(4-dipy)₂, deamination takes place. The transient products decompose with the formation of Ln₂O₂SO₄. The energies of activation for the first step of dehydration of the La, Pr, Nd, Sm and Eu complexes were determined.

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Zusammenfassung Es wurde die thermische Zersetzung von Ln(NCS)₃(4-dipy)₂.5H₂O mitLn=La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Y und 4-dipy=4,4′-Dipyridyl untersucht. Die Verbindungen werden zuerst dehydratiert. Bei der thermischen Zersetzung von Ln(NCS)₃(4-dipy)₂ findet eine Desaminierung statt. Die übergangsprodukte zersetzen sich unter Bildung von Ln₂O₂SO₄. Die Aktivierungsenergie für den ersten Schritt der Dehydratation der La-, Pr-, Nd-, Sm- und Eu-Komplexe wurde ermittelt.

     

Pyridine-1-oxide complexes of lanthanide iodides

Pyridine-1-oxide complexes of lanthanide iodides of the formulaLn(PyO)₈I₃ whereLn=La, Pr, Nd, Tb, Dy, Er, and Yb have been prepared and characterised by analyses, molecular weight, conductance, infrared and proton NMR data. Proton NMR and IR data have shown the coordination of the ligand to the metal through the oxygen atom of the N?O group. NMR data have been interpreted in terms of a distorted square antiprismatic geometry in solution.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, and magnetic properties of the antiferromagnetic double perovskites Ln2LiOsO6 (Ln=La, Pr, Nd, Sm)

A series of osmium double perovskite oxides, Ln₂LiOsO₆ (Ln=La, Pr, Nd, Sm), has been prepared as single crystals from acidic molten hydroxide. All four oxides crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n (Glazer tilt system #10, a⁻a⁻b⁺), forming a 1:1 ordered rock salt lattice of Li⁺ and Os⁵⁺ cations. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that these compounds are antiferromagnetic at low temperature with ordering temperatures of 39, 35, 23, and 32 K for Ln₂LiOsO₆ (Ln=La, Pr, Nd, Sm), respectively.     

Crystal growth of Ln2NiO4 (Ln = La,Pr, Nd) by skull melting

Growth of large single crystals of quasi-two-dimensional Ln₂NiO₄ (Ln = La, Pr, Nd) has been accomplished using the radio frequency technique of skull melting under controlled oxygen partial pressures. No evidence of intergrowth of other phases such as Ln₃Ni₂O₇ or higher homologs was observed. Determination of the Ni³⁺ content indicates that the crystals are cation deficient.     

Complexes of rare-earth metals with meconic acid

Two series of complexes of meconic acid (H₃ Mec) with rare-earths have been prepared by varying the preparative procedure. The compounds have the general formulae, [Ln(Mec) (H₂O)₂]·3 H₂O (whereLn=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Ho and Y) and [Ln(HMec) (H₂ Mec) (H₂O)₂]·4 H₂O (whereLn=La, Pr, Nd and Sm). The infrared spectral data indicate that the carboxylate groups are bound to the rare-earth metal in a bidentate fashion. Thermal studies indicate that two water molecules are coordinated in each case. The complexes are probably polymeric.

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Komplexe von Seltenerd-Metallen mit Meconsäure

Zusammenfassung Es wurden zwei Reihen von Komplexen der Meconsäure (H₃ Mec) mit Seltenerd-Metallen mit den allgemeinen Formeln [Ln(Mec)(H₂O)₂]·3 H₂O (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Ho, Y) und [Ln(HMec)₂(H₂ Mec) (H₂O)₂]·4 H₂O (Ln=La, Pr, Nd, Sm) hergestellt. Die IR-Spektren zeigen, daß die Carboxylat-Gruppen in zweizähniger Weise mit den Metallionen koordinieren; thermische Untersuchungen ergeben, daß in beiden Reihen jeweils zwei Wassermoleküle zusätzlich koordiniert sind. Die Komplexe weisen wahrscheinlich eine Polymerstruktur auf.