Nonenzymatic H2O2 Electrochemical Sensor Based on SnO2‐NPs Coated Polyethylenimine Functionalized Graphene

This paper demonstrated using polyethylenimine (PEI)‐functionalized graphene (Gr) incorporating tin oxide (SnO₂) hybrid nanocomposite as a platform for nonenzymatic H₂O₂ electrochemical sensor. The results of UV‐vis spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the simultaneous formation of tin oxide (SnO₂) nanocomposite and reduction of graphene oxide (GO). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed a uniform distribution of nanometer‐sized tin oxide nanoparticles on the grapheme sheets, which could be achieved using stannous chloride (SnCl₂) complex instead of tin oxide as precursor. The electrochemical measurements, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometric performance (I‐t), showed that the PEI‐functionalized Gr supported SnO₂ (SnO₂‐PEI‐Gr) exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the H₂O₂. The corresponding calibration curve of the current response showed a linear detection range of 9×10⁻⁶∼1.64×10⁻³ mol L⁻¹, while the limit of detection was estimated to be 1×10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹. Electrochemical studies indicated that SnO₂ and functionalized Gr worked synergistically for the detection of H₂O₂.     

In-situ Grown SnO2 Nanospheres on Reduced GO Nanosheets as Advanced Anodes for Lithium-ion Batteries

Nanostructured tin dioxide (SnO₂) has emerged as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity (1494 mA h g⁻¹) and excellent stability. Unfortunately, the rapid capacity fading and poor electrical conductivity of bulk SnO₂ material restrict its practical application. Here, SnO₂ nanospheres/reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (SRG) are fabricated through in-situ growth of carbon-coated SnO₂ using template-based approach. The nanosheet structure with the external layer of about several nanometers thickness can not only accommodate the volume change of Sn lattice during cycling but also enhance the electrical conductivity effectively. Benefited from such design, the SRG composites could deliver an initial discharge capacity of 1212.3 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹, outstanding cycling performance of 1335.6 mA h g⁻¹ after 500 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹, and superior rate capability of 502.1 mA h g⁻¹ at 5 A g⁻¹ after 10 cycles. Finally, it is believed that this method could provide a versatile and effective process to prepare other metal-oxide/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) 2D nanocomposites.     

Chemischer Transport und Sauerstoffionenleitfähigkeit von Mischkristallen im System In2O3/SnO2

Chemical Transport of Solid Solutions. 8. Transport Phenomena and Ionic Conductivity in the In₂O₃/SnO₂ System Chemical transport reactions are a suitable pathway to the preparation of In₂O₃‐rich and SnO₂‐rich mixed crystals coexisting in the In₂O₃/SnO₂ system (Cl₂ as transport agent, 1050 → 900 °C). Experiments are consistent with thermodynamic calculations. The existence of other phases in the system In₂O₃/SnO₂ could not be confirmed. The ionic conductivity of In₂O₃(SnO₂) was investigated.     

Selective catalytic reduction of NO over metal oxide or noble metal-doped In2O3/Al2O3 catalysts by propene in the presence of oxygen

The activities of metal oxide CuO, SnO₂, CoO, Ag₂O, ZnO or noble metal Pt, Pd, Rh-doped In₂O₃/Al₂O₃ catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NO by propene were investigated. The temperature windows for NO reduction over noble metal-doped In₂O₃/Al₂O₃ catalysts were shifted and broaden slightly compared with single component catalyst alone. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Tin Acetylacetonate as a Precursor for Producing Gas-Sensing SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Thin Films

To expand the range of precursors used in the sol–gel technology for applying nanostructured SnO₂ thin films promising as components of semiconductor chemical gas sensors, the efficiency of using tin acetylacetonate solutions with various precursor concentrations was demonstrated. It was determined that finely divided SnO₂ with a crystallite size of 3–4 nm (cassiterite) can be obtained by hydrolysis by atmospheric moisture in the course of solvent evaporation at room temperature. Using tin acetylacetonate solutions with various precursor concentrations for applying SnO₂ thin films by dip coating to the surface of rough ceramic Al₂O₃-based substrates with platinum interdigital electrodes and a microheater resulted in significant differences in microstructure, continuity, thickness, and porosity of the produced coatings. In a lower-concentration (0.13 mol/L) tin acetylacetonate solution, a multilayer dense continuous SnO₂ coating was applied, whereas in a higher-concentration (0.25 mol/L) solution, the formed layer comprised aggregated nanoparticles 30–60 nm in size and had much more defects and higher porosity. The sensitivity of the obtained thin-film nanostructures to the most practically important gaseous analytes: CO, H₂, CH₄, CO₂, and NO₂. The produced two-dimensional nanomaterials were shown to be promising for detecting carbon monoxide at 200–300°C in dry air.     

C−H Activation by Iron-Vanadium Bimetallic Oxide Cluster Anions FeV3O10− and FeV5O15−: A Comparison with Scandium-Vanadium Oxide Clusters

Late transition metal-bonded atomic oxygen radicals (LTM−O⋅⁻) have been frequently proposed as important active sites to selectively activate and transform inert alkane molecules. However, it is extremely challenging to characterize the LTM−O⋅⁻-mediated elementary reactions for clarifying the underlying mechanisms limited by the low activity of LTM−O⋅⁻ radicals that is inaccessible by the traditional experimental methods. Herein, benefiting from our newly-designed ship-lock type reactor, the reactivity of iron-vanadium bimetallic oxide cluster anions FeV₃O₁₀⁻ and FeV₅O₁₅⁻ featuring with Fe−O⋅⁻ radicals to abstract a hydrogen atom from C₂−C₄ alkanes has been experimentally characterized at 298 K, and the rate constants are determined in the orders of magnitude of 10⁻¹⁴ to 10⁻¹⁶ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, which are four orders of magnitude slower than the values of counterpart ScV₃O₁₀⁻ and ScV₅O₁₅⁻ clusters bearing Sc−O⋅⁻ radicals. Theoretical results reveal that the rearrangements of the electronic and geometric structures during the reaction process function to modulate the activity of Fe−O⋅⁻. This study not only quantitatively characterizes the elementary reactions of LTM−O⋅⁻ radicals with alkanes, but also provides new insights into structure-activity relationship of M−O⋅⁻ radicals.     

Template synthesis of tin-doped indium oxide (ITO)/polymer and the corresponding carbon composite hollow colloids

SnO₂, In₂O₃, and Sn-doped In₂O₃ (ITO)/polymer and the corresponding carbon composite hollow colloids are template synthesized. It is essential that the sulfonated gel shell of the cross-linked polystyrene hollow colloid can favorably induce adsorption of target precursors. After being calcined in air to remove the template, SnO₂, In₂O₃, and ITO hollow colloids are obtained. Because the cross-linked polymer gel can be transformed into carbon in nitrogen at higher temperature such as 800 °C, metal oxide/carbon hollow colloids are consequently derived, whose shells are mesoporous. The SnO₂-, In₂O₃-, and ITO-containing polymer or carbon composite hollow colloids will be promising in sensors, catalysts, and fuel cells as electrode materials. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Enhancement of photocatalytic activity in UV-illuminated tin dioxode/aluminum oxide system in aqueous 4-nitrophenol

A modified tin dioxide/aluminum oxide was prepared by co-precipitation, and its photocatalytic activity was measured. Tin dioxide modified by adding aluminum oxide had a higher photocatalytic activity than other photocatalysts in this study, especially at pH 7. A mass balance for carbon with UV-254 nm/SnO₂/Al₂O₃ system at pH 7 indicated that the amount of the intermediate increased with reaction time, but decreased after 120 min of photodegradation. The results reveal that the photocatalytic carrier, Al₂O₃, not only increased the amount of 4-nitrophenol removed but also promoted mineralization and destroyed 4-nitrophenol, which was degraded to other simple organic substances or inorganic substances.     

In-depth analysis of InAlN/GaN HEMT heterostructure after annealing using angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

During high-electron-mobility transistor elaboration process, a thermal treatment of In_0.2Al_0.8N (InAlN) barrier layer is performed in order to improve electrical performances. We showed previously that In_0.2Al_0.8N/GaN heterostructures, annealed at 850°C under O₂ partial pressure, present a specific in-depth organization. Angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is a powerful tool to precisely determine the spatial localization and relative position of the different interfaces, from InAlN until buried GaN layer. The proposed in-depth model of the stack evidences (1) an Al-rich surface oxide with embedded N₂ molecules, (2) an interlayer of InAlN_<1 governed by nitrogen lattice defects, (3) a stable In_0.2Al_0.8N matrix, and finally (4) the GaN buffer layer underneath.     

Tetrabutylammonium Salts of Aluminum(III) and Gallium(III) Phthalocyanine Radical Anions Bonded with Fluoren‐9‐olato− Anions and Indium(III) Phthalocyanine Bromide Radical Anions

Reduction of aluminum(III), gallium(III), and indium(III) phthalocyanine chlorides by sodium fluorenone ketyl in the presence of tetrabutylammonium cations yielded crystalline salts of the type (Bu₄N⁺)₂[M^III(HFl−O⁻)(Pc^.3−)]^.−(Br⁻) ⋅ 1.5 C₆H₄Cl₂ [M=Al ( 1 ), Ga ( 2 ); HFl−O⁻=fluoren‐9‐olato⁻ anion; Pc=phthalocyanine] and (Bu₄N⁺) [In^IIIBr(Pc^.3−)]^.− ⋅ 0.875 C₆H₄Cl₂ ⋅ 0.125 C₆H₁₄ ( 3 ). The salts were found to contain Pc^.3− radical anions with negatively charged phthalocyanine macrocycles, as evidenced by the presence of intense bands of Pc^.3− in the near‐IR region and a noticeable blueshift in both the Q and Soret bands of phthalocyanine. The metal(III) atoms coordinate HFl−O⁻ anions in 1 and 2 with short Al−O and Ga−O bond lengths of 1.749(2) and 1.836(6) Å, respectively. The C−O bonds [1.402(3) and 1.391(11) Å in 1 and 2 , respectively] in the HFl−O⁻ anions are longer than the same bond in the fluorenone ketyl (1.27–1.31 Å). Salts 1 – 3 show effective magnetic moments of 1.72, 1.66, and 1.79 μ_B at 300 K, respectively, owing to the presence of unpaired S= 1/2 spins on Pc^.3−. These spins are coupled antiferromagnetically with Weiss temperatures of −22, −14, and −30 K for 1 – 3 , respectively. Coupling can occur in the corrugated two‐dimensional phthalocyanine layers of 1 and 2 with an exchange interaction of J /k _B=−0.9 and −1.1 K, respectively, and in the π‐stacking {[In^IIIBr(Pc^.3−)]^.−}₂ dimers of 3 with an exchange interaction of J /k _B=−10.8 K. The salts show intense electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signals attributed to Pc^.3−. It was found that increasing the size of the central metal atom strongly broadened these EPR signals.     

Aluminum(III) Cations [(NHC) ⋅ AlMes2]+: Synthesis,Characterization, and Application in FLP-Chemistry

The three-coordinate aluminum cations ligated by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) [(NHC) ⋅ AlMes₂]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ (NHC=IMe^Me 4 , IiPr^Me 5 , IiPr 6 , Mes=2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) were prepared via hydride abstraction of the alanes (NHC) ⋅ AlHMes₂ (NHC=IMe^Me 1 , IiPr^Me 2 , IiPr 3 ) using [Ph₃C]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ in toluene as hydride acceptor. If this reaction was performed in diethyl ether, the corresponding four-coordinate aluminum etherate cations [(NHC) ⋅ AlMes₂(OEt₂)]⁺ [B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ 7 – 9 (NHC=IMe^Me 7 , IiPr^Me 8 , IiPr 9 ) were isolated. According to a theoretical and experimental assessment of the Lewis-acidity of the [(IMe^Me) ⋅ AlMes₂]⁺ cation is the acidity larger than that of B(C₆F₅)₃ and of similar magnitude as reported for Al(C₆F₅)₃. The reaction of [(IMe^Me) ⋅ AlMes₂]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ 4 with the sterically less demanding, basic phosphine PMe₃ afforded a mixed NHC/phosphine stabilized cation [(IMe^Me) ⋅ AlMes₂(PMe₃)]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ 10 . Equimolar mixtures of 4 and the sterically more demanding PCy₃ gave a frustrated Lewis-pair (FLP), i.e., [(IMe^Me) ⋅ AlMes₂]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻/PCy₃ FLP-11 , which reacts with small molecules such as CO₂, ethene, and 2-butyne.     

Substituent Effect to Fine-Tune Energy Levels of Atom-Precise [MoOS3]2− Modified Copper(I) Thiolate Clusters Boosting Recyclable Photocatalysis

The propulsion of photocatalytic hydrogen (H₂) production is limited by the rational design and regulation of catalysts with precise structures and excellent activities. In this work, the [MoOS₃]²⁻ unit is introduced into the Cu^I clusters to form a series of atomically-precise Mo^VI−Cu^I bimetallic clusters of [Cu₆(MoOS₃)₂(C₆H₅(CH₂)S)₂(P(C₆H₄−R)₃)₄] ⋅ xCH₃CN (R=H, CH₃, or F), which show high photocatalytic H₂ evolution activities and excellent stability. By electron push-pull effects of the surface ligand, highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels of these Mo^VI−Cu^I clusters can be finely tuned, promoting the resultant visible-light-driven H₂ evolution performance. Furthermore, Mo^VI−Cu^I clusters loaded onto the surface of magnetic Fe₃O₄ carriers significantly reduced the loss of catalysts in the collection process, efficiently addressing the recycling issues of such small cluster-based catalyst. This work not only highlights a competitively universal approach on the design of high-efficiency cluster photocatalysts for energy conversion, but also makes it feasible to manipulate the catalytic performance of clusters through a rational substituent strategy.     

Photoconducting and photodielectric properties of heterostructures based on poly-n-epoxypropylcarbazole and poly[2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] doped with zinc octabutylphthalocyanine

We have studied the photoconducting and photodielectric properties of heterostructures based on poly-N-epoxypropylcarbazole and poly[2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] doped with zinc 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octabutylphthalocyanine located between SnO₂ :In₂O₃ and Ag electrical contacts, in the absorption region of the metal complex. We have observed that the photosensitivity is higher when the poly-N-epoxypropylcarbazole films are deposited on a SnO₂ :In₂O₃ electrode. The increased photosensitivity of the heterostructures compared with monolayers of the films is explained by the high efficiency of dissociation of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs and the decrease in the effect of traps for nonequilibrium charge carriers at the film interfaces.     

Beiträge zur Kristallchemie und zum thermischen Verhalten von wasserfreien Phosphaten. XXXIII [1] In2P2O7, ein Indium(I)‐diphosphato‐indat(III) und In4(P2O7)3 — Darstellung,Kristallisation und Kristallstrukturen

Contributions on Crystal Chemistry and Thermal Behaviour of Anhydrous Phosphates. XXXIII [1] In₂P₂O₇ an Indium(I)‐diphosphatoindate(III), and In₄(P₂O₇)₃ — Synthesis, Crystallization, and Crystal Structure Solid state reactions via the gas phase lead to the new mixed‐valence indium(I, III)‐diphosphate In₂P₂O₇. Colourless single crystals of In₂P₂O₇ have been grown by isothermal heating of stoichiometric amounts of InPO₄ and InP (800 °C; 7d) using iodine as mineralizer. The structure of In₂P₂O₇ [P2₁/c, a = 7.550(1) Å, b = 10.412(1) Å, c = 8.461(2) Å, b = 105.82(1)°, 2813 independent reflections, 101 parameter, R1 = 0.031, wR2 = 0.078] is the first example for an In⁺ cation in pure oxygen coordination. Observed distances d(In^I‐O) are exceptionally long (d_min(In^I‐O) = 2.82 Å) and support assumption of mainly s‐character for the lone‐pair at the In⁺ ion. Single crystals of In₄(P₂O₇)₃ were grown by chemical vapour transport experiments in a temperature gradient (1000 → 900 °C) using P/I mixtures as transport agent. In contrast to the isostructural diphosphates M₄(P₂O₇)₃ (M = V, Cr, Fe) monoclinic instead of orthorhombic symmetry has been found for In₄(P₂O₇)₃ [P2₁/a, a = 13.248(3) Å, b = 9.758(1) Å, c = 13.442(2) Å, b = 108.94(1)°, 7221 independent reflexes, 281 parameter, R1 = 0.027, wR2 = 0.067].     

Synthesis and characterization of SnOx/Al2O3 derived gel catalysts

SnO_x/Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared by the sol-gel method using as starting reactants aluminium-tri-s-butoxide and (i) tetrabutyltin, (ii) tin tetrachloride and (iii) tin tetra-t-amyloxide. The gel derived catalysts show acidities of 0.72, 1.08 and 1.05 mol NH₃/m² and BET areas of 91, 112 and 189 m²/g. The activity and selectivity pattern for isopropanol decomposition were found to depend strongly on the tin precursor used.     

Anodic behavior of tin, indium, and tin–indium alloys in oxalic acid solution

The anodic behavior of tin, indium, and tin–indium alloys was studied in oxalic acid solution using potentiodynamic technique and characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The E/I curves showed that the anodic behavior of all investigated electrodes exhibits active/passive transition. In the case of tin, the active dissolution region involves two anodic peaks (I and II) prior to permanent passive region. On the other hand, the active dissolution of indium involves four peaks (I–IV) prior to permanent passive region. The first (I) can be associated with the active dissolution of indium to InOOH, the second peak (II) to the formation of In(OH)₃, the third peak (III) to partially dehydration of In(OH)₃, and the peak (IV) to complete dehydration of In(OH)₃ to In₂O₃. When the surface is entirely covered with In₂O₃ film, the anodic current falls to a small value (I _pass) indicating the onset of passivation. The active dissolution potential region of the first three tin–indium alloys involves a net anodic contribution peak, and this is followed by a passive region. It is expected that the investigated peak is related to the formation of In₂O₃ and SnO (mixed oxides). When the formation of oxides (the oxides of In and Sn) exceeds its dissolution rate, the current drops, indicating the onset of passivation precipitation of In₂O₃/SnO and SnO₂ on the surface which blocks the dissolution of active sites. The alloys IV and V showed small second peak at about −620 mV which may be related to oxidation of In to In₂O₃ due to high In content in the two examined alloys. The active dissolution and passive current are increase with increasing temperature for all investigated metals and their alloys.     

Chemischer Transport fester Lösungen. 11 [1] Mischphasen und Chemischer Transport in den Systemen CrIII/InIII/GeIV/O,GaIII/InIII/GeIV/O,MnIII/InIII/GeIV/O und FeIII/InIII/GeIV/O

Chemical Vapor Transport of Solid Solutions. 11 Mixed Phases and Chemical Vapor Transport in the Systems Cr^III/In^III/Ge^IV/O, Ga^III/In^III/Ge^IV/O, Mn^III/In^III/Ge^IV/O und Fe^III/In^III/Ge^IV/O By means of chemical vapor transport methods the following mixed phases have been prepared: Cr_{0, 18}In_{1, 82}Ge₂O₇ (Cl₂, 950 → 850 °C), (Ga_{0, 6}In_{1, 4})₂Ge₂O₇ (Thortveitit‐type, Cl₂, 1050 → 950 °C), (Ga_{1, 9}In_{0, 1})₂Ge₂O₇ (Ga₂Ge₂O₇‐type, 1050 → 950 °C), (In_{1, 9}Mn_{0, 1})₂Ge₂O₇ (Thortveiti‐type, Cl₂, 1000 → 800 °C), mixed phase crystallizing in the Mn₂Ge₂O₇‐structure showing a composition near MnInGe₂O₇ (Cl₂, 1000 → 800 °C), Mn_{6, 5}In_{0, 5}GeO₁₂ (Braunit‐type, Cl₂, 1000 → 800 °C), (Fe_xIn_1‐x)Ge₂O₇ (Thortveitit‐type with x = 0…0, 94; Cl₂, 840 → 780 °C). Changing the compositions of the starting materials showed no effect on the composition of the deposit except for the system Fe₂O₃‐In₂O₃‐GeO₂.     

Enhanced Interfacial Electron Transfer by Asymmetric Cu-Ov-In Sites on In2O3 for Efficient Peroxymonosulfate Activation

Enhancing the peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation efficiency to generate more radicals is vital to promote the Fenton-like reaction activity, however, how to promote the PMS adsorption and accelerate the interfacial electron transfer to boost its activation kinetics remains a great challenge. Herein, we prepared Cu-doped defect-rich In₂O₃ (Cu-In₂O₃/O_v) catalysts containing asymmetric Cu−O_v−In sites for PMS activation in water purification. The intrinsic catalytic activity is that the side-on adsorption configuration of the O−O bond (Cu−O−O−In) at the Cu-O_v-In sites significantly stretches the O−O bond length. Meanwhile, the Cu-O_v-In sites increase the electron density near the Fermi energy level, promoting more and faster electron transfer to the O−O bond for generating more SO₄⋅⁻ and ⋅OH. The degradation rate constant of tetracycline achieved by Cu-In₂O₃/O_v is 31.8 times faster than In₂O₃/O_v, and it shows the possibility of membrane reactor for practical wastewater treatment.     

Etude par RMN de la mobilité du lithium dans trois oxydes à structure pseudo-bidimensionnelle: Li8SnO6, Li7NbO6 et Li6In2O6

The lithium ion mobility in three solid electrolytes (Li₈SnO₆, Li₇NbO₆, and Li₆In₂O₆) has been studied by NMR at several resonance frequencies from 170 to 500°K. The ⁷Li quadrupolar lineshape evolution shows the predominant influence on the conductivity mechanism of the vacancies in the octahedral sites of the oxygen close packing. In Li₈SnO₆, which has no vacancies, the lithium ions situated in the tetrahedral sites have the highest mobility. Spin-lattice relaxation times are in good agreement with the hypothesis of a Li₇NbO₆ 2D conductivity. The values of the activation energy, increasing from Li₇NbO₆ to Li₆In₂O₆ and to Li₈SnO₆, are found to be three times lower than those obtained from conductivity measurements.     

Manipulating OH−-Mediated Anode-Cathode Cross-Communication Toward Long-Life Aqueous Zinc-Vanadium Batteries

The anode-cathode interplay is an important but rarely considered factor that initiates the degradation of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). Herein, to address the limited cyclability issue of V-based AZIBs, Al₂(SO₄)₃ is proposed as decent electrolyte additive to manipulate OH⁻-mediated cross-communication between Zn anode and NaV₃O₈ ⋅ 1.5H₂O (NVO) cathode. The hydrolysis of Al³⁺ creates a pH≈0.9 strong acidic environment, which unexpectedly prolongs the anode lifespan from 200 to 1000 h. Such impressive improvement is assigned to the alleviation of interfacial OH⁻ accumulation by Al³⁺ adsorption and solid electrolyte interphase formation. Accordingly, the strongly acidified electrolyte, associated with the sedated crossover of anodic OH⁻ toward NVO, remarkably mitigate its undesired dissolution and phase transition. The interrupted OH⁻-mediated communication between the two electrodes endows Zn||NVO batteries with superb cycling stability, at both low and high scan rates.