Characterization of oxides obtained by heating a mixture of peroxoniobic acid and peroxotitanic acid

Nb-doped TiO(2) particles were prepared by heating a mixture of peroxotitanic acid and peroxoniobic acid in air. When the heating temperature was more than 1173 K, the dominant phase obtained was rutile TiO(2), along with a small amount of TiNb(2)O(7). The relationship between the lattice parameters of the obtained rutile TiO(2) depended on the molar fraction of Nb/(Ti + Nb). In the case where peroxo compounds were used as a precursor, a change in the lattice parameters of the rutile TiO(2) was observed within the lower X(Nb) range, as compared to the alkoxide method. The results indicate that a homogeneous dispersion of doped Nb(5+) ions in the obtained rutile TiO(2) lattice was achieved by using peroxo compounds. Furthermore, the oxide particles obtained by using peroxo compounds had a lower activation energy of the carrier electrons (E(a)) and oxygen vacancies, even though the heating procedure was carried out in air. The UV-vis absorption spectra and Raman spectra of the obtained oxide particles indicated that the dominant reaction of the decomposition of O(2)(2-) ions in the TiO(2) lattice was O(2)(2-)→ O(2) + 2e(-) as a reducing agent.     

Niobium diffusion in niobium-doped titanium dioxide

The present work studied the self-diffusion coefficient of ⁹³Nb in Nb-doped TiO₂ single crystal (4.3 at.% Nb) at high oxygen activity [p(O₂) = 21 kPa] over the temperature range 1,073 to 1,573 K. The diffusion-induced ⁹³Nb concentration profile was determined by using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The subsequently determined self-diffusion coefficient of ⁹³Nb exhibits the following temperature dependence:. This study builds upon a similar study performed previously for ⁹³Nb tracer diffusion in undoped TiO₂, and identifies the effect of compositional change on self-diffusion behaviour. The obtained activation energy has been considered in terms of migration and formation enthalpies of titanium vacancies. The present work is dedicated to Professor John Bockris on the occasion of his 85th birthday. His contribution to the progress of modern electrochemistry is well-known to several generations of students and researchers who have been using his textbooks. His specific contribution to the theory of photoelectrochemical water splitting is known to all working in this fascinating area.     

The different behavior of rutile and anatase nanoparticles in forming oxy radicals upon illumination with visible light: an EPR study

Photoexcited TiO(2) has been found to generate reactive oxygen species, yet the precise mechanism and chemical nature of the generated oxy species especially regarding the different crystal phases remain to be elucidated. Visible light-induced reactions of a suspension of titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) in water were investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) coupled with the spin-trapping technique. Increased levels of both hydroxyl (˙OH) and superoxide anion (˙O(2)(-)) radicals were detected in TiO(2) rutile and anatase nanoparticles (50 nm). The intensity of signals assigned to the ˙OH and ˙O(2)(-) radicals was larger for the anatase phase than that originating from rutile. Moreover, illumination with visible (nonUV) light enhanced ˙O(2)(-) formation in the rutile phase. Singlet oxygen was not detected in water suspension of TiO(2) neither in rutile nor in anatase nanoparticles, but irradiation of the rutile phase with visible light revealed a signal, which could be attributed to singlet oxygen formation. The blue part of visible spectrum (400-500 nm) was found to be responsible for the light-induced ROS in TiO(2) nanoparticles. The characterization of the mechanism of visible light-induced oxy radicals formation by TiO(2) nanoparticles could contribute to its use as a sterilization agent.     

Effect of TiO2 crystalline phase composition on the physicochemical and catalytic properties of Pd/TiO(2) in selective acetylene hydrogenation

Pd/TiO(2) catalysts have been prepared using TiO(2) supports consisting of various rutile/anatase crystalline phase compositions. Increasing percentages of rutile phase in the TiO(2) resulted in a decrease in Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface areas, fewer Ti(3+) sites, and lower Pd dispersion. While acetylene conversions were found to be merely dependent on Pd dispersion, ethylene selectivity appeared to be strongly affected by the presence of Ti(3+) in the TiO(2) samples. When TiO(2) samples with 0-44% rutile were used, high ethylene selectivities (58-93%) were obtained whereas ethylene losses occurred for those supported on TiO(2) with 85% or 100% rutile phase. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron spin resonance experiments revealed that a significant amount of Ti(3+) existed in the TiO(2) samples composed of 0-44% rutile. The presence of Ti(3+) in contact with Pd can probably lower the adsorption strength of ethylene resulting in an ethylene gain. Among the five catalysts used in this study, the results for Pd/TiO(2)-R44 suggest an optimum anatase/rutile composition of the TiO(2) used to obtain high selectivity of ethylene in selective acetylene hydrogenation.     

Adsorption and solar light decomposition of acetone on anatase TiO2 and niobium doped TiO2 thin films

Adsorption and solar light decomposition of acetone was studied on nanostructured anatase TiO2 and Nb-doped TiO2 films made by sol-gel methods (10 and 20 mol % NbO2.5). A detailed characterization of the film materials show that films contain only nanoparticles with the anatase modification with pentavalent Nb oxide dissolved into the anatase structure, which is interpreted as formation of substituted Nb=O clusters in the anatase lattice. The Nb-doped films displayed a slight yellow color and an enhanced the visible light absorption with a red-shift of the optical absorption edge from 394 nm for the pure TiO2 film to 411 nm for 20 mol % NbO2.5. In-situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) transmission spectroscopy shows that acetone adsorbs associatively with eta1-coordination to the surface cations on all films. On Nb-doped TiO2 films, the carbonyl bonding to the surface is stabilized, which is evidenced by a lowering of the nu(C=O) frequency by about 20 cm(-1) to 1672 cm(-1). Upon solar light illumination acetone is readily decomposed on TiO2, and stable surface coordinated intermediates are formed. The decomposition rate is an order of magnitude smaller on the Nb-doped films despite an enhanced visible light absorption in these materials. The quantum yield is determined to be 0.053, 0.004 and 0.002 for the pure, 10% Nb:TiO2, and 20%Nb:TiO2, respectively. Using an interplay between FTIR and DFT calculations we show that the key surface intermediates are bidentate bridged formate and carbonate, and H-bonded bicarbonate, respectively, whose concentration on the surface can be correlated with their heats of formation and bond strength to coordinatively unsaturated surface Ti and Nb atoms at the surface. The oxidation rate of these intermediates is substantially slower than the initial acetone decomposition rate, and limits the total oxidation rate at t>7 min on TiO2, while no decrease of the rate is observed on the Nb-doped films. The rate of degradation of key surface intermediates is different on pure TiO2 and Nb-doped TiO2, but cannot explain the overall lower total oxidation rate for the Nb-doped films. Instead the inferior photocatalytic activity in Nb-doped TiO2 is attributed to an enhanced electron-hole pair recombination rate due to Nb=O cluster and cation vacancy formation.     

Visible light photocatalysis with platinized rutile TiO2 for aqueous organic oxidation

Platinized rutile TiO2 samples containing varying concentrations of Pt were synthesized using Kemira (KE, BET surface area 50 m2/g, from Finland), and Toto HT0270 (HT, BET surface area 2.9 m2/g, from Japan) as the starting materials by solution mixing followed by sintering the precursors. Photocatalytic activities were established for phenol oxidation under visible light (wavelength >400 nm). Our results show optimal performance for 8 wt % platinized KE (8 wt % Pt/KE) and (1/2) wt % platinized HT rutile samples. The specific roles of O2 and visible light were examined using the 8 wt % Pt/KE sample in either N2 gas ambient or no illumination. Separately, 8 wt % platinized SiO2 was tested to compare its performance with that of platinized rutile TiO2. Several other chemicals containing different functional groups (formic acid, salicylic acid, 4-chlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, diethyl phosphoramidate) were selected for photooxidation tests with (1/2) wt % platinized HT rutile. X-ray diffraction reveals Pt metal clusters segregating on the surface of rutile TiO2 particles with increasing Pt weight percent. The Pt cluster surface area broadly increases, while the effective optical band gap steadily decreases with platinization of the rutile samples. These results suggest that Pt clusters on the surface of rutile TiO2 particles serve to mediate electron transfer from rutile to O2, thus facilitating photooxidation of organic chemicals.     

Computational study on the reactions of H2O2 on TiO2 anatase (101) and rutile (110) surfaces

This study investigates the adsorption and reactions of H(2)O(2) on TiO(2) anatase (101) and rutile (110) surfaces by first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory in conjunction with the projected augmented wave approach, using PW91, PBE, and revPBE functionals. Adsorption mechanisms of H(2)O(2) and its fragments on both surfaces are analyzed. It is found that H(2)O(2) , H(2)O, and HO preferentially adsorb at the Ti(5c) site, meanwhile HOO, O, and H preferentially adsorb at the (O(2c))(Ti(5c)), (Ti(5c))(2), and O(2c) sites, respectively. Potential energy profiles of the adsorption processes on both surfaces have been constructed using the nudged elastic band method. The two restructured surfaces, the 1/3 ML oxygen covered TiO(2) and the hydroxylated TiO(2), are produced with the H(2)O(2) dehydration and deoxidation, respectively. The formation of main products, H(2)O(g) and the 1/3 ML oxygen covered TiO(2) surface, is exothermic by 2.8 and 5.0 kcal/mol, requiring energy barriers of 0.8 and 1.1 kcal/mol on the rutile (110) and anatase (101) surface, respectively. The rate constants for the H(2)O(2) dehydration processes have been predicted to be 6.65 × 10(-27) T(4.38) exp(-0.14 kcal mol(-1)/RT) and 3.18 × 10(-23) T(5.60) exp(-2.92 kcal mol(-1)/RT) respectively, in units of cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1).     

Theoretical study of adsorption of O((3)P) and H(2)O on the rutile TiO(2)(110) surface

The adsorption of oxygen atoms O(3P) on both ideal and hydrated rutile TiO(2)(110) surfaces is investigated by periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations within the revised Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (RPBE) generalized gradient approximation and a four Ti-layer slab, with (2 x 1) and (3 x 1) surface unit cells. It is shown that upon adsorption on the TiO(2) surface the spin of the O atom is completely lost, leading to stable surface peroxide species on both in-plane and bridging oxygen sites with O-binding energies of about 1.0-1.5 eV, rather than to the kinetically unstable terminal Ti-O and terminal O-O species with smaller binding energies of 0.1-0.7 eV. Changes in O-atom coverage ratios between 1/3 and 1 molecular layer (ML) and coadsorption of H(2)O have only minor effects on the O-binding energies of the stable peroxide configurations. High O-atom diffusion barriers of about 1 eV are found, suggesting a slow recombination rate of adsorbed O atoms on TiO(2)(110). Our results suggest that the TiOOTi peroxide intermediate experimentally observed in photoelectrolysis of water should be interpreted as a single spinless O adatom on TiO(2) surface rather than as two Ti-O* radicals coupled together.     

OH, HO2, and ozone gaseous diffusion coefficients

The diffusion of OH, HO2, and O3 in He, and of OH in air, has been investigated using a coated-wall flow tube reactor coupled to a chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The diffusion coefficients were determined from measurements of the loss of the reactive species to the flow tube wall as a function of pressure. On the basis of the experimental results, D(OH-He) = 662 +/- 33 Torr cm2 s-1, D(OH-air) = 165 +/- 20 Torr cm2 s-1, D(HO2-He) = 430 +/- 30 Torr cm2 s-1, and D(O3-He) = 410 +/- 25 Torr cm2 s-1 at 296 K. We show that the measured values for OH and HO2 are in better agreement with measured values of their polar analogues (H2O and H2O2) compared with measured values of their nonpolar analogues (O and O2). The measured value for OH in air is 25% smaller than that for O (the nonpolar analogue). The difference between the measured value for HO2 and O2 (the nonpolar analogue) in air is expected to be even larger. Also we show that calculations of the diffusion coefficients based on Lennard-Jones potentials are in excellent agreement with the measurements. This gives further confidence that these calculations can be used to estimate accurate diffusion coefficients for conditions where laboratory data currently do not exist.     

Preparation, properties, and reactivities of unprecedented oxo-sulfido Nb(IV) aqua ions and crystal structure of (Me2NH2)6[Nb5(mu3-S)2(mu3-O)2(mu2-O)2(NCS)14].3.5H2O

By treatment of Zn-reduced ethanolic solutions of NbCl5 with HCl in the presence of sulfide followed by cation-exchange chromatography, two oxo-sulfido niobium aqua ions, the red [Nb4(mu4-S)(mu2-O)5(H2O)10]4+ and the yellow-brown [Nb5(mu3-S)2(mu3-O)2(mu2-O)2(H2O)14]8+, were isolated. Both readily form their respective thiocyanate complexes, for which the structure for the former has been previously reported. Brown crystals of (Me2NH2)6[Nb5S2O4(NCS)14].3.5H2O (1) were isolated in the case of the latter, and the structure was determined by X-ray crystallography (space group: a = 15.4018(5) A, b = 21.1932(8) A, c = 22.0487(8) A, alpha=gamma = 90 degrees , beta = 103.4590(10) degrees , and R(1) = 0.0659). An unprecedented pentanuclear Nb5S2O48+ core is revealed in which short Nb-Nb distances (2.7995(8)-2.9111(8) A) are consistent with metal-metal bonding. A stopped-flow kinetic study of the 1:1 equilibration of NCS- with [Nb4(mu4-S)(mu2-O)5(H2O)10]4+ has been carried out. Equilibration rate constants are independent of [H(+)] in the range investigated (0.5-2.0 M) and at 25 degrees C; kf= 9.5 M(-1) s(-1), kaq = 2.6 x 10(-2) s(-1), and K = 365 M1). Conditions with first NCS- and then [Nb4(mu4-S)(mu2-O)5(H2O)10]4+ in excess revealed a statistical factor of 4, suggesting the presence of four kinetically equivalent Nb atoms. Attempts to study the 1:1 substitution of NCS- with [Nb5(mu3-S)2(mu3-O)2(mu2-O)2(H2O)14]8+ showed signs of saturation kinetics. Quantum chemical calculations using the density functional theory (DFT) approach were performed on both the Nb4O5S4+ and Nb5O4S28+ naked clusters. The highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals have dominant Nb(4d) character. The HOMO for Nb4O5S4+ is a nondegenerate fully filled MO, whereas for Nb5O4S28+, it is a nondegenerate partially filled MO with one unpaired electron. EPR spectroscopy on [Nb5(mu3-S)2(mu3-O)2(mu2-O)2(H2O)14]8+ shows that the molecule has total anisotropy (C2v), with all three tensors, gx= 2.399, gy= 1.975, and gz= 1.531, resolved. No hyperfine interaction expected from the nuclear moment of I = 9/2 for 93Nb was observed.     

氧缺位型TiO2的制备、表征及其光催化析氧活性

采用69 ℃饱和水蒸气和H2混合气, 于927 ℃下处理金红石型TiO2, 得到不同氧缺位的光催化剂, 并用X射线衍射(XRD)、比表面(BET)、电子顺磁共振(EPR)、紫外-可见漫反射(DRS)、光电子能谱(XPS)对其进行了表征. 考察了热处理时间对氧缺位型TiO2光催化分解水析氧活性的影响. 结果表明, 适量的氧缺位能显著提高金红石型TiO2光催化分解水的析氧活性, 其最大析氧速率达222 μmol·L-1·h-1.     

Reactive uptake of HONO to TiO2 surface: "dark" reaction

The interaction of HONO with TiO(2) solid films was studied under dark conditions using a low pressure flow reactor (1-10 Torr) combined with a modulated molecular beam mass spectrometer for monitoring of the gaseous species involved. The reactive uptake of HONO to TiO(2) was studied as a function of HONO concentration ([HONO)(0) = (0.3-3.3) × 10(12) molecules cm(-3)), water concentration (RH = 3 × 10(-4) to 13%), and temperature (T = 275-320 K). TiO(2) surface deactivation upon exposure to HONO was observed. The measured initial uptake coefficient of HONO on TiO(2) surface was independent of the HONO concentration and showed slight negative temperature dependence (activation factor = -1405 ± 110 K). In contrast, the relative humidity (RH) was found to have a strong impact on the uptake coefficient: γ(0) = 1.8 × 10(-5) (RH)(-0.63) (calculated using BET surface area, 40% uncertainty) at T = 300 K. NO(2) and NO were observed as products of the HONO reaction with TiO(2) surface with sum of their yields corresponding to nearly 100% of the nitrogen mass balance. The yields of the NO and NO(2) products were found to be 42 ± 7% and 60 ± 9%, respectively, independent of relative humidity, temperature, and concentration of HONO under experimental conditions used. The contribution of aerosol to the total HONO loss in the boundary layer (calculated with initial uptake data for HONO on TiO(2) surface) showed the unimportance of this process in the atmosphere. In addition, the diffusion coefficient of HONO in He was determined to be D(HONO-He) = 490 ± 50 Torr cm(2) s(-1) at T = 300 K.     

Electrical properties of niobium-doped titanium dioxide. 2. Equilibration kinetics

The present work reports isothermal gas/solid equilibration kinetics for Nb-doped TiO(2) (0.65 atom %) at elevated temperatures (1073-1298 K) within narrow ranges of oxygen activity spanning between 10(-13) Pa and 75 kPa. The equilibration kinetics were monitored using electrical conductivity measurements. The kinetic data were used to determine the chemical diffusion coefficient (D(chem)). D(chem) as a function of p(O(2)) exhibits a complex dependence, which is considered in terms of defect disorder and the related concentrations of electronic charge carriers. The activation energy of D(chem) in the p(O(2)) range 10 Pa < p(O(2)) < 75 kPa varies in the range 88.0-98.2 kJ/mol. It is important to note that the chemical diffusion coefficient in strongly reduced conditions [p(O(2)) = 10(-9) Pa] exhibits a negative temperature dependence of D(chem) (-67.2 kJ/mol). This finding indicates that under these conditions transport in a chemical potential gradient is consistent with metallic charge transport.     

The effect of concentration on Li diffusivity and conductivity in rutile TiO2

Li transport characteristics are studied by means of density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in order to investigate concentration effects on Li chemical diffusivity and conductivity in TiO(2) rutile. Our MD simulations predict one-dimensional diffusion of Li ions via jumps between the octahedral sites along the channels parallel to the c-axis. The diffusion barrier and diffusion coefficient (at room temperature) for the isolated Li, determined by means of DFT calculations, correspond to 60 meV and 9.1 × 10(-6) cm(2) s(-1), respectively. Such a small barrier suggests rapid mass transport along the channels. MD simulations are performed to evaluate the concentration dependent diffusivity profiles. The changes in Li energetics and dynamics are studied as a function of Li content, which is varied primarily between 10% and 50%. In addition, we consider a couple of compositions over 50% although this is above the intercalation limit. Our results suggest that Li diffusivity is strongly dependent on the Li?∶?TiO(2) ratio, and it decreases with increasing Li concentration. For instance, at room temperature, we find Li diffusivity for high concentrations (50% Li) to be three orders of magnitude slower than that for lower concentrations (10% Li). Our analyses on the energetics and dynamics suggest that the changes in the diffusivities originate from successive increases in the barriers with increasing concentration. The decrease in diffusivity as a function of increasing Li content is attributed to the fact that additional Li ions successively block the energetically preferred vacant sites along the channels. Our analyses also show that increasing Li concentration enhances the Li-Li repulsion within the channels, and as a result, diffusion is hindered. We also compare concentration-dependent diffusivities for Li diffusion in anatase, rutile and amorphous TiO(2). Interestingly, we find differing concentration dependence of the diffusivity in these chemically identical but structurally non-equivalent TiO(2) polymorphs. Our study suggests that these differences result from intrinsic structural characteristics of TiO(2) polymorphs, which ultimately contribute to intercalation limit, diffusivity, ionic conductivity, and the electrochemical performance in energy storage applications.     

Heterogeneous Interaction of H(2)O(2) with TiO(2) Surface under Dark and UV Light Irradiation Conditions

The heterogeneous interaction of H(2)O(2) with TiO(2) surface was investigated under dark conditions and in the presence of UV light using a low pressure flow tube reactor coupled with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The uptake coefficients were measured as a function of the initial concentration of gaseous H(2)O(2) ([H(2)O(2)](0) = (0.17-120) × 10(12) molecules cm(-3)), irradiance intensity (J(NO(2)) = 0.002-0.012 s(-1)), relative humidity (RH = 0.003-82%), and temperature (T = 275-320 K). Under dark conditions, a deactivation of TiO(2) surface upon exposure to H(2)O(2) was observed, and only initial uptake coefficient of H(2)O(2) was measured, given by the following expression: γ(0)(dark) = 4.1 × 10(-3)/(1 + RH(0.65)) (calculated using BET surface area, estimated conservative uncertainty of 30%) at T = 300 K. The steady-state uptake coefficient measured on UV irradiated TiO(2) surface, γ(ss)(UV), was found to be independent of RH and showed a strong inverse dependence on [H(2)O(2)] and linear dependence on photon flux. In addition, slight negative temperature dependence, γ(ss)(UV) = 7.2 × 10(-4) exp[(460 ± 80)/T], was observed in the temperature range (275-320) K (with [H(2)O(2)] ≈ 5 × 10(11) molecules cm(-3) and J(NO(2)) = 0.012 s(-1)). Experiments with NO addition into the reactive system provided indirect evidence for HO(2) radical formation upon H(2)O(2) uptake, and the possible reaction mechanism is proposed. Finally, the atmospheric lifetime of H(2)O(2) with respect to the heterogeneous loss on mineral dust was estimated (using the uptake data for TiO(2)) to be in the range of hours during daytime, i.e., comparable to H(2)O(2) photolysis lifetime (～1 day), which is the major removal process of hydrogen peroxide in the atmosphere. These data indicate a strong potential impact of H(2)O(2) uptake on mineral aerosol on the HO(x) chemistry in the troposphere.     

A comparison of H+-restacked nanosheets and nano-scrolls derived from K4Nb6O17for visible-light degra-dation of dyes

H＋-restacked nanosheets and nanoscrolls peeled from K4Nb6O17 display different structures and surface characters. The two restacked samples with increased surface areas have an amazing visible-light response for the photodegradation of dyes, which is superior to commercial TiO2 （P25） and Nb205. By comparison, H＋/nanosheets have a relatively faster photodegradation rate originated from large and smooth basal plane. The work reveals that dye adsorbed on the unfolded nanosheets can effectively harvest sunlight. Due to facile preparation, low-cost and high photocatalytic efficiency, H＋/nanosheets and H＋/nanoscrolls might be used for the visible light-driven degradation of organic dyes as a substitute for TiO2 in industry.     

Primary intermediates of oxygen photoevolution reaction on TiO2 (Rutile) particles, revealed by in situ FTIR absorption and photoluminescence measurements

Primary intermediates of oxygen photoevolution (water photooxidation) reaction at the TiO2 (rutile)/aqueous solution interface were investigated by in situ multiple internal reflection infrared (MIRIR) absorption and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. UV irradiation of TiO2 in the presence of 10 mM Fe3+ in the solution caused the appearance of a new peak at 838 cm(-1) and a shoulder at 812 cm(-1). Detailed investigations of the effects of solution pH, the presence of methanol as a hole scavenger, and isotope exchange in water (H2(16)O-->H2(18)O) on the spectra have shown that the 838- and 812-cm(-1) bands can be assigned to the O-O stretching mode of surface TiOOH and TiOOTi, respectively, produced as primary intermediates of the oxygen photoevolution reaction. The results give strong support to our previously proposed mechanism that the oxygen photoevolution is initiated by a nucleophilic attack of a H2O molecule on a photogenerated hole at a surface lattice O site, not by oxidation of surface OH group by the hole. The conclusion is supported by PL measurements. A plausible reaction scheme is proposed for the oxygen photoevolution on TiO2 (rutile) in aqueous solutions of pH less than about 12.     

17O and 15N solid state NMR studies on ligand-assisted templating and oxygen coordination in the walls of mesoporous Nb, Ta and Ti oxides

A multinuclear solid state NMR approach is applied to four templated mesoporous oxides (silica, titania, niobia and tantala) to include (15)N and (17)O magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR and double resonance (15)N-(93)Nb, (17)O Rotational-Echo Adiabatic Passage Double Resonance (REAPDOR). The templated samples were ramped in steps of 20 degrees C for 2 days up to typically 110 degrees C where the samples were left for 2-4 days. (15)N MAS NMR shows that amines are the only species present in the TiO2, Nb2O5, and Ta2O5. In SiO2, amines are only present as a minor coordination (10 +/- 2%), but there are several strong ammonium (15)N resonances. The REAPDOR experiments show that the nitrogen interacts with niobium, confirming a ligand interaction between the Nb and N, as previously believed. In the case of silica, the amine is quaternized and there is apparently no interaction with the Si, suggesting a RNH3(+) (-)O-Si- hydrogen-bonding interaction with the walls. (17)O MAS NMR provides the clearest indication of the local wall structure. In the aged, templated samples in all cases only OM2 coordinations are present which is very different from the pure bulk oxides (apart from SiO2) and must be due to the effects of amine coordination at the metal centers. On removal of the template, these oxides behave differently, with Ta2O5 showing a mixture of OTa2 (85 +/- 5%) and OTa3 (15 +/- 5%) which is similar to the types of coordination found in the bulk oxide. The previously reported (17)O MAS NMR data from heat-treated mesoporous niobia shows only ONb2, which is very highly ordered. In contrast for titania, the OTi2 coordination is immediately lost on removal of the template to be replaced by a mixture of OTi3 (60 +/- 5%) and OTi4 (40 +/- 5%), with the OTi4 becoming dominant above 250 degrees C, very different behavior from the corresponding bulk oxide. In summary, this NMR study shows that the local oxygen coordination in amine-templated mesoporous transition metal oxides is present as OM2 which is relatively rare in bulk oxides. The data indicates that the template interaction is largely controlled by the N-M dative bond to the wall, suppressing higher oxygen coordination numbers. Qualitatively it appears that the strength of this interaction varies greatly in the different mesoporous oxides.     

CaMn(1-x)Nb(x)O3 (x < or = 0.08) perovskite-type phases as promising new high-temperature n-type thermoelectric materials

Perovskite-type CaMn(1-x)Nb(x)O(3+/-delta) (x = 0.02, 0.05, and 0.08) compounds were synthesized by applying both a "chimie douce" (SC) synthesis and a classical solid state reaction (SSR) method. The crystallographic parameters of the resulting phases were determined from X-ray, electron, and neutron diffraction data. The manganese oxidations states (Mn(4+)/Mn(3+)) were investigated by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The orthorhombic CaMn(1-x)Nb(x)O(3+/-delta) (x = 0.02, 0.05, and 0.08) phases were studied in terms of their high-temperature thermoelectric properties (Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, and thermal conductivity). Differences in electrical transport and thermal properties can be correlated with different microstructures obtained by the two synthesis methods. In the high-temperature range, the electron-doped manganate phases exhibit large absolute Seebeck coefficient and low electrical resistivity values, resulting in a high power factor, PF (e.g., for x = 0.05, S(1000K) = -180 microV K(-1), rho(1000K) = 16.8 mohms cm, and PF > 1.90 x 10(-4) W m(-1) K(-2) for 450 K < T < 1070 K). Furthermore, lower thermal conductivity values are achieved for the SC-derived phases (kappa < 1 W m(-1) K(-1)) compared to the SSR compounds. High power factors combined with low thermal conductivity (leading to ZT values > 0.3) make these phases the best perovskitic candidates as n-type polycrystalline thermoelectric materials operating in air at high temperatures.     

Synthesis of aluminium borate-boron oxide and binary titanium-boron and zirconium-boron oxides from metal alkoxides and (MeO)3B3O3 in non-aqueous solvents

The reaction of metal alkoxides M(OR)4 (M = Ti, Zr; R = organyl) with (MeO)3B3O3 (1 : 0.67) in dry propan-2-one at room temperature led to gels which when dried and calcined in air for 24 h at 500-1000 degrees C afforded bi-phased mixed-oxide materials formulated as 4TiO2 x 3B2O3 and ZrO2 x B2O3 in high ceramic yields and purity; the B2O3 phases of these materials were amorphous. The materials remained amorphous upon calcination at lower temperatures. The TiO2 phase of the 4TiO2 x 3B2O3 was crystalline when calcined at higher temperatures with either anatase (600 degrees C) or rutile (>800 degrees C) being obtained. The ZrO2 phase of the ZrO2 x B2O3 was crystalline when calcined at higher temperatures and was obtained as a metastable tetragonal phase (<700 degrees C) or baddeleylite (>800 degrees C). In a similar reaction, Al(O(i)Pr)3 (2 : 1) gave a bi-phased aluminium borate-boron oxide (Al18B4O(33).7B2O3) after calcination at >700 degrees C. The dried gels and oxide materials were all characterized by elemental analysis, TGA-DSC, and powder XRD.