Synthesis,electrical and thermal properties of Bi4V2−xMexO11 (Me=Nb,Zr, Y and Cu with x = 0.0 and 0.06) ceramics

Polycrystalline ceramic samples of Bi₄V_2?xMe_xO₁₁ (Me=Nb, Zr, Y and Cu and x = 0.0 and 0.06) have been synthesized by standard solid state reaction method using high purity oxides. The formation of the compounds have been analysed by X-ray diffraction method. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and AC conductivity as a function of frequency and temperature have been measured. The dielectric studies indicate that the material is highly lossy, and hence, its AC conductivity increases with the increase of temperature. The DC conductivity of material has been measured as a function of temperature from room temperature to 723 K and its activation energy was calculated using the relation σ = σ ₀exp (?E _a/kT). The modulated differential scanning calorimetry has been used to investigate the effect of substitution on the phase transition (heat capacity and heat flow) of the compounds. The results are discussed in detail.     

Ferrimagnetic spinels in hydrothermal and thermal treatment of MnxFe2−2x(OH)6−4x

Products of hydrothermal treatment of the initial amorphous system Mn_xFe_2–2x(OH)_6–4x for 0x1 in 0.1x intervals, and products of their further thermal treatment, were examined by chemical analysis, X-ray, IR, and DTA techniques supported by magnetic measurements. After hydrothermal growth for lowx, hematite and goethite phases occurred. Although the goethite phase was still identifiable atx=0.6, formation of a solid solution with the isostructural groutite was not found. The ferrimagnetic spinel phase, which resists heating up to 400C, was present at 0.5x0.9. At higher temperatures, it transformed into the rhombohedral hematite type phase or into the cubic bixbyite phase. AtT900C, a ferrimagnetic spinel structure reappeared up tox=0.8. For x=0.9, the low- and high-temperature forms of the hausmannite phase occurred, forx= 1 passing from one form into another through Mn₅O₈ and partritgeite.For a primary mixture Mn_0.5Fe(OH)₄, corresponding to the manganese ferrite structure, the lattice parameter of which passes from 8.43 å through 8.33 å to 8.50 å, the probable crystallochemical formula was suggested.We are grateful to KBN (The State Committee for Scientific Research, Poland) for grant No. 3 T09A 064 08, which contributed substantially to the materialization of this project.     

Hydrates [Na2(H2O)x](2-thiobarbiturate)2 (x = 3, 4, 5): crystal structure,spectroscopic and thermal properties

The hydrates [Na₂(H₂O)₃(Htba)₂] (1) and [Na₂(H₂O)₄(Htba)₂] (2), where H₂tba is 2-thiobarbituric acid, were obtained under different thermal conditions from aqueous solutions and were structurally characterized. The molecular and supramolecular structures were compared to the known structure of [Na₂(H₂O)₅(Htba)₂] (3). In polymeric 1–3, the Htba^? ions are linked to Na⁺ through O and S forming octahedra. The decrease of the number of coordination water molecules led to an increase of the total number of bridge ligands (μ₂-H₂O, Htba^?) and a change of the Htba^? coordination. These factors induced higher distortion of the octahedra. It was assumed that hydrates, with a different number of coordinated water molecules, are more probable when the central metal has weaker bonds with O water molecules and with other ligands. The net topologies of 1–3 were compared. Thermal decomposition and IR spectra were analyzed for 1 and 2.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and physical properties of Yb11Bi10 − xSnx

The intermetallic phase Yb₁₁Bi_{10 − x}Sn_x (x = 0 and 4.8) crystallizing in the Ho₁₁Ge₁₀ structure type was synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data in the tetragonal space group I4/mmm (no.139), Pearson code tI84, Z = 4, a = 12.2043(4) Å, c = 17.7227(9) Å, and V = 2639.7(2) Å³, R_gt(F) = 0.040, 763 observed reflections for Yb₁₁Bi₁₀, and a = 12.0183(5) Å, c = 17.413(1) Å, and V = 2515.1(2) Å³, R_gt(F) = 0.027, 762 observed reflections for Yb₁₁Bi_5.2Sn_4.8. The crystal structure of Yb₁₁Bi₁₀ contains three discrete anionic moieties: isolated Bi³⁻ anions, Bi₂⁴⁻ dimers and Bi₄⁴⁻ squares. In Yb₁₁Bi_5.2Sn_4.8, the square units are formed solely by Sn, and the structure shows a mixed Bi/Sn occupancy at the 8i and 16m Wyckoff sites. Magnetization measurements show that the title phase contains ytterbium exclusively in the 4f¹⁴ configuration up to 400 K. The Yb-L_III X-ray absorption spectrum attests also the presence of Yb with a 4f¹⁴ (Yb²⁺) configuration for Yb₁₁Bi₁₀, while the average valence of ytterbium was found to be 2.09 for Yb₁₁Bi_5.2Sn_4.8.     

Thermal and electrical properties of Ca5Mg4−xZnx(VO4)6 (0 ≤ x ≤ 4)

Calcium vanadates Ca₅Mg_4−xZn_x(VO₄)₆ (0 ≤ x ≤ 4) have been studied for the first time using a set of high-temperature methods of analysis. The onset of melting process determined from differential scanning calorimetry decreases from 1158 to 881 °C (± 1.5 °C) with increasing of x (dopant’s content). CTE temperature dependence is found to show a hysteresis. Electrical transport properties measured by impedance spectroscopy in air of different humidity are also discussed. The value of electrical conductivity does not depend on air humidity. It is found to equal to 1.5 × 10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹ at 720 °C for Ca₅Mg₄(VO₄)₆ which is specific for garnet-related crystals.

     

Phosphates M 0.5(1 + x) 2+ Cr x Ti2 − x (PO4)3: Synthesis, structure, and catalytic properties

Complex phosphates of titanium, chromium, and metals(2+) of the general formula M_{0.5(1 + x} )Cr _x Ti_{2 ? x} (PO₄)₃ (M = Mg, Ca, Mn, Ni, Sr, Ba, and Pb) were synthesized. Their phase formation was studied by means of X-ray powder diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, differential thermal analysis, and IR spectroscopy. Individual phases and solid solutions crystallizing in kosnarite and langbeinite structure types were identified; their crystallographic parameters were calculated. The catalytic properties of phosphates Ca_{0.5(1 + x} )Cr _x Ti_{2 ? x} (PO₄)₃ in methanol conversion were studied.     

Synthesis and study of the properties of the solid solutions K2Y1−x Tb(Tm) x (MoO4)(PO4) and K2Y1−x Tm x (MoO4)(PO4)0.95(VO4)0.05

The solid solutions K₂Y_1?x Tb(Tm) _x (MoO₄)(PO₄) and K₂Y_1?x Tm _x (MoO₄)(PO₄)_0.95(VO₄)_0.05 were synthesized, which are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Ibca). The luminescence intensity of the terbium-containing samples increases with increase in the terbium content. The thulium-containing samples are characterized by intense luminescence in the blue spectral region and concentration quenching of luminescence. The introduction of the vanadate anion adversely affects the luminescence intensity.     

Synthesis and optical properties of quasi-2D CdS x Se1 − x nanoparticles

Colloidal 2D CdS _x Se_{1 ? x} nanoparticles have been synthesized by a solution method in octadecene using oleic acid as a stabilizer. Growth of quasi-2D nanoparticles has been promoted by the presence of cadmium acetate in the reaction mixture. The resulting nanoparticles are platelets with lateral sizes 20–30 nm. The absorption and luminescence spectra of these nanoparticles show narrow bands of lh-e and hh-e exciton transitions corresponding to 2D systems. The spectral position of the lowest energy hh-e transition monotonically changes within 382–461 nm with a change in the composition of nanoparticles. The observed absorption bands are broader than those for the individual CdSe and CdS nanoparticles. The suggested method makes it possible to vary the exciton band position for quasi-2D nanoparticles by changing their composition.     

Thermal properties and structure of (As2S3)100−x(Sb4S4)x glassy system

Thermal properties and structure of bulk glasses of (As₂S₃)_1?x(Sb₄S₄)_x system (x varies from 0 to 60 mol%) were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that with increasing Sb content the glasses can be sorted out to the three groups. The structure of glasses with x ≤ 10 is build-up mainly from AsS_3/2 pyramidal units and the well-known crystallization resistance of As₂S₃ can explain the reluctance of these undercooled liquids against crystallization. In glasses with a higher content of antimony, i.e., 10 < x ≤ 30 mol%, the vibration characteristics of As₄S₄ clusters appear. Undercooled melts of these glasses crystallize forming both β-As₄S₄ and high-temperature phases of Sb₂S₃. Structure of glasses with the highest antimony content (x > 30 mol%) is based on SbS_3/2 structural units significantly lowering stability of their undercooled melts from which only Sb₂S₃ crystallizes.     

Synthesis of Calcium Phosphates by PO(OH)x(OBut)3−x and CaO2C2H4

In this work, an alkoxide solution route to synthesize Ca phosphates was developed. For the precursors, a CaO₂C₂H₄ solution was prepared by dissolving Ca metal powder into ethylene glycol, and a PO(OH)_x(OBut)_3–x solution was prepared by dissolving P₂O₅ inton -butanol under reflux conditions. In order to obtain a mixed solution of the two precursors, acetic acid was used as an additive. The experimental results show that (1) -2CaO · P₂O₅, -3CaO · P₂O₅, and hydroxyapatite can be easily synthesized by converting the corresponding mixed solutions to powder products in a hot plate, and calcining the as prepared products at 1100°C; (2) acetic acid behaves as a good agent for controlling the reactions between the two precursors by modifying the CaO₂C₂H₄ species in solution and decreasing the reactivity of the PO(OH)_x(OBut)_3–x species.     

Rubidium-cationic conductivity of Rb2−2x Ga2−x A x O4 (A = P, V, Nb, Ta) solid electrolytes

Solid solutions based on rubidium monogallate RbGaO₂ with a general formula Rb_2?2x Ga_2?x A _x O₄ (A = P, V, Nb, and Ta) are synthesized. Their crystal structure and temperature and concentration dependences of conductivity are studied. The highest rubidium-cationic conductivity is (1.8–3.9) × 10^?3 S cm^?1 at 400°C and (1.4–2.1) × 10^?2 S cm^?1 at 700°C. These results are compared with the data for rubidium monogallate doped with four-charged cations and solid solutions based on RbAlO₂.     

Synthesis, characterization and ion transport properties of hot-pressed solid polymer electrolytes (1−x) PEO:x KI

Synthesis and ion transport properties of hot-pressed solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), (1-x) PEO: x KI, where x is the content of KI in wt%, are reported. A hot-press technique has been used for the formation of the polymeric membranes in place of the usual solution cast method. The composition (80PEO:20KI) was identified as the highest conducting polymer electrolyte on the basis of compositional dependent conductivity studies of PEO:KI films. A conductivity enhancement of more than two orders of magnitude from that of the pure PEO was achieved. Materials characterization and ion transport mechanism were explained by using various experimental techniques.     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of nanosized carbon-coated Li1−3x La x FePO4 composites

Nanosized carbon-coated Li_1−3x La _x FePO₄ composites were synthesized using a fast, easy, microwave assisted, room-temperature, solid-state method. A lanthanum precursor was used to improve the electronic conductivity of LiFePO₄. The particle structure of the as-synthesized samples was observed using transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that a uniform and continuous carbon layer was formed on the surface of Li_1−3x La _x FePO₄ particles. Electrochemical techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, charge/discharge test, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the electrochemical performance of the samples. The results of electrochemical measurements revealed that the carbon coating and lanthanum doping provided an initial discharge capacity of 145 mA h/g with excellent rate capacity and long cycling stability. These advantages, coupled with the low cost, the high thermal stability, and the environmental friendliness of the raw materials, render Li_1−3x La _x FePO₄/C composites attractive for practical and large-scale applications.     

New polymolecular bismuth monohalides. Synthesis and crystal structures of Bi4BrxI4–x (x = 1, 2, or 3)

New mixed bismuth monohalides Bi₄Br_xI_4–x (x = 1, 2, or 3) were prepared for the first time by the reactions of bismuth metal with bismuth trihalides taken in stoichiometric amounts. Their crystal structures were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The Bi₄Br₃I and Bi₄BrI₃ compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic system, and Bi₄Br₂I₂ crystallizes in the monoclinic system. The crystal structures of all three phases contain one-dimensionally infinite molecular chains consisting of the [Bi₄X₄] fragments whose structures are identical with those of the individual Bi₄I₄ and Bi₄Br₄ molecules. The molecules are packed in layers. Different packing modes of the layers were found for different bismuth monohalides. The Bi₄ClI₃ compound, which is apparently structurally similar to Bi₄Br₃I and Bi₄BrI₃, was also prepared.     

Investigations of thermal,optical and electrical properties of Se85In15−xBix glasses and thin films

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - In our present research work, we have investigated the different thermal, optical and electrical properties of Se85In15?xBix alloys in bulk and...     

Influence of Ca2+ substitution on thermal,structural, and conductivity behavior of Bi1−xCaxFeO3−y (0.40 ≤ x ≤ 0.55)

Bi_1?xCa_xFeO_3?y (0.40 ≤ x ≤ 0.55) perovskite oxides have been synthesized by solid-state reaction method to study their properties as a cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells. The as prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analyzer/thermogravimetry, dilatometer, and impedance spectroscopy to study their structural, thermal, and electrical properties. The Rietveld refinement results confirmed that all the samples exhibit tetragonal structure with P4mm space group. In addition to this, sample x = 0.55 exhibits Ca₂Fe₂O₅ as a secondary phase. It has been observed that lattice parameters decrease with increase in calcium content. The thermal expansion coefficient and ionic conductivity increases with increase in calcium content up to x = 0.50. The highest ionic conductivity is observed for Bi_0.5Ca_0.5FeO_3?y i.e. 1.71 × 10^?2 S cm^?1.