Impact of structural features on pigment properties of α-Fe2O3 haematite

Various α-Fe₂O₃ haematite samples were synthesized by precipitation routes (under standard or hydrothermal conditions) followed by thermal treatments under air. The trigonal distortion (C_3v point group) of the Fe³⁺ octahedral sites, which depends on the synthesis route and thermal treatment, was investigated by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy and visible-near infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy. The correlation between diffuse reflectance spectra and structural features of the haematite samples is reported and discussed herein. The slight increase of the average distortion of the Fe³⁺ octahedral sites, which depends on the annealing temperature of the precipitated sample, directly linked to the crystallite size, contrasts with the larger reduction of the sites distortion for the compound prepared by hydrothermal route due to the occurrence of hydroxyl groups substituted for O²⁻ anions as well as Fe³⁺ cationic vacancies. On a local point of view, as shown by Mössbauer spectroscopy, the Fe³⁺ octahedral sites distortion decreases from the centre towards the surface of the grains. Then the smaller the grain size, the lower the average site distortion. Finally, the reduction of the octahedral distortion was directly correlated to the two FeO charge transfer bands in the visible range and the colour of as-prepared haematites.     

Effects of surfactants on morphology in synthesis of α-Mn2O3 nanostructures

Cubic and chain-like structure of α-Mn₂O₃ with a high surface area was prepared by air oxidation of manganese chloride through sol process by adding hexamine and mercaptosuccinic acid as wetting agent, respectively. The as-synthesized products were characterized with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The possible formation mechanism of α-Mn₂O₃ cubic and chain-like nanostructures has been proposed and discussed.     

Synthesis, crystal growth and structure of Mg containing β-rhombohedral boron: MgB17.4

For the first time, single crystals of Mg containing β-rhombohedral boron MgB_17.4 were synthesised from the elements in a Mg/Cu melt at 1600 °C. The crystal structure determined by the refinement of single crystal data (space group R-3m, , , 890 reflections, 123 variables, R₁(F)=0.049, wR₂(I)=0.122) improves and modifies the former structure model derived from earlier investigations on powder samples. Mg is located on four different positions with partial occupation. While the occupation of the sites D (53.3%), E (91%) and F (7.2%) is already known from other boron-rich borides related to β-rhombohedral boron, the occupation of the fourth position (18h, 6.7%) is observed for the first time. Two boron positions show partial occupation. The summation reveals the composition MgB_17.4 and Mg_5.85B_101.9, respectively, confirmed by WDX measurements. The single crystals of MgB_17.4 show the highest Mg content ever found. Preliminary measurements indicate no superconductivity.     

Ab-initio structure determination of β-La2WO6

The structure of the low-temperature form of β-La₂WO₆ has been determined from laboratory X-ray, neutron time-of-flight and electron diffraction data. This tungstate crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic space group (no. 19) P2₁2₁2₁, with Z=8, a=7.5196(1) Å, b=10.3476(1) Å, c=12.7944(2) Å, and a measured density 7.37(1) g cm⁻³. The structure consists of tungsten [WO₆] octahedra and tetrahedral [OLa₄]. Tungsten polyhedra are connected such that [W₂O₁₁]¹⁰⁻ units are formed.     

Raman characterization of α- and β-LiFe5O8 prepared through a solid-state reaction pathway

Lithium ferrite, a mixed-inverse spinel of type A_xB_y[A_1−xB_1−y]O₄ was produced through solid state synthesis by calcining a Li₂CO₃/Fe₂O₃ mixture at 900 °C. The presence of both the ordered α-phase and disordered β-phase of LiFe₅O₈ was confirmed by XRD analysis, while formation of the latter was achieved by air quenching from high temperature. Laser Raman analysis was performed on both the α-LiFe₅O₈ and β-LiFe₅O₈ powders in order to achieve a reference set of Raman shifts for the spinel. The strongest, characteristic Raman peaks were determined to be 493, 382, 358, 300, and 263 cm⁻¹ for both phases while smaller peaks at 202 and 236 cm⁻¹ present in the α-phase were diminishing in intensity when the β-phase was present, thus providing unique identifiers for the presence of the disordered ferrite structure. SEM images taken of the synthesized LiFe₅O₈ powders showed particle sizes of less than 300 nm and an even particle size distribution.     

The first di-cadmium-substituted vanadoarsenate derived from α-{As8V14O42} shell

Two di-cadmium-substituted vanadoarsenates, [Cd(enMe)₃]₂{α-[(enMe)₂Cd₂As₈V₁₂O₄₀(0.5H₂O)]}·5.5H₂O (1, enMe=1,2-diaminopropane) and [Cd(enMe)₂]₂{β-[(enMe)₂Cd₂As₈V₁₂O₄₀(0.5H₂O)]} (2), were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, TGA, UV-Vis, XRD, magnetic measurements and single crystal structural analyses. Crystal data for 1: monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a=15.040(9) Å, b=20.288(12) Å, c=27.873(17) Å, β=98.046(8)°, V=8421.3(19) Å³, Z=4; for 2: monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a=12.753(3) Å, b=19.334(5) Å, c=14.310(3) Å, β=99.984(3)°, V=3475.1(14) Å³, Z=2. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that compounds 1 and 2 exhibit isolated and one-dimensional inorganic-organic hybrid structures, respectively. The former is the first di-cadmium-substituted vanadoarsenate derived from α-{As₈V₁₄O₄₂} shell, while the latter is another kind of di-cadmium-substituted vanadoarsenate derived from β-{As₈V₁₄O₄₂} shell. Variable temperature susceptibility measurements demonstrate the presence of antiferromagnetic interactions between V^IV cations in 1 and 2.     

Crystal growth, crystal structure of new polymorphic modification, β-Bi2B8O15 and thermal expansion of α-Bi2B8O15

Single crystals of α- and β-polymorphs of Bi₂B₈O₁₅ were grown by Czochralski method from a charge of the stoichiometric composition. The crystal structure of β-Bi₂B₈O₁₅ was solved by direct methods from a twinned crystal and refined to R1=0.081 (wR=0.198) on the basis of 1584 unique observed reflections (I>2σ(I)). The compound is triclinic, space group , a=4.3159(8), b=6. 4604(12), c=22.485(4) Å, α=87.094(15)°, β=86.538(15)°, γ=74.420(14)°, V=602.40(19) Å³, Z=2. The B-O layered anion of β-Bi₂B₈O₁₅ is topologically identical to the anion of α-Bi₂B₈O₁₅ but the orientation of neighboring layers is different. Thermal expansion of α-Bi₂B₈O₁₅ has been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction in air in temperature range from 20 to 700 °C. It is strongly anisotropic, which can be explained by the hinge mechanism applied to chains of Bi-O polyhedra. While the anisotropy of thermal expansion is rather high, the volume thermal expansion coefficient α_V=40×10⁶ °C⁻¹ for α-Bi₂B₈O₁₅ is close to those of other bismuth borates.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of a new heptamolybdate (NH4)6H2[Cu(C2O4)2(Mo7O24)] · 9H2O

An interesting heptamolybdate (NH₄)₆H₂[Cu(C₂O₄)₂(Mo₇O₂₄)] · 9H₂O (I) was prepared by convenational method in an aqueous solution and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data for I: monoclinic, space group P2₁/m with a = 10.1460(5), b = 18.2616(9), c = 10.4994(5) ?, β = 94.3410(10)°, and Z = 2. X-ray structure analysis revealed the complexes to contain a copper center in an octahedral coordination mode bound to two [C₂O₄]²⁻ anios via the oxygen atoms and two oxygen atoms of the new heptamolybdate species. The zigzag chain structure of I is constructed by [Cu(C₂O₄)₂(Mo₇O₂₄)] units via Mo-O-Cu-O-Mo linkers.     

Ionic diffusion mastering using crystal-chemistry parameters: τ-Cu1/2Ag1/2V2O5 structure determination and comparison with refined δ-AgxV2O5 and ε-CuxV2O5 ones

τ-Ag_1/2Cu_1/2V₂O₅ compound crystallises in the monoclinic system space group C2/m with cell parameters a=11.757(4) Å, b=3.6942(5) Å, c=9.463(2) Å, and β=114.62(2)°. The structure is build up with V₄O₁₀ D4 double layer. The silver and copper ions are located in two different oxygenated tunnels. Examination of electronic density maps shows that while the silver ions are located in defined crystallographic sites, the copper ones are fully delocalised over the whole tunnel. Comparison with δ-Ag_xV₂O₅ and ε-Cu_xV₂O₅ refined structure allows to define crystal chemistry parameters governing the ionic delocalisation and give clues to predict from structural consideration the expected electrical behaviour with the aim to make possible a structural design to enhance guest species reactivity.     

Microscopic studies of a SnO2/α-Fe2O3 architectural nanocomposite using Mössbauer spectroscopic and magnetic measurements

A SnO₂/α-Fe₂O₃ architectural nanocomposite, which was evidenced as SnO₂ nanorod arrays assembled on the surface of α-Fe₂O₃ nanotubes in our previous study, was investigated microscopically by means of Mössbauer spectroscopic and magnetic measurements. It was found for the SnO₂ nanorods that Fe³⁺ ions substituted slightly to Sn_0.998Fe_0.002O₂. Concerning the α-Fe₂O₃ tubes, the Morin transition, which was completely suppressed in the mother, SnO₂-free α-Fe₂O₃ nanotubes, was found to be recovered locally. We speculate that it takes place in the interface area as a result of structural modification needed for the connection with the SnO₂ nanorods.     

A novel hybrid crystal of chiral racemic complexes coexisting with two kinds of polyoxomolybdates: synthesis and structure of [Co(bpy)3]2[Mo6O19] [β-(H2Mo8O26)]·4H2O

A novel polyoxometalate-based organic-inorganic hybrid compound, [Co(bpy)₃]₂ [Mo₆O₁₉] [β-(H₂Mo₈O₂₆)]·4H₂O (1), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR and X-ray photoelectron spectra. Compound 1 represents the first example that racemic complexes coexisting with two kinds of polyoxomolybdate anions in the same crystal architecture, which should be of rare chance that four kinds of complexes crystallizes into a compound.     

Phase transition induced by lithium insertion in αI- and αII-VOPO4

Lithium insertion in α_I-VOPO₄ and α_II-VOPO₄, either by chemical or electrochemical route, leads to the same new compound: α_I-LiVOPO₄ (space group P4/nmm). The structure, resolved by neutron and synchrotron diffraction, is made up of planes of corner-connected PO₄ and VO₅ polyhedra, whereas lithium atoms are located between the layers. The reversal of the short vanadyl bond that corresponds to the insertion-induced α_II-α_I transition finds an explanation in terms of lattice energy. It favors the migration of lithium ions in the (0 0 1) interlayer planes, a key parameter for the electrochemical performance as electrode material in Li-ion batteries.     

Crystal Structure of a New Form of Sodium Octoborate β-Na2B8O13

Single crystals of a new form of sodium octoborate, β-Na₂B₈O₁₃, were obtained fortuitously from a complex Na₂O-B₂O₃-P₂O₅ mixture, and studied. The compound is monoclinic, space group P2₁/c; the unit cell parameters are a=11.731(4) Å, b=7.880(3) Å, c=10.410(4) Å, β=99.883(3)°; Z=4. The crystal structure was solved from 1653 reflections until R₁=0.0444; it consists of two infinite, independent, and interleaved boron-oxygen networks containing a complex borate anion (B₈O₁₃)²⁻ formed by six BO₃ triangles (Δ) and two BO₄ tetrahedra (T), which can be viewed as a B₅O₁₀ group linked to a B₃O₇ group; this leads to a Fundamental Building Block (FBB) with the shorthand notation: 8: ∞³ [(5:4Δ+T)+(3:2Δ+T)]. This FBB is identical to that described in other octoborates such as α-Na₂B₈O₁₃ and Ag₂B₈O₁₃. However, some subtle differences exist in the interlinking of the octoborate anions found in these three compounds, which explains their different structure and unit cell parameters.     

X-ray diffraction study of crystal and molecular structure of acetylacetone azocompound — [C11H11N2O2F1]

The 3-[4-fluorophenylazopentandion]-2,4 reagent is synthesized based on acetylacetone, and its crystal and molecular structure is studied by X-ray diffraction. It is found that [C₁₁H₁₁N₂O₂F] crystals 1 belong to the monoclinic symmetry, C2/c space group. The unit cell parameters of 1 are a = 18.827(3) ?, b = 12.839(2) ?, c = 26.475(5) ?, β = 104.834(2)°. The analysis shows that the reagent is present in the solution as well as in the crystal. A comparative analysis of these three structures with the reported data is carried out.     

Influence of Sn and Sn/Mg doping on structural features and visible absorption properties of α-Fe2O3 hematite

Pure, Sn-doped and Mg/Sn co-doped α-Fe₂O₃ hematite samples were synthesized by precipitation process. Fe₂O₃ is the most popular red mineral pigment which is used largely in traditional ceramics, tar and concrete. The compounds were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning transmission electronic microscopy (energy dispersive X-ray cartography), Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetic investigations versus temperature and visible-NIR spectroscopy. Both ⁵⁷Fe and ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer analyses combined with rietveld XRD refinements are the ideal techniques to characterize tin-iron oxides. Hence, thanks to these techniques it was shown how the synthesis temperature influences directly the grain size and the dopants concentration limit which can be incorporated into the host hematite matrix. The stabilization of these tetravalent and divalent dopants into the hematite framework leads to reduce the crystal growth and to limit the (AF) ordering due to the formation of cationic vacancies. The study of the Morin magnetic transition emphasizes this demonstration. In a second part, the influence of the dopants incorporation on the material color was investigated in order to show which key parameters allow improving the red color saturation of iron oxides. In order to improve the red color of the hematites, it was shown that the introduction of cationic vacancies—limiting the octahedral distortion thanks to the interruption of the dissymmetric metal-metal orbital coupling—is the key point. Vacancies are created by Sn⁴⁺, doping for an increase of the introduced Sn⁴⁺ concentration; it acts to the detriment of the color saturation.     

Structure, crystal chemistry and thermal evolution of the δ-Bi2O3-related phase Bi9ReO17

The thermal evolution and structural properties of fluorite-related δ-Bi₂O₃-type Bi₉ReO₁₇ were studied with variable temperature neutron powder diffraction, synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction and electron diffraction. The thermodynamically stable room-temperature crystal structure is monoclinic P2₁/c, a=9.89917(5), b=19.70356(10), c=11.61597(6) Å, β=125.302(2)° (R_p=3.51%, wR_p=3.60%) and features clusters of ReO₄ tetrahedra embedded in a distorted Bi-O fluorite-like network. This phase is stable up to 725 °C whereupon it transforms to a disordered δ-Bi₂O₃-like phase, which was modeled with δ-Bi₂O₃ in cubic Fm3¯m with a=5.7809(1) Å (R_p=2.49%, wR_p=2.44%) at 750 °C. Quenching from above 725 °C leads to a different phase, the structure of which has not been solved but appears on the basis of spectroscopic evidence to contain both ReO₄ tetrahedra and ReO₆ octahedra.     

Synthesis, structure and magnetism of a S-shaped multi-iron substituted arsenotungstate containing a trivacant Keggin [B-α-AsW9O34] and a hexavacant Keggin [α-AsW6O26] fragments

A S-shaped multi-iron substituted arsenotungstate [enH₂]₂[(α-H₂As^VW₆O₂₆)Fe₃(H₂O)(B-α-H₄As^VW₉O₃₄)]₂[Fe]₂·8H₂O (1) (en=ethylenediamine) has been prepared by reaction of K₁₄[As₂^IIIW₁₉O₆₇(H₂O)]·nH₂O with Fe₂(SO₄)₃·xH₂O under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, UV spectra, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The skeleton of 1 consists of two asymmetric sandwich-type subunits [(α-H₂As^VW₆O₂₆)Fe₃(H₂O)(B-α-H₄As^VW₉O₃₄)]⁵⁻ linked by a di-Fe^III cluster. Moreover, magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrate that 1 indicates the antiferromagnetic coupling interactions within Fe^III centers with the best-fitting set of parameters of J₁=−7.07 cm⁻¹, J₂=−0.45 cm⁻¹ and g=2.05, which are generated by the addition of the expressions of the molar susceptibilities of two tri-Fe^III clusters and one di-Fe^III cluster derived from for spin pairs coupled through the isotropic exchange interactions.     

质子导体固体氧化物燃料电池的Ba2Co9O14阴极材料

Ba₂Co₉O₁₄（BCO）是一种新型的电子-氧离子混合导体,在氧离子导体的固体氧化物燃料电池（SOFC）中,其作为阴极材料的应用可能性已经得到证实,本工作探索BCO在质子导体SOFC中的应用可能性。采用固相反应法制备BCO粉体,研究BCO与质子导体电解质BZCY （BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3-δ）之间的化学相容性,分析BCO-BZCY复合阴极在BZCY电解质上的电化学性能。当复合阴极中BCO的质量含量为70%时,阴极性能最佳,界面阻抗活化能为1.26 eV。以BCO-BZCY为阴极,Ni-BZCY为阳极,BZCY为电解质的阳极支撑型单电池,700℃时,单电池的极化阻抗为0.15 Ω·cm²,最大功率密度为400 mW·cm^-2。     

Crystal structure of Cs8[α-BW12O40][RhCl6]·5·5H2O double salt

By heating in the air [HBW₁₁O₃₉]⁸⁻ with [Rh₂(CH₃COO)₄(H₂O)₂] in the excess of tungstate followed by crystallization in the presence of CsCl, a double salt of Cs₈[6h-BW₁₂O₄₀][RhCl₆]·5.5H₂O is obtained and structurally characterized. Its crystal structure is determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure is ionic with Cs⁺ cations, [BW₁₂O₄₀]⁵ anions with the Keggin structure, and [RhCl₆]³ octahedral anions.