Li(4−x)/3Ti(5−2x)/3CrxO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.9) spinels: New negatives for lithium batteries

Members of the spinel solid solution between Li_4/3Ti_5/3O₄ and LiCrTiO₄, i.e., Li_(4−x)/3Ti_(5−2x)/3Cr_xO₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.9), have been investigated as possible negative electrodes for future lithium-ion batteries. Electrochemical behaviour have been studied over the potential range 1–3.5 V vs Li⁺/Li. Results are promising with anodic capacities between 129 and 163 mA h/g with a flat operating voltage at about 1.5 V, which is attributed to the pair Ti⁴⁺/Ti³⁺. The inclusion of Cr³⁺ in the spinel structure enhances the specific capacity. In-situ X-ray diffraction experiments confirm that the reaction proceeds in a topotactic manner.     

Synthesis,spectroscopy and structures of halogen and sulfur-bridged dinuclear silver(I) complexes with N1-substituted thiophene-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone

The reactions of silver(I) halides (Cl or Br) with thiophene-2-carbaldehyde N¹-methyl thiosemicarbazone (HttscMe) in the presence of Ph₃P (1:1:1 molar ratio) yield halogen-bridged dimers, [Ag₂(μ-X)₂(η¹-S-HttsMe)₂(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, 1; Br, 2). The use of 2,2′-bipyridine in lieu of Ph₃P in the reaction of silver(I) chloride with HttscMe yields the sulfur-bridged dimer, [Ag₂(μ-S-HttscMe)₂(η¹-HttsMe)₂] · 2CHCl₃ 3. The substituents have altered the nature of bridge between the two silver atoms. The Ag···Ag separation (3.4867(5) Å) in complex 3 is less than that in the halogen-bridged dimers (3.734(4) Å 1; 3.746(5) Å 2). Unlike PPh₃ the co-ligand 2,2′-bipyridine did not coordinate to the silver center, but was necessary for crystallization in the reaction with the thio-ligand. NMR spectroscopy revealed that the complexes remained unchanged in the solution state (CDCl₃).     

Synthesis,structure and solid state NMR analysis of a new templated titanium(III/IV) fluorophosphate

The title compound MIL-131 (MIL stands for Material from Institut Lavoisier) was prepared hydrothermally (4 days, 473 K, autogenous pressure) in the presence of an organic base (N((CH₂)₂NH₂)₃). The structure of MIL-131 or Ti^IIITi^IV(OH)F₄(HPO₄)·(PO₄)·(N((CH₂)₂NH₃)₃) has been determined ab initio from X-Ray synchrotron powder diffraction data using simulated annealing methods and was refined in the triclinic space group P-1 (no. 2). MIL-131 exhibits a one-dimensional structure built up from inorganic chains of corner sharing TiO₅(OH) titanium(III) octahedra and PO₄ and HPO₄ phosphate tetrahedra, related to TiO₂F₄ titanium octahedra. Protonated triamine cations are located between the inorganic motifs, and interact strongly with the mineral network through hydrogen bondings both with terminal fluorine atoms and hydroxo or oxo groups. Multinuclear solid state NMR has allowed a clear attribution of the protons, fluoride, and phosphate groups environment within the framework of MIL-131. The large values of chemical shift anisotropy together with the absence of any ¹³C NMR response confirmed the presence of paramagnetic titanium(III) species deduced from the crystal structure. Finally, 2D MAS ¹H-³¹P CP-HETCOR NMR correlation experiment gives some insight on the nature of the intra-framework hydrogen bonding.Crystal data for MIL-131: a = 14.109(1) Å, b = 8.462(3) Å, c = 7.179(1) Å, α = 93.772(1)°, β = 96.566(2)°, γ = 98.004(1)°, V = 840.36(2) ų, z = 2.     

Apparent molar heat capacities and apparent molar volumes ofY2(SO4)3(aq),La2(SO4)3(aq),Pr2(SO4)3(aq),Nd2(SO4)3(aq),Eu2(SO4)3(aq),Dy2(SO4)3(aq),Ho2(SO4)3(aq), andLu2(SO4)3(aq)atT = 298.15 K andp = 0.1 MPa

The apparent molar heat capacities C_{p, φ} ^∘ and apparent molar volumes V_φ ^∘ of Y₂(SO₄)₃(aq), La₂(SO₄)₃(aq), Pr₂(SO₄)₃(aq), Nd₂(SO₄)₃(aq), Eu₂(SO₄)₃(aq), Dy₂(SO₄)₃(aq), Ho₂(SO₄)₃(aq), and Lu₂(SO₄)₃(aq) were measured at T =  298.15 K and p =  0.1 MPa with a Sodev (Picker) flow microcalorimeter and a Sodev vibrating-tube densimeter, respectively. These measurements extend from lower molalities of m =  (0.005 to 0.018) mol ·kg ^− 1to m =  (0.025 to 0.434) mol ·kg ^− 1, where the upper molality limits are slightly below those of the saturated solutions. There are no previously published apparent molar heat capacities for these systems, and only limited apparent molar volume information. Considerable amounts of the R SO₄ ⁺ (aq) and R(SO₄)₂ ⁻ (aq) complexes are present, where R denotes a rare-earth, which complicates the interpretation of these thermodynamic quantities. Values of the ionic molar heat capacities and ionic molar volumes of these complexes at infinite dilution are derived from the experimental information, but the calculations are necessarily quite approximate because of the need to estimate ionic activity coefficients and other thermodynamic quantities. Nevertheless, the derived standard ionic molar properties for the various R SO₄ ⁺ (aq) and R(SO₄)₂ ⁻ (aq) complexes are probably realistic approximations to the actual values. Comparisons indicate that V_φ ^∘ {RSO₄ ⁺ , aq, 298.15K}  =  − (6  ±  4)cm³· mol ^− 1and V_φ ^∘ {R(SO₄)₂ ⁻ , aq, 298.15K}  =  (35  ±  3)cm³· mol ^− 1, with no significant variation with rare-earth. In contrast, values of C_{p, φ} ^∘ { RSO₄ ⁺ , aq, 298.15K } generally increase with the atomic number of the rare-earth, whereas C_{p, φ} ^∘ { R(SO₄)₂ ⁻ , aq, 298.15K } shows a less regular trend, although its values are always positive and tend to be larger for the heavier than for the light rare earths.     

Thermodynamic properties of calcium titanates: CaTiO3, Ca4Ti3O10, and Ca3Ti2O7

The chemical potentials of CaO in two-phase fields (TiO₂ + CaTiO₃), (CaTiO₃ + Ca₄Ti₃O₁₀), and (Ca₄Ti₃O₁₀ + Ca₃Ti₂O₇) of the pseudo-binary system (CaO + TiO₂) have been measured in the temperature range (900 to 1250) K, relative to pure CaO as the reference state, using solid-state galvanic cells incorporating single crystal CaF₂ as the solid electrolyte. The cells were operated under pure oxygen at ambient pressure. The standard Gibbs free energies of formation of calcium titanates, CaTiO₃, Ca₄Ti₃O₁₀, and Ca₃Ti₂O₇, from their component binary oxides were derived from the reversible e.m.f.s. The results can be summarised by the following equations: CaO(solid) + TiO₂(solid) → CaTiO₃(solid), ΔG° ± 85/(J · mol^?1) = ?80,140 ? 6.302(T/K); 4CaO(solid) + 3TiO₂(solid) → Ca₄Ti₃O₁₀(solid), ΔG° ± 275/(J · mol^?1) = ?243,473 ? 25.758(T/K); 3CaO(solid) + 2TiO₂(solid) → Ca₃Ti₂O₇(solid), ΔG° ± 185/(J · mol^?1) = ?164,217 ? 16.838(T/K).The reference state for solid TiO₂ is the rutile form. The results of this study are in good agreement with thermodynamic data for CaTiO₃ reported in the literature. For Ca₄Ti₃O₁₀ Gibbs free energy of formation obtained in this study differs significantly from that reported by Taylor and Schmalzried at T = 873 K. For Ca₃Ti₂O₇ experimental measurements are not available in the literature for direct comparison with the results obtained in this study. Nevertheless, the standard entropy for Ca₃Ti₂O₇ at T = 298.15 K estimated from the results of this study using the Neumann–Koop rule is in fair agreement with the value obtained from low-temperature heat capacity measurements.     

Synthesis,structure and NMR characterization of a new monomeric aluminophosphate [dl-Co(en)3]2[Al(HPO4)2(H1.5PO4)2(H2PO4)2](H3PO4)4 containing four different types of monophosphates

A new zero-dimensional (0D) aluminophosphate monomer [dl-Co(en)₃]₂[Al(HPO₄)₂(H_1.5PO₄)₂(H₂PO₄)₂](H₃PO₄)₄ (designated AlPO-CJ38) with Al/P ratio of 1/6 has been solvothermally prepared by using racemic cobalt complex dl-Co(en)₃Cl₃ as the template. The Al atom is octahedrally linked to six P atoms via bridging oxygen atoms, forming a unique [Al(HPO₄)₂(H_1.5PO₄)₂(H₂PO₄)₂]^6? monomer. Notably, there exists intramolecular symmetrical O?H?O bonds, which results in pseudo-4-rings stabilized by the strong H-bonding interactions. The structure is also featured by the existence of four different types of monophosphates that have been confirmed by ³¹P NMR and ¹H NMR spectra. The crystal data are as follows: AlPO-CJ38, [dl-Co(en)₃]₂[Al(HPO₄)₂(H_1.5PO₄)₂(H₂PO₄)₂](H₃PO₄)₄, M = 1476.33, monoclinic, C2/c (No. 15), a = 36.028(7) Å, b = 8.9877(18) Å, c = 16.006(3) Å, β = 100.68(3)°, U = 5093.2(18) Å³_, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.0509 (I > 2σ(I)) and wR₂ = 0.1074 (all data). CCDC number 689491.     

Dinuclear Rh(I) complex with 2,7-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,8-naphthyridine: Synthesis,structure, and dynamic property

Reaction of [RhCl(cod)]₂ with 2,7-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,8-naphthyridine (dpnapy) and 2,6-xylyl isocyanide (XylNC) in the presence of NH₄PF₆ afforded the dirhodium(I) complex, [Rh₂(μ-dpnapy)₂(XylNC)₄](PF₆)₂ (5), and similar procedures using [MCl₂(cod)] (M = Pt, Pd) resulted in the formation of [Pt₂(μ-dpnapy)₂(XylNC)₄](PF₆)₄ (6) and [Pd₂Cl₂(μ-dpnapy)₂(XylNC)₂](PF₆)₂ (7). Complexes 5–7 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis, ¹H and ³¹P{¹H} NMR, and ESI mass spectroscopic techniques, to involve a small and rigid d⁸ {M₂(μ-dpnapy)₂} metallomacrocycle. Complex 5 readily incorporated a silver(I) ion into the macrocycle to afford [Rh₂Ag(μ-dpnapy)₂(XylNC)₄](PF₆)₃ (8) which was characterized by X-ray crystallography. The Ag(I) ion is trapped by two trans N atoms of dpnapy ligands, resulting in an asymmetric Rh–Ag⋯Rh structure, determined as a disordered model in the crystal structure, and however, in a CH₂Cl₂ solution, a dynamic interconversion of the two Ag-trapped sites was observed with low-temperature NMR studies, which was further supported by DFT molecular orbital calculations. When an acetonitrile solution of complex 5 was treated over a droplet of mercury(0), the polymeric compound formulated as {[Rh(μ-dpnapy)(XylNC)₂](PF₆)}_n (9) was isolated as yellow single crystals, which were revealed by X-ray crystallography to consist of C₆ helical rods along c axis with a pitch of 33.5 Å (rise of unit = 5.6 Å) and a diameter of 20.64 Å.     

New three-dimensional (3,4)-net zincophosphites templated by linear diammonium cations: H3N(CH2)5NH3·Zn3(HPO3)4 and β-H3N(CH2)6NH3·Zn3(HPO3)4

The mild-condition syntheses, single-crystal structures and properties of H₃N(CH₂)₅NH₃·Zn₃(HPO₃)₄ and β-H₃N(CH₂)₆NH₃·Zn₃(HPO₃)₄ are reported. Both are constructed from (3,4)-nets of ZnO₄ tetrahedra and HPO₃ pyramids, sharing vertices to result in three-dimensional anionic open-frameworks. In both materials, the organic species interacts with the framework by way of N–H⋯O bonds. Crystal data: H₃N(CH₂)₅NH₃·Zn₃(HPO₃)₄, M_r = 620.22, orthorhombic, Pccn (No. 56), a = 9.5364 (9) Å, b = 21.8015 (19) Å, c = 9.1118 (7) Å, V = 1894.4 (3) Å³, Z = 4, R(F) = 0.044, wR(F²) = 0.111. β-H₃N(CH₂)₆NH₃·Zn₃(HPO₃)₄, M_r = 634.25, monoclinic, P2₁/n (No. 14), a = 8.7627 (1) Å, b = 13.8117 (2) Å, c = 16.6187 (3) Å, β = 92.680 (1)°, V = 2009.12 (5) Å³, Z = 4, R(F) = 0.072, wR(F²) = 0.187.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of new vanadium(IV) oxyphosphates M(VO)2(PO4)2 with M = Co,Ni

We have extended our research interest on titanium oxyphosphates (M^II(TiO)₂(PO₄)₂, with M^II = Mg, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) to vanadium oxyphosphates M^II(V^IVO)₂(PO₄)₂ (M^II = Co, Ni). For each compound two phases, named α and β according to synthesis conditions, have been stabilized at room temperature, then characterized. The four crystal structures M(VO)₂(PO₄)₂ (α and β for M = Co, Ni) have been determined in monoclinic P2₁/c space group using X-ray single crystals diffraction data. Structure of the α phase is derived from the Li(TiO)(PO₄) (orthorhombic Pnma) and LiNi_0.50(TiO)₂(PO₄)₂ (monoclinic P2₁/c) types, with cell parameters: a = 6.310(1) Å, b = 7.273(1) Å, c = 7.432(1) Å, β = 90.43(1)° for M = Co, and a = 6.297(2) Å, b = 7.230(2) Å, c = 7.421(2) Å, β = 90.36(2)° for M = Ni. Structure of the β phase is derived from the Ni(TiO)₂(PO₄)₂-type (monoclinic P2₁/c) with cell parameters: a = 7.2742(2) Å, b = 7.2802(2) Å, c = 7.4550(2) Å, β = 120.171(2)° for M = Co, and a = 7.2691(2) Å, b = 7.2366(2) Å, c = 7.4453(2) Å, β = 120.231(2)° for M = Ni. All these structures consist of a three dimensional (3D) framework built up of infinite chains of tilted corner-sharing [VO₆] octahedra, cross-linked by corner-sharing [PO₄] tetrahedra. The M²⁺ ion (M = Co, Ni) is located in a triangular based antiprism which shares faces with two [VO₆] octahedra. Structural filiation is discussed based on a common structural unit, a sheet where divalent cations M²⁺ (M = Co, Ni) are inserted. A thermal study of the α ? β transition is also presented.     

Synthesis and characterization of the bimetallic polymers [MS4Ag2(Hmimt)2]n (where M = Mo or W,Hmimt = 1-methylimidazoline-2(3H)-thione): crystal structures of [WS4Ag2(Hmimt)2]n and [Ag2I2(Hmimt)]n

The title compounds were synthesized by the reactions of [NH₄]₂[MS₄] (M = Mo, W), AgI and Hmimt in acetone and characterized by IR, ¹H NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The polymeric structure of [WS₄Ag₂(Hmimt)₂]_n was determined by X-ray crystallography. In this compound, there are two distinctly different coordination modes for the silver atoms. One Ag atom has a pseudo-tetrahedral geometry with one terminal monodentate-S Hmimt, two μ₂-S bridging Hmimt and one S atom of a monodentate WS₄ unit. The other is surrounded by four sulfur atoms belonging in pairs to two WS₄ fragments; the coordination geometry is distorted tetrahedral. The [WS₄Ag₂(Hmimt)₂]_n polymer represents the first example of tetrathiometalate anions [MS₄]²⁻ (M = Mo, W, or V) coordinated to another metal atom in a monodentate fashion. In both crystal structures determined the Hmimt ligands are present in the thione form, with coordination taking place via the sulfur atom only.     

Synthesis,characterization and fluorescence properties of hexanuclear zinc(II) complexes

Two hexanuclear zinc(II) complexes, [Zn₆(L¹)₂(μ₂-OH)₂(μ₂-CH₃COO)₈] · CH₃CN (1 · CH₃CN) and [Zn₆(L²)₂(μ₂-OH)₂(μ₂-CH₃COO)₈] · 4CH₃CN (2 · 4CH₃CN), where HL¹ = 4-methyl-2,6-bis(cyclohexylmethyliminomethyl)-phenol and HL² = 4-methyl-2,6-bis(1-naphthalylmethyliminomethyl)-phenol, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and fluorescence spectroscopic methods, and by X-ray diffraction analysis. In the asymmetric unit of complex 1, two of the three zinc atoms have pentacoordinate geometries and the other is tetrahedrally coordinated, whereas the three distinct Zn atoms in complex 2 adopt three different coordination environments, namely distorted octahedral, trigonal bipyramidal and tetrahedral. The fluorescence properties of the ligands and complexes have been investigated.     

Apparent molar heat capacities and apparent molar volumes of Pr(ClO4)3(aq), Gd(ClO4)3(aq), Ho(ClO4)3(aq), and Tm(ClO4)3(aq) at T=(288.15, 298.15, 313.15, and 328.15) K and p=0.1 MPa

Acidified aqueous solutions of Pr(ClO₄)₃(aq), Gd(ClO₄)₃(aq), Ho(ClO₄)₃(aq), and Tm(ClO₄)₃(aq) were prepared from the corresponding oxides by dissolution in dilute perchloric acid. Once characterized with respect to trivalent metal cation and acid content, the relative densities of the solutions were measured at T=(288.15, 298.15, 313.15, and 328.15) K and p=0.1 MPa using a Sodev O2D vibrating tube densimeter. The relative massic heat capacities of the aqueous systems were also determined, under the same temperature and pressure conditions, using a Picker Flow Microcalorimeter. All measurements were made on solutions containing rare earth salt in the concentration range 0.01 ⩽ m/(mol · kg⁻¹) ⩽ 0.2. Relative densities and relative massic heat capacities were used to calculate the apparent molar volumes and apparent molar heat capacities of the acidified salt solutions from which the apparent molar properties of the aqueous salt solutions were extracted by the application of Young's Rule. The concentration dependences of the isothermal apparent molar volumes and heat capacities of each aqueous salt solution were modelled using Pitzer ion-interaction equations. These models produced estimates of apparent molar volumes and apparent molar heat capacities at infinite dilution for each set of isothermal V_φ,2 and C_pφ,2 values. In addition, the temperature and concentration dependences of the apparent molar volumes and apparent molar heat capacities of the aqueous rare earth perchlorate salt solutions were modelled using modified Pitzer ion-interaction equations. The latter equations utilized the Helgeson, Kirkham, and Flowers equations of state to model the temperature dependences (at p=0.1 MPa) of apparent molar volumes and apparent molar heat capacities at infinite dilution. The results of the latter models were compared to those previously published in the literature.Apparent molar volumes and apparent heat capacities at infinite dilution for the trivalent metal cations Pr³⁺(aq), Gd³⁺(aq), Ho³⁺(aq), and Tm³⁺(aq) were calculated using the conventions V₂^∘(H⁺(aq)) ≡ 0 and C_p2^∘(H⁺(aq)) ≡ 0 and have been compared to other values reported in the literature.     

A Li3V2(PO4)3/C thin film with high rate capability as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

A monoclinic lithium vanadium phosphate (Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃) and carbon composite thin film (LVP/C) is prepared via electrostatic spray deposition. The film is studied with X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and galvanostatic cell cycling. The LVP/C film is composed of carbon-coated Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ nanoparticles (50 nm) that are well distributed in a carbon matrix. In the voltage range of 3.0–4.3 V, it exhibits a reversible capacity of 118 mA h g^?1 and good capacity retention at the current rate of 1 C, while delivers 80 mA h g^?1 at 24 C. These results suggest a practical strategy to develop new cathode materials for high power lithium-ion batteries.     

Magnetic properties of hybrid organo-inorganic copper(II) oxovanadate(V) phosphate and phosphonate bridged systems

The hybrid organo-inorganic compounds [Cu₄(bipy)₄V₄O₁₁(PO₄)₂]nH₂O (n ∼ 5) (1), [Cu₂(phen)₂(PO₄)(H₂PO₄)₂(VO₂) · 2H₂O] (2) and [Cu₂(phen)₂(O₃PCH₂PO₃)(V₂O₅) (H₂O)]H₂O (3) which present different bridging forms of the phosphate/phosphonate group, show different bulk magnetic properties. We herein analyze the magnetic behaviour of these compounds in terms of their structural parameters. We also report a theoretical study for compound (1) assuming four different magnetic exchange pathways between the copper centres present in the tetranuclear unit. For compound (1) the following J values were obtained J₁ = +3.29; J₂ = −0.63; J₃ = −2.23; J₄ = −46.14 cm⁻¹. Compound (2) presents a Curie–Weiss behaviour in the whole range of temperature (3–300 K), and compound (3) shows a maximum for the magnetic susceptibility at 64 K, typical for antiferromagnetic interactions. These data where fitted using a model previously reported in the literature, assuming two different magnetic exchange pathways between the four copper(II) centres, with J₁ = −30.0 and J₂ = −8.5 cm⁻¹.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and thermal behaviour of [La(hfa)3(Phen)2] (hfa = hexafluoroacetylacetonate,Phen = o-phenanthroline)

The mixed ligand complex [La(hfa)₃(Phen)₂] (I) was obtained by the interaction of La(hfa)₃ and Phen; its composition does not depend on the stoichiometry of the reagents. According to the X-ray single crystal analysis data, complex I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n, with a = 13.583(3) Å, b = 16.959(3) Å, c = 18.860(4) Å, β = 94.71(3)° and Z = 4. The structure of I consists of isolated mononuclear molecules, the coordination number of La being 10. Thermal behaviour and composition of the vapor phase have been studied for I by thermal analysis and mass-spectrometry using a Knudsen cell. The mixed ligand complex I was found to sublime congruently in the temperature range 370–460 K: [La(hfa)₃(Phen)₂]_(s) = [La(hfa)₃(Phen)]_(g) + Phen_(g), Δ_rH⁰(T) = 316.2 ± 1.8 kJ/mol.     

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles supported on silica aerogel using gamma radiolysis

Silver clusters on SiO₂ support have been synthesized using ⁶⁰Co gamma radiation. The irradiation of Ag⁺ in aqueous suspension of SiO₂ in the presence of 0.2 mol dm⁻³ isopropanol resulted in the formation of yellow suspension. The absorption spectrum showed a band at 408 nm corresponding to typical characteristic surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles. The effect of Ag⁺ concentration on the formation of Ag cluster indicated that the size of Ag clusters vary with Ag⁺ concentration, which was varied from 4×10⁻⁴ to 5×10⁻³ mol dm⁻³. The results showed that Ag clusters are stable in the pH range of 2–9 and start agglomerating in the alkaline region at pH above 9. The effect of radiation dose rate and ratio of Ag⁺/SiO₂ on the formation of Ag clusters have also been investigated. The prepared clusters have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which showed the particle size of Ag clusters to be in the range of 10–20 nm.     

Uranium(VI) bis(imido) disulfonamide and dihalide complexes: Synthesis density functional theory analysis

Novel cis- and trans-bis(imido) uranium disulfonamide derivatives have been prepared from iodide metathesis reactions between two equivalents of K[N(Me)(SO₂Ar’)] (Ar’ = 4-Me-C₆H₄) and U(N^tBu)₂(I)₂(L)_x (L = OPPh₃, x = 2; Me₂bpy, x = 1; Me₂bpy = 4,4’-dimethyl-2,2’-bipyridyl). These bis(amide) derivatives serve as useful precursors for the synthesis of the trans-diphenolate complex U(N^tBu)₂(O-2-^tBuC₆H₄)₂(OPPh₃)₂ (5), cis- and trans-dithiolate complexes U(N^tBu)₂(SPh)₂(L)_x (L = OPPh₃ (6); Me₂bpy (7)), and cis- and trans-dihalide complexes with the general formulas U(N^tBu)₂(X)₂(L)_x (X = Cl, L = OPPh₃ (8), L = Me₂bpy (10); X = Br, L = OPPh₃ (9), L = Me₂bpy (11)). DFT calculations performed on the trans-dihalide series U(N^tBu)₂(X)₂(L)₂ and the UO₂²⁺ analogues UO₂X₂(OPPh₃)₂ suggest that the uranium centers in the [U(N^tBu)₂]²⁺ ions possess more covalent character than analogous UO₂²⁺ derivatives but that the U-X bonds in the U(N^tBu)₂X₂L₂ complexes possess a more ionic nature.     

Nano-structured Li3V2(PO4)3/carbon composite for high-rate lithium-ion batteries

Nano-structured Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/carbon composite (Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C) has been successfully prepared by incorporating the precursor solution into a highly mesoporous carbon with an expanded pore structure. X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the structure of the composites. Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ had particle sizes of < 50 nm and was well dispersed in the carbon matrix. When cycled within a voltage range of 3 to 4.3 V, a Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C composite delivered a reversible capacity of 122 mA h g^? 1 at a 1C rate and maintained a specific discharge capacity of 83 mA h g^? 1 at a 32C rate. These results demonstrate that cathodes made from a nano-structured Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ and mesoporous carbon composite material have great potential for use in high-power Li-ion batteries.