Hypervalence and the delocalizing versus localizing propensities of H 3– , Li 3– , CH 5– and SiH 5–

Lithium and silicon have the capability to form hypervalent structures, such as Li₃^– and SiH₅^–, which is contrasted by the absence of this capability in hydrogen and carbon, as exemplified by H₃^– and CH₅^– which, although isoelectronic to the former two species, have a distortive, bond-localizing propensity. This well-known fact is nicely confirmed in our DFT study at BP86/TZ2P. We furthermore show that the hypervalence of Li and Si neither originates from the availability of low-energy 2p and 3d AOs, respectively, nor from differences in the bonding pattern of the valence molecular orbitals; there is, in all cases, a 3-center-4-electron bond in the axial X–A–X unit. Instead, we find that the discriminating factor is the smaller effective size of C compared to the larger Si atom, and the resulting lack of space around the former. Interestingly, a similar steric mechanism is responsible for the difference in bonding capabilities between H and the effectively larger Li atom. This is so, despite the fact that the substituents in the corresponding symmetric and linear dicoordinate H₃^– and Li₃^– are on opposite sides of the central atom. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Kinetic investigation of propane oxidation on diluted Mo1–V0.3–Te0.23–Nb0.125–Ox mixed-oxide catalysts

Reaction kinetics and proposed mechanism for the oxidation of propane over diluted Mo₁–V_0.3–Te_0.23–Nb_0.125–O _x are described. The kinetic study allowed determination of the orders of propane disappearance, propene formation, CO _x formation, and acids formation. The results show that selective oxidation of propane to propylene over this catalyst follows the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism. Deep oxidation of propane to carbon dioxide is first order with respect to hydrocarbon, and partial order (0.21) with respect to oxygen. The selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid is half order with respect to hydrocarbon and partial order (0.11) with respect to oxygen, while water does not participate directly in propane transformation. The result also shows that the overall reaction consists of three parallel process channels. One main sequence of consecutive reactions leads to the desired product.     

Online NMR spectroscopic study of species distribution in MEA–H2O–CO2 and DEA–H2O–CO2

Quantitative online NMR spectroscopy was used for studying the species distribution in solutions of carbon dioxide in aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA) and diethanolamine (DEA). The mass fraction of the amine in the unloaded solution was 0.2 and 0.3 g/g, respectively, the carbon dioxide loading was up to 1.1 ??molCO₂/molamine$1.1\text{\hspace{0.17em}??}\text{mo}{\text{l}}_{\text{C}{\text{O}}_2}/\text{mo}{\text{l}}_{\text{amine}}$, temperatures were between 293 and 353 K. A special apparatus was designed that allows preparing the mixtures gravimetrically and applying pressures up to 25 bar to keep the carbon dioxide in solution. It was coupled to a 400 MHz NMR spectrometer by heated capillaries. By using both ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy quantitative information on the concentrations of the following species were obtained: amine, carbamate, bicarbonate, and carbon dioxide. Due to the fast proton transfer between molecular and protonated amine, only the sum of their concentrations can be determined. Furthermore, a byproduct, 2-oxazolidone, was observed and quantified. The experimental data were used for developing a thermodynamic model of the studied electrolyte solutions based on the extended Pitzer G^E-model. In the model development, also vapor–liquid equilibrium data from the literature were included. The model gives reliable results both for the species distribution and the vapor–liquid equilibrium of the studied mixtures.     

Solid–liquid phase equilibria in the system K2SO4–MgSO4–H2O at 318 K

The polythermal solubility diagram of the system K₂SO₄–MgSO₄–H₂O presents the formation of three double salts, picromerite, leonite, langbeinite appearing in this order with increasing temperature. In the temperature range between 314.15 K and 320.65 K, picromerite and leonite ought to coexist. The search in the literature revealed a lack of isothermal phase equilibrium data within this temperature range. Therefore, the solubility in the system K₂SO₄–MgSO₄–H₂O was determined in the whole concentration range at 318 K. The solid phases, epsomite, leonite, picromerite and arcanite occur with increasing potassium sulfate concentration. A two-salt point of leonite and picromerite is established at 0.618 molal K₂SO₄ and 3.030 molal MgSO₄ at the temperature of investigation.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of copper–molybdenum–sulfur and copper–tungsten–sulfur cluster complexes (n-Bu4N)[OMS3Cu3Br2L2] with heterocyclic thiones as ligands

Reaction of (NH₄)₂[WOS₃] or (NH₄)₂[MoO₂S₂], n-Bu₄NBr, CuCl and Imt in acetone solvent afforded air- and moisture-stable clusters (n-Bu₄N)[MOS₃Cu₃(Imt)₂Br₂] (M = W or Mo, Imt = imidazolidine-2-thione). These compounds have been characterized by IR, UV–Vis, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. They are crystallographically isostructural, with Imt and [MOS₃]²⁻ acting as monodentate and bidentate S-donor ligands, respectively. In the anions, the three Cu atoms have different coordination environments, one being distorted tetrahedral with Imt and Br as terminal ligands, the other two being approximately trigonal planar with Imt as a terminal ligand for one and Br as a terminal ligand for the other. W and Mo have approximately tetrahedral coordination geometry, with a terminal O and three triply-bridging S atoms. The NH groups of the Imt ligands serve as donors in intramolecular N–H?Br and in intermolecular N–H?Br and N–H?O hydrogen bonds, linking the anions to form layers with the cations in cavities.     

TiO2促进Ti3C2负载Mn–N–C催化剂的电催化氧还原性能

开发高活性和稳定性的非贵金属催化剂作为氢氧燃料电池的电极催化剂具有重要意义.本文通过多巴胺和Mn²⁺在Ti₃C₂纳米片上发生配位和聚合反应,再在Ar气下高温处理,制得含有TiO₂颗粒的Ti₃C₂负载Mn–N–C催化剂(Ti₃C₂/Mn NC–TiO₂(H)).采用H₂/Ar混合气可以得到TiO₂较少的Ti₃C₂/Mn NC–TiO₂(L).研究发现Ti₃C₂/Mn NC–TiO₂(H)为四电子转移反应,相比Ti₃C₂/Mn NC–TiO₂(L)具有更高的电催化氧还原活性,接近商业Pt/C性能,同时兼具优异的稳定性.其优异的电催化性能可归结于Ti_...     

Solid–liquid phase equilibria in the system K2SO4–MnSO4–H2O at 298 K and 313 K

Phase equilibria studies of the system K₂SO₄–MnSO₄–H₂O published revealed discrepancies between the data presented in the literature regarding the solid phases formed at ambient temperatures. The solubility in the system at 298 K and 313 K was determined. At 298 K, the existence of the double salt K₂SO₄·3MnSO₄·5H₂O and of MnSO₄·H₂O was confirmed. The examinations at 313 K showed the formation of the stable solid phases MnSO₄·H₂O, K₂SO₄·2MnSO₄, K₂SO₄·MnSO₄·1.5H₂O, K₂SO₄ and the formation of a metastable phase K₂SO₄·MnSO₄·2H₂O.     

Ambient temperature sol–gel synthesis of CeO2–SiO2 and TiO2–CeO2–SiO2 films with high efficiency of UV absorption and without destructive oxidation on heat sensitive organic substrate

Highly efficient UV absorption films of CeO₂–SiO₂ and TiO₂–CeO₂–SiO₂ were synthesized through an epoxide assisted sol–gel strategy. As proven by their UV–vis transmittance spectra, the obtained films show very strong absorption in the UV region, at the same time, keeping the high transparency in the visible range. Due to the unique chemistry of this route and the delicate selection of Ce precursor salts, the ceria in the film can be crystallized at ambient temperature, resulting in the effective UV absorption and oxidation minimization of the films. These advantages guarantee their application in the protection of heat-sensitive organic materials.     

An efficient and stable Mn–K/CeO2–Al2O3 catalyst for hydrogenation of benzoic acid to benzaldehyde

A Mn–K/CeO₂–Al₂O₃ catalyst for the hydrogenation of benzoic acid (BAC) to benzaldehyde (BAD) has been developed. The catalyst exhibits efficient activity in the reaction and is still stable after 102 h of testing.     

Solubility measurements for the CH4 + CO2 + H2O system under hydrate–liquid–vapor equilibrium

Phase equilibria for the CH₄ + CO₂ + H₂O system have been investigated in the past, but mole fraction of methane and carbon dioxide in the bulk liquid phase has not been measured under hydrate–liquid–vapor equilibrium. Equilibrium liquid composition is very important as it defines the driving force for hydrate growth. This study presents the solubility of methane and carbon dioxide under H–Lw–V equilibrium. Emphasis is made on the effect of pressure along the respective isotherms on the equilibrium mole fraction of the individual hydrate formers in the liquid.     

Improved electrochemical performance of Ca2Fe1.4Co0.6O5–Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 composite cathodes for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

The performance of Ca₂Fe_1.4Co_0.6O₅–Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95 (CFC–CGO) composite cathode has been investigated for potential application in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The composite cathodes are prepared and characterized by XRD and SEM, respectively. The electrochemical properties of the composite cathodes are investigated using AC impedance and DC polarization methods from 500 to 700 °C under different oxygen partial pressures. The polarization resistance (R _p) decreases with the increase of CGO content in the composite electrode. The addition of 40 wt.% CGO in CFC results in the lowest R _p of 0.48 Ω cm² at 700 °C in air. Oxygen partial pressure dependence study indicates that the charge-transfer process is the rate limiting step for oxygen reduction reaction. CFC-40CGO composite cathode exhibits the lowest overpotential of about 67 mV at a current density of 85 mA cm⁻² at 700 °C in air.     

HBr/H2O2-mediated formation of C–S bond with thiosulfates

A novel, efficient, and green protocol to construct C–S bond has been developed via HBr/H₂O₂-mediated sulfenylation of styrenes and 4-hydroxycoumarins leading to unsymmetrical sulfides. Various unsymmetrical sulfides were prepared in one step with moderate to good yields using environmentally-friendly H₂O₂ as oxidant and HBr as catalyst. Based on the preliminary experimental results, a plausible reaction mechanism was proposed for HBr/H₂O₂-mediated formation of C–S bond with thiosulfates.     

NOx-Sorbing Metal Oxides, MnOx–CeO2. Oxidative NO Adsorption and NOx–H2 Reaction

(n)MnO_x–(1–n)CeO₂ binary oxides have been studied for the sorptive NO removal and subsequent reduction of NO_x sorbed to N₂ at low temperatures (150 °C). The solid solution with a fluorite-type structure was found to be effective for oxidative NO adsorption, which yielded nitrate (NO^– ₃) and/or nitrite (NO^– ₂) species on the surface depending on temperature, O₂ concentration in the gas feed, and composition of the binary oxide (n). A surface reaction model was derived on the basis of XPS, TPD, and DRIFTS analyses. Redox of Mn accompanied by simultaneous oxygen equilibration between the surface and the gas phase promoted the oxidative NO adsorption. The reactivity of the adsorbed NO_x toward H₂ was examined for MnO_x–CeO₂ impregnated with Pd, which is known as a nonselective catalyst toward NO–H₂ reaction in the presence of excess oxygen. The Pd/MnO_x–CeO₂ catalyst after saturated by the NO uptake could be regenerated by micropulse injections of H₂ at 150 °C. Evidence was presented to show that the role of Pd is to generate reactive hydrogen atoms, which spillover onto the MnO_x–CeO₂ surface and reduce nitrite/nitrate adsorbing thereon. Because of the lower reducibility of nitrate and the competitive H₂–O₂ combustion, H₂–NO reaction was suppressed to a certain extent in the presence of O₂. Nevertheless, Pd/MnO_x–CeO₂ attained 65% NO-conversion in a steady stream of 0.08% NO, 2% H₂, and 6% O₂ in He at as low as 150 °C, compared to ca. 30% conversion for Pd/–Al₂O₃ at the same temperature. The combination of NO_x-sorbing materials and H₂-activation catalysts is expected to pave the way to development of novel NO_x-sorbing catalysts for selective deNO_x at very low temperatures.     

Formation and properties of the new Al8V10W16O85 and Fe8?xAlxV10W16O85 phases with the M–Nb2O5 structure

A new, previously unknown phase Al₈V₁₀W₁₆O₈₅ has been obtained from reaction taking place in the solid state. It forms continuous solid solution with Fe₈V₁₀W₁₆O₈₅ of the Fe_8−x Al _x V₁₀W₁₆O₈₅ general formula. All these phases are isostructural with M–Nb₂O₅ and (W_0.35V_0.65)₂O₅ and belong to a block structure phases with ReO₃ type blocks of 4 × 4×∞ dimensions. Al₈V₁₀W₁₆O₈₅ is tetragonal and has the lattice constants a = b = 1.9487(1) nm and c = 0.36706(4) nm. It melts incongruently at 1,183 K depositing Al₂(WO₄)₃ and WO₃. The increase of the Al³⁺ ions content in the crystal lattice of Fe₈V₁₀W₁₆O₈₅ causes the melting point increasing, and decreasing of a = b unit cell parameters with c being almost constant. IR spectra of Al₈V₁₀W₁₆O₈₅ and Fe_8−x Al _x V₁₀W₁₆O₈₅ phases have been recorded.     

CO2-adsorbent spongy electrode for non-aqueous Li–O2 batteries

Regulation of the Li₂CO₃ byproduct is the most critical challenge in the field of non-aqueous Li–O₂ batteries.Although considerable efforts have been devoted to preventing Li₂CO₃ formation,no approaches have suggested the ultimate solution of utilizing the clean Li₂O₂ reaction instead of that of Li₂CO₃.Even if extremely pure O₂ is used in a Li–O₂ cell,its complete elimination is impossible,eventually generating CO₂ gas during charge.In this paper,we present the new concept of a CO₂-adsorbent spongy electrode(CASE),which is designed to trap the evolved CO₂ using adsorption materials.Various candidates composed of amine functional groups(–NH2)for capturing CO₂ were screened,with quadrapurebenzylamine(QPBZA)exhibiting superior CO₂-adsorbing ability among the proposed candidates.Accordingly,we fabricated the CASE by sandwiching QPBZA between porous carbon layers,which facilitated the transport of gaseous products.The new electrode was demonstrated to effectively capture the evolved CO₂ during charge,therefore altering the reaction pathways to the ideal case.It is highly advantageous to mitigate the undesirable CO₂ incorporation in the next discharge,resulting in improved cyclability.This novel concept of a CO₂-sponging electrode provides an alternative route to the realization of practically meaningful Li–O₂ batteries.     

Structure and dielectric properties of 80%Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3–20%PbTiO3 thin films prepared by modified sol–gel process

80%Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–20%PbTiO₃ (PZN–PT) thin films have been prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO₂/Si substrates using a modified sol–gel method. In our method, niobium pentaoxide is used as a substitution instead of niobium ethoxide which is moisture-sensitivity and much more expensive. Microstructure and electrical properties of PZN–PT thin films have been investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that proper annealing temperature of PZN–PT thin films is 600 °C. The PZN–PT thin films annealed at 600 °C are polycrystalline with (111)-preferential orientations. Field-emissiom scanning electron microscope analysis revealed PZN–PT thin films possess well-defined and crack-free microstructure. The thickness of thin films is 290 nm. The Pt/PZN–PT/Pt capacitors have been fabricated and it presents ferroelectric nature. The remanent polarization (Pr), spontaneous polarization (Ps), and the coercive electric field (Ec) are 8.71 μC/cm², 43.06 μC/cm², and 109 kV/cm at 1 MHz, respectively. The dielectric constant (ε_r) and the dissipation factor (tan δ) are about 500.3 and 0.1 at 1 kHz, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of P2O5–ZrO2–SiO2 membranes doped with tungstophosphoric acid (PWA) for applications in PEMFC

Homogeneous, transparent and crack-free P₂O₅–ZrO₂ and P₂O₅–ZrO₂–SiO₂ membranes have been synthesized by the sol–gel process. A first step has been oriented to the optimization of the synthesis and characterization of different compositions by TGA, FE-SEM, FTIR and EIS to choose the best inorganic composition in terms of chemical and mechanical stability, and proton conductivity. The addition of SiO₂ improves the mechanical and chemical stability. On the other hand, compositions with higher content in P₂O₅ have demonstrated lower mechanical and chemical stability against water, but higher proton conductivity. The water retention and high porosity of inorganic membranes leads to high proton conductivity, 10⁻² S/cm, at 140 °C and 100% relative humidity. The second step has been focused in the study of doped inorganic membranes of molar composition 99.65(40P₂O₅–20ZrO₂–40SiO₂)–0.35PWA. The high homogeneity, transparency and SEM-EDX analysis of these membranes indicates no phase separation suggesting that PWA is well dispersed in the inorganic structure. The incorporation of PWA in sol–gel oxides provides an increase of the proton conductivity at low relative humidity due to the adequate distribution of PWA in the inorganic network. Conductivity increases in two orders of magnitude at low humidity (10⁻⁴ S/cm at 50 °C and 62% RH) compared with undoped sol–gel oxide membranes.     

Modeling Ar and Kr matrix effect on the ν s (Cl–H) and ν l (Cl–H) of Cl–H···NH3 by the IEF-PCM method

Ar and Kr matrix effect on the geometry and Cl–H stretching (ν _s (Cl–H)) and librational (ν _l (Cl–H)) frequencies of the hydrogen-bonded complex Cl–H···NH₃ are simulated within the framework of polarizable continuum model with integral equation formalism (IEF-PCM) at B3LYP and MP2 levels of theory with the basis set 6-311++G(2df,2pd). Within the framework of B3LYP and IEF-PCM, the simulated gas phase, Ar, and Kr matrix ν _s (Cl–H) of the complex are 2140, 1684, and 1550 cm⁻¹, respectively, which deviate from the experimental values (~2200, 1371, and 1218 cm⁻¹) by −60, 313, and 332 cm⁻¹. Within the framework of MP2 and IEF-PCM, the gas phase, Ar, and Kr matrix ν _s (Cl–H) are calculated as 2366, 2037, and 1957 cm⁻¹ by the harmonic approximation, and as 2177, 1876, and 1665 cm⁻¹ by the full-dimensional anharmonic correction. The matrix effect modeling is of greater importance than the anharmonic correction in accounting for the large experimental gas phase to Ar or Kr matrix shift of the ν _s (Cl–H) (−829 or −982 cm⁻¹). Our calculations do not support the assignment of the 733.8 and 736.9 cm⁻¹ bands to the Ar and Kr matrix ν _l (Cl–H).