Facile synthesis of V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> core–shell nanobelts

We report a facile chemical approach for the synthesis of one-dimensional V₂O₅/TiO₂ core–shell nanobelts. The coated V₂O₅ nanobelts are synthesized by a hydrothermal method which is feasible for large-scale production. V₂O₅ nanobelts coated with a thin layer of TiO₂ sol are formed before sintering, and after sintering one-dimensional V₂O₅/TiO₂ core–shell nanobelts, composed of single-crystalline V₂O₅ nanobelts cores uniformly coated with anatase TiO₂ nanoparticle shells are obtained. The influences of the synthetic parameters, such as sintering temperature and titanium/vanadium mole ratios, on the morphology of the resulting products are investigated. Interestingly, the shape of single-crystalline of V₂O₅ nanobelts is totally preserved after sintering; the morphology can be readily controlled to be smooth or rough by altering the sintering temperature of the shells and titanium/vanadium mole ratio.     

Sol–Gel Derived Rh/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Nanocomposite Membranes

A porous borosilicate substrate has been coated with base catalysed SiO₂ sol–gel nanoparticles. Onto these were deposited the vapour of titanium isopropoxide, where it reacted with the surface OH groups to give a TiO₂-overcoat. This nanocomposite sol–gel derived TiO₂/SiO₂ membrane was then doped with 1%Rh giving Rh/TiO₂/SiO₂ membranes. These are shown to be coherent and crack-free, to have good permeability and activity in the isomerisation of butanes. It appears that sol–gel chemistry will allow such membranes to be totally engineered at a nm level.     

Non-isothermal crystallization of K<Subscript>2</Subscript>O·TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>·3GeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> glass

The crystallization of K₂O·TiO₂·3GeO₂ glass under non-isothermal condition was studied. In powdered glass with particle sizes less than 0.15 mm, surface crystallization was dominant and an activation energy of crystal growth of E _a,s=327±50 kJ mol⁻¹ was calculated. In the size range 0.15 to 0.45 mm, both surface and volume crystallization occurred. For particle sizes >0.45 mm, volume crystallization dominated with spherulitic morphology of the crystals growth and E _a,v=359±64 kJ mol⁻¹ was calculated.     

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of mesoporous SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Mesoporous SiO₂–TiO₂ was synthesized by the sol–gel method using Si(OC₂H₅)₄, Ti(OC₂H₅)₄, and stearyltrimethylammonium chloride. By using acetylacetone as the capping agent of Ti(OC₂H₅)₄, homogeneous SiO₂–TiO₂ composite was obtained. Spherical mesoporous SiO₂–TiO₂ was also synthesized by the sol–gel method using W/O emulsion under microwave irradiation. The specific surface area of these mesoporous SiO₂–TiO₂ materials decreased when the Ti/Si molar ratio was higher than 0.1, which indicated that Ti was homogeneously distributed in mesoporous SiO₂ matrix at Ti/Si ≦ 0.1. The photocatalytic activity of mesoporous SiO₂–TiO₂ materials was investigated by the degradation of methylene-blue in water under UV light irradiation. Mesoporous SiO₂–TiO₂ was effective for the adsorption–decomposition of methylene-blue.     

TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>N<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">y</Emphasis></Subscript> nanocomposite and its acetaldehyde photodecomposition ability

Nitrogen-doped titania was coupled with the commercial titania nanoparticles by mechanical milling in liquid medium. The as-prepared nanocomposites (TiO₂/TiO_2−x N _y ) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area, UV–Vis spectroscopy, chemiluminescence, and acetaldehyde decomposition activity techniques. When a small amount of nitrogen-doped titania was added into the commercial titania, higher intensity and longer lifetime of ¹O₂ was observed, and the photocatalytic activity was efficiently improved. The TiO_2−x N _y acts as the acceptor of photoinduced holes. The recombination of the electron-hole was effectively depressed by the heterogeneous electron transfer. This could be an effective way to obtain highly active photocatalysts.     

Crystal structure of Ba<Subscript>3</Subscript>[UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(NCS)]<Subscript>2</Subscript> · 9H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Single crystals of Ba₃[UO₂(C₂O₄)₂(NCS)]₂ · 9H₂O are synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction. The crystals are orthorhombic, space group Fddd, Z = 16, and the unit cell parameters are a = 16.253(3) Å, b = 22.245(3) Å, c = 39.031(6) Å. The main crystal structural units are mononuclear complex groups [UO₂(C₂O₄)₂NCS]^3? of the crystal-chemical family (AB ₂ ⁰¹ M¹ (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , B⁰¹ = C₂O ₄ ^2? , M¹ = NCS^?) of the uranyl complexes linked into a three-dimensional framework by electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds involving oxalate ions and water molecules.     

Crystal structure of Cs[(UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(OH)] · H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Single crystals of Cs[(UO₂)₂(C₂O₄)₂(OH)] · H₂O were synthesized and structurally studied using X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2₁/m, Z = 2, with the unit cell parameters a = 5.5032(4) Å, b = 13.5577(8) Å, c = 9.5859(8) Å, β = 97.012(3)°, V = 709.86(9) ų, R = 0.0444. The main building units of crystals are [(UO₂)₂(C₂O₄)₂(OH)]^? layers of the A₂K ₂ ⁰² M² (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , K⁰² = C₂O ₄ ^2? , and M² = OH^?) crystal-chemical family. Uranium-containing layers are linked into a three-dimensional framework via electrostatic interactions with outer-sphere cations and hydrogen bonds with water molecules.     

Sol–gel synthesis and characterization of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocrystalline powder

Al₂O₃–TiO₂ nanocrystalline powders were synthesized by sol–gel process. Aluminum sec-butoxide and titanium isopropoxide chemicals were used as precursors and ethyl acetoacetate was used as chelating agent. Thermal and crystallization behaviors of the precursor powders were investigated by thermal gravimetric-differential thermal analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectrum and X-ray diffraction. The average crystalline size of heat treated Al₂O₃–TiO₂ powders at 1,100 °C is ~100 nm.     

Effect of Fe-zeolite on formation of N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O in selective reduction of NO by NH<Subscript>3</Subscript> over V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>–WO<Subscript>3</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> catalyst

An approach for significantly suppressing N₂O formation in reduction of NO by NH₃ over V₂O₅–WO₃/TiO₂ (VWT) catalyst has been studied by coating different amounts of a Fe-exchanged zeolite (FeZ) onto the catalyst. FeZ-promoted VWT samples were characterized using N₂ sorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and NH₃ adsorption/desorption techniques to understand the primary role of FeZ in lowering N₂O production levels. At high temperatures (≥450 °C), VWT gave N₂O production with high concentrations, while N₂O formation was noticeably reduced when using FeZ-promoted catalysts, which also showed somewhat lower NO removal activities (<5 %) at all temperatures. N₂ sorption and XRD measurements revealed no perceptible physical or chemical alterations of each constituent, even in VWT catalysts after FeZ coating following high-temperature calcination. Adsorption of NH₃ on unpromoted and FeZ-promoted catalysts and subsequent desorption yielded very complicated spectra for N₂O that might primarily come from NH₃ oxidation, and the interaction between V–NO species at temperatures >580 °C. NO on neighboring sites seems to be produced via decomposition of N₂O generated at lower temperatures. The FeZ in the promoted VWT catalysts could be responsible for N₂O decomposition and N₂O reduction with unreacted NH₃ at temperatures >400 °C, thereby significantly lowering N₂O emission levels. This promotional effect bodes well for use in many industrial deNO _x applications.     

Preparation and activity evaluation of relative p–n junction photocatalyst Co-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Co-TiO₂ photocatalyst was prepared by a sol–gel method using Co(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O and tetrabutyl titanate [Ti(OC₄H₉)₄] as raw materials, and Co-TiO₂/TiO₂ photocatalyst was synthesized by mixing the Co-TiO₂ sol with TiO₂ sol. The Co-TiO₂/TiO₂ was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, UV–Vis diffuse reflection spectrum, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst was evaluated by photocatalytic reduction of Cr₂O₇ ²⁻ and photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange under UV irradiation. The results showed that, for the photocatalytic reduction of Cr₂O₇ ²⁻, the optimum percentage of Co-doped for the Co-TiO₂ was 0.5% (mole ratio of Co/Ti), and the optimum percentage of Co-TiO₂ for the Co-TiO₂/TiO₂ was 2.0% (mole ratio of Co-TiO₂/TiO₂). The photocatalytic reduction activities of the Co-TiO₂/TiO₂ and Co-TiO₂ are much higher than that of TiO₂. However, the photocatalytic oxidation activities of the Co-TiO₂/TiO₂ and Co-TiO₂ are much lower than that of TiO₂. Effects of heat treatment on the photocatalytic activities of the Co-TiO₂/TiO₂ and Co-TiO₂ were investigated. The mechanisms of influence on the photocatalytic activity were also discussed.     

Physicochemical properties of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> xerogel modified by hydrogen peroxide

How the specific surface area and the amorphous-to-crystalline titania phase ratio in TiO₂–SiO₂ (14 mol % TiO₂) xerogels change during the fivefold repeated cycles comprising the hydrogen peroxide treatment of the xerogel followed by drying and calcining of the binary material, was traced by the BET method, X-ray powder diffraction, and IR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of Rb<Subscript>2</Subscript>[(UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SeO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)] · 1.33H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The single crystals of Rb₂[(UO₂)₂(C₂O₄)₂(SeO₄)] · 1.33H₂O were synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2₁/m, Z= 2, the unit cell parameters: a = 5.6537(8), b = 18.736(3), c = 9.4535(15) Å, β = 98.440(5)°, V = 990.6(3) ų, R ₁ = 0.0506. The main structural units of the crystal are infinite layers of [(UO₂)₂(C₂O₄)₂(SeO₄)]^2?, corresponding to the crystal chemical group A₂K ₂ ⁰² B² (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , K⁰² = C₂O ₄ ^2? , B² = SeO ₄ ^2? ) of uranyl complexes. The uranium-containing layers are united into a three-dimensional framework through the electrostatic interactions with the outer-sphere rubidium ions and the hydrogen bonding system involving the outer-sphere water molecules.     

Calorimetric study of the acidic character of V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>–TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SO<Subscript>4</Subscript><Superscript>2−</Superscript> catalysts used in methanol oxidation to dimethoxymethane

The surface acidic properties of sulfated vanadia–titania catalysts prepared by various methods were investigated by adsorption microcalorimetry, using ammonia as probe molecule. The acidic characteristics of the samples were shown to be strongly affected by the preparation method, calcination temperature, and sulfur content. The samples prepared by sol–gel and mechanical grinding exhibited higher acidity than co-precipitated samples. Moreover, increasing the calcination temperature of co-precipitated samples resulted in a decrease in surface area from 402 to 57 m² g⁻¹ and sulfur content from around 4 to 0.2 mass%, but up to a certain point generated a stronger acidity. The optimal calcination temperature appeared to be around 673 K.     

Thermogravimetric analysis of wheatleyite Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>·2H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Evidence for the existence of primitive life forms such as lichens and fungi can be based upon the formation of oxalates. These oxalates form as a film like deposit on rocks and other host matrices. The anhydrous oxalate mineral moolooite CuC₂O₄ as the natural copper(II) oxalate mineral is a classic example. Another example of a natural oxalate is the mineral wheatleyite Na₂Cu²⁺(C₂O₄)₂·2H₂O. High resolution thermogravimetry coupled to evolved gas mass spectrometry shows decomposition of wheatleyite at 255°C. Two higher temperature mass losses are observed at 324 and 349°C. Higher temperature mass losses are observed at 819, 833 and 857°C. These mass losses as confirmed by mass spectrometry are attributed to the decomposition of tennerite CuO. In comparison the thermal decomposition of moolooite takes place at 260°C. Evolved gas mass spectrometry for moolooite shows the gas lost at this temperature is carbon dioxide. No water evolution was observed, thus indicating the moolooite is the anhydrous copper(II) oxalate as compared to the synthetic compound which is the dihydrate.     

Sol–gel derived TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> wood composites

The sol–gel process was applied to enhance properties of pine sapwood. For this purpose wood prisms were soaked in nanoscaled precursor solutions prepared from titanium(IV) n-butoxide and titanium(IV) iso-propoxide, respectively, using vacuum impregnation technique. The wet composites were cured by special program with final heat treatment at 103 °C. Weight percent gains (WPG) of the wood specimen in the range of 19–25% were obtained due to these procedures. SEM investigations show that precursor solutions penetrate into the whole wood body and the titania formed after heat treatment in the composites is deposited in the pores (lumen) and partly in the cell walls of the wooden matrix. The moisture sorption was investigated in long term tests for a period of some months by storage at 20–23 °C in humid air (relative humidity of 99%) and ambient atmosphere (relative humidity 40–60%), respectively. For untreated reference samples the moisture sorption results in increasing of mass and volume according to saturation values of 24 and 13%, respectively, after about 15 days. The incorporation of titania reduces the saturation values of the moisture sorption by up to 12% in mass and by up to 5% in volume at a relative humidity of 99%. Thus, an enhancement of the dimensional stability of about 60% is obtained at best. The results demonstrate that modification of wood with sol–gel derived precursors can enhance its dimensional stability, which prevents the formation of cracks. Because of that reduced moisture sorption biological attacks should be delimited. Additionally, thermal analyses show a retarded combustion of the wood matrix due to titania infiltration.     

Neutron diffraction study of Rb<Subscript>2</Subscript>UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SeO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> · 2D<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

A powder of deuterated rubidium diselenatouranylate dihydrate Rb₂UO₂(SeO₄)₂ · 2D₂O has been studied by neutron diffraction. The compound is orthorhombic, space group Pna2₁, with the following unit cell parameters: a = 13.654(2) Å, b = 11.863(2) Å, c = 7.625(1) Å, Z = 4, R _F = 3.77, R _I = 6.12, and χ² = 2.21. Basic structure units are [UO₂(SeO₄)₂ · D₂O]^2? layers belonging to the AB ₂ ² M¹ crystal-chemical group (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , B² = SeO ₄ ^2? , M¹ = D₂O) of uranyl complexes. The hydrogen atoms if the water molecules involved in the layer form intralayer hydrogen bonds with the terminal oxygen atoms of selenate ions. The outer-sphere water molecules are coordinated to the rubidium ions and are involved in hydrogen bonding with oxygen atoms of neighboring [UO₂(SeO₄)₂ · D₂O]^2? layers.     

Crystal structure of Na<Subscript>4</Subscript>[Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>6</Subscript>] · 10H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Single crystals of the Na₄[Na₂Cr₂(C₂O₄)₆] · 10H₂O complex were synthesized for the first time. The structure of the complex was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with the unit cell parameters a = 17.290(4) Å, b = 12.521(3) Å, c = 15.149(3) Å, β = 100.45(3)°, Z = 4, space group Cc. Anionic layers [NaCr(C₂O₄)₃] _2n ^4n? can be distinguished in the crystal structure of the complex. The Na⁺ cations and water molecules, involved in the formation of a hydrogen bond network, are located between the anionic layers.     

Crystal structure and thermal properties of [Au(en)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]<Subscript>2</Subscript>[Cu(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]<Subscript>3</Subscript>·8H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The crystal structure of a double complex salt of the composition [Au(en)₂]₂[Cu(C₂O₄)₂]₃·8H₂O (en = ethylenediamine) at 150 K is determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal data for C₂₀H₄₈Au₂Cu₃N₈O₃₂ are: a = 9.1761(3) Å, b = 16.9749(6) Å, c = 13.4475(5) Å, β = 104.333(1)°, V = 2029.43(12) ų, P2₁/c space group, Z = 2, d _x = 2.450 g/cm³. It is demonstrated that the thermal decomposition of the double complex salt in a helium or hydrogen atmosphere affords the solid solution Au_0.4Cu_0.6.     

Coagulation and heterocoagulation interactions of components in aqueous dispersed systems microcrystalline cellulose–TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>, microcrystalline cellulose–TiOSO<Subscript>4</Subscript>, and TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–TiOSO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

A procedure was developed for recovery and concentration of residual palladium(II) from a “lean” refining solution by extraction with 1Н-1,2,4-triazole derivatives. Palladium(II) is extracted quantitatively from 1 M hydrochloric acid solutions and under optimum conditions is selectively separated from platinum(IV) and rhodium(III).     

Crystal structure of Na<Subscript>3</Subscript>(NH<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>[Ir(SO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>4</Subscript>]·4H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The complex Na₃(NH₄)₂[Ir(SO₃)₂Cl₄]·4H₂O was examined with single crystal X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. Crystal data: a = 7.3144(4) Å, b = 10.0698(5) Å, c = 12.3748(6) Å, β = 106.203(1)°, V = 875.26(8) ų, space group P2₁/c, Z = 2, d _calc = 2.547 g/cm³. In the complex anion two trans SO ₃ ^2? groups are coordinated to iridium through the S atom. The splitting of O-H bending vibrations of crystallization water molecules and N-H ones of the ammonium cation is considered in the context of different types of interactions with the closest neighbors in the structure.