Synthesis and characterization of a new nano lead(II) 0-D coordination supramolecular compound: A precursor to produce pure phase nano-sized lead(II) oxide

Nano-structure of a new 0D Pb(II) coordination supramolecular compound, [Pb₄(8-Quin)₆](ClO₄)₂(1), L = 8-HQuin = 8-hydroxyquinolin ligand has been synthesized by use of a sonochemical process and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and elemental analyses. The structure of compound 1 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The single crystal X-ray data of compound 1 implies that the Pb⁺² ions are five coordinated. Each lead atom is coordinated to nitrogen and oxygen atoms of 8-hydroxyquinolin ligand. Topological analysis shows that the compound 1 is 1,2,3,4,4M12-1net. Nanoparticles of lead(II) oxide have been prepared by calcination of lead(II) coordination polymer at 500 °C that were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and IR spectroscopy.     

Sonochemical synthesis of two new nano structure zinc(II) 1,10-phenanthroline coordination supramolecular compounds: New precursors to produce nano-sized zinc(II) oxide

Nanoparticles of two zinc(II) coordination supramolecule compounds (CSCs), [Zn(L)Cl2] (1) and [Zn(L)Br2] (2) L = 1,10-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline ligand, have been synthesized by use of a sonochemical process and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and elemental analyses. The single crystal X-ray data of compounds 1 and 2 imply that the Zn⁺² ions are four coordinated. Topological analysis shows that the compound 1 and 2 are new topology for net: 1,3M4-1. Nanoparticles of zinc(II) oxide have been prepared by calcination of two different zinc(II) CPs at 500 °C that were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and IR spectroscopy.     

Preparation,surface state and band structure studies of SrTi(1 − x)Fe(x)O(3 − δ) (x = 0–1) perovskite-type nano structure by X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy

In this report, SrTi_(1 ? x)Fe_(x)O_(3 ? δ) photocatalyst powder was synthesized by a high temperature solid state reaction method. The morphology, crystalline structures of obtained samples, was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. The electronic properties and local structure of the perovskite STF_x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) systems have been probed by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The effects of iron doping level x (x = 0–1) on the crystal structure and chemical state of the STF_x have been investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the valence band edges for electronic band gaps were obtained for STF_x by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). A single cubic perovskite phase of STF_x oxide was successfully obtained at 1200 °C for 24 h by the solid state reaction method. The XPS results showed that the iron present in the STF_x perovskite structure is composed of a mixture of Fe³⁺ and Fe⁴⁺ (SrTi_(1 ? x)[Fe³⁺, Fe⁴⁺]_(x)O_(3 ? δ)). When the content x of iron doping was increased, the amount of Fe³⁺ and Fe⁴⁺ increased significantly and the oxygen lattice decreased on the surface of STF_x oxide. The UPS data has confirmed that with more substitution of iron, the position of the valence band decreased.     

Synthesis and characterization of nano-peanuts of lead(II) coordination polymer [Pb(qcnh)(NO3)2]n with ultrasonic assistance: A new precursor for the preparation of pure-phase nano-sized PbO

A sonochemical method was used to synthesize nano-peanuts of a new lead(II) coordination 1D polymer, [Pb(qcnh)(NO₃)₂]_n (1), where qcnh = 2-quinolincarbaldehyde nicotinohydrazide. The compound was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and single crystal X-ray analysis. The X-ray structure revealed that the Pb(II) atom is coordinated by one oxygen and three nitrogen atoms from two qcnh ligands and five oxygen atoms from three nitrate ligands in an 8 + 1 fashion with a PbN₃O₆ donor set. One of the PdN distances in the vicinity of the central atom is a bit longer (Pb1N1 = 2.939(4) Å), which shows the effect of the 6s² lone electron pair localized within the valence shell of the lead(II) atom. PbO nanoparticles were obtained by thermolysis of 1 at 180 °C with oleic acid as a surfactant. The average diameter of the nanoparticles was estimated by XRD to be 28 nm. The morphology and size of the prepared PbO nanoparticles were further studied using SEM.     

Ultrasound irradiation effect on morphology and size of two new potassium coordination supramolecule compounds

Two new potassium coordination supramolecular compounds (2D and 1D), [K(H₃L)(H₂L)(H₂O)]_n·H₂O (1) and [K(H₂L′)(HL′)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O (2), (L = 1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, L′ = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid), have been synthesized under different experimental conditions. Micrometric crystals (bulk) or nano-sized materials have been obtained depending on using the branch tube method or sonochemical irradiation. All materials have been characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), FT-IR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. Single crystal X-ray analyses on compounds 1 and 2 show that K⁺ ions are 3- and 7-coordinated, respectively. Additionally, H-bonds incorporate the layers and chains in 1 and 2 into 3D and 2D (along (0,0,1) direction) frameworks. Topological analysis shows that the compound 1 and 2 are 3,6-coordinated kgd and 2,4-coordinated 2,4C4 net. The thermal stability of compounds 1 and 2 in bulk and nano-size has been studied by thermal gravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analyses (DTA) and compared each other. The role of different parameters like temperature, reaction time and ultrasound irradiation power on the growth and morphology of the nano-structures are studied. Results suggest that an increase of temperature, sonication power and reduction of reaction time led to a particle size decrease.     

Effects of morphology on photocatalytic performance of Zinc oxide nanostructures synthesized by rapid microwave irradiation methods

In this study, two different chemical solution methods were used to synthesize Zinc oxide nanostructures via a simple and fast microwave assisted method. Afterwards, the photocatalytic performances of the produced ZnO powders were investigated using methylene blue (MB) photodegradation with UV lamp irradiation. The obtained ZnO nanostructures showed spherical and flower-like morphologies. The average crystallite size of the flower-like and spherical nanostructures were determined to be about 55 nm and 28 nm, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), room temperature photoluminescence (RT-PL) and UV–vis analysis were used for characterization of the synthesized ZnO powders. Using BET N₂-adsorption technique, the specific surface area of the flower-like and spherical ZnO nanostructures were found to be 22.9 m²/gr and 98 m²/gr, respectively. Both morphologies show similar band gap values. Finally, our results depict that the efficiency of photocatalytic performance in the Zinc oxide nanostructures with spherical morphology is greater than that found in the flower-like Zinc oxide nanostructures as well as bulk ZnO.     

Sonochemical syntheses of binuclear lead(II)-azido supramolecule with ligand 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline as precursor for preparation of lead(II) oxide nanoparticles

The new neutral binuclear lead(II) azido coordination compound, [Pb₂(tmph)₂(μ-N₃)₂(CH₃COO)₂] (1) [tmph = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline], has been synthesized by a sonochemical method. Single crystal X-ray structure shows that the overall structure of 1 is binuclear unit. Complex 1 has a bridging azido pathway, end-to-end bridging azides between a pair of lead(II) centers. This is further extended into a one-dimensional (1D) and three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular structure by Pb⋯C and π–π weak directional intermolecular interactions. The coordination number of lead(II) ions is seven, PbN₄O₃, with two N-donor atoms from tmph ligands and three O-donors from acetate anions and two N-donors from two azide anions. It has a “stereo-chemically active” electron lone pair, and the coordination sphere is hemidirected. The PbO nanoparticles were obtained by thermolysis of 1 at 180 °C with oleic acid as a surfactant. The morphology and size of the prepared PbO samples were further observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Sonochemical synthesis and characterization of nano-sized lead(II) 3D coordination polymer: Precursor for the synthesis of lead(II) oxybromide nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of a three-dimensional coordination polymer, [Pb(L)(μ₂-Br)(H₂O)]_n (1), (L^? = 1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate), have been synthesized by an ultrasonic method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, IR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. The thermal stability of compound 1 both its bulk and nano-size has been studied by thermal gravimetric (TG) and differential thermal (DTA) analyses and compared each other. Concentration of initial reagents effects and the role of power ultrasound irradiation on size and morphology of nano-structured compound 1, have been studied. Calcination of the compound 1 at 500 °C under air atmosphere yields Pb₃O₂Br₂ nanoparticles.     

Sonochemical synthesis of a new nano-sized cerium(III) supramolecular compound; Precursor for nanoceria

Using a sonochemical method, nanoparticles of a new Ce(III) supramolecular compound, (NAMH⁺)₂[Ce₄(pydc)₆(pydcH)₂(H₂O)₈]·8H₂O (1), (H₂pydc = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, NAM = nicotinamide), have been synthesized. Compound 1 was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), FT-IR spectroscopy and elemental analyses, and its structure was determined by X-ray crystallography. It has been revealed that its structure consists of tetra-nuclear building units that extend to a 3D supramolecular network via non-covalent interactions mainly hydrogen bonding. The thermal stability of complex 1 both for its crystals and nanostructures has been studied by the thermal gravimetric (TG) method and compared with each other. The role of ultrasound irradiation power and the concentration of initial reactants on the size and morphology of the nano-structured complex 1, has been investigated. Ceria nanoparticles were obtained upon the calcination of complex 1 at 800 °C under atmospheric air. Furthermore, the fluorescent properties of complex 1 at room temperature were studied.     

Characterization of NaTaO3 synthesized by ultrasonic method

NaTaO₃ perovskite-like materials were synthesized using sodium acetate and tantalum ethoxide as precursors in an ultrasonic bath at room temperature. The pristine sample was thermally treated at 600 °C and characterized using XRD, N₂ physisorption, DRS, SEM and TEM techniques. The structural characterization by X-ray powder diffraction revealed that the crystallization of the NaTaO₃ phase prepared at 600 °C showed agglomerates sizes in the micrometric scale, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). On the other hand, well-defined NaTaO₃ particles in the nanometric scale were determined using TEM. It was found that, for the treated sample, the band gap and BET area was 3.8 eV and 9.5 m² g^?1, respectively. The annealed perovskite, deposited onto ITO glass, presented an important variation in the open circuit potential transient during UV light irradiation in neutral solution, compared with its counterpart prepared by solid-state method. These intrinsic properties, given by the preparation route, might be appropriate for increase its photocatalytic activity.     

Application of ultrasound to the synthesis of a new nanostructured Mn(II) supramolecular compound: A precursor for γ-Mn2O3 nanoparticles

A new nanostructured Mn(II) supramolecular compound [Mn(hpydcH₂)₂(H₂O)₄] (1) (hpydcH₃ = 4-hydroxy-2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid) has been synthesized using a sonochemical process. The structure of compound 1 was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction and it was revealed that each hpydcH₂⁻ anionic ligand has been coordinated to Mn(II) ion in a novel monodentate fashion leaving another functional carboxylic acid group intact. Compound 1 was also characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), FT-IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Thermal stability of compound 1 was studied by thermal gravimetric (TG) analysis and compared to that of its crystalline analogue. Subsequently, the role of concentration of the initial reactants on the size of nanostructures of compound 1, has been investigated. Compound 1 was proved to be a precursor for γ-Mn₂O₃ nanoparticles.     

Growth and characterization of Nd:Bi12SiO20 single crystal

A Nd:Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. The thermal properties of the crystal were systematically studied. The thermal expansion coefficient was measured to be α=11.42×10^?6 K^?1 over the temperature range of 295–775 K, and the specific heat and thermal diffusion coefficient were measured to be 0.243 Jg^?1 k^?1 and 0.584 mm²/s, respectively at 302 K. The density was measured to be 9.361 g/cm³ by the buoyancy method. The thermal conductivity of Nd:Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ was calculated to be 1.328 Wm^?1 K^?1 at room temperature (302 K). The refractive index of Nd:Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ was measured at room temperature at eight different wavelengths. The absorption and emission spectra were also measured at room temperature. Continuous-wave (CW) laser output of a Nd:Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ crystal pumped by a laser diode (LD) at 1071.5 nm was achieved with an output power of 65 mW. To our knowledge, this is the first time LD pumped laser output in this crystal has been obtained. These results show that Nd:Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ can serve as a laser crystal.     

Sonochemical syntheses of a new fibrous-like nano-scale manganese(II) coordination supramolecular compound; precursor for the fabrication of octahedral-like Mn3O4 nano-structure

Nanoparticles of a new three-dimensional Mn(II) coordination supramolecular compound, [Mn(L)₂(H₂O)₂] (1), (L⁻ = 1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate), have been synthesized by a sonochemical process and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), FT-IR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. Structural determination of compound 1 reveals the Mn(II) ion is six coordinated, bonded to two nitrogen atoms, two oxygen atoms from the L⁻ ligand and two water molecules. The thermal stability of compound 1 both its bulk and nano-size has been studied by thermal gravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analyses (DTA) and compared each other. Concentration of initial reagents effects on size and morphology of nano-structured compound 1, have been studied and shows that low concentrations of initial reagents decreased particles size and also leaded to fibrous-like nanostructures morphology. Mn₃O₄ nano-structure with an octahedral-like morphology were simply synthesized by solid-state transformation of compound 1 at 650 °C.     

Sonochemical synthesis of two nanostructured silver(I) coordination polymers based on semi-rigid bis(benzimidazole) ligands

Nanoparticles of two silver(I) coordination polymers (CPs), [Ag₂(L1)₂(DCTP)]_n (1) and [Ag₂(L2)(DCTP)]_n (2) (L1 = 1,3-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, L2 = 1,4-bis(benzimidazol-1-yl)-2-butene, H₂DCTP = 2,5-dichloroterephthalic acid), were synthesized by the sonochemical approach and hydrothermal method. Both CPs were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). CP 1 exhibits a 2D 4-connected sql net with the point symbol {4⁴.6²}. While CP 2 displays a 2D 3,4-connected 3,4L13 net with the point symbol {4.6²}₂{4².6².8²}. The structural diversity indicates that semi-rigid bis(benzimidazole) co-ligands play important roles in tuning the structures of the mixed Ag(I) CPs. The ultrasound irradiation time, temperature, and power showed significant effects on the morphology and growth process of the nanoparticles of two silver(I) CPs. The luminescence and photocatalytic properties of the nanoparticles of CPs 1–2 on the degradation of methyl blue (MB) were also investigated in detail.     

Determination of rifampicin based on fluorescence quenching of GSH capped CdTe/ZnS QDs

Aqueous glutathione (GSH)-capped CdTe/ZnS QDs with the diameter of 3–4 nm were synthesized. The fluorescence of CdTe/ZnS QDs at 577 nm was quenched in the presence of rifampicin (Rfp), with excitation wavelength at 350 nm. The mechanism of the interaction of CdTe/ZnS QDs with Rfp was investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration plot of ln(F₀/F) was linear in the range 0.83–56 μg mL^?1 with concentration of Rfp, and the detection limit was 0.25 μg mL^?1. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of Rfp in its commercial capsules, and satisfactory results were obtained. The recovery of the method was in the range 98.6–103.2%.     

Oxygen-rich Ti1−xO2 pillar growth at a gold nanoparticle–TiO2 contact by O2 exposure

In-situ gas-injection transmission electron microscopy revealed that a pillar grew at the edge of the interface of a gold nanoparticle and a TiO₂ substrate during exposure to O₂ gas at 100 Pa. The pillar was found to have a titanium-deficient chemical composition of Ti_1 ? xO₂ (x > 0) by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The spectra showed a chemical shift of oxygen and titanium ions to have ionic states of Ti³⁺ and O^y? (y < 3/2). The formation of the Ti_1 ? xO₂ at the contact edge of gold–Ti_1 ? xO₂ interface is discussed from the perspective of an O₂ affinity, which plays an important role in CO oxidation process of supported gold particle.     

Extended line positions,intensities, empirical lower state energies and quantum assignments of NH3 from 6300 to 7000 cm−1

Nearly 4800 features of ammonia between 6300 and 7000 cm^?1 with intensities ≥4×10^?24 cm^?1/(molecule·cm^?2) at 296 K were measured using 16 pure NH₃ spectra recorded at various temperatures (296–185 K) with the McMath–Pierce Fourier Transform Spectrometer at Kitt Peak National Observatory, AZ. The line positions and intensities were retrieved by fitting individual spectra based on a Voigt line shape profile and then averaging the values to form the experimental linelist. The integrated intensity of the region was 4.68×10^?19 cm^?1/(molecule·cm^?2) at 296 K. Empirical lower state energies were also estimated for 3567 absorption line features using line intensities retrieved from 10 spectra recorded at gas temperature between 185 and 233 K. Finally, using Ground State Combination Differences (GSCDs) and the empirical lower state energy estimates, the quantum assignments were determined for 1096 transitions in the room temperature linelist, along with empirical upper state energies for 434 levels. The assignments correspond to seven vibrational states, as confirmed from recent ab initio calculations. The resulting composite database of ¹⁴NH₃ line parameters will provide experimental constraints to ab initio calculations and support remote sensing of gaseous bodies including the atmospheres of Earth, (exo)planets, brown dwarfs, and other astrophysical environments.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of single crystal MoO3 nanobelts and their electrochemical properties as cathode electrode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries

Orthorhombic phase MoO₃ (α-MoO₃) nanobelts with uniform diameter are successfully prepared through a hydrothermal synthesis route at a low temperature (180 °C) in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) using saturated solution of ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate (AHM) as well as nitrate as raw materials, and are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The CTAB plays a key role in the formation of α-MoO₃ nanobelts and the aspect ratio of nanobelts significantly varies with quality of CTAB. The nanobelts with rectangular cross-sections have single crystalline orthorhombic phase structure, preferentially grow in [001] direction. Raman shifts of the α-MoO₃ nanobelts are fully consistent with that of flaky structure; however, intensity ratio of peaks 818.3 cm^?1 and 991.2 cm^?1 of α-MoO₃ nanobelts remarkably changes comparing with that of lamellar MoO₃. Electrochemical properties of α-MoO₃ single crystal nanobelts synthesized as cathode electrode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries are also measured. It indicates that the α-MoO₃ nanobelts exhibit a better performance than MoO₃ micro flakes.     

Electrical and structural investigations of perovskite structure reactively sputter deposited coatings

Sr(Zr_0.84Y_0.16)_0.91O_3 ? δ (SZY) and Ba(Zr_0.84Y_0.16)_0.96O_3 ? δ (BZY) protonic conductor coatings were co-sputter deposited from metallic targets in argon–oxygen reactive gas mixtures. The chemical and structural features were investigated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, and their morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy of the surface and of brittle fracture cross sections. The electrical properties of the coating were determined by complex impedance spectroscopy as a function of temperature in air. Relationships are established between the electrical properties and the morphology of the coatings. The SZY as deposited coatings is amorphous and crystallises under the convenient perovskite structure after annealing treatment at 873 K under air. The BZY as deposited coatings is crystallised at 523 K in situ under perovskite structure and a further annealing treatment increases the grain size. Conductivities and activation energies of crystallised coatings were 3.1 · 10^? 5 S cm^? 1/2 · 10^? 5 S cm^? 1 and 0.65 eV/0.71 eV after stabilization at 773 K for strontium and barium zirconate, respectively.     

Effect of air humidity on the microstructure and properties of large-area YBa2Cu3O7−x films by TFA-MOD process

Large-area YBa₂Cu₃O_7?x (YBCO) films had been successfully fabricated on LaAlO₃ (LAO) substrate by metalorganic deposition using trifluoroacetates (TFA-MOD) and the effect of air humidity on the structure and properties of YBCO films was systematically investigated. The precursor coating process was performed in the air humidity range of 70–40%. According to the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, the films prepared at high air humidity showed poor electrical performance due to large pores and impurity phases. In contrast, dense, homogeneous and epitaxially grown YBCO films prepared at low air humidity with the critical current densities of 3.8–5.0 MA cm^?2 at 77 K had been obtained.