In<Subscript>0.22</Subscript>SnS<Subscript>0.33</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanolayers synthesized by the layer-by-layer technique

The possibility of the synthesis of In_0.22SnS_0.33(OH)₄ nanolayers on the silica surface by the layer-by-layer technique was demonstrated. The synthesized layers were studied by ellipsometry, X-ray spectral microanalysis, and electronic and IR Fourier spectroscopy.     

Ag<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>-SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocomposite layers synthesized by ionic layer deposition onto silica surface

Possibility of performing synthesis of Ag _x -SnO₂ nanocomposite layers on the silica surface by ionic layer deposition was analyzed, and the factors affecting the layer morphology and composition were determined. The synthesized layers were examined by visible transmission spectroscopy, as well as by scanning electron microscopy, IR Fourier-transform spectroscopy, and X-ray spectral microanalysis.     

Synthesis and structure of phosphates M<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>2</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Phosphates M_0.5Ti₂(PO₄)₃ (M = Ni, Zn) were synthesized by the sol-gel method and characterized by the methods of X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and electronic microprobe analysis. Structures of Ni_0.5Ti₂(PO₄)₃ and Zn_0.5Ti₂(PO₄)₃ were studied by Rietveld method using the X-ray powder diffraction data.     

Synthesis and study of sodium triuranate Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>(UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Sodium triuranate Na₂(UO₂)₃O₃(OH)₂ was synthesized by the reaction between aqueous uranyl acetate solution and aqueous sodium nitrate solution under hydrothermal conditions at 200°C. The composition and structure of the synthesized compound were determined, and its dehydration and thermal decomposition were studied, by chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis.     

Sb<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript>-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocomposite layers synthesized using the layer-by-layer technique

Possibility of layer-by-layer synthesis by colloidal layering of Sb₂S₃-SiO₂ nanocomposite layers from colloid solutions of {[H _x Sb₂S₅] ^m ?}mNa⁺ and SiO₂ was studied. The composition of the layers synthesized was examined by Raman spectroscopy, transmission spectroscopy in the UV and visible spectral ranges, energy-dispersion micro analysis, and scanning electron microscopy.     

Deposition conditions,composition, and structure of chemically deposited In<Subscript>2</Subscript>Se<Subscript>3</Subscript> films

In₂Se₃ films up to 300 nm thick have been obtained for the first time by hydrochemical deposition on glass, glass ceramic, and molybdenum substrates in the In(NO₃)₃–C₄O₆H₆–CSeN₂H₄ system with the use of selenourea as a chalcogenizing agent. The phase and element composition and morphological features of layers obtained at 353 and 363 K have been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive electron probe X-ray microanalysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The optical band gap width has been determined.     

Synthesis and study of (hexacaprolactam)trionium dodecamolybdophosphate (C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>11</Subscript>NO)<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>3</Subscript>[PMo<Subscript>12</Subscript>O<Subscript>40</Subscript>]

(Hexacaprolactam)trionium dodecamolybdophosphate (C₆H₁₁NO)₆H₃[PMo₁₂O₄₀] has been prepared and studied by means of chemical and X-ray diffraction analysis as well as NMR and IR spectroscopy.     

Electrodeposition of CuGaSe<Subscript>2</Subscript> and CuGaS<Subscript>2</Subscript> thin films for photovoltaic applications

CuGaSe₂ and CuGaS₂ polycrystalline thin film absorbers were prepared by one-step electrodeposition from an aqueous electrolyte containing CuCl₂, GaCl₃ and H₂SeO₃. The pH of the solution was adjusted to 2.3 by adding HCl and KOH. Annealing improved crystallinity of CuGaSe₂ and further annealing in sulphur atmosphere was required to obtain CuGaS₂ layers. The morphology, topography, chemical composition and crystal structure of the deposited thin films were analysed by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. X-Ray diffraction showed that the as-deposited CuGaSe₂ film exhibited poor crystallinity, but which improved dramatically when the layers were annealed in forming gas atmosphere for 40 min. Subsequent sulphurization of CuGaSe₂ films was performed at 400 °C for 10 min in presence of molecular sulphur and under forming gas atmosphere. The effect of sulphurization was the conversion of CuGaSe₂ into CuGaS₂. The formation of CuGaS₂ thin films was evidenced by the shift observed in the X-ray diffraction pattern and by the blue shift of the optical bandgap. The bandgap of CuGaSe₂ was found to be 1.66 eV, while for CuGaS₂ it raised up to 2.2 eV. A broad intermediate absorption band associated to Cr and centred at 1.63 eV was observed in Cr-doped CuGaS₂ films.     

LaRhAl,La<Subscript>3</Subscript>Rh<Subscript>3</Subscript>Al<Subscript>4</Subscript>, and Ce<Subscript>5</Subscript>Rh<Subscript>5</Subscript>Al<Subscript>6</Subscript> as a new family of ternary aluminides

The structures of three aluminides of similar composition are determined via X-ray diffraction. The structures consist of coordination polyhedra built of rhodium atoms that form alternating layers extending perpendicular to the short cell parameter. Compound Ce₅Rh₅Al₆ is built of fragments of the structures of LaRhAl and La₃Rh₃Al₄ in a ratio of 1: 1.     

Interactions in the system Mn(NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>-HCONH<Subscript>2</Subscript>-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Solubilities and solid phases in the system Mn(NO₃)₂-HCONH₂-H₂O were studied by an isothermal method at 25°C. The congruently saturating compound Mn(NO₃)₂ · 2HCONH₂ · 2H₂O was isolated; the concentration conditions for its crystallization in the system were determined. The solid phases of the system were characterized by physicochemical methods (X-ray powder diffraction, differential thermal analysis, IR spectroscopy, and crystal-optical analysis).     

Enhancement of SrTiO<Subscript>3</Subscript>/BiPO<Subscript>4</Subscript> heterostructure for simulated organic wastewater degradation under UV light irradiation

A novel SrTiO₃/BiPO₄ heterostructure with different amounts of SrTiO₃ have been successfully prepared through the hydrothermal process. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated by degrading the methylene blue dye solution under UV light. Results showed that the samples displayed excellent photocatalytic degradation efficiency due to the highly efficient suppression of the recombination of electron–hole pairs. A possible mechanism of SrTiO₃/BiPO₄ heterojunctions was discussed. The research indicated that the as-prepared SrTiO₃/BiPO₄ heterogeneous photocatalyst can be used as an effective material for degrading industrial organic wastewater.     

Tin trifluoroacetylacetonate [Sn(C<Subscript>5</Subscript>H<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>F<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>] as a precursor of tin dioxide in APCVD process

A new method of synthesis of volatile complex, tin trifluoroacetylacetonate [Sn(C₅H₄O₂F₃)₂], was proposed. The prepared compound was identified by IR spectroscopy, CH analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, and DTA/TGA, the composition was confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, crystal structure was established. Thin films of tin dioxide on silicon were obtained by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition using [Sn(C₅H₄O₂F₃)₂] as a precursor. The morphology and composition of the films were studied by scanning electron microscopy, EDX elemental analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction. Surface resistance and light transmission in visible and near IR region were studied.     

Nanosized TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> particles decorated on SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> spheres (TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>): synthesis and photocatalytic activities

Nanosized TiO₂ and nano-anatase TiO₂ decorated on SiO₂ spherical core shells were synthesized by using a sol–gel method. The synthesized pure TiO₂ nano particle and TiO₂ grafted on SiO₂ sphere with various ratios have been characterized for their structure and morphologies by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their surface areas were measured using the BET method. The photocatalytic activity of all nanocomposites was investigated using methylene blue as a model pollutant. The synthesized TiO₂/SiO₂ particles appeared to be more efficient in the degradation of methylene blue pollutant, as compared to pure TiO₂ particles.     

A Novel Uranyl Complex with Dimeric Lacunary Polyoxoanion: [(A-α-SiW<Subscript>9</Subscript>O<Subscript>33</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>K{UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)}<Subscript>2</Subscript>]<Superscript>11−</Superscript>

A novel uranyl complex with dimeric lacunary polyoxoanion like open-mouthed clam, Na₅[(A-α-SiW₉O₃₃H₃)₂K{UO₂(H₂O)}₂], was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the anion, two A-α-SiW₉O₃₄¹⁰⁻ groups share two terminal oxygen atoms O_d′ derived from removal of three corner-shared W atoms from saturated α-Keggin anion, forming a dimeric anion with an open mouth in which potassium ion and uranyl ions are coordinated. Uranium atom adopts a pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. The coordinating anions are linked by sodium ions via coordination of terminal or bridging oxygen atoms, forming two-dimensional layer arrangement. Between the layers are the hydrogen bonds from which a supramolecular architecture is created. UV–VIS spectrum gives W–O and U–O charge transfer transitions at 230–265 and 432 nm, showing the change of geometry of the polyanion and weakening of the U–O bonds of the uranyl cation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article () contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The product of thermobaric treatment of Pt<Subscript>0.25</Subscript>Os<Subscript>0.75</Subscript>

The products obtained from the Pt_0.25Os_0.75 nonequilibrium solid solution treated by the thermobaric procedure (1.5–2 GPa, 2000°C, 3 min) were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction. The phase compositions were evaluated from quantitative X-ray phase analysis, energy dispersion spectroscopy, and crystal-chemical analysis data for known Pt _x Os_1?x phases.     

The Role of Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and MgO Additives on the Photoluminescence Properties of Si<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> Nanoparticles

The current research addressed synthesizing and studying photoluminescence studies of β-Si₃N₄ nanoparticles. The effect of MgO and Y₂O₃ as the typical additives on photoluminescence behaviour was evaluated. The β-Si₃N₄ with MgO and Y₂O₃ additive specimens were fabricated by a solid state technique (ball-milled method). The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction technique, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman analysis. The results showed that after ball-milled process, hexagonal β-Si₃N₄ with MgO or Y₂O₃ as the additives with the size distribution of 45–50 nm was obtained. The optical properties of the as-synthesized product were also investigated by photoluminescence and diffuse reflection spectroscopy. The obtained results confirmed that employing MgO as an additive, in comparison to the Y₂O₃, could enhance emission properties in the synthesized silicon nitride nanoparticles. The obtained results also showed that MgO–Si₃N₄ pair acted as FRET system to enhance the emission intensity of β-Si₃N₄ nanoparticles.     

Crystal structure of Tl<Subscript>5</Subscript>{[Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>4</Subscript>Br<Subscript>8</Subscript>]Br}

By the high-temperature reaction of Nb₂S₄Br₄ and TlBr a thallium salt of the anionic cluster complex [Nb₂S₄Br₈]^4? is obtained. Its crystal structure is determined by X-ray structural analysis. The complex is also characterized by Raman spectroscopy and electrospray-mass-spectrometry.     

Phase equilibria in the Ce<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-K<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-P<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> system

Ce₂O₃-K₂O-P₂O₅ ternary system has been investigated by thermoanalytical methods (DTA, DSC), powder X-ray diffraction, XPS and IR spectroscopy. The existence of three double potassium-cerium(III) phosphates has been confirmed and a new binary phosphate K₄Ce₂P₄O₁₅ has been found. Phase diagram and isothermal section at room temperature of the system Ce₂O₃-K₂O-P₂O₅ have been presented.     

Synthesis and Properties of Scandium and Alkaline-Earth Double Borates M<Subscript>3</Subscript>Sc(BO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Compounds M₃Sc(BO₃)₃ (M = Ba, Sr) were prepared by solid-phase reactions and studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and IR spectroscopy. The structural type of the compounds was determined and their unit cell parameters were refined.__________Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Khimii, Vol. 78, No. 1, 2005, pp. 25–27.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Khamaganova, Khrushcheva.     

Synthesis and study of Li<Subscript>3</Subscript>BaSrR<Subscript>3</Subscript>(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>8</Subscript> compounds (R = La-Lu,Y) with stratified sheelite structure

Possibility of substituting barium ions with strontium ions in the stratified sheelite structure of Li₃Ba₂R₃(MoO₄)₈ (sp. gr. C2/c) was examined. The molybdates Li₃BaSrR₃(MoO₄)₈ were synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, differential-thermal analysis, and IR spectroscopy.