Preparation and stability of strongly luminescent CdSe/Cd(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocomposite particles in aqueous solution

Cadmium hydroxide-deposited cadmium selenide nanoparticles were prepared by the addition of cadmium sulfate solution to cadmium selenide nanoparticles in a weak alkaline solution at room temperature. The photoluminescence measurements displayed that the luminescence intensity was greatly increased by the addition of cadmium ions due to the formation of cadmium hydroxide on the surfaces of the cadmium selenide nanoparticles. Then, CdSe/Cd(OH)₂/SiO₂ nanocomposite particles were synthesized using 3-mercatopropyl trimethoxysilane by Stöber method. After the formation of CdSe/Cd(OH)₂/SiO₂ nanocomposite particles, the emission ability was mostly stabilized. Additionally, the stabilization of the composite particles against dilution with the physiological saline was checked. The results showed that the photoluminescence stability was promoted after the deposition of silica on the surfaces of the CdSe/Cd(OH)₂ nanoparticles. Comparison of the stability of CdSe/SiO₂ nanoparticles with that of CdSe/Cd(OH)₂/SiO₂ ones showed that Cd(OH)₂ shell could enhance the photoluminescence effectively.     

Improving the contact properties of CdS-decorated TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanotube arrays using an electrochemical/thermal/chemical approach

Decoration of TiO₂ nanotube films (TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TNAs)) with CdS nanoparticles has been pursued for a broad range of applications that goes from solar cells to biological sensors. In most synthesis methods, the scale-up of devices has been challenging due to the poor contact at the chalcogenide/oxide interface. In this work, we validate the electrochemical/thermal/chemical route as a superior strategy to sensitize TNAs with CdS nanoparticles when compared with conventional methods. The process consisted of (i) electrodeposition of cadmium on TNAs to ensure strong bonding between TiO₂ and Cd precursor particles, (ii) air annealing of Cd-decorated TNAs to thermally oxidize cadmium to cadmium oxide, and (iii) total sulfurization of cadmium oxide to obtain CdS in an hexagonal phase matching that of TNAs. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses indicated the complete transformation of cadmium precursor particles into CdS and a good surface coverage of the internal/external walls of TNAs. When compared to samples prepared by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data revealed the improvement of the electrical properties of the TNA matrix due to the sulfurization process and a lower contact resistance at the CdS/TNA interface. These improvements explain the superior photoelectrochemical response of CdS/TNA photoelectrodes obtained by the electrochemical/thermal/chemical route.     

Formation of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanofilm on a Cd(OH)2/SiO2 precursor layer

Dense thin nanostructured films of cadmium sulfide CdS obtained by chemical deposition from aqueous solutions are strongly bound to a substrate due to the formation of cadmium hydroxide Cd(OH)₂ in the system. By X-ray reflectometry and grazing incidence diffraction it is found that at the beginning of the deposition a dense Cd(OH)₂/SiO₂ layer is produced on the surface of a silicon or glass substrate. This layer is formed through the atomic-layer adsorption of crystalline 1–3 nm thick Cd(OH)₂ film by the oxygencontaining substrate surface. During sulfidation of this cadmium-containing substrate layer, a surface nucleation layer of CdS/Cd(OH)₂/SiO₂ forms, which provides the growth, denseness, and strong adhesion to the substrate of nanostructured CdS film with a disordered structure. According to the obtained experimental data, a “hydroxide scheme” of film deposition is confirmed and refined, and the stages of CdS nanofilm formation are determined.     

The coordination polyhedra CdS<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> in crystal structures

Voronoi-Dirichlet polyhedra (VDP) and the intersecting sphere method were used to perform analysis of coordination of cadmium atoms in the structures of all known compounds containing CdS _n polyhedra. The Cd(II) atoms were found to coordinate 6, 5, 4, or 3 sulfur atoms to form coordination octahedra or trigonal prisms, trigonal bipyramids, tetrahedra, or triangles, respectively. The effect of the coordination number of cadmium atoms on the key parameters of Cd VDP was considered. A common linear dependence of the solid angles of the VDP faces corresponding to both valence and non-valence Cd-S contacts on the corresponding interatomic distances was established to exist. Although the Cd-S bond varies over a broad range, from 2.39 to 3.29 Å, the Cd VDP volume almost does not depend on its C.N. with respect to sulfur.     

Synthesis and characterization of Co(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanotube composites as supercapacitor materials

A novel composite of Co(OH)₂ and TiO₂ nanotubes was synthesized by a chemical precipitation method. Co(OH)₂/TiO₂ nanotube composites and its microstructure were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). The electrochemical capacitance performance of this composite was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and charge–discharge tests with a three-electrode system in 6 M KOH solution. We synthesized different weight ratios of Co(OH)₂/TiO₂ nanotubes, a maximum specific capacitance of 229 F/g was obtained for the composite. Based on these tests, we propose that TiO₂ nanotubes provide the three-dimensional nanotube network structure for the composite and make the Co(OH)₂ dispersed. For these reasons, the TiO₂ nanotubes used as a framework for Co(OH)₂ improve the utilization of Co(OH)₂ greatly.     

Thermal decomposition of [Cd(NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>6</Subscript>](NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Thermal decomposition of [Cd(NH₃)₆](NO₃)₂ was studied by thermogravimetry (TG) with simultaneous differential thermal analysis (SDTA) for two samples and at two different sets of measurement parameters. The gaseous products of the decomposition were on-line identified by evolved gas analysis (EGA) with a quadruple mass spectrometer (QMS). The decomposition of the title compound proceeds, for both cases, in the three main stages. In the first stage, deammination of [Cd(NH₃)₆](NO₃)₂ to [Cd(NH₃)](NO₃)₂ undergoes by three steps and 5/6 of all NH₃ molecules are liberated. At second stage the liberation of residual 1/6NH₃ molecules and the formation of Cd(NO₃)₂ undergoes. However, during this process simultaneously a two-step oxidation of a part of ammonia molecules also takes place. In a first step as a result a mixture of ammonia, water vapour and nitrogen is formatted. At the second step, subsequent oxidation of a next part of NH₃ molecules undergoes. As a result, a mixture of nitrogen oxide, nitrogen and water vapour is formatted, what for these both steps clearly indicates the EGA analysis. The third stage of the thermal decomposition is connected with the melting and subsequent decomposition of residual Cd(NO₃)₂ to oxygen, nitrogen dioxide and solid CdO. Additionally, third sample was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the results are fully consistent with those obtained by TG.     

Synthesis and crystal structure characterization of complex [Cd(Bipy)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(L)] · 10H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O (H<Subscript>2</Subscript>L = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid)

A novel complex [Cd(Bipy)₂(L)] · 10H₂O (I) (H₂L = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid), has been synthesized by the reaction of bipyridyl and H₂L with cadmium(II) salt. Elemental analysis, IR spectra, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction were carried out to determine the composition and crystal structure of complex I. The cadmium atom is seven-coordinated in a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal configuration. Ten water molecules formed a large water cluster with the oxygen atoms of the H₂L ligand. The complexes form a 2D supramolecular framework and a 3D reticulate structure by hydrogen bonding and π-π-stacking of the neighboring bipyridyl ligands coming from the neighboring complexes.     

Experimental Studies on Isonicotinato Cadmium(II) Complex [Cd(C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>4</Subscript>NO<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>4</Subscript>] and Density Functional Calculations

Isonicotinato cadmium(II) complex [Cd(C₆H₄NO₂)₂(H₂O)₄] has been synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized by elemental analysis, electronic-spectra and thermogravimetric analysis. Density functional theory (DFT) method calculations of the structure, atomic charges distribution, electronic spectra, natural population analysis and the thermodynamic properties at different temperatures have been performed. The calculated results show the electronic transitions are mainly derived from the contribution of bands π → π^* and the decomposition of the title compound should first occur at the bond of Cd—O, then at the bond of Cd—N, which agrees very well with the experimental data.     

Mechanism of the formation of photosensitive nanostructured TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> with low content of CdS nanoparticles

A method for synthesizing a CdS/TiO₂ composite material, active in the visible region, was described. The CdS/TiO₂ composite was obtained by the sol–gel synthesis of nanostructured TiO₂ in a medium of a stable colloidal solution of CdS nanoparticles. The TiO₂ matrix produced by the sol–gel process is amorphous and contains a nanocrystalline anatase phase, the content of which depends on the Ti(OBu)₄ hydrolysis rate. The content of CdS nanoparticles forming in the colloidal solution and participating in the TiO₂ matrix sensitization is determined by the initial CdS: Ti(OBu)₄ ratio. Although the content of CdS nanoparticles in the composite is low (no more than 3 wt %), the composite demonstrates catalytic activity in the visible region, thus proving the possibility of reducing the content of toxic CdS nanoparticles in the TiO₂ matrix without decreasing the photosensitivity of the CdS/TiO₂ composite.     

Reinvestigation of system CdO-V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> in the solid state

As a result of solid-state reactions three cadmium vanadates(V) have been obtained, i.e. CdV₂O₆, Cd₂V₂O₇ and Cd₄V₂O₉. Melting temperature and the product of melting has been determined for Cd4V2O9. Thermal properties of the obtained cadmium vanadates(V) have been reinvestigated. The phase equilibria being established in the CdO-V₂O₅ system over the whole components concentration range up to the solidus line were described.     

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.     

微波水热法制备CdS单分散纳米球及其形貌控制

采用微波水热法,以醋酸镉(Cd(CH3COO)2.2H2O)为镉源,硫脲(CS(NH2)2)为硫源,制备出了具有单分散球形形貌的CdS纳米晶。应用X射线衍射仪(XRD)、场发射扫描电子显微镜(FE-SEM)、能量色散谱仪(EDS)、高分辨透射电子显微镜(HR-TEM)、紫外可见吸收光谱(UV-Vis)等测试手段对样品的物相、形貌、元素组分及吸光性能进行了表征,并以罗丹明B溶液的降解脱色反应来考察了其的光催化活性。结果表明:随着S/Cd物质的量比(nS/nCd)逐渐增大,产物会出现由刺球链状向分散球形过渡的规律性变化。在一定的nS/nCd比的条件下可以合成出大小均匀、分散性较好的六方相CdS纳米球。样品对可见光有较强吸收,存在着一定的红移现象。在可见光照射下,硫化镉单分散纳米球具有更高的光催化活性。     

Stability of CdS-coated TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> solar cells

The obstacle to realize the large-scale production of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is its long-term stability and reliability problem. One of the main causes of the instability of DSSCs is the use of liquid electrolytes. In addition, exploring nano-sized particles of CdS as an alternative sensitizer for organic dye in dye-sensitized solar cells have attracted great interest due to the high cost and the instability of the organic dye. Our study has found that the CdS-coated TiO₂ cell degrades rapidly in the liquid electrolytes even under dark environment. In this work, a solid-state solar cell structure of Glass/FTO/TiO₂/CdS:Cu/FTO/glass was successfully made with an efficiency of 0.7%. CdS:Cu served as both the p-type conductor and absorber. No efficiency was obtained for cell structures of glass/FTO/TiO₂/CdS/FTO/glass. This indicates the effectiveness of hole conducting behavior of CdS:Cu. This is the first time that this type of solid-state solar cell is reported and improved stability is demonstrated.     

The synthesis and thermochemical study of (Mg,Fe)<Subscript>3</Subscript>Si<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanotubes

Nanotubular (Mg,Fe²⁺,Fe³⁺)₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄ hydrosilicates with a chrysotile structure were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The phases prepared were studied thermochemically on a high-temperature Tian-Calvet microcalorimeter by solution calorimetry. The standard enthalpies of formation of magnesium-iron nanotubular hydrosilicates were determined. The formation of iron-containing nanotubes was shown to be lass favorable energetically than the formation of magnesium nanotubes.     

Gas phase structure of micro-hydrated [Mn(ClO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)]<Superscript>+</Superscript> and [Mn<Subscript>2</Subscript>(ClO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>]<Superscript>+</Superscript> ions probed by infrared spectroscopy

Gas-phase infrared photodissociation spectroscopy is reported for the microsolvated [Mn(ClO₄)(H₂O) _n ]⁺ and [Mn₂(ClO₄)₃(H₂O) _n ]⁺ complexes from n = 2 to 5. Electrosprayed ions are isolated in an ion-trap where they are photodissociated. The 2600–3800 cm⁻¹ spectral region associated with the OH stretching mode is scanned with a relatively low-power infrared table-top laser, which is used in combination with a CO₂ laser to enhance the photofragmentation yield of these strongly bound ions. Hydrogen bonding is evidenced by a relatively broad band red-shifted from the free OH region. Band assignment based on quantum chemical calculations suggest that there is formation of water—perchlorate hydrogen bond within the first coordination shell of high-spin Mn(II). Although the observed spectral features are also compatible with the formation of structures with double-acceptor water in the second shell, these structures are found relatively high in energy compared with structures with all water directly bound to manganese. Using the highly intense IR beam of the free electron laser CLIO in the 800–1700 cm⁻¹, we were also able to characterize the coordination mode (η²) of perchlorate for two clusters. The comparison of experimental and calculated spectra suggests that the perchlorate Cl—O stretches are unexpectedly underestimated at the B3LYP level, while they are correctly described at the MP2 level allowing for spectral assignment.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Al(OH)<Subscript>3</Subscript>, Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Nanoparticles and Polymeric Nanocomposites

Applying of the most toxic halogenated and aromatic flame retardants is limited with respect to the environmental requirements. Nontoxic Al(OH)₃ nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple surfactant-free precipitation reaction at room temperature. The effect of various precipitation-agents on the morphology of the products was investigated. Al(OH)₃ nanoparticles were added to the polysulfone and poly styrene (PS) matrices. Electron microscope images show excellent dispersion of aluminium hydroxide in PS matrix. Nanoparticles appropriately enhanced both thermal stability and flame retardant property of the polymeric matrices. The enhancement of flame retardancy is due to endothermic decomposition of Al(OH)₃ that absorbs heat and simultaneously releases of water (makes combustible gases diluted and cold). Dispersed nanoparticles play the role of a barrier layer against flame, oxygen and polymer volatilization. Al(OH)₃ was converted to Al₂O₃ and its photo-catalyst property in degradation three different organic dyes as pollutants was investigated.     

Ionic mobility and <Superscript>19</Superscript>F MAS NMR spectra of lithium octafluorozirconate Li<Subscript>4</Subscript>ZrF<Subscript>8</Subscript>

A new 1D cadmium coordination polymer [Cd(PhCOO)₂(bbbm)] _n (1) (bbbm = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis-1H-benzimidazole ) is synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P-1 with a = 10.4289(17) Å, b = 12.5198(9) Å, c = 12.6130(9) Å, α = 118.4260(10)°, β = 95.1990(10)°, γ = 94.3820(10)°, V = 1428.8(3) ų, Z = 2. In the structure of 1, each cadmium center is six-coordinated in a strongly distorted octahedron by two N and four O atoms; an infinite one-dimensional linear chain was built by the flexible bbbm ligand that adopts a bis-monodentate bridging mode linking Cd^II atoms.     

Thermal synthesis of the CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-PrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Nd<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>pigments

Summary The synthesis of new compounds based on the CeO₂-PrO₂-Nd₂O₃system, which can be used as pigments for colouring of ceramic glazes, is investigated in our laboratory. The optimum conditions for the syntheses of these compounds have been estimated. The methods of thermal analysis provided first information about the temperature region of the formation of the pigments investigated. The synthesis of these compounds was followed by thermal analysis using STA 449/C Jupiter (Netzsch, Germany).     

Fabrication of strawberry-like nano-CdSe thin films for photoelectrochemistry by selenizing Cd(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript> deposits obtained from the anodization of Cd

CdSe is an important semiconductor for photoelectrochemistry. Here, we propose a two-step method for preparing thin films of aggregated CdSe nanoparticles on Cd electrodes. We first anodized the Cd electrode in an aqueous solution of 0.2 M KNO₃ at ?0.9 V (vs. Hg|Hg₂SO₄(s)|K₂SO₄ (saturated)) into a porous and layered structure covered with Cd(OH)₂ precipitation, and then selenized the Cd(OH)₂ deposited on the Cd anode in an aqueous solution of 0.2 M Na₂SeSO₃. The resulting CdSe nanoparticles self-assembled into strawberry-like nanoaggregates. The anodization time and selenization time were optimized separately. Under our experimental conditions, the optimized anodization time was 80 s, whereas the optimized selenization time ranged from 15 to 60 min, corresponding to the partial or complete conversion of the deposited Cd(OH)₂ into smaller and larger strawberry-like CdSe nanoaggregates, respectively. The optimized partially and completely selenized films showed photocurrent responses that were enhanced in different ways but demonstrated comparable performances. They presented an anodic photocurrent density as high as 3.2 mA cm^?2 at ?0.3 V with good stability under visible light illumination of 100 mW cm^?2 in a solution containing a sacrificial reagent of ascorbic acid.

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Graphical Abstract Strawberry-like CdSe nanoaggregates were prepared by selenizing the anodization film of Cd(OH)₂ on Cd electrode and they demonstrated enhanced photoelectrochemical performance.

     

Cu(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript> Nanostructures for Dynamic Photodegradation of Methyl Orange under Visible Light

new material of Cu(OH)₂ nanostructures was prepared using cupric nitrate and sodium hydroxide as raw materials by the chemical precipitation method. The Cu(OH)₂ nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectrometer, and X-ray diffractometer. The results showed that the Cu(OH)₂ nanostructures exhibited excellent uniform and dispersion at 40°C. A series of factors was investigated to effect the photocatalytic efficiency of methyl orange (MO), such as the concentration of Cu(OH)₂ nanostructures, the reaction time of the Cu(OH)₂ nanostructures, the initial concentration of MO, and so on. As a result, the Cu(OH)₂ nanostructures exhibited excellent photocatalytic efficiency with the concentration of 20 mg L^–1 Cu(OH)₂ nanostructures, the initial concentration of MO was 15 mg L^–1 and the stirring time was 70 min.