Thermal decomposition of iron(VI) oxides, K2FeO4 and BaFeO4, in an inert atmosphere

The thermal decomposition of solid samples of iron(VI) oxides, K₂FeO₄·0.088 H₂O (1) and BaFeO₄·0.25H₂O (2) in inert atmosphere has been examined using simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), in combination with in situ analysis of the evolved gases by online coupled mass spectrometer (EGA-MS). The final decomposition products were characterized by ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. Water molecules were released first, followed by a distinct decomposition step with endothermic DTA peak of 1 and 2 at 273 and 248 °C, respectively, corresponding to the evolution of molecular oxygen as confirmed by EGA-MS. The released amounts of O₂ were determined as 0.42 and 0.52 mol pro formula of 1 and 2, respectively. The decomposition product of K₂FeO₄ at 250 °C was determined as Fe(III) species in the form of KFeO₂. Formation of an amorphous mixture of superoxide, peroxide, and oxide of potassium may be other products of the thermal conversion of iron(VI) oxide 1 to account for less than expected released oxygen. The thermogravimetric and Mössbauer data suggest that barium iron perovskite with the intermediate valence state of iron (between III and IV) was the product of thermal decomposition of iron(VI) oxide 2.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, phase transition and thermal behaviour of a new dabcodiium hexaaquanickel(II) bis(sulphate), (C6H14N2)[Ni(H2O)6](SO4)2

A new dabcodiium-templated nickel sulphate, (C₆H₁₄N₂)[Ni(H₂O)₆](SO₄)₂, has been synthesised and characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 20 and −173 °C, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG) and temperature-dependent X-ray powder diffraction (TDXD). The high temperature phase crystallises in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with the unit-cell parameters: a = 7.0000(1), b = 12.3342(2), c = 9.9940(2) Å; β = 90.661(1)°, V = 862.82(3) Å³ and Z = 2. The low temperature phase crystallises in the monoclinic space group P2₁/a with the unit-cell parameters: a = 12.0216(1), b = 12.3559(1), c = 12.2193(1) Å; β = 109.989(1)°, V = 1705.69(2) Å³ and Z = 4. The crystal structure of the HT-phase consists of Ni²⁺ cations octahedrally coordinated by six water molecules, sulphate tetrahedra and disordered dabcodiium cations linked together by hydrogen bonds. It undergoes a reversible phase transition (PT) of the second order at −53.7/−54.6 °C on heating-cooling runs. Below the PT temperature, the structure is fully ordered. The thermal decomposition of the precursor proceeds through three stages giving rise to the nickel oxide.     

The reaction of MgCl2·4H2O with CCl2F2

A new reaction of MgCl₂·4H₂O with CCl₂F₂ is investigated by DTA and TG from room temperature to 350 °C. It is observed that MgF₂ was obtained between 252 and 350 °C, Below the temperature, MgCl₂·4H₂O dehydrates and hydrolyzes to MgCl₂ and Mg(OH)Cl, which are the real reactants of the reaction with CCl₂F₂. The formation of MgF₂ is ascribed to the reaction of MgCl₂ and Mg(OH)Cl with HF, which forms by decomposition of CCl₂F₂ with the taking part in of H₂O released from dehydration of hydrated magnesium chloride on the surface of MgCl₂ and Mg(OH)Cl, which catalyzes the decomposition of CCl₂F₂ in this case. Consequently, the reactions are tested in the fluid-bed condition. It is found that MgF₂ formed at temperatures down to 200 °C in a fluid-bed reactor. This reaction may be used as a method of disposing of the environmentally sensitive CCl₂F₂ (rather than release into the atmosphere). It is also a method for the preparation of MgF₂.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and optical spectroscopy of Ln2(SO4)3·8H2O (Ln=Ho, Tm) and Pr2(SO4)3·4H2O

The lanthanide sulphate octahydrates Ln₂(SO₄)₃·8H₂O (Ln=Ho, Tm) and the respective tetrahydrate Pr₂(SO₄)₃·4H₂O were obtained by evaporation of aqueous reaction mixtures of trivalent rare earth oxides and sulphuric acid at 300 K. Ln₂(SO₄)₃·8H₂O (Ln=Ho, Tm) crystallise in space group C2/c (Z=4, a_Ho=13.4421(4) Å, b_Ho=6.6745(2) Å, c_Ho=18.1642(5) Å, β_Ho=102.006(1) Å³ and a_Tm=13.4118(14) Å, b_Tm=6.6402(6) Å, c_Tm=18.1040(16) Å, β_Tm=101.980(8) Å³), Pr₂(SO₄)₃·4H₂O adopts space group P2₁/n (a=13.051(3) Å, b=7.2047(14) Å, c=13.316(3) Å, β=92.55(3) Å³). The vibrational and optical spectra of Ho₂(SO₄)₃·8H₂O and Pr₂(SO₄)₃·4H₂O are also reported.     

Low-temperature synthesis of K2NbO3F powders by an alternative approach of solid-state reaction

K₂NbO₃F powders were directly synthesized by an alternative solid-state method at low temperature. Stoichiometric ammonium niobium oxalate, K₂C₂O₄ and KF were mixed with small amounts of water and then dried at room temperature. X-ray diffraction results show that layered perovskite K₂NbO₃F powders can be obtained by calcining the mixture in temperature range from 550 to 700 °C for 3 h. The elemental composition, powder morphology and particle size of calcination products were analyzed by scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The SEM images suggest that the particles of the powders obtained at 550 °C are irregular platelets with a diameter of 0.5-1 μm and a thickness of 100-200 nm. The platelets are 3-5 μm in diameter and 1-2 μm in thickness when the calcination temperature reaches 700 °C. K₂NbO₃F decomposes to K₅(NbO₃)₄F and KF when the temperature reaches 800 °C.     

Investigations of new binary phosphate K4Ce2P4O15

The new potassium cerium(III) phosphate of formula K₄Ce₂P₄O₁₅ in the system Ce₂O₃-K₂O-P₂O₅ was prepared by solid state reactions and characterized by thermal analysis (DTA, TG, DSC), powder X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. This compound exists only in the solid state (below 880 °C) and exhibits a polymorphic transition at 527 °C. The low-temperature form β-K₄Ce₂P₄O₁₅ of this compound crystallizes as a triclinic phase (space group P) with unit cell parameters: a=9.319(7), b=12.129(3), c=9.252(1) Å, α=106.875, β=100.086, γ=107.202°, V=916.276 Å³.     

Kinetics of Mn2O3 digestion in H2SO4 solutions

The kinetics of Mn₂O₃ digestion in various H₂SO₄ solutions (0.5-2.0 M) and at various temperatures (ambient to 80 °C) to form solid γ-MnO₂ and soluble Mn(II) have been examined using X-ray diffraction. Using a modified first-order Avrami expression to describe digestion kinetics, rate constants in the range 0.02-0.98 h⁻¹ were found for Mn₂O₃ disappearance, and 0.03-0.42 h⁻¹ for γ-MnO₂ formation, with higher H₂SO₄ concentrations and temperatures leading to faster conversion rates. Also, for a particular set of experimental conditions, the rate of γ-MnO₂ formation was always slower than Mn₂O₃ disappearance. This was interpreted in terms of the solubility and stability of the soluble Mn(III) intermediated formed during the digestion. Activation energies for Mn₂O₃ dissolution and γ-MnO₂ formation were also determined.     

Photoactivity and phase stability of ZrO2-doped anatase-type TiO2 directly formed as nanometer-sized particles by hydrolysis under hydrothermal conditions

Anatase-type TiO₂ doped with 4.7 and 12.4 mol% ZrO₂ that were directly precipitated as nanometer-sized particles from acidic precursor solutions of TiOSO₄ and Zr(SO₄)₂ by simultaneous hydrolysis under hydrothermal conditions at 200°C, showed higher photocatalytic activity than pure anatase-type TiO₂ for the decomposition of methylene blue. The crystallite growth and the phase transformation from anatase-type to rutile-type structure caused by heating at high temperature were retarded by doping ZrO₂ into TiO₂. The anatase-type TiO₂ doped with ZrO₂ showed high phase stability and maintained anatase-type structure even after heating at 1000°C for 1 h.     

Role of SrMoO4 in Sr2MgMoO6 synthesis

Here we investigate the elemental and phase compositions during the solid-state synthesis of the promising SOFC-anode material, Sr₂MgMoO₆, and demonstrate that molybdenum does not notably evaporate under the normal synthesis conditions with temperatures up to 1200 °C due to the formation of SrMoO₄ as an intermediate product at low temperatures, below 600 °C. However, partial decomposition of the Sr₂MgMoO₆ phase becomes evident at the higher temperatures (∼1500 °C). The effect of SrMoO₄ on the electrical conductivity of Sr₂MgMoO₆ is evaluated by preparing a series of Sr₂MgMoO₆ samples with different amounts of additional SrMoO₄. Under the reducing operation conditions of an SOFC anode the insulating SrMoO₄ phase is apparently reduced to the highly conductive SrMoO₃ phase. Percolation takes place with 20-30 wt% of SrMoO₄ in a Sr₂MgMoO₆ matrix, with a notable increase in electrical conductivity after reduction. Conductivity values of 14, 60 and 160 S/cm are determined at 800 °C in 5% H₂/Ar for the Sr₂MgMoO₆ samples with 30, 40 and 50 wt% of added SrMoO₄, respectively.     

A widely varying range of products in reactions of C6F5BrF2, C6F5IF2, and C6F5IF4 with Lewis acids of different strength

The relative fluoride donor ability: C₆F₅BrF₂ > C₆F₅IF₂ > C₆F₅IF₄ was outlined from reactions with Lewis acids of graduated strength in different solvents. Fluoride abstraction from C₆F₅HalF₂ with BF₃·NCCH₃ in acetonitrile (donor solvent) led to [C₆F₅HalF·(NCCH₃)_n][BF₄]. The attempted generation of [C₆F₅BrF]⁺ from C₆F₅BrF₂ and anhydrous HF or BF₃ in weakly coordinating SO₂ClF gave C₆F₅Br besides bromoperfluorocycloalkenes C₆BrF₇ and 1-BrC₆F₉. In reactions of C₆F₅IF₂ with SbF₅ in SO₂ClF the primary observed intermediate (¹⁹F NMR, below 0 °C) was the 4-iodo-1,1,2,3,5,6-hexafluorobenzenium cation, which converted into C₆F₅I and 1-IC₆F₉ at 20 °C. The reaction of C₆F₅IF₄ with SbF₅ in SO₂ClF below −20 °C gave the cation [C₆F₅IF₃]⁺ which decomposed at 20 °C to C₆F₅I, 1-iodoperfluorocyclohexene, and iodoperfluorocyclohexane. Principally, the related perfluoroalkyl compound C₆F₁₃IF₄ showed a different type of products in the fast reaction with AsF₅ in CCl₃F (−60 °C) which resulted in C₆F₁₄. Intermediate and final products of C₆F₅HalF_n−1 (n = 3, 5) with Lewis acids were characterized by NMR in solution. Stable solid products were isolated and analytically characterized.     

Thermal decomposition of potassium hexanitronickelate(II) hydrate

The thermal decomposition of the complex K₄[Ni(NO₂)₆]·H₂O has been investigated over the temperature range 25-600 °C by a combination of infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, FAB-mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The first stage of reaction is loss of water and isomerisation of one of the coordinated nitro groups to form the complex K₄[Ni(NO₂)₄(ONO)]·NO₂. At temperatures around 200 °C the remaining nitro groups within the complex isomerise to the chelating nitrite form and this process acts as a precursor to the loss of NO₂ gas at temperatures above 270 °C. The product, which is stable up to 600 °C, is the complex K₄[Ni(ONO)₄]·NO₂, where the nickel atom is formally in the +1 oxidation state.     

Preparation and performances of nanosized Ta2O5 powder photocatalyst

Nanosized-Ta₂O₅ powder photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by using sol-gel method via TaCl₅ butanol solution as a precursor. Ta₂O₅ species can be formed under 500 °C via the decomposition of the precursor. The crystalline phase of Ta₂O₅ powder photocatalyst can be obtained after being calcined above 600 °C for 4 h. The crystal size and particle size of Ta₂O₅ powder photocatalyst was about 50 nm. A good photocatalytic performance for the degradation of gaseous formaldehyde was obtained for the nanosized-Ta₂O₅ powder. The Ta₂O₅ powder formed at 700 °C for 4 h and at 650 °C for 12 h showed the best performance. The calcination temperature and time play an important role in the crystallization and photocatalytical performance of nanosized-Ta₂O₅ powder.     

Thermo-Raman spectroscopy in situ monitoring study of solid-state synthesis of NiO-Al2O3 nanoparticles and its characterization

Hyphenation of thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and thermo-Raman spectrophotometer for in situ monitoring of solid-state reaction in oxygen atmosphere forming NiO-Al₂O₃ catalyst nanoparticles is investigated. In situ thermo-Raman spectra in the range from 200 to 1400 cm⁻¹ were recorded at every degree interval from 25 to 800 °C. Thermo-Raman spectroscopic studies reveal that, although the onset of formation is around 600 °C, the bulk NiAl₂O₄ forms at temperatures above 800 °C. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the reaction mixtures were recorded at regular temperature intervals of 100 °C, in the temperature range from 400 to 1000 °C, which could provide information on structural and morphological evolution of NiO-Al₂O₃. Slow controlled heating of the sample enabled better control over morphology and particle size distribution (∼20-30 nm diameter). The observed results were supported by complementary characterizations using TGA, XRD, SEM, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis.     

Thermal decomposition course of Eu(CH3COO)3·4H2O and the reactivity at the gas/solid interface thus established

The thermal decomposition course of europium acetate tetrahydrate (Eu(CH₃COO)₃·4H₂O) was probed on heating up to 1000 °C in a dynamic atmosphere of air by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. The solid- and gas-phase decomposition products were identified by X-ray diffractometry, ex- and in situ infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Results obtained showed the acetate to dehydrate stepwise at 145-283 °C, and then decompose stepwise to yield eventually cubic-Eu₂O₃ at ≥663 °C encompassing the formation of intermediate oxycarbonate (Eu₂O(CO₃)₂/Eu₂O₂(CO₃) solid products (at 347-466 °C)) and H₂O, (CH₃)₂CO and CO₂ as primary gaseous products. A considerable enhancement of the production of the primary gas phase products at 400-450 °C and the emergence of (CH₃)₂CCH₂, CH₄ and CO molecules in the gas phase are ascribed to reactions occurring at the gas/solid interface at the expense of some of the primary products. These interfacial activities impart application-worthy adsorptive and catalytic functions for the associated solid products.     

Analysis of (NH4)2SO4/(NH4)H2PO4 mixtures by thermogravimetry and X-ray diffraction

(NH₄)₂SO₄ and (NH₄)H₂PO₄ are the principal components in the powder material used in fire extinguishers. In this paper the mutual influence in their thermal decomposition is investigated by thermogravimetry. Two methods for the quantification of both salts in mixtures (NH₄)₂SO₄/(NH₄)H₂PO₄ are proposed. The first employs thermogravimetry and is based on the measurement of the mass fraction in the 500-550 °C interval, once (NH₄)₂SO₄ has totally decomposed to yield gaseous products. The second uses some selected peaks in the X-ray diffractogram.     

Thermodynamic evaluation and optimization of the (Na2SO4 + K2SO4 + Na2S2O7 + K2S2O7) system

A complete, critical evaluation of all phase diagram and thermodynamic data was performed for all phases of the (Na₂SO₄ + K₂SO₄ + Na₂S₂O₇ + K₂S₂O₇) system and optimized model parameters were obtained. The Modified Quasichemical Model in the Quadruplet Approximation was used for modelling the liquid phase. The model evaluates first- and second-nearest-neighbour short-range ordering, where the cations (Na⁺ and K⁺) are assumed to mix on a cationic sublattice, while anions were assumed to mix on an anionic sublattice. The Compound Energy Formalism was used for modelling the solid solutions of (Na,K)₂SO₄ and (Na,K)₂S₂O₇. The models can be used to predict the thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria in multicomponent heterogeneous systems. The experimental data from the literature were reproduced within experimental error limits.     

Low-temperature heat capacity and thermodynamic properties of crystalline carboxin (C12H13NO2S)

Carboxin was synthesized and its heat capacities were measured with an automated adiabatic calorimeter over the temperature range from 79 to 380 K. The melting point, molar enthalpy (Δ_fusH_m) and entropy (Δ_fusS_m) of fusion of this compound were determined to be 365.29±0.06 K, 28.193±0.09 kJ mol⁻¹ and 77.180±0.02 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, respectively. The purity of the compound was determined to be 99.55 mol% by using the fractional melting technique. The thermodynamic functions relative to the reference temperature (298.15 K) were calculated based on the heat capacity measurements in the temperature range between 80 and 360 K. The thermal stability of the compound was further investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The DSC curve indicates that the sample starts to decompose at ca. 290 °C with the peak temperature at 292.7 °C. The TG-DTG results demonstrate the maximum mass loss rate occurs at 293 °C corresponding to the maximum decomposition rate.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and vibrational spectra of KLn(SO4)2·H2O (Ln=La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy)

The potassium lanthanide double sulphates KLn(SO₄)₂·H₂O (Ln=La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy) were obtained by evaporation of aqueous reaction mixtures of rare earth (III) sulphates and potassium thiocyanate at 298 K. X-ray single-crystal investigations show that KLn(SO₄)₂·H₂O (Ln=Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy) crystallise monoclinically (Ln=Sm: P2₁/c, Z=4, a=10.047(1), b=8.4555(1), c=10.349(1) Å, wR2=0.060, R1=0.024, 945 reflections, 125 parameters) while KLa(SO₄)₂·H₂O adopts space group P3₂21 (Z=3, a=7.1490(5), c=13.2439(12) Å, wR2=0.038, R1=0.017, 695 reflections, 65 parameters). The coordination environment of the lanthanide ions in KLn(SO₄)₂·H₂O is different in the case of the Nd/Sm/Gd and the Eu/Dy compounds, respectively. In the first case the Ln atoms are nine-fold coordinated in contrast to the latter where the Ln ions are eight-fold coordinated by oxygen atoms. The vibrational spectra of KLn(SO₄)₂·H₂O and the UV-vis reflection spectra of KEu(SO₄)₂·H₂O and KNd(SO₄)₂·H₂O are also reported.     

Conservation of [(C2H4NH3)3N]2·(ZrF7)2·H2O layers during the topotactic dehydration of [(C2H4NH3)3N]2·(ZrF7)2·9H2O

Tren amine cations [(C₂H₄NH₃)₃N]³⁺ and zirconate or tantalate anions adopt a ternary symmetry in two hydrates, [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·9H₂O and [H₃tren]₆·(ZrF₇)₂·(TaOF₆)₄·3H₂O, which crystallise in R32 space group with a_H = 8.871 (2) Å, c_H = 38.16 (1) Å and a_H = 8.758 (2) Å, c_H = 30.112 (9) Å, respectively. Similar [H₃tren]₂·(MX₇)₂·H₂O (M = Zr, Ta; X = F, O) sheets are found in both structures; they are separated by a water layer (O_w(2)-O_w(3)) in [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·9H₂O. Dehydration of [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·9H₂O starts at room temperature and ends at 90 °C to give [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·H₂O. [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·H₂O layers remain probably unchanged during this dehydration and the existence of one intermediate [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·3H₂O hydrate is assumed. O_w(1) molecules are tightly hydrogen bonded with -NH₃⁺ groups and decomposition of [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·H₂O occurs from 210 °C to 500 °C to give successively [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₆)·(Zr₂F₁₂) (285 °C), an intermediate unknown phase (320 °C) and ZrF₄.     

The direct decomposition of NO over the La2CuO4 nanofiber catalyst

The NO catalytic direct decomposition was studied over La₂CuO₄ nanofibers, which were synthesized by using single walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as templates under hydrothermal condition. The composition and BET specific surface area of the La₂CuO₄ nanofiber were La₂Cu_0.88²⁺Cu_0.12⁺O_3.94 and 105.0 m²/g, respectively. 100% NO conversion (turnover frequency-(TOF): 0.17 g_NO/g_catalyst s) was obtained over such nanofiber catalyst at temperatures above 300 °C with the products being only N₂ and O₂. In 60 h on stream testing, either at 300 °C or at 800 °C, the nanofiber catalyst still showed high NO conversion efficiency (at 300 °C, 98%, TOF: 0.17 g_NO/g_catalyst s; at 800 °C, 96%, TOF: 0.16 g_NO/g_catalyst s). The O₂ and NO temperature programmed desorption (TPD) results indicated that the desorption of oxygen over the nanofibers occurred at 80-190 and 720-900 °C; while NO desorption happened at temperatures of 210-330 °C. NO and O₂ did not competitively adsorb on the nanofiber catalyst. For outstanding the advantage of the nanostate catalyst, the usual La₂CuO₄ bulk powder was also prepared and studied for comparison.