Interatomic interactions and electronic structure of NbSe<Subscript>2</Subscript> and Nb<Subscript>1.25</Subscript>Se<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanotubes

Atomic models of achiral NbSe₂ nanotubes are suggested. Band structure calculations have been performed to investigate the electronic structure and determine the parameters of interatomic interactions. The distribution of the density of states and pair bond occupancies of NbSe₂ nanotubes are analyzed in relation to the type of the atomic configuration and the tube diameter; the results are compared with the band structure of the 2H-NbSe₂ crystal. Calculations have been carried out on hypothetical superstoichiometric nanotubes with a formal composition Nb_1.25Se₂ as possible quasi-one-dimensional nanoforms of autointercalated niobium diselenide.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by A. N. Enyashin, V. V. Ivanovskaya, I. R. Shein, Yu. N. Makurin, N. I. Medvedeva, A. A. Sofronov, and A. L. IvanovskiiTranslated from Zhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 45, No. 4, pp. 579–588, July–August, 2004.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with a corrected cover date.     

The Reactions of Two New Alkoxy-silyl Functionalized Alkynes with M<Subscript>3</Subscript>(CO)<Subscript>12</Subscript> {M = Fe,Ru} and Co<Subscript>2</Subscript>(CO)<Subscript>8</Subscript>. Spectroscopic Identification of the Products

The new alkoxysilyl-functionalized alkynes [HC≡CCH₂N(H)C(=O)N(H)(CH₂)₃Si(OEt)₃] and [HC≡C(C₆H₄)–N(H)C(=O)N(H)(CH₂)₃Si(OEt)₃] have been synthesized using literature methods. These have been reacted with Fe₃(CO)₁₂, Ru₃(CO)₁₂ and Co₂(CO)₈. With the iron carbonyl only decomposition was observed: with Ru₃(CO)₁₂ splitting of the alkynes into their parent components and formation of the complexes (μ-H)Ru₃(CO)₉[HC=N(CH₂)₃Si(OEt)₃], (μ-H)Ru₃(CO)₉[C–C(C₆H₄)NH₂] and (μ-H)₂Ru₃(CO)₉[HC–CCH₃] occurred. Finally, with Co₂(CO)₈ formation of complexes Co₂(CO)₆(HC₂R) R=(C₆H₄)NH₂, CH₂NH(CO)NH(CH₂)₃Si(OEt)₃, (C₆H₄)NH(CO)NH(CH₂)₃Si(OEt)₃ containing the intact alkynes could be obtained.     

Dissymmetrization of crystal structures of grossular-andradite garnets Ca<Subscript>3</Subscript>(Al,Fe)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SiO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The crystal structures of three birefringent grossular-andradite natural garnets Ca₃(Al,Fe)₂(SiO₄)₃ were investigated using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (MoK_α, number of reflections measured 8065, 10619, 9213; R = 2.81, 2.74, 3.26%). According to the values of unit cell constants, inconsistent intensities of reflections and appearance of additional (forbidden) reflections explored garnets have different symmetry: cubic, sp. gr. (Fe/(Fe + Al) = 0.078, Δn = 0.0002); orthorhombic, sp. gr. Fddd (Fe/(Fe + Al) = 0.58, Δn = 0.0089); triclinic, sp. gr. or I1 and pseudo-orthorhombic (Fe/(Fe + Al) = 0.23, Δn = 0.0066). Careful refinement of all crystal structures in space groups , Fddd and has confirmed the symmetry reduction detected on the diffraction patterns and shown that dissymmetrization of cubic garnets connects with partial ordering of trivalent cations over Y-sites. Direct linear relationship between Fe-occupancy, an average Y–O bond lengths and octahedral O–O edges has been revealed. Cluster models of dissymmetrization have been regarded. Evidence for the “growth dissymmetrization” phenomena (kinetic phase transformations) as the reasons of the symmetry reduction of cubic garnets has been discussed. The reasonable assumption that the garnets crystal structures described as orthorhombic are triclinic, but the deviations from the orthorhombic symmetry so small, that cannot be manifested by of X-ray diffraction study has been taken.     

Structures and phase transitions in (K<Subscript>1-x</Subscript>Rb<Subscript>x</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>SeO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

Summary The phase diagram of the mixed crystal (K_1-xRb_x)₂SeO₄ was determined by means of thermal analysis and neutron scattering experiments. The hexagonal to orthorhombic phase transition line exists for any x. The normal-incommensurate phase transition temperature decreases continuously with increasing Rb content. However, the incommensurate-commensurate phase transition was not observed except for K₂SeO₄. According to the clear softening of the Σ₂- Σ ₃ phonon branches and the finite frequency at 0 K for x>0.34, an existence of the hypothetical phase transition was confirmed.     

Quantum-chemical modelling of nanotubes of titanium silicocarbides Ti<Subscript>2</Subscript>SiC,Ti<Subscript>3</Subscript>SiC<Subscript>2</Subscript>, and Ti<Subscript>4</Subscript>SiC<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Atomic models are proposed for nanotubes of the titanium silicocarbides Ti₂SiC, Ti₃SiC₂, and Ti₄SiC₃, and their electronic structure and interatomic interactions are investigated by the density functional tight-binding method (DFTB) in comparison with the corresponding crystalline phases. Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 45, No. 2, pp. 88-92, March-April, 2009.     

XAFS investigation of [Pd(NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>][AuCl<Subscript>4</Subscript>]<Subscript>2</Subscript> and its thermolysis products

Thermolysis of double complex salt [Pd(NH₃)₄][AuCl₄]₂ has been studied in helium atmosphere from ambient to 350 °C. The XAFS of Pd K and Au L₃ edges and thermogravimetry measurements have been carried out to characterize the intermediates and the final product. In the temperature range 115–160 °C the complex is decomposed to form Pd(NH₃)₂Cl₂ and AuCl_4−x N _x species with x ranging from 2 to 3. Subsequent heating of the intermediate up to 300 °C leads to the total loss of NH₃. The Au–Cl and Au–Au bonds form the local environment of Au at the stage of decomposition while only four chlorine atoms are around Pd. At the temperature of 330 °C the Au and Pd nanoparticles as well as residues of palladium chloride are detected. The final product consists of separated Au and Pd nanoparticles.     

Structure of Zn<Subscript>3</Subscript>P<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The structure of Z_n3P₂ (P 4₂/nmc, a = b = 8. 0785 Å, c = 11. 3966 Å) was solved and refined to R = 3. 2% in a precision X-ray diffraction experiment (λ-MoK _a, graphite monochromator on a primary beam, 27,496 reflections) . Interatomic distances and bond angles have been determined. The fcc lattice of the structure is built from phosphorus atoms, and the zinc atoms occupy 3/4 of all tetrahedral voids; the structure is described by two equivalent models where 1/4 occupied (by zinc atoms) and 1/4 vacant voids change places. The zinc atoms that occupy the voids following the diamond principle do not change places.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by I. E. Zanin, K. B. Aleinikova, M. M. Afanasiev, and M. Yu. Antipin__________Translated from Zhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 45, No. 5, pp. 889–892, September–October, 2004.     

Whitlockite solid solutions in the Ca<Subscript>3</Subscript>(VO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>-K<Subscript>3</Subscript>VO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-NdVO<Subscript>4</Subscript> system

Phase equilibria in the Ca₃(VO₄)₂-K₃VO₄-NdVO₄ system have been studied. An extensive calcium orthovanadate-based solid solution was found to form with the boundary compositions as follows: Ca₃(VO₄)₂-Ca₉Nd(VO₄)₇-Ca_9.33K_2.33(VO₄)₇-Ca_7.88K_2.63Nd_0.87(VO₄)₇. The unit cell parameters of the whit-lockite vanadates synthesized increase as the potassium and neodymium contents increase. Phase transitions from the low-temperature β phase to the β′ centrosymmetrical structure in Ca_{9.33 − 5z} K_{2.33 + z} Nd_3z (VO₄)₇ vanadates have been studied dilatometrically. The increase in the β ai β′ transition temperature caused by potassium is interpreted as arising from the filling in of vacant cation positions M(4) and M(6).     

LiF-LiCl-LiVO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript> system

Phase equilibria in the LiF-LiCl-LiVO₃-Li₂SO₄-Li₂MoO₄ system have been studied by differential thermal analysis. The eutectic composition has been determined as follows (mol %): LiF, 17.4; LiCl, 42.0; LiVO₃, 17.4; Li₂SO₄, 11.6; and Li₂MoO₄, 11.6, with the melting temperature equal to 363°C and the enthalpy of melting equal to (284 ± 7) kJ/kg.     

Three-component systems LiBr-LiVO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and LiBr-Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

Phase equilibria in the three-component systems LiBr-LiVO₃-Li₂MoO₄ and LiBr-Li₂SO₄-Li₂MoO₄ have been studied using differential thermal analysis (DTA). Eutectic compositions have been determined (mol %): in the system LiBr-LiVO₃-Li₂MoO₄, 56.0 LiBr, 22.0 LiVO₃, and 22.0 Li₂MoO₄ with a melting temperature of 413°C; and in the system LiBr-Li₂SO₄-Li₂MoO₄, 65.0 LiBr, 14.0 Li₂SO₄, and 21.0 Li₂MoO₄ with a melting temperature of 421°C. Phase fields have been demarcated.     

Thiol-functionalized Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> microspheres with superparamagnetism and their adsorption properties for Au(III) ion separation

Thiol-functionalized Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ microspheres (Fe₃O₄/SiO₂-SH) with high saturation magnetization (69.3 emu g^–1), superparamagnetism, and good dispersibility have been prepared by an ethylene glycol reduction method in combination with a modified Stöber method. The as-prepared composite magnetic spheres are characterized with fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), zeta potential, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and superconducting quantum interference magnetometer, and tested in separation of Au(III) ions from aqueous solutions. The data for Au(III) adsorption on Fe₃O₄/SiO₂-SH are analyzed with the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models, and the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion kinetics models. The adsorption behaviors of Au(III) on Fe₃O₄/SiO₂-SH follow the Langmuir isotherm model, and the adsorption process conforms to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacity of Au(III) on Fe₃O₄/SiO₂-SH is 43.7 mg g^–1. Acetate anions play an important role yet Cu(II) ions have little interference in the adsorption of Au(III) on the adsorbent. A satisfactory recovery percentage of 89.5% is acquired by using an eluent with 1 M thiourea and 5% HCl, although thiols have a high affinity to Au(III) ions based on the hard-soft acid-base (HSAB) theory by Pearson.     

K<Subscript>3</Subscript>VO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>: Formation conditions,crystal structure,and physicochemical properties

Potassium oxosulfatovanadate(V) K₃VO₂(SO₄)₂ has been obtained by solid-phase synthesis from K₂SO₄, K₂S₂O₇, and V₂O₅ (2: 1: 1), and its formation conditions, crystal structure, and physiochemical properties have been studied. The conversions of K₃VO₂(SO₄)₂ in contact with potassium vanadates and other potassium oxosulfatovanadates(V) are considered in terms of phase relations in the K₂O-V₂O₅-SO₃ system, which models the active component of vanadium catalysts for sulfur dioxide oxidation into sulfur trioxide. The X-ray diffraction pattern of K₃VO₂(SO₄)₂ is indexed in the monoclinic system (space group P2₁) with unit cell parameters of a = 10.0408(1) Å, b = 7.2312(1) Å, c = 7.3821(1) Å, β = 104.457(1)°, Z = 2, and V = 519.02 ų. The crystal structure of K₃VO₂(SO₄)₂ is built from [VO₂(SO₄)₂]^3? complex anions, in which the vanadium atom is in an octahedral oxygen environment formed by two terminal oxygen atoms (V-O(6) = 1.605(7) Å, V-O(10) = 1.619(7) Å and four oxygen atoms of the two chelating sulfate anions. The vibrational spectra of K₃VO₂(SO₄)₂ are analyzed using these structural data.     

LiF-LiBr-LiVO<Subscript>3</Subscript> and LiBr-Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-LiVO<Subscript>3</Subscript> ternary systems

Phase equilibria in the LiF-LiBr-LiVO₃ and LiBr-Li₂SO₄-LiVO₃ systems have been investigated by differential thermal analysis. Eutectic compositions have been revealed (mol %). In the LiF-LiBr-LiVO₃ system, 16.8% LiF, 52.0% LiBr, 31.2% LiVO₃ with a melting point of 428°C; in the LiBr-Li₂SO₄-LiVO₃ system, 52.0% LiBr, 38.0% LiVO₃, 10.0% Li₂SO₄ with a melting point of 444°C. Crystallization fields of the phases have been demarcated.     

Osmotic Coefficients of the Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>B<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>+LiCl + H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O System at <Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>=273.15 K

Osmotic coefficients and water activities for the Li₂B₄O₇+LiCl+H₂O system have been measured at T=273.15 K by the isopiestic method, using an improved apparatus. Two types of osmotic coefficients, φ _S and φ _E, were determined. φ _S is based on the stoichiometric molalities of the solute Li₂B₄O₇(aq), and φ _E is based on equilibrium molalities from consideration of the equilibrium speciation into H₃BO₃,B(OH)₄⁻ and B₃O₃(OH)₄⁻. The stoichiometric equilibrium constants K _m for the aqueous speciation reactions were estimated. Two types of representations of the osmotic coefficients for the Li₂B₄O₇+LiCl+H₂O system are presented with ion-interaction models based on Pitzer’s equations with minor modifications: model (I) represents the φ _S data with six parameters based on considering the ion-interactions between three ionic species of Li⁺, Cl⁻, and B₄O₇²⁻, and model (II) for represents the φ _E data based on considering the equilibrium speciation. The parameters of models (I) and (II) are presented. The standard deviations for the two models are 0.0152 and 0.0298, respectively. Model (I) was more satisfactory than model (II) for representing the isopiestic data.     

Phase formation in the Ag<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-MgMoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

The subsolidus region of the Ag₂MoO₄-MgMoO₄-Al₂(MoO₄)₃ ternary salt system has been studied by X-ray phase analysis. The formation of new compounds Ag_{1 ? x} Mg_{1 ? x} Al_{1 + x} (MoO₄)₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) and AgMg₃Al(MoO₄)₅ has been determined. The Ag_{1 ? x} Mg_{1 ? x} Al_{1 + x} (MoO₄)₃ variable-composition phase is related to the NASICON type structure (space group R \(\bar 3\) c). AgMg₃Al(MoO₄)₅ is isostructural to sodium magnesium indium molybdate of the same formula unit and crystallizes in triclinic system (space group P \(\bar 1\), Z = 2) with the following unit cell parameters: a = 9.295(7) Å, b = 17.619(2) Å, c = 6.8570(7) Å, α = 87.420(9)°, β = 101.109(9)°, γ = 91.847(9)°. The compounds Ag_{1 ? x} Mg_{1 ? x} Al_{1 + x} (MoO₄)₃ and AgMg₃Al(MoO₄)₅ are thermally stable up to 790 and 820°C, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of Co<Subscript>0.8</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>0.2</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles

Cobalt zinc ferrite, Co_0.8Zn_0.2Fe₂O₄, nanoparticles have been synthesized via autocatalytic decomposition of the precursor, cobalt zinc ferrous fumarato hydrazinate. The X-ray powder diffraction of the ‘as prepared’ oxide confirms the formation of single phase nanocrystalline cobalt zinc ferrite nanoparticles. The thermal decomposition of the precursor has been studied by isothermal, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis. The precursor has also been characterized by FTIR, and chemical analysis and its chemical composition has been determined as Co_0.8Zn_0.2Fe₂(C₄H₂O₄)₃·6N₂H_4. The Curie temperature of the ‘as-prepared oxide’ was determined by AC susceptibility measurements.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of ternary molybdate compound K<Subscript>5</Subscript>Pb<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Hf<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>6</Subscript>

Single crystals of triple molybdate of composition 5:1:3 K₅Pb_0.5Hf_1.5(MoO₄)₆ have been grown and their crystal structure has been solved from X-ray diffraction data (an automated diffractometer X8 APEX, MoK _α -radiation, 2173 F(hkl), R = 0.0321). Trigonal unit cell parameters are: a = b = 10.739(2) Å, c = 37.933(9) Å; V = 3789(1) ų, Z = 6, ρ_calc = 4.014 g/cm³, space group \(R\bar 3\). Three-dimensional mixed framework of the structure is formed by two types of MoO₄ tetrahedra and Pb and Hf octahedra linking via common O-vertices. Potassium atoms of three types occupy large vacancies in the framework.     

Synthesis and crystallization kinetics of the novel ion exchanger Na<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>4</Subscript>Si<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>10</Subscript> for cesium removal

Thermodynamics and crystallization kinetics of the hydrothermal synthesis of Na₄Ti₄Si₃O₁₀ (NaTS) were systemically studied by both experiments and model simulation. Experimental results showed that the curve of crystallinity with time was a characteristic signmoid in the shape that indicated the crystallization of Na₄Ti₄Si₃O₁₀ was a typical spontaneous nucleation process on the laboratory scale. Crystallization of NaTS belongs to the liquid-liquid transformation mechanism and the reaction is endothermic (ΔH = 15.3 kJ/mol). A mathematic model of crystallization kinetics was developed to simulate the synthesis of NaTS. Runge-Kutta and simplex methods were adopted to solve the partial differential equations. Model results fitted well with the experimental data and showed that the synthesis process belongs to spontaneous nucleation and crystal growth. Moreover, the very small crystal growth constant (5.6·10⁻⁷) and gel dissolution constant (7.0·10⁻⁷) indicate they are the rate-limiting steps of the whole synthesis process.     

Crystal structures of Ti(NH<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>P<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>13</Subscript> and Sn(NH<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>P<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>13</Subscript>

The characteristics of crystal structures of the titanium(IV) diammonium (Ti(NH₄)₂P₄O₁₃) and tin(IV) diammonium (Sn(NH₄)₂P₄O₁₃) tetraphosphates, which are isostructural with similar silicon(IV) and germanium(IV) salts, have been obtained by the Rietveld method using X-ray powder diffraction data. The compounds crystallize in the triclinic system, space group P \(\overline 1 \), Z = 2, a = 15.0291(7) Å, b = 7.9236(4) Å, c = 5.0754(3) Å, α = 99.168(3)°, β = 97.059(3)°, γ = 83.459(3)° for Ti(NH₄)₂P₄O₁₃ and a = 15.1454(7) Å, b = 8.0103(5) Å, c = 5.1053(3) Å, α = 99.898(6)°, β = 96.806(3)°, γ = 83.881(4)° for Sn(NH₄)₂P₄O₁₃. The structure is refined in the isotropic approximation using the pseudo-Voigt function: R _p = 0.077, R _Bragg = 0.045, R _F = 0.057 for Ti(NH₄)₂P₄O₁₃; R _p = 0.082, R _Bragg = 0.044, R _F = 0.046 for Sn(NH₄)₂P₄O₁₃. The hydrogen atoms of the ammonium cations are placed in the calculated positions. A comparative analysis of the structures of the compounds of the M^IV(NH₄)₂P₄O₁₃ (M^IV = Si, Ge, Ti, Sn) series has been carried out.