Photocatalytic splitting of water under visible-light irradiation over the NiOx-loaded Sm2InTaO7 with 4f-d-d configuration

A new visible-light-response photocatalyst Sm₂InTaO₇ with 4f-d¹⁰-d⁰ configuration crystallized in a cubic system with the space group Fd3m was synthesized by a solid-state reaction method. NiOx-loaded Sm₂InTaO₇ showed high photocatalytic activities for H₂ evolution from pure water under visible light irradiation (λ>400 nm). Changes in the photocatalytic activity with the calcination temperature of Sm₂InTaO₇ and the amount of NiOx loaded indicated that the combination of highly crystallized Sm₂InTaO₇ and a high dispersion of NiOx particles led to high photocatalytic activity. The high photocatalytic performance of NiOx-loaded Sm₂InTaO₇ supported the existing view that the photocatalytic activity correlated with the lattice distortion. Density functional theory calculation indicated that strong dispersion from the hybridized In 5s 5p orbitals at the bottom of the conduction band was responsible for the high activity of photocatalyst Sm₂InTaO₇.     

High Lithium Capacity MxV2O5Ay·nH2O for Rechargeable Batteries

The aqueous synthesis and electrochemical properties of nanocrystalline M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O are described. It is easily and quickly prepared by precipitation from acidified vanadate solutions. M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O has been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, electron microscopy, TGA, chemical analyses, and electrochemical studies. The atomic structure is related to that of xerogel-derived V₂O₅·nH₂O. In M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O, M is a cation from the starting vanadate salt and A is an anion from the mineral acid. This material exhibits high, reversible Li capacity and may be considered for use in a cathode in primary and secondary batteries. The lithium capacity of an electrode composed of M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O/EPDM/carbon (88/4/8) is ∼380(mA h)/g (C/80 rate) and the energy density is ∼1000(W h)/kg (120-μm-thick cathode, 4-1.5 V, versus Li metal anode). Critical parameters identified in the synthesis of M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O, with respect to achieving high Li-ion insertion capacity, are acid/vanadium ratio, starting vanadate salt, and temperature. Inclusion of carbon black in the synthesis yields a composite that maintains the high Li capacity, lowers the electrochemical-cell polarization, and preserves the lithium capacity at higher discharge rates. Li-ion coin cells, using pre-lithiated graphite anodes, exhibit electrochemical performance comparable to that of Li-metal coin cells.     

Structural and electrical properties of (1−x)(Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3-xPb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 solid solution

Structural, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of (1−x)(Na_1/2Bi_1/2)TiO₃-xPb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ (NBT-xPMN) solid solution have been investigated. An addition of PMN into NBT transformed the structure of sintered samples from rhombohedral to pseudocubic phase where x is larger than 0.1. In calcined powders, however, the intermediate structure were observed between rhombohedral and cubic phases near x=0.1. The formation of solid solution between NBT and PMN modified the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of NBT to be suitable for high temperature dielectric and piezoelectric material. With increasing the content of PMN, the temperature-stability of ε_r(T) increased and the high temperature dielectric loss decreased. In addition, the piezoelectric property of NBT-xPMN was enhanced, for the decrease of coercive field and conductivity promoted the domain reversal under the high electric field of the poling process.     

Electrical conductivity and phase transitions of the solid electrolyte system (Cs1−yRby)Cu4Cl3(I2−xClx)

Results of electrical conductivity measurements, thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction studies indicate the existence of four phases, between 295 K and the melting points, in the system (Cs_1?yRb_y)Cu₄Cl₃I₂. These phases are designated α, á β, γ in order of decreasing temperature. The α phase is isostructural with α-RbAg₄I₅; the á phase is also cubic and very likely belongs to space groupP2₁3, a subgroup ofP4₁32 andP4₃32 to which the α phase belongs. There is a high probability that the á → α transition is continuous. The á → α transition is not discernible in the conductivity measurements or thermal analysis; therefore the line of á-α transitions is presently unknown. The β phase transforms to the á and the γ phase transforms to the β phase wheny ≤ 0.36; the γ phase transforms to the α phase wheny ≥ 0.36. That is, there is a triple point aty = 0.36, T = 399K. The γ-β, β-α′, and γ-α transitions are all hysteretic and are therefore first order. The conductivities of the β phases are relatively low and the enthalpies of activation relatively high. The conductivity of the β phase decreases with increasingy. The β phase probably belongs to space groupR3, in which the Cu⁺ ions can be ordered. The α and á phases are the true solid electrolytes; the conductivities are high, >0.73 Ω^?1cm^?1 at 419 K, and the enthalpies of activation of motion of the Cu⁺ ions low, 0.11 eV.In the system CsCu₄Cl₃(I_2?xCl_x), 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25, the Cl^? for I^? substitutions affect the transitions to only a small extent relative to the stoichiometric compound. The β phase occurs for allx and transforms to á.     

New perovskite-based manganite Pb2Mn2O5

A new perovskite based compound Pb₂Mn₂O₅ has been synthesized using a high pressure high temperature technique. The structure model of Pb₂Mn₂O₅ is proposed based on electron diffraction, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The compound crystallizes in an orthorhombic unit cell with parameters a=5.736(1) Å≈√2a_p, b=3.800(1) Å≈a_p, c=21.562(6) Å≈4√2a_p (a_p—the parameter of the perovskite subcell) and space group Pnma. The Pb₂Mn₂O₅ structure consists of quasi two-dimensional perovskite blocks separated by 1/2[110]_p(1?01)_p crystallographic shear planes. The blocks are connected to each other by chains of edge-sharing MnO₅ distorted tetragonal pyramids. The chains of MnO₅ pyramids and the MnO₆ octahedra of the perovskite blocks delimit six-sided tunnels accommodating double chains of Pb atoms. The tunnels and pyramidal chains adopt two mirror-related configurations (“left” L and “right” R) and layers consisting of chains and tunnels of the same configuration alternate in the structure according to an -L-R-L-R-sequence. The sequence is sometimes locally violated by the appearance of -L-L- or -R-R-fragments. A scheme is proposed with a Jahn-Teller distortion of the MnO₆ octahedra with two long and two short bonds lying in the a-c plane, along two perpendicular orientations within this plane, forming a d-type pattern.     

Effects of firing schedule on solubility limits and transport properties of ZrO2-TiO2-Y2O3 fluorites

The low Y/high Zr edge of the cubic defect fluorite solid solution in the system ZrO₂-TiO₂-Y₂O₃ in air is reassessed, as it is these compositions which have been suggested to offer the highest levels of mixed conductivity. Vegard's law is obeyed for values of x which lie within the cubic defect fluorite phase in Zr_1−x−yY_yTi_xO_2−δ for values of y=0.2 and 0.25. Measured lattice parameters show good agreement with those calculated from the Kim relation. Deviation from Vegard's law places the limit of the solid solution at x=0.18 and 0.20 for values of y=0.2 and 0.25, respectively, at 1500 °C. Discrepancies in current literature data can be shown to be due to differences in firing schedule such as slight temperature fluctuations and/or different cooling rates. A high level of care of sintering temperature and cooling profile is essential to form the most promising single-phase materials which contain maximum Ti-contents with low Y-contents. Contraction of the phase limit as a result of poor synthesis control leads to erroneously high values of bulk ionic conductivity while values of electronic conductivity are shown to be less affected.     

Stereoselective synthesis of CF3-substituted trans- and cis-enediynes via carbocupration or hydrostannation reactions of CF3-containing diyne

CF₃-containing diyne, readily prepared from (Z)-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-iodoprop-1-ene in two steps, was smoothly subjected to carbocupration reaction with various organocuprates, followed by treatment of the resultant carbocupration adducts with iodine, the corresponding vinyl iodides being formed in good yields in a cis-addition manner. Thus obtained iodide could be successfully converted into CF₃-substituted trans-enediynes in high yields. Also, hydrostannation reaction of the diyne proceeded well in a trans-addition manner to give the corresponding vinylstannane in high yield. The vinylstannane was also found to be effectively convertible to CF₃-substituted cis-enediynes in high yields.     

Crystal structure of Fe2P2O7

Fe₂P₂O₇ crystallizes in the $\text{C}\text{1}$ space group with lattice parameters a = 6.649(2)Å, b = 8.484(2)Å, c = 4.488(1)Å, α = 90.04°, β = 103.89(3)°, γ = 92.82(3)°, and ?_cal = 3.86 g/cc. It is essentially isostructural with β-Zn₂P₂O₇. As in the Zn compound, the bridging oxygen atom in the P₂O₇ group shows a high anisotropic thermal motion. It appears that the P-O-P bond angle is linear as a result of extensive π bonding with the p orbitals on the bridging oxygen atom. The high thermal motion is vibration of the atom into cavities in the structure.     

Structural characterisation of the perovskite series Sr0.9−xCaxCe0.1MnO3: Influence of the Jahn-Teller effect

Fifteen perovskite-type compounds Sr_0.9−xCa_xCe_0.1MnO₃, x=0-0.9 in steps as fine as 0.05, have been synthesised by solid state methods, and the room temperature structures characterised using X-ray synchrotron powder diffraction. At low Ca contents (x?0.45) the structures are tetragonal in space group I4/mcm and at high Ca contents (x?0.55) the compounds are orthorhombic in space group Pbnm. At room temperature these two phases co-exist in the compound with x=0.5. XANES measurements show the Ce to be present as Ce⁴⁺ in all the oxides. High temperature structures are reported for selected members.     

Phase equilibrium and electrical conductivity of SrCo0.8Fe0.2O3−δ

The phase diagram of the SrCo_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ compound has been determined at high temperatures (823?T?1223 K) and in the oxygen partial pressure range (10⁻⁵?pO₂?1 atm) by thermogravimetric measurements of the equilibrium pO₂, high temperature X-ray diffraction and electrical conductivity measurements. The cubic perovskite phase SrCo_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ is stable in a broad range of oxygen content, while the orthorhombic brownmillerite phase SrCo_0.8Fe_0.2O_2.5 stabilizes within a small range around 3−δ=2.5 at temperatures below 1073 K. Equilibrium pO₂ measurements under isothermal conditions show chemical hysteresis at the perovskite to brownmillerite transition. The hysteresis loop decreases its amplitude in pO₂ with decreasing temperature. This behavior is discussed considering the evolution from coherent intergrowth interfaces with elastic strain energy to incoherent interfaces without elastic strain energy as T decreases. The thermodynamic quantities h_O2^oxide and s_O2^oxide for the perovskite phase decrease when increasing the oxygen defects concentration. The electrical conductivity (σ) of the cubic phase exhibits a thermally activated behavior at high temperature. The variation of σ with the oxygen content is non-linear and the activation energy varies from 0.4 to 0.28 eV as the oxygen content increases from 2.4 to 2.6. These results are interpreted in the frame of the small polaron model.     

Thermal low spin-high spin equilibrium of Fe(II) in thiospinels CuFe0.5(Sn(1−x)Tix)1.5S4 (0≤x≤1)

A series of spinel compounds with composition CuFe_0.5(Sn_(1−x)Ti_x)_1.5S₄ (0≤x≤1) is analysed by X-ray diffraction, measurements of magnetic susceptibilities and ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. All samples show a temperature-dependent equilibrium between an electronic low spin 3d(t_2g)⁶(e_g)⁰ and a high spin 3d(t_2g)⁴(e_g)² state of the Fe(II) ions. The spin crossover is of the continuous type and extends over several hundred degrees in all samples. The Sn/Ti ratio influences the thermal equilibrium between the two spin states. Substitution of Sn(IV) by the smaller Ti(IV) ions leads to a more compact crystal lattice, which, in contrast to many metal-organic Fe(II) complexes, does not stabilise the low spin state, but increases the residual high spin fraction for T→0 K. The role played by antiferromagnetic spin coupling in the stabilisation of the high spin state is discussed. The results are compared with model calculations treating the effect of magnetic interactions on spin state equilibria.     

Effect of electron correlation in Sr(Ca)Ru1−xCrxO3: Density functional calculation

We have investigated the electronic structure of Sr(Ca)Ru_1−xCr_xO₃ using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method by different approximation such as LSDA and LSDA+U. The LSDA calculation suggest that Cr⁴⁺-Ru⁴⁺ hybridization is responsible for the high Curie temperature T_C in SrRu_1−xCr_xO₃, but it cannot completely describe its physical behavior. Our LSDA+U DOS results for SrRu_1−xCr_xO₃ clearly establishes renormalization of the intra-atomic exchange strength at the Ru sites, arising from the Cr-Ru hybridization. The antiferromagnetic coupling of Cr³⁺ with Ru^4+,5+ lattice increases the screening, which is consistent with the low magnetic moment of the Ru ions. The more distorted Ca-based compounds as compared to the Sr-based systems shows that the hybridization mechanism is not relevant for these compounds. The bigger exchange splitting of Ru 4d and Cr 3d at the Fermi level with Ru^4+,5+ and Cr^3+,4+ orbital occupancies of CaRu_0.75Cr_0.25O₃ in the LSDA+U calculation, compared with that of the LSDA calculation, shows that repulsion between electrons tend to keep the localized spins from overlapping. The low screening of the Ru t_2g electrons increases T_C in the Ca-based systems, which is consistent with the both high Ru exchange splitting and magnetic moment. The insulating behavior of the high Cr-doped systems can be explained by considering the Ru⁴⁺+Cr⁴⁺→Ru⁵⁺+Cr³⁺ charge transfer.     

Ferroelectric perovskite-type barium copper niobate: BaCu1/3Nb2/3O3

A perovskite-type BaCu_1/3Nb_2/3O₃ was prepared by high temperature reaction using BaCO₃, CuO and Nb₂O₅. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern of this compound was indexed with the tetragonal cell with the lattice parameters of a=4.0464(4) and c=4.1807(4) Å (c/a=1.033). This compound had the tetragonal perovskite-type structure in which the B site was occupied statistically by Nb and Cu atoms. From high temperature X-ray powder diffraction patterns this compound had a phase transition from the tetragonal to cubic symmetry in the temperature range of 500-600 °C. The P-E and S-E hysteresis loops occurred at room temperature and the apparent maximum in the temperature dependence of the dielectric constant was observed at 520 °C. The temperature dependence of the inverse of magnetic susceptibility exhibited paramagnetic behavior.     

Crystal chemistry of Co-doped Zn7Sb2O12

Zn₇Sb₂O₁₂ forms a full range of Co-containing α solid solutions, Zn_7−xCo_xSb₂O₁₂, with an inverse-spinel structure at high temperature. At low temperatures for x<2, the solid solutions transform into the low temperature β-polymorph. For x=0, the β→α transition occurs at 1225±25 °C; the transition temperature decreases with increasing x. At high x and low temperatures, α solid solutions are formed but are non-stoichiometric; the (Zn+Co):Sb ratio is >7:2 and the compensation for the deficiency in Sb is attributed to the partial oxidation of Co²⁺ to Co³⁺. From Rietveld refinements using ND data, Co occupies both octahedral and tetrahedral sites at intermediate values of x, but an octahedral preference attributed to crystal field stabilisation, causes the lattice parameter plot to deviate negatively from the Vegard's law. Sub-solidus compatibility relations in the ternary system ZnO-Sb₂O₅-CoO have been determined at 1100 °C for the compositions containing ?50% Sb₂O₅.     

Thermal behavior of complexes of general formula (n-CnH2n+1NH2)2CuCl2

The thermal behaviour and some relationships between the physical properties and structure of complexes of general formula (n-C_nH_2n+1NH₂)₂CuCl₂, with n = 10, 12, ? 18, have been investigated by DSC and X-ray powder diffraction techniques. The high enthalpy solid—solid phase transitions observed for the complexes in the temperature range 350–390 K could be associated with the disordering of the hydrocarbon regions of the structure, as already observed for other similar layer compounds.     

Structural characterization and electrical properties of NiNb2−xTaxO6 (0≤x≤2) and some Ti-substituted derivatives

A structural and electrical characterization of the system NiNb_2−xTa_xO₆ (0≤x≤2) is presented. For x≤0.25 materials with the columbite-type structure typical of NiNb₂O₆ have been obtained whereas for x≥1 tri-rutile-like oxides were obtained. The electrical properties are similar in both cases; they are semiconducting with very low electrical conductivity and very high activation energy, though slight differences were found as a function of Ta content. Improvement of conductivity by reducing the stoichiometric materials could not be achieved due to decomposition. In this connection, partial substitution of Nb or Ta by Ti has been carried out in order to create oxygen vacancies. Tantalum was partially replaced by Ti to a significant extent in the tri-rutile structure inducing a slight increasing of conductivity. However, for the columbite case neither Nb nor Ta could be partially replaced. This behavior is quite different from that reported for other similar columbites such as MnNb₂O_6−δ, which exhibits high electrical conductivity upon substitution of niobium by titanium.     

Magnetic and thermoelectric properties of layered LixNayCoO2

The magnetic, thermoelectric, and structural properties of Li_xNa_yCoO₂, prepared by intercalation and deintercalation chemistry from the thermodynamically stable phase Li_0.41Na_0.31CoO₂, which has an alternating Li/Na sequence along the c-axis, are reported. For the high Li-Na content phases Li_0.41Na_0.31CoO₂ and Li_0.40Na_0.43CoO₂, a sudden increase in susceptibility is seen below 50 K, whereas for Li_0.21Na_0.14CoO₂ an antiferromagnetic-like transition is seen at 10 K, in spite of a change from dominantly antiferromagnetic to dominantly ferromagnetic interactions with decreasing alkali content. The Curie constant decreases linearly with decreasing alkali content, at the same time the temperature-independent contribution to the susceptibility increases, indicating that as the Co becomes more oxidized the electronic states become more delocalized. Consistent with this observation, the low alkali containing phases have metallic-like resistivities. The 300 K thermopowers fall between 30 μV/K (x+y=0.31) and 150 μV/K (x+y=0.83).     

Magnetic properties of FexV3−xS4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2)

The magnetic susceptibility data of Fe_xV_3?xS₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) are reported in the temperature range between 4.2 and 1300 K. The behavior of the susceptibility at high temperatures changes significantly at the composition boundary x = 1.0. The magnitude of the effective magnetic moment remains unchanged at 3.2 μ_B in the composition range x < 1.0. It decreases with increasing iron content in the range > 1.0, and rapidly decreases for x close to 2.0. The c lattice parameter varies in a manner analogous to the change in magnetic moment. These phenomena suggest that metallic bonding forms between metal layers and that it becomes stronger with increasing in x. The susceptibility measurements at low temperatures show that Fe_xV_3?xS₄ is basically antiferromagnetic, although some of the Fe_xV_3?xS₄ compounds become weakly ferromagnetic after cooling in a magnetic field. The origin of the weak ferromagnetism is briefly discussed.     

Pulsed NMR of cis-polyisoprene solutions T1 and T2 relaxations,free volume,viscosity relationships

Previous pulsed NMR studies of polyisoprene have largely been concerned with entangled or crosslinked networks. This paper deals with (i) the relaxation of high molecular weight entangled; (ii) cross-linked; (iii) monodisperse low molecular weight; and (iv) high molecular weight polymer in the presence of tetrachloroethylene which, by increasing molecular mobility, can be expected to influence the NMR relaxation. For all four types of polyisoprene, the spin-lattice T₁, relaxation shows a minimum with position depending only on the free volume, as influenced by changes in temperature T and polymer concentration v₁,. For monodisperse polyisoprene of molecular weight 7200, insufficient to form an entangled network, the spin-spin relaxation decay constant T_2L is quantitatively related to the free volume ₁ by two parameters A′ and B″ when the free volume is altered by a change in temperature, or in polymer concentration (10–100/). This can also be expressed in the form where the parameter T_∞ at 100% concentration agrees with the value used to describe rheological properties. At other concentrations of polymer, T_∞ and B′ can be derived quantitatively from the coefficients of volume expansion of polymer and solvent. The variation of T_2L with molecular weight (T_2L ∝ M^?0.5) occurs via the A′ parameter. It is concluded that T_2L can be quantitatively related to the free volume available for molecular motion (as influenced by temperature and solvent concentration) as well as to molecular weight. Furthermore T_2L is simply related to viscosity n, over a wide range of temperatures and concentrations. T₂ can be used to analyse the molecular motions involved in theology.     

The application of novel methodology for the synthesis of o-, m-, and p-(SF5-perfluoroethyl) benzene derivatives

The reaction of o-, m-, and p-F₂CCFC₆H₄X with SF₅Br produces an intermediate adduct, F₅SCF₂CFBrC₆H₄X, which, on treatment with AgBF₄, affords the first useful, high yield preparation of o-, m-, and p-F₅SCF₂CF₂C₆H₄X.