Phase Relations in the Solidus Region of the SrO-Bi2O3-B2O3 System

Phase equilibria in the SrO-Bi₂O₃-B₂O₃ system have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction analysis and DTA. Ternary compounds SrBiBO₄ and Sr₇Bi₈B₁₈O₄₆ congruently melting at 820 ± 5°C and 760 ± 5°C have been found. Quasi-binary sections are determined and the isothermal section of the system in the region Bi₂O₃-Sr₂Bi₂O₆-Sr₃B₂O₆-B₂O₃ at 600°C has been constructed.     

Phase equilibria in the BaO-Bi2O3-B2O3 system

Phase equilibria in the BaO-Bi₂O₃-B₂O₃ system have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction analysis and DTA. Quasi-binary sections have been determined, and an isothermal section of the system in the subsolidus region has been constructed. The BaO-Bi₂O₃-B₂O₃ ternary system has been divided into 22 triangles of coexisting phases. It has been found that four bismuth barium borates exist, namely, Ba₃BiB₃O₉, BaBi₂B₄O₁₀, BaBiB₁₁O₁₉, and BaBiBO₄. Ba₃BiB₃O₉ undergoes a phase transition at 850°C and exists up to 885°C, where it decomposes in the solid state. BaBiB₁₁O₁₉ and BaBi₂B₄O₁₀ melt congruently at 807 and 730°C, respectively. BaBiBO₄ melts incongruently at 780°C. X-ray powder diffraction data for the low-temperature polymorph of Ba₃BiB₃O₉ are presented.     

Subsolidus phase equilibria in the SrO-Bi2O3-B2O3 system

Phase equilibria in the SrO-Bi₂O₃-B₂O₃ system were studied using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Quasi-binary sections were determined, and an isothermal section of the system in the subsolidus region at 600°C was constructed using the crossing spections method. A new ternary compound was found: SrBi₂B₄O₁₀. The existence of SrBi₂B₂O₇ was verified. Bi₂O₃-SrB₂O₄ and Bi₄B₂O₉-2SrO: 3B₂O₃ polytherms were constructed.     

Facile Fabrication of Porous Bi2O3 Microspheres by Thermal Treatment of Bi2O2CO3 Microspheres and its Photocatalysis Properties

β- and α-phase porous Bi₂O₃ microspheres with an average size of around 4 μm had been synthesized by thermal treatment of Bi₂O₂CO₃ microspheres at 350 and 400–500 °C respectively in an air atmosphere. The Bi₂O₂CO₃ microspheres had been synthesized at a temperature of 180 °C by a hydrothermal process using Bi(NO₃)₃ as the bismuth source with the assist of citric acid. By combining the results of X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscopy, and UV–Visible absorption spectra, the structural, morphological and optical properties characterization of the products were performed. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared α- and β-phase porous Bi₂O₃ microspheres have been tested by degradation of methylene orange under visible light, indicating that porous β-Bi₂O₃ microspheres showed enhanced photocatalytic performance compared to P25 and α-Bi₂O₃ microspheres.     

Phase Equilibrium in the SeO2–Bi2O3 System

The subject of the present study is the system SeO₂-Bi₂O₃ that comprises two oxides with low melting points. All batches are thermal treatment in quartz ampoules, which are evacuated and sealed at a pressure P=0.1 Pa. On the basis of DTA (differential thermal analysis) and X-ray data, the most probable liquidus line of the system has been plotted. The eutectic composition lies about 90 mol% SeO₂,with on eutectic temperature at 230°C. Above 20 mol% Bi₂O₃ the liquidus temperature extremely increases. The formation of three compounds is proved:Bi₂Se₃O₉ and Bi₂Se₄O₁₁ are melting incongruently at 540 and 350°C respectively and Bi₂SeO₅ congruently at 915°C. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Phase relations in the CaO-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system in the subsolidus region

Phase relations in the CaO-Bi₂O₃-B₂O₃ system have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and differential thermal analyses, and the isothermal section at 600°C has been constructed. The formation of ternary compounds at the component ratios 1CaO: 1Bi₂O₃: 1B₂O₃ (CaBi₂B₂O₇) and 1CaO: 1Bi₂O₃: 2B₂O₃ (CaBi₂B₄O₁₀) has been established X-ray diffraction characteristics of these phases are presented.     

Effect of surface melting on the formation and growth of nanocrystals in the Bi2O3-Fe2O3 system

Formation of nanocrystals in the Bi₂O₃-Fe₂O₃ system prepared by the co-precipitation of bismuth and iron hydroxides has been studied. The temperature of onset of the BiFeO₃ and Bi₂Fe₄O₉ nanocrystals formation is correlated with the melting point of the non-autonomous phases. The optimal temperature of BiFeO₃ and Bi₂Fe₄O₉ nanoparticles synthesis is 460–520 and 500–550°C, respectively.     

Phase equilibria in the system Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-MgO-B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The subsolidus region of the Li₂O-MgO-B₂O₃ system has been studied by X-ray powder diffraction and differential thermal analysis. Isothermal sections at 500–550 and 650–700°C have been designed. The following complex borates have been found to form: at 500–550°C, Li₂MgB₂O₅ and LiMgBO₃ are formed; at 650–700°C, a new phase Li₄MgB₂O₅ is formed along with LiMgBO₃; and at 5500–600°, Li₂MgB₂O₅ is formed.     

Study of the liquidus in the system Bi2O3TiO2

The liquidus in the system Bi₂O₃TiO₂ has been determined in the range 2 to 22 mole % TiO₂ by a thermobalance technique and by DTA. It has been confirmed that Bi₁₂TiO₂₀ melts incongruently at 875°C and that the eutectic composition between Bi₁₂TiO₂₀ and Bi₂O₃ melts at 795°C.     

Solid State Phase Formation in the Bi2O3-PbO-CaO System

Following our previous research, this work is dedicated to the study of phase formation in the subsolidus domain of the Bi₂O₃-PbO-CaO system. Former investigations performed by DTA/TGA and XRD have pointed out that under non-isothermal conditions only the formation of binary compounds occurs. Under such conditions these compounds could be non-equilibrium phases. In order to establish the conditions of formation of equilibrium phases, a study of the Bi₂O₃-PbO-CaO system, in isothermal conditions, was carried out. The results obtained in isothermal conditions have confirmed the presence of Bi₂O₃-rich solid solutions and Ca₂PbO₄ as main equilibrium phases. An attempt to represent the phase relations of the mentioned system at 700°C should be equally mentioned. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal Characterization and Physico-Chemical Properties of Fe2O3−Mn2O3/Al2O3 Systems

The effect of ferric and manganese oxides dopants on thermal and physicochemical properties of Mn-oxide/Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃/Al₂O₃ systems has been studied separately. The pure and doped mixed solids were thermally treated at 400–1000°C. Pyrolysis of pure and doped mixed solids was investigated via thermal analysis (TG-DTG) techniques. The thermal products were characterized using XRD-analysis. The results revealed that pure ferric nitrate decomposes into Fe₂O₃ at 350°C and shows thermal stability up to1000°C. Crystalline Fe₃O₄ and Mn₃O₄phases were detected for some doped solids precalcined at 1000°C. Crystalline γ-Al₂O₃ phase was detected for all solids preheated up to 800°C. Ferric and manganese oxides enhanced the formation of α-Al₂O₃ phase at1000°C. Crystalline MnAl₂O₄ and MnFe₂O₄ phases were formed at 1000°C as a result of solid–solid interaction processes. The catalytic behavior of the thermal products was tested using the decomposition of H₂O₂ reaction. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal analysis of pigments based on Bi2O3

The synthesis of new pigments based on Bi₂O₃ is investigated because they give interesting orange hues and can substitute the pigments problematic from the environmental point of view. Chemical compounds of the Bi_2–xZr_3x/4O₃ type were synthesized. The host lattice of these pigments is Bi₂O₃ that is doped by Zr⁴⁺ ions. The area of ZrO₂ solubility in Bi₂O₃ at 800°C forming solid solution of both oxides was studied. The incorporation of doped ions provides interesting colours and contributes to a growth of the thermal stability of these compounds. The simultaneous TG-DTA measurements were used for determination of the temperature region of the pigment formation and thermal stability of pigments.     

Zur Kenntnis von Sr2Bi3V3O14

On Sr₂Bi₃V₃O₁₄ Single crystals of the hitherto unknown compound Sr₃Bi₃V₃O₁₄ were prepared and investigated by X-ray work. It crystallizes with triclinic symmetry, space group P1 , a = 7.0838, b = 7.1732, c = 14.1067 Å; α = 97.46, β = 98.70, γ = 110.99°, Z = 2. The crystal structure is characterized by VO₄ tetrahedra and one side open Bi³⁺ coordination inside Bi₂O₁₁ groups.     

Solid-state reactions in Y2O3:3Al2O3:4B2O3 system studied by FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction

In the Y₂O₃:3Al₂O₃:4B₂O₃ system infrared absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction have been used to study the solid-state reactions in the 600–1300°C temperature range. The expected YAl₃(BO₃)₄ formation (whose optimum temperature is at about 1150°C) was proceeded and accompanied by the appearance of YBO₃ and Al₄B₂O₉ intermediate phases. At higher temperatures the Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ phase was also identified with both methods. Based on these results, some chemical reactions were suggested.     

Phase relations in the MgO-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

Phase relations in the MgO-Bi₂O₃-B₂O₃ system have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction analysis and DTA. No ternary compounds have been found in the system. Quasi-binary sections have been the 600°C determined and isothermal section of the system has been constructed.     

Combined DTA and XRD Study of Sintering Steps Towards YAl3(BO3)4

Sintering processes in the Y₂O₃–Al₂O₃–B₂ O₃ system and its subsystems (Y₂O₃–B₂O₃ and Al₂ O₃–B₂O₃) have been investigated by using combined DTA and XRD measurements to get a better understanding of solid state chemical changes resulting in the formation of yttrium aluminum borate (YAl₃(BO₃)₄, YAB) phase and to study the possible role and contribution of various simple borates formed also in the former processes. Two new exothermic heat effects of YBO₃ formation have been detected by DTA in the Y₂O₃–B₂O₃ system between 720 and 980°C. In the Al₂O₃–B₂O₃ system a new experimental XRD profile of Al₄B₂O₉ was observed. Formation of these borates seems to promote the nucleation of double borate YAB below 1000°C. Conversion of Al₄B₂O₉ to Al₁₈B₄ O₃₃ was observed after a long term (10 h) sintering at 1050°C. Similarly, an increased formation of YAB has been observed as a product of the sintering reaction between YBO₃ and Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ at 1150°C. The two latter single borates are found to be identical with the high temperature decomposition products of YAB. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Oxide Ionic Conductivity of Binary β‐(Bi2O3)1‐x(Lu2O3)x System

In this research, the effects of doping Lu₂O₃ to α‐Bi₂O₃ in the range of 0.01 < x < 0.10 in a series of different mole fractions (1% < n < 10% mole ratios) was studied. Beside, heat treatment was performed by applying a cascade temperature rise in the range of 700‐800 °C for 72 hours and new phases were obtained in the (Bi₂O₃)_1‐x(Lu₂O₃)_x system. After heat treatment for 72 hours at 800 °C; mixtures, containing 2‐8% mole Lu₂O₃, formed a tetragonal phase. As a result of subjecting mixtures, containing 9% and 10% mole Lu₂O₃, to a quenching process at 825 °C, tetragonal phases were obtained. With the help of XRD, the crystal systems and lattice parameters of the solid solutions were obtained and their characterization was carried out. Thermal measurements were made by using a simultaneous DTA/TG system. The total conductivity (σ_T) in the β‐Bi₂O₃ doped with Lu₂O₃ was measured using the four‐probe DC method.     

The effect of different substrate temperatures on the structure and luminescence properties of Y2O3:Bi3+ thin films

Y₂O₃:Bi³⁺ phosphor thin films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition in the presence of oxygen (O₂) gas. The microstructure and photoluminescence (PL) of these films were found to be highly dependent on the substrate temperature. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the Y₂O₃:Bi³⁺ films transformed from amorphous to cubic and monoclinic phases when the substrate temperature was increased up to 600 °C. At the higher substrate temperature of 600 °C, the cubic phase became dominant. The crystallinity of the thin films, therefore, increased with increasing substrate temperatures. Surface morphology results obtained by atomic force microscopy showed a decrease in the surface roughness with an increase in substrate temperature. The increase in the PL intensities was attributed to the crystallinity improvement and surface roughness decrease. The main PL emission peak position of the thin films prepared at substrate temperatures of 450 °C and 600 °C showed a shift to shorter wavelengths of 460 and 480 nm respectively, if compared to the main PL peak position of the powder at 495 nm. The shift was attributed to a different Bi³⁺ ion environment in the monoclinic and cubic phases.     

The compounds and the phase diagram of MoO3-Rich Bi2O3MoO3 system

The equilibrium phase diagram between 0 and slightly above 50 mole% Bi₂O₃ in the Bi₂O₃MoO₃ system has been studied by differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction measurements on fused mixtures and single crystals. The results confirm the existence of the four compounds α (Bi₂O₃·3MoO₃), β (Bi₂O₃·2MoO₃), γ (Bi₂O₃·MoO)₃ and ? (～1.3Bi₂O₃·MoO₃) in the system. However, the phase diagram as well as the nature of melting of the α and γ were found disagreed with previous results. The γ compound melts incongruently at 947°C, whereas the α compound melts congruently at 662°C. The crystal class and lattice parameters of the compounds were determined based on the single crystal as well as powder pattern techniques. The results show that all four compounds have the monoclinic structure. The unit cell parameter of the β, γ, and ? compounds were found to be quite different from previously reported data. The lattice parameters obtained from X-ray analysis were also verified by density measurements of the single crystals. The polymorphism of the compounds was also investigated with single crystal samples. No polymorphic transformations for the α, β, and γ phases were detected in the work.     

Phase formation and thermal stability of the compounds in the Bi2O3-PbO system

The scientific interest for the Bi₂O₃-PbO system has increased due to the importance of the PbO in the high-T _c superconducting phase formation in the Bi₂O₃-SrO-CaO-CuO system. Also Bi₂O₃-PbO system contains compounds with some specific semiconductor and dielectric properties and Bi₂O₃-based solid solutions are well known as high oxygen ion conductors.Previously, several low melting defined compounds have been identified in the system: 6Bi₂O₃·PbO; 3Bi₂O₃·2PbO; 4Bi₂O₃·5PbO; 4Bi₂O₃·6PbO and Bi₂O₃·3PbO.This work deals with the phase formation and thermal stability of these compounds. Under non-isothermal conditions, in all mixtures regardless of the Bi₂O₃/PbO ratio, the compound 6Bi₂O₃·PbO is preferentially formed, followed by the compound 4Bi₂O₃·5PbO. The formation of the compound 4Bi₂O₃·6PbO was not confirmed while the formation of the compound Bi₂O₃ 3PbO occurs through a complex mechanism which includes an intermediate step in which a solid solution with the litharge structure was identified. Under isothermal conditions in the same temperature range the tendency to form the stoichiometric compounds increases. All compounds form, decompose and melt at temperatures between 530–780°C.