Room temperature synthesis of protonated layered titanate sheets using peroxo titanium carbonate complex solution

We report the synthesis of peroxo titanium carbonate complex solution as a novel water-soluble precursor for the direct synthesis of layered protonated titanate at room temperature. The synthesized titanates showed excellent removal capacity for Pb(2+) and methylene blue. Based on experimental observations, a probable mechanism for the formation of protonated layered dititanate sheets is also discussed.     

Phase transition between nanostructures of titanate and titanium dioxides via simple wet-chemical reactions

Titanate nanofibers of various sizes and layered structure were prepared from inorganic titanium compounds by hydrothermal reactions. These fibers are different from "refractory" mineral substances because of their dimension, morphology, and significant large ratio of surface to volume, and, surprisingly, they are highly reactive. We found, for the first time, that phase transitions from the titanate nanostructures to TiO(2) polymorphs take place readily in simple wet-chemical processes at temperatures close to ambient temperature. In acidic aqueous dispersions, the fibers transform to anatase and rutile nanoparticles, respectively, but via different mechanisms. The titanate fibers prepared at lower hydrothermal temperatures transform to TiO(2) polymorphs at correspondingly lower temperatures because they are thinner, possess a larger surface area and more defects, and possess a less rigid crystal structure, resulting in lower stability. The transformations are reversible: in this case, the obtained TiO(2) nanocrystals reacted with concentrate NaOH solution, yielding hollow titanate nanotubes. Consequently, there are reversible transformation pathways for transitions between the titanates and the titanium dioxide polymorphs, via wet-chemical reactions at moderate temperatures. The significance of these findings arises because such transitions can be engineered to produce numerous delicate nanostructures under moderate conditions. To demonstrate the commercial application potential of these processes, we also report titanate and TiO(2) nanostructures synthesized directly from rutile minerals and industrial-grade rutiles by a new scheme of hydrometallurgical reactions.     

钛金属表面结构可控多层钛酸盐纳米管薄膜的制备和结构稳定性

在水热条件下, 通过控制反应温度和氢氧化钠的浓度, 在钛金属表面得到结构可控的多层钛酸盐纳米管薄膜. 根据扫描电子显微镜和高倍透射电子显微镜的观测结果, 认为钛金属表面多层钛酸盐纳米管薄膜的形成经历以下4个阶段: (1) 钛金属的水合和碱性钛酸盐水凝胶的生成; (2) 碱性钛酸盐水凝胶分解并形成层状Na₂Ti₃O₇; (3) 层状Na₂Ti₃O₇的生长; (4) 层状Na₂Ti₃O₇的劈裂和多层卷曲成轴形成纳米管. 研究了薄膜形成后机械处理对薄膜形貌和结构稳定性的影响, 并利用超声的方法实现了多层膜的层分离.     

Structural features of titanate nanotubes/nanobelts revealed by Raman, X-ray absorption fine structure and electron diffraction characterizations

High-purity nanotubes and nanobelts could be controllably obtained in hydrothermal treatments of anatase TiO(2) in concentrated NaOH solution depending on treating temperature and duration. Their structural features were studied employing X-ray diffraction, Raman, X-ray absorption fine structure, and electron diffraction characterizations. The results reveal that both the nanotubes and nanobelts might be of layered titanate structure. The similarity and difference among the nanotubes/nanobelts and other bulk titanates represented by trititanate H(2)Ti(3)O(7) and lepidocrocite-type H(0.7)Ti(1.825) square(0.175)O(4.0).H(2)O were also presented.     

Pillared titanates: Titanium oxide of high surface area and porosity

Pillaring layered titanates with robust polyoxometallic oligomers is a route to prepare microporous titanium oxide. In addition to using the organic intercalated compounds as precursors, the pillaring reaction on this layered metal oxide with a high charge density was facilitated by using layered titanate of low crystallinity and small particle size, which was achieved by hydrolyzing TiCl₄ in strong alkaline solution. The resultant compound had a formula close to that of layered trititanate, NaHTi₃O₇·2H₂O. Both aluminium Keggin ions, formulated as [Al₁₃O₄(OH)₂₄(H₂O)₁₂]⁷⁺, and hydroxyzirconium tetramer cations, formulated as [Zr₄(OH)₈(H₂O)₁₆]⁸⁺, were introduced into the interlayers of this layered titanate. The layered structure was retained up to 600°C for the alumina-pillared derivative, but only to 500°C for the zirconia-pillared derivative. The pillared samples had BET surface areas ⩾ 150 m²/g and contained both micro- and mesopores. Many of the physicochemical properties of the compounds before and after pillaring were compared. Most of the characteristic properties of TiO₂ were retained on the pillared derivatives.     

高层间距氧化铝柱层状钛酸盐的制备和表征

层往化合物因其具有独特的大分子吸附和催化等性能而受到人们的高度重视．至今，人们对层柱粘土和四价金属磷酸盐的制备和表征已作了比较详细和深入的研究k一句，但对一系列以八面体骨架结构为基；出的层状金属氧化物的“插x化学”（intercalationcheAnstry）的研究相对较少，且大部分。作都局限在用有机胺来支撑此类层状金属氧化物［‘－’］由于层间的有机物不耐高温，此类层柱材料在各方面（尤其是催化方面）的应用就受到了很大的限制．合成高热稳定性和大层间距的层柱金属氧化物一直是该领域的研究重。点之一．同层状粘土不同，这类层…     

A method to investigate the interaction of rare earth elements in aqueous solution with metal oxides

A method is described which can be used to investigate the interaction of dissolved metals with particulate material. Low level concentrations (10^–9M) of rare earth radiotracers were used to investigate their sorption onto synthetic mineral oxide surfaces. The preparation of rare earth radiotracers by neutron activation is discussed in detail. A kinetic approach was employed to investigate the interaction of dissolved metals and suspended mineral oxides. Amorphous iron oxyhyroxide, a phase commonly found in nature, was used in sorption experiments carried out in seawater at pH 7.8 and 2°C. Results of this study indicate a high affinity of the rare earth elements (REE) for the iron oxide surface (evidenced by fast uptake and high partition coefficients) and reveal a fraction between light and heavy REE.     

Organic–Inorganic Hybrids Based on Ultrathin Oxide Layers: Designed Nanostructures for Molecular Recognition

The application of layered solids for molecular recognition is summarized. By using layered solids (silicates, aluminosilicates, titanates, hydroxides, and so on), ions and molecules can be concentrated from aqueous and vapor phases. The large surface area and tunable surface properties derived from the layered structures contribute to molecular recognition. The choice of materials and modification of the nanostructure were carefully investigated to optimize the performance based on molecular recognition (selective adsorption, substrate selective reaction, detection, etc.). The progress made in materials syntheses (variation of layered materials, sophisticated modification, controlled morphology, and processing) has made the design of materials more attractive and realistic.     

Mesoporous layer-by-layer ordered nanohybrids of layered double hydroxide and layered metal oxide: highly active visible light photocatalysts with improved chemical stability

Mesoporous layer-by-layer ordered nanohybrids highly active for visible light-induced O(2) generation are synthesized by self-assembly between oppositely charged 2D nanosheets of Zn-Cr-layered double hydroxide (Zn-Cr-LDH) and layered titanium oxide. The layer-by-layer ordering of two kinds of 2D nanosheets is evidenced by powder X-ray diffraction and cross-sectional high resolution-transmission electron microscopy. Upon the interstratification process, the original in-plane atomic arrangements and electronic structures of the component nanosheets remain intact. The obtained heterolayered nanohybrids show a strong absorption of visible light and a remarkably depressed photoluminescence signal, indicating an effective electronic coupling between the two component nanosheets. The self-assembly between 2D inorganic nanosheets leads to the formation of highly porous stacking structure, whose porosity is controllable by changing the ratio of layered titanate/Zn-Cr-LDH. The resultant heterolayered nanohybrids are fairly active for visible light-induced O(2) generation with a rate of ～1.18 mmol h(-1) g(-1), which is higher than the O(2) production rate (～0.67 mmol h(-1) g(-1)) by the pristine Zn-Cr-LDH material, that is, one of the most effective visible light photocatalysts for O(2) production, under the same experimental condition. This result highlights an excellent functionality of the Zn-Cr-LDH-layered titanate nanohybrids as efficient visible light active photocatalysts. Of prime interest is that the chemical stability of the Zn-Cr-LDH is significantly improved upon the hybridization, a result of the protection of the LDH lattice by highly stable titanate layer. The present findings clearly demonstrate that the layer-by-layer-ordered assembly between inorganic 2D nanosheets is quite effective not only in improving the photocatalytic activity of the component semiconductors but also in synthesizing novel porous LDH-based hybrid materials with improved chemical stability.     

Facile fabrication of free-standing colloidal-crystal films by interfacial self-assembly

This paper reports a rapid and facile method of preparing free-standing colloidal crystals from monodisperse charged polystyrene (PS) microspheres. Mixed solvents (ethanol/water) were used as the dispersion medium in the self-assembly process of colloidal crystals. By a simple "floating self-assembly" method, PS microspheres floated on the surface of liquid and self-assembled into large area of three-dimensional (3D) ordered colloidal crystals within 15 min. Then epichlorohydrin was added in as a cross-linking agent to strengthen the colloidal-crystal film. After cross-linking reactions between the microspheres, the obtained colloidal-crystal film was free-standing and could be easily transferred to other substrates. Using tetrabutyl titanate as a titania precursor, 3D porous TiO(2) materials with rodlike skeletal structure were fabricated from the prepared free-standing colloidal crystal. This work provides a facile method to fabricate free-standing colloidal-crystal film, which can be used as an ideal template for the preparation of porous materials.     

Raman scattering properties of a protonic titanate HxTi2-x/4[symbol: see text]x/4O4.H2O ([symbol: see text], vacancy; x=0.7) with lepidocrocite-type layered structure

Raman scattering spectroscopy is employed to characterize a layered titanate HxTi2-x/4[symbol: see text]x/4O4.H2O ([symbol: see text]: vacancy; x=0.7) with lepidocrocite (gamma-FeOOH)-type layered structure. Nine Raman lines corresponding to (3Ag+3B1g+3B3g) Raman-active modes expected from this orthorhombic structure (space group D2h25-Immm) are recorded at 183, 270, 387, 449, 558, 658, 704, 803, and 908 cm(-1), which are assigned to Ti-O lattice vibrations within the two-dimensional (2D) lepidocrocite-type TiO6 octahedral host layers. These intrinsic Raman bands present a clear signature that can be used for probing the protonic titanate HxTi2-x/4[symbol: see text]x/4O4.H2O and the 2D titanate nanosheets, as well as their corresponding derivates.     

1,4 polymerization of isoprene by titanate catalyst systems

Titanates are versatile in the 1,4 polymerization of isoprene. The (R′O)₄Ti/RAlCl₂ catalyst gives either cis- or trans-1,4-polyisoprene, depending on the nature of both the titanate and the solvent. Primary titanates give cis-1,4-polyisoprene in both aliphatic and aromatic solvents. Secondary titanates give cis-polyisoprene in aliphatic solvents, and trans-1,4-polyisoprene in aromatic solvents. Tertiary titanates give trans-polyisoprene in both aliphatic and aromatic solvents. A mechanism is postulated which takes into consideration the role of the solvent. ESR studies of the various titanate–RAlCl₂ catalysts were made; the paramagnetic structures are related to polymerization mechanisms.     

氮磷配位的钛酸酯络合物的X射线光电子能谱研究

制备了单烷基羧酸型和磺酸型钛酸酯氮配位与磷配位的配合物.用XPS法证明有N→Ti或P→Ti配位键生成,并从化学位移量推测了键的强度,磺酸型较羧酸型易配位,羟基取代胺的氮配体配位较容易发生;磷配位由于存在Ti→P的反馈作用,使化学位移不如氮配位明显.此外,异丙基钛酸酯与乙醇胺的反应物,证明分子内有N→Ti配位键生成.     

Synthesis of uniform layered protonated titanate hierarchical spheres and their transformation to anatase TiO2 for lithium-ion batteries

Layered protonated titanates (LPTs), a class of interesting inorganic layered materials, have been widely studied because of their many unique properties and their use as precursors to many important TiO(2)-based functional materials. In this work, we have developed a facile solvothermal method to synthesize hierarchical spheres (HSs) assembled from ultrathin LPT nanosheets. These LPT hierarchical spheres possess a porous structure with a large specific surface area and high stability. Importantly, the size and morphology of the LPT hierarchical spheres are easily tunable by varying the synthesis conditions. These LPT HSs can be easily converted to anatase TiO(2) HSs without significant structural alteration. Depending on the calcination atmosphere of air or N(2), pure anatase TiO(2) HSs or carbon-supported TiO(2) HSs, respectively, can be obtained. Remarkably, both types of TiO(2) HSs manifest excellent cyclability and rate capability when evaluated as anode materials for high-power lithium-ion batteries.     

纳米结构钛酸盐电极快速测定水体COD

分析了纳米结构钛酸盐电极快速测定COD的基本原理及COD标准物质定值方法。通过对纳米结构钛酸盐表征分析,钠型钛酸盐电极具有较高的灵敏度,外加0.7 V工作电位,测定COD溶液标准物质的线性相关系数大于0.995,误差在±8%以内;与国标方法比较,测量同一水样的误差在±15%以内。纳米结构钛酸盐电极可用于测量水体COD。     

规则结构钛酸盐自组装聚集体的制备

在水热条件下, 采用不同的钛源, 通过控制溶液碱度和冷却温度等反应条件, 利用无模板自组装技术, 在钛酸盐薄膜表面及溶液相中制备了鸟巢状和绒球状钛酸盐纳米带自组装聚集体以及海胆状钛酸盐纳米管自组装聚集体. 通过引入碳酸钠模板, 制备出形貌新颖的钛酸钠-碳酸钠香蒲状自组装聚集体复合材料. 初步研究了纳米自组装聚集体的形成机理, 认为其形成经历了一维纳米结构(纳米带或纳米管)的生长和一维纳米结构的自组装2个过程.     

镁铝层状超分子化合物去除废水中的六价铬

实验比较了Na_2CO_3/Na OH、Na OH和NH4OH沉淀法制备的镁铝层状化合物对模拟废水中Cr(Ⅵ)的去除效果,并通过X射线衍射和Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET)方法分析了材料的结构特征。结果表明,以Na_2CO_3/Na OH为沉淀剂制备的镁铝层状化合物结晶度高、层状结构完整、比表面积较大、孔径适宜、吸附Cr(Ⅵ)的效果最佳,其优化吸附工艺为:固液比为1 g/500 m L,体系pH值为7~9,室温下震荡9 h。在最佳吸附条件下,镁铝层状化合物对Cr(Ⅵ)的饱和吸附量达到199.4 mg/g。镁铝层状化合物通过与含铬阴离子形成层状超分子化合物的方式实现了废水中铬的去除,对含Cr(Ⅵ)226.1 mg/L的实验室废水经6次工艺处理后,残余量小于0.5 mg/L,低于国家污水综合排放标准(GB8978-1996)指标。镁铝层状化合物是一种处理实验室废水中Cr(Ⅵ)的优良吸附剂。     

The Design of Experiment as a Tool to Model Plant Trace-Metal Bioindication Abilities

Bioindicator plants are species that have the capacity to linearly uptake some elements (metal and metalloids) from the growing substrate, thus reflecting their concentration in the soil. Many factors can influence the uptake of these elements by plants, among which is the simultaneous presence of several metals, a common situation in contaminated or natural soils. A novel approach that can be used to validate the bioindication ability of a species growing on a polymetallic substrate is the design of experiment (DoE) approach. The aim of the present study was to apply the DoE in full factorial mode to model the Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cr bioindication capacity of Polygonum aviculare, used as the model plant. The results showed that P. aviculare has the ability to bioindicate Cd and Cr with a linear uptake (from 0.35 to 6.66, and 0.1 to 3.4 mg kg⁻¹, respectively) unaffected by the presence of other metals. Conversely, the uptake of Pb, Cu, and Zn is strongly influenced by the presence of all the studied metals, making their concentration in the plant shoot not proportional to that of the soil. In conclusion, these preliminary results confirmed that the DoE can be used to predict the bioindicator abilities of a plant for several elements at the same time and to evaluate the interactions that can be established between variables in the growing medium and in the plant itself. However, more studies including other plant species are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this method.     

Preparation and Properties of Nb-Coated Barium Titanate Composite Particles by Surface Modification with Nb Alkoxide in Hydrophobic Solvent

Chemical processing for the preparation of Nb-coated barium titanate composite particles was investigated using surface modification technology, hydrolyzing Nb ethoxide on the surface of barium titanate particles dispersed in hydrophobic solvent.It was confirmed from the measurements of specific surface area and zeta potential as well as SEM, TEM and EDX observations of the resulting composite particles that the original barium titanate particles were coated uniformly with hydrolysis product of Nb ethoxide.Barium titanates coated with 1 wt% of Nb as oxide were well sintered at 1200–1300°C. The dielectric constants of the sintered barium titanates showed flattened temperature dependence, but it depended upon the average particle size of original barium titanate. The sintered bodies of Nb-coated barium titanate powders with average particle size of 0.2 m gave dielectric constants of 2000–3000 and those of barium titanate with average particle size of 0.5 m showed dielectric constants of 3000–4000 at room temperature.The microstructure of the sintered barium titanate coated with Nb oxide consisted of grains of about 1 m, smaller than those of sintered original barium titanate.     

Investigation of synthesis and microstructure of bismuth titanates with TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> rich compositions

Preliminary examinations regarding formation of bismuth titanates in a part of Bi₂O₃—TiO₂ system rich with TiO₂ have been carried out. Bismuth titanates have been synthesized from mixtures of Bi₂O₃ and TiO₂ (anatase) by the conventional solid-state method at the temperatures ranged from 1273 to 1473 K. Differential thermal analysis (DTA), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used to study the formation of bismuth titanates. The following compounds have been achieved: Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂, Bi₂Ti₂O₇ and Bi₂Ti₄O₁₁. Existence of controversial bismuth titanate of formula Bi₂Ti₃O₉ in the Bi₂O₃—TiO₂ system has not been confirmed.