Synthesis of vanadium spinels by hydrogen-reduction of oxide precursors

Two series of vanadium spinels, viz.AV₂O₄ and A_1.5O₄(A = Mg, Mn and Zn) have been prepared at significantly lower temperatures (700–850 K) by hydrogen-reduction of the corresponding oxide precursors, AV₂O₆ and A₂V₂O₇ respectively. The cation distribution in these phases have been determined by X-ray powder diffraction intensity analysis. The former vanadium(III) spinels have a cation distribution of (A²⁺)_t[V₂³⁺]_oO₄ while the latter mixed-valence vanadium spinels have a distribution of (A²⁺)_t[A_0.5²⁺V_1.0³⁺V_0.5⁴⁺]_oO₄.     

Phase formation in the system Zn(VO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>–HCl–VOCl<Subscript>2</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The phase and chemical compositions of precipitates formed in the system Zn(VO₃)₂–HCl–VOCl₂–H₂O at pH 1?3, molar ratio V⁴⁺: V⁵⁺ = 0.1?9, and 80°C were studied. It was shown that, within the range 0.4 ≤ V⁴⁺: V⁵⁺ ≤ 9, zinc vanadate with vanadium in a mixed oxidation state forms with the general formula Zn_xV⁴⁺ _yV⁵⁺ _2-yO₅ ? nH₂O (0.005 ≤ x ≤ 0.1, 0.05 ≤ y ≤ 0.3, n = 0.5?1.2). Vanadate Zn_xV₂O₅ ? nH₂O with the maximum tetravalent vanadium content (y = 0.30) was produced within the ratio range V⁴⁺: V⁵⁺ = 1.5?9.0. Investigation of the kinetics of the formation of Zn_xV₂O₅ ? nH₂O at pH 3 determined that tetravalent vanadium ions VO2+ activate the formation of zinc vanadate, and its precipitation is described by a second-order reaction. It was demonstrated that, under hydrothermal conditions at pH 3 and 180°C, zinc decavanadate in the presence of VOCl₂ can be used as a precursor for producing V₃O₇ ? H₂O nanorods 50–100 nm in diameter.     

XPS study of nanorods of doped vanadium oxide MxV2O5 · nH2O (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs)

Nanorods of vanadium oxide doped with alkali metal ions M _x V₂O₅ · nH₂O (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs, x = 0.31–0.44) have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions. The particles are 30–80 nm in diameter and a few micrometers in length. The chemical state of atoms and their concentration ratios have been studied by XPS. It has been shown that vanadium atoms are in two oxidation states V⁵⁺ and V⁴⁺ and the concentration of vanadium(IV) ions directly depends on the alkali metal. The X-ray photoelectron spectra of the valence bands of M _x V₂O₅ · nH₂O (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) nanorods have been measured and interpreted.     

V2O5/TiO2 Catalytic Xerogels Raman and EPR Studies

Raman spectroscopy and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) studies were performed on a series of V₂O₅/TiO₂ catalysts prepared by a modified sol-gel method in order to identify the vanadium species. Two species of surface vanadium were identified by Raman measurements, monomeric vanadyls and polymeric vanadates. Monomeric vanadyls are characterized by a narrow Raman band at 1030 cm^–1 and polymeric vanadates by two broad bands in the region from 900 to 960 cm^–1 and 770 to 850 cm^–1. The Raman spectra do not exhibit characteristic peaks of crystalline V₂O₅. These results are in agreement with those of X-ray Diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) previously reported (C.B. Rodella et al., J. Sol-Gel Sci. Techn., submitted). At least three families of V⁴⁺ ions were identified by EPR investigations. The analysis of the EPR spectra suggests that isolated V⁴⁺ ions are located in sites with octahedral symmetry substituting for Ti⁴⁺ ions in the rutile structure. Magnetically interacting V⁴⁺ ions are also present as pairs or clusters giving rise to a broad and structureless EPR line. At higher concentration of V₂O₅, a partial oxidation of V⁴⁺ to V⁵⁺ is apparent from the EPR results.     

Electronic State of Vanadium Ions in Li1+xV3O8 According to EPR Spectroscopy

EPR spectroscopy is used to study the electronic state of vanadium ions in HT- and LT-Li_1+xV₃O₈. It is shown that in both cases the EPR spectra observed are attributed to vanadyl VO²⁺ ions (localized electron centers) with weak exchange interaction. The other type of registered electrons is characterized by larger mobility through a few V⁵⁺ ions, i.e., by a higher degree of delocalization (electron gas). Based on the analysis of the temperature dependence of the EPR line width, it is stated that the exchange interaction between localized electron centers proceeds through electron gas (C-S-C relaxation). It is found that HT-Li_1+xV₃O₈ differs from LT-Li_1+xV₃O₈ by the sloping form of its spectrum at g_∥ range connected with two types of VO²⁺ ions different in the direction of the crystal field axis corresponding to a short V=O²⁺ bond.     

Spectroscopic properties of RBiBO4 (R = Ca,Sr) glasses doped with TiO2

Transparent glasses, melt quenching derived, containing 10RO·20Bi₂O₃·(70 ? x)B₂O₃·xTiO₂ [R = Ca, Sr] with x = 0, 0.5, 1.0 wt% were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. Physical and spectroscopic properties viz., density, absorption, emission, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and FTIR were investigated. The absorption band around 823 nm in pure glass samples is attributed to the electronic transition of ³P₀ to ³P₂ of Bi⁺ radicals. A small absorption hump centered around 609 nm is found in all doped glasses due to ²T_2g to ²E_g transition of octahedral Ti³⁺ ions. The emission results revealed that all the samples exhibit a broad emission band covering entire visible-light range, with λ_ex = 360 nm, centered 470–520 nm corresponds to electronic transition of ³P₁ to ¹S₀ of Bi³⁺ ions, therefore the present materials can be potentially used as tunable or full-color display systems. And a strong emission around 706 nm with λ_ex = 514 nm due to transition of ²P_3/2 to ²P_1/2 of Bi²⁺ ions. In SrO mixed glasses Ti⁴⁺ ions effect the environment of Bi³⁺ ion symmetry units from C₂ to C_3i. A small EPR signal (at room temperature) is observed in titanium doped glasses due to Ti³⁺ ions. In both the series with increase of TiO₂ concentration BO₄ units are gradually converted into BO₃ units and new cross linkages are formed, like B–O–Ti, Bi–O–Ti at the expense of B–O–B bonds.     

The role of ligand coordination on the spectral features of Yb3+ ions in lead aluminum silicate glasses

The glasses of the composition (40 ? x)PbO–(5 + x)Al₂O₃–54SiO₂:1.0Yb₂O₃ (in mol%) with x ranging from 5 to 10 have been synthesized. The IR spectral studies of these glasses have indicated that there is a gradual transformation of Al³⁺ ions from tetrahedral to octahedral coordination with increase of Al₂O₃ content in the glass network. The optical absorption and luminescence spectra have exhibited bands originating from ²F_7/2 → ²F_5/2 and ²F_5/2 → ²F_7/2 transitions, respectively. From these spectra, the absorption and emission cross-sections and fluorescence lifetime of Yb³⁺ ions have been evaluated. Quantitative analysis of these data indicated a decreasing radiative trapping and increasing fluorescence lifetime of Yb³⁺ ions with increasing Al₂O₃ content. This may be explained by structural variations in the vicinity of Yb³⁺ ions due to variation in the concentration of Al₂O₃ in the glass network.     

Multisensor system for determination of polyoxometalates containing vanadium at its different oxidation states

The electronic tongue (ET) multisensor system has been employed for the detection of metal-oxygen cluster anions (polyoxometalates) containing vanadium (IV/V) atoms. Sensitivity of a variety of potentiometric chemical sensors with plasticized polyvinyl chloride and chalcogenide glass membranes was evaluated with respect to vanadyl/vanadate ions, decavanadate and a series of Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POM) such as α-[SiW₁₁V^IVO₄₀]⁶⁻, α-[SiW₁₁V^VO₄₀]⁵⁻, α-[BW₁₁V^IVO₄₀]⁷⁻, α-[BW₁₁V^VO₄₀]⁶⁻, α-[PW₁₁V^IVO₄₀]⁵⁻ and α-[PW_12−nV_n^VO₄₀]⁽³⁺ⁿ⁾⁻ (n = 1, 2, 3). Sensor's responses to vanadium complexes were evaluated in the pH range of 2.4-6.5 and a set of sensors appropriate for detecting a variety of vanadium species was selected. Such sensor array was able to distinguish different vanadium complexes allowing their simultaneous quantification in binary (V(IV)/V(V)) mixtures. The vanillyl alcohol oxidation with α-[SiW₁₁V^VO₄₀]⁵⁻ was monitored using ET to evaluate the capacity of proposed analytic system to detect simultaneously V(IV)/V(V) in POM under dynamic equilibrium. ET was demonstrated to be a promising tool for the discrimination and quantification of vanadium-containing POMs at different oxidation states. In particular, such a system could represent a significant interest for the mechanistic studies of redox reactions with POMs.     

Judd–Ofelt analysis and photoluminescence properties of RE3+ (RE = Er & Nd): Cadmium lithium boro tellurite glasses

Rare earth (Er³⁺ and Nd³⁺) ions doped cadmium lithium boro tellurite (CLiBT) glasses were prepared by melt quenching method. The vis–NIR absorption spectra of these glasses have been analyzed systematically. Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters Ω_λ (λ = 2, 4, 6) have been evaluated and used to compute the radiative properties of emission transitions of Er³⁺ and Nd³⁺: CLiBT glasses. From the NIR emission spectra of Er³⁺: CLiBT glasses a broad emission band centered at 1538 nm (⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2) is observed and from Nd³⁺: CLiBT glasses, three NIR emission bands at 898 nm (⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_9/2), 1070 nm (⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_11/2) and 1338 nm (⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_13/2) are observed with an excitation wavelength λ_exci = 514.5 nm (Ar⁺ Laser). The FWHM and stimulated emission cross-section values are calculated for Er³⁺ and Nd³⁺: CLiBT glasses. FWHM × σ_e^P values are also calculated for Er³⁺: CLiBT glasses.     

Hydrolytic precipitation of calcium polyvanadates from vanadium(IV) and vanadium(V) solutions

The effect of VO²⁺ ions on the composition and kinetics of calcium polyvanadate precipitation from solutions with 1.5 ≤ pH ≤ 9 at 80–90°C has been studied. For 1,5 ≤ pH < 3 and V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ = 0.11–9, the precipitated compounds have the general formula Ca _x V _y ⁴⁺ V _12?y ⁵⁺ O_31?δ · nH₂O (0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.06, 2 ≤ y ≤ 3, 0.94 ≤ δ ≤ 1.5). The maximum vanadium(IV) proportion (y = 3) in the precipitates is achieved when V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ = 0.5?1.0 in the solution and pH is 3. Polyvanadate precipitation at pH 1.7 has a long induction period (up to 30 min), which is not observed for V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ > 0.1. Precipitation in solutions with pH 3 occurs only when VO²⁺ ions are added, with a maximum rate near V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ = 0.2 and in presence of chloride ions. The processes are controlled by a secondorder reaction on the polyvanadate surface.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of (H3N(CH2)4NH3)[V6O14]

A new layered vanadium oxide [H₃N(CH₂)₄NH₃](V₆O₁₄) was synthesized hydrothermally under autogenous pressure at 180°C for 48 h from a mixture of H₂N(CH₂)₄NH₂ and V₂O₅ in aqueous solution. Its structure was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction at room temperature with final R=0.0774 and R_w=0.0893. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group P2₁/n with a=9.74(2) Å, b=6.776(5) Å, c=12.60(2) Å, β=96.1(1)°, V=827(2) ų and Z=2). This compound contains mixed-valence V⁵⁺/V⁴⁺ vanadium oxide layers built from [V^VO₄] tetrahedra and pairs of edge-sharing [V^IVO₅] square pyramids with protonated organic amines occupying the interlayer space.     

First-principles study of cadmium vacancy in CdWO4 crystal

The structural relaxation, electronic structures and optical properties of CdWO₄ crystal containing cadmium vacancy (CWO:V_Cd) are studied by the CASTEP code. The cadmium vacancy (V_Cd) would trap two holes to maintain the local electrical neutrality. The calculated structural relaxation and electronic density of states reveals that the existent form of the hole in CWO:V_Cd should be oxygen molecular ion (O₂^3?). Therefore an associated color center [O₂^3?–V_Cd–O₂^3?] named as V_F center would form in the crystal. The calculated optical absorption spectrum for CWO:V_Cd indicates that this V_F center would cause an absorption band peaking at about 650 nm with a shoulder at around 400 nm, which is in agreement with the experimental optical absorptions of the blue–grey colored CWO crystal.     

A study of Roman glass by reflectance and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies

Reflectance and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies were used to study 25 fragments of Roman glass. Colour coordinates were used for an unbiased classification of the glasses in colour groups, which accounted for the presence of blue, blue-green, green, yellow-green, yellow and purple samples. Reflectance spectra were recorded in the 250–2500 nm wavelength range and showed absorption bands characteristic of Fe^II, Fe^III and Mn^III ions; furthermore, Co^II and Cu^II bands were observed in the spectra of the blue glasses. A decrease of the absorbance ratio of Fe^II to Fe^III ions was observed moving from blue-green to green and yellow-green glasses; however, yellow fragments still proved to be reduced glasses. EPR spectra displayed the characteristic patterns of Fe^III and Mn^II ions, with g-values in the 2–5 interval and spectral features depending on the relative content of the two elements. The characteristic pattern of the V^IV ion (g ≈ 2) and signals due to the formation of iron-sulphur complexes (g ≈ 6) appeared in the spectrum of a dark yellow glass, recorded at 77 K.     

Structural investigation and electron paramagnetic resonance of vanadyl doped alkali niobium borate glasses

Glasses with compositions xNb₂O₅·(30 ? x)M₂O·69B₂O₃ (where M = Li, Na, K; x = 0, 4, 8 mol%) doped with 1 mol% V₂O₅ have been prepared using normal melt quench technique. The IR transmission spectra of the glasses have been studied over the range 400–4000 cm^?1. The changes caused by the addition of Nb₂O₅ on the structure of these glasses have been reported. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of VO²⁺ ions in these glasses have been recorded in X-band (9.14 GHz) at room temperature (300 K). The spin Hamiltonian parameters, dipolar hyperfine coupling parameter and Fermi contact interaction parameter have been calculated. It is observed that the resultant resonance spectra contain hyperfine structures (hfs) due to V⁴⁺ ions which exist as VO²⁺ ions in octahedral coordination with a tetragonal compression in the present glasses. The tetragonality of V⁴⁺O₆ complex decreases with increasing concentration of Nb₂O₅. The 3d_xy orbit contracts with increase in Nb₂O₅:M₂O ratio. Values of the theoretical optical basicity, Λ_th, have also been reported.     

Influence of redox behavior of copper ions on dielectric and spectroscopic properties of Li2O–MoO3–B2O3: CuO glass system

Li₂O–MoO₃–B₂O₃ glasses mixed with different concentrations of CuO (ranging from 0 to 1.2 mol%) were prepared. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Optical absorption, luminescence, ESR, IR and dielectric properties (viz., dielectric constant ?′, loss tan δ and a.c. conductivity σ_ac, over a wide range of frequency and temperature) of these glass materials have been investigated. The results of differential scanning calorimetric studies suggest that the glass forming ability is higher for the glasses containing CuO beyond 0.6 mol%. The analysis of results of the dielectric properties has revealed that the glasses possess high insulating strength when the concentration of CuO is >0.6 mol%. The variation of a.c. conductivity with the concentration of CuO passes through a maximum at 0.6 mol%. In the high-temperature region, the a.c. conduction seems to be connected with the mixed conduction viz., electronic conduction and ionic conduction. The optical absorption spectra of these glasses exhibited bands due to Cu⁺ ions in the UV region in addition to the conventional band due to Cu²⁺ ions in the visible region. The ESR spectral studies have indicated that there is a gradual adoption of Cu²⁺ ions from ionic environment to covalent environment as the concentration of CuO increases beyond 0.6 mol% in the glass matrix. The luminescence spectra excited at 271 nm have exhibited an intense yellow emission band centered at about 550 nm and a relatively broad blue emission band at about 450 nm; these bands have been attributed to the ³D₁ → ¹S₀ transition of isolated Cu⁺ ions and ³D₁ → ¹S₀ transition of (Cu⁺)₂ pairs, respectively. The quantitative analysis of the results of all these studies has indicated that as the concentration of CuO is increased beyond 0.6 mol% in the glass matrix, a part of Cu²⁺ ions have been reduced to Cu⁺ ions that have influenced the physical properties of these glasses to a substantial extent.     

Gamma ray induced changes on vibrational spectroscopic properties of strontium alumino-borosilicate glasses

The present investigation reports the effect of influence of aluminum ions on radiation damage of strontium borosilicate glasses studied by means of spectroscopic (viz., optical absorption (OA), infrared and Raman spectra). The composition of the glasses chosen for the study is 40SrO–xAl₂O₃–(15-x) B₂O₃–40SiO₂ (x = 5, 7.5, 10), all in mol%. The glasses were synthesized by conventional melt quenching method. Later, the samples were exposed to gamma (γ) radiation dose of strengths 10 kGy and 30 kGy with a dose rate of 1.5 Gy/s using ⁶⁰Co as radiation source. The infrared spectra (IR), Raman spectra and optical absorption (OA) spectra of the samples were recorded at ambient temperature before and after irradiation. The OA spectra of the pre-irradiated samples do not exhibit any absorption bands in the UV–vis regions and IR and Raman spectra exhibited conventional vibrational bands due to different borate, silicate AlO₄ and AlO₆ structural units. The OA spectra of post irradiated samples exhibited a broad absorption band in the wavelength region 600–750 nm; it is attributed to electron trapped color centers. The intensity of this peak is observed to increase with increase of the γ-ray dose. Considerable changes in the intensities of various bands in the IR and Raman spectra were also observed. The changes were explained based on structural modifications taking place in the glass network due to γ-ray irradiation and finally it is concluded that the glasses mixed with 10.0 mol% of Al₂O₃ are relatively more radiation resistant.     

Thermodynamic stability of calcium vanadium garnet ferrites upon formation of substitutional solid solutions

The thermodynamic stability of calcium vanadium garnet ferrites Ca₃Fe_{3.5 ? x} Ti_2x V_{1.5 ? x} O₁₂ upon isomorphic substitution of titanium ions for iron and vanadium ions was studied by the EMF method using ZrO₂(Y₂O₃) ceramic solid electrolyte. Temperature-dependent ΔG ⁰ was determined. Isomorphic substitutions of titanium ions for iron and vanadium ions in the inequivalent sublattices of the garnet structure in a temperature range of 1100–1483 K cause changes in ΔG ⁰ due to the entropy and enthalpy components and has a minimal value when x = 0.15.     

Electrochemical properties and state of paramagnetic centers in copper-modified complex vanadium and titanium oxides

Complex vanadium and titanium oxides modified by copper ions are studied by the electrochemical and ESR methods. Oxides Cu _x V_2?y Ti _y O_5?δ·nH₂O (0<y<1.33) have a layered structure and oxides Cu _x Ti_1?y V _y O_5+δ·nH₂O (0<y<0.25), an anatase structure. The intercalation of cations Cu²⁺ into the hydrates leads to oxidation of V⁴⁺. According to ESR data, V⁴⁺ exists in the oxides in the form of VO²⁺ and an octahedral surround of oxygen (V⁴⁺?O₆), respectively. The electroreduction of ions of d-elements and chemisorbed oxygen in the oxides is analyzed. The intercalation of cations Cu²⁺ alters the content of V⁴⁺ and the chemisorption ability of the oxides. Possible reasons for this phenomenon are discussed.     

Structural and spectroscopic investigations on Eu3+-doped alkali fluoroborate glasses

Eu³⁺-doped alkali fluoroborate glasses B₂O₃–XCO₃–NaF–Eu₂O₃ (where X = Li₂, Na₂, K₂, and Ca, Mg) have been prepared using the conventional melting technique and their structural and optical properties have been evaluated. The XRD pattern of the glasses confirmed the amorphous nature and the FTIR spectra reveal the presence of BO₃ and BO₄ units as their local structures along with the strong OH^? groups. From the absorption spectra the bonding parameters have been calculated and confirmed that the Eu–O bonds in the studied glasses are of covalent nature. Judd–Ofelt (JO) analysis has been carried out from the emission spectra. The JO parameters have been used to calculate transition probabilities (A), lifetime (τ_R) and branching ratios (β_R) and peak stimulated emission cross-section (σ_P^E) for the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_J (J = 1, 2, 3 and 4) transitions of the Eu³⁺ ions. The decay from the ⁵D₀ level of Eu³⁺ ions in the title glasses has been measured and analysed. The lifetime of the ⁵D₀ level is found to be shorter than the reported glasses which may be due to the presence of OH^? groups.