Hydrothermal synthesis and formation of 4ZnO·B2O3·H2O whiskers via a new route

4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O whiskers were prepared from 2ZnO·3B₂O₃·3.5H₂O under hydrothermal process at 160 °C for 10 h. The synthesized product was characterized by XRD, SEM, TG‐DSC and FT‐IR. SEM results showed that the synthesized 4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O whiskers' length was about 3–10 μm and the diameter was 0.2–0.3 μm. Further study on the whiskers' growth process and mechanism showed that the formation of the whiskers went through three stages and the morphology of 4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O changed from irregular particles to rod‐like structures and finally to whiskers. The variation of the morphology of the 4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O whisker with the concentration of the starting material was investigated. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Synthesis of magnesium oxysulfate whiskers in the presence of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate

Uniform magnesium oxysulfate (5Mg(OH)₂·MgSO₄·3H₂O) whiskers with a length of 10‐15 µm and a diameter of 0.4‐1.0 µm were synthesized in the presence of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (Na‐SO₃‐C₆H₄‐C₁₂H₂₅) at 200°C for 1 h, using MgSO₄·7H₂O and NaOH as the reactants. Mg(OH)₂ precursor with poor crystallization and small crystal size was formed owing to the adsorption of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate on the Mg(OH)₂ surface. The quick dissolution of Mg(OH)₂ precursor in the subsequent hydrothermal reaction inhibited the occurrence of the sector‐like byproduct and promoted the formation of magnesium oxysulfate whiskers with uniform morphology. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The effects of solvent and microwave on the preparation of Magnesium Oxide Precursor

Four methods including hydrothermal method, glycol‐hydrothermal method, microwave‐hydrothermal method and glycol‐microwave‐hydrothermal method were used to prepare magnesium oxide precursor by the reaction of MgSO₄·7H₂O with (NH₄)₂CO₃. The composition, crystallinity, morphology, aspect ratio, yield, functional groups, atom distribution, and interplanar spacing of the sample were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Scan Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM). The properties of Magnesium Oxide precursor were compared with each other. The results of FT‐IR and XRD showed that the crystals were all nesquehonite. However, it was shown by FT‐IR results that the crystals prepared by glycol‐microwave‐hydrothermal method contained OH⁻ and HCO₃⁻ groups, which indicated that the Mg(OH)(HCO₃)·2H₂O type crystals would be facilitated by this method. The glycol‐hydrothermal method can create high quality Magnesium Oxide precursor with a high degree of crystallinity, high purity, high aspect ratio, smooth surface, and good dispersibility.     

Effects of synthesis conditions on the yields and properties of HZSM‐5

In the SiO₂‐Al₂O₃‐TPAOH‐NH₄OH system through a two‐step procedure, the effects of synthesis parameters on the yields and properties of HZSM‐5 were studied. As the feeding n(SiO₂)/n(Al₂O₃) ratio increased, the yields of synthesized samples were between 11% and 14% while the crystallinity tended to decrease at the ratio > 300. At the ratio of 150, the yield was 13.7% and the ratio of actual yield to theoretical yield was 93%. The sample shaped ellipse‐like particles of 3 × 10⁻⁶ m. At the n(NH₃)/n(SiO₂) ratio of 1.5, the yield was 13.1% and the sample showed regular ellipse‐like particles of 2 × 10⁻⁶ m. Too high dosage of NH₄OH lowered the yield and the crystallinity. The addition of seed crystal favored the HZSM‐5 synthesis in high crystallinity. At the addition amount of 4%, the yield reached 13.9% and the sample shaped in spherical particles of 0.5 × 10⁻⁶ m. Synthesized HZSM‐5 with a surface area of 455 m²·g⁻¹ and intrinsic acidity showed highly catalytic activity toward the methanol conversion to olefins reaction.     

Studies on fabrication of urchin‐like WO3·H2O hollow spheres and their photocatalytic properties

Urchin‐like tungsten oxide hydrate (WO₃ · H₂O) hollow spheres were successfully synthesized via a self‐sacrifice template method at low temperature. The effects of reaction parameters on the preparation were studied in solution. The growth mechanism was also proposed on the basis of experimental results. In addition, the acid amount and temperature have important effects on size control of the as‐obtained samples. The achieved nanoarchitectures have typical diameters of 4–6 μm with nanoflakes of several nanometers at surface. Crystal structure, morphology, and composition of final nanostructures were characterized by X–ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Degradation experiments of organic contaminant were also performed on samples of hollow spheres and walnut‐like structures under visible‐light illumination. Hollow sphere sample exhibited better photocatalytic capability than walnut‐like sample. Possible mechanism was studied for WO₃ · H₂O assisted photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminant under visible light.     

Synthesis and characterization of strontium chloroborate whiskers

Single crystalline strontium chloroborate (Sr₂B₅O₉Cl) whiskers with uniform diameter have been synthesized by a facile route based on the calcination of precursor. The precursor was prepared by the sedimentation reaction between SrCl₂ and Na₂B₄O₇ aqueous solution. The products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT‐IR). An optimal synthesis temperature for preparing Sr₂B₅O₉Cl whiskers was obtained, and the possible formation process was also presented.     

Preparation of nanocrystalline lithium niobate powders at low temperature

A facile route to prepare lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) powders was proposed by an alternative solid‐state method. Stoichiometric Li₂C₂O₄ and ammonium niobium oxalate were mixed with small amounts of water and then dried at room temperature. It was demonstrated that Li[NbO(C₂O₄)₂]·n H₂O intermediate was produced by an ion‐exchange reaction. Pure LiNbO₃ powders were successfully synthesized by heating the intermediate at 500, 600 and 700 °C for 3 h. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV‐Vis diffuse reflectance (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis were used to characterize the precursor compound and as‐prepared samples. XRD results reveal that all the products are identified as hexagonal structure with high relative crystallinity (>87%). The particle size is found to be about 40 nm for the mixture calcined at 500 °C according to XRD data, which is in good agreement with SEM data. The as‐prepared LiNbO₃ powders by this method are high quality according to FTIR spectra. (Li_0.996Nb_0.005)Nb_0.999O₃ phase was formed when the calcination temperature was raised to 800 °C. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Effects of cadmium on crystallization of calcium phosphates

The precipitation of calcium phosphates in the presence of increasing cadmium amount was studied at 25 °C in dilute ammoniacal solutions ([Ca] = [P] = 0.005 M). An amorphous precipitate, an apatite‐like calcium phosphate and the compound Cd₅H₂(PO₄)₄·4H₂O are found according to pH and Cd concentration. The nucleation of hydroxyapatite is greatly delayed by cadmium, which influences also its crystallinity, but the effect tends to vanish with time. The role of cadmium is discussed. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A new photoluminescent supramolecular inorganic‐organic hybrid zincophosphate complex pillared by carboxylate ligand through hydrogen bonding interactions

A new inorganic‐organic hybrid zincophosphate, [Zn(H₂O)₂(H₂PO₄)₂]·2PABA ( 1 ) (PABA = p‐aminobenzoic acid), pillared by PABA ligands through hydrogen bonding interactions, has been synthesized and characterized. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals that 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic P 2₁/c space group. The geometric feature in 1 is the 3D supramolecular structure constructed from alternately arranged organic and inorganic layers that consist of infinite parallel inorganic chains. These chains are extended to a 2D inorganic layer through intermolecule hydrogen bonding interactions between N atoms (from PABA ligand) and two O atoms (from adjacent inorganic chains). 1 was characterized by IR spectroscopy, XRD, DSC/TGA. The fluorescent property for 1 in solid state was also investigated at room temperature. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Syntheses and crystal structures of two new coordination polymers constructed from 2‐bromo‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate

To explore the possibility of obtaining the metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) bearing the 2‐bromo‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate ligand, one new Mn(II) and one Co(II) coordination polymers, [Mn(HL)₂(bipy)₂·2H₂O]·bipy ( 1 ) and [Co(L)(bpe)] ( 2 ) (bipy=4,4′‐bipyridine; bpe=1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethene) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1 exhibits one‐dimensional coordination chains, which are further connected to form two dimensional supramolecular networks through hydrogen bonding interactions. Compound 2 presents a two‐fold interpenetrating two‐dimensional layer structure. The 2‐bromo‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate anion exhibits different coordination modes in the two complexes. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Dislocation and microindentation analysis of vapour grown Bi2Te3‐xSex whiskers

The structural defects and microhardness of Bi₂Te_3‐xSe_x whiskers (x = 0, 0.2 and 0.4 at% Se) grown by physical vapour deposition (PVD) method have been investigated. Concentric pairs of dislocation loops were observed on the as‐grown surfaces of short hexagonal prisms. A systematic study of dislocations in these crystals was carried out by chemical etching technique. The effects of Se doping, annealing and quenching on the mechanical properties have also been studied on the prism faces of Bi₂Te_3‐xSe_x whiskers. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Crystal structure and spectroscopic studies of a new organic monohydrogenmonophosphate dihydrate

The crystal synthesis and structure of a new organic monohydrogenmophosphate (3,4‐Cl₂‐CH₂C₆H₃NH₃)₂HPO₄·2H₂O are reported. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic P2₁/n with a = 9.081(7) Å, b = 6.501(5) Å, c = 35.423(12) Å, β = 91.09(5)°, V = 2090.9(2) ų, and Z = 4. Crystal structure was solved and refined to R = 0.042, using 2543 independent reflections. It can be described by inorganic layers, including the HPO₄^‐ anions and the H₂O molecules, parallel to (a, b) planes and situated at z = 0 and z = 1/2. The interlayer spacing is occupied by the organic molecules which perform different interactions around the 3D network cohesion. A characterization of this compound by solid‐state (¹³C, ³¹P) MAS NMR and IR spectroscopies is also reported. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Photoacoustic studies on the thermal properties of the NLO compound: L‐alaninium maleate

Studies on thermal and optical properties are very essential for a nonlinear optical material. Photoacoustics (PA) is a recently developed non‐destructive testing (NDT) tool for studying such properties. L‐Alaninium maleate (C₃H₈NO₂⁺·C₄H₃O₄^‐), an organic non‐linear optical (NLO) material was synthesized using submerged seed solution method and was characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and density. PA technique was used to determine the thermal parameters of LAM crystals. Moreover, possible phase transition analysis was conducted to ascertain the thermal stability. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies were also carried out and crystal‐packing features discussed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Effect of CuCl2 on hydrothermal crystallization of calcium sulfate whiskers prepared from FGD gypsum

Using purified flue‐gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum as raw material, effects of CuCl₂ on crystal morphology, phase structure, aspect ratio and crystallization of hydrothermal products prepared via hydrothermal crystallization in H₂SO₄‐H₂O solutions were investigated. The results show that dosage of CuCl₂ has a significant effect on the morphology, aspect ratio and crystallization of calcium sulfate whiskers (CSWs), but no effect on their phase transformation . At a dosage of 15 g CuCl₂/kg FGD gypsum, the produced calcium sulfate whiskers had diameters ranging from 1 to 3 μm with average aspect ratio greater than 200 . Transmission electron diffraction patterns and highly magnified surface morphology of CSWs were found different from those of self‐assembly crystals. Compared to self‐assembly crystals, the produced CSWs showed a single crystal structure and their surface was very smooth.     

Room‐temperature synthesis and characterization of cross‐like Pr2(C2O4)3·10H2O micro‐particles

Cross‐like Pr₂(C₂O₄)₃·10H₂O micro‐particles were synthesized through a simple precipitation method at room temperature. The products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis (TG‐DTA) and photoluminescence (PL). The possible formation mechanism of the cross‐like Pr₂(C₂O₄)₃·10H₂O micro‐particles was discussed, and Pr₆O₁₁ with similar morphology was obtained by calcining the oxalate precursor. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Synthesis and structure of 2D‐ and 3D‐ inorganic‐organic coordination polymers: based on Ag‐hmt subunit

Two new inorganic‐organic complexes, namely, [Ag₂(hmt)₂]Cr₂O₇·H₂O ( 1 ) and [Ag(hmt)(tar)_0.5]·H₂O ( 2 ), (hmt = hexamethylenetetramine, Tar = tartarate,), have been synthesized in H₂O/CH₃CN solvent at room temperature. Both molecules have the common [Ag₃hmt₃]³⁺ layers. Compound 1 is a two‐dimensional structure, and Complex 2 shows three‐dimensional topology. In complex 2 , the tartarate molecules are connected with adjacent layers to form parallelogram pores of 18.55×7.44 Å, which are occupied by two water molecules. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Solvothermal syntheses and crystal structures of two 4‐heterocyclic acylpyrazolone complexes

Many explorations of transition metal (M)‐L system under solvothermal condition, have led to the syntheses of two new 4‐heterocyclic acylpyrazolone complexes [Co(L)₂(CH₃OH)₂] (HL = 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐(2‐furoyl)‐5‐pyrazolone) ( 1 ) and [Cr(L)₃] ( 2 ). Single‐crystal X‐ray analyses reveal that crystal structures of compound 1 and 2 are respectively orthorhombic, Pbca, a = 15.0378(6) Å, b = 9.8405(4) Å, c = 20.7321(8) Å, V = 3067.9(2) ų, Z = 8 and triclinic, P‐1, a = 10.7966(18) Å, b = 13.023(2) Å, c = 15.520(3) Å, α = 73.011(4)°, β = 84.884(4)°, γ = 70.267(4)°, V = 1964.3(6) ų, Z = 2. Complex 1 has a two‐dimensional (2D) network structure that is formed by O–H···N H‐bonding interactions. Complex 2 makes a one‐dimensional (1D) zigzag chain structure by intermolecular π···π interactions, which is further interlinked via C–H···N H‐bonding interactions to generate a 2D sheet, and then a three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular network structure is further linked by intermolecular C–H···π interactions. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Etch pit morphology and calcium sulphate growth on {111} faces of calcium fluoride crystals etched in sulphuric acid

An investigation of the etching behaviour of cleaved octahedral faces of calcium fluoride crystals in sulphuric acid of different concentrations and at various temperatures is carried out. It is observed that the morphology of dislocation etch pits depends on the temperature and concentration of the acid. With an increase in the acid concentration, growth of whiskers, elongated platelets, hexagonal and dice-shaped elevations, spherulites and sheaves is observed. Temperature of the etchant also has an effect on their formation. By X-ray diffraction techniques, the compounds forming the whiskers and elongated platelets, and hexagonal and dice-shaped features are identified as CaSO₄ · 2 H₂O and CaSO₄, respectively. The mechanism of the growth of CaSO₄ · 2 H₂O and CaSO₄ and the change in the morphology of selective etch pit are discussed.     

Solvothermal growth of single‐crystal hexagonal prismatic SrCO3 microrods

Single‐crystal hexagonal prism SrCO₃ microrods have been prepared by a simple solvothermal route. The effects of the reaction time, the content of 1,2‐propanediol and the reactants mass on the products have been investigated, respectively. The as‐synthesized microrods were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results reveal that the products have uniform shape and excellent monodispersity. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Synthesis,conversion and comparison of the photocatalytic and electrochemical properties of ZnSe·N2H4 and ZnSe microrods

Novel ZnSe·N₂H₄ complex microrods with ∼2 μm in length and 100∼200 nm in diameter were successfully prepared by the solvothermal method at 110°C for 10 h, employing ZnAc₂·2H₂O and Se powders as the reactants, N₂H₄·H₂O as the reductant and medium. Experiments showed that the as‐obtained complex could be further converted into pure hexagonal ZnSe in an ethanol medium at 180 °C for 10 h, and the morphology hardly changed. The as‐prepared products were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), IR spectrum, Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, their photocatalytic degradation and electrochemical property were compared. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)