Preparation and electrical properties of new oxide ion conductors Ce6−xDyxMoO15−δ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.8)

Ce_6−xDy_xMoO_15−δ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.8) were synthesized by modified sol–gel method. Structural and electrical properties were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The XRD patterns showed that the materials were single phase with a cubic fluorite structure. Impedance spectroscopy measurement in the temperature range between 350 °C and 800 °C indicated a sharp increase in conductivity for the system containing small amount of Dy₂O₃. The Ce_5.6Dy_0.4MoO_15−δ detected to be the best conducting phase with the highest conductivity (σ_t = 8.93 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹) is higher than that of Ce_5.6Sm_0.4MoO_15−δ (σ_t = 2.93 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹) at 800 °C, and the corresponding activation energy of Ce_5.6Dy_0.4MoO_15−δ (0.994 eV) is lower than that of Ce_5.6Sm_0.4MoO_15−δ (1.002 eV).     

Phases in the Al–Yb–Zn system between 25 and 50 at% ytterbium

Phases YbZn_1−xAl_x, YbZn_2−xAl_x and YbZn_3−xAl_x were studied by electron microprobe analysis and X-ray single crystal and powder methods. The compound YbZn_0.8Al_0.2 crystallizes with the CsCl-type, a=3.635(2) Å. Four phases were investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction: YbZn_0.996(6)Al_1.004(6), MgNi₂-type, P6₃/mmc, a=5.573(1), c=18.051(3) Å, Z=8, wR2=0.040 and YbZn_0.88(3)Al_1.12(3), MgCu₂-type, , a=7.860(2) Å, Z=8, wR2=0.060, both showing mixed Zn/Al occupancy; YbZn_2.50(1)Al_0.50(1), CeNi₃-type, P6₃/mmc, a=5.496(1), c=17.336(2) Å, Z=6, wR2=0.036 and YbZn_1.92(2)Al_1.08(2), PuNi₃- or NbBe₃-type, , a=5.499(1), c=26.134(5) Å, Z=9, wR2=0.053, where the zinc atoms are ordered in the CaCu₅ segment, while share the sites with aluminium in the Laves phase segment. In the pseudobinary section YbZn_2−xAl_x four structures occur in sequence with increasing the electron concentration: CeCu₂ or KHg₂ (x=0–0.3), MgZn₂ (x=0.33–0.54), MgNi₂ (x=0.68–1.01) and MgCu₂ (x=1.12–2). This sequence agrees with the results of first-principles calculations, already reported in the literature for other similar series. In the YbZn_3−xAl_x section CeNi₃-type compounds occur with x=0.40–0.88 followed by PuNi₃-type compounds with x=0.92–1.10. The stability ranges of these phases are related to the valence electron concentration.     

On the system cerium-platinum-silicon

Phase relations in the ternary system Ce-Pt-Si have been established for the isothermal section at 800 °C based on X-ray powder diffraction, metallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) techniques on about 120 alloys, which were prepared by various methods employing arc-melting under argon or powder reaction sintering. Nineteen ternary compounds were observed. Atom order in the crystal structures of τ₁₈-Ce₅(Pt,Si)₄ (Pnma; a=0.77223(3) nm, b=1.53279(8) nm c=0.80054(5) nm), τ₃-Ce₂Pt₇Si₄ (Pnma; a=1.96335(8) nm, b=0.40361(4) nm, c=1.12240(6) nm) and τ₁₀-CePtSi₂ (Cmcm; a=0.42943(2) nm, b=1.67357(5) nm, c=0.42372(2) nm) was determined by direct methods from X-ray single-crystal CCD data and found to be isotypic with the Sm₅Ge₄-type, the Ce₂Pt₇Ge₄-type and the CeNiSi₂-type, respectively. Rietveld refinements established the atom arrangement in the structures of Pt₃Si (Pt₃Ge-type, C2/m, a=0.7724(2) nm, b=0.7767(2) nm, c=0.5390(2) nm, β=133.86(2)°), τ₁₆-Ce₃Pt₅Si (Ce₃Pd₅Si-type, Imma, a=0.74025(8) nm, b=1.2951(2) nm, c=0.7508(1) nm) and τ₁₇-Ce₃PtSi₃ (Ba₃Al₂Ge₂-type, Immm, a=0.41065(5) nm, b=0.43221(5) nm, c=1.8375(3) nm). Phase equilibria in Ce-Pt-Si are characterised by the absence of cerium solubility in platinum silicides. Cerium silicides and cerium platinides, however, dissolve significant amounts of the third component, whereby random substitution of the almost equally sized atom species platinum and silicon is reflected in extended homogeneous regions at constant Ce content such as for τ₁₃-Ce(Pt_xSi_1−x)₂, τ₆-Ce₂Pt_3+xSi_5−x or τ₇-CePt_2−xSi_2+x.     

Role of yttrium loading in the physico-chemical properties and soot combustion activity of ceria and ceria–zirconia catalysts

Ce_1−xY_xO₂ and Ce_0.85−xZr_0.15Y_xO₂ mixed oxides have been prepared by 1000 °C-nitrates calcination to ensure thermally stable catalysts. The physico-chemical properties of the mixed oxides have been studied by N₂ adsorption at −196 °C, XPS, XRD, Raman spectroscopy and H₂-TPR, and the catalytic activity for soot oxidation in air has been studied by TG in the loose and tight contact modes. Yttrium is accumulated at the surface of Ce_1−xY_xO₂ and Ce_0.85−xZr_0.15Y_xO₂, and this accumulation is more pronounced for the former formulation than for the latter, because the deformation of the lattice due to zirconium doping favours yttrium incorporation. Yttrium and zirconium exhibit opposite effects on the surface concentration of cerium; while zirconium promotes the formation of cerium-rich surfaces, yttrium hinders the accumulation of cerium on the surface. For experiments in tight contact between soot and catalyst, all the Ce_1−xY_xO₂ catalysts are more active than bare CeO₂, and Ce_0.99Y_0.01O₂ is the most active catalyst. The benefit of yttrium doping in catalytic activity of ceria can be related to two facts: (i) the Y³⁺ surface enrichment hinders crystallite growth; (ii) the surface segregation of Y³⁺ promotes oxygen vacancies creation. High yttrium loading (x = 0.12) is less effective than low dosage (x = 0.01) because yttrium is mainly accumulated at the surface of the particles and hinders the participation of cerium in the soot oxidation reaction, which is the active component. For the mixed oxides with formulation Ce_0.85−xZr_0.15Y_xO₂ (operating in tight contact) the effect of zirconium on the catalytic activity prevails with respect to that of yttrium. For experiments in loose contact between soot and catalyst, the catalytic activity depends on their BET surface area, and the catalysts Ce_0.85−xZr_0.15Y_xO₂ (BET = 10–13 m²/g) are more active than the catalysts Ce_1−xY_xO₂ (BET = 2–3 m²/g). In the loose contact mode, the yttrium doping and loading have a minor or null affect on the activity, and the stabilising effect of the BET area due to zirconium doping prevails.     

The ternary system cerium-rhodium-silicon

Phase relations have been established in the ternary system Ce-Rh-Si for the isothermal section at 800 °C based on X-ray powder diffraction and EPMA on about 80 alloys, which were prepared by arc melting under argon or by powder reaction sintering. From the 25 ternary compounds observed at 800 °C 13 phases have been reported earlier. Based on XPD Rietveld refinements the crystal structures for 9 new ternary phases were assigned to known structure types. Structural chemistry of these compounds follows the characteristics already outlined for their prototype structures: τ₇—Ce₃RhSi₃, (Ba₃Al₂Ge₂-type), τ₈—Ce₂Rh_3−xSi_3+x (Ce₂Rh_1.35Ge_4.65-type), τ₁₀—Ce₃Rh_4−xSi_4+x (U₃Ni₄Si₄-type), τ₁₁—CeRh₆Si₄ (LiCo₆P₄-type), τ₁₃—Ce₆Rh₃₀Si_19.3 (U₆Co₃₀Si₁₉-type), τ₁₈—Ce₄Rh₄Si₃ (Sm₄Pd₄Si₃-type), τ₂₁—CeRh₂Si (CeIr₂Si-type), τ₂₂—Ce₂Rh_3+xSi_1−x (Y₂Rh₃Ge-type) and τ₂₄—Ce₈(Rh_1−xSi_x)₂₄Si (Ce₈Pd₂₄Sb-type). For τ₂₅—Ce₄(Rh_1−xSi_x)₁₂Si a novel bcc structure was proposed from Rietveld analysis. Detailed crystal structure data were derived for τ₃—CeRhSi₂ (CeNiSi₂-type) and τ₆—Ce₂Rh₃Si₅ (U₂Co₃Si₅-type) by X-ray single crystal experiments, confirming the structure types. The crystal structures of τ₄—Ce₂₂Rh₂₂Si₅₆, τ₅—Ce₂₀Rh₂₇Si₅₃ and τ₂₃—Ce_33.3Rh_58.2−55.2Si_8.5−11.5 are unknown. High temperature compounds with compositions Ce₁₀Rh₅₁Si₃₃ (U₁₀Co₅₁Si₃₃-type) and CeRhSi (LaIrSi-type) have been observed in as-cast alloys but these phases do not participate in the phase equilibria at 800 °C.     

A manganese sulfite with extended metal–oxygen–metal bonds exhibiting hydrogen uptake

A manganese sulfite of the formula Mn₅(OH)₄(SO₃)₃·2H₂O, I{a=7.5759(7) Å, b=8.4749(8) Å, c=10.852(1) Å, β=100.732(2)°, Z=2, space group=P2₁/m (no. 11), R₁=0.0399 and wR₂=0.1121 [for R indexes I>2σ(I)]}, comprising Mn₃O₁₄ units and extended Mn–O–Mn bonds along the three dimensions has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. It has narrow channels along the b-axis and exhibits hydrogen storage of 2.1 wt% at 300 K and 134 bar.     

Molybdenum(VI) network polymers based on anion–π interaction and hydrogen bonding: Synthesis, crystal structures and oxidation catalytic application

A crystallographic investigation of anion–π interactions and hydrogen bonds on the preferred structural motifs of molybdenum(VI) complexes has been carried out. Two molybdenum(VI) network polymers MoO₂F₄·(Hinca)₂ (1) and MoO₂F₃(H₂O)·(Hinpa) (2), where inca = isonicotinamide and inpa = isonipecotamide, have been synthesized, crystallographically characterized and successfully applied to alcohol oxidation reaction. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space C2/c: a = 16.832(3) Å, b = 8.8189(15) Å, c = 12.568(2) Å, β = 118.929(3)°, V = 1560.1(5) Å³, Z = 4. Complex 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space P-1: a = 5.459(2) Å, b = 9.189(4) Å, c = 12.204(5) Å, α = 71.341(6)°, β = 81.712(7)°, γ = 77.705(7)°, V = 564.8(4) Å³, Z = 2. Complex 1 consists of hydrogen bonding and anion–π interactions, both of which are considered as important factors for controlling the geometric features and packing characteristics of the crystal structure. The geometry of the sandwich complex of [MoO₂F₄]²⁻ with two pyridine rings indicates that the anion–π interaction is an additive and provides a base for the design and synthesis of new complexes. For complex 2, the anions and the protonated inpa ligands form a 2D supramolecular network by four different types of hydrogen contacts (N–HF, N–HO, O–HF and O–HO). The catalytic ability of complexes 1 and 2 has also been evaluated by applying them to the oxidation of benzyl alcohol with TBHP as oxidant.     

Structural, magnetic, and thermal characteristics of the phase transitions in Gd5GaxGe4−x magnetocaloric materials

Temperature-dependent, single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction studies as well as magnetization, and heat capacity measurements were carried out on two phases of the Gd₅Ga_xGe_4−x system: for x=0.7 and 1.0. Gd₅Ga_0.7Ge_3.3 shows three structure types as a function of temperature: (i) from 165 K to room temperature, the orthorhombic Sm₅Ge₄-type structure exists; (ii) below 150 K, it transforms to a orthorhombic Gd₅Si₄-type structure; and (iii) a monoclinic Gd₅Si₂Ge₂-type component is observed for the intermediate temperature range of 150 K≤T≤165 K. This is the first time that all these three structure types have been observed for the same composition. For Gd₅Ga_1.0Ge_3.0, the room temperature phase belongs to the orthorhombic Pu₅Rh₄-type structure with interslab contacts between main group atoms of 2.837(4) Å. Upon heating above 523 K, it transforms to a Gd₅Si₄-type structure with this distance decreasing to 2.521(7) Å before decomposing above 573 K.     

Glass–ceramic Li2S–P2S5 electrolytes prepared by a single step ball billing process and their application for all-solid-state lithium–ion batteries

We report that glass–ceramic Li₂S–P₂S₅ electrolytes can be prepared by a single step ball milling (SSBM) process. Mechanical ball milling of the xLi₂S·(100 − x)P₂S₅ system at 55 °C produced crystalline glass–ceramic materials exhibiting high Li-ion conductivity over 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature with a wide electrochemical stability window of 5 V. Silicon nanoparticles were evaluated as anode material in a solid-state Li battery employing the glass–ceramic electrolyte produced by the SSBM process and showed outstanding cycling stability.     

Structur–Composition Relations and Fractional Site Occupancy of New M5Ge4 Compounds in the System Ge–Ta–Zr

The new ternary phases Zr_4−xTa_1+xGe₄ (0.1<x<0.4) and Zr_2+xTa_3−xGe₄ (0.1<x<1.1) were prepared from the elements by arc melting and subsequent induction heating at 1400–1450°C. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was used to determine their structures and to refine mixed site occupancies. Zr_4−xTa_1+xGe₄ was found to crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c (structure type: U₂Mo₃Si₄) and the compound Zr_2−xTa_3−xGe₄ shows orthorhombic symmetry (space group Pnma, structure type: Sm₅Ge₄). The close structural relationship between the two structures is discussed. Both phases exhibit pronounced differential fractional site occupancy of Ta and Zr on the metal sites and considerable composition ranges. Extended Hückel calculations were performed for various site occupancy models and Mulliken overlap populations for the different lattice sites of each structure were calculated for these models. The correlation of the cumulated Mulliken overlap populations and the atomic orbital populations with the actual site occupancies is discussed.     

Structure and properties of Ce3Pd3Bi4, CePdBi, and CePd2Zn3

The intermetallic cerium compounds Ce₃-Pd₃Bi₄, CePdBi, and CePd₂Zn₃ were synthesized from the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules in an induction furnace. The compounds were characterized by X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction: CeCo₃B₂ type (ordered version of CaCu₅), P6/mmm, a = 538.4(4), c = 427.7(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0540, 115 F ² values, 9 variables for CePd₂Zn₃ and Y₃Au₃Sb₄ type, I [`4]{\bar 4} 3d, a = 1005.2(2) pm, w R2 = 0.0402, 264 F ² values, 9 variables for Ce₃Pd₃Bi₄, and MgAgAs type, a = 681.8(1) pm for CePdBi. The bismuthide structures are build up from three-dimensional networks of corner-sharing PdBi₄ tetrahedra with Pd–Bi distances of 281 (Ce₃Pd₃Bi₄) and 296 pm (CePdBi), respectively. The cerium atoms are located in larger voids of coordination number 12 (Ce₃Pd₃Bi₄) and 10 (CePdBi). In CePd₂Zn₃ the cerium atoms fill larger channels within the three-dimensional [Pd₂Zn₃] network with 18 (6 Pd + 12 Zn) nearest neighbors. The three compounds contain stable trivalent cerium with experimental magnetic moments of μ_eff = 2.70(2), 2.48(1), and 2.49(1) μ_B/Ce atom for CePd₂Zn₃, Ce₃Pd₃Bi₄, and CePdBi, respectively. Susceptibility and specific heat data gave no hint for magnetic ordering down to 2.1 K.     

Insulator–metal transition in Nd0.8Na0.2Mn(1−x)CoxO3 perovskites

The electric and magnetic properties of the perovskites Nd_0.8Na_0.2Mn_(1−x)Co_xO₃ (0x0.2) prepared by the usual ceramic procedure were investigated. The insulator-to-metal-like (IM) transition, closely related to a ferromagnetic arrangement, was revealed for the composition of x=0.04 and a similar tendency was detected for x=0. The insulating behavior persists down to low temperatures for higher contents of cobalt ions in spite of the transition to the bulk ferromagnetism. The properties are interpreted in terms of the steric distortion, tilting of the Mn(Co)O₆ octahedra and the double-exchange interactions of the type Mn³⁺–O²⁻–Mn⁴⁺and Mn^3.5+δ–O²⁻–Co²⁺, respectively. Presence of antiferromagnetic domains in the ferromagnetic matrix for the most of cobalt-substituted samples is supposed.     

Formation of helix-containing rods in a hybrid inorganic–organic material

The novel aluminum ethylenediphosphonate fluoride, [HN(CH₂CH₂NH₃)₃][Al₂(O₃PCH₂CH₂PO₃)₂F₂]·H₂O (1) (monoclinic, P2₁/n, a=12.145(4) Å, b=9.265(3) Å, c=20.422(6) Å, β=104.952(4)°, Z=3, R₁=0.092, wR₂=0.196) has been synthesized by solvothermal methods in the presence of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine and its structure determined using single microcrystal X-ray diffraction data. Compound 1 is a one-dimensional extended chain structure composed of well-separated anionic [Al₂(O₃PCH₂CH₂PO₃)₂F₂]⁴⁻ rods containing helical chains of corner-shared cis-AlO₄F₂ octahedra at their core. The charge-compensating tris(2-aminoethyl)ammonium cations separate the anionic [Al₂(O₃PCH₂CH₂PO₃)₂F₂]⁴⁻ rods that contain either left- or right-handed helical chains. The incorporation of the organic components into this hybrid material has aided the adoption of one-dimensionality by the compound and defined the pitch of the helical AlO₄F chain.     

Crystal structure and IR spectrum of 1-O-α- -glucopyranosyl- -mannitol–ethanol (2/1)

1-O-α- -Glucopyranosyl- -mannitol–ethanol (2/1), (C₁₂H₂₄O₁₁)₂–C₂H₅OH, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁ with unit cell dimensions a=11.4230(8) Å, b=9.525(4) Å, c=15.854(2) Å, β=102.751(7)° and V=1682.4(7) ų, Z=2, D_x=1.45 Mg m⁻³, λ (Mo-K_α)=0.71069 Å, μ=0.128 mm⁻¹, F(000)=788 and T=293(2) K. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined by least-squares calculations on F² to R₁=0.0371[I>2σ(I)], and 0.0930 (all data, 3542 independent reflections, R_int=0.021). There are two molecules of glucopyranosylmannitol (GPM) and one ethanol molecule in the asymmetric unit, and the glucopyranosyl ring adopts a chair conformation in both GPM molecules. Bond lengths and angles accord well with the mean values of related structures. The conformation along the mannitol side chain for one of the GPM molecules was the same as for the known polymorphs of -mannitol, while the conformation of the other molecule was different, indicating different conformational arrangements in the terminal carbon atoms of the mannitol side chains of the two GPM molecules. The structure in 1-O-α- -glucopyranosyl- -mannitol–ethanol (2/1) is held together by a very complex hydrogen bonding system, which consists of an infinte chain propagating along the b-axis and a discontinuous chain, which binds the ethanol molecule to the structure. The FTIR spectra for anhydrous GPM, GPM dihydrate and GPM–ethanol (2/1) were recorded. Both IR and X-ray results indicate the extensive hydrogen bonding in crystalline state.     

An unprecedented Cu–Schiff base complex existing as two different trinuclear units with strong antiferromagnetic couplings

A new tetradentate N₂O₂ donor Schiff base ligand [OHC₆H₄CHNCH₂CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)NCHC₆H₄OH = H₂L ] was obtained by 1:2 condensation of 1,3-diaminopentane with salicylaldehyde and has been used to synthesise an unusual copper(II) complex whose asymmetric unit presents two structurally different almost linear trinuclear units [Cu₃(μ-L)₂(ClO₄)₂] [Cu₃(μ-L)₂(H₂O)(ClO₄)₂] (1). The ligand and the complex were characterised by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy in addition electrochemical and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were performed for the complex. The magnetic properties of 1 reveal the presence of strong intra-trimer (J₁ = −202(3) cm⁻¹ and J₂ = −233(3) cm⁻¹) as well as very weak inter-trimer (zJ′ = −0.11(1) cm⁻¹) antiferromagnetic interactions.     

The system Ce–Zn–B at 800 °C

The isothermal section for the system Ce–Zn–B has been established at 800 °C using electron microprobe analysis and X-ray powder diffraction. No ternary compounds exist and mutual solid solubilities of binary phases are negligible. In the concentration range of 10.0–10.5 at% Ce two structural modifications have been confirmed: high temperature βCe₂Zn₁₇ above ∼750 °C with the Th₂Zn₁₇ type (R3?m, a=0.90916(4) nm, c=1.3286(1) nm) and low temperature αCeZn₇ (Ce_1−xZn_5+2x; x∼0.33) up to 750 °C for which we attributed the TbCu₇ type (P6/mmm, a=0.52424(2), c=0.44274(1) nm). The crystal structure of CeZn₇ was derived from the Rietveld refinement of X-ray powder intensities. Precise data on atom site distribution and positional parameters have been furthermore provided from X-ray single crystal refinements for two compounds, for which crystal structures hitherto have only been derived from X-ray diffraction photographs: Ce₃Zn₁₁ (Immm, a=0.45242(2) nm, b=0.88942(3) nm, c=1.34754(4) nm) and Ce₃Zn₂₂ (I4₁/amd; a=0.89363(2) nm, c=2.1804(5) nm).     

La6Pd13Cd4 and Ce6Pd13Cd4 with palladium-centred rare earth octahedra: synthesis, structure, and chemical bonding

Abstract  

The palladium-rich cadmium compounds La₆Pd₁₃Cd₄ and Ce₆Pd₁₃Cd₄ were synthesized by induction melting the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules and subsequent annealing. They were characterized by X-ray powder and single-crystal diffraction: Na₁₆Ba₆N type, Im[`3] mIm\overline{3} m, a = 988.12(9) pm, wR2 = 0.0463, 225 F ² values, and 12 variables for La₆Pd₁₃Cd₄, and a = 982.1(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0521, 215 F ² values, and 12 variables for Ce₆Pd₁₃Cd₄. The striking structural motifs are palladium-centred La₆ and Ce₆ octahedra, which are packed in a bcc fashion. Further palladium and cadmium atoms built up three-dimensional [Pd₃Cd] networks in which the La₆Pd and Ce₆Pd octahedra are embedded. Chemical bonding analyses show that the dominant interaction occurs within the palladium-centred RE ₆ octahedra, while weaker bonding exists between them.     

Chromium complexes based on thiophene–imine ligands for ethylene oligomerization

A new set of Cr(III) complexes, {L}CrCl₃(THF), based on thiophene–imine ( 2a , L = PhOC₆H₄(N═CH)‐2‐SC₄H₃; 2b , L = PhOC₂H₄(N═CH)‐2‐SC₄H₃; 2c , L = Ph(NH)C₂H₄(N═CH)‐2‐SC₄H₃; 2d , L = PhOC₆H₄(N═CH)‐2‐SC₄H₂‐5‐Ph; 2e , L = Ph(NH)C₂H₄(N═CH)‐2‐SC₄H₂‐5‐Ph) have been prepared and characterized using elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy. Upon activation with methylaluminoxane, all the chromium complexes generated active systems affording a nonselective distribution of α‐olefins with turnover frequencies in the range 9500–93 500 (mol ethylene) (mol Cr)^?1 h^?1, and producing mostly oligomers (95.0–99.3 wt% of total products). Small amounts of polymer were produced in these oligomerization reactions (0.8–8.2 wt%). The catalytic activities were quite sensitive to the ligand environment. Moreover, the effects of oligomerization parameters (temperature, [Al]/[Cr] molar ratio, time) on the activity and on the product distribution were examined.     

Structure and properties of Ce<Subscript>3</Subscript>Pd<Subscript>3</Subscript>Bi<Subscript>4</Subscript>, CePdBi,and CePd<Subscript>2</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The intermetallic cerium compounds Ce₃-Pd₃Bi₄, CePdBi, and CePd₂Zn₃ were synthesized from the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules in an induction furnace. The compounds were characterized by X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction: CeCo₃B₂ type (ordered version of CaCu₅), P6/mmm, a = 538.4(4), c = 427.7(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0540, 115 F ² values, 9 variables for CePd₂Zn₃ and Y₃Au₃Sb₄ type, I \({\bar 4}\)3d, a = 1005.2(2) pm, w R2 = 0.0402, 264 F ² values, 9 variables for Ce₃Pd₃Bi₄, and MgAgAs type, a = 681.8(1) pm for CePdBi. The bismuthide structures are build up from three-dimensional networks of corner-sharing PdBi₄ tetrahedra with Pd–Bi distances of 281 (Ce₃Pd₃Bi₄) and 296?pm (CePdBi), respectively. The cerium atoms are located in larger voids of coordination number 12 (Ce₃Pd₃Bi₄) and 10 (CePdBi). In CePd₂Zn₃ the cerium atoms fill larger channels within the three-dimensional [Pd₂Zn₃] network with 18 (6 Pd + 12 Zn) nearest neighbors. The three compounds contain stable trivalent cerium with experimental magnetic moments of μ_eff = 2.70(2), 2.48(1), and 2.49(1) μ_B/Ce atom for CePd₂Zn₃, Ce₃Pd₃Bi₄, and CePdBi, respectively. Susceptibility and specific heat data gave no hint for magnetic ordering down to 2.1?K.     

Use of a graphite–polyurethane composite electrode for electroanalytical determination of indole-3-acetic acid in soil samples

A new electroanalytical methodology was developed for the quantification of the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), using a graphite–polyurethane composite electrode (GPU) and the square wave voltammetry (SWV), in 0.1 mol L^− 1 phosphoric acid solution (pH 1.6). Analytical curves were constructed under optimized conditions (f = 100 s^− 1, a = 50 mV, E_i = 5 mV) and the reached detection and quantification limits were 26 μg L^− 1 and 0.2 mg L^− 1, respectively. The developed methodology is simple and accurate for the routine determination of IAA. In order to verify the application of the electroanalytical methodology in fortified soil samples without previous treatment, an IAA assay was performed without serious interferences of the soil constituents.