Promoted porous Co<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalysts for ammonia decomposition

Transition metal catalysts have been considerably used for NH₃ decomposition because of the potential application in CO_x-free H₂ generation for fuel cells. However, most transition metal catalysts prepared via traditional synthetic approaches performed the inferior stability due to the agglomeration of active components. Here, we adopted an efficient method, aerosol-assisted self-assembly approach (AASA), to prepare the optimized cobalt-alumina (Co₃O₄-Al₂O₃) catalysts. The Co₃O₄-Al₂O₃ catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic performance in the NH3 decomposition reaction, which can reach 100% conversion at 600 °C and maintain stable for 72 h at a gaseous hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 18000 cm³ g_cat^?1 h^?1. The catalysts were characterized by various techniques including transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), nitrogen sorption, temperature-programmed reduction by hydrogen (H₂-TPR), ex-situ/in-situ Raman and ex-situ/in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) to obtain the information about the structure and property of the catalysts. H₂-TPR and in-situ XRD results show that there is strong interaction between the cobalt and alumina species, which influences the redox properties of the catalysts. It is found that even a low content of alumina (10 at%) is able to stabilize the catalysts due to the adequate dispersion and rational interaction between different components, which ensures the high activity and superior stability of the cobalt-alumina catalysts.     

Freeze-drying synthesis and characterisation of Na composites of ZnO,TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and ZnTiO<Subscript>3</Subscript> semiconductor oxides

The freeze-drying method of metal oxides synthesis has a number of advantages such as high homogeneity, varying porous structures, morphologies and uniform particle size distribution, etc. Because of these advantages, the binary metal oxides ZnO, TiO₂ and ternary metal oxide ZnTiO₃ were synthesised by the freeze-drying method. The synthesised materials were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infra red spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-VIS spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The as-synthesised metal oxides were calcined at different temperatures to study the phase evolution and morphological changes. The crystalline cubic-phase ZnTiO₃ (a = 8.3948 Å) was obtained on calcination of the precursor at 600°C, and decomposed to the cubic phase Zn₂TiO₄ (a = 8.4580 Å) and rutile TiO₂ (a = 4.5955 Å and c = 2.9593 Å) at 1000°C. The band gap of ZnO (3.28?3.10 eV), TiO₂ (3.37?2.97 eV) and ZnTiO₃ (3.92?3.80 eV) calculated using Tauc’s relation was found to vary inversely with calcination temperature and phase transition.     

High-temperature heat capacity and thermodynamic properties of pyrovanadate Pb<Subscript>2</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> and orthovanadate Pb<Subscript>3</Subscript>(VO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The heat capacities of Pb₂V₂O₇ and Pb₃(VO₄)₂ as a function of temperature in the range 350–965 K have been studied by the differential scanning calorimetry method. The C_P = f(T) curve for Pb₂V₂O₇ is described by the equation C_p = (230.76 ± 0.51) + (73.60 ± 0.50)×10^-3T ? (18.38 ± 0.54)×10⁵T^-2 in the entire temperature range. For Pb₃(VO₄)₂, there is a well-pronounced extreme point in the C_P = f(T) curve at T = 371.5 K, which is caused by the existence of a structural phase transition. The thermodynamic properties of the oxide compounds have been calculated.     

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite (C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>5</Subscript>(CH<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>CdCl<Subscript>4</Subscript>: Synthesis,structural and thermal properties

The present research work reports the study on crystal structure, vibrational spectroscopy and thermal analysis of organic-inorganic hybrid compound (C₆H₅(CH₂)₂NH₃)₂CdCl₄. Single crystals of bis(phenethylammonium)tetrachlorocadmate (C₆H₅(CH₂)₂NH₃)₂CdCl₄ (PEA–Cd) were obtained by diffusion at room temperature. This compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group C2cb with unit cell parameters a = 7.4444(2) Å, b = 38.8965(3) Å, c = 7.3737(2) Å and Z = 4. Single crystal structure has been solved and refined to R = 0.036 and wR = 0.092. The structure consists of an extended [CdCl₄]^2– network and two [C₆H₅(CH₂)₂NH₃]⁺ cations to form a two-dimensional perovskite system. The infrared (IR) spectrum of the title compound was recorded at room temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate the phase transition; this compound exhibits a reversible single solid-solid phase transition.     

Complexation of TiF<Subscript>4</Subscript> with PhP(O)[CH<Subscript>2</Subscript>C(O)NMe<Subscript>2</Subscript>]<Subscript>2</Subscript> in CH<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>2</Subscript>: Appearance of a Chiral Center at Chelate Coordination

The reaction of TiF₄ with PhP(O)[CH₂C(O)NMe₂]₂ in CH₂Cl₂ has been studied by ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy. It has been found that the major reaction products are chelate tetrafluoro complex (η²-L)TiF₄ where the ligand is coordinated to the titanium ion through the P=O and C=O groups and cis-TiF₄(ОР···L)₂ where both ligands are coordinated to the central ion through the more basic P=O groups. Spectral features of the tetrafluoro chelate have been studied, which have been attributed for the first time to the appearance of a chiral center at chelate coordination. The character of manifestation of conformational isomerism of the chelate ring and chiral center in the chelating ligand in mixed octahedral complexes of d⁰ transition metal fluorides in ¹⁹F NMR spectra is discussed.     

High-pressure defect phase La<Subscript>x</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>V<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript>

Perovskite-like nonstoichiometric oxide La _x Cu₃V₄O₁₂ (space group Im \(\bar 3\), Z = 2, a = 7.313–7.354 Å) with cation-site vacancies has been prepared for the first time at high pressures (p = 6.0–8.0 GPa) and high temperatures (T = 700–1100°C). The compound has metal-type conductivity and paramagnetic properties, and undergoes a phase transition.     

Subsolidus phase relations in the Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-Ta<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> (Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>) systems

The phase composition has been studied and an equilibrium phase diagram has been designed for the Al₂O₃-Li₂O-R₂O₅ (R = Ta or Nb) systems in the subsolidus region up to 1000°C and 85 mol % Li₂O. New phases with the composition Li_1+x Al_1?x O_2?x , where x = 0–0.67, have been found.     

High-pressure defect phase Nd<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>V<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript>

A perovskite-like oxide Nd _x Cu₃V₄O₁₂ (space group Im \(\bar 3\) Z = 2, a = 7.278–7.322 Å) with cationic vacancies was prepared for the first time under triaxial compression of p = 6.0–9.0 GPa at 700–1300°C. The compound has a metal-type conductivity, paramagnetic properties, and a phase transition.     

The pressure-induced spin transition in the Fe(phen)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(NCS)<Subscript>2</Subscript> model compound

The influence of pressure on the high spin-low spin phase transition (HL transition) in a model Fe(phen)₂(NCS)₂ (polymorph II) compound at room temperature was studied by optical spectroscopy. An increase in pressure from atmospheric to 1.814 hPa caused the complete conversion of the low-spin to high-spin phase with the transition pressure p _1/2 ↑ = 0.567 hPa at the equilibrium concentration of the high- and low-spin phases. Pressure drop caused the reverse HL transition with p _1/2 ↓ = 0.543 hPa. The HL reversible transition took place with the transition pressure p _1/2 = 0.555 hPa and hysteresis with width Δp _1/2 = 0.024 hPa. The p _1/2 value for the pressure-induced HL transition corresponded to the T _1/2 value under pressure for the temperature-induced HL transition. The pressure dependences of the fraction of the high-spin phase determined from four independent measurements of the influence of pressure on the temperature-induced HL transition and the pressure-induced HL transition obtained in this work were compared. The experimental data were used to calculate the interaction and elastic energy parameters for temperature- and pressure-induced HL transitions. The qualitative coincidence of the interaction parameters for pressure- and temperature-induced HL transitions and the equality of the interaction parameter to elastic energy under pressure led us to conclude that the influence of pressure in two experiments well corresponds to the interaction energy and does not correspond the Gibbs potential.     

In-situ TEM investigation of MoS_2 upon alkali metal intercalation

Phase transition in two dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS_2) can be induced by several methods and has been investigated for decades. Alkali metal insertion of MoS_2 had been proved an effective method to cause phase transition early in 1970s, and has been gaining renewed interest recently, due to the possible application of MoS_2 in energy storage. The alkali metal intercalation of MoS_2 has been studied by various techniques, among which in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provides unique capability of real time resolving the structural evolution of the materials at high spatial resolutions. Here by in-situ TEM technique we investigated the structural evolution of MoS_2 upon lithium and sodium intercalation, along with transformation of the nanosheet and variation of the electron diffraction patterns. The intercalation process is accompanied by emergence of superstructures, which exist in several forms. The ion intercalation results in phase transition of MoS_2 from 2H to 1T, and the driving mechanism of the phase transition are discussed. The work provides a more comprehensive understanding of ion intercalation induced phase transition of MoS_2.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of quasi-unidimensional oxide Sr<Subscript>6.3</Subscript>Rh<Subscript>2.35</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>2.35</Subscript>O<Subscript>15</Subscript>

Attempts of the synthesis in air of complex oxides Sr₃RhMnO_x and Sr₄Rh_1.5Mn_1.5O_x resulted in revealing formation of a new oxide phase Sr_6.3Rh_2.35Mn_2.35O₉ related to quasi-unidimensional family A_3n+3m A′ _n B_3m+n O_9m+6n at n = 1 and m = 1. Its structural characteristics and magnetic properties are studied. X-ray data of the obtained phase is indicated on the basis of trigonal cell (spatial group P321) with the parameters: a 9.6239(4) Å; c ₁ 4.1130(4) Å, c ₂ 2.4946(2) Å. Manganese and rhodium exist in the compound as the cations Mn⁴⁺, Rh³⁺ and Rh⁴⁺, as follows from the data of measuring of magnetic susceptibility in the range 2–300 K.     

Preparation of Pt-MO<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript> systems via oxidation of alloys

Supported platinum systems Pt-MO _x (M = Mo or Ce) were prepared by oxidizing Pt-Mo or Pt-Ce alloys of various compositions. The phase composition and crystal structure of samples before and after oxidative treatment were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The oxidation of Pt-Mo alloys or Pt-Ce intermetallic compounds yields Pt-MO _x systems in which nanosized platinum particles are homogeneously supported on metal oxide. This method can be used to synthesize Pt-MO _x systems with other transition or rare-earth elements and with various component concentrations.     

High-temperature heat capacity and thermodynamic properties of Pb<Subscript>4</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript> and Pb<Subscript>8</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>13</Subscript>

The molar heat capacity of Pb₄V₂O₉ and Pb₈V₂O₁₃ in the temperature range 350–1000 K was measured by differential scanning calorimetry. It was determined that the plot C_p = f(T) for Pb₈V₂O₁₃ has an extremum within the range 416–516 K, which is due to a phase transition. A correlation was found between the heat capacity and composition of oxides in the PbO–V₂O₅ system. The data obtained allowed one to predict the specific heat capacity value for Pb(VO₃)₂.     

Phase formation in the Ag<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-MgMoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

The subsolidus region of the Ag₂MoO₄-MgMoO₄-Al₂(MoO₄)₃ ternary salt system has been studied by X-ray phase analysis. The formation of new compounds Ag_{1 ? x} Mg_{1 ? x} Al_{1 + x} (MoO₄)₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) and AgMg₃Al(MoO₄)₅ has been determined. The Ag_{1 ? x} Mg_{1 ? x} Al_{1 + x} (MoO₄)₃ variable-composition phase is related to the NASICON type structure (space group R \(\bar 3\) c). AgMg₃Al(MoO₄)₅ is isostructural to sodium magnesium indium molybdate of the same formula unit and crystallizes in triclinic system (space group P \(\bar 1\), Z = 2) with the following unit cell parameters: a = 9.295(7) Å, b = 17.619(2) Å, c = 6.8570(7) Å, α = 87.420(9)°, β = 101.109(9)°, γ = 91.847(9)°. The compounds Ag_{1 ? x} Mg_{1 ? x} Al_{1 + x} (MoO₄)₃ and AgMg₃Al(MoO₄)₅ are thermally stable up to 790 and 820°C, respectively.     

Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of cytochrome <Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis> based on dandelion-like Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanoflowers

The direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of cytochrome c (Cyt c) based on dandelion-like bismuth sulfide (d-Bi₂S₃) nanoflowers have been developed. The morphologies and composition of the d-Bi₂S₃ were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Then, the electrochemical behaviors of Cyt c immobilized within the d-Bi₂S₃/chitosan film and its electrocatalytic ability toward hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) reduction were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The electron transfer rate constant was estimated to be 13.1 s^?1, suggesting that a fast direct electron transfer was realized. The prepared Cyt c/d-Bi₂S₃/chitosan nanobiocomposite-modified electrode possessed excellent electrocatalytic ability toward H₂O₂ reduction that showed linearity in the range from 0.5 μM to 1.56 mM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9993. The detection limit was 0.2 μM on signal-to-noise ratio of 3. In addition, the d-Bi₂S₃ nanoflowers may be also applied to direct electron transfer of other redox proteins.     

High-temperature cubic modification of tetramethylammonium hexafluoridozirconate (N(CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>[ZrF<Subscript>6</Subscript>]

X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) methods are used to analyze tetramethylammonium hexafluoridozirconate of the composition [N(CH₃)₄]₂ZrF₆. In the temperature range between 96-110 °C, the crystals undergo a reversible phase transition from the low-temperature trigonal modification (space group R3 ) to the high-temperature cubic modification (space group Fm3m). The cubic phase is composed of regular [ZrF₆]²–octahedral and tetrahedral (CH₃)₄N⁺ cations linked by ionic interactions and the С–H???F hydrogen bonds.     

Hexagram-like CoS-MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript> composites with enhanced activity for hydrogen evolution reaction

Hexagram-like CoS-MoS₂ composites were prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive glasses via cyclic voltammetry electrodeposition using Co(NO₃)₂ and (NH₄)₂MoS₂ as precursors and tested for application in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The structure of CoS-MoS₂ composites was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). Electrochemical characterizations indicate that CoS-MoS₂ composites exhibit more excellent catalytic activity and stability than MoS₂. Compared with pure MoS₂, the hexagram-like CoS-MoS₂ composites with increased specific surface area improved the density of exposed active sites, and the Co binding S edges in CoS-MoS₂ composites promote the number of highly catalytic edge sites and decreased the binding energy △G _H. Moreover, the effects of different substrates on the CoS-MoS₂ composites were also investigated. Our further understanding of this highly active hydrogen evolution catalyst can facilitate the development of economical electrochemical hydrogen production systems.     

Thermal stability of Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of an α-Bi₂O₃ sample revealed staged phase transitions in the range 720–800°C (at 720, 780, and 800°C) and the elimination of oxygen to the composition Bi₂O_2.967 during heating to 895°C in air at 16 K/min. In dynamic vacuum (p = 1.33 Pa) at 780–800°C, Bi₂O₃ consecutively transforms to a phase with the cubic γ-Bi₂O₃ structure and tetragonal Bi₂O_2.3?2.4. In the latter, electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope (ED/TEM) shows a superstructure with the superstructure vector q ₁₁₀ ≈ 1/9, which indicates an ordered arrangement of oxygen vacancies.     

Molecular structure of NiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>N<Subscript>2</Subscript>C<Subscript>16</Subscript>H<Subscript>14</Subscript> from gas-phase electron diffraction and quantum chemical data

Gas-phase electron diffractometry was used to study the molecular structure of N,N′-ethylenebis(salicylaldiminato)nickel(II), NiO₂N₂C₁₆H₁₄, [hereinafter Ni(salen)] at 583(5) K. The molecule has C ₂ symmetry with a practically planar structure of the NiN₂O₂ coordination unit and with internuclear distances r _α (Ni-O) = 1.882(21) Å and r _α (Ni-N) = 1.889(22) Å. The results of B3LYP/CEP-31G molecular structure calculations are in good agreement with experimental data, whereas the RHF/CEP-31G method significantly overestimates the Ni-N internuclear distance and gives worse results for other structural parameters. According to 3LYP/CEP-31G calculations, the ¹ A low-spin state is 28 kJ/mole lower in energy than the ³ B high-spin state.     

Vibrational spectrum and structural features of the high-temperature superconductor YBa<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>

The structure of YBa₂Cu₃O₇ has been represented as consisting of molecular ions CuO ₂ ^2? and described in space group P4m2. This structure provides a satisfactory interpretation of IR-and Raman-active bands. The calculated isotope shifts of the bands induced by the substitution of ¹⁸O for ¹⁶O are well consistent with the measured shifts. A possible mechanism of the motion of electron pairs is suggested.