Synthesis,hydration, and electric properties of chlorine-substituted brownmillerite Ba<Subscript>1.95</Subscript>In<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4.9</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>0.1</Subscript>

Chlorine-substituted brownmillerite Ba_1.95In₂O_4.9C_l0.1 was obtained from barium indate Ba₂In₂O₅ by solid-phase synthesis. The ability to absorb water from the gas phase was confirmed by thermogravimetric studies. The transport properties were studied while varying the thermodynamic parameters of the external environment (T, pO₂, pH₂O). The chloride ions in the oxygen sublattice of barium indate Ba₂In₂O₅ were found to affect the ion conductivity. In a humid atmosphere, the sample exhibited proton conductivity (E _a = 0.54 eV), whose contribution became dominant below 300°C.     

Effect of phosphate doping on electric properties and chemical stability of Ba<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ca<Subscript>2</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>11</Subscript> protonic conductor

Conductivity of perovskite phosphate–substituted solid solutions of Ba₄Ca₂Nb_{2 –x} P _x O₁₁ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) was studied as a function of temperature, partial pressure of oxygen and water vapors. It is proved that the studied systems are protonic conductors at the temperatures below 600°C in the atmosphere with elevated content of water vapors (pH₂O = 1.92 × 10^–2 atm). Introduction of the tetrahedral [PO₄] group in the complex oxide matrix of Ba₄Ca₂Nb₂O₁₁ results in an increase in the oxygen–ionic (dry air, pH₂O = 1.91 × 10^–4 atm) and protonic conductivities (wet air, pH₂O = 1.92 × 10^–2 atm). Is it found that the doping causes a considerable increase in chemical stability of phases with respect to carbon dioxide.     

Synthesis and characterization of ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanofilms

Processes involved in the preparation of zirconia and yttria thin films by sol-gel technology from film-forming solutions (FFSs) were studied over the entire range of concentrations. The physicochemical properties, composition, and structure of the films were studied.     

The synthesis and properties of solid solutions based on Ba<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ca<Subscript>2</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>11</Subscript>

(Ba_{1 ? x} Ca _x )₆Nb₂O₁₁ solid solutions were synthesized. The compositions were shown to be single-phase at 0.23 ≤ x ≤ 0.47 and have a double perovskite cubic structure with an incomplete oxygen sublattice. The interaction of solid solutions with water vapor and their electrical properties were studied. In dry atmosphere, these complex oxides were mixed oxygen-hole conductors. In humid atmosphere, they intercalated water and exhibited protonic conductivity. The influence of Ba/Ca isovalent substitution, the dynamics of the oxygen sublattice, and the concentration of intercalated water on the value and contribution of protonic and hole conductivity was analyzed.     

Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>·C and ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>·Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>·C nanostructures: Synthesis and characterization

A procedure for the synthesis of carbon-encapsulated multilayer magnetite and zirconium oxide–magnetite nanoparticles that form porous nanostructures, for use as biocompatible sorbents, is proposed. The properties, composition, dimensions, particle shapes, surface morphology, and magnetic characteristics of the products are studied.     

Oxygen redistribution in ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

This work represents the results of oxygen redistribution studies at quantitative and isotopic levels in synthesis and thermal treatment of ZrO - (0 to 35 mol %) Y₂O₃ solid solution crystals. The crystals were grown by directed melt crystallization method in a cold container using direct high-frequency heating. The crystal oxygen content and isotopic composition data was collected with respect to stabilizer concentration and technological conditions of synthesis. The temperature and frequency relationships of crystal electroconductivity were also studied. Some strength and tribological characteristics of the given materials were represented. The solid state formation by directional melt crystallization was shown to involve oxygen isotopic exchange interaction between the melt, growing crystal, and gas phase.     

Synthesis,structure, and properties of V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>(XO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> (X = S,Se)

Compounds described as V₂O₃(XO₄)₂, where X = S or Se, were prepared from vanadium(V) oxide mixtures with concentrated sulfuric and selenic acids. The physicochemical properties of the products were studied; for V₂O₃(SeO₄)₂, the crystal structure was determined by powder X-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction, and its key differences from the structure of V₂O₃(SO₄)₂ were identified. V₂O₃(SeO₄)₂ crystallizes in the monoclinic system with the unit cell parameters a = 15.3831(2)Å, b = 5.54096(5)Å, c = 9.71644(7)Å, β = 111.886(1)°, V = 768.51ų, space group C2/c (no. 15).     

Synthesis and crystal structure of phosphate Ba<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Double phosphate Ba_1.5Fe₂(PO₄)₃ was synthesized and structurally studied. Single crystals were synthesized by the fusion method. Cubic crystals, Z = 4, space group P2₁3, a = 9.866(1) Å. This structure is built of polyhedrons of four types: PO₄ tetrahedrons, two virtually regular FeO₆ octahedrons, BaO₁₂ twelve-vertex polyhedrons, and BaO₉ nine-vertex polyhedrons. These polyhedrons share common oxygen vertices to form three-dimensional [Fe₂(PO₄)₃]_3∞ framework containing barium atoms in cavities.     

Binary ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> xerogels: Synthesis and properties

Binary systems of silica and zirconia xerogels have been prepared by hydrolysis of zirconium(IV) oxychloride in the silica gel matrix. Systems of various composition have been studied by ¹H NMR, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry and have been tested in a model process of hydrogen peroxide decomposition. It has been shown that the physicochemical properties of binary oxide systems can be tailored by varying the component ratio.     

Thermal stability and catalytic properties of the composite amorphous Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-nanocrystals ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Catalytic properties in relation to the hydrogen oxidation reaction and thermal stability of materials based on the nanocomposite amorphous Al₂O₃-nanocrystalline ZrO₂ were studied.     

Yttria stabilized zirconia solid electrolyte surface modification with ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>, Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>, and ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> + 9 mol % Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> films

The surface of ceramic electrolyte ZrO₂ + 9 mol % Y₂O₃, hereinafter referred to as YSZ (abbreviated yttria stabilized zirconia), was modified with 0.1 to 0.2 μm oxide films of ZrO₂, Y₂O₃, and YSZ (same composition as substrate) by dip coating in alcohol solutions of the relevant salts and further annealing. The results of scanning electronic microscopy and X-ray diffraction evidence epitaxial film growth. By means of impedance spectroscopy at the temperatures of 500 to 600°C, the effect of YZS electrolyte surface modification with ZrO₂, Y₂O₃, and YSZ films to the polarization resistance of silver electrode was studied.     

Preparation of novel visible-light-driven In<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–CaIn<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> composite photocatalyst by sol–gel method

Novel visible-light-activated In₂O₃–CaIn₂O₄ photocatalysts were developed in this paper through a sol–gel method. The photocatalytic activities of In₂O₃–CaIn₂O₄ composite photocatalysts were investigated based on the decomposition of methyl orange under visible light irradiation (λ > 400 nm). The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results revealed that the In₂O₃–CaIn₂O₄ composite samples with different In₂O₃ and CaIn₂O₄ content can be obtained by controlling the synthesis temperature, and the composite photocatalysts extended the light absorption spectrum toward the visible region. The photocatalytic tests indicated that the composite samples demonstrated high visible-light activity for decomposition of methyl orange. The significant enhancement in the In₂O₃–CaIn₂O₄ photo-activity under visible light irradiation can be ascribed to the efficient separation of photo-generated carriers in the In₂O₃ and CaIn₂O₄ coupling semiconductors.     

Chemisorption of SO<Subscript>2</Subscript> on the Zn-modified In<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> surface

Chemisorption of SO₂ and O₂ on the In₂O₃ surface containing a zinc additive (0.4–2.7 at.%) was studied in a temperature range of 22–200 °C. At least three forms of sorbed SO₂ exist on the modified In₂O₃ surface. The temperature affects the contribution of single forms of SO₂ sorption and, hence, the change in the electric conductivity. The preliminary sorption of O₂ favors the formation of a donor form of chemisorbed SO₂. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 10, pp. 2228–2232, October, 2005.     

The crystal structure of Ho<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>11</Subscript>In<Subscript>20</Subscript>

The polycrystalline Ho₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ was obtained by arc-melting of the elements. The subsequent high temperature procedure was used for single crystal growth. Crystal structure of the compound was investigated by X-ray single crystal method: U₄Ni₁₁Ga₂₀ type, C 2/m, a = 22.4528(17), b = 4.2947(3), c = 16.5587(13) Å, β = 124.591(5)°, R1 = 0.0276, wR2 = 0.0493 for 1989 independent reflections with [I>2σ(I)].The structure is composed of three-dimensional network from Ni and In atoms in which Ho atoms fill distorted pentagonal channels. Open image in new window     

Thermodynamic properties and functions of condensed Bi<Subscript>8</Subscript>O<Subscript>11</Subscript>

The values of ΔH°₂₉₈, S°₂₉₈, H°₂₉₈–H°₀, T, ΔH _fus, and C _p(T), as well as the temperature dependences of the Gibbs energy function, are calculated for Bi₈O₁₁ oxide by proven computational methods.     

Physicochemical properties and mixed electronic and ionic conduction of composite ceramics in the system ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>CuO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Composites ZrO₂-(Bi₂CuO₄+ 20 wt % Bi₂O₃) (50–80 vol % ZrO₂) are synthesized and their physicochemical properties are studied. It is demonstrated that the composites comprise triple-phase mixtures of ZrO₂ of a monoclinic modification, Bi₂CuO₄, and solid solution Bi_2?x Zr _x O_{3 + x/2} and retain their mechanical strength up to 800°C. Impedance spectroscopy is used to examine their electroconductivity at 700–800°C in the interval of partial oxygen pressures extending from 37 to 2.1 × 10⁴ Pa. Contributions made by electronic and ionic constituents to their overall conductivity are evaluated. The best specimens’ conductivity is ～0.01 S cm^?1, with the electronic and ionic transport numbers nearly equal. The composite consisting of 50 vol % ZrO₂ and 50 vol % (Bi₂CuO₄ + 20 wt % Bi₂CuO₄) is tested in the role of an oxygen-separating membrane. The selective flux of oxygen in the temperature interval 750–800°C amounts to (2.2–6.3) × 10^?8 mol cm^?2 s^?1, testifying that these materials may be used as gas-separating membranes.     

Structure and surface properties of ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>, CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>, and Zr<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Ce<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> prepared by a microemulsion method according to X-ray diffraction,TPR, and EPR data

It was established by X-ray diffraction, TPR, and EPR that microemulsion (m.e.) synthesis yields the binary oxides ZrO₂(m.e.) and CeO₂(m.e.) and the mixed oxide Zr_0.5Ce_0.5O₂(m.e.) in the form of a tetragonal, cubic, and pseudocubic phase, respectively, having crystallite sizes of 5–6 nm. The bond energy of surface oxygen in the (m.e.) samples is lower than in their analogues prepared by pyrolysis. Hydrogen oxidation on the oxides under study occurs at higher temperatures than CO oxidation. ZrO₂(m.e.) and CeO₂(m.e.) are active in O₂⁻ formation during NO + O₂ adsorption, while CeO₂ is active during CO + O₂ adsorption, too. However, its amount here is one-half to one-third its amount in the pyrolysis-prepared samples, signifying a reduced number of active sites, which are Zr⁴⁺ and Ce⁴⁺ coordinatively unsaturated cations and Me⁴⁺-O²⁻ pairs. O₂⁻ radical anions are stabilized in the coordination sphere of Zr⁴⁺ coordinatively unsaturated cations via ionic bonding, and in the sphere of Ce⁴⁺ cations, via covalent bonding. Ionic bonds are stronger than ionic-covalent bonds and do not depend on the ZrO₂ phase composition. Zr_0.5Ce_0.5O₂ is inactive in these reactions because of the strong interaction of Zr and Ce cations. It is suggested that Ce^{(4 + β)+} coordinatively unsaturated cations exist on its surface, and their acid strength is lower than that of Zr⁴⁺ and Ce⁴⁺ cations in ZrO₂ and CeO₂, according to the order ZrO₂ > CeO₂ ≥ Zr_0.5Ce_0.5O₂. Neither TPR nor adsorption of probe molecules revealed Zr cations on the surface of the mixed oxide.     

NH<Subscript>4</Subscript>V<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>: Synthesis,morphology, and optical properties

The effect of the method used for the synthesis of NH₄V₃O₇ on its morphology, textural parameters, and optical properties was studied. Ammonium vanadate NH₄V₃O₇ was prepared by treating NH₄VO₃ in the presence of citric acid under hydrothermal (4.0 ≤ pH ≤ 5.5, T = 180–200°C, 48 h) and microwave–hydrothermal (3.5 ≤ pH ≤ 5.0, T = 180–220°C, 20 min) conditions. Self-assembled NH₄V₃O₇ microcrystals crystallizing in monoclinic system with unit cell parameters a = 12.247(5) Å, b = 3.4233(1) Å, c = 13.899(4) Å, β = 89.72(3)°, and V = 582.3(4) ų (space group P2₁) were shown to be formed independently of the method used to treat the reaction mixture. The morphology of NH₄V₃O₇ particles was shown to depend on рН of the reaction mass and the method of synthesis. The structural features of NH₄V₃O₇ were studied by IR, UV, and Vis spectroscopy, and the optical bandgap was determined.     

Interaction of Cl<Subscript>2</Subscript> and SO<Subscript>2</Subscript> with Finely Divided In<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The effect of O₂, Cl₂, and SO₂ on electrophysical and sorption properties of powdered In₂O₃ with a large specific area is studied at 23–200°C. The specimen is most sensitive to Cl₂ and SO₂ at near-room temperatures.__________Translated from Elektrokhimiya, Vol. 41, No. 5, 2005, pp. 529–536.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Vinokurova, Derlyukova.