Investigation of the effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">π</Emphasis>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">π</Emphasis> stacking interaction on the properties of –CONH<Subscript>2</Subscript> functional group of benzamide

The effect of π–π stacking between substituted benzene and benzamide on the properties of –CONH₂ functional group, as an important unit in the drugs activities, was studied at the M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. All substituents enhanced the π–π interaction energies, where a reasonably good correlation was found between the interaction energies and Hammett constants of substituents. A linear correlation is observed between the sum of electron charge density at the cage critical point ∑ρ _ccp obtained from the atoms in molecules (AIM) analysis and the interaction energies, where both values grow up with electron-withdrawing substituents (EWSs). The electrostatic potential around the O and N atoms, the natural charges, and the dipole moment of C=O bond have been calculated to predict the ability of functional group on the electrophilic and nucleophilic attacks. The charge transfer increases the electrostatic potential around the benzamide functional group in the presence of electron-donating substituents (EDSs). EWSs increase the acidity of the N atom of the –NH₂ group; a linear relationship is observed between the acidity calculated with the molecular electrostatic potential around the N atom and the natural valence orbital energies.     

The sensor properties of SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> · In<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanocomposite oxides in the detection of hydrogen in air

The sensor properties of In₂O₃ · SnO₂ polycrystalline films having different compositions were studied in the detection of 2% hydrogen in air over the temperature range 330–530°C. Films containing 19% In₂O₃ were most sensitive to hydrogen. The temperature dependence of the sensitivity of sensors passed a maximum, the position of which depended on the composition of the film. The temperature at which sensor sensitivity was maximum decreased as the content of indium oxide increased. This temperature was 485°C for the SnO₂ film and 425°C for the In₂O₃ film. The response and relaxation times of sensors also decreased as the amount of In₂O₃ in the composite metal oxide film increased. Possible mechanisms of the sensor sensitivity of the films are discussed.     

The influence of the organolithium reagent nature on the possibility of the O→C<Subscript>sp</Subscript> migration of the R<Subscript>3</Subscript>Si group in propynes HC≡CCH<Subscript>2</Subscript>OSiR<Subscript>3</Subscript>

A possibility of the O→C_sp 1,4-migration of the R₃Si group in silyl ethers of terminal acetylenic alcohols upon treatment with organolithium reagents (RLi) was studied. In the case of 3-trimethylsilyloxypropyne, depending on the nature of RLi, the heterolysis of the Si—O bond occurs either by the action of acetylide formed as a result of deprotonation with the formation of 3-trimethylsilylprop-2-yn-1-ol trimethylsilyl ether, or by the action of the metalation agent with the formation of propargyl alcohol. The realization of the O→C_sp 1,4-migration of the Me₃Si group requires the use of mild organolithium reagents (lithium hexamethyldisilazanide and diisopropylamide). Silyl ethers having steric hindrance at the carbon atom bonded to the reaction center or around the silicon atom do not react with the studied organolithium reagents.     

The effect of the synthesis method on the morphological and luminescence characteristics of α-Zn<Subscript>2</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>

A promising yellow phosphor, α-Zn₂V₂O₇, was synthesized at temperatures below the phase transition temperature (610 ± 5°C) by three different methods: solid-phase and microwave processes and thermolysis of a water–salt composition. According to powder X-ray diffraction, the structures of all samples belonged to space group C/2c. Depending on the method of synthesis, the particle size varied from 500 nm (thermolysis of a water–salt composition) to 5–8 μm (ceramic and microwave methods). The excitation spectra of all samples are in the UV region (220–400 nm) and the emission spectra are in the 400–750 nm wavelength range. The photoluminescence spectra of the samples are non-elementary, which is caused by specific features of the electronic charge transfer in the structural VO₄ tetrahedra.     

Effect of ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> on Catalyst Structure and Catalytic Sulfur-Resistant Methanation Performance of MoO<Subscript>3</Subscript>/ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Catalysts

A series of MoO₃/ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ catalysts was prepared and investigated in the sulfur-resistant methanation aimed at production of synthetic natural gas. Different methods including impregnation, deposition precipitation, and co-precipitation were used for preparing ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ composite supports. These composite supports and their corresponding Mo-based catalysts were investigated in the sulfur-resistant methanation, and characterized by N₂ adsorption–desorption, XRD and H₂-TPR. The results indicated that adding ZrO₂ promoted MoO3dispersion and decreased the interaction between Mo species and support in the MoO₃/ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ catalysts. The co-precipitation method was favorable for obtaining smaller ZrO₂ particle size and improving textural properties of support, such as better MoO₃ dispersion and increased concentration of Mo⁶⁺ species in octahedral coordination to oxygen. It was found that the MoO₃/ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ catalyst with ZrO₂Al₂O₃ composite support prepared by co-precipitation method exhibited the best catalytic activity. The ZrO₂ content in the ZrO₂Al₂O₃ composite support was further optimized. The MoO₃/ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ with 15 wt % ZrO₂ loading exhibited the highest sulfur-resistant CO methanation activity, and excess ZrO₂ reduced the specific surface area and enhanced the interaction between Mo species and support. The N₂ adsorption-desorption results indicated that the presence of ZrO₂ in excessive amounts decreased the specific surface area since some amounts of ZrO₂ form aggregates on the surface of the support. The XRD and H₂-TPR results showed that with the increasing ZrO₂ content, ZrO₂ particle size increased. These led to the formation of coordinated tetrahedrally Mo⁶⁺(T) species and crystalline MoO₃, and this development was unfavorable for improving the sulfur-resistant methanation performance of MoO₃/ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ catalyst.     

Crystal structure of Ba<Subscript>3</Subscript>[UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(NCS)]<Subscript>2</Subscript> · 9H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Single crystals of Ba₃[UO₂(C₂O₄)₂(NCS)]₂ · 9H₂O are synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction. The crystals are orthorhombic, space group Fddd, Z = 16, and the unit cell parameters are a = 16.253(3) Å, b = 22.245(3) Å, c = 39.031(6) Å. The main crystal structural units are mononuclear complex groups [UO₂(C₂O₄)₂NCS]^3? of the crystal-chemical family (AB ₂ ⁰¹ M¹ (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , B⁰¹ = C₂O ₄ ^2? , M¹ = NCS^?) of the uranyl complexes linked into a three-dimensional framework by electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds involving oxalate ions and water molecules.     

Effect of Fe-zeolite on formation of N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O in selective reduction of NO by NH<Subscript>3</Subscript> over V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>–WO<Subscript>3</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> catalyst

An approach for significantly suppressing N₂O formation in reduction of NO by NH₃ over V₂O₅–WO₃/TiO₂ (VWT) catalyst has been studied by coating different amounts of a Fe-exchanged zeolite (FeZ) onto the catalyst. FeZ-promoted VWT samples were characterized using N₂ sorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and NH₃ adsorption/desorption techniques to understand the primary role of FeZ in lowering N₂O production levels. At high temperatures (≥450 °C), VWT gave N₂O production with high concentrations, while N₂O formation was noticeably reduced when using FeZ-promoted catalysts, which also showed somewhat lower NO removal activities (<5 %) at all temperatures. N₂ sorption and XRD measurements revealed no perceptible physical or chemical alterations of each constituent, even in VWT catalysts after FeZ coating following high-temperature calcination. Adsorption of NH₃ on unpromoted and FeZ-promoted catalysts and subsequent desorption yielded very complicated spectra for N₂O that might primarily come from NH₃ oxidation, and the interaction between V–NO species at temperatures >580 °C. NO on neighboring sites seems to be produced via decomposition of N₂O generated at lower temperatures. The FeZ in the promoted VWT catalysts could be responsible for N₂O decomposition and N₂O reduction with unreacted NH₃ at temperatures >400 °C, thereby significantly lowering N₂O emission levels. This promotional effect bodes well for use in many industrial deNO _x applications.     

Physicochemical properties of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> xerogel modified by hydrogen peroxide

How the specific surface area and the amorphous-to-crystalline titania phase ratio in TiO₂–SiO₂ (14 mol % TiO₂) xerogels change during the fivefold repeated cycles comprising the hydrogen peroxide treatment of the xerogel followed by drying and calcining of the binary material, was traced by the BET method, X-ray powder diffraction, and IR spectroscopy.     

Crystal structure of Cs[(UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(OH)] · H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Single crystals of Cs[(UO₂)₂(C₂O₄)₂(OH)] · H₂O were synthesized and structurally studied using X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2₁/m, Z = 2, with the unit cell parameters a = 5.5032(4) Å, b = 13.5577(8) Å, c = 9.5859(8) Å, β = 97.012(3)°, V = 709.86(9) ų, R = 0.0444. The main building units of crystals are [(UO₂)₂(C₂O₄)₂(OH)]^? layers of the A₂K ₂ ⁰² M² (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , K⁰² = C₂O ₄ ^2? , and M² = OH^?) crystal-chemical family. Uranium-containing layers are linked into a three-dimensional framework via electrostatic interactions with outer-sphere cations and hydrogen bonds with water molecules.     

Effects of Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> on the crystallization and structure of CaO–Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> glass ceramics

Radiation-induced degradation of the weakly and strongly 4-vinylpyridine basic ion exchange resins by gamma radiolysis was investigated in the presence of air and liquid water. This study is focused on evaluating the radiolytic gases (H₂, CO, CO₂ and CH₄) and liquid products (water-solute TOC and NH₄ ⁺). The weakly basic resin yielded lower amounts of H₂ and CO and higher amounts of CO₂ than those of the strongly basic resin. Moreover, the strong basic resin tended to yield greater amounts of NH₄ ⁺. Resins were characterized by the FTIR spectroscopy technique and the results showed that the resins structures are relatively stable.     

Neutron diffraction study of Rb<Subscript>2</Subscript>UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SeO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> · 2D<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

A powder of deuterated rubidium diselenatouranylate dihydrate Rb₂UO₂(SeO₄)₂ · 2D₂O has been studied by neutron diffraction. The compound is orthorhombic, space group Pna2₁, with the following unit cell parameters: a = 13.654(2) Å, b = 11.863(2) Å, c = 7.625(1) Å, Z = 4, R _F = 3.77, R _I = 6.12, and χ² = 2.21. Basic structure units are [UO₂(SeO₄)₂ · D₂O]^2? layers belonging to the AB ₂ ² M¹ crystal-chemical group (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , B² = SeO ₄ ^2? , M¹ = D₂O) of uranyl complexes. The hydrogen atoms if the water molecules involved in the layer form intralayer hydrogen bonds with the terminal oxygen atoms of selenate ions. The outer-sphere water molecules are coordinated to the rubidium ions and are involved in hydrogen bonding with oxygen atoms of neighboring [UO₂(SeO₄)₂ · D₂O]^2? layers.     

Glass-forming ability and thermal stability of Se<Subscript>100−x</Subscript>(Ge<Subscript>2</Subscript>Sb<Subscript>2</Subscript>Te<Subscript>5</Subscript>)<Subscript>x</Subscript> glassy alloys

Glassy Se_100?x(Ge₂Sb₂Te₅)_x (x?=?5, 10, 15 and 20) bulk alloys were prepared by melt-quenched technique and studied by using differential scanning calorimetry at different heating rates under non-isothermal condition. The detailed thermal analysis shows that the glass transition temperature (T_g) depends on heating rates and x content. In particular, it is found that the glass-forming ability, thermal stability (T_c???T_g) and crystallization activation energy (E_c) increase with increased x content in amorphous Se, whereas glass transition activation energy (E_g) and fragility index (F) decrease with increased x contents. Variation in these parameters can be explained on the basis of network-forming ability of Se and bonding arrangement among the constituent atoms of alloys.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of Rb<Subscript>2</Subscript>[(UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SeO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)] · 1.33H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The single crystals of Rb₂[(UO₂)₂(C₂O₄)₂(SeO₄)] · 1.33H₂O were synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2₁/m, Z= 2, the unit cell parameters: a = 5.6537(8), b = 18.736(3), c = 9.4535(15) Å, β = 98.440(5)°, V = 990.6(3) ų, R ₁ = 0.0506. The main structural units of the crystal are infinite layers of [(UO₂)₂(C₂O₄)₂(SeO₄)]^2?, corresponding to the crystal chemical group A₂K ₂ ⁰² B² (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , K⁰² = C₂O ₄ ^2? , B² = SeO ₄ ^2? ) of uranyl complexes. The uranium-containing layers are united into a three-dimensional framework through the electrostatic interactions with the outer-sphere rubidium ions and the hydrogen bonding system involving the outer-sphere water molecules.     

Thermogravimetric analysis of wheatleyite Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>·2H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Evidence for the existence of primitive life forms such as lichens and fungi can be based upon the formation of oxalates. These oxalates form as a film like deposit on rocks and other host matrices. The anhydrous oxalate mineral moolooite CuC₂O₄ as the natural copper(II) oxalate mineral is a classic example. Another example of a natural oxalate is the mineral wheatleyite Na₂Cu²⁺(C₂O₄)₂·2H₂O. High resolution thermogravimetry coupled to evolved gas mass spectrometry shows decomposition of wheatleyite at 255°C. Two higher temperature mass losses are observed at 324 and 349°C. Higher temperature mass losses are observed at 819, 833 and 857°C. These mass losses as confirmed by mass spectrometry are attributed to the decomposition of tennerite CuO. In comparison the thermal decomposition of moolooite takes place at 260°C. Evolved gas mass spectrometry for moolooite shows the gas lost at this temperature is carbon dioxide. No water evolution was observed, thus indicating the moolooite is the anhydrous copper(II) oxalate as compared to the synthetic compound which is the dihydrate.     

The oxidative-dissolution behaviors of fission products in a Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>CO<Subscript>3</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> solution

This study was carried out to investigate the characteristics of an oxidative-dissolution of fission products (FP) when uranium (U) is dissolved in a Na₂CO₃–H₂O₂ carbonate solution. Simulated FP-oxides which contained 12 components were added to the solution to examine their dissolution behaviors. It was found that H₂O₂ was an effective oxidant to minimize the dissolution of FP. For the 0.5 M Na₂CO₃–0.5 M H₂O₂ solution, such elements as Re, Te, Cs, and MoO₂ were dissolved with yields of 98 ± 2%, 98 ± 2%, 93 ± 2%, and 26 ± 3%, respectively, for 2 h. Among these components, Re, Te, and Cs were completely dissolved within 10–20 min without regard to the concentrations of Na₂CO₃, and H₂O₂ due to their high solubility in the carbonate solution with and without H₂O₂. However, MoO₂ was very slowly dissolved and its yield was 29 ± 3% for 4 h. The pH of the dissolved solution revealed the greatest influence on the dissolution yields of the FP, exhibiting the most effective pH condition in the range of 10–12 in order to create a considerable suppression of the co-dissolution of FP during the oxidative-dissolution of U.     

Electrosynthesis of Н<Subscript>2</Subscript>О<Subscript>2</Subscript> from О<Subscript>2</Subscript> in Gas Diffusion Electrodes Based on Black СН600

Furnace black СН600 was studied as a catalyst for electrosynthesis of Н₂О₂ from О₂ in a gas diffusion electrode in alkaline and acidic solutions. The texture properties of the starting black СН600 and gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) based on it were determined by the low-temperature nitrogen adsorption (LTNA) method. The rate constants of Н₂О₂ decomposition on black and its mixtures with fluoroplast-4D in acidic and alkaline solutions of electrolyte were calculated. The process selectivity γ (the current fraction spent on the two-electron reduction of oxygen), kinetic parameters of oxygen reduction, and double-layer capacity of the СН600-based GDE were determined. Data on the kinetics of hydrogen peroxide accumulation during electrosynthesis from oxygen in СН600-based GDE in acidic and alkaline solutions were obtained.     

Effects of acid treatment on electrochemical properties of Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>MnO<Subscript>3</Subscript>·LiNi<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.45</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>0.05</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> cathode materials

A new composite, Li₂MnO₃·LiNi_0.5Co_0.45Fe_0.05O₂, can be synthesized by a solid-state method and preconditioned with 5 wt% HCl, H₂SO₄, or H₃PO₄ solution to achieve H⁺/Li⁺ exchange. The effects of acid treatment on the structure, morphology, and electrochemical properties of Li₂MnO₃·LiNi_0.5Co_0.45Fe_0.05O₂ cathode materials are analyzed. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns imply that the hexagonal α-NaFeO₂ structure (space group R\(\bar{3}\)m) of the materials is not changed by the acid treatment. The scanning electron microscope images show that particles become spherical with smooth surfaces after acid treatment, and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis reveals that the specific surface area increases. The charge–discharge test demonstrates that acid-treated Li₂MnO₃·LiNi_0.5Co_0.45Fe_0.05O₂ cathode materials deliver higher initial coulombic efficiencies than untreated material, owing to the improvement of the catalytic reduction activity of oxygen released during the initial charge process. Furthermore, Li₂MnO₃·LiNi_0.5Co_0.45Fe_0.05O₂ treated with HCl displays the best electrochemical performance, with the acid treatment improving the initial coulombic efficiency from 66.0 to 82.2%. Thus, acid treatment can effectively improve the electrochemical performance of electrode materials in Li-ion batteries.     

Electrosynthesis of Н<Subscript>2</Subscript>О<Subscript>2</Subscript> from О<Subscript>2</Subscript> in a Gas-Diffusion Electrode Based on Mesostructured Carbon CMK-3

Mesostructured carbon CMK-3 (Carbon Mesostructured by KAIST) synthesized by the template method is studied as the electrocatalyst for electrosynthesis of Н₂О₂ from О₂ in a gas-diffusion electrode (GDE) in alkaline and acidic solutions. The texture characteristics of the original material and its mixture with hydrophobizer (polytetrafluoroethylene) are studied by the method of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. The rate constants for hydrogen peroxide decomposition on these materials in alkaline and acidic solutions are calculated. Kinetic parameters of oxygen reduction in alkaline and acidic solutions are determined as well as the capacitance of gas-diffusion electrodes based on mesocarbon. The selectivity of the electrocatalyst is estimated by finding the current fracture γ consumed in oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide. Data on the kinetics of hydrogen peroxide accumulation during electrosynthesis of Н₂О₂ from О₂ are obtained. The acidic solution of hydrogen peroxide with the concentration more than 3 M is obtained with the current efficiency higher than 80%.     

Crystal structure of Na<Subscript>4</Subscript>[Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>6</Subscript>] · 10H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Single crystals of the Na₄[Na₂Cr₂(C₂O₄)₆] · 10H₂O complex were synthesized for the first time. The structure of the complex was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with the unit cell parameters a = 17.290(4) Å, b = 12.521(3) Å, c = 15.149(3) Å, β = 100.45(3)°, Z = 4, space group Cc. Anionic layers [NaCr(C₂O₄)₃] _2n ^4n? can be distinguished in the crystal structure of the complex. The Na⁺ cations and water molecules, involved in the formation of a hydrogen bond network, are located between the anionic layers.