Synthesis and characterization of a novel precursor‐derived ZrC/ZrB2 ultra‐high‐temperature ceramic composite

ZrC and ZrB₂, two valuable members of ultra‐high‐temperature ceramics (UHTCs), are potentially useful as structural materials in aerospace engineering and hypersonic flight vehicles. This work focused on the preparation of ZrC/ZrB₂ UHTC composite by employing a precursor‐derived method. The precursor polymer PZCB was synthesized by the reaction between Cp₂Zr(CH═CH₂)₂ and borane. The composition, structure, element distribution and pyrolysis process of PZCB were investigated by NMR, IR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and TGA. The ceramic yield was 50% and the obtained well‐distributed ZrC/ZrB₂ ceramic composites had very good high‐temperature resistance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of nanosized zirconium carbide from preceramic polymers by the facile one‐pot reaction

A novel preceramic polymer, polyzirconoxanesal (PZS), was synthesized efficiently by one‐pot protocol. The PZS polymer was characterized by the techniques of Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H‐NMR and ¹³C‐NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The precursor exhibited excellent solubility and rheology for the processing of ceramic matrix fiber composites. Pyrolytic conversion of the preceramic polymer was studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and element analysis. It is suggested that the polymer decomposed completely at 600°C and nanosized ZrC is formed at 1300°C for 2 hr in argon atmosphere with a yield of 68.5%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the lowest temperature reported in the literatures for preparing ZrC ceramics from preceramic polymers. The obtained ZrC particles exhibit spherical morphology with size ranged in 20–100 nm. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Macroporous SiC?MoSi2 ceramics from templated hybrid MoCl5–polymethylsilane

A molybdenum‐containing preceramic polymer, MoPMS, was synthesized for the first time by HCl elimination of polymethylsilane (PMS) and MoCl₅ at room temperature in tetrahydrofuran. The insoluble MoPMS prepared was embedded into the void spaces of a silica colloidal crystal template within the pot life of the polymer and successfully transformed to a three‐dimensionally long‐range‐ordered macroporous SiC? MoSi₂ ceramic after pyrolysis at 1400 °C in an argon atmosphere followed by template removal in HF. The bead‐inverse macroporous SiC? MoSi₂ ceramic, with a ceramic yield of about 88%, exhibits high temperature stability, high BET surface area, and semiconducting behavior. In addition, the macroporous SiC? MoSi₂ ceramic was used as a catalyst carrier for platinum–ruthenium coated on the surface of the pores. The preceramic polymer and the ceramic were characterized by IR, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and BET surface area. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of soluble and meltable pre‐ceramic polymers for Zr‐containing ceramic nanocomposites

Polymer‐derived methods are one of the most important tools for the synthesis of ceramics with a finely dispersed microstructure. In this study, a soluble and meltable ZrC/C pre‐ceramic polymer, P‐DACZ, (which would later exhibit a high ceramic yield of 71 wt%) was synthesized via radical polymerization. By adding low molecular weight polycarbosilane in any proportion during the radical polymerization process of P‐DACZ, a soluble and meltable ZrC/SiC/C pre‐ceramic precursor, PCS‐DACZ (which would later exhibit a high ceramic yield of >80 wt%) was synthesized. After annealing at 1400 °C under an argon flow, the precursors converted into bulk ZrC/C and ZrC/SiC/C ceramic nanocomposites. The ZrC nanoparticles could resist any grain growth when heat‐treated at temperatures above 1800 °C because the C or SiC matrix prevented long‐range atomic diffusion of zirconium. Such ceramic nanocomposites would be suitable for structural and (multi)functional applications at harsh environments with high temperatures.     

Design and synthesis of optically transparent calcium‐incorporated polymer complexes

Transparent thin films of calcium‐ion‐incorporated polymer composites were synthesized with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and polymers such as poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and methylcellulose. The homogeneous distribution of Ca²⁺ in the composite films was observed because of the high concentration of COO^? groups along the PAA backbone for the complexation of Ca²⁺ ions. The optical transparency of the composites depends on the weight percentages of the three polymers and the molar concentration of CaCO₃ in the composites. Maximum transparency was obtained for a composite film with a PAA/CaCO₃ ratio of 9:1. The results indicated that methylcellulose improved the film‐forming capabilities and that PEG improved the transparency of the composites. All polymer complexes were characterized with X‐ray diffraction, fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, and optical transparency measurements. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4459–4465, 2004     

A three‐dimensional cyanide‐bridged heterometallic coordination polymer: poly[[diacetonitrilediaqua[μ2‐3,6‐bis(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine‐κ4N1,N6:N3,N4]tetra‐μ‐cyanido‐tetracyanidodimanganese(II)molybdate(IV)] dihydrate]

A metal coordination polymer, {[Mn₂Mo(CN)₈(C₁₂H₈N₆)(CH₃CN)₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n, has been synthesized by the reaction of Mn(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O with 3,6‐bis(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (bptz) and (Bu₃N)₃[Mo(CN)₈] at room temperature. The polymer was characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X‐ray diffraction, and the magnetic properties were also investigated. The X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the compound is a new three‐dimensional coordination polymer with a PtS‐type network. Magnetic investigation shows antiferromagnetic coupling between adjacent Mn²⁺ cations.     

Thermosensitive graphene nanocomposites formed using pyrene‐terminal polymers made by RAFT polymerization

Thermosensitive graphene‐polymer composites have been prepared by attaching poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) onto the basal plane of graphene sheets via π‐π stacking. Pyrene‐terminated PNIPAAm was synthesized using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization via a pyrene‐functional RAFT agent. Aqueous solutions of the graphene‐polymer composites were stable and thermosensitive. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of pyrene‐terminated PNIPAAm was measured to be 33 °C. When the pyrene‐functional polymer was attached to graphene the resultant composites were also thermosensitive in aqueous solutions exhibiting a reversible suspension behavior at 24 °C. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed that the thickness of a graphene‐PNIPAAm (M_n: 10,000 and PDI: 1.1) sheet was ～5.0 nm. The surface coverage of polymer chains on the graphene basal plane was calculated to be 7.2 × 10^?11 mol cm^?2. The graphene‐PNIPAAm composite material was successfully characterized using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR‐IR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 425–433, 2010     

Template‐free Fabrication of Hierarchical Macro‐/mesoporous N‐doped TiO2/graphene Oxide Composites with Enhanced Visible‐light Photocatalytic Activity

Hierarchical macro‐/mesoporous N‐doped TiO₂/graphene oxide (N‐TiO₂/GO) composites were prepared without using templates by the simple dropwise addition mixed solution of tetrabutyl titanate and ethanol containg graphene oxide (GO) to the ammonia solution, and then calcined at 350 °C. The as‐prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange in an aqueous solution under visible‐light irradiation. The results show that N‐TiO₂/GO composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity. GO content exhibited an obvious influence on photocatalytic performance, and the optimal GO addition content was 1 wt%. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the synergetic effects of three factors including the improved visible light absorption, the hierarchical macro‐mesoporous structure, and the efficient charge separation by GO.     

Rheology and crystallization behavior of PLLA/TiO2‐g‐PDLA composites

Poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) composites with TiO₂‐g‐poly(D‐lactide) (PDLA), which was synthesized by surface‐initiated opening ring polymerization with TiO₂ as initiator and Sn(Oct)₂ as catalyst, were prepared by solution casting. The synthesized TiO₂‐g‐PDLA was characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and dynamic laser scattering (DLS), showing larger size corresponding to that of TiO₂. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were further carried out and indicated that PDLA was grafted onto TiO₂ through covalent bond. For PLLA/TiO₂‐g‐PDLA composites, the stereocomplex crystallites were formed between PDLA grafted on the surface of TiO₂ and the PLLA matrix, which was determined by FT‐IR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD). The influence of stereocomplex crystallites on the rheological behavior of PLLA/TiO₂‐g‐PDLA was investigated by rheometer, which showed greater improvement of rheological properties compared to that of PLLA/TiO₂ composites especially with a percolation content of TiO₂‐g‐PDLA between 3 wt%–5 wt%. The crystallization and melting behavior of PLLA/TiO₂‐g‐PDLA composites were studied by DSC under different thermal treatment conditions. The formed PLA stereocomplex network acted as nucleating agents and a special interphase on the functional surface of TiO₂, which resulted in imperfect PLLA crystal with lower melting temperature. When the thermal treatment was close to the melting temperature of PLA stereocomplex, the crystallinity approached to the maximum. The isothermal crystallization study by polarizing microscope (POM) indicated that stereocomplex network presented stronger nucleation capacity than TiO₂‐g‐PDLA. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Microemulsion‐Assisted Preparation of a Mesoporous Ferrihydrite/SiO2 Composite for the Efficient Removal of Formaldehyde from Air

Mesoporous ferrihydrite/SiO₂ composites were synthesized according to a water‐in‐oil microemulsion method and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, nitrogen‐adsorption/desorption, and by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The as‐prepared porous ferrihydrite/SiO₂ composites showed an excellent adsorption performance for formaldehyde (HCHO) removal from indoor air at ambient temperature. It was found that the aging time during the synthesis had a significant impact on the pore structure, surface area, and HCHO adsorption of these materials. The ferrihydrite/SiO₂ composite that was aged for 3 h in the presence of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) exhibited a relatively high HCHO adsorption capacity, as well as good recyclability, which was attributed to a relatively large BET surface area, optimal pore size, a suitable Si/Fe atomic ratio, and a synergistic effect between ferrihydrite and SiO₂. This work not only demonstrates that porous ferrihydrite/SiO₂ composites can act as an efficient adsorbent toward HCHO, but suggests a new route for the rational design of cost‐effective and environmentally benign adsorbents with high performance for indoor air purification.     

Pyrolytic conversion of an Al?Si?N?C precursor prepared via hydrosilylation between [Me(H)SiNH]4 and [HAlN(allyl)]m[HAlN(ethyl)]n

An iminoalane‐silazane polymer (ISP), an Al? Si? N? C precursor, has been synthesized via Pt‐catalyzed hydrosilylation between poly(allyl iminoalane‐co‐ethyl iminoalane) {[HAlN(allyl)]_m[HAlN (ethyl)]_n, AE‐alane} and 1,3,5,7‐tetrahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetramethylcyclotetrasilazane {[Me(H)SiNH]₄, TCS}. The IR and ¹H NMR spectra of ISP indicate that the relative amounts of the allyl groups decrease slightly in comparison with those of AE‐alane, suggesting that hydrosilylation occurs partially. TG analysis up to 900 °C reveals that the ceramic yield of ISP is 83.1 mass%. It is suggested that the high ceramic yield can be ascribed to cross‐linking reactions occurring during pyrolysis. Possible reactions during pyrolysis are hydrosilylation, polymerization of the C?C bonds in the allyl groups and dehydrocoupling among the SiH groups, NH groups and AlH groups in ISP. The pyrolyzed residue at 1700 °C contains crystalline AlN, 2H‐SiC, β‐SiC and β‐Si₃N₄ and amorphous carbon, as revealed by solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ni@Pd core–shell nanoparticles immobilized on yolk–shell Fe3O4@polyaniline composites as a highly efficient,magnetically separable and atom‐economical catalyst for reduction of nitrobenzenes

The preparation of Ni@Pd core–shell nanoparticles immobilized on yolk–shell Fe₃O₄@polyaniline composites is reported. Fe₃O₄ nanoclusters were first synthesized through the solvothermal method and then the SiO₂ shell was coated on the Fe₃O₄ surface via a sol–gel process. To prepare Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@polyaniline composites, polyvinylpyrrolidone was first grafted on to the surface of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ composites and subsequently polymerization of aniline was carried out via an ultrasound‐assisted in situ surface polymerization method. Selective etching of the middle SiO₂ layer was then accomplished to obtain the yolk–shell Fe₃O₄@polyaniline composites. The approach uses polyaniline (PANI) conductive polymer as a template for the synthesis of Ni@Pd core–shell nanoparticles. The catalytic activity of the synthesized yolk–shell Fe₃O₄@PANI/Ni@Pd composite was investigated in the reduction of o‐nitroaniline to benzenediamine by NaBH₄, which exhibited conversion of 99% in 3 min with a very low content of the catalyst. Transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TGA, X‐ray diffraction, UV–visible, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray energy dispersion spectroscopy and FT‐IR were employed to characterize the synthesized nanocatalyst. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rivalry under Pressure: The Coexistence of Ambient‐Pressure Motifs and Close‐Packing in Silicon Phosphorus Nitride Imide SiP2N4NH

Non‐metal nitrides such as BN, Si₃N₄, and P₃N₅ meet numerous demands on high‐performance materials, and their high‐pressure polymorphs exhibit outstanding mechanical properties. Herein, we present the silicon phosphorus nitride imide SiP₂N₄NH featuring sixfold coordinated Si. Using the multi‐anvil technique, SiP₂N₄NH was obtained by high‐pressure high‐temperature synthesis at 8 GPa and 1100 °C with in situ formed HCl acting as a mineralizer. Its structure was elucidated by a combination of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and solid‐state NMR measurements. Moreover, SiP₂N₄NH was characterized by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and (temperature‐dependent) powder X‐ray diffraction. The highly condensed Si/P/N framework features PN₄ tetrahedra as well as the rare motif of SiN₆ octahedra, and is discussed in the context of ambient‐pressure motifs competing with close‐packing of nitride anions, representing a missing link in the high‐pressure chemistry of non‐metal nitrides.     

Crystal‐to‐Crystal Transformation: An HgII Metal–Organic Polymer Constructed with a Triazole Ligand

A new one‐dimensional double‐chain Hg^II coordination polymer containing the ligand 3,5‐bis(4‐pyridyl)‐4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole (bpatrz) and thiocyanate anions, namely, {[Hg₂(μ‐bpatrz)(μ‐SCN)₂(SCN)₂] · MeOH}_n ( 1 ), has been synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1 displays bright blue luminescence with emission maxima around 370 and 440 nm in solution and the solid state, respectively. Uptake and release of MeOH by 1 were investigated by powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, and IR and NMR spectroscopy.     

A Dynamic Crystal‐to‐Amorphous Transformation Microporous ZnII Mixed Neutral‐ligand Metal‐organic Polymer {[Zn(bpp)2(μ‐4,4′‐bipy)(H2O)2](ClO4)2·H2O}n

A new rarely reported Zn^II mixed‐polypyridine coordination polymer with both rigid and flexible spacers, {[Zn(bpp)₂(μ‐4,4′‐bipy)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O}_n ( 1 ), has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR‐, ¹H NMR‐, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The thermal stability of compound 1 was studied by thermal gravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analyses (DTA). The single‐crystal X‐ray structure of 1 shows that the complex has been formed from a 1D polymer as a result of bridging by the 4,4′‐bipy ligands. Solution and solid‐state luminescent spectra of the compound 1 indicate intense fluorescent emissions at ca. 353.6 and 468.8 nm, respectively. Removal of the interstitial water guest molecules results in a loss of crystallinity, but exposure to water vapor reestablishes the original structure, thus constituting 1 as a third‐generation porous framework.     

Two CdII/CoII‐Imidazolate Coordination Polymers: Syntheses,Crystal Structures,Stabilities, and Luminescent/Magnetic Properties

Cadmium(II) based 2D coordination polymer [Cd(L1)₂(DMF)₂] ( 1 ) (L1 = 4,5‐dicyano‐2‐methylimidazolate, DMF = N,N′‐dimethylformamide) and 2D cobalt(II)‐imidazolate framework [Co(L3)₄] ( 2 ) (L3 = 4,5‐diamide‐2‐ethoxyimidazolate) were synthesized under solvothermal reaction conditions. The materials were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction measurement (PXRD) and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1 has hexacoordinate Cd^II ions and forms a zigzag chain‐like coordination polymer structure, whereas compound 2 exhibits a 2D square grid type structure. The thermal stability analysis reveals that 2 showed an exceptional thermal stability up to 360 °C. Also, 2 maintained its fully crystalline integrity in boiling water as confirmed by PXRD. The solid state luminescent property of 1 was not observed at room temperature. Compound 2 showed an independent high spin central Co^II atom.     

Template‐Synthesized Porous Silicon Carbide as an Effective Host for Zeolite Catalysts

A facile method has been developed for the fabrication of porous silicon carbide (SiC) by means of sintering a mixture of SiC powder and carbon pellets at a relatively lower temperature, that is, 1450 °C, in air. The pore density and the total pore volume of the resulting porous SiC could be tuned by changing the initial SiC/C weight ratio. The structure evolution and the associated property changes during the preparation were examined through X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, ²⁹Si magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy, and mercury‐intrusion porosimetry analyses. Silica and SiO_xC_y ceramics formed in situ during the calcination process acted as binders of the porous SiC grains. The porous SiC can be used as a host for the growth of ZSM‐5 zeolite crystals to form the ZSM‐5/porous‐SiC composite material. After loading another catalytic active component of molybdenum, a novel catalytic material, Mo‐ZSM‐5/porous‐SiC, was obtained, which exhibited improved catalytic activity in the methane dehydroaromatization reaction.     

Single step synthesis of poly(3‐octylthiophene)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube composites and their characterizations

The transport properties of conducting polymers are known to be greatly influenced by the chemical unsaturation surrounding the polymer backbone, besides favorable conformation of the side chains present. Polymeric composites with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) can provide a good conductive path at relatively low carbon contents, as these have high aspect ratio, specific surfaces and are cost effective. Hence their use in various applications such as organic LED, solar cells and supercapacitors are very much anticipated. In this respect poly(3‐octylthiophene)/MWNT composites have been prepared by an “insitu” polymerization process in chloroform medium with FeCl₃ oxidant at room temperature. The composites were characterized by Fourier Transfer Infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Raman, work function and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The results indicate only a weak π‐π interaction between the moieties, in the absence of a strong covalent bonding. The ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) measurements also support this view. The photoluminescence (PL) quenching indicates the effectiveness of the interface in the formation of the donor–acceptor type composite. The conductivity of the composites is followed by a four probe technique to understand the conduction mechanism. The Hall voltage measurement is followed to monitor carrier concentrations and mobilities. The impressive conductivity and mobility values encourage the utility of the composites as photovoltaic material. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

(1‐Butyl‐4‐methyl‐pyridinium)[Cu(SCN)2]: A Coordination Polymer and Ionic Liquid

The compound (C₄C₁py)[Cu(SCN)₂], (C₄C₁py=1‐Butyl‐4‐methyl‐pyridinium), which can be obtained from CuSCN and the ionic liquid (C₄C₁py)(SCN), turns out to be a new organic–inorganic hybrid material as it qualifies both, as a coordination polymer and an ionic liquid. It features linked [Cu(SCN)₂]^? units, in which the thiocyanates bridge the copper ions in a μ_1,3‐fashion. The resulting one‐dimensional chains run along the a axis, separated by the C₄C₁py counterions. Powder X‐ray diffraction not only confirms the single‐crystal X‐ray structure solution but proves the reformation of the coordination polymer from an isotropic melt. However, the materials shows a complex thermal behavior often encountered for ionic liquids such as a strong tendency to form a supercooled melt. At a relatively high cooling rate, glass formation is observed. When heating this melt in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and temperature‐dependent polarizing optical microscopy (POM), investigations reveal the existence of a less thermodynamically stable crystalline polymorph. Raman measurements conducted at 10 and 100 °C point towards the formation of polyanionic chain fragments in the melt. Solid‐state UV/Vis spectroscopy shows a broad absorption band around 18 870 cm^?1 (530 nm) and another strong one below 20 000 cm^?1 (<500 nm). The latter is attributed to the d(Cu^I)→π*(SCN)‐MLCT (metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer) transition within the coordination polymer yielding an energy gap of 2.4 eV. At room temperature and upon irradiation with UV light, the material shows a weak fluorescence band at 15 870 cm^?1 (630 nm) with a quantum efficiency of 0.90(2) % and a lifetime of 131(2) ns. Upon lowering the temperature, the luminescence intensity strongly increases. Simultaneously, the band around 450 nm in the excitation spectrum decreases.     

High‐Pressure Synthesis and Single‐Crystal Structure Elucidation of the Indium Oxide‐Borate In4O2B2O7

The indium oxide‐borate In₄O₂B₂O₇ was synthesized under high‐pressure/high‐temperature conditions at 12.5 GPa/1420 K using a Walker‐type multianvil apparatus. Single‐crystal X‐ray structure elucidation showed edge‐sharing OIn₄ tetrahedra and B₂O₇ units building up the oxide‐borate. It crystallizes with Z = 8 in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n (no. 14) with a = 1016.54(3), b = 964.55(3), c = 1382.66(4) pm, and β = 109.7(1)°. The compound was also characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy.