Structure and Thermal Stability of Nanostructured Precursor Powders of Copper(I) Sulfide and Selenide

The hydrochemical precipitation method at 298 and 333 K with, respectively, thiocarbamide and sodium selenosulfate was used to obtain nanostructured powders of copper sulfide with formula composition Cu₂S, which are composed of globules 200–500 nm in diameter, formed by 70–100-nm particles, and copper(I) selenide, composed of crystallites with polyhedral shape, sizes of 80 to 500 nm, and a formula composition Cu_1.84Se. An X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the orthorhombic Cu₂S structure (space group no. 39-Abm2) with unit cell parameters a = 1.182 nm, b = 2.705 nm, and c = 1.343 nm. Powders of Cu_1.84Se copper selenide have a cubic structure (space group Fm3m) with lattice constant a = 0.5693 nm. A thermal analysis demonstrated that the chemically precipitated Cu₂S and Cu_1.84Se powders have a stable elemental composition up to 200–240°C. An intense oxidation of the samples begins at a temperature exceeding 250°C and is accompanied by a sharp decrease in their content of sulfur (selenium) and by an increase in the content of oxygen.     

Nanostructured copper(I) sulfide films: Synthesis,composition, morphology,and structure

Possibility of forming the solid phase of copper(I) and (II) sulfides in ammonia and acetate solutions at pH values exceeding 10 was demonstrated by calculation with the use of thiocarbamide. Mirror-like nanocrystalline layers of exclusively monovalent copper sulfide Cu₂S of stoichiometric composition with thicknesses of up to 110 ± 10 nm were formed on glass-ceramic substrates at 298–343 K via chemical deposition from solutions of both kinds due to the reducing properties of thiocarbamide. The films produced from the acetate system are more uniform and are constituted by globules (~10 nm) forming agglomerates up to 80–150 nm in diameter. According to X-ray diffraction data, they are crystallized in the chalcocite structure (space group P21/c) with crystal lattice constants a = 1.5307(5) Å, b = 1.1908(5) Å, c = 1.3485(6) Å, and β = 116.60(1)°.     

Oxidation of the polycrystalline gold foil surface and XPS study of oxygen states in oxide layers

Gold oxide films obtained on the surface of polycrystalline gold foil upon oxidation by oxygen activated by a high-frequency discharge have been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. High-frequency O₂ activation affords oxide films more than 3–5 nm thick. As follows from Au4f spectra, the surface gold atoms are oxidized to the oxidation state +3. The O1s spectra have a composite shape and are decomposed into four components that characterize nonequivalent states of oxygen in the resulting oxide films. It is assumed that the two major oxygen states (E _b(O1s) = 529.0 and 530.0 eV) correspond to the oxygen atoms in two-and three-dimensional gold oxide Au₂O₃, respectively. The oxygen states characterized by the higher binding energies (E _b(O1s) = 531.8 and 535.2 eV) likely correspond to molecular oxygen in peroxide and superoxide groups, respectively.     

RBaCuCoO<Subscript>5 + δ</Subscript> (R = Nd,Sm, Gd) layered cuprocobaltites: Synthesis,structure, and properties

Cuprocobaltites RBaCuCoO_{5 + gd}(R = Nd, Sm, Gd) were prepared. Their unit cell parameters were determined, and thermal expansion, electrical conductivity (σ), and Seebeck coefficient (S) were studied in air in the range 300–1100 K. The compounds have tetragonal structures (space group P4/mmm, Z = 1). Their unit cell parameters are a = 0.3906(2) nm, c= 0.7648(7) nm for NdBaCuCoO_5.21; a = 0.3904(2) nm, c = 0.7609(6) nm for SmBaCuCoO_5.06; and a = 0.3891(2), c = 0.7592(6) nm for GdBaCuCoO_5.02. The RBaCuCoO_{5 + δ} cuprocobaltites at room temperature are p-type semiconductors, whose electrical conductivity and linear thermal expansion coefficient (LTEC) increase with increasing R³⁺ ionic radius, whereas the Seebeck coefficient decreases. The LTECs of RBaCuCoO_{5 + δ} phases in the range 500–575 K increase by a factor of 1.2–1.5 because of the elimination of weakly bound oxygen. S = f(T) curves for RBaCuCoO_{5 + δ} (R = Nd, Sm, Gd) feature maxima at 510 K for R = Sm and 365 K for R = Gd, probably, due to the change in the spin state of cobalt cations in these phases.     

Synthesis,characterisation and structural aspects of a new diorganotin(IV) complex with <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>′-(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzoylhydrazone ligand

A new diorganotin(IV) complex, Me₂Sn[5-Br-(2-OC₆H₄CH=N–N=C(O)Ph)] (1) has been synthesised from dimethyltin(IV) dichloride and a Schiff base derived from 5-bromosalicylaldehyde and benzoyl hydrazide. The complex has been characterised by elemental analysis, and FT-IR and NMR spectroscopies. Molecular structure has been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 1 crystallises in triclinic system, space group P-1 (no. 2) with a=7.562(6), b=9.980(8), c=11.899(8) Å; α=81.08(6)°, β=72.71(5)°, γ=79.64(6)°; Z=2. The ligand N′-(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzoylhydrazone (H₂L) coordinates to the metal centre in enolate form via the phenolic O, imino N and enolic O atoms. The central tin atom is in distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry with two oxygen atoms of the ligand in axial positions, while the imino nitrogen atom of the ligand and two methyl groups on tin occupy the equatorial sites.     

Some Structural Properties of the Mixed Lead–Magnesium Hydroxyapatites

Lead–magnesium hydroxyapatite solid solutions Pb_(10–x)Mg _x (PO₄)₆(OH)₂ have been prepared via a hydrothermal process. They were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), chemical and IR spectroscopic analyses. The results of the structural refinement indicated that the limits of lead-magnesium solid solutions (x ≤ 1.5), a regular decrease of the lattice constant a and a preferential magnesium distribution in site S(I). Through the progressive replacement of Pb²⁺ (r = 0.133 nm) by the smaller cation Mg²⁺ (r = 0.072 nm), all interatomic distances decrease in accordance with the decrease of the cell parameters. According to what could be expected from the coordinance of the metallic sites S(I) (hexacoordination) and S(II) (heptacoordination), the small magnesium cation preferentially occupies the four sites S(I). The results of the TEM analysis confirm the presence of magnesium in the starting solution and reveals the decrease in the average size of crystals. The IR spectra show the presence of the absorption bands characteristic for the apatite structure.     

New complex of Zn(II) with 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate and 2-methylimidazolyl: Synthesis,structure, and luminescence properties

A new zinc(II) complex Zn(TMB)₂(2-MIM)(H₂O)₂ (I), where HTMB is 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid, 2-MIM is 2-methylimidazole, was synthesized and characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction, FT-IR and photoluminescence spectrum. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/c) with the unit cell parameters: a = 18.104(9), b = 8.509(4), c = 17.688(9) Å, β = 103.185(9)°, Z = 4, R ₁ = 0.0740 and wR ₂ = 0.1790. At room temperature the photoluminescence spectrum of complex I in the solid state exhibits maximum excitation at 314 nm and maximum emission at 337 nm.     

Structural and thermal characterization of copper(II) complexes with phenyl-2-pyridylketoxime and deposition of thin films by spin coating

Four copper(II) oxime complexes, [Cu(HPPK)(PPK)X] (HPPK = phenyl-2-pyridylketoxime and X = CI^? (I), CF₃COO^? (II), C₃F₇COO^? (III), and [Cu(PPK)₂]₂ (IV)), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy (IR), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD analysis revealed that I–III contain copper(II) coordinated by four nitrogen atoms from two oxime molecules in the basal plane and one monodentate anion X in the apical position of a distorted square pyramid. Complex IV is dimeric and it is formed by two Cu(PPK)₂ units. Bridges between these units are formed by the two oxygen atoms of the deprotonated oxime groups. Thermal stability of I–IV was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in air and in nitrogen atmosphere, respectively. Evolved gaseous decomposition products were characterized by IR. I–IV decompose via multistep processes. Fluorocarbons and CO₂ were observed to be the most abundant gaseous species evolved. Preliminary ammonolysis experiments were performed to examine the possibility of using II and IV as precursors for the synthesis of copper nitride. Moreover, solutions of IV were spin-coated onto silicon substrates. Surface structure and morphology of the resulting films were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and layers with island-like distribution of material were observed.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and crystal structure of a new 3<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis>–4<Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis> complex generated from the IDA ligand

An interesting 3d–4f complex [CeCo(HIDA)(IDA)₂] _n (I) (IDA = iminodiacetic acid) was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by IR, TG, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex I crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c with a = 9.7033(19), b = 24.141(5), c = 8.5810(17) Å, β = 115.01(3)°, V = 1821.6(6) ų, Z = 4, ρ _c = 2.152 g/cm³, F(000) = 1148. Crystallographic data for I were collected at 293 K with a Rigaku R-axis Rapid IP diffractometer using graphite monochromatic MoK _α radiation (λ = 0.71073 Å) and IP technique, GOOF = 0.994, the final R = 0.0245 and wR = 0.0763 (I > 2σ(I)). Complex I is a two-dimensional layer structure, in which the Ce(III) center is surrounded by ten oxygen atoms from different IDA ligands. The Co(II) center is six-coordinated by four oxygen atoms and two nitrogen atoms from two different IDA ligands. The carboxylic oxygen atom connected such units along the z axis to form a one-dimensional chain-like structure. The IDA ligand connects neighboring chains to form a two-dimensional layer structure.     

Crystallochemical study of ruthenium(III) tris-dipivaloylmethanate

The structure of ruthenium(III) dipivaloylmethanate is determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction at temperature of 150 K. The crystallographic data for C₃₃H₅₇O₆Ru are as follows: a = 9.6119(11) Å, b = 17.4603(19) Å, c = 21.519(2) Å, β = 95.187(2)°, C2/c space group, V = 3596.7(7) ų, Z = 4, d_calc = = 1.202 g/cm³, R = 0.0642. The structure is molecular, the metal atom coordinates six oxygen atoms of three ligands of β-diketone. The Ru–O distances are in the range of 1.99 Å to2.03 Å. The complexes have a distorted single layer hexagonal packing with the Ru…Ru distances being 9.84 Å within the layer, and 10.93 Å between the layers.     

Syntheses,Structures, and Magnetic Properties of Two Mn(II) Coordination Polymers Based on 4-Fluorocinnamic Acid and 1,10-Phenanthroline

Two Mn(II) coordination polymers, {[Mn₃ (Pfca)₆(Phen)₂] · 2DMF} _n (I) and [Mn(Pfca)₂(Phen)(H₂O)] _n (II) (HPfca = 4-fluorocinnamic acid, Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and singlecrystal X-ray diffraction (CIF files CCDC nos. 967513 (I), 1542972 (II)). Complex I crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system, space group Pī with a = 11.0821(11), b = 12.2632(12), c = 15.0288(15) Å, α = 87.3760(10)°, β = 88.4610(10)°, γ = 81.2220(10)°, V = 2016.0(3) Å3, ρ_c = 1.369 g/cm³, M _r = 1662.25, Z = 1, F(000) = 853, μ = 0.543 mm^–1, the final R = 0.0592 and wR = 0.1681 for 15498 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). Complex II is of monoclinic system, space group P2₁/c with a = 18.0539(19), b = 8.5806(9), c = 18.758(2) Å, β = 116.5700(10)°, V = 2599.0(5) ų, ρ_c = 1.491 g/cm³, M _r = 583.44, Z = 4, F(000) = 1196, μ = 0.567 mm^–1, the final R = 0.0337 and wR = 0.0853 for 18139 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). Complex I features linear Mn(II)-trinuclear units, which form 1D chain structure through F···F weak interactions, and complex II is 1D polymeric Mn(II)-chains. Antiferromagnetic coupling interactions exist within Mn(II)- carboxylate trinuclear in I (J =–0.40 cm^–1) and Mn(II)-carboxylate chain in II (J =–0.45 cm^–1).     

Crystal structure of natural Ag–Cu–Pb–Bi sulfide

The crystal structure of a natural sulfide Cu_3,44Ag_0,56Pb₂Bi₆S₁₃ (Сmcm, Z = 4, a = 3.973(1) Å, b = 13.370(2) Å, c = 42.182(7) Å, R = 0.059) is determined. The structure has seven cation positions: two of them (Cu and Ag) are in a tetrahedral environment of sulfur atoms; one (Pb), in a special position (mm2), has a coordination polyhedron in the form of a bicapped trigonal prism; and the other cation positions are surrounded by sulfur atoms forming distorted octahedra. The mirror symmetry plane perpendicular to the c translation causes microtwinning by cutting a layer of trigonal prisms framed by tetrahedron ribbons. These layers are divided by those composed by edge-linked octahedra with a diagonal ribbon of five octahedra (N = 5). The cation and anion positions are ordered by individual sublattices with pseudohexagonal subcells on the m planes perpendicular to the a translation, which concentrate the positions of all the atoms. Supposedly, this natural sulfide is the previously described (1885) yet unconfirmed alaskaite mineral from the lillianite–heyrovskyite homological series and may be isostructural to the ourayite mineral.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and ferromagnetic properties of a novel acetate bridged dicadmium(II) complex with nitronyl nitroxide

The novel dinuclear cadmium(II) complex [Cd₂(NIT-1′-MeBzIm)₂(CH₃COO)₄] (I), where NIT-1′-MeBzIm = 2-{2′-[(1′-methyl)benzimidazolyl]}-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, has been prepared and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex crystallizes in monoclinic crystal system, space group C2/c, Z = 4. Crystal data: C₃₈H₅₀Cd₂N₈O₁₂, M _r = 1035.66, a = 18.6492(16), b = 11.9605(10), c = 19.9208(17) Å, β = 92.1650(10)°. The X-ray analysis reveals that two Cd(II) atoms were bridged by two acetate groups to form a centrosymmetric Cd(II)-Cd(II) dinuclear entity, Cadmium atom is six-coordinated with a distorted octahedral geometry. The complex is linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds leading to a 2D network configuration. Magnetic investigation indicates the existence of weak intramolecular interactions; i.e., the complex I is ferromagnetic with J = 1.97 cm^?1.     

Phase equilibria in the BaS–Ga<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

In the BaS–Ga₂S₃ system, the following compounds form: congruently melting compound BaGa₄S₇ (rhombic system, space group Pmn2₁, a = 1.477 nm, b = 0.624 nm, c = 0.593 nm, and T_melt = 1490 K) and incongruently melting compounds BaGa₂S₄ (cubic system, space group Pa3, a = 1.2661 nm, and Tmelt = 1370 K), Ba₂Ga₂S₅ (monoclinic system, space group C2/c, a = 1.529, b = 1.479, c = 0.858 nm, ß = 106.04°, and T_melt = 1150 K), Ba₃Ga₂S₆ (monoclinic system, space group C2/c, a = 0.909 nm, b = 1.448 nm, c = 0.903 nm, ß = 91.81°, and T_melt = 1190 K), Ba₄Ga₂S₇ (monoclinic system, space group P2₁/m, a = 1.177 nm, b = 0.716 nm, c = 0.903 nm, ß = 108.32°, and T_melt = 1230 K), and Ba₅Ga₂S₈ (rhombic system, space group Cmca, a = 2.249 nm, b = 1.215 nm, c = 1.189 nm, and T_melt = 1480 K). The compositions of eutectics are 38 and 72 mol % Ga₂S₃, and their melting points are 1120 and 1160 K, respectively. The BaS solubility in γ-Ga₂S₃ at 1070 K reaches 3 mol %.     

Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of a Lanthanum-Containing Analog of the Mineral Berthierite FeSb<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>4</Subscript>

Phase equilibria in the FeSb₂S₄–FeLa₂S₄ system were studied by physicochemical analysis methods (differential thermal, X-ray powder diffraction, and microstructural analyses and microhardness and density measurements), and the phase diagram of the system was constructed. The formation of quaternary sulfide FeLaSbS₄ melting congruently at 1230 K, an analog of the mineral berthierite FeSb₂S₄, was detected. The X-ray powder diffraction analysis showed that FeLaSbS₄ belongs to the berthierite structural type and crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with the unit cell parameters a = 11.424 Å, b = 14.160 Å, c = 3.782 Å, Z = 4, and space group Pbam.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of the nickel(II) complex with nitronyl nitroxide

Two nickel(II) complexes [Ni(NIT-l′-MeBzlrn)₂(Dca)₂] (I, II) (NIT-l′-MeBzIm = 2-{2′-[(l′methyl)benzimidazolyl]}-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-l-oxyl-3-oxide) have been prepared and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. They are structural epimers. The complexe crystallizes in monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, Z = 4. Crystal data: C₃₄H₃₈N₁₄NiO₄, M _r = 765.49, a = 15.019(3), b = 18.803(4), c = 15.756(3) Å, β = 109.399(3)°, γ = 90° (I); a = 13.934(3), b = 11.046(2), c = 24.570(5) Å, β = 90.024(2)° (II). The X-ray analysis reveals that Ni²⁺ ion resides in a distorted octahedral center. The complex was linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds, resulting in a ID chain structure for I and a 2D network configuration for II.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of two Schiff base copper(II) complexes derived from 4-chloro-2-[(2-morpholin-4-ylethylimino)methyl]phenol

A centrosymmetric mononuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu(L¹)₂] (I), and a phenolate oxygen-bridged dinuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu₂(L²)₄] (II) (HL¹ = 4-chloro-2-[(2-morpholin-4-ylethylimino)methyl]phenol, HL² = 4-chloro-2-(cyclohexylimino-methyl)phenol), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal of I is monoclinic: space group {ITP}2₁/n, a = 13.396(3), b = 5.339(1), c = 19.740(4) Å, β = 108.64(3), V = 1337.8(5) ų, {ITZ} = 2. The crystal of II is monoclinic: space group P2₁, a = 9.157(2), b = 22.715(4), c = 12.169(2) Å, = 95.28(3), {ITV} = 2520.4(8) Å3, {ITZ}= 2. The Cu atom in I, lying on the inversion center, is four-coordinate in a square planar geometry with two phenolate oxygen and two imine nitrogen atoms. Each Cu atom in II is five-coordinate in a square pyramidal geometry with two phenolate oxygen and two imine nitrogen atoms from two L² ligands defining the basal plane and with one phenolate oxygen atom of another L² ligand occupying the apical position.     

Preparation specifics and properties of AMn<Subscript>3</Subscript>V<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript> (А = Ca,Ce, and Sm) high-pressure phases

Perovskite-like phases AMn₃V₄O₁₂ (A = Ca, Ce, and Sm) were prepared under borothermic conditions (p = 7.0–9.0 GPa, T = 700–1100°C). Their X-ray diffraction structure (space group Im \(\bar 3\), Z = 2) was determined, and unit cell parameters were calculated: for CaMn₃V₄O₁₂: а = 7.40824(3) Å, for SmMn₃V₄O₁₂: а = 7.45280(8) Å, and for CeMn₃V₄O₁₂: а = 7.46965(4) Å. The temperature-dependent electrical resistivity (10–300 K) and magnetic susceptibility (2–300 K) of the prepared phases were studied.     

Iridium–nickel composite oxide catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction in acidic water electrolysis

A series of Ir_1–xNi_xO_2–y (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) composite oxides have been prepared by a simple pyrolysis method in ethanol system and used as the electrocatalysts for OER in acidic medium. The materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical performances of these Ir_1–xNi_xO_2–y composite catalysts are evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and steady-state measurements. The resulting oxides with the Ni content (x) less than 0.3 have a complex nature of metal Ir and rutile structure IrO₂ which is similar to the Ir oxide prepared by the same approach and possess the contracted lattice resulted from the Ni-doping. Although the addition of Ni reduces the electroactive surface areas due to the coalescence of particles, the catalytic activity of the Ir_1–xNi_xO_2–y (0 < x ≤ 0.3) catalysts is slightly higher than that of the pyrolyzed Ir oxide. Regardless of the surface area difference, the intrinsic activity first increases and then decreases with the Ni content in Ir_1–xNi_xO_2–y catalysts, and the intrinsic activity of Ir_0.7Ni_0.3O_2–y catalyst is about 1.4 times of the Ni-free Ir oxide mainly attributed to the enhancement of conductivity and a change of the binding energy as increasing amount of the incorporated Ni with respect to the pure IrO₂. The Ir_0.7Ni_0.3O_2–y catalyst shows a prospect of iridium-nickel oxide materials in reducing the demand of the expensive Ir oxide catalyst for OER in acidic water electrolysis.     

Characterization and crystal structure of a new layered cadmium diphosphate: KCdHP<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>∙2H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

A new potassium cadmium hydrogen diphosphate dihydrate, KCdHP₂O₇?2H₂O (1), has been synthesized by slow evaporation at room temperature and characterized by FT-IR, Raman, TG-DTA, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound (1) crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pcmn space group with the unit cell parameters a = 6.5814(8) Å, b = 7.9428(9) Å, c = 15.961(6) Å, V = 834.4(3) Å3 and Z = 4. Its structure consists of polyhedral layers parallel to the ab plane where each CdO₆ octahedron (m position) shares four edges with three different diphosphate groups. In the Cd octahedron, two oxygen atoms residing in (m) special positions belong to coordinated water molecules. These layers are joint by K⁺ cations (4c Wyckoff position) and hydrogen bonds, leading thus to a two-dimensional framework. The structural model is supported by the bond-valence-sum validation tool as calculated valences are close to the formal oxidation numbers.