Nd2(SeO3)2(SeO4) · 2H2O – a Mixed‐Valence Compound containing Selenium in the Oxidation States +IV and +VI

Pale pink crystals of Nd₂(SeO₃)₂(SeO₄) · 2H₂O were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions from H₂SeO₃ and Nd₂O₃ at about 200 °C. X‐ray diffraction on powder and single‐crystals revealed that the compound crystallizes with the monoclinic space group C 2/c (a = 12.276(1) Å, b = 7.0783(5) Å, c = 13.329(1) Å, β = 104.276(7)°). The crystal structure of Nd₂(SeO₃)₂(SeO₄) · 2H₂O is an ordered variant of the corresponding erbium compound. Eight oxygen atoms coordinate the Nd^III atom in the shape of a bi‐capped trigonal prism. The oxygen atoms are part of pyramidal (Se^IVO₃)^2? groups, (Se^VIO₄)^2? tetrahedra and water molecules. The [NdO₈] polyhedra share edges to form chains oriented along [010]. The selenate ions link these chains into layers parallel to (001). The layers are interconnected by the selenite ions into a three‐dimensional framework. The dehydration of Nd₂(SeO₃)₂(SeO₄) · 2H₂O starts at 260 °C. The thermal decomposition into Nd₂SeO₅, SeO₂ and O₂ at 680 °C is followed by further loss of SeO₂ leaving cubic Nd₂O₃.     

Synthesis and thermal decomposition of neodymium(III) peroxotitanate to Nd<Subscript>2</Subscript>TiO<Subscript>5</Subscript>

Neodymium(III) peroxotitanate is used as a precursor for obtaining Nd₂TiO₅. The last one possesses numerous valuable electrophysical properties. TiCl₄, Nd(NO₃)₃·6H₂O and H₂O₂ in mol ratio 1:2:10 were used as starting materials. The reaction ambience was alkalized to pH = 9 with a solution of NH₃. The obtained neodymium(III) peroxotitanate and intermediate compounds of the isothermal heating were proved by the help of quantitative analysis and infrared spectroscopy (IRS). It has Nd₄[Ti₂(O₂)₄(OH)₁₂]·7H₂O composition. The absorption band observed in IRS at 831 cm^?1 relates to a triangular bonding of the peroxo group of Ti, at 1062 cm^?1—terminal groups Ti–OH and at 1491 and 1384 cm^?1—the bridging OH^?-groups Ti–O(H)–Ti. Nd₂TiO₅ was obtained by thermal decomposition of neodymium(III) peroxotitanate. The isothermal conditions for decomposition were determined on the base of differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry results in the temperature range of 20–1000 °C. The mechanism of thermal decomposition of Nd₄[Ti₂(O₂)₄(OH)₁₂]·7H₂O to Nd₂TiO₅ was studied. In the temperature range of 20–208 °C, a simultaneous decomposition of the peroxo groups by the separation of oxygen and hydrate water is conducted and Nd₄[Ti₂O₄(OH)₁₂] is obtained. From 208 to 390 °C, the terminal OH^?-groups are separated and Nd₄[Ti₂O₇(OH)₆] is formed. In the range of 390–824 °C, the bridging OH^?-groups are completely decomposed to Nd₂TiO₅. The optimal conditions for obtaining nanocrystalline Nd₂TiO₅ are 900 °C for 6 h and 20–80 nm.     

Saure Sulfate des Neodyms: Synthese und Kristallstruktur von (H5O2)(H3O)2Nd(SO4)3 und (H3O)2Nd(HSO4)3SO4

Acidic Sulfates of Neodymium: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of (H₅O₂)(H₃O)₂Nd(SO₄)₃ and (H₃O)₂Nd(HSO₄)₃SO₄ Light violett single crystals of (H₅O₂)(H₃O)₂ · Nd(SO₄)₃ are obtained by cooling of a solution prepared by dissolving neodymium oxalate in sulfuric acid (80%). According to X‐ray single crystal investigations there are H₃O⁺ ions and H₅O₂⁺ ions present in the monoclinic structure (P2₁/n, Z = 4, a = 1159.9(4), b = 710.9(3), c = 1594.7(6) pm, β = 96.75(4)°, R_all = 0.0260). Nd³⁺ is nine‐coordinate by oxygen atoms. The same coordination number is found for Nd³⁺ in the crystal structure of (H₃O)₂Nd(HSO₄)₃SO₄ (triclinic, P1, Z = 2, a = 910.0(1), b = 940.3(1), c = 952.6(1) pm, α = 100.14(1)°, β = 112.35(1)°, γ = 105.01(1)°, R_all = 0.0283). The compound has been prepared by the reaction of Nd₂O₃ with chlorosulfonic acid in the presence of air. In the crystal structure both sulfate and hydrogensulfate groups occur. In both compounds pronounced hydrogen bonding is observed.     

Some examples on the use of atomic emission spectral analysis in analytical control of the preparation of oxide single crystals

The application of atomic emission spectrometric methods (AES) to the different stages of preparation of white sapphire and neodymium doped yttrium-aluminium garnet (Y₃Al₅O₁₂ : Nd³⁺) single crystals is discussed. Optimum conditions for d.c. arc analysis of NH₄Al(SO₄)₂·12H₂O and Al₂O₃ were established and the detection limits for impurities were determined. The applicability of laser spectral microanalysis for monitoring the distribution of neodymium in the single crystals is shown.     

An investigation into synergistic effects of rare earth oxides on intumescent flame retardancy of polypropylene/poly (octylene‐co‐ethylene) blends

Synergistic effects of two kinds of rare earth oxides (REOs), neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃) or lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃) on the intumescent flame retardancy of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) made by polypropylene/poly (octylene‐co‐ethylene) blends were investigated systemically by various methods. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of flame retardant TPO (FRTPO) filled by 30 wt% intumescent flame retardants (IFR) composed of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and pentaerythritol (PER) has been increased from 30 to 32.5 and 33.5 when 0.5 wt% of IFR was substituted by La₂O₃ and Nd₂O₃, respectively. Cone calorimetry tests also reveal the existence of synergistic effects. Thermalgravimetric analyses (TGA) demonstrate that the presence of REOs promotes the esterification and carbonization process in low‐temperature range while enhances the thermal stability of IFR and FRTPO in high‐temperature range. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) reveals that the interaction of Nd₂O₃ with IFR results in the formation of neodymium phosphate (NdP₅O₁₄) with high‐thermal stability. Thermal scanning rheological tests show that the presence of REOs increases complex viscosity of FRTPO in the temperature range of 190～300°C so as to suppress melt dripping but decreases the complex viscosity and increases the loss factors tan δ in temperature range of 300～400°C to make the carbonaceous strucuture more flexible and viscous to resist stress, expand better and keep intact. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal decomposition of lutetium propionate

The thermal decomposition of lutetium(III) propionate monohydrate (Lu(C₂H₅CO₂)₃·H₂O) in argon was studied by means of thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, IR-spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Dehydration takes place around 90 °C. It is followed by the decomposition of the anhydrous propionate to Lu₂O₂CO₃ with evolution of CO₂ and 3-pentanone (C₂H₅COC₂H₅) between 300 °C and 400 °C. The further decomposition of Lu₂O₂CO₃ to Lu₂O₃ is characterized by an intermediate constant mass plateau corresponding to a Lu₂O_2.5(CO₃)_0.5 overall composition and extending from approximately 550 °C to 720 °C. Full conversion to Lu₂O₃ is achieved at about 1000 °C. Whereas the temperatures and solid reaction products of the first two decomposition steps are similar to those previously reported for the thermal decomposition of lanthanum(III) propionate monohydrate, the final decomposition of the oxycarbonate to the rare-earth oxide proceeds in a different way, which is here reminiscent of the thermal decomposition path of Lu(C₃H₅O₂)·2CO(NH₂)₂·2H₂O.     

Thermal behaviour of malonic acid,sodium malonate and its compounds with some bivalent transition metal ions

Characterization, thermal stability and thermal decomposition of transition metal malonates, MCH₂C₂O₄·nH₂O (M = Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II)), as well as, the thermal behaviour of malonic acid (C₃H₄O₄) and its sodium salt (Na₂CH₂C₂O₄·H₂O) were investigated employing simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy, TG-FTIR system, elemental analysis and complexometry. The dehydration, as well as, the thermal decomposition of the anhydrous compounds occurs in a single step. For the sodium malonate the final residue up to 700 °C is sodium carbonate, while the transition metal malonates the final residue up to 335 °C (Mn), 400 °C (Fe), 340 °C (Co), 350 °C (Ni), 520 °C (Cu) and 450 °C (Zn) is Mn₃O₄, Fe₂O₃, Co₃O₄, NiO, CuO and ZnO, respectively. The results also provided information concerning the ligand's denticity, thermal behaviour and identification of some gaseous products evolved during the thermal decomposition of these compounds.     

Theoretical studies of electronic structure and structural properties of anhydrous alkali metal oxalates

Nanocrystalline LiMn₂O₄ was synthesized by calcining LiMn₂(CO₃)_2.5·0.8H₂O above 600 °C in air. The precursor and its calcined products were characterized by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The result showed that highly crystallization LiMn₂O₄ with cubic structure [space group Fd-3m(227)] was obtained when the precursor was calcined at 600 °C in air for 1.5 h. The thermal process of the precursor in air experienced three steps which involved, at first, the dehydration of 0.8 water molecules, then decomposition of MnCO₃ into Mn₂O₃, at last, reaction of Mn₂O₃ and Li₂CO₃ into cubic LiMn₂O₄. Based on Starink equation, the values of the activation energies associated with the thermal process of LiMn₂(CO₃)_2.5·0.8H₂O were determined. Besides, most probable mechanism functions and thermodynamic functions (ΔS ^≠, ΔH ^≠, and ΔG ^≠) of thermal processes of LiMn₂(CO₃)_2.5·0.8H₂O were also determined.     

Atmospheric effect for thermal process of indium hydroxoformate

The influence of thermal process for indium hydroxoformate, In(OH)(HCO₂)₂, used as one of the precursor material of ITO transparent conducting films, has been successfully investigated in some controlled atmospheres by unique thermal analyses equipped with a humidity generator, which are thermogravimetry - differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), thermogravimetry in conjunction with evolved gas analysis using mass spectrometry (TG-MS) and simultaneous measurement of differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffractometry (XRD-DSC). The thermal process in dry gas atmosphere by linear heating experiment was indicated through a single-step reaction between 200 and 300°C, while the thermal process in the atmosphere of controlled humidity proceeded through two-step reactions and the formation of crystalline indium oxide (In₂O₃) was effectively promoted and completed at the lower temperatures with introducing water vapor in the atmosphere. The thermal process changed dramatically by introducing water vapor and was quite different from that in dry gas atmosphere. Pure In₂O₃ was synthesized in inert atmosphere of controlled humidity and could be easily formed at temperatures below 260°C. The XRD-DSC equipped with a humidity generator revealed directly the crystalline change from In(OH)(HCO₂)₂ to In₂O₃ and the formation of the intermediate during the thermal decomposition. A detailed thermal process of In(OH)(HCO₂)₂ and the effect of heating atmosphere are discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis, characterization and thermal behaviour of solid-state tartrates of heavy trivalent lanthanides and yttrium(III)

Solid state Ln₂-L₃ compounds, where Ln stands for heavy trivalent lanthanides (terbium to lutetium) and yttrium, and L is tartrate [(C₄H₄O₆)^?2] have been synthesized. Simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffractometry, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and complexometry were used to characterize and to study the thermal behaviour of these compounds. The results provided information concerning the stoichiometry, crystallinity, ligand??s denticity, thermal stability and thermal behaviour of these compounds.     

MnO x /ZrO2 gel-derived materials for hydrogen peroxide decomposition

Manganese-yttrium-zirconium mixed oxide nanocomposites with three different Mn loadings (5, 15 and 30 wt%) were prepared by sol–gel synthesis. Amorphous xerogels were obtained for each composition. Their structural evolution with the temperature and textural properties were examined by thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy and N₂ adsorption isotherms. Mesoporous materials with high surface area values (70–100 m² g⁻¹) were obtained by annealing in air at 550 °C. They are amorphous or contain nanocrystals of the tetragonal ZrO₂ phase (T-ZrO₂) depending on the Mn amount and exhibit Mn species with oxidation state higher than 2 as confirmed by temperature programmed reduction experiments. T-ZrO₂ is the only crystallizing phase at 700 °C while the monoclinic polymorph and Mn₃O₄ start to appear only after a prolonged annealing at 1,000 °C. The samples annealed at 550 °C were studied as catalysts for H₂O₂ decomposition in liquid phase. Their catalytic activity was higher than that of previously studied Mn/Zr oxide systems prepared by impregnation. Catalytic data were described by a rate equation of Langmuir type. The decrease of catalytic activity with time was related to dissolution of a limited fraction (up to 15%) of Mn into the H₂O₂/H₂O solution.     

Crystal and molecular structure of the [Nd2(H2O)8(C6F5COO)6]·2H2O Compound

A compound with the composition Nd(C₆F₅COO)₃· H₂O (I) is prepared. Single crystals are grown, and their single crystal XRD analysis of the Nd₂(H₂O)₈(C₆F₅COO)₆]·2H₂O (II) compound is performed. The crystals are triclinic: a = 7.693(2) Å, b = 9.394(2) Å, c = 18.203(4) Å, α = 81.91(3)°, β = 84.41(3)°, γ = 88.97(3)°, Z = 1, d _x = 2.223 g/cm³. The structure is composed of symmetrical molecules of the binuclear [Nd₂(H₂O)₈(C₆F₅COO)₆] complex and crystallization water molecules. The C₆F₅COO^- ligands are monodentate and tridentate bridging- chelating, which results in a closure of two four-membered chelate cycles NdO₂C and a four-membered metal cycle Nd₂O₂. The NdO₉ polyhedron is a distorted one-capped tetragonal antiprism.     

Preparation of nanocrystalline BiFeO3 and kinetics of thermal process of precursor

The Bi₂Fe₂(C₂O₄)₅·5H₂O was synthesized by solid-state reaction at low heat using Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O, FeSO₄·7H₂O, and Na₂C₂O₄ as raw materials. The nanocrystalline BiFeO₃ was obtained by calcining Bi₂Fe₂(C₂O₄)₅·5H₂O at 600 °C in air. The precursor and its calcined products were characterized by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, FT-IR, X-ray powder diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The data showed that highly crystallized BiFeO₃ with hexagonal structure [space group R3c(161)] was obtained when the precursor was calcined at 600 °C in air for 1.5 h. The thermal process of the precursor in air experienced five steps which involved, at first, the dehydration of an adsorption water molecule, then dehydration of four crystal water molecules, decomposition of FeC₂O₄ into Fe₂O₃, decomposition of Bi₂(C₂O₄)₃ into Bi₂O₃, and at last, reaction of Bi₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ into hexagonal BiFeO₃. Based on Starink equation, the values of the activation energies associated with the thermal process of Bi₂Fe₂(C₂O₄)₅·5H₂O were determined. Besides, the most probable mechanism functions and thermodynamic functions (ΔS ^≠, ΔH ^≠, and ΔG ^≠) of thermal processes of Bi₂Fe₂(C₂O₄)₅·5H₂O were also determined.     

Humidity controlled thermal analysis

The low temperature formation of crystalline zinc oxide via thermal decomposition of zinc acetylacetonate monohydrate C₁₀H₁₄O₄Zn·H₂O was studied by humidity controlled thermal analysis. The thermal decomposition was investigated by sample-controlled thermogravimetry (SCTG), thermogravimety combined with evolved gas analysis by mass spectrometry (TG-MS) and simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffractometry (XRD-DSC). Decomposition of C₁₀H₁₄O₄Zn·H₂O in dry gas by linear heating began with dehydration around 60°C, followed by sublimation and decomposition above 100°C. SCTG was useful because the high-temperature parallel decompositions were inhibited. The decomposition changed with water vapor in the atmosphere. Formation of ZnO was promoted by increasing water vapor and could be synthesized at temperatures below 100°C. XRD-DSC equipped with a humidity generator revealed that C₁₀H₁₄O₄Zn·H₂O decomposed directly to the crystalline ZnO by reacting with water vapor.     

Thermal decomposition of hydroxylammonium neodymium sulfate dihydrate

The thermal decomposition of hydroxylammonium neodymium sulfate dihydrate has been investigated by simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. Chemical analysis, X-ray powder spectra and infrared spectroscopy have been employed to characterize the intermediates and the final product. The thermal decomposition can be described by the sequence (NH₃OH)Nd(SO₄)₂·2H₂O(NH₃OH)Nd(SO₄)₂ NH₄Nd₃(SO₄)₅Nd₂(SO₄)3. The first and the second reactions overlap, but the last one is well separated from the first two.     

Thermal decomposition features of calcium and rare-earth oxalates

Thermal decomposition of Ln₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 9H₂O concentrate (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) in the presence of CaC₂O₄ · H₂O was studied by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and chemical analysis. Annealing at temperatures above 374°C in the absence of calcium oxalate gives rise to the solid solution of CeO₂-based rare-earth oxides. Calcite CaCO₃ is formed in the presence of calcium oxalate at annealing temperatures above 442°C, which impedes the formation of lanthanide oxide solid solution and favors crystallization of oxides as individual La₂O₃, CeO₂, Pr₆O₁₁, and Nd₂O₃ phases. An increase in temperature above 736°C is accompanied by decomposition of calcium carbonate to give rise to an individual CaO phase and an individual phase of CeO₂-based lanthanide oxide solid solution.     

Thermal studies on yttrium,neodymium and holmium oxalates

The thermal decomposition patterns of Y₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 9 H₂O, Nd₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 10 H₂O and Ho₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 5.5 H₂O have been studied using TG and DTG. The hydrated neodymium oxalate loses all the water of hydration in one step to give the anhydrous oxalate while Y₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 9 H₂O and Ho₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 5.5 H₂O involve four or more dehydration steps to yield the anhydrous oxalates. Further heating of the anhydrous oxalates results in the loss of CO₂ and CO to give the stable metal oxides.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of three-dimensional open-framework lanthanide oxalates containing either the guanidinium or tetramethylammonium ions

Single crystals of three new lanthanide oxalate complexes, (CN₃H₆)₂[Nd(H₂O)]₂(C₂O₄)₄3H₂O I, [N(CH₃)₄][Nd₂(H₂O)₃](C₂O₄)_3.54H₂O II and [N(CH₃)₄][Yb(C₂O₄)₂] III, have been synthesized hydrothermally in presence of either the guanidinium or tetramethylammonium TMA ions. A relevant feature of III is the complete absence of water. For all the complexes, the three-dimensional framework structure is built up by the connections of the lanthanide and the oxalate units, forming cavities and channels where the guest species, guanidinium and TMA ions and free water molecules, are localized. Thus, the above complexes present a very open architecture. For I and II, the neodymium atoms are 9-coordinated, forming a distorted monocapped square antiprism while for III, the ytterbium atom is 8-coordinated forming a quite regular dodecahedron. For I, the dehydration process is partially reversible. All the complexes will be characterized by infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. I has been extended to other lanthanide forming a family, Ln = La–Eu.     

Study of thermal behavior of CrO3 using TG and DSC

Using two techniques of thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry under O₂ and N₂ gas atmosphere from 25 to 600 °C, the thermal behavior of chromium(VI) oxide CrO₃ was investigated. The identity of products at different decomposition steps was confirmed by XRD technique. Both techniques produced similar results supporting the same steps for the compound. The received products were investigated by SEM electron microscope. The form and the size of crystals were investigated. Three distinct energy changes were observed, namely, two endothermic and one exothermic in DSC. The amount of ?H for each peak is also reported.     

Formation of Cr(II) Species in the H2/CrO3 System. Parameter control

The thermal behaviour of CrO₃ on heating up to 600°C in dynamic atmospheres of air, N₂ and H₂ was examined by thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), IR spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results revealed three major thermal events, depending to different extents on the surrounding atmosphere: (i) melting of CrO₃ near 215°C (independent of the atmosphere), (ii) decomposition into Cr₂(CrO₄)₃ at 340–360°C (insignificantly dependent), and (iii) decomposition of the chromate into Cr₂O₃ at 415–490°C (significantly dependent). The decomposition CrO₃ → Cr₂(CrO₄)₃ is largely thermal and involves exothermic deoxygenation and polymerization reactions, whereas the decomposition Cr₂(CrO₄)₃ → Cr₂O₃ involves endothermic reductive deoxygenation reactions in air (or N₂) which are greatly accelerated and rendered exothermic in the presence of H₂. TG measurements as a function of heating rate (2–50°C min⁻¹) demonstrated the acceleratory role of H₂, which extended to the formation of Cr(II) species. This could sustain a mechanism whereby H₂ molecules are considered to chemisorb dissociatively, and then spillover to induce the reduction. DTA measurements as a function of the heating rate (2–50°C min⁻¹) helped in the derivation of non-isothermal kinetic parameters strongly supportive of the mechanism envisaged. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.