Reduction Processes in the Course of Mechanochemical Synthesis of Li1+xV3O8

Mechanical activation (MA) of the LiOH+V₂O₅ and Li₂CO₃+V₂O₅ mixtures followed by brief heating at 673 K was used to prepare dispersed Li_1+xV₃O₈. It was shown that structural transformations during MA are accompanied by reduction processes. EPR spectra of Li_1+xV₃O₈ are attributed to vanadyl VO²⁺ ions with weak exchange interaction. The interaction of localized electrons (V⁴⁺ ions) with electron gas (delocalized electrons), which is exhibited through the dependence of EPR line width of vanadium ions versus measurement temperature (C–S–C relaxation), is revealed. It is shown that C–S–C relaxation is different for intermediate and final products. The properties of mechanochemically prepared Li_1+xV₃O₈ are compared with those of HT-Li_1+xV₃O₈, obtained by conventional solid state reaction. Mechanochemically prepared Li_1+xV₃O₈ is characterized by a similar amount of vanadium ions, producing electron gas, but a higher specific surface area.     

Magnetic study of Cr ion in M2CrV3O11−x (MZn, Mg) compounds

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic susceptibility measurements on the recently synthesized vanadates M₂CrV₃O_11−x (M=Zn, Mg) have been analyzed. Two absorption lines with g≈2.0 (type I) and g≈1.98 (type II) were recorded in the EPR spectra, which can be attributed to V⁴⁺ ions and Cr³⁺ ion clusters (pairs), respectively. The exchange constant J between Cr³⁺ ions has been calculated, using both EPR and magnetic susceptibility data. Fitting of the EPR and magnetic susceptibility data has been carried out. The sign of J is a negative one for all samples and indicates antiferromagnetic interactions. Some difference in the J constant value among samples has been obtained. Volumetric titration confirms distinctly the presence of vanadium V⁴⁺ ions in the investigated compounds.     

Nonstoichiometry and defects in V2O3

The structural mechanism which accommodates nonstoichiometry in V₂O₃ was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The existence of distinct diffuse scattering was observed as the boundary of the homogeneity range was approached. The analysis of the diffuse scattering indicates the formation of one-dimensional microdomains in the c direction having a structure similar to VO₂. Orientation relations between V₂O₃ and V₃O₅ (which is formed from V₂O₃ by heat treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere) show that V₃O₅ is formed by redistribution of vanadium ions among the octahedral interstitial sites of common close-packed sublattice consisting of oxygen ions. Possible relations between the present observations and physical properties in nonstoichiometric V₂O_3+x are discussed.     

Mössbauer study of the FeV2O4---Fe3O4 system

Mössbauer spectra of the Fe_1+xV_2−xO₄ spinel solid solutions are taken to investigate the cation distribution. Room temperature spectra can be interpreted by assuming that the cation distribution is represented approximately as Fe²⁺[Fe³⁺_xV³⁺_2−x]O₄ for 0 x 0.35 and Fe³⁺[Fe²⁺Fe³⁺_x−1V³⁺_2−x]O₄ for 1 x 2 and the ionic valence arrangement changes from the 2-3-3 type (Fe²⁺[Fe³⁺_xV³⁺_2−x]O₄) to the 3-2-3 one (Fe³⁺[Fe²⁺V³⁺]O₄) in the range 0.35 x 1. Fe₂VO₄ is found to be 3-2-3 spinel, Fe³⁺[Fe²⁺V³⁺]O₄. Its paramagnetic spectrum at 473°K is, however, composed of a broad single line with isomer shift value of 0.61 mm/sec relative to stainless steel, in which the line splitting due to the ferric and ferrous ions is rendered indistinguishable.     

Structural aspects of the metal-insulator transition in V4O7

V₄O₇ has a transition with decreasing temperature at 250 K and the structure has been refined at 298 and 200 K. The triclinic structure (A$\text{1}$) consists of rutile-like layers of VO₆ octahedra extending indefinitely in the a-b plane and four octahedra thick along the c-axis. The average VO distances for the four independent V atoms are 1.967, 1.980, 1.969, and 1.984 Å at 298K and 1.948, 1.992. 1.961, and 2.009 Å at 200K. At 200K there is a clear separation into strings of V³⁺ or V⁴⁺ ions running parallel to the pseudorutile c-axis. In addition, all of the 3+ and half of the 4+ sites are paired to form short VV bonds. The remaining V⁴⁺ atom is displaced toward one oxygen so as to balance its electrostatic charge. The distortion at the metal-insulator transitions in V₄O₇, Ti₄O₇, VO₂ + Cr, and NbO₂ are compared.     

Application of EPR spectroscopy for elucidation of vanadium speciation in VO x /ZrO2 catalysts subject to redox treatment

Application of EPR spectroscopy corroborated by spectra simulation in speciation studies of the tetravalent vanadium in supported VO _x /ZrO₂ catalyst has been discussed. Implementation of genetic algorithms into automated analysis of the EPR spectra has greatly improved the simulation efficiency. The performance of the new procedure has been benchmarked against common simplex method using the multi-component model and real EPR spectra of tetravalent vanadium in VO _x /ZrO₂ catalysts. The analysis has revealed speciation of vanadium into surface isolated and clustered vanadyl entities and isolated bulk V _Zr ^x ions due to formation of Zr_1?x V _x O₂ solid solution in the near to surface region. The structural heterogeneity of vanadium can be controlled by the calcination temperature and the redox treatment.     

EPR spectroscopic studies in (30 − x) Li2O-xK2O-10CdO-59B2O3-1MnO2 multi-component glass system

EPR studies were carried out in (30 - x) Li₂O-xK₂O-10CdO-59B₂O₃-1MnO₂ multi-component glass system to understand the effect of the variation in the alkali ratios on the EPR parameters. The observed EPR spectra of Mn²⁺ ion exhibits resonances at g = 2.0, 3.3 and 4.3. The resonance at g = 2.0 is due to Mn²⁺ ions in an environment close to the octahedral symmetry, where as the resonances at g = 3.3 & 4.3 are due to the rhombic surroundings of Mn²⁺ ions. Hyperfine splitting constant values at g = 2.0 and number of paramagnetic centers & paramagnetic susceptibility at different observed resonances were evaluated. These parameters show non linear variation with progressive substitution of Li⁺ ion with K⁺ ions may be due to the changes in cation field strengths and local structural variation due to the variation in mixed alkali ion ratios.     

Paramagnetic defects in α-WxV2O5

Paramagnetic defects in α-W_xV₂O₅ have been studied by ESR. A model is proposed where the unpaired electron arising from a valence induction effect remains localized on a single vanadium ion near the W⁶⁺ along the b direction. Introducing W⁶⁺ leads to a lattice distortion which is more important than that in the case of Mo⁶⁺. A slight displacement of vanadium along the a direction is observed in the defect, V⁴⁺ showing a stronger tendency toward octahedral coordination than V⁵⁺.     

Li+ ion conductivity in the system Li4SiO4Li3VO4

Two ranges of solid solutions were prepared in the system Li₄SiO₄Li₃VO₄: Li_4?xSi_1?xV_xO₄, 0 < x ? 0.37 with the Li₄SiO₄ structure and Li_3+yV_1?ySi_yO₄, 0.18 ? y ? 0.53 with a γ structure. The conductivity of both solid solutions is much higher than that of the end members and passes through a maximum at ～40Li₄SiO₄ · 60Li₃VO₄ with values of ～1 × 10^?5 ohm^?1 cm^?1 at 20°C, rising to ～4 × 10^?2 ohm^?1 cm^?1 at 300°C. These conductivities are several times higher than in the corresponding Li₄SiO₄Li₃(P,As)O₄ systems, especially at room temperature. The solid solutions are easy to prepare, are stable in air, and maintain their conductivity with time. The mechanism of conduction is discussed in terms of the random-walk equation for conductivity and the significance of the term c(1 ? c) in the preexponential factor is assessed. Data for the three systems Li₄SiO₄Li₃YO₄ (Y = P, As. V) are compared.     

Crystal chemistry of the (Ta6Si4O26)6− and (Ta14Si4O47)8− frameworks

The range of chemical flexibilities of the hexagonal frameworks (Ta₆Si₄O₂₆)^6? and (Ta₁₄Si₄O₄₇)^8? have been partially explored. This has been done with high-temperature preparations as in general ionic mobilities in these frameworks are too low to permit low-temperature ion exchange. Ionic site potential calculations indicate that preferential site-occupancy factors as well as geometric constraints are responsible for the absence of ionic motion. New phases K_6?xNa_xTa₆Si₄O₂₆ (x ? 4), K_8?xNa_xTa₁₄Si₄O₄₇ (x ? 5), and impure Ba_3?xNa_2xTa₆Si₄O₂₆ have been prepared. Introduction of up to 2 moles of Li⁺ and 1 mole of Mg²⁺ ions per formula unit into sites of the framework not normally occupied has been demonstrated as well as the possibility of partially substituting Zr⁴⁺ for Ta⁵⁺ ions. Substitutions designed to introduce large tunnel vacancies in the presence of only monovalent K⁺ or Na⁺ ions (P for Si, W for Ta and F for O) generally proved unsuccessful. Competitive phases also frustrated attempts to substitute either the larger Rb⁺ or the smaller Li⁺ ions into the large-tunnel sites. A large area of solid solution was discovered in the BaONa₂OTa₂O₅ phase diagram; it has a (TaO₃)-framework with the structure of tetragonal potassium tungsten bronze.     

Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of the new mixed-valence vanadate Na2SrV3O9

The new complex oxide Na₂SrV₃O₉ was synthesized and investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements. This oxide has a monoclinic unit cell with parameters a=5.416(1) Å, b=15.040(3) Å, c=10.051(2) Å, β=97.03(3)°, space group P2₁/c and Z=4. The crystal structure of Na₂SrV₃O₉, as determined from X-ray single-crystal data, is built up from isolated chains formed by square V⁴⁺O₅ pyramids. Neighboring pyramids are linked by two bridging V⁵⁺O₄ tetrahedra sharing a corner with each pyramid. The Na and Sr atoms are situated between the chains. Electron diffraction and HREM investigations confirmed the crystal structure. The temperature dependence of the susceptibility indicates low-dimensional magnetic behavior with a sizeable strength of the magnetic intra-chain exchange J of the order of 80 K, which is very likely due to superexchange through the two VO₄ tetrahedra linking the magnetic V⁴⁺ cations.     

Preparation and studies of a new ammonium vanadium bronze, (NH4)xV2O5

A new bronze-type phase of composition (NH₄)_0.40±0.02V₂O₅ is obtained around 230°C during the thermal decomposition of NH₄VO₃ in hydrogen atmosphere. The bronze intermediate is characterized by X-ray diffraction, electrical conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, and ESR studies. It is found to be isostructural with other known β-type vanadium bronzes of general formula M_xV₂O₅, where M is usually a monovalent metal. Electrical conductivity and magnetic studies indicate the localized character of conduction electrons at V⁺⁴ sites. At high temperatures (>400°C), the bronze undergoes decomposition and subsequent reduction to V₂O₃ in hydrogen atmosphere.     

Electrical Resistivity, Magnetic Susceptibility, X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and Electronic Band Structure Studies of Cu2.33−xV4O11

The electronic and physical properties of Cu_2.33V₄O₁₁ were characterized by electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements and by tight-binding electronic band structure calculations. Attempts to prepare Cu_2.33−xV₄O₁₁ outside its narrow homogeneity range led to a mixture of Cu_2.33V₄O₁₁, CuVO₃ and β-Cu_xV₂O₅. The magnetic susceptibility data show no evidence for a magnetic/structural transition around 300 K. The XPS spectra of Cu_2.33V₄O₁₁ reveal the presence of mixed valence in both Cu and V. The [Cu⁺]/[Cu²⁺] ratio is estimated to be 1.11 from the Cu 2p_3/2 peak areas, so [V⁴⁺]/[V⁵⁺]=0.56 by the charge balance. Our electronic structure calculations suggest that the oxidation state of the Cu ions is +2 in the channels of CuO₄ tetrahedra, and +1 in the channels of linear CuO₂ and trigonal planar CuO₃ units. This predicts that [Cu⁺]/[Cu²⁺]=1.33 and [V⁴⁺]/[V⁵⁺]=0.50, in good agreement with those deduced from the XPS study.     

Mn environment in layered Li[Mg0.5−xNixMn0.5]O2 oxides monitored by EPR spectroscopy

X-band and high-frequency EPR spectroscopy were used for studying the manganese environment in layered Li[Mg_xNi_0.5−xMn_0.5]O₂, 0?x?0.5. Both layered LiMg_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ and monoclinic Li[Li_1/3Mn_2/3]O₂ oxides (containing Mn⁴⁺ ions only) were used as EPR standards. The EPR study was extended to the Ni-substituted analogues, where both Ni²⁺ and Mn⁴⁺ are paramagnetic. For LiMg_0.5−xNi_xMn_0.5O₂ and Li[Li_(1−2x)/3Ni_xMn_(2−x)/3]O₂, an EPR response from Mn⁴⁺ ions only was detected, while the Ni²⁺ ions remained EPR silent in the frequency range of 9.23-285 GHz. For the diamagnetically diluted oxides, LiMg_0.25Ni_0.25Mn_0.5O₂ and Li[Li_0.10Ni_0.35Mn_0.55]O₂, two types of Mn⁴⁺ ions located in a mixed (Mn-Ni-Li)-environment and in a Ni-Mn environment, respectively, were registered by high-field experiments. In the X-band, comparative analysis of the EPR line width of Mn⁴⁺ ions permits to extract the composition of the first coordination sphere of Mn in layered LiMg_0.5−xNi_xMn_0.5O₂ (0?x?0.5) and Li[Li_(1−2x)/3Ni_xMn_(2−x)/3]O₂ (x>0.2). It was shown that a fraction of Mn⁴⁺ are in an environment resembling the ordered “α,β”-type arrangement in Li_1−δ1Ni_δ1[Li_{(1−2x)/3+δ1}Ni_2x/3−δ1)_α(Mn_(2−x)/3Ni_x/3)_β]O₂ (where and δ₁=0.06 were calculated), while the rest of Mn⁴⁺ are in the Ni,Mn-environment corresponding to the Li_1−δ2Ni_δ2[Ni_1−yMn_y]O₂ () composition with a statistical Ni,Mn distribution. For Li[Li_(1−2x)/3Ni_xMn_(2−x)/3]O₂ with x?0.2, IR spectroscopy indicated that the ordered α,β-type arrangement is retained upon Ni introduction into monoclinic Li[Li_1/3Mn_2/3]O₂.     

A single crystal EPR study of VO ions doped in Cs2Co(SO4)2.6H2O Tutton salt

EPR spectra of VO²⁺ ions doped in single crystals of Cs₂Co(SO₄)₂.6H₂O single crystals have been studied at various temperatures (390–103 K) on X-band frequency. The detailed EPR analysis shows three vanadyl complexes with differing intensities. The g and A tensors are found to be axially symmetric. The intense vanadyl complexes in the lattice are found to occupy the Co²⁺ substitutional sites, whereas the weak vanadyl complex at the interstitial sites. The optical absorption spectrum at room temperature shows three absorption bands characteristic of VO²⁺ ions in tetragonal symmetry. By correlating the EPR and optical data, the molecular bonding coefficients and the Fermi contact interaction terms have been evaluated and discussed. The line broadening of VO²⁺ spectra on cooling the crystal is explained on the basis of spin-lattice relaxation narrowing. The spin-lattice relaxation time for the host Co²⁺ ions has been estimated at various temperatures.     

Structural investigation and electron paramagnetic resonance of vanadyl doped alkali niobium borate glasses

Glasses with compositions xNb₂O₅·(30 ? x)M₂O·69B₂O₃ (where M = Li, Na, K; x = 0, 4, 8 mol%) doped with 1 mol% V₂O₅ have been prepared using normal melt quench technique. The IR transmission spectra of the glasses have been studied over the range 400–4000 cm^?1. The changes caused by the addition of Nb₂O₅ on the structure of these glasses have been reported. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of VO²⁺ ions in these glasses have been recorded in X-band (9.14 GHz) at room temperature (300 K). The spin Hamiltonian parameters, dipolar hyperfine coupling parameter and Fermi contact interaction parameter have been calculated. It is observed that the resultant resonance spectra contain hyperfine structures (hfs) due to V⁴⁺ ions which exist as VO²⁺ ions in octahedral coordination with a tetragonal compression in the present glasses. The tetragonality of V⁴⁺O₆ complex decreases with increasing concentration of Nb₂O₅. The 3d_xy orbit contracts with increase in Nb₂O₅:M₂O ratio. Values of the theoretical optical basicity, Λ_th, have also been reported.     

The electrochemical behaviour of the V2O5+MoO3 system and the defect structure of (MoxV1-x)2O5 solid solution

The V₂O₅+MoO₃ system has been examined by a stripping voltammetry technique using a carbon paste electroactive electrode and EPR. The feasibility of establishing the phase composition and the capability oxygen chemisorption has been demonstrated. The processes of electrochemical transformations of the substances to be investigated and of chemisorbed oxygen appearing on their surface as a result of electrochemical water oxidation serve as sources of information. The cathodic signal spectrum of chemisorbed oxygen anables its energetic inhomogeneity to be estimated, while the difference in potentials of the corresponding cathodic and anodic currents, its lability. It has been established that in the system investigated the dominant role in processes of oxygen chemisorption is played by the V⁴⁺ surface centres. A model of defect formation in solid solution (Mo_xV_1-x)₂O₅ is discussed.     

Phase diagram and some physical properties of V2O3+x1 (0 ? x ? 0.080)

The magnetic and electric properties of V₂O_3+x were investigated by measurements of magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, magnetotorque, Mössbauer of doped ⁵⁷Fe, and NMR of ⁵¹V, and the results were compared with those of the (V_1?xTi_x)₂O₃ system or highly pressured V₂O₃. The results obtained are as follows: (1) The metallic state shows an antiferromagnetic ordering at T_N (x). The value of T_N for metallic V₂O₃, obtained by interpolation to x = 0, shows the coincidence between V₂O_3+x and the (V_1?xTi_x)₂O₃ system. (2) Magnetic susceptibility of V₂O_3+x is expressed as χ_M(V₂O_3+x) = (1?x)χ_M(V³⁺) + xχ_M(V⁴⁺). χ_M(V⁴⁺) obeys the Curie-Weiss law $\text{(χ}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>M</mtext>}}\text{(}\text{V}{}^{\mathrm{4+}}\text{) =}\text{0.77}\text{T}\text{+ 17)}$. (3) In the insulating phase, the electrical resistivity ? is expressed as a common equation: $\text{? = 10}{}^{\mathrm{?1.8}}\text{exp}\text{(}\text{E}\text{kT}\text{)}$. This implies that the substitution of Ti or nonstoichiometry (V⁺⁴ + metal vacancies) has little influence on the carrier mobility (or bandwidth). (4) There is a critical length in the c-axis (? 14.01 Å) where the metal-insulator transition takes place. This suggests that the length of the c-axis plays an important role in the metal-insulator transition of V₂O₃-related compounds.     

Hydrolytic precipitation of calcium polyvanadates from vanadium(IV) and vanadium(V) solutions

The effect of VO²⁺ ions on the composition and kinetics of calcium polyvanadate precipitation from solutions with 1.5 ≤ pH ≤ 9 at 80–90°C has been studied. For 1,5 ≤ pH < 3 and V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ = 0.11–9, the precipitated compounds have the general formula Ca _x V _y ⁴⁺ V _12?y ⁵⁺ O_31?δ · nH₂O (0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.06, 2 ≤ y ≤ 3, 0.94 ≤ δ ≤ 1.5). The maximum vanadium(IV) proportion (y = 3) in the precipitates is achieved when V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ = 0.5?1.0 in the solution and pH is 3. Polyvanadate precipitation at pH 1.7 has a long induction period (up to 30 min), which is not observed for V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ > 0.1. Precipitation in solutions with pH 3 occurs only when VO²⁺ ions are added, with a maximum rate near V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ = 0.2 and in presence of chloride ions. The processes are controlled by a secondorder reaction on the polyvanadate surface.     

Na-Li-[V3O8] insertion electrodes: Structures and diffusion pathways

The potential insertion-electrode compounds Na_1.2[V₃O₈] (NaV) and Na_0.7Li_0.7[V₃O₈] (NaLiV) were synthesized from mixtures of Na₂CO₃, Li₂CO₃ and V₂O₅, which were melted at 750° and subsequently cooled to room temperature. The structures of NaV and LiV contain sheets of polymerized (VO_n) polyhedra, which are topologically identical to the sheet of polymerized polyhedra in Li_1.2[V₃O₈] (LiV). Vanadium occurs in three different coordination environments: [2+3] V(1), [2+2+2] V(2) and [1+4+1] V(3). Calculated bond-valence sums indicate that V⁴⁺ occurs preferentially at the V(3) site, which agrees with the general observation that [6]-coordinated V⁴⁺ prefers [1+4+1]-rather than [2+2+2]-coordination. The M-cations Na and Li occur at three distinct sites, M(1), M(2) and M(3) between the vanadate sheets. The M(1)-site is fully occupied and has octahedral coordination. The M(2) sites are partly occupied in NaV and NaLiV, in which they occur in [4]- and [6]-coordination, respectively. Li partly occupies the M(3) site in NaLiV, in which it occurs in [3]-coordination. The M(2) and M(3) sites in NaLiV occur closer to the vanadate sheets than the M(2) sites in NaV and LiV. The shift in these cation positions is a result of the larger distance between the vanadate sheets in NaLiV than in LiV, which forces interstitial Li to move toward one of the vanadate sheets to satisfy its coordination requirements. Bond-valence maps for the interstitial cations Na and Li are presented for NaV, NaLiV and LiV. These maps are used to determine other potential cation positions in the interlayer and to map the regions of the structure where the Na and Li have their bond-valence requirements satisfied. These regions are potential pathways for Na and Li diffusion in these structures, and are used to explain chemical diffusion properties of Na and Li in the Na-Li-[V₃O₈] compounds.