Effect of anions on the structure and catalytic properties of a La-doped Cu-Mn catalyst in the water-gas shift reaction

Effects of the anion type on the structure, thermal stability, and catalytic performance of La-doped Cu-Mn catalysts prepared by co-precipitation were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, temperature-programmed reduction, temperature-programmed reduction of oxidized surfaces, and temperature-programmed desorption. The Cu-Mn catalyst was tested for the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction. The main crystalline phase of samples prepared with sulfate, acetate, chloride, and nitrate as the starting materials was a Cu_1.5Mn_1.5O₄ spinel structure, following the WGS reaction, the main crystalline phases were transformed into Cu and MnO. The sample prepared with acetate as the starting material showed the most obvious MnCO₃ characteristic diffraction peaks, with better synergistic effects of Cu and MnO, increased adsorption of CO₂ and improved dispersion of Cu on the catalyst surface; also, the best thermal stability and the highest low temperature catalytic activity were observed. The sample prepared with nitrate as the starting material maintained high thermal stability and catalytic performance in the range of 400°C to 450°C, but CO conversion decreased below 350°C. Catalytic performance of the sample prepared with sulfate and chloride as the starting materials was poor, ranging from 200°C to 450°C.     

Graphit-hexachloroplatinat(IV) und Platin(IV)-chlorid-Graphit. Übergang eines Graphitsalzes in eine Metallchlorid-Graphitverbindung

Graphite hexachloro-platinate(IV) and platinum(IV) chloride graphite. Transition of a graphite salt into a metal chloride-graphite compound Whereas graphite does not react with PtCl₄ in Cl₂ atmosphere up to 350°C, with H₂PtCl₆ · xH₂O at 150°C graphite hexachloroplatinate (third intercalation stage) is obtained. The thermal decomposition of the graphite salt gives PtCl₄-graphite with the composition near [C₄₂]_Gr · PtCl_4,3.     

Palladium-citric acid-ammonium fluoride as a matrix modifier for overcoming of interferences occurring during the direct determination of Sn in aqua regia extracts from environmental samples by D2-ETAAS

When tin is to be determined in such a complex matrix like aqua regia extracts of environmental samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), spectral interferences occur when deuterium-lamp (D₂) background correction is used, even using high pyrolysis temperature of 1400 °C achieved with palladium with citric acid chemical modifier. We have found that the further addition of NH₄F to palladium with citric acid chemical modifier is essential for overcoming the above-mentioned problems for which aluminium oxide is most probably responsible. It is supposed, that NH₄F enables volatilization of the alumina matrix formed by hydrolysis from the chloride salt and interfering in a gas phase via the formation of AlF₃ which could be, in contrast to aluminium oxide, removed from the graphite furnace during the pyrolysis stage. Using the proposed chemical modifier, the direct and accurate determination of Sn in aqua regia extracts from rocks, soils and sediments is possible even when using matrix free standard solutions. This presumption was confirmed by the analysis of certified reference samples and by the comparison with inductively coupled plasma time of flight mass spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS) method. Characteristic mass and LOD value for the original sample (10-μL aliquots of sample) was 17 pg and 0.055 μg g⁻¹, respectively.     

Effect of synthesis parameters on characteristics of expanded graphite

Effect of synthesis parameters on the characteristics of expanded graphite were studied. The starting sample, intercalated graphite, was treated by several methods: thermal shock (400, 1000°C) and programmed heating (400–700°C). The samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. The programmed-heating method yields better texture characteristics as compared with the thermal shock. The programmed-heating method was used to obtain high-quality expanded graphite with high specific surface area (299 m² g^–1) at a comparatively moderate temperature of 400°C.     

Structure and dehydration of hydrous tin dioxide xerogel

Hydrous tin dioxide xerogel with the composition SnO2 · 1.75H₂O is built of tin-oxygen-hydroxide fragments. Water molecules (no more than 1 mol) in the grain structure are kept by hydrogen bonds. Xerogel is dehydrated in the range 50–890°C in two stages. Below 123°C, molecular water is removed and the polycondensation of ≡Sn-O(H)-Sn≡ bridge groups occurs. There also takes place the transition of some water molecules from the molecular to hydroxide form as follows: ≡Sn-O-Sn≡ + H₂O → 2≡Sn-O-H. All processes occur within individual grains. Above 123°C, water removal is due to the polycondensation of tin-oxygen groups. As a result, grains are coarsen. After 200°C, their structure is determined as cassiterite coated by tin oxyhydrate.     

Electrochemical Lithium Insertion Properties of Carbon Nanotubes Produced by Catalytic Pyrolysis of Acetylene

Carbon nanotubes are synthesized in catalytic pyrolysis of acetylene over Co/SiO₂ at 650, 700, and 750°C. The first-charge capacities are 436, 303, and 205 mA h/g for samples produced at 650, 700, and 750°. The capacity of the 650° sample shows is higher than that of LiC₆ (372 mA h/g), but the voltage profile shows a large hysteresis (lithium is inserted below 0.25 V and removed above 1 V). The capacity below 1 V may be related to lithium intercalated into the interlayer of graphite planes, and that above 1 V, to accommodation of lithium at vacancies and nanoscopic cavities. With increasing preparation temperature, the cavities and vacancies are annihilated and the first-charge capacity above 1 V decreases.     

A New Route for the Synthesis of Alkali Polyphosphate from Economical Starting Materials: Preparation and Characterization of Sodium Cyclotriphosphate

Abstract

Thermal synthesis of sodium cyclotriphosphate (SCTP) – Na₃P₃O₉ was investigated in the temperature range of 150 °C to 750 °C using sodium chloride (NaCl) and 85 wt% orthophosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) as economical starting materials. Reaction temperature had a crucial impact on the chloride elimination rate and the formation of SCTP. The best result was obtained at 600 °C with 96% of elimination of the initial chloride as hydrochloric acid and 84% of selectivity in SCTP. At lower temperatures, residual chloride contents were high. At higher temperatures (650 °C and 750 °C), SCTP was melted and transformed into glassy products.     

Cadmium Determination in Human Whole Blood by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Magnesium Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide as a Combined Chemical Modifier

In this work, we propose a method to determine trace amounts of Cd in human whole blood samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with the combined chemical modifier including magnesium chloride and sodium hydroxide. Prior to the ETAAS analysis, dissolution of the blood samples is accomplished using a HNO₃-HClO₄double closed-vessel microwave digestion technique followed by drying of the dissolved blood samples by means of an infrared lamp. In using this approach, a MgCl₂ chemical modifier is added to the digested samples, then they are injected into the graphite furnace for detecting the Cd level via atomic absorption spectrometer. Besides we used a NaOH chemical modifier, which removed the matrix major elements through prior ashing at 1200 ° C for 30 s, and the Cd is subsequently volatilized at 2200 °C and determined by AAS. However, the proposed method can be employed to determine the of Cd level in whole blood samples by the calibration technique and the standard-additions method. Its validity is confirmed with two certified reference whole blood materials (Seronorm Trace Elements Whole Blood Batch no. 205052 and Batch no. 203056). By using 10 μL injections, a detection limit of 0.052 ng mL^?1 is achieved.     

Optimization of fluorine determination via the molecular absorption of gallium mono-fluoride in a graphite furnace using a high-resolution continuum source spectrometer

The determination of fluorine using the molecular absorption of gallium mono-fluoride (GaF) at the 211.248 nm rotational line has been optimized using a commercially available high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometer with a transversely heated graphite tube furnace. The electron excitation spectrum of GaF was generated by adding 500 μg Ga per injection into the graphite tube as molecule forming reagent. Best results were obtained by applying Zr as a permanent modifier and a mixed Pd/Zr modifier, thermally pretreated before each sample injection together with the Ga reagent at 1100 °C. The use of sodium acetate and Ru(III) nitrosyl nitrate as additional modifiers injected together with the sample further improved the performance. This way a maximum pyrolysis temperature of 550 °C could be used, and the optimum molecule forming temperature was 1550 °C. Several drinking water samples, a mineral water sample, and two certified reference materials were analyzed using the standard calibration technique; the absence of potential matrix effects was verified by measuring different dilutions and spiking with known fluorine mass. The results were in good agreement with the certified values and those measured by ion selective electrode; the recovery rate for the spiking experiments was between 97% and 106%. The results show that there was no matrix influence for that kind of samples containing relatively high concentrations of Ca, Mg and chloride, which are known to cause interference in GaF molecule absorption. The limit of detection and the characteristic mass of the method were 5.2 and 7.4 pg F, respectively, and were both about a factor of two better than recently published values.     

Influences of synthesizing temperatures on the properties of Cu<Subscript>2</Subscript>ZnSnS<Subscript>4</Subscript> prepared by sol–gel spin-coated deposition

In this work Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS) suitable for the absorption layer in solar cells was successfully prepared by sol–gel spin-coated deposition. CZTS precursors were prepared by using solutions of copper (II) chloride, zinc (II) chloride, tin (IV) chloride, and thiourea. Texture structures with kesterite crystallinity reflected from the X-ray diffraction of (112), (200), and (312) planes of the CZTS were obtained as synthesized at a temperature of over 240 °C. The absorption coefficients of the CZTS films are higher than 10⁴ cm⁻¹, and the optical-energy gap is about 1.5 eV. Without sulfurization treatment, a near stoichiometry composition of the CZTS is obtained at a synthesizing temperature of 280 °C.     

Synthesis of hyperbranched polyphenylenes using aryl dichloride monomers by Suzuki polycondensation

Advanced microelectronic fabrication requires stable organic materials that can be used under extreme conditions such as high temperatures. In this study, hyperbranched polyphenylenes (HBPs) were synthesized as stable and soluble polymers via the Suzuki polycondensation of 2‐(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolane (Bpin‐Cl) and 3,5‐dichlorophenylboronic acid (BOH‐Cl) in the presence of palladium acetate and 2‐(2′,6′‐dimethoxybiphenyl) dicyclohexylphosphine (SPhos). Soluble polymers having an average molecular weight in the range of 11 000 to 31 000 g/mol were obtained through the polymerization of chloride monomers. The degree of branching was determined to be 50% through inverse‐gated decoupling ¹³C NMR measurements. The chloride‐terminated HBP showed a temperature of 402°C for 1% weight loss (T_d1%) after the sample was purified via precipitation from an N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) solution and then thermally treated at 260°C for 3 hours. This thermal stability is higher than that of the HBPs synthesized from the corresponding bromide monomers. Moreover, after heating at 260°C, the sample was found to be soluble in organic solvents. The chlorinated terminal groups played an important role in achieving good solubility after heating. This unique property is attractive for non‐volatile or temporary coating materials used in microelectronic fabrication.     

Carbonization and graphitization of pitch applied for anode materials of high power lithium ion batteries

The artificial graphite materials were prepared by carbonizing coal tar pitch using two methods, namely, one- and two-step processes, and all sintered samples were graphitized at 2800 °C. Effects of different heat treatments on the performance of the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), particle size analysis, polarized light microscopy, and charge–discharge measurements. All samples show a typical graphite crystalline structure; moreover, the degree of graphitization (g factor) and crystallite size along the c-axis (L _c ) were calculated from (002) peak. The polarized light microscopy indicates that the coke with carbonization at 700 °C has an obvious wide domain (D) optical structure, while that with two-step sintering at 400 and 700 °C has a mixed optical structures of wide D, flow domains, and mosaics. TEM analysis revealed a number of irregular graphene layer images which are caused by the defects of graphite. EIS shows that the sample carbonized by two-step has a larger diffusion coefficient than the sample carbonized at 700 °C by one step. Higher carbonization temperature leads to better cycle performance as the temperature increasing from 500 to 700 °C in the one-step route. Specifically, the charge (Li⁺ extraction) capacity at the 50th cycle increases from 318 mA?h?g^?1 to 357 mA?h?g^?1. The results show that the rate performance of the artificial graphite is improved with the addition of the presintering at 400 °C.     

Effect of graphite pore former on oxygen electrodes prepared with La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ nanoparticles

This study aimed at fabricating porous crack-free and delamination-free La_0.6Sr_0.4CoO_3?δ electrodes using nanopowders and investigating oxygen reduction (occurring at solid oxide fuel cell cathodes) and oxygen evolution (occurring at solid oxide electrolysis cell anodes) at 600 °C in air. The electrodes were deposited by screen-printing on Ce_0.8Gd_0.2O_1.9 substrates. The pastes were prepared with nanoparticles synthesised by flame spray synthesis and graphite pore former. Without graphite, the electrodes sintered at 1000 °C exhibit relatively low porosity and significant densification which led to partial delamination and large overpotentials. The addition of graphite, which was removed by combustion at ca. 650 °C during sintering, markedly improves electrode performance by increasing porosity and reducing densification. A minimal overpotential for both the oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution was reached for a layer porosity of ca. 50–60 vol.%.     

Polymerization products of p-benzoquinone as thermal stabilizers for rigid poly(vinyl chloride): Part I—Preparation of the stabilizer

The solid phase cationic polymerization of p-benzoquinone using tin (II) chloride as catalyst has been investigated by isolation and identification of the reaction products. The polymerization reaction leads to formation of polymeric chains of hydroquinone nuclei linked together by SnOSn bonds and free from combined chlorine. The tin content of the polymer is increased by increasing the molar ratio of the catalyst and ranges from 4·7 to 55·6% tin. It is probable that the tin atoms are involved in the reaction products as a result of the interaction between polymeric chains having terminal catalyst residues. The resulting polymeric products are characterized by high thermal stability with a decomposition temperature in the region of 400°C. A mechanism which can account for the polymerization products has been developed. In view of the expected high potency of these products, together with their high thermal stability, they will be investigated as radical scavengers in the stabilization of polymeric material against radical degradation processes.     

Investigation of the Reaction of Roasted Serpentine Ore with Some Ammonium Salts

The reaction between roasted serpentine ore and ammonium sulfate was studied at the range of temperature 250–1000°C using different molar ratios to determine the maximum extraction of magnesia and also to characterize the different reaction products. The maximum extraction of MgO from the roasted ore reached 92.4% at 400°C. It was found from XRD that ammonium magnesium sulfate [(NH₄)₂Mg₂(SO₄)₃] was produced as the main product at 400°C, which decomposes to magnesium sulfate at 500–600°C. The last compound decomposes to magnesium oxide at 900–1000°C. Thermal analysis of the reaction mixture confirmed the results obtained by XRD. Extraction of magnesia by ammonium chloride at 300–400°C showed low percentage of extraction (7.8%). Comparison was made between using ammonium chloride instead of sulfate taking into consideration the thermal decomposition products of both ammonium salts. Extraction of magnesia from the roasted ore by aqueous ammonium sulfate or ammonium chloride showed good results.     

Some observations on sulfuric acid reactions in electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy with graphite furnaces

Interferences were found when mixtures of sulfuric acid with either nitric or perchloric acid were atomized in the graphite furnace of an atomic absorption spectrometer. The mixtures apparently formed thermally stable compounds with the graphite, which were not removed by pyrolysis at temperatures up to 1100°C. During the subsequent atomization, volatile species were released and their absorption could not be compensated by the conventional deuterium lamp system. The absorption and emission spectra of the species formed in the furnace showed the presence of CS and probably COS, as well as bands appropriate to S₂, SO₂ and NS. The uncorrectable absorptions detected at the 303.8-nm nickel line, the 303.94-nm indium line, and the 304.40-nm cobalt line are thought to be caused by the fine-structure of an unknown molecular compound.     

Thermal studies of carbonaceous electrode materials chemically modified with cyanuric chloride

A thermoanalytical investigation of chemically modified graphite and activated carbon is presented. Evaluation of thermal curves shows that radio-frequency oxygen plasma treatment is superior to electrochemical oxidation for increasing surface functional group concentrations, which when chemically reduced, can be used for cyanuric chloride binding. The amount of cyanuric chloride bound to the carbonaceous surface is determined by both potentiometric titration of hydrolyzed chloride and magnitude of weight loss at 275–290°C. The species evolved in this temperature range is identified by temperature-programmed mass spectrometry as cyanuric acid.     

Green method for ultrasensitive determination of Hg in natural waters by electrothermal-atomic absorption spectrometry following sono-induced cold vapor generation and ‘in-atomizer trapping’

Sono-induced cold vapor generation (SI-CVG) has been used for the first time in combination with a graphite furnace atomizer for determination of Hg in natural waters by electrothermal-atomic absorption spectrometry after in situ trapping onto a noble metal-pretreated platform (Pd, Pt or Rh) inserted into a graphite tube. The system allows ‘in-atomizer trapping’ of Hg without the use of conventional reduction reactions based on sodium borohydride or tin chloride in acid medium for cold vapor generation. The sono-induced reaction is accomplished by applying ultrasound irradiation to the sample solution containing Hg(II) in the presence of an organic compound such as formic acid. As this organic acid is partly degraded upon ultrasound irradiation to yield CO, CO₂, H₂ and H₂O, the amount of lab wastes is minimized and a green methodology is achieved.     

Thermal decomposition of Prussian blue under inert atmosphere

The thermal decomposition of Prussian blue (iron(III) hexacyanoferrate) under inert atmosphere of argon was monitored by thermal analysis from room temperature up to 1000?°C. X-ray powder diffraction and ⁵⁷Fe M?ssbauer spectroscopy were the techniques used for phase identification before and after sample heating. The decomposition reaction is based on a successive release of cyanide groups from the Prussian blue structure. Three principal stages were observed including dehydration, change of crystal structure of Prussian blue, and its decomposition. At 400?°C, a monoclinic Prussian blue analogue was identified, while at higher temperatures the formation of various polymorphs of iron carbides was observed, including an orthorhombic Fe₂C. Increase in the temperature above 700?°C induced decomposition of primarily formed Fe₇C₃ and Fe₂C iron carbides into cementite, metallic iron, and graphite. The overall decomposition reaction can be expressed as follows: Fe₄[Fe(CN)₆]₃·4H₂O????4Fe?+?Fe₃C?+?7C?+?5(CN)₂?+?4N₂?+?4H₂O.     

Inkjet-Printed TiO2/Fullerene Composite Films for Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells have garnered and held international research interest, due to ever-climbing power conversion efficiency values, now >25 %. Some high efficiency configurations utilize a compact TiO₂ layer underneath a mesoporous TiO₂ layer, both of which require high temperature annealing steps that could hinder perovskite commercialization. To address the high thermal budget, we chose to use inkjet-printing to combine the two layers into a single TiO₂ film, which incorporates both nanoparticle and molecular precursor as well as organic fullerene additives. We printed the ink on fluorine-doped tin oxide, and after annealing at various temperatures, we found that 400 °C was the optimum annealing temperature for the inkjet-printed electron transport layers, which is significantly lower than the 500 °C required to anneal typical mesoporous TiO₂ films.