Two CrIII containing metal‐1‐hydroxyethylidenediphosphonate compounds: Synthesis,structure, and morphology

Two novel layered Cr^III containing metal‐hedp compounds, Na₂₀AlCr^III[CH₃C(O)P₂O₆]₆·O₃·(H₂O)₂₆·(H₃O)₁₀ (CH₃ CH₂ OH) and Na₆Cr^III[CH₃C(OH)P₂O₆]₃·(H₂O)₂₁(H₃O)₃ (designated as DLES‐AlCr and DLES‐Cr^III respectively), were hydrothermally synthesized. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The two crystals are isostructural with propeller‐like chiral motifs and hexagonal rings along [001]. DLES‐AlCr crystal exhibits interesting hollow tubular hexagonal morphology, while DLES‐Cr crystal possesses solid hexagonal morphology. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Hydrothermal synthesis and formation of 4ZnO·B2O3·H2O whiskers via a new route

4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O whiskers were prepared from 2ZnO·3B₂O₃·3.5H₂O under hydrothermal process at 160 °C for 10 h. The synthesized product was characterized by XRD, SEM, TG‐DSC and FT‐IR. SEM results showed that the synthesized 4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O whiskers' length was about 3–10 μm and the diameter was 0.2–0.3 μm. Further study on the whiskers' growth process and mechanism showed that the formation of the whiskers went through three stages and the morphology of 4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O changed from irregular particles to rod‐like structures and finally to whiskers. The variation of the morphology of the 4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O whisker with the concentration of the starting material was investigated. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Studies on fabrication of urchin‐like WO3·H2O hollow spheres and their photocatalytic properties

Urchin‐like tungsten oxide hydrate (WO₃ · H₂O) hollow spheres were successfully synthesized via a self‐sacrifice template method at low temperature. The effects of reaction parameters on the preparation were studied in solution. The growth mechanism was also proposed on the basis of experimental results. In addition, the acid amount and temperature have important effects on size control of the as‐obtained samples. The achieved nanoarchitectures have typical diameters of 4–6 μm with nanoflakes of several nanometers at surface. Crystal structure, morphology, and composition of final nanostructures were characterized by X–ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Degradation experiments of organic contaminant were also performed on samples of hollow spheres and walnut‐like structures under visible‐light illumination. Hollow sphere sample exhibited better photocatalytic capability than walnut‐like sample. Possible mechanism was studied for WO₃ · H₂O assisted photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminant under visible light.     

pH‐Controlled topologies of two Co(II) complexes based on 5‐Nitro‐1,2,3‐benzenetricarboxylic acid and 1,6‐Bis(1,2,4‐triazole‐1‐yl)hexane

Two new Co(II) coordination polymers, [Co(Hnbta)(bth)]_n ( 1 ) and {[Co₃(nbta)₂(bth)₃(H₂O)]·H₂O}_n ( 2 ), (H₃nbta = 5‐nitro‐1,2,3‐benzenetricarboxylic acid and bth = 1,6‐bis(1,2,4‐triazole‐1‐yl)hexane), have been synthesized under different pH values through hydrothermal reactions. Both complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. Complex 1 exhibits a 3D polythreaded network based on 4‐connected sql 2D layer. Complex 2 has a (4,4,5)‐connected trinodal 3D pillar‐layered network with a (4²·6⁴)₂(4²·6⁷·8)₂(6⁴·8²) topology. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that complexes 1 and 2 show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent Co(II) ions.     

Composition and morphology control of Fex(PO4)y(OH)z·nH2O microcrystals

A series of Fe_x(PO₄)_y(OH)_z·nH₂O microcrystals were prepared by the hydrothermal reaction at 150 °C. The ratio of Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ in Fe_x(PO₄)_y(OH)_z·nH₂O microcrystals can be adjusted by using Na₂S₂O₃·5H₂O as a reducing agent. The morphology control of Fe_x(PO₄)_y(OH)_z·nH₂O microcrystals was realized through regulating the molar ratio of LiAc·2H₂O/FeCl₃. Further, the morphology, structure and composition of Fe_x(PO₄)_y(OH)_z·nH₂O microcrystals were also investigated by x‐ray diffraction (XRD), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Synthesis of radial‐like ZnO structure by hydrothermal method with ZnSO4·7H2O and Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O as zinc sources

Radial‐like ZnO structures were prepared using zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄·7H₂O) and zinc acetate [Zn(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O] as zinc sources by a facile template‐free hydrothermal method in this paper. Structural and optical properties of radial‐like ZnO structures are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV‐vis spectrophotometer and photoluminescence measurement (PL). It has been found that the distinct surface morphologies of radial‐like ZnO structures grown by different zinc sources. Slim radial‐like ZnO with a hexagonal wurtzite structure is grown by using ZnSO₄·7H₂O as zinc sources, whereas coarse radial‐like ZnO with zincite structure is achieved by zinc acetate. The UV‐vis absorption spectra of them both display an obvious and significant absorption in the ultraviolet region. The room temperature PL spectra of ZnO structures grown by two different zinc sources possess a common feature that consists of a strong ultraviolet (UV) peak and visible emission band.     

A study of the growth process of Co3O4 microcrystals synthesized via a hydrothermal method

Pure Co₃O₄ microcrystals were prepared by a hydrothermal method from Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O and urea solution, and the effect of thermal treatment time on the growth of Co₃O₄ microcrystals was studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman and UV‐Vis absorption spectra. The results show that with the thermal treatment time increases from 2 h to 12 h, the shape of as‐prepared Co₃O₄ microcrystals changes from the hedgehog sphere‐like to the as‐cubic one that were stacked by lots of lamella, and finally cubes, and then longer time treatment will only lead to the size growth and agglomeration of particles. In conclusion, the cubic Co₃O₄ microcrystals of uniform size (∼6 μm) are synthesized via a 12‐h thermal treatment. Moreover, the synthesis mechanism has been studied.     

Crystal structure, vibrational spectra, and thermal decomposition and nitrogen adsorption behaviour of a new tetramanganese(II) dipyrophosphate decahydrate, Mn4(P2O7)2·10H2O

A new manganese(II) pyrophosphate, Mn₄(P₂O₇)₂·10H₂O, has been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction [orthorhombic space group Pnma, with unit cell parameters of a=9.3288(3) ?, b=25.9532(9) ?, c=8.4783(3) ?; Z=4]. All the pyrophosphate anions show non-linear P–O–P bonds with an average angle of 128.60°. The framework of this new pyrophosphate is made up of packed layers of MnO₆ octahedra connected by double-tetrahedra P₂O₇ groups and a layer of Mn(H₂O)₆ units. The [P₂O₇]⁴⁻ anions adopt a bent, near-staggered conformation. The absence of coincidences for the majority of the IR and Raman bands is in accord with the centrosymmetric structure of the material. The vibrational spectra have been interpreted in part on the basis of factor group effects. The structural changes occurring during heating have been investigated by TG-ATD. When Mn₄(P₂O₇)₂ ^.10H₂O is gradually heated, it decomposes into an intermediate hydrated salt at 96°C and then to anhydrous Mn₂P₂O₇ at 325°C. This thermal behaviour is different from that of Zn₄(P₂O₇)₂·10H₂O. The crystal structure of the new managenese(II) pyrophosphate is compared with the known structures of Zn₄(P₂O₇)₂·10H₂O, Mn₂P₂O₇·2H₂O and anhydrous Mn₂P₂O₇. The adsorption and desorption isotherms of Mn₄(P₂O₇)₂·10H₂O, Zn₄(P₂O₇)₂·10H₂O and MnKHP₂O₇·2H₂O have been investigated by BET measurements and the results show that the capacity for N₂ sorption of the Mn(II) salt is two times lower than is that of the Zn(II) isotype and two or three times higher than is that of MnKHP₂O₇·2H₂O.     

Crystal and molecular structure of 1‐allyl‐5‐(4‐methylbenzoyl)‐4‐(4‐methylphenyl)pyrimidine‐2(1H)‐thione

The crystal structure of 1‐allyl‐5‐(4‐methylbenzoyl)‐4‐(4‐methylphenyl)pyrimidine‐2(1H)‐thione (C₂₂H₂₀N₂OS) has been determined from three dimensional single crystal X‐ray diffraction data. The title compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P 2₁/c, with a = 10.6674(13), b = 10.1077(7), c = 17.9467(19) Å, β = 98.460(9)°, V = 1914.0(3) ų, D_calc = 1.251 g cm^–3, Z = 4. In the title compound, the allyl group shows positional disorder. Molecules are linked by C‐H···O, C‐H···N and C‐H···S intermolecular interactions forming two‐dimensional network. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Three‐Dimensional Structure Constructed via Hydrogen Bonds and π‐π Stacking Interaction. Crystal Structure of [Cu(AFO)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2.2(AFO).2H2O (AFO = 4,5‐Diazafluoren‐9‐one)

The structure of the title complexes [Cu(AFO)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂.2(AFO).2H₂O (AFO = 4,5‐Diazafluoren‐9‐one)has been established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P‐1 with cell constants a = 7.659(3) Å, b = 11.066(3) Å, c = 14.203(5) Å, alpha = 75.16(3)°, β = 79.87(3)°, gamma = 85.71(3)°, Z = 1. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to R₁ = 0.0595 (wR₂ = 0.1164). The X‐ray analysis reveals that a pair of AFO ligands chelate to a Cu(II) atom in an asymmetric fashion with one Cu‐N bond being much longer than the other, the Cu(II) atom is further coordinated by a pair of aqua ligands to form an elongated octahedral geometry. In the crystal of the complex, the mononuclear complex cations [Cu(AFO)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺, uncoordinated AFO molecules, lattice water molecules and perchlorate anions are assembled into 3‐D structure via hydrogen bonds and π‐π stacking interaction.     

A new nonlinear optical crystal: Bi2O2(OH)(NO3)

The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of Bi₂O₂(OH)(NO₃) crystals have been reported for the first time. Bi₂O₂(OH)(NO₃) crystals with dimensions of 1.3×1.2×0.1 mm³ have been grown by hydrothermal method, and the crystals characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), SEM and IR. The measured second harmonic generation (SHG) effect of Bi₂O₂(OH)(NO₃) was about 7 times that of KDP. The mechanism responsible for the large SHG of Bi₂O₂(OH)(NO₃) was explained according to its structure. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of (N(C2H5)4)4[VMo12V2O44]

The hydrothermal reaction of a mixture of Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O, V₂O₅, pyromellitic acid (1,2,4,5‐C₆H₂(COOH)₄), (C₂H₅)₄NCl and 0,1 M H₂SO₄ for 88 h at 180°C gives blue needle‐like crystals of [V^IV₂O₂(H₂O)₂ (C₆H₂(COO)₄)] in 20% yield (based on V) and dark blue prismatic crystals of the title compound, mixed‐valance (N(C₂H₅)₄)₄[VMo₁₂V₂O₄₄], 1, in 12% yield (based on Mo). 1 was investigated by means of elemental analysis, thermogravimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Single Crystal X‐ray Diffraction Methods. Crystal data for the compound: monoclinic space group P2₁/c (No:14), a=13.7815(12) b=13.0271(9) c= 21.189(2) Å, β= 113.909(7)°, Z=2. Although [XM₁₄O₄₂]^‐n (X=P, Si, Ge, V and M=Mo and/or V) cores have been previously determined, this is the first time that [VMo₁₂V₂O₄₄]^‐4 core is synthesized and characterized. The structural difference between 1 and these HPOMs is the coordinational geometry of the central metal atoms. The central vanadium in 1 has an octahedral coordination geometry, whereas in literature, the central V, P, Si and Ge atoms in [V₁₅O₄₂]^‐9 / [SiM₈V₆O₄₂]^‐4 / [PM₈V₆O₄₂]^‐5 / [GeM₈V₆O₄₂]^‐4 have tetrahedral coordinational geometry. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Ag@Fe3O4 nanowire: fabrication,characterization and peroxidase‐like activity

With a facile solvothermal method, Ag@Fe₃O₄ nanowire was successfully prepared and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained Ag@Fe₃O₄ nanowire posses enhanced peroxidase‐like activity with good stability and high absorbance. The optimization of pH, H₂O₂ concentration and loading capacity were carried out. The result of kinetic analysis indicates that the catalyzed reaction followed a Michaelis‐Menten behavior. The good peroxidase‐like activity makes Ag@Fe₃O₄ nanowire be promising for real application in biomedicine.     

Interaction in the molten system Rb2O‐P2O5‐TiO2‐NiO. Crystal structure of the langbeinite‐related Rb2Ni0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3

The interaction in the molten system Rb₂O‐P₂O₅‐TiO₂‐NiO was investigated at different molar ratios Rb/P = 0.5‐1.3, fixed Ti/P = 0.15, Ti/Ni = 1.0 at temperature range 1073–953 K. The conditions of formation of complex phosphates RbTi₂(PO₄)₃, Rb₂Ni_0.5Ti_1.5(PO₄)₃ and RbNiPO₄ have been determined. The new phosphate Rb₂Ni_0.5Ti_1.5(PO₄)₃ (space group P2₁3, a = 9.9386(2) Å) has been obtained and investigated by the single crystal X‐ray diffraction and FTIR‐spectroscopy. It has langbeinite‐like structure, that is built up from mixed (Ni/Ti)O₆‐octahedra and РО₄‐tetrahedra. Rubidium atoms are located in closed cavities of 3D‐framework.     

Optical properties of non‐centrosymmetric mixed crystals K2(La1‐x Cex)(NO3)5 · 2 H2O (x = 0.0 – 1.0)

Large single crystals of optical quality of the non‐centrosymmetric orthorhombic potassium rare earth nitrate mixed crystals K₂(La_1–x Ce_x)(NO₃)₅ · 2 H₂O were grown at 38 °C from diluted HNO₃. For crystals with x = 0.0, 0.19, 0.38 and 0.66 refractive indices and their dispersion were determined with an error less than 1 · 10^–4 in the wavelength range 0.404 – 1.083 μm by the prism method. Phase matching conditions for collinear SHG frequency conversion were analysed in detail, including calculation of the effective nonlinear optical susceptibility. By an appropriate choice of the fraction x of cerium the mixed crystals K₂(La_1–x Ce_x)(NO₃)₅ · 2 H₂O allow an adjustment of non‐critical type I phase matching conditions to a desired wavelength of the fundamental wave within the range 1.055(4) – 1.107(6) μm. Non‐critical type II phase matching can be tuned in the wavelength range 0.949(2) – 0.931(2) μm. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Crystallization and Characterization of Orthorhombic β‐MgSO4 · 7H2O

In solution, the growth rate and the crystal habit are influenced by a number of factors such as supersaturation, temperature, pH of the solution, cooling rate, agitation, viscosity, initial state of the seed crystal and the presence of impurities. The crystallization of orthorhombic β‐MgSO₄ · 7H₂O, from low temperature aqueous solution by slow cooling process was studied. The metastable zone width, the induction periods (τ) for different supersaturations and the effect of pH on the growth rate of the crystals were investigated. The increase of pH yielded bigger crystals. The structural, optical, thermal and mechanical properties of β‐MgSO₄ · 7H₂O have been studied using FT‐IR, X‐ray diffraction, TGA‐DTG and micro hardness analyses.     

Structural features of a new [Fe(nicotinamide)2(H2O)4]·[Fe(H2O)6]·(SO4)2·2H2O complex

A new nicotinamide complex of Fe(II) cation was prepared by reaction between ferrous sulfate and nicotinamide in aqueous solution. The complex was characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, FT IR and UV–VIS spectroscopy, electrochemistry (cyclic voltammetry) and X–ray crystallography. The complex consists of the molecular composition of [Fe(nicotinamide)₂(H₂O)₄]· [Fe(H₂O)₆]·(SO₄)₂·2H₂O. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P 2₁/c [a = 12.862(3), b = 7.110(3), c = 16.382(3) Å; β = 95.79(2)°]. It has been proven that nicotinamide is coordinated to Fe(II) through the nitrogen atom of its heterocyclic ring. © 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim     

Self‐assembly of a cadmium(II) diamondoid net with 2‐fold interpenetrating microporous structure

Assembly of 5‐methoxyisophthalic acid (H₂moip) with cadmium(II) ions in the presence of neutral ancillary 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane (bpp) yields a new coordination polymer, [Cd(moip)(bpp)(H₂O)]_n·nH₂O ( 1 ). X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction determination reveals that complex 1 crystallizes in the space group C2/c of monoclinic crystal system: a = 14.545(2), b = 18.749(3), c = 17.359(3) Å, β = 105.480(2)º. Complex 1 is a 4‐connected 3D diamondoid topological framework with a 2‐fold interpenetration. Interestingly, the dense adamantine cages with inherent microporous structure are filled with free water molecules to further stabilize the coordination network.     

New zeotype borophosphates with chiral tetrahedral topology: (H)0.5M1.25(H2O)1.5[BP2O8]·H2O (M = Co(II) and Mn(II))

Two new isostructural open‐framework zeotype transition metal borophosphate compounds, (H)_0.5M_1.25(H₂O)_1.5[BP₂O₈]·H₂O (M = Co(II) and Mn(II)) were synthesized by mild hydrothermal method. The structure of compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction which have ordered, alternating, vertex‐sharing BO₄, PO₄, and (MO₄)OM(H₂O)₂ groups with hexagonal, P 6₁ 2 2 (No 178) space group and unit cell parameters for Co a = 9.4960(6) Å, c = 15.6230(13) Å, for Mn a = 9.6547(12) Å, c = 15.791(3) Å, Z = 1 for both of them. TGA/DTA analysis, IR spectroscopy were used for characterization. Magnetic susceptibility measurements for both of the compound indicate strong antiferromagnetic interaction between metal centers. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Laser‐induced crystal growth of nonlinear optical Ba3Ti3O6(BO3)2 on glass surface

Nonlinear optical Ba₃Ti₃O₆(BO₃)₂ crystals were patterned on the surface of CuO (1 mol%)‐doped 40BaO‐40TiO₂‐20B₂O₃ glass by irradiations of continuous‐wave Nd:YAG (wavelength: λ=1064 nm) and Yb:YVO₄ (λ=1080 nm) lasers. Laser energies absorbed by Cu²⁺ ions were transferred to the lattice system through a nonradiative relaxation process, consequently heating the glass and inducing local crystallizations. For the lines patterned by Yb:YVO₄ laser irradiations with a power of 1 W and a scanning speed of 20 μm/s, a c‐axis orientation of Ba₃Ti₃O₆(BO₃)₂ crystals along the laser scanning direction is proposed from measurements of X‐ray diffraction analyses, polarized optical photographs, polarized micro‐Raman scattering spectra, and azimuthal dependence of second harmonic generations. The laser‐induced crystallization technique is found to be applied successfully for the spatially selective patterning of nonlinear optical Ba₃Ti₃O₆(BO₃)₂ crystals in glass. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)