Formation and characterization of different ceria/silica composite materials via dispersion of ceria gel or soluble ceria precursors in silica sols

Composite ceria/silica materials of 10 and 20% (w/w) were prepared by calcination, at 650 degrees C for 3 h, of the xerogels obtained by mixing the corresponding amount of a ceria precursor with freshly prepared sols of spherical silica particles (Stober particles) in their mother liquors. Two different ceria precursors were examined in this investigation. The first was a gel produced by the prehydrolysis of cerium(IV) isopropoxide in isopropanol medium, and the second was an aqueous solution of cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate. Different textural and morphological characteristics that developed by calcination were investigated by TGA, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and analyses of N2 adsorption isotherms. The results indicated that ceria dispersion and formation of mesoporous textural composite materials produced by the second precursor, cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate, are better than those produced by the first precursor, prehydrolyzed cerium(IV) isopropoxide. The results are discussed in terms of the effect of precursors and mixing media on nucleation and growth of ceria particles and their protection from sintering on calcination at the test temperature.     

Direct formation of thermally stabilized amorphous mesoporous Fe2O3/SiO2 nanocomposites by hydrolysis of aqueous iron III nitrate in sols of spherical silica particles

Nanocomposite materials containing 10% and 20% iron oxide/silica, Fe2O3/SiO2 (w/w), were prepared by direct hydrolysis of aqueous iron III nitrate solution in sols of freshly prepared spherical silica particles (St?ber particles) present in their mother liquors. This was followed by aging, drying, calcination up to 600 degrees C through two different ramp rates, and then isothermal calcinations at 600 degrees C for 3 h. The calcined and the uncalcined (dried at 120 degrees C) composites were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption techniques, and scanning electron microscopy as required. XRD patterns of the calcined composites showed no line broadening at any d-spacing positions of iron oxide phases, thereby reflecting the amorphous nature of Fe2O3 in the composite. The calcined composites showed nitrogen adsorption isotherms characterizing type IV isotherms with high surface area. Moreover, surface area increased with the increasing of the iron oxide ratio and lowering of the calcination ramp rate. Results indicated that iron oxide particles were dispersed on the exterior of silica particles as isolated and/or aggregated nanoparticles. The formation of the title composite was discussed in terms of the hydrolysis and condensation mechanisms of the inorganic FeIII precursor in the silica sols. Thereby, fast nucleation and limited growth of hydrous iron oxide led to the formation of nanoparticles that spread interactively on the hydroxylated surface of spherical silica particles. Therefore, a nanostructured composite of amorphous nanoparticles of iron oxide (as a shell) spreading on the surface of silica particles (as a core) was formed. This morphology limited the aggregation of Fe2O3 nanoparticles, prevented silica particle coalescence at high temperatures, and enhanced thermal stability.     

Encapsulation of titanium(IV) oxide particles in hollow silica for size-selective photocatalytic reactions

A core-shell composite of TiO2 particles encapsulated in a hollow silica was fabricated, and the core-shell composite showed size-selective photocatalytic activity for decomposition of organics without reducing the intrinsic activity of the naked TiO2 core.     

Synthesis and characterization of Nano titania particles embedded in mesoporous silica with both high photocatalytic activity and adsorption capability

TiO(2)-xSiO(2) composites with a high specific surface area (up to 645 m(2)/g), large pore volume, and narrow distribution with average pore sizes ranging from 15 to 20 A have been synthesized by the sol-gel method. The results of characterization by XRD, BET, TEM, FTIR, and DRUV reveal that these TiO(2)-xSiO(2) composites exhibit a core/shell structure of a nano titania/Ti-O-Si species modified titania embedded in mesoporous silica. As compared to pure anatase, the embedding of nano titania particles into the mesoporous silica matrix results in a substantial blue shift of absorption edge from 3.2 to 3.54 eV and higher UV absorption intensity, which are attributed to the formation of the Ti-O-Si species modified titania in the interface between titania and silica. The as-synthesized TiO(2)-xSiO(2) composites exhibit both much higher absorption capability of organic pollutants and better photocatalytic activity for the photooxidation of benzene than pure titania. The better photocatalytic activity of as-synthesized TiO(2)-xSiO(2) composites than pure titania is attributed to their high surface area, higher UV absorption intensity, and easy diffusion of absorbed pollutants on the absorption sites to photogenerated oxidizing radicals on the photoactive sites.     

Preparation and characterization of poly(methyl methacrylate)/titanium oxide composite particles

Before polymerization, the introduction of double bonds onto the surface of the TiO₂ particles was achieved by the treatment of the TiO₂ particles with the silane-coupling agent. Via in-situ emulsion polymerization, the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/titanium oxide (TiO₂) composite particles were prepared by graft polymerization of MMA from the surface of the modified TiO₂ particles. The structure of the obtained PMMA/TiO₂ composite particles was characterized using fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and size excluding chromatography (SEC). The morphology of the obtained PMMA/TiO₂ composite particles was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results of FT-IR and TGA measurements show that PMMA is successfully grafted from the surface of the TiO₂ particles and that the percentage of grafting and the grafting efficiency can reach 208.3% and 96.6%, respectively. At the same time, the TGA and DSC measurements indicate an enhancement of thermal stability. TEM images demonstrate a better dispersion of the TiO₂ particles in the composite latex. In addition, UV-visible absorption measurements show that the PMMA/TiO₂ composite particles can absorb over 95% UV light at 210–400 nm wavelength.     

Evaluation of electron-hole recombination properties of titanium (IV) oxide particles with high photocatalytic activity

Electron-hole recombination in nano-sized titanium(IV) oxide (TiO₂) particles with various physical properties, which have been shown to be highly active photocatalysts, was evaluated by quantitative analysis of reduced titanium species (Ti³⁺), which might be formed at crystalline defective sites in TiO₂ particles through photo-irradiation in the presence of a hole scavenger under deaerated conditions. These highly active photocatalyst samples were synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization in organic media (HyCOM method) and post-calcination. The Ti³⁺ density decreased with increasing calcination temperature (T _c), and a linear correlation was observed between the Ti³⁺ density and rate constant for electron-hole recombination evaluated by femtosecond pump-probe diffuse reflection spectroscopy. Reaction rate (R _Ag) and the amount of silver ions (Ag⁺) adsorbed on TiO₂ particles ([Ag⁺]_ads) were measured for photocatalytic silver metal deposition along with oxygen formation from an aqueous Ag⁺ solution under deaerated conditions, and the slope of the R _Ag versus [Ag⁺]_ads plot was determined. Kinetic investigation of this reaction showed that the reciprocal of the slope was approximately related to the ratio of the rates for electron-hole recombination and electron trapping (k _r/k _e ratio). The k _r/k _e ratio decreased as T _c increased, and the logarithm of the k _r/k _e ratio was linearly related with Ti³⁺ density. These two parameters were used as a measure for the recombination properties of TiO₂ photocatalysts with various physical properties.     

Formation,hydrolysis and olation of hafnium(IV) chelates

Potentiometric equilibrium data are reported for the Hf(IV) chelates of ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA), N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetri-acetic acid (HEDTA), N-hydroxyethyliminodi-acetic acid (IMDA) at 35°C. The formation constants were calculated and the tendencies of these metal chelates to form hydroxo derivatives and olated polynuclear species are outlined.     

On the hydrolysis of the titanium(IV) ion in chloride media

Determinations of the [Ti(IV)]/[Ti(III) ratio in solutions of titanium(IV) chloride equilibrated with H₂(g), at 25°C in 3 M (Na)Cl ionic medium, have indicated the predominance of the Ti(OH)₂²⁺ species in the concentration ranges 0.5 ? [H⁺] ? 2 M and 1.5 x 10^?3 ? [Ti(IV)] ? 0.05 M. From the equilibrium data the reduction potential has been evaluated Ti(OH)₂²⁺ + 2 H⁺ + e ? Ti³⁺ + 2H₂O, E_oH = (7.7 ± 0.6) x 10^?3 V. The acidification reactions of Ti(OH)₂²⁺ were also studied in 12 M(Li)Cl medium at 25°C by measuring the redox potential of the Ti(IV)/Ti(III) couple as a function of [H⁺]. The potentiometric data in the acidity range 0.3 ? [H⁺] ? 12 M have been explained by assuming Ti⁴⁺ + e ? Ti³⁺, E_o = 0.202 ± 0.002 V Ti⁴⁺ + H₂O ? TiOH³⁺ + H⁺, log K_a1 = 0.3 ± 0.01 Ti⁴⁺ + 2H₂O ? Ti(OH)₂²⁺ + 2H⁺, log K_a1K_a2 = 1.38 ± 0.05.     

Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of aryloxide derivatives of titanium(IV) and zirconium(IV)

Homo- and heteroleptic aryloxides of the type MX_4–x(OAr)_x [M = Ti^IV, Zr^IV; X = OPrⁱ, Cl; x = 1,2,3,4; OAr = OC₆H₄Prⁱ-4(OAr¹), OC₆H₃Me-2-Prⁱ-5(OAr²), OC₆H₃Me-5-Prⁱ-2(OAr³), OC₆H₂Me₃-2,4,6(OAr⁴), OC₆H₃Bu^t₂-2,4(OAr⁵), OC₆H₃Bu^t₂-2,6(OAr⁶)] have been prepared either by alkoxo–aryloxo or chloro-aryloxo exchange reactions in benzene or tetrahydrofuran. All these new derivatives have been characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic (i.r., ¹H-, ¹³C-n.m.r.) studies and molecular weight measurements. The FAB mass spectral studies of four representative derivatives Support a dimeric nature for [Ti(OC₆H₃Me-5-Prⁱ-2)₄], [TiCl₂(OC₆H₃Me-5-Prⁱ-2)₂], and [Zr(OC₆H₃Bu^t₂-2,4)₄(thf)], whereas the derivative [ZrCl(OC₆H₃Bu^t₂-2,4)₃(thf)] is monomeric.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of 1,2,4-diazaphospholide complexes of titanium(IV) and titanium(III)

Two 1,2,4-diazaphospholide complexes of [Ti(η(2)-3,5-Ph(2)dp)(4)] and paramagnetic [Ti(η(2)-3,5-tBu(2)dp)(3)] were prepared by the reaction of tetrakis(dimethylamido)titanium(IV) with 3,5-diphenyl-1,2,4-diazaphophole, H[3,5-Ph(2)dp], or by the treatment of 3,5-tert-butyl-1,2,4-diazaphopholide potassium, K[3,5-tBu(2)dp], with titanium trichloride. Complexes can be viewed as the core of P(σ(2)λ(3))-functionalized metallodendrimers, in which the metal atoms are exclusively η(2)(N,N) bonding to the 1,2,4-diazaphospholides while P atoms (σ(2)λ(3)) with electron lone pairs are located on the periphery of the molecules.     

Formation of gaseous intermediates in titanium(IV) chloride plasma oxidation

A number of experiments were made to study tire gas phase reactions that precede TiO₂ aerosol formation from TiCl₄ in an O₂/Ar plasma. The gaseous .species from the plasma-aerosol reactor were detected by a high-resolution QP mass spectrometer. The feed ratio of Ar: O₂: TiCl₄ was typically 4. l: 0.1. Under such conditions both titanium oxychlorides and oxides of chlorine could be recognized. In the reactor the decay of oxychlorides from the reactions it-as fast, compared to the decay of chlorine. A rough estimate of the quantities of both ClO(g) and Ti0Cl_x(g) metastable species present is given. TiCl₄ oxidation reaction mechanisms with mentioned oxychlorides as intermediates are discussed The theoretical calculations were conducted in tire temperature range from 800 to 3500°C.     

Preparation and characterization of bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)titanium(IV) dithizonate complexes

Summary Dichlorobis(methylcyclopentadienyl)titanium(IV) reacts with 1,5-diarylthiocarbazones (aryl=phenyl,p-tolyl,o-chlorophenyl orp-chlorophenyl) in 11 and 12 molar ratios in tetrahydrofuran in the presence of triethylamine, to yield [(MeCp)₂Ti(HDz)Cl], [(MeCp)₂Ti(Dz)] and [(MeCp)₂-Ti(HDz)₂] (MeCp=methylcyclopentadienyl; HDz^– and Dz^2– are the mono- and di-anions of a 1,5-diarylthiocarbazone, H₂Dz).S-Methyl-1,5-diphenylthiocarbazone and [(MeCp)₂TiCl₂] react to give [(MeCp)₂Ti(MeDz)Cl] and [(MeCp)₂Ti(MeDz)₂] (MeDz^– represents the mono-anion ofS-methyl-1,5-diphenylthiocarbazone, HMeDz) in an excess of triethylamine. These new derivatives have been characterised on the basis of elemental analyses, magnetic moment, electrical conductance, i.r.,¹H n.m.r. and electronic spectral studies.     

Synthesis and characterization of bis(cyclopentadienyl)bis(hexafluoroantimonato) titanium(IV)

Reaction of titanocene dichloride with two equivalents of silver hexafluoroantimonate in sulphur dioxide quantitatively yields Cp₂Ti(SbF₆)₂ (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅) and AgCl. The titanocene bishexafluoroantimonate was recrystallized from SO₂ and characterized by chemical analysis, ¹H NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy.     

The preparation and characterization of acetylacetonato-bis(η-methylcyclopentadienyl)titanium(IV) complexes

Summary A series of [L₂TiL]⁺X^–compounds where L is the conjugate base of acetylacetone, L=-MeC₅H₄ and X^–= ClO ₄ ^– , BF ₄ ^– , FeCl ₄ ^– , ZnCl₃(H₂O)^–, SnCl ₃ ^– , CdCl ₄ ^2– , HgCl ₄ ^2– , Br^– or I^–, have been prepared by adding X^– to the aqueous solution of [L₂TiL]⁺Cl^–. Conductivity measurements in nitrobenzene for all compounds indicate that these complexes are electrolytes. The i.r. frequencies for various vibrational modes have been assigned. The ligand L appears to be chelating and the titanium atom is essentially tetracoordinate. The bonding in these complexes is discussed.On study leave from S. D. College, Muzaffar Nagar, U.P., India.     

A colloid "digesting" route to novel, thermally stable high surface area ZrO2 and Pd/ZrO2 catalytic materials

Zirconia having high thermal stability and high surface area (up to 160 m(2)/g at 700 degrees C) has been prepared by a colloidal "digesting" process. This material having demonstrated high surface areas at elevated temperatures was then applied as a catalyst support. A Pd colloid with diameter of approximately 12 nm has been successfully deposited on the high surface area zirconia material. All systems have been well characterized by TEM, X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption isotherms, FTIR, elemental analysis and dynamic light scattering techniques. The colloidal Pd particles have been found homogeneously well dispersed in the hydrous zirconia matrix without aggregation. The Pd/ZrO2 catalysts have been screened for cyclohexene and 1-hexene hydrogenation activity and it was found that the catalyst is extremely active.     

Synthesis,characterization and soft transformation of some bis(cyclopentadienyl) Ti(IV) and Zr(IV) complexes of Schiff's base ligands to nano‐sized titania or zirconia materials

Some bis(cyclopentadienyl) complexes of Ti(IV)and Zr(IV) have been synthesized by the metathetical reactions of Cp₂MCl₂ with the sodium salt of monofunctional bidentate Schiff's base ligands in 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometry in anhydrous THF. All the derivatives of the types Cp₂MCl_2?n{O(C₆H₄)CH₆H₅}_n and Cp₂MCl_2?n{OC(CH₃)(R)₆H₅}_n (where R = CH₃ or C₆H₅ and n = 1 or 2) have been characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight measurements, FT‐IR and ‐NMR [¹H and ¹³C{¹H}] studies. The FAB mass spectra of a few representative complexes and the molecular weight measurements in freezing benzene indicate their monomeric nature in solution. Spectral studies appear to indicate mono‐ and bi‐dentate mode of attachment of the ligand in solution and in the solid state, respectively. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) of Cp₂TiCl{O(C₆H₄)CH} ( 1 ) and Cp₂ZrCl{O(C₆H₄)CH} ( 7 ) indicate their low thermal stability. Transformations of some of these complexes to pure titania (TiO₂)/zirconia (ZrO₂) have been observed at relatively low sintering temperatures. Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron micrograph (SEM) studies suggest the nanocrystalline nature of these materials. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Formation of a heteronuclear hydrolysis complex in the Th(IV)-Fe(III) system

The speciation in the mixed Th(IV)-Fe(III) system has been studied in aqueous solution in the pH range of 2.0-4.8. In the individual systems iron(III) and thorium(IV) hydrolyze easily and hydrolysis products precipitate at approximately pH ≥ 2.0 and 4.0, respectively, at the metal concentrations used in this study, 0.02-0.05 mol dm(-3). In the mixed Th(IV)-Fe(III) system precipitation of ferrihydrite takes place after months of storage at low pH values, 2.0 (six-line ferrihydrite) and 2.3 (two-line ferrihydrite), as identified by X-ray powder diffraction. In the pH range 2.9-4.5 no precipitation was observed after 24 months. Two thorium(IV)-iron(III) solutions with pH = 2.9, C(Th) = 0.02 and 0.05 mol dm(-3) and C(Fe) = 0.02 mol dm(-3), were studied by extended X-ray absorption fine structure, EXAFS, using the Fe K and Th L(3) edges, and a third solution with pH = 2.9 and C(Th) = C(Fe) = 0.40 mol dm(-3) by large angle X-ray scattering, LAXS, to determine the structure of the predominating species. A heteronuclear hydrolysis complex with the composition [Th(2)Fe(2)(μ(2)-OH)(8)(H(2)O)(12)](6+) is proposed to form in solution, with Th···Th, Th···Fe and Fe···Fe distances of 3.94(2) and 3.96(2), 3.41(3) and 3.43(2), 3.04(2) and 3.02(4) ?, as determined by EXAFS and LAXS, respectively.     

Synthesis and photophysical characterization of a titanium(IV) phthalocyanine-C60 supramolecular dyad

An axially substituted titanium(IV) phthalocyanine-fullerene donor-acceptor supramolecular dyad has been prepared by two different approaches, one of them representing a convenient convergent strategy. The dyad system exhibits photoinduced electron transfer upon irradiation with visible light to produce a microsecond lived charge separated state.