Synthesis, crystal structure and NMR of [Na(DB18C6)(CH3CN)]3[α-AsM12O40] (M = Mo/W)

Two super-molecular complexes [Na(DB18C6)(CH₃CN)]₃[α-AsM₁₂O₄₀] (M = Mo/W) were obtained by solvothermal reaction and characterized by IR,¹H ¹³C and gUMBC NMR, X-ray. The result reveals that the complex consists of a [α-AsM₁₂O₄₀]³⁻ (M = Mo/W) anion with α-Keggin structure, and three complex [Na (DB18C6)(CH₃CN)]⁺ cations in which every sodium ion is located in the cavity of dibenzo-18-crown-6 with 6 Na–O bonds and coordinated with one of the terminal O atom of [α-AsM₁₂O₄₀]³⁻ (M = Mo/W) and the N atom of CH₃CN from two sides of the distorted DB18C6 plane, respectively. The three terminal O atoms linked with sodium ion are from a single M₃O₁₃ (M = Mo/W) triplet of the α-Keggin metalatoarsenate anion, and M–O_b (M = Mo/W) bonds exhibit alternating single–double bond character.     

A new sandwich polyoxometalate based on Keggin-type monolacunary polyoxotungstoborate anion, [Zr(α-BW11O39)2]

A new sandwich-type polyoxometalate based on Keggin-type monolacunary anion, [Zr(α-BW₁₁O₃₉)₂]¹⁴⁻ was synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, UV electronic spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. This is the first report of crystal structure for the sandwich Keggin-type polyoxotungstoborate.     

An α-K3PMo3W9O40 film loaded with silver nanoparticles: Fabrication, characterization and properties

A composite film consisting of the mixed-addenda Keggin-type polyoxometalate α-K₃PMo₃W₉O₄₀ (PMo₃W₉) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was fabricated on quartz, silicon, and ITO by the layer-by-layer self-assembly method. The regular growth of the multilayer film was monitored by UV–vis spectroscopy, and the morphology was measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The multilayer film embedded by AgNPs exhibited the photo-luminescence ascribed to electronic transitions from excited states to d levels of the silver nanoparticles. The composite film also showed electrocatalytic activity towards reduction of NO₂⁻, H₂O₂, ClO₃⁻, BrO₃⁻, and IO₃⁻ attributed to tungsten-centered and molybdenum-centered redox processes of PMo₃W₉.     

A novel disubstituted Lindqvist-type polyoxomolybdate [Te2Mo4O19] supporting two organic vanadyl moieties: Synthesis, characterization, and crystal structure of {[V(2,2-bipy)2]2(4,4-bipy)[Te2Mo4O19]}

The first example of disubstituted Lindqvist-type polyoxomolybdate {[V(2,2-bipy)₂]₂(4,4-bipy)[Te₂Mo₄O₁₉]} has been synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by elemental analyses, XPS, IR, TG-DTA and X-ray single crystal diffraction. The structural analysis shows that the neutral molecular unit [V(2,2-bipy)₂]₂[Te₂Mo₄O₁₉] consists of a novel Lindqvist-type polyanion [Te₂Mo₄O₁₉]⁶⁻ supporting two vanadyl moieties [V(2,2-bipy)₂]³⁺, and such neutral molecules are joined together by π − π stacking interactions between the pyridine groups to form a two-dimensional grid-like network with non-coordinating “guest” 4,4-bipys encapsulated.     

Ten-vertex osmamonocarbaboranes via arachno and nido {CB9} monocarbaboranes. Polyhedral contraction promoted by [OsCl2(PPh3)3] in MeOH and the crystal and molecular structure of [1-H-1,1-(PPh3)2-2-Ph-3-(OMe)-isocloso-1,2-OsCB8H7]

Reactions of [OsCl₂(PPh₃)₃] 1 with the [NEt₄]⁺ salts of the [6-Ph-nido-6-CB₉H₁₁]⁻ anion 2 and the [arachno-6-CB₉H₁₄]⁻ anion 3 each proceed selectively in methanol solution with the elimination of one boron-containing fragment from the starting cluster polyhedron, yielding together a short series of three novel 10-vertex hydridoosmamonocarbaboranes of isocloso {OsCB₈} cluster geometry.     

Performance of Pd catalysts supported on nanocrystalline α-Al2O3 and Ni-modified α-Al2O3 in selective hydrogenation of acetylene

Nanocrystalline α-Al₂O₃ and Ni-modified α-Al₂O₃ have been prepared by sol–gel and solvothermal methods and employed as supports for Pd catalysts. Regardless of the preparation method used, NiAl₂O₄ spinel was formed on the Ni-modified α-Al₂O₃ after calcination at 1150 °C. However, an addition of NiO peaks was also observed by X-ray diffraction for the solvothermal-made Ni-modified α-Al₂O₃ powder. Catalytic performances of the Pd catalysts supported on these nanocrystalline α-Al₂O₃ and Ni-modified α-Al₂O₃ in selective hydrogenation of acetylene were found to be superior to those of the commercial α-Al₂O₃ supported one. Ethylene selectivities were improved in the order: Pd/Ni-modified α-Al₂O₃–sol–gel > Pd/Ni-modified α-Al₂O₃-solvothermal ≈ Pd/α-Al₂O₃–sol–gel > Pd/α-Al₂O₃-solvothermal  Pd/α-Al₂O₃-commerical. As revealed by NH₃ temperature program desorption studies, incorporation of Ni atoms in α-Al₂O₃ resulted in a significant decrease of acid sites on the alumina supports. Moreover, XPS revealed a shift of Pd 3d binding energy for Pd catalyst supported on Ni-modified α-Al₂O₃–sol–gel where only NiAl₂O₄ was formed, suggesting that the electronic properties of Pd may be modified.     

Sintering kinetics of α-Al2O3 powder

The sintering kinetics of α-Al₂O₃ powder are reviewed in this paper. The initial sintering of α-Al₂O₃ micropowder and α-Al₂O₃ nanopowder is all controlled by grain boundary diffusion. The sintering kinetics dominate up to a relative density of 0.77, where the coarsening kinetics dominate during further densification. Herring's scaling law can be used to predict the approximate sintering temperature of α-Al₂O₃ powder and demonstrates that if the particle size can be reduced to <20 nm, sintering below 1000°C may be possible. ©     

Effect of Na, K and Fe on the formation of α- and β-Ca2SiO4

The contribution of Fe to C₂S polymorphs is effectively revealed for β-C₂S formation and is not for α′- or α-C₂S. However in co-existing of Na or K with Fe, the α-C₂S is easily stabilized, though accompanied with small amount of crystalline Ca₂Fe₂O₅ as the interstitial material. This effect of Fe on α- and β-C₂S synthesis was investigated by XRD, chemical analysis and Mössbauer spectra observation. Comparing calculated Mössbauer parameters of α- and β-C₂S with those of other minerals, it was confirmed that they included only Fe³⁺ at octahedral and tetrahedral sites with the ratio 30:70 in Na---Fe substituted α-form and with 63:37 in K---Fe substituted α-form. In β-C₂S, Fe³⁺ was mostly situated at tetrahedral site. The formulas of α- and β-C₂S were decided and shown as, (Ca_1.88Fe_0.05Na_0.24)(Si_0.88Fe_0.11)O₄, (Ca_1.94 Fe_0.09K_0.18) (Si_0.88Fe_0.05)O₄ for α-form and (Ca_1.93Fe_0.003Na_0.04) (Si_0.99Fe_0.05)O₄, (Ca_1.94Fe_0.01K_0.04) (Si_0.92Fe_0.13)O₄ for -form.     

Sintering of α-Al2O3/quartz, and α-Al2O3/cristobalite related to mullite formation

Cristobalite and quartz react differently in mixtures with α-Al₂O₃ at 1415°C. With cristobalite, an eutectic liquid forms in accordance with the metastable phase equilibrium diagram for α-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ (cristobalite) in the absence of mullite. With quartz, a liquid first forms on the surfaces of quartz because of the occurence of an intermediate liquid phase on transformation of quartz to cristobalite. These liquids act as precursors to the formation of mullite by reacting with α-Al₂O₃. Mullite was detected earlier in the cristobalite-containing mixtures under similar firing conditions because the growth of mullite becomes significant with the formation of the eutectic liquid at the α-Al₂O₃-cristobalite interface since it is already saturated with Al₂O₃. The kinetics of sintering are affected by the rates of the step reactions.     

An intertwined double chain constructed by [SiMo12O40] clusters and unusual [Cu2(DF)2H2O] dimers

A new compound, {[Cu₂(DF)₂H₂O]₂SiMo₁₂O₄₀} (1) (DF = 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one), has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by routine methods and single crystal X-ray diffraction. In 1, all the DF only adopt the unusual bidentate coordination mode for the first time coordinating to Cu atoms to form copper-dimers which link [SiMo₁₂O₄₀]⁴⁻ clusters obtaining an intertwined double chain. Furthermore, the luminescent and electrochemical properties of the title compound have been studied.     

Size effects on χ- to α-Al2O3 phase transformation

Nano-scaled χ-Al₂O₃ powders with d₅₀ mean particle sizes from 17 to 314 nm were prepared to investigate the size effect on their phase transformation. Structural properties and crystallization behavior as a function of thermal treatments of various-sized χ-Al₂O₃ particles were examined by DTA, XRD and TEM characterizations. It was confirmed that the decrease of particle size allows for stable α-Al₂O₃ formation at relatively low temperature. Furthermore, the phase transformation route of χ-Al₂O₃ to α-Al₂O₃ was also modified due to the decrease of particle size. A critical size of χ-Al₂O₃ that determines the phase transformation behavior was found to be around 40 nm. For particles larger than 40 nm, a transition phase of κ-Al₂O₃ is formed before obtaining final α-Al₂O₃ phase. Nevertheless, for those smaller than the critical size, starting χ-Al₂O₃ particles have to grow to 40 nm and then directly transform to α-Al₂O₃ bypassing κ-Al₂O₃ at a temperature as low as 1050 °C.     

In situ DRIFTS study of the effect of structure (CeO2–La2O3) and surface (Na) modifiers on the catalytic and surface behaviour of Pt/γ-Al2O3 catalyst under simulated exhaust conditions

The nature and relative populations of adsorbed species formed on the surface of un-promoted and sodium-promoted Pt catalysts supported either on bare Al₂O₃ or CeO₂/La₂O₃-modified Al₂O₃, were investigated by in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) under simulated automobile exhaust conditions (CO + NO + C₃H₆ + O₂) at the stoichiometric point. The DRIFT spectra indicate that interaction of the reaction mixture with the Pt/Al₂O₃ catalyst leads mainly to formation of formates and acetates on the support and carbonyl species on partially positively charged Pt atoms (Pt^δ+). Although enrichment of Al₂O₃ with lanthanide elements (CeO₂ and La₂O₃) does not significantly modify the carboxylate species formed on the support, it causes significant modification of the oxidation state of Pt, as indicated by the appearance of a substantial population of carbonyl species on reduced Pt sites (Pt⁰–CO). This modification of the Pt component is enhanced when Na-promotion is used, leading to formation of carbonyl species only on electron enriched Pt (i.e., fully reduced Pt⁰ sites) and to the formation of NCO on these Pt entities (2180 cm⁻¹). The latter are thought to result from enhanced NO dissociation at Na-modified Pt sites. These results correlate well with observed differences in the catalytic performance of the three different systems.     

Photocatalytic reduction of Ag2SO4 by the Dawson anion α-[P2W18O62] and tetracobalt sandwich complexes

The photocatalytic behaviours of the Dawson salt α-K₆[P₂W₁₈O₆₂] and two isomers of the tetracobalt Dawson-derived sandwich complexes, αββα-Na₁₇[Co₄(H₂O)(OH)(P₂W₁₅O₅₆)₂]·51H₂O·2NaCl and ααβα-Na₁₆[Co₄(H₂O)₂(P₂W₁₅O₅₆)₂]·51H₂O (abbreviated ββ-{Co₄P₄W₃₀} and αβ-{Co₄P₄W₃₀}, respectively), are described and compared.The direct photochemical excitation of the polyoxometalates (POM) in the presence of propan-2-ol as electron donor leads to their reduction. With polyoxometalates as photocatalyst and propan-2-ol as sacrificial electron donor, the reduction of Ag^I₂SO₄ from aqueous solutions is observed leading to metallic Ag_n⁰ clusters and colloidal metal nanoparticles stabilized by POM.In the case of both {Co₄P₄W₃₀}, TEM experiments reveal that most of the Ag_n particles obtained with a slight excess of Ag⁺ are spherical with a quite large distribution in size between 10 and 100 nm.     

Synthesis and structure of [{As(NBu)3}2Li6] containing an [As(NBu)3] trianion

Attempts to prepare the [As(N^tBu)₃]³⁻ trianion by the reaction of As(NMe₂)₃ with [^tBuNHLi]_n (1:3 monomer equiv.) proved unsuccessful. However, if the reaction is carried out with an excess of ^tBuNH₂ (3 equiv.) the target complex [{As(N^tBu)₃}₂Li₆] (1) is obtained. This is the first example of a complex containing an [As(NR)₃]³⁻ trianion.     

Influence of the type of sepiolite on the modification of the pore-size distribution in γ-Al2O3 supports

γ-Al₂O₃ modified supports with bimodal pore-size distributions were prepared by the addition of different types of natural sepiolites (α or β) into alumina. The supports were characterized by nitrogen physisorption, mercury porosimetry, X-ray diffraction, HRTEM and DTA techniques. A wide range of S_BET (94–238 m² g^− 1), pore volumes (0.3–0.82 cm³ g^− 1), and pore sizes were obtained in the supports depending on the type of sepiolite and its concentration added into alumina. The pore sizes were distributed as follows: mesopores around 1.8 nm in radius, mesopores in the radius range 3.0–25 nm and macropores between 25 and 300 nm in radius. The shape of the pore-size distributions depended on the type of sepiolite: the modal peak for pores larger than 3.0 nm was broad with β-type sepiolites and narrow with α-type sepiolites. The mesopore and macropore sizes can be controlled by the type of sepiolite as well as its concentration added to alumina.     

Improving the oxygen permeability of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ membranes by a surface-coating layer of GdBaCo2O5+δ

A GdBaCo₂O_5+δ layer was coated on the Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ membranes to enhance their oxygen permeability by employing the fast oxygen adsorption/desorption surface-exchange properties of the GdBaCo₂O_5+δ material. The oxygen flux of the coated and uncoated Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ membranes was measured in the temperature range of 600–850 °C. The results reveal that the oxygen-permeation flux of the Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ membranes coated by a GdBaCo₂O_5+δ layer shows significant enhancement. The GdBaCo₂O_5+δ layer coated on the oxygen desorption side (He side) has much effect than that coated on the oxygen adsorption side (air side). At 850 °C, the oxygen flux with a single coating layer on the air side can rise 16%, while a single coating on the helium side will result into a rise of 23%.     

Effect of the hydrogen spillover on the selectivity of dibenzothiophene hydrodesulfurization over CoSx/γ-Al2O3, NiSx/γ-Al2O3 and MoS2/γ-Al2O3 catalysts

Dibenzothiophene (DBT) hydrodesulphurization (HDS) reaction at 3 MPa and 325–375 °C on Mo/γ-Al₂O₃ single-bed and Me/γ-Al₂O₃//SiO₂//Mo/γ-Al₂O₃ (Me = Co or Ni) double-bed catalysts were investigated. Results indicate that ratio cyclohexylbenzene (CHB)/biphenyl (BP) or selectivity is higher when using double-beds rather than a single-bed. Synergy in dibenzothiophene hydrodesulphurization on Co//Mo and Ni//Mo double-beds is also detected. Changes in selectivity and conversion are attributed to the action of spillover hydrogen (Hso) formed in the first bed that reaches the second bed.     

Coral-like nanostructured α-Mn2O3 nanaocrystals for catalytic combustion of methane: Part I. Preparation and characterization

Coral-like nanostructured α-Mn₂O₃ nanocrystals were prepared by oxidative decomposition of MnCO₃, exhibiting tremendous activity in the catalytic combustion of methane. This prepared α-Mn₂O₃ nanocrystals showed ultra-high stability during reaction while the structure feature was unaffected. The ultra-stable structure of the α-Mn₂O₃ catalyst has been demonstrated by characterization of SEM, XPS, XRD, Raman spectroscopy. The performance of the α-Mn₂O₃ nanocrystals has proven reproducible and potentially to be an applied catalyst for methane combustion.     

Surface alteration of (VO)2P2O7 by α-Sb2O4 as a route to control the n-butane selective oxidation

The catalytic properties of (VO)₂P₂O₇/α-Sb₂O₄ mixed oxides system for n-butane mild oxidation have been investigated on two mechanical mixtures (M1 and M2) of the same well crystallized (VO)₂P₂O₇ (reference vanadyl pyrophosphate) with two different morphologies of α-Sb₂O₄.The M1 mixture of (VO)₂P₂O₇ with α-Sb₂O₄ (1), prepared by oxidation of Sb₂O₃, leads to the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of n-butane, whereas the M2 mixture of (VO)₂P₂O₇ with a commercial α-Sb₂O₄ (2) (Aldrich) with a different morphology improves the maleic anhydride selectivity as compared to the reference (VO)₂P₂O₇ catalyst (synergetic effect). After reaction, no ternary VPSbO phase is detected by XRD and DTA and it was controlled that the two α-Sb₂O₄ oxides are catalytically inactive.The (VO)₂P₂O₇ reference catalyst which produced only maleic anhydride as mild oxidation product shows by XPS a slightly oxidized surface (14% V⁵⁺–86% V⁴⁺).Contamination of the (VO)₂P₂O₇ phase by migration of Sb species occurs after catalytic reaction in the case of the M1 mixture as shown by XPS, LEIS and TEM–EDX analysis. XPS showed that (VO)₂P₂O₇ is partially superficially reduced (86% V⁴⁺–14% V³⁺). This feature is consistent with the decrease of acidity as observed by pyridine adsorption–desorption.In opposition with the M1 mixture, no contamination of the (VO)₂P₂O₇ phase is observed after catalytic reaction in the case of the M2 mixture. The XPS study shows, in this case, that (VO)₂P₂O₇ is partially oxidized (30% V⁵⁺–70% V⁴⁺) at a higher level than for the reference (VO)₂P₂O₇ catalyst. This situation is associated with the increase of selectivity observed for maleic anhydride (synergetic effect).The difference in the catalytic results for the two M1 and M2 mixtures, as compared to the (VO)₂P₂O₇ reference catalyst, can be explained by the alteration of the surface composition of (VO)₂P₂O₇ and the distribution of vanadium oxidation state due to different interaction between Sb₂O₄and (VO)₂P₂O₇, depending on the orientation of the α-Sb₂O₄ crystals.     

Photo-Fenton degradation of 17β-estradiol in presence of α-FeOOHR and H2O2

A novel photocatalyst, α-FeOOH-coated resin (α-FeOOHR), was prepared and applied for the photodegradation of natural estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2) in presence of H₂O₂ under the relatively weak UV irradiation. The continuing loading of ferric oxide on resin was achieved by in situ hydrolysis of Fe³⁺ in alkaline solution. The effects of initial pH, catalyst loading, oxidant concentration and iron leaching on the photodegradation of E2 were investigated. The batch photodegradation experiment showed that high removal efficiency of E2 and fairly good mechanic stability could be obtained by the spherical photocatalyst α-FeOOHR in aqueous solutions. The photodegradation efficiencies slightly decreased with the increase of initial pH in the wide pH range of 3–11. Increase of oxidant and catalyst will enhance photodegradation efficiencies thus lead to increase the Ferric leaching. Neglected iron leaching showed the stability of the loaded α-FeOOH withstanding the oxidation. X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) shed light on the surface activity change of photocatalyst and heterogeneous catalytic essence of this process.