Zn3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O and Zn3(VO4)2 3D microspheres as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Three-dimensional Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂·2H₂O microspheres have been successfully synthesized by a simple and facile liquid phase precipitation method without using any surfactants or additives. The as-prepared microspheres were constructed by two-dimensional nanosheets, which interconnected with each other through self-assembly. The influences of the aging time, reaction temperature, and pH value on the morphologies of the products were systematically investigated. Moreover, three-dimensional Zn₃(VO₄)₂ microspheres could be formed through calcination of the Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂·2H₂O precursor. The obtained Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂·2H₂O and Zn₃(VO₄)₂ microspheres were further investigated as the anode materials of lithium-ion batteries. Electrochemical measurements showed that the Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂·2H₂O and Zn₃(VO₄)₂ microspheres exhibited high discharge capacity and good cycle stability, indicating potential anode candidates in advanced rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. It should be noted that this is the first report on the Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂·2H₂O and Zn₃(VO₄)₂ three-dimensional microspheres as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The present work will greatly expand the range of anode choices and could assist long-term endeavors in developing high capacity anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.     

Synthesis of hexagonal Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O nanoplates by a hydrothermal approach: Magnetic and photocatalytic properties

Hexagonal Zn₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·2H₂O nanoplates have been successfully synthesized via a facile and template-free hydrothermal method. The nanocrystals have a hexagonal shape with 650–750 nm in diameter and 120–140 nm in thickness. The possible mechanism of forming such hexagonal Zn₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·2H₂O nanoplates may be due to its inherent anisotropic crystal structure. Magnetic hysteresis measurement indicates that the as-synthesized hexagonal Zn₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·2H₂O nanoplates have weak ferromagnetic property at room temperature. Compared to the floriated-like nanostructured Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂(H₂O)₂ synthesized by a hydrothermal route, the as-prepared hexagonal Zn₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·2H₂O nanoplates exhibited a significant increase in the methylene blue (MB) photodegradation rate under UV irradiation.     

Synthesis and structure of actinide(VII) compounds Rb3NpO4(OH)2·3H2O and Rb3PuO4(OH)2·3H2O

Actinide(VII) salts Rb₃[NpO₄(OH)₂]·3H₂O (I) and Rb₃[PuO₄(OH)₂]·3H₂O (II) were prepared as single crystals and examined by X-ray diffraction. The compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c, Z = 4; unit cell parameters: a = 12.1544(3), b = 10.9942(2), c = 7.789(2) ?, ?? = 91.0930(11)° for I and a = 12.1254(3), b = 10.9506(2), c = 7.7699(2) ?, ?? = 90.8253(12)° for II. The main structural elements of I and II are centrosymmetrical anions [AnO₄(OH)₂]^3? forming together with water molecules, owing to strong hydrogen bonding, chains oriented along [101]. In [AnO₄(OH)₂]^3? anions, the central An(VII) atom has a tetragonal-bipyramidal oxygen surrounding. The An-O(OH) interatomic distances decrease in going from I to II owing to actinide contraction by a factor of ??2 more strongly than the An-O bond lengths in the equatorial planes of the bipyramids. The previously studied structure of Cs₃[NpO₄(OH)₂]·3H₂O (III) was refined.     

Synthesis of Co3(OH)2V2O7·1.7H2O nanosheets and its application in lithium ion batteries

Cobalt vanadium oxide hydroxide hydrate (Co₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·nH₂O) nanosheets are successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The composition of Co₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·nH₂O is studied by thermal gravity (TG) analysis in N₂ atmosphere and subsequent X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) characterization of the sample obtained via annealing Co₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·nH₂O nanosheets in N₂ atmosphere at 800 °C for 6 h. The results indicate that there are 1.7 water molecules in a Co₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·nH₂O molecular formula. Electrochemical properties of Co₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·1.7H₂O nanosheets as negative electrode of lithium ion batteries are studied by conventional charge/discharge test, which show an initial capacity of 730 mAh g^?1 with steady plateau near 0.9 V at a current density of 0.05 mA cm^?2.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of americium(V) dichromate, Cs3AmO2(Cr2O7)2·H2O

A new Am(V) chromate complex with outer-sphere cesium cation, Cs₃AmO₂(Cr₂O₇)₂·H₂O, was prepared from aqueous solution. Its composition and structure were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The Am(V) atom has coordination surrounding in the form of a distorted pentagonal bipyramid with the O atoms of the AmO ₂ ⁺ group in apical positions. The equator of the bipyramid is formed by the O atoms of four dichromate groups and of the water molecule. The mean bond lengths (Å) are as follows: Am=O 1.802(5), Am-O(Cr₂O₇) 2.443(6), and Am-O_w 2.519(6). The Am(V) pentagonal bipyramids are combined via bidentate bridging Cr₂O ₇ ^2? anions into infinite chains [AmO₂(Cr₂O₇)₂H₂O] _n ^3? arranged in layers parallel to the series of diagonal planes (111). A system of hydrogen bonds links the chains in a layer and the layers with each other. The Cs cations are arranged between the layers, forming cationic interlayers.     

Novel self-assembled decavanadate clusters forming 1D molecular chains and 2D molecular arrays: [HMTA-H···H2O][HMTA-CH2OH][H3V10O28{Na(H2O)4}]·4H2O and [Na2(H2O)10] [H3V10O28 {Na(H2O)2}]·3H2O

Two novel materials, [HMTA-H··H₂O] [HMTA-CH₂OH] [H₃V₁₀O₂₈[Na(H₂O)₄}]·4H₂O, 1 and [Na₂(H₂O)₁₀][H₃V₁₀O₂₈[Na(H₂O)₂}]·3H₂O, 2 containing decavanadate clusters interconnected through hydrated sodium cations forming 1D molecular chains and 2D molecular arrays have been self-assembled from acidified, aqueous vanadate solution in the presence of organic bases, hexamethylenetetramine and 1,3,5-triazine respectively.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a new Np(V) oxalate, Na4(NpO2)2(C2O4)3·6H2O

A new oxalate complex, Na₄(NpO₂)₂(C₂O₄)₃·6H₂O, with the Np:C₂O₄ ratio of 2:3 was synthesized and studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the crystal, the NpO ₂ ⁺ cations and oxalate anions are bound in open networks [(NpO₂)₂(C₂O₄)₃] _n ^4n- parallel to the bc plane. The Na(1) cations are accommodated in large voids of the neptunyl oxalate networks with the formation of crimped mixed-cation layers of the composition [Na₂(NpO₂)₂(C₂O₄)₃] _n ^2n- . The negative charge of the layers is compensated by the Na(2) cations arranged between the layers. The Np atoms have a pentagonal bipyramidal coordination surrounding with the equatorial plane formed by the oxygen atoms of three oxalate anions. The structure contains tridentate-bridging and tetradentate-bridging oxalate anions.     

Framework materials containing polyoxovanadates as building units: synthesis and characterization of (N2H5)2[M3(H2O)12V18O42(EO4)]·24H2O (M = Mg,Ca) and Li6[Mn3(H2O)12V18O42(EO4)]·24H2O (E = V,S)

The reaction of an aqueous solution of lithium vanadate with hydrazinium sulfate results in a dark-colored solution that reacts with magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, calcium sulfate dihydrate, and manganese(II) chloride tetrahydrate to yield single crystals of (N₂H₅)₂[M₃(H₂O)₁₂V₁₈O₄₂(EO₄)]·24H₂O (M = Mg, Ca) and Li₆[Mn₃(H₂O)₁₂V₁₈O₄₂(EO₄)]·24H₂O (E = V, S), respectively. The crystal structures of the new solids consist of interpenetrating three-dimensional networks of {V₁₈O₄₂(EO₄)} clusters interlinked via bridging {M(H₂O)₄} (M = Mg, Ca, Mn) groups. The voids in these structures are occupied by lattice water and ion exchangeable cations.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new organic sulphate, [2,3-(CH3)2C6H3NH3]HSO4·H2O

Crystals of a new hybrid compound C₈H₁₂N⁺, HSO₄^?·H₂O were synthesized in aqueous solution and characterized by X-ray diffraction and IR absorption spectroscopy. This compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic non-centrosymmetrical space group P2₁2₁2₁ and an unit cell with a = 5.74(2) Å, b = 9.17(2) Å, c = 21.34(4) Å, V = 1124(6) Å³, and Z = 4. Its crystal structure is a packing of alternated inorganic and organic layers parallel to (a,b) planes. The different components are connected by a bi-dimensional network of strong OH…O and NH…O hydrogen bonds. Then, in order to detect phase transitions and watch changes in the conductivity behaviour, investigations by DTA–TG and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and electrical conductivity measurements were carried out.     

Electrochemical properties and controlled-synthesis of hierarchical β-Ni(OH)2 micro-flowers and hollow microspheres

β-Ni(OH)₂ hierarchical micro-flowers, hierarchical hollow microspheres and nanosheets were synthesized via a facile, single-step and selected-control hydrothermal method. Both hierarchical micro-flowers and hierarchical hollow microspheres were built from two-dimensional nanosheets with thickness of 50–100 nm. The as-obtained products were characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). It was observed that marked morphological changes in β-Ni(OH)₂ depended on the initial concentrations of Ni²⁺ ions and glycine. A possible growth mechanism was proposed based on experimental results. In addition, the effect of morphology on the electrochemical properties was also investigated. Both hierarchical micro-flowers and hierarchical hollow microspheres exhibited enhanced specific capacity and high-rate discharge ability as compared with pure Ni(OH)₂ nanosheets. Investigations confirmed that hierarchical structures had a pronounced influence upon the electrochemical performance of nickel hydroxide.     

Complexes with substituted 2,5-dihydroxy-p-benzoquinones: The inclusion compounds [Y(H2O)3]2 (C6Cl2O4)3·6.6H2O and [Y(H2O)3]2 (C6Br2O4)3·6H2O

Single crystal of [Y(H₂O)₃]₂ (C₆Br₂O₄)₃·6H₂O and [Y(H₂O)₃]₂ (C₆Cl₂O₄)₃·6.6H₂O were grown in aqueous silicagel. The compounds are in principle isostructural. In Y chloranilate one additional water site is occupied as verified by X-ray single crystal structure analysis. Y³⁺ is nine-coordinated by three water molecules and six oxygen atoms of the bischelating (C₆X₂O₄)²⁻ ions (XCl, Br). The coordination polyhedron is an only slightly distorted tri-capped trigonal prism. The connection of Y³⁺ with the dianions leads to infinite, corrugated layers. The layer stacking yields cage-like cavities in which water molecules are accomodated. Hydrogen bonds interlink adjacent layers. Further hydrogen bonds involve the entrapped water molecules. DSC measurements indicated a complicated dehydration process which caused right at the start destruction of the single crystals.     

Reaction of Cd(NO3)2·4H2O with 4,4'–bipyridine (bpy) in MeOH solvent: synthesis and characterization of T-shaped [Cd(bpy)1.5(NO3)2]·3H2O,square grid [Cd(bpy)2(H2O)2](NO3)2·4H2O and linear polymeric [Cd(bpy)(H2O)2(NO3)2]

The influence of concentration of water and metal salt in the reaction between Cd(NO₃)₂·4H₂O and 4,4′–bipyridine in MeOH has been studied and three compounds namely, T-shaped [Cd(bpy)_1.5(NO₃)₂]·3H₂O, 1 square grid [Cd(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ 4H₂O, 2 and one dimensional linear polymer, [Cd(bpy)(H₂O)₂(NO₃)₂], 3 were isolated quantitatively in this process. Compound 1 forms in MeOH at high dilution of the metal salt (5.0 mg/mL or less) and for the metal-to-ligand ratio 1:(1.5–2.0). Compound 2 forms exclusively in the concentration range, 17–33% for water in MeOH by volume and 12–28 mg/mL for the metal salt of the solution. Outside these limits, mixtures of 2 and 3 were isolated. For 1:1 ratio of metal salt to bpy, the linear polymer, 3 was obtained in major quantity and its formation was found to be independent of concentration of water or the metal salt. Compounds 1 and 2 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. On heating all the compounds decompose through a common intermediate [Cd(bpy)(NO₃)₂] and finally to CdO as monitored by TG.     

Influence of hydrothermal treatment on the microstructure and oxidation resistance of a Zn4B2O7·H2O (4ZnO·B2O3·H2O) coating for C/C composites

Antioxidant modification for C/C composites by in situ hydrothermal synthesise at 140 °C of a 4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O crystallite coating has been successfully achieved. The influence of hydrothermal time on the phase composition, microstructure of the as-prepared Zn₄B₂O₇·H₂O (4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O), and its antioxidant modification for C/C composites were investigated. Samples were characterised by XRD, SEM, isothermal oxidation test and TG-DSC. Results show that, 4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O crystalline coating is achieved on the surface of C/C composites after the hydrothermal treatment at 140 °C for time in the range of 2–12 h. A smooth and crack-free 4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O layer can be obtained when the hydrothermal time reaches 8 h. Isothermal oxidation test demonstrates that the oxidation resistance of C/C composites is improved. The as-modified composites exhibit only 1.52 g·cm^?2 weight loss after oxidation at 600 °C for 15 h, while the non-modified one shows a 6.57 g·cm^?2 weight loss after only 10 h oxidation. For the uncoated C/C composite the oxidation rate is approximately linear with time (non-protective oxidation), thus at 15 h exposure one can estimate the mass loss to be 6.57 g·cm^?2 after 10 h for direct comparison with the coated samples.     

Synthesis and Characteristics of Double Np(VI) Potassium and Pu(VI) Potassium Silicates K[(NpO2)(SiO3OH)]·H2O and K[(PuO2)(SiO3OH)]·H2O

K[(NpO₂)(SiO₃OH)]·H₂O (I) and K[(PuO₂)(SiO₃OH)]·H₂O (II) were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis at 120°C, and their IR and near-IR spectra were measured. The unit cell parameters of the compounds were determined from powder X-ray patterns [a = 7.068(1), b = 7.064(2), c = 6.640(1) Å. = 106.68(1)°, V = 317.6 ų (I); a = 7.102(1), b = 7.100(2), c = 6.637(1) Å, = 107.62(1)°, V = 318.9 ų (II)]. These compounds are isostructural with potassium boltwoodite K[(UO₂)(SiO₃OH)]·H₂O.     

Crystal structure of a double Np(V) ammonium propionate, NH4[(NpO2)3(C2H5COO)4(H2O)]·3H2O

The structure of NH₄[(NpO₂)₃(C₂H₅COO)₄(H₂O)]·3H₂O was studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The single crystals were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. In the structure, there are three crystallographically independent Np atoms with different equatorial surrounding. All of them have CN 7; the coordination polyhedron is a distorted pentagonal bipyramid. Each NpO ₂ ⁺ cation is bonded to four other cations, acting simultaneously as a bidentate ligand and a coordination center for two other dioxocations. The cation-cation interactions result in formation of trigonal-hexagonal cationic networks.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and X-ray Structure of Tetraaminoguanidinium Diuranyl Tetraoxalate Monohydrate (HAgun)4[(UO2)2(C2O4)4]·H2O

Radiochemistry - A new uranyl oxalate complex containing aminoguanidinium cation was isolated from an aqueous solution containing uranyl nitrate hexahydrate, oxalic acid dihydrate, and...     

Synthesis and characterization of Mu-11: a porous sodium trisilicate Na2Si3O7·H2O with 10-membered ring openings

The title compound (named Mu-11) is a new type of sodium trisilicate which was synthesized by using the quasi non-aqueous route in the presence of ethylene glycol as solvent. This material was characterized by XRD, SEM, ²⁹Si solid-state MAS NMR spectroscopy, elemental and thermal analyses. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The symmetry is monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, a=7.3087(8)Å, b=12.7246(13)Å, c=9.0913(11)Å, β=119.01(1)° and V=739.39(10) ų. The structure consists of corrugated sheets built from four-, six- and eight-membered ring units. The connection of such sheets leads to a three-dimensional framework with a monodimensional channel system delimited by a 10-ring aperture. After heating to 300°C another novel phase crystallizes, which is stable up to 600°C.     

Crystal Structure of An(VI) Complexes with Succinate Anions, [PuO2(C4H4O4)(H2O)] and Cs2[(AnO2)2(C4H4O4)3]·H2O (An = U,Np, Pu)

Radiochemistry - Actinide(VI) complexes with succinate anions [PuO2(succ)(H2O)] and Cs2[(AnO2)2(succ)3]·H2O (An = U, Np, Pu), where succ = [C4H4O4]2 ?, were synthesized and studied by...     

Synthesis and structure of Cs3[UO2(CH3COO)3]2(NCS)·H2O

The compound Cs₃[UO₂(CH₃COO)₃]₂(NCS)·H₂O (I) was synthesized and studied by IR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound I crystallizes in the monoclinic system with the following unit cell parameters: a = 7.8286(9), b = 19.892(2), c = 20.050(2) Å, β = 94.527(2)°, space group P2₁/c, Z = 4, R = 0.0387. The uranium-containing structural units in crystals of I are mononuclear complexes [UO₂(CH₃COO)₃]^? belonging to crystal-chemical group AB ₃ ⁰¹ (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , B⁰¹ = CH₃COO^?) of uranyl complexes.     

Crystallization of salts M3[NpO4(OH)2]·nH2O (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) from concentrated alkali solutions at low temperatures. Synthesis and structure of a new Np(VII) compound, Na3[NpO4(OH)2]·6H2O

Precipitation of salts M₃[NpO₄(OH)₂]·nH₂O (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) from concentrated alkali solutions at low temperatures (about ?10°C) was studied. From solutions with [OH^?] > 9.5 M, these compounds are isolated as coarse black crystals in high yield without impurity of other phases. The K, Rb, and Cs salts crystallize in the form of the previously studied compounds K₃[NpO₄(OH)₂]·2H₂O and M₃[NpO₄(OH)₂]·3H₂O (M = Rb, Cs). In the case of Na, a new hydrate Na₃[NpO₄(OH)₂]·6H₂O was obtained, and its crystal structure was determined. Crystals of the hexahydrate consist of centrosymmetrical tetragonal-bipyramidal anions [NpO₄(OH)₂]^3?, crystallographically independent Na(1) and Na(2) cations, and water molecules. The coordination surrounding of the Np atom is characterized by noticeable difference (Δ = 0.0203 Å) in the Np-O bond lengths in the equatorial plane of the bipyramid. The [NpO₄(OH)₂]^3? anions are combined with the Na(2) cations to form infinite chains [Na(2)NpO₄(OH)₂(H₂O)₂]^2? in such a manner that the lateral edges of the anion are simultaneously the lateral edges of the Na(2) coordination polyhedron. Incorporation of one of the two crystallographically independent O atoms of the NpO₄ group into the Na(2) coordination surrounding is responsible for a noticeable difference in the Np-O bond lengths in the equator of the [NpO₄(OH)₂]^3? anion. The types of hydrogen bonding in the structures of Na3[NpO₄(OH)₂]·nH₂O (n = 0, 2, 4, 6) are compared.