Electrocatalyst materials for fuel cells based on the polyoxometalates—K7 or H7[(P2W17O61)Fe(H2O)] and Na12 or H12[(P2W15O56)2Fe4(H2O)2]

Free acids of the iron substituted heteropoly acids (HPA), H₇[(P₂W₁₇O₆₁)Fe^III(H₂O)] (HFe1) and H₁₈[(P₂W₁₅O₅₆)₂Fe^III₂(H₂O)₂] (HFe2) were prepared from the salts K₇[(P₂W₁₇O₆₁)Fe^III(H₂O)] (KFe1) and Na₁₂[(P₂W₁₅O₅₆)₂Fe^III₄(H₂O)₂] (NaFe4), respectively. The iron-substituted HPA were adsorbed on to XC-72 carbon based GDLs to form HPA doped GDEs after water washing with HPA loadings of ca. 1 μmol. The HPA was detected throughout the GDL by EDX. Solution electrochemistry of the free acids are reported for the first time in sulfate buffer, pH 1-3. The hydrogen oxidation reaction was catalyzed by KFe1 at 0.33 V, with an exchange current density of 38 mA/cm². Moderate activity for the oxygen reduction reaction was observed for the iron substituted HPA, which was dramatically improved by selectively removing oxygen atoms from the HPA by cycling the fuel cell cathode under N₂ followed by reoxidation to give a restructured oxide catalyst. The nanostructured oxide achieved an OCV of 0.7 V with a Tafel slope of 115 mV/decade. Cycling the same catalysts in oxygen resulted in an improved catalyst/ionomer/carbon configuration with a slightly higher Tafel slope, 128 mV/decade but a respectable current density of 100 mA/cm² at 0.2 V.     

Crystal structure of Kuzel's salt 3CaO·Al2O3·1/2CaSO4·1/2CaCl2·11H2O determined by synchrotron powder diffraction

The crystal structure of Kuzel's salt has been successfully determined by synchrotron powder diffraction. It crystallizes in the rhombohedral R3? symmetry with a = 5.7508 (2) Å, c = 50.418 (3) Å, V = 1444.04 (11) ų. Joint Rietveld refinement was realized using three X-ray powder patterns recorded with a unique wavelength and three different sample-to-detector distances. Kuzel's salt is the chloro-sulfoaluminate AFm phase and belongs to the layered double hydroxide (LDH) large family. Its structure is composed of positively charged main layer [Ca₂Al(OH)₆]⁺ and negatively charged interlayer [Cl_0.50·(SO₄)_0.25·2.5H₂O]⁻. Chloride and sulfate anions are ordered into two independent crystallographic sites and fill successive interlayer leading to the formation of a second-stage compound. The two kinds of interlayer have the compositions [Cl·2H₂O]⁻ and [(SO₄)_0.5·3H₂O]⁻. The crystal structure explains why chloride and sulfate anions are not substituted and why the formation of extended solid solution in the chloro-sulfate AFm system does not occur.     

A novel Keggin-type tungstogermanate dimer bearing dinuclear copper-organic coordination ions: {H8[Cu(phen)(μ2-CH3COO)2Cu(phen)(H2O)]2[Ge2W23CuO80]} · 24H2O

An unprecedented Keggin-type tungstogermanate dimer bearing dinuclear copper-organic coordination ions {H₈[Cu(phen)(μ₂-CH₃COO)₂Cu(phen)(H₂O)]₂[Ge₂W₂₃CuO₈₀]} · 24H₂O has been synthesized and characterized by IR, UV, ICP analyses, ESR spectra, element analysis, TG and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound is built up from a dimeric heteropolyanion constituted by two corner-shared Keggin-type building subunits and two dinuclear copper-organic coordination cations [Cu(phen)(μ₂-CH₃COO)₂Cu(phen)(H₂O)]²⁺, each of which consists two square pyramidal copper-phen ions bridged by two μ₂-acetate ligands.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and water-induced reversible crystal-to-amorphous transformation property of [Co2(2,4-pydc)2(bpa)(H2O)6](H2O)2

The dinuclear Co^II coordination compound with empirical formula [Co₂(2,4-pydc)₂(bpa)(H₂O)₆](H₂O)₂ (1); bpa = 1,2-bis(2,4-pyridyl)ethane, 2,4-pydc = 2,4-pyridinedicarboxylate anion, has been synthesized and õcharacterized by elemental analysis, single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR and UV–vis spectra, TGA and XRPD. Compound 1 is a symmetry-related dinuclear compound consisting of two six coordinated cobalt atoms, one bpa ligand, two 2,4-pydc ligands and two lattice water molecules. Each Co^II ion is coordinated by one oxygen atom and one nitrogen atom from 2,4-pydc bidentate chelate ligand, one nitrogen atom of bpa bidentate bridging ligand and three water molecules, giving a distorted octahedral geometry with CoN₂O₄ chromophore. The crystal packing of this compound reveals a novel 3D supramolecular network, formed by hydrogen-bonding and C–H⋯π interactions. Investigations of the dynamic structural transformation behavior demonstrate that the title compound exhibits a solvent-induced reversible crystal-to-amorphous transformation with chromotropism when exposed to water vapor. This indicates that the dehydrated amorphous form, Co₂(2,4-pydc)₂(bpa)(H₂O)₂ (1A), may be utilized as an indicator for humidity.     

Organically templated Np(IV) coordination polymer with in situ formed oxalate anion (ImidazoleH)[Np(C2O4)(CH3SO3)3(H2O)2]

The reaction of Np(V) methanesulfonate solution with imidazole led to the in situ formation of oxalic acid and the reduction of Np(V) to Np(IV). As a result, the novel organically templated organic polymer, (ImidazoleH)[Np(C₂O₄)(CH₃SO₃)₃(H₂O)₂], was formed. The structure consists of infinite chains of [Np(C₂O₄)(CH₃SO₃)₃(H₂O)₂]⁻ and imidazolium cations. The crystal structure is confirmed by IR and UV–vis spectroscopic data. This complex is the first example of structurally characterized 1:1 An(IV) oxalate.     

A hemidirected 1-D coordination polymer [Pb2(H2O)2(HBTC)2] · 3H2O extended in holodirected 3-D by weak Pb–O interactions

A new complex, [Pb₂(H₂O)₂(HBTC)₂] · 3H₂O (H₃BTC = 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid) (1), has been synthesized under hydrothermal condition. The single-crystal analysis shows that 1 consists of 1-D double-chains with Pb(II) six-coordinated by three H₃BTC and one H₂O molecule with the Pb–O bond distances in the range of 2.56–2.76 Å. When the Pb–O bonding limit extends from 2.76 to 2.90 Å, the potential weak bonds of Pb–O can be found and the coordination number of Pb will increase from six to nine. As a result, the coordination geometry of Pb(II) transforms from hemidirected to holodirected and an infinite 3-D framework is obtained by the connection of the double-chains. The IR spectrum and the TGA–DTA curve of 1 are also reported in this paper.     

Structural correlations in nickel(II)–thiodiacetato complexes: molecular and crystal structures and properties of [Ni(tda)(H2O)3]

Triaqua(thiodiacetato)nickel(II) has been synthesized and studied by X-ray crystallography, thermal, spectral and magnetic methods. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group , in contrast to the related compound [Ni(tda)(H₂O)₃] · H₂O (orthorhombic) reported long time ago. As in other four Ni–tda derivatives, the metal atom exhibits an octahedral coordination and tda ligand adopts a fac-tridentate chelating role. The studied compound is closely related to [Zn(tda)(H₂O)₃]. In addition, a structural comparison of the binary and ternary Ni–tda derivatives reveals that auxiliary N-donor ligands bind the metal atom using the trans-positions towards the Ni–O(carboxylato) bonds, but not in trans to the Ni–S(thioether) bond.     

Hexanuclear 4d–4f complexes [Ln2Ag4(ina)8(H2O)10][NO3]2 · 4H2O (Ln = Sm, Eu, Dy): Syntheses, structures and photoluminescent properties

Hexanuclear 4d–4f heterometallic complexes, [Ln₂Ag₄(ina)₈(H₂O)₁₀][NO₃] ₂ · 4H₂O [Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2), Dy (3) and Hina = isonicotinic acid], have been synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of lanthanide oxides, Ag^I, and isonicotinic acid at a suitable temperature. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies indicate that these 4d–4f complexes consist of extended 1D zigzag chains structure built upon [Sm₂Ag₄(ina)₈(H₂O)₁₀] subunits connected by Ag–Ag interactions. Furthermore, the photoluminescent properties of the complex 2 were studied.     

The solubility of selenate-AFt (3CaO·Al2O3·3CaSeO4·37.5H2O) and selenate-AFm (3CaO·Al2O3·CaSeO4·xH2O)

The Se(VI)-analogues of ettringite and monosulfate, selenate-AFt (3CaO·Al₂O₃·3CaSeO₄·37.5H₂O), and selenate-AFm (3CaO·Al₂O₃·CaSeO₄·xH₂O) were synthesised and characterised by bulk chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction. Their solubility products were determined from a series of batch and resuspension experiments conducted at 25 °C. For selenate-AFt suspensions, the pH varied between 11.37 and 11.61, and a solubility product, log K_so=61.29±0.60 (I=0 M), was determined for the reaction 3CaO·Al₂O₃·3CaSeO₄·37.5H₂O+12 H⁺⇔6Ca²⁺+2Al³⁺+3SeO₄²⁻+43.5H₂O. Selenate-AFm synthesis resulted in the uptake of Na, which was leached during equilibration and resuspension. For the pH range of 11.75 to 11.90, a solubility product, log K_so=73.40±0.22 (I=0 M), was determined for the reaction 3CaO·Al₂O₃·CaSeO₄·xH₂O+12 H⁺⇔4Ca²⁺+2Al³⁺+SeO₄²⁻+(x+6)H₂O. Thermodynamic modelling suggested that both selenate-AFt and selenate-AFm are stable in the cementitious matrix; and that in a cement limited in sulfate, selenate concentration may be limited by selenate-AFm to below the millimolar range above pH 12.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of an alternating double aquo-bridged and single cyano-bridged polymeric barium–iron complex: {[Ba2(phen)4(H2O)6Fe(CN)6]·Cl·2(phen)·3H2O}n

A new alternating double aquo-bridged and single cyano-bridged polymeric complex {[Ba₂(phen)₄(H₂O)₆Fe(CN)₆]·Cl·2(phen)·3H₂O}_n (1) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) has been synthesized and structurally characterized. In the crystal structure the two centrosymmetric [Ba₂(phen)₄(H₂O)₆] units are bridged through two trans CN groups of [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ ion, which results in the formation of a zig-zag polymeric chain. In each [Ba₂(phen)₄(H₂O)₆] unit, the two Ba centers are joined by double aquo bridges. Both the Ba atoms are 9-coordinated with distorted mono-capped square antiprismatic geometry. An elaborate hydrogen bonding system holds the parallel polymeric chains together.     

Ferromagnetic mixed tribridged dinuclear copper(II) complex [Cu2(OAc)2(OH)(dpa)2]PF6 · H2O (dpa = 2,2′-dipyridylamine): 3D superstructure based on hydrogen bond and π…π interaction

A new dinuclear complex [Cu₂(OAc)₂(OH)(dpa)₂] PF₆ · H₂O (1) is prepared and structurally and magneto-structurally characterized. The monocationic core contains one acetate in familiar bidentate η¹:η¹:μ₂-bridge and another in the rare monoatomic bridge along with one hydroxo intermediary. 1 packs through N–H…O and O–H…O hydrogen bonds and π…π interaction resulting a 3D supramolecular continuum and displays high-energy intraligand ¹(π − π^*) fluorescence and intraligand ³(π − π^*) phosphorescence in glassy solution.     

Indirect cathodic electrocatalytic degradation of dimethylphthalate with PW11O39Fe(III)(H2O) and H2O2 in neutral aqueous medium

Cyclic voltammetry and degradation of dimethylphthalate (DMP) revealed that the iron-substituted heteropolytungstate anion PW₁₁O₃₉Fe(III)(H₂O)⁴⁻ is an excellent indirect cathodic oxidative electrocatalyst in the presence of H₂O₂. PW₁₁O₃₉Fe(III)(H₂O)⁴⁻ can electrocatalyze the reduction of H₂O₂ to hydroxyl radicals via an inner-sphere electron transfer mechanism, which cause oxidative decomposition of DMP. Almost complete DMP removal and ca. 30% mineralization were obtained in less than 120 min in a mixed phosphate solution at pH 6.86 containing 0.1 mM DMP. MS analyses of the intermediates and final products suggested that glyoxal, oxalic acid and acetic acid are the main ring-opening products, besides some unstable hydroxylated aromatic intermediates. The effects of added H₂O₂ concentration, applied cathodic potential and DMP initial concentration on the degradation of DMP were also investigated. A concentration of 1.0 mM H₂O₂ and cathodic potential of −0.3 V were optimal conditions for DMP degradation in our experiments. At higher initial DMP concentrations degradation also occurred, but at a slower decay rate compared to lower initial concentrations. The present system thus represents a possible method to use PW₁₁O₃₉Fe(III)(H₂O)⁴⁻ as an indirect cathodic oxidative electrocatalyst in water and wastewater treatment.     

An unique stair-like infinite chain polymer containing dimeric N2S3 square-pyramidal iron(III) complex

A one-dimensional stair-like coordination polymer, [Fe₂L₂Na₂(CH₃CN)₂(Et₂O)₂]_n {1, where L⁴⁻ = N,N’-bis-(2-mercaptophenyl)-2-methyl-2-[(2-methylthio)phenylmethyl] malonyl diamide}, was produced from the one-pot reaction of iron(III) chloride with 2-methyl-2-[(2-methylthio)phenylmethyl] malonyl chloride, 2-aminobenzenethiol and sodium hydride in DMF solution, and was structurally characterized. The dimeric pentacoordinate Fe(III) anionic units are linked by two bridging four-coordinate Na⁺ cations. Each trivalent iron atom is equatorially coordinated by two deprotonated carboxamido N and S atoms of the ligand. The bridging S atom, occupying the axial position, accomplishes the square-pyramidal geometry of iron center. The coordination environment is very similar to the unmodified active site of Fe-containing nitrile hydratase. In addition, the electronic and magnetic properties of this dimeric complex are included in this report.     

Anion water in gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) and hemihydrate (CaSO4·1/2H2O)

The bonding nature of water in gypsum, CaSO₄·2H₂O, and hemihydrate, CaSO₄·1/2H₂O, was suggested by characteristic absorption bands of water and sulphate ions. The infrared spectral data indicate the presence of anion water in gypsum and hemihydrate through hydrogen bonding. Negative shifting of bending vibration of SO₄ ion and lowering and broadening of the O-H stretching vibration at around 3600 cm⁻¹ indicate the presence of both anion water and hydrogen bonding in gypsum and hemihydrate     

Dispersion and Solid State Ion Exchange of VCl3, CrCl3?6H2O, MnCl2?4H2O and CoCl2?6H2O onto the Surface of NaY Zeolite Using Microwave Irradiation

Transition metal/Y zeolites have been prepared by solid state ion exchange with microwave irradiation of mechanical mixtures of VCl₃, CrCl₃ ⋅ 6H₂O, MnCl₂ ⋅ 4H₂O or CoCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O with NaY zeolite at 900 W in 10–20 min. The prepared transition metal/Y zeolites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) and surface area measurement (BET). Concentration of dispersed transition metal on zeolite was measured and results revealed that transition metal was dispersed and ion exchanged onto the surface of NaY zeolite.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of a new three-dimensional porous framework: [Gd2(BDA)3(DMF)2(H2O)4] · 2DMF

The open framework compound of [Gd₂(BDA)₃(DMF)₂(H₂O)₄] · 2DMF (1), prepared by heating GdCl₃ with 2,2′-bipyridyl-4,4′-dicarboxylatic acid (BDA) in mixed solvent, is constructed from BDA linking up polymeric [GdO₅(DMF)(H₂O)₂]_n tethers. The 1D channels are filled with coordinated and uncoordinated DMF molecules hydrogen bonding to terminal aqua ligands. The study of the temperature dependent magnetic susceptibilities revealed that there are ferromagnetic interactions between intra-chain Gd^III atoms and weak antiferromagnetic interactions between inter-chain Gd^III atoms.     

Synthesis and properties of a zeolite LEV analogue from the system—Na2O–Al2O3–SiO2–N,N-dimethylpiperidine chloride–H2O

A new structure-directing agent (SDA) was firstly reported for the synthesis of a zeolite LEV analogue. N,N-dimethyl piperidine performed the SDA function, and induced the synthesis of products from a zeolite MOR with 12-ring channels to a zeolite LEV analogue with only 8-ring channels. The zeolite LEV analogue was synthesized from gels with initial compositions (5.0–6.0)Na₂O–Al₂O₃–(10–200)SiO₂–(4.0–8.0)N,N-dimethyl piperidine–400H₂O at 150 °C. The ²⁹Si NMR spectra showed that the relative intensities of the first line at −115 ppm for low Si/Al ratios were lower than that at high Si/Al ratios. Varying ion exchanges led to different acidities in the zeolite LEV analogue, with the acidity of H-LEV-HCl higher than that of H-LEV-NH₃·H₂O. Zeolite H-LEV in hydration of propene showed a higher selectivity of 1-propanol.     

One step solid state synthesis of FeF3·0.33H2O/C nano-composite as cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

Nanometer-sized FeF₃·0.33H₂O/acetylene black composite has been synthesized by one step chemico-mechanical ball-milling process using Fe (NO₃)₃?9H₂O and NH₄F as precursors and investigated as cathode materials for secondary lithium batteries. The obtained FeF₃·0.33H₂O/C composite was described in terms of structure, morphology, and electro-chemical performance. The composite exhibited a noticeable capacity of 233.9 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 20 mA g⁻¹ within potential range 1.8–4.5 V and good rate capability. These results showed that FeF₃·0.33H₂O/C nano-composite prepared from an easily scalable chemico-mechanical ball-milling process was of great industrial interest.     

A novel Electro-Fenton-Like system using PW11O39Fe(III)(H2O) as an electrocatalyst for wastewater treatment

A novel Electro-Fenton-Like (EFL) system was developed using the Keggin-type iron-substituted heteropolytungstate anion PW₁₁O₃₉Fe(III)(H₂O)⁴⁻ to substitute for Fe³⁺ in the conventional Electro-Fenton (EF) system for treatment of water polluted with organic compounds. The EFL system overcomes the drawback of low pH in conventional EF approaches and can be directly applied to neutral water treatment without any pH adjustment. Experimental results for dimethylphthalate (DMP) revealed complete degradation in <80 min in pH 6.86 solution containing 0.1 mM DMP at a potential of −0.5 V and O₂ flow rate of 60 mL min⁻¹. Total organic carbon removal of ∼56% was achieved at 120 min. Comparison with conventional EF oxidation revealed better efficiency of the present system for DMP degradation, suggesting its potential in treatment of water and wastewater with a relaxed pH requirement. The cumulative H₂O₂ concentration generated in situ at the electrode was monitored and the observed degradation rate constants k_obs were determined for different initial DMP concentrations. The ligand exchange reaction of PW₁₁O₃₉Fe(III)(H₂O)⁴⁻ with H₂O₂ and the electron transfer resulting in hydroxyl radicals were examined using HPLC and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. An electrocatalytic model involving inner-sphere electron transfer and a reaction mechanism for PW₁₁O₃₉Fe(III)(H₂O)⁴⁻ electrocatalytic reduction of H₂O₂ are proposed.     

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.