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.     

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.     

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.     

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 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.     

Crystal Structure of Neptunium(V) Phthalate (NpO2)2(OOC)2C6H4·4H2O

The crystal structure of (NpO₂)₂(OOC)₂C₆H₄·4H₂O [rhombic cell: a = 15.937(3), b = 26.922(5), c = 8.020(2) Å, space group Pbcn, Z = 8, V = 3441.0(12) ų, d _calc = 2.988 g cm^{- 3}, CAD4, MoK , graphite monochromator, 2934 independent reflections; R ₁ = 0.0352, wR ₂ = 0.0951] was studied. The structure consists of NpO₂ ⁺ cations, H₄C₆(COO)₂ ^{2 -} anions, and molecules of coordinated and crystallization water. The crystal lattice involves neutral layers [(NpO₂)₂(OOC)₂C₆H₄(H₂O)₃] _n parallel to the {101} plane. The dioxocations in these layers are bonded to each other to form cationic networks [the Np···Np distance is 3.911(1)-4.202(1) Å]. The coordination polyhedra of Np(1) and Np(2) are pentagonal bipyramids (CN 7). The point group of the neptunyl(V) groups is close to D _h. These groups are bidentate ligands in the cation-cation interaction. The Np = O bond lengths are 1.852(6) [Np(1)-O(1)], 1.849(7) [Np(1)-O(2)], 1.845(7) [Np(2)-O(3)], and 1.841(7) Å [Np(2)-O(4)]; the O = Np = O bond angles are 178.6(3)° [O(2)-Np(1)-O(1)] and 177.4(3)° [O(3)-Np(2)-O(4)]. The equatorial plane of the Np(1) bipyramid consists of two oxygen atoms of adjacent Np(2)O₂ ⁺ dioxocations, two water molecules, and a single oxygen atom of the phthalate anion. The equatorial plane of the Np(2) bipyramid consists of two oxygen atoms of adjacent Np(1)O₂ ⁺ dioxocations, two oxygen atom of the phthalate anion, and a single water molecule. The bond lengths in the equatorial plane of the bipyramid lie in the following ranges: Np-Oyl 2.373(7)-2.437(7) Å (average 2.397 Å) , Np-Ophth 2.360(7)-2.474(7) Å (average 2.431 Å), and Np-Owater 2.534(8)-2.558(9) Å (average 2.544 Å). The phthalate anions are tridentate bridging ligands binding neptunium atoms only within a single cationic network.     

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.     

3D hierarchical Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O and Zn3(VO4)2 microspheres: Synthesis,characterization and photoluminescence

Via a simple glycine-assisted hydrothermal route, large-scale 3D hierarchical Zn₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·2H₂O microspheres have been fabricated. Their purity, crystalline phase, morphologies and thermal stability were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), Fourier transform IR (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). The SEM results indicate that the microspheres are self-assembled by numerous nanoflakes with mean thickness of 100 nm. Some factors influencing the morphologies of the Zn₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·2H₂O micro-/nanostructures have been systematically investigated, as well as quantity of glycine and the reaction time. The possible mechanism of the crystal growth and assembled procedure were also proposed. The as-prepared Zn₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·2H₂O can be transformed into Zn₃(VO₄)₂ with the similar morphologies by calcination in air at 600 °C. Furthermore, the photoluminescent properties of both Zn₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·2H₂O and Zn₃(VO₄)₂ were studied and exhibited different spectra.     

Crystal structure of mixed-valent Np(IV)/Np(V) chloride, [Np(NpO2)6(H2O)8(OH)Cl9]·H2O

A new mixed-valent Np(IV)/Np(V) chloride, [Np(NpO₂)₆(H₂O)₈(OH)Cl₉]·H₂O, was synthesized, and its crystal structure was determined. The crystals consist of NpO ₂ ⁺ and Np⁴⁺ cations, of Cl^? and OH^? anions, of coordination-bonded water molecules, and of water molecules of crystallization. The Np(V) atom, Np(1), has pentagonal bipyramidal coordination surrounding with O atoms in the apical position and with the equatorial plane formed by three Cl^? anions, O atom of the adjacent NpO ₂ ⁺ cation, and O atom of water molecule. The mutual coordination of the neptunyl(V) ions, cation-cation (CC) interaction, links the Np(1) coordination polyhedra via common vertices into rings around sixfold axes, with the Np(V)?Np(V) distance in these fragments of 4.276 Å. The ring fragments are linked with each other via common equatorial edges of the bipyramids into layers perpendicular to c-axis. The Np(IV) atom, Np(2), has coordination surrounding in the form of tricapped trigonal prism (CN 9) with the tetragonal lateral faces formed by the O atoms of the NpO ₂ ⁺ cations and the capping positions occupied by the O atoms of two water molecules and one hydroxy group. The Np(2) atoms act in CC interactions as coordination center for six NpO ₂ ⁺ ions, with the Np(IV)?Np(V) distance of 4.183 Å. The Np(2) polyhedra are arranged in the crystal between layers of the Np(1) coordination polyhedra, linking them with each other.     

Synthesis,characterization and crystal structure of a novel Strandberg-type polyoxoselenomolybdate Rb4[Se2Mo5O21]·2H2O

An inorganic compound formulated as Rb₄[Se₂Mo₅O₂₁]·2H₂O (1) has been isolated by conventional solution method and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder XRD, IR, UV–vis spectra, and cyclic voltammetry measurements. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2 with unit a = 19.701 (3) Å, b = 10.296 (2) Å, c = 12.134 (4) Å, β = 106.96 (2)° and Z = 4. The crystal structure of (1) is built up from a Strandberg clusters connected through hydrogen-bonding interactions into a three-dimensional supramolecular network.     

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.     

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.     

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 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.     

Photocatalytic Properties of the MgHPO4·3H2O and MgKPO4·6H2O Phosphates

Inorganic Materials - Magnesium double phosphates, MgHPO4·3H2O and MgKPO4·6H2O, isostructural with the minerals newberyite and struvite-K have been synthesized in powder form via...     

Mixed-Cation Molybdate Complex of Neptunium(V), Li2Na[NpO2(MoO4)2]·4H2O

Radiochemistry - A new mixed-cation complex Li2Na[NpO2(MoO4)2]·4H2O with NpO2+ : MoO42– = 1 : 2 has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The coordination environment of Np(V)...     

Interaction of An(VI) (An = U, Np, Pu) and Np(V) with 2,3-pyridinedicarboxylic (quinolinic) acid (H2Quin): Complexation in aqueous solutions, synthesis and structure of the complexes [UO2(HQuin)2], [(NpO2)2(HQuin)2(C6H4NO3)2]·2H2O, and [PuO2Quin(H2O)]

Complexation of An(VI) (An = U, Np, Pu), and Np(V) with 2,3-pyridinedicarboxylic (quinolinic, H₂Quin) acid in aqueous solutions was studied. Np(V) can form 1: 1 and 1: 2 complexes, and An(VI), also 1: 3 complexes (at pH ? 6 and [H₂Quin] ? 0.1 M). Quinolinate ion can coordinate to actinide(VI) and (V) ions in solutions in different modes. The apparent stability constants of the complexes in a wide pH range and the concentration stability constants of the An(VI) complexes were measured. In the series from Pu(VI) to U(VI), the stability of the complexes slightly increases. Crystalline complexes [UO₂(HQuin)₂], [(NpO₂)₂(HQuin)₂(HL)₂]·2H₂O (HL is N-protonated 2-hydroxypyridine-3-carboxylic acid anion), and [PuO₂Quin(H₂O)] were synthesized, and their structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Different types of coordination of quinolinate ions to actinide ions are also observed in the crystalline complexes.     

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.     

Crystal Structure and Electronic Absorption Spectrum of Double Neptunium(V) Phthalate Co(NH3)6NpO2[(OOC)2C6H4]2·2H2O

Single crystals of Co(NH₃)₆NpO₂[(OOC)₂C₆H₄]₂·2H₂O were grown. The crystal structure of this compound [monoclinic cell: a = 7.748(2), b = 23.051(5), c = 14.608(3) Å, = 96.21(3)°, space group P2₁/c, Z = 4, V = 2593.7(9) ų, d _calc = 2.034 g cm^{- 3}, CAD4 automatic diffractometer, MoK , graphite monochromator, R ₁ = 0.041 for all 3567 reflections observed, wR ₂ = 0.1344 for all 4445 unique reflections, 325 refined parameters] was studied. The structure consists of infinite anionic chains {NpO₂[(OOC)₂C₆H₄]₂} _n ^{3 n -}, [Co(NH₃)₆]^{3 +} cations, and molecules of crystallization water. Neptunium(V) atom is in pentagonal-bipyramidal oxygen surrounding (CN 7); the neptunyl(V) group is linear and symmetrical; the Np = O bond lengths are 1.830(6) and 1.833(5)Å, the O = Np = O angle is 176.4(2)°. The equatorial plane of the bipyramid is formed by five oxygen atoms of phthalate anions. The Np-Oeq bond length correlates with the denticity of the phthalate anions. Two types of phthalate anions are localized in the structure. The first tridentate ligand is a bridge between Np(V) atoms in the chains. The second ligand is coordinated to Np in the bidentate fashion to form NpOCCCCO seven-membered chelate ring. The cation [Co(NH₃)₆]^{3 +} has an octahedral structure. The average Co-N distance in the octahedron is 1.961 Å the N-Co-N bond angles are close to 90°. Two water molecules along with [Co(NH₃)₆]^{3 +} cations are located between the anionic chains {NpO₂[(OOC)₂C₆H₄]₂} _n ^{3 n -}. The chains are additionally bonded along the Z-axis of the crystal by O_w-H···O hydrogen bonds.