Diaquabis(4,4-bipyridine)copper(II) di(o-sulfobenzimidate) dichloromethane solvate, a two-dimensional Cu4(4,4-C5H4NC5H4N)4 rhombic grid clathrating guest dichloromethane

In the crystal structure of bis(4,4^′-bipyridine)diaquacopper(II) di(o-sulfobenzimidate) dichloromethane solvate, the host polycationic [Cu(4,4^′-C₅H₄NC₅H₄N)₂(H₂O)₂]_∞ rhombic grids stack over each other 8.16 Å apart along the c-axis of the orthorhombic Pbcn unit cell. The Cu₄(4,4^′-bpy)₄ rhombus clathrating a disordered dichloromethane molecule has a copper atom at the corner and the spacer heterocycle with pyridyl rings twisted by 21.8(2)°, as its side. The anions occupy the space between the layers; the grids interact with each other indirectly through water–anion hydrogen bonds [OO=2.766(4); ]. The structure sets a remarkable example of potentials born by the polyfunctional o-sulfobenzimidate moiety for construction of unusual architectures.     

[Zn(BDC)(H2O)2]n: a novel blue luminescent coordination polymer constructed from BDC-bridged 1-D chains via interchain hydrogen bonds (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate)

A novel coordination polymer [Zn(BDC)(H₂O)₂]_n 1 (where BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate), has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction. 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, a=15.09(2) Å, b=5.058(7) Å, c=12.196(16) Å, β=103.62(2)°, , Z=4. The most striking feature of 1 is that it consists of a high-dimensional network structure constructed from BDC-bridged 1-D chains via interchain hydrogen bonds. The coordination sphere of the zinc(II) ion is a distorted tetrahedron completed by four oxygen atoms from two water molecules and two BDC ligands. BDC adopts the bis-monodentated (syn–anti) coordination mode linking two adjacent zinc(II) ions. 1 shows strong blue photoluminescence as the result of the fluorescence from the intraligand emission excited state.     

A new (3,4,7)-connected topology framework based on [Cd2(CO2)3O4N2] second building unit

A new 3D coordination polymer [Cd₂(L³)(BTC)(H₂O)] (1) (HL³ = 3,5-bis(pyridin-3-ylmethoxy)benzoic acid, H₃BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid), has been isolated under hydrothermal condition and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 is constructed from Cd₂-based second building units (SBUs) [Cd₂(CO₂)₃O₄N₂] and displays a 3D (3,4,7)-connected net with (4²·6)(4³·6³)(4⁵·6¹¹·8⁵) topology. In addition, the photoluminescent spectra indicate compound 1 may be a good candidate for blue-luminescent materials.     

Unique direct synthesis of cyanide-bridged Fe2Cu2 molecular squares by destruction of sodium nitroprusside

The one-pot reaction of copper powder, sodium nitroprusside, ammonium thiocyanate and 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) in acetonitrile solution at ambient conditions of air and water yields the novel heterometallic [Fe₂Cu₂(bpy)₆(μ-CN)₄(NCS)₂]₂[Fe(CN)₅(NO)](NCS)₂·5H₂O complex 1, which has been structurally and magnetically characterized. The most prominent feature of this complex is the unique tetranuclear squares comprised [Cu(bpy)NCS]⁺ and [Fe(bpy)₂]²⁺ corners with CN edges. The CuCu and FeFe separations are 6.72 and 7.73 Å, respectively. The variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility study revealed that a very weak antiferromagnetic coupling is active between Cu(II) centers (J_CuCu = −0.37 cm⁻¹).     

[H3NNH3]2K2MnMo9O32·(NH3)·3H2O: synthesis and crystal structure determination of a novel heteropolyoxometallate related to the Waugh structure

A novel heteropolyoxometallate with the formula [H₃NNH₃]₂K₂MnMo₉O₃₂·(NH₃)·3H₂O has been prepared in water solution. The crystal structure of the title compound was determined by the single-crystal method. This new mixed metal anionic complex crystallizes in the rhombohedral space group R3 (No. 146) with a=b=15.873(5), c=12.344(6) Å, γ=120°. The disordered structure contains three molecules in the unit cell. Full-matrix least-squares refinements of the title complex yielded final reliability (R) factors of 0.0356 (Rw=0.0868) with a goodness-of-fit (GOF, Σ₂) value of 1.099 based on 1430 [I>2σ(I)] observed reflections. All Mo and Mn atoms are six-coordinated octahedrally to form a Mn-centered cage with a Mo₉O₃₂ group as the framework.     

Diplatinum(III) [Cl2(μ2-amidinate)4] compound derived from air oxidation of mononuclear cis-[Pt(NH3)2(amidine-κ)2] complex

The dinuclear platinum(III) complex [Pt₂Cl₂{μ₂-N(H)C(Et)N(H)}₄] (2) has been prepared by heating cis-[Pt(NH₃)₂{NHC(NH₂)Et}₂](Cl)₂ (cis-1) under aeration conditions in an EtOH/H₂O mixture at 70 °C for 2 d and it was characterized by elemental analyses (C, H, N), ESI⁺-MS, IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies and also by X-ray diffraction. Complex 2 represents the second Pt^III dimer stabilized by the amidinate ligand ever known and it has a lantern-type structure with four amidinate ligands bridging two Pt^III centers with Pt–Pt distance of 2.4809(2) Å.     

A CdSO4-like 3-D framework constructed from monosodium substituted Keggin arsenotungstates and copper(II)-ethylenediamine complexes

A 6⁵·8 CdSO₄-like 3-D framework [Cu(en)₂]₃[α-AsW₁₁NaO₃₉]·2H₂O (1) constructed by monosodium-substituted Keggin arsenotungstates and copper(II)-ethylenediamine complexes (en = ethylenediamine) has been synthesized by reaction of Na₈[α-HAsW₉O₃₄]·11H₂O, CuCl₂·2H₂O and ethylenediamine under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data for 1: C₁₂H₅₂AsCu₃N₁₂NaO₄₁W₁₁, monoclinic, Cc, a = 20.409(9) Å, b = 16.737(8) Å, c = 16.561(7) Å, β = 104.607(7)°, V = 5474(4) Å³, T = 296(2) K; Z = 4, μ = 24.860 mm⁻¹, GOOF = 1.086, R₁ = 0.0284, wR₂ = 0.0759. To the best of our knowledge, 1 represents the first 6⁵·8 CdSO₄-like 3-D monovacant Keggin arsenotungstate derivative in polyoxometalate chemistry.     

Structure refinement of the as-synthesized and the calcined form of zeolite RUB-3 (RTE)

The structure analysis based on single crystal and powder data revealed that the framework structure of RUB-3 (structure type code RTE) consists of small [4⁴5⁴6²] building units and medium–large [4⁶5⁴6⁶8²] cages with a free volume of ca. 300 ų. Interconnected cages form a one-dimensional channel system with narrow, slightly elliptical pore openings (free diameter 3.6×4.3 Ų). ¹H–¹³C CP MAS NMR spectroscopy proved that the cages are occupied by disordered (±)-exo-2-aminobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane molecules which were used as templates during the synthesis. The unit cell composition of as-synthesized RUB-3 is (C₇H₁₃N)₂·[Si₂₄O₄₈]. The lattice parameters, bond lengths, bond angles and unit cell volumes are nearly identical for the as-synthesized [a=14.039(2) Å, b=13.602(2) Å, c=7.428(1) Å, β=102.22(3)°] and calcined form [a=14.018(1) Å, b=13.612(1) Å, c=7.418(1) Å, β=102.12(1)°] of RUB-3. The RTE structure even keeps its symmetry (C2/m) during the calcination process, indicating that the RTE framework topology is very rigid. All crystals are four-fold twins with twin planes {110}.     

Electrical properties of V2O5–WO3/TiO2 EUROCAT catalysts evidence for redox process in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) deNOx reaction

Electrical conductivity measurements on EUROCAT V₂O₅–WO₃/TiO₂ catalyst and on its precursor without vanadia were performed at 300°C under pure oxygen to characterize the samples, under NO and under NH₃ to determine the mode of reactivity of these reactants and under two reaction mixtures ((i) 2000 ppm NO + 2000 ppm NH₃ without O₂, and (ii) 2000 ppm NO + 2000 ppm NH₃ + 500 ppm O₂) to put in evidence redox processes in SCR deNO_x reaction.It was first demonstrated that titania support contains certain amounts of dissolved W⁶⁺ and V⁵⁺ ions, whose dissolution in the lattice of titania creates an n-type doping effect. Electrical conductivity revealed that the so-called reference pure titania monolith was highly doped by heterovalent cations whose valency was higher than +4. Subsequent chemical analyses revealed that so-called pure titania reference catalyst was actually the WO₃/TiO₂ precursor of V₂O₅–WO₃/TiO₂ EUROCAT catalyst. It contained an average amount of 0.37 at.% W⁶⁺dissolved in titania, i.e. 1.07 × 10²⁰ W⁶⁺ cations dissolved/cm³ of titania. For the fresh catalyst, the mean amounts of W⁶⁺ and V⁵⁺ ions dissolved in titania were found to be equal to 1.07 × 10²⁰ and 4.47 × 10²⁰ cm⁻³, respectively. For the used catalyst, the mean amounts of W⁶⁺ and V⁵⁺ ions dissolved were found to be equal to 1.07 × 10²⁰ and 7.42 × 10²⁰ cm⁻³, respectively. Since fresh and used catalysts have similar compositions and similar catalytic behaviours, the only manifestation of ageing was a supplementary progressive dissolution of 2.9 × 10²⁰ additional V⁵⁺ cations in titania.After a prompt removal of oxygen, it appeared that NO alone has an electron acceptor character, linked to its possible ionosorption as NO⁻ and to the filling of anionic vacancies, mostly present on vanadia. Ammonia had a strong reducing behaviour with the formation of singly ionized vacancies. A subsequent introduction of NO indicated a donor character of this molecule, in opposition to its first adsorption. This was ascribed to its reaction with previously adsorbed ammonia strongly bound to acidic sites. Under NO + NH₃ reaction mixture in the absence of oxygen, the increase of electrical conductivity was ascribed to the formation of anionic vacancies, mainly on vanadia, created by dehydroxylation and dehydration of the surface. These anionic vacancies were initially subsequently filled by the oxygen atom of NO. N^o atoms, resulting from the dissociation of NO and from ammonia dehydrogenation, recombined into dinitrogen molecules. The reaction corresponded to

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. In the presence of oxygen, NO did not exhibit anymore its electron acceptor character, since the filling of anionic vacancies was performed by oxygen from the gas phase. NO reacted directly with ammonia strongly bound on acidic sites. A tentative redox mechanism was proposed for both cases.     

Solvothermal synthesis of a novel mixed valence Cu(I)/Cu(II) complex containing sulphate, malate and 4,4-bipyridine, [CuCu2(mal)(SO4)(bpy)2 · H2O]n. Unique binding mode of the malate anion

The reaction of CuSO₄ · 5H₂O with 4,4^′-bipyridine and malic acid at 140 °C under solvothermal conditions afforded a mixed valence three-dimensional coordination polymer [Cu^ICu^II₂(mal)(SO₄)(bpy)₂ · H₂O]_n, (1). The building unit consists of a Cu²⁺-dimer in which copper centers are bridged by malate and sulphate anions. SO₄²⁻ anion further connects dimeric unit with the Cu¹⁺ center. Building units are linked by 4,4^′-bipyridine ligands to form double chains, that are interconnected into 3D network through additional sulphate bridge.     

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%.     

Preferred exocyclic-amino coordination of W(CO)5 on 2-aminopyrimidine and 4-aminopyrimidine vs. heterocyclic N-1 coordination for 2-aminopyridine

2-Aminopyrimidine (2-ampym) and 4-aminopyrimidine (4-ampym) coordinate to W(CO)₅ predominantly via the exocyclic amino group (>91% in 10 min photolysis) rather than to the endocyclic N-1 position as found for 2-aminopyridine (2-ampy). Photolysis of W(CO)₆ in acetone in the presence of these ligands forms amino-bound [W(CO)₅(2-ampym)] and [W(CO)₅(4-ampym)] complexes. Secondary photolysis generates 18% (1.0 h photolysis) [W(CO)₄(2-ampym)] or [W(CO)₄(4-ampym)], chelated via the exocyclic amine and the adjacent endocyclic position (N-1 and N-3, respectively). Only ca. 10% of the more unhindered N-1-bound W(CO)₅(4-ampym) was detected compared to virtually complete coordination via the exocyclic amino group for [W(CO)₅(2-ampym)]. M 94 calculations show that the W(CO)₅ coordination to the exocyclic donor is favored by 98.8 and 95.6 kcal/mol over the adjacent endocyclic position in the 2-ampym and 4-ampym complexes, respectively. Calculated W–N bond lengths by the M 94 methods gave exo-amine W–N bond distances of 2.24 and 2.26 Å and theoretical adjacent endocyclic W–N bond distances of 2.37 and 2.35 Å (isomers not observed from photolysis) for the 2-ampym and 4-ampym complexes, respectively. A W–(N-1) bond of 2.28 Å for this isomer of [W(CO)₅(4-ampym)] was calculated. All W–N bonds are near the 2.18–2.33 Å range (mean of 2.27±0.06) for [W(CO)₅L] (L=pyridine, piperidine, glycine, 1-(2-py)-1,2,4-triazole, [W(CO)₅CN]⁻, 5-MeU⁻).     

Enhancement of oxygen storage capacity by reductive treatment of Al2O3 and CeO2–ZrO2 solid solution nanocomposite

Oxygen storage capacity (OSC) of CeO₂–ZrO₂ solid solution, Ce_xZr_(1−x)O₄, is one of the most contributing factors to control the performance of an automotive catalyst. To improve the OSC, heat treatments were employed on a nanoscaled composite of Al₂O₃ and CeZrO₄ (ACZ). Reductive treatments from 700 to 1000 °C significantly improved the complete oxygen storage capacity (OSC-c) of ACZ. In particular, the OSC-c measured at 300 °C reached the theoretical maximum with a sufficient specific surface area (SSA) (35 m²/g) after reductive treatment at 1000 °C. The introduced Al₂O₃ facilitated the regular rearrangement of Ce and Zr ions in CeZrO₄ as well as helped in maintaining the sufficient SSA. Reductive treatments also enhanced the oxygen release rate (OSC-r); however, the OSC-r variation against the evaluation temperature and the reduction temperature differed from that of OSC-c. OSC-r measured below 200 °C reached its maximum against the reduction temperature at 800 °C, while those evaluated at 300 °C increased with the reduction temperature in the same manner as OSC-c.     

Organic template-directed indium phosphite-oxalate hybrid material: Synthesis and characterization of a novel 3D |C6H14N2|[In2(HPO3)3(C2O4)] compound with intersecting channels

A novel anionic three-dimensional indium phosphite-oxalate hybrid material, formulated as |C₆H₁₄N₂|[In₂(HPO₃)₃(C₂O₄)] (1) was prepared under hydrothermal conditions by using 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (dabco) as a structure directing agent (SDA). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system space group Pna2₁ (No. 33) having unit cell parameters a = 12.4143(13) Å, b = 7.7166(8) Å, c = 18.327(2) Å, V = 1755.6(3) Å³, and Z = 4 with R₁ = 0.0282, wR₂ = 0.0632. The novel 3D open framework is constructed from InO₆ octahedra, HPO₃ pseudo-tetrahedra and C₂O₄ units. The assembly of these building units generates intersecting 8- and 12-membered ring (MR) channels along two different directions. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first reported indium phosphite-oxalate hybrid material. Further characterization of compound 1 was performed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectra, thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and elemental analyses.     

Adsorption characteristics of metal ions by CO2-fixing Chlorella sp. HA-1

Single and binary metal systems were employed to investigate the removal characteristics of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Zn²⁺ by Chlorella sp. HA-1 that were isolated from a CO₂ fixation process. Adsorption test of single metal systems showed that the maximum metal uptakes were 0.767 mmol Pb²⁺, 0.450 mmol Cd²⁺, 0.334 mmol Cu²⁺ and 0.389 mmol Zn²⁺ per gram of dry cell. In the binary metal systems, the metal ions on Chlorella sp. HA-1 were adsorbed selectively according to their adsorption characteristics. Pb²⁺ ions significantly inhibited the adsorption of Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cd²⁺ ions, while Cu²⁺ ions decreased remarkably the metal uptake of Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions. The relative adsorption between Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions was reduced similarly by the presence of the other metal ions.     

Chlorobenzene total oxidation over palladium supported on ZrO2, TiO2 nanostructured supports

Two series of supported Pd catalysts were synthesized on new mesoporous–macroporous supports (ZrO₂, TiO₂) labelled M (Zr and Ti). The deposition of palladium was carried out by wet impregnation on the calcined TiO₂ and ZrO₂ supports at 400 °C (Pd/Zr₄, Pd/Ti₄) and 600 °C (Pd/Zr₆, Pd/Ti₆) and followed by a calcination at 400 °C for 4 h. The pre-reduced Pd/MX catalysts were investigated for the chlorobenzene total oxidation and their catalytic properties where compared to those of a reference catalyst Pd/Ti-Ref (TiO₂ from Huntsman Tioxide recalcined at 500 °C) and of a palladium supported on the fresh mesoporous–macroporous TiO₂ (Pd/Ti). Based on the activity determined by T₅₀, the Pd/Ti and Pd/Ti₄ catalysts have been found to be more active than the reference one. Moreover activity decreased owing to the sequence: Pd/TiX  Pd/ZrX and in each series when the temperature of calcination of the support was raised. The overall results clearly showed that the activity was dependant on the nature of the support. The better activity of Pd/TiX compared to Pd/ZrX was likely due to a better reducibility of the TiO₂ support (Ti⁴⁺ into Ti³⁺) leading to an enhancement of the oxygen mobility. Production of polychlorinated benzenes PhCl_x (x = 2–6) and of Cl₂ was also observed. Nevertheless at 500 °C the selectivity in HCl was higher than 90% for the best catalysts.     

Spark plasma sintering of self-propagating high-temperature synthesized TiC0.7/TiB2 powders and detailed characterization of dense product

In this work, the fabrication of bulk TiC_0.7/TiB₂ nanostructured composites through metastable transformation processing is investigated by taking advantages of two non-conventional powder metallurgy methods. First, the highly metastable TiC_0.7/TiB₂ agglomerated powders are synthesized by the so-called self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS), followed by rapid quenching. Then, the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method is adopted to consolidate the SHSed powders.A bulk ceramic composite with nanocrystalline microstructure characterized by a high-relative density is then obtained. Dwell temperature of 1400 °C, heating time of 3 min, and total processing time equal to 5 min, while applying a mechanical pressure of 20 MPa, are found to be the optimal SPS experimental conditions in order to obtain near-fully densified samples.The obtained TiC_0.7/TiB₂ samples exhibit hardness HV5 as high as 24 GPa, modulus of elasticity of about 400 GPa, fracture toughness of about 5.6 MPa m^1/2, and a compressive strength of about 2.9 GPa. A very low-wear rate (W_v = 3.8 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/(N m)) and a good thermal shock resistance (ΔT_c = 250 °C) are also displayed. In addition, a high-abrasive wear factor (AWF) equal to 1.84 is evaluated on the basis of the achieved mechanical properties. These results make the obtained TiC_0.7/TiB₂ composite suitable for wear resistant parts as well as cutting tool materials.     

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.     

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.     

A novel unexpected seven-coordinated chain-like dysprosium coordination polymer of pyridine-4-carboxylate: structure and photophysical property

One novel dysprosium coordination polymer [Dy(PIC)₃(H₂O)₂]_n (HPIC = pyridine-4-carboxylic acid) has been synthesized. X-ray analysis reveals that it forms the chain-like molecular structure through the bridged oxygen atoms of the carbonyl groups. The title coordination polymer crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c, with lattice parameters: a=20.243(9) Å, b=11.576(5) Å, c=9.834(4) Å, β=110.601(2)°, V=2078(2) ų, D_c=1.805 mg/m³, Z=4, F(000)=1100, GOF = 1.11, R1=0.0404. The photophysical property has been studied with ultraviolet absorption spectrum, excitation and emission spectrum. The luminescence spectra show the stronger blue emission than yellow emission.