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Hydrothermal synthesis, structure, heterogeneous catalytic activity and photoluminescent properties of a novel homoleptic Sm(III)-organic framework

A novel metal-organic framework, (H{sub 2}pip){sub n}[Sm{sub 2}(pydc){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]{sub n} (1) (H{sub 2}pydc=2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, H{sub 2}pip=piperazine) has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by the elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The structure of 1 was determined to be three-dimensional, linked along Sm-O-Sm chains. The asymmetric unit consisted of one singly anionic fragment consisting of Sm(III) coordinated to two H{sub 2}pydc ligands and one water, and one half of a protonated H{sub 2}pip, which sits on an inversion center. 1 exhibited luminescence emission bands at 534 nm at room temperature when excited at 440 nm. Its thermal behavior and catalytic performance were investigated and the selectivity was measured as 100% for the oxidation of thymol to thymoquinone. - Graphical abstract: A novel 3D lanthanide-organic framework has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The thermal behavior and catalytic performance of 1 were investigated and its selectivity was measured as 100% for the oxidation of thymol to thymoquinone.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Correlating Elastic Properties and Molecular Organization of an Ionic Organic Nanostructure

Mechanical and structural properties of ionically self-assembled nanostructures of meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TSPP) and meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin (TPyP) are presented. This is the first time that elastic modulus of an ionic porphyrin nanostructure has been reported. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-visible spectra, and elemental analysis all support a stoichiometric 1 : 1 TSPP to TPyP composition. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the porphyrin nanostructure is composed of stacked ribbons about 20 nm tall, 70 nm wide, and several microns in length. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images showed clear lattice fringes 1.5 ± 0.2 nm in width aligned along the length of the nanorod. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and powder X-ray diffraction patterns of TSPP:TPyP are consistent with an orthorhombic system and space group Imm2 with lattice parameters a ¼ 26.71 °A, b ¼ 20.16 °A, and c ¼ 8.61 °A. Crystallographic data is consistent with an arrangement of alternating face-to-face TSPP and TPyP molecules forming ordered columns along the length of the nanorods. The structural integrity of the solid is attributed to combined noncovalent interactions that include ionic, hydrogen bonding, and p–p interactions. The values of Young’s modulus obtained for the crystalline TSPP:TPyP nanorods averaged 6.5 ± 1.3 GPa. This modulus is comparable to those reported for covalently bonded flexible polymeric systems. The robust bonding character of the TSPP:TPyP nanostructures combined with their mechanical properties makes them excellent candidates for flexible optoelectronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis of a series of rare-earth-based multi-anion chalcogenide iodides RE 3 Si 2 Se x S 8− x I (RE = La, Ce, Pr, and Nd) using the flux-assisted boron–chalcogen mixture method

Single crystals and polycrystalline powders of rare earth mixed chalcogenide iodides La 3 Si 2 Se 1.21 S 6.79 I, Ce 3 Si 2 Se 1.39 S 6.61 I, Pr 3 Si 2 Se 1.22 S 6.78 I, and Nd 3 Si 2 Se 1.18 S 6.82 I were prepared using the reactive flux-assisted boron–chalcogen mixture (BCM) method at 850 °C. All compounds crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system, space group C2/c (space group number 15). The series adopts the La 3 Si 2 O 8 Cl structure type, containing isolated SiQ 4 tetrahedra connected by REQ 8 (RE = La, Ce, Pr and Nd) polyhedra; this arrangement creates tunnels that are filled by I atoms. The partial substitution of S by Se was carried out to modulate the optical properties. Phase pure samples and uniform solid solutions were obtained for all compositions as determined using powder X-ray diffraction patterns. Polycrystalline powders were used for physical property measurements, including magnetic susceptibility and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance. The solid-state UV-Vis data for the polycrystalline La 3 Si 2 Se 1.21 S 6.79 I, Ce 3 Si 2 Se 1.39 S 6.61 I, and Pr 3 Si 2 Se 1.22 S 6.78 I samples revealed band gaps of E g = 2.5(1), 2.2(1), and 2.3(1) eV, typical of semiconductors. Magnetic measurements indicated that Ce 3 Si 2 Se 1.39 S 6.61 I and Nd 3 Si 2 Se 1.18 S 6.82 I exhibit paramagnetic behavior with slightly negative Weiss constants θ = −25 and −38. The photoluminescence spectrum of Ce 3 Si 2 Se 1.39 S 6.61 I exhibits a broad emission band around ∼493 nm.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Tailored multivariate analysis for modulated enhanced diffraction

Modulated enhanced diffraction (MED) is a technique allowing the dynamic structural characterization of crystalline materials subjected to an external stimulus, which is particularly suited for in situ and operando structural investigations at synchrotron sources. Contributions from the (active) part of the crystal system that varies synchronously with the stimulus can be extracted by an offline analysis, which can only be applied in the case of periodic stimuli and linear system responses. In this paper a new decomposition approach based on multivariate analysis is proposed. The standard principal component analysis (PCA) is adapted to treat MED data: specific figures of merit based on their scores and loadings are found, and the directions of the principal components obtained by PCA are modified to maximize such figures of merit. As a result, a general method to decompose MED data, called optimum constrained components rotation (OCCR), is developed, which produces very precise results on simulated data, even in the case of nonperiodic stimuli and/or nonlinear responses. The multivariate analysis approach is able to supply in one shot both the diffraction pattern related to the active atoms (through the OCCR loadings) and the time dependence of the system response (through the OCCR scores). When applied to real data, OCCR was able to supply only the latter information, as the former was hindered by changes in abundances of different crystal phases, which occurred besides structural variations in the specific case considered. To develop a decomposition procedure able to cope with this combined effect represents the next challenge in MED analysis.

Caliandro, Rocco↗

Lithium insertion properties of Li{sub x}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} investigated by neutron diffraction and first-principles modelling

TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7}, a good candidate as anode in lithium batteries, was treated with n-butyllithium to synthesize Li{sub x}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} phases similar to those formed during electrochemical reactions. The Li{sub 2.67}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Li{sub 3.33}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} compounds, monoclinic C2/m, were studied by time-of-flight powder neutron diffraction. Their crystal structures, containing 3×3 blocks of (Ti,Nb)O{sub 6} octahedra, were Rietveld refined including Li positions. The Li atoms are distributed in similar amounts over sites with (Li–O) Coordination Numbers 5 and 4, although CN=5 should be preferred for having lower energy. Quantum-mechanical calculations were also performed, determining the average charge–discharge voltages to be 1.415 and 1.571 V for Li{sub 3.33}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Li{sub 2.67}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7}, respectively, in good agreement with experimental results. An analysis of the theoretical charge distribution shows that, on lithiation, the chemical reduction of Ti and Nb atoms concentrates in the more condensed peripheral octahedra of the 3×3 block. This corresponds to electrons moving into a partly spin-polarized small band which gives rise to semi-metallic conductivity. - Graphical abstract: Structure of monoclinic Li{sub 3.33}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7}, and corresponding electron density of states. - Highlights: • Lithium was chemically inserted into the battery anode material TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7}. • Li atoms are distributed over four- and fivefold oxygen coordinated sites. • On lithiation Nb and Ti atoms are reduced according to a peculiar structural pattern. • Theoretically predicted charge–discharge voltages fit experiments very well.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Understanding the Hydronium Cation in the Solid State: A Study in Synthetic Hydronium Uranyl Phosphate and Arsenate Mineral Systems and Their Irradiation Stability

Here, we present neutron diffraction, electronic structure calculations, and optical vibrational spectroscopic characterization of hydronium uranyl phosphate (HUP), the synthetic analog of chernikovite ((H 3 O)(UO 2 )(PO 4 )·3H 2 O) to gain insight into structural features of the hydronium cation in the solid state. HUP crystallizes in P2 1 /c instead of previously reported P4/ncc 1 at room temperature and Pccn below 302 K. Lower symmetry was required due to hydronium and interstitial water positions within the structure. Crystallographic positions of hydronium cations determined from powder neutron diffraction data are bolstered by Raman and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopic measurements and are further informed by density functional theory with phonon eigenvector analysis for spectral assignments. Finally, HUP and its arsenate analog (trogerite, (H 3 O)(UO 2 )(AsO 4 )·3H 2 O), (HUAs) were studied using He 2+ irradiation as an analog for α radiolysis to investigate the irradiation stability of these phases and the stability of hydronium cations in the solid state. Dose studies were employed wherein each sample was irradiated to 5, 10, 15, 25, and 50 MGy. Structural insight regarding irradiated materials is gained using optical vibrational spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. Surprising irradiation stability of HUAs was found up to 50 MGy of dose, which may have important implications for understanding and modeling the geologic stability of legacy U.

actinides↗

Synthesis and characterization of the novel breathing pyrochlore compound Ba 3 ⁢Tm 2⁢ Zn 5⁢ O 11

In this study, a novel material from the rare-earth based breathing pyrochlore family, Ba 3 ⁢Tm 2 ⁢Zn 5 ⁢O 11 , was successfully synthesized. Powder x-ray diffraction and high-resolution powder neutron diffraction confirmed phase purity and the $F\bar4$3⁢𝑚 breathing pyrochlore crystal structure, while thermogravimetric analysis revealed incongruent melting behavior compared to its counterpart, Ba 3 ⁢Yb 2⁢ Zn 5⁢ O 11 . High-quality single crystals of Ba 3 ⁢Tm 2 ⁢Zn 5 ⁢O 11 were grown using the traveling solvent floating zone technique and assessed using Laue x-ray diffraction and single crystal x-ray diffraction. Further, thermodynamic characterization indicated paramagnetic behavior down to 0.05 K, and inelastic neutron scattering measurements identified distinct dispersionless crystal electric field energy bands, with the fitted crystal electric field model predicting a single-ion singlet ground state and an energy gap of ∼9 meV separating it from the first excited (singlet) state. Additional low-energy excitation studies on single crystals revealed dispersionless bands at 0.8 and 1 meV. Computed phonon dispersions from first-principles calculations ruled out phonons as the origin of these modes, further illustrating the puzzling and unique properties of Ba 3 ⁢Tm⁢ 2 Zn 5 ⁢O 11 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Neutron vibrational spectroscopic evidence for short H∙∙∙H contacts in the RNiInH 1.4; 1.6 (R = Ce, La) metal hydride

Intermetallic metal hydrides are critical materials for hydrogen storage applications, however, metal hydrides with greater storage capacities are still needed. Within metal hydrides, the volumetric storage capacities are limited by the number of hydrogen-accommodating interstitial sites which can be simultaneously occupied given a minimum hydride nearest-neighbor distance of ~2.1 A, according to the Switendick-Westlake criterion. To date, violations of this criterion are rare. Perhaps the most well studied compounds violating this criterion are the RNiInHx compounds (R = Ce, La, Nd). Previous neutron diffraction studies on the deuterated species revealed the presence of Ni-D∙∙∙D-Ni-D∙∙∙D-Ni chains with anomalously close D∙∙∙D contacts of ~1.6 A. Yet there are no neutron vibrational spectroscopic investigations reported for these atypical hydrides. Here we use neutron vibrational spectroscopy (NVS) measurements to probe the hydrogen dynamics in LaNiInHx (x = 0.67, 1.6) and CeNiInH 1.4 . For x > 0.67, the presence of close H...H contacts yields two related features in the vibrational spectrum centered near ~90 meV corresponding to the oscillations of paired H atoms simultaneously occupying neighboring R 3 Ni tetrahedra. Notably, these features are energetically distinct from comparable vibrational motions for "unpaired" H atoms when x = 0.67. To compare, we also present powder neutron diffraction and NVS measurements for the newly characterized, chemically similar Sn compounds CeNiSnH, CeNiSnH 2 , and CeNiSnD 2 . These compounds also contain R 3 Ni tetrahedra, however, the H-occupied tetrahedra are well separated from each other with the closest H∙∙∙H distances exceeding 2.1 A, and the Switendick-Westlake criterion is not violated. Consequently, the spectral signature of the close H∙∙∙H contacts is absent in these hydrides.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Thermophysical properties of high-density, sintered monoliths of yttrium dihydride in the range 373–773 K

Yttrium dihydride is a promising nuclear reactor moderator for high-temperature, thermal micro-reactors due to its ability to retain hydrogen to high temperatures while having a relatively low impact on neutron economy. However, it is difficult to fabricate yttrium dihydride in high-density, near net-shape monoliths for moderator applications due to challenges associated with the hydrogen absorption process. Here, high-density monoliths of yttrium dihydride were prepared by powder metallurgical methods. The lattice strain and thermal expansion coefficient were measured using neutron diffraction of powders of directly-hydrided yttrium, while the molar heat capacity and thermal diffusivity of sintered yttrium dihydride were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and laser flash analysis (LFA), respectively. The molar heat capacity of yttrium dihydride was also calculated using density functional theory (DFT) for comparison. These parameters were used to then calculate the thermal conductivity and resistivity of yttrium dihydride as a function of temperature. The thermophysical properties of materials produced by both methods were observed to be consistent with the values from literature for yttrium dihydride. Due to the novelty of producing yttrium dihydride by powder metallurgical methods, this result indicated that the sintered monoliths were of high quality and that powder metallurgy is a viable method for large-scale production of yttrium dihydride monoliths for nuclear reactor moderator applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Sealed-tube synthesis and phase diagram of Li{sub x}TiS{sub 2} (0 ≤ x ≤1)

Graphical abstract: We reported a new method to prepare Li{sub x}TiS{sub 2} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) at 600 °C in sealed tube using Li{sub 2}S aslithium source. A schematic phase diagram of the Li{sub x}TiS{sub 2} system has been constructed based on the DTA and XRD data. - Abstract: We reported a new method to prepare Li{sub x}TiS{sub 2} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) at 600 °C in sealed tube using Li{sub 2}S as lithium source. The Li{sub x}TiS{sub 2} samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and differential thermal analysis. The variations of the lattice parameters with lithium content x in Li{sub x}TiS{sub 2} were determined by X-ray powder diffraction analysis for both 1T and 3R phases. The phase transition between low-temperature 1T phase and high-temperature 3R phase was confirmed by the powder X-ray diffraction analysis. Based on the differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction results, a schematic phase diagram of the Li{sub x}TiS{sub 2} system has been constructed, providing a guideline to synthesize Li{sub x}TiS{sub 2} in 1T structure or 3R structure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis, structure and canted antiferromagnetism of layered cobalt hydroxide sorbate

Layered hybrid organic–inorganic compounds of the transition metal hydroxides, in which part of the hydroxide ions are exchanged for organic ligands that act as spacers of the 2-dimensional inorganic layers, elicit new or enhanced properties. The interlayer ligands enable fine-tuning of the physicochemical properties of the metal hydroxide layers, including their magnetism. Specifically, within the Co(OH) 2 family of transition ion hydroxides, this approach has been leveraged to stabilize antiferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic ground states for pillared and layered complexes, respectively. Here, in this work, we further investigate the effects of changing dimensionality, local Co coordination, and interlayer spacing on the magnetic ground state of brucite-like β-Co(OH) layered complexes. We report the hydrothermal synthesis of a new crystalline material, Co(OH)(sorb), where the inorganic layers are spaced by monotopic, doubly unsaturated sorbate ligands (sorb = [C 6 H 7 O 2 ] – ). The material was structurally characterized using powder X-ray and neutron diffraction measurements and the crystal structure was solved ab initio from powder diffraction data and refined using the Rietveld method. The magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements reveal canted antiferromagnetic ordering with T N = 41.7 K. This report augments our understanding of tuning magnetism through dimensionality in layered complexes and represents a step forward in the design of new 2D layered hybrid compounds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

X-ray diffraction study of phase transformation dynamics of Fe and Fe-Si alloys along the shock Hugoniot using an x-ray free electron laser

The x-ray free electron laser (XFEL) enables probing a highly compressed material response at the subnanosecond timescale. Here we exploit the ultrafast XFEL pulse to combine reflection x-ray diffraction and laser-driven shock compression to perform a study of the phase transformation and stability in Fe and Fe-Si alloys. Our approach enables us to observe that solid-solid phase transformations occur in Fe and Fe- Si 8.5 wt % in ≤ 130 ps at ~ 130 GPa; no transformation is observed in Fe- Si 16 wt % up to 110 GPa. Density functional theory calculations predict similar phase relations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

First principles calculations, neutron, and x-ray diffraction investigation of Y{sub 3}Ni{sub 13}B{sub 2}, Y{sub 3}Co{sub 13}B{sub 2}, and Y{sub 3}Ni{sub 10}Co{sub 3}B{sub 2}

Fully relativistic calculations within the local spin density approximation and the generalized gradient approximation were performed to determine the local spin and orbital magnetic moments, as well as the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of Y{sub 3}Ni{sub 13}B{sub 2}, Y{sub 3}Co{sub 13}B{sub 2}, and Y{sub 3}Ni{sub 10}Co{sub 3}B{sub 2} compounds. A weak in-plane magnetic anisotropy is determined for Y{sub 3}Ni{sub 13}B{sub 2}, under the assumption of a crystallographic-like magnetic unit cell and collinear magnetic moments. The calculations predict considerable c-axis anisotropy for Y{sub 3}Co{sub 13}B{sub 2} and Y{sub 3}Ni{sub 10}Co{sub 3}B{sub 2}, but smaller than that of YCo{sub 5}. The values of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy correlate well with both the magnitude of the orbital magnetic moment and the orbital magnetic moment anisotropy. The mixing between Co or Ni 3d states and B 2p states, observable at the bottom of the valence band of the 3d metal having a boron atom nearest neighbor, decreases the 3d spin and especially, the 3d orbital magnetic moments. Y{sub 3}Ni{sub 13}B{sub 2} and Y{sub 3}Ni{sub 10}Co{sub 3}B{sub 2} were also investigated by powder neutron diffraction experiments, at temperatures between 1.8 and 249 K. The Co and Ni site averaged magnetic moments calculated in the mixed compound are in fair agreement with the values obtained by the refinement of the magnetic contribution to the diffraction pattern.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Effect of alloying BaTiO 3 with BiZn 1/2 Ti 1/2 O 3 on polarization reversal

Changes in the polarization state of ferroelectric materials are mediated through the motion of planar defects such as domain walls. The interplay between the two processes that enable the inversion of the macroscopic polarization in ferroelectric materials, non-180° (domain reorientation) and 180° (domain reversal), is not well understood. In this work, time-resolved x-ray diffraction was carried out during the application of an external electric field to investigate the dynamic electric-field response mechanisms of BaTiO 3 (BT) and BiZn 1/2 Ti 1/2 O 3 (BZT)-modified BT (0.94BT-0.06BZT). These data evidence that the incorporation of BZT into BT fundamentally alters what processes are activated to reorient the polarization by 180°. Polarization reversal in BT is achieved through direct inversion of spontaneous dipoles. However, the addition of BZT into BT promotes a two-step polarization reversal process (i.e., two consecutive non-180° reorientation events).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Neutron diffraction and thermoelectric properties of indium filled In x Co 4 Sb 12 ( x =0.05, 0.2) and indium cerium filled Ce 0.05 In 0.1 Co 4 Sb 12 skutterudites: Neutron diffraction and thermoelectric properties of In/Ce skutterudites

The thermoelectric properties on polycrystalline single (In) and double filled (Ce, In) skutterudites are characterized between 300 and 700 K. Powder neutron diffraction measurements of the skutterudite compositions In x Co 4 Sb 12 (x= 0.05, 0.2) and Ce 0.05 In 0.1 Co 4 Sb 12 as a function of temperature (12- 300 K) were carried out, which gives more insight into the structural data of single and double-filled skutterudites. Our results show that due to the annealing treatment, a Sb deficiency is detectable and thus verifies defects at the Sb lattice site of the skutterudite. Furthermore, we show by electron microprobe analysis that a considerable amount of indium is lost during synthesis and post-processing for the single indium filled samples, but not for the double cerium and indium skutterudite sample. The double-filled skutterudite is superior to the single-filled skutterudite composition due to a higher charge carrier density, a comparable lattice thermal resistivity, and a higher density of states effective mass in our experiment. Finally, we obtained a significantly higher Einstein temperature for the double-filled skutterudite composition in comparison to the single-filled species, which reflects the high sensitivity due to filling of the void lattice position within the skutterudite crystal.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Simple but tricky: Investigations of terephthalic acid purity obtained from mixed PET waste

In this study, we report for the first time, the basic depolymerization of mixed waste-polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by hydrolysis and subsequent terephthalic acid monomer recovery at high purity using benign reaction conditions. Several conditions were tested for depolymerization such as PET chips size, concentration of aqueous sodium hydroxide (20 or 30%), organic co-solvent (ethylene glycol or ethanol), temperature at which the reaction was run and duration of the heating. More importantly, several batches of PET were utilized as starting materials including a commercial PET, chopped PET obtained from clean bottles whose caps and labels were removed and the purity of the product from each condition was evaluated via nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR and 13CNMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder Xray diffraction (XRD). Unsurprisingly, the conversion of PET is dependent on the particle size varying from 100% conversion for fine powder to 73% conversion for (300 µm, mesh 6 – 20 or mesh 14-20). Ethanol appears to be more efficient as a co-solvent than ethylene glycol, with higher PET depolymerization conversions (94% versus 75-80%), shorter reaction times (2h versus 6h) and lower temperatures (80 °C versus 110 °C). The terephthalic acid (TPA) recovered appeared to have only subtle differences among the batches, most notably a pink color when the reaction was run in ethanol/base. The DSC of the compounds produced in ethylene glycol water appear to display a melting point (280-288 °C) while the samples prepared in ethanol as well as a commercial sample did not. Overall, the purity of the various TPA batches is comparable, and similar to commercial TPA, demonstrating the utility of the method to depolymerize realistic waste streams. The method is simple, demonstrated on multigram scale (15-30g) and allows for the complete removal of waste other than PET unaffected by alkaline conditions.

Cosimbescu, Lelia↗