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At least 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Defect chemistry of phospho-olivine nanoparticles synthesized by a microwave-assisted solvothermal process

Nanocrystalline LiFePO{sub 4} powders synthesized by a microwave-assisted solvothermal (MW-ST) process have been structurally characterized with a combination of high resolution powder neutron diffraction, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and aberration-corrected HAADF STEM imaging. A significant level of defects has been found in the samples prepared at 255 and 275 °C. These temperatures are significantly higher than what has previously been suggested to be the maximum temperature for defect formation in LiFePO{sub 4}, so the presence of defects is likely related to the rapid MW-ST synthesis involving a short reaction time (∼5 min). A defect model has been tentatively proposed, though it has been shown that powder diffraction data alone cannot conclusively determine the precise defect distribution in LiFePO{sub 4} samples. The model is consistent with other literature reports on nanopowders synthesized at low temperatures, in which the unit cell volume is significantly reduced relative to defect-free, micron-sized LiFePO{sub 4} powders. - Graphical abstract: Temperature-dependent antisite defect formation has been observed in nanocrystalline LiFePO{sub 4} powders synthesized by a microwave solvothermal process, using high resolution diffraction and STEM imaging. Display Omitted - Highlights: • LiFePO{sub 4} nanopowders synthesized by a microwave-assisted solvothermal process. • Defects directly observed by aberration-corrected HAADF STEM imaging. • Antisite defects present from synthesis at 255 and 275 °C. • Defects present from higher temperature synthesis than previously reported. • Powder diffraction data have been analyzed in detail for various defect models.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Correlation of Schottky constants with interatomic distances of selected I–VII and II–VI compounds

The observed linear (Na-, K-halides) and near-linear (Mg-, Sr-, Zn-, Cd-, and Hg-chalcogenides) dependences of Schottky constants on reciprocal interatomic distances yield the relation logK{sub S}=((s{sub s}1/T)+i{sub s})1/d{sub (A−B)}+(s{sub i}1/T)+i{sub i}, where K{sub S} is the product of metal and non-metal thermal equilibrium vacancy concentrations, and s{sub s}, i{sub s}, s{sub i} and i{sub i} are the group specific slope and intercept values obtained from an extended analysis of the above log K{sub S} versus 1/d{sub (A−B)} data. The previously reported linear dependences of log K{sub S} on the Born–Haber lattice energies [1] are the basis for combining the earlier results [1] with the Born–Mayer lattice energy equation to yield a new thermodynamic relationship, namely logK{sub S}=−(2.303nRT){sup −1}(c{sub (B−M)}/d{sub (A−B)}−I{sub e}), where c{sub (B−M)} is the product of the constants of the Born–Mayer equation and I{sub e} is the metal ionization energy of the above compounds. These results establish a correlation between point defect concentrations and basic thermodynamic, coulombic, and structural solid state properties for selected I–VII and II–VI semiconductor materials. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Aromatic carboxylate effect on dimensionality of three bis(benzimidazole)-based cobalt(II) coordination polymers: Syntheses, structures and properties

Three new metal-organic coordination polymers [Co(4-bbc){sub 2}(bbbm)] (1), [Co(3,5-pdc)(bbbm)]·2H{sub 2}O (2) and [Co(1,4-ndc)(bbbm)] (3) (4-Hbbc=4-bromobenzoic acid, 3,5-H{sub 2}pdc=3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-H{sub 2}ndc=1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid and bbbm=1,1-(1,4-butanediyl)bis-1H-benzimidazole) were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Polymer 1 is a 1D chain formed by the bbbm ligands and Co{sup II} ions. Polymer 2 exhibits a 2D network with a (3·4·5)(3{sup 2}·4·5·6{sup 2}·7{sup 4}) topology. Polymer 3 possesses a 3D three-fold interpenetrating framework. The versatile structures of title polymers indicate that the aromatic carboxylates have an important influence on the dimensionality of 1–3. Moreover, the thermal stability, electrochemical and luminescent properties of 1–3 were investigated. - graphical abstract: Three bis(benzimidazole)-based cobalt(II) coordination polymers tuned by aromatic carboxylates were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. The aromatic carboxylates play a key role in the dimensionality of three polymers. The electrochemical and luminescent properties of three polymers were investigated. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Three bis(benzimidazole)-based cobalt(II) coordination polymers tuned by aromatic carboxylates were obtained. • The aromatic carboxylates have an important influence on the dimensionality of three polymers. • The electrochemical and luminescent properties of three polymers were investigated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis, crystal structure and luminescence properties of lanthanide coordination polymers with a new semirigid bridging thenylsalicylamide ligand

Two new lanthanide coordination polymers based on a semirigid bridging thenylsalicylamide ligand ([Ln{sub 2}L{sub 3}(NO{sub 3}){sub 6}]·(C{sub 4}H{sub 8}O{sub 2}){sub 2}){sub ∞} were obtained and characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, IR and TGA measurements. The two compounds are isostructure and possess one dimensional trapezoid ladder-like chain built up from the connection of isolated LnO{sub 3}(NO{sub 3}){sub 3} polyhedra (distorted monocapped antisquare prism) through the ligand. The photoluminescence analysis suggest that there is an efficient ligand-to-Ln(III) energy transfer in Tb(III) complex and the ligand is an efficient “antenna” for Tb(III). From a more general perspective, the results demonstrated herein provide the possibility of controlling the formation of the desired lanthanide coordination structure to enrich the crystal engineering strategy and enlarge the arsenal for developing excellent luminescent lanthanide coordination polymers. - Graphical abstract: We present herein one dimensional lanthanide coordination polymers of a new semirigid exo-bidentate ligand which not only display interesting structures but also possess strong luminescence properties. Display Omitted - Highlights: • We present lanthanide coordination polymers of a new semirigid exo-bidentate ligand. • The lanthanide coordination polymers exhibit interesting structures. • The luminescent properties of Tb(III) complexes are discussed in detail.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

High efficient photocatalytic selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde by solvothermal-synthesized ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} microspheres under visible light irradiation

Hexagonal ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} samples have been synthesized by a solvothermal method. Their properties have been determined by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible-light diffuse reflectance spectra, field emission scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption and X-ray photoelectron spectra. These results demonstrate that ethanol solvent has significant influence on the morphology, optical and electronic nature for such marigold-like ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} microspheres. The visible light photocatalytic activities of the ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} have been evaluated by selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde using molecular oxygen as oxidant. The results show that 100% conversion along with >99% selectivity are reached over ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} prepared in ethanol solvent under visible light irradiation (λ>420 nm) of 2 h, but only 58% conversion and 57% yield are reached over ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} prepared in aqueous solvent. A possible mechanism of the high photocatalytic activity for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol over ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} is proposed and discussed. - Graphical abstract: Marigold-like ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} microspheres were synthesized by a solvothermal method. The high visible photocatalytic activities of ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} were evaluated by selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde under mild conditions. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Marigold-like ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} microspheres were synthesized by a solvothermal method. • The solvents have a remarkably influence on the morphology and properties of samples. • It is the first time to apply ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol. • ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} shows high photocatalytic activity for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Syntheses and characterizations of two new energetic copper–amine-DNANT complexes and their effects on thermal decomposition of RDX

Two novel copper complexes of dinitroacetonitrile (DNANT), Cu(NH{sub 3}){sub 4}(DNANT){sub 2} (1) and Cu(en){sub 2}(DNATN){sub 2} (2), have been synthesized for the first time through an unique reaction, and structurally characterized. The single-crystal X-ray structural analysis shows that the Cu{sup 2+} cations in the two complexes share a similar four-coordinated structure, which however does not directly involve the main energetic DNANT{sup −} anion. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study reveals that the two complexes have higher thermal stability and lower sensitivity than the analogous FOX-7 complexes, and exhibit good catalytic action to the decomposition of RDX. - Graphical abstract: Cu(NH{sub 3}){sub 4}(DNANT){sub 2} (1) and Cu(en){sub 2}(DNATN){sub 2} (2) have been first synthesized through an unique reaction. Cu{sup 2+} ion shares a similar four-coordinated structure in the two complexes. Display Omitted - Highlights: • A new reaction is unexpectedly found, and reaction process was discussed in this work. • Cu(NH{sub 3}){sub 4} (DNANT){sub 2}and Cu(en){sub 2}(DNATN){sub 2} were first synthesized through an unique reaction. • The structures and properties of the two complexes were discussed in detail, and they all present good application performances. • The adjacent amino-hydrazino group in AHDNE exhibits high reactivity. The work is another typical example for the reactivity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Structural stability of ternary C22–Zr{sub 6}X{sub 2}Co (X=Al, Ga, Sn, As, Sb, Bi, Te) and C22–Zr{sub 6}Sn{sub 2}T′ (T′=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) compounds

The crystal and electronic structures, and the thermodynamic properties of Zr{sub 6}X{sub 2}Co (X=Al, Ga, Sn, As, Sb, Bi, Te) and Zr{sub 6}Sn{sub 2}T′ (T′=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) ternary compounds in the Fe{sub 2}P-type structure have been investigated by means of first principle calculations. The calculated structural parameters are in good agreement with the experimental data. The total electronic densities of states as well as the Bader charges of the atoms have been computed. Both electronic and size effects allow to explain the stability of the ternary Zr{sub 6}X{sub 2}Co (X=Al, Ga, Sn, As, Sb, Bi, Te) and Zr{sub 6}Sn{sub 2}T′ (T′=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) compounds. - Graphical abstract: Valence charge electronic localization function (ELF) calculated for Zr{sub 6}Sb{sub 2}Co compound. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Structural stability of Zr{sub 6}X{sub 2}T′ compounds (X: p element, T′: late transition metal) in the Fe{sub 2}P-type structure. • First principles calculation of lattice parameters and enthalpies of formation. • Electronic densities of state in the series Zr{sub 6}Sn{sub 2}T′ (T′=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu). • Electronic densities of state in the series Zr{sub 6}X{sub 2}Co (X=Al, Ga, Sn, As, Sb, Bi, Te)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

KSi{sub 2}P{sub 3}: A new layered phosphidopolysilicate (IV)

A new ternary phosphidopolysilicate (IV), KSi{sub 2}P{sub 3}, has been synthesized by high temperature solid state reaction. The compound crystallizes in a new structure type in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a=10.1327(5) Å, b=10.1382(5) Å, c=21.1181(10) Å, β=96.88(0)°, and Z=8. In the structure, all SiP{sub 4} tetrahedra are connected with each other by corner-sharing P atoms to form {sup 2}{sub ∞}[Si{sub 2}P{sub 3}]{sup −} layers, which are stacked along c direction and separated by K{sup +} cations. The two-dimensional structure of KSi{sub 2}P{sub 3} contrasts with those of the two known members in the ternary A/Si/P (A=alkali metal) system, namely Na{sub 5}SiP{sub 3} (zero-dimensional) and K{sub 2}SiP{sub 2} (one-dimensional), which contains less amount of Si. The band gap deduced from UV–vis–IR diffuse reflectance spectrum is 1.72 eV. - Graphical abstract: KSi{sub 2}P{sub 3} contains two-dimensional layer {sup 2}{sub ∞}[Si{sub 2}P{sub 3}]{sup −} separated by K{sup +} cations. Display Omitted - Highlights: • A new ternary phosphidopolysilicate (IV), KSi{sub 2}P{sub 3}, has been synthesized. • The SiP{sub 4} tetrahedra are connected to form two-dimensional layer {sup 2}{sub ∞}[Si{sub 2}P{sub 3}]{sup −}. • The two-dimensional layers are separated by K{sup +} cations. • KSi{sub 2}P{sub 3} is a semiconductor with band gap of 1.72 eV.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis of flower-like Ag/AgBr/BiOBr microspheres and their high efficient photocatalytic degradation for p-nitrophenol

Flower-like Ag/AgBr/BiOBr microspheres were successfully fabricated by the approach of microwave-assisted solvothermal and in situ photo-assisted reduction. A reactive ionic liquid 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C{sub 16}mim]Br) was employed as Br source in the presence of surfactant polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The photocatalytic activity of Ag/AgBr/BiOBr towards the decomposition of p-nitrophenol under visible light irradiation was evaluated. The results indicated that Ag/AgBr/BiOBr showed enhanced photocatalytic activity towards p-nitrophenol, comparing with P25, BiOBr and Ag/AgBr. More than 96% of p-nitrophenol was decomposed in 3.5 h under visible-light irradation. The excellent photocatalytic activity of flower-like Ag/AgBr/BiOBr microspheres can be attributed to the large specific surface area, strong visible-light absorption, suitable energy band structure and surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag nanoparticles. The possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on the active species test and band gap structure analysis. - Graphical abstract: The photocatalytic reaction mechanisms of the as-prepared Ag/AgBr/BiOBr. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Successful synthesis of flower-like Ag/AgBr/BiOBr microspheres. • The Ag/AgBr/BiOBr showed much higher photocatalytic activity towards p-nitrophenol as compared to BiOBr and Ag/AgBr. • The reasons for the excellent photocatalytic activity are the large specific surface area, strong visible-light absorption and surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag nanoparticles. • The O{sub 2}·{sup −}, Br{sup 0} and photogenerated h{sup +} play key roles in the photocatalytic degradation process.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

A green synthesis of a layered titanate, potassium lithium titanate; lower temperature solid-state reaction and improved materials performance

A layered titanate, potassium lithium titanate, with the size range from 0.1 to 30 µm was prepared to show the effects of the particle size on the materials performance. The potassium lithium titanate was prepared by solid-state reaction as reported previously, where the reaction temperature was varied. The reported temperature for the titanate preparation was higher than 800 °C, though 600 °C is good enough to obtain single-phase potassium lithium titanate. The lower temperature synthesis is cost effective and the product exhibit better performance as photocatalysts due to surface reactivity. - Graphical abstract: Finite particle of a layered titanate, potassium lithium titanate, was prepared by solid-state reaction at lower temperature to show modified materials performance. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Potassium lithium titanate was prepared by solid-state reaction. • Lower temperature reaction resulted in smaller sized particles of titanate. • 600 °C was good enough to obtain single phased potassium lithium titanate. • The product exhibited better performance as photocatalyst.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Structural investigation of the new Ca{sub 3}Ln{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd and Dy) compounds and luminescence spectroscopy of Ca{sub 3}Gd{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} doped with the Eu{sup 3+} ion

The crystal structures of new rare earth-based germanate compounds (Ca{sub 3}Pr{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12}, Ca{sub 3}Nd{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12}, Ca{sub 3}Sm{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12}, Ca{sub 3}Gd{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} and Ca{sub 3}Dy{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12}) have been determined by Rietveld refinement calculations on the collected synchrotron X-ray diffraction powder patterns. A different distribution of the rare earth ions in the three available crystal sites was observed, as the main structural feature. The reasons of the instability of the silico-carnotite structure for lanthanide ions out of the range Pr–Dy have been proposed. Finally, the luminescence spectroscopy of the Eu{sup 3+} dopant ion in Ca{sub 3}Gd{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} was presented and analyzed taking into account the observed structural characteristics. The Eu{sup 3+} luminescence spectroscopy was also compared with the one of Eu{sup 3+} doped Ca{sub 3}Gd{sub 2}Si{sub 3}O{sub 12} and Ca{sub 3}Lu{sub 2}Si{sub 3}O{sub 12} isostructural materials. - Graphical abstract: The structural study on Ca{sub 3}Ln{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} exploiting synchrotron X-ray diffraction, allows us to determine the detailed geometry of the coordination polyhedra of the metals and their distribution in the crystal sites. These features are, in the case of Ca{sub 3}Gd{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} host, closely related to the luminescence spectroscopy of the Eu{sup 3+} dopant ion. Display Omitted - Highlights: • The structure of the Ca{sub 3}Ln{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd and Dy) was determined. • Different distribution of Ln{sup 3+} ions on the three available crystal sites was observed. • A detailed structural study focused on the metal coordination polyhedra was performed. • The instability of the silico-carnotite structure out of the range Pr–Dy was discussed. • The luminescence of the dopant Eu{sup 3+} ion in Ca{sub 3}Gd{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} was presented and analyzed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Nitrogen-tuned bonding mechanism of Li and Ti adatom embedded graphene

The effects of nitrogen defects on the bonding mechanism and resultant binding energy between the metal and graphene layer were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. For the graphitic N-doped graphene, Li adatom exhibited ionic bonding character, while Ti adatom showed features of covalent bonding similar to that of pristine graphene. However, in the cases of pyridinic and pyrrolic structures, partially covalent bonding characteristic occurred around N atoms in the process of binding with metals, and this particular bond formation enhanced the bond strength of metal on the graphene layer as much as it exceeded the cohesive energy of the metal bulk. Thus, Li and Ti metals are expected to be dispersed with atomic accuracy on the pyridinic and pyrrolic N-doped graphene layers. These results demonstrate that the bonding mechanism of metal–graphene complex can change according to the type of N defect, and this also affects the binding results. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Nitrogen defects changed the bonding mechanism between metal and graphene. • Bonding character and binding results were investigated using DFT calculations. • Covalent bonding character occurred around pyridinic and pyrrolic N-doped graphene. • Pyridinic and pyrrolic N atoms are effective for metal dispersion on the graphene.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Electronic environments in Ni{sub 3}Pb{sub 2}S{sub 2} (shandite) and its initial oxidation in air

Polycrystalline Ni{sub 3}Pb{sub 2}S{sub 2} (shandite) was synthesised as a non-porous ingot to enable representative surfaces prepared by fracture under UHV to be characterised by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) before and after exposure to air. For an unoxidised surface, the S 2p{sub 3/2} binding energy was found to be significantly lower than those reported previously for shandite itself and other sulfides having shandite structure, and consistent with the physical and chemical properties of the shandites. The core electron binding energies for the three constituent elements were in agreement with the formal oxidation state representation Ni{sup 0}{sub 3}Pb{sup II}{sub 2}S{sup −II}{sub 2}, analogous to that deduced previously for Ni{sub 3}Sn{sub 2}S{sub 2}. Shandite surfaces were found to oxidise rapidly when initially exposed to air under ambient conditions, and concomitant with the formation of the Ni–O and Pb–O species, to restructure to NiS- and PbS-like surface phases having S core electron binding energies no higher than those for shandite. - Graphical abstract: Shandite ingot fracture surface in sample holder. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Shandite synthesised as ingot so that fracture surfaces were representative of bulk. • Surfaces prepared by fracture in vacuum characterised by XPS. • S 2p{sub 3/2} binding energy in range expected and lower than reported previously. • Ni, Pb and S core electron binding energies consistent with Ni{sup 0}{sub 3}Pb{sup II}{sub 2}S{sup −II}{sub 2}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Fe{sub 2.25}W{sub 0.75}O{sub 4}/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for novel bifunctional photocatalyst: One-pot synthesis, magnetically recyclable and enhanced photocatalytic property

Fe{sub 2.25}W{sub 0.75}O{sub 4}/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composites were prepared for application of novel bifunctional photocatalyst via simple one-pot hydrothermal method, employing graphene oxide (GO), Na{sub 2}WO{sub 4}, FeSO{sub 4} and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) as the precursors. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) results indicate that the well-dispersed Fe{sub 2.25}W{sub 0.75}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of RGO sheets homogeneously. Magnetic characterization reveals that Fe{sub 2.25}W{sub 0.75}O{sub 4} and Fe{sub 2.25}W{sub 0.75}O{sub 4}/RGO show ferromagnetic behaviors. So this novel bifunctional photocatalyst could achieve magnetic separation and collection with the aid of external magnet. The composites exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performance on degradation of methyl orange (MO) compared with pure Fe{sub 2.25}W{sub 0.75}O{sub 4} under low-power ultraviolet light irradiation due to the introduction of RGO. Moreover, this hybrid catalyst possesses long-term excellent photocatalytic performance due to its good thermal stability. This bifunctional photocatalyst, which combines magnetic property and excellent photocatalytic activity, would be a perfect candidate in applications of catalytic elimination of environmental pollutants and other areas. - Graphical abstract: Magnetically recyclable Fe{sub 2.25}W{sub 0.75}O{sub 4}/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic property Display Omitted - Highlights: ●Fe{sub 2.25}W{sub 0.75}O{sub 4} growth, deposition and GO reduction occurred simultaneously. ●Composite possessed ferromagnetic and enhanced photocatalytic properties. ●Composite is utilized as a magnetically separable and high-efficient photocatalyst. ●Photocatalyst showed good photocatalytic and thermal stability during cyclic use.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Rare-earth manganese germanides RE{sub 2+x}MnGe{sub 2+y} (RE=La, Ce) built from four-membered rings and stellae quadrangulae of Mn-centred tetrahedra

Reactions of the elements through arc-melting and annealing at 800 °C have led to the ternary rare-earth manganese germanides RE{sub 2+x}MnGe{sub 2+y} (RE=La, Ce). The approximate composition is RE{sub 2.1}MnGe{sub 2.2}, as determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies on the La member (space group P4/nmm, a=16.0491(4) Å, c=8.1587(2) Å, Z=16). Although this composition is close to other germanides RE{sub 2}MGe{sub 2} (Sc{sub 2}CoSi{sub 2}-type), the structure is completely unrelated. Rather, La{sub 2.1}MnGe{sub 2.2} contains layers built up of Mn-centred tetrahedra in two types of arrangements, four-membered rings and stellae quadrangulae, with La and additional Ge atoms in the intervening spaces. Disorder of La atoms, isolated Ge atoms, and Ge{sub 2} dimers takes place within tunnels in the structure. Electrical and magnetic measurements on La{sub 2.1}MnGe{sub 2.2} indicate metallic behaviour and likely ferromagnetic ordering with a transition temperature above 300 K. - Graphical abstract: MnGe{sub 4} tetrahedra share corners to form four-membered rings and edges to form stellae quandrangulae in the structure of La{sub 2.1}MnGe{sub 2.2}. Display Omitted - Highlights: • RE{sub 2+x}MnGe{sub 2+y} (RE=La, Ce) is unrelated to RE{sub 2}MGe{sub 2} with similar composition. • La{sub 2.1}MnGe{sub 2.2} adopts a new tetragonal structure type. • MnGe{sub 4} tetrahedra are found in four-membered rings and stellae quadrangulae. • La{sub 2.1}MnGe{sub 2.2} is likely ferromagnetic with a transition temperature above 300 K.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Single-crystal-like NiO colloidal nanocrystal-aggregated microspheres with mesoporous structure: Synthesis and enhanced electrochemistry, photocatalysis and water treatment properties

A new microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthetic route based on the self-assembly and subsequently controlled thermal decomposition process is proposed to fabricate nickel oxide colloidal nanocrystal aggregated microspheres (CNAMs) with mesoporous structure. XRD, EDS, SEM, TEM. FTIR, and N{sub 2} adsorption and desorption isotherm techniques are employed for morphology and structure characterizations. The as-prepared nickel oxide CNAMs, which has a high surface area (234 m{sup 2}/g) with narrow pore distribution at around 3.25 nm, are composed of numerous hexagonal mesoporous nanocrystals of approximately 50–60 nm in size, and present a single-crystal-like characteristic. The experimental results also demonstrated that the CNAMs showed outstanding performance in electrochemistry, photocatalysis and waste water treatment due to their special hierarchical and mesoporous structure, presenting the promising candidate for catalysis and catalysis support materials. - Graphical abstract: CNAMs with mesoporous structure synthesized via a simple microwave-assisted hydrothermal method was applied in electrochemistry and catalysis and exhibited enhanced performance. Display Omitted - Highlights: • CNAMs with mesoporous structure are achieved via a simple microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. • Morphology, structure and pore distribution of sample particles is specifically controlled. • The samples show enhanced properties in electrochemistry and catalysis due to hierarchical structure.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

A high-pressure route to thermoelectrics with low thermal conductivity: The solid solution series AgIn{sub x}Sb{sub 1−x}Te{sub 2} (x=0.1–0.6)

Metastable rocksalt-type phases of the solid solution series AgIn{sub x}Sb{sub 1−x}Te{sub 2} (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6) were prepared by high-pressure synthesis at 2.5 GPa and 400 °C. In these structures, the coordination number of In{sup 3+} is six, in contrast to chalcopyrite ambient-pressure AgInTe{sub 2} with fourfold In{sup 3+} coordination. Transmission electron microscopy shows that real-structure phenomena and a certain degree of short-range order are present, yet not very pronounced. All three cations are statistically disordered. The high degree of disorder is probably the reason why AgIn{sub x}Sb{sub 1−x}Te{sub 2} samples with 0.4<x<0.6 exhibit very low thermal conductivities with a total κ<0.5 W/K m and a lattice contribution of κ{sub ph} ∼0.3 W/K m at room temperature. These are lower than those of other rocksalt-type tellurides at room temperature; e.g. the well-known thermoelectric AgSbTe{sub 2} (κ ∼0.6 W/K m). The highest ZT value (0.15 at 300 K) is observed for AgIn{sub 0.5}Sb{sub 0.5}Te{sub 2}, mainly due to its high Seebeck coefficient of 160 µV/K. Temperature-dependent X-ray powder patterns indicate that the solid solutions are metastable at ambient pressure. At 150 °C, the quaternary compounds decompose into chalcopyrite-type AgInTe{sub 2} and rocksalt-type AgSbTe{sub 2}. - Graphical abstract: Reaction scheme, temperature characteristics of the ZT value and a selected-area electron diffraction pattern (background) of AgIn{sub 0.5}Sb{sub 0.5}Te{sub 2}, which crystallizes in a rocksalt-type structure with statistical cation disorder. Display Omitted - Highlights: • High-pressure synthesis yields the novel solid solution series AgIn{sub x}Sb{sub 1−x}Te{sub 2}. • In contrast to AgInTe{sub 2}, the compounds are inert at ambient pressure. • HRTEM shows no pronounced short-range order in the disordered NaCl-type structure. • The metastable phases exhibit very low total thermal conductivities <0.5 W/K m. • ZT values of 0.15 at room temperature were measured for AgIn{sub 0.5}Sb{sub 0.5}Te{sub 2}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Facile synthesis of novel Ag/AgI/BiOI composites with highly enhanced visible light photocatalytic performances

Novel Ag/AgI/BiOI composites were controllably synthesized via a facile ion-exchange followed by photoreduction strategy by using hierarchical BiOI microflower as substrate. The as-prepared Ag/AgI/BiOI composites were studied by X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analyzer and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Under visible light (λ>420 nm), Ag/AgI/BiOI displayed highly enhanced photocatalytic activities for degradation of methyl orange (MO) compared to the pure hierarchical BiOI, which was mainly ascribed to the highly efficient separation of electrons and holes through the closely contacted interfaces in the Ag/AgI/BiOI ternary system. - Graphical abstract: Ag/AgI/BiOI displayed excellent photocatalytic activities for methyl orange degradation under visible light, which was mainly ascribed to the highly efficient separation of electrons and holes through Z-scheme pathway. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Novel Ag/AgI/BiOI composites were successfully synthesized. • Ag/AgI/BiOI displayed higher visible light activities than those of pure BiOI and AgI. • ·O{sub 2}{sup −} and h{sup +}, especially ·O{sub 2}{sup −}, dominated the photodegradation process of MO. • A Z-scheme pattern was adopted for Ag/AgI/BiOI activity enhancement.

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