Temperature-Limited Synthesis of Copper Manganites along the Borderline of the Amorphous/Crystalline State and Their Catalytic Activity in CO Oxidation

Phase Engineering of Nanostructural Metallic Materials: Classification, Structures, and Applications

Metallic materials are usually composed of single phase or multiple phases, which refers to homogeneous regions with distinct types of the atom arrangement. The recent studies on nanostructured metallic materials provide a variety of promising approaches to engineer the phases at the nanoscale. Tailoring phase size, phase distribution, and introducing new structures via phase transformation contribute to the precise modification in deformation behaviors and electronic structures of nanostructural metallic materials. Therefore, phase engineering of nanostructured metallic materials is expected to pave an innovative way to develop materials with advanced mechanical and functional properties. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the engineering of heterogeneous nanophases and the fundamental understanding of nanophase formation for nanostructured metallic materials, including supra-nano-dual-phase materials, nanoprecipitation- and nanotwin-strengthened materials. We first review the thermodynamics and kinetics principles for the formation of the supra-nano-dual-phase structure, followed by a discussion on the deformation mechanism for structural metallic materials as well as the optimization in the electronic structure for electrocatalysis. Then, we demonstrate the origin, classification, and mechanical and functional properties of the metallic materials with the structural characteristics of dense nanoprecipitations or nanotwins. Finally, we summarize some potential research challenges in this field and provide a short perspective on the scientific implications of phase engineering for the design of next-generation advanced metallic materials.

Ultrafast Response and High Selectivity of Diethylamine Gas Sensors at Room Temperature Using MOF-Derived 1D CuO Nano-Ellipsoids

Environmental and health monitoring requires low-cost, high-performance diethylamine (DEA) sensors. Materials based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can detect hazardous gases due to their large specific surface area, many metal sites, unsaturated sites, functional connectivity, and easy calcination to remove the scaffold. However, developing facile materials with high sensitivity and selectivity in harsh environments for accurate DEA detection at a low detection limit (LOD) at room temperature (RT) is challenging. In this study, p-type semiconducting porous CuOx sensing materials were synthesized using a simple solvothermal process and annealed in an argon atmosphere at three different temperatures (x = 400, 600, and 800 °C). Significant variations in particle size, specific area, crystallite size, and shape were noticed when the annealing temperature was elevated. Cu-MIL-53 annealed at 400 °C (CuO-400) has a typical nanoellipsoid (NEs) shape with a length of 61.5 nm and a diameter of 33.2 nm. Surprisingly, CuO-400 NEs showed an excellent response to DEA with an ultra-LOD (Rg/Ra = 7.3 @ 100 ppb, 55% relative humidity), excellent selectivity and sensitivity (Rg/Ra = 236 @ 15 ppm), exceptional long-term stability and repeatability, and a fast response/recovery period at RT, outperforming most previously reported materials. CuO-400 NEs have outstanding gas-sensing characteristics due to their high porosity, 1D nanostructure, unsaturated Cu sites (Cu+ and Cu2+), large specific surface area, and numerous oxygen vacancies. This study presents a generic approach to produce future CuO derived from Cu-MOFs-sensitive materials, revealing new insights into the design of effective sensors for environmental monitoring at RT.

Structural, Spectroscopic, and Thermal Decomposition Features of [Carbonatotetraamminecobalt(III)] Iodide—Insight into the Simultaneous Solid-Phase Quasi-Intramolecular Redox Reactions

[κ2-O,O′-Carbonatotetraamminecobalt(III)] iodide, or [Co(NH3)4CO3]I, named in this paper as compound 1, was prepared and characterized comprehensively with spectroscopic (IR, Raman and UV) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Compound 1 was orthorhombic, and isomorphous with the analogous bromide. The four ammonia ligands and the carbonate anion were coordinated to the central cobalt cation in a distorted octahedral geometry. The carbonate ion formed a four-membered symmetric planar chelate ring. The complex cations were bound to each other by N-H···O hydrogen bonds and formed zigzag sheets via an extended 2D hydrogen bond network. The complex cations and iodide ions were arranged into ion pairs and each cation bound its iodide pair through three hydrogen bonds. The thermal decomposition started with the oxidation of the iodide ion by CoIII in the solid phase resulting in [Co(NH3)4CO3] and I2. This intermediate CoII-complex in situ decomposed into Co3O4 and C-N bond containing intermediates. In inert atmosphere, CO or C-N bond containing compounds, and also, due to the in situ decomposition of CoCO3 intermediate, Co3O4 was formed. The quasi-intramolecular solid-phase redox reaction of [Co(NH3)4CO3] might have resulted in the formation of C-N bond containing compounds with substoichiometric release of ammonia and CO2 from compound 1. The C-N bond containing intermediates reduced Co3O4 into CoO and Co, whereas in oxygen-containing atmosphere, the end-product was Co3O4, even at 200 °C, and the endothermic ligand loss reaction coincided with the consecutive exothermic oxidation processes.

Catalytic Properties of the Spinel-Like CuxMn3−xO4 Copper Manganese Oxides—An Overview

Copper manganese oxide spinels and related (multiphase) materials with the formula CuxMn3−xO4 are the active catalysts in a wide variety of industrially important processes due to their great diversity in their phase relations, metal ion valence/site distribution, and chemical properties. In this review, we summarize the preparation methods and their effects on the composition, properties, and catalytic properties of various CuxMn3−xO4 catalysts with various Cu/Mn ratios. The main summarized catalytic reactions are the oxidation of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and hydrogen sulfide and the oxidative removal of organic solvents such as benzene, toluene, and xylene from the air. Some industrially important reactions (steam reforming of methanol or synthesis gas) and the manufacture of organic chemicals (methyl formate, propylene oxide, and benzyl alcohol) catalyzed by CuxMn3−xO4 spinels are also reviewed.

[Hexaamminecobalt(III)] Dichloride Permanganate—Structural Features and Heat-Induced Transformations into (CoII,MnII)(CoIII,MnIII)2O4 Spinels

We synthesized and characterized (IR, Raman, UV, SXRD) hexaamminecobalt(III) dichloride permanganate, [Co(NH3)6]Cl2(MnO4) (compound 1) as the precursor of Co–Mn–spinel composites with atomic ratios of Co:Mn = 1:1 and 1:3. The 3D−hydrogen bond network includes N–HO–Mn and N–HCl interactions responsible for solid-phase redox reactions between the permanganate anions and ammonia ligands. The temperature-limited thermal decomposition of compound 1 under the temperature of boiling toluene (110 ∘C) resulted in the formation of (NH4)4Co2Mn6O12. which contains a todorokite-like manganese oxide network (MnII4MnIII2O1210−). The heat treatment products of compounds 1 and [Co(NH3)5Cl](MnO4)2 (2) synthesized previously at 500 ∘C were a cubic and a tetragonal spinel with Co1.5Mn1.5O4 and CoMn2O4 composition, respectively. The heating of the decomposition product of compounds 1 and 2 that formed under refluxing toluene (a mixture with an atomic ratio of Co:Mn = 1:1 and 1:2) and after aqueous leaching ((NH4)4Co2Mn6O12, 1:3 Co:Mn atomic ratio in both cases) at 500 ∘C resulted in tetragonal Co0.75Mn2.25O4 spinels. The Co1.5Mn1.5O4 prepared from compound 1 at 500 ∘C during the solid-phase decomposition catalyzes the degradation of Congo red with UV light. The decomposition rate of the dye was found to be nine times faster than in the presence of the tetragonal CoMn2O4 spinel prepared in the solid-phase decomposition of compound 2. The todorokite-like intermediate prepared from compound 1 under N2 at 115 ∘C resulted in a 54 times faster degradation of Congo red, which is a great deal faster than the same todorokite-like phase that formed from compound 2 under N2.

The Synthesis of Cu–Mn–Al Mixed-Oxide Combustion Catalysts by Co-Precipitation in the Presence of Starch: A Comparison of NaOH with Organic Precipitants

Cu–Mn mixed oxides are well known as active combustion catalysts. The common method for their synthesis is based on co-precipitation, with NaOH as a precipitant, and is burdened with the possibility of introducing undesired Na contamination. This work describes the use of two organic bases, tetrabutylammonium hydroxide and choline hydroxide, as precipitating agents in a novel alkali-free route for Cu–Mn–Al catalyst synthesis. To obtain fine crystalline precursors, which are considered advantageous for the preparation of active catalysts, co-precipitation was carried out in the presence of starch gel. Reference materials prepared with NaOH in the absence of starch were also obtained. Mixed oxides were produced by calcination at 450 °C. The precursors contained MnCO3 doped with Cu and Al, and an admixture of amorphous phases. Those prepared in the presence of starch were less crystalline and retained biopolymer residues. The combustion of these residues during calcination enhanced the formation of larger amounts of the Cu1.5Mn1.5O4 spinel phase, with better crystallinity in comparison to catalysts prepared from conventionally synthesized precursors. Tests of toluene combustion demonstrated that the catalysts prepared with starch performed better than those obtained in starch-free syntheses, and that the mixed oxides obtained by the alkali-free route were more active than catalysts prepared with NaOH. Catalytic data are discussed in terms of property–performance relationships.

Thermally Induced Solid-Phase Quasi-Intramolecular Redox Reactions of [Hexakis(urea-O)iron(III)] Permanganate: An Easy Reaction Route to Prepare Potential (Fe,Mn)Ox Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation

Research on new reaction routes and precursors to prepare catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation has enormous importance. Here, we report on the preparation of the permanganate salt of the urea-coordinated iron(III), [hexakis(urea-O)iron(III)]permanganate ([Fe(urea-O)₆](MnO₄)₃) via an affordable synthesis route and preliminarily demonstrate the catalytic activity of its (Fe,Mn)O_x thermal decomposition products in CO₂ hydrogenation. [Fe(urea-O)₆](MnO₄)₃ contains O-coordinated urea ligands in octahedral propeller-like arrangement around the Fe³⁺ cation. There are extended hydrogen bond interactions between the permanganate ions and the hydrogen atoms of the urea ligands. These hydrogen bonds serve as reaction centers and have unique roles in the solid-phase quasi-intramolecular redox reaction of the urea ligand and the permanganate anion below the temperature of ligand loss of the complex cation. The decomposition mechanism of the urea ligand (ammonia elimination with the formation of isocyanuric acid and biuret) has been clarified. In an inert atmosphere, the final thermal decomposition product was manganese-containing wuestite, (Fe,Mn)O, at 800 °C, whereas in ambient air, two types of bixbyite (Fe,Mn)₂O₃ as well as jacobsite (Fe,Mn)^T-4(Fe,Mn)^OC-6₂O₄), with overall Fe to Mn stoichiometry of 1:3, were formed. These final products were obtained regardless of the different atmospheres applied during thermal treatments up to 350 °C. Disordered bixbyite formed first with inhomogeneous Fe and Mn distribution and double-size supercell and then transformed gradually into common bixbyite with regular structure (and with 1:3 Fe to Mn ratio) upon increasing the temperature and heating time. The (Fe,Mn)O_x intermediates formed under various conditions showed catalytic effect in the CO₂ hydrogenation reaction with <57.6% CO₂ conversions and <39.3% hydrocarbon yields. As a mild solid-phase oxidant, hexakis(urea-O)iron(III) permanganate, was found to be selective in the transformation of (un)substituted benzylic alcohols into benzaldehydes and benzonitriles.

[Fe(urea-O)₆](MnO₄)₃ is a selective solid-phase oxidant of benzylic alcohols into benzaldehydes and precursor in the preparation of (Fe,Mn)O_x catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation into hydrocarbons. The urea ligands are in octahedral propeller-like arrangement around the Fe³⁺ cation, and there are hydrogen bonds between the permanganate anions and the urea ligands. A solid-phase quasi-intramolecular redox reaction of the urea and the permanganate resulted in (Fe,Mn)O, (Fe,Mn)₂O₃, and (Fe,Mn)^T-4(Fe,Mn)^OC-6₂O₄ with an overall Fe to Mn stoichiometry of 1:3.

Multi-Centered Solid-Phase Quasi-Intramolecular Redox Reactions of [(Chlorido)Pentaamminecobalt(III)] Permanganate—An Easy Route to Prepare Phase Pure CoMn2O4 Spinel

We synthesized and structurally characterized the previously unknown [Co(NH3)5Cl](MnO4)2 complex as the precursor of CoMn2O4. The complex was also deuterated, and its FT-IR, far-IR, low-temperature Raman and UV-VIS spectra were measured as well. The structure of the complex was solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and the 3D-hydrogen bonds were evaluated. The N-H…O-Mn hydrogen bonds act as redox centers to initiate a solid-phase quasi-intramolecular redox reaction even at 120 °C involving the Co(III) centers. The product is an amorphous material, which transforms into [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2, NH4NO3, and a todorokite-like solid Co-Mn oxide on treatment with water. The insoluble residue may contain {Mn4IIIMnIV2O12}n4n-, {Mn5IIIMnIVO12}n5n- or {MnIII6O12}n6n- frameworks, which can embed 2 × n (CoII and/or CoIII) cations in their tunnels, respectively, and 4 × n ammonia ligands are coordinated to the cobalt cations. The decomposition intermediates decompose on further heating via a series of redox reactions, forming a solid CoIIMIII2O4 spinel with an average size of 16.8 nm, and gaseous N2, N2O and Cl2. The CoMn2O4 prepared in this reaction has photocatalytic activity in Congo red degradation with UV light. Its activity strongly depends on the synthesis conditions, e.g., Congo red was degraded 9 and 13 times faster in the presence of CoMn2O4 prepared at 550 °C (in air) or 420 °C (under N2), respectively.

Solid-Phase "Self-Hydrolysis" of [Zn(NH3)4MoO4@2H2O] Involving Enclathrated Water-An Easy Route to a Layered Basic Ammonium Zinc Molybdate Coordination Polymer

An aerial humidity-induced solid-phase hydrolytic transformation of the [Zn(NH3)4]MoO4@2H2O (compound 1@2H2O) with the formation of [(NH4)xH(1-x)Zn(OH)(MoO4)]n (x = 0.92-0.94) coordination polymer (formally NH4Zn(OH)MoO4, compound 2) is described. Based on the isostructural relationship, the powder XRD indicates that the crystal lattice of compound 1@2H2O contains a hydrogen-bonded network of tetraamminezinc (2+) and molybdate (2-) ions, and there are cavities (O4N4(μ-H12) cube) occupied by the two water molecules, which stabilize the crystal structure. Several observations indicate that the water molecules have no fixed positions in the lattice voids; instead, the cavity provides a neighborhood similar to those in clathrates. The @ symbol in the notation is intended to emphasize that the H2O in this compound is enclathrated rather than being water of crystallization. Yet, signs of temperature-dependent dynamic interactions with the wall of the cages can be detected, and 1@2H2O easily releases its water content even on standing and yields compound 2. Surprisingly, hydrolysis products of 1 were observed even in the absence of aerial humidity, which suggests a unique solid-phase quasi-intramolecular hydrolysis. A mechanism involving successive substitution of the ammonia ligands by water molecules and ammonia release is proposed. An ESR study of the Cu-doped compound 2 (2#dotCu) showed that this complex consists of two different Cu2+(Zn2+) environments in the polymeric structure. Thermal decomposition of compounds 1 and 2 results in ZnMoO4 with similar specific surface area and morphology. The ZnMoO4 samples prepared from compounds 1 and 2 and compound 2 in itself are active photocatalysts in the degradation of Congo Red dye. IR, Raman, and UV studies on compounds 1@2H2O and 2 are discussed in detail.

A Quasi-Intramolecular Solid-Phase Redox Reaction of Ammonia Ligands and Perchlorate Anion in Diamminesilver(I) Perchlorate

The reaction of ammoniacal AgNO3 solution (or aq. solution of [Ag(NH3)2]NO3) with aq. NaClO4 resulted in [Ag(NH3)2]ClO4 (compound 1). Detailed spectroscopic (correlation analysis, IR, Raman, and UV) analyses were performed on [Ag(NH3)2]ClO4. The temperature and enthalpy of phase change for compound 1 were determined to be 225.7 K and 103.04 kJ/mol, respectively. We found the thermal decomposition of [Ag(NH3)2]ClO4 involves a solid-phase quasi-intramolecular redox reaction between the perchlorate anion and ammonia ligand, resulting in lower valence chlorine oxyacid (chlorite, chlorate) components. We did not detect thermal ammonia loss during the formation of AgClO4. However, a redox reaction between the ammonia and perchlorate ion resulted in intermediates containing chlorate/chlorite, which disproportionated (either in the solid phase or in aqueous solutions after the dissolution of these decomposition intermediates in water) into AgCl and silver perchlorate. We propose that the solid phase AgCl-AgClO4 mixture eutectically melts, and the resulting AgClO4 decomposes in this melt into AgCl and O2. Thus, the final product of decomposition is AgCl, N2, and H2O. The intermediate (chlorite, chlorate) phases were identified by IR, XPS, and titrimetric methods.