Synthesis, characterization of Co1-xNixAl2O4 Spinel system and catalytic role in the synthesis of dihydropyrimidinone

In the present investigation, Spinel systems with chemical composition Co1 − xNixAl2O4 (x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) have been successfully synthesized by the co-precipitation citrate precursor technique. The phase formation, crystal structure, and impurity check were confirmed by X-ray powdered diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy technique. The particle size estimation was done using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Investigation of magnetic behavior and parameters such as saturation magnetization (MS), coercivity (HR), and retentivity (MR) was done using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The catalytic activity of prepared spinel systems was explored for the one-pot synthesis of dihydropyrimidinone derivatives. The catalytic product was identified by comparison of melting point and the spectral data (FTIR).

Layered double hydroxide supported cobalt nanocluster: size control and the effect in catalytic hydrogen generation

Synthesizing metal nanoclusters with diameters smaller than 5nm is challenging, but desirable because of the high ratio of surface area to interior atom. However, in this report it was achieved by utilizing magnesium-aluminium layered double hydroxide (Mg/Al-LDH) as a host for cobalt citrate anion precursor, which was later reduced into cobalt nanoclusters (Co-NC). Size of the Co-NC was controlled by changing the concentration of cobalt-citrate (Co-citrate) precursor during anion exchange. XRD and FTIR showed that Co-citrate precursor was successfully intercalated on the LDH while nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms confirmed that mesopores in the sample were formed after chemical reduction. Furthermore, TEM/STEM observations confirmed the formation of Co-NC. It was also verified that reducing the concentration of Co-citrate from 4mM to 0.5mM resulted in a reduction in the size of Co-NC from 4.4 to 1.3 nm. However, catalytic hydrogen generation from sodium borohydride (NaBH4) hydrolysis experiment indicated that catalytic activity decreased as the size of Co-NC decreases. This is mainly attributed to the limitation in mass transport within the interlamellar space of the smaller cluster LDH compared to the bigger one. Overall, Co-NC-LDH is a promising catalyst for NaBH4 hydrolysis. However, an optimum Co-NC size is critical for enhanced catalytic activity.

Review on Polymeric Citrate Precursor and Sono-chemical Methods for the Synthesis of Nanomaterials

Background: he properties of materials depend on the way of construction and the arrangement of atoms and molecules. Therefore, it is very important to know synthesis methods for the preparation of novel materials as per their desired structure. The low-temperature synthesis methods, such as polymeric citrate precursor and sonochemical methods are efficient enough to control the preparation of novel nanoparticles with morphological differences that leads to the novel devices with desired technological performances. These methods are simple, very less expensive and are easy to handle to operate for the synthesis of nanoparticles as per the expected morphology and dimensions. Methods: Polymeric citrate precursor method, a chelate-based method involves the reaction between mixed cations with citric acid, and then these cations are cross-linked with the help of ethylene glycol for the esterification process. Gel composites were heated which burns the organic moieties leaving behind the nanoparticles, and burning gels becomes essential for the reduction of nanoparticles. The sonochemical method, on the other hand, uses ultrasonic the irradiation results. The acoustic cavitation and high intensity ultrasound has been exploited for the preparation of different series of nanoparticles. Results: Commonly known for polymeric citrate method as Pechini gel pyrolysis method gives the evidence of versatile and elegant method for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The sonochemical method provides an unusual route of nanoparticle fabrication without bulk and that too with low temperature and pressure or less reaction time. These two methods have better control for the desired shape morphology and size and provide many opportunities for the use of these prepared nanoparticles in various aspects of science and technology. Conclusion: Polymeric citrate precursor and sonochemical methods are efficient to reduce to promote desirable reaction conditions and reduce the metal ions for the fabrication of nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles by using such low-cost elegant methods are uniform with a small size distribution, reproducible with good yield as per the demanded applications.

A New Synthesis Method for Lithium Tantalate Charge Doped with Rare-Earth Elements

A method was developed for synthesis of a single phase lithium tantalate charge doped by rare earth elements (TR) from highly pure solutions containing tantalum. The method is based on obtaining and thermal treatment of citrate precursor containing Li, Ta and TR. Charge samples were obtained due to suggested technological scheme; the dopant had given concentration and was chemically uniformly distributed. The charge can be applied both in single crystal growing technology and at obtaining of functional ceramics based on LiTaO3:TR.