Publications

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An ideal red phosphor for blue LEDs is one of the biggest challenges for the solid-state lighting industry. The appropriate phosphor material should have good adsorption and emission properties, good thermal and chemical stability, minimal thermal quenching, high quantum yield, and is preferably inexpensive and easy to fabricate. Tantalates possess many of these criteria, and lithium lanthanum tantalate materials warrant thorough investigation. In this study, we investigated red luminescence of two lithium lanthanum tantalates via three mechanisms: (1) Eu-doping, (2) Mn-doping and (3) self-activation of the tantalum polyhedra. Of these three mechanisms, Mn-doping proved to be the most promising. These materials exhibit two very broad adsorption peaks; one in the UV and one in the blue region of the spectrum; both can be exploited in LED applications. Furthermore, Mn-doping can be accomplished in two ways; ion-exchange and direct solid-state synthesis. One of the two lithium lanthanum tantalate phases investigated proved to be a superior host for Mn-luminescence, suggesting the crystal chemistry of the host lattice is important.

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The formation of silica scale is a problem for thermoelectric power generating facilities, and this study investigated the potential for removal of silica by means of chemical coagulation from source water before it is subjected to mineral concentration in cooling towers. In Phase I, a screening of many typical as well as novel coagulants was carried out using concentrated cooling tower water, with and without flocculation aids, at concentrations typical for water purification with limited results. In Phase II, it was decided that treatment of source or make up water was more appropriate, and that higher dosing with coagulants delivered promising results. In fact, the less exotic coagulants proved to be more efficacious for reasons not yet fully determined. Some analysis was made of the molecular nature of the precipitated floc, which may aid in process improvements. In Phase III, more detailed study of process conditions for aluminum chloride coagulation was undertaken. Lime-soda water softening and the precipitation of magnesium hydroxide were shown to be too limited in terms of effectiveness, speed, and energy consumption to be considered further for the present application. In Phase IV, sodium aluminate emerged as an effective coagulant for silica, and the most attractive of those tested to date because of its availability, ease of use, and low requirement for additional chemicals. Some process optimization was performed for coagulant concentration and operational pH. It is concluded that silica coagulation with simple aluminum-based agents is effective, simple, and compatible with other industrial processes.

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A molecular-scale interpretation of interfacial processes is often downplayed in the analysis of traditional water treatment methods. However, such an approach is critical for the development of enhanced performance in traditional desalination and water treatments. Water confined between surfaces, within channels, or in pores is ubiquitous in technology and nature. Its physical and chemical properties in such environments are unpredictably different from bulk water. As a result, advances in water desalination and purification methods may be accomplished through an improved analysis of water behavior in these challenging environments using state-of-the-art microscopy, spectroscopy, experimental, and computational methods.

The Na+ and [Cu(en)2(H2O) 2]2+ (en = ethylenediamine) salt of a pseudosandwich-type heteropolyniobate forms upon prolonged heating of Cu(NO3)2 and hydrated Na14[(SiOH)2Si2Nb 16O54] in a mixed water-en solution. The structure [a = 14.992(2) Å, b = 25.426(4) Å, c = 30.046(4) Å, orthorhombic, Pnn2, R1 = 6.04%, based on 25869 unique reflections] consists of two [Na(SiOH)2Si2Nb16O54]13- units linked by six sodium cations, and this sandwich is charge-balanced by five [Cu(en)2(H2O)2]2+ complexes, seven protons, and three additional sodium atoms (all per a sandwich-type cluster). Diffuse-reflectance UV-vis indicates that there is a λmax at 383 nm for the CuII d-d transition and the 29Si MAS NMR spectrum has two peaks at -78.2 ppm (151 Hz) and -75.5 ppm (257 Hz) for the two pairs of symmetry-equivalent internal [SiO4]4- and external [SiO3(OH)]3- tetrahedra, respectively. Unlike tungsten-based sandwich-type complexes, the [Na(SiOH)2Si 2Nb16O54]13- units are linked exclusively by Na+ instead of one or more d-electron metals. © 2008 American Chemical Society.

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A family of microporous phases with compositions Na{sub 2}Nb{sub 2-x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 6-x}(OH){sub x} {center_dot} H{sub 2}O (0 {le} x {le} 0.4) transform to Na{sub 2}Nb{sub 2-x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 6-0.5x} perovskites upon heating. In this study, we have measured the enthalpies of formation of the microporous phases and their corresponding perovskites from the constituent oxides and from the elements by drop solution calorimetry in 3Na{sub 2}O {center_dot} 4MoO{sub 3} solvent at 974 K. As Ti/Nb increases, the enthalpies of formation for the microporous phases become less exothermic up to x = {approx}0.2 but then more exothermic thereafter. In contrast, the formation enthalpies for the corresponding perovskites become less exothermic across the series. The energetic disparity between the two series can be attributed to their different mechanisms of ionic substitutions: Nb{sup 5+} + O{sup 2-} {yields} Ti{sup 4+} + OH{sup -} for the microporous phases and Nb{sup 5+} {yields} Ti{sup 4+} + 0.5 V{sub O}** for the perovskites. From the calorimetric data for the two series, the enthalpies of the dehydration reaction, Na{sub 2}Nb{sub 2-x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 6-x}(OH){sub x} {center_dot} H{sub 2}O {yields} Na{sub 2}Nb{sub 2-x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 6-0.5X} + H{sub 2}O, have been derived, and their implications for phase stability at the synthesis conditions are discussed.

A new family of framework titanosilicates, A{sub 2}TiSi{sub 6}O{sub 15} (A=K, Rb, Cs) (space group Cc), has recently been synthesized using the hydrothermal method. This group of phases can potentially be utilized for storage of radioactive elements, particularly {sup 137}Cs, due to its high stability under electron radiation and chemical leaching. Here, we report the syntheses and structures of two intermediate members in the series: KRbTiSi{sub 6}O{sub 15} and RbCsTiSi{sub 6}O{sub 15}. Rietveld analysis of powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction data reveals that they adopt the same framework topology as the end-members, with no apparent Rb/K or Rb/Cs ordering. To study energetics of the solid solution series, high-temperature drop-solution calorimetry using molten 2PbO {center_dot} B{sub 2}O{sub 3} as the solvent at 975 K has been performed for the end-members and intermediate phases. As the size of the alkali cation increases, the measured enthalpies of formation from the constituent oxides and from the elements ({Delta}H{sub f,el}) become more exothermic, suggesting that this framework structure favors the cation in the sequence Cs{sup +}, Rb{sup +}, and K{sup +}. This trend is consistent with the higher melting temperatures of A{sub 2}TiSi{sub 6}O{sub 15} phases with increase in the alkali cation size.

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are ionic (usually anionic) metal -oxo clusters that are both functional entities for a variety of applications, as well as structural units that can be used as building blocks if reacted under appropriate conditions. This is a powerful combination in that functionality can be built into materials, or doped into matrices. Additionally, by assembling functional POMs in ordered materials, new collective behaviors may be realized. Further, the vast variety of POM geometries, compositions and charges that are achievable gives this system a high degree of tunability. Processing conditions to link together POMs to build materials offer another vector of control, thus providing infinite possibilities of materials that can he nano-engineered through POM building blocks. POM applications that can be built into POM-based materials include catalysis, electro-optic and electro-chromic, anti-viral, metal binding, and protein binding. We have begun to explore three approaches in developing this field of functional, nano-engineered POM-based materials; and this report summarizes the work carried out for these approaches to date. The three strategies are: (1) doping POMs into silica matrices using sol-gel science, (2) forming POM-surfactant arrays and metal-POM-surfactant arrays, (3) using aerosol-spray pyrolysis of the POM-surfactant arrays to superimpose hierarchical architecture by self-assembly during aerosol-processing. Doping POMs into silica matrices was successful, but the POMs were partially degraded upon attempts to remove the structure-directing templates. The POM-surfactant and metal-POM-surfactant arrays approach was highly successful and holds much promise as a novel approach to nano-engineering new materials from structural and functional POM building blocks, as well as forming metastable or unusual POM geometries that may not be obtained by other synthetic methods. The aerosol-assisted self assembly approach is in very preliminary state of investigation, but also shows promise in that structured materials were formed; where the structure was altered by aerosol processing. We will be seeking alternative funding to continue investigating the second synthetic strategy that we have begun to develop during this 1-year project.

Polyoxoniobate chemistry, both in the solid state and in solution is dominated by [Nb{sub 6}O{sub 19}]{sup 8-}, the Lindquist ion. Recently, we have expanded this chemistry through use of hydrothermal synthesis. The current publication illustrates how use of heteroatoms is another means of diversifying polyoxoniobate chemistry. Here we report the synthesis of Na{sub 8}[Nb{sub 8}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 28}] {center_dot} 34H{sub 2}O [{bar 1}] and its structural characterization from single-crystal X-ray data. This salt crystallizes in the P-1 space group (a = 11.829(4) {angstrom}, b = 12.205(4) {angstrom}, c = 12.532(4) {angstrom}, {alpha} = 97.666(5){sup o}, {beta} = 113.840(4){sup o}, {gamma} = 110.809(4){sup o}), and the decameric anionic cluster [Nb{sub 8}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 28}]{sup 8-} has the same cluster geometry as the previously reported [Nb{sub 10}O{sub 28}]{sup 6-} and [V{sub 10}O{sub 28}]{sup 6-}. Molecular modeling studies of [Nb{sub 10}O{sub 28}]{sup 6-} and all possible isomers of [Nb{sub 8}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 28}]{sup 8-} suggest that this cluster geometry is stabilized by incorporating the Ti{sup 4+} into cluster positions in which edge-sharing is maximized. In this manner, the overall repulsion between edge-sharing octahedra within the cluster is minimized, as Ti{sup 4+} is both slightly smaller and of lower charge than Nb{sup 5+}. Synthetic studies also show that while the [Nb{sub 10}O{sub 28}]{sup 6-} cluster is difficult to obtain, the [Nb{sub 8}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 28}]{sup 8-} cluster can be synthesized reproducibly and is stable in neutral to basic solutions, as well.

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As a participating national lab in the inter-institutional effort to resolve performance issues of the non-elutable ion exchange technology for Cs extraction, they have carried out a series of characterization studies of UOP IONSIV{reg_sign} IE-911 and its component parts. IE-911 is a bound form (zirconium hydroxide-binder) of crystalline silicotitanate (CST) ion exchanger. The crystalline silicotitanate removes Cs from solutions by selective ion exchange. The performance issues of primary concern are: (1) excessive Nb leaching and subsequent precipitation of column-plugging Nb-oxide material, and (2) precipitation of aluminosilicate on IE-911 pellet surfaces, which may be initiated by dissolution of Si from the IE-911, thus creating a supersaturated solution with respect to silica. In this work, they have identified and characterized Si- and Nb-oxide based impurity phases in IE-911, which are the most likely sources of leachable Si and Nb, respectively. Furthermore, they have determined the criteria and mechanism for removal from IE-911 of the Nb-based impurity phase that is responsible for the Nb-oxide column plugging incidents.

Exploratory hydrothermal synthesis in the system Cs2O-SiO2-TiO2 has produced a new polymorph of Cs2TiSi6O15 (SNL-A), whose structure was determined using a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques (29Si and 133Cs NMR, X-ray powder diffraction, and density functional theory). SNL-A crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cc with unit cell parameters a = 12.998(2) Å, b = 7.5014(3) Å, c = 15.156(3) Å, and β = 105.80(3)°. The SNL-A framework is an unbranched drier single-layer silicate with silicon tetrahedra and titanium octahedra that are linked in 3-, 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-membered rings in three dimensions. SNL-A is distinctive from a previously reported C2/c polymorph of Cs2TiSi6O15 by orientation of the Si2O52- layers and by different ring geometries. Similarities and differences between the two structures are discussed. Other characterizations of SNL-A include TGA-DTA, Cs/Si/Ti elemental analyses, and SEM/EDS. Furthermore, the chemical and radiation durability of SNL-A was studied in interest of ceramic waste form applications. These studies show that SNL-A is durable in both radioactive and rigorous chemical environments. Finally, calculated cohesive energies of the two Cs2TiSi6O15 polymorphs suggest that the Cc SNL-A phase (synthesized at 200 °C) is energetically more favorable than the C2/c polymorph (synthesized at 1050 °C).

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