Detection of chlorinated methanes by tin oxide gas sensors.

Tin oxide thin films prepared by thermal oxidation of Sn films were used for the detection of chlorinated methanes (CH2Cl2, CHCl3 and CCl4). This resulted in better chemical selectivity, sensitivity, response speed and detection limit than seen with previous detectors. The temperature dependence of the sensing of 1% CCl4 gas was studied and the best sensing behavior was observed at 300 degrees C. The films showed different chemical selectivity in both speed and direction of sensing response to each gas and were stable for more than 3 weeks under operating conditions. The films showed rapid gas sensing (<40 s to reach 90% of full response) and low detection limits (< 4 ppm CCl4). The role of oxygen in the detection of chlorinated methanes and in resistance changes without chlorinated methanes was also studied. The changes at the surface of the film after gas sensing were examined using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry.

Synthesis of a new hollandite-type manganese oxide with framework and interstitial Cr(III).

Hollandite with Cr(III) in both tunnel and framework sites has been prepared hydrothermally from layered manganese oxide precursors.

Mechanistic and kinetic studies of crystallization of birnessite.

Kinetic and mechanistic features have been studied for the crystallization of birnessite in aqueous systems via different synthesis methods: the oxidation of Mn2+, reduction of MnO4-, and redox reaction between Mn2+ and MnO4-. For oxidation methods, a topotactical conversion from Mn(OH)2 to birnessite via feitknechtite (beta-MnOOH) is observed. In reduction methods, birnessite evolves from the initially produced amorphous manganese oxide (AMO gel). For redox methods, both mechanisms exist, with the latter prevailing. A liquid mechanism is proposed to describe the reduction and redox synthesis, which comprises three stages: an induction period, a fast crystallization period, and a steady-state period. The redox method is accompanied by the formation and phase transformation of feitknechtite to birnessite. A method combining IR and XRD quantitation is proposed to detect nuclei in the induction period. Crystallization rates and apparent energies of activation of crystallization for reduction and redox methods are determined.

Manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieves: preparation, characterization, and applications.

A thermally stable 3 x 3 octahedral molecular sieve corresponding to natural todorokite (OMS-1) has been synthesized by autoclaving layer-structure manganese oxides, which are prepared by reactions of MnO(4)(-) and Mn(2+) under markedly alkaline conditions. The nature and thermal stability of products depend strongly on preparation parameters, such as the MnO(4)(-)/Mn(2+) ratio, pH, aging, and autoclave conditions. The purest and the most thermally stable todorokite is obtained at a ratio of 0.30 to 0.40. Autoclave treatments at about 150 degrees to 180 degrees C for more than 2 days yield OMS-1, which is as thermally stable (500 degrees C) as natural todorokite minerals. Adsorption data give a tunnel size of 6.9 angstroms and an increase of cyclohexane or carbon tetrachloride uptake with dehydration temperature up to 500 degrees C. At 600 degrees C, the tunnel structure collapses. Both Lewis and Brönsted acid sites have been observed in OMS-1. Particular applications of these materials include adsorption, electrochemical sensors, and oxidation catalysis.