Modeling of Equilibrium Adsorption and Surface Tension of Cationic Gemini Surfactants

A series of equilibrium tension models are used to evaluate the adsorption behavior of a novel class of lipoaminoacid gemini cationic surfactants, N^α,N^ω-bis(long-chain N^α-acylarginine)α,ω-dialkylamides or bis(Args). For purposes of comparison, the monomer LAM (the methyl ester of N^α-lauroyl arginine) was also examined. These surfactants are of particular interest for both their low toxicity and biocompatibility. The tension models are based on the Gibbs adsorption isotherm and classified as “ionic” when the surface charge and the electric double layer are accounted for or as “pseudo-nonionic” when the surface charge is ignored. Both model predictions and fitted parameter values are evaluated with respect to physical plausibility and overall goodness of fit to the available tension and density data. In particular, the inferred values for the standard Gibbs free energy of adsorption ΔG°, determined from an equilibrium constant defined on a nondimensional basis, without including artifacts due to an electrostatic contribution, are analyzed. The most reliable values of ΔG° are found with the combined model to range from −110 to −120 kJ mol⁻¹ for the three dimers examined and −80 kJ mol⁻¹ for the monomer. For spacer chain lengths n=3, 6, or 9, the maximum surface area of surfactant adsorption and the maximum free energy of adsorption are observed for the surfactant with the spacer chain length of 6.     

Fabrication and characterization of γ-Al2O3–clay composite ultrafiltration membrane for the separation of electrolytes from its aqueous solution

In this paper, we have reported the preparation of low cost γ-Al₂O₃ membrane on a macroporous clay support by dip-coating method. For the synthesis of γ-Al₂O₃ top layer on the support, a stable boehmite sol is prepared using aluminium chloride salt as a starting material by sol–gel route. The structural properties of the composite membrane as well as γ-Al₂O₃ powder is carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm data, Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The mean particle size of the boehmite sol used for coating is found to be 30.9 nm. The pore size distribution of the γ-Al₂O₃–clay composite membrane is found to be in the range of 5.4–13.6 nm. Separation performance of the membrane in terms of flux and rejection of single salts solution such as MgCl₂ and AlCl₃ as a function of pH, salt concentration and applied pressure is also studied. The rejection and flux behavior are found to be strongly dependent on electrostatic interaction between the charged molecules and γ-Al₂O₃–clay composite membrane. The intrinsic rejection has been determined by calculating the concentration at membrane surface (C_m) using Speigler–Kedem model. It is found that the observed rejection shows anomalous trend with increase in applied pressure and the intrinsic rejection increases with increase in applied pressure, a trend typical of the separation of electrolyte through charged membranes. At acidic pH, both the salt solution shows higher rejection. With increase in the salt concentration, observed rejection of salt decreases due to the enhanced concentration polarization. The maximum rejection of MgCl₂ and AlCl₃ is found to be 72% and 88%, respectively for salt concentration of 3000 ppm.     

A discussion on ion conductivity at cation exchange membrane/solution interface

By Gouy–Chapman–Stern–Grahame (CGSG) model, the electric double layer at ion exchange membrane/solution interface consists of two parts: the Stern layer and the diffusion layer. The ions in Stern layer are compacted and considered to be immobile. The relation of diffusion layer mean conductivity K with outer Stern layer potential φ₀, the boundary potential φ_δ and the electrolyte concentration C₀ is educed for symmetric electrolyte system. The results show that K is higher than that of the bulk solution and is greatly influenced by φ₀, φ_δ and C₀.The examination of PE01 cation exchange membrane/solution interface resistance R_e measured by ac impedance technique, shows that R_e value decreases quickly as the KCl electrolyte concentration rises. The effect of electrolyte concentration on the resistance of EDL can be explained by the electrical interactions between ions and charged groups of the membrane. Since the membrane/solution interface resistance is much higher than that of bulk solution, therefore, a further analysis based on the theory developed in this study proves that the ion transfer resistance R_e of membrane–solution interface predominantly occurs at Stern layer as a result of static electrical interaction.     

The structure and dynamic properties of mixed adsorption and penetration layers of α-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/β-lactoglobulin at water/fluid interfaces

The interfacial tensions of mixed α-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC)/β-lactoglobulin layers at the chloroform/water interface have been measured by the pendent drop and drop volume techniques. In certain intervals, the adsorption kinetics of these mixed layers was strongly influenced by the concentrations of both protein and DPPC. However, at low protein concentration, C_{β-lactoglobulin}=0.1 mg l⁻¹, the adsorption rate of mixed interfacial layers was mainly controlled by the variation of the DPPC concentration. As C_{β-lactoglobulin} was increased to 0.8 mg l⁻¹, the interfacial activity was abruptly increased, and within the concentration range of C_DPPC=10⁻⁴–10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹, the DPPC has very little effect on the whole adsorption process. In this case, the adsorption rate of mixed layers was mainly dominated by the protein adsorption. This phenomenon also happened as the protein concentration was further increased to 3.6 mg l⁻¹. When C_DPPC>3 · 10^–5 mol l⁻¹, the adsorption behaviour was very similar to that of the pure DPPC although the protein concentration was changed. The equilibrium interfacial tensions of the mixed layers are dramatically effected by the lipid as compared to the pure protein adsorption at the same concentration. It reveals the estimation of which composition of lipid and protein decreases the interfacial tension. The combination of Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) with a conventional LB trough was applied to investigate the morphology of the mixed DPPC/β-lactoglobulin layers at the air/water interface. The mixed insoluble monolayers were produced by spreading the lipid at the water surface and the protein adsorbed from the aqueous buffer subphase. The BAM images allow to visualise the protein penetration and distribution into the DPPC monolayer on compression of the complex film. It is shown that a homogeneous distribution of β-lactoglobulin in lipid layers preferentially happens in the liquid fluid state of the monolayer while the protein can be squeezed out at higher surface pressures.     

Transport through a slab membrane governed by a concentration-dependent diffusion coefficient: Part IV. D(C)/D0=1+(αC)−β(αC)

Using the specific functional form D(C)/D₀=1+(αC)−β(αC)² an investigation has been made of (isothermal) transport through a slab membrane under ‘simple’ boundary conditions and governed by a diffusion coefficient, D(C), which, with increasing concentration, at first increases, passes through a maximum value and finally decreases. The flux, integral diffusion coefficient and concentration profile characteristic of steady-state permeation have been evaluated; special attention has been paid to the positions of such profiles in relation to the corresponding linear distribution associated with a constant diffusion coefficient.The corresponding transient-state transport has been studied within a framework of the time-lag ‘early-time’ and ‘ ’ procedures. Expressions for the ‘adsorption’ and ‘desorption’ time-lags are given. The concentration-dependence of these time-lags, of the (four) integral diffusion coefficients derived from them and of the arithmetic-mean time-lag ratios have been considered in some detail. The ‘early-time’ and ‘ ’ finite-difference procedures have likewise been employed to derive four further integral diffusion coefficients, so enabling a comparison to be made of the nine integral coefficients pertaining to established experimental techniques.Particular interest attaches to the situation for which n≡β(αC₀)=1 (where C₀ is the ingoing or upstream concentration of diffusant) resulting in D(C₀) being symmetrical about C₀/2. Some consideration has been given, in general, to features of transient-state transport when governed by a symmetrical D(C).     

Approaches to determine the surface tension of small particles: Equation-of-state considerations

The primary purpose of this paper is a clarification of the question how sensitive five approaches to the determination of solid surface tensions are to the form of the equation of state for interfacial tensions, which is used in the interpretation of the experimental results. The five approaches are (1) adhesion, (2) phagocytosis, (3) sedimentation volumes, (4) solidification front, and (5) contact angles. Three equation-of-state-type relations, i.e., that due to Neumann et al., the unmodified Good equation, and Antonow's rule, are considered. The first three techniques depend on thermodynamic models in a way that requires of the equation of state only symmetry, γ₁₂ = f(γ_1v, γ_2v) = f(γ_2v, γ_1v), and zero as the minimum interfacial tension, γ₁₂ = f(γ_1v, γ_2v) = 0 when γ_1v = γ_2v. All three equations (and many similar ones, which one might consider) satisfy these requirements and hence produce identical results. In other words, the validity of these three techniques and the results which they produce are not sensitive to details of the equation of state used. The last two techniques, the solidification front technique and the contact angle method, present more stringent requirements for the equation-of-state relation used. The solidification front technique eliminates Antonow's rule from further consideration because of this equation's intrinsic inability to predict particle rejection by advancing solidification fronts, a frequent experimental observation. This technique also eliminates those equation-of-state relations which violate the minimum interfacial tension condition. Finally, the contact angle technique is the most discriminating tool with which to study the merit of equation-of-state relations. Of the relations considered here, only that due to Neumann et al. yields, in conjunction with contact angle data, values for the solid surface tension which are in agreement with those obtained from the other techniques.     

A study on the interactions of Aurein 2.5 with bacterial membranes

Aurein 2.5 (GLFDIVKKVVGAFGSL-NH₂) is an uncharacterised antimicrobial peptide. At an air/water interface, it exhibited strong surface activity (maximal surface pressure 25 mN m⁻¹) and molecular areas consistent with the adoption of α-helical structure orientated either perpendicular (1.72 nm² molecule⁻¹) or parallel (3.6 nm² molecule⁻¹) to the interface. Aurein 2.5 was strongly antibacterial, exhibiting a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 30 μM against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. The peptide induced maximal surface pressure changes of 9 mN m⁻¹ and 5 mN m⁻¹, respectively, in monolayers mimicking membranes of these organisms whilst compression isotherm analysis of these monolayers showed ΔG_Mix > 0, indicating destabilisation by Aurein 2.5. These combined data suggested that toxicity of the peptide to these organisms may involve membrane invasion via the use of oblique orientated α-helical structure. The peptide induced strong, comparable maximal surface changes in monolayers of DOPG (7.5 mN m⁻¹) and DOPE monolayers (6 mN m⁻¹) suggesting that the membrane interactions of Aurein 2.5 were driven by amphiphilicity rather than electrostatic interaction. Based on these data, it was suggested that the differing ability of Aurein 2.5 to insert into membranes of B. subtilis and E. coli was probably related to membrane-based factors such as differences in lipid packing characteristics. The peptide was active against both sessile E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus with an MIC of 125 μM. The broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and non-specific modes of membrane action used by Aurein 2.5 suggested use as an anti-biofilm agent such as in the decontamination of medical devices.     

Synthesis of 1,3-bis(acetylacetonyloxy)- and 1,3-bis(benzoylacetonyloxy)benzene and their complexation with lanthanide ions

Claisen condensation of 1,3-bis(methoxycarbonylmethoxy)benzene with acetone and acetophenone afforded new chelating ligands consisting of two β-diketonate fragments, viz., 1,3-bis(acetylacetonyloxy)benzene and 1,3-bis(benzoylacetonyloxy)benzene, which are linked to each other through the resorcinol spacer. In the crystal, 1,3-bis(acetylacetonyloxy)benzene, unlike the starting ester, adopts a planar conformation and exists in the enol form. The acidities of these compounds and their complexation with lanthanide ions in aqueous ethanolic solutions were studied by pH-potentiometry. Depending on the concentration conditions and pH, the La³⁺, Gd³⁺, and Lu³⁺ ions form 1 : 1, 1 : 2, or 1 : 3 complexes with bis(β-diketones). The stability of the complexes increases as the atomic number of the lanthanide increases (La³⁺ < Gd³⁺ ≤ Lu³⁺). The complexation constants and selectivity of complexation substantially increase with increasing degree of deprotonation of the ligands, which indicates that both chelate groups of the ligands are simultaneously involved in coordination. The Ph substituents in bis(β-diketone) have a considerable effect on the composition and stability of complexes with lanthanide ions due to additional noncovalent inner-sphere interactions.__________Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 3, pp. 614–622, March, 2005.     

Theoretical prediction of collision efficiency between adhesion-deficient bacteria and sediment grain surface

Our earlier results concerning bacterial transport of an adhesion-deficient strain Comamonas sp. (DA001) in intact sediment cores from near South Oyster, VA demonstrated that grain size is the principle factor controlling bacterial retention, and that Fe and Al hydroxide mineral coatings are of secondary importance. The experimentally determined collision efficiency (α) was in the range of 0.003–0.026 and did not correlate with the Fe and Al concentration. This study attempts to theoretically predict α, and identifies factors responsible for the observed low α. The modified Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory was used to calculate the total intersurface potential energy as a function of separation distance between bacterial and sediment surfaces and to provide insights into the relative importance of bacterial and sediment grain surface properties in controlling magnitude of α. Different models for calculating theoretical α were developed and compared. By comparing theoretical α values from different models with previously published experimental α values, it is possible to identify a suitable model for predicting α. When DA001 bacteria interact with quartz surfaces, the theoretical α best predicts experimental α when DA001 cells are reversibly attached to the secondary minimum of the energy interaction curve and α depends on the probability of escape from that energy well. No energy barrier opposes bacterial attachment to clean iron oxide surface of positive charge at sub-neutral pH, thus the model predicts α of unity. When the iron oxide is equilibrated with natural groundwater containing 5–10 ppm of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), its surface charge reverses, and the model predicts α to be on the order of 0.2. The theoretical for DA001 in the natural sediments from South Oyster, VA was estimated by representing the surface potential of the sediment as a patch-wise binary mixture of negatively charged quartz (ζ=−60 mV) and organic carbon coated Fe–Al hydroxides (ζ=−2 mV). Such a binary mixing approach generates α that closely matches the experimental α. This study demonstrates that it is possible to predict α from known bacterial and grain surface properties.     

Conformational dependence of the second hyperpolarizability of quadrupolar molecules

Hatree–Fock calculations at ab initio and semiempirical levels were carried out for the averaged polarizability α and second hyperpolarizability γ of two pairs of quadrupolar isomers with different donor and acceptor groups. These properties were correlated with the antibonding/bonding π occupation number (π*/π ratio). It was found that isomers with extended π systems had low π*/π ratios and high α and γ values, while low α and γ values were obtained for isomers with large π*/π ratios and no extended π system. The PM3 and PM6 α values were found to be in excellent agreement with the HF/6-31+G(d,p) ones. The PM3 values for γ were significantly larger than those calculated by HF/6-31+G(d,p), with an average PM3/HF ratio of 1.43. The PM6 results were noticeably better with a ratio of 0.85. The calculation of α and γ at MP2/6-31+G(d,p) level for representative isomers showed that the contribution of the electron correlation to their values was small and that the HF/6-31+G(d,p) method provides reliable values at much lower computational cost.     

Interaction between anionic and cationic gemini surfactants at air/water interface and in aqueous bulk solution

The mixture of the anionic O,O′-bis(sodium 2-lauricate)-p-benzenediol (C₁₁pPHCNa) and cationic (oligoona)alkanediyl-α, ω-bis(dimethyldodecylammonium bromide) (C₁₂-2-E_x-C₁₂·2Br) gemini surfactants has been investigated by surface tension and pyrene fluorescence. The results show that the surface tension γ drops faster with total surfactant concentration C_T for α₁ = 0.1 or 0.3 than for α₁ = 0.7 or 0.9, where α₁ is the mole fraction of C₁₁pPHCNa in the bulk solution on a surfactant-only basis. The fast drop in γ for α₁ < 0.5 indicates strong adsorption at the air/water interface owing to the interaction between oppositely charged components, resulting in the formation of the adsorption double layers in the subsurface. The slow descent in γ for α₁ > 0.5 is attributed to the pre-aggregation in the solution before the critical micelle concentration cmc. A possible mechanism is proposed.     

The wettability of polytetrafluoroethylene by aqueous solution of cetylpyridinium bromide and propanol mixtures

Measurements of advancing contact angles (θ) were carried out for aqueous solutions of cetylpyridinium bromide (CPBr) and propanol mixtures at constant CPBr concentration equal to 1 × 10⁻⁵, 1 × 10⁻⁴, 6 × 10⁻⁴, 1 × 10⁻³ M, respectively, on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The obtained results indicate that the wettability of PTFE by aqueous solutions of these mixtures depends on their composition and concentration. In contrast to Zisman, there is no linear dependence between the cos θ and surface tension of aqueous solutions of CPBr and propanol mixtures (γ_LV), but a linear relationship exists between the adhesion tension and the surface tension of aqueous solutions of CPBr and propanol mixtures which have a slope equal to −1, and between cos θ and the reciprocal of the surface tension of solution. The slope equal to −1 and the intercept on the cos θ axis close to −1 suggest that adsorption of CPBr and propanol mixtures and the orientation of their molecules at aqueous solution–air and PTFE–aqueous solution interfaces are the same. This also suggests that the work of solution adhesion to the PTFE surface does not depend on the concentration of propanol and CPBr. Extrapolation of the straight line to the point corresponding to the surface tension of solution, which completely spreads over the PTFE surface, gives the value of the critical surface tension of PTFE wetting equal to 24.84 mN/m. This value is higher than PTFE surface tension (20.24 mN/m) and the values of the critical surface tension of PTFE wetting determined by other investigators from the contact angle of nonpolar liquids (e.g. n-alkanes). The differences between the value of the critical surface tension obtained here and those which can be found in the literature were discussed on the basis of the simple thermodynamic rules. Using the measured values of the contact angles and Young equation the PTFE–aqueous solution interfacial tension was determined. The values of PTFE–aqueous solution interfacial tension were also calculated from Miller and co-workers equation in which the correction coefficient of nonideality of the surface monolayer was introduced. From comparison of the obtained values it appears that good agreement exists between the values of PTFE–solution interfacial tension calculated on the basis of Young and Miller and co-workers equations in the whole range of propanol concentration.     

Mixed ionic–electronic conducting (MIEC) ceramic-based membranes for oxygen separation

Although Nernst observed ionic conduction of zirconia–yttria solutions in 1899, the field of oxygen separation research remained dormant. In the last 30 years, research efforts by the scientific community intensified significantly, stemming from the pioneering work of Takahashi and co-workers, with the initial development of mixed ionic–electronic conducting (MIEC) oxides. A large number of MIEC compounds have been synthesized and characterized since then, mainly based on perovskites (ABO_3−δ and A₂BO_4±δ) and fluorites (A_δB_1−δO_2−δ and A_2δB_2−2δO₃), or dual-phases by the introduction of metal or ceramic elements. These compounds form dense ceramic membranes, which exhibit significant oxygen ionic and electronic conductivity at elevated temperatures. In turn, this process allows for the ionic transport of oxygen from air due to the differential partial pressure of oxygen across the membrane, providing the driving force for oxygen ion transport. As a result, defect-free synthesized membranes deliver 100% pure oxygen. Electrons involved in the electrochemical oxidation and reduction of oxygen ions and oxygen molecules respectively are transported in the opposite direction, thus ensuring overall electrical neutrality. Notably, the fundamental application of the defect theory was deduced to a plethora of MIEC materials over the last 30 years, providing the understanding of electronic and ionic transport, in particular when dopants are introduced to the compound of interest. As a consequence, there are many special cases of ionic oxygen transport limitation accompanied by phase changes, depending upon the temperature and oxygen partial pressure operating conditions. This paper aims at reviewing all the significant and relevant contribution of the research community in this area in the last three decades in conjunction with theoretical principles.     

Elementary steps and mechanism of electrodeposition of Al from complex hydride ions in tetrahydrofuran baths

Electrocrystallization of Al cannot be achieved from aqueous media, but is possible from low melting-point organic salts, and from aromatic and etheric solutions. In the present paper studies are reported on the kinetics and mechanisms of electrodeposition of Al from plating baths of varying ratios of AlCl₃ and LiAlH₄ dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF). A complementary paper, which follows, deals with the topic of nucleation and growth processes involved in Al phase electrocrystallization and provides experimental results on that process. Steady-state cathodic and anodic Tafel polarization relations are determined, complemented by ac impedance studies. Back-reaction corrected Tafel plots enable anodic and cathodic transfer coefficients (α) to be evaluated together with corresponding stoichiometric numbers (ν). Critical evaluation both of the present α and ν results, and previous α values in the literature, enables a mechanism of elementary steps in Al deposition from the hydrido-chloride baths to be proposed.     

Emulsion and dispersion polymerization of styrene in the presence of PEO macromonomers with p-vinylphenylalkyl end groups

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) macromonomers with α-p-vinylphenylalkyl (propyl, pentyl, and hexyl) and ω-hydroxy end groups were applied to emulsion and dispersion polymerization of styrene as reactive emulsifiers and dispersants in water and in methanol-water mixture (9:1 v/v), respectively. Nearly monodisperse microspheres of submicron to micron size were obtained. Particle size in the emulsion system was one or half order of magnitude smaller than that in the dispersion system, while in both systems the size decreased approximately according to minus one half power of the macromonomer concentration in weight. The particle size was substantially independent on the PEO chain length and also on the spacer alkyl chain length of the α-polymerizing end group. The total weight of the PEO chains incorporated by copolymerization into the particle surfaces (shells), relative to that of styrene polymerized into the particle cores, appears to be a key factor for controlling the particle size. To cite this article: K. Landfester et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

Wetting Study of Hydrophobic Membranes via Liquid Entry Pressure Measurements with Aqueous Alcohol Solutions

A new concept of liquid entry pressure measurements is applied to study the hydrophobicity of microporous membranes for aqueous alcohol solutions. The effects of alcohol concentration, type of alcohol, and temperature on liquid entry pressure of the membrane have been studied. Two theoretical equations for the determination of membrane pore size have been proposed. The former equation was developed taking into account the deviation from the Laplace–Young equation due to the membrane structure by means of the structure angle. The latter equation was established considering only the range of alcohol concentration in which the dispersion component of liquid surface tension remains practically constant. Hydrophobicity has been expressed in terms of wetting surface tension, γ_L^w. Based on these measurements, the maximum concentration before the spontaneous wetting occurs would be predicted.     

Preparation of Nano-Sized γ-Al2O3 Supported Iron Catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis by Solvated Metal Atom Impregnation Methods

Two types of small iron clusters supported onγ-Al2O3-RT(dehydroxylated at room temperature) andγ-Al2O3-800 (dehydroxylated at 800℃) were prepared by solvated metal atom impregnation (SMAI) techniques. The iron atom precursor complex, bis(toluene)iron(0) formed in the metal atom reactor, was impregnated intoγ-Al2O3 having different concentrations of surface hydroxyl groups to study the effect of surface hydroxylation on the crucial stage of iron cluster formation. Catalysts prepared in this way were characterized by TEM, Mossbauer, and chemisorption measurements, and the results show that higher concentration of surface hydroxyl groups ofγ-Al2O3-RT favors the formation of more positively charged supported iron cluster Fen/γ-Al2O3-RT, and the lower concentration of surface hydroxyl groups ofγ-Al2O3-800 favors the formation of basically neutral supported iron cluster Fen/γ-Al2O3-800. The measured results also indicate that the higher concentration of surface hydroxyl groups causes the rapid decomposition of precursor complex, bis(toluene)iron(0), and favors the formation of relatively large iron cluster. Consequently, these two types of catalysts show different catalytic properties in Fischer-Tropsch reaction. The catalytic pattern of Fen/γ-Al2O3-RT in F-T reaction is similar to that of the unreducedα-Fe2O3 and that of Fen/γ-Al2O3-800 is similar to that of the reducedα-Fe2O3.     

Preparation of “pore-fill” type Pd–YSZ–γ-Al2O3 composite membrane supported on α-Al2O3 tube for hydrogen separation

Mesoporous YSZ–γ-Al₂O₃ membranes were coated on α-Al₂O₃ (Ø2 mm) tube by dipping the α-Al₂O₃ support tube into mixed sol consists of nano-size YSZ and bohemite particles followed by drying and calcination at 600 °C. Addition of bohemite in YSZ sol helped a good adhesion and uniform coating of the membrane film onto α-Al₂O₃ support. The quality of the mesoporous YSZ–γ-Al₂O₃ membranes was evaluated by the gas permeability experiments. The number of defects was minimized when the γ-Al₂O₃ content became more than 40%. Addition of γ-Al₂O₃ inhibited the crystal growth of YSZ, sintering shrinkage and distortion stress. Increase of calcination temperature and time results in the increase of pore size and N₂ permeance. A hydrogen perm-selective membrane was prepared by filling palladium into the nano-pores of YSZ–γ-Al₂O₃ layer by vacuum-assisted electroless plating. Crystal growth of palladium was observed by thermal annealing of the membrane at 600 °C for 40 h. The Pd–YSZ–γ-Al₂O₃ composite membrane revealed improved thermal stability allowing long-term operation at elevated temperature (>500 °C). This has been attributed to the improved fracture toughness of YSZ–γ-Al₂O₃ layer and matching of thermal expansion coefficient between palladium and YSZ. Although fracture of the membrane did not occur, decline of H₂ flux was observed when the membrane was exposed in 600 °C. This has been attributed to the agglomeration of palladium particles by crystal growth and dense packing into the pore networks of YSZ–γ-Al₂O₃ by elevation of temperature.     

High performance protonic ceramic membrane fuel cells (PCMFCs) with Ba0.5Sr0.5Zn0.2Fe0.8O3−δ perovskite cathode

Protonic ceramic membrane fuel cells (PCMFCs) based on proton-conducting electrolytes have attracted much attention because of many advantages, such as low activation energy and high energy efficiency. BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3−δ (BZCY7) electrolyte based PCMFCs with stable Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Zn_0.2Fe_0.8O_3−δ (BSZF) perovskite cathode were investigated. Using thin membrane BZCY7 electrolyte (about 15 μm in thickness) synthesized by a modified Pechini method on NiO-BZCY7 anode support, PCMFCs were assembled and tested by selecting stable BSZF perovskite cathode. An open-circuit potential of 1.015 V, a maximum power density of 486 mW cm⁻², and a low polarization resistance of the electrodes of 0.08 Ω cm² was achieved at 700 °C. The results have indicated that BZCY7 proton-conducting electrolyte with BSZF cathode is a promising material system for the next generation solid oxide fuel cells.     

Structural transition of NaBH4 under high pressure: Ab initio calculations

The pressure induced structural transition of NaBH₄ from β-NaBH₄ (tetragonal-P42_1c) to γ-NaBH₄ (orthorhombic-Pnma) is investigated by ab initio plane-wave pseudopotential density functional theory method (DFT). The BaSO₄-type structure of orthorhombic high-pressure phase is testified theoretically for the first time. The calculated transition pressure of β-NaBH₄ (tetragonal-P42_1c) to γ-NaBH₄ (orthorhombic-Pnma) is 9.66 GPa and the orthorhombic high-pressure phase is stable up to 30 GPa. Our results agree well with previous experimental results and demonstrate that high-pressure phase transition from β-NaBH₄ to γ-NaBH₄ may occur at low temperature. At last, the pressure effects on the electronic structures of α-, β- and γ-NaBH₄ are discussed.