Polymer-Solvent Interactions in Solutions of Thermoresponsive Polymers Studied by NMR and IR Spectroscopy

Summary: NMR relaxation and diffusion coefficient measurements revealed that a portion of water molecules is bound in mesoglobules formed in poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PIPMAm) and poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) aqueous solutions above the LCST, with fast exchange between bound and free states (residence time ∼1 ms). Two types of bound water molecules were assigned to water bound inside mesoglobules and on their surface. For highly concentrated PVME/D₂O solutions (c ≥ 20 wt%) a slow exchange was detected by NMR for bound water (residence time = 2.1 s). For PIPMAm aqueous solution IR spectra indicate a two-steps character of the phase transition. For PIPMAm in D₂O/ethanol (EtOH) mixtures the globular structures were observed by NMR at 298 K for certain compositions of the mixed solvent (cononsolvency effect). Virtually no EtOH is bound in these globular structures, in contrast to the temperature-induced globular structures.     

Stimuli-Responsive Polymers in Solution Investigated by NMR and Infrared Spectroscopy

Summary: Temperature-induced and solvent composition-induced phase separation in solutions of poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PIPMAm) and other thermoresponsive polymers as studied by NMR and infrared (IR) spectroscopy is discussed. The fraction p of phase-separated units (units with significantly reduced mobility) and subsequently, e.g., thermodynamic parameters characterizing the coil-globule phase transition induced by temperature, were determined from reduced integrated intensities in high-resolution ¹H NMR spectra. This approach can be especially useful in investigations of phase separation in solutions of binary polymer systems. Information on behaviour of water during temperature-induced phase transition was obtained from measurements of ¹H NMR relaxation times of HDO molecules. NMR and IR spectroscopy were used to investigate PIPMAm solutions in water/ethanol (D₂O/EtOH) mixtures where the phase separation can be induced by solvent composition (cononsolvency). Some differences in globular-like structures induced by temperature and solvent composition were revealed by these methods.     

H NMR study of temperature-induced phase separation in solutions of poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide-co-acrylamide) copolymers

¹H NMR spectroscopy was applied to investigate temperature-induced phase separation in solutions of poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide-co-acrylamide) [P(IPMAm/AAm)] random copolymers in D₂O, D₂O/ethanol and D₂O/acetone. The NMR relaxation behaviour of water (HDO) was also examined. The effects of P(IPMAm/AAm) composition and the ethanol or acetone content in the mixed solvents on the temperature, width and extent of the phase transition as well as on the mobility of polymer segments and water molecules were characterized. For D₂O solutions of the copolymers prepared with the AAm fraction in the polymerization mixture not exceeding 25 mol% ¹H NMR spectra show dynamic heterogeneity of copolymer chains in mesoglobules where AAm sequences and surrounding short IPMAm sequences are hydrated and mobile, while sufficiently long IPMAm sequences are dehydrated and their mobility is strongly reduced. The obtained results are consistent with the idea that P(IPMAm/AAm) copolymer mesoglobules are rather porous and disordered.     

NMR Study on Polymer-Solvent Interactions during Temperature-Induced Phase Separation in Aqueous Polymer Solutions

Some possibilities of NMR spectroscopy (mainly spin-spin relaxation) in investigations of hydration and other polymer-solvent interactions during the temperature-induced phase separation in aqueous polymer solutions are described. A certain portion of water molecules bound in phase-separated mesoglobules was revealed. The residence time of the bound HDO for poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME)/D₂O solution (c = 6 wt%) is 1.2 ms. With time a slow release of originally bound water from the respective mesoglobules was observed. For highly concentrated PVME/D₂O solutions (c = 20–60 wt%), the residence time of bound HDO ≫ 2.7 ms and fractions of bound water unchanged even for 70 h were found. A similar behaviour as described above for water (HDO) was also found for EtOH molecules in PVME/D₂O/EtOH solutions.     

P NMR study of the stoichiometry, stability and thermodynamics of new complexation between uranyl (II) nitrate and N-methyliminobis(methylenephosphonic acid) in two binary D2O-DMSO-d6 solvent mixtures

The complexation reaction between uranyl (II) nitrate, and N-methyliminobis(methylenephosphonic acid) (MIDPH) was investigated in two different binary solvent mixtures of D₂O-DMSO-d₆ at various temperatures using ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. The exchange between the free ligand and the 1:1 complexed ligand was slow on the NMR timescale and two ³¹P NMR signals were observed. The formation constant of the resulting complex was evaluated from integration of the two ³¹P NMR signals. The values of thermodynamic parameters of the resulting complex (ΔH, ΔS and ΔG) were determined from the temperature dependence of the formation constants. In the two solvent mixtures studied, the resulting complex is enthalpy stabilized but entropy destabilized.     

Freezing-point of mixtures of H 2 16 O and H 2 18 O

Freezing-point depression of mixtures of H ₂ ¹⁶ O and H ₂ ¹⁸ O were measured. The results showed that the freezing point of the mixture rose linearly with an increase in the molal concentration of H ₂ ¹⁸ O. The results suggested the formation of a solid solution of H ₂ ¹⁶ O and H ₂ ¹⁸ O by freezing, similar to that formed by H ₂ O–D ₂ O, and that H ₂ ¹⁸ O behaves as a different molecule than H ₂ ¹⁶ O.     

Conductance Studies on Complex Formation Between Aza-18-Crown-6 with Ag+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ Cations in DMSO–H2O Binary Solutions

The complexation reactions between Ag⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ metal cations with aza-18-crown-6 (A18C6) were studied in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)–water (H₂O) binary mixtures at different temperatures using the conductometric method. The conductance data show that the stoichiometry of the complexes in most cases is 1:1(ML), but in some cases 1:2 (ML₂) complexes are formed in solutions. A non-linear behaviour was observed for the variation of log K _f of the complexes vs. the composition of the binary mixed solvents. Selectivity of A18C6 for Ag⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ cations is sensitive to the solvent composition and in some cases and in certain compositions of the mixed solvent systems, the selectivity order is changed. The values of thermodynamic parameters (ΔH _c^o, ΔS _c^o) for formation of A18C6–Ag⁺, A18C6–Hg²⁺ and A18C6–Pb²⁺ complexes in DMSO–H₂O binary systems were obtained from temperature dependence of stability constants and the results show that the thermodynamics of complexation reactions is affected by the nature and composition of the mixed solvents.     

The Structures of ZnCl2-Ethanol Mixtures,a Spectroscopic and Quantum Chemical Calculation Study

We report in this article the structural properties, spectral behavior and heterogeneity of ZnCl₂-ethanol (EtOH) mixtures in a wide-composition range (1:3 to 1:14 in molar ratios), using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. To improve the resolution of the initial IR spectra, excess spectroscopy and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy were employed. The transformation process was suggested to be from EtOH trimer and EtOH tetramer to EtOH monomer, EtOH dimer and ZnCl₂-3EtOH complex upon mixing. The theoretical findings showed that increasing the content of EtOH was accompanied with the flow of negative charge to ZnCl₂. This led to reinforcement of the Zn←O coordination bonds, increase of the ionic character of Zn‒Cl bond and weakening and even dissociation of the Zn‒Cl bond. It was found that in some of the ZnCl₂-EtOH complexes optimized at the gas phase or under the solvent effect, there existed hydroxyls with a very special interactive array in the form of Cl‒Zn⁺←O‒H^…Cl⁻, which incredibly red-shifted to wavenumbers <3000 cm⁻¹. This in-depth study shows the physical insights of the respective electrolyte alcoholic solutions, particularly the solvation process of the salt, help to rationalize the reported experimental results, and may shed light on understanding the properties of the deep eutectic solvents formed from ZnCl₂ and an alcohol.     

Infrared spectra (700–200 cm−1) and6Li/7Li and H2O/D2O isotope effects for four isotopically substituted lithium formate monohydrates

The infrared spectra, in the 700–200 cm^–1 region, have been reported for⁶LiHCO₂ · H₂O,⁶LiHCO₂ · D₂O,⁷LiHCO₂ · H₂O and⁷LiHCO₂ · D₂O and the observed fundamental bands have been discussed taking into account the⁶Li/⁷Li and H₂O/D₂O isotope wavenumber shifts on the fundamental vibrations.

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Infrarotspektren (700–200 cm^–1) und⁶Li/⁷Li- und H₂O/D₂O-Isotopeneffekte für vier isotopensubstituierte Lithiumformat-monohydrate

Zusammenfassung Die Infrarotspektren in der Region von 700–200 cm^–1 werden für⁶LiHCO₂ · H₂O,⁶LiHCO₂ · D₂O,⁷LiHCO₂ · H₂O und⁷LiHCO₂ · D₂O angegeben und die beobachteten Grundschwingungen zusammen mit den isotopischen Verschiebungen der Wellenzahlen diskutiert.

     

NiFe2O4磁性纳米材料的溶剂热法一步合成

以Fe(NO_3)_3·9H_2O和Ni(NO_3)_2·6H_2O为原料,在未添加任何碱性沉淀剂和高温晶化处理的条件下,通过对实验条件(包括溶剂、溶剂热温度和时间)的优化,利用溶剂热法一步制备了具有良好结晶性和超顺磁性的NiFe_2O_4磁性纳米材料。结果表明:用H_2O和EtOH-H_2O做溶剂都不利于NiFe_2O_4的生成;用EtOH做溶剂,为了获得纯度较高的NiFe_2O_4磁性纳米材料,要保证适当的溶剂热温度和时间;所得材料的磁性能与材料中磁性组分NiFe_2O_4的含量和其结晶程度有关。该制备方法最突出的优点是简单、快速、成本低、从源头消除了污染,且所得的材料磁性能优良。     

Study of the vibrational spectra of SO2, H2O and D2O using the U(4) algebraic model

Using the U(4) algebraic model, in this work we report a study of the vibrational spectra of SO₂, H₂0¹⁸ and D₂O¹⁶. The inclusion of intermode couplings in algebraic models has been stated to give a deep insight into detailed spectroscopy for these bent XY₂ molecules. Improved set of algebraic parameters has been reported to provide improved RMS deviations for these molecules.     

Effect of electric field on phase separation of polymer dispersed liquid crystal

The kinetics of the polymerization induced phase separation of liquid crystal (LC)/monomer mixture has been investigated by means of depolarized light intensity technique and polarized light microscope (PLM). To examine the effect of the electric field, a DC electric field was applied across the mixtures during the phase separation process. The kinetic study indicates that the phase separation process is accelerated when the electric field is applied. The morphologies of the formed polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films were observed by PLM. The electric field applied during the phase separation process yields the PDLC with small LC domains and fine morphologies. The clearing temperature (T_NI) of the formed PDLC films was measured by the PLM and it is found that the T_NI increases with the applied electric field intensity.     

Phase Separation in Aqueous Polymer Solutions as Studied by NMR Methods

Some possibilities of ¹H NMR spectroscopy in investigations of structural-dynamic changes and polymer-solvent interactions during the temperature-induced phase transitions in aqueous polymer solutions are described. Results obtained recently on D₂O solutions of poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME), poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PIPMAm), negatively charged copolymers of N-isopropylmethacrylamide and sodium methacrylate, and PIPMAm/PVME mixtures are discussed. A markedly different rate of dehydration process in dilute solutions on the one hand, and in semidilute and concentrated solutions on the other hand, was revealed from ¹H spin-spin relaxation measurements.     

Diffusion of Li+ ions in concentrated solutions of LiNO3 in 1,3-diaminopropane

The temperature and composition dependences of the self-diffusion coefficient of Li⁺ ions were investigated for concentrated solutions of LiNO₃ in 1,3-diaminopropane by means of the NMR spin-echo technique from 20 to 50°C. The composition dependence of the activation energy shows a bend around 30 mol % LiNO₃. This is consistent with the previous results obtained from the electrical conductivity and the correlation time of the rotational motion of the solvating ions, and suggests that solvent molecules may act as bridges between Li⁺ ions at higher concentrations of LiNO₃.     

Isotopic substitution effects on the volumetric and viscosimetric properties of water-dimethylsulfoxide mixtures at 25°C

Densities and viscosities of binary mixtures (H₂O or D₂O) (1) + (DMSO or DMSO-D6)(2) have been measured over the entire mole fraction range; and the excess volumes, excess viscosities, and excess partial molar volumes Vf of the components have been obtained. All systems show negative excess volume V^e at all compositions, values for mixtures containing D₂O being more negative than those with H₂O byca. 0.03 cm³-mol^-1 at x₁, = 0.6, where a minimum is observed. The difference between DMSO and DMSO-D6 containing mixtures is negligible. The excess viscosity η^e is always positive and shows a maximum at x₁ = 0.65; at this composition, the substitution of H₂O with D₂O causes an excess viscosity increment ofca. 0.35 mPa-s, while deuteration of DMSO brings about a smaller increase,ca. 0.1 mPa-s. The trend of V ₂ ^E with concentration shows the characteristic features of moderately hydrophobic solutes in water (negative values and a minimum in the water-rich region), features that are slightly but significantly more marked in D₂O than in H₂O. The V ₂ ^E values in the water-diluted region and at x₁, =0 are more negative for D₂O than for H₂O.     

Salt Effects in the Cononsolvency of Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Microgels

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is well known to exhibit reentrant behavior or cononsolvency in response to the composition of a mixed solvent consisting of water and a low‐chain alcohol. Since the solvent structure plays an important role in this phenomenon, the presence of structure‐breaking/structure‐making ions in solution is expected to have a dramatic effect on the cononsolvency of PNIPAM. The present work examines the way that the presence of different salts can modify the reentrant‐phase diagram displayed by a cationic PNIPAM microgel in the mixed ethanol/water solvent. The effects of four Hofmeister anions—SO₄^2?_, Cl^?, NO₃^? and SCN^?—with different abilities to modify the solvent structure are analyzed. The species with kosmotropic or structure‐making character show a clear competition with ethanol for the water molecules, intensifying the nonsolvency of the PNIPAM with the EtOH volume fraction (?_e). However, striking results are found with the most chaotropic or structure‐breaking anion, SCN^?. In contrast to what happens in water‐rich solutions, the presence of SCN^? in alcohol‐rich solvents enhances the solubility of the polymer, which macroscopically results in the microgel swelling. Moreover, this ion displays great stabilizing properties when ?_e> is 0.2. These results have been explained by considering how chaotropic or structure‐breaking ions interact with water and ethanol molecules.     

含CO2/离子液体系统相行为及其在反应与分离中的应用进展

目前已知的绿色溶剂主要包括超临界流体（Supercritical fluids,SCFs）、离子液体（Ionic liquids,ILs）、二氧化碳膨胀液体（CO₂ expanded liquids, CXLs）、水以及上述溶剂的混合物等。其中,由超临界CO₂（Supercritical CO₂,SCCO₂）与ILs混合而构成的新兴溶剂,因为化学热力学方面的特性,成为近年来研究的热点,未来很有发展前景。本文回顾了目前为止在该领域所开展的工作,总结了影响SCCO₂与IL相行为的主要因素。包括温度、压力、ILs的含水量、ILs的阴离子、ILs的阳离子、ILs的摩尔体积以及助溶剂等。同时分析了ILs/SCCO₂与溶质形成的多元混合物相行为的成因。介绍了ILs/CO₂在萃取、反萃取、膜分离、反胶束、萃取与反应耦合等分离方面的应用。由于传统的单元操作很难满足无污染和对过程集成的要求,因而含有ILs/ SCCO₂的分离反应耦合过程将是未来是实现清洁生产的发展方向。     

In and F MAS NMR study of (NH4)3InF6 phases

This study presents for the first time an NMR spectroscopic characterization of the room and high temperature phases of (NH₄)₃InF₆ using ¹⁹F and ¹¹⁵In as probe nuclei. The reversible phase transition to the cubic phase at 353 K was followed by MAS NMR in situ. Static NMR experiments of the room temperature phase and MAS NMR experiments of the high temperature phase allowed the determination of the NMR parameters of both nuclei. Finally, the scalar In-F coupling, rarely observed in solid state NMR, is evidenced in both room and high temperature phases of (NH₄)₃InF₆, and measured in the high temperature phase.     

Solution Thermodynamics of Ethylhexyl Triazone in Some Ethanol + Ethyl Acetate Mixtures

Ethylhexyl triazone (EHT) is a sunscreen agent that is widely used in skin care product formulations, whose physicochemical properties have not been previously studied in detail. For this reason, solubility data were measured for EHT in ethanol (EtOH) + ethyl acetate (AcOEt) mixtures at five temperatures. By using the van’t Hoff and Gibbs equations, the thermodynamic functions: Gibbs energy, enthalpy, and entropy of solution, and of mixing, were evaluated from these solubilities. The solubility is greatest in mixtures with 0.10 and 0.20 mass fraction EtOH, but decrease as the EtOH mass fraction increases in the solvent mixtures. By means of an enthalpy-entropy compensation analysis, a nonlinear DH_soln⁰\Delta H_{\mathrm{soln}}^{0} versus DG_soln⁰\Delta G_{\mathrm{soln}}^{0} compensation plot was obtained having both negative and positive slopes as the solvent composition was varied. Accordingly to these results, it follows that the driving function for solubility of EHT is the entropy for solutions rich in EtOH or AcOEt, whereas in mixtures of medium composition, the driving function is the enthalpy.     

配位化合物Zn(Met)3(NO3)2·H2O(s)(Met=L-α-蛋氨酸)的低温热容及标准摩尔生成焓

利用精密绝热热量仪测定了化合物配合物Zn(Met)₃(NO₃)₂·H₂O (s) (Met=L-α-蛋氨酸)在78-371 K温区的摩尔热容. 通过热容曲线解析, 得到了该配合物的起始脱水温度为T_D=325.10 K. 将该温区的摩尔热容实验值用最小二乘法拟合得到了摩尔热容(C_p)对约化温度(T)的多项式方程, 由此计算得到了配合物的舒平热容值和热力学函数值. 基于设计的热化学循环, 选择100 mL of 2 mol·L^-1 HCl为量热溶剂, 利用等温环境溶解-反应热量计, 得到了298.15 K配合物的标准摩尔生成焓为Δ_fH_m⁰[Zn(Met)₃(NO₃)₂·H₂O(s),s]=-(1472.65±0.76) J·mol^-1.