Radiochemical separation methods for the determination of some toxic elements in biological reference materials

The present paper describes radiochemical separation procedures developed for the determination of the elements As, Cr, Hg, Sb and Se in biological reference materials. The methods chosen utilize ion exchange, retention on inorganic exchangers and solvent extraction techniques for the isolation of the elements of interest. These procedures are more rapid than previously used methods, such as distillation and precipitation. As to the sample dissolution, the following procedures were tested using radioactive tracers and reference materials: treatment of the materials in teflon bombs with a mixture of HNO₃+H₂SO₄ or HNO₃ only in a normal oven, and with HNO₃ in a microwave oven using specially designed digestion bombs.     

Determination of the molecular-weight characteristics of polyacrylic acid and its copolymer with butyl acrylate

A new procedure was suggested for pretreatment of polyacrylic acid and its copolymer with butyl acrylate with the aim of examining the molecular-weight distribution: chemical modification by esterification with benzyl alcohol. Conditions were chosen for turbidimetric titration of the resulting polymers. The results confirmed the efficiency of isopropanol as chain-transfer agent in copolymerization of acrylic acid with butyl acrylate. The molecular-weight characteristics of polyacrylic acid prepared by radical polymerization in water in the presence of Cu(II) ions were determined.     

Recyclable CuMgAl hydrotalcite for oxidative esterification of aldehydes with alkylbenzenes

A series of hydrotalcite-like compounds with various Cu:Mg:Al molar ratios were prepared by the co-precipitation method. The catalytic performance for oxidative esterification of aldehydes was investigated. X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption–desorption (BET), hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the scanning electron microscope (SEM), the transmission electron microscope and atomic absorption spectrometry were used to characterize the catalysts. The results showed that the benzyl benzoate product was obtained in good to excellent yield using tert-butyl peroxybenzoate as oxidant at 90°C under air atmosphere over Cu₂Mg₁Al₁-LDH catalyst. The catalyst can be recovered and used with 45% conversion after recycling five times. The oxidative esterification reaction in the heterogeneous system is environmentally friendly.

The Cu₂Mg₁Al₁-LDH catalyst prepared by co-precipitation method showed high catalytic activity for oxidative esterification of aldehydes. 81.0% yield of benzyl benzoate with benzaldehyde and toluene as reactants was obtained using tert-butyl peroxybenzoate as oxidant at 90°C under air atmosphere over Cu₂Mg₁Al₁-LDH catalyst. The catalyst can be recovered and used with 45% conversion after recycling five runs. The oxidative esterification reaction in the heterogeneous system is environmentally friendly.     

Solid-phase synthesis using a new polyacrylic resin : Synthesis of the fragment 14–21 of the amino acid sequence of histone H4

The solid-phase synthesis of the octapeptide 1 AcGly-Ala-Lys-Arg-His-Arg-Lys-ValOMe, which represents the fragment 14-21 of the amino acid sequence of the chromosomal histone H4, as well as of the structurally related nonapeptide 2 AcGly-Ala-Lys-Leu-Arg-His-Arg-Lys-ValOMe, is described using a new polyacrylic resin containing a glycolamide ester linkage(resin-NHCO-CH₂-OCO-peptide) acting as a labile anchoring moiety between the resin and the peptide.After elongation of the polypeptide chain using classical protecting groups, i.e. t-butyloxycarbonyl for the α-NH₂ function, benzyloxycarbonyl, nitro and 2,4-dinitrophenyl groups for the side-chains of Lys, Arg and His respectively, both peptides 1 and 2 were obtained in good yields and with a high purity as shown by high-pressure liquid chromatography, by amino-acid analysis and by high-field proton NMR spectroscopy.This work demonstrates the ability of the newly introduced polyacrylic resin to act as a convenient support for solid-phase peptide synthesis.     

Radiation effects on polymers—X: The grafting of acrylic acid on polyethylene in presence of a redox system using accelerated electrons

Films of low-density polyethylene grafted with various amounts of polyacrylic acid were prepared by the direct irradiation method, using a 10 MeV linear electron accelerator. Aqueous solutions of acrylic acid were used with FeSO₄ · 7H₂O as a redox system. The best graft/homopolymer ratios were obtained at radiation doses between 2 and 3 Mrad, at acrylic acid concentrations of 40–60% and at FeSO₄ · 7H₂O concentrations of 0.25-0.5% by weight. The grafted films were tested for reverse osmosis properties. A membrane with 60% polyacrylic acid content gave 87% salt rejection and a water flux of 0.75 × 10^?5 gm/cm² per sec.     

Electrospun Carbon/CuxO Nanocomposite material as Sustainable and High Performance Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The increase in energy density of the next generation of battery materials to meet the new challenges of the electrical vehicles era calls for innovative and easily scalable materials with sustainable processes. An innovative Cu_xO/C nanocomposite material, characterized by a highly conductive 3D-framework, with Cu_xO/Cu-metal contiguous nanodomains is prepared by electrospinning. The electrode processing is made using a polyacrylic acid binder. The nanocomposite has been fully characterized and the electrochemical performance shows high specific capacity values over 450 galvanostatic cycles at 500 mAg⁻¹ specific current with capacity retention values over 80 %. In addition, the composite shows remarkable high rate performance and highly stable interface, which has been studied by impedance spectroscopy.     

Adsorption of polyacrylic acid on hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces

In this paper the adsorption of polyacrylic acid (MW=5000) on the hydrophobic mercury surface and on the hydrophilic -Al₂O₃ surface at pH=3–4 in 0.55 M sodium chloride solution was investigated. Measurements of change of the double layer capacitance by phase selective a.c. voltammetry were used for determination of the adsorption of polyacrylic acid on the mercury electrode. The same method was used for the determination of the polyacrylic acid remaining in the solution after the adsorption on hydrophilic particles (-Al₂O₃ particles). The results obtained for adsorption of polyacrylic acid were compared to the results of the adsorption of humic substance of similar molecular weight under similar experimental conditions. The study has shown that polyacrylic acid in acidic solution is strongly adsorbed on the mercury surface, which is comparable to the adsorption of humic substance on the mercury surface. At the same time, the adsorption/deposition of polyacrylic acid on the -Al₂O₃ surface is weaker compared to humic acid, indicating at a smaller degree of interaction of polyacrylic acid with aluminium ions and with hydrophilic surface.     

Synthesis and study of poly(ethylene oxide) membranes obtained from homopolymerization of peo macromonomers

Hydrogels were obtained by free-radical polymerization of bifunctional macromonomers. This reaction can be conducted in water solution or in organic solvent. The k_p value is yet strongly depending on the solvent used. The properties of these networks will be compared to those of networks obtained by end-linking procedures. These materials were also used as a semi-permeable membrane in the conception of an artificial pancreas.     

Studies of the Influence of Polyelectrolyte Adsorption on Some Properties of the Electrical Double Layer of ZrO2- Electrolyte Solution Interface

An influence of the molecular weight of the polymer and inorganic contaminations of zirconia on the adsorption and electrokinetic properties on ZrO₂-electrolyte solution interface was studied. Two polymers were used; polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM). On the basis of the obtained dependencies, main factors responsible for observed changes of zeta potential and surface charge of washed and contaminated ZrO₂ were determined. It was showed, that the change of ionic structure in the Stem layer depends on the number and arrangements of-COOH groups in PAA and PAM macromolecules. These groups are responsible for the conformation of polymer chains near the surface and have direct influence on the amount of the adsorbed polyelectrolyte. The inorganic ions, present on the surface of the oxide, blocking some part of active sites, making them inaccessible for adsorbing by carboxylic groups polymer chains. That makes the adsorption on the contaminated oxide lower than on the washed one. From the comparison of the determined values of the diffuse layer charge and surface charge, the main factor influencing the zeta potential changes at different pH, molecular weight and polymer concentration was determined. Also was demonstrated, that the contaminations of the solid are reason for considerable shift of pH_pzc in relation to pH_icpof the zirconia. Thickness of the adsorption layers and free energies of the adsorption of polyacrylic acid and polyacrylamide on the surface of ZrO₂ were calculated.     

Green synthesis of banana flavor using different catalysts: a comparative study of different methods

ABSTRACT

Esterification of isoamyl alcohol with acetic acid was studied using different ion-exchange resins, namely Amberlyst 15 dry, Amberlyst 16 wet, Amberlite 120-IR. Esterification was carried out using different esterification methods that are quite new (ohmic, ultrasonic probe, and ultrasonic bath) and the results were compared with microwave-assisted esterification (MAE). The highest isoamyl acetate yield (99%) was obtained by MAE, using a mixture of acetic acid and isoamyl alcohol (mole ratio of 1:2) after 2?h of reaction time. In this process, 2% Amberlyst 15 dry was used. MAE had the least specific energy consumption (0.42?kWh/g isoamyl acetate) and specific CO₂ emission (34?g/g isoamyl acetate). According to the images obtained by scanning electron microscopy, lower amounts of Amberlyst 15 dry beads were destroyed by MAE method compared to other esterification methods. In conclusion, MAE proved to be an economic and environmentally-friendly method for esterification of different flavoring compounds.     

On the use of relative deceleration values for the determination of silicon by PIGE

By spiking the samples with a compound containing both a non-analyte and an analyte element, to which a relative deceleration property for 5 Me V protons has been ascribed, relative deceleration values for the samples could be obtained by measuring the prompt -yields induced in the non-analyte element. These values are used to correct for matrix effects in elemental analysis using PIGE techniques. In addition to this, the analytical results thus obtained can also be compared to those obtained by the simultaneous application of the analyte spiking technique to the collected yield data. These non-analyte spiking approaches were used to analyze silicon in polymer materials. These methods were tested by analyzing the two reference standards BCS 308 and Standard Chrome Ore XXXI. Li₂SiO₃, containing both the non-analyte as well as the analyte element, was selected as comparator and spike. Results obtained for the polymer samples were also compared to those obtained by PIXE.     

Photobactericidal films from porphyrins grafted to alkylated cellulose - synthesis and bactericidal properties

Two series of porphyrinic cellulose laurate esters plastic films, where the photosensitizers are covalently linked to the cellulosic polymer have been synthesised by using a “one-pot, two-step” esterification reaction. The photosensitizers were first covalently bounded to the cellulosic polymer using either 4- or 11-carbon spacer arms. The porphyrinic plastic films were then obtained by a second esterification with lauric acid. The reaction was studied according to reaction time, temperature, lauric acid amount, pyridine playing the role proton trapping base. Para-toluenesulfonylchloride has been proved to be a powerful activating agent for this reaction. The drawback of the steric hindrance of the porphyrinic macrocycle towards cellulosic hydroxyl groups has been overcome by increasing the number of carbon of spacer arms from 4- to 11-carbons. The photobactericidal activity of these materials was evaluated against Gram positive and Gram negative strains bacteria. First results show that these new plastic films display photobactericidal activity for porphyrin grafting percentage higher than 0.16, whereas the non-porphyrinic control allowed full growth of bacteria. These materials could be an alternative in order to overcome the growing bacterial multiresistance to classical antibiotics.     

Effects of polyacrylic acid on the room-temperature phosphorescence of selected compounds

Polyacrylic acid solutions of 4-phenylphenol, p-aminobenzoic acid, 1,2-benzocarbazole, and 5,6-benzoquinoline were spotted on filter paper and the results obtained by room-temperature phosphorescence were compared with similar samples spotted on filter paper without polyacrylic acid. Improvements in sensitivity ranged from 26 times to 1.1 times and limits of detection from 100 times to 1.1 times for the samples on filter paper with polyacrylic acid. The relative standard deviations for the samples with polyacrylic acid added were also improved.     

Input of solid-state 13C NMR to study permeation of wet archaeological bones by dicarboxylic fatty diacid-based chemicals

Conservation treatment of degraded archaeological osseous materials is still an open challenge, since no specific conservation protocol is currently available for restorers or museum curators. This work aims to test the efficiency of two original consolidant solutions in consolidating archaeological material. Archaeological osseous materials remain rare and sparsely available, it is a real drawback for optimization of conservation treatments, therefore in the present work a set of representative samples was chosen. The consolidants tested were a solution of disodium sebacate and a novel polyalcohol (SG1.2) obtained by esterification of 5 succinic diacids with 6 molecules of glycerol at 150°C. Characterization studies of archaeological bones, combining SEM microscopy, IR spectroscopy and high-resolution solid-state ¹³C NMR investigations, have been carried out to assess the effective permeation of bone by the consolidant solutions and to determine their chemical interactions with the residual components of archaeological bones. Although both water solutions significantly impregnate bone, we show that, the solution with disodium sebacate leads to chemical attack on the mineral component due to preferential precipitation of endogenous calcium by the sebacate ions. Such deleterious behaviour is not observed at all with the SG1,2 chemicals. The added value of the polyalcohol treatment as strengthening agent suitable for archaeological bony materials should be further demonstrated by mechanical and ageing tests.     

Novel Surfactant for the Reduction of CO2/Brine Interfacial Tension

The synthesis of novel CO₂ philic surfactant using maleic anhydride and dipropylene tertiary butyl alcohol is reported. The synthesis involved the esterification of maleic anhydride to produce bis(2-(2-(tert-butoxy)propoxy)propyl) maleate and subsequent sulfonation of the esterified product. Para toluene sulfonic acid was employed as catalyst for the esterification reaction. The esterification reaction was optimized for the maximum yield of 98% of bis(2-(2-(tert-butoxy)propoxy)propyl) maleate. The esterification reaction kinetics employing heterogeneous catalyst were also studied. Although this is a bimolecular reaction, a first order reaction kinetics with respect to acid has been observed. The activation energy was found to be 58.71 kJ/mol. The diester was followed by the sulfonation process and a yield of 85% of surfactant was achieved. The synthesized surfactant successfully lowered down the IFT between CO_2/brine to 1.93 mN/m. This surfactant has a great potential to be used for CO₂-EOR applications.     

Effect of Phosphorylation of Si-MCM-41 and Ti-Si-MCM-41 Mesoporous Molecular Sieves on Their Structure-Adsorption and Acid Properties

Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen and argon adsorption, thermal analysis, thermoprogrammed ammonia desorption, and ¹H MAS NMR spectroscopy were used to show that phosphorylation by POCl₃ yields MCM-41 silica gel and Ti-MCM-41 titanium-silica gel mesoporous molecular sieves with about 1.1 mmol/g acid sites consisting largely of hydroxyl group protons of supported phosphoric acid. These materials display catalytic activity in the esterification of acetic acid by ethanol.     

Synthesis and solution properties of poly(diphenyl itaconate)

Solid diphenyl itaconate monomer was obtained by esterification in the presence of diphosphorus pentoxide and polymerized in bulk with AIBN as initiator. The non-film forming polymer powder was characterized by fractionation, viscosity measurements, light scattering and other techniques. The relation [n] = 3·6 × 10^?3$\text{M}$^0·70_w, obtained for toluene at 25° was extrapolated to θ-conditions by various procedures: the σ-value of 2·60 for unperturbed dimensions indicates a less pronounced influence of phenyl compared with other C₆ hydrocarbon substitutes.     

Uptake of Uranium on ETS-10 Microporous Titanosilicate

Two samples of the microporous titanosilicate ETS-10 synthesised by different preparation procedures were compared for their ability to take up uranium from aqueous solutions using a batch-type technique. The ETS-10 samples were synthesised using either TiO₂ or TiCl₃ as a titanium source. The uptake of uranium on the materials was compared by determining the distribution coefficient and percentage sorption as a function of contact time, uranium concentration, and sorbent concentration. It was found that the difference in the synthesis procedures of the materials had a significant influence on the uptake of uranium.     

酸性离子液体催化油酸酯化合成生物柴油简

酸性离子液体具有催化活性好、选择性高及易于回收等优点,是一种应用前景非常好的环境友好的酸性催化剂,在生物柴油合成反应中具有重大的理论意义和应用价值. 本文以油酸和甲醇为原料,探讨了7种不同酸性离子液体在生物柴油合成反应中的催化效应. 研究表明,离子液体酸性越强,催化酯化活性越高;引入磺酸基团可大大增强离子液体Brönsted酸性,使其在酯化反应中发挥溶剂/催化剂的双重作用,促进酯化反应向产物方向进行,达到高产率,因而1-丁基磺酸-3-甲基咪唑硫酸氢盐（[BHSO₃MIM]HSO₄）催化效果最好. 此外,系统研究了[BHSO₃MIM]HSO₄催化油酸与甲醇酯化反应,并采用响应面法优化了反应条件. 结果发现,该反应的最适醇酸摩尔比、催化剂用量、反应温度及反应时间分别为4：1,10%（基于油酸的质量）,130 ℃和4 h;在此条件下,生物柴油产率为97.7%. [BHSO₃MIM]HSO₄连续使用10批次后,仍能保持初始催化活性的95.6%,表现出极好的操作稳定性. 另外,利用该离子液体催化游离脂肪酸含量为72%的废油脂生产生物柴油,反应6 h可获得产率94.9%. 可见,[BHSO₃MIM]HSO₄在酯化生产生物柴油方面具有巨大的应用潜力.     

Evaluation of the use of microwave oven systems for the digestion of environmental samples

In most chemical analyses for inorganic determinations in environmental matrices the sample is physically destroyed by dissolution, calcination etc. These digestion procedures have to be validated in order to ensure that no contamination and/or losses have occurred which could affect the accuracy of the final results obtained; this validation can be made by using certified reference materials (CRMs).In the recent past, microwave digestion procedures have been developed and have been shown to offer the benefits of rapid sample preparation and reduced contamination risks; however, an incomplete dissolution was suspected in some cases, e.g. in interlaboratory exercises, for the analysis of organic matrices.The aim of this study was to test microwave digestion procedures for different environmental CRMs and to evaluate the suitability of these methods for the determination of some trace elements. The effects of chemical species (As, Hg and Se-species) on the total element recovery after digestion are discussed.