Extraction of $$ {\text{Np}}^{4+} $$ and $$ {\text{NpO}}_{2}^{2+} $$NpO22+ from Nitric Acid Medium Using TODGA in Room Temperature Ionic Liquids

Extraction of Np⁴⁺ and \( {\text{NpO}}_{2}^{2 + } \) was carried out from nitric acid feeds using solutions of N,N,N′,N′-tetra-n-octyldiglycolamide (TODGA) in two imidazolium-based room temperature ionic liquids, viz., 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl) imide ([C₄mim][NTf₂]) and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl) imide ([C₈mim][NTf₂]). The extraction equilibrium was attained within 2 h for both the metal ions in both the ionic liquids. While a cation exchange mechanism is proposed for the extraction of \( {\text{NpO}}_{2}^{2 + } , \) an ion-pair mechanism of extraction is proposed for the Np⁴⁺ ion. The nature of the extracted species was determined by carrying out experiments at varying concentrations of TODGA, and species of the type Np(L)₂(NO₃)₄ and NpO₂(L)²⁺ were found to be extracted in 3 mol·dm^?3 HNO₃. The identification of these extracted species was also supported from the variable nitrate and C₄mim⁺ ion concentration experiments.     

The Radial Distribution of Ions and Electrons in RF Inductively Coupled H<Subscript>2</Subscript>/T<Subscript>2</Subscript>B Plasmas

A glow discharge polymer (GDP) was fabricated using trans-2-butene (T₂B) and hydrogen (H₂) via a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system. The uniformity of the GDP films was significantly affected by the radial distribution of the H₂/T₂B plasma parameters. The plasma properties while discharging by a multi-carbon gas source of mixed H₂/T₂B were investigated during the GDP deposition process. The main positive ions and ion energy distributions in inductively coupled H₂/T₂B plasmas were analyzed by energy-resolved mass spectrometer (MS), and the electron density and the effective electron temperature were mainly analyzed using a Langmuir probe. The MS results show that the main positive ions in the plasmas are \({\text{C}}_{ 2} {\text{H}}_{ 4}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 2} {\text{H}}_{ 6}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 3} {\text{H}}_{ 3}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 3} {\text{H}}_{ 6}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 3} {\text{H}}_{ 8}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 4} {\text{H}}_{ 5}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 4} {\text{H}}_{ 1 0}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 5} {\text{H}}_{ 5}^{ + }\), and \({\text{C}}_{ 5} {\text{H}}_{ 7}^{ + }\) with mass-to-charge ratios (m/e) of 28, 30, 39, 42, 44, 53, 58, 65, and 67, respectively. For a normalized ion intensity, the relative intensities of saturated CH ions increase with increasing radial distance, while the unsaturated CH ions decrease with increasing radial distance. The ion energy distribution of \({\text{C}}_{ 2} {\text{H}}_{ 6}^{ + }\) (m/e = 30) presents a bimodal structure. Additionally, both the electron density and the effective electron temperature decrease with increasing radial distance.     

On the topology of the electron density of ${\mathrm {H}}_{3}^{+}$

The topology of the electron density ρ(r) of \({\mathrm {H}}_{3}^{+}\) is revisited by series of ultra fine tuned geometry optimizations within Hartree-Fock self-consistent virial scaling (SCVS) approach in combination with correlation consistent cc-pVXZ basis sets. The calculations are extended to approach the Hartree-Fock complete basis set (CBS) limit. It is discussed that within such tuned ab initio calculations, the sources of errors that are mapped to the final density matrix in normal calculations are essentially eliminated. The results of electron density analysis on such error-free ρ(r) function via the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) confirm unambiguously the non-nuclear attractor (NNA) as the fundamental topological building block (together with three H atomic basins) to describe the bonding in \({\mathrm {H}}_{3}^{+}\) ion-molecule. The convergence patterns of the values of different density-dependent properties toward CBS limit are also explored. It is reported that the cc-pVXZ sets are not only energy-consistent but also density-consistent. Therefore, on the basis of this important density consistency behavior, the CBS limit values of different atomic and bonding indexes are estimated and ultimately the structure and bonding pattern of \({\mathrm {H}}_{3}^{+}\) are concluded.     

Analysis on the removal of ammonia nitrogen using peroxymonosulfate activated by nanoparticulate zero-valent iron

Nanoparticulate zero-valent iron (Fe⁰) was used to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to remove low concentration of ammonia nitrogen in the aqueous system. The removal process was investigated under various conditions. It was indicated that the removal of \({\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + }\) followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model for the initial reactions. The removal rate increased with the ascending of pH and Fe⁰ dosage, while declined with the ascent of initial \({\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + }\) concentration. The existence of nitrogenous compounds would inhibit the reactions, especially for the compounds with carboxyl structure functional groups. The identification of free radical proved that \(\cdot {\text{SO}}_{4}^{ - }\) is the main radical in Fe⁰/PMS for the removal of ammonia nitrogen. The inorganic products including \({\text{NO}}_{2}^{ - }\), \({\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - }\), Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ were detected with the detailed mechanism proposed. The results demonstrated that Fe⁰/PMS process was more effective on ammonia removal compared to single Fe⁰, Fe⁰/persulfate and Fe⁰/H₂O₂. This study proposed a cost-effective process for \({\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + }\) removal at very low concentration of sulfate radicals.     

Quasi-classical trajectory insight into stereodynamics for reaction $$\hbox {He}+\hbox {D}_{2}^{+}\rightarrow \hbox {HeD}^{+}+\hbox {D}$$ with the improved potential energy surface

In this work, a theoretical study on the detailed vector correlation for the reaction \(\hbox {He}+\hbox {D}_{2}^{+}\rightarrow \hbox {HeD}^{+}+\hbox {D}~(\hbox {v}, \hbox {j})\) has been carried out at the collision energy of 23.06 kcal/mol with different rotational states of j \(=\) 0–5 and vibrational states v \(=\) 1–5 by use of the quasi-classical trajectory calculation on an improved potential energy surface. The features of \({{\varvec{P}}}\mathbf{(}{\varvec{\theta }}_{{\varvec{r}}}{} \mathbf{)}\) distributions describing k and \(\mathbf{j}^\prime \) correlations were discussed. In addition, in order to get full knowledge of stereodynamics of the system, the distributions of dihedral angle \({{\varvec{P}}}\mathbf{(}{\varvec{\varphi }}_{{\varvec{r}}}{} \mathbf{)}\) and the polarization-dependent differential cross-sections (PDDCSs) were also reported. It has been demonstrated that both product alignment and polarization are sensitive to the reagent vibrational and rotational number. Furthermore, the dynamics behavior of the reaction is independently changed with respect to j under a certain v except for the product alignment effect \(({\varvec{P}}({\varvec{\theta }}_{{\varvec{r}}}))\), while it exhibits a generally regular trend concerning v when j is invariable.     

Antioxidant activity and superoxide anion radical interaction with 2-(ferrocenylmethylamino) benzonitrile and 3-(ferrocenylmethylamino) benzonitrile

Cyclic voltammetry was used to explore the interaction of (ferrocenylmethylamino) benzonitrile (FMAB) with superoxide anion radical (\({\text{O}}_{2}^{. - }\)), electrochemically generated by the reduction in commercial molecular oxygen in acetonitrile. The difference in the electrochemical behavior of \({\text{O}}_{2}^{. - }\) in the absence and presence of FMAB, including shifts in peak potential and decrease in anodic peak current, was successfully investigated for the determination of interaction parameters such as the binding constant, ratio of binding constants, binding free energy and mode of interaction. The anodic peak potential shifts and the magnitude of binding free energy ΔG suggest the electrostatic interaction of \({\text{O}}_{2}^{. - }\) with FMAB as the dominant mode, whereas the negative sign of ΔG indicates the spontaneity of the interaction. The antioxidant activity of FMAB derivatives was also evaluated using spectrophotometrical and electrochemical techniques. The spectrophotometrical assays were carried out using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH), while the electrochemical assays were determined by measuring the oxidation peak current of \({\text{O}}_{2}^{. - }\). The activity was found to be highest for 3FMAB in both DPPH and \({\text{O}}_{2}^{. - }\) radicals scavenging methods (0.0183) and (0.0090 mg/mL), respectively, which is equal to half the antioxidant activity of standard antioxidant ascorbic acid (0.0117) and (0.0041 mg/mL).     

Vibratio nal assig nme nts,co nformatio nal a nalysis,a nd molecular structures of $$\left[ {\text{C}_{\text{ n}} \text{mim}} \right]\left[ {\text{NTF}_{\text{2}} } \right]$$C nmimNTF2 ( n = 2, 4, 6, a nd 8) imidazolium-based io nic liquids: a combi ned experime ntal a nd qua ntum chemical approach

This work is aimed at providing physical insights about the interactions of cations, anion, and ion pairs of four imidazolium-based ionic liquids of \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{\text{n}} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\) with varying alkyl chain lengths (n = 2, 4, 6, and 8) using both DFT calculations and vibrational spectroscopic measurements (IR absorption and Raman scattering) in the mid- and far regions. The calculated Mulliken charge distributions of \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{\text{n}} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\) ion pairs indicate that hydrogen-bonding interactions between oxygen and nitrogen atoms (more negative charge) on \(\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]^{ - }\) anion and the hydrogen atoms (more positive charge) on the imidazolium ring play a dominating role in the formation of ion pair. Thirteen stable conformers of \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{2} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\) were optimized. According to our results, the strongest and weakest hydrogen bonds were existing in \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{2} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\) and \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{8} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\), respectively. A redshift of 290, 262, 258, and 257 cm^?1 has been observed for cations involving \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{2} {\text{mim}}} \right]^{ + }\), \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{4} {\text{mim}}} \right]^{ + }\),\(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{6} {\text{mim}}} \right]^{ + }\), and stretching vibrations of \({\text{C}}12{-}{\text{H}}3\), respectively. By increasing the chain length, the strength of hydrogen bonds decreases as a result of \({\text{C}}12{-}{\text{H}}3\) bond elongation and less changes are observed in stretching vibrations of \({\text{C}}12{-}{\text{H}}3\) compared to the free cations. To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first work which reports the far-IR of \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{4} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\), \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{6} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\), and \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{8} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\) and the mid-IR of \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{8} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\).     

Fluidized-bed Fenton-like oxidation of a textile dye using natural magnetite

Degradation of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) as a model azo dye was investigated in a recirculating pilot fluidized-bed reactor by a Fenton-like process using natural magnetite (NM) and potassium persulfate (K₂S₂O₈). Scanning electron microscopy was performed to characterize the magnetite sample. The heterogeneous Fenton-like process (NM/\({\text{S}}_{2} {\text{O}}_{8}^{2 - }\)) is a modified method owing to its enhanced mass transfer. It can be operated reliably and simply by reducing the produced iron oxide sludge in the conventional Fenton process. Degradation efficiency (DE %) of AO7 by NM/ \({\text{S}}_{2} {\text{O}}_{8}^{2 - }\) process was affected by operational parameters. The DE % of 75 % was obtained for the AO7 treatment (15 mg/L) at the desired conditions, such as pH 5, 0.2 mM \({\text{S}}_{2} {\text{O}}_{8}^{2 - }\), and 0.5 g/L NM after 120 min of reaction time. The dye degradation rate in all the experiments followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic with high correlation coefficients (R ² ≥ 0.98). The low released iron concentration, successive reusability at milder pH and the recirculation mode with the proper mixing are the significant advantages of the NM/\({\text{S}}_{2} {\text{O}}_{8}^{2 - }\) process.     

Solvent extraction of calcium and strontium into nitrobenzene by using synergistic mixture of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate and diphenyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-butylcarbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide

Extraction of microamounts of calcium and strontium by a nitrobenzene solution of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B^?) in the presence of diphenyl-N-butylcarbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide (DPBCMPO, L) has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the species HL⁺, \( {\text{HL}}_{2}^{ + } \), \( {\text{ML}}_{2}^{2 + } \), \( {\text{ML}}_{3}^{2 + } \) and \( {\text{ML}}_{4}^{2 + } \) (M²⁺ = Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺) are extracted into the organic phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the cationic complexes in nitrobenzene saturated with water have been determined. In the considered nitrobenzene medium, it was found that the stability of the \( {\text{SrL}}_{2,{\text{org}}}^{2 + } \) complex is somewhat higher than that of species \( {\text{CaL}}_{2,{\text{org}}}^{2 + } \), while the stability constants of the remaining strontium complexes \( {\text{SrL}}_{3,{\text{org}}}^{2 + } \) and \( {\text{SrL}}_{4,{\text{org}}}^{2 + } \) are smaller than those of the corresponding complex species \( {\text{CaL}}_{n}^{2 + } \) (n = 3, 4).     

Nitrate and Hydrogen Peroxide Generated in Water by Electrical Discharges Stimulate Wheat Seedling Growth

This paper reports the stimulation of wheat seedling growth by using plasma-treated water. A nanosecond pulsed generator in a gas bubble-in-liquid system with a point-to-plate electrode was employed to treat de-ionised (DI) water, producing mainly hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the water when argon gas was used, and nitrate (\({\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - }\)) when air was used. The H₂O₂ and \({\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - }\) generated, respectively, in argon and air plasma-treated water significantly increased the growth parameters such as biomass, leaf length, and the relative chlorophyll content of the wheat seedling. The total biomass of the seedlings grown in potting mix after 4 weeks was augmented by 61 and 87%, respectively, for argon plasma-treated water and air plasma-treated water compared with the control (untreated DI water). In hydroponics, the biomass of the seedling increased 27 and 38%, respectively, for the argon and the air after 2 weeks in comparison to the control. In potting mix, the shoots and roots of the seedlings responded differently to the treated water: the biomass of shoot increased 33% for air plasma-treated water compared with the argon, while that of root increased 17% for argon plasma-treated water compared with the air. A separate experiment in hydroponics with chemical solutions of H₂O₂ and \({\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - }\) matching with the concentrations of the H₂O₂ and \({\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - }\) generated in the plasma-treated water showed similar stimulation of wheat seedling growth.     

A thermodynamic study of complexation of 18-crown-6 with Zn2+, Tl+, Hg2+ and {\text{UO}}^{{{\text{2 + }}}}_{{\text{2}}} cations in acetonitrile-dimethylformamide binary media and study the effect of anion on the stability constant of (18C6-Na+) complex in methanol solutions

The equilibrium constants and thermodynamic parameters for complex formation of 18-crown-6(18C6) with Zn²⁺, Tl⁺, Hg²⁺ and $ {\text{UO}}^{{{\text{2 + }}}}_{{\text{2}}} $ cations have been determined by conductivity measurements in acetonitrile(AN)-dimethylformamide(DMF) binary solutions. 18-crown-6 forms 1:1 complexes [M:L] with Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺ and $ {\text{UO}}^{{{\text{2 + }}}}_{{\text{2}}} $ cations, but in the case of Tl⁺ cation, a 1:2 [M:L₂] complex is formed in most binary solutions. The thermodynamic parameters ( $ \Delta {\text{H}}^{ \circ }_{{\text{c}}} $ and $ \Delta {\text{S}}^{ \circ }_{{\text{c}}} $ ) which were obtained from temperature dependence of the equilibrium constants show that in most cases, the complexes are enthalpy destabilized but entropy stabilized and a non-monotonic behaviour is observed for variations of standard enthalpy and entropy changes versus the composition of AN/DMF binary mixed solvents. The obtained results show that the order of selectivity of 18C6 ligand for these cations changes with the composition of the mixed solvent. A non-linear relationship was observed between the stability constants (logK_f) of these complexes with the composition of AN/DMF binary solutions. The influence of the $ {\text{ClO}}^{ - }_{{\text{4}}} $ , $ {\text{NO}}^{ - }_{{\text{3}}} $ and $ {\text{Cl}}^{ - } $ anions on the stability constant of (18C6-Na⁺) complex in methanol (MeOH) solutions was also studied by potentiometry method. The results show that the stability of (18C6-Na⁺) complex in the presence of the anions increases in order: $ {\text{ClO}}^{ - }_{{\text{4}}} $  >  $ {\text{NO}}^{ - }_{{\text{3}}} $  >  $ {\text{Cl}}^{ - } $ .     

Hierarchical enumeration of Kekulé’s benzenes,Ladenburg’s benzenes,Dewar’s benzenes,and benzvalenes by using combined-permutation representations

The group hierarchy for each skeleton of ligancy 6 is formulated to be: point group (PG \({\varvec{G}}_{\sigma }\)) \(\subseteq \) RS-stereoisomeric group (RS-SIG \({\varvec{G}}_{\sigma \widetilde{\sigma }\widehat{I}}\)) \(\subseteq \) stereoisomeric group (SIG \(\widetilde{{\varvec{G}}}_{\sigma \widetilde{\sigma }\widehat{I}}\)) \(\subseteq \) isoskeletomeric group (ISG \(\widetilde{\widetilde{{\varvec{G}}}}_{\sigma \widetilde{\sigma }\widehat{I}}\) = \({\varvec{S}}^{[6]}_{\sigma \widehat{I}}\)), where we start from the PG \({\varvec{G}}_{\sigma }\) = \({\varvec{D}}_{6h}\) for the Kekulé benzene skeleton, from the PG \({\varvec{G}}_{\sigma }\) = \({\varvec{D}}_{3h}\) for the Ladenburg benzene skeleton, from the PG \({\varvec{G}}_{\sigma }\) = \({\varvec{C}}_{2v}\) for the Dewar benzene skeleton, or from the PG \({\varvec{G}}_{\sigma }\) = \({\varvec{C}}_{2v}\) for the benzvalene skeleton. After these groups are constructed as combined-permutation representations, the calculation of the respective cycle indices with chirality fittingness (CI-CFs) and the introduction of ligand-inventory functions are conducted to give generation functions for 3D-based enumerations (for PGs and RS-SIGs) and 2D-based enumerations (for SIGs and ISGs). The enumeration results are discussed by means of isomer-classification diagrams, in which equivalence classes under enantiomerism (for PGs), RS-stereoisomerism (for RS-SIGs), stereoisomerism (for SIGs), and isoskeletomerism (for ISGs) are illustrated schematically. The implicit connotations of the conventional terms “skeletal isomerism”, “positional isomerism”, and “constitutional isomerism” are discussed, where the effects of the concept of isoskeletomerism are emphasized.     

International inter-comparison exercise on $${}^{153}\hbox {Sm}$$

Samarium-153 (\({}^{153}\hbox {Sm}\)) is a short-lived radionuclide that decays to stable europium-153 via beta emission, with subsequent de-excitation via gamma emission and internal conversion. Historical measurements of \({}^{153}\hbox {Sm}\) by gamma spectrometry and beta liquid scintillation counting have shown a low bias compared to beta proportional counting. In order to investigate this, four national laboratories jointly conducted an experimental inter-comparison exercise on a certified \({}^{153}\hbox {Sm}\) sample, created from neutron activation of samarium-152. Radiometric measurements were conducted using gamma spectrometry, liquid scintillation counting, gas proportional counting, and passivated implanted planar silicon detectors and compared across the four institutions against the certified value. The results from this experiment are presented together with a number of conclusions which suggest that the current published cumulative fission yield for \({}^{153}\hbox {Sm}\), as used by many laboratories, is approximately 15% high and is the likely cause of the previously observed bias.     

Thermo Physical and Spectroscopic Properties of Binary Liquid Systems: Ethanoic Acid/Propanoic Acid/Butanoic Acid with 2-Methylaniline

Densities (ρ), speeds of sound (u), and viscosities (η) are reported for binary mixtures of 2-methylaniline with carboxylic acids (ethanoic acid, propanoic acid and butanoic acid) over the entire composition range of mole fraction at T?=?(303.15–318.15) K and at atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa). The excess properties such as excess molar volume (V _m ^E ), excess isentropic compressibility (κ _S ^E ) and excess Gibbs energy of activation of viscous flow (G^*E) are calculated from the experimental densities, speeds of sound and viscosities. Excess properties are correlated using the Redlich–Kister polynomial equation. The partial molar volumes, \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}} \) and \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,2}} \), partial molar isentropic compressibilities, \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,1}} \) and \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,2}} \), excess partial molar volumes, \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{\text{E}} \) and \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{\text{E}} \), and excess partial molar isentropic compressibilities, \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,1}}^{\text{E}} \) and \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,2}}^{\text{E}} \), over whole composition range, partial molar volumes, \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{ \circ } \) and \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{ \circ } \), partial molar isentropic compressibilities, \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,1}}^{ \circ } \) and \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,2}}^{ \circ } \), excess partial molar volumes, \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{{ \circ {\text{E}}}} \) and \( \bar{V}_{{{\text{m}},2}}^{{ \circ {\text{E}}}} \), and excess partial molar isentropic compressibilities, \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,1}}^{{ \circ {\text{E}}}} \) and \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,2}}^{{ \circ {\text{E}}}} \), of the components at infinite dilution have also been calculated from the analytically obtained Redlich–Kister polynomials. The excess molar volume V^E results are analyzed using the Prigogine–Flory–Patterson theory. Analysis of each of the three contributions viz. interactional V^E(int.), free volume V^E(fv.) and characteristic pressure p* to V^E showed that the interactional contributions are positive for all systems while the free volume and characteristic pressure p* contributions are negative for all the binary mixtures. The results are analyzed in terms of attractive forces between 2-methylaniline and carboxylic acids molecules. Good agreement is obtained between excess quantities and spectroscopic data.     

Base hydrolysis of tris(3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-bis(4-phenyl sulphonic acid)-1,2,4-triazine)iron(II) in aqueous,SDS and CTAB media: kinetic and mechanistic study

The kinetics and mechanism of base hydrolysis of tris(3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-bis(4-phenyl sulphonic acid)-1,2,4-triazine)iron(II), \({\text{Fe}}({\text{PDTS}})_{3}^{4 - }\) have been studied in aqueous, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) media at 25, 35 and 45 °C under pseudo-first-order conditions, i.e. \(\left[ {\text{OH}^{ - } } \right]\) ? \({\text{Fe}}({\text{PDTS}})_{3}^{4 - }\). The reaction is first order each in \({\text{Fe}}({\text{PDTS}})_{3}^{4 - }\) and hydroxide ion. The rate increases with increasing ionic strength in aqueous and SDS media, whereas this parameter has little effect in CTAB. In SDS medium, the rate-determining step involves the reaction between \(\left[ {\text{OH}^{ - } } \right]\) and \({\text{Fe}}({\text{PDTS}})_{3}^{4 - }\), whereas in CTAB medium, it involves reaction between a neutral ion pair, {\({\text{Fe}}({\text{PDTS}})_{3}^{4 - }\)·4CTA⁺} and \(\left[ {\text{OH}^{ - } } \right]\) ions. The specific rate constants and thermodynamic parameters (E _a, ΔH ^#, ΔS ^# and ΔG _35°C ^# ) have been evaluated in all three media. The near equal values of ΔG _35°C ^# obtained in aqueous and SDS media suggest that these reactions occur essentially by the same mechanism. Slightly lower ΔG _35°C ^# values in CTAB medium can be attributed to a higher concentration of reactants in the Stern layer. The reaction is inhibited in SDS medium but catalysed in CTAB. The former can be attributed to the anionic surfactant creating more repellent space between the reactants. Catalysis in CTAB medium is ascribed to electrophilic and hydrophilic interactions between hydroxide ion/substrate with the cationic Stern layer, resulting in increased local concentrations of both reactants.     

Comparing the photocatalytic activity of N-doped and S-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles for water splitting under sunlight radiation

The objective of this research is to compare the photocatalytic activity of nanoparticles of N-doped and S-doped titanium dioxide in water splitting by using sunlight radiation for hydrogen production. The sol–gel method was used for the preparation of nanoparticles of doped TiO₂ and the weight percent of doping element was 2, 4, 6 and 8. The prepared nanoparticles were identified by absorbance spectra of UV–Vis and FT-IR, TGA, XRD patterns, FE-SEM images and EDX spectra. The nanoparticles of S–\({\text{TiO}}_{2}\) indicated the lower band gap and lesser particle size versus N–\({\text{TiO}}_{2}\) nanoparticles. Nevertheless, the nanoparticles of N–\({\text{TiO}}_{2}\) showed the higher photocatalytic activity in hydrogen production process. The activity of doped samples with sulfur (S–\({\text{TiO}}_{2}\)) was reduced by the presence of sulfate anions, and the absorption of radiation in the samples surface was due to a decrease in the number of electron–hole pair in photocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity of N–\({\text{TiO}}_{2}\) was also increased with the increasing in weight fraction of N atoms, and the highest hydrogen production was obtained in 6 wt% of nitrogen.     

Densities,Ultrasonic Velocities,Excess Properties and IR Spectra of Binary Liquid Mixtures of Organic Esters (Ethyl Lactate,Some Organic Carbonates)

Organic esters of carbonic acid {dimethyl carbonate (DMC)/diethyl carbonate (DEC)/propylene carbonate (PC)}, in combination with a lactate ester {ethyl lactate (EL)}, with green chemistry characteristics were chosen for the present study of molecular interactions in binary liquid mixtures. Densities (ρ) and ultrasonic velocities (U) of the pure solvents and liquid mixtures were measured experimentally over the entire composition range at temperatures (303.15, 308.15, 313.15 and 318.15) K and atmospheric pressure. The experimental data was used to calculate thermodynamic and acoustic parameters \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} \), \( L_{\text{f}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{{}} \), \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{{}} \), \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \bar{V}_{ 1}^{\text{E,0}} \) and \( \bar{V}_{ 2}^{\text{E,0}} \) and the excess functions were fitted with the Redlich–Kister polynomial equation to obtain the binary solution coefficients and the standard deviations. It was observed that the values of \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} \) and \( L_{\text{f}}^{\text{E}} \) are positive for the mixtures of (EL + DMC/DEC) and negative for those of (EL + PC) over the entire range of composition and temperature. The positive values of \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} \) and \( L_{\text{f}}^{\text{E}} \) indicate the action of dispersion forces between the component molecules of (EL + DMC/DEC) mixtures whereas negative values for the mixture (EL + PC) suggest the existence of strong specific interactions between the component molecules, probably resulting from chemical and structural contributions. The excess properties have also been analyzed by using the reduced (\( Y^{\text{E}} /x_{1} x_{2} \)) excess function approach and the results are found to be in agreement with those from the corresponding \( Y^{\text{E}} \)(= \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} \) and \( L_{\text{f}}^{\text{E}} \)) values. This is further supported by FTIR spectral analysis.     

Pentavalent Neptunyl ([O≡Np≡O]<Superscript>+</Superscript>) Cation–Cation Interactions in Aqueous/Polar Organic Mixed-Solvent Media

Bonding interactions between polyvalent cations and oxo-anions are well known and characterized by predictably favorable Gibbs energies in solution-phase coordination chemistry. In contrast, interactions between ions of like charge are generally expected to be repulsive and strongly influenced by cation solvation. An exception to this instinctive rule is found in the existence of complexes resulting from interactions of pentavalent actinyl cations ([O≡An≡O]⁺) with selected polyvalent cations. Such cation–cation complexes have been known to exist since the 1960s, when they were first reported by Sullivan and co-workers. The weak actinyl cation–cation complex, resulting from a bonding interaction between a pentavalent linear dioxo actinyl cation donor and hexavalent actinyl or trivalent/tetravalent metal cation acceptor, has been most commonly seen in media in which water activities are reduced, principally highly-salted aqueous media. Such interactions of pentavalent actinides are of relevance in ongoing research that focuses on advanced nuclear fuel processing systems based on the upper oxidation states of americium. This investigation focuses on exploring the thermodynamic stability of complexes between selected highly-charged metal cations (Al³⁺, Sc³⁺, Cr³⁺, Fe³⁺, In³⁺ and \( {\text{UO}}_{2}^{2 + } \)) and the pentavalent neptunyl cation (\( {\text{NpO}}_{2}^{ + } \), whose coordination chemistry is similar to that of \( {\text{AmO}}_{2}^{ + } \) while exhibiting significantly greater oxidation state stability) in aqueous–polar organic mixed-solvents. The Gibbs energies for the cation–cation complexation reactions are correlated with general features of electrostatic bonding models; the \( {\text{NpO}}_{2}^{ + } \cdot {\text{Cr}}^{3 + } \) complex exhibits unexpectedly strong interactions that may indicate significant covalency in the cation–cation bonding interaction.     

Thermodynamic Properties of Ternary Ionic Liquid Mixture Containing a Common Ion: Excess Molar Volumes,Excess Isentropic Compressibilities,Excess Molar Enthalpies and Excess Heat Capacities

In the present investigations, the excess molar volumes, \( V_{ijk}^{\text{E}} \), excess isentropic compressibilities, \( \left( {\kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \), and excess heat capacities, \( \left( {C_{p}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \), for ternary 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (i) + 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (j) + 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (k) mixture at (293.15, 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15) K and excess molar enthalpies, \( \left( {H^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \), of the same mixture at 298.15 K have been determined over entire composition range of x _i and x _j . Satisfactorily corrections for the excess properties \( V_{ijk}^{\text{E}} \), \( \left( {\kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \), \( \left( {H^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \) and \( \left( {C_{p}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \) have been obtained by fitting with the Redlich–Kister equation, and ternary adjustable parameters along with standard errors have also been estimated. The \( V_{ijk}^{\text{E}} \), \( \left( {\kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \), \( \left( {H^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \) and \( \left( {C_{p}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \) data have been further analyzed in terms of Graph Theory that deals with the topology of the molecules. It has also been observed that Graph Theory describes well \( V_{ijk}^{\text{E}} \), \( \left( {\kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \), \( \left( {H^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \) and \( \left( {C_{p}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \) values of the ternary mixture comprised of ionic liquids.     

Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids Containing the Trifluoroacetate Anion: Thermodynamic Study

New experimental vapor pressures and vaporization enthalpies of the ionic liquids \( [ {\text{C}}_{2} {\text{mim][CF}}_{3} {\text{CO}}_{2} ] \) and \( [ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{mim][CF}}_{3} {\text{CO}}_{2} ] \) have been measured by the QCM method. The solution enthalpies of these ionic liquids were measured by using high-precision solution calorimetry and were used for calculation the aqueous enthalpy of formation \( \Delta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{ \circ } ({\text{CF}}_{ 3} {\text{CO}}_{2}^{ - } ,_{{}} {\text{aq}}) \) of the anion for combination with quantum-chemical results. The solubility parameters of the ILs under study have been derived from experimental \( \Delta_{\text{l}}^{\text{g}} H_{\text{m}}^{ \circ } \)(298.15 K) values and were used for estimation of miscibility of some common solutes with \( [ {\text{C}}_{n} {\text{mim][CF}}_{3} {\text{CO}}_{2} ] \).