A simple economic and heat transfer analysis of the nanoparticles use

In this paper, a review of the impact of most common nanoparticles on the Leidenfrost temperature T _Leid in heat transfer applications is delivered. Moreover, a simple economic analysis of the nanoparticles use is proposed. When coolant is distilled water, T _Leid can range 150–220 °C; occasionally, it can even amount to over 400 °C. When the base liquid is modified by additives, considerable changes in the character of heat transfer are observed. Out of five nanofluids under consideration in this study, the best thermal effect (up to 50%) is obtained when Al₂O₃ nanofluid having particle sizes ~39 nm and volume concentration of 0.1% is used. Conversely, the fluid containing TiO₂ particles, 20–70 nm in size, seems to be the worst of the analysed fluid, giving only 7% heat transfer enhancement in comparison with water. However, when TiO₂ nanoparticles are far smaller, very good thermal effects are obtained (23–25%). In a majority of the cases analysed, the temperature that marks the onset of film boiling is inversely proportional to concentrations of nanoparticles, which is relevant from the economic standpoint.     

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Commiphora caudata</Emphasis> Leaves Extract and the Study of Bactericidal Efficiency

The present study reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from silver nitrate solution using leaf extracts of Commiphora caudata. The formation of Ag NPs in the colloidal solution is confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy analysis. The identification of biomolecules is analyzed through fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction pattern shows that an average particle size of the synthesized nanoparticles are in the range of 40–24 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirm the formation Ag NPs in spherical shape. The photoluminescence study of the synthesized Ag NPs interprets the influence of C caudata leaf concentrations on emission behavior. Zeta potential measurement is carried out to determine the stability of synthesized Ag NPs. GC–MS analysis revealed that the C. caudata contained 11 compounds, such as Stigmasterol (24.14 %), Hexacosanoic acid, methyl ester (15.13 %) and 2-bromophenyl morpholine-4-carboxylate (11.71 %). The antibacterial activity of Ag NPs shows that these bio capped Ag NPs have higher inhibitory action for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pheumoniea, Micrococcus flavus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus aureus.     

A novel silane coupling agent with peroxy groups used as an initiator in the graft polymerization of AN or MMA on nano-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

A novel peroxy group-containing silane coupling agent was synthesized and anchored on the surface of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO₂) to form an immobilized-initiator-modified nano-TiO₂ species. In this study, the kinetic parameters of the peroxy group-containing silane were tested and assessed using DSC. The pre-exponential factor (A_d) was 8.973?×?10⁸ and the activation energy (E_a) was 80.736 kJ mol^?1. Moreover, the empirical Arrhenius equation was determined to be ln K_d?=???80.736/RT?+?ln(8.973?×?10⁸). To obtain continuous polymers, acrylonitrile (AN) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were polymerized using the novel peroxy group-containing silane and FeSO₄ as an initiator system. The number average molecular weights (M_n of PAN?=?3×10⁴ and M_n of PMMA?=?1.4?×?10⁵) and polydispersity indexes (PDI of PAN?=?2.76 and PDI of PMMA?=?1.65) were determined by GPC. It was suggested that the redox initiation system can generate highly reactive species on the surfaces of inorganic nanoparticles. The nano-TiO₂-grafted polymers were successfully obtained.     

An inorganic–organic hybrid material based on ZnO nanoparticles anchored to a composite made from polythiophene and hexagonally ordered silica for use in solid-phase fiber microextraction of PAHs

We report on an inorganic–organic hybrid nanocomposite that represents a novel kind of fiber coating for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The material is composed of ZnO nanoparticles, polythiophene and hexagonally ordered silica, and displays good extraction capability due to its nanostructure. The nanocomposite was synthesized by an in-situ polymerization technique, and the ZnO nanoparticles were anchored to the pores in the walls. The ZnO/polythiophene/hexagonally ordered silica (ZnO/PT/SBA-15) nanocomposite was then deposited on a stainless steel wire to obtain the fiber for SPME of PAHs. Optimum conditions include an extraction temperature of 85 °C (for 30 min only), a desorption temperature of 260 °C (for 2 min), and a salt concentration (NaCl) of 20 % (w/v). The detection limits are between 8.2 and 20 pg mL^?1, and the linear responses extend from 0.1 to 10 ng mL^?1. The repeatability for one fiber (for n?=?5), expressed as relative standard deviation, is between 4.3 and 9.1 %. The method offers the advantage of being simple to use, rapid, and low-cost (in terms of equipment). The thermal stability of the fiber and high relative recovery (compared to conventional methods) represent additional attractive features.

Structural improvement of ZnO electrodes through solution-processed routes for enhancing open-circuit voltage in dye-sensitized solar cells

We report herein one of our recent studies on nanostructured ZnO electrodes for application in dye-sensitized solar cells, focusing on achieving a higher open-circuit voltage (V_OC). ZnO films were obtained through solution-processed routes including pyrolytic conversion of layered hydroxide zinc acetate (LHZA) films deposited on a fluorine-doped tin oxide-coated conducting glass substrate by a chemical bath deposition method. The morphology of the initial LHZA and the converted ZnO films was tuned from a thick (approximately 12 μm) flower bed-/lawn-like bilayer structure to a thin (1.2 μm) lawn-like quasi-monolayer structure by decreasing the Zn source concentration in the chemical bath. V_OC was found to be enhanced with this morphological change from 0.692 (the bilayer structure) to 0.735 V (the quasi-monolayer structure). Fine tuning of the quasi-monolayer structure by introducing the grain growth effect led to V_OC of the cell as high as 0.807 V, although a short-circuit photocurrent density (J_SC) remained low. Further attempts were then made to increase J_SC while maintaining the high V_OC. When the thickness of the lawn-like monolayer film was increased up to approximately 5 μm, the resultant cell showed V_OC?=?0.750 V, J_SC?=?6.20 mA cm^?2 and a conversion efficiency (η) of 2.83%. The film with a modified flower bed-/lawn-like bilayer structure approximately 11 μm in thickness finally yielded V_OC?=?0.741 V, J_SC?=?13.6 mA cm^?2, and η?=?5.44%.     

Experimental determination of thermal conductivity and viscosity of different nanofluids and its effect on a hybrid solar collector

In this research, three different volume concentrations (??=?0.05, 0.1 and 0.2%) of Al₂O₃/water, CuO/water and Al₂O₃–CuO/water (50:50) nanofluids are prepared by adopting a two-step nanofluid preparation method. Al₂O₃ and CuO nanoparticles with the average diameter of 50 nm and 27 nm were dispersed in distilled water. The thermal conductivity and viscosity of prepared nanofluids are measured for different temperatures by using KD2 Pro thermal property analyzed and Brookfield viscometer, respectively. The effects of nanofluids on the thermal, electrical and overall efficiency of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) solar collector are also studied. The experimental results revealed that the thermal conductivity and viscosity increase with the increase in percentage volume concentration and viscosity decreases with the increase in temperature. Furthermore, the obtained maximum thermal and electrical efficiencies of a PVT solar collector for 0.2% volume concentration of hybrid nanofluids are 82% and 15%, respectively, at peak solar radiation. The highest overall efficiency of a PVT collector with .2% volume concentration of hybrid nanofluid was 97% at peak solar radiation. Results recommend that nanofluids can be used as a heat transfer in PVT solar collector.

     

Kolanut (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cola nitida</Emphasis>) Mediated Synthesis of Silver–Gold Alloy Nanoparticles: Antifungal,Catalytic, Larvicidal and Thrombolytic Applications

This study investigated use of leaf, seed, seed shell and pod extracts of Cola nitida for the green synthesis of silver-alloy nanoparticles (Ag–AuNPs). The Ag–AuNPs formed were dark brown with maxima absorbance in the range of 497–531 nm. FTIR peaks at 3290–3396 and 1635–1647 cm^?1 showed that proteins were the capping and stabilization molecules for the synthesis of Ag–AuNPs. While leaf, seed and seed shell extract-mediated Ag–AuNPs had near spherical morphology, anisotropic structures of sphere, rod, hexagon and triangle were formed by pod extract. The polydispersed particles were 17–91 nm in size, with crystalline characteristics and prominent presence of Ag and Au in the EDX spectra. Ag–AuNPs inhibited growth of Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus and A. niger by 69.51–100 %. Exposure of Anopheles mosquito larvae to Ag–AuNPs resulted in 80–100 % mortality in 24 h. Catalytic degradation of >90 and >60 % were obtained for malachite green and methylene blue respectively after 24 h. The particles displayed potent blood anticoagulant and thrombolytic activities, indicative of their potentials in the management blood coagulation disorders. This study showed that C. nitida can be used for green synthesis of Ag–AuNPs, which is the first report of its kind.     

Studying structural,morphological and optical properties of nanocrystalline ZnO:Ag films prepared by sol–gel method for antimicrobial activity

Pure and Ag-doped zinc oxide sol–gel thin films were prepared by spin-coating process. Pure and Ag–ZnO films, containing 2–8% Ag, were annealed at 500?°C for 2?h. All thin films were prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV–visible spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction studies show the polycrystalline nature with hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO and Ag:ZnO thin films. The crystallite size of the prepared samples reduced with increasing Ag doping concentrations. AFM and SEM results indicated that the average crystallite size decreased as Ag doping concentration increased. The transmittance spectra were then recorded at wavelengths ranging from 300 to 1000?nm. The films produced yielded high transmission at visible regions. The optical band gap energy of spin-coated films also decreased as Ag doping concentration increased. In particular, their optical band gap energies were 3.75, 3.55, 3.4, 3.3, and 3.23?eV at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, respectively. Antibacterial activity of pure and Ag-doped zinc oxide against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated by international recognized test (JIS Z 2801). The results showed that pure and Ag-doped ZnO thin film has an antibacterial inhibition zone against E. coli and S. aureus. Gram-positive bacteria seemed to be more resistant to pure and Ag-doped ZnO thin film than gram-negative bacteria. The test shows incrementally increasing in antibacterial activity of the thin films when dopant ratio increased under UV light.

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Cryochemical synthesis and antibacterial activity of a hybrid composition based on Ag nanoparticles and dioxidine

Hybrid nanocomposites based on an dioxidine antimicrobial substance modified with silver were produced by means of cryochemical synthesis. TEM, UV-absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and surface analysis based on low-temperature argon adsorption showed the formation of hybrid nanosystems consisting of drug substance particles with a size of 50–300 nm including internal small Ag nanoparticles with a size of 2–40 nm. The obtained hybrid nanosystems showed higher antibacterial activity against E. coli 52, S. aureus 144, and M. cyaneum 98 than did the original dioxidine.     

Dielectric properties of films of Ag-ED20 epoxy nanocomposite synthesized in situ. Temperature dependence of direct current conductivity

The influence of silver myristate used as a precursor of silver nanoparticles on the direct current conductivity σ _dc of epoxy polymer within the concentration range of ≤0.8 wt % was investigated. The value of direct current conductivity was determined on the basis of analysis of the frequency dependence of complex permittivity within the frequency range of 10^?2–10⁵ Hz. The temperature dependence of σ _dc is composed of two regions. The dependence corresponds to the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann empirical law σ _dc = σ _dc0exp{?DT ₀/(T-T ₀)} (where T ₀ is the Vogel temperature and D is the strength parameter) at temperatures higher than the glass transition temperature T _g. At the same time, T ₀ does not depend on the concentration of nanoparticles. The Arrhenius temperature dependence characterized by activation energy about 1.2 eV is observed at temperatures lower than T _g. The observed shape of the temperature dependence is related to the change in the mechanism of conductivity after “freezing” of ionic mobility at temperatures lower than T _g. The value of σ _dc is increased as the concentration of nanoparticles is raised within the temperature range of T > T _g. The obtained dependence of σ _dc on silver myristate concentration is similar to the root one, indicating the absence of percolation within the studied range of concentrations.     

One-step preparation of sulfonated carbon and subsequent preparation of hybrid material with polyaniline salt: a promising supercapacitor electrode material

The present trend to increase the energy density of electrochemical supercapacitor is to hybrid the electrochemical double layer capacitance electrode materials of carbon with loading or encapsulation of transition metal oxide or conductive polymeric pseudocapacitor materials as the binary or ternary hybrid electrochemical active materials. In this work, we selected polyaniline salt-sulfonated carbon hybrid (PANI-SA?C _SA ) as a cheaper electrode material for supercapacitor electrode. Sulfonated carbon (C _SA ) was prepared from hydrothermal carbonization of furaldehyde and p-toluenesulfonic acid. Polyaniline-sulfate salt containing sulfonated carbon was prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline using ammonium persulfate in presence of sulfuric acid and sulfonated carbon via aqueous, emulsion and interfacial polymerization pathways. Formation of hybrid material was confirmed from scanning electron microscopy. Among the hybrid prepared with three different polymerization pathways, hybrid prepared by aqueous polymerization pathway showed better electrochemical performance. The specific capacitance of the hybrid prepared via aqueous polymerization was 600 F g^?1, which is higher than that of the pristine PANI-SA (350 F g^?1) and C _SA (30 F g^?1). Hybrid material was subjected for 8000 charge-discharge cycles and at 8000 cycles; it showed 88% retention of its original specific capacitance value of 485 F g^?1 with coulombic efficiency (97–100%). These results showed that C _SA micro spheres prevent the degradation of PANI-SA chains during charge/discharge cycles. Specific capacitance, cycle life, low solution resistance, low charge transfer resistance and high phase angle value of PANI-SA?C _SA supercapacitor cell indicates a higher performance supercapacitor system.

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Graphical abstract Synthesis of hybrid of sulfonated carbon with polyaniline sulfate salt and its supercapacitor performance Ravi Bolagam, Palaniappan Srinivasan,^* Rajender Boddula

     

Synthesis,SAR and in vitro therapeutic potentials of thiazolidine-2,4-diones

Background

Thiazolidinedione is a pentacyclic moiety having five membered unsaturated ring system composed with carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur molecules at 1 and 3 position of the thiazole ring and widely found throughout nature in various form. They favourably alter concentration of the hormones secreted by adipocytes, particularly adiponectin. They also increase total body fat and have mixed effects on circulating lipids. Thiazolidinedione nucleus is present in numerous biological moieties and has different pharmacological activities likes, e.g. antimalarial, antimicrobial, antimycobacterial, anticonvulsant, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and antituberculosis.

Results and discussion

The synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial potential against Gram (positive and negative) bacterial and fungal strains by tube dilution technique. In this series, compound 10 exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against B. subtilis and S. aureus with MIC?=?4.2?×?10^?2 µM/ml, compound 15 showed significant activity against K. pneumonia with MIC?=?2.60?×?10^?2 µM/ml and compound 4 displayed potent antibacterial activity against E. coli with MIC?=?4.5?×?10^?2 µM/ml. Compound 10 had most potent antifungal activity against C. albicans and A. niger with MIC?=?4.2?×?10^?2 µM/ml. Compounds 12 and 15 were found as most active antidiabetic agents having IC₅₀?=?27.63 μg/ml and 22.35 μg/ml, respectively, using DPPH assay. Antioxidant activity results indicated that compounds 3 and 9 displayed good antioxidant agent with IC₅₀?=?29.04 μg/ml and 27.66 μg/ml respectively, using α amylase assay.

Conclusion

All the synthesized derivatives exhibited good antimicrobial, antidiabetic and antioxidant activities using specific methods then compared with mentioned standard drugs. Especially, compounds 3, 4, 9, 10, 12 and 15 displayed highest activity. Structure activity relationship demonstrated that presence of electron withdrawing group (o-NO₂, p-Cl, p-Br) enhanced the antibacterial activity against E. coli as well as increased the antioxidant activity while the presence of electron releasing group (o/p-OCH₃, 3,4,5-trimethoxy) enhanced the antibacterial activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis, S. typhi, K. pneumonia, C. albicans and A. niger as well as the antidiabetic activity.

     

Preparation and characterization of poly(amide-imide)/ZnO nanocomposites containing pendent benzoxazole and benzimidazole segments

In the present investigation, novel poly(amid-imide)/zinc oxide nanocomposites (PAI/ZnO NCs) containing benzoxazole and benzimidazole pendent groups with different amounts of modified zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were successfully prepared via the ex situ method. Poly(amid-imide) (PAI) was prepared by direct polycondensation of 2-[3,5- bis(N-trimellitimidoyl)phenyl]benzoxazole (DCA) with 5-(2-benzimidazole)-1,3-phenylenediamine (DAMI) and provided the polymeric matrix with well-designed groups. The surface of ZnO NPs was functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) coupling agent to have a better dispersion and enhancing possible interactions of NPs with functional groups of polymer matrix. The amount of APS bonded to the ZnO surface was determined by thermogravimetric analysis. PAI/ZnO nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM analysis showed that the modified ZnO nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in polymer matrix. In addition, TGA data indicated an enhancement of thermal stability of the nanocomposite compared with the neat polymer.     

The thermal properties of water-n,n-dimethylformamide solutions at 278–323.15 K and 0.1–100 MPa

The isothermal compressibility coefficients κ _T , volumetric thermal expansion coefficients α, and pressure coefficients (?p/?T) _v were calculated for water-N,N-dimethylformamide (DMFA) mixtures of 12 compositions over the temperature and pressure ranges 278–323.15 K and 0.1–100 MPa. The composition dependences of κ _T passed minima, and the corresponding α and (?p/?T) _v dependences passed maxima. The structural features of water and hydrophobic hydration effects were found to play a determining role in changes in the thermodynamic properties of water-DMFA solutions.     

Highly sensitive electrocatalytic determination of pyrazinamide using a modified poly(glycine) glassy carbon electrode by square-wave voltammetry

A new voltammetric sensor based on electropolymerization of glycine at glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was developed and applied to determine of pyrazinamide (PZA) by square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The initial cyclic voltammetric studies showed an electrocatalytic activity of poly(Gly)/GCE on redox system of pyrazinamide in 0.1 mol L^?1 phosphate buffer solution pH 7.5, with E _Pc and E _Pa in ?0.85 and ?0.8 V (versus E _Ag/AgCl), respectively. Studies at different scan rates suggest that the redox system of pyrazinamide at poly(Gly)/GCE is a process controlled by diffusion in the interval from 10 to 100 mV s^?1. Square-wave voltammetry-optimized conditions showed a linear response of PZA concentrations in the range from 0.47 to 6.15 μmol L^?1 (R?=?0.998) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.035 μmol L^?1 and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.12 μmol L^?1. The developed SWV-poly(Gly)/GCE method provided a good intra-day (RSD?=?3.75 %) and inter-day repeatability (RSD?=?4.96 %) at 4.06 μmol L^?1 PZA (n?=?10). No interference of matrix of real samples was observed in the voltammetric response of PZA, and the method was considered to be highly selective for the compound. In the accuracy test, the recovery was found in the range of 98.2 and 104.0 % for human urine samples and pharmaceutical formulation (tablets). The PZA quantification results in pharmaceutical tablets obtained by the proposed SWV-poly(Gly)/GCE method were comparable to those found by official analytical protocols.     

Preparation,structure, and charge transport characteristics of BIFEVOX ultrafine powders

Existence boundaries, structure, and transport parameters of ultrafine powders were studied in Bi₄V_{2 ? x} Fe _x O_{11 ? x} (BIFEVOX) solid solutions. The details of synthesis of the solid solutions via liquid precursors are analyzed comparatively. In general, BIFEVOX formation via liquid precursors is similar to phase formation in solid-phase synthesis. With low iron levels (x = 0.05–0.1), solid solutions are formed in the monoclinic α phase (space group C2/m) The compositions with x = 0.125 and 0.15 are mixtures of α- and β phases. In the range 0.2 < x < 0.7, the Bi₄V_{2 ? x} Fe _x O_{11 ? x} solid solution has the structure of the γ phase of Bi₄V₂O₁₁ (space group I4/mmm). The β phase in the system in question has a very narrow existence range in the vicinity of x = 0.175. The average particle sizes of the powders prepared by various methods are within 0.5–3 μm. In the powders prepared via liquid precursors, however, the distribution peak shifts toward smaller sizes, to 0.3–1 μm. Mechanical activation conserves the structure of the γ phase of BIFEVOX, and unit cell parameters change only insignificantly; however, the crystal lattice is slightly distorted. The electrical conductivity of BIFEVOX was studied as a function of temperature, preparation technology, and composition using impedance spectroscopy. Equivalent circuits of cells were analyzed. The conductivity of samples prepared by solution technology is always higher than for samples prepared by the solid-phase process. Features of electrical conductivity versus temperature for various phases are noted. All transitions on the conductivity curves match the features of linear thermal expansion curves. Compositions with doping levels x= 0.1–0.3 have the highest total conductivities.     

Investigation of cationic soapless P(St-<Emphasis Type="Italic">co</Emphasis>-DMAEMA) latex and its electrostatic adsorption of laponite

Cationic poly(styrene-co-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (P(St-co-DMAEMA)) latexes were prepared in the absence of surfactant by using 2,2’ -azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AIBA) as the initiator. The effects of the AIBA concentration, HCl/DMAEMA molar ratio and DMAEMA amount on the emulsion polymerization and the latex properties were investigated. The particle morphology and size, the zeta potential and the amino distribution of the P(St-co-DMAEMA) latexes were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and conductometric titration, respectively. Results showed that the emulsion polymerization performed smoothly with high monomer conversion and narrow particle size distribution under the optimized conditions with AIBA concentration of 1 wt%, HCl/DMAEMA molar ratio of 1.2 and DMAEMA content of 5 wt%. The diameter of the dried latex particles decreased and the density of amino groups on the particle surfaces increased with increasing the DMAEMA content. The zeta potential of the P(St-co-DMAEMA) latexes was pH-dependent and the zero point was around at pH 7.2. A facile method was developed to fabricate P(St-co-DMAEMA)/laponite hybrid nanoparticles via electrostatic adsorption, in which the loading capacity of laponite platelets reached 17.7 wt%, and the resultant hybrid nanoparticles showed good thermal stability.     

Structure and charge-transport properties of LnBaCuCoO<Subscript>5 + δ</Subscript> (Ln = Y,Dy) cuprocobaltites

LnBaCuCoO_{5 + δ} (Ln = Y, Dy) cuprocobaltites were prepared. Their unit cell parameters were determined and their thermal expansion, electrical conductivity (σ), and Seebeck coefficient (S) were studied in air in the range 300–1100 K. The compounds have tetragonal structures (space group P4/mmm). Their unit cell parameters are a = 0.3867(2) nm, c = 0.7550(7) nm, V = 112.9(2) × 10^?3 nm³ for YBaCuCoO_4.98; and a = 0.3872(2) nm, c = 0.7562(7) nm, V = 113.4(2) × 10^?3 nm³ for DyBaCuCoO_5.01. They are p-type semiconductors. The electrical conductivity of DyBaCuCoO_{5 + δ} is slightly lower and its Seebeck coefficient is 1.5–2 times higher than the respective values for YBaCuCoO_{5 + δ} apparently because of different electronic configurations of the rare-earth cations in LnBaCuCoO_{5 + δ} (4d ⁰ for Y³⁺ and 4f ⁹ for Dy³⁺). Dilatometric measurements show that the LnBaCuCoO_{5 + δ} phases in the range 300–1100 K do not experience structural phase transitions, and their linear thermal expansion coefficients (LTEC) are 14.3 × 10^?6 K^?1 for Ln = Y and 14.7 × 10^?6 K^?1 for Ln = Dy.     

Compositions of nanoparticles of hexagonal symmetry

The formulas for calculation of the number of atoms in nanoparticles with symmetry group D _6h are reported. The numbers of atoms are determined by six structurally invariant numbers and the “quantum number” of the group order n. Eight classes of nanostructures with symmetry group D _6h are revealed: C _{? + 12z} , where z = 0, 1, 2, …, and C _? is C ₂, C ₆, C ₈, or C ₁₄. The sum rule for the coordination numbers of all atoms of subshells related to symmetry elements is established. Two-dimensional nanoparticles are considered.     

DMT [(−)-(2<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>,3<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>)-2,3-dimethoxy-1,1,4,4-tetraphenylbutane-1,4-diol], a highly efficient host compound for nitroaromatic guests: selectivity,X-ray and thermal analyses

In this work, we reveal that the compound (?)-(2R,3R)-2,3-dimethoxy-1,1,4,4-tetraphenylbutane-1,4-diol (DMT) is a highly efficient host material for nitroaromatics o-nitrotoluene (o-NT), m-nitrotoluene (m-NT), p-nitrotoluene (p-NT) and nitrobenzene (NB). Each of these guests was included with a 2:1 host:guest ratio. The host displayed selectivity for p-NT and NB when these guests were mixed in equimolar proportions with any one of the other guest solvents, and the host recrystallized from this binary mixture. A selectivity order for the host in these conditions was thus noted to be NB?≈?p-NT?>?o-NT?>?m-NT. Furthermore, guests were also mixed in non-equimolar proportions and the host behaviour analysed, the results of which were in accordance with observations from the equimolar studies. Additionally, an equimolar quaternary experiment of all four guests provided a somewhat adjusted host selectivity order [p-NT (39.9%)?>?NB (30.2%)?>?m-NT (17.1%)?>?o-NT (12.8%)]. Single crystal diffraction analyses of all four complexes showed the crystals to share the same host packing, and comparable host–guest interactions were observed in each. However, thermal analyses, both DSC and TG, showed that the preferred guests p-NT and NB formed complexes with increased relative thermal stabilities, and this observation correlated with the selective behaviour of the host in competition experiments.