Peroxidase immobilized on Amberlite IRA-743 resin for on-line spectrophotometric detection of hydrogen peroxide in rainwater

The importance of atmospheric hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the oxidation of SO₂ and other compounds has been well established. A spectrophotometric method for the determination of hydrogen peroxide in rainwater is proposed. This method is based on selective oxidation of hydrogen peroxide using an on-line tubular reactor containing peroxidase immobilized on Amberlite IRA-743 resin. The hydrogen peroxide in the presence of phenol, 4-aminoantipyrine and peroxidase, produces a red compound (λ = 505 nm). Beer's law is obeyed in a concentration range of 1–100 μmol l⁻¹ hydrogen peroxide with an excellent correlation coefficient (r = 0.9991), at pH 7.0, with a relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) <2%. The detection limit of the method is 0.7 μmol l⁻¹ (4.8 ng of H₂O₂ in a 200 μl sample). Measurements of hydrogen peroxide in rain samples were carried out over the period from November 2003 to January 2005, in the central area of the Juiz de Fora city, Brazil. The concentration of H₂O₂ varied from values lower than the detection limit to 92.5 μmol l⁻¹. The effects of the presence of nonseasalt (NSS) SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻ and H⁺ in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the rainwater had been evaluated. The average concentrations of H₂O₂, NO₃⁻, NSS SO₄²⁻ and SO₄²⁻ are 23.4, 18.9, 7.9 and 10.3 μmol l⁻¹, respectively. The pH values for 82% of the collected samples are greater than 5.0. The spectrophotometeric method developed in this work that uses enzyme immobilized on the resin ion-exchange compared with the amperometric method did not present any significant difference in the results.     

Decolorization and mineralization of textile dyes at solution bulk by heterogeneous nanophotocatalysis using immobilized nanoparticles of titanium dioxide

Nanophotocatalysis using nanostructured semiconductors constitute one of the emerging technologies for destructive oxidation of organics such as dyes. This paper deals with the decolorization and mineralization of reactive dyes by heterogeneous nanophotocatalysis using an immobilized TiO₂ nanoparticle photocatalytic reactor. A simple and effective method was used to immobilization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Reactive Orange 107 (RO 107, sulphatoethylsulphonyl reactive dye) and Reactive Red 152 (RR 152, monochlorotriazine reactive dye) were used as model compounds. UV–vis and ion chromatography (IC) analyses were employed to obtain the details of the photocatalytic degradation of the selected dyes. The effects of operational parameters such as H₂O₂, dye concentration, anions (NO₃⁻, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, HCO₃⁻ and CO₃²⁻) and pH were investigated. Formate, acetate and oxalate anions were detected as dominant aliphatic intermediates where, they were further oxidized slowly to CO₂. Nitrate, sulfate and chloride anions were detected as the photocatalytic mineralization of RO 107 and RR 152. Kinetics analysis indicates that the photocatalytic decolorization rates can usually be approximated zero-order model for RO 107 and first-order model for RR 152 dyes. Results show that the photocatalytic process occurred at solution bulk and the employment of optimal operational parameters may lead to complete decolorization and mineralization of dye solutions.     

The direct synthesis of dimethyl ether from syngas over hybrid catalysts with sulfate-modified γ-alumina as methanol dehydration components

A series of γ-Al₂O₃ samples modified with various contents of sulfate (0–15 wt.%) and calcined at different temperatures (350–750 °C) were prepared by an impregnation method and physically admixed with CuO–ZnO–Al₂O₃ methanol synthesis catalyst to form hybrid catalysts. The direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from syngas was carried out over the prepared hybrid catalysts under pressurized fixed-bed continuous flow conditions. The results revealed that the catalytic activity of SO₄²⁻/γ-Al₂O₃ for methanol dehydration increased significantly when the content of sulfate increased to 10 wt.%, resulting in the increase in both DME selectivity and CO conversion. However, when the content of sulfate of SO₄²⁻/γ-Al₂O₃ was further increased to 15 wt.%, the activity for methanol dehydration was increased, and the selectivity for DME decreased slightly as reflected in the increased formation of byproducts like hydrocarbons and CO₂. On the other hand, when the calcination temperature of SO₄²⁻/γ-Al₂O₃ increased from 350 °C to 550 °C, both the CO conversion and the DME selectivity increased gradually, accompanied with the decreased formation of CO₂. Nevertheless, a further increase in calcination temperature to 750 °C remarkably decreased the catalytic activity of SO₄²⁻/γ-Al₂O₃ for methanol dehydration, resulting in the significant decline in both DME selectivity and CO conversion. The hybrid catalyst containing the SO₄²⁻/γ-Al₂O₃ with 10 wt.% sulfate and calcined at 550 °C exhibited the highest selectivity and yield for the synthesis of DME.     

Fabrication of a thin palladium membrane supported in a porous ceramic substrate by chemical vapor deposition

A thin, gas-tight palladium (Pd) membrane was prepared by the counter-diffusion chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process employing palladium chloride (PdCl₂) vapor and H₂ as Pd precursors. A disk-shaped, two-layer porous ceramic membrane consisting of a fine-pore γ-Al₂O₃ top layer and a coarse-pore -Al₂O₃ substrate was used as Pd membrane support. A 0.5–1 μm thick metallic membrane was deposited in the γ-Al₂O₃ top layer very close to its surface, as verified by XRD and SEM with a backscattered electron detector. The most important parameters that affected the CVD process were reaction temperature, reactants concentrations and top layer quality. Deposition of Pd in the γ-Al₂O₃ top layer resulted in a 100- to 1000-fold reduction in He permeance of the porous substrate. The H₂ permeation flux of these membranes was in the range 0.5–1.0 × 10⁻⁶ mol m⁻² s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹ at 350–450°C. The H₂ permeation data suggest that surface reaction steps are rate-limiting for H₂ transport through such thin membranes in the temperature range studied.     

Ammonia sorption by Dawson acid studied by IR spectroscopy and microbalance

Using in-situ microbalance and infrared spectroscopy techniques the double ammonia proton complexation was traced. The results confirm the formation of N₂H₇⁺ dimer in solid Dawson acid H₆P₂W₁₈O₆₂, previously reported only for N₂H₇I and for (N₂H₇)₄SiW₁₂O₄₀. The formation of such dimers was evidenced by the microbalance results, the molar ratio of ammonia to proton was measured as 2:1 at 10.7 kPa and 298 K. The formation of NH₄⁺ monomer (band at 1410 cm⁻¹) and N₂H₇⁺ dimer (1460 cm⁻¹) was revealed by IR spectroscopy. Enthalpy of ammonia sorption on Dawson structure was calculated to be −127.9 kJ mol⁻¹, indicating the lower acid strength of Dawson-type compared to that of the Keggin-type heteropolyacids, like H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀.     

Proton solvates, H·nH2O·mL, formed by diphosphine dioxides with chlorinated cobalt(III) dicarbollide acid

Interaction of hydrated proton, H₅O₂⁺·(H₂O)₄, in dichloroethane solutions with diphosphine dioxides (L) having methyl (Ph₄Me), ethyl (Ph₄Et) and polyoxyethylene chains (Ph₄PEG) linking two diphenyl phosphine oxide groups has been investigated. A bulky counter ion: chlorinated cobalt(III) bis(dicarbollide), [Co(C₂B₉H₈Cl₃)₂]⁻, minimizes perturbation of the cation. At low concentrations, Ph₄Et and Ph₄PEG form anhydrous 1:1 complexes with (P)O–H⁺–O(P) fragment having very strong symmetrical H-bonds. At these conditions Ph₄Me form another compound, H₅O₂⁺·L(H₂O)₂, due to lower PO basicity and optimal geometry of the chelate cycle. At higher concentrations, Ph₄Me and Ph₄Et form isostructural complexes H₅O₂⁺·L₂, whereas Ph₄PEG forms only a 1:1 complex with proton dihydrate, H₃O⁺·H₂O. In excess of free Ph₄Me and Ph₄Et a water molecule is introduced to the first coordination sphere of H₅O₂⁺ and the average molar ratio L/H₅O₂⁺ of the complexes exceeds 2. The composition of these complexes as a function of L and its concentration is discussed.     

The electrolyte NRTL model and speciation approach as applied to multicomponent aqueous solutions of H2SO4, Fe2(SO4)3, MgSO4 and Al2(SO4)3 at 230–270 °C

This work presents chemical modeling of solubilities of metal sulfates in aqueous solutions of sulfuric acid at high temperatures. Calculations were compared with experimental solubility measurements of hematite (Fe₂O₃) in aqueous ternary and quaternary systems of H₂SO₄, MgSO₄ and Al₂(SO₄)₃ at high temperatures. A hybrid model of ion-association and electrolyte non-random two liquid (ENRTL) theory was employed to fit solubility data in three ternary systems H₂SO₄–MgSO₄–H₂O, H₂SO₄–Al₂(SO₄)₃–H₂O at 235–270 °C and H₂SO₄–Fe₂(SO₄)₃–H₂O at 150–270 °C. Employing the Aspen Plus™ property program, the electrolyte NRTL local composition model was used for calculating activity coefficients of the ions Al³⁺, Mg²⁺ Fe³⁺ and SO₄²⁻, HSO₄⁻, OH⁻, H₃O⁺, respectively, as well as molecular species. The solid phases were hydronium alunite (H₃O)Al₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆, hematite Fe₂O₃ and magnesium sulfate monohydrate (MgSO₄)·H₂O which were employed as constraint precipitation solids in calculating the metal sulfate solubilities. A correlation for the equilibrium constants of the association reactions of complex species versus temperature was implemented. Based on the maximum-likelihood principle, the binary interaction energy parameters for the ionic species as well as the coefficients for equilibrium constants of the reactions were obtained simultaneously using the solubility data of the ternary systems. Following that, the solubilities of metal sulfates in the quaternary systems H₂SO₄–Fe₂(SO₄)₃–MgSO₄–H₂O, H₂SO₄–Fe₂(SO₄)₃–Al₂(SO₄)₃–H₂O at 250 °C and H₂SO₄–Al₂(SO₄)₃–MgSO₄–H₂O at 230–270 °C were predicted. The calculated results were in excellent agreement with the experimental data.     

Theoretical study on magnetic coupling interaction for Cu(II) binuclear systems with extended bridging groups

The magnetic coupling interaction for Cu(II) binuclear systems with bridging groups C₂O₄²⁻, C₂O₂(NH)₂²⁻ (cis), C₂O₂(NH)₂²⁻ (trans) and C₂S₂(NH)₂²⁻ (trans) was studied by the broken symmetry (BS) approach within the framework of the density functional theory (DFT). The influence of different coordination atoms and geometry on magnetic coupling interaction was theoretically analyzed. Both of the calculated and experimental results were compared. The variation trends of coupling interaction calculated are in agreement with experimental ones.     

Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of some novel dinuclear mixed-ligand peroxouranium(VI) complexes

Novel anionic dinuclear mixed-ligand peroxo complexes of the type [(UO₂)₂(O₂)₃L(H₂O)₂]³⁻ (L = Histidinate, aspartate, salicylate, Imidazolate and glutamate) have been synthesized from the interaction of uranyl ion (UO₂²⁺) with peroxide (O₂²⁻) in the presence of the respective coligand (L) at pH 9–10. The sparingly soluble complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, laser Raman (LR) and UV-vis spectroscopy and solution electrical conductance measurements. Based on these studies, a double bridged dinuclear structure involving one peroxo and the mixed ligand L (via-COO⁻) has been tentatively proposed. Infra-red coupled with LR spectra evidenced structurally different metal bound peroxides (ν² and σ:σ). An aqueous solution of the salicylate and aspartate complexes have been shown to convert triphenylphosphine (PPh₃), cyclohexene, styrene and SO₂ to the corresponding OPPh₃, 1,2 cyclohexanediol, phenylethyleneglycol and SO₄²⁻, respectively.     

Green synthesis of methyl trifluoropyruvate catalyzed by solid acids

Solid acids – NiSO₄/Al₂O₃, Fe₂(SO₄)₃/Al₂O₃ and TiO₂/SO₄²⁻ – appeared to be effective catalysts for the acid catalyzed synthesis of methyl ester of trifluoropyruvic acid. They are active at 150–180 °C.     

EPR and UV–visible spectroscopic studies of alumina-supported chromium oxide catalysts

The oxidation state, the mobility and the molecular structure of chromium species present on CrO_x–Al₂O₃ catalysts have been studied by combined diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, EPR and reduction–extraction by ethane 1,2 diol. CrO₄²⁻ species exist on the alumina surface in the form of loosely-interacting species on hydrated surface (species A) and in the form of strongly bonded species on dehydrated Al₂O₃ surface (species B). The CrO₄²⁻ species show high mobility and are probably responsible for the formation of CrO_x clusters.     

Thermal decomposition study on mixed ligand thymine complexes of divalent nickel(II) with dianions of some dicarboxylic acids

Thermal decomposition of mixed ligand thymine (2,4-dihydroxy-5-methylpyrimidine) complexes of divalent Ni(II) with aspartate, glutamate and ADA (N-2-acetamido)iminodiacetate dianions was monitored by TG, DTG and DTA analysis in static atmosphere of air. The decomposition course and steps of complexes [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₄H₅NO₄)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·H₂O, [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₅H₇NO₄)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·H₂O and [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₆H₈N₂O₅)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·1.5H₂O were analyzed. The final decomposition products are found to be the corresponding metal oxides. The kinetic parameters namely, activation energy (E*), enthalpy (ΔH*), entropy (ΔS*) and free energy change of decomposition (ΔG*) are calculated from the TG curves using Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger equations. The stability order found for these complexes follows the trend aspartate > ADA > glutamate.     

Potentiometric determination of hydrogen peroxide at MnO2-doped carbon paste electrode

A novel hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) potentiometric sensor, made with a MnO₂-doped carbon paste electrode (CPE), is reported. Under optimum conditions, the electrode gives a Nernstian response for H₂O₂ in the concentration range 3.00×10⁻⁷–3.63×10⁻⁴ mol/l, with a slope of 21–19.4 mV/pH₂O₂ and a detection limit of 1.2×10⁻⁷mol/l H₂O₂. In addition, this sensor offers some analytical characteristics such as sensitivity, good reproducibility and a simple preparation procedure. The effects of both the components of the electrode and other conditions on the potential response of the sensor, as well as the possible response mechanism, are discussed.     

Persulphate quenching of the excited state of ruthenium(II) tris-bipyridyl dication: thermal reactions

The rate constant for the reaction between the sulphate radical (SO₄^√−) and the ruthenium (II) tris-bipyridyl dication (Ru(bipy)₃²⁺) is (3.3±0.2)×10⁹ mol⁻¹ dm³ s⁻¹ in 1 mol dm⁻³ H₂SO₄ and (4.9±0.5)×10⁹ mol⁻¹ dm³ s⁻¹ in 0.1 mol dm⁻³, pH 4.7 acetate buffer. The SO₄^√−radical produced by the electron transfer quenching of Ru(bipy)₃^2+* by S₂O₈²⁻ reacts rapidly with both acetate buffer and chloride ions. These side reactions result in a reduction in the overall quantum yield of Ru(bipy)₃³⁺ production and reduced reaction selectivity when Ru(bipy)₃^2+* is quenched by persulphate.     

A spectroscopic study on the 12-heteropolyacids of molybdenum and tungsten (H3PMo12−nWnO40) combined with cetylpyridinium bromide in the epoxidation of cyclopentene

The epoxidation of cyclopentene with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by 12-heteropolyacids of molybdenum and tungsten (H₃PMo_12−nW_nO₄₀, n = 1–11), 12-tungstophosphoric acid and 12-molybdophosphoric acid combined with cetylpyridinium bromide as a phase transfer reagent was carried out in acetonitrile. Among 13 heteropolyacids investigated, catalyst of H₃PMo₆W₆O₄₀ showed the highest activity, giving a conversion of 60% and a selectivity of 95% in the epoxidation of cyclopentene. The fresh catalysts and the catalysts under reaction condition were characterized by UV–vis, FT-IR and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy, which has revealed that all of the molybdotungstophosphoric acids were degraded in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to form a considerable amount of phosphorus-containing species. The active species resulted from H₃PMo₆W₆O₄₀ are new kinds of phosphorus-containing species, which is different from {PO₄[WO(O₂)₂]₄}³⁻.     

Emission quenching of binuclear pyrophosphito platinum(II) complexes in aqueous solution by sulphur dioxide. Spectroscopic measurements on sulphur dioxide addition and chromous ion reduction

The emission intensity at 517 nm from Pt₂(pop)₄⁴⁻ (pop = P₂O₅H₂²⁻) is quenched by the addition of sulphur dioxide. The sulphur dioxide coordinates at the axial platinum(II) sites by a η¹-SO₂ bond. This coordination is supported by ³¹p NMR and Raman spectroscopy of aqueous solutions. The electronic spectrum of a sulphur dioxide saturated solution of Pt₂(pop)₄⁴⁻ shows an absorption at 428.5nm ( = 4.1 × 10⁴). From the decrease in the chromophore for uncomplexed Pt₂(pop)₄⁴⁻ the equilibrium constant for SO₂ binding is estimated to be 1.74 M₂l⁻². The effect of adding different quenchers to aqueous solutions of Pt_2(pop)4⁴⁻ is discussed. The compound Pt₂(pop)₄⁴⁻ will undergo 2-electron reduction with chromous ion.     

Influence of operating conditions on the retention of phosphate in water by nanofiltration

The objective of this study was to investigate the retention of phosphate anions, H₂PO₄⁻ and HPO₄²⁻, by nanofiltration. The first part of this study deals with the characterisation of the NF200 membrane used in permeation experiments with aqueous solutions of neutral organic and charged inorganic solutes. In the second part the effects of feed pressure, ionic strength, concentration and pH on the retention of phosphate anions were investigated. Results show that the membrane is negatively charged, its pore radius is around 0.5 nm and the retention order for the salts tested was R(Na₂SO₄) > R(NaCl) > R(CaCl₂). The retentions of phosphate anions are in the order of 85% for H₂PO₄⁻ and 96% for HPO₄²⁻. They are relatively high when compared to retentions of other anions with the same charge. The retentions of phosphate anions, particularly the monovalent species, depend on the chemical parameters (feed concentration, ionic strength, and pH) and applied pressure. The experimental data were analysed using the Speigler–Kedem model and the transport parameters, i.e., the reflection coefficient (σ) and solute permeability (P_s) have been determined.     

Sulfur speciation by capillary electrophoresis with indirect spectrophotometric detection: In search of a suitable carrier electrolyte to maximize sensitivity

Various probes have been evaluated as alternative ions to chromate, which is most frequently used in the analysis of small inorganic anions by capillary electrophoresis with indirect UV detection. Sulfur species (S₂O₃²⁻, SO₄²⁻, S₄O₆²⁻, S(−II)) have been determined. The optimization of the method was particularly focused on S(−II) since this species rapidly yields S₂O₃²⁻ and SO₄²⁻ in the presence of oxidizing agents. Therefore, it could not be analysed by capillary electrophoresis with chromate as the background electrolyte. The alternative probe ions all contain aromatic rings (benzene or naphthalene) to provide the intrinsic background absorbance for indirect detection. They are all fully ionized at the pH chosen for this application (TRIS buffer, pH=8) and the range of their mobilities is large enough to suit the analytes mobilities. They have no oxidizing properties. Transfer ratios have been determined experimentally and compared to calculated values derived from the Kohlrausch regulation function. All experimental values were lower than expected from the calculations, which proves the limitations of the Kohlrausch theory concerning the configuration (electrolyte/analyte) of this study. However, maximizing (z_A/z_E)·ε_E (with z_A and z_E being the charges of the analyte and the probe, respectively, and ε_E the molar absorptivity of the probe) and keeping the mobility of the probe close to those of the analytes will give a good hint for the choice of the most suitable UV-absorbing probe. Pyromellitate and naphthalenetrisulfonate, the mobilities of which are close to that of S(−II), give the best sensitivity for this species, with good resolution and sensitivity for all other species.     

Use of CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots as energy transfer donors in sensing glucose

In the present work, CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots were synthesized and conjugated with enzymes, glucose oxidase (GOD) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The complex of enzyme-conjugated QDs was used as QD-FRET-based probes to sense glucose. The QDs were used as an electron donor, whereas GOD and HRP were used as acceptors for the oxidation/reduction reactions involved in oxidizing glucose to gluconic acid. Electron transfer between the redox enzymes and the electrochemical reduction of H₂O₂ (or O₂) occurred rapidly, resulting in an increase of the turnover rate of the electron exchange between the substrates (e.g. glucose, H₂O₂ and O₂) and the enzymes (GOD, HRP), as well as between the QDs and the enzymes. The transfer of non-radiative energy from the QDs to the enzymes resulted in the fluorescence quenching of the QDs, corresponding to the increase in the concentration of glucose. The linear detection ranges of glucose concentrations were 0–5.0 g/l (R = 0.992) for the volume ratios of 10/5/5, 0.2–5.0 g/l (R = 0.985) for the volume ratios of 10/5/3 and 1.0–5.0 g/l (R = 0.982) for the volume ratios of 10/5/0. Temperature (29–37 °C), pH (6–10) and some ions (NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, Na⁺, Cl⁻) had no interference effect on the glucose measurement.     

Optimised hydrothermal synthesis of multi-dimensional hybrid coordination polymers containing flexible organic ligands

In this paper, we summarise our recent research interest in the hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterisation of multi-dimensional coordination polymers. The use of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (also referred to as H₄pmida) in the literature as a versatile chelating organic ligand is briefly reviewed. This molecule plays an important role in the formation of centrosymmetric dimeric [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ anionic units, which were first used by us as building blocks to construct novel coordination polymers. Starting with [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ in solution, we have isolated [M₂V₂O₂(pmida)₂(H₂O)₁₀] species (where M²⁺ = Mn²⁺, Co²⁺ or Cd²⁺) via the hydrothermal synthetic approach, which were then employed for the construction of [CdVO(pmida)(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)₂]·(4,4′-bpy)_0.5·(H₂O), [CoVO(pmida)(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)₂]·(4,4′-bpy)_0.5, [Co(H₂O)₆][CoV₂O₂(pmida)₂(pyr)(H₂O)₂]·2(H₂O) and [Cd₂V₂O₂(pmida)₂(pyr)₂(H₂O)₄]·4(H₂O) by the inclusion of bridging organic ligands in the reactive mixtures, such as pyrazine (pyr) and 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy). These materials can contain channel systems, and exhibit magnetic behaviour, not only due to the V⁴⁺ centres but also to the transition metal centres which establish the links between neighbouring dimeric [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ anionic units. A closely related anionic moiety, [Ge₂(pmida)₂(OH)₂]²⁻, was engineered to allow the study of such crystalline hybrid materials using one- and two-dimensional high-resolution solid-state NMR.