Thermodynamic evaluation and optimization of the Li,Na, K,Mg, Ca,Sr // F,Cl reciprocal system

A complete critical evaluation of all available phase diagram and thermodynamic data has been performed for all condensed phases of the (LiF + LiCl + NaF + NaCl + KF + KCl + MgF₂ + MgCl₂ + CaF₂ + CaCl₂ + SrF₂ + SrCl₂) system, and optimized model parameters have been found. The (LiCl + NaCl + KCl + MgCl₂ + CaCl₂ + SrCl₂), (LiF + NaF + KF + MgF₂ + CaF₂ + SrF₂), and (LiF + LiCl + NaF + NaCl + KF + KCl + MgF₂ + MgCl₂ + CaF₂ + CaCl₂) subsystems have been critically evaluated previously. The model parameters for the common-ion binary, common-anion ternary, and reciprocal ternary subsystems (i.e. systems with two cations and two anions) can be used to predict thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria for the multicomponent reciprocal system. The Modified Quasichemical Model in the Quadruplet Approximation was used for the molten salt phase. This model takes into account both first-nearest-neighbor (cation–anion) and second-nearest-neighbor (cation–cation and anion–anion) short-range ordering, and the coupling between them. Finally, the CaFCl–SrFCl solid solution was modeled using the Compound Energy Formalism.     

Isopiestic measurement and solubility evaluation of the ternary system (CaCl2 + SrCl2 + H2O) at T = 298.15 K

Water activities in the ternary system (CaCl₂ + SrCl₂ + H₂O) and its sub-binary system (CaCl₂ + H₂O) at T = 298.15 K have been elaborately measured by an isopiestic method. The data of the measured water activity were used to justify the reliability of solubility isotherms reported in the literature by correlating them with a thermodynamic Pitzer–Simonson–Clegg (PSC) model. The model parameters for representing the thermodynamic properties of the (CaCl₂ + H₂O) system from (0 to 11) mol ⋅ kg⁻¹ at T = 298.15 K were determined, and the experimental water activity data in the ternary system were compared with those predicted by the parameters determined in the binary systems. Their agreement indicates that the PSC model parameters can reliably represent the properties of the ternary system. Under the assumption that the equilibrium solid phases are the pure solid phases (SrCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O and CaCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O)_(s) or the ideal solid solution consisting of CaCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O_(s) and SrCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O_(s), the solubility isotherms were predicted and compared with experimental data from the literature. It was found that the predicted solubility isotherm agrees with experimental data over the entire concentration range at T = 298.15 K under the second assumption described above; however, it does not under the first assumption. The modeling results reveal that the solid phase in equilibrium with the aqueous solution in the ternary system is an ideal solid solution consisting of SrCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O_(s) and CaCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O_(s). Based on the theoretical calculation, the possibility of the co-saturated points between SrCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O_(s) and the solid solution (CaCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O + SrCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O)_(s) and between CaCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O_(s) and the solid solution (CaCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O + SrCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O)_(s), which were reported by experimental researchers, has been discussed, and the Lippann diagram of this system has been presented.     

Activity coefficients of CaCl2 in (serine or proline + water) mixtures at T = 298.15 K

Activity coefficients for the (CaCl₂ + amino acid + water) system were determined at a temperature of 298.15 K using ion-selective electrodes. The range of molalities of CaCl₂ is (0.01 to 0.20) mol · kg^?1, and that of amino acids is (0.10 to 0.40) mol · kg^?1. The activity coefficients obtained from the Debye–Hückel extended equation and the Pitzer equation are in good agreement with each other. Results show that the interactions between CaCl₂ and amino acid are controlled mainly by the electrostatic interactions (attraction). Gibbs free energy interaction parameters (g_EA) and salting constants (k_S) are positive, indicating that these amino acids are salted out by CaCl₂. These results are discussed based on group additivity model.     

Photophysical,photochemical and electrochemical properties of water soluble silicon,titanium and zinc phthalocyanines

The photophysical, and photochemical properties of titanium, silicon and zinc octacarboxy phthalocyanine (OTiOCPc, (OH)₂SiOCPc and ZnOCPc) and their tetrasulfonated counterparts (OTiTSPc, (OH)₂SiTSPc and ZnTSPc) in phosphate-buffer solution (PBS), pH 10 were studied. The tetrasulfonated derivatives were also studied in the presence of a surfactant, cremophore EL (CEL) due to their high aggregation tendency in aqueous solutions. Triplet quantum yields ranged from 0.20 to 0.48 for MOCPcs and 0.32–0.65 for MTSPcs in the presence of CEL and in pH 10. High triplet lifetimes were observed for ZnTSPc (270 μs, in the presence of CEL) or ZnOCPc (130 μs) compared to values ranging from 50 to 70 μs for the rest of the complexes.     

Honey mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles

The paper reports the pH controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles using honey as reducing and stabilizing agents. By adjusting the pH of the aqueous solution containing metal ions and honey, nanoparticles of various size could be obtained at room temperature. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible, high-resolution TEM, XRD and FTIR measurements. The colloid obtained at a pH of 8.5 is found to consist of monodispersed and nearly spherical silver nanoparticles of size ～4 nm which is a significant advancement in biosynthesis. The high crystallinity with fcc phase is evidenced by clear lattice fringes in the high-resolution TEM image and peaks in the XRD pattern corresponding to (1 1 1), (2 0 0), (2 2 0), (3 1 1) and (2 2 2) planes. FTIR spectrum indicates that the nanoparticles are bound to protein through the carboxylate ion group.     

Thermodynamic study of the system (LiCl + CaCl2 + H2O)

Solubility isotherms of the ternary system (LiCl + CaCl₂ + H₂O) were elaborately determined at T = (283.15 and 323.15) K. Several thermodynamic models were applied to represent the thermodynamic properties of this system. By comparing the predicted and experimental water activities in the ternary system, an empirical modified BET model was selected to represent the thermodynamic properties of this system. The solubility data determined in this work at T = (283.15 and 323.15) K, as well as those from the literature at other temperatures, were used for the model parameterization. A complete phase diagram of the ternary system was predicted over the temperature range from (273.15 to 323.15) K. Subsequently, the Gibbs free energy of formation of the solid phases CaCl₂ · 4 H₂O_(s), CaCl₂ · 2 H₂O_(s), LiCl · 2H₂O_(s), and LiCl · CaCl₂ · 5H₂O_(s) was estimated and compared with the literature data.     

Thermal plasma synthesis of nanotitania and its characterization

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles were prepared by the thermal plasma synthesis; which give a highly crystalline product. Their morphological studies are carried out by using techniques like SEM, EDAX, TEM and SEAD. Crystal size was calculated by XRD using Scherrer equation; which is observed at two current amperes; at 80 A size ranges between 25 and 30 nm and at 120 A size ranges between 30 and 42 nm. Composition analysis was done by TEM–EDAX, FTIR and Fast Fourier Transform techniques. The FTIR peaks clearly show that synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles are in anatase phase; this phase is generally preferred because of its high photocatalytic activity, since it has a more negative conduction band edge potential (higher potential energy of photogenerated electrons), high specific area, nontoxic, photochemically stable and relatively in expensive.     

Thermodynamic evaluation and optimization of the (NaCl + KCl + MgCl2 + CaCl2 + ZnCl2) system

A complete critical evaluation of all available phase diagram and thermodynamic data has been performed for all condensed phases and relevant gaseous species of the (NaCl + KCl + MgCl₂ + CaCl₂ + ZnCl₂) system, and optimized model parameters have been found. The (NaCl + KCl + MgCl₂ + CaCl₂) subsystem has been critically evaluated in a previous article. The model parameters obtained for the binary and ternary subsystems can be used to predict thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria for the multicomponent system. The Modified Quasichemical Model for short-range ordering was used for the molten salt phase.     

Thermodynamic study of the mixed system (CsCl + CaCl2 + H2O) by EMF Measurements at T = 298.15 K

This work reports the results of a thermodynamic investigation of the ternary mixed-electrolyte system (CsCl + CaCl₂ + H₂O). The activity coefficients of this mixed aqueous electrolyte system have been studied with the electromotive force measurement (EMF) of the cell: Cs ion-selective electrode (ISE)|CsCl(m_A), CaCl₂(m_B), H₂O|Ag/AgCl at T = 298.15 K and over total ionic strengths from (0.01 to 1.50) mol · kg^?1 for different ionic strength fractions y_B of CaCl₂ with y_B = (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8). The cesium ion-selective electrode (Cs-ISE) and the Ag/AgCl electrode used in this work were made in our laboratory and had a good Nernst response. The experimental results obey the Harned rule, and the Pitzer model can be used to describe this ternary system satisfactorily. The osmotic coefficients, excess Gibbs free energies and activities of water of the mixtures were also calculated.     

Spin-crossover in dimeric hydrogen-bonded iron(II) 2-(pyrazolyl)-pyridine and 2-(imidazolyl)-pyridine complexes

Five new hydrogen-bonded solvated iron(II) complexes of pyrazolyl- and imidazolyl-based N,N-chelating ligands have been synthesised. Water to ligand-NH hydrogen-bonded bridges occur in the pseudo-dimeric complexes {cis-[Fe(pypzH)₂(NCX)₂]₂(μ-OH₂)(H₂O)₂} · H₂O · MeOH (where X = S or Se), and in the chain complex {cis-[Fe(pypzH)₂(NCS)₂](μ-OH₂)}_n. A “half” spin-crossover (T_c = 125 K) was observed in the dimeric X = Se complex by means of magnetic measurements and no thermal hysteresis occurred between 4 and 300 K. The crystal structure at 123 K showed Fe–N distances consistent with the magnetism. Each Fe in the dimeric unit was structurally equivalent in the HS–LS state. Removal of the solvate molecules led to HS–HS behaviour over the temperature range 4–300 K. The pseudo-dimer with X = S also showed HS–HS behaviour as did the monomeric analogue cis-[Fe(pypzH)₂(NCS)₂]H₂O and a structurally different methanol-bridged dimer {cis-[Fe(pyimH)₂(NCS)₂]₂(μ-MeOH)₂} · 2MeOH (pypzH = 2-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-pyridine; pyimH = 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-pyridine).     

Synthesis,structure and magnetic properties of pyrazolate-bridged dinuclear complexes [{M(NCS)(4-Phpy)}2(μ-bpypz)2] (M = Co2+ and Fe2+)

The synthesis and magnetic characterization of pyrazolato-bridged dinuclear complexes [{M(NCS)(4-Phpy)}₂(μ-bpypz)₂] (Hbpypz = 3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-pyrazole; 4-Phpy = 4-phenylpyridine; M = Co²⁺ (1) and Fe²⁺ (2)) are described together with the X-ray crystal analysis of the cobalt complex. The structure of 1 shows that the desired coordination has been achieved with the cobalt atoms being coordinated to two bpypz to form the dimer. The X-ray diffraction patterns show 1 and 2 to be isomorphous at room temperature. 2 displays a single spin-crossover transition between the [HS–HS] and [LS–LS] states with T_c = 150 K.     

Activity coefficients of CaCl2 in (maltose + water) and (lactose + water) mixtures at 298.15 K

Activity coefficients of CaCl₂ in disaccharide {(maltose, lactose) + water} mixtures at 298.15 K were determined by cell potentials. The molalities of CaCl₂ ranged from about 0.01 mol · kg^?1 to 0.20 mol · kg^?1, the mass fractions of maltose from 0.05 to 0.25, and those of lactose from 0.025 to 0.125. The cell potentials were analyzed by using the Debye–Hückel extended equation and the Pitzer equation. The activity coefficients obtained from the two theoretical models are in good agreement with each other. Gibbs free energy interaction parameters (g_ES) and salting constants (k_S) were also obtained. These were discussed in terms of the stereo-chemistry of saccharide molecules and the structural interaction model.     

The P, V, T,x properties of binary aqueous chloride solutions up to T = 573 K and 100 MPa

A highly accurate P, V, T,x model is developed for aqueous chloride solutions of the binary systems, viz. (LiCl + H₂O), (NaCl + H₂O), (KCl + H₂O), (MgCl₂ + H₂O), (CaCl₂ + H₂O), (SrCl₂ + H₂O), and (BaCl₂ + H₂O). The applied ranges of temperature, pressure, and concentrations for the systems (LiCl + H₂O), (NaCl + H₂O), (KCl + H₂O), (MgCl₂ + H₂O), (CaCl₂ + H₂O), (SrCl₂ + H₂O), and (BaCl₂ + H₂O) are (273 K to 564 K, 0.1 MPa to 40 MPa, and 0 to 10 molal), (273 K to 573 K, 0.1 MPa to 100 MPa, and 0 to 6.0 molal), (273 K to 543 K, 0.1 MPa to 50 MPa, and 0 to 4.5 molal), (273 K to 543 K, 0.1 MPa to 40 MPa, and 0 to 3.0 molal), (273 K to 523 K, 0.1 MPa to 60 MPa, and 0 to 6.0 molal), (298 K to 473 K, 0.1 MPa to 2 MPa, and 0 to 2.0 molal) and (273 K to 473 K, 0.1 MPa to 20 MPa, and 0 to 1.6 molal), respectively. Comparison of the model with thousands of experimental data points concludes that the average deviation over the above T, P, m range is 0.020% to 0.066% in density (or volume) for these systems, which indicates high accuracy. From this model, various volumetric properties, such as the apparent molar volume at infinite dilution and isochores of fluid inclusions, can be calculated, thus having a wide range of geological applications, such as reservoir fluid flow simulation and fluid-inclusion study. A computer code is developed for this model and can be downloaded from the website: www.geochem-model.org/programs.htm and online calculations is made available on: www.geochem-model.org/models.htm     

Influences of surfactant (PVA) concentration and pH on the preparation of copper nanoparticles by electron beam irradiation

Electron beam irradiation method was successfully applied to the preparation of Cu nanoparticles in aqueous solution under room temperature and ambient pressure using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the surfactant. The influences of the pH on the products were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and those of the surfactant PVA concentration on the particle size and agglomeration by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry (UV–vis) and laser scattering particle size distribution analysis (LSPSDA). The products were characterized by XRD and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the grain size of Cu nanoparticles, within a certain range, can decrease with increasing PVA concentration. Pure Cu nanoparticles with the grain size distribution of 5–50 nm were prepared when the pH was adjusted between 5.0 and 9.0, and the PVA concentration was 2.20 g/100 mL.     

Synthesis,structures and full characterization of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene mono-, di-, tri- and pentaanionic ligand precursors

The synthesis, complete characterization, and solid state conformation of a new series of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene (Bu^tC5) mono-, di-, tri- and pentaanions are reported. X-ray structures of the alkali metal salts illustrate the strong influence of the alkali metal ion on the structure of the calixanion. The strength of the alkali metal base and its reaction stoichiometry play an important role in the conformation and level of deprotonation of the resulting anion. Reaction of Bu^tC5 in a 2:1 molar ratio with alkali metal bases M₂CO₃ (M = Rb, Cs), or in a 1:1 ratio with M₂CO₃ (M = Na, K), MOH (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) or MH (M = Li, Na) produces Bu^tC5 monoanions, but Bu^tC5 reacts in a 1:1 molar ratio with M₂CO₃ (M = Rb, Cs) or a 1:2 molar ratio with MOC(CH₃)₃ (M = Na, K) to afford Bu^tC5 dianions. Due to the steric bulkiness of the Bu^t group no polymeric structures are observed. Alkali metal salts of trianionic Bu^tC5 were obtained in high yields from reactions of Bu^tC5 with MOC(CH₃)₃ (M = Li, Na, K), BuⁿLi, LiH and LiOH in a 1:3 molar ratio. Pentaanionic Bu^tC5 salts were obtained by the reaction with MOC(CH₃)₃ (M = Li, Na, K) or BuⁿLi in a 5:1 ratio. X-ray crystal structures of Bu^tC5 · Na and Bu^tC5 · Cs indicate that the size of the alkali metal influences the level of cation-π arene interactions and therefore the conformation of the Bu^tC5 unit; for example, Bu^tC5 · Na has a cone conformation while Bu^tC5 · Cs shows a flattened cone conformation. Cation-π arene interactions are observed in most of the calixarene salts.     

Thermodynamic evaluation and optimization of the (MgCl2 + CaCl2 + MnCl2 + FeCl2 + CoCl2 + NiCl2) system

A complete critical evaluation of all available phase diagram and thermodynamic data has been performed for all condensed phases of the (MgCl₂ + CaCl₂ + MnCl₂ + FeCl₂ + CoCl₂ + NiCl₂) system, and optimized model parameters have been found. The model parameters obtained for the binary subsystems can be used to predict thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria for the multicomponent system. The Modified Quasichemical Model was used for the molten salt phase, and the (MgCl₂ + MnCl₂ + FeCl₂ + CoCl₂ + NiCl₂) solid solution was modeled using a cationic substitutional model with an ideal entropy and an excess Gibbs free energy expressed as a polynomial in the component mole fractions. This is the first of two articles on the optimization of the (NaCl + KCl + MgCl₂ + CaCl₂ + MnCl₂ + FeCl₂ + CoCl₂ + NiCl₂) system.     

(p, ρ, T) properties and apparent molar volumes Vϕ of CaCl2 in methanol at T = (298.15 to 398.15) K and pressure up to 40 MPa

The (p, ρ, T) properties and apparent molar volumes V_ϕ of CaCl₂ in methanol at T = (298.15 to 398.15) K, at pressures up to 40 MPa are reported, and apparent molar volumes have been evaluated. The experimental (p, ρ, T) values were described by an equation of state. The experiments were carried out at m = (0.10819, 0.28529, 0.65879 and 2.39344) mol · kg⁻¹ of calcium chloride.     

Size and stability modulation of ionic liquid functionalized gold nanoparticles synthesized using Elaeis guineensis (oil palm) kernel extract

Bio-synthesis approach for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has received tremendous attention as an efficient and eco-friendly process. However, kinetic growth and colloidal stability of AuNPs synthesized by this process remained challenging. In this study, Elaeis guineensis (oil palm) kernel (OPK) extract prepared in an ionic liquid (IL)[EMIM][OAc] (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate) was employed to control and tune the size and morphology of AuNPs. Synthesized AuNPs were characterized using UV-vis spectrophotometer, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe any changes in absorbance, surface charge and particle size, respectively. IL mediated AuNPs were examined for 120 days and found well dispersed and stable at room temperature. UV-vis analysis demonstrated that volume of extract played an important role to control the stability of AuNPs. After 120 days, only 8.86% reduction from maximum absorbance was observed using 2 mL of volume of extract, which was elevated to 47.64% in case of 0.3 mL. TEM analysis was performed periodically after day 1, day 30, day 60, day 90 and day 120 and minor increase in the size was observed. Insignificant change in zeta potential value after 120 days supported enhanced stability of IL mediated AuNPs. Crystalline nature of AuNPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The particles size and zeta potential of AuNPs was measured as 8.72 nm and −18.7 mV, respectively. However, the absence of [EMIM][OAc] from OPK extract resulted into larger particles size (9.64 nm), low zeta potential value (−13.9 mV) and enhanced aggregation of particles. Finally, experimental data were used to predict the theoretical and the experimental settling time for AuNPs to evaluate colloidal stability.     

Thermodynamic evaluation and optimization of the (NaCl + KCl + MgCl2 + CaCl2 + MnCl2 + FeCl2 + CoCl2 + NiCl2) system

A complete critical evaluation of all available phase diagram and thermodynamic data has been performed for all condensed phases of the (NaCl + KCl + MgCl₂ + CaCl₂ + MnCl₂ + FeCl₂ + CoCl₂ + NiCl₂) system, and optimized model parameters have been found. The (MgCl₂ + CaCl₂ + MnCl₂ + FeCl₂ + CoCl₂ + NiCl₂) subsystem has been critically evaluated in a previous article. The model parameters obtained for the binary subsystems can be used to predict thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria for the multicomponent system. The Modified Quasichemical Model was used for the molten salt phase, and the (MgCl₂ + MnCl₂ + FeCl₂ + CoCl₂ + NiCl₂) solid solution was modeled using a cationic substitutional model with an ideal entropy and an excess Gibbs free energy expressed as a polynomial in the component mole fractions. Finally, the (Na,K)(Mg,Ca,Mn,Fe,Co,Ni)Cl₃ and the (Na,K)₂(Mg,Mn,Fe,Co,Ni)Cl₄ solid solutions were modeled using the Compound Energy Formalism.     

Origin of formation of blue-shifted aggregates including H-aggregates in mixed Langmuir–Blodgett films of merocyanine dye investigated by polarized visible and infrared spectroscopy

The structure of a merocyanine dye (MS) in red- and blue-shifted aggregates involving J- and H-aggregates in mixed LB films of MS–arachidic acid (C₂₀) binary and MS–C₂₀-n-octadecane (AL₁₈) ternary systems ([MS]:[C₂₀]:[AL₁₈] = 1:2:x; x = 0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0) fabricated using an aqueous subphase containing Cd²⁺ ions has been investigated by means of polarized visible and infrared spectroscopy. Not only the AL₁₈ molecules mixed as a third component but also the Cd²⁺ ions added to distilled water for the subphase used turn out to be the significant elements for the formation of the MS aggregates in all the ternary systems. It has been found that the degree of the MS intramolecular charge transfer strongly depends on the aggregation states; the J-aggregate (x = 0), H-aggregate (x = 1.0), oligomer (x = 2.0) and relatively small aggregates (x = 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0), and that the stabilization by the intramolecular charge transfer for the formation of the MS aggregates is induced according to the individual aggregation states. The gauche conformation is clarified to be slightly involved in the MS hydrocarbon chains for all the binary and ternary systems. The long axis of the MS hydrocarbon chains in the J-aggregates, being fairly tilted from the film normal, gradually approaches to the film normal with the increasing AL₁₈ content up to x = 2.0 with the orientation of the long axis of the MS hydrocarbon chains remaining constant in the subsequent ternary systems. It can be concluded that the formation of the red- and blue-shifted aggregates is ascribed to the difference in the MS slippage which can also be regulated by the degree of the orientation of the MS hydrocarbon chains, and that the decrease in the size of the MS aggregates accompanied by the increasing AL₁₈ content is due to the blocking by the AL₁₈ molecules being out of the empty space on the MS chromophore.