Phase transitions in Langmuir monolayer of long chain attached fluorescein studied by second harmonic generation technique

Optical second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements coupled with Π-A isotherms have been shown to be helpful, for the following and comprehension of orientational orders and phase transitions in Langmuir monolayers. Using the SHG-(Π-A) measurements, monolayers of 5-hexadecanoylaminofluorescein on the water surface were examined by monolayer compression. The phase transitions were noticeably revealed. Dependence of the square root of the intensities polarizations quotient in the molecules surface density, allowed establishing tilting orientation alignment phases. In addition, change in the monolayer symmetry C_∞v→C_2v as it goes through the LE–LC phase transition, was clearly recognized. It was concluded that a possible change in β is taking place due to aggregate formation.     

Preparation of gold nanoislands on various functionalized polymer-modified glass and ITO for electrochemical characterization of monolayer assembly of alkanethiols

Nanometer dimension of citrate-capped gold nanoparticles can be firmly bound with various functionalized polymer-modified glass plate and indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates. Herein we report 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, polyvinyl pyridine, polyethylene imines, etc. as binding agents to modify these substrates to stabilize the charged colloidal gold nanoparticles through electrostatic stabilization of gold nanoparticles. When gold nanoparticles pretreated substrate are exposed into the seeding growth solution, the preadsorbed gold nanoparticles grow further and then form nanoislands of gold on glass and ITO substrates. The formation of nanoislands on microscope glass slide and ITO was monitored with UV-visible spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and atomic force microscopy methods. The gold nanoislands and gold nanoparticles pretreated substrates can be used as platform to study the self-assembling behavior of long chain alkanethiols such as C₁₂SH, C₁₆SH, and C₁₈SH. The binding, coverage, and electron transfer characteristics of monolayer assembly on modified gold nanoisland and nanoparticles modified substrates are studied using electrochemical studies. The gold substrates can be prepared by this method, which is simple and reproducible and can be applied to various sensor and electrocatalytic applications.     

Chitosan–iron oxide nanobiocomposite based immunosensor for ochratoxin-A

The rabbit immunoglobulin antibodies (IgGs) have been immobilized onto nanobiocomposite film of chitosan (CH)–iron oxide (Fe₃O₄₎ nanoparticles prepared onto indium–tin oxide (ITO) electrode for detection of ochratoxin-A (OTA). Excellent film forming ability and availability of –NH₂ group in CH and affinity of surface charged Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles for oxygen support the immobilization of IgGs. Differential pulse voltammettry (DPV) studies indicate that Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles provide increased electroactive surface area for loading of IgGs and improved electron transport between IgGs and electrode. IgGs/CH–Fe₃O₄ nanobiocomposite/ITO immunoelectrode exhibits improved characteristics such as low detection limit (0.5 ng dL⁻¹), fast response time (18 s) and high sensitivity (36 μA/ng dL⁻¹ cm⁻²) with respect to IgGs/CH/ITO immunoelectrode.     

Scanning tunnelling microscopic investigation of fullerene monolayers

C₆₀ fullerene monolayers have been investigated by scanning tunnelling microscopy/spectroscopy. Single C₆₀ molecules have been resolved and a regular surface lattice structure of fullerene – in – surfactant is observed. Tunnel electron spectroscopic measurements results in typical I(V) curves which are interpreted in terms of the two-junction Coulomb blockade effect.     

Reflection Absorption Infrared Spectroscopy Characterization of SAM Formation from 8-Mercapto-N-(phenethyl)octanamide Thiols with Phe Ring and Amide Groups

Multifunctional amide-containing self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) provide prospects for the construction of interfaces with required physicochemical properties and distinctive stability. In this study, we report the synthesis of amide-containing thiols with terminal phenylalanine (Phe) ring functionality (HS(CH₂)₇CONH(CH₂)₂C₆H₅) and the characterization of the formation of SAMs from these thiols on gold by reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). For reliable assignments of vibrational bands, ring deuterated analogs were synthesized and studied as well. Adsorption time induced changes in Amide-II band frequency and relative intensity of Amide-II/Amide-I bands revealed two-state sigmoidal form dependence with a transition inflection points at 2.2 ± 0.5 and 4.7 ± 0.5 min, respectively. The transition from initial (disordered) to final (hydrogen-bonded, ordered) structure resulted in increased Amide-II frequency from 1548 to 1557 cm⁻¹, which is diagnostic for a strongly hydrogen-bonded amide network in trans conformation. However, the lateral interactions between the alkyl chains were found to be somewhat reduced when compared with well-ordered alkane thiol monolayers.     

Determination of hemoglobin at a novel NH2/ITO ion implantation modified electrode

A novel electrode was prepared by implanting NH₂ ⁺ into an ITO film (NH₂/ITO). Gold nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of NH₂/ITO electrode. The NH₂/ITO and Au/NH₂/ITO electrodes were used to determine hemoglobin (Hb) immobilized on the electrodes surfaces. The relationship of the reductive peak current value of Hb among different electrodes was: Hb/ITO:Hb/Au/ITO:Hb/NH₂/ITO:Hb/Au/NH₂/ITO=1:1.5:2:4. The linkage between the –NH₂ implanted into ITO film and the –COOH of Hb was recognized to be the reason for the increase of active Hb coverage on NH₂/ITO electrode compared with the ITO electrode. Increase of active Hb coverage on Au/NH₂/ITO compared with Au/ITO was attributed to the different amount of gold nanoparticles deposited. The determination of Hb at an Au/NH₂/ITO electrode was optimized. Calibration curve was obtained over the range of 1.0 × 10⁻⁸ – 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ mol · L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 1.0 × 10⁻⁸ mol · L⁻¹. Results showed that the novel NH₂/ITO and Au/NH₂/ITO electrodes exhibited good stability, reproducibility besides better electrochemical performance. Correspondence: Jing Bo Hu, Department of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China     

Effect of a thin spreading solvent film on the efficiency of the hexadecan-1-ol monolayer deposited for water evaporation retardation

The influence of a thin spreading solvent film (ethanol, diethyl ether, and three fractions of petroleum ether boiling at 30–60 °C, 60–90 °C, and 90–120 °C) on the properties of hexadecan-1-ol (C₁₆H₃₃OH) monolayers at the air—water interface was studied. The specific evaporation resistance and the surface pressure were determined to describe the spreading behavior of the C₁₆H₃₃OH monolayers. The physical properties of the solvents and the images obtained in an atomic force microscope were examined. The time of establishing the equilibrium spreading surface pressure of monolayers can be reduced using a more volatile solvent with a lower boiling point and a lower relative density. The influence of the monolayer nature on water evaporation corresponds to the order of changing the solvent spreading rate: petroleum ether (30–60 °C) > diethyl ether > ethanol > petroleum ether (60–90 °C) > petroleum ether (90–120 °C). The monolayers formed upon petroleum ether (30–60 °C) spreading form a film with a less deficient and relatively planar surface. When ethanol is used as a spreading solvent, water evaporation is accelerated rather than retarded, while petroleum ether (30–60 °C) is more appropriate for this purpose.     

Ground state C2 density measurement in carbon plume using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy

The temporal evolution and spatial distribution of C₂ molecules produced by laser ablation of a graphite target is studied using optical emission spectroscopy, dynamic imaging and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) investigations. We observe peculiar bifurcation of carbon plume into two parts; stationary component close to the target surface and a component moving away from the target surface which splits further in two parts as the plume expands. The two distinct plumes are attributed to recombination of carbon species and formation of nanoparticles. The molecular carbon C₂ moves with a faster velocity and dies out at ~ 800 ns whereas the clusters of nanoparticle move with a slower velocity due to their higher mass and can be observed even after 1600 ns. C₂ molecules in the d³Π_g state were probed for laser-induced fluorescence during ablation of graphite using the Swan (0,0) band at 516.5 nm. The fluorescence spectrum and images of fluorescence d³Π_g − a³Π_u(0,1)(λ = 563.5 nm) are recorded using a spectrograph attached to the ICCD camera. To get absolute ground state C₂ density from fluorescence images, the images are calibrated using complimentary absorption experiment. This study qualitatively helps to get optimum conditions for nanoparticle formation using the laser ablation of graphite target and hence deducing optimum conditions for thin film deposition.     

Surface and Solution Properties of Cationic Gemini Surfactants with Primary Linear Alkanols

Using surface tension and fluorescence methods, the surface and solution properties of two cationic gemini surfactants {pentanediyl-1,5-bis(dimethylcetylammonium bromide) and hexanediyl-1,6-bis(dimethylcetylammonium bromide)} (referred to as 16-5-16 and 16-6-16) have been studied in the presence and absence of primary linear alkanols. Parameters studied include the critical micelle concentration (CMC), C ₂₀ (the surfactant concentration required to reduce the surface tension of the solvent by 20 mN·m^?1), Г _max (maximum surface excess), and A _min (minimum surface area per molecule). These parameters indicate mixed micelle formation and, therefore, surfactant-additive interaction parameters in mixed micelles and mixed monolayers, as well as activity coefficients, were calculated. A synergistic effect was observed in all instances and was found to be correlated with the chain length of the alkanols. The CMC values of 16-s-16 (s = 5, 6) decrease with increasing alkanol concentration and the extent of this effect follows the sequence: 1-octanol (C₈OH) > 1-heptanol (C₇OH) > hexan-1-ol (C₆OH) > 1-pentanol (C₅OH) > butanol (C₄OH). The micelle aggregation number (N _agg) of mixed micelles has been obtained using the steady state fluorescence quenching method. The micropolarity of gemini/alkanol systems has been evaluated from the ratio of intensity of peaks (I ₁/I ₃) of the pyrene fluorescence emission spectra. Results are interpreted on the basis of the structure of mixed micelles and monolayers.     

Colloid-chemical properties of 1,1-dimethyl-1-alkylhydrazinium chlorides

The colloid-chemical properties [surface tension, surface activity, and critical micellization concentration (CMC)] of aqueous 1,1-dimethyl-1-alkyl(R)hydrazinium chlorides (R = C₁₀H₂₁–C₁₈H₃₇) were studied.Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Khimii, Vol. 77, No. 11, 2004, pp. 1861–1864.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by Shcherban, Radushev, Nasretdinova, Teterina, Bubyakina.     

Surfactant-colligend particle size effects on ion flotation: Influences of mixing time,temperature, and surfactant chain length

Summary The ion flotation of Cr(VI) from 0.926 x 10^–3 M aqueous suspensions at pH 4.1 is related to particle size distribution data, obtained by filtration of the surfactant-Cr(VI) suspensions prior to flotation. The effects of surfactant-Cr(VI) mixing (precipitation and aggregation) time and of temperature are established over 10–45 °C, with particle size and flotation generally increasing with temperature. Five, rather high purity, quaternary ammonium surfactants are used, with chain lengths from C₁₀ to C₁₈. The optimum chain length at 13° and 23 °C is C14 and at 33° and 43 °C is C16. An increase in the molar surfactant/Cr(VI) ratio in the initial suspension improves flotation until values of the ratio of 1.1, 1.2, and 2.2 are exceeded for C₁₆, C₁₈, and C₁₄ surfactants, respectively. The four roles of a surfactant in ion flotation — as a precipitant, as a dispersant (with surface adsorption opposing aggregation), as a collector, and as a frother — are discussed in terms of flotation, particle size distributions, and surface charge measurements.

---

Zusammenfassung Die Flotation von Cr(VI)-Ionen aus 0.926 × 10^–3 M wässeriger Suspension bei pH 4.1 steht in Beziehung zu der Verteilung der Teilchengröße, die sich durch Filtration einer Suspension von Benetzungsmittel-Cr (VI) vor der Flotation ergibt. Die Wirkung von Benetzungszeit (=Fällung und Zusammenballen) sowie der Temperatur im Bereich von 10–45 °C wurden untersucht; Teilchengröße und Flotation nehmen im allgemeinen mit steigender Temperatur zu. Fünf quaternäre Ammonium-Benetzungsmittel hoher Reinheit und mit Kettenlängen von C₁₀ bis C₁₈ wurden benutzt. Die optimale Kettenlänge bei 13° und 23 °C ist C₁₄, bei 33° und 43 °C dagegen C₁₆. Eine Vergrößerung des Verhältnisses von Benetzungsmittel:Cr(VI) in der anfänglichen Suspension ist für die Flotation so lange vorteilhaft, bis die Verhältniswerte 1.1 (C₁₆), 1.2 (C₁₈) bzw. 2.2 (C₁₄) überschritten werden. Die vier Aufgaben des Benetzungsmittels in einer Ionenflotation — als Fällungsmittel, Verteilungsmittel (die Oberflächenadsorption wirkt der Zusammenballung entgegen), Sammler und Schaummittel — werden in Bezug auf die Flotation, die Verteilung der Teilchengröße und Messungen der Oberflächenladung diskutiert.

     

Preparation of a Novel NH2 + Ion Implantation Modified Electrode and Its Study of the Electrochemical Behavior of Hemoglobin

Abstract

A novel functional electrode was obtained by implanting NH₂ ⁺ into ITO film (NH₂/ITO) for the first time. The NH₂/ITO surface showed a better affinity to gold nanoparticles than bare ITO. Gold nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of NH₂/ITO electrode (Au/NH₂/ITO). The Au/NH₂/ITO and NH₂/ITO electrodes were used to observe the electrochemical behavior of Hemoglobin (Hb) immobilized on the electrodes surfaces. The peak current value of Hb immobilized on NH₂/ITO increased compared with on bare ITO while peak current value of Hb immobilized on Au/NH₂/ITO increased compared with on Au/ITO. Linkage between the ‐NH₂ implanted into the ITO film and the ‐COOH of Hb was thought to be the reason for the increase of active Hb coverage on NH₂/ITO compared with bare ITO. Increase of active Hb coverage on Au/NH₂/ITO compare with Au/ITO was attributed to the different amount of gold nanoparticles deposited. Results showed the novel NH₂/ITO and Au/NH₂/ITO electrodes exhibited good stability, reproducibility besides selectivity and sensitivity. The electrode process of Hb immobilized on Au/NH₂/ITO was quasi‐reversible with adsorption. The electrode reaction rate constant k_s and other related constants were determined. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and impedance spectra were used to characterize the different surfaces.     

The influence of the concentration of surface boron atoms on the properties of column packings with bonded C18 groups,prepared from controlled-porosity glasses II. Liquid chromatography

Summary In the preparation of C₁₈-bonded phases higher coverage densities were obtained using dimethylaminodimethyl-n-octadecylsilane than chlorodimethyl-n-octadecylsilane as the reagents. The HPLC results show the very high hydrophobicity of the materials obtained. The elution mechanism has been found to be independent of the coverage density on the boron-enriched glass surface in the range 2.3–4.0 mol/m².Originally presented at the 15th International Symposium on Chromatography, October 1–5, 1984, Nürnberg     

Molecular conformation of n-alkyl monolayers covalently bonded to Si(1 1 1) probed by infrared–visible sum-frequency spectroscopy

Infrared–visible sum-frequency spectra of n-alkyl (C_nH_2n+1; n=10–13, 18) monolayers anchored on the Si(1 1 1) surface through a Si–C covalent bond were measured for the C–H stretch region. Spectral shapes exhibited azimuth-orientation dependence compatible with the C_3v symmetry of the substrate, indicating that the monolayers were epitaxially constructed on the substrate. Three methyl bands dominated each spectrum, and two-weak methylene bands were identified. Two distinct intensity patterns of the methyl bands were observed depending on n. The observed spectra were interpreted with reference to reported molecular models of the monolayer that consist of alkyl chains with an all-trans head part and a twisted stem.     

Effects of film structure on electrochromic properties of the multilayer films containing polyoxometalates

Multilayer films of tungstophosphate anion (P₂W₁₈) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) were fabricated on quartz and ITO substrates by layer-by-layer self-assembly method. These films were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometric (CA), chronocoulometry (CC) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The effects of film structure on multilayer electrochromic properties were investigated. The electrochromic responses of the composite films were related to the surface coverage of anion and multilayer thickness. It was found that higher concentration of polycation and anion, or adding salt to the polycation solution used for multilayer film preparation led to thicker and denser film structure which improved optical contrast and coloration efficiency whereas prolonged response time.     

Stoichiometry and conformation of the azacrown moiety in sodium complexes of azacrown ethers. a Raman/IR spectroscopic study. Part I: Complexes of 4,13-diaza-18-crown-6

Three sodium complexes (bromide, iodide an thiocyanate) of 4,13-diaza-18-crown-6 were studied using Raman and IR spectroscopy and normal coordinate calculations to probe the stoichiometry of the complexes and the variation in the conformation of azacrown moiety on complex formation. Complex formation is accompaniedby characteristic shifts of the bands, especially of those in the 800–900 cm^–1 region. Complexes of both 1: 1 and 2:1 stoichiometry were observed. Normal coordinate calculations showed the reduction of symmetry of azacrown moiety toC ₂ , in contrast to theC _2h symmetry known for the parent azacrown and potassium thiocyanate complex.     

Effect of La2O3 on a Precipitated Iron Catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

A series of La₂O₃-promoted precipitated iron catalysts (100Fe/2.8Si/nLa, n = 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4, atomic ratio) were prepared and characterized by in situ X-ray diffraction, CO temperature-programmed reduction, and N₂ adsorption-desorption. The catalytic performance for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was studied in a fixed-bed reactor. It was found that the addition of a small amount of La₂O₃ (La/Fe ≤ 0.01) gave a large decrease in the particle size of Fe₂O₃, which increased the specific surface area and dispersion of the catalysts. This also favored the formation of iron carbides, which gave a high catalytic activity in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. With increasing La₂O₃ content (La/Fe ≥ 0.02), a high La₂O₃ coverage and the formation of a LaFeO₃ compound decreased the formation of iron carbides, and the reaction activity decreased. The optimum La₂O₃ content was La/Fe = 0.01. The addition of La₂O₃ increased the selectivity for methane and suppressed the formation of C₅₊ hydrocarbons.     

Quenching excited triplet C60 fullerene by tetracyanoethylene in benzonitrile

Quenching excited triplet³C₆₀ fullerene by tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) in a benzonitrile solution proceeds with a rate constant equal to (4.2±0.3) · 10¹⁸ (M · s)^–1. The formation of a radical ion pair [C₆₀ ⁺ · · · TCNE^–] was observed.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 7, pp. 1228–1230, July, 1993.     

Morphology,Structure, and Dynamics of Pentacene Thin Films and Their Nanocomposites with [C2C1im][NTf2] and [C2C1im][OTF] Ionic Liquids

In this study, a homogeneous thin film growth of pentacene onto indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass surfaces is explored using a high-resolution and reproducible vapor deposition methodology. Moreover, vacuum thermal evaporation of ionic liquids (ILs) ([C₂C₁im][NTf₂] and [C₂C₁im][OTF]) onto ITO, gold/palladium (AuPd) and pentacene surfaces were performed. A greater wettability behavior of ILs is observed for surfaces containing AuPd. Sequential and simultaneous depositions of ILs and pentacene were explored. Simultaneous depositions lead to the formation of nanocomposites films, consisting of IL micro- and nanodroplets covered by pentacene layers. Plasma surface treatment was used to induce the ILs droplets coalescence and explore the dynamics and phase separation of the nanocomposites. The [C₂C₁im][OTF] droplets were found to be completely covered with pentacene, which suggests a great affinity between cation-anion pairs and the aromatic moiety. Pentacene films and their nanocomposites with ILs exhibit a typical optical band gap of E_gap=1.77 eV, indicating that the nanocomposite phase domains are large enough to behavior as the bulk.     

Adsorption characteristics of metal-EDTA complexes onto hydrous oxides

The adsorption characteristics of a variety of metal-EDTA complexes onto hydrous oxides, principally aluminum oxide (γ-Al₂O₃), were examined in aqueous solution. Adsorption of these complexes increased with increasing proton concentration due to the formation of surface complexes between EDTA and the surface hydroxo groups, specifically the AlOH₂⁺ surface groups. The pH-dependent adsorptive behavior and the magnitude of adsorption of the “free” EDTA species were similar to those of the metal complexes. The results also showed that the adsorption of “free” EDTA was exothermic, while the adsorption of Ni(II)-EDTA complexes was endothermic in the lower pH region (3.5) and exothermic at higher pH values (6.0). This implied that the surface preferred the NiHEDTA⁻¹ species rather than the NiEDTA⁻² species. Specific adsorption of the metal complexes was evidenced by the charge reversal exhibited by the γ-Al₂O₃ particles at the highest surface loadings. A quantitative model was formulated based on the pH-dependent speciation of the oxide surface, speciation of the metal complexes in solution, and ζ potential measurements. This model proved valid over a wide range of pH (3–10) and for both high (>50% coverage) and low (<10% coverage) surface loadings.