A novel ion-imprinted nanocomposite for selective separation of Pb2+ ions

In this study, the ion-imprinting method has been integrated to develop a novel composite material for the selective separation of Pb²⁺ ions. Also, Pb²⁺ ion binding ability of the organosmectite based inorganic-organic composite incorporation of bicyclic C18 organic compound into smectite layers was conducted to draw a projection its potential use as a solid phase exchanger which is quite selective toward Pb²⁺ ions. The ion-imprinted nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), swelling tests, and elemental analyses. After that, maximum binding capacity, pH, and equilibrium binding time were also been optimized. In order to show the selectivity of the composite synthesized, non-imprinted composites were also synthesized in absence of Pb²⁺ ions during polymerization. In this step, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cu²⁺ ions were used as competitors under batch adsorption conditions. The relative selectivity coefficients of imprinted composite were calculated as 28.5, 156.5, 69.3, 24.8 and 131.6 for Pb²⁺/Co²⁺, Pb²⁺/Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺/Al³⁺, Pb²⁺/Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺/Ni²⁺ binary solutions, respectively. Finally, reusability of the composites was evaluated to show its cost-efficiency by repeating adsorption-desorption experiments ten-times. The adsorption capacity of the imprinted composites did not change significantly whereas that of non-imprinted version reduced dramatically.     

Calix[4]arenes with carboxamide and sulfonamide groups and their complexation with transition metal salts

Calix[4]arene derivatives functionalized by ester and carboxamide groups on the lower rim and sulfonamide groups on the upper rim were synthesized, and their complexing properties toward transition metal salts (Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺) were studied by extraction in chloroform-water system. The presence of carboxamide and sulfonamide fragments in the ligand was shown to considerably enhance binding of transition metal cations.     

Modification of sulfonated polyphenylquinoxaline by alkali and alkaline earth metal cations

Salts of sulfonated polyphenylquinoxaline (SPPQ) containing alkaline earth metal ions—Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Ba²⁺—were synthesized. The paper considers their solubilities, the properties of solutions, and thermal stability in comparison with analogous characteristics of SPPQ salts with alkali metals. The introduction of alkaline earth metal cations into SPPQ affords soluble polymeric salts having high thermal stability. Solutions of SPPQ salts in N-methylpyrrolidone (N-MP) containing Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Ba²⁺ ions do not exhibit polyelectrolyte properties, unlike solutions of SPPQ salts in which the counterions are Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺. Solutions of SPPQ and its salts in N-MP can be converted to water-soluble form by dialysis. This opens up new prospects for using the polymeric salts.     

Influences of Sr2+ Doping on Microstructure,Giant Dielectric Behavior,and Non-Ohmic Properties of CaCu3Ti4O12/CaTiO3 Ceramic Composites

The microstructure, dielectric response, and nonlinear current-voltage properties of Sr²⁺-doped CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂/CaTiO₃ (CCTO/CTO) ceramic composites, which were prepared by a solid-state reaction method using a single step from the starting nominal composition of CCTO/CTO/xSrO, were investigated. The CCTO and CTO phases were detected in the X-ray diffraction patterns. The lattice parameter increased with increasing Sr²⁺ doping concentration. The phase compositions of CCTO and CTO were confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy with elemental mapping in the sintered ceramics. It can be confirmed that most of the Sr²⁺ ions substituted into the CTO phase, while some minor portion substituted into the CCTO phase. Furthermore, small segregation of Cu-rich was observed along the grain boundaries. The dielectric permittivity of the CCTO/CTO composite slightly decreased by doping with Sr²⁺, while the loss tangent was greatly reduced. Furthermore, the dielectric properties in a high-temperature range of the Sr²⁺-doped CCTO/CTO ceramic composites can be improved. Interestingly, the nonlinear electrical properties of the Sr²⁺-doped CCTO/CTO ceramic composites were significantly enhanced. The improved dielectric and nonlinear electrical properties of the Sr²⁺-doped CCTO/CTO ceramic composites were explained by the enhancement of the electrical properties of the internal interfaces.     

Synthesis, photophysical and oxygen-sensing properties of a novel Eu complex incorporated in mesoporous MCM-41

A novel Eu³⁺ complex of Eu(DPIQ)(TTA)₃ (DPIQ=10H-dipyrido [f,h] indolo [3,2-b] quinoxaline, TTA=2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate) was synthesized and encapsulated in the mesoporous MCM-41, hoping to explore an oxygen-sensing system based on the long-lived Eu³⁺ emitter. The Eu(DPIQ)(TTA)₃/MCM-41 composites were characterized by infrared spectra (IR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra, small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD), luminescence intensity quenching upon various oxygen concentrations, and fluorescence decay analysis. The results indicated that the composites exhibited the characteristic emission of the Eu³⁺ ion and the fluorescence intensity of ⁵D₀-⁷F₂ obviously decreased with increasing oxygen concentrations. The oxygen sensing properties of the composites with different loading levels of Eu(DPIQ)(TTA)₃ complex were investigated. A sensitivity of 3.04, a short response time of 7 s, and good linearity were obtained for the composites with a loading level of 20 mg/g. These results are the best reported values for optical oxygen-sensing materials based on Eu³⁺ complexes so far.     

Fe‐, Co‐, and Ni‐Loaded Porous Activated Carbon Balls as Lightweight Microwave Absorbents

Porous activated carbon ball (PACB) composites impregnated with iron, cobalt, nickel and/or their oxides were synthesized through a wet chemistry method involving PACBs as the carrier to load Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, and Ni²⁺ ions and a subsequent carbothermal reduction at different annealing temperatures. The results show that the pyrolysis products of nitrates and/or the products from the carbothermal reduction are embedded in the pores of the PACBs, with different distributions, resulting in different crystalline phases. The as‐prepared PACB composites possessed high specific surface areas of 791.2–901.5 m² g^?1 and low densities of 1.1–1.3 g cm^?3. Minimum reflection loss (RL) values of ?50.1, ?20.6, and ?20.4 dB were achieved for Fe–PACB (annealed at 500 °C), Co–PACB (annealed at 800 °C), and Ni–PACB (annealed at 800 °C) composites, respectively. Moreover, the influence of the amount of the magnetic components in the PACB composites on the microwave‐absorbing performances was investigated, further confirming that the dielectric loss was the primary contributor to microwave absorption.     

Synthesis of Novel Dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6‐ ether‐Functionalized Benzimidazoles and its Applications in Colorimetric Recognition to Hg2+ and as Antifungal Agents

New crown ether‐functionalized benzimidazoles was designed and synthesized via formylation of dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6 followed by condensation with different o‐phenylene diamines. The complexation properties of crown ether‐functionalized benzimidazoles with various metals (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Co²⁺, Hg²⁺) were examined using UV–vis spectroscopy. Hg²⁺ showed a well‐defined peculiar absorption maximum at 366 nm exclusively. All these newly synthesized compounds were screened for antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae, respectively.     

Poly(2-acrylamido glycolic acid-co-acryloyl morpholine) and poly(2-acrylamido glycolic acid-co-acrylamide): Synthesis, characterization, and retention properties for environmentally impacting metal ions

Poly(2-acrylamido glycolic acid-co-acrylamide), P(AGA-co-AAm), and poly(2-acrylamido glycolic acid-co-4-acryloylmorpholine), P(AGA-co-AMo), were synthesized by radical polymerization. The water-soluble polymers containing tertiary amine, amide, hydroxyl, and carboxylic acid groups were investigated as polychelatogen, in view of their metal ion binding properties by using the liquid-phase polymer-based retention technique under different experimental conditions. The retention properties for the following metal ions were investigated: Ag⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Al²⁺, Cr³⁺ and Fe³⁺. P(AGA-co-AMo) showed a selective retention for tri-valent cation Al³⁺ at pH 3, but no retention at higher pH. P(AGA-co-AAm) showed the highest metal ion retention capability, specially at pH 5 and pH 7 with values close to 100% to di-valent cations.     

Graphene wrapped phthalocyanine: Enhanced oxidative desulfurization for dibenzothiophene in fuel

Graphene wrapped metal phthalocyanine (MPc/RGO, M = Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺) composites are synthesized by a facile ‘in situ hydrothermal’ method, using graphene oxide, M (CH₃COO)₂ and phthalic anhydride as the precursors. A biomimetic catalytic system of MPc/RGO and molecular O₂ have high activity for ultra‐deep removal of dibenzothiophene (DBT) in model oil containing n‐octane. Compared with pure graphene oxide and MPc, MPc/RGO composites displayed highly enhanced catalytic activity for the oxidation of dibenzothiophene in n‐octane. The conversion ratio of DBT was up to 97.51% after 180 min treatment at 60 °C and atmospheric pressure. The photostability of RGO/MPc composites photocatalystic degradation of dibenzothiophene was investigated. Mechanistic studies revealed that the RGO/MPc ? O₂ · species were the main active intermediate via the π‐π stacking interaction of MPc and RGO. The RGO wrapped phthalocyanine materials offer great potential as active photocatalysts for degradation of thiophene derivatives in fuel.     

Layered double hydroxides intercalated with borate anions: Fire and thermal properties in ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer

Fire and thermal properties of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) composites prepared by melt blending with layered double hydroxides (LDH) have been studied. Two types of LDHs intercalated with borate anion were prepared using the coprecipitation method and the metals Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Al³⁺. Characterization of the LDHs and the EVA composites was performed using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and cone calorimetry. Thermal analyses show that the addition of LDHs improves the thermal stability of EVA. Fire properties evaluated using the cone calorimeter were significantly improved in the EVA/LDH composites. The peak heat release rate was reduced by about 40% when only 3% by weight of the LDH was added to the copolymer. Comparison of the fire properties of the LDHs with those of aluminum trihydrate (ATH), magnesium hydroxides (MDH), zinc hydroxide (ZH) and their combinations at 40% loading, reveal that the LDHs were more effective than when MDH and ZH are used alone.     

Preparation,swelling behaviors and application of polyacrylamide/attapulgite superabsorbent composites

A series of superabsorbent composites, polyacrylamide/attapulgite (PAMA), were prepared from acrylamide (AM) and attapulgite micropowder in aqueous solution, using N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator and then saponified with sodium hydroxide solution. This paper focuses on swelling behaviors of the PAMA superabsorbent composites in various saline solutions. The results indicate that saline solutions can weaken the swelling abilities of the PAMA compsites greatly. Water absorbency of the PAMA composites with 20 and 40 wt% attapulgite in aqueous chloride salt solutions has the following order: Li⁺ = Na⁺ = K⁺, Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ = Ba²⁺ all through the range of concentration investigated. However, swelling properties of the composites are complicated in CuCl_2(aq), AlCl_3(aq) and FeCl_3(aq) solutions and are related to saline solutions concentration. The deswelling behavior of PAMA composites is more obvious in univalent chloride salt solutions than in divalent and trivalent ones. The influence of kind and valence of anions on swelling ability of the composites is limited and almost the same. Moreover, reswelling capability, practical water retention ability in sand soil of the composites and the effect of pH on water absorbency of the PAMA composites were investigated. The PAMA composite shows good water retention and reswelling ability in sand soil, and may be used as a recyclable water‐managing material for the renewal of arid and desert environment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Selective and Sensitive Two New Macroacyclic Schiff base Fluorescent Turn-Off Receptors for Fe3+, DFT Calculation and Their Antibacterial Activity

Two new Macroacyclic Schiff base chemosensors (L₁ and L₂) were synthesized by the one pot condensation reaction of 2-[3-(2-formyl phenoxy)propoxy]benzaldehyde and aminophenol in a 1:2 molar ratio and were characterized by IR, NMR spectroscopy. Both Schiff bases displayed high selectivity and sensitivity towards Fe³⁺ over other metal ions in H₂O-DMF solution (Ag⁺,Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg⁺², Mn⁺², Pb⁺², Co⁺², Hg⁺², Cr⁺³, Na⁺, Ba⁺² and Cd²⁺) due to their structure including oxygen donor atoms. The test results showed fluorescence quenching of the fluorophores when Fe³⁺ was bound to the recognition units. From test results, a high selectivity for Fe³⁺ were discovered in this type of sensors, especially, the probe based on 2-aminophenol exhibited more significant quenching in fluorescence intensity compared with 4-aminophenol-based due to its rigidity structure. In addition, the structure of ligands and their antibacterial properties was investigated.     

New Azothiacalix[4]arenes Containing Biheterocyclic Subunits: Extraction and Complexation Properties

New thiacalix[4]arenes 2a, 3a, 4 and 5 functionalized with biheterocyclic and azophenyl groups at the lower rim and the upper rim of the macrocycle, respectively, were synthesized and their extraction properties towards Cu²⁺, Ag⁺, Ni²⁺ and Pb²⁺ studied. The complexation properties of the bithiazolyl receptors 2a, 4 and the bipyridyl receptors 3a, 5 were investigated by fluorescence and UV–visible titrations, respectively. The stoichiometries of the complexes were determined. A stoichiometry of 1:1 was found for the Cu-2a, Ag-3a complexes and 2:1 for the Cu₂-4, Ag₂-5 complexes as a function of the number of grafted bithiazolyl groups. The association constants for the 1:1 complexes were calculated using the Benesi–Hildebrand plot and by linear regression analysis.     

Synthesis and study of properties of the polyhexamethyleneguanidine complexes with the ions Cu2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+

The reaction products of polyhexamethyleneguanidine hydrochloride with the Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Ni²⁺ ions, which are the polyligand coordination compounds formed by polyguanidine and hydroxyl ligands, were studied using IR, UV, and ESR spectroscopy. The influence of the nature of the chelating agent on the structure of the complexes formed was revealed. Antibacterial properties of the synthesized complexes were assessed.     

Synthesis and metal ion complexation of spin labeled 18-crown-6 ethers containing an acridone or an acridine fluorophore unit

Double (spin and fluorescence) labeled pyrroline derivatives of crown ethers containing an acridone or an acridine fluorophore unit (1 and 2) and their diamagnetic analogues (3 and 4) were synthesized. Their fluorescent behavior as well as their complexation properties toward selected metal ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺) were examined.     

Syntheses,Characterization, and DNA Binding Studies of a Series of Copper(II), Nickel(II), Platinum(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes Derived from Schiff Base Ligands

Three series of metal salophen complexes derived from Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Pt²⁺ and Ni²⁺ have been synthesized and their interaction with quadruplex DNA has been evaluated. The compounds differ on the number of ethyl piperidine substituents. They have been characterized by ¹H NMR, IR and UV-visible spectroscopies and by HR-mass spectrometry. Their luminescent properties have been also evaluated and we can observe that, as expected, Zn²⁺ and Pt²⁺ complexes are those displaying more interesting luminescence with an emission band red-shifted with respect to the corresponding uncoordinated ligand. DNA interactions with G4 and duplex DNA were evaluated by FRET melting assays (for the Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ complexes) and by emission titrations (for one Pt²⁺ complex) which indicated that the disubstituted compounds 2-Ni and 2-Pt are the only ones that display good affinity for G4 DNA structures.     

A New Fluorescent Chemosensor for Metal Ions Based upon 1,8‐Naphthalimide and 8‐Hydroxyquinoline

A new fluorescent chemosensor based upon 1,8‐naphthalimide and 8‐hydroxyquinoline was synthesized, and its fluorescent properties in the presence of different metal cations (Hg²⁺, Ag⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ba²⁺) were investigated. It displayed fluorescence quenching with some heavy and transition metal (HTM) ions, and the quenching strongly depended on the nature of HTM ions.     

Studies on bismuth tungstate and its use as a lead selective inorganic ion-exchanger

Summary A new inorganic ion-exchanger bismuth tungstate has been synthesized. Its composition, chemical stability and ion-exchange properties have been studied. The material shows high selectivity towards Pb²⁺, which has been separated quantitatively from Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺. It also shows electron exchange behaviour with some strong reducing agents.     

Synthesis and fluorescent properties of novel chiral 1,2-diaminocyclohexane substituted ligands and their complexes

A series of novel chiral 1,2-diaminocyclohexane derivatives bearing heterocyclic units were synthesized via improved methods under ultrasonic irradiation. The photophysical properties of compounds were studied in ethanol, methanol, and chloroform. The sensitivity of these amines toward Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Ni²⁺ was studied by the UV–vis and fluorescent methods. The π-electron structure of thiophene and bithiophene containing sensors is the most active toward all above mentioned metal ions and is highly selective for Ni²⁺ and Cd²⁺.     

Linear and Star-Shaped Extended Di- and Tristyrylbenzenes: Synthesis,Characterization and Optical Response to Acid and Metal Ions

Two linear 1,4-distyrylbenzenes and five star-shaped 1,3,5-tristyrylbenzene derivatives ( L_2a and L_2b , Y₀–Y₃ and Y_NBu ) were synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. The photophysical properties, optical response to acid and metal ions were investigated. Upon backbone extension of linear distyrylbenzenes or the introduction of dibutylanilines, the electronic spectra are redshifted. Incorporation of electron-deficient pyridyl units does not significantly affect the optical properties. Variation of the number of pyridine rings and substitution pattern tune the fluorescence response to acids and metal ions. The novel arenes discriminate Al³⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺.