Analysis of phenanthrene biodegradation by using FTIR,UV and GC–MS

The aim of this paper is to assess the biodegradation of phenanthrene by Flavobacteria FCN2 which was isolated from coke plant sludge via a classical shaken liquid medium enrichment method. The strain FCN2 can decompose phenanthrene (50 mg l^?1) completely within 5 days. The values of pH decrease to 6.7 from 7.2 during degradation periods. And a detailed phenanthrene metabolism was assayed by using FTIR, UV and GC–MS. For FTIR, appearance of new broad absorption bands at 2858 cm^?1, 2927 cm^?1, 2955 cm^?1 and another new strong absorption band at 1734 cm^?1 in metabolites demonstrates that carboxyl group produced during phenanthrene degradation. Besides this, a very strong absorption band appears at 1260 cm^?1. It is ascribed to C–C stretching vibration band in carbonyl group of arone. Two weak adsorption at 334 nm and 349 nm in UV spectra were assigned to the n-π* transition of CO of aldehyde. Two metabolites, phenanthrene-dihydrodiol and naphthalene-1-diol were identified in neutral fraction of phenanthrene degradation by using GC–MS. As a result carboxylic acids and arone were generated during biodegradation of phenanthrene by Flavobacteria FCN2.     

Opto-structural characterization of proton (3 MeV) irradiated polycarbonate and polystyrene

Polycarbonate (Makrofol-N) and polystyrene thin films were irradiated with protons (3 MeV) under vacuum at room temperature with the fluence ranging from 1×10¹⁴ to 1×10¹⁵ protons cm⁻². The change in optical properties, degradation of the functional groups and crystallinity of the proton-irradiated polymers were investigated with UV–vis, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, respectively. The UV–vis analysis revealed that the optical band gap of irradiated Makrofol-N is reduced by 30% as compared to 27.5% in polystyrene at highest fluence of 1×10¹⁵ protons cm⁻², owing to higher electronic energy loss of protons in Makrofol-N. The calculations of the number of carbon atoms per conjugation length, N and number of carbon atoms per clusters, M embedded in the network of polymers further revealed that Makrofol-N is more modified as compared to polystyrene on proton irradiation. FTIR results reveal the reduction in absorption intensity of the main characteristic bands of both the polymers after irradiation. The proton-irradiated Makrofol-N shows a strong decrease of almost all of its characteristic absorption bands at about 1×10¹⁴ protons cm⁻². Beyond a critical dose an increase of almost all its characteristic bands are noticed, however, no such effect had been observed in polystyrene at this particular fluence. Appearance of new –OH groups was observed at the higher fluences in the FTIR spectra of both proton-irradiated polymers. XRD measurements show the decrease of the main peak intensity and the crystallite size, confirming the increase of amorphization in polymers under irradiation.     

Novel miscible blends of poly(p-dioxanone) with poly(vinyl phenol)

Poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO) has been blended with poly(vinyl phenol) (PVPh) and the PPDO/PVPh blends have been investigated using DSC, FTIR and POM. According to the single T_g criterion, miscibility has been found in the whole composition range for the blends obtained by solvent casting from dioxane solutions. The dependence of the T_g on composition shows negative deviation from the Fox equation. The interaction parameter, obtained from melting point depression analysis, χ₁₂ = ?1.0, confirms a thermodynamically miscible blend. Specific interactions have been analyzed by FTIR. The OH stretching region of PVPh indicates that upon addition of PPDO the hydroxyl–hydroxyl autoassociation interactions are mainly replaced by hydroxyl–carbonyl interassociation contacts, in detrimental of the possible hydroxyl–ether interactions. The carbonyl stretching region of pure PPDO is sensitive to intramolecular ether-ester interactions occurring in the oxyethanoate structures (–O–CH₂–CO–O–) present along the PPDO chain. The –O–CH₂–CO–O– structure presents only two minimum energy conformations, trans and cis, resulting in two different absorptions in the CO stretching region located respectively at about 1757 and 1732 cm^?1. Blending with PVPh promotes two new contributions red shifted by about 23 cm^?1 relative to the “free” CO components. Finally, POM analysis shows that the addition of PVPh to PPDO significantly decreases the crystallization rate of PPDO.     

Temperature dependent Raman study of SB → SC transition in liquid crystalline compound N-(4-n-pentyloxybenzylidene)-4′-heptylaniline (5O.7)

Temperature dependent Raman study of C–H in-plane bending mode (～1163 cm^?1 and ～1190 cm^?1) and C–C stretching mode of phenyl ring (～1571 cm^?1 and ～1594 cm^?1) of N-(4-n-pentyloxybenzylidene)-4′-heptylaniline (5O.7) has been done. Vibrational assignment and potential energy distribution (PED) of individual modes have been calculated employing density functional theory (DFT) for the first time. The S_B → S_C transition is nicely depicted in the variation of the linewidth of the ～1163 cm^?1 band and the peak position of ～1594 cm^?1 band with temperature. Because of a small amount of charge density transfer from the core part to the alkyl chain region, the ～1163 cm^?1 band shifts towards lower wavenumber side whereas the ～1190 cm^?1 band towards higher wavenumber side at S_B → S_C transition. The ～1571 cm^?1 and ～1594 cm^?1 bands are assigned as 8a and 8b modes, whose relative intensity variation with temperature gives the evidence of increased possibility of C–H bending motion of the linking group and the C–C stretching of the alkyl chain in S_C phase.     

Analysis and identification of irradiated Spirulina powder by a three-step infrared macro-fingerprint spectroscopy

A three-step infrared (IR) macro-fingerprint method combining conventional IR spectra, and the secondary derivative spectra with two-dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy (2D-IR), was developed to analyze Spirulina powder before and after gamma irradiation. In the IR spectra, most of the absorption peaks of samples irradiated at 1, 2.7, 6, and 10.4 kGy had lower intensities than the non-irradiated ones, whereas peaks at 1152, 1078, and 1051 cm⁻¹ were slightly enhanced with irradiation at 2.7, 6, and 10.4 kGy. Their second derivative spectra amplified the differences and revealed that irradiation affected the C=O band of carboxylic acid and esters, and the N–H band of proteins. The peaks at 1746 and 1741 cm⁻¹, and those at 1730 and 1725  cm⁻¹ became two broad peaks. Meanwhile, the three sharp peaks at 1548 cm⁻¹, 1544 cm⁻¹ and 1536 cm⁻¹ changed to two broad peaks at around 1547 and 1534 cm⁻¹ after irradiation at doses higher than 1 kGy. The characteristic IR bands from 1700 cm⁻¹ to 1600 cm⁻¹, which represent the C=O band in proteins, also have different shapes and intensities after irradiation. The finding indicated that irradiation affected the secondary structures of protein which was confirmed by curve fitting results. During the process of increasing the temperature from 50 to 210 °C, the ratio of amide I to II in absorption intensities in the 2D-IR spectra of the irradiated samples varied with different response for different samples. Saccharides in Spirulina powder had a higher thermostability than proteins, but the autopeaks of irradiated samples did show differences from the non-irradiated sample. The intensity of autopeaks at 1012 cm⁻¹ increased dramatically in the irradiated samples while that of peaks at 1053, 1071, and 1083 cm⁻¹ decreased after irradiation. Based on the three-step IR macro-fingerprint method, irradiated Spirulina powder samples were successfully and fast identified and discriminated.     

Evidence for a blue-shifting intramolecular hydrogen bond in the vibrational overtone spectrum of 1H-nonafluorobutane

We demonstrate that the gauche conformation of 1H-nonafluorobutane contains a blue-shifting intramolecular hydrogen bond by recording its 5th overtone spectrum with cavity ringdown spectroscopy and performing electronic structure calculations. The magnitude of the blue-shift is enhanced in the overtone spectrum as compared to the fundamental. The energy difference between the gauche conformer and the lowest energy zigzag conformer is calculated to be 288 cm⁻¹ using density functional theory and determined to be 280 ± 30 cm⁻¹ using temperature-dependent FTIR measurements. The –H⋯F– bonding interaction in the gauche conformer leads to changes in bond lengths as compared to the non-hydrogen bonded conformers.     

Microstructural modifications in swift ion irradiated PET

Polyethylene terephthalte (PET) was irradiated with carbon (70 MeV) and copper (120 MeV) ions to analyze the induced modifications with respect to optical, structural and thermal properties. In the present investigation, the fluence for carbon irradiation was varied from 1×10¹¹ to 1×10¹⁴ ions cm⁻², while that for copper beam was kept in the range of 1×10¹¹ to 1×10¹³ ions cm⁻². UV–vis, FTIR, XRD and DSC techniques were utilized to study the induced changes. The analysis of UV–vis absorption studies reveals that there is decrease of optical energy gap up to 10% on carbon ion irradiation (at 1×10¹⁴ ions cm⁻²), whereas the copper beam (at 1×10¹³ ions cm⁻²) leads to a decrease of 49%. FTIR analysis indicated the formation of alkyne end groups along with the overall degradation of polymer with copper ion irradiation. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the semi-crystalline PET losses its crystallinity on swift ion irradiation. It was found that the carbon beam (1×10¹⁴ ions cm⁻²) decreased the crystallite size by 16% whereas this decrease is of 12% in case of the copper ion irradiated PET at 1×10¹³ ions cm⁻². The loss in crystallinity on irradiation has been supported by DSC thermograms.     

Proton (3 MeV) and copper (120 MeV) ion irradiation effects in low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was irradiated with proton (3 MeV) and copper (120 MeV) ions to analyze the induced modifications with respect to optical and structural properties. In the present investigation, the fluence for proton irradiation was varied up to 2×10¹⁵ protons cm⁻², while that for copper beam was kept in the range of 1×10¹ to 1×10¹³ ions cm⁻² to study the swift heavy ion-induced modifications in LDPE. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), FTIR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were utilized to study the induced changes. The analysis of UV–vis absorption studies reveals that there is decrease of optical energy gap up to 43% on proton irradiation (at 2×10¹⁵ ions cm⁻²), whereas the copper beam (at 1×10¹³ ions cm⁻²) leads to a decrease of 51%. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of unsaturations due to vinyl end groups in the irradiated sample. The formation of OH and CO groups has also been observed. XRD analysis revealed that the semi-crystalline LDPE losses its crystallinity on swift ion irradiation. It was found that the proton beam (2×10¹⁵ ions cm⁻²) decreased the crystallite size by 23% whereas this decrease is of 31% in case of the copper ion-irradiated LDPE at 1×10¹³ ions cm⁻².     

A novel class of tetrairon(III) single-molecule magnets with graphene-binding groups

Tripods of general formula R’–O–CH₂C(CH₂OH)₃ are excellent site-specific ligands for the preparation of functionalized Fe₄ single-molecule magnets. Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of two novel complexes designed to bind graphene surfaces, in which the R group consists of an alkyl spacer –(CH₂)_n– (n = 6 and 10) and a terminal pyrenyl moiety. The site-specific ligand substitution on [Fe₄(OMe)₆(dpm)₆] (Hdpm = dipivaloylmethane) with the new tripods has been studied with ²H NMR on isotopically-enriched samples, revealing that, once formed, these clusters are stable in solution over long timescales. It was not possible to isolate the new compounds as crystalline solids, nevertheless they were chemically characterized by elemental analysis and ¹H NMR. The presence of the pyrenyl ending groups prompted us to investigate the effect of metal complexation on fluorescence, and a full pyrene-to-iron cluster excitation energy transfer was observed. The analysis of the magnetic behaviour revealed an S = 5 ground spin state with a negative zero-field splitting parameter D = ?0.42 cm^?1.     

Radiation induced in-situ generation of conductivity in the blends of polyaniline-base with chlorinated-polyisoprene

Radiation induced acid doping of PANI to generate electrical conductivity was achieved by radiation induced HCl release from chlorinated-polyisoprene (ClPIP). Blends of PANI with ClPIP were prepared by mechanical mixing/grinding in the composition range of 9–43% ClPIP by weight and pelletized under 10 t press. The pellets were irradiated in ⁶⁰Co Gammacell in air at room temperature to doses up to 300 kGy. The maximum electrical conductivity increase was observed for the blend PANI43 which changed from 10^?10 to 10^?4 S cm^?1 when it was irradiated to 300 kGy dose. Radiation induced changes on the blends were also studied by UV–vis spectroscopy using reflection technique and FTIR spectroscopy. The broad absorption band in the visible range (630 nm) increased by increasing irradiation dose. The band (1110 cm^?1) in the IR spectra which is indicative of conductivity showed linear correlation with irradiation dose.     

Demonstration of cavity enhanced FTIR spectroscopy using a femtosecond laser absorption source

A proof of principle experiment was performed by recording the cavity enhanced absorption spectrum of the weak b–X transition of molecular oxygen in the atmosphere using a Ti:Sa femtosecond laser as an absorption source and a high resolution continuous scan Fourier transform interferometer. The cavity was mode matched and either continuously scanned or stabilized at the so-called magic point. An optimal rms noise equivalent absorption of 3 × 10^?7 cm^?1 Hz^?1/2 was reached in the latter case, corresponding to α_min = 3 × 10^?7 cm^?1.     

Spectroscopic studies of the 1:1 complex of piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (isonipecotic acid) with 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol

The 1:1 complex of piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (isonipecotic acid, P4C) with 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol (DCNP), has been investigated by single-crystal X-ray analysis, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. The hydrogen-bonded-ion-pair complex is observed in the crystalline state with the O⋯H⋯OOC hydrogen bond of 2.453(16) Å. FTIR spectrum shows a broad absorption in the 1600–400 cm⁻¹ region characteristic of very short OHO hydrogen bond, broken by the Evans holes. The complexes are joined through NH⋯O into a H-bonding network. The NH⋯O mode appears as a broad band in the range of 3100–2000 cm⁻¹. In the structure optimized at the B3LYP/6–311 + +G(d,p) level of theory the proton is transferred from DCNP to P4C, and molecules are joined through the O⋯HOOC hydrogen bond of 2.640 Å. The experimental and theoretical infrared spectra are discussed. Detail interpretation of the vibrational spectra has been carried out with the use of computed Potential Energy Distribution (PED).     

Molecular and vibrational structure of the extracellular bacterial signal compound N-butyryl-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL)

The molecular and vibrational structure of the title compound (C4-HSL) was studied by experimental and theoretical methods. The infrared (IR) absorption spectrum was measured in the solid state and in CCl₄ suspension. The observed absorption bands were compared with transitions obtained with B3LYP/cc-pVTZ density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Two stable molecular conformations were predicted, corresponding to an endo- and an exo-conformer with similar energies. Intermolecular amide–amide hydrogen bonding in the crystal state was approximated by a simple cluster model, leading to excellent agreement with the observed solid state IR spectrum. Due to the low solubility of C4-HSL in common solvents for IR spectroscopy, such as CS₂ and CCl₄, a liquid solution spectrum of pure, monomeric C4-HSL was not obtained. However, absorbance peaks observed in oversaturated CCl₄ solution could be assigned to distinct contributions from suspended micro-crystalline aggregates and dissolved monomeric species. The key vibrational bands of the monomeric form of C4-HSL are reported here for the first time: 3425 cm^?1 [ν(N–H)], 1784 cm^?1 [ν(CO), lactone], 1688 cm^?1 [amide I], and 1494 cm^?1 [amide II] (CCl₄).     

Thermogravimetric and FTIR studies of chitosan blends

Results of spectrophotometric and thermogravimetric studies of chitosan (CH) blends with polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL), starch (S) and hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) obtained by casting from solutions in the form of transparent films containing 0–1.0 weight fraction of CH were discussed. Blends containing S are homogeneous only in the case of low-weight fraction of S (to 0.3).On the basis of results of thermodegradation in dynamic and isothermal conditions, thermal stability of the tested systems was estimated. Thermogravimetric measurements in dynamic conditions were carried out in the temperature range of 100–450 °C at constant heating rate 15 °C/min. From thermogravimetry (TG) and DTG curves the activation energy and characteristic parameters of degradation of the tested blends were determined. The observed growth of activation energy and T_p—temperature of initial weight loss, T_max—temperature of maximal rate and C_e—degree of conversion at the end of the measurement (at temperature 450 °C) along with the increase of polymer fraction (HPC and S) in the CH blend provides an evidence of improved thermal stability of the systems tested.Investigations in isothermal conditions in air at temperature from 100 to 200 °C confirmed appreciable improvement of CH thermal stability in the blends being tested.Infrared spectroscopic analysis of the blends showed a distinct stabilization of the process of chain scission. In the band at 1080 cm⁻¹ associated with absorption in –C–O–C– group during degradation of the blends at temperature 200 °C much smaller decrease due to molecular scission were observed than in the case of pure CH.     

A Raman spectroscopic study of the mineral coquandite Sb6O8(SO4)·(H2O)

Raman spectra of coquandite Sb₆O₈(SO₄)·(H₂O) were studied, and related to the structure of the mineral. Raman bands observed at 970, 990 and 1007 cm^?1 and a series of overlapping bands are observed at 1072, 1100, 1151 and 1217 cm^?1 are assigned to the SO₄^2? ν₁ symmetric and ν₃ antisymmetric stretching modes respectively. Raman bands at 629, 638, 690, 751 and 787 cm^?1 are attributed to the SbO stretching vibrations. Raman bands at 600 and 610 cm^?1 and at 429 and 459 cm^?1 are assigned to the SO₄^2? ν₄ and ν₂ bending modes. Raman bands at 359 and 375 cm^?1 are assigned to O–Sb–O bending modes. Multiple Raman bands for both SO₄^2? and SbO stretching vibrations support the concept of the non-equivalence of these units in the coquandite structure.     

Near-infrared spectroscopy: A powerful tool in studies of acid-treated clay minerals

The benefit of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in studies of acid-treated clay minerals is demonstrated. The effects of mineral type, composition and content of non-swelling interlayers on the dissolution rate are investigated. Detailed analysis of the NIR region is performed by comparing the first overtone (2ν_OH) and combination (ν + δ)_OH bands with the fundamental stretching (ν) and bending (ν) vibrations. Spectra of acid-treated samples show a gradual decrease in the intensities of the structural OH overtone (near 7100 cm^?1) and combination (4600–4300 cm^?1) bands reflecting a fewer number of octahedral atoms. The appearance of the 2ν_SiOH vibration for terminal (isolated) SiOH groups near 7315 cm^?1 indicates the formation of a protonated silica phase. The band near 7130 cm^?1 remaining in the spectra of acid-treated samples is assigned to 2ν_HOSiOH of geminal silanol groups. Thus the creation of geminal silanols, previously detected by ²⁹Si MAS-NMR spectroscopy in acid-treated hectorite, is confirmed also by NIR spectroscopy. The assignment of the 4555 cm^?1 band to the (ν + δ)_SiOH combination enabled calculation of the wavenumber for the SiO–H bending vibration (～810 cm^?1) that is not observable in the mid-IR region due to overlapping with the Si–O band of amorphous silica (～800 cm^?1). The NIR spectra confirm that trioctahedral hectorite is much more susceptible to dissolution in HCl than dioctahedral nontronite. The dissolution rate of kaolinite present in the Badin clay as an admixture is lower than that of the main mineral nontronite. The accessibility of the interlayers for protons significantly influences the stability of clay minerals in HCl. Mixed-layered mineral illite/smectite with only 30% of swelling interlayers dissolves more slowly than smectite of similar chemical composition containing mainly swelling interlayers.     

Thermochemical behaviour of crown ethers in the mixtures of water with organic solvents. Part IX. Effect of base–acid properties of {(1 − x)AN + xH2O} on the solution enthalpy of cyclic ethers in this mixed solvent at T = 298.15 K

The enthalpies of solution of cyclic ethers: 1,4-dioxane, 12-crown-4 and 18-crown-6 in {(1 ? x)AN + xH₂O} have been measured over the whole mole fraction range at T = 298.15 K. Based on the results obtained, the effects of base–acid properties of mixed solvent and the number of –CH₂CH₂– groups in cyclic ethers molecules on the solution enthalpy of cyclic ethers in {(1 ? x)AN + xH₂O} have been analyzed.     

Metal (Co,Fe) tribenzotetraazachlorin–fullerene conjugates: Impact of direct π-bonding on the redox behaviour and oxygen reduction reaction

Novel hexabutylsulphonyltribenzotetraazachlorin–fullerene (C₆₀) complexes of iron (FeHBSTBTAC–C₆₀) and cobalt (CoHBSTBTAC–C₆₀) have been synthesized and their electrochemistry and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) compared with their octabutylsulphonylphthalocyanine analogues (FeOBSPc and CoOBSPc). It is proved that electron-withdrawing substituents (–SO₂Bu and C₆₀) on phthalocyanine macrocycle exhibit distinct impact on the solution electrochemistry of these metallophthalocyanine (MPc) complexes. The more electron-withdrawing C₆₀ substituent suppressed ORR compared to the –SO₂Bu in alkaline medium. FeOBSPc showed the best ORR activity involving a direct 4-electron mechanism, a rate constant of ～1 × 10⁸ cm³ mol^?1 s^?1 and a Tafel slope of ?171 mV dec^?1.     

A Raman spectroscopic study of the antimonite mineral peretaite Ca(SbO)4(OH)2(SO4)2·2H2O

Raman spectra of mineral peretaite Ca(SbO)₄(OH)₂(SO₄)₂·2H₂O were studied, and related to the structure of the mineral. Raman bands observed at 978 and 980 cm^?1 and a series of overlapping bands observed at 1060, 1092, 1115, 1142 and 1152 cm^?1 are assigned to the SO₄^2? ν₁ symmetric and ν₃ antisymmetric stretching modes. Raman bands at 589 and 595 cm^?1 are attributed to the SbO symmetric stretching vibrations. The low intensity Raman bands at 650 and 710 cm^?1 may be attributed to SbO antisymmetric stretching modes. Raman bands at 610 cm^?1 and at 417, 434 and 482 cm^?1 are assigned to the SO₄^2? ν₄ and ν₂ bending modes, respectively. Raman bands at 337 and 373 cm^?1 are assigned to O–Sb–O bending modes. Multiple Raman bands for both SO₄^2? and SbO stretching vibrations support the concept of the non-equivalence of these units in the peretaite structure.     

Properties of HTPB based polyurethane membrane prepared by epoxidation method

Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) based polyurethane (PU) was synthesized by solution polymerization. The PU was then cast into membrane. The epoxidation of HTPB based PU membrane by an in situ generated peracid method is discussed. The chemical composition of the epoxidized PU membrane was studied by infrared spectroscopy. The absorption peak at 970 cm⁻¹ for the CC double bond decreased with epoxidation time whereas the absorption peak at 1183 cm⁻¹ for oxirane group increased. The absorption peak at about 1700–1740 cm⁻¹ for the CO group and –OH group at about 3200–3700 cm⁻¹ increased with epoxidation time that indicated the side reaction of epoxidation took place. The oxirane weight content was determined by titration method. The density, tensile strength, elongations, and decomposition temperature of the epoxidized PU membranes were measured. The molecular weight between crosslinking points PU membrane was calculated. Contact angle and protein absorption of fibrinogen and albumin experiments were also determined. It was found that the density and the tensile strength of epoxidized PU membrane increased with increasing epoxidation time whereas the molecular weight between crosslinking points, elongation and the amount of protein adsorption on the epoxidized PU membrane decreased. By using Kaelble’s equation and the contact angle data, the surface tension of epoxidized PU membrane was determined. It was found that the surface tension of epoxidized PU membrane increased whereas the contact angle decreased with epoxidation time. The property changes reduced the permeability of gas through epoxidized PU membrane, but increased the gas selectivity between oxygen and nitrogen. The activation energies (E_p) for gas diffusing through various epoxidized PU membranes were obtained by the Arrhenius law; it is evident that E_p increased with the extent of epoxidation.