Expression and Characterization of Codon-Optimized Carbonic Anhydrase from Dunaliella Species for CO2 Sequestration Application

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) have been given much attention as biocatalysts for CO₂ sequestration process because of their ability to convert CO₂ to bicarbonate. Here, we expressed codon-optimized sequence of ??-type CA cloned from Dunaliella species (Dsp-aCAopt) and characterized its catalyzing properties to apply for CO₂ to calcite formation. The expressed amount of Dsp-aCAopt in Escherichia coli is about 50?mg/L via induction of 1.0?mM isopropyl-??-d-thiogalactopyranoside at 20?°C (for the case of intact Dsp-aCA, negligible). Dsp-aCAopt enzyme shows 47?°C of half-denaturation temperature and show wide pH stability (optimum pH 7.6/10.0). Apparent values of K _m and V _max for p-nitrophenylacetate substrate are 0.91?mM and 3.303?×?10^?5???M?min^?1. The effects of metal ions and anions were investigated to find out which factors enhance or inhibit Dsp-aCAopt activity. Finally, we demonstrated that Dsp-aCAopt enzyme can catalyze well the conversion of CO₂ to CaCO₃, as the calcite form, in the Ca²⁺ solution [8.9?mg/100???g (172?U/mg enzyme) with 10?mM of Ca²⁺]. The obtained expression and characterization results of Dsp-aCAopt would be usefully employed for the development of efficient CA-based system for CO₂-converting/capturing processes.     

Hydroxide Is Not a Promoter of C2+ Product Formation in the Electrochemical Reduction of CO on Copper

Highly alkaline electrolytes have been shown to improve the formation rate of C₂₊ products in the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) on copper surfaces, with the assumption that higher OH^? concentrations promote the C?C coupling chemistry. Herein, by systematically varying the concentration of Na⁺ and OH^? at the same absolute electrode potential, we demonstrate that higher concentrations of cations (Na⁺), rather than OH^?, exert the main promotional effect on the production of C₂₊ products. The impact of the nature and the concentration of cations on the electrochemical reduction of CO is supported by experiments in which a fraction or all of Na⁺ is chelated by a crown ether. Chelation of Na⁺ leads to drastic decrease in the formation rate of C₂₊ products. The promotional effect of OH^? determined at the same potential on the reversible hydrogen electrode scale is likely caused by larger overpotentials at higher electrolyte pH.     

Abiotic C?C bond formation under environmental conditions: Kinetics of the aldol condensation of acetaldehyde in water catalyzed by carbonate ions (CO32−)

The role of C? C bond‐forming reactions such as aldol condensation in the degradation of organic matter in natural environments is receiving a renewed interest because naturally occurring ions, ammonium ions, NH⁺₄, and carbonate ions, CO₃^2?, have recently been reported to catalyze these reactions. While the catalysis of aldol condensation by OH^? has been widely studied, the catalytic properties of carbonate ions, CO₃^2?, have been little studied, especially under environmental conditions. This work presents a study of the catalysis of the aldol condensation of acetaldehyde in aqueous solutions of sodium carbonate (0.1–50 mM) at T = 295 ± 2 K. By monitoring the absorbance of the main product, crotonaldehyde, instead of that of acetaldehyde, interferences from other reaction products and from side reactions, in particular a known Cannizzaro reaction, were avoided. The rate constant was found to be first order in acetaldehyde in the presence of both CO₃^2? and OH^?, suggesting that previous studies reporting a second order for this base‐catalyzed reaction were flawed. Comparisons between the rate constants in carbonate solutions and in sodium hydroxide solutions ([NaOH] = 0.3–50 mM) showed that, among the three bases present in carbonate solutions, CO₃^2?, HCO₃^?, and OH^?, OH^? was the main catalyst for pH ≤ 11. CO₃^2? became the main catalyst at higher pH, whereas the catalytic contribution of HCO₃^? was negligible over the range of conditions studied (pH 10.3–11.3). Carbonate‐catalyzed condensation reactions could contribute significantly to the degradation of organic matter in hyperalkaline natural environments (pH ≥ 11) and be at the origin of the macromolecular matter found in these environments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 676–686, 2010     

Radiological responses of different types of Egyptian Mediterranean coastal sediments

The aim of this study was to identify gamma self-absorption correction factors for different types of Egyptian Mediterranean coastal sediments. Self-absorption corrections based on direct transmission through different thicknesses of the most dominant sediment species have been tested against point sources with gamma-ray energies of ²⁴¹Am, ¹³⁷Cs and ⁶⁰Co with 2% uncertainties. Black sand samples from the Rashid branch of the Nile River quantitatively absorbed the low energy of ²⁴¹Am through a thickness of 5 cm. In decreasing order of gamma energy self-absorption of ²⁴¹Am, the samples under investigation ranked black sand, Matrouh sand, Sidi Gaber sand, shells, Salloum sand, and clay. Empirical self-absorption correction formulas were also deduced. Chemical analyses such as pH, CaCO₃, total dissolved solids, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, CO₃^2?, HCO₃^? and total Fe²⁺ have been carried out for the sediments. The relationships between self absorption corrections and the other chemical parameters of the sediments were also examined.     

Mechanism of Substitution in Carbonated Apatites

Single-phase AB-type carbonate apatites were prepared by sintering appropriate mixtures of CaHPO₄ and CaCO₃ at 870°C in a CO₂ atmosphere with a partial water vapor pressure of 5 mm Hg. Chemical and physical analyses indicate that at a constant CO₃^2?/OH^? ratio in the hydroxyl sublattice, carbonate substitutes for phosphate on a 1:1 mole basis. For every three PO₄^3? ions substituted, two vacancies in the Ca²⁺ sublattice and one in the OH^? sublattice are created. The same substitution mechanism seems to apply in pure B-type carbonate apatite.     

Simulation of the kinetics of adenosine 5′-triphosphate hydrolysis catalyzed by the Cu2+ ion: The role of conformation and the catalytic effect of the OH− ion

The hydrolysis kinetics of the dimeric complex (CuATP^2? · OH₂)₂ {D} up to ≈40% ATP conversion at 25°C, pH 5.7–7.8, and [Cu · ATP]₀ = (2.07 ± 0.03) × 10^?3 mol/l is analyzed by numerical simulation. CuADP^? + P_i (P_i is an inorganic phosphate) form from DOH^?, and the latter forms rapidly from D. The abstraction of H⁺ from the coordinated H₂O molecule is an irreversible reaction involving an OH^? ion from the medium. The maximum possible DOH^? concentration at a given pH is reached at the initial stage of hydrolysis (0.3–6.0 min after the initiation of hydrolysis). CuADP^? + P_i form from D via two consecutive irreversible steps. The ADP buildup rate in the process is determined by the reversible conformational transformation of DOH^? resulting in a pentacovalent intermediate (IntK). OH^? ions from the medium are involved both in IntK formation and in the reverse reaction and are a hydrolysis inhibitor. AMP forms from the intermediate IntK₃, which forms reversibly from DOH^?, OH^? ions from the medium being involved in the forward and reverse reactions. This is followed by irreversible (AMPH)^? formation involving H₃O⁺ ions from the medium. The rate and equilibrium constants are determined for the formation and decomposition of hydrolysis intermediates. The concentrations of the intermediates are plotted versus time for various pH values. The structures of the intermediates are suggested. The causes of a peak appearing in the initial ADP formation rate versus pH curve are analyzed.     

Thermal decomposition of magnesian kutnahorite

This work investigates the thermal decomposition of magnesian kutnahorite, which belongs to the dolomite group.The DTA curve measured in static air using a small amount of sample (5.0 mg) is quite different from those published previously. This difference might be due to the effect of a self-generated CO₂ atmosphere.In a CO₂ flow of 100 ml min^?1, magnesian kutnahorite decomposes in four steps. Mg-kutnahorite → CaCO₃ + Mg₂MnO₄ + Mn₃O₄ + MgO → CaCO₃ + CaMnO₃ + MgO → CaCO₃ + CaMnO₃ + Ca₂MnO₄ + MgO → CaMnO₃ + Ca₂MnO₄ + MgO + CaO.However, in a mixed gas flow of CO₂ at 95 ml min^?1 and CO at 5 ml min^?1, it decomposes, like dolomite, in two steps. Mg-kutnahorite → CaCO₃ + (Mg,Mn)$\text{O}\text{-}$ → (Ca, Mn)O + (Mg,Mn)$\text{O}\text{-}$.It has been found that the equilibrium redistribution of Mn between (Ca, Mn)$\text{O}\text{-}$ and (Mg, Mn)$\text{O}\text{-}$ is achieved at the second decomposition step. This is supported by theoretical considerations.Consequently, when the O₂ partial pressure in the atmosphere is low enough to keep Mn in a bivalent state, the Mn bearing dolomite group mineral decomposes in a similar manner to dolomite itself.     

Experiments and Calculations on Photoionization and Dissociative Photoionization of CH2CO

The dissociative photoionization of molecular‐beam cooled CH₂CO in a region of ?10–20 eV was investigated with photoionization mass spectrometry using a synchrotron radiation as the light source. Photoionization efficiency curves of CH₂CO⁺ and of observed fragment ions CH₂⁺, CHCO⁺, HCO⁺, C₂O⁺, CO⁺, and C₂H₂⁺ were measured to determine their appearance energies. Relative branching ratios as a function of photon energy were determined. Energies for formation of these observed fragment ions and their neutral counterparts upon ionization of CH₂CO are computed with the Gaussian‐3 method. Dissociative photoionization channels associated with six observed fragment ions are proposed based on comparison of determined appearance energies and predicted energies. The principal dissociative processes are direct breaking of C=C and C‐H bonds to form CH₂⁺ + CO and CHCO⁺ + H, respectively; at greater energies, dissociation involving H migration takes place.     

A Cobalt(I) Pincer Complex with an η2‐Caryl−H Agostic Bond: Facile C−H Bond Cleavage through Deprotonation,Radical Abstraction,and Oxidative Addition

The synthesis and reactivity of a Co^I pincer complex [Co(?³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ featuring an η²‐ C_aryl?H agostic bond is described. This complex was obtained by protonation of the Co^I complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]. The Co^III hydride complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)₂(H)]⁺ was obtained upon protonation of [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)₂]. Three ways to cleave the agostic C?H bond are presented. First, owing to the acidity of the agostic proton, treatment with pyridine results in facile deprotonation (C?H bond cleavage) and reformation of [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]. Second, C?H bond cleavage is achieved upon exposure of [Co(?³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ to oxygen or TEMPO to yield the paramagnetic Co^II PCP complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺. Finally, replacement of one CO ligand in [Co(?³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ by CNtBu promotes the rapid oxidative addition of the agostic η²‐C_aryl?H bond to give two isomeric hydride complexes of the type [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)(CO)(H)]⁺.     

The [CH5NO]+ ˙ potential energy surface: Distonic ions,lon-dipole complexes and hydrogen-bridged radical cations

By combining results from a variety of mass spectrometric techniques (metastable ion, collisional activation, collision-induced dissociative ionization, neutralization-reionization spectrometry, ²H, ¹³C and ¹⁸O isotopic labelling and appearance energy measurements) and high-level ab initio molecular orbital calculations, the potential energy surface of the [CH₅NO]^{+ ˙} system has been explored. The calculations show that at least nine stable isomers exist. These include the conventional species [CH₃ONH₂]^{+ ˙} and [HO? CH₂? NH₂]^{+ ˙}, the distonic ions [O? CH₂? NH₃]^{+ ˙}, [O? NH₂? CH₃]^{+ ˙}, [CH₂? O(H)? NH₂]^{+ ˙}, [HO? NH₂? CH₂]^{+ ˙}, and the ion-dipole complex CH₂?NH₂⁺ …? OH˙. Surprisingly the distonic ion [CH₂? O? NH₃]^{+ ˙} was found not to be a stable species but to dissociate spontaneously to CH₂?O + NH₃^{+ ˙}. The most stable isomer is the hydrogen-bridged radical cation [H? C?O …? H …? NH₃]^{+ ˙} which is best viewed as an immonium cation interacting with the formyl dipole. The related species [CH₂?O …? H …? NH₂]^{+ ˙}, in which an ammonium radical cation interacts with the formaldehyde dipole is also a very stable ion. It is generated by loss of CO from ionized methyl carbamate, H₂N? C(?O)? OCH₃ and the proposed mechanism involves a 1,4-H shift followed by intramolecular ‘dictation’ and CO extrusion. The [CH₂?O …? H …? NH₂]^{+ ˙} product ions fragment exothermically, but via a barrier, to NH₄^{+ ˙} HCO^…? and to H₃N? C(H)?O^{+ ˙} H˙. Metastable ions [CH₃ONH₂]^+…? dissociate, via a large barrier, to CH₂?O + NH₃⁺ + and to [CH₂NH₂]⁺ + OH˙ but not to CH₂?O^{+ ˙} + NH₃. The former reaction proceeds via a 1,3-H shift after which dissociation takes place immediately. Loss of OH˙ proceeds formally via a 1,2-CH₃ shift to produce excited [O? NH₂? CH₃]^{+ ˙}, which rearranges to excited [HO? NH₂? CH₂]^{+ ˙} via a 1,3-H shift after which dissociation follows.     

Inorganic reactions of iodine(III) in acidic solutions and free energy of iodous acid formation

An analysis of the former works devoted to the reactions of I(III) in acidic nonbuffered solutions gives new thermodynamic and kinetic information. At low iodide concentrations, the rate law of the reaction IO + I^? + 2H⁺ ? IO₂H + IOH is k_+B [IO][I^?][H⁺]² – k_?B [IO₂H][IOH] with k_+B = 4.5 × 10³ M^?3s^?1 and k_?B = 240 M^?1s^?1 at 25°C and zero ionic strength. The rate law of the reaction IO₂H + I^? + H⁺ ? 2IOH is k_+C [IO₂H][I^?][H⁺] – k_?C [IOH]² with k_+C = 1.9 × 10¹⁰ M^?2s^?1 and k_?C = 25 M^?1s^?1. These values lead to a Gibbs free energy of IO₂H formation of ?95 kJ mol^?1. The pK_a of iodous acid should be about 6, leading to a Gibbs free energy of IO formation of about ?61 kJ mol^?1. Estimations of the four rate constants at 50°C give, respectively, 1.2 × 10⁴ M^?3s^?1, 590 M^?1s^?1, 2 × 10⁹ M^?2s^?1, and 20 M^?1 s^?1. Mechanisms of these reactions involving the protonation IO₂H + H⁺ ? IO₂H and an explanation of the decrease of the last two rate constants when the temperature increases, are proposed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 647–652, 2008     

Reversible and Selective CO2 to HCO2− Electrocatalysis near the Thermodynamic Potential

Reversible catalysis is a hallmark of energy‐efficient chemical transformations, but can only be achieved if the changes in free energy of intermediate steps are minimized and the catalytic cycle is devoid of high transition‐state barriers. Using these criteria, we demonstrate reversible CO₂/HCO₂^? conversion catalyzed by [Pt(depe)₂]²⁺ (depe=1,2‐bis(diethylphosphino)ethane). Direct measurement of the free energies associated with each catalytic step correctly predicts a slight bias towards CO₂ reduction. We demonstrate how the experimentally measured free energy of each step directly contributes to the <50 mV overpotential. We also find that for CO₂ reduction, H₂ evolution is negligible and the Faradaic efficiency for HCO₂^? production is nearly quantitative. A free‐energy analysis reveals H₂ evolution is endergonic, providing a thermodynamic basis for highly selective CO₂ reduction.     

Applying the polarization model to selected ionic substances

The polarization model is applied to Li⁺ and F^? in their interactions with water and with themselves. The model is also applied to NH₃ and NH₄⁺ in their interactions with water. Results on applying the polarization model to PO₄^3?, HPO₄^2?, H²PO₄^? and H₃PO₄ in their interactions with water are reported. Finally, results on CO₃^2?, HCO₃^?, H₂CO₃ and CO₂ are reported.     

Carbanion rearrangements. Collison induced dissociations of deprotonated alkyl acetoacetates

Deprotonation of methyl acetoacetate yields two enolate ions MeCOC?HCO₂Me (a) and C?H₂COCH₂CO₂Me (b). On collisional activation, ions a and b fragment differently. The major fragmentation of a is specific loss of MeOH through a four-centred transition state to form ^?O(Me)C?C?C?O. In contrast, ion b eliminates CH₂CO to give ^?CH₂CO₂Me. Some rearrangement of b to a is also noted. Rearrangement of a to b is very minor under single collision conditions but at high collision gas pressure rearrangement of a to b is strongly promoted. Similar effects are observed in the collisional activation spectra of MeCOC?(Me)CO₂Me (c) and ^?CH₂COC(Me)CO₂Me (d). The loss of MeOH from (c) proceeds via a six membered transition state to ^?CH₂? CO? C(Me)?C?O; this is a stepwise process in which the deprotonation (step two) is not rate determining. A number of other decompositions occur, these have also been studied by deuterium labelling.     

Naked Eye Detection of Carbonate,Hydroxide, and Cyanide Ions with 1,4′‐Diazaflavonium Bromides: A Simple Spectrophotometric Method for Cyanide Determination

Anion sensor properties of N‐alkyl‐substituted 1,4′‐diazaflavonium bromides in methanol–water were evaluated by UV–vis spectrometry. Pronounced changes were observed in the absorption spectra of all compounds for only OH^?, CO₃^2?, and CN^? among F^?, Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, OH^?, CO₃^2?, NO₃^?, PO₄^3?, CN^?, SO₄^2?, HSO₄^?, HCO₃^?, SCN^?, NO₂^?, and P₂O₇^2? ions. Two new absorption bands at 385 and 685 nm accompanying the distinct color change for OH^?, CO₃^2?, and CN^? ions were observed in case of all compounds. The color changes were from pink to blue for CO₃^2? and OH^? ions and from pink to purple for CN^? ion. Thanks to the distinct color change, the compounds can be used as selective colorimetric anion sensors. Linear changes of absorbance of N‐heptyl‐substituted compound at 385 nm as a function of the ion concentration were used to determine CN^? ion in water samples. Detection and quantification limits of the proposed method were 0.94 and 2.82 mg/L, respectively.     

A 1,3‐Capped Calix[4] Conjugate Possessing an Amine Moiety as an Anion Receptor: Reversible Anion Sensing Detected by Spectroscopy and Characterization of the Supramolecular Features by Microscopy

A phenylenediamine‐capped conjugate of calix[4]arene ( L_amino ) was synthesized by reducing its precursor, L_imino , with sodium borohydride in methanol. The L_amino sample binds to anions due to the more flexible and bent conformation of the capped aminophenolic binding core, compared to the precursor L_imino . The L_amino sample showed selectivity towards H₂PO₄^? by exhibiting a ratiometric increase in emission by about 11‐fold with a detection limit of (1.2±0.2) μm ((116±20) ppb) over 15 anions studied, including other phosphates, such as P₂O₇^4?, adenosine monophosphate (AMP^2?), adenosine diphosphate (ADP^2?), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP^2?). The L_amino sample shows an increase in the absorbance at λ=315 nm in the presence of H₂PO₄^?, CO₃^2?, HCO₃^?, CH₃CO₂^?, and F^?. The ¹H NMR spectroscopic titration of L_amino with H₂PO₄^?, F^?, and CH₃CO₂^? showed major changes in the phenylene‐capped and salicyl moieties, and thereby, confirming the aminophenolic region as the binding core. However, the binding strength of these anions followed the trend H₂PO₄^?>F^??CH₃CO₂^?>HSO₄^?. The heat changes observed by isothermal titration calorimetry support this trend. The L_amino sample showed reversible sensing towards H₂PO₄^? and F^? in the presence of Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺, respectively. NOESY studies of L_amino , in comparison with its anionic complexes, revealed that major conformational changes occurred in the capping region to facilitate the binding of anion. ESI‐MS and the Job's method revealed 1:1 stoichiometry between L_amino and H₂PO₄^? or F^?. In the SEM micrographs of L_amino , the spherical particles are converted into spherical aggregates and further form large agglomerates and even branched sheets in the presence of anions, depending upon their binding strength.     

Reactions of magnesium formate on supports

Thermal decomposition of supported magnesium formate has been studied by gas chro-matography.The reaction paths of decomposition of supported magnesium formate depend on thenature of the supports.For Mg(HCO_2)_2/HZSM-5,the zeolite behaves as a dehydration catalyst togive CO and H_2O at lower temperatures;when the zeolite is modified by phosphorus,the methanationreaction will be partly restrained.In the case of Mg(HCO_2)_2/AC,strong adsorption of CO_2 leadsto the formation of the shoulder peak of CO_2 at higher temperatures,however,CH_4 disappears aftermodified by phosphorus.For Mg(HCO_2)_2/Al_2O_3,the dehydrogenation of HCO_2~- takes place on thesurface of Al_2O_3.The decomposition of Mg(HCO_2)_2 on SiO_2 in hydrogen yields two peaks of COand only one appears after modified by phosphorus.When Mg(HCO_2)_2 decomposes on MgO,the firstpeak of CO_2 arises from the reaction of surface Mg~(2+) with HCO_2~- from dissociated Mg(HCO_2)_2.     

Carbonic Anhydrase Immobilized on Encapsulated Magnetic Nanoparticles for CO2 Sequestration

Bovine carbonic anhydrase (BCA) was covalently immobilized onto OAPS (octa(aminophenyl)silsesquioxane)‐functionalized Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ nanoparticles by using glutaraldehyde as a spacer. The Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were coated with SiO₂, onto which was grafted OAPS, and the product was characterized using SEM, TEM, XRD, IR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and magnetometer analysis. The enzymatic activities of the free and Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/OAPS‐conjugated BCA (Fe? CA) were investigated by hydrolyzing p‐nitrophenylacetate (p‐NPA), and hydration and sequestration of CO₂ to CaCO₃. The CO₂ conversion efficiency and reusability of the Fe? CA were studied before and after washing the recovered Fe? CA by applying a magnetic field and quantifying the unreacted Ca²⁺ ions by using ion chromatography. After 30 cycles, the Fe? CA displayed strong activity, and the CO₂ capture efficiency was 26‐fold higher than that of the free enzyme. Storage stability studies suggested that Fe? CA retained nearly 82 % of its activity after 30 days. Nucleation of the precipitated CaCO₃ was monitored by using polarized light microscopy, which revealed the formation of two phases, calcite and valerite, at pH 10 upon addition of serine. The magnetic nanobiocatalyst was shown to be an excellent reusable catalyst for the sequestration of CO_2.     

Cation exchange, interlayer spacing, and thermal analysis of Na/Ca-montmorillonite modified with alkaline and alkaline earth metal ions

Na-montmorillonites were exchanged with Li⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, and Ba²⁺, while Ca-montmorillonites were treated with alkaline and alkaline earth ions except for Ra²⁺ and Ca²⁺. Montmorillonites with interlayer cations Li⁺ or Na⁺ have remarkable swelling capacity and keep excellent stability. It is shown that metal ions represent different exchange ability as follows: Cs⁺?>?Rb⁺?>?K⁺?>?Na⁺?>?Li⁺ and Ba²⁺?>?Sr²⁺?>?Ca²⁺?>?Mg²⁺. The cation exchange capacity with single ion exchange capacity illustrates that Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ do not only take part in cation exchange but also produce physical adsorption on the montmorillonite. Although interlayer spacing d ₀₀₁ depends on both radius and hydration radius of interlayer cations, the latter one plays a decisive role in changing d ₀₀₁ value. Three stages of temperature intervals of dehydration are observed from the TG/DSC curves: the release of surface water adsorbed (36?C84?°C), the dehydration of interlayer water and the chemical-adsorption water (47?C189?°C) and dehydration of bound water of interlayer metal cation (108?C268?°C). Data show that the quantity and hydration energy of ions adsorbed on montmorillonite influence the water content in montmorillonite. Mg²⁺-modified Na-montmorillonite which absorbs the most quantity of ions with the highest hydration energy has the maximum water content up to 8.84%.     

Ca2+‐Induced Oxygen Generation by FeO42− at pH 9–10

Although FeO₄^2? (ferrate(IV)) is a very strong oxidant that readily oxidizes water in acidic medium, at pH 9–10 it is relatively stable (<2 % decomposition after 1 h at 298 K). However, FeO₄^2? is readily activated by Ca²⁺ at pH 9–10 to generate O₂. The reaction has the following rate law: d[O₂]/dt=k_Ca[Ca²⁺][FeO₄^2?]². ¹⁸O‐labeling experiments show that both O atoms in O₂ come from FeO₄^2?. These results together with DFT calculations suggest that the function of Ca²⁺ is to facilitate O–O coupling between two FeO₄^2‐ions by bridging them together. Similar activating effects are also observed with Mg²⁺ and Sr²⁺.