Preparation of Activated Carbon From Olive Stone Waste: Optimization Study on the Removal of Cu2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, and Zn2+ from Aqueous Solution Using Response Surface Methodology

The removal efficiencies of Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, Fe²⁺, and Zn²⁺ from aqueous solution with olive stone activated carbon (OSAC) were investigated in this paper. Central composite design method was used to optimize the preparation of OSAC by chemical activation using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as chemical agent. The optimum conditions obtained were 715°C activation temperature, 2 hours activation time, and 1.53 impregnation ratio. This resulted in removal of 99.25% Cu²⁺, 94.98% Cd²⁺, 99.08% Ni²⁺, 99.33% Pb²⁺, 99.41% Fe²⁺, and 99.17% Zn²⁺, as well as 73.94% OSAC yield. The surface characteristics of the activated carbon (AC) prepared under optimized condition were examined by pore structure analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, total pore volume, and average pore diameter of the prepared activated carbon were 886.72 m²/g, 0.507 cm³/g, and 4.22 nm, respectively. The equilibrium data of the adsorption was well fitted to the Langmuir and the highest value of adsorption capacity (Q) on the OSAC was found for Fe²⁺ (57.47 mg/g), followed by Pb²⁺ (22.37 mg/g), Cu²⁺ (17.83 mg/g), Zn²⁺ (11.14 mg/g), Ni²⁺ (8.42 mg/g), and Cd²⁺ (7.80 mg/g). The prepared OSAC can be used for efficient removal of metals from contaminated wastewater.     

Cysteine functionalized poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) monolith for heavy metal removal

The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of monoliths composed of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) to which N-methacryloyl-(L)-cysteine methyl ester (MAC) was polymerized for removal of heavy metal ions. Poly(HEMA-MAC) monolith was produced by bulk polymerization. Poly(HEMA-MAC) monolith was characterized by FTIR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The poly(HEMA-MAC) monolith with a swelling ratio of 89%, and containing 69.4 μmol MAC/g were used in the adsorption studies. Adsorption capacity of the monolith for the metal ions, i.e., Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Pb²⁺ were investigated in aqueous media containing different amounts of the ions (10–750 mg/L) and at different pH values (3.0–7.0). The maximum adsorption capacities of the poly(HEMA-MAC) monolith were 68.2 mg/g for Zn²⁺, 129.2 mg/g for Cu²⁺, 245.8 mg/g for Pb²⁺, 270.2 mg/g for Hg²⁺, and 284.0 mg/g for Cd²⁺. pH significantly affected the adsorption capacity of MAC incorporated monolith. The competitive adsorption capacities were 587 μmol/g for Zn²⁺, 1646 μmol/g for Cu²⁺, 687 μmol/g for Pb²⁺, 929 μmol/g for Hg²⁺, and 1993 μmol/g for Cd²⁺. The chelating monolith exhibited the following metal ion affinity sequence on molar basis: Cd²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Hg²⁺ > Pb²⁺ > Zn²⁺. The formation constants of MAC–metal ion complexes have been investigated applying the method of Ruzic. The calculated values of stability constants were 5.28 × 10⁴ L/mol for Cd²⁺, 4.16 × 10⁴ L/mol for Cu²⁺, 2.27 × 10⁴ L/mol for Hg²⁺, 1.98 × 10⁴ L/mol for Pb²⁺, and 1.25 × 10⁴ L/mol for Zn²⁺. Stability constants were increased with increasing binding affinity. The chelating monoliths can be easily regenerated by 0.1 M HNO₃ with higher effectiveness. These features make poly(HEMA-MAC) monolith a potential adsorbent for heavy metal removal.     

Syntheses,structures of N‐(substituted)‐2‐aza‐[3]‐ferrocenophanes and their application as redox sensor for Cu2+ ion

Rigid N‐(substituted)‐2‐aza‐[3]‐ferrocenophanes L1 and L2 were easily synthesized from 1,1 ‐dicarboxyaldehydeferrocene and the corresponding amines. Ligands L1 and L2 were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The coordination abilities of L1 and L2 with metal ions such as Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical shift (ΔE_1/2) of 125 mV was observed in the presence of Cu²⁺ ion, while no significant shift of the Fc/Fc + couple was observed when Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ metal ions were added to the solution of L1 in the mixture of MeOH and H₂O. Moreover, the extent of the anodic shift of redox potentials was approximately equal to that induced by Cu²⁺ alone when a mixture of Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ was added to a solution of L1. Ligand L1 was proved to selectively sense Cu²⁺ in the presence of large, excessive first‐row transition and late‐transition metal cations. The coordination model was proposed from the results of controlled experiments and quantum calculations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Complexation and thermodynamic studies of oxathiadibenzocrown ethers with Cu2+, Pb2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions

A thermodynamic study of the complexation of Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions with 1 and 2 in acetonitrile has been carried out. The study was conducted in the temperature range 283–308 K using a conductometric technique. The observed molar conductivity, Λ, was found to decrease significantly for mole ratios [L]_t/[M]_t less than unity in all cases. A model involving 1:1 stoichiometry has been used to analyze the conductivity data. The stability constant, K, for each 1:1 complex was determined from the conductivity data by using a nonlinear least-squares curve fitting procedure. The results show that compound 1 has no peak selectivity for any of the metal cations, while compound 2 selectively associates with Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺. Complexes of 1 have the following stability order Pb²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Zn²⁺ > Cd²⁺  and Pb²⁺ > Cu²⁺ for the complexes of 2. The ?H° and ?S° values for the complexation process were obtained from the slope and intercept of the Van’t Hoff plots respectively. All ?G° values were negative and were determined from the Gibbs–Helmholtz equation and the significance of these values is discussed.     

Preparation and metal binding behavior of poly(4-vinylbenzyl 2-hydroxyethyl) sulfoxide and sulfone

In order to explore the reuse properties of oxidized chelating resin containing sulfur after adsorption, two kinds of novel chelating resins, poly[4-vinylbenzyl-(2-hydroxyethyl)] sulfoxide (PVBSO) and poly[4-vinylbenzyl-(2-hydroxyethyl)] sulfone (PVBSO₂), were synthesized using poly[4-vinylbenzyl-(2-hydroxyethyl)] sulfide (PVBS) as material. Their structures were confirmed by FTIR and XPS. The adsorption properties and mechanism for metal ions such as Au³⁺, Pt⁴⁺, Pd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Fe³⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Zn²⁺ were investigated. Experimental results showed that PVBSO had good adsorption and selective properties for Au³⁺, Pd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ when the coexisting ion was Pt⁴⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺ or Cd²⁺. In the aqueous system containing Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ or Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺, PVBSO₂ only adsorbed Cu²⁺. The selective coefficients of PVBSO and PVBSO₂ were α_Au/Pt = 4.8, α_Au/Pd = 11.8, α_Pd/Pt = 10.9, α_Cu/Ni = 2.5, α_Cu/Cd = 41.2, α_Cu/Pb = ∞, α_Cu/Ni = 3.0, α_Cu/Cd = ∞, α_Cu/Pb = ∞, respectively.     

A voltammetric sensor for simultaneous determination of lead,cadmium and zinc on an activated carbon fiber rod

A simple, low cost and sensitive voltammetric sensor was developed for the simultaneous detection of Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Zn²⁺ based on a disposable carbon fiber rod (CFR). The important factors to enhance the sensing property were creation of a clean surface by dealing with CFR at a high potential and electrochemical deposition of Bi film to improve the accumulation of heavy metal ions.     

UV-Aufschlu? organischer Wasserinhaltsstoffe bei spurenanalytischen Multielement-Anreicherungen, speziell an Chelat-Ionenaustauschern

Zusammenfassung Der Einfluß organischer Wasserinhaltsstoffe (z. B. Huminsäure, Ligninsulfonsäure, Acetat, Citrat, EDTE) auf analytische Multielement-Anreicherungen (Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Pb²⁺ und Zn²⁺) an einem Chelat-Ionenaustauscher (Cellulose-Hyphan) wird beschrieben. Erwartungsgemäß verursacht der starke Chelatbildner EDTE erhebliche Störungen. Bereits mg/l-Konzentrationen an EDTE senken die analytische Spurenwiederfindung auf 0 (Pb²⁺) bis 50% (Mn²⁺). Durch eine oxidierende UV-Photolyse (Hg-Niederdruck-Strahler, 70 W, 1 h bei 45° C) lassen sich die störenden Wasserinhaltsstoffe (<200 mg/l) einfach und schnell aufschließen. Der UV-Aufschluß wird in seiner Abhängigkeit von Zeit, Oxidationsmittel (H₂O₂) sowie von organischen bzw. anorganischen Matrices (Ethanol bzw. NaCl) untersucht. Er zeichnet sich im Spurenbereich (je 20 g/l Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺) durch gute Reproduzierbarkeit und niedrige Blindwerte (z. B. Fe, Zn<1 g/l) aus. Die Elemente werden mit der Flammen-AAS bestimmt.

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UV-photolysis of dissolved organic matter as sample pretreatment for the analytical multielement-enrichment, especially on chelating ion-exchangers

Summary The influence of water-dissolved organic matter (e.g. humic acid, lignin sulphonic acid, acetate, citrate, EDTE) on the analytical multielement-enrichment (e.g. Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺) on a chelating ion-exchanger (Cellulose-Hyphan) is described. As expected, the strong chelating agent EDTE causes large interferences. Thus, mg/l-concentrations of EDTE lower the analytical recovery rate to values between 0 (Pb²⁺) and 50% (Mn²⁺). In a fast and simple manner, the interfering organic matters in waters (<200 mg/l) can be eliminated by an oxidizing UV-irradiation (Hg-low-pressure lamp, 70 W, 1 h at 45° C). This UV-photolysis is investigated as function of the time, the oxidant (H₂O₂) and organic resp. inorganic matrices (ethanol resp. NaCl). At the trace level (20 g/l Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, each) it shows a good reproducibility and low blank values (e.g. Fe, Zn<1 g/l). The elements are determined by flame-AAS.

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Herrn Prof. Dr. H. Weisz zum 60. Geburtstag gewidmet     

Preparation of guanidinylated carboxymethyl chitosan and its application in the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique for measuring labile trace metals in water

ABSTRACT

Guanidinylated carboxymethyl chitosan (GCMCS) was prepared via the guanidinylation of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS). A device employing the diffusive gradients for thin films (DGT) technique was made using a GCMCS aqueous solution as the binding agent and a cellulose acetate dialysis membrane (CADM) as the diffusion phase to measure labile Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ in water. The percentage uptake (U%) values of labile Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ in a synthetic water sample were almost consistent with the theoretical values at 101.6 ± 2.8%, 104.6 ± 6.1% and 95.9 ± 4.4%, respectively. The optimum pH ranges for the measurement of labile Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were 3.0–7.0, 3.0–7.0 and 4.0–8.0, respectively. The ionic strength mainly affected the diffusion of metal ions in the CADM. The diffusion rates decreased with increasing concentrations of NaNO₃ solutions. The application of GCMCS-DGT in natural water and industrial wastewater showed that dissolved organic carbon (DOC) only affects metal species, and the accurate determination of labile Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ can be achieved when the diffusion coefficients of these metal ions in the diffusion phase have been determined. GCMCS is suitable for DGT application as a chelating agent for metal ions.     

Complexation of metal ions with the novel diazadithia crown ether carrying two anthryl pendants in acetonitrile–tetrahydrofuran

A new crown ether carrying two anthryl groups with nitrogen–sulfur donor atom was designed and synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding macrocyclic compound and 9-chloromethyl anthracene. The influence of metal cations such as Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ on the spectroscopic properties of the ligand was investigated in acetonitrile–tetrahydofuran solution (1/1) by means of absorption and emission spectrometry. Absorption spectra show isosbestic points in the spectrophotometric titration of Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺. The results of spectrophotometric titration experiments disclosed the complexation stoichiometry and complex stability constant of the novel ligand with Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, Cu²⁺and Hg²⁺cations. The presence of excess amounts of Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ cations caused an enhancement of anthryl fluorescence. The ligand showed good sensitivity for Zn²⁺ with respect to other metal cations with linear range and detection limit of 1.4 × 10^?7 to 4.1 × 10^?6 M and 1.0 × 10^?8 M respectively.     

Synthesis and Applications of a New Polysiloxane-Immobilized Macrocyclic Ligand System

Abstract

Insoluble porous solid, macrocyclic 22-membered ring, 1-oxa-6,9,12,15,18-pentaaza-2,22-disilacyclododocosane polysiloxane ligand system has been prepared by the reaction of a macro-silane agent with tetraethylorthosilicate. The macro-silane agent was prepared by the reaction of imino-bis(N-2-aminoethylacetamide) ligand with 3-iodopropyltrimethoxysilane in 1:3 molar ratio. The new prepared polysiloxane system exhibits variable potentials for the extraction of metal ions (Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ag⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Pb²⁺) from aqueous solutions. The ligand system shows high capacity to extract silver, lead, and mercury. Chemisorption of the metal ions by the ligand system at the optimum conditions was found in the order Ag ⁺ > Pb²⁺ > Hg²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Ni²⁺ > Fe³⁺ > Co²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Zn²⁺.     

Synthesis of a Dithiocarbamate Chelate Resin and Its Oxidized form and Their Adsorption Properties for Heavy Metal Ions

A series of macroporous dithiocarbamate chelate resins, III and V, and an oxidized resin, VI, with high adsorption capacity were prepared. The influence of various reaction conditions of amination, dithiocarboxylation, and oxidation were examined. The structure and the conversion of functional groups of resins were confirmed by IR spectra and elemental analysis. The adsorption capacities of Resin II for Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cd²⁺ are 4.40, 2.44, 1.77, and 1.36 mmol/g, respectively. The adsorption capacities of Resins V and VI for Cu²⁺. Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co³⁺, Ag⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Au³⁺ are 4.07–0.51 and 3.81–0.59 meq ion/g, respectively. The adsorption rate and the influence of pH on the adsorption percentage of the resins for metal ions were examined. Noble metal, transitional metal, and heavy metal ions can be quantitatively adsorbed by the resins. The adsorbed Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co³⁺, and Ni²⁺ can be quantitatively eluted with 5N HNO₃, and the presence of large amounts of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Al³⁺ did not interfere.     

Studies on Synthetic Inorganic Ion Exchangers-III Quantitative Separations of Mg2+ -Pb2+, Zn2+ - Pb2+ Cu2+ - Pb2+, Al3+ - Pb2+, Zn2+ - Cd2+, and Mg2+ - Cd2+ on Lead Antimonate Columns

Abstract

A new inorganic ion exchanger, lead antimonate has been synthesized having an Pb:Sb ratio of 1:5 and cation exchange capacity of 1.46 mequiv./g. It is fairly stable in water and dilute solutions of acids, bases and salts. Ion distribution studies on twenty metal ions have been determined on this gel at pH 1,2,3 and 5. The following mixtures have been separated: Mg²⁺ - Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺ - Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺ - Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ - Pb²⁺, Al³⁺ - Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺ - Cd²⁺ and Mg²⁺ - Cd²⁺. Mg²⁺ and Al³⁺ were removed with 0.4 M ammonium nitrate, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ with 0.4 M ammonium nitrate + 0.1M nitric acid (1:1), Pb²⁺ with 0.5M nitric acid and Cd²⁺ with 0.25M nitric acid. A tentative structure of this material is proposed on the basis of chemical analysis, pH titrations, thermogravimetry and IR spectrophotometry.     

A novel method for the simple and simultaneous preconcentration of Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions with aid of diethylenetriamine functionalized SBA-15 nanoporous silica compound

A rapid method for the extraction and monitoring of nanogram level of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions using uniform silanized mesopor (SBA-15) functionalized with diethylenetriamine groups and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) is presented. The preconcentration factor of the method is 100 and detection limit of the technique is 5.5?ng?mL^?1 and 1.4?ng?mL^?1 and 0.1?ng?mL^?1 for Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ respectively. The time and the optimum amount of the sorbent, pH and minimum amount of acid for stripping of ions from functionalized SBA-15 were tested. The maximum capacity the functionalized SBA-15 was found to be 183.0 (±1.9) µg, 156.0 (±1.5) µg and 80.0 (±1.6) µg of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺/mg functionalized SBA-15, respectively.     

Adsorption of metal ions by microwave assisted grafting of cross‐linked chitosan beads. Equilibrium,isotherm, thermodynamic and desorption studies

Chemical modification of chitosan has become increasingly essential due to chitosan versatility that enables the material to be easily modified in a way of increasing its properties in adsorption processes. In this investigation, chitosan solution was cross‐linked with glutaraldehyde the cross‐linked solution was used in producing the beads and thereafter grafted with ethylene acrylic acid. The chemical functionalities of the beads were obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Adsorption of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cr⁶⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions from single component aqueous mixture by grafted cross‐linked chitosan beads (GXXB) was studied as a function of pH, temperature, initial concentration, contact time, agitation speed and ionic strength. Equilibrium data was obtained from the adsorption experiment, the data were applied in isotherm, thermodynamics and kinetic studies. The Langmuir, Temkin and Dubinin‐kaganer‐Radushkevich (DKR) model were successful in describing the isotherm data for the considered metal ions while the Freundlich model was not efficient in describing the experimental data. Pseudo‐second order and intra‐particle model described the kinetic data quite well. Thermodynamic parameters such as Gibb's free energy change (?G^o), enthalpy change (?H^o) and entropy change (?S^o) were calculated and the results showed the adsorption of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cr⁶⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions onto GXXB is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Regeneration of the used adsorbent was effective for the studied metal ions.     

Complexation of metal ions with the novel diazadithia crown ethers carrying two pyrene pendants in acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran

Two crown ethers carrying pyrene side arms with nitrogen-sulfur donor atom were designed and synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding macrocyclic compounds and 1-bromomethyl-pyrene. The influence of metal cations such as Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ on the spectroscopic properties of the ligands was investigated in acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran (1:1) by means of absorption and emission spectrometry. Absorption spectra show isosbestic points in the spectrophotometric titration of Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Pb²⁺ with 16-membered crown ether. Similar results were obtained for Al³⁺, Fe²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ with 14-membered crown ether. The results of spectrophotometric titration experiments disclosed the complexation stoichiometry and complex stability constants of the novel ligands with these cations. According to spectrofluorimetric titration measurements the 14-membered diazadithia crown ether showed sensitivity for Pb²⁺ with linear range and detection limit of 1.3 × 10^?6 to 5.2 × 10^?5 M and 5.2 × 10^?7 M, respectively. The 16-membered diazadithia crown ether showed sensitivity for Ni²⁺ with linear range and detection limit of 1.3 × 10^?7 to 5.2 × 10^?6 M and 4.1 × 10^?8 M, respectively.     

A rapid selective colorimetric and ‘On–Off’ fluorimetric sensor for detecting Cu2+ ions in aqueous media based on a simple bis-schiff-base derivative

A simple colorimetric and fluorimetric ‘On–Off’ sensor L (3,3′-dimethyl -[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diyl)bis(azanylylidene)bis(methanylylidene)bis(naphthalen-2-ol) for Cu²⁺ ions bearing o-tolidine substituents has been designed and synthesised, and exhibits significant fluorimetric and colorimetric response for Cu²⁺ in DMSO/H₂O (8:2, v/v) HEPES buffer (pH 7.2) solution. The detection limit of the sensor towards Cu²⁺ is 7.25 × 10^? 8 M and the association constant K_a of 9.86 × 10⁴ M^? 1 was determined. Furthermore, other anions, including Fe³⁺, Hg²⁺, Ag⁺, Ca²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cr³⁺ and Mg²⁺ have almost no influence on the probe's behaviour. Test strips based on the sensor L were fabricated, which could act as convenient and efficient Cu²⁺ test kits.     

Silver nanoparticle loaded on activated carbon and activated carbon modified with 2-(4-isopropylbenzylideneamino)thiophenol (IPBATP) as new sorbents for trace metal ions enrichment

The efficiencies and performances of silver nanoparticle loaded activated carbon modified with 2-(4-isopropylbenzylideneamino)thiophenol (IPBATP-Ag-NP-AC) and activated carbon modified with IPBATP (IPBATP-AC), as new sorbents, were evaluated for separation and preconcentration of Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions from real environmental samples. The retained metals content was reversibly eluted using 5?mL of CH₃COOH (6.0?mol?L^?1) and/or 10?mL of 4.0?mol?L^?1 HNO₃ for IPBATP-Ag-NP-AC and IPBATP-AC, respectively. The experimental parameters influence the recoveries of metal ions including pH, amounts of ligand and supports, condition of eluents, sample and eluent flow rates of has been investigated. The preconcentration factors were found to be 100 for Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺ and 50 for Pb²⁺ ions using IPBATP-Ag-NP-AC, and 50 for Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺ and 25 for Pb²⁺ ions using IPBATP-AC. The detection limit of both SPE-based sorbents was between 1.6–2.5?ng?mL^?1 for IPBATP-AC and 1.3–2.5?ng?mL^?1 for IPBATP-Ag-NP-AC. The proposed methods have been successfully applied for the extraction and determination of the understudy metal ions content in some real samples with extraction efficiencies higher than 90% and relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 2.4%.     

A dual chemosensor for Cu2+ and Fe3+ based on π-extend tetrathiafulvalene derivative

A new dual chemosensor (TTF-PBA) for Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ in different signal pathways was designed and synthesized. The absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum and cyclic voltammograms changed in the presence of Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺. The optical color changed within 5 s from yellow to orange upon the addition of Cu²⁺, and it changed to dark yellow when Fe³⁺ existed. The cyclic voltammogram of Cu²⁺/TTF-PBA changed from E_ox = 0.50 V, E_red = 0.32 V to E_ox = 0.64 V, E_red = 0.80 V (vs Ag/AgCl) upon the addition of 2.0 equiv. Cu²⁺. As for Fe³⁺/TTF-PBA, its oxidation wave disappeared, and its reduction wave appeared at E_red = ?0.59 V (vs Ag/AgCl) upon the addition of 4.0 equv. Fe³⁺. The sensor displayed high selectivity for Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ over other ions including Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Ag⁺, Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Al³⁺, Co²⁺, Pd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Fe^2+, Cd²⁺, Ce³⁺, Bi³⁺ and Au³⁺, the detection limits for Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ion reached as low as 5.33 × 10^?7 mol/L and 5.34 × 10^?7 mol/L, respectively. Furthermore, when Fe³⁺ existed, Cu²⁺ can be detected sequentially by the sensor through the absorption spectrum and the color change observed by naked-eyes.     

Simultaneous Detection of Heavy Metals by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry Using Carbon Nanotube Thread

Carbon nanotube (CNT) threads are a type of CNT arrays that consist of super long CNTs. CNT threads inherit the advantages of CNTs, while avoiding the potential toxicity caused by individual CNTs. Electrodes based on CNT threads were fabricated and used for simultaneous detection of trace levels of Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺ Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). The detection limits are 0.27 nM, 1.5 nM, 1.9 nM and 1.4 nM for Cu^2+, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺, respectively, in 0.1 M acetate buffer pH 4.5. The CNT thread electrode gives well‐defined, reproducible and sharp stripping signals for individual and simultaneous detection of heavy metals.     

Synthesis and metal ion complexation of acyclic Schiff base podands with lipophilic amide and ester end groups

A series of acyclic Schiff base podands 14?C19 with lipophilic amide and ester end groups were synthesized in good yield and in a simple way. Their transition metal ions complexation was studied using conductometric method in acetonitrile (AN) at 25 °C. Schiff base podands 14?C16 showed a continuous decrease in the molar conductances in their complexation with Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ which begins to level off at a mole ratio of 1:1 crown-to-metal indicating the formation of a stable 1:1 complexes. The order of the stability constants of the metal ions studied with the Schiff base podands 14, 15 and 16 is: Hg²⁺ > Pb²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Zn²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Ag⁺. Metal ion complexation by acyclic diamide or diester podands involves presumably the oxygen atoms of the carbonyl groups in addition to the nitrogen atoms of the imino groups.