Effect of inorganic ions on the photocatalytic degradation of humic acid

The article studies on the effects of six inorganic ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^?, SO ₄ ^2? , H₂PO ₄ ^? , and HCO ₃ ^? ) on titanium dioxide (TiO₂)-based photocatalytic degradation of humic acid (HA). We focus on the effects of the inorganic ions on HA characters, adsorption of HA on TiO₂ and photocatalytic degradation of HA. The results indicate that Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ with HA can form complexes which can decrease the solubility of HA, and then increase the HA adsorbed on TiO₂. However, the complex is more difficult to be degraded than HA. The effects of Cl^? and SO ₄ ^2? are closely related to their influences on HA solubility. The solubility changes of HA to some extent can enhance the adsorption of HA on TiO₂, and promote the photocatalytic degradation. Nevertheless, great solubility decreasing of HA can weaken the photocatalytic degradation. HCO ₃ ^? and H₂PO ₄ ^? can inhibit the photocatalytic degradation process seriously, because HCO ₃ ^? and H₂PO ₄ ^? are the strong scavengers of hydroxyl radicals, and can weaken the adsorption of HA on TiO₂ due to adsorption competition.     

Diffusion and Ion Association in Concentrated Solutions of Aqueous Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium Sulfates

Taylor dispersion is used to measure mutual diffusion coefficients for aqueous Li₂SO₄ solutions at concentrations from 0.09 to 2.62 mol-dm^-3 at 25°C. The Li₂SO₄ results and previously reported diffusion coefficients for aqueous Na₂SO₄ and K₂SO₄ are compared with predictions made by treating the limiting electrolyte diffusion coefficients as reference values and applying corrections for nonideal solution behavior, ionic hydration, and viscosity changes as the concentration is raised. Good agreement is obtained if the M⁺ + SO ₄ ^2- ? MSO ₄ ^- (M = Li, Na, K) association equilibria are included in the analysis. Extents of formation of the MSO ₄ ^- ion pairs are evaluated by fitting Pitzer's mixed electrolyte equations for aqueous M⁺–MSO ₄ ^- –SO ₄ ^2- ions to osmotic coefficient data. Diffusion coefficients for hypothetical solutions of the completely dissociated M₂SO₄ electrolytes are calculated to illustrate the effects of ion association on diffusion. Association of the M⁺ and SO ₄ ^2- ions increases the overall mobility and thermodynamic driving forces for their diffusion.     

The aquation of hexachlorotechnetate(IV)

The photochemical decomposition of (NH₄)₂TcCl₆ in dilute HCl, HClO₄ and H₂SO₄ solutions has been studied. Electrophoresis and spectrophotometry were used to identify TcCl ₆ ^2? , TcCl₅ (H₂O)^?, cationic and uncharged species and TcO ₄ ^? . The yield of each species as a function of the time of uv irradiation was determined. The TcCl ₆ ^2? , yield decreases to zero after 50 h of irradiation. The TcCl₅(H₂O)^?, cationic and uncharged species and TcO ₄ ^? are formed in different proportions in the three acids. After 120 h of irradiation of the HCl solution the principal Tc species was the cationic one (≈70%) followed by the uncharged species (≈24%). In HClO₄ solution the cationic species (≈70%) was followed by TcO ₄ ^? , but in H₂SO₄ solution the uncharged species amounts to ≈90%.     

Adsorption affinity of anions on metal oxyhydroxides

The dependences of anion (phosphate, carbonate, sulfate, chromate, oxalate, tartrate, and citrate) adsorption affinity anions from geometric characteristics, acid-base properties, and complex forming ability are generalized. It is shown that adsorption depends on the nature of both the anions and the ionic medium and adsorbent. It is established that anions are generally grouped into the following series of adsorption affinity reduction: PO ₄ ^3? , CO ₃ ^2? > C₂O ₄ ^2? , C(OH)(CH₂)₂(COO) ₃ ^3? , (CHOH)₂(COO) ₂ ^2? > CrO ₄ ^2? ? SO ₄ ^2? .     

Synthesis,crystal structure,vibrational, optical properties,and a theoretical study of a new Pb(II) complex with bis(1-methylpiperazine-1,4-diium): [C5H14N2]2PbCl6·3H2O

An investigation of the solid-state X-ray structure of the new organic–inorganic compound [C₅H₁₄N₂]₂PbCl₆·3H₂O shows a layered organization of the (PbCl₆)^4– anions, with (R₂NH₂)⁺ groups and water molecules developed in the [001 A. Hu, H.L. Ngo, W. Lin. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 125, 11490 (2003).[Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]] plane at x = (2n?+?1)/4. The crystal structure is stabilized by N???H···Cl, N???H···O, O???H···Cl, O???H···O, and C???H···Cl hydrogen bonds. The powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analyses confirm the phase purity of the crystal sample. The intermolecular contacts are quantified using the Hirshfeld surfaces computational method. The major inter-contacts contributing to the Hirshfeld surfaces are H…Cl, H…H, and O…H. The vibrational modes were identified and assigned by IR and Raman spectroscopies. The optical properties were investigated by UV–visible and photoluminescence spectroscopic studies. The compound was characterized by thermal analysis to determine its thermal behavior with respect to the temperature. Finally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis is reported for analyzing the surface chemistry of [C₅H₁₄N₂]₂PbCl₆·3H₂O.     

LiSO 4 − , RbSO 4 − , CsSO 4 − , and (NH4)SO 4 − ion pairs in aqueous solutions at pressures up to 2000 atm

Electrical conductance data at 25°C for Li₂SO₄, Rb₂SO₄, Cs₂SO₄, and (NH₄)₂SO₄ aqueous solutions are reported at concentrations up to 0.01 eq.-liter^?1 and as a function of pressure up to 2000 atm. The molal dissociation constants are as follows: $$\begin{gathered} LiSO_4^ - : - log K_m = - 1.02 + 1.03 \times 10^4 P \pm 0.019 \Delta \bar V^o = - 5.8 \hfill \\ RbSO_4^ - : - log K_m = - 1.12 + 0.58 \times 10^4 P \pm 0.020 \Delta \bar V^o = - 3.3 \hfill \\ CsSO_4^ - : - log K_m = - 1.08 + 1.10 \times 10^4 P \pm 0.014 \Delta \bar V^o = - 6.2 \hfill \\ \left( {NH4} \right)SO_4^ - : - log K_m = - 1.12 + 0.58 \times 10^4 P \pm 0.020 \Delta \bar V^o = - 3.3 \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ whereP is in atmospheres and \(\Delta \bar V^o \) is in cm³-mole^?1. These values were obtained by using the Davies-Otter-Prue conductance equation and Bjerrum distance parameters. A simultaneous Λ°,K _m search was used to determine the equilibrium constantK _m, a different procedure than used earlier for KSO ₄ ^? , NaSO ₄ ^? , and MgCl⁺. Recalculated values for these salts are as follows: $$\begin{gathered} KSO_4^ - : - log K_m = - 1.03 + 1.04 \times 10^4 P \pm 0.020 \Delta \bar V^o = - 5.9 \hfill \\ NaSO_4^ - : - log K_m = - 1.00 + 1.30 \times 10^4 P \pm 0.019 \Delta \bar V^o = - 7.3 \hfill \\ MgCl^ + : - log K_m = - 0.75 + 0.71 \times 10^4 P \pm 0.028 \Delta \bar V^o = - 4.0 \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$      

Influence of molecular weight and electrolyte concentration on the adsorption of lignosulphonates on polystyrene latex particles and the stability of the dispersion

The adsorption of lignosulphonate on polystyrene latex particles was investigated as a function of SO ₄ ^2? content and molecular weight distribution of the polyelectrolyte chain. The results showed an increase in adsorption with increase of SO ₄ ^2? content. This was attributed to the screening of Coulombic repulsion between adjacent sulphonate groups in the chain which in the presence of sufficient electrolyte may behave as a nonionic polymer adopting a loop-train conformation. The adsorption also increased with increase of the proportion of the high molecular weight fraction, in the sample. Electrophoretic mobility measurements showed a complex behaviour depending on SO ₄ ^2? content and molecular weight of the chain. It is likely that the shift in shear plane as the conformation of the chain changes (as a result of addition of electrolyte or increase in molecular weight) may play a dominant role. Critical flocculation concentration measurements using the electrolytes KCl, Na₂SO₄ and CaCl₂ demonstrated the contribution of “steric repulsion” in determining the stability as well as the specific role of Ca²⁺. Finally, viscosity-volume fraction curves showed the dependence of interaction in a concentrated system on the SO ₄ ^2? content.     

The volume and compressibility change for the formation of the LaSO 4 + ion pair at 25°C

The apparent molal volumes (φ_v) and adiabatic compressibilities [φ_K(S)] of La₂(SO₄)₃ solutions have been determined from density and sound speed data at 25°C. The large positive deviations of φ_v and φ_K(S) of La₂(SO₄)₃ from the limiting law have been attributed to the formation of the ion pair LaSO ₄ ⁺ . The observed values of φ_v and φ_K(S) have been used to estimate the change in the apparent molal volume and adiabatic compressibility for the formation of LaSO ₄ ⁺ from $$\Delta \phi (LaSO_4^ + ) = [\phi (obs.) - \phi (2La^{3 + } ,3SO_4^{2 - } )]/\alpha$$ where ?(2La³⁺, 3SO ₄ ^2? ) is the apparent molal volume or adiabatic compressibility of the free ions, and α is the degree of association. The value of \(\Delta \phi _v^o (LaSO_4^ + ) = \Delta \bar V^o (LaSO_4^ + ) = 22.8 \pm 1cm^3 - mole^{ - 1}\) and \(\Delta \phi _{K(S)}^o (LaSO_4^ + ) = \Delta \bar K_S^o (LaSO_4^ + ) = 85 \pm 20 \times 10^{ - 4} cm^3 - mole^{ - 1} - bar^{ - 1}\) at infinite dilution are in reasonable agreement with the values determined from the high-pressure conductance data of Fisher and Davis. The number of hydrated water molecules (ca. 11) associated with the formation of LaSO ₄ ⁺ determined from the volume and compressibility data are in good agreement.     

Synthesis and structure of antimony complexes [Ph3AmP] 2 + [Sb2I8 · 2DMSO]2−, [Ph3PrP] 2 + [Sb2I8 · C4H8O2]2−, and [(HOCH2CH2)3NH] 4 + [Sb4I16]4−

The reaction of equimolar amounts of triphenylamyl- and triphenylpropylphosphonium iodides and triethanolammonium iodide with antimony iodide in dimethyl sulfoxide, dioxane, or acetone gave complexes [Ph₃AmP] ₂ ⁺ [Sb₂I₈ · 2DMSO]^2?, [Ph₃PrP] ₂ ⁺ [Sb₂I₈ · C₄H₈O₂]^2?, and [(HOCH₂CH₂)₃NH] ₄ ⁺ [Sb₄I₁₆]^4?, the structure of which was established by X-ray diffraction analysis. The cations of all complexes have slightly distorted tetrahedral structure, and the antimony atoms in the anions are hexacoordinated. The crystals of the complexes have intra- and intermolecular contacts, which form the structure.     

Synthesis,structure, and reactivity of uranium(vi) nitrides

Uranium nitride compounds are important molecular analogues of uranium nitride materials such as UN and UN₂ which are effective catalysts in the Haber–Bosch synthesis of ammonia, but the synthesis of molecular nitrides remains a challenge and studies of the reactivity and of the nature of the bonding are poorly developed. Here we report the synthesis of the first nitride bridged uranium complexes containing U(vi) and provide a unique comparison of reactivity and bonding in U(vi)/U(vi), U(vi)/U(v) and U(v)/U(v) systems. Oxidation of the U(v)/U(v) bis-nitride [K₂{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃(μ-N)}₂], 1, with mild oxidants yields the U(v)/U(vi) complexes [K{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃(μ-N)}₂], 2 and [K₂{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃}₂(μ-N)₂(μ-I)], 3 while oxidation with a stronger oxidant (“magic blue”) yields the U(vi)/U(vi) complex [{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃}₂(μ-N)₂(μ-thf)], 4. The three complexes show very different stability and reactivity, with N₂ release observed for complex 4. Complex 2 undergoes hydrogenolysis to yield imido bridged [K₂{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃(μ-NH)}₂], 6 and rare amido bridged U(iv)/U(iv) complexes [{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃}₂(μ-NH₂)₂(μ-thf)], 7 while no hydrogenolysis could be observed for 4. Both complexes 2 and 4 react with H⁺ to yield quantitatively NH₄Cl, but only complex 2 reacts with CO and H₂. Differences in reactivity can be related to significant differences in the U–N bonding. Computational studies show a delocalised bond across the U–N–U for 1 and 2, but an asymmetric bonding scheme is found for the U(vi)/U(vi) complex 4 which shows a U–N σ orbital well localised to U N and π orbitals which partially delocalise to form the U–N single bond with the other uranium.

The first examples of molecular compounds containing the cyclic (U(vi)N)₂ and (U(v)U(vi)N)₂ cores were obtained by oxidation of the (U(v)U(v)N)₂ analogue. Different bonding within these complexes yields different stability and reactivity with CO and H₂.     

Fragmentation of clusters induced by collision with a solid surface: comparison of antimony and bismuth cluster ions

Mass-selected antimony cluster ions Sb _n ⁺ (n = 3-12) and bismuth cluster ions Bi _{ntn} ⁺ (n = 3-8) are allowed to collide with the surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite at energies up to 350 eV. The resulting fragment ions are analysed in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Two main fragmentation channels can be identified. At low impact energies both Sb _n ⁺ and Bi _n ⁺ cluster ions lose neutral tetramer and dimer units upon collision. Above about 150 eV impact energy Sb ₃ ⁺ becomes the predominant fragment ion of all investigated antimony clusters. The enhanced stability of these fragment clusters can be explained in the framework of the polyhedral skeletal electron pair theory. In contrast, Bi _n ⁺ cluster scattering leads to the formation of Bi ₃ ⁺ , Bi ₂ ⁺ and Bi+ with nearly equal abundances, if the collision energy exceeds 75 eV. The integral scattering yield is substantially higher in this case as compared to Sb _n ⁺ clusters.     

AN EFFICIENT AND CONVENIENT PROCEDURE FOR PREPARATION OF MANDELATES CATALYSED BY TiO2/SO2− 4 SOLID SUPERACID

An easy and efficient synthesis of mandelates in excellent yields from mandelic acid with alcohols catalysed by TiO₂/SO^2? ₄ solid superacid.     

Synthesis and structure of antimony iodide complexes: [Ph3MeP] + 2 [SbI5]2−, [Ph3MeP] + 3 [Sb3I12]3−·Me2C=O, [Ph3MeP] + 3 [Sb3I12]3−, and [Ph3MeP] + 3 [Sb2I9]3−

Complexes with antimony-containing anions, [Ph₃MeP] ₊ ² [SbI₅]^2? (I), [Ph₃MeP] ₊ ² [Sb₃I₁₂]^3? (II), [Ph₃MeP] ₊ ³ [Sb₃I₁₂]^3? · Me₂C=O (III), and [Ph₃MeP] ₊ ³ [Sb₂I₉]^3? (IV), were synthesized by reacting triphenylmethylphosphonium iodide with antimony iodide. The central atom in the cations of the complexes has a distorted tetrahedral coordination. In the trinuclear anions of complexes II and III, each of the terminal SbI₃ groups is bound to the central Sb atom through two μ₂- and one μ₃ iodine bridges (SbSbSb angles are 103.0° and 102.2°, respectively). In the binuclear anion of complex IV, antimony atoms are linked with each other via three bridging iodine atoms.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of 4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazoniabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane sulfate tetrahydrate

A hydrated salt of 2.2.2-cryptand and sulfuric acid [H₂(Crypt-222)]²⁺ · SO ₄ ^2? · 4H₂O(I) was prepared and studied by X-ray diffraction. The structure of I (space group C2/c, a = 22.823, b = 9.610, c = 26.150 Å, β = 107.71°, Z = 8) was solved by the direct method and refined by full-matrix least-squares in the anisotropic approximation to R = 0.056 for 4032 independent reflections (CAD4 automated diffractometer, λMoK _α radiation). In the structure of I, the 2.2.2-cryptand dication (with approximate C ₂ symmetry) has a rare exo-exo conformation where two H atoms at two N atoms are directed away from the cavity. The tetrahedral SO ₄ ^2? anion is disordered over two orientations. In two water molecules, the H atoms are disordered, while in the other two water molecules all atoms are disordered. The crystal structure of I has an extensive three-dimensional system of ion-ion (intermolecular) hydrogen bonds in which infinite chains of alternating SO ₄ ^2? anions and 2.2.2-dications can be distinguished.     

The enthalpy of formation of magnesium sulfate ion pairs

The enthalpies of dilution of lithium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium chloride and sulfate solutions in the range 0.1 to 1.0 m have been measured at 30°C with a microcalorimeter. The relative apparent enthalpies φ_L of these solutions have been determined with the aid of an extended form of the Debye-Hückel limiting law $$\phi _L = S_H I^{1/2} [1/(1 + I^{1/2} ) - (\sigma /3)] + {\rm B}{\rm I} + CI^{3/2} $$ whereS _H is the limiting-law slope, σ = 3/I^3/2 × [(1+I^1/2 ? 1/(1+I^1/2 ? 2 ln (2+I^1/2)], andB andC are empirical constants. This equation fits the experimental results to within a standard deviation of 2 cal-mole^?1 for all the salts. The measured φ_L for the MgSO₄ solutions were compared to those calculated using the additivity principle, φ_L(MgCl₂) + φ_L(Na₂SO₄) ? 2φ_L(NaCl), and the extended Debye-Hückel equation. The results of this comparison have been used to calculate the ΔH _A ^o for the formation of MgSO ₄ ⁰ . A value of ΔH _A ^o = 1.15 to 1.36 was obtained, depending upon the φ_L estimates for the free ions Mg²⁺ and SO ₄ ^2? . The results are briefly discussed and compared to the results obtained by other workers.     

β-d-Xylosidase from Selenomonas ruminantium: Thermodynamics of Enzyme-Catalyzed and Noncatalyzed Reactions

β-d-Xylosidase/α-l-arabinofuranosidase from Selenomonas ruminantium is the most active enzyme known for catalyzing hydrolysis of 1,4-β-d-xylooligosaccharides to d-xylose. Temperature dependence for hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl-β-d-xylopyranoside (4NPX), 4-nitrophenyl-α-l-arabinofuranoside (4NPA), and 1,4-β-d-xylobiose (X2) was determined on and off (k _non) the enzyme at pH 5.3, which lies in the pH-independent region for k _cat and k _non. Rate enhancements (k _cat/k _non) for 4NPX, 4NPA, and X2 are 4.3?×?10¹¹, 2.4?×?10⁹, and 3.7?×?10¹², respectively, at 25 °C and increase with decreasing temperature. Relative parameters k _cat ^4NPX/k _cat ^4NPA, k _cat ^4NPX/k _cat ^X2, and (k _cat/K _m)^4NPX/(k _cat/K _m)^X2 increase and (k _cat/K _m)^4NPX/(k _cat/K _m)^4NPA, (1/K _m)^4NPX/(1/K _m)^4NPA, and (1/K _m)^4NPX/(1/K _m)^X2 decrease with increasing temperature.     

On equilibria with participation of gold(I) complexes in sulfite-thiocarbamide media

The constants of protonation and sulfite ligand substitution by thiocarbamide for Au(SO₃) ₂ ^3? complex were determined. Mixed forms Autu(SO₃)^? and probably binuclear complex [Au₂tu₂SO₃] were shown to occur in noticeable concentrations in sulfite-thiocarbamide media in addition to Autu ₂ ⁺ and Au(SO₃) ₂ ^3? complex forms.     

Photocatalytic characteristics of TiO2 supported on SiO2

The photocatalytic decomposition of acetaldehyde was carried out on TiO₂/SiO₂. The presence of a support (SiO₂) in TiO₂/SiO₂ helped to promote the efficiency of the photocatalyst. The silica support enhanced the effective surface area of TiO₂ and adsorption of acetaldehyde on TiO₂/SiO₂. TiO₂/SiO₂ synthesized from Ti(SO₄)₂ showed promoting effect on acetaldehyde decomposition. The XPS results revealed that TiO₂/SiO₂ prepared with Ti(SO₄)₂ generated SO ₄ ^2? sites on the TiO₂ surface. The increased acidity could promote the adsorption of acetaldehyde and photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde. The sulfate ion seemed to generate the bifunctional sites (acid sites and photoactive sites) and promoted the acetaldehyde decomposition on TiO₂/SiO₂.