Evaluating perturbation contributions in SAFT models by comparing to molecular simulation of n-alkanes

SAFT models are generally written as a perturbation series of the Helmholtz energy with reciprocal temperature as the argument. The perturbation coefficients are then functions of density and molecular size. The variation of the perturbation coefficients with molecular size is given primarily by Wertheim's theory [6], [7], [8] and [9], but there may be additional variations as in the PC-SAFT model. In the present work, we compare the characterization of perturbation coefficients inferred from PC-SAFT to those derived from molecular simulations.The molecular simulations are based on Discontinuous Molecular Dynamics (DMD) and second order Thermodynamic Perturbation Theory (TPT). DMD simulation is applied to the repulsive part of the potential model with molecular details like fused hard spheres for the interaction sites and 110° bond angles. The thermodynamic effects of disperse attractions are treated by rigorous application of TPT. The present work re-examines the related work of Elliott and Gray [35] in the low density and critical regions, focusing on n-alkanes with carbon numbers ranging from 3 to 80.We find that SAFT theory overestimates the repulsive contribution (A₀) and underestimates the first order contribution (A₁) of Helmholtz energy relative to simulation. Nevertheless, the correlations are qualitatively reasonable. Significant inconsistencies arise when considering the second order contribution (A₂). For example, the PC-SAFT characterization of A₂ becomes larger than A₁ in the low density, long chain limit, raising concerns about the convergence of the series. Furthermore, fluctuations are underestimated in the critical region and overestimated in the liquid region. In each case, we can suggest improved characterizations. Altogether, these results suggest ways to modify the SAFT formalism to achieve greater consistency between atomistic and coarse-grained models.     

Interaction of BSA with proflavin: A spectroscopic approach

The interaction of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with proflavin was investigated by spectroscopic tools like absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as laser flash photolysis. Absorption spectroscopy proved the formation of ground-state BSA-proflavin complex. Proflavin was found to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA via static quenching. High value of quenching constant suggested that energy transfer occurred from BSA to proflavin. Distance between the fluorophore in the protein and the ligand (proflavin) was evaluated. Binding constant and number of binding site were determined for proflavin-BSA interaction both in phosphate buffer (pH∼6.8) and in sodium dodecylsulphate media. The values of the thermodynamic parameters suggested that the key interacting forces are van der Waal's interaction and hydrogen bonding. Laser flash photolysis study reconfirmed the formation of complex between BSA and proflavin.     

一个参数自洽的超额函数模型

用热力学方法建立了一个新超额函数模型，它有3个模型参数。联立拟合H^E和G^E实验数据表明，对于非级性和弱极性液体混合物，这些参数值具有满意的自洽性。     

Thermochemistry of Binding of Lead(II) and Cadmium(II) by Saccharides in Aqueous Solution

Solution calorimetry was used to determine enthalpies and stability constants for binding of lead(II) or cadmium(II) by galacturonic acid and several monosaccharides in aqueous solution. New values for enthalpies of solution in water are reported for galacturonic acid and maltose monohydrate. The interaction of water solvent with the reactants is the largest factor in the binding process.     

Equilibrium of ion-exchange polymeric membrane with aqueous salt solution and its thermodynamic modeling

A thermodynamic model is proposed to describe distribution of the components between a liquid solution and a swollen membrane undergoing structural transformations. Free energy contributions related to formation of solution-filled micro-cavities in the membrane interior are estimated. Formation of the cavities of different shape is accounted for by using the Helfrich expressions for the bending energy of a curved interface. Three adjustable parameters of the model are related to the hydrophobic polymer matrix of the membrane, while the electrostatic contribution is estimated explicitly. Structural changes in the membrane are described as a transition from spherical to cylindrical cavities. Predominance of cavities having definite shape (spheres, cylinders) results in a specific shift of the Donnan equilibrium, which thus, becomes dependent on the structure of the membrane on the mesoscale. The results of model calculations are compared with the experimental data on the distribution of ions (H⁺, Li⁺, Cs⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) between the aqueous solution and the membrane. Different types of predicted thermodynamic behavior of the membrane in the liquid solution, including the hysteresis of ion-exchange equilibrium curves, are discussed. The model takes into account the effect of micro-inhomogeneties and helps to establish a link between molecular characteristics of the perfluoropolymer membrane and its macroscopic behavior in the liquid solution.     

Discussion of thermodynamic data obtained by adsorption gas chromatography of hydrocarbons on carbograph 4

Summary A new graphitized carbon black, Carbograph 4, with a specific surface area of 240 m² g⁻¹ was studied in terms of enthalpy, entropy and free energy of adsorption, determined by gas chromatographic method on a series of alkanes (C₂−C₆) and on benzene. The changes in the isosteric heat and entropy of adsorption when a non-polar stationary phase (squalane) was added to the adsorbent were also investigated. The data obtained are discussed and compared to those present in the literature for other graphitized carbon blacks. Some examples of separations obtained with Carbograph 4 are reported.     

Potentiometric and Thermodynamic Studies of Some Metal–Cysteine Complexes

A new and simple potentiometric method is developed to determine the stability constants of cysteine complexes with Mn(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Ce(III) metal ions using a modified Bjerrum method. Potentiometric titrations were performed in water and water/dioxane mixtures at five different temperatures. The least and highest stable complexes were those of Cu(II) and Zn(II), respectively. Furthermore, by conducting the experiments at temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 35, and 45 °C, the thermodynamic parameters ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG° for the pertinent complexes were calculated. The results show that the ΔH° values of the complexes are positive except for Zn(II). Negative values of ΔG° are evidence for the spontaneity of the reactions.     

Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: Beyond the McWhirter criterion

In the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technique, the existence of Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium (LTE) is the essential requisite for meaningful application of theoretical Boltzmann–Maxwell and Saha–Eggert expressions that relate fundamental plasma parameters and concentration of analyte species. The most popular criterion reported in the literature dealing with plasma diagnostics, and usually invoked as a proof of the existence of LTE in the plasma, is the McWhirter criterion [R.W.P. McWhirter, in: Eds. R.H. Huddlestone, S.L. Leonard, Plasma Diagnostic Techniques, Academic Press, New York, 1965, pp. 201–264]. However, as pointed out in several papers, this criterion is known to be a necessary but not a sufficient condition to insure LTE. The considerations reported here are meant to briefly review the theoretical analysis underlying the concept of thermodynamic equilibrium and the derivation of the McWhirter criterion, and to critically discuss its application to a transient and non-homogeneous plasma, like that created by a laser pulse on solid targets. Specific examples are given of theoretical expressions involving relaxation times and diffusion coefficients, as well as a discussion of different experimental approaches involving space and time-resolved measurements that could be used to complement a positive result of the calculation of the minimum electron number density required for LTE using the McWhirter formula. It is argued that these approaches will allow a more complete assessment of the existence of LTE and therefore permit a better quantitative result. It is suggested that the mere use of the McWhirter criterion to assess the existence of LTE in laser-induced plasmas should be discontinued.     

野草状纳米氧化锌的制备及标准摩尔生成焓

本文采用反相微乳液法制备了尺寸均匀的野草状ZnO纳米结构. 依据热力学势函数法获得了纳米ZnO与块体ZnO标准摩尔生成焓的关系, 并结合微量热技术求得了所制备产物的标准摩尔生成焓, 为研究其它纳米材料的标准摩尔生成焓提供了一种广泛适用的新方法.