Separation of binary gas mixtures by means of sol–gel modified ceramic membranes. Prediction of membrane performance

Ceramic membranes based on an alumina support with two successive layers of alumina of decreasing pore size and a sol–gel top layer, were characterized by gas permeability experiments and used for separating binary H₂ and N₂ gas mixtures. A mathematical model based on mass balance calculations was developed to predict the composition of permeated gas as a function of the different experimental parameters. No gas diffusion assumption is made, and it allows, after a previous characterization of the membrane, to find the optimal conditions for gas separation.     

Separation of water-soluble vitamins on silica modified with L-cysteine–stabilized gold nanoparticles using HPLC

Silica functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and L-cysteine–stabilized gold nanoparticles has been obtained (SiO₂–NH₂–Au–L-cysteine). The influence of pH and the content of acetonitrile in the mobile phase on retention and separation selectivity of eight vitamins has been studied. The chromatographic conditions that enable the separation of C, B3, B12, B5 and B1, B2, B6, B10 mixtures of vitamins have been proposed. It has been found that it is possible to separate a mixture of vitamins C, B3, B12, and B5 in 8 min, and a mixture of vitamins B1, B2, B6, B10 in 12 min on the synthesized sorbent SiO₂–NH₂–Au–L-cysteine in isocratic elution mode.     

Calculation of vaporization enthalpies of a benzene—cyclohexane system

Russian Chemical Bulletin - The molar vaporization enthalpies and vapor—liquid phase equilibria of a benzene—cyclohexane system were calculated for the full concentration range at...     

Extraction of metal–dye ion-association complexes by thin ether-type polyurethane membranes

The extraction and transport of various gold(III) chloride–organic dye ion-association complexes in aqueous solution through thin ether-type polyurethane membranes have been studied. The effects of the presence of salt, acid, different starting and receiving solution compositions, and temperature on the sorption process were investigated. Methylene Blue, Rhodamine B and Brilliant Green, which represent organic dyes from the thiazine, xanthene, and triphenylmethane groups, respectively, were used for this study. Gold(III) chloride and the individual organic dyes were extracted and transported through the membrane only if the solution conditions favored the formation of a neutral species. The ion-association complexes of gold(III) chloride with Methylene Blue and Rhodamine B were extracted and transported by the polymer only when the formation of the complex was more efficient than the individual extraction and transport of each of the species. The extraction of Brilliant Green under all conditions studied was very high, however, no transport occurred. The overall sorption of this dye was found to be independent of the presence of gold regardless of solution composition. High temperature resulted in a very high rate of transport of the gold(III) chloride–organic dye ion-pair.     

Sol–gel synthesis and structure of silica hybrid materials

In this work the research results on the sol–gel synthesis and structure of silica nanocomposites, containing carrageenan and their application as carriers for cell immobilization were described. The samples were prepared at room temperature by replacing different quantity of the inorganic precursor with κ-carrageenan. For studying the structure of the synthesized hybrids the following methods were used: FT-IR, XRD, BET-Analysis, SEM, AFM and Roughness Analysis. The influence of the type of silicon precursors, nature and quantity of organic component on the structure, surface area, design and size of nanostructures was established. The possibility of application of the synthesized biocatalysts in an enzyme degradation process of the toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic substances benzonitrile, fumaronitrile, o-, m-, and p-tolunitriles was investigated at batch experiments. A two-step biodegradation process in a column bioreactor of fumaronitrile was followed. After operation of the system for 8 h at a flow rate 45 mL h^?1 and at 60 °C, the overall conversion was 89%, showing a good stability of the developed process.     

Solvation model for acetic acid in binary mixtures of cyclohexane–1,2-dichloroethane

The partition of acetic acid between aqueous solutions and various binary mixtures of 1,2-dichloroethane and cyclohexane were studied at 30.0 °C. The observed nonlinearities of both monomer partition coefficient and dimerization constant in the organic phase with the mole fraction of 1,2-dichloroethane are interpreted in terms of the preferential solvation of various solvation sites of the involved species. Two polar sites were identified for the monomer each with a solvation preference by 1,2-dichloroethane seven times that by cyclohexane. This preference decreases to about two upon dimerization.     

Functionalization of silica surface using Chan–Lam coupling

The reaction of base-free Chan–Lam coupling was successfully used for functionalization of surface of mesoporous silica gel. Various aromatic, aliphatic, and heterocyclic compounds were immobilized by a copper-catalyzed reaction of corresponding boronic acids with surface amino groups at mild conditions. Obtained functionalized materials were mesoporous although their surface area decreased after immobilization. The reactivity of some surface functional groups was tested in their characteristic reactions.     

Preparation and characterization of inorganic–organic hybrid proton exchange membranes based on phosphorylated PVA and PEG-grafted silica particles

We reported proton-conducting membranes with novel microstructure based on partially phosphorylated poly(vinyl alcohol) (P-PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) grafted silica (PEG-SiO₂) particles. The PEG-SiO₂ particles were synthesized through acid catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation reactions. The membranes were characterized for their mechanical, structural, morphological, and electrical properties by employing tensile test, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), impedance analyzer, respectively. In these membranes, P-PVA acts as the proton source and PEG act as the proton solvent. The PEG-riched phases in the hybrid membrane form continuous ionic conducting pathways and subsequently give high ionic conductivity. The results suggest that the obtained membrane shows good thermal stability, excellent mechanical property and high ionic conductivity, and the low-cost hybrid membrane can be a promising candidate for intermediate temperature fuel cell systems.     

Solubilities of isobutane in methanol + benzene,methanol + cyclohexane and benzene + cyclohexane mixed solvent solutions at 298 K and 40–102 kPa

The solubilities of isobutane at pressures from 40 to 102 kPa and a temperature of 298.15 K are presented for three mixed solvent solutions: methanol + benzene, methanol + cyclohexane, and benzene + cyclohexane.     

Thermal and optical properties of novel polyurea/silica organic–inorganic hybrid materials

Current optical polymeric materials for advanced fiber laser development are susceptible to degradation due to the heat generated in high power usage. A suitable replacement light stripping material was explored to overcome this problem by examining optical and physical properties such as transmission/absorption, refractive index, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability. The synthesis and characterization of two new polyurea/silica ORMOSILs (ORganically MOdified SILicates) suitable for high temperature (up to 300 °C) optical applications are reported herein. A one-pot, room temperature synthesis is based upon commercially available bis-isocyanates and an amino-silane. These materials exhibit the combined traits of both glass and polymer by displaying optical clarity over a wide range of wavelengths stretching from the edge of the UV (250 nm) to well into the NIR (2,000 nm), refractive indices in the visible spectrum (n = 1.50–1.63), thermal conductivities of 0.26 ± 0.09 W/mK (ORMOSIL-A) and 0.27 ± 0.07 W/mK (ORMOSIL-B), and thermal stabilities up to 300 °C. The hybrid materials were found to be easily processed into films but thick casts (>2 mm) were subject to increased rates of cracking and longer curing times. Although this is typical of sol–gel chemistries, the organic constituents of ORMOSILs reduce this effect as compared to purely inorganic sol–gels. The effect of thermal aging on the materials’ properties will also be presented as well as a comparison of these materials and the current state of the art light stripping material.     

Preparation of anticorrosion hybrid silica sol–gel coating using Ce(NO3)3 as catalyst

In this report, hybrid silica sol–gel coating was prepared using Ce(NO₃)₃ (Sol-Ce) as catalyst. Structure, surface morphology and anticorrosion ability of Sol-Ce solution/coating were studied by infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), potentiodynamic scan (PDS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). IR results showed that Ce(NO₃)₃ had a stronger influence on reactivity of alkoxysilane. EDS results revealed that the fraction of Fe in Sol-Ce coating was significantly lower than regular acid-catalyzed hybrid silica sol–gel coating (Sol-Ac) and Sol-Ac with Ce(NO₃)₃-doped coating (Sol-Ac/Ce). The results of PDS and EIS demonstrated that Sol-Ce coating had better anticorrosion ability than Sol-Ac and Sol-Ac/Ce on carbon steel. The enhanced anticorrosion performance of the Sol-Ce coating might result from the following two reasons: (a) Ce(NO₃)₃ as a catalyst could alleviate the negative effects of low pH with using acid catalyst (dissolution of carbon steel) and (b) Ce(NO₃)₃ could impede corrosion of carbon steel as corrosion inhibitor.     

Preparation and properties of a novel waterborne fluorinated polyurethane–acrylate hybrid emulsion

The waterborne fluorinated polyurethane–acrylate hybrid emulsion (WFPUA) was prepared by two steps, including the preparation of the fluorinated alcohol blocked polyurethanes (FBPU) in the mixtures of vinyl monomers and fluorinated monomers and then the free radical polymerization after the pre-emulsification of the said system. The effects of hydrophilic monomer (MDEA) on the surfactivity and the emulsifiability of the FBPU were firstly reported. Then, the particle size (d), zeta potential (ζ), and viscosity (η) of the WFPUA hybrid emulsion were characterized, respectively. At the same time, the surface properties and the mechanical properties of the films were investigated. The results show that the increase of MDEA is good for the emulsifiability and the lower surface tension of the FBPU. This increase improves the stability, the ζ and η, yet decreases the d of the WFPUA emulsion. However, it has disadvantages to the hydrophobic performance of the WFPUA films. When the content of the MDEA in the WFPUA is increased from 4.67 to 14.89 %, the surface free energies are increased from 22.22 to 27.28 mJ m^?2 and the attenuation rate of the contact angle–time curve is increased from 0.3051° to 0.6290°/min. Also, with the increase of MDEA, the tensile strength and the shore hardness of the film are increased, but its elongation at break is decreased. The storage moduli of the film are enhanced remarkably. Meanwhile, the glass transition temperature of the soft segment [T_g(s)] is reduced and that of the hard segment [T_g(h)] is raised.     

Chitosan/N-methylol nylon 6 blend membranes for the pervaporation separation of ethanol–water mixtures

Blend membranes of chitosan and N-methylol nylon 6 were prepared by solution blending. Their pervaporation performances for the separation of ethanol–water mixtures were investigated in terms of acid (H₂SO₄) post-treatment, feed concentration, blend ratio and temperature. The pervaporation performance of the blend membranes was significantly improved by ionizing with H₂SO₄. The blend ratio of chitosan and N-methylol nylon 6 plays a different role at feed solutions of low and high water content. At a feed solution having low water content, an increase in chitosan content caused a decrease in permeability and an increase in separation factor. At a feed solution having high water content, the permeability increases with an increase in chitosan content, while the separation factor shows a maximum value around 60 wt% chitosan. It is proposed that extra permeation channels generated from the phase separation boundary between ionized chitosan and N-methylol nylon 6 account for the abnormal temperature dependence of pervaporation performance of the blend membranes.     

Structural and mechanical characterizations of microporous silica–boron membranes for gas separation

This paper presents structural and mechanical characterizations of microporous silica membranes for gas separation. The membrane separative layer is made of microporous silica–B₂O₃ produced via a sol–gel process. This layer of about 200 nm of thickness is deposited on the internal surface of a tubular asymmetric γ-alumina/α-alumina support. FTIR and Raman analyses indicate the presence of the boron in the silica net and the above methods in conjunction with ¹¹B MAS NMR analyses of the samples indicate that boron is located mainly in the tetrahedral framework position. Such membranes present interesting gas separation properties at temperatures up to 500 °C and transmembrane pressures lower than 8 bar. He permeance values close to 10⁻¹⁰ kmol m⁻² s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹ are obtained, associated with ideal selectivity α(He/CO₂) which can reach 55. Mechanical properties of separative silica-modified layers are measured by nanoindentation and the coefficient of thermal expansion is obtained from pure material.     

Solvation thermodynamics of benzene,nitrobenzene, and aniline in water–acetonitrile mixtures

The enthalpies of dissolution of benzene, nitrobenzene, and aniline in water–acetonitrile mixtures are determined via calorimetry. The concentration dependences of the standard enthalpies of solvation of solutes are calculated. It is found that the concentration dependences of the standard enthalpies of solvation pass through maxima. The height of the observed maxima is shown to depend largely on the nature of the substituent. In the presence of a hydrophilic amino group capable of forming strong hydrogen bonds with water molecules, the value of a maximum falls; in the presence of a nitro group, it rises. The enthalpy parameters of pair interaction between molecules of water and benzene and its derivatives are calculated.     

Preparation of photocurable silica–titania hybrid coatings by an anhydrous sol–gel process

Photocurable silica-titania hybrid coatings were prepared through an anhydrous sol–gel process. Moreover, test samples were prepared by the addition of definite ratios of fluoro acrylate oligomers into the formulations to manage the optical properties of transmitted light. Formulations were applied to corona-treated polycarbonate substrates. Upon adding the inorganic component to the coating material, thermal, mechanical, and other properties, such as hardness, gloss, contact angle, and flame resistance were improved. The photocured hybrid films showed an increase in the refractive index with increasing the titanium tetraisopropoxide content. As expected, a decrease was observed in the refractive index of the coatings with the incorporation of fluoro acrylate resin. The surface morphology of the hybrid films was characterized by ESEM analysis. In addition the chemical composition of the surface of the coatings was identified by ESEM–EDS technique. ESEM studies indicated that inorganic particles were dispersed homogenously throughout the organic matrix.     

Sol–gel synthesis and thermal behavior of bioactive ferrous citrate–silica hybrid materials

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - Imbalance of the iron level in the body causes several diseases. In particular, the low level of iron, during pregnancy, is responsible for the iron...     

Fluid phase topology of ethanol+benzene+cyclohexane at 101.3 kPa

In this article, isobaric vapor–liquid equilibria for the ternary mixture of ethanol?+?benzene?+?cyclohexane was experimentally investigated at atmospheric pressure. Vapor–liquid equilibria data for ethanol?+?benzene?+?cyclohexane at 101.3?kPa were obtained with a Othmer-type ebulliometer. Data were tested and considered thermodynamically consistent. The experimental results showed that this ternary mixture is completely miscible and exhibits three binary homogeneous azeotropes and a ternary minimum azeotrope at the studied conditions. Satisfactory results were obtained for correlation of equilibrium compositions with UNIQUAC activity coefficients model and also for prediction with UNIFAC method. In both cases, low root mean square deviations of vapor mole fraction and temperature were calculated. The capability of ethanol as modified distillation agent at atmospheric condition is discussed in terms of the thermodynamic topological analysis. However, owing to the complex topology of the ternary mixture it leads to a distillation scheme with three columns and difficult operation and thus, ethanol is not recommended as a separating agent for benzene?+?cyclohexane azeotrope.     

Lateral sol–gel cross-linking of polyurethane using the a grafted triethoxysilyl group

3-Triethoxysilylpropyl isocyanate was used to graft a triethoxysilyl group to polyurethane (PU), and the grafted triethoxysilyl groups were used to cross-link PU chains through a sol–gel process. The soft segment melting temperature and enthalpy change were not significantly altered by the sol–gel cross-linking. The sol–gel cross-linked PUs exhibited significantly increased tensile strength and better tensile strain compared to the plain linear PU: the maximum stress and strain increased to 41 MPa and 1,972 %, respectively. Control series containing tetraethyl orthosilicate, a series without cross-linking, was also prepared for comparison with the sol–gel cross-linked PU series. The control series did not exhibit the increased tensile strength shown by the sol–gel cross-linked PU series. The cyclic shape memory tests demonstrated that the shape recovery was as high as 97 %, and both shape recovery and shape retention remained high after the four repeated tests. The sol–gel cross-linked PU series exhibited enhanced low-temperature flexibility compared to the plain linear PU due to the flexible silyl cross-linking group.