Thermodynamic evaluation of the (LiF + NaF + BeF2 + PuF3) system: An actinide burner fuel

In this work the LiF–BeF₂, NaF–BeF₂, and BeF₂–PuF₃ binary phase diagrams have been thermodynamically assessed. The first two systems have been optimized based on the known experimental data, whereas the last one has been treated ideally. To describe the excess Gibbs parameters of the liquid solution the modified quasi chemical model based on the quadruplet approximation has been used. The results obtained together with the data of the (LiF + PuF₃), (NaF + PuF₃), and (LiF + NaF) systems, which have been assessed in previous studies, were used to extrapolate the (LiF + NaF + BeF₂ + PuF₃) quaternary system. The calculated (LiF + NaF + BeF₂) ternary subsystem has been compared with the experimental results published in literature. The nuclear fuel properties such as the melting behaviour, the vapour pressure, or the solubility of PuF₃ in the matrix of LiF–NaF–BeF₂ have been derived based on our assessment and compared with measurements in literature.     

About the co-product of the OH radical in the reaction of acetyl with O2 below atmospheric pressure

Recent studies have shown that the reaction between acetyl radicals and O₂ at low pressures leads to the direct fast formation of OH radical, but the nature of co-products is controversial. Laser photolysis coupled to TDLAS (10–200 Torr, 298 K) has been employed to directly monitor two possible co-products of this reaction, CO and formaldehyde. Only CH₂O has been detected in yield of 0.29 ± 0.13, but with time constants much slow than the OH formation under these conditions; the observed CH₂O-time profiles are compatible with the known mechanism of peroxyacetyl secondary reactions.     

Mixing and decomposition behavior of {[4bmpy][Tf2N] + [emim][EtSO4]} and {[4bmpy][Tf2N] + [emim][TFES]} ionic liquid mixtures

Mixing ionic liquids (ILs) has been revealed as a useful way to finely tune the properties of IL-based solvents. The scarce available studies on IL mixtures have shown a quasi-ideal behavior of their physical properties. In this work, we have performed a thermophysical characterization of two binary IL mixtures, namely {4-methyl-N-butylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([4bmpy][Tf₂N]) + 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate ([emim][EtSO₄])} and {[4bmpy][Tf₂N] + 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate [emim][TFES]}. Both binary IL mixtures have been recently proposed as promising solvents in the (liquid + liquid) extraction of aromatic hydrocarbons from mixtures with alkanes. Densities, viscosities, refractive indices, thermal stability, and specific heats of the {[4bmpy][Tf₂N] + [emim][EtSO₄]} and {[4bmpy][Tf₂N] + [emim][TFES]} IL mixtures have been measured as a function of both temperature and composition. Dynamic viscosities, refractive indices, and thermal stability of the {[4bmpy][Tf₂N] + [emim][EtSO₄]} mixture have exhibited strong deviations from the ideality, in contrast with the quasi-ideal properties of the {[4bmpy][Tf₂N] + [emim][TFES]} mixture and the behavior of the imidazolium and pyridinium-based IL mixtures studied hitherto. The reliability of predictive methods of the thermophysical properties of the mixtures has also been evaluated.     

Synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles from pyridine adducts of zinc(II) dithiocarbamates

Zn(thqdtc)₂, Zn(thqdtc)₂(py) and Zn(thiqdtc)₂(py) (where thqdtc = 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolinecarbodithioate, thiqdtc = 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolinecarbodithioate and py = pyridine) have been used as single source precursors for the synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles. The formation of ZnS nanoparticles was achieved by thermal decomposition of the complex under heating in presence of triethylenetetraamine. Transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and powder X-ray diffraction studies were carried out to study the structure and morphology of the nanoparticles. The optical properties of the ZnS nanoparticles were studied by UV–visible and fluorescence emission spectral studies. UV–visible absorption spectral studies indicate a blue shift in the absorption maxima due to the quantum size effect. A single crystal X-ray analysis was carried out for a precursor [Zn(thqdtc)₂].     

In vitro evaluation of Radachlorin® sensitizer for photodynamic therapy

This paper reports the evaluation of a new photosensitizer, Radachlorin® in comparison with one of its well known components but used solely, Chlorin e₆. The photodynamic properties and cell uptake and localisation of the two drugs were compared. In vitro studies were conducted on human adenocarcinoma cells (HT29) and lung carcinoma cell line (A549). Both dyes showed an absorption maximum between 640 and 650 nm, but those absorption peaks are enhanced by interactions with serum, with a shifted maximum at 661 and 664 nm, and much higher absorbance. As Radachlorin® is constituted of different products and as photoreactivity is dependent on absorbed light energy, we chose to adapt concentrations so that both drugs had the same absorption at the irradiation wavelength (664 nm) for photoreactivity tests, and express concentrations in optical density at 664 nm. The capacity of the two drugs to generate Reactive Oxygen Species was identical, but on HT29 cells, Radachlorin® reaches its optimal LD50 sooner than Chlorin e₆. Radachlorin® LD50 on HT29 cells was 0.0251 OD_664nm after 2 h and 0.0672 OD_664nm for Chlorin e₆ for a 20 J cm^?2 irradiation. Radachlorin® gave very similar results on A549 cells, LD50 being 0.05 for 5 J irradiation, and 0.026 for 10 and 20 J cm^?2. Pharmacokinetics using fluorescence showed that, even if Radachlorin® quickly crossed HT29 (a human colonic cancer line) cell membrane, cellular distribution evolved from a diffuse cytoplasmic repartition 1 hour after Radachlorin® addition to a delimited localisation into organelles all around the nucleus. Radachlorin® intracellular fluorescence decreased after 4 h, whereas we did not observe a decrease of Chlorin e₆ intracellular fluorescence for times up to 24 h. In both case, a quick decline was observed as soon as the culture medium was replaced with a drug-free one. Radachlorin® appears to be an excellent photosensitizer, with similar phototoxicity to Chlorin e₆ on cell cultures, but with quicker kinetics, which could be an improvement if confirmed on further in vivo studies.     

Thin solid state reference electrodes for use in solid polymer electrolytes

This paper reports two low-profile (~ 10 μm thick) solid state reference electrodes for use in solid polymer electrolytes. The thin, open geometry of the electrodes enables close positioning between the working and counter electrodes. The first electrode uses the palladium hydride (Pd|PdH_x) couple (PHRE), and the second utilises the hydrous iridium oxide (IrO_x·yH₂O|IrO_a·bH₂O) couple (IORE). To our knowledge this is the first use of the latter as a reference electrode. The PHRE had a stable potential of + 70 mV vs RHE with a 4 mV h^− 1 drift and two hour lifetime, whilst the IORE gave a potential of + 847 mV vs RHE with a drift of 0.3 mV h^− 1 and no deterioration after 24 h of use. The use of these reference electrodes in a three-electrode solid state cell and a fuel cell is demonstrated.     

Spirulina platensis – A novel green inhibitor for acid corrosion of mild steel

The inhibition of the corrosion of mild steel in 1 M HCl and 1 M H₂SO₄ by Spirulina platensis has been studied at different temperatures viz., 303 K, 313 K and 323 K by weight loss method, potentiodynamic polarization method, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and SEM analysis. The inhibition efficiency increased with increasing concentration of the inhibitor in both HCl and H₂SO₄ media. The results of weight loss studies correlated well with those of impedance and polarization studies. From the results of weight loss studies at various temperatures, the mode of adsorption is confirmed to be physisorption. Further the adsorption has been found to follow Temkin isotherm. From this isotherm, the free energy of adsorption (ΔG) and entropy (ΔS) are calculated. The study reveals the corrosion inhibition potential of S. platensis in both the acid media, thus bringing to light another facet of this microalga as it has so far been used only to produce antioxidant principles, finding extensive use in medicine especially as neutraceutical.     

Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy studies of phase transformations in the K2WO4 and the MgMoO4 crystals

Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy studies of K₂WO₄ and MgMoO₄ polycrystals were performed in order to obtain information about vibrational and structural changes in these materials as a function of temperature. The stability of the monoclinic phase for both K₂WO₄ and MgMoO₄ samples was assessed and our results indicated that this phase is stable in the 295–723 K and 300–770 K ranges for K₂WO₄ and MgMoO₄, respectively. It was observed that both samples underwent two phase transformations above room temperature. The first phase transformations which occur at about 633 K and 640 K for K₂WO₄ and MgMoO₄, respectively, is most likely connected with weak tilting and/or rotations of WO₄/MoO₄ tetrahedral units that lead to a disorder in the oxygen sublattice. Raman spectroscopy data also indicated that K₂WO₄ and MgMoO₄ exhibited a first-order phase transition at around 723 K and 770 K, respectively, changing from monoclinic to hexagonal symmetry.     

(Solid + liquid) isothermal evaporation phase equilibria in the aqueous ternary system (Li2SO4 + MgSO4 + H2O) at T = 308.15 K

The solubility and the density in the aqueous ternary system (Li₂SO₄ + MgSO₄ + H₂O) at T = 308.15 K were determined by the isothermal evaporation. Our experimental results permitted the construction of the phase diagram and the plot of density against composition. It was found that there is one eutectic point for (Li₂SO₄ · H₂O + MgSO₄ · 7H₂O), two univariant curves, and two crystallization regions corresponding to lithium sulphate monohydrate (Li₂SO₄ · H₂O) and epsomite (MgSO₄ · 7H₂O). The system belongs to a simple co-saturated type, and neither double salts nor solid solution was found. Based on the Pitzer ion-interaction model and its extended HW models of aqueous electrolyte solution, the solubility of the ternary system at T = 308.15 K has been calculated. The predicted solubility agrees well with the experimental values.     

Ab initio crystal structure of nickel(II) hydroxy-terephthalate by synchrotron powder diffraction and magnetic study

The structure of the new hybrid compound [Ni₃(OH)₂(tp)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (tp = C₈H₄O₄²⁻) has been determined ab initio from synchrotron powder diffraction data and refined with the Rietveld method: space group P-1, a = 10.2077(6) Å, b = 8.0135(5) Å, c = 6.3337(4) Å, α = 97.70 (1)°, β = 97.21(1)°, γ = 108.77(1)°, D_x = 2.124 g/cm³, Rp = 0.045, R_B = 0.095 (757 independent reflections). H atoms were placed geometrically and their position optimized by DFT calculation. The repeating structural unit is the chain [Ni(1)O₆]₂Ni(2)O₆, consisting of two edges sharing octahedrons related by the symmetry center and linked via μ3-OH to a vertex of Ni(2) octahedron. The Ni(1) coordination is ensured by two oxygen atoms from two water molecules, two OH and two oxygen atoms from carboxylate groups. The linkage of the chains by the tp anions forms infinite layers parallel to the (010) planes. Interchain hydrogen bonds between the water molecules coordinating the metal ensure the cohesion of the 2D structure. The structural and magnetic properties are compared with that of the 3D fumarate-based compound [Ni₃(OH)₂(fum)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (fum = C₄H₂O₄²⁻).     

Thermal plasma synthesis of nanotitania and its characterization

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles were prepared by the thermal plasma synthesis; which give a highly crystalline product. Their morphological studies are carried out by using techniques like SEM, EDAX, TEM and SEAD. Crystal size was calculated by XRD using Scherrer equation; which is observed at two current amperes; at 80 A size ranges between 25 and 30 nm and at 120 A size ranges between 30 and 42 nm. Composition analysis was done by TEM–EDAX, FTIR and Fast Fourier Transform techniques. The FTIR peaks clearly show that synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles are in anatase phase; this phase is generally preferred because of its high photocatalytic activity, since it has a more negative conduction band edge potential (higher potential energy of photogenerated electrons), high specific area, nontoxic, photochemically stable and relatively in expensive.     

Measurement and modeling of high-pressure (vapour + liquid) equilibria of (CO2 + alcohol) binary systems

An apparatus based on a static-analytic method assembled in this work was utilized to perform high pressure (vapour + liquid) equilibria measurements with uncertainties estimated at <5%. Complementary isothermal (vapour + liquid) equilibria results are reported for the (CO₂ + 1-propanol), (CO₂ + 2-methyl-1-propanol), (CO₂ + 3-methyl-1-butanol), and (CO₂ + 1-pentanol) binary systems at temperatures of (313, 323, and 333) K, and at pressure range of (2 to 12) MPa. For all the (CO₂ + alcohol) systems, it was visually monitored to insure that there was no liquid immiscibility at the temperatures and pressures studied. The experimental results were correlated with the Peng–Robinson equation of state using the quadratic mixing rules of van der Waals with two adjustable parameters. The calculated (vapour + liquid) equilibria compositions were found to be in good agreement with the experimental values with deviations for the mol fractions <0.12 and <0.05 for the liquid and vapour phase, respectively.     

Mono- and bimetallic ethylene polymerization catalysts having an azanickellacyclopentene skeleton

A series of azanickellacyclopentene complexes having iodo, bromo, chloro, or triflate ligand on the Ni center were prepared, and are subjected to studies on ethylene polymerization catalysis. Activity of these mononuclear azanickellacyclopentene complexes was increased in the order, Ni–Cl < Ni–I ≈ Ni–Br < Ni–OTf; this is explained by the performance of (pseudo)halogeno ligand as a leaving group from the nickel center. Methylalminoxane (MAO) and inexpensive AlEt₂Cl can be used as the cocatalyst. Mechanistic consideration suggested the involvement of neutral Ni-alkyl intermediates as proposed in the SHOP type catalytic system. Interestingly, the catalytic activity is significantly increased by incorporating the second metals into the diimino moiety of mononuclear complex. Two factors should be considered to explain this activity enhancement. One is the increased rigidity of the azanickellacyclopentene ligand backbone, and the other is the possibility of the presence of the two active centers in one molecule.     

Silicene,a promising new 2D material

Silicene is emerging as a two-dimensional material with very attractive electronic properties for a wide range of applications; it is a particularly promising material for nano-electronics in silicon-based technology. Over the last decade, the existence and stability of silicene has been the subject of much debate. Theoretical studies were the first to predict a puckered honeycomb structure with electronic properties resembling those of graphene. Though these studies were for free-standing silicene, experimental fabrication of silicene has been achieved so far only through epitaxial growth on crystalline surfaces. Indeed, it was only in 2010 that researchers presented the first experimental evidence of the formation of silicene on Ag(1 1 0) and Ag(1 1 1), which has launched silicene in a similar way to graphene. This very active field has naturally led to the recent growth of silicene on Ir(1 1 1), ZrB₂(0 0 0 1) and Au(1 1 0) substrates. However, the electronic properties of epitaxially grown silicene on metal surfaces are influenced by the strong silicene–metal interactions. This has prompted experimental studies of the growth of multi-layer silicene, though the nature of its “silicene” structure remains questionable. Of course, like graphene, synthesizing free-standing silicene represents the ultimate challenge. A first step towards this has been reported recently through chemical exfoliation from calcium disilicide (CaSi₂). In this review, we discuss the experimental and theoretical studies of silicene performed to date. Special attention is given to different experimental studies of the electronic properties of silicene on metal substrates. New avenues for the growth of silicene on other substrates with different chemical characteristics are presented along with foreseeable applications such as nano-devices and novel batteries.     

The standard state thermodynamic properties for completely ionized hydrochloric acid and ionization of water up to 523 K

In this communication we report calorimetric data for the standard state enthalpies of solution of α-Ba(OH)₂ in high dilution (10^?3 m) hydrochloric acid obtained from integral heats of solution measurements from temperatures of (333.55 to 516.64) K and extrapolated to 298.15 K. From previous studies in this laboratory on BaCl₂(aq) and auxiliary literature data, the standard state thermodynamic functions for completely ionized HCl(aq) can be determined. These new data are in good agreement and confirm our previously reported results on HCl(aq) from ionic additivity. The enthalpy of formation of solid α-Ba(OH)₂ at temperature of 298.15 K of ?939.38 kJ · mol^?1 can also be calculated from the present results. Values of the standard state heat capacity change for the ionization of water up to temperature of 523.15 K and at p_sat were calculated from present results using the literature data for NaOH(aq) and NaCl(aq) obtained from high dilution calorimetric measurements.     

Hydrate phase equilibrium for the (hydrogen + tert-butylamine + water) system

The three-phase equilibrium conditions of ternary (hydrogen + tert-butylamine + water) system were first measured under high-pressure in a “full view” sapphire cell. The tert-butylamine–hydrogen binary hydrate phase transition points were obtained through determining the points of intersection of three phases (H–L_w–V) to two phases (L_w–V) experimentally. Measurements were made using an isochoric method. Firstly, (tetrahydrofuran + hydrogen) binary hydrate phase equilibrium data were determined with this method and compared with the corresponding experimental data reported in the literatures and the acceptable agreements demonstrated the reliability of the experimental method used in this work. The experimental investigation on (tert-butylamine + hydrogen) binary hydrate phase equilibrium was then carried out within the temperature range of (268.4 to 274.7) K and in the pressure range of (9.54 to 29.95) MPa at (0.0556, 0.0886, 0.0975, and 0.13) mole fraction of tert-butylamine. The three-phase equilibrium curve (H + L_w + V) was found to be dependent on the concentration of tert-butylamine solution. Dissociation experimental results showed that tert-butylamine as a hydrate former shifted hydrate stability region to lower pressure and higher temperature.     

Isopiestic studies on the saturated systems {H2O + BaCl2(sat) + NaCl + NH4Cl} and {H2O + BaCl2(sat) + mannitol(sat) + NaCl + NH4Cl} at the temperature 298.15 K: Comparison with the ideal-like solution model

Isopiestic measurements have been carried out at the temperature 298.15 K for two saturated aqueous solutions: {H₂O + BaCl₂(sat) + NaCl + NH₄Cl} saturated with barium chloride and {H₂O + BaCl₂(sat) + mannitol(sat) + NaCl + NH₄Cl} saturated with barium chloride and mannitol. Taking sodium chloride (aq) as reference solutions, osmotic coefficients of the aqueous solutions were determined. The experimental results are well represented by the ideal-like solution model.     

Quaternary (liquid + liquid) equilibrium data for the extraction of toluene from alkanes using the ionic liquid [EMim][MSO4]

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) studies for the extraction of aromatics from alkanes present in the petroleum fractions are important to develop theoretical/semiempirical (liquid + liquid) equilibrium models, which are used in the design of extraction processes. In this work, the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate, [EMim][MSO₄], was evaluated as potential solvent for the separation of toluene from heptane and cyclohexane. The LLE data for the quaternary system {heptane (1) + cyclohexane (2) + toluene (3) + [EMim][MSO₄] (4)} were experimentally determined at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Moreover, the LLE data for the ternary systems {heptane or cyclohexane (1) + toluene (2) + [EMim][MSO₄] (3)} were also determined. Solute distribution ratios and selectivities were calculated and analysed in order to evaluate the capability of the ionic liquid to accomplish the separation target. A comparison between the solute distribution ratios and selectivities for the quaternary and the ternary systems was also made. Finally, the experimental tie-line data were correlated with the NRTL model.     

Iron (III) nanocomposites for enzyme-less biomimetic cathode: A promising material for use in biofuel cells

In this paper, we discuss the synthesis and electrochemical properties of a new material based on iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDAC); this material can be used as a biomimetic cathode material for the reduction of H₂O₂ in biofuel cells. A metastable phase of iron oxide and iron hydroxide nanoparticles (PDAC–FeOOH/Fe₂O₃-NPs) was synthesized through a single procedure. On the basis of the Stokes–Einstein equation, colloidal particles (diameter: 20 nm) diffused at a considerably slow rate (D = 0.9 × 10^? 11 m s^? 1) as compared to conventional molecular redox systems. The quasi-reversible electrochemical process was attributed to the oxidation and reduction of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ from PDAC–FeOOH/Fe₂O₃-NPs; in a manner similar to redox enzymes, it acted as a pseudo-prosthetic group. Further, PDAC–FeOOH/Fe₂O₃-NPs was observed to have high electrocatalytic activity for H₂O₂ reduction along with a significant overpotential shift, ΔE = 0.68 V from ? 0.29 to 0.39 V, in the presence and absence of PDAC–FeOOH/Fe₂O₃-NPs. The abovementioned iron oxide nanoparticles are very promising as candidates for further research on biomimetic biofuel cells, suggesting two applications: the preparation of modified electrodes for direct use as cathodes and use as a supporting electrolyte together with H₂O₂.     

Na4Mn9O18 as a positive electrode material for an aqueous electrolyte sodium-ion energy storage device

Here we demonstrate Na₄Mn₉O₁₈ as a sodium intercalation positive electrode material for an aqueous electrolyte energy storage device. A simple solid-state synthesis route was used to produce this material, which was then tested electrochemically in a 1 M Na₂SO₄ electrolyte against an activated carbon counter electrode using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling. Optimized Na₄Mn₉O₁₈ was documented as having a specific capacity of 45 mAh/g through a voltage range of 0.5 V, or an equivalent specific capacitance of over 300 F/g. With the proper negative:positive electrode mass ratio, energy storage cells capable of being charged to at least 1.7 V without significant water electrolysis are documented. Cycling data and rate studies indicate promising performance for this unexplored low-cost positive electrode material.