Fixed-bed study for adsorptive removal of furfural by activated carbon

In our previous study [A.K. Sahu, V.C. Srivastava, I.D. Mall, D.H. Latye, Sep. Sci. Technol. 43 (5) (2008) 1239], commercial grade activated carbon (ACC) was used for adsorptive removal of furfural from aqueous solution using batch studies. In the present study, continuous fixed-bed adsorption was carried out in ACC packed bed for the removal of furfural from aqueous solution. The effects of important factors namely bed height (Z = 15–60 cm), influent concentration of furfural (C_o = 50–200 mg/l), the flow rate (Q = 0.02–0.04 l/min) and column diameter (D = 2–4 cm) were studied. Capacity of the bed to adsorb furfural was found to increase with an increase in the value of Z, C_o and D; and with decrease in the value of Q. Adams–Bohart, Bed-Depth Service-Time, Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, Clark and Wolborska models were applied to the experimental data for the prediction of the breakthrough point, and to determine the characteristic parameters of the column. Error analysis showed that the Yoon–Nelson model best described the experimental breakthrough curve, while Wolborska model showed good prediction of breakthrough curve for the relative concentration region up to 0.5.     

A (vapor + liquid) equilibria of the {carbon dioxide + isopropoxyethanol (iC3E1)} and the {carbon dioxide + isobutoxyethanol (iC4E1)} systems

Binary (vapor + liquid) equilibrium data were measured for the {carbon dioxide + isopropoxyethanol (iC₃E₁)} and the {carbon dioxide + isobutoxyethanol (iC₄E₁)} systems at temperatures ranging from (313.15 to 333.15) K. These experiments were performed with a circulating-type apparatus with on-line gas chromatography. The experimental data correlated well with the Peng–Robinson equation of state using the Wong–Sandler mixing rules.     

True detection limits in an experimental linearly heteroscedastic system. Part 1

Using a lab-constructed laser-excited filter fluorimeter deliberately designed to exhibit linearly heteroscedastic, additive Gaussian noise, it has been shown that accurate estimates may be made of the true theoretical Currie decision levels (Y_C and X_C) and true Currie detection limits (Y_D and X_D) for the detection of rhodamine 6 G tetrafluoroborate in ethanol. The obtained experimental values, for 5% probability of false positives and 5% probability of false negatives, were Y_C = 56.1 mV, Y_D = 125. mV, X_C = 0.132 μg/mL and X_D = 0.294 μg/mL. For 5% probability of false positives and 1% probability of false negatives, the obtained detection limits were Y_D = 158. mV and X_D = 0.372 μg/mL. These decision levels and corresponding detection limits were shown to pass the ultimate test: they resulted in observed probabilities of false positives and false negatives that were statistically equivalent to the a priori specified values.     

True detection limits in an experimental linearly heteroscedastic system.: Part 2

Despite much different processing of the experimental fluorescence detection data presented in Part 1, essentially the same estimates were obtained for the true theoretical Currie decision levels (Y_C and X_C) and true Currie detection limits (Y_D and X_D). The obtained experimental values, for 5% probability of false positives and 5% probability of false negatives, were Y_C = 56.0 mV, Y_D = 125. mV, X_C = 0.132 μg/mL and X_D = 0.293 μg/mL. For 5% probability of false positives and 1% probability of false negatives, the obtained detection limits were Y_D = 158. mV and X_D = 0.371 μg/mL. Furthermore, by using bootstrapping methodology on the experimental data for the standards and the analytical blank, it was possible to validate previously published experimental domain expressions for the decision levels (y_C and x_C) and detection limits (y_D and x_D). This was demonstrated by testing the generated decision levels and detection limits for their performance in regard to false positives and false negatives. In every case, the obtained numbers of false negatives and false positives were as specified a priori.     

Volumetric properties and enthalpies of solution of alcohols CkH2k+1OH (k = 1, 2, 6) in 1-methyl-3-alkylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide {[C1CnIm][NTf2] n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10} ionic liquids

We present a study on the effect of the alkyl chain length of the imidazolium ring in 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids, [C₁C_nIm][NTf₂] (n = 2 to 10), on the mixing properties of (ionic liquid + alcohol) mixtures (enthalpy and volume). We have measured small excess molar volumes with highly asymmetric curves as a function of mole fraction composition (S-shape) with more negative values in the alcohol-rich regions. The excess molar volumes increase with the increase of the alkyl-chain length of the imidazolium cation of the ionic liquid. The values of the partial molar excess enthalpy and the enthalpy of mixing are positive and, for the case of methanol, do not vary monotonously with the length of the alkyl side-chain of the cation on the ionic liquid – increasing from n = 2 to 6 and then decreasing from n = 8. This non-monotonous variation is explained by a more favourable interaction of methanol with the cation head group of the ionic liquid for alkyl chains longer than eight carbon atoms. It is also observed that the mixing is less favourable for the smaller alcohols, the enthalpy of mixing decreasing to less positive values as the alkyl chain of the alcohol increases. Based on the data from this work and on the knowledge of the vapour pressure of {[C₁C_nIm][NTf₂] + alcohol} binary mixtures at T = 298 K reported in the literature, the excess Gibbs free energy, excess enthalpy and excess entropy could be then calculated and it was observed that these mixtures behave like the ones constituted by a non-associating and a non-polar component, with its solution behaviour being determined by the enthalpy.     

Thermodynamic properties,detonation characterisation and free radical of N-acetyl-3,3-dinitroazetidine

N-acetyl-3,3-dinitroazetidine (ADNAZ) is an important precursor for synthesizing new multinitroazetidine energetic compounds. Its thermal behaviour was studied under a non-isothermal condition by DSC and TG/DTG methods, the results show that there are one melting process and one endothermic decomposition process. The specific molar heat capacity (C_p,m) of ADNAZ was determined by a continuous C_p mode of micro-calorimeter and theoretical calculation, and the C_p,m of ADNAZ was 240.37 J · K⁻¹ · mol⁻¹ at T = 298.15 K. The detonation velocity (D) and detonation pressure (P) of ADNAZ were estimated using the nitrogen equivalent equation according to the experimental density, the value of D and P are (6685.83 ± 3.12) m · s⁻¹ and (18.36 ± 0.02) GPa, respectively. The free radical signals of ADNAZ were detected by electron spin resonance (ESR) technique, which is used to estimate its sensitivity.     

The power of in situ ESR spectroelectrochemistry in the analysis of a C84 fullerene isomer

It is demonstrated for the C₈₄ fullerene molecule that the in situ ESR spectroelectrochemistry gives a clear insight into the isomeric purity of higher fullerenes and allows the detection of minor impurities whose presence is not found by other spectroscopic techniques. The monoanion of purified D_2d C₈₄:23 fullerene isomer was studied by ESR-spectroelectrochemistry in detail, resulting in a relatively broad ESR line because of the high symmetry of the fullerene cage. The minor impurity in the C₈₄ monoanion ESR spectrum, with a sharp line (ΔB_pp = 0.15 G) and g = 2.0009 which compose the 2% of the signal was identified as monoanion of the C₂ C₈₂:3 isomer. The second impurity in the D_2d C₈₄:23 is attributed to the C_s C₈₄:16 isomer which was neither found by NMR spectroscopy nor by cyclic voltammetry.     

Densities,speeds of sound,and refractive indices of the ternary mixtures (toluene + methyl acetate + butyl acetate) and (toluene + methyl acetate + methyl heptanoate) at 298.15 K

Density, ρ, speed of sound, u, and refractive index, n_D, at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure have been measured over the entire composition range for (toluene + methyl acetate + butyl acetate) and (toluene + methyl acetate + methyl heptanoate) systems. Excess molar volumes, V^E, isentropic compressibility, κ_s, isentropic compressibility deviations, Δκ_s, and changes of refractive index on mixing, Δn_D, for the above systems, have been calculated from experimental data and fitted to Cibulka, Singh et al., and Nagata and Sakura equations, standard deviations from the regression lines are shown. Geometrical solution models, Tsao and Smith, Kholer, Jacob and Fitzner, Rastogi et al. were also applied to predict ternary properties from binary contributions.     

Study on the enthalpy of solution and enthalpy of dilution for the ionic liquid [C3mim][Val] (1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium valine)

A new amino acid ionic liquid (AAIL) [C₃mim][Val] (1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium valine) was prepared by the neutralization method. Using the solution-reaction isoperibol calorimeter, molar solution enthalpies of the ionic liquid [C₃mim][Val] with known amounts of water and with different concentrations in molality were measured at T = 298.15 K. In terms of standard addition method (SAM) and Archer’s method, the standard molar enthalpy of solution for [C₃mim][Val] without water, ${\mathrm{\Delta }}_{\text{s}}{H}_{\text{m}}^{\circ }$ = (−55.7 ± 0.4) kJ · mol⁻¹, was obtained. The hydration enthalpy of the cation [C₃mim]⁺, ΔH₊ ([C₃mim]⁺) = −226 kJ · mol⁻¹, was estimated in terms of Glasser’s theory. Using the RD496-III heat conduction microcalorimeter, the molar enthalpies of dilution, Δ_DH_m(m_i → m_f), of aqueous [C₃mim][Val] with various values of molality were measured. The values of Δ_DH_m(m_i → m_f) were fitted to Pitzer’s ion-interaction model and the values of apparent relative molar enthalpy, ^φL, calculated using Pitzer’s ion-interaction model.     

Measurements of HmE and VmE for (propane + sulphurhexafluoride) in the near critical region

A flow mixing calorimeter followed by a vibrating-tube densimeter has been used to measure excess molar enthalpies H_m^E and excess molar volumesV_m^E of {xC₃H₈ +  (1  − x)SF₆}. Measurements over a range of mole fractionsx have been made at the pressure p =  4.30 MPa at eight temperatures in the rangeT =  314.56 K to 373.91 K, in the liquid region at p =  3.75 MPa andT =  314.56 K, in the two phase region at p =  3.91 MPa andT =  328.18 K, and in the supercritical region at p =  5.0 MPa andT =  373.95 K. The measurements are compared with results from the Patel–Teja equation of state which reproduces the main features of the excess function curves as well as it does for similar measurements on{xCO₂ +  (1  − x)C₂H₆} ,{xCO₂ +  (1  − x)C₂H₄} and{xCO₂ +  (1  − x)SF₆} reported previously.     

Near critical measurements of HmE andVmE for (ethane + sulphur hexafluoride)

A flow mixing calorimeter and a vibrating-tube densimeter have been used to measure excess molar enthalpies H_m^E and excess molar volumes V_m^E of {xC₂H₆ +  (1  − x)SF₆ }. Measurements over a range of mole fractions x have been made at T =  305.65 K and T =  312.15 K and at the pressures (3.76, 4.32, 4.88 and 6.0) MPa. The pressure 3.76 MPa is close to the critical pressure of SF₆, the pressure 4.88 MPa is close to the critical pressure of C₂H₆, and the pressure 4.32 MPa is midway between these values. The measurements are compared with the Patel–Teja equation of state which reproduces the main features of the excess function curves as well as it does for similar measurements on {xCO₂ +  (1  − x)C₂H₆ }, {xCO₂ +  (1  − x)C₂H₄ } and {xCO₂ +  (1  − x)SF₆ }.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibria of ternary and quaternary systems containing n-hexane,toluene, m-xylene,propanol, sulfolane,and water at T = 303.15 K

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium data for ternary and quaternary systems containing n-hexane (C₆H₁₄), toluene (C₇H₈), m-xylene (C₈H₁₀), propanol (C₃H₈O), sulfolane (C₄H₈SO₂), and water (H₂O) were measured at T = 303.15 K. Phase diagrams of {w₁C₄H₈SO₂ + w₂C₇H₈ + (1 − w₁ − w₂)C₆H₁₄}, {w₁C₄H₈SO₂ + w₂C₈H₁₀ + (1 − w₁ − w₂)C₆H₁₄}, {w₁C₄H₈SO₂ + w₂C₃H₈O + w₃C₇H₈ + (1 − w₁ − w₂ − w₃)C₆H₁₄} and also systems containing water: {w₁C₄H₈SO₂ + w₂H₂O + w₃C₇H₈ + (1 − w₁ − w₂ − w₃)C₆H₁₄} and {w₁C₄H₈SO₂ + w₂H₂O + w₃C₈H₁₀ + (1 − w₁ − w₂ − w₃)C₆H₁₄} (w = mass fraction) were obtained at T = 303.15 K. The (liquid + liquid) equilibrium data of the systems were used to obtain interaction parameters in non-random two-liquid (NRTL) and universal quasi-chemical theory (UNIQUAC) activity coefficient models. These parameters can be used to predict equilibrium data of ternary and quaternary systems. The root mean square deviations (RMSDs) using these models were calculated and reported. The partition coefficients and the selectivity factors of solvents for extraction of toluene or m-xylene from n-hexane at T = 303.15 K are calculated and presented. The experimental selectivity factors of sulfolane for the system {w₁C₄H₈SO₂ + w₂C₇H₈ + (1 − w₁ − w₂)C₆H₁₄} at T = 298.15 K and T = 323.15 K were taken from the literature and the influence of temperature on the extraction of toluene was also investigated. The phase diagrams for the ternary and quaternary systems including both the experimental and correlated tie lines are presented. The tie-line data of the studied systems were also correlated using the Hand equation and the correlation parameters are calculated and reported.     

Using ab initio “data” to accurately determine the fourth density virial coefficient of helium

We combine accurate ab initio calculations of the second and third density virial coefficients, B(T) and C(T), of ⁴He with measurements of its (p–ρ–T) behavior to determine the fourth density virial coefficient D(T). The measurements were made with a two-sinker, magnetic-suspension densimeter at pressures up to 38 MPa. The measurements on isotherms from T = 223 K to T = 323 K were previously published; new measurements from T = 323 K to T = 500 K are presented here. On each isotherm, a regression of the virial expansion was constrained to the ab initio values of B(T) and C(T); the regression determined D(T) as well as two apparatus-dependent parameters that compensated for systematic errors in the measurements. The percentage uncertainties of D(T) ranged from 2.6% at T = 223 K to 9.5% at T = 400 K to 24.7% at T = 500 K, where these uncertainties are expanded uncertainties with coverage factor of k = 2 corresponding to a 95% confidence interval. These uncertainties are 1/6th of the uncertainty obtained without the ab initio values of B(T) and C(T). The apparatus-dependent parameters can be used to calibrate the densimeter, and this will reduce the uncertainty of other measurements made with this two-sinker densimeter. The new values of D(T) will find applications in accurate gas metrology, such as a primary pressure standard based on the refractive index of helium.     

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry study of hydrogen–deuterium exchange reactions of volatile hydrides of As,Sb, Bi,Ge and Sn in aqueous media

The H–D exchange processes in MH_n or MD_n hydrides (M = As, Sb, Bi, n = 3; M = Ge, Sn, n = 4) taking place when they are in contact with H₂O or D₂O solution at different pH or pD values (interval of pH = [0,13]) have been investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). MH_n or MD_n compounds were injected into the headspace of reaction vials (4–12 ml) containing 1–2 ml of buffered solution maintained under stirring or shaking conditions. The isotopic composition of the gaseous phase hydrides/deuterides was determined at regular intervals in the range of time 0–15 min. The MH_n or MD_n compounds were synthesized in separate vials and their purity was checked separately before injection into the reaction vials. The mass spectra were deconvoluted in order to estimate the relative abundance of each species formed following the H–D exchange process (AsH_nD_3−n , SbH_nD_3−n, BiH_nD_3−n, n = 0–3; GeH_nD_4−n, SnH_nD_4−n, n = 0–4) and the relative abundance of H and D. In the investigated pH (or pD) interval arsanes and stibanes undergo H–D exchange in alkaline media for pH > 7. No H–D exchange was detected for the other hydrides, where the prevailing process is their decomposition in the aqueous phase. A reaction model, based on the formation of protonated or deprotonated intermediates is proposed for H–D exchange of MH_n or MD_n compounds placed in contact with H₂O or D₂O at different pH or pD values. The H–D exchange in the already formed hydrides can be source of the interference in mechanistic studies on hydride formation performed using labeled reagents; no H–D exchange was detected within the following pH intervals that can be considered free from interference: arsanes pH = [0,7), stibanes pH = [0,7), bismuthanes, germanes and stannanes pH = [0,13].     

Thermodynamic stability and retinol binding property of β-lactoglobulin in the presence of cationic surfactants

In this work the stability parameters of bovine β-lactoglobulin, variant A (BLG-A), with regard to their transition curves induced by dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C₁₂TAB), tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C₁₄TAB) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C₁₆TAB) as cationic surfactants, were determined at 298 K. For each transition curve, the conventional method of analysis which assumes a linear concentration dependence of the pre- and post-transition base lines, gave the most realistic values for ΔG_D(H₂O). The results represent the increase in the denaturating power of surfactants with an increase in hydrocarbon chain length. The value of about 22.27 kJ · mol^?1 was obtained for ΔG_D(H₂O) from transition curves. Subsequently, the retinol binding property of BLG as its functional indicator was investigated in the presence of these surfactants using the spectrofluorimeter titration method. The results represent the substantial enhancement of retinol binding affinity of BLG in the presence of these surfactants.     

Ternary mutual diffusion coefficients of aqueous {l-dopa (1) + β-CD (2)} solutions at T = 298.15 K

Ternary mutual diffusion coefficients (D₁₁, D₂₂, D₁₂ and D₂₁) measured by the Taylor dispersion method are reported for aqueous solutions of {levodopa (l-dopa) + β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)} solutions at T = 298.15 K and concentrations up to 0.007 mol · dm⁻³. Significant effects on the diffusion were observed, suggesting interactions between this carbohydrate and l-dopa. Support for this came from ¹H NMR spectroscopy, which shows that these effects are due to formation of 1:1 (β-CD:l-dopa) complexes.     

Near critical measurements of HmEandVmE for { xCO2 + (1 − x)SF6} and measurements made over the pressure range 2.5 to 10.0 MPa at the temperature T = 301.95 K

A flow mixing calorimeter, followed by a vibrating tube densimeter, has been used to measure excess molar enthalpies H_m^Eand excess molar volumesV_m^E of {xCO₂ +  (1  − x)SF₆}. Measurements over a range of mole fraction x have been made at the temperatures T =  302.15 K and T =  305.65 K at the pressures (3.76, 5.20, 6.20, and 7.38) MPa. The lowest pressure 3.76 MPa is close to thecritical pressure of SF₆ and the highest pressure 7.38 MPa is close to the critical pressure of CO ₂. Measurements atx =  0.5 have been made over the pressure range (2.5 to 10.0) MPa at the temperature 301.95 K. Some of the measurements are very close to the critical locus of the mixture. The measurements are compared with the Patel–Teja equation of state which reproduces the main features of the excess function curves as well as it does for similar measurements on {xCO₂ +  (1  − x)C₂H₆} and{xCO₂ +  (1  − x)C₂H₄} . The equation was used to calculate residual enthalpies and residual volumes for the pure components and for the mixture, and inspection of the way these combine to give excess enthalpies and volumes assisted the interpretation of the pressure scan measurements.     

Ultrasonic velocity for an equimolar mixture of molten AgI and NaCl in the biphasic region

The ultrasonic velocities of a molten stratifying mixture composed of 0.5 AgI and 0.5 NaCl (the composition corresponding to the top of the miscibility gap) were measured along the saturation line for a wide temperature range via the pulse method to establish the characteristics of mixing salts with different chemical bonds. We show that the difference, Δu, between the magnitudes of the sound velocities for the coexisting phases decreases with increasing temperature and becomes zero at 1064 K. This temperature corresponds to the critical phase transition point, T_c. The temperature dependence of the sound velocity difference, Δu, is described by the equation Δu ≈ (T_c − T)^Θ, where Θ = 0.896, which is less than that found for alkali halide melts (Θ = 1.02), in which long-range Coulomb forces between ions prevail. The results are discussed in terms of the peculiarity of the chemical bond in silver iodide.     

Photo-induced degradation of some flavins in aqueous solution

The blue-light induced photo-degradation of FMN, FAD, riboflavin, lumiflavin, and lumichrome in aqueous solution at pH 8 is studied by measurement of absorption coefficient spectral changes due to continuous excitation at 428 nm. The quantum yields of photo-degradation determined are ϕ_D(riboflavin, pH 8) ≈ 7.8 × 10⁻³, ϕ_D(FMN, pH 5.6) ≈ 7.3 × 10⁻³, ϕ_D(FMN, pH 8) ≈ 4.6 × 10⁻³, ϕ_D(FAD, pH 8) ≈ 3.7 × 10⁻⁴, ϕ_D(lumichrome, pH 8) ≈ 1.8 × 10⁻⁴, and ϕ_D(lumiflavin, pH 8) ⩽ 1.1 × 10⁻⁵. In a mass-spectroscopic analysis, the photo-products of FMN dissolved in water (solution pH is 5.6) were identified to be lumichrome and the lumiflavin derivatives dihydroxymethyllumiflavin, formyllumiflavin, and lumiflavin-hydroxy-acetaldehyde. An absorption and emission spectroscopic characterisation of the primary photoproducts of FMN at pH 8 is carried out.     

Diffusion of levodopa in aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid at 25 °C

Ternary mutual diffusion coefficients (D₁₁, D₂₂, D₁₂ and D₂₁) measured by the Taylor dispersion method are reported for aqueous solutions of {levodopa (l-dopa) + HCl} solutions at 25 °C and HCl concentrations up to 0.100 mol · dm⁻³. The coupled diffusion of l-dopa (1) and HCl (2) is significant, as indicated by large negative cross-diffusion coefficients. D₂₁, for example, reaches values that are larger than D₁₁, the main coefficient of l-dopa. Combined Fick and Nernst–Planck equations are used to analyze the proton coupled diffusion of l-dopa and HCl in terms of the binding of H⁺ ions to l-dopa and ion migration in the electric field generated by l-dopa and HCl concentration gradients.