Source identification and long-term monitoring of airborne particulate matter (PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript>/PM<Subscript>10</Subscript>) in an urban region of Korea

Summary For the identification of air pollution sources, about 500 airborne particulate matter (PM_2.5and PM₁₀) samples were collected by using a Gent air sampler and a polycarbonate filter in an urban region in the middle of Korea from 2000 to 2003. The concentrations of 25 elements in the samples were measured by using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Receptor modeling was performed on the air monitoring data by using the positive matrix factorization (PMF2) method. According to this analysis, the existence of 6 to 10PMF factors, such as metal-alloy, oil combustion, diesel exhaust, coal combustion, gasoline exhaust, incinerator, Cu-smelter, biomass burning, sea-salt, and soil dust were identified.     

Analysis of urban dust (PM<Subscript>2</Subscript>/PM<Subscript>10-2</Subscript>) in Daejeon city by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Summary As part of an air pollution monitoring study, airborne particulate matter (PM₂/PM_10-2) samples were collected from 2000 to 2003 at two sampling sites in an urban region, Daejeon, the middle of Korea. Mass concentrations of both fine and coarse fractions and that of the black carbon in the fine particles were measured using the Gent stacked filter unit sampler and the smoke stain reflectometer, respectively. In the collected samples the concentrations of 24 elements were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Monitored data were investigated for their temporal trends under different environmental conditions and their seasonal correlation patterns. Crustal enrichment factors were also estimated to establish the contribution between anthropogenic and crustal origin. Patterns for airborne particle matter (APM) and elemental concentrations, seasonal variation of some marker elements were investigated. The results can be applied for the investigation of further air pollution sources and for the evaluation of air quality.     

Bioaccessibility of selected trace metals in urban PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript> and PM<Subscript>10</Subscript> samples: a model study

Bioaccessibility of trace metals originating from urban particulate matter was assessed in a worst case scenario to evaluate the uptake and thus the hazardous potential of these metals via gastric juice. Sampling was performed over a period of about two months at the Getreidemarkt in downtown Vienna. Concentrations of the assayed trace metals (Ti, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Tl and Pb) were determined in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ samples by ICP-MS. The metal concentrations in sampled air were in the low picogram to high nanogram per cubic metre range. The concentrations in PM_2.5 samples were generally lower than those in PM₁₀ samples. The average daily intake of these metals by inhalation for a healthy adult was estimated to be in the range of <1 ng (Tl) to >1,000 ng (Zn). To estimate the accessibility of the inhaled and subsequently ingested metals (i.e. after lung clearance had taken place) in the size range from 2.5- to 10-μm aerodynamic equivalent diameter, a batch-extraction with synthetic gastric juice was performed. The data were used to calculate the bioaccessibility of the investigated trace metals. Extractable fractions ranged from 2.10% (Ti in PM_2.5) to 91.0% (Cd in PM_2.5), thus yielding bioaccessible fractions (PM_2.5–10) from 0.16 ng (Ag) to 178 ng (Cu).     

[Co(solv)<Subscript>6</Subscript>][B<Subscript>10</Subscript>H<Subscript>10</Subscript>] (solv = DMF and DMSO) for low-temperature synthesis of borides

The synthesis and structure of complexes [Co(solv)₆][B₁₀H₁₀] (solv = DMF and DMSO) have been reported. Both complexes have been prepared in a high yield by the reaction between cobalt(II) salts and closo-decaborates Cat₂[B₁₀H₁₀] in the corresponding solvent. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and X-ray crystallography. The thermal properties of the compounds have been studied in the temperature range 20–600°C under argon. The conditions to form cobalt borides have been determined based on the results of thermal analysis, subsequent annealing of the complexes in various conditions, and analysis of IR spectra of the resulting thermolysis products.     

Synthesis,characterization and photocatalytic properties of cesium tungstate (Cs<Subscript>2</Subscript>W<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>10</Subscript>) nanofibers

In the paper cesium tungstate nanofibers for the first time have been fabricated successfully by a simple electrospinning technique followed by heat treatment. The cesium tungstate nanofibers have been characterized by XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques. The results indicated the morphology and quality of the annealed electrospun samples are strongly dependent on the citric acid content within electrospinning solution. It is found with increasing the citric acid content from 7 to 22% the samples morphology changed from a particle structure to a fibrous structure. The average diameter of nanofibers was ~350 nm. XRD analysis reveals that all of the samples have good crystallinity with the same diffraction peaks that can be indexed to the tetragonal phase of Cs₂W₃O₁₀. Furthermore, the photocatalyst properties of cesium tungstate has not been reported to date. In the work the synthesized Cs₂W₃O₁₀ nanofibers were found to exhibit photocatalytic performance in the photodegradation of RhB aqueous solution used as a pollutant model.     

Nanosized TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> particles decorated on SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> spheres (TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>): synthesis and photocatalytic activities

Nanosized TiO₂ and nano-anatase TiO₂ decorated on SiO₂ spherical core shells were synthesized by using a sol–gel method. The synthesized pure TiO₂ nano particle and TiO₂ grafted on SiO₂ sphere with various ratios have been characterized for their structure and morphologies by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their surface areas were measured using the BET method. The photocatalytic activity of all nanocomposites was investigated using methylene blue as a model pollutant. The synthesized TiO₂/SiO₂ particles appeared to be more efficient in the degradation of methylene blue pollutant, as compared to pure TiO₂ particles.     

Structural investigation of [Au(en)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]Cl(ReO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> and [Au(en)<Subscript>2</Subscript>](ReO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> complexes

Novel complex salts [Au(en)₂]Cl(ReO₄)₂ (I) and [Au(en)₂](ReO₄)₃ (II), en = ethylenediamine, are obtained. Their crystal structures are determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex I crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system: a = 6.2172(7) Å, b = 7.1644(8) Å, c = 8.8829(8) Å, α = 96.605(4)°, β = 110.000(4)°, γ = 97.802(4)°, P-1 space group, Z = 1, d _x = 3.905 g/cm³; complex II crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system: a = 15.244(2) Å, b = 7.6809(8) Å, c = 9.3476(12) Å, β = 127.004(3)°, C2 space group, Z = 4, d _x = 4.057 g/cm³.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and biological properties of the complex [Co(DmgH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(Seu)<Subscript>1.4</Subscript>(Se-Seu)<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>(Se<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>0.1</Subscript>][BF<Subscript>4</Subscript>]

A new Co(III) dioxime complex with selenocarbamide was obtained by the reaction of Co(BF₄)₂ ? 6H₂O, DmgH₂, and Seu (DmgH2 = dimethylglyoxime, Seu = selenocarbamide). According to X-ray diffraction (CIF file CCDC no. 1485732), the product was an ionic coordination compound with unusual composition, [Co(DmgH)₂(Seu)_1.4(Se-Seu)_0.5(Se₂)_0.1][BF₄] (I). Apart from two monodeprotonated DmgH￣ molecules, the central atom coordinates neutral Seu, Se-Seu, and Se₂ molecules. Thus, the crystal contains the complex cations [Co(DmgH)₂(Seu)₂]⁺, [Co(DmgH)₂(Seu)(Se-Seu)]⁺, and [Co(DmgH)₂(Seu)(Se₂)]⁺. Each [BF₄]￣ anion is linked to the cations not only by electrostatic forces but also by intermolecular N–H···F hydrogen bonds (H-bonds). The complex cations are combined by intermolecular N–H···O H-bonds. The new coordination compound was found to possess biological activity. Treatment of the garlic (Allium sativum L.) foliage with an aqueous solution of I optimizes the content of selenium in the leaves and cloves and enhances the growth and plant productivity. The organs of treated plants are characterized by enhanced antioxidant protection owing to increasing activity of antioxidant enzymes and contents of proline and assimilation pigments, and decreasing lipid peroxidation.     

The stability and structure of (N<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>j</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>i</Subscript> and (Ar)<Subscript>j</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>i</Subscript> clusters

The stability and structure of water clusters absorbing nitrogen molecules or argon atoms was analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation at 233 K. The (?μ/?i)_{V, T} derivative of the chemical potential, a value characterizing the stability of a cluster with respect to its size, depends linearly on the number of molecules i. According to this criterion, the clusters under study become stable near i = 40. The average length of H-bonds increases monotonically in the growing cluster of pure water and exhibits oscillatory behavior if the growing cluster contains N₂ molecules or Ar atoms. The number of H-bonds per molecule oscillates between one and six as the cluster size changes. These oscillations are damped in pure water and sustained for clusters containing impurities, especially argon.     

Reaction of the novel Ru<Subscript>3</Subscript>(CO)<Subscript>10</Subscript>[Ph<Subscript>2</Subscript>P(CH<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Si(OEt<Subscript>3</Subscript>)]<Subscript>2</Subscript> complex on SBA-15 and MCM-41 mesoporous silicas

The reaction of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ with 2(diphenylphosphino)ethyl-triethoxysilane (DPTS) in hydrocarbons, leads to the functionalized Ru₃(CO)_12−n [Ph₂P(CH₂)₂Si(OEt₃)] _n (n = 1,2) complexes. The complex with two phosphine substituents was chemically anchored on mesoporous silicas, SBA-15 and MCM-41, in order to obtain two hybrid materials characterized by a different localization of the metal centre on the surface of the porous supports. A detailed investigation of the cluster, before and after chemical anchoring on the mesoporous silicas, was pursued. Particular attention was also devoted to the study of the morphological, structural and textural properties of the metal-functionalised silicas (Ru/SBA-15 and Ru/MCM-41) by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and N₂ physisorption analysis.     

Iron(II) complexes [Fe(DfgH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(3-CONH<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Py)<Subscript>2</Subscript>] and [Fe(DfgH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(4-COOC<Subscript>2</Subscript>H<Subscript>5</Subscript>-Py)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]: Synthesis and structures

The complexes [Fe(DfgH)₂(3-CONH₂-Py)₂] (I) and [Fe(DfgH)₂(4-COOC₂H₅-Py)₂] (II), where DfgH₂ is α-benzyl dioxime, were obtained and examined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The equatorial planes of the coordination octahedra of the metal ions consist of two monodeprotonated α-benzyl dioxime residues united through intramolecular hydrogen bonds O-H…O into a pseudomacrocyclic system. The neutral molecules 3-CONH₂-Py and 4-COOC₂H₅-Py are coordinated to the Fe²⁺ ion through the N atom of the heterocycle. Structure I is layered and structure II is molecular. Intermolecular interactions N-H…O are responsible for the formation of layers in crystal structure I.     

New Hybrid Material: (C<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Subscript>6</Subscript>N<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>10</Subscript>. Synthesis,Structural Study and Spectroscopic Behavior

The structure of (C₃H₆N₃)₄Bi₂Cl₁₀ was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction at room temperature. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pcmn, with a = 9.430 (1) Å, b = 17.426 (3) Å, c = 19.883(5) Å, V = 3267.3 (11) ų and Z = 4. The structure consists of discrete binuclear [Bi₂Cl₁₀]^4– anions and 3-aminopyrazolium cations. The crystal packing is governed by weak N–H···Cl hydrogen bonds, π–π and electrostatic Cl···Cl interactions. Infrared spectrum is used to gain more information on the title compound. An assignment of the observed vibration modes is reported. The crystal morphology is studied using the BFDH laws. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies show that charge transfer occur within organic and inorganic molecules. The optical absorption of the zero-dimensional hybrid was also investigated.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of [Bi(DMSO)<Subscript>8</Subscript>][Fe(NCS)<Subscript>6</Subscript>] and [Al(DMSO)<Subscript>6</Subscript>][Al(NCS)<Subscript>6</Subscript>]

New complexes of composition [Bi(DMSO)₈][Fe(NCS)₆] (1) and [Al(DMSO)₆][Al(NCS)₆] (2) have been prepared, and an octahedral hexarodanoaluminate anion has been structurally characterized for the first time. Crystals of compound 1 are triclinic, space group \(P\bar 1\), a = 11.2368(4) Å, b = 11.4063(4) Å, c = 21.0711(9) Å, α = 92.9520(10)°, β = 99.9430(10)°, γ = 111.9290(10)°, V = 2447.69(16) ų, Z = 2, ρ_calc = 1.680 g/cm³, R ₁ = 0.0564; crystals of compound 2 are cubic, space group \(Pa\bar 3\), a = 15.8201(4) Å, V = 3959.39(17) ų, Z = 4, ρ_calc = 1.462 g/cm³, R ₁ = 0.0475. The bismuth coordination polyhedron BiO₈ in compound 1 is a distorted square antiprism with broken square faces (Bi-O, 2.368-2.582 Å). In the structure of 2, the cation disordered in a complex manner has an octahedral configuration (Al-O, 1.888(11)-1.912(11) Å).     

Synthesis and study of (hexacaprolactam)trionium dodecamolybdophosphate (C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>11</Subscript>NO)<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>3</Subscript>[PMo<Subscript>12</Subscript>O<Subscript>40</Subscript>]

(Hexacaprolactam)trionium dodecamolybdophosphate (C₆H₁₁NO)₆H₃[PMo₁₂O₄₀] has been prepared and studied by means of chemical and X-ray diffraction analysis as well as NMR and IR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis,structure, physicochemical properties,and solid-phase thermolysis of Co<Subscript>2</Subscript>Sm(Piv)<Subscript>7</Subscript>(2,4-Lut)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Heterometallic pivalate Co₂Sm(Piv)₇(2,4-Lut)₂ (1) was prepared for the first time and structurally characterized at 293 and 160 K. Antiferromagnetic exchange interactions are dominant in complex 1. This compound experiences a first-order phase transition within 210–260 K. A set of thermodynamic functions was obtained for this complex (C _p , H _T ⁰ - H ₁₈₀ ⁰ , and S _T ⁰ ), and parameters were determined for solid-phase thermolysis where samarium cobaltate SmCoO₃ is the only product.     

Palladium clusters Pd<Subscript>4</Subscript>(SR)<Subscript>4</Subscript>(OAc)<Subscript>4</Subscript> and Pd<Subscript>6</Subscript>(SR)<Subscript>12</Subscript> (R = Bu,Ph): Structure and properties

The structures of the Pd₄(SBu)₄(OAc)₄ (I) and Pd₆ (SBu)₁₂ (II) palladium clusters are determined by the X-ray diffraction method. For cluster I: a = 8.650(2), b = 12.314(2), c = 17.659(4) Å, α = 78.03(3)°, β = 86.71(2)°, γ = 78.13(3)°, V = 1800.8(7) ų, ρcalcd = 1.878 g/cm³, space group P \(\bar 1\), Z = 4, N = 3403, R = 0.0468; for structure II: a = 10.748(2), b = 12.840(3), c = 15.233(3) Å, α = 65.31(3)°, β = 70.10(3)°, γ = 72.91(3)°, V = 1767.4(6) ų, ρ calcd = 1.605 g/cm³, space group P \(\bar 1\), Z = 1, N = 3498, R = 0.0729. In cluster I, four Pd atoms form a planar cycle. The neighboring Pd atoms are bound by two acetate or two mercaptide bridges (Pd…Pd 2.95–3.23 Å, Pd…Pd angles 87.15°–92.85°). In cluster II, the Pd atoms form a planar six-membered cycle with Pd···Pd distances of 3.09–3.14 Å, the PdPdPd angles being 118.95°–120.80°. The Pd atoms are linked in pairs by two mercaptide bridges. The formation of clusters I and II in solution is proved by IR spectroscopy and calorimetry. Analogous clusters are formed in solution upon the reaction of palladium(II) diacetate with thiophenol.     

Synthesis and structure of the polymeric complex [Ag<Subscript>2</Subscript>(Ph<Subscript>3</Subscript>P)<Subscript>2</Subscript>B<Subscript>10</Subscript>H<Subscript>10</Subscript>]<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>

A method for the synthesis of the silver(I) complex with the closo-decaborate anion and triphenylphosphine [Ag₂(Ph₃P)₂B₁₀H₁₀] _n was developed and the structure of this complex was studied. The polymeric chain of the complex is formed with participation of Ag(I) atoms, which coordinate the B₁₀H₁₀²⁻ anions through the apical (B(1)–B(2), B(9)–B(10)) and equatorial (B(3)–B(6), B(5)–B(8)) edges, the metalligand bonding occurring through three-center two-electron bonds (MHB). The P atoms of two triphenylphosphine molecules are also incorporated in the inner coordination sphere of the metal: the CN of the silver atom is 4 + 1.     

Synthesis and characterization of the [Ru<Subscript>3</Subscript>O(CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>COO)<Subscript>6</Subscript>(py)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(BPE)Ru(bpy)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cl](PF<Subscript>6</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> dimer

The polymetallic [Ru₃O(CH₃COO)₆(py)₂(BPE)Ru(bpy)₂Cl](PF₆)₂ complex (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, BPE = trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridil)ethylene and py = pyridine) was assembled by the combination of an electroactive [Ru₃O] moiety with a [Ru(bpy)₂(BPE)Cl] photoactive centre, and its structure was determined using positive ion electrospray (ESI-MS) and tandem mass (ESI-MS/MS) spectrometry. The [Ru₃O(CH₃COO)₆(py)₂(BPE)Ru(bpy)₂Cl]²⁺ doubly charged ion of m/z 732 was mass-selected and subject to 15 eV collision-induced dissociation, leading to a specific dissociation pattern, diagnostic of the complex structure. The electronic spectra display broad bands at 409, 491 and 692 nm ascribed to the [Ru(bpy)₂(BPE)] charge-transfer bands and to the [Ru₃O] internal cluster transitions. The cyclic voltammetry shows five reversible waves at −1.07 V, 0.13 V, 1.17 V, 2.91 V and −1.29 V (vs SHE) assigned to the [Ru₃O]^{−1/0/+1/+2/+3} and to the bpy^0/−1 redox processes; also a wave is observed at 0.96 V, assigned to the Ru^+2/+3 pair. Despite the conjugated BPE bridge, the electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical results indicate only a weak coupling through the π-system, and preliminary photophysical essays showed the compound decomposes under visible light irradiation.     

The synthesis and thermochemical study of (Mg,Fe)<Subscript>3</Subscript>Si<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanotubes

Nanotubular (Mg,Fe²⁺,Fe³⁺)₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄ hydrosilicates with a chrysotile structure were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The phases prepared were studied thermochemically on a high-temperature Tian-Calvet microcalorimeter by solution calorimetry. The standard enthalpies of formation of magnesium-iron nanotubular hydrosilicates were determined. The formation of iron-containing nanotubes was shown to be lass favorable energetically than the formation of magnesium nanotubes.