Niobium(V) oxide doped with Mg<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Gd<Superscript>3+</Superscript> cations: Synthesis and structural studies

Methods for direct doping of niobium pentoxide with photovoltaically inactive Mg²⁺ and Gd³⁺ cations were developed for subsequent use in the synthesis of a stock for growing single crystals of lithium niobate with improved optical characteristics. The Raman spectra of doped pentoxides Nb₂O₅: Mg and Nb₂O₅: Gd revealed their island structures.     

Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-fluorescence properties in nano-crystallized SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> glass-ceramics

Fluorescence and spectral hole burning properties of Eu³⁺ ions were studied in nanocrystals-precipitated SnO₂-SiO₂ glasses. The glasses were prepared to contain various amount of Eu₂O₃ using the sol-gel method, in which SnO₂ nanocrystals were precipitated by heating in air. In the glasses containing Eu₂O₃ less than 1%, the Eu³⁺ ions were preferentially doped in the SnO₂ nanocrystals and their fluorescence intensities were enhanced by the energy transfer due to the recombination of electrons and holes excited in SnO₂ crystals. The SnO₂ nanocrystals-precipitated glasses exhibited the persistent spectral holes with the depth of ∼25% of the total fluorescence intensities of the Eu³⁺ ions. With the increasing Eu₂O₃ concentration, the amount of SnO₂ nanocrystals decreased and the Sn⁴⁺ ions formed the random glass structure together with the silica network. This structure change induced the fluorescence intensities and the hole depth to decrease.     

ESR of Gd<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions in potassium yttrium tungstate

The software in MATHLAB medium has been developed to model ESR spectra of paramagnetic centers in single crystals. By means of this program, the angular dependences of ESR spectra found in KY(WO₄)₂, potassium yttrium tungstate, doped with gadolinium were analyzed. The spectra analysis indicates that they are determined by the presence of Gd³⁺ ions with the electron spin S = 7/2 occupying the structural position of Y³⁺ ions in the crystal structure. Parameters of spin Hamiltonian were defined for the analyzed ESR spectrum of Gd³⁺. Unusual features of the analyzed ESR spectra have been discovered in the region of 9.5 GHz which remind by appearance SHF line. The researches made show the position of this line to correspond to the region of quasi-intersection of energetic levels, and along with the line shape it is most likely to reflect the peculiarities of the region in whose interval wave functions of the energetic levels undergo substantial modifications.     

Thermodynamics of citrate complexation with Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Ni<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> ions

Isothermal titration calorimetry has been used to determine the stoichiometry, formation constants and thermodynamic parameters (ΔG ^o, ΔH, ΔS) for the formation of the citrate complexes with the Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions. The measurements were run in Cacodylate, Pipes and Mes buffer solutions with a pH of 6, at 298.15 K. A constant ionic strength of 100 mM was maintained with NaClO₄. The influence of a metal ion on its interaction energy with the citrate ions and the stability of the resulting complexes have been discussed.     

Incorporation of Mg<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Sr<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Ba<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> into aragonite and comparison with calcite

We have investigated the presence of foreign ions into the bulk structure and the external surfaces of aragonite using periodic ab-initio methods. Four cations isovalent to Ca²⁺ were studied: Mg²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺ and Zn²⁺. The calculations were performed at structures (bulk, surface) that contain four and eight CaCO₃ units. Our results, at the Hartree-Fock level, show that the incorporation of those ions into aragonite depends strongly on their size. Mg²⁺ and Zn²⁺, due to their smaller size, can substitute Ca²⁺ ions in the crystal lattice while the incorporation of Sr²⁺ and Ba²⁺ into aragonite is energetically less favoured. Examination of the [011], [110] and [001] surfaces of aragonite revealed that the surface incorporation reduces the energetic cost for the larger ions. These systems provide challenging examples for most shape analysis methods applied in Mathematical Chemistry.     

Photoacoustic and photoluminescence studies on ThO<Subscript>2</Subscript>:Sm<Superscript>3+</Superscript>

Nanocrystalline ThO₂:Sm³⁺ was synthesized using wet-chemical route and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoacoustic (PA) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. PA absorptions of Sm³⁺ doped samples are found to be quite weak as compared to Nd³⁺, while PL of Sm³⁺ was intense. As the energy gap between lowest luminescent levels and highest non-luminescent level in samarium ion is around 7000 cm^?1; it is highly fluorescing compared to Nd³⁺ which has close by levels. Through photoacoustic data it was pointed out that large covalent character exists in ThO₂:Nd³⁺ compared to ThO₂:Sm³⁺.     

Complex formation of maleic acid with the Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Ni<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> in aqueous solution

The process of complex formation of maleic acid (H₂L) with the ions Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺ was studied by potentiometric titration in a wide range of concentration ratios at 298 K and I = 0.1 mol/l (NaNO₃). The moieties ZnL, CoL, NiL, NiL ₂ ^2? , CuL, and CuL ₂ ^2? were detected and their stability constants were determined.     

Specific features of absorption of Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, and Pb<Superscript>2+</Superscript> cations from aqueous solutions by calcium phosphates

Kinetic characteristics of the interaction of trisubstituted calcium phosphate Ca₃(PO₄)₂ · xH₂O with Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, and Pb²⁺ ions in aqueous solutions were studied.     

Extraction of metal ions (Fe<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Ni<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>) using immobilized-polysiloxane iminobis(n-2-aminophenylacetamide) ligand system

A new insoluble solid functionalized ligand system bearing chelating ligand group of the general formula P-(CH₂)₃-N[CH₂CONH(C₆H₄)NH₂]₂, where P represents [Si–O] _n polysiloxane network, was prepared by the reaction of the immobilized diethyliminodiacetate polysiloxane ligand system, P-(CH₂)₃N(CH₂CO₂Et)₂ with 1,2-diaminobenzene in toluene. ¹³C CP-MAS NMR, XPS and FTIR results showed that most ethylacetate groups (–COOEt) were converted into the amide groups (–N–C=O). The new functionalized ligand system exhibits high capacity for extraction and removal of the metal ions (Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺) with efficiency of 95–97% after recovery from its primary metal complexes. This functionalized ligand system formed 1:1 metal to ligand complexes.     

Interaction energies of histidine with cations (H<Superscript>+</Superscript>, Li<Superscript>+</Superscript>, Na<Superscript>+</Superscript>, K<Superscript>+</Superscript>, Mg<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript>)

The imidazol side group of histidine has two nitrogen atoms capable of being protonated or participating in metal binding. Hence, histidine can take on various metal-bound and protonated forms in proteins. Because of its variable structural state, histidine often functions as a key amino acid residue in enzymatic reactions. Ab initio (HF and MP2) calculations were done in modeling the cation (H⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺) interaction with side chain of histidine. The region selectivity of metal ion complexation is controlled by the affinity of the side of attack. In the imidazol unite of histidine the ring nitrogen has much higher metal ion (as well as proton) affinity. The complexation energies with the model systems decrease in the following order: Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Li⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺. The variation of the bond lengths and the extent of charge transfer upon complexation correlate well with the computed interaction energies.     

Purification of Plasma-Derived Coagulation Factor VIII by Immobilized-Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and -Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Affinity Chromatography

Coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) is a glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in the clotting cascade. Replacement therapies with recombinant and plasma-derived concentrates of FVIII are used for treatment of hemophilia A. We have previously purified the human plasma FVIII by immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) using Cu²⁺ as the metal ligand. In this work we report the purification of FVIII using Zn²⁺ and Co²⁺, two metal ions that bind proteins more weakly. Human plasma was directly applied to the anion-exchange ANX Sepharose FF column and the eluate was used as starting material for the studies in IMAC columns. Using imidazole as desorbing agent, FVIII was recovered with 65% activity in the IMAC-Zn²⁺ column and with 74% activity in the IMAC-Co²⁺ column. Purification factors were 4 and 9, respectively. Using a pH gradient, FVIII was eluted at pH 5.0 with 17% activity in the IMAC-Zn²⁺ and 77% activity in the IMAC-Co²⁺. Vitamin K-dependent proteins, a family of proteins that includes Prothrombin and coagulation factor IX, coeluted with FVIII in the ANX Sepharose FF column and were recovered with the unbound proteins on both IMAC columns. Therefore, Co²⁺ and Zn²⁺ columns were as effective as the Cu²⁺ column in separating FVIII from vitamin K-dependent proteins. Finally, we have shown that FVIII remained complexed with the von Willebrand factor.     

Formation of coordination compounds with aniline in the interlayer space of Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript>-, Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>- and Fe<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-exchanged montmorillonite

The influence of Ca²⁺-, Cu²⁺- and Fe³⁺-exchanged montmorillonite (MMT) on the type of interaction with aniline in the interlayer space of MMT has been studied by means of X-ray powder diffraction and infrared spectra. Results of X-ray diffraction showed that aniline was successfully intercalated into the interlayer space of MMT. Based on IR spectra evaluation, aniline was indirectly coordinated through a water-bridge in Ca²⁺- and Fe³⁺-MMT and it was indirectly coordinated through a water-bridge as well as protonated in Cu²⁺-MMT (the spectrum of protonated aniline showed deformation and changes in the NH ₃ ⁺ absorption at approximately 1521 cm^?1). It is important to point out that Cu²⁺-MMT indirect coordination and protonation occur simultaneously.     

The standard thermodynamic characteristics of resolvation of the K<Superscript>+</Superscript>, Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Cd<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, and Br<Superscript>−</Superscript> ions in water-acetone mixtures

The standard real and chemical thermodynamic characteristics of transfer of the K⁺, Ca²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Br^? ions from water into water-acetone solvents of various compositions were analyzed to study the rules governing the solvation of these ions in mixed solvents and its special features. All calculations were performed within the framework of the vertical jet method at 298.15 K. The energy of resolvation as a function of ion charges and crystallographic radii was found to increase in the series K⁺ < Ca²⁺ < Cd²⁺ < Al³⁺     

Extraction of Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, and Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript> ions from aqueous solutions with calcium and magnesium phosphates

The efficiency of calcium and magnesium phosphates of different compositions in the extraction of Cu²⁺, Zn², and Co²⁺ ions from aqueous solutions was studied.     

Synthesis of Fe<Superscript>3+</Superscript> doped ordered mesoporous TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity and highly crystallized anatase wall

Fe³⁺ doped mesoporous TiO₂ with ordered mesoporous structure were successfully prepared by the solvent evaporation-induced self-assembly process using P123 as soft template. The properties and structure of Fe³⁺ doped mesoporous TiO₂ were characterized by means of XRD, EPR, BET, TEM, and UV–vis absorption spectra. The characteristic results clearly show that the amount of Fe³⁺ dopant affects the mesoporous structure as well as the visible light absorption of the catalysts. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared mesoporous TiO₂ was evaluated from an analysis of the photodegradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation. The results indicate that the sample of 0.50%Fe–MTiO₂ exhibits the highest visible light photocatalytic activity compared with other catalysts.     

Thermodynamic behavior of complexation of 18-crown-6 with Tl<Superscript>+</Superscript>, Pb<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Hg<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, and Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> metal cations in methanol-water binary media

The equilibrium constants and thermodynamic parameters for complex formation of 18-Crown-6 (18C6) with Tl⁺, Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Zn²⁺ metal cations have been determined by conductivity measurements in methanol (MeOH)-water (H₂O) binary solutions. 18-Crown-6 forms 1:1 complexes with Hg²⁺ and Zn²⁺ cations, but in the case of Tl⁺ and Pb²⁺ cations, in addition to 1:1 stoichiometry, 1:2 (ML₂) complexes are formed in some binary solvents. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH _c⁰ and ΔS _c⁰), which were obtained from the temperature dependences of equilibrium constants, show that in most cases the complexes are enthalpy destabilized but entropy stabilized. Non-linear behavior is observed between the equilibrium constants (log K _f ) of complexes and the composition of the mixed solvent. The selectivity of the ligand for these metal cations is sensitive to the solvent composition, and, in some cases, the selectivity order is reversed in certain compositions of the mixed solvent. The results also show that the mechanism of complexation reactions and the stoichiometry of complexes of some metal cations change with the nature and even with the composition of the mixed solvent. The article was submitted by the authors in English.     

Detection of up-conversion in nano-structure BaTiO<Subscript>3</Subscript> co-doped with Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions

Nano-structure pure barium titanate BaTiO₃ (BT) and (BT) co-doped with constant concentration of Er³⁺ ions and different concentrations of Yb³⁺ ions were prepared using sol–gel method. XRD results confirmed that the pure sample was found to crystallize in tetragonal phase by sintering at 750 °C for 1 h. All major peaks corresponding to perovskite BT phase appeared. Efficient infrared-to-visible up-conversion is reported in the doped samples. The conversion process and results in the generation of visible emissions are discussed. Up-conversion efficiency for red emission predominates in doped samples. Results illustrate the large potential of this class of materials for photonic applications in optoelectronics devices.     

Sorption of Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> by Natural Biomaterial: Duck Feather

Feather fibers were modified by treatment with 5% tannic acid (TA) solution. Kinetics of the modification was investigated as a function of the reaction time. The maximum loading of TA on feather reached 8.3% after being treated by TA for 9 h. The adsorption of metal cations (Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺) by unmodified and TA-modified feather fibers was investigated as a function of fiber weight gain, temperature, and pH of the metal solution. The adsorption was enhanced at alkaline pH and ambient temperature and increased with the weight gain of TA. The maximum uptake of metal cations (Cu²⁺, 0.77 mmol/g; Zn²⁺, 0.95 mmol/g) was obtained by TA-modified feather at weight gain: 8.3%, pH 11, while at the acidic pH, the adsorption of metal cations by either unmodified or TA-modified feather was negligible. The influence of anions on the adsorption of metal cations was also studied. The uptake of Cu²⁺ from chloride was higher and faster than that from nitrate. Desorption of the metals was performed at acidic pH 2.5 for 48 h. The feather–TA–metal complexes exhibited higher stability for metal cations than the feather–metal complexes. All these experiments reveal that TA-modified feather fibers have good adsorption to metal cations and can be used as metal adsorbent in wastewater treatment.     

Selective extraction of Fe<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions from Fe<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> mixture with phosphate sorbents

The absorption of Fe³⁺ ions from Fe³⁺-Zn²⁺ mixture with zinc and calcium phosphates was studied.     

Effect of Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Mg<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Fe<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, and Al<Superscript>3+</Superscript> Ions on the Deposition of Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide from Chloride Solutions

The effect of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Al³⁺ ions on the deposition of electrolytic manganese dioxide from chloride solutions was studied.__________Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Khimii, Vol. 78, No. 5, 2005, pp. 751–754.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Kolosnitsyn, Minnikhanova, Karaseva, Dmitriev, Muratov.