Cationic and anionic environments in LiTFSI-doped di-ureasils with application in solid-state electrochromic devices

Fourier Transform mid-infrared and Raman spectroscopies were used to investigate the cation/polymer, cation/urea bridge, cation/anion and hydrogen bonding interactions in poly(oxyethylene) (POE)/siloxane di-ureasil networks prepared by the sol–gel route and doped with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI). Materials with compositions 200 ?n ? 5 (where n expresses the molar ratio OCH₂CH₂/Li⁺) were studied. The Li⁺ ions coordinate to the urea carbonyl oxygen atoms over the whole range of salt concentration considered. Bonding to the ether oxygen atoms of the POE chains occurs at n ? 40, although a significant fraction of the POE chains remain non-coordinated. In these high salt content samples, the cations interact with the anions forming contact ion pairs. “Free” ions are probably the main charge carriers at the room temperature conductivity maximum of these ormolytes.     

Three novel Cd(II) coordination polymers: Synthesis,crystal structures,fluorescence and thermal properties

Three novel Cd(II) coordination polymers, {[Cd(C₄BIm)(N₃)(OAc)]·C₂H₅OH}_n (1), [Cd(C₄BIm)(H₂O)₃(SO₄)]_n (2) (C₄BIm = 1,4-bis(benzimidazolyl)butane) and [Cd(bbbm)_1.5(NO₃)₂]_n (3) (bbbm = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediy)bis-1H-benzimidazole) have been prepared and characterized spectroscopically and crystallographically. In polymer 1, C₄BIm–Cd chains and N₃–Cd chains criss-cross to a layer structure. Polymer 2 possesses a concave–convex chain structure. Polymer 3 exhibits a two-dimensional (2-D) rhomboid grid network, the dimensions of the grid is 25.807 × 13.771 Å, and the diagonal-to-diagonal distances are 28.608 × 21.145 Å. The fluorescence properties and the thermal stabilities of the three polymers were investigated.     

The synthesis,characterization and melting properties of thiophene-containing dithiocarboxylate complexes of nickel(II)

The reactions of a series of 5-alkyl-2-thiophenedithiocarboxylates with nickel(II) chloride afforded two types of complexes, blue nickel(II) complexes with two terminal dithiocarboxylate ligands, [Ni(S₂CTR)₂] and violet nickel(II) complexes with perthio- and dithiocarboxylate ligands, [Ni(S₂CTR)(S₃CTR)] (where T = 2,5-disubstituted thiophene, R = C_nH_2n+1, n = 4, 6, 8, 12, 16). The blue monomers are preferred for the shorter chains (C₄ and C₆) and the violet compounds form exclusively for the longer chains (C₈, C₁₂, and C₁₆) in the alkylthiophene complexes. In addition to the above series, [Ni(S₂CTCH₃)₂], was prepared in a one-pot reaction in THF and both the blue and violet products were isolated. It was possible to convert the blue complexes [Ni(S₂CTR)₂] (R = butyl, hexyl) into the corresponding violet complexes [Ni(S₂CTR)(S₃CTR)] after stirring in THF solutions for prolonged periods of time. Liquid-crystalline properties of these complexes were examined by DSC and POM. The violet complexes with C₈ and C₁₂ alkyl chains showed liquid-crystalline properties.     

Investigation of fullerene C60 effect on properties of polymethylmethacrylate exposed to ionizing radiation

Effect of fullerene C₆₀ was investigated on thermal, mechanical and optical properties of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) under ionizing radiation. It was stated that fullerene C₆₀ behaves as an effective antirad with respect to PMMA. Fullerene C₆₀ addition raises temperature of destruction for polymer subjected to electron radiation by 20-25 °C, lowers the rate from 4 to 4.5 times and increases the activation barrier for radiated PMMA destruction reaction. Fullerene C₆₀ addition promotes improvement of strength properties of PMMA: for films containing C₆₀ addition and else subjected to electron radiation treatment a decrease in rupture strength is 10-15%, for samples containing no fullerene it equals ∼25%. Interaction of free radicals with fullerene at radiation treatment influences optical characteristics of PMMA films.     

Reverse atom transfer radical polymerisation (RATRP) of methacrylates using copper(I)/pyridinimine catalysts in conjunction with AIBN

N-n-Propyl-2-pyridylmethanimine, 1, N-n-octyl-2-pyridylmethanimine, 2, N-n-lauryl-2-pyridylmethanimine, 3, and N-n-octadecyl-2-pyridylmethanimine, 4 have been used in conjunction with copper(II) bromide and azo initiators for the reverse atom transfer radical polymerisation of a range of methacrylates. AIBN to Cu^IIBr₂ ratios of 0.5:1, 0.75:1 and 1:1 give PMMA with M_n 11 500 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.24) (at 22% conversion), 12 500 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.06) (at 83% conversion) and 10 900 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.11) (at 84% conversion), respectively. A Cu^IIBr₂ complex is demonstrated to be needed at the start of the reaction for good control over molecular weight and polydispersity as reactions using Cu(I)Br as catalyst yielded PMMA of M_n 31 000 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 2.90), reactions with no copper yield PMMA of M_n 33 000 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 2.95). The RATRP of styrene was carried out using Cu^IIBr₂ as catalyst. AIBN to Cu^IIBr₂ ratio of 0.5:1, 0.75:1 and 1:1 gave PS with M_n = 12 400 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.27) at low conversion, M_n = 15 500 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.11) and 12 400 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.38), respectively at ∼85% conversion. A series of block copolymers of MMA with BMA, BzMA and DMEAMA (15 600 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.18), 13 300 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.14) 15 300 g mol⁻¹ (PDi) = 1.16), using a PMMA macroinitiator were prepared. Emulsion polymerisation of MMA using [initiator]:[Cu^(II)Br₂] ratio = 0.5:1 with Brij surfactant gave a linear increase of M_n with respect to conversion, final M_n = 112 800 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.42). Further reactions were carried out with [initiator]:[Cu^(II)Br₂] ratio = 0.75:1 and 1:1. Both giving PMMA with M_n ∼ 32 000 g mol⁻¹ (PDi ∼ 2.4). These reactions exhibit no control, this is because the azo initiator is present in excess and all of the monomer is consumed by a free radical polymerisation as opposed to a controlled reaction. Particle size analysis (DLS) showed the particle size between 160 and170 nm in all cases.     

FTIR study on molecular structure of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) in mixed solvent of methanol and water

The intrachain and interchain hydrogen bonding of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) and intermolecular hydrogen bonding between PNIPA chains and the solvent molecules in the mixed solvent of methanol and water have been quantitatively investigated by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy at 25 °C. In this spectroscopic system with curve fitting program, we found that in the C-H stretching region, both the N-isopropyl group and the backbone underwent conformational change upon the solvent composition. An analysis of the amide I band suggested that the amide groups of PNIPA were mainly involved in intermolecular hydrogen bonding with water molecules, and the polymer chains were flexible and disordered in the mixed solvent when the methanol volume fraction (χ_v) was lower than 15%. While χ_v was in the range of 15-65%, about 30% of these intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the polymer and water were replaced by intrachain and interchain hydrogen bonding, consequently, PNIPA shrinked as aggregates. If χ_v was above 65%, the interchain hydrogen bonding became predominant due to the solubility characteristics of amphiphilic methanol, and the PNIPA system was homogeneous solution again. We believe that the reentrant transition is related to the weaker interaction between PNIPA molecules and methanol-water complexes, (H₂O)_m(CH₃OH)_n (m/n = 5/1, 5/2, 5/3, 5/4, 5/5) as compared to that between PNIPA and free water or free methanol.     

Influence of intrachain hydrogen bonding on the cyclization of a polystyrene chain

Cyclization of a polystyrene chain (M_n = 10,600; M_w/M_n = 1.09) both ends labeled with 4-(1-pyrenyl)butanoamide groups was studied in cyclohexane between 25 and 95°C. The amide groups (peptide bonds) at both ends can form an intrachain hydrogen bond between the amide hydrogen at one chain end and the carbonyl oxygen at the other. The presence of two sets of conformers, random coils, and chains cyclized through hydrogen bonding, complicates the data analysis. The pyrene excimer kinetics of this polymer is well described by a model composed of two monomers (hydrogen bonded and nonbonded chains) and one excimer, in equilibrium. The cyclization rate constant for hydrogen-bonded chains is larger than the one for nonhydrogen-bonded chains. The pyrene excimer binding energy (ca. 1.6 kcal/mol) is lower than the published value for nonhydrogen-bonded chains (～ 9 kcal/mol), suggesting that intrachain hydrogen bonding hinders the stabilization of the excimer. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The effect of polyether terminal chains in the liquid crystalline behavior of ortho-palladated complexes

A series of benzylideneanilines bearing terminal polyether chains, HL (HL = R-C₆H₄-CHN-C₆H₄-R′: R = OC₈H₁₇, R′ = O(CH₂CH₂O)₂C₂H₅; R = O(CH₂CH₂O)₂C₂H₅, R′ = OC₈H₁₇; R = R′ = O(CH₂CH₂O)₂C₂H₅; R = OC₁₂H₂₅, R′ = O(CH₂CH₂O)₃C₂H₅; R = O(CH₂CH₂O)₃C₂H₅, R′ = OC₁₂H₂₅; R = R′ = O(CH₂CH₂O)₃C₂H₅) have been prepared. Their dinuclear, [Pd(μ-X)L]₂ (X = OAc, Cl, Br, SC₈), [Pd₂(μ-SCn)(μ-X)L₂] (X = OAc, Cl; n = 8, 2) and mononuclear orthopalladated derivatives, Pd(acac)L, Pd(Ala)L, are reported and their mesogenic properties are compared with those of the analogous compounds with alkoxy chains. In general a great lowering in the melting points is produced for all the products. The free ligands and the alanine complexes are not liquid crystals. The chloro-bridged complexes bearing alkoxy and short polyether chains (O(CH₂CH₂O)₂C₂H₅) show the larger improvement of mesogenic properties. Longer polyether chains (O(CH₂CH₂O)₃C₂H₅) result usually in a destabilization of the mesophases. If only polyether chains are present, the destabilization is important regardless of the chain length. The ability of these molecules as ionic extractants and transporters was qualitatively evaluated for the more propitious cis-dinuclear complexes, which in fact showed some extracting ability, modest but improved compared to the free ligands.     

Electrophilic polyfluoroalkylating agents based on sulfonate esters

This review surveys selected electrophilic polyfluoroalkylating reagents, polyfluoroalkyl alkane- and arenesulfonates, that have been used for the introduction of longer perfluorinated chains (C_nF_2n+1; n ≥ 4) with methylene, ethylene or propylene spacers into the substrate. Polyfluoroalkyl mesylates, tosylates, triflates and nonaflates are described with their applications in various syntheses of polyfluorinated compounds.     

Solubilities of ammonia in basic imidazolium ionic liquids

Solubilities of ammonia in four conventional imidazolium ionic liquids: [C_nmim][BF₄] (n = 2, 4, 6, 8) have been measured. Isothermally fixed temperatures are 293.15, 303.15, 313.15, 323.15 and 333.15 K; the pressure is from 0 to 1.0 MPa. High solubilities of ammonia are found, and it is also found that the solubilities of ammonia increase when the length of cations’ alkyl increases (the ILs have the same anion), that is: [C₈mim]⁺ > [C₆mim]⁺ > [C₄mim]⁺ > [C₂mim]⁺. The solubility data have been correlated by the Krichevisky–Kasarnovsky equation, and then Henry's constants and partial molar volumes of NH₃ at infinite dilution are obtained. The thermodynamic properties such as solution enthalpy (Δ_solH), solution Gibbs free energy (Δ_solG), solution entropy (Δ_solS), and solution heat capacity (Δ_solC_p) of these systems are obtained.     

Sano-Tachiya-Noolandi-Hong versus Onsager modelling of charge photogeneration in organic solids

We have studied the electric field dependence of charge photogeneration efficiency in organic solids for various radial distribution functions (Dirac delta, Gaussian, exponential) of initial e-h pairs in the framework of Sano-Tachiya-Noolandi-Hong (STNH) theory assuming that the final recombination (capture reaction) proceeds on a sphere of finite radius (a) with a finite velocity (κ). We compare the STNH results with the conventional Onsager theory assuming a = 0. We show that charge photogeneration is more enhanced, especially in low-electric field range, for broader initial pair distributions and for smaller final recombination velocities. We compare theoretical results with experimental data taken from electromodulation of photoluminescence (EML) for two archetypical organic photoconductors, Alq₃ and Ir(ppy)₃, commonly used as emitters in organic LEDs. From analysis of our results we infer the lower limit of final recombination velocity, κ = 0.2-2 cm/s, in vacuum evaporated films of Alq₃ and Ir(ppy)₃ which compares favorably with an evaluation of this quantity in amorphous solids.     

Effect of the direction of ester linkage on molecular shape selectivity through multiple carbonyl–π interaction with octadecyl chain branched polymers as organic phases in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Poly(vinyl octadecanoate)-grafted porous silica (Sil-VOD_n, n = 23) was newly prepared to investigate the efficiencies of the carbonyl groups in the polymer chain for recognition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in RP-HPLC. In Sil-VOD₂₃, the octadecyl side chains were connected to the polymer main chain through ester linkage in opposite direction to that in poly(octadecylacrylate)-grafted silica (Sil-ODA_n, n = 25) which has been reported by us. Sil-ODA_n performs enhanced molecular shape selectivity of PAHs in RP-HPLC through multiple carbonyl–π interaction of aligned carbonyl groups which are induced by the formation of highly oriented structure of side chains. Differential scanning calorimetry of VOD₂₃ demonstrated that octadecyl alkyl chains showed crystalline to isotropic phase transition with endothermic peak at 48.7 °C which was similar to ODA₂₅ (at 47.8 °C). After grafting of both polymers, phase transition phenomenon was completely disappeared in Sil-VOD₂₃ whereas Sil-ODA₂₅ still exhibits phase transition although at lower endothermic peak top temperature (38.5 °C). This indicates that the slight structural change in Sil-VOD_n and Sil-ODA_n influence the ordered structure of side alkyl chains. Moreover, solid-state ¹³C NMR revealed that the long alkyl chain in Sil-VOD₂₃ is highly disordered as compared with that of Sil-ODA₂₅. Sil-VOD₂₃ was applied to RP-HPLC stationary phase using PAHs as π-electron containing elutes, and compared with Sil-ODA₂₅ and conventional monomeric octadecylated silica (ODS). Results confirmed that Sil-VOD₂₃ showed much higher selectivity for PAH isomers than ODS, but lower than Sil-ODA₂₅. For example, the separation factors for trans-/cis-stilbene were 1.47 (Sil-VOD₂₃), 1.70 (Sil-ODA₂₅) and 1.07 (ODS), respectively. These results indicate that carbonyl groups in Sil-VOD₂₃ are effective for molecular shape recognition of PAHs through carbonyl–π interactions even in the disordered state.     

Synthesis and surface activities of organic solvent-soluble fluorinated surfactants

A variety of fluorinated surfactants soluble in organic solvent were prepared, including C₈F₁₇SO₂NHC_nH_2n+1 (n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10), C₈F₁₇SO₂NHR (R = C₆H₁₁, C₆H₅), C₈F₁₇SO₂N(C_nH_2n+1)₂ (n = 1, 2, 3, 4) and C₈F₁₇SO₂NH(CH₂)_nNHO₂SC₈F₁₇ (n = 6, 10). Their surface activities in various organic solvents were determined by surface tension measurement. The results showed that these fluorinated surfactants can reduce the surface tension of both polar and non-polar organic solvents. In general, organic solvents with strong polarity or long alkyl chain are beneficial to increase the surface activity of these polar fluorinated surfactants. By comparing fluorinated surfactants with the same fluorocarbon segment and connecting group, C₈F₁₇SO₂N(C_nH_2n+1)₂ (n = 1, 2, 3, 4) showed lower surface activity in organic solvents than C₈F₁₇SO₂NHC_nH_2n+1 (n = 2, 4, 6, 8) with an equal carbon number of the solvophilic group. Through surface tension vs. concentration curves given for N-octyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide in various organic solvents, a break point like the critical micelle concentration of ordinary surfactants in aqueous solutions was observed, and the effect of the different types of organic solvents on adsorption and aggregation behavior was also studied.     

Preparation and protonation reactions of aryl complexes of manganese and rhenium

Aryl M(κ¹-Ar)(CO)_nP_5−n [M = Mn, Re; Ar = C₆H₅, 4-CH₃C₆H₄; n = 2, 3; P = P(OEt)₃, PPh(OEt)₂, PPh₂OEt] and Re(κ¹-C₆H₅)(CO)₃[Ph₂PO(CH₂)₃OPPh₂] complexes were prepared by allowing hydrides MH(CO)_nP_5−n to react first with triflic acid and then with the appropriate aryl lithium (LiAr) compounds. The complexes were characterized spectroscopically (IR and ¹H, ³¹P, ¹³C NMR) and by the X-ray crystal structure determination of Re(κ¹-C₆H₅)(CO)₃[Ph₂PO(CH₂)₃OPPh₂] derivative. Protonation reaction of the aryl complexes with HBF₄ · Et₂O lead to free hydrocarbons Ar-H and the unsaturated [M(CO)_nP_5−n]⁺ cations, separated as solids in the case of [Re(CO)₃P₂]BF₄ derivatives.     

Synthesis and properties of pyrazine-pillared Ag3Mo2O4F7 and AgReO4 layered phases

The new pyrazine-pillared solids, AgReO₄(C₄H₄N₂) (I) and Ag₃Mo₂O₄F₇(C₄H₄N₂)₃ (C₄H₄N₂=pyrazine, pyz) (II), were synthesized by hydrothermal methods at 150 °C and characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction (I—P2₁/c, No. 14, Z=4, a=7.2238(6) Å, b=7.4940(7) Å, c=15.451(1) Å, β=92.296(4)°; II—P2/n, No. 13, Z=2, a=7.6465(9) Å, b=7.1888(5) Å, c=19.142(2) Å, β=100.284(8)°), thermogravimetric analysis, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance, and photoluminescence measurements. Individual Ag(pyz) chains in I are bonded to three perrhenate ReO₄^- tetrahedra per layer, while each layer in II contains sets of three edge-shared Ag(pyz) chains (π-π stacked) that are edge-shared to four Mo₂O₄F₇^3- dimers. A relatively small interlayer spacing results from the short length of the pyrazine pillars, and which can be removed at just slightly above their preparation temperature, at >150-175 °C, to produce crystalline AgReO₄ for I, and Ag₂MoO₄ and an unidentified product for II. Both pillared solids exhibit strong orange-yellow photoemission, at 575 nm for I and 560 nm for II, arising from electronic excitations across (charge transfer) band gaps of 2.91 and 2.76 eV in each, respectively. Their structures and properties are analyzed with respect to parent ‘organic free’ silver perrhenate and molybdate solids which manifest similar photoemissions, as well as to the calculated electronic band structures.     

PMMA: A key macromolecular component for dielectric low-κ hybrid inorganic-organic polymer films

Inorganic-organic composite and hybrid films find widespread applications for the development of functional materials. Polymer matrices with embedded inorganic fillers, nanoparticles or clusters are particularly appealing for optical, electronic, dielectric and magnetic applications. In particular, the development of hybrid layers with tailored dielectric properties represents a key issue in many technological fields.In this framework, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), due to its outstanding chemico-physical properties, represents a particularly suitable polymer component for the embedding of both microscopic and nanoscopic functional inorganic fillers. The wide use of such a matrix has to be traced back to the favourable combination of chemical and physical properties and easy processing. In this review, the main features and properties of PMMA, with a particular focus on dielectric ones, are firstly briefly described. Selected examples to illustrate the state-of-the art of its corresponding use as dielectric matrix are given and several examples are provided and surveyed.Finally, three case studies concerning PMMA-based hybrid films, produced for very different application fields, are described and discussed. The first example deals with the entrapment of micrometric zinc sulphide powders in PMMA, which acts as a host matrix for the electroluminescent particles in thick film-based Alternate Current Powder Electroluminescent Lamps (ACPELs). The second example describes the preparation of low-κ inorganic-organic hybrid dielectric films based on a PMMA-polyvinylchloride(PVC) blend and a hydrophobic silica powder functionalised on the surface with trimethylsiloxane groups (m-SiO₂). The composition of the investigated materials is [(PMMA)_x(PVC)_y]/(m-SiO₂)_z with z ranging from 0 to 38.3 wt% and x = y = (100 − z)/2. The third case concerns the use of PMMA as a matrix to embed zirconium oxoclusters through the formation of covalent bonds. The obtained material, characterised by a dielectric constant value remarkably lower (1.93 at 1 kHz and 25 °C) than in pristine PMMA (3.0 at 1 kHz and 25 °C), appears as very appealing for the development of microelectronic devices based on low dielectric constant polymer films such as, for instance, field-effect transistor (FET).These three cases are paradigms of three different approaches to composite and hybrid materials based on the embedding of particles in PMMA polymer matrix.     

Gas permeation parameters and other physicochemical properties of a polymer of intrinsic microporosity: Polybenzodioxane PIM-1

A detailed study of gas permeation, thermodynamic properties and free volume was performed for a novel polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1). Gas permeability was measured using both gas chromatographic and barometric methods. Sorption of vapors was studied by means of inverse gas chromatography (IGC). In addition, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) was employed for investigation of free volume in this polymer. An unusual property of PIM-1 is a very strong sensitivity of gas permeability and free volume to the film casting protocol. Contact with water in the process of film preparation resulted in relatively low gas permeability (P(O₂) = 120 Barrer), while soaking with methanol led to a strong increase in gas permeability (P(O₂) = 1600 Barrer) with virtually no evidence of fast aging (decrease in permeability) that is typical for highly permeable polymers. For various gas pairs (O₂/N₂, CO₂/CH₄, CO₂/N₂) the data points on the Robeson diagrams are located above the upper bound lines. Hence, a very attractive combination of permeability and selectivity is observed. IGC indicated that this polymer is distinguished by the largest solubility coefficients among all the polymers so far studied. Free volume of PIM-1 includes relatively large microcavities (R = 5 Å), and the results of the PALS and IGC methods are in reasonable agreement.     

Ionic liquids: New generation stable plasticizers for poly(vinyl chloride)

Room temperature ionic liquids (ILs), based on ammonium, imidazolium and phosphonium cations, were studied as novel plasticizers for poly(vinyl chloride), PVC. All the ILs tested were able to produce flexible PVC. Upon 20 wt% plasticization, some of the ILs lowered the glass transition temperature (T_g) of PVC more than that done by several traditional plasticizers. They showed good thermodynamic compatibility as well. Several ILs showed better leaching and migration resistance than the traditional plasticizers. This was, in particular, a significant observation considering the ongoing controversy regarding the leaching and migration issues of the commonly-used phthalate plasticizers. High temperature and ultraviolet (UV) ray stability of IL-plasticized PVC samples were also studied.     

Synthesis of phosphate-type fluorocarbon-hydrocarbon hybrid surfactants and their adsorption onto calcium hydroxyapatite

Five novel phosphate-type hybrid surfactants, C_mF_2m+1C₆H₄CH[OPO₂(OC₆H₅)Na]C_nH_2n+1 (FmPHnPPhNa: m = 4, 6, 8; n = 3, 5; C₆H₄ = p-phenylene, C₆H₅ = phenyl), have been synthesized. When compared with sulfate-type hybrid surfactants, C_mF_2m+1C₆H₄CH(OSO₃Na)C_nH_2n+1 (C₆H₄ = p-phenylene), the new hybrid surfactants are found to have comparable abilities to lower surface tension of water. The critical micelle concentrations of FmPHnPPhNa follow Klevens rule and their occupied areas per molecule increase with increasing m and n. Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHAp) pellets modified with FmPH3PPhNa gives high hydrophobic and lipophobic surfaces. The hybrid surfactants are expected as new dental reagents for oral hygiene.     

A simple microextraction and preconcentration approach based on a mixed matrix membrane

A simple adsorption/desorption procedure using a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) as extraction medium is demonstrated as a new miniaturized sample pretreatment and preconcentration technique. Reversed-phase particles namely polymeric bonded octadecyl (C₁₈) was incorporated through dispersion in a cellulose triacetate (CTA) polymer matrix to form a C₁₈-MMM. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) namely diclofenac, mefenamic acid and ibuprofen present in the environmental water samples were selected as targeted model analytes. The extraction setup is simple by dipping a small piece of C₁₈-MMM (7 mm × 7 mm) in a stirred 10 mL sample solution for analyte adsorption process. The entrapped analyte within the membrane was then desorbed into 100 μL of methanol by ultrasonication prior to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Each membrane was discarded after single use to avoid any analyte carry-over effect. Several important parameters, such as effect of sample pH, salting-out effect, sample volume, extraction time, desorption solvent and desorption time were comprehensively optimized. The C₁₈-MMM demonstrated high affinity for NSAIDs spiked in tap and river water with relative recoveries ranging from 92 to 100% and good reproducibility with relative standard deviations between 1.1 and 5.5% (n = 9). The overall results obtained were found comparable against conventional solid phase extraction (SPE) using cartridge packed with identical C₁₈ adsorbent.