Thermal behavior of Cd<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript> phenyl-vinyl-phosphonates under non-isothermal condition

The thermal behavior of Cd²⁺ and Co²⁺ phenyl-vinyl-phosphonates was studied using two different experimental strategies: the coupled TG-EGA (FTIR) technique by decomposition in nitrogen respectively air, and the kinetic analysis of TG data obtained in dynamic air atmosphere at four heating rates. In nitrogen two decomposition steps were observed: the loss of crystallization water, respectively the decomposition of the phenyl-vinyl radical. In air, the same dehydration was observed as the first step, but the second one is a thermooxidation of the organic radical with formation of the pyrophosphoric anion. The kinetic analysis of the TG non-isothermal data was performed by the isoconversional methods suggested by Friedman and Flynn, Wall and Ozawa, as well as by the non-parametric (Sempere-Nomen) method. All processes put in evidence in TG curves exhibit strong changes of the activation energy values with the conversion degree, which mean that these processes are complex ones. Assuming that each of these processes consists in two steps, the application of non-parametric method leads to average values of the activation energy close to the average values of this parameter obtained by isoconversional methods.     

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.     

Photocatalytic degradation of chlorophenols under direct solar radiation in the presence of ZnO catalyst

The photocatalytic degradation of chlorophenols was evaluated under direct solar radiation using commercial ZnO catalyst. Effects of several parameters such as a catalyst loading, pH of solution and initial concentration on the degradation process have been investigated. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of chlorophenols at the optimum value of the parameters was compared under similar experimental conditions. The results of efficiency and mineralization showed the degradation of 2-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol compound with the first order kinetic rate and the rate constant decreases as the initial concentration of the chlorophenols increase. However, the rate constant was strongly affected by type of chlorophenols compound present either 2-chlorophenol or 2,4-dichlorophenol. The highest removal of chlorophenols was obtained after 120 min and the final intermediate compounds of chlorophenols degradation are lower molecular weight compound consisting of acetic acid which was analyzed through the HPLC.     

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.     

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.     

Preparation,characterization and enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ni<Superscript>2+</Superscript> doped titania under solar light

Anatase TiO₂ was prepared by sol-gel method through the hydrolysis of TiCl₄. Ni²⁺ was doped into the TiO₂ matrix in the concentration range of 0.02 to 0.1 at.% and characterized by various analytical techniques. Powder X-ray diffraction revealed only anatase phase for all the samples, while diffuse reflectance spectral studies indicated a red shift in the band gap absorption to the visible region. The photocatalytic activities of these photocatalysts were probed for the degradation of methyl orange under natural solar light. The photocatalyst with optimum doping of 0.08 at.% Ni²⁺, showed enhanced activity, which is attributed to: (i) effective separation of charge carriers and (ii) large red shift in the band gap to visible region. The influence of crystallite size and dopant concentration on the charge carrier trapping — recombination dynamics is investigated.     

Complexation studies of Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript>ion with orthosilicic acid

Summary The complexation behavior of Co²⁺with ortho-silicic acid (o-SA) has been studied as a function of ionic strength (I) from 0.20 to 1.00M (NaClO₄) at pH 4.96±0.03 and 25 °C by solvent extraction with bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP) as the extractant. The stoichiometry of the extracted species was determined to be Co(DEHP)₂(HDEHP)₂. Co²⁺forms a 1:1 complex, CoOSi(OH)₃⁺, as the predominant species witho-SA concentrations of 3.00^. 10^-4to 4.00^. 10^-3M. The stability constant (logb₁) values for CoOSi(OH)₃⁺complex decrease with the increase in ionic strength. These values were fitted with the extended Debye-Huckel expression to obtain the value of logb₁at I=0.00M. The effect of aging time of the o-SA solution on logb₁values for CoOSi(OH)₃⁺complex was investigated and compared with those of the UO₂OSi(OH)₃⁺complex.     

Coupled thermogravimetric-IR techniques and kinetic analysis by non-isothermal decomposition of Cd<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript> vinyl-phosphonates

The thermal behavior of Cd²⁺ and Co²⁺ vinyl-phosphonates was studied using two different experimental strategies: the coupled TG–EGA (FTIR) technique by decomposition in nitrogen, respectively, air, and the kinetic analysis of TG data obtained in dynamic air atmosphere at four heating rates. The both compounds exhibited a good thermal stability: in nitrogen, only an endothermic dehydration step was observed. In air the Cd²⁺ salt presents the same dehydration step whereas by the Co²⁺ salt two simultaneous processes take place dehydration, respectively, thermooxidative destruction of the vinyl group. The kinetic analysis of the TG data was performed with the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, Friedman’s, and modified non-parametric kinetic methods. By means of the coupled techniques, some spectroscopic arguments on the reaction mechanism were obtained. The values of the activation energy by the three methods are in good agreement and support the two different suggested mechanism.     

Photoluminescence in Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>/Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped silica-titania inverse opal structures

Er³⁺ photoluminescence (PL) and Yb³⁺ → Er³⁺ energy transfer (ET) phenomena in the near infrared (NIR) have been studied in three-dimensional (3-D) inverse opal (IO) structures synthesized by a colloidal/sol–gel route, starting with the deposition of polystyrene microsphere (235 nm and 460 nm diameter) direct opal templates by convective self-assembly, followed by infiltration of the interstices with Er³⁺/Yb³⁺-doped silica, titania and silica-titania sols and heat-removal of the polymeric template material. The crystalline quality of the IOs has been optimized through suitable substrate treatments, plus the control of temperature and humidity during deposition of the templates. The structural and optical properties of the 3-D opal and IO structures have been studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy and visible-NIR reflection spectroscopy, in order to assess the relationship between microstructure and the photonic properties obtained. Photonic bandgaps have been evidenced by the corresponding stop bands in the reflection spectra. The shape and the intensity of the Er^{3+ 4}I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition at ~1.5 μm were modified in most IOs relatively to similar matrix deposits without a photonic crystal structure, particularly in the case of pure silica and titania IOs, where the PL peak narrowed and intensified. It was not possible at this stage to detect Yb³⁺ → Er³⁺ ET phenomena in the IOs structures.     

Macro-kinetics of styrene oxidation catalyzed by Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript>-exchanged X

The macro-kinetics and pathway of styrene oxidation catalyzed by Co²⁺-exchanged X, using O₂ as oxidant, were investigated. The effects of external diffusion, internal diffusion, the styrene concentration, O₂ pressure, the catalyst concentration and the reaction temperature on the styrene oxidation reaction rate were examined. The results showed that the reaction rate of styrene oxidation was 0.19 order with respect to the styrene concentration, 0.64 order with respect to O₂ pressure, and zero to first order with respect to the different catalyst concentration. The calculated activation energy for this reaction was 13.79 kJ/mol. On the other hand, the three products in the styrene oxidation reaction were, respectively, used as the reactant to examine the reaction pathway of styrene oxidation. The results revealed that styrene oxidation reaction occurred as two parallel reactions. One was the production of styrene oxide and the other was the production of benzaldehyde and formaldehyde with former partially oxidized to benzoic acid and the latter mostly oxidized to O₂ and H₂O. Published in Russian in Kinetika i Kataliz, 2009, vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 212–217. The article is published in the original.     

Crystal structures of a family of layered coordination polymers containing divalent metal ions (Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Ni<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>) and the 3-amino 4-methyl benzoate ion

The syntheses and crystal structures of the layered coordination polymers M(C₈H₈NO₂)₂ [M = Mn (1), Co (2), Ni (3) and Zn (4)] are described. These isostructural compounds contain centrosymmetric trans-MN₂O₄ octahedra as parts of infinite sheets; the ligand bonds to three adjacent metal ions in μ³-N,O,O′ mode from both its carboxylate O atoms and its amine N atom. In each case, weak intra-sheet N–H?O and C–H?O hydrogen bonds may help to consolidate the structure. Crystal data: 1, C₁₆H₁₆MnN₂O₄, M _r = 355.25, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.6534(2) Å, b = 4.3990(1) Å, c = 15.5733(5) Å, β = 95.1827(10)°, V = 726.85(3) ų, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.026, wR(F ²) = 0.067. 2, C₁₆H₁₆CoN₂O₄, M _r = 359.24, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.6131(10) Å, b = 4.3374(4) Å, c = 15.3556(17) Å, β = 95.473(4)°, V = 703.65(12) ų, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.041, wR(F ²) = 0.091. 3, C₁₆H₁₆N₂NiO₄, M _r = 359.02, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.6374(4) Å, b = 4.2964(2) Å, c = 15.2827(8) Å, β = 95.9744(14)°, V = 694.66(6) ų, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.028, wR(F ²) = 0.070. 4, C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₄Zn, M _r = 365.68, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.6385(5) Å, b = 4.2967(3) Å, c = 15.2844(8) Å, β = 95.941(3)°, V = 694.89(7) ų, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.038, wR(F ²) = 0.107.     

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.     

1,9-Dicarbonyl-2,8-dioxo-butyne-ester Ferrocenophane: Synthesis,Structure and Recognition Properties for Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Ions

An efficient highly diluted synthetic approach to the synthesis of 1,9-dicarbonyl-2,8-dioxo-butyne ester ferrocenophane (L) has been developed. The title compound was characterized by IR, UV, FL, 1H NMR, spectroscopies, elemental analysis and so on. Further complex L shows fluorescence responses to Co²⁺ and Cu²⁺ in CH3OH, The results indicate that the complex could be applied in multianayte detection. The binding ability of receptor L CH3OH was tested for various cations (Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Ni²⁺ in water) and the binding constants for Co²⁺ and Cu²⁺ were the computed, having a distinct absorbance shift. The receptor is a very attractive array because its distinct absorbance shift profile in a semi-aqueous phase, making it applicable in the area of biology, environmental sciences and material chemistry.     

Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes by Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>: YAlO<Subscript>3</Subscript>/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites under solar irradiation

In this work, the Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites were prepared by the sol-gel method. Then, they were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Photo-degradation of azo fuchsine (AF) as a model dye under solar light irradiation was studied to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites. It was found that the photocatalytic activity of Co- and Fe-doped ZnO composites can be obviously enhanced by upconversion luminescence agent (Er³⁺: YAlO₃). Besides, the photocatalytic activity of Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Fe-doped ZnO is better than that of Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Co-doped ZnO. The influence of experiment conditions, such as the concentration of Er³⁺: YAlO₃, heat-treatment temperature and time on the photocatalytic activity of the Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites was studied. In addition, the effects of solar light irradiation time, dye initial concentration, Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO amount on the photocatalytic degradation of azo fuchsine in aqueous solution were investigated in detail. Simultaneously, some other organic dyes, such as Methyl Orange (MO), Rhodamine B (RM-B), Acid Red B (AR-B), Congo Red (CR), and Methyl Blue (MB) were also studied. The possible excitation principle of Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites under solar light irradiation and the photocatalytic degradation mechanism of organic dyes were discussed.     

Synthesis,characterization, and photocatalytic properties of La<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped BiPO<Subscript>4</Subscript> photocatalysts

La³⁺-doped BiPO₄ photocatalysts were prepared via a hydrothermal process. Their morphologies, structures, and light absorption properties were evaluated. A small amount of La-doping (optimized at 2 mol %) could significantly improve the activity of BiPO₄ in the degradation of methylene blue under ultraviolet irradiation. After five recycles, the La³⁺-doped BiPO₄ did not exhibit any apparent loss in activity, confirming its stability despite recycling.     

Bio-inspired colorimetric detection of Hg<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Pb<Superscript>2+</Superscript> heavy metal ions using Au nanoparticles

Heavy metal ions are highly toxic species which can cause long-term damage to biological systems. These species are known to disrupt biological events at the cellular level, cause significant oxidative damage, and are carcinogens. The production of simple, in-field detection methods that are highly sensitive for these cations is highly desirable in response to global pollution. In that regard, bio-inspired colorimetric sensing systems have been developed to detect Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺, and other cations, down to nmol L⁻¹ concentrations. The benefits of these systems, which are reviewed herein, include cost-effective production, facile usage, and a visual color change for the detection method. Such advantages are significant positive steps for heavy metal ion detection, especially in regions where sophisticated laboratory studies are prohibited. Figure Biological-based colorimetric detection of heavy metal cations. The materials on the left are independent Au nanoparticles in solution, functionalized with heavy metal binding biomolecules, which, upon metal addition, aggregate to evolve a detectable solution color change.

Near-infrared quantum cutting in Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanophosphors

Properties of the quantum-cutting phosphors are dependent on various factors such as dopant concentration, crystallinity, homogeneity, particle size and surface morphology. Effective control of the above parameters can enhance the quantum-cutting ability of the phosphor material. Nano-sized particles of Y₂O₃:Tb³⁺,Yb³⁺ were prepared with a solution-based co-precipitation method and subsequent calcination. Effective control of the reaction parameters and doping concentration helped to produce uniform nanostructures with high quantum-cutting efficiency up to 181.1 %. The energy transfer mechanism between Tb³⁺ and Yb³⁺ was studied by considering their spectroscopic properties and time-resolved spectroscopy. The high efficiency and small particle size of the quantum-cutting phosphor Y₂O₃:Tb³⁺,Yb³⁺ make it a suitable candidate for its application in solar cells.     

Thermodynamics of resolvation of Mg<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Cd<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, and Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> ions in aqueous-ethanol mixtures on the basis of volta potential difference method

The volta potential difference method at 298.15 K was used to determine the real primary medium effect for magnesium, calcium, cadmium, and copper ions, and also the real Gibbs transfer energy of these ions from water into a mixed water ethanol (EtOH) solution. The surface potential value at the nonaqueous solution/gas phase interface $ \Delta \chi _{H_2 O}^{EtOH} $ \Delta \chi _{H_2 O}^{EtOH} was obtained. With account for this value, chemical thermodynamic characteristics of the studied ions in the water-ethanol solvent were calculated and the effect of composition and nature of the mixed solvent on the values obtained was analyzed. The dependence of variation in the thermodynamic characteristics of cation resolvation was established on their crystallographic radius that corresponds to the following sequence: Ca²⁺ < Cd²⁺ < Cu²⁺ < Mg²⁺.