Ennoblement of stainless steel in the presence of glucose oxidase: nature and role of interfacial processes

The ennoblement of the free corrosion potential (E(corr)) of AISI 316L stainless steel which did not occur in synthetic fresh water (SFW), was observed after introduction of glucose oxidase (Gox) and glucose, or of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). The composition of the surface was monitored using AFM and XPS, a detailed XPS analysis being based on the discrimination between oxygen of organic and inorganic nature proposed in a previous study. In H(2)O(2) medium, the main changes regarding the inorganic phase were the increase of the oxygen concentration in the passive film, the increase of the molar concentration ratio of oxidized species Fe(ox)/Cr(ox) and the growth of nanoparticles, presumably made of ferric oxide/hydroxide. In Gox medium, no significant changes were observed in both oxygen concentration and Fe(ox)/Cr(ox) ratio, but the density of colloidal particles decreased, indicating a dissolution of Fe oxide/hydroxide under the influence of gluconate. In contrast with H(2)O(2), in SFW and Gox the amount of organic compounds increased due to the accumulation of polysaccharides and proteins. The influence of glucose oxidase on the ennoblement of stainless steel is not due to indirect effects of H(2)O(2) through the change of surface composition. The E(corr) ennoblement seems to be directly due to the presence of H(2)O(2) and to the electrochemical behavior of H(2)O(2) and related oxygen species. This consideration is important for understanding and controlling microbial influenced corrosion.     

NMR Spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy Characterization of Hybrid Organic – Inorganic Coatings

Hybrid organic–inorganic (O-I) epoxide-based products made from functionalized organosilicon precursors, oligomeric di- and triamines and in some cases colloidal silica particles were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The kinetics and reaction mechanism of condensation reactions, structure and segmental dynamics of final films, as well as homogeneity and partial ordering were studied by solid-state NMR spectroscopy (2D CRAMPS, 2D ¹H-¹³C WISE, relaxation experiments); the surface morphology and other surface characteristics were determined by AFM.     

聚丙烯酰胺/醋酸铬与聚丙烯酰胺/酚醛胶态分散凝胶的纳米颗粒自组织分形结构

采用原子力显微镜 ,分别对无机交联体系聚丙烯酰胺 Cr3+ 和有机交联体系聚丙烯酰胺 酚醛胶态分散凝胶的微观结构进行了显微图像分析 .发现无论是在有机还是无机交联体系中 ,也无论聚丙烯酰胺和交联剂浓度如何变化 ,在微米尺度上最终形成的都是具有自相似性的树枝状分形图像 ,在更小尺度上则发现单个小树杈分形体都是由纳米级的颗粒紧密堆积而成 .在所研究的胶态分散凝胶体系中 ,树枝状分形结构的形成及其具体的形态取决于聚丙烯酰胺的浓度 ,而交联剂的有无及其多少只对树枝状凝胶分形的几何形态产生一定影响 .实验结果还表明纳米级 (≤ 10 0nm)的胶体颗粒构成的分形结构的凝胶其弹性模量G′比微米级的高出一个数量级 .且粒子尺度越小 ,则凝胶的力学稳定性越强     

Preparation and Characterization of the Hybrids Containing Silica Nanoparticles by Sol-Gel Crosslinking Process

The organic/inorganic hybrid nanomaterials containing silica nanoparticles are synthesized by sol-gel crosslinking process. The tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and γ-aminopropyltriethoxylsilane as coupling agents are used as a precursor. The 2,4,6-tri [(2-epihydrin-3-bimethyl-ammonium)propyl]-1,3,5-triazine chloride (Tri-EBAC) as crosslinking agent is used to form covalent bonds among the inorganic nanoparticles. The chemical and morphological structures of the organic/inorganic hybrid are characterized with FTIR spectra, ²⁹Si-NMR, x-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The results show that the organic/inorganic hybrid forms covalent bond between the inorganic nanoparticle and Tri-EBAC. The network organic/inorganic hybrid can form good film with even nanometer particles. The network organic/inorganic hybrids nanomaterial not only exhibits the thermal properties of inorganic compounds, but also exhibits the thermal properties of organic polymer.     

Potential of laser ablation and laser desorption mass spectrometry to characterize organic and inorganic environmental pollutants on dust particles

Stainless steel factories are known to release particles into the atmosphere. Such particulate matter contains significant amounts of heavy metals or toxic inorganic compounds and organic pollutants such as, for example, Cr(VI) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The investigation of Cr(VI) and PAHs is often complicated by the associated matrix. Organic and inorganic pollutants present in stainless steel dust particles have been investigated with the same laser microprobe mass spectrometer according to two original methodologies. These analytical methods do not require time-consuming pretreatment (extraction, solubilization) or preconcentration steps. More specifically, experiments are conducted with a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer coupled to an ArF (193 nm) or a tripled frequency Nd-YAG (355 nm) laser. Experiments at 355 nm allow the nature of the most frequently occurring Cr(III)/Cr(VI) compounds in dust particles to be identified. Examination of PAHs at 193 nm is assisted by the formation of pi-complexes with 7,7',8,8'-tetracyanoquinodimethane to prevent their evaporation in the mass spectrometer during analysis and to ensure an increase in sensitivity.     

Structure, magnetism and optical properties of achiral and chiral two-dimensional oxalate-bridged anionic networks with symmetric and asymmetric ammonium cations

A series of two-dimensional (2D) oxalate-based compounds, namely [N(n-C4H9)4][M(II)Cr(III)(ox)3] (M(II) = Mn, Fe; ox = C2O4(2-)) and [N(C2H5)(n-C3H7)(n-C4H9)(n-C5H11)][M(II)M(III)(ox)(3)] ((M(II), M(III)) =(Mn, Cr), (Fe, Cr), (Mn, Fe)) were synthesised starting from racemic tris(oxalato)metalate: rac-[M(III)(ox)3]3- (M(III) = Cr, Fe). For Cr(III), the synthesis has been undertaken starting from resolved (Delta)- or (Lambda)-[Cr(III)(ox)3]3-. The natural circular dichroism measurements assess the enantioselectivity of the synthesis. X-Ray powder diffraction analysis has revealed that, when racemic reagents are used to synthesise Mn(II) containing compounds, a R3c achiral space group is found. In contrast a P6(3) chiral space group is found when starting from (Delta)- or (Lambda)-[Cr(III)(ox)3]3-. Surprisingly, whatever the optical purity of the starting building block, all Fe(II) containing compounds crystallise in the P6(3) chiral space group. The magnetic properties of the synthesised compounds confirm that these compounds are ferromagnets for M(III)= Cr. For M(II)= Mn, Theta ranges between 9 and 11 K and T(c) equals 6 K. For M(II)= Fe, Theta ranges between 14 and 16 K and Tc between 11 and 12 K. [N(C2H5)(n-C3H7)(n-C4H9)(n-C5H11)][Mn(II)Fe(III)(ox)3] is an antiferromagnet with Theta = - 107 K and T(N) = 29 K.     

Native surface structure of natural soil particles determined by combining atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

A procedure was developed for handling natural soil particles and probing their native surface structure by atomic force microscopy (AFM) under water. This procedure was used to investigate the nanometer scale organisation of organic matter at the surface of sand particles taken from three soil horizons. The latter were selected for the contrasted properties of their organic matter, namely Podzol E and Bh horizons and a Cambisol A–B horizon. The presence of an adsorbed layer was visualised at the surface of Podzol Bh and Cambisol particles in the form of aggregated structures that interacted with the AFM probe. Surface analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) confirmed the carbonaceous nature of this adsorbed layer. Displacement of organic matter by the scanning probe was directly evidenced for Podzol Bh sand particles. Such displacement was not observed for Cambisol particles. A dramatic effect of drying on the concentration, nanometer scale distribution and properties of the adsorbed organic matter was clearly demonstrated by combining AFM imaging and XPS analysis. The procedure developed here gives access to direct, nanoscale information of the surface structure of sand particles and offers promising prospects for the characterisation of other environmentally-relevant particles in native conditions.     

Sorption of selenium(IV) and selenium(VI) onto synthetic pyrite (FeS2): spectroscopic and microscopic analyses

Pyrite was hydrothermally synthesized and used to remove Se(IV) and Se(VI) selectively from solution. Surface analyses of pyrite before and after contact with Se(IV) and Se(VI) were conducted using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). All solid samples were acquired by allowing 3.1 mmol/L of Se(IV) or Se(VI) to react with 1 g/L of pyrite for 1, 15, or 30 days. The XPS spectra were fitted using the XPSPEAK program that applies a Gaussian Lorentzian function. The fitted spectra indicate that Se(IV) more strongly reacts with the surface-bound S than with the surface-bound Fe of pyrite. However, there is no apparent evidence of surface reaction with Se(VI). Specifically, fitted XPS spectra showed the presence of sulfide and tetrathionate on the surface, indicating that sulfur (S(2)(2-)) at the surface of pyrite can be both oxidized and reduced after contact with Se(IV). This occurs via surface disproportionation, possibly resulting in the formation of surface precipitates. Evidence for the formation of precipitates was seen in SEM and AFM images that showed rod-like particles and a phase image with higher voltage. In contrast, there were no important changes in the pyrite after contact with Se(VI) over a period of 30 days.     

Oxalato-bridged dinuclear complexes of Cr(III) and Fe(III): synthesis, structure, and magnetism of [(C2H5)4N]4[MM'(ox)(NCS)8] with MM' = CrCr, FeFe, and CrFe

A new series of homo- and heterometallic oxalato-bridged dinuclear compounds of formulas [Et4N]4[MM'(ox)(NCS)8] ([Et4N]+ = [(C2H5)4N]+; ox = C2O4(2-)) with MM' = Cr(III)-Cr(III) (1), Fe(III)-Fe(III) (2), and Cr(III)-Fe(III) (3) is reported. They have been structurally characterized by infrared spectra and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The three compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmca with Z = 8, a = 16.561(8) A, b = 13.481(7) A, and c = 28.168(8) A for 1, a = 16.515(2) A, b = 13.531(1) A, and c = 28.289(4) A for 2, a = 16.664(7) A, b = 13.575(6) A, and c = 28.386(8) A for 3. The structure of 3 is made up of a discrete dinuclear anion [CrFe(ox)(NCS)8]4- and four disordered [Et4N]+ cations, each of them located on special positions. The anion, in a crystallographically imposed C2h symmetry, contains metal cations in distorted octahedral sites. The Cr(ox)Fe group, which is planar within 0.02 A, presents an intramolecular metal-metal distance of 5.43 A. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate antiferromagnetic pairwise interactions for 1 and 2 with J = -3.23 and -3.84 cm-1, respectively, and ferromagnetic Cr-Fe coupling with J = 1.10 cm-1 for 3 (J being the parameter of the exchange Hamiltonian H = -2JS1S2). The ESR spectra at different temperatures confirm the magnetic susceptibility data.     

铁系胶体催化剂各组分相互作用的研究

已知催化剂 FeCl3 Al(i Bu)3 Phen(邻菲罗啉 )在加氢汽油介质中对丁二烯聚合有较高的活 性 [1－ 2],作者曾研究了 FeCl3 Al(i Bu)3 Phen体系催化剂的相态,证明该体系为胶体催化剂 [3]. 　　Bushick[4]较早地使用电导率研究烷基铝氯化钛体系离子特性与聚合速率的关系 .至今尚未见从胶体角度研究本体系各组分之间相互作用的报导 . 　　本文是把电导率作为胶体的电学性质之一进行研究的 .主要研究了 FeCl3 Al(i Bu)3 Phen胶体催化剂体系单、多组分溶液的电导率与浓度的关系,结合相应的紫外可见光谱分析结果,…     

One-step synthesis of core(Cr)/shell(gamma-Fe(2)O(3)) nanoparticles

Core(Cr)/shell(gamma-Fe(2)O(3)) nanoparticles were synthesized by mixing Fe(CO)(5) and Cr(CO)(6) in the 9:1 ratio. These particles exhibit narrow size distribution with 13.5 nm as mean diameter and uniform spherical shape. The TEM image, which is in good agreement with the synchrotron powder XRD pattern, reveals the heterogeneous nature (core/shell structure). The analysis of the pattern reveals gamma-Fe(2)O(3) structure and a metal crystal structure. Mossbauer spectra, which support the superparamagnetic behavior determined by H-M measurement, do not show any traceable amount of Fe(0). This suggests that the metal component is Cr. EELS analysis and iron mapping suggest controlled stoichiometry and also confirm a core made of Cr and a shell made of gamma-Fe(2)O(3).     

Efficient photoinduced conversion of an azo dye on hexachloroplatinate(IV)-modified TiO2 surfaces under visible light irradiation-A photosensitization pathway

The titanium dioxide photocatalyst is employed to examine the influence of chemisorbed hexachloroplatinate(IV) anions (PtCl(6) (2-)) on the surface of P-25 TiO(2) particles on the photoinduced conversion of the azo dye Ethyl Orange (EO) in visible light-illuminated Pt(IV)/TiO(2) dispersions. Spin-trap electron spin resonance (ESR) spectral results, measurement of quantities of organoperoxides formed, total organic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD(Cr)) assays, together with XPS evidence show that the self-sensitized transformation dynamics of the EO dye mediated by Pt(IV)/TiO(2) are much faster than those occurring on naked TiO(2) under otherwise identical conditions of visible light irradiation. X-ray photoelectron spectral data also show that under the experimental conditions used, no Pt(0) formed on the titania particles during visible light irradiation. We propose a reaction mechanism in which the more rapid conversion of EO in the presence of PtCl(6) (2-) is caused principally by photoexcitation of the dye and not by localized excitation of the tetrachloroplatinate(IV)/TiO(2) particles.     

Synthesis of silanol-functionalized latex nanoparticles through miniemulsion copolymerization of styrene and gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane

The polystyrene latex nanoparticles bearing silanol groups on their surfaces were successfully synthesized via miniemulsion polymerization using gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) as the functional comonomer and oil-soluble AIBN as the initiator at neutral conditions. FTIR and 29Si NMR spectra showed that the condensation of silanol groups was suppressed effectively. zeta potential and XPS analyses demonstrated that the silanol groups were enriched at the surfaces of the latex particles and could be tailored by MPS concentration. These silanol-functionalized latex particles could be easily coated with silica or other inorganic or organic compounds to prepare novel hybrid particles and hollow microspheres.     

Microbiologically influenced corrosion of 304 stainless steel by aerobic Pseudomonas NCIMB 2021 bacteria: AFM and XPS study

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of stainless steel 304 by a marine aerobic Pseudomonas bacterium in a seawater-based medium was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). AFM was used to observe in situ the proliferation of a sessile Pseudomonas cell by binary fission. The development of a biofilm on the coupon surface and the extent of corrosion damage beneath the biofilm after various exposure times were also characterized by AFM. Results showed that the biofilm formed on the coupon surface increased in thickness and heterogeneity with time, and thus resulting in the occurrence of extensive micro-pitting corrosion; whilst the depth of pits increased linearly with time. The XPS results confirmed that the colonization of Pseudomonas bacteria on the coupon surface induced subtle changes in the alloy elemental composition in the outermost layer of surface films. The most significant feature resulting from microbial colonization on the coupon surface was the depletion of iron (Fe) and the enrichment of chromium (Cr) content as compared to a control coupon exposed to the sterile medium, and the enrichment of Cr increased with time. These compositional changes in the main alloying elements may be correlated with the occurrence of extensive micropitting corrosion on the surface.     

Multifunctional magnetic materials obtained by insertion of spin-crossover Fe(III) complexes into chiral 3D bimetallic oxalate-based ferromagnets

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of compounds of formula [Fe(III)(5-Clsal(2)-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)(3)]·0.5(CH(3)NO(2)) (1), [Fe(III)(5-Brsal(2)-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)(3)] (2), and [In(III)(5-Clsal(2)-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)(3)] (3) are reported. The structure of the three compounds, which crystallize in the orthorhombic P2(1)2(1)2(1) chiral space group, presents a 3D chiral anionic network formed by Mn(II) and Cr(III) ions linked through oxalate ligands with inserted [Fe(III)(5-Clsal(2)-trien)](+), [Fe(III)(5-Brsal(2)-trien)](+), and [In(III)(5-Clsal(2)-trien)](+) cations. The magnetic properties indicate that the three compounds undergo long-range ferromagnetic ordering at ca. 5 K. On the other hand, the inserted Fe(III) cations undergo a partial spin crossover in the case of 1 and 2.     

系列Cr（Ⅲ）配合物的晶体结构和表面光电性能

采用常规方法合成了3种Cr（Ⅲ）配合物：[Cr(en)₂ox][Cr(en)(ox)₂]•2H₂O (1)、[Co(NH₂NHCSNH₂)₃][Cr(ox)₃]•7H₂O (2)和Cr(acac)₃ (3) (en=ethylenediamine, ox=oxalic acid, acac=acetylacetone)。通过X射线单晶衍射、紫外可见吸收光谱（UV-Vis）及表面光电压光谱（SPS）对配合物进行了表征。通过SPS光谱对3种配合物的表面光电性能与其相应的UV-Vis吸收光谱进行了对比。结果表明,配合物在300~600 nm范围内均可呈现较好的光伏响应,而且测得的表面光电压光谱峰位置和紫外吸收光谱有较好的对应关系。     

Surface characterization and barrier properties of plasma‐modified polyethersulfone/layered silicate nanocomposites

This study describes the preparation of polyethersulfone (PES)/layered silicate nanocomposites (PLSNs) by mixing PES polymer chain into organically‐modified layered silicate in 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP) solution. Both X‐ray diffraction data and transmission electron microscopy images of PLSNs indicate that the silicate layers were almost exfoliated and randomly distributed into the PES matrix. The mechanical and barrier properties of PLSNs show remarkable enhancement in the storage modulus and water/oxygen permeability when compared with that of neat PES matrix. Surfaces modification of PES and PLSN films with various treated times, system pressures, and radio frequency (RF) powers were performed using a mixture of oxygen (O₂) and nitrogen (N₂) plasmas. The topographical and physical properties of plasma‐modified PES and PLSN surfaces were investigated using scanning probe microscopy (SPM), contact‐angle measurements, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These results indicate that the surface roughness of PLSNs with the same condition of plasma modification is lower than that of neat PES matrix and is probably due to the increase of stiffness with the presence of inorganic layered silicates in PES matrix. The surface properties of the PES and PLSNs are also changed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. The XPS spectra suggest that the exposure of the PES and PLSNs to the plasmas led to the combination of etching reactions of polymer surface initiated by plasma and the following addition reactions of new oxygen‐ and nitrogen‐containing functional groups onto polymer surfaces to change their surface properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 3185–3194, 2006     

Colloidal stability of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: influence of natural organic matter and synthetic polyelectrolytes

The colloidal behavior of natural organic matter (NOM) and synthetic poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-coated ferrimagnetic (γFe(2)O(3)) nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated. Humic acid (HA), an important component of NOM, was extracted from a peat soil. Two different molecular weight PAAs were also used for coating. The colloidal stability of the coated magnetic NPs was evaluated as a resultant of the attractive magnetic dipolar and van der Waals forces and the repulsive electrostatic and steric-electrosteric interactions. The conformational alterations of the polyelectrolytes adsorbed on magnetic γFe(2)O(3) NPs and their role in colloidal stability were determined. Pure γFe(2)O(3) NPs were extremely unstable because of aggregation in aqueous solution, but a significant stability enhancement was observed after coating with polyelectrolytes. The steric stabilization factor induced by the polyelectrolyte coating strongly dictated the colloidal stability. The pH-induced conformational change of the adsorbed, weakly charged polyelectrolytes had a significant effect on the colloidal stability. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the stretched conformation of the HA molecular chains adsorbed on the γFe(2)O(3) NP surface at pH 9, which enhanced the colloidal stability through long-range electrosteric stabilization. The depletion of the polyelectrolyte during the dilution of the NP suspension decreased the colloidal stability under acidic solution conditions. The conformation of the polyelectrolytes adsorbed on the NP surface was altered as a function of the substrate surface charge as viewed from AFM imaging. The polyelectrolyte coating also led to a reduction in magnetic moments and decreased the coercivity of the coated γFe(2)O(3) NPs. Thus, the enhanced stabilization of the coated maghematite NPs may facilitate their delivery in the groundwater for the effective removal of contaminants.     

Tunable surface-enhanced infrared absorption on au nanofilms on si fabricated by self-assembly and growth of colloidal particles

Au colloids were used to fabricate nanoscale-tunable Au nanofilms on silicon for surface-enhanced IR absorption bases in both ambient and electrochemical environments. This wet process incorporates the self-assembly of colloidal Au monolayer using 3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane as the organic coupler with subsequent chemical plating in an Au(III)/hydroxylamine solution. FTIR spectroscopy in transmission mode of the probe species SCN- was used to evaluate the apparent surface enhancement in IR absorption of 2D Au colloid arrays and chemically plated Au particles. The nanostructure of Au films was examined by atomic force microscopy. The IR and AFM results show that the apparent surface enhancement factor (1-2 orders of magnitude) increases with increasing sizes and/or contact, and the severe aggregation of Au nanoparticles may cause the bipolar band shape. Cyclic voltammetry on the Au nanofilm obtained by the above nucleation and growth strategy exhibits a feasible electrochemical stability and behavior. In situ ATR-FTIR measurement of p-nitrobenzoic acid adsorption demonstrates that the as-grown Au film yields rather promising surface enhancement as well.     

Transpassivity characterization of the alloy UNS N08367 in a chloride-containing solution

We investigate the transpassivity of super-austenitic stainless steel UNS N08367 in 2.5 M LiCl solution by using cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The CPP curve exhibits negative hysteresis, which indicates a transpassive dissolution process instead of pitting corrosion. The transition from the passive region to the transpassive region is characterized by EIS and equivalent circuit analysis. During the transpassive dissolution of the N08367 alloy, two reactions of adsorbed intermediates are dominant, as indicated by the two inductive loops at the transpassive region. The first inductive loop is associated with the faster reaction, i.e., the adsorption of Fe intermediates. This fast reaction is significantly influenced by the preferential dissolution of Fe during the transpassive dissolution. The second inductive loop is correlated with the adsorption of the Cr intermediate. In contrast to Fe, the Cr content on the surface increases in the transpassive region compared with the content in the passive region. The XPS spectra support the time and frequency domain approach for the preferential dissolution, and the dominant species resulted from the interfacial processes at the transpassive region.