Direct measurement of acid-base interaction energy at solid interfaces

We have studied acid-base interactions at solid-liquid and solid-solid interfaces using interface-sensitive sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy. The shift of the sapphire hydroxyl peak in contact with several polar and nonpolar liquids and polymers was used to determine the interaction energy. The trend in the interaction energies cannot be explained by measuring only water contact angles. Molecular rearrangements at the sapphire interface, to maximize the interaction of the acid-base groups, play a dominant role, and these effects are not accounted for in the current theoretical models. These results provide important insights into understanding adhesion, friction, and wetting on solid interfaces.     

DNA adsorption at liquid/solid interfaces

DNA adsorption on solid or liquid surfaces is a topic of broad fundamental and applied interest. Here, we study by X-ray reflectivity the adsorption of monodisperse double-stranded DNA molecules on a positively charged surface, obtained through chemical grafting of a homogeneous organic monomolecular layer of N-(2-aminoethyl) dodecanamide on an oxide-free monocrystalline Si(111) wafer. The adsorbed dsDNA is found to embed into the soft monolayer, which is deformed in the process. The surface coverage is very high, and this adsorbed layer is expected to display 2D nematic ordering.     

Liquid-liquid interfaces: In isolation and in interaction

Although liquid-liquid interfaces are as important as liquid-vapor interfaces in many fields, including biology and technology, they have received much less attention in terms of systematic experimental studies. Many techniques are, in principle, relevant to both types of interface; likewise similar theories can often be developed for both. The basic physical chemistry of isolated interfaces, i.e. interfaces between two bulk liquids in mutual contact, is introduced first in this review. The interfacial tension, the forces acting at interfaces (i.e. van der Waals, Coulombic and steric forces), and the thermodynamic treatment of such systems are each considered, and the experimental techniques and some of the more important results are summarized. Next, the problem of three-phase contact (in which two or three of the phases are liquid) is introduced, and the concept of wetting and spreading considered. This leads to a discussion of systems in which two bulk phases (either, or both, of which are liquids) are separated by a liquid film; the mutual interaction of the two interfaces now becomes relevant. The stability of such systems is discussed in terms of the various forces acting within the systems, plus any external forces, such as gravity. The thermodynamics of liquid films is briefly introduced, and some discussion of the magnitude of the two interfacial tensions given. Finally, it is shown that the factors governing the formation and stability of liquid droplets and emulsion systems are directly related to the consideration of the earlier sections.     

Globular proteins at solid/liquid interfaces

Seven years have passed since one of us (W.N.) published the last comprehensive review on the mechanism of globular protein adsorption to solid/water interfaces. Since that time, annual contributions to the field have steadily increased and substantial progress has been made in a number of important areas. This review takes a fresh look at the driving force for protein adsorption by combining recent advances with key results from the past. The analysis indicates that four effects, namely structural rearrangements in the protein molecule, dehydration of (parts of) the sorbent surface, redistribution of charged groups in the interfacial layer, and protein surface polarity usually make the primary contributions to the overall adsorption behavior.     

Sonolysis of formic acid-water mixtures

Mixtures of formic acid and water were insonated with 300 kHz ultrasonic waves under an atmosphere of argon. H₂, CO₂, CO and very small amounts of oxalic acid are the products. The oxalic acid yield decreases with increasing HCOOH concentration. However, the yields of the other products pass through a maximum at 15 M. A mechanism is discussed where the decomposition of HCOOH into radicals plays only a minor role, the main reactions being thermal dehydration. The reactions are attributed to the high temperatures which exist in the adiabatic compression phase of cavitating argon bubbles, the temperature becoming lower with increasing HCOOH content of the gas bubbles.     

Generating new specific RNA interaction interfaces using C-loops

New RNA interaction interfaces are reported for designing RNA modules for directional supramolecular self-assembly. The new interfaces are generated from existing ones by inserting C-loops between the interaction motifs that mediate supramolecular assembly. C-Loops are new modular motifs recently identified in crystal structures that increase the helical twist of RNA helices in which they are inserted and thus reduce the distance between pairs of loop or loop-receptor motifs from 11 to 9 base-stacking layers while maintaining correct orientation for binding to cognate interaction interfaces. Binding specificities of C-loop-containing molecules for cognate molecules that also have inserted C-loops were found to range up to 20-fold. Binding affinities for most C-loop-containing molecules were generally equal or higher than those for the parent molecules lacking C-loops.     

Competing forces in the interaction of polyelectrolytes with charged interfaces

In this review, we discuss the competition of non-DLVO forces in the adsorption of polyelectrolytes onto charged surfaces. We consider two particularly illustrative problems, namely the adsorption of polyelectrolytes onto similarly charged surfaces and the reversal of surface charge by adsorption of polyelectrolytes. Emphasis is made on how simulation results help to understand relevant experimental situations.     

Thermodynamic aspects of capillarity and electrocapillarity of solid interfaces

In the previous paper (Gutman, JOSSEC 18:3217–3237, 2014), we have shown that the main problem in capillarity and electrocapillarity of solid surfaces is the lack of clarity in determining the surface stress and basic equations. Now, we continue the survey of efforts to solve this problem and show origins of erroneous results, accenting some important items: comparative analysis of Gibbs and Guggenheim approaches in surface thermodynamics (a geometrical dividing surface and finite-thickness surface layer, respectively), transformation of fundamental equations on per-unit-area basis to obtain Gibbs adsorption equation for finite-thickness surface layer, different attempts to derive the thermodynamic definition of “surface stress” in frames of Gibbs’ theory (including Shuttleworth’s approach), atomistic calculations of surface stress, surface stress in rational continuum mechanics, “modifications” of Gibbs–Duhem relations made for solid interface, and Maxwell relations in capillarity and electrocapillarity of solid interface. It is shown that the erroneous Shuttleworth’s approach is present in an explicit or implicit form in all efforts to introduce the surface stress in frames of Gibbsian theory (although Gibbs did not introduce surface stress). Therefore, “modernizations” or “generalizations” of the Gibbs–Duhem relation, the Gibbs adsorption equation, and the Lippmann equation to adopt them for a solid surface are unnatural and not necessary. Therefore, we recommend withdrawing the Shuttleworth equation and its consequences from circulation, including the IUPAC Recommendations.     

Balance of force at curved solid metal-liquid electrolyte interfaces

We analyze the simultaneous mechanical and chemical equilibrium at the interface between a fluid electrolyte and a solid conductor in terms of a continuum theory, with attention to surfaces of varying orientation and of arbitrary curvature. On top of the variable which is conjugate to the surface stress, the tangential strain, we introduce an additional degree of freedom for the surface deformation, the surface stretch, to account for the observation of a reversible normal relaxation of the top atomic layer as a function of the electrochemical potential. We derive relations between the materials constants of the surface, for instance, the pressure dependence of the electric potential at constant superficial charge density, and discuss experiments-using cantilevers or porous solids-by which they can be measured.     

Polymers at solid interfaces: A spin labelling approach

Polymers physically adsorbed or chemically grafted on a solid surface can be studied at a microscopic molecular level by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The signal of nitroxide free radicals used as spin labels is sensitive to the Brownian motion of the segments and generally shows lines characteristic of two different environments, the loops and tails in solution, and the trains on the surface. The previsions of simple models for what can be expected from the measurements are recalled. The relevance of the method is confirmed on linear neutral chains in well defined situations. The technique is then applied to a number of new systems giving valuable information on the behaviour of the macromolecules in these more complex conditions.     

Molecular modeling of adsorption and ordering at solid interfaces

Interfaces between liquids and solid surfaces are of considerable scientific as well as technological interest, in particular in the context of the adsorption and organization of molecular films. In recent years the direct observation of the molecular structure and often even the dynamics of ordered monolayers at such hidden interfaces has been made possible by the rapid development in scanning probe microscopy. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of understanding with respect to the formation and organization of such films and their interaction with the experimental apparatus. Here computer modeling plays an increasing role as both the complexity of the interfaces and the available computer power increase. This article addresses the application of phenomenological molecular modeling to physisorption at solid surfaces with a special emphasis on the liquid-solid interface. The paper presents an overview over different modeling approaches and illustrates their application in a series of examples ranging from the simulation of adsorption isotherms of small molecules to the prediction of the structure of physisorbed layers for larger molecules.     

Thermal interaction in two-layered solid fuel system

Journal of Mathematical Chemistry - The stability and dynamics of combustion waves in a system consisting of two exothermic solid fuel layers in thermal contact is numerically investigated within...     

Liquid structure of acetic acid-water and trifluoroacetic acid-water mixtures studied by large-angle X-ray scattering and NMR

The structures of acetic acid (AA), trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), and their aqueous mixtures over the entire range of acid mole fraction xA have been investigated by using large-angle X-ray scattering (LAXS) and NMR techniques. The results from the LAXS experiments have shown that acetic acid molecules mainly form a chain structure via hydrogen bonding in the pure liquid. In acetic acid-water mixtures hydrogen bonds of acetic acid-water and water-water gradually increase with decreasing xA, while the chain structure of acetic acid molecules is moderately ruptured. Hydrogen bonds among water molecules are remarkably formed in acetic acid-water mixtures at xA相似文献   

EPMA of interfaces applied to the solid oxide fuel cell

Chemical interactions at the phase boundaries of materials applied for the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) have been studied by EPMA. The chemical reactivity at the interface of La(y-x)Sr(x)MnO(3)/ZrO(2)-Y(2)O(3) is dependent on the stoichiometry (y) and the Sr content (x) of the perovskite. Typical reaction products (zirconates) and a diffusion zone in the ZrO(2)-Y(2)O(3) have been observed. The extension of cation release (Mn) is related to the increasing chemical activity of Mn oxide in the perovskite by the Sr substitution for La. The wettability of the metal/oxide interface in the anode cermet (Ni/ZrO(2)-Y(2)O(3)) has been found to be influenced by chemical reactions resulting from the applied reducing atmosphere with high carbon activity. The disintegration of ZrO(2)-Y(2)O(3) in contact with molten Ni or Ni-Ti and Ni-Cr alloys leads to the redeposition of Y(2)O(3)-enriched oxides and also to Zr-rich intermetallic compounds and eutectics.     

Adsorption of bovine serum albumin at solid/aqueous interfaces

Adsorption of soluble serum proteins on hydrophilic and hydrophobic solid surfaces is important for biomaterials and chromatographic separations of proteins. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from aqueous solutions was studied with in situ ATR-IR spectroscopy, and with ex situ ATR-IR, ellipsometry, and water wettablity measurements. The results were used to quantitatively determine the adsorbed film thickness and surface density of BSA on hydrophilic silicon oxide/silicon surfaces, and on these surfaces covered with a hydrophobic lipid monolayer of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). The water contact angles were 5° for silicon oxide, 47° ± 1° for the DDPC monolayer, and 53° ± 1° for the BSA monolayers. At 25 °C, and with 0.01–1 wt% BSA in water, the surface densities range from Γ = 2.6–5.0 mg/m², and the film thicknesses range from d = 2.0–3.8 nm, on the assumption that the film is as dense as bulk protein. These results, and certain changes in the IR amide I and II bands of the protein, indicate that the protein adsorbs as a side-on monolayer, with some flattening due to unfolding or denaturation. The estimated -helical content for protein in buffer solutions is 15% higher than for solutions in water. The adsorption density reaches a steady-state value within 10 min for the lowest concentration, but does not appear to reach a steady-state value after 3 h f‘or the higher concentrations. Adsorption of BSA on a silicon oxide surface covered with a monolayer of DPPC leads to an adsorbed protein film of about half the thickness and surface density than on silicon oxide, but the same contact angle, indicating more protein unfolding on the hydrophobic than on the hydrophilic surface.     

EPMA of interfaces applied to the solid oxide fuel cell

Chemical interactions at the phase boundaries of materials applied for the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) have been studied by EPMA. The chemical reactivity at the interface of La_y-xSr_xMnO₃/ZrO₂-Y₂O₃ is dependent on the stoichiometry (y) and the Sr content (x) of the perovskite. Typical reaction products (zirconates) and a diffusion zone in the ZrO₂–Y₂O₃ have been observed. The extension of cation release (Mn) is related to the increasing chemical activity of Mn oxide in the perovskite by the Sr substitution for La. The wettability of the metal/oxide interface in the anode cermet (Ni/ZrO₂–Y₂O₃) has been found to be influenced by chemical reactions resulting from the applied reducing atmosphere with high carbon activity. The disintegration of ZrO₂–Y₂O₃ in contact with molten Ni or Ni-Ti and Ni-Cr alloys leads to the redeposition of Y₂O₃-enriched oxides and also to Zr-rich intermetallic compounds and eutectics.     

Experimental aspects of polymer adsorption at solid/solution interfaces

Several recent review articles have been concerned with the topic of polymers at interfaces from the theoretical standpoint. This reflects the extensive effort made in this area over the last 10 – 15 years. However, new experimental techniques for studying polymers at interfaces have also begun to appear in recent years; so have better defined model systems. This article is therefore directed more to a survey of these experimental aspects of the subject. However, a short review of the current state of the theory is given first as background and to define concepts. In the following chapter, details of the modern experimental methods are given. The last chapter comprises an extensive comparative review of results obtained using these techniques with model systems, covering homopolymers, copolymers and polyelectrolytes.     

Mucin at solution/air and solid/solution interfaces

In this paper the surface activity of protein mucin at solution/air interface has been studied. The experiments of the adsorbed protein at solution/air interface have been carried out with a range of protein concentrations at a defined pH. The adsorption of the protein to solid surfaces and the degree of hydrophobicity at solid/solution interface of mucin have been evaluated at different pH and in the presence of Hofmeister electrolyte. The results from these studies have been further substantiated by surface potential measurements of mucin covered surface on stainless steel. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) has been used to follow the protein adsorption kinetics from solution to solid surface. The results from these measurements show that the adsorption behavior has a remarkable dependence on the degree of maximum coverage and is almost independent of the ionic strength. Other characteristic features such as maximum adsorption values at the protein isoelectric point (IEP4.7) and low-affinity isotherms that showed surface saturation even under unfavorable electrostatic conditions have been observed. The amount of mucin adsorbed in the presence of electrolytes has been estimated using electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The study clearly shows that there exists an inverse relationship between the hydrophobicity and surface tension of the protein and also on the hydrated radius of Hofmeister electrolyte used.     

Non-equilibrium adsorption at solid/liquid interfaces from polyelectrolyte solutions

The poly(2-vinylpyridine) layer was established at the Pyrex glass/water interface with periodic phases of adsorption/desorption runs observed over several days. This was evidenced by determining the concentration of radio-labelled molecules in the solution equilibrating the glass beads as a function of time (the effluent) while the same radio-labelled polymer was slowly supplied by injecting the polymer solution into the reactor containing the adsorbent at a controlled extremely slow rate. Although the adsorption (or the desorption) steps seemed to present some periodic character, they were better correlated with the successive bulk concentration thresholds that were established with time when the initial surface was free of polymer at time zero. Even when the adsorbent was coated at different degrees, desorption steps were correlated to the overstepping of decreasing concentration thresholds. Adsorption and desorption runs were attributed to the existence of different typical interfacial conformations of the adsorbed macromolecules that only can be stabilised in the adsorbed state when the layer was equilibrated with the polymer solution of a certain concentration. Macromolecule were definitely adsorbed when the reconformation process led to a flat conformation (trains). Macromolecules adsorbed with a conformation close to their solution conformation may be desorbed as a result of the reconformation process affecting previously adsorbed neighbour molecules (in the case of partially coated surfaces at time zero of injection). Macromolecules with loops and tails were retained on the surface when the polymer concentration in the bulk was progressively increased (for uncoated surfaces at time zero of injection). All these effect were attributed to the combined influence of topological effects on adsorption and reconformation of adsorbed macromolecules that characterise the non-equilibrium adsorption processes.     

Freezing transition and interaction potential in monolayers of microparticles at fluid interfaces

The structure and the interaction potential of monolayers of charged polystyrene microparticles at fluid interfaces have been studied by optical microscopy. Microparticles of different sizes have been studied over a broad range of surface particle densities. The structural characterization is based on the analysis of images obtained by digital optical microscopy. From the experimental images, radial distribution functions, hexagonal bond order correlation functions, and temporal orientational correlation functions have been calculated for different monolayer states at both the air/water and oil/water interfaces. The interaction potential has been calculated from the structure factor using integral equations within the hypernetted chain closure relationship. For particles trapped at the oil-water interface, it was found that, upon increasing the surface coverage, a freezing transition occurs, that leads to the formation of a 2D crystalline structure. We have studied the freezing densities of particle monolayers at the oil/water interface and compared them with Monte Carlo simulation results reported by H. Lo?wen. In contrast, at the air-water interface, freezing is inhibited due to the formation of particle aggregates.