One-step fabrication of three-dimensional porous calcium carbonate–chitosan composite film as the immobilization matrix of acetylcholinesterase and its biosensing on pesticide

This work reports on a novel nanosized calcium carbonate–chitosan (nanoCaCO₃–chi) composite film fabricated by a one-step co-electrodeposition method. The generated nanoCaCO₃-based matrix possessed a three-dimensional (3D) porous, network-like structure, providing a favorable and biocompatible microenvironment to immobilize enzyme. By using such a composite film as enzyme immobilization matrix, a highly sensitive and stable acetylcholinesterase (AChE) sensor was achieved for determination of methyl parathion as a model of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) compounds. The inhibition of methyl parathion was proportional to its concentration ranging from 0.005–0.2 to 0.75–3.75 μg mL⁻¹. The detection limit was found to be as low as 1 ng mL⁻¹ (S/N = 3). The designed biosensor exhibited good reproducibility and acceptable stability.     

Conductive diamond hollow fiber membranes

Boron-doped diamond hollow fiber membrane (BDD–HFM) was fabricated as a novel type of porous conductive diamond. BDD–HFM was obtained by deposition of BDD polycrystalline film onto a quartz filter substrate consisting of quartz fibers, followed by etching of the substrate in HF/HNO₃ aqueous solution. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed the inner diameter and wall thickness of the BDD hollow fibers were in the range of 0.4–2 and 0.2–2 μm, respectively. The BDD–HFM electrode exhibited a relatively large double-layer capacitance (ca. 13 F g⁻¹) in 0.1 M H₂SO₄. Electrochemical AC impedance properties were simulated using an equivalent circuit model containing a transmission line model, which indicated characteristics of a porous electrode material.     

Deposition behaviors and patterning of TiO2 thin films on different SAMs surfaces from titanium sulfate aqueous solution

Patterning of TiO₂ thin films was successfully obtained on different self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) in aqueous solution by micro-contact printing (μCP) method. The substrates were immersed in an aqueous solution containing titanium sulfate (Ti(SO₄)₂) and hydrogen peroxide for deposition at 80 °C. The growth rates on various surfaces were as follows: sulfonic (–SO₃H) > amino (–NH₂) > methyl (–CH₃) > hydroxyl (–OH). According to the XPS results, SAMs with the terminal groups of –SO₃H and –NH₂ were favorable for the deposition. The TiO₂ film deposited on the SAM with the terminal group of –CH₃ could be easily peeled off. Clearly, TiO₂ patterns were obtained on the prepatterned surfaces of –SO₃H/–CH₃ and –NH₂/–CH₃ SAMs. The deposition mechanism might be relevant to electrostatic interaction, Stern layer, lone pair electrons and Van der Vaals forces. The TiO₂ film was anatase after annealing at 500 °C and comprised particles with an average diameter of ca. 10 nm.     

Electrochemically regenerative visible light-induced reactivity of α-Fe2O3 films with Ag(core)–AgCl(shell) microcrystal composites

Ag(core)–AgCl(shell) microcrystal composites (Ag@AgCl) have been formed on an α-Fe₂O₃ film-coated SnO₂ electrode by a 2 step method consisting of the electrochemical reduction of Ag⁺ ions and the subsequent electrochemical oxidation. The synergy of α-Fe₂O₃ and Ag@AgCl gave rise to a high visible light-induced reactivity (λ_ex > 420 nm) for the oxidation of 2-naphthol (2-NAP) used as a model water pollutant in the presence and absence of oxygen. These findings were attributable to the function of Ag@AgCl composites as an excellent charge-separation promoter and built-in acceptor.     

Activation of a single-chamber solid oxide fuel cell by a simple catalyst-assisted in-situ process

Initialization is a critical processing step that has thus far limited the application of the single-chamber solid oxide fuel cell (SC-SOFC). In-situ initialization of a SC-SOFC with a nickel-based anode by methane–air mixtures was investigated. Porous Ru–CeO₂ was used as a catalyst layer over a Ni-ScSZ cermet anode. Catalytic testing demonstrated Ru–CeO₂ had high activity for methane oxidation. The Ru in the catalyst layer catalyzed the formation of syngas, which successfully reduced the nickel oxide to metallic nickel in the anode. Single cells with a La_0.8Sr_0.2MnO₃ (LSM) cathode, initialized by this in-situ reduction method, delivered peak power densities of 205 and 327 mW cm⁻² at 800 °C and 850 °C, respectively. Such performances were better than those of the cell without the Ru–CeO₂ catalyst layer that was initialized by an ex-situ reduction method were.     

Rhodium(I) carbonyl complexes of chalcogen functionalized tripodal phosphines, [CH3C(CH2P(X)Ph2)3] {X = O, S, Se} and their reactivity

The reaction of dimeric rhodium precursor [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ with two molar equivalent of 1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane trichalcogenide ligands, [CH₃C(CH₂P(X)Ph₂)₃](L), where X = O(a), S(b) and Se(c) affords the complexes of the type [Rh(CO)₂Cl(L)] (1a–1c). The complexes 1a–1c have been characterized by elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, IR and NMR (¹H, ³¹P and ¹³C) spectroscopy and the ligands a–c are structurally determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1a–1c undergo oxidative addition (OA) reactions with different electrophiles such as CH₃I, C₂H₅I and C₆H₅CH₂Cl to give Rh(III) complexes of the types [Rh(CO)(COR)ClXL] {R = –CH₃ (2a–2c), –C₂H₅ (3a–3c); X = I and R = –CH₂C₆H₅ (4a–4c); X = Cl}. Kinetic data for the reaction of a–c with CH₃I indicate a first-order reaction. The catalytic activity of 1a–1c for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid and its ester is evaluated and a higher turn over number (TON = 1564–1723) is obtained compared to that of the well-known commercial species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ (TON = 1000) under the reaction conditions: temperature 130 ± 2 °C, pressure 30 ± 2 bar and time 1 h.     

Promoting effect of Mg in supported Mo/HBeta–Al2O3 catalyst for cross-metathesis of ethene and butene-2 to propene

Promoting effects of Mg in heterogeneous Mo/HBeta–Al₂O₃ catalyst have been carefully studied for cross-metathesis of ethene and butene-2 to propene. The catalyst shows good stability with Mg content in the range of 1–2 wt%. Such effect may be attributed to the elimination of weak acid sites through introduction of Mg which suppresses the side olefin oligomerization reaction, as evidenced from NH₃-TPD and ¹H MAS NMR results. Addition of more Mg content to 3 wt% may change the state and reducibility of Mo species, as indicated from the UV–vis, UV-Raman and H₂-TPR measurements. The increasing difficulty for the reduction of Mo(VI) species is closely related with the poor performance of 3 wt% Mg–4Mo/HBeta–30% Al₂O₃ catalyst in the metathesis reaction.     

Comparison of alkali-promoted ZrO2 catalysts towards carbon black oxidation

The effect of alkali metals deposition on zirconia has been studied in the oxidation of carbon black, considered as a model of diesel soot. The study of the influence of alkali content and alkali precursor was undertaken for K/ZrO₂, evidencing a better activity for a catalyst prepared with an atomic ratio K/Zr = 0.14 and from a nitrate precursor. Using the latter preparation conditions, alkali/ZrO₂ are found to be active in the oxidation of carbon black according the sequence ZrO₂ < Li/ZrO₂ < Na/ZrO₂ < K/ZrO₂ < Rb/ZrO₂ < Cs/ZrO₂. Alkali metals have an influence on the tetragonal–monoclinic crystalline modification. Alkali metals ions with low size tend to stabilize the tetragonal ZrO₂ phase whereas those with higher ionic radius favour the tetragonal–monoclinic modification. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and temperature programmed reduction (TPR) measurements show that the catalytic activity partially depends on the presence of nitrate species stabilized in alkali/ZrO₂ even after calcination treatment at 600 °C. Nitrate species are more stable in the presence of alkali with high ionic radius than those of low size.     

Reduction of sulfoxides catalyzed by oxo-complexes

This work reports the catalytic activity of the oxo-complexes HReO₄, MoO₂(acac)₂, WO₂Cl₂, and VO(acac)₂ in the reduction of sulfoxides with PhSiH₃ or HBcat. The results obtained showed that the catalyst systems PhSiH₃/HReO₄ (5 mol %) and HBcat/HReO₄ (5 mol %) are highly efficient for the deoxygenation of sulfoxides. The complex MoO₂(acac)₂ was also efficient, but the reactions required more time and heating. Finally, the complexes WO₂Cl₂ and VO(acac)₂ showed a moderate activity.     

Nanocrystalline ZnMn2O4 as a novel lithium-storage material

Nanocrystalline ZnMn₂O₄ is prepared by a polymer-pyrolysis route and used as a novel anode for lithium ion batteries. XRD and HRTEM studies reveal that the products are highly phase-pure and 30–60 nm in size. Galvanostatic cycling of ZnMn₂O₄ electrode at 100 mA g⁻¹ (about 0.52 mA cm⁻²) between 0.01 and 3.0 V up to 50 cycles exhibits almost stable cycling performance between 10 and 50 cycles with only an average capacity fade of 0.20% per cycle and the electrode still maintains a capacity of 569 mAh g⁻¹ after 50 cycles.     

Schiff base complex sol–gel method for LaCoO3 perovskite preparation with high-adsorbed oxygen

A novel Schiff base complex sol–gel method has been used to prepare LaCoO₃ producing high ratios of adsorbed (or surface) oxygen (α) to lattice oxygen (β). The as-prepared gels, characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), showed that both lanthanum and cobalt ions were complexed before calcinations. IR spectra revealed that CO₃²⁻ and NO₃⁻ presented on the sample surfaces during heat treatment. High-resolution transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM) images of all samples showed resolved lattice fringes with the inter-planar spacing 0.37–0.39 nm of the (0 1 2) plane in hexagonal perovskite. BET surface areas of LaCoO₃ nano-crystals were 11.7–18.6 m²/g. Ratios of adsorbed (or surface) oxygen (α) to lattice oxygen (β) quantified by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy showed that LaCoO₃ prepared by the Schiff base complex method produced higher ratios when bases had higher nitrogen content in molecules. Carbonate and nitrate which were resulting from the oxidation of functional groups in the Schiff base complex, can produce gaseous compounds and leave vacant sites for oxygen in the gas phase to adsorb.     

Synthesis and structure of mixed-metal thiolate complex Cp′Cr(CO)2(μ-SBu)Pt(PPh3)2: Side-on-coordination of Cr–S double bond with platinum

The reaction of [Cp′Cr(CO)₂(μ-SBu)]₂ (1) (Cp′ = MeC₅H₄) with (PPh₃)₂Pt(PhCCPh) gives Cp′Cr(CO)₂(μ-SBu)Pt(PPh₃)₂ (2) which could be regarded as a product of the substitution of acetylene ligand at platinum by a monomeric chromium–thiolate fragment. According to the X-ray diffraction analysis 2 contains single Cr–Pt (2.7538(15)) and Pt–S (2.294(2) Å) bonds while Cr–S bond (2.274(3) Å) is shortened in comparison with ordinary Cr–S bonds (2.4107(4)–2.4311(4) Å) in 1. The bonding between Cr–S fragment and platinum atom is similar to the olefine coordination in their platinum complexes.     

Electronic spectra of the linear magnesium-containing carbon chains MgC2nH (n = 1–5): A CASPT2 study

Complete active space self-consistent-field (CASSCF) approach has been used for the geometry optimization of the X²Σ⁺ and A²Π electronic states for the linear magnesium-containing carbon chains MgC_2nH (n = 1–5). Multireference second-order perturbation theory (CASPT2) has been used to calculate the vertical excitation energies from the ground to selected seven excited states, as well as the potential energy curves of two ²Σ⁺ and two ²Π electronic states. The studies indicate that the vertical excitation energies of the A²Π ← X²Σ⁺ transition for MgC_2nH (n = 1–5) are 2.837, 2.793, 2.767, 2.714, and 2.669 eV, respectively, showing remarkable linear size dependence. Compared with the previous TD-DFT and RCCSD(T) results, our estimates for MgC_2nH (n = 1–3) are in the best agreement with the available observed data of 2.83, 2.78, and 2.74 eV, respectively. In addition, the dissociation energies in MgC_2nH (n = 1–5) are also been evaluated.     

In situ study on the effects of Ni and Mo on the passive film formed on Fe–20Cr alloys by photoelectrochemical and Mott–Schottky techniques

Effects of alloying elements (Ni and Mo) on the structure of passive film formed on Fe–20Cr alloys in pH 8.5 buffer solution were explored by analyzing the in situ electronic properties measured using the photoelectrochemical technique and Mott–Schottky analysis. The passive film formed on Fe–20Cr–10Ni was found to be mainly composed of Cr-substituted γ-Fe₂O₃ from similarities in photocurrent response for the passive films formed on the alloy and Fe–20Cr. On the other hand, the photocurrent spectra for the passive films of Fe–20Cr–15Ni–(0, 4)Mo alloys exhibited the spectral components associated with NiO and Mo oxide (MoO₂ and/or MoO₃) in addition to that induced by Cr-substituted γ-Fe₂O₃. Mott–Schottky plots for the passive films formed on Fe–20Cr–(10, 15)Ni and Fe–20Cr–15Ni–4Mo confirmed that the passive films on Fe–20Cr–(10, 15)Ni–(0, 4)Mo alloys have a base structure of Cr-substituted γ-Fe₂O₃ with variation of densities of shallow and deep donors depending on the Ni and Mo contents in the alloys. We suggest that the passive film formed on Fe–20Cr–(10, 15)Ni and Fe–20Cr–15Ni–4Mo alloys are composed of (Cr, Ni, Mo)-substituted γ-Fe₂O₃ when the concentrations of Ni and Mo are below critical values. However, NiO and Mo oxide (MoO₂ and/or MoO₃) would be precipitated in the passive films when the concentrations of Ni and Mo exceed critical values.     

Vibrational interactions in dimethylgold(III) halides and carboxylates

The far-infrared and Raman spectra of binuclear molecules [Me₂AuX]₂ (X = Cl, Br, I) and [Me₂Au(OOCR)]₂ (R = Me, CF₃, Bu^t, Ph) in the 600–70 cm⁻¹ region are reported. The experimentally measured vibrational frequencies of [Me₂AuX]₂ are in a good agreement with density functional theory predictions. The Au…Au vibrational interactions predicted to be in the 270–60 cm⁻¹ region of [Me₂AuX]₂ far-IR and Raman spectra have been observed. The Raman-active Au…Au vibrations of the [Me₂Au(OOCR)]₂ molecules were found to be in the same region as those of [Me₂AuX]₂. The Au–X stretching modes were observed between 100 and 250 cm⁻¹ in accordance with the DFT predictions. Their frequencies in the IR spectra of [Me₂AuX]₂ increase in the sequence I < Br < Cl while the AuC₂ stretching frequencies decrease in the same order. This fact might be an evidence of the decreasing covalent character of the gold-halogen bridges. The Au–O stretching bands of dimethylgold(III) carboxylates have been observed in the 500–250 cm⁻¹ region, and Au–C stretching frequencies of both [Me₂AuX]₂ and [Me₂Au(OOCR)]₂ compounds have been found between 600 and 500 cm⁻¹.     

Synthesis and characterization of MnO2 colloids

This work addresses the issue of radiation chemical synthesis of MnO₂ nanoparticles and also illustrates the ease of formation of nanorods and sheets by adroit manipulation of experimental conditions. The radiation chemical yield (G-value) for reduction of Mn (VII) by the hydrated electron was found to be 0.27 μmol J⁻¹ and 0.17 μmol J⁻¹ respectively, when tert. butanol and isopropanol were used as scavengers in nitrogen-saturated solutions. The colloids formed upon irradiation of air-saturated solution and N₂-purged solution with tert. butanol as scavenger were found to be most stable. Irradiation of air-saturated solution containing 4×10⁻⁴ M KMnO₄ at a dose of 1692 Gy resulted in the formation of nanorods of the dimension 100–150 nm and nanospheres in the range 10–20 nm. Irradiation of N₂-purged solution containing tert. butanol as scavenger for OH-produced reticulated structure of nanorods with length varying from 50 to 100 nm at a dose of 1692 Gy. Elemental analysis was performed using scanning electron microscope on MnO₂ formed by reduction and oxidation and the purity was found to be 98% of elemental Mn content.     

Chitosan–iron oxide nanobiocomposite based immunosensor for ochratoxin-A

The rabbit immunoglobulin antibodies (IgGs) have been immobilized onto nanobiocomposite film of chitosan (CH)–iron oxide (Fe₃O₄₎ nanoparticles prepared onto indium–tin oxide (ITO) electrode for detection of ochratoxin-A (OTA). Excellent film forming ability and availability of –NH₂ group in CH and affinity of surface charged Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles for oxygen support the immobilization of IgGs. Differential pulse voltammettry (DPV) studies indicate that Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles provide increased electroactive surface area for loading of IgGs and improved electron transport between IgGs and electrode. IgGs/CH–Fe₃O₄ nanobiocomposite/ITO immunoelectrode exhibits improved characteristics such as low detection limit (0.5 ng dL⁻¹), fast response time (18 s) and high sensitivity (36 μA/ng dL⁻¹ cm⁻²) with respect to IgGs/CH/ITO immunoelectrode.     

Preparation of “pore-fill” type Pd–YSZ–γ-Al2O3 composite membrane supported on α-Al2O3 tube for hydrogen separation

Mesoporous YSZ–γ-Al₂O₃ membranes were coated on α-Al₂O₃ (Ø2 mm) tube by dipping the α-Al₂O₃ support tube into mixed sol consists of nano-size YSZ and bohemite particles followed by drying and calcination at 600 °C. Addition of bohemite in YSZ sol helped a good adhesion and uniform coating of the membrane film onto α-Al₂O₃ support. The quality of the mesoporous YSZ–γ-Al₂O₃ membranes was evaluated by the gas permeability experiments. The number of defects was minimized when the γ-Al₂O₃ content became more than 40%. Addition of γ-Al₂O₃ inhibited the crystal growth of YSZ, sintering shrinkage and distortion stress. Increase of calcination temperature and time results in the increase of pore size and N₂ permeance. A hydrogen perm-selective membrane was prepared by filling palladium into the nano-pores of YSZ–γ-Al₂O₃ layer by vacuum-assisted electroless plating. Crystal growth of palladium was observed by thermal annealing of the membrane at 600 °C for 40 h. The Pd–YSZ–γ-Al₂O₃ composite membrane revealed improved thermal stability allowing long-term operation at elevated temperature (>500 °C). This has been attributed to the improved fracture toughness of YSZ–γ-Al₂O₃ layer and matching of thermal expansion coefficient between palladium and YSZ. Although fracture of the membrane did not occur, decline of H₂ flux was observed when the membrane was exposed in 600 °C. This has been attributed to the agglomeration of palladium particles by crystal growth and dense packing into the pore networks of YSZ–γ-Al₂O₃ by elevation of temperature.     

Polyvinyl alcohol–ionic liquid composition for promoting the direct electron transfer and electrocatalysis of hemoglobin

The direct electron transfer and electrocatalysis of hemoglobin (Hb) entrapped in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–room temperature ionic liquid (i.e., 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [OMIM]PF₆) composition has been investigated by using cyclic voltammetry and chronocoulometry. It is found that the composition can promote the direct electron transfer of Hb and the heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (k_s) of immobilized Hb is enhanced to 19.9 s⁻¹. The immobilized Hb also shows high electro-catalytic activity towards the redox of oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and nitrite. The Michaelis constants (K_m) decrease to 1.2 × 10⁻⁴ M (for hydrogen peroxide) and 9.4 × 10⁻³ M (for nitrite). The surface concentration of electroactive Hb is estimated and it is ca. 1.4 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol cm⁻², meaning that several layers of immobilized Hb take part in the electrochemical reaction. When gold nanoparticles (GNP) is introduced into the composition, the resulting PVA–GNP–[OMIM]PF₆ composition presents better performance. The electrochemical characteristic of immobilized Hb is improved further. Thus PVA–GNP–[OMIM]PF₆ composition is more suitable for the immobilization of Hb. Therefore, it is a good strategy to prepare novel composition for protein immobilization by using several materials with different function.