The Effect of –(C6F4)– on the Surface Free Energy of Main‐Chain Liquid Crystalline and Crystalline Polymers

Novel fluorinated main‐chain liquid‐crystalline/crystalline polymers were prepared through thin film polymerization to investigate the effect of –(C₆F₄)– on the surface free energy. The fluorine in the phenyl rings does not lower the total surface free energy of the thin copolymer films, compared to those without fluorine. Interestingly, the Lewis acid components (γ⁺) of the surface free energy of the fluorine‐containing polymers increase with an increase in the –(C₆F₄)– content, indicating the increasing electron accepting character of the surface.     

Carbon-Fluorine Bondings of Fluorinated Fullerene and Graphite

Carbon-fluorine bondings of fluorinated fullerenes and fluorine-graphite intercalation compound C_xF were investigated in detail on the basis of XPS data and the potential model using the charge distribution calculated by semiempirical method. It has been confirmed by the present study that two peaks in the C_1s spectra observed for fluorinated fullerenes are assigned to carbon atoms bonded to fluorine atoms and those unbound to fluorine atoms, and the small difference in charges and Madelung potentials of fluorine atoms in different circumstances well explains the single peak in F_1s spectra of fluorinated fullerenes. In the calculated structures of 1,3-C₆₀F₂ and 1,2-C₆₀F_x (x = 2?6) used as the models of C_xF, three kinds of carbon-fluorine bondings were observed corresponding to nearly ionic, semicovalent and covalent C? F bondings. The calculated result supports that the bi-intercalation structure of stage 1 C_xF consists of nearly ionic and semi-covalent fluorines.     

Conformational analysis of some dimethylheptanes with the aid of normal coordinate calculations

Infrared spectra were obtained for the series of 2,X-dimethylheptanes (X = 2,3,4,5,6) and were interpreted with the aid of normal coordinate calculations. 2,2-DMH exists as two conformers, with the C_s conformer being the only one present in the crystalline solid. 2,3-DMH exists in at least three conformations, all of C₁ symmetry. Ambiguities in spectral data indicate that more conformations are present. Two C₁ conformations of 2,4-DMH were shown to be present, but an unassigned band may indicate the presence of a third conformer. The presence of at least four conformers, all of C₁ symmetry, was shown to be necessary to explain the spectrum of 2,5-DMH. Finally, 2,6-DMH was shown to exist as three conformers, of symmetries C_s, C₂, and C₁. Vibrational assignments were made for all the probable conformers of all five compounds.     

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of intercalated compounds of fluorinated graphite C2FxBr0.01·yCH3CN

The energy level structure of fluorinated graphite intercalation compounds C₂F_xBr_0.01·yCH₃CN (x = 0.49–0.87, y = 0.084–0.136) has been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy providing the information on the electronic structure of compounds in question. The analysis of variations of the binding energy of core levels C1s, F1s, and O1s opens the possibility to explore the nature of the chemical bond C-F in the fluorographite matrix with a varying degree of fluorination, as well as to model the structure of these compounds. The examination of decomposition results of spectra into components has revealed the occurrence of C-F fragments, carbon atoms not bonded directly to fluorine atoms, and “graphite-like” areas, whose contribution to the overall structure increases with the degree of matrix fluorination decreasing. The presence of oxygen was considered from the viewpoint of surface phenomena characteristic of low-temperature carbon materials.     

Divinylketone: Conformational preferences. Molecular geometry and vibrational force field in the ground state

The conformational preferences of the molecule 1,4-pentadien-3-one (divinylketone) have been studied by ab initio molecular orbital calculations and discussed in terms of interaction between molecular fragments. The calculations predict a molecular ground state having a fully coplanar s-cis, s-cis conformation. In addition, we find three other structures that represent local minima on the energy surface. These are a fully coplanar s-cis, s-trans form, and two nonplanar s-trans, s-trans forms having symmetries C₂ and C_1h, respectively. The energies of these forms relative to the ground state are 7.5, 19.2, and 35.9 kJ/mol, respectively. The coplanar s-trans, s-trans form represents a saddle point on the energy surface. All conformers and the saddle point have been completely geometry optimized by the gradient technique. For the ground state a complete in-plane harmonic force field has been evaluated.     

Selective formation of C60F18(g) and C60F36(g) by reaction of [60]fullerene with molecular fluorine

Fluorination of C₆₀(s), C₆₀(s)-MnF₂(s), C₆₀(s)-NiF₂(s) and C₆₀(s)-MnF₃(s) mixtures has been studied by Knudsen cell mass spectrometry with admission of molecular fluorine. The fluorination is selective when fullerene reacts with the fluorine chemisorbed on the MnF₂ surface. When the MnF₂ content in the initial mixture is at least 90 mol% both C₆₀F₁₈ and C₆₀F₃₆ are selectively formed. Under certain conditions, mixtures predominantly containing one of three compounds C₆₀F₃₈, C₆₀F₄₀, and C₆₀F₄₂ can be obtained. A consecutive change of the main fluorination products (C₆₀F₁₈ and C₆₀F₃₆) takes place at constant temperature (720 K) and on fluorine admission. A quantitative explanation of this fact is given. Selective fluorination of C₆₀(s) by molecular fluorine is compared with solid-phase fluorination using MnF₃(s) as a fluorinating agent.     

Fluorine‐Free Synthesis of High‐Purity Ti3C2Tx (T=OH,O) via Alkali Treatment

MXenes, 2D compounds generated from layered bulk materials, have attracted significant attention in energy‐related fields. However, most syntheses involve HF, which is highly corrosive and harmful to lithium‐ion battery and supercapacitor performance. Here an alkali‐assisted hydrothermal method is used to prepare a MXene Ti₃C₂T_x (T=OH, O). This route is inspired from a Bayer process used in bauxite refining. The process is free of fluorine and yields multilayer Ti₃C₂T_x with ca. 92 wt % in purity (using 27.5 m NaOH, 270 °C). Without the F terminations, the resulting Ti₃C₂T_x film electrode (ca. 52 μm in thickness, ca. 1.63 g cm^?3 in density) is 314 F g^?1 via gravimetric capacitance at 2 mV s^?1 in 1 m H₂SO₄. This surpasses (by ca. 214 %) that of the multilayer Ti₃C₂T_x prepared via HF treatments. This fluorine‐free method also provides an alkali‐etching strategy for exploring new MXenes for which the interlayer amphoteric/acidic atoms from the pristine MAX phase must be removed.     

Fluorine‐Free Synthesis of High‐Purity Ti3C2Tx (T=OH,O) via Alkali Treatment

MXenes, 2D compounds generated from layered bulk materials, have attracted significant attention in energy‐related fields. However, most syntheses involve HF, which is highly corrosive and harmful to lithium‐ion battery and supercapacitor performance. Here an alkali‐assisted hydrothermal method is used to prepare a MXene Ti₃C₂T_x (T=OH, O). This route is inspired from a Bayer process used in bauxite refining. The process is free of fluorine and yields multilayer Ti₃C₂T_x with ca. 92 wt % in purity (using 27.5 m NaOH, 270 °C). Without the F terminations, the resulting Ti₃C₂T_x film electrode (ca. 52 μm in thickness, ca. 1.63 g cm⁻³ in density) is 314 F g⁻¹ via gravimetric capacitance at 2 mV s⁻¹ in 1 m H₂SO₄. This surpasses (by ca. 214 %) that of the multilayer Ti₃C₂T_x prepared via HF treatments. This fluorine‐free method also provides an alkali‐etching strategy for exploring new MXenes for which the interlayer amphoteric/acidic atoms from the pristine MAX phase must be removed.     

ESCA applied to polymers. XXVI. Investigation of a series of aliphatic,aromatic, and fluorine-containing polycarbonates

The absolute and relative binding energies for the C_1s, O_1s, and F_1s core levels have been determined using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ESCA) for a series of aliphatic, aromatic, and fluorine-containing polycarbonates. Comparisons of these experimentally determined, core-level binding energies with theoretical calculations using the ground-state potential model in the CNDO/2 SCF MO formalism as well as model compounds have been made on the C_1s and O_1s core levels. The degree of polymerization for low-molecular-weight fluorine-containing polycarbonates, as determined from ESCA measurements, is compared to measurements by vapor-phase osmometry and ¹⁹F-NMR.     

Does the thermal motion of macromolecules really influence the fluorine-atomic concentration of plasma-fluorinated polyolefin surfaces?

The relative fluorine-atomic concentrations and the abundance of CF_x functionalities from CF₄- and C₆F₆-RF-plasma treated polypropylene (PP) film surfaces were evaluated. Survey and high resolution (HR) ESCA data indicate that intense surface fluorination can be carried out, from both fluorine precursors, under relatively low power and treatment time conditions. However, it was found that the stability (under open laboratory conditions and under various solvent and temperature environments) of plasma implanted fluorine based groups significantly depend on the nature of plasma gases involved. Simulation of plasma induced molecular fragmentation, at different electron energy MS conditions, indicates the presence of a much higher fluorine atom concentration from a CF₄-plasma in comparison to a C₆F₆-plasma. It is suggested that fluorine atom mediated fragmentation of macromolecular backbones is probably responsible for the erosion of plasma fluorinated surfaces, rather than thermal motion induced burying processes.     

Adsorption of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte/gemini surfactant mixtures at the air/water interface and the effects of NaBr: a surface tension study

The adsorption of mixed solutions containing an anionic polyelectrolyte, carboxymethylchitosan (CMCH), and cationic gemini surfactants, alkanediyl-bis-(dimethyldodecyl-ammonium bromide) (C₁₂-s-C₁₂, s?=?2, 6, 12), has been investigated by surface tension method. The oppositely charged polyelectrolyte and the surfactants co-adsorb at the surface to form highly surface-active complexes. Combining the surface tension data with the Gibbs equation, it is referred that the surface layers of the mixed solutions have the multi-level structure, which includes the sublayers beneath an outermost layer. The gemini surfactant spacer with different length takes different conformations in the surface layers. The salt (NaBr) effects on the adsorption of the mixtures have also been studied. The spacer length of C₁₂-s-C₁₂ influences the responses of CMCH/C₁₂-s-C₁₂ mixtures to the salt effects. The comprehensive salt effects depend on the competition between the salt-enhancing effect and the salt-weakening effect.     

BCN: A Graphene Analogue with Remarkable Adsorptive Properties

A new analogue of graphene containing boron, carbon and nitrogen (BCN) has been obtained by the reaction of high‐surface‐area activated charcoal with a mixture of boric acid and urea at 900 °C. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron energy‐loss spectroscopy reveal the composition to be close to BCN. The X‐ray diffraction pattern, high‐resolution electron microscopy images and Raman spectrum indicate the presence of graphite‐type layers with low sheet‐to‐sheet registry. Atomic force microscopy reveals the sample to consist of two to three layers of BCN, as in a few‐layer graphene. BCN exhibits more electrical resistivity than graphene, but weaker magnetic features. BCN exhibits a surface area of 2911 m² g^?1, which is the highest value known for a B_xC_yN_z composition. It exhibits high propensity for adsorbing CO₂ (≈100 wt %) at 195 K and a hydrogen uptake of 2.6 wt % at 77 K. A first‐principles pseudopotential‐based DFT study shows the stable structure to consist of BN₃ and NB₃ motifs. The calculations also suggest the strongest CO₂ adsorption to occur with a binding energy of 3.7 kJ mol^?1 compared with 2.0 kJ mol^?1 on graphene.     

Property control of new forms of carbon materials by fluorination

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) based on the template carbonization technique were fluorinated in a temperature range 323-473 K by elemental fluorine. The fluorination of the carbon nanotubes results in functionalization and modification of pristine nanotubes with respect to adsorption and electrochemical properties. Selective fluorination of the inner surface of the carbon nanotubes, brings about a decrease in the surface free energy of the inner surface of the tubes and an increase in colombic efficiency of Li/nanotubes rechargeable cells in an aprotic medium. Electrochemical fluoride-ion doping of fullerene C₆₀ thin films (250-450 nm) was carried out in a fluoride-ion conductive solution, MeCN solution of 1 M Et₄NF·4HF. Galvanostatic oxidation yielded C₆₀F_ca.1-3 where fluorine exists as a semi-ionic species in the cavity surrounded by C₆₀ molecules without forming covalent CF bonds     

Applications of ESCA to polymer chemistry. X. Core and valence energy levels of a series of polyacrylates

The core and valence levels of a series of poly(alkyl acrylates) have been studied by ESCA. From an analysis of the individual component peaks for the C_1s and O_1s core levels and from comparison of relative area ratios it is shown that ESCA may be applied to the study of surface compositions. The evidence presented strongly suggests that on the ESCA depth-profiling scale the technique statistically sample the repeat units with no evidence for preferential orientation of side chains at the surface. For some samples, ESCA provides evidence for a degree of surface oxidation and hydrocarbon contamination. The valence energy levels are shown to be characteristic of the polymer system. The measured absolute and relative binding energies of the core levels have been compared with model calculations using the charge-potential model in the CNDO/2 SCF MO formalism.     

Studies on Dynamic Surface Tension of an Outstanding Microemulsifier in Supercritical CO2 and Its Wetting Performance

Dodecyl polyoxyethylene(4) polyoxypropylene(5) ether (LS45) is an outstanding microemulsifier in supercritical CO₂. The dynamic surface tension (DST) of this nonionic surfactant was investigated by using the maximum bubble pressure instrument. The effects of concentration and temperature on DST parameters (n, t_i, t*, t_m, and R_1/2) and its adsorption mechanism were discussed by Rosen's empirical equation and the asymptotic Ward and Tordai equation for the LS45 solution system. Finally, the parameters at 1 s related to Draves's wetting performance, pC_20(1s), C_1s (i)*, and C_1s*, analyzed. The results showed that were with increase of bulk concentration and temperature, dynamic surface activity increased. Parameters at 1 s indicated that LS45 is of high surface activity and a very good wetting agent. One‐second related parameters, C_1s (i)* and C_1s*, are valuable in the treatment of practical applications of surfactants. Optimum wetting can be expected at the concentration of 4.8×10^?4 mol/dm³ for LS45 solution.     

NMR observations of drawn polymers. V. Sorption into drawn and undrawn polyethylene

NMR measurements on undrawn polyethylene (PE) samples in contact with a solvent such as C₂Cl₄ indicate an increase in the mobility of the mobile chain segments as compared to dry samples. Highly drawn PE shows no such effect. This is because S_a, the sorption per unit mass of noncrystalline material present, decreases from 20.9 wt.-% (dry basis), found for undrawn quenched PE, to 0.63 wt.-% after drawing (S_a determined at 25°C. and 0.80 vapor activity). Drawing also reduces the segment mobility according to the NMR spectrum. It is shown that these effects are caused by considerable structural changes occurring in the noncrystalline regions of PE upon drawing. Annealing of drawn PE samples at successively higher temperatures leads to a gradual relaxation of the noncrystalline regions towards the state characteristic of undrawn PE. With increasing annealing temperature S_a as well as the mobility approach values found with undrawn PE.     

An ESCA investigation of the inductively coupled RF plasma polymerization of fluoronaphthalene and fluoronaphthalene/hydrogen mixtures

1-Fluoronaphthalene was plasma polymerized and its composition and structure, as a function of position, power, and temperature, were examined by ESCA. The F:C ratio of the deposited film was lower than that of the starting monomer both at room temperature and at 150°C. An asymmetry of the main C_1s photoionization peak was noted. Plasmas were also excited in fluoronaphthalene/hydrogen mixtures where extensive fluorine elimination and hydrogen incorporation occurred. This gave direct evidence that the height of step function or asymmetry of the main C_1s peak is related to the degree of saturation in the compound.     

Applications of ESCA to polymer chemistry. XVII. Systematic investigation of the core levels of simple homopolymers

The core levels of a series of 83 homopolymers have been studied by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). Comparisons of the experimentally determined core-level binding energies with theoretical calculations using the ground-state potential model in the complete neglect of differential overlap (CNDO/2) self-consistent field molecular orbital (SCF MO) formalism have been made on the C_1s and O_1s core levels for the oxygen-containing polymers in the series. A comparison of the ground-state potential model (GPM) and relaxation potential model (RPM) on a series of six model compounds representative on the series of polymers is given. Compilations are given of binding energies of C_1s, O_1s, N_1s, Cl_2p, S_2p, Si_2p, and Br_3d levels for typical structural features of common occurrence in polymer systems. These data, taken in conjunction with that previously published on fluoropolymers, provide a sound basis for the development of ESCA as a fingerprint tool in the elaboration of features of structure and bonding in polymers in general.     

Chemical composition optimization and characterization of the NiO/B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system as a catalyst for ethylene oligomerization

The samples of the NiO/B₂O₃-Al₂O₃ system with NiO contents from 0.48 to 38.30 wt % were synthesized by the impregnation of borate-containing alumina (20 wt % B₂O₃). It was found that nickel oxide occurred in an X-ray amorphous state in the samples containing to 23.20 wt % NiO. At a NiO content of 4.86 wt % or higher, the support was blocked by the modifier to cause a decrease in the specific surface area from 234 to 176 m²/g and in the amount of acid sites from 409–424 to 333 μmol/g. An extremal character of the dependence of catalyst activity in ethylene oligomerization on NiO content was found with a maximum in the range of 4.86–9.31 wt %. Based on spectroscopic data, it was found that ethylene activation on the NiO/B₂O₃-Al₂O₃ catalyst can be associated with the presence of Ni²⁺ cations, which chemically interact with the support. The catalyst containing 4.86 wt % NiO at 200°C, a pressure of 4 MPa, and an ethylene supply rate of 1.1 h⁻¹ provided almost complete ethylene conversion at the yield of liquid oligomerization products to 90.0 wt %; the total concentration of C⁸⁺ alkenes in these products was 89.0 wt %.     

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Biosynthesis from Whey Lactose

Summary: The potential of three different microbial wild type strains as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) producers from whey lactose is compared. Homopolyester and co-polyester biosynthesis was investigated by the archaeon Haloferax mediterranei and the eubacterial strains Pseudomonas hydrogenovora and Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava. H. mediterranei accumulated 50 wt.-% of poly-3-(hydroxybutyrate-co-6%-hydroxyvalerate) in cell dry mass from hydrolyzed whey without addition of 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) precursors (specific productivity q_p: 2.9 mg/g h). Using P. hydrogenovora, the final percentage of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) amounted to 12 wt.-% (q_p: 0.03 g/g h); co-feeding of valeric acid resulted in the production of 12 wt.-%. P-3(HB-co-21%-HV) (q_p: 0.02 g/g h). With H. pseudoflava, it was possible to reach 40 wt.-% P-3 (HB-co-5%-HV) on not-hydrolyzed whey lactose plus valeric acid as 3HV precursor (q_p: 9.1 mg/g h); on hydrolyzed whey lactose without addition of valeric acid, the strain produced 30 wt.-% of PHB (q_p: 0.16 g/g h). The characterization of the isolated biopolyesters completes the study.