Comparative studies of Pd, Ru, Ni, Cu/ZnAl2O4 catalysts for the water gas shift reaction

The activity of monometallic Pd, Ru, Ni and Cu catalysts supported on spinel ZnAl₂O₄ for water gas shift reaction (WGS) was investigated. The physicochemical properties of each catalyst was studied by XRD, TPR, BET and chemisorption methods. The highest activity was obtained for Cu/ZnAl₂O₄ among the catalysts tested. The activation process carried out in a reducing atmosphere 5%H₂-95%Ar in the case of Cu/ZnAl₂O₄ system lead to the catalytic activity improvement. In the case of copper catalysts, the water gas shift reaction proceeded by the redox surface mechanism between Cu⁰/Cu⁺. The PdZn alloy formation after reduction at 350°C was shown.      

A low-cost automated flow analyzer based on low temperature co-fired ceramic and LED photometer for ascorbic acid determination

An automated flow analyzer based on low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC), a solid-phase reactor (SPR) and a low-cost photometer was designed for ascorbic acid (AA) determination in pharmaceutical formulations. It consists of a peristaltic pump, three-way solenoid valves, SPR to chemically convert Cu(II) into Cu(I), and a LTCC device for mixing the liberated copper with bathocuproine and detection. The flow cell in the LTCC employed an ultrabright LED — photodiode photometer. The analyzer successfully determined AA in pharmaceutical formulations. The analytical curve from 8.5×10^?6 to 7.0×10^?4 M gave a detection limit of 7.0×10^?7 M and a RSD of 2.1% for a 2.0×10^?4 M AA solution (n = 10). A high sampling frequency of 102 h^?1 and low reagent and sample consumption (150 µL) resulted.      

Copper(I) π-complexes with allyl derivatives of heterocyclic compounds: structural survey of their crystal engineering

In this review an exhaustive crystallochemical analysis of copper(I) π-complexes with allyl derivatives of heterocyclic compounds has been performed. Structural genesis of inorganic constituents starting from the simplest units to the most complicated aggregates was considered taking into account the specific role of Cu-(C=C) interaction, the construction of the organic ligands, the basicity and nucleophilic activity of their heteroatoms, as well as olefin Cu(I) π-complex preparation route.      

Hydrogen bonding-based 3D supramolecular architecture of [Cu(CHA)2][TCM]·11H2O

Reaction of Na₄TCM (1) (H₄TCM = tetra[4-(carboxyphenyl)oxamethyl]methane) with [Cu(CHA)](ClO₄)₂ (2)(CHA = 1,3,6,8,11,14-hexaaz atricyclo[12.2.1.1.^8,11] octadecane) in a DMF-water mixture yields [Cu(CHA)]₂[TCM] (3). Structural analysis of [Cu(CHA)]₂[TCM]·11H₂O (3·11H₂O) by single crystal X-ray diffraction reveals strong copper-oxygen bonds between two complex cations and the tetraanion leading to a 3D coordination network (zwitterionic structure), consolidated through additional NH...O=C hydrogen bonding within the cation/anion association. The resulting coordination geometry around a copper atom is a distorted square pyramidal with an oxygen atom of the anionic ligand in the apical position. A 3D supramolecular network is developed in the crystal based only on NH...OC hydrogen bonds between the macrocyclic metallic tecton and the carboxylate groups of neighboring 3D coordinated (zwitterionic) moieties. The pseudotetrahedral TCM^4? tetraanionic ligand induces a diamondoid architecture formed of large distorted adamantanoid cages.      

New 5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde S-ethylisothiosemicarbazone and its mixed-ligand Cu(II) complex with imidazole: synthesis, characterization and DFT calculation

A new Schiff base ligand of 5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde S-ethyl-isothiosemicarbazone (H₂L) was synthesized and its mixed-ligand Cu(II) complex was also prepared by reaction of Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O with H₂L and imidazole. Their structures were fully characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, molar conductivity and UV-Vis methods. The analytical data suggest that the metal, H₂L and imidazole ratios in the Schiff base complex are 1:1:1. Single crystal diffraction was also used to better understand the molecular structure of the Cu(II) complex. The results of physico-chemical analyses of the Schiff base complex reveal the coordination geometry around the central atom is square planar. The H₂L ligand (NNO donor) is coordinated to the metal center as a tridentate bionegatively agent. Another position of the square planar geometry is occupied by the imidazole ligand. Furthermore, computational studies of the new complex were performed by carrying out DFT calculations. Geometry optimization and natural band analysis of the complex is discussed in further detail.      

Hydroconversion of parafine LTP56-H over nickel/Na-mordenite catalysts

Nickel catalysts supported on Na-mordenite were used for paraffin LTP56-H hydroconversion into liquid material as a possible component for engine fuels. The effects of none-catalytic thermal treatment and catalytic conditions-zeolite type and reaction conditions (solvent) on the process of liquefaction of LTP56-H paraffin and physicochemical properties of catalysts were studied. The physicochemical properties of catalytic systems were investigated using XRD, TPR, TPD-NH3 and SEM-EDS methods.      

Promoted ternary CuO-ZrO2-Al2O3 catalysts for methanol synthesis

Ternary CuO-ZrO₂-Al₂O₃ catalysts promoted by palladium or gold were prepared and tested in CO hydrogenation reaction at 260°C under elevated pressure (4.8 MPa). The promotion effect of palladium or gold addition on the physicochemical and catalytical properties of CuO-ZrO₂-Al₂O₃ catalysts in methanol synthesis (MS) was studied. The catalysts were characterized by BET, XRD, TPR-H₂, TPD-NH₃ methods. The BET results showed that the ternary system CuO-ZrO₂-Al₂O₃ had the largest specific surface area, cumulative pore volume and average pore size in comparison with the promoted catalysts. The yield of methanol can be given through the following sequence: 5%Pd/CuO-ZrO₂-Al₂O₃ > CuO-ZrO₂-Al₂O₃ > 2%Au/CuO-ZrO₂-Al₂O₃. We also found that the presence of gold or palladium on catalyst surface has strong influence on the reaction selectivity. The high selectivity of gold doped ternary catalyst is explained by the gold-oxide interface sites created on the catalyst surface and the acidity of those systems. The higher selectivity to methanol in the case of the palladium catalyst is explained by the spillover effect between Pd and CuO.      

Stability prediction of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ N-salicylidene-aminoacidato complexes by models based on connectivity index 3 χ v

This paper presents models for the estimation of stability constants (K ₁ and β ₂) of nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) mono- and bis-complexes with 5 Schiff bases (salicylideneglycine, salicylidenealanine, salicylideneserine, salicylidenephenylalanine, and salicylidenetyrosine). The models were based on the molecular-graph theory and valence molecular connectivity index of the 3^rd order, ³χ ^v , derived from it. Univariate linear models were developed for each metal separately, while in the common models for two and three metals, the indicator variable, In, was introduced. The standard error of models for the log K ₁ constant was less than 0.12, while for log β ₂ models, the S.E. did not exceed 0.14.      

Influence of the addition of Pd and Cu to cobalt catalysts prepared by SMAI for F-T synthesis

The Co-Pd/SiO₂ and Co-Cu/SiO₂ catalysts were prepared via solvated metal atom impregnation (SMAI) method and investigated for the Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis. The catalysts contained 5wt.% Co and a weight ratio of Pd (or Cu) to Co of 1/30. XPS indicated that Co, Pd and Cu were in metallic state. The results of XPS and magnetic measurements showed that Co and Pd (Cu) were alloyed. The Co particles on the catalysts were very highly dispersed and they displayed superparamagnetic behavior. FT-IR indicated that the electrons shifted from Cu and Pd to Co. Catalytic tests showed that CO hydrogenation rates followed the order Pd-Co > Cu-Co > Co.      

Novel ion-binding C3 symmetric tripodal triazoles: synthesis and characterization

Novel C₃ symmetric tripodal molecules were synthesized from cyclohexane 1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid. Utilizing click and Sonogashira reactions, ion-binding triazole and pyridazin-3(2H)-one units were incorporated to form polydentate ligands for ion complexation. The structures of the novel C₃ symmetric derivatives were extensively characterized by ¹H, ¹³C and 2D NMR techniques along with HRMS and IR. The copper(I)-binding potentials of these ligands were investigated by using them as additives in model copper(I)-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions. The copper(I) complexation ability of our compound was also proved by different spectroscopic methods, such as mass spectrometry, UV and NMR spectroscopy. Based on the mass spectrometric data all of the C₃ symmetric ligands formed 1:1 complex with copper(I) ion. The specific role of C₃ symmetric polydentate form in the complexation process was also discussed      

Heterogeneous oligomerization catalysts: properties and efficiency

A number of heterogeneous acid type catalysts of silica-alumina nature, which are proposed to be used for petrochemistry by-product oligomerization, have been investigated. Particularly, such key indicators as active site concentration and strength have been determined. These parameters have been determined by the method based on potentiometric titration that is relatively seldom used in heterogeneous catalysis. The number of active site types present in investigated catalysts, as well as concentrations of each type of site, has been determined by mathematical processing of potentiometric titration data. The sequence of mathematical processing of titration data is described. The relationship between the properties of the investigated catalysts and their effectiveness in heterogeneous catalytic cooligomerization of the C₉ fraction of liquid products of diesel fuel pyrolysis has been analyzed. The relationships between yields achieved in the presence of various catalysts and the properties of these catalysts have been defined. Namely, it was determined that the product yield is almost proportional to the active site??s concentration of the catalysts (activated clay materials). The relationship between the strength of active sites and average molecular weight of the cooligomers has been found. The causes of obtained regularities have been analyzed and explained.      

Tuning the textural and surface properties of carbon xerogels to be used as supports for gold catalysts

Carbon xerogels (CXs) synthesized from resorcinol and formaldehyde under different pH conditions were investigated. Both the textural and surface properties of the CXs depend closely on the pH used in the synthesis procedure. Concerning the texture, the mesoporous surface area (S_meso) increases and the micropore volume (V_micro) decreases as the pH increases; concerning the surface chemistry, surface oxygen functional groups were easier to be created (by O₂) on CX synthesized at lower pH. Application of these CXs as support of gold catalysts was also studied. Results showed that the oxygen activated CX that was synthesized at moderate pH (i.e., pH 6.0) was the most favorable support for gold catalysts used in selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol by molecular oxygen in liquid phase, due to the adequate amounts of surface oxygen functional groups created on the surface.      

Facile synthesis of nanoscaled α-Fe2O3, CuO and CuO/Fe2O3 hybrid oxides and their electrocatalytic and photocatalytic properties

A facile and easily controlled route was designed to synthesize nano-structured Fe₂O₃, CuO, and CuO/Fe₂O₃ hybrid oxides with different Cu/Fe molar ratios via a hydrothermal procedure. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results showed that the morphologies of the samples changed with different Cu/Fe ratios. The electrocatalytic properties of the samples modified on a glassy carbon electrode for p-nitrophenol reduction in a basic solution were investigated. The results indicated that CuO/Fe₂O₃ hybrids with lower Cu/Fe ratio exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic performances of the samples for methyl orange degradation with assistance of oxydol under irradiation of visible light were studied. The results revealed that CuO/Fe₂O₃ hybrids with higher Cu/Fe ratio showed efficient photocatalytic activity.      

Aerobic oxidation of cumene catalysed by 4-alkyloxycarbonyl-N-hydroxyphthalimide

4-Hexyloxycarbonyl-, 4-dodecyloxycarbonyl- and 4-hexadecyloxycarbonyl-N-hydroxyphthalimides were synthesised using trimellitic anhydride chloride as the starting material. The obtained lipophilic derivatives of N-hydroxyphthalimide were applied as catalysts of the cumene oxidation reaction with oxygen performed in polar acetonitrile, in non-polar tert-butylbenzene and in the absence of a solvent. The courses of reactions catalysed by N-hydroxyphthalimide and its derivatives were compared.      

Amperometric determination of sulfide ion by glassy carbon electrode modified with multiwall carbon nanotubes and copper (II) phenanthroline complex

Electrocatalytic oxidation of sulfide ion on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and a copper (II) complex was investigated. The Cu(II) complex was used due to the reversibility of the Cu(II)/Cu(III) redox couple. The MWCNTs are evaluated as a transducer, stabilizer and immobilization matrix for the construction of amperometric sensor based on Cu(II) complex adsorbed on MWCNTs immobilized on the surface of GCE. The modified GCE was applied to the selective amperometric detection of sulfide at a potential of 0.47 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) at pH 8.0. The calibration graph was linear in the concentration range of 5 µM–400 µM; while the limit of detection was 1.2 µM, the sensitivity was 34 nA µM^?1. The interference effects of SO₃ ^2?, SO₄ ^2?, S₂O₃ ^2?, S₄O₆ ^2?, Cysteine, and Cystein were negligible at the concentration ratios more than 40 times. The modified electrode is more stable with time and more easily restorable than unmodified electrode surface. Also, modified electrode permits detection of sulfide ion by its oxidation at lower anodic potentials.      

Effect of hydrothermal treatment on the structure of an aluminosilicate polymer

The effect of hydrothermal treatment on the structure of an aluminosilicate polymer prepared by a polycondensation reaction between silicate and hydroxoaluminate in alkaline aqueous solution was studied. The structural changes were investigated using X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy imaging and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicated that the amorphous aluminosilicate polymer transformed into a crystalline product during the hydrothermal treatment at 145°C. The crystalline phase was identified as a mineral of the zeolite group, most likely phillipsite. This transformation required an alkaline environment during the hydrothermal treatment.      

The crystal structure of Ho<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>11</Subscript>In<Subscript>20</Subscript>

The polycrystalline Ho₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ was obtained by arc-melting of the elements. The subsequent high temperature procedure was used for single crystal growth. Crystal structure of the compound was investigated by X-ray single crystal method: U₄Ni₁₁Ga₂₀ type, C 2/m, a = 22.4528(17), b = 4.2947(3), c = 16.5587(13) Å, β = 124.591(5)°, R1 = 0.0276, wR2 = 0.0493 for 1989 independent reflections with [I>2σ(I)].The structure is composed of three-dimensional network from Ni and In atoms in which Ho atoms fill distorted pentagonal channels. Open image in new window     

Copper-cobalt ferrites as catalysts for methanol decomposition

Copper-cobalt ferrites with composition Cu_1?xCo_xFe₂O₄, where x= 0.2 and 0.8 were prepared by thermal treatment of co-precipitated precursor. The obtained materials were characterized by TG-DSC, XRD, Transmission and Conversion Electron Mössbauer spectroscopy and temperature programmed reduction with hydrogen. The catalytic properties of ferrites were tested in methanol decomposition to CO and hydrogen.      

Metals content of soil,leaves and wild fruit from Serbia

The concentrations of Zn, Mn, Fe, Pb, Ni, Cu and Cd in soil, leaves and edible wild fruit (Crataegus laevigata L., Cornus mas L. and Prunus spinosa L.) from southeast Serbia were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Metal translocations from soil to fruit were calculated as well as their oral intake and health risk indices. Positive correlations were found among metal concentrations in soil, leaves and fruit.      

Phenylcopper(I) clusters in the gas phase obtained by laser desorption/ionization from bis(dibenzoylmethane)copper(II)

It has been demonstrated that phenylcopper(I)-containing clusters are generated in the gas phase from bis(dibenzoylmethane) copper(II) (Cu(dbm)₂) by laser desorption/ ionization (LDI) method. For example, the [Cu₅dbm₂(C₆H₅)₂]⁺ ion can be considered as consisting of two Cudbm molecules, two CuC₆H₅ molecules and a Cu⁺ cation. The [Cu₅(C₆H₅)₄]⁺ ion can be considered as phenylcopper(I) cluster (consisting of four phenylcopper molecules) ionized by additional Cu⁺ cation. Results from MS/MS (tandem mass spectrometry) experiments have confirmed the presence of phenylcopper molecules in the analyzed clusters. Ease of preparation of dibenzoylmethane-metal complexes and straightforward method to obtain LDI mass spectra offer a wide range of possibilities to study similar organometallic clusters in the gas phase.