Formation of hydrated titanium dioxide from seeded titanyl sulphate solution

The paper analyses the influence of various kinds and amounts of titanium dioxide nuclei addition to a solution of titanyl sulphate on the conversion degree of TiOSO₄ to hydrated titanium dioxide and sulphuric acid. An industrial solution of titanyl sulphate used to produce titanium white was used in the present investigations. It was found that the course of hydrolysis clearly depended on the investigated parameters. The anatase nuclei calcined at 373 K and 333 K and rutile nuclei increased the degree of titanyl sulphate hydrolysis as compared to non-nucleation hydrolysis. The final degree of hydrolysis was by 1–2 % higher than that achieved without any nuclei addition. The constant rates of both colloidal intermediate and final crystalline products formation were higher in the hydrolysis process with both anatase nuclei after heat treatment at lower temperature and rutile nuclei in comparison to the same processes conducted in the absence of these nuclei. Presented at the 35th International Conference of the Slovak Society of Chemical Engineering, Tatranské Matliare, 26–30 May 2008.     

Determination of total and extractable hydrogen peroxide in organic and aqueous solutions of uranyl nitrate

The development of a spectrophotometric method for the determination of hydrogen peroxide in uranyl nitrate solutions is reported. The method involves the measurement of the absorbance at 520 nm of a vanadyl peroxide species. This species was formed by the addition of a reagent consisting of vanadium (V) (50 mmol·dm⁻³) in dilute sulphuric acid (2 mol·dm⁻³ H₂SO₄). This reagent, after dilution, was also used as an extractant for organic phase samples. The method is simple and robust and tolerant of nitric acid and U(VI). Specificity and accuracy were improved by the application of solid phase extraction techniques to remove entrained organic solvents and Pu(IV). Reverse phase solid phase extraction was used to clean-up aqueous samples or extracts which were contaminated with entrained solvent. A solid phase extraction system based upon an extraction chromatography system was used to remove Pu(IV). Detection limits of 26 μmol·dm⁻³ (0.88 μg·cm⁻³) or 7 μmol·dm⁻³ (0.24 μg·cm⁻³) for, respectively, a 1 and 4 cm path length cell were obtained. Precisions of RSD=1.4% and 19.5% were obtained at the extremes of the calibration curve (5 mmol·dm⁻³ and 50 μmol·dm⁻³ H₂O₂, 1 cm cell). The introduction of the extraction and clean-up stages had a negligible effect upon the precision of the determination. The stability of an organic phase sample was tested and no loss of analyte could be discerned over a period of at least 5 days. The presence of trace levels of reductants interfered with the determination, e.g., hydrazine (<2 mmol·dm⁻³), but this effect was ameliorated by increasing the concentration of the colormetric reagent.     

Monitoring formation of poly(neutral red) film by EQCM

An electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) is employed for monitoring the growth of poly(neutral red) films on platinum in the electrolytic solution containing 5.0 mmol dm⁻³ neutral red, 0.3 mol dm⁻³ H₂SO₄, and 0.5 mol dm⁻³ Na₂SO₄. The in situ measurement of the frequency changes of the EQCM reveals that both the adsorption/desorption of neutral red and the formation of poly(neutral red) film can be observed together with anion sorption/desorption during the redox transformation of the polymer, and that the polymerization rate of neutral red increases slowly before the 11th cycle and then increases quickly with increasing number of potential cycles. Published in Russian in Elektrokhimiya, 2007, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 284–289. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Mechanistic study of cerium(IV) oxidation of antimony(III) in aqueous sulphuric acid in the presence of micro amounts of manganese(II) by stopped flow technique

The oxidation of antimony(III) by cerium(IV) has been studied spectrometrically (stopped flow technique) in aqueous sulphuric acid medium. A minute amount of manganese(II) (10⁻⁵ mol dm⁻³) is sufficient to enhance the slow reaction between antimony(III) and cerium(IV). The stoichiometry is 1:2, i.e. one mole of antimony(III) requires two moles of cerium(IV). The reaction is first order in both cerium(IV) and manganese(II) concentrations. The order with respect to antimony(III) concentration is less than unity (ca 0.3). Increase in sulphuric acid concentration decreases the reaction rate. The added sulphate and bisulphate decreases the rate of reaction. The added products cerium(III) and antimony(V) did not have any significant effect on the reaction rate. The active species of oxidant, substrate and catalyst are Ce(SO₄)₂, [Sb(OH)(HSO₄)]⁺ and [Mn(H₂O)₄]²⁺, respectively. The activation parameters were determined with respect to the slow step. Possible mechanisms are proposed and reaction constants involved have been determined.     

Manganese(II) catalysed oxidation of glycerol by cerium(IV) in aqueous sulphuric acid medium: a kinetic and mechanistic study

The manganese(II) catalysed oxidation of glycerol by cerium(IV) in aqueous sulphuric acid has been studied spectrophotometrically at 25 °C and I = 1.60 mol dm⁻³. Stoichiometry analysis shows that one mole of glycerol reacts with two moles of cerium(IV) to give cerium(III) and glycolic aldehyde. The reaction is first order in both cerium(IV) and manganese(II), and the order with respect to glycerol concentration varies from first to zero order as the glycerol concentration increases. Increase in sulphuric acid concentration, added sulphate and bisulphate all decrease the rate. Added cerium(III) retards the rate of reaction, whereas glycolic aldehyde had no effect. The active species of oxidant and catalyst are Ce(SO₄)₂ and [Mn(H₂O)₄]²⁺. A mechanism is proposed, and the reaction constants and activation parameters have been determined.     

Solubility and hydrolysis of lutetium at different [Lu<Superscript>3+</Superscript>]<Subscript>initial</Subscript>

Solubility product (Lu(OH)_3(s)⇆Lu³⁺+3OH⁻) and first hydrolysis (Lu³⁺+H₂O⇆Lu(OH)²⁺+H⁺) constants were determined for an initial lutetium concentration range from 3.72·10⁻⁵ mol·dm⁻³ to 2.09·10⁻³ mol·dm⁻³. Measurements were made in 2 mol·dm⁻³ NaClO₄ ionic strength, under CO₂-free conditions and temperature was controlled at 303 K. Solubility diagrams (pLu_aq vs. pC _H) were determined by means of a radiochemical method using ¹⁷⁷Lu. The pC _H for the beginning of precipitation and solubility product constant were determined from these diagrams and both the first hydrolysis and solubility product constants were calculated by fitting the diagrams to the solubility equation. The pC _H values of precipitation increases inversely to [Lu³⁺]_initial and the values for the first hydrolysis and solubility product constants were log₁₀ β* _Lu,H = −7.92±0.07 and log₁₀ K*_sp,Lu(OH)3 = −23.37±0.14. Individual solubility values for pC _H range between the beginning of precipitation and 8.5 were S _Lu3+ = 3.5·10⁻⁷ mol·dm⁻³, S _Lu(OH)2+ = 6.2·10⁻⁷ mol·dm⁻³, and then total solubility was 9.7·10⁻⁷ mol·dm⁻³.     

Electrochemical behavior of electrodeposited film derived from rhein and its activity towards myoglobin reduction

The stable electroactive thin film of rhein has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the electrodeposited film derived from rhein indicated the electrode reaction was kinetically controlled in the region of higher frequency, the charge transfer resistance was 2.6×10³ Ω cm² and capacitance value was 13.2 μF cm² . The electrodeposited film derived from rhein exhibited a good electrocatalytic activity for myoglobin (Mb) reduction. In 0.30 mol dm⁻³ H₂SO₄solution, the catalysis currents were proportional to the concentrations of Mb over the range of 1.5×10⁻⁷–1.3×10⁻⁵ mol dm⁻³. The detection limit is 1.0×10⁻⁷ mol dm⁻³ (S/N=3). The relative standard deviation is 4.8% for eight successive determinations of 5.0×10⁻⁷ mol dm⁻³ Mb.     

Mechanism of the acid catalysed hydrolysis of the chromatopenta-amminecobalt(III) ion

The kinetics of the acid hydrolysis of chromatopenta-amminecobalt(III) ion has been studied using a stopped-flow method over the acidity range 0.01≤[H⁺]<-1.0 mol dm⁻³ and 20.0°C<-ϕ<-30.0°C at ionic strengths 0.5 and 1.0 mol dm⁻³ (LiNO₃). These studies reveal that the complex is first protonated and subsequently hydrolysed to the aquapentaammine cobalt(III) ion. The rate constants for the hydrolysis of the mono and diprotonated species at 25°C are 0.83±0.01 s⁻¹ and (1.60±0.02)×10⁴ mol⁻¹ dm⁻³ s⁻¹, respectively. TMC 2664     

Hydrothermal synthesis of (Fe,N) co-doped TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> powders and their photocatalytic properties under visible light irradiation

(Fe, N) co-doped titanium dioxide powders have been prepared by a quick, low-temperature hydrothermal method using TiOSO₄, CO(NH₂)₂, Fe(NO₃)₃, and CN₃H₅ · HCl as starting materials. The synthesized powders were characterized by XRD, TEM, BET, XPS, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Experimental results show that the as-synthesized TiO₂ powders are present as the anatase phase and that the N and Fe ions have been doped into the TiO₂ lattice. The specific surface area of the powders is 167.8 m²/g by the BET method and the mean grain size is about 11 nm, calculated by Scherrer’s formula. UV–Vis absorption spectra show that the edge of the photon absorption has been red-shifted up to 605 nm. The doped titanium dioxide powders had excellent photocatalytic activity during the process of photo-degradation of formaldehyde and some TVOC gases under visible light irradiation.     

Calcium sulphate scaling in membrane distillation process

Formation of precipitates containing CaSO₄ during membrane distillation, applied to the concentration of aqueous salt solutions, is discussed in this paper. It was found that the concentration of SO₄²⁻ ions in such solutions should not exceed 600 mg L⁻¹ when they are subjected to concentration. However, concentration of sulphates at the level of 800 mg L⁻¹ in the feed is permissible provided that the excess of CaSO₄ is removed in a crystallizer. Crystallisation of salts, mainly CaSO₄ · 2H₂O, on the surface and inside the membrane was observed at higher feed concentrations, causing damage of the module. Precipitation of calcium sulphate was also observed during the production of demineralised water when high values of the water recovery coefficient (above 90 %) were used. In this case, the formed precipitate also contained CaCO₃, the co-precipitation of which significantly changed the properties of the scaling layer. The precipitate containing both CaSO₄ and CaCO₃ was formed mainly on the membrane surface and it could easily be removed by rinsing the module with a HCl solution. Presented at the 35th International Conference of the Slovak Society of Chemical Engineering, Tatransé Matliare, 26–30 May 2008.     

Application of the Specific Ion Interaction Theory → the Solubility Product and First Hydrolysis Constant of Europium

The specific ion interaction theory (SIT) was applied to the first hydrolysis constants of Eu(III) and solubility product of Eu(OH)₃ in aqueous 2, 3 and 4 mol⋅dm⁻³ NaClO₄ at 303.0 K, under CO₂-free conditions. Diagrams of pEu_aq versus pC_H were constructed from solubilities obtained by a radiometric method, the solubility product log₁₀ K_{sp, Eu(OH)3}^I {Eu(OH)_3(s) Eu_aq³⁺+ 3OH_aq⁻ } values were calculated from these diagrams and the results obtained are log₁₀ K_sp,Eu(OH)3^I = − 22.65 ± 0.29, −23.32 ± 0.33 and −23.70 ± 0.35 for ionic strengths of 2, 3 and 4 mol⋅dm⁻³ NaClO₄, respectively. First hydrolysis constants {Eu_aq³⁺+H₂O Eu(OH)_(aq)²⁺+H⁺ } were also determined in these media by pH titration and the values found are log₁₀β_Eu,H^I = − 8.19 ± 0.15, −7.90 ± 0.7 and −7.61 ± 0.01 for ionic strengths of 2, 3, and 4 mol⋅dm⁻³ NaClO₄, respectively. Total solubilities were estimated taking into account the formation of both Eu³⁺ and Eu(OH)²⁺ (7.7 < pC_H < 9) and the values found are: 1.4 × 10⁻⁶ mol⋅dm⁻³, 1.2 × 10⁻⁶ mol⋅dm⁻³ and 1.3 × 10⁻⁶ mol⋅dm⁻³, for ionic strengths of 2, 3 and 4 mol⋅dm⁻³ NaClO₄, respectively. The limiting values at zero ionic strength were extrapolated by means of the SIT from the experimental results of the present research together with some other published values. The results obtained are log₁₀ K_{sp, Eu(OH)3}^o = − 23.94 ± 0.51 (1.96 SD) and log₁₀β_Eu,H⁰ = − 7.49 ± 0.15 (1.96 SD).     

Mononuclear Rare Earth Metal Complexes based on 1,10-phenanthroline Derivatives as Catalysts for Hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl Phosphate (NPP)

Two multidentate ligands: N,N′-di-(propionic acid-2′-yl-)-2,9-diaminomethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (L1) and N,N′-di-(3′-methylbutyric acid-2′-yl-)-2,9-diaminomethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (L2) were synthesized. The hydrolytic kinetics of p-nitrophenyl phosphate (NPP) catalyzed by complexes of L1 and L2 with La(III), Gd(III) have been studied. Both LnL and LnLH₋₁ have been examined as catalysis for the hydrolysis of NPP in aqueous solution at 298 K, I = 0.10 mol dm⁻³ KNO₃ at the pH range 7.4–9.1, respectively. Kinetic studies show that both LnL and LnLH₋₁ have catalytic activity, but LnLH₋₁ is more active than LnL in the hydrolysis of NPP. The second-order rate constants for the hydrolysis of NPP are k_GdL1H−1 = 0.01399 mol⁻¹ dm³ s⁻¹, k_GdL1 = 0.0000110 mol⁻¹ dm³ s⁻¹ for complexes GdL1H₋₁ and GdL1, respectively. A new mechanism was proposed for the hydrolysis of NPP catalyzed by LnL and LnLH₋₁.     

Adsorption behavior of rice husk for the decontamination of chromium from industrial effluents

Rice husk, an agricultural waste product, was studied as a potential decontaminant for chromium in the effluents of leather tanning industries. Physico-chemical parameters such as selection of appropriate electrolyte, shaking time, concentration of adsorbent and adsorbate were studied to optimize the best conditions in which this material can be utilized on commercial scale for the decontamination of effluents. The radiotracer technique was used to determine the distribution of chromium. In certain cases atomic absorption spectrophotometry was also employed. Maximum adsorption was observed at 0.01 mol·dm⁻³ acid solutions (HNO₃, HCl, H₂SO₄ and HClO₄) using 3.0 g of adsorbent for 2.73·10⁻³ mol·dm⁻³ chromium concentration in five minutes equilibration time. Studies show that the adsorption decreases with the increase in the concentrations of all the acids. The adsorption data follows the Freundlich isotherm over the range of 2.73·10⁻³ to 2.73·10⁻² mol·dm⁻³ chromium concentration. The characteristic Freundlich constants, i.e., 1/n=0.86±0.06 andA=2.35±0.06 mmol·g⁻¹ have been computed for the sorption system. Thermodynamic parameters, i.e., ΔG ⁰, ΔS ⁰ and ΔH ⁰ have also been calculated for the system. Application of the method to a test case of a medium size industry showed that 21 kg of rice husk was sufficient to maintain the NEQS limits of chromium for industrial effluents.     

Base hydrolysis ofcis-(methyl/ethylamine)bis(ethylenediamine) (salicylato)cobalt(III) complexes

The kinetics of the base hydrolysis ofcis-[Co(en)₂(RNH₂)-(SalH)]²⁺ (R=Me or Et; SalH=HOC₆H₄CO ₂ ⁻ ) were investigated in aqueous ClO ₄ ⁻ in the 0.004–0.450 mol dm⁻³ [OH⁻] range, I=0.50 mol dm⁻³ at 30–40°C. The phenoxide species is hydrolysed via [OH⁻]-independent and [OH⁻]-dependent paths, the latter being first order in [OH⁻]. The high rate of alkali-independent hydrolysis of the phenoxide species is associated with high ΔH^≠ and ΔS^≠ values, in keeping with the SNICB mechanism involving an amido conjugate base generated by the phenoxide-assisted NH-deprotonation of the coordinated amine. The [OH⁻]-dependent path also involves the conventional SN₁ CB mechanism. The rate constant, k₁, for the SNICB path exhibits a steric acceleration with the increasing size of the non-labile alkylamine, whereas the rate constant, k₂, for the SN₁CB path shows a reverse trend. TMC 2578     

Periodate oxidation of dicyano-bis-(1, 10-phenanthroline) iron(II) dihydrate in aqueous sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)

Periodate oxidation of bis-(1,10-phenanthroline)-dicyano iron(II) ([Fe(C₁₂H₈N₂)(CN)₂]), known also as ferrocyphen, in SDS surfactant was studied in aqueous and acidic medium. The redox reaction is catalysed 124-fold in 1.220 × 10⁻⁴ mol dm⁻³ H₂SO₄ acid. The catalytic factor is much lower in absence of acid. The higher rates in acid-micelle solution are the reverse to what is observed in surfactant-free medium where acid inhibits the reaction. The results are interpreted in terms of electrostatic attraction between the protonated species and the anionic surfactant aggregates.     

Effect of wet spinning parameters on the properties of novel cellulosic fibres

Novel cellulose fibres (Biocelsol) were spun by traditional wet spinning technique from the alkaline solution prepared by dissolving enzyme treated pulp directly into aqueous sodium zincate (ZnO/NaOH). The spinning dope contained 6 wt.% of cellulose, 7.8 wt.% of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and 0.84 wt.% of zinc oxide (ZnO). The fibres were spun into 5% and 15% sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) baths containing 10% sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄). The highest fibre tenacity obtained was 1.8 cNdtex⁻¹ with elongation of 15% and titre of 1.4 dtex. Average molecular weights and shape of molecular weight distribution curves of the celluloses from the novel wet spun cellulosic fibre and from the commercial viscose fibre were close to each other.     

Mechanistic study of iodide catalysed oxidation of l-glutamic acid by cerium(IV) in aqueous sulphuric acid medium

A minute quantity (10⁻⁶ mol dm⁻³) of iodide catalysed oxidation of l-glutamic acid by Ce^IV has been studied in H₂SO₄ and SO ₄ ²⁻ media. The reaction was first order each in [Ce^IV] and [I⁻]. The order with respect to [l-glutamic acid] was less than unity (0.71). Increase in [H₂SO₄] decreased the reaction rate. The added HSO ₄ ⁻ and SO ₄ ²⁻ decreased the rate of reaction. The added product, succinic acid, had no effect on the reaction rate, whereas added Ce^III retarded the reaction. The ionic strength and dielectric constant did not have any significant effect on the rate of reaction. The active species of oxidant was Ce(SO₄)₂. A suitable mechanism was proposed. The activation parameters were determined with respect to the slow step of the mechanism. The thermodynamic quantities were also determined and discussed.     

Experimental Determination of the Isotherm at 15°C of the System Mg<Superscript>2+</Superscript>/Cl<Superscript>−</Superscript>, SO<Subscript>4</Subscript><Superscript>2</Superscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Summary.  The diagram of the ternary system Mg²⁺/Cl⁻, SO₄ ²⁻–H₂O was established at 15°C by means of analytical and conductimetric measurements. Three compounds were found in this diagram, which are MgSO₄·6H₂O, MgSO₄·7H₂O, and MgCl₂·6H₂O. The solubility field of MgSO₄·7H₂O is important whereas those of MgSO₄·6H₂O and MgCl₂·6H₂O are small. The compositions (mass-%) of the two invariant points determined by the two methods are: MgSO₄:MgCl₂=2.73:33.80 and MgSO₄: MgCl₂=3.38:28.91. Both the measured and the calculated isotherm at 15°C have been used for modelling of the diagram Mg²⁺/Cl⁻, SO₄ ²⁻–H₂O between 0 and 35°C. The polythermal invariant point was approximately located between 15 and 10°C.  Corresponding author. E-mail: ariguib@planet.tn Received October 16, 2002; accepted (revised) December 3, 2002 Published online April 24, 2003 RID="a" ID="a" Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Heinz Gamsj?ger on the occasion of his 70^th birthday     

Influence of the conditions of the sulfate method on the characteristics of nanosized anatase-type samples

The nanosized anatase modification of titanium dioxide was prepared from two forms of solvated titanyl sulfate (TiOSO₄·2H₂O and TiOSO₄·xH₂SO₄·yH₂O) at different initial concentrations of the reagent under different conditions of the hydrolysis and coagulation. The sample characteristics (the sizes of aggregates, microparticles, nanoparticles, and coherent scattering regions, the specific surface area, the nano- and ultrananopore volumes) were deter-mined by scanning electron microscopy, small-angle and wide-angle X-ray diffraction, and physical adsorption of nitrogen at ?196 °C. The relationship between these characteristics and the conditions of the sample preparation was established. The optimal processing conditions were found for the synthesis of samples with a high practical yield of the anatase-type phase.