Direct potentiometric titration of chloride and fluoride ions in reversed micelles of an ethoxylated surfactant

The possibility of the potentiometric titration of Cl^– and F^– ions directly in reversed micelles of the ethoxylated surfactant (Neonol APh₉-4) in n-decane is shown. The potential change of the indicator electrode (silver chloride and lanthanum fluoride) only depends on the ion concentration in the aqueous pseudophase of the reversed micelles and is independent of the aqueous phase concentration in n-decane in the region of concentrations from 4 to 0.2 vol %. The determination of the micelle size of Neonol APh₉-4 in the precipitation titration of Cl^– and F^– ions by photon correlation spectroscopy showed the formation of nanoparticles of AgCl and LaF₃ of dimensions limited by original micelle size (r_hd = 6 to 11 nm). The growth of AgCl and LaF₃ nanoparticles was studied at a shortage and excess of the titrant and in the point of equivalence. Received: 23 April 1999 / Revised: 15 July 1999 / Accepted: 19 July 1999     

Solubilization of Perfluorodecalin in Aqueous Solutions of Dodecaethoxylated Nonylphenol

The solubilization of perfluorodecalin in aqueous solutions of dodecaethoxylated nonylphenol (Neonol AF_9–12) was studied by spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, and precision tensiometry. The aggregation numbers of Neonol AF_9–12 micelles, as well as the composition of micelles containing perfluorodecalin were determined. Within the framework of the pseudophase model, the partial coefficient of solubilizate distribution between micellar and aqueous phases and the standard Gibbs free energy of solubilization were calculated for the systems studied. It was shown that mixing of perfluorodecalin with Neonol AF_9–12 hydrocarbon radicals in micelle core is non-ideal.     

Effect of the protonation equilibrium on the interaction of mixed micelles with their counterions

Ionic/nonionic mixed micelle formation of dodecyldimethylamine oxide (DDAO) was studied by measuring the activities of DDAO⁺ ions and Cl⁻ ions using surfactant-selective electrodes and Ag/AgCl electrodes at three pH values in the absence of added salt. DDAO monomer exists as either a nonionic or a cationic species depending on the pH of the aqueous solution and hence the two species are not independent of each other. A new relation between the activity of the surfactant ions and that of the counterions is presented which differs from the corresponding relation valid for ionic/nonionic mixed micelles consisting of independent components. Received: 15 May 1998 Accepted in revised form: 30 September 1998     

Synthesis of gold nanoparticles by reduction of HAuCl4 under UV irradiation

Gold nanoparticles were prepared in surfactant solutions by reduction of HAuCl₄ under UV irradiation without adding extra reductants or other organic substances. The effect of the structure and the property of surfactant on the size and the optical properties of prepared gold nanoparticles were studied. It was found that the longer the alkyl chain of the surfactant, the larger gold particles are obtained. On the other hand, lengthen the geminis spacer benefits the formation of smaller gold particles. The formation of adduct micelles composed of the charged surface active portion of the surfactant molecule and the (Au^IIICl₄)⁻ ion in cationic surfactant solution serves as the gold source and favors the formation of gold particles with larger sizes. While the repulsion between the (Au^IIICl₄)⁻ ion and the negative charged surface of anionic surfactant micelle is in favor of the formation of gold nanoparticles with smaller sizes. The nonionic surfactants can also assist the formation of dispersed gold nanoparticles.     

Use of zwitterionic micelles in the eluent: a new approach for ion chromatographic (IC) analysis of ions in biological fluids with direct sample injection

The problem of column performance degradation due to irreversible binding of proteins encountered in ion chromatographic (IC) analysis of ions in protein-containing samples was overcome by using zwitterionic micelles (e.g., Zwittergent-3–14) as a portion of the eluent. A zwitterionic micellar eluent showed high ability for solubilization of proteins, and, hence, the protein-containing samples could be analyzed without need for deproteinization. On the other hand, the zwitterionic micelle was insensitive to conductivity but interacted with the analyte ions, due mainly to its unique configuration of charges (namely, the zwitterionic micelle containing both positively and negatively charged groups but carrying no net charge). Using a zwitterionic micellar eluent, the analyte ions could be detected selectively and sensitively, and moreover, the selectivity for the analyte ions was unique. A conventional anion-exchange column conditioned with a Zwittergent-3-14 micellar eluent was applied for the analysis of real biological samples (serum and urine) with direct sample injection. The results of the successful detection of inorganic anions (Cl^–, SO₄ ^2–, NO₂ ^–, Br^–, and NO₃ ^–) have demonstrated the usefulness of this new IC approach for the analysis of biological samples.     

Calorimetric investigation of the formation of ZnS nanoparticles in w/o microemulsions

The enthalpies of precipitation of ZnS nanoparticles within water containing reversed micelles of sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) solfosuccinate, L-α phosphatidylcholine, tetraethyleneglycol-mono-n-dodecyl ether and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide as a function of the molar concentration ratioR (R=[water]/[surfactant]) were measured by calorimetric technique. The results indicate that the energetic state of ZnS nanoparticles confined in the aqueous core of the reversed micelles is different from that in bulk water. Effects due to nanoparticle size, adsorption of HS⁻ ions on the nanoparticle surface and interactions between nanoparticles and water/surfactant interfaces are discussed. This work has been supported by MURST.     

Bimetallic Au–Ni Nanoparticles Embedded in SiO2 Nanospheres: Synergetic Catalysis in Hydrolytic Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane

Gold–nickel nanoparticles (NPs) of 3–4 nm diameter embedded in silica nanospheres of around 15 nm have been prepared by using [Au(en)₂Cl₃] and [Ni(NH₃)₆Cl₂] as precursors in a NP‐5/cyclohexane reversed‐micelle system, and by in situ reduction in an aqueous solution of NaBH₄/NH₃BH₃. Compared with monometallic Au@SiO₂ and Ni@SiO₂, the as‐synthesized Au–Ni@SiO₂ catalyst shows higher catalytic activity and better durability in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane, generating a nearly stoichiometric amount of hydrogen. During the generation of H₂, the synergy effect between gold and nickel is apparent: The nickel species stabilizes the gold NPs and the existence of gold helps to improve the catalytic activity and durability of the nickel NPs.     

Thermochemicstry of the oxidative dissolution of silver nanoparticles in AOT reverse micelles

A procedure has been developed for thermochemical studies of two types of silver nanoparticles: coagulated nanoparticles in isolated nanopowders and unbound nanoparticles enclosed in micelles. The first type of nanoparticle was obtained and studied after destroying micelles. The heats and rates of dissolution of unbound nanoparticles (i.e., nanoparticles enclosed in micelles and involved in Brownian motion together with the latter) were determined by reacting them with nitric acid solubilized in micelle systems of the same composition. The heats of solution of Ag⁰ in HNO₃ found for isolated nanopowders were ?10 × (1 ± 0.3) kJ/mol; they were close to the results obtained for bulk samples under the same conditions. The heats of solution of nanoparticles in micelles were estimated at ?(17–25) kJ/mol. The dissolution rates of silver nanoparticles in micelles as functions of micelle composition were two to three times the dissolution rates of isolated nanopowders.     

Biochemical synthesis of gold and zinc nanoparticles in reverse micelles

Gold and zinc nanoparticles were obtained in AOT reverse micelles in isooctane by reduction of the corresponding metal ions by the natural pigment quercetin (the biochemical synthesis technique). Gold and zinc ions were introduced into the micellar solution of quercetin in the form of aqueous solutions, HAuCl₄ and [Zn(NH₃)₄]SO₄, to the water to AOT molar ratios 1–3 and 3–4, respectively. The process of nanoparticle formation was investigated by spectrophotometry. Nanoparticle size and shape were determined by transmission electron microscopy. The data obtained allow to conclude that there are two steps in metal ion-quercetin interaction: (1) complex formation, and (2) complex dissociation with subsequent formation of nanoparticles and a second product, presumably oxidized quercetin. Gold nanoparticles were found to be of various shapes (spheres, hexahedrons, triangles, and cylinders) and sizes, mainly in the 10–20 nm range; zinc nanoparticles are chiefly spherical and ～5 nm in size. In both cases, the nanoparticles are stable in the air in micellar solution over long periods of time (from a several months to a several years).     

Enhanced stability of ZnTPPS by polymeric gold nanoparticles in acidic aqueous solutions

Novel kind of core-shell corona complex micelles were prepared, which enhanced both the hydrolytic stability and the photostability of water-soluble zinc tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (ZnTPPS) in acidic aqueous solutions. The core-shell gold nanoparticles (AuNPS) were synthesized by reducing HAuCl₄ and di-thioester terminated block copolymer, poly(Nisopropylacrylamide)-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PNIPAM-b-P4VP). The complex micelles with gold core, P4VP/ZnTPPS shell and PNIPAM corona were formed by simple mixing of gold nanoparticles and ZnTPPS. The photochemical properties of the complex micelles were studied by UV–Visiblespectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results showed trapping of ZnTPPS in the positively charged micellar shell that effectively prevented demetallation of the ZnTPPS that would occur in acidic aqueous solutions. Furthermore, with appropriate concentration of gold nanoparticles, ZnTPPS in the complex micelle had excellent photostability by suppression of generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The enhanced stability of ZnTPPS in acidic aqueous media could be extensively used for photocatalysis and in solar cells.     

Effects of the water content on the growth rate of AgCl nanoparticles in a reversed micelle system

The effects of water content on the growth rate and the final particle size of AgCl nanoparticles in a reversed micelle (RM) system of polyoxyethylene (6) nonylphenyl ether (NP-6)/water/cyclohexane were investigated using a double-jet technique, in which RM solutions of AgNO(3) and KCl were added concurrently to a RM solution containing the excess concentration of chloride ion. As a result, the particle growth rate and the final particle size at a constant Rw ( identical with[water]/[surfactant]) below 5 were found to be in excellent agreement with our theoretical prediction based on a dynamic Ostwald ripening mechanism governed by the overall solubility of the solid and the diffusivity of the reversed micelles, whereas the final particle size was far beyond the size of the water pool of a reversed micelle. Thus, the dramatic reduction of the particle size in the RM system can be explained by the drastic reduction of the overall solubility of the solid and the small diffusivity of the bulky reversed micelles as a carrier of silver ion, and not by the size of the water pool of a reversed micelle as conventionally explained. Some additional contribution of a coagulation process was also suggested in a high Rw range above 5. Significant coagulation of AgCl particles was observed in a RM system with AOT in place of NP-6 even under the standard conditions for the NP-6 system.     

Influence of alkaline earth oxides on thermal stability of oxyfluoride glass

A new type of glass from the Na₂O–MeO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–LaF₃ system where MeO = MgO, CaO, BaO and SrO has been studied. The aim of the investigation was to determine, by means of thermal techniques (DTA and DSC), the influence of alkaline earth ions additions on its thermal stability and the ability of LaF₃ phase to crystallization. The effect of LaF₃ crystallization was analyzed in connection with glass composition expressed by the Al₂O₃/(MeO + Na₂O + 3La₂F₆) ratio varying from 0.4 to 0.8 for the alkaline earth admixtures. The compositions of the glasses have been designed so as to make it possible to define the effect of the charge of the ion modifiers (Na⁺, Me²⁺, La³⁺) on the alumina position in the framework of the glass. Two series of glasses were obtained with a different F⁻ content. The formation of LaF₃ depends directly on the strength of the network and can be control by the Al₂O₃/modifiers ratio as well as the content of fluorine ions. Generally, it can be stated that transparent glass-ceramic with nanocrystallization of LaF₃ can be obtained for Al₂O₃/(Na₂O + MeO + 3La₂F₆) ≤0.6 in the examined glasses. The more the ionicity of the alkaline earth ions the greater the tendency for the crystallization of Me₂LaF₇ and MeF₂. In the glass structure the substitution of oxygen ions by F⁻ ions facilitated the crystallization of LaF₃. Simultaneously, it influenced the thermal stability of the aluminosilicate network and induced the crystallization of appropriate silicates during the heat treatment.     

Synthesis and self‐association behavior of poly[bis(2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)phosphazene]‐b‐poly(propyleneglycol) triblock copolymers

Amphilic triblock copolymers with varying ratios of hydrophilic poly[bis (methoxyethoxyethoxy)phosphazene] (MEEP) and relatively hydrophobic poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) blocks were synthesized via the controlled cationic‐induced living polymerization of a phosphoranimine (Cl₃P?NSiMe₃) at ambient temperature. A PPG block can function as either a classical hydrophobic block or a less hydrophobic component by varying the nature of a phosphazene block. The aqueous phase behavior of MEEP‐PPG‐MEEP block copolymers was investigated using fluorescence techniques, TEM, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The critical micelle concentrations (cmcs) of MEEP‐PPG‐MEEP block copolymers were determined to be in the range of 3.7–16.8 mg/L. The mean diameters of MEEP‐PPG‐MEEP polymeric micelles, measured by DLS, were between 31 and 44 nm. The equilibrium constants of pyrene in these micelles ranged from 4.7 × 10⁴ to 9.6 × 10⁴. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 692–699, 2009     

A highly selective fluorescent sensor for fluoride anion based on pyrazole derivative: Naked eye “no–yes” detection

A new pyrazole-based fluorescent sensor, 5-amino-3-(5-phenyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (compound 1), was studied for fluoride anion (F^?) detection in organic or water-containing solution. This compound displayed both changes in UV–vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra upon addition of F^?. With increasing of F^?, blue emission intensity increases drastically and reaches saturation with 607-fold enhancement at 424 nm. The results indicate that compound 1 has highly selectivity for fluoride detection over other anions, such as Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, HSO₄^?, H₂PO₄^? and AcO^? in DMSO or aqueous DMSO solutions. ¹H NMR titration and other experiments confirm that the sensing process is mainly from the deprotonation of the pyrazole–NH in compound 1.     

Polydiacetylene‐Based Colorimetric Self‐Assembled Vesicular Receptors for Biological Phosphate Ion Recognition

Self‐assembled vesicular polydiacetylene (PDA) particles with embedded metal complex receptor sites have been prepared. The particles respond to the presence of ATP and PPi (pyrophosphate) in buffered aqueous solution by visible changes of their color and emission properties. Blue PDA vesicles of uniform size of about 200 nm were obtained upon UV irradiation from mono‐ and dinuclear zinc(II)–cyclen and iminodiacetato copper [Cu^II–IDA] modified diacetylenes, embedded in amphiphilic diacetylene monomers. Addition of ATP and PPi to the PDA vesicle solution induces a color change from blue to red observable by the naked eye. The binding of ATP and PPi changes the emission intensity. Other anions such as ADP, AMP, H₂PO₄^?, CH₃COO^?, F^?, Cl^?, Br^? and I^?, failed to induce any spectral changes. The zinc(II)–cyclen nanoparticles are useful for the facile detection of PPi and ATP in millimolar concentrations in neutral aqueous solutions, while Cu^II–IDA modified vesicular PDA receptors are able to selectively discriminate between ATP and PPi.     

Selective “naked-eye” sensing of acetate ion based on conformational flexible amide-pyridinium receptor

A simple pincer-shape anion receptor L1 containing amide-pyridinium as binding unit was synthesized and its anion binding properties were investigated by UV–Vis, NMR titration spectra and molecular simulation. L1 displayed better affinity toward AcO^? ion with visible color change compared with other investigated anions, including F^?, H₂PO₄ ^?, Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, NO₃ ^? and HSO₄ ^? ions. The selectivity was ascribed to the synergistic effects arising from hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction and induced-fit process.     

Distribution of the methyl radical adduct of N‐benzylidene‐1‐diethoxyphosphoryl‐1‐methylethylamine N‐oxide‐type nitrones in water–sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles: an electron paramagnetic resonance spin trapping study

The behavior of the methyl radical adduct of six β‐phosphorylated nitrones in the N‐benzylidene‐1‐diethoxyphosphoryl‐1‐methylethylamine N‐oxide series in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles was followed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Except when the highly hydrophilic trap 4‐PyOPN (2) was used, all the adducts were found to partition significantly between micelles and the bulk aqueous phase. The average correlation time τ of the exchange of spin adducts between SDS micelles and water was found to be in the range 5 × 10^?8—4 × 10^?7 s, which is in the region of the life time of an SDS monomer in the micelle structure. In each case, the adduct affinity for the micelles has been quantified by evaluating its micelle–water distribution coefficient K_d. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation of poly(styrene‐b‐N‐isopropylacrylamide) micelles surface‐linked with gold nanoparticles and thermo‐responsive ultraviolet–visible absorbance

Poly(styrene‐b‐N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PSt‐b‐PNIPAM) with dithiobenzoate terminal group was synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation‐transfer polymerization. The dithiobenzoate terminal group was converted into thiol terminal group with NaBH₄, resulting thiol‐terminated PSt‐b‐PNIPAM‐SH. After PSt‐b‐PNIPAM‐SH assembled into core‐shell micelles in aqueous solution, gold nanoparticles were in situ surface‐linked onto the micelles through the reduction of gold precursor anions with NaBH₄. Thus, temperature responsive core/shell micelles of PSt‐b‐PNIPAM surface‐linked with gold nanoparticles (PSt‐b‐PNIPAM‐Au micelles) were obtained. Transmission Electron Microscopy revealed the successful linkage of gold nanoparticles and the dependence of the number of gold nanoparticles per micelle on the molar ratio of HAuCl₄ to thiol group of PSt‐b‐PNIPAM. Dynamic Light Scattering analysis demonstrated thermo‐responsive behavior of PSt‐b‐PNIPAM‐Au micelles. Changing the temperature of PSt‐b‐PNIPAM‐Au micelles led to the shrinkage of PNIPAM shell and allowed to tune the distance between gold nanoparticles. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy clearly showed the reversible modulation of UV–vis absorbance of PSt‐b‐PNIPAM‐Au micelles upon heating and cooling. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5156–5163, 2007     

Étude de la rétention des sels monovalents et bivalents par nanofiltration

Study of the retention of monovalent and bivalent salts by nanofiltration. The objective of this work was to study the influence of applied pressure, solution concentration and conversion rate on the salts retention by nanofiltration. Our study showed that the bivalent ions SO₄^2– are better retained than the monovalent ions F^–, Cl^– and I^– by nanofiltration. We also observed that the small ions F^– and Mg²⁺ are better retained than the big ions Cl^–, Ca²⁺, and I^– by effect of solvation. In spite of the bigger size of ion Ba²⁺ compared to Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺ is better retained than Ca²⁺; this is due to the effect of pressure. We also noticed that the increase of the (NH₄)₂SO₄ concentration and of the conversion rate leads to a decrease in the retention of SO₄^2–. To cite this article: A. Abouzaid et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).