Synthesis and electrochemical properties of {\text{C}}{{\text{a}}_{{0.9}}}{\text{L}}{{\text{a}}_{{0.1}}}{\text{W}}{{\text{O}}_{{4 + \delta }}} electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cells

$ {\text{C}}{{\text{a}}_{{0.9}}}{\text{L}}{{\text{a}}_{{0.1}}}{\text{W}}{{\text{O}}_{{4 + \delta }}} $ powder was prepared by gel auto-ignition process. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, the resulted $ {\text{C}}{{\text{a}}_{{0.9}}}{\text{L}}{{\text{a}}_{{0.1}}}{\text{W}}{{\text{O}}_{{4 + \delta }}} $ solid solution has tetragonal scheelite structure. Results of electrochemical testing reveal that the performances of La-doped calcium tungstate are superior to that of pure CaWO₄, a conductivity of 5.28?×?10^?3?S?cm^?1 at 800?^??C could be obtained in the $ {\text{C}}{{\text{a}}_{{0.9}}}{\text{L}}{{\text{a}}_{{0.1}}}{\text{W}}{{\text{O}}_{{4 + \delta }}} $ compound sintered at 1,200?^??C. The electrical conductivity as a function of oxygen partial pressure and also the electromotive force of oxygen concentration cell are measured to prove the mainly ionic conductivity of the investigated material.     

Thermodynamic studies on Pr2TeO6

The standard Gibbs energy of formation of Pr₂TeO₆ $ (\Updelta_{\text{f}} G^{^\circ } \left( {{ \Pr }_{ 2} {\text{TeO}}_{ 6} ,\;{\text{s}}} \right)) $ was derived from its vapour pressure in the temperature range of 1,400–1,480 K. The vapour pressure of TeO₂ (g) was measured by employing a thermogravimetry-based transpiration method. The temperature dependence of the vapour pressure of TeO₂ over the mixture Pr₂TeO₆ (s) + Pr₂O₃ (s) generated by the incongruent vapourization reaction, Pr₂TeO₆ (s) = Pr₂O₃ (s) + TeO₂ (g) + ½ O₂ (g) could be represented as: $ { \log }\left\{ {{{p\left( {{\text{TeO}}_{ 2} ,\;{\text{g}}} \right)} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{p\left( {{\text{TeO}}_{ 2} ,\;{\text{g}}} \right)} {{\text{Pa}} \pm 0.0 4}}} \right. \kern-0em} {{\text{Pa}} \pm 0.0 4}}} \right\} = 19. 12- 27132\; \left({\rm{{{\text{K}}}}/T} \right) $ . The $ \Updelta_{\text{f}} G^{^\circ } \;\left( {{ \Pr }_{ 2} {\text{TeO}}_{ 6} } \right) $ could be represented by the relation $ \left\{ {{{\Updelta_{\text{f}} G^{^\circ } \left( {{ \Pr }_{ 2} {\text{TeO}}_{ 6} ,\;{\text{s}}} \right)} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\Updelta_{\text{f}} G^{^\circ } \left( {{ \Pr }_{ 2} {\text{TeO}}_{ 6} ,\;{\text{s}}} \right)} {\left( {{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} } \right)}}} \right. \kern-0em} {\left( {{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} } \right)}} \pm 5.0} \right\} = - 2 4 1 5. 1+ 0. 5 7 9 3\;\left(T/{\text{K}}\right) .$ Enthalpy increments of Pr₂TeO₆ were measured by drop calorimetry in the temperature range of 573–1,273 K and heat capacity, entropy and Gibbs energy functions were derived. The $ \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{{298\;{\text{K}}}}^{^\circ } \;\left( {{ \Pr }_{ 2} {\text{TeO}}_{ 6} } \right) $ was found to be $ {{ - 2, 40 7. 8 \pm 2.0} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{ - 2, 40 7. 8 \pm 2.0} {\left( {{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} } \right)}}} \right. \kern-0em} {\left( {{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} } \right)}} $ .     

Preparation and electrochemical properties of {\hbox{N}}{{\hbox{d}}_{{{2} - x}}}{\hbox{S}}{{\hbox{r}}_x}{\hbox{Fe}}{{\hbox{O}}_{{{4} + \delta }}} cathode materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Cathodic materials $ {\hbox{N}}{{\hbox{d}}_{{{2} - x}}}{\hbox{S}}{{\hbox{r}}_x}{\hbox{Fe}}{{\hbox{O}}_{{{4} + \delta }}} $ (x?=?0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) with K₂NiF₄-type structure, for use in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs), have been prepared by the glycine?Cnitrate process and characterized by XRD, SEM, AC impedance spectroscopy, and DC polarization measurements. The results have shown that no reaction occurs between an $ {\hbox{N}}{{\hbox{d}}_{{{2} - x}}}{\hbox{S}}{{\hbox{r}}_x}{\hbox{Fe}}{{\hbox{O}}_{{{4} + \delta }}} $ electrode and an Sm_0.2Gd_0.8O_1.9 electrolyte at 1,200?°C, and that the electrode forms a good contact with the electrolyte after sintering at 1,000?°C for 2?h. In the series $ {\hbox{N}}{{\hbox{d}}_{{{2} - x}}}{\hbox{S}}{{\hbox{r}}_x}{\hbox{Fe}}{{\hbox{O}}_{{{4} + \delta }}} $ (x?=?0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0), the composition $ {\hbox{N}}{{\hbox{d}}_{{{1}.0}}}{\hbox{S}}{{\hbox{r}}_{{{1}.0}}}{\hbox{Fe}}{{\hbox{O}}_{{{4} + \delta }}} $ shows the lowest polarization resistance and cathodic overpotential, 2.75????cm² at 700?°C and 68?mV at a current density of 24.3?mA?cm^?2 at 700?°C, respectively. It has also been found that the electrochemical properties are remarkably improved the increasing Sr content in the experimental range.     

Densities,Refractive Indices,Ultrasonic Speeds and Excess Properties of Acetonitrile + Poly(ethylene glycol) Binary Mixtures at Temperatures from 298.15 to 313.15 K

The densities, ρ, refractive indices, n _D, and ultrasonic speeds, u, of binary mixtures of acetonitrile (AN) with poly(ethylene glycol) 200 (PEG200), poly(ethylene glycol) 300 (PEG300) and poly(ethylene glycol) 400 (PEG400) were measured over the entire composition range at temperatures (298.15, 303.15, 308.15 and 313.15) K and at atmospheric pressure. From the experimental data, the excess molar volumes, \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \) , deviations in refractive indices, \( \Delta n_{\text{D}} \) , excess molar isentropic compressibility, \( K_{{s , {\text{m}}}}^{\text{E}} \) , excess intermolecular free length, \( L_{\text{f}}^{\text{E}} \) , and excess acoustic impedance, Z ^E, have been evaluated. The partial molar volumes, \( \overline{V}_{\text{m,1}} \) and \( \overline{V}_{\text{m,2}} \) , partial molar isentropic compressibilities, \( \overline{K}_{{s , {\text{m,1}}}} \) and \( \overline{K}_{{s , {\text{m,2}}}} \) , and their excess values over whole composition range and at infinite dilution have also been calculated. The variations of these properties with composition and temperature are discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions in these mixtures. The results indicate the presence of specific interactions among the AN and PEG molecules, which follow the order PEG200 < PEG300 < PEG400.     

Isosaccharinate Complexes of Fe(III)

Prior to this study there were no thermodynamic data for isosaccharinate (ISA) complexes of Fe(III) in the environmental range of pH (>~4.5). This study was undertaken to obtain such data in order to predict Fe(III) behavior in the presence of ISA. The solubility of Fe(OH)₃(2-line ferrihydrite), referred to as Fe(OH)₃(s), was studied at 22?±?2?°C in: (1) very acidic (0.01?mol·dm^?3 H⁺) to highly alkaline conditions (3?mol·dm^?3 NaOH) as a function of time (11?C421?days), and fixed concentrations of 0.01 or 0.001?mol·dm^?3 NaISA; and (2) as a function of NaISA concentrations ranging from approximately 0.0001 to 0.256?mol·dm^?3 and at fixed pH values of approximately 4.5 and 11.6 to determine the ISA complexes of Fe(III). The data were interpreted using the SIT model that included previously reported stability constants for $ {{\text{Fe(ISA}})_{n}}^{3 - n} $ (with n varying from 1 to 4) and Fe(III)?COH complexes, and the solubility product for Fe(OH)₃(s) along with the values for two additional complexes (Fe(OH)₂(ISA)(aq) and $ {\text{Fe(OH)}}_{ 3} ( {{\text{ISA}})_{2}}^{2 - } $ ) determined in this study. These extensive data provided a log₁₀ K ⁰ value of 1.55?±?0.38 for the reaction $ ({\text{Fe}}^{ 3+ } + {\text{ISA}}^{-} + 2 {\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}} \rightleftarrows {\text{Fe(OH}})_{ 2} {\text{ISA(aq}}) + 2 {\text{H}}^{ + } ) $ and a value of ?3.27?±?0.32 for the reaction $ ({\text{Fe}}^{ 3+ } + 2 {\text{ISA}}^{-} + 3 {\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}} \rightleftarrows {\text{Fe(OH)}}_{ 3} ( {\text{ISA}})_{2}^{2 - } + 3 {\text{H}}^{ + } ) $ and show that ISA forms strong complexes with Fe(III) which significantly increase the Fe(OH)₃(s) solubility at pH?<~12. Thermodynamic calculations show that competition of Fe(III) with tetravalent ions for ISA does not significantly affect the solubilities of tetravalent hydrous oxides (e.g., Th and Np(IV)) in ISA solutions.     

Thermochemical properties of the coordination complex of 8-hydroxyquinolinato-bis-(salicylato) praseodymium (III)

The product, [Pr(C₇H₅O₃)₂(C₉H₆NO)], which was formed by praseodymium nitrate hexahydrate, salicylic acid (C₇H₆O₃), and 8-hydroxyquinoline (C₉H₇NO), was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV spectra, IR spectra, molar conductance, and thermogravimetric analysis. In an optimalizing calorimetric solvent, the dissolution enthalpies of [Pr(NO₃)₃·6H₂O(s)], [2 C₇H₆O₃(s) + C₉H₇NO(s)], [Pr(C₇H₅O₃)₂(C₉H₆NO)(s)], and [solution D (aq)] were measured to be, by means of a solution-reaction isoperibol microcalorimeter, $ \begin{gathered}\Updelta_{\text{s}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta}\left[ {{ \Pr }\left( {{\text{NO}}_{ 3} } \right)_{ 3} \cdot 6{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}\left( {\text{s}} \right), 2 9 8. 1 5{\text{ K}}} \right] \, = - ( 20. 6 6 { } \pm \, 0. 29)\,{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} , \\\Updelta_{\text{s}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } \left[ { 2 {\text{C}}_{7} {\text{H}}_{ 6} {\text{O}}_{ 3} \left( {\text{s}} \right) +{\text{ C}}_{ 9} {\text{H}}_{ 7} {\text{NO}}\left( {\text{s}}\right),{ 298}. 1 5 {\text{ K}}} \right] \, = \, ( 4 2. 2 7 { }\pm \, 0. 3 1)\,{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} , \\\Updelta_{\text{s}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } \left[ {{\text{solutionD }}\left( {\text{aq}} \right), 2 9 8. 1 5 {\text{ K}}} \right] \,= - \left( { 8 9. 1 5 { } \pm \, 0. 4 3}\right)\,{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} , \\\end{gathered} $ Δ s H m θ [ Pr ( NO 3 ) 3 · 6 H 2 O ( s ) , 2 9 8.1 5 K ] = ? ( 20.6 6 ± 0.2 9 ) kJ mol ? 1 , Δ s H m θ [ 2 C 7 H 6 O 3 ( s ) + C 9 H 7 NO ( s ) , 298.1 5 K ] = ( 4 2.2 7 ± 0.3 1 ) kJ mol ? 1 , Δ s H m θ [ solution D ( aq ) , 2 9 8.1 5 K ] = ? ( 8 9.1 5 ± 0.4 3 ) kJ mol ? 1 , and $ \Updelta_{\text{s}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } \left\{ {\left[ {{\Pr }\left( {{\text{C}}_{ 7} {\text{H}}_{ 5} {\text{O}}_{ 3} }\right)_{ 2} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 9} {\text{H}}_{ 6} {\text{NO}}}\right)} \right]\left( {\text{s}} \right),{ 298}. 1 5 {\text{ K}}}\right\} \, = - \left( { 4 1.0 4 { } \pm \, 0. 3 3}\right)\,{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} $ Δ s H m θ { [ Pr ( C 7 H 5 O 3 ) 2 ( C 9 H 6 NO ) ] ( s ) , 298.1 5 K } = ? ( 4 1.0 4 ± 0.3 3 ) kJ mol ? 1 , respectively. Through an improved thermochemical cycle, the enthalpy change of the designed coordination reaction was calculated to be $\Updelta_{\text{r}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta} = \, ( 2 1 3. 1 8\pm0. 6 9)\,{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} $ Δ r H m θ = ( 2 1 3.1 8 ± 0.6 9 ) kJ mol ? 1 , the standard molar enthalpy of the formation was determined as $ \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta} \left\{ {\left[ {{\Pr }\left( {{\text{C}}_{ 7} {\text{H}}_{ 5} {\text{O}}_{ 3} }\right)_{ 2} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 9} {\text{H}}_{ 6} {\text{NO}}}\right)} \right]\left( {\text{s}} \right), 2 9 8. 1 5 {\text{K}}}\right\} \, = \, - \, ( 1 8 7 5. 4\pm 3.1)\,{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} $ Δ f H m θ { [ Pr ( C 7 H 5 O 3 ) 2 ( C 9 H 6 NO ) ] ( s ) , 2 9 8.1 5 K } = ? ( 1 8 7 5.4 ± 3.1 ) kJ mol ? 1 .     

The role of the heteroatom (X?=?SiIV, PV, and SVI) on the reactivity of {��-[(H2O)RuIII(��-OH)2RuIII(H2O)][X n+W10O36]}(8?n)? with the O2 molecule

The mechanism of reaction of the di-Ru-substituted polyoxometalate, {??-[(H₂O)Ru^III(??-OH)₂Ru^III(H₂O)][X ⁿ⁺W₁₀O₃₆]}^(8?n)?, I_X, with O₂, i.e. I_X?+?O₂????{??-[(^·O)Ru^IV(??-OH)₂Ru^IV(O^·)][X ⁿ⁺W₁₀O₃₆]}^(8?n)??+?2H₂O, (1), was studied at the B3LYP density functional and self-consistent reaction field IEF-PCM (in aqueous solution) levels of theory. The effect of the nature of heteroatom X (where X?=?Si, P and, S) on the calculated energies and mechanism of the reaction (1) was elucidated. It was shown that the nature of X only slightly affects the reactivity of I_X with O₂, which is a 4-electron oxidation process. The overall reaction (1): (a) proceeds with moderate energy barriers for all studied X??s [the calculated rate-determining barriers are X?=?Si (18.7?kcal/mol)?<?S (20.6?kcal/mol)?<?P (27.2?kcal/mol) in water, and X?=?S (18.7?kcal/mol)?<?P (21.4?kcal/mol)?<?Si (23.1?kcal/mol) in the gas phase] and (b) is exothermic [by X?=?Si [28.7 (22.1) kcal/mol]?>?P [21.4 (9.8) kcal/mol]?>?S [12.3 (5.0) kcal/mol]. The resulting $ \left\{ {\gamma - \left[ {\left( {^{ \cdot } {\text{O}}} \right) {\text{Ru}}^{\text{IV}} \left( {\mu - {\text{OH}}} \right)_{2} {\text{Ru}}^{\text{IV}} \left( {{\text{O}}^{ \cdot } } \right)} \right]\left[ {{\text{X}}^{{{\text{n}} + }} {\text{W}}_{10} {\text{O}}_{36} } \right]} \right\}^{{\left( {8 - {\text{n}}} \right) - }} $ , VI_X, complex was found to have two Ru^IV?=?O^· units, rather than Ru^V?=?O units. The ??reverse?? reaction, i.e., water oxidation by VI_X is an endothermic process and unlikely to occur for X?=?Si and P, while it could occur for X?=?S under specific conditions. The lack of reactivity of VI_X biradical toward the water molecule leads to the formation of the stable [{Ru ₄ ^IV O₄(OH)₂(H₂O)₄}[(??-XW₁₀O₃₆]₂}^m? dimer. This conclusion is consistent with our experimental findings; previously we prepared the $ \left[ {\left\{ {{\text{Ru}}_{4}^{\text{IV}} {\text{O}}_{4} ({\text{OH}})_{2} \left( {{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}} \right)_{4} } \right\}} \right[\left( {\gamma - {\text{XW}}_{10} {\text{O}}_{36} } \right]_{2} \}^{{{\text{m}} - }} $ dimers for X?=?Si (m?=?10) [Geletii et al. in Angew Chem Int Ed 47:3896?C3899, 2008 and J Am Chem Soc 131:17360?C17370, 2009] and P (m?=?8) [Besson et al. in Chem Comm 46:2784?C2786, 2010] and showed them to be very stable and efficient catalysts for the oxidation of water to O₂.     

Partial Oxidation of Methane to Nitrogen Free Synthesis Gas Using Air as Oxidant

In order to generate synthesis gas or hydrogen free from nitrogen by partial oxidation of methane using air as an oxidant, gas?Csolid reactions of methane and a metal oxide and/or mixed metal oxides were carried out. The background of the gas?Csolid reaction was briefly reviewed and then a series of the present author??s studies was described. As metal oxides Fe₂O₃ and NiO were active, but the reaction with methane and these oxides afforded complete oxidation to give H₂O and CO₂. To both oxides, addition of Cr- and Mg- oxides promoted the following reaction to give synthesis gas. $$ {\text{CH}}_{ 4} + {\text{ MM}}'{\text{O}}_{\text{x}} \to {\text{CO }} + {\text{ 2H}}_{ 2} + {\text{ MM}}^{\prime}{\text{O}}_{{{\text{x}} - 1}} $$ After the reaction with methane, mixed oxides were reduced to lower valence state oxides and they were regenerated by the oxidation with air. $$ {\text{MM}}^{\prime}{\text{O}}_{{{\text{x}} - 1}} + {\text{ Air}} \to {\text{MM}}'{\text{O}}_{\text{x}} + {\text{ N}}_{ 2} $$ Up to 10 repeated reaction and regeneration cycles did not or only slightly decreased the activity of the mixed oxides. By switching two or more reactors, the reaction and the regeneration were carried out to give synthesis gas continuously.     

Synthesis of lanthanide(III) complexes appended with a diphenylphosphinamide and their interaction with human serum albumin

Two DOTA-based proligands bearing a pendant diphenylphosphinamide 4a and 4b were synthesised. Their Eu(III) complexes exhibit sensitised emission when excited at 270 nm via the diphenylphosphinamide chromophore. Hydration states of q = 1.5 were determined from excited state lifetime measurements (Eu.4a $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 2. 1 4 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 0. 6 4 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ; Eu.4b $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 2. 6 7\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1. 1 8 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ). In the presence of human serum albumin (HSA) (0.1 mM Eu.4a/b, 0.67 mM HSA, pH 7.4) q = 0.4 for Eu.4a ( $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1. 3 4\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 0. 7 5\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ) and q = 0.6 for Eu.4b ( $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1. 8 3\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1.0 5 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ). Relaxivites (pH 7.4, 298 K, 20 MHz) of the Gd(III) complexes in the absence and presence of HSA (0.1 mM Gd.4a/b, 0.67 mM HSA) were: Gd.4a (r ₁ = 7.6 mM^?1s^?1 and r ₁ = 11.7 mM^?1s^?1) and Gd.4b. (r ₁ = 7.3 mM^?1s^?1 and r ₁ = 16.0 mM^?1s^?1). These relatively modest increases in r ₁ are consistent with the change in inner-sphere hydration on binding to HSA shown by luminescence measurements on Eu.4a/b. Binding constants for HSA determined by the quenching of luminescence (Eu) and enhancement of relaxivity (Gd) were Eu.4a (27,000 M^?1 ± 12%), Eu.4b (32,000 M^?1 ± 14%), Gd.4a (21,000 M^?1 ± 15%) and Gd.4b (26,000 M^?1 ± 15%).     

Influence of heavy metals on the early hydration of calcium sulfoaluminate

The hydration of calcium sulfoaluminate $ ( {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} ) $ in the presence of heavy metal is essential not only for applying the cement in solidification/stabilization (s/s) process, but also for preparing modern green cements from wastes containing heavy metals. In this study, the influence of gypsum, types, and concentrations of heavy metal nitrates (Pb(NO₃)₂, Cr(NO₃)₃·9H₂O, Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O, Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O) on the hydration of $ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} $ during the first 24 h were investigated by isothermal conduction calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The addition of 20 % of gypsum to $ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} $ leads to a rapid formation of ettringite against monosulfate and acceleration of hydration. The effects of heavy metals on the hydration of $ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} $ depend on the types of heavy metals and the addition of gypsum. Without any gypsum addition, heavy metal nitrates such as Cr, Cu, and Zn promote the hydration of $ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} $ , whereas Pb presents a strong retardation effect at the early age of $ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} $ hydration. When 20 % of gypsum is added to $ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} $ , heavy metals tend to accelerate the hydration of the blended pastes except Zn. However, heavy metal containing phases were not detected in this work, which needs to be supplemented by further investigations.     

Densities and Volumetric Properties of Butyl Acrylate + 1-Butanol, or +2-Butanol, or +2-Methyl-1-propanol, or +2-Methyl-2-propanol Binary Mixtures at Temperatures from 288.15 to 318.15 K

The densities, ρ, of binary mixtures of butyl acrylate with 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, and 2-methyl-2-propanol, including those of the pure liquids, were measured over the entire composition range at temperatures of (288.15, 293.15, 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, 313.15, and 318.15) K and atmospheric pressure. From the experimental data, the excess molar volume $ V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} $ V m E , partial molar volumes $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,1}} $ V ¯ m,1 and $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,2}} $ V ¯ m,2 , and excess partial molar volumes $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{\text{E}} $ V ¯ m,1 E and $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{\text{E}} $ V ¯ m,2 E , were calculated over the whole composition range as were the partial molar volumes $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{^\circ } $ V ¯ m,1 ° and $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{^\circ } $ V ¯ m,2 ° , and excess partial molar volumes $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{{^\circ {\text{E}}}} $ V ¯ m,1 ° E and $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{{^\circ {\text{E}}}} $ V ¯ m,2 ° E , at infinite dilution,. The $ V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} $ V m E values were found to be positive over the whole composition range for all the mixtures and at each temperature studied, indicating the presence of weak (non-specific) interactions between butyl acrylate and alkanol molecules. The deviations in $ V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} $ V m E values follow the order: 1-butanol < 2-butanol < 2-methyl-1-propanol < 2-methyl-2-propanol. It is observed that the $ V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} $ V m E values depend upon the position of alkyl groups in alkanol molecules and the interactions between butyl acrylate and isomeric butanols decrease with increase in the number of alkyl groups at α-carbon atom in the alkanol molecules.     

Thermochemistry of hydroxymethylphenol isomers

The standard (p° = 0.1 MPa) molar enthalpies of formation in the crystalline state of the 2-, 3- and 4-hydroxymethylphenols, $ {{\Updelta}}_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} ( {\text{cr)}} = \, - ( 3 7 7. 7 \pm 1. 4)\,{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} $ , $ {{\Updelta}}_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} ( {\text{cr) }} = - (383.0 \pm 1.4) \, \,{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} $ and $ {{\Updelta}}_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} ( {\text{cr)}} = - (382.7 \pm 1.4)\,{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} $ , respectively, were derived from the standard molar energies of combustion, in oxygen, to yield CO₂(g) and H₂O(l), at T = 298.15 K, measured by static bomb combustion calorimetry. The Knudsen mass-loss effusion technique was used to measure the dependence of the vapour pressure of the solid isomers of hydroxymethylphenol with the temperature, from which the standard molar enthalpies of sublimation were derived using the Clausius–Clapeyron equation. The results were as follows: $ \Updelta_{\rm cr}^{\rm g} H_{\rm m}^{\rm o} = (99.5 \pm 1.5)\,{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} $ , $ \Updelta_{\rm cr}^{\rm g} H_{\rm m}^{\rm o} = (116.0 \pm 3.7) \,{\text{kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} $ and $ \Updelta_{\rm cr}^{\rm g} H_{\rm m}^{\rm o} = (129.3 \pm 4.7)\,{\text{ kJ mol}}^{ - 1} $ , for 2-, 3- and 4-hydroxymethylphenol, respectively. From these values, the standard molar enthalpies of formation of the title compounds in their gaseous phases, at T = 298.15 K, were derived and interpreted in terms of molecular structure. Moreover, using estimated values for the heat capacity differences between the gas and the crystal phases, the standard (p° = 0.1 MPa) molar enthalpies, entropies and Gibbs energies of sublimation, at T = 298.15 K, were derived for the three hydroxymethylphenols.     

Kinetics investigation on the combustion of waste capsicum stalks in Western China using thermogravimetric analysis

The combustion kinetics of waste capsicum stalk (WCS) in Western China is investigated through thermogravimetric analysis compared with sawdust and coal, and co-combustion of WCS with coal is also investigated. Results show that the ignition characteristics of WCS is better than that of sawdust and coal, and the activation energy E of WCS-volatile combustion and WCS-char combustion are 78.55?kJ?mol^?1 and 44.59?kJ?mol^?1. However, integrating the characteristics of ignition and burnout, the combustion characteristic factor (S _N) of WCS is lower than that of sawdust. With the increasing in the heating rate, the ignition of WCS is delayed. Oxygen concentration $ C_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }} $ affects E and k ₀ of volatile combustion largely under rich-oxygen condition, when $ C_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }} $ increases from 0.2 to 0.8, E has increased threefold and k ₀ also intensively increases from 10⁶ to 10¹³?C10²². Oppositely, effect of $ C_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }} $ on the E and k ₀ of char combustion is little, and there is an exponential relationship $ S_{\text{N}} = 7. 1 2 8 \times 10^{ - 9} \times { \exp }(C_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }} /0. 3 6 8) - 6. 1 2 6 \times 10^{ - 9} $ between S _N and $ C_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }} $ . For the tests of co-combustion, all the experimental and weighted-average curves coincide well, and there is no remarkable synergistic effect. With the increase of mixing ratio that WCS added, E and k ₀ of volatile combustion increase, but correspondingly E and k ₀ of char combustion decrease.     

Thermodynamic characterization of chromium tellurate

The standard Gibbs energy of formation of chromium tellurate, Cr₂TeO₆ was determined from the vapour pressure measurement of TeO₂(g) over the phase mixture Cr₂TeO₆(s) + Cr₂O₃(s) in the temperature range 1,183–1,293 K. A thermogravimetry (TG)-based transpiration technique was used for the vapour pressure measurement. This technique was validated by measuring the vapour pressure of CdCl₂(g) over CdCl₂(s). The temperature dependence of the vapour pressure of CdCl₂(g) could be represented as logp (Pa) (±0.02) = 12.06 ? 8616.3/T (K) (734 ? 823 K). A ‘third-law’ analysis of the vapour pressure data yielded a mean value of 185.1 ± 0.4 kJ mol^?1 for the enthalpy of sublimation of CdCl₂(s). The temperature dependence of vapour pressure of TeO₂(g) generated by the incongruent vapourisation reaction, $ {\text{Cr}}_{ 2} {\text{TeO}}_{ 6} (\rm s) \to {\text{Cr}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}_{ 3} (\rm s) + {\text{TeO}}_{ 2} (\rm g) + 1/2\,{\text{O}}_{ 2} (\rm g) $ could be represented as logp (Pa) (±0.04) = 18.57 – 21,199/T (K) (1,183 – 1,293 K). The temperature dependence of the Gibbs energy of formation of Cr₂TeO₆ could be expressed as $ \{ \Updelta G_{\text{f}}^{ \circ } ({\text{Cr}}_{ 2} {\text{TeO}}_{ 6} ,{\text{ s}}){\text{ (kJ}}\,{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} )\pm 4. 0 {\text{\} = }} - 1 6 2 5. 6 { \,+\, 0} . 5 3 3 6\,T({\text{K}}) \, (1{,}183 - 1{,}293\,{\text{K}}). $ A drop calorimeter was used for measuring the enthalpy increments of Cr₂TeO₆ in the temperature range 373–973 K. Thermodynamic functions viz., heat capacity, entropy and Gibbs energy functions of Cr₂TeO₆ were derived from the experimentally measured enthalpy increment values. $ \Updelta H_{{{\text{f}},298\,{\text{K}}}}^{ \circ } ({\text{Cr}}_{ 2} {\text{TeO}}_{ 6} ) $ was found to be ?1636.9 ± 0.8 kJ mol^?1.     

Pre-formulation of an oral cyclosporine free of surfactant

The purpose of this study was to develop a new oral cyclosporine A (CsA) formulation free of surfactant cremophor using cyclodextrin terpolymers (P-αβ-CD, P-βγ-CD and P-αγ-CD) as excipients in attempt to enhance its stability, dissolution rate and eliminate surfactant side effects. Two spray-dried dispersions (SDDs) containing poorly water-soluble CsA were prepared with either P-αβ-CD, P-βγ-CD or P-αγ-CD using water ( $ F_{{{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}} $ ) and ethanol (F _EOH) via spray-drying technique and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, particle size distribution, circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance along with the dissolution study which was compared to Neoral^® and Sandimmune^®. The results showed an interaction between CsA and P-αβ-CD, P-βγ-CD and P-αγ-CD without secondary structure change of CsA. The order of the CsA release from the terpolymers was ranked as follows: P-αγ-CD/CsA ( $ F_{{{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}} $ ) = Neoral^® > P-βγ-CD/CsA ( $ F_{{{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}} $ ) > P-αβ-CD/CsA ( $ F_{{{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}} $ ) > P-αγ-CD/CsA (F _EOH) > Sandimmune^® > P-αβ-CD/CsA (F _EOH) > P-βγ-CD/CsA (F _EOH). The results of ( $ F_{{{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}} $ ) could be explained by hydrophilisation and absence of crystallinity of CsA while maintaining part of its crystallinity in the case of formulations (F _EOH). In summary, developed SDD formulations P-αγ-CD/CsA ( $ F_{{{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}} $ ) revealed same dissolution profile as Neoral^® and better than Sandimmune^®. These systems seem to be stable to carry cyclosporine and release it, while preserving structure and thus, potentially, also maintaining cyclosporine activity.     

Theoretical study of proton transfer in ammonia–hydrogen halides in the presence of methanol

In this work, the effect of solvent (methanol, CH₃OH) molecules on proton transfer (PT) between ammonia and hydrogen halides was studied. We performed MP2 and B3LYP calculations on HX–NH₃–(CH₃OH) _n clusters for three hydrogen halides, HF, HCl, and HBr, with the number of methanol molecules varying from none to three (n = 0–3). The results showed that stepwise association of methanol molecules with the gas-phase complex can eventually facilitate ionization within the complex, producing the $ {\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + } {\text{X}}^{ - } - \left( {{\text{CH}}_{ 3} {\text{OH}}} \right)_{\text{n}} $ cluster. We found that PT occurs on addition of from one (for HBr) to three (for HF) methanol molecules. The interaction energy $ E_{\text{int}} $ and $ \Updelta E_{\text{add}} $ for the complexes were calculated and basis set superposition error (BSSE) correction was also performed. Atoms-in-molecule and natural-bond-orbital analysis were used to study the properties of the hydrogen bonds in the complexes.     

A simple correlation for prediction of autoignition temperature of various classes of hydrocarbons

A new reliable simple model is presented for estimating the autoignition temperatures (AITs) of different classes of hydrocarbons including alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, cycloalkenes, alkynes, and aromatics. For various categories of hydrocarbons with general formula $ {\text{C}}_{{a_{1} }} {\text{H}}_{{a_{2} }} $ , the new correlation can be expressed as: $$ {\text{AIT}} = 647 + 33.33a_{1} - 20.79a_{2} + 58.20F_{\text{SH}} + 81.03F_{\text{BH}} $$ where two functions F _SH and F _BH are related to size and branches of different classes of hydrocarbons, respectively. The proposed simple model can predict the AIT of any complex hydrocarbons through the knowledge of their molecular structures. The novel correlation is derived and tested for a large number of hydrocarbons including 274-compound database, which is the largest dataset with respect to previous works. It is shown that the estimated results of the new method have a lower root mean square deviation of AIT as compared to three of the best available predictive methods.     

Density functional study on structures, stabilities, and electronic properties of size-selected Pd n Si q (n = 1–7 and q = 0, +1, −1) clusters

The density functional theory (DFT) calculations within the framework of generalized gradient approximation have been employed to systematically investigate the geometrical structures, stabilities, and electronic properties of Pd _n Si ^q (n = 1–7 and q = 0, +1, ?1) clusters and compared them with the pure ${\text{Pd}}_{n + 1}^{q}$ (n = 1–7 and q = 0, +1, ?1) clusters for illustrating the effect of doping Si atom into palladium nanoclusters. The most stable configurations adopt a three-dimensional structure for both pure and Si-doped palladium clusters at n = 3–7. As a result of doping, the Pd _n Si clusters adopt different geometries as compared to that of Pd _n+1. A careful analysis of the binding energies per atom, fragmentation energies, second-order difference of energies, and HOMO–LUMO energy gaps as a function of cluster size shows that the clusters ${\text{Pd}}_{4}^{ + }$ , ${\text{Pd}}_{4}$ , ${\text{Pd}}_{8}^{ - }$ , ${\text{Pd}}_{5} {\text{Si}}^{0, + , - }$ , and ${\text{Pd}}_{7} {\text{Si}}^{0, + , - }$ possess relatively higher stability. There is enhancement in the stabilities of palladium frameworks due to doping with an impurity atom. In addition, the charge transfer has been analyzed to understand the effect of doped atom and compared further.     

Spectroscopic Studies on the Thermodynamics of the Complexation of Trivalent Curium with Propionate in the Temperature Range from 20 to 90 °C

The thermodynamics of the stepwise complexation reaction of Cm(III) with propionate was studied by time resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy as a function of the ligand concentration, the ionic strength and temperature (20–90 °C). The molar fractions of the 1:1 and 1:2 complexes were quantified by peak deconvolution of the emission spectra at each temperature, yielding the log₁₀ $ K_{n}^{\prime } $ values. Using the specific ion interaction theory (SIT), the thermodynamic stability constants log₁₀ $ K_{n}^{0} (T) $ were determined. The log₁₀ $ K_{n}^{0} (T) $ values show a distinct increase by 0.15 (n = 1) and 1.0 (n = 2) orders of magnitude in the studied temperature range, respectively. The temperature dependency of the log₁₀ $ K_{n}^{0} (T) $ values is well described by the integrated van’t Hoff equation, assuming a constant enthalpy of reaction and $ \Updelta_{\text{r}} C^\circ_{{p,{\text{m}}}} = 0, $ yielding the thermodynamic standard state $ \left( {\Updelta_{\text{r}} H^\circ_{\text{m}} ,\Updelta_{\text{r}} S^\circ_{\text{m}} ,\Updelta_{\text{r}} G^\circ_{\text{m}} } \right) $ values for the formation of the $ {\text{Cm(Prop)}}_{n}^{3 - n} $ , n = (1, 2) species.     

Transport, thermomechanical, and electrode properties of perovskite-type {\left( {{\hbox{L}}{{\hbox{a}}_{0.{75} - x}}{\hbox{S}}{{\hbox{r}}_{0.{25} + x}}} \right)_{0.{95}}}{\hbox{M}}{{\hbox{n}}_{0.{5}}}{\hbox{C}}{{\hbox{r}}_{0.{5} - x}}{\hbox{T}}{{\hbox{i}}_x}{{\hbox{O}}_{{3} - }}_\delta \left( {x = 0 - 0.{5}} \right)

Increasing Sr²⁺ and Ti⁴⁺ concentrations in perovskite-type $ {\left( {{\hbox{L}}{{\hbox{a}}_{0.{75} - x}}{\hbox{S}}{{\hbox{r}}_{0.{25} + x}}} \right)_{0.{95}}}{\hbox{M}}{{\hbox{n}}_{0.{5}}}{\hbox{C}}{{\hbox{r}}_{0.{5} - x}}{\hbox{T}}{{\hbox{i}}_x}{{\hbox{O}}_{{3} - }}_\delta \left( {x = 0 - 0.{5}} \right) $ results in slightly higher thermal and chemical expansion, whereas the total conductivity activation energy tends to decrease. The average thermal expansion coefficients determined by controlled-atmosphere dilatometry vary in the range (10.8?C14.5)?×?10^?6?K^?1 at 373?C1,373?K, being almost independent of the oxygen partial pressure. Variations of the conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, studied in the oxygen pressure range 10^?18?C0.5?atm, suggest that the electronic transport under oxidizing and moderately reducing conditions is dominated by p-type charge carriers and occurs via a small-polaron mechanism. Contrary to the hole concentration changes, the hole mobility decreases with increasing x. The oxygen permeation fluxes through dense ceramic membranes are quite similar for all compositions due to very low level of oxygen nonstoichiometry and are strongly affected by the grain-boundary diffusion and surface exchange kinetics. The porous electrodes applied onto lanthanum gallate-based solid electrolyte exhibit a considerably better electrochemical performance compared to the apatite-type La₁₀Si₅AlO_26.5 electrolyte at atmospheric oxygen pressure, while Sr²⁺ and Ti⁴⁺ additions have no essential influence on the polarization resistance. In H₂-containing gases where the electronic transport in $ {\left( {{\hbox{L}}{{\hbox{a}}_{0.{75} - x}}{\hbox{S}}{{\hbox{r}}_{0.{25} + x}}} \right)_{0.{95}}}{\hbox{M}}{{\hbox{n}}_{0.{5}}}{\hbox{C}}{{\hbox{r}}_{0.{5} - x}}{\hbox{T}}{{\hbox{i}}_x}{{\hbox{O}}_{{3} - }}_\delta $ perovskites becomes low, co-doping deteriorates the anode performance, which can be however improved by infiltrating Ni and $ {\hbox{Ce}}{{\hbox{O}}_{{\rm{2}} - }}_\delta $ v into the porous oxide electrode matrix.