The Primary Origin of Excellent Dielectric Properties of (Co,Nb) Co-Doped TiO2 Ceramics: Electron-Pinned Defect Dipoles vs. Internal Barrier Layer Capacitor Effect

(Co, Nb) co-doped rutile TiO₂ (CoNTO) nanoparticles with low dopant concentrations were prepared using a wet chemistry method. A pure rutile TiO₂ phase with a dense microstructure and homogeneous dispersion of the dopants was obtained. By co-doping rutile TiO₂ with 0.5 at.% (Co, Nb), a very high dielectric permittivity of ε′ ≈ 36,105 and a low loss tangent of tanδ ≈ 0.04 were achieved. The sample–electrode contact and resistive outer-surface layer (surface barrier layer capacitor) have a significant impact on the dielectric response in the CoNTO ceramics. The density functional theory calculation shows that the 2Co atoms are located near the oxygen vacancy, creating a triangle-shaped 2CoV_oTi complex defect. On the other hand, the substitution of TiO₂ with Nb atoms can form a diamond-shaped 2Nb2Ti complex defect. These two types of complex defects are far away from each other. Therefore, the electron-pinned defect dipoles cannot be considered the primary origins of the dielectric response in the CoNTO ceramics. Impedance spectroscopy shows that the CoNTO ceramics are electrically heterogeneous, comprised of insulating and semiconducting regions. Thus, the dielectric properties of the CoNTO ceramics are attributed to the interfacial polarization at the internal insulating layers with very high resistivity, giving rise to a low loss tangent.     

Origins of Giant Dielectric Properties with Low Loss Tangent in Rutile (Mg1/3Ta2/3)0.01Ti0.99O2 Ceramic

The Mg²⁺/Ta⁵⁺ codoped rutile TiO₂ ceramic with a nominal composition (Mg_1/3Ta_2/3)_0.01Ti_0.99O₂ was synthesized using a conventional solid-state reaction method and sintered at 1400 °C for 2 h. The pure phase of the rutile TiO₂ structure with a highly dense microstructure was obtained. A high dielectric permittivity (2.9 × 10⁴ at 10³ Hz) with a low loss tangent (<0.025) was achieved in the as-sintered ceramic. After removing the outer surface, the dielectric permittivity of the polished ceramic increased from 2.9 × 10⁴ to 6.0 × 10⁴, while the loss tangent also increased (~0.11). The dielectric permittivity and loss tangent could be recovered to the initial value of the as-sintered ceramic by annealing the polished ceramic in air. Notably, in the temperature range of −60–200 °C, the dielectric permittivity (10³ Hz) of the annealed ceramic was slightly dependent (<±4.4%), while the loss tangent was very low (0.015–0.036). The giant dielectric properties were likely contributed by the insulating grain boundaries and insulative surface layer effects.     

Dielectric Properties of Colossal-Dielectric-Constant Na1/2La1/2Cu3Ti4O12 Ceramics Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering

In the current study, we report on the dielectric behavior of colossal-dielectric-constant Na_1/2La_1/2Cu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (NLCTO) ceramics prepared by mechanochemical synthesis and spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 850 °C, 900 °C, and 925 °C for 10 min. X-ray powder diffraction analysis showed that all the ceramics have a cubic phase. Scanning electron microscope observations revealed an increase in the average grain size from 175 to 300 nm with an increase in the sintering temperature. SPS NLCTO ceramics showed a room-temperature colossal dielectric constant (>10³) and a comparatively high dielectric loss (>0.1) over most of the studied frequency range (1 Hz–40 MHz). Two relaxation peaks were observed in the spectra of the electrical modulus and attributed to the response of grain and grain boundary. According to the Nyquist plots of complex impedance, the SPS NLCTO ceramics have semiconductor grains surrounded by electrically resistive grain boundaries. The colossal dielectric constant of SPS NLCTO ceramics was attributed to the internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC) effect. The high dielectric loss is thought to be due to the low resistivity of the grain boundary of SPS NLCTO.     

Significantly Improved Colossal Dielectric Properties and Maxwell—Wagner Relaxation of TiO2—Rich Na1/2Y1/2Cu3Ti4+xO12 Ceramics

In this work, the colossal dielectric properties and Maxwell—Wagner relaxation of TiO₂–rich Na_1/2Y_1/2Cu₃Ti_4+xO₁₂ (x = 0–0.2) ceramics prepared by a solid-state reaction method are investigated. A single phase of Na_1/2Y_1/2Cu₃Ti₄O₁₂ is achieved without the detection of any impurity phase. The highly dense microstructure is obtained, and the mean grain size is significantly reduced by a factor of 10 by increasing Ti molar ratio, resulting in an increased grain boundary density and hence grain boundary resistance (R_gb). The colossal permittivities of ε′ ~ 0.7–1.4 × 10⁴ with slightly dependent on frequency in the frequency range of 10²–10⁶ Hz are obtained in the TiO₂–rich Na_1/2Y_1/2Cu₃Ti_4+xO₁₂ ceramics, while the dielectric loss tangent is reduced to tanδ ~ 0.016–0.020 at 1 kHz due to the increased R_gb. The semiconducting grain resistance (R_g) of the Na_1/2Y_1/2Cu₃Ti_4+xO₁₂ ceramics increases with increasing x, corresponding to the decrease in Cu⁺/Cu²⁺ ratio. The nonlinear electrical properties of the TiO₂–rich Na_1/2Y_1/2Cu₃Ti_4+xO₁₂ ceramics can also be improved. The colossal dielectric and nonlinear electrical properties of the TiO₂–rich Na_1/2Y_1/2Cu₃Ti_4+xO₁₂ ceramics are explained by the Maxwell–Wagner relaxation model based on the formation of the Schottky barrier at the grain boundary.     

A Study of the Effect of Sintering Conditions of Mg0.95Ni0.05Ti3 on Its Physical and Dielectric Properties

Mg_0.95Ni_0.05TiO₃ ceramics were prepared by traditional solid-state route using sintering temperatures between 1300 and 1425 °C and holding time of 2–8 h. The sintered samples were characterized for their phase composition, micro-crystalline structure, unit–cell constant, and dielectric properties. A two-phase combination region was identified over the entire compositional range. The effect of sintering conditions was analyzed for various properties. Both permittivity (ε_r) and Q factor (Q_f) were sensitive to sintering temperatures and holding times, and the optimum performance was found at 1350 °C withholding time of 4 h. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) in a range from −45.2 to −52 (ppm/°C) and unit–cell constant were not sensitive to both the sintering temperature and holding time. An optimized Q factor of 192,000 (GHz) related with a permittivity (ε_r) of 17.35 and a temperature coefficient (τ_f) of −47 (ppm/°C) was realized for the specimen sintered at 1350 °C withholding time of 4 h. For applications of 5G communication device (filter, antennas, etc.), Mg_0.95Ni_0.05TiO₃ is considered to be a suitable candidate for substrate materials.     

Effects of Charge Compensation on Colossal Permittivity and Electrical Properties of Grain Boundary of CaCu3Ti4O12 Ceramics Substituted by Al3+ and Ta5+/Nb5+

The effects of charge compensation on dielectric and electrical properties of CaCu₃Ti_4-x(Al_1/2Ta_1/4Nb_1/4)_xO₁₂ ceramics (x = 0−0.05) prepared by a solid-state reaction method were studied based on the configuration of defect dipoles. A single phase of CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ was observed in all ceramics with a slight change in lattice parameters. The mean grain size of CaCu₃Ti_4-x(Al_1/2Ta_1/4Nb_1/4)_xO₁₂ ceramics was slightly smaller than that of the undoped ceramic. The dielectric loss tangent can be reduced by a factor of 13 (tanδ ~0.017), while the dielectric permittivity was higher than 10⁴ over a wide frequency range. Impedance spectroscopy showed that the significant decrease in tanδ was attributed to the highly increased resistance of the grain boundary by two orders of magnitude. The DFT calculation showed that the preferential sites of Al and Nb/Ta were closed together in the Ti sites, forming self-charge compensation, and resulting in the enhanced potential barrier height at the grain boundary. Therefore, the improved dielectric properties of CaCu₃Ti_4-x(Al_1/2Ta_1/4Nb_1/4)_xO₁₂ ceramics associated with the enhanced electrical properties of grain boundaries. In addition, the non-Ohmic properties were also improved. Characterization of the grain boundaries under a DC bias showed the reduction of potential barrier height at the grain boundary. The overall results indicated that the origin of the colossal dielectric properties was caused by the internal barrier layer capacitor structure, in which the Schottky barriers at the grain boundaries were formed.     

Influences of Sr2+ Doping on Microstructure,Giant Dielectric Behavior,and Non-Ohmic Properties of CaCu3Ti4O12/CaTiO3 Ceramic Composites

The microstructure, dielectric response, and nonlinear current-voltage properties of Sr²⁺-doped CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂/CaTiO₃ (CCTO/CTO) ceramic composites, which were prepared by a solid-state reaction method using a single step from the starting nominal composition of CCTO/CTO/xSrO, were investigated. The CCTO and CTO phases were detected in the X-ray diffraction patterns. The lattice parameter increased with increasing Sr²⁺ doping concentration. The phase compositions of CCTO and CTO were confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy with elemental mapping in the sintered ceramics. It can be confirmed that most of the Sr²⁺ ions substituted into the CTO phase, while some minor portion substituted into the CCTO phase. Furthermore, small segregation of Cu-rich was observed along the grain boundaries. The dielectric permittivity of the CCTO/CTO composite slightly decreased by doping with Sr²⁺, while the loss tangent was greatly reduced. Furthermore, the dielectric properties in a high-temperature range of the Sr²⁺-doped CCTO/CTO ceramic composites can be improved. Interestingly, the nonlinear electrical properties of the Sr²⁺-doped CCTO/CTO ceramic composites were significantly enhanced. The improved dielectric and nonlinear electrical properties of the Sr²⁺-doped CCTO/CTO ceramic composites were explained by the enhancement of the electrical properties of the internal interfaces.     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a Silver(I) Pyrazolato Coordination Polymer

Coinage metal(I)···metal(I) interactions are widely of interest in fields such as supramolecular assembly and unique luminescent properties, etc. Only two types of polynuclear silver(I) pyrazolato complexes have been reported, however, and no detailed spectroscopic characterizations have been reported. An unexpected synthetic method yielded a polynuclear silver(I) complex [Ag(μ-L1Clpz)]_n (L1Clpz⁻ = 4-chloride-3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolate anion) by the reaction of {[Ag(μ-L1Clpz)]₃}₂ with (ⁿBu₄N)[Ag(CN)₂]. The obtained structure was compared with the known hexanuclear silver(I) complex {[Ag(μ-L1Clpz)]₃}₂. The Ag···Ag distances in [Ag(μ-L1Clpz)]_n are slightly shorter than twice Bondi’s van der Waals radius, indicating some Ag···Ag argentophilic interactions. Two Ag–N distances in [Ag(μ-L1Clpz)]_n were found: 2.0760(13) and 2.0716(13) Å, and their N–Ag–N bond angles of 180.00(7)° and 179.83(5)° indicate that each silver(I) ion is coordinated by two pyrazolyl nitrogen atoms with an almost linear coordination. Every five pyrazoles point in the same direction to form a 1-D zig-zag structure. Some spectroscopic properties of [Ag(μ-L1Clpz)]_n in the solid-state are different from those of {[Ag(μ-L1Clpz)]₃}₂ (especially in the absorption and emission spectra), presumably attributable to this zig-zag structure having longer but differently arranged intramolecular Ag···Ag interactions of 3.39171(17) Å. This result clearly demonstrates the different physicochemical properties in the solid-state between 1-D coordination polymer and metalacyclic trinuclear (hexanuclear) or tetranuclear silver(I) pyrazolate complexes.     

Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes of Sodium Alginate and Montmorillonite Clay

Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NPEs) were synthesized using sodium alginate (Alg) and either sodium (SCa-3-Na⁺)- or lithium (SCa-3-Li⁺)-modified montmorillonite clays. The samples were characterized by structural, optical, and electrical properties. SCa-3-Na⁺ and SCa-3-Li⁺ clays’ X-ray structural analyses revealed peaks at 2θ = 7.2° and 6.7° that corresponded to the interlamellar distances of 12.3 and 12.8 Å, respectively. Alg-based NPEs X-ray diffractograms showed exfoliated structures for samples with low clay percentages. The increase of clay content promoted the formation of intercalated structures. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy revealed that Alg-based NPEs with 5 wt% of SCa-3-Na⁺ clay presented the highest conductivity of 1.96 × 10⁻² S/cm², and Alg with 10 wt% of SCa-3-Li⁺ showed conductivity of 1.30 × 10⁻² S/cm², both measured at 70 °C. From UV-Vis spectroscopy, it was possible to infer that increasing concentration of clay promoted a decrease of the samples’ transmittance and, consequently, an increase of their reflectance.     

In Vitro Analyses of Spinach-Derived Opioid Peptides,Rubiscolins: Receptor Selectivity and Intracellular Activities through G Protein- and β-Arrestin-Mediated Pathways

Activated opioid receptors transmit internal signals through two major pathways: the G-protein-mediated pathway, which exerts analgesia, and the β-arrestin-mediated pathway, which leads to unfavorable side effects. Hence, G-protein-biased opioid agonists are preferable as opioid analgesics. Rubiscolins, the spinach-derived naturally occurring opioid peptides, are selective δ opioid receptor agonists, and their p.o. administration exhibits antinociceptive effects. Although the potency and effect of rubiscolins as G-protein-biased molecules are partially confirmed, their in vitro profiles remain unclear. We, therefore, evaluated the properties of rubiscolins, in detail, through several analyses, including the CellKey^TM assay, cADDis^® cAMP assay, and PathHunter^® β-arrestin recruitment assay, using cells stably expressing µ, δ, κ, or µ/δ heteromer opioid receptors. In the CellKey^TM assay, rubiscolins showed selective agonistic effects for δ opioid receptor and little agonistic or antagonistic effects for µ and κ opioid receptors. Furthermore, rubiscolins were found to be G-protein-biased δ opioid receptor agonists based on the results obtained in cADDis^® cAMP and PathHunter^® β-arrestin recruitment assays. Finally, we found, for the first time, that they are also partially agonistic for the µ/δ dimers. In conclusion, rubiscolins could serve as attractive seeds, as δ opioid receptor-specific agonists, for the development of novel opioid analgesics with reduced side effects.     

A Nanoporous Supramolecular Metal–Organic Framework Based on a Nucleotide: Interplay of the π···π Interactions Directing Assembly and Geometric Matching of Aromatic Tails

Self-assembly is the most powerful force for creating ordered supramolecular architectures from simple components under mild conditions. π···π stacking interactions have been widely explored in modern supramolecular chemistry as an attractive reversible noncovalent tool for the nondestructive fabrication of materials for different applications. Here, we report on the self-assembly of cytidine 5’-monophosphate (CMP) nucleotide and copper metal ions for the preparation of a rare nanoporous supramolecular metal-organic framework in water. π···π stacking interactions involving the aromatic groups of the ancillary 2,2’-bipyridine (bipy) ligands drive the self-assemblies of hexameric pseudo-amphiphilic [Cu6(bipy)6(CMP)2(µ-O)Br4]²⁺ units. Owing to the supramolecular geometric matching between the aromatic tails, a nanoporous crystalline phase with hydrophobic and hydrophilic chiral pores of 1.2 and 0.8 nanometers, respectively, was successfully synthesized. The encoded chiral information, contained on the enantiopure building blocks, is transferred to the final supramolecular structure, assembled in the very unusual topology 8T6. These kinds of materials, owing to chiral channels with chiral active sites from ribose moieties, where the enantioselective recognition can occur, are, in principle, good candidates to carry out efficient separation of enantiomers, better than traditional inorganic and organic porous materials.     

Tuning Photophysical Properties by p-Functional Groups in Zn(II) and Cd(II) Complexes with Piperonylic Acid

Aggregation between discrete molecules is an essential factor to prevent aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ). Indeed, functional groups capable of generating strong hydrogen bonds are likely to assemble and cause ACQ and photoinduced electron transfer processes. Thus, it is possible to compare absorption and emission properties by incorporating two ligands with a different bias toward intra- and intermolecular interactions that can induce a specific structural arrangement. In parallel, the π electron-donor or electron-withdrawing character of the functional groups could modify the Highest Ocuppied Molecular Orbital (HOMO)–Lowest Unocuppied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) energy gap. Reactions of M(OAc)₂·2H₂O (M = Zn(II) and Cd(II); OAc = acetate) with 1,3-benzodioxole-5-carboxylic acid (Piperonylic acid, HPip) and 4-acetylpyridine (4-Acpy) or isonicotinamide (Isn) resulted in the formation of four complexes. The elucidation of their crystal structure showed the formation of one paddle-wheel [Zn(μ-Pip)₂(4-Acpy)]₂ (1); a mixture of one dimer and two monomers [Zn(µ-Pip)(Pip)(Isn)₂]₂·2[Zn(Pip)₂(HPip)(Isn)]·2MeOH (2); and two dimers [Cd(μ-Pip)(Pip)(4-Acpy)₂]₂ (3) and [Cd(μ-Pip)(Pip)(Isn)₂]₂·MeOH (4). They exhibit bridged (1, µ₂-η¹:η¹), bridged, chelated and monodentated (2, µ₂-η¹:η¹, µ₁-η¹:η¹ and µ₁-η¹), or simultaneously bridged and chelated (3 and 4, µ₂-η²:η¹) coordination modes. Zn(II) centers accommodate coordination numbers 5 and 6, whereas Cd(II) presents coordination number 7. We have related their photophysical properties and fluorescence quantum yields with their geometric variations and interactions supported by TD-DFT calculations.     

Dielectric and magnetic properties of multiferroic BiFeO3 ceramics sintered with the powders prepared by hydrothermal method

BiFeO₃ ceramics were sintered in the temperature range of 700–900 °C by using the pure BiFeO₃ powders hydrothermally synthesized at 250 °C. The low reaction temperature and low sintering temperature prevent the element volatilization and phase decomposition. The ceramics sintered at 800 and 850 °C exhibit much dense microstructure with clear grains and grain boundaries. They also show high dielectric constant, dielectric dispersion and low loss tangent. At room temperature, the dielectric behaviors of BiFeO₃ ceramics are mainly attributed to the transition of localized charge carriers and the microstructure of grains and grain boundaries. The temperature dependence of dielectric constant and loss tangent confirms that the localized charge carriers are a main contribution to the dielectric permittivity. Activation energy E_α of relaxation process for the BiFeO₃ ceramic sintered at 850 °C is 0.397 eV. The obtained BiFeO₃ ceramics show magnetic responses, which are relative to the grain size.     

Colossal dielectric constant in PrFeO3 semiconductor ceramics

The perovskite PrFeO₃ ceramics were synthesized via sol–gel method. The dielectric properties and impedance spectroscopy (IS) of these ceramics were studied in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 1000 kHz in the temperature range from 80 K to 300 K. These materials exhibited colossal dielectric constant value of ∼10⁴ at room temperature. The response is similar to that observed for relaxorferroelectrics. IS data analysis indicates the ceramics to be electrically heterogeneous semiconductor consisting of semiconducting grains with dielectric constant 30 and more resistive grain boundaries with effective dielectric constant ∼10⁴. We conclude, therefore that grain boundary effect is the primary source for the high effective permittivity in PrFeO₃ ceramics.     

Identification of the Large-Conductance Ca2+-Regulated Potassium Channel in Mitochondria of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells

Mitochondria play a key role in energy metabolism within the cell. Potassium channels such as ATP-sensitive, voltage-gated or large-conductance Ca²⁺-regulated channels have been described in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Several hypotheses have been proposed to describe the important roles of mitochondrial potassium channels in cell survival and death pathways. In the current study, we identified two populations of mitochondrial large-conductance Ca²⁺-regulated potassium (mitoBK_Ca) channels in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. The biophysical properties of the channels were characterized using the patch-clamp technique. We observed the activity of the channel with a mean conductance close to 285 pS in symmetric 150/150 mM KCl solution. Channel activity was increased upon application of the potassium channel opener NS11021 in the micromolar concentration range. The channel activity was completely inhibited by 1 µM paxilline and 300 nM iberiotoxin, selective inhibitors of the BK_Ca channels. Based on calcium and iberiotoxin modulation, we suggest that the C-terminus of the protein is localized to the mitochondrial matrix. Additionally, using RT-PCR, we confirmed the presence of α pore-forming (Slo1) and auxiliary β3-β4 subunits of BK_Ca channel in HBE cells. Western blot analysis of cellular fractions confirmed the mitochondrial localization of α pore-forming and predominately β3 subunits. Additionally, the regulation of oxygen consumption and membrane potential of human bronchial epithelial mitochondria in the presence of the potassium channel opener NS11021 and inhibitor paxilline were also studied. In summary, for the first time, the electrophysiological and functional properties of the mitoBK_Ca channel in a bronchial epithelial cell line were described.     

Isolation,Characterization, Complete Structural Assignment,and Anticancer Activities of the Methoxylated Flavonoids from Rhamnus disperma Roots

Different chromatographic methods including reversed-phase HPLC led to the isolation and purification of three O-methylated flavonoids; 5,4’-dihydroxy-3,6,7-tri-O-methyl flavone (penduletin) (1), 5,3’-dihydroxy-3,6,7,4’,5’-penta-O-methyl flavone (2), and 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,3’,4’,5’-hexa-O-methyl flavone (3) from Rhamnus disperma roots. Additionlly, four flavonoid glycosides; kampferol 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4), isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), quercetin 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (6), and kampferol 3, 7-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (7) along with benzyl-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8) were successfully isolated. Complete structure characterization of these compounds was assigned based on NMR spectroscopic data, MS analyses, and comparison with the literature. The O-methyl protons and carbons of the three O-methylated flavonoids (1–3) were unambiguously assigned based on 2D NMR data. The occurrence of compounds 1, 4, 5, and 8 in Rhamnus disperma is was reported here for the first time. Compound 3 was acetylated at 5-OH position to give 5-O-acetyl-3,6,7,3’,4’,5’-hexa-O-methyl flavone (9). Compound 1 exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity against MCF 7, A2780, and HT29 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values at 2.17 µM, 0.53 µM, and 2.16 µM, respectively, and was 2–9 folds more selective against tested cancer cell lines compared to the normal human fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC5). It also doubled MCF 7 apoptotic populations and caused G₁ cell cycle arrest. The acetylated compound 9 exhibited cytotoxic activity against MCF 7 and HT29 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values at 2.19 µM and 3.18 µM, respectively, and was 6–8 folds more cytotoxic to tested cancer cell lines compared to the MRC5 cells.     

A Novel Approach by Spark Plasma Sintering to the Improvement of Mechanical Properties of Titanium Carbonitride-Reinforced Alumina Ceramics

Ti(C,N)-reinforced alumina-zirconia composites with different ratios of C to N in titanium carbonitride solid solutions, such as Ti(C_0.3,N_0.7) (C:N = 30:70) and Ti(C_0.5,N_0.5) (C:N = 50:50), were tested to improve their mechanical properties. Spark plasma sintering (SPS) with temperatures ranging from 1600 °C to 1675 °C and pressureless sintering (PS) with a higher temperature of 1720 °C were used to compare results. The following mechanical and physical properties were determined: Vickers hardness, Young’s modulus, apparent density, wear resistance, and fracture toughness. A composite with the addition of Ti(C_0.5,N_0.5)n nanopowder exhibited the highest Vickers hardness of over 19.0 GPa, and its fracture toughness was at 5.0 Mpa·m^1/2. A composite with the Ti(C_0.3,N_0.7) phase was found to have lower values of Vickers hardness (by about 10%), friction coefficient, and specific wear rate of disc (Ws_d) compared to the composite with the addition of Ti(C_0.5,N_0.5). The Vickers hardness values slightly decreased (from 5% to 10%) with increasing sintering temperature. The mechanical properties of the samples sintered using PS were lower than those of the samples that were spark plasma sintered. This research on alumina–zirconia composites with different ratios of C to N in titanium carbonitride solid solution Ti(C,N), sintered using an unconventional SPS method, reveals the effect of C/N ratios on improving mechanical properties of tested composites. X-ray analysis of the phase composition and an observation of the microstructure was carried out.     

Effect of Physiological Concentrations of Vitamin C on the Inhibitation of Hydroxyl Radical Induced Light Emission from Fe2+-EGTA-H2O2 and Fe3+-EGTA-H2O2 Systems In Vitro

Ascorbic acid (AA) has antioxidant properties. However, in the presence of Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ ions and H₂O₂, it may behave as a pro-oxidant by accelerating and enhancing the formation of hydroxyl radicals (^•OH). Therefore, in this study we evaluated the effect of AA at concentrations of 1 to 200 µmol/L on ^•OH-induced light emission (at a pH of 7.4 and temperature of 37 °C) from 92.6 µmol/L Fe²⁺—185.2 µmol/L EGTA (ethylene glycol-bis (β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid)—2.6 mmol/L H₂O₂, and 92.6 µmol/L Fe³⁺—185.2 µmol/L EGTA—2.6 mmol/L H₂O₂ systems. Dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) at the same range of concentrations served as the reference compound. Light emission was measured with multitube luminometer (AutoLumat Plus LB 953) for 120 s after automatic injection of H₂O₂. AA at concentrations of 1 to 50 µmol/L and of 1 to 75 µmol/L completely inhibited light emission from Fe²⁺-EGTA-H₂O₂ and Fe³⁺-EGTA-H₂O₂, respectively. Concentrations of 100 and 200 µmol/L did not affect chemiluminescence of Fe³⁺-EGTA-H₂O₂ but tended to increase light emission from Fe²⁺-EGTA-H₂O₂. DHAA at concentrations of 1 to 100 µmol/L had no effect on chemiluminescence of both systems. These results indicate that AA at physiological concentrations exhibits strong antioxidant activity in the presence of chelated iron and H₂O₂.     

Insertion of Phosphenium Ions into a Bicyclo[1.1.0]Tetraphosphabutane Iron Complex

By reacting [{Cp‴Fe(CO)₂}₂(µ,η^1:1-P₄)] (1) with in situ generated phosphenium ions [Ph₂P][A] ([A]⁻ = [OTf]⁻ = [O₃SCF₃]⁻, [PF₆]⁻), a mixture of two main products of the composition [{Cp‴Fe(CO)₂}₂(µ,η^1:1-P₅(C₆H₅)₂)][PF₆] (2a and 3a) could be identified by extensive ³¹P NMR spectroscopic studies at 193 K. Compound 3a was also characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, showing the rarely observed bicyclo[2.1.0]pentaphosphapentane unit. At room temperature, the novel compound [{Cp‴Fe}(µ,η^4:1-P₅Ph₂){Cp‴(CO)₂Fe}][PF₆] (4) is formed by decarbonylation. Reacting 1 with in situ generated diphenyl arsenium ions gives short-lived intermediates at 193 K which disproportionate at room temperature into tetraphenyldiarsine and [{Cp‴Fe(CO)₂}₄(µ₄,η^1:1:1:1-P₈)][OTf]₂ (5) containing a tetracyclo[3.3.0.0^2,7.0^3,6]octaphosphaoctane ligand.     

Determination of Lead Employing Simple Flow Injection AAS with Monolithic Alginate-Polyurethane Composite Packed In-Valve Column

A simple flow injection FlameAAS for lead determination with an alginate-polyurethane composite (ALG-PUC) monolithic in-valve column has been developed. The ALG-PUC monolithic rod was prepared by mixing methylene diphenyl diisocyanate with polyol and sodium alginate with the ratio of 2:1:1 by weight for a 5 min polymerization reaction. It was then put into a column (0.8 cm i.d × 11 cm length) situated in a switching valve for the FI set up. A single standard calibration could be obtained by plotting the loaded µg Pb²⁺ vs. FI response (absorbances). The loaded µg Pb²⁺ is calculated: μg Pb²⁺ = FR_load × LT × C_Pb²⁺, where the FR load is the flow rate of the loading analyte solution (mL min⁻¹), LT is the loading time (min), and C_Pb²⁺ is the Pb²⁺ concentration (µg mL⁻¹). A linear calibration equation was obtained: FI response (absorbances) = 0.0018 [µg Pb²⁺] + 0.0032, R² = 0.9927 for 1–150 µg Pb²⁺, and RSD of less than 20% was also obtained. Application of the developed procedure has been demonstrated in real samples.