Solid-phase extraction and preconcentration of cadmium(II) in aqueous solution with Cd(II)-imprinted resin (poly-Cd(II)-DAAB-VP) packed columns

A novel chelating resin (poly-Cd(II)-DAAB-VP) was prepared by metal ion imprinted polymer (MIIP) technique. The resin was obtained by one pot reaction of Cd(II)-diazoaminobenzene-vinylpyridine with cross-linker ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (EGDMA). Comparing with non-imprinted resin, the poly-Cd(II)-DAAB-VP has higher adsorption capacity and selectivity for Cd(II). The distribution ratio (D) values for the Cd(II)-imprinted resin show increase for Cd(II) with respect to both D values of Zn(II), Cu(II), Hg(II) and non-imprinted resin. The relatively selective factor (α_r) values of Cd(II)/Cu(II), Cd(II)/Zn(II) and Cd(II)/Hg(II), are 51.2, 45.6, and 85.4, which are greater than 1. poly-Cd(II)-DAAB-VP can be used at least 20 times without considerable loss of adsorption capacity. Based on poly-Cd(II)-DAAB-VP packed columns, a highly selective solid-phase extraction (SPE) and preconcentration method for Cd(II) from aqueous solution was developed. The MIIP-SPE preconcentration procedure showed a linear calibration curve within concentration range from 0.093 to 30 μg l⁻¹. The detection limit and quantification limit were 0.093 and 0.21 μg l⁻¹ (3σ) for flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The relative standard deviation of the eleven replicate determinations was 3.7% for the determination of 10 μg of Cd(II) in 100 ml water sample. Determination of Cd(II) in certified river sediment sample (GBW 08301) demonstrated that the interfering matrix had been almost removed during preconcentration. The column was good enough for Cd(II) determination in matrixes containing components with similar chemical property such as Cu(II), Zn(II) and Hg(II).     

Complexation of N-bis[2-(1,2-dicarboxyethoxy)ethyl]aspartic acid with Cd(II), Hg(II) and Pb(II) ions in aqueous solution

The persistence of widely used chelating agents EDTA and DTPA in nature has been of concern and there is a need for ligands to replace them. In a search for environmentally friendly metal chelating ligands for industrial applications, complex formation equilibria of N-bis[2-(1,2-dicarboxyethoxy)ethyl]aspartic acid (BCA6) with Cd(II), Hg(II) and Pb(II) in aqueous 0.1 M NaNO₃ solution were studied at 25°C by potentiometric titration. Complexation was modeled and the stability constants of the different complexes were determined for each metal ion using the computer program SUPERQUAD. With all metal ions, stable ML^4? complexes dominated the complex formation. The stabilities of Cd(II), Hg(II) and Pb(II) chelates of BCA6 are remarkably lower than those of EDTA and DTPA. Environmental advantages of the use of BCA6 instead of EDTA and DTPA are better biodegradability and lower nitrogen content with a possibility to save chemicals and process steps in pulp bleaching.     

Hg(II), Tl(III), Cu(I), and Pd(II) Complexes with 2,2'-Diphenyl-4,4'-Bithiazole (DPBTZ), Syntheses and X-Ray Crystal Structure of [Hg(DPBTZ)(SCN)2]

Reaction of the ligand 2,2′-diphenyl-4,4′-bithiazole (DPBTZ) with Hg(SCN)₂, Tl(NO₃)₃, CuCl, and PdCl₂ gives complexes with stoichiometry [Hg(DPBTZ)(SCN)₂], [Tl(DPBTZ)(NO₃)₃], [Cu(DPBTZ)(H₂O)Cl]_, and [Pd(DPBTZ)Cl₂]. The new complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and infrared spectroscopy. The crystal structure of [Hg(DPBTZ)(SCN)₂] determined by X-ray crystallography. The Hg atom in the title monomeric complex, (2,2′-diphenyl-4,4′-bithiazole)mercury(II)bisthiocyanate, [Hg(C₁₈H₁₂N₂S₂)(SCN)₂], is four-coordinate having an irregular tetrahedral geometry composed of two S atoms of thiocyanate ions [Hg-S 2.4025(15) and 2.4073(15) Å] and two N atoms of 2,2′-diphenyl-4,4′-bithiazole ligand [Hg-N 2.411(4) and 2.459(4) Å]. The bond angle S(3)-Hg(1)-S(4) of 147.46(5)° has the greatest derivation from ideal tetrahedral geometry. Intermolecular interaction between Hg(1) and two S atoms of two neighboring molecules, 3.9318(15) and 3.9640(18) Å, make the Hg(1) distort from a tetrahedron to a disordered octahedron. The attempts for preparation complexes of Tl(I), Pb(II), Bi(III), Cd(II) ions with 2,2′-diphenyl-4,4′-bithiazole ligand were not successful and also the attempts for preparation complexes of 4,4′,5,5′-tetraphenyl-2,2′-bithizole ligand with Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Co(III), Mn(II), Mn(III), Fe(II), Fe(III), Cr(III), Zn(II), Tl(III), Pb(II), Hg(II), Cu(I), Pd(II) were not successful. This point can be regarded as the initial electron withdrawing of phenyl rings and also their spatial steric effects.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a Novel Polymeric Thiocyanato-Bridged Heteronuclear Complex of Copper(II) and Cadmium(II)

The title polymeric complex of Cu(II) and Cd(II) bridged by thiocyanate, Cu(en)₂[Cd(SCN)₃]₂, has been prepared and its structure determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The crystal structure reveals that the Cu(II) atom is in an elongated octahedral coordination formed by two SCN^– anions and two en molecules. The Cd(II) atom is in a distorted octahedral coordination formed by six bridging SCN^– anions. Two different bridging thiocyanate anions exist in the complex. Both 1,1--SCN^– and 1,3--SCN^– anion act a role of bridge ligand and link Cu(II), Cd(II) atoms, and adjacent Cd(II). Cd(II) atoms form the three-dimensional (3-D) network polymeric structure. The IR and UV-Vis spectra have also been investigated.     

Selective solid-phase extraction of trace cadmium(II) with an ionic imprinted polymer prepared from a dual-ligand monomer

A novel dual-ligand reagent (2Z)-N,N′-bis(2-aminoethylic)but-2-enediamide, was synthesized and applied to prepare metal ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs) materials by ionic imprinted technique for selective solid-phase extraction (SPE) of trace Cd(II) from aqueous solution. In the first step, Cd(II) formed coordination linkage with the two ethylenediamine groups of the synthetic monomer. Then the complex was copolymerized with pentaerythritol triacrylate (crosslinker) in the presence of 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. Subsequently, the imprinted Cd(II) was completely removed by leaching the dried and powdered materials particles with 0.5 M HCl. The obtained IIPs particles exhibited excellent selectivity for target ion. The distribution ratio (D) values of Cd(II)-IIPs for Cd(II) were greatly larger than that for Cu(II), Zn(II) and Hg(II). The relative selective factor (α_r) values of Cd(II)/Cu(II), Cd(II)/Zn(II) and Cd(II)/Hg(II) were 25.5, 35.3 and 62.1. The maximum static adsorption capacity of the ion-imprinted and non-imprinted sorbent for Cd(II) was 32.56 and 6.30 mg g⁻¹, respectively. Moreover, the times of adsorption equilibration and complete desorption were remarkably short. The prepared Cd(II)-IIPs were shown to be promising for solid-phase extraction coupled with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) for the determination of trace Cd(II) in real samples. The precision (R.S.D.) and detection limit (3σ) of the method were 2.4% and 0.14 μg L⁻¹, respectively. The column packed with Cd(II)-IIPs was good enough for Cd(II) separation in matrixes containing components with similar chemical behaviour such as Cu(II), Zn(II) and Hg(II).     

Construction and Application of an Electrochemical Sensor for Simultaneous Determination of Cd(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II) in Water and Foodstuff Samples

By incorporation of synthesized magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) coated with a new Schiff base into carbon paste electrode, a novel modified electrode was constructed for simultaneous determination of ultra trace amounts of Cd(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II). The complexation reaction of Schiff base with metal ions was studied spectrophotometrically. Under optimal conditions a detection limit of 0.20, 0.90 and 1.00 ng mL^?1 for Cd(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II), respectively, was obtained. We take the advantages of the proposed method for simple, rapid, sensitive and selective simultaneous determination of trace amounts of hazardous Cd(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II) in water and foodstuff samples.     

Equilibrium and spectroscopic studies of ternary cadmium(II) and mercury(II) complexes with CMP and triamines

Formation of ternary Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes with cytidine 5′-monophosphate (CMP) and triamines has been studied. Complexes M(CMP)(H _x PA) and M(CMP)(PA) (M?=?Cd, Hg; PA?=?polyamine) were detected and overall stability constants and equilibrium constants for their formation determined. The mode of coordination in the complexes has been proposed on the basis of the equilibrium and ¹³C, ³¹P NMR and IR studies. In the Hg(II) systems, metalation involves the donor endocyclic N(3) atom, the CMP phosphate group and nitrogen donor atoms of PA. Relative to the Hg/CMP binary systems, the presence of a polyamine in ternary systems does not change the metal–nucleotide mode of coordination. In ternary systems including Hg(II) ions, the occurrence of noncovalent interactions has not been detected. Cd(II) ions form molecular complexes as well as protonated species. Introduction of a polyamine to the Cd/CMP system changes the coordination mode of the nucleotide. The phosphate group of CMP is inactive in binary complexes (metalation by the N(3) atom) but is involved in coordination in heteroligand species. In contrast to other polyamines studied, in the system including 1,7-diamino-4-azaheptane (3,3-tri), the phosphate group of CMP in Cd(CMP)(H3,3-tri) does not participate in metalation but is engaged in intramolecular noncovalent interactions that stabilize the complex.     

Spectroscopic,thermal and structural studies of a new mercury(II) one-dimensional coordination polymer, [Hg(3-bpo)2(SCN)2], 3-bpo = 2,5- bis (3-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole

A new mercury(II)-organic polymeric complex generated from 2,5-bis(3-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (3-bpo) as an angular dipyridyl derivative ligand, [Hg(3-bpo)₂(SCN)₂], was prepared from reactions of ligand 3-bpo with mercury(II) thiocyanate. The compound was characterized by elemental analysis, IR-, ¹H NMR-, ¹³C NMR-spectroscopy and structurally determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction. The thermal stability of [Hg(3-bpo)₂(SCN)₂] was studied by thermal gravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analyses (DTA).     

Synthesis, crystal structure, spectroscopic and photoluminescence studies of manganese(II), cobalt(II), cadmium(II), zinc(II) and copper(II) complexes with a pyrazole derived Schiff base ligand

Varying coordination modes of the Schiff base ligand H₂L [5-methyl-1-H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid (1-pyridin-2-yl-ethylidene)-hydrazide] towards different metal centers are reported with the syntheses and characterization of four mononuclear Mn(II), Co(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II) complexes, [Mn(H₂L)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂(MeOH) (1), [Co(H₂L)(NCS)₂] (2), [Cd(H₂L)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (3) and [Zn(H₂L)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (4), and a binuclear Cu(II) complex, [Cu₂(L)₂](ClO₄)₂ (5). In the complexes 1-4 the neutral ligand serves as a 3N,2O donor where the pyridine ring N, two azomethine N and two carbohydrazine oxygen atoms are coordinatively active, leaving the pyrazole-N atoms inactive. In the case of complex 5, each ligand molecule behaves as a 4N,O donor utilizing the pyridine N, one azomethine N, the nitrogen atom proximal to the azomethine of the remaining pendant arm and one pyrazole-N atom to one metal center and the carbohydrazide oxygen atom to the second metal center. The complexes 1-4 are pentagonal bipyramidal in geometry. In each case, the ligand molecule spans the equatorial plane while the apical positions are occupied by water molecules in 1, 3 and 4 and two N bonded thiocyanate ions in 2. In complex 5, the two Cu(II) centers have almost square pyramidal geometry (τ = 0.05 for Cu1 and 0.013 for Cu2). Four N atoms from a ligand molecule form the basal plane and the carbohydrazide oxygen atom of a second ligand molecule sits in the apex of the square pyramid. All the complexes have been X-ray crystallographically characterized. The Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes show considerable fluorescence emission while the remaining complexes and the ligand molecule are fluorescent silent.     

Cadmium(II) and Mercury(II) Complexes in Ternary Systems with Cytidine and Diamines or Triamines

The mode of coordination of complexes formed in the systems Cd(II) or Hg(II)/cytidine/di- or triamine is proposed on the basis of equilibrium and spectroscopic studies. Mercury(II) binds much more strongly to cytidine and polyamine (PA) than cadmium. It was found from equilibrium and 13 C NMR studies that in the Hg(II) and Cd(II)/ Cyd /di- or triamine complexes, metallation mainly involves the N(3) atom of the pyrimidine base of the nucleoside and m NH x + groups from PA. In MLL' complexes of both metals with diamines, all available donor nitrogen atoms of the polyamine are involved in coordination. In analogous systems with triamines, interaction of all nitrogen atoms is observed for Cd(II) systems as well as in the Hg( Cyd )(2,3- tri ) species. Only two nitrogen atoms of the polyamine coordinate in ternary Hg(II) complexes with dien, 3,3-tri and Spd .     

Thermal, spectral and magnetic characterization of Co(II), Ni(II) AND Cu(II) 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoates

Physico-chemical properties of 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoates of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) were studied. The complexes were obtained as mono- and trihydrates with a metal ion to ligand ratio of 1:2. All analysed 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoates are polycrystalline compounds with colours depending on the central ions: pink for Co(II), green for Ni(II), and blue for Cu(II) complexes. Their thermal decomposition was studied only in the range of 293–523 K, because it was found that on heating in air above 523 K 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoates decompose explosively. Hydrated complexes lose crystallization water molecules in one step and anhydrous compounds are formed. The final products of their decomposition are the oxides of the respective transition metals. From the results it appears that during dehydration process no transformation of nitro group to nitrite takes place. The solubilities of analysed complexes in water at 293 K are of the order of 10^–4–10^–2 mol dm^–3. The magnetic moment values of Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions in 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoates experimentally determined at 76–303 K change from 3.89 to 4.82 μ_B for Co(II) complex, from 2.25 to 2.98 μ_B for Ni(II) 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoate, and from 0.27 to 1.44 μ_B for Cu(II) complex. 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoates of Co(II), and Ni(II) follow the Curie–Weiss law. Complex of Cu(II) forms dimer.     

3-(Aryl)-2-sulfanylpropenoates of mercury(II) and phenylmercury(II)

Compounds [HQ]₂[Hg(L)₂] and [HQ][PhHg(L)] [where HQ = diisopropylammonium cation; L = pspa, fspa, tspa, where p = 3-(phenyl), f = 3-(2-furyl), t = 3-(2-thienyl), and spa = 2-sulfanylpropenoato] have been prepared by the reaction of mercury(II) acetate or phenylmercury(II) acetate with the corresponding acid in the presence of diisopropylamine in ethanol. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, FAB mass spectrometry and IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C) spectroscopy. The crystal structures of the [HQ]₂[Hg(L)₂] compounds show the presence of diisopropylammonium cations and [Hg(L)₂]²⁻ anions. In each anion the Hg atom is in an HgO₂S₂ environment and this can be described as nido-tbp. The crystal structures of the [HQ][PhHg(L)] compounds show the presence of diisopropylammonium cations and [PhHg(L)]⁻ anions in which the Hg atom adopts an HgCOS distorted T-environment. The NMR data suggest that the coordination mode of the ligand L²⁻ determined by X-ray diffractometry in the solid remains in solution.     

Specific mercury(II) adsorption by thymine-based sorbent

A new kind of polymer sorbent based on the specific interaction of Hg(II) with nucleic acid base, thymine, is described for the selective adsorption of Hg(II) from aqueous solution. Two types of sorbents immobilized with thymine were prepared by one-step swelling and polymerization and graft polymerization, respectively. The maximum static adsorption capacity of the new polymer sorbents for Hg(II) is proportional to the density of thymine on their surface, up to 200 mg/g. Moreover, the new kind polymer sorbent shows excellent selectivity for Hg(II) over other interfering ions, such as Cu(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Co(II), Ca(II) and Mg(II), exhibits very fast kinetics for Hg(II) adsorption from aqueous solution, and can be easily regenerated by 1.0 M HCl. It also has been successfully used for the selective adsorption of spiked Hg(II) from real tap water samples. This new thymine polymer sorbent holds a great promise in laboratory and industrial applications such as separation, on-line enrichment, solid-phase extraction, and removal of Hg(II) from pharmaceutical, food and environmental samples.     

Synthesis and photoluminescent properties of a Schiff-base ligand and its mononuclear Zn(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pd(II) metal complexes

Mononuclear Zn(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pd(II) metal complexes of Schiff-base ligand(HL₁) derived from 8-acetyl-7-hydroxycoumarin and P-phenylenediamine were prepared and characterized by microanalytical, mass, UV–Vis, IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ESR, conductance and fluorescence studies. The measured low molar conductance values in DMSO indicate that the complexes are non-electrolytes. The structures of the solid complexes under study are established by using IR, electronic and ESR spectroscopy suggesting that Zn(II) and Ni(II) complexes are octahedral, Cd(II) complex is tetrahedral, Cu(II) and Pd(II) complexes are square planar. The ESR spectrum of the Cu(II) complex in DMSO at 298 and 150 K was recorded and its salient features are reported, it supports the mononuclear structure. The Schiff base exhibited photoluminescence originating from intraligand (π–π*) transitions. Metal-mediated enhancement is observed on complexation of HL with Zn(II) and Cd(II), whereas metal-mediated fluorescence quenching occurs in Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pd(II).     

Synthesis,characterization and fluorescence spectra of mixed ligand Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione ligand

The novel mixed ligand complexes [M(bpy)(phen-dione)](PF₆)₂ (M?=?Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II), bpy?=?2,2^′-bipyridine and phen-dione?=?1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR and electronic absorption spectroscopies. The ν(C=O) of coordinated phen-dione in these complexes are very similar to the free phen-dione ligand showing that phen-dione is not coordinated to metal ion from its C=O sites. Absorption spectra of the complexes show two absorption bands for intraligand transitions. These absorption bands show dependence to the dielectric constant of solvent. These complexes exhibit an intensive fluorescence band around 535?nm in DMF when the excitation wavelength is 260?nm at room temperature. The fluorescence intensity of these complexes is larger than that of the free ligand.     

Oxygen Plask-TLC Microdetermination of Binary and Ternary Mixtures of Hg(II), Cu(II) and Cd in their Organic Compounds and Some Pharmaceutical Preparations

Abstract

Binary and ternary mixtures of the organic compounds of the title elements are decomposed either by wet digestion in the Kjeldahl flasks or through combustion in the oxygen flask using 1:1 HNO₃ soln. as absorbent and Pt gauze as sample holder. An aliquot of 15 μl of each decomposed mixture is separated on thin layer plate, using silica gel (G 60) as stationary phase and a mixture of 100 ml benzene: 80 ml acetone : 20 ml DMF as a mobile phase in normal saturation system at 25°C. The spots areas are determined, from which the individual concentrations of the cations are calculated. Parallely the spots are scratched from the plates and are eluted with water. Their concentrations are measured in the UV-region, for Hg(II) at 205 nm, for Cu(II) at 203 and for Cd at 201 nm. Concentrations are obtained from previously constructed calibration curves which are linear for Hg(II) in the range 0.0 – 0.375 ppm, for Cu(II) in the range 0.0 – 3.811 ppm and for Cd from 0.7 – 13.48 ppm.     

Construction of Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Highly Sensitive Simultaneous Electrochemical Determination of Trace Amounts of Copper (II) and Cadmium (II)

A chemically modified electrode was constructed for rapid, simple, accurate, selective and highly sensitive simultaneous determination of Cu(II) and Cd(II) using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The electrode was prepared by incorporation of SiO₂ nanoparticles, coated with a newly synthesized Schiff base, in carbon paste electrode. The limit of detection was found to be 0.28 ng mL^?1 and 0.54 ng mL^?1 for Cu(II) and Cd(II), respectively. The proposed chemically modified electrode was used for the determination of copper and cadmium in several foodstuffs and water samples.     

Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes with 1-(p-methoxybenzyl)-2-(p-methoxyphenyl)benzimidazole: Syntheses, structures and luminescence

Five coordination compounds Zn(mbmpbi)₂Cl₂ (1), Zn(mbmpbi)₂Br₂ (2), Cd(mbmpbi)₂Cl₂ (3), Hg(mbmpbi)₂Cl₂ (4) and Hg(mbmpbi)₂Br₂ (5) were synthesized by the reaction of 1-(p-methoxybenzyl)-2-(p-methoxyphenyl)benzimidazole (mbmpbi) with the corresponding metal halides. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, conductance measurements, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and photoluminescence spectral studies. The ligand mbmpbi exhibits the N-benzimidazole coordination. The structures of 3-5 have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. These three complexes are isostructural, crystallizing in the monoclinic system, P2/n space group with a distorted tetrahedral geometry around the metal ion. Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes show strong blue emission in solid state at room temperature.     

An infrared spectroscopic based method for mercury(II) detection in aqueous solutions

A new method that uses solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with FTIR spectroscopy to detect Hg(II) in aqueous samples is described. The technique is envisioned for on-site, field evaluation rather than lab-based techniques. This paper presents the “proof of principle” of this new approach toward measurements of Hg(II) in water and identifies mass transport issues that would need to be overcome in order to migrate from a lab based method to field operation. The SPE material supported on a Si wafer is derivatized with an acylthiosemicarbazide, which undergoes a reaction in the presence of aqueous Hg(II) to form an oxadiazole ring. The progress of the reaction is monitored by IR spectroscopy. Following EPA guidelines, the method of detection limit (MDL) for the SPE/IR was 5 μg of Hg(II) cm⁻². In a 1 L sample and a 1 cm² Si wafer, this translates to a detection limit of 5 ppb. This system shows a high selectivity toward aqueous Hg(II) over other thiophilic heavy metal ions such as Pb(II), Cd(II), Fe(III), and Zn(II) and other metal ions such as Ni(II), Mn(II), Co(II), Cu(II), In(III), Ru(III), Na(I), and Ag(I) in aqueous solutions.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) Complexes of a New Vic-Dioxime Ligand

In this study, 1,2-dihydroxyimino-3,7-di-aza-9,10-O-α-methyl benzal decane (LH₂) was synthesized starting from 1,2-O-α-methyl benzal-4-aza-7-amino heptane (RNH₂) and antichloroglyoxime. With this ligand, complexes were synthesized using Ni(II) and Cu(II) salts with a metal:ligand ratio of 1:2. However, the reaction of the ligand with salts of Zn(II) and Cd(II) gave products with metal:ligand ratio of 1:1. Structures of the ligand and its complexes are proposed based on elemental analyses, IR, ¹³C- and ¹H-NMR spectra, magnetic susceptibility measurements and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA).