Synthesis of AB2 star-shaped miktoarm copolymers and their crystallization behavior

A small molecule (GMS-SA₂) with one alkyl chain and two terminal carboxyl groups was synthesized successfully by the reaction of glyceryl monostearate (GMS) with excess succinic anhydride (SA). Then, GMS-SA₂ was used as a coupling agent to condensate with polyethylene glycols (PEG) of different molecular weight or polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (PEGm) in the presence of stannous octoate as catalyst and diphenyl ether as azeotropic agent. The AB₂ star-shaped miktoarm copolymers were obtained successfully and were characterized by ¹H-NMR, DSC, GPC, XRD, FTIR and polarizing microscopy. The results of DSC and XRD measurements indicate that the crystallization temperature and the melting temperature of the AB₂ star-shaped miktoarm copolymers are different from those of the corresponding linear PEGs, because the existing of GMS-SA₂ alters their crystalline growth velocity and the perfect degree of crystals. It is very important to control the crystal morphology of star-shaped copolymers by introducing the miktoarm into the starshaped polymers and adjusting its content in star-shaped polymers. __________ Translated from Chemical Journal of Chinese Universities, 2007, 28(7): 1365–1370 [译自: 高等学校化学学报]     

Formation of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanofilm on a Cd(OH)2/SiO2 precursor layer

Dense thin nanostructured films of cadmium sulfide CdS obtained by chemical deposition from aqueous solutions are strongly bound to a substrate due to the formation of cadmium hydroxide Cd(OH)₂ in the system. By X-ray reflectometry and grazing incidence diffraction it is found that at the beginning of the deposition a dense Cd(OH)₂/SiO₂ layer is produced on the surface of a silicon or glass substrate. This layer is formed through the atomic-layer adsorption of crystalline 1–3 nm thick Cd(OH)₂ film by the oxygencontaining substrate surface. During sulfidation of this cadmium-containing substrate layer, a surface nucleation layer of CdS/Cd(OH)₂/SiO₂ forms, which provides the growth, denseness, and strong adhesion to the substrate of nanostructured CdS film with a disordered structure. According to the obtained experimental data, a “hydroxide scheme” of film deposition is confirmed and refined, and the stages of CdS nanofilm formation are determined.     

Nuclease activity of copper(II) complex containing 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione and L-phenylalanine ligands

The interaction between CT-DNA and a ternary copper (II) complex, [Cu(phendio)(L-Phe)(H₂O)](ClO₄)·H₂O (CuPP, phendio = 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione, L-Phe = L-phenylalanine), has been conducted by electronic spectra, fluorescence spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. It has been found that the max. absorption peak from the electronic spectra is red shifted and the intensity is weakened and that the values of peak current from cyclic voltammetry are decreased significantly in the presence of DNA compared with that in the absence of DNA. At the same time, the complex can quench the emission intensity of EB-DNA system. The existence of the intercalation mode between the complex and DNA was proven. By submarine gel electrophoresis, we found that the copper(II) complex can cleave circular plasmid pBR322 DNA into nicked and linear forms in the presence of ascorbic acid and H₂O₂. __________ Translated from Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Nankaiensis, 2007, 40(1): 32–36 [译自: 南开大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Hydrothermal synthesis of 2D ordered macroporous ZnO films

The ZnO films with two-dimensional ordered macroporous structure were successfully fabricated through hydrothermal crystal growth of ZnO on the ZnO substrate covered with a monolayer of polystyrene (PS) spheres as template. The precursor solution of hydrothermal crystal growth of ZnO were prepared by equimolar solution of Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O and hexamethylenetramine (HMT). The confinement effect of the PS spheres template on the growth of ZnO nanorods and the influence of sodium citrate on the crystal growth of ZnO had been studied. The film surface morphology and the preferential growth of ZnO crystal were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Also, the photoluminescence spectrum of ZnO films had been measured, and the corresponding mechanism was discussed. __________ Translated from Chemistry, 2007, 70 (8): 587–592 [译自: 化学通报]     

Preparation and characterization of nanotube Li-Ti-O by molten salt method

Nanotube Li-Ti-O compound with high surface (198.6 m²·g⁻¹) was prepared by a method involving the treatment of nanotube Na₂Ti₂O₅·H₂O in molten LiNO₃ and characterization by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive spectra (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG/DTG). Results show that the nanotube Li-Ti-O compound prepared by this method involves two crystal phases: spinel Li₂Ti₂O₄ and anatase Li_xTiO₂ (x < 0.1). Li⁺ exhibits different Li1s binding energy in the two crystal phases. In ambient air, the Li-Ti-O compound adsorbs water easily, and the chemically adsorbed water is difficult to remove below 400°C. Translated from Chinese Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2006, 22(12): 2135–2139 [译自: 无机化学学报]     

Preparation and characterization of ZrWMoO<Subscript>8</Subscript> powders with different morphologies

ZrWMoO₈ powders with different morphologies were obtained using ammonium tungstate, molybdate tungstate and zirconium tungstate as the starting materials by dehydrating the precursor ZrWMoO₇(OH)₂(H₂O)₂. The precursor was studied by thermo-gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). The influence of the gelling agents (HCl, HClO₄, HNO₃, H₂SO₄ and H₃PO₄) on the crystallization process and crystal morphology of the products prepared was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). Results showed that the morphology of the ZrWMoO₈ particles can be simply adjusted by changing the gelling agents, and the thermal expansion coefficients of cubic ZrWMoO₈ prepared in HCl solution are −3.84 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ from 100°C to 700°C. __________ Translated from Chemical Journal of Chinese University, 2007, 28(3): 397–401 [译自: 高等学校化学学报]     

Study on catalyst carrier nano-α-alumina with high specific surface area

A nano-alumina with high specific area was prepared using a homogeneous precipitation method with titanium dioxide and barium oxide as modifying additives. Results showed that 5 wt% TiO₂ or BaO added in the alumina gels can decrease the particle size and increase the specific area, but excessive TiO₂ or BaO could deteriorate the properties of α-Al₂O₃. __________ Translated from Journal of Shandong University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2007, 27(3): 23–26 [译自: 山东理工大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of bimetallic complex of Ni2Co(TTHA)·12H2O

The bimetallic complex of Ni₂Co(TTHA)·12H₂O (TTHA = triethylene tetraminehexaacetic acid) was synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. The title complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P ī with a = 0.7316(2), b = 0.8624(2), c = 1.5041(4) nm; α = 73.38(2), β = 83.97(2), γ = 70.50(2)°. The crystal structure is built up of [Ni₂(TTHA)(H₂O)₂]²⁻, Co(H₂O)₆²⁺ and water molecules. The variable magnetic measurement shows that there is strong antiferromagnetic interaction between two Ni(II) ions in [Ni₂(TTHA) (H₂O)₂]²⁻ with J _Ni−Ni = −141.64 cm⁻¹, g _Ni = 2.21 and that the constant of spin-orbit coupling of Co(II) ion is −134.8 cm⁻¹. __________ Translated from Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Nankaiensis, 2007, 40(1): 6–10 [译自: 南开大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Synthesis and properties of oil-soluble butyl crystal violet lactone

A novel compound of butyl crystal violet lactone (BCVL) has been prepared by oxidizing leuco butyl crystal violet lactone (LBCVL), which was obtained by the mixture of N,N-dibutylaniline, p-(dibutylamino) benzaldehyde and methyl-m-(dibutylamino) benzoate. The structure of BCVL was characterized by ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR), and mass spectrometry (MS). The color of BCVL can change reversibly in some acid or alkali solvents. The result of the dissolution experiment showed that solubility of BCVL in organic solvent was improved compared with crystal violet lactone (CVL). Translated from Journal of Fudan University (Natural Science), 2006, 45(3): 375–379 [译自: 复旦学报(自然科学版)]     

After effects of β− on time differential perturbed angular correlation spectra

The after effects of β⁻ -decay on time differential perturbed angular correlation (TDPAC) spectra of II–VI semiconductor CdS have been studied using β⁻ -emitting¹¹¹Ag as well as^111mCd as probe nuclei. The TDPAC spectrum of¹¹¹Ag in CdS exhibits a time dependent interaction indicating that the preceding β⁻ -decay leaves the daughter nucleus in an excited state. The recovery time (τ_g) of the probe atom was found to be 16±6 ns while Abragam and Pound's relaxation time (τ_kr) was found to be 9±2 ns. The results show that β⁻ -decay does change the chemical environment around the probe atom.     

Microwave synthesis and photoluminescent properties of Sr2CeO4/Ln3+ (Ln = Er, Ho, Tm)

Sr₂CeO₄/Ln³⁺ (Ln = Er, Ho, Tm) phosphors were synthesized with the microwave radiation method for the first time. The luminescent properties of the samples were investigated and the up-conversion luminescence of Er³⁺, Ho³⁺ and Tm³⁺ doped Sr₂CeO₄ phosphors was observed. The spectra indicate that the energy transfer takes place from the triplet excited state of MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) state for Sr₂CeO₄ (sensitizer) to the rare earth ions (activator). __________ Translated from Journal of Hebei Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 2007, 31(2): 212–216 [译自: 河北师范大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Preparation of mesoporous aluminophosphate using poly(amido amine) as template

Mesoporous aluminophosphate was prepared by using G4.0 poly(amido amine)dendrimer as a template and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N₂ adsorption/desorption methods. Results show that the title compound exhibits a typical mesoporous structure with the average pore size from 5 to 8 nm. The formation mechanism of the nanoporous structure using dendrimer as a template was also discussed. __________ Translated from Journal of Fujian Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 2007, 23(2): 67–70 [译自: 福建师范大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Controlled/living photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate in miniemulsion mediated by HTEMPO

Controlled/living photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in miniemulsion mediated by 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidinyloxy (HTEMPO) was carried out at ambient temperatures. MMA miniemulsion was prepared by using an anionic surfactant with cetylalcohol as a co-stabilizer. The photopolymerization led to stable lattices and they were obtained with no coagulation during synthesis and no destabilization over time. It was found that the obtained MMA homopolymers exhibited relatively narrow molecular weight distribution (PDI = 1.27 − 1.36) which was characterized by GPC. The plots of number-average molecular weight in (M _n) vs. conversion and ln([M₀]/[M]) vs. time both were linear indicating that the reaction was a controlled/living free radical polymerization. __________ Translated from Chemical Journal of Chinese Universities, 2007, 28(4): 774–778 [译自: 高等学校化学学报]     

Kinetics of thermal decomposition of CeO2 nanocrystalline precursor prepared by precipitation method

The thermal decomposition of CeO₂ nanocrystalline precursor prepared by chemical precipitation method was investigated using thermo-gravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). In particular, the differential thermal analysis curves for the decomposition of CeO₂ nanocrystalline precursor were measured at different heating rates in air by a thermal analyzer (NETZSCH STA 449C, Germany). The kinetic parameters of the thermal decomposition of CeO₂ nanocrystalline precursor were calculated using the Kissinger method and the Coats-Redfern method. Results show that the apparent active energy E of the reaction is 105.51 kJ/mol, the frequency factor lnA is 3.602 and the reaction order n is 2. This thermal decomposition process can be described by the anti-Jander equation and a three-dimensional diffusion mechanism. Tanslated from Journal of Central South University (Science and Technology), 2007, 38(3): 428–432 [译自: 中南大学学报(自然科学版]     

Synthesis and properties of nanosized tin-zinc composite oxides as lithium storage materials

After preparing the precursor by a liquid precipitation method, a series of tin-zinc composite oxides with different components and structures were synthesized as the anode materials for lithium ion batteries when the precursor was pyrolyzed at different temperatures. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrochemical measurements. The reversible capacity of amorphous ZnSnO₃ is 844 mA · h/g in the first cycle and the charge capacity is 695 mA · h/g in the tenth cycle. The reversible capacity of ZnO · SnO₂ is 845 mA · h/g in the first cycle and the charge capacity is 508 mA · h/g in the tenth cycle. The reversible capacity of SnO₂ · Zn₂SnO₄ is 758 mA · h/g in the first cycle and the charge capacity is 455 mA · h/g in the tenth cycle. Results show that amorphous ZnSnO₃ exhibits the best electrochemical property among all of the tin-zinc composite oxides. With the formation of crystallites in the samples, the electrochemical property of the tin-zinc composite oxides decreases. Translated from Chem J Chin Univ, 2006, 27(12): 2252–2255 [译自: 高等学校化学学报]     

Synthesis of ZnS hollow nanospheres with holes using different amine templates

ZnS hollow nanospheres with holes were prepared by reacting ZnSO₄ with H₂S, the sulfide source formed in the reaction of CS₂ with ethylenediamine, 1,3-propylenediamine, butylamine or 2-(2-aminoethylamino) ethanol, which also acted as a template agent, at 50°C under agitation. The shape, particle size of about 100–850 nm and hole size of about 150–600 nm of ZnS hollow nanospheres with holes were shown by SEM and TEM images. These ZnS nanospheres with β cubic ZnS phase and composed of 2–5 nm nanocrystals were characterized by XRD and HRTEM. The blue shift of maximum absorption in UV-vis displayed the effect of quantum size. The two amino groups of amine templates reacted favorably with Zn²⁺ to form uniform and relatively smooth ZnS nanospheres with holes, while hydroxyethyl played a disadvantageous role. A reasonable mechanism of hole formation by H₂S rushing out is suggested. __________ Translated from Journal of Jinan University (Natural Science), 2007, 28(1): 92–95 [译自: 暨南大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Hydrothermal preparation of nanostructured MnO2 and morphological and crystalline evolution

Manganese dioxides with various morphologies were prepared using a common hydrothermalmethod without any templates or additives. The evolution of the morphology was accompanied by the gradual conversion of the polymorphic forms from γ-type to β-type. Meanwhile, MnO₂ microspheres, urchin-like nanostructures and nanowires were successfully synthesized. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The evolution process can be explained by the Ostwald Ripening mechanism. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Chinese Universities 28(7): 1223–1226 [译自: 高等学校化学学报]     

Application of beam irradiation in preparation of visible light responsive TiO2 films

TiO₂ films were prepared by sol-gel method. In order to improve the utilization of light, the technologies of implantation of transition metal ions (V⁺ and Cr⁺) and electron beam irradiation to deposit noble metal particles (Ag and Pt) were used. A red shift was found in the spectrum of modified TiO₂ films. The photocatalytic experiments showed that the photocatalytic ability under visible light irradiation could be improved dramatically by both the implantation of transition metal and the electron beam irradiation. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Catalysis, 2007, 28(1): 39–44 [译自: 催化学报]     

Synthesis of hydrophobic association cationic starch and its flocculation application on containing algae water of Dianchi Lake

The hydrophobic formation cationic starch (PSOAMDA) was prepared from starch (St), octadecyl acrylate (OA), acrylamide (AM) and dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC) by means of inverse suspension polymerization with redox initiator. Water with algae from Dianchi Lake was tested with PSOAMDA. Results show that when the molar ratio of St: AM: DMDAAC: OA is 4:8:1.5:0.6 and the reaction temperature is 40°C with a reaction time of 3 h, the monomer conversion yield, graft percentage and cationic degree is 92.4%, 63.8% and 7.3%, respectively, and M _η = 3.26×10⁶ g/vmol. It had been found from the flocculation of disposed water with algae from Dianchi Lake that the transparency and COD elimination reach to 93.5% and 70.3%, respectively, with 15 mg/L PSOAMDA and at pH 6, vs. 91.3% and 69.2% obtained with the commercial cationic polyacrylamide (PAM-C). When PSOAMDA dosage is 10–25 mg/L and the pH of aqueous solution is 6–10, the flocculation performance is well capable of dealing with the water with algae from Dianchi Lake. __________ Translated from Journal of Yunnan University (Natural Sciences Edition), 2007, 29(2): 177–182 [译自: 云南大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Effect of TiO2-coating on structure and electrochemical performance of LiCo0.2Ni0.4Mn0.4O2

LiCo_0.2Ni_0.4Mn_0.4O₂, as the cathode material for lithium ion batteries, was modified by TiO₂-coating. The effect of TiO₂-coating on the structure and electrochemical performance of LiCo_0.2Ni_0.4Mn_0.4O₂ was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests. The results suggest that a small amount of TiO₂-coating does not change the crystalline structure, but considerably improves the electrochemical performance of LiCo_0.2Ni_0.4Mn_0.4O₂ in terms of capacity delivery and cyclability. XPS measurements confirm that the improved electrochemical performance is most possibly attributed to a decrease in interaction between the layered material and non-aqueous electrolyte during the charge-discharge processes. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2007, 23(5): 753–758 [译自: 无机化学学报]