Electrochemical deposition of nickel from aqueous electrolytic baths prepared by dissolution of metallic powder

A new method of preparation of aqueous electrolyte baths for electrochemical deposition of nickel targets for medical accelerators is presented. It starts with fast dissolution of metallic Ni powder in a HNO₃-free solvent. Such obtained raw solution does not require additional treatment aimed to removal nitrates, such as the acid evaporation and Ni salt precipitation-dissolution. It is used directly for preparation of the nickel plating baths after dilution with water, setting up pH value and after possible addition of H₃BO₃. The pH of the baths ranges from alkaline to acidic. Deposition of 95% of ca. 50 mg of Ni dissolved in the bath takes ca. 3.5 h for the alkaline electrolyte while for the acidic solution it requires ca. 7 h. The Ni deposits obtained from the acidic bath are physically and chemically more stable and possess smoother and crack-free surfaces as compared to the coatings deposited from the alkaline bath. A method of estimation of concentration of H₂O₂ in the electrolytic bath is also proposed.

     

Properties of Zinc alloy electrodeposits produced from acid and alkaline electrolytes

Zinc–cobalt (Zn–Co) and zinc–nickel (Zn–Ni) alloy electrodeposits each prepared from acid and alkaline formulations were compared for their properties. Compared to alkaline baths, acid baths offer higher metal percent of the alloying element and higher current efficiency. In alkaline baths, the variation of metal percent in deposit with current density is less significant, but that of current efficiency with current density is more. Electrolyte pH does not change significantly in alkaline solutions compared to acid solutions. X-ray diffraction evaluation of Zn–Co deposits from both electrolytes indicated their presence in the η-phase, while Zn–Ni shows pure γ-phase for deposits obtained from alkaline solutions and the existence of γ-phase with traces of η-phase of zinc for deposits obtained from the acid electrolytes. Scanning electron microscope examination shows finer grain structure for deposits obtained from alkaline solutions, and atomic force microscope studies confirm their nanostructure with reduced surface roughness. Deposits obtained from the alkaline baths exhibited higher corrosion resistance probably due to their nanostructure.     

ATR-FTIR membrane-based sensor for the simultaneous determination of surfactant and oil total indices in industrial degreasing baths

Monitoring the exhaustion of alkaline degreasing baths is one of the main aspects in metal mechanizing industrial process control. The global level of surfactant, and mainly grease, can be used as ageing indicators. In this paper, an attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) membrane-based sensor is presented for the determination of these parameters. The system is based on a micro-liquid-liquid extraction of the analytes through a polymeric membrane from the aqueous to the organic solvent layer which is in close contact with the internal reflection element and continuously monitored. Samples are automatically processed using a simple, robust sequential injection analysis (SIA) configuration, on-line coupled to the instrument. The global signal obtained for both families of compounds are processed via a multivariate calibration technique (partial least squares, PLS). Excellent correlation was obtained for the values given by the proposed method compared to those of the gravimetric reference one with very low error values for both calibration and validation.     

Continuous flow autoanalyzer for the sequential determination of total sugars, colorant and caffeine contents in soft drinks

A novel autoanalyzer for sequential determination of total sugars, class IV caramel and caffeine contents in soft drinks is described for the first time. The multiparametric autoanalyzer is based on the on-line coupling of a continuous solid-phase extraction unit with two detectors in series: UV–vis and evaporative light scattering (ELSD) detectors. Caffeine is selectively retained on the sorbent column and the other components are sequentially determined in the effluent. Caffeine was further eluted with an acetonitrile stream and the signal registered in the ELSD. The proposed autoanalyzer is a useful tool for the determination of these macrocomponents in the selected matrices on account of the high level of capital, basic and productivity-related analytical properties it provides. The method was validated through the use of spiked samples and applied to the analysis of more than 20 different soft drink samples (regular, diet, caffeine-free, energy drinks) with satisfactory results.     

Online assay of bone specific alkaline phosphatase with a flow injection-bead injection system

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) has been used as one of the biomarkers for bone resorption and liver diseases. Normally, total alkaline phosphatase is quantified along with other symptoms to determine the releasing source of the alkaline phosphatase. A semi-automated flow injection-bead injection system was proposed to conveniently and selectively assay bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) based on its specific binding to wheat germ coated beads. Amount of BALP in serum was determined from the intensity of the yellow product produced from bound BALP on the retained beads and its substrate pNPP. The used beads were discarded and the fresh ones were introduced for the next analysis. The reaction cell was designed to be opened and closed using a computer controlled solenoid valve for a precise incubation time. The performance of the proposed system was evaluated by using it to assay BALP in human serum. The results were compared to those obtained by using a commercial ELISA kit. The system is proposed to be an easy and cost effective system for quantification of BALP as an alternative to batch wise wheat germ specific binding technique.     

Analytical control of organic additives in electrolytic baths by UV spectroscopy in combination with multivariate analysis

A method for the simultaneous determination of organic additives in Zn(II) and Ni(II) electrolytic baths is proposed. Absorbance and first-derivative spectra were subjected to direct and inverse multiple linear regression (CLS and ILS, respectively) in order to choose the optimum alternative. The use of a factor design to prepare the samples enables the identification of interactions between analytes and their correction by ILS. The results provided by first-derivative spectra were slightly better than those obtained with absorbance spectra (prediction errors were always less than 2% with the former). The ILS procedure was applied to three industrial baths used to a different extent, with highly satisfactory results. Received: 15 June 1998 / Revised: 7 September 1998 / Accepted: 15 September 1998     

Synergistic effect in the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol on platinum+palladium alloy electrodes

The electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol has been investigated on platinium+palladium alloy electrodes of different compositions in acid, neutral and alkaline aqueous solutions.The surface characteristics (composition and roughness factor) of the alloys and the stability of the electrodes in contact with different electrolytic solutions have been studied using cyclic voltammetry. In particular, a surface enrichment in platinum due to a preferential dissolution of palladium and an increase of the roughness factor with an increase of the palladium content has been shown.The electrocatalytic activity of different alloys for methanol oxidation has been characterized by exchange current densities obtained from extrapolation of Tafel lines of calculated equilibrium potential. The plot of these current densities vs. the surface composition leads to a synergistic effect, particularly important in alkaline medium. A reasonable explanation of this enhanced electroactivity at about 15 at.% in Pd is given on the basis of a decrease of electrode poisoning.     

Kinetic study of the degradation of chlorpyrifos by using a stopped-flow fia system. Semiautomatic determination in commercial formulations

A kinetic study of the degradation of chlorpyrifos in an oxidative alkaline medium has been undertaken by using a stopped-flow system. A semiautomatic method for determining chlorpyrifos is proposed for the first time. Linear calibration graphs up to 2 x 10(-4)M with a relative standard deviation of 1.8% are obtained. A detection limit of 6.6 x 10(-6)M is reported. Carbaryl, dimethoate and endosulfan have been assayed as interference species. The proposed method has been applied to analyze a commercial formulation.     

碱性电镀光亮锌镍合金研究

在总结镀液的电化学特性和锌镍合金镀层的晶体结构与性能等实验结果的基础上,提出碱性电镀光亮锌镍合金的工艺规范和直接把锌酸盐镀锌液转化为碱性电镀光亮锌镍合金镀液的方法。生产实践证明,该工艺稳定,镀层光亮、耐腐性好、硬度较高、无氢脆,镍含量可在９～２０ｗｔ％范围内随意控制。     

Sulphate determination after its reduction to hydrogen sulphide and volatile separation by molecular absorption spectrometry

A rapid spectrophotometric method for sulphate determination in a discontinuous mode is described. The method is based on sulphate reduction to hydrogen sulphide followed by its volatilization and absorption in an alkaline solution. The reduction is obtained when a sulphate sample is heated to 287 degrees C for 15 min, with a mixture of Fe(o)/KI and phosphoric acid. The resulting gas is swept by nitrogen flow into a 0.1 M sodium hydroxide solution and the absorbance of the sulphide ions is measured directly at 230 nm. The proposed method enabled us to determine 50-700 mug of total sulphate with a relative standard deviation of the order of 5%. The method has been applied for the determination of sulphates in liquid (mineral waters) and solid (gypsiferous soils) samples.     

Effect of wet spinning parameters on the properties of novel cellulosic fibres

Novel cellulose fibres (Biocelsol) were spun by traditional wet spinning technique from the alkaline solution prepared by dissolving enzyme treated pulp directly into aqueous sodium zincate (ZnO/NaOH). The spinning dope contained 6 wt.% of cellulose, 7.8 wt.% of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and 0.84 wt.% of zinc oxide (ZnO). The fibres were spun into 5% and 15% sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) baths containing 10% sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄). The highest fibre tenacity obtained was 1.8 cNdtex⁻¹ with elongation of 15% and titre of 1.4 dtex. Average molecular weights and shape of molecular weight distribution curves of the celluloses from the novel wet spun cellulosic fibre and from the commercial viscose fibre were close to each other.     

改良J-Gróf法测定血清直接胆红素的数学校正

提出了改良Ｊ－Ｇｒóｆ法血清直接胆红素测定值的数学校正方法。该方法对胆红素标准血清和控制样品的分析结果与目标值十分一致，对样品的分析与自动生化分析仪的分析结果高度相关。为血清直接胆红素的准确测定提供一个可靠的方法。     

Autoanalyzer for continuous fractionation and quantitation of the polyphenols content in wines

A simple continuous flow autoanalyzer for the on-line fractionation of the polyphenols content in wines is proposed. The target compounds are isolated from the matrix by solid-phase extraction on an RP-C18 sorbent column, using selective solvents for the sequential elution of each polyphenol family. Moreover, evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) is used for the first time for the on-line monitorization of the three polyphenol fractions present in the wine samples. Thus, a single sample injection is required to determine the global concentration of the three selected polyphenol fractions and the whole analysis is completed within a few minutes. Three calibration graphs were constructed for quantitative analysis of the global compounds concentration in every fraction and covered the range 5-300 mg l(-1) (expressed as gallic acid). Average repeatability, expressed as relative standard deviation, was 4%. The proposed autonalyzer was applied to the analysis of a variety of commercial wine samples. The results obtained were compared with those provided by the Folin-Ciocalteau method, being similar in all instances.     

Molecular composition of the N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine of the cotton plant of variety S-6029

An N-arylphosphatidylethanolamine has been isolated from the total phospholipids of the cotton plant of variety S-6029. The composition and the position distribution of the fatty-acid radicals has been studied with the aid of enzymatic hydrolysis with phospholipase A₁ (from the fungusRhisophus microsporus UzLT-1) and by alkaline and acid hydrolyses. From the results obtained, the possible molecular composition of the N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine has been calculated by Coleman's method. The total number of all the molecular species amounted to 720.     

Determination of nitrogen in an aluminium-killed steel by an isotope-dilution method using Al(15)N

Nitrogen in an aluminium-killed steel was determined by an isotope-dilution method using synthesized aluminium nitride enriched with (15)N. The results were in agreement with those obtained by chemical determination, whereas the vacuum fusion method with iron and platinum baths, and the isotope-dilution method using gaseous (15)N-enriched nitrogen, did not give accurate results.     

Determination of Zinc(II) by the Reactivation of the Apoenzymes of Alkaline Phosphatases from Diverse Sources

ABSTRACT

A sensitive and selective method for the determination of Zn(II) based on the reactivation of the apoenzymes of alkaline phosphatases from diverse sources: chicken intestine, seal slim intestine and Escherichia coli, has been developed. To obtain the apoenzymes, EDTA was selected as an effective inhibitor of alkaline phosphatases. In the presence of EDTA excess in the solution, the pseudo apoenzymes were obtained. Dialysis of the enzymes against the chelating agent resulted in obtaining inactive zinc-free apo-phosphatases (true apoenzymes). The reactivation of the pseudo- and true apoenzymes of alkaline phosphatases from various sources by zinc(II) was applied for its determination. The proposed procedures are highly sensitive (limit detection of Zn(II) = 0.3-0.4 ng ml^?1), selective (no other metals reactivate the apophosphatases from seal slim intestine and Escherichia coli), accurate, simple and rapid. The schemes of the mechanism of the reactivation effects are discussed.     

Sample pretreatment for the capillary electrophoretic determination of organic acids in chromium(III) plating baths

This work deals with the development and optimization of the sample pretreatment and consequent electrophoretic analysis of two modern plating baths containing chromium(III) and either citric acid or oxalic acid. Some model mixtures containing known amounts of components of industrial baths have been prepared to simulate simplified bath matrices. Prior to analysis, a sample pretreatment consisting of the addition of some agents that could release acid from the stable chromium complex was tested. Determination of organic anions was accomplished by indirect UV detection. The best results were achieved by precipitation of chromium(III) hydroxide. The content of oxalate and citrate in real samples was calculated as 96.5% (SD 2.3%) and 97.3% (SD 0.8%), respectively, of the declared amount. Very good robustness of the method and satisfactory repeatability of migration time and peak area were obtained. This simple inexpensive method is suitable for routine determination of citric and oxalic acid in chromium(III)‐based plating baths.     

Electrodeposition for obtaining homogeneous or heterogeneous cobalt-copper films

Direct electrodeposition of heterogeneous deposits may be an alternative method for preparing cobalt-copper coatings with magnetoresistive properties. Co-Cu electrodeposition was obtained in sulfate baths containing different citrate concentrations in order to prepare either homogeneous or heterogeneous Co-Cu deposits. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and voltammetric stripping analysis were used to study the kind of deposits formed. Citrate-free baths produced heterogeneous films, although dendritic growth was observed, thus increasing the deposit's thickness. Increasing the Cu(II)/Co(II) ratio in solution enabled the formation of smoother deposits. The presence of citrate at up to twice the total metallic concentration in the bath improved the morphological aspects of the deposits, their structural heterogeneity being maintained. Higher citrate concentrations induced the loss of heterogeneity, and both electrochemical and diffraction peaks tended towards single peaks. Homogeneous Co-Cu deposits, formed by a solid solution structure, were obtained in highly complexed citrate baths.     

New and clean strategy for the determination of Cu2+ in electroless copper plating baths

This article concerns a new and clean strategy for the determination of Cu(2+) in electroless copper plating baths with differential spectrophotometry. With this strategy, the problem of too high absorbance of Cu(2+) under plating conditions has been solved. We investigated the influence of copper sulfate, sodium hypophosphite, nickel sulfate, sodium citrate, polyglycol, temperature and pH on the absorption spectrum of Cu(2+) in electroless copper plating baths. Five grams per litre of CuSO(4).5H(2)O solution was selected as the reference solution. Experimental results prove that, this strategy has the merits of fast and high accuracy compared to the traditional techniques. Linearly dependent coefficient of the working curve is 0.9999 and the components in the formula have no obvious effect on the detection of Cu(2+) under experimental conditions. Therefore, we can directly move solutions from the EC plating baths for detection, after that the sample can still go back to the baths without any pollution from the plating process to the environment.     

Electrochemical behaviour of alkaline copper complexes

A search for non-cyanide plating baths for copper resulted in the development of alkaline copper complex baths containing trisodium citrate [TSC] and triethanolamine [TEA]. Voltammetric studies were carried out on platinum to understand the electrochemical behaviour of these complexes. In TSC solutions, the deposition of copper involves the slow formation of a monovalent species. Adsorption of this species obeys Langmuir isotherm. In TEA solutions the deposition involves the formation of monovalent ions obeying the non-activated Temkin isotherm. Conversion of divalent to monovalent copper is also slow. In TEA and TSC alkaline copper solutions, the predominant species that undergo stepwise reduction contain only TEA ligands.