A study of chromic oxide decomposition in an RF argon plasma

Vapor-phase thermal decomposition of chromic oxide in an rf argon plasma was studied using a new experimental system. Homogeneous and heterogeneous modes of reaction were compared, the overall process efficiency being substantially higher for the process carried out entirely in the vapor phase. Reaction products were collected along the reactor wall and studied by chemical methods as well as SEM, X-ray, and IR absorption. The collected powder was highly reactive, fine-grained, and of semiamorphous nature, the average particle size being well below 100 nm. Temperature profiles recorded below the coupling coil by spectroscopic methods were typical of an rf plasma, showing maxima slightly exceeding 5000 K, with the presence of off-axis peaks. Local Cr contents and concentration ratio (Cr)/(Cr₂O₃) in the plasma were determined from the deposition data obtained. A diffusion process was assumed for the wall-deposit buildup. The results obtained confirmed the advantages of using plasma vapor-phase systems, these being higher-efficiency processes and more reliable models than those obtained in the case of gas-solid plasma reactors, where solid particles are injected into the plasma. The thermal decomposition conversion of Cr₂O₃ into Cr was about 8 times higher in the homogeneous gas phase than in the plasma solid phase, all other conditions being equal.Nomenclature c velocity of light, cm × s^–1 - C _Cr ^m metallic Cr content, % by wt. - C _Cr ^t total Cr content, % by wt. - D species diffusivity, cm² · s^–1 - E energy of excited level, eV - f oscillator strength - F rate of species deposition, mol · cm^–2 · s^–1 - g statistical weight - h Planck's constant, J · s^–1 - I radial emission intensity for a given spectral line at a given radius in the plasma, W · sr^–1 · cm^–3 - k Boltzmann's constant, J · K^–1 - l length of collected deposit, cm - m mass of collected deposit, g - M molar weight of Cr - M _Ar ^a molar flow of axial argon, mmol · s^–1 - M _Ar ^p molar flow of peripheral argon, mmol · s^–1 - M _{Cr 2}O₃ molar flow of evaporated Cr₂O₃, mmol · s^–1 - Cr(I) concentration, cm^–3 - Q _T partition function at temperatureT - r reaction radius, cm - R radius of quartz tube, cm - t duration of deposition, s - T temperature, K - total extent of Cr₂O₃ decomposition into Cr, % - Z position of a plane normal to the plasma axis downward the lower turn of rf coil, cm Greek Letters molar ratio of Cr and Cr₂O₃ in deposit - wavelength, nm - species concentration, mol · cm^–3     

Anodic Dissolution of Gold in Cyanide Solutions Containing Lead Ions: Effect of the Solution pH

The effect of the electrode potential on the gold dissolution rate in alkali–cyanide solutions with and without 10^–5 M of hydroxy compounds of lead is studied. With the compounds, the process rate passes through a maximum, whose potential E _m shifts in the negative direction and whose height drops with increasing pH. The pH dependence of E _m is linear, with the slope dE _m/dpH = –71 ± 5 mV, and correlates with that of the potential at which lead adatoms start to undergo desorption from the gold surface in alkali solutions. Without the compounds, the gold dissolution rate in alkali–cyanide solutions is independent of the solution pH at E < 0. Thus, the effect of the solution pH in this potential range is connected not with a direct participation of hydroxide ions in the anodic process but is of a secondary nature caused by the dependence of the region of adsorption of catalytically active lead adatoms on the hydroxide ion content in solution.     

Solubility of Solid 2-Methyl-1,3-butadiene (Isoprene) in Liquid Argon and Nitrogen at the Standard Boiling Points of the Solvents

The solubility of solid 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (isoprene) in liquid argon at a temperature of 87.3 K and in liquid nitrogen at 77.4 K has been measured by the filtration method. The hydrocarbon contents in solutions were determined using gas chromatography. GC–MS was used to identify impurities in the solute. The experimental value of the mole fraction solubility of solid isoprene in liquid argon at 87.3 K is (1.41 ± 0.27) × 10^–6 and (1.56 ± 0.36) × 10^–7 in liquid nitrogen at 77.4 K. The Preston–Prausnitz method was used for calculation of the solubilities of solid hydrocarbon in liquid argon in the temperature range 84.0–110.0 K and in liquid nitrogen from 64.0 to 90.0 K. The solvent–solute interaction parameters l ₁₂ were also calculated. At 90.0 K liquid argon is a better solvent for isoprene than is liquid nitrogen. The experimental values of the solubilities of isoprene in liquid argon and nitrogen were compared with results obtained for selected unsaturated and aromatic hydrocarbons.     

Solubility of Solid Pentane, 2-Methylbutane, and Cyclopentane in Liquid Argon at 87.3 K

The solubilities of solid pentane, 2-methylbutane (isopentane), and cyclopentane in liquid argon at 87.3 K have been measured by the filtration method. The C₅ hydrocarbon content in solution was determined using gas chromatography. The solubilities of the C₅ hydrocarbons in liquid argon at 87.3K vary from 0.61 × 10^–7 mole fraction for cyclopentane, to 1.37 × 10^–7 mole fraction for pentane, and 8.83 × 10^–6 mole fraction for 2-methylbutane. The Preston–Prausnitz method was used for calculation of the solubilities of solid C₅ hydrocarbons in liquid argon in the temperature range 84–110 K and in liquid nitrogen in the range 64–90K. The values of the solvent–solute interaction constant l ₁₂ were also calculated.     

Solubility of Solid 2,3-Dimethylbutane and Cyclopentane in Liquid Argon and Nitrogen at the Standard Boiling Points of the Solvents

The solubilities of solid 2,3-dimethylbutane and cyclopentene in liquid argon at a temperature of 87.3 K and in liquid nitrogen at 77.4 K have been measured by the filtration method. The hydrocarbon contents in solutions were determined using gas chromatography. GC–MS was used to identify impurities in solutes. The experimental value of the mole fraction solubility of solid 2,3-dimethyl-butane in liquid argon at 87.3 K is (8.26 ± 1.60) × 10^–6 and (2.77 ± 0.94) × 10^–8 in liquid nitrogen at 77.4 K. The experimental value of the mole fraction solubility of solid cyclopentene in liquid argon at 87.3 K is (5.11 ± 0.44) × 10^–6 and (4.60 ± 0.76) × 10^–8 in liquid nitrogen at 77.4 K. The Preston–Prausnitz method was used for calculation of the solubilities of solid hydrocarbons in liquid argon in the temperature range 84.0–110.0 K and in liquid nitrogen from 64.0 to 90.0 K. The solvent–solute interaction parameters l ₁₂ were also calculated. At 90.0 K liquid argon is a better solvent for investigated solid hydrocarbons than is liquid nitrogen.     

Solubility of Solid 1-Hexyne in Liquid Argon and Nitrogen at the Standard Boiling Points of the Solvents

The solubilities of solid 1-hexyne in liquid argon at 87.3 and in liquid nitrogen at 77.4 K have been measured by the filtration method. The hydrocarbon contents in solutions were determined using gas chromatography. GC–MS was used to identify impurities in 1-hexyne. The experimental value of the mole fraction solubility of solid 1-hexyne in liquid argon at 87.3 K is (0.85 ± 0.19) × 10^–7 and (1.25 ± 0.08) × 10^–8 in liquid nitrogen at 77.4 K. The Preston–Prausnitz method was used for calculation of the solubilities of solid hydrocarbon in liquid argon in the temperature range 84.0–110.0 K and in liquid nitrogen from 64.0 to 90.0 K. The solvent–solute interaction parameters l ₁₂ were also calculated. At 90.0 K liquid argon is a better solvent for solid 1-hexyne than is liquid nitrogen.     

Cryogenic Preconcentration of Hydrogen, Argon, Oxygen, and Nitrogen in the Gas Chromatographic Determination of Their Impurities in Volatile Inorganic Hydrides

A procedure is proposed for the cryogenic preconcentration of hydrogen, argon, oxygen, and nitrogen in the gas chromatographic determination of their impurities in volatile inorganic hydrides. It is shown that the recovery of impurity gases approaches 100%. The limits of determination of impurity gases in hydrides with the use of the proposed procedure and a helium ionization detector are 2 × 10^–6–3 × 10^–5mol %, which is 5–100 times lower than the results published previously. The results are given for the determination of hydrogen, argon, oxygen, and nitrogen in silane, germane, arsine, phosphine, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen selenide, and ammonia samples.     

Use of ICP and XAS to determine the enhancement of gold phytoextraction by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chilopsis linearis</Emphasis> using thiocyanate as a complexing agent

Under natural conditions gold has low solubility that reduces its bioavailability, a critical factor for phytoextraction. Researchers have found that phytoextraction can be improved by using synthetic chelating agents. Preliminary studies have shown that desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), a common inhabitant of the Chihuahuan Desert, is able to extract gold from a gold-enriched medium. The objective of the present study was to determine the ability of thiocyanate to enhance the gold-uptake capacity of C. linearis. Seedlings of this plant were exposed to the following hydroponics treatment: (1) 5 mg Au L^–1 (2.5×10^–5 mol L^–1), (2) 5 mg Au L^–1+10^–5 mol L^–1 NH₄SCN, (3) 5 mg Au L^–1+5×10^–5 mol L^–1 NH₄SCN, and (4) 5 mg Au L^–1+10^–4 mol L^–1 NH₄SCN. Each treatment had its respective control. After 2 weeks we determined the effect of the treatment on plant growth and gold content by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP–OES). No signs of shoot-growth inhibition were observed at any NH₄SCN treatment level. The ICP–OES analysis showed that addition of 10^–4 mol L^–1 NH₄SCN increased the concentration of gold by about 595, 396, and 467% in roots, stems, and leaves, respectively. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) studies showed that the oxidation state of gold was Au(0) and that gold nanoparticles were formed inside the plants.     

Column preconcentration of gold by adsorbing AuCl<Stack><Subscript>4</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> onto methyltrioctyl ammonium chloride–naphthalene and subsequent atomic absorption spectrometric determination

A sensitive, selective and simple preconcentration method for ultra-trace gold determination has been developed that uses naphthalene–methyltrioctyl ammonium chloride (Aliquat 336s) as an adsorbent. Gold, in the form of AuCl₄^–, was retained by the adsorbent in the column at a flow rate of 1 ml min^–1. After filtration, the solid mass consisting of the gold complex and naphthalene was dissolved out of the column with 5 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and the metal was then determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. In the initial solution, the calibration graph of absorbance versus gold concentration was found to be linear in the range 0.5–150 ng ml^–1 Au(III) with r=0.997 (n =9), and the 3 s detection limit was 0.428 ng ml^–1. The relative standard deviation for eight replicate measurements of 20 g of gold was 2.14%. Preconcentration factors of 390 and 650 were achieved using 5 ml and 3 ml of DMF, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of gold in wastewater, processed pool water, slurry pool water, and raw well-water from the Moteh gold mine, and synthetic samples.     

Solubility of 1-Pentene Ice in Liquid Nitrogen and Argon at the Standard Boiling Points of the Solvents

The solubilities of 1-pentene ice in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of 77.4 K and in liquid argon at 87.3 K have been measured by the filtration method. The 1-pentene content in solution was determined using gas chromatography. The experimental value of the mole fraction solubility of 1-pentene ice in liquid nitrogen at 77.4 K is: (1.28±0.25)×10^–7 and (4.11±0.44)×10^–7 in liquid argon at 87.3 K. The Preston–Prausnitz method was used for calculation of the solubilities of 1-pentene ice in liquid nitrogen in the temperature range 64.0–90.0 K and in liquid argon in the temperature range 84.0–90.0 K. The parameters l ₁₂ were also calculated. At 90.0 K liquid argon is the better solvent for 1-pentene ice than is liquid nitrogen.     

Mechanism and kinetics of polymerization of propylene in a microwave plasma

Flowing microwave plasma of propylene and propylene with argon was studied by mass spectrometry. Plasma composition was investigated as a function of external parameters such as pressure, argon/propylene ratio, and microwave-induced power. It was found that the propylene broke down to C₂H₂ and CH₄, or reacted further with propylene. Two main products, leading to the determination of three main chain reactions for the polymerization of propylene by ion-molecule interactions, were observed, namely, C₂H₂ and CH₄. These were the propylene, acetylene, and ethylene chain reactions. It was also found that the propylene disappeared in a pseudo-first-order reaction. Consequently an overall rate constant for the polymerization was determined (50 sec^–1 at 1 torr pressure for propylene plasma). This constant is found to be linearly dependent upon the propylene percent concentration, and nonlinearly dependent upon plasma pressure.Partly presented at the 157th meeting of the Electrochemical Society, St. Louis, Missouri, May 11–16, 1980.     

Time-based on-line preconcentration cold vapour generation procedure for ultra-trace mercury determination with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

A time-based sequential dispensing on-line column preconcentration procedure for mercury determination at trace levels by cold vapour generation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (CV-ICP-AES), by means of a unified module of a preconcentration column and a gas–liquid separator (PCGLS) is described. The complex of mercury formed on-line with ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) is retained on the surface of the hydrophobic poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) turnings, which are packed into the lower compartment of the PCGLS. Subsequently, mercury vapour is generated directly on the PTFE turnings by reductant SnCl₂ and separated from the liquid mixture via the PCGLS by argon purge gas. The outlet of the PCGLS is connected directly to the torch adapter of the plasma without the normal spray chamber and nebulizer. With 60-s preconcentration time and 12.0 mL min^–1 sample flow rate, the sampling frequency is 30 h^–1. The calibration curve is linear over the concentration range 0.02–5.0 g L^–1, the detection limit (c_L) is 0.01 g L^–1 and the relative standard deviation (s_r) is 3.1% at the 1.0 g L^–1 level. The proposed method was evaluated by analysis of BCR CRM 278 (Mytilus Edulis) reference material and applied to the determination of total mercury in digested urine, blood and hair samples.     

Reduction of TiO2 with Hydrogen Plasma

Experiments were performed in a thermal plasma furnace to examine the reduction of TiO₂ by hydrogen plasma. The plasma gas composition was 50% hydrogen–50% argon, the plasma torch input power was 13 kW, the TiO₂ initial mass was 10 g and the processing time was varied from 10 to 90 min. The reaction product contained between 67% and 73% titanium by mass for all tests. This level of reduction was consistent with chemical equilibrium modeling. There was no detectable enhancement of reduction due to the presence of atomic hydrogen. The Ti-O microstructures produced were characterized using quantitative SEM analysis. The microstructures showed a number of similarities with structures described by previous researchers.     

Raman Combinations and Stretching Overtones from Water, Heavy Water, and NaCl in Water at Shifts to ca. 7000 cm−1

Photographic Raman spectra were obtained at shifts to ca. 7000 cm^–1 for pure water and for a saturated aqueous solution of NaCl using argon ion laser excitation. Raman spectra were also obtained photoelectrically for H₂O and D₂O between ca. 2500 and ca. 7000 cm^–1 using 248-nm excimer laser excitation and boxcar detection. Overtone and combination assignments are presented for H₂O and D₂O. The first IR OH-stretching overtone from water occurs 215 cm^–1 above the first Raman OH-stretching overtone because the IR overtones are dominated by asymmetric stretching. The second OH-stretching Raman overtone from water is estimated to occur near 10,020 ± 20 cm^–1, with 9950 cm^–1 as a lower limit.     

Determination of Rare-Earth Elements in Sulfide Minerals by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry with Ion-Exchange Preconcentration

A procedure was developed for determining ultratrace rare-earth elements in sulfide minerals by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with ion-exchange preconcentration. The concentration factor was 200. The found concentrations of rare-earth elements were 6–30 times lower than those in chondrites. For lanthanum and praseodymium, RSD < 10%; for other rare-earth elements, RSD < 6%. The accuracy of the results was verified by the addition of known amounts of Eu, Tb, Tm, and Lu to a chalcopyrite sample at the stage of decomposition with HCl and HNO₃. The calculated yield of rare-earth elements was 94–96%. The detection limit was from 0.06 ng/g (6 × 10^–9%) for lutetium to 5 ng/g (5 × 10^–7%) for cerium. The procedure was used for the determination of rare-earth elements in chalcopyrites, pyrites, and sphalerites.     

NADH Oxidase Activity of Gold Nanoparticles in Aqueous Solution

Nanoparticles of Au(0) stabilized by Triton X-100 in water catalyze NADH oxidation. Oxygen and potassium ferricyanide can serve as electron acceptors from NADH. The NADH oxidase activity of Au(0) (normalized to gold concentration) is 0.08 turnover/min in air and 0.32 turnover/min in argon in the presence of K₃FeCN₆ (2 × 10⁻⁴ mol/l). The catalytic activity decreases with increasing gold concentration in the solution used for particle preparation and, accordingly, with increasing size of gold particles.__________Translated from Kinetika i Kataliz, Vol. 46, No. 3, 2005, pp. 399–401.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Kulikova.     

A Thermodynamic Analysis of Nonequilibrium Argon Plasma Torches

The nonequilibrium process of argon plasma torches is analyzed theoretically. Thermodynamic diagrams of different degrees of ionization are developed to aid in understanding and analyzing the transition from chemical equilibrium to frozen flow in dc plasma torch operations. A thermodynamic model is developed to describe the nonequilibrium processes in a dc argon plasma torch. In the model the ionization process is approximated as a constant-pressure heating process, with little deviation from the equilibrium state upon completion of heating. If the plasma flow is frozen shortly after heating, the entropy increase is small during the transition from equilibrium to frozen flow. In this case the frozen flow will have nearly the same composition and entropy as the flow at the heating section exit. For singly ionized argon plasmas in the entropy range relevant to dc torch operation, the frozen flow solutions on the affinity–pressure diagram are found to be insensitive to entropy change. Therefore the present model predicts that argon plasmas generated at different power levels will have almost identical affinity at the torch exit for the same operating pressure. This prediction agrees with experimental observations except for very low torch power levels.     

Solubility of Native Gold in H—O—S Fluids at 100–400°C and High H2S Content

Reaction of MgS, water, and air in sealed gold capsules at 100 to 400°C and0.15 GPa is used to generate an aqueous fluid with very high (20.6 m) H₂Scontent and to remobilize significant quantities of native gold as gold sulfides.A combination of X-ray photoelectron and Auger electron spectroscopy (XPS,AES), analytical scanning-electron microscopy (SEM—EDX),electron-micro-probe analysis (EPMA), and calculated solution properties shows that the goldsulfides precipitated during quenching and later perforation of the capsulesrepresent native gold dissolved as Au(I)-bisulfide under the experimental conditions.The equilibrium constant (logK) for the reaction:Au(s) H₂S(aq) + HS^– = Au(HS)₂ ^– + 1/2H₂(g)ranges from –3.96 ± 0.40 at 115°C to –1.06 ± 0.32 at 400°C; it is in goodagreement with literature values for 25°C and 300–350°C, and varies inverselywith absolute temperature T[–H ⁰ ₁/(2.303R)= –2644 ± 33K; r = 1.00]. Themaximum solubility of native gold in this study (29.4 g/kg at 200°C) issignificantly greater than that from published studies on Au(I)-bisulfides and maystimulate interest in developing bisulfides as gold-complexing agents in goldextraction technology.     

Kinetics of the thermal decomposition of [Co(NH3)6]2(C2O4)3·4H2O

The thermal decomposition of [Co(NH₃)₆]₂(C₂O₄)₃·4H₂O was studied under isothermal conditions in flowing air and argon. Dissociation of the above complex occurs in three stages. The kinetics of the particular stages thermal decomposition have been evaluated. The R_N and/or A_M models were selected as those best fitting the experimental TG curves. The activation energies,E, and lnA were calculated with a conventional procedure and by a new method suggested by Kogaet al. [10, 11]. Comparison of the results have showed that the Arrhenius parameters values estimated by the use of both methods are very close. The calculated activation energies were in air: 96 kJ mol^–1 (R_1.575, stage I); 101 kJ mol^–1 (Ain1.725 stage II); 185 kJ mol^–1 (A _2.9, stage III) and in argon: 66 kJ mol^–1 (A _1.25, stage I); 87 kJ mol^–1 (A _1.825, stage II); 133 kJ mol^–1 (A _2.525, stage III).     

Specific Photographic and Luminescent Properties of Sulfur + Gold–Sensitized Silver Halide Emulsions

It was found that the introduction of univalent gold ions at the initial step of sulfur sensitization could lead to a dramatic fall in the light sensitivity (S) and a considerable increase in the intensity of low-temperature ( = 77 K) luminescence (I) of silver sulfide clusters produced by sensitization. An increase in the hold time was accompanied by an increase in S and a decrease in I. The fall in S is associated with the oxidation of the silver moiety in (Ag₂S)_pAg⁺ _k or (Ag₂S)_qAg⁰ _n (q > p) clusters, which are light sensitivity centers. AgBr(I) emulsions subjected to sulfur + gold-sensitization exhibited a flash of IR-excited green luminescence from paired iodine centers. The appearance of this flash is due to the generation of deep electron traps by sulfur–gold sensitization.