Preparation of Anatase Hollow TiO2 Spheres and Their Photocatalytic Activity in the Photodegradation of Chlorpyrifos

Hollow anatase titania (TiO₂) spheres were synthesized using fructose and tetrabutyl titanate (Ti(OC₄H₉)₄, TBT) as the precursors via the conventional hard template method. The morphological, structural and thermal properties of the products were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG‐DTA), Brunauer? Emmett? Teller (BET) surface area analysis and diffuse reflectance ultraviolet visible (DR UV? Vis) spectroscopy. XRD revealed that the hollow TiO₂ prepared was in the anatase phase and the BET surface area measured was about 22 m² g^?1. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized hollow anatase TiO₂ in the photodecomposition of chlorpyrifos was 18.67 % higher than that obtained using commercial TiO₂.     

A new method for preparation of magnetic polymer particles

Synthesis of magnetic polymer particles (MPP) was carried out through two steps. Firstly, the iron oxide particles carrying vinyl groups were synthesized, and in the second step, styrene (ST), divinyl benzene (DVB), and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were polymerized on the surface of modified iron oxide through an emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization technique. The final particles were characterized by a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), Fritsch particle sizer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Experimental analysis confirmed that all the iron oxide particles were embedded in a polymer phase and the final particles have more than 67 % iron oxide content. According to magnetometry data, the shape of the hysteresis loops evidences the ferromagnetic character of the particles.     

An experimental study on particle formation in emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization of styrene

Particle formation in polymerization of styrene induced within two stratified layers of a monomer and water containing an initiator was studied in the absence of emulsifiers and stirring. A polymerization-induced decrease of interfacial surface tension was observed. The particle size distribution was characterized by dynamic light scattering during polymerization. The results confirm particle nucleation through spontaneous emulsification process.     

Enhancement of photodegradation efficiency,photoluminescence quantum yield,and magnetization in highly Yb3+-doped CdO nanoparticles synthesized via sol–gel method

Cd_1?xYb_xO (x?=?0, 1, 5, 10, 15 mol%) nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized by pulverizing the product obtained from a sol–gel process. The crystalline structure of the synthesized samples was established by X-ray diffraction analysis. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the prepared samples were nanoscale and the size of the NPs decreased with increasing dopant concentration. Elemental analysis of the products was carried out by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies were used to characterize the synthesized species. Increasing the Yb³⁺ ion level in the host matter resulted in decreased bandgap energy. Photoluminescence measurements confirmed the enhanced intensity of the characteristic emissions in the Yb³⁺-doped CdO NPs, indicating appropriate substitution of Cd²⁺ with Yb³⁺ ions. Magnetic measurements revealed that, with addition of Yb³⁺ ion, the magnetic behavior of the samples changed. Increasing the dopant ion concentration, thereby decreasing the size of the obtained NPs, changed their behavior from paramagnetic to superparamagnetic, with increased saturation magnetization (M_S) for higher dopant level. Photocatalytic measurements under UV and natural sunlight irradiation revealed that the samples prepared with high dopant concentration (15 mol%) exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity under natural sunlight for decomposition of methylene blue dye.

     

SBR composites reinforced with <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-isopropyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>′-phenyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">P</Emphasis>-phenylenediamine-modified clay

SBR compounds including the N-isopropyl-N’-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-modified clay(organoclay) were prepared.Effects of modified clay and antioxidant(IPPD) contents on mechanical and rheological properties of SBR composites were studied.FTIR results confirmed that the clay was chemically modified by IPPD and changed into an organoclay.X-ray diffraction(XRD) results confirmed the increase in interlayer distance of the clay due to the insertion of IPPD.Rheological and cure characteristics of SBR compounds were determined using RPA(Rubber Process Analyzer) and rheometer.Scorch time and cure time of SBR compounds decreased with introduction of the organoclay.Mechanical properties and heat aging resistance of the SBR composites were improved significantly by incorporation of the organoclay.     

Spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of uranium(VI) in water samples after mixed micelle-mediated extraction

A cloud point extraction process using mixed micelle of the cationic surfactant CTAB and non-ionic surfactant TritonX-114 to extract uranium(VI) from aqueous solutions was investigated. The method is based on the color reaction of uranium with pyrocatechol violet in the presence of potassium iodide in hexamethylenetetramine buffer media and mixed micelle-mediated extraction of complex. The optimal extraction and reaction conditions (e.g. surfactant concentration, reagent concentration, effect of time) were studied and the analytical characteristics of the method (e.g. limit of detection, linear range, preconcentration, and improvement factors) were obtained. Linearity was obeyed in the range of 0.20-10.00 ng mL⁻¹ of uranium(VI) ion and the detection limit of the method is 0.06 ng mL⁻¹. The interference effect of some anions and cations was also tested. The method was applied to the determination of uranium(VI) in tap water, waste-water and well water samples.     

Chitosan surface modified hydrogel as a therapeutic contact lens

Therapeutic contact lenses have attracted significant attention during the last decades. In this study, we used chitosan‐conjugated poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) for contact lens application. We aimed to increase affinity of anionic drugs, which are used in treatment of eye diseases. In this regard, we evaluated delivery of the small molecule anionic drug, ascorbic acid from the chitosan‐conjugated PHEMA. Chitosan immobilization improves drug loading efficiency and induces sustained release of ascorbic acid. The chitosan modified hydrogel also reduces the biofouling of tear fluid components. Our results showed that surface modification by chitosan inhibits protein and bacterial deposition on the contact lens. Protein absorption analysis revealed that neat PHEMA adsorbed tear proteins at a density of 28.4 ± 4.4 μg/cm², whereas the chitosan‐conjugated hydrogel adsorbed tear proteins at a density of 18.5 ± 1.8 μg/cm². Moreover, the neat PHEMA bacterial adhesion had a mean CFU value of 273 ± 27. However, a significant decrease in the number of bacterial colonies was observed in the chitosan group with a CFU value of 9 ± 6.