Selective hydrogenation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">α</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-unsaturated carbonyl compounds on supported Ru-Sn catalysts

Selective catalytic hydrogenation of unsaturated carbonylic compounds to unsaturated alcohols on bi-metallic Ru-Sn catalysts/support was studied. The catalysts were prepared by the sol–gel method and the method of co-impregnation with the objective to evaluate selected parameters of preparation, i.e., the amount of modifying tin and the support (TiO₂, SiO₂, Al₂O₃), on their catalytic activity and selectivity. A significant modifying effect of tin was proved, especially its positive effect on the selectivity. Concerning the selectivity as well as the activity, Al₂O₃ was found to be the optimal support. Furthermore, the effect of a substrate was studied with results proving suitability of this catalytic system for hydrogenation of unsaturated aldehydes; however, the utilization for selective hydrogenation of unsaturated ketones was found inadequate.     

Preparation and utilization of perillyl acetate

Perillyl acetate is a fragrance compound that was prepared by the reaction of β-pinenoxide with acetic anhydride and using acetic acid as an acid catalyst. Several selected catalysts were tested (homogenous: phosphoric acid, boric acid, acetic acid, and citric acid; heterogeneous: zeolite USY, SSA, and montmorillonite K-10) and the reaction conditions optimized for this reaction. The yield 78.7 % of perillyl acetate was obtained. Mayol (4-isopropylcyclohexylmethanol), a valuable fragrance compound, was further obtained by a two-step synthesis from perillyl acetate. Firstly, perillyl acetate was saponified to perillyl alcohol. The yield of alcohol was 94.4 %. The last step of the entire preparation was the hydrogenation of perillyl alcohol to Mayol. The yield of the desired product of this reaction was 94.6 %.     

Determination of trace amounts of gold in acid-attacked environmental samples by atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization after preconcentration

A method for determination of trace amounts of gold in environmental samples (rocks, soils, sediments, and waters) by atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization (ETAAS) after preconcentration using a chelating sorbent Spheron Thiol 1000 is described. The method accurately determines gold between 0.001 and several tens of grams per ton in samples having complex variations in mineralogy. Pulverized samples are roasted at 650°C to oxidize any sulfide and/or carbonaceous material. Samples are then subjected to a series of acid treatments to eliminate any silica matrix and to dissolve the sample. The Spheron Thiol 1000 is added to the sample solution, and then with sorbed gold is filtered out, washed, and ignited at 550°C. The residue is dissolved in aqua regia, evaporated, dissolved in distilled water, transferred to a volumetric flask, and analyzed by ETAAS.The limits of detection of gold, based on the 3 definition, were 0.5 ng g^–1 for 10-g samples (rocks, sediments, soils) and 0.05 ng mL^–1 for 1-L water samples. Precision of determination expressed by the relative standard deviation varied from 2.9% to 16.4%. The accuracy of the method is verified by analysis of certified reference materials. The obtained analytical results are in good agreement with attested values. The developed method was applied for gold determination in environmental samples affected by the acidification (acid mine drainage which is mainly a product of pyrite oxidation) from an open quartzite mine in the obov region situated NE of the city of Banská tiavnica (Slovakia).     

New approaches to cluster modification in the 12-vertex metallatricarbollide series

Cluster opening of [2-Cp-9-^tBuNH-closo-2,1,7,9-FeC₃B₈H₁₀] (1) , followed by oxidation, generates complexes [2-Cp-8-^tBuNH-closo-2,1,8,10-FeC₃B₈H₁₀] (2), [2-Cp-4-^tBuNH-closo-2,1,4,12-FeC₃B₈H₁₀] (3), [2-Cp-1-^tBuNH-closo-2,1,7,10-FeC₃B₈H₁₀] (4), and [1-Cp-10-^tBuNH-closo-1,2,3,10-FeC₃B₇H₉] (5). Another variation of the syntheses led to compounds [2-Cp-closo-2,1,8,10-FeC₃B₈H₁₁] (6), [4-Cp-1-^tBuNH-closo-4,1,6,8,-FeC₃B₉H₁₁] (7) and to two isomeric, not yet fully characterized, 13-vertex compounds of general nido structure [^tBuNH-Cp-FeC₃B₉H₁₂] (8 and 9).     

Intercalates of Vanadyl Phosphate with Dinitriles

Intercalates of vanadyl phosphate with aliphatic dinitriles (malononitrile, succinonitrile, glutaronitrile, adiponitrile, pimelonitrile and suberonitrile) were prepared and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, IR and Raman spectroscopies. The basal spacings of all the intercalates prepared are practically identical. The dinitrile content in the intercalates decreases with increasing chain length. The dinitrile molecules are anchored to the host layers by an N–V donor–acceptor bond and their aliphatic chains are parallel to the host layers. The dinitrile intercalates are generally more stable in air (at relative humidity 40–50%) than nitrile intercalates and the guest molecules are slowly replaced by the water molecules.     

Maleic anhydride and acetylene plasma copolymer surfaces for SPR immunosensing

We report on the successful application of carboxyl-rich plasma polymerized (PP) films as a matrix layer for bioreceptor immobilization in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunosensing. Composition and chemical properties of the carboxyl-rich PP films deposited from a mixture of maleic anhydride and acetylene were investigated. Changes in the films stored in air, water, and buffer were studied and the involved chemical changes were described. Performance in SPR immunosensing was evaluated on interactions of human serum albumin (HSA) with a specific monoclonal antibody. The comparison with the mixed self-assembled monolayer of mercaptoundecanoic acid and mercaptohexanol (MUA/MCH) and one of the most widely used surfaces for SPR, the 2D and 3D carboxymethylated dextran (CMD), was presented to show the efficacy of plasma polymerized matrix layers for biosensing. The PP film-based SPR immunosensor provided a similar detection limit of HSA (100 ng/mL) as MUA/MCH- (100 ng/mL) and 3D CMD (50 ng/mL)-based sensors. However, the response levels were about twice higher in case of the PP film-based immunosensor than in case of MUA/MCH-based alternative. The PP film surfaces had similar binding capacity towards antibody as the 3D CMD layers. The response of PP film-based sensor towards HSA was comparable to 3D CMD-based sensor up to 2.5 μg/mL. For the higher concentrations (> 10 μg/mL), the response of PP film-based immunosensor was lower due to inaccessibility of active sites of the immobilized antibody inside the flat PP film surface. We have demonstrated that due to its high stability and cost-effective straightforward preparation, the carboxyl-rich PP films represent an efficient alternative to self-assembled monolayers (SAM) and dextran-based layers in label-free immunosensing.

Graphical abstract

     

The Application of Graphene and Its Derivatives to Energy Conversion,Storage, and Environmental and Biosensing Devices

Graphene (GR) and its derivatives are promising materials on the horizon of nanotechnology and material science and have attracted a tremendous amount of research interest in recent years. The unique atom‐thick 2D structure with sp² hybridization and large specific surface area, high thermal conductivity, superior electron mobility, and chemical stability have made GR and its derivatives extremely attractive components for composite materials for solar energy conversion, energy storage, environmental purification, and biosensor applications. This review gives a brief introduction of GR's unique structure, band structure engineering, physical and chemical properties, and recent energy‐related progress of GR‐based materials in the fields of energy conversion (e.g., photocatalysis, photoelectrochemical water splitting, CO₂ reduction, dye‐sensitized and organic solar cells, and photosensitizers in photovoltaic devices) and energy storage (batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors). The vast coverage of advancements in environmental applications of GR‐based materials for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, gas sensing, and removal of heavy‐metal ions is presented. Additionally, the use of graphene composites in the biosensing field is discussed. We conclude the review with remarks on the challenges, prospects, and further development of GR‐based materials in the exciting fields of energy, environment, and bioscience.     

Maleic Anhydride Polyethylene Octene Elastomer Toughened Polyamide 6/Polypropylene Nanocomposites: Mechanical and Morphological Properties

A series of polyamide 6/polypropylene (PA6/PP) blends and nanocomposites containing 4 wt% of organophilic modified montmorillonite (MMT) were designed and prepared by melt compounding followed by injection molding. Maleic anhydride polyethylene octene elastomer (POEgMAH) was used as impact modifier as well as compatibilizer in the blend system. Three weight ratios of PA6/PP blends were prepared i.e. 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40. The mechanical properties of PA6/PP blends and nanocomposite were studied through flexural and impact properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the microstructure. The incorporation of 10 wt% POEgMAH into PA6/PP blends significantly increased the toughness with a corresponding reduction in strength and stiffness. However, on further addition of 4 wt% organoclay, the strength and modulus increased but with a sacrifice in impact strength. It was also found that the mechanical properties are a function of blend ratio with 70:30 PA6/PP having the highest impact strength, both for blends and nanocomposites. The morphological study revealed that within the blend ratio studied, the higher the PA6 content, the finer were the POEgMAH particles.