Valence band and chemical interactions of Zn/CdSnAs2 interfaces

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) together with argon ion sputtering was used to investigate the interface of the Zn/CdSnAs₂ system at various temperatures. The formation of an intermediate compound between Zn and As is proposed. The surface enrichment of Cd and Sn at 200 and 400°C is explained in terms of bond breaking and lattice strain theories.NCL Communication No. 4352     

Effect of60Co gamma radiation on La2CuO4

The effect of⁶⁰Co -radiation on La₂CuO₄ solid catalyst prepared by the ceramic method has been studied. Gamma irradiation of La₂CuO₄ samples has been found to increase the Cu⁺ content, electrical conductivities and decrease the magnetic susceptibilities of the catalyst. The results have been interpreted on the basis of the crystal field model of the structure of La₂CuO₄.     

Potential energy curves: A simple and rapid method

The true potential energy curves for different electronic states of diatomic molecules have been constructed by a simplified and modified form of the Jarmain method. To check the validity of this new procedure potential energy curves are constructed for NO⁺, VO, Si₂, AsO, AsO⁺, PF⁺, CO and Bi₂. The results are in good agreement with the Jarmain, RKRV and Lakshman and Rao methods.     

Structural changes by sulfoxidation of phenothiazine drugs

Summary The side-chain conformations of psychoactive phenothiazine drugs in crystals are different from those of biologically inactive ring sulfoxide metabolites. This study examines the potential energies, molecular conformations and electrostatic potentials in chlorpromazine, levomepromazine (methotrimeprazine), their sulfoxide metabolites and methoxypromazine. The purpose of the study was to examine the significance of the different crystal conformations of active and inactive phenothiazine derivatives, and to determine why phenothiazine drugs lose most of their biological activity by sulfoxidation. Quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics calculations demonstrated that conformations with the side chain folded over the ring structure had lowest potential energy in vacuo, both in the drugs and in the sulfoxide metabolites. In the sulfoxides, side chain conformations corresponding to the crystal structure of chlorpromazine sulfoxide were characterized by stronger negative electrostatic potentials around the ring system than in the parent drugs. This may weaken the electrostatic interaction of sulfoxide metabolites with negatively charged domains in dopamine receptors, and cause the sulfoxides to be virtually inactive in dopamine receptor binding and related pharmacological tests.     

Amine-templated metal squarates

Two layered amine-templated cobalt squarates, [C₆N₂H₁₄]₂[Co₂(C₄O₄)₃(H₂O)₄], I, and [C₃N₂H₅]₂[Co₂(C₄O₄)₃(H₂O)₄], II, have been prepared under hydrothermal conditions. Both I and II contain chains formed by dimers comprising two cobalt atoms bound to the squarate units, the chains being connected through hydrogen bond interactions. An amine-templated cobalt squarate of the formula [C₄N₂H₁₂][Co(C₄O₄)₂(H₂O)₄][H₂O]₂, III, as well as its Ni, Zn and Cd analogues have been prepared by room temperature reactions. III has a layered architecture wherein the cobalt-squarate monomers are linked by the amine molecules. Co and Zn analogues of [Ni(C₄O₄)(H₂O)₂(C₃N₂H₄)] with ligating imidazole units have also been prepared and characterized.     

Non-isothermal thermogravimetric pyrolysis kinetics of waste petroleum refinery sludge by isoconversional approach

Pyrolysis of petroleum refinery sludge has received global acclamation as a clean conversion technique for providing solution of sludge disposal as well as efficient resource utilization. This communication reports the kinetics study of pyrolysis of petroleum refinery sludge. Experiments were carried out by means of thermogravimetric analysis at different heating rates of 5, 10 and 20°C min⁻¹. The pyrolytic reaction is significant in the temperature range of 200–350°C and analysis and evaluation of kinetic parameters is done in the 100–500°C region of non-isothermal TG curves obtained in nitrogen atmosphere. The activation energy is calculated by iso-conversional method, then other kinetic parameters are determined by considering single reaction and two reaction global kinetic model. Two-reaction model is found to fit satisfactorily the experimental results.     

High resolution protein separations using affinity ultrafiltration with small charged ligands

Although the feasibility of affinity ultrafiltration was demonstrated more than 20 years ago, commercial applications have not developed due to the high cost and practical limitations of the large macroligands needed for highly selective separations. The objective of this study was to examine the use of small charged affinity ligands for protein purification by exploiting electrostatic interactions between the charged complex and an electrically-charged membrane. Experiments were performed using bovine serum albumin and ovalbumin with Cibacron Blue as the affinity ligand. Negatively charged versions of a composite regenerated cellulose membrane were generated by covalent attachment of a sulfonic acid functionality. Binding experiments were used to identify appropriate conditions for protein separations. The selectivity for the separation of BSA and ovalbumin was a function of the solution conditions, Cibacron Blue concentration, and membrane charge, with the addition of Cibacron Blue causing a 30-fold increase in selectivity. A diafiltration process was performed at the optimal conditions, giving a BSA product with a purification factor of more than 90-fold and a yield greater than 90%. These results clearly demonstrate the potential of using a small charged affinity ligand for high resolution protein separations.     

Preparation and thermal stability of trioxalatocobaltates of bivalent metals KM2+ [Co(C2O4)3]·xH2O

Trioxalatocobaltates of bivalent metals KM²⁺[Co(C₂O₄)₃]·x H₂O, with M²⁺ = Ba, Sr, Ca and Pb, have been prepared, characterized and their thermal behaviour studied. The compounds decompose to yield potassium carbonate, bivalent metal carbonate or oxide and cobalt oxide as final products. The formation of the final products of decomposition is influenced by the surrounding atmosphere. Bivalent metal cobaltites of the types KM²⁺CoO₃ and M²⁺CoO_3—x are not identified among the final products of decomposition. The study brings out the importance of the decomposition mode of the precursor in producing the desired end products.