Hybrid density functional theory/molecular mechanics calculations of two-photon absorption of dimethylamino nitro stilbene in solution

The dimethylamino nitro stilbene (DANS) molecule is studied for exploring solvent effects on two-photon absorption using the quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) response theory approach, where the quantum part is represented by density functional theory. We have explored the role of geometrical change of the chromophore in solution, the importance of taking a dynamical average over the sampled structures and the role of a granular representation of the polarization and electrostatic interactions with the classically described medium. The line shape function was simulated by the QM/MM technique thereby allowing for non-empirical prediction of the absolute two-photon cross section. We report a maximum in the TPA cross section for a medium of intermediate solvent polarity (i.e. in chloroform) and provide the grounds for an explanation of this effect which recently has been experimentally observed for a series of charge transfer species in solvents of different polarity. The calculations of absorption energies reproduce well the positive solvatochromic behavior of DANS and are in good agreement with experimental spectra available for the chloroform and DMSO solvents. In line with recent development of the QM/MM response technique for color modeling, we find this methodology to offer a versatile tool to predict and analyze two-photon absorption phenomena taking place within a medium.     

4,7-Diaryl indole-based fluorescent chemosensor for iodide ions

Simple and selective indole based fluorescent sensors for iodide anions are reported. A series of 4,7-diaryl indole derivatives (DAIs) are designed and synthesized using Suzuki coupling. These DAIs shows significant changes in UV-vis and fluorescent intensity only with addition of iodides and not with other anions. The ability of these DAIs to function as selective iodide chemosensor is reported.     

Design of novel SPEEK-based proton exchange membranes by self-assembly method for fuel cells

Fuel cell represents a new energy conversion device, which promises to provide clean source of power. Fuel cell [particularly proton exchange membrane fuel cell and direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC)] is a promising candidate for transportation and portable power source applications. In DMFC, there is a problem of methanol crossover. In order to reduce such a problem, there has been an intensive research activity in the modification of Nafion. In the present investigation, self-assembled membranes were fabricated with sulfonated polyether ether ketone as the core part of the membrane. Aminated polysulfone and sulfonated polysulfone were used as the layers in order to prevent the crossover of methanol. The assembled membranes were characterized by ion exchange capacity, water and methanol absorption, and durability. The methanol permeability and selectivity ratio proved a strong influence on DMFC application. Scanning electron microscopy proved smooth surface, which established strong cohesive force for the polymer chains. Among the synthesized self-assembled membranes, the membrane with two bilayers was the best in terms of power density in DMFC. The membrane electrode assembly with two bilayers showed higher performance (~61.05 mW/cm²) than sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) and Nafion in DMFC.     

Studies on intermolecular interaction on binary mixtures of methyl orange-water system: excess molar functions of ultrasonic parameters at different concentrations and at different temperatures

Density (ρ), viscosity (η) and ultrasonic velocity (u) of binary mixtures of methyl orange and water were measured at different concentrations and at different temperatures; several useful parameters such as excess volume, excess velocity, and excess adiabatic compressibility have been calculated. These parameters are used to explain the nature of intermolecular interactions taking place in the binary mixture. The above study is helpful in understanding the dye/solvent interaction at different concentration and temperatures.     

Book reviews

PHYSICS, WITH ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES FROM MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY. VOLUME 1: MECHANICS, by George [euro]3. Benedek and Felix M. H. Villars, Addison Wesley, Reading, Massachusetts 1974. ($7.95)

NOMOGRAPHS FOR ELECTRONICS. INSTANT CALCULATIONS FOR DESIGNERS, by Robert L. Peters. Cahners Books, 89 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02 1 10. ISBN: 0-8436-0204-X. Catalog Code: NEPE. (21 1.25)