Photogenerated hole mobility in DNA measured by time-resolved microwave conductivity

We report the first direct observation of charge transport dynamics using time-resolved microwave conductivity and transient absorption spectroscopy techniques on the photolysis of an anthraquinone-bound DNA complex.     

Variation of saturated surface density of ovalbumin on bubble surface in continuous foam separation

The adsorption of ovalbumin (OA) onto the bubble surfaces was studied with various pHs (3.5, 4.6, 6.0 and 8.0) by a continuous foam separation technique. From the value of the saturated surface density of adsorbed OA, the variation of effective diameter (D) of an OA molecule on the bubble surface was estimated for various pHs (3.5, 4.6, 6.0 and 8.0) of the OA solutions, assuming that the cross section of the OA molecules be circular and that the OA molecules adsorb on the bubble surface in a closest packing structure. The estimated variation of D with pH was attempted to explain based on a model modified from that proposed by Pujar and Zydney. The modified model could well reproduce the variation of the effective diameter with pH; the values of D calculated on the basis of the modified model almost agreed with that estimated from the saturated surface density in the present experimental pH range. From these, conclusion was drawn that the modified model presented in this study can express the variation in the effective diameter with pH.     

Removal of boron from aqueous solution by clays and modified clays

In order to increase the adsorption capacities of bentonite, sepiolite, and illite for the removal of boron form aqueous solution, the clay samples were modified by nonylammonium chloride. Specific surface areas of the samples were determined as a result of N2 adsorption-desorption at 77 K using the BET method. X-ray powder diffraction analysis of the clays and modified clays was used to determine the effects of modifying agents on the layer structure of the clays. The surface characterization of clays and modified clay samples was conducted using the FTIR technique before and after the boron adsorption. For the optimization of the adsorption of boron on clays and modified clays, the effect of pH and ionic strength was examined. The results indicate that adsorption of boron can be achieved by regulating pH values in the range of 8-10 and high ionic strength. In order to find the adsorption characteristics, Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich adsorption isotherms were applied to the adsorption data. The data were well described by Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich adsorption isotherms while the fit of Langmuir equation to adsorption data was poor. It was reached that modification of bentonite and illite with nonylammonium chloride increased the adsorption capacity for boron sorption from aqueous solution.     

Synthesis and properties of optically active phosphine-boranes possessing an l-menthyloxy group

(SP)-9-Anthryl(l-menthyloxy)phenylphosphine-borane and (SP)-(1-l-menthyloxy)benzo[b]phosphole-borane were synthesized, and their structures were characterized by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The latter compound was reduced by lithium naphthalenide at −78°C with cleavage of the P O bond, and the subsequent reaction with electrophiles afforded the corresponding tertiary phosphine-boranes possessing good to excellent enantiomeric excesses.     

Single Crystalline,Non-stoichiometric Cocrystals of Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks

Porous frameworks composed of non-stoichiometrically mixed multicomponent molecules attract much attention from a functional viewpoint. However, their designed preparation and precise structural characterization remain challenging. Herein, we demonstrate that cocrystallization of tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)hexahydropyrene and pyrene derivatives ( CP-Hp and CP-Py , respectively) yields non-stoichiometric mixed frameworks through networking via hydrogen bonding. The composition ratio of CP-Hp and CP-Py in the framework was determined by single crystalline X-ray crystallographic analysis, indicating that the mixed frameworks were formed over a wide range of composition ratios. Furthermore, microscopic Raman spectroscopy on the single crystal indicates that the components are not uniformly distributed such as ideal solid solution, but are done gradationally or inhomogeneously.     

Flux-Assisted Synthesis of Y2Ti2O5S2 for Photocatalytic Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions

Photocatalytic water splitting is an ideal means of producing hydrogen in a sustainable manner, and developing highly efficient photocatalysts is a vital aspect of realizing this process. The photocatalyst Y₂Ti₂O₅S₂ (YTOS) is capable of absorbing at wavelengths up to 650 nm and exhibits outstanding thermal and chemical durability compared with other oxysulfides. However, the photocatalytic performance of YTOS synthesized using the conventional solid-state reaction (SSR) process is limited owing to the large particle sizes and structural defects associated with this synthetic method. Herein, we report the synthesis of YTOS particles by a flux-assisted technique. The enhanced mass transfer efficiency in the flux significantly reduced the preparation time compared with the SSR method. In addition, the resulting YTOS showed improved photocatalytic H₂ and O₂ evolution activity when loaded with Rh and Co₃O₄ co-catalysts, respectively. These improvements are attributed to the reduced particle size and enhanced crystallinity of the material as well as the slower decay of photogenerated carriers on a nanosecond to sub-microsecond time range. Further optimization of this flux-assisted method together with suitable surface modification is expected to produce high-quality YTOS crystals with superior photocatalytic activity.