Tractable molecular theory of transport of Lennard-Jones fluids in nanopores

We present here a tractable theory of transport of simple fluids in cylindrical nanopores, which is applicable over a wide range of densities and pore sizes. In the Henry law low-density region the theory considers the trajectories of molecules oscillating between diffuse wall collisions, while at higher densities beyond this region the contribution from viscous flow becomes significant and is included through our recent approach utilizing a local average density model. The model is validated by means of equilibrium as well nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of supercritical methane transport in cylindrical silica pores over a wide range of temperature, density, and pore size. The model for the Henry law region is exact and found to yield an excellent match with simulations at all conditions, including the single-file region of very small pore size where it is shown to provide the density-independent collective transport coefficient. It is also shown that in the absence of dispersive interactions the model reduces to the classical Knudsen result, but in the presence of such interactions the latter model drastically overpredicts the transport coefficient. For larger micropores beyond the single-file region the transport coefficient is reduced at high density because of intermolecular interactions and hindrance to particle crossings leading to a large decrease in surface slip that is not well represented by the model. However, for mesopores the transport coefficient increases monotonically with density, over the range studied, and is very well predicted by the theory, though at very high density the contribution from surface slip is slightly overpredicted. It is also seen that the concept of activated diffusion, commonly associated with diffusion in small pores, is fundamentally invalid for smooth pores, and the apparent activation energy is not simply related to the minimum pore potential or the adsorption energy as generally assumed.     

Survival probability in one dimension for theA+B→B reaction with hard-core repulsion

We study the effect of hard-core repulsion (known as the bus effect) betweenB particles on the reaction-diffusion systemA+BB in the continuous-time random walk model in one dimension with theA particles stationary. We show rigorously that the survival probability of theA particles is asymptotically bounded asC ₁lim _t{[–logS(t)]/t ^0.5}C ₂, whereC ₁ andC ₂ are constants. We also do simulations to confirm our results.     

Spectrophotometric determination of ruthenium(III) using diphenylcarbazone

Summary The purple violet ruthenium(III)-diphenylcarbazone complex which is formed at p _h 5–7, and has an absorption maximum at 530 nm with molar absorption coefficient 16.2·10⁴l.cm^–1.mole^–1 is suggested for the estimation of 20–125g ruthenium(III) spectrophotometrically in 30–60% ethanol. The complex is stable over p _h range 3.2–8.4. The limits of interference due to foreign ions have been studied.

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Zusammenfassung Der bei p _h 5 bis7 entstehende Ruthenium(III)-Diphenylcarbazon-Komplex hat ein Absorptionsmaximum bei 530 nm und einen Absorptionskoeffizienten von 16,2·10⁴ l.cm^–1.Mol^–1. Die spektrophotometrische Bestimmung von 20 bis 125g Ruthenium(III) in 30 bis 60%igem Äthanol mit Hilfe dieses zwischen p _h 3,2 und 8,4 beständigen Komplexes wurde vorgeschlagen. Die Störung durch Fremdionen wurde geprüft.

     

Use of zirconium(IV) and antimony(III) for structural investigation of flavonoids

Summary The absorption spectra (in the visible and ultraviolet) of the complexes formed in absolute methanol between Zr⁴⁺, V⁴⁺, Y³⁺ and Sb³⁺ with 3-hydroxyflavone, apigenin, hesperidin, naringenin, morin, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin and myricetin have been studied. Zr⁴⁺ and Sb³⁺ form complexes that are stable in acid medium. The stoichiometry of the vairous Zr⁴⁺-flavonoid complexes formed in methanol and methanol/HClO₄ media has been determined by the molar ratio method. The preferred sites for complex formation of flavonoids with Zr⁴⁺ are postulated. Zr⁴⁺ forms chelates with the 3-hydroxy-4-keto and 5-hydroxy-4-keto systems simultaneously. Sb³⁺ forms complexes only with the 3,5-dihydroxy system in flavonoids. The results permit estimation of the relative order of chelating power of each type of binding site and are useful in elucidation of the structure of the flavonoids.

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Verwendung von Zirkonium(III) und Antimon(III) für die Erforschung der Flavonoide

Zusammenfassung Die Absorptions-Spektren (im sichtbaren und UV-Bereich) der in absolutem Methanol hergestellten Komplexe von Zr⁴⁺, V⁴⁺, Y³⁺ und Sb³⁺ mit 3-Hydroxyflavon, Apigenin, Hesperidin, Naringenin, Morin, Kaempferol, Quercetin, Rutin und Myricetin wurden untersucht. Zr⁴⁺ und Sb³⁺ bilden in saurem Milieu beständige Komplexe. Die Stöchiometrie der verschiedenen Zr⁴⁺-Flavonoid-Komplexe, die in Methanol bzw. Methanol/ HClO₄ hergestellt wurden, wurde durch Bestimmung der Molarverhältnisse ermittelt. Die für die Komplexbildung bevorzugten Stellen (im Molekül) wurden angegeben. Zr⁴⁺ bildet Chelate mit der 3-Hydroxy-4-keto- und mit der 5-Hydroxy~4-ketogruppe. Sb³⁺ bildet solche Komplexe nur mit der 3,5-Dihydroxy-4-keto-Gruppe in Flavonoiden. Die Untersuchungsergebnisse ermöglichen die Abschätzung der Komplexbildungsfähigkeit der verschiedenen Gruppierungen und sind für die Strukturaufklärung von Nutzen.

     

High-pressure adsorption capacity and structure of CO2 in carbon slit pores: theory and simulation

We present new simulation results for the packing of single-center and three-center models of carbon dioxide at high pressure in carbon slit pores. The former shows a series of packing transitions that are well described by our density functional theory model developed earlier. In contrast, these transitions are absent for the three-center model. Analysis of the simulation results shows that alternations of flat-lying molecules and rotated molecules can occur as the pore width is increased. The presence or absence of quadrupoles has negligible effect on these high-density structures.     

Effects of structural properties of silicon carbide-derived carbons on their electrochemical double-layer capacitance in aqueous and organic electrolytes

High surface area silicon carbide-derived carbons (Si-CDCs) synthesized by chlorination of beta silicon carbide (βSiC) with two different particle sizes (6 μm and 50 nm) show different porosities with graphitic structure. Transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and argon (Ar) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) sorption analyses are used to examine the textural properties of the Si-CDCs. The results show that the particle size of the precursor affects the surface area and porosity of carbons. Furthermore, an additional heat treatment of the Si-CDC with 50-nm particle size for 24 h at 1,000 °C results in a collapse of the pore structure and reduces the surface area. The capacitive behaviours are investigated in H₂SO₄ and in tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate (TEABF₄)/acetonitrile (AN). The electrochemical performance of the Si-CDCs is influenced by the particle size, surface area, pore volume and pore size distribution. The Si-CDCs exhibit capacitances in 1 M H₂SO₄ of up to 179 F g^?1 and very stable charge–discharge performance over 5,000 cycles. This study shows the crucial importance of ultramicropores less than 1 nm combined with nanosized particles for achieving high capacitance in aqueous electrolyte. Moreover, the graphitic degree at the surface of the Si-CDCs enhances considerably the rate capability and stability in both electrolytes.     

Chemically characterised Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. essential oil as a novel plant based antimicrobial against fungal and aflatoxin B1 contamination of stored maize and its possible mode of action

Abstract

The chemical characterisation of Pimenta dioica essential oil (PDEO) revealed the presence of 50 components, amongst which α-Terpineol (30.31%) was the major component followed by β-Linalool (6.75%) and γ-Terpinene (4.64%). The oil completely inhibited the growth of aflatoxin B₁ secreting strain Aspergillus flavus LHP-VS-8 and aflatoxin B₁ production at 2.5?µL/mL and 1.5?µL/mL, respectively. The oil caused dose dependent reduction of methylglyoxal (an AFB₁ inducer), enhanced leakage of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺ ions and significantly reduced ergosterol content of fungal plasma membrane. During in situ experiments, PDEO exhibited complete protection of fumigated maize cob slices from fungal infestation without affecting seed germination. The chemically characterised PDEO is recommended as a plant based preservative and shelf life enhancer of food commodities by preventing fungal growth, AFB₁ production and lipid peroxidation. This is the first report on PDEO as inhibitor of AFB₁ secretion and methylglyoxal biosynthesis.