Preparation and electrochemical performances of nanoporous/cracked cobalt oxide layer for supercapacitors

Nanoporous/cracked structures of cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) electrodes were successfully fabricated by electroplating of zinc–cobalt onto previously formed TiO₂ nanotubes by anodizing of titanium, leaching of zinc in a concentrated alkaline solution and followed by drying and annealing at 400 °C. The structure and morphology of the obtained Co₃O₄ electrodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, EDX analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the obtained Co₃O₄ electrodes were composed of the nanoporous/cracked structures with an average pore size of about 100 nm. The electrochemical capacitive behaviors of the nanoporous Co₃O₄ electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge studies and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 1 M NaOH solution. The electrochemical data demonstrated that the electrodes display good capacitive behavior with a specific capacitance of 430 F g^?1 at a current density of 1.0 A g^?1 and specific capacitance retention of ca. 80 % after 10 days of being used in electrochemical experiments, indicating to be promising electroactive materials for supercapacitors. Furthermore, in comparison with electrodes prepared by simple cathodic deposition of cobalt onto TiO₂ nanotubes(without dealloying procedure), the impedance studies showed improved performances likely due to nanoporous/cracked structures of electrodes fabricated by dealloying of zinc, which provide fast ion and electron transfer routes and large reaction surface area with the ensued fast reaction kinetics.     

Anticancer activity and evaluation of apoptotic genes expression of 2-azetidinones containing anthraquinone moiety

Molecular Diversity - Nowadays, one of the principal causes of death in the world is cancer. A series of 2-azetidinones containing anthraquinone moiety with various substituents were synthesized...     

A cellular uptake and cytotoxicity properties study of gallic acid-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles on Caco-2 cells

In this study, the effects of intracellular delivery of various concentrations of gallic acid (GA) as a semistable antioxidant, gallic acid-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs-GA), and cellular uptake of nanoparticles into Caco-2 cells were investigated. MSNs were synthesized and loaded with GA, then characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The cytotoxicity of MSNs and MSNs-GA at low and high concentrations were studied by means of 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test and flow cytometry. MSNs did not show significant toxicity in various concentrations (0–500 μg/ml) on Caco-2 cells. For MSNs-GA, cell viability was reduced as a function of incubation time and different concentrations of nanoparticles. The in vitro GA release from MSNs-GA exhibited the same antitumor properties as free GA on Caco-2 cells. Flow cytometry results confirmed those obtained using MTT assay. TEM and fluorescent microscopy confirmed the internalization of MSNs by Caco-2 cells through nonspecific cellular uptake. MSNs can easily internalize into Caco-2 cells without deleterious effects on cell viability. The cell viability of Caco-2 cells was affected during MSNs-GA uptake. MSNs could be designed as suitable nanocarriers for antioxidants delivery.     

Synthesis and characterization of some nickel(II) Schiff bases complexes

Summary The reaction of nickel(II) salts with 2-picolyl- and 2,6-lutidyl-phenylketone benzoylhydrazone and theirp-nitro- andp-methoxy-derivatives were carried out and the compounds characterized on the basis of analytical and spectral data.     

Highly selective thiocyanate poly(vinyl chloride) membrane electrode based on a cadmium–Schiff’s base complex

A PVC membrane electrode based on a cadmium–salen (N,N′-bis-salicylidene-1,2ethylenediamine) complex as an anion carrier is described. The electrode has an anti-Hofmeister selectivity sequence with a preference for thiocyanate at pH 1.5–11.0. It has a linear response to thiocyanate from 1.0 × 10^–6 to 1.0 × 10^–1 mol L^–1 with a slope of 59.1 ± 0.2 mV per decade, and a detection limit of 7 × 10^–7 mol L^–1. This electrode has high selectivity for thiocyanate relative to many common organic and inorganic anions. The proposed sensor has a fast response time of approximately 15 s. It was applied to the determination of thiocyanate in a milk sample. Received: 1 December 2000 / Revised: 19 April 2001 / Accepted: 30 April 2001     

Optimization and sensitivity analysis of magneto-hydrodynamic natural convection nanofluid flow inside a square enclosure using response surface methodology

This article studies buoyancy-driven natural convection of a nanofluid affected by a magnetic field within a square enclosure with an individual conductive pin fin. The effects of electromagnetic forces, thermal conductivity, and inclination angle of pin fin were investigated using non-dimensional parameters. An extensive sensitivity analysis was conducted seeking an optimal heat transfer setting. The novelty of this work lies in including different contributing factors in heat transfer analysis, rigorous analysis of design parameters, and comprehensive mathematical analysis of solution domain for optimization. Results showed that magnetic strength diminished the heat transfer efficacy, while higher relative thermal conductivity of pin fin improved it. Based on the problem settings, we also obtained the relative conductivity value in which the heat transfer is optimal. Higher sensitivity of heat transfer was, though, noticed for both magnetic strength and fin thermal conductivity in comparison to fin inclination angle. Further studies, specifically with realistic geometrical configurations and heat transfer settings, are urged to translate current findings to industrial applications.

     

The Anticancer Activity and HSA Binding Properties of the Structurally Related Platinum (II) Complexes

The development of resistance and unwanted harmful interaction with other biomolecules instead of DNA are the major drawbacks for application of platinum (Pt) complexes in cancer chemotherapy. To conquer these problems, much works have been done so far to discover innovative Pt complexes. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the anti cancer activities of a series of four and five-coordinated Pt(II) complexes, having deprotonated 2-phenyl pyridine (abbreviated as C^N), biphosphine moieties, i.e., dppm?=?bis(diphenylphosphino) methane (Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) and dppa?=?bis(diphenylphosphino)amine (Ph₂PNHPPh₂), as the non-leaving carrier groups. The growth inhibitory effect of the Pt complexes [Pt(C^N)(dppm)]PF₆: C ₁ , [Pt(C^N)(dppa)]PF₆: C ₂ , and [Pt(C^N)I(dppa)]: C ₃ , toward the cancer cell lines was measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. In addition, the florescence quenching experiments of the interaction between human serum albumin (HSA) and the Pt complexes were performed in order to obtain the binding parameters and to evaluate the denaturing properties of these complexes upon binding to the general carrier protein of blood stream. The structure?Cactivity relationship studies reveal that four-coordinated Pt complexes C ₁ and C ₂ with both significant hydrophobic and charge characteristics, not only exhibit strong antiproliferation activity toward the cancer cell lines, but also they display lower denaturing effect against carrier protein HSA. On the other hand, five-coordinated C ₃ complex with the unusual intermolecular NH??Pt hydrogen binding and the intrinsic ability for oligomerization, exhibits poor anticancer activity and strong denaturing property. The current study reveals that the balance between charge and hydrophobicity of the Pt complexes, also their hydrogen binding abilities and coordination mode are important for their anticancer activities. Moreover, this study may suggest C ₁ and C ₂ as the potential template structures for synthesis of new generation of four-coordinated Pt complexes with strong anticancer activities and weak denaturing effects against proteins.     

Assessment of nanocomposites based on unsaturated polyester resin/nanoclay under impact loading

The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of nanoclay reinforced unsaturated polyester (UP) resin under impact loads. Nanocomposite specimens containing nanoclay in 0, 1.5, and 3 (wt%) were prepared by melt mixing method. X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy analysis, scanning electron microscope photographs, and viscosity changes in liquid state resin confirmed exfoliation and intercalation of the nanoclay in the UP resin system used. Tensile modulus showed an increase with increase in nanoclay content. However, the tensile strength and elongation at break exhibited reducing performance with increase in nanoclay content. Izod impact test results indicated better performance for the specimens containing nanoclay reinforcements, with 1.5 (wt%) of nanoclay specimens showing the highest value. High velocity impact tests were carried out using gas gun in velocity range of 20–100 m/sec and harden steel hemispherical tip projectile with diameter of 8.7 mm and weight of 11.54 g. Results for high velocity impact test indicated better performance by the specimens containing nanoclay, with 1.5 (wt%) nanoclay showing the highest attained value. Damage assessments of impact area for all specimens showed spalling type brittle failure with punch out and sever fragmentation pattern. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A tetra-coordinate nickel(II) complex as neutral carrier for nitrate-selective PVC membrane electrode

The potentiometric response properties and applications of a tetra-coordinate nickel(II) complex with relatively high selectivity toward nitrate ion are described. The nickel(II) complex of 5,7,12,14-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-4,6,11,13-tetraene was used as a neutral carrier into plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane. The influence of several variables was investigated in order to optimize the potentiometric response and selectivity of the electrode. The resulting membrane electrode incorporating 31.0% PVC, 61.0% dioctyl phthalate (DOP) as plasticizer, 3% methyltrioctylammonium chloride (MTOAC) as a cationic additive and 5% carrier (all w/w) demonstrates a Nernstian response slope of −59.6 mV per decade over the concentration range of 5×10⁻⁶-1×10⁻¹ M NO₃⁻. The electrode exhibits a fast response time (≤10 s), a detection limit of 2.5×10⁻⁶ M, and can be used over a wide pH range of 4-12. The electrode shows improved selectivity in comparison to most of the previously reported nitrate-selective electrodes. It was successfully applied to the determination of nitrate ion in natural water samples.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Crystal Structure of a Chromium(III)‐Complex Containing 2,6‐Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid and 1,10‐Phenanthroline

The reaction of solution 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid and 1,10‐phenanthroline ( 1 ) with CrCl₃·6H₂O led to the complex [Cr(phen)(pydc)(H₂O)][Cr(pydc)₂]·4H₂O ( 2 ) (phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline and pydcH₂ is 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid). 2 was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and single‐crystal structure determination. Crystal data for 2 at ?80 °C: triclinic, space group , a = 818.5(1), b = 1492.2(1), c = 1533.6(2) pm, α = 76.45(1)°, β = 84.22(1)°, γ = 77.99(1)°, Z = 2, R₁ = 0.0416.