Measurement of the a.c. impedance of aluminium samples by holographic interferometry

In the present investigation, holographic interferometry was utilized for the first time to measure the alternating current (a.c.) impedance of aluminium samples during the initial stage of anodization processes in aqueous solution without any physical contact. The anodization process (oxidation) of the aluminium samples was carried out chemically in different sulphuric acid concentrations (0.5–3.125% H₂SO₄) at room temperature. In the mean time, a method of holographic interferometric was used to measure the thickness of anodization (oxide film) of the aluminium samples in aqueous solutions. Along with the holographic measurement, a mathematical model was derived in order to correlate the a.c. impedance of the aluminium samples in solutions to the thickness of the oxide film of the aluminium samples which forms due to the chemical oxidation. The thickness of the oxide film of the aluminium samples was measured by the real-time holographic interferometry. Consequently, holographic interferometry is found very useful for surface finish industries especially for monitoring the early stage of anodization processes of metals, in which the thickness of the anodized film as well as the a.c. impedance of the aluminium samples can be determined in situ. In addition, a comparison was made between the a.c. impedance values obtained from the holographic interferometry measurements and from measurements of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The comparison indicates that there is good agreement between the data from both techniques.     

Impacts of Chemical Variables on the Encapsulated Corticoids in Poly-ε-caprolactone Nanoparticles and Statistical Biological Analysis

The goal of this research is to evaluate the impact of different parameters on corticosteroids entrapment in biocompatible poly-ε-caprolactone nanoparticles. These findings provide better insight on the designing carriers for drugs. Nanocapsules were synthesized by interfacial deposition and their morphology was determined by SEM. Drug entrapment efficiency and particle size distribution were assayed by HPLC and DLS, respectively. The samples were assessed for cytotoxicity using MTT reduction assay. The anti-inflammatory effect of the formulated drug was determined by induction of inflammation in treated as well as native laboratory animals. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS 18.0.     

The Role of Bi3+ in Promoting and Stabilizing Iron Oxo Clusters in Strong Acid

Metal oxo clusters and metal oxides assemble and precipitate from water in processes that depend on pH, temperature, and concentration. Other parameters that influence the structure, composition, and nuclearity of “molecular” and bulk metal oxides are poorly understood, and have thus not been exploited. Herein, we show that Bi³⁺ drives the formation of aqueous Fe³⁺ clusters, usurping the role of pH. We isolated and structurally characterized a Bi/Fe cluster, Fe₃BiO₂(CCl₃COO)₈(THF)(H₂O)₂, and demonstrated its conversion into an iron Keggin ion capped by six Bi³⁺ irons ( Bi₆Fe₁₃ ). The reaction pathway was documented by X‐ray scattering and mass spectrometry. Opposing the expected trend, increased cluster nuclearity required a pH decrease instead of a pH increase. We attribute this anomalous behavior of Bi/Fe(aq) solutions to Bi³⁺, which drives hydrolysis and condensation. Likewise, Bi³⁺ stabilizes metal oxo clusters and metal oxides in strongly acidic conditions, which is important in applications such as water oxidation for energy storage.     

Development of novel magnetic solid-phase extraction sorbent based on Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>/carbon nanosphere/polypyrrole composite and their application to the enrichment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from water samples prior to GC–FID analysis

We describe a magnetic nanocomposite that consists of Fe₃O₄/carbon nanosphere/polypyrrole (Fe₃O₄/CNS/PPy). The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The nanocomposite was successfully applied to extract of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from water samples. Compared to Fe₃O₄/PPy, the Fe₃O₄/CNS/PPy nanocomposite exhibits improved properties in terms of extraction. The amount of adsorbent, salt effect, extraction time, desorption time, type, and the volume of desorption solvent were optimized. Following the desorption of the extracted analytes, the PAHs (i.e., naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, 2-bromonaphthalene, fluorene, and anthracene) were quantified by gas chromatography–flame ionization detector. The PAHs can be determined in 0.05–100.00 ng mL^?1 concentration range, with limits of detection (at an S/N ratio of 3) ranging from 0.01 to 0.05 ng mL^?1. The repeatability of the method was investigated with relative standard deviations of lower than 9.9% (n = 5). Also, the recoveries from spiked real water samples were in the range of 88.9–99.0%. The results indicate that the novel material can be successfully applied for the extraction and analysis of PAHs from water samples.     

Wireless electrochemical preparation of gradient nanoclusters consisting of copper(II), stearic acid and montmorillonite on a copper wire for headspace in-tube microextraction of chlorobenzenes

This work introduces a new gradient fiber coating for microextraction of chlorobenzenes. Nanoclusters of organoclay-Cu(II) on a copper wire were fabricated by wireless electrofunctionalization. The resultant gradient coatings are more robust, and thermally and mechanically stable. Wireless electrofunctionalization was carried out in a bipolar cell under a constant deposition potential and using an ethanolic electrolyte solution containing stearic acid and montmorillonite. Stearic acid acts as an inexpensive and green coating while montmorillonite acts as a modifier to impart thermal stability. The gradient morphology of the nanoclusters was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The coated wire was placed in a hollow needle and used for headspace in-tube microextraction (HS–ITME) of chlorobenzenes (CBs). Effects of various parameters affecting synthesis and extraction were optimized. Following extraction, the needles were directly inserted into the GC injector, and the CBs (chlorobenzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene) were quantified by GC–MS. The limits of detection under optimized conditions range from 0.5 to 10 ng.L^?1. The intra– and inter–day relative standard deviations (RSDs) (for n?=?10, 5 respectively) using a single fiber are 6–10 and 10–15%, respectively. The fiber–to–fiber RSDs (for n?=?3) is between 17 and 24%. The method was successfully applied to the extraction of CBs from real water samples, and relative recoveries are between 91 and 110%.

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Graphical abstract A gradient coating of organoclay–Cu nanoclusters was fabricated on a copper wire by wireless electrofunctionalization. The oxidation of copper takes place at the anodic pole (red) while dissolved oxygen in ethanol solution is reduced at the cathodic pole (blue).

     

New Hybrid Material: (C<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Subscript>6</Subscript>N<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>10</Subscript>. Synthesis,Structural Study and Spectroscopic Behavior

The structure of (C₃H₆N₃)₄Bi₂Cl₁₀ was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction at room temperature. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pcmn, with a = 9.430 (1) Å, b = 17.426 (3) Å, c = 19.883(5) Å, V = 3267.3 (11) ų and Z = 4. The structure consists of discrete binuclear [Bi₂Cl₁₀]^4– anions and 3-aminopyrazolium cations. The crystal packing is governed by weak N–H···Cl hydrogen bonds, π–π and electrostatic Cl···Cl interactions. Infrared spectrum is used to gain more information on the title compound. An assignment of the observed vibration modes is reported. The crystal morphology is studied using the BFDH laws. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies show that charge transfer occur within organic and inorganic molecules. The optical absorption of the zero-dimensional hybrid was also investigated.     

Stereoselectivity in Reactions of Metal Complexes. Part XV. Structure and stability of chiral cobalt(III) complexes with pentadentate ligands

The syntheses and characterization of four new linear pentadentate ligands and their Co^III complexes are described: N,N′-[(pyridine-2,6-diy)bis(methylene)]bis[sarcosine] (sarmp), N,N′-[(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(methylene)]bis[(R)- or (S)-proline] ((R,R)- or (S,S)-promp), N,N′-[(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(methylene)]bis[N-(methyl)-(R)- or (S)-alanine] ((R,R)- or (S,S)-malmp); 2,2′-[pyridine-2,6-diyl]bis[(S)- or rac-N-(acetic acid)pyrrolidine] ((S,S)- or rac-bapap). The complexes were characterized and, with but one exception, complex formation is stereospecific: Δ-exo-(R,R) (or Λ-exo-(S,S)) for promp and Λ-(R,R) (or Δ-(S,S)) for bapap. The exception is [Co((R,R)- or (S,S)-malmp)H₂O]ClO₄ for which two forms are obtained, to which Λ-endo-(R,R) (or Δ-endo-(S,S)) and, tentatively, Δ-unsymmetric-(R,R)- (or Λ-unsymmetric-(S,S)-) configurations are assigned. X-Ray crystal structures are presented for the complexes [Co(sarmp)H₂O]ClO₄, [Co((S,S)-promp)H₂O]ClO₄, [Co(rac-bapap)H₂O]ClO₄ and endo-[Co(rac-malmp)H₂O]ClO₄. Ligand acid dissociation and Co^II and Fe^II complex-formation constants are reported.     

Synthesis, properties and thermal studies of oxorhenium(V) complexes with 3-hydrazino-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine, benzimidazolethione and 2-hydrazinobenzimidazole. Mixed ligand complexes, pyrolytical products and biological activity

A series of biologically active complexes of oxorhenium(V), were prepared by using the organic ligands 3-hydrazino-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine (HL1), benzimidazolethione (H2L2) and 2-hydrazinobenzimidazole (H2L3). The mixed ligand complexes of oxorhenium(V) with the previous ligands and one of the following ligands: NH4SCN, 1,10-phenanthroline (1,10-phen), 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-OHquin) or glycine (Gly), were isolated. All the binary and mixed ligand complexes have monomeric structures and exist in the octahedral configuration. Thermal studies on these complexes showed the possibility of structural transformation from mononuclear into binuclear ones. The structures of all complexes and the corresponding thermal products were elucidated by elemental analyses, IR, electronic absorption and 1H NMR spectra, magnetic moments, conductance and TG-DSC measurements. The antifungal activities of the metal complexes towards Alternaria alternata and Aspergilus niger were tested and showed comparable behaviour with some well known antibiotics.     

Multi-walled carbon nanotube paste electrode for selective voltammetric detection of isoniazid

A multi-walled carbon nanotube paste electrode (MWCPE) is prepared as an electrochemical sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity in responding to isoniazid. The electrochemical oxidation of isoniazid is investigated in buffered solution by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. The electrode is shown to be very effective for the detection of isoniazid in the presence of other biological reductant compounds. The electrochemical oxidation of cysteine, due to the high overvoltage, is completely stopped at the surface of MWCPE. The electrode exhibits a very good resolution between the voltammetric peak of isoniazid and the peaks of ascorbic acid (AA) and dopamine (DA). A resolution of more than 450 mV between the anodic peak potentials makes the MWCPE suitable for simultaneous detection of isoniazid in the presence of AA or DA in clinical and pharmaceutical preparations. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) is applied as a sensitive method for the determination of isoniazid. The linear range in these determinations is 1 × 10⁻⁶–1 × 10⁻³ M for isoniazid and the detection limit is 5 × 10⁻⁷ M. The electrode was applied to the simultaneous determinations in isoniazid and AA mixtures and also, isoniazid and DA mixture over a wide concentration range. The slope variation for the calibration curves of isoniazid (RSD) was less than 4.5% (based on ten measurements over a period of three months).