A model of energy transfer to noble gas atoms due to forced resonance within a continuum of plasmon excitation by intense laser pulses

We have developed and applied a model of energy transfer to noble gas atoms due to a resonance mechanism within a continuum of plasmon oscillation induced by intense laser pulses. The model is based on a generalization to 3D of the 1D many-body RPA method of Tomonaga. Total cross sections for laser energy absorption, the saturation intensities for ionization, mean energy transfer and degree of ionization of several noble gases, Xe, Kr, Ar, Ne are obtained for λ = 193 nm and λ = 1064 nm for a short Gaussian laser pulse. Probability distribution of absorption of a given number of photons in Xe is also obtained for λ = 193 nm andI ₀ = 10¹⁴ W/cm². The results are consistent with the rapid energy transfer necessary for multiple ionization at these frequencies.     

Solvent‐assisted anionic ring opening polymerization of glycidol: Toward medium and high molecular weight hyperbranched polyglycerols

Hyperbranched polyglycerols (HPGs) are globular structures with a large number of functionalizable hydroxyl groups and have excellent in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility profiles comparable to polyethylene glycol. This work introduces a facile method for the synthesis of medium molecular weights (M_ws) (50–300 kDa) HPGs, which has been difficult to synthesize with low polydispersity, with the assistance of solvents by ring opening polymerization. The influence of different solvents (1,4‐dioxane, tetrahydropyran (THP), ethylene glycol diethyl ether (EGDE) and decane), solvent to glycidol ratio, concentration of glycidol and the time of polymerization on M_w and polydispersity of HPGs has been studied. The M_w and polydispersity of HPGs are significantly affected by the nature of the polymerization phase (homogeneous or heterogeneous) and chemical structure of the solvent. The differences in the solvation of the potassium cations and change in the nucleophilicity of the alkoxide anion in various solvents may be responsible for the changes in M_w and PDI of the HPG. The M_w of the HPG decreases in the order 1,4‐dioxane > THP > EGDE >decane. The microstructure, solution and thermal properties of the HPG do not depend on the nature of solvent. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2614–2621     

Apparent Solubility of Ibuprofen in Dimethyl Dodecyl Ammonium-Propane Sulfonate, DDAPS, Micelles, DDAPS/Butanol Mixtures and in Oil-in-Water Microemulsions Stabilized by DDAPS

Solubility of drugs in aqueous media is a real issue for scientists and a lot of work is going on to resolve the issue. The same is the case for ibuprofen, which is a derivative of propionic acid, belongs to the NSAIDs family and has low solubility in pure water. Therefore, its solubility has been investigated in dimethyl dodecyl ammonium-propane sulfonate, DDAPS, micellar solution, DDAPS/butanol mixtures and in various (hexane, decane and tetradecane) oil-in-water microemulsions to find out a suitable vehicle. The aggregation number, size and flow ability of micelles and microemulsions were estimated using refractive index, viscosity and light scattering measurements. It has been observed that these microemulsions have a higher ability to solubilize ibuprofen than DDAPS/butanol mixtures or DDAPS micelles.     

QbD approached comparison of reaction mechanism in microwave synthesized gold nanoparticles and their superior catalytic role against hazardous nirto‐dye

Microwave irradiation (MI) process characteristically enables extremely rapid “in‐core” heating of dipoles and ions, in comparison to conventional thermal (conductance) process of heat transfer. During the process of nanoparticles synthesis, MI both modulates functionality behaviors as well as dynamic of reaction in favorable direction. So, MI providing a facile, favorable and alternative approach during nanoparticles synthesis nanoparticles with enhanced catalytic performances. Although, conventionally used reducing and capping reagents of synthetic origin, are usually environmentally hazardous and toxic for living organism. But, in absence of suitable capping agent; stability, shelf life and catalytic activity of metallic nanoparticles adversely affected. However, polymeric templates which emerged as suitable choice of agent for both reducing and capping purposes; bearing additional advantages in terms of catalyst free one step green synthesis process with high degree of biosafety and efficiency. Another aspect of current works was to understand role of process variables in growth mechanism and catalytic performances of microwave processed metallic nanoparticles, as well as comparison of these parameters with conventional heating method. However, due to poor prediction ability with previously published architect OFAT (One factor at a time) design with these nanoparticles as well as random selection of process variables with their different levels, such comparison couldn't be possible. Hence, using gum Ghatti (Anogeissus latifolia) as a model bio‐template and under simulated reaction conditions; architect of QbD design systems were integrated in microwave processed nanoparticles to establish mechanistic role these variables. Furthermore, in comparison to conventional heating; we reported well validated mathematical modeling of process variables on characteristic of nanoparticles as well as synthesized gold nanoparticles of desired and identical dimensions, in both thermal and microwave‐based processes. Interestingly, despite of identical dimension, MI processed gold nanoparticles bearing higher efficiency (kinetic rate) against remediation of hazardous nitro dye (4‐nitrophenol), into safer amino (4‐aminophenol) analogues.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Biodegradable Di‐ and Tri‐Block Copolymers Based on Ethylene Carbonate Polymer as Hydrophobic Segment

Synthesis of novel amphiphilic biodegradable block copolymers based on ethylene carbonate is reported in this study. Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (MeO‐PEO) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) of varying molar masses are used as macro‐initiator for ring‐opening polymerization of ethylene carbonate in the presence of sodium stannate trihydrate as a heterogeneous transesterification catalyst. Earlier elution of block copolymer from macro‐initiator in size exclusion chromatography (SEC) indicated the successful synthesis of the block copolymers. Ratios of both types of blocks are varied systematically. Liquid chromatography at critical conditions is used for the analysis of the non‐critical individual blocks, and if there are any critical segments that are not attached to the non‐critical block. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the synthesis of ethylene carbonate‐based amphiphilic block copolymers. Chromatographic critical conditions of the ethylene carbonate polymer are also reported for the first time. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 1887–1893     

High-performance hybrid supercapacitor based on pure and doped Li4Ti5O12 and graphene

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - Graphene nanosheets (G) and pure, as well as doped Mg-, Mn-, V-Li4Ti5O12, spinel structure have been synthesized. As-prepared materials were characterized...