Novel approach to bismuth modifying procedure for voltammetric thick film carbon containing electrodes

The novel bismuth modifying technique for disposable thick film carbon containing sensors (TFCC) by means of a surface synthesis of the modifier (bismuth phosphate) have been developed. The optimal composition and the method of cathodic reduction (“activation”) of the modifying BiPO₄ layer has been proposed. These conditions provided the structure of a modifying layer with the bismuth nano particles of size less than 0.1 μm. On the important analytical parameters (sensitivity, accuracy, tolerance to surfactant fouling effect, particularly for Zn), sensor developed (TFCC/BiPO₄) surpasses TFCC with electrolytic bismuth films. The detection limit of 8 nM for zinc, 4 nM for cadmium and 2 nM for lead was achieved after a 2 min accumulation. Therefore, the developed non-toxic and low cost disposable sensor excludes the necessity of mechanical pretreatment of a working surface and can be used in field, laboratory and automatic systems for environmental monitoring (at the trace level inclusive).     

Preparation and electrochemical properties of Ag-modified TiO2 nanotube anode material for lithium–ion battery

TiO₂ nanotubes prepared by using a hydrothermal process were firstly coated with silver nanoparticles as the anode materials for lithium–ion batteries by the traditional silver mirror reaction. The physical properties of the as-synthesized samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopic. The as-prepared samples were used as negative materials for lithium–ion battery, whose charge–discharge properties, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cycle performance were examined in detail. The results showed that the Ag additive decreased the polarization of anode, and marvelously improved the high-rate discharge capacity and cycling stability of TiO₂ nanotubes.     

Thermal properties of rare earth dodecaborides

We have measured heat capacity and thermal expansion of rare earth dodecaborides REB₁₂ (RE=Y, Tb-Tm, Lu). YB₁₂ and LuB₁₂ are diamagnetics whereas the other dodecaborides are ordered antiferromagnetically. The amplitude of the heat capacity discontinuity at the Néel temperature and the shape of the heat capacity variation in the critical region for all these antiferromagnetics are characteristics for amplitude-modulated magnetic structures. In the ordered state TbB₁₂ reveals two first-order phase transitions, most likely due to magnetic structure changes. The heat capacity of ErB₁₂ just below the Néel point shows an anomaly of unclear origin. From the Schottky contribution to the heat capacity we have determined crystal field parameters. They are completely different than that is estimated from Point Charge Model.     

Diffusion Mechanisms of Zeolite Catalysts

The diffusion mechanisms within zeolite catalysts, such as resistance to diffusion at pore mouths, configurational diffusion, adsorption-controlled diffusion, influence of co-existing molecules and pore blocking, were overviewed. Two kinds of diffusivities, the intracrystalline diffusivity and the effective diffusivity, were discussed separately to clarify the diffusion mechanism.     

乙醇 /水混合溶剂沉淀制备纳米BaF2及粒径控制

采用水和乙醇混合溶剂沉淀的方法制备了不同粒径的BaF₂纳米粉体。用XRD、TEM和FSEM表征了粉体的粒径和形貌。研究了陈化时间、水和乙醇的体积比对BaF₂纳米粉体的粒径和形貌的影响。结果表明，随混合溶剂中乙醇含量升高，沉淀粒径减小。BaF₂沉淀粒径的倒数和溶剂介电常数的倒数呈线性关系，据此关系可以控制BaF₂纳米粉体的粒径。     

Low temperature static magnetization of an organic ferromagnet, β-p-NPNN

A ³He refrigerator mountable to a commercial SQUID magnetometer has been developed, which enables us to measure static magnetizations of a sample at temperatures below 2 K conveniently. The design and usage of the system are outlined. We have applied this to study static magnetic properties of an organic ferromagnet, β-p-NPNN, and have confirmed that the saturation magnetization is 1 μ_B per molecule. No hysteretic behavior has been detected, when the field was applied along the easy axis. This indicates that β-p-NPNN is a very soft magnet, as expected for an isotropic Heisenberg magnet based on organic radicals.     

A mini-review on MXenes as versatile substrate for advanced sensors

MXenes have emerged as versatile 2D materials that are already gaining paramount attention in the areas of energy,catalyst,electromagnetic shielding,and sensors.The unique surface chemistry,graphene-like mo rphology,high hydrophilicity,metal-like conductivity with redox capability identifies MXenes,as an ideal material for surface-related applications.This short review summarizes the most recent reports that discuss the potential application of MXenes and their hybrids as a transducer material for advanced sensors.Based on the nature of transducing signals,the discussion is categorized into three sections,which include electrochemical(bio) sensors,gas sensors,and finally,electro-chemiluminescence fluorescent sensors.The review provides a concise summary of all the analytical merits obtained subsequent to the use of MXenes,followed by endeavors that have been made to accentuate the future perspective of MXenes in sensor devices.     

Preferential solubilization of dodecanol from dodecanol-limonene binary oil mixture in sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate microemulsions: effect on optimum salinity and oil solubilization capacity

Solubilization of dodecanol-limonene binary oil mixtures has been studied in saturated Winsor type I and III sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate microemulsions. The systems showed different oil solubilization behavior below and above dodecanol volume fraction 0.2. Below 0.2 dodecanol volume fraction regular Winsor type microemulsions formed. The oil solubilization was characterized in this concentration range by the optimum salinity and the maximum characteristic length. Dodecanol showed Langmuirian-type surface excess adsorption at the vicinity of the surfactant layer. Variation of the optimum salinity and middle phase characteristic length with increasing dodecanol concentration could be linked to changes in the dodecanol surface excess. These relationships were used to develop new mathematical models for the optimum salinity and characteristic length as a function of oil phase composition. Both models yield excellent agreement with the data. Above dodecanol volume fraction 0.2 regular Winsor type III microemulsions are not formed. Therefore our new models are not applicable in this concentration range.     

Surface composition and property of film prepared with aqueous dispersion of polyurethaneurea-acrylate including fluorinated block copolymer

The aqueous dispersion of polyurethaneurea-acrylate (PUA) including small amount of fluorinated block copolymers containing carboxyl groups (PATF), which can be dissolved in water, was used to make films and the surface properties of these films were examined. The experimental data show that the modified PUA film exhibits a hydrophobic surface property, although the original surface of PUA film is hydrophilic. The surface composition of the modified PUA film was measured by ATR and XPS. The results indicate that there is a concentration gradient of the fluorine groups along the lines of thickness of the modified film and towards the outmost surface layer, resulting from the migration of fluorinated blocks to the air side surface of the modified PUA film during the film formation process. However, the PUA film can not be modified effectively by adding the sodium salt of PATF, since the urethane groups in the system are easy to occupy on the surface of the film.