Variational reactive scattering calculations: computational optimization strategies

Summary We have developed efficient and accurate techniques for the calculation of quantum mechanical reaction probabilities of atom-diatom exchange reactions in the gas phase, and we have optimized a computer code employing these techniques and applied it sucessfully to several systems. In this paper we consider further strategies for improving the algorithm to allow even more demanding applications. In this context, improvement means that equivalent results can be obtained using fewer computational resources (computer time or storage) or that an equivalent expenditure of resources can yield higher accuracy. The new strategies discussed here lead to improvement in both of these areas. Two areas of special focus in the present paper are (i) the finite difference boundary value method used for calculating distorted wave Green's functions and regular solutions for scattering by the distortion potential and (ii) the choice of the distortion potential itself. Among other results included here is the first application of the outgoing wave or scattered wave variational principle to reactive scattering.     

Thermal decomposition of surface compounds for the generation of small quantities of acetaldehyde: Calibration of a thermal desorption-gas chromatography-flame ionization detection

The paper presents a new method for the generation of acetaldehyde in the amounts that allow to calibrate the measuring system. The method is based on thermal decomposition of surface compounds at the range 130-190 °C, in which an acetaldehyde as the decomposition product is released. The synthetic pathway leading to the desired surface compounds is described. Investigations demonstrated that the synthesis of the compounds on the surface of the support material (silica gel) was carried out homogeneously. The technique proposed was used for the generation of gaseous standard mixtures containing acetaldehyde for the calibration of a thermal desorber-gas chromatograph-flame ionization detector system.     

Chemical modifiers in arsenic determination in biological materials by tungsten coil electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Palladium, iridium, and rhodium are evaluated as possible chemical modifiers in the determination of As in digest solutions of biological materials (human hair and clam) by tungsten coil electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry (TCA-AAS). The modifier in solution was applied onto the coil and thermally pre-reduced; the pre-reduction conditions, the amount of modifier, and the thermal program were optimized. Palladium was not satisfactory, whereas Ir and Rh were effective modifiers and rendered better relative sensitivity for As by a factor of 1.4 and 1.9, respectively compared to the case without modifier. Upon optimization of thermal conditions for As in pre-reduced Ir (2.0 µg) and Rh (2.0 µg) modifiers and in the digest solutions of the study matrices, Rh (2.0 µg) was more effective modifier and was selected as such. The mean within-day repeatability was 2.8% in consecutive measurements (25–100 µg L^–1) (3 cycles, each of n=6) and confirmed good short-term stability of the absorbance measurements. The mean reproducibility was 4.4% (n=20 in a 3-day period) and the detection limit (3 _blank/slope) was 29 pg (n=15). The useful coil lifetime in Rh modifier was extended to 300–400 firings. Validation was by determination of As in the certified reference material (CRM) of Oyster tissue solution with a percentage relative error (E _rel%) of 2% and percentage relative standard deviation (RSD%) of 3% (n=4), and by analytical recovery of As spiked in CRM of human hair [94±8% (n=4)]. The methodology is simple, fast (sample readout frequency 21 h^–1), reliable, of low cost, and was applied to the determination of As in hair samples of exposed and unexposed workers.     

芳香共聚酯B-N多种向列织构的形态研究

从一种聚芳酯B-N得到了丝状(包括细丝和粗丝)、纹影状和大理石纹状等与小分子向列液晶相似的多种织构。由于样品淬火后晶片装饰在织构上而不影响分子取向矢的分布,因而可以用化学刻蚀和电镜技术揭示其向错和取向矢图。电镜和光学显微镜的结果相互补充,表明了细丝和粗丝状织构的分子取向矢分布很不相同,是两种不同的织构,而粗化始于第二熔融降温。在这些向列织构中分别发现了S=±(1/2)和s=+1的向错的例子和平面内微区转向壁的证据。     

Closed tube sample introduction for gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry analysis of water contaminated with a chemical warfare agent surrogate compound

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a proven technology for detection of vapor phase chemical warfare agents. The technology is suitable for field portable instrumentation due to its small size, high sensitivity, speed of analysis, and low power consumption. However, it suffers from a limited dynamic range and potential difficulties in identifying compounds in complex matrices. The use of gas chromatography (GC) coupled to IMS can overcome the difficulty of chemical identification in mixtures by separating the sample into individual components before detection. Using this approach, IMS technology has previously been adapted to detect biological aerosols using an open tube pyrolyzer and a short GC column (Py-GC-IMS). The open sample introduction tube of a Py-GC-IMS instrument would be a convenient configuration to accept aerosol particulates, and while viewed as needed for aerosol trapping, is not optimal for liquid chemical analyses. To examine the usefulness of an existing Py-GC-IMS system for analysis of chemicals in water, an existing open-port sample interface was replaced with a septum-equipped closed tube injector to contain analyte vapors resulting from liquid injection. Tributylphosphate (TBP) was used as a surrogate chemical warfare agent, and aqueous injections into both closed and open tube assemblies were performed. Sample introduction into the closed tube inlet was also accomplished using solid phase microextraction (SPME) preconcentration. The limit of detection for TBP using an open tube, closed tube, and closed tube configuration with SPME sample introduction was 0.980, 0.196, and 0.0098 mg/L, respectively.     

化学气相沉积法制备氧化锡自组装纳米结构

采用化学气相沉积法在镀有5-10 nm厚金膜的SiO2衬底上, 通过控制生长条件, 实现了二氧化锡纳米结构的自组装生长, 成功制备出了莲花状和菊花状的二氧化锡自组装纳米结构. 利用扫描电子显微镜、X射线衍射等表征分析手段对样品的表面形貌、结构及成份进行表征和研究. 并在此基础上, 讨论了两种自组装纳米结构的生长机制.     

Ag(TCNQ)准一维微米结构的制备及表征

利用溶液化学反应法制备了准一维结构的金属有机配合物Ag(TCNQ). X射线衍射(XRD)表明，所制备的Ag(TCNQ)为晶态结构;扫描电子显微镜(SEM)的观察证明，Ag(TCNQ)为准一维的微米管或线；Raman 测试结果表明，单根的Ag(TCNQ)形成时,Ag原子与TCNQ分子之间发生了电荷转移.对样品的制备工艺,即 Ag膜厚度和浸入溶液的反应时间对生成Ag(TCNQ)晶体形貌的影响进行了研究.结果表明，Ag膜越薄，生长出的晶体越稀疏;Ag膜与TCNQ乙腈溶液的反应时间影响其形貌的变化.反应历经三个阶段,晶体形成和长大阶段、反应完全阶段及溶解阶段.     

Relative raman line intensities for H2 and for D2. Correction factors for molecular non-rigidity

Ab initio calculations are presented for H₂ and D₂ relative Raman intensities originating from common rotational levels for both vibrational-rotational and pure rotational transitions. Factors f(J) required to correct measured intensities for molecular non-rigidity (e.g. in temperature measurements) are tabulated. The calculations are compared with literature perturbation-theory equations (significant differences at large J in vibration-rotation) and with experiment.     

Synthesis of N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate functionalized 1,4-polyisoprene, from natural rubber and synthetic 1,4-polyisoprene

N,N-Diethyldithiocarbamate functionnalized 1,4-polyisoprenes were prepared from 1,4-polyisoprenes (natural or synthetic). The syntheses were performed by nucleophilic addition of N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate salts upon oxirane rings of epoxidized units according to a SN2 mechanism with ring opening. Studies on model molecules of epoxidized 1,4-polyisoprene units (1,2-epoxy-1-methylcyclohexane and 4,5-epoxy-4-methyloctane) were previously achieved to develop the procedure. The best yields were obtained at low temperature in polar medium, and more especially in water with sodium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate (DEDT-Na) as reagent. A diastereospecific addition was noted when reaction was performed in water with DEDT-Na. Afterwards, the developed procedure was successfully generalized to epoxidized synthetic polyisoprenes and epoxidized natural rubber (in THF, then in latex medium). Excellent results were obtained in latex medium with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) latices. As with the models, a diastereospecific addition of sodium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate trihydrate onto epoxidized 1,4-polyisoprene units of ENR was observed at the condition to bring the latex medium to pH 8 before introduction of DEDT-Na. Influence of temperature, drc, and DEDT-Na concentration were successively examined to determine the best conditions of the addition on ENR latices.     

Modelling of calcium sulphate solubility in concentrated multi-component sulphate solutions

The chemistry of several calcium sulphate systems was successfully modelled in multi-component acid-containing sulphate solutions using the mixed solvent electrolyte (MSE) model for calculating the mean activity coefficients of the electrolyte species. The modelling involved the fitting of binary mean activity, heat capacity and solubility data, as well as ternary solubility data. The developed model was shown to accurately predict the solubility of calcium sulphate from 25 to 95 °C in simulated zinc sulphate processing solutions containing MgSO₄, MnSO₄, Fe₂(SO₄)₃, Na₂SO₄, (NH₄)₂SO₄ and H₂SO₄. The addition of H₂SO₄ results in a significant increase in the calcium sulphate solubility compared to that in water. By increasing the acid concentration, gypsum, which is a metastable phase above 40 °C, dehydrates to anhydrite, and the conversion results in a decrease in the solubility of calcium sulphate. In ZnSO₄–H₂SO₄ solutions, it was found that increasing MgSO₄, Na₂SO₄, Fe₂(SO₄)₃ and (NH₄)₂SO₄ concentrations do not have a pronounced effect on the solubility of calcium sulphate. From a practical perspective, the model is valuable tool for assessing calcium sulphate solubilities over abroad temperature range and for dilute to concentrated multi-component solutions.