An investigation of the 2D attractive Hubbard model

We present an investigation of the 2D attractive Hubbard model, considered as an effective model relevant to superconductivity in strongly interacting electron systems. We use both hybrid Monte-Carlo simulations and existing hopping parameter expansions to explore the low temperature domain. The increase of the static S-wave pair correlation with decreasing temperature, which depends weakly on the band filling in the explored temperature range, is analyzed in terms of an expected Kosterlitz-Thouless superconducting transition. Using both our data and previously published results, we show that the evidence for this transition is weak: If it exists, its temperature is very low. The number of unpaired electrons remains nearly constant with temperature at fixed attractive potential strength. In contrast, the static magnetic susceptibility decreases fast with temperature, and cannot be related only to pair formation. We introduce a method by which the Padé approximants of the existing series for the susceptibility give sensible results down to rather low temperature region, as shown by comparison with our numerical data. Received: 30 October 1996 / Revised: 23 October 1997 / Accepted: 29 January 1998     

Pressure and temperature effects on the excess deuteron and proton conductance

The limiting molar conductances ° of deuterium chloride DCl in D₂O were determined as a function of pressure and temperature in order to examine the proton-jump mechanism in detail. The excess deuteron conductances °_E(D ⁺), as estimated by the equation [°_E(D ⁺) = °(DCl/D ₂ O) – °(KCl/D ₂ O)], increases with an increase in the pressure and temperature as well as the excess proton conductance [°_E(H ⁺) = °(HCl/H ₂ O) – °(KCl/H ₂ O)]. The isotope effect on the excess conductances, however, depends on the pressure and temperature contrary to the model proposed by Conway et al.: °_E(H ⁺)/°_E(D ⁺) decreases with increasing pressure and temperature. The magnitude of the decrease with pressure becomes more prominent at lower temperature. These results are discussed in terms of the pre-rotation of adjacent water molecules, the bending of hydrogen bonds with pressure, and the difference in strength of hydrogen bonds between D₂O and H₂O.     

Optimization of the Conditions for the Cr (III) Adsorption on Activated Carbon

In order to understand the patterns of the adsorption equilibrium of Cr (III) on activated carbon, the adsorption process was studied by two different ways: classical batch experiments on commercial Norit and Merck activated carbons and their oxidized forms in a wide range of pHs; and extended time-based tests at the same pH values on the same adsorbents. This approach allowed us to understand the role of texture, chemical carbon surface functionality and experimental conditions (initial pH of the solution, contact time and adsorbate/adsorbent ratio) on the effectiveness of Cr (III) removal. The adsorption process of Cr (III) at (24 ± 1^∘C) on Merck and Norit activated carbons and their oxidized forms were studied at pH values between 1.5 and 5 (either adjusted or buffered). Chromium concentration was fixed at 200 ppm. The carbon loading ranged from 1.2 to 20 g/l. The carbon/Cr (III) solution contact time was varied from 0.5–1 month to 5 months, to ensure that the saturation of the carbon level was reached. According to the data obtained, the presence of carboxylic groups on carbon surface seems to enhance Cr (III) uptake at initial pH of the solution in the range between 2 and 4. Depending on the nature of the adsorbent surface chemistry, the contact time to reach equilibrium may range from 3 to 5 months. There is an optimum carbon loading which limits the Cr (III) uptake/removal at given pH value. In order to understand the adsorption process, an ion exchange, surface complex and surface precipitation were considered. This paper was presented in the 5th Brazilian Meeting on Adsorption, held at Natal, Brazil, 18-21 July, 2004.     

Protection of immobilized sulfhydryl groups against autooxidation by alterations in their microenvironment

Immobilized sulfhydryl groups were prepared by partial thiolation of NH₂-glass beads. The microenvironment of the immobilized SH groups was varied by different chemical modifications of neighboring NH₂ groups. Introduction of a strong charge in the surroundings of immobilized sulfhydryls results in their dramatic stabilization against autooxidation. This effect is due to the salting of O₂ from the surface microlayer of the thiolated beads.     

梅州农村饮用水重金属元素监测与分析

对梅州农村饮用水中的重金属元素进行了监测和分析，选择Fe，Mn，Zn，Cu，Ag，Pb，Cd七种元素为检测指标。从实验结果来看，Cu，Ag，Cd含量低，未超标；Fe，Mn，Zn，Pb有超标现象：按其危害程度，Pb，Mn的超标是急需解决的问题。     

Structure formation in heavy metal oxyhydrates at low rates of gel formation

Oxyhydrate gels have a hydrophilic surface, due to which they undergo destruction and secondary polymerization in aqueous media. Prolonged storage in aqueous solution gives rise to regions with selfsimilar helical ordering in gels. Structuring of this kind is also observed when synthesis is conducted under conditions that provide low gelation rates. Electromagnetic UV and visible radiation is another means to change the gel structure; it makes the oligomer species pass into the excited state, due to which one of the directions of structuring becomes dominant. This work summarizes the results of computer simulation of gel agglomerates. For oxyhydrate systems, helical ordering was found to be one of the local energy minima. The units of a macrohelix can lie at various angles relative to one another, and they can change, after absorption of energy, the helix pitch and the order of elements in the helix.     

High-temperature TG/DSC/QMS applications in environmental protection

The decomposition reactions of polystyrene, phenolic resin and a protective undercoating material for automobiles which contains PVC were tested using a new type of thermal analysis — mass spectrometry coupling system for measurements to 1500C or 2000C, which is based on the principle of a two-step skimmer orifice system. The results will be presented, with particular emphasis on the detection sensitivity of the new system for the products of decomposition.The capability of this coupling system to detect even heavy metals such as lead and silver in the waste gases from decomposition or after evaporation at high temperatures will also be demonstrated.     

锂辉石—石灰石烧结中煤粉代替重油作燃料的研究和实践

目前世界锂工业原料以锂辉石为主。我国锂辉石储量居世界首位，主要分布于新疆、四川、湖南等地，其中又以四川的储量占全国第一。锂的主要基础化合物ＬｉＯＨＨ２Ｏ系用锂辉石－石灰石烧结法而得，烧结燃料是影响ＬｉＯＨＨ２Ｏ产品价格的重要因素之一。过去国内外均采用...     

Optical sensors for determination of heavy metal ions

A review is given on optical means for single shot testing (probing) as well as continuous monitoring (sensing) of heavy metal ions (HMs). Following an introduction into indicator based approaches, we discuss the types of indicator dyes and polymeric supports used, as well as existing sensing schemes for HMs. The wealth of information is compiled in the form of tables and critically reviewed. Notwithstanding the tremendous work performed so far, it is obvious that still severe limitations do exist in terms of selectivity, limits of detection, dynamic ranges, applicability to specific problems, and reversibility. On the other hand, such sensors have found — and will find — their application whenever rapid and cost-effective testing is required, where personnel is scarce or unskilled, and in field tests. Despite their limitations, the number of such sensors (and of irreversible probes) for HMs is likely to increase in future.     

Selective desorption and analysis of humic substances on suspended particles in river water

The elemental analysis and morphology of individual particles indicate that the dominant suspended particles in river water are kaolin covered with hydrated iron(III) oxide which strongly sorbs humic substances. Suspended particles, about 1 mg, collected from 250 ml of water by centrifugation, are treated with 0.7 ml of 0.1M sodium hydroxide to desorb humic substances. Approximately 60% of copper and 30% of lead on or in suspended particles exist as humic complexes.