Simplistic modeling approach to heterogeneous dilute-acid hydrolysis of cellulose microcrystallites

The classic kinetic model for cellulose hydrolysis is often referred to as pseudo-homogeneous, a term revealing the insight that the process is actually heterogeneous. During the past 10–15 yr, the shortcomings of this model have been demonstrated in various studies and the interest in the heterogeneous aspects has increased. The present work presents a simplistic model in which the intrinsic, heterogeneous hydrolysis and transport rates are coupled by the assumption of a constant glucosidic surface concentration. The mechanisms affecting these two rates are largely unknown, but the model serves as a guideline for further exploration of the process.     

PAMAM Dendrimers as Anchors for the Preparation of Electrocatalytically Active Ultrathin Metallic Films

This paper describes the formation of catalytically active thin films of Pt, Pt/Au, and Pt/Ru on gold substrates stabilized by amine‐terminated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers. A monolayer of dendrimer is initially self‐assembled on the gold substrate, which serves as a template for the growth of catalytically active thin films. As dendrimers contain tens to hundreds of functional groups at the periphery, the aggregate strength of the multidentate interactions with the gold substrate leads to the formation of robust films. The films were found to exhibit high catalytic activity for the oxidation of small hydrocarbons such as methanol. Such films offer versatility and scope for the design of effective electrocatalysts, especially in the context of microfuel cells and “dendrichips”; hence, they could find applications in the fields of sensors, fuel cells, and waste‐water treatment.     

Mechanism of the catalytic action of the mechanoactivated salt K2PTCL4 in the gas-phase hydrochlorination of acetylene

A heterogeneous catalyst for the hydrochlorination of acetylene by gaseous HCl is formed as a result of mechanical treatment of the solid salt K₂PtCl₄ in an atmosphere of acetylene, ethylene, or propylene by the formation of π complexes of platinum(II) as active centers in the surface layer under these conditions. The controlling stage of the catalytic reaction is chloroplatination of the π-coordinated acetylene by the HCl molecule. The reaction takes place as a concerted process, in which an intermediate β-chlorovinyl derivative of platinum(II), a complex of platinum with a coordination vacancy[PtCl ₃ ^* ]⁻, and a new molecule of HCl are formed simultaneously with cleavage of the H—Cl and Pt—Cl bonds in the metal complex adjacent to the π-acetylene complex. The catalytic cycle closes with rapid dissociation of the organoplatinum intermediate by the action of HCl, giving the final product and the initial complex [PtCl₄]²⁻. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 42, No. 5, pp. 306–311, September–October, 2006.     

A generalized equation describing isotope exchange kinetics at solid-liquid interface

A generalization of the kinetic equation for the isotope exchange at solid—liquid interface is presented. The generalized equation may be used to describe kinetics of the isotope exchange process limited by surface reactions and diffusion without assumption of spherical symmetry of solid particles.

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Eine generalisierte Gleichung für die Kinetik des Isotopenaustausches an Fest-Flüssig-Phasengrenzen

Zusammenfassung Es wird eine generalisierte kinetische Gleichung angegeben, die die Kinetik des Isotopenaustausches an Fest-Flüssig-Phasengrenzen beschreibt, wobei der Austauschprozeß durch Oberflächenreaktionen und Diffusion ohne der Annahme sphärischer Symmetrie für die festen Partikel begrenzt ist.

     

Formal Mathematical Analysis of the Existence of the Common Intersection Point in Relation to Determining the Parameters Describing Ion Adsorption at the Oxide/Electrolyte Interface: Comparison of the Triple and Four-Layer Models

For most oxide/electrolyte systems potentiometric titration curves measured for different ionic strengths have a Common Intersection Point (CIP) which corresponds to the Point of Zero Charge (PZC). However, there are systems where a CIP exists but the surface charge at this point does not equal zero (PZC CIP). In this paper theoretical analysis of the systems in which the PZC and CIP do not coincide is presented. It is based on the well-known 2-pK surface charging approach and Triple Layer Model (TLM) as well as the Four Layer Model (FLM) of the electric double layer. The appropriate mathematical criterion for CIP existence was applied with detailed derivations, both for TLM and FLM. Having determined in this manner the parameter values, one can draw proper conclusions about the features of oxide/electrolyte adsorption systems, in which PZC and CIP do not coincide. The values of adsorption parameters are found by fitting simultaneously the obtained theoretical expressions to both of the experimental titration isotherms, and to the individual isotherms of electrolyte cation adsorption measured using radiometric methods.     

Silica-supported Copper（Ⅱ） Catalyzed Coupling of Arylboronic Acids with Imidazoles

Immobilized copper（Ⅱ） in organic-inorganic hybrid materials catalyzed Ar-N coupling of arylboronic acids with imidazoles has been developed. Arylboronic acids reacted with imidazoles smoothly in the presence of a 3-（2-aminoethylamino）propyl functionalized silica gel immobilized copper（Ⅱ） catalyst （10 mol%） in methanol without any additives and bases. The reactions generated the corresponding cross-coupling products in good yields. Furthermore, silica-supported copper can be recovered and recycled by a simple filtration procedure and used for five consecutive trials without decreases in activity.     

A mesoporous Pt/TiO2 nanoarchitecture with catalytic and photocatalytic functions

A novel metal/semiconductor nanocomposite with catalytic and photocatalytic functions has been prepared. The new material consists of highly dispersed platinum (Pt) nanoparticles embedded in a cubic mesoporous nanocrystalline anatase (meso-nc-TiO2) thin film. The porous thin film possesses a narrow pore-size distribution and a large surface area. The diameter of the Pt cluster can be controlled to below 5 nm, and the high dispersion of these clusters gives rise to catalytic activity for the oxidation of carbon monoxide, an important reaction for automobile exhaust treatment. This novel ordered mesoporous Pt/TiO2 nanoarchitecture is also a promising photochemical material, as demonstrated by the photo-driven killing of Micrococcus lylae cells on the film.     

STUDY ON 1-HEXENE POLYMERIZATION BASED ON ZIEGLER-NATTA CATALYSTS WITH DOPED SUPPORT

A series of Ti/Mg supported catalysts are prepared by using ball-milled mixtures of MgCl2-ethanol adducts and NaCl as supports, and 1-hexene polymerizations catalyzed by the novel catalysts are studied. It is found that the molecular weight distribution of poly(1-hexene) becomes apparently narrower when catalysts with doped supports are used, indicating that changing the structure of the support is an effective way to regulate the active center distribution of heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalyst.     

Heterogeneous oxidation of pyrimidine and alkyl thioethers in ionic liquids over mesoporous Ti or Ti/Ge catalysts

Heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of a series of thioethers (2-thiomethylpyrimidine, 2-thiomethyl-4,6-dimethyl-pyrimidine, 2-thiobenzylpyrimidine, 2-thiobenzyl-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine, thioanisole, and n-heptyl methyl sulfide) was performed in ionic liquids by using MCM-41 and UVM-type mesoporous catalysts containing Ti, or Ti and Ge. A range of triflate, tetrafluoroborate, trifluoroacetate, lactate and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide-based ionic liquids were used. The oxidations were carried out by using anhydrous hydrogen peroxide or the urea-hydrogen peroxide adduct and showed that ionic liquids are very effective solvents, achieving greater reactivity and selectivity than reactions performed in dioxane. The effects of halide and acid impurities on the reactions were also investigated. Recycling experiments on catalysts were carried out in order to evaluate Ti leaching and its effect on activity and selectivity.     

Improvement of the spinning electrophorometer for zeta potential measurements

In this study, bubbles are held by centripetal force at the center of a rotating cylinder filled with an aqueous solution. Their velocities along the axe of rotation, after application of an electrophoretic force, are used for the calculation of the so-called electrokinetic potential. But this process necessitates the elimination of the electro-osmosis which occurs on the interior sides of the glass cylinder by superposing a concurrent force on the bubble. Efficiency of DEAE-Dextran reticulated with 1,4 Butanediol Diglycidyl Ether can be tested by the observation of a cloud of latex microspheres injected in the interior of the tube and allowed to move in respect with the application of an electric field. The experimental control of these velocity profiles proves the adequacy of the polymer for many cases such as surfactant solutions, presence of electrolytes, utilization with moderate pH.The dynamic interpretation of the electrophoretic motion of bubbles is possible by considering that small ones behave like rigid spheres moving in a rotating fluid. In the second part of this paper and in a previous publication, we have experimentally proved that the use of the theoretical expressions of the forces involved for rigid spheres is justified for small bubbles. So, the electrokinetic potential can be expressed versus the velocity, leading to possible interpretations of the adsorption on gas-water interfaces.