Study of the peak effect phenomenon in single crystals of 2H-NbSe2

The weakly pinned single crystals of the hexagonal 2H-NbSe₂ compound have emerged as prototypes for determining and characterizing the phase boundaries of the possible order-disorder transformations in the vortex matter. We present here a status report based on the ac and dc magnetization measurements of the peak effect phenomenon in three crystals of 2H-NbSe₂, in which the critical current densities vary over two orders of magnitude. We sketch the generic vortex phase diagram of a weakly pinned superconductor, which also utilizes theoretical proposals. We also establish the connection between the metastability effects and pinning.     

Shaping Solid-State Supramolecular Cavities: Chemically Induced Accordionlike Movement of gamma-Zirconium Phosphate Containing Polyethylenoxide Pillars

The hydrophilic oxygen atoms of polyethylenoxide chains inserted as pillars in gamma-zirconium phosphate form hydrogen bonds with the acid groups of the host. As a result the pillars are almost perpendicular to the gamma layers. Upon changing the pH level of the supernatant solution the hydrogen bonds are broken and the pillars become almost perpendicular to the layers (shown schematically). Thus there is a reversible enlargement-shortening of the interlayer space.     

Cathodic stripping voltammetric detection and determination at a hanging mercury-drop electrode of dye contaminants in purified biomaterials: study of the human serum albumin and reactive dye 120 system

Procion red HE-3B (RR120) is an example of dye currently used in affinity purification. A method is described for determining trace amounts of RR120 dye contaminant in human serum albumin by cathodic stripping voltammetry. The method is based on a measure of a well-defined peak at −0.58 V, obtained when samples of HSA protein (0.01-2% w/v) containing dye concentrations are submitted to a heating time of 330 min at 80 °C in NaOH, pH 12.0 and the samples are removed to a solution containing Britton-Robinson buffer, pH 4.0. Using an optimum accumulation potential and time of 0 V and 240 s, respectively, linear calibration curves were obtained from 1.0×10⁻⁹ to 1.0×10⁻⁸ mol l⁻¹ for RR120 dye. Leakage/hydrolysis of reactive red 120 from an agarose support (e.g. at pH 2 or 12) can also be conveniently determined at very low levels (sub-μg ml⁻¹) by means of cathodic stripping voltammetry, which involves adsorptive accumulation of the dye onto the hanging mercury-drop electrode.     

Ion-selective electrodes based on tetraphenyl-phosphonium 12-tungstosilicate and on crystal violet tetraphenylborate in the potentiometric titration of acid and basic dyes

Poly(vinyl chloride) membrane electrodes containing the specified substances are suitable as indicator electrodes in titrations of basic dyes with sodium tetraphenylborate solution and of acidic dyes with crystal violet solution. Useful curves are obtained even at the 10^-3 M level.     

Catalytic cathodic stripping voltammetry of oxidized glutathione at a hanging mercury drop electrode in the presence of nickel ion

Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) can be determined after previous accumulation on the HMDE at E > -0.2 V (vs. the Ag AgCl reference electrode). GSH is formed during the accumulation, possibly by a mercury-ion-assisted hydrolytic disproportionation of GSSG. In the subsequent cathodic scan GSH is released and catalyses the reduction of nickel ion, giving a peak located at -0.6 V. This enables the determination of GSSG by differential-pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry at pH 7.0 in the phosphate acetate or MOPS buffer containing 0.5-1.0 mM Ni(II). The detection limit is 10 nM. The calibration graph is linear even in the presence of small amounts of human serum albumin, HSA. However, HSA increases the detection limit (20 nM for 3 x 10(-4)% HSA). Acetyl-cysteine in small excess or Cu(II) present as reagent impurity do not interfere. Glutathione, cysteine and similar compounds, which accumulate as mercury salts and form stable nickel complexes, will interfere. The method is put forward as a novel alternative stripping voltammetric method to those involving accumulation and determination as mercury or copper salts and complexes, in the knowledge that it may have advantages in particular analytical situations. In particular the method discriminates against compounds which accumulate as mercury salts but which do not form stable nickel complexes.     

Use of basic dyes in the determination of anions, particularly as a means of determining antimony, thallium, and gallium

The use of xanthene, triphenylmethane and other basic dye cations as reagents for the determination of anions is reviewed. Elements and anions determined include Sb, Tl, Ga, Au, Te, In, Zn, Ta, Hg, Re, Sn, U, Os, B, Cr, Ag, ClO(4)(-), PO(4)(-), SO(4)(2-) and NO(3)(-). Difficulties encountered in developing satisfactory procedures involving basic dyes are discussed. Procedures for the purification and analysis of basic dye samples are outlined.     

Synthesis and characteristion of Li(x)BC-hole doping does not induce superconductivity

The synthesis of Li(x)BC (x > 0.5) by high temperature Li deintercalation from LiBC is demonstrated by refinement of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data--contrary to theoretical expectation no superconductivity above 2K is observed in these materials.