Molecular dynamics simulations of polyphosphazenes: poly[bis(chloro)phosphazene][NPCl2] n

Suitable parameter sets for the CHARMm force field were derived for the structural units in polychlorophosphazene [P=N, P N, P Cl] using the Dinur Hagler energy second derivative procedure based on quantum mechanical SCI calculations using the 6–31G^* basis set. To validate the reliability of the parameter set, structural results obtained with CHARMm for the adopted model compounds (OP₂NCl₅ and OP₃N₂Cl₅) were compared with those derived fromab initio quantum mechanics using the 6–31G^* basis set. Application of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in combinatioin with the available X-ray diffraction data provided structural and conformational information on the polymer. The calculation made using the periodic boundary conditions (PBC) agree well with the polychlorophosphazene ordered in a monoclinic unit cell (a=5.98,b=12.99,c=4.92 A; β=111.7). This model was stabilized mainly by the image atoms contribution to the electrostatic energy term and had aquasi-planar conformation of the backbone chain (glide symmetry). The MD calculations also provided evidence that the difference between single and double PN bonds is less marked than that measured experimentally. This result is, however, in agreement with more recent and accurate X-ray studies on poly(methylphosphazene). Validation of the polymer model provided a complete picture, otherwise experimentally inaccessible, of the internal fluctuations of the polymeric chains.     

Kinetics of the metal exchange reaction of a Cu(II)-poly(vinyl alcohol) complex with Zn(II)-ethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid in aqueous solution

The kinetics of the metal exchange reaction between Cu(II)-poly(vinyl alcohol) [Cu(II)-PVA] and Zn(II)-ethylenediamine-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid [Zn(II)-EDTA] has been studied by mixing both solutions in a spectrophotometer at pH 10.0 to 11.0, ionic strength =0.10(KNO₃), and 15 to 35°C. The reaction is initiated by the formation of unstable Cu(II)-H-PVA through attack of H⁺ ion on the Cu(II)-PVA complex, and both reactions, ligand exchange and metal exchange, proceed simultaneously. The metal exchange step may be rate determining. The rate equation and rate constants of this reaction were determined as follows: –d[Cu(II)-PVA]/dt=k _0(H)[PVA^–][Cu(II)-PVA] [Zn(II)-EDTA], wherek _0(H)=k ₁+(k₂+k₃)[H⁺],k ₁=5.98±1.64M ^–1 s^–1, andk ₂+k ₃=k₂ K _Cu(II)-H-PVA ^–H +k₃ K _Zn(II)-EDTA ^H =(5.91±0.89)×10⁷ M ^–2 s^–1.     

Synthesis and Properties of Polyimides Based on an Ether Ketone Diamine, 4,4'-Bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzophenone

A diamime monomer with ether-ketone group, 4,4'-Bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzophenone (II) was prepared through the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 1-chloro-4-nitrobenzene with 4,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone in the presence of potassium carbonate in N,N-dimethylformamide, followed by catalytic reduction with hydrazine and Pd/C. Polyimides (PI) V _a–f (H), V _a–f (C) and copolyimides (co-PI) V _{b–d/m(e–f)} were synthesized from II and six kinds of commercial aromatic dianhydrides (III _a–f )via thermal or chemical imidization method. Poly(amic acid) (IV _a–f )had inherent viscosities range from 0.81 to 0.98 dL/g. PI of thermal imidization method was showed poor solubility even sulfuric acid. But PI of chemical imidization method V _e,f (C) and (co-PI(C)) could be dissolved. The reason is that the ketone group of poly(amic acid) segments linked with the terminal amino group of polymer chains during thermal imidization. PI films V _a–f (H) had tensile strengths of 101–118 MPa, elongations to break of 11–32%, and initial moduli of 2.1–2.8 GPa. The glass transition temperatures of V series were in the range of 252–278°C, and the temperatures of 10% weight loss (T ₁₀) were above 529°C and their residues more than 50% at 800°C in nitrogen. V series also measured the color, dielectric constants and moisture absorptions. Their films had cutoff wavelengths between 378–421 nm, b ^* values ranging from 16.4 to 77.1, dielectric constants of 3.47–3.85 (1 MHz), and moisture absorptions in the range of 0.31–0.46 wt%.     

Mass transfer and electrocrystallization analyses of nanocrystalline nickel production by pulse plating

A comparison between the experimental process parameters employed for the pulse plating of nanocrystalline nickel and the solution-side mass transfer and electrokinetic characteristics has been carried out. It was found that the experimental process parameters (on-time, off time and cathodic pulse current density) for cathodic rectangular pulses are consistent and within the physical constraints (limiting pulse current density, transition time, capacitance effects and integrity of the waveform) predicted from theory with the adopted postulates. This theoretical analysis also provides a means of predicting the behaviour of the process subject to a change in the system, kinetic and process parameters. The product constraints (current distribution, nucleation rate and grain size), defined as the experimental conditions under which nanocrystalline grains are produced, were inferred from electrocrystallization theory. High negative overpotential, high adion population and low adion surface mobility are prerequisites for massive nucleation rates and reduced grain growth; conditions ideal for nanograin production. Pulse plating can satisfy the former two requirements but published calculations show that surface mobility is not rate-limiting under high negative overpotentials for nickel. Inhibitors are required to reduce surface mobility and this is consistent with experimental findings. Sensitivity analysis on the conditions which reduce the total overpotential (thereby providing more energy for the formation of new nucleation sites) are also carried out. The following lists the effect on the overpotential in decreasing order: cathodic duty cycle, charge transfer coefficient, Nernst diffusion thickness, diffusion coefficient, kinetic parameter () and exchange current density.Nomenclature A constant employed in Fig. 8, (nFi₀)/(RT _e C _a)(s^–1) - B constant in Equation 38 (V²) - C cation concentration (molcm^–3) - C _a capacitance of double layer (µFcm^–2) - C _s cation surface concentration (molcm^–3) - C _s ^* dimensionless cation surface concentration, C _s/C (–) - C cation bulk concentration (molcm^–3) - D diffusion coefficient of cation (cm²s^–1) - E total applied potential (V) - E ⁰ standard cell potential (V) - F Faraday constant (Cmol^–1) - function defined in Appendix C(–) - Fr frequency of waveform (Hz) - f _i,p function defined in Appendix C for pth period (–) - f _i, function defined in Appendix C for p period (–) - G _j function defined in Appendix B (–) - gi function defined in Appendix B (–) - i current density (Acm^¨) - i _ac unsteady fluctuating a.c. current density (Acm^–2) - i _c capacitance current density (Acm^–2) - i _dc steady time-averaged d.c. current density (Acm^–2) - i _F Faradaic current density (Acm^–2) - i _lim limiting d.c. current density (Acm^–2) - i ₀ exchange current density (Acm^–2) - i _PL limiting pulse current density, i ₁{Cs = 0 at t = (p – 1) T + t ₁(Acm^–2) - i ₁ cathodic pulse current density (Acm^–2) - i ₂ relaxed or low current pulse current density (Acm^–2) - iin anodic pulse current density (Acm^–2) - i ^* dimensionless current density, i/|i _lim| (–) - i ₀ ^* dimensionless exchange current density, i _dc/|i _lim| (–) - i _dc ^* dimensionless steady time-averaged d.c. current density, i _dc/|i _lim| (–) - i _PL ^* dimensionless limiting cathodic pulse current density, i _PL/|i _lim| (–) - i _PL,p ^* dimensionless limiting pulse current density at pth period, i ₁(C _s = 0)/|i _lim| (–) - i _PL, ^* dimensionless limiting pulse current density for p , i ₁(C _s = 0)/|i _lim| (–) - i ₁ ^* dimensionless cathodic pulse current density, i ₁/|i _lim| (–)     

Good temperature stability of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 based lead-free ceramics and their applications in buzzers

(K_0.5−xLi_x)Na_0.5(Nb_1−ySb_y)O₃ (KLNNSx–y, x = 0–4 mol% and y = 0–8 mol%) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by the conventional mixed oxide method. The denser microstructure and better electrical properties of the ceramics were obtained as compared to the pure K_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃ ceramic. The temperature stability of the electrical properties of the ceramics was also investigated. The experimental results show that the KLNNS2.5–5 ceramic exhibits good electrical properties (k_p  49%, k₃₁  30% and , tan δ  0.019), and possesses good temperature stability in the temperature range of −40 to 85 °C. The related mechanisms for improved electrical properties and temperature stability were also discussed. Moreover, buzzers based on the KLNNS2.5–5 ceramic have been fabricated and their characterization is presented. These results show that the KLNNS2.5–5 ceramic is a promising lead-free material for practical application in buzzers.     

Preparation and thermal decomposition of 5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·2H2O nanowhiskers

Magnesium hydroxide sulfate hydrate (MHSH) nanowhiskers were prepared using magnesium chloride, ammonia and magnesium sulfate as raw materials by hydrothermal synthesis without any additional template. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermal analysis (TG-DTA) were employed to characterize the composition and structural features of the MHSH nanowhiskers. It is shown that the thermal decomposition of nanowhiskers followed a three-step scheme. Based on DTA data, the reaction order, activation energy and pre-exponential factor for each step were calculated using a non-isothermal Kissinger method. It is also indicated from Satava method that the first step of the thermal decomposition of nanowhiskers is an A₂ nucleus formation and growth mechanism with integral form of G(a) = [−ln(1 − a)]^1/2. The second step is an A_u branching nuclei mechanism with integral form of G(a) = ln[a/(1 − a)], and the final step is a P_1/2 nucleation mechanism with integral form of G(a) = a^1/2.     

Simulation and optimization of a packed bipolar cell by means of a combination of conducting paper and an electric model circuit

The potential distribution and current distribution in a packed bipolar cell were simulated using conducting paper and an electric model circuit. Conducting paper was cut to a pattern which represented an electrolyte solution, while an electric circuit was used which simulated the current-potential relationship at the electrode-electrolyte interface. The potential distribution measured on the paper pattern was not as uniform as expected from the linear field model, particularly when the faradaic current was small. The effective electrode area and the power efficiency were measured under different conditions. The similarity law was confirmed to hold when parameters characterizing the cell were kept constant. Procedures for optimization of the cell design and operating conditions are discussed.Nomenclature A effective electrode area (cm)^* - A _T half the total surface area of cylindrical electrode (cm)^* - a length of unit cell (cm) - E average electric field in solution (V cm^–1) - I _F faradaic current in unit cell (A) - I _S by-pass current through solution in unit cell (A) - I _T total current in unit cell (A) - i _a anodic limiting current density (A cm^–1)^* - i _c cathodic limiting current density (A cm^–1)^* - i _d limiting current density (A cm^–1)^* - K _a dimensionless parameter,i _a a/V ₀ - K _c dimensionless parameter,i _c a/V ₀ - K dimensionless parameter,i _d a/V ₀ - r radius of cylindrical electrode (cm) - V ₀ threshold voltage (V) - V _cell voltage applied to unit cell (V) - x, y Cartesian coordinates defined in Fig. 1 (cm) - X, Y Dimensionless variables corresponding tox andy - dimensionless parameter,r/a - dimensionless parameter,Ea/V ₀ - _p power efficiency (dimensionless) - angle defined in Fig. 1 (radian) - specific conductivity of solution or conducting paper (^–1)* - _m inner potential of metal (V) - _s(x,y) inner potential of solution (V) - _a inner potential difference defined in Fig. 2 (V) - _c inner potential difference defined in Fig. 2 (V) - (X, Y) dimensionless function defined by Equation 12     

Preferential oxidation of CO in excess hydrogen over a nanostructured CuO–CeO2 catalyst with high surface areas

CuO–CeO₂ is prepared by coprecipitation and ethanol washing and characterized using BET, HR-TEM, XRD and TPR techniques. The results show that CuO–CeO₂ is nanosized (r_TEM = 6.5 nm) and possesses high surface area (S_BET = 138 m² g⁻¹). Furthermore, some lattice defects in the surface of CuO–CeO₂ are found, which are beneficial to enhance catalytic performance of CuO–CeO₂ in preferential oxidation of CO in excess hydrogen (PROX). Consequently, the nanostructured CuO–CeO₂ exhibits perfect catalytic performance in PROX. Namely, CO content can be lowered to less than 100 ppm at 150 °C with 100% selectivity of O₂ in the presence of 8% CO₂ and 20% H₂O at .     

First X-ray structure of discrete anion [HgBr5]: Synthesis, characterization and single crystal X-ray structure determination of [Co(NH3)6][HgBr5]

A new cobalt(III) complex salt, [Co(NH₃)₆][HgBr₅](1) was crystallized from a solution of hexaamminecobalt(III)bromide and potassium tetrabromomercurate(II) in aqueous medium in 1:1 molar ratio. This complex salt has been characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic techniques (e.g. UV/Visible, IR), solubility product and conductance measurements. The complex salt crystallizes in Orthorhombic crystal system with space group Pnma. Single crystal X-ray structure determination revealed the presence of discrete ions: [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ cation and a new anion [HgBr₅]³⁻. This is the first structural report of a complex salt containing this new anion. The structure consists of stacks of cations and anions demonstrating supramolecular arrangements through N–HBr hydrogen-bond interactions. The crystal lattice is stabilized by these non-covalent interactions besides electrostatic interaction.     

A mathematical model for platinum/ PTFE/porous nickel fuel cell oxygen diffusion electrodes

This paper describes the cylindrical agglomerate model for oxygen/alkali gas diffusion electrodes fabricated from platinum, PTFE and porous nickel. Corrections for the increase in hydroxyl ion concentration with increasing current density have been made to the original model of Brown and Horve. Changes in performance by variation of the bulk structural parameters, e.g. agglomerate radius, porosity and tortuosity, have been studied. Theoretical modes of electrode decay have been explored.List of symbols Transfer coefficient - C Concentration of O₂ in elec trolyte mol cm^–3 - C _i Concentration of O₂ atr = R mol cm^–3 - C _o Concentration of O₂ in electrolyte atr = mol cm^–3 - Diffusion coefficient of O₂ in KOH cm² sec^–1 - Film thickness cm - E Overpotential of the electrode V - F Faraday's constant - i Electrode current density A cm^–2 - i _a Current per agglomerate A - I ₁(Z) First order Bessel function - I ₀(Z) Zero order Bessel function - j Local current density A cm^–2 - j _o Exchange current density A cm^–2 - L Agglomerate length (catalyst thickness) cm - N Number of electrons in rate determining step - N _a Number of agglomerates per cm² of electrode - Potential drop along ag glomerate V - _L Potential drop at L_a V - r Radial direction - R Radius of agglomerate cm - R _o Gas constant - Density of platinum g cm^–3 - S _g Surface area per gram cm² g^–1 - Solubility coefficient of O₂ mol cm^–3 - _m Electrolyte conductivity (ohm cm)^–1 - T Absolute temperature °K - _a Axial tortuosity - Porosity of platinum in the agglomerate - _r Aadial tortuosity of the agglomerate - W Catalyst loading g cm^–2 - x Axial direction     

Ferromagnetic coupling in a novel dicyanamide-bridged dinuclear gadolinium(III) complex [Gd2(dca)4(OH)2 (NITpPy)4] (NITpPy = 4-pyridyl-nitronyl nitroxide radical)

The novel six-coordinated gadolinium(III) complex of formula [Gd₂(dca)₄(OH)₂(NITpPy)₄] (1) (dca = dicyanamide, NITpPy = 4-pyridyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazolyl-oxy-3-oxide) has been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Compound 1 is a dimer structure made up of double μ_1,5-dca-bridged gadolinium(III) ions and one terminal dca ligand; variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the occurrence of a significant ferromagnetic interaction directly spin polarization through the NITpPy–Gd(III)–NITpPy pathway with J = 11.56 cm⁻¹.     

Ozone generation via the electrolysis of fluoboric acid using glassy carbon anodes and air depolarized cathodes

An electrochemical ozone generation process was studied wherein glassy carbon anodes and air depolarized cathodes were used to produce ozone at concentrations much higher than those obtainable by conventional oxygen-fed corona discharge generators. A mathematical model of the build up of ozone concentration with time is presented and compared to experimental data. Products based on this technology show promise of decreased initial costs compared with corona discharge ozone generation; however, energy consumption per kg ozone is greater. Recent developments in the literature are reviewed.Nomenclature A electrode area (m²) - Ar ^* modified Archimedes number, d _b ³ g_G/² (1 — _G) - C _{O 3 (aq)} concentration of dissolved ozone (mol m^–3) - C _{O 3 i} concentration at interface (mol m^–3) - C _{O 3 1} concentration in bulk liquid (mol m^–3) - D diffusion coefficient (m² s^–1) - E electrode potential against reference (V) - F charge of one mole of electrons (96 485 C mol^–1) - g gravitational acceleration (9.806 65 m s^–2) - i current density (A m^–2) - i ₁ limiting current density (A m^–2) - I current (A) - j material flux per unit area (mol m^–2 s^–1) - k _obs observed rate constant (mol^–1 s^–1) - k _t thermal conductivity (J s^–1 K^–1) - L reactor/anode height (m) - N _{O 3} average rate of mass transfer (mol m^–2 s^–1) - Q heat flux (J s^–1) - r _i radius of anode interior (m) - r _a radius of anode exterior (m) - r _c radius of cathode (m) - R gas constant (8.314 J K^–1 mol^–1) - S _c Schmidt number, v/D - Sh Sherwood number, k _m d _b/D = i _L d _b/zFD[O₃] - t time (s) - T _i temperature of inner surface (K) - T _o temperature of outer surface (K) - U reactor terminal voltage (V) - electrolyte linear velocity (m s^–1) - V volume (m³) - V _{O 3} volume of ozone evolved (10^–6 m³ h^–1) - z _i number of Faradays per mole of reactant in the electrochemical reaction Greek symbols _G gas phase fraction in the electrolyte - (mean) Nernst diffusion layer thickness (m) - fractional current efficiency - overpotential (V) - electrolyte kinematic viscosity (m² s^–1) - electrolyte resistivity (V A^–1 m)     

Axial dispersion in flow porous electrodes

The coefficient of axial dispersionD _L in a porous electrode, composed of rolled 80-mesh platinum screen, was determined using the process of the flow electrolysis of 2.0×10^–3 M K₃Fe(CN)₆ in 1 MKCl in water. The results were analysed in the light of an earlier model for flow electrodes.List of symbols a Electrode cross-sectional area (cm²) - b Empirical constant - c ₀ Initial concentration of substrate (mol ml^–1) - D _L Axial dispersion coefficient (cm² s^–1) - D ^* Effective dispersion coefficient (cm² s^–1) - F Faraday constant (C mol^–1) - I ₁ Limiting current (A) - L Electrode height (cm) - R Limiting degree of conversion of substance - v Volume flow rate (ml s^–1) - Empirical constant - Electrode porosity     

Coarse-grained refractory composites based on Nb-Al2O3 and Ta-Al2O3 castables

Coarse-grained refractory composites, with grain sizes between 20 and 5000?µm, based on Nb-Al₂O₃ and Ta-Al₂O₃ castables were produced for the first time and characterised in terms of shrinkage after sintering, splitting tensile strength, compressive strength, porosity and the measurement of the elastic properties (E, G and $\nu$). After sintering at a temperature of 1600?°C, the shrinkage of the composites was 1.5% and 0.3%. Measured values of splitting tensile strength were between 5.5 and 15?MPa and the ones of compressive strength were between 23 and 89?MPa. Values of E and G were between 117 and 45?GPa and 48–17?GPa, respectively, for samples with 11–45?vol% refractory metal. Poisson's ratio was found to be very sensitive to the bonding between the fine matrix and coarse-grained particles of the composites. Its value increased from 0.25 for good bonding to $\nu =0.43$ in case of poor bonding between the coarse metal particles and the fine ceramic matrix. DTA/TG measurement under air atmosphere showed that the metal-ceramic composites start to oxidise at temperatures above 450?°C.     

Dielectric properties and microstructures of CaSiO3 ceramics with B2O3 addition

The effects of B₂O₃ additives on the sintering behavior, microstructure and dielectric properties of CaSiO₃ ceramics have been investigated. The B₂O₃ addition resulted in the emergence of CaO–B₂O₃–SiO₂ glass phase, which was advantageous to lower the synthesis temperature of CaSiO₃ crystal phase, and could effectively lower the densification temperature of CaSiO₃ ceramic to as low as 1100 °C. The 6 wt% B₂O₃-doped CaSiO₃ ceramic sintered at 1100 °C possessed good dielectric properties: _r = 6.84 and tan δ = 6.9 × 10⁻⁴ (1 MHz).     

Design characteristics of an aluminium-air battery with consumable wedge anodes

An attempt was made to optimize a mechanically rechargeable bipolar-cell battery, exemplified by an aluminium-air battery with self-perpetuating wedge anodes. The optimization involved current density of battery operation and some design parameters such as the anode thickness and the cell dimensions. It was shown that these parameters depend on the energy-to-power ratio selected by the user. The saline electrolyte aluminium-air battery was found to be essentially a low power-density/high energy-density power source. Energy densities of up to over 1500 W h kg^–1 are achievable for low power needs, indicating very long operations between recharging. It was also shown that aluminium should render significantly cheaper electric energy than any of the high-energy density metals.Nomenclature d anode plate thickness (cm) - d _p thickness of end-plates (cm) - d thickness of cell walls (cm) (see Fig. 1) - E energy density (W h kg^–1) - E _B total energy contained in the battery (k W h) - F the Faraday constant 26.8 A h mol^–1 - g _c weight of the air cathode per unit anode area (g cm^–2) - g _e excess electrolyte per unit electrode area (g cm^–2) - g _h weight of the hardware per unit anode area (g cm^–2) - g _m weight of metal per unit electrode area (g cm^–2) - _m g excess of unconsumable metal per unit electrode area (g cm^–2) - g ₀ sum of all the weights except that of consumable metal (g cm^–2) - g _ox weight of oxygen consumed withg _m (g cm^–2) - G total weight of battery (g) - G _m total amount of reserve metal per cell and per cm width (kg cm^–1) - G _m total weight of the wedges (kg) - G _r total weight of the reserve anode container except the metal (kg) - G free energy of oxidation of the metal (kW h mol^–1) - h _a height of the wedge (cm) - h _r reserve anode height (cm) - j current density (mA cm^–2) - J total current drawn from the battery (mA) - n number of electrolyte replacements between anode replacement - n _c number of cells in a battery - M atomic weight of the metal (kg mol^–1) - P power density (W kg^–1) - Q _e cost of metal in the cost of unit energy produced ($ kW^–1 h^–1) - Q _e ⁰ theoretical figure of merit of a metal ($ kW^–1 h^–1) - Q _m cost of metal per unit weight ($ kg^–1) - S _a total anode surface area (cm²) - U cell voltage without ohmic drop (V) - V cell voltage (V) - x width of battery (cm) - z number of electrons exchanged per atom of metal dissolved - interelectrode spacing (cm) - spacing between cover and top of a new reserve anode (cm) - _f material efficiency - _v voltage efficiency - _e conductivity of electrolyte (ohm^–1 cm^–1) - _e electrolyte density (g cm^–3) - _m density of metal (g cm^–3) - _p density of end-plates (g cm^–3) - _w density of cell-walls (g cm^–3)     

An experimental and computational study of intramolecular charge transfer: Diarylamino derivatives of 7H-benzimidazo(2,1-a)benz(d,e)isoquinolin-7-ones

A novel intramolecular donor–acceptor system of four isomers consisting of 7H-benzimidazo(2,1-a)benz(d,e)isoquinolin-7-ones and diarylamine units was synthesized and characterized; the absorption and fluorescence spectra of the system in a variety of solvents were investigated. Intramolecular charge transfer was confirmed within the system by virtue of shifts in emission maximum with increasing solvent polarity; a high dipole moment for the intramolecular excited state was calculated using the Lippert equation. Shorter lifetimes were observed in polar solvents compared with those in non-polar solvents, indicating strong dipole–dipole interactions occurred. The ground-state geometry, lowest energy transition and the UV–vis spectrum of the system were studied using density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory at B3LYP/6-31G^* level, which showed that the calculated outcomes were in good agreement with experimental data.     

Characterization of electroless Ni-Mo-P/SnO2/Ti electrodes for oxygen evolution in alkaline solution

Ni-Mo-P alloy electrodes, prepared by electroless plating, were characterized for application to oxygen evolution. The rate constants were estimated for oxygen evolution on electrodes prepared at various Mo-complex concentrations. The surface area and the crystallinity increase with increasing Mo content. The electrochemical characteristics of the electrodes were identified in relation to morphology and the structure of the surface. The results show that the electroless Ni-Mo-P electrode prepared at a Mo-complex concentration of 0.011 m provided the best electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution.List of symbols b Tafel slope (mV dec^–1) - b F/RT (mV^–1) - F Faraday constant (96 500 C mol^–1) - j current density (mA cm^–2) - k₁ reaction rate of Reaction 1, (mol^–1 cm³ s^–) - k ₁ = k₁C _OH ^–(mol cm^–2 s^–1) - k ₁₀ rate constant of Reaction 1 at = 0 (mol cm^–2 s^–1) - k_c1 rate constant of Reaction 2 (mol^–1 cm³ s^–1) - k _c1 = k_c1C _{H 2O} (mol cm^–2 s^–1) - k_c2 rate constant of chemical Reaction 3 (mol^–1 cm² s^–1) - k _c2 = k_c2² (mol cm^–2 s^–1) - k_c3 rate constant of Reaction 4 (mol^–1 cm² s^–1) - Q _a anodic capacity (mC) - Q _c cathodic capacity (mC) - R gas constant (8.314 J mol^–1 K^–1) - R _ct charge transfer resistance ( cm²) - R _ads charge transfer resistance due to adsorption effect ( cm²) - C _d1 double layer capacity (mF cm^–2) - _{C ads} double layer capacity due to adsorption effect (mF cm^–2) - T temperature (K) Greek symbols anodic transfer coefficient - _{O 2} oxygen overpotential (mV) - saturation concentration of surface oxide on nickel (mol cm^–2)     

The Effect of the Synthetic Conditions on the Deposition and Distribution of Copper Complexes on Polymer Supports

The influence of conditions (e.g., ratios of components, temperature etc.) on the reaction of Cu(OCOCH₃)₂·2H₂O with polyethylene grafted-polyacrylic on the amount of the metal and the composition of the immobilized Cu(II) complexes was studied. The concentration dependence obeys the Langmuir law. Analysis of the data leads to an evaluation of the stability constant for the Cu(II) complexes (K=300 l/mole at 333 K). The constant corresponds to a Cu(II) fixation value, k=0.35 mole/l (22.22 mg Cu(II)/g). The multistage fixation mechanism for Cu(II) complex formation was demonstrated by the marked atom technique. Cu(II) is fixed by one carboxylate group (to 16 mol% of the supported Cu(II), K ₁=16×10^–2 mole/g) and by two carboxylate groups (K ₂=2.54×10^–3 mole/g) of the grafted ligands. The PE-gr-PAA–Cu(II) system mimics the situation-insoluble support-soluble functional polymer covering and realizes the advantages of both the soluble and the three-dimensional crosslinked polymer. Steady-state magnetic susceptibility measurements and ESR spectroscopy were used to study the distribution of cupric ion attached to a polyethylene-grafted poly(acrylic acid) support. The existence of three types of cupric ion complexes was demonstrated: (1) isolated complexes, (2) complexes bonded by dipole–dipole interactions, and (3) clusters with strong exchange interactions. The mean distances between the isolated ions (¯r22–15 Å) and between the dipole–bound complexes (¯r _agreg7 Å) were estimated. The results obtained were compared to the data for other immobilized catalysts. Preliminary results on the fixation of bimetallic Cu(II) and Pd(II) complexes to the polymers as well as on their distributions were obtained.