Ethene/ethane mixture diffusion in the MOF sieve ZIF-8 studied by MAS PFG NMR diffusometry

The adsorption and diffusion of ethene/ethane mixtures is explored by ¹H and ¹³C MAS NMR spectroscopy and by the combination of PFG NMR with magic-angle spinning (MAS PFG NMR). Some indication for a preferential adsorption of the molecules close to the methyl-groups of the imidazole-rings was found, however no evidence for structural changes upon adsorption of an ethene/ethane mixture.MAS PFG NMR allows an individual but simultaneous observation of both molecules in adsorbed state and as well as in the gas phase. The intracrystalline MAS PFG NMR diffusivities are in consistent agreement with our previous data obtained by IR microscopy. Our consideration includes the loading dependence and the correlation of self-diffusion with transport diffusion by accounting for the influence of the thermodynamic factor.The diffusion selectivity is determined to D_ethene:D_ethane = 5.5 at a loading of four molecules per cavity. The higher mobility of ethene can be rationalized by its smaller size compared to ethane. This conclusion is validated by the measured activation energies for diffusion which are considerably higher for ethane. On the other hand, differences in the guest-host interaction between the saturated and non-saturated molecules can be excluded as possible reason for the different diffusivities.     

Novel ion-containing reverse osmosis membranes. II. Reverse osmosis properties

The reverse osmosis properties of ion-containing membranes prepared by ⁶⁰Co mutual irradiation grafting of 2-vinylpyridine to poly(3,3-bis(chloromethyl)oxetane) (polyoxetane, Penton) followed by quaternization with methyl bromide are presented. In general, the volumetric fluxes varied linearly with pressures up to 55 atm. Katchalsky's treatment of membrane permeability was used to analyze the data. Membrane constants and diffusion coefficients of water and sodium chloride were determined with membranes containing different volume fractions of water. The diffusion coefficients of water in the membranes were of the same order of magnitude as the self-diffusion coefficient of water (～3 × 10^?5 cm²/s). The diffusion coefficients of sodium chloride in the membrane were of the order of 10^?7 cm²/s. The diffusion coefficients increased with hydration, and the salt rejections were markedly affected by the external salt concentrations. The apparent energies of activation for the volumetric flux were calculated in distilled water and in 0.5% sodium chloride solution.     

ION EXCHANGE CHARACTERISTICS OP A NEW MANGANESE OXIDE : SELF-DIFFUSION AND TRACE COMPONENT DIFFUSION

The kinetics of self-diffusion and trace component diffusion of Na+ and Cs+ in a new manganese oxide, having the chemical formula Na₄Mn₁₇O₂₇.13 H₂O, was studied. A uniform diffusion process was observed in all cases. The diffusion coefficients increase with particle size at the relatively large sizes, which is attributed to the conglomeration of small particles. The self-diffusion coefficient of Na+ is lower than that of Cs+ whereas the trace diffusion coefficients follow a reverse trend. Besides, the self-diffusion coefficients are not equal to the trace diffusion ones and opposite differences are observed for Na+ and Cs+. These results were tentatively explained in terms of the oxide water content and ion hydration.     

Construction of continuous proton-conduction channels through polyvinylimidazole nanotubes to enhance proton conductivity of polymer electrolyte membrane

Proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) with high proton conductivity and low cost are crucial for the commercial promotion of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. In this study, inspired by the mechanism of plant ducts transporting moisture and biological proton transfer, polyvinylimidazole nanotubes (PVINTs) are prepared by a simple template method and then incorporated into a sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) (SPES) matrix to fabricate composite membranes (SPES/PVINTs-X, where X is PVINT content in percent). The membranes were fully characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical testing. The results indicated that the incorporation of PVINTs could improve the mechanical performance and dimensional stability of the membranes. In particular, the SPES/PVINTs-7.5 composite membrane achieves remarkable results of proton conductivity of 0.212 S/cm under fully hydrated conditions at 80 °C, which is 56% higher than that of the SPES membrane. The construction of proton-transfer channels through polymer nanotubes described in this paper may provide new insights into the preparation of composite proton-exchange membranes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47106.     

A Preliminary Investigation of the ISG Glass Vapor Hydration

During the geological disposal of high-level waste, the nuclear glass is expected to be first hydrated in water vapor prior to liquid alteration. In the present work, we investigated the vapor hydration of the International simple glass (ISG) at 175°C and different relative humidities (60%, 80% and 98%). The glass hydration was investigated by nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. The chemical and mineralogical compositions of the alteration products were studied using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and μ-Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The NRA results gave water diffusion coefficients of 2.31–7.34 × 10⁻²¹ m²/s_, in good agreement with the literature data on borosilicate glasses altered in aqueous media. The glass hydration increased with relative humidity percentage and the SEM-EDS analysis showed a slight enrichment in Si and loss of Na in the hydrated glass layer compared with the pristine glass. The hydration rate of the ISG glass was little higher than that of the French SON68 glass hydrated using water vapor. The corrosion products were analcime, tobermorite, and calcite, which were typical of the SON68 glass hydrated in similar conditions.     

PFG NMR investigation of hydrocarbon diffusion in large NaX zeolite crystals: Effect of internal field gradients on diffusion data

Self-diffusion coefficients for intracrystalline diffusion of hydrocarbon molecules adsorbed in large crystals of NaX zeolite have been measured by the pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR technique, at ambient temperature and at different diffusion times (from 6 to 12 ms). Two NMR pulse sequences, stimulated and 13-interval bipolar spin echo, were used to examine the influence of internal field gradients on diffusion data. For both sequences the effective self-diffusion coefficient of the guest molecules was found to decrease with increasing observation times. The extrapolated intracrystalline diffusion coefficient is independent of the NMR sequence. In contrast, the estimated extent of molecular diffusion depends strongly on the pulse program. For the small molecules (butane to hexane), the domain size, R, of restricted diffusion obtained with the stimulated spin-echo sequence is smaller than the crystal dimension whereas R is always comparable to it when the 13-interval pulse sequence is used. This shows the effect of internal field gradients on the diffusion data leading to wrong values of R if the stimulated pulse sequence is used. The light hydrocarbons diffuse freely inside the zeolite particles whereas the crystal boundaries act as reflecting surfaces, as previously observed. On the other hand, even with the 13-interval pulse sequence, the smaller values of R obtained for large molecules as n-heptane and octane shows that their displacement is hindered by restrictions in the NaX macro-crystals.     

Selective multi-component diffusion measurement in zeolites by pulsed field gradient NMR

The potential of pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR for selective diffusion measurement in multi-component liquids is far from being fulfilled in multi-component diffusion studies with zeolites. We present two recent developments in PFG NMR instrumentation, which will significantly improve the measuring conditions for multi-component diffusion in zeolites and other nanoporous materials. They include options for an enhancement of the sensitivity with respect to smaller displacements by a novel principle of field gradient pulse matching and with respect to selectivity between different components by combining PFG NMR with magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR with a microimaging gradient system. The potentials and limitations of the two options are demonstrated by the first results of selective PFG NMR self-diffusion measurements with zeolitic adsorbate–adsorbent systems containing as much as four different species of guest molecules.     

Effect of molecular architecture on the self-diffusion of polymers in aqueous systems: A comparison of linear, star, and dendritic poly(ethylene glycol)s

Star polymers with a hydrophobic cholane core and four poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) arms, CA(EG_n)₄, have been synthesized by anionic polymerization. Pulsed-gradient spin-echo NMR spectroscopy was used to study the diffusion behavior of the star polymers, ranging from 1000 to 10,000 g/mol, in aqueous solutions and gels of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) at 23 °C. The star polymers have a lower self-diffusion coefficient than linear PEGs at equivalent hydrodynamic radius. In water alone, the star polymers and their linear homologues have a similar diffusion behavior in the dilute regime, as demonstrated by the similar concentration dependence of the self-diffusion coefficients. In the semidilute regime, the star polymers tend to aggregate due to their amphiphilic properties, resulting in lower self-diffusion coefficients than those of linear PEGs. ¹H NMR T₁ measurements at 10-70 °C revealed that the PEG arms of the star polymers are more mobile than the core, suggesting the star polymers in solution have a conformation similar to that of poly(propylene imine) dendrimers.     

The Crystal and Molecular Structure of Dianhydrogossypol

Dianhydrogossypol (4,4′-dihydroxy-5,5′-diisopropyl-7,7′-dimethyl-bis(3H-naphtho[1,8-bc]furan-3-one)) was made by refluxing gossypol in m-xylene. Proton NMR spectroscopy was used to confirm that complete conversion was achieved over a time period of several hours. Single crystals of the compound were obtained by slow evaporation from dichloromethane. Diffraction studies indicate that this crystal form is tetragonal with a I4₁/a space group and with cell dimensions of a = b = 33.8265(4) Å, c = 9.1497(2) Å, V = 10469.4(3) Å³ at 100 K. The structure was solved by direct methods and was refined to an R1 value of 0.0415 on 6,408 independent reflections. Dianhydrogossypol exists as a pair of enantiomers within this structure. The two fused planar ring systems are oriented at a 117° angle to each other (i.e., close to perpendicular), and the isopropyl groups are oriented with the ternary carbon hydrogen atoms pointed inward toward the center of the molecule. Repeating groups of four molecules (of the same chirality) pack to form a helical structure that is supported by intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Each helix is surrounded by four neighboring helices that are composed of molecules of the opposite chirality. The helices form the walls of empty channels that are 5–6 Å wide. As has been found for some gossypol crystal forms, the open-channel structure of dianhydrogossypol might be useful for scavenging or carrying small molecules. Additional NMR studies confirm that dianhydrogossypol can be converted directly to gossypol lactol ethers in the presence of anhydrous alcohols.     

Self- and mutual-diffusion coefficients in the dodecane/polystyrene system

The self-diffusion coefficient of dodecane in cross-linked polystyrene was measured using pulsed gradient spin echo nuclear magnetic resonance (PGSE–NMR) spectroscopy. The concentration and temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient was analyzed by the Fujita and Vrentas–Duda models. Parameters describing the Fujita model were determined from fitting of diffusion data to the PVT behavior of the system. Parameters describing the Vrentas–Duda model were determined from the analysis of the viscosity of dodecane, the viscoelastic relaxation properties, and the glass transition temperature of polystyrene as well as from the diffusion coefficient of the system, measured from independent experiments. Both the Fujita and Vrentas–Duda models described well the concentration and temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient. Mutual diffusion coefficients were determined from these results. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

PFG NMR observation of an extremely strong dependence of the ammonia self-diffusivity on its loading in H-ZSM-5

Ammonia diffusion in H-ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 20) has been studied by the PFG NMR method for different ammonia loadings at 298 K. The results obtained indicate that the self-diffusion coefficient of ammonia changes by up to two orders of magnitude if ammonia loading is varied by a factor of only 2 between 1.6 and 0.8 mmol/g. This unusually strong loading dependence is attributed to the strong interaction of ammonia molecules with the limited number of acid sites of the H-ZSM-5 framework.     

Preparation of random poly(butylene alkylate-co-terephthalate)s with different methylene group contents: crystallization and degradation kinetics

Random copolyesters having 1,4-butanediol units were synthesized from a transesterification process between homopolymers constituted by aliphatic dicarboxylates (i.e. succinate, adipate or sebacate) and the aromatic therephthalate derivative, as verified by NMR spectroscopy. Biodegradability of resulting copolyesters was studied via enzymatic hydrolysis using Pseudomonas cepacia lipase at pH = 7.2 and 37 °C. Kinetics of degradation showed that in all cases the degradation rate decreased after 19 days of exposure. The observed glass transition temperatures, T _g, of the random copolyesters showed a non-linear dependence on composition, a feature that was explained in terms of the internal stiffening effect of butylene terephthalate units. Copolymers with higher aliphatic (i.e. 50 and 70 mol-%) and methylene (i.e. adipate and sebacate units) contents showed double melting peaks in DSC thermograms. These copolyesters resulted in two different crystalline rich phases after melt-crystallization and subsequent cooling. The ratio between these phases logically depended on the predominant aliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylate content. The copolymers initially crystallized via the aromatic units through a heterogeneous nucleation and a spherulitic growth. The presence of aliphatic dicarboxylate units hindered the beginning of the crystallization process, but the overall growth kinetic constant was similar for all samples. The secondary nucleation constants were determined and showed higher values for samples with higher adipate and sebacate contents.     

Itaconic Acid Based Surfactants: I. Synthesis and Characterization of Sodium <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-Octyl Sulfoitaconate Diester Anionic Surfactant

A novel itaconate-based surfactant, namely sodium n-octyl sulfoitaconate diester (SOSID), has been synthesized from itaconic acid (IA) and n-octanol by sulfonation and esterification reaction processes. The effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, molar ratios of n-octanol to IA and the catalyst dosage on the esterification were investigated. The chemical structure of the surfactants SOSID was characterized by means of LC–MS and confirmed by FT-IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The surface tension γ and the critical micelle concentration (CMC) were determined as 25.02 mN/m and 4.0 × 10^?4 mol/L by using surface tensiometer at 20 °C. Further investigations showed that SOSID possess excellent wetting, emulsifying and lime soap dispersing properties.     

Radiation synthesis and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/silver nanocomposite membranes: antimicrobial and blood compatibility studies

Polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/silver (PVA/CS/Ag) nanocomposite membranes were synthesized by γ-radiation with promising antimicrobial and biomedical applications. The nanocomposite membranes were prepared by mixing PVA and CS solutions with different copolymer compositions in the presence of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and glutaraldehyde as cross-linker, followed by in situ reduction with γ-radiation at different doses. The nanocomposite membranes were characterized by ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV studies showed a strong peak around λ _max at 430 nm due to surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles formed during irradiation. As the irradiation dose increased from 25 to 75 kGy, the plasmon band is shifted from 430 to 418 nm with high intensity, indicating the formation of smaller particles. TEM investigation showed uniform distribution of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the membranes with mean diameter of 32–19 nm. XRD results confirmed that the mean diameter of AgNPs estimated from the Debye–Scherrer formula was in the range of 27.5–12.8 nm which confirms the TEM results. The PVA/CS/Ag nanocomposite membranes exhibited good antibacterial activity and were found to cause significant reduction in microbial growth. The nanocomposite membranes showed non-thrombogenicity effect and slightly haemolytic potential, suggesting their promising use in biomedical applications.     

Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis>-Axis-Oriented Epitaxial Ba-Doped BiCuSeO Thin Films

We reported the epitaxial growth of c-axis-oriented Bi_1?xBa_xCuSeO (0?≤ x ≤?10%) thin films and investigated the effect of Ba doping on the structure, valence state of elements, and thermoelectric properties of the films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveal that Bi³⁺ is partially reduced to the lower valence state after Ba doping, while Cu and Se ions still exist as +?1 and ??2 valence state, respectively. As the Ba doping content increases, both resistivity and Seebeck coefficient decrease because of the increased hole carrier concentration. A large power factor, as high as 1.24 mWm^?1 K^?2 at 673 K, has been achieved in the 7.5% Ba-doped BiCuSeO thin film, which is 1.5 times higher than those reported for the corresponding bulk samples. Considering that the nanoscale-thick Ba-doped films should have a very low thermal conductivity, high ZT can be expected in the films.     

Preparation and characterization of cross-linked PCL porous membranes

Porous PCL membranes with high gel content were prepared by a combining method of solvent casting, thermal pressing curing, particulate leaching and freeze drying. The porosity can be controlled conveniently by varying the sodium chloride contents. Subsequently, the membranes were characterized by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical tests, in vitro degradation and cell proliferation. Typically, DSC showed that the transition temperatures of the membranes were close to the body temperature; Mechanical properties showed when the porosity is nearly 70 %, the moduli is still maintained at more than 17 MPa, which is higher than values reported by some other methods. In addition, in vitro degradation results showed that degradation proceeded from surface, and low crystallinity as well as high porosity both can accelerate the degradation. Notably, positive cell proliferation results indicated the membranes might serve as a good candidate for tissue engineering.     

New solid polymer electrolyte membranes for alkaline fuel cells

New solid polymer electrolyte composite membranes have been prepared using chitosan as matrices and incorporating potassium hydroxide as the functional ionic source. These membranes were featured as a three‐layer structure having a porous intermediate layer while the two crosslinked surface layers are dense. Results from impedance spectroscopy analysis showed that the conductivity of some hydrated composite membranes, after hydration for 1 h at room temperature, reached about 10⁻² S cm⁻¹. Several composite membranes were then tested in alkaline fuel cells, using hydrogen as fuel, air as oxidant and platinum as the electrode catalyst. A current density of 35 mA cm⁻² has been achieved at 60 °C with a flow rate of hydrogen at 50 ml min⁻¹ and air at 200 ml min⁻¹. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Sulfonated poly(ether sulfone)/silica composite membranes for direct methanol fuel cells

A series of sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (SPES)/silica composite membranes were prepared by sol–gel method using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) hydrolysis. Physico–chemical properties of the composite membranes were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM–EDX), and water uptake. Compared to a pure SPES membrane, SiO₂ doping in the membranes led to a higher thermal stability and water uptake. SEM–EDX indicated that SiO₂ particles were uniformly embedded throughout the SPES matrix. Proper silica loadings (below 5 wt %) in the composite membranes helped to inhibit methanol permeation. The permeability coefficient of the composite membrane with 5 wt % SiO₂ was 1.06 × 10^?7 cm²/s, which was lower than that of the SPES and just one tenth of that of Nafion® 112. Although proton conductivity of the composite membranes decreased with increasing silica content, the selectivity (the ratio of proton conductivity and methanol permeability) of the composite membrane with 5 wt % silica loading was higher than that of the SPES and Nafion® 112 membrane. This excellent selectivity of SPES/SiO₂ composite membranes could indicate a potential feasibility as a promising electrolyte for direct methanol fuel cell. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Impedance sensor for the early failure diagnosis of organic coatings

A miniature impedance sensor used for field diagnosis of the early failure of coatings has been developed based on microelectronics and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The aging process of polyurethane-based coatings in salt spray test chamber was studied using the impedance sensor. Several critical indexes related to EIS such as phase angle (θ_10Hz, θ_15kHz), breakpoint frequency (f_b), specific capacitance (C_10Hz, C_15kHz), and impedance modulus (Z_0.1Hz) were proposed to evaluate the severity of coating degradation. The results indicated that the impedance sensor could accurately monitor the degradation process of coatings, and once Z_0.1Hz?<?10⁶ Ω cm², f_b?>?100 Hz, or θ_10Hz?<?20°, the coating may be regarded as completely degraded and fails to protect the metal substrate.     

Structural Evolution of Silicon Carbide Phase from the Polycarbosilane Cured with Iodine: NMR Study

The structural evolution of silicon carbide phase from polycarbosilane fibers cured with iodine in air was investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) together with in situ gas analysis up to 1400 °C by thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectroscopy (TG-MS). The investigation with solid-state ¹H, ¹³C, and ²⁹Si NMR analyses showed the influence of the oxygen affinity of Si atoms on the chemical structural changes of the SiOCH system during pyrolysis (up to 800 °C). In particular, the mechanism of phase segregation (SiOC?→?β-SiC?+?SiO₂?+?C) in amorphous SiOC structure at 800–1250 °C was determined. Carbon in the Si–O–C networks is replaced by silicon, forming the Si-O-Si network, while the cleaved carbon atoms, which have unpaired electrons, combine, forming C=C bonds. This mechanism accounts for the structural rearrangement from O₂SiC₂ to O₃SiC to SiO₄ (from the silicon-centered standpoint, i.e., SiO₂ phase), the growth of β-SiC crystallites, and the carbon clustering.