Photocatalytic removal of hazardous dye cyanosine from industrial waste using titanium dioxide

In this paper, photocatalytic degradation studies of a hazardous water soluble xanthene dye cyanosine in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide under a variety of conditions, viz., catalyst concentration, substrate concentration, pH, temperature and electron acceptor hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) have been reported. It was observed that photocatalytic degradation by TiO2 is an effective, economic and faster mode of removing cyanosine from aqueous solution. The optimum conditions for the degradation of the dye was dye concentration 1x10(-4)M, pH 8, catalyst concentration 0.04g/L and temperature +/-30 degrees C. Chemical oxygen demand and dye absorbance of the photodegraded dye solution substantially decreased.     

Study of rigidity of semiconducting vanadate glasses and its importance in use of coatings

The elastic moduli of some multicomponent vanadate based glasses were analysed in terms of the bond compression model by some physical parameters such as, the density, average stretching force constant and average atomic ring size. These parameters were calculated for all the glass series and for all the glass composition to estimate the rigidity of these glasses. The results showed that the average force constant and the elastic moduli of these glasses are sensitive to the decrease in PbO content. This behaviour was attributed to the increase in the molar volume and the role of different modifiers. These parameters along with the coordination number of the glasses affect the glass transition temperature. The correlation between the elastic moduli and thermal properties of these samples showed that 0·25MoO₃–0.25PbO–0·5V₂O₅ glass is the most rigid and has an applicable glass transition temperature for coating.     

Optical absorption and infrared studies of some silicate glasses containing titanium

The optical absorption and infrared (IR) spectra of mixed alkali silicate glasses in the system 3SiO₂–(1 − x)Na₂O–xK₂O + 2.5–20 g of TiO₂ were measured. Absorption bands due to Ti³⁺ ions, at 500 and 570 nm, were observed in the spectrum of Na₂O-free glasses. The intensities of such bands were followed with the variation in TiO₂ content from 2.5 to 20 g (per 100 g of glass). The incorporation of titanium oxide as Ti³⁺ in the Na₂O-free glass, conferring a violet hue to it, was explained on the basis of the acidity–basicity character of the glass. The IR measurements have been used to explore the structural changes throughout the compositional variations. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Characterization of aqueous lead removal by phosphatic clay: equilibrium and kinetic studies

Immobilization of heavy metals from contaminated environments is an emerging field of interest from both resource conservation and environmental remediation points of view. This study investigated the feasibility of using phosphatic clay, a waste by-product of the phosphate mining industry, as an effective sorbent for Pb from aqueous effluents. The major parameters controlling aqueous Pb removal, viz. initial metal ion concentrations, solution pH, sorbent amounts, ionic strength and presence of both inorganic and organic ligands were evaluated using batch experiments. Results demonstrated that aqueous Pb removal efficiency of phosphatic clay is controlled mainly by dissolution of phosphatic clay associated fluoroapatite [Ca(10)(PO(4))(5)CaCO(3)(F,Cl,OH)(2)], followed by subsequent precipitation of geochemically stable pyromorphite [Pb(10)(PO(4))(6)(F,Cl,OH)(2)], which was confirmed by both X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. Lead removal efficiency of phosphatic clay increased with increasing pH, sorbent amount and decreasing ionic strength. It also depends on the nature of complexing ligands. Formation of insoluble calcium oxalate and lead oxalate in the presence of oxalic acid explained high uptake of Pb by phosphatic clay from aqueous solution. However, Pb sorption kinetics onto phosphatic clay were biphasic, with initially fast reactions followed by slow and continuous Pb removal reactions. The slow reactions may include surface sorption, co-precipitation and diffusion. The exceptional capability of phosphatic clay to remove aqueous Pb demonstrated its potential as a cost effective way to remediate Pb-contaminated water, soils and sediments.     

A critical investigation of some of the procedures employed in the surgical use of titanium

Rigorous and exhaustive procedures are employed when titanium (Ti) is surgically implanted, whether for orthopaedic or dental applications. Many of these are adopted because it is thought that surface cleanliness is paramount for clinical success. This paper critically examines the necessity for some of these procedures, concentrating on the surface chemistry of Ti plates. Radio frequency plasma treatments are used to remove contamination from as received Ti plates; XPS and ToF-SIMS were used to monitor the effects of surface chemistry. Ti plates are contaminated by immersing them in BSA or by deliberate contamination with the endospores of Bacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 7953. The effectiveness of simple cleaning procedures to remove BSA/Bacillus stearothermophilus are investigated. Attention is given to both the surface cleanliness and sterility after cleaning.This paper was accepted for publication after the 1995 Conference of the European Society of Biomaterials, Oporto, Portugal, 10–13 September.     

Optical absorption near the fundamental absorption edge in some vanadate glasses

The fundamental absorption edges of some samples of V₂O₅-P₂O₅ and V₂O₅-P₂O₅-TeO₂ glasses were measured in the short wavelength part of the visible region, and it was found that the fundamental absorption of these glasses is dependent on composition and arises from direct forbidden transitions and occurs at a photon energy in the range 1.9 to 2.6 eV, depending on composition.     

Forming of the titanium elements by bending

Titanium alloys are superior to nearly all metals in terms of a combination of high mechanical strength and low weight. Therefore, titanium is used whenever the construction weight and its strength are essential. Bending is one of the most frequently used methods for forming titanium elements. However, current knowledge of titanium and its alloys forming by cold working is insufficient. Many phenomena, such as spring-back, need to be investigated and explained.This study was undertaken in order to investigate the titanium bending process. A numerical simulation of the bending of a Ti6Al4V ELI titanium alloy bar was carried out with the Adina System, based on the finite element method. The influence of bar diameter, bending radius and bending angle on the strain and stress distribution in the deformed element was analysed. The numerical calculations demonstrated that the spring-back was dependent on the size of the middle material zone, which remained in an elastic state during bending process. This in turn was dependent on the value of the bending radius, bending angle and diameter/thickness of the bent element. Knowledge of the spring-back is very important because it essentially decreases the forming accuracy of the bent elements. This is especially important when vital titanium elements, such as: body implants or aircraft elements, are bent. Therefore, the calculation results were validated experimentally.     

Controlling the use of hazardous materials in research and development laboratories

The author describes a systematic approach for controlling the use of hazardous materials in a large industrial research and development complex. The basic concepts, although fundamental, require the pooling of several technical disciplines. Although, a system may be in place and is functioning effectively, new governmental restraints are constantly occurring, hence, the program is continually expanding.     

Synthesis of some ferromagnetic composite resins and their metal removal characteristics in aqueous solutions

In this study, a procedure for synthesis of new organic-inorganic magnetic composite resins was established. The procedure was based upon immobilization of magnetite (Mag) as a ferromagnetic material within the polymer poly(acrylic acid acrylonitrile) P(AA-AN) and the ion exchange resin (Amberlite IR120). The produced magnetic resins, IR120-PAN-Mag (R1) and P(AA-AN)-Mag (R2) were assessed as sorbents for Cr(VI). Various factors influencing the sorption of Cr(VI), e.g., pH, equilibrium time, initial concentration and temperature were studied. The sorption process was very fast initially and maximum sorption was achieved within 3 h and pH 5.1. The kinetic of the system has been evaluated with pseudo first order model, second order model, Elovich model, intra-particle diffusion model and liquid film diffusion model. Chromium interaction with composite particles followed second-order kinetics with a correlation coefficient extremely high and closer to unity and rate constant (k_s) has the values 1.68 × 10⁻⁴ and 1.9 × 10⁻⁴ g (mg⁻¹ min⁻¹) for R1 and R2, respectively. The values of equilibrium sorption capacity (q_e) are consistent with the modeled data and attain the range 893–951 mg g⁻¹. Kinetically, both pore diffusion and film diffusion are participating in ruling the diffusion of Cr(VI) ions. The sorption data gave good fits with Temkin and Flory–Huggins isotherm models. The isotherm parameters related to the heat of sorption are in the range 8–16 kJ mol⁻¹ which is the range of bonding energy for ion exchange interactions and so suggest an ion exchange mechanism for removal of Cr(VI) by the composite sorbents. The adsorption process was exothermic with ΔH in the range of −73 to −97 kJ mol⁻¹. The negative values of Gibbs free energy confirm the feasibility and the spontaneous nature of Cr(VI) removal with these novel composites.     

Synthesis and field emission of single-crystalline copper vanadate nanobelts

Single-crystalline nanobelts of a nonstoichiometric compound Cu(1.55)V(2)O(6.55), with a thickness of 40-60?nm, width of 50-300?nm and length of several micrometers, have been synthesized on a large scale by a hydrothermal method. The structures and morphologies of the nanobelts were characterized by x-ray powder diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. A probable growth mechanism has also been discussed. The nanobelts exhibit a turn-on field of 11.0?V?μm(-1), which is defined as the macroscopic field required to produce a current density of 10?μA?cm(-2). It is anticipated that the nanobelts can serve as a candidate material for future field emitters.     

饰品中有害元素的限定及无损检测方法的前瞻

该文对即将出台的关于饰品中有害元素限定的国家行业标准进行了介绍,并提出了相关的无损检测方法的前瞻。     

液相直接沉淀法制备Ag3VO4及其可见光催化性能研究

以NH4VO3和AgNO3为原料,采用液相直接沉淀法制备了Ag3VO4粉体,用XRD、SEM、BET和UV-Vis等手段对样品的物相、形貌、比表面积和光学特性进行了表征;以可见光为光源、罗丹明B为目标降解物考察了Ag3VO4的光催化活性。结果表明,反应混合物的pH值对样品的成分有重要的影响,在调节反应混合物的pH值为7时,所制备的样品为单斜相的Ag3VO4;反应时间、反应温度和表面活性剂等对Ag3VO4的尺寸和形貌有较大的影响。UV-Vis分析表明,所得样品在400～680nm有强而宽的吸收,其能带间隙Eg为1.90eV;光催化性能测试表明,样品的可见光光催化活性较高,在35W氙灯照射下,经100min降解,80℃反应8h所得样品对罗丹明B的降解率可达97.7%。     

Electrical and magnetic studies of iron (III) vanadate

Iron(III) vanadate (FeVO₄) is an n-type semiconductor between 300 and 800 K. Electrical conduction in this phase occurs due to small deviation from oxygen stoichiometric composition. The mechanism of electrical transport is of a thermally activated hopping of charge carriers (electrons) on equivalent iron lattice sites. The FeVO₄ obeys Curie-Weiss law between 80 and 300 K. The measured magnetic moment (μ _eff) of Fe³⁺ ion in FeVO₄ is 5·270 BM at 298 K, which is lower than theμ _spin only value. The predominant exchange interactions are the weak 90° M-O-M superexchange and M-O-O-M super-super-exchange. The negative Weiss constantϑ=− 30 K of the phase indicated the possibility of an antiferromagnetic ordering of the iron(III) vanadate lattice. The IR absorption spectrum of FeVO₄ gave bands at 990, 900, 825 and 725 cm⁻¹ due to the presence of distorted VO₄ polyhedra of the lattice.     

Kinetic and equilibrium studies on the removal of acid dyes from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto activated carbon cloth

Removal of acid dyes Acid Blue 45, Acid Blue 92, Acid Blue 120 and Acid Blue 129 from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto high area activated carbon cloth (ACC) was investigated. Kinetics of adsorption was followed by in situ UV-spectroscopy and the data were treated according to pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. It was found that the adsorption process of these dyes onto ACC follows the pseudo-second-order model. Adsorption isotherms were derived at 25 degrees C on the basis of batch analysis. Isotherm data were treated according to Langmuir and Freundlich models. The fits of experimental data to these equations were examined.     

Synthesis, photoluminescence and magnetic properties of barium vanadate nanoflowers

The flower-shaped barium vanadate has been obtained by the composite hydroxide mediated (CHM) method from V₂O₅ and BaCl₂ at 200 °C for 13 h. XRD and XPS spectrum of the as-synthesized sample indicate it is hexagonal Ba₃V₂O₈ with small amount of Ba₃VO_4.8 coexistence. Scan electron microscope and transmission electron microscope display that the flower-shaped crystals are composed of nanosheets with thickness of ∼20 nm. The UV-visible spectrum shows that the barium vanadate sample has two optical gaps (3.85 eV and 3.12 eV). Photoluminescence spectrum of the barium vanadate flowers exhibits a visible light emission centered at 492 and 525 nm which might be attributed to VO₄ tetrahedron with T_d symmetry in Ba₃V₂O₈. The ferromagnetic behavior of the barium vanadate nanoflowers has been found with saturation magnetization of about 83.50 × 10⁻³ emu/g, coercivity of 18.89 Oe and remnant magnetization of 4.63 × 10⁻³ emu/g, which is mainly due to the presence of a non-orthovanadate phase with spin S = 1/2.     

Synthesis and characterization of zirconium titanium phosphate and its application in separation of metal ions

An advanced inorganic ion exchanger, zirconium titanium phosphate (ZTP) of the class of tetravalent bimetallic acid (TBMA) salt has been synthesized by sol–gel route. ZTP has been characterized for ICP-AES, TGA, FTIR and XRD. Chemical stability of the material in various media-acids, bases and organic solvents has been assessed. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) and effect of calcination (100–500 °C) on CEC has also been studied. Distribution behaviour of metal ions Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ (d-block), Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Bi³⁺ (heavy) and La³⁺, Ce³⁺, Th⁴⁺, UO₂²⁺ (f-block) towards ZTP has been studied and distribution coefficient (K_d) determined in aqueous as well as various electrolyte media/concentrations. Based on the differential selectivity, breakthrough capacity (BTC) and elution behaviour of various metal ions towards ZTP, a few binary and ternary metal ion separations have been carried out.     

Analysis of the effect of alloy elements on martensitic transformation in titanium alloy with the use of valence electron structure parameters

Because martensitic transformation in titanium alloy significantly affects properties and applications of the alloys, the analysis of the effect of alloy elements on martensitic transformation becomes primarily important. Through using the valence electron structure parameters calculated by the empirical electron theory (EET) of solids and molecules, our analysis results reveal that the addition of alloy elements (such as Zr, Nb, W, Mo, V) has the beneficial effect on the formation of orthorhombic martensite α″ as well as the addition of alloy elements (e.g., Al, Fe, Cr, Sn) has advantage to the formation of hcp-structured martensite α′. Our analysis results not only present the understanding about the effect of alloy elements on martensitic transformation at the electron structure level, but also provide a theoretical basis for the chemical composition design of titanium alloys.