Adsorption and Separation of <Superscript>152+154</Superscript>Eu(III) and <Superscript>60</Superscript>Co(II) Using Cerium(IV) Tungstate

Samples of cerium(IV) tungstate (CeW) inorganic ion exchanger were synthesized using different Ce(IV) salts: (NH₄)₂Ce(NO₃)₆·2H₂O, (NH₄)₄Ce(SO₄)₄·2H₂O, and Ce(SO₄)₂·4H₂O. The samples were characterized using FT-IR and X-ray diffraction. The adsorption behavior of ^152+154Eu(III) and ⁶⁰Co(II) on CeW was studied under batch and dynamic conditions. Factors influencing the adsorption kinetics were examined. Loading and elution behavior of both ions was studied using different eluents. Complete separation of Eu(III) and Co(II) (^152+154Eu and ⁶⁰Co tracers) was achieved using small columns packed with CeW.     

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of SrTiO<Subscript>3</Subscript> crystals with (100), (110) and (111) orientations treated by N<Subscript>2</Subscript> (H<Subscript>2</Subscript>) plasma

The nitrogen/hydrogen (N₂/H₂) plasma-treated strontium titanate (SrTiO₃) crystals with different orientations of (111), (110) and (100) were obtained using microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition, which was proved to be a simple and effective strategy to fundamentally improve the photocatalytic performance. It is found that plasma-treated SrTiO₃ crystals exhibit different photocatalytic properties in relation to crystalline anisotropy, plasma types and microwave power. The N: SrTiO₃ samples display higher photocatalytic activity compared to the untreated sample and N₂/H₂-treated sample. The (111) N: SrTiO₃ which is treated using N₂ plasma of 600 W shows the best photocatalytic performance in the current research. The dopants of nitrogen can serve as electron donors, which introduce impurity states in various positions in the band gap of SrTiO₃ and lead to different degrees of modification in electrical conductivity. The enhancement for photocatalytic properties and the effects of N₂ plasma treatment on the charge separation and transfer efficiency will be discussed.     

Extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from nitric acid solutions with tetraaryl-substituted (<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-phenyleneoxymethylene)diphosphine dioxides

Extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from HNO₃ solutions in the form of complexes with tetraarylsubstituted (o-phenyleneoxymethylene)diphosphine dioxides is studied. The effect of substituents at the P atoms in the extractant molecule on its extraction ability and selectivity is considered. The stoichiometry of the extractable complexes is determined. The possibility of U(VI) and Th(IV) preconcentration with a complexing sorbent prepared by noncovalent immobilization of tetra-p-tolyl-substituted (o-phenyleneoxymethylene)-diphosphine dioxide on a polymeric matrix is demonstrated.     

Electrical properties of nanocrystalline Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) and Ce(1-x)Gd(x)O(2-delta) (0.1 < or = x < or = 0.3) ceramics for IT-SOFC

Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) and Ce(1-x)Gd(x)O(2-delta) (0.1 < or = x < or = 0.3) nano-sized powders were successfully synthesized by the solution combustion synthesis process. The calcined nanopowders showed a ceria-based single phase with a cubic fluorite structure. In this study, we discussed the structural and electrical characteristics of the sintered Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) and Ce(1-x)Gd(x)O(2-delta). We obtained high-quality Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) and Ce(1-x)Gd(x)O(2-delta) ceramics with a high density, ultra-fine grain size, and high electrical conductivity even at low sintering temperature using the nanosized powders. The electrical conductivities at 800 degrees C for the Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) sintered at 1400 degrees C and the Ce(0.8)Gd(0.2)O(2-delta) sintered at 1350 degrees C were 0.110 and 0.104 Scm(-1), respectively.     

Oxidation of U(IV) in HNO<Subscript>3</Subscript> Solutions Containing Urea and Tc(VII)

The kinetics of U(IV) oxidation with nitric acid in aqueous solutions containing urea, catalyzed with technetium ions, were studied by sampling with subsequent colorimetric determination of the U(IV) concentration. At the constant ionic strength of the solution μ = 2 in the range of the initial concentrations of U(IV) from 2 × 10⁻³ to 1.28 × 10⁻², Tc(VII) from 5 × 10⁻⁵ to 1 × 10⁻³, urea from 0.01 to 0.1, and hydrogen ions from 0.4 to 1.96 M, the reaction rate is described by the equation -d[U(IV)]/dt = k ₁[U(IV)][Tc]^0.5[CO(NH₂)₂] × {[H⁺]² + β₁[H⁺] + β₂}⁻¹ - k ₂[U(IV)]₂[H⁺]^0.4[CO(NH₂)₂]^1.6{ [H⁺]² + β₁[H⁺]+ β₂}⁻², where k ₁ = 172 ± 10 mol^0.5 l^−0.5 min⁻¹ and k ₂ = (9.4±1.2)×10² mol l⁻¹ min⁻¹ at 25°C, β₁ and β₂ are the hydrolysis constants of U⁴⁺ ions. The activation energy is 63±2 kJ mol⁻¹. A reaction mechanism is proposed, in which in the slow stages the complex ion U(OH) ₂ ²⁺ ·CO(NH₂)₂ reacts with TcO²⁺ and TcO²⁺ · CO(NH₂)₂ ions.__________Translated from Radiokhimiya, Vol. 47, No. 1, 2005, pp. 61–66.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Dvoeglazov, Marchenko, Koltunov.     

Indium(III) and Gallium(III) phthalocyanines-based nanohybrid materials for optical limiting

Linear and nonlinear optical properties of a phthalocyanine (Pc)-based nanohybrid material PCIGS [Cu₂(tBu₄PcGa)(tBu₄PcIn)S₂TPP₂] are described. The overall aggregation of phthalocyanines in poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) films was evident, which is indicated by the broadening of linear spectra in the Q-band region and the shift of wavelength. Upon excitation with nanosecond laser pulse at 355 nm, the transient absorption band appeared at about 500 nm is attributed to the triplet–triplet absorption of the Pcs. For PCIGS and its starting materials tBu₄PcGaCl and tBu₄PcInCl, all Z-scans exhibit a decrease in transmittance about the focus typical of an induced positive nonlinear absorption of incident light. The absorption mechanism is due to population of excited states through a multi-step nonlinear absorption. When these Pc compounds were embedded into a commercially available polymer PMMA, all the Pc/PMMA composites display much larger nonlinear absorption coefficient and lower saturable fluence for optical limiting when compared to the same Pc molecules in solution. However, in contrast to tBu₄PcGaCl and tBu₄PcInCl, PCIGS displayed decreased optical limiting response, possibly due to competing electron accepting processes in the In and Ga metals, and the highly ordered structure of the PCIGS complex itself.     

Sekundärneutralteilchen‐Massenspektrometrie (SNMS)

Secondary Neutral Mass Spectrometry (SNMS) for characterization of powder and particles. Due to its quantitative character and the attainable high depth resolution in particular Secondary Neutral Mass Spectrometry (SNMS) is an appropriate technique for the characterization of powder, dust and particle carrying sample surfaces. The basic principles and the figures of merit are elucidated and selected examples are chosen to demonstrate the application of the method in the field of particle analysis. Although plasma based SNMS does not provide any lateral resolution for the investigation of single particles it is shown that the excellent depth resolution of the method enables the quantitative characterization of even nanoscale particles.     

Sorption of Np(V), Pu(V), and Pu(IV) on colloids of Fe(III) oxides and hydrous oxides and MnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Sorption of Np(V), Pu(V), and Pu(IV) on colloids of synthetic goethite (α-FeOOH), hematite (α-Fe₂O₃), maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃), and amorphous MnO₂ was studied over wide ranges of solution pH and ionic strength by solvent extraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Plutonium(V) is reduced upon sorption on α-FeOOH, but not on α-Fe₂O₃ and γ-Fe₂O₃. On the MnO₂ surface, Pu occurs as Pu(VI). From the pH dependences of the actinide sorption, the equilibrium constants of the reactions of Np(V)O ₂ ⁺ and Pu(V)O ₂ ⁺ with the surface hydroxy groups of the investigated colloid particles and a set of the equilibrium constants of the reactions of Pu(IV) hydroxo complexes with α-FeOOH were obtained. If no redox reactions occur on the surface of the colloid particles, these constants decrease in the order \(K_{MnO_2 } > K_{\alpha - FeOOH} > K_{\alpha - Fe_2 O_3 } \sim K_{\gamma - Fe_2 O_3 } \).     

Elektrospray‐Ionisation (ESI)

EElectrospray‐ionization (ESI) – pinhole‐free electrophoretic deposition of ultra thin polymer layers Electrospray ionization (ESI) of polymer solutions is used in mass spectroscopy to analyze the molar mass of macromolecules. The singularized polymer molecules are transferred into the mass spectrometer after separating through a special mechanism under high voltage and normal pressure conditions. This process can be adapted for plane deposition of single polymer molecules. Structure, composition and molar mass distribution of polymers are retained. Layers of polar or ionic polymers can be deposited in a thickness of monolayers up to hundreds of nanometers. It is interesting to mention that the ESI‐process belongs to the electrophoretic techniques. Therefore, deposition of pinhole‐free layers on electrical conductive substrates is not only possible on the nozzle facing side of the substrate but although on the back side. This behavior was used to enwrap closely packed carbon fiber bundles with adhesive polymer layers.     

Distinct Solid‐Electrolyte‐Interphases on Sn (100) and (001) Electrodes Studied by Soft X‐Ray Spectroscopy

Soft X‐ray absorption spectroscopy with different probe depth was employed to characterize the solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) formed on β‐Sn single crystals with two different surface orientations. Based on comparative studies of C‐K, O‐K, and F‐K absorption spectra between the SEIs and reference samples, SEI on Sn (100) mainly consists of porous Li₂CO₃ species with electrolyte uptake, while SEI on Sn (001) essentially consists of LiF and organic molecules, with a small amount of –CO₃ and electrolyte buried inside. Theoretical calculation suggests that Sn (001) surface is more reactive than (100), especially after air exposure. The reactive (001) surface facilitates the decomposition of LiPF₆ to form a LiF layer. In contrast, SEI on (100) surface is predominately from the typical decomposition of carbonate‐based electrolyte. While the LiF passivates Sn (001) electrode after one cycle, the porous carbonate layer on (100) surface does not prevent further decomposition of electrolyte after many cycles. This leads to drastically different electrochemical behavior and morphology of the two SEIs. The result is a direct proof that surface properties of active materials could strongly impact the SEI formation on electrodes even with the same electrolyte. Such effect could lead to distinct SEI formation and electrochemical performance.     

β-偏磷酸钙/聚乳酸复合骨折内固定材料的细胞相容性

对采用“两步模压法”制备的β-偏磷酸钙(β-CMP)晶须/聚乳酸(PLLA)复合骨折内固定材料进行细胞安全性研究,为其应用提供生物学依据。将成骨细胞与复合材料共孵育,用四甲基偶氮唑盐微量酶反应比色法(MTT)法分析成骨细胞的增殖情况,并通过倒置显微镜和SEM观察成骨细胞在复合材料上的粘附、生长情况。β-CMP/PLLA复合材料对成骨细胞黏附、生长没有抑制作用而且能促进成骨细胞的增殖。β-CMP/PLLA复合材料具有良好的细胞相容性。     

Preparation and characterization of electrospun poly(2,5-dicyclohexylphenylene-1,4-ethynylene) (C<Subscript>24</Subscript>H<Subscript>30</Subscript>)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) hybrid nanofibers

We report the preparation of poly(2,5-dicyclohexylphenylene-1,4-ethynylene) (PDE)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) hybrid nanofibers by electrospinning technique. The hybrid nanofibers were characterized by a host of characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, optical and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed a successful preparation of PDE/PEO composite nanofibers. The diameter of the hybrid nanofibers ranges between 500 and 1000 nm. The results showed that this kind of hybrid nanofibers could be a possible candidate in color display devices.