Volume 92, Nº 3 (2018)

The phase transition temperatures of chromates and molybdates of certain alkali metals, and the melting temperature and enthalpy of polymorphic transformations for tungstates, are determined by means of thermal analysis. Enthalpies of dissolution of rubidium and cesium chromates in water and enthalpies of dissolution of alkali metal tungstates in a melt at 923 K are measured via calorimetry. Standard enthalpies of formation of sought chromates are calculated. The linear correlations between the enthalpies of formation of sulfates, selenates, chromates, tungstates, and molybdates are established, and a linear correlation within − (ΔG^o_ox)^-1-(ΔMV)_ox)⁻¹ coordinates is found for isopolymolybdates.

The values of partial pressure of saturated vapor of the constituents of the Те–S system are determined from boiling points. The boundaries of the melt–vapor phase transition at atmospheric pressure and in vacuum of 2000 and 100 Pa are calculated on the basis of partial pressures. A phase diagram that includes vapor–liquid equilibrium fields whose boundaries allow us to assess the behavior of elements upon distillation fractioning is plotted. It is established that the separation of elements is possible at the first evaporation–condensation cycle. Complications can be caused by crystallization of a sulfur solid solution in tellurium.

A three-component system comprising cyclododecane and n-alkanes is studied by means of differential thermal analysis on a differential scanning microcalorimeter. It is concluded that the investigated system is of the eutectic type and the n-dodecane–n-hexadecane–cyclododecane eutectic mixture system is 73.0 wt % n-С₁₂Н₂₆, 9.0 wt % n-С₁₆Н₃₄, and 18.0 wt % С₁₂Н₂₄. Its melting point is found to be −17.7°C.

The oxidative transformations of a polyvinyl alcohol in aqueous solutions are studied under the simultaneous action of the two oxidizing agents, an ozone–oxygen mixture and a hydrogen peroxide. Effective parameters a and b, which characterize the first and second channels of carboxyl group accumulation, respectively, grow linearly upon an increase in the initial concentration of H₂O₂. After the temperature dependence of a and b parameters (331–363 K) in a PVA + O₃ + O₂ + H₂O₂ + H₂O reaction system is studied, the parameters of the activation of COOH group accumulation are found (where PVA is a polyvinyl alcohol). New data on the effect process conditions (length of oxidation, temperature, and hydrogen peroxide concentration) have on the degree of destructive transformations of polyvinyl alcohol in the investigated reaction system are obtained.

Mixed NaWMn/SiO₂ oxide, samples containing individual components (Na, W, Mn) and their double combinations (Na–W, Na–Mn, W–Mn) supported on silica were studied by temperature programmed reduction (TPR) and desorption (TPD), and heat flow calorimetry during their reoxidation with molecular oxygen in pulse mode. The NaWMn/SiO₂ mixed oxide was shown to contain two different types of reactive lattice oxygen. The weakly-bonded oxygen can be reversibly released from the oxide in a flow of inert gas in the temperature range of 575‒900°C, while the strongly-bonded oxygen can be removed during the reduction of the sample with hydrogen at 700–900°C. The measured thermal effect of oxygen consumption for these two oxygen forms are 185 and 350 kJ/mol, respectively. The amount of oxygen removed at reduction (~443 μmol/g) considerably exceeded the amount desorbed in an inert gas flow (~56 μmol/g). The obtained results suggest that the reversible oxygen desorption is due to the redox process in which manganese ions are involved, while during the temperature programmed reduction, mainly oxygen bonded with tungsten is removed.

The hydrogen abstraction reactions from CH₃Cl₂F (R-141b) and CH₃CClF₂ (R-142b) by OH radicals are studied theoretically by semi-classical transition state theory. The stationary points for the reactions are located by using KMLYP density functional method along with 6-311++G(2d,2p) basis set and MP2 method along with 6-311+G(d,p) basis set. Single-point energy calculations are performed by the CBS-Q and G4 combination methods on the geometries optimized at the KMLYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level of theory. Vibrational anharmonicity coefficients, x_ij, which are needed for semi-classical transition state theory calculations, are computed at the KMLYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) and MP2/6-311+G(d,p) levels of theory. The computed barrier heights are slightly sensitive to the quantum-chemical method. Thermal rate coefficients are computed over the temperature range from 200 to 2000 K and they are shown to be in accordance with available experimental data. On the basis of the computed rate coefficients, the tropospheric lifetime of the CH₃CCl₂F and CH₃CClF₂ are estimated to be about 6.5 and 12.0 years, respectively.

Cellulose-derived sorbitol is emerging as a feasible and renewable feedstock for the production of value-added chemicals. Highly active and stable catalyst is essential for sorbitol hydrogenolysis. Ordered mesoporous M–xNiyCeAl catalysts with different loadings of nickel and cerium species were successfully synthesized via one-pot evaporation-induced self-assembly strategy (EISA) and their catalytic performance were tested in the hydrogenolysis of sorbitol. The physical chemical properties for the catalysts were characterized by XRD, N₂ physisorption, H₂-TPR, H₂ impulse chemisorption, ICP and TEM techniques. The results showed that the ordered mesopores with uniform pore sizes can be obtained and the Ni nanoparticles around 6 nm in size were homogeneously dispersed in the mesopore channels. A little amount of cerium species introduced would be beneficial to their textural properties resulting in higher Ni dispersion, metal area and smaller size of Ni nanoparticles. The M–10Ni2CeAl catalyst with Ni and Ce loading of 10.9 and 6.3 wt % shows better catalytic performance than other catalysts, and the yield of 1,2-PG and EG can reach 56.9% at 493 K and 6 MPa pressure for 8 h after repeating reactions for 12 times without obvious deterioration of physical and chemical properties. Ordered mesoporous M–NiCeAl catalysts are active and stable in sorbitol hydrogenolysis.

The integral enthalpies of dissolution of L-tryptophan and L-asparagine in aqueous solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfate (surfactant) at surfactant concentrations of up to 0.05 mol/kg of the solvent are determined and estimated calorimetrically. Standard values of the enthalpies of dissolution and transfer of amino acids from water to a mixed solvent are calculated. The calculated enthalpy coefficients of pair interactions between amino acids and surfactant molecules have positive values. Hydrophobic interactions between amino acids and surfactants have the dominant effect on the enthalpy characteristics of the interaction in a three-component solution.

The phase equilibria in the system NaBr–KBr–CaBr₂–H₂O at 323 K were studied using the isothermal dissolution equilibrium method. Using the experimental solubilities of salts data, phase diagram was constructed. The phase diagram have two invariant points, five univariant curves, and four crystallization fields. The equilibrium solid phases in the system are NaBr, NaBr · 2H₂O, KBr, and CaBr₂ · 4H₂O. The solubilities of salts in the system at 323 K were calculated by Pitzer’s equation. There is shown that the calculated solubilities agree well with experimental data.

Vibrational satellites caused by pseudorotation are identified in the microwave spectrum of 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane. The rotational constants of the satellites are determined up to state v = 6. Splittings between lower pseudorotational energy levels are determined by measuring the relative intensities of rotational transitions. An attempt is made to determine the form of the pseudorotation function of the molecule using the obtained data.

Monodisperse and porous nonstoichiometric Zn ferrite can be prepared by a solvothermal method. Such non-Zn ferrite was used to be the precursor for synthesis of ZnFe₂O₄/Fe₂O₃ composite via calcination at 600°C for 3 h in air. X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) proved the nonstoichiometry of Zn ferrite synthesized by solvothermal method and the formation of ZnFe₂O₄/Fe₂O₃ composite via calcination. TEM image showed that non-Zn ferrite spheres with wormlike nanopore structure were made of primary nanocrystals. BET surface area of non-Zn ferrite was much higher than that of ZnFe₂O₄/Fe₂O₃ composite. Saturation magnetization of non-Zn ferrites was significantly higher than that of ZnFe₂O₄/Fe₂O₃ composites. Calcination of non-Zn ferrite resulted in the formation of large amount of non-magnetic Fe₂O₃,which caused a low magnetization of composite. Because of higher BET surface area and higher saturation magnetization, non-Zn ferrite presented better Cr⁶⁺ adsorption property than ZnFe₂O₄/Fe₂O₃ composites.

One-dimensional metal-oxide/carbon-fiber (MO/CF) heterostructures were prepared by a facile two-step method using the natural cotton as a carbon source the low-cost commercial metal salts as precursors. The metal oxide nanostructures were first grown on the cotton fibers by a solution chemical deposition, and the metal-oxide/cotton heterostructures were then calcined and carbonized in nitrogen atmosphere. Three typical MO/CF heterostructures of TiO₂/CF, ZnO/CF, and Fe₂O₃/CF were prepared and characterized. The loading amount of the metal oxide nanostructures on carbon fibers can be tuned by controlling the concentration of metal salt in the chemical deposition process. Finally, the performance of the as-obtained MO/CF heterostructures for organic dye removal from water was tested by the photocatalytic degradation under a simulated sunlight, and their properties of high-temperature CO₂ adsorption were predicted by the temperature programmed desorption. The present study would provide a desirable strategy for the synthesis of MO/CF heterostructures for various applications.

The effect silver nanoparticles have on the sorption characteristics of perovskite lanthanum manganite relative to methanol, benzene, and hexane vapors is studied by means of gravimetric equilibrium interval sorption. The state of silver particles is investigated using spectroscopic tools. Sorption data are compared to the catalytic activity in deep oxidation reactions of organic compounds over lanthanum manganite-based catalysts.

Kinetic features are studied of the chemisorption and reduction of molecular oxygen from water by metal–ion exchanger nanocomposites that differ in the nature of the dispersed metal and state of oxidation. In the Pd < Ag < Cu series, the increasing chemical activity of metal nanoparticles raises the degree of oxygen sorption due to its chemisorption and subsequent reduction, while the role of the molecular chemisorption stage increases in the Cu < Ag < Pd series. Metal particles or their oxides are shown to act as adsorption sites on the surface and in the pores of the ion-exchanger matrix; the equilibrium sorption coefficient for oxygen dissolved in water ranges from 20 to 50, depending on the nature and oxidation state of the metal component.

The adsorption of PH₃ molecules on the NiB,N-doped(4,4) and (5,5) BNNT_S surfaces has been investigated using density functional theory (DFT). The adsorption energies, geometric and electronic structures of the adsorbed systems were studied to judge the possible application of NiB,N-doped BNNT_S in PH₃ monitoring systems. Our calculated results showed that NiB,N-doped BNNT_S had much higher adsorption energy and shorter binding distances than pure BNNT_S owning to chemisorptions of the PH₃ molecule. The obtained density of states (DOS) and frontier orbitals demonstrated that the orbital hybridization was obvious between the PH₃ molecule and Ni_B,N-doped BNNT_S. However, due to weak physisorption according to the total electron density maps, there was no evidence for hybridization between PH₃ molecule and pure BNNTS. It was shown that after doping of Ni atom, the primary symmetry of BNNT_S decreased which enhanced the chemical activity of BNNT_S towards PH₃ molecules. According to the obtained results, we highlight the high potential application of Ni_B,N-doped BNNT_S in the design and fabrication of PH₃ sensing devices.

The formation of silicon-nitrogen nanolayers obtained by molecular layer deposition on the GaAs surface with (100) and (110) orientations in the temperature range 473–773 K with discharge activation at the ammonia supply stage was studied. The conditions for growth of silicon nitride nanostructures and the layer mechanism of their formation were determined.

Data on the effect temperature has on the kinetics of the removal of Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions under static conditions by a sorbent based on a derivative of phytic acid fabricated from rice production waste are presented. It is shown that when the temperature is raised from 20 to 60°C, the sorption capacity of the sorbent based on phytic acid increases over the period of sorption and within 180 min reaches values of 1.4 mmol g⁻¹ for Co²⁺ ions and 1.3 mmol g⁻¹ for Ni²⁺ ions. It is established that for the investigated range of temperatures, order n of the sorption of Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions is <1, which characterizes the reactions accompanied by diffusion processes. It is found that the process of removal of Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions is characterized with low activation energy (20.74 kJ mol⁻¹ for Co²⁺ ions and 14.2 kJ mol⁻¹ for Ni²⁺ ions). It is also demonstrated that the sorption process in the considered time frame is best described by a kinetic model of a pseudo-second order, as is indicated by respective correlation coefficients.

Values of the contact angle of wetting of a surface of glassy carbon by molten chlorides of lithium, sodium, potassium, and cesium are measured by the meniscus weight method to determine the common factors of wettability of solid surfaces by ionic melts upon a change in the salt phase composition and a jump in electric potential. It is found that with a potential shift in the positive direction the shape of the curve of the contact angle’s dependence on the potential varies upon substitution of one salt by another: the angle of wetting shrinks monotonously in lithium chloride but remains constant in molten cesium chloride. This phenomenon is explained by the hypothesis that the nature of the halide anion adsorption on the positively charged surface of an electrode is chemical and not electrostatic. It is shown that the adsorption process is accompanied by charge transfer through the interface, with covalent bonding between the adsorbent and adsorbate.

The kinetics and mechanism of the electrode oxidation-reduction of sulfur on an electrically conductive sulfur–graphite electrode in an alkaline solution was studied by the potentiodynamic method. To examine the mechanism of electrode processes occurring during AC polarization on a sulfur–graphite electrode, the cyclic polarization in both directions and anodic polarization curves were recorded. The kinetic parameters: charge transfer coefficients (α), diffusion coefficients (D), heterogeneous rate constants of electrode process (k_s), and effective activation energies of the process (Е_а) were calculated from the results of polarization measurements. An analysis of the results and calculated kinetic parameters of electrode processes showed that discharge ionization of sulfur in alkaline solutions occurs as a sequence of two stages and is a quasireversible process.

An approach is formulated that theoretically describes the structure of a rough surface of small aerosol particles obtained from a liquid droplet upon its rapid cooling. The problem consists of two stages. In the first stage, a concentration profile of the droplet–vapor transition region is calculated. In the second stage, local fractions of vacant sites and their pairs are found on the basis of this profile, and the rough structure of a frozen droplet surface transitioning to the solid state is calculated. Model parameters are the temperature of the initial droplet and those of the lateral interaction between droplet atoms. Information on vacant sites inside the region of transition allows us to identify adsorption centers and estimate the monolayer capacity, compared to that of the total space of the region of transition. The approach is oriented toward calculating adsorption isotherms on real surfaces.

The motion of aerosol particles in open cell foam material is studied. The porous medium is investigated for a three-dimensional case with detailed simulation of cellular structures within an ordered geometry. Numerical calculations of the motion of particles and their deposition due to inertial and gravitational mechanisms are performed. Deposition efficiency curves for a broad range of particle sizes are constructed. The effect deposition mechanisms have on the efficiency of the porous material as a filter is analyzed.

The formation of aerosol particles from oversaturated vapor was considered assuming that the stable nuclei of the new phase contain two (dimers) or three (trimers) condensing vapor molecules. Exact expressions were derived and analyzed for the partition functions of the dimer and trimer suspended in a carrier gas for the rectangular well and repulsive core intermolecular potentials. The equilibrium properties of these clusters and the nucleation rate of aerosol particles were discussed. The bound states of clusters were introduced using a limitation on their total energy: molecular clusters with a negative total energy were considered to exclude configurations with noninteracting fragments.