Electrochemiluminescent determination of perchlorate by solvent extraction in the presence of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)

A novel method for the highly sensitive determination of perchlorate was proposed. It was based on solvent extraction in the presence of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) followed by Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) electrochemiluminescent determination. A linear calibration was obtained over the range of 0.1 to 10 mu mol l(-1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. The detection limit (S/N = 3) was 5.0 x 10(-8) mol l(-1). The relative standard deviation for 10 replicates of 1 mu mol l(-1) perchlorate was 1.6%. Interference studies suggest that this method is selective for the determination of perchlorate. Application of this method to the highly sensitive determination of other anions is suggested. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.

A study of dimethylferrocene diffusion and electrode kinetics using microelectrode voltammetry in poly(ethylene glycol) solvent

The heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (k(s)) of dimethylferrocene (DMFc) was estimated using cyclic voltammetric peak potential separations taken typically in a mixed diffusion geometry regime in a polyelectrolyte, and the diffusion coefficient (D) of DMFc was obtained using a steady-state voltammogram. The heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant and diffusion coefficient are both smaller by about 100-fold in the polymeric solvent than in the monomeric solvent. The results are in agreement with the difference of longitudinal dielectric relaxation time (tau(L)) in the two kinds of solvents, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and CH3CN, indicating that k(s) varies inversely with tau(L); k(s), is proportional to D of DMFc. Both D and k(s) of DMFc in PEG containing different supporting electrolytes and at different temperatures have been estimated. These results show that D and k(s) of DMFc increase with increasing temperature in the polyelectrolyte, whereas they vary only slightly with changing the supporting electrolyte.

Solvent extraction of scandium(III) by Cyanex 923 and Cyanex 925

The extraction equilibria of Sc(III), Zr(IV), Ti(IV), Th(IV), Fe(III) and Lu(III) from sulphuric or hydrochloric acid media by Cyanex 923 (mixture of straight chain alkylated phosphine oxides) and Cyanex 925 (mixture of branched chain alkylated phosphine oxides) were studied at various aqueous acidities. The extractant Cyanex 923 demonstrated better scandium loading and selectivity for TI(IV). Fe(III) and Lu(III) than Cyanex 925. The effects of extractant concentration on the extractions of sulphuric acid and Sc(III) by Cyanex 923 were examined. The stoichiometries of the extraction reactions were postulated based on slope analysis. The experimental results indicate that Cyanex 923 can be employed to recover scandium directly from the hydrolytic mother solution arising from TiO2 production via the sulphate process. The parameters studied were scandium loading capacity, phase ratio, concentrations of Ti(IV) scrubbing and Sc(III) stripping agents. A new solvent extraction technology of scandium recovery was developed. The purity of the final Sc(III) product is above 95% with a yield > 94%. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Synthesis and solvent enhanced relaxation property of water-soluble endohedral metallofullerenols

Gadolinium fullerenols, as novel and potential contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, were synthesized, which showed excellent efficiency in enhancing water proton relaxation with a relaxivity of 47.0+/-1.0 mM(-1).s(-1).

The effect of substrate and solvent properties on the response of an organic phase tyrosinase electrode

The responses of a cryohydrogel tyrosinase enzyme electrode to four substrates in three pure water immiscible organic solvents were investigated. Kinetic parameters, the maximum kinetic current, I-max, the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant, K-m(app), and I-max/K-m(app), were calculated. The I-max/K-m(app) value was taken as an indicator of the catalytic efficiency of the sensor. The effect of the substrate hydrophobicity on I-max/K-m(app) and response time of the sensor were discussed. The effects of both hydrophobicity (log P) and dielectric constant (epsilon) of the organic solvent on the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme in the organic phase were studied. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.

Electrochemical behavior of Nd3+ and Ho3+ in LiCl-KCl eutectic melt

The electrochemical behavior of Nd3+ and Ho3+ ions on molybdenum electrode in the LiCl-KCl eutectic melts has been studied by cyclic voltammetry and open-circuit potentiometry. The results show that the reduction process of Nd3+ and Ho3+ ions on molybdenum electrode is one-step three electron reversible reaction. The diffusion coefficients of Nd3+ and Ho3+ ions are 1.13 x 10(-6) cm(2).s(-1)(450 degrees C) and 2.142 x 10(-5) cm(2).s(-1)(450 degrees C), respectively. The measured standard electrode potential of Ho3+/Ho is 2.987 V(vs. Cl/Cl-), being more negative than the theoretical one, the reason of which is also discussed.

Study on the UCST and LCST in PHB/PBHE-solvent system

Upper and lower critical solution temperature (UCST and LCST) behaviours have been examined for solution of PHB/PBHE blends in chloroform and chlorobenzene. Polymer-Solvent systems prepared with various solvents and concentrations were found to possess UCST and LCST characteristics. PHB/PBHE solution in chloroform displayed greater miscibility temperature region than that of the blend in chlorobenzene, but the relative tendency of both UCST and LCST were similar.

SOLVENT-EXTRACTION OF SC(III), ZR(IV), TH(IV), FE(III), AND LU(III) WITH THIOSUBSTITUTED ORGANOPHOSPHINIC ACID EXTRACTANTS

The solvent extraction of Sc(III), Zr(IV), Th(IV), Fe(III) and Lu(III) with Cyanex 302 (bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)monothiophosphinic acid) and Cyanex 301 ( bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) dithiophosphinic acid) in n-hexane from acidic aqueous solutions has been investigated systematically. The effect of equilibrium aqueous acidity on the extraction with these reagents was studied. The separation of Th(IV), Fe(III) and Lu(III) from Sc(III), or the separation of other metals from Lu(III) with Cyanex 302, can be achieved by controlling the aqueous acidity. However, Cyanex 301 exhibited a poor selectivity for the above metals, except for Lu(III). The extraction of these metals with Cyanex 272, Cyanex 302 and Cyanex 301 has been compared. The stripping percentages of Sc(III) for Cyanex 302 and Cyanex 301 in a single stage are near 78% and 75% with 3.5 mol/L and 5.8 mol/L sulphuric acid solutions, respectively. The effects of extractant concentration and temperature on the extraction of Sc(III) were investigated. The stoichiometry of the extraction of Sc(III) with Cyanex 302 was determined. The role of different components of Cyanex 302 in the extraction of Sc(III) was discussed.

SOLVENT-EXTRACTION OF TERBIUM(III,IV) PERIODATE COMPLEXES WITH QUATERNARY AMINE

The differences between the solvent extraction of Tb(III) and Tb(IV) periodate complexes with quaternary amine were studied carefully for the first time. The effects of extractant concentration, phase ratio, the pH value of stock solution, salting-out agent, extractant form, diluent, and extraction time were comprehensively investigated. Under optimal conditions the separation factor between Tb(IV) and Tb(III) periodate complexes is over 5.5.

EFFECTS OF DOPANT AND SOLVENT ON THE PROPERTIES OF POLYPYRROLE - INVESTIGATIONS WITH CYCLIC VOLTAMMETRY AND ELECTROCHEMICALLY INSITU CONDUCTIVITY

A new method for electrochemically in situ conductivity measurements based on a reusable glassy carbon disc carbon fibre array double electrode is described. Using this technique and cyclic voltammetry, we have investigated the effects of the doping anion and solvent on the electrochemical properties of polypyrrole film. The electroactivity and potential dependent conductivity of polypyrrole film are strongly affected by solvent and the doping anion's solubility in the solvent, and also by the history of electrochemical treatments in different electrolyte solutions. It is very interesting that NO3-doped polypyrrole can completely keep its conducting state (doped state) at a reasonably negative potential (eg -0.8 V vs. sce) in acetonitrile solutions.

AN EXPERT SYSTEM FOR SOLVENT-EXTRACTION OF RARE-EARTHS

An expert system for solvent extraction of rare earths has been developed using LISP. The goal of this project was to mimic the chemists' inferential abilities to assist in the process of solvent extraction of rare earths. The system includes frequently used extractants, separation of specific rare earths, recommendation of procedures for the separation of mixtures of rare earths using (2-ethylhexyl)phosphonic acid 2-ethylhexyl monoester, selection of parameters for counter-current extraction and methods for evaluation of the technique, and the economics of the processing. The expert system runs on an IBM-PC/XT.

ELECTROCHEMICAL-BEHAVIOR OF YTTRIUM ION IN LICL-KCL-NACL EUTECTIC MELT

The electrochemical reduction of yttrium ion on a molybdenum electrode in a LiCl-KCl-NaCl eutectic melt at 723 K was found to be almost reversible and to proceed by a one-step three electron reaction. The diffusion coefficient D of the Y(III) ion was measured to be (3.3 +/- 0.4) x 10(-6) cm2 s-1 by cyclic voltammetry, (5.0 +/- 0.9) x 10(-6) cm2 s-1 by the rotating disk electrode method, and (7.1 +/- 0.7) x 10(-6) cm2 s-1 by chronopotentiometry. The D values obtained by the latter two methods are in fairly good agreement with each other. The rather low D value obtained by cyclic voltammetry might be attributed to the fact that yttrium metal can dissolve slightly in the chloride melt. The standard potential of Y(III)/Y(0) couple was determined to be (-3.174 +/- 0.006) V (vs. Cl2/Cl-) by open-circuit potentiometry, (-3.15 +/- 0.02) V (vs. Cl2/Cl-) by the rotating disk electrode method and (-3.16 +/- 0.02) V (vs. Cl2/Cl) by chronopotentiometry. These three values are in good agreement with each other. Several types of Ni-Y intermetallic compounds were found to be formed on a nickel electrode.

Bioorganic/inorganic hybrid composition of sponge spicules: Matrix of the giant spicules and of the comitalia of the deep sea hexactinellid Monorhaphis

The giant basal spicules of the siliceous sponges Monorhaphis chuni and Monorhaphis intermedia (Hexactinellida) represent the largest biosilica structures on earth (up to 3 m long). Here we describe the construction (lamellar organization) of these spicules and of the comitalia and highlight their organic matrix in order to understand their mechanical properties. The spicules display three distinct regions built of biosilica: (i) the outer lamellar zone (radius: >300 mu m), (ii) the bulky axial cylinder (radius: <75 mu m), and (iii) the central axial canal (diameter: <2 mu m) with its organic axial filament. The spicules are loosely covered with a collagen net which is regularly perforated by 7-10 mu m large holes; the net can be silicified. The silica layers forming the lamellar zone are approximate to 5 mu m thick; the central axial cylinder appears to be composed of almost solid silica which becomes porous after etching with hydrofluoric acid (HF). Dissolution of a complete spicule discloses its complex structure with distinct lamellae in the outer zone (lamellar coating) and a more resistant central part (axial barrel). Rapidly after the release of the organic coating from the lamellar zone the protein layers disintegrate to form irregular clumps/aggregates. In contrast, the proteinaceous axial barrel, hidden in the siliceous axial cylinder, is set up by rope-like filaments. Biochemical analysis revealed that the (dominant) molecule of the lamellar coating is a 27-kDa protein which displays catalytic, proteolytic activity. High resolution electron microscopic analysis showed that this protein is arranged within the lamellae and stabilizes these surfaces by palisade-like pillars. The mechanical behavior of the spicules was analyzed by a 3-point bending assay, coupled with scanning electron microscopy. The load-extension curve of the spicule shows a biphasic breakage/cracking pattern. The outer lamellar zone cracks in several distinct steps showing high resistance in concert with comparably low elasticity, while the axial cylinder breaks with high elasticity and lower stiffness. The complex bioorganic/inorganic hybrid composition and structure of the Monorhaphis spicules might provide the blueprint for the synthesis of bio-inspired material, with unusual mechanical properties (strength, stiffness) without losing the exceptional properties of optical transmission. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Vertical distribution of bacterial and archaeal communities along discrete layers of a deep-sea cold sediment sample at the East Pacific Rise (similar to 13 degrees N)

The community structure and vertical distribution of prokaryotes in a deep-sea (ca. 3,191 m) cold sediment sample (ca. 43 cm long) collected at the East Pacific Rise (EPR) similar to 13 degrees N were studied with 16SrDNA-based molecular analyses. Total community DNA was extracted from each of four discrete layers EPRDS-1, -2, -3 and -4 (from top to bottom) and 16S rDNA were amplified by PCR. Cluster analysis of DGGE profiles revealed that the bacterial communities shifted sharply between EPRDS-1 and EPRDS-2 in similarity coefficient at merely 49%. Twenty-three sequences retrieved from DGGE bands fell into 11 groups based on BLAST and bootstrap analysis. The dominant groups in the bacterial communities were Chloroflexi, Gamma proteobacteria, Actinobacterium and unidentified bacteria, with their corresponding percentages varying along discrete layers. Pairwise Fst (F-statistics) values between the archaeal clone libraries indicated that the archaeal communities changed distinctly between EPRDS-2 and EPRDS-3. Sequences from the archaeal libraries were divided to eight groups. Crenarchaea Marine Group I (MGI) was prevalent in EPRDS-1 at 83%, while Uncultured Crenarchaea group II B (UCII B) abounded in EPRDS-4 at 61%. Our results revealed that the vertically stratified distribution of prokaryotic communities might be in response to the geochemical settings and suggested that the sampling area was influenced by hydrothermalism. The copresence of members related to hydrothermalism and cold deep-sea environments in the microbial community indicated that the area might be a transitional region from hydrothermal vents to cold deep-sea sediments.

Characterization of proteolytic bacteria from the Aleutian deep-sea and their proteases

Six deep-sea proteolytic bacteria taken from Aleutian margin sediments were screened; one of them produced a cold-adapted neutral halophilic protease. These bacteria belong to Pseudoalteromonas spp., which were identified by the 16S rDNA sequence. Of the six proteases produced, two were neutral cold-adapted proteases that showed their optimal activity at pH 7-8 and at temperature close to 35 degrees C, and the other four were alkaline proteases that showed their optimal activity at pH 9 and at temperature of 40-45 degrees C. The neutral cold-adapted protease E1 showed its optimal activity at a sodium chloride concentration of 2 M, whereas the activity of the other five proteases decreased at elevated sodium chloride concentrations. Protease E1 was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity and its molecular mass was 34 kDa, as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The molecular weight of protease E1 was determined to be 32,411 Da by mass spectrometric analysis. Phenylmethyl sulfonylfluoride (PMSF) did not inhibit the activity of this protease, whereas it was partially inhibited by ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid sodium salt (EDTA-Na). De novo amino acid sequencing proved protease E1 to be a novel protein.