Synthesis of asymmetric H-shaped block copolymer by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization and living anionic polymerization

A new asymmetric H-shaped block copolymer (PS)(2)-PEO-(PMMA)(2) has been designed and successfully synthesized by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization and living anionic polymerization. The synthesized 2,2-dichloro acetate-ethylene glycol (DCAG) was used to initiate the polymerization of styrene by ATRP to yield a symmetric homopolymer (Cl-PS)(2)-CHCCCCH2CH2OH with an active hydroxyl group. The chlorine was removed to yield the (PS)(2)-CHCOOCH2CH2OH ((PS)(2)-OH). The hydroxyl group of the (PS)(2)-OH, which is an active species of the living anionic polymerization, was used to initiate ethylene oxide by living anionic polymerization via DPMK to yield (PS)(2)-PEO-OH. The (PS)(2)-PEO-OH was reacted with the 2,2-dichloro acetyl chloride to yield (PS)(2)-PEO-OCCHCl2 ((PS)(2)-PEO-DCA). The asymmetric H-shaped block polymer (PS)(2)-PEO-(PMMA)(2) was prepared via ATRP of MMA at 130 degrees C using (PS)(2)-PEO-DCA as initiator and CuCl/bPy as the catalyst system. The architectures of the asymmetric H-shaped block copolymers, (PS)(2)-PEO-(PMMA)(2), were confirmed by H-1 NMR, GPC and Fr-IR.

Computer simulation of Zn(II) speciation and effect of Gd(III) on Zn(II) speciation in human blood plasma

The speciation and distribution of Zn(II) and the effect of Gd(III) on Zn(II) speciation in human blood plasma were studied by computer simulation. The results show that, in normal blood plasma, the most predominant species of Zn(II) are [Zn(HSA)] (58.2%), [Zn(IgG)](20.1%), [Zn(Tf)] (10.4%), ternary complexes of [Zn(Cit)(Cys)] (6.6%) and of [Zn(Cys)(His)H] (1.6%), and the binary complex of [Zn(CYS)(2)H] (1.2%). When zinc is deficient, the distribution of Zn(II) species is similar to that in normal blood plasma. Then, the distribution changes with increasing zinc(II) total concentration. Overloading Zn(II) is initially mainly bound to human serum albumin (HSA). As the available amount of HSA is exceeded, phosphate metal and carbonate metal species are established. Gd(III) entering human blood plasma predominantly competes for phosphate and carbonate to form precipitate species. However, Zn(II) complexes with phosphate and carbonate are negligible in normal blood plasma, so Gd(III) only have a little effect on zinc(II) species in human blood plasma at a concentration above 1.0x10(-4) M.

Pressure effects on the thermodynamics of trans-decahydronaphthalene/polystyrene polymer solutions: Application of the Sanchez-Lacombe lattice fluid theory

The cloud-point temperatures (T-cl's) of trans-decahydronaphthalene(TD)/polystyrene (PS, (M) over bar (w) = 270 000) solutions were determined by light scattering measurements over a range of temperatures (1-16degreesC), pressures (100-900 bar), and compositions (4.2-21.6 vol.-% polymer). The system phase separates upon cooling and T-cl was found to increase with rising pressure for constant composition. In the absence of special effects, this finding indicates positive excess volume for the mixing. Special attention was paid to the demixing temperatures as a function of pressure for different polymer solutions and the plots in the T-phi plane (where phi signifies volume fractions). The cloud-point curves of polymer solutions under different pressures were observed for different compositions, which demonstrated that pressure has a greater effect on the TD/PS solutions when far from the critical point as opposed to near the critical point. The Sanchez-Lacombe lattice fluid theory (SLLFT) was used to calculate the spinodals, the binodals, the Flory-Huggins (FH) interaction parameter, the enthalpy of mixing, and the volume changes of mixing. The calculated results show that modified PS scaling parameters can describe the thermodynamics of the TD/PS system well. Moreover the SLLFT describes the experimental results well.

Computer simulation for effect of Pr(III) on Ca(II) speciation in human interstitial fluid

A multiphase model of metal ion speciation in human interstitial fluid was constructed and the effect of Pr(III) on Ca(II) speciation was studied. Results show that free Ca2+, [Ca(HCO3)], and [Ca(Lac)] are the main species of Ca(II). Because of the competition of Pr(III) for ligands with Ca(II), the percentages of free Ca2+, [Ca(Lac)], and [Ca(His)(Thr)H-3] increase gradually and the percentages of CaHPO4(aq) and [Ca(Cit)(His)H-2] decrease gradually with the increase in the total concentration of Pr(III). However, the percentages of [Ca(HCO3)] and CaCO3(aq) first increase and then begin to decrease when the total concentration of Pr(III) exceeds 6.070 x 10(-4) M.

Statistical thermodynamics of polydisperse polymer systems in the framework of lattice fluid model: Effect of molecular weight and its distribution on the spinodal in polymer solution

With the aid of thermodynamics of Gibbs, the expression of the spinodal was derived for the polydisperse polymer-solvent system in the framework of Sanchez-Lacombe Lattice Fluid Theory (SLLFT). For convenience, we considered that a model polydisperse polymer contains three sub-components. According to our calculation, the spinodal depends on both weight-average ((M) over bar (w)) and number-average ((M) over bar (n)) molecular weights of the polydisperse polymer, but the z-average molecular weight ((M) over bar (z)) dependence on the spinodal is invisible. The dependence of free volume on composition, temperature, molecular weight, and its distribution results in the effect of (M) over bar (n) on the spinodal. Moreover, it has been found that the effect of changing (M) over bar (w) on the spinodal is much bigger than that of changing (M) over bar (n) and the extrema of the spinodal increases with the rise of the weight-average molecular weight of the polymer in the solutions with upper critical solution temperature (UCST). However, the effect of polydispersity on the spinodal can be neglected for the polymer with a considerably high weight-average molecular weight. A more simple expression of the spinodal for the polydisperse polymer solution in the framework of SLLFT was also derived under the assumption of upsilon(*)=upsilon(1)(*)=upsilon(2)(*) and (1/r(1)(0))-(1/r(2i)(0))-->(1/r(1)(0)).

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.

Compositional dependence of the microphase separation transition in styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymer/polystyrene blends

The change in the microphase separation transition (MST) temperature of a styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) triblock copolymer induced by the addition of polystyrene (PS) was investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering. It was found that the transition temperature was determined from the molecular weight (M(H)) Of the added PS in relation to that of the corresponding blocks (M(A)) in the copolymer. The MST temperature decreased with added PS if M(H)/M(A) < 1/4, while it increased with added PS when M(H)/M(A) > 1/4 Analysis of the theoretical expression based on the random phase approximation showed exactly the same tendency of change in the transition temperatures as that observed experimentally. The interaction parameter, chi(SB), obtained by nonlinear fitting of the scattering profiles of SBS/PS blends in the disordered state, was found to be a function of temperature and composition. Composition fluctuations were found to exist in SBS/PS blends, increasing with increasing addition of PS but diminishing with increasing molecular weight of the added PS.

The direct electrochemistry of cryo-hydrogel immobilized myoglobin at a glassy carbon electrode

A cryo-hydrogel membrane (CHM) immobilized at a glassy carbon (GC) electrode is reported for the direct electron transfer of redox proteins. The most attractive characteristics of this CHM were its hydrophilic micro-environment for incorporated proteins to retain their activities, its high ability for protection against interference of denatured and adsorbed proteins at the electrode, its potential applications for various proteins or enzymes, as well as its high mechanical strength and thermal stability. A clear well developed and stable redox wave was obtained for commercially available horse heart myoglobin without further purification, giving a peak to peak separation Delta E(p) = 93 mV at 5 mV s(-1) and the formal electrode potential E(0)' = -0.158 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The formal heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant was calculated as k(0)' = 5.7 X 10(-4) cm s(-1) at pH 6.5, showing rapid electron transfer was achieved. The pH controlled conformational equilibria, acid state --> natural state --> basic I state --> basic II state, of myoglobin at the CHM GC electrode in the pH range 0-13.8 were also observed and are discussed in detail.

COMPATIBILITY AND CRYSTALLIZATION OF TETRAHYDROFURAN-METHYL METHACRYLATE DIBLOCK COPOLYMER/POLYTETRAHYDROFURAN BLENDS

The compatibility and crystallization of tetrahydrofuran-methyl methacrylate diblock copolymer (PTHF-b-PMMA)/tetrahydrofuran homopolymer (PTHF) blends were studied. Our results showed that the crystallization and morphology of compatible PTHF-b-PMMA/PTHF

ION TRANSFER OF CHROMAZUROL-S ACROSS THE LIQUID-LIQUID INTERFACE

The ion transfer of 0hromazural S (CAS) across ~he in%erface of W/NB and W/l, 2- ])CE was sgadied by oyclie vol~amme~ry and ehronopoten~iome~ry wibh linear current scanning. The $ransfer mechanism of GAS was proposed in terms of lis eleo~roohemic~l behavior and equilibria of diasocia~ion. The experimental da~a obtained for half-wave po~eniial AoWT~/~ and pH in W phase are in agreemen~ wi~h ~he ~heoretieal equation based on ~he mechanism proposal. The siandard po~engial differences AoWT~ and standa...

Biosorption of copper(II) from aqueous solutions by green alga Cladophora fascicularis

Biosorption is an effective means of removal of heavy metals from wastewater. In this work the biosorption behavior of Cladophora fascicularis was investigated as a function of pH, amount of biosorbent, initial Cu2+ concentration, temperature, and co-existing ions. Adsorption equilibria were well described by Langmuir isotherm models. The enthalpy change for the biosorption process was found to be 6.86 kJ mol(-1) by use of the Langmuir constant b. The biosorption process was found to be rapid in the first 30 min. The presence of co-existing cations such as Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ and anions such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate, and acetate did not significantly affect uptake of Cu2+ whereas EDTA substantially affected adsorption of the metal. When experiments were performed with different desorbents the results indicated that EDTA was an efficient desorbent for the recovery of Cu2+ from biomass. IR spectral analysis suggested amido or hydroxy, C=O, and C-O could combine strongly with Cu2+.

Sorption and desorption of lead (II) from wastewater by green algae Cladophora fascicularis

Biosorption is an effective method to remove heavy metals from wastewater. In this work, adsorption features of Cladophora fascicularis were investigated as a function of time, initial pH, initial Pb(II) concentrations, temperature and co-existing ions. Kinetics and equilibria were obtained from batch experiments. The biosorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second order model. Adsorption equilibria were well described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity was 198.5 mg/g at 298 K and pH 5.0. The adsorption processes were endothermic and the biosorption heat was 29.6 kJ/mol. Desorption experiments indicated that 0.01 mol/L Na(2)EDTA was an efficient desorbent for the recovery of Pb(II) from biomass. IR spectrum analysis suggested amido or hydroxy, C=O and C-O could combine intensively with Pb(II). (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

水-盐-气天然流体的物理化学性质模拟与流体包裹体应用研究

Natural fluids with water-salt-gas are often found in every sphere of the Earth, whose physicochemical properties and geochemical behaviors are complicated. To study these properties and behaviors turns out to be one of the challenging issues in geosciences. Traditional approaches mainly depend on experiments and observations. However, it is impossible to obtain a large number of data covering a large T-P space of the Earth by experimental methods in the near future, which will hinder the advance of the theoretical study. Therefore, it is important to model natural fluids by advanced theoretical methods, by which limited experimental data can be extended to a large temperature-pressure-composition space. Physicochemical models developed in this dissertation are not only more accurate, but also extend the applied T-P-m region of the experimental data of the multi-fluid systems by about two times. These models provide the new and accurate theoretical tools for the geochemical research, especially for the water-rock interactions and the study of the fluid inclusions. The main achievements can be summarized as follows: (1) A solubility model on components of natural gases is presented. The solubility model on the systems of CH4-H2O-NaCl, C2H6-H2O-NaCl or N2-H2O-NaCl takes advantage of modern physicochemical theory and methods, and is an improvement over previous models whose prediction and precision are relatively poor. The model can predict not only the gas solubility in liquid phase but also water content in the gas phase. In addition, it can predict gases (methane or nitrogen) solubility in seawater and brine. Isochores can be determined, which are very important in the interpretation of fluid inclusions. (2) A density model on common aqueous salt solutions is developed. The density models with high precision for common aqueous salt solutions (H2O-NaCl, H2O-LiCl, H2O-KCl, H2O-MgCl2, H2O-CaCl2, H2O-SrCl2 or H2O-BaCl2) are absent in the past. Previous density models are limited to the relatively small range of experimental data, and cannot meet the requirement of the study of natural fluids. So a general density model of the above systems is presented by us based on the international standard density model of the water. The model exceeds the other models in both precision and prediction. (3) A viscosity model on common aqueous alkali-chloride solutions is proposed. Dynamic viscosity of water-salt systems, an important physics variable, is widely used in three-dimension simulation of the fluids. But in most cases, due to the lack of viscosity models with a wide T-P range, the viscosity of aqueous salt solutions is replaced by that of the water, giving rise to a relatively large uncertainty. A viscosity model with good prediction for the systems (H2O-NaCl, H2O-LiCl or H2O-KCl) is presented on the base of the international standard viscosity model of water and the density model developed before. (4) Equation of State applied in fluid inclusions. The best Equations of State in the world developed by others or us recently are applied in the study of the fluid inclusions. Phase equilibria and isochores of unitary system (e.g. H2O, CO2, CH4, O2, N2, C2H6 or H2S), binary H2O-NaCl system and ternary H2O-CH4-NaCl system are finished. From these programs and thermodynamic equations of coexisting ores, the physicochemical conditions before or after the deposits form can be determined. To some extent, it is a better tool.

分子水平上研究地质流体的物理化学性质

Geological fluids exist in every geosphere of the Earth and play important roles in many processes of material transformations, energetic interchanges and geochemical interactions. To study the physicochemical properties and geochemical behaviors of geological fluids turn Girt to be one of the challenging issues in geosciences. Compared with conventional approaches of experiments and semi-theoretical modeling, computer simulation on molecular level shows its advantages on quantitative predictions of the physicochemical properties of geological fluids under extreme conditions and emerges as a promising approach to find the characteristics of geological fluids and their interactions in different geospheres of the Earth interior.This dissertation systematically discusses the physicochemical properties of typical geological fluids with state-of-the-art computer simulation techniques. The main results can be summarized as follows: (1) The experimental phase behaviors of the systems CH4-C2H6 and. CO2 have been successfully reproduced with Monte Carlo simulations. (2) Through comprehensive isothermal-isobaric molecular dynamics simulations, the PVT data of water hia^e been extended beyond experimental range to about 2000 K and 20 GPa and an improved equation of state for water has been established. (3) Based on extensive computer simulations, am optimized molecular potential for carbon dioxide have been proposed, this model is expected to predict different properties of carbon dioxide (volumetric properties, phase equilibria, heat of vaporization, structural and dynamical properties) with improved accuracies. (4) On the basis of the above researches of the end-members, a set of parameters for unlike interactions has been proposed by non-linear fitting to the ab initio potential surface of CO2-H2O and is superior to the common used mixing rule and the results of prior workers vs/Ith remarkable accuracies, then a number of simulations of the mixture have been carried out to generate data under high temperatures and pressures as an important complement to the limited experiments. (5) With molecular dynamics simulations, various structural, dynamical and thermodynamical properties of ionic solvations and associations have been oomprehensively analyzed, these results not only agree well with experimental data and first principle calculation results, but also reveal some new insights into the microscopic ionic solvation and association processes.