Chemical Concepts Research Articles

Turning waste and hazard into thermal conduction material: A promising destination of waste pyrrhotite and polystyrene

The demand for efficient heat dissipation in electronic and electrical equipment enclosures is rising due to the pursuit of higher performance. However, the predominant challenge lies in the use of plastic as the primary material, which lacks favorable thermal conductivity (TC) despite its good machinability. Compared with common fillers, pyrrhotite (Pyr) exhibits moderate TC, insulation properties, and abundant active polysulfide sites on its surface. To turn waste into treasure, we prepared an economic thermal conductive material by powder mixing of Pyr tailings and waste polystyrene (WPS). Hexagonal and monoclinic crystalline Pyr were also prepared respectively, and the results showed that the hexagonal crystalline Pyr exhibited better application potential of TC filler. Furthermore, the strengthening mechanism of polysulfide bonds on the TC was analyzed and demonstrated. The results of the performance evaluation showed that the TC of the composite with optimal conditions improved by 1162.5 % compared to the WPS matrix. Based on the concept of green chemistry and the universality of raw materials, the research provides a method with excellent cost advantages in the future. This method also opens up a new vision for boundary applications such as heat exchange coatings. It is believed that this work provided a green and economic perspective for the disposal of sulfide minerals tailings and waste plastics.

Development of a Chemistry Module on Buffer Solutions Using Dual Representations Assisted by Animation

Buffer solutions are a crucial concept in chemistry that students often find difficult to grasp. An effective method to enhance students' understanding is through the use of dual representations assisted by animation. Dual representations involve using various forms of visualization, such as diagrams, graphs, and animations, to help students comprehend abstract concepts more effectively. The research type employed is research and development (RD) using a 4-D model consisting of four stages: define, design, develop, and disseminate. The research subjects were 26 students from class XII MIPA 1 SMA Negeri 5 Banda Aceh. Data collection techniques were conducted by distributing questionnaires for student needs analysis, module and animation feasibility assessment, educator response to modules and animations, and student understanding tests. The developed module obtained very good assessment results from 2 validators with an average percentage of 89.16%, while the animation media received very good assessment results with an average percentage of 80.43%. Educators' responses to modules and animations were categorized as very good, with percentages of 94.17 and 95.84% respectively. Students' responses were also categorized as very good with an average percentage of 87.2%. The results of students' understanding were categorized as good with an overall score of 82.60%. Based on the results of this research, it is concluded that the animation-assisted multiple representation module on buffer solution material is highly suitable for use as teaching material in the learning process

Peran Media Pembelajaran Kreatif Dalam Peningkatan Keterampilan Sains Anak Usia Dini di Kelurahan Kebonsari, Kecamatan Citangkil, Kota Cilegon

The lava lamp exercise with the children of kebonsari urban village, citangkil sub-district is a fun and educational activity that involves making simple lava lamps using materials easily found at home. This study aims to explore the children's experience of the lava lamp experiment, and its impact on their understanding of basic chemistry concepts, and chemical interactions. Through a teaching approach based on simple science experiments and participatory observation, children were given the opportunity to experiment with a mixture of oil, water, and coloring agents to create interesting visual effects in their own lava lamps. The results showed that this practice not only increased children's interest in science, but also strengthened collaborative skills, and understanding of basic experimental concepts. This experiment highlights the importance of experiential and interactive learning approaches in developing childrens I nterest in science.

Convenient determination of polystyrene microplastics in soils by gel permeation chromatography-ultraviolet detection analysis

Microplastics (MPs), especially polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs), have emerged a new worldwide pollutant, prompting significant public concern regarding their detection in environmental media. Analysis of PS-MPs in soil remains as a challenging task for analysts due to the highly intricate matrices. This work presents a practical approach for detecting PS-MPs in soil, which involves dilute HCl-assisted extraction and gel permeation chromatography- ultraviolet detection (GPC-UV) analysis. The presence of MPs in soil was confirmed through the use of a scanning electron microscope in conjunction with energy dispersive spectroscopy investigation. PS-MPs was isolated from soil, by agitating it with a diluted HCl solution, filtering the resulting liquid, and dissolving the residue on the filter with THF. The extractant was subsequently determined by GPC-UV. The introduction of a small amount of HCl into the extraction system was found to greatly expedite the settling of soil in water and enhance the efficacy of extracting PS-MPs in about 30 min. The linear range of PS-MPs was from 1.0 to 100 μg/mL with R2 > 0.999. Good reproducibility was obtained with the intra-day relative standard deviation (RSD, n = 3) of 1.36 % and the inter-day RSD (n = 3) of 4.78 %. The concentration of PS-MPs in soil samples were N.D. - 2.33 μg/g, and the good recoveries were 76.7–100.3 %. The corresponding AFGEEprer score was calculated to be 0.59, indicating the concept of green analytical chemistry for the pretreatment method. These results indicated that this method has a powerful potential for the accurate and rapid determination of PS-MPs in soil.

Fast and Greener Ultrasound-Assisted Acid Extraction for the Determination of Potentially Toxic Elements in Fluorescent Lamp Waste Using ICP OES.

Understanding the chemical composition of fluorescent lamp residue, particularly potentially toxic elements is crucial for reducing environmental impacts and human health risks after disposal. However, the challenge lies in effectively analyzing these heterogeneous solid samples. Techniques involving quantitative dissolution become imperative, playing a fundamental role in quantifying trace elements. The aim of this work is to develop and present a new, faster, and more efficient and environmentally friendly method using ultrasound-assisted acid extraction to quantify potentially toxic elements (Cu, Mn, Ni, Sr, and Zn) present in fluorescent lamp waste using the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry technique. An ultrasound-assisted acid extraction method for the quantification of potentially toxic elements in fluorescent lamp waste was developed and applied as a greener alternative to conventional digestion methods. For variables optimization a full factorial design with two levels and two variables (time and temperature) was used to found which factors significantly affect the observed response. The results obtained for the developed extraction method were compared with a reference method employing a heating acid digestion (mixture of HCl, HClO4 and HF) using statistical tools. The best results were obtained using extraction time of 10 min and temperature of 25 °C. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was applied for element quantification. The proposed extraction method showed good results for Cu, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn. Furthermore, the proposed method based on ultrasound radiation presents additional criteria that align with the concepts of the green analytical chemistry. A greener alternative method for determination of Cu, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn in fluorescent lamp waste was developed. Optimal conditions for ultrasound extraction of potentially toxic elements were achieved in 10 min at temperature of 25 °C. Environmentally friendly aspects of ultrasound align with the requirements of green analytical chemistry.

Effect of Computer Animation Instructional Package on Students’ Achievement in Hybridization in Chemistry

The study aimed to ascertain how learners' performance in the chemical hybridization concept was affected by the Computer Animation Instructional Package (CAI). A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research design was used in the study. There were 120 seniors secondary school students in the sample. The control group received instruction via traditional lectures, while the experimental group was treated using computer animation. The Hybridization Achievement Test (HAT) and Students' Spatial Ability Test (SSAT) were tested and used for data collection. The tests had reliability coefficients of 0.71 and 0.77, respectively using Kuder Richardson 20. Using estimated marginal means and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at a 0.05 significance level, seven research hypotheses were tested. Results showed that CAI highly impacted students' performance in the chemical concept of hybridization. A noteworthy interaction effect between gender and spatial ability was also found, favouring females with high spatial ability over males with low spatial ability regarding learners' performance. The research results indicate that CAI enhanced students' performance on the hybridization concept in chemistry. The results also showed the gender-friendly and successful instructional characteristics of CAI.

Effect of using the principles of physical chemistry in promoting the performance of chemistry students in senior secondary schools

This study investigates the impact of integrating principles of physical chemistry on the academic performance of senior secondary school students in chemistry. Utilizing a survey design, the research focuses on specific physical chemistry concepts, teaching strategies, and their influence on student engagement. Mean scores reveal the efficacy of integrating physical chemistry principles, emphasizing the importance of topics such as molecular structure and teaching strategies like problem-solving sessions and real-world applications. The study employs ANOVA to support these findings, indicating significant differences in overall academic performance and student engagement. The results underscore the positive effects of incorporating physical chemistry principles in enhancing students’ comprehension, analytical skills, and critical thinking, ultimately fostering a more dynamic and engaging learning environment. These insights contribute to curriculum development, emphasizing the need for interactive methodologies and practical applications to promote a deeper understanding of chemistry principles among senior secondary school students.

Effect of Concept Based Cartoons as art integration on Alternative Concepts in Chemical Bonding

This study is carried out to investigate and analyze the effect of art integration in chemistry curriculum by concept-based cartoons integrated in the context based chemical concepts learning approach on class 9th students’ alternative concepts in chemical bonding. The study was conducted with 45 students of grade 9, within a non-equivalent pretest-posttest group design (NEGD). A chemical bonding concept test conducted to gather the data with 16 multiple choice question (MCQs), and to probe their conceptions, a clinical interview with 5 open ended questions was used. Interview questions and MCQs were based on the same alternative concepts. The study concluded with a positive effect of context-based approach on the remediation of chemical bonding alternative conception. Although concepts-based cartoons found powerful tools and most helpful in resolving alternative concepts in chemical bonding but the study suggest to use more than one intervention for the remediation of alternative conception in chemical education.

Identification of Misconceptions and Causes of Misconceptions in Stoichiometry Material Using Four Tier Multiple Choice (4TMC)

Stoichiometry is one of the materials in chemistry subjects in high school that contains basic concepts to understand other chemical concepts. At the same time, a few class X students need help understanding and even experience misconceptions. This study aims to identify subconcepts that experience misconceptions, the percentage of students who experience misconceptions, and the causes of misconceptions that occur in students. The research method used is the quantitative descriptive method. The sample of this study was students of grade X MIPA at SMA N 1 Jetis, which was taken based on purposive sampling techniques. The research instrument used was the Four Tier Multiple Choice (4TMC) diagnostic test instrument. The pattern of answers, reasons, and confidence rating from the Four Tier Multiple Choice (4TMC) test results are then processed and analyzed to obtain significant misconception data from students. The results of the research obtained, namely, there were misconceptions in stoichiometric material, especially in the subconcepts of Avogadro's Hypothesis, Proust's Law (Law of Fixed Comparison), Dalton's Law (Law of Multiple Comparison), Ar and Mr, the percentage of grade X students at SMA Negeri 1 Jetis on stoichiometric material who experienced misconceptions of 25.35% which was classified as a low category, as well as the causes of misconceptions experienced by grade X students at SMA Negeri 1 Jetis on the material This stoichiometry comes from teachers, learners, and books. Misconceptions originating from teachers are related to learning methods, techniques, and delivery. Misconceptions originating from students are caused by wrong conceptions of learners, dependent algorithmic phenomena, learners' abilities, and students' interests, which need to be improved. At the same time, the misconception from the book is the existence of inappropriate concepts in the student's notebook. Identifying these misconceptions is expected to be the first step to remediate student misconceptions on stoichiometric material and prevent prolonged misconceptions.

Research on hot spot tracking and development trend of NMR quantum chemical calculation in structure elucidation: A bibliometric analysis

Surging numbers of researches in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) quantum chemical calculation in structure elucidation of natural products have appeared in recent years, making it a hot spot. But so far, the effective summarization of the numerous and jumbled body of research is still lacking. In this case, this study seeks to show the research structure of this discipline from a integral and scientific viewpoint utilizing bibliometric analysis approach, which is an effective tool to analyze literature resources based on statistical and mathematical methodologies. Literature related to the NMR quantum chemical calculation in structure elucidation was obtained from Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database. The annual publication, collaboration, hot spots, discipline structure and future development trend were analyzed by bibliometric software (Bibliometrix and VOSviewer). 1620 initial research articles published from 2013 to 2023 in this field were included in the analysis. 2015 is a breaking point. China and India are the countries with most contributions, and Russia Academy of Science is the affiliation with the most output. Journal of Molecular Structure (total publication = 348) is the journal with the most output while Journal of the American Chemical Society (local citation = 4090) is the one with the most citations. Muthu, Sambantham is the author who have most articles and citations. The research could be roughly divided into the calculation parameters, the source and properties of the research targets and theory or method of NMR quantum chemical calculation in structure elucidation based on the keywords analysis. There are numerous illustrations to support that quantum chemical calculation of NMR parameters can be used in structure elucidation, which builds firm cornerstone for this field. Three branches, including research target, basis support and application, have made some achievements, but still have wild development space. In recent years, the keywords “hardness”, “docking”, “surface”, “MEP”, “LUMO” appeared most frequently, demonstrating that more concepts in quantum chemistry as well as methods based on them were introduced in structure elucidation and became hot spots in recent years. These results provided an objective and data-based introduction to the NMR quantum chemical calculation in structure elucidation. It can be observed that growing numbers of quantum chemical theories as well as related methods were introduced in NMR parameters calculation in structure elucidation, making the process more efficient and the results more accurate. However, great efforts still needed to pay to archive more precise structures elucidation and high-throughput error correction.

Developing Chemistry Lesson Plan Design: Integrating Scientific Explanation by CER Framework in STEM Learning

The main supporting component of a comprehensive learning implementation, scientifically prepared according to the chemical context, is developing a chemistry lesson plan. Scientific explanations in chemistry learning often involve causal mechanistic explanations of chemical phenomena, which provide a paradigm for understanding chemical concepts. This research aims to describe how prospective chemistry teachers use scientific explanations to develop CER framework in chemistry lesson plans that align with STEM learning. A descriptive qualitative research design was used. The authors conducted this research on 20 prospective chemistry teachers. This research used the document review, observation, CER framework assessment, and interviews. Prospective chemistry teachers can theoretically and practically prepare chemistry learning plans. The study reveals that prospective chemistry teachers struggle to offer scientific explanations for the concepts they explain through CER framework. Their responses to the CER framework assessment reveal numerous unconnected scientific explanations. One cannot combine evidence and reasoning claims into a systematic unity to explain a chemical phenomenon.

MODERN STATE OF APPLICATION OF AI TECHNOLOGIES IN CHEMICAL EDUCATION: PROBLEMS AND APPROACHES

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into education systems has been a transformative force across multiple disciplines, with chemistry education proving particularly fertile ground for innovation. As we consider the prospects of AI in chemistry education, it is important to recognize the unique opportunities and challenges that this integration brings. AI technologies, ranging from machine learning algorithms to advanced simulation tools, offer unprecedented opportunities to improve the way chemistry is taught and learned. By introducing interactive content, personalized learning experiences, and improved visualization techniques, these technologies not only enable deeper understanding of complex chemical concepts but also transform traditional teaching methods. This article examines the current state of AI applications in chemistry education and highlights the significant benefits and potential future developments that could further transform this field. As AI continues to advance, its role in educational contexts, particularly in chemistry, promises to be both transformative and far-reaching, paving the way for more effective educational technologies. Keywords: chemistry, artificial intelligence, chemistry education, modern education trends, methods of teaching chemistry.

Android-based Audio-Visual Comics in Enhancing Conceptual Understanding and Motivation of Chemistry Concepts

Android-based Audio-Visual Comics in Enhancing Conceptual Understanding and Motivation of Chemistry Concepts

A theoretical approach on ADMET properties of an azo-ester based fluorophore (AEF), and it's energetics, binding stability and molecular interactions with select globular proteins

Molecular docking (Mol.Doc) approach of an azo-ester based fluorophore (AEF) with widely studied proteins like Human serum Albumin (HSA), Bovine serum Albumin (BSA), Beta lactoglobin (βLG) and Ovalbumin (OVA) were carried out. The binding affinity and strength of AEF-HSA complex is due to hydrogen-bonding (h-bonding) and hydrophobic interactions (predominantly attributed to pi-alkyl). AEF and HSA acts as h-bonding acceptor as well as donor. The energetically favored conformers of AEF-HSA complex are governed and stabilized by polar as well as non-polar amino acids. On the contrary, the pattern observed in all the conformers of AEF-BSA, AEF- βLG and AEF-OVA are energetically least favored (+ve ∆G) compared to that of HSA. The least binding affinity of AEF is towards OVA (Binding energy (BE) +581.15 Kcalmol−1 followed by βLG (+55.11) and BSA (+12.12) . Though BSA and HSA are structurally similar to each other, they vary in the binding stability with AEF. This is attributed to several unfavorable interactions that destabilize AEF-BSA complex which was not resulted in the complex existing between AEF-HSA. The energetically least stable complexes (AEF-BSA, AEF-βLG and AEF-OVA) are predominantly governed by hydrophobic interactions. However, several h-bonding interactions along with pi-sigma/pi-pi/pi-alkyl interactions result in destabilization of the above complexes. Interestingly, AEF-HSA complex stability is attributed to fewer number of hydrophobic interactions along with h-bonding interactions. The h-bonding interaction governs the stability of the complex which is the driving force. Docking studies illustrates that the binding of amino acids (AAs) in various subdomains play a significant role on the binding nature. The stability of AEF-HSA over other protein complexes in terms of BE is emphasized in the study. The energetically stable sites and sub-domains of AEF with HSA and BSA establish the site selective and site-specific nature of AEF with proteins. In silico studies provide an excellent and easier approach in establishing the molecular interactions existing between AEF with globular proteins. ADMET parameters of the guest molecule calculated exemplifies that AEF compound is less toxic and possesses high oral bioavailability. Based on the binding efficiency of AEF with albumins, the ADMET properties and drug likeliness approach of AEF provides an information on the application towards proteins in the concept of medicine and chemistry.

Evaluation of Senior High School Students’ Ability to Reading Chemistry Text

Science text reading activities can introduce students to understanding chemical concepts and practice reading skills. Reading skills play an important role in science education because they are related to student's cognitive and metacognitive abilities. This study aims to see how the ability to read texts and students' understanding of chemical concepts through texts. This research uses a mixed method design, embedded type. Quantitative data is obtained through survey results and qualitative data is obtained through interviews to strengthen the justification of quantitative data obtained. Participants in this study were 299 high school students in the cities of Malang and Batu. The research instrument is an instrument of reading chemistry text skills (r = 0.918) consisting of 3 chemistry texts and in each of them, there are 8 essay questions covering literal, interpretation, and application aspects. The profile of students' reading skills based on the results of surveys and interviews shows that most students' reading skills have not been able to understand the idea of chemical concepts correctly, have not been able to describe chemical terms in the text correctly, students' explanations of chemical concepts are at the structural level, and have not been able to provide creative ideas (arguments) for solutions to problems presented in the text. The implications of this study need to be explicit skills in reading chemistry texts to understand chemical concepts and be proficient in reading chemistry texts.

Examining Nursing Students’ Interest and Performance in Chemistry in Nigeria Colleges of Nursing Sciences: Emerging Issues

Nurses require a good understanding of chemistry as a result of the interrelationship of many chemistry concepts with nursing both in the classroom and in applications hence, the indispensable nature of chemistry to nursing. However, most nursing students have consistently found chemistry as one of their major nightmares in the course of their studies. This is evident in their performances and interest. This paper aims to critically examine the causes of the increasing decline in nursing students’ interest in chemistry in Nigerian nursing colleges in relation to how they are negatively impacting in their chemistry performances. The paper relied on both primary and secondary sources and on careful analysis found out the major challenging issues as: foundational problems, unqualified candidates/ examination malpractice, faulty/fraudulent admission procedures, lack of laboratories/learning materials and the ease of cross border migration. While the problems obviously maybe more than as elucidated, in chatting a way forward, some strategies suggested as recommendations include proper result verification process, guiding the students through the use of problem-solving skills, the provision of well-equipped laboratories and the adoption and the implementation of digital mode of teaching and learning. Even though they may not be exhaustive, but they have been carefully chosen as highlighted and would go a long way to help if fully implemented.

Development of augmented reality as a learning tool to improve student ability in comprehending chemical properties of the elements

Abstract The research aims to develop an AR app as a learning tool to facilitate first-year university students in comprehending the concept of the chemical properties and investigate students’ performance in understanding the concept of the chemical properties of main group elements. The app was developed using Unity, Vuforia, Canva, and Blender. A mixed method was employed in the R&D adopting ADDIE development model. Twenty-two students of chemistry education department at a state university in Aceh, Indonesia participated in the need analysis and implementation stage. The data was collected through questionnaires, and a system usability scale. The students’ performance was evaluated through online Quizizz platform. The findings reveal a strong consensus among students regarding the necessity of AR for comprehending chemistry concepts. The students responded positively to the app’s attractiveness, ease of use, impact on their learning experience, alignment with teaching materials, and markers quality, yielding a mean score of 91.8 %. The application is ease to use with a SUS score of 84.9. The N-Gain score indicates positive impact to the students’ performance. AR app of periodic properties of elements demonstrates feasibility and serves as a viable alternative teaching tool for the concept of periodic properties of elements.

Retracted:An integrated protocol based on workflows of imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (icIEF) for in-depth protein heterogenous characterization: High-efficient fractionation and online mass spectrometry detection

Herein we describe an integrated protocol to study the charge heterogeneity of therapeutic proteins. The protocol integrating two workflows, based on imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (icIEF) with fractionation and mass spectrometry (MS) online detection on the same platform, is validated, and can be used for protein charge variant characterization at intact MS and in-depth peptide mapping of collected fractions by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The developed protocol was evaluated based on systematic methodology validation, which is demonstrated to be a robust platform that suits for the heterogeneity characterization of diverse therapeutic proteins with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), outstanding reproducibility and excellent sensitivity. Especially, the constructed protocol can perform both functions of icIEF fractionation and MS online detection in a unique icIEF platform with high throughput, easy method development and less reagent consumption as comparing to traditional technologies, which “Green Chemistry Concept” helps biopharma industry address urgent challenges during the whole process of discovery, quality control and manufacture release.

Low-lying LUMO Boosts Conductance in Antiaromatic Dibenzopentalene Versus Aromatic Analogues.

Antiaromaticity is a fundamental concept in chemistry, but the study of molecular wires incorporating antiaromatic units is limited. Despite initial predictions, very few studies show that antiaromaticity has a beneficial effect on electron transport. Dibenzo[a,e]pentalene (DBP) is a stable structure that displays appreciable antiaromaticity within the five-membered rings of the pentalene core. We have investigated derivatives of DBP furnished with pyridyl (Py) and F4-pyridyl (PyF4) anchor groups, and compared the conductance with purely aromatic phenyl and anthracene analogues. We find that the low-bias conductance of DBP-Py is approximately 60 % larger than that of the anthracene analogue Anth-Py and 250 % larger compared to the phenyl derivative Ph-Py. This is due to a better alignment of the LUMO with the gold Fermi level, which we confirm by conductance-voltage spectroscopy where the conductance of DBP-Py shows the greatest voltage-dependence. The F4-pyridyl compounds, which have lower LUMO energies compared to the pyridyl analogues, did not, however, form detectable molecular junctions. The strongly electron-withdrawing fluorine atoms reduce the donor capability of the nitrogen lone-pair to the point where stable N-Au bonds no longer form.

Project Based Learning (PjBL) in Chemistry Learning: Systematic Literature and Bibliometric Review 2015 - 2022

Education is important to form an intelligent and competitive generation. Project Based Learning (PjBL) offers relevant and interactive learning, recognized by Grant (2002) as a student-centered model. PjBL creates a constructivist environment, developing content understanding and skills, such as communication, time management, research and critical thinking. This research focuses on the application of PjBL in chemistry learning, aiming to find out the results of previous research. This research uses Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and bibliometric review as methods. SLR is considered a systematic and transparent method of collecting, synthesizing and assessing study findings on a topic. The process includes planning (research identification), implementation (literature search and selection), and reporting (synthesis of findings). The research question (RQ) focuses on the application of Project Based Learning (PjBL) in chemistry learning. Twenty journals were selected, mostly from Scopus, with criteria ranging from 2015-2020. The analysis showed that 13 journals met the criteria, and a bibliometric review was then carried out on these journals. The research results show that PjBL focuses on skill development, learning innovation, and the impact on student understanding and participation. The research implications highlight the importance of the PjBL model to improve the learning process and better learning tools. The results revealed a wide variety of methods and samples. Six studies focused on the influence of PjBL, critical thinking abilities, psychomotor skills, problem solving, creativity, cognitive achievement, and teamwork. This framework generally involves students' innovative learning and laboratory experiments. Chemistry concepts include analytical, physical, environmental, basic, and organic chemistry. Data collection and analysis tools serve as benchmarks for future research and implications.