Evaporation Of Organic Solvent Research Articles

Silica nanoparticle-membrane interactions investigated by atomic force microscopy in an organic solvent

Ion-exchange membranes have been widely used not only in water but also in organic solvents for both scientific exploration and industrial applications. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a promising analytical technique to determine membrane functions in both water and organic solvents. Nevertheless, the use of organic solvents frequently causes significant contamination and mechanical drift in AFM imaging investigations. Additionally, the rapid evaporation of organic solvents imposes the limitation of measurement time. Thus, a force curve array measurement requiring a longer time is challenging in organic solvents. Herein, we propose a widely adaptable holder design that facilitates stable AFM measurements in organic solvents for a broad range of AFM systems. Using the designed AFM holder, we investigated silica-membrane interactions in 2-propanol. Our AFM evaluation provides important information on nanoparticle removal with ion-exchange membranes in 2-propanol. The concept of widely adaptable holder design should contribute to the understanding of nanoparticle-membrane interactions and the development of various functional membranes used in organic solvents.

Rapid LC-MS/MS detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in dried blood spots

BackgroundThe detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) from dried blood spots (DBS) has been widely studied. However, the existing pretreatment methods suffer from limitations in terms of throughput (usually exceeding 2 h), complexity (involving liquid-liquid extraction or solid-phase extraction), and contamination (including multiple steps of organic solvent evaporation). ResultsWe first released 25OHD from DBS samples by 50% acetonitrile solution through ultrasonication. Subsequently, the cold-induced phase separation technique was introduced for in-situ concentration and purification. Afterward, the PTAD derivatization of 25OHD was performed directly, profiting from the high acetonitrile content in the concentrated solution. In the end, the resulting solution was submitted to LC-MS/MS for quantification. The established LC-MS/MS methodology possessed favorable analytical performance, possessing lower limit of quantification of 1 ng/mL pointing to plasma, accuracy of 86.8–110.1% and imprecision of 5.4–16.8%. Method comparison with plasma samples demonstrated that over 93% of the detections met the acceptance limit for cross-validation of ±20%. Significance and noveltyThe novel sample preparation can be finished within 15 min and eliminated the traditional steps of extraction and organic solvent evaporation. Based on this high-throughput, reliable and applicable LC-MS/MS method, the detection of 25OHD in DBS samples can be better achieved for clinical patients and researchers with relevant demands.

Aggregation-dependent room temperature phosphorescence based on different polymorphs of 1,2,3-triazole derivates

It is significant and challenging to control the molecular packing in the aggregated state during the molecular design stage. Herein, a series of C4, C5 and N2-trisubstituted triazole derivatives have been designed to explore the relationship between packing modes and room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) properties. By introducing different substituents, these derivatives reveal different RTP properties and inherent mechanisms. TRA-H and TRA-F both have distinct crystalline polymorphs cultured by the evaporation of different mixed organic solvents. The lifetime of their RTP emissions exhibit distinct results due to the different packing modes in the aggregation state. Through careful analysis of experimental results, coupled with theoretical calculations, it is found that efficient intermolecular interactions between the adjacent triazoles, combined with the long-range orderly packing mode in the aggregated state are conducive to the longer phosphorescence lifetime.

Dynamics of diffusion, evaporation, and retention of organic solvents in paints by unilateral NMR and HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy

Transport of organic solvents in polymeric matrices plays a central role in many processes of interest to the coatings industry. Previous studies have focused on individual processes taking place in the solvent-paint system. In the present study, we report results on the molecular dynamics in a solvent/paint system during the entire sequence of absorption, diffusion, swelling, and evaporation processes, obtained non-invasively, in situ, and in real time using unilateral NMR relaxometry. The associated chemical structures were investigated using HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy. Four distinct ranges of molecular motion in the solvent/paint film were identified based on proton NMR transverse relaxation time (T2) data. The fast motion of the freely moving solvent molecules was discriminated from the slower motion of the so-called bound phase of the solvent molecules physically and chemically interacting with the cross-linked polymer network. In addition, two distinct domains of the cross-linked and mobile phases of the polymerized oil were observed, allowing the study of both the dynamics of the swelling-contraction process of the polymer and of the solubilization process. Such non-invasive analyses provide significant information on transport phenomena of the solvent in the paint film, as well as on the effects of various solvents applied to oil paintings.

Dynamics of absorption and evaporation of organic solvents in electrically conductive wood

Dynamics of absorption and evaporation of organic solvents in electrically conductive wood

Understanding the Effects of the Mixing Processes on the Performance of NMC-LMO Blend Electrodes Made By a Dry Electrostatic Spray Deposition Process

Improving the manufacturing process of making lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is a key to further decreasing the cost and expanding the market of LIBs for many applications, especially for electric vehicles. Since electric vehicles require durable, sustainable, and cost-effective battery systems for their continued enlargement, advanced manufacturing processes of LIBs need to be investigated. The conventional wet slurry operation for LIB electrode manufacturing imposes several limitations on cost and performance mostly due to solvent usage. The drying process for the evaporation and recovery of organic solvent requires the use of unwanted solvents that do not contribute to the final product, thus consuming energy. If solvent evaporation is not controlled well, issues such as binder migration, segregation, and cracking of the electrode can occur, affecting the performance of the battery. Therefore, using a solventless dry process for electrode manufacturing has the potential to reduce the cost and environmental impact by eliminating solvent usage.In this work, electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) without the use of a solvent is investigated for manufacturing thick NMC811/LMO electrodes. Comparing two different dry powder mixing methods, we showed that dry powder mixing prior to ESD has a significant effect on the electrode microstructure and, consequently, its performance. Electrodes made by ball mill mixing retained better discharge capacity, which was attributed to the low charge transfer resistance and improved ionic conductivity due to porous conductive pathways formed between and on the active material particles. High speed mixing, on the other hand, caused dense layers of binder and conductive agent agglomerates, limiting the contact area of the electrolyte with active materials and increasing the resistance.

A thermostable ionic liquid electrolyte for wide-temperature window supercapacitor

The high-temperature supercapacitors have attracted growing attentions because the improved charge diffusion kinetics and ion conductivity of the electrolytes at elevated temperatures cause high capacitances. However, the state-of-the-art aqueous and/or anhydrous electrolytes always suffer from water or organic solvent evaporation, poor thermal stability and toxicity. We presented here a wide-temperature window supercapacitor made with an activated carbon electrode, a ceramic membrane separator as well as an electrolyte containing 1-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([MIm][OTf]) ionic liquid and ethylene glycol (EG) organic solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH) ([MIm][OTf]/KOH/EG). By studying the impacts of temperature on capacitance, a maximized specific capacitance of 289 F g − 1 was achieved at 130 °C. Moreover, the champion supercapacitor presented an outstanding charging/discharging stability over 1500 cycles at 130 °C. The high capacitance along with long-term stability suggest that the ionic liquid electrolyte is prospective for wide-temperature window supercapacitors.

Blended Polymer Dry Electrodes for Reliable Electrocardiogram and Electromyogram Measurements and Their Eco-Friendly Disposal Led by Degradability in Hot Water.

To increase the human lifespan, healthcare monitoring devices that diagnose diseases and check body conditions have attracted considerable interest. Commercial AgCl-based wet electrodes with the advantages of high conductivity and strong adaptability to human skin are considered the most frequently used electrode material for healthcare monitoring. However, commercial AgCl-based wet electrodes, when exposed for a long period, cause an evaporation of organic solvents, which could reduce the signal-to-noise ratio of biosignals and stimulate human skin. In this context, we demonstrate a dry electrode for a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)-based blended polymer electrode using a combination of PEDOT:PSS, waterborne polyurethane (WPU) and ethylene glycol (EG) that could be reused for a long period of time to detect electrocardiography (ECG) and electromyography (EMG). Both ECG and EMG are reliably detected by the wireless real-time monitoring system. In particular, the proposed dry electrode detects biosignals without deterioration for over 2 weeks. Additionally, a double layer of a polyimide (PI) substrate and fluorinated polymer CYTOP induces the strong waterproof characteristics of external liquids for the proposed dry electrodes, having a low surface energy of 14.49 mN/m. In addition, the proposed electrode has excellent degradability in water; it dissolves in hot water at 60 °C.

Strong Bacterial Cellulose-Based Films with Natural Laminar Alignment for Highly Sensitive Humidity Sensors.

Humidity sensors have been widely used for humidity monitoring in industry and agriculture fields. However, the rigid structure, nondegradability, and large dimension of traditional humidity sensors significantly restrict their applications in wearable fields. In this study, a flexible, strong, and eco-friendly bacterial cellulose-based humidity sensor (BPS) was fabricated using a two-step method, involving solvent evaporation-induced self-assembly and electrolyte permeation. Rapid evaporation of organic solvent induces the formation of nanopores of the bacterial cellulose (BC) surface and promotes structural densification. Furthermore, the successful embedding of potassium hydroxide into the sophisticated network of BC effectively enhanced the sensing performance of BPS. The BPS exhibits an excellent humidity sensing response of more than 103 within the relative humidity ranging from 36.4 to 93% and strong (66.4 MPa) and high flexibility properties owing to the ultrafine fiber network and abundant hydrophilic functional groups of BC. Besides being strong and thin, BPS is also highly flexible, biodegradable, and humidity-sensitive, making it a potential candidate in wearable electronics, human health monitoring, and noncontact switching.

Dynamics of Diffusion, Evaporation, and Retention of Organic Solvents in Paints by Portable Nmr and Hr-Mas Nmr Spectroscopy

Dynamics of Diffusion, Evaporation, and Retention of Organic Solvents in Paints by Portable Nmr and Hr-Mas Nmr Spectroscopy

Eudragit-Coated Sporopollenin Exine Microcapsules (SEMC) of Phoenix dactylifera L. of 5-Fluorouracil for Colon-Specific Drug Delivery.

In this study, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-loaded pollens of Phoenix dactylifera and their coating with ERS was done and evaluated for the colon-targeted delivery of 5-FU to treat colon cancer. Sporopollenin exine microcapsules (SEMC) from the pollens of Phoenix dactylifera were extracted by the reflux method and 5-FU into SEMC was encapsulated by the vacuum-assisted loading method. 5-FU loaded SEMC was coated with Eudragit® RS-100 (ERS) by the organic solvent-evaporation technique under vacuum to avoid the discharge of 5-FU in the stomach and small intestine. Morphological and physicochemical characterization of drug-loaded SEMC (coated/uncoated) was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR, XRD, and DSC. The encapsulation and drug loading were determined by the direct method, and an in vitro release study was performed in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids (SGF/SIF). The colon-specific delivery of 5-FU from the SEMC was assessed in terms of pharmacokinetics and gastrointestinal tract distribution after oral administration in rats. The successful encapsulation and loading of 5-FU into SEMC by a vacuum-assisted loading technique and its coating with ERS by a solvent-evaporation technique were achieved. SEM images of uncoated SEMC have shown porous structures, and coating with ERS reserved their morphology with a smooth surface and discrete microstructures and the 5% w/v ERS acetone solution. ERS-coated SEMC sustained the release of 5-FU until 24 h in SIF, while it was up to 12 h only from uncoated SEMC. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 5-FU from uncoated SEMC was 102.82 μg/mL after 1 h, indicating a rapid release of 5-FU in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This concentration decreased quickly with a half-life of 4 h, AUC0-t was 264.1 μg/mL.h, and MRT0-inf was 5.2 h. The Cmax of 5-FU from ERS-coated SEMC was 19.47 μg/mL at 16 h. The Cmax of 5-FU in small intestines was 406.2 μg/g at 1 h from uncoated SEMC and 1271.5 μg/g at 12 h from coated SEMC. Conclusively, a 249.9-fold higher relative bioavailability of 5-FU was achieved with the ERS-coated SEMC in colon tissues than that from uncoated SEMC.

Influence of cell opening methods on organic solvent removal during pretreatment in lithium-ion battery recycling.

The use and development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are promoting the technological transformation of individual mobility, consumer electronics and electric energy storage. At their end of life, the complex compounds are disposed by different recycling technologies with defined secondary raw material production. The applied depollution temperatures of the process routes influence not only the recycling efficiency but also the process expenditure, design, medium and costs. Different pretreatment strategies in terms of dismantling depth and depollution temperature are existing. Furthermore, manual and mechanical methods for cell opening are distinguished, which together with the depollution leads to a respective organic solvent evaporation. In this contribution to LIB recycling, the influence of different dismantling depths, achieved by manual cell opening, on the thermal depollution of the LIB cells regarding the mass difference originating by organic solvent evaporation are quantified, in order to determine cell and equipment properties for a safe cell opening. As a result, combinations of thermal depollution and manual cell opening are discussed regarding technical and economic feasibility. The process medium and equipment properties for a safe cell opening are determined. Furthermore, recommendations for future industrial LIB waste management are presented.

Exfoliated MOF-derived N-doped honeycomb cavernous carbon with enhanced electrocatalytic activity as electrochemical platform

In this paper, an exfoliated N-doped honeycomb cavernous carbon (ENC-800) with enhanced properties has been successfully synthesized by exfoliating carbonized metal-organic frameworks with high nitrogen content (N-MOFs) at liquid phase. Due to the high nitrogen content inheriting from the rich-imidazolyl organic ligand, ENC-800 shows excellent electrocatalytical activity and good performance as electrochemical detection platform. The substantial existence of graphitic N in ENC-800 provides generous C-N active site and high conductivity for catalyzing reaction. In addition, the increased specific surface area caused by exfoliation and evaporation of organic solvents confined in the N-MOFs also contributes to the electrochemical performance of ENC-800. In order to explore the potentiality of this material in electrochemical field, chloramphenicol (CAP) was detected by ENC-800 modified electrode and satisfactory results were obtained. In optimized conditions, the linear response of the ENC-800/GCE for CAP was obtained from 0.05 μM to 0.10 mM and from 0.10 mM to 3 mM with detection limit of 0.04 μM. Meanwhile, the new method to obtain an enhanced specific surface area by carbonizing solvent-contained MOFs provides a novel direction for post-processing of MOFs.

Hierarchical Microphase Behaviors of Chiral Block Copolymers under Kinetic and Thermodynamic Control

Hierarchical Microphase Behaviors of Chiral Block Copolymers under Kinetic and Thermodynamic Control

Influence of crystallisation on the structural and optical properties of lead-free Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite crystals

We compare the growth of Cs2AgBiBr6 crystals by slow and fast evaporation of organic solvents. Using different growth temperatures and precursors enables bridging the gap between the optical properties and applications of Cs2AgBiBr6 in solar cells.

Preparation and evaluation of conjugate nanogels of glycyl-prednisolone with natural anionic polysaccharides as anti-arthritic delivery systems

Although prednisolone (PD) is used as an anti-arthritis drug due to its rapid and strong anti-inflammatory potential, its frequent and large dosing often brings about adverse effects. Therefore, targeting therapy has attracted increasing attention to overcome such adverse effects. In the present study, nanogels (NGs) composed of macromolecule–PD conjugates were developed as a novel targeting delivery system, and their anti-inflammatory potential was examined. Conjugates were prepared by carbodiimide coupling between glycyl-prednisolone (GP) and the natural anionic polysaccharides, alginic acid (AL) and hyaluronic acid (HA). NGs were produced by the evaporation of organic solvent from the conjugate solution. The obtained NGs, named AL-GP-NG and HA-GP-NG, respectively, were examined for particle characteristics, in vitro release, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo efficacy. Both NGs were several hundred nanometers in size, had negative zeta potentials, and several % (w/w) drug contents. They released PD gradually at pH 7.4 and 6. They exhibited fairly good retention in the systemic circulation. In the efficacy examination using rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis, both NGs showed the stronger and more prolonged suppression of paw inflammation than PD alone. These suggested that the present NGs should be possibly useful as anti-arthritis targeting therapeutic systems.

A cross-linked gel polymer electrolyte employing cellulose acetate matrix and layered boron nitride filler prepared via in situ thermal polymerization

The cross-linked gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) with cellulose acetate (CA) as matrix, poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) as cross-linking agent, and layered boron nitride (BN) as reinforcement is prepared for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Different from reported CA based polymer electrolytes, we adopt a simple in situ thermal polymerization method in the battery to prepare the GPE and polymer LIBs simultaneously. BN filler is uniformly dispersed in the cross-linked GPE and it interacts with not only the polymer matrix but also the anion in liquid electrolyte. Therefore, BN filler facilitates the transport of Li+ ions and delays the oxidative decomposition of the GPE. BN filler inhibits the evaporation of organic solvents at the low temperature, whereas it accelerates their decomposition at the high temperature. Due to the synergistic effect of CA matrix and BN filler, the obtained GPE exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 8.9 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 30 °C, an excellent electrochemical stability up to 5.5 V, and a good thermal stability. This work sheds light on the interaction between GPEs and the inorganic fillers, which is crucial for designing new polymer electrolyte systems.

Biocompatible PEO-b-PCL Nanosized Micelles as Drug Carriers: Structure and Drug-Polymer Interactions.

We report on the preparation of drug nanocarriers by encapsulating losartan potassium (LSR) into amphiphilic block copolymer micelles, utilizing the biocompatible/biodegradable poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEO-b-PCL) diblock copolymer. The PEO-b-PCL micelles and LSR-loaded PEO-b-PCL nanocarriers were prepared by organic solvent evaporation method (OSEM). Light scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) provide information on micelle structure and polymer–drug interactions. According to dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, the PEO-b-PCL micelles and LSR-loaded PEO-b-PCL nanocarriers formed nanostructures in the range of 17–26 nm in aqueous milieu. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) measurements confirmed the presence of LSR in the polymeric drug solutions. NMR results proved the successful encapsulation of LSR into the PEO-b-PCL micelles by analyzing the drug–micelles intermolecular interactions. Specifically, 2D-NOESY experiments clearly evidenced the intermolecular interactions between the biphenyl ring and butyl chain of LSR structure with the methylene signals of PCL. Additionally, NMR studies as a function of temperature demonstrated an unexpected, enhanced proton mobility of the PEO-b-PCL micellar core in D2O solutions, probably caused by the melting of the PCL hydrophobic core.

Epoxy resin/ethyl cellulose microcapsules prepared by solvent evaporation for repairing microcracks: Particle properties and slow-release performance

Slow-release and self-healing microcapsules were prepared by solvent evaporation with epoxy resin(ER) and ethyl cellulose(EC) as core material and wall material respectively. Particle properties, permeability of core materials and slow-release performance of microcapsules were characterized by environmental scanning electron microscope, laser particle analyzer, high performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The results showed that ER/EC microcapsules possessed a spherical shape and uniform distribution. The particle size of microcapsules was generally distributed between 75∼175 μm. Compared with ER/EC(N14 and N25) microcapsules, ER/EC(N7) microcapsules had distinguished holes which had a favorable permeability on the surface. ER/EC(N7) microcapsules had a better slow-release performance, with the cumulative release rate of core material reaching 66.1 % for 48 h. In contrast with ER/EC(N7) microcapsules, the encapsulation efficiency and loading content of ER/EC(N25) microcapsules were improved by 5.4 % and 5 %, respectively. The formation of holes on the surface of microcapsules was related to the evaporation of organic solvent (Dichloromethane) passing through the wall material. Therefore, the size of holes on the surface of microcapsules was smaller and the amount of that was larger with the increase of EC viscosity grade. The release behavior of ER/EC microcapsules can be explained by First-order kinetic model, Higuchi model and Korsmeyer-peppas model.

Development of a Simple Pretreatment Immunoassay Based on an Organic Solvent-Tolerant Nanobody for the Detection of Carbofuran in Vegetable and Fruit Samples.

Nanobodies are one-tenth the size of conventional antibodies and are naturally obtained from the atypical heavy-chain-only antibodies present in camelids. Their small size, high solubility, high stability, and strong resilience to organic solvents facilitate their use as novel analytical reagents in immunochemistry. In this study, specific nanobodies against pesticide carbofuran were isolated and characterized from an immunized library via phage display platform. We further established an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using nanobody Nb316 to detect carbofuran in vegetable and fruit samples. The results showed a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 7.27 ng/mL and a detection limit of 0.65 ng/mL. A simplified sample pretreatment procedure omitting the evaporation of organic solvent was used. The averaged recovery rate of spiked samples ranged between 82.3% and 103.9%, which correlated with that of standard UPLC–MS/MS method. In conclusion, a nanobody with high specificity for carbofuran was characterized, and a nanobody-based sensitive immunoassay for simple and rapid detection of carbofuran in real samples was validated.