Composition Effect on the Formation of Oxide Phases by Thermal Decomposition of CuNiM(III) Layered Double Hydroxides with M(III) = Al, Fe.

The thermal decomposition processes of coprecipitated Cu-Ni-Al and Cu-Ni-Fe hydroxides and the formation of the mixed oxide phases were followed by thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry analysis (TG - DTG) and in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) in a temperature range from 25 to 800 °C. The as-prepared samples exhibited layered double hydroxide (LDH) with a rhombohedral structure for the Ni-richer Al- and Fe-bearing LDHs and a monoclinic structure for the CuAl LDH. Direct precipitation of CuO was also observed for the Cu-richest Fe-bearing samples.

L-Lysine Amino Acid Adsorption on Zeolite L: a Combined Synchrotron, X-Ray and Neutron Diffraction Study.

Combined neutron and X-ray powder diffraction techniques highlighted the sorption capacity of the acidic L zeolite towards the L-lysine amino acid. The role of zeolite channels in the stabilization of the lysine absorbed and the effect of water on protein structure are elucidated at atomistic level. The stabilization of the L α-helical conformation is related to strong H-bonds between the tail aminogroups of lysine molecules and the Brønsted acid site as well as to complex intermolecular H-bond system between water molecules, zeolite and amino acid.

L-Lysine Amino Acid Adsorption on Zeolite L: a Combined Synchrotron, X-Ray and Neutron Diffraction Study.

Invited for this month's cover are the groups of Annalisa Martucci and Luisa Pasti at the University of Ferrara (Italy). The cover picture shows L-lysine amino acid adsorption on zeolite L. The role of zeolite channels in the stabilization of the lysine absorbed and the effect of water on protein structure are elucidated at atomistic level.

High-Silica Zeolites as Sorbent Media for Adsorption and Pre-Concentration of Pharmaceuticals in Aqueous Solutions.

The present work focused on the use of high-silica commercial zeolites as sorbent media for pharmaceuticals in an aqueous matrix. As drug probes, ketoprofen, hydrochlorothiazide, and atenolol were selected, because of their occurrence in surface waters and effluents from wastewater treatment plants. Pharmaceuticals adsorption was evaluated for two Faujasite topology zeolites with Silica/Alumina Ratio 30 and 200.