Kaisa Kervinen

Adding a third dimension to operando spectroscopy: a combined UV-Vis, Raman and XAFS setup to study heterogeneous catalysts under working conditions

The potential of combined operando UV-Vis/Raman/XAFS has been explored by studying the active site and deactivation mechanism of silica- and alumina-supported molybdenum oxide catalysts under propane dehydrogenation conditions.

In situ ATR-IR spectroscopy: a powerful tool to elucidate the catalytic oxidation of veratryl alcohol in aqueous media

The Co(salen) catalyzed oxidation of veratryl alcohol by molecular oxygen in aqueous media was studied by online ATR-IR spectroscopy. The introduction of dioxygen into the reaction mixture initiated the formation of the aldehyde. Only product observed was veratryl aldehyde and its amount was noted to increase linearly with reaction time when reaction conditions are not changed. Addition of NaOH during the reaction increases the reaction rate as the amount of active cobalt species increases. During the reaction a strong vibration is observed in the range of cobalt–oxygen complexes at frequencies 981–993 cm−1. Based on these results we suggest here that in the catalytic oxidation of veratryl alcohol by Co(salen) complexes in basic aqueous solution, a cobalt–superoxo complex is formed, which can oxidize veratryl alcohol to veratraldehyde.

An interdisciplinary specialist team leads to improved diagnostics and treatment for paediatric patients with vascular anomalies.

Patients with vascular anomalies are often misdiagnosed, leading to delayed or improper treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an interdisciplinary team on the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric patients with vascular anomalies.

Bio-inspired manipulation of catalytic sites via immobilization of metal ion complexes in zeolites

Abstract By careful selection of the appropriate preparation parameters we show how it is possible to immobilize transition metal ion complexes within the supercages of zeolite Y to create molecular species, which mimic the active sites of enzymes and their catalytic function. In particular, we demonstrate the use of 3,3-bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)propionate (MIm 2 Pr) combined with Cu 2+ to imitate enzyme actives sites based on the 2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad motif and the use of histidine moieties (His) to replicate the active site of galactose oxidase. Characterization of these active site mimics using a variety of advanced spectroscopic techniques, has also been performed in order to understand why they possess this improved catalytic activity.