Miloslav Pekař

Sorption of metal ions on lignite and the derived humic substances.

The study presents results of sorption of metal ions (Pb2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+) onto lignite mined in South Moravia, Czech Republic, and solid humic substances (humin and humic acid) derived from it. The efficiency of these sorbents has been studied as a function of contact time, solution pH, and metal concentration. The sorption efficiencies were higher for humin and lower for humic acid samples than for the original lignite. With its high sorption capacities of several mmol/g, particularly for Pb2+ and Cd2+, the South Moravian lignite can provide a cheap source material for preparation of sorbents utilizable in removal of toxic metals from wastewaters.

The thermodynamics of linear fluids and fluid mixtures

Thermodynamics and its Concepts in Non-equilibrium.- Thermodynamics of Uniform Systems.- Continuum Thermodynamics of a Single Fluid.- Continuum Thermodynamics of Mixtures of Linear Fluids.

High-Resolution Ultrasonic Spectroscopy Study of Interactions between Hyaluronan and Cationic Surfactants

Interactions in a cationic surfactant-hyaluronan system in water and in sodium chloride solution were investigated by high-resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy at 25 °C. Two alkyltrimethylammonium bromide surfactants of different chain lengths (tetradecyl and hexadecyl) were used; hyaluronan molecular weight ranged from 10 to 1750 kDa. Two main parameters-ultrasonic velocity and attenuation-were measured in the titration regime. Up to six different regions could be identified in the velocity titration profiles in water in a narrow interval of surfactant concentration. These regions differed primarily in the compressibility of structures formed in the system. The number of detected transitions was higher for the tetradecyl surfactant; therefore, the increased length of the hydrophobic chain simplified the details of the structure-forming behavior. The measurement of attenuation was much less sensitive and detected only the formation of microheterogeneous structures or visible phase separates. The richness of the titration profiles was depressed in salt solution, where essentially only two principal regions were observed. On the other hand, the effect of hyaluronan molecular weight on the positions of boundaries between regions was more significant in the presence of salt. Besides electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions are also relevant for determining the behavior of hyaluronan-surfactant systems and the properties of formed complexes (aggregates).

Rate-limiting step. Does it exist in the non-steady state?

Computer modelling study of non-stationary kinetics of a three-step reaction mechanism is given. Several types of transient responses, which have different rate-limiting steps in the steady state, are analysed. Non-stationary kinetic behaviour is mechanistically described in detail, using the transient responses of the rates of elementary steps. Suitability of the concept of rate-limiting step in non-stationary kinetics is examined. It is shown that the rate-limiting step concept is not useful for the description of transition state. Nature of the transient behaviour of a set of consecutive reaction steps is revealed.

Long-term degradation study of hyaluronic acid in aqueous solutions without protection against microorganisms.

The degradation of hyaluronan (HA) of different molecular weights (Mw 14.3, 267.2 and 1160.6 kDa, measured for fresh solutions, before degradation) was studied in aqueous solutions by SEC-MALLS determination of molecular mass, polydispersity and conformation parameters. The solutions were stored either at laboratory or refrigerator temperatures for two months. After this period the weight average molecular weight decreased by 90% for 14.3 kDa, 95% for 267.2 kDa and 71% for 1160.6 kDa hyaluronan (room temperature) or 5.6% for 14.3 kDa, 6.2% for 267.2 kDa and 7.7% for 1160.6 kDa hyaluronan (refrigerator temperature). The hyaluronan aqueous solutions studied did not contain sodium azide or other protectants against microorganisms, because the aim of our study was to assess the degradation in solutions to be used in medicine or cosmetics (without any compounds that are poisonous or toxic for the human body). The solvent used to prepare the samples was pure water. The polydispersity of all the samples remained unaltered during the entire degradation at both temperatures. This indicates a non-random mechanism of degradation.

Affinity and Reaction Rates: Reconsideration of Theoretical Background and Modelling Results

Abstract The phenomenological affinity approach to chemical kinetics based on mass-action rate expression is revised. It is shown that the reaction rate is not an unambiguous function of affinity and that in ideal mixtures with only elementary reactions thermodynamic coupling, i. e. a positive reaction rate and negative affinity of some reaction step at the same time, is not possible. Neither does thermodynamic coupling occur in a non-ideal system of elementary reactions where the mass-action rate equation is written with activities in place of concentrations. The non-ideality and/or non-equality of reaction orders to stoichiometric coefficients lead to more complex affinity-rate relationships than commonly given which puts no explicit restrictions on affinity and rate signs. Theoretical considerations are completed with results of numerical modelling made on several simple mechanisms. Various combinations of affinity and rate signs and complex affinity-rate profiles were obtained. Modelling results support the idea that affinity is much more a result of the time evolution of a reacting system and corresponding time profiles of concentrations than the actual cause of reaction rates.

Evaluation of oxidation stability of lignite humic substances by DSC induction period measurement

The stability of lignite humic acids and four regenerated humic acids was estimated by employing differential scanning calorimetry. Induction period for the oxidative decomposition of humic matter was calculated from non-isothermal measurements at six different rates of heating. To simulate the gradual evolution history of humic acids, different intensities of oxidation attack by nitric acid on the original lignite was used. Experimental data showed higher stability of natural humic acids in the temperature range where the decomposition step occurred. On the other hand, extrapolation to lower temperatures and calculated kinetic parameters did not correspond to the order observed at higher temperatures. An oscillating trend of calculated parameters of the two proposed parts of stability was observed, which agreed with data concerning regenerated humic acids production. The approach applied in this work represents a rapid and useful method for evaluation of organic matter stability.

Hydrogels with Micellar Hydrophobic (Nano)Domains

Hydrogels containing hydrophobic domains or nanodomains, especially of the micellar type, are reviewed. Examples of the reasons for introducing hydrophobic domains into hydrophilic gels are given; typology of these materials is introduced. Synthesis routes are exemplified and properties of a variety of such hydrogels in relation with their intended applications are described. Future research needs are identified briefly.

On the general principles of transient behaviour of heterogeneous catalytic reactions

Transient kinetics of a three-step reaction mechanism is analyzed in detail by means of computer simulation. Step increase of inlet reactant concentration, under isothermal conditions, is employed as a perturbation. Analysis is based on the transient responses of the rates of elementary steps. Four types of transient kinetic behaviour were found. The general nature of non-stationary behaviour of a set of consecutive steps is revealed from them. Implications for the kinetic interpretation of measurable transient responses are discussed.

The thermodynamic driving force for kinetics in general and enzyme kinetics in particular.

The thermodynamic driving force of a reaction is usually taken as the chemical potential difference between products and reactants. The forward and backward reaction rates are then related to this force. This procedure is of very limited validity, as the resulting expression contains no kinetic factor and gives little information on reaction kinetics. The transformation of the reaction rate as a function of concentration (and temperature) into a function of chemical potential should be more properly performed, as illustrated by a simple example of an enzymatic reaction. The proper thermodynamic driving force is the difference between the exponentials of the totaled chemical potentials of reactants and products.