Catalytic decomposition of toxic chemicals over iron group metals supported on carbon nanotubes.

This study explores catalytic decomposition of phosphine (PH3) using iron group metals (Co, Ni) and metal oxides (Fe2O3, Co(3)O4, NiO) supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The catalysts are synthesized by means of a deposition-precipitation method. The morphology, structure, and composition of the catalysts are characterized using a number of analytical instrumentations, including high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, BET surface area measurement, and inductively coupled plasma. The activity of the catalysts in the PH3 decomposition reaction is measured and correlated with their surface and structural properties. The characterization results show that phosphidation occurs on the catalyst surface, and the resulting metal phosphides act as an active phase in the PH3 decomposition reaction. Cobalt phosphide, CoP, is formed on Co/CNTs and Co(3)O4/CNTs, whereas iron phosphide, FeP, is formed on Fe2O3/CNTs. In contrast, phosphorus-rich phosphide NiP2 is formed on Ni/CNTs and NiO/CNTs. The initial activities of the catalysts are shown in the following sequence: Ni/CNTs > Co/CNTs > Co(3)O4/CNTs >NiO/CNTs > Fe2O3/CNTs, whereas activities of metal phosphides are shown in the following order: CoP > NiP2 > FeP. The catalytic activity of metal phosphides is attributed to their electronic properties. Cobalt phosphide formed on Co/CNTs and Co(3)O4/CNTs exhibits not only the highest activity, but also long-term stability in the PH3 decomposition reaction.

Effects of osmotic stress on the kinds, forms and levels of polyamines in wheat coleoptiles.

The changes in levels and forms of polyamine (Pa) in the coleoptiles of two wheat (triticum aestivum L.) cultivars differing in drought tolerance were investigated under osmotic stress. The drought-tolerant 'Yumai 18' showed marked increases in free spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) levels in coleoptiles after being treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-6000 for 2 d in the dark, while drought-sensitive 'Yangmai 9' showed a significant increase in free putrescine (Put) content. Treatment of coleoptiles with methylglyoxal-bis (guanylhydrazone) (MGBG), an S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (S-AMDC) inhibitor, resulted in reduction of free Spd and free Spm levels in coleoptiles and aggravation of PEG-induced injury to 'Yumai 18' coleoptile, while exogenous Spd treatment resulted in an increase in free Spd + free Spm content of coleoptiles, and an alleviation of PEG-induced injury to 'Yangmai 9' coleoptile. Osmotic stress induced significant increases in perchloric acid-soluble conjugated PA (PS conjugated PA) and perchloric acid-insoluble conjugated PA (PIS conjugated PA) levels in coleoptiles of 'Yumai 18' whereas osmotic stress affected only slightly the PS-conjugated PA and PIS-conjugated PA levels in 'Yangmai 9' coleoptiles. Treatment of coleoptiles with phenanthroline (o-Phen), an inhibitor of transglutaminase (TGase), also aggravated the PEG-induced injury to 'Yumai 18' coleoptiles, accompanied by the decreases in the level of PIS-conjugated PA. These results suggest that free Spd, free Spm and conjugated PA enhance the osmotic stress tolerance of wheat coleoptiles.