Micro-evaporators for kinetic exploration of phase diagrams

We use pervaporation-based microfluidic devices to concentrate species in aqueous solutions with spatial and temporal control of the process. Using experiments and modelling, we quantitatively describe the advection-diffusion behavior of the concentration field of various solutions (electrolytes, colloids, etc) and demonstrate the potential of these devices as universal tools for the kinetic exploration of the phases and textures that form upon concentration

Anion Effects on Calixarene Monolayers: A Hofmeister Series Study

Due to their amphiphilic structure, calixarenes adsorb at the air/water interface and form stable Langmuir films. We have explored the effect of salts on calix[6]- and calix[8]arene spreading isotherms at the air/water interface. A wide range of different potassium salts was used in the subphase: KCl, KI, KBr, KSCN, KNO3, CH3COOK, K2SO4, and K3PO4. The differences in Langmuir isotherms are due to the presence of different anions in the subphase, to the different conformations of the ligands at the interface, and to the different complexing affinities of calix[6]- and calix[8]arene for potassium ions. The two systems show a significant specific ion effect that can be discussed in terms of Hofmeister series. Characteristic monolayer parameters, e.g., limiting area (A lim), collapse pressure (πcoll), modulus of compressibility (Cs-1), and surface potential (ΔV), are discussed in terms of some physicochemical parameters that reflect dispersion forces: in particular, anion polarizabilities, lyotropic number (N), molar surface tension increment (σ), and partial molar volume (v s)

CO2-switchable thermoresponsiveness of poly(N,N-(diethylamino)ethyl acrylamide)-based homo- and copolymers in water

International audienc

Why pH Titration in Protein Solutions Follows a Hofmeister Series

Measurements of pH in single-phase cytochrome c suspensions are reported. The pH, as determined by a glass electrode, has a fixed value. With the addition of salt, the supposedly fixed pH changes strongly. The pH depends on salt type and concentration and follows a Hofmeister series. A theoretical interpretation is given that provides insights into such Hofmeister effects. These occur generally in protein solutions. While classical electrostatic models provide partial understanding of such trends in protein solutions, they fail to explain the observed ion specificity. Such models neglect electrodynamic fluctuation (dispersion) forces acting between ions and proteins. We use a Poisson-Boltzmann cell model that takes these ionic dispersion potentials between ions and proteins into account. The observed ion specificity can then be accounted for. Proteins act as buffers that display similar salt-dependent pH trends not previously explained