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A multi-analytical approach was used to comprehensively characterize the acid-base, thermal, and surface properties of agri-food processing wastes (i.e., original and pre-treated bergamot, grape and olive pomaces). These biomasses, often underutilised and inadequately studied in terms of their physicochemical properties, were investigated under varying ionic strength conditions at t = 25 °C. This investigation uniquely integrates multiple advanced techniques: Brunauer–Emmett–Teller porosimetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared, and potentiometry to provide a holistic understanding of these biomasses potential for environmental remediation. The modelling of ionic strength-dependent acid-base behaviour, established using an extended Debye–Hückel-type equation, revealed the dominant role of carboxylic groups as active sites across all pomace types, although with variations in abundances across the different samples. Additionally, morphological analysis highlighted the presence of irregularly shaped particles, heterogeneous size distributions, and distinct thermal stability trends, with grape pomace exhibiting the highest mass loss. These findings underscore the significant potential of these biomasses for the remediation of cationic pollutants from natural waters. Moreover, this comprehensive characterisation not only advances the understanding of agri-food waste valorisation but also provides a robust framework for designing targeted strategies in environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The room temperature ionic liquid trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium decanoate ([P66614][Dec]) was employed in the liquid-liquid extraction of Co(II) from hydrochloric acid solutions in the presence of Ni(II). The extraction performance in liquid-liquid separations showed a strong dependence on the acid content of the feed aqueous solution. The best performance in terms of extracted cobalt and selectivity was obtained when the feed contained a HCl concentration above 6 M On the contrary, when the experiment was performed in absence of HCl, a lower extraction and Co/Ni selectivity were obtained. This behavior has been rationalized by considering the protonation of the [Dec]− anion and the different Co(II)/Ni(II) speciation in HCl media. Moreover, polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) were prepared using PVC and [P66614][Dec] at different weight rations. Only the PIM formulated with a 30:70/PVC:[P66614][Dec] weight ratio demonstrated effective extraction of Co(II) from the HCl solution. The extraction efficiency and selectivity of the PIM was comparable to that from biphasic liquid experiments at 8 M HCl. The results of this study constitute a promising background for further practical developments of carboxylate-based ILs applied in Co/Ni separations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability of silver(I) complexes with pyridine ligands is affected by solvation. Pyridine exhibits differential affinity for silver(I) ion in water and dmso.

In this minireview, we give an overview on the use of the chiral molecule trans‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane (DACH) in several fields of application. This chiral backbone is present in a variety of metal complexes which are employed in (enantioselective) catalysis, chiral discrimination, molecular recognition and supramolecular chemistry. Metal extraction and biochemical and pharmaceutical applications also use the DACH molecule. This contribution is particularly focused on the interesting chemical‐physical properties discussed so far in the literature concerning lanthanide‐based complexes containing chiral ligands characterized by the presence of DACH in the structure. In particular, the interconnection between luminescence (total and circularly polarized), structure and thermodynamics of Eu(III), Tb(III) and Sm(III) complexes will be discussed also in light of their use as optical or chiroptical probes for the sensing of important analytes dissolved in aprotic and protic polar solvents. Several complexes show potential interest in the solid state as phosphors for light emitting devices or for the detection of volatile organic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]