University of Salford

About: University of Salford is a education organization based out in Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Thin film. The organization has 13049 authors who have published 22957 publications receiving 537330 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Salford Manchester & The University of Salford Manchester.

Photoactive and antibacterial TiO2 thin films on stainless steel

Abstract: This paper describes an innovative method to achieve highly photoactive and antibacterial titania thin films on stainless steel by a novel combination of flame-assisted CVD (FACVD) – to deposit silica, and thermal APCVD – to deposit titania. We compare the chemical and structural characteristics, and photocatalytic activities of thin films of titania deposited onto stainless steel using APCVD from two different precursors. We show that the silica layer acts as a barrier to prevent the deleterious effect on photoactivity of iron and chromium from the substrate, and in particular, we show that the interaction of the precursor chemistry with the steel surface influences the structure of the films. The films were analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and secondary neutral mass spectrometry (SNMS). Photocatalytic activity of the coatings was determined by the destruction of stearic acid layers, monitored using FT-IR spectroscopy. Studies show selected films to be effective as antibacterial coatings against Escherichia coli , with antibacterial performance comparable to reported values of TiO 2 on other substrates. The shape-forming capabilities and mechanical robustness of steel make it an ideal substrate for the exploration of new applications of photocatalysis. Applications of this technology include water purification, air cleaning, self-sterilizing and self-cleaning surfaces such as those used in hospitals or food preparation.

A new formula for latent heat of vaporization of water as a function of temperature

Abstract: Existing formulae and approximations for the latent heat of vaporization of water, Lv, are reviewed. Using an analytical approximation to the saturated vapour pressure as a function of temperature, a new, temperature-dependent function for Lv is derived.

Novel syntheses of cis and trans isomers of combretastatin A-4

Abstract: A high-yielding, two-step stereoselective synthesis of the anticancer drug (Z)-combretastatin A-4 (1) has been devised. The method uses the Perkin condensation of 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenylacetic acid and 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde followed by decarboxylation of the cinnamic acid intermediate using copper and quinoline. The iodine-catalyzed isomerization of the Z isomer 1 results in complete conversion to the E isomer. The Suzuki cross-coupling of an aryl boronic acid and vinyl bromide has also been successfully employed to produce both Z and E isomers of combretastatin A-4 stereoselectively. Both methods are far superior to the current five-step Wittig synthesis in which both isomers are produced nonstereoselectively.