Russian Academy of Science Institute of Physical Chemistry

Contact Information

Address: 31 Leninsky pr, Moscow 117915 Phone: 7(095) 955-4601 Fax: 7(095)335-1778 E-mail: polukarov@lmm.phyche.msk.ru

Introduction

The Institute of Physical Chemistry (IPC) conducts a very broad fundamental and applied research. The Institute has 48 divisions and a network of experimental test stations in various climatic zones. Three members of the Russian Academy of Science and 57 Doctors of Science work in the Institute. On the average, 10 – 12 scientists of various qualifications are employed in each division. Each division means a separate focus area of research but all of them are oriented to the following four directions:

• Colloid and surface phenomena and adsorption processes;
• Physical and chemical properties of polymer systems;
• Physical and chemical problems of corrosion, electrical chemistry, protective layers and crystallization;
• Radiochemistry and radiation chemistry.

History

In 1929, Academician V.A. Kistyakovsky, a well-known physicist and chemist, who studied complex colloid electrochemical problems, was asked to establish a Laboratory of Colloid Electrical Chemistry at the Academy of Science. The formation of the Lab was associated with a very intense worldwide colloid chemistry research. In 1934, the Laboratory was given a status of the Institute. It was at that time when P.A. Rebinder started working there. This man was associated with research in dispersed systems, their stability and destruction, as well as surface interface problems and molecular effects of materials. In 1935, B.V. Derevyagin started his work at the Institute that initiated research in fine layers of liquids and all other surface phenomena. This work resulted in a theory of stability of colloids that is named after him. For many decades, the books on physical chemistry have been describing the theory of molecular friction known as Derevyagin two-member friction law. The research performed by B.V. Derevyagin on surface phenomena in crystals gave way to scientific discoveries of synthetic diamonds, diamond films and diamond-like materials at low pressures.

In 1945, the Institute was given its current name, Institute of Physical Chemistry. Academician V.I. Spitsyn developed a new area of research at the Institute, radiation chemistry. Academician M.M. Dubinin supervises research in vapor and gas adsorption by microporous adsorbents. K.V. Chmutov, a Corresponding Member of RAS, heads research in chromotography. A.K. Pikaev, a Corresponding Member of RAS, leads research in radiation chemistry and processes. Yu.M. Polukarov, a Corresponding Member of RAS, heads research in electrochemistry. The founder of the Institute, Academician V.A. Kistyakovsky, stimulated metal corrosion research. After V.A. Kistyakovsky, at various periods of time, the Institute had the following directors: Members of RAS A.N. Frumkin, G.V. Akimov, V.I. Spitsyn. Currently, the Director of the Institute is Yu.M. Polukarov, a Corresponding Member of RAS. Corresponding Members of RAS N.A. Izgaryshev and S.Z. Roginsky have also made significant contributions into creation and development of various research areas.

The IPS has a great potential in all the mentioned research areas. It collaborates with Academies of Science, Universities and Laboratories of the USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Japan, Korea, Australia, Italy, Belgium and other countries. The IPC scientists make presentations at many international symposia and conferences; their papers have been translated and published in many countries.

Principal Areas of Research

Colloid and Surface Phenomena and Adsorption Processes

The following research is conducted at IPC in this area:

• Stability of colloids and liquid films;
• Adhesion;
• Physical and chemical mechanics of dispersed systems and solids;
• Phase formation and spontaneous dispersion;
• Gas and vapor adsorption by microporous sorbents;
• Chromotography and chromotographic separation of mixtures;
• Radiation physical chemistry of solid surfaces.

Based on successful research, the following theories have been developed:

• Adsorption kinetics with microporous sorbents;
• Flows of structured dispersions;
• Inversely osmotic separation of solutions.

The following methods have been developed:

• Physical and chemical methods of solid state control;
• Ion and laser modifications of solid surfaces;
• Physical and chemical intensification of heterogeneous chemical processes in concentrated dispersed systems;
• Chromotographic methods of molecular interactions
• Wetting control methods
• Sewage decontamination from heavy metals by soprtion
• Vibration enforcement of dispersed systems.

Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Polymer Systems

The work includes fundamental and applied research in structure, phase balance, surface and diffusion phenomena in polymer and polymer-monomer systems resulting in development, improvement and stabilization of polymer surfaces, glues and binders of composite materials. The research efforts have led to the following significant results:

• Theoretical model quantitatively describing dynamics of surface active materials during their evaporation and chemical transformations of polymer matrices;
• Methods of adhesion and corrosion strength control for polymer metal systems;
• Structural model of electric conductivity of metal and graphite-filled glues;
• Methods of phase balance evaluation in binary and tertiary systems for a wide range of molecular mass, temperature, compositions and pressure;
• Interactions between phase and supermolecular material structures;
• Thermodynamic requirements for components of polymer and olygomer systems.

Physical and Chemical Problems of Corrosion, Electrical Chemistry, Protective Layers and Crystallization

The research is conducted in the following areas:

• Kinetics and corrosion mechanism of metals in natural (atmospheric, marine and underground) conditions;
• Theory of acid resistance;
• Controlled synthesis and application of volatile and contact corrosion inhibitors and hydrogen absorption of metals;
• Search and development of effective corrosion preventive methods (corrosion cracking, crystallite corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement, etc.);
• Corrosion preventive methods for propulsion systems and thermal power metal equipment for combustion and aqueous and gaseous coolant media;
• Electrocrystallization of metals;
• Production of multifunctional metal and composite surface layers.

Based on research, the following has been accomplished:

• Development of corrosion protective methods in natural conditions;
• Optimization of stainless steels and metal alloys based on aluminum, copper, nickel, titanium and circonium
• Anticorrosion metal surface treatment
• Effective inhibitors of atmospheric corrosion
• Corrosion inhibitors for long-term storage of machines
• Electrochemical methods of corrosion prevention for hydro-equipment and underground pipelines.

The IPC has a CENTER OF CORROSION TESTS with a network of test stations, facilities for accelerated tests, data base on atmospheric resistance of materials, system of continuous recording of metereological and corrosion data during the tests, computerized lab for static and dynamic autoclave tests of materials in aqueous solutions at high temperatures and pressures.

Radiochemistry and Radiation Chemistry

The research is divided into fundamental and applied aspects. Fundamental radiochemistry is associated with the following research:

• Transuranics chemistry;
• Various oxidation states of radioactive elements in aqueous and organic solutions, gaseous and solid phases;
• Oxidation and reduction reactions with actinide ions
• Synthesis and studies of new compounds of radioactive elements;
• Extraction and sorption for separation and decontamination of radioactive elements;
• Isotope effects in reactions of heavy elements;
• Physical and chemical properties of radioactive and irradiated solids.

Heptavalent oxidation state of neptunium and plutonium have been discovered at IPC (1967, N.N. Krot, A.D. Gelman), later that of americium. Bivalent oxidation state of actinides, starting from thorium, has been discovered, as well as ion characteristics of bivalent actinides have been studied.

Applied radiochemistry is associated with the following:

• Physical and chemical problems of radioactive waste management;
• Extraction, sorption and other methods of generation of pure radioactive elements;
• Radioecological issues;
• Irradiation sources for medical and other applications;
• Chemical methods of isotope separation for actinides and other elements.

Since 1948, the IPC has collaborated with MAYAK Production Association, the first Russian plutonium production site, and other MINATOM sites. In this respect, the major focus is given to improvement of radioactive waste processing and storage methods, deep-well injection of liquid radioactive waste, separation of long-lived actinides and fission products from the radioactive waste, leaching studies and contaminant transport.

The fundamental radiation chemistry is associated with the following studies:

Development of data base on intermediate radiolysis products in organic and inorganic media.

The applied radiation chemistry is associated with the following:

• Applications of radiation chemistry methods for environmental remediation (e.g. destruction of toxic materials, etc.);
• Protection of construction materials from radiation corrosion;
• Development of new radiation resistant materials and compositions;
• Development of new radiation chemical methods for production of new cellulose-containing materials;
• Methods of production of modified materials for medical, biotechnological and other applications;
• Development of new dose control systems.

The IPC has four electron accelerators and four gamma irradiation systems.

 

General Disclaimer