Practical and theoretical aspects concerning the use of salt bridges in electrochemistry

The emf of electrochemical cells containing various sorts of salt bridges between various concentrations has been measured. The net diffusion potential over a salt bridge has been treated theoretically. An expression to calculate the net diffusion potential has been derived and tested on values estimated from the emf measurements. A merit factor has been calculated for a saturated KCl bridge separating two HCl solutions and compared with the merit factor estimated from emf measurements on the cell:Pt|Ag|AgCl, HCl(c₁)|KCl(sat)|HCl(c₂), AgCl|Ag|Pt The practical performance of two commonly used reference electrodes with salt bridges has been tested on emf measurements on KBr solutions.     

Studies on the equilibria of o-phthalic and phosphoric acids in mixed dimethyl sulphoxide-water mixture

The secondary dissociation constants of o-phthalic and phosphoric acids have been determined in 50% w/w dimethyl sulphoxide-water from reversible emf measurements of the cell of the type: Pt, H(2) (1 atm), M(2)A (m), MHA (m), MCl, AgCl; Ag at different temperatures (288.15-308.15 K) and at different ionic strengths. To minimize the unsteadiness in potential measurements palladium-coated platinum electrodes have been used. The large set of such emf values has been analysed in terms of a multi-linear regression method recommended in recent IUPAC documents. The thermodynamic values DeltaG degrees , DeltaH degrees , DeltaS degrees , for the respective equilibria were estimated. The possibility of using these acids as a basis for some buffer solutions in 50% dimethyl sulphoxide (Me(2)SO)-water mixture is discussed.     

Standard pH values for standardization of potentiometric sensors in 10% (w/w) acetonitrile-water mixtures

Reference value standards, pH(s) in 10% (w/w) acetonitrile-water solvent mixtures for 11 reference buffer solutions have been determined from reversible emf measurements of the cell Pt/Ag/AgCl/standard buffer + KCl, in acetonitrile-water/glass electrode, at 298.15 K. Values of ionization constants, required for above calculations, have been determined from reversible emf measurements of the cell Pt/Ag/AgCl/HA + A + KCl, in acetonitrile-water/glass electrode, in the same solvent composition and temperature.     

银掺杂聚L-酪氨酸修饰电极同时测定多巴胺、肾上腺素和抗坏血酸

用循环伏安法制备银掺杂聚L-酪氨酸修饰玻碳电极,研究了多巴胺、肾上腺素和抗坏血酸在其电极上的电化学行为,建立了同时测定多巴胺、肾上腺素和抗坏血酸的新方法。当3种组分共存时,在磷酸盐缓冲溶液(pH6.0)中,扫描速率为140mV/s,多巴胺和肾上腺素在修饰电极上分别产生还原峰,峰电位分别为0.198和-0.205V,多巴胺和肾上腺素氧化峰重叠,峰电位为0.313V(vs.Ag/AgCl);抗坏血酸产生一个氧化峰,峰电位0.108V(vs.Ag/AgCl)。多巴胺和肾上腺素的ΔEpc=0.403V,抗坏血酸的氧化峰与多巴胺和肾上腺素的ΔEpa=0.205V,用还原峰和氧化峰可同时测定多巴胺、肾上腺素和抗坏血酸,3种组分同时测定的线性范围分别为5.0×10-6～1.0×10-4mol/L,8.0×10-6～1.0×10-4mol/L和3.0×10-5～1.0×10-3mol/L;检出限分别为5.0×10-7,8.0×10-7和5.0×10-6mol/L。本方法用于人尿液中多巴胺、肾上腺素和抗坏血酸的同时测定,结果满意。     

集成化金膜阵列电极的制作研究

以聚乙烯不干胶掩膜版法结合金属溅射沉积技术在FR-4玻璃纤维版上制作了由6个金膜工作电极(1 mm×2 mm)、1个大面积金膜对电极(2 mm×13 mm)和1个厚膜Ag/AgCl参比电极构成的集成化金膜阵列电极系统,并利用电化学手段对阵列电极系统进行了考察。研究结果表明,K3Fe(CN)6在厚膜Ag/AgCl/1.0 mol/L NaCl参比电极上的式电位与商业Ag/AgCl/3.0 mol/L NaCl参比电极相差0.067 V;参比电极放置1个月后,测量电位未发生明显变化。利用扫描电化学显微镜对工作电极表面平整度进行考察,结果表明工作电极表面具有较好的平整度。通过测量H2SO4还原峰面积评价了工作电极电化学面积的批内、批间一致性;通过K3Fe(CN)6在电极上的Ipa/Ipc比值评价了工作电极电化学特性的批内、批间一致性。结果表明,阵列电极面积和电化学特性具有良好的批内和批间一致性。对集成化金膜阵列电极系统的研究结果表明,聚乙烯不干胶掩膜版法结合金属溅射沉积技术制作的阵列电极能够满足电化学电极的要求,可作为电化学生物传感器的基础电极。     

Control of Interfacial Potentials and Redox Reactions on Bipolar Electrodes Using Ag/AgCl

The interfacial potential difference on the surface of bipolar electrodes was controlled by placing Ag/AgCl on part of the electrode. Oxygen reduction on the cathodic pole was coupled with an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) reaction on the anodic pole. In an open bipolar system, the ECL intensity depended on the location of Ag/AgCl and the concentration of Cl⁻ ions. A current flowed through Ag/AgCl and the ratio of currents generated at the anodic and cathodic poles was affected by the position of Ag/AgCl. Further, the effect of Ag/AgCl placement was also demonstrated in a closed bipolar system using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and glucose as analytes. Ag/AgCl was also effective in adjusting the sensitivity to these analytes to achieve the best performance. This method of interfacial potential control is expected to contribute toward the development of reliable sensing devices and applications such as redox cycling, which require precise potential control.     

Nucleosides and ODN electrochemical detection onto boron doped diamond electrodes

Boron doped diamond (BDD) is a promising material for electroanalytical chemistry due mainly to its chemical stability, its high electrical conductivity and to the large amplitude of its electroactive window in aqueous media. The latter feature allowed us to study the direct oxidation of the two electroactive nucleosides, guanosine and adenosine. The BDD electrode was first activated by applying high oxidizing potentials, allowing to increase anodically its working potential window through the oxidation of CH surface groups into hydroxyl and carbonyl terminations. Guanosine (1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl) and adenosine (1.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl) could then be detected electrochemically with an acceptable signal to noise ratio. The electrochemical signature of each oxidizable base was assessed using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), in solutions containing one or both nucleosides. These experiments pointed out the existence of adsorption phenomena of the oxidized products onto the diamond surface. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was used to investigate these adsorption effects at the microscopic scale. The usefulness of BDD electrodes for the direct electrochemical detection of synthetic oligonucleotides is also evidenced.     

方波伏安法测定食盐中的碘酸根离子

报道了一种测定碘酸根离子含量的方法。在 0 .5mol/L Na Cl介质中 ,碘酸根离子在汞膜电极上于 - 1 .2 5V( vs.Ag/Ag Cl)左右产生一灵敏的方波伏安峰 ,峰高与碘酸根离子浓度在一定范围内呈良好的线性关系 ,方法检出限为1 .0× 1 0 - 7mol/L,已用于加碘食盐中碘酸根含量的测定。     

Investigation of the electrocatalytic activity of boron-doped diamond electrodes modified with palladium or gold nanoparticles for oxygen reduction reaction in basic medium

The paper reports on the electrocatalytic activity of boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes electrochemically modified with palladium (Pd) or gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline medium. The BDD/Pd NP interface shows a well-defined diffusion-controlled voltammetric oxygen reduction peak at −0.25 V vs. Ag/AgCl. This is more positive than the ORR peak at −0.59 V vs. Ag/AgCl observed on BDD/Au-NP composite electrodes. The ORR proceeds via a four-electron process in both cases.     

On-chip multi-electrochemical sensor array platform for simultaneous screening of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite

In this work we report on the design, microfabrication and analytical performances of a new electrochemical sensor array (ESA) which allows for the first time the simultaneous amperometric detection of nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), two biologically relevant molecules. The on-chip device includes individually addressable sets of gold ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs) of 50 μm diameter, Ag/AgCl reference electrode and gold counter electrode. The electrodes are separated into two groups; each has one reference electrode, one counter electrode and 110 UMEs specifically tailored to detect a specific analyte. The ESA is incorporated on a custom interface with a cell culture well and spring contact pins that can be easily interconnected to an external multichannel potentiostat. Each UME of the network dedicated to the detection of NO is electrochemically modified by electrodepositing thin layers of poly(eugenol) and poly(phenol). The detection of NO is performed amperometrically at 0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl in phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH = 7.4) and other buffers adapted to biological cell culture, using a NO-donor. The network of UMEs dedicated to the detection of ONOO(-) is used without further chemical modification of the surface and the uncoated gold electrodes operate at -0.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl to detect the reduction of ONOOH in PBS. The selectivity issue of both sensors against major biologically relevant interfering analytes is examined. Simultaneous detection of NO and ONOO(-) in PBS is also achieved.     

Ag/ZnO Catalysts with Different ZnO Nanostructures for Non‐enzymatic Detection of Urea

Silver coated ZnO nanorods and nanoflakes with different crystallographic orientations were synthesized by a combination of sputter deposition and solution growth process. Catalytic properties of morphology‐dependent Ag/ZnO nanostructures were then investigated for urea sensors without enzyme. Ag/ZnO nanorods on carbon electrodes exhibit a higher catalytic activity and an improved efficiency than Ag/ZnO nanoflakes on carbon electrodes. Ag/ZnO nanorod catalysts with more electrochemically surface area (169 cm² mg^?1) on carbon electrode facilitate urea electrooxidation due to easier electron transfer, which further promotes the urea electrolysis. The Ag/ZnO nanorod catalysts also show a significant reduction in the onset voltage (0.410 V vs. Ag/AgCl) and an increase in the current density (12.0 mA cm^?2 mg^?1) at 0.55 V vs Ag/AgCl. The results on urea electrooxidation show that Ag/ZnO nanostructures can be a potential catalyst for non‐enzymatic biosensors and fuel cells.     

A Nanocomposite Containing Carbon Nano-onions and Polyaniline Nanotubes as a Novel Electrode Material for Electrochemical Sensing of Daidzein

Glassy carbon electrode (GCE) were modified with nanocomposites containing conductive polyaniline nanotubes (PANI_nt) and carbon nano-onions (CNOs). Herein we report a simple and sensitive way for daidzein (DA) determination at concentrations between 1 and 10 μM by linear sweep voltammetry using GCE/PANI_nt/CNOs system. The DA electrochemical behavior was examined in two buffer environments (pH 7.5 and 4.5) using electrodes modified with the oxidized CNOs or their derivatives containing carboxyl and benzylamino functional groups. The direct electrooxidation of DA was observed at +0.65 V and +0.8 V at pH 7.5 and at +0.7 V and +1.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl at pH 4.5.     

Activity coefficients of zinc chloride in the presence of lithium,sodium, and magnesium perchlorates,and magnesium nitrate in aqueous solution at 25°C

The standard potential of the Zn–Hg (sat)/ZnCl₂(M)/AgCl/Ag cell was determined at 25°C using several extrapolation procedures and the value 0.9843 V is proposed for E°. The emf of the Zn–Hg (sat)/ZnCl₂(M), salt (M)/AgCl/Ag cell [salt=NaClO₄, LiClO₄, Mg(ClO₄)₂, Mg(NO₃)₂] have been measured at different concentrations of salt. From these data, the mean ionic activity coefficients of ZnCl₂ are determined and their variations explained with the aid of Pitzer's treatment. It seems necessary to take into account structure in the ionic cospheres in order to explain the observed variations.     

Electroactivity of nitriles on platinum electrodes and its use in chromatographic detection

Acetonitrile yields two oxidative peaks, first at ca. +0.30 and second at ca. +1.15 V vs. Ag/AgCl in cyclic voltammetry with platinum electrodes in 0.10 M methanesulfonic acid (MSA) containing 0.05–5 mM concentrations of acetonitrile. This electroactivity of the nitrile group was used for a direct detection of nitriles after their chromatographic separation. Three organic nitriles (acetonitrile, propionitrile and butanenitrile) were separated with an IonPac ICE-AS 1 column, eluted with 0.10 M MSA and detected on a platinum electrode via pulsed amperometric detection. Analytical performance was evaluated with a three potential waveform (+0.30 V, +1.15 V, −0.30 V vs. Ag/AgCl, current integration at +1.15 V). Numerical values of detection limits, linearity of calibration and reproducibility are reported for all three organic nitriles.     

Copper(II) ion sensor based on electropolymerized undoped conducting polymers

A solid state copper(II) ion sensor is reported based on the application of electropolymerized undoped (neutral) polycarbazole (PCz) and polyindole (PIn) modified electrodes. The new sensor shows high selectivity to Cu²⁺ ions with a detection limit of 10^–5 M. PCz and PIn are formed respectively by the anodic oxidation of 50 mM carbazole and 5 mM indole monomers in dichloromethane containing 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate on a platinum electrode using a single compartment cell. Potentiostatic polymerization of both the monomers are carried out at 1.3 V and 1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl, respectively. Perchlorate ions were electrochemically removed from the polymer films by applying – 0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Polymer-coated electrodes are incubated in 1 M KCl solution for 8 h followed by incubation in distilled water for 2 h before using as a metal ion sensor. The undoped PCz and PIn electrodes were found to be highly selective and sensitive for Cu²⁺ ions with little selectivity for Pb²⁺ and negligible response towards Ag⁺, Hg²⁺, Cu⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺ or Zn²⁺. Potentiometric responses for Cu²⁺ ions are recorded for both the sensor electrodes together with a double-junction Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Calibration curves for Cu²⁺ are reported for both ion sensors. The polymer-modified electrodes were found to be stable for several weeks. Electronic Publication     

Transference numbers of sodium chloride in concentrated aqueous solutions and chloride conductances in several concentrated electrolyte solutions

Stable chlorine electrodes with low bias potentials have been developed by introducing 25% Ir+75% Pt electrodes and an improved gas line. With their use in cells with transference, cation constituent transference numbers have been measured at 25°C in NaCl solutions from 1.7 to 6 modal. These results agree well with four other sets of data in the literature but disagree with two further sets based on emf determinations with Ag/AgCl electrodes. A table of best NaCl transference numbers is proposed. The conductances of the chloride ion-constituent in concentrated NaCl, KCl, and HCl solutions are compared.     

Simultaneous Determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) by Differential Pulse Voltammetry Using Modified Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrodes in Array Mode

A new procedure for the speciation of chromium by means of differential pulse voltammetry using screen‐printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) has been proposed. Two different modified carbon working, a Ag/AgCl reference and a carbon counter screen‐printed electrodes have been connected in array mode for the simultaneous determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Mercury films or gold nanoparticles have been ground onto the SPCEs in order to improve their selectivity to each chromium species. The quantification of the peak currents observed at ?1.25 V in Hg‐SPCE and ?0.1 V in AuNPs‐SPCE were carried out. The method has been applied to the speciation of chromium in waste water from a tannery factory.     

Disposable Injection‐Moulded Cell‐on‐a‐Chip Microfluidic Devices with Integrated Conducting Polymer Electrodes for On‐Line Voltammetric and Electrochemiluminescence Detection

This work reports the construction and characterization of plastic electrochemical micro‐flow‐cells with integrated injection‐moulded polymer electrodes. The three electrodes (working, auxiliary, and reference) were fabricated by injection‐moulding from a conducting grade of polystyrene loaded with carbon fibers. On‐chip reference electrodes were prepared by coating one of the conducting polymer electrodes with a Ag/AgCl layer (implemented either by e‐beam evaporation of Ag followed by electrochemical formation of AgCl or by applying a Ag/AgCl paste). Working electrodes were either polymer electrodes coated with Au by e‐beam evaporation or bare conducting polymer electrodes. The electrodes were integrated into the micro‐flow‐cells by an over‐moulding process followed by ultrasonic welding. The devices were characterized by optical and electrochemical techniques. Studies by cyclic voltammetry (CV), anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) demonstrate ‘proof–of‐principle’ of the micro‐flow‐cells as electrochemical sensors.     

Amperometric glyceride biosensor

Glycerol dehydrogenase (GDH) and lipase have been used for the amperometric determination of glycerol and triglycerides on modified carbon electrodes. Carbon electrodes were modified with adsorbed Meldola Blue, Nile Blue or Toluidine Blue O. Electrochemical oxidation of NADH was realized at 0V vs saturated Ag/AgCl electrode. NADH was produced by the catalytic oxidation of glycerol in the presence of glycerol dehydrogenase immobilized on the surface of an electrode. GDH was adsorbed on the electrode, entrapped in gelatin, immobilized in polylysine gel, or trapped in two types of organic salts. Sensitivity of the electrodes vary from 2 to 9 nA/mM glycerol with steady state achieved in a time of between 20 s and 8 min, depending on the method of immobilization. Triglycerides were determined after a 5 min pre-incubation period in a mixture of lipases with different specificity.     

Phase equilibria in the Ag-Bi-Te system

The Ag-Bi-Te system has been investigated over the whole concentration range using DTA, powder X-ray diffraction, microhardness measurements, and measurements of the emf of concentration cells with reference to Ag/AgCl electrodes. The vertical sections Ag₅Te₃-Bi₂Te₃, AgBiTe₂-Bi(Te) and Ag-Bi₂Te, an isothermal section at 400 K, and liquidus-surface projection have been designed. The fields of crystalline phases, including the ternary compound AgBiTe₂, have been determined.