A galvanic gas sensor using poly (ethylene oxide) complex of silver trifluoromethane sulphonate electrolyte

Summary A galvanic sensor for monitoring nitrogen dioxide was developed by using a poly(ethylene oxide) complex of silver trifluoromethanesulphonate electrolyte. The sensor, which is expressed as Au/P(EO)_4.5 AgCF₃SO₃/Ag, is a small disk (i.d. 13 mm). The polymeric electrolyte film was made by casting the mixture of acetonitrile solutions of both P(EO) (MW 6×10⁵) and AgCF₃SO₃. The working electrode was made by sputtering of gold in argon. The thicknesses of the desposited gold, polymeric electrolyte film and silver are 25 nm, 30 m and 1 mm, respectively. When the sample gas containing nitrogen dioxide impinges at 20 ml min^–1 on the gold cathode, the current flowing in the external circuit was linearly related to the concentration of nitrogen dioxide from 20 ppb to about 10 ppm. The current efficiency of the cell was 0.051%. The cell's response time was about 2 min for 0.5 ppm of nitrogen dioxide.     

A monitor for atmospheric sulphur dioxide,based on enrichment of SO2 by a polydispersive water aerosol

A monitor for continuous analysis of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere at the ppb v/v level (1 ppb v/v = 2.62 g/m³ SO₂) is described. The apparatus operates on the principle of equilibrium accumulation of sulphur dioxide from the air by a polydispersive water aerosol which continuously transfers SO₂ from an air-flow of l/min into microlitre volumes of water condensate. High sensitivity (1 ppb v/v), low relative error (± 5% at 4 ppb v/v SO₂), high selectivity (CO₂ does not interfere at a concentration of 2 × 10³ ppm v/v, interference by NO _x and H₂S is acceptably low), and low response delay (10 s) are provided by a compact coupling of the enrichment procedure with conductivity detection of SO₂ in the film of water aerosol condensate formed directly on the wire-gauze sensor. The reliability of the method has been studied under simulated conditions, with spectrophotometric method as reference. The analyser is computer-controlled, and the detector response is processed on-line and displayed (as g/m³) in real-time on a screen or is transmitted telemetrically to a control centre. It is portable and suitable for use in both stationary and moving locations.The paper is dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the birthday of Prof. Josef F. K. Huber     

A Photoluminescent Ag10Cu6 Cluster Stablized by a PNNP Ligand and Phenylacetylides Selectively and Reversibly Senses Ammonia in Air and Water

A photoluminescent bimetallic cluster [Ag₁₀Cu₆(bdppthi)₂(C≡CPh)₁₂(MeOH)₂(H₂O)](ClO₄)₄ ( 1 , bdppthi=N,N’-bis(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)-tetrahydroimidazole} was synthesized from the PNNP type ligand bdppthi generated in-situ. Upon excitation at 365 nm, 1 exhibited strong phosphorescent emission at 630 nm, which was selectively quenched by NH₃ in air or water. The sensing of NH₃ was rapid and recoverable, with detection limits of 53 ppm (v/v) in N₂ and 21 μmol/L (0.36 ppm, w/w) for NH₃ ⋅ H₂O in water. Cluster 1 could potentially serve as a bifunctional chemical sensor for the efficient detection of ammonia in waste-gas and waste-water.     

1,3-Bis(pyren-1-yliminomethyl)calix[4]arene as a selective fluorescent turn-on sensor for mercury(II) ion

A novel calixarene-based diimine, 1,3-bis(pyren-1-yliminomethyl)calix[4]arene (5), serves as a turn-on-type fluorescent sensor, which selectively detects Hg²⁺ in THF/H₂O (99:1, v/v) in the presence of various other metal ions. Such selectivity is not seen with half salen 1 derived from salicylaldehyde and 1-aminopyrene. ¹H NMR analysis reveals that it is a chemodosimetric sensor based on its hydrolysis mediated by Hg²⁺ to release 1-aminopyrene molecules as fluorescent chromophores.     

Simple self-assembly of 3D laminated CuO/SnO2 hybrid for the detection of triethylamine

Tin dioxide is important gas sensor material and has wide applications in the detection of toxic gases and volatile organic compounds. Here, we synthesized a 3D laminated structural CuO/SnO₂ material possessing p-n heterostructures. The morphology and structure were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and XPS techniques and the sensing properties were investigated for the detection of triethylamine (TEA). The results indicate that 3D laminated CuO/SnO₂ material, assembled by lamellae consisting of ordered nanoparticles, exhibit an enhanced sensing performance compared with SnO₂, and notably, CuO/SnO₂ with size less than 1 μm has obvious high selectivity in the detection of 100 ppm TEA. Particularly, it has a high response and stability to 1 and 5 ppm TEA (S is 8 and 33), and that is higher than SnO₂ material, suggesting 3D laminated CuO/SnO₂ is an effective candidate material served as sensor platform to detect low-concentration amines.     

Fibre-optic fluorosensor for sulphur dioxide

A fibre-optic sensor for continuous measurement of sulphur dioxide is described. It is based on the dynamic quenching of the fluorescence of a polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon [benzo(b)fluoranthene] which is immobilized in silicone polymer. Sulphur dioxide is shown to be an efficient quencher; Stern-Volmer graphs are given which describe the relation between SO₂ concentration and relative fluorescence. Detection limits are about 0.01% (v/v) SO₂ in air; the useful range is from 0.01–6% (v/v). Other gases likely to occur in air were found to be inert, except for oxygen which also acts as a dynamic quencher. Its interference is negligible for SO₂ levels below 6% in air at constant oxygen pressure, because the quenching efficiency of SO₂ is about 26 times higher than that of oxygen. For varying oxygen levels, a two-sensor technique is suggested.     

A new quinoline-based chemosensor in ratiometric sensing of Hg2+ ions

A new quinoline-based chemosensor 1 has been designed and synthesised. Its metal ion-binding properties have been documented in organic and aqueous organic solvents. While chemosensor 1 recognises Hg²⁺ ions (K _a = 2.15 × 10⁴ M^? 1) by exhibiting ratiometric change in emission in CHCl₃/CH₃OH (1:1, v/v), under similar condition both Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions are sensed by significant non-ratiometric increase in emission with measurable red shift. In DMSO/H₂O (5:95, v/v), the sensor 1 exhibits a greater selectivity towards Hg²⁺ ions (K _a = 9.20 × 10³ M^? 1) over the other metal ions examined.     

A Coated Piezoelectric Crystal Sensor for the Determination of 2, 4-Toluene Diisocyanate in Air

Abstract

2, 4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in air was detected and determined by a piezoelectric quartz crystal sensor coated with tetrakis(hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine (THEED)/dithizone(diphenylthiocarbazone) solution (l:3v/v in acetone). The response curve is linear over the concentration range 3–24 ppb of TDI. The sensor can be used for more than 2 months without loss in sensitivity and presented good reversibility and reproducibility. Of the different possible interferents tested, only SO₂ caused a frequency change.     

Detection of acetone in the human breath as diabetes biomarker based on PPy/WO3 nanocomposite sensor by FFT continuous cyclic voltammetry method

This research represents a novel detection method of acetone level in the exhaled breath samples (RH=88 %) based on polypyrrole/tungsten oxide (PPy/WO₃) nanocomposite sensor. The PPy/WO₃ sensor was fabricated by the deposition of nanocomposite on/between interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) through electrospray coating and was then characterized by FE-SEM imaging. In this detection method, the coulometric signal of the sensor was calculated using Fast Fourier Continuous Cyclic Voltammetry (FFTCCV), where cyclic voltammetry (CV) was applied to the sensor in the defined potential rang and then charge changes of the sensor was obtained by integration of the current in all scanned potential ranges. FFTCCV method enhances the sensitivity of the sensor when exposed to the gas mixtures containing acetone. In addition to its fast coulometric response time (≤5 s) in the two linear ranges of 0.7–2.8 ppm and 2.8–28.2 ppm (R²=0.99), FFTCCV method provides the low detection limit of 70 ppb, and high sensitivity toward acetone at the optimum values of the parameters. The fabricated sensor showed great selectivity toward acetone when exposed to humid air and some exhaled gas like carbon dioxide, ammonia, methanol, ethanol and alkyl amines. The results were very satisfying as the sensor was capable to detect different acetone levels in human exhaled breath as non-invasive diagnosis of diabetes with a good correlation (R²≃0.9) to the routine blood sugar test taken by different commercial glucometers results.     

Sensor properties of hybrid SnO2-polysilazane materials

New hybrid materials based on nanocrystalline tin dioxide and two types of surface-immobilized polymer organosilicon structures with hydrocarbon substitutes were synthesized for gas sensors application. The sensing responses of pure SnO₂ and hybrid samples were determined in the presence of NO₂ (ppb range), CO (ppm range) and different humidity (RH = 15 – 95 %). Also the influence of water presence on sensor signal towards NO₂ and CO was analyzed. Strong influence of nature of hydrocarbon substitutes on sensor response value towards NO₂ and H₂O was discovered.     

Spectrophotometric Determination of Nitrogen Dioxide <Nitrite>

Abstract

A highly sensitive spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of nitrogen dioxide (nitrite as NO_z ^?) by reacting manganese dioxide in 1:20 perchloric acid. An amount of manganese dioxide (MnO_z) equivalent to the concentration of nitrogen dioxide becomes soluble due to the reduction of Mn (IV) to Mn (II) by nitrite in acidic medium. The soluble Mn (II) ion is filtered to remove excess of MnO₂ and is oxidized to permanganate ion by periodic acid in presence of phosphoric acid. The violet colored solution shows maximum absorbance at 525 nm. The sensitivity of the method is 0.08 ppm based on 0.0044 absorbance, and Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration range of 0.2 to 10.0 μg/mL of NO₂ ^?. Molar absorbance is found to be 2442 at 525 nm.

In the present investigation NO₂ ^? was treated with excess of MnO₂ in 1:20 perchloric acid where NO₂ ^? reduces equivalent amount of Mn (IV) to Mn (II) and becomes soluble. The soluble Mn (II) was heated to boiling and 25 mg (approx.) periodic acid is added and cooled. The volume of each solution is made to 50 mL in volumetric flask. Reagent blank is prepared in similar way except sodium nitrite solution. The absorbance is measured at 525 nm against reagent blank.     

Use of Piezoelectric Crystals as Sensitive and Specific Detectors for So2

Abstract

A general purpose gas chromatograph using a piezoelectric crystal as detector has been constructed and a piezoelectric crystal detector sensitive and selective for sulfur dioxide has been designed and developed. From 1 to 100 ppm of SO₂ can be quickly and easily determined.     

A high selective anion colorimetric sensor based on salicylaldehyde for fluoride in aqueous media

A new and simple salicylaldehyde-based sensor 1 designed for fluoride sensing has been investigated in DMSO and even in the 9/1 DMSO/H₂O (v/v) mixtures. The affinity constants of receptor 1 for anionic species in the 9/1 DMSO/H₂O (v/v) reveal that it is sensitive to F. Also, the color changes induced by anions can provide a way of detection by ‘naked-eye’. These result can be substantiated by the spectrum changes upon the addition of 25 equiv. anions to 1 in the 9/1 DMSO/H₂O solution. The further insights to the nature of interactions between the sensor 1 and F⁻ were investigated by ¹H NMR titration experiments in 9/1 DMSO-d₆/H₂O (v/v). In addition, the proposed binding mode between 1 and F⁻ was suggested.     

Tin(II)-diphenylcarbazide Complex as a Solid Reagent in Monitoring Devices for Atmospheric Oxidants

Abstract

The tin(II)-diphenylcarbazide complex, [Sn(C₁₃H₁₄N₄O)₂]Cl₂ or [Sn(C₁₃H₁₄N₄O)₂Cl₂], applied as an acetone solution to cellulose (filter paper) or starch and dried, is oxidized to the red-violet diphenylcarbazone by ozone and nitrogen dioxide - the principal atmospheric oxidants - at concentrations below 1 ppm. The supported reagent is stable indefinitely when kept in a sealed bottle.     

Sensitive Spectrophotometric Determination of Copper(II) in the Presence of Manganese

Abstract

This paper recommends a simple and convenient procedure for the determination of copper(II) in the presence of large amounts of manganese. An aqueous solution of hydroxylamine hydrochloride and diluted sulphuric acid was used for dissolution and reduction of MnO₂. The copper(II) was complexed with an ethanolic 0.05% PAN solution in the pH range of 2 - 3 in aqueous medium. The absorbances of copper-PAN complexes are measured at 550 nm where molar absorptivity is 2.10 L.mol^?1.cm^?1.

The complex obeys Beer's Law from 0.1 to 4 ppm. of copper. Manganese(II) up to 1000 ppm. doesn't interfere. The method is sensitive and reproducible.

It has been applied to the analysis of samples containing 0.01 to 5% of copper on manganese dioxide catalysts.     

Organophosphine transition metal complexes as selective surfaces for the reversible detection of sulfur dioxide with piezoelectric crystal sensors

Some organotransition metal complexes, bis (sulfur dioxide)tetrakis (triphenylphosphine oxide) manganese(II)dioxide [Mn(OPPh₃)₄I₂(SO₂)₂] and bis(tribenzylphosphine)copper(II) thiophenolate [Cu(PBz₃)₂SPh], were identified as candidate coatings for the detection of sulfur dioxide on piezoelectric crystal sensors. After treatment to form the mono (sulfur dioxide) adduct, the first complex binds sulfur dioxide to reform the bis adduct, and can be used as a coating for an integrating piezoelectric sensor. The initial complex can be regenerated by placing the coated piezoelectric sensor under vacuum for 4 h. The specified copper complex was found to act as a reversible coating for the detection sulfur dioxide in the range 10–1000 mg l^?1.     

A highly selective chemosensor derived from benzamide hydrazones for the detection of cyanide ion in organic and organic-aqueous media: design,synthesis, sensing and computational studies

ABSTRACT

A new, highly sensitive and selective chemosensing method has been developed for the detection of cyanide ion using benzamide hydrazone receptors (R1-R4). The sensing ability of these compounds towards CN^? in the presence of Br ^?, HSO₄ ^?, Cl^?, OH^?, I^?, F^?, AcO^?, NO₂ ^? and NO₃ ^? in DMF and DMF-Aqueous mixture (DMF:H₂O, 9:1 v/v) was investigated. The binding characteristics of the probe with cyanide ions carried out by ¹ H NMR titrations indicated the deprotonation of N-H group through H-bond interactions between benzamide hydrazones and cyanide ions; it has been theoretically supported by DFT. The binding constant (Ka) and stoichiometry of the host–guest complex formed was calculated by the Benesi–Hildebrand (B–H) plot, and strong interaction of the probe with CN^- ions forming a 1:2 binding stoichiometry has been noted in this study. In a DMF and aqueous medium for CN^? ion, the lower limit of detection (LOD in ppm) is compared to the limit of quantification (LOQ in ppm), which is quite better in terms of sensitivity.     

Design and preparation of a novel fluorescent naphthalimide derivative supramolecular self-assembly system and its bioimaging application

ABSTRACT

A novel fluorescent naphthalimide derivative gelator (N-18) was designed and characterised which could form a stable gel in 1,4-dioxane/H₂O (2/1, v/v), methyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol/H₂O (4/1, v/v), acetone/H₂O (2/1, v/v) and methanol. The self-assembly process of molecule N-18 in the five solvents was carefully investigated by the field emission scanning electron microscope, UV-vis absorption spectra, fluorescence emission spectra, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and water contact angle experiments. Different structures from microbelts to helical nanofibers were formed in the self-assembly process. Hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interaction were the mainly driving forces for the formation of gel. At the same time, the hydrophobic surface with the contact angles of 133°–142° was observed on the xerogel films N-18 from the above five solvents. Interestingly, molecule N-18 could be applied in bioimaging in a living cell.     

New Dithiocarbamate Compounds from Organotin(IV)

Abstract

A series of new organotin(IV) dithiocarbamate compounds of type R_nSn (S₂CNR′R″)_4-n (n = 2, 3; R = dimethyl, dibutyl, diphenyl, triphenyl and tert-butyl; R′ = methyl, ethyl, benzyl; R″ = isopropyl, ethyl, ethanol) have been successfully synthesized. Elemental analysis showed that the percentage of the elements conformed to the general formula of these compounds. The important peaks of the infrared spectra for the stretching mode ν(C?N), ν(C?S), and v(Sn-S) for the compounds were observed in the area of 1440–1480 cm^?1, 940–1000 cm^?1, and 340–90 cm^?1, respectively. The ¹³C NMR spectra showed the most important peak for N¹³CS₂ chemical shifts were observed in the range 190–210 ppm. X-ray single crystal studies for several structures of these compounds showed that the chelating mode of the dithiocarbamate groups to the central tin atoms were either bidentate or anisobidentate.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT