Edge Plane Pyrolytic Graphite Electrodes for Stripping Voltammetry: a Comparison with Other Carbon Based Electrodes

The first examples of using edge plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes for anodic and cathodic stripping voltammetry (ASV and CSV) are presented, notably the ASV of silver and the CSV of manganese. In the former example, detection limits for silver (based on 3σ) of 8.1 nM and 0.185 nM for 120 s and 300 s accumulation time, respectively, were achievable using the edge plane electrode, which were superior to those observed on glassy carbon, basal plane pyrolytic graphite and boron‐doped diamond electrodes. In the second example, a detection limit for manganese of 0.3 μM was possible which was comparable with that achievable with a boron‐doped diamond electrode but with an increased sensitivity. Comparison of the edge plane pyrolytic graphite electrode with boron‐doped diamond electrodes reveals that the edge plane electrode has comparable detection limits and sensitivities whilst exhibiting a lower signal‐to‐noise ratio and large potential window for use in trace analysis suggesting boron‐doped diamond can be conveniently replaced by edge plane pyrolytic graphite as an electrode material in many applications.     

In situ SERS spectroscopy of Ag-modified pyrolytic graphite in organic electrolytes

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been applied to study the lithium intercalation/deintercalation process at the interface of a pyrolytic graphite electrode with propylene and ethylene carbonate containing organic solutions. We have focused on the lattice vibration of the most outer graphite surface layer simultaneously with cyclic voltammetric measurements. In situ Raman spectroscopy performed in this way allowed us to determine the La value that describes the size of graphitic microcrystallites along the a-axis. It was found that the La value decreases when the electrode is polarized to potentials between 0.02 and 1.0 V. This phenomenon can be correlated with the intercalation of lithium ions into the graphene structure. According to the spectral change, the size of the graphitic microcrystallites shows reversible behavior with potential cycling at the surface of the electrode. Electronic Publication     

Green and Straightforward Modification of Graphite Electrode via In Situ Synthesis of Graphene Nanosheets for Quantifying Prazosin Hydrochloride in Urine Samples and Pharmaceutical Formulations

A sensitive electrochemical sensor based on in situ modification of graphite electrode via graphene nanosheets (GNs) was developed as a green method for prazosin hydrochloride (PRA) analyses. In this study, GNs were electrochemically synthesized on the surface of graphite electrode via in situ approach and used for the analyses. The proposed sensor showed several advantages such as high sensitivity, low LOD, and excellent repeatability. The oxidation peak current at the optimum analytical conditions using a GNs/graphite electrode at pH 6.0 was linearly dependent on PRA concentration in the range of 0.09–100 µM. A LOD of 0.02 µM and RSD of 3.8 % for 10 µM solution of PRA with a great recovery were obtained.     

The Use of Graphitic Carbon Nitride Based Composite Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Battery Applications

Graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) is shown to undergo lithium insertion reactions applicable with lithium‐ion battery anodes. Lithium capacity was found to be substantially lower than theoretically expected, so the properties of gCN composited with conducting graphite (CG), which was added to improve the performance, were investigated. The electrodes exhibited a systematic increase in lithium uptake with CG content, but the capacity never exceeded that of graphite. It is shown that electron transport via conducting pathways was limiting. Li⁺ uptake for 10 % gCN was similar to a graphite electrode, indicating that gCN does play a role in determining the storage capacity.     

Attachment of Nanoparticles to Pyrolytic Graphite Electrode and Its Application for the Direct Electrochemistry and Electrocatalytic Behavior of Catalase

Abstract

A highly hydrophilic, nontoxic, and conductive effect of colloidal gold nanoparticles (GNP) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on pyrolytic graphite electrode has been demonstrated. The direct electron transfer of catalase (CAT) was achieved based on the immobilization of MWCNT/CAT-GNP on a pyrolytic graphite electrode by a Nafion film. The immobilized catalase displayed a pair of well-defined and nearly reversible redox peaks in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) (pH 6.98). The dependence of E°′on solution pH indicated that the direct electron transfer reaction of catalase was a single-electron-transfer coupled with single-proton-transfer reaction process. The immobilized catalase maintained its biological activity, showing a surface controlled electrode process with an apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (k _s) of 1.387±0.1 s^?1 and charge-transfer coefficient (α) of 0.49, and displayed electrocatalytic activity in the electrocatalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, the resulting modified electrode can be used as a biosensor for detecting hydrogen peroxide.     

DNA sensor: A novel electrochemical gene detection method using carbon electrode immobilized DNA probes

Abstract

The authors have developed a novel, rapid, convenient, and specific gene detection method, named the ‘DNA sensor,’ using a graphite electrode loaded with DNA probes. Synthesized oligonucleotide (5-TGCAGTTCCGGTGGCTGATC-3′) complementary to oncogene v-myc was employed for a model probe. The oligonucleotide was chemically adsorbed on a basal plane pyrolytic graphite (BPPG) electrode. The sensor was able to be applied to a hybridization reaction (40°C) in a linearized pVM623 solution carrying the Pst I fragment of v-myc (1.5 kbp).

After the hybridization reaction, the sensor was immersed into an acridine orange solution (1 μM) and washed with a phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). Acridine orange intercalated between base pairs of the formed double stranded DNAs on the electrode. The anodic peak potential of acridine orange that interacted with the DNAs on the electrode was measured. The positive shift of the peak potential increased in proportional to the pVM623 concentration in the hybridization reaction. 10^?1 g/ml of pVM623 was able to be detected in the buffer solution using the sensor. This gene detection was completed within an hour.     

Determination of Tetracycline in Bovine and Breast Milk Using a Graphite–Polyurethane Composite Electrode

A bare graphite–polyurethane composite electrode (60% graphite, m/m) was used for the determination of tetracycline in bovine and breast milk. Limits of detection as low as 2.6?µmol?L^?1 were obtained in pH 2.3 phosphate buffer using optimized differential pulse voltammetric parameters at the graphite–polyurethane composite electrode. The milk treatment consisted of acidification with 80% trichloroacetic acid, centrifugation to remove solid phase from milk, the isolation of the antibiotic from the whey using solid-phase extraction, and direct analysis in pH 2.3 phosphate buffer. Recoveries between 83 and 99% and 97% were obtained for tetracycline fortified in bovine and breast milk, suggesting that this approach is a promising screening procedure.     

Sensitive and Rapid Flow Injection Amperometric Hydrazine Sensor using an Electrodeposited Gold Nanoparticle Graphite Pencil Electrode

A gold (Au) nanoparticle-modified graphite pencil electrode was prepared by an electrodeposition procedure for the sensitive and rapid flow injection amperometric determination of hydrazine (N₂H₄). The electrodeposited Au nanoparticles on the pretreated graphite pencil electrode surface were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammograms showed that the Au nanoparticle-modified pretreated graphite pencil electrode exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity toward oxidation of hydrazine because the highly irreversibly and broadly observed oxidation peak at +600?mV at the pretreated graphite pencil electrode shifted to ?167?mV at the Au nanoparticle pretreated graphite pencil electrode; in addition, a significant enhancement in the oxidation peak current was obtained. Thus, the flow-injection (FI) amperometric hydrazine sensor was constructed based on its electrocatalytic oxidation at the Au nanoparticle-modified pretreated graphite pencil electrode. The Au nanoparticle-modified pretreated graphite pencil electrode exhibits a linear calibration curve between the flow injection amperometric current and hydrazine concentration within the concentration range from 0.01 to 100?µM with a detection limit of 0.002?µM. The flow injection amperometric sensor has been successfully used for the determination of N₂H₄ in water samples with good accuracy and precision.     

Characterization and electric field dependence of N,N′‐bis(9H‐fluoren‐9‐ylidene)benzene‐1, 4‐diamine thin film/substrate interface

N,N′‐bis(9H‐fluoren‐9‐ylidene)benzene‐1,4‐diamine deposited onto highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was investigated by contact angle measurement(CAM), Raman spectroscopy and tunneling spectroscopy. The results of CAM and Raman spectra have confirmed that organic layers had deposited on substrate. Tunneling spectra obtained in the scanning tunneling microscopy measurement system were reported as a function of electrode potential. The tunneling current data were acquired at different electrode–electrode separations and depicted significant trend under the action of electric field. Under weak electric fields, the electrode–electrode separation has little effect on the potential of conductance peak. However, with the shrinkage of electrode–electrode separation, the electron transport model obeys the Ohmic law. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Role of solution structure in the electrochemical intercalation of Ca2+ into graphite layers

In this study, we investigated the electrochemical intercalation of Ca²⁺ into graphite as an anode material for calcium-ion batteries (CIBs). The electrochemical intercalation of Ca²⁺ into a graphite electrode is possible when γ-butyrolactone (GBL) is utilized as a solvent, resulting in a reversible charge/discharge capacity. The GBL-based electrolyte allows a reversible redox reaction, thereby resulting in the intercalation and deintercalation of Ca²⁺ within the graphite electrode. Conversely, Ca²⁺ cannot be intercalated between the graphite layers in the ethylene carbonate–diethyl carbonate (EC–DEC)–based electrolyte. Analyses of the solution structures of both cases indicated that the interaction between the GBL solvent and Ca²⁺ was weak whereas that between the EC–DEC solvent and Ca²⁺ was strong. As a result of analyzing the surface of the negative electrode after charging and discharging from XPS, it was confirmed that a component that seems to be a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) was confirmed in the graphite electrode using the GBL-based electrolyte.

     

Photoelectrochemically driven processes at the N,N,N′,N′-tetrahexylphenylenediamine microdroplet|electrode|aqueous electrolyte triple interface

Novel photoelectrochemical processes are observed upon irradiation of the liquid|liquid|solid triple interface at microdroplets of N,N,N′,N′-tetrahexyl-para-phenylenediamine (THPD) deposited onto a basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrode and immersed in aqueous electrolyte solution. In the presence of neutral THPD, cathodic photo responses, and in the presence of THPD⁺, anodic photo responses with anion-dependent characteristics, are observed. A maximum in the photocurrents observed at intermediate coverage of the electrode surface suggests that the triple interface THPD|electrode|aqueous electrolyte is the reaction zone. This is the first report of photoelectrochemical processes at this type of interface. Electronic Publication     

Mediated Enzyme Electrode for the Determination of L-Glutamate

Abstract

A mediated enyme electrode was developed for the determination of L-glutamate, based on the immobilization of L-glutamate oxidase from Streptomyces sp. X 119–6. A graphite working electrode was used with 1,1 dimethylferrocene (DMF) as electron mediator. The electrode responded linearly to L-glutamate over the range 0.2 to 2 mM (0.029–0.29 g/l). The enzyme electrode was applied to the measurement of L-glutamate in various foodstuffs.     

Immobilization of ABTS – laccase system in silicate based electrode for biolectrocatalytic reduction of dioxygen

Voltametrically stable 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS²⁻) modified electrode was obtained by sol–gel processing of methyltrimethoxysilane based sol with dissolved ABTS²⁻ together with dispersed graphite particles. Next, extracellular laccase from Cerrena unicolor was encapsulated within a thin hydrophilic tetramethoxysilane film on the top the electrode. The obtained ABTS²⁻ modified carbon ceramic electrode exhibits stable voltammetry corresponding to the surface confined oxidation reduction process. The biocatalytic activity of this electrode is similar to that observed when ABTS²⁻ is present in solution.     

Biphenol as an Electron Transfer Mediator for Glucose Oxidase

Abstract

Biphenol (4,4′-dihydroxy-biphenyl) was found to be an electron transfer mediator for glucose oxidase (GOD) of Aspergillus niger. At a glassy carbon electrode, a 1.44×10^-4 M solution of biphenol in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4 gives an quasi-reversible, one-electron, pH-sensitive couple at 255mV (relative to the standard calomel electrode). The apparent second-order rate constant for electron transfer from reduced GOD to oxidized biphenol was determined to be 3×10⁵ M^-1 s^-1. When biphenol and GOD are cophysiadsorbed on a graphite electrode immersed in PBS and held at 400mV, a glucose-dependent current response is noted. In addition to the predominant quasi-reversible biphenol redox couple, repetitive cyclic voltammetry at a graphite electrode gave rise to a polybiphenol polymer; this is most marked at a pH above the biphenol pK_a of about 9.5. At pH 7.4, the polymerization is less significant. Polybiphenol formed either side of the pK_a remains electrochemically active (E°_app. = 245mV) but no longer mediates GOD.     

Selective Determination of Zn2+ Ion in Various Environmental,Biological and Medicinal Plant Samples Using a Novel Coated Graphite Electrode

Novel Zn²⁺ ion‐selective PVC based coated graphite electrodes were fabricated using the ionophores N‐((1H‐indol‐3‐yl)methylene)thiazol‐2‐amine (I₁), N‐((1H‐indol‐3‐yl)methyl)‐thiazol‐2‐amine (I₂) and 1‐((1H‐indol‐3‐yl)methylene)urea (I₃). Their potentiometric performance was examined in dependence of the addition of plasticizers and anion excluders and compared. It is found that the coated graphite electrode with the composition I₁:KTpClPB:o‐NPOE:PVC=9 : 1.5 : 51 : 38.5 is the best with respect to the wide working concentration range (4.2×10^?8–1.0×10^?1 mol L^?1), low detection limit (1.6×10^?8 mol L^?1) and wide pH range of 3.0–8.0. The proposed electrode was successfully applied to quantify Zn²⁺ in various environmental, biological and medicinal plant samples and used as indicator electrode.     

Determination of concentrated hydrogen peroxide at single-walled carbon nanohorn paste electrode

Single-walled carbon nanohorn (SWCNH) paste electrode was used for amperometric determination of concentrated hydrogen peroxide, and was compared with other carbon electrodes. The calibration plots are linear from 0.5 to 100 mM at activated SWCNH paste electrode and edge plane graphite (EPG) electrode. In contrast, the calibration plots are linear only at concentrations lower than 45 mM at graphite paste electrode, multi-walled carbon nanotube paste electrode, and glassy carbon electrode. Our results show that SWCNH paste electrode and EPG electrode are interesting alternatives to high surface area platinum electrode for determination of concentrated hydrogen peroxide. Because of its high-purity, metal-free SWCNH is a user-friendly and attractive material for electrochemical study.     

纳米碳管电极上氧的电催化还原

以聚四氟乙烯为粘结剂制成了多壁纳米碳管（MWNT）电极.采用恒电位阶跃法和循环伏安法研究了MWNT电极在碱性溶液中的电化学行为，并对碱性溶液中溶解氧在该电极上的电化学还原行为进行了研究.实验结果表明： MWNT电极具有比石墨电极更高的孔隙率和电化学表面积；MWNT电极上O2还原成的反应为准可逆过程；在5～50 mV•s－1的扫描速率范围内，阴极峰电流与扫描速度成线性关系，表明MWNT电极上O2还原成的反应受吸附控制；对碱性溶液中的氧还原反应， MWNT比石墨具有更高的催化活性.     

Electrocatalysis of the hydrogen production by [Fe] hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough

Hydrogenases are enzymes which catalyze hydrogen production/consumption reactions. In this paper, the [Fe] hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough is shown to catalyze the direct hydrogen production from protons, in the absence of any promoter, at a basal pyrolytic graphite electrode using cyclic voltammetry techniques. The effect of several parameters upon catalytic current is investigated: pH, hydrogenase concentration, ionic strength, competition with another protein (bovine serum albumin), cycling repetition, mode of electrode polishing. The extent and efficiency of the hydrogenase electroactivity are examined in the presence of either an artificial electron carrier (methylviologen) or a physiological partner cytochrome c₃ isolated from the same bacterial strain. Results suggest that the electron-transfer process is essentially controlled by a complex between both hydrogenase and cytochrome c₃. Electrocatalysis appears to be largely governed by the adsorption of hydrogenase on the electrode surface very likely involving hydrophobic interactions.     

Catalytic Oxidation of Dopamine at a Nickel Hexacyanoferrate Surface Modified Graphite Wax Composite Electrode Coated with Nafion

A chemically modified electrode was successfully fabricated by means of depositing a thin layer of nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) on an amine adsorbed graphite paraffin wax composite electrode using a new approach. The electrode was further coated with Nafion. The electrochemical characteristics of the modified electrode were studied using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The modified electrode catalyzed dopamine (DA) oxidation in the concentration range of 1.5×10^?6 to 1.2×10^?3 M without the interference from ascorbic acid (AA). A detection limit of 4.9×10^?7 M was obtained for DA in the presence of AA with a correlation coefficient of 0.9972 based on S/N=3. Flow injection analysis was used for the determination of dopamine with excellent reproducible results. The analytical utility of the sensor was evaluated for detection of DA in urine.     

Electrochemical behaviour of lanthanum fluoride in molten fluorides

The electrochemical behaviour of lanthanum fluoride dissolved in molten lithium fluoride and in eutectic mixture LiF-CaF₂ was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and laboratory electrolysis. The cyclic voltammetry experiments were carried out at 900°C and 800°C, respectively, in a graphite crucible (counter electrode). Several types of working electrodes (Mo, W, Ni and Cu) were used. Ni/Ni(II) was used as a reference electrode. Laboratory electrolysis was carried out in the system LiF-CaF₂-LaF₃ at 800°C in galvanostatic (j _c = −0.21 A cm⁻²) and potentiostatic (E = 0.87 V) regimes. In both cases, nickel served as the cathode and graphite as the anode. It was found that no new separate reduction peak occurred on the molybdenum or tungsten electrodes in the investigated systems. When copper or nickel electrodes were used, new peaks corresponding to the reduction of lanthanum(III) to lanthanum metal appeared. This can be explained by the formation of alloys or intermetallic compounds of lanthanum with copper or nickel. X-ray microanalysis showed that lanthanum was electrodeposited together with calcium under formation of intermetallic compounds with the electrode materials in the galvanostatic regime. In the potentiostatic regime, mainly lanthanum was deposited, which enabled its separation.