Voltammetric Determination of Tin(II) and Iron(II) on Mechanically Renewed Graphite Electrode in Tin-Plating Electrolyte

The analytical properties of the cathodic peak of tin(II) reduction and the anodic peak of iron(II) oxidation on a graphite electrode were studied with the electrode surface mechanically renewed directly in a solution before applying a potential in each measurement. The influence of the organic components of the phenolsulfonic tin-plating electrolyte on the cathodic current of tin(II) reduction and anodic current of iron(II) oxidation was studied. A dc voltammetric method was proposed for determining tin(II) directly in the phenolsulfonic tin-plating electrolyte, and iron(II) after the electrolyte is diluted tenfold with a 0.5M H₂SO₄ supporting solution.     

Carbon paste electrodes electrochemically modified with cyclodextrins

Cyclic voltammetry was used in order to obtain carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) modified with α- and β-cyclodextrins (CPE_α-CD, CPE_β-CD) in HClO₄ media as electrolyte. The modified CPEs were obtained by applying 30 potential cycles, thus forming on the substrate a film with electroactive characteristics; a rise in current for the anodic and cathodic peaks became apparent as the number of cycles increased. Such behaviour confirmed the CPE modification by the species mentioned. The CPE_α-CD and CPE_β-CD exhibited significant stability before various electrolytes. In order to evaluate the sort of modification attained on the CPEs, a study was conducted, varying the potential scan rate, that confirmed the CD's presence. The modified electrodes were used to determine Pb(II) ions in solution within the range from 1×10^–5 M up to 1×10^–3 M. The CPE_α-CD and CPE_β-CD electrochemical response was studied by means of anodic stripping voltammetry of the Pb(II) ions, thereby giving a linear relation between the current for the anodic peak as a function of Pb(II) concentration with r ²=0.996 for the CPE_β-CD and 0.992 for the CPE_α-CD. Electronic Publication     

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     

Differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry of the copper complexes of glycyl-L-histidyl-glycine at a hanging mercury drop electrode

The behaviour of the copper complexes of glycyl-L-histidyl-glycine (GHG) was investigated using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry after their adsorptive accumulation on the surface of a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). The nature of the observed cathodic and anodic peaks was established and optimum conditions were found for the differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetric detemination of GHG at the 1 x 10(-8)M concentration level using adsorptive accumulation at -0.20 V vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode and the cathodic stripping peak around -0.4 V (pH 8.3). This peak corresponds to the reduction of the Cu(I)-GHG complex formed at the HMDE surface as an intermediate in the reduction of Cu(II)-GHG to Cu(O)amalgam.     

Influence of the degree of surface oxidation of polycrystalline Rh electrodes on the underpotential deposition of Cu

The underpotential deposition of copper onto polycrystalline rhodium was studied as a function of the degree of oxidation of the electrode surface in acidic media using potentiodynamic techniques. Surface oxidation of the rhodium electrode was carried out using a triangular sweep potential between E _L (lower limit) and E _U (upper limit: 0.94≤E _U≤1.4 V). Cu electrodeposition was performed at the same time as the total or partial reduction of the oxidized species. The surface oxides produced at E _U≤1.09 V were completely reduced during Cu electrodeposition. In this case, the potentiodynamic I-E patterns for oxidative dissolution of Cu were characterized by three anodic peaks located at 0.41 V (peak I), 0.47 V (peak II) and 0.59 V (peak III) and the coverage degree by Cu, θ_Cu, was on the order of a monolayer. Surface oxides produced at E _U>1.09 V were partially reduced during the copper electrodeposition. In this case, the I-E profiles exhibited only two anodic peaks (II and III) and θ_Cu was <1. The Rh-oxygen species that remain on the electrode surface block the active sites of lower energy and modify the binding energy of strongly adsorbed Cu. Electronic Publication     

Stripping voltammetric determination of traces of peptides and proteins containing disulphide linkages

Stripping voltammetry has been investigated for the determination of traces of ribonuclease, somatostatin, oxytocin, felypressin, insulin and oxidized glutathione at concentrations down to 1.5 × 10^?9 M. Repeated cyclic potential scans with an initial cathodic scan were used after accumulation at +0.1 to –0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl at a hanging mercury drop electrode. In presence of excess of copper(II) ion, the first two compounds yield a well-defined peak couple at ?0.5 to ?0.6 V, with cathodic and anodic peaks of equal height, the accumulated product being adsorbed in both its oxidized and reduced state. Oxytocin and felypressin first yield two unresolved cathodic peaks, one of which disappears in the second scan cycle. Oxidized glutathione yields a large cathodic peak but a small anodic peak because of desorption in the reduced state. Excess of copper(II) is reduced during the accumulation, so that the electrode is actually copper amalgam. The peaks obtained with copper(II) present are considered to be due to redox reactions of copper complexes formed with the cysteine parts of the molecules. These peaks are suitable for quantitative purposes; calibration equations are given. Without copper(II), the substances show stripping responses of different complexity and magnitude. Insulin gives usable stripping peaks only without copper ions.     

Microwave-enhanced electro-deposition and stripping of palladium at boron-doped diamond electrodes

In situ microwave activation has been applied to the electro-deposition and stripping of palladium metal (which is widely used as a catalyst) at cavitation resistant boron-doped diamond electrodes. Focused microwave radiation leading to heating, boiling, and cavitation is explored as an option to improve the speed and sensitivity of the analytical detection procedure. The deposition and anodic stripping of palladium by linear sweep voltammetry in 0.1 M KCl (pH 2) solution and at boron-doped diamond electrodes is shown to be strongly enhanced by microwave activation due to both (i) the increase in mass transport and (ii) the increase in the kinetic rate of deposition and stripping.The temperature at the electrode surface is calibrated with the reversible redox couple Fe(CN)₆⁴⁻/Fe(CN)₆³⁻ and found to be reach 380 K. In the presence of microwave radiation, the potential of onset of the deposition of palladium is strongly shifted positive from −0.4 to +0.1 V versus SCE. The optimum potential for deposition in the presence of microwaves is −0.4 V versus SCE and the anodic stripping peak current is shown to increase linearly with deposition time. Under these conditions, the stripping peak current varies linearly with the palladium concentration down to ca. 2 μM. At concentration lower than this a logarithmic variation of the stripping peak current with concentration is observed down to ca. 0.1 μM (for 5 min pre-concentration in presence of microwave radiation).     

Palladium Particles‐Impregnated Natural Phosphate Electrodes for Electrochemical Determination of Mercury in Ambient Water Samples

We present here a simple procedure for the determination of mercury(II) using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) at palladium particles‐impregnated natural phosphate modified carbon paste electrodes (Pd‐NP‐CPE). The surface of modified electrode was characterized using SEM, infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and electrochemical analysis. All experimental variables involved in the voltammetric stripping method were optimized. The detection limit was found to be 4.99×10^?8 mol L^?1 (S/N=3) that is not different to the permitted value for Hg(II) in water reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The proposed electrode exhibits good applicability for monitoring Hg(II) in tap and wastewater.     

Chelate Adsorption for Trace Voltammetric Determination of Xanthosine 5′-Monophosphate and Xanthosine 5′-Diphosphate

Square-wave cathodic adsorptive stripping voltammetry based on adsorptive accumulation is a very sensitive technique for the trace determination of xanthosine 5′-monophosphate (5′-XMP) and xanthosine 5′-diphosphate (5′-XDP). The determination is based on the strong interaction of the adsorption of xanthosine phosphate compounds on a mercury electrode surface, forming Hg(II)-xanthate. The cathodic reduction of the accumulated Hg(II)-xanthate complex provides the basis for direct stripping measurements of the investigated biological compounds at subnanomolar concentration levels. Moreover, controlled adsorptive accumulation of the Cu(II) complex of xanthosine phosphate is also reported to assay trace amounts of xanthosine phosphate. The height of the sharp chelate peak of adsorbed Cu(II)-xanthate, coupled with the flat baseline, facilitates measurements at nanomolar and submicromolar concentration levels. The adsorption and the redox behaviour of the investigated complexes are indicated by cyclic voltammetry. Experimental and instrumental parameters for the quantitative determination were optimized. Statistical analysis of the calibration curve data is also included.     

Cyclic Voltammetry and Quartz Crystal Microbalance Electrochemical Studies on Thiosalicylic Acid and Dithiodibenzoic Acid

ABSTRACT

Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) were used to study the behavior of thiosalicylic acid (KTS) and dithiodibenzois acid (DTDB) at the controlled-growth mercury drop electrode (CGMDE), at the gold electrode, and at the carbon electrode. The CV method was used to study peak current intensities and peak potentials in relation to pH of the solution, to scan rate and to the concentration of the analyte. Optimum measurement parameters were established and stock solutions developed. The electrode activity was found to be primarily due to the oxidation of the sulhydryl group. The currents observed are diffusion controlled. Electrochemical studies on complexes of KTS with Cu(II) were undertaken at varying constituent proportions and the cathodic peak was found to rise by ca. 70% whereby the sensitivity of the determination was considerably increased. The EQCM method allowed to establish that, as KTS is oxidized, the electrode slightly gains in weight (ca. 80 ng). As DTDB is reduced, the electrode slightly looses in weight (ca 40 ng). Studies on the equimolecular KTS-Cu(II) complex showed the electrode to gain about 125 ng more in weight than in the solutions containing KTS alone, a fact evidencing for the formation of the complex and for its deposition on the electrode surface. A procedure was developed to determine KTS and DTDB in the substance by the CV method. Statistical evaluation of data showed the results to be characterized by good accuracy and precision (RSD 0.80% and 0.61%, respectively).     

Voltammetric studies of the activity of an electrode made of a graphite-epoxy composite in redox reactions of ascorbic acid and hydroquinone

The potentials of the anodic peak of ascorbic acid oxidation and the potential differences of anodic and cathodic peaks (ΔE _p) of the hydroquinone/benzoquinone redox system at an electrode made of a graphite-epoxy composite are determined in weakly acidic and neutral supporting electrolytes by direct and cyclic voltammetry. The results obtained are compared with thermodynamic values and with the available values of these parameters at different solid electrodes for the above-mentioned redox systems. The effect of aging of the surface of electrodes made of graphite-epoxy composites on the potentials and peak currents of the anodic oxidation of ascorbic acid are studied. It is demonstrated that the regeneration of the electrode surface by mechanically cutting thin layers is important for reducing the δE _p value of the hydroquinone/benzoquinone redox system down to 28–30 mV in supporting electrolytes with pH 2.0 and 7.0. This value is typical of thermodynamically reversible electrode reactions involving two-electron transfer at 20–25°C.     

Voltammetry of a Novel Antimycobacterial Agent 1‐Hydroxy‐N‐(4‐nitrophenyl)naphthalene‐2‐carboxamide in a Single Drop of a Solution

The aim of this study is the development of a miniaturized voltammetric method for the determination of an antimycobacterial agent 1‐hydroxy‐N‐(4‐nitrophenyl)naphthalene‐2‐carboxamide (HNN) in a single drop (20 μL) of a solution by cathodic and anodic voltammetry at a glassy carbon electrode. Cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate its redox properties followed by the optimization of differential pulse voltammetric determination in a regular 10 mL volume. The optimal medium for the analytical application of both cathodic and anodic voltammetry was found to be Britton‐Robinson buffer pH 7.0 and dimethyl sulfoxide (9 : 1, v/v). HNN gave one cathodic peak at around −0.6 V and one anodic peak at around +0.2 V vs. Ag|AgCl (3 mol L⁻¹ KCl) reference electrode. Determination of HNN in a 10 mL volume gave the limit of quantification around 10 nmol L⁻¹ by both adsorptive stripping anodic and cathodic voltammetry. Afterwards, miniaturized voltammetric methods in a single drop of solution (20 μL) were investigated. This approach requested some modifications of the cell design and voltammetric procedures. A novel method of removing dissolved oxygen in a single drop had to be developed and tested. Developed miniaturized voltammetric methods gave parameters comparable to the determination of HNN in 10 mL. The applicability of the miniaturized method was verified by the determination of HNN in a drop of a bacterial growth medium.     

Preconcentration and determination of mercury(II) at a chemically modified electrode containing 3-(2-thioimidazolyl)propyl silica gel.

A mercury-sensitive chemically modified graphite paste electrode was constructed by incorporating modified silica gel into a conventional graphite paste electrode. The functional group attached to the (3-chloropropyl) silica gel surface was 2-mercaptoimidazole, giving a new product denoted by 3-(2-thioimidazolyl)propyl silica gel, which is able to complex mercury ions. Mercury was chemically adsorbed on the modified graphite paste electrode containing 3-(2-thioimidazolyl)propyl silica (TIPSG GPE) by immersion in a Hg(II) solution, and the resultant surface was characterized by cyclic and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. One cathodic peak at 0.1 V and other anodic peak at 0.34 V were observed on scanning the potential from -0.1 to 0.8 V (0.01 M KNO3; v = 2.0 mV s(-1) vs. Ag/AgCl). The anodic peak at 0.34 V show an excellent sensitivity for Hg(II) ions in the presence of several foreign ions. A calibration graph covering the concentration range from 0.02 to 2 mg L(-1) was obtained. The detection limit was estimated to be 5 microg L(-1). The precision for six determinations of 0.05 and 0.26 mg L(-1) Hg(II) was 3.0 and 2.5% (relative standard deviation), respectively. The method can be used to determine the concentration of mercury(II) in natural waters contaminated by this metal.     

Stripping Voltammetry of Mercury(II) with a Chemically Modified Carbon Paste Electrode Containing Silica Gel Functionalized with 2,5‐Dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole

The accumulation voltammetry of mercury(II) was investigated at a carbon paste electrode chemically modified with silica gel functionalized with 2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (DTTPSG‐CPE). The repetitive cyclic voltammogram of mercury(II) solution in the potential range ?0.2 to +0.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), (0.02 mol L^?1 KNO₃ ; v=20 mV s^?1) show two peaks one at about 0.0 V and other at 0.31 V. However, the cathodic wave peak, around 0.0 V, is irregular and changes its form in each cycle. This peak at about 0.0 V is the reduction current for mercury(II) accumulated in the DTTPSG‐CPE. The anodic wave peak at 0.31 V is well‐defined and does not change during the cycles. The resultant material was characterized by cyclic and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry performed with the electrode in differents supporting electrolytes. The mercury response was evaluated with respect to pH, electrode composition, preconcentration time, mercury concentration, “cleaning” solution, possible interferences and other variables. The precision for six determinations (n=6) of 0.05 and 0.20 mg L^?1 Hg(II) was 2.8 and 2.2% (relative standard deviation), respectively. The method was satisfactory and used to determine the concentration of mercury(II) in natural waters contaminated by this metal.     

Influence of cyanide and sulphide ions on the reduction and reoxidation of cobalt(II) in thiocyanate solution at mercury electrodes

The process of reduction and reoxidation of cobalt(II) in thiocyanate solution at hanging mercury drop electrode has been investigated by cyclic voltammetric, chronoamperometric and anodic stripping methods. In 0.1 M NaSCN and 0.4 M NaClO₄ solution containing 1×10^?3M cobalt(II), the voltammogram on the first cycle at 0.05 V s^?1 gives a cathodic peak at ?1.06 V with hysteresis on reversal, and an anodic wave with a peak potential of ?0.28 V and with two shoulders near ?0.38 and ?0.45 V, respectively. Multicyclic voltammograms under the same conditions give a cathodic peak at ?0.90 V and an anodic peak at ?0.45 V. The reduction and reoxidation of cobalt(II) in thiocyanate solution is accelerated by the reduction products of thiocyanate ion, cyanide and sulphide ions, which are produced during the electroreduction of cobalt(II).A mechanism of reduction and reoxidation of cobalt(II) which involves a chemical reduction of thiocyanate ion by electroreduced metallic cobalt and takes into account cyanide and sulphide ions is proposed. The hysteresis on the cathodic wave is caused by the difference in reduction potentials of cobalt(II)-thiocyanate and-cyanide complexes. Cyclic voltammetric study of cobalt(II) in perchlorate solution containing trace amounts of cyanide and sulphide ions supports these conclusions.     

Mechanism of nitrate electroreduction on Pt(100)

Kinetics and mechanism of nitrate anion reduction on the Pt(100) electrode in perchloric and sulfuric acid solutions are studied. Analysis of the results of electrochemical measurements (combination of potentiostatic treatment and cyclic voltammetry) and the data of in situ IR spectroscopy allow suggesting the following scheme of the nitrate reduction process on Pt(100) differing from that in the literature. If the potential of 0.85 V is chosen as the starting potential for a clean flame-annealed electrode surface and negativegoing (cathodic) potential sweep is applied, then an NO adlayer with the coverage of about 0.5 monolayer is formed on Pt(100) in the nitrate solution already at 0.6 V. The further decrease in the potential results in NO reduction to hydroxylamine or/and ammonia, desorbing products vacate the adsorption sites for nitrate and hydrogen adatoms. At E < 0.1 V, adsorbed hydrogen is mostly present on the surface. During positive-going (anodic) potential sweep, the process of nitrate reduction starts after partial hydrogen desorption, the cathodic peak of nitrate reduction to hydroxylamine or ammonia is observed at 0.32 V on cyclic voltammograms. The process of nitrate anion reduction continues up to 0.7 V; at higher potentials, the surface redox process with participation of hydroxylamine or ammonia (the anodic peak at 0.78 V) and nitrate (the cathodic peak at 0.74 V is due to nitrate reduction to NO on the vacant adsorption sites) occurs.     

Increased sensitivity of anodic stripping voltammetry at the hanging mercury drop electrode by ultracathodic deposition

An improved approach to the anodic stripping voltammetric (ASV) determination of heavy metals, using the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE), is reported. It was discovered that using very cathodic accumulation potentials, at which the solvent reduction occurs (overpotential deposition), the voltammetric signals of zinc(II), cadmium(II), lead(II) and copper(II) increase. When compared with the classical methodology a 5 to 10-fold signal increase is obtained. This effect is likely due to both mercury drop oscillation at such cathodic potentials and added local convection at the mercury drop surface caused by the evolution of hydrogen bubbles.     

Determination of palladium by stripping voltammetry in raw gold ores

The electroconcentration of gold(III) and palladium(II) on the electrode surface gives a binary alloy whose components are electrochemically oxidized at almost the same potential. Two methods were proposed for the separation of overlapping anodic peaks: the chemical reduction of gold(III) under UV irradiation and the use of a special computer software built into the analyzer. The results of determining palladium(II) in raw gold ore using stripping voltammetry and two proposed methods of peak separation are compared.     

Zerovalent metal polymer composites. III. Metallization of metal oxide surfaces with the aid of metallized functional polymer microdispersions

The adsorption of poly[N-(m- and p-vinylbenzyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium tetrachloropal-ladate] complex on inorganic oxide surfaces followed by reduction of the palladium salt to form a catalytically active zerovalent metal polymer composite dispersed on the oxide surface and further deposition of transition metals, e.g., nickel, cobalt, and copper, by “additive” or “subtractive” deposition from electroless plating solutions is described. γ-Ferric oxide was used as a template for such intermetallic replacement reactions, providing materials with controlled amounts of metal. Multimetallic catalysts based on aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, lanthanum oxide, magnesium oxide, and silica were prepared. Iron oxide modified by subtractive deposition of rhodium and iridium on nickel-clad iron oxide were evaluated in Fischer–Tropsch carbonylation reactions leading from synthesis gas to alkanols.     

Unprecedented micro-sprout morphology of an ionic palladium(II) complex

The reaction of (tmeda)Pd(ClO₄)₂ (tmeda = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) with L (L = bis(4-(4-pyridylcarboxyl)phenyl)methane) affords the ionic cyclodimeric palladium(II) complex [(tmeda)Pd(L)]₂(ClO₄)₄. The complex forms an unprecedented micro-sprout morphology via slow evaporation of acetone in a dilute concentration mixture of acetone and water without any template or additive. In contrast, the palladium(II) complex in a concentrated mixture forms uniform submicrospheres. The formation-process of the micro-sprout morphology has been explained in terms of a stepwise concentration effect. Furthermore, surface modifications and properties of the micro-sprouts via a typical anion exchange or sonication have been studied.