Electrochemical determination of <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-cresol using mesoporous TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-modified carbon paste electrode

A mesoporous TiO₂ (meso-TiO₂) was synthesized, and used to prepare modified carbon paste electrode (CPE). The electrochemical sensing properties were characterized using K₃[Fe(CN)₆], showing that meso-TiO₂ modified CPE possesses larger surface area and higher electron transfer rate. The electrochemical behavior of p-cresol was investigated. At the meso-TiO₂ modified CPE, the oxidation peak current of p-cresol remarkably increases, and the oxidation peak potential shifts negatively, suggesting that meso- TiO₂ exhibits highly efficient catalytic activity to the oxidation of p-cresol. Based on this, a sensitive, rapid and convenient electrochemical method was developed for the detection of p-cresol. The linear range is from 1.5 × 10⁻⁷ and 2.0 × 10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹, and the limit of detection is as low as 8.0 × 10⁻⁸ mol l⁻¹. Finally, the new method was successfully used to determine p-cresol in water samples.     

Electrochemical determination of lead(II) using a montmorillonite calcium-modified carbon paste electrode

Utilizing the fascinating properties of montmorillonite calcium (MMT-Ca), such as huge cationic exchange capacity, strong adsorptive ability, high chemical and mechanical stability, an MMT-Ca modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) was constructed for the sensitive determination of Pb²⁺. In 0.01 mol·L⁻¹ HCl, Pb²⁺ was firstly exchanged and accumulated on an MMT-Ca modified CPE surface and secondly reduced to Pb at −0.90 V. In the following potential sweep from −0.90 to −0.50 V, reduced Pb was oxidized, resulting in an obvious stripping peak at −0.58 V. After optimizing the parameters, such as determining medium, content of MMT-Ca, accumulation potential and time, an electrochemical method was developed for the analysis of Pb²⁺. Compared with bare CPE, the MMT-Ca modified CPE significantly enhances the sensitivity of Pb²⁺ analysis. The limit of detection is evaluated to be 6.0 × 10⁻⁹ mol L⁻¹ Pb²⁺. Finally, this method was successfully employed to determine trace levels of Pb²⁺ in water samples. The first two authors contribute equally do this work     

CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> corrosion inhibition of X-70 pipeline steel by carboxyamido imidazoline

The corrosion inhibition of X-70 pipeline steel in saltwater saturated with CO₂ at 50 °C with carboxyamido imidazoline has been evaluated by using electrochemical techniques. Techniques included polarization curves, linear polarization resistance, electrochemical impedance, and electrochemical noise measurements. Inhibitor concentrations were 0, 1.6 × 10⁻⁵, 3.32 × 10⁻⁵, 8.1 × 10⁻⁵, 1.6 × 10⁻⁴, and 3.32 × 10⁻⁴ mol l⁻¹. All techniques showed that the best corrosion inhibition was obtained by adding 8.1 × 10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹ of carboxyamido imidazoline. For inhibitor concentrations higher than 8.1 × 10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹ a desorption process occurs, and an explanation has been given for this phenomenon.     

The amperometric determination of indole-3-acetic acid based on CeCl<Subscript>3</Subscript>-DHP film modified gold electrode

An amperometric sensor for the determination of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) based on the CeCl₃-DHP film modified gold electrode was developed. CeCl₃ was dissolved into water in the presence of dihexadecyl hydrogen phosphate (DHP). The IAA sensor was prepared via evaporating solvent of the CeCl₃-DHP dispersion on the gold electrode surface. The amperometric response of IAA on the CeCl₃-DHP film modified gold electrode was investigated. The experimental results indicate that the passivation of the electrode due to the adsorption of the oxidation product of IAA decreases significantly at the CeCl₃-DHP film modified gold electrode, in contrast to that at the bare and the DHP modified gold electrode. The experimental parameters were optimized and an electrochemical method for the determination of IAA was established. The oxidation peak current is linearly with the concentration of IAA from 1 × 10⁻⁷ to 2 × 10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹ and the detection limit is 3 × 10⁻⁸ mol l⁻¹. The relative standard deviation of eight measurements is 3.2% for 5 × 10⁻⁷ mol l⁻¹ IAA. The IAA in plant leaves were extracted and determined by the IAA sensor.     

Electrochemical determination of 5-hydroxytryptamine using mesoporous SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> modified carbon paste electrode

A mesoporous SiO₂ was synthesized according to the published work, and then used to modify the carbon paste electrode (CPE). The electrochemical behaviors of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) at the bare CPE and the mesoporous SiO₂ modified CPE were compared. Owing to the huge surface area, unique mesopores and strong adsorptive ability, the oxidation signal of 5-HT at the mesoporous SiO₂ modified CPE greatly increased, compared with that at the bare CPE. This clearly suggests that the mesoporous SiO₂ modified electrode shows efficient and remarkable enhancement effect towards 5-HT. Based on this, a sensitive, rapid and convenient electrochemical method was developed for the determination of 5-HT after optimizing the experimental parameters such as supporting electrolyte, content of mesoporous SiO₂ as well as accumulation time. The linear range is from 2.0 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.5 × 10⁻⁵ mol/l, and the limit of detection is as low as 8.0 × 10⁻⁸ mol/l after 2-min accumulation. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for 10 mesoporous SiO₂ modified CPEs is evaluated to be 6.7%. Finally, this novel method was successfully used to determine 5-HT in human blood serums.     

Oxygen reduction in acid media by a Ru<Subscript>x</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>y</Subscript>Se<Subscript>z</Subscript>(CO)<Subscript>n</Subscript> cluster catalyst dispersed on a glassy carbon-supported Nafion film

Electrocatalytic oxygen reduction was studied on a Ru_xFe_ySe_z(CO)_n cluster catalyst with Vulcan carbon powder dispersed into a Nafion film coated on a glassy carbon electrode. The synthesis of the electrocatalyst as a mixture of crystallites and amorphous nanoparticles was carried out by refluxing the transition metal carbonyl compounds in an organic solvent. Electrocatalysis by the cluster compound is discussed, based on the results of rotating disc electrode measurements in a 0.5 M H₂SO₄. A Tafel slope of −80.00±4.72 mV dec⁻¹ and an exchange current density of 1.1±0.17×10⁻⁶ mA cm⁻² was calculated from the mass transfer-corrected curve. It was found that the electrochemical reduction reaction follows the kinetics of a multielectronic (n=4e⁻) charge transfer process producing water, i.e. O₂+4H⁺+4e⁻→2H₂O. Electronic Publication     

Nitrite oxidation on RuO<Subscript>2</Subscript> electrodes

An electrochemical kinetic investigation of nitrite oxidation to nitrate on RuO₂ is discussed. The process is studied by cyclic voltammetry, steady-state measurements and potential step measurements. The overall oxidation reaction is a two-electron process where the first step involves a reversible charge transfer: NO₂⁻ ⇔ NO₂ + e⁻ The one-electron oxidation of nitrite yields adsorbed NO₂ which is further oxidized to adsorbed (NO₂)⁺ and subsequently desorbed via a chemical reaction. In the general case, fit of experimental data is obtained with adsorption described by a Temkin isotherm unless the electrode is pre-treated at a cathodic potential where the (NO₂)_ads is removed. This treatment lowers the degree of coverage by intermediates but not the nature of the slow step. Published in Russian in Elektrokhimiya, 2008, Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 142–149. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Immobilization of hemoglobin on SBA-15 applied to the electrocatalytic reduction of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The direct electron transfer between hemoglobin (Hb) and an electrode was realized by first immobilizing the protein onto SBA-15.The results of the immobilization showed that the adsorption was pH-dependent with a maximum adsorption near the isoelectric point of the protein, and SBA-15 with a larger pore diameter showed greater adsorption capacity for Hb. UV–vis spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption analysis indicated that Hb was adsorbed within the channel of SBA-15 and no significant denaturation occurred to the protein. The Hb/SBA-15 composite obtained was used for the fabrication of a Hb biosensor to detect hydrogen peroxide. A pair of well-defined redox peaks at −0.337 and −0.370 V on the Hb/SBA-15 composite modified glassy carbon electrode was observed, and the electrode reactions showed a surface-controlled process with a single proton transfer at a scan rate range from 20 to 1,000 mV/s. The sensor showed a fast amperometric response, a low detection limit (2.3 × 10⁻⁹ M) and good stability for the detection of H₂O₂. The electrochemical results indicated that the immobilized Hb still retained its biological activity.     

A solid-contact Pb2+-selective polymeric membrane electrode with Nafion-doped poly(pyrrole) as ion-to-electron transducer

Conducting polymer poly(pyrrole) (PPy) doped with Nafion was successfully used as ion-to-electron transducer in the construction of a solid-contact Pb²⁺-selective polymeric membrane electrode. The Nafion dopant can effectively increase the capacitance of the conducting polymer and improve the mechanical robustness of the coating. The transducer layer, PPy-Nafion, characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, exhibits a sufficiently high bulk (redox) capacitance and fast ion and electron transport process. The new Pb²⁺-selective polymeric membrane electrode, based on PPy-Nafion film as solid contact, shows stable Nernstian characteristics in Pb(NO₃)₂ solution within the concentration range of 1.0 × 10⁻⁷–1.0 × 10⁻³ M, and the detection limit is 4.3 × 10⁻⁸ M. The potential stability of the electrode and the influence of the interfacial water layer were also evaluated by chronopotentiometry and potentiometric water layer test, respectively. The results show that the solid-contact Pb²⁺-selective electrode, based on PPy-Nafion film as ion-to-electron transducer, can effectively overcome the potential drift and reduce the water layer between the PPy-Nafion transducer layer and the ion-selective membrane.     

Synthesis,structure, and electric properties of oxygen-deficient perovskites Ba<Subscript>3</Subscript>In<Subscript>2</Subscript>ZrO<Subscript>8</Subscript> and Ba<Subscript>4</Subscript>In<Subscript>2</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>11</Subscript>

Perovskite phases Ba₃In₂ZrO₈ and Ba₄In₂Zr₂O₁₁ with the nominal concentration of structural oxygen vacancies 1/9 and 1/12, respectively, were synthesized by solid-phase and solution methods. X-ray diffraction showed cubic symmetry of both phases with the unit cell parameter a = 0.4193(2) and 0.4204(3) nm, respectively. The absence of superstructural lines resulted in the conclusion on statistical arrangement of oxygen vacancies. Thermogravimetry and mass spectrometry proved that both phases can reversibly absorb water from gas phase (pH₂O = 2 × 10⁻² atm) with observed correlation between the concentration of oxygen vacancies and amount of absorbed water. The total water amount was up to 0.9 mol per formula unit or, if recalculated for perovskite unit ABO₃, 0.3 and 0.23 mol H₂O, respectively. The temperature curves of coductivity in the atmosphere with various partial water vapor pressures (pH₂O = 3 × 10⁻⁵ and 2 × 10⁻² atm) showed significantly higher conductivity and lower activation energy (0.52 eV) in humid atmosphere due to proton transfer. The proton conductivity is up to 5 × 10⁻⁴ Ohm⁻¹ cm⁻¹ at 300°C for Ba₃In₂ZrO₈ specimen. IR spectrometry showed that protons in the structure exist primarily in OH-groups.     

Aqueous sol–gel processing of precursor oxides for ZrW<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>8</Subscript> synthesis

This paper describes the synthesis of ZrW₂O₈ by the use of an aqueous citrate-gel method in order to prepare a fine, pure and homogeneous oxide mixture suitable for ceramic processing. The thermal expansion coefficient thus obtained for α-ZrW₂O₈ is −10.6 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹ (50–125 °C) whereas for the β-ZrW₂O₈ a value of −3.2 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹ (200–300 °C) is obtained. The advantages of the use of a sol–gel method is expressed in the very homogeneous end-products. The paper describes crystallographic data, morphological structure and the thermal expansion properties of the ZrW₂O₈ material. Moreover, photoluminescence and photochromic properties specific to the precursor gel are described and analyzed. These effects support our views that the precursors show homogeneity up to nanometer level.     

Determination of europium by using the chemical oscillating system of Ce(IV)-KBrO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-acetone-oxalic acid-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

A sensitive and convenient method for the determination of trace europium ions using an oscillating chemical reaction involving Ce(IV) - KBrO₃ - acetone - oxalic acid - H₂SO₄ was proposed. The results indicated that the changes in oscillating period (T) was linearly proportional to the negative logarithmic concentration of Eu³⁺ (-log C) in the range of 1.41 × 10⁻⁸ ˜ 1.41 × 10⁻⁴ mol L⁻¹ (r = 0.9982) with a detection limit of 1.04 × 10⁻⁹ mol L⁻¹. The recoveries were limited to the range of 99.5% to 100.8%. Under the same conditions, other rare earth ions did not interfere with the determination of Eu³⁺. In addition, a perturbation mechanism was also discussed briefly.      

A kinetic study of the oxidation of <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-methionine by water soluble colloidal MnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Aqueous solution of water soluble colloidal MnO₂ was prepared by Perez-Benito method. Kinetics of l-methionine oxidation by colloidal MnO₂ in perchloric acid (0.93 × 10⁻⁴ to 3.72 × 10⁻⁴ mol dm⁻³) has been studied spectrophotometrically. The reaction follows first-order kinetics with respect to [H⁺]. The first-order kinetics with respect to l-methionine at low concentration shifts to zero order at higher concentration. The effects of [Mn(II)] and [F⁻] on the reaction rate were also determined. Manganese (II) has sigmoidal effect on the rate reaction and act as auto catalyst. The exact dependence on [Mn(II)] cannot be explained due to its oxidation by colloidal MnO₂. Methionine sulfoxide was formed as the oxidation product of l-methionine. Ammonia and carbon dioxide have not been identified as the reaction products. The mechanism with the observed kinetics has been proposed and discussed.     

Kinetic studies on the hydrogenation of nitrate in water using Rh/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and Rh-Cu/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalysts

Liquid-phase reduction NO ₃ ⁻ using monometallic and bimetallic catalysts (5% Rh/Al₂O₃, 5% Rh-0.5% Cu/Al₂O₃, 5% Rh-1.5% Cu/Al₂O₃, 5% Rh-5% Cu/Al₂O₃ and a physical mixture of 5% Rh/Al₂O₃ and 1.5% Cu/Al₂O₃) was studied in a slurry reactor operating at atmospheric pressure. Kinetic measurements were performed for a low concentration of nitrate (0.4 × 10⁻³−3.2 × 10⁻³ mol dm⁻³) and the temperature range 293–313 K. From the experimental data, it was found that the reduction of nitrate is first order with respect to nitrate. On the basis of the rate constants, the apparent activation energy was established using a graphic method. Published in Russian in Kinetika i Kataliz, 2007, Vol. 48, No. 6, pp. 881–886. This article was submitted by the authors in English.     

Preparation and electrochemical performance of nano-structured Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript> for supercapacitor

Nano-structured spinel Li₂Mn₄O₉ powder was prepared via a combustion method with hydrated lithium acetate (LiAc·2H₂O), manganese acetate (MnAc₂·4H₂O), and oxalic acid (C₂H₂O₄·2H₂O) as raw materials, followed by calcination of the precursor at 300 °C. The sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques. Electrochemical performance of the nano-Li₂Mn₄O₉ material was studied using cyclic voltammetry, ac impedance, and galvanostatic charge/discharge methods in 2 mol L⁻¹ LiNO₃ aqueous electrolyte. The results indicated that the nano-Li₂Mn₄O₉ material exhibited excellent electrochemical performance in terms of specific capacity, cycle life, and charge/discharge stability, as evidenced by the charge/discharge results. For example, specific capacitance of the single Li₂Mn₄O₉ electrode reached 407 F g⁻¹ at the scan rates of 5 mV s⁻¹. The capacitor, which is composed of activated carbon negative electrode and Li₂Mn₄O₉ positive electrode, also exhibits an excellent cycling performance in potential range of 0–1.6 V and keeps over 98% of the maximum capacitance even after 4,000 cycles.     

Second Dissociation Constant of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>Te and the Absorption Spectra of HTe<Superscript>–</Superscript>, Te<Superscript>2–</Superscript> and Te<Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>2–</Superscript> in Aqueous Solution

We have measured the second acid dissociation constant, K _2a , at several ionic strengths for hydrogen telluride (H₂Te) using the Charge Transfer to Solvent (CTTS) uv spectra of its anions HTe⁻ and Te²⁻. Since it is produced in our solutions, we have also determined the spectra of Te₂ ²⁻ both in the uv and in the visible regions. At 25 ^∘C, K _2a = (1.28 ± 0.02) × 10⁻¹² by extrapolation to zero ionic strength. Its value at an ionic strength equal to 0.5 mol.dm^-3 was estimated to be (8.7 ± 0.2) × 10⁻¹². The solution thermodynamics of these species are also discussed and comparisons are made to related acids.     

The impedance of the Ag-CeF<Subscript>3</Subscript>/CeF<Subscript>3</Subscript> bicrystal-Ag system

The impedance spectra of CeF₃/CeF₃ bicrystal (two single crystals separated by a single intercrystalline boundary) between Ag-electrodes are studied over a 135 to 410 K temperature interval (including temperatures below room temperature). The bicrystal was prepared by thermal-diffusion welding under a pressure of 1.5 × 10⁷ Pa at 1473 K in vacuum (∼10⁻² Pa). It is shown that the intercrystalline boundary affects but insignificantly the bicrystal bulk impedance. The CeF₃/CeF₃ ionic conductivity is 3 × 10⁻⁶ S/cm at 293 K; it is mainly determined by transfer processes in the single crystal bulk.     

Lithium-conducting solid electrolytes of Li<Subscript>4</Subscript>GeO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Li<Subscript>3</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript> system with additions of zirconium ions

The effect of partial substitution of Zr⁴⁺ ions for Ge4+ ions in highly conducting lithium-cationic solid electrolyte Li_3.75Ge_0.75P_0.25O₄ is studied. It is found that the introduction of zirconium ions considerably raises the conductivity of basic electrolyte in the high-temperature range. For the optimal composition, the conductivity is 2.82 × 10⁻¹ S cm⁻¹ at 400°C and 1.55 S cm⁻¹ at 700°C. Possible reasons for the effects are discussed.     

Sensitive and Simple Electrochemical Detection of Lead(II) with Carbon Ionic Liquid Electrode

In this paper a carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) was fabricated by using ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ethylsulphate ([EMIM]EtOSO₃) as the modifier and further used as the working electrode for the sensitive anodic stripping voltammetric detection of Pb²⁺. The characteristics of the CILE were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In pH 4.5 NaAc‐HAc buffer Pb²⁺ was accumulated on the surface of CILE due to the extraction effect of IL and reduced at a negative potential (‐1.20 V). Then the reduced Pb was oxidized by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry with an obvious stripping peak appeared at ?0.67 V. Under the optimal conditions Pb²⁺ could be detected in the concentration range from 1.0 × 10^?8 mol/L to 1.0 × 10^?6 mol/L with the linear regression equation as I_p(μA) = ?0.103 C (μmol/L) + 0.0376 (γ = 0.999) and the detection limit as 3.0 × l0^?9 mol/L (3σ). Interferences from other metal ions were investigated and Cd²⁺ could be simultaneously detected in the mixture solution. The proposed method was further applied to the trace levels of Pb²⁺ detection in water samples with satisfactory results.     

Preparation and characterization of the Ti/IrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/WO<Subscript>3</Subscript> as supercapacitor electrode materials

WO₃ films have been prepared onto IrO₂-coated Ti substrate by electro-deposition, and as-deposited and annealed films have been characterized by using Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the asdeposited film consists of orthorhombic WO₃ · H₂O phase, which transforms to amorphous WO₃ by annealing at 250°C and to monoclinic phase by annealing at and above 350°C. All electrochemical experiments were carried on Ti/IrO₂/WO₃ annealed at 450°C. The open-circuit potential could change significantly due to the hydration of the coating film. However this process is fairly slow. Reproducible voltammograms could be obtained quickly, further revealing high electrochemical stability of the Ti/IrO₂/WO₃ electrode. And the shapes of CV show the approximate rectangular mirror image, showing the typical characteristic of capacitive behavior. The specific capacitance obtained at a scan rate of 50 mV s⁻¹ is 46 F g⁻¹.