Charge storage mechanism of copper hexacyanoferrate nanocubes for supercapacitors

The widely accepted theory concerning the electrochemical energy storage mechanism of copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF) for supercapacitors is that CuHCF stores charge by the reversible redox processes of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ couple and Cu cations are electrochemically inactive. In this work, CuHCF nanocubes (CuHCF-NC) were synthesized in the presence of potassium citrate and its electrochemical properties were tentatively studied in 1 mol/L Na₂SO₄ aqueous electrolyte. Good supercapacitive performance was exhibited. The combined analyses of cyclic voltammogram (CV) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) disclosed that the CuHCF nanocubes underwent the redox reactions of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ couples to store charges. The Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ redox couple was activated due to the strong coordination interaction between the carboxylate groups of citrate ions and surface Cu cations.     

Influence of different copper(II) salts on the oxidation and doping reactions of emeraldine base polyaniline

A spectroscopic investigation of the products formed in the reaction of emeraldine base (EB-PANI) with copper(II) ions in dimethylacetamide (DMA) is presented. It is well known that metal cations can dope emeraldine base polyaniline (EB-PANI) through a pseudo-protonation reaction. Resonance Raman, UV–vis-NIR, and EPR data, obtained for Cu²⁺/EB-PANI solutions prepared using CuCl₂·2 H₂O, Cu(NO₃)₂· 3 H₂O or Cu(CH₃COO)₂·H₂O as Cu²⁺ sources, showed that the species formed in reactions of EB-PANI and Cu²⁺ ions are dependent on the anions of the copper salt employed. EPR spectra pointed out that the environments of Cu²⁺ ions with acetate, chloride or nitrate as anions in DMA solution are distinct. Resonance Raman and UV–vis-NIR data demonstrated that the main reactions are the oxidation of EB-PANI to pernigraniline base (PB-PANI) and doping of EB-PANI to ES-PANI (emeraldine salt) when a direct coordination of Cu²⁺ ions to PANI exists. With nitrate as very weak coordinating anion, ES-PANI is formed preferentially. When copper chloride is used, both oxidation and doping of EB-PANI are verified. Conversely with acetate, the dimeric cage structure of this copper salt is preserved in solution, and oxidation of EB-PANI to PB-PANI is the only observed reaction. These results demonstrate the possibility of modulating the products of reaction between Cu²⁺ ions and EB-PANI in DMA solution by changing the counter ion of the Cu²⁺ source.     

Zeolite ZSM-5 containing copper ions: The effect of the copper salt anion and NH<Subscript>4</Subscript>OH/Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> ratio on the state of the copper ions and on the reactivity of the zeolite in DeNO<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>

Isotherms of copper cation sorption by H-ZSM-5 zeolite from aqueous and aqueous ammonia solutions of copper acetate, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate are considered in terms of Langmuir’s monomolecular adsorption model. Using UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and temperatureprogrammed reduction with hydrogen and carbon monoxide, it has been demonstrated that the electronic state of the copper ions is determined by the ion exchange and heat treatment conditions. The state of the copper ions has an effect on the redox properties and reactivity of the Cu-ZSM-5 catalysts in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with propane and in N₂O decomposition. The amount of Cu²⁺ that is sorbed by zeolite H-ZSM-5 from aqueous solution and is stabilized as isolated Cu²⁺ cations in cationexchange sites of the zeolite depends largely on the copper salt anion. The quantity of Cu(II) cations sorbed from aqueous solutions of copper salts of strong acids is smaller than the quantity of the same cations sorbed from the copper acetate solution. When copper chloride or sulfate is used, the zeolite is modified by the chloride or sulfate anion. Because of the presence of these anions, the redox properties and nitrogen oxides removal (DeNO _x ) efficiency of the Cu-ZSM-5 catalysts prepared using the copper salts of strong acids are worse than the same characteristics of the sample prepared using the copper acetate solution. The addition of ammonia to the aqueous solutions of copper salts diminishes the copper salt anion effect on the amount of Cu(II) sorbed from these solutions and hampers the nonspecific sorption of anions on the zeolite surface. As a consequence, the redox and DeNO _x properties of Cu-ZSM-5 depend considerably on the NH₄OH/Cu²⁺ ratio in the solution used in ion exchange. The aqueous ammonia solutions of the copper salts with NH₄OH/Cu²⁺ = 6–10 stabilize, in the Cu-ZSM-5 structure, Cu²⁺ ions bonded with extraframework oxygen, which are more active in DeNO _x than isolated Cu²⁺ ions (which form at NH4OH/Cu2+ = 30) or nanosized CuO particles (which form at NH₄OH/Cu²⁺ = 3).     

Bis(tetraethylthiophosphoramidoyl)methylamine as an electrochemical ligand for the simultaneous detection of iron and copper bivalent cations

A new thiophosphoramide-based electrochemical ligand was synthesized and used as a bivalent metallic cation sensor. Electrochemical studies reveal a sensitive detection process toward various cations such as Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Ca²⁺. The chelation process was accompanied by dramatic changes in the redox properties of the free ligand. Interestingly, the ligand shows a simultaneous sensing behavior towards iron and copper cations. The oxidation peak potentials of the two complexes can be well separated, allowing sensitive detection. Furthermore, UV–Visible spectra showed redshifts of absorbance bands of the free ligand in the presence of cations due to the coordination of the thiophosphoryl groups. Electrochemical and UV–Visible studies confirmed that the metal-ligand complexes have 1:2 stoichiometry.     

Mediated electrochemical synthesis of copper nanoparticles in solution

Environmentally friendly mediated electrochemical synthesis of copper nanoparticles in the solution using a copper anode as a source of copper ions has been realized for the first time. It is shown that at the potential of the redox pair MV²⁺/MV?⁺ methylviologen MV²⁺ is able to mediate a reduction of Cu²⁺ ions in 60% aqueous DMF/0.1 M Bu₄NBF₄. Copper nanoparticles build large aggregates (200—250 nm) in the absence of a stabilizer. The use of polyvinylpyrrolidone as a stabilizer makes it possible to obtain smaller copper nanoparticles (20—50 nm) of spherical and oval shape and to characterize them by physicochemical methods.     

The Glutathione/Metallothionein System Challenges the Design of Efficient O2‐Activating Copper Complexes

Copper complexes are of medicinal and biological interest, including as anticancer drugs designed to cleave intracellular biomolecules by O₂ activation. To exhibit such activity, the copper complex must be redox active and resistant to dissociation. Metallothioneins (MTs) and glutathione (GSH) are abundant in the cytosol and nucleus. Because they are thiol‐rich reducing molecules with high Cu^I affinity, they are potential competitors for a copper ion bound in a copper drug. Herein, we report the investigation of a panel of Cu^I/Cu^II complexes often used as drugs, with diverse coordination chemistries and redox potentials. We evaluated their catalytic activity in ascorbate oxidation based on redox cycling between Cu^I and Cu^II, as well as their resistance to dissociation or inactivation under cytosolically relevant concentrations of GSH and MT. O₂‐activating Cu^I/Cu^II complexes for cytosolic/nuclear targets are generally not stable against the GSH/MT system, which creates a challenge for their future design.     

The Glutathione/Metallothionein System Challenges the Design of Efficient O2-Activating Copper Complexes

Copper complexes are of medicinal and biological interest, including as anticancer drugs designed to cleave intracellular biomolecules by O₂ activation. To exhibit such activity, the copper complex must be redox active and resistant to dissociation. Metallothioneins (MTs) and glutathione (GSH) are abundant in the cytosol and nucleus. Because they are thiol-rich reducing molecules with high Cu^I affinity, they are potential competitors for a copper ion bound in a copper drug. Herein, we report the investigation of a panel of Cu^I/Cu^II complexes often used as drugs, with diverse coordination chemistries and redox potentials. We evaluated their catalytic activity in ascorbate oxidation based on redox cycling between Cu^I and Cu^II, as well as their resistance to dissociation or inactivation under cytosolically relevant concentrations of GSH and MT. O₂-activating Cu^I/Cu^II complexes for cytosolic/nuclear targets are generally not stable against the GSH/MT system, which creates a challenge for their future design.     

Stabilization of copper nanoparticles prepared by reduction from solutions of poly(acrylic acid) complexes with Cu2+ ions and poly(ethylene glycols)

Copper sols are prepared via the reduction of copper ions with hydrazine borane in dilute aqueous solutions of mixtures of the PAA-Cu²⁺ complex and poly(ethylene glycols) of various molecular masses at PEG: PAA = 0.25 base-mol/base-mol and PAA: Cu²⁺ = 10 base-mol/mol in the pH range 4.0–7.0. The stability of sols against oxidation (dissolution) or aggregation (enlargement) of metal nanoparticles is much higher than that of sols prepared in the absence of PEG. With an increase in the initial pH or a decrease in the molecular mass of PEG, the formed copper nanoparticles are much larger (no less than 20 nm in diameter) than copper nanoparticles occurring in the sol prepared in a solution of the PAA double complex with Cu²⁺ ions and high-molecular-mass PEG at a low initial pH (3–10 nm in diameter). Copper nanoparticles in sols prepared in solutions of complexes based on the high-molecular-mass PEG do not aggregate during exposure, thereby indicating the high stability of polymer screens on their surfaces.     

Selective extraction and release using (EDTA-Ni)-layered double hydroxide coupled with catalytic oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine for sensitive detection of copper ion

Copper is an important heavy metal in various biological processes. Many methods have been developed for detecting of copper ions (Cu²⁺) in aqueous samples. However, an easy, cheap, selective and sensitive method is still desired. In this study, a selective extraction-release-catalysis approach has been developed for sensitive detection of copper ion. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) chelated with nickel ion (Ni²⁺) were intercalated in a layered double hydroxide via a co-precipitation reaction. The product was subsequently applied as sorbent in dispersive solid-phase extraction for the enrichment of Cu²⁺ at pH 6. Since Cu²⁺ has a stronger complex formation constant with EDTA, Ni²⁺ exchanged with Cu²⁺ selectively. The resulting sorbent containing Cu²⁺ was transferred to catalyze the 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine oxidation reaction, since Cu²⁺ could be released by the sorbent effectively and has high catalytic ability for the reaction. Blue light emitted from the oxidation product was measured by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry for the determination of Cu²⁺. The extraction temperature, extraction time, and catalysis time were optimized. The results showed that this method provided a low limit of detection of 10 nM, a wide linear range (0.05–100 μM) and good linearity (r² = 0.9977). The optimized conditions were applied to environmental water samples. Using Cu²⁺ as an example, this work provided a new and interesting approach for the convenient and efficient detection of metal cations in aqueous samples.     

Electrochemical and spectral characterization of blue copper protein models

Blue copper proteins play a central role in various enzymatic anabolic/catabolic pathways in living cells by virtue of the integrated metal ions. These ions may exist in variable oxidation states, with suitable reduction potentials and fast electron-transfer rates which in turn is a manifestation of their unusual geometry and co-ordination. We report the electrochemical and spectral characterization of three novel complexes of copper (II) with N₂S type tridentate chelating agent 2,2′-dithiodianiline (dta), having structural similarities to the active site of Type I copper proteins. High positive redox potentials in the range of 0.5–0.6 V vs Ag/AgCl electrode of the complexes and the absorption maxima at ～550 nm, with high extinction coefficients, correspond well with typical blue copper proteins. The IR and EPR studies support the assigned pseudo tetrahedral structures to the complexes. The diffusion coefficient and rate constant for heterogeneous charge transfer for Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ coordinated in a potentially bio-mimetic Type I site is reported.     

Copper Versus Thioether‐Centered Oxidation: Mechanistic Insights into the Non‐Innocent Redox Behavior of Tripodal Benzimidazolylaminothioether Ligands

A series of Cu⁺ complexes with ligands that feature varying numbers of benzimidazole/thioether donors and methylene or ethylene linkers between the central nitrogen atom and the thioether sulfur atoms have been spectroscopically and electrochemically characterized. Cyclic voltammetry measurements indicated that the highest Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ redox potentials correspond to sulfur‐rich coordination environments, with values decreasing as the thioether donors are replaced by nitrogen‐donating benzimidazoles. Both Cu²⁺ and Cu⁺ complexes were studied by DFT. Their electronic properties were determined by analyzing their frontier orbitals, relative energies, and the contributions to the orbitals involved in redox processes, which revealed that the HOMOs of the more sulfur‐rich copper complexes, particularly those with methylene linkers (? N? CH₂? S? ), show significant aromatic thioether character. Thus, the theoretically predicted initial oxidation at the sulfur atom of the methylene‐bridged ligands agrees with the experimentally determined oxidation waves in the voltammograms of the NS₃‐ and N₂S₂‐type ligands as being ligand‐based, as opposed to the copper‐based processes of the ethylene‐bridged Cu⁺ complexes. The electrochemical and theoretical results are consistent with our previously reported mechanistic proposal for Cu²⁺‐promoted oxidative C? S bond cleavage, which in this work resulted in the isolation and complete characterization (including by X‐ray crystallography) of the decomposition products of two ligands employed, further supporting the novel reactivity pathway invoked. The combined results raise the possibility that the reactions of copper–thioether complexes in chemical and biochemical systems occur with redox participation of the sulfur atom.     

New approaches to the preparation of highly efficient chromium-containing oxide catalysts for the water gas shift reaction

It was found experimentally that the solutions of Cr³⁺ nitrate and the nitrates of other metals that are the constituents of Cr-containing catalysts can be prepared by dissolving a corresponding metal (for example, cast iron and electrolytic copper) in a solution of chromic anhydride and nitric acid to reach the quantitative reduction of Cr⁶⁺ without the formation of nitrogen oxides. Analogously, the oxidation of Fe²⁺ cations to Fe³⁺ coupled with the reduction of hexavalent chromium can be performed. The precipitation of Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺, and Cu²⁺ ions at a ratio of Fe: Cr = 9 and a concentration of Cu²⁺ to 20 at % can result in the formation of a partially hydrated oxide with the hydrohematite structure—a dispersed and highly defective oxide structure with a high specific surface area more than 300 m²/g and a higher thermal stability, as compared with the goethite phase (α-FeOOH). The dehydration of hydrohematite occurred at a noticeable rate at temperatures higher than 400°C. Hydrohematite promoted with copper cations exhibited high activity below 400°C; this can decrease the starting temperature of the adiabatic high-temperature WGSR to 300°C or below.     

Determination of lead in solution with a piezoelectric quartz crystal coated with copper oleate

Copper(II) oleate was coated on a piezoelectric quartz crystal, and the copper removed by passing EDTA solution. The remaining coating reacted with aluminium, copper(II), iron(III) and lead ions in a flowing acidic solution, to form absorbed compounds which changed the frequency of the crystal. Lead (3–40 μM) could be determined at pH 5.5–5.8 with good reproducibility. Interfering metal ions (Al³⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺) were masked with acetylacetone.     

Response Characteristics of Copper‐Selective Polymer Membrane Electrodes Based on a Newly Synthesized Macrocyclic Calix[4]arene Derivative as a Neutral Carrier Ionophore

A novel macrocyclic calix[4]arene derivative was examined as an ionophore for ion‐selective polymeric membrane electrode toward Cu⁺² ions. The sensor showed a near Nernstian response for Cu(II) ions over a concentration range from 8.1×10^?6 to 1.0×10^?2 mol L^?1 with a slope of 34.2±0.4 mV per concentration decade in an acidic solution (pH 5). The limit of detection was 0.47 µg mL^?1. It had a response time of <20 s and can be used for at least 3 months without any divergence in potentials. The influence of plasticizer as well as the amount of lipophilic anionic site additive in the sensing membrane was discussed. It was shown that membrane electrodes formulated with the ionophore and appropriate anionic additive exhibited enhanced potentiometric response toward Cu²⁺ over all other cations tested. Since selectivity toward Cu²⁺ ions is decreased in the presence of high amount of the anionic additive, the ionophore can function as neutral carriers within the organic membrane phase. Validation of the assay method revealed good performance characteristics, including long life span, good selectivity for Cu²⁺ ions over a wide variety of other metal ions, long term response stability, and high reproducibility. The sensors were used for direct measurement of copper content in different rocks collected from different geological zones. The results agreed fairly well with data obtained using atomic absorption spectrometry.     

Catalytic wet air oxidation of 2-nitrotoluidine and 2,4-dinitrotoluene

The rates of wet air oxidation of 2-nitrotoluidine and 2,4-dinitrotoluene in the presence of excess oxygen and at different temperatures and oxygen pressures was investigated. Oxidation experiments were carried out at temperatures between 180 and 225^oC and oxygen partial pressures of 1,0-3,0 MPa, in a 280 mL glass vessel-inserted stainless steel reactor. Copper sulfate (CuSO₄ .5H₂O) was used as a catalyst, and the effect of catalyst loading was studied by varying the concentration: 0.75, 2.5 and 25 mg/L as Cu²⁺. Addition of Cu²⁺ ions in the reaction media accelerated 2-nitrotoluidine oxidation nearly ten times even if it exists in trace amount in the reaction medium (0.75 ppm Cu²⁺). Unfortunately copper did not show catalytic effect for the oxidation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Bis(homoleptische) vs. heteroleptische Kupfer(I)-Komplexe: Elektrosynthese,Spektroskopie und Kristallstruktur von {[Cu(BIK)2]+}2{[Cu4(SR)6]2−} · 3(CH3CN) · (RSH); BIK = Bis(N-methylimidazol-2-yl)keton,R = o-Tolyl

Bis(homoleptic) vs. Heteroleptic Copper(I) Complexes: Electrosynthesis, Spectroscopy, and Crystal Structure of {[Cu(BIK)₂]⁺}₂{[Cu₄(SR)₆]^2?} · 3(CH₃CN) · (RSH); BIK = Bis(2-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone, R = o-Tolyl Anodic oxidation of copper in acetonitrile/2 mM tetrabutylammonium perchlorate and in the presence of bis(N-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone (BIK) and excess o-thiocresol RSH yields the title compound as main product. Whereas the dianionic cluster [Cu₄(SR)₆]^2? is similar to previously reported such species with R = phenyl or methyl, the purple cations [Cu(BIK)₂]⁺ exhibit spectroscopic and structural effects of π back bonding between electron-rich Cu¹ and the π acceptor ligand BIK. In contrast to the formally related [Zn(BIK)₂]²⁺, the copper(I) complex cations exhibit distorted tetrahedral structures with almost coplanar BIK chelate arrangements which ensures maximum metal-ligand π interaction.     

Molecular Machines: Stimulation of Cation Motion in Molecular Switches

The theoretical aspects of the mechanism of the motion of cations and ligands in molecular machines referred to as redox switches are presented. The interrelated properties of cations—the energetic, electrochemical, spectral, and magnetic properties; their propensity to form either covalent or ionic bonds; and the relative softness and hardness of cations and ligands—stimulate molecular motion. These properties determine the thermal stability and stability to destruction caused by electrochemical processes and, eventually, the maximal number of transformation cycles. The maximal efficiency of redox switches is attained when the redox reaction involves a cation with a half-filled (d ⁵, f ⁷) or complete (d ¹⁰, f ¹⁴) electronic shell. The role of the Jahn-Teller effect is considered: it is responsible for geometry distortion, which stimulates cation motion. The properties of nd and 4f cations are compared from the standpoint of their use for designing redox switches. In switches constructed on the basis of supramolecular compounds containing hard and soft moieties, softer cations (Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu⁺, etc.) prefer to coordinate to soft ligands and harder cations (Fe³⁺, Co³⁺, Cu²⁺, etc.) prefer to coordinate to hard ligands. A cation moves due to the soft-hard change of its coordination sphere in the course of the redox reaction. Design of redox switches based on solid compounds with a cation in mixed oxidation state is shown to be promising. Cations can change their oxidation state with a change in temperature or pressure. The possibility of designing “magnetic switches” is considered.     

Syntheses,structures of N‐(substituted)‐2‐aza‐[3]‐ferrocenophanes and their application as redox sensor for Cu2+ ion

Rigid N‐(substituted)‐2‐aza‐[3]‐ferrocenophanes L1 and L2 were easily synthesized from 1,1 ‐dicarboxyaldehydeferrocene and the corresponding amines. Ligands L1 and L2 were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The coordination abilities of L1 and L2 with metal ions such as Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical shift (ΔE_1/2) of 125 mV was observed in the presence of Cu²⁺ ion, while no significant shift of the Fc/Fc + couple was observed when Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ metal ions were added to the solution of L1 in the mixture of MeOH and H₂O. Moreover, the extent of the anodic shift of redox potentials was approximately equal to that induced by Cu²⁺ alone when a mixture of Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ was added to a solution of L1. Ligand L1 was proved to selectively sense Cu²⁺ in the presence of large, excessive first‐row transition and late‐transition metal cations. The coordination model was proposed from the results of controlled experiments and quantum calculations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of New Specific Copper Chelators as Potential Drugs for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

The non‐controlled redox‐active metal ions, especially copper, in the brain of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) should be considered at the origin of the intense oxidative damage in the AD brain. Several bis(8‐aminoquinoline) ligands, such as 1 and PA1637, are able to chelate Cu²⁺ with high affinity, and are specific chelators of copper with respect to iron and zinc. They are able to efficiently extract Cu²⁺ from a metal‐loaded amyloid. In addition, these tetradentate ligands are specific for the chelation of Cu²⁺ compared with Cu⁺. Consequently, the copper ion is easily released from the bis(8‐aminoquinoline) ligand under reductive conditions, and can be trapped again by a protein having some affinity for copper such as human serum albumin (HSA) proteins. In addition, the copper is not efficiently released from [Cu(CQ)₂] in reductive conditions. The catalytic production of H₂O₂ by [Cu²⁺‐Aβ_1?28]/ascorbate is inhibited in vitro by the bis(8‐aminoquinoline) 1 , suggesting that 1 should be able to play a protective role against oxidative damages induced by copper‐loaded amyloids.     

Luminescent CdSe-ZnS quantum dots as selective Cu2+ probe

Luminescent CdSe-ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were modified with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and used as selective copper ion probe. The fluorescence of the water-soluble QDs can be quenched only by Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ in physiological buffer solution. Approximate concentrations of other physiologically important cations, such as Zn²⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ etc. have no effect on the fluorescence. Adding F⁻ to form the colorless complex FeF₆³⁻ can eliminate the interference of Fe³⁺. The detection limit of Cu²⁺ ions was 10 nM. The results can be explained in terms of strong binding of Cu²⁺ onto the surface of CdSe resulting in a chemical displacement of Cd²⁺ ions and the formation of CuSe on the surface of the QDs.