Functionalization of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Cubic Prussian Blue and Its Application for Amperometric Sensing

In this work, we synthesized electroactive cubic Prussian blue (PB) modified single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) nanocomposites using the mixture solution of ferric‐(III) chloride and potassium ferricyanide under ambient conditions. The successful fabrication of the PB‐SWNTs nanocomposites was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). PB nanocrystallites are observed to be finely attached on the SWNTs sidewalls in which the SWNTs not only act as a carrier of PB nanocrystallites but also as Fe(III)‐reducer. The electrochemical properties of PB‐SWNTs nanocomposites were also investigated. Using the electrodeposition technique, a thin film of PB‐SWNTs/chitosan nanocomposites was prepared onto glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the construction of a H₂O₂ sensor. PB‐SWNTs/chitosan nanocomposites film shows enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of H₂O₂ and the amperometric responses show a linear dependence on the concentration of H₂O₂ in a range of 0.5–27.5 mM and a low detection limit of 10 nM at the signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3. The time required to reach the 95% steady state response was less than 2 s. CV studies demonstrate that the modified electrode has outstanding stability. In addition, a glucose biosensor is further developed through the simple one‐step electrodeposition method. The observed wide concentration range, high stability and high reproducibility of the PB‐SWNTs/chitosan nanocomposites film make them promising for the reliable and durable detection of H₂O₂ and glucose.     

Synthesis of Ag Nanoparticle Doped MnO2/GO Nanocomposites at a Gas/Liquid Interface and its Application in H2O2 Detection

Ag/MnO₂/GO nanocomposites were synthesized via the method of gas/liquid interface based on silver mirror reaction, and a non‐enzymatic H₂O₂ sensor was fabricated through immobilizing Ag/MnO₂/GO nanocomposites on GCE. The composition and morphology of the nanocomposites were studied by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electrochemical investigation indicated that it exhibited a favorable performance for the H₂O₂ detection. Its linear detection range was from 3 μM to 7 mM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9960; the sensitivity was 105.40 μA mM^?1 cm^?2 and the detection limit was estimated to be 0.7 μM at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3.     

A Non‐Enzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor Based on Ag/MnOOH Nanocomposites

A novel non‐enzymatic sensor based on Ag/MnOOH nanocomposites was developed for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The H₂O₂ sensor was fabricated by immobilizing Ag/MnOOH nanocomposites on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The morphology and composition of the sensor surface were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy. The electrochemical investigation of the sensor indicates that it possesses an excellent electrocatalytic property for H₂O₂, and could detect H₂O₂ in a linear range from 5.0 µM to 12.8 mM with a detection limit of 1.5 µM at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3, a response time of 2 s and a sensitivity of 32.57 µA mM^?1 cm^?2. Additionally, the sensor exhibits good anti‐interference. The good analytical performance, low cost and straightforward preparation method made this novel electrode material promising for the development of effective non‐enzymatic H₂O₂ sensor.     

A New Amperometric Hydrazine Sensor Based on Prussian Blue/Single‐walled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites

A slow reaction process has been successfully used to synthesize Prussian blue/single‐walled carbon nanotubes (PB/SWNTs) nanocomposites. Electrochemical and surface characterization by cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of PB nanocrystallites on SWNTs. PB/SWNTs modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) exhibits efficient electron transfer ability and high electrochemical response towards hydrazine. The fabricated hydrazine sensor showed a wide linear range of 2.0×10^?6–6.0×10^?3 M with a response time less than 4 s and a detection limit of 0.5 μM. PB/SWNTs modified electrochemical sensors are promising candidates for cost‐effective in the hydrazine assays.     

Iron oxide on carbon‐based supports as efficient catalysts for organic compounds oxidation

For the first time, iron oxide on carbon aerogel, amine functionalized carbon nanotube, black carbon and carboxylic acid functionalized carbon nanotube in the presence of H₂O₂ was reported as an efficient and stable catalyst for the selective oxidation of sulfides and alcohols. The catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy. In the next step, catalytic reactivity toward sulfide to sulfoxide and alcohol to aldehyde/ketone oxidation in the presence of H₂O₂ was studied and discussed.     

Direct Electrochemistry of Cytochrome c Based on Poly(diallyldimethylammonium Chloride)‐ Graphene Nanosheets/Gold Nanoparticles Hybrid Nanocomposites and Its Biosensing

A novel biosensor was developed by entrapping cytochrome c (Cyt c) in thin films of the room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) containing nanocomposites of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)‐graphene nanosheets‐gold nanoparticles (PDDA‐Gp‐AuNPs) at a 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid‐6‐mercapto‐1‐hexanol modified gold electrode. The synthesized PDDA‐Gp‐AuNPs hybrid nanocomposites were characterized by UV‐vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The PDDA‐Gp‐AuNPs nanocomposites could increase the effective surface of the electrode, enhance the fixed amount of Cyt c on the electrode surface, promote the electron transfer and facilitate the catalytic activity of Cyt c. The RTIL could provide a biocompatible microenvironment to keep Cyt c biological activities, act as an effective mediator to immobilize a large number of Cyt c on the electrode and have good conductivity to improve electron transfer. Therefore, the resultant electrode exhibited good electrochemical performance and electrocatalytic activity. It could be used for electrochemical detection of H₂O₂ with rapid response, high sensitivity, wide linear range and low detection limit, as well as good stability, repeatability and selectivity. The sensor might be promising for practical application.     

Ternary Ag/Polyaniline/Au nanocomposites: Preparation,characterization and electrochemical properties

Ternary Ag/Polyaniline/Au nanocomposites were synthesized successfully by immobilizing of Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of Ag/Polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites. Ag/PANI nanocomposites were prepared via in situ chemical polymerization of aniline in the presence of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) capped silver colloidal NPs. Then, uniform gold (Au) NPs were assembled on the surface of resulted Ag/PANI nanocomposites through electrostatic interaction to get Ag/Polyaniline/Au nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Moreover, Ag/PANI/Au nanocomposites were immobilized on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode and showed enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of H₂O₂ compared with Ag/PANI.     

Electrocatalytic Reduction of Oxygen at Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Cobalt Porphyrin Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

The multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) modified glassy carbon electrode exhibited electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of oxygen in 0.1 M HAc‐NaAc (pH 3.8) buffer solution. Further modification with cobalt porphyrin film on the MWNTs by adsorption, the resulted modified electrode showed more efficient catalytic activity to O₂ reduction. The reduction peak potential of O₂ is shifted much more positively to 0.12 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), and the peak current is increased greatly. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), were used to characterize the material and the modified film on electrode surface. Electrochemical experiments gave the total number of electron transfer for oxygen reduction as about 3, which indicated a co‐exist process of 2 electrons and 4 electrons for reduction of oxygen at this modified electrode. Meanwhile, the catalytic activities of the multilayer film (MWNTs/CoTMPyP)_n prepared by layer‐by‐layer method were investigated, and the results showed that the peak current of O₂ reduction increased and the peak potential shifted to a positive direction with the increase of layer numbers.     

Highly Efficient AuPd/Carbon Nanotube Nanocatalysts for the Electro‐Fenton Process

Development of novel nanocatalysts for the highly efficient in situ synthesis of H₂O₂ from H₂ and O₂ in the electro‐Fenton (EF) process has potential for the remediation of water pollution. In this work, AuPd/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocatalysts were successfully synthesized by the facile aggregation of AuPd bimetals on CNTs. Characterization by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that pure AuPd bimetallic heterogeneous nanospheres (≈20 nm) were well dispersed outside the CNTs, which resulted in better catalytic performance than Pd/CNTs alone: 0.36 M H₂O₂ was synthesized; 0.05 M Fe²⁺ optimally initiated the EF process due to the superior in situ Fe²⁺ regeneration; and the organic pollutant removal reached 100 % at 37 min, with a pseudo‐first‐order kinetic constant k₁=0.051 min^?1. Moreover, structural insights before/after catalysis revealed that Au strengthened the construction of the nanocrystals, avoided negative deactivation caused by AuPd agglomeration, and immobilized the active Pd(111). The catalytic stability of AuPd/CNTs over ten cycles implied long durability and promising applications of this material.     

An Enzyme‐free H2O2 Sensor Based on Poly(2‐Aminophenylbenzimidazole)/Gold Nanoparticles Coated Pencil Graphite Electrode

A poly(2‐aminophenylbenzimidazole)/gold nanoparticles (P2AB/AuNPs) coated disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was fabricated as an enzyme‐free sensor for the H₂O₂ determination. P2AB/AuNPs and P2AB were successfully synthesized electrochemically on PGE in acetonitrile for the first time. The coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. AuNPs interacted with P2AB as carrier enhances the electrocatalytic activity towards reduction of H₂O₂. The analytical performance was evaluated in a 100 mM phosphate buffer solution at pH 6.5 by amperometry. The steady state current vs. H₂O₂ concentration is linear in the range of 0.06 to 100 mM (R²=0.992) with a limit of detection 3.67×10^?5 M at ?0.8 V vs. SCE and no interference is caused by ascorbic acid, dopamine, uric acid, and glucose. The examination for the sensitive determination of H₂O₂ was conducted in commercially available hair oxidant solution. The results demonstrate that P2AB/AuNPs/PGE has potential applications as a sensing material for quantitative determination of H₂O₂.     

原位化学沉积法制备碳/聚苯胺复合材料作为超级电容器材料的研究

Polyaniline （PA） film was chemically deposited onto the surface of activated carbon （AC） uniformly. Chemical deposition was carried out in 0.1 mol/L aniline plus 0.5 mol/L H2SO4 solution adopting V2O5·nH2O coated on the surface of activated carbon as oxidant. The surface morphologies and structures of the composite materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and FT-IR spectra. The electrochemical properties of the composite material electrodes were studied by cyclic voltammetry and constant current charge/discharge tests in 1 molFL H2SO4 solutions. The specific capacitance of composite materials was exhibited as high as 237.5 F/g at a current density of 1.0 A/g compared with a value of 120 F/g for pure carbon electrode. Good power characteristic and good stability of composite electrodes were also demonstrated.     

Morphology,tensile properties,and fracture toughness of epoxy/Al2O3 nanocomposites

Epoxy/Al₂O₃ nanocomposites were prepared using an epoxy resin, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, and cured with a polyoxypropylene diamine (Jeffamine D‐400). Transmission electron microscopy and wide angle X‐ray diffraction were employed to reveal the morphology of epoxy/Al₂O₃ nanocomposites. Dynamic mechanical analysis results showed that the storage modulus and the glass transition temperature (T_g) of epoxy were improved. Tensile strength and Young's modulus also increased with increasing Al₂O₃ loading. Fracture toughness, as indicated by the stress intensity factor, K_Q, was determined using single edge notch bending method, and 40% increase in K_Q was observed with only 2 vol % Al₂O₃. Scanning electron microscopy study of fracture surface showed a rather smooth and flat morphology for neat epoxy. However, massive plastic deformation was observed for epoxy/Al₂O₃ nanocomposites, leading to the significant increase in fracture toughness. The influence of spherical Al₂O₃ nanoparticles on thermophysical properties of epoxy was discussed and compared with that of sheet‐like nanoclays. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1466–1473, 2006     

Prussian Blue/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Hybrids: Synthesis,Assembly and Electrochemical Behavior

Prussian blue/carbon nanotube (PB/CNT) hybrids with excellent dispersibility in aqueous solutions were synthesized by adding CNTs to an acidic solution of Fe³⁺, [Fe(CN)₆]^3? and KCl. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to confirm the formation of PB/CNT hybrids. The PB nanoparticles formed on the CNT surfaces exhibit a narrow size distribution and an average size of 40 nm. The present results demonstrate that the selective reduction of Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ by CNTs is the key step for PB/CNT hybrid formation. The subsequent fabrication of the PB/CNT hybrid films was achieved by layer‐by‐layer technique. The thus‐prepared PB/CNT hybrid films exhibit electrocatalytic activity towards H₂O₂ reduction.     

Organic–inorganic polypyrrole‐surface modified SiO2 hybrid nanocomposites: a facile and green synthetic approach

Organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposites composed of conductive polypyrrole (PPy) and surface modified silica (SiO₂) were successfully prepared through an in situ chemical oxidative polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂). SiO₂ nanoparticles were surface modified using 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) in order to disperse well in the medium. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the SiO₂ nanoparticles were encapsulated into the polymer. UV‐visible spectra of the diluted colloidal dispersions of PPy/SiO₂ hybrid nanocomposites were similar to those of PPy system. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) suggested the strong interaction between PPy and SiO₂. Surface characterizations of nanocomposites were described by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The nanocomposites synthesized in scCO₂ have been shown to possess higher electrical conductivity and thermal stability. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fabrication and Electrochemical Behavior of Hemoglobin Modified Carbon Ionic Liquid Electrode

A new hemoglobin (Hb) and room temperature ionic liquid modified carbon paste electrode was constructed by mixing Hb with 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF₆) and graphite powder together. The Hb modified carbon ionic liquid electrode (Hb‐CILE) was further characterized by FT‐IR spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Hb in the carbon ionic liquid electrode remained its natural structure and showed good direct electrochemical behaviors. A pair of well‐defined quasireversible redox peaks appeared with the apparent standard potential (E′) as ?0.334 (vs. SCE) in pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The electrochemical parameters such as the electron transfer number (n), the electron transfer coefficient (α) and the heterogeneous electron transfer kinetic constant (k_s) of the electrode reaction were calculated with the results as 1.2, 0.465 and 0.434 s^?1, respectively. The fabricated Hb‐CILE exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of H₂O₂. The calibration range for H₂O₂ quantitation was between 8.0×10^?6 mol/L and 2.8×10^?4 mol/L with the linear regression equation as I_ss (μA)=0.12 C (μmol/L)+0.73 (n=18, γ=0.997) and the detection limit as 1.0×10^?6 mol/L (3σ). The apparent Michaelis–Menten constant (K_M^app) of Hb in the modified electrode was estimated to be 1.103 mmol/L. The surface of this electrochemical sensor can be renewed by a simple polishing step and showed good reproducibility.     

Synthesis and characterization of conducting polythiophene/carbon nanotubes composites

Conducting polythiophene (PTh)/single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) composites were synthesized by the in situ chemical oxidative polymerization method. The resulting cablelike morphology of the composite (SWNT–PTh) structures was characterized with elemental analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The standard four‐point‐probe method was used to measure the conductivity of the samples. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the SWNT–PTh composites were core (SWNTs) and shell (PTh) hybrid structures. Spectroscopic analysis data for the composites were almost identical to those for PTh, supporting the idea that SWNTs served as templates in the formation of a coaxial nanostructure for the composites. The physical properties of the composites were measured and also showed that the SWNTs were modified by conducting PTh with an enhancement of various properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5283–5290, 2006     

Synthesis,characterization, and functionalization of zirconium tungstate (ZrW2O8) nano‐rods for advanced polymer nanocomposites

Nanomaterials based on zirconium tungstate (ZrW₂O₈) exhibit numerous outstanding properties that make them ideal candidates for the development of high‐performance composites. Low coefficient of thermal expansion for advanced materials is a promising direction in the field of insulating nanocomposites. However, the agglomeration of zirconium tungstate (ZrW₂O₈)‐based nanomaterials in the polymer matrix is a limiting factor in their successful applications, and studies on surface functionalization ZrW₂O₈ for advanced nanocomposites are very limited. In this work, ZrW₂O₈ nano‐rods were synthesized using a hydrothermal method and subsequently functionalized in a solvent‐free aqueous medium using dopamine. Both pristine and functionalized nano‐rods were thoroughly characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy techniques, which confirmed the successful functionalization of the nanomaterials. Polymer nanocomposites were also prepared using epoxy resin as a model matrix. Polymer nanocomposites with functionalized ZrW₂O₈ nano‐rods exhibited low coefficient of thermal expansion and enhanced tensile properties. The improved properties of the nanocomposites render them suitable for electronic applications. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Novel Enzymatic Glucose Biosensor and Nonenzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor Based on (3‐Aminopropyl) Triethoxysilane Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide

In the present study, a novel enzymatic glucose biosensor using glucose oxidase (GOx) immobilized into (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGO‐APTES) and hydrogen peroxide sensor based on rGO‐APTES modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode were fabricated. Nafion (Nf) was used as a protective membrane. For the characterization of the composites, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray powder diffractometer (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used. The electrochemical properties of the modified electrodes were investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and amperometry. The resulting Nf/rGO‐APTES/GOx/GC and Nf/rGO‐APTES/GC composites showed good electrocatalytical activity toward glucose and H₂O₂, respectively. The Nf/rGO‐APTES/GC electrode exhibited a linear range of H₂O₂ concentration from 0.05 to 15.25 mM with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.017 mM and sensitivity of 124.87 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻². The Nf/rGO‐APTES/GOx/GC electrode showed a linear range of glucose from 0.02 to 4.340 mM with a LOD of 9 μM and sensitivity of 75.26 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻². Also, the sensor and biosensor had notable selectivity, repeatability, reproducibility, and storage stability.     

Silver Quantum Cluster (Ag9)‐Grafted Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation and Dye Degradation

We report the visible‐light photocatalytic properties of a composite system consisting of silver quantum clusters [Ag₉(H₂MSA)₇] (H₂MSA=mercaptosuccinic acid) embedded on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (AgQCs‐GCN). The composites were prepared through a simple chemical route; their structural, chemical, morphological, and optical properties were characterized by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Embedment of [Ag₉(H₂MSA)₇] on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (GCN) resulted in extended visible‐light absorption through multiple single‐electron transitions in Ag quantum clusters and an effective electronic structure for hydroxyl radical generation, which enabled increased activity in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange dye molecules compared with pristine GCN and silver nanoparticle‐grafted GCN (AgNPs‐GCN). Similarly, the amount of hydrogen generated by using AgQCs‐GCN was 1.7 times higher than pristine GCN. However, the rate of hydrogen generated using AgQCs‐GCN was slightly less than that of AgNPs‐GCN because of surface hydroxyl radical formation. The plausible photocatalytic processes are discussed in detail.     

A Novel Hydrogen Peroxide Amperometric Sensor Based on Hierarchical 3D Porous MnO2−TiO2 Composites

A novel nanocomposite electrode based on hierarchical 3D porous MnO₂?TiO₂ for the application in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) sensors has been explored. This electrode was fabricated by growing TiO₂ cross‐linked nanowires on a commercial fluorine tin oxide (FTO) glass via a hydrothermal process and subsequent deposition of 3D honeycomb‐like MnO₂ nanowalls using an electrodeposition method (denoted as 3D MNS‐TNW@FTO). The obtained 3D MNS‐TNW@FTO electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Based on such a unique 3D porous framework and the existence of MnO₂, the electrode demonstrates a good performance in the detection of H₂O₂, with two linear ranges from 9.8 to 125 μM and 125 μM–1.0 mM, a good selectivity of 8.02 μA mM^?1 cm^?2, and a low detection limit of 4.5 μM. In addition, the simplicity of the developed low‐cost fabrication process provides an efficient method for the mass production of electrocatalytical MnO₂?TiO₂ nanocomposites on commercial FTO glass for H₂O₂ sensing applications and can be adapted for other electrochemical sensors for various biochemical targets. It thus is beneficial for the practical usage in bioanalysis.