Capacitive and Charge Transfer Effects of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in TiO2 Electrodes

The transfer of nanoscale properties from single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to macroscopic systems is a topic of intense research. In particular, inorganic composites of SWCNTs and metal oxide semiconductors are being investigated for applications in electronics, energy devices, photocatalysis, and electroanalysis. In this work, a commercial SWCNT material is separated into fractions containing different conformations. The liquid fractions show clear variations in their optical absorbance spectra, indicating differences in the metallic/semiconducting character and the diameter of the SWCNTs. Also, changes in the surface chemistry and the electrical resistance are evidenced in SWCNT solid films. The starting SWCNT sample and the fractions as well are used to prepare hybrid electrodes with titanium dioxide (SWCNT/TiO₂). Raman spectroscopy reflects the optoelectronic properties of SWCNTs in the SWCNT/TiO₂ electrodes, while the electrochemical behavior is studied by cyclic voltammetry. A selective development of charge transfer characteristics and double-layer behavior is achieved through the suitable choice of SWCNT fractions.     

Synthesis and characterization of polyethylene chains grafted onto the sidewalls of single‐walled carbon nanotubes via copolymerization

Polyethylene (PE) chains grafted onto the sidewalls of SWCNTs (SWCNT‐g‐PE) were successfully synthesized via ethylene copolymerization with functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (f‐SWCNTs) catalyzed by rac‐(en)(THInd)₂ZrCl₂/MAO. Here f‐SWCNTs, in which α‐alkene groups were chemically linked on the sidewalls of SWCNTs, were synthesized by Prato reaction. The composition and microstructure of SWCNT‐g‐PE were characterized by means of ¹H NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Nanosized cable‐like structure was formed in the SWCNT‐g‐PE, in which the PE formed a tubular shell and several SWCNTs bundles existed as core. The formation of the above morphology in the SWCNT‐g‐PE resulted from successfully grafting of PE chains onto the surface of SWCNTs via copolymerization. The grown PE chains grafted onto the sidewall of the f‐SWCNTs promoted the exfoliation of the mass nanotubes. Comparing with pure PE, the physical mixture of PE/f‐SWCNTs and in situ PE/SWCNTs mixture, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of SWCNT‐g‐PE were higher because of the chemical bonding between the f‐SWCNTs and PE chains. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5459–5469, 2007     

Two‐Photon Chemistry in Ruthenium 2,2′‐Bipyridyl‐Functionalized Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Ruthenium polypyridyl complexes are widely used as light harvesters in dye‐sensitized solar cells. Since one of the potential applications of single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and their derived materials is their use as active components in organic and hybrid solar cells, the study of the photochemistry of SWCNTs with tethered ruthenium polypyridyl complexes is important. A water‐soluble ruthenium tris(bipyridyl) complex linked through peptidic bonds to SWCNTs (Ru‐SWCNTs) was prepared by radical addition of thiol‐terminated SWCNT to a terminal C?C double bond of a bipyridyl ligand of the ruthenium tris(bipyridyl) complex. The resulting macromolecular Ru‐SWCNT (≈500 nm, 15.6 % ruthenium complex content) was water‐soluble and was characterized by using TEM, thermogravimetric analysis, chemical analysis, and optical spectroscopy. The emission of Ru‐SWCNT is 1.6 times weaker than that of a mixture of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ and SWCNT of similar concentration. Time‐resolved absorption optical spectroscopy allows the detection of the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺‐excited triplet and [Ru(bpy)₃]⁺. The laser flash studies reveal that Ru‐SWCNT exhibits an unprecedented two‐photon process that is enabled by the semiconducting properties of the SWCNT. Thus, the effect of the excitation wavelength and laser power on the transient spectra indicate that upon excitation of two [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ complexes of Ru‐SWCNT, a disproportionation process occurs leading to delayed formation of [Ru(bpy)₃]⁺ and the performance of the SWCNT as a semiconductor. This two‐photon delayed [Ru(bpy)₃]⁺ generation is not observed in the photolysis of [Ru(bpy)₃]³⁺; SWCNT acts as an electron wire or electron relay in the disproportionation of two [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ triplets in a process that illustrates that the SWCNT plays a key role in the process. We propose a mechanism for this two‐photon disproportionation compatible with i) the need for high laser flux, ii) the long lifetime of the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ triplets, iii) the semiconducting properties of the SWNT, and iv) the energy of the HOMO/LUMO levels involved.     

Thermal properties of single walled carbon nanotube‐silicone nanocomposites

The effect of single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) fillers on the low temperature thermal properties and curing behavior of SWCNT‐silicone nanocomposite are reported for the first time. The SWCNT‐silicone composites were prepared by different mixing procedures and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Solution mix, with the aid of sonication and soaking achieved better dispersion of SWCNTs in the silicone. The adding of SWCNTs in polymer seriously hindered the curing of silicone elastomer. The hindrance increased with increasing concentration of SWCNT and the quality of dispersion. The glass transition temperatures (T_g) of the nanocomposites were found to be independent of the SWCNT addition, although, the steps in the heat capacity (Δc_p) of the glass transition were smaller with increasing SWCNTs concentration. The melt crystallization behavior was strongly dependent on the concentration and dispersion of SWCNT in the polymer. The cooling scan showed that the higher concentration and the better dispersion of SWCNTs in the silicone resulted in higher percentage of melt crystallization of this nanocomposite. The correlation of the change of thermal properties to the dispersion of CNT in polymer may be used to determine the quality of SWCNT dispersion in silicone polymer. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1845–1852, 2008     

Poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate)‐functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes from surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerizations of N‐carboxylanhydride

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been functionalized with poly(γ‐benzyl‐L ‐glutamate) (PBLG) by ring‐opening polymerizations of γ‐benzyl‐L ‐glutamic acid‐based N‐carboxylanhydrides (NCA‐BLG) using amino‐functionalized SWCNTs (SWCNT‐NH₂) as initiators. The SWCNT functionalization has been verified by FTIR spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The FTIR study reveals that surface‐attached PBLGs adopt random‐coil conformations in contrast to the physically absorbed or bulk PBLGs, which exhibit α‐helical conformations. Raman spectroscopic analysis reveals a significant alteration of the electronic structure of SWCNTs as a result of PBLG functionalization. The PBLG‐functionalized SWCNTs (SWCNT‐PBLG) exhibit enhanced solubility in DMF. Stable DMF solutions of SWCNT‐PBLG/PBLG with a maximum SWCNTs concentration of 259 mg L^?1 can be readily obtained. SWCNT‐PBLG/PBLG solid composites have been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, wide/small‐angle X‐ray scattering (W/SAXS), scanning electron microscopy, and polarized optical microscopy for their thermal or morphological properties. Microfibers containing SWCNT‐PBLG and PBLG can also be prepared via electrospinning. WAXS characterization reveals that SWCNTs are evenly distributed among PBLG rods in solution and in the solid state where PBLGs form a short‐range nematic phase interspersed with amorphous domains. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2340–2350, 2010     

In situ Electrochemical Synthesis of a Composite Film Containing Nickel Hexacyanoferrate and Bentonite Clay for the Sensitive Determination of Acetaminophen and Dopamine

A composite film of nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) and bentonite (Bt) clay (abbreviated as NiHCF?Bt) is synthesized by an in situ electrochemical method. For this synthesis, nickel ions are immobilized on Bt clay by an ion‐exchange process, equilibrating Bt clay with nickel nitrate. On a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), the nickel ion‐exchanged Bt clay (Ni²⁺?Bt) is coated to get the modified electrode which is represented as GCE/Ni²⁺?Bt. The NiHCF?Bt composite film is prepared on the GCE surface using the GCE/Ni²⁺?Bt and scanning the electrode potentials between ?0.10 to 1.00 V continuously in an aqueous solution containing potassium hexacyanoferrate and potassium chloride. This NiHCF?Bt modified GCE (GCE/NiHCF?Bt) exhibits redox peaks due to the oxidation and reduction of the central metal ion, Fe²⁺. The electro‐generated Fe³⁺ present in the GCE/NiHCF?Bt, electrocatalytically oxidizes a range of drugs like acetaminophen (AC), dopamine (DA), and tyrosine (TY) at decreased overpotentials with high current. This property is advantageously used for the precise quantification of AC, DA, and TY. Sensitivity, limit of detection, and linear calibration range for the determination of AC are found to be 0.20 μA μM^?1 cm^?2, 1.5 μM, and 25.0–1000.0 μM, respectively. Further, the amount of AC present in pharmaceutical products is satisfactorily quantified which demonstrated the use of the NiHCF?Bt composite film in electroanalysis.     

Electrochemical characterization of Prussian blue type nickel hexacyanoferrate redox mediator for potential application as charge relay in dye-sensitized solar cells

A polynuclear electronically/ionically (redox) conducting mixed-valent inorganic material such as nickel(II) hexacyanoferrate(II,III), NiHCF, was considered for potential application as a redox mediator (charge relay) in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The NiHCF redox reactions were found fast and reversible not only when the system was studied as thin film exposed to an aqueous supporting electrolyte but also as bulk material (pasted powder) in solid state, i.e., in the absence of contact with external liquid electrolyte phase. Usefulness of NiHCF material was diagnosed using conventional electroanalytical approaches, solid-state voltammetric methodology, as well as the dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique that permitted monitoring of impedance spectra under potentiodynamic conditions. The material was utilized in a mixed-valent state, i.e., as a mixture of K₄Ni^II[Fe^II(CN)₆] and K₃Ni^II[Fe^III(CN)₆] in which iron(II) and iron(III) sites were at the 1:1 ratio. Under such conditions, dynamics of electron-hopping between mixed-valent iron sites was maximized. Our DSSC utilized cis–dithiocyanoatobis(4,4′-dicarboxylic acid-2,2′-bipyridine) ruthenium(II) dye (N3) adsorbed onto TiO₂ semiconductor and NiHCF as redox mediator. Although performance of our DSSC was not optimized in terms of the NiHCF film thickness and morphology, as well as lower photocurrents in comparison to those characteristic of the iodine/iodide based DSSC were obtained, our system yielded readily fairly high open-circuit photovoltages on the level of 800 mV. An important issue was that the formal potential of NiHCF was more positive relative to the potential of the iodide/triiodide couple while being still more negative than that equivalent to the ground state of the N3 dye. Thus, NiHCF mediator was able to regenerate the dye.

     

Electrochemical characterization of Prussian blue type nickel hexacyanoferrate redox mediator for potential application as charge relay in dye-sensitized solar cells

A polynuclear electronically/ionically (redox) conducting mixed-valent inorganic material such as nickel(II) hexacyanoferrate(II,III), NiHCF, was considered for potential application as a redox mediator (charge relay) in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The NiHCF redox reactions were found fast and reversible not only when the system was studied as thin film exposed to an aqueous supporting electrolyte but also as bulk material (pasted powder) in solid state, i.e., in the absence of contact with external liquid electrolyte phase. Usefulness of NiHCF material was diagnosed using conventional electroanalytical approaches, solid-state voltammetric methodology, as well as the dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique that permitted monitoring of impedance spectra under potentiodynamic conditions. The material was utilized in a mixed-valent state, i.e., as a mixture of K₄Ni^II[Fe^II(CN)₆] and K₃Ni^II[Fe^III(CN)₆] in which iron(II) and iron(III) sites were at the 1:1 ratio. Under such conditions, dynamics of electron-hopping between mixed-valent iron sites was maximized. Our DSSC utilized cis–dithiocyanoatobis(4,4??dicarboxylic acid-2,2??bipyridine) ruthenium(II) dye (N3) adsorbed onto TiO₂ semiconductor and NiHCF as redox mediator. Although performance of our DSSC was not optimized in terms of the NiHCF film thickness and morphology, as well as lower photocurrents in comparison to those characteristic of the iodine/iodide based DSSC were obtained, our system yielded readily fairly high open-circuit photovoltages on the level of 800?mV. An important issue was that the formal potential of NiHCF was more positive relative to the potential of the iodide/triiodide couple while being still more negative than that equivalent to the ground state of the N3 dye. Thus, NiHCF mediator was able to regenerate the dye.     

A Label‐Free Electrochemical Aptasensor for Thrombin Using a Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Casted Glassy Carbon Electrode (GCE)

An electrochemical aptasensor with a thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) was developed using a single‐wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) casted GCE. The TBA was immobilized on SWCNTs through π‐stacking without any special modification, resulting in helical wrapping to the surface. In the presence of thrombin, the TBA binds with thrombin and the TBA concentration on the SWCNT surface decreases. The remaining amount of TBA can be analyzed by an electrochemical method without any label, because the guanine bases of the nucleic acid are measurable by electrochemical methods. The electrochemical oxidation of guanine nucleotides was enhanced by electrocatalytic mediation using Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ for higher sensitivity and reduction of the overpotential for electrochemical detection.     

Selective Hg2+ sensor performance based various carbon‐nanofillers into CuO‐PMMA nanocomposites

Ternary nanocomposites (NCs) containing copper oxide (CuO)/poly(methyl methacrylate)/various carbon‐based nanofillers have been successfully prepared as thin films by an ex situ method as a selective Hg⁺² sensor. The structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of the NCs were identified by all common characterization tools. The FT‐IR curves of these NCs proved the efficiency of CuO mixed with single‐walled CNTs (CuO/SWCNTs), multi‐walled CNTs (CuO/MWCNTs), or graphene (CuO/G) nanoparticles in the PMMA polymer matrix. The mixed nanofillers significantly improved the properties of the PMMA film. The thermal characteristics of the pure PMMA polymer matrix were highly developed by adding nanofillers in the form of NCs. The maximum composite degradation temperature (CDT_max) values were comparable for all the NCs and were in the range of 345 to 406°C. For fabrication, the CuO‐PMMA‐SWCNT, CuO‐PMMA‐MWCNT, and CuO‐PMMA‐GNCs were coated onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to form a tiny layer with orderly thickness using a conductive 5% Nafion chemical binder. During the electrochemical investigation, it was found that CuO‐PMMA‐SWCNT had the maximum response toward Hg²⁺ ions compared to the other nanofillers in a buffer medium (phosphate type). To calibrate the Hg²⁺ ionic sensor, the data were plotted against Hg²⁺ ion concentration and the proposed sensor showed linearity over a wide range of concentrations (0.1‐0.01 mM), which is called the linear dynamic range (LDR). The analytical parameters, such as sensitivity (1.70 × 102 μAμM^‐1 cm^?2), detection limit (55.76 ± 2.79 pM), and limit of quantification (185.87 pM) were calculated from the calibration curve. Moreover, it showed good reproducibility, fast response time, good linearity, large LDR, and good stability. The CuO‐PMMA‐SWCNT NC‐modified GCE offers a new route to fabricate novel heavy metal ionic sensors, which might be used in green environment and health development applications.     

Redox‐Active Nickel in Carbon Nanotubes and Its Direct Determination

The presence of residual metal‐catalyst impurities in carbon nanotubes is responsible for their toxicity. It is important to differentiate between the total amount of impurities and the redox‐active (bioavailable) amount of such impurities because only the bioavailable impurities exhibit toxic effects. Herein, we report a simple and specific method for quantifying the amount of redox‐active Ni present in various commercial samples of CNTs. It is based on the electrochemical oxidation of Ni(OH)₂ that is formed in alkaline solutions when Ni impurities are opened to the surrounding environment. Metallic Ni impurities play an extremely active role in toxicological assays as well as in undesired catalytic processes, and thus a method to rapidly quantify the amount of redox‐active Ni is of great importance.     

Selective Electroanalysis of Ascorbic Acid Using a Nickel Hexacyanoferrate and Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) Hybrid Film Modified Electrode

The mixed‐valent nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) hybrid film (NiHCF‐PEDOT) was prepared on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by multiple scan cyclic voltammetry. The films were characterized using atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (AC impedance). The advantages of these films were demonstrated for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA) using cyclic voltammetry and amperometric techniques. The electrocatalytic oxidation of AA at different electrode surfaces, such as the bare GCE, the NiHCF/GCE, and the NiHCF‐PEDOT/GCE modified electrodes, was determined in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7). The AA electrochemical sensor exhibited a linear response from 5×10⁻⁶ to 1.5×10⁻⁴ M (R²=0.9973) and from 1.55×10⁻⁴ to 3×10⁻⁴ M (R²=0.9983), detection limit=1×10⁻⁶ M, with a fast response time (3 s) for AA determination. In addition, the NiHCF‐PEDOT/GCE was advantageous in terms of its simple preparation, specificity, stability and reproducibility.     

Naphthalenebisimides as photofunctional surfactants for SWCNTs – towards water-soluble electron donor–acceptor hybrids

A water soluble naphthalenebisimide derivative (NBI) was synthesized and probed to individualize, suspend, and stabilize single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Besides a comprehensive photophysical and electrochemical characterization of NBI, stable suspensions of SWCNTs were realized in buffered D₂O. Overall, the dispersion efficiency of the NBI surfactant was determined by comparison with naphthalene based references. Successful individualization of SWCNTs was corroborated in several microscopic assays. In addition, emission spectroscopy points to the strong quenching of SWCNT centered band gap emission, when NBIs are immobilized onto SWCNTs. The origin of the quenching was found to be strong electronic communication, which leads to charge separation between NBIs and photoexcited SWCNTs, and, which yields reduced NBIs as well oxidized SWCNTs. Notably, electrochemical considerations revealed that the energy content of these charge separated states is one of the highest reported for SWCNT based electron donor–acceptor hybrids so far.     

Selective Detection of Dopamine in Presence of Ascorbic Acid by Use of Glassy‐Carbon Electrode Modified with Amino‐β‐Cyclodextrin and Carbon Nanotubes

A glassy carbon electrode modified with per‐6‐amino‐β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CDNH₂) and functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT‐COOH) was elaborated. This structure was investigated for the detection of dopamine acid (DA) in presence of ascorbic acid (AA). The sensor behavior was studied by cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The analysis results show that the electrode modification with CD derivative improves the sensitivity and selectivity of the DA recognition; the electrochemical response was further improved by introduction of SWCNT‐COOH. The sensor shows good and reversible linear response toward DA within the concentration range of 7×10^?7–10^?4 M with a detection limit of 5×10^?7 M.     

Direct Electrochemistry of Hemoglobin on Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified Carbon Ionic Liquid Electrode and Its Electrocatalysis

In this article we report on the fabrication of a carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) by using a room temperature ionic liquid of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF₆) as binder. It was further modified by single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to get a SWCNTs modified CILE denoted as SWCNTs/CILE. The redox protein of hemoglobin (Hb) was further immobilized on the surface of SWCNTs/CILE with the help of Nafion film. UV‐vis and FT‐IR spectra indicated that the immobilized Hb retained its native conformation in the composite film. The direct electrochemistry of Hb on the SWCNTs/CILE was carefully studied in pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Cyclic voltammetric results indicated that a pair of well‐defined and quasireversible voltammetric peaks of Hb heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) was obtained with the formal potential (E°') at ?0.306 V (vs. SCE). The electrochemical parameters such as the electron transfer coefficient (α), the electron transfer number (n) and the apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (k_s) were calculated as 0.34, 0.989 and 0.538 s^?1, respectively. The fabricated Hb modified electrode showed good electrocatalytic ability to the reduction of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in the concentration range from 20.0 to 150.0 mmol/L with the detection limit of 10.0 mmol/L (3σ).     

Insights into the electro-oxidation of hydrazine at single-walled carbon-nanotube-modified edge-plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes electro-decorated with metal and metal oxide films

Electrochemistry of edge-plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes (EPPGEs) modified with Aldrich single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) electro-decorated with metal (Ni, Fe and Co) and their oxides have been studied. The morphology and identity of the metallic dispersions were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. We show that SWCNTs serve as efficient conducting carbon material for electronic communication between metal films and the underlying carbon electrode. By using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques, it is proved that both EPPGE-SWCNT-Ni and EPPGE-SWCNT-Fe exhibit comparable electrochemical response in buffered aqueous solution (pH 7.0) and towards electro-oxidation of hydrazine in Na₂SO₄ solution. The impedance spectra of these SWCNT-metal hybrids were complicated and follow electrical equivalent circuit model typical of adsorption-controlled charge transfer kinetics. Hydrazine impedance spectra exhibited inductive loop, characteristic of Faradaic current being governed by the occupation of an intermediate state. On the other hand, the EIS data obtained in a simple redox probe, [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻/[Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻, showed that EPPGE-SWCNT and EPPGE-SWCNT-Ni followed electrical equivalent circuit models typical of partial charge transfer or adsorption-controlled kinetics with some resemblance to the behaviour of electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor sensors.     

Diameter‐Sorted SWCNT–Porphyrin and SWCNT–Phthalocyanine Conjugates for Light‐Energy Harvesting

A non‐covalent double‐decker binding strategy is employed to construct functional supramolecular single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)–tetrapyrrole hybrids capable of undergoing photoinduced electron transfer and performing direct conversion of light into electricity. To accomplish this, two semiconducting SWCNTs of different diameters (6,5 and 7,6) were modified via π–π stacking of pyrene functionalized with an alkyl ammonium cation (PyrNH₃⁺). Such modified nanotubes were subsequently assembled via dipole–cation binding of zinc porphyrin with one ( 1 ) or four benzo‐18‐crown‐6 cavities ( 2 ) or phthalocyanine with four benzo‐18‐crown‐6 cavities at the ring periphery ( 3 ), employed as visible‐light photosensitizers. Upon charactering the conjugates using TEM and optical techniques, electron transfer via photoexcited zinc porphyrin and phthalocyanine was investigated using time‐resolved emission and transient absorption techniques. Higher charge‐separation efficiency is established for SWCNT(7,6) with a narrow band gap than the thin SWCNT(6,5) with a wide band gap. Photoelectrochemical studies using FTO/SnO₂ electrodes modified with these donor–acceptor conjugates unanimously demonstrated the ability of these conjugates to convert light energy into electricity. The photocurrent generation followed the trend observed for charge separation, that is, incident‐photon‐to‐current efficiency (IPCE) of a maximum of 12 % is achieved for photocells with FTO/SnO₂/SWCNT(7,6)/PyrNH₃⁺: 1 .     

Tuning the low critical solution temperature of polymer brushes grafted on single‐walled carbon nanotubes and temperature dependent loading and release properties

A nondestructive method was developed for grafting and retrieving polymer brushes from single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)s based on mussel‐inspired chemistry. Thermo‐responsive polymer brushes were grafted on SWCNTs by coating the tubes with polydopamine as a reactive underlayer and sequential surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (OEGMA, M_n = 475) and 2‐(2'‐methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate (MEO2MA). Copolymer brushes were retrieved from the SWCNTs using 1 M NaOH to destroy the crosslinked polydopamine coating, and after that, the pristine properties of the SWCNTs were preserved. The low critical solution temperature (LCST) and molecular weight of the copolymer were measured using a nephelometer and gel permeation chromatograph, respectively. The loading and release behavior of Rhodamine 6G on responsive polymer‐grafted SWCNTs demonstrates that the copolymer brushes confer the SWCNTs an LCST dependence. This method can accurately confirm the molecular weights and polydispersity of stimuli‐responsive polymers grafted on any other nanoparticles and predict their controlled release behavior. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 1807–1814     

Enhancement of the analytical properties and catalytic activity of a nickel hexacyanoferrate modified carbon ceramic electrode prepared by two-step sol-gel technique: application to amperometric detection of hydrazine and hydroxyl amine

The electroless sol-gel technique was used for the construction of nickel hexacyanoferrat (NiHCF) modified carbon composite electrodes (CCEs).This involves two steps: formation of a carbon ceramic electrode fabricated by nickel powder and then immersing the electrode into a sodium- hexacyanoferate solution for the immobilization of NiHCF films. The cyclic voltammety of the resulting modified CCEs prepared under optimum conditions, shows a well defined surface redox couple due to the [Ni^IIFe^III/II(CN)₆]^−2/−1 system. The effect of different alkali metal cations in supporting electrolyte on the behavior of the modified electrode were studied. The charge transfer coefficient (α) and charge transfer rate constant (k_s) for modified films were calculated. Hydrazine and hydroxylamine have been chosen as a model to elucidate the electocatalytic ability and analytical parameters of NiHCF modified CCE prepared by one and two-step sol-gel techniques and these compounds determined amperometically at the surface of modified electrodes. The latter shows a good electocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of hydrazine and hydroxylamine in the pH range 3-8 in comparison with CCEs modified by homogeneous mixture of graphite powder, Ni(NO₃)₂ and Na₂[Fe(CN)₆], (one-step sol-gel technique). Furthermore, the catalytic rate constant, linear dynamic range, limit of detection, and sensitivity for hydrazine and hydroxylamine detections were evaluated and compared with CCEs prepared with one-step sol-gel method. The modified CCEs containing NiHCF shows good repeatability, short response time, t 90%<3 s, long term stability (3 months) and excellent catalytic activity. Furthermore, the method of preparation is rapid and simple and the modified electrodes are renewed by simple mechanical polishing and immersing in [Na₃Fe(CN]₆] solution.     

Modification of Glassy Carbon Electrode With Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes and α‐Silicomolybdate: Application to Sb(III) Detection

A simple procedure was developed to prepare a glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and polyoxometalate. With immersing SWCNTs modified GC electrode in silicon polyoxomolybdate (α‐SiMo₁₂O₄₀^4?) solution (direct deposition) for a short period of time (2–10 s) oxoanion adsorbed strongly and irreversibly on SWCNTs. Cyclic voltammograms of the α‐SiMo₁₂O₄₀^4? incorporated‐SWCNTs indicates three well‐defined and reversible redox couples with surface confined characteristic at wide pH range (1–7). The surface coverage (Γ) of α‐SiMo₁₂O₄₀^4? immobilized on SWCNTs was 2.14 (±0.11)×10^?9 mol cm^?2 indicating high loading ability of SWCNTs for polyoxometalate. The charge transfer rate constant (k_s) of three redox couples of adsorbed α‐SiMo₁₂O₄₀^4? were 9.20 (±0.20), 8.02 (±0.20), and 3.70 (±0.10) s^?1, respectively, indicate great facilitation of the electron transfer between α‐SiMo₁₂O₄₀^4? and CNTs. In this research the attractive mechanical and electrical characteristics of CNTs and unique properties and reactivity of polyoxometalates were combined. The modified electrode in buffer solution containing Sb(III) shows a new redox system at 0.38 V in pH 1. The voltammetric peak current increased with increasing Sb(III) concentration. The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique was used for detection micromolar concentration of antimony. Furthermore, the interference effects various electroactive compounds on voltammetric response of Sb(III) were negligible. Finally the ability of the modified electrode for antimony detection in real samples was evaluated.