Estimate of polarization components in oxygen reduction process on expanded natural graphites and acetylene carbon black in acid and alkaline electrolytes

The polarization curves of oxygen reduction in gas diffusion electrodes of expanded natural graphites (ENG, prepared from graphite intercalation compounds synthesized by intercalation of sulfuric and nitric acids into natural graphites GAK-3 and GT-1) and acetylene carbon black in acid (pH 0.6) and alkaline (3 M KOH) electrolytes were analyzed. The transfer coefficients and oxygen reduction exchange currents on ENG and acetylene carbon black were estimated. The experimental polarization curves were described well with the derived semi-empirical equations.     

Chemistry of Anthracene–Acetylene Oligomers XX: Synthesis,Structures, and Self-Association of Anthracene–Anthraquinone Cyclic Compounds with Ethynylene Linkers

We have synthesized anthracene–acetylene oligomers, which contained one 10-substituted anthracene unit and one anthraquinone unit, by cyclization with Sonogashira coupling. X-ray analysis revealed an almost-planar framework and significant out-of-plane deformation around the inner carbonyl moiety because of steric hindrance. These compounds underwent self-association in solution and their association constants for monomer–dimer exchange were determined by variable-concentration ¹H NMR measurements in CDCl₃: 8 mol⁻¹ L (10-substituent: isopropyl), <5 mol⁻¹ L (methoxy), and 19 mol⁻¹ L (octyloxy). These results were discussed on the basis of spectroscopic and molecular-orbital analysis. A linear molecular assembly of the octyloxy compound at a liquid/graphite interface was observed by STM measurements.     

Schwingungsanalyse konformerer 1-Brombutane

Infrared and Raman spectra of n-butyl bromide in the liquid state have been investigated. By means of normal coordinate calculations it was possible to assign vibrations to the TT-, TG-, GT- and GG-conformation. In the spectral region 500–390 cm^?1 a “conformational window” exists which permits the identification of the four conformers to be made unambiguously.     

Atomic absorption spectrometric determination of copper in calcium carbonate scale and carbonate rocks by direct atomization of solid samples

Powdered samples (1 mg) are mixed with 1 mg of powdered graphite and copper is determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in a miniature graphite cup placed in a graphite crucible. Optimum conditions were drying at 200 °C (30 s), ashing at 900 °C (30 s), atomizing at 2700 °C (15 s) and cleaning at 2800 °C (10 s). Samples were powdered to 1–10 μm particle size. Magnesium, manganese and iron did not interfere. The effect of calcium carbonate was eliminated by the graphite addition. Results for copper (0.5–5 μg g^?1) in the scale and rocks agreed well with values obtained for dissolved samples. Relative standard deviations (n=10) were 4.9% for 1.2 μg g^?1 copper and 14.8% for 0.577 μg g^?1.     

Effect of synthesis parameters on characteristics of expanded graphite

Effect of synthesis parameters on the characteristics of expanded graphite were studied. The starting sample, intercalated graphite, was treated by several methods: thermal shock (400, 1000°C) and programmed heating (400–700°C). The samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. The programmed-heating method yields better texture characteristics as compared with the thermal shock. The programmed-heating method was used to obtain high-quality expanded graphite with high specific surface area (299 m² g^–1) at a comparatively moderate temperature of 400°C.     

A new methodology for producing pyrocarbon composites containing zerovalent iron nanoparticles

A magnetic pyrocarbon composite containing nanoparticles with an overwhelming predominance of zerovalent iron has been synthesized. The nanocomposite has a core–shell–matrix structure in which Fe⁰ nanoparticles with an average size of 50 nm are located in the pyrocarbon matrix and coated with a ferrite shell preventing their aggregation and oxidation. The composite is distinguished for its high thermal stability, magnetic properties 59 G cm³/g, and electrical conductivity as high as that of graphite.     

Natural graphite enhanced the electrochemical performance of Li<Subscript>3</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> cathode material for lithium ion batteries

Natural graphite treated by mechanical activation can be directly applied to the preparation of Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃. The carbon-coated Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ with monoclinic structure was successfully synthesized by using natural graphite as carbon source and reducing agent. The amount of activated graphite is optimized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Raman spectrum, galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. Our results show that Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ (LVP)-10G exhibits the highest initial discharge capacity of 189 mAh g^?1 at 0.1 C and 162.9 mAh g^?1 at 1 C in the voltage range of 3.0–4.8 V. Therefore, natural graphite is a promising carbon source for LVP cathode material in lithium ion batteries.     

Glucose biosensor based on graphite electrodes modified with glucose oxidase and colloidal gold nanoparticles

The electrochemistry of glucose oxidase (GOx) immobilized on a graphite rod electrode modified by gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) was studied. Two types of amperometric glucose sensors based on GOx immobilized and Au-NPs modified working electrode (Au-NPs/GOx/graphite and GOx/Au-NPs/graphite) were designed and tested in the presence and the absence of N-methylphenazonium methyl sulphate in different buffers. Results were compared to those obtained with similar electrodes not containing Au-NPs (GOx/graphite). This study shows that the application of Au-NPs increases the rate of mediated electron transfer. Major analytical characteristics of the amperometric biosensor based on GOx and 13 nm diameter Au-NPs were determined. The analytical signal was linearly related to glucose concentration in the range from 0.1 to 10 mmol L^?1. The detection limit for glucose was found within 0.1 mmol L^?1 and 0.08 mmol L^?1 and the relative standard deviation in the range of 0.1–100 mol L^?1 was 0.04–0.39%. The τ_1/2 of V _max characterizes the storage stability of sensors: this parameter for the developed GOx/graphite electrode was 49.3 days and for GOx/Au-NPs/graphite electrode was 19.5 days. The sensor might be suitable for determination of glucose in beverages and/or in food.     

SnO2 sheet/graphite composite as anode material with improved electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries

The SnO₂ sheet/graphite composite was synthesized by a hydrothermal method for high-capacity lithium storage. The microstructures of products were characterized by XRD and FE-SEM. The electrochemical performance of SnO₂ sheet/graphite composite was measured by galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling and EIS. The first discharge and charge capacities are 1,072 and 735 mAh g^?1 with coulombic efficiency of 68.6 %. After 40 cycles, the reversible discharge capacity is still maintained at 477 mAh g^?1. The results show that the SnO₂ sheet/graphite composite displays superior Li-battery performance with large reversible capacity and good cyclic performance.     

Determination of molybdenum in infant formula and human milk by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with barium difluoride as matrix modifier

A method for the determination of molybdenum in infant formula and human milk by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry was developed and optimized. Samples were injected directly in the graphite tube with barium difluoride as the matrix modifier. The detection limit was 0.89 μg Mo l^?1. The molybdenum levels found in infant formula and human milk were 0.09–2.23 μg Mo g^?1 and 2.32–8.38 μg Mo l^?1, respectively.     

Functional composites based on polybenzimidazole and graphite nanoplates

A procedure was developed for preparing stable dispersions of graphite nanoplates with the concentration of up to 25 mg mL^–1 by two-step ultrasonic treatment of graphite in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. A series of elastic films based on poly-2,2′-p-oxydiphenylene-5,5′-bisdibenzimidazole oxide with the filler content of up to 45 wt % were prepared from such dispersions. Introduction of the nanoadditive into the matrix of the heterocyclic polymer results in 47% enhancement of the tensile strength of the materials and in an increase in the temperature of the 10% weight loss by 52–81°C. In addition, the films are characterized by high electrical conductivity reaching 480 S cm^–1 for the composite with 45 wt % graphite nanoplates and exhibit tensoresistive properties, which allows using them in various electrotechnical devices and fabric engineering structures.     

Preparing graphene oxide–copper composite material from spent lithium ion batteries and catalytic performance analysis

The wide use of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) has created much waste, which has become a global issue. It is vital to recycle waste LIBs considering their environmental risks and resource characteristics. Anode graphite from spent LIBs still possess a complete layer structure and contain some oxygen-containing groups between layers, which can be reused to prepare high value-added products. Given the intrinsic defect structure of anode graphite, copper foils in LIB anode electrodes, and excellent properties of graphene, graphene oxide–copper composite material was prepared in this work. Anode graphite was firstly purified to remove organic impurities by calcination and remove lithium. Purified graphite was used to prepare graphene oxide–copper composite material after oxidation to graphite oxide, ultrasonic exfoliation to graphene oxide (GO), and Cu²⁺ adsorption. Compared with natural graphite, preparing graphite oxide using anode graphite consumed 40% less concentrated H₂SO₄ and 28.6% less KMnO₄. Cu²⁺ was well adsorbed by 1.0 mg L^?1 stable GO suspension at pH 5.3 for 120 min. Graphene oxide–copper composite material could be successfully obtained after 6 h absorption, 3 h bonding between GO and Cu²⁺ with 3/100 of GO/CuSO₄ mass ratio. Compared to CuO, graphene oxide–copper composite material had better catalytic photodegradation performance on methylene blue, and the electric field further improved the photodegradation efficiency of the composite material.     

Determination of Tetracycline in Bovine and Breast Milk Using a Graphite–Polyurethane Composite Electrode

A bare graphite–polyurethane composite electrode (60% graphite, m/m) was used for the determination of tetracycline in bovine and breast milk. Limits of detection as low as 2.6?µmol?L^?1 were obtained in pH 2.3 phosphate buffer using optimized differential pulse voltammetric parameters at the graphite–polyurethane composite electrode. The milk treatment consisted of acidification with 80% trichloroacetic acid, centrifugation to remove solid phase from milk, the isolation of the antibiotic from the whey using solid-phase extraction, and direct analysis in pH 2.3 phosphate buffer. Recoveries between 83 and 99% and 97% were obtained for tetracycline fortified in bovine and breast milk, suggesting that this approach is a promising screening procedure.     

A Potent Leukocyte Transmigration Blocker: GT-73 Showed a Protective Effect against LPS-Induced ARDS in Mice

We recently developed a molecule (GT-73) that blocked leukocyte transendothelial migration from blood to the peripheral tissues, supposedly by affecting the platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1) function. GT-73 was tested in an LPS-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mouse model. The rationale for this is based on the finding that the mortality of COVID-19 patients is partly caused by ARDS induced by a massive migration of leukocytes to the lungs. In addition, the role of tert-butyl and methyl ester moieties in the biological effect of GT-73 was investigated. A human leukocyte, transendothelial migration assay was applied to validate the blocking effect of GT-73 derivatives. Finally, a mouse model of LPS-induced ARDS was used to evaluate the histological and biochemical effects of GT-73. The obtained results showed that GT-73 has a unique structure that is responsible for its biological activity; two of its chemical moieties (tert-butyl and a methyl ester) are critical for this effect. GT-73 is a prodrug, and its lipophilic tail covalently binds to PECAM-1 via Lys536. GT-73 significantly decreased the number of infiltrating leukocytes in the lungs and reduced the inflammation level. Finally, GT-73 reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In summary, we concluded that GT-73, a blocker of white blood cell transendothelial migration, has a favorable profile as a drug candidate for the treatment of ARDS in COVID-19 patients.     

Fe2O3‐N‐doped Honeycomb‐like Porous Carbon Derived from Nature Silk Sericin as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

A facile method is reported to form a honeycomb‐like porous nanomaterial by intercalation of iron nitrate using nature silk sericin (SS) as nitrogen and carbon source. A series of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles anchored on Fe₂O₃‐N‐doped graphite carbon electrocatalysts (SS‐Fe) were synthesized, exhibits well‐defined pore structure and excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic activities. Among these materials, SS‐Fe‐0.5 shows the best performance, the overpotential of SS‐Fe‐0.5 at 10 mA · cm^–2 is 440 mV (vs. RHE) and the Tafel slope is only 68 mV · dec^–1. The results indicate that it is promising to the preparation of carbon catalyst materials using natural, renewable and abundant resources for electrocatalysis.     

Exfoliation of Graphite into Graphene in Polar Solvents Mediated by Amphiphilic Hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene

A water‐soluble surfactant consisting of hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene (HBC) as hydrophobic aromatic core and hydrophilic carboxy substituents was synthesized. It exhibited a self‐assembled nanofiber structure in the solid state. Profiting from the π interactions between the large aromatic core of HBC and graphene, the surfactant mediated the exfoliation of graphite into graphene in polar solvents, which was further stabilized by the bulky hydrophilic carboxylic groups. A graphene dispersion with a concentration as high as 1.1 mg L^?1 containing 2–6 multilayer nanosheets was obtained. The lateral size of the graphene sheets was in the range of 100–500 nm based on atomic force microscope (AFM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) measurements.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the processes occurring at graphite anode in a CaO-CaCl<Subscript>2</Subscript> melt

The polarization of a graphite anode in a CaCl₂-CaO melt in the temperature range 790–870°C at CaO concentrations of 1–8 mol % and current densities of 10^?2–10 A cm^?2 was studied. The temperature and concentration dependences of the limiting current spent for the oxidation of oxygen ions were determined.     

Role of solution structure in the electrochemical intercalation of Ca2+ into graphite layers

In this study, we investigated the electrochemical intercalation of Ca²⁺ into graphite as an anode material for calcium-ion batteries (CIBs). The electrochemical intercalation of Ca²⁺ into a graphite electrode is possible when γ-butyrolactone (GBL) is utilized as a solvent, resulting in a reversible charge/discharge capacity. The GBL-based electrolyte allows a reversible redox reaction, thereby resulting in the intercalation and deintercalation of Ca²⁺ within the graphite electrode. Conversely, Ca²⁺ cannot be intercalated between the graphite layers in the ethylene carbonate–diethyl carbonate (EC–DEC)–based electrolyte. Analyses of the solution structures of both cases indicated that the interaction between the GBL solvent and Ca²⁺ was weak whereas that between the EC–DEC solvent and Ca²⁺ was strong. As a result of analyzing the surface of the negative electrode after charging and discharging from XPS, it was confirmed that a component that seems to be a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) was confirmed in the graphite electrode using the GBL-based electrolyte.

     

Synthesis and characterization of polyaniline/graphite conducting nanocomposites

A new method for the synthesis of exfoliated graphite and polyaniline (PANI)/graphite nanocomposites was developed. Exfoliated graphite nanosheets were prepared through the microwave irradiation and sonication of synthesized expandable graphite. The nanocomposites were fabricated via the in situ polymerization of the monomer at the presence of graphite nanosheets. The as-synthesized graphite nanosheets and PANI/graphite nanocomposite materials were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The conductivity of the PANI/graphite nanocomposites was dramatically increased over that of pure PANI. TGA indicated that the incorporation of graphite greatly improved the thermal stability of PANI. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 1972–1978, 2004     

Enhancement of Li-ion battery performance of graphite anode by sodium ion as an electrolyte additive

Electrochemical performance of a graphite electrode for lithium-ion batteries was successfully and easily improved by sodium ion dissolved in an electrolyte solution. Sodium ion was added by dissolving 0.22 mol dm⁻³ NaClO₄ into a 1 mol dm⁻³ LiClO₄ ethylene carbonate–diethyl carbonate (1:1 by volume) electrolyte solution prior to charge–discharge cycle. By sodium-ion addition, an irreversible capacity at the initial cycle was obviously reduced, and reversible discharge capacities increased with better capacity retention. From ac impedance measurements, a graphite electrode in the sodium ion added electrolyte had much smaller interface resistance compared to that obtained in sodium ion free one. Furthermore, the electrode surface morphology observed by electron microscopes after charge–discharge tests got more uniform in the sodium added electrolyte.