Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Oxidation Studies at Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Polymer Composite Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes

NADH oxidation has previously been investigated at carbon nanotube surfaces, although studies into the effect of the polymer binders are needed to fully understand whether the polymer binder affects the electrochemistry. This work details NADH oxidation at glassy carbon electrodes modified with composites containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes and selected polymer binders. NADH is shown to be oxidized at a lower potential than at glassy carbon electrodes and the oxidation potential is a function of the polymer binder. Hydrophobically modified Nafion, Nafion, linear poly(ethylenimine) (LPEI), octyl‐modified LPEI, and poly(vinylpyridine) binders were studied. Experiments showed the peak current and electrochemically assessible electrode area are dependent on the polymer binder. Overall, this paper shows that polymer binders affect NADH oxidation potential at carbon nanotube modified electrodes.     

Bi‐Directional Electrocatalytic Detection of Dopamine at an Electrode Modified with Ferrocene‐Filled Carbon Nanotube Peapods

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with nanopeapods formed by ferrocene filled single‐walled carbon nanotubes (Fc@SWNTs). The modified electrode showed bi‐directional electrocatalysis toward dopamine (DA), which suggested a synergistic effect of ferrocene and carbon nanotubes. Bi‐directional detection of DA was realized based on the modified electrode.     

电化学阴极沉积制备氧化镍/碳纳米管复合电极的准电容特性

A novel type of composite electrode based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes coated with nano nickel oxide particles has been used in supercapacitors. Nickel oxide cathodically deposited from Ni(NO3)2 solution with carbon nanotubes as the matrix exhibited large pseudocapacitance of 25F/g in 6 mol/L KOH. The morphology of composites was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). To characterize the CNTs/nickel oxide composite electrode, a charge discharge cycling test for measuring specific capacitance, cyclic voltammetry, and ac impedance test is executed. The nickel oxide composite exhibiting excellent pseudocapacitive behavior(i.e.high reversibility, high specific capacitance, and low self discharge rate) has been demonstrated to be a potential candidate for the application of electrochemical supercapacitors.     

Real‐Time Nitrophenol Detection Using Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Based Devices

Single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) based devices have been developed for the real‐time detection of nitrophenols in aqueous solution. SWNTs are assembled to electrodes using AC dielectrophoresis technique. The SWNT devices exhibit not only high sensitivity to nitrophenol compounds, but also good reusability. Charge transfer between nitro group and SWNTs, and the metal‐nanotube interface modification are hypothesized to be the possible origins of conductance change. These results indicated that the SWNT devices can be utilized as a simple, low cost, sensitive, and reusable platform for real‐time detection of nitrophenol compounds.     

Electrocatalysis of 2‐Diethylaminoethanethiol at Nickel Nanoparticle‐Electrodecorated Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Platform: An Adsorption‐Controlled Electrode Process

Electrocatalytic behavior of diethylaminoethanethiol (DEAET) at nickel nanoparticle‐electrodecorated single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT‐Ni) platform is presented. We demonstrate that the electrocatalytic response is governed by adsorption‐controlled kinetics and that adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdsSV) represents a viable analytical voltammetry for the sensitive detection of this hydrolysis product of a V‐type nerve agent.     

Selective Voltammetric Detection of Uric Acid in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid at Well‐Aligned Carbon Nanotube Electrode

The voltammetric behaviors of uric acid (UA) and L ‐ascorbic acid (L ‐AA) were studied at well‐aligned carbon nanotube electrode. Compared to glassy carbon, carbon nanotube electrode catalyzes oxidation of UA and L ‐AA, reducing the overpotentials by about 0.028 V and 0.416 V, respectively. Based on its differential catalytic function toward the oxidation of UA and L ‐AA, the carbon nanotube electrode resolved the overlapping voltammetric response of UA and L ‐AA into two well‐defined voltammetric peaks in applying both cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), which can be used for a selective determination of UA in the presence of L ‐AA. The peak current obtained from DPV was linearly dependent on the UA concentration in the range of 0.2 μM to 80 μM with a correlation coefficient of 0.997. The detection limit (3δ) for UA was found to be 0.1 μM. Finally, the carbon nanotube electrode was successfully demonstrated as a electrochemical sensor to the determination of UA in human urine samples by simple dilution without further pretreatment.     

Amperometric Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide Using Glassy Carbon Electrodes Modified with Chromium Hexacyanoferrate/Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites

Chemical functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) has constructed plenty of new structures with useful properties. But the modification was often confined to organic molecules, either by covalence or noncovalence. In this report, SWNTs were successfully functionalized with one kind of electroactive inorganic compounds: chromium hexacyanoferrate (Cr hcf). The resulting Cr hcf/SWNTs nanocomposites were confirmed by Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cr hcf crystallites are observed to be finely attached to the SWNTs. The electrochemical properties of Cr hcf/SWNTs nanocomposites were also investigated. The nanocomposites modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode shows high 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 μM to 10 mM (R=0.9989). In addition, the sensor has good stability and reproducibility.     

Highly Sensitive Dopamine Detection Using a Bespoke Functionalised Carbon Nanotube Microelectrode Array

Understanding how the brain works requires developing advanced tools that allow measurement of bioelectrical and biochemical signals, including how they propagate between neurons. The introduction of nanomaterials as electrode materials has improved the impedance and sensitivity of microelectrode arrays (MEAs), allowing high quality recordings of single cells in situ using electrode diameters of ≤20 μm. MEAs also have the potential to measure electroactive biological molecules in situ, such as dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the nervous system. Thus, this work focused on fabricating a functionalised carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based MEA to demonstrate its potential for future measurement of small signals generated from excitable cells. To this end, the functionalised CNT MEA has recorded one of the lowest electrochemical interfacial impedances available in the literature, 2.8±0.2 kΩ, for an electrode of its geometric surface area. Electrochemical detection of dopamine revealed again one of the best sensitivity values per area available in the literature, 9.48 μA μM⁻¹ mm⁻². Additionally, a limit of detection of 7 nM was recorded for dopamine using the functionalised CNT MEA, with selectivity against common electrochemical interferents such as ascorbic acid. These results indicate improvement beyond currently available MEAs, along with the feasibility of using these devices for multi‐site detection of physiologically relevant electroactive biomolecules.     

Surfactant‐Free Spinning of Composite Carbon Nanotube Fibers

Summary: Fibers and yarns are promising forms to use and control the spatial orientation of carbon nanotubes in macroscopic materials. Various approaches have been proposed in the last few years to achieve fibers with a fraction of carbon nanotubes. Among them, coagulation spinning in aqueous media has proven to be a simple and capable method of leading to super‐tough materials. However, all water‐based processes described so far have made use of surfactant‐stabilized carbon nanotubes. In the present work, a method is shown to spin fibers from surfactant‐free nanotube solutions while preserving an all water‐based process. The resultant fibers exhibit mechanical and electrical properties that compare well with those of previously reported fibers spun with surfactants. The fibers exhibit a significant toughness and a high electrical conductivity.

Scanning electron micrograph of the fiber, showing the surface texture.     

New Method for Carbohydrates Determination in Sugarcane Bagasse by HPAEC‐RPAD Using Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Carbon Nanotubes and Nickel Nanoparticles

Second generation ethanol can be produced from carbohydrates released from both sugarcane bagasse cell wall and sugarcane straw. The development of new method for the analysis of carbohydrates is, in this sense, seen as extremely relevant in the area of bioenergy. Based on the above considerations, the scope of this work encompasses the identification and quantification of carbohydrates composition in sugarcane bagasse without the need of sample derivatization, developing a novel analytical method using a glassy carbon electrode modified with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes containing nickel oxyhydroxide nanoparticles (GCE/MWCNT/NiOOH) and applying the modified electrode as a detector in HPAEC (High Performance Anion‐Exchange Chromatography) with reverse pulsed amperometric detection (RPAD) towards the determination of arabinose, galactose, glucose and xylose in hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse. The carbohydrates concentrations determined in the hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse were 6.1×10⁻⁴ mol L⁻¹, 1.0×10⁻² mol L⁻¹ and 2.8×10⁻³ mol L⁻¹ for arabinose, glucose, and xylose respectively. Our results showed that the present method is, in essence, attractive for analysis in the course of the production process of second generation ethanol production in that it does not require sample derivatization, has rapid run time, satisfactory separation, and can be used for the detection of carbohydrates without the interference of other electroactive species.     

聚苯乙烯/碳纳米管复合材料研究进展

聚苯乙烯/碳纳米管复合材料是近年来开发的新型聚合物基复合材料,具有独特的一维纳米管分散微结构,往往表现出比纯聚苯乙烯更好的机械力学性能、电学性能和热性能等,在诸多领域具有广泛的应用前景.本文首先简要介绍了碳纳米管的结构特点、制备与纯化和性能,然后重点阐述了聚苯乙烯/碳纳米管复合材料的几种制备方法、结构表征以及力学、电学和热性能等方面的研究进展,并对聚苯乙烯共聚物/碳纳米管复合材料的研究现状进行介绍.     

Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Based Real‐Time Organophosphate Detector

A novel single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) based biosensor for real‐time detection of organophosphate has been developed. Horizontally aligned SWNTs are assembled to desirable electrodes using AC dielectrophoresis technique. Organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) immobilized on the SWNTs by nonspecific binding triggers enzymatic hydrolysis of organophosphates (OPs), such as paraoxon, consequently causing a detectable change in the conductance of the SWNTs. The conductance change is found to be correlated to the concentration of organophosphate. Our results suggest the novel biosensor has great potential to serve as a simple and reusable platform of sensing organophosphate on a real‐time basis.     

Poly(Taurine‐Glutathione)/Carbon Nanotube Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode as a New Levofloxacin Sensor

A new highly sensitive and selective electrochemical levofloxacin sensor based on co‐polymer‐carbon nanotube composite electrode was developed. Taurine and Glutathione were electrochemically co‐polymerized on multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode (Poly(TAU‐GSH)/CNT/GCE) and used as a levofloxacin sensor in pH 6 phosphate buffer solution. The new composite electrode surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Under the optimized conditions, two linear segments were obtained for increasing LEV concentrations between 20 nmol L^?1‐1 μmol L^?1 and 1.5 μmol L^?1‐55 μmol L^?1 LEV with a detection limit of 9 nmol L^?1 using amperometry. Poly(TAU‐GSH)/CNT/GCE exhibited high sensitivity, selectivity with good stability. The new sensor was employed for real samples of LEV tablets and urine. Promising results were obtained with good accuracy which were also in accordance with LC‐MS/MS analysis.     

Analytical Potentialities of Carbon Nanotube/Silicone Rubber Composite Electrodes: Determination of Propranolol

A new composite electrode based on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and silicone‐rubber (SR) was developed and applied to the determination of propranolol in pharmaceutical formulations. The effect of using MWCNT/graphite mixtures in different proportions was also investigated. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used for electrochemical characterization of different electrode compositions. Propranolol was determined using MWCNT/SR 70 % (m/m) electrodes with linear dynamic ranges up to 7.0 µmol L^?1 by differential pulse and up to 5.4 µmol L^?1 by square wave voltammetry, with LODs of 0.12 and 0.078 µmol L^?1, respectively. Analysis of commercial samples agreed with that obtained by the official spectrophotometric method. The electrode is mechanically robust and presented reproducible results and a long useful life.     

碳纳米管/聚合物纳米复合材料研究进展

碳纳米管/聚合物纳米复合材料是近几年发展起来的一个新的研究方向。本文从增强和功能性两个方面评述了碳纳米管/聚合物纳米复合材料的发展过程以及最新进展，详细讨论了碳纳米管在聚合物中的分散、取向和胃面相互作用对复合材料力学性能的影响，介绍了碳纳米管的加入赋予聚合物的一些新的光电性能，并对今后的研究方向进行了展望。     

碳纳米管/杂多酸/聚吡咯复合催化剂的制备及催化烯烃环氧化性能

以磷钼酸(PMo)、吡咯(Py)和碳纳米管(CNTs)为原料,通过原位聚合方法制备了PPy-PMo@CNTs复合材料.采用傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)和透射电子显微镜(TEM)等手段对材料进行了结构表征.结果表明,磷钼酸和聚吡咯被引入到碳纳米管载体上,且聚吡咯在碳纳米管表面形成了一层薄层.N2吸附-脱附测试结果表明,PPy-PMo@CNTs为介孔材料.将以乙腈为溶剂,过氧化氢为氧化剂的烯烃环氧化反应作为模型反应,考察了催化剂PPy-PMo@CNTs的催化活性.结果表明,在60℃,反应底物为1 mmol,催化剂投量为10 mg的条件下,该催化剂表现出较好的催化活性.中断和循环实验结果表明,催化剂具有较好的稳定性,在相同的反应条件下经过5次循环后,环辛烯的转化率依然保持在约65%.     

Single‐walled Carbon Nanotube Strings for Biosensor Development

Strings of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were prepared using an aqueous dispersion of gellan gum wrapped nanotubes and crosslinked using Ca²⁺ ions. Various formulations were evaluated to determine the parameters for successful string formation; these included 8–12 % nanotube by weight, 60–70 % gellan gum, and 20–30 % KCl. Strings showed electrical conductivity when dried between ITO electrodes. Conductivity variations were observed and potential sources of the variation identified. Proteins were attached to the carbon nanotube strings with peroxidase enzymatic activity detected following horseradish peroxidase attachment. This work provides a basis for development of electronic biosensors based on these carbon nanotube strings.     

A Sensitive Simultaneous Determination of Epinephrine and Piroxicam Using a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with a Nickel Hydroxide Nanoparticles/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Composite

The electrooxidation of epinephrine (EPI) and piroxicam (PRX) has been investigated by application of nickel hydroxide nanoparticles/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite electrode (MWCNTs‐NHNPs/GCE) using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and chronoamperometry (CA) methods. The modified electrode showed suitable electrochemical responses for EPI and PRX determination. Under the optimum conditions the electrode provides a linear response versus EPI and PRX concentrations in the range of 1–220 µM and 0.7–75 µM, respectively using the DPV method. Linear responses versus EPI and PRX concentrations in the range of 1–1000 µM and 1–800 µM, respectively, were obtained using the CA method. The modified electrode was used for determination of EPI and PRX in human urine with satisfactory results.     

Detection of homocysteine at carbon nanotube paste electrodes

The use of a carbon-nanotube paste (CNTP) electrode provides an effective means for the determination of homocysteine. A decrease of ca. 120 mV in the overpotential for the oxidation of homocysteine compared to a traditional carbon paste electrode, is reported along with greatly enhanced signal-to-noise characteristics. The analytical parameters have been assessed with a linear range from 5 to 200 μM and a detection limit of 4.6 μM. Furthermore, the generic nature of this increased reactivity of the CNTP surface towards thiol moieties has been demonstrated with cysteine, glutathione and n-acetylcysteine, providing a greatly enhanced electrochemical response compared to the carbon paste electrode.     

Selective Simultaneous Determination of Paracetamol and Uric Acid Using a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Chitosan Composite

A multiwalled carbon nanotube/chitosan modified glassy carbon electrode (MWCNTs‐CHT/GCE) has been used for simultaneous determination of paracetamol (PAR) and uric acid (UA). The measurements were carried out using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). DPV measurements showed a linear relationship between oxidation peak current and concentration of PAR and UA in phosphate buffer (pH 7) over the concentration range 2 µM to 250 µM, and 10 µM to 400 µM, respectively. The analytical performance of this sensor has been evaluated for detection of PAR and UA in human serum and human urine with satisfactory results.