The raman spectroscopy of the ferricyanide/ferrocyanide system at gold, β-palladium hydride and platinum electrodes

The surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of ferricyanide and ferrocyanide anions at gold electrodes shows that both species are adsorbed at the interface. The variation of the spectra with potential and the nature of the cations of the support electrolyte shows that anions and cations are co-adsorbed and that the structure of the anions is markedly perturbed compared to that of the solution phase species. It is also shown that SERS of these ions at palladium electrodes can be readily generated by converting the surface to the β-palladium hydride. In this case the spectra are more simple but both anions are again adsorbed. Adsorption is also shown to take place at smooth platinum electrodes, measurements in this case being carried out by potential modulated surface unenhanced Raman spectroscopy (SUERS) but with resonance Raman enhancement of the scattering.The spectroscopic results show that electron transfer in the ferrocyanide/ferricyanide system cannot be considered to be a purely outer sphere reaction. Results indicate that the smallest change in structure of the adsorbed species takes place in supporting electrolytes containing caesium ions; these solutions give the largest value of the standard rate constant for the reaction.     

The Use of Thin‐Layer Electroanalysis in the Study of the Chemisorption and Anodic Oxidation of Aromatic Molecules at Smooth Polycrystalline Palladium

Thin‐layer electroanalytical chemistry has been used in the study of the chemisorption and anodic oxidation of hydroquinone and benzoquinone at smooth polycrystalline palladium electrode surfaces in aqueous sulfuric acid solutions. The results were reminiscent of those obtained previously on smooth polycrystalline platinum: i) At low aqueous‐solution concentrations, the diphenol is oxidatively chemisorbed to form surface‐coordinated benzoquinone oriented parallel to the surface. ii) At higher concentrations, the oxidative chemisorption occurs via C? H activation to yield an edge‐oriented diphenolic species. iii) Chemisorption from benzoquinone solutions leads to species identical to those from hydroquinone solutions. iv) The extent of anodic oxidation of the chemisorbed organic depends upon the initial adsorbed‐molecule orientation: the flat‐adsorbed species are oxidized completely to carbon dioxide, whereas oxidation of the edge‐chemisorbed species yields other (unidentified) products that are chemisorbed upon regeneration of the oxide‐free surface.     

Light-harvesting energy transfer and subsequent electron transfer of cationic porphyrin complexes on clay surfaces

A novel energy-transfer system involving nonaggregated cationic porphyrins adsorbed on an anionic-type clay surface and the electron-transfer reaction that occurs after light harvesting are described. In the clay-porphyrin complexes, photochemical energy transfer from excited singlet zinc porphyrins to free-base porphyrins proceeds. The photochemical electron-transfer reaction from an electron donor in solution (hydroquinone) to the adsorbed porphyrin in the excited singlet state was also examined. Because the electron-transfer rate from the hydroquinone to the excited singlet free-base porphyrin is larger than that to the excited singlet zinc porphyrin, we conclude that the energy transfer accelerates the overall electron-transfer reaction.     

Raman spectroelectrochemical study of electrode processes at Neutral red- and poly(Neutral red) modified electrodes

The redox dye Neutral red (NR), adsorbed and electropolymerized at a roughened gold electrode, has been studied by Raman spectroscopy at λ_ex of 676.4 nm in an electrochemical cell. Spectral bands have been assigned based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The number and position of the bands, as well as their intensity depend on electrode potential, allowing one to discern different redox forms of NR or its polymer. The observed changes in band positions and intensities have been analyzed. Electrooxidation of hydroquinone and ascorbic acid at a gold electrode modified with adsorbed or electropolymerized layer of NR has been studied with in situ Raman spectroelectrochemical technique. During electrooxidation of solution species, NR layer contains both oxidized and reduced forms of this modifier. It has been shown that the relative content of a reduced form of NR at electrode surface increases with increasing concentration of any of oxidizable species used. It has been concluded that anodic oxidation of ascorbic acid or hydroquinone at NR or polyNR modified electrode proceeds within the modifier layer rather than at a modifier/electrolyte interface. In this respect, electrooxidation follows a redox mechanism.     

Raman spectroelectrochemical study of electrode processes at Neutral red- and poly(Neutral red) modified electrodes

The redox dye Neutral red (NR), adsorbed and electropolymerized at a roughened gold electrode, has been studied by Raman spectroscopy at λ_ex of 676.4 nm in an electrochemical cell. Spectral bands have been assigned based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The number and position of the bands, as well as their intensity depend on electrode potential, allowing one to discern different redox forms of NR or its polymer. The observed changes in band positions and intensities have been analyzed. Electrooxidation of hydroquinone and ascorbic acid at a gold electrode modified with adsorbed or electropolymerized layer of NR has been studied with in situ Raman spectroelectrochemical technique. During electrooxidation of solution species, NR layer contains both oxidized and reduced forms of this modifier. It has been shown that the relative content of a reduced form of NR at electrode surface increases with increasing concentration of any of oxidizable species used. It has been concluded that anodic oxidation of ascorbic acid or hydroquinone at NR or polyNR modified electrode proceeds within the modifier layer rather than at a modifier/electrolyte interface. In this respect, electrooxidation follows a redox mechanism.     

Structure of ethene adsorption sites on supported metal catalysts from in situ XANES Analysis

The structures of the catalytically active sites in supported metal catalysts are a long sought after goal. In this study, XAS has been used to establish these structures. The ethene-induced changes in the XAS spectra as a function of temperature and pressure were correlated to changes in the adsorption mode of the hydrocarbon. At low temperature, ethene was adsorbed in on-top (pi) and bridged (di-sigma) sites on small platinum clusters. Below room temperature, the adsorbed ethene was dehydrogenated to an ethylidyne species, which was adsorbed in threefold Pt sites. On larger clusters the dehydrogenation proceeded at higher temperature indicating a different reactivity. EXAFS results showed that changes in the geometrical structures were mainly due to (co)adsorbed hydrogen. Our results for platinum agree with those obtained using other techniques proving that detailed shape analysis of the L3 edge XANES is a practical tool to determine the structure of the sites that are involved in bonding to reactants and intermediates. Application to gold and alloy catalysts showed that ethene induced a significant change in the electronic structure of gold nanoclusters that could be interpreted as ethene adsorbed on top of single gold atoms or in bridged sites. Ethene adsorbed on both platinum and gold in the bimetallic clusters.     

Studies on the electrochemical growth of (Per)2[Au(mnt)2

The first stages of the electrocrystallization of (Per)(2)[Au(mnt)(2)] salt from dichloromethane on gold, platinum, and highly orientated pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in order to understand the determinant factors for nucleation and crystal growth. The crystal growth occurs from adsorbed films of dithiolate on gold or platinum and of perylene on HOPG, after homogeneous nucleation, and it is controlled by the low diffusion of the species toward the growing surface.     

Catalytic deactivation of gold surface as a consequence of Prussian blue electrodeposition and removal

It is shown that the gold surface is catalytically deactivated and smoothened upon removal of the Prussian blue (PB)–gold nanocomposite formed on the gold surface. Atomic force microscopy proves surface smoothening after PB removal. The voltammetric responses of Ru(NH₃)₆Cl₃ on the smoothened surface remain unaffected, but the reactions that involve multistep and inner-sphere electron transfer are affected on the smoothened surface as exemplified by hydroquinone, ferrous oxalate redox reactions, and oxygen reduction. These effects are attributed to catalytic deactivation as a consequence of removal of the active sites.

Investigation of protein adsorption and electrochemical behavior at a gold electrode

The adsorption of two model proteins, human serum albumin and immunoglobulin G, on a gold electrode surface was investigated using 125I radiolabeling and cyclic voltammetry (CV). 125I radiolabeling was used to determine the extent of protein adsorption, while CV was used to ascertain the effect of the adsorbed protein layer on the electron transfer between the gold electrode and an electroactive moiety in solution, namely, K3Fe(CN)6. The adsorbed amounts of HSA and IgG agreed well with previous results and showed approximately monolayer coverage. The amount of adsorbed protein increased when a positive potential (700 mV) was applied to the electrode, while the application of a negative potential (-800 mV) resulted in a decrease. When the solution pH was varied to alter the charge on the protein, the adsorption trends appeared to follow electrostatic interaction, namely, greater adsorption when the electrode and the protein possessed opposite charge and vice versa. The adsorbed protein layer had the effect of blocking the electron transfer. It was possible to correlate the degree of electron blocking with the amount of adsorbed protein to show that the greater the adsorption, the larger the blocking effect. Of the two proteins used, HSA proved to be more efficient at blocking the electron transfer.     

Electrochemical evaluation of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine adsorption on polycrystalline gold

Using differential capacity and chronocoulometry, we have studied the electrosorption of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) on polycrystalline gold electrode surfaces. Our results indicate that the orientation of DMAP is highly dependent on the electrode potential and electrolyte pH. At pH values at or above the primary pKa, the adsorbed species is DMAP and orients vertically on the electrode surface via the lone pair of electrons on the pyridine ring's nitrogen atom. At very low pH values (<3) the adsorbed species is the protonated ion, DMAPH+, which can be desorbed from the electrode surface when the metal's surface charge density is made appreciably positive of the potential of zero charge. At intermediate electrolyte pH, either DMAP or DMAPH+ is adsorbed on the surface depending on the electrode's potential. At negative charge densities, DMAPH+ lies nearly flat on the gold electrode and the surface coverage is correspondingly low. When the electrode is positively charged, the adsorbate undergoes a phase transition to a vertical orientation and is simultaneously deprotonated to DMAP. Our results rationalize the stability of DMAP-ligated gold nanoparticles as a function of pH and demonstrate that the ligand's surface coverage is the principal factor in determining the stability of the colloidal system.     

Electrocatalytical oxidation of hydroquinone with ferrocene covalently bound to L-cysteine self-assembled monolayers on a gold electrode

The preparation of a gold electrode modified by ferrocenecarboxylic acid (FcA) covalently bound to L-cysteine self-assembled monolayer (FcA-SAM) is described. The modified electrode shows an excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of hydroquinone (QH2) and accelerates the electron transfer rate. The anodic overpotential is reduced by ca. 290 mV compared to those obtained at bare gold electrodes. The charge transfer coefficient and the apparent surface electron transfer rate constant for the redox couple of Q/QH2 at the modified electrode are found to be 0.425 and 0.96 s(-1), respectively. The catalytic current response of DPV increases linearly with the QH2 concentration from 5.7 x 10(-7) to 3.2 x 10(-4) M. The estimation of QH2 in a simulative sample is satisfactory. The method is simple, quick, and sensitive.     

Raman studies on the interaction of the reactants with the platinum nanoparticle surface during the nanocatalyzed electron transfer reaction

Raman studies are conducted to understand the specific interactions between the individual reactants and the platinum nanoparticle surface during the nanocatalyzed electron transfer reaction between hexacyanoferrate (III) ions and thiosulfate ions. When Pt nanoparticles are added to the thiosulfate ion solution, a shift in the symmetric SS stretching mode is observed compared to the frequency observed for the free thiosulfate ions in solution, suggesting that binding to the Pt nanoparticle surface occurs via the S- ion. It is also observed that there are no shifts in the symmetric and asymmetric OSO bending or SO stretching frequencies. This suggests that the thiosulfate ions do not bind to the nanoparticle surface via the O- ion. When platinum nanoparticles are added to the hexacyanoferrate(III) ion solution, evidence is found for both adsorbed hexacyanoferrate(III) ions and a platinum cyanide complex. For adsorbed hexacyanoferrate(III) ions, the CN stretching frequency is observed at 2101 cm(-1) and the Fe-C stretching frequency is found at 368 cm(-1). The observed CN stretching frequencies located at 2147 and 2167 cm(-1) provide strong evidence that there is a Pt(CN)4(2-) platinum cyanide complex formed. In addition, the Pt-CN band is also observed at 2054 cm(-1). These observed bands provide spectroscopic evidence that the hexacyanoferrate(III) ions dissolve by forming a complex with the surface platinum atoms of the nanoparticles. Raman spectra of the product mixtures are obtained after the completion of the reaction when carried out with higher reactant concentrations to observe the Raman spectra, but with a similar 10:1 ratio of thiosulfate to hexacyanoferrate(III) ions as used previously, with and without PVP-Pt nanoparticles at a correspondingly higher concentration. It is observed that there are no shifts in the characteristic Raman bands associated with hexacyanoferrate(II) ions and no evidence for the formation of adsorbed hexacyanoferrate(II) species or platinum cyanide complexes in the presence of the platinum nanoparticles. In addition, there is evidence for the shifted symmetric SS stretching mode, suggesting that some of the unreacted thiosulfate (present in large excess) is bound to the Pt nanoparticle surface. Thus, under the actual reaction conditions, the hexacyanoferrate(III) ions preferentially react with adsorbed thiosulfate ions to form the reaction products, and this supports the surface catalytic mechanism we proposed previously.     

Potential-dependent sum frequency generation study of 5-methylbenzotriazole on polycrystalline copper, platinum, and gold

In situ sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy, at varied potentials and polarization combinations, was performed on polycrystalline copper, polycrystalline platinum, and polycrystalline gold samples in 0.5 M HClO4 with 50 mM 5-methylbenzotriazole (5-methylBTAH) added. These studies were performed to determine the orientation of 5-methylBTAH on the surface at different potentials. For copper surfaces, orientation of the molecule on the surface is not affected by potential within the potential window studied (-500 to -100 mV vs saturated calomel electrode (SCE)). Sum frequency generation spectra of 5-methylBTAH on platinum show a change in orientation over the potential range studied (-250 to 750 mV vs SCE). The orientation of the methyl group tilts more toward the plane of the interface as the potential is scanned in the positive direction. This orientation change is correlated to hydrogen coadsorption on the platinum surface at low potentials. 5-Methylbenzotriazole lies in the surface plane or does not orient on gold at lower potentials but the orientation is tilted toward normal at more positive potentials over the potential range studied (-500 to 900 mV vs SCE). To compliment these results, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed. Cyclic voltammograms of copper show that addition of 5-methylBTAH protects the surface from copper dissolution, increasing the electrochemical window by 450 mV. Cyclic voltammetry of 5-methylBTAH on platinum showed a partial blockage of adsorbed hydrogen and also prevented the adsorption of oxygenated species at 450-600 mV. Cyclic voltammetry on gold shows that 5-methylBTAH blocks oxide formation for 400 mV thus increasing the electrochemical window. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been performed to determine the potential of zero charge of 5-methylBTAH on copper.     

纳米金三明治结构调制细胞色素c电子传递特性的分子机理研究

以细胞色素c(Cyt c)为模型蛋白,采用表面增强红外吸收光谱监测了三明治结构所吸附的纳米金对氧化还原诱导的Cyt c表面增强红外差谱的改变.研究表明,在单层Cyt c分子表面组装纳米金,使得血红素的红外差谱特征峰明显增强,这归因于纳米金和血红素之间的电子传递.纳米金与Cyt c氧化还原活性中心血红素的相互作用加速了蛋白质的电子传递.这为实现并优化表面吸附蛋白质的直接电化学提供了一种新技术.     

Surface-enhanced vibrational spectroscopy of B vitamins: what is the effect of SERS-active metals used?

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy and surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy are analytical tools suitable for the detection of small amounts of various analytes adsorbed on metal surfaces. During recent years, these two spectroscopic methods have become increasingly important in the investigation of adsorption of biomolecules and pharmaceuticals on nanostructured metal surfaces. In this work, the adsorption of B-group vitamins pyridoxine, nicotinic acid, folic acid and riboflavin at electrochemically prepared gold and silver substrates was investigated using Fourier transform SERS spectroscopy at an excitation wavelength of 1,064 nm. Gold and silver substrates were prepared by cathodic reduction on massive platinum targets. In the case of gold substrates, oxidation–reduction cycles were applied to increase the enhancement factor of the gold surface. The SERS spectra of riboflavin, nicotinic acid, folic acid and pyridoxine adsorbed on silver substrates differ significantly from SERS spectra of these B-group vitamins adsorbed on gold substrates. The analysis of near-infrared-excited SERS spectra reveals that each of B-group vitamin investigated interacts with the gold surface via a different mechanism of adsorption to that with the silver surface. In the case of riboflavin adsorbed on silver substrate, the interpretation of surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectra was also helpful in investigation of the adsorption mechanism.     

An amperometric biosensor based on multiwalled carbon nanotube-poly(pyrrole)-horseradish peroxidase nanobiocomposite film for determination of phenol derivatives

An amperometric biosensor based on horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and carbon nanotube (CNT)/polypyrrole (PPy) nanobiocomposite film on a gold surface has been developed. The HRP was incorporated into the CNT/PPy nanocomposite matrix in one-step electropolymerization process without the aid of cross-linking agent. Amperometric response was measured as a function of concentration of phenol derivatives, at a fixed bias voltage of -50 mV. Optimization of the experimental parameters was performed with regard to pH and concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The linear range, sensitivity and detection limit of the biosensor were investigated for eighteen phenol derivatives. The sensitivity in the linear range increased in this order: 4-methoxyphenol>2-aminophenol>guaiacol=m-cresol>2-chlorophenol=4-chlorophenol=hydroquinone=pyrocatechol>2,6-dimethoxyphenol>3-chlorophenol>p-cresol>p-benzoquinone=4-acetamidophenol>catechol>phenol=pyrogallol=2,4-dimethylphenol. CNTs was shown to enhance the electron transfer as a mediator and capable to carry higher bioactivity owing to its intensified surface area. The biosensor exhibited low detection limits with a short response time (2s) for the tested phenolics compared to the reported working electrodes. It retained 70% of its initial activity after using for 700 measurements in 1 month.     

Topological and Electron‐Transfer Properties of Yeast Cytochrome c Adsorbed on Bare Gold Electrodes

The redox metalloprotein yeast cytochrome c was directly self‐chemisorbed on “bare” gold electrodes through the free sulfur‐containing group Cys102. Topological, spectroscopic, and electron transfer properties of the immobilised molecules were investigated by in situ scanning probe microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Atomic force and scanning tunnelling microscopy revealed individual protein molecules adsorbed on the gold substrate, with no evidence of aggregates. The adsorbed proteins appear to be firmly bound to gold and display dimensions in good agreement with crystallographic data. Cyclic voltammetric analysis showed that up to 84 % of the electrode surface is functionalised with electroactive proteins whose measured redox midpoint potential is in good agreement with the formal potential. Our results clearly indicate that this variant of cytochrome c is adsorbed on bare gold electrodes with preservation of morphological properties and redox functionality.     

An investigation of the oxidation of formaldehyde on noble metal electrodes in alkaline solutions by electrochemically modulated infrared spectroscopy (emirs)

In-situ spectroscopy was used to detect adsorbed species formed during the oxidation of formaldehyde at polycrystalline Au, Pt, Rh and Ir electrodes in alkaline solution. At the gold electrode, the spectra showed the oxidation of the gem-diol form of formaldehyde and the formation of an adsorbed formate species. At platinum, rhodium and iridium, adsorbed CO was observed in the hydrogen adsorption region where the oxidation of formaldehyde is strongly inhibited on these metals. Alternative routes for producing the poison are discussed.     

Rapid proton-coupled electron-transfer of hydroquinone through phenylenevinylene bridges

We describe the synthesis of two oligo(phenylene vinylene)s (OPVs) with a hydroquinone moiety and a thiol anchor group: 4-(2',5'-dihydroxystyryl)benzyl thioacetate and 4-[4'-(2' ',5' '-dihydroxystyryl)styryl]benzyl thioacetate. Monolayers on gold of these molecules were examined by electrochemical techniques to determine the electron transfer kinetics of the hydroquinone functionality (H2Q) through these delocalized tethers ("molecular wires") as a function of pH. Between pH 4 and 9, rate constants were ca. 100-fold faster than for the same H2Q functionality confined to the surface via alkane tethers. Also, in this same pH range rate constants were independent of the length of the OPV bridge. These new electroactive molecules in which the hydroquinone functionality is wired to the gold surface by means of OPV tethers should be useful platforms for constructing bioelectronic devices such as biosensors, biofuel cells, and biophotovoltaic cells with a fast response time.     

Adsorption of concanavalin A and lentil lectin on platinum electrodes followed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: effect of protein state

Adsorption of concanavalin A and lentil lectin on platinum electrode was investigated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. By using ferro/ferricyanide system to probe the electrochemical interface it was possible to model the EIS data with a simple equivalent circuit. The blocking effect for electron transfer reactions observed with these proteins, indicated that they readily adsorb on platinum surface and that the degree of adsorption is related to the state of the proteins. When the proteins are in the presence of divalent cations (Ca²⁺ and Mn²⁺) they adsorb less strongly than in their absence. There is also evidence that at least convanavalin A retains its biological activity in the adsorbed state.