A sensitive and selective sensor‐coated molecularly imprinted sol–gel film incorporating β‐cyclodextrin‐multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and cobalt nanoparticles‐chitosan for oxacillin determination

A sensitive and selective imprinted electrochemical sensor for the determination of oxacillin was developed based on indium tin oxide electrode. The proposed sensor was decorated with imprinted sol–gel film and cobalt nanoparticles‐chitosan/β‐cyclodextrin‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites. The surface morphologies of the modified electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope. The stepwise assembly process and electrochemical behavior of the novel sensor were characterized by differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry and Amperometric i‐t response. The imprinted sensor displayed excellent selectivity toward oxacillin. Meanwhile, the introduced cobalt nanoparticles‐chitosan and β‐cyclodextrin‐multi‐walled carbon nanotubes exhibited noticeable amplified electrochemical response signal. The differential voltammetric anodic peak current was linear to oxacillin concentration in the range from 2.0 × 10^?7 to 1.0 × 10^?4 mol·l^?1, and the detection limit was 6.9 × 10^?9 mol·l^?1. The proposed imprinted sensor was applied to the determination of oxacillin in human blood serum samples successfully. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of molecular weight on the separation of semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes using poly(2,7‐carbazole)s

The use of selective interactions between conjugated polymers and single‐walled carbon nanotubes has emerged as a promising method for the separation of nanotubes by electronic type. Although much attention has been devoted to investigating polyfluorenes and their ability to disperse semiconducting carbon nanotubes under specific conditions, other polymer families, such as poly(2,7‐carbazole)s, have been relatively overlooked. Poly(2,7‐carbazole)s have been shown to also preferentially interact with semiconducting carbon nanotubes, however a detailed investigation of polymer parameters, such as molecular weight, has not been performed. We have prepared seven different molecular weights of a poly(2,7‐carbazole), from short chain oligomers to high molecular weight polymers, and have investigated their effectiveness at dispersing semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes. Although all polymer chain lengths were able to efficiently exfoliate carbon nanotube bundles using a mild dispersion protocol, only polymers above a certain threshold molecular weight (M_n ～ 27 kDa) were found to exhibit complete selectivity for semiconducting nanotubes, with no observable signals from metallic species. Additionally, we found the quality of separation to be strongly dependent on the ratio of polymer to carbon nanotube. Contrary to previous reports, we have found that an excess of poly(2,7‐carbazole) leads to incomplete removal of metallic carbon nanotubes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 2510–2516     

Electrochemical Sensor for Sensitive Determination of Ga(III) Ion Based on β‐Cyclodextrin Incorporated Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes and Imprinted Sol‐gel Composite Film

A novel sensor for detection of trace gallium ion [Ga(III)] was created by stepwise modification of a gold electrode with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD)/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and an ion imprinted polymer (IIP). The sensor surface morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical performance of the imprinted sensor was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The sensor displayed excellent selectivity towards the target Ga(III) ion. Meanwhile, the introduced MWCNTs displayed noticeable catalytic activity, and β‐CD demonstrated significant enrichment capacity. A linear calibration curve was obtained covering the concentration range from 5.0×10^?8 to 1.0×10^?4 mol·L^?1, with a detection limit of 7.6×10^?9 mol·L^?1. The proposed sensor was successfully applied to detect Ga(III) in real urine samples.     

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Catechol at Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified Electrode

In 0.05 mol/L phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0), carbon nanotubes modified electrode exhibits rapid response, strong catalytic activity with high stability toward the electrochemical oxidation of catechol. The electrochemical behavior of catechol on both the multi‐walled and single‐walled carbon nanotubes modified electrode was investigated. The experimental conditions, such as pH of the solution and scan rate were optimized. The currents (measured by constant potential amperometry) increase linearly with the concentrations of catechol in the range of 2.0×10^?5–1.2×10^?3 mol/L. Moreover, at the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes modified electrode the electrochemical responses of catechol and ascorbic acid can be separated clearly.     

Separation of Semiconducting Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Using a Long‐Alkyl‐Chain Benzenediazonium Compound

We designed and synthesized 4‐dodecyloxybenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate ( 1 ), which preferentially reacts with metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by kinetic control. We first determined the suitable experimental conditions for the preferential reaction of 1 with individually dissolved SWNTs by monitoring the decrease in absorbance for the metallic SWNT in the range of 400–650 nm in the absorption spectrum of the SWNTs. The reacted SWNTs were thoroughly rinsed with THF to obtain THF‐insoluble SWNTs. The Raman spectrum of the THF‐insoluble SWNTs showed a strong peak near 180 cm^?1, which corresponds to a semiconducting breathing band. The metallic breathing bands (≈220 cm^?1) and Breit–Wingner–Fano (BWF) modes (1520 cm^?1) corresponding to the metallic SWNTs were much weaker than those of the pristine SWNTs. We also confirmed that metallic peaks in the range of 400–650 nm in the absorption spectrum of THF‐insoluble SWNTs that were individually dissolved in an aqueous micelle of sodium cholate were almost nondetectable. All the results indicate that the THF‐insoluble SWNTs are semiconducting.     

Enhanced Sensitivity of 4‐Chlorophenol Detection by Use of Nitrobenzene as a Liquid Membrane over a Carbon Nanotube‐Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

The analytical utility of nitrobenzene as a liquid membrane for the detection of hydrophobic compounds was examined with a glassy carbon electrode, using 4‐chlorophenol as the model analyte. Electrochemical experiments indicated a large partition coefficient for the entry of 4‐chlorophenol into the nitrobenzene (7.6×10²±1.5×10²). This was combined with an increase in effective electrode area by coating with single‐walled nanotubes. Differential pulse voltammetry produced a linear response across the range 0.3 nM to 1.5 nM with a sensitivity of 1.1×10^?5 A nM^?1 cm^?2. To the best of our knowledge, this limit of detection for phenol is lower than other nonenzymatic modifications of carbon.     

Selective interactions of a high‐molecular‐weight polycarbazole with different commercial nanotube samples

The ability of a poly(2,7‐carbazole) to disperse three samples of commercially available single‐walled carbon nanotubes (raw HiPCO, purified HiPCO, and CoMoCAT nanotubes) has been investigated. UV–vis‐NIR absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence mapping, Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the dispersions obtained. It was found that the polycarbazole preferentially interacted with semiconducting nanotubes and was efficient at dispersing smaller diameter (under 1.1 nm) carbon nanotubes. Larger diameter nanotubes could be dispersed to form stable suspensions in THF; however, it appeared that there were some small bundles present. It was found that annealing the purified HiPCO nanotubes at high temperature under an inert atmosphere greatly enhanced the ability of the polycarbazole to disperse the nanotubes and remove metallic species. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 2738–2747     

Ionic Dopant‐Encapsulating Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Films with Metal‐Like Electrical Conductivity

Heavy doping is inevitable for utilizing single‐walled carbon nanotubes for wiring. However, the electrical conductivity of their films is currently as low as one tenth of the films made from typical metal pastes. Herein we report on metal‐comparable electrical conductivity from single‐walled carbon nanotube network films. We use ionic liquids and crown ether complexes for p‐type and n‐type doping, respectively. The encapsulation of counterions into carbon nanotubes promotes the conductivities in the range of 7000 S cm^?1, approximately ten times larger than those of undoped films.     

An Amino‐Acid‐Based Self‐Healing Hydrogel: Modulation of the Self‐Healing Properties by Incorporating Carbon‐Based Nanomaterials

An amino‐acid‐based (11‐(4‐(pyrene‐1‐yl)butanamido)undecanoic acid) self‐repairing hydrogel is reported. The native hydrogel, as well as hybrid hydrogels, have been thoroughly characterized by using various microscopic techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and by using rheological experiments. The native hydrogel exhibited interesting fluorescence properties, as well as a self‐healing property. Interestingly, the self‐healing, thixotropy, and stiffness of the native hydrogel can be successfully modulated by incorporating carbon‐based nanomaterials, including graphene, pristine single‐walled carbon nanotubes (Pr‐SWCNTs), and both graphene and Pr‐SWCNTs, within the native gel system. The self‐recovery time of the gel was shortened by the inclusion of reduced graphene oxide (RGO), Pr‐SWCNTs, or both RGO and Pr‐SWCNTs. Moreover, hybrid gels that contained RGO and/or Pr‐SWCNTs exhibited interesting semiconducting behavior.     

Electrochemical Behavior and Determination of L‐Tyrosine at Single‐walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

Based on single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE/SWCNTs), a novel method was presented for the determination of L ‐tyrosine. The GCE/SWCNTs exhibited remarkable catalytic and enhanced effects on the oxidation of L ‐tyrosine. In 0.10 mol/L citric acid‐sodium citrate buffer solution, the oxidation potential of L ‐tyrosine shifted negatively from +1.23 V at bare GCE to +0.76 V at GCE/SWCNTs. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the linear range of the modified electrode to the concentration of L ‐tyrosine was 5.0×10^?6–2.0×10^?5 mol/L (R₁=0.9952) and 2.7×10^?5–2.6×10^?4 mol/L (R₂=0.9998) with a detection limit of 9.3×10^?8 mol/L. The kinetic parameters such as α (charge transfer coefficient) and D (diffusion coefficient) were evaluated to be 0.66, 9.82×10^?5 cm² s^?1, respectively. And the electrochemical mechanism of L ‐tyrosine was also discussed.     

Air‐tolerant Fabrication and Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of n‐Type Single‐walled Carbon Nanotubes Encapsulating 1,1′‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene

The thermally‐triggered n‐type doping of single‐walled carbon nanotubes is demonstrated using 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene, a novel n‐type dopant. Through a simple thermal vacuum process, the phosphine compounds are moderately encapsulated inside single‐walled carbon nanotubes. The encapsulation into SWNTs is carefully characterized using Raman/X‐ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. This easy‐to‐handle doping with air‐stable precursors for n‐type SWNTs enables the large‐scale fabrication of thermoelectric materials showing an excellent power factor exceeding approximately 240 μW mK^?2.     

Development of Voltammetric Sensor for Determination of Tryptophan Using MWCNTs‐modified Sol‐gel Electrode

In the present work, an electrochemical sensor was developed for simple and sensitive determination of tryptophan (Trp) using multi‐walled carbon nanotubes modified sol‐gel electrode (MWCNTs/SGE). The electrocatalytic oxidation of tryptophan was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). It was found that the oxidation peak current of Trp at the MWCNTs/SGE was greatly improved compared with that of the bare SGE. Furthermore, at the MWCNTs/SGE, the anodic peak potential of Trp is shifted about 220 mV to more negative value indicated that modified electrode has better electrocatalytic activity for electro‐oxidation of Trp. The anodic peak currents increased linearly with the concentration of tryptophan in the range of 0.2 × 10^?6 to 15 × 10^?6 M with a detection limit of 0.139 × 10^?6 M (at an S/N = 3).     

Spectroscopic Characteristics of Differently Produced Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) synthesized with different methods are investigated by using multiple characterization techniques, including Raman scattering, optical absorption, and X‐ray absorption near edge structure, along with X‐ray photoemission by following the total valence bands and C 1s core‐level spectra. Four different SWNT materials (produced by arc discharge, HiPco, laser ablation, and CoMoCat methods) contain nanotubes with diameters ranging from 0.7 to 2.8 nm. The diameter distribution and the composition of metallic and semiconducting tubes of the SWNT materials are strongly affected by the synthesis method. Similar sp² hybridization of carbon in the oxygenated SWNT structure can be found, but different surface functionalities are introduced while the tubes are processed. All the SWNTs demonstrate stronger plasmon resonance excitations and lower electron binding energy than graphite and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. These SWNT materials also exhibit different valence‐band X‐ray photoemission features, which are considerably affected by the nanotube diameter distribution and metallic/semiconducting composition.     

Thermoreversible gelation of helical polypeptide/single‐walled carbon nanotubes and their solid‐state structures

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been functionalized with poly(γ‐benzyl‐L ‐glutamate)s (PBLGs) having well‐defined polymer molecular weight (M_n = 7.5–21.1 kg·mol^?1) and molecular weight distribution (PDI = 1.05–1.20) by a graft‐to method. Toluene solutions containing 5 wt % free PBLG and variable amounts of PBLG‐functionalized SWCNTs (PBLG‐SWCNTs) form gels at room temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis reveals that the gelation occurs thermoreversibly, in accord with previous studies on the pristine PBLG/toluene gels. The heat of gel melting (ΔH_m) is slightly elevated for the composite gels compared with the pristine gel, which suggests enhanced interactions between PBLGs in the former. But the gelation temperatures of the composites are unaffected by the presence of PBLG‐SWCNTs. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) analysis of the composite and pristine gels at different temperatures by the Guinier method suggests that PBLG‐SWCNTs promote interactions between PBLG rods, as indicated by the larger PBLG bundle size with increasing PBLG‐SWCNT content in the gel and the melt state. W/SAXS analysis of the dry gels reveals that PBLG‐SWCNTs induce significant changes in the PBLG packing order, resulting in a nematic phase, in contrast to a weakly ordered smectic C phase containing tilted PBLG rods that is observed in the pristine gel. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT)‐Ionic Liquid‐Modified Carbon Paste Electrode: Probing FurazolidoneDNA Interactions and DNA Determination

The interactions of furazolidone (Fu) with double‐stranded calf thymus DNA (dsDNA) on the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes‐ionic liquid‐modified carbon paste electrode (MWCNT‐IL‐CPE) have been studied by cyclic voltammetry. In the presence of DNA, the cathodic peak current of Fu decreased and the peak potential shifted to a positive potential, indicating the intercalative interaction of Fu with DNA. The binding constant of Fu with DNA and stoichiometric coefficient has been determined according to the Hill's model. This electrochemical method was further applied to the determination of DNA. Two linear calibration curves were obtained for DNA detection in the concentration ranges of 0.03–0.10 and 0.10–4.0 μg l^?1 with a detection limit of 0.027 μg l^?1. The method was successfully applied to analyze Fu in serum samples.     

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Diethylaminoethanethiol and Hydrazine at Single‐walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified with Prussian Blue Nanoparticles

In this work, edged plane pyrolytic graphite electrode EPPGE was modified with functionalised single‐walled carbon nanotubes and Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB). The modified electrode was characterised by techniques such as TEM, FTIR, XPS, EDX and cyclic voltammetry. The EPPGE‐SWCNT‐PB platform exhibited enhanced electron transport and catalytic efficiency towards the oxidation of Diethylaminoethanethiol (DEAET) and hydrazine compared with the other electrodes studied. The EPPGE‐SWCNT‐PB showed good electrochemical stability in the analytical solution, showing limit of detection in the micromolar range and catalytic rate constant of 3.71×10⁶ and 7.56×10⁶ cm³ mol^?1 s^?1 for DEAET and hydrazine respectively. The adsorption properties of these analytes that impact on their detection at the SWCNT‐PB film modified electrode were evaluated and discussed.     

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.     

Electrochemical Biosensing Platforms Using Phthalocyanine‐Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Electrode

Iron‐phthalocyanines (FePc) are functionalized at multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to remarkably improve the sensitivity toward hydrogen peroxide. We constructed a highly sensitive and selective glucose sensor on FePc‐MWNTs electrode based on the immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOD) on poly‐o‐aminophenol (POAP)‐electropolymerized electrode surface. SEM images indicate that GOD enzymes trapped in POAP film tend to deposit primarily on the curved tips and evenly disperse along the sidewalls. The resulting GOD^@POAP/FePc‐MWNTs biosensor exhibits excellent performance for glucose with a rapid response (less than 8 s), a wide linear range (up to 4.0×10^?3 M), low detection limits (2.0×10^?7 M with a signal‐to‐noise of 3), a highly reproducible response (RSD of 2.6%), and long‐term stability (120 days). Such characteristics may be attributed to the catalytic activity of FePc and carbon nanotube, permselectivity of POAP film, as well as the large surface area of carbon nanotube materials.     

Carbon Nanotubes‐Based Amperometric Cholesterol Biosensor Fabricated Through Layer‐by‐Layer Technique

A carbon nanotubes‐based amperometric cholesterol biosensor has been fabricated through layer‐by‐layer (LBL) deposition of a cationic polyelectrolyte (PDDA, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)) and cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)‐modified gold electrode, followed by electrochemical generation of a nonconducting poly(o‐phenylenediamine) (PPD) film as the protective coating. Electrochemical impedance measurements have shown that PDDA/ChOx multilayer film could be formed uniformly on MWNTs‐modified gold electrode. Due to the strong electrocatalytic properties of MWNTs toward H₂O₂ and the low permeability of PPD film for electroacitve species, such as ascorbic acid, uric acid and acetaminophen, the biosensor has shown high sensitivity and good anti‐interferent ability in the detection of cholesterol. The effect of the pH value of the detection solution on the response of the biosensor was also investigated. A linear range up to 6.0 mM has been observed for the biosensor with a detection limit of 0.2 mM. The apparent Michaelis‐Menten constant and the maximum response current density were calculated to be 7.17 mM and 7.32 μA cm^?2, respectively.     

Characterization and Electrocatalytic Activity of Nanocomposites Consisting of Nanosized Cobalt Tetraaminophenoxy Phthalocyanine,Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes and Gold Nanoparticles

Glassy carbon electrodes were modified with composites containing cobalt tetraaminophenoxy phthalocyanine nanoparticles (CoTAPhPc NP ), multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and gold nanorods (AuNRs). The modified electrodes were studied for their electrocatalytic behavior towards the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. Phthalocyanine nanoparticles significantly improved electron transfer kinetics as compared to phthalocyanines which are not in the nanoparticle form when alone or in the presence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). CoTAPhPc NP ‐MWCNT‐GCE proved to be suitable for hydrogen peroxide detection with a catalytic rate constant of 3.45×10³ M^?1 s^?1 and a detection limit of 1.61×10^?7 M. Adsorption Gibbs free energy ΔG^o was found to be ?19.22 kJ mol^?1 for CoTAPhPc NP ‐MWCNT‐GCE.