Electrodeposited nitrogen-doped graphene/carbon nanotubes nanocomposite as enhancer for simultaneous and sensitive voltammetric determination of caffeine and vanillin

A nitrogen-doped graphene/carbon nanotubes (NGR–NCNTs) nanocomposite was employed into the study of the electrochemical sensor via electrodeposition for the first time. The morphology and structure of NGR–NCNTs nanocomposite were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Meanwhile, the electrochemical performance of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with electrodeposited NGR–NCNTs (ENGR–NCNTs/GCE) towards caffeine (CAF) and vanillin (VAN) determination was demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). Under optimal condition, ENGR–NCNTs/GCE exhibited a wide linearity of 0.06–50 μM for CAF and 0.01–10 μM for VAN with detection limits of 0.02 μM and 3.3 × 10⁻³ μM, respectively. Furthermore, the application of the proposed sensor in food products was proven to be practical and reliable. The desirable results show that the ENGR–NCNTs nanocomposite has promising potential in electrocatalytic biosensor application.     

Facile synthesis of nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels functionalized with chitosan for supercapacitors with excellent electrochemical performance

Three-dimensional porous nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels (NGAs) were synthesized by using graphene oxide (GO) and chitosan via a self-assembly process by a rapid method. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared aerogels were characterized. The results showed that NGAs possesed the hierarchical pores with the wide size distribution ranging from mesopores to macropores. The NGAs carbonized at different temperature all showed excellent electrochemical performance in 6 mol/L KOH electrolyte and the electrochemical performance of the NGA-900 was the best. When working as a supercapacitor electrode, NGA-900 exhibited a high specific capacitance (244.4 F/g at a current density of 0.2 A/g), superior rate capability (51.0% capacity retention) and excellent cycling life (96.2% capacitance retained after 5000 cycles).     

双酚A在氮掺杂多壁碳纳米管修饰电极上的电化学行为及测定

构建了不同百分含量的氮掺杂的多壁碳纳米管化学修饰石墨电极,利用线性扫描伏安法及循环伏安法研究了双酚A(BPA)在修饰电极上的电化学行为。提出了一种灵敏、简便的直接检测双酚A的电化学分析方法。在pH6.98的PBS缓冲溶液中,在电位0.20 V富集后,该修饰电极在0.680 V出现一个灵敏的、峰形好的氧化峰。表明氮掺杂多壁碳纳米管薄膜对双酚A的氧化表现出一定的催化作用,能显著提高双酚A的氧化峰电流。在优化条件下,采用线性扫描伏安法对双酚A进行测定。双酚A的氧化峰电流与其浓度在2.5×10-7～1.0×10-4 mol/L之间有很好的线性关系(R为0.996),检出限为5.0×10-8mol/L。电极已初步用于实际样品中BPA的测定。     

Facile synthesis of nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels for electrochemical detection of dopamine

Nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels with three-dimensional network structures are fabricated using hydrothermal method which includes the reduction of graphene oxide by organic amine and self-assembly of reduced graphene oxide. The effect of amine-containing compounds including aniline, 2-aminoethanol, ethylenediamine, melamine and chitosan on the assembly of nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel is investigated. The microstructure and chemical composition of nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels are characterized. The results reveal that nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel prepared using aniline as nitrogen source possesses a large specific surface area, high nitrogen content, good mechanical strength and excellent electrical conductivity. Based on these features, the as-prepared nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel shows high performance in electrochemical detection of dopamine in the presence of uric acid and ascorbic acid. Given the facile and scalable processability of aerogels, the proposed nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels are expected to have potential applications in sensors and other related devices.     

Comparative studies on electrochemical activity of graphene nanosheets and carbon nanotubes

This study compares the electrochemical activity of four kinds of carbon materials, i.e. single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), pristine graphene oxide nanosheets (GONs), chemically reduced GONs, and electrochemically reduced GONs, with potassium ferricyanide (K₃Fe(CN)₆), β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and ascorbic acid (AA) as the redox probes. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) results demonstrate that the electron transfer kinetics of the redox probes employed here at the carbon materials essentially depend on the kind of the materials, of which the redox processes of the probes at SWNTs and electrochemically reduced GONs are faster than those at the pristine and chemically reduced GONs. The different electron transfer kinetics for the redox probes at the carbon materials studied here could be possibly ascribed to the synergetic effects of the surface chemistry (e.g., C/O ratio, presence of quinone-like groups, surface charge, and surface cleanness) and conductivity of the materials. This study could be potentially useful for understanding the structure/property relationship of the carbon materials and, based on this, for screening and synthesizing advanced carbon materials for electrochemical applications.     

Influence of silver-decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes on electrochemical performance of polyaniline-based electrodes

In this work, silver (Ag) nanoparticles were deposited on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by chemical reduction while Ag-decorated MWNTs (Ag-MWNTs)/polyaniline (PANI) composites were prepared by oxidation polymerization. The effect of the Ag incorporated into the interface of the composites on the electrochemical performance of the MWNTs/PANI was investigated. It was found that highly dispersed Ag nanoparticles were deposited onto the MWNTs, and the Ag-MWNTs were successfully coated by PANI. According to cyclic voltammograms, the Ag-MWNTs/PANI exhibited significantly increased electrochemical performances compared to MWNTs/PANI and the highest specific capacitance obtained of MWNTs/PANI and 0.15 M Ag-MWNTs/PANI was 162 F/g and 205 F/g, respectively. This indicated that Ag nanoparticles that were deposited onto the MWNTs caused an enhanced electrochemical performance of the MWNTs/PANI due to their high electric conductivity, which resulted in an increase of the charge transfer between the MWNTs and PANI by a bridge effect.     

Azide-functionalization of carbon nanotubes by electrochemical oxidation of N3- in situ

Azide-functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes （SWCNTs） was achieved by electrochemical oxidation of N3 in situ. The functionalized nanotubes were characterized in details by single internal reflection infrared spectroscopy （ATR-FTIR） and thermogravimetic analysis （TGA/MS）. The results revealed that a covalent C-N bond had formed and this might provide an effective method for the preparation of azide-functionalized materials, especially carbon materials. The degree of functionaliza- tion was measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）.     

Design and synthesis of nitrogen-doped hexagonal NiCoO nanoplates derived from Ni-Co-MOF for high-performance electrochemical energy storage

In order to further improve the potential application of nickel-cobalt oxide (NiCoO) in supercapacitors, we use controlled calcination of different Ni-Co-MOF ([NiCo(HBTC)(4,4′-bipy)]) composites to obtain five kinds of nickel doped NiCoO (N-NiCoO) with different Ni/Co molar ratio. These N-NiCoO materials with unique hexagonal nanoplates structure, high specific surface area and high porosity indicate high and stable electrochemical activity. In particular, N-NiCoO-2 with a Ni/Co molar ratio of 2:1 exhibits the highest 945.79 F/g specific capacitance at 1 A/g and a high cycle stability of only 6.7% attenuation after 5000 cycles. Apart from the certain percentage of NiCoO with higher conductivity, nitrogen doping provides more reactive sites and the specific porous hexagonal nanoplates structure of the product itself accelerate electron transfer and promote electrolyte diffusion can more effectively enhance the electrochemical performance. Therefore, N-NiCoO synthesized via a simple method exhibit exciting potential and can be used as an electrode material for supercapacitors with good performance.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis and electrochemical capacitance of polyaniline/multi-wall carbon nanotubes composite

Polyaniline/multi-wall carbon nanotubes composite (PANI/MWNTs) was rapidly synthesized by microwave-assisted polymerization. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) image revealed that this composite was a core–shell structure with PANI layers (50–70 nm). Electrochemical behavior of the composite was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests with a two-electrode system. An enhanced specific capacitance of 322 F/g with a specific energy density of 22 W h/kg was about 12 times that of MWNTs. This composite also exhibited a good rate capability, retaining up to 87% of initial capacity at a current density of 5 mA/cm².     

氮掺杂碳纳米管担载CuCoCe对合成气制低碳醇的催化性能

以三聚氰胺为氮源,控制其与碳纳米管混合比例,经过高温焙烧得到不同氮含量的氮掺杂碳纳米管(xN-CNTs)载体;通过浸渍法制备x N-CNTs担载的CuCoCe催化剂,研究了氮掺杂对其催化合成气制低碳醇性能的影响。采用X射线衍射(XRD)、N₂吸附-脱附、H₂程序升温还原(H₂-TPR)、NH₃程序升温脱附(NH₃-TPD)和X射线光电子能谱(XPS)等表征手段,分析催化剂结构特性,关联了构效关系。结果表明,氮的掺杂量会影响催化剂活性组分Cu的存在状态及分散情况,减少可还原Co物种的数量,降低催化剂表面酸强度及酸量,使得长链烃类的生成受到抑制,总醇选择性明显提高。分析认为,掺杂在碳管上N的形态分布及掺杂量是影响上述因素的关键。     

Development in synthesis and electrochemical properties of thienyl derivatives of carbazole

A convenient and higher yielding synthetic route to N-alkyl-bis(thiophene)- and N-alkyl-bis(ethylenedioxythiophene) carbazole derivatives is reported and their aggregation, and electrochemical properties are characterized. The key step in the synthesis of this group of compounds has been the Stille-type coupling reaction between the N-alkyldibromocarbazole and tin derivatives of thiophene or ethylenedioxythiophene, as the best way for preparation of conjugated N-alkylcarbazole derivatives. For this group of compounds we also present an electrochemical polymerization effect.     

苦参碱在多壁碳纳米管修饰玻碳电极上的电催化氧化及其电分析方法

研究了苦参碱(Matrine, MT) 在多壁碳纳米管修饰玻碳电极(MWCNT/GCE)上的电化学行为. 与GCE相比, MT在MWCNT/GCE上峰电位负移120 mV, 峰电流增大约2.5倍, 表明MWCNT/GCE对MT的电化学氧化具有良好的催化作用. 同时测定并计算了MT在MWCNT/GCE上的电极过程动力学参数: 电子转移系数α、电极反应速率常数ks、扩散系数D. 运用差分脉冲伏安法对苦参碱样品含量进行测定, 相对标准偏差为0.12%～2.9%, 加标回收率为98.4%～99.0%. 该方法可用于MT的电化学定量测定.     

Functional macromolecules from single-walled carbon nanotubes: synthesis and photophysical properties of short single-walled carbon nanotubes functionalised with 9,10-diphenylanthracene

9,10-Diphenylanthracene (DPA), a well-studied organic chromophore (Phi(fl) = 0.98) that exhibits electroluminescence, has been covalently bound through 2-(ethylthio)ethylamido linkers to the carboxylic acid groups of short, soluble single-walled carbon nanotubes (sSWNTs) of 1 microm average length, and the resulting DPA-functionalised sSWNT (DPA- sSWNT) macromolecular adducts (4.6 wt % DPA content) characterised by solution (1)H NMR, Raman and IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Comparison of the quenching of DPA fluorescence (steady-state and time-resolved) and of the transient optical spectra of sSWNTs and DPA-sSWNTs show that the covalent linkage boosts the interaction between the DPA and the sSWNT units. DPA-sSWNTs exhibit emission in the near-IR region from 1100-1400 nm with an enhanced quantum yield (Phi = 5.7x10(-3)) compared with sSWNTs (Phi = 3.9x10(-3)).     

苯甲酰肼在多壁碳纳米管修饰玻碳电极上的电催化氧化及其电化学动力学性质

研究了苯甲酰肼(BH)在MWCNT/GCE上的电化学行为。实验结果表明,BH在GCE上的直接电化学氧化十分迟缓,无氧化峰出现,但在MWCNT/GCE上BH在0.20 V处出现了一个不可逆氧化峰,且峰电流大幅度增大,表明MWCNT/GCE对BH电化学氧化具有良好的催化作用。同时用计时库仑法(Chro-nocoulometry,CC)和计时电流法(Chronoamperometry,CA)测定了电极过程动力学参数:扩散系数D=8.73×10-5cm2.s-1,电子转移系数α=0.85,电极反应速率常数kf=1.45×10-3s-1。稳态电流-时间实验结果表明,电流响应信号随其浓度成比例增长,响应时间小于6 s,最低响应浓度为1×10-6mol/L。该方法可用于BH电化学定量测定。     

Large-scale synthesis, characterization and microwave absorption properties of carbon nanotubes of different helicities

Carbon nanotubes of high helicity (H-HCNTs, Sample A) have been synthesized in large-scale by pyrolysis of acetylene at 450 °C over Fe nanoparticles derived from coprecipitation/hydrogen reduction method. With controlled introduction of hydrogen during acetylene pyrolysis, CNTs of low helicity (L-HCNTs, Sample B) and worm-like CNTs (Sample C) were obtained in large quantities. The yields of the CNTs products are high, especially that of H-HCNTs (ca. 7474%). The complex permittivity and permeability of Composites A, B, and C that contain Samples A, B and C (30 wt%) were measured in the 2-18 GHz frequency range. Good absorption of electromagnetic wave (reflection loss<−20 dB) was observed in the 7.18-10.68 and 7.5-10.7 GHz range over Composites B and C (2.0-3.0 mm thickness), respectively. Thus, through the suggested route, CNTs can be produced easily and selectively in large quantities. The lightweight materials can be utilized for microwave absorption.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel dopamine-derivative:Application of modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes paste electrode for electrochemical investigation

Novel dopamine-derivative compound,3,5-diamino-N-(3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl)benzamide(3,5-DAB)was prepared in two steps.In the first step dopamine hydrochloride was reacted with 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride in the presence of propylene oxide.In the second step reduction of nitro groups resulted in preparation of 3,5-DAB in quantitative yield.This material was characterized using conventional spectroscopic methods such as FT-IR and ~1H NMR.In addition,the redox response of a modified carbon nanotubes paste electrode of 3,5-DAB was investigated in aqueous solution at a neutral pH.The result showed that the electrode process has a quasi-reversible response,withΔE_p,greater than the(59/n) mV expected for a reversible system.Finally,the diffusion coefficient for redox process in paraffin oil matrix obtained using chronoamperometry methods.     

Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of carbon nanotubes decorated with nickel nanoparticles for use as an electrochemical capacitor

Attachment of nickel nanoparticles on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was conducted to explore the influence of Ni loading on the electrochemical capacitance of MWCNT electrodes. A chemical impregnation leaded to homogeneously disperse Ni particles onto the surface of MWCNTs, and the Ni particles were found to be an average size of 30–50 nm. The capacitive behavior of the MWCNT electrodes was investigated in 6 M KOH, by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), charge–discharge cycling, and ac electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. CV measurements showed that the Faradaic current was found to increase with the Ni coverage, indicating that the presence of Ni would enhance the pseudocapacitance through the redox process. Equivalent circuit analysis indicated that both of electrical connection and charge transfer resistances accounted for the major proportion of the overall resistance and were found to decrease with the amount of nickel. A linearity relationship between the total capacitance and the Ni population reflected that each Ni particle exhibits an identical electrochemical activity in enhancing the electrochemical capacitance. The overall electrochemical capacitance (including double layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance) of Ni-MWCNT electrode can reach a maximum of 210 F/g over 500 cycles.     

Solvothermal modification of graphitic C3N4 with Ni and Co phthalocyanines: Structural,optoelectronic and surface properties

Nanocomposites for photocatalytic applications were obtained by alchothermal modification of g-C₃N₄ with cobalt(ii) and nickel(ii) phthalocyanine complexes. The nanocomposites demonstrated higher photocatalytic activity than the bare matrix and stability under actinic irradiation. In the optoelectronic structure of the composites, the E_g value of the g-C₃N₄ matrix increased to 3.05 eV, while for MPc agents, it decreased from 1.96 to 1.82 eV.