Electrochemical copolymerization of pyrrole and 2,2-bithiophene and semiconducting characterization of the resulting copolymer films by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and photoelectrochemistry

The electrochemical copolymerization of pyrrole and bithiophene was studied at a polymerization potential of 1.1 V for various monomer ratios. The cyclic voltammograms showed that the electrochemical properties of the resulting copolymer films changed gradually from those of polypyrrole to polybithiophene with an increase in concentration of bithiophene in the initial electrolyte. The evidence for copolymer formation is based on the analytical results of electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, thermoanalysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that cooligomers and homooligomers were found in the electrolyte after copolymerization. The difference between the morphology of a copolymer of pyrrole and bithiophene and a polymer mixture of polypyrrole and polythiophene was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical impedance and photocurrent measurements were carried out in order to achieve information on the semiconducting properties of the homopolymers and copolymers obtained. A model of a very thin layer of polypyrrole formed immediately on the electrode surface covered by a thicker copolymer film was developed to explain the results.Dedicated to Zbigniew Galus on the occasion of his 70^th birthday.     

Synthesis, characterization and electrochromic properties of conducting copolymers of 2,3-bis-[(3-thienylcarbonyl)oxy]propyl 3-thiophene carboxylate with thiophene and pyrrole

2,3-bis-[(3-thienylcarbonyl)oxy]propyl 3-thiophene carboxylate (TOPT) was synthesized via the reaction of 3-thionylcarboxylic acid with glycerol, and electrochemically polymerized either with thiophene and pyrrole by using tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TBAFB) as the supporting electrolyte in acetonitrile (AN). Characterization of the resulting copolymers was performed via cyclic voltammetry, FTIR, thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrical conductivities were measured by the four-probe technique. Spectroelectrochemical analysis shows that the copolymer of the monomer with thiophene has an electronic band gap (due to the π-π^∗ transition) of 2.00 eV, with a dark red color in the fully reduced form and a green color in the fully oxidized form. The copolymer exhibited a long-term switching stability up to 1800 double switches.     

Molecular structure of 3-methylthiophene studied by gas electron diffraction combined with microwave spectroscopic data

The molecular structure of 3-methylthiophene

has been determined by gas electron diffraction (GED) combined with microwave (MW) spectroscopic data. Ab initio calculations at the HF/3–21G* level were carried out and used as structural constraints in the data analysis. The torsional vibration of the methyl group was treated as a large-amplitude motion. The structural parameters were determined to be: r_g(S---C₂) = 1.719(2) Å, r_g(C₂=C₃) = 1.370(3) Å, r_g(C₃---C₆) = 1.497(6) Å, r_g(C₂---H) = 1.101(5) Å, CSC = 91.6(2)°, SC₂C₃ = 113.3(5)°, SC₅C₄ = 111.3(3)°, C₂C₃C₆ = 123.2(11)° and C₃C₆H = 112(2)°. The values of r(S---C₂) − r(S---C₅) and r(C₂=C₃) − r(C₄=C₅) were fixed at the 3–21G* value of 0.002Å. Parenthesized values are the estimated limits of error (3σ) referring to the last significant digit.     

Poly(3-methylthiophene)/palladium sub-micro-modified sensor electrode. Part II: Voltammetric and EIS studies, and analysis of catecholamine neurotransmitters, ascorbic acid and acetaminophen

Promising voltammetric sensors based on the modification of Pt and poly(3-methylthiophene) (PMT) electrodes with Pd nanoparticles were achieved for the determination of catecholamine neurotransmitters, ascorbic acid and acetaminophen. Electrochemistry of the indicated compounds was studied at these electrodes and interesting electrocatalytic effects were found. Furthermore, simple, easily prepared one electrochemical step Pd-modified Pt electrode (Pt/Pd) is reported for the first time. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronocoulometry (CC) were used for the determination of the apparent diffusion coefficients in different electrolytes at these electrodes and the values are in the range from 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁵ cm² s⁻¹. Furthermore, it was found that the method of polymer formation had a substantial effect on the synergism between the polymer film and the loaded metal particles towards the oxidation of dopamine (DA) in different supporting electrolytes. This was confirmed by the CV, CC and EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) as well as SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) results. Pt and PMT electrodes modified with Pd nanoparticles showed excellent results for the simultaneous determination of tertiary and quaternary mixtures of the studied compounds.     

Impedance spectroscopic study of corrosion inhibition of Al-Pure by organic Schiff base in hydrochloric acid

A new corrosion inhibitor namely o-Chloroaniline-N-benzylidene (o-CANB) has been synthesized and its inhibitive performance toward the corrosion of Al-Pure in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid has been investigated. Corrosion inhibition was studied by chemical method (weight loss) and electrochemical techniques including polarization method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The present study has shown that this inhibitor is good in acidic media and the inhibition efficiency up to >99% in 1.0 M HCl. Polarization measurement revealed that the investigated inhibitor is a mixed type with a predominant action on cathode. Impedance measurement showed that the charge transfer resistance (R_ct) increased and double layer capacitance (C_dl) decreased with an increase in the inhibitor's concentration. Obtained results about inhibition efficiency from weight loss, polarization study and EIS are in good agreement with each other. The adsorption of the inhibitor on the metal surface in the acid solution was found to obey Langmuir's adsorption isotherm.     

Electrochemical impedance studies of the undoping process of platinum phthalocyanine charge transfer microcrystals

Platinum phthalocyanine (PtPc) microcrystal films undergo three successive electrochemical oxidations. Each of these processes is associated with anion insertion or doping. The reverse process of anion insertion, undoping, has been investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and in-situ UV–vis spectroscopy. The impedance theory of conductive polymer films developed by Vorotyntsev et al. is applicable to this process. The kinetics of the undoping process depend upon the previous oxidative treatment, and thus the doping level. Three different states of the film can be demarcated, depending on the degree of oxidation (and thus the degree of doping) of the PtPc film. These are called the lightly doped, the conductive and the over-doped state, respectively. For lightly doped films, the film conductivity, the redox capacitance, the diffusion coefficient for charge transport and the rate of electrochemical reaction all decrease with decreasing potential. The film conductivity depends upon the concentration of free charge carriers. For the more highly doped conductive film, all of the above parameters are greatly enhanced, and the electrochemical reaction is accelerated and proceeds at a very high rate. The potential dependence of the redox capacitance and the diffusion coefficient depends on the type of anion. During undoping at 0 V, unusually high diffusion coefficients with a magnitude of order 10⁻² cm² s⁻¹ are observed and are attributed to the strong interactions between the electronic and ionic carriers during the phase transformation. For the over-doped film, undoping leads to an increase in the film conductivity and electrochemical reaction rate. The potential dependence of the redox capacitance and diffusion coefficients for charge transport implies strong interactions within the film. Hypsochromic shifts in UV–vis spectra with decreasing potential indicate conformational relaxation during the undoping process. SEM investigation confirms that the doped film swells during the de-doping process.     

Experimental and theoretical studies of carbon steel corrosion protection in phosphoric acid solution by expired lansoprazole and rabeprazole drugs

The effects of expired lansoprazole and rabeprazole on the corrosion protection of carbon steel in phosphoric acid (3.0 ?M) solution were examined by Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Lansoprazole and rabeprazole concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 5.0 and 10 ?mM) in acid solution were raised, which improved corrosion prevention. Both lansoprazole and rabeprazole as the mixed inhibitors retarded the anodic and cathodic processes, as indicated by polarization data. With the increasing temperature in the range of 25–55 ?°C, the inhibition efficiency drops from 92.9% to 69.3% for lansoprazole and from 94.8% to 74.2% for rabeprazole. The major decrease in the inhibition efficiency with ascending temperature proved the physisorption of the drugs. The activation energies for carbon steel corrosion in H₃PO₄solution were enhanced from 41.6 ?kJ ?mol^?1 to 81.9 ?kJ.mol^?1and 85.9 ?kJ ?mol^?1 for lansoprazole and rabeprazole, respectively. The influence of temperature on the corrosion process of carbon steel in the acid medium was used to derive the thermodynamic quantities of corrosion. The adsorption of both lansoprazole and rabeprazole on carbon steel followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The polarization data yielded outcomes that were consistent with the results arising from impedance measurements. The theoretical study of both lansoprazole and rabeprazole was done by a density functional theory (DFT) approach to realize the effects of molecular structure on their inhibitive action. Both lansoprazole and rabeprazole contain a higher E_HOMO, a lower E_LUMO and a lower energy gap than some inhibitors earlier reported as good corrosion inhibitors in the literature.     

Evaluating the performance of organic coatings under mechanical stress using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Stress in coatings originating from a mechanical load imposed during exploitation is a relatively unexplored field of investigation. Paradoxically, a number of constructions and installations seem to operate under such conditions. The purpose of this work was to investigate the impact of a cyclic mechanical load exerted on coating/metal systems. It was the authors aim to verify whether repeated mechanical stress constitutes a significant factor contributing to coating degradation. Epoxy coated St3SAl steel samples were subjected to 21,000 uniaxial strain/release cycles. The maximum force applied assured maintenance within the elastic deformation region of the metal substrate. The state of the protective film was monitored using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The coating response to the mechanical load occurred in a three-stage process. The system subjected to the strain/release cycles revealed signs of degradation earlier compared to a non-strained, reference sample.Contribution to the 3rd Baltic Conference on Electrochemistry GDASK-SOBIESZEWO, 23–26 April 2003.Dedicated to the memory of Harry B. Mark, Jr. (February 28, 1934–March 3rd, 2003)     

Evaluation of the corrosion resistance of electroless Ni-P and Ni-P composite coatings by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Electroless Ni-P composite coatings have gained a good deal of popularity and acceptance in recent years as they provide considerable improvement of desirable qualities such as hardness, wear, abrasion resistance, etc. The disagreement among researchers on the corrosion behaviour of these coatings warrants a thorough investigation. Among the various techniques available for the determination of corrosion resistance, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is considered to be superior as it provides not only an assessment of the corrosion resistance of different deposits but also enables the mechanistic pathway by which the deposits become corroded to be determined. The present investigation focuses on the evaluation of the corrosion resistance of electroless Ni-P and Ni-P-Si₃N₄, Ni-P-CeO₂ and Ni-P-TiO₂ composite coatings produced using an acidic hypophosphite-reduced electroless nickel bath, using EIS. The study makes evident that the same fundamental reaction is occurring on all the coatings of the present study but over a different effective area in each case. The charge transfer resistance of electroless Ni-P and Ni-P composite deposits are in the range 32,253–90,700 Ω cm², whereas the capacitances of these coatings are in the range 11–17 μF/cm². The improved corrosion resistance obtained for electroless Ni-P and Ni-P composite coatings is due to the enrichment of phosphorus on the electrode surface, which enables the preferential hydrolysis of phosphorus over that of nickel. The better corrosion resistance obtained for electroless Ni-P composite coatings can be ascribed to the decrease in the effective metallic area prone to corrosion. Among the three electroless Ni-P composite coatings, the corrosion resistance is in the following order: Ni-P-CeO₂=Ni-P-Si₃N₄>Ni-P-TiO₂. Electronic Publication     

Electrochemical synthesis, characterization and some properties of a polymer derived from thioflavin S

Polymeric films derived from thioflavin S were electrosynthesized on mild steel and silver electrodes in sulfuric acid and lithium perchlorate-containing aqueous solutions. The introduction of thioflavin S in an acidic solution protected the surface of steel from corrosion. The electrochemical behavior of the steel coated with a layer of poly(thioflavin) was examined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The films exhibited a capacitive behavior and were semi-conductive in nature. Infra red reflectance measurements of the polymer films at the steel surface showed that the polymer structure retained the aromatic structure of the benzene and thiazole rings with the distinction of a nitrogen quinone vibrational band. Surface morphology of the polymer film was examined with scanning electron microscopy. The films are yellow, compact and dense when electrochemically formed onto steel surfaces when compared to a blue rather porous when formed onto silver electrode. The mechanism of electropolymerization of thioflavin is given and found similar to that of aniline with the possibility of metal chelation with the sulfur and/or nitrogen in the thiazole ring.     

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-doped polypyrrole DNA biosensor for label-free detection of genetically modified organisms by QCM and EIS

In this paper, we describe DNA electrochemical detection for genetically modified organism (GMO) based on multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-doped polypyrrole (PPy). DNA hybridization is studied by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). An increase in DNA complementary target concentration results in a decrease in the faradic charge transfer resistance (R_ct) and signifying “signal-on” behavior of MWCNTs-PPy-DNA system. QCM and EIS data indicated that the electroanalytical MWCNTs-PPy films were highly sensitive (as low as 4 pM of target can be detected with QCM technique). In principle, this system can be suitable not only for DNA but also for protein biosensor construction.     

Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) in ionic liquids with bulky organic anions

The electrochemistry of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was studied in two ionic liquids with bulky organic anions, i.e., 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium (BMIM) diethylene glycol monomethyl ether sulfate (MDEGSO₄) and BMIM octyl sulfate (OctSO₄). BMIM-MDEGSO₄ is a liquid, while BMIM-OctSO₄ is in solid form at room temperature. Electrosynthesis of PEDOT in BMIM-MDEGSO₄ with an EDOT concentration of 0.1 M and in BMIM-MDEGSO₄/EDOT 1/1 (w/w) solution resulted in no polymer at all or a very limited amount of polymer on the electrode surface, as determined by cyclic voltammetry in 0.1 M KCl(aq) solution. In contrast, electrosynthesis of PEDOT in BMIM-OctSO₄/EDOT 1/1 (w/w) resulted in a high yield of electroactive material on the electrode surface. Furthermore, electrosynthesis of PEDOT in ionic liquid–water solution (C_{ionic liquid}=1.5 M) containing 0.1 M EDOT was also found to give a relatively high yield of electroactive material on the electrode surface, both for 1.5 M BMIM-MDEGSO₄(aq) and 1.5 M BMIM-OctSO₄(aq). The PEDOT electrodes showed an anionic potentiometric response in 10^–5–10^–1 M KCl(aq) solution, indicating a predominant anion transfer at the polymer–solution interface despite the relatively bulky anions (MDEGSO₄^– or OctSO₄^–) incorporated as counterions in PEDOT during electropolymerization. On the basis of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the charge (ion) transport properties of the polymer film were strongly influenced by the water content of the ionic liquid (C_{ionic liquid}=0.05–2.0 M).Dedicated to Zbigniew Galus on the occasion of his 70th birthday     

Development of an impedimetric immunosensor for the determination of 3-amino-2-oxazolidone residue in food samples

The use of furazolidone in food animals has been banned in European Union (EU) because of its carcinogenicity and mutagenicity on human health, but its continued misuse is widespread. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a simple, reliable, and rapid method for the detection of its marker residue, 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), in food products. In this regard, a sensitive and reliable electrochemical method was presented to detect AOZ based on a novel label-free electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor to address this need. The immobilization of monoclonal antibody against AOZ (denoted as AOZ-McAb) on the gold electrode was carried out through a stable acyl amino ester intermediate generated by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydrosuccinimide (NHS), which could condense antibodies on the self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The detection of AOZ was performed by measuring the relative change in charge transfer resistance before and after AOZ and AOZ-McAb immunoreaction by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under the optimized conditions, the relative change in charge transfer resistance was proportional to the logarithmic value of AOZ concentrations in the range of 20.0 to 1.0 × 10⁴ ng mL⁻¹ (r = 0.9987). Moreover, the proposed immunosensor has a high selectivity to AOZ alone with no significant response to the metabolites of other nitrofuran antibiotics, such as 3-amino-5-morpholinomethyl-2-oxazolidinone (AMOZ), semicarbazide (SEM), and 1-aminohydantoin hydrochloride (AHD). This protocol has been applied to detect AOZ in food samples with satisfactory results.     

EIS characterization of the evolution of calcium carbonate scaling in cooling systems in presence of inhibitors

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to assess the relative effects of scaling and corrosion for steel electrodes in cooling water media and to obtain information on corrosion inhibition and scale inhibition properties of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) and hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid (HPA). Steel electrodes were preliminary scaled with CaCO₃ in simulated cooling water and then immersed in the characterization solution. Analysis of the impedance spectra with a simple model allowed following of the time evolution of physical parameters corresponding to the calcium carbonate islands and to the corrosion products accumulated in areas not covered by the scale. In uninhibited solutions, the main effect was the progressive deposit of corrosion products with no additional scaling and little restructuring of the initial carbonate islands. When the solution contained HEDP alone, part of the initial scale was detached from the surface, but the presence of HPA or the mixture HPA+HEDP only induced structural modifications of the initial scale. Moreover, the impedance analysis also showed that HPA exhibited better corrosion inhibition properties than HEDP.     

Corrosion protection of carbon steel in acidic media by expired bupropion drug; experimental and theoretical study

The effects of expired bupropion on the corrosion protection of carbon steel in hydrochloric acid (1.0 M) and sulfuric acid (0.5 M) solutions were examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Bupropion concentrations in both acid solutions were raised, which improved corrosion prevention. Bupropion was a mixed inhibitor because it retarded the anodic and cathodic processes, as indicated by polarization data. The inhibition efficiency decreased with the increasing temperature from 25 to 55 °C. In the presence of bupropion, the activation energies of corrosion in both acid solutions increased. The thermodynamic quantities were deduced from the influence of temperature on the corrosion process of carbon steel in both acid media. Bupropion adsorption on carbon steel followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The polarization data yielded outcomes consistent with the results arising from impedance measurements. FTIR spectroscopy showed the active sites of bupropion molecule during adsorption on the alloy surface. The theoretical study and molecular dynamics simulation of bupropion was done by a density functional theory (DFT) approach to realize the effects of molecular structure on the inhibitive action of bupropion.     

One saccharide sensor based on the complex of the boronic acid and the monosaccharide using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

A novel saccharide sensor based on the covalent interaction between the boronic acid and saccharides was developed. Poly (aminophenylboronic acid) (PABA) was prepared by electropolymerizing 3-aminophenylboronic acid on gold electrode surface in acidic solution. The boronic acid group of the PABA film can form covalent-bond with different saccharides, which can change the dielectric characteristics of the PABA film, and the change of the dielectric characteristic was saccharides concentration dependent. Four kinds of saccharides could be detected by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Good linear relationship and high sensitivity were obtained by this method.     

Electrochemical and photoelectrochemical characterization of CuFeO2 single crystal

CuFeO₂ single crystal, synthesized by the flux method, is a narrow band gap semiconductor crystallizing in the delafossite structure with a direct optical transition of 1.63 eV. The oxide exhibits a good chemical stability; the semi-logarithmic plot gave an exchange current density of 0.60 μA cm⁻² in KCl (0.5 M) electrolyte. CuFeO₂ shows p-type conductivity; the origin of acceptors Cu²⁺ results from oxygen insertion in the layered lattice where most of excess holes are trapped in surface-polaron states. The electrochemical study is confined in the (a,b) plane and reversible oxygen intercalation is evidenced from the intensity potential characteristics. The detailed photoelectrochemical studies have been reported for the first time on the single crystal. The photocurrent is ascribed to the transfer Cu⁺:3d→3d. The capacitance measurement (C⁻²–V) shows a linear behavior from which a flat band potential of +0.54 V_SCE and a density N _A of 1.60 × 10¹⁸ cm⁻³ were determined. The valence band, located at 5.33 eV below vacuum, is made up of Cu-3d orbital typical of delafossite oxides. The Nyquist plot shows a semicircle attributed to a capacitive behavior with a low density of surface states within the gap. The centre is localized below the real axis with an angle of 16.2° ascribed to a constant phase element (CPE), a single barrier of the junction CuFeO₂/electrolyte and one relaxation time of the electrical equivalent circuit.

Photoacoustic spectroscopic studies of Ho3+, Er3+, and Sm3+ doped polyvinyl alcohol films

Photoacoustic (PA) spectra of Ho³⁺, Er³⁺, and Sm³⁺ doped PVA films were obtained in 350–800 nm range. PA spectra were also obtained for the respective dopant oxides: Ho₂O₃, Er₂O₃, and Sm₂O₃ for comparison. It was found that in PVA the PA sensitivity has increased considerably compared to pure rare earth oxides. The relative intensities of absorption bands at 540 and 637 nm of Ho₃₊: PVA have shown distinct enhancement, indicating the increase in nonradiative relaxation at these excitations. Furthermore, the PA signals at wavelengths for different PA absorption bands were monitored as a function of chopping frequency. These experiments have shown that PA signal varies w⁻¹ both for oxides and PVA samples, suggesting that they behave as thermally thin samples. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Determination of the leaching of polymeric ion-selective membrane components by stripping voltammetry

This paper focuses on the quantitative determination of the loss of the components from plastic membranes of ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) during contact with aqueous bathing solutions. The leaching processes, which affect the ISE responses, are rarely characterized by independent methods. For this purpose, differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry (DP CSV) is used. This method, owing to its high sensitivity, acceptable recovery and accuracy, is a good tool to characterize the kinetics of leakage of the lipophilic salts. Sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) leakage from the PVC-based sodium-selective membrane containing two different plasticizers, o-nitrophenyl octyl ether (o-NPOE) or di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (DOS) is presented. Correlation between the rate of leaching of the lipophilic salt and dielectric constants of the plasticizers is observed. The data obtained by DP CSV correlate well with potentiometric and electrochemical impedance responses. The observed outflow of TPB⁻ is associated with decreasing potentiometric sensitivity to sodium and increasing bulk membrane resistance.