Electrochemical and surface characterisation of carbon-film-coated piezoelectric quartz crystals

The electrochemical properties of carbon films, of thickness between 200 and 500 nm, sputter-coated on gold- and platinum-coated 6 MHz piezoelectric quartz crystal oscillators, as new electrode materials have been investigated. Comparative studies under the same experimental conditions were performed on bulk electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry was carried out in 0.1 M KCl electrolyte solution, and kinetic parameters of the model redox systems Fe(CN)₆^3−/4− and [Ru(NH₃)₆]^3+/2+ as well as the electroactive area of the electrodes were obtained. Atomic force microscopy was used in order to examine the surface morphology of the films, and the properties of the carbon films and the electrode-solution interface were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results obtained demonstrate the feasibility of the preparation and development of nanometer thick carbon film modified quartz crystals. Such modified crystals should open up new opportunities for the investigation of electrode processes at carbon electrodes and for the application of electrochemical sensing associated with the EQCM.     

Synthesis of ultrasmall magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and study of their colloid and surface chemistry

Colloidal nanoparticles of Fe₃O₄ (4 nm) were synthesized by high-temperature hydrolysis of chelated iron (II) and (III) diethylene glycol alkoxide complexes in a solution of the parent alcohol (H₂DEG) without using capping ligands or surfactants: [Fe(DEG)Cl₂]²⁻+2[Fe(DEG)Cl₃]²⁻+2H₂O+2OH⁻→Fe₃O₄+3H₂DEG+8Cl⁻ The obtained particles were reacted with different small-molecule polydentate ligands, and the resulting adducts were tested for aqueous colloid formation. Both the carboxyl and α-hydroxyl groups of the hydroxyacids are involved in coordination to the nanoparticles’ surface. This coordination provides the major contribution to the stability of the ligand-coated nanoparticles against hydrolysis.     

Electrochemical response of nitrogen-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes decorated with gold and iridium nanoparticles toward ferrocyanide/ferricyanide redox system

Novel composite films consisting of nitrogen-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (N-MWCNTs) were fabricated by means of chemical vapor deposition technique and decorated with gold (AuNP) and iridium (IrNP) nanoparticles possessing diameters of 12.5 and 2.7 nm, respectively. The electrochemical responses of fabricated composite films, further denoted as N-MWCNTs/MNPs (M: Au and Ir), toward ferrocyanide/ferricyanide, [Fe(CN)₆]^3−/4− redox couple was probed by means of cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The findings demonstrate that both N-MWCNT/MNP composite films exhibit greater electrochemical response and sensitivity toward [Fe(CN)₆]^3−/4− compared to unmodified N-MWCNTs. The results verify that the N-MWCNT/MNP composite films are extremely promising for application in electrochemical sensing.

     

Electrochemical immune bioassay for the antigen–antibody interaction based on [Fe(CN)<Subscript>6</Subscript>]<Superscript>4-/3-</Superscript> and [AuCl<Subscript>4</Subscript>]<Superscript>-</Superscript> ions-derivated biomimetic interface

A simple and sensitive electrochemical immune bioassay for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), as a model, was developed based on [Fe(CN)₆]^4-/3- and [AuCl₄]^- ions-derivated biomimetic interface in this study. A layer of [Fe(CN)₆]^4-/3- film (i.e., Prussian blue, PB) was initially electrodeposited onto a glassy carbon electrode, and then [AuCl₄]^- ions were reduced under the potentiostat to form gold nanoparticles on the PB film. Finally, hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) was adsorbed onto the nanogold surface. The performance and factors influencing the immunosensor were assessed and optimized. The proposed immunosensor exhibits a specific response to HBsAg in the range of 2.13–314.3 ng∙ml^-1 with a detection limit of 0.42 ng∙ml^-1. In addition, the developed immunosensor shows high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and long-term stability. Importantly, the ions-derivated biomimetic interface could be further extended for the immobilization of other proteins and biocompound.     

Electrochemical synthesis of Ag nanoparticles supported on glassy carbon electrode by means of p-isopropyl calix[6]arene matrix and its application for electrocatalytic reduction of H2O2

The silver nanoparticles were prepared on the glassy carbon (GC) electrode, modified with p-iso propyl calix[6]arene, by preconcentration of silver ions in open circuit potential and followed by electrochemical reduction of silver ions. The stepwise fabrication process of Ag nanoparticles was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The prepared Ag nanoparticles were deposited with an average size of 70 nm and a homogeneous distribution on the surface of electrode. The observed results indicated that the presence of calixarene layer on the electrode surface can control the particle size and prevent the agglomeratione and electrochemical deposition is a promising technique for preparation of nanoparticles due to its easy-to-use procedure and low cost of implementation. Cyclic voltammetry experiments showed that Ag nanoparticles had a good catalytic ability for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The effects of p-isopropyl calix[6]arene concentration, applied potential for reduction of Ag⁺, number of calixarene layers and pH value on the electrocatalytic ability of Ag nanoparticles were investigated. The present modified electrode exhibited a linear range from 5.0 × 10⁻⁵ to 6.5 × 10⁻³ M and a detection limit 2.7 × 10⁻⁵ M of H₂O₂ (S/N = 3) using amperometric method.     

Electrochemical properties of compacts of nano-and microdisperse diamond powders in aqueous electrolytes

The electrochemical behavior of compacts of micro-and nanodisperse diamond powders were studied by using model redox K₃[Fe(CN)₆]-K₄[Fe(CN)₆] and Ce(SO₄)₂-Ce₂(SO₄)₃ systems in aqueous electrolytes. The current-voltage curves for compacts of microdisperse diamonds and the kinetics of reactions on these compacts in a solution of the [Fe(CN)₆]^3-/4- system are similar to those obtained by using a metal electrode. For nanodisperse diamonds, the same reactions are essentially irreversible.     

Mössbauer studies of photochemical reaction products of Ru(bpy)3 2+ iron cyanide double complexes

The reductive and the oxidative electron-transfer photochemical reaction system of light-irradiated the mix solutions of Ru(bpy)₃ ²⁺ with [Fe(CN)₆]^4–, [Fe(CN)₆]^3–, [Fe(CN)₅NO]^2– and PB (Prussian Blue) have been studied. The double complexes which isolated from the precipitates of the photochemical reaction have been identified by means of Mössbauer spectroscopy. In order to clarify the chemical states of these isolated double complexes, we have (prepared and) studied Mössbauer spectra of the double complexes such as [Ru(bpy)₃]₃[Fe(CN)₆]₂.14H₂O, [Ru(bpy)₃]₂[Fe(CN)₆].10H₂O, [Ru(bpy)₃][Fe(CN)₅NO].4H₂O, and [Ru(bpy)₃][PB]₂.xH₂O.     

High-spin metal-cyanide clusters: species incorporating [Mn(salen)] complexes as a source of anisotropy

The use of N,N′-ethylenebis(salycylideneiminato) (salen) complexes of Mn^III in assembling high-spin metal-cyanide coordination clusters with significant magnetic anisotropy is demonstrated. The reaction of [Mn(salen)(H₂O)₂]⁺with [Cr(CN)₆]³⁻ in aqueous solution generates {Cr[CNMn(salen)(H₂O)]₆}[Cr(CN)₆]·6H₂O (1), a previously reported compound featuring a heptanuclear cluster with a distorted octahedral geometry. A fit to the variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data for 1 revealed the presence of weak antiferromagnetic coupling of within the cluster, giving rise to an S=21/2 ground state. In addition, variable-field magnetization data collected at low temperatures revealed the presence of magnetic anisotropy in the ground state, with the best fit yielding zero-field splitting parameters of D=+0.19 cm⁻¹ and A reaction intended to produce a direct analogue of 1 by employing [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ in place of [Cr(CN)₆]³⁻ instead gave an unusually complex compound of formula {Fe(CN)₄[CNMn(salen)(MeOH)]₂}{[Mn(salen)(H₂O)]₂}[Mn(salen)(H₂O)(MeOH)]₂[Fe(CN)₆]·4H₂O (2). The crystal structure and magnetic properties of this compound are reported.     

Anisotropic giant magnetoresistance originating from the π-d interaction in a molecule

We synthesized TPP[Fe^III(Pc)(CN)₂]₂, PTMA_x[Fe^III(Pc)(CN)₂]·y(MeCN), and PXX [Fe^III(Pc)(CN)₂], a new series of charge-transfer salts containing the axially-substituted phthalocyanine (Pc), [Fe^III(Pc)(CN)₂]⁻. In this molecular unit, the π conduction electron derived from the Pc-ring coexists with the d electron which is a potential source of a local magnetic moment. Therefore various phenomena associated with the interplay between local magnetic moments and conduction electrons are expected. We observed the giant negative magnetoresistance (GNMR) in all the three salts. The GNMR is highly anisotropic for the magnetic-field direction, and reflects the g-tensor anisotropy of the local magnetic moment in the [Fe^III(Pc)(CN)₂]⁻ unit. This indicates that the GNMR in these salts originates from the strong π-d interaction in the [Fe^III(Pc)(CN)₂]⁻ unit.     

Magnetic and Mössbauer studies of cyanide-bridged bimetallic assembly [Mn(cyclam)][Fe(CN)6]·3H2O

Cyanide-bridged bimetallic assembly [Mn(cyclam)][Fe(CN)₆]·3H₂O (cyclam=1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) was synthesized from the reaction of trans-[MnCl₂(cyclam)]Cl with K₃Fe(CN)₆. A linear chain structure consisting of alternating [Mn(cyclam)]³⁺ and [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ units was indicated by the IR and Mössbauer spectra. The variable-temperature magnetization and Mössbauer measurements revealed that this complex exhibited a long-range ordering below 6.8 K. The magnetic behavior of the complex was based on intrachain ferromagnetic and interchain antiferromagnetic interactions.     

Direct growth of single crystalline ReO3 nanorods on a tungsten (W) microwire for enhanced electron-transfer reaction kinetics

We report the direct growth of highly single crystalline rhenium trioxide (ReO₃) nanorods on a tungsten (W) microwire electrode via the physical vapor transport process without any catalyst. In our growth mode, ReO₃ nanocubes were initially formed on the surface of a tungsten (W) microwire electrode and further they were anisotropically grown along the [001] crystallographic direction. Furthermore, we performed the fundamental electrochemical experiments so that from cyclic voltammetric measurements, ReO₃ nanorods on a W microwire exhibit a good capacitance and Nernstian behavior for a Fe(CN)₆³⁻/Fe(CN)₆⁴⁻ redox couple in 1 M KNO₃ aqueous solution, indicating a promising electrode material for electrochemical applications.     

Electrochemical Studies on Substituted Iron-Hexacyanoiron(III) Bi-Layered Thin Films at Glassy Carbon Electrode/Electrolyte Interface

Thin films (30–50 nm) of bilayered HCM (hexacyanometalates) were prepared using direct electrodeposition or electrochemically driven insertion-substitution of PB (Prussian Blue) or InHCF (Indium Hexacyanoferrate) or K..In _x [Fe{CN}₆] _y , as starting material. The redox behavior of the immobilized counter/central ions at GCE/electrolyte interface have been investigated in aqueous KCl (pH 1) electrolytes using dynamic voltammetric techniques. Studies show that when the counter Fe or In ion is replaced by expandable partially filled d orbits elements such as Ru³⁺ a redox wave of the inserted counter ion is observed. Furthermore, the substitution of Fe as a counter ion with other poly-valent cations was found to be reversible if PB was the starting material. Studies were extended to include the EC (electrochemical) behavior of related HCM compounds such as K...Al _x [Fe{CN}₆] _y K, Ni _x [Fe{CN}₆] _y Cu _x [Fe{CN}₆] _y , K..Zn _x [Fe{CN}₆] _y and, K..Ru[Fe{CN}₆]₃. Unlike studied 3d cations, GCE modified with thin films of copper-hexacyanoiron (III) KCu _x [Fe{CN}₆] _y or CHF showed two redox waves with E^o _f 0.6, 0.9 V vs Ag/AgCl. Studies showed that even immobilized Cu ions were capable of catalyzing the oxidation of hydrazine and sulfite. The mechanism for electro-oxidation is also included.     

Ab initio study of the electronic structure and the magnetic properties of polymers Co[N(CN)2]2(L) [L=pyrazine dioxide (pzdo) and 2-methyl pyrazine dioxide (mpdo)] with dual μ- and μ3-[N(CN)2] bridges

The first principle within the full potential linearized augmented-plane-wave (FP-LAPW) method was applied to study the compound of Co[N(CN)₂]₂(L) [L=pyrazine dioxide (pzdo) and 2-methyl pyrazine dioxide (mpdo)] with dual μ- and μ₃-[N(CN)₂]⁻ bridges. The density of states, the electronic band structure and the spin magnetic moment are calculated. The calculations reveal that these two compounds have a ferromagnetic (FM) interaction arising from the 1,5-μ- and μ₃-[N(CN)₂]⁻ bridges. The spin magnetic moment mainly comes from the Co ion with little contribution from N, O and C anions.     

Electrochemical properties of undoped CVD diamond films

The electrochemical properties of undoped diamond polycrystalline films grown on tungsten wire substrates using methanol as a precursor are described. The diamond film quality was changed by introducing sp²-bonded non-diamond carbon impurity through adjustment of the methanol-to-hydrogen (C/H) source gas ratio used for diamond growth.The electrodes were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV).Diamond coated tungsten wires were then used as a working electrode to ascertain their electrochemical behavior in electrolytic medium. Electrochemical windows of these films were found to be suitable in the potential range of [−2.5 V, +2.2 V] vs. Ag/AgCl in acid medium (0.1 M KCl).The electrochemical behavior was evaluated also using the Fe(CN)₆^3−/4−redox couple.The results demonstrate that the grain boundaries and sp²-hybridized carbon impurity can have a significant influence on electrochemical window of undoped diamond electrodes. It was observed that with increasing sp² carbon impurity concentration the electrochemical window decreases.     

Carbon-13 EPR Hyperfine Interaction in the Complex [Rh(CN)6]in a KCl Host Lattice

The hyperfine interaction with¹³C in nonenriched [Rh(CN)₆]⁴⁻, in a KCl host lattice at 7 K, is measured by continuous-wave X- and Q-band electron paramagnetic resonance, allowing, for the first time, a comparative study of spin densities on the carbon of the axial cyanide in this complex and in the similar [Co(CN)₆]⁴⁻complex. From the experimental data corrected for dipolar interactions,A_iso= 79.80 × 10⁻⁴cm⁻¹andA_anis= 0.76 × 10⁻⁴cm⁻¹.     

Luminescence and crystal field analysis of Eu in Eu[Co(CN)6]·4H2O

The vibrational spectra of Eu[Co(CN)₆]·4H₂O and luminescence spectra of Eu³⁺ in this compound, using 355 nm excitation at temperatures down to 10 K, have been assigned. A clear distinction is made between the n=5 and 4 members of the Ln[M(CN)₆]·nH₂O series from the vibrational spectra. The electronic spectra show prominent vibronic structures, particularly for the ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ sideband. A resonance occurs between the transitions ⁵D₀→⁷F₁(III) and ⁵D₀→⁷F₀+ν(Eu−N). A crystal field analysis of the derived energy data set is presented for Eu³⁺ in eight coordination geometry.     

Theoretical investigations of the spin Hamiltonian parameters for the tetragonal [Rh(CN)4Cl2] complex in KCl

The spin Hamiltonian parameters (g factors, hyperfine structure constants and superhyperfine parameters) for the tetragonal [Rh(CN)₄Cl₂]⁴⁻ complex in KCl are theoretically investigated from the perturbation formulas of these parameters for a 4d⁷ ion in a tetragonally elongated octahedron. This center can be assigned to the substitutional Rh²⁺ on host K⁺ site reduced from Rh³⁺ by capturing one electron during the electron irradiation, associated with the two axial ligands CN⁻ replaced by two Cl⁻. The crystal-fields of the two axial Cl⁻ are weaker than those of the four planar CN⁻, yielding the tetragonal elongation distortion. This system belongs to the case of low spin (S = 1/2) under strong crystal-fields, different from that of high spin (S = 3/2) under weak and intermediate crystal-fields (e.g., 3d⁷ ions such as Fe⁺ and Co²⁺ in conventional chlorides). The calculated spin Hamiltonian parameters show good agreement with the experimental data. The above [Rh(CN)₄Cl₂]⁴⁻ complex due to the different axial and perpendicular ligands is unlike the tetragonally elongated [RhCl₆]⁴⁻ complex due to the Jahn–Teller effect in the similar NaCl:Rh²⁺ crystals.     

Photophysical studies of xanthene dye in alkanols and in presence of inorganic ions

Eosin Y belongs to a xanthene group. It is an anionic fluorescent dye. The absorbance and fluorescence of Eosin Y have been investigated in a series of alkanols (methanol to propanol). When the solvents are added to the aqueous solution of Eosin Y (EY) the absorbance and fluorescence intensity are enhanced. The alkanols are found to affect the absorption and fluorescence spectra of the dye. On the basis of solvent adsorption model the binding constants of the dye with alkanols have been estimated. The interaction of solvent molecule with dye in aqueous solution is specific in nature. The fluorescence quenching of Eosin Y by the inorganic ions [Fe(CN)₆]⁻³, [Fe(CN)₆]⁻⁴ and Cl⁻ was also observed. The ions influenced the quenching process to different extents. The rate constants of quenching were calculated using the Stern-Volmer equation. The equilibrium constant of dye in presence of inorganic ions are determined by Scott equation.     

Poly(3-methylthiophene)-based porous silicon substrates as a urea-sensitive electrode

Poly(3-methylthiophene) (P3MT)-based porous silicon (PS) substrates were fabricated and characterized by cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy, and auger electron spectroscopy. After doping urease (Urs) into the polymeric matrix, sensitivity and physicochemical properties of the P3MT-based PS substrate was investigated compared to planar silicon (PLS) and bulk Pt substrates. PS substrate was formed by electrochemical anodization in an etching solution composed of HF, H₂O, and ethanol. Subsequently, Ti and Pt thin-films were sputtered on the PS substrate. Effective working electrode area (A_eff) of the Pt-deposited PS substrate was determined from a redox reaction of Fe(CN)₆³⁻/Fe(CN)₆⁴⁻ redox couple in which nearly reversible cyclic voltammograms were obtained. The i_p versus v^1/2 plots showed that A_eff of the PS-based Pt thin-film electrode was 1.62 times larger than that of the PLS-based electrode.Electropolymerization of P3MT on both types of electrodes were carried out by the anodic potential scanning under the given potential range. And then, urease molecules were doped to the P3MT film by the chronoamperometry. Direct electrochemistry of a Urs/P3MT/Pt/Ti/PS electrode in an acetonitrile solution containing 0.1 mol/L NaClO₄ was introduced compared to a P3MT/Pt/Ti/PS electrode at scan rates of 10 mV s⁻¹, 50 mV s⁻¹, and 100 mV s⁻¹.Amperometric sensitivity of the Urs/P3MT/Pt/Ti/PS electrode was ca. 1.67 μA mM⁻¹ per projected unit square centimeter, and that of the Urs/P3MT/Pt/Ti/PLS electrode was ca. 1.02 μA mM⁻¹ per projected unit square centimeter in a linear range of 1-100 mM urea concentrations. 1.6 times of sensitivity increase was coincident with the results from cyclic voltammetrc analysis.Surface morphology from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of Pt-deposited PS electrodes before and after the coating of Urs-doped P3MT films showed that pore diameter and depth were 2 μm and 10 μm, respectively. Multilayered-film structures composed of metals and organics for both electrodes were also confirmed by auger electron spectroscopy (AES) depth profiles.     

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy surface analysis correlated with the process of nanoparticle production by laser ablation in liquids

Linkage isomerism is the coexistence of iso-compositional molecules or solids differing by connectivity of the metal to a ligand. In a crystalline solid state, the rotation is possible for asymmetric ligands, e.g., for cyanide ligand. Here we report on our observation of a phase transition in anhydrous RbMn[Fe(CN)₆] (nearly stoichiometric) and on the effect of linkage isomerism ensuing our interpretation of the results of Mössbauer study in which we observe the iron spin state crossover among two phases involved into this transition. The anhydrous RbMn[Fe(CN)₆] can be prepared via prolonged thermal treatment (1 week at at 80 °C) of the as-synthesized hydrated RbMn[Fe(CN)₆]·H₂O. The latter compound famous for its charge-transfer phase transition is a precursor in our case. As the temperature is raising above 80 °C (remaining below 100 °C) we observe RbMn[Fe(CN)₆] that inherited its F-43 m symmetry from RbMn[Fe(CN)₆]·H₂O transforming to a phase of the Fm-3 m symmetry. In the latter, more than half of Fe^3?+? ions are in high-spin state. We suggest a plausible way to explain the spin-crossover that is to allow the linkage isomerism by rotation of the cyanide ligands.