Characterization and electrochemical applications of a carbon with high density of surface functional groups produced from beer yeast

Carbon materials enriched with nitrogen and oxygen surface functional groups were obtained by pyrolyzing strained beer yeast at 750 °C under an inert atmosphere. Physical and surface properties of the carbon obtained were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results show that the carbon possesses an amorphous structure, a spherical morphology, and a high density of surface functional groups. Electrochemical properties were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, a galvanostatic charge–discharge technique, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The carbon has 989.65 mAh·g⁻¹ of initial discharge capacity and a stable cycle performance for a Li–C cell. A specific capacitance of 120 F·g⁻¹ was obtained for a single carbon electrode and good cycle performance was achieved for a symmetrical supercapacitor fabricated using this carbon. These carbons derived from strained beer yeast have promising applications in energy storage and conversion systems.     

Electrochemical deposition of platinum nanoparticles in multiwalled carbon nanotube–Nafion composite for methanol electrooxidation

Platinum nanoparticles were successfully deposited within a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)–Nafion matrix by a cyclic voltammetry method. A Pt(IV) complex was reduced to platinum nanoparticles on the surface of MWCNTs. The resulting Pt nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The Pt–MWCNT–Nafion nanocomposite film-modified glassy carbon electrode had a sharp hydrogen desorption peak at about −0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl (3 M) in a solution of 0.5 M H₂SO₄, which is directly related to the electrochemical activity of the Pt nanoparticles presented on the surface of MWCNTs. The electrocatalytic properties of the Pt–MWCNT–Nafion nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrode for methanol electrooxidation were investigated by cyclic voltammetry in a 2 M CH₃OH + 1 M H₂SO₄ solution. In comparison with the Pt-coated glassy carbon electrode and the Pt–Nafion modified glassy carbon electrode, the Pt–MWCNT–Nafion-modified electrode had excellent electrocatalytic activity toward methanol electrooxidation. The stability of the Pt–MWCNT–Nafion nanocomposite-modified electrode had also been evaluated.     

Electrocatalytic interaction of nano-engineered palladium on carbon nanofibers with hydrogen peroxide and β-NADH

The growing demands for reagentless hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (β-NADH) sensors from food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and biochemical fields have stimulated extensive research interest on nano-engineered Pd. In this paper, Pd/carbon composite nanofibers were prepared by electrodepositing Pd onto electrospun carbon nanofibers to act as a catalyst toward the electrocatalytic redox reactions of H₂O₂ and β-NADH. The morphology of nano-engineered Pd was controlled by selectively adjusting the electrodeposition time and potential. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results showed that nanocactus- and nanoflower-like Pd depositions were obtained on the surface of carbon nanofibers. Electrocatalytic analysis demonstrated a high electrocatalytic activity of the composite nanofibers for the redox of H₂O₂ and oxidation of β-NADH.     

Catalytic synthesis of carbon nanotubes from ethylene in the presence of water vapor

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were synthesized catalytically from ethylene in the presence of water vapor at transition metals of the iron subgroup. The structure of the obtained nanotubes was studied by transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. It was shown that the highest yields of carbon nanotubes with diameters between 20 and 40 nm, lengths of more than 1 μm, and average diameter of 0.92 nm for the innermost tube were obtained at a nickel catalyst with a water vapor concentration of 0.32%. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 42, No. 4, pp. 227–230, July–August, 2006.     

Preparation of glass carbon electrode modified with nanocrystalline nickel-decorated carbon nanotubes and electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol in alkaline solution

Nanocrystalline nickel with an average diameter of about 16 nm and a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure was uniformly attached to the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNT) by wet chemistry. The sample was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A glass carbon electrode modified with nickel-modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-Ni/GCE) was prepared. The electrochemical behavior of the MWCNTs-Ni/GCE and the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol at the MWCNTs-Ni/GCE were investigated by cyclic voltammetry in 1.0 mol/L NaOH solution. The cyclic voltammograms showed that the electron transfer between β-Ni(OH)₂ and β-NiOOH is mainly a diffusion-controlled quasireversible process, and that the electrode has high catalytic activity for the electrooxidation of methanol in alkaline medium, revealing its potential application in alkaline rechargeable batteries and fuel cells. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Applied Chemistry, 2007, 24(5): 503–506 [译自: 应用化学]     

A self-assembly template approach for preparing hollow carbon microspheres

Hollow carbon microspheres (HCMs) are prepared in a sealed quartz tube via the reaction between ferrocene and ammonium bromide. The morphology and microstructure of the product are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam workstation, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The diameter of the HCMs ranges from 1 to 13 μm and the thickness of shells ranges from 70 nm to 450 nm. It is concluded that the self-generated spherical droplets of iron amine bromide serve as the core templates for the formation of HCMs.     

Reversible lithium intercalation in disordered carbon prepared from 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride

The electrochemical properties of the 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA)-based carbon, synthesized by directly pyrolyzing PTCDA under an argon gas flow, have been firstly explored as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. PTCDA is decomposed in a single-step reaction, which was completed around 650 °C. X-ray diffraction studies indicated a disordered carbon structure, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results revealed that this PTCDA-based carbon had a pillar-like morphology with a diameter of approximately 1–4 μm and length of 5–20 μm. Electrochemical measurements showed that it delivered lithium insertion and deinsertion capacities of 496 and 311 mAh g⁻¹, respectively, during the first cycle. The charge capacity retention from the 1st to the 50th is 93.2% with an average capacity fade of 0.14% per cycle. The coulombic efficiency of the Li insertion/deinsertion processes reached 99% after five cycles.     

The enhanced nucleating ability of carbon nanotube-supported β-nucleating agent in isotactic polypropylene

A kind of β-nucleating agent, calcium pimelate, for polypropylene (PP) was chemically supported onto the surface of multi-wall carbon nanotubes, and the effect of the multi-wall carbon nanotube-supported β-nucleating agent on the mechanical properties and morphology of isotactic polypropylene composites was investigated. The composites of isotactic polypropylene and multi-wall carbon nanotube-supported β-nucleating agent exhibited excellent impact toughness compared with pure isotactic polypropylene and β-nucleated isotactic polypropylene, being more than seven times over that of pure isotactic polypropylene and more than three times over that of β-nucleated isotactic polypropylene. The excellent impact behaviors of the composites were also evidenced by the fracture morphology based on scanning electron microscopy observations. Differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray diffraction results verified the enhanced nucleating ability of the multi-wall carbon nanotube-supported β-nucleating agent, which greatly improved the impact toughness without significantly deteriorating the strength and stiffness of the polypropylene composites.     

Soft X-Rays and Low-Voltage SEM in Practice

 The possibilities and limitations of electron probe microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy at reduced accelerating voltages are summarised. The application of electron probe microanalysis to the analysis of thin coatings in the boron–nitrogen–carbon composition triangle is discussed. Experimental details are given. The potential of modern scanning electron microscopes, operated at low voltages and high magnifications, for materials development and problem solving is illustrated. Examples shown are from fluorocarbon coatings, ultrafiltration membranes, membrane fouling and casings for meat. Experimental details are given.     

Pb-sandwiched nanoparticles as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

A sandwiched SiC@Pb@C nanocomposite was prepared through a simple ball-milling route and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The SiC@Pb@C nanocomposite exhibits a much improved reversible capacity and cycling life as compared with a bare Pb anode. A reversible volumetric capacity of >1,586 mAh cm⁻³ (207 mAh g⁻¹) can be maintained after 600 cycles of charge and discharge in the potential interval between 0.005 and 1.0 V, which far exceeds those reported previously in the literature. The enhanced electrochemical performance is ascribed to the sandwiched structure in which nanosized Pb particles were anchored in between the rigid SiC core and the outer carbon shell, mitigating the damage done by the large volume change of the Pb interlayer during the alloying/dealloying process.     

CVD synthesis of spiral carbon nanotubes over asymmetric catalytic particles

The influence of asymmetric catalytic particles prepared by various methods was investigated on the growth of spiral carbon nanotubes using the CVD method. Asymmetric particles were prepared by either milling or crystallization from oversaturated solution onto the surface of catalyst support or catalyst impregnation at pH 8–9. As-prepared catalysts were tested in the decomposition of acetylene. Carbon deposit, thus carbon nanotubes and spirals were observed by transmission electron microscopy the activity was characterized by carbon yield.     

Introducing hydrophilic carbon nanoparticles into hydrophilic sol-gel film electrodes

A hydrophilic carbon nanoparticle–sol-gel electrode with good electrical conductivity within the sol-gel matrix is prepared. Sulfonated carbon nanoparticles with high hydrophilicity and of 10–20 nm diameter (Emperor 2000) are co-deposited onto tin-doped indium oxide substrates employing a sol-gel technique. The resulting carbon nanoparticle-sol-gel composite electrodes are characterized as a function of composition and salt (KCl) additive. Scanning electron microscopy and voltammetry in the absence and in the presence of a solution redox system suggest that the composite electrode films can be made electrically conducting and highly porous to promote electron transport and transfer. The effect of the presence of hydrophilic carbon nanoparticles is explored for the following processes: (1) double layer charging, (2) diffusion and adsorption of the electrochemically reversible solution redox system 1,1′-ferrocenedimethanol, (3) electron transfer to the electrochemically irreversible redox system hydrogen peroxide, and (4) electron transfer to the redox liquid tert-butylferrocene deposited into the porous composite electrode film. The extended electrochemically active hydrophilic surface area is beneficial in particular for surface sensitive processes (1) and (3), and it provides an extended solid|organic liquid|aqueous solution boundary for reaction (4). The carbon nanoparticle–sol-gel composite electrodes are optimized to provide good electrical conductivity and to remain stable during electrochemical investigation.     

Disordered carbon nanofibers/LiCoPO<Subscript>4</Subscript> composites as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

LiCoPO₄-coated disordered carbon nanofibers (CNFs/LiCoPO₄) were obtained by a sol–gel method, using triethyl phosphite or triethyl phosphate as the phosphorous source. The crystal structure of the products was analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction, while morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Optimal synthesis conditions for the CNFs/LiCoPO₄ in light of the best electrochemical performance are discussed. The best discharge capacity 105 mAh/g (or ca. 63% of the theoretical capacity) shows the material with 40% CNFs/LiCoPO₄ and addition coating by carbon black. This composition has a best purity of active materials and point coverage of CNFs. The X-ray photoelectron C1s spectra of the CNFs surface without and with sputter erosion show enhancement of C–O bonds at the fiber surface, which does not influence significantly electrochemical behavior of the composite materials.     

Effects of carbon nanofiber composites on electrode processes involving liquid|liquid ion transfer

Composite electrodes were prepared from chemical vapor deposition grown carbon nanofibers consisting predominantly of ca. 100 nm diameter fibers. A hydrophobic sol–gel matrix based on a methyl-trimethoxysilane precursor was employed and composites formed with carbon nanofiber or carbon nanofiber—carbon particle mixtures (carbon ceramic electrode). Scanning electron microscopy images and electrochemical measurements show that the composite materials exhibit high surface area with some degree of electrolyte solution penetration into the electrode. These electrodes were modified with redox probe solution in 2-nitrophenyloctylether. A second type of composite electrode was prepared by simple pasting of carbon nanofibers and the same solution (carbon paste electrode). For both types of electrodes it is shown that high surface area carbon nanofibers dominate the electrode process and enhance voltammetric currents for the transfer of anions at liquid|liquid phase boundaries presumably by extending the triple-phase boundary. Both anion insertion and cation expulsion processes were observed driven by the electro-oxidation of decamethylferrocene within the organic phase. A stronger current response is observed for the more hydrophobic anions like ClO₄⁻ or PF₆⁻ when compared to that for the more hydrophilic anions like F⁻ and SO₄²⁻. Presented at the 4th Baltic Conference on Electrochemistry, Greifswald, March 13–16, 2005     

A highly selective and sensitive dopamine and uric acid biosensor fabricated with functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon and hydrophobic ionic liquid

An ordered mesoporous carbon material functionalized with carboxylic acid groups was synthesized. It was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and N₂ adsorption/desorption. Furthermore, this material was used to modify an electrode surface combined with a hydrophobic ionic liquid. The functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon/ionic liquid gel modified electrode shows excellent electrocatalytic performances for the oxidation of dopamine, uric acid and ascorbic acid. The presence of the ionic liquid promotes the electron transfer. Linear responses for dopamine and uric acid were obtained in the ranges of 0.1 to 500 μM and from 0.1 to 100 μM with detection limits of 4.1 and 2.5 nM (signal-to-noise ratio of 3), respectively, under optimum conditions. A quick and sensitive biosensor based on functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon and an ionic liquid has been developed for the first time for the detection of dopamine and uric acid in the presence of a large amount of ascorbic acid.     

Improved disordered carbon as high performance anode material for lithium ion battery

A sulfur-substituted disordered carbon is explored as anode material for lithium-ion battery. Its physical and electrochemical properties are characterized by a variety of techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction, element analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, scanning electron microscopy, and typical electrochemical tests. Electrochemical tests show the activated carbon displays a first cycle discharge capacity of 1,216 mAh·g⁻¹. It also has a remarkable cycling stability with an average capacity fade of 0.92% per cycle from 11th to 100th cycle in the range of 0.01–3.00 V versus metallic lithium at a current density of 100 mA·g⁻¹. After 100 cycles, the electrode still maintained a capacity of 420 mAh·g⁻¹.     

Sn–Co–C composites obtained from resorcinol-formaldehyde gel as anodes in lithium-ion batteries

Sn–Co–C composites have been prepared by using the resorcinol/formaldehyde polymerization method combined with the carbothermal reduction of metal oxides during carbonization. Homogeneously dispersed metal/carbon composites were identified by electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed the presence of carbonaceous particles with inclusions of metal agglomerates, and the X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the presence of tin and cobalt–tin phases. The introduction of small amounts of cobalt led to higher capacities as compared to coke and cobalt-free samples. The sample with a Sn/Co molar ratio of 85:15 and a higher, initial metal oxide-to-resorcinol ratio was able to maintain capacity values near 380 mAh/g after 30 cycles. The instability of cobalt–tin phases on cycling was not a hindrance for the electrochemical behavior. Charge transfer resistance values were kept low during cycling for cobalt-containing composites.     

惰性盐辅助合成介孔石墨化碳片及其电容性能

以惰性盐KCl为模板、硝酸镍为金属催化剂镍源、葡萄糖为碳源,通过碳化处理制备了介孔石墨化碳片。利用扫描电子显微镜、透射电子显微镜、X-射线衍射仪和比表面测试仪对介孔石墨化碳片进行了表征。探讨了碳片形成的机理,采用三电极测试体系研究了介孔石墨化碳片电极材料的电化学性能。结果表明,10 g KCl制备的碳片比表面积最大(989 m2·g-1),在6 mol·L-1KOH电解液中,当电流密度为0.5 A·g-1时,比电容达到180 F·g-1;当电流密度达到10 A·g-1时,比电容维持在148 F·g-1,显示了电极具有较好的倍率性能;在10 A·g-1条件下,2 000次循环充放电测试后电容没有发生衰减,展示了在超级电容器方面的应用潜力。     

惰性盐辅助合成介孔石墨化碳片及其电容性能

以惰性盐KCl为模板、硝酸镍为金属催化剂镍源、葡萄糖为碳源,通过碳化处理制备了介孔石墨化碳片。利用扫描电子显微镜、透射电子显微镜、X-射线衍射仪和比表面测试仪对介孔石墨化碳片进行了表征。探讨了碳片形成的机理,采用三电极测试体系研究了介孔石墨化碳片电极材料的电化学性能。结果表明,10gKCl制备的碳片比表面积最大（989m²·g^-1）,在6mol·L^-1KOH电解液中,当电流密度为0.5A·g^-1时,比电容达到180F·g^-1;当电流密度达到10A·g^-1时,比电容维持在148F·g^-1,显示了电极具有较好的倍率性能;在10A·g^-1条件下,2000次循环充放电测试后电容没有发生衰减,展示了在超级电容器方面的应用潜力。     

Ru oxide/carbon fabric composites for supercapacitors

Ru oxide/carbon fabric composites (Ru oxide/CF) were prepared by impregnating carbon fabric (CF) with a hydrous RuO₂ suspension. Their properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and constant current discharging. Specific capacitance increased with increasing loading of Ru oxide. The apparent average specific capacitance of the Ru oxide component reached 1,085 F g⁻¹ for a 9.15% loading, with a peak of 1,984 F g⁻¹ at approximately 0.3 V vs Ag/AgCl. The presence of Ru oxide decreases the ionic resistance of the CF and appears to increase its specific capacitance by generating additional electroactive surface functionality.