氮掺杂碳纳米管修饰电极的电化学行为

制备了氮掺杂改性的碳纳米管, 并用循环伏安法(CV)测定了多巴胺(DA)和抗坏血酸(AA)在不同氮含量的碳纳米管修饰电极上的电化学行为. 结果表明, 氮掺杂碳纳米管修饰电极对AA和DA有不同的电催化行为, 其中高氮含量修饰电极对AA的催化作用强, 而低氮含量修饰电极对DA的催化作用强. 微分脉冲伏安法(DPV)的结果显示, DA的氧化峰电流与其浓度在5.0×10^－6～2.0×10^－4 mol/L范围内呈良好的线性关系, 检出限达1.64×10^－6 mol/L (S/N＝3); AA氧化峰电流与其浓度在3.0×10^－5～1.0×10^－2 mol/L范围内呈良好的线性关系, 检出限达3.26×10^－6 mol/L (S/N＝3). 该修饰电极在AA大量存在(AA浓度为DA浓度两万倍)时可选择性地实现多巴胺的测定而不造成干扰.     

Enhanced stability of Pt electrocatalysts by nitrogen doping in CNTs for PEM fuel cells

Electrochemical stabilities of Pt deposited on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (CN_x) of different nitrogen contents are compared with accelerated durability tests (ADT) for the first time. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images reveal the different structures of CNTs and CN_x, and the decrease of Pt particle size with the nitrogen incorporation into CNTs. Based on the loss of electrochemical surface area (ESA) and TEM images, Pt/CN_x exhibited much higher stability than Pt/CNTs, and the Pt stability increases with the increase of nitrogen contents in the CN_x supports.     

Facile Fabrication of Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Nitrogen-doped Carbon Nanotubes and Their Catalytic Activity

A facile impregnation method under mild condition is designed for synthesis of highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles with a narrow size of 4-7 nm on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes （CNx）. CNx do not need any pre-surface modification due to the inherent chemical activity. The structure and nature of Pt/CNx were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy spectrum. All the experimental results revealed that the large amount of doped nitrogen atoms in CNx was virtually effective for capturing the Pt（IV） ions. The improved surface nitrogen functionalities and hydrophilicity contributed to the good dispersion and immobi- lization of Pt nanoparticles on the CNx surface. The Pt/CNx served as active and reusable catalysts in the hydrogenation of allyl alcohol. This could be attributed to high dispersion of Pt nanoparticles and stronger interaction between Pt and the supports, which prevented the Pt nanoparticles from aggregating into less active Pt black and from leaching as well.     

不同氮掺杂量碳纳米管的合成和表征

以不同氮含量的有机胺为碳和氮源，用催化方法合成出了不同氮含量的大管径碳纳米管。采用Fe/SBA-15分子筛为催化剂，有机胺经过1 073 K高温裂解得到氮掺杂碳纳米管材料(CN_x)。比较了苯、三乙胺、二乙胺、乙二胺四种原料对合成CN_x形貌、产率、掺氮量和吸水率的影响；以二乙胺为原料合成出适中的氮碳比(N/C原子比为0.15)和较高产率(2.2 g·（g·cat）^-1)的竹节状CN_x材料。     

Synthesis of Iridium Oxide Nanotubes by Electrodeposition into Polycarbonate Template: Fabrication of Chromium(III) and Arsenic(III) Electrochemical Sensor

For the first time iridium oxide (IrO₂) nanotubes are synthesized by electrodeposition in a polycarbonate (PC) template. Potential cycling (90 cycles) between 0.0 and 0.9 V is used for the preparation of IrO_x nanotubes onto the PC template with a pore diameter of 100 nm. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images show, that IrO₂ nanotubes with uniform diameters of 110±10 nm and an estimated length of 1–3 µm are formed. The electrochemical properties and the electrocatalytic activity of a glassy carbon‐IrO_x nanotube modified electrode toward Cr³⁺ and As³⁺ oxidation are investigated. Finally, the modified electrode is used for micromolar detection of the proposed analytes using differential pulse voltammetry.     

High Performance Oxide Functionalized Nitrogen‐Doped Mesocellular Carbon Foam for Biosensor Construction

Nitrogen‐doped mesocellular carbon foam (denoted as MCF? CN_x) with high surface area and large pore volume was prepared and characterized in detail. The MCF? CN_x was further functionalized by oxidation with HNO₃ (denoted as MCF? CN_x‐O) in order to effectively improve its hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. Both MCF? CN_x and MCF? CN_x‐O were used for immobilization of Hb and design of electrochemical biosensors. The activity of Hb immobilized on MCF? CN_x‐O is two times higher than that of Hb immobilized on MCF? CN_x. The Hb‐MCF? CN_x‐O‐Nafion modified electrode displays fast response, high sensitivity and low detection limit to the detection of hydrogen peroxide. The sensitivity of Hb‐MCF? CN_x‐O‐Nafion modified electrode (477 μA mM^?1 cm^?2) is twice that of Hb‐MCF? CN_x‐Nafion modified electrode.     

3-D composite electrodes for high performance PEM fuel cells composed of Pt supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes grown on carbon paper

The 3-D composite electrodes consisting of Pt nanoparticles supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (CN_x) grown directly on carbon paper were successfully prepared. The effect of the nitrogen atom incorporation in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the Pt nanoparticle dispersion and catalytic activities for the oxygen reduction reaction has been investigated. Compared to regular CNTs, highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles with smaller size (2–3 nm) and higher electrochemical Pt surface area as well as higher fuel cell performance were obtained for CN_x.     

Highly Active Nickel Nanoparticles Supported on TiO2 Nanotube Electrodes for Methanol Electrooxidation

Nickel nanoparticles/TiO₂ nanotubes/Ti electrodes were prepared by galvanic deposition of nickel nanoparticles on the TiO₂ nanotubes layer on titanium substrates. Titanium oxide nanotubes were fabricated by anodizing titanium foil in a DMSO fluoride‐containing electrolyte. The morphology and surface characteristics of titanium dioxide nanotubes and Ni/TiO₂/Ti electrodes were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, respectively. The results indicated that nickel nanoparticles were homogeneously deposited on the surface of TiO₂ nanotubes. The electrocatalytic behaviour of nickel nanoparticles/TiO₂/Ti electrodes for the methanol electrooxidation was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry methods. The results showed that Ni/TiO₂/Ti electrodes exhibit a considerably higher electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of methanol.     

A Comparison of a Nanostructured Enzymeless Au/Fe2O3/MWCNTs/GCE Electrode and a GOx Modified One in Electrocatalytic Detection of Glucose

Acid functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNTs) were decorated with Au and Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (FeONPs) and deposited on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The resulting hybrid Au/Fe₂O₃/f‐MWCNTs/GCE electrode and the one further modified by glucose oxidase were compared for detection of glucose. FeONPs and Au were deposited on the f‐MWCNTs by sonication‐assisted precipitation and deposition‐precipitation methods, respectively. The morphology and structure of the samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. A uniform distribution of FeONPs with an average size of 5 nm increased the surface area of functionalized nanotubes from 39 to 50 m²/g. The electrocatalytic glucose detection on the modified electrodes was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.0. The non‐enzymatic and enzymatic electrodes show sensitivity of 512.4 and 921.4 mA/mM.cm² and detection limit of 1.7 and 0.9 mM, respectively. The enzymatic and enzymeless electrodes retained more than 70 % and 80 % of their cathodic faradic current after 70 days, respectively. The sensing mechanism of the non‐enzymatic biosensor is described through the reaction of glucose with iron (III) ions, while in the case of enzymatic electrode, glucose is oxidized by glucose oxidase.     

Selective Detection of p‐Phenylenediamine in Hair Dyes Based on a Special CE Mechanism Using MnO2 Nanowires

We report a novel approach for selective determination of p‐phenylenediamine in hair dyes using β‐MnO₂ nanowires modified glassy carbon (GC) electrodes through an electrochemical co‐deposition process with chitosan hydrogel. A special CE (chemical reaction and electron transfer) process on the surface of β‐MnO₂ nanowires modified GC electrode is proposed and proved by cyclic voltammetry and UV‐Vis spectroscopy in the presence of p‐phenylenediamine. p‐Phenylenediamine can react with MnO₂ nanowires to produce diimine and the equilibrium of the two‐electron and two‐proton redox process of p‐phenylenediamine on the electrode is changed, and consequently the reductive current is enhanced significantly. At a constant potential of 0 V vs. SCE, other main components of hair dyes including o‐, m‐phenylenediamine, catechol, resorcinol, and p‐dihydroxybenzene do not interfere in the determination of p‐phenylenediamine in the amperometric measurement because of their much lower chemical reaction activities with MnO₂ nanowires. It shows a determination range of 0.2–150 μM and a low detection limit of 50 nM to response p‐phenylenediamine. This modified electrode is successfully used to analyze the amount of p‐phenylenediamine in hair dyes without preseparation procedures.     

Electrodes modified with iron porphyrin and carbon nanotubes: application to CO2 reduction and mechanism of synergistic electrocatalysis

Electrodes modified with iron porphyrin and carbon nanotubes (FeP–CNTs) were prepared and used for CO₂ electroreduction. The adsorption of iron porphyrin onto the multiwalled carbon nanotubes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties of the modified electrodes for CO₂ reduction were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and CO₂ electrolysis. The FeP–CNT electrodes exhibited less negative cathode potential and higher reaction rate than the electrodes modified only with iron porphyrin or carbon nanotubes. A mechanism of the synergistic catalysis was proposed and studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance. The direct electron transfer between iron porphyrin and carbon nanotubes was examined. The current study shed light on the mechanism of synergistic catalysis between CNTs and metalloporphyrin, and the iron porphyrin–CNT-modified electrodes showed great potential in the efficient CO₂ electroreduction.     

Direct Electrochemistry of Multi‐Copper Oxidases at Carbon Nanotubes Noncovalently Functionalized with Cellulose Derivatives

This study describes the direct electron transfer of multi‐copper oxidases, i.e., laccase (from Trametes versicolor) and bilirubin oxidase (BOD, from Myrothecium verrucaria) at multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) noncovalently functionalized with biopolymers of cellulose derivatives, i.e., hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), methyl cellulose (MC), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The functionalization of the MWNTs with the cellulose derivatives is found to substantially solubilize the MWNTs into aqueous media and to avoid their aggregation on electrode surface. Under anaerobic conditions, the redox properties of laccase and BOD are difficult to be defined with cyclic voltammetry at either laccase/MWNT‐modified or BOD/MWNT‐modified electrodes. The direct electron transfer properties of laccase and BOD are thus studied in terms of the bioelectrocatalytic activities of the laccase/MWNT‐modified and BOD/MWNT‐modified electrodes toward the reduction of oxygen and found to be facilitated at the functionalized MWNTs. The possible application of the laccase‐catalyzed O₂ reduction at the laccase/MWNT‐modified electrode is illustrated by constructing a CNT‐based ascorbate/O₂ biofuel cell with the MWNT‐modified electrode as the anode for the oxidation of ascorbate biofuel.     

Bonding structure and mechanical properties of carbon nitride bilayer films with Ti and TiN interlayer

Carbon nitride (CN_x) bilayer films with Ti and TiN interlayer were synthesized by cathode arc technique at various nitrogen pressures (P_N2). The dependences of microstructure and bonding composition of the films on the P_N2 and interlayer were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Microstructure evolution consisting of the ordering and size of Csp² clusters, the faction of N–sp³/N–sp² bonds and graphite‐like/pyridine‐like configurations was dominated by P_N2, interlayer and annealing. The results showed that Ti and TiN interlayer decrease the atomic ratio of N/C and increase clustering Csp². High P_N2 induces the formation of C ≡ N and C ? N bonds, the increase of sp²‐bonding content and the growth of Csp² clusters. A large part of nitrogen atoms are coordinated with sp²‐hybridized carbon (minimum 71% for annealed CN_x monolayer). TiN/CN_x bilayer had a higher content of pyridine‐like configuration. Morphological characteristics of CN_x monolayer and bilayer mainly depend on the surface character (roughness and surface energy) of the sublayer. The internal stress in the as‐deposited Ti/CN_x bilayer is smaller, but it after annealing is higher than that of CN_x monolayer and TiN/CN_x bilayer. These results may be of interest for studying the CN_x films with controlled bonding composition and expected engineering properties. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electrocatalysis of Puerarin on a Nano-CeO2/MWCNTs Composite Modified Electrode and Its Determination in Pharmaceutical Preparations

A good route for the fabrication of CeO₂ nanoparticles (nano‐CeO₂)/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) was proposed. MWCNTs are used to immobilize nano‐CeO₂. What′s more, with the addition of the MWCNTs, the agglomeration level of CeO₂ nanoparticles can be reduced, the extremely large surface area can be obtained and the electron transfer rate can be increased. The morphological characterization of nano‐CeO₂/MWCNTs was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The performances of the nano‐CeO₂/MWCNTs/GCE were characterized with cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and typical amperometric response (i‐t). The potential utility of the constructed electrodes was demonstrated by applying them to the analytical determination of puerarin concentration. The catalytic oxidation of puerarin has a better result on nano‐CeO₂/MWCNTs/GCE because of the synergistic effect of nano‐CeO₂ and MWCNTs. An optimized limit of detection of 8.0×10^?9 mol/L was obtained at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 and with a fast response time (within 3 s). Additionally, the nano‐CeO₂/MWCNTs/GCE exhibited a wide linear range from 0.04 to 6.0 μmol/L and high sensitivity.     

Noncovalent Assembly of Picket‐Fence Porphyrins on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes for Highly Efficient Catalysis and Biosensing

A water‐insoluble picket‐fence porphyrin was first assembled on nitrogen‐doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CN_x MWNTs) through Fe? N coordination for highly efficient catalysis and biosensing. Scanning electron micrographs, Raman spectra, X‐ray photoelectron spectra, UV/Vis absorption spectra, and electrochemical impedance spectra were employed to characterize this novel nanocomposite. By using electrochemical methods on the porphyrin at low potential in neutral aqueous solution, the presence of CN_x MWNTs led to the direct formation of a high‐valent iron(IV)–porphyrin unit, which produced excellent catalytic activity toward the oxidation of sulfite ions. By using sulfite ions, a widely used versatile additive and preservative in the food and beverage industries, as a model, a highly sensitive amperometric biosensor was proposed. The biosensor showed a linear range of four orders of magnitude from 8.0×10^?7 to 4.9×10^?3 mol L^?1 and a detection limit of 3.5×10^?7 mol L^?1 due to the highly efficient catalysis of the nanocomposite. The designed platform and method had good analytical performance and could be successfully applied in the determination of sulfite ions in beverages. The direct noncovalent assembly of porphyrin on CN_x MWNTs provided a facile way to design novel biofunctional materials for biosensing and photovoltaic devices.     

Electorchemical Studies of Cytochrome c on Electodes Modified by Single—Wall Carbon Naotubes

Single-wall carbon nanotubes(SWNTs) modified gold electrodes were prepared by using two different methods.The electrochemical behavior of cytochrome c on the modified gold electrodes was investigated.The first kind of SWNT-modified electrode (noted as SWNT/Au electrode)was prepared by the adsorption of carboxylterminated SWNTs from DMF dispersion on the gold electrode.The oxidatively processed SWNT tips were covalently modified by coupling with amines (AET) to form amide linkage.Via Au-S chemical bonding,the self-assembled monolayer of thiol-unctionalized nanotubes on gold surface was fabricated so as to prepare the others SWNT-modified electrode (noted as SWNT/AET/Au electrode).It was shown from cyclic voltammetry cxperiments that cytochrome c exhibited direct electrochemical responses on the both electrodes, but only the current of controlled diffusion existed on the SWNT/Au electrode while both the currents of controlled diffusion and adsorption of cytochrome c occurred on the SWNT/AET/Au electrode.Photoelastic Modulation Infared Reflection Absorpthion Spectroscopy (PEM-IRRAS) and Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) were employed to verify the adsorption of SWNTs on the gold electrodes.The results proved that SWNTs could enhance the direct electron transfer proecss between the electrodes and redox proteins.     

Electrocatalytic Reduction of Oxygen at Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Cobalt Porphyrin Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

The multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) modified glassy carbon electrode exhibited electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of oxygen in 0.1 M HAc‐NaAc (pH 3.8) buffer solution. Further modification with cobalt porphyrin film on the MWNTs by adsorption, the resulted modified electrode showed more efficient catalytic activity to O₂ reduction. The reduction peak potential of O₂ is shifted much more positively to 0.12 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), and the peak current is increased greatly. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), were used to characterize the material and the modified film on electrode surface. Electrochemical experiments gave the total number of electron transfer for oxygen reduction as about 3, which indicated a co‐exist process of 2 electrons and 4 electrons for reduction of oxygen at this modified electrode. Meanwhile, the catalytic activities of the multilayer film (MWNTs/CoTMPyP)_n prepared by layer‐by‐layer method were investigated, and the results showed that the peak current of O₂ reduction increased and the peak potential shifted to a positive direction with the increase of layer numbers.     

Platinum‐Decorated Au Porous Nanotubes as Highly Efficient Catalysts for Formic Acid Electro‐Oxidation

Au porous nanotubes (PNTs) were synthesized by a templating technique that involves the chemical synthesis of Ag nanowire precursors, electroless surface modification with Au, and selective etching. A subsequent galvanic replacement reaction between [PtCl₆]^2? and residual Ag generates Pt‐decorated Au porous nanotubes (Pt/Au PNTs), which represents a new type of self‐sustained high surface area electrocatalysts with ultra‐low Pt loading. Structural characterizations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) reveal a novel nanoarchitecture with multimodal open porosity and excellent structural continuity and integrity. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) demonstrates that these Pt/Au PNTs possess very high electrocatalytic activity toward formic acid oxidation with enhanced tolerance to CO poisoning.     

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Encased in Ruthenium Oxide Film as a Hybrid Material for Neurotransmitters Sensor

A hybrid film (MWCNTs‐RuO_x?nH₂O) which contains multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) along with the incorporation of ruthenium oxide (RuO_x?nH₂O) has been synthesized on glassy carbon electrode (GCE), gold (Au), indium tin oxide (ITO) and screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) by potentiostatic methods. The presence of MWCNTs in the hybrid film enhances surface coverage concentration (Γ) of RuO_x?nH₂O to ≈2100%. The surface morphology of the hybrid film deposited on ITO has been studied using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. These two techniques reveal that the RuO_x?nH₂O incorporated on MWCNTs. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance study too reveals the incorporation of MWCNTs and RuO_x?nH₂O. The MWCNTs‐RuO_x?nH₂O hybrid film exhibits promising enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the biochemical compounds such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. The electrocatalytic responses of these analytes at RuO_x?nH₂O, MWCNTs and MWCNTs‐RuO_x?nH₂O hybrid films have been measured using cyclic voltammetry. The obtained sensitivity values from electrocatalysis studies of analytes for MWCNTs‐RuO_x?nH₂O hybrid film are higher than the RuO_x?nH₂O and MWCNTs films. Finally, the flow injection analysis has been used for the amperometric studies of analytes at MWCNTs‐RuO_x?nH₂O hybrid film modified SPCEs.     

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.