Sensitive voltammetric determination of cysteamine using promazine hydrochloride as a mediator and modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes carbon paste electrodes

This paper presents a sensitive electrochemical method for the determination of cysteamine (CA) using promazine hydrochloride-modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes carbon paste electrode (PrH/MWCNTs CPE). Because of the good electrochemical activity of MWCNTs and the acceptable performance of promazine hydrochloride (PrH) as an electrocatalytic mediator, the modified electrode significantly enhanced the sensitivity for the detection of CA in comparison to the bare carbon paste electrode (CPE). All chemical parameters such as pH of solution, concentration of PrH and kinetic parameters of the system were investigated. Linear sweep voltammetric (LSV) method was used to follow the electrocatalytic effect of CA on the current–potential response of PrH. Under optimum conditions, the obtained net peak current ?I _p(I _sample???I _blank) was linear with CA concentrations in two dynamic ranges of 2.0–346.5 μmol l^?1 (?I _p?=?(0.0195?±?0.0043)C _CA?+?(0.7648?±?0.0397) (r ²?=?0.9948)) and 346.5–1,912.5 μmol l^?1 (?I _p?=?(0.0100?±?0.0026)C _CA?+?(3.8981?±?0.0828) (r ²?=?0.9911)) with a detection limit of 0.8 μmol l^?1. Finally, the PrH/MWCNTs CPE was successfully applied for the determination of CA in urine and drug samples with satisfactory results.     

Synthesis and characterisation of the Fe(II–III) hydroxy-formate green rust

A new methodology was envisioned in order to prepare green rust compounds build on organic anions that could intervene in microbiologically influenced corrosion processes of iron and steel. The formate ion was chosen as an example. The formation of rust was simulated by the oxidation of aqueous suspensions of Fe(OH)₂ precipitated from Fe(II) lactate and sodium hydroxide, in the presence of sodium formate to promote the formation of the corresponding green rust. The evolution of the precipitate with time was followed by transmission Mössbauer spectroscopy at 15 K. It was observed that the initial hydroxide was transformed into a new GR compound. Its spectrum is composed of three quadrupole doublets, D ₁ (δ?=?1.28 mm s^?1, Δ?=?2.75 mm s^?1) and D ₂ (δ?=?1.28 mm s^?1, Δ?=?2.48 mm s^?1) that correspond to Fe(II) and D ₃ (δ?=?0.49 mm s^?1, Δ?=?0.37 mm s^?1) that corresponds to Fe(III). The relative area of D ₃, close to the proportion of Fe(III) in the GR, was found at 28.5?±?1.5% (～2/7). Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the intermediate compound was a Fe(II–III) hydroxy-formate, GR(HCOO^?).     

Benzoylferrocene-modified carbon nanotubes paste electrode as a voltammetric sensor for determination of hydrochlorothiazide in pharmaceutical and biological samples

The electrooxidation of hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) at the surface of a benzoylferrocene modified multi-walled carbon nanotube paste electrode was studied using electrochemical approaches. Under the optimized conditions (pH 7.0), the square wave voltammetric peak current of HCT increased linearly with HCT concentration in the ranges of 6.0?×?10^?7 to 3.0?×?10^?4 M. The detection limit was 9.0?×?10^?8 M HCT. The diffusion coefficient (D?=?1.75?×?10^?5 cm²/s) and electron transfer coefficient (α?=?0.45) for HCT oxidation were also determined. The proposed sensor was successfully applied for the determination of HCT in human urine and tablet samples.     

Sensitive voltammetric determination of diclofenac using room-temperature ionic liquid-modified carbon nanotubes paste electrode

An ionic liquid-modified carbon nanotubes paste electrode (IL/CNTPE) has been fabricated using hydrophilic ionic liquid (n-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluoro phosphate) as a binder. This electrode showed enhanced electrochemical response and strong analytical activity towards the direct electrochemical oxidation of diclofenac (DCF). The electron transfer coefficient, α, and charge transfer resistance (R _ct) of DCF at the modified electrode were calculated. Under optimal conditions at pH 7.0, the anodic peak currents increased linearly with the concentration of DCF in the range of 0.5–300 μmol L^?1 with a detection limit of 0.2 μmol L^?1 (3σ). The interferences of foreign substances were investigated. Differential pulse voltammetry was used to check the applicability of the proposed sensor to the determination of DCF in real samples with satisfactory results.     

Mössbauer study of iron uptake in cucumber root

⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy was used to study the uptake and distribution of iron in the root of cucumber plants grown in iron-deficient modified Hoagland nutrient solution and put into iron-containing solution with 10 μM Fe citrate enriched with ⁵⁷Fe (90%) only before harvesting. The Mössbauer spectra of the frozen roots exhibited two Fe³⁺ components with typical average Mössbauer parameters of δ?=?0.5 mm s^?1, Δ?=?0.46 mm s^?1 and δ?=?0.5 mm s^?1, Δ?=?1.2 mm s^?1 at 78 K and the presence of an Fe²⁺ doublet, assigned to the ferrous hexaaqua complex. This finding gives a direct evidence for the existence of Fe²⁺ ions produced via root-associated reduction according to the mechanism proposed for iron uptake for dicotyledonous plants. Monotonous changes in the relative content of the components were found with the time period of iron supply. The Mössbauer results are interpreted in terms of iron uptake and transport through the cell wall and membranes.     

Electrochemical detection of trace cadmium in soil using a Nafion/stannum film-modified molecular wire carbon paste electrodes

In this paper, a novel Nafion polymer-coated stannum film-modified carbon paste electrode was developed for the analysis of trace cadmium by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The electronic conductive material—molecular wire (diphenylacetylene)—was employed as the binder instead of traditional mineral oil for fabricating this electrode. It was found that the prepared electrode possessed excellent electrochemical performance and increased electron transfer rate due to the introduction of molecular wire as a binder, and exhibited a better sensitivity and stability as well as high resistance to surfactants due to the synergistic effect of Nafion and stannum film. Under the optimal conditions, the stripping peak currents showed a good linear relationship with the Cd(II) concentration in the range from 1.0 to 80.0 μg L^?1 with a detection limit of 0.13 μg L^?1 (S/N?=?3). The developed electrode was further applied to the determination of Cd(II) in soil extracts with satisfactory results.     

Enhanced electrocatalytic oxidation of hydroxylamine on Pt/polypyrrole composite modified glassy carbon electrode

A sensitive hydroxylamine sensor is developed by electrodeposition of Pt nanoparticles on pre-synthesized polypyrrole nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode. The modified electrode presents distinctly electrocatalytic activity toward hydroxylamine oxidation. The kinetic parameters such as the overall numbers of electrons involved in hydroxylamine oxidation, the electron transfer coefficient, standard heterogeneous rate constant, and diffusion coefficient are evaluated. The current response increases linearly with increasing hydroxylamine concentrations and exhibits two wide linear ranges of 5.0?×?10^?7–1.1?×?10^?3 and 1.1?×?10^?3–18.8?×?10^?3 M with a detection limit of 0.08 μM (s/n?=?3). The proposed electrode presents excellent operational and storage ability for determining hydroxylamine. Moreover, the sensor shows good sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility properties.     

Influence of anthocyanin co-pigment on electron transport and performance in black rice dye-sensitized solar cell

This work reports the novel contribution of chlorophyll b as natural anthocyanin co-pigment in unpurified black rice extract for improved electron transport and performance of natural dye-sensitized solar cell. The dyes are extracted as prominent photosensitizers by considering the concentration, the dye electronic structure, the extraction, and immersion time. The anthocyanin dye containing 1.92 mM cyanidin-3-O-glucoside structure has been extracted without purification. Interestingly, 0.33 mM chlorophyll b is found as a natural co-sensitizer in unpurified anthocyanin. The role of chlorophyll b supporting the electron transfer of anthocyanin dye will be investigated for improved cell performance. Both purified and unpurified dyes are compared in the same anthocyanin concentration. The combined Tauc plot and voltametric method will be conducted to show the interfacial electronic band edges of TiO₂-dye-electrolyte. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method will investigate electron transfer dynamic in both cell systems. As a result, chlorophyll b has dominantly acted as two intermediate states in boosting electron injection and dye regeneration to improve cell efficiency from 1.31 to 2.17 % due to the narrower LUMO–TiO₂ conduction band gap and the narrower HOMO-iodide (I ^?) potential gap, respectively. According to the electron transport, the co-sensitizer contributes to the smaller transport resistance (R _t?=?21.9 Ω), the higher chemical diffusion coefficient (D_n?=?1.696?×?10^?3 cm²/s), the higher chemical capacitance (C_μ?=?14.32 μF), and the faster electron transport (τ_d?=?39.88 μs).     

Lithium diffusion in Li<Subscript>3</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>-based electrodes: a joint analysis of electrochemical impedance,cyclic voltammetry,pulse chronoamperometry,and chronopotentiometry data

In order to establish the mechanism and to determine the parameters of lithium transport in electrodes based on lithium-vanadium phosphate (Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃), the kinetic model was designed and experimentally tested for joint analysis of electrochemical impedance (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), pulse chronoamperometry (PITT), and chronopotentiometry (GITT) data. It comprises the stages of sequential lithium-ion transfer in the surface layer and the bulk of electrode material’s particles, including accumulation of lithium in the bulk. Transfer processes at both sites are of diffusion nature and differ significantly, both by temporal (characteristic time, τ) and kinetic (diffusion coefficient, D) constants. PITT data analysis provided the following D values for the predominantly lithiated and delithiated forms of the intercalation material: 10^?9 and 3 × 10^?10 cm² s^?1, respectively, for transfer in the bulk and 10^?12 cm² s^?1 for transfer in the thin surface layer of material’s particles. D values extracted from GITT data are in consistency with those obtained from PITT: 3.5–5.8 × 10^?10 and 0.9–5 × 10^?10 cm² s^?1 (for the current and currentless mode, respectively). The D values obtained from EIS data were 5.5 × 10^?10 cm² s^?1 for lithiated (at a potential of 3.5 V) and 2.3 × 10^?9 cm² s^?1 for delithiated (at a potential 4.1 V) forms. CV evaluation gave close results: 3 × 10^?11 cm² s^?1 for anodic and 3.4 × 10^?11 cm² s^?1 for cathodic processes, respectively. The use of complex experimental measurement procedure for combined application of the EIS, PITT, and GITT methods allowed to obtain thermodynamic E,c dependence of Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ electrode, which is not affected by polarization and heterogeneity of lithium concentration in the intercalate.     

Roles of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) modification layer on improving electrochemical performance of LiNi<Subscript>1/3</Subscript>Co<Subscript>1/3</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>1/3</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> thin film cathode

Al-doped ZnO (AZO) was sputtered on the surface of LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ (NCM) thin film electrode via radio frequency magnetron sputtering, which was demonstrated to be a useful approach to enhance electrochemical performance of thin film electrode. The structure and morphology of the prepared electrodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The results clearly demonstrated that NCM thin film showed a strong (104) preferred orientation and AZO was uniformly covered on the surface of NCM electrode. After 200 cycles at 50 μA μm^?1 cm^?2, the NCM/AZO-60s electrode delivered highest discharge capacity (78.1 μAh μm^?1 cm^?2) compared with that of the NCM/AZO-120s electrode (62.4 μAh μm^?1 cm^?2) and the bare NCM electrode (22.3 μAh μm^?1 cm^?2). In addition, the rate capability of the NCM/AZO-60s electrode was superior to the NCM/AZO-120s and bare NCM electrodes. The improved electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the appropriate thickness of the AZO coating layer, which not only acted as HF scavenger to keep a stable electrode/electrolyte interface but also reduced the charge transfer resistance during cycling.     

A fast and sensitive nanosensor based on MgO nanoparticle room-temperature ionic liquid carbon paste electrode for determination of methyldopa in pharmaceutical and patient human urine samples

In this study, we describe an ionic liquid–MgO nanoparticle modified carbon paste electrode (MgO/NPs/IL/CPE) was used as a simple, fast, and sensitive tool for the investigation of the electrochemical oxidation of methyldopa (MDOP) using voltammetric methods. The MgO/NPs was characterized with different methods such as TEM, SEM, and XRD. The oxidation peak potential of the MDOP at a surface of MgO/NPs/IL/CPE appeared at 450 mV that was about 100 mV lower than the oxidation peak potential at the surface of the traditional carbon paste electrode (CPE) under similar conditions. The electro-oxidation of MDOP occurred in a pH-dependent 2e^? and 2H⁺ process, and the electrode reaction followed a diffusion-controlled pathway. Under optimal conditions at pH 7.0, the anodic peak currents increased linearly with the concentration of MDOP in the range of 0.08–380 μmol L^?1 with a detection limit of 0.03 μmol L^?1 (3σ). The proposed sensor was successfully applied to the determination of MDOP in real samples such as drug and urine.     

Electrochemical methods for determination of thymine in medical pipefish samples based on HPMαFP/Ppy/GCE-modified electrode

A sensitive electrochemical method was developed for the voltammetric determination of thymine at a composite film-modified electrode 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-(2-furoyl)-5-pyrazolone (HPMαFP)/polypyrrole (Ppy)/glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrochemical parameters of thymine were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. In pH?=?7.4, one sensitive oxidation peak of thymine with E _pa?=?0.968 V was observed on the HPMαFP/PPy-modified electrode. The difference of peak potential (?E _pa) was 188 mV lower than that for bare GCE. Compared to the bare GCE and Ppy/GCE, the HPMαFP/Ppy/GCE-modified electrode showed an excellent electrocatalytic effect on the oxidation of thymine and displayed a shift of the oxidation potential in the negative direction with significant increase in the peak current. Under the optimum condition, the concentration calibration range and detection limit are 2?×?10^?6–1?×?10^?4 and 4.85?×?10^?7?M for thymine. This developed method had been applied to the direct determination of thymine in medical pipefish samples with satisfactory results.     

Voltammetric sensor for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid,acetaminophen, and tryptophan in pharmaceutical products

A novel carbon paste electrode modified with carbon nanotubes and 5-amino-2′-ethyl -biphenyl-2-ol was fabricated. The electrochemical study of the modified electrode, as well as its efficiency for electrocatalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid (AA), is described. The electrode was employed to study the electrocatalytic oxidation of AA, using cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and square-wave voltammetry (SWV) as diagnostic techniques. It has been found that the oxidation of AA at the surface of modified electrode occurs at a potential of about 250 mV less positive than that of an unmodified carbon paste electrode. SWV exhibits a linear dynamic range from 2.0?×?10^?7 to 5.0?×?10^?4 M and a detection limit of 1.0?×?10^?7 M for AA. In addition, this modified electrode was used for simultaneous determination of AA, acetaminophen (AC), and tryptophan (TRP). Finally, the modified electrode was used for determination of AA, AC, and TRP in pharmaceutical products.     

Ultrasonic preparation of tetraoxalyl ethylenediamine melamine resin-coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes for trace Ni(II) sensing

Under an aid of ultrasonic, tetraoxalyl ethylenediamine melamine resin-coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes were prepared for Ni(II) sensing in aqueous solution. The processes involved the fabrication of tetraoxalyl ethylenediamine melamine resin by one pot way, the coating of tetraoxalyl ethylenediamine melamine resin at multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and the determination of Ni(II). The present materials were carefully examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, and electrochemistry techniques. A great deal of amorphous microsphere could be observed for tetraoxalyl ethylenediamine melamine resin with an average diameter of 1.2 μm, and MTE could evenly adhere at the surface of MWCNTs by the ultrasonic. Tetraoxalyl ethylenediamine melamine resin-coated multiwalled carbon nanotube-modified paraffin-impregnated graphite electrode was successfully used for the determination of Ni(II) by differential pulse adsorptive anodic stripping voltammetry. The current responses (?0.3 V) were linearly increased depending on the concentration from 1?×?10^?11 to 3?×?10^?10 M (i (μA)?=?11.1?+?7.9 c (1?×?10^?12 M); R?=?0.9901, 3σ?=?7?×?10^?12 M).     

Properties of Ca-containing LiCoPO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-graphitic carbon foam composites

LiCo_1???x Ca _x PO₄–graphitic carbon foam composites are prepared using a sol–gel method. The structural analysis reveals LiCoPO₄ as major crystalline phase and Co₂P₂O₇ (for x?=?0.0) and Co₂P, Li₃PO₄, and (Ca,Co)₃(PO₄)₂ (for x?≥?0.05) as secondary phases. The morphology consists of microcrystalline “islands” with acicular crystallites (5–50 μm size). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the powders showed that the Ca is incorporated into the crystal structure evoking exaggerated grain growth. The voltammetric profiles show a decrease of the voltammetric surface between anodic and cathodic sweeps and a shift of the reduction potentials toward higher values (～4.6 V, x?=?0.1). The electrochemical measurements, at a discharge rate of C/10 (room temperature), show an increase of the discharge-specific capacity from 100 mAhg^?1 for x?=?0.0 to 104 mAhg^?1 for x?=?0.1. The ac impedance spectroscopy data revealed an improvement of the Li-ion conductivity at high content of Ca ions (x?=?0.1).     

Effect of NH4I and I2 concentration on agar gel polymer electrolyte properties for a dye-sensitized solar cell

Gel polymer electrolytes were prepared using agar polymer host, NH₄I, and I₂ salts. The sample of agar paste with 1.0 M of NH₄I and 0.2 μM of I₂ exhibits the highest conductivity and lowest viscosity values at room temperature of (2.64?±?0.19)?×?10^?3?S?cm^?1 and 1.17?±?0.29 Pa?s, respectively. All of the gel polymer electrolytes display Arrhenian behavior, and the optimum agar paste gave the lowest activation energy of 0.25 eV. It also had a good physical appearance compared with the other samples. This gel polymer electrolyte had a good potential and was applicable to a role as electrolyte in ITO-ZnO (N719 dye)/agar paste?+?1.0 M NH₄I?+?0.2 μM I₂/Au-Pd-ITO dye-sensitized solar cell.     

Study of complex impedance spectroscopic properties of the KFeP2O7 compound

The KFeP₂O₇ compound was prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction. The sample was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. The AC electrical conductivity and the dielectric relaxation properties of this compound have been investigated by means of impedance spectroscopy measurements over a wide range of frequencies and temperatures, 200 Hz–5 MHz and 553–699 K, respectively. Both impedance and modulus analysis exhibit the grain and grain boundary contribution to the electrical response of the sample. The temperature dependence of the bulk and grain boundary conductivity were found to obey the Arrhenius law with activation energies Eg?=?0.94 (3)?eV and Egb?=?0.89 (1)?eV. The grain-and-grain boundary conductivities at 573 K are 1.07?×?10^?4 and 1.16?×?10^?5 (Ω^?1 cm^?1). The scaling behavior of the imaginary part of the complex impedance suggests that the relaxation describes the same mechanism at various temperatures. The near value of the activation energies obtained from the equivalent circuit, conductivity data, and analysis of M″ confirms that the transport is through ion hopping mechanism.     

A selective sensor for nanolevel detection of lead (II) in hazardous wastes using ionic-liquid/Schiff base/MWCNTs/nanosilica as a highly sensitive composite

An effective potentiometric sensor had been fabricated for the rapid determination of Pb²⁺ based on carbon paste electrode consisting of room temperature ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM-PF₆), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), nanosilica, synthesized Schiff base, as an ionophore, and graphite powder. The constructed nanocomposite electrode showed better sensitivity, selectivity, response time, response stability, and lifetime in comparison with typical Pb²⁺ carbon paste electrode for the successfully determination of Pb²⁺ ions in water and in waste water samples. The best response for nanocomposite electrode was obtained with electrode composition of 18% ionophore, 20% BMIM-PF₆, 49% graphite powder, 10% MWCNT, and 3% nanosilica. The new electrode exhibited a Nernstian response (29.76?±?0.10 mV decade^?1) toward Pb²⁺ ions in the range of 5?×?10^?9?C1.0?×?10^?1 mol L^?1 with a detection limit of 2.51?×?10^?9 mol L^?1. The potentiometric response of prepared sensor is independent of the pH of test solution in the pH range of 4.5?C8.0. It has quick response with response time of about 6 s. The proposed electrode show fairly good selectivity over some alkali, alkaline earth, transition, and heavy metal ions.     

Voltammetric behavior of bupirimate fungicide and its square wave voltammetric determination

The voltammeric behavior of bupirimate fungicide has been studied by square wave stripping voltammetry (SWSV). The insoluble R–HgS salt (where R is the bupirimate frame excluding sulfur) formed on the static hanging mercury drop electrode (SHMDE) was electrochemically reduced by giving a fairly well defined cathodic peak within the pH range of 1.0 to 8.0. The peak potentials (E _p) were shifted toward more negative values with increasing pH, and a maximum peak response appeared at ?1320 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) at a pH 6.0. The calibration plot was a straight line in the range of 0.013 to 9.43 mg L^?1. The detection limit at pH 6.0 was measured as 4.0 μg L^?1 under the conditions of E _acc?=??700 mV and t _acc?=?10 s. The validity of the recommended method was assessed from the recoveries of spiked tap water, natural peach juice, and commercial peach juice.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Luminescent Properties of Some Zn(II) Schiff Base Complexes: Experimental and Computational Study

A series of Zn(II)-Schiff bases I, II and III complexes were synthesized by reaction of o-phenylenediamine with 3-methylsalicylaldehyde, 4-methylsalicylaldehyde and 5-methylsalicylaldehyde. These complexes were characterized using FT-IR, UV-Vis, Diffuse reflectance UV-Vis, elemental analysis and conductivity. Complex III was characterized by XRD single crystal, which crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P-1, with lattice parameters a?=?9.5444(2) Å, b?=?11.9407(2) Å, c?=?21.1732(3) Å, V?=?2390.24(7) ų, D _c ?=?1.408 Mg m^?3, Z?=?4, F(000)?=?1050, GOF?=?0.981, R1?=?0.0502, wR2?=?0.1205. Luminescence property of these complexes was investigated in DMF solution and in the solid state. Computational study of the electronic properties of complex III showed good agreement with the experimental data.