Study on a single flow acid Cd–chloranil battery

This paper describes a novel redox flow battery–single flow acid Cd–chloranil battery. The electrolyte of this battery for both negative electrode and positive electrode is the aqueous intermixture of H₂SO₄–(NH₄)₂SO₄–CdSO₄, the negative electrode is inert metal such as copper foil, and the positive electrode is an insoluble organic material, tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone (chloranil). Typically, the electrolyte is continuously circulated to pass though the cells by means of a single pump as the battery is on duty. There is no requirement for a membrane. Tetrachloro-p-benzo-hydroquinone is oxidized to chloranil at positive electrode and the cadmium ions is reduced to cadmium and electroplated onto the negative electrode during charge. The reverse occurs during discharge. Results obtained with a small laboratory cell show that high efficiencies can be achieved with an average coulombic efficiency of 99% and energy efficiency of 82% over 100 cycles at the current density of 10 mA cm^?2.     

Initial Stages of Copper Electrocrystallization on a Glassy-Carbon Ring–Disk Electrode from Sulfate Electrolytes of Various Acidity: A Cyclic Voltammetry Study

Initial stages of copper electrocrystallization on glassy carbon from sulfuric acid electrolytes of pH 0.3 and 3.7 are studied by the cyclic voltammetry method on rotating and stationary ring–disk electrode. The rate of nucleation and growth of a metallic phase of copper in a 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ + 0.01 CuSO₄ (pH 3.7) solution is marginally higher than in a 0.5 M H₂SO₄ + 0.01 M CuSO₄ acid electrolyte (pH 0.3). Regularities governing the multistage discharge of copper ions, the formation of the new phase nuclei, and the deposit dissolution are analyzed. No copper adlayers form on glassy carbon at potentials more positive than the equilibrium potential of a reversible copper electrode, the copper nucleation occurs via the Volmer–Weber mechanism. The oxygen-containing surface groups of glassy carbon (quinone–hydroquinone, carbonyl, etc.) are probably active centers for the discharge of copper ions and the nucleation of the new phase. The results of the study are compared with the data on the kinetics of copper electrocrystallization on a platinum electrode.     

Initial Stages of Copper Electrocrystallization on a Glassy-Carbon Ring–Disk Electrode from Sulfate Electrolytes of Various Acidity: Potentiostatic Current Transients

Initial stages of copper electrocrystallization on glassy carbon from sulfuric acid electrolytes of pH 0.3 and 3.7 are studied by the method of potentiostatic current transients on rotating and stationary ring–disk electrode. The rate of copper deposition in a 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ + 0.01 CuSO₄ (pH 3.7) solution is marginally higher than in a 0.5 M H₂SO₄ + 0.01 CuSO₄ acid electrolyte (pH 0.3) at the expense of adsorption of sulfate and hydroxide ions on the substrate surface and the copper crystals. Regularities governing the multistage discharge of copper ions, the formation of the new phase nuclei, and the deposit dissolution are analyzed. The results of the study are compared with the data on the kinetics of copper electrocrystallization on a platinum electrode. The acceleration of the copper deposition on glassy carbon in the acid solution of pH 0.3, as compared with platinum, is due to accelerated discharge of copper ions and increased number of univalent copper ions in the near-electrode layer of solution. The oxygen-containing surface groups of glassy carbon (quinone–hydroquinone, carbonyl, etc.) are probably active centers for the discharge of copper ions and three-dimensional nucleation.     

Effect of Temperature on Oxide Formation in Ligand-Deficient Cu|Cu(II), Ethylenediamine System

The influence of temperature on formation of oxide layers on copper electrode in solutions containing 0.01 M Cu(II), 0.005 M ethylenediamine, and 0.3 M K₂SO₄ as a supporting electrolyte at pH 5.3 is investigated. The rate of net process Cu + Cu²⁺ + H₂O Cu₂O + 2H⁺ proceeding under open-circuit conditions is supposedly controlled by interaction between copper electrode and Cu²⁺ aqua-ions. Well-defined voltammetric peak is observed at –0.75 V (SHE), the height of which may serve as a measure of Cu₂O formation rate. An activation energy and a formal rate constant of the process are found to equal 30 kJ mol^–1 and 0.17 s^–1.     

The use of the rotating Pt-electrode for microdetermination of hydrazine with potassium permanganate in fluoride medium

Summary An amperometric method is described for the microdetermination of hydrazine using the rotating Pt-electrode vs S. C. E. and zero applied e. m. f. It is based on oxidation of N₂H₄ with KMnO₄ under the following conditions: Acidity 0.01–0.6N H₂SO₄; NaF: 0.8–1.5%; CuSO₄: 0.013–0.15N; amounts of N₂H₄: 3.7g-5.97 mg. The method is accurate and can be used at concentrations lower than that with the potentiometric procedure.

---

Zusammenfassung Eine amperometrische Methode zur Mikrobestimmung von Hydrazin mit Hilfe einer rotierenden Pt-Elektrode gegen eine gesättigte Kalomelelektrode wurde beschrieben. Sie beruht auf der Oxydation des Hydrazins mit Permanganat unter nachstehenden Bedingungen: 10 ml 0,01-bis 0,6-n schwefelsaures Milieu, 0,8–1,5% ig an NaF und 0,013-bis 0,15-n an CuSO₄. Hydrazinmenge: 3,7g–5,97 mg. Die Methode ist genau und eignet sich für geringere Konzentrationen als das potentiometrische Verfahren.

     

Electrochemistry of copper in aqueous acetonitrile

The electrochemical characteristics of the Cu (II)/Cu (I) and the Cu (I)/Cu (0) couples at platinum, carbon, mercury and copper have been studied in acetonitrile-water (AN-H₂O) mixtures. All the electrode processes are moderately fast with mercury the fastest but slower on platinum and carbon paste in that order. A slow chemical step precedes oxidation of Cu (I) to Cu (II) on allectrodes in solutions of high AN content. The slow step may be partial removal of AN from the solvated Cu (I) ion prior to electron transfer. Electrode processes are faster in chloride ions than in sulfate ion solutions. Reduction of Cu (I) in AN–H₂O is quite slow on glassy carbon. Adsorption of AN on platinum and carbon influences the processes. Diffusion coefficients in sulfate solutions are in the order, Cu (I) (AN–H₂O)>Cu (II)(AN–H₂O)>Fe (III)(H₂O) and 2-hydroxy-cyanoethane (2-HCE) strongly decreases the mobility of Cu (I) when added to H₂O. The relevance of the measurements to hydrometallurgical processes is considered. CuSO₄ in 30% v/v AN–H₂O is a faster oxidant than the common oxidant Fe₂(SO₄)₃ in H₂O because of the greater mobility and faster electron acceptance from a corroding surface of Cu (II). Only in solutions of very high nitrile content is the reduction potential of CuSO₄ as high as that of Fe₂(SO₄)₃ in H₂O.     

Crystal structure of [Cu4(pytp)2(SO4)2(H2O)10](SO4)2 · 4H2O. A tetranuclear copper(II) complex with a new asymmetric ligand,pytp*, as a bridge

A new asymmetric bridge ligand, pytp, was prepared and characterized systematically by f.t.i.r., u.v.–vis., ¹H-n.m.r. and by FAB-MS spectroscopy. A tetranuclear Cu^II complex [Cu₄(pytp)₂(SO₄)₂(H₂O)₁₀](SO₄)₂·4H₂O (1) was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis and u.v.–vis. spectroscopy. A crystal structure analysis indicates that there are two different coordination spheres in (1) and that two of the copper centers are bridged by two ₂-SO₄ entities, creating a most unusual sulphate bridge.     

Quantitative determination of phases present in oxidised chalcocite

A sample of chalcocite (Cu₂S) of particle size 45–75 m was heated in air at 10°C min^–1 in a simultaneous TG-DTA apparatus. The phase compositions of the products at various temperatures were quantitatively determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and wet chemical analyses. Copper(II) sulfate, of amount 1.7% by mass, was observed at 435°C and increased rapidly in concentration to 56% at 570°C. From 570–670°C, there was a rapid decrease in CuSO₄ content to 9.8% as the phase converted to CuSO₄·CuO, with the CuSO₄ not being detected at 775°C. From 435–570°C, Cu₂O formed, but at a rather slower rate, reaching 47% at 570°C. The Cu₂O level then decreased to 38% over the range 570–670°C. CuSO₄·CuO was first detected at 570°C by FTIR, although it was not detected by XRD at this temperature. The content of this species reached 41% at 670°C, decreased to 24% at 775°C, and was not detected at 840°C. CuO first appeared at 670°C and rose steadily in concentration until at 840°C it was the only compound present.Dedicated to Prof. Menachem Steinberg on the occasion of his 65th birthday     

Copper Ion Catalyzed Electroreduction of Carbon Monoxide on Iridium Electrode

Substantial cathodic currents are observed on iridium electroplates in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ + (0.001–0.005 M) CuSO₄ + CO (sat) at potentials positive with respect to the Cu/Cu²⁺ equilibrium potential. These currents are shown to correspond to electroreduction of both CO and Cu²⁺ ions to Cu⁺, where the latter ions are formed in amounts indicating the formation of complexes. Among the products of CO reduction, methanol and formaldehyde are identified. A possible mechanism of CO reduction is discussed. It is assumed that both copper adatoms and Cu⁺ ions can play the role of intermediates in the mediator catalysis.__________Translated from Elektrokhimiya, Vol. 41, No. 7, 2005, pp. 804–809.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Podlovchenko, Gladysheva.     

Mixed Complex Salt [Cu4(SCN2H4)7(NO3)](NO3)(SO4) · 3.3H2O: Synthesis and X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

The complex salt [Cu₄(SCN₂H₄)₇(NO₃)](NO₃)(SO₄) · 3.3H₂O was synthesized via reaction of aqueous solutions of thiourea with copper nitrate at 80°C and studied using X-ray diffraction analysis. The conditions and reasons for the partial oxidation of thiourea to sulfate ions were established. The crystals are monoclinic: a = 12.6072(7) Å, b = 15.4265(8) Å, c = 22.108(1) Å, = 120.133(6)°, space group P2₁/c, Z = 4. The crystal structure consists of [Cu₄(SCN₂H₄)₇(NO₃)]³⁺ complex cations, SO₄ ^2–, and NO₃ ^– anions, and molecules of the water of crystallization. Three types of coordination of the Cu atom were distinguished in the structure: trigonal (Cu–S 2.213–2.279 Å), tetrahedral (Cu–S 2.315–2.459 Å), and trigonal–pyramidal (3+1) (Cu–S 2.26–2.288, Cu–O 2.68 Å). The NO₃ ligand was found to be orientationally disordered.     

Comparative study on interaction between copper (II) and chitin/chitosan by density functional calculation

The DMol³ calculations, based on density functional theory (DFT), have been employed to investigate the interactions between Cu²⁺ and chitin/chitosan residues. The possible initial conformations were optimized at the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) level, with spin unrestricted approach, symmetric unrestriction, doublet multiplicity and BLYP/DND methods. For all initial complexes considered, the Cu²⁺ was completed with H₂O and/or OH⁻ groups to neutralize the initial complexes with hexacoordination geometries. The tendency of ligands to coordinate with Cu²⁺ is NH₂ > C₃OH > H₂O > NHCOCH₃, suggesting that amine groups (NH₂) on chitosan prefer to bind Cu²⁺ and acetamide groups (NHCOCH₃) on chitin lose their coordination with Cu²⁺ in aqueous solution. The geometries of bridge and pendant models have been comparatively analyzed. The results show that bridge model is more favorable than pendant model. In terms of the optimized geometries, the initial hexacoordination structures of Cu²⁺ designed seem more reasonable than initial tetracoordination ones designed.     

Electrochemical Behavior of a Copper Electrode in Solid RbCu4Cl3I2Electrolyte

The electrochemical behavior of a copper electrode in solid RbCu₄Cl₃I₂electrolyte is studied by galvanostatic and potentiostatic methods. It is found that a Cu₂O layer 1 m thick exists at the interface between the Cu electrode and RbCu₄Cl₃I₂. The layer blocks the electrochemical reaction Cu⁰– e Cu⁺, which involves with metallic copper. At low overpotentials, the Cu electrode acts as an inert redox electrode. At the Cu₂O/RbCu₄Cl₃I₂interface, the electrochemical reaction Cu⁺– e Cu²⁺occurs, which involves Cu²⁺ions. The reaction rate is limited by slow diffusion of Cu²⁺ions in RbCu₄Cl₃I₂. The initial concentration of Cu²⁺ions in the electrolyte near this interface is about 1.4 × 10¹⁷cm^–3. The exchange current density is (4 ± 2) × 10^–6A/cm². At potentials exceeding 8–10 mV, an electric breakdown of the Cu₂O layer occurs, and the reaction with metallic copper becomes unblocked. At 10 mV < < 100 mV, the rate of this reaction is limited by the nucleation of copper crystals and the nuclei growth. At > 120 mV, the reaction rate is limited by charge transfer.     

Solid-state electrode with a Cu(I)-based membrane hydrophobised by PTFE for the measurement of Cu2+ and I?

The preparation of CuI + Ag₂S and Cu₂[HgI₄] + Ag₂S membranes hydrophobised by PTFE is described. The pressed membranes mounted in a multi-purpose all-solid-state electrode body have been examined as electrochemical sensors for Cu²⁺ and I^– ions. For the electrode with (CuI + Ag₂S + PTFE)-membrane experimental slopes of 29 mV(pCu)^–1 and 62 mV(pI)^–1 were obtained, in good agreement with the theoretical values. For practical measurement in solutions where both Cu²⁺ and I^– can be present, the investigated electrode offers certain advantages in comparison with a commercial Cu-ISE.     

A DFT study on the mechanism of the gas phase reaction of ground-state Y (4d5s,D) with 2-butyne

The reaction of ground-state Y with 2-butyne has been investigated in detail using B3LYP method. Four pathways for elimination of H₂ were identified. Two isomers, Y(HCCC)CH₃ and Y(H₂CCCCH₂) were assigned to the observed product, YC₄H₄. The calculated PESs suggest that the concerted H₂-elimination leading to Y(H₂CCCCH₂) + H₂ product is the most favorable pathway. For the elimination of CH₃, combining the results of this work with our previous study on Y + propyne reaction, a general mechanism for the reactions of Y with 2-alkynes bearing RCCCH₃ structure was established: Y + RCCCH₃ → π-complex → TS(H-migration) → HY(CH₂CC)R → TS (CC insertion) → (CH₂)HYCCR → TS(H-migration) → H₃CYCCR → CH₃ + YC₂R. Such mechanism was found to be always energetically more favorable than the direct sp–sp³ CC bond insertion mechanism. Further, such mechanism can also be applied to the elimination of CH₄ and it can be described as: Y + CH₃CCCH₃ → π-complex → TS (H-migration) → HY(H₂CCC)CH₃ → TS(CC insertion) → (H₂CCC)HYCH₃ → TS(H-migration) → CH₄ + YC₃H₂.     

Effect of the structure of frozen solutions of H2SO4 on radiothermoluminescence

A pronounced effect of structural heterogeneity (cracks) of glass-like solutions of 4.9M H₂SO₄ on their radiothermoluminescence (RTL) was found. In perfect glasses one RTL peak was observed at 115 K. Additional luminescence peaks appeared at 165, 195, and 240 K in glasses having cracks. The effect observed was explained by elevated thermal stability of the SO₄ ^– radical stabilized on the surface of sulfuric acid crystal hydrates: H₂SO₄ · 4H₂O and H₂SO₄· 6.5H₂O.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 6, pp. 1566–1568, June, 1996.     

An unprecedented Cu–Schiff base complex existing as two different trinuclear units with strong antiferromagnetic couplings

A new tetradentate N₂O₂ donor Schiff base ligand [OHC₆H₄CHNCH₂CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)NCHC₆H₄OH = H₂L ] was obtained by 1:2 condensation of 1,3-diaminopentane with salicylaldehyde and has been used to synthesise an unusual copper(II) complex whose asymmetric unit presents two structurally different almost linear trinuclear units [Cu₃(μ-L)₂(ClO₄)₂] [Cu₃(μ-L)₂(H₂O)(ClO₄)₂] (1). The ligand and the complex were characterised by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy in addition electrochemical and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were performed for the complex. The magnetic properties of 1 reveal the presence of strong intra-trimer (J₁ = −202(3) cm⁻¹ and J₂ = −233(3) cm⁻¹) as well as very weak inter-trimer (zJ′ = −0.11(1) cm⁻¹) antiferromagnetic interactions.     

Electropolymerization of ionic liquid substituted polyphenylene as supercapacitors materials

A new type of polyphenylene, ionic liquid (IL) 1,3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate substituted, has been prepared by electrodeposition on Au electrode surface via pulse galvanostatic method in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate solution. The obtained polymer film had a spherulitic morphology with smallest grains of around 500 nm. Infrared spectrometry revealed that polyphenylene was deposited to a certain extent. The capacitive behavior of the IL substituted polyphenylene was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge method in 0.2 mol L⁻¹ H₂SO₄ aqueous solutions or pure IL [bmim]PF₆. The specific capacitance of the polymer at the charge–discharge current density of 1 mA cm⁻² equaled 206 F g⁻¹ in acidic aqueous solution or 164 F g⁻¹ in [bmim]PF₆. Additionally, excellent charge–discharge cycle stability (over 85% value of specific capacitance remained after 600 charge–discharge cycles) and power characteristics of the polymer electrode were observed in both electrolytes.     

Integral heats of solution and enthalpies of ionization of 100% nitric acid at 298 K 3. Aqueous solutions of sulfuric acid containing 70–90% H2SO4 and ionization of HNO3 as a base

The integral heats of solution of 100% HNO₃ at =0.1mole/liter in aqueous solutions of H₂SO₄ of <90% by wt. were measured. A scheme was proposed and proved for ionization of HNO₃ as a base in 82–90% aqueous solutions of H₂SO₄, according to which un-ionized HNO₃ exists in the form of an aqueous solvate H₂O-HNO₃ and the ionized form as the ion pair NO₂ ⁺·HSO₄ ^–. The value of the enthalpy of ionization of nitric acid H(NO₂ ⁺ HSO₄ ^–)=H(NO₂ ⁺·HSO₄ ^–) drops from 2.05 at 89.99% H₂SO₄ to 0.18 kcal/mole in 84.07% H₂SO₄.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 2, pp. 306–310, February, 1990.     

New unsymmetrical μ-phenoxo bridged binuclear copper(II) complexes

A series of binuclear Cu^II complexes [Cu₂XL] ⁿ⁺ having two copper(II) ions bridged by different motifs (X = OH^–, MeCO₂ ^–, or Cl^–) have been prepared using the ligands: H₂L¹ = 4-methyl-2-[N-(2-{dimethylamino}ethyl-N-methyl)aminomethyl]-6-[(prolin-1-yl)methyl]phenol, H₂L² = 4-nitro-2-[N-(2-{dimethylamino}ethyl-N-methyl)aminomethyl]-6-[(prolin-1-yl)methyl]phenol, H₂L³ = 4-methyl-2-[N-(2-{diethylamino}ethyl-N-ethyl)aminomethyl]-6-[(prolin-1-yl)methyl]phenol and H₂L⁴ = 4-nitro-2-[N-(2-{diethylamino}ethyl-N-ethyl)aminomethyl]-6-[(prolin-1-yl)methyl]phenol. The complexes have been characterized by spectroscopic, analytical, magnetic and electrochemical measurements. Cryomagnetic investigations (80–300 K) revealed anti-ferromagnetic exchange between the Cu^II ions (–2J in the range –50 to –182 cm^–1). The strength of anti-ferromagnetic coupling lies in the order: OAc > OH > Cl. Cyclic voltammetry revealed the presence of two redox couples, assigned to Cu^II/Cu^II/Cu^II/Cu^I/Cu^I/Cu^I. The first reduction potential is sensitive to electronic effects from the aromatic ring substituents and steric effect on the donor nitrogens (side arm) of the ligand systems.     

Polarographic behaviour of phenothiazine

Summary Phenothiazine oxidizes at the dropping mercury electrode in waterethanolic solutions, containing 7 N sulphuric acid, giving a wave corresponding to the formation of free cation radicals.The normal potential of the system phenothiazine/radical, against the reference electrode formed from mercuric sulphate in the presence of 10 N H₂SO₄ and 30% ethanol, is –240±20 mV.In alkaline solutions of pH 12.5 phenothiazine also gives a polarographic wave. This wave corresponds to the insoluble anions of compounds formed with mercury. The conditions for the quantitative polarographic determination of phenothiazine are also given.

---

Zusammenfassung Es wurde bewiesen, daß in äthanolisch-wäßrigen Lösungen, die 7 n H₂SO₄ enthalten, Phenothiazin an der Quecksilber-Tropfelektrode oxydiert wird. Als Reaktionsprodukt entsteht ein freies Kation-Radikal. Das Normalpotential des Systems Phenothiazin/Radikal gegen die gesättigte Quecksilbersulfatelektrode, die 10 n H₂SO₄ und 30% C₂H₅OH enthält, beträgt –240 ± 20 mV.In alkalischen Lösungen bei pH 12,5 konnte man eine polarographische Welle registrieren, deren Eigenschaften schwerlöslichen Anionen einer Quecksilberverbindung entsprechen.Die Bedingungen für eine quantitative polarographische Phenothiazinbestimmung werden angegeben.

---

---

Dedicated to Prof. Dr. M. von Stackelberg on his 70th birthday.