A High‐Performance Organic Field‐Effect Transistor Based on Platinum(II) Porphyrin: Peripheral Substituents on Porphyrin Ligand Significantly Affect Film Structure and Charge Mobility

Organic field‐effect transistors incorporating planar π‐conjugated metal‐free macrocycles and their metal derivatives are fabricated by vacuum deposition. The crystal structures of [H₂(OX)] (H₂OX=etioporphyrin‐I), [Cu(OX)], [Pt(OX)], and [Pt(TBP)] (H₂TBP=tetra‐(n‐butyl)porphyrin) as determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD), reveal the absence of occluded solvent molecules. The field‐effect transistors (FETs) made from thin films of all these metal‐free macrocycles and their metal derivatives show a p‐type semiconductor behavior with a charge mobility (μ) ranging from 10^?6 to 10^?1 cm² V^?1 s^?1. Annealing the as‐deposited Pt(OX) film leads to the formation of a polycrystalline film that exhibits excellent overall charge transport properties with a charge mobility of up to 3.2×10^?1 cm² V^?1 s^?1, which is the best value reported for a metalloporphyrin. Compared with their metal derivatives, the field‐effect transistors made from thin films of metal‐free macrocycles (except tetra‐(n‐propyl)porphycene) have significantly lower μ values (3.0×10^?6–3.7×10^?5 cm² V^?1 s^?1).     

Control of microstructure and functional properties of PZT thin films via UV assisted pyrolysis

The influence of ultraviolet (UV) light during pyrolysis of sol-gel fabricated Pb(Zr_0.52Ti_0.48)O₃ thin films on (111)Pt/Ti/SiO₂/Si substrates has been investigated. The UV treated films show a homogeneous fine grain structure with (100) preferential orientation, whereas a bimodal grain structure and (111) preferential orientation were found for the untreated film. This is explained in terms of specific template layers formed during pyrolysis. The ferroelectric, dielectric and piezoelectric properties are also reported for both films. It is shown that while the ferroelectric properties are higher for the (111) films, the (100) films show better dielectric and piezoelectric properties with an effective piezoelectric coefficient, d _33eff, of 183 pm/V vs. 101.8 pm/V for the (111) films.     

Mechanistic Studies on the Gas‐Phase Dehydrogenation of Alkanes at Cyclometalated Platinum Complexes

In the ion/molecule reactions of the cyclometalated platinum complexes [Pt(L? H)]⁺ (L=2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy), 2‐phenylpyridine (phpy), and 7,8‐benzoquinoline (bq)) with linear and branched alkanes C_nH_2n+2 (n=2–4), the main reaction channels correspond to the eliminations of dihydrogen and the respective alkenes in varying ratios. For all three couples [Pt(L? H)]⁺/C₂H₆, loss of C₂H₄ dominates clearly over H₂ elimination; however, the mechanisms significantly differs for the reactions of the “rollover”‐cyclometalated bipy complex and the classically cyclometalated phpy and bq complexes. While double hydrogen‐atom transfer from C₂H₆ to [Pt(bipy? H)]⁺, followed by ring rotation, gives rise to the formation of [Pt(H)(bipy)]⁺, for the phpy and bq complexes [Pt(L? H)]⁺, the cyclometalated motif is conserved; rather, according to DFT calculations, formation of [Pt(L? H)(H₂)]⁺ as the ionic product accounts for C₂H₄ liberation. In the latter process, [Pt(L? H)(H₂)(C₂H₄)]⁺ (that carries H₂ trans to the nitrogen atom of the heterocyclic ligand) serves, according to DFT calculation, as a precursor from which, due to the electronic peculiarities of the cyclometalated ligand, C₂H₄ rather than H₂ is ejected. For both product‐ion types, [Pt(H)(bipy)]⁺ and [Pt(L? H)(H₂)]⁺ (L=phpy, bq), H₂ loss to close a catalytic dehydrogenation cycle is feasible. In the reactions of [Pt(bipy? H)]⁺ with the higher alkanes C_nH_2n+2 (n=3, 4), H₂ elimination dominates over alkene formation; most probably, this observation is a consequence of the generation of allyl complexes, such as [Pt(C₃H₅)(bipy)]⁺. In the reactions of [Pt(L? H)]⁺ (L=phpy, bq) with propane and n‐butane, the losses of the alkenes and dihydrogen are of comparable intensities. While in the reactions of “rollover”‐cyclometalated [Pt(bipy? H)]⁺ with C_nH_2n+2 (n=2–4) less than 15 % of the generated product ions are formed by C? C bond‐cleavage processes, this value is about 60 % for the reaction with neo‐pentane. The result that C? C bond cleavage gains in importance for this substrate is a consequence of the fact that 1,2‐elimination of two hydrogen atoms is no option; this observation may suggest that in the reactions with the smaller alkanes, 1,1‐ and 1,3‐elimination pathways are only of minor importance.     

Facile synthesis of PtSnZn nanosheet thin film at oil–water interface by use of organometallic complexes: An efficient catalyst for methanol oxidation and p‐nitrophenol reduction reactions

PtSnZn nanosheet thin film with stable and high activity towards methanol electro‐oxidation was synthesized via a simple reduction of organometallic precursors including [PtCl₂(cod)] (cod = cis,cis‐1,5‐cyclooctadiene) and [Sn(CH₃)₄] complexes, in the presence of [Zn(acac)₂] (acac = acetylacetonate) complex at toluene–water interface. Catalytic activities of PtSnZn nanosheets were investigated in the p‐nitrophenol (p‐Nip) reduction and methanol oxidation reactions. The obtained results demonstrate that PtSnZn nanosheets exhibit a good electrocatalytic performance for methanol oxidation reaction, the catalytic activity of the PtSnZn nanosheets being at least 3.5 times higher than that of Pt nanoparticle thin film. Also, the apparent rate constant obtained for p‐Nip reduction with the PtSnZn nanosheets is at least 2.3 times higher than that for Pt nanoparticle thin film due to the appropriate interaction between platinum, tin and zinc metals and geometric properties of PtSnZn nanosheet thin film. Nanosheets are highly favourable for superior catalytic performances due to their geometric properties. A facile and efficient route was used to synthesize trimetallic alloy thin film at oil–water interface.     

Surface films obtained by electrochemical oxidation of 1,11-bis(3-indolizinin-2-ylquinoxalin-2-on-1-yl)-3,6,9-trioxyundecane

Electrochemical oxidation of 1,11-bis(3-indolizinin-2-ylquinoxalin-2-on-1-yl)-3,6,9-trioxyundecane in 0.1 M Et₄NClO₄ in MeCN on a glassy-carbon electrode leads to surface films of two types depending on the film formation mode. Oxidation at controlled first-peak potentials (E _p ¹ = 0.30 V relative to Fc/Fc⁺) or in the range of potentials ?0.60 → +0.40 → ?0.60 V, ?0.60 → +0.40 → ?1.60 → ?0.60 V in the polycycling mode forms a redox-active film that covers the entire surface of the electrode. The quinoxaline fragments of the film are reduced irreversibly in the supporting solution, while the indolizine fragments are reduced reversibly, forming stable radical cation states; the latter are recorded by ESR in the form of a singlet with a variable width (g = 2.0025, ΔH = 0.15?0.5 mT). The oxidized (radical cation) form of the film is conductive, while the neutral film is not. An insulating film is obtained when oxidation is performed under rigid conditions (?0.60 → +1.70 → ?1.70 → ?0.60 V). Both types of film are colored and have nanosized pores (channels), which can play a discriminant role. It is demonstrated (using the discriminant role of pores) that small molecules may be selectively reduced on film-coated electrodes in the presence of bulkier and more reactive substrates.     

A Solution‐processible,n‐dopable polypyrrole derivative

In this study, soluble, n‐dopable, florescent, electrochromic polypyrrole derivative was synthesized through both chemical and electrochemical polymerization of 2‐[6‐(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)hexyl]‐1H‐benzo[de]isoquinoline‐1,3(2H)‐dione (PyNI). The polymer synthesized through chemical polymerization had PL emission maxima at 471 and 543 nm and exhibited two redox couples at E_1/2,p = ?1.48 V and E_1/2,p = 1.12 V due to n‐type and p‐type doping, respectively. Electrochromic properties of electrochemically synthesized poly(PyNI) (PPyNI) were investigated via spectroelectrochemistry, kinetic studies, coloration efficiency, and colorimetry measurements. The optical band gap of PPyNI was calculated as 2.99 and 2.37 eV. Spectroelectrochemistry analysis of PPyNI reflected electronic transitions at 330–418 nm and 704 nm due to π–π* transition and charge carrier band formation, respectively. The polymer exhibited a switching time of 1.63 s and an optical contrast of 33.37%. Furthermore, dual‐type, complementary‐colored polymer electrochromic device in ITO/PPyNI/PEDOT/ITO configuration was assembled and characterized. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Conductivity of crosslinked poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) gel film containing surfactant as electrolyte salt

New polymeric solid electrolyte films, consisting of crosslinked poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVPD) as matrix, and surfactant, sodium deoxycholate (NaDC), lithium deoxycholate (LiDC), sodium laulylsulfate (R₁₂OSO₃Na), or sodium palmitate (R₁₅COONa) as electrolyte salt, are prepared; their basic structure and conductivity dependence on temperature are reported. The structure of the electrolytes is amorphous. Their conductivity is 3.1 × 10^?5 S cm^?1 (containing NaDC), 8.42 × 10^?6 S cm^?1 (LiDC), 2.18 × 10^?4 S cm^?1 (R₁₂OSO₃Na), and 7.27 × 10^?5 S cm^?1 (R₁₅COONa) at 20°C. Their temperature dependence of the conductivity is similar to that of liquid electrolyte rather than that of usual polymeric solid electrolyte, i.e., the WLF-type dependence. The values of activation energy of conductivity (E_a) were PVPD, 25.5 kJ mol^?1; PVPD/NaDC, 21.4 kJ mol^?1; PVPD/LiDC, 25.3 kJ mol^?1; PVPD/R₁₂OSO₃Na, 17.2 kJ mol^?1; PVPD/R₁₅COONa, 18.7 kJ mol^?1. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Gold-Nickel Hydroxide Multi-Layers with Selective Absorption in the Visible Range

This work reports the growth of layered nickel hydroxide/gold films by sol-gel and dip-coating methods to obtain colored films for applications in switchable optical devices. The nickel and gold-based films were deposited on mica and glass plates from alcoholic sols. The distribution of electron density inhomogeneities (voids, nickel and gold particles) in the films was determined by means of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The SAXS measurements were used to determine the nickel and gold particle sizes and to give guidelines to the appropriate chemical route to deposit homogeneous colored films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to monitor the crystalline properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the nanostructure of the gold particles and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to analyze the film surface. Spectral transmission was used to investigate the optical properties in these different layered systems, which present an absorption band in the visible region due to the gold aggregates. The composite material is deep blue. The analyses of SAXS data, TEM and AFM pictures are consistent, i.e., the formed Au particles are polydisperse in size and their clustering depends on the NiO _x H _y layer. The Au particles are polycrystalline, with [111]-preferred orientation, as determined by XRD. The nickel oxy-hydroxide matrix is amorphous.     

Polymerization of graphene oxide nanosheet by using of aminoclay: Electrocatalytic activity of its platinum nanohybrids

This study describes the polymerization of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheet to reduced‐GO‐aminoclay (RGC) by covalent functionalization of chemically reactive epoxy groups on the basal planes of GO with amine groups of magnesium phyllosilicate clay (known as aminoclay). The resulting RGC sheets were characterized and applied to support platinum nanostructures at toluene/water interface. Pt nanoparticles (NPs) with diameters about several nanometers were adhered to RGC sheets by chemical reduction of [PtCl₂(cod)] (cod = cis,cis‐1,5‐cyclooctadiene) complex. Catalytic activity of Pt NPs thin films were investigated in the methanol oxidation reaction. Cyclic voltammetry results exhibit that the Pt/reduced‐GO (RGO) and Pt/RGC thin films showed improved catalytic activity in methanol oxidation reaction in comparison to other Pt NPs thin films, demonstrating that the prepared Pt/RGO and Pt/RGC thin films are promising catalysts for direct methanol fuel cell.     

Luminescent Amphiphilic 2,6‐Bis(1‐alkylpyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridyl Platinum(II) Complexes: Synthesis,Characterization, Electrochemical,Photophysical, and Langmuir–Blodgett Film Formation Studies

Two series of novel platinum(II) 2,6‐bis(1‐alkylpyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridyl (N5Cn) complexes, [Pt(N5Cn)Cl][X] ( 1 – 9 ) and [Pt(N5Cn)(C?CR)][X] ( 10 – 13 ) (X=trifluoromethanesulfonate (OTf) or PF₆; R=C₆H₅, C₆H₄‐p‐CF₃ and C₆H₄‐p‐N(C₆H₅)₂), with various chain lengths of the alkyl groups on the nitrogen atom of the pyrazolyl units have been successfully synthesized and characterized. Their electrochemical and photophysical properties have been studied. Some of their molecular structures have also been determined by X‐ray crystallography. Two amphiphilic platinum(II) 2,6‐bis(1‐tetradecylpyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridyl (N5C14) complexes, [Pt(N5C14)Cl]PF₆ ( 7 ) and [Pt(N5C14)(C?CC₆H₅)]PF₆ ( 13 ), were found to form stable and reproducible Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films at the air–water interface. The characterization of such LB films has been investigated by the study of their surface pressure–area (π–A) isotherms, UV/Vis spectroscopy, XRD, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), FTIR, and polarized IR spectroscopy. The luminescence property of 13 in LB films has also been studied.     

Electroanalytical Study of Methanol Oxidation and Oxygen Reduction at Carbon Nanohorns‐Pt Nanostructured Electrodes

This work reports a comprehensive electroanalytical study of carbon nanohorns (CNHs) in electrochemical applications. Compared to other types of carbons, the bare CNHs electrode exhibited higher peak current densities and lowest anodic peak‐to‐cathodic peak separation of less than 50 mV for the [Fe(CN)^4?]₆/[Fe(CN)^3?]₆ redox couple. Furthermore, CNHs exhibited excellent electrocatalyst supporting properties for porous Pt film towards methanol oxidation reaction reaching a peak current density of 127 mA cm^?2 or peak current mass activity 184 mA mg_Pt^?1. Regarding oxygen reduction reaction, an onset potential as positive as 0. 77 V vs. Ag/AgCl was achieved with CNHs/porous Pt film.     

铂电极上吸附芳香分子的表面增强红外光谱研究

应用衰减全反射表面增强红外吸收光谱法分别研究了0.1 mol•L^－1 HClO₄中对硝基苯甲酸(PNBA)和0.1 mol•L^－1 KClO₄中吡啶(Py)在铂电极上的吸脱附. 结果表明在较高电位下(0.3～0.7 V vs. SCE) PNBA是通过其羧基脱质子后羧酸根的两个氧原子等位吸附在Pt电极表面, 而随着电位的负移, 除PNBA逐步脱附外, 还呈现出单个氧原子吸附的谱学特征. 光谱强度与电位的关系表明PNBA在铂电极表面吸脱附的中间电位约为0.2 V vs. SCE. 吡啶的吸附主要是通过氮原子的孤对电子及脱氢后的α碳原子与Pt电极表面键合. 在较宽的电位区间(0.4～－0.4 V vs. SCE)吡啶的吸附方式和取向基本维持不变.     

Electrochemical Codeposition of Platinum and Molybdenum Oxides: Formation of Composite Films with Distinct Electrocatalytic Activity for Hydrogen Peroxide Detection

The electrochemical properties of gold electrode surfaces modified by molybdenum oxide films intercalated with platinum microparticles have been described. The incorporation of Pt microparticles at the oxide film was characterized by PIXE (particle induced X‐ray emission) spectroscopy. The modified electrode showed electrochemical activity at around ?0.5 V in 50 mmol L^?1 Na₂SO₄ supporting electrolyte (pH 3), corresponding to the reduction of protons at platinum sites and further transfer of hydrogen atoms to form reduced molybdenum oxides (bronzes). At 0.1 V, the MoO₃ / Pt electrode showed a better performance for hydrogen peroxide oxidation than on platinized gold electrodes. The solution pH has a marked effect on the voltammetric profile and best responses for hydrogen peroxide were obtained at the 5.0 to 6.0 pH range. The activation of the electrode by polarization at negative potentials was also studied and a mechanism by which more platinum sites are available as a consequence of this process was proposed. Calibration plots for hydrogen peroxide were highly linear (r=0.9989) in the 0.2 to 1.6 mmol L^?1 concentration range, with a relative standard deviation (RSD)<1%.     

Electrochemical properties of a ruthenium complex immobilized as thin films and in carbon paste electrodes

The electrochemical properties of mer-[RuCl₃(dppb)(4-pic)] (dppb = Ph₂P(CH₂)₄PPh₂, 4-pic = CH₃C₅H₄N), Rupic, in CHCl₃ are governed by the formation of species such as [Ru₂Cl₅(dppb)₂], [Ru₂(dppb)₂Cl₄(4-pic)] and trans-[RuCl₂(dppb)(4-pic)₂] upon the reduction of “[RuCl₂(dppb)]”. The overall behavior depends on whether Rupic is immobilized in cast or Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films, or incorporated into a carbon paste electrode (CPE). In cyclic voltammograms, one redox process appears for LB/Rupic films and CPE/Rupic, at E_pa = 0.35 V, E_pc = 0.25 V vs SCE, and E_pa = 0.32 V, E_pc = 0.24 V vs Ag/AgCl, respectively. This redox process was ascribed to the Ru^III/Ru^II charge transfer. For cast films the redox pair was poorly defined, with E_pa = 0.27 V and E_pc = 0.20 V. The reason for the difference lies in the phase separation and formation of aggregates onto ITO for the cast film, in contrast to the LB film. With aggregation, the formation of species occurring in solution is impaired for Rupic in cast films. The electrochemical properties for Rupic in LB films and incorporated into CPE allowed the electrocatalytic activity of Rupic to be exploited in sensors for dopamine and ascorbic acid.     

Exploring 9‐arylcarbazole moiety as the building block for the synthesis of photoluminescent group 10–12 heavy metal diynes and polyynes with high‐energy triplet states

A new series of organic‐soluble and thermally stable group 10 platinum(II) polyyne polymers functionalized with 9‐arylcarbazole moiety trans‐[? Pt(PBu₃)₂C?CRC?C? ]_n (R = 9‐arylcarbazole‐3,6‐diyl; aryl = phenyl, p‐methylphenyl, p‐fluorophenyl) were prepared in good yields by Hagihara's dehydrohalogenative polymerization of trans‐[PtCl₂(PBu₃)₂] with HC?CRC?CH under ambient conditions. The regiochemical structures of the polymers were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. We discuss the optical spectroscopy of these polymetallaynes and compare the results with their bimetallic molecular model complexes trans‐[Pt(Ph)(PEt₃)₂C?CRC?CPt(Ph)(PEt₃)₂] as well as its group 11 gold(I) and group 12 mercury(II) congeners [(PPh₃)AuC?CRC?CAu(PPh₃)] and [MeHgC?CRC?CHgMe]. The structural properties of several model complexes were studied by X‐ray crystallography. The influence of the heavy metal atom and the 9‐aryl substituent of carbazole on the phosphorescence behavior and the spatial distribution of the lowest singlet (S₁) and triplet (T₁) excitons in these metalated alkynyl systems are comprehensively elucidated. The present work indicates that the efficiency of organic triplet emissions harnessed through the heavy‐atom effect of group 10–12 transition metals in the main chain generally follows the order Pt > Au > Hg but the optical properties of the materials are relatively insensitive to the nature of the 9‐aryl group on the carbazolyl ring. All of these metallaynyl‐carbazole materials with high‐energy T₁ states of 2.68 eV or higher show high phosphorescence efficiencies at low temperatures. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5588–5607, 2006     

Electropolymerization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-[RuCl<Subscript>2</Subscript>(vpy)<Subscript>4</Subscript>] complex—EQCM and Raman studies

The electropolymerization of trans-[RuCl₂(vpy)₄] (vpy=4-vinylpyridine) on Au or Pt electrodes was studied by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) technique, and Raman spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry of the monomer at a microelectrode shows the typical Ru(III/II) and Ru(IV/III) waves, together with the vinyl reduction waves at −1.5 and −2.45 V and adsorption wave at −0.8 V. Electrodeposition on EQCM technique performed under potential cycling between −0.9 and −2.0 V revealed that the polymerization proceeded well in advance of the vinyl reduction waves. At potentials more positive than −0.9 V, soluble oligomers were deposited irreversibly on the electrode during the oxidative sweep. The film also showed reversible mass changes due to the oxidation and accompanying ingress of charge-balancing anions and solvent into the film. In contrast, potentiostatic growth of the polymer at −1.6 V was slower because the oligomeric material was lost completely from the electrode. Unreacted vinyl groups were detected by in situ Raman spectroscopy for films grown at −0.7, −0.9, and −1.6 V but were absent when the polymerization was carried out at −2.9 V vs Ag/Ag⁺.     

DNA binding and in vitro antileukemic activity of dimeric and tetrameric platinated complexes derived from p-isopropylbenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone

p-Isopropylbenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (p-is.TSCN) ( 1 ) reacts with [Pt(µ-Cl)(η³-C₄H₇)]₂ to form a dinuclear [Pt(µ-Cl)(p-is.TSCN)]₂ complex ( 2 ) and a cyclometallated cluster [Pt(p-is.TSCN)]₄ ( 3 ). Biological testing of these complexes against HL-60 and U-937 human leukemic cells suggest that complexes 2 and 3 may be endowed with important cytotoxic activity properties since they exhibit IC₅₀ values (50% inhibition of cell growth) in the micromolar range, as does the clinically used drug cisplatin (cis-DDP). Analysis of the interaction of compounds 2 and 3 with DNA indicates that the kinetics of DNA platination due to compounds 2 and 3 is faster than that of cisplatin and that after 24 h of incubation most of the platinum centers are bound to DNA. Thus, it is likely that the cytotoxic activity displayed by compounds 2 and 3 may be correlated with their high level of DNA platination. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of Substrate Steps on the Catalytic Properties of Pt Layers: The Ethanol Electrooxidation Reaction

The ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) is investigated on Pt/Au(hkl) electrodes. The Au(hkl) single crystals used belong to the [n(111)x(110)] family of planes. Pt is deposited following the galvanic exchange of a previously deposited Cu monolayer using a Pt²⁺ solution. Deposition is not epitaxial and the defects on the underlying Au(hkl) substrates are partially transferred to the Pt films. Moreover, an additional (100)‐step‐like defect is formed, probably as a result of the strain resulting from the Pt and Au lattice mismatch. Regarding the EOR, both vicinal Pt/Au(hkl) surfaces exhibit a behavior that differs from that expected for stepped Pt; for instance, the smaller the step density on the underlying Au substrate, the greater the ability to break the C?C bond in the ethanol molecule, as determined by in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. Also, we found that the acetic acid production is favored as the terrace width decreases, thus reflecting the inefficiency of the surface array to cleave the ethanol molecule.     

Electroanalytical Responses of Arsenic Oxide,Methanol, and Oxygen at the Ruthenium Oxide–Hexachloroiridate with Platinum Hybrid Film

Electrochemically active ruthenium oxide (RuO_x?nH₂O), ruthenium oxide/hexachloroiridate (RuO_x?nH₂O/IrCl₆^2?), and ruthenium oxide/hexachloroiridate/platinum (RuO_x?nH₂O/IrCl₆^2?/Pt) hybrid films have been prepared from the mixture of Ru³⁺, IrCl₆^2?, and PtCl₆^2? ions in an acidic aqueous solution. The repetitive cyclic voltammetry (CV) has been used for the film preparation process. The electrochemical properties and the growth mechanism of the above mentioned different kinds of hybrid films have been investigated using CV and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance. The morphological and quantitative analyses have been carried out using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray. Among these above mentioned films, RuO_x?nH₂O/IrCl₆^2?/Pt hybrid film exhibits promising electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of arsenic oxide, methanol and reduction of oxygen. Further, detailed study of electrocatalysis using rotating ring disk electrodes and amperometric methods have been carried out for arsenic oxide oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions at the hybrid films. From the results, the sensitivity of RuO_x?nH₂O/IrCl₆^2?/Pt hybrid film has been calculated for arsenic oxide as 0.7 mA mM^?1; and for oxygen as 1.8 mA mM^?1.     

Crystallization of textured PbTiO3 films deposited from gels

Sol-gel processed PbTiO₃ thin films have been deposited by spin coating onto different subtrates; Si[111], Si/Al, Si/SiO₂/Cr/Pt, MgO[100], SrTiO₃[100] and sapphire. Interactions between the substrate and PbTiO₃ films after heat treatment have been studied by X-ray diffraction and Rutherford Back Scattering. When deposited onto sapphire and Si[111], PbTiO₃ films exhibit a preferred orientation with (101) perpendicular to the substrate. These films become oriented along (100) onto MgO and (001) onto SrTiO₃[100] substrates. A strong channelling effect is observed by the RBS technique when the film is oriented along the c axis on SrTiO₃[100] suggesting that these films are epitaxially grown. The diffusion of metal atoms during the thermal treatment gives rise to the formation of lead silicate on Si[111] substrates. As a result a pyrochlore phase is formed. Lead titanate films on Si/SiO₂/Cr/Pt and Si/Al substrates are polycrystalline and do not exhibit any texture.