In situ electrochemical SERS studies on electrodeposition of aniline on 4-ATP/Au surface

The electrochemical polymerization of 0.01 M aniline in 1 M H₂SO₄ aqueous solution on roughened Au surface modified with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) has been investigated by in situ electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy (SERS). The repeat units and possible structures of the electrodeposited polyaniline (PANI) film were proposed; i.e., aniline monomer is coupled in head-to-tail predominately at the C₄ of aniline and amine of 4-ATP, and the thin PANI film is orientated vertically to substrate surface. Simultaneous Raman spectra during potential scanning indicate clearly that the ultrathin PANI film (in initial growth of the film) consists of semiquinone radical cation (IP⁺), para-disubstituted benzene (IP and IP⁺) and quinine diimine (NP) while it is oxidized, and without quinine diimine and semiquinone radical cation while reduced. Meanwhile, the results confirm that 4-ATP monolayer shows a strong promotion on the electrodeposition of aniline monomer, and a possible polymerization mechanism was proposed.     

X-ray photoelectron and in situ and ex situ resonance Raman spectroscopic investigations of polythiophene overoxidation

Polythiophene films have been electrochemically synthesized on platinum electrodes by anodic oxidation of thiophene in CH₃CN-LiClO₄ organic solution, then galvanostatically polarized in the same but monomer-free electrolytic medium to obtain the reduced, oxidized, and overoxidized states of the polymer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were performed to investigate the changes within the chemical composition accompanying the overoxidation of the polythiophene (PT) film and connected to degradation mechanisms reported in the literature. Ex situ resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) studies of the three oxidation states, with red and near-infrared excitation laser lines, lead to complementary insights about the degradation process of this polymer. Particularly, marked modifications of the positions, widths, and relative intensities of the Raman bands are attributed to structural transformations and the appearance of defects in the polymer chains. Moreover, in situ RRS experiments, during the gradual transition between the reduced and overoxidized states, allow to determine the electrochemical stability threshold of the PT. In the reversibility domain, the quinoid to aromatic intensity ratio of the ring C=C symmetric stretching obeys a Nernst-like equation when the applied potential to the PT/Pt working electrode is varied.     

Pt 纳米颗粒在聚二甲基二烯丙基氯化铵功能化碳纳米管上的自发沉积及其对甲醇的电氧化性能

利用聚二甲基二烯丙基氯化铵(PDDA)非共价修饰的碳纳米管(CNTs)与PtCl₆^2-之间的自发氧化还原作用, 制备了Pt 纳米颗粒(Pt NPs)/CNTs-PDDA复合催化剂. PDDA在该催化剂中具有三种作用: (1) 作为金属前驱体PtCl₆^2-还原为Pt NPs 的还原剂; (2) 作为原位产生的Pt NPs 的稳定剂; (3) 在CNTs 表面形成保护膜抑制CNTs 在甲醇电催化氧化过程中的腐蚀. 采用傅里叶变换红外(FTIR)光谱、热重分析和拉曼光谱对CNTs-PDDA进行了表征, 表明PDDA通过π-π作用已成功覆盖在CNTs 表面, 并且修饰过程没有导致CNTs 结构的破坏. 采用透射电子显微镜(TEM)对Pt NPs/CNTs-PDDA 催化剂进行了表征, 结果表明, Pt NPs 均匀地分散在CNTs上, 平均粒径约2 nm, 且粒径分布范围窄. 用循环伏安法、计时电流法进一步考察了Pt NPs/CNTs-PDDA催化剂在酸性介质中对甲醇的电催化氧化的性能. 电化学测试结果表明, 与原始CNTs 负载的Pt NPs催化剂相比,Pt NPs/CNTs-PDDA催化剂具有更高的电化学活性表面积、电催化质量比活性和稳定性.     

Embedment of Well Dispersed Nickel Nanoparticles in Sulfonate and Benzimidazole Functionalized Poly (Arylene Ether Ketone) Film for the Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Glucose

Stable and well dispersed nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) were fabricated and embedded in a novel polymer sulfonate and benzimidazole functionalized poly (arylene ether ketone) (S‐BI‐PAEK) film. After drop‐casting the mixed solution of S‐BI‐PAEK and NiSO₄ on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface, the uniformly distributed NiNPs were formed and stably embedded in S‐BI‐PAEK film by in‐situ electrochemical reduction method. The embedment and well dispersity of NiNPs in S‐BI‐PAEK film was probably attributed to the strong chelation of sulfonate and benzimidazole functional groups contained in S‐BI‐PAEK toward Ni²⁺ ions, as well as the transferability of Ni²⁺ ions in S‐BI‐PAEK film. The NiNPs/S‐BI‐PAEK composite film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). It exhibited good electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation in 0.1 mol L⁻¹ NaOH solution with high stability. The NiNPs/S‐BI‐PAEK/GCE showed a fast amperometric response with a wide linear range from 1 μM to 4 mM and a low detection limit of 200 nmol L⁻¹ (S/N=3) for the determination of glucose by amperometry at a potential of 0.55 V. Finally it was successfully employed to determine glucose in human serum. Therefore, the novel fabrication method of nickel nanoparticles was promising for the future development of non‐enzymatic glucose sensor.     

The electrochemical properties of Ni<Subscript>3</Subscript>C carbide

The electrochemical properties of Ni₃C was studied. In acidic sulfate solutions, the carbide is characterized by high overpotential of its oxidation as compared with nickel. In the case of carbide oxidation, the anodic reaction orders with respect to anions are low, indicating a weak dependence of the rate of the anodic process on the solution composition. Significant differences in the kinetics of the anodic processes indicate different mechanisms of the oxidation of nickel and its carbide. The rate and kinetic parameters of the hydrogen evolution reaction are comparable on Ni and Ni₃C. In neutral and alkaline solutions, the metal and carbide samples were similar in their electrochemical characteristics. The anodically grown oxide film is thinner on nickel carbide than on nickel metal, and the oxide formed on the carbide is more readily reduced under cathodic polarization. This film is also more resistant to the pitting attack than the oxide film on nickel metal.     

Selective Methanol-to-Formate Electrocatalytic Conversion on Branched Nickel Carbide

A methanol economy will be favored by the availability of low-cost catalysts able to selectively oxidize methanol to formate. This selective oxidation would allow extraction of the largest part of the fuel energy while concurrently producing a chemical with even higher commercial value than the fuel itself. Herein, we present a highly active methanol electrooxidation catalyst based on abundant elements and with an optimized structure to simultaneously maximize interaction with the electrolyte and mobility of charge carriers. In situ infrared spectroscopy combined with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that branched nickel carbide particles are the first catalyst determined to have nearly 100 % electrochemical conversion of methanol to formate without generating detectable CO₂ as a byproduct. Electrochemical kinetics analysis revealed the optimized reaction conditions and the electrode delivered excellent activities. This work provides a straightforward and cost-efficient way for the conversion of organic small molecules and the first direct evidence of a selective formate reaction pathway.     

Investigation of electro-oxidation of methanol and benzyl alcohol at boron-doped diamond electrode: evidence for the mechanism for fouling film formation

Boron-doped diamond (BDD) and glassy carbon (GC) electrodes are compared for electrochemical oxidation of methanol and benzyl alcohol. Cyclic voltammograms reveal that BDD electrode produces good oxidation signals for both methanol and benzyl alcohol, while GC produces no significant oxidation signal for either methanol or benzyl alcohol. Amperometric measurement of oxidation of methanol and benzyl alcohol on BDD shows development of a fouling film for benzyl alcohol but not for methanol. Prolonged (24 h) polarization of the BDD electrode at +2.0 V in benzyl alcohol generated enough fouling film for investigation by AFM, SEM, Raman, and FTIR techniques. AFM and SEM microscopy images confirm a fouling film confined to the low-lying regions of the polycrystallite BDD surface, indicating that the active sites of benzyl alcohol oxidation are located within these low-lying regions. The fouling material generated in the process of benzyl alcohol oxidation was identified from Raman and FTIR spectroscopy as polyester. Experiments confirm the fouling film can be removed and the electrode surface reactivated by brief polarization at +3.0 V. Amperometric results of concentration dependence confirm the BDD electrode is well suited for quantitative analysis applications of methanol and benzyl alcohol, with recognizable oxidation currents at micromolar concentration levels.     

Growth of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes on carbon fiber: thermal and electrochemical treatments

Composite electrodes of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT) were synthesized on carbon fiber (CF) substrate by pyrolysis of camphor/ferrocene using a SiO₂ interlayer as a barrier against metal diffusion into the substrate. Two treatments were used to remove iron from CF/VACNT structure: thermal annealing at high temperature under inert atmosphere and electrochemical oxidation in H₂SO₄ solution. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Raman scattering spectroscopy. Besides, the electrochemical behavior of CF/VACNT was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and charge/discharge tests. CF/VACNT composite submitted to the electrochemical oxidation showed the best electrochemical performance, with high specific capacitance, which makes it very attractive as electrode for supercapacitors.     

Porous nickel deposits formed in the oxidation of alcohols in an alkaline medium

Highly porous nickel matrices with varied content of nickel were formed on a glassy graphite electrode by the electrochemical deposition method. The nickel deposits were studied by pulsed chronoamperometry, impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry on a rotating disk electrode in a 1 M KOH solution and in alkaline solutions containing methanol or ethanol. The process in which a hydroxide film is formed on the nickel surface in an alkaline solution and the influence exerted by this process on the catalytic oxidation of alcohols on nickel in an alkaline medium are discussed.     

Electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12/carbon nanofibers composite prepared by an in situ route for Li-ion batteries

A Li₄Ti₅O₁₂/carbon nanofibers (LTO/CNFs) composite has been synthesized by solid-state reaction with the in situ growth of CNFs using the chemical vapor deposition method in N₂/C₂H₂. The nanocomposite is characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectrum, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, and is investigated as an anode material for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The underlying mechanism for the improvement is analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The in situ synthesized composite shows better electrochemical performance than the bare LTO. The in situ formation of CNFs not only supply an efficient electronic conductive network but also reduce the particle size of LTO and increase in specific surface area, leading to increased electrical conductivity and rapider Li-ion diffusion in electrode/electrolyte interface and bulk electrode.     

现场表面拉曼光谱研究Ni-P合金电沉积机理

由于Ｎｉ Ｐ合金具有许多优越的物理和化学性能 ,如高的耐蚀性［１］、好的电催化特性［２,３］以及好的非磁特性［４,５］,人们对这种合金的沉积方法进行了大量的研究．磷是一种不能从水溶液中单独进行电沉积的元素 ,但它很容易和铁组元素共沉积．为了解释这一现象 ,Ｂｒｅｎｎｅｒ曾提出直接机理［６］．认为镀液中磷的含氧酸 (根 )直接在电极上还原成合金中的磷．然而 ,磷不能用电化学方法以纯态沉积出来,所以直接机理没有被广泛接受．第二种是由Ｆｅｄｏｔ′ｅｖ等提出的间接机理［７］,认为磷的含氧酸（根）首先还原成磷化氢（ＰＨ…     

Explicit study on the oxidation mechanism of nickel in molten Li2CO3-K2CO3

The oxidation behavior of nickel in Li+K carbonate melt is followed by measuring the open-circuit potential and by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy under an O₂+CO₂ gas mixture in the ratio 90/10 at a total pressure of 1 atm at 650 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy are employed for qualitative and quantitative analyses of the different compounds involved during the oxidation of nickel. Atomic force microscopy is used for both imaging the evolution of the oxide layer and determining its surface roughness. The in situ oxidation process of nickel demonstrates three stages: rapid formation of a compact surface oxide (first stage), thicker oxide layer (second stage), and a porous oxide structure (third stage). The lithiation reaction has been identified to occur during the second stage. Formation of an intermediate and unstable compound, namely NiCO₃, has been confirmed by XRD. Electronic Publication     

Three‐Dimensional Nitrogen‐Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide–Carbon Nanotubes Architecture Supporting Ultrafine Palladium Nanoparticles for Highly Efficient Methanol Electrooxidation

A three‐dimensional (3D) nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO)–carbon nanotubes (CNTs) architecture supporting ultrafine Pd nanoparticles is prepared and used as a highly efficient electrocatalyst. Graphene oxide (GO) is first used as a surfactant to disperse pristine CNTs for electrochemical preparation of 3D rGO@CNTs, and subsequently one‐step electrodeposition of the stable colloidal GO–CNTs solution containing Na₂PdCl₄ affords rGO@CNTs‐supported Pd nanoparticles. Further thermal treatment of the Pd/rGO@CNTs hybrid with ammonia achieves not only in situ nitrogen‐doping of the rGO@CNTs support but also extraordinary size decrease of the Pd nanoparticles to below 2.0 nm. The resulting catalyst is characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Catalyst performance for the methanol oxidation reaction is tested through cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques, which shows exceedingly high mass activity and superior durability.     

粗糙镍电极上吡啶和二巯基嘧啶的表面拉曼光谱

粗糙镍电极上吡啶和二巯基嘧啶的表面拉曼光谱①黄群健高劲松蔡雄伟毛秉伟郑明森田中群＊（厦门大学化学系，固体表面物理化学国家重点实验室，厦门３６１００５）自从人们发现和认知表面增强拉曼散射（ＳＥＲＳ）效应以来［１］，ＳＥＲＳ技术以其极高的表面灵敏度为电极...     

Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity of Methanol and Ethanol Oxidation in Alkaline Medium at Bimetallic Nanoparticles Electrochemically Decorated Fullerene-C60 Nanocomposite Electrocatalyst: An Efficient Anode Material for Alcohol Fuel Cell Applications

Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) have been recently playing a pivotal role in electrochemical energy sources and portable electronics. Research in DAFCs has proceeded to engage major attention due to their high catalytic activity, long-term stability, portability, and low cost. Herein, we present a facile surfactant-free route to anchor bimetallic Pd−W nanoparticles supported fullerene-C₆₀ catalyst (Pd-W@Fullerene-C₆₀) for high-performance electrooxidation of alcohols (methanol & ethanol) for DAFCs applications. Structural, elemental composition, and morphological analysis of the proposed catalyst were carried out using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Electrochemical properties such as electrochemical activity, electrochemical active surface area (ECSA), and long-term stability of the Pd-W@Fullerene-C₆₀ catalyst for ethanol and methanol oxidation in the alkaline medium were explored by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry (CA). Results revealed that the proposed catalyst showed enlarged ECSA, tremendous electrocatalytic activity, high poison tolerance limit, good reproducibility, and enhanced long-term stability as compared to the monometallic catalyst and commercially available catalyst (Pt/C) towards ethanol and methanol oxidation reaction. This enhanced potentiality of the Pd-W@Fullerene-C₆₀ catalyst is due to the synergistic effect of W−Pd nanoparticles and excellent electron kinetic from fullerene support material. These findings strongly suggest the Pd-W@Fullerene-C₆₀ catalyst as potential anode material for the alcohol oxidation reaction.     

Platinum-modified polyaniline/polysulfone composite film electrodes and their electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation

The polyaniline/polysulfone (PAN/PSF) composite films were prepared by electropolymerization, and then platinum was deposited into this composite film to obtain the platinum-modified polyaniline/polysulfone(Pt/PAN/PSF) composite film electrodes. Their component, morphology and structure were characterized by FTIR spectra, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results show that the composite film has a bi-layer structure with asymmetrical pores, and the platinum particles are homogeneously dispersed in the modified film electrodes. The cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques were applied to investigate the electrochemical properties and the electrocatalytic activity of the modified film electrodes, which show a promotive action for methanol oxidation and the methanol oxidation under a diffusion-controlled process.     

In situ resonant Raman and ESR spectroelectrochemical study of electrochemically synthesized poly(<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-phenylenevinylene)

The electrochemical synthesis of poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) and different modifications in the electronic distribution upon electrochemical p-doping (oxidation) and n-doping (reduction) of this polymer film have been studied in situ by resonance Raman spectroscopy, optical absorption spectroscopy and ESR spectroscopy. The polymer film has been prepared by electrochemical reduction of α,α,α′,α′-tetrabromo-p-xylene in dimethylformamide using tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate as the electrolyte salt. During electrochemical polymerization the position and relative intensities of the Raman bands change regularly as the chain length increases and finally converge on values reported for chemically prepared PPV. The Raman spectra for electrochemically polymerized PPV is compared to infrared-active vibration bands for electrochemically n-doped PPV. When the polymer undergoes redox reactions (doping-dedoping), shifts and broadening of Raman bands, compared to neutral PPV, are observed. Interpretation of the Raman spectra and the ESR results led to the conclusion that charge transfer in this system is mainly accomplished by polaron species formed upon doping of the polymer. In this reaction the quinoid structure is formed rather than the benzenoid structure. Electronic Publication     

Polyaniline-coated carbon particles and their electrode behavior in organic carbonate electrolyte

In an attempt to increase the interface stability of carbon used in Li-ion batteries, a thin conducting polyaniline (PANI) film was fabricated on the surface of carbon by in situ chemical polymerization. The chemical and electrochemical properties of the composite material were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It was confirmed that the PANI film has an obvious effect on the morphology and the electrochemical performance of carbon. The results could be attributed to the electronic and electrochemical activity of the conducting PANI films.     

In situ transmission difference FTIR spectroscopic investigation on anodic oxidation of methanol in aqueous solution

In situ transmission difference FTIR spectroscopy method was introduced for studying the anodic oxidation of methanol in acid aqueous solution. A minigrid Pt optically transparent thin layer electrode was used as working electrode. This method has the ability to clarify the identity of species involved in the oxidation process both in solution and adsorbed at the surface of electrode. From the results of in situ transmission difference FTIR spectroscopy measurement it was found that HCHO, HCOOH, HCOOCH₃ and CH₂(OCH₃)₂ could be formed in the oxidation process of methanol. The final product was CO₂. The adsorbed poisonous intermediate CO was detected. It was formed at near 0.6 V and became significant at 0.9 V, where the oxidation current was inhibited. The in situ transmission difference FTIR spectroscopy method is a very convenient, relative simplicity and efficient method for investigating the electrochemical process, and could be as a good candidate for further application.     

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.