Ion-transfer- and photo-electrochemistry at liquid|liquid|solid electrode triple phase boundary junctions: perspectives

Ion transfer at liquid|liquid junctions is one of the most fundamental processes in nature. It occurs coupled to simultaneous electron transfer at the line junction (or triple phase boundary) formed by the two liquids in contact to an electrode surface. The triple phase boundary can be assembled from a redox active microdroplet deposit of a water-immiscible liquid on a suitable electrode surface immersed into aqueous electrolyte. Ion transfer voltammetry measurements at this type of electrode allow both thermodynamic and kinetic parameters for coupled ion and electron transfer processes to be obtained. This overview summarises some recent advances in understanding and application of triple phase boundary redox processes at organic liquid|aqueous electrolyte|working electrode junctions. The design of novel types of electrodes is considered based on (i) extended triple phase boundaries, (ii) porous membrane processes, (iii) hydrodynamic effects, and (iv) generator-collector triple phase boundary systems. Novel facilitated ion transfer processes and photo-electrochemical processes at triple phase boundary electrodes are proposed. Potential future applications of triple phase boundary redox systems in electrosynthesis, sensing, and light energy harvesting are indicated.     

A nonmonotonic dependence of standard rate constant on reorganization energy for heterogeneous electron transfer processes on electrode surface

In the present work a nonmonotonic dependence of standard rate constant (k(0)) on reorganization energy (lambda) was discovered qualitatively from electron transfer (Marcus-Hush-Levich) theory for heterogeneous electron transfer processes on electrode surface. It was found that the nonmonotonic dependence of k(0) on lambda is another result, besides the disappearance of the famous Marcus inverted region, coming from the continuum of electronic states in electrode: with the increase of lambda, the states for both Process I and Process II ET processes all vary from nonadiabatic to adiabatic state continuously, and the lambda dependence of k(0) for Process I is monotonic thoroughly, while for Process II on electrode surface the lambda dependence of k(0) could show a nonmonotonicity.     

Working Electrodes from Amalgam Paste for Electrochemical Measurements

Paste electrode with paste amalgam as an active electrode material is described here for the first time. Designed electrode from silver paste amalgam (AgA‐PE) is solely metallic and does not contain any organic binder. Mechanical surface regeneration of AgA‐PE is performed in the same way as for classical carbon paste electrodes and reproducibility of such regeneration is about 10%. Electrochemical surface regeneration appeared very efficient for most measurements. In dependence on paste metal content, the electrode surface can be liquid (resembling a film) or rather solid. The hydrogen overvoltage on AgA‐PE is high, and the electrode allows measurements at highly negative potentials. AgA‐PE is well suited for study of reduction or oxidation processes without an accumulation step. Anodic stripping voltammetry of some metals tested on the electrode is influenced by formation of intermetallic compounds. The measurement based on cathodic stripping voltammetry (adenine, cysteine) and on catalytic processes from adsorbed state (complex of osmium tetroxide with 2,2′‐bipyridine) can be performed on AgA‐PE practically under the same conditions as found earlier for HMDE and for silver solid amalgam electrode. The working electrode from paste amalgam combines the advantages of paste and metal electrodes.     

Sb在Au电极上不可逆吸附的电化学过程

用电化学循环伏安法和电化学石英晶体微天平(EQCM)技术研究了Sb在Au电极上不可逆吸附的电化学过程. 研究结果表明, 在-0.25 V到0.18 V(vs SCE)范围内, Sb可在Au电极上稳定吸附, 并且在0.15 V附近出现特征氧化还原峰. 根据EQCM实验数据, 在电位0.18 V时, Sb在Au电极上的氧化产物是Sb2O3; 同时Sb的吸附阻止了电解液中阴离子和水在Au电极上的吸附. 当电极电位超过0.20 V时, Sb2O3会被进一步氧化成Sb5+化合物, 同时逐渐从Au电极表面脱附.     

High-frequency phenomena and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy at nanoelectrodes

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a powerful probe of the processes taking place at an electrode. Depending on frequency, it is sensitive to the solid-liquid interface as well as to processes taking place in the solution further from the electrode. In principle, shrinking electrode dimensions allows probing these processes on the nanometer scale. In practice, however, this represents a formidable challenge. Signals resulting from the stray capacitance of the interconnects can dramatically exceed those from the electrode itself. Furthermore, miniaturized electrodes exhibit faster dynamics, and thus necessitate working at higher frequencies in order to achieve comparable performance. Here we discuss recent advances in nanoscale impedance measurements. We begin with a theoretical discussion of the main concepts and inherent tradeoffs, followed by a review of recent experimental efforts. As this field remains in its infancy, we place particular emphasis on the conceptual and technical aspects of the approaches being developed.     

Simplifying the evaluation of graphene modified electrode performance using rotating disk electrode voltammetry

Graphene modified electrodes have been fabricated by electrodeposition from an aqueous graphene oxide solution onto conducting Pt, Au, glassy carbon, and indium tin dioxide substrates. Detailed investigations of the electrochemistry of the [Ru(NH(3))(6)](3+/2+) and [Fe(CN)(6)](3-/4-) and hydroquinone and uric acid oxidation processes have been undertaken at glassy carbon and graphene modified glassy carbon electrodes using transient cyclic voltammetry at a stationary electrode and near steady-state voltammetry at a rotating disk electrode. Comparisons of the data with simulation suggest that the transient voltammetric characteristics at graphene modified electrodes contain a significant contribution from thin layer and surface confined processes. Consequently, interpretations based solely on mass transport by semi-infinite linear diffusion may result in incorrect conclusions on the activity of the graphene modified electrode. In contrast, steady-state voltammetry at a rotating disk electrode affords a much simpler method for the evaluation of the performance of graphene modified electrode since the relative importance of the thin layer and surface confined processes are substantially diminished and mass transport is dominated by convection. Application of the rotated electrode approach with carbon nanotube modified electrodes also should lead to simplification of data analysis in this environment.     

Amperometric measurement of ds-DNA content using a peroxidase-modified electrode

An enzyme electrode with a chemically amplified response for methylene blue (MB) was constructed from a glassy carbon electrode and a layer containing immobilized horseradish peroxidase (HRP). MB is reduced on the electrode but regenerated through the HRP-catalyzed reaction in the presence of H(2)O(2). The electroreduction/regeneration cycle for MB resulted in an amplified electrode response. The enzyme electrode was applied to the highly sensitive measurement of ds-DNA. The current for MB decreased in association with its complexation with DNA, and the current response caused by DNA was also amplified through the recycling processes. The detection limit of ds-DNA (from salmon testes) was as low as 5 ng ml(-1).     

Recent Progress on Electrode Design for Efficient Electrochemical Valorisation of CO2, O2, and N2

CO₂ reduction, two-electron O₂ reduction, and N₂ reduction are sustainable technologies to valorise common molecules. Their further development requires working electrode design to promote the multistep electrochemical processes from gas reactants to value-added products at the device level. This review proposes critical features of a desirable electrode based on the fundamental electrochemical processes and the development of scalable devices. A detailed discussion is made to approach such a desirable electrode, addressing the recent progress on critical electrode components, assembly strategies, and reaction interface engineering. Further, we highlight the electrode design tailored to reaction properties (e.g., its thermodynamics and kinetics) for performance optimisation. Finally, the opportunities and remaining challenges are presented, providing a framework for rational electrode design to push these gas reduction reactions towards an improved technology readiness level (TRL).     

Comparison of fundamental and second-harmonic a.c., and normal,derivative and differential pulse linear-sweep and stripping voltammetric methods

Linear-sweep and stripping a.c. and pulse voltammetric methods have been compared for a variety of electrodes and electrode processes. Each of the linear-sweep techniques is readily used systematically because, in contrast to d.c. linear-sweep voltammetry, the theory for reversible electrode processes is basically analogous to that for polarography at a dropping mercury electrode. In stripping analysis, some departures are found at a hanging mercury drop electrode because of spherical diffusion effects. For reversible electrode processes, the limits of detection for a.c. and pulse methods are comparable. However, a.c. methods offer advantages over pulse methods in discriminating against irreversible electrode processes and permit the ready use of faster scan rates. Pulse methods are more sensitive for irreversible electrode process. Normal pulse polarography is particularly favourable in minimizing undesirable phenomena arising from adsorption or deposition of material on electrodes.     

Simulation of nonstationary processes in solid electrolyte electrochemical cells for the pulsed mode of gas composition variations

Studying processes that occur in solid electrolyte electrochemical cells when the working electrode is subjected to an impact of the reactive gas medium are of interest for both their practical application and the understanding of mechanisms of these processes. There are grounds to assume that the methods of studying the processes on electrodes by subjecting the latter to chemical pulses provide more information as compared with the conventional methods based on electric perturbations. A computer simulation of nonstationary processes in a solid electrolyte electrochemical cell of the flow-through kind is carried out. The model of these processes takes into account the transport of electrochemically active components in the gas phase, the kinetics and statics of adsorption of these substances on the gas/electrode interface, and the kinetics of electrode reactions including chemical and charge-transfer stages. Time dependences of concentration fields are calculated as well as the integral characteristics of flows, namely, the oxygen flow from the gas phase to the electrode, the oxygen flow from the electrode to the solid electrolyte, and the flow of the electrochemically active component at the cell outlet.     

The electrochemistry of chromium in molten LiCl+KCl

Chronopotentiometric and steady-state voltammetric techniques have been employed to study the electroreduction processes:Cr(III)+eCr(II) andCr(II)+2eCr(0) separately, using the LiCl+KCl eutectic as solvent at 500°C.The adsorption of the ions on the electrode surfaces appears to play a role in the overall electrode processes; the degree of adsorption was correlated with the variation of exchange current density with concentration in the case of the Cr(II) ions. Fluoride ions had no effect on the electrode processes. The chronopotentiometric behaviour of Cr(III) ions was rather complex but adsorption appeared to play a part in this case also.     

Mechanism of electrochemical reactions of polyaniline films formed under the conditions of cathodic oxygen reduction

Polyaniline films (further, CPANI) were obtained under the conditions of oxygen cathodic reduction in the aniline-containing solution on the electrodes of mixed indium tin oxide (ITO), graphite, and gold. CPANI films are characterized by redox processes in the potential ranges of 0.1–0.2 V and ～0.4 V (SCE). These processes are caused by the polymer chain fragments of different structure and the ratio between the peaks corresponding to these processes varies significantly as dependent on the synthesis conditions (electrode material, stirring, etc). The mechanism of electrode processes on CPANI is studied using the methods of cyclic voltammetry and quartz microgravimetry. It is found that only hydrogen cations and supporting electrolyte anions participate in the electrode process at the potentials of 0.1–0.2 V. The mechanism of redox processes on the obtained polymer films is discussed.     

Electrochemical Behavior of Irreversibly Adsorbed Sb on Au Electrode

The electrochemical processes of irreversibly adsorbed antimony (Sb_ad) on Au electrode were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). CV data showed that Sb_ad on Au electrode yielded oxidation and reduction features at about 0.15 V (vs saturated calomel electrode, SCE). EQCM data indicated that Sb_ad species were stable on Au electrode in the potential region from −0.25 to 0.18 V (vs SCE); the adsorption of Sb inhibited the adsorption of water and anion on Au electrode at low electrode potentials. Sb₂O₃ species was suggested to form on the Au electrode at 0.18 V. At a potential higher than 0.20 V the Sb₂O₃ species could be further oxidized to Sb(V) oxidation state and then desorbed from Au electrode.     

MH/Ni电池充放电过程导电物理机制的研究

借助X射线衍射等方法, 研究了MH/Ni电池在充放电过程中电极活性材料β-Ni(OH)2和AB5合金的结构和微结构变化, 进而讨论了两种电极活性材料在充放电过程中的物理行为和导电的物理机制. 研究发现, 在充电过程中确实未观测到β-Ni(OH)2→β-NiOOH的相变, 只有在满充和过充时, 才发生部分β-Ni(OH)2转变成γ-NiOOH, 且一直是β-Ni(OH)2和γ-NiOOH两相共存; 在充电过程不是由β-Ni(OH)2→β-NiOOH相变来提供氢离子, 而是由氢原子离开β-Ni(OH)2的点阵位置提供氢离子; 在负极这一边, 开始时氢原子是以间隙式嵌入AB5点阵形成固溶体, 只有当AB5因氢原子的嵌入使其体积变化达一定百分数后才析出AB5Hx氢化物. 这些过程使电极活性材料的微结构也发生变化, 而且这种变化不是完全可逆的. 简言之, MH/Ni电池的物理导电机制是在正负极活性材料中嵌入和脱嵌的氢离子在电极间的定向迁移运动.     

对电极性能对染料敏化太阳电池动力学过程的影响

借助电化学阻抗谱(EIS)和强度调制光电流谱(IMPS)/强度调制光电压谱(IMVS)技术, 采用不同纳米TiO₂多孔薄膜对电极研究了染料敏化太阳电池(DSC)内部2个主要电荷输运过程的内在联系, 并探讨了载Pt材料对DSC界面动力学过程及电池宏观性能的影响机理. 借助等效电路模型分析了基于不同对电极材料电池的填充因子变化原因. 结果表明, 对电极材料的电极电荷交换过程制约光阳极膜内电子传输, 进而影响电池光伏性能; 同时对电极催化反应速率主要与催化剂活性、 载Pt材料电导率和催化反应面积有关.     

Sonoelectrochemical studies on mass transport in some standard redox systems

A systematic study pertaining to the effects of ultrasound on four redox processes at a glassy carbon electrode has been undertaken. Ru(NH₃)₆Cl₃, K₄Fe(CN)₆, methylviologen, and benzoquinone are the redox probes investigated. Ultrasound intensity, distance between the electrode and sonoprobe, the type of sonoprobe and its geometrical arrangement with respect to the working electrode are the variables invoked. Rotating disc electrode and impedance measurements have been made to obtain information on the mass transport processes.     

化学修饰电极的研究 ⅩⅤⅡ四苯基铁卟啉化学修饰玻碳电极的热处理及其对氧的催化还原

关于金属卟啉、酞菁等化学修饰电极的研究已有大量工作发表.这类电极很不稳定,例如著名的面-面双钴卟啉修饰电报,虽然能直接催化氧还原为水,但经受不住几次电位扫描就失去催化活性.因此,如何提高稳定性就成为研究这类电极的关键.近年来有人报道,吸附在活性碳上的金属卟啉、酞菁类化合物经热处理,可改善其稳定性。热处理后得到的粉状碳催化剂,由于完全不溶于水及有机溶剂,制备电极非常困难。曾有过用这种     

Electrochemical behavior of poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane-b-dimethylsiloxane) films

The electrochemical behavior of poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane-b-dimethylsiloxane) (PFDMS-b-PDMS) films deposited on a glassy carbon electrode was investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV). The influences of the solvent, film thickness, temperature, and PDMS block length in PFDMS-b-PDMS on the electrode process were discussed. It was found that in 0.1 M aqueous LiClO(4) the electrochemical processes of the films on a glassy carbon electrode were complex and have a low rate of electron transport and mass diffusion. The kinetic parameters obtained indicated that the electrode process was controlled by both the electrode reaction and mass diffusion.     

Electrochemical Characterization of the Self‐assembled Monolayer of 6‐Thioguanine on the Mercury Electrode

A self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) of 6‐thioguanine (6TG) was formed on the hanging mercury drop electrode, under open circuit potential, from 6TG solutions. The SAM has been characterized by cyclic voltammetry under both in situ and ex situ conditions and the experimental data reveal that the film is a densely packed structure of chemisorbed (mercury‐thiol) molecules. The presence of this SAM has no influence on the rate of outer‐sphere electrode reactions but strongly inhibits inner‐sphere processes. The electrode reaction involving the Fe(CN) couple appears reversible in a hanging mercury drop electrode coated by the 6TG‐SAM.     

Signal-to-noise enhancement using carbon fiber electrodes in the photoelectroanalytical detection of tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)

Photoelectroanalytical chemistry (PEAC) is a sensitive and selective technique for the detection and quantitation of tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II). Currently, the detection limit of this method is restricted by background photocurrent due to photochemical processes which occur on the electrode surface. Since these processes increase as the illuminated electrode area increases, experiments were carried out using a cylindrical carbon fiber as the working electrode in a non-flowing system. Results were compared to both a glassy carbon and a platinum macroelectrode. Determination of the signal photocurrent density for the fiber electrode showed it to be of the same order of magnitude as the larger electrodes, while the background photocurrent density was more than two orders of magnitude lower than at the larger electrodes. The signal-to-noise ratio for the microelectrode was also much higher than for either macroelectrode. On the basis of these results, a theoretical detection limit of approximately 10⁻⁹M is possible using a carbon fiber electrode in an ordinary (static) electrochemical cell.