SiO2 coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes based amperometric glucose biosensor

A new type of amperometric glucose biosensor based on silicon dioxide coated magnetic nanoparticle decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/MWNTs) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) has been developed. MWNTs have been synthesized by catalytic chemical vapour decomposition (CCVD) of acetylene over rare earth (RE) based AB₃ alloy hydride catalyst. The as-grown MWNTs have been purified and further functionlized. Functionalized MWNTs have been decorated with magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles which have been uniformly coated with biocompatible SiO₂ using a simple chemical reduction method. The characterization of magnetic nanoparticle modified MWNTs have been done by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and UV-vis spectroscopy. Amperometric biosensor has been fabricated by the deposition of glucose oxidase (GOD) over Nafion-solubilized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/MWNTs electrode. The resultant bioelectrode retains its biocatalytic activity and offers fast and sensitive glucose quantification. The performance of the biosensor has been studied using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry and the results have been discussed. The fabricated glucose biosensor exhibits a linear response from 1 μM to 30 mM with an excellent detection limit of 800 nM indicating the potential applications in food industries.     

Synthesis of MnO2/MWNTs Nanocomposites Using a Sonochemical Method and Application for Hydrazine Detection

A sonochemical method has been successfully used to synthesize MnO₂/MWNTs nanocomposites. The structure and nature of the resulting MnO₂/MWNTs composite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray diffraction (EDX), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).The results show that the sonochemically synthesized MnO₂ nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed on the modified MWNT surfaces. The performance of the MnO₂/MWNTs nanocomposites modified electrode was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Nyquist plots. The electrode exhibits efficient electron transfer ability and high electrochemical response towards hydrazine. This may be attributed to the small particle size, high dispersion of MnO₂ particles. The fabricated hydrazine sensor showed a wide linear range of 5.0×10^?7–1.0×10^?3 M with a response time less than 5 s and a detection limit of 0.2 μM. Taking the advantage of the unique properties of both MWNTs and MnO₂, it would greatly broaden the applications of MWNTs and MnO₂.     

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic oxyfunctionalization of cyclohexene with tert-butylhydroperoxide over a manganese(II) complex covalently anchored to multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)

The chemical modification of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) is an emerging area in material science. In the present study, an hydroxyl functionalized manganese(II) Schiff-base has been covalently anchored on modified MWNTs. The new modified MWNTs have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron (XPS), thermal analysis, UV–Vis, diffuse reflectance (DRS), FT-IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The results suggest that the symmetrical Schiff-base; N,N-bis(4-hydroxysalicylidene)-ethylene-1,2-diamine; H₂[(OH)₂-salen]; is a bivalent anion with tetradentate N₂O₂ donors derived from the phenolic oxygens and azomethine nitrogens. The formulae was found to be [Mn((OH)₂-salen)] for the 1:1 non-electrolytic complex. The multi-wall carbon nanotubes covalently anchored manganese(II) complex ([Mn((OH)₂-salen)]@MWNTs) catalyze the oxidation of cyclohexene with TBHP. Oxidation of cyclohexene catalyzed by this complex gave 2-cyclohexene-1-ol, 2-cyclohexene-1-one and 1-(tert-butylperoxy)-2-cyclohexene as the major products. The manganese(II) complex covalently anchored on MWNTs shows significantly higher catalytic activity than [Mn((OH)₂-salen)]. The activity of the immobilized catalyst remains nearly the same after three cycles, suggesting the true heterogeneous nature of the catalyst. This catalyst is more selective towards 2-cyclohexene-1-one.     

Synthesis and Characterization of MWNTs/Au NPs/HS(CH2)6Fc Nanocomposite: Application to Electrochemical Determination of Ascorbic Acid

In this article, a detailed electrochemical study of a novel 6‐ferrocenylhexanethiol (HS(CH₂)₆Fc) self‐assembled multiwalled carbon nanotubes‐Au nanoparticles (MWNTs/Au NPs) composite film was demonstrated. MWNTs/Au NPs were prepared by one‐step in situ synthesis using linear polyethyleneimine (PEI) as bifunctionalizing agent. HS(CH₂)₆Fc, which acted as the redox mediator, was self‐assembled to MWNTs/Au NPs via Au‐S bond. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transformed infrared absorption spectroscopy (FT‐IR), UV‐visible absorption spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry were used to characterize the properties of the MWNTs/Au NPs/HS(CH₂)₆Fc nanocomposite. The preparation of the nanocomposite was very simple and effectively prevented the leakage of the HS(CH₂)₆Fc mediator during measurements. The electrooxidation of AA could be catalyzed by Fc/Fc⁺ couple as a mediator and had a higher electrochemical response due to the unique performance of MWNTs/Au NPs. The nanocomposite modified electrode exhibited excellent catalytic efficiency, high sensitivity, good stability, fast response (within 3 s) and low detection limit toward the oxidation of AA at a lower potential.     

Surfactant-free fabrication of Cu2O nanosheets from Cu colloids and their tunable optical properties

Novel sheetlike Cu₂O two-dimensional (2D) nanoarchitectures were successfully synthesized via a copper nanoparticle-mediated process for the first time. Uniform and nearly monodisperse Cu nanocolloids were firstly synthesized by disproportionating reaction of Cu⁺ at the surfactant-free ambient conditions, and Cu₂O nanosheets were subsequently synthesized by choosing ethanol solvent agent to limit the oxidized processes of Cu nanocolloids. The synthesized products were systematically studied by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis absorption spectra. It was demonstrated that the solvent agent of ethanol played key roles in the formation of the as-synthesized nanosheets. By choosing the different solvent agents to limit the oxidized processes, Cu₂O nanospheres and nanocubes can be selectively synthesized accordingly.     

Multilayer structured carbon nanotubes/poly-l-lysine/laccase composite cathode for glucose/O2 biofuel cell

Multilayer film of laccase, poly-l-lysine (PLL) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared by a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. The results of the UV–vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies demonstrated a uniform growth of the multilayer. The catalytic behavior of the modified electrode was investigated. The (MWNTs/PLL/laccase)_n multilayer modified electrode catalyzed four-electron reduction of O₂ to water, without any mediator. The possible application of the laccase-catalyzed O₂ reduction at the (MWNTs/PLL/laccase)_n multilayer modified ITO electrode was illustrated by constructing a glucose/O₂ biofuel cell with the (MWNTs/thionine/AuNPs)₈ GDH film modified ITO electrode as a bioanode and the (MWNTs/PLL/laccase)₁₅ film modified ITO electrode as a biocathode. The open-circuit voltage reached to 700 mV, and the maximum power density achieved 329 μW cm⁻² at 470 mV of the cell voltage.     

The combined catalytic action of solid acids with nickel for the transformation of polypropylene into carbon nanotubes by pyrolysis

The effects of both organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) and Ni₂O₃ on the carbonization of polypropylene (PP) during pyrolysis were investigated. The results from TEM and Raman spectroscopy showed that the carbonized products of PP were mainly multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). Surprisingly, a combination of OMMT and Ni₂O₃ led to high‐yield formation of MWNTs. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and GC–MS were used to investigate the mechanism of this combination for the high‐yield formation of MWNTs from PP. Brønsted acid sites were created in degraded OMMT layers by thermal decomposition of the modifiers. The resultant carbenium ions play an important role in the carbonization of PP and the formation of MWNTs. The degradation of PP was induced by the presence of carbenium ions to form predominantly products with lower carbon numbers that could be easily catalyzed by the nickel catalyst for the growth of MWNTs. Furthermore, carbenium ions are active intermediates that promote the growth of MWNTs from the degradation products with higher carbon numbers through hydride‐transfer reactions. The XRD measurements showed that Ni₂O₃ was reduced into metallic nickel (Ni) in situ to afford the active sites for the growth of MWNTs.     

Controlled modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with Zno nanostructures

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been successfully modified with ZnO nanostructures by zinc-ammonitum complex ion covalently attached to the MWNTs through the C-N bonds. Flower-like ZnO on the tips of MWNTs and ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of MWNTs have been obtained, respectively, via adjusting the reaction time. The modified MWNTs have been characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. A growth mechanism has been proposed in which the soaking time plays a key role in controlling the size, morphology, and site of ZnO nanostructures. Photoluminescence properties of the as-synthesized products have also been investigated.     

Oxidation‐induced nanostructures on Cu{100}, Cu(Ag) and Ag/Cu{100} studied by photoelectron spectroscopy

Initial surface oxidation and nanoscale morphology on Cu{100}, Cu(Ag) and Ag/Cu{100} have been investigated in situ by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray induced Auger electron spectroscopy (XAES) and the inelastic electron background analysis as a function of oxygen exposure at 3.7 × 10^?2 and 213 mbar pressures at a surface temperature of 373 K. Relative Cu₂O concentrations have been quantified by analysis of the peak shape of the XAES Cu LMM transition. The surface morphology of Cu₂O islands and the Ag layer has been characterized by inelastic electron background analysis of XAES O KLL and Ag 3d transitions. Oxygen‐induced segregation of Cu, as well as the subsequent Cu₂O island formation on Cu(Ag) and Ag/Cu{100} surfaces, has been investigated quantitatively. Our results indicate that Ag has a clear inhibitive effect on the initial oxidation and Cu₂O island formation on Cu(Ag) and Ag/Cu{100} surfaces. The Cu₂O islands are also observed to remain highly strained on Ag/Cu{100} even at higher O₂ exposures. The results suggest that strained Cu₂O islands eventually penetrate through the buried Ag layer, and in conjunction with segregating Cu atoms enable the oxidation to proceed at a similar rate to or even faster than on the unalloyed Cu surface. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dinuclear copper complexes of pyridylphenylphosphine ligands: Characterization of a mixed-valence Cu/Cu dimer

Homo bi-copper complexes [Cu₂{PhP(2-py)₂}₂(NO₃)₃] (1) and [Cu₂{P(2-py)₃}₂Cl₂] (2), were synthesized from the reaction of Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O and CuCl₂·2H₂O with their corresponding 2-pyridylphosphine ligands. Compound 1 has a mixed valence Cu(I)-Cu(II) core with electron acceptor phosphine atoms and two NO₃⁻ anions coordinated in a monodentate fashion to Cu(I), giving it a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The environment of Cu(II) in 1 is composed of four nitrogen atoms from pyridyl and another NO₃⁻ anion in a square pyramidal geometry. This complex shows luminescence and a low energy absorption band at 969 nm corresponding to intermetallic electron transfer between the copper centers. Complex 2 was prepared from the treatment of copper(II) chloride with tris(2-pyridyl)phosphine, producing a binuclear copper complex which possesses a crystallographic inversion center. The copper geometry in this complex is distorted tetrahedral with coordination of one Cl⁻, two nitrogens from one bridging tris(2-pyridyl)phosphine ligand and one P atom from the other bridging tris(2-pyridyl)phosphine ligand, in a similar way observed in related complexes. The products have been characterized by spectroscopic methods and also by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method.     

Direct Electrochemistry of Multi‐Copper Oxidases at Carbon Nanotubes Noncovalently Functionalized with Cellulose Derivatives

This study describes the direct electron transfer of multi‐copper oxidases, i.e., laccase (from Trametes versicolor) and bilirubin oxidase (BOD, from Myrothecium verrucaria) at multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) noncovalently functionalized with biopolymers of cellulose derivatives, i.e., hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), methyl cellulose (MC), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The functionalization of the MWNTs with the cellulose derivatives is found to substantially solubilize the MWNTs into aqueous media and to avoid their aggregation on electrode surface. Under anaerobic conditions, the redox properties of laccase and BOD are difficult to be defined with cyclic voltammetry at either laccase/MWNT‐modified or BOD/MWNT‐modified electrodes. The direct electron transfer properties of laccase and BOD are thus studied in terms of the bioelectrocatalytic activities of the laccase/MWNT‐modified and BOD/MWNT‐modified electrodes toward the reduction of oxygen and found to be facilitated at the functionalized MWNTs. The possible application of the laccase‐catalyzed O₂ reduction at the laccase/MWNT‐modified electrode is illustrated by constructing a CNT‐based ascorbate/O₂ biofuel cell with the MWNT‐modified electrode as the anode for the oxidation of ascorbate biofuel.     

Electrocatalytic Reduction of Oxygen at Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Cobalt Porphyrin Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

The multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) modified glassy carbon electrode exhibited electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of oxygen in 0.1 M HAc‐NaAc (pH 3.8) buffer solution. Further modification with cobalt porphyrin film on the MWNTs by adsorption, the resulted modified electrode showed more efficient catalytic activity to O₂ reduction. The reduction peak potential of O₂ is shifted much more positively to 0.12 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), and the peak current is increased greatly. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), were used to characterize the material and the modified film on electrode surface. Electrochemical experiments gave the total number of electron transfer for oxygen reduction as about 3, which indicated a co‐exist process of 2 electrons and 4 electrons for reduction of oxygen at this modified electrode. Meanwhile, the catalytic activities of the multilayer film (MWNTs/CoTMPyP)_n prepared by layer‐by‐layer method were investigated, and the results showed that the peak current of O₂ reduction increased and the peak potential shifted to a positive direction with the increase of layer numbers.     

A Novel NH2/ITO Ion Implantation Electrode: Preparation,Characterization, and Application in Bioelectrochemistry

A novel NH₂⁺ ion implantation‐modified indium tin oxide (NH₂/ITO) electrode was prepared. Acid‐pretreated, negatively charged MWNTs were firstly modified on the surface of NH₂⁺ ion implantation electrode, then, positively charged Mb was adsorbed onto MWNTs films by electrostatic interaction. The assembly of MWNTs and Mb was characterized with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The immobilized Mb showed a couple of quasireversible cyclic voltammetry peaks in pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The apparent surface concentration of Mb at the electrode surface was 1.06×10^?9 mol cm^?2. The Mb/MWNTs/NH₂/ITO electrode also gave an improved electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The catalysis currents increased linearly to the H₂O₂ concentration in a wide range from 9×10^?7 to 9.2×10^?5 M with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The detection limit was 9.0×10^?7 M. The experiment results demonstrated that the modified electrode provided a biocompatible microenvironment for protein and supplied a necessary pathway for its direct electron transfer.     

Synthesis,characterization and alcohol oxidation properties of multi-wall carbon nanotubes functionalized with a cobalt(II) Schiff base complex

A hydroxyl functionalized cobalt(II) Schiff base complex has been covalently anchored to modified multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The modified MWNTs have been characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. The results suggest that the symmetrical Schiff base, N,N′-bis(4-hydroxysalicylidene)-ethylene-1,2-diamine; H₂[((OH)₂-salen)] acts as a tetradentate N₂O₂ donor via the deprotonated phenolic oxygens and azomethine nitrogens. The functionalized [Co((OH)₂-salen)]–MWNTs catalyze the oxidation of aliphatic and aromatic alcohols into the corresponding carboxylic acids and ketones in the presence of 30% H₂O₂ in good yields. The system is truly heterogeneous (no leaching observed) and reusable (no decrease in activity over three consecutive runs).     

Sulfur Changes the Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Pathway over Cu Electrocatalysts

Electrochemical CO₂ reduction to value-added chemicals or fuels offers a promising approach to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate energy shortage. Cu-based electrocatalysts have been widely reported as capable of reducing CO₂ to produce a variety of multicarbon products (e.g., ethylene and ethanol). In this work, we develop sulfur-doped Cu₂O electrocatalysts, which instead can electrochemically reduce CO₂ to almost exclusively formate. We show that a dynamic equilibrium of S exists at the Cu₂O-electrolyte interface, and S-doped Cu₂O undergoes in situ surface reconstruction to generate active S-adsorbed metallic Cu sites during the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations together with in situ infrared absorption spectroscopy measurements show that the S-adsorbed metallic Cu surface can not only promote the formation of the *OCHO intermediate but also greatly suppress *H and *COOH adsorption, thus facilitating CO₂-to-formate conversion during the electrochemical CO₂RR.     

Electrochemical chlorine sensor with multi-walled carbon nanotubes as electrocatalysts

It has been reported for the first time that an electrochemical gas sensor modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) film as electrocatalyst was fabricated for the determination of chlorine (Cl₂).Here, MWNTs and graphite were compared with each other in terms of their electrochemical properties using cyclic voltammetry. Cl₂ gas was allowed through the cathode surface of the sensor and the resulting galvanic effects were monitored. Results indicated that both of the MWNTs and graphite have the electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of Cl₂ while the MWNTs-modified electrode exhibited a higher accessible surface area in electrochemical reactions, excellent sensitivity, stable response, reproducibility and recovery for the determination of Cl₂.     

Coating MWNTs with Cu2O of different morphology by a polyol process

Homogeneous cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) nanoparticles with size of 8-10 nm are deposited on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by a polyol process using Cu(CH₃COO)₂·H₂O as a precursor and diethylene glycol as both solvent and reducing agent. The composition of the resulting Cu₂O/MWNTs composites is confirmed by XRD pattern, XPS spectrum and HRTEM images. With the change of the reaction conditions, it is found that Cu₂O nanoparticles on the surface of MWNTs can be leafage-like or big spherical particle coated on the surface of MWNTs. HRTEM images indicate that all the leafage-like and big spherical particles are assembled by small Cu₂O particles with size of about 2-5 nm. With the assistance of FTIR spectrum, a tentative mechanism is proposed for the formation of Cu₂O nanoparticles with different morphologies on the surface of MWNTs.     

Stable Aqueous Photoelectrochemical CO2 Reduction by a Cu2O Dark Cathode with Improved Selectivity for Carbonaceous Products

Photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to produce fuels is a promising way to reduce CO₂ emission and address the energy crisis. However, the H₂ evolution reaction competes with CO₂ photoreduction, which would lower the overall selectivity for carbonaceous products. Cu₂O has emerged as a promising material for suppressing the H₂ evolution. However, it suffers from poor stability, which is commonly regarded as the result of the electron‐induced reduction of Cu₂O. This paper describes a simple strategy using Cu₂O as a dark cathode and TiO₂ as a photoanode to achieve stable aqueous CO₂ reduction with a high Faradaic efficiency of 87.4 % and a selectivity of 92.6 % for carbonaceous products. We have shown that the photogenerated holes, instead of the electrons, primarily account for the instability of Cu₂O. Therefore, Cu₂O was used as a dark cathode to minimize the adverse effects of holes, by which an improved stability was achieved compared to the Cu₂O photocathode under illumination. Additionally, direct exposure of the Cu₂O surface to the electrolyte was identified as a critical factor for the high selectivity for carbonaceous products.     

One-pot solvothermal synthesis of a Cu2O/Graphene nanocomposite and its application in an electrochemical sensor for dopamine

Nanocomposites composed of cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) and graphene were synthesized via reduction of copper(II) in ethylene glycol. This material possesses the specific features of both Cu₂O and graphene. Its morphology was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry was used to evaluate the electrochemical response of a glass carbon electrode (GCE) modified with the nanocomposite towards dopamine (DA). Compared to the bare GCE, the Cu₂O nanoparticles modified electrode and the graphene modified electrode, the nanocomposites modified electrode displays high electrocatalytic activity in giving an oxidation peak current that is proportional to the concentration of DA in the range from 0.1 to 10???M,with a detection limit of 10?nM (S/N?=?3). The modified electrode shows excellent selectivity and sensitivity even in the presence of high concentration of uric acid and can be applied to determine DA in real samples with satisfactory results.

Cu2O-coated polystyrene microsphere materials with enhanced photo- and photoelectro-catalytic activity

Cuprous oxide microsphere material was fabricated by electrochemical deposition using polystyrene particles as template. The samples are characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and UV–vis spectrophotometer. The SEM image shows the morphology and size of the microspheres, and the thickness of covered Cu₂O layer is about 100 nm. Due to the unique microspherical structure, the surface area is larger, and the optical absorption is better in Cu₂O microsphere material than in bulk Cu₂O film, which makes the degradation of methylene blue faster and photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of glucose stronger on Cu₂O microsphere material than on bulk Cu₂O film under visible light illumination. The enhanced photo- and photoelectro-catalytic activity makes the Cu₂O microsphere material more suitable for solar applications.