Electropolymerized composite film of polypyrrole and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes: effect of functionalization time on capacitive performance

The composite film of polypyrrole and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PPy/F-MWNTs) was prepared by electropolymerization. MWNTs were functionalized by sonicating with a concentrated solution of H₂SO₄/HNO₃ (3/1, volume ratio) in a water bath for different times. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cut into smaller portions with more functional groups introduced on their surface when the sonicating time (nominated as functionalization time hereafter) is increased. However, the specific capacitance of the composite film reaches a maximum of 240 F g⁻¹ at the scanning rate of 10 mV s⁻¹ when MWNTs are functionalized for 24 h, which is about 205 F g⁻¹, 225 F g⁻¹ and 232 F g⁻¹, respectively, when MWNTs are functionalized for 6 h, 12 h and 48 h. At a current load of 1.0 A g⁻¹, PPy/F-MWNT composite film functionalized for 24 h (PPy/F-MWNTs (24 h)) retains 93.49% of its initial capacitance after 1,000 cycles of galvanostatic charge/discharge, and the discharge efficiency is higher than 98.15% during cycling. High specific capacitance, good rate performance, fast charge/discharge ability and long cycling life are ascribed to the synergistic effect of the two components to form a porous composite film as well as the easy accessibility of counter ions into the film. Therefore, PPy/F-MWNT (24 h) composite film is a kind of promising electrode material for supercapacitors. The mechanism of underfunctionalization and overfunctionalization of carbon nanotubes is also discussed.     

Capacitive biosensor for detection of endotoxin

A capacitive biosensor for the detection of bacterial endotoxin has been developed. Endotoxin-neutralizing protein derived from American horseshoe crab was immobilized to a self-assembled thiol layer on a biosensor transducer (Au). Upon injection of a sample containing endotoxin, a decrease in the observed capacitive signal was registered. Endotoxin could be determined under optimum conditions with a detection limit of 1.0 × 10⁻¹³ M and linearity ranging from 1.0 × 10⁻¹³ to 1.0 × 10⁻¹⁰ M. Good agreement was achieved when applying endotoxin preparations purified from an Escherichia coli cultivation to the capacitive biosensor system, utilizing the conventional method for quantitative endotoxin determination, the Limulus amebocyte lysate test as a reference. The capacitive biosensor method was statistically tested with the Wilcoxon signed rank test, which proved the system is acceptable for the quantitative analysis of bacterial endotoxin (P < 0.05). Figure The flow-injection capacitive biosensor system and the capacitive properties of the transducer surface, where C_SAM is the capacitance change of the self-assembled thiol monolayer, C_P is the capacitance change of the protein layer, C_a is the capacitance change of the analyte layer and C_Total is the total capacitance change measured at the working electrode/solution interface (modified from Limbut et al., 2006. Biosens Bioelectron 22: 233-240)     

Significantly enhanced rate capability in supercapacitors using carbide-derived carbons electrode with superior microstructure

Mesoporous carbide-derived carbons (CDC) with hierarchical pore structure were fabricated by chlorine etching of mesoporous titanium carbides. Their capacitive behaviors for electrochemical capacitor were investigated in comparison to those of purely microporous CDC. The as-prepared mesoporous CDC exhibited not only uniform micropores formed by leaching out titanium atoms but a 3-D mesoporous network inherited from their parent carbides. These mesoporous CDC could deliver a high specific capacitance of 120 F g⁻¹ in 1 M tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate dissolved in propylene carbonate. Moreover, they owned excellent frequency response and superior rate capability with capacitance retention ratio of 91% at current density of 10 A g⁻¹. A high energy density of 16.3 Wh kg⁻¹ was obtained even though power density was raised up to 4,300 W kg⁻¹. The distinctive capacitive performance of mesoporous CDC would be attributed to their superior microstructure, in which the uniform micropores contributed to high charge storage while the 3-D mesoporous network and nanometer-scaled dimension of particles facilitated ions transfer as well as shortened electrolyte diffusion distance.     

空心六边形镍钴硫化物/RGO复合物的合成及其超级电容性能

通过两步法制备了一种空心六边形镍钴硫化物（HHNCS）与还原氧化石墨烯（RGO）的纳米复合材料HHNCS/RGO。利用XRD,SEM,TEM和Raman光谱等对复合物进行表征,发现镍钴硫化物为空心六边形结构,并且均匀地附着在RGO的表面。该纳米复合物用作超级电容器电极表现出优异的电化学性能。在电流密度为1 A·g^-1时比电容为927 F·g^-1;当电流密度增大到20 A·g^-1时,比电容仍高达724 F·g^-1,表明材料拥有较好的倍率性能。此外,在电流密度5 A·g^-1下循环2000次后比电容保留有初始值的93%,显示出优异的循环稳定性。HHNCS/RGO优异的电容性能主要是由于RGO的存在不仅增强了材料的导电性,而且作为理想的载体分散HHNCS纳米片。HHNCS/RGO纳米复合物优异的电化学性能使其在超级电容器电极材料领域具有应用前景。     

空心六边形镍钴硫化物/RGO复合物的合成及其超级电容性能

通过两步法制备了一种空心六边形镍钴硫化物(HHNCS)与还原氧化石墨烯(RGO)的纳米复合材料HHNCS/RGO。利用XRD,SEM,TEM和Raman光谱等对复合物进行表征,发现镍钴硫化物为空心六边形结构,并且均匀地附着在RGO的表面。该纳米复合物用作超级电容器电极表现出优异的电化学性能。在电流密度为1 A·g-1时比电容为927 F·g-1;当电流密度增大到20 A·g-1时,比电容仍高达724 F·g-1,表明材料拥有较好的倍率性能。此外,在电流密度5 A·g-1下循环2 000次后比电容保留有初始值的93%,显示出优异的循环稳定性。HHNCS/RGO优异的电容性能主要是由于RGO的存在不仅增强了材料的导电性,而且作为理想的载体分散HHNCS纳米片。HHNCS/RGO纳米复合物优异的电化学性能使其在超级电容器电极材料领域具有应用前景。     

RuO2/Co3O4 thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis technique for supercapacitors

RuO₂/Co₃O₄ thin films with different RuO₂ content were successfully prepared on fluorine-doped tin oxide coated glass plate substrates by spray pyrolysis method, and their capacitive behavior was investigated. Electrochemical property was performed by cyclic voltammetry, constant current charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectra. The capacitive performance of RuO₂/Co₃O₄ thin films with different RuO₂ content corresponded to a contribution from a main pseudocapacitance and an additional electric double-layer capacitance. The specific capacitance of pure Co₃O₄, 15.5%, 35.6%, and 62.3% RuO₂ composites at the current density of 0.2 A g⁻¹ were 394 ± 8, 453 ± 9, 520 ± 10, and 690 ± 14 F g⁻¹, respectively; 62.3% RuO₂ composite presented the highest specific capacitance value at various current densities, whereas 35.6% RuO₂ composite exhibited not only the largest specific capacitance contribution from RuO₂ (C _sp ^RuO2) at the current density of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 A g⁻¹ but also the highest specific capacitance retention ratio (46.3 ± 2.8%) at the current density ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 A g⁻¹. Electrochemical impedance spectra showed that the contact resistance dropped gradually with the decrease of RuO₂ content, and the charge-transfer resistance (R _ct) increased gradually with the decrease of RuO₂ content.     

Optimizing the preparation conditions of polypyrrole electrodes for enhanced electrochemical capacitive performances

Here, we put forward an optimum proposal to prepare high-performance polypyrrole (PPy) electrodes for supercapacitor applications. A detailed study regarding the effects of different preparation conditions including electropolymerized mode, parameter, and current collector on the electrochemical capacitive performances of PPy electrodes is carried out. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction tests indicate the above preparation conditions have no effect on the component and crystal structure of PPy prepared. Electrochemical measurements manifest a significant effect of current collector on supercapacitive properties of PPy electrodes. Graphite foil as the current collector with low resistance shows remarkably superior capacitive performances compared with FTO-conducting glass and ITO conductive plastic. SEM characterizations show galvanostatically polymerized PPy particles have obviously smaller aggregation degree than potentiostatically polymerized PPy particles, which results in better electrochemical properties for former. Among different preparation conditions, the PPy deposited on graphite foil under galvanostatic mode with 2 mA cm^?2 shows the best electrochemical capacitive properties. The optimized PPy/graphite electrodes show a high specific capacitance of 173.0 mF cm^?2 at 0.2 mA cm^?2, superior rate capability, and outstanding cycling stability (retaining 90.5% of initial capacitance for 5000 cycles).     

多次聚合法制备多孔聚吡咯厚膜及其电化学容量性能

为了得到高面积比容量的聚吡咯(PPy)膜超级电容器电极材料, 用多次聚合法合成了PPy厚膜, 聚合电量分别为8、10和12 mAh·cm-2, 掺杂离子分别为氯离子和对甲基苯磺酸根离子(TOS-). PPy膜的电化学性能采用恒电流充放电、循环伏安(CV)和电化学阻抗谱(EIS)等方法测试. 研究表明, 多次聚合法可以制备表面平整且内部均匀多孔的PPy厚膜. 在聚合电量为12 mAh·cm-2时, 用Cl-、TOS-两种离子掺杂的PPy厚膜的面积比容量高达5 F·cm-2, 并表现出理想的电化学容量性能. 同时PPy-Cl厚膜的质量比容量达到330 F·g-1, PPy-TOS厚膜的质量比容量略低(191 F·g-1), 但具有更快的充放电速率. 与一次聚合法合成的PPy 薄膜相比, 多次聚合法合成的PPy厚膜的质量比容量没有降低. 通过场发射扫描电镜(SEM)观察了一次聚合法和多次聚合法制备的PPy厚膜的截面形貌, 并讨论了多次聚合法的合成机理.     

Structural and electrochemical behavior of Mn–V oxide synthesized by a novel precipitation method

Manganese–vanadium oxide had been synthesized by a novel simple precipitation technique. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize Mn–V binary oxide and δ-MnO₂. Electrochemical capacitive behavior of the synthesized Mn–V binary oxide and δ-MnO₂ was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostic charge–discharge curve, and electrochemical impedance spectroscope methods. The results showed that, by introducing V into δ-MnO₂, the specific surface area of the mixed oxide increased due to a formation of small grain size. The specific capacitance increased from 166 F g⁻¹ estimated for MnO₂ to 251 F g⁻¹ for Mn–V binary oxide, and the applied potential window extended to −0.2–1.0 V (vs. saturated calomel electrode). Through analysis, it is suggested that the capacitance performance of Mn–V binary oxide materials may be improved by changing the following three factors: (1) small grain and particle size and large activity surface area, (2) appropriate amount of lattice water, and (3) chemical state on the surface of MnO₂ material.     

Electrochemical capacitance of nickel oxide nanotubes synthesized in anodic aluminum oxide templates

Nickel oxide (NiO) nanotubes for supercapacitors were synthesized by chemically depositing nickel hydroxide in anodic aluminum oxide templates and thermally annealing at 360 °C. The synthesized nanotubes have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The capacitive behavior of the NiO nanotubes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge experiment, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 6 M KOH. The electrochemical data demonstrate that the NiO nanotubes display good capacitive behavior with a specific capacitance of 266 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.1 A g⁻¹ and excellent specific capacitance retention of ca. 93% after 1,000 continuous charge–discharge cycles, indicating that the NiO nanotubes can become promising electroactive materials for supercapacitor.     

Detection of V-type nerve agent degradation products at electrodes modified by PPy/PQQ using CaCl2 as supporting electrolyte

Electrochemical detection without derivatization was used to detect thiol-containing degradation products of V-type nerve agents. Electropolymerization of pyrrole was used for entrapment of the biocatalyst PQQ to produce a sensor. Various parameters which affect the detection processes such as the type of the supporting electrolyte used during electrodeposition and the thickness of the polypyrrole film were examined and optimized. Electocatalytic oxidation of thiols by the PPy/PQQ electrode was strongly affected by the presence of Ca²⁺ cations during electrodeposition of the PPy/PQQ. Cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry and amperometry have been used for electrode characterization. Amperometric detection of the V-type nerve agent thiol degradation products 2-(dimethylamino)ethanethiol (DMAET) and 2-(diethylamino)ethanethiol (DEAET) was performed at 0.38 V. Linear calibration plots were observed for these compounds. The detection limits of 4.5 and 3 μM were obtained for DMAET and DEAET respectively, with sensitivities of 1.18 and 1.37 nA μM⁻¹ cm⁻².     

A solid-contact Pb2+-selective polymeric membrane electrode with Nafion-doped poly(pyrrole) as ion-to-electron transducer

Conducting polymer poly(pyrrole) (PPy) doped with Nafion was successfully used as ion-to-electron transducer in the construction of a solid-contact Pb²⁺-selective polymeric membrane electrode. The Nafion dopant can effectively increase the capacitance of the conducting polymer and improve the mechanical robustness of the coating. The transducer layer, PPy-Nafion, characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, exhibits a sufficiently high bulk (redox) capacitance and fast ion and electron transport process. The new Pb²⁺-selective polymeric membrane electrode, based on PPy-Nafion film as solid contact, shows stable Nernstian characteristics in Pb(NO₃)₂ solution within the concentration range of 1.0 × 10⁻⁷–1.0 × 10⁻³ M, and the detection limit is 4.3 × 10⁻⁸ M. The potential stability of the electrode and the influence of the interfacial water layer were also evaluated by chronopotentiometry and potentiometric water layer test, respectively. The results show that the solid-contact Pb²⁺-selective electrode, based on PPy-Nafion film as ion-to-electron transducer, can effectively overcome the potential drift and reduce the water layer between the PPy-Nafion transducer layer and the ion-selective membrane.     

Fabrication of gold nanoparticles/polypyrrole composite-modified electrode for sensitive hydroxylamine sensor design

A highly sensitive hydroxylamine (HA) electrochemical sensor is developed based on electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles with diameter of 8 nm on the pre-synthesized polypyrrole matrix and formed gold nanoparticles/polypyrrole (GNPs/PPy) composite on glassy carbon electrode. The electrochemical behavior and electrocatalytic activity of the composite-modified electrode are investigated. The GNPs/PPy composite exhibits a distinctly higher electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of HA than GNPs with twofold enhancement of peak current. The enhanced electrocatalytic activity is attributed to the synergic effect of the highly dispersed gold metal particles and PPy matrix. The overall numbers of electrons involved in HA oxidation, the electron transfer coefficient, catalytic rate constant, and diffusion coefficient are investigated by chronoamperometry. The sensor presents two wide linear ranges of 4.5 × 10⁻⁷–1.2 × 10⁻³ M and 1.2 × 10⁻³–19 × 10⁻³ M with the detection limit of 4.5 × 10⁻⁸ M (s/n = 3). In addition, the proposed electrode shows excellent sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility, and stability properties.     

Electrochemical performance of Co–Al layered double hydroxide nanosheets mixed with multiwall carbon nanotubes

Regular hexagonal Co–Al layered double hydroxides (Co–Al LDH) were synthesized by urea-induced homogeneous precipitation. This material proved to be nanosheets by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements. The electrochemical capacitive behavior of the nanosheets in 1 M KOH solution were evaluated by constant current charge/discharge and cyclic voltammetric measurements, showing a large specific capacitance of 192 F·g⁻¹ even at the high current density of 2 A·g⁻¹. When multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were mixed with the Co–Al LDH, it was found that the specific capacitance and long-life performance of all composite electrodes at high current density are superior to pure LDH electrode. When the added MWNTs content is 10 wt%, the specific capacitance increases to 342.4 F·g⁻¹ and remains at a value of 304 F·g⁻¹ until the 400th cycle at 2 A·g⁻¹, showing that this is a promising electrode material for supercapacitors working at heavy load. According to the electrochemical impedance spectra, MWNTs greatly increase the electronic conductivity between MWNTs and the surface of Co–Al LDH, which consequently facilitates the access of ions in the electrolyte and electrons to the electrode/electrolyte interface.     

A capacitive sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers and poly( p -aminobenzene sulfonic acid) film for detection of pazufloxacin mesilate

A novel capacitive sensor for pazufloxacin mesilate (pazufloxacin) determination was developed by electropolymerizing p-aminobenzene sulfonic (p-ABSA) and molecularly imprinted polymers (MPs), which was synthesized through thermal radical copolymerization of metharylic acid (MAA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) in the presence of pazufloxacin template molecules, on the gold electrode surface. Furthermore, 1-dedecanethiol was used to insulate the modified electrode. Alternating current (ac) impedance experiments were carried out with a Model IM6e to obtain the capacitance responses. Under the optimum conditions, the sensor showed linear capacitance response to pazufloxacin in the range of 5 ng·mL⁻¹ to 5 μg·mL⁻¹ with a relative standard deviation (RSD) 5.3% (n=7) and a detection limit of 1.8 ng·mL⁻¹. The recoveries for different concentration levels of pazufloxacin samples varied from 94.0% to 102.0%. Electrochemical experiments indicated the capacitive sensor exhibited good sensitivity and selectivity and showed excellent parameters of regeneration and stability. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 20675064), the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing City (Grant No. CSTC-2004BB4149 and 2005BB4100) and High Technology Project Foundation of Southwest University (Grant No. XSGX02).     

掺杂离子对聚吡咯膜的电化学容量性能的影响

用电化学方法制备了分别以对甲基苯磺酸根(TOS-), 高氯酸根(ClO-4)和氯离子(Cl-)掺杂的聚吡咯(PPy)膜. 用循环伏安(CV)、恒电流充放电和电化学阻抗谱(EIS)等测试了它们的电化学容量性能. 用扫描电镜(SEM)和X射线衍射(XRD)分别研究了这三种PPy膜的形貌和结构. 研究发现, 由于具有疏松多孔的形貌和更有序的分子链结构, PPy-TOS和 PPy-Cl膜具有较好的充放电能力, 在深度充放电时仍具有很小的电化学电阻, 其离子扩散接近理想电容器的离子扩散机理. PPy-Cl(聚合电量2 mAh·cm-2)的比容量在扫描速率为5 mV·s-1时高达270 F·g-1, 扫描速率200 mV·s-1时仍高达175 F·g-1, 特别是, 其比能量高达35.3 mWh·g-1. PPy-TOS由于有质量较大的掺杂离子(TOS-)因而比容量略低(146 F·g-1, 扫描速率5 mV·s-1), 但具有超快速充放电能力, 在扫描速率为200 mV·s-1时, 比容量为123.6 F·g-1, 其比功率高达10 W·g-1. 并且, 两种电极材料均具有稳定的电化学循环性能.     

Competitive capacitive biosensing technique (CCBT): A novel technique for monitoring low molecular mass analytes using glucose assay as a model study

A novel technique for monitoring of low molecular mass analytes using a flow-injection capacitive biosensor is presented. The method is based on the ability of a small molecular mass analyte to displace a large analyte–carrier conjugate from the binding sites of an immobilized biorecognition element with weak affinity to both compounds. A model study was performed on glucose as the small molecular mass analyte. In the absence of glucose, binding of a glucose polymer or a glycoconjugate to concanavalin A results in a capacitance decrease. Upon introduction of glucose, it displaces a part of the bound glucose polymer or glycoconjugate leading to a partial restoration of capacitance. Experimental results show that the change in capacitance depends linearly on glucose concentration within the range from 1.0 × 10⁻⁵ to 1.0 × 10⁻¹ M, corresponding to 1.8 μg ml⁻¹ to 18 mg ml⁻¹ in a logarithmic plot, with a detection limit of 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ (0.18 μg ml⁻¹) under optimized conditions. In addition, by modifying the molecular mass of the glucose polymer, amount of biorecognition element, and buffer composition, we were able to tune the analyte-sensing range. The developed technique has the benefits of expanded dynamic range, high sensitivity, and excellent reusability.     

Study of capacitive properties in supercapacitor for copolymer of aniline with m-phenylenediamine

The copolymers were synthesized with different molar ratios of m-phenylenediamine to aniline (R for short) by a chemical oxidation method. The products were first used as electrochemical activity materials of the supercapacitor. Capacitive behaviors of the prepared copolymers in 1 mol·L⁻¹ H₂SO₄ electrolyte were examined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammeter, and galvanostatic charge/discharge. The relationship of molar ratios with capacitive property of the prepared products was investigated too. The results showed that the product with R of 2:98 displayed better electrochemical properties than that of the other products. Compared with the synthesized polymer in the absence of m-phenylenediamine, the polymerized copolymer with R of 2:98 exhibited the initial specific capacitance value of 475 F·g⁻¹, which increased by nearly 10.1% than that of the former at a current density of 200 mA·g⁻¹ in 1 mol·L⁻¹ H₂SO₄ electrolyte in the potential range of −0.3 to 0.7 V. The discharge specific capacitance value of the copolymer remained 300 F·g⁻¹ after 1,000 cycles, exhibiting a good cycling performance and the structure stability.     

A theoretical investigation on structures of tripodal thiourea derivatives and their anion recognition

The structural geometries of three tripodal thiourea receptors, i.e. 1,3,5-triethyl-2,4,6-tris[(N′-methylthioureido)methyl]benzene (1), tris[N′-methyl-N-(2-aminoethyl)thiourea]methane (2), tris[N′-methyl-N-(2-aminoethyl)thiourea]amine (3), and their complexes with F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, NO₃ ⁻, CO₃ ²⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, HSO₄ ⁻, PO₄ ³⁻, HPO₄ ²⁻ and H₂PO₄ ⁻ were obtained using the density functional theory calculations. Electronic and thermodynamic properties of anion binding complexes of the receptors 1, 2 and 3 were investigated. Recognition abilities of all the receptors in terms of selectivity coefficients are reported. Intermolecular interactions in all the studied complexes occurring via multi-point hydrogen bonding were found. The receptors 1, 2 and 3 were found to be excellent selectivity for phosphate ion and their binding free energy for the phosphate ion are −292.57, −291.77 and −295.01 kcal/mol, respectively.     

The effect of nondiamond carbon admixture on the electrochemical behavior of polycrystalline CVD-diamond films

The effect of nondiamond (sp ²-) carbon admixture on the surface of polycrystalline boron-doped CVD-diamond electrodes on their electrochemical behavior was studied by comparing the films grown under similar conditions, yet of different thickness. It is shown that with the decreasing of the film thickness (hence, with the increasing of the nondiamond carbon content therein) its surface acquired electrochemical activity: the transfer coefficients of reactions in the [Fe(CN)₆]^3−/4− redox system increased, the oxygen anodic evolution overvoltage decreased, the differential capacitance increased; on the whole, the diamond electrode demonstrated increasingly better pronounced metal-like behavior.