Synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes by the pyrolysis of a compression activated iron (II) phthalocyanine/phthalocyanine metal-free derivative/ferric acetate mixture
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189729 , vital:44926 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12039-015-0886-y"
- Description: This paper reports on the synthesis of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) from an activated mixture of iron (II) phthalocyanine, its metal-free derivative and ferric acetate. The powdered mixture was activated by compression into a tablet by applying a force of 300 kN, followed by re-grinding into powder and heating it to high temperatures (1000°C). The activation by compression resulted in more than 50% debundling of SWCNTs as judged by transition electron microscopy. Acid functionalization of the SWCNTs was confirmed by the increase in the D:G ratio from 0.56 to 0.87 in the Raman spectra and the observation of an average of one carboxylic acid group per 13 carbon atoms from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA also showed that the initial decomposition temperatures for the activated and non-activated mixtures to be 205°C and 245°C, respectively. Hence, activation leads to the lowering of the pyrolysis temperature of the phthalocyanines. X-ray diffraction, electronic absorption and Fourier transform infrared spectra were also employed to characterize the SWCNT.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Effects of redox mediators on the catalytic activity of iron porphyrins towards oxygen reduction in acidic media
- Authors: He, Qinggang , Wu, Gang , Liu, Ke , Khene, Samson M , Li, Qing , Mugadza, Tawanda , Deunf, Elise , Nyokong, Tebello , Chen, Shaowei W
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241472 , vital:50942 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/celc.201402054"
- Description: The effects of different redox mediators on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyzed by an iron porphyrin complex, iron(III) meso-tetra(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphine chloride [FeIIITMPyP], in 0.1 M triflic acid were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and spectroelectrochemistry in conjunction with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The formal potentials of the FeIIITMPyP catalyst and the redox mediators, as well as the half-wave potentials for the ORR, were determined by CV in the absence and presence of oxygen in acidic solutions. UV/Vis spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical studies confirmed that only the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazioline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt (C18H24N6O6S4) showed effective interactions with FeIIITMPyP during the ORR. DFT calculations suggested strong interaction between FeIIITMPyP and the C18H24N6O6S4 redox mediator. The redox mediator caused lengthening of the dioxygen iron bond, which thus suggested easier dioxygen reduction. Consistent results were observed in electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements for which the electron-transfer kinetics were also evaluated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Improved l-cysteine electrocatalysis through a sequential drop dry technique using multi-walled carbon nanotubes and cobalt tetraaminophthalocyanine conjugates
- Authors: Nyoni, Stephen , Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193813 , vital:45398 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2013.10.023"
- Description: Voltammetry, chronoamperometry, scanning electrochemical microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods are used for characterization of a glassy carbon electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)–cobalt tetraaminophthalocyanine (CoTAPc) mixture or sequential drop dry modification technique whereby the MWCNTs are first placed on to the electrode followed by CoTAPc. The sequential drop dry CoTAPc–MWCNTs modified surface gave better catalytic responses with a catalytic rate constant of 2.2 × 105 M−1 s−1, apparent electron transfer rate constant of 0.073 cm s−1, and a limit of detection of 2.8 × 10−7 M. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) surface characterization (topography and reactivity) further gave proof the better catalytic perfomance of the sequential drop dry CoTAPc–MWCNTs modified surface.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Polyamide nanofiber membranes functionalized with zinc phthalocyanines
- Authors: Goethals, Annelies , Mugadza, Tawanda , Arslanoglu, Yasin , Zugle, Ruphino , Antunes, Edith M , Van Hulle, Stijn W , Nyokong, Tebello , De Clerck, Karen
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241505 , vital:50945 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/app.40486"
- Description: Electrospinning is an efficient method for the production of polyamide nanofiber membranes that are suitable for water filtration. Previous studies have shown that nanofiber membranes have high clean water permeability. The pathogen removal efficiency can be improved by functionalization with (organic) biocides. However, these membranes, like other membranes, are vulnerable to fouling which reduces the filtration efficiency. Therefore the present article investigates the potential of zinc phthalocyanines, which can produce singlet oxygen in the presence of visible light, as a functionalizing agent. The polyamide nanofiber membranes were functionalized with phthalocyanines using both a pre-functionalizing and post-functionalizing method. Only the post-functionalization method shows to result in nanofiber membranes capable of producing singlet oxygen. After 30 min 45% of 1,2-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF), used as an oxygen quencher, was removed by reaction with singlet oxygen. This resulted in a removal rate of 0.33 mol DBPF mol−1Zn min−1. During short term leaching tests, phthalocyanines could not be detected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Characterization and electrocatalytic behaviour of glassy carbon electrode modified with nickel nanoparticles towards amitrole detection
- Authors: Maringa, Audacity , Mugadza, Tawanda , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241793 , vital:50970 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2013.04.022"
- Description: We report on the synthesis of Ni nanoparticles (NiNPs) and their application in electrocatalysis in comparison with nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc). UV–vis spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance were used in the characterization of NiNPs. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used in electrocatalytic studies of amitrole on the glassy carbon electrode modified with NiNPs. The apparent and catalytic rate constants for amitrole on the NiNP-GCE were found to be 2.58 × 10−5 cm s−1 and 1.11 × 103 M−1 s−1, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Characterization of 2,(3)-tetra-(4-oxo-benzamide) phthalocyaninato cobalt (II)—single walled carbon nanotube conjugate platforms and their use in electrocatalysis of amitrole
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Arslanoğlu, Yasin , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/244382 , vital:51252 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2012.02.041"
- Description: In this paper we report on the use of carboxylic acid functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) in the synthesis of 2,(3)-tetra-(4-oxo-benzamide)phthalocyaninato cobalt (II)–single walled carbon nanotube conjugates (CoTOBPc–SWCNT), their characterization and application in the electrocatalytic oxidation of amitrole. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used for the detection of amitrole on the modified glassy carbon electrode. The catalytic rate constant was 1.6 × 103 M−1 s−1 and the apparent electron rate transfer constant was 1.5 × 10−5 cm s−1. The linear dynamic range was 1.0 × 10−6–3.0 × 10−5 M, with a sensitivity of ∼1.13 A mol−1 L cm−2.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Molecular catalysis of the oxygen reduction reaction by iron porphyrin catalysts tethered into Nafion layers
- Authors: He, Qinggang , Mugadza, Tawanda , Kang, Xiongwu , Zhu, Xiaobing , Chen, Shaowei , Kerr, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/243168 , vital:51123 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.05.043"
- Description: This study was motivated by the need for improved understanding of the kinetics and transport phenomena in a homogeneous catalyst system for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Direct interaction between the sulfonic groups of Nafion and an Fe(III) meso-tetra(N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphine chloride (Fe(III)TMPyP) compound was observed using FTIR and in situ UV–Vis spectroelectrochemical characterizations. A positive shift of the half wave potential value (E1/2) for ORR on the iron porphyrin catalyst (Fe(III)TMPyP) was observed upon addition of a specific quantity of Nafion ionomer on a glassy carbon working electrode, indicating not only a faster charge transfer rate but also the role of protonation in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) process. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) was made as a sandwich of a Pt-coated anode, a Nafion® 212 membrane, and a Fe(III)TMPyP + Nafion ionomer-coated cathode. This three-dimensional catalysis system has been demonstrated to be working in a H2/O2 proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell test.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Characterization and electrocatalytic applications of metallophthalocyanine-single walled carbon nanotube conjugates
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda
- Date: 2011 , 2011-03-30
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines Pesticides Nanotubes Electrocatalysis Electrochemistry Transmission electron microscopy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4419 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006855
- Description: Metallophthalocyanine-single walled carbon nanotube conjugates were successfully synthesized and applied in the electrochemical characterizations of pesticides (amitrole and diuron) and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME). The formation of conjugates was confirmed through the use of the following analytical techniques: UV-vis, FTIR, Raman and XRD spectroscopies, atomic force and transmission electron microscopies and voltammetry. Chemically linking SWCNT to MPcs created platforms that offered efficient transfer of electrons and this was confirmed through electrochemical impedance studies (EIS) and voltammetry as shown by lower ΔEp values observed in conjugates. Carboxy carrying MPcs have very poor electron transfer kinetics (both tetrasubstituted and low symmetry), but the presence of SWCNTs activates their catalysis. All electrochemical studies were done at pH 4. Cyclic voltammetry, rotating disk linear sweep voltammetry, chronoamperometry and EIS were used in the electrochemical characterization of 2-ME and the pesticides on poly-Ni(OH)TAPc and MPc-SWCNT modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs). High Tafel slopes were observed for the pesticides relative to 2-ME, an indication of the passivating nature of their oxidation products. However, conjugates showed very high resistances to passivation and were easily regenerated by shaking in methanol. Improved catalysis of the conjugates is also indicated by the high catalytic rate constants for the analytes, observed on these electrodes. Conjugates of low symmetry MPcs with SWCNTs gave the highest catalytic rate constants, confirming better catalysis on these electrode surfaces. The nature of SWCNT functionalization also affected catalysis, with amine functionalized SWCNTs inducing better catalytic properties into the MPcs than carboxylic acid terminated CNTs. The presence of amine functionalized SWCNTs activates the catalysis of non-catalytic carboxy-carrying MPcs and this is more pronounced in conjugates of tetrasubstituted MPcs relative to those of low symmetry Pcs. Ethylene amine (EA) functionalized SWCNTs reduced redox overpotentials of the MPcs more than the phenyl-amine (PA) functionalized counterparts. Poly-NiTAPc was successfully converted to poly-Ni(OH)TAPc through cyclisation in pH 4 buffer and showed very good catalytic properties towards diuron, relative to the former.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Electrochemical, microscopic and spectroscopic characterization of benzene diamine functionalized single walled carbon nanotube-cobalt (II) tetracarboxy-phthalocyanine conjugates
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247859 , vital:51624 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2010.10.057"
- Description: In this paper we report on the synthesis and characterization of 1,4-benzene diamine (BDA) functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes linked to cobalt (II) tetracarboxy-phthalocyanine. The characterization of the conjugate was through UV–vis, FTIR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopies and by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electrochemical methods. The conjugate is used for the electrochemical characterization of diuron. The catalytic rate constant for diuron was 4.4 × 103 M−1 s−1 and the apparent electron transfer rate constant was 18.5 × 10−6 cm s−1. The linear dynamic range was 1.0 × 10−5–2.0 × 10−4 M, with a sensitivity of ∼0.42 A mol−1L cm−2 and a limit of detection of 0.18 μM using the 3δ notation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Porphyrin nanorods modified glassy carbon electrode for the electrocatalysis of dioxygen, methanol and hydrazine
- Authors: George, Reama C , Mugadza, Tawanda , Khene, Samson , Egharevba, Gabriel O , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247388 , vital:51576 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.201100081"
- Description: Porphyrin nanorods (PNR) were prepared by ionic self-assembly of two oppositely charged porphyrin molecules consisting of free base meso-tetraphenylsulfonate porphyrin (H4TPPS42−) and meso-tetra(N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin (MTMePyP4+M=Sn, Mn, In, Co). These consist of H4TPPS42−SnTMePyP4+, H4TPPS42−CoTMePyP4+, H4TPPS42−InTMePyP4+ and H4TPPS42−MnTMePyP4+ porphyrin nanorods. The absorption spectra and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) images of these structures were obtained. These porphyrin nanostructures were used to modify a glassy carbon electrode for the electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen, and the oxidation of hydrazine and methanol at low pH. The cyclic voltammogram of PNR-modified GCE in pH 2 buffer solution has five irreversible processes, two distinct reduction processes and three oxidation processes. The porphyrin nanorods modified GCE produce good responses especially towards oxygen reduction at −0.50 V vs. Ag|AgCl (3 M KCl). The process of electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol using PNR-modified GCE begins at 0.71 V vs. Ag|AgCl (3 M KCl). The electrochemical oxidation of hydrazine began at around 0.36 V on H4TPPS42−SnTMePyP4+ modified GCE. The GCE modified with H4TPPS42−CoTMePyP4+ H4TPPS42−InTMePyP4+ and H4TPPS42−MnTMePyP4+ porphyrin nanorods began oxidizing hydrazine at 0.54 V, 0.59 V and 0.56 V, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Synthesis and electrocatalytic behavior of cobalt (II)-tris (benzyl-mercapto)-monoaminophthalocyanine–single walled carbon nanotube nanorods
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247882 , vital:51626 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2010.11.016"
- Description: In this paper we report on synthesis and electrocatalytic behavior of cobalt (II)-tris(benzyl-mercapto)-monoaminophthalocyanine–single walled carbon nanotube nanorods towards the oxidation of amitrole. SWCNTs that were terminally functionalized with carboxylic acid groups were chemically linked to cobalt (II)-tris(benzyl-mercapto) monoaminophthalocyanine (CoMAPc) via an amide bond to form nanorods. UV–vis, FTIR, TEM, Raman and XRD spectroscopies were used in characterization of the nanorods (CoMAPc–SWCNT-linked), while cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used during the characterization of amitrole on the modified glassy carbon electrode. The linear dynamic range for the amitrole was from 1.0 × 10−6 M to 1.2 × 10−4 M, with a sensitivity of 6.76 A mol−1 L cm−2. The estimated limit of detection for amitrole was 0.10 μM, using the 3δ criterion. The catalytic rate constant was found to be 1.09 × 105 M−1 s−1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Synthesis, characterization and application of monocarboxy-phthalocyanine-single walled carbon nanotube conjugates in electrocatalysis
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247399 , vital:51577 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2011.04.020"
- Description: In this paper we report on the synthesis, characterization and use of monocarboxy-phthalocyanine-single walled carbon nanotube conjugates in the electrocatalysis of amitrole and diuron. UV–Vis, FTIR and XRD spectroscopies were used in the characterization of cobalt(II)-tris(benzyl-mercapto)-mono(carboxyphenoxy)-phthalocyanine conjugates (CoMCPc–PA-SWCNT(linked)), while AFM was used to show changes in surface morphologies of the modified electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used for the electrocatalytic oxidation of amitrole and diuron on the modified glassy carbon electrode. The catalytic rate constants for amitrole and diuron were found to be 1.83 × 106 and 1.99 × 106 M−1 s−1, respectively. The linear range for both was 1.0 × 10−5–2.0 × 10−4 M, with sensitivities of 5.10 and 3.70 A mol−1 L cm−2 for amitrole and diuron, respectively. The limits of detection were estimated to be 0.14 and 0.20 μM for amitrole and diuron, respectively, using the 3δ notation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The effects of carbon nanotubes on the electrocatalysis of hydrogen peroxide by metallo-phthalocyanines
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani N , Mugadza, Tawanda , Sosibo, Ndabenhle , Mdluli, Phumlani , Vilakazi, Sibulelo , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247174 , vital:51553 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2011.07.069"
- Description: The pre-grafted screen-printed gold electrode modified with phenyl-amino monolayer was investigated for covalent immobilization of phenyl-amine functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (PA-SWCNT) and metal tetra-amino phthalocyanine (MTAPc) using Schiff-base reactions with benzene-1,4-dicarbaldehyde (BDCA) as cross-linker. The PA-SWCNT and MTAPc modified electrodes were applied as hybrids for electrochemical sensing of H2O2. The step-by-step fabrication of the electrode was followed using electrochemistry, impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy and all these techniques confirmed the fabrication and the immobilization of PA-SWCNT, MnTAPc and CoTAPc onto gold surfaces. The apparent electron transfer constant (kapp) showed that the carbon nanotubes and metallo-phthalocyanines hybrids possess good electron transfer properties compared to the bare, pre-grafted and the MTAPc modified gold electrode surfaces without PA-SWCNT. The electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide was successful with PA-SWCNT–MTAPc hybrid systems showing higher electrocatalytic currents compared to the other electrodes. The analytical parameters obtained using chronoamperometry gave good linearity at H2O2 concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 30.0 μmol L−1. The values for the limit of detection (LoD) were found to be of the orders of 10−7 M using the 3δ for all the electrodes. The PA-SWCNT–MTAPc modified SPAuEs were much more sensitive compared to PA–MTAPc modified SPAuEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Electrocatalytic oxidation of amitrole and diuron on iron (II) tetraaminophthalocyanine-single walled carbon nanotube dendrimer
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/262611 , vital:53536 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2009.12.051"
- Description: FeTAPc-single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) dendrimers are employed as glassy carbon electrode modifiers for the electrocatalytic oxidations of amitrole and diuron. The catalytic rate constants were 4.55 × 103 M−1 s−1 and 1.79 × 104 M−1 s−1 for amitrole and diuron, respectively using chronoamperometric studies. The diffusion constants were found to be 1.52 × 10−4 cm2 s−1 and 1.91 × 10−4 cm2 s−1 for diuron and amitrole, respectively. The linear concentration range for both were from 5.0 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−4 M and sensitivities of 0.6603 μA/μM and 0.6641 μA/μM for amitrole and diuron, with corresponding limits of detection of 2.15 × 10−7 and 2.6 × 10−7 M using the 3δ notation, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Facile electrocatalytic oxidation of diuron on polymerized nickel hydroxo tetraamino-phthalocyanine modified glassy carbon electrodes
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/261269 , vital:53379 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2010.02.037"
- Description: The facile electro-oxidation of diuron occurred at a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with polymerized nickel tetraamino-phthalocyanine (NiTAPc), containing O–Ni–O bridges represented as poly-Ni(OH)TAPc-GCE. The oxidation of diuron occurred at a potential which is 60 mV less than that of poly-NiTAPc (without O–Ni–O bridges) and was accompanied by enhanced catalytic currents. The catalytic rate constant and the diffusion constant were found to be 5.91 × 102 mol−1 L s−1 and 6.43 × 10−6 cm2 s−1, respectively. The linear concentration range of diuron was 3.0 × 10−5 to 3.5 × 10−4 mol L−1 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.3 × 10−7 mol L−1 (3δ notation) and a sensitivity of 12.9 A mol−1 L cm−2.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Synthesis and characterization of electrocatalytic conjugates of tetraamino cobalt (II) phthalocyanine and single wall carbon nanotubes
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263341 , vital:53619 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2009.05.074"
- Description: In this paper we report on the synthesis and characterization of electrocatalytic conjugates of tetraamino cobalt (II) phthalocyanine and single walled carbon nanotubes (CoTAPc–SWCNT-linked) for use as electrode surface modifiers. FTIR, UV–vis and Raman spectroscopies were used to ascertain the chemical linkage between CoTAPc and SWCNT while cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk electrode voltammetry were used to assess the electrocatalytic efficiency of the linked product towards the oxidation of 2-mercaptoethanol. The CoTAPc–SWCNT-linked-GCE demonstrated very good catalytic efficiency relative to CoTAPc–SWCNT-mixed-GCE, CoTAPc-GCE and f-SWCNTs-GCE (functionalised SWCNT). CoTAPc–SWCNT-linked-GCE gave a sensitivity of 0.2 μA/μM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.2 × 10−7 M for 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) at pH 4.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Effects of Redox Mediators on the Catalytic Activity of Iron Porphyrins towards Oxygen Reduction in Acidic Media
- Authors: He, Qinggang , Wu, Gang , Liu, Ke , Khene, M Samson , Li, Qing , Mugadza, Tawanda , Deunf, Elise , Nyokong, Tebello , Chen, Shaowei W
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7291 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020354
- Description: The effects of different redox mediators on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyzed by an iron porphyrin complex, iron(III) meso-tetra(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphine chloride [FeIIITMPyP], in 0.1 M triflic acid were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and spectroelectrochemistry in conjunction with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The formal potentials of the FeIIITMPyP catalyst and the redox mediators, as well as the half-wave potentials for the ORR, were determined by CV in the absence and presence of oxygen in acidic solutions. UV/Vis spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical studies confirmed that only the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazioline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt (C18H24N6O6S4) showed effective interactions with FeIIITMPyP during the ORR. DFT calculations suggested strong interaction between FeIIITMPyP and the C18H24N6O6S4 redox mediator. The redox mediator caused lengthening of the dioxygen iron bond, which thus suggested easier dioxygen reduction. Consistent results were observed in electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements for which the electron-transfer kinetics were also evaluated. , Original publication is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/celc.201402054
- Full Text: false
Improved l-cysteine electrocatalysis through a sequential drop dry technique using multi-walled carbon nanotubes and cobalt tetraaminophthalocyanine conjugates
- Authors: Nyoni, Stephen , Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020385
- Description: Voltammetry, chronoamperometry, scanning electrochemical microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods are used for characterization of a glassy carbon electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)–cobalt tetraaminophthalocyanine (CoTAPc) mixture or sequential drop dry modification technique whereby the MWCNTs are first placed on to the electrode followed by CoTAPc. The sequential drop dry CoTAPc–MWCNTs modified surface gave better catalytic responses with a catalytic rate constant of 2.2 × 105 M−1 s−1, apparent electron transfer rate constant of 0.073 cm s−1, and a limit of detection of 2.8 × 10−7 M. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) surface characterization (topography and reactivity) further gave proof the better catalytic perfomance of the sequential drop dry CoTAPc–MWCNTs modified surface. , Original publication is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2013.10.023
- Full Text: false
Polyamide nanofiber membranes functionalized with zinc phthalocyanines
- Authors: Goethals, Annelies , Mugadza, Tawanda , Arslanoglu, Yasin , Zugle, Ruphino , Antunes, Edith M , Hulle, Stijn W H Van , Nyokong, Tebello , Clerck, Karen De
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7313 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020539
- Description: Electrospinning is an efficient method for the production of polyamide nanofiber membranes that are suitable for water filtration. Previous studies have shown that nanofiber membranes have high clean water permeability. The pathogen removal efficiency can be improved by functionalization with (organic) biocides. However, these membranes, like other membranes, are vulnerable to fouling which reduces the filtration efficiency. Therefore the present article investigates the potential of zinc phthalocyanines, which can produce singlet oxygen in the presence of visible light, as a functionalizing agent. The polyamide nanofiber membranes were functionalized with phthalocyanines using both a pre-functionalizing and post-functionalizing method. Only the post-functionalization method shows to result in nanofiber membranes capable of producing singlet oxygen. After 30 min 45% of 1,2-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF), used as an oxygen quencher, was removed by reaction with singlet oxygen. This resulted in a removal rate of 0.33 mol DBPF mol−1Zn min−1. During short term leaching tests, phthalocyanines could not be detected. , Original publication is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/app.40486
- Full Text: false