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Hydrogen peroxide oxidation of 2-chlorophenol and 2, 4, 5-trichlorophenol catalyzed by monomeric and aggregated cobalt tetrasulfophthalocyanine

  • Authors: Agboola, Bolade , Ozoemena, Kenneth I , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2005
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/289249 , vital:56612 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcata.2004.10.041"
  • Description: Cobalt tetrasulfophthalocyanine (CoTSPc) was used to catalyze the oxidation of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (TCP) using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as the oxidant. This CoTSPc catalyzed hydrogen peroxide oxidation of chlorophenols resulted in the formation of different types of oxidation products depending on the solvent conditions. In water/methanol conditions (where CoTSPc is mainly monomeric, and unionized forms of the phenols), phenol and hydroquinone were the main oxidation products, while in phosphate buffer solutions (pH 7 and 10 for TCP and 2-CP, respectively, where CoTSPc is mainly aggregated, and ionized forms of the phenols), benzoquinone was the main product. In contrast to CoTSPc, other MTSPc complexes studied (AlTSPc, CuTSPc and NiTSPc) exhibited no detectable catalytic effect on the oxidation of chlorophenols under the experimental conditions employed, thus proving the effect of the central metal ions on efficient catalysis of chlorophenol. Reaction pathways are proposed based on the relative time of oxidation products formation.
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  • Date Issued: 2005

Nonlinear optical properties of metal free and nickel binuclear phthalocyanines

  • Authors: Kabwe, Kapambwe P , Louzada, Marcel , Britton, Jonathan , Olomola,Temitope O , Nyokong, Tebello , Khene, Samson M
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186846 , vital:44539 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2019.05.003"
  • Description: This work employs the open and closed Z-scan aperture technique to comparatively study the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of nickel and metal free 4-tert-butylphenoxy phthalocyanine, biphenyl bridged bis-4-tert-butylphenoxy phthalocyanine and naphthalene bridged bis-4-tert-butylphenoxy phthalocyanine. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of dipolar and octupolar ( J=1 and J=3) contribution were determined theoretically from hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS) response ( HRS) values.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

Electrochemical behaviour of thiol-derivatised zinc (II) phthalocyanine complexes and their self-immobilised films at gold electrodes

  • Authors: Ozoemena, Kenneth I , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290295 , vital:56737 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2003.08.002"
  • Description: Electrochemical properties of novel, peripherally substituted zinc phthalocyanine complex, octa(4-methylphenylthio-) phthalocyaninatozinc(II) [ZnPc(SC6H4CH3)8] (1a) in DMF solution are presented. This complex showed five quasi-reversible/reversible, diffusion-controlled redox couples. Solution voltammetry of 1a showed little contrast with that of its alkythiol-derivative, octabutylthiophthalocyaninatozinc(II) [ZnPc(SC4H9)8] (1b) in that both thiol-substituents tend to show electron-withdrawing influence on the phthalocyanine ligands; complex 1a showing easier reduction and more difficult to oxidation when compared to 1b and other alkyl derivatives. The voltammetric features of the solid ultrathin films of 1a and 1b, immobilized on gold electrodes via the self-assembling technique, are also presented. Interestingly, the self-assembled films are stable and reproducible and provide good suppression to the following Faradaic processes; gold surface oxidation, solution ion species and underpotential deposition (UPD) of copper.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

Electrospun fibers functionalized with phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates for photocatalytic applications

  • Authors: Tombe, Sekai , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193769 , vital:45394 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcata.2013.01.033"
  • Description: The heterogeneous photocatalytic activity of Zn(II) phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates immobilized on electrospun polystyrene fibers was investigated using 4-chlorophenol and Orange G as model pollutants. The phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates were synthesized via a ligand exchange reaction and characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The interaction between the gold nanoparticles and phthalocyanines did not restrict the formation of excited singlet states, triplet states and hence the formation of singlet oxygen required for photocatalysis. The conjugates showed significantly higher singlet oxygen quantum yields and enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to the phthalocyanines. It was concluded that hybrid electrospun fibers provide great potential as active photocatalysts for oxidizing organic pollutants using singlet oxygen as an oxidant.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Exploiting Click Chemistry for the Covalent Immobilization of Tetra (4-Propargyloxyphenoxy) Metallophthalocyanines onto Phenylazide-Grafted Gold Surfaces

  • Authors: Mwanza, Daniel , Mvango, Sindisiwe , Khene, Samson M , Nyokong, Tebello , Mashazi, Philani N
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189177 , vital:44824 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2017.09.115"
  • Description: In this study, tetra-(4-propargyloxy)phenoxy phthalocyanines (MTPrOPhOPc) were covalently immobilized as thin films onto gold surfaces via click reaction. The gold electrode surfaces were pre-functionalized with phenylazide (Au-PAz) thin film using in-situ diazonium generation followed by electrografting. Copper (I) catalyzed alkynyl-azide cycloaddition (CuCAAC) reaction was used to covalently immobilize the MTPrOPhOPcs onto the gold electrode surfaces to form Au-PAz-MTPrOPhOPc. The MTPrOPhOPcs were further studied for their electrocatalytic and electroanalytical properties towards the detection of hydrogen peroxide. Au-PAz-MTPrOPhOPc exhibited good reproducibility and stability in various electrolyte conditions. Electrochemical and spectroscopic surface characterization of the functionalized gold electrode surfaces confirmed the presence of the phenylazide and MTPrOPhOPc thin monolayer films. The excellent electroanalysis of hydrogen peroxide with the limit of detection (LoD) and limit of quantification (LoQ) in the μM range was obtained. The electrocatalytic reduction peaks for H2O2 were observed at −0.37 V for Au-PAz-Mn(OAc)TPrOPhOPc and −0.31 V for Au-PAz-CoTPrOPhOPc when Ag|AgCl pseudo-reference electrode was used. The Au-PAz-Mn(OAc)TPrOPhOPc and Au-PAz-CoTPrOPhOPc gold electrode surfaces showed good sensitivity and reproducibility towards the electrocatalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

A2B type copper (III) corroles containing zero-to-five fluorine atoms

  • Authors: Li, Minzhi , Niu, Yingjie , Zhu, Weihua , Mack, John , Fomo, Gertrude , Nyokong, Tebello , Liang, Xu
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/238275 , vital:50604 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2016.10.044"
  • Description: Four low symmetric A2B meso-substituted Cu(III)corroles with electron withdrawing meso-aryl rings have been synthesized and characterized. A detailed analysis of the optical and redox properties has been carried out by comparing their optical spectroscopy, electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry to a series of DFT and TD-DFT calculations. A series of experiments demonstrate that these Cu(III)corroles can be used as highly effective catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs). Moreover, when the number of fluorine atoms at B meso-position is increased, there is a marked enhancement in the catalytic ability of the corrole complexes, which demonstrates that modification to the structures of low symmetry corroles is a useful strategy for developing new HER catalysts.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Optical limiting properties of 3, 5-dipyrenylvinyleneBODIPY dyes at 532 nm

  • Authors: Kubheka, Gugu , Sanusi, Kayode , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/237938 , vital:50567 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2017.10.021"
  • Description: The optical limiting (OL) properties of 3,5-dipyrenylvinyleneBODIPY dyes that contain both electron withdrawing and donating moieties have been investigated by using the z-scan technique at 532 nm in the nanosecond pulse range. The extension of the π-conjugation at the 3,5-positions with pyrenylvinylene groups results in a ca. 200 nm red shift of the main BODIPY spectral band to ca. 700 nm, so there is relatively weak absorbance at 532 nm under ambient light conditions. Reverse saturable absorbance (RSA) profiles are observed in response to incident pulsed laser light that is consistent with a two photon absorption-assisted excited state absorption (ESA) mechanism in CH2Cl2 solution and when the dyes are embedded in poly(bisphenol carbonate A) (PBC) polymer thin films. This demonstrates that 3,5-divinyleneBODIPY dyes are potentially suitable for use in OL applications, since limiting threshold fluence (Ilim) values of below 0.95 J cm−2 are observed when thin films are prepared.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Electrochemical behavior and detection of dopamine and ascorbic acid at an iron (II) tetrasulfophthalocyanine modified carbon paste microelectrode

  • Authors: Oni, Joshua , Westbroek, Philippe , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290279 , vital:56735 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.200390104"
  • Description: In this article the electrocatalytic behavior of an iron(II)tetrasulfophthalocyanine modified carbon paste microelectrode for the oxidation of dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA) is described. Although the oxidation potential of ascorbic acid is shifted by over 100 mV to more positive potentials, no peak separation could be obtained. This can be explained by the immediate homogeneous reduction of the oxidation product of dopamine by ascorbic acid in solution. However, this reaction induces a shift of the half-wave potential as a function of ratio of concentration of dopamine to ascorbic acid (cDA/cAA). Therefore it was possible to determine the cAA and cDA from this potential shift and the experimental peak current. Detection limits of 4.5±0.2×10−7 and 7.5±0.5×10−7 mol L−1 were obtained respectively for dopamine and ascorbic acid for cDA/cAA>0.01.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

Photoantimicrobial activity of Schiff-base morpholino phthalocyanines against drug resistant micro-organisms in their planktonic and biofilm forms

  • Authors: Sindelo, Azole , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2023
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/360437 , vital:65088 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103519"
  • Description: Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) is a treatment for the eradication of drug-resistant micro-organisms. One of the advantages of this technique, is that there is minimal possibility of microbial resistance. Hence, herein, the preparation and characterization of novel neutral and cationic morpholine containing Schiff base phthalocyanines are reported. The cationic complexes gave moderate singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) of ∼0.2 in aqueous media. Conversely, the neutral complexes generated very low ΦΔ values making them very poor candidates for antimicrobial studies. The cationic phthalocyanines showed excellent photodynamic activity against planktonic cells of all micro-organisms (Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Choleraesuis, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). The efficiency of aPDI was shown to be both concentration and light-dose-dependent. Mono biofilms were susceptible when treated with 200 µM of cationic Pcs at 108 J/cm2. However, ∼10% of the mixed biofilm survived after treatment.
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  • Date Issued: 2023

Natural resource use, incomes, and poverty along the rural–urban continuum of two medium-sized, South African towns

  • Authors: Ward, Catherine D , Shackleton, Charlie M
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180790 , vital:43646 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.10.025"
  • Description: Urbanization is a significant driver of global change, reshaping livelihoods, productive activities, and incomes. Yet, many elements of what are typically regarded as rural activities can be found in urban places and vice versa. We report on the incomes from land- and cash-based activities along the rural–urban gradient of two South African towns. Although the dominant income strategies varied, all households had more than one income source. Use of wild resources and agriculture were common in urban settings, although variable between and within towns. Poverty levels would be 5–10% higher in the absence of natural resource-based incomes.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The comparative growth rates of indigenous street and garden trees in Grahamstown, South Africa

  • Authors: De Lacy, Peter J G , Shackleton, Charlie M
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180943 , vital:43672 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2014.02.007"
  • Description: Urban forestry is advocated worldwide as a means of enhancing the liveability of towns and cities, and mitigating some of the anticipated impacts of climate change. Optimisation of the benefits of trees in urban areas is dependent upon knowledge of tree form, growth, and the products and benefits that trees provide. Growth rates are a vital variable for modelling benefits, yet there is a significant gap in knowledge pertaining to growth rates of trees in urban areas, especially indigenous species in developing world countries. Here we report on growth rates of indigenous street and garden trees in Grahamstown, South Africa, using two approaches; tree ring counts on increment cores and mean rates from trees of known planting age. Growth equations for both street and garden trees were derived. There was no significant difference in mean growth rates determined via the two methods. For both methods street trees grew approximately 30% slower than trees in gardens.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Tuning the redox properties of Co-N4 macrocyclic complexes for the catalytic electrooxidation of glucose

  • Authors: Villagra, Evelyn , Bedioui, Fethi , Nyokong, Tebello , Canales, J Carlos , Sancy, Mamie , Páez, Maritza A , Costamagna, Juan , Zagal, Jose H
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/268675 , vital:54221 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2008.02.006"
  • Description: Graphite electrodes modified with four different cobalt N4 macrocyclics, namely Co tetrapentapyridinophthalocyanine, (CoTPenPyrPc), Co tetrapyridinoporphyrazine (CoTPyPz), Co octa(hydroxyethylthio)phthalocyanine (CoOEHTPc) and Co tetranitrophthalocyanine (CoTNPc) exhibit catalytic activity for the oxidation of glucose in alkaline media. The purpose of this work is to establish correlations between the catalytic activity of these complexes and their redox potential. The activity of the different modified electrodes was tested by linear voltammetry under hydrodynamic conditions using the rotating disk technique. Tafel plots constructed from mass-transport corrected currents give slopes ranging from 0.080 to 0.160 V/decade for the different catalysts which suggests that a first one-electron step is rate controlling with the symmetry of the energy barrier depending on the nature of the ligand of the Co complex. A plot of log I versus the Co(II)/(I) formal potential gives a volcano curve that also includes catalysts studied previously. This illustrates the concept that the formal potential of the catalyst needs to be tuned to a certain value for achieving maximum activity. A theoretical interpretation of these results is given in terms of Langmuir isotherms for the adsorption of glucose on the Co sites of the surface-confined metal complexes.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

Photocatalytic properties of neodymium diphthalocyanine towards the transformation of 4-chlorophenol

  • Authors: Nensala, Ngudiankama , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:58491 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S1381-1169(00)00283-1"
  • Description: Photolysis of aqueous solutions of 4-chlorophenol (4-Cp) in the presence of solid neodymium diphthalocyanine ([Pc(−2)NdPc(−2)]−) and oxygen using visible and ultraviolet (UV) radiation resulted in the formation of a number of products. For photolysis in the visible region, phenol, benzoquinone, hydroquinone were observed as intermediates and 4-chlorocatechol (4-CC) as the main product; intermediates similar to those observed for visible photolysis were obtained. Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model was used for treatment of photochemical data.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Improved triplet state parameters for indium octacarboxy phthalocyanines when conjugated to quantum dots and magnetite nanoparticles

  • Authors: Tshangana, Charmaine , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189337 , vital:44838 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2015.02.040"
  • Description: Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and glutathione (GSH) capped CdSe@ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were separately coordinated to indium octacarboxy phthalocyanine (InPc(COOH)8) to form ClInPc(COOH)8–MNPs and ClInPc(COOH)8–GSH–CdSe@ZnS, respectively. The photophysical parameters (triplet state and fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes) were determined for the conjugates. The triplet quantum yields increased from ΦT = 0.49 for InPc(COOH)8 alone to ΦT = 0.61 and 0.56 for InPc(COOH)8 in the conjugates: ClInPc(COOH)8–MNPs and ClInPc(COOH)8–GSH–CdSe@ZnS, respectively. The lifetimes also became longer for the conjugates compared to Pc alone.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Paper recycling patterns and potential interventions in the education sector: A case study of paper streams at Rhodes University, South Africa

  • Authors: Amutenya, N , Shackleton, Charlie M , Whittington-Jones, Kevin J
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181180 , vital:43705 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2008.12.001"
  • Description: This paper considers the use of paper by academics and student computer laboratories at Rhodes University as a basis for identifying areas to reduce the amounts used and increase rates of recycling. A sample of 50 academic staff monitored the volume and purpose of the paper they used over 5 months, and the procurement officers in all the academic departments were interviewed regarding the total amount of paper used per academic department. Mean use was 34 ± 20 new sheets of paper per working day, of which 3% were trashed, 15% were kept for later use (as scrap or printed on the opposite side) and 79% were given out as notes to students, filed as records or posted out as mail to other departments or institutions. There was a significant relationship between number of students served by a department and the overall demand for paper, as well the number of staff per department and the number of recycling bins. The university could save approximately US$ 7000 per year for every 10% reduction in current use of paper (12,784 reams/year). Reduction in paper usage could be achieved through an increase in re-use of paper, printing handouts for students on both sides of each sheet of paper and by investing in printers that are capable of printing on both sides of a sheet of paper. Double-sided printers are only 20–25% more expensive than single-sided ones, but will potentially reduce paper usage by half. A 40% reduction would save the university approximately US $ 20,000 per year in direct costs, and more in reduced waste streams, as well as help promote the environmental image of the university. On a per unit basis, the higher costs for a double-sided printer in offices would be repaid in 9 months or less through reduced paper use.
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  • Date Issued: 2009

Characterization of manganese tetraarylthiosubstituted phthalocyanines self assembled monolayers

  • Authors: Matemadombo, Fungisai , Durmus, Mahmut , Togo, Chamunorwa , Limson, Janice , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263364 , vital:53621 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2009.04.059"
  • Description: Manganese tetraarylthiosubstituted phthalocyanines (complexes 1–5) have been deposited on Au electrode surfaces through the self assembled monolayer (SAM) technique. SAM characteristics reported in this work are: ion barrier factor (∼1); interfacial capacitance (303–539 μF cm−2) and surface coverage (1.06 × 10−10–2.80 × 10−10 mol cm−2). Atomic force microscopy was employed in characterizing a SAM. SAMs of complexes 1–5 were employed to detect L-cysteine (with limit of detection ranging from 2.83 × 10−7 to 3.14 × 10−7 M at potentials of 0.68–0.75 V vs. Ag|AgCl) and nitrite (limit of detection ranging from 1.78 × 10−7 to 3.02 × 10−7 M at potentials of 0.69–0.76 V vs. Ag|AgCl).
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  • Date Issued: 2009

Surface chemistry and electrocatalytic behaviour of tetra-carboxy substituted iron, cobalt and manganese phthalocyanine monolayers on gold electrode

  • Authors: Mashazi, Philani N , Westbroek, Philippe , Ozoemena, Kenneth I , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/268806 , vital:54233 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2007.08.044"
  • Description: Surface chemistry and electrocatalytic properties of self-assembled monolayers of metal tetra-carboxylic acid phthalocyanine complexes with cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) as central metal ions have been studied. These phthalocyanine molecules are immobilized on gold electrode via the coupling reaction between the ring substituents and pre-formed mercaptoethanol self-assembled monolayer (Au-ME SAM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed chemisorption of mercaptoethanol via sulfur group on gold electrode and also coupling reaction between phthalocyanines and Au-ME SAM. Electrochemical parameters of the immobilized molecules show that these molecules are densely packed with a perpendicular orientation. The potential applications of the gold modified electrodes were investigated towards L-cysteine detection and the analysis at phthalocyanine SAMs. Cobalt and iron tetra-carboxylic acid phthalocyanine monolayers showed good oxidation peak for L-cysteine at potentials where metal oxidation (MIII/MII) takes place and this metal oxidation mediates the catalytic oxidation of L-cysteine. Manganese tetra-carboxylic acid phthalocyanine monolayer also exhibited a good catalytic oxidation peak towards L-cysteine at potentials where MnIV/MnIII redox peak occurs and this redox peak mediates L-cysteine oxidation. The analysis of cysteine at phthalocyanine monolayers displayed good analytical parameters with good detection limits of the orders of 10−7 mol L−1 and good linearity for a studied concentration range up to 60 μmol L−1.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

Electrocatalytic behavior of substituted cobalt phthalocyanines towards the oxidation of cysteine

  • Authors: Maree, Suzanne , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/293268 , vital:57070 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-0728(00)00281-3"
  • Description: Ring substituted cobalt phthalocyanine complexes of the form CoPc(X)4, (where X=NH2, NO2, C(CH3)3, SO3H and COOH) are compared for their catalytic activities towards the oxidation of cysteine. The potential for the electrocatalytic oxidation of cysteine is closely related to the CoIII/CoII couple of the CoPc(X)4 complexes in acidic media and to the CoII/CoI couple in basic media. The catalytic currents and the oxidation potential for cysteine are dependent on the pH of the solution, the potential becoming less positive as the pH increases and the catalytic currents decreasing with increase in pH, for the same concentration of cysteine. The magnitudes of the catalytic currents (after ten scans) for cysteine oxidation at pH 8.3 and on electrodes modified with the CoPc(X)4 complexes increased with the nature of the ring substituent as follows: NO2 less than NH2 less than SO3H less than C(CH3)3 less than COOH.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Deactivation of field cultivation in communal areas of South Africa: Patterns, drivers and socio-economic and ecological consequences

  • Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Mograbi, Penelope , Drimie, Scott , Fay, Derick , Hebinck, Paul , Hoffman, Michael T , Maciejewski, Kristine , Twine, Wayne
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/398210 , vital:69384 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.01.009"
  • Description: Smallholder production is a significant contributor to rural livelihoods and rural economies in much of the developing world. Yet, there is evidence of increasing disengagement in some regions, including southern Africa. However, there has been little consideration of the rates and the livelihood, ecological and policy implications of such. In this paper we examine previous studies on rates of deactivation of crop fields by smallholders in the communal areas of South Africa, supported by repeat photo images and case study material. Together these various methods show that it is a widespread phenomenon occurring at variable rates. Over short periods deactivation of crop fields can be balanced through some reactivation or intensification of homegardens. But over longer periods there is a net decline in the area of fields cultivated in many areas, with corresponding increases in the area of fallow land which, through time, may undergo changes towards more natural vegetation. We review the drivers of this deactivation of field cropping, and then contemplate the possible socio-economic and ecological implications at local and national scales. We show that there are numerous and profound implications that require greater understanding and policy responses.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

From academic to political rigour: Insights from the ‘Tarot’ of transgressive research

  • Authors: Temper, Leah , McGarry, Dylan K , Weber, Lena
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/390629 , vital:68570 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/186598"
  • Description: The role of science and knowledge production is at a crossroads, as societal transformation calls for challenging dominant forms of knowledge production that have contributed to marginalizing other ways of knowing. This presents a challenge to mainstream science and invites a deeper reflection on our roles as scientists and exploration of alternative engaged, post-normal and activist approaches to research. This paper examines the diverse ways researchers are meeting this challenge. Employing the device of the Tarot deck we describe seven “characters” to illustrate the variety of roles and approaches that trans-disciplinary, transformative, transgressive and activist researchers are engaging in. These characters are used to introduce and develop the concept of political rigour as a means of expanded academic rigour in new emancipatory scientific paradigms. We demonstrate how these Tarot characters can be used as an activity for collective and personal reflexivity and propose ten principles that frequently emerge in a ‘political’ peer review process. We argue that the insights emerging from these strands of radical, critical, engaged and applied forms of scholarship, can significantly improve the understanding of what a “transformative knowledge paradigm” may look like in practice and how it can be mobilized for social change and environmental justice.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2019
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