Ionic liquid electrolytes based on multi-methoxyethyl substituted ammoniums and perfluorinated sulfonimides: Preparation, characterization, and properties

New functionalized ionic liquids (ILs), comprised of multi-methoxyethyl substituted quaternary ammonium cations (i.e. [N(CH₂CH₂OCH₃)_4−n(R)_n]⁺; n = 1, R = CH₃OCH₂CH₂; n = 1, R = CH₃, CH₂CH₃; n = 2, R = CH₃CH₂), and two representative perfluorinated sulfonimide anions (i.e. bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI⁻) and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI⁻)), were prepared. Their fundamental properties, including phase transition, thermal stability, viscosity, density, specific conductivity and electrochemical window, were extensively characterized. These multi-ether functionalized ionic liquids exhibit good capability of dissolving lithium salts. Their binary electrolytes containing high concentration of the corresponding lithium salt ([Li⁺] >1.6 mol kg⁻¹) show Li⁺ ion transference number (tLi⁺) as high as 0.6-0.7. Their electrochemical stability allows Li deposition/stripping realized at room temperature. The desired properties of these multi-ether functionalized ionic liquids make them potential electrolytes for Li (or Li-ion) batteries.     

Electrochemical reduction of trinitrotoluene on core-shell tin-carbon electrodes

In this work, we studied the electrochemical process of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) reduction on a new type of electrodes based on a core-shell tin-carbon Sn(C) structure. The Sn(C) composite was prepared from the precursor tetramethyl-tin Sn(CH₃)₄, and the product contained a core of submicron-sized tin particles uniformly enveloped with carbon shells. Cyclic voltammograms of Sn(C) electrodes in aqueous sodium chloride solutions containing TNT show three well-pronounced reduction waves in the potential range of −0.50 to −0.80 V (vs. an Ag/AgCl/Cl⁻ reference electrode) that correspond to the multistep process of TNT reduction. Electrodes containing Sn(C) particles annealed at 800 °C under argon develop higher voltammetric currents of TNT reduction (comparing to the as-prepared tin-carbon material) due to stabilization of the carbon shell. It is suggested that the reduction of TNT on core-shell tin-carbon electrodes is an electrochemically irreversible process. A partial oxidation of the TNT reduction products occurred at around −0.20 V. The electrochemical response of TNT reduction shows that it is not controlled by the diffusion of the active species to/from the electrodes but rather by interfacial charge transfer and possible adsorption phenomena. The tin-carbon electrodes demonstrate significantly stable behavior for TNT reduction in NaCl solutions and provide sufficient reproducibility with no surface fouling through prolonged voltammetric cycling. It is presumed that tin nanoparticles, which constitute the core, are electrochemically inactive towards TNT reduction, but Sn or SnO₂ formed on the electrodes during TNT reduction may participate in this reaction as catalysts or carbon-modifying agents. The nitro-groups of TNT can be reduced irreversibly (via two possible paths) by three six-electron transfers, to 2,4,6-triaminotoluene, as follows from mass-spectrometric studies. The tin-carbon electrodes described herein may serve as amperometric sensors for the detection of trace TNT.     

Room temperature living cationic polymerization of styrene with HX-styrenic monomer adduct/FeCl3 systems in the presence of tetrabutylammonium halide and tetraalkylphosphonium bromide salts

Living cationic polymerization of styrene was achieved with a series of initiating systems consisting of a HX-styrenic monomer adduct (X = Br, Cl) and ferric chloride (FeCl₃) in conjunction with added salts such as tetrabutylammonium halides (nBu₄N⁺Y⁻; Y⁻ = Br⁻, Cl⁻, I⁻) or tetraalkylphosphonium bromides [nR′₄PBr; R′ = CH₃CH₂-, CH₃(CH₂)₂CH₂-, CH₃(CH₂)₆CH₂-] or tetraphenylphosphonium bromide [(C₆H₅)₄PBr] in dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) and in toluene. Comparison of the molecular weight distributions (MWDs) of the polystyrenes prepared at different temperatures (e.g., −25 °C, 0 °C and 25 °C) showed that the polymerization is better controlled at ambient temperature (25 °C). The polymerization was almost instantaneous (completed within 1 min) and quantitative (yield ∼100%) in CH₂Cl₂. In CH₂Cl₂, polystyrenes with moderately narrow (M_w/M_n ∼ 1.33-1.40) and broad (M_w/M_n ∼ 1.5-2.4) MWDs were obtained respectively with and without nBu₄N⁺Y⁻. However, in toluene, the MWDs of the polystyrenes obtained respectively with and without nBu₄N⁺Y⁻/nR′₄P⁺Br⁻ were moderately narrow (M_w/M_n = 1.33-1.5) and extremely narrow (M_w/M_n = 1.05-1.17). Livingness of this polymerization in CH₂Cl₂ was confirmed via monomer-addition experiment as well as from the study of molecular weights of obtained polystyrenes prepared simply by varying monomer to initiator ratio. A possible mechanistic pathway for this polymerization was suggested based on the results of the ¹H NMR spectroscopic analysis of the model reactions as well as the end group analysis of the obtained polymer.     

Pure and mixed gas CH4 and n-C4H10 sorption and dilation in poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne)

Pure and mixed gas n-C₄H₁₀ and CH₄ sorption and dilation in poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP) are reported at temperatures ranging from −20 to 35 °C. The presence of n-C₄H₁₀ in the mixture considerably reduces CH₄ solubility. For example, CH₄ solubility (in the limit of zero CH₄ fugacity) at 25°C decreases from 4.0 (pure gas) to 0.78 cm³(STP)/(cm³ polymer atm) in the presence of n-C₄H₁₀ at an activity of 0.60. At −20 °C, CH₄ solubility decreases by almost an order of magnitude, from 10.2 (pure gas) to 1.22 cm³(STP)/(cm³ polymer atm) in the presence of n-C₄H₁₀ at an activity of 0.61. In contrast, n-C₄H₁₀ mixture sorption properties are not measurably affected by the presence of CH₄. The dual mode sorption model parameters for CH₄ and n-C₄H₁₀ in PTMSP were determined from pure and mixed gas sorption measurements, and this model can adequately describe the sorption data. The n-C₄H₁₀/CH₄ mixed gas solubility selectivity in PTMSP decreases as temperature increases and as n-C₄H₁₀ activity increases. For example, at 25 °C, the n-C₄H₁₀/CH₄ solubility selectivity decreases from 250 to 120 as n-C₄H₁₀ activity increases from 0.02 to 0.25. At −20 °C and an n-C₄H₁₀ activity of 0.24, the n-C₄H₁₀/CH₄ solubility selectivity is 590. Penetrant-induced volume dilation of PTMSP can be adequately modeled by assuming that all swelling is caused by penetrant molecules sorbed in the polymer's dense equilibrium region (i.e., the Henry's law region) during sorption. However, the best fit partial molar volumes in the Henry's law region for the dilation data are considerably lower than the penetrant partial molar volumes in liquids, suggesting that further theoretical efforts are needed to develop predictive models of volume dilation in high free volume glassy polymers.     

Two new siloxanic proton conducting membranes: Part II. Proton conductivity mechanism and NMR study

The synthesis and structural characterization of two types of membranes with formulas {Si(CH₃)₃O[Si(CH₃)HO]_21.26-[Si(CH₃)((CH₂)₃SO₃H)O]_1.8-[Si(CH₃)((CH₂)₃Si(CH₃)₂O-)-O]₁₄-Si(CH₃)₃}_n (A) and {Si(CH₃)₃O[Si(CH₃)HO]_21.26-[Si(CH₃)((CH₂)₃SO₃H)O]_1.8-[Si(CH₃)((CH₂)₃(Si(CH₃)₂O-w₎)-Ov_][Si(CH₃)((CH₂)₃Si(CH₃)₂O-)-O_]14−vSi(CH₃)₃}_n (B), (w=20.31), were previously proposed.The ac electrical response of A and B was fully characterized in the 40 Hz-2 MHz frequency region by studying the impedance spectra in the medium and low frequency regions by equivalent circuits and complex dielectric spectra at high frequency in terms of dielectric relaxation modes. Results demonstrated that A and B conduct ionically by means of a proton exchange event which occurs via a vehicular mechanism between neighboring water clusters formed by water molecules aggregated around each sulfonic acid group of the siloxane side chains. The proton conductivities at 115 °C of ca. 1.9 × 10⁻³ and 1.8 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ of fully hydrated membranes A and B, respectively, classify these silicone networks as good proton conductors.Membrane B was chosen for a closer investigation using NMR spectroscopy. Solid state ²⁹Si MAS NMR experiments gave further insight about the three-dimensional structure. Proton diffusion measurements provided some encouraging results about proton dynamics of this membrane signaling the great potential of siloxanic based proton conductors.     

Electrochemical properties of La1−xSrxFeO3 (x = 0.2, 0.4) as negative electrode of Ni-MH batteries

La_(1−x)Sr_xFeO₃ (x = 0.2,0.4) powders were prepared by a stearic acid combustion method, and their phase structure and electrochemical properties were investigated systematically. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that La_(1−x)Sr_xFeO₃ perovskite-type oxides consist of single-phase orthorhombic structure (x = 0.2) and rhombohedral one (x = 0.4), respectively. The electrochemical test shows that the reaction at La_(1−x)Sr_xFeO₃ oxide electrodes are reversible. The discharge capacities of La_(1−x)Sr_xFeO₃ oxide electrodes increase as the temperature rises. With the increase of the temperature from 298 K to 333 K, their initial discharge capacity mounts up from 324.4 mA h g⁻¹ to 543.0 mA h g⁻¹ (when x = 0.2) and from 147.0 mA h g⁻¹ to 501.5 mA h g⁻¹ (when x = 0.4) at the current density of 31.25 mA g⁻¹, respectively. After 20 charge-discharge cycles, they still remain perovskite-type structure. Being similar to the relationship between the discharge capacity and the temperature, the electrochemical kinetic analysis indicates that the exchange current density and proton diffusion coefficient of La_(1−x)Sr_xFeO₃ oxide electrodes increase with the increase of the temperature. Compared with La_0.8Sr_0.2FeO₃, La_0.6Sr_0.4FeO₃ electrode is a more promising candidate for electrochemical hydrogen storage because of its higher cycle capacity at various temperatures.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new water-soluble endohedral metallofullerene for MRI contrast agents

Water-soluble amino acid derivatives of gadolinium (Gd) endohedral metallofullerenes (AAD-EMFs), Gd@C₈₂O_m(OH)_n(NHCH₂CH₂COOH)_l (m ≈ 6, n ≈ 16 and l ≈ 8) are synthesized by a direct reaction of the pure endohedral metallofullerene Gd@C₈₂ with an excess of alkaline solution of β-alanine. The structure of the AAD-EMFs is characterized by FTIR, XPS and laser-desorption time-of-flight (LD-TOF) mass spectrometries. Water proton relaxivity analysis indicates that the longitudinal relaxivity R₁ (the effect on 1/T₁, 9.1 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹) of AAD-EMFs is higher than that of the commercial MRI contrast agent, Magnevist (gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, Gd-DTPA, 5.6 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹). The MRI phantom studies are performed to confirm the high efficiency of this sample as MRI contrast agents.     

Feasible attachment of dinuclear ruthenium complex to gold electrode surface via new ligand substitution reaction

A general method has been developed for accumulation of a dinuclear ruthenium complex [Ru₂(dhpta)(μ-O₂CCH₃)₂]⁻ (H₅dhpta = 1,3-diamino-2-hydroxypropane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid) on a gold surface. The accumulation using a ligand substitution reaction of bridging acetate in the complex by terminal benzoic acid in a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) with ω-mercaptoalkoxy benzoic acid (HOOC-C₆H₄-O-(CH₂)_n-SH) (n = 4, 6, 12) is undergone. The methyl benzoate-containing alkyl disulfides capable to form SAMs on gold electrode have been synthesized utilizing reductive dimerization of the corresponding alkyl thiocyanates with tetraphenylphosphonium tetrathiomolybdate. The methyl benzoate group in the SAM was converted into benzoic acid group by base hydrolysis, which was confirmed by surface-enhanced Raman scattering measurements for silver electrode. After the ligand substitution reactions to accumulate the complex on the gold electrode surface, in the case of n = 6 and n = 12, voltammetric waves for surface confined redox process, which corresponds to Ru^IIIRu^III/Ru^IIIRu^II redox couple are observed, respectively, and these surfaces of gold electrodes are covered with the complex completely. The present ligand substitution reaction should be widely applicable for the accumulation of other complexes and useful for designing of functional electrodes.     

EQCM study of the ECL quenching of the tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)/tris-n-propylamine system at a Au electrode in the presence of chloride ions

Significant effect of chloride ions on the electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) behavior of the ruthenium(II)tris(2,2′-bipyridine) (Ru(bpy)₃²⁺)/tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) system at a Au electrode was reported. At low concentrations (e.g., [Cl⁻] < 5 mM), the ECL was enhanced; at relatively high concentrations, however, the ECL intensity decreased with the increase of the [Cl⁻]. At [Cl⁻] = 90 mM, ∼50% and 100% ECL inhibition was observed for the first and the second ECL wave, respectively. The electrogenerated gold-chloride complexes (AuCl₂⁻ and AuCl₄⁻) which were verified using an electrochemical quartz-crystal microbalance (EQCM) method were found to be responsible for the ECL inhibition. This study suggests that care must be taken when a Au working electrode is used for ECL studies in chloride-containing buffer solutions (widely used in DNA probes) and/or with the commonly used chloride-containing reference electrodes since in these cases the ECL behavior may significantly disagree with that obtained using other electrodes and reaction media.     

Electrochemical hydrodehalogenation of polychloromethanes at silver and carbon electrodes

The reductive dehalogenation of CCl₄, CHCl₃, CH₂Cl₂ and CH₃Cl has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential electrolysis at Ag, glassy carbon (GC) and graphite electrodes in dimethylformamide (DMF) + 0.1 M Et₄NClO₄ in the absence and presence of a proton donor. In particular, the study was focused in the evaluation of the intermediates and final products of the reduction process and how their distribution could be affected by tuning relevant chemical and electrochemical parameters. In general, depending on the value of the applied potential, all polychloromethanes (PCMs) can be partially or completely dechlorinated, methane being exclusively formed in the latter case. The nature of the electrode material and the proton availability of the medium affect drastically the distribution of reduction products. The results point out that at both types of electrode, reduction of PCMs takes place through two competing reaction pathways both leading to methane. One reaction route involves a sequence of reductive dehalogenation steps, with the removal of one chlorine atom at a time, whereas the other is based on hydrogenolysis of carbenes and bypasses the intermediacy of partially dechlorinated PCMs. The presence of a proton source affects substantially the hydrodehalogenation efficiency, enhancing the concentration of intermediate PCMs and the final yield of methane. The silver electrode exhibits an extraordinary electrocatalytic effect resulting in remarkable positive shifts of the reduction potentials of all PCMs with respect to GC. The Ag surface strongly affects the kinetics of the dissociative electron transfer to CH_nCl_(4−n) (n = 0–3) as well as the reactivity of the intermediate radicals, carbanions and carbenes.     

Electrochemical determination of bromide at a multiwall carbon nanotubes-chitosan modified electrode

A multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)-chitosan modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) exhibits attractive ability for highly sensitive cathodic stripping voltammetric measurements of bromide (Br⁻). In pH 1.8 H₂SO₄ solution, a substantial increase in the stripping peak current of Br⁻ (compared to bare GCE and chitosan modified GCE) is observed using MWNTs-chitosan modified electrode. Operational parameters were optimized and the electrochemical behaviors of Br⁻ were studied by different electrochemical methods. The kinetics parameters were measured, the number of electron transfer (n) was 1 and the transfer coefficient (α) is 0.17. A wide linear calibration range (3.6 × 10⁻⁷-1.4 × 10⁻⁵ g mL⁻¹) was achieved, with a detection limit of 9.6 × 10⁻⁸ g mL⁻¹. The mechanism of electrode reaction was fully discussed.     

New boron compounds as additives for lithium polymer electrolytes

A new class of difluoroalkoxyborane compounds ([R_nOBF₂]₂) containing oligooxyethylene groups of various molecular weight in the form of a methyl monoether (R_n = CH₃(OCH₂CH₂)_n, n = 1, 2, 3 and 7) has been obtained in the reaction of BF₃ etherate with appropriate glycols. ¹H, ¹¹B and ¹⁹F NMR spectral analysis of the derivatives obtained was carried out and the properties as Lewis acids of these derivatives have been compared with that of corresponding trialkoxyboranes and boron trifluoride in reaction with pyridine. The strength of the interaction of [R₂OBF₂]₂ with the differing in “hardness” anions of various lithium salts has been analyzed on the basis of NMR spectra. The [R_nOBF₂]₂ obtained were used as additives for polymer electrolytes containing PEO as polymer matrix and various lithium salts at an equimolar ratio of the boron compound to salt. The highest ionic conductivities, in the order 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at 20-70 °C, were achieved for systems containing LiI and LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂. The lithium transference number (t₊) values, determined by the electrochemical method by steady-state technique for LiF and LiCF₃SO₃ are in the 0.6-0.8 range.     

Distribution profile of water and suppression of methanol crossover in sulfonated polyimide electrolyte membrane for direct methanol fuel cells

We have developed novel cross-linked sulfonated polyimide (c-SPI) membrane as an electrolyte for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). When the DMFC using the c-SPI membrane (thickness = 155 μm), Pt-Ru dispersed on carbon black (Pt-Ru/CB) anode and Pt/CB cathode with a Nafion^® ionomer was operated at 80 °C and 0.1 A cm⁻² with 1 M CH₃OH and oxygen (oxidant), the methanol crossover rate, j(CH₃OH), was suppressed to about 1/2 compared with that of the Nafion^® 117 membrane (thickness = 180 μm) with the same electrodes. It was found for both cells that the j(CH₃OH) was not so small as expected from the membrane thickness. In order to obtain a clue for the suppression of j(CH₃OH), the distribution profiles of water (containing CH₃OH) in thickness direction were investigated by measuring the specific resistances (ρ) between Pt probes inserted into the electrolyte membrane. Values of ρ at the anode side were low irrespective of the discharge current density, because such a part of the membrane was humidified thoroughly by liquid water (1 M CH₃OH) allowing free penetration of CH₃OH into the swollen polymer. In contrast, the values of ρ at the cathode side were high at the low current density due to drying of the membrane contacting with oxidant gas (O₂ or air) in low humidity. We have succeeded to suppress the j(CH₃OH) further (about 1/2 at 0.2 A cm⁻²) by using bilayer c-SPI, having a low ion exchanging (low swelling) barrier layer at the anode side without increasing the ohmic resistance, compared with that of the single c-SPI.     

Electrochemical reduction of oxygen on thin-film Pt electrodes in acid solutions

The electrochemical reduction of oxygen on thin-film platinum electrodes in 0.1 M HClO₄ and 0.05 M H₂SO₄ solutions has been investigated using the rotating disk electrode (RDE) method. Thin films of Pt (0.25-20 nm thick) were prepared by vacuum evaporation onto glassy carbon substrate. The surface morphology of Pt films was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The specific activity of O₂ reduction was higher in HClO₄ and decreased with decreasing film thickness. In H₂SO₄, the specific activity was lower and appeared to be independent of the Pt loading. The values of Tafel slopes close to −120 mV dec⁻¹ in high current density range and −60 mV dec⁻¹ in low current density range were obtained for all electrodes in both solutions, indicating that the mechanism of O₂ reduction is the same for thin-film electrodes as for bulk Pt. The number of electrons transferred per O₂ molecule was close to four for all thin Pt films studied.     

MnxCu1−xCo2O4 used as bifunctional electrocatalyst in alkaline medium

Composite film electrodes containing mechanically mixed Mn_xCu_1−xCo₂O₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) particles, carbon black Vulcan XC72R and poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) were formed on the glassy carbon disk surface of a rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) and studied for the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR and OER, respectively) in 1 M KOH solution. The electrocatalytic activities for both reactions were observed to depend strongly on the Mn content in CuCo₂O₄. An opposite trend was observed for the apparent and intrinsic electrocatalytic activities for the ORR; the simultaneous presence of Cu and Mn was found to be detrimental to the intrinsic charge density, but beneficial to the geometric charge density with a maximum for Mn_0.6Cu_0.4Co₂O₄. The latter was characterized by the highest total number of electrons exchanged per O₂ molecule, n, close to 4, greater k₁ (4e⁻ process)/k₂ (2e⁻ process) ratios, and by a unique and low Tafel slope (−41 mV dec⁻¹). The results obtained for the OER showed that the intrinsic electrocatalytic activity is determined by the number of active sites (Co⁴⁺) electrochemically formed at the oxide surface prior to the OER, from Co³⁺ cations. The partial substitution of Cu by Mn in CuCo₂O₄ was found to decrease the OER activity.     

Use of novel permeable membrane and air cathodes in acetate microbial fuel cells

In the existing microbial fuel cells (MFCs), the use of platinized electrodes and Nafion^® as proton exchange membrane (PEM) leads to high costs leading to a burden for wastewater treatment. In the present study, two different novel electrode materials are reported which can replace conventional platinized electrodes and can be used as very efficient oxygen reducing cathodes. Further, a novel membrane which can be used as an ion permeable membrane (Zirfon^®) can replace Nafion^® as the membrane of choice in MFCs. The above mentioned gas porous electrodes were first tested in an electrochemical half cell configuration for their ability to reduce oxygen and later in a full MFC set up. It was observed that these non-platinized air electrodes perform very well in the presence of acetate under MFC conditions (pH 7, room temperature) for oxygen reduction. Current densities of −0.43 mA cm⁻² for a non-platinized graphite electrode and −0.6 mA cm⁻² for a non-platinized activated charcoal electrode at −200 mV vs. Ag/AgCl of applied potential were obtained. The proposed ion permeable membrane, Zirfon^® was tested for its oxygen mass transfer coefficient, K₀ which was compared with Nafion^®. The K₀ for Zirfon^® was calculated as 1.9 × 10⁻³ cm s⁻¹.     

Facile electrosynthesis of novel free-standing electroactive poly((S)-(−)-1,1′-bi-2-naphthol dimethyl ether) films with enhanced main chain axial chirality

Direct anodic oxidation of (S)-(−)-1,1′-bi-2-naphthol dimethyl ether (BNME) in CH₂Cl₂/CHCl₃ containing boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) as the supporting electrolyte led to facile electrodeposition of high-quality free-standing poly((S)-(−)-1,1′-bi-2-naphthol dimethyl ether) (PBNME) film on stainless steel (SS)/indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. As-formed PBNME films showed good electroactivity and redox stability in CH₂Cl₂-BFEE, BFEE, and even in concentrated sulfuric acid. Both doped and dedoped PBNME films were partly soluble in strong polar solvents, such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Quantum chemistry calculations of BNME and FT-IR spectrum of dedoped PBNME films demonstrated that the polymerization probably occurred at 4- and 4′-positions. Optical rotation determination showed that the conformation of the monomer was maintained during the electrochemical polymerization process and the polymer exhibited greatly enhanced optical rotation value with main chain axial chirality compared with that of the monomer. Fluorescent spectral studies indicated that soluble PBNME was a good blue-light emitter with maximum emission at 415 nm and fluorescence quantum yield of 0.15, while solid-state PBNME film showed its emission centered at 380 nm. Furthermore, as-formed PBNME manifested favorable thermal stability and relatively high electrical conductivity of about 10⁻¹ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature.     

Almost completely dedoped electrochemically deposited luminescent films exhibiting excellent LED performance

An improved method for electrochemical deposition (ED) of a novel precursor (peripheral carbazole substituted 9,9′-spirobifluorene (TCPC)) for fabricating highly efficient luminescent films and devices has been developed. Electrochemical deposition often leaves residual charged ion species within the film. These species can negatively impact the performance of these films in OLED applications. The amount of residual charged species in the films can be reduced by controlling the oxidation and reduction potentials, by using electrolytes with different counter anions, and by washing with solvents. An optimized ED process showed a significant decrease in the doping level; up to 0.07% in ED film. The films prepared under a scan potential range from 0.85 to −0.8 V, using TBAAsF₆ as the supporting electrolyte, and washed with solvent mixtures of acetonitrile and CH₂Cl₂ (V/V = 2/3) demonstrated excellent device performance. Light-emitting devices fabricated by electrochemical deposition achieved deep blue emission (x, y) = (0.16, 0.06) in CIE coordinates. High luminance efficiencies of 2.3 cd A⁻¹ were achieved for single-layer device; luminescence efficiencies of 4.4 cd A⁻¹ were achieved for a double-layer device. Finally, the problem that ED films usually exhibit low electroluminescent efficiency is solved.     

Electrocatalyst materials for fuel cells based on the polyoxometalates [PMo(12 − n)VnO40] (n = 0-3)

We report on the use of the polyoxometalate acids of the series [PMo_(12 − n)V_nO₄₀]^(3 + n)− (n = 0-3) as electrocatalysts in both the anode and the cathode of polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The heteropolyacids were incorporated as catalysts in a commercial gas diffusion electrode based on Vulcan XC-72 carbon which strongly adsorbed a low loading of the catalyst, ca. 0.1 mg/cm². The moderate activity observed was independent of the number of vanadium atoms in the polyoxometalate. In the anode the electrochemistry is dominated by the V^3+/4+ couple. With a platinum reference wire in contact with the anode, polarization curves are obtained withV_OC of 650 mV and current densities of 10 mA cm⁻² at 100 mV at 80 °C. These catalysts showed an order of magnitude more activity on the cathode after moderate heat treatment than on the anode,V_OC = 750 mV, current densities of 140 mA cm⁻² at 100 mV. The temperature dependence of the catalysts was also investigated and showed increasing current densities could be achieved on the anode up to 139 °C and the cathode to 100 °C showing the potential for these materials to work at elevated temperatures.     

A study of adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics of ω-mercaptoalkylhydroquinone self-assembled monolayer on a gold electrode

The adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics for the formation of redox active self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 2-(n-mercaptoalkyl)hydroquinone (abbreviated as H₂Q(CH₂)_nSH, where n = 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12) on gold electrode has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry to study the effects of concentration and alkyl chain length. The time dependence of surface coverage, differential capacitance, and formal potential of electroactive hydroquinone(H₂Q) moiety supports that the adsorption of H₂Q(CH₂)_nSH molecules typically processes with a two-step adsorption consisted of a fast initial adsorption and a slowly following reorganization. The adsorption processes can be satisfactorily described by simple Langmuir adsorption kinetics, irrespective of concentration and alkyl chain length of adsorbate molecule. Based on Langmuir kinetics, the adsorption rate constant was determined at the initial step for the formation of all H₂Q(CH₂)_nSH-SAMs studied in this work. The rate constant value was found to be decreased with increasing alkyl chain length and decreasing bulk solution concentration (≤10 μM). The dependence of a surface coverage (Γ_e) at adsorption equilibrium on the bulk concentration is accurately described by the Langmuir isotherm at several concentrations ranging from 8 × 10⁻⁶ to 1 × 10⁻⁵ M for all H₂Q(CH₂)_nSH molecules. Parameters characterizing the adsorption thermodynamics, such as Γ_s, adsorption coefficient (β), and adsorption free energy (ΔG_ads) were determined from this isotherm.