Characterisation of surfaces modified with phthalocyanines through click chemistry for applications in electrochemical sensing
- O'Donoghue, Charles St John Nqwabuko
- Authors: O'Donoghue, Charles St John Nqwabuko
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electrodes, Carbon , Phthalocyanines , X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy , Electrochemistry , Electrochemical sensors , Hydrazine , Click chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58046 , vital:27038
- Description: One form of surface modification was primarily investigated in this work on glassy carbon electrodes. The form of modification is comprised of a series of steps in which electrografting is first applied to the glassy carbon surface, which is then followed up with click chemistry to ultimately immobilise a phthalocyanine onto the surface. The modified glassy carbon electrodes and surfaces were characterised with a combination of scanning electrochemical microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and various electrochemical methods. In this work, three alkyne substituted phthalocyanines were used. Two novel phthalocyanines, with nickel and cobalt metal centres, were studied alongside a manganese phthalocyanine reported in literature. Each of the three phthalocyanines was modified at the peripheral position with a 1-hexyne group, via a glycosidic bond, yielding the terminal alkyne groups that were used for subsequent click reactions. In situ diazotisation was used to graft 4-azidoaniline groups to the surface of the glassy carbon electrode. The azide bearing 4- azidoaniline groups were thus used to anchor the tetra substituted phthalocyanines to the surface of the electrodes. This method yielded successful modification of the electrodes and lead to their application in sensing studies. The modified electrodes were primarily used to catalyse the common agricultural oxidising agent hydrazine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: O'Donoghue, Charles St John Nqwabuko
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electrodes, Carbon , Phthalocyanines , X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy , Electrochemistry , Electrochemical sensors , Hydrazine , Click chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58046 , vital:27038
- Description: One form of surface modification was primarily investigated in this work on glassy carbon electrodes. The form of modification is comprised of a series of steps in which electrografting is first applied to the glassy carbon surface, which is then followed up with click chemistry to ultimately immobilise a phthalocyanine onto the surface. The modified glassy carbon electrodes and surfaces were characterised with a combination of scanning electrochemical microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and various electrochemical methods. In this work, three alkyne substituted phthalocyanines were used. Two novel phthalocyanines, with nickel and cobalt metal centres, were studied alongside a manganese phthalocyanine reported in literature. Each of the three phthalocyanines was modified at the peripheral position with a 1-hexyne group, via a glycosidic bond, yielding the terminal alkyne groups that were used for subsequent click reactions. In situ diazotisation was used to graft 4-azidoaniline groups to the surface of the glassy carbon electrode. The azide bearing 4- azidoaniline groups were thus used to anchor the tetra substituted phthalocyanines to the surface of the electrodes. This method yielded successful modification of the electrodes and lead to their application in sensing studies. The modified electrodes were primarily used to catalyse the common agricultural oxidising agent hydrazine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Determination of nonlinear optical properties of phthalocyanine regioisomers using computational models
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electrochemistry , Phthalocyanines , Nanoparticles , Nonlinear optics , Nonlinear optical spectroscopy , Refraction
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166197 , vital:41337
- Description: This work investigates the effects of the nonlinear optical properties of four different constitutional isomers (C4h, C2v, Cs, and D2h) of a series of tetrasubstituted phthalocyanines (free-base 3-4-tert-butylphenoxyether phthalocyanines, free-base 4-4-tertbutylphenoxyether phthalocyanines, SnCl2 tetra substituted 3-4-tert-butylphenoxyether phthalocyanine, and SnCl2 tetra substituted 4-4-tert-butylphenoxyether phthalocyanine). The properties investigated were the real and imaginary components of the 3rd order hyperpolarizability, as well as the excited state absorption and refraction cross sections. The investigations were performed with a z-scan over a range of laser beam intensities. This work determined the imaginary component of the 3rd order hyperpolarizability for the free-base and SnCl2 3-4-tert-butylphenoxyether phthalocyanines and 4-4-tert-butylphenoxyether phthalocyanines to be highly dependent on the excited state cross sections. The refraction caused due to the real component of the 3rd order hyperpolarizability of the phthalocyanines was also investigated, however, the values found were strongly dependent on the laser beam intensity and the cause of this was investigated. A Five-level model was developed and run on GPGPU computing devices in order to isolate the absorption and refractive cross sections. Theeffects of the regio substitution on the excited state cross sections were also investigated, and the 1st singlet excited state and 1st triplet state absorption cross sections were calculated for all constitutional isomers. It was found that the symmetry of the constitutional isomers have a disproportionately large effect on the excited state absorption when compared to the ground state absorption. The nonlinear refractive properties of all constitutional isomers were also investigated, and the values of the parametric susceptibility are reported herein. The nonlinear refraction was found to have less effect than was seen in the nonlinear absorption. The 1st singlet excited state and 1st triplet state refractive cross sections of all constitutional isomer was determined. The results indicated that if more than one excited state was present and contributing to the nonlinear refraction, then more data than was collected here would be required. However, the 1st singlet excited state cross section were successfully determined for the free-base constitutional isomers. This work concluded that the region substitution affected the excited states more than the ground state.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electrochemistry , Phthalocyanines , Nanoparticles , Nonlinear optics , Nonlinear optical spectroscopy , Refraction
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166197 , vital:41337
- Description: This work investigates the effects of the nonlinear optical properties of four different constitutional isomers (C4h, C2v, Cs, and D2h) of a series of tetrasubstituted phthalocyanines (free-base 3-4-tert-butylphenoxyether phthalocyanines, free-base 4-4-tertbutylphenoxyether phthalocyanines, SnCl2 tetra substituted 3-4-tert-butylphenoxyether phthalocyanine, and SnCl2 tetra substituted 4-4-tert-butylphenoxyether phthalocyanine). The properties investigated were the real and imaginary components of the 3rd order hyperpolarizability, as well as the excited state absorption and refraction cross sections. The investigations were performed with a z-scan over a range of laser beam intensities. This work determined the imaginary component of the 3rd order hyperpolarizability for the free-base and SnCl2 3-4-tert-butylphenoxyether phthalocyanines and 4-4-tert-butylphenoxyether phthalocyanines to be highly dependent on the excited state cross sections. The refraction caused due to the real component of the 3rd order hyperpolarizability of the phthalocyanines was also investigated, however, the values found were strongly dependent on the laser beam intensity and the cause of this was investigated. A Five-level model was developed and run on GPGPU computing devices in order to isolate the absorption and refractive cross sections. Theeffects of the regio substitution on the excited state cross sections were also investigated, and the 1st singlet excited state and 1st triplet state absorption cross sections were calculated for all constitutional isomers. It was found that the symmetry of the constitutional isomers have a disproportionately large effect on the excited state absorption when compared to the ground state absorption. The nonlinear refractive properties of all constitutional isomers were also investigated, and the values of the parametric susceptibility are reported herein. The nonlinear refraction was found to have less effect than was seen in the nonlinear absorption. The 1st singlet excited state and 1st triplet state refractive cross sections of all constitutional isomer was determined. The results indicated that if more than one excited state was present and contributing to the nonlinear refraction, then more data than was collected here would be required. However, the 1st singlet excited state cross section were successfully determined for the free-base constitutional isomers. This work concluded that the region substitution affected the excited states more than the ground state.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Electrochemical sensing and immunosensing using metallophthalocyanines and biomolecular modified surfaces
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani Nkosinathi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes, Enzyme , Measles -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018248
- Description: The synthesis of cobalt and manganese phthalocyanine complexes bearing eight hexylthio and four amino substituents was carried out. The formation of thin films of these complexes using different modification methods was also studied. Hexylthio functionalized metallophthalocyanine complexes were immobilized onto gold electrode surfaces using the self-assembly techniques. Surface modifications using cobalt and manganese tetraamino phthalocyanine as polymers, monolayers (onto electrografted surfaces) and as carbon nanotube – metallophthalocyanine conjugates was also carried out. The new method of modifying gold electrodes with metal tetraamino phthalocyanine complexes was investigated. The modified electrode surfaces were studied for their electrocatalytic properties and as potential electrochemical sensors for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The limits of detection for the H₂O₂ were of the orders of ~10⁻⁷ M for all the modified electrodes. The modified electrodes gave very good analytical parameters; such as good sensitivity, linearity at studied concentration range and well-defined analytical peaks with increased current densities. The modification methods were reproducible, highly conducting thin films were formed and the modified electrodes were very stable. The design of electrochemical immunosensors for the detection of measles-specific antibodies was also carried out. The modified surface with measles-antigen as sensing element was accomplished using covalent immobilization for an intimate connection of the measles-antigen as a sensing layer onto an electrode surface. Two methods of detecting measles-specific antibodies were investigated and these methods were based on electrochemical impedance, i.e. label-free detection, and voltammetric method using horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) labeled antibody as a reporter. The detection of measles-specific antibodies was accomplished using both these methods. The potential applications of the designed immunosensor were evaluated in real samples (human and newborn calf serum) and the electrodes could detect the antibodies in the complex sample matrix with ease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani Nkosinathi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes, Enzyme , Measles -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018248
- Description: The synthesis of cobalt and manganese phthalocyanine complexes bearing eight hexylthio and four amino substituents was carried out. The formation of thin films of these complexes using different modification methods was also studied. Hexylthio functionalized metallophthalocyanine complexes were immobilized onto gold electrode surfaces using the self-assembly techniques. Surface modifications using cobalt and manganese tetraamino phthalocyanine as polymers, monolayers (onto electrografted surfaces) and as carbon nanotube – metallophthalocyanine conjugates was also carried out. The new method of modifying gold electrodes with metal tetraamino phthalocyanine complexes was investigated. The modified electrode surfaces were studied for their electrocatalytic properties and as potential electrochemical sensors for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The limits of detection for the H₂O₂ were of the orders of ~10⁻⁷ M for all the modified electrodes. The modified electrodes gave very good analytical parameters; such as good sensitivity, linearity at studied concentration range and well-defined analytical peaks with increased current densities. The modification methods were reproducible, highly conducting thin films were formed and the modified electrodes were very stable. The design of electrochemical immunosensors for the detection of measles-specific antibodies was also carried out. The modified surface with measles-antigen as sensing element was accomplished using covalent immobilization for an intimate connection of the measles-antigen as a sensing layer onto an electrode surface. Two methods of detecting measles-specific antibodies were investigated and these methods were based on electrochemical impedance, i.e. label-free detection, and voltammetric method using horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) labeled antibody as a reporter. The detection of measles-specific antibodies was accomplished using both these methods. The potential applications of the designed immunosensor were evaluated in real samples (human and newborn calf serum) and the electrodes could detect the antibodies in the complex sample matrix with ease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Electrochemical studies of titanium, manganese and cobalt phthalocyanines
- Authors: Nombona, Nolwazi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Titanium , Manganese , Cobalt , Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes , Self-assembly (Chemistry)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004970 , Titanium , Manganese , Cobalt , Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes , Self-assembly (Chemistry)
- Description: Syntheses, spectral, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies of phenylthio and amino derivatised metallophthalocyanines complexes are reported. The complexes are immobilized onto a gold macro disk, gold ultramicroelectrode and gold coated fiber electrodes via self assembly with phenylthio MPc derivatives or onto a glassy carbon electrode via electropolymerisation with amino MPc derivatives. For the first time MPc SAMs were formed on gold coated fiber. The electrocatalytic behavior of the modified electrodes was studied for the detection of nitrite and L-cysteine, all modified electrodes showed improved electrocatalytic oxidation compared to the unmodified electrode. The MPc complexes catalyzed nitrite oxidation via a two-electron mechanism producing nitrate. Cobalt tetraaminophthalocyanine showed the best catalytic activity for nitrite oxidation in terms of overpotential lowering compared to other complexes and thus was used for nitrite detection in a food sample, the nitrite concentration was determined to be 59.13 ppm, well within the limit for cured meat products. Electrocatalytic oxidation of L-cysteine on SAM modified gold coated fiber was reported for the first time. The gold coated fiber and ultamicro cylinder electrode were less stable towards the electro-oxidation of cysteine compared to its oxidation on the gold disk. The gold disk electrode gave better catalytic performance in terms of stability and reduction of overpotential. The phenylthio cobalt phthalocyanine derivative gave the best catalytic activity for L-cysteine oxidation in terms of overpotential lowering compared to other phenylthio derivatized MPc complexes. The amount of L-cysteine in human urine was 2.4 mM, well within the urinary L-cysteine excretion range for a healthy human being.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Nombona, Nolwazi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Titanium , Manganese , Cobalt , Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes , Self-assembly (Chemistry)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004970 , Titanium , Manganese , Cobalt , Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes , Self-assembly (Chemistry)
- Description: Syntheses, spectral, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies of phenylthio and amino derivatised metallophthalocyanines complexes are reported. The complexes are immobilized onto a gold macro disk, gold ultramicroelectrode and gold coated fiber electrodes via self assembly with phenylthio MPc derivatives or onto a glassy carbon electrode via electropolymerisation with amino MPc derivatives. For the first time MPc SAMs were formed on gold coated fiber. The electrocatalytic behavior of the modified electrodes was studied for the detection of nitrite and L-cysteine, all modified electrodes showed improved electrocatalytic oxidation compared to the unmodified electrode. The MPc complexes catalyzed nitrite oxidation via a two-electron mechanism producing nitrate. Cobalt tetraaminophthalocyanine showed the best catalytic activity for nitrite oxidation in terms of overpotential lowering compared to other complexes and thus was used for nitrite detection in a food sample, the nitrite concentration was determined to be 59.13 ppm, well within the limit for cured meat products. Electrocatalytic oxidation of L-cysteine on SAM modified gold coated fiber was reported for the first time. The gold coated fiber and ultamicro cylinder electrode were less stable towards the electro-oxidation of cysteine compared to its oxidation on the gold disk. The gold disk electrode gave better catalytic performance in terms of stability and reduction of overpotential. The phenylthio cobalt phthalocyanine derivative gave the best catalytic activity for L-cysteine oxidation in terms of overpotential lowering compared to other phenylthio derivatized MPc complexes. The amount of L-cysteine in human urine was 2.4 mM, well within the urinary L-cysteine excretion range for a healthy human being.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Electrode surface modification using metallophthalocyanines and metal nanoparticles : electrocatalytic activity
- Authors: Maringa, Audacity
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Nanoparticles , Electrocatalysis , Scanning electron microscopy , X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy , Electrochemistry , Scanning electrochemical microscopy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4541 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017921
- Description: Metallophthalocyanines and metal nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and applied for the electrooxidation of amitrole, nitrite and hydrazine individually or when employed together. The synthesized materials were characterized using the following techniques: predominantly scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrochemistry and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Different electrode modification methods were used to modify the glassy carbon substrates. The methods include adsorption, electrodeposition, electropolymerization and click chemistry. Modifying the glassy carbon substrate with MPc (electropolymerization) followed by metal nanoparticles (electrodeposition) or vice versa, made a hybrid modified surface that had efficient electron transfer. This was confirmed by electrochemical impedance studies with voltammetry measurements having lower detection potentials for the analytes. This work also describes for the first time the micropatterning of the glassy carbon substrate using the SECM tip. The substrate was electrografted with 4-azidobenzenediazonium salt and then the click reaction was performed using ethynylferrocene facilitated by Cu⁺ produced at the SECM tip. The SECM imaging was then used to show the clicked spot.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Maringa, Audacity
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Nanoparticles , Electrocatalysis , Scanning electron microscopy , X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy , Electrochemistry , Scanning electrochemical microscopy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4541 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017921
- Description: Metallophthalocyanines and metal nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and applied for the electrooxidation of amitrole, nitrite and hydrazine individually or when employed together. The synthesized materials were characterized using the following techniques: predominantly scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrochemistry and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Different electrode modification methods were used to modify the glassy carbon substrates. The methods include adsorption, electrodeposition, electropolymerization and click chemistry. Modifying the glassy carbon substrate with MPc (electropolymerization) followed by metal nanoparticles (electrodeposition) or vice versa, made a hybrid modified surface that had efficient electron transfer. This was confirmed by electrochemical impedance studies with voltammetry measurements having lower detection potentials for the analytes. This work also describes for the first time the micropatterning of the glassy carbon substrate using the SECM tip. The substrate was electrografted with 4-azidobenzenediazonium salt and then the click reaction was performed using ethynylferrocene facilitated by Cu⁺ produced at the SECM tip. The SECM imaging was then used to show the clicked spot.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Homogenous and heterogenous catalytic activity of metallophthalocyanines towards electrochemical detection of organic compounds
- Authors: Mafatle, Tsukutlane J P
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Electrochemistry , Organic compounds , Phenols
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4316 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004974 , Electrochemistry , Organic compounds , Phenols
- Description: Cysteine plays an important role in many biological and pharmaceutical systems. Therefore, in view of its importance, it is essential to find means of detecting it at the lowest possible levels. In this regard, electrochemical techniques have been found to be capable of detecting analytes even at micro levels. However, electrochemical determination of cysteine occurs at a very high potentials. These overpotentials makes quantitative analysis or detection of cysteine difficult at most conventional carbon electrodes. On platinum electrode, the oxidation of cysteine has been reported to occur in the potential range 0.7 to 1.45 V (vs NHE). Therefore, the object of this investigative study has been to find an active complex that could replace platinum and other expensive metals as electrodes. Such a complex should also be capable of reducing the potential at which the oxidation of cysteine occurs on carbon electrodes. As a result, this manuscript gives a full report on the investigative study of electrocatalytic activity of molybdenum phthalocyanine complexes towards detection of cysteine. Molybdenum phthalocyanine, OMo(OH)Pc, and its tetrasulfonated derivative, [OMo(OH)TSPc]⁴⁻ were successfully used to reduce the potential needed to initiate the oxidation of cysteine on carbon paste electrodes (CPE). The oxidation of cysteine on CPE modified with [OMo(OH)Pc]⁴⁻ was found to occur at 0.29 V (vs Ag/AgCl), and in the presence of [OMo(OH)TSPc]⁴⁻ species in solution the oxidation occurred at 0.33 V (vs Ag/AgCl). Molybdenum, in the oxidation states of Mo(IV), Mo(V) and Mo(VI), is found in biological systems as an essential trace element, participating in a number of enzymatic reactions, where it is believed to be coordinated to sulphur-containing ligands in many molybdenum enzymes. This therefore explains why molybdenum phthalocyanines were employed in electroanalytical detection of sulphur containing amino acid, cysteine. Electrochemical methods have also been successfully used in detection of environmental pollutants such as phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are oxidised at readily accessible potentials. However, like cysteine, there are problems associated with the electrochemical detection of these important environmental pollutants. Their electrooxidation is known to form dimeric and/or polymeric oxidation products which adsorb onto the electrode surface, thus -videactivating it. Therefore, to address this problem, cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) and its tetrasulfonated derivative, [CoTSPc]⁴⁻ were employed in electrocatalytic detection of phenolic compounds. These complexes were found to increase the anodic peak currents for the oxidation of o-cresol, m-cresol, p-cresol, phenol, 2-chlorophenol and 4-chlorophenol. In addition, CoPc deposited onto the glassy carbon electrode improved the stability of the electrode, by reducing electrode poisoning caused by the electrooxidation products of the mentioned phenolic compounds. The potential at which the oxidation occurred and the current response of individual phenolic compounds depended on the degree of substitution and the type of substituent on the phenol molecule. In general, the current response was found to be lower for chlorinated phenols compared with the cresols and phenol. To establish the role of the central metal in the catalytic process, comparison of the electrocatalytic activity of some of the first row transition metal phthalocyanines, for the detection of mono-substituted phenolic compounds, showed the following trend: Co⁽¹¹⁾ > Mn⁽¹¹⁾ > Fe⁽¹¹⁾Pc > Ni⁽¹¹⁾Pc > Cu⁽¹¹⁾Pc > H₂Pc > Zn⁽¹¹⁾Pc > Bare GCE. A report is also given on electrocatalysis using [CoTSPc]⁴⁻ electrochemically deposited on the glassy carbon electrode. This was also found to enhance the anodic peak currents for the oxidation of all phenolic compounds. A report on the effects of scan rate, operating potential, analyte concentration and other variables is also given.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Mafatle, Tsukutlane J P
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Electrochemistry , Organic compounds , Phenols
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4316 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004974 , Electrochemistry , Organic compounds , Phenols
- Description: Cysteine plays an important role in many biological and pharmaceutical systems. Therefore, in view of its importance, it is essential to find means of detecting it at the lowest possible levels. In this regard, electrochemical techniques have been found to be capable of detecting analytes even at micro levels. However, electrochemical determination of cysteine occurs at a very high potentials. These overpotentials makes quantitative analysis or detection of cysteine difficult at most conventional carbon electrodes. On platinum electrode, the oxidation of cysteine has been reported to occur in the potential range 0.7 to 1.45 V (vs NHE). Therefore, the object of this investigative study has been to find an active complex that could replace platinum and other expensive metals as electrodes. Such a complex should also be capable of reducing the potential at which the oxidation of cysteine occurs on carbon electrodes. As a result, this manuscript gives a full report on the investigative study of electrocatalytic activity of molybdenum phthalocyanine complexes towards detection of cysteine. Molybdenum phthalocyanine, OMo(OH)Pc, and its tetrasulfonated derivative, [OMo(OH)TSPc]⁴⁻ were successfully used to reduce the potential needed to initiate the oxidation of cysteine on carbon paste electrodes (CPE). The oxidation of cysteine on CPE modified with [OMo(OH)Pc]⁴⁻ was found to occur at 0.29 V (vs Ag/AgCl), and in the presence of [OMo(OH)TSPc]⁴⁻ species in solution the oxidation occurred at 0.33 V (vs Ag/AgCl). Molybdenum, in the oxidation states of Mo(IV), Mo(V) and Mo(VI), is found in biological systems as an essential trace element, participating in a number of enzymatic reactions, where it is believed to be coordinated to sulphur-containing ligands in many molybdenum enzymes. This therefore explains why molybdenum phthalocyanines were employed in electroanalytical detection of sulphur containing amino acid, cysteine. Electrochemical methods have also been successfully used in detection of environmental pollutants such as phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are oxidised at readily accessible potentials. However, like cysteine, there are problems associated with the electrochemical detection of these important environmental pollutants. Their electrooxidation is known to form dimeric and/or polymeric oxidation products which adsorb onto the electrode surface, thus -videactivating it. Therefore, to address this problem, cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) and its tetrasulfonated derivative, [CoTSPc]⁴⁻ were employed in electrocatalytic detection of phenolic compounds. These complexes were found to increase the anodic peak currents for the oxidation of o-cresol, m-cresol, p-cresol, phenol, 2-chlorophenol and 4-chlorophenol. In addition, CoPc deposited onto the glassy carbon electrode improved the stability of the electrode, by reducing electrode poisoning caused by the electrooxidation products of the mentioned phenolic compounds. The potential at which the oxidation occurred and the current response of individual phenolic compounds depended on the degree of substitution and the type of substituent on the phenol molecule. In general, the current response was found to be lower for chlorinated phenols compared with the cresols and phenol. To establish the role of the central metal in the catalytic process, comparison of the electrocatalytic activity of some of the first row transition metal phthalocyanines, for the detection of mono-substituted phenolic compounds, showed the following trend: Co⁽¹¹⁾ > Mn⁽¹¹⁾ > Fe⁽¹¹⁾Pc > Ni⁽¹¹⁾Pc > Cu⁽¹¹⁾Pc > H₂Pc > Zn⁽¹¹⁾Pc > Bare GCE. A report is also given on electrocatalysis using [CoTSPc]⁴⁻ electrochemically deposited on the glassy carbon electrode. This was also found to enhance the anodic peak currents for the oxidation of all phenolic compounds. A report on the effects of scan rate, operating potential, analyte concentration and other variables is also given.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
Inhibition of aluminium corrosion using phthalocyanines: Experimental and computational studies
- Authors: Nnaji, Nnaemeka Joshua
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Aluminum Corrosion , Electrochemistry , Phthalocyanines , Corrosion and anti-corrosives , Protective coatings , Density functionals
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294643 , vital:57240 , DOI 10.21504/10962/294643
- Description: Metal deterioration over time is a process known as corrosion, an electrochemical process, which can occur by surface chemical actions on metals by its environment. Metal corrosion have great economic, security, and environmental consequences, and its control is a major research area in corrosion science. Amongst the different corrosion protecting approaches, the use of corrosion inhibitors and protective coatings have attracted enormous research interest in this area of scholasticism. This has necessitated the computational and electrochemical investigations of aluminium corrosion inhibitive potentials of some compounds in 1M HCl. Metal free (5_H2), ClGa(III) (5_Ga) and Co(II) (5_Co) tetrakis(4-acetamidophenoxy)phthalocyanines as well as Co(II) 2,9,16-tris(4-(tert-butyl)phenoxy)-23-(pyridin-4-yloxy)phthalocyanine (6) and Co(II) 2,9,16,24-tetrakis(4-(tert-butyl)phenoxy)phthalocyanine (7) were synthesized for the first time and studied for corrosion inhibition. The reported ClGa(III) tetrakis(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl-thio)phthalocyaninine (1), ClGa(III) tetrakis(benzo[d]thiazol-2ylphenoxy)phthalocyanine (2), ClGa(III) tetrakis-4-(hexadecane-1,2-dioxyl)-bis(phthalocyanine) (3) and ClGa(III) tetrakis-4,4′-((4-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-1,2-bis(phenoxy)-bis(phthalocyanine) (4) were also employed for corrosion inhibition of Al in HCl. Corrosion inhibition measurements using electrochemical techniques showed that increased π conjugation caused (1) to (2) to outperform (1a) and (2a) respectively as aluminium corrosion inhibitors in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid. For similar reason, (4) outperformed 2. (1) and (2) were successfully electrodeposited onto aluminium for corrosion retardation in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid solution. Measurements obtained from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy gave corrosion inhibition efficiency values of 82% for 1 and 86% for 2 in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid solution and showed that electrodeposited phthalocyanines have enhanced aluminium corrosion retardation than when in solution. The use of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGONS) alone as aluminium corrosion inhibitor is discouraged because of poor aluminium corrosion inhibition in 1M HCl. However, synergistic effects were observed when rGONS was mixed each with (4) and (3). (5_H2), (5_Ga) and (5_Co) decreased aluminium corrosion in 1M HCl and observation was that the heavier the atom the more decreased the protection and the free base performed best of the three. Studied tertbutylphenoxy-derived CoPcs (6 and 7) exhibited good aluminium corrosion inhibition properties in studied acidic solution and the unsymmetric CoPc (6) which has more heteroatoms, gave better performance. Quantum chemical calculations involved the use of density functional theoretical (DFT) approaches and gave results which corroborated with experimental findings. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
- Authors: Nnaji, Nnaemeka Joshua
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Aluminum Corrosion , Electrochemistry , Phthalocyanines , Corrosion and anti-corrosives , Protective coatings , Density functionals
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294643 , vital:57240 , DOI 10.21504/10962/294643
- Description: Metal deterioration over time is a process known as corrosion, an electrochemical process, which can occur by surface chemical actions on metals by its environment. Metal corrosion have great economic, security, and environmental consequences, and its control is a major research area in corrosion science. Amongst the different corrosion protecting approaches, the use of corrosion inhibitors and protective coatings have attracted enormous research interest in this area of scholasticism. This has necessitated the computational and electrochemical investigations of aluminium corrosion inhibitive potentials of some compounds in 1M HCl. Metal free (5_H2), ClGa(III) (5_Ga) and Co(II) (5_Co) tetrakis(4-acetamidophenoxy)phthalocyanines as well as Co(II) 2,9,16-tris(4-(tert-butyl)phenoxy)-23-(pyridin-4-yloxy)phthalocyanine (6) and Co(II) 2,9,16,24-tetrakis(4-(tert-butyl)phenoxy)phthalocyanine (7) were synthesized for the first time and studied for corrosion inhibition. The reported ClGa(III) tetrakis(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl-thio)phthalocyaninine (1), ClGa(III) tetrakis(benzo[d]thiazol-2ylphenoxy)phthalocyanine (2), ClGa(III) tetrakis-4-(hexadecane-1,2-dioxyl)-bis(phthalocyanine) (3) and ClGa(III) tetrakis-4,4′-((4-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-1,2-bis(phenoxy)-bis(phthalocyanine) (4) were also employed for corrosion inhibition of Al in HCl. Corrosion inhibition measurements using electrochemical techniques showed that increased π conjugation caused (1) to (2) to outperform (1a) and (2a) respectively as aluminium corrosion inhibitors in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid. For similar reason, (4) outperformed 2. (1) and (2) were successfully electrodeposited onto aluminium for corrosion retardation in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid solution. Measurements obtained from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy gave corrosion inhibition efficiency values of 82% for 1 and 86% for 2 in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid solution and showed that electrodeposited phthalocyanines have enhanced aluminium corrosion retardation than when in solution. The use of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGONS) alone as aluminium corrosion inhibitor is discouraged because of poor aluminium corrosion inhibition in 1M HCl. However, synergistic effects were observed when rGONS was mixed each with (4) and (3). (5_H2), (5_Ga) and (5_Co) decreased aluminium corrosion in 1M HCl and observation was that the heavier the atom the more decreased the protection and the free base performed best of the three. Studied tertbutylphenoxy-derived CoPcs (6 and 7) exhibited good aluminium corrosion inhibition properties in studied acidic solution and the unsymmetric CoPc (6) which has more heteroatoms, gave better performance. Quantum chemical calculations involved the use of density functional theoretical (DFT) approaches and gave results which corroborated with experimental findings. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
Ionic liquids as media for electro-organic synthesis
- Authors: Kruger, Elna
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Ionic solutions , Inorganic compounds -- Synthesis , Electrochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10413 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/538 , Ionic solutions , Inorganic compounds -- Synthesis , Electrochemistry
- Description: The IL’s used in this study were either synthesized or commercially available. Preparation of the IL’s involved 2 step processes: firstly the heating of distilled 1-methylimidazole with distilled 1-chlorobutane under reflux to obtain 1-butyl-3- methylimidazolium chloride; secondly, the metathesis reaction of sodium tetrafluoroborate with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride to obtain 1-butyl-3- methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate. The addition of sodium tetrafluoroborate, sodium hexafluorophosphate and lithium trifluoromethane sulfonamide with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride produced good yields of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide respectively. The IL’s are hygroscopic and must be stored under a nitrogen atmosphere. The IL’s were analyzed using 1H and 13C NMR analysis with CDCl3 as solvent. The physical and chemical properties of these IL’s were compared to commercial products. The physical and chemical properties compared well to reference values from the literature. The physical properties measured include the density, conductivity and electrochemical window. The electrochemical window is dependant primarily on the resistance of the cation to reduction and the resistance of the anion to oxidation. The electrochemical windows of the IL’s were very similar to the reference windows obtained from literature and it can be seen that some IL’s have a slightly lower window which can be due to water present. Water content in the IL’s was determined with the use of a Karl Fischer titrator, with Hydranal 5 Composite as titrant and HPLC grade methanol as the base. The concentration of halide in the IL’s was determined with a Perkin-Elmer ICP-MS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Kruger, Elna
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Ionic solutions , Inorganic compounds -- Synthesis , Electrochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10413 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/538 , Ionic solutions , Inorganic compounds -- Synthesis , Electrochemistry
- Description: The IL’s used in this study were either synthesized or commercially available. Preparation of the IL’s involved 2 step processes: firstly the heating of distilled 1-methylimidazole with distilled 1-chlorobutane under reflux to obtain 1-butyl-3- methylimidazolium chloride; secondly, the metathesis reaction of sodium tetrafluoroborate with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride to obtain 1-butyl-3- methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate. The addition of sodium tetrafluoroborate, sodium hexafluorophosphate and lithium trifluoromethane sulfonamide with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride produced good yields of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide respectively. The IL’s are hygroscopic and must be stored under a nitrogen atmosphere. The IL’s were analyzed using 1H and 13C NMR analysis with CDCl3 as solvent. The physical and chemical properties of these IL’s were compared to commercial products. The physical and chemical properties compared well to reference values from the literature. The physical properties measured include the density, conductivity and electrochemical window. The electrochemical window is dependant primarily on the resistance of the cation to reduction and the resistance of the anion to oxidation. The electrochemical windows of the IL’s were very similar to the reference windows obtained from literature and it can be seen that some IL’s have a slightly lower window which can be due to water present. Water content in the IL’s was determined with the use of a Karl Fischer titrator, with Hydranal 5 Composite as titrant and HPLC grade methanol as the base. The concentration of halide in the IL’s was determined with a Perkin-Elmer ICP-MS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Liquid junction potentials at mixed electrolyte salt bridges
- Authors: Finkelstein, Noel Phillip
- Date: 1957
- Subjects: Hydrogen-ion concentration -- Measurement , Hydrogen-ion concentration , Electrochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4473 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011835 , Hydrogen-ion concentration -- Measurement , Hydrogen-ion concentration , Electrochemistry
- Description: The potentiometric method is one of the most exact techniques of electrochemistry. Its use is widespread in both routine measurements, such as pH determination, and in applications which demand the highest accuracy. Perhaps its severest limitation is the error due to liquid junction potentials. Although this has been the subject of much study, and although various means of combating it have been proposed, it has defied all attempts at a satisfactory solution. Indeed, so serious is the position that it has become the accepted practice in the more accurate fields to abandon altogether the use of potentiometric techniques in favour of others, usually less convenient and otherwise less accurate, when the presence of liquid junctions cannot be avoided. Intro. p. 1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1957
- Authors: Finkelstein, Noel Phillip
- Date: 1957
- Subjects: Hydrogen-ion concentration -- Measurement , Hydrogen-ion concentration , Electrochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4473 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011835 , Hydrogen-ion concentration -- Measurement , Hydrogen-ion concentration , Electrochemistry
- Description: The potentiometric method is one of the most exact techniques of electrochemistry. Its use is widespread in both routine measurements, such as pH determination, and in applications which demand the highest accuracy. Perhaps its severest limitation is the error due to liquid junction potentials. Although this has been the subject of much study, and although various means of combating it have been proposed, it has defied all attempts at a satisfactory solution. Indeed, so serious is the position that it has become the accepted practice in the more accurate fields to abandon altogether the use of potentiometric techniques in favour of others, usually less convenient and otherwise less accurate, when the presence of liquid junctions cannot be avoided. Intro. p. 1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1957
Nanomaterial modified electrodes : optimization of voltammetric sensors for pharmaceutical and industrial application
- Authors: Brimecombe, Rory Dennis
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Voltammetry , Electrochemistry , Nanotubes , Nanostructured materials
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4101 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009721
- Description: Nanomaterials, in particular carbon nanotubes have been shown to exhibit favourable properties for the enhancement of electrochemical detection of target analytes in complex matrices. There is however scope for improvement in terms of the optimization thereof in electrochemical sensors surface modification. The aim of this thesis was to examine methods that would result in increased current response, lowered passivation and application of such modified surfaces with application to pharmaceutically and industrially relevant analytes. Current methods for enhancing the performance of carbon nanotubes include acid functionalization which not only increases the hydrophilicity of the nanotubes, and consequently their ability to provide stable (aqueous) suspensions, but also introduces electrochemically active sites. This particular approach is however not normalized in the literature. Over-exposure to acid treatment results in loss of structural integrity of the carbon nanotubes, and as such a fine balance exists between achieving these dual outcomes. Guided by high resolution scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, voltammetric and impedance studies, this thesis examined the role of the length of time of the acid functionalization process as well as the impact of activation of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes on electrochemical sensor performance. Based on desired charge transfer resistances, rate transfer coefficients and sensitivity towards redox probes the optimal length of acid functionalization for multiwalled carbon nanotubes was 9 hours and 4 hours for single-walled carbon nanotubes. Further improvements in the desired outcomes were achieved through electrochemical activation of the modified electrode surface by cycling in the presence of catechol, in a novel approach. By employing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy it was observed that catechol activation resulted in lowered charge transfer resistance, before and after activation, with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (9 hours) exhibiting the greatest decrease of 90 % and functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (4 hours), a 50 % decrease. Corresponding increases in the heterologous rate transfer coefficient showed a 770 % increase for functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (9 hours), following catechol activation. Comparative observations for fullerenes following partial reduction in potassium hydroxide yielded a 30 % decrease in charge transfer resistance, with an increased heterologous rate transfer coefficient at a fullerene modified surface The performance of the nanomaterial modified electrodes was applied to the detection of wortmannin with applications in bioprocess control and in the pharmaceutical sector as well as to the detection and monitoring of the industrial dye Reactive red. Of particular relevance to these analytes was the assessment of the nanomaterial modified electrodes for enhanced stability, reproducibility, sensitivity and decreased passivation effects. In this study the first known account of wortmannin detection through electrochemical methods is reported. Voltammetric characterization of wortmannin revealed an irreversible cathodic process with a total number of 4 electrons and a diffusion coefficient of 1.19 x 10-7 cm².s⁻¹. At a functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode a limit of detection of 0.128 nmol.cm⁻³ was obtained, and with limited surface passivation the detection scheme afforded pertinent analyses in biological media representing a substantial improvement over chromatographic detection methods. This study also provided the first account of the voltammetric detection of reactive red, competing favourably with traditional spectroscopic methods for monitoring biodegradation of this compound in real time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Brimecombe, Rory Dennis
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Voltammetry , Electrochemistry , Nanotubes , Nanostructured materials
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4101 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009721
- Description: Nanomaterials, in particular carbon nanotubes have been shown to exhibit favourable properties for the enhancement of electrochemical detection of target analytes in complex matrices. There is however scope for improvement in terms of the optimization thereof in electrochemical sensors surface modification. The aim of this thesis was to examine methods that would result in increased current response, lowered passivation and application of such modified surfaces with application to pharmaceutically and industrially relevant analytes. Current methods for enhancing the performance of carbon nanotubes include acid functionalization which not only increases the hydrophilicity of the nanotubes, and consequently their ability to provide stable (aqueous) suspensions, but also introduces electrochemically active sites. This particular approach is however not normalized in the literature. Over-exposure to acid treatment results in loss of structural integrity of the carbon nanotubes, and as such a fine balance exists between achieving these dual outcomes. Guided by high resolution scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, voltammetric and impedance studies, this thesis examined the role of the length of time of the acid functionalization process as well as the impact of activation of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes on electrochemical sensor performance. Based on desired charge transfer resistances, rate transfer coefficients and sensitivity towards redox probes the optimal length of acid functionalization for multiwalled carbon nanotubes was 9 hours and 4 hours for single-walled carbon nanotubes. Further improvements in the desired outcomes were achieved through electrochemical activation of the modified electrode surface by cycling in the presence of catechol, in a novel approach. By employing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy it was observed that catechol activation resulted in lowered charge transfer resistance, before and after activation, with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (9 hours) exhibiting the greatest decrease of 90 % and functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (4 hours), a 50 % decrease. Corresponding increases in the heterologous rate transfer coefficient showed a 770 % increase for functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (9 hours), following catechol activation. Comparative observations for fullerenes following partial reduction in potassium hydroxide yielded a 30 % decrease in charge transfer resistance, with an increased heterologous rate transfer coefficient at a fullerene modified surface The performance of the nanomaterial modified electrodes was applied to the detection of wortmannin with applications in bioprocess control and in the pharmaceutical sector as well as to the detection and monitoring of the industrial dye Reactive red. Of particular relevance to these analytes was the assessment of the nanomaterial modified electrodes for enhanced stability, reproducibility, sensitivity and decreased passivation effects. In this study the first known account of wortmannin detection through electrochemical methods is reported. Voltammetric characterization of wortmannin revealed an irreversible cathodic process with a total number of 4 electrons and a diffusion coefficient of 1.19 x 10-7 cm².s⁻¹. At a functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode a limit of detection of 0.128 nmol.cm⁻³ was obtained, and with limited surface passivation the detection scheme afforded pertinent analyses in biological media representing a substantial improvement over chromatographic detection methods. This study also provided the first account of the voltammetric detection of reactive red, competing favourably with traditional spectroscopic methods for monitoring biodegradation of this compound in real time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Nanostructures and metallophthalocyanines : applications in microbial fuel cells
- Authors: Edwards, Sean
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Microbial fuel cells , Waste products as fuel , Nanostructured materials , Electrochemistry , Nanotubes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4107 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011742 , Microbial fuel cells , Waste products as fuel , Nanostructured materials , Electrochemistry , Nanotubes
- Description: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising form of alternative energy capable of harnessing the potential energy stores in organic waste. The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) forms an integral role in the generation of electricity in MFCs however it is also a potential obstacle in enhancing the performance of MFCs. Platinum, a commonly used catalyst for the ORR, is expensive and rare. Significant research has been conducted into developing alternative catalysts. Metallophthalocyanines (MPc) have garnered attention for use as catalysts. Iron phthalocyanine (FePc) has been shown to have catalytic activity towards the reduction of oxygen. Coupling of the catalyst to nanostructured carbon materials, such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes, has been observed to have several advantages as nanostructures have a high surface-to-volume ratio. In this study, we have attempted to assess the suitability of FePc, both its bulk and nanostructured form, as an oxygen reduction catalyst and acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes for use as a catalyst support using electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. We showed, for the first time, the catalytic nature of nanostructured FePc towards the ORR. Applying the data obtained from the electrochemical analyses, electrodes were modified using FePc and MWCNTs and applied to an Enterobacter cloacae-based MFC. Several operational parameters of the MFC, such as temperature and ionic strength, were optimized during the course of the study. We showed that optimized FePc:MWCNT-modified electrodes compared favourably to platinum-based electrodes in terms of power densities obtained in a microbial fuel cell.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Edwards, Sean
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Microbial fuel cells , Waste products as fuel , Nanostructured materials , Electrochemistry , Nanotubes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4107 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011742 , Microbial fuel cells , Waste products as fuel , Nanostructured materials , Electrochemistry , Nanotubes
- Description: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising form of alternative energy capable of harnessing the potential energy stores in organic waste. The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) forms an integral role in the generation of electricity in MFCs however it is also a potential obstacle in enhancing the performance of MFCs. Platinum, a commonly used catalyst for the ORR, is expensive and rare. Significant research has been conducted into developing alternative catalysts. Metallophthalocyanines (MPc) have garnered attention for use as catalysts. Iron phthalocyanine (FePc) has been shown to have catalytic activity towards the reduction of oxygen. Coupling of the catalyst to nanostructured carbon materials, such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes, has been observed to have several advantages as nanostructures have a high surface-to-volume ratio. In this study, we have attempted to assess the suitability of FePc, both its bulk and nanostructured form, as an oxygen reduction catalyst and acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes for use as a catalyst support using electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. We showed, for the first time, the catalytic nature of nanostructured FePc towards the ORR. Applying the data obtained from the electrochemical analyses, electrodes were modified using FePc and MWCNTs and applied to an Enterobacter cloacae-based MFC. Several operational parameters of the MFC, such as temperature and ionic strength, were optimized during the course of the study. We showed that optimized FePc:MWCNT-modified electrodes compared favourably to platinum-based electrodes in terms of power densities obtained in a microbial fuel cell.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Nonlinear optical responses of targeted phthalocyanines when conjugated with nanomaterials or fabricated into polymer thin films
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa Njoku
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electrochemistry , Phthalocyanines , Nanoparticles , Bioconjugates , Thin films , Polymers , Nonlinear optics , Nonlinear optical spectroscopy , Nanostructured materials , Raman effect
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71625 , vital:29926
- Description: A number of zinc, gallium and indium metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) with diverse substituents have been synthesized and characterized using various characterization tools such as proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR), matrix assisted laser desorption time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, Fourier-transformed infra-red (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-visible (Uv-vis) spectrophotometry, magnetic circular dichroism and CHNS elemental analysis. The time dependent density functional theory was employed to probe the origin of spectroscopic information in these complexes. Complexes with gallium and indium as central metal showed higher triplet quantum yield compared to the zinc derivatives. Some of the MPcs were covalently linked to nanomaterials such as CdTe, CdTeSe, CdTeSe/ZnO, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as well as metallic gold (AuNPs) and silver (AgNPs) nanoparticles. Others were either surface assembled onto AuNPs and AgNPs or embedded into polystyrene as polymer source. The phthalocyanine-nanomaterial composites (Pc-NMCs) were characterized with FT-IR, UV-visible spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The thickness of the thin films was determined by utilization of the knife edge attachment of the A Bruker D8 Discover X-ray diffraction. The optical limiting properties (using the open-aperture Z-scan technique) of the MPcs and the Pc-NMCs were investigated. The investigated MPcs complexes generally showed good optical limiting properties. The nonlinear optical response of the MPcs were improved in the presence of nanomaterials such as the semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs), graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as well as metallic AuNPs and AgNPs with MPc-QDs showing the best optical limiting behavior. The optical limiting properties of the MPcs were greatly enhanced in the presence of polymer thin films.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa Njoku
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electrochemistry , Phthalocyanines , Nanoparticles , Bioconjugates , Thin films , Polymers , Nonlinear optics , Nonlinear optical spectroscopy , Nanostructured materials , Raman effect
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71625 , vital:29926
- Description: A number of zinc, gallium and indium metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) with diverse substituents have been synthesized and characterized using various characterization tools such as proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR), matrix assisted laser desorption time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, Fourier-transformed infra-red (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-visible (Uv-vis) spectrophotometry, magnetic circular dichroism and CHNS elemental analysis. The time dependent density functional theory was employed to probe the origin of spectroscopic information in these complexes. Complexes with gallium and indium as central metal showed higher triplet quantum yield compared to the zinc derivatives. Some of the MPcs were covalently linked to nanomaterials such as CdTe, CdTeSe, CdTeSe/ZnO, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as well as metallic gold (AuNPs) and silver (AgNPs) nanoparticles. Others were either surface assembled onto AuNPs and AgNPs or embedded into polystyrene as polymer source. The phthalocyanine-nanomaterial composites (Pc-NMCs) were characterized with FT-IR, UV-visible spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The thickness of the thin films was determined by utilization of the knife edge attachment of the A Bruker D8 Discover X-ray diffraction. The optical limiting properties (using the open-aperture Z-scan technique) of the MPcs and the Pc-NMCs were investigated. The investigated MPcs complexes generally showed good optical limiting properties. The nonlinear optical response of the MPcs were improved in the presence of nanomaterials such as the semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs), graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as well as metallic AuNPs and AgNPs with MPc-QDs showing the best optical limiting behavior. The optical limiting properties of the MPcs were greatly enhanced in the presence of polymer thin films.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Photophysical and photoelectrochemical properties of water soluble metallophthalocyanines
- Authors: Masilela, Nkosiphile
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Photoelectrochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4330 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004991 , Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Photoelectrochemistry
- Description: This work presents the synthesis, characterization, photophysicochemical and photoelectrochemical properties of anionic octa-caboxylated (MOCPcs), tetra-sulfonated (MTSPcs) and quaternized cationic (Q(T-2-Py)MPcs) water soluble aluminium, gallium, silicon, titanium and zinc phthalocynines. The peripherally tetra-substituted cationic (Q(T-2-Py)MPcs) and anionic (MTSPcs) were found to be aggregated in aqueous media, yet the octa-carboxylated (MOCPcs) counterparts were monomeric in solution. Cremophor EL (CEL) was used as a disaggregating agent, all the aggregated complexes disaggregated partially or completely in the presence of CEL. The photophysicochemical properties of aggregated complexes were investigated both in the presence of CEL and in aqueous media of pH 11 alone. Low triplet, singlet oxygen and fluorescence quantum yield were obtained in aqueous media (especially for the aggregated complexes) but a high improvement was achieved upon addition of CEL. The gallium complexes ((OH)GaOCPc and (OH)GaTSPc) showed good photophysicochemical properties with higher triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields. For photoelectrochemistry the (MPcs) dyes were adsorbed to nanoporous ZnO, electrodeposited in the presence of eosin Y as structure directing agent (SDA) on FTO substrates by refluxing or soaking the films in a solution containing the dye of interest such that a full surface coverage was achieved. Quaternized cationic (Q(T-2-Py)MPc) and tetrasulfonated (MTSPcs) phthalocyanines formed strong aggregates when deposited on the surface of FTO/ZnO substrate leading. High external (IPCE) and internal (APCE) quantum efficiencies of up to 50.6% and 96.7% were achieved for the OTiOCPc complex. There was a lower overall cell efficiency for quaternized and tetrasulfonated metallophthalocyanines because of the strong aggregates when they were on the surface of the electrodes. Among the studied materials, OTiOCPc gave the highest overall cell efficiency of phthalocyanine electrodeposited on ZnO of so far = 0.48%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Masilela, Nkosiphile
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Photoelectrochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4330 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004991 , Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Photoelectrochemistry
- Description: This work presents the synthesis, characterization, photophysicochemical and photoelectrochemical properties of anionic octa-caboxylated (MOCPcs), tetra-sulfonated (MTSPcs) and quaternized cationic (Q(T-2-Py)MPcs) water soluble aluminium, gallium, silicon, titanium and zinc phthalocynines. The peripherally tetra-substituted cationic (Q(T-2-Py)MPcs) and anionic (MTSPcs) were found to be aggregated in aqueous media, yet the octa-carboxylated (MOCPcs) counterparts were monomeric in solution. Cremophor EL (CEL) was used as a disaggregating agent, all the aggregated complexes disaggregated partially or completely in the presence of CEL. The photophysicochemical properties of aggregated complexes were investigated both in the presence of CEL and in aqueous media of pH 11 alone. Low triplet, singlet oxygen and fluorescence quantum yield were obtained in aqueous media (especially for the aggregated complexes) but a high improvement was achieved upon addition of CEL. The gallium complexes ((OH)GaOCPc and (OH)GaTSPc) showed good photophysicochemical properties with higher triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields. For photoelectrochemistry the (MPcs) dyes were adsorbed to nanoporous ZnO, electrodeposited in the presence of eosin Y as structure directing agent (SDA) on FTO substrates by refluxing or soaking the films in a solution containing the dye of interest such that a full surface coverage was achieved. Quaternized cationic (Q(T-2-Py)MPc) and tetrasulfonated (MTSPcs) phthalocyanines formed strong aggregates when deposited on the surface of FTO/ZnO substrate leading. High external (IPCE) and internal (APCE) quantum efficiencies of up to 50.6% and 96.7% were achieved for the OTiOCPc complex. There was a lower overall cell efficiency for quaternized and tetrasulfonated metallophthalocyanines because of the strong aggregates when they were on the surface of the electrodes. Among the studied materials, OTiOCPc gave the highest overall cell efficiency of phthalocyanine electrodeposited on ZnO of so far = 0.48%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Photophysicochemical properties and surface-enhanced Raman scattering of phthalocyanine-nanoparticle conjugates
- Authors: Nwahara, Nnamdi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Boron compounds , Electrochemistry , Phthalocyanines , Nanoparticles , Bioconjugates , Raman effect
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71647 , vital:29928
- Description: This work presents the synthesis, photophysical and photochemical characterization of a series of metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) and boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) and their conjugates with either gold or silver nanoparticles (AuNPs or AgNPs) or graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The rich π-electron systems of GQDs and MPcs employed in this work enabled the coordination of MPcs to GQDs (either as pristine or modified) via the non-covalent (π-π stacking) method. GQDs, AuNPs and AgNPs were also functionalized with L-glutathione (GSH) in order to assist coupling to the Pcs or BODIPY dye. Spectroscopic and microscopic studies confirmed the formation of the respective nanoparticles (NPs) as well as the conjugates which exhibited enhanced photophysicochemical properties in comparison to the phthalocyanines (Pcs) or BODIPY alone. This work also shows that the incorporation of folic acid (FA) into Pcs-NPs composites leads to further enhancements in the singlet oxygen generation capabilities of the resulting conjugates, and so experimentally demonstrates for the first time, a synergy between FA and the respective nanoparticles (GQDs, AuNPs and AgNPs) in affecting the photophysical properties of Pcs complexes. GQDs and Pcs/GQDs hybrids were also herein decorated with AuNPs – metallic nanostructures that employ localized surface plasmon resonances to capture or radiate electromagnetic waves at optical frequencies. These nanostructures herein reported, have been shown to possess enhanced light-matter properties, enabling unique surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) behaviours, with unprecedented enhancement factors of up to 30-fold. This work therefore, reports on the fabrication of Pc/GQDs/AuNPs hybrids and experimentally demonstrates their incredible potential as novel Raman-active PDT agents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nwahara, Nnamdi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Boron compounds , Electrochemistry , Phthalocyanines , Nanoparticles , Bioconjugates , Raman effect
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71647 , vital:29928
- Description: This work presents the synthesis, photophysical and photochemical characterization of a series of metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) and boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) and their conjugates with either gold or silver nanoparticles (AuNPs or AgNPs) or graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The rich π-electron systems of GQDs and MPcs employed in this work enabled the coordination of MPcs to GQDs (either as pristine or modified) via the non-covalent (π-π stacking) method. GQDs, AuNPs and AgNPs were also functionalized with L-glutathione (GSH) in order to assist coupling to the Pcs or BODIPY dye. Spectroscopic and microscopic studies confirmed the formation of the respective nanoparticles (NPs) as well as the conjugates which exhibited enhanced photophysicochemical properties in comparison to the phthalocyanines (Pcs) or BODIPY alone. This work also shows that the incorporation of folic acid (FA) into Pcs-NPs composites leads to further enhancements in the singlet oxygen generation capabilities of the resulting conjugates, and so experimentally demonstrates for the first time, a synergy between FA and the respective nanoparticles (GQDs, AuNPs and AgNPs) in affecting the photophysical properties of Pcs complexes. GQDs and Pcs/GQDs hybrids were also herein decorated with AuNPs – metallic nanostructures that employ localized surface plasmon resonances to capture or radiate electromagnetic waves at optical frequencies. These nanostructures herein reported, have been shown to possess enhanced light-matter properties, enabling unique surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) behaviours, with unprecedented enhancement factors of up to 30-fold. This work therefore, reports on the fabrication of Pc/GQDs/AuNPs hybrids and experimentally demonstrates their incredible potential as novel Raman-active PDT agents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Polymers, catalysts and nanostructures a hybrid approach to biomolecule detection
- Authors: Frith, Kelly-Anne
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Polymers , Nanostructured materials , Biomolecules , Tryptophan , Melatonin , Electrodes , Electrochemistry , Tryptophan oxygenase
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3980 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004039 , Polymers , Nanostructured materials , Biomolecules , Tryptophan , Melatonin , Electrodes , Electrochemistry , Tryptophan oxygenase
- Description: The main goals in electroanalytical sensing are towards improved sensitivity and selectivity, or specificity, of an analyte. There are several approaches to achieving these goals with the main approach being modification of an electrode surface with synthetic or natural catalysts (enzymes), polymers and also utilisation of nanostructured materials. At present, there is a strong movement towards hybrid sensing which couple different properties of two or more surface modification approaches. In this thesis, a range of these surface modifications were explored for analysis and detection of two main analytes: the amino acid, tryptophan (Trp); and, the neurotransmitter, dopamine (DA). Specifically, this thesis aimed to utilise these methods to enhance the sensitivity and selectivity for Trp over an interferent, the indoleamine, melatonin (Mel); and, DA over the vitamin, ascorbic acid (AA). For Trp detection, immobilisation of an enzyme, Tryptophanase (Trpase) resulted in poor selectivity for the analyte. However, enhanced sensitivity and selectivity was achieved through pH manipulation of the electrolyte medium at a Nafion®-modified electrode surface for both Trp and Mel. At pH 3.0, the Mel and Trp anodic peak potentials were sufficiently resolved allowing for an LOD of 1.60 and 1.62 nM,respectively, and permitting the accurate analysis of Trp in a dietary supplement containing Mel. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) suspended in Nafion® exhibited further increases in the signal responses of these analytes at pH 3.0 and 7.4 with minimal change in the resolution of the anodic peaks. A lower sensitivity was, therefore, observed at the Nafion® and MWCNT modified electrode compared to the Nafion®-modified electrode at pH 3.0 with LODs of 0.59 and 0.80 nM exhibited for Trp and Mel, respectively. Enhanced selectivity for Trp in the presence of Mel can be achieved with MWCNTs in the presence of metallotetrasulphonated phthalocyanines (MTSPcs) particularly at pH 3.0, owing to cation exchange effects. However, the lack of sensitivity towards Trp, and even Mel, at this CoTSPc and MWCNT modified electrode remains a drawback. For DA, detection at the MWCNT and Nafion® surface resulted in improved sensitivity over that of both the bare electrode (613.0 nM) and the Nafion® modified electrode (1045.1 nM) with a calculated LOD of 133.9 nM at this layer. Furthermore, improvements in the selectivity of DA were achieved at the Nafion® and MWCNT modified electrode as exclusion of AA (150 μM) was achieved. At the MWCNT and CoTSPc surface, AA was excluded up to 130 μM with sensitivity for DA extending as low as 14.3 nM, far greater than observed for Trp and Mel. These concentrations are well within physiological concentration ranges and represent the most significant solution yet in terms of AA exclusion and enhanced sensitivity for DA. An examination of the surface layering by impedance spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy indicates that the success of the hybrid sensor utilising CoTSPc and MWCNTs lay in improved dispersion of MWCNTs and improved electron transfer kinetics, facilitated by the net charge of the materials present. This thesis, thus, showed the utility of a judicious selection of synthetic and biological catalysts, polymers and carbon nanomaterials towards a hybrid approach to the electrochemical sensing of Trp, Mel, DA and AA with focus on sensitivity and selectivity of these analytes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Frith, Kelly-Anne
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Polymers , Nanostructured materials , Biomolecules , Tryptophan , Melatonin , Electrodes , Electrochemistry , Tryptophan oxygenase
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3980 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004039 , Polymers , Nanostructured materials , Biomolecules , Tryptophan , Melatonin , Electrodes , Electrochemistry , Tryptophan oxygenase
- Description: The main goals in electroanalytical sensing are towards improved sensitivity and selectivity, or specificity, of an analyte. There are several approaches to achieving these goals with the main approach being modification of an electrode surface with synthetic or natural catalysts (enzymes), polymers and also utilisation of nanostructured materials. At present, there is a strong movement towards hybrid sensing which couple different properties of two or more surface modification approaches. In this thesis, a range of these surface modifications were explored for analysis and detection of two main analytes: the amino acid, tryptophan (Trp); and, the neurotransmitter, dopamine (DA). Specifically, this thesis aimed to utilise these methods to enhance the sensitivity and selectivity for Trp over an interferent, the indoleamine, melatonin (Mel); and, DA over the vitamin, ascorbic acid (AA). For Trp detection, immobilisation of an enzyme, Tryptophanase (Trpase) resulted in poor selectivity for the analyte. However, enhanced sensitivity and selectivity was achieved through pH manipulation of the electrolyte medium at a Nafion®-modified electrode surface for both Trp and Mel. At pH 3.0, the Mel and Trp anodic peak potentials were sufficiently resolved allowing for an LOD of 1.60 and 1.62 nM,respectively, and permitting the accurate analysis of Trp in a dietary supplement containing Mel. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) suspended in Nafion® exhibited further increases in the signal responses of these analytes at pH 3.0 and 7.4 with minimal change in the resolution of the anodic peaks. A lower sensitivity was, therefore, observed at the Nafion® and MWCNT modified electrode compared to the Nafion®-modified electrode at pH 3.0 with LODs of 0.59 and 0.80 nM exhibited for Trp and Mel, respectively. Enhanced selectivity for Trp in the presence of Mel can be achieved with MWCNTs in the presence of metallotetrasulphonated phthalocyanines (MTSPcs) particularly at pH 3.0, owing to cation exchange effects. However, the lack of sensitivity towards Trp, and even Mel, at this CoTSPc and MWCNT modified electrode remains a drawback. For DA, detection at the MWCNT and Nafion® surface resulted in improved sensitivity over that of both the bare electrode (613.0 nM) and the Nafion® modified electrode (1045.1 nM) with a calculated LOD of 133.9 nM at this layer. Furthermore, improvements in the selectivity of DA were achieved at the Nafion® and MWCNT modified electrode as exclusion of AA (150 μM) was achieved. At the MWCNT and CoTSPc surface, AA was excluded up to 130 μM with sensitivity for DA extending as low as 14.3 nM, far greater than observed for Trp and Mel. These concentrations are well within physiological concentration ranges and represent the most significant solution yet in terms of AA exclusion and enhanced sensitivity for DA. An examination of the surface layering by impedance spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy indicates that the success of the hybrid sensor utilising CoTSPc and MWCNTs lay in improved dispersion of MWCNTs and improved electron transfer kinetics, facilitated by the net charge of the materials present. This thesis, thus, showed the utility of a judicious selection of synthetic and biological catalysts, polymers and carbon nanomaterials towards a hybrid approach to the electrochemical sensing of Trp, Mel, DA and AA with focus on sensitivity and selectivity of these analytes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Removal and photocatalysis of 4-Nitrophenol using metallophthalocyanines
- Authors: Marais, Eloïse Ann
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Photocatalysis , Catalysis , Electrochemistry , Nitrophenols , Phthalocyanines
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4343 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005005 , Photocatalysis , Catalysis , Electrochemistry , Nitrophenols , Phthalocyanines
- Description: Photodegradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-Np) in the presence of water-soluble zinc phthalocyanines and water-insoluble metallophthalocyanines is reported. The water-soluble phthalocyanines employed include zinc tetrasulphophthalocyanine (ZnPcS[subscript 4]), zinc octacarboxyphthalocyanine (ZnPc(COOH)[subscript 8]) and a sulphonated ZnPc containing a mixture of differently sulphonated derivatives (ZnPcS[subscript mix]), while the water-insoluble phthalocyanines used include unsubstituted magnesium (MgPc), zinc (ZnPc) and chloroaluminium (ClAlPc) phthalocyanine complexes and the ring-substituted zinc tetranitro (ZnPc(NO[subscript 2])[subscript 4]), zinc tetraamino (ZnPc(NH[subscript 2])[subscript 4]), zinc hexadecafluoro (ZnPcF[subscript 16]) and zinc hexadecachloro (ZnPcCl[subscript 16]) phthalocyanines. The most effective water-soluble photocatalyst is ZnPcS[subscript mix] in terms of the high quantum yield obtained for 4-Np degradation (Φ[subscript 4-Np]) as well as its photostability. While ZnPc(COOH)[subscript 8] has the highest Φ[subscript 4-Np] value relative to the other water-soluble complexes, it degrades readily during photocatalysis. The Φ[subscript 4-Np] values were closely related to the singlet oxygen quantum yields Φ[subscript Δ] and hence aggregation. The rate constants for the reaction with 4-Np were kr = 0.67 x 10[superscript 6] mol[superscript -1] dm[superscript 3] s[superscript -1] for ZnPcS[subscript mix] and 7.7 x 10[superscript 6] mol[superscript -1] dm[superscript 3] s[superscript -1] for ZnPc(COOH)[subscript 8]. ClAlPc is the most effective photocatalyst relative to the other heterogeneous photocatalysts for the phototransformation of 4-Np, with 89 ± 8.4 % degradation of 4-Np achieved after 100 min. The least effective catalysts were ZnPcCl[subscript 16] and MgPc. The final products of the photocatalysis of 4-Np in the presence of the homogeneous photocatalysts include 4-nitrocatechol and hydroquinone, while degradation of 4-Np in the presence of the heterogeneous photocatalysts resulted in fumaric acid and 4-nitrocatechol. ClAlPc was employed for the heterogeneous photocatalysis of the non-systemic insecticide, methyl paraoxon. Complete degradation of the pesticide was confirmed by the disappearance of the HPLC trace for methyl paraoxon after 100 min of irradiation with visible light. The removal of 4-Np from an aqueous medium using commercially available Amberlite[superscript ®] IRA-900 modified with metal phthalocyanines was also investigated. The metallophthalocyanines immobilised onto the surface of Amberlite[superscript ®] IRA-900 include Fe (FePcS[subscript 4]), Co (CoPcS[subscript 4]) and Ni (NiPcS[subscript 4]) tetrasulphophthalocyanines, and differently sulphonated phthalocyanine mixtures of Fe (FePcS[subscript mix]), Co (CoPcS[subscript mix]) and Ni (NiPcS[subscript mix]). Adsorption rates were fastest for the modified adsorbents at pH 9. Using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model, the complexes showed the following order of 4-Np adsorption: CoPcS[subscript mix] > NiPcS[subscript 4] > NiPcS[subscript mix] > FePcS[subscript 4] > FePcS[subscript mix] > CoPcS[subscript 4]. The adsorbents were regenerated using dilute HNO[subscript 3], with 76 % (7.6 x 10[superscript -5] mol) of 4-Np recovered within 150 min.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Marais, Eloïse Ann
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Photocatalysis , Catalysis , Electrochemistry , Nitrophenols , Phthalocyanines
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4343 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005005 , Photocatalysis , Catalysis , Electrochemistry , Nitrophenols , Phthalocyanines
- Description: Photodegradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-Np) in the presence of water-soluble zinc phthalocyanines and water-insoluble metallophthalocyanines is reported. The water-soluble phthalocyanines employed include zinc tetrasulphophthalocyanine (ZnPcS[subscript 4]), zinc octacarboxyphthalocyanine (ZnPc(COOH)[subscript 8]) and a sulphonated ZnPc containing a mixture of differently sulphonated derivatives (ZnPcS[subscript mix]), while the water-insoluble phthalocyanines used include unsubstituted magnesium (MgPc), zinc (ZnPc) and chloroaluminium (ClAlPc) phthalocyanine complexes and the ring-substituted zinc tetranitro (ZnPc(NO[subscript 2])[subscript 4]), zinc tetraamino (ZnPc(NH[subscript 2])[subscript 4]), zinc hexadecafluoro (ZnPcF[subscript 16]) and zinc hexadecachloro (ZnPcCl[subscript 16]) phthalocyanines. The most effective water-soluble photocatalyst is ZnPcS[subscript mix] in terms of the high quantum yield obtained for 4-Np degradation (Φ[subscript 4-Np]) as well as its photostability. While ZnPc(COOH)[subscript 8] has the highest Φ[subscript 4-Np] value relative to the other water-soluble complexes, it degrades readily during photocatalysis. The Φ[subscript 4-Np] values were closely related to the singlet oxygen quantum yields Φ[subscript Δ] and hence aggregation. The rate constants for the reaction with 4-Np were kr = 0.67 x 10[superscript 6] mol[superscript -1] dm[superscript 3] s[superscript -1] for ZnPcS[subscript mix] and 7.7 x 10[superscript 6] mol[superscript -1] dm[superscript 3] s[superscript -1] for ZnPc(COOH)[subscript 8]. ClAlPc is the most effective photocatalyst relative to the other heterogeneous photocatalysts for the phototransformation of 4-Np, with 89 ± 8.4 % degradation of 4-Np achieved after 100 min. The least effective catalysts were ZnPcCl[subscript 16] and MgPc. The final products of the photocatalysis of 4-Np in the presence of the homogeneous photocatalysts include 4-nitrocatechol and hydroquinone, while degradation of 4-Np in the presence of the heterogeneous photocatalysts resulted in fumaric acid and 4-nitrocatechol. ClAlPc was employed for the heterogeneous photocatalysis of the non-systemic insecticide, methyl paraoxon. Complete degradation of the pesticide was confirmed by the disappearance of the HPLC trace for methyl paraoxon after 100 min of irradiation with visible light. The removal of 4-Np from an aqueous medium using commercially available Amberlite[superscript ®] IRA-900 modified with metal phthalocyanines was also investigated. The metallophthalocyanines immobilised onto the surface of Amberlite[superscript ®] IRA-900 include Fe (FePcS[subscript 4]), Co (CoPcS[subscript 4]) and Ni (NiPcS[subscript 4]) tetrasulphophthalocyanines, and differently sulphonated phthalocyanine mixtures of Fe (FePcS[subscript mix]), Co (CoPcS[subscript mix]) and Ni (NiPcS[subscript mix]). Adsorption rates were fastest for the modified adsorbents at pH 9. Using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model, the complexes showed the following order of 4-Np adsorption: CoPcS[subscript mix] > NiPcS[subscript 4] > NiPcS[subscript mix] > FePcS[subscript 4] > FePcS[subscript mix] > CoPcS[subscript 4]. The adsorbents were regenerated using dilute HNO[subscript 3], with 76 % (7.6 x 10[superscript -5] mol) of 4-Np recovered within 150 min.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Study of metallophthalocyanines attached onto pre-modified gold surfaces
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani Nkosinathi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes, Enzyme , Glucose -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4361 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005026 , Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes, Enzyme , Glucose -- Measurement
- Description: Tetra-carboxy acid chloride phthalocyanine complexes of cobalt, iron and manganese were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. These complexes were fabricated as thin films on gold electrode following a covalent immobilization and self-assembling methods. Surface electrochemical and spectroscopic characterization showed that these complexes are surface-confined species. The characterization using spectroscopic and electrochemical methods confirmed the formation of thiol and MPc SAMs on gold electrode. The electrocatalytic behaviour of the SAM modified gold electrodes was studied for the detection of L-cysteine and hydrogen peroxide. The limits of detection (LoD) for Lcysteine were of the orders of 10[superscript -7] mol.L[superscript -1] for all the MPc complexes studied and the LoD for hydrogen peroxide at cobalt phthalocyanine modified gold electrode was of the orders of 10[superscript -7]mol.L[superscript -1] for both electrocatalytic oxidation and reduction. The modification process for gold electrodes was reproducible and showed good stability, if stored in pH 4 phosphate buffer solutions and can be used over a long period of time. The cobalt phthalocyanine modified gold electrode was also investigated for the fabrication of glucose oxidase (GOx)-based biosensor and as an electron mediator between the enzyme and gold electrode. The behaviour of the enzyme modified gold electrode towards the detection of glucose was studied and the results gave a limit of detection of the orders of 10[superscript -6] mol.L[superscript -1] with low binding constant (4.8 mM) of enzyme (GOx) to substrate (glucose) referred to as Michaelis-Menten constant. The practical applications, i.e. the real sample analysis and interference studies, for the enzyme modified gold electrodes were investigated. These studies showed that the enzyme electrode is valuable and can be used for glucose detection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani Nkosinathi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes, Enzyme , Glucose -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4361 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005026 , Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes, Enzyme , Glucose -- Measurement
- Description: Tetra-carboxy acid chloride phthalocyanine complexes of cobalt, iron and manganese were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. These complexes were fabricated as thin films on gold electrode following a covalent immobilization and self-assembling methods. Surface electrochemical and spectroscopic characterization showed that these complexes are surface-confined species. The characterization using spectroscopic and electrochemical methods confirmed the formation of thiol and MPc SAMs on gold electrode. The electrocatalytic behaviour of the SAM modified gold electrodes was studied for the detection of L-cysteine and hydrogen peroxide. The limits of detection (LoD) for Lcysteine were of the orders of 10[superscript -7] mol.L[superscript -1] for all the MPc complexes studied and the LoD for hydrogen peroxide at cobalt phthalocyanine modified gold electrode was of the orders of 10[superscript -7]mol.L[superscript -1] for both electrocatalytic oxidation and reduction. The modification process for gold electrodes was reproducible and showed good stability, if stored in pH 4 phosphate buffer solutions and can be used over a long period of time. The cobalt phthalocyanine modified gold electrode was also investigated for the fabrication of glucose oxidase (GOx)-based biosensor and as an electron mediator between the enzyme and gold electrode. The behaviour of the enzyme modified gold electrode towards the detection of glucose was studied and the results gave a limit of detection of the orders of 10[superscript -6] mol.L[superscript -1] with low binding constant (4.8 mM) of enzyme (GOx) to substrate (glucose) referred to as Michaelis-Menten constant. The practical applications, i.e. the real sample analysis and interference studies, for the enzyme modified gold electrodes were investigated. These studies showed that the enzyme electrode is valuable and can be used for glucose detection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Substituent effects on the electrocatalytic activity of cobalt phthalocyanine in the presence of graphene quantum dots
- Centane, Sixolile Sibongiseni
- Authors: Centane, Sixolile Sibongiseni
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Quantum dots , Electrocatalysis , Electrochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67614 , vital:29121
- Description: The electrocatalytic activity of metallophthalocyanines derivatives is explored. Cobalt monocarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (1), cobalt tetracarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (2), cobalt tetraaminophenoxy phthalocyanine (3) and cobalt tris-(tert-butylphenoxy) monocarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (4) are the phthalocyanines employed in this work. The metallophthalocyanines were employed alone as well as in the presence of the carbon based graphene quantum dots. The electrocatalytic behaviour of functionalized GQDs is also explored herein. The catalytic processes studies were conducted on a glassy carbon electrode surface. Modification of the electrode was achieved by the adsorption method. The materials were adsorbed either alone, as premixed/covalently linked GQDs/Pc conjugates or sequentially. Sequentially adsorbed electrodes involved the phthalocyanines on top or beneath GQDs. Sequentially modified electrodes where the phthalocyanine had higher currents and low detection limits than when the phthalocyanine is underneath. Premixed conjugates showed better activity than the covalently formed conjugates. The nanomaterials synthesized and used in this work were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The modified electrodes were characterized using cyclic voltammetry and scanning electrochemical spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrodes towards the oxidation of hydrazine was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Superior catalytic activity was observed for the conjugates compared to that of the individual conjugates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Centane, Sixolile Sibongiseni
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Quantum dots , Electrocatalysis , Electrochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67614 , vital:29121
- Description: The electrocatalytic activity of metallophthalocyanines derivatives is explored. Cobalt monocarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (1), cobalt tetracarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (2), cobalt tetraaminophenoxy phthalocyanine (3) and cobalt tris-(tert-butylphenoxy) monocarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (4) are the phthalocyanines employed in this work. The metallophthalocyanines were employed alone as well as in the presence of the carbon based graphene quantum dots. The electrocatalytic behaviour of functionalized GQDs is also explored herein. The catalytic processes studies were conducted on a glassy carbon electrode surface. Modification of the electrode was achieved by the adsorption method. The materials were adsorbed either alone, as premixed/covalently linked GQDs/Pc conjugates or sequentially. Sequentially adsorbed electrodes involved the phthalocyanines on top or beneath GQDs. Sequentially modified electrodes where the phthalocyanine had higher currents and low detection limits than when the phthalocyanine is underneath. Premixed conjugates showed better activity than the covalently formed conjugates. The nanomaterials synthesized and used in this work were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The modified electrodes were characterized using cyclic voltammetry and scanning electrochemical spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrodes towards the oxidation of hydrazine was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Superior catalytic activity was observed for the conjugates compared to that of the individual conjugates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Substituted phthalocyanines development and self-assembled monolayer sensor studies
- Authors: Matemadombo, Fungisai
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Monomolecular films , Electrochemistry , Spectrum analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4364 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005029 , Phthalocyanines , Monomolecular films , Electrochemistry , Spectrum analysis
- Description: Zinc, cobalt and iron phenylthio substituted phthalocyanines have been synthesized and characterized. Cyclic and square wave voltammetry in dimethylformamide containing tetrabutylammonium perchlorate revealed five and six redox processes respectively for the cobalt and iron phenylthio substituted phthalocyanines. These complexes are easier to reduce compared to the corresponding unsubstituted MPc and to butylthio substituted derivatives. Spectroelectrochemistry (in dimethylformamide containing tetrabutylammonium perchlorate) was employed to assign the cyclic voltammetry peaks, and gave spectra characteristic of Fe(I)Pc for reduction of iron phenylthio substituted phthalocyanine and Co(I)Pc for the reduction of cobalt phenylthio substituted phthalocyanine. The spectrum of the former is particularly of importance since such species have not received much attention in literature. Cobalt and iron phenylthio substituted phthalocyanines have been deposited on Au electrode surfaces through the self assembled monolayer (SAM) technique. The so formed layers were studied using voltammetric techniques. These SAMs blocked a number of Faradic processes and electrocatalyzed the oxidation of L-cysteine. Amine substituted cobalt phthalocyanine (CoTAPc) was deposited on gold surfaces by using an interconnecting SAM of mercaptopropionic acid or dithiobis(N-succinimidyl propionate) through the creation of an amide. Reductive and oxidative desorption of the SAMs limit the useful potential window. The SAM-CoTAPc layers show electrocatalytic activities towards oxygen reduction through the Co(I) central metal ion. Both SAMs were highly stable and hence will be interesting tools for further research in surface modification and sensor development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Matemadombo, Fungisai
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Monomolecular films , Electrochemistry , Spectrum analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4364 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005029 , Phthalocyanines , Monomolecular films , Electrochemistry , Spectrum analysis
- Description: Zinc, cobalt and iron phenylthio substituted phthalocyanines have been synthesized and characterized. Cyclic and square wave voltammetry in dimethylformamide containing tetrabutylammonium perchlorate revealed five and six redox processes respectively for the cobalt and iron phenylthio substituted phthalocyanines. These complexes are easier to reduce compared to the corresponding unsubstituted MPc and to butylthio substituted derivatives. Spectroelectrochemistry (in dimethylformamide containing tetrabutylammonium perchlorate) was employed to assign the cyclic voltammetry peaks, and gave spectra characteristic of Fe(I)Pc for reduction of iron phenylthio substituted phthalocyanine and Co(I)Pc for the reduction of cobalt phenylthio substituted phthalocyanine. The spectrum of the former is particularly of importance since such species have not received much attention in literature. Cobalt and iron phenylthio substituted phthalocyanines have been deposited on Au electrode surfaces through the self assembled monolayer (SAM) technique. The so formed layers were studied using voltammetric techniques. These SAMs blocked a number of Faradic processes and electrocatalyzed the oxidation of L-cysteine. Amine substituted cobalt phthalocyanine (CoTAPc) was deposited on gold surfaces by using an interconnecting SAM of mercaptopropionic acid or dithiobis(N-succinimidyl propionate) through the creation of an amide. Reductive and oxidative desorption of the SAMs limit the useful potential window. The SAM-CoTAPc layers show electrocatalytic activities towards oxygen reduction through the Co(I) central metal ion. Both SAMs were highly stable and hence will be interesting tools for further research in surface modification and sensor development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Synthesis and electrochemistry of octapentylthio phthalocyanine complexes of manganese, titanium and vanadium
- Authors: Mbambisa, Gcineka
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Electrochemistry , Phthalocyanines -- Synthesis , Manganese , Titanium , Vanadium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4368 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005033 , Electrochemistry , Phthalocyanines -- Synthesis , Manganese , Titanium , Vanadium
- Description: Synthesis of new thio derivatised Pcs with manganese, titanium and vanadium as a central metal is reported. The complexes synthesised were characterised using spectroscopic and electrochemical means. The complexes displayed interesting spectroscopic properties with absorption of the Q band being observed in the near infrared region. These complexes have unusual colours for MPc complexes, with purple or red colour being observed in solution. Interesting electrochemical properties were observed, with rare observation of the MnIV/MnIII redox couple. There was observation of oxidation peaks for the pentylthio derivatised Pc with titanium as the central metal; this is unusual since for reported thio derivatives based on TiPc, no oxidation was observed. The vanadium based Pc showed an interesting spectrum for the first ring based reduction. The absorption spectrum obtained for the 1st reduction of the vanadium complex using spectroelectrochemistry would normally indicate a metal based process but comparing with literature it was concluded that it is a ring based reduction process. Generally all the MPc complexes formed a well ordered stable monolayer on the gold electrode. Electrocatalytic studies using L-cysteine revealed that the SAM based on manganese (III) octapentylthio phthalocyanine (AcOMnOPTPc) was the most effective since it catalyses L-cysteine at much lower oxidation potentials and it is also much more stable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mbambisa, Gcineka
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Electrochemistry , Phthalocyanines -- Synthesis , Manganese , Titanium , Vanadium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4368 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005033 , Electrochemistry , Phthalocyanines -- Synthesis , Manganese , Titanium , Vanadium
- Description: Synthesis of new thio derivatised Pcs with manganese, titanium and vanadium as a central metal is reported. The complexes synthesised were characterised using spectroscopic and electrochemical means. The complexes displayed interesting spectroscopic properties with absorption of the Q band being observed in the near infrared region. These complexes have unusual colours for MPc complexes, with purple or red colour being observed in solution. Interesting electrochemical properties were observed, with rare observation of the MnIV/MnIII redox couple. There was observation of oxidation peaks for the pentylthio derivatised Pc with titanium as the central metal; this is unusual since for reported thio derivatives based on TiPc, no oxidation was observed. The vanadium based Pc showed an interesting spectrum for the first ring based reduction. The absorption spectrum obtained for the 1st reduction of the vanadium complex using spectroelectrochemistry would normally indicate a metal based process but comparing with literature it was concluded that it is a ring based reduction process. Generally all the MPc complexes formed a well ordered stable monolayer on the gold electrode. Electrocatalytic studies using L-cysteine revealed that the SAM based on manganese (III) octapentylthio phthalocyanine (AcOMnOPTPc) was the most effective since it catalyses L-cysteine at much lower oxidation potentials and it is also much more stable.
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- Date Issued: 2009