Controlled Variable Oxidative Doping of Individual Organometallic Nanoparticles

Electrode-particle impacts: a users guide

We present a comprehensive guide to nano-impact experiments, in which we introduce newcomers to this rapidly-developing field of research. Central questions are answered regarding required experimental set-ups, categories of materials that can be detected, and the theoretical frameworks enabling the analysis of experimental data. Commonly-encountered issues are considered and presented alongside methods for their solutions.

Immobilised Electrocatalysts: Nafion Particles Doped with Ruthenium(II) Tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)

Nafion particles doped with ruthenium(II) tris(2,2'-bipyridyl) are synthesized by using a re-precipitation method. Characterization including SEM sizing and quantification of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ in the Nafion particles using UV/Vis spectroscopy was conducted. The synthesized Ru-Nafion particles were investigated electrochemically at both ensemble and single particle levels. Voltammetry of the drop-cast Ru-Nafion particles evidences the successful incorporation of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ into the Nafion particle but only a small fraction of the incorporated Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ was detected due at least in part to the formation of the likely agglomerated and irregular "mat" associated with the dropcast technique. In contrast, nano-impact experiments provided a quantitative determination of the amount of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ in single Ru-Nafion particles. Finally, oxidation of solution-phase oxalate mediated by Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ within individual Nafion particles was observed, showing the electrocatalytic properties of the Ru-Nafion particles.