Development of an Electrochemical Sensor Nanoarray for Hydrazine Detection Using a Combinatorial Approach

Preparation of TiO2-Pt hybrid nanofibers and their application for sensitive hydrazine detection

The TiO2-Pt hybrid nanofibers with an average dia. 72.6 nm were fabricated by electrospinning poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-ethanol solution containing platinum acetate and titanium tetraisopropoxide, followed by calcination in air at 500 °C for 3 h. High resolution TEM showed that Pt nanoparticles with an average diameter of ∼2 nm were well dispersed in the anatase TiO2 nanofibers. Compared to pristine TiO2 nanofibers (average dia. 67.7 nm), the incorporation of Pt nanoparticles into TiO2 nanofibers can greatly enhance the oxidation of hydrazine in neutral solution. The amperometric hydrazine sensor, using the as-prepared TiO2-Pt hybrid nanofibers as the electrochemical catalyst, shows a wide linear range (up to 1.03 mM), a good limit of detection (0.142 µM), and a high sensitivity of 44.42 µA mM(-1) cm(-2). In addition, the excellent anti-interference property, free of matrix effect from real water samples and good reproducibility make the developed hydrazine sensor promising for real applications.

The mechanism of hydrazine electro-oxidation revealed by platinum microelectrodes: role of residual oxides

The electrochemistry of hydrazine at platinum has been re-evaluated by an investigation using microelectrodes. Platinum oxides remaining from preceding oxidative scans results in hydrazine oxidation occurring up to ca. 400 mV more cathodic than at an oxide-free Pt electrode. The observed voltammetry at oxidised or 'activated' platinum electrodes was found to be a function of the immersion time (time since 'activation') and pH. Differences between phosphate, sulphate and acetate-based electrolytes are noted. The anodic hydrazine oxidation features at 'activated' electrodes occurred as a prewave or a prepeak, depending upon the electrolyte and scan rate employed. Although hydrazine is known to react with bulk Pt oxide, the loss of activation with time was found to be independent of hydrazine concentration and was instead a function of pH and supporting electrolyte, therefore the 'activation' corresponds to residual rather than bulk platinum oxide. The condition of platinum was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which demonstrated an increase in oxygen coverage with cycling and the absence of any strongly adsorbed or poisoning species. The facile oxidation of hydrazine has implications with regards to hydrogen storage, generation and fuel cells. The different effects corresponding to insufficient buffering, which has relevance to the electroanalytical detection of hydrazine, was also investigated.

The use of nanoparticles in electroanalysis: an updated review

The use of nanoparticles in electroanalysis is an area of research which is continually expanding. A wealth of research is available discussing the synthesis, characterization and application of nanoparticles. The unique properties of nanoparticulate materials (e.g. enhanced mass transport, high surface area, improved signal-to-noise ratio) can often be advantageous in electroanalytical techniques. The aim of this paper is to provide an updated overview of the work in this field. In this review we have concentrated on the advances with regards to silver, gold, platinum, palladium, ruthenium, copper and nickel. The synthesis, characterization and practical application of these materials are discussed. We have also identified the conditions under which each metal is likely to be stable, which is likely to be a useful tool for those practising in the field. Furthermore, we have provided a theoretical overview of advances in the theoretical modelling and simulation of nanoparticle behaviour.