Amperometric sensing of hydrazine by using single gold nanopore electrodes filled with Prussian Blue and coated with polypyrrole and carbon dots

Towards N-N-Doped Carbon Dots: A Combined Computational and Experimental Investigation

The introduction of N doping atoms in the carbon network of Carbon Dots is known to increase their quantum yield and broaden the emission spectrum, depending on the kind of N bonding introduced. N doping is usually achieved by exploiting amine molecules in the synthesis. In this work, we studied the possibility of introducing a N–N bonding in the carbon network by means of hydrothermal synthesis of citric acid and hydrazine molecules, including hydrated hydrazine, di-methylhydrazine and phenylhydrazine. The experimental optical features show the typical fingerprints of Carbon Dots formation, such as nanometric size, excitation dependent emission, non-single exponential decay of photoluminescence and G and D vibrational bands in the Raman spectra. To explain the reported data, we performed a detailed computational investigation of the possible products of the synthesis, comparing the simulated absorbance spectra with the experimental optical excitation pattern. The computed Raman spectra corroborate the hypothesis of the formation of pyridinone derivatives, among which the formation of small polymeric chains allowed the broad excitation spectra to be experimentally observed.

A Novel Fluorescent Probe for Selective Detection of Hydrazine and Its Application in Imaging

In this work, a novel fluorescent probe with first-time-selected thiazepine backbone, TZPzine-1, was developed for selective detection of hydrazine in water samples and living cells. Chosen from our recent anti-cancer agents, TZPzine-1 inferred structurally based advantages of the optical adjustability and the hydrazine-trapping approach. It also showed applicable properties including high sensitivity (LOD = 50 nM), wide linear range (0–15 equiv.), high selectivity (especially from competing species), rapid response (within 20 min), and practical steadiness in various pH (6.0–11.0) and temperature (15–50 °C) conditions. To satisfy the interdisciplinary requirements in environmental toxicology, TZPzine-1 was successfully applied in water samples and living cells. We hope that the information in this work, as well as the concept of monitoring the nitrogen cycle, may be referable for future research on systematic management.

Single gold nanoclusters: Formation and sensing application for isonicotinic acid hydrazide detection

Nano-sized electrodes have their special advantages for sensing applications, such as small overall dimension, fast response and low background current. In this work, single gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) were controllably prepared on single Pt nanoelectrode surface by electrodeposition method. The AuNCs covered Pt nanoelectrode (AuNCs/PtNE) had steady-state voltammetric response in redox species solution, which was similar to micro-/nano-sized electrodes. It was interesting to find isonicotinic acid hydrazide (INH, also known as isoniazid) showed good electrochemical response on AuNCs/PtNE surface, which had investigated carefully by square wave voltammetry (SWV) and chronoamperometry. Moreover, the prepared single AuNCs/PtNEs showed the capability for INH sensing with good sensitivity, reproducibility and selectivity, which was demonstrated for INH detection in human urine samples.

Porous palladium-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-coated carbon microspheres/graphene nanoplatelet-modified electrode for flow-based-amperometric hydrazine sensor

A highly stable flow-injection amperometric hydrazine sensor was developed based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with palladium-poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) coated on carbon microspheres/graphene nanoplatelets (Pd-PEDOT@CM/GNP/GCE). The Pd-PEDOT@CM/GNP composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM/EDX). The modified GCE was electrochemically characterized using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The electrocatalytic activity of the Pd-PEDOT@CM/GNP/GCE toward hydrazine oxidation was significantly better than the activity of a bare GCE, a CM/GCE, a GNP/GCE, a Pd-PEDOT/GCE, and a Pd-PEDOT@CM/GCE. The sensor operated best at a low working potential of + 0.10 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Under optimal conditions, sensitivity toward hydrazine detection and operational stability (601 injections/one electrode preparation) were excellent. The response was linear from 1.0 to 100 μmol L^-1 and from 100 to 5000 μmol L^-1 with a detection limit of 0.28 ± 0.02 μmol L^-1 and high sensitivity of 0.200 μA μM^-1 cm^-2. The sensor showed good repeatability (relative standard deviation (RSD) < 1.4%, n = 15), reproducibility (RSD < 2.7%, n = 6), and anti-interference characteristics toward hydrazine detection. The feasibility of the electrochemical sensor was proved by the successful determination of hydrazine in water samples, and the results were in good agreement with those obtained from spectrophotometric analysis. Graphical abstract.

Review-Recent Advances in Nanosensors Built with Pre-Pulled Glass Nanopipettes and Their Applications in Chemical and Biological Sensing

Nanosensors built with pre-pulled glass nanopipettes, including bare or chemically modified nanopipettes and fully or partially filled solid nanoelectrodes, have found applications in chemical and biological sensing via resistive-pulse, current rectification, and electrochemical sensing. These nanosensors are easily fabricated and provide advantages through their needle-like geometry with nanometer-sized tips, making them highly sensitive and suitable for local measurements in extremely small samples. The variety in the geometry and layout have extended sensing capabilities. In this review, we will outline the fundamentals in fabrication, modification, and characterization of those pre-pulled glass nanopipette based nanosensors and highlight the most recent progress in their development and applications in real-time monitoring of biological processes, chemical ion sensing, and single entity analysis.