Physical and electrochemical characterization of nanocomposites formed from polythiophene and titaniumdioxide

Carbon nanotube membrane stack for flow-through sequential regenerative electro-Fenton

Electro-Fenton is a promising advanced oxidation process for water treatment consisting a series redox reactions. Here, we design and examine an electrochemical filter for sequential electro-Fenton reactions to optimize the treatment process. The carbon nanotube (CNT) membrane stack (thickness ∼ 200 μm) used here consisted of 1) a CNT network cathode for O2 reduction to H2O2, 2) a CNT-COOFe(2+) cathode to chemical reduction H2O2 to (•)OH and HO(-) and to regenerate Fe(2+) in situ, 3) a porous PVDF or PTFE insulating separator, and 4) a CNT filter anode for remaining intermediate oxidation intermediates. The sequential electro-Fenton was compared to individual electrochemical and Fenton process using oxalate, a persistent organic, as a target molecule. Synergism is observed during the sequential electro-Fenton process. For example, when [DO]in = 38 ± 1 mg L(-1), J = 1.6 mL min(-1), neutral pH, and Ecell = 2.89 V, the sequential electro-Fenton oxidation rate was 206.8 ± 6.3 mgC m(-2) h(-1), which is 4-fold greater than the sum of the individual electrochemistry (16.4 ± 3.2 mgC m(-2) h(-1)) and Fenton (33.3 ± 1.3 mgC m(-2) h(-1)) reaction fluxes, and the energy consumption was 45.8 kWh kgTOC(-1). The sequential electro-Fenton was also challenged with the refractory trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and they can be transferred at a removal rate of 11.3 ± 1.2 and 21.8 ± 1.9 mmol m(-2) h(-1), respectively, with different transformation mechanisms.

The mechanism of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene detection with amino acid-capped quantum dots: a density functional theory study

Both a Meisenheimer complex and deprotonated TNT are formed when TNT meets amino acid-capped quantum dots.

Nanoscale optoelectronic switches and logic devices

The photoelectrochemical photocurrent switching (PEPS) effect, in the beginning regarded as a scientific curiosity, has become a field of extensive study for numerous research groups all over the world. This unique effect can be utilized for nanoscale switching and information processing, furthermore, is can serve as an interface between molecular information processing and macroscopic electronics. This review summarizes recent efforts in understanding photocurrent switching effects and their application for the construction of nanoscale switches and logic devices. Furthermore, some future prospects concerning the development of electronic/optoelectronic devices based on photoactive semiconducting hybrid materials are presented.

Metallocene-containing conjugated polymers

The paper gives a review of publications on polymers with conjugated matrices (PPy, PTh, PAni, hydrocarbon or mixed chains...) which incorporate metallocene complexes (Fe, Ru, Co; Ni, Ti, Zr, Ta) with two cyclopentadienyl ligands (Cp) and their derivatives, in particular with methylated cyclopentadienyl rings (Cp*), as well as hemi-metallocene complexes (Fe, Ru, Co, Mn), as pendant groups or inside the principal chain (part B). The information on related short-chain systems, monomers and oligomers, is also included. In part A, a brief overview of various conjugated polymer materials is presented, with their classification in accordance with the conductivity mechanism (ionic, electronic or mixed conductors) or with the structural type (linear-chain organic or mixed polymers, derivatization, metallopolymers, multi-dimensional structures, alternating and block copolymers with organic or mixed units, hybrid materials with a mixture of conjugated and inert polymers, polymers inside a solid matrix, conjugated polymers with incorporated nanoelements of transition metals, carbon, semiconductors etc.

Conducting polymer-based nanostructurized materials: electrochemical aspects

New modern technologies require new materials. During the past decade, the movement towards nanodimensions in many areas of technology aroused a huge interest in nanostructurized materials. The present article reviews recent works dealing with electrochemistry-related aspects of nanostructurized conducting polymers. Electrochemical synthesis and some properties of nanostructurized conducting polymers, and nanocomposites derived from conducting polymers and metals, carbon, and inorganic and organic materials are considered. Some potential areas for electrochemistry-related applications of nanocomposites are highlighted, including batteries, supercapacitors, energy conversion systems, corrosion protection, and sensors.