Preparation and Evaluation of PVDF-HFP-Based Gel Electrolyte for Ge-Sensitized Thermal Cell

The semiconductor-sensitized thermal cell (STC) is a new thermoelectric conversion technology. The development of nonliquid electrolytes is the top priority for the practical application of the STC. In this study, a novel gel polymer electrolyte (PH-based GPE) composed of poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PH), 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and Cu ions was synthesized and applied to the STC system. The PH-based GPE synthesized at 45 °C showed higher open-circuit voltage (-0.3 V), short-circuit current density (59 μA cm-2) and diffusion coefficient (7.82 × 10-12 m2 s-1), indicating that a well-balanced structure among the NMP molecules was formed to generate a high-efficiency conduction path of the Cu ions. Moreover, the ion diffusion lengths decreased with decreasing content rates of NMP for the PH-based GPEs, indicating that the NMP plays an important role in the diffusion of Cu ions. Furthermore, the activation energy was calculated to be 107 kJ mol-1, and that was smaller compared to 150 kJ mol-1 for the poly(ethylene glycol)-based liquid electrolyte. These results play an important reference role in the development of electrolytes for STC systems. At the same time, they also provide a new avenue and reference indicator for the synthesis of high-performance and safe GPEs.

Ligand influence in electrocatalytic properties of Cu(II) triazole complexes for hydrogen peroxide detection in aqueous media

In this work, electrocatalytic changes of Cu(II) triazole complexes (Cu(L)₂) resulting from inductive effects were evaluated to fabricate a sensor for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) determination. Three copper(II) complexes with electronically differentiated ligands were synthesized by slow diffusion method and characterized by X-ray crystallography, Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), UV-Vis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and voltammetry cyclic (CV). Cu(LOMe)2/GC, Cu(LBr)2/GC and Cu(LNO2)2/GC sensors were then prepared. Under optimal conditions (pH = 11), the optimal sensor presented a response at -0.5 V, good linear range of 1-32 μM, reproducibility (1.7%), repeatability (1.2%), LOD of 0.0246 μM (S/N = 5), LOQ of 0.0747 μM (S/N = 5) and selectivity. Additionally, Cu(LNO2)2/GC sensor has been successfully applied in commercial substances, such as mouthwash, milk and tea.

Ligand influence versus electronic configuration of d-metal ion in determining the fate of NIR emission from LnIII ions: a case study with CuII, NiII and ZnII complexes

Based on fifteen lanthanide complexes, where Cu, Ni and Zn ions with a Schiff-base ligand act as an antenna, it is demonstrated that electronic configuration of the d-block metal ion is very crucial for obtaining emission in NIR region.

A uniquely fabricated Cu(ii)-metallacycle as a reusable highly sensitive dual-channel and practically functional metalloreceptor for Fe3+ and Ca2+ ions: an inorganic site of cation detection

Dimeric Cu(ii)-complex developed from disulfane ligand, serves as dual-channel metalloreceptor for Fe³⁺/Ca²⁺ and detection of Fe³⁺ in real water samples.