Double layer capacitances analysed with impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry: validity and limits of the constant phase element parameterization

Post-modification of covalent organic framework functionalized aminated carbon nanotubes with active site (Fe) for the sensitive detection of luteolin

In this research, the TT-COF(Fe)@NH2-CNTs was innovatively prepared through a post-modification synthetic process functionalized TT-COF@NH2-CNTs with active site (Fe), where TT-COF@NH2-CNTs was prepared via a one-pot strategy using 5,10,15,20-tetrakis (para-aminophenyl) porphyrin (TTAP), 2,3,6,7-tetra (4-formylphenyl) tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and aminated carbon nanotubes (NH2-CNTs) as raw materials. The complex TT-COF(Fe)@NH2-CNTs material possessed porous structures, outstanding conductivity and rich catalytic sites. Thus, it can be adopted to construct electrochemical sensor with glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The TT-COF(Fe)@NH2-CNTs/GCE can selectively detect luteolin (Lu) with a wide linear plot ranging from 0.005 to 3 μM and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 1.45 nM (S/N = 3). The Lu residues in carrot samples were determined using TT-COF(Fe)@NH2-CNTs sensor and UV-visible (UV-Vis) approach. This TT-COF(Fe)@NH2-CNTs/GCE sensor paves the way for the quantification of Lu through a cost-efficient and sensitive electrochemical approach, which can make a significant step in the sensing field based on crystalline COFs.

Synthesis of new binary trimethoxyphenylfuran pyrimidinones as proficient and sustainable corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel in acidic medium: experimental, surface morphology analysis, and theoretical studies

In this study, synthesis and assessment of the corrosion inhibition of four new binary heterocyclic pyrimidinones on CS in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid solutions at various temperatures (30-50 °C) were investigated. The synthesized molecules were designed and synthesized through Suzuki coupling reaction, the products were identified as 5-((5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)pyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione (HM-1221), 2-thioxo-5-((5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)dihydropyrimidine-4,6(1H,5H)-dione (HM-1222), 1,3-diethyl-2-thioxo-5-((5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)dihydropyrimidine-4,6(1H,5H)-dione (HM-1223) and 1,3-dimethyl-5-((5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)pyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione (HM-1224). The experiments include weight loss measurements (WL), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP). From the measurements, it can be shown that the inhibition efficiency (η) of these organic derivatives increases with increasing the doses of inhibitors. The highest η recorded from EIS technique were 89.3%, 90.0%, 92.9% and 89.7% at a concentration of 11 × 10-6 M and 298 K for HM-1221, HM-1222, HM-1223, and HM-1224, respectively. The adsorption of the considered derivatives fit to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Since the ΔGoads values were found to be between - 20.1 and - 26.1 kJ mol-1, the analyzed isotherm plots demonstrated that the adsorption process for these derivatives on CS surface is a mixed-type inhibitors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscope (AFM) and Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilized to study the surface morphology, whereby, quantum chemical analysis can support the mechanism of inhibition. DFT data and experimental findings were found in consistent agreement.

Underwater Electrochemical Offshore Tests of a Paint Coating Applied in Water on the Legs of an Oil Production Platform

This paper presents the methodology developed for underwater measurements using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique, aimed at determining the resistance of an epoxy coating applied in seawater to the legs of an oil production platform. Performing such underwater tests in an offshore environment was technically challenging. The results of measurements obtained on the platform were confronted with comparative results obtained in the laboratory, where the properties of the coating applied in water collected from the Baltic Sea (thickness, hardness, adhesion, and electrical resistance) were examined. This made it possible to conclude about the correctness of the paint coating application by divers on the legs of the platform. The single-layer epoxy coating applied by brush to the platform legs had a resistance above 10 kΩ∙cm2 and thus met the assumed minimum resistance of the protective coating cooperating with cathodic protection as the anti-corrosion protection system of the platform legs. The synergy of these two technologies ensures full protection of offshore structures against corrosion. Measurements of the potential of the platform legs confirmed this. Before painting, the potential value at a depth of 0-15 m was 310 ÷ 320 mV versus the zinc reference electrode, while after painting the potential value decreased to 220 ÷ 240 mV, which means that the effect of full cathodic protection was achieved and the platform legs were protected from corrosion. The developed methodology for underwater EIS measurements on the high seas can be applied to any underwater metal structure to assess the quality of protective coatings.

How microstructures, oxide layers, and charge transfer reactions influence double layer capacitances. Part 1: impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry to estimate electrochemically active surface areas (ECSAs)

Varying the electrode potential rearranges the charges in the double layer (DL) of an electrochemical interface by a resistive-capacitive current response. The capacitances of such charge relocations are frequently used in the research community to estimate electrochemical active surface areas (ECSAs), yet the reliability of this methodology is insufficiently examined. Here, the relation of capacitances and ECSAs is critically assessed with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) data on polished (Au, Ti, Ru, Pt, Ni, glassy carbon, graphite plate) and porous (carbon fleeces) electrodes. By investigating this variety of electrodes, the frequency-dependencies observed in the measured capacitances are shown to arise from the inherent resistive-capacitive DL response, charge transfer reactions, and resistively damped capacitive currents in microstructures (such as pores, pinholes, or cracks). These frequency-dependencies are typically overlooked when capacitances are related to ECSAs. The capacitance at the specimen-characteristic relaxation frequency of the resistive-capacitive DL response is proposed as a standardized capacitance-metric to estimate ECSAs. In 1 M perchloric acid, the polished gold electrode and the high-surface area carbon fleeces show ratios of capacitance-metric over surface-area of around 3.7 μF cm-2. Resistively damped currents in microstructures and low-conducting oxide layers are shown to complicate trustworthy capacitance-based estimations of ECSAs. In the second part of this study, advanced equivalent circuits models to describe the measured EIS and CV responses are presented.

Controlled crystal facet of tungsten trioxide photoanode to improve on-demand hydrogen peroxide production for in-situ tetracycline degradation

Advanced oxidation processes utilizing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are widely employed for the treatment of organic pollutions. However, the conventional anthraquinone method for H2O2 synthesis is unsuitable for this application owing to its hazardous and costly nature. Alternative approaches involve a photoelectrochemical method. Herein, tungsten trioxide (WO3) photoanode has been used for the conversion of H2O into H2O2 through oxidation reaction from a PEC system, simultaneously utilizing in-situ generated hydroxyl (OH•) radicals for tetracycline degradation. By manipulating the ratio of crystal facets between (020) and (200) of the WO3 photoanode, a significant improvement in H2O2 production has been achieved by increasing the proportion of (020) facet. The production rate of WO3 photoanode enriched with the (020) facet is approximately 1.9 times higher than that enriched with (200) facet. This enhanced H2O2 production performance can be attributed to the improved formation of OH• radicals and the accelerated desorption of H2O2 on the (020) facet. Simultaneously, the in-situ generated OH• radicals are applied for tetracycline degradation. Under illumination of sunlight stimulator for 180 min, the optimal photoanode achieves a degradation rate of 86.7% for tetracycline. Furthermore, the resulting chemicals have been analyzed, revealing that C8H10O and C7H8O were formed as the primary products. Notably, these products exhibit significantly lower toxicity compared to tetracycline. This study presents a promising approach for the rational design of WO3 based photoanodes for oxidation reaction, including not only H2O2 production but also the efficient degradation of organic pollutants.

Capacitance Determination for the Evaluation of Electrochemically Active Surface Area in a Catalyst Layer of NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxides for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyser

The determination of the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of a catalyst layer (CL) of a non-precious metal catalyst is of fundamental importance in optimizing the design of a durable CL for anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis, but has yet to be developed. Traditional double layer capacitance (Cdl), measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV), is not suitable for the estimation of the ECSA due to the nonconductive nature of Ni-based oxides and hydroxides in the non-Faradaic region. This paper analyses the applicability of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) compared to CV in determining capacitances for the estimation of the ECSA of AEM-based CLs in an aqueous KOH electrolyte solution. A porous electrode transmission line (TML) model was employed to obtain the capacitance-voltage dependence from 1.0 V to 1.5 V at 20 mV intervals, covering both non-Faradic and Faradic regions. This allows for the identification of the contribution of a NiFe-layered double hydroxide (LDH) catalyst and supports in a CL, to capacitances in both non-Faradic and Faradic regions. A nearly constant double layer capacitance (Qdl) observed in the non-Faradic region represents the interfaces between catalyst supports and electrolytes. The capacitance determined in the Faradic region by EIS experiences a peak capacitance (QF), which represents the maximum achievable ECSA in an AEMCL during reactions. The EIS method was additionally validated in durability testing. An approximate 30% loss of QF was noted while Qdl remained unchanged following an eight-week test at 1 A/cm2 constant current density, implying that QF, determined by EIS, is sensitive to and therefore suitable for assessing the loss of ECSA. This universal method can provide a reasonable estimate of catalyst utilization and enable the monitoring of catalyst degradation in CLs, in particular in liquid alkaline electrolyte water electrolysis systems.

Composite MAX phase/MXene/Ni electrodes with a porous 3D structure for hydrogen evolution and energy storage application

MXenes, a family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, have been discovered as exciting candidates for various energy storage and conversion applications, including green hydrogen production by water splitting. Today, these materials mostly remain interesting objects for in-depth fundamental studies and scientific curiosity due to issues related to their preparation and environmental stability, limiting potential industrial applications. This work proposes a simple and inexpensive concept of composite electrodes composed of molybdenum- and titanium-containing MAX phases and MXene as functional materials. The concept is based on the modification of the initial MAX phase by the addition of metallic Ni, tuning Al- and carbon content and synthesis conditions, followed by fluoride-free etching under alkaline conditions. The proposed methodology allows producing a composite electrode with a well-developed 3D porous MAX phase-based structure acting as a support for electrocatalytic species, including MXene, and possessing good mechanical integrity. Electrochemical tests have shown a high electrochemical activity of such electrodes towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), combined with a relatively high areal capacitance (up to 10 F cm-2).

General Capacitance Upper Limit and Its Manifestation for Aqueous Graphene Interfaces

Double-layer capacitance (C_dl) is essential for chemical and biological sensors and capacitor applications. The correct formula for C_dl is a controversial subject for practically useful graphene interfaces with water, aqueous solutions, and other liquids. We have developed a model of C_dl, considering the capacitance of a charge accumulation layer (C_ca) and capacitance (C_e) of a capacitance-limiting edge region with negligible electric susceptibility and conductivity between this layer and the capacitor electrode. These capacitances are connected in series, and C_dl can be obtained from 1/C_dl = 1/C_ca + 1/C_e. In the case of aqueous graphene interfaces, this model predicts that C_dl is significantly affected by C_e. We have studied the graphene/water interface capacitance by low-frequency impedance spectroscopy. Comparison of the model predictions with the experimental results implies that the distance from charge carriers in graphene to the nearest molecular charges at the interface can be ~(0.05-0.1)nm and is about a typical length of the carbon-hydrogen bond. Generalization of this model, assuming that such an edge region between a conducting electrode and a charge accumulating region is intrinsic for a broad range of non-faradaic capacitors and cannot be thinner than an atomic size of ~0.05 nm, predicts a general capacitance upper limit of ~18 μF/cm².

Experimental and Numerical Investigation into the Effect of Water Uptake on the Capacitance of an Organic Coating

Water uptake by organic coating systems used for corrosion prevention on airframes is one of the principal contributors to the loss of barrier properties of the coating. We used equivalent circuit analyses of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data to track changes in coating layer capacitance for a two-layer coating system consisting of an epoxy primer and polyurethane topcoat immersed in NaCl solutions with different concentrations and temperatures. The capacitance curve exhibited two different response regions, consistent with the "two-stage kinetics" mechanisms for water uptake by the polymers. We tested several numerical diffusion models of water sorption and found the most successful to be one that varied the diffusion coefficient as a function of polymer type and immersion time and accounted for physical aging processes in the polymer. We employed the Brasher mixing law along with the water sorption model to estimate the coating capacitance as a function of water uptake. The predicted capacitance of the coating was found to be consistent with the capacitance obtained from the EIS data, which is consistent with theories that water uptake occurs via initial rapid transport followed by a much slower aging process. Thus, both these water uptake processes need to be considered when making EIS measurements to assess the state of a coating system.

Optimization design of interdigitated microelectrodes with an insulation layer on the connection tracks to enhance efficiency of assessment of the cell viability

BACKGROUND

Microelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy (µEIS) is a tiny device that utilizes fluid as a working medium in combination with biological cells to extract various electrical parameters. Dielectric parameters of biological cells are essential parameters that can be extracted using µEIS. µEIS has many advantages, such as portability, disposable sensors, and high-precision results.

RESULTS

The paper compares different configurations of interdigitated microelectrodes with and without a passivation layer on the cell contact tracks. The influence of the number of electrodes on the enhancement of the extracted impedance for different types of cells was provided and discussed. Different types of cells are experimentally tested, such as viable and non-viable MCF7, along with different buffer solutions. This study confirms the importance of µEIS for in vivo and in vitro applications. An essential application of µEIS is to differentiate between the cells' sizes based on the measured capacitance, which is indirectly related to the cells' size. The extracted statistical values reveal the capability and sensitivity of the system to distinguish between two clusters of cells based on viability and size.

CONCLUSION

A completely portable and easy-to-use system, including different sensor configurations, was designed, fabricated, and experimentally tested. The system was used to extract the dielectric parameters of the Microbeads and MCF7 cells immersed in different buffer solutions. The high sensitivity of the readout circuit, which enables it to extract the difference between the viable and non-viable cells, was provided and discussed. The proposed system can extract and differentiate between different types of cells based on cells' sizes; two other polystyrene microbeads with different sizes are tested. Contamination that may happen was avoided using a Microfluidic chamber. The study shows a good match between the experiment and simulation results. The study also shows the optimum number of interdigitated electrodes that can be used to extract the variation in the dielectric parameters of the cells without leakage current or parasitic capacitance.

Electric Double Layer: The Good, the Bad, and the Beauty

The electric double layer (EDL) is the most important region for electrochemical and heterogeneous catalysis. Because of it, its modeling and investigation are something that can be found in the literature for a long time. However, nowadays, it is still a hot topic of investigation, mainly because of the improvement in simulation and experimental techniques. The present review aims to present the classical models for the EDL, as well as presenting how this region affects electrochemical data in everyday experimentation, how to obtain and interpret information about EDL, and, finally, how to obtain some molecular point of view insights on it.

The role of the double layer for the pseudocapacitance of the hydrogen adsorption on platinum

Pseudocapacitances such as the hydrogen adsorption on platinum (HAoPt) are associated with faradaic chemical processes that appear as capacitive in their potentiodynamic response, which was reported to result from the kinetics of adsorption processes. This study discusses an alternative interpretation of the partly capacitive response of the HAoPt that is based on the proton transport of ad- or desorbed hydrogen in the double layer. Potentiodynamic perturbations of equilibrated surface states of the HAoPt lead to typical double layer responses with the characteristic resistive–capacitive relaxations that overshadow the fast adsorption kinetics. A potential-dependent double layer representation by a dynamic transmission line model incorporates the HAoPt in terms of capacitive contributions and can computationally reconstruct the charge exchanged in full range cyclic voltammetry data. The coupling of charge transfer with double layer dynamics displays a novel physicochemical theory to explain the phenomenon of pseudocapacitance and the mechanisms in thereon based supercapacitors.