Ionic Liquid Nanocomposite Research Articles

Sensitivity and selectivity sensing cadmium(II) using amination functionalized porous SnO2 nanowire bundles-room temperature ionic liquid nanocomposite: Combined efficient cation capture with control experimental conditions

Electrochemical analytical challenge for cadmium(II) [Cd(II)] determination is to seek an efficient platform to realize the sensitive and selective detection. Herein, a sensing interface for the detection of Cd(II) was designed and constructed by the amination treated porous SnO2 nanowire bundles-room temperature ionic liquid nanocomposite (NH2/SnO2-RTIL). Through the delicate control of experimental conditions (deposition potential and electrolyte pH), the excellent sensitive and selective electroanalysis of ultra-trace Cd(II) was achieved using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The NH2/SnO2-RTIL uses its efficient capture during the Cd(II) deposition step to enhance the sensitivity of the stripping response. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the NH2/SnO2-RTIL nanocomposite offered direct detection of Cd(II) within the desirable range (0.0267μM) in drinking water as specified by the World Health Organization (WHO), a limit of detection (3σ method) of 0.0054μM with a sensitivity of 124.03±3.75μAμM−1 was obtained in the presence of common heavy metal ions. Finally, the analytical application of the proposed method toward the detection of Cd(II) in a real water sample collected from Wangxiaoying sewage treatment plant, Hefei City, China, has been successfully verified.

Development of sensitive amperometric hydrogen peroxide sensor using a CuNPs/MB/MWCNT-C60-Cs-IL nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode

A sensitive hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor was constructed based on copper nanoparticles/methylene blue/multiwall carbon nanotubes–fullerene–chitosan–ionic liquid (CuNPs/MB/MWCNTs–C60–Cs–IL) nanocomposites. The MB/MWCNTs–C60–Cs–IL and CuNPs were modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by the physical adsorption and electrodeposition of copper nitrate solution, respectively. The physical morphology and chemical composition of the surface of modified electrode was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The electrochemical properties of CuNPs/MB/MWCNTs–C60–Cs–IL/GCE were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry techniques and the sensor exhibited remarkably strong electrocatalytic activities toward the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The peak currents possess a linear relationship with the concentration of H2O2 in the range of 0.2μM to 2.0mM, and the detection limit is 55.0nM (S/N=3). In addition, the modified electrode was used to determine H2O2 concentration in human blood serum sample with satisfactory results.

Printing graphene-carbon nanotube-ionic liquid gel on graphene paper: Towards flexible electrodes with efficient loading of PtAu alloy nanoparticles for electrochemical sensing of blood glucose

The increasing demands for portable, wearable, and implantable sensing devices have stimulated growing interest in innovative electrode materials. In this work, we have demonstrated that printing a conductive ink formulated by blending three-dimensional (3D) porous graphene–carbon nanotube (CNT) assembly with ionic liquid (IL) on two-dimensional (2D) graphene paper (GP), leads to a freestanding GP supported graphene–CNT–IL nanocomposite (graphene–CNT–IL/GP). The incorporation of highly conductive CNTs into graphene assembly effectively increases its surface area and improves its electrical and mechanical properties. The graphene–CNT–IL/GP, as freestanding and flexible substrates, allows for efficient loading of PtAu alloy nanoparticles by means of ultrasonic-electrochemical deposition. Owing to the synergistic effect of PtAu alloy nanoparticles, 3D porous graphene–CNT scaffold, IL binder and 2D flexible GP substrate, the resultant lightweight nanohybrid paper electrode exhibits excellent sensing performances in nonenzymatic electrochemical detection of glucose in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility and mechanical properties.

Simultaneous determination of hydrazine and hydroxylamine based on fullerene-functionalized carbon nanotubes/ionic liquid nanocomposite

The electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrazine and hydroxylamine were investigated by a fullerene (C60)-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Ionic liquid (IL) modified glassy carbon electrode. The physico-chemical properties of catalyst materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and voltammetry. The results show that, at the modified electrode surface, the peaks of hydrazine and hydroxylamine oxidation were clearly separated from each other with a potential difference of 450mV between them. These conditions are sufficient to allow determination of hydrazine and hydroxylamine in the samples at a C60-functionalized CNTs and IL nanocomposite (C60–CNTs/IL/GCE). The electrocatalytic currents increase linearly with the hydrazine and hydroxylamine concentrations in the ranges of 0.05–700.0 and 1.0–300.0μM, and the detection limits for hydrazine and hydroxylamine, were 17±2 and 28±2nM, respectively. C60–CNTs/IL/GCE was satisfactorily used for simultaneous determination of spiked hydrazine and hydroxylamine in two water samples.

Self-Healing of Abrasion Damage in Epoxy Resin–Ionic Liquid Nanocomposites

The present work describes the self-healing, under ambient conditions, of abrasion surface damage in epoxy resin (ER) modified by a dispersed ionic liquid (IL) phase. The abrasion resistance of ER containing a 9 wt.% of the IL 1-octyl, 3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (ER + 9IL) was determined by multiple scratching under constant load and by single scratching under progressively increasing load, and compared with that of neat ER. ER + 9IL shows higher instantaneous penetration depth and residual depth values than neat ER. In the case of ER, the viscoelastic recovery process ends after 30 min. For ER + 9IL, the recovery process continues with time to reach a total healing of multiple scratch abrasion grooves after 22–25 h at room temperature. For single scratches under the maximum load of 20 N, ER + 9IL shows an 88 % reduction in surface damage with respect to ER, after 24 h at room temperature. The addition of IL reduces hardness and tensile strength, while increases elongation at break by a 42 %. Hardness test scars on ER + 9IL show an area reduction of approximately 55 % after 5 h. Results are discussed upon the basis of optical and electron (SEM) microscopy and 3D profilometry.

Highly sensitive determination of perphenazine on a carbon nanocomposite ionic liquid electrode

A multi-walled carbon nanotube–ionic liquid nanocomposite was fabricated for the electrochemical detection of perphenazine, suitable for the analysis of pharmaceuticals and blood serum samples.

A derivative photoelectrochemical sensing platform for herbicide acetochlor based on TiO2–poly (3-hexylthiophene)–ionic liquid nanocomposite film modified electrodes

Nonelectroactive acetochlor can be indirectly determined through the photocatalytical degradation of acetochlor. A derivative visible light photoelectrochemical sensor for indirect detection of the herbicide acetochlor using TiO2–poly(3-hexylthiophene)–ionic liquid nanocomposite is constructed. Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) was synthesized via chemical oxidative polymerization with anhydrous FeCl3 as oxidant, 3-hexylthiophene as monomer, chloroform as solvent, and the functional TiO2 nanoparticles were facilely prepared by blending TiO2 nanoparticles and P3HT at room temperature ionic liquid, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate solution. Operational parameters, including the photolysis time, ratios of TiO2 to P3HT, bias voltage and pH of buffer solution have been optimized. Under optimal conditions, the proposed photoelectrochemical method could detect acetochlor ranging from 0.5 to 20μmolL−1 with a detection limit of 0.2nmolL−1 at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The assay results of acetochlor in water samples with the proposed method were in acceptable agreement with those of the gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GC–MS) method. The promising sensor opens a new opportunity for fast, portable, and sensitive analysis of acetochlor in environmental samples.

Simultaneous determination of diclofenac and indomethacin using a sensitive electrochemical sensor based on multiwalled carbon nanotube and ionic liquid nanocomposite

Multiwalled carbon nanotube and ionic liquid-modified carbon ceramic electrode (MWCNT–IL|CCE) was employed for the simultaneous determination of diclofenac and indomethacin (IND). The measurements were carried out by differential pulse voltammetry method in optimal conditions. The prepared electrode showed appropriate voltammetric responses to DCF and IND with 0.225 V difference in the oxidation peak potentials, making fabricated electrode suitable for simultaneous determination of these compounds. The calibration curves were linear over a wide range of concentrations of each species including 0.05–50 μmol L−1 for DCF and 1–50 μmol L−1 for IND. Detection limits were found to be 18 and 260 nM for DCF and IND, respectively. The developed method having good stability and sensitivity was successfully applied for DCF and IND in commercial tablet as well as human blood plasma samples.

Carbon Nanotube–Ionic Liquid (CNT–IL) Nanocamposite Modified Sol-Gel Derived Carbon-Ceramic Electrode for Simultaneous Determination of Sunset Yellow and Tartrazine in Food Samples

Carbon-ceramic electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes–ionic liquid (MWCNTs–IL) nanocomposite was constructed. This electrode was used for electrochemical determination of food dyes Sunset Yellow (SY) and tartrazine (Tz). The modified electrode based on high surface area and high ionic conductivity of nanocomposite exhibited electrocatalytic effect for oxidation of SY and Tz; also, oxidation peak potentials of SY and Tz effectively separated on modified electrode, and their simultaneous determination was possible. Operational parameters, such as the amount of MWCNTs in suspension, IL volume, solution pH, and scan rate, which affect the analytical performance of determination, were optimized. The present electrode behaved linearly to Sunset Yellow and tartrazine in the concentration range of 4 × 10−7 to 1.1 × 10−4 M and 3 × 10−6 to 0.7 × 10−4 M with a detection limit of 10−7 M (0.045 mg L−1) and 1.1 × 10−6 M (0.59 mg L−1), respectively. The proposed method was successfully utilized for simultaneous determination of SY and Tz in different food samples, and the obtained results were in good agreement to those obtained by HPLC method.

Preparation of ionic liquid/silica nanocomposites possessing no weight loss characteristic after calcination at 800 °C

Tetraethoxysilane reacted with silica nanoparticles in the presence of a variety of ionic liquids such as phosphonium-, ammonium-, and imidazolium-type ionic liquids under alkaline conditions to afford the corresponding ionic liquid/silica nanocomposites with a good dispersibility and stability in numerous solvents. It was demonstrated that these ionic liquid nanocomposites can be classified into the nanocomposites possessing no weight loss and weight loss characteristics after calcination at 800 °C, respectively, according to the ionic liquid structures in the composites. The ionic liquids except for 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate were found to afford the corresponding ionic liquid/silica nanocomposites possessing no weight loss characteristic even after calcination at 800 °C.

An electro-active paper actuator made with cellulose–polypyrrole–ionic liquidnanocomposite: influence of ionic liquid concentration, type of anion and humidity

This paper reports a cellulose–polypyrrole–ionic liquid (CPIL) nanocomposite thatcan produce large actuating displacement in a low humidity environment. Thefabrication process and actuator performance of the CPIL nanocomposite actuator areillustrated. Experimental results revealed that the size of anion, concentrationof ionic liquid and ambient humidity level have a significant influence on theactuator performance of the CPIL nanocomposite. The bending displacement of theCPIL nanocomposite actuator was enhanced with increasing anion size, ionicliquid concentration and humidity level. CPIL nanocomposite made with 4%BMIBF4 ionic liquid exhibited a very large bending displacement with excellentdurability under ambient conditions (30% relative humidity and25 °C). This is probably the first report that cellulose based electro-active paper actuator canexhibit such a large bending displacement under ambient conditions. Experimental resultsrevealed that the proposed CPIL nanocomposite actuator under study can be operated upto 70% humidity level.

Carbon Nanotubes‐Ionic Liquid and Chloropromazine Modified Electrode for Determination of NADH and Fabrication of Ethanol Biosensor

AbstractPotential cycling was used for oxidation of chloropromazine and producing an electroactive redox couples which strongly adsorbed on the electrode surface modified with carbon nanotubes and ionic liquid nanocomposite. The modified electrode shows excellent electrocatalytic activity toward NADH oxidation. The differential pulse voltammetry detection provided high sensitivity, 0.5835 A M−1, low detection limit, 80 nM at concentration range up to 20 μM. An ethanol biosensor was also developed by immobilizing alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme onto nanocomposite. Differential pulse voltammetric detection of ethanol gives linear responses over the concentration range 40 μM–1.5 mM with detection limit 5 μM and sensitivity 1.97 μA mM−1.

Nanocoating of ionic liquid and polypyrrole for durable electro-active paper actuators working under ambient conditions

This paper reports that nanocoating of polypyrrole (PPy) and ionic liquid (IL) on cellulose film improves the electromechanical performance and durability of a cellulose electro-active paper actuator. Cellulose–PPy–IL nanocomposites were fabricated by the polymerization-induced adsorption process of PPy followed by subsequent activation in IL solutions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy analyses validated the successful nanocoating of the PPy and IL layers on the cellulose. The results revealed that the cellulose–PPy–IL nanocomposites are suitable for durable bending actuators working under ambient conditions. Preparation, characterization and performance test of the nanocomposites are explained.

Irreversible Thermochromic Behavior in Gold and Silver Nanorod/Polymeric Ionic Liquid Nanocomposite Films

The novel application of gold and silver nanorods as irreversible thermochromic dyes in polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) nanocomposites is proposed here. These materials have been synthesized by anion exchange of an imidazolium-based PIL in a solution that also contained gold nanorods. This resulted in the entrapment of the nanoobjects within a solid polymer precipitate. In this article, the effect of the temperature was studied in relation to the change of shape and, consequently, color of the gold or silver nanorods within the films. For the nanocomposites studied here, a maximum of two visual thermochromic transitions was observed for gold nanorods and up to three transitions were observed for silver nanorods.