Definition of the influence of pulsed deposition modes on the electrochromic properties of Ni(OH)2-polyvinyl alcohol films

In this work, the influence of some types of the pulsed deposition mode of electrochromic films from aqueous solutions of nickel nitrate with the addition of polyvinyl alcohol was investigated. Glass coated with a fluorine-doped tin oxide film was used as the basis for deposition. The deposition of nickel (II) hydroxide – polyvinyl alcohol electrochromic films was carried out in three pulsed modes: –0.2 mA/cm2×5 s, 0 mA/cm2×5 s (10 minutes); –0.5 mA/cm2×2 s, 0 mA/cm2×8 s (10 minutes); –1 mA/cm2×1 s, 0 mA/cm2×9 s. In this case, the amount of electricity used for the formation of thin-film electrodes was the same for all samples. The resulting films showed dramatic differences in electrochemical, optical, and quality characteristics. The sample obtained in the mode of the highest cathode current density and the duration of the no-current condition (1 mA/cm2×1 s, 0 mA/cm2×9 s) had the worst specific capacity and optical characteristics. This sample was characterized by the highest number of coating defects and color non-uniformity as well. The sample, which was obtained at average current densities (–0.5 mA/cm2×2 s, 0 mA/cm2×8 s), had the highest specific characteristics among the electrodes in the series. The coating was uniform and solid. Also, this sample had the greatest stability of the coloration depth value, which varied from 79.1 to 78.1 % (first to fifth cycles). The sample obtained in the mode –0.2 mA/cm2×5 s, 0 mA/cm2×5 s showed moderate specific indicators, however, there were some coating defects. According to the results obtained, a mechanism was proposed that explained the differences in the characteristics of thin-film electrodes formed in different modes. This mechanism consists of changing the time of non-stationary processes and the distribution of the current density with a change in the value of the deposition current density, the duration of the cathode period, and the no-current condition.

Pulse methods of strengthening nanocrystalline carbon coatings deposition

The most known methods of pulsed thin strengthening nanostructured film deposition such as magnetron sputtering HiPIMS, pulsed laser deposition PLD, vacuum arc pulsed deposition, high-intensity pulsed ion beams deposition HIPIB, as well, were described and analysed. It was shown that the stream of material, generated by means of a pulsed action, impacts to substrate and creates preconditions for nanocrystalline amorphous coating manufacture with superhigh hardness.

Ultrasound Assisted Electrochemical Deposition of Polypyrrole - Carbon Nanotube Composite Film: Preparation, Characterization and Application to the Determination of Droxidopa

Background: Nowadays, polymeric composites modified with carbonaceous nanomaterials have been popular due to their greater application potentials in many application fields. However, the structural consistency of the composite prepared by electropolymerization suffers from agglomeration of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) probably due to their poor dispersion in the coating solution. Present study describes a new synthesis route for the preparation of polypyrrole/CNT composite film on a Glassy Carbon Electrode (GCE) via combining the ultrasonication and electrochemical pulsed deposition for the first time. The performance of the composite film was tested by monitoring the electrochemical oxidation of droxidopa which is used as a new psychoactive drug and synthetic amino acid precursor which acts as a prodrug to the neurotransmitters. Methods: The polypyrrole/CNT composite film was deposited onto a glassy carbon electrode via combining the ultrasonication and electrochemical pulsed deposition. The composite film was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transfer Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). Then after, the electrochemical behavior of droxidopa was investigated on the GCE/PPy-CNT electrode. Results: SEM images of the surface morphology have revealed a more ordered film formation and enhanced conductivity of the surface has been confirmed by EIS measurements. The synergetic effect of this composite film was tested by monitoring the electrochemical oxidation of a new psychoactive drug; droxidopa at 0.45 V. The influence of solution parameters such as medium pH, pyrrole concentration and amount of CNT along with the instrumental parameters including applied pulse number on the peak formation was investigated by aid of cyclic voltammetry. Under the optimal conditions, by monitoring the oxidation peak in dp mode, two linear ranges have been observed in 4 - 20 μM which is well suited for droxidopa analysis in pharmaceutical preparations. The limit of detection (S/N=3) was calculated as 1.3 μM. Conclusion: Present study offers a fast, easy and sensitive method for the determination of droxidopa by providing a novel route for the preparation of PPy-CNT composite films for any further studies.

Synthesis and Catalytic Properties of Modified Electrodes by Pulsed Electrodeposition of Pt/PANI Nanocomposite

In this study, the modification of glassy carbon electrodes by potentiostatic pulsed deposition of platinum nanoparticles and potentiostatic pulsed polymerization of polyaniline nanofibers was investigated. During the preparation of the nano-composite materials, the control of the potentiostatic pulsed deposition and potentiostatic pulsed polymerization parameters, such as pulse potential, pulse width time, duty cycle, and platinum precursor concentration allowed the optimization of the size, shape, and distribution of the deposited Pt nanoparticles. It is noteworthy that the polymerization method, cyclic voltammetry method, or potentiostatic pulsed polymerization method show an important effect in the morphology of the deposited polyaniline (PANI) film. The obtained modified electrodes, with highly uniform and well dispersed platinum nanoparticles, exhibit good electrocatalytic properties towards methanol oxidation.

Micro-Structured Polydopamine Films via Pulsed Electrochemical Deposition

Polydopamine (PDA) films are interesting as smart functional materials, and their controlled structured formation plays a significant role in a wide range of applications ranging from cell adhesion to sensing and catalysis. A pulsed deposition technique is reported for micro-structuring polydopamine films using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) in direct mode. Thereby, precise and reproducible film thicknesses of the deposited spots could be achieved ranging from 5.9 +/− 0.48 nm (1 pulse cycle) to 75.4 nm +/− 2.5 nm for 90 pulse cycles. The obtained morphology is different in comparison to films deposited via cyclic voltammetry or films formed by autooxidation showing a cracked blister-like structure for high pulse cycle numbers. The obtained polydopamine spots were investigated in respect to their electrochemical properties using SECM approach curves. Quantitative kinetic data in dependence of the film thickness, the substrate potential, and the used redox species were obtained.