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[Display omitted] In our work, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) granules supported Cu/Ni-doped Pd electrocatalysts (PdCu/PEDOT and PdNi/PEDOT) were synthesized for ethylene glycol (EG) oxidation in alkaline medium. The amorphous PEDOT granules as the catalyst supports provide plenty of attachment sites for PdCu and PdNi nanoparticles. The optimized Pd 1 Cu 3 /PEDOT and Pd 7 Ni 3 /PEDOT catalysts both perform superior mass-based activity, area-based activity and intrinsic activity for EG oxidation as compared to other control samples. Moreover, chronoamperometry and long-term cyclic voltammetry tests demonstrate that the Pd 1 Cu 3 /PEDOT catalyst performs optimal anti-poisoning capability and catalytic durability. The outstanding electrocatalytic performance can be attributed to the favourable dispersion of Pd 1 Cu 3 and Pd 7 Ni 3 nanoparticles on the PEDOT granules and the synergistic effects between Pd, Cu/Ni atoms and the electron-rich conjugated structure of PEDOT. In summary, this work synthesized two Pd/PEDOT-based electrocatalysts with promising catalytic application prospect in direct ethylene glycol fuel cell (DEGFC), which may provide some theoretical support for the design and synthesis of competent electrocatalysts for DEGFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a two-dimensional leaf-like framework-L embedded electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO@ZIF-L) was proposed as an outstanding electrode material for the sensitive electrochemical sensing of benomyl (BM). ZIF-L is surrounded by ERGO, which could effectively ensure the stability and dispersion of ZIF-L. With this unique combination, the prepared ERGO@ZIF-L displayed excellent synergistic characteristics with a large surface area, excellent conductivity, plentiful active sites, and high electrocatalytic properties, thus endowing it with high sensitivity for BM determination. The experimental parameters, such as solution pH, material volume, and accumulation time, were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the BM sensor showed a wide linear range (0.009–10.0 μM) and low-limit detection (3.0 nM). Moreover, the sensor displayed excellent stability, repeatability, and reproducibility, and good anti-interference capability. The method was successfully applied to detect BM in real-world samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐dimensional material (2DM)/conducting polymer (CP) composites with excellent electrical transport behavior, functional multidimensional structure, and good flexibility have attracted widespread attention as potential composite thermoelectric (TE) materials in the field of energy conversion. Appropriate preparation strategies determine the interface microstructure of 2DM/CP composites, which would influence the optimization degree of TE performance and practical applications. This review describes the recent progress in preparing advanced 2DM/CP composites by different design strategies for improving TE performance. In addition, some typical 2DM/CP composites applied to TE generators are also presented. Finally, other challenges and opportunities toward high‐performance 2DM/CP composites are discussed, including precise structural regulation, an in‐depth understanding of the interfacial transport mechanism, and the development of practical 2DM/CP‐based flexible TE devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of that conjugated polymers (CPs) are an attractive option for constructing high-sensitive Cr2O72− sensors but suffer from lacking a general design strategy, we first proposed a rational structure design of CPs to tailor their sensing properties while validating the structure-to-performance correlation. Short side chains decorated with N and O atoms as recognition groups were instructed into fluorene to obtain monomers Fmoc-Ala-OH and Fmoc-Thr-OH. Additionally, their polymers P(Fmoc-Ala-OH) and P(Fmoc-Thr-OH) were obtained through electrochemical polymerization. P(Fmoc-Ala-OH) and P(Fmoc-Thr-OH) with high polymerization degrees have an excellent selectivity towards Cr2O72− in comparison to other cations and anions. Additionally, their limit of detection could achieve 1.98 fM and 3.72 fM, respectively. Especially, they could realize the trace detection of Cr2O72− in agricultural products (red bean, black bean, and millet). All these results indicate that short side chains decorated with N and O atoms functionalizing polyfluorene enables the ultra-trace detection of Cr2O72−. Additionally, the design strategy will spark new ideas for the construction of highly selective and sensitive Cr2O72− sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High performance PEDOT:PSS-based reusable EBI is firstly designed based on dynamic noncovalent interactions. • As-formed reusable EBI simultaneously exhibits superior reusable adhesion, rapid self-healing, stable electrical and electrochemical properties. • Excellent biocompatibility ensures the safety of reusable EBI integrated with human skin. • Reusable EBI with higher EMG signal recording capability than commercial electrodes after 200 cycles and high resolution time–frequency domain distribution characterization. As the most ideal interface between bioelectronic devices and biological tissues, the electrical bioadhesive interface (EBI) holds significant potential for various applications, including soft bioelectronics, wearable devices, and electrophysiological signal monitoring. However, most current EBIs are disposable products that lack repeatable adhesion and self-healing properties, thus hindering practical applications. Herein, we develop a reusable EBI by incorporating a dynamic non-covalent interaction enhancer polydopamine (PDA) and conductive PEDOT:PSS into an adhesive hydrogel matrix polyacrylamide (PAM). The EBI exhibits intriguing overall electrical and mechanical properties, including high conductivity (5.57 S m−1), tissue-like Young's modulus (2.7 kPa), low interfacial impedance (1 kΩ), and excellent adhesion strength (46.45 ± 1.75 kPa on porcine skin) with excellent retention (87 %) after 200 adhering/detaching cycles, high self-healing efficiency of 94.11 %, and outstanding biocompatibility in HDF-a and HaCaT cell models. Benefiting from these superior properties, we further demonstrate the fabrication and application of an EBI-based reusable electromyography monitoring patch (EMP). The reusable EMP enables high-resolution electromyography signal monitoring capability with a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 30.05 dB than commercial electrodes (12.06 dB). Remarkably, such reusable EMP maintains very stable SNR of 21.82 dB after 200 adhering/detaching cycles (3.8 times higher than commercial electrodes, 5.74 dB after 30 cycles), and showcases typical time and frequency-domain characteristics. These findings demonstrate a promising reusable EMP to enhance the accuracy and convenience of electromyography monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A degradable fluorescent hydrogel was prepared for the specific detection of Cr(VI) ions in vegetables. • The "molecular wire effect" of sensing units and the porous network structure of hydrogel jointly improve the detection sensitivity of Cr(VI) ions. • The LOD of PPBA-SA film in this work could reach 1.99 nM. • In alkaline solution, the film substrate can degrade by 72.4% within 24 h. Degradable fluorescent film sensors are highly ideal for real-time outdoor detection of heavy metal ions and offer the advantage of preventing secondary contamination, aligning with the principle of sustainable development. In this work, we constructed a degradable fluorescent hydrogel for the specific detection of Cr(VI) ions, utilizing poly(1-pyrene butyric acid) (PPBA) as the sensing moiety and sodium alginate (SA) as the cross-linking substrate. The porous network structure of the PPBA-SA film provided enhanced ion transport channels and active sites, thereby reducing fluorescence response time and augmenting detection sensitivity. The PPBA-SA film exhibited rapid and selective recognition of Cr(VI) ions among a panel of 16 anions and 22 cations, achieving an impressive limit of detection of 1.99 nM. Moreover, we successfully applied this platform to detect Cr(VI) ions in four different vegetable samples. Notably, the PPBA bound with Cr(VI) ions could be effortlessly removed from the film, and the substrate underwent rapid degradation within 24 h, attaining a degradation rate of 72.4 %. This work provides an innovative and effective strategy for fabricating green and sustainable fluorescent sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar steam generation (SSG) via interfacial photothermal conversion has emerged in sustainable seawater desalination and sewage purification. One of the grand challenges is that low light absorption generally limits photothermal materials on water evaporation rates and insufficient on-board performance for real practice. Herein, we propose a "molecular/phase dual-locking" strategy to homogeneously composite Magnéli phases like Ti 4 O 7 nanoparticles and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by chemical-physical bi-crosslinking. As-obtained Ti 4 O 7 -PVA nanocomposite hydrogels (TPNHs) exhibit a narrow bandgap (~0.81 eV) for highly efficient sunlight absorption all through UV–vis–NIR full-spectrum wavelengths (up to ~99.56 %) and enable a record high evaporation rate of ∼4.45 kg m−2 h−1 with outstanding energy efficiency (~90.69 %) under one sun irradiation. A 20−day continuous test in real seawater manifests excellent long-term performance stability of TPNHs without salt accumulation. We further demonstrate the SSG efficacy of such hydrogels by applying them for efficient desalination/purification of varying seawater and sewage samples with low-to-high salinity, strong acids/bases, heavy metal ions, and organic dyes. This "molecular/phase dual-locking" design strategy and resultant Ti 4 O 7 -PVA nanocomposite hydrogels present a promising methodology to boost practical applications for seawater desalination and sewage purification. • Design Ti 4 O 7 -PVA nanocomposite hydrogel via molecular/phase dual-lock strategy. • A record-high evaporation rate of ~4.45 kg m−1 h−1 • Narrow bandgap (~ 0.81 eV) and superior solar absorption (~ 99.56 %) • Superior long-term stability with 20-day continuous tests in simulated seawater • The purified water can meet the drinking requirements of WHO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ce-doped WO 3 nanowire arrays flexible electrodes were grown on carbon cloth. • Ce doping increases the oxygen vacancies and expands the lattice spacing. • The ASC exerts 31.7 Wh kg−1 of energy density when the power density is 700 W kg−1. • Assembled two flexible soft-packaged ASCs can light up LEDs and timers. Tungsten trioxide (WO 3) is recognized as a promising anode material for asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs), yet its low conductivity and stability as well as energy density greatly limit its development. Herein, a flexible Ce-doped WO 3 (Ce 1.5% -WO 3) nanowire array with rich oxygen vacancies is grown on carbon cloth by a solvothermal synthesis. The specific capacitance of Ce 1.5% -WO 3 is 493F g−1 at 4 A/g and remains 90.4 % after 5000 cycles, superior to that of WO 3 nanowire arrays (416F g−1, 80.3 %). The improved performance mainly stems from the synergistic effects of more oxygen vacancies, higher specific surface area, wider lattice spacing, faster ion diffusion, and electron transport generated by Ce doping. As-prepared ASC device can reach an energy density of 31.7 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 700 W kg−1. Furthermore, two flexible soft-packaged ASCs connected in series can illuminate different electronic devices. This strategy proves the great application prospect of Ce-doped WO 3 nanowire arrays flexible electrodes in supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 2D OV-Ce-MoO 3 /Pt nanosheet is created by a two-step method and used methanol oxidation. • Ce and oxygen vacancy introduction well regulated the structure and property of MoO 3. • It shows electrocatalytic activity of 1247 mA mg−1 and poisoning-tolerance ability. • Under light irradiation, its electrocatalytic activity is increased to 2858 mA mg−1. MoO 3 with Pt-like d-band center electronic structure is an ideal catalyst carrier, but its low conductivity, wide-bandgap and poor photoresponse limits the application of photoelectrocatalysis. Designing doping and oxygen vacancies simultaneously in MoO 3 is a candidate strategy to address some challenges. Herein, a 2D oxygen-vacancies Ce-MoO 3 /Pt (OVs-Ce-MoO 3 /Pt) nanosheet is developed using a two-step method of hydrothermal and chemical reduction. The band gap, optical properties, and methanol adsorption capacity of MoO 3 are well regulated after Ce doping and oxygen vacancy introduction. Profiting by the synergistic promotion of sufficient oxygen vacancies and Ce element, the OVs-Ce-MoO 3 /Pt catalyst exhibits super-efficient photoelectrocatalytic activity (2858 mA mg−1) and poisoning-tolerance ability towards methanol oxidation, which is superior to the Ovs-MoO 3 /Pt catalyst (1542 mA mg−1) and commercial JM Pt/C catalyst (377 mA mg−1). These results indicate that the OVs-Ce-MoO 3 /Pt catalyst can serve as a highly promising catalyst in the field of photoelectrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stretchable, adhesive, and conductive hydrogels have been regarded as ideal interfacial materials for seamless and biocompatible integration with the human body. However, existing hydrogels can rarely achieve good mechanical, electrical, and adhesive properties simultaneously, as well as limited patterning/manufacturing techniques posing severe challenges to bioelectronic research and their practical applications. Herein, we develop a stretchable, adhesive, and conductive Ti3C2Tx-polyacrylic acid hydrogel by a simple pre-crosslinking method followed by successive direct ink writing 3D printing. Pre-polymerization of acrylic acid can be initiated by mechanical mixing with Ti3C2Tx nanosheet suspension, leading to the formation of viscous 3D printable ink. Secondary free radical polymerization of the ink patterns via 3D printing can achieve a stretchable, adhesive, and conductive Ti3C2Tx-polyacrylic acid hydrogel. The as-formed hydrogel exhibits remarkable stretchability (~622%), high electrical conductivity (5.13 S m−1), and good adhesion strength on varying substrates. We further demonstrate the capability of facilely printing such hydrogels into complex geometries like mesh and rhombus patterns with high resolution and robust integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymmetric supercapacitors (ASC) meet the high power and energy demand in energy storage devices; however, the low capacitance of the anode materials severely hinders the development of ASCs. MoO3 with its high theoretical capacity is an ideal anode material, but its low electrical conductivity limits the application of capacitive energy storage. Herein, abundant oxygen vacancies Ce‐doped MoO3 (OV‐MoO3/Ce) ultrathin nanoflakes anode materials with a thickness of 1.51‐2.01 nm are constructed by a simple hydrothermal method. It is found that the nanostructure of MoO3 can be controllably changed from thick nanobelts into ultrathin nanoflakes by adjusting the Ce doping concentration. And Ce doping in the OV‐MoO3 lattice can additionally introduce abundant oxygen vacancies without introducing Ce oxide and other impurities. Benefiting from the synergy of ample oxygen vacancies, high specific surface area, and accelerated ion diffusion and charge mobility, the optimized OV‐MoO3/Ce electrode achieves a high specific capacitance (1439.0 F g‐1 at 2 mV s‐1 and 1446.3 F g‐1 at 5 A g‐1) and good cycle stability. More impressively, the ASC assembled using optimized OV‐MoO3/Ce as anode materials can provide an ultrahigh energy density of 150.0 Wh kg‐1 at a power density of 800 W kg‐1, and the practical demonstration of the assembled ASC device highlights its great potential for high energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most recently, bithiophene unit has became a good choice as monomer unit for alternating π-conjugated copolymers for optoelectronic materials, because it gives good charge mobility to the corresponding polymers and serves as an appropriate donor unit in donor–acceptor polymers with narrow energy band gap. Herein, in order to get a comprehensively understanding of the structure–property relationship of the bithiophene based comonomers and copolymers, five hybrid oligomers which employed alkyl (C n H 2 n + 1 , n = 0, 1, 6, 8, 12) functionalized bithiophene unit as the core and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene unit as the terminals were synthesized. Structure–property relationships of these oligomers and the corresponding polymers were analyzed by optical, electrochemical techniques, theoretical calculations, and spectroelectrochemistry. It was found that as the pendant alkyl length increased from the H to the hexyl, the electronic spectra of these oligomers were blue-shifted while the fluorescence quantum yield reduced and the oxidation peaks were positively shifted. When the number of carbon atoms in the linear alkyl chain was higher than six, these values of them became almost stable. Density functional theory calculations confirmed these trends by comparing with the dihedral angles of each oligomer because of the steric effect caused by alkyl substitution. And the steric hindrance of the alkyl substitution still remains in the polymer films although the effects are very slight. These results clearly indicated that by the simple alky chain engineering, the optoelectronic and electrochemical properties of the oligo-/polythiophenes would be tuned due to the steric hindrance of the alkyl substituent. The hybrid polymers with band gap range from 1.75 to 1.83 eV and electrochromic nature with color changing from violet and purplish in the reduced form to transparent sky blue/green upon oxidation. Combining with good stability and favorable electrochemical activity, these materials hold promise for electrochromic devices and display applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partially reduced graphene oxide (PRGO) was prepared by reduction of graphene oxide with L-ascorbic acid, a mild reducing agent. As-prepared PRGO showed favorable photocatalytic performance for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under simulated solar light irradiation. After loading Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the PRGO sheet, significant enhancement was found in the degradation of MO due to the electron traps, surface plasmon resonance excitation and UV excitation of Au NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel redox polymer comprised of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid-Ni2+ (EDTA-Ni) complex serving as doping anions has been synthesised by a facile one-step electrochemical approach and utilized as an efficient electrode material for sensitive luteolin detection. The morphology, chemical structure and composition of the redox polymer were analyzed by SEM, UV-vis and FT-IR spectrum. Electrochemical tests revealed that the redox polymer was highly electrochemically reversible and exhibited good electrocatalytic activity to the redox reactions of luteolin with a linear range covering from 1 nM to 10 µM with a low detection limit of 0.3 nM of luteolin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Herein, a ternary-nanocomposite Pd-polypyrrole/nitrogen-doped graphene (Pd-PPy/NGE) has been prepared facilely by the one-pot method. In simple terms, PPy was in-situ polymerized on the surface of NGE with PdCl 4 2- as the oxidant, and simultaneously Pd nanopaticles were loaded on the surface of PPy or embedded in PPy particles. The obtained Pd-PPy/NGE nanocomposite exhibits promising electrocatalytic properties toward the oxidation reaction of alcohols in alkaline medium. Especially, the optimized Pd-PPy/NGE (1:50) catalyst possesses mass activity of 2176.7, 1192.7 and 498.9 mA mg Pd -1 toward ethylene glycol, methanol and ethanol electrooxidation, respectively, which are 4.3, 6.7 and 2.9 times of those for commercial Pd/C catalyst. Moreover, the Pd-PPy/NGE (1:50) also shows higher anti-poisoning ability and operating stability than the Pd/C catalyst. The promising electrocatalytic performance of the Pd-PPy/NGE (1:50) for alcohols oxidation can be ascribed to the well dispersion of Pd nanoparticles, the porous and stable three dimentional structure of the composite, and the synergistic effect between different components. The structural randomness of the conducting polymer and the potential synergistic effect between the metal nanoparticles and various supports would provide broad development space for these composites as electrocatalysts in direct alcohol fuel cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nanocomposite of rGO/MXene-Pd/rGO with hierarchical structure based on Ti3C2Tx MXene, Pd nanoparticles, and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized by a green approach. Ti3C2Tx MXene decorated with Pd nanoparticles (MXene-Pd) was prepared first. Then, graphene oxide (GO), MXene-Pd, and GO were coated on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in sequence. After each coating of the GO layer, the GO nanosheets were reduced to rGO electrochemically. The fabricated rGO/MXene-Pd/rGO hierarchical framework performs a pie structure with MXene-Pd as the stuffing and rGO nanosheets as the crust, which will be beneficial to the enhancement of its electrochemical sensing performance. As compared with other electrodes, the rGO/MXene-Pd/rGO/GCE exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity and better sensing performance for luteolin detection, with a wide linear range of 6.0 × 10−10 to 8 × 10−7 M and 1.0 × 10−6 to 1.0 × 10−5 M (oxidation peak potential Epa = 0.34 V vs. SCE), a low detection limit of 2.0 × 10−10 M, and a high sensitivity of 112.72 µA µM−1 cm−2. Moreover, the fabricated sensor also showed high selectivity, reproducibility, and repeatability toward the detection of luteolin. The real sample analysis for luteolin in honeysuckle was successfully carried out by rGO/MXene-Pd/rGO and verified with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis techniques with acceptable results. All the above tests indicate the promising application prospect of the rGO/MXene-Pd/rGO framework for luteolin detection in honeysuckle and other herbs containing luteolin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A novel strategy via paper as an effective substrate has been introduced as a thermoelectric material in this work. Free-standing poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/paper composite films are conveniently prepared by a one-step method of directly writing PEDOT:PSS solution on paper, making the process simple, rapid, and facile. The free-standing composite films display excellent flexibility, light weight, soaking stability in water, and great potential in large-scale production. Improved thermoelectric properties are obtained in PEDOT:PSS/paper composite films, owing to the simultaneously enhanced Seebeck coefficient (30.6 μV K−1) and electrical conductivity, and a low thermal conductivity (0.16 W m−1 K−1) compared with pristine PEDOT:PSS films. The results indicate that paper as an effective substrate is suitable for the preparation of high-performance and flexible thermoelectric materials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 737-742 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] PEDOT/ZrO2NPs nanocomposite film was synthesized by one-step polymerization. [•] ZrO2NPs could improve the electrical and catalytic properties of PEDOT. [•] The modified electrode showed high electrochemical activity for VB2, VB6 and VC. [•] The modified electrodes were applied to simultaneous determination of VB2, VB6 and VC. [•] The method was successfully applied to detect VB2, VB6 and VC in practical sample. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] The ƒ-SWCNT–β-CD modified electrode was fabricated for the sensitive determination of MP using differential pulse voltammetry. [•] The modified electrodes were applied to monitor the trace level of MP in agricultural practical samples. [•] The modified electrode exhibited fast current response, high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and satisfactory anti-interference ability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Pd/PANI-rGO catalyst was prepared by in-situ redox reaction. • Lamellar PANI-modified rGO offers abundant attachment sites for Pd. • Pd/PANI-rGO exhibits superior electrocatalytic properties for EGOR and EOR. • The theoretical reference for PANI used as anode catalyst support was provided. Design and preparation of catalysts with lower cost and higher catalytic efficiency are still important strategy to promote the wide application of alkaline direct alcohol fuel cells (ADAFCs). In this study, a novel anode catalyst for ADAFCs has been easily synthesized based on polyaniline (PANI)-modified wrinkled reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs). Morphology and structure characterization confirm the modified lamellar structure and composition of the Pd/PANI-rGO composite, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrates the electron transfer from PANI-rGO to Pd NPs. For ethylene glycol and ethanol oxidation reactions (EGOR/EOR) in alkaline media, the Pd/PANI-rGO exhibits promising electrocatalytic properties with mass activity as 4342.5 and 2220.4 mA mg Pd -1, specific activity as 26.6 and 13.6 mA cm-2 and intrinsic activity as 5.7 and 2.5 s-1, respectively. Moreover, the Pd/PANI-rGO shows significantly enhanced anti-poisoning ability and durability as compared with contrast samples due to the well dispersion of Pd NPs on PANI-rGO and the synergistic interaction between PANI-rGO and Pd NPs producing electron-rich Pd and more active sites for EGOR and EOR. This work is expected to provide theoretical foundation for designing low-cost and high-efficiency ADAFCs anode catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel sunset yellow sensor is fabricated with MWCNT-CONH-66-UiO/PEDOT:PSS composites. • The amidation reaction of UiO-66-NH 2 converts –NH 2 into –NHCO- for protection. • This sensor performs a linear range as 0.01–70 μM and a LOD as 3.3 nM. • The sensor is successfully applied to sunset yellow detection in cake and meat. The out-of-range, overdose and illegal usage of sunset yellow azo dye in food will cause great damage to food safety and consumer health. In this work, a novel electrochemical sensing platform toward sunset yellow detection was prepared based on the amidated MWCNT-CONH-66-UiO and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). In MWCNT-CONH-66-UiO, the –NHCO- is produced by the amidation reaction between zirconium 2-amino terephthalate (UiO-66-NH 2) and carbonylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH), which play significant role for the enhancement of the sensing properties of MWCNT-CONH-66-UiO/PEDOT:PSS composite. PEDOT:PSS acts as a conducting film coated on MWCNT-CONH-66-UiO and alleviates the electrooxidation of –NHCO-. The large specific surface area, good conductivity, and outstanding synergistic effect of the composite trigger off prominent sensing properties of MWCNT-CONH-66-UiO/PEDOT:PSS toward sunset yellow detection with the lowest detection limit as 3.3 nM and a sensitivity as 6.6 mA mM−1 cm−2 (active area of 0.15 cm2). Additionally, this sensor shows satisfactory results for sunset yellow detection in plain cake and marinating meat via DPV in comparison to the high-performance liquid chromatography method. The research results in this work will provide technical support for the rapid and efficient detection of azo dyes in food, animal feeds, and industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polyselenophenes, which are extensively employed in organic electronics most recently, exhibit several special properties and potential advantages over polythiophenes as thermoelectric materials, such as lower band gap, higher carrier mobility, stronger intermolecular interactions, etc. This paper herein investigated the thermoelectric performances of different types of polyselenophene (PSE) prepared by different methods/conditions. Surprisingly, PSE exhibits very high Seebeck coefficient (>180μV K-1) despite its relatively low electrical conductivity (10-5∼10-2 S cm-1) at room temperature. To improve its electrical conductivity, the electrochemical copolymerization of selenophene (SE) with 3-methylthiophene under different feed ratios in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) was further investigated. The as-formed free-standing copolymer films showed a remarkable increase in electrical conductivity (100∼101 S cm-1) but a loss in Seebeck coefficient (45∼98μV K-1). Its maximum thermoelectric figure-of-merit ZT value was estimated to be as high as 3.4×10-2, much higher than those of the most organic thermoelectric materials reported previously. With the high Seebeck coefficient now reported, future work may focus on fully describing new polyselenophenes and polyselenophenes-based copolymers and further exploring their thermoelectric properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Poly(thiophene-3-acetic acid) (PTAA) film with good biocompatibility, low toxicity, and high conductivity was electrosynthesized in an ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate. Glutamate oxidase (GO), one of biologically active species, was covalently immobilized on the surface of PTAA film for the design and fabrication of the electrochemical biosensor. The impedance spectroscopy, infrared spectra, and scanning electron microscopy indicated that GO molecules were successfully immobilized on the surface of PTAA film. The oxidation current increased linearly with the concentration of L-glutamic acid in the range from 6 × 10−7to 3 × 10−3 M with a regression coefficient of 0.998. The limit of detection was found to be 0. 23 µM, this method also provided a sensitivity of 87.1 mA M−1 cm−2, and a response time of less than 5 s. Moreover, the bioaffinity and operational and storage stability of the biosensor were also evaluated. Satisfactory results indicated that the resulting PTAA film is a promising candidate for the covalent immobilization of biologically active species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Precise modulation of TE properties of PTh films by electrochemical doping. • The PF and σ of doped films were increased by 130 % and 315 %, respectively. • ILs is used instead of organic solvents in the electrochemical doping system. • The PTh film has excellent flexibility and metallic luster. As one of the new generations of green energy materials, thermoelectric materials enable the direct conversion of heat and electric energy, thus alleviating the pressure of energy crisis and environmental pollution. Organic thermoelectric (TE) materials can be used as candidate materials for flexible wearable electronic devices due to their low toxicity, low cost, and lightweight, among others. In this work, free-standing polythiophene (PTh) film was obtained by electrochemical deposition using boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) as the electrolyte, and the prepared films were processed electrochemically in [EMIM]BF 4 ionic liquid. The UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy of PTh films at different constant potentials from -0.2 to 1.0 V illustrated that electrochemical treatment could modulate the doping states of the PTh film. The power factor and electrical conductivity of the PTh film treated at 0.4 V reached the maximum values of 2.91 S cm−1 and 2.59 μW m−1 K−2, respectively, an improvement of 315% and 130% compared with the pristine film. The results indicate that electrochemically doped is an effective method for modulating the thermoelectric performance of polymer films, providing enlightenment for obtaining high-performance organic thermoelectric material henceforth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The CG/NiO composite electrode is prepared by electrostatic self-assembly. • NiO nanosheets cover the surface of the carboxylated graphene sheets. • The addition of CG increases the BET surface area of NiO by three times. • The CG/NiO composite electrode has a capacity of 175.5 C g−1 at 1 A g−1. Nickel oxide (NiO) with the advantages of inexpensive, non-toxic, environmentally friendly and high theoretical specific capacitance, is a potential electrode material for supercapacitors. In this work, the synthesized NiO exhibited a stacked state of nanosheets with wavy patterns and a high specific surface area. Additionally, the carboxylated graphene/nickel oxide (CG/NiO) composite electrodes were prepared through the electrostatic self-assembly technique. The CG/NiO composite electrode was systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurements. More excitingly, the BET surface area of the CG/NiO composite electrode is 138.14 m2/g, which is three times higher than that of the pure NiO. The high surface area and unique mesoporous structure of composite electrodes facilitated rapid ion transport and sufficient redox reactions. As a result, the CG/NiO composite electrode displayed a high specific capacity of 175.5 C g−1 at 1 A/g and satisfying cycling stability (55.4 % retention after 5000 cycles at 5 A/g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel molecularly imprinted sensor was developed for the voltammetric determination of adrenaline (AD). MXene/carbon nanohorn (MXene/CNH) composite with good electric conductivity and enormous accessible active sites was firstly introduced as catalytic substrate. Subsequently, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film was fabricated in mixed solutions containing hydroxymethyl-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (functional monomer) and AD (template) through electro-polymerization process. A molecularly imprinted sensor was formed after removing the template. The morphology and elemental composition of the prepared composites were studied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to investigate the electrochemical performance of the molecularly imprinted sensors. Under optimized conditions, the designed sensor displays a wide linear range from 1.0 nM to 60.0 μM and a low limit of detection of 0.3 nM. The developed sensor also presents good selectivity, reproducibility and long-term stability, and satisfactory feasibility in practical sample analysis. MXene/carbon nanohorns decorated with conductive molecularly imprinted poly(hydroxymethyl-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) was proposed for highly sensitive and selective detection of adrenaline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adjusting the assembly of EDOT monomers through different oxidants can improve the structure and electrochemical performance of PEDOT. [Display omitted] • Explored different initiators to induce monomer assembly. • High oxidation degree and long conjugated chain of PEDOT achieved by Fe(Tos) 3. • PEDOT/P(Fe(Tos) 3)-6 displayed high areal capacitance of 419 mF cm-2 at 1 mA cm-2. The development of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) with high specific capacitance is the key to pursuing high-performance supercapacitors, and the electrochemical properties of PEDOT are closely related to the oxidation degree and conjugated chain length of its molecular chain. In this work, the influences of various oxidants (FeCl 3 , Fe(Tos) 3 and MoCl 5) on the molecular chain structure and capacitive properties of PEDOT via vapor phase polymerization were systematically investigated. Fe(Tos) 3 can significantly improve the degree of oxidation and the length of the conjugated chain of PEDOT compared to FeCl 3 and MoCl 5 , enhancing the conductivity and providing more active sites for Faraday reaction. Therefore, the PEDOT/P(Fe(Tos) 3) electrode displays a considerable conductivity of 73 S cm-1, high areal capacitance (419 mF cm-2) and excellent electrochemical stability under the different bent state. Moreover, the conjugated structure strengthens the interaction between PEDOT chains, achieving good cycle stability. Therefore, Fe(Tos) 3 is an ideal oxidant for obtaining high-performance PEDOT electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present study, we for the first time propose a new one-step electrochemical redox route for the synthesis of high quality graphene–poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (graphene–PEDOT) nanocomposite film based on simultaneous electrodeposition of PEDOT and electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide (GO) on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode. Data from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–vis spectroscopy (UV–vis) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) demonstrated that the graphene/PEDOT nanocomposite film was successfully synthesized. The obtained graphene–PEDOT nanocomposite film showed large specific area, high conductivity, good biocompatibility, and fast redox properties and had encapsulated structures, which make it a novel material promising for biological applications. As an enzyme model, ascorbate oxidase (AO) was entrapped onto the film-modified electrode and used to construct an electrochemical ascorbic acid biosensor. The modified electrode showed good electrocatalytic performance towards ascorbic acid with high selectivity, wide linear range, and good stability. The facile and easy electrochemical approach used for the preparation of graphene–PEDOT/AO may open up new horizons in developing of cost effective biosensors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A simple one-step method was developed for the synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)–Au nanoparticles (PEDOT–AuNPs) composite film by using a co-electrodeposition technique. The composites were further characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and UV–vis spectroscopy, which indicated that the uniform distribution of AuNPs was found within the conducting polymer films. Electrocatalytic properties of the composites toward the nitrite oxidation have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. It was found that such PEDOT–AuNPs composites modified electrode showed a very high electrochemical activity for electrocatalytic oxidation of nitrite, which was utilized as the basis of the fabrication of a nonenzymatic sensor for electrochemical detection of nitrite. The sensor can be applied to the quantification of nitrite with a linear range covering from 3 to 300μM and a low detection limit of 0.1μM. Furthermore, the experiment results also showed that the sensor exhibited good reproducibility and long-term stability, as well as high selectivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A stable and specific electrochemical biosensor based on a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-ethyl sulfate (PEDOT-EtSO) matrix with high conductivity and stability was easily fabricated. 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate ([Emim][EtSO]), a halogen-free and relatively hydrolysis-stable hydrophilic ionic liquid, was selected as the supporting electrolyte for the one-step electrosynthesis of the PEDOT-EtSO matrix under the optimum conditions. The PEDOT-EtSO matrix electrosynthesized in the [Emim][EtSO] aqueous solution displayed high conductivity and stability. Inspired by preceding studies, the electrochemical biosensor based on the resulting PEDOT-EtSO matrix was facilely developed to determine the vitamin C (VC) level in commercial juices. Ascorbate oxidase (AO) was dip-coated on the surface of the as-prepared matrix, then Nafion was covered on the surface of AO layers for preventing the leakage of enzyme molecules. The fabricated biosensor displayed an excellent bioelectrocatalytic activity to the oxidation of VC. Under optimal conditions, the fabricated amperometric biosensor showed rapid response (less than 2 s) to VC at a low potential of 0.2 V over a wide range of concentrations from 8.0 × 10 to 1 × 10 M with a high sensitivity of 104.8 mA M cm, and the limit of detection and the limit of quantification of presented method was 0.147 μM and 0.487 μM, respectively. Moreover, the bioaffinity, specificity, stability, and reproducibility of the biosensor were also evaluated. Finally, the biosensor was employed to determine the content of VC in commercial juice samples by amperometric and voltammetric methods. The satisfactory results indicated that the as-prepared conducting PEDOT-EtSO films as immobilization matrix of biologically active species could be a promising candidate for the design and application of biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Anionic ring-open polymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) functionalized 1-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzene (HMOB) monomer 1-(2,3-epoxypropyl)-2-methoxybenzene (EPMOB) led to the formation of the precursor polymer oligo(1-(2,3-epoxypropyl)-2-methoxybenzene) (OEPMOB). Poly(OEPMOB-co-1-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzene) films P1, P2, P3, and P4 were successfully achieved by secondary electrochemical copolymerization of the monomer mixtures OEPMOB/HMOB with different mass ratios of 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2, respectively. The possibility of inter- and intramolecular polymerization resulted in a cross-linking conjugated network microstructure. A series of experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of monomer mass ratios on the electrochemical copolymerization and other properties of copolymer films. UV–vis, FT-IR, and 1H NMR were used to characterize the structure of copolymers. Fluorescence spectroscopic studies revealed that the copolymers partly dissolved in DMSO were all good blue light-emitters, with strong emissions at 392nm in the doped state. Since EO and HMOB units were introduced into the skeletal backbone, thermal stability of copolymers was improved in comparison with their corresponding homopolymers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Self-assembly of Pt and indole into a novel composite catalyst on a glassy carbon electrode (GC) has been developed by a one-step electrodeposition in the presence of 3.0mM H2PtCl6 and 0.1mM indole. Compared to Pt/GC and Pt/C, the novel Pt–indole composite catalyst exhibits higher catalytic activity and stronger poisoning tolerance for electrooxidation of formic acid. The adsorption strength of CO on the prepared Pt–indole composite catalyst is greatly weakened as demonstrated by CO stripping voltammograms. Because of its advantageous catalytic activity and poisoning tolerance, the novel Pt–indole composite catalyst is anticipated to find interesting applications in many important fields such as energy and catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Poly(p-phenylene) (PPP) films with good electrochemical activity and good thermal stability were synthesized by a low-potential electrochemical polymerization of biphenyl in pure boron trifluoride diethyl etherate. As-formed PPP film was firstly used as a catalyst support. Pd–Au nanoparticles were successfully electro-deposited on PPP films (namely, Pd–Au/PPP) and used for the electrooxidation of isopropanol in alkaline media. The Pd–Au/PPP composite catalyst shows a high electrochemical active surface area in the hydrogen adsorption potential region. The results for isopropanol oxidation indicate that Pd–Au/PPP have higher catalytic activity and stronger poisoning-resistance than the Pd–Au deposited on the bare electrode. Furthermore, the role of PPP in the composite catalyst and supplemental effect are discussed. The present study evidences that Pd–Au/PPP is a promising choice as a composite catalyst for isopropanol electrooxidation in alkaline medium. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrochemical polymerization study of a set of monomers, dibenzothiophene (DBT), benzothiophene-S,S-dioxide (BTO), and dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide (DBTO) was reported and novel conducting poly(dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide) (PDBTO) was successfully electrosynthesized in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) and in the binary solvent system of BFEE and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) for the first time. The strong electron-withdrawing sulphonyl group substitution on BTO partly damaged the aromatic system of BT and significantly inhibited electrochemical polymerization. The electronic clouds of DBT and the electron spin density of its radical cation centralized dominantly on the sulfur atom, thus making it impossible to get the corresponding polymer electrochemically. Furthermore, structural characterization, molecular weight, ionization potentials and electron affinities, fluorescence properties, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and morphology of PDBTO were minutely investigated. From FT-IR spectra and computational results, DBTO was probably polymerized through the coupling at C(3) and C(7) positions, with the same structure to electrosynthesized polyfluorenes. The substitution of sulphonyl group in the fluorene ring increases its electron affinity considerably for improving electron injection/transport. Additionally, as-formed PDBTO was found to be a typical blue-light-emitter with maximum emission at 458nm and concurrently exhibited good electroactivity and thermal stability. The successful electrosynthesis of PDBTO should represent a unique approach to DBTO-based donor–acceptor co-oligomers/polymers, which hold promise for the design of a new generation of optoelectronic materials and are hotly researched in the field of electronic devices currently. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

1,8-naphthalimide-labelled polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM-N) was synthesized and used to stabilize Au and Ag nanoparticles, which were characterized by UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies, and transmission electron microscopy. The dimensions of Au and Ag nanoparticles protected by PAMAM-N were smaller and the size distribution was narrower when compared to those of polyamidoamine dendrimer. The presence of chromophore fragment (1,8-naphthalimide) allowed the fluorescent labeling of Au and Ag nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Direct anodic oxidation of 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN), an important derivative of naphthalene, led to the formation of high-quality semiconducting poly(1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene) (PDHN) on stainless steel sheets in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE). The onset oxidation potential of DHN in this medium was measured to be only 0.78V vs. SCE, which was lower than that determined in traditional acetonitrile containing 0.1mol/L tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate (0.98V vs. SCE). As-formed PDHN films showed good redox activity and stability, together with interesting electrochromic property from brown (doped) to yellow-green (dedoped). Structural characterization, including FTIR, 1H NMR, and quantum chemistry calculations, indicated that the polymerization of DHN probably occurred at C4 and C8 positions. Moreover, thermal analysis revealed that PDHN displayed better thermal stability than that synthesized by chemical method. The fluorescence spectral studies, together with the electrical tests, showed that PDHN was a good blue light-emitter (fluorescence quantum yield higher than 0.1) with an electrical conductivity of as high as 0.46S/cm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel conducting polymer poly(9-cyanophenanthrene) (P9CP) was synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of 9-cyanophenanthrene (9CP) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE). The oxidation onset potential of 9CP in the medium was measured to be 1.6V vs. a saturated calomel electrode (SCE). P9CP films obtained from BFEE showed good electrochemical behavior and good thermal stability with electrical conductivity of 0.13Scm−1 in the doped state. The polymer of P9CP may be an attractive candidate material for organic light-emitting material with blue-green-light-emitting upon irradiation with 365nm UV light. Moreover, the P9CP films on the ITO electrode showed good electrochromic property from dark green to dark yellow, between the doped and dedoped state. FTIR and the quantum chemistry calculation indicated that the 9CP was grown via the coupling of the monomer mainly at the C3, and C12 positions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel semi-conducting polymer poly(9-bromophenanthrene) (P9BP) was synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of it is monomer 9-bromophenanthrene (9BP) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE). The oxidation onset potential of 9BP in this medium was measured to be only 1.33V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE). P9BP films obtained from BFEE showed good electrochemical behavior and nice thermal stability with electrical conductivity of 0.03Scm−1. FTIR and 1H NMR spectra together with theoretical quantum chemistry calculations indicated that the P9BP was mainly grown via the coupling of the monomer at C3 and C6 positions. Furthermore, P9BP exhibited strong electrochromic nature from opaque green to light yellow between the doped and dedoped states on ITO electrode in solid state. Fluorescence spectral studies indicated that P9BP was a blue light emitter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The copolymerization of 5-cyanoindole (CNIn) and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) was successfully performed electrochemically in acetonitrile containing tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate by direct oxidation of monomer mixtures. The electrochemical properties of the copolymers were studied by cyclic voltammetry. The influence of applied polymerization potential on the synthesis of copolymer was investigated. This novel copolymer owns the advantages of poly(5-cyanoindole) (PCNIn) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), i.e., good redox activity, good thermal stability and high conductivity. The copolymer was soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide. The fluorescence spectra indicate that the copolymer is a good blue-light emitter. The structure and morphology of the copolymers were investigated by UV–vis, infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel approach to preparing PbSe quantum dots in a high-boiling-point solvent (paraffin liquid) was studied. PbSe quantum dots obtained were transferred from the organic phase to aqueous phase. The PbSe samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis, which demonstrated that high-quality PbSe quantum dots with regular shape and uniform size were prepared. The mechanism of PbSe quantum dot formation was briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High-quality free-standing poly(5-methoxyindole) (P5MIn) films were synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of 5-methoxyindole (5MIn) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE). P5MIn films obtained from this medium showed good electrochemical behavior and good thermal stability with a conductivity of 0.12Scm−1. P5MIn films were insoluble in water, acetone and tetrahydrofuran. The structure of the polymer was studied by UV–visible spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy, which indicated that the polymerization occurred at C(2) and C(3) position. Fluorescent spectral studies indicate that solid P5MIn film is a good blue emitter. Thermal stability of P5MIn film is higher than poly(5-methylindole) and poly(5-chloroindole) obtained from BFEE. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the electrosyntheses of free-standing P5MIn films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrochemical polymerization of selenophene in a room temperature ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BmimPF6) led to the formation of free-standing and highly conducting polyselenophene (PSe) films with an electrical conductivity as high as 2.3S/cm, higher than PSe electrodeposited in conventional media. The polymerization rate was significantly improved as BmimPF6 served as both the growth medium and an electrolyte. PSe showed good electroactivity and stability even in concentrated sulfuric acid. Infrared (IR) spectra confirmed the polymerization mainly through α–α′ coupling. Scanning electron microscopy results indicated the formation of smooth and compact PSe films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Palladium nanoparticles protected by PVP were obtained first by reducing PdCl2 with NaBH4 solution. Then different size palladium nanoparticles with a large size range (1.49 nm ∼ 23.26 nm) were prepared by the multi-step reduction of PdCl2 by hydrogen adsorbed on the surface of palladium nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the nanoparticles. The increasing value of average diameter from the first to the eighth reduction reaction is about 0.58 nm, from the ninth to the fifteenth reduction reaction the value is about 2.44 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High-quality free-standing poly(dibenzo-18-crown-6) (PDBC) films with a conductivity of 4.1×10−2 Scm−1 and good thermal stability were synthesized electrochemically on stainless steel electrode by direct anodic oxidation of dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DBC) in pure boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE). In this medium, the oxidation potential onset of DBC was measured to be only 0.98V vs. SCE, which was much lower than that in acetonitrile+0.1molL−1 Bu4NBF4 (1.45V vs. SCE). PDBC films obtained from this medium showed good redox activity and stability in BFEE. The structural characterization of PDBC was performed using UV–vis, FTIR spectroscopy. The results of quantum chemistry calculations of DBC monomer and FTIR spectroscopy of PDBC films indicated that the polymerization mainly occurred at C(4) and C(5) positions). Fluorescent spectral studies indicated that PDBC was a blue light emitter. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the electrodeposition of free-standing PDBC films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel conducting polymer, high-quality poly(fluorene-9-carboxylic acid) (PFCA) film, was synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of fluorene-9-carboxylic acid (FCA) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing a certain amount of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). PFCA films obtained from this media showed good redox activity and stability. Optical properties were studied by UV–vis and fluorescent spectroscopy. Fluorescent spectral studies indicate that solid PFCA film is a good blue-light emitter. To the best of knowledge, this is the first report on direct anodic oxidation of FCA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Direct anodic oxidation of 1,2-methylenedioxybenzene (MDOB) and 1,2-ethylenedioxybenzene (EDOB), analogues of 3,4-alkylenedioxythiophene and 3,4-alkylenedioxypyrrole, led to the formation of polyacetylene derivatives, poly(1,2-methylenedioxybenzene) (PMDOB) and poly(1,2-ethylenedioxybenzene) (PEDOB), on a platinum sheet in pure boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE). IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and quantum chemistry calculations confirmed that the polymerization occurred at C(4) and C(5) position on the benzene ring of the monomer, making the main backbone of PMDOB and PEDOB similar to polyacetylene. Both dedoped PMDOB and PEDOB in DMSO solution showed good fluorescence properties with quantum yields of 0.13 and 0.27, emitting blue and green light under excitation of 365nm, respectively. PMDOB showed electrochromic properties from grass green (doped) to light nacarat (dedoped). PEDOB changed it from bottle green (doped) to nacarat (dedoped). Doped PMDOB and PEDOB own electrical conductivities of 0.1Scm−1 and 0.17Scm−1, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrochemical polymerization of 1,2-methylenedioxybenzene (MDOB) in a room temperature ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BmimPF6) has been investigated. Its polymer poly(1,2-methylenedioxybenzene) (PMDOB) showed good redox activity and stability even in concentrated sulfuric acid. IR and 1H NMR spectra confirmed that the polymerization occurred at the C4 and C5 positions on the benzene ring of MDOB, resulting in the main backbone of PMDOB similar to polyacetylene. In contrast to acetonitrile containing 0.1mol/L Bu4NBF4, BmimPF6 serves as both the growth medium and an electrolyte. Hence, enhanced electrochemical stability of PMDOB can be easily obtained on repetitive redox cycling. As-formed PMDOB represented good electrochromic properties from green grass to opalescent between doped and dedoped states. Scanning electron microscopic results demonstrated that smooth and compact PMDOB films composed of ordered nanostructures were obtained, implying their possible utilizations in ion-sieving films, ion-selective, and matrices for catalyst particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Photochromic symmetrical diarylethene derivatives 1a–6a bearing different long alkyl chains at 2-position of thiophene rings have been synthesized and their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The effect of alkyl chain length on their optoelectronic properties, such as photochromism in solution as well as in the crystalline phase and electrochemical performance was investigated in detail. These diarylethenes have showed good photochromic behavior both in solution and in the single crystalline phase. Introduction of the long alkyl chains at 2-position of bis(5-formyl-3-thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene increased the absorption coefficients of both open- and closed-ring isomers and induced bathochromic shifts of the maximal wavelength absorption of the closed-ring isomers. The long alkyl chains can also decrease the cyclization/cycloreversion quantum yields and the oxidation potentials. The cyclic voltammetry indicated that the band gap of these diarylethene derivatives was significantly affected by the alkyl chain length. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: New photochromic diarylethenes 1a, 2a and 3a bearing a pyrazole unit have been synthesized. Their properties, including photochromic reactivity, fluorescence and electrochemical properties were investigated. These compounds showed good photochromic properties, high cycloreversion quantum yield and relatively strong fluorescence. The cycloreversion quantum yields of 1a, 2a and 3a are 0.46, 0.53 and 0.57, respectively, which are larger than those of their cyclization quantum yields (0.43, 0.45 and 0.47, respectively). The oxidations of diarylethenes 1a, 2a and 3a were initiated at 0.73, 1.11 and 0.79V, respectively. Moreover, the position of the methoxyl substituent had remarkable impacts on the above optical and electrochemical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For the first time, we carried out successfully three-wavelength photon-mode optical storage using photochromic diarylethene materials, 1,2-bis(2-methyl-5-hydroxymethyl-thien-3-yl)perfluorocyclopentene (1a), 1,2-bis(2-methyl-5-(4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)-thien-3-yl)perfluorocyclopentene (2a) and 1,2-bis(2-methyl-5-(2,2′-dicyanovinyl)-thien-3-yl)perfluorocyclopentene (3a), as recording medium. Three laser beams of 532, 650 and 780 nm were used in recording and readout simultaneously, and signals with high S/N ratio were obtained. The results showed that the three diarylethenes had responded rapidly upon irradiation of the corresponding wavelength laser. Especially there was no crosstalk existing in each one of them. The destruction of the readout and the photochromic properties of the three diarylethenes in PMMA films were also investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]