Development of amperometric sensors based on mixed sol of a-NiCo(OH)2 and nickel/cobalt oxides and their association with carbon nanotubes/graphene

Abstract

This project aims to develop amperometric sensors based on nanostructured mixed a-NiCo(OH)2 sol, synthesized in different proportions of nickel and cobalt from the modified Tower method. The amperometric sensors should be obtained in the form of thin films, as well as in the form of carbon paste electrodes for the determination and quantification of interesting species such as carbohydrates and some drugs. Carbon Nanotubes (Single Wall Nanotubes and Multi Wall Nanotubes) and graphene will be incorporated into the material, seeking to increase performance of the sensor. The preparation of the sols directly in the presence of graphite, nanotubes or graphene can facilitate the achievement of more uniform material and this possibility should also be tested.From the thermal decomposition of ±-NiCo(OH)2, oxides of nickel/cobalt will be obtained in this way the current sensors in the form of carbon paste electrodes are also developed containing carbon nanotubes and graphene, for the determination and quantification of species of interest. The study of these new sensors should be performed by amperometric electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry, impedance and techniques eletroquímca pulse).The sensors developed in this project should be used in conjunction with electroanalytical techniques such as Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) and Batch Injection Analysis (BIA). For such applications, electrochemical flow cells shall be constructed and optimized for the subsequent application of these sensors. The use of these techniques in flow will allow the development of alternative methodologies for the determination and quantification of species of interest, which can be oxidized (or reduced) by the sensors developed in this project. These materials may also be evaluated on strong magnetic electrodes, which will be prepared by sputtering of nobel metals on magnets.