Nitrogen-doped pyrolytic carbon films as highly electrochemically active electrodes

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2013 Nov 14;15(42):18688-93. doi: 10.1039/c3cp53541j.

Abstract

Nitrogen-doped Pyrolytic Carbon (N-PyC) films were employed as an electrode material in electrochemical applications. PyC was grown by via non-catalysed chemical vapour deposition and subsequently functionalised via exposure to ammonia-hydrogen plasma. The electrochemical properties of the N-PyC films were investigated using the ferri/ferro-cyanide and hexaamine ruthenium(III) chloride redox probes. Exceptional electron transfer properties were observed and quantified for the N-PyC compared to the as-grown films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of nitrogen in edge plane graphitic configurations and the surface of the N-PyC was investigated using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The excellent electrochemical performance of the N-PyC, in addition to its ease of preparation, renders this material ideal for applications in electrochemical sensing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ammonia / chemistry
  • Carbon / chemistry*
  • Electrochemistry / instrumentation*
  • Electrodes
  • Hydrogen / chemistry
  • Nitrogen / chemistry*
  • Physical Phenomena
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Carbon
  • Ammonia
  • Hydrogen
  • Nitrogen