Single-molecule electrocatalysis by single-walled carbon nanotubes

Nano Lett. 2009 Dec;9(12):3968-73. doi: 10.1021/nl900988f.

Abstract

We report a single-molecule fluorescence study of electrocatalysis by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) at single-reaction resolution. Applying super-resolution optical imaging, we find that the electrocatalysis occurs at discrete, nanometer-dimension sites on SWNTs. Single-molecule kinetic analysis leads to an electrocatalytic mechanism, allowing quantification of the reactivity and heterogeneity of individual reactive sites. Combined with conductivity measurements, this approach will be powerful to interrogate how the electronic structure of SWNTs affects the electrocatalytic interfacial charge transfer, a process fundamental to photoelectrochemical cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Computer Simulation
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / radiation effects*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Nanotubes, Carbon