Elaine Yoshiko Matsubara

Evaluation of carbon nanotubes network toxicity in zebrafish (danio rerio) model

This is a detailed in vivo study of the biological response to carbon nanotubes network as probed by the zebrafish model. First, we prepared pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by methanol chemical vapor deposition in the presence of Mn and Co as catalysts, followed by purification in acid, which furnished curved tubes with diameters lying between 10 and 130 nm. The CNT network consisted of pristine CNTs dispersed in water in the presence of a surfactant. The CNT network pellets corresponded to agglomerated multi-walled CNTs with an average diameter of about 500 nm. Although the same pristine CNTs had been previously found to exert genotoxic effects in vitro, here we verified that the CNT network was not genotoxic in vivo. Indeed, Raman spectroscopy and microscopy conducted in the intestine of the zebrafish revealed complete clearance of the CNT network as well as minimal disturbances, such as aneurysms, hyperemia, and reversible inflammatory focus in the zebrafish gills.

Electrochemical Evidence of Strong Electronic Interaction of PtRu on Carbon Nanotubes with High Density of Defects

We show that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with high density of defects can present a strong electronic interaction with nanoparticles of Pt-Ru with average particle size of 3.5 ± 0.8 nm. Depending on the Pt-Ru loading on the CNTs, CO and methanol oxidation reactions suggest there is a charge transfer between Pt-Ru that in turn provokes a decrease in the electronic interaction taking place between Ru and Pt in the PtRu alloy. The CO stripping potentials were observed at about 0.65 and 0.5 V for Pt-Ru/CNT electrodes with Pt-Ru loadings of 10 and 20, and 30 wt %, respectively.

Citotoxicidade e genotoxicidade de nanotubos de carbono

There are many controversies regarding the cyto- and genotoxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In this work, we discuss that many of the incongruous arguments are probably associated with the poor physical-chemical characterization of the CNT samples used in many publications. This manuscript presents examples of carbon nanostructures observed under high resolution electron microscopy that can be found in typical CNT samples, and shows which roles in cyto- and genotoxicity need to be better investigated. Issues concerning chemical treatment are addressed and examples of misunderstandings that can occur during the studies of cyto- and genotoxicity of CNT samples are given.

Lithium storage into carbonaceous materials obtained from sugarcane bagasse

Materiais carbonaceos com diferentes estruturas sao preparados da carbonizacao do bagaco da cana de acucar. Os materiais obtidos sao caracterizados utilizando-se microscopia de varredura eletronica e tecnicas eletroquimicas. Dependendo das condicoes de carbonizacao e possivel obter fuligens ricas de particulas tipo flocos ou tipo colmeia de abelha, cuja concentracao tem grande influencia sobre a armazenagem de litio nos eletrodos. Para fuligens ricas de particulas do tipo colmeia observa-se uma capacidade especifica reversivel da ordem de 310 mAh g-1. Os resultados sugerem que o bagaco da cana pode ser um percursor com potencial para o desenvolvimento de materiais anodicos para baterias de ions de litio.

New Synthesis Method for a Core-Shell Composite Based on α-Bi2O3@PPy and its Electrochemical Behavior as Supercapacitor Electrode

New composite based on polypyrrole (PPy) and bismuth oxide (α-Bi2O3) was investigated as supercapacitor electrode. The α-Bi2O3 was obtained by hydrothermal route at 500 C for 2 h. Cyclic voltammetry was used to electropolymerize PPy on graphite electrode (GE) or on GE/α-Bi2O3. The X-ray diffraction profile of Bi2O3 revealed the α-Bi2O3 monoclinic structure with space group P21/c. The scanning and transmission electron microscopy images showed that PPy coated α-Bi2O3. Raman spectra showed that PPy inhomogeneously coated α-Bi2O3, but it was still possible to obtain a α-Bi2O3@PPy core-shell hybrid composite with highly ordered α-Bi2O3 with electronic interaction between the oxide and the polymer chain of the polymer. The GE/α-Bi2O3@PPy composite electrode (type I supercapacitor) displayed a predominantly capacitive profile with low impedance values and good electrochemical stability after 50 charge and discharge cycles. The specific capacitance of α-Bi2O3@PPy composite was found in the range of 634 to 301 F g to gravimetric current of 3 and 10 A g, respectively.

Pilhas alcalinas: um dispositivo útil para o ensino de Química

This paper presents the alkaline battery (MnO2/Zn) as a useful device in the teaching of chemistry. The preparation of the battery, the materials used in the preparation of the MnO2 electrode, the mechanism of energy storage and the parameters often used in the understanding of general batteries are discussed in detail. In addition, a schedule and a questionnaire that can be applied in an experimental class have been developed, which allow the assembly of an alkaline battery, its discharge using a galvanostatic or a load-resistance procedure, and the elaboration of a report based on the main text. This experimental class has been offered in the chemistry course of FFCLRP.