Michel De Keersmaecker

Self Assembled Films of Porphyrins with Amine Groups at Different Positions: Influence of Their Orientation on the Corrosion Inhibition and the Electrocatalytic Activity

Self-assembled molecular films of two cobalt porphyrins with amine groups at different positions—(5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(2-aminophenyl) porphyrin-cobalt(II), [Co(II) (T(o-NH2)PP)] and (5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-aminophenyl) porphyrin-cobalt(II), [Co(II)(T(p-NH2)PP)]—were formed on a gold substrate. The functionalized surfaces were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and electrochemical methods. Both modified gold surfaces completely mask the charge transfer of a [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− redox couple in solution, indicating the layer is highly resistive in behavior. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses revealed that the porphyrin film with amine groups at ortho positions shows a higher charge-transfer resistance with a better protective behavior compared to the para position modified surface. Raman, AFM and EIS data suggests that an ortho amine positioned molecule forms a more compact layer compared to the para-positioned molecule. This can be explained in terms of their orientation on the gold surface. [Co(II)(T(o-NH2)PP)] adopted a saddle shape orientation whereas [Co(II)(T(p-NH2)PP)] adopted a flat orientation on the gold surface. The porphyrin modified gold electrode catalyzes the oxygen reduction at lower potentials compared to the bare gold electrode. The shift in the overvoltage was higher in case of molecules with flat orientation compared to the saddle shaped oriented porphyrin molecules on the surface.

Towards a new method for coating heritage lead

BackgroundEthanolic solutions of long-chain carboxylic acids can be applied to lead metal substrates to form a coating of lead carboxylate which provides protection against atmospheric pollutants.Results and conclusionsIn this paper we describe the optimal inhibitor concentration for the coating on lead. Electrochemical impedance data taken before and after immersion in media modelling oak emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polluted atmospheres show that coating effectiveness decreases after exposure, but the effect is lessened if longer chain carboxylates are used.

A Multiplexed Microfluidic Platform for Bone Marker Measurement: A Proof-of-Concept

In this work, we report a microfluidic platform that can be easily translated into a biomarker diagnostic. This platform integrates microfluidic technology with electrochemical sensing and embodies a reaction/detection chamber to measure serum levels of different biomarkers. Microfabricated Au electrodes encased in a microfluidic chamber are functionalized to immobilize the antibodies, which can selectively capture the corresponding antigen. An oxidative peak is obtained using the chronoamperometry technique at room temperature. The magnitude of the response current varies linearly with the logarithmic concentration of the relative biomarker and, thus, is used to quantify the concentration of the relative biomarker in serum samples. We demonstrated the implementation, feasibility and specificity of this platform (Osteokit) in assaying serum levels of bone turnover markers (BTMs) using osteocalcin (limits of detection (LOD) = 1.94 ng/mL) and collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX) (LOD = 1.39 pg/mL). To our knowledge, this is the first such device fabricated to measure BTMs. Our results also showed that the sensitivity of Osteokit is comparable with the current states of art, electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA).

SR-XRD in situ monitoring of copper-IUD corrosion in simulated uterine fluid using a portable spectroelectrochemical cell

The objective of this work is to study the initial corrosion of copper in the presence of gold when placed in simulated uterine fluid in order to better understand the evolution of active components of copper-IUDs. In order to carry out this study, a portable cell was designed to partially simulate the uterine environment and provide a way of tracking the chemical changes occurring in the samples in situ within a controlled environment over a long period of time using synchrotron spectroelectrochemistry. The dynamically forming crystalline corrosion products are determined in situ for a range of copper-gold surface ratios over the course of a 10-day experiment in the cell. It is concluded that the insoluble deposits forming over this time are not the origin of the anticonception mechanism.