Abstract

This work describes the preparation of modified electrodes with Poly-tetraruthenated porphyrin. Also, a detailed Raman and electrochemical characterization of these surfaces is shown. Glassy carbon electrodes were modified with Ni (II), Zn (II) and metal free polymeric film of tetrapyridylporphyrin coordinated to four [Ru(5-NO 2-phen) 2Cl] + moieties. These modified electrodes are very stable in aqueous solutions, and were evaluated for the electrochemical reduction of nitrite ion at pH = 5.9 in 0.1 M NaClO 4. When the solution contains 0.01 M nitrite, linear sweep voltammetry results, show an enhancement in the current from -0,3 V with the conducting polymers, compared to the bare electrode behavior. Analyses after controlled potential electrolysis experiments verify the production of hydrazine, hydroxylamine and ammonia. Hydroxylamine was the product of higher production among the three studied catalysts. The behavior of the modified electrodes allows predicting that the reduction process of nitrite takes place through reduced macrocycle ring. The electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrodes, measured as turn over frequency is dependent on the potential and the central ion in the cavity of the macrocycle. Finally, the modified electrode containing Ni 2+ in the cavity of the macrocycle was used as an amperometric sensor toward nitrite detection. The results show a limit of detection of 9.37 × 10 -6 M and a linear rage of concentration of 1.49 × 10 -5 to 1.24 × 10 -4 M. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.