Anodic abatement of glyphosate on Pt-doped SnO2-Sb electrodes promoted by pollutant-dopant electrocatalytic interactions.

The development of non-expensive and efficient technologies for the elimination of Glyphosate (GLP) in water is of great interest for society today. Here we explore novel electrocatalytic effects to boost the anodic oxidation of GLP on Pt-doped (3-13met%) SnO2-Sb electrodes. The study reveals the formation of well disperse Pt nanophases in SnO2-Sb that electrocatalyze GLP elimination. Cyclic voltammetry and in-situ spectroelectrochemical FTIR analysis evidence carboxylate-mediated Pt-GLP electrocatalytic interactions to promote oxidation and mineralization of this herbicide. Interestingly, under electrolytic conditions Pt effects are proposed to synergistically cooperate with hydroxyl radicals in GLP oxidation. Furthermore, the formation of by-products has been followed by different techniques, and the studied electrodes are compared to commercial Si/BDD and Ti/Pt anodes and tested for a real GLP commercial product. Results show that, although BDD is the most effective anode, the SnO2-Sb electrode with a 13 met% Pt can mineralize GLP with lower energy consumption.

Bioinspired polypyrrole based fibrillary artificial muscle with actuation and intrinsic sensing capabilities.

A non-conventional, bioinspired device based on polypyrrole coated electrospun fibrous microstructures, which simultaneously works as artificial muscle and mechanical sensor is reported. Fibrous morphology is preferred due to its high active surface which can improve the actuation/sensing properties, its preparation still being challenging. Thus, a simple fabrication algorithm based on electrospinning, sputtering deposition and electrochemical polymerization produced electroactive aligned ribbon meshes with analogous characteristics as natural muscle fibers. These can simultaneously generate a movement (by applying an electric current/potential) and sense the effort of holding weights (by measuring the potential/current while holding objects up to 21.1 mg). Electroactivity was consisting in a fast bending/curling motion, depending on the fiber strip width. The amplitude of the movement decreases by increasing the load, a behavior similar with natural muscles. Moreover, when different weights were hung on the device, it senses the load modification, demonstrating a sensitivity of about 7 mV/mg for oxidation and - 4 mV/mg for reduction. These results are important since simultaneous actuation and sensitivity are essential for complex activity. Such devices with multiple functionalities can open new possibilities of applications as e.g. smart prosthesis or lifelike robots.