The electronic structure of IrO2 has been investigated using hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density-functional theory. Excellent agreement is observed between theory and experiment. We show that the electronic structure of IrO2 involves crystal field splitting of the iridium 5d orbitals in a distorted octahedral field. The behavior of IrO2 closely follows the theoretical predictions of Goodenough for conductive rutile-structured oxides [J. B. Goodenough, J. Solid State Chem. 3, 490 (1971).

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High temperature annealing of ultrathin anatase-TiO2(001) thin films deposited on SrTiO3(001) substrates by a dip coating method leads to the self-assembly of an array of square-shaped epitaxial anatase islands with lateral dimensions of order 150 nm. The procedure developed here provides a very cheap and simple approach to preparation of oriented anatase nanocrystals with a distribution of surface terminations very different to that found in free-standing material. In particular, the {101} facets which are dominant for unsupported nanocrystalline anatase are completely absent, and the (001) islands are instead bounded by sloping {103} side facets.

The synthesis of boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes, decorated with Pt-Cu or pure Cu nanoparticles is described in this study. A two-step electrochemical method involving the electrodeposition of Cu, followed by Pt was used to synthesise the former. The electrochemical activity of the Pt-Cu/BDD electrode was evaluated towards the methanol oxidation and was compared with the catalytic activity of the Pt/BDD electrode itself. Higher current densities and less fouling at Pt-Cu/BDD catalysts during methanol oxidation is seen compared to the Pt alone. Also, a simple and cost effective method to modify BDD electrode using Cu nanoparticles was explored. High sensitivity and current response to glucose oxidation in KOH is observed as well as good reproducibility and stability. Selectivity of the Cu/BDD towards glucose in KOH is observed in the presence of low concentrations of interfering species.

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