Properties of nanometric and submicrometric multilayered films of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(N-methylpyrrole)

Multilayered films formed by 3, 5 and 7 alternated layers of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(N-methylpyrrole) have been prepared by chronoamperometry under a constant potential of 1.4 V using a layer-by-layer electrodeposition technique. In order to examine influence of the interface:bulk dimensional ratio, the thickness of the yielded films was reduced from the submicrometric to the nanometric scale by decreasing the polymerization time of each layer from 100 s to 10 s. The electroactivity, electrochemical characteristics and morphologies of the resulting multilayered films have been compared with those obtained for both single-component poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) films prepared using identical experimental conditions and previously reported multilayered films with thickness within the micrometric scale [Estrany F, Aradilla D, Oliver R, Alemán C. Eur Polym J 2007;43:1876].     

Electroactivity, electrochemical stability and electrical conductivity of multilayered films containing poly(3,4-ethylendioxythiophene) and poly(N-methylpyrrole)

Multilayered systems of poly(3,4-ethylendioxythiophene) and poly(N-methylpyrrole) have been prepared using a layer-by-layer electrodeposition technique. The electrochemical and electrical properties of films formed by 3, 5, 7 and 9 layers have been characterized and compared with those of pure polymers and copolymers prepared from mixtures of 3,4-ethylendioxythiophene and N-methylpyrrole with various concentration ratios. Results indicate that the electroactivity and electrical stability of the multilayered systems are higher than those of both poly(3,4-ethylendioxythiophene) and copolymers. Furthermore, these electrochemical properties improve when the number of layers increases. On the other hand, the electrical conductivity of the multilayered systems is slightly lower than that of pure poly(3,4-ethylendioxythiophene), and significantly higher than those of poly(N-methylpyrrole) and copolymers.     

All-solid-state reference electrodes based on conducting polymers

A novel construction of solution free (pseudo)reference electrodes, compatible with all-solid-state potentiometric indicator electrodes, has been proposed. These electrodes use conducting polymers (CP): polypyrrole (PPy) or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). Two different arrangements have been tested: solely based on CP and those where the CP phase is covered with a poly(vinyl chloride) based outer membrane of tailored composition. The former arrangement was designed to suppress or compensate cation- and anion-exchange, using mobile perchlorate ions and poly(4-styrenesulfonate) or dodecylbenzenesulfonate anions as immobilized dopants. The following systems were used: (i) polypyrrole layers doped simultaneously by two kinds of anions, both mobile and immobilized in the polymer layer; (ii) bilayers of polypyrrole with anion exchanging inner layer and cation-exchanging outer layer; (iii) polypyrrole doped by surfactant dodecylbenzenesulfonate ions, which inhibit ion exchange on the polymer/solution interface. For the above systems, recorded potentials have been found to be practically independent of electrolyte concentration. The best results, profound stability of potentials, have been obtained for poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) or polypyrrole doped by poly(4-styrenesulfonate) anions covered by a poly(vinyl chloride) based membrane, containing both anion- and cation-exchangers as well as solid potassium chloride and silver chloride with metallic silver. Differently to the cases (i)-(iii) these electrodes are much less sensitive to the influence of redox and pH interferences. This arrangement has been also characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronopotentiometry.     

Free-Standing,Flexible Nanofeatured Polymeric Films Prepared by Spin-Coating and Anodic Polymerization as Electrodes for Supercapacitors

Flexible and self-standing multilayered films made of nanoperforated poly(lactic acid) (PLA) layers separated by anodically polymerized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) conducting layers have been prepared and used as electrodes for supercapacitors. The influence of the external layer has been evaluated by comparing the charge storage capacity of four- and five-layered films in which the external layer is made of PEDOT (PLA/PEDOT/PLA/PEDOT) and nanoperforated PLA (PLA/PEDOT/PLA/PEDOT/PLA), respectively. In spite of the amount of conducting polymer is the same for both four- and five-layered films, they exhibit significant differences. The electrochemical response in terms of electroactivity, areal specific capacitance, stability, and coulombic efficiency was greater for the four-layered electrodes than for the five-layered ones. Furthermore, the response in terms of leakage current and self-discharge was significantly better for the former electrodes than for the latter ones.     

Effect of Electrode Material on Electrodeposition of Tungsten Oxide

Influence exerted by the nature of an electrode-substrate on the electrochemical deposition of tungsten oxides from a metastable acid solution of isopolytungstate was studied. As substrates for obtaining tungsten oxide deposits served metallic electrodes made of gold and platinum, films of mixed indium-tin oxide on glass (ITO-electrodes) and also glassy carbon electrodes and glassy carbon electrodes coated with films of conducting polymers: polyaniline, polypyrrole, and poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene. It was shown that the nature of a substrate noticeably affects the electrochemical properties of tungsten oxide deposits. These differences are attributed to the adsorption of hydrogen on platinum in the range of the deposition potentials of tungsten oxide and to the chemical interaction of polytungstate ions with the thiophene sulfur of the polymer.

     

Gradient doping of conducting polymer films by means of bipolar electrochemistry

In this paper, we report a novel electrochemical doping method for conducting polymer films based on bipolar electrochemistry. The electrochemical doping of conducting polymers such as poly(3-methylthiophene) (PMT), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and poly(aniline) (PANI) on a bipolar electrode having a potential gradient on its surface successfully created gradually doped materials. In the case of PEDOT film, the color change at the anodic side was also observed to be gradually transparent. PANI film treated by the bipolar doping gave a multicolored gradation across the film. The results of UV-vis and energy dispersive X-ray analyses for the doped films supported the distribution of dopants in the polymer films reflecting the potential gradient on the bipolar electrode. Furthermore, the reversibility of the bipolar doping of the PMT film was demonstrated by a spectroelectrochemical investigation.     

Electrochemical synthesis of PEDOT and PPP macroporous films and nanowire architectures from ionic liquids

We report on the electrochemical synthesis of macroporous films and on nanowire architectures of conducting polymers from ionic liquids. The electrodeposition of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and of poly(para-phenylene) (PPP) from the air and water stable ionic liquids 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([EMIm]TFSA) and from 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate ([HMIm]FAP) within the voids of a polystyrene opal structure on gold and on platinum substrates yield macroporous films. For this purpose, polystyrene spheres with an average diameter of about 600?nm were applied onto the employed electrodes by a simple dipping process resulting in a layer thickness of about 10?μm. The macroporous films turn into yellow, orange, blue, and green colors owing to the Bragg reflection of the incident artificial white light. PPP and PEDOT nanowires were electrochemically prepared in a track-etched polycarbonate (PC) membrane with an average pore diameter of 90?nm. One side of the membrane was sputtered with a thin gold film to serve as a working electrode. Electrodeposition occurs along the pores of the template. Nanowires with an average diameter of 90?nm and a length of up to 17?μm can be easily synthesized by this electrochemical template-assisted method. Such materials are of interest as catalyst in metal/air batteries and as cathode material in, e.g., microbatteries.     

Conducting poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-montmorillonite exfoliated nanocomposites

Exfoliated nanocomposites formed by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and different concentrations of non-modified montmorillonite (bentonite), which range from 1% to 10% w/w, have been prepared by anodic electropolymerization in aqueous solution. Analyses of the electrochemical and electrical properties reveal that the electroactivity of the nanocomposites is higher than that of the individual homopolymer, while the electrical conductivity of the two systems is practically identical. On the other hand, the exfoliated distribution of the clay in the polymeric matrix and the morphology of the prepared materials have been characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. The overall of the results represents a significant improvement with respect to other nanocomposites constituted by conducting polymers and clays, including those involving poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), and evidences the reliability of the preparation procedure employed in this work.     

Highly conformal growth of microstructured polypyrrole films by electrosynthesis on micromachined silicon substrates

A novel technology for fabricating microstructured polypyrrole (PPy) films is presented based on PPy electrosynthesis on micromachined silicon substrates. PPy light-activated electropolymerization is performed on n-type microstructured silicon featuring lattices of square-like pores with pitch of 8 μm, size (s) of 5 μm, and depth (d) from 5 μm up to 50 μm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) highlights as light-activation allows a highly conformal polymer growth yielding a three-dimensional PPy structure perfectly replicating the silicon microstructure to be achieved up to high aspect-ratio (HR = d/s). Arrays of highly ordered PPy hollow microtubes with depth up to 50 μm and thickness up to 1 μm are obtained. Chemical analysis of microstructured PPy films is performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and their electrochemical activity is verified by cyclic voltammetry (CV).     

Polyoxometallates as inorganic templates for electrocatalytic network films of ultra-thin conducting polymers and platinum nanoparticles

We develop a concept of fabrication of the multilayer network films on electrodes by exploring the ability of a Keggin-type polyoxometallate, phosphododecamolybdate (PMo(12)O(40)(3-)), to form stable anionic monolayers (templates) on carbon and metals including platinum. By repeated alternate treatments in the solution of PMo(12)O(40)(3-) (or in the colloidal suspension of polyoxometallate-protected Pt-nanoparticles) and in the solution of monomer (e.g. anilinium) cations, the amount of the material can be increased systematically (layer-by-layer) to form stable three-dimensional assemblies on electrode (e.g. glassy carbon) surfaces. In the resulting hybrid (organic-inorganic) films, the layers of negatively charged polyoxometallate, or polyoxometallate-protected (stabilized) Pt-nanoparticles, are linked or electrostatically attracted by ultra-thin layers of such positively charged conducting polymers as polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPy) or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PEDOT. Consequently, the attractive physicochemical properties of polymers and reactivity of polyoxometallate or noble metal particles are combined. The films are functionalized and show electrocatalytic properties towards reduction of nitrite, bromate, hydrogen peroxide or oxygen. They are of importance to the chemical and biochemical sensing as well as to the biochemical and medical applications.     

Electrochemical recognition and trace-level detection of bactericide carbendazim using carboxylic group functionalized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) mimic electrode

The electrochemical recognition and trace-level detection of bactericide carbendazim (MBC) in paddy water and commercial juice were realized using carboxylic group functionalized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PC4-EDOT-COOH) film electrode. PC4-EDOT-COOH film was prepared by one step, low-cost, and green electrosynthesis in aqueous microemulsion system and characterized by FT-IR, cyclic voltammetry, UV–vis and SEM. In comparison with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and poly(hydroxymethylated-3,4-ethylenedioxylthiophene) (PEDTM), PC4-EDOT-COOH exhibited the best electrochemical recognition towards MBC and the recognition mechanism was proved by quantitative calculation. Sensing parameters such as pH values, accumulation potential, accumulation time, supporting electrolyte, and scan rate on the current response of MBC were discussed. In addition, the sensor can be applied to quantification of MBC in the concentration range of 0.012–0.35 μM with a low detection limit of 3.5 nM (S/N = 3). Moreover, PC4-EDOT-COOH film electrode showed good stability, high selectivity, and satisfactory anti-interference ability. Satisfactory results indicated that PC4-EDOT-COOH film is a promising sensing platform for the trace-level analysis of bactericide residue carbendazim in agricultural crops and environment.     

Specific interactions in complexes formed by polythiophene derivatives bearing polar side groups and plasmid DNA

The interaction between plasmid DNA and polythiophene derivatives bearing substituents with polar groups has been examined using electrophoresis assays, and both UV-Vis and CD spectroscopies. Results clearly indicate that such conducting polymers form stable adducts with DNA, even although the interactions strongly depend on the chemical constitution of the polymers. Furthermore, digestion assays with EcoRI and BamHI evidence that the polymers form specific interactions with the DNA, protecting the target nucleotide sequences of these restriction enzymes. On the other hand, UV-Vis and CD spectra show that the interactions induce a fast and very significant exposition of the nitrogen bases, which is consequence of the structural alterations induced in the circular DNA. These results have been compared with those previously reported for polypyrrole, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(3-methylthiophene). Finally, a model based on the intercalation of the conducting polymer between the two DNA strands has been proposed.     

新型导电高分子抗静电剂进展

本征型导电高分子抗静电剂是目前发现的使用效果最好的抗静电剂之一.本文简要综述了本征型导电高分子抗静电剂的工作原理、特点、国内外发展现状及发展趋势,其中重点介绍了聚(3,4 二氧乙基噻吩)/聚对苯乙烯磺酸,以及它在感光材料中作为抗静电剂显示的重要作用.     

The electroactive multilayer films of polyelectrolytes and Prussian blue nanoparticles and their application for H2O2 sensors

Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles were immobilized in polyelectrolyte (PE) multilayers of various compositions and thickness. Films containing nanoparticles and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) were formed using the layer-by-layer adsorption method. A layer of branched poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) was used to anchor the multilayer structure at the surface of a gold electrode. The films exhibited electroactive properties, increasing with the number of deposited PB layers. The properties of PEI/(PB/PAH) _n multilayers were then compared with the ones containing additionally the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)–poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). We found that the addition of the conductive, water-soluble polymer enhances the electroactive properties of the multilayer films. It also increased sensitivity of the multilayer-covered electrodes for electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide.     

Electrosynthesis of a multilayer film stacked alternately by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and reduced graphene oxide from aqueous solution

Multilayer films stacked alternately by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and reduced graphene oxide were synthesized electrochemically from a single aqueous solution containing 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and graphene oxide (GO) by repeatedly oxidizing EDOT and reducing GO on a conductive substrate. Using the proposed technique, the thickness of the different layers could be easily tuned by varying the electrolysis time, and the number of layers could be increased simply by repeating the sequence of potential steps.     

Cellular adhesion and proliferation on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): Benefits in the electroactivity of the conducting polymer

Cell adhesion and proliferation in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), an electroactive polythiophene derivative generated by anodic polymerization, has been investigated. Results show that epithelial cells Hep-2 present significant activity on the surface of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) electrodeposited on stainless steel electrodes, no sign of cytotoxicity being detected for this conducting polymer. Indeed, seeded and cultured cells bound better to poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) than to uncoated stainless steel, the latter substrate being used as a control. Furthermore, the electrochemical characteristics of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) covered with cells was determined in different biological media using cyclic voltammetry experiments. Results reveal a significant increase in the electroactivity of this material when it is covered with a cellular monolayer. The overall of the results evidences not only the biocompatibility of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with Hep-2 cells but also their electrocompatibility.     

Thin-film electrochemical sensor for diphenylamine detection using molecularly imprinted polymers

This work reports on the development of a new voltammetric sensor for diphenylamine based on the use of a miniaturized gold electrode modified with a molecularly imprinted polymer recognition element. Molecularly imprinted particles were synthesized ex situ and further entrapped into a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polymer membrane, which was electropolymerized on the surface of the gold electrode. The thickness of the polymer layer was optimized in order to get an adequate diffusion of the target analyte and in turn to achieve an adequate charge transfer at the electrode surface. The resulting modified electrodes showed a selective response to diphenylamine and a high sensitivity compared with the bare gold electrode and the electrode modified with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and non-imprinted polymer particles. The sensor showed a linear range from 4.95 to 115 μM diphenylamine, a limit of detection of 3.9 μM and a good selectivity in the presence of other structurally related molecules. This sensor was successfully applied to the quantification of diphenylamine in spiked apple juice samples.     

Influence of chemical and structural properties of functionalized polythiophene-based layers on electrochemical sensing of atrazine

Sensitive layers based on conducting homopolymer [poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), denoted PEDOT] and copolymers [molecularly imprinted and non-imprinted poly(EDOT-co-3-thiophene acetic acid), denoted MICP and NICP, respectively] are electrosynthesized on gold substrates and used for the electrochemical detection of atrazine. These layers are characterized by cyclic voltammetry, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, optical profilemetry, and AFM microscopy in order to study the effect of the chemical functionalities and of the structural properties of these conducting polymers on the physical chemistry of the interaction with atrazine targets and with the aim to improve the sensitivity of the recognition process. In particular, due to the presence in their backbones of preshaped functionalized cavities which keep the molecular memory of the targets, MICP layers show remarkable sensitivity, a low detection limit (10(-9) mol L(-1)), and a large linear range of detection (10(-8) to 10(-4) mol L(-1)), as demonstrated by square-wave voltammetry.     

多功能性聚吡咯复合膜

聚吡咯具有较高的电导率与良好的环境稳定性,被视为继聚苯胺之后最有工业化应用前景的导电高分子材料之一。聚吡咯与常规聚合物基体如聚乙烯醇、聚氯乙烯等形成的复合膜不仅可以综合聚吡咯奇异的多功能性与常规聚合物的易成膜性和低成本性于一体,而且可望发挥两者的协同效应,从而大大拓宽其应用领域。该研究已经成为导电聚合物研究领域中的又一新热点。作者系统论述了制备这类功能复合膜的两种典型制备方法,并在分析各自特点的基础上提出了改进与发展方向,指出聚吡咯复合膜具有广泛可调的电导率、快速的电学响应性以及稳定的电致变色性等多种功能,在透明导电膜、化学传感器、生物分离膜、电致变色膜领域具有诱人的应用前景。     

Conducting polymer hydrogels

Conducting polymer hydrogels are gels, which are swollen with water, and contain a conducting polymer along with a supporting polymer as constituents. Polyaniline, polypyrrole or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) represent the conducting moiety, while water-soluble polymers the other part. Various ways of hydrogel preparation are reviewed. The properties, such as mixed electronic and ionic conductivity, redox activity, and responsivity, are conveniently combined with materials properties afforded by supporting polymers, such as elasticity, mechanical integrity, and biocompatibility. The derived materials, aerogels obtained after freeze-drying of hydrogels, or carbogels produced after carbonization of aerogels, are also considered. The applications are expected especially in biomedicine and energy-storage devices but many other uses proposed in the literature are listed and discussed.