Electrochemical studies of nafion–trimethylsilyl and nafion–trimethylsilyl/Ru complex-modified electrodes

In this work, we report the electrochemical properties of the nafion–trimethylsilyl (Naf–TMS) polymer. First, we introduce a procedure to dissolve Naf–TMS polymer and the incorporation of ruthenium catalyst complexes into it. The inclusion of the catalysts involved two strategies. The first one concerned the direct formation of a Naf–TMS/Ru complex solution. The second one consists of depositing Naf–TMS solution on a glassy carbon electrode, followed by the incorporation of Ru complexes under potentiodynamic conditions. Electrochemical studies showed the good ion permeation capability of Naf–TMS membranes and its use as a good alternative approach to Nafion ion-conducting membranes. The analytical capabilities of Naf–TMS- and Naf–TMS/Ru-modified glassy carbon electrodes have been tested for the detection of dopamine in standard solutions. Detection limits in the order of nanomolar have been achieved with working ranges extending over three decades in concentration at pH 7.2. Further enhancement in the dopamine oxidation current was achieved by the incorporation of Ru complexes into the Naf–TMS polymer. This study offers a new insight into the investigation of Naf–TMS resin as an ion-conducting polymer.