Background
Electrochemical sensors offer many advantages over traditional analytical instruments and are widely used in biomedical, environmental, and industrial applications. Mechanically flexible electrodes in electrochemical sensors are designed to be conformable to the surface they are placed on, and ensure better contact and adaptability to challenging geometries. However, self-standing flexible electrodes have not been widely explored.
Conducting polymers have high mechanical stability and intrinsic conductivity, and are emerging for use in electrochemical sensors. Additionally, modifying conducting polymers with metal nanoparticles can improve the conductivity and the electrochemical performance of the sensor. However, these sensors that use conducting polymer-metal nanoparticles as an electrode material are generally supported on a rigid substrate, which reduces flexibility and limits the possible geometries.
Invention Description
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel method for synthesizing self-standing conductive polymers for use as electrodes in electrochemical sensors. This method uses electrosynthesis of conductive polymer polypyrrole to generate conductive self-standing substrates. The polymers are nanomodified to include metal nanodomains (e.g., copper, gold, platinum) that enhance analyte signal response, while maintaining low cost and flexibility.
Potential Applications
- Electrochemical sensors (e.g., detection of variable analytes) for use in:
- Agriculture
- Environmental monitoring
- Biomedical applications
- Industrial processing
Benefits and Advantages
- Low-cost (inexpensive materials)
- Simple fabrication process
- Improved mechanical properties (e.g., flexibility, electrode bending)
Related Publication: Towards the design of mechanical flexible electrodes for sensing: Self-standing polypyrrole-copper nanocomposites.