Fluoride-free electropolymerization of 3-aminophenylboronic acid in room temperature ionic liquids without exogenous protons

Abstract

The electropolymerization of 3-aminophenylboronic acid (3-APBA) in conventional electrolyte usually requires fluoride and an exogenous proton source to obtain high quality poly-3-aminophenylboronic acid (Poly (3-APBA)). In the present work, the direct electropolymerization of 3-APBA in neat room temperature ionic liquids 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM]PF6) is investigated for the first time. Without fluoride or exogenous proton, Poly (3-APBA) is indeed obtained. The imidazolium-based ionic liquids [BMIM]PF6 acts as the supporting electrolyte. The PF6− acts as a hybridization agent and the imidazolium rings act as the dopants. Each ion is involved in the electropolymerization process and plays an important role. Electrochemical measurements indicate that the obtained Poly(3-APBA) has excellent capacitive performance and good electrical conductivity. The UV–Vis and FTIR spectra further validate that the Poly(3-APBA) is indeed obtained in pure room temperature ionic liquids [BMIM]PF6 without F− or exogenous protons. Furthermore, the Poly(3-APBA) can be used as a sensor to glucose. This paper presents an innovative and simple strategy for 3-APBA electropolymerization.