Layer-by-layer assembly of single-walled carbon nanotube–poly(viologen) derivative multilayers and their electrochemical properties

Abstract

Layer-by-layer (LBL) multilayers of oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and poly(octylviologen) derivative (POV) have been assembled on gold electrode surfaces. The assembling process was characterized by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and electrochemical measurements. The average mass change was about 0.726 and 0.381 μg for each assembly of SWCNTs and POV, respectively. Cyclic voltammograms of the LBL multilayer modified electrodes showed well-reversible redox waves centered at about −640 mV vs Ag/AgCl, corresponding to the normal redox reaction of viologens. These LBL multilayers were very stable in the air and 1 mol/l KCl electrolyte solution. The results of QCM, cyclic voltammograms and chronocoulomograms of the multilayer modified Au electrodes indicated that the oxidized SWCNTs could not only support the formation of stable multilayers but also act as an electron mediator between viologens and electrodes.