Abstract
In this work, template-free nanostructured conducting polymers (nCPs)-embedded gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from aniline, thiophene and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene have been prepared via a one-pot sonochemical method. The synthesis of the nanocomposite (nCPs-AuNPs) was achieved in a short period of time (5–10 min), by applying high-energy ultrasound to an aqueous mixture of a CP precursor monomer and KAuCl4, in the presence of LiClO4 as dopant. The synthesis process is simpler, greener and faster in comparison to other procedures reported in the literature. Remarkably, bulk quantities of doped polyaniline PANI-AuNPs nanofibers were obtained. Subsequently, they were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). PANI-AuNPs nanofibers were also employed as immobilization matrix for a benchmark enzyme, glucose oxidase (GOX). Finally, glucose was determined in real samples of white and red wines by using the so-obtained GOX-PANI-AuNPs/Sonogel-Carbon biosensor, providing outstanding recoveries (99.54%). This work may offer important insights into the synthesis of nanostructured conducting polymers and also stimulates the exploration of the applications of these nanocomposites, especially in research fields such as (bio)sensors, catalysis and composite materials.
Highlights
The use of conducting polymers represents one of the most important pathways for the preparation of modified electrodes to produce sensors, biosensors or energy storage systems
Metal ions solved in the aqueous solution, in the presence of LiClO4 as doping substance, work as electron acceptors, which have been donated by the monomers employed in each case
The first material developed in this work by following the high energy ultrasoundassisted procedure consists of polyaniline containing AuNPs (PANI-AuNPs) and, subsequently, the synthesis is extended to other nanostructured conducting polymers, such as polythiophene (PT-AuNPs) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT-AuNPs)
Summary
The use of conducting polymers represents one of the most important pathways for the preparation of modified electrodes to produce sensors, biosensors or energy storage systems. Their fast development is due to the successful combination of interesting mechanical features such as high flexibility and low density, with excellent electrical properties, similar to metal conductivity. In the case of conducting polymers modified with metal nanoparticles (e.g., Au or Pt), it has been demonstrated that there is a synergy between the two materials whose composite improves the electroanalytical characteristics and applications [9] On one hand, these CPs work as simple templates for the incorporation of the secondary component; on the other hand, their physical characteristics together with electrostatic interactions can influence the electrocatalytic reaction [10]. There are numerous examples of their use in electroanalysis: a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate-gold nanoparticles (PE-DOT:PSS-AuNPs)-based sensor for hydrogen sulphide determination [11]; Au@PANI and Au@polypyrrole (PPy)-based sensor for As(III) detection [12]; a SeS2 incorporated Co met-al-organic framework (MOF) and Au@PANI nanocomposite used to build a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) to determine patulin mycotoxin [13]; a AuNPs-PANI-based sensor for dopamine detection in presence of ascorbic acid and uric acid [14]; a AuNPsPEDOT nanocomposite-based sensor for studying electrocatalytic properties in glucose oxidation in alkaline media [15]; a review about recent advances in electrochemical sensors and biosensors based on conducting polymers (PEDOT, PANI, PPy, poly-indole, etc.)
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