Improving the electrochemical properties of polyamide 6/polyaniline electrospun nanofibers by surface modification with ZnO nanoparticles

Author(s)

Andre, Rafaela S. ^{[1, 2]} ; Pavinatto, Adriana ^[1] ; Mercante, Luiza A. ^[1] ; Paris, Elaine C. ^{[1, 2]} ; Mattoso, Luiz H. C. ^{[1, 2]} ; Correa, Daniel S. ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Embrapa Instrumentat, Natl Lab Nanotechnol Agribusiness LNNA, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Fed Univ Sao Carlos UFSCar, Dept Chem, Ctr Exact Sci & Technol, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: RSC ADVANCES; v. 5, n. 90, p. 73875-73881, 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 23

Abstract

Heterostructured nanomaterials have attracted increasing interest because of their novel and distinct optical and electrical properties, finding applications in devices and chemical sensors. Here we report a new electrochemical platform based on the modification of fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) electrodes with polyamide 6/polyaniline (PA6/PANI) electrospun nanofibers decorated with ZnO nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were synthesized by a co-precipitation method, followed by hydrothermal treatment; the route was optimized in order to obtain particles of small average diameter (45 nm). Polymeric nanofibers were obtained by the electrospinning technique and further subjected to ZnO modification by nanoparticle impregnation. SEM images confirmed the uniform distribution of ZnO nanoparticles adsorbed onto the nanofiber surface, the amount of which was estimated to be 4% w/w, according to thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). According to the electrochemical characterization, an improvement in electron transfer kinetics and increase in electroactive area was observed for the ZnO-modified FTO electrode. The modified electrode was employed for monitoring hydrazine, and yielded a detection limit of 0.35 mu mol L-1. Our results indicate that the novel sensing platform based on the adsorption of ZnO nanoparticles onto the surface of electrospun nanofibers can be potentially harnessed for electrochemical sensor and biosensor applications. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/16789-5 - Hybrid nanostructured materials based on conjugated polymers and metallic nanoparticles for sensor applications
• Grantee: Daniel Souza Corrêa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/26712-7 - Development of nanostructured biosensors for the detection of endocrine disruptors in aquaculture
• Grantee: Adriana Pavinatto da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 12/23880-3 - Development of polymeric nanostructures as a sensor platform for diagnosis of bacteria causing mastitis
• Grantee: Luiza Amim Mercante
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral