Hybrid composite material based on polythiophene derivative nanofibers modified with gold nanoparticles for optoelectronics applications

Author(s)

Sanfelice, Rafaela C. ; Mercante, Luiza A. ; Pavinatto, Adriana ; Tomazio, Nathalia B. ; Mendonca, Cleber R. ; Ribeiro, Sidney J. L. ; Mattoso, Luiz H. C. ; Correa, Daniel S.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Materials Science; v. 52, n. 4, p. 1919-1929, FEB 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 14

Abstract

Conjugated polymers have been extensively applied as active materials in nanostructured platforms for optical and electrical devices. The incorporation of metal nanoparticles (NPs) into the polymer-based platform arises as a strategy to develop novel hybrid functional nanocomposites with enhanced electrical and optical properties. However, efficient and simple processing routes to produce such nanocomposites are still on demand. In this work, we present an effective route to obtain functional nanocomposites based on electrospun nanofibers coated with gold nanoparticles, displaying interesting optical and electrical properties. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) electrospun nanofibers doped with poly(3-hexyl thiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) were obtained by the electrospinning technique, and displayed a strong red emission centered at 650 nm assigned to P3HT. Such nanofibers were deposited on to fluorine-doped tin oxide electrodes and with modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in order to produce hybrid composite materials. The performance of electrodes modified with PMMA/P3HT-AuNPs composite material was evaluated by impedance spectroscopy and revealed an enhancement of electron transfer kinetics, which indicates it as a potential platform for optical and electrochemical (bio)sensors. (AU)

• 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 type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/26712-7 - Development of nanostructured biosensors for the detection of endocrine disruptors in aquaculture
• Grantee: Adriana Pavinatto da Costa
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 14/16789-5 - Hybrid nanostructured materials based on conjugated polymers and metallic nanoparticles for sensor applications
• Grantee: Daniel Souza Corrêa
• Support type: Regular Research Grants