Chemical sensors, electrically active polymers

In this chapter, the application of this technique to the thin film processing of electroactive polymers is discussed. The fabrication of controlled molecular assemblies of electroactive polymers provides a unique opportunity to investigate the structure-property and structure-function relationships of multilayer thin films containing electrically conductive, optically nonlinear and redox active polymers. These assemblies can also be coupled to appropriate solid supports for application in such molecular electronic devices as ultrathin electrodes and transistors, opticd waveguides and switches, and chemical and biochemical microelectronic sensors. 

Other applications of conductive polymers in chemical and biological sensors include a building of electrical connection between different elements of these devices6 or electrical connection and mediators of electron transfer between enzyme and electrode26,27 or between electrocatalytically active functional groups or incorporated nanoparticles and electrode,28 as a filter,29 as matrix for immobilization of enzymes or even as a combination of many of these functions.26 The requirements for materials for these applications are very specific and will not be analyzed here. 

Intermediate layers appear to be necessary for good adhesion in corrosive and other chemically active environments. Their role is to suitress diffusion of destmctive agents towards foe interface. In this cr acity, plasma polymerized hydrocarbon (CH4) Elms have been found to improve bonding of Pt electrical contacts to parterre or other polymers, used as implantable, biocompatible sensors [56]. 

---