Comparison with Phenomenological Models, Advantages and Limitations

Comparison with Phenomenological Models, Advantages and Limitations 

From a survey of the literature in chemically modified electrodes [13], one can identify simple phenomenological models that have been very successful for the analysis of a particular aspect of the experimental data. Such models are, for instance, the Dorman partition model [24, 122], the Laviron [158], Albery [159] and Anson models [127] to account for the nonideal peak width, the Smith and White model for the interfacial potential distribution [129], and so on. Most of these models contain one or more adjustable parameters that give some partial information about the system. For example, the lateral interaction model proposed by Anson [127] provides a value for the lateral interactions between oxidized and reduced sites, but does not explain the origin of the interactions, neither does it predict how they depend on the experimental conditions or the polymer structure. In addition, none of these models provide information on the interfacial structure. 

We will discuss here applications of polyelectrolyte-modified electrodes, with particular emphasis on layer-by-layer self-assembled redox polyelectrolyte multilayers. The method offers a series of advantages over traditional technologies to construct integrated electrochemical devices with technological applications in biosensors, electrochromic, electrocatalysis, corrosion prevention, nanofiltration, fuel-cell membranes, and so on. 

---