Electrogenerated polypyrroles

Due to the vast achievements in immunosensor development, only few highlights of novel immobilization techniques and investigative detection principles based on electrogenerated polypyrrole films are presented with cholera toxin and hepatitis C Virus (HCV) as exemplary target analyte. 

FIGURE 16.8 (a) Stainless steel electrode partially coated with an electrogenerated polypyrrole film, (b) adhesion... 

Optimization of Electrical and Redox Properties of Electrogenerated Polypyrroles... 

Once the coexistence of different processes during electropolymerization is detected, the final composition and properties of the electrogenerated polypyrroles can be related to the chosen parameters of synthesis. The reverse reasoning is always true and fundamental from a technological point of view on defining a property, specific conditions of synthesis can be selected in order to optimize it. As the electrochemical polymerization of pyrrole involves many experimental variables, adequate control of the polymer synthesis will require analysis of the effects of the individual parameters (electrode, solvent, electrolyte, pH of the solution, temperature, and potential of synthesis) and their interdependence. 

Figure 10.7. Evolution of the electrogenerated polypyrrole weight as a function of the polymerization time, from different monomeric concentrations. From slopes obtained at lower polarization times, the pyrrole reaction order is obtained.

Polypyrrole can be deposited under potentiostatic or galvanos-tatic conditions and by potential or current sweep or pulses. In any case, the applied electrical conditions introduce effects on both the structme and the properties of the electrogenerated polypyrrole films and on the rate of polymer production. From electrochemical preliminary studies of the electrode in the absence and... 

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