Conducting polymer composites with graphene for use in chemical sensors and biosensors

• DOI: 10.1007/s00604-014-1160-6
• Publication Date: 2014-01-16T11:39:50Z
• Authors: Wu Lei; Weimeng Si; Yujuan Xu; Zhenyan Gu; Qingli Hao
• Keywords: 01 natural sciences; 0104 chemical sciences

This review (with 79 references) summarizes the recent work on the development of chemical sensors and biosensors based on the use of composites made from conducting polymers (CPs) and graphene. Owing to the unique electrical, mechanical, optical, chemical and structural properties of CP and graphene, these kinds of composites have generated increasing interest in senor field. In this review, we first discuss methods for preparation of CP/GE composites by chemical, electrochemical, or physical methods including electrostatic interactions. We then cover aspects of the fabrication of modified electrodes and the performance of respective sensors with electrochemical, electronic or optical signal transduction. We then discuss sensors for the determination of inorganic and organic species, gases and vapors. We also review the state of the art in respective biosensors for hydrogen peroxide and glucose, for oligomers (DNA, RNA, and aptamers), for biogenic amines, NAD^+/NADH, cytochromes and the like, and in immunosensors. Finally, the perspective and current challenges of CP/GE composites for use in (bio)sensors are outlooked.