Facile synthesis of hexagonal-shaped polypyrrole self-assembled particles for the electrochemical detection of dopamine

• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2015.12.138
• Publication Date: 2015-12-19T11:04:10Z
• Authors: Chung-Yi Lee; Di-Yao Hsu; Adhimoorthy Prasa...; Raman Kalaivani; Po-Da Hong
• Keywords: Polypyrrole; Pyrrole; Nanomaterials

Abstract Nanomaterials have been used as an electroactive medium to enhance the efficiency of bio/chemical sensors, primarily when synergy is reached upon mixing different materials. In this study, we report on the facile synthesis of hexagonal-shaped plate-like polypyrrole (PPY-IC) prepared through inclusion polymerization of the host–guest pyrrole monomeric inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) to be used in the detection of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). The amount of the monomer complex plays a crucial role in the fabrication of well-defined hexagonal-shaped PPY-IC through intermolecular interactions such as π–π interactions and hydrogen bonding between the β-CD and PPY. The microstructure and morphology of the PPY-IC were examined by using various analytical techniques and a tentative mechanism for the growth process proposed which elucidates the formation of the hierarchical structure of the PPY-IC. Cyclo-voltammetry was performed with a PPY-IC modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the electrochemical detection of DA. The concepts behind the novel architecture of the PPY-IC modified electrodes have potential for the production of materials to be used in electrochemical sensors and biosensors.