Preparation and layer-by-layer self-assembly of positively charged multiwall carbon nanotubes

The report described a method of more stably dispersing oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by forming complex with polycation and the layer-by-layer self-assembly behavior of the complex with polyanion was studied. The properties of the self-assembled multilayer film containing carbon nanotubes were studied. Cyclic voltammetry, UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used for characterization of film assembly. UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry study indicated the uniform growth of the film. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results showed that incorporating of carbon nanotubes in the polyelectrolyte multilayers; decreased in the electron-transfer resistance R, indicating more favorable electrochemical reaction interface. The electrocatalytic property of the multilayer modified electrode to NADH was investigated mainly with different numbers of the bilayers; and the results showed that along with the increase of the assembled bilayers the overpotential of NADH oxidation decreased. The detection lit-nit Could reach 6 mu M at a detection potential of 0.4 V. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.