Switchable voltammetric response of electrodes modified with a mesoporous silica thin film and a polyelectrolyte multilayer

Simple modification techniques affecting surface properties in a switchable manner are key to the development of smart materials. Layer-by-layer assembly of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes (poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and (poly(styrene sulfonate)) over an electrode modified with a mesoporous silica thin film makes a platform with alternating amplification and sieving electrochemical properties defined by the terminating polyelectrolyte layer. The mesoporous silica thin films were formed via sol-gel processing in the presence of a soft template (Electrochemically Assisted Self-Assembly). The electrochemical properties of the designed platforms were studied in the presence of positively charged (Ru(NH3)(6)(3+)), neutral (FcMeOH), and negatively charged (Fe(CN)(6)(4-)) redox probes. Additionally, we provide proof-of-concept studies in which our platforms are applied to the electroanalytical screening of ascorbic acid and dopamine.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the development of smart materials through simple modification techniques, utilizing layer-by-layer assembly over an electrode to create a platform with alternating amplification and sieving electrochemical properties. The designed platforms were tested with redox probes and applied to the electroanalytical screening of ascorbic acid and dopamine.