PEDOT-Au nanocomposite films for electrochemical sensing of dopamine and uric acid

In this work, conducting polymer impregnated gold nanoparticles are synthesized through a sequence of chemical and electrochemical routes. The nanocomposite film is characterized using UV-vis, FTIR spectroscopy, and SEM techniques to study the formation of oxidized PEDOT and Au-0. The advantages of these films are demonstrated for sensing biologically important compounds such as dopamine and uric acid in presence of excess ascorbic acid, one of the major interferants in the detection of DA and UA (mimicking the physiological conditions), with superior selectivity and sensitivity when compared to the polymer film alone. Simultaneous determination is realized at 115 mV and 246 mV for DA and UA, respectively. The PEDOT matrix is recognized to be responsible for the peak separation (selectivity) while also favouring catalytic oxidation of the above compounds and the nanometer-sized gold particles allow nanomolar sensing of DA and UA (sensitivity). Thus, it is possible to detect nanomolar levels of DA and UA in presence of excess of AA. The combined effect of Au nanoparticles and the PEDOT matrix is rationalized that the Au-nano surrounded by a "hydrophobic sheath (PEDOT)" tending to reside within these hydrophobic regions of PEDOT, thus favouring the selectivity and sensitivity of the DA/UA detection. This new generation of nanocomposites is expected to enhance the value of electroanalytical techniques, as it is possible to tune their properties suiting the analytical needs.