Carbon Nanotubes from Synthesis to Picomolar Detection Electrochemical Sensors

Abstract

Electrochemistry at open ends and sidewalls of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been under debate, with opposing viewpoints as to which sites are more electrochemically active. A particular challenge in this field has been the ability to conduct electrochemical studies selectively at the open-ends of CNTs, without measuring contributions from the sidewalls. This talk will discuss the synthesis and assembly of CNTs into electrochemical sensor where open-ended CNTs were employed for electrochemical measurements. The assembly employs drawable CNTs that minimize sample handling and contamination, in the attempt to preserve the pristine nature of CNTs. Highly densified multiwalled carbon nanotube (HD-CNT) fibers were embedded within a polymer matrix protecting the sidewalls and limiting the reactions to the tips of the CNTs. Cyclic voltammetry was employed to examine the electrochemical properties of open-ended CNTs using a conventional bulk electrochemical cell and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). This assemblies have shown to detect extremely low concentrations of Pb2+ in water, neurotransmitters, NADH, furosemide (diuretic drug), and the electrodes were tested with multiple electrochemical techniques.