Poly(diphenylamine) and its Nanohybrids for Chemicals and Biomolecules Analysis: A Review

Background:

This is the first review on Poly(diphenylamine) and its nanohybrids which covers about 181 references demonstrating the brief discussion on the theoretical studies, chemical, electrochemical and other-phase preparation techniques, polymerization and oxidation-reduction (redox) mechanisms, physicochemical and electrochemical properties along with electrochemical sensors and spectroscopic applications on the detection of chemicals and biomolecules analysis applications.

Objective:

The main aim of this detailed report is merely to afford a survey of the literature existing on this multifunctional conducting organic polymer (poly(diphenylamine)) that provokes a pathway to innovations and discoveries in the near future claim its applications in multidisciplinary fields, especially in the detection of chemicals and bio-molecules applications.

Methods:

We discussed the overall studies on poly(diphenylamine) and its various nanohybrids, including copolymers, homopolymers, carbon-based, and metal/metal-oxide hybrids. The different synthesis methods of poly(diphenylamine) such as chemical/electrochemical/mechano-chemical polymerization in terms of morphology and electrical conductivity were briefly discussed.

Conclusion:

This review manuscript deliberates the various synthesis approaches and applications based on the multifunctional conducting polymer poly(diphenylamine) and its nanohybrids. This review provides an outlook and challenges ahead that ignites spotlight to innovations and discoveries in the near future claim its applications in multidisciplinary fields, particularly in electrochemical sensors and spectroscopic applications towards the detection of chemicals and bio-molecules.

Introducing manganese complexes as redox mediators for dye-sensitized solar cells

The abundance and low toxicity of manganese have led us to explore the application of manganese complexes as redox mediators for dye sensitized solar cells (DSCs), a promising solar energy conversion technology which mimics some of the key processes in photosynthesis during its operation. In this paper, we report the development of a DSC electrolyte based on the tris(acetylacetonato)manganese(iii)/(iv), [Mn(acac)3](0/1+), redox couple. PEDOT-coated FTO glass was used as a counter electrode instead of the conventionally used platinum. The influence of a number of device parameters on the DSC performance was studied, including the concentration of the reduced and oxidized mediator species, the concentration of specific additives (4-tert-butylpyridine, lithium tetrafluoroborate, and chenodeoxycholic acid) and the thickness of the TiO2 working electrode. These studies were carried out with a new donor-π-acceptor sensitizer K4. Maximum energy conversion efficiencies of 3.8% at simulated one Sun irradiation (AM 1.5 G; 1000 W m(-2)) with an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 765 mV, a short-circuit current (JSC) of 7.8 mA cm(-2) and a fill factor (FF) of 0.72 were obtained. Application of the commercially available MK2 and N719 sensitizers resulted in an energy conversion efficiency of 4.4% with a VOC of 733 mV and a JSC of 8.6 mA cm(-2) for MK2 and a VOC of 771 mV and a JSC of 7.9 mA cm(-2) for N719. Both dyes exhibit higher incident photon to current conversion efficiencies (IPCEs) than K4.

Polythiophenes and polythiophene-based composites in amperometric sensing

This overview of polythiophene-based materials provides a critical examination of meaningful examples of applications of similar electrode materials in electroanalysis. The advantages arising from the use of polythiophene derivatives in such an applicative context is discussed by considering the organic conductive material as such, and as one of the components of hybrid materials. The rationale at the basis of the combination of two or even more individual components into a hybrid material is discussed with reference to the active electrode processes and the consequent possible improvements of the electroanalytical performance. In this respect, study cases are presented considering different analytes chosen among those that are most frequently reported within the classes of organics and inorganics. The use of a polythiophene matrix to stably fix biological elements at the electrode surface for the development of catalytic biosensors and genosensors is also discussed. Finally, a few possible lines along which the next research in the field could be fruitfully pursued are outlined. Furthermore, the work still to be done to exploit the possibilities offered by novel products of organic synthesis, even along paths already traced in other fields of electrochemistry, is discussed.