Stacked graphene nanofibers doped polypyrrole nanocomposites for electrochemical sensing

This publication shows a single-step electropolymerization which has been carried out by the incorporation of an anionic stacked graphene nanofiber (SGNF) dopant into a polypyrrole (PPy) film, at a disposable screen-printed electrode. The incorporation of the SGNFs into the polymer does not affect their electrochemical properties, shown through cyclic voltammetry by the earlier oxidation of guanine, when compared with that at the graphite doped PPy electrode. The SGNF/PPy composite shows a high selectivity when used in the oxidation of guanine and hydrogen peroxide, both of which are important biomarkers used for biosensing. Disposable screen-printed electrodes provide an inexpensive, sensitive and portable substitute to glassy carbon electrodes, while giving a reproducible surface: qualities essential for effective bionsensing. The production of this single-step disposable SGNF/PPy composite electrode allows for further applications in the detection of biomedically important compounds and DNA sensing. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.