Nafion-tris(2-2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) Ultrathin Langmuir-Schaefer films: redox catalysis and electrochemiluminescent properties.
A simple procedure to incorporate tris(2-2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II), [Ru(bpy)3]2+, into Nafion Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) films is described. Nafion LS films (tens of nanometers thick) were formed on quartz glass and indium tin oxide (ITO) directly from Nafion-[Ru(bpy)3]2+ Langmuir films assembled at the water-air interface. This procedure allowed the direct incorporation of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ into Nafion films without the need for subsequent loading. UV-vis spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ within the LS films and showed that the amount of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ immobilized in this way scaled with film thickness. Voltammetric studies on ITO-modified electrodes confirmed the successful incorporation of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ and demonstrated that [Ru(bpy)3]2+ was retained within the ultrathin films over a long time scale. These electrodes were tested for the electrocatalytic reduction of tripropylamine. Significant catalysis was observed due to the rapid turnover of [Ru(bpy)3]2+/3+ between the electrode surface and outer boundary of the film, as a direct consequence of the ultrathin film dimensions. Concomitant electrochemiluminescence (ECL) was demonstrated highlighting the potential of this material for sensing applications.
Bertoncello
Paolo
P
Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom. p.r.unwin@warwick.ac.uk
Dennany
Lynn
L
Forster
Robert J
RJ
Unwin
Patrick R
PR
D002384:Catalysis; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D004566:Electrodes; D005465:Fluorocarbon Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D049449:Luminescence; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D017975:Ruthenium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
D005465:Fluorocarbon Polymers; D017975:Ruthenium Compounds; C040402:perfluorosulfonic acid