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Abstract In this work, electrode based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was employed for the fabrication of an efficient sensor for 4-chloro-3-methylphenol (PCMC) detection. To improve the dispersity and increase the specific surface area of PEDOT, core-shell structured UiO-66-NH 2 @PEDOT was designed by in-situ oxidation method using Zr-based metal-organic framework (UiO-66-NH 2) as template. In addition, to achieve a further increased active surface area and electron transfer rate of the modified materials, graphene aerogel (GA) was utilized as substrate material for the assembly of UiO-66-NH 2 @PEDOT. Then, the obtained UiO-66-NH 2 @ PEDOT/GA modified electrode was employed as an electrochemical sensor for PCMC detection. Experiment parameters, such as pH value of acetate buffer solution and accumulation time, were optimized in detail. Under the optimized experiment condition, the UiO-66-NH 2 @PEDOT/GA electrode showed a good linear range of 0.6–18 μM, as well as a low detection limit of 0.2 μM (S/N = 3). The UiO-66-NH 2 @PEDOT/GA electrode was applied toward the detection of PCMC in tap water with good recovery. All these features suggest that the prepared PEDOT-based composite could serve as a promising sensing platform for monitoring water pollutants. Graphical abstract 3D UiO-66-NH 2 @PEDOT/GA modified electrode as an electrochemical sensor was employed for 4-chloro-3-methylphenol detection. Unlabelled Image Highlights • A novel 3D UiO-66-NH 2 @PEDOT/GA composite was obtained through facial approach. • UiO-66-NH 2 @PEDOT/GA electrode was applied for the electrochemical detection of PCMC. • Low detection limit and wide linear range for PCMC were obtained. • The method can detect PCMC in tap water with good recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive Pb(II) sensor was fabricated based on Co 3 O 4 /reduced graphene oxide/chitosan (Co 3 O 4 /rGO/chitosan) nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The Co 3 O 4 /rGO material was synthesized through in situ growth of Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs) on GO and subsequent hydrazine reduction process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that Co 3 O 4 NPs with a diameter of around 100 nm are attached on rGO sheets. The structures and compositions of Co 3 O 4 /rGO were further characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Many experimental parameters, such as pH value, deposition time and deposition potential were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the calibration plot for Pb(II), with data acquired at − 0.556 V ( vs . SCE) is linear in the concentration range from 1.0 to 200.0 nM. Combining the good conductivity and high surface area of rGO, strong Pb(II) adsorption ability of Co 3 O 4 NPs, and excellent Pb(II) complex-forming ability of chitosan, the nanocompsite provides a sensitive Pb(II) senor with a detection limit of 0.35 nM. Moreover, the positively charged chitosan can interact with the negatively charged rGO to increase the stability of Co 3 O 4 /rGO nanocomposite. The hybrid nanocomposite Pb(II) senor provides new opportunity for vegetable analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) dotted S-doped carbon (AuNPs/S-C) nanoflakes were synthesized via a facial and simple approach. Typical synthesis route involves the formation of gold nanoparticles/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (AuNPs/PEDOT) and a subsequent calcination process. Many techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize their morphology, structures and compositions. Results indicated that AuNPs with an average size of 5 nm were uniformly dotted on/into the S-C nanoflakes. The AuNPs/S-C/nafion was utilized as a new electrode material for simultaneously electrochemical determination of Cu (II) and Hg (II) using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) technique. Benefiting from the efficient metal-complexing ability and electrocatalytic activity of S-C and the good conductivity of AuNPs, the modified electrode exhibited enhanced electrochemical performance compared with bare glassy carbon electrode. Under optimal conditions, the peak currents displayed linear response to the concentrations of Cu (II) and Hg (II) ranges from 0.64 to 63.55 μg/L and 4.01 to 300.89 μg/L, with detection limits of 0.19 μg/L and 1.40 μg/L (S/N = 3), respectively. The modified electrode was also applied for the determination of Cu (II) and Hg (II) in lake water samples with good results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, an electrochemical sensor was developed for detecting heavy metal ions by using a carboimidazole grafted reduced graphene oxide (reduced graphene oxide-NH-carboimidazole, abbreviated as RGO-NH-Ci) modified electrode. The morphology of RGO-NH-Ci material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical behaviors of the RGO-NH-Ci modified electrode toward heavy metal ions, including Hg 2 + and Pb 2 + , were investigated with differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). Compared with pure reduced graphene oxide (RGO), RGO-NH-Ci modified electrode showed improved analytical performance in detecting the two metal ions owing to the strong complexing capacity of Ci and the presence of the amino groups. The detection limits were estimated to be 0.2 nM and 3.0 nM for Hg 2 + and Pb 2 + , respectively, under the optimized conditions. The developed method was also employed to detect the Hg 2 + and Pb 2 + in real water samples, and satisfactory results were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu nanoparticle/graphene oxide/single walled carbon nanotube (CuNP/GO/SWCNT) composites were prepared by a facile electrodeposition method and used for constructing nonenzymatic glucose sensor. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to characterize the morphology and structures of the samples. The electrocatalytic performance of CuNP/GO/SWCNT composites towards glucose oxidation was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and current–time measurements. Electrochemical results indicated that CuNP/GO/SWCNT electrode exhibited a higher electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of glucose than CuNP, CuNP/GO and CuNP/SWCNT electrodes. This was because the GO/SWCNT composite as substrate material not only possessed excellent conductivity, but also provided large surface area for the high loading of the CuNPs. Meanwhile, the good dispersibility, independent and multi-layer structure of CuNP, could enhance the charge-transport properties, and afford more active sites for the catalytic oxidation of glucose. Under the optimized conditions, the sensor showed a high sensitivity of up to 930.07 μA mM − 1 cm − 2 , with a wide linear range of 1 μM to 4.538 mM and a low detection limit of 0.34 μM (S/N = 3). It also exhibited excellent stability, reproducibility, selectivity, and reliable measurement in real human blood samples. All of these excellent properties made the CuNP/GO/SWCNT composite material promising for the development of effective nonenzymatic glucose sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxic heavy-metal ions are well known to be severely harmful to human health. Therefore, the development of fast and sensitive methods for their detection has drawn a great attention in recent years. Herein, a sensitive electrochemical platform for the simultaneous determination of Cd 2 + , Pb 2 + , Cu 2 + , and Hg 2 + has been constructed based on N-doped graphene (NG) modified electrode using differential pulse stripping voltammetry (DPSV). NG was synthesized by a facile, efficient and green electrochemical method. The structure and composition of NG were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS) techniques, chronocoulometry and N 2 adsorption–desorption measurements. The NG modified electrode showed excellent catalytic activity for selective detection of Cd 2 + , Pb 2 + , Cu 2 + , and Hg 2 + due to its particular structure and unique electronic properties. Under optimal conditions, the limits of detection were estimated to be 0.05 μM for Cd 2 + and Hg 2 + , 0.005 μM for Pb 2 + and Cu 2 + , respectively. Finally, the method was applied to the simultaneous detection of trace metal ions in the tap water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) based voltammetric sensors have drawn considerable attentions due to their simple preparation process and outstanding electrochemical properties. While quite a lot of work suffers from problems in terms of sensitivity and cycling stability. Here, we demonstrate that the reduction extent of ERGO displays a crucial role in enhancing sensitivity and preventing electrode fouling. To illustrate this, partially reduced and relatively complete reduced ERGO films were prepared via the electrochemical method. The reduction extent was controlled by performing cyclic voltammetry with varieties of reduction cycle numbers. Results indicated that partially reduced ERGO film with 5 reduction cycle numbers (ERGO 5 ) showed the highest sensitivity towards electrochemical oxidation of isoniazid (INZ) among all the ERGO films with different reduction extents, and acquired better electrode stability as compared with ERGO 15 . Under the optimal conditions, the peak currents on ERGO 5 modified electrode increased linearly with the concentrations of INZ in the range of 0.09–100 μM. The detection limit of INZ reached 15 nM (S/N = 3). The present work has a guidance meaning in developing ERGO based sensors for detecting other electroactive analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maleic hydrazide (MH) was successfully detected using a novel electrochemical sensor based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)-carboxymethyl cellulose-single-walled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode (PEDOT:PSS-CMC-SWCNT/GCE). A commercially available aqueous PEDOT:PSS dispersion with good processability and conductivity was used as electrode modified substrate material, while a water-soluble and adhesive CMC was selected as both binder and dopant to improve the long-term electrode stability in water of the PEDOT:PSS composite film and obtain synergistically enhanced electrocatalytic ability for analytes. A commercially available SWCNT dispersion with good processability, enhanced electrocatalytic ability and large rough surface area was selected as enhancer to improve the sensing performance of PEDOT:PSS composite electrode. The properties of the prepared composite film and its electrode were characterized and employed for the electrochemical detection of MH. The electrochemical behaviors of MH, optimum experimental parameters, and the performance of sensing electrode were investigated. The fabricated PEDOT:PSS-CMC-SWCNT/GCE accelerated electron transfer, enhanced synergistically electrocatalytic ability toward MH oxidation and displayed excellent sensing performance such as wide linear range (0.8–51 μM) and a low limit of detection (0.1 μM) and good sensing stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical nanocomposites of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanorods array on graphene oxide nanosheets (PEDOT/GO) were synthesized via a liquid–liquid interfacial polymerization method. The synthesized composites were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic studies, and their morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Characterization and surface morphology results indicated that PEDOT with a nanorods-like structure successfully anchored on the surface of GO sheets, which could enhance the electro-active sites of the nanocomposites. Then the obtained PEDOT/GO nanocomposites were utilized to modify glassy carbon electrode and designed for the trace level sensing of rutin. Electrochemical results revealed that the PEDOT/GO nanocomposites modified electrode exhibited larger oxidation peak currents of rutin than pure PEDOT and GO owing to the synergistic effect of GO and PEDOT nanorods. Under optimized conditions, the anodic peak current was linear to the concentration of rutin in the range from 0.004 to 60 μM with the detection limit of 0.00125 μM. To further validate its possible application, the proposed method was successfully used for the determination of rutin in pharmaceutical formulations with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The goal of this preliminary study was to produce a promising alternative tool for the direct, rapid and specific determination of vitamin C (VC) content in real samples of different agricultural crops without pre-treatment. For this purpose, a VC electrochemical biosensor based on one-step immobilization of ascorbate oxidase in the biocompatible conducting poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-lauroylsarcosinate (PEDOT-SL) film was facilely developed. AO molecules were incorporated into the resulting PEDOT-SL film by using a co-electrodeposition technique under optimum conditions. The sodium N-lauroylsarcosinate provided a good biocompatible environment for biologically-active macromolecules AO. The electrochemical characterization and scanning electron microscopy indicated that AO molecules were successfully immobilized in this PEDOT-SL film. The parameters of the biosensor such as the film thickness, working potential, pH, concentration of PBS, and temperature were optimized. The biosensor displayed an excellent bioelectrocatalytic activity to the oxidation of VC and could successfully detect VC in the concentration range of 0.002–14mM. The biosensor also exhibited a high sensitivity of 80.4mAM−1 cm−2, a fast response time of 15s, a low working potential of 0.2V, a low detection limit of 0.464μM. In addition, high bioaffinity, bioactivity, stability and specificity of this biosensor were also evaluated. The excellent performance of the prepared biosensor and good results of the VC determination in commercial juices and vegetable crops indicated that the as-fabricated biosensor will be a good candidate for the detection and analysis of VC in agricultural crops. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) films were synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) in aqueous solution containing the environmentally–friendly amino acid-based surfactant sodium N-lauroylsarcosinate (SLS), which as a mild biosurfactant has good biocompatibility, low toxicity, good solubilization, and efficient and quick biodegradability. The moderate interactions between a neutral SLS–aqueous micellar solution and EDOT monomer led to the decreased onset oxidation potential of EDOT. PEDOT films were characterized spectroscopically using Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible techniques. PEDOT films with good thermal stability and electrical conductivity of 5Scm−1 were synthesized in neutral SLS–water micellar solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrosyntheses of poly(3-methoxythiophene) (PMOT) by direct anodic oxidation of MOT in novel ionic liquid microemulsions, BmimPF6/Tween 20/H2O, have been investigated. Among water-in-BmimPF6 (W/IL), bicontinuous (BC), and BmimPF6-in-water (IL/W) sub-regions, IL/W was found to be the most suitable medium for the electropolymerization of MOT. The use of IL/W microemulsions remarkably reduces the amount of IL, which is really expensive as electrolyte. BmimPF6 serves both as the core of IL/W microemulsions and as the supporting electrolyte and thus presents a novel microenvironment for the electropolymerization of MOT. Thus, MOT microdroplets were assembled on a bare ITO electrode and polymerized into PMOT microcups. In addition, the oxidation onset potential of MOT in IL/W microemulsions was lower than that in micellar aqueous solutions or conventional organic solvents. As-formed PMOT films obtained in IL/W microemulsions had an electrical conductivity of 3.8S/cm and could be dissolved in many conventional organic solvents, including dichloromethane, chloroform, acetonitrile, and dimethyl sulfoxide with green-light emitting property. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: High quality polymer films can be easily electrodeposited by low-potential anodic oxidation of carbazole and its alkyl derivatives N-octylcarbazole, N-(6-bromohexyl)carbazole, 1,6-bis(carbazolyl)hexane in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) or mixed electrolytes BFEE+CHCl3. As-formed polymer films showed good redox behavior in monomer free BFEE and were characterized by UV–Vis, infrared, fluorescence spectroscopy and thermal analysis. Fluorescence spectral studies both in solution and in solid state revealed that as-formed polymer films were good blue light emitters with strong emissions at about 420 and 440nm, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: High quality freestanding polyselenophene (PSe) films with conductivity as high as 2.8×10−1Scm−1 were electrochemically deposited on stainless steel electrode from distilled boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing 20mmoll−1 selenophene. As-formed polymer films were homogenous and flexible, and could be easily cut into various desired shapes. Meanwhile, PSe films prepared in this medium showed good redox activity and high thermal stability in comparison with polythiophene and its derivative, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case for the preparation of PSe films with high quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two-dimensional (2D) MXenes have emerged as an attractive platform to construct electrochemical biosensors because of their excellent electronic properties. However, the self-restacking and agglomeration of MXenes lead to unsatisfactory performance. To overcome these drawbacks, herein, the treatment of Ti 3 C 2 MXene through a simultaneous oxidation and alkalization progress was proposed for the synthesis of 3D sodium titanate nanoribbons (M-NTO). Furthermore, conductive poly(3,4-ethyl-enedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was anchored on 3D M-NTO to enhance its conductivity. The resulting M-NTO-PEDOT composite possessed high specific surface area, fast electron transfer ability, as well as excellent biocompatibility. Subsequently, Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) were electrodeposited on the surface of M-NTO-PEDOT for prostate specific antigen (PSA) antibodies immobilization. Thus, a facile electrochemical label-free immunosensor for sensitive detection of PSA was fabricated on a basis of AuNPs/M-NTO-PEDOT composite. Benefitting from the synergistic effects of M-NTO, PEDOT and AuNPs, the fabricated M-NTO-PEDOT based immunosensor exhibited good analytical performance with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 pg L−1 (S/N = 3). Additionally, high stability, good selectivity and recovery were achieved in the process of PSA detection in human serum samples. A novel electrochemical immunosensor was fabricated based on M-NTO-PEDOT/AuNPs composite for the detection of Prostate Specific Antigen. Unlabelled Image • Hierarchical Ti 3 C 2 MXene-derived sodium titanate nanoribbons (M-NTO)/PEDOT was synthesized. • M-NTO-PEDOT showed high specific surface area, good biocompatibility and conductivity. • A novel immunosensor for PSA detection was fabricated based on AuNPs/M-NTO-PEODT. • AuNPs/M-NTO-PEODT as signal amplifier greatly improved the detection sensitivity. • This immunosensor was successfully applied for the detection of PSA in real serum sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, Pt-PEDOT/reduced graphene oxide (Pt-PEDOT/rGO) nanocomposites were facilely prepared by a simple and cost-effective one-pot method. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectra. As expected, the Pt-PEDOT/rGO nanocomposites modified glassy carbon electrode (Pt-PEDOT/rGO/GCE) exhibited higher charge transfer efficiency and electrocatalytic activity to the oxidation of caffeic acid (CA) in comparison with the bare GCE, rGO and Pt-PEDOT modified electrodes (rGO/GCE and Pt-PEDOT/GCE). Furthermore, the Pt-PEDOT/rGO/GCE showed a wide linear range of 5.0 × 10 −9 to 5.0 × 10 −5  M with a low detection limit of 2.0 × 10 −9  M (S/N = 3) for the determination of CA. More experiments indicated that the Pt-PEDOT/rGO/GCE performed superior reproducibility, selectivity and long-term stability. Finally, the modified electrode was also applied to detect CA in green tea and black tea samples with promising recovery and application prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and simple strategy was proposed to prepare molecularly imprinted polymer (MIPs) nanocomposites consisting of both conducting polypyrrole (PPy) and a new two-dimensional layered graphene-like black phosphorene quantum dots (BPQDs) onto the surface of conducting poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanorods (PEDOTNRs) via the electrochemical polymerization. The negatively charged BPQDs and template molecules vitamin C (VC) were self-assembled on the surface of the positively charged PEDOTNRs, then the functional monomer pyrrole was also self-assembled with template molecules. A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on PPy-BPQDs-MIPs/PEDOTNRs/GCE was successfully fabricated by the electrochemical polymerization of pyrrole in the presence of VC and BPQDs. The structure and morphology of the prepared MIPs electrode were characterized by transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and its parameters such as electropolymerization cycles, pH buffer solution, concentrations of template molecules and incubation time were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the peak currents recorded by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) demonstrated a linear proportional on VC concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 4 mM with a detection limit of 0.0033 mM. Moreover, the prepared imprinted electrode exhibited a good reproducibility, repeatability stability and selectivity for the electrochemical analysis of VC, which was successfully applied to detect VC in commercial drink soft samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] PEDOT/ZrO2NPs nanocomposite film was synthesized by one-step polymerization. [•] ZrO2NPs could improve the electrical and catalytic properties of PEDOT. [•] The modified electrode showed high electrochemical activity for VB2, VB6 and VC. [•] The modified electrodes were applied to simultaneous determination of VB2, VB6 and VC. [•] The method was successfully applied to detect VB2, VB6 and VC in practical sample. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] The ƒ-SWCNT–β-CD modified electrode was fabricated for the sensitive determination of MP using differential pulse voltammetry. [•] The modified electrodes were applied to monitor the trace level of MP in agricultural practical samples. [•] The modified electrode exhibited fast current response, high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and satisfactory anti-interference ability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The CG/NiO composite electrode is prepared by electrostatic self-assembly. • NiO nanosheets cover the surface of the carboxylated graphene sheets. • The addition of CG increases the BET surface area of NiO by three times. • The CG/NiO composite electrode has a capacity of 175.5 C g−1 at 1 A g−1. Nickel oxide (NiO) with the advantages of inexpensive, non-toxic, environmentally friendly and high theoretical specific capacitance, is a potential electrode material for supercapacitors. In this work, the synthesized NiO exhibited a stacked state of nanosheets with wavy patterns and a high specific surface area. Additionally, the carboxylated graphene/nickel oxide (CG/NiO) composite electrodes were prepared through the electrostatic self-assembly technique. The CG/NiO composite electrode was systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurements. More excitingly, the BET surface area of the CG/NiO composite electrode is 138.14 m2/g, which is three times higher than that of the pure NiO. The high surface area and unique mesoporous structure of composite electrodes facilitated rapid ion transport and sufficient redox reactions. As a result, the CG/NiO composite electrode displayed a high specific capacity of 175.5 C g−1 at 1 A/g and satisfying cycling stability (55.4 % retention after 5000 cycles at 5 A/g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The electrochemical polymerization study of a set of monomers, dibenzothiophene (DBT), benzothiophene-S,S-dioxide (BTO), and dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide (DBTO) was reported and novel conducting poly(dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide) (PDBTO) was successfully electrosynthesized in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) and in the binary solvent system of BFEE and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) for the first time. The strong electron-withdrawing sulphonyl group substitution on BTO partly damaged the aromatic system of BT and significantly inhibited electrochemical polymerization. The electronic clouds of DBT and the electron spin density of its radical cation centralized dominantly on the sulfur atom, thus making it impossible to get the corresponding polymer electrochemically. Furthermore, structural characterization, molecular weight, ionization potentials and electron affinities, fluorescence properties, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and morphology of PDBTO were minutely investigated. From FT-IR spectra and computational results, DBTO was probably polymerized through the coupling at C(3) and C(7) positions, with the same structure to electrosynthesized polyfluorenes. The substitution of sulphonyl group in the fluorene ring increases its electron affinity considerably for improving electron injection/transport. Additionally, as-formed PDBTO was found to be a typical blue-light-emitter with maximum emission at 458nm and concurrently exhibited good electroactivity and thermal stability. The successful electrosynthesis of PDBTO should represent a unique approach to DBTO-based donor–acceptor co-oligomers/polymers, which hold promise for the design of a new generation of optoelectronic materials and are hotly researched in the field of electronic devices currently. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: High-quality free-standing poly(5-methoxyindole) (P5MIn) films were synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of 5-methoxyindole (5MIn) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE). P5MIn films obtained from this medium showed good electrochemical behavior and good thermal stability with a conductivity of 0.12Scm−1. P5MIn films were insoluble in water, acetone and tetrahydrofuran. The structure of the polymer was studied by UV–visible spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy, which indicated that the polymerization occurred at C(2) and C(3) position. Fluorescent spectral studies indicate that solid P5MIn film is a good blue emitter. Thermal stability of P5MIn film is higher than poly(5-methylindole) and poly(5-chloroindole) obtained from BFEE. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the electrosyntheses of free-standing P5MIn films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Luteolin (LUT) is one of the biologically active functional components, which was widely used in pharmacological applications. Thus, development of sensitive analytical methods for LUT determination is highly desired. In this work, Ti 3 C 2 -MXene/ZIF-67/CNTs heterostructure was exploited as a new electrochemical sensing platform for the sensitive determination of LUT. For the design of composite, the in-situ growth of ZIF-67 on CNTs surface ensures the stability of their binding and enhances the synergetic catalysis. Conductive MXene as matrix for the loading of ZIF-67/CNTs can promote the catalytic ability of composite. Electrochemical results show that the MXene/ZIF-67/CNTs modified electrode displays preeminent electrocatalytic activity and enhances electrochemical response to the redox reaction of LUT, ascribing to the synergistic effect of ZIF-67/CNTs and MXene. Upon the optimization of experimental parameters, e.g., pH, enrichment time, the sensor based on MXene/ZIF-67/CNTs composite exhibits excellent performance with wide linear relationship ranging from 0.1–1000 nM and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 nM (S/N = 3). Besides, MXene/ZIF-67/CNTs electrode performs high selectivity, stability, and acceptable reproducibility. Furthermore, the constructed sensor was successfully utilized to detect LUT in real samples with satisfactory recovery. A novel electrochemical sensor was fabricated based on MXene/ZIF-67/CNTs nanocomposite for the detection of luteolin. Unlabelled Image • Ti 3 C 2 MXene/zeolite imidazolate framework-67/carbon nanotubes nanocomposite (MXene/ZIF-67/CNTs) was synthesized. • MXene/ZIF-67/CNTs showed high specific surface area and good conductivity. • A novel electrochemical sensor for luteolin detection was fabricated based on MXene/ZIF-67/CNTs with high sensitivity. • This sensor was successfully applied for the detection of luteolin in real sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, core-shell structured poly (indole‑5‑carboxylic acid) @ poly (3, 4‑ethylenedioxythiophene) (PIn‑5‑COOH@PEDOT) composite was prepared by a facile two-step chemical oxidation method. The composite possesses large specific surface area, high stability, good electrical conductivity and redox activity, which was designed as label-free electrochemical immunosensing platform for the monitor of the prostate specific antigen (PSA). In this sensing system, PIn-5-COOH served as both signal molecule and antibody carrier. The coating PEDOT was used to enhance the conductivity and stability of PIn-5-COOH. Benefiting from the synergistic effects between PIn-5-COOH and PEDOT, the fabricated immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range of 0.01–25 ng mL−1 and low detection limit of 3.4 pg mL−1 (S/N = 3) for the assay of PSA, coupled with good selectivity, reproducibility and stability. The immunosensor is simple, sensitive, specific and reproducible, which could provide a potential approach for clinical diagnosis. Graphical abstract A sensitive label-free immunosensor for PSA was developed based on core-shell structure PIn-5-COOH@PEDOT nanocomposite. Unlabelled Image Highlights • Core-shell structured PIn-5-COOH@PEDOT composite was prepared. • A sensitive label-free immunosensor for PSA was constructed using PIn-5-COOH@PEDOT. • PIn-5-COOH served as both signal molecule and antibody carrier. • The immunosensor showed wide detection range and low detection limit. • The immunosensor can be utilized as a simple tool to detect PSA in real sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Four 3,4-ethylenedoxythiophene (EDOT) end-capped oligomers employing single bond, EDOT, thieno[3,2- b ]thiophene (TT) and dithieno[3,4-b;3′,4′-d]thiophene (DTT) units as bridge cores were synthesized and their polymers have been grown electrochemically. To reveal the relationship of structure-performance, the physicochemical properties, energy gaps, micromorphology, and photoelectrochemical behaviors of the oligomers or their polymers were systematically studied. These oligomers with planar rigid structures exhibit gradually narrowed molecular band gaps benefiting from their extended molecular conjugative degrees. These polymers present high electrochromic performances such as the higher optical contrast (59.61%) and coloring efficiency (288.37 cm2 C−1), excellent stability and color persistence. As a result, increasing cofacial conjugation degrees via integration of TT or DTT into polymer backbone is an efficient method to encourage the intermolecular π-interaction, which brings broad and strong absorption and promote the carriers rapidly transport in polymer backbones to enhance the photoelectric performances. This study will provide promising electrochromic polymers for display applications. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Fused thiophenes including thieno[3,2- b ]thiophene, dithieno[3,4-b;3′,4′-d] thiophene were employed in electrochromic field. • Narrowed molecular band gaps were achieved by stepwisely extended cofacial conjugation degrees. • Electrochromic polymer films were facilely electrosynthesized from EDOT end-capped thienothiophene. • Electrochromic performances were improved benefiting from fused core units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In recent years, polyselenophene and its derivatives have been paid more attention due to their unique properties such as lower band gaps and redox potentials. However, the poor solubility and molecular rigidity of polyselenophene and its derivatives limit them to use in flexible optoelectronic devices. Therefore, in order to enrich the structures and properties, fully understand the structure-property relationship and further improve the electrochromic performances of polyselenophene and its derivatives, we synthesized its propyl-analogues as precursors, to electrosynthesize three conducting polymers, poly(3,4‑propylenedioxyselenophene) (PProDOS) and its alkyl-modified derivatives, poly(3,3′‑dimethyl‑3,4‑dihydro‑2H‑selenopheno[3,4‑b][1,4]dioxepine) (PProDOS-C 1) and poly(3,3′‑dibutyl‑3,4‑dihydro‑2H‑selenopheno[3,4‑b][1,4]dioxepine) (PProDOS-C 4). The electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical behaviors of PProDOS and PProDOS-C n (n = 1, 4) were investigated in detail in an ionic liquid, 1‑butyl‑3‑methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BmimPF 6). Results showed that PProDOS-C 1 and PProDOS-C 4 exhibited superior electrochromic performances such as high optical contrast (62%) and excellent coloration efficiency (573 cm2 C−1). In addition, as the alkyl chains increased, the onset oxidation potentials of monomers and the optical band gaps of polymer films decreased and the electrochemical activity of polymers increase. These polymers supply varied electrochromic colors and have prospect in display application. Graphical abstract Poly(3,4‑propylenedioxyselenophene) and its alkyl-modified derivatives films were facilely electrosynthesized in an ionic liquid, 1‑butyl‑3‑methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate. The attached alkylic molecular structures improved electrochemical and electrochromic performances of alkyl-modified derivatives. Alkyl-modified derivatives of poly(3,4‑propylenedioxyselenophene) exhibit high transmittance changes (~62%) and coloration efficiency (~573 cm2 C−1) and reversible color changes from blue to light green. Unlabelled Image Highlights • The electrosynthesis electrochemical performances of three alkyl-modified poly(3,4-propylenedioxyselenophene)s were researched in BmimPF 6. • PProDOS-C 4 exhibited favorable stability (~87% after 5000 cycles) in BmimPF 6. • Alkyl-modified derivatives of PProDOS exhibited high optical contrast (62%), excellent coloration efficiency (573 cm2 C-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered WS 2 nanosheet has advantages in the application of energy devices because of its distinctive structure and high electrochemical behaviors. The fabrication of high-quality free-standing WS 2 film is anticipant and challenging in developing its flexible and miniature device. Here, using a highly conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as binder, flexible free-standing WS 2 /PEDOT:PSS film as miniature supercapacitors electrode materials was easily prepared by vacuum filtration method. The WS 2 /PEDOT:PSS film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical technology. The free-standing WS 2 /PEDOT:PSS film with conductivity of 44 S cm −1 showed a good flexibility, robustly mechanical property and high electrochemical behaviors. The flexible film can bear 300 g weight and be used as a conducting wire in a circuit. The WS 2 /PEDOT:PSS film with thickness of ~2.1 μm exhibited high areal capacitance of 86 mF cm −2 and volumetric capacitance of 411 F cm −3 at 40 mV s −1 in 1.0 M H 2 SO 4 solution. Besides, the capacitance retention could reach 107% of initial specific capacitance after 5000 charge-discharge cycles. Moreover, the flexible device based on WS 2 /PEDOT:PSS films could be assembled without any substrates and showed a volumetric capacitance of 87 F cm −3 at 10 mV s −1 and 86% capacitance retention of initial specific capacitance after 5000 cycles. These results implied the flexible free-standing WS 2 /PEDOT:PSS film has a potential application in flexible and miniature supercapacitors without any other substrates as current collectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selenium analogue of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), 3,4-ethylenedioxyselenophene (EDOS), has been facilely electropolymerized with a low oxidation potential at 0.9 V to poly(3,4-ethylenedioxyselenophene) (PEDOS) films in microemulsion system with deionized water (DW) as solvent, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) as surfactant and LiClO 4 as supporting electrolyte. The effect of microemulsion on the structure, morphology, electrochemical, and optical properties as well as electrochromic performances of PEDOS films was investigated. PEDOS films displayed satisfactory electroactivity, eminent redox stability with compact morphology. PEDOS films prepared from aqueous microemulsion exhibited the electrochromic blue color conversion from deep (reduced) to light (oxidized), and had ordinary coloration efficiencies (24 cm 2 /C, 20 cm 2 /C, 19 cm 2 /C in microemulsion, BmimPF 6 and ACN, respectively), decent contrast ratios (25% in BmimPF 6 ), low switching voltages, and color persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the nanocomposites based on MoS 2 and conducting polymer (CPs) are mainly prepared by the chemical oxidation polymerization of monomers with the presence of MoS 2 nanosheets. The disadvantage is that the aggregation and re-stacking of monolayered MoS 2 occur easily. In the electrosynthesis of CPs, monolayered MoS 2 with negative charges can be uniformly doped into CPs film, thus avoiding the above disadvantage. Herein, a direct electrochemical deposition method is used to incorporate the exfoliated monolayered MoS 2 into BF 4 − -doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT(BF 4 − )) film, forming PEDOT(BF 4 − )/MoS 2 nanocomposite. The as-prepared monolayered MoS 2 , PEDOT(BF 4 − ) and PEDOT(BF 4 − )/MoS 2 nanocomposite are characterized by AFM, SEM, TEM, EDX and electrochemical means. The results indicate that PEDOT(BF 4 − )/MoS 2 nanocomposite has specific capacitance of 149.8 mF cm − 2 at 1.0 mA cm − 2 , which is 4.3 times higher than PEDOT(BF 4 − ) (35 mF cm − 2 ). And the specific capacitance of PEDOT(BF 4 − )/MoS 2 nanocomposite remains about 85% of the initial capacitance after 1000 cycles at 8 mA cm − 2 . Therefore, the monolayered MoS 2 doped into PEDOT(BF 4 − ) film can further improve the capacitance performance of PEDOT(BF 4 − ), which is attributed to the porous nano-network structure of composite and the synergistic effect between MoS 2 and PEDOT in the composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a stable and sensitive label-free electrochemical immunosensor for detecting α-fetoprotein (AFP) was proposed based on gold nanoparticles-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/Prussian blue-reduced graphene oxide (AuNPs-PEDOT/PB-rGO) nanocomposite as sensing substrate. PB was used as the electron transfer mediator to provide the electrochemical signal. By utilizing rGO as the supporting material for PB, the stability and intensity of the redox signal were greatly improved. The incorporation of highly conductive AuNPs-PEDOT can further enhance the electrochemical signal and its stability. Electrochemical test showed the anodic current of AuNPs-PEDOT/PB-rGO modified electrode could remain up to 89.45% after 100 cyclic voltammetries. The assembly of PB-rGO and AuNPs-PEDOT exhibited 3D nanostructure and showed high specific surface area, which could effectively capture the antibody of AFP. With the advantages of AuNPs-PEDOT/PB-rGO nanocomposite, the prepared immunosensor showed a sensitive response to AFP in a linear range from 0.01 to 50 ng mL − 1 with a low detection limit of 3.3 pg mL − 1 (S/N = 3). The proposed immunosensor also has been employed to determine AFP in human serum with satisfactory results. These excellent properties make the AuNPs-PEDOT/PB-rGO nanocomposite an ideal interface for efficient biomarkers detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Capsaicin modified N-doped graphene (Cap-NG) is prepared by hydrothermal method. • Cap prevents the stacking of NG by non-covalently functionalization. • Cap improves the specific capacitance of NG to 312F g−1 at 1 A g−1. • Cap-NG shows an excellent cycle stability of 102.9 % after 10,000 cycles. Organic molecules with multi-electron redox active centers exhibit great potential in electrochemical storage. Immobilizing them on the graphene surface through π-π interaction can effectively improve the pseudocapacitance. Nature capsaicin (Cap) molecule, with redox active sites, is good benefit for enhance the capacitance performance of the nitrogen doped graphene (NG) by non-covalent modification. In this work, the Cap-functionalized NG (Cap-NG) is successfully prepared by one-step hydrothermal method combined with vacuum freeze-drying technology. The electrochemical measurements show that the optimal Cap-NG exhibits a high capacitance of 312 F g−1 at 1 Ag−1 and an excellent durable cycling life of 102.9 % after 10,000 charging/discharging cycle times at a current density of 20 Ag−1. Furthermore, the Cap-NG-based symmetrical supercapacitor (SSC) demonstrates an energy density of 8 Wh kg−1 at 596 W kg−1. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to elaborate the origin of pseudocapacitance by researching the adsorption configuration, binding energy and charge storage mechanism of Cap on NG sheet as well as to calculate the density of states (Dos). This study further enriches the application of natural capsaicin molecule on energy storage, and provides another way to build a green and environment-friendly SCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin K 3 (VK 3 ), a synthetic blood coagulation vitamin with fat-solubility, easily results in side-effect in animal body due to its toxicity and improper addition of animal feedstuffs. In this study, a novel sensor based on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a conducting polymer-both nano-noble metals and two-dimensional nano-carbon composite consisting of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and reduced graphene oxide@palladium (rGO@Pd) was successfully used for the voltammetric detection of VK 3 in animal blood and feedstuff samples. Under the optimized conditions, PEDOT:PSS-CMC-rGO@Pd/GCE/GCE displayed the excellent synergistically electrocatalytic ability for the electrochemical oxidation-reduction of VK 3 , which exhibited a good voltammetric response for VK 3 in the concentration range from 4 × 10 − 7 to 9 × 10 − 5 M, with a limit of detection of 1.4 × 10 − 8 M. Furthermore, a facile preparation, high sensitivity, good selectivity, superior sensing stability, and satisfactory practicability of PEDOT:PSS-CMC-rGO@Pd/GCE/GCE for sensing VK 3 suggested that the potential applicability of PEDOT:PSS-CMC-rGO@Pd provided a promising electrochemical sensing platform for the determination of VK 3 in pharmaceutical and feed inspection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A machine learning strategy was applied for electrochemical sensor and supercapacitor. • The carbonized metal–organic framework showed excellent electrochemical response for niclosamide (NA) and good capacitance. • Both adsorption and binding energy were theoretically calculated and the structure of prepared material was optimized. Machine learning (ML) plays an important role in the electrochemical application of electrode materials. In this work, an emerging machine learning strategy for both electrochemical sensor and supercapacitor using carbonized metal–organic framework (C-ZIF-67) is proposed. The morphology and element analysis of C-ZIF-67 are characterized and further demonstrate the presence of C, N, O, Co elements. The ML model based on artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm as a powerful tool to realize intelligent analysis of niclosamide (NA), the derivative technique as an auxiliary means of voltammogram treatment to reduce personal error from data-reading and improve the sensitivity of electrochemical responses at very low concentrations, and the theoretical calculation is employed for both adsorption and binding energy, optimized structure of the prepared sensing material. The developed sensor displays excellent electrochemical response about 196.6-fold improvement compared with the bare GCE for NA, wider linear ranges of intelligent analysis from 1 nM to 9 μM with low limit of detection of 0.3 nM, and satisfactory practicability. ML model with ANN algorithm is also employed for predicting the performance of supercapacitor. The supercapacitor shows good performance with capacitance of 336.67 F/g at the current density of 2 A/g and excellent prediction with acceptable errors. This work will provide a new strategy for the development and electrochemical application of bifunctional electrode materials using the ML technique combined with theoretical calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4- b ][1,4]dioxin-2-yl)methanol)/carbon fiber composite material (PDHDM/CF) was prepared via a simple electrodeposition method. The CF core and the PDHDM shell formed a 3-D PDHDM/CF core/shell structure composite. The PDHDM/CF was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, UV–vis spectra, SEM, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscope techniques. Compared with the PDHDM deposited on glass carbon electrode (PDHDM/GC), PDHDM/CF exhibited a remarkable specific capacitance of 280 F g −1 at a scan rate of 10 mV s −1 , which was nearly three times that of the PDHDM/GC. The specific capacitance of assembled symmetric supercapacitor based on PDHDM/CF reached 27.35 F g −1 at 0.5 A g −1 and the energy density was 6.38 Wh kg −1 at a power density of 3.9 kW kg −1 . These results indicated that the PDHDM/CF was a promising electrode material for the flexible supercapacitors application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a sensitive voltammetric method for the determination of diethylstilbestrol (DES), illegally used as a growth promoter in animal husbandry, was developed using electrochemically reduced graphene oxide–multiwalled carbon nanotubes (ERGO–MWCNTs) modified electrode. The incorporated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) served as electrical conducting wires, which could facilitate the electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide (GO). Compared to either electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) or MWCNTs, integrating these nanostructures resulted in a strong synergistic effect between the two materials consequently leading to a superior hybrid material with higher activity for the electro-oxidation of DES. The electron transfer coefficient ( α ), the standard rate constant ( k s ), electrochemically effective surface area ( A ) and the saturating absorption capacity ( Г s ) were calculated. Under the optimized conditions, ERGO–MWCNTs modified electrode exhibited better linearity than either ERGO or MWCNTs over ranges from 0.01 to 40 μM with the detection limit of 3 nM ( S / N = 3). Moreover, the proposed method was successfully applied to determine DES in real sample and satisfactory results were obtained. The results showed that the modified electrode exhibits an excellent catalytic activity, good sensitivity and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A novel electrochromic copolymer obtained from EDOT and 5-cyanoindole is discussed. [•] The copolymer presents distinct color changes with good optical contrast and response time. [•] Clear change from brown to dark blue color of ECD is demonstrated with robust cycle life. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The green preparation of the a-MoS x -BM nanocomposite for smart sensing baicalin. [Display omitted] • The a-MoS x -BM nanocomposite as sensing platform was prepared by a green hydrothermal method; • LSSVM displayed more superiority in practical application for smart sensing compared with ANN. Green and sustainable development provides a new idea for solving environmental pollution issues of rural biomass wastes. Amorphous molybdenum sulfide (a-MoS x) nanocomposite based on biochar microsphere (BM) as voltametric sensing platform for smart analysis of baicalin in real sample was facilely prepared. Pomelo peel was employed as the carbon source for improving electronic conductivity and environmental stability and electrocatalytic capacity of a-MoS x. A mixture consisted of the precursor of both a-MoS x and BM were treated by a co-hydrothermal method. The a-MoS x nanocomposite with porous BM was formed by centrifuging, washing, drying, pulverizing, and calcining. The structure and properties of the as-obtained nanocomposite were characterized, and the electrochemical behaviors of baicalin, parametric conditions and performance of the as-prepared sensor were investigated. Peak currents recorded by differential pulse voltammetry is proportional to baicalin concentrations in wide linear ranges from 10 nM to 5 μM with a low limit of detection of 2 nM. Machine learning algorithms like least squares support vector machine and artificial neural network was built to realize smart analysis and digital output for baicalin. Good cyclic stability, excellent voltammetric response, and satisfactory practicability will provide a promising electrochemical sensing platform for facile preparation of two-dimension nanomaterials functionalized with biochar derived from agroforestry biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An air and moisture stable ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (bmimPF6) was utilized as an electrolyte for the direct anodic oxidation electropolymerization of fluorene. The corresponding electroactive polyfluorene films showed good redox activity and structural stability. 1H NMR and FTIR spectra together with density functional theory calculations indicated that the polymerization of fluorene occurred at the C2 and C7 positions. Scanning electron microscopy results demonstrated that smooth and compact polyfluorene films were obtained, due to the use of bmimPF6 as both the growth medium and the electrolyte. Doped polyfluorene films were examined to oxidize formic acid in 0.5mol/L sulfuric acid by cyclic voltammetry and demonstrated stable electrocatalytic activity, showing their potential use in fuel oxidation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The direct anodic oxidation electropolymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) in IL microemulsions, BmimPF6/Tween 20/H2O, has been investigated for the first time. Electrochemical measurements indicated that among water-in-BmimPF6 (W/IL), bicontinuous (B.C.), and BmimPF6-in-water (IL/W) sub-regions in BmimPF6/Tween 20/H2O system, IL/W was the most suitable for the electropolymerization of EDOT, while the electropolymerization did not happen in W/IL. The use of IL microemulsions remarkably reduces the amount of IL, especially for IL/W. UV–vis spectra confirmed the formation of PEDOT. Scanning electron microscopy results demonstrated that nanostructures of compact PEDOT films were still obtained as in pure IL, implying their possible utilization in ion-selective electrodes, ion-sieving films, and matrices for hosting catalyst particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Poly(9-bromofluorene) (PBFe) film, a novel polyfluorene derivative, was synthesized electrochemically by direct oxidation of 9-bromofluorene (BFe) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) mixed with 15% (by volume) trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) for the first time. The oxidation potential of BFe in this medium was measured to be only 1.30V vs. SCE, which was much lower than that determined in acetonitrile+0.1molL−1 Bu4NBF4 (1.70V vs. SCE). Dedoped PBFe films were partly soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethanol. PBFe films obtained from this medium showed good electrochemical behavior even in concentrated sulfuric acid. The structure and morphology of the polymer were studied by UV–vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, MALDI–TOF mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The results of quantum chemistry calculations and the spectroscopies of dedoped PBFe indicated the polymerization mainly occurred at C(2) and C(7) positions. Fluorescent spectral studies indicate that PBFe is a good blue light emitter. Thermal Analysis implied PBFe films had better thermal stability compared with polyfluorene and poly(9-fluorenone). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • A porous poplar flower-like PEDOT-MeOH/PEG/WS 2 composite was fabricated. • The PEDOT-MeOH/PEG/WS 2 showed a high capacitance of 461.5 mF cm−2 at 5 mV s−1. • The device presented a specific energy of 8.72 × 103 μWh cm−2 at 2.62 × 105 μW cm−2. • The capacitive retention was 83.6% after 5000 charge-discharge cycles. The morphology of electrode material is generally critical to affecting their electrochemical performance. Here, a porous poplar flower-like PEDOT-MeOH/PEG/WS 2 hybrid material is successfully prepared using a simply co-electrodeposition method. With the assistance of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), the chemically exfoliated WS 2 nanosheets are doped into poly(hydroxymethyl-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT-MeOH) film. The formation of a porous poplar flower-like PEDOT-MeOH/PEG/WS 2 composite is proved by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectra, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The maximum capacitance of the composite reaches 461.5 mF cm−2, which is 1.6 times greater than that of PEDOT-MeOH/PEG film. As-fabricated PEDOT-MeOH/PEG/WS 2 composite can keep 85.8% of the initial areal capacitance after 5000 cycles. Additionally, PEDOT-MeOH/PEG/WS 2 -based symmetrical supercapacitor presents a capacitive capacity of 62.7 mF cm−2 at 0.5 mA cm−2, specific energy of 8.72 × 103 μWh cm−2 at 2.62 × 105 μW cm−2, and capacitive retention of 83.3% after 5000 cycles with a 100% coulombic efficiency. The capacitance improvement of PEDOT-MeOH/PEG/WS 2 composite is closely related to porous poplar flower-like structure as well as the cooperation-enhancing effect between PEDOT-MeOH and WS 2. These results imply that PEDOT-MeOH/PEG/WS 2 composite will have great potential application in the field of the energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reported the fabrication of conjugated porous polymer films based on 4,4′,4″-Tris(9-carbazolyl)triphenylamine (TCTA) using electrochemical polymerization in CH 2 Cl 2 containing different ratios of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE). The oxidation potential of TCTA in CH 2 Cl 2 with 20 vol % BFEE was measured to be only 0.28 V vs. Ag/AgCl, which was lower than that determined in pure CH 2 Cl 2 (0.72 V vs. Ag/AgCl). Also, PTCTA films obtained from this medium showed better electrochemical behavior. And Fourier Transform Infrared spectra were used for structural analysis of polymers. From Scanning Electron Microscopy for surface morphological analysis, we founded that different percentages of BFEE were important in the control of the resulting surface morphology. Image 1 • Conjugated porous polymer films were electrochemically prepared. • The BFEE was extremely important in the control of the resulting nanostructures. • The introduction of BFEE discovered the new properties and may expand applications of conjugated porous polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]