Real-time detection of Cu(II) with PEDOT:PSS based organic electrochemical transistors

• Published in: Science China. Chemistry Vol. 60; no. 9; pp. 1205 - 1211
• Main Authors: Xiong, Can, Qu, Hao, Chen, Wei, Zhang, Lijun, Qiu, Longzhen, Zheng, Lei, Xia, Fan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Beijing Science China Press 01.09.2017; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Chemistry/Food Science; Copper; Drinking water; Polystyrene resins; Public health; Real time; Sensitivity; Sensors; Sulfonic acid; Toxic diseases; Transistors; high sensitivity; copper detection; real-time; organic electrochemical transistors; PEDOT:PSS
• ISSN: 1674-7291; 1869-1870
• DOI: 10.1007/s11426-016-9013-0

Copper is an essential element in the environment and the human body, but at the same time, exposure to high concentrations of Cu 2+ ions will potentially lead to acute toxicity and various neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, it is of great significance for the development of highly sensitive and selective strategies for the detection of Cu 2+ ions. Here, we report a highly efficient poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) based organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) sensor, for real-time Cu 2+ ions detection. The detection limit of the OECT device is as low as 100 nM, far beyond the sensitivity required for practical uses. The detection mechanism may base on the chemical reactivity of Cu 2+ ions oxiding the PEDOT:PSS in solution both in absence and presence of the base potential. The OECT devices also exhibit excellent selective response to Cu 2+ ions rather than other metal ions. Finally, we also demonstrate the determination of Cu 2+ ions in tap water with the OECT Cu 2+ sensor. Considering the high sensitivity and selectivity, as well as the real-time and low cost features of our Cu 2+ OECT sensor, it is ideal for portable and disposable applications for environment monitoring and public health.