Page 236 - Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

208 Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

Simple approaches to synthesize micro/nanomaterials

Wet-chemical Electrochemical
approach approach

Exterior factors Interior factors Exterior factors
A: Stir A: Precursor A: Potential
B: Temperature B: Protecting agent B: Current density
C: Time C: Nucleation agent C: Time
D: Pressure D: Solvent D: Temperature
E: ... E: ... E: ...

Combine both Combine both

Micro/nanomaterials

Fig. 7.1 Schematic procedure for simple synthesis of nano- and microstructured polymers.
Reproduced from Fratoddi I, Bearzotti A, Venditti I, Cametti C, Russo MV. Role of
nanostructured polymers on the improvement of electrical response-based relative humidity
sensors. Sens Actuators B 2016;225:96–108, with permission from Elsevier Science.

7.4 Sensor development

7.4.1 Development of the biosensor

PCN is used as an electrode for the detection of glucose biosensor. Clay is used for the
modification of electrode surface for immobilization of biomolecules. GOx was used
to immobilize the surface of the electrode, and glutaraldehyde acts as a cross-linker
that stabilized the biosensor [18]. Enzyme molecules and clay nanocomposites firmly
hold on polymer matrix due to its aromatic conjugated units. The developed biosensor
shows excellent performance due to perfect enzyme immobilization. GOx is active
over the range of pH values 3.0– 8.0; however, GOX is acidic, and pH value is
4.2. In another work, biofunctionalization of SWNTs with proteins was carried out
in a single-step noncovalent adsorption method. This synthesized SWNT-protein
was incorporated in PPy as single negatively charged anionic dopant and was used
as biosensor in biomedical application [19]. For solubility of SWNTs in water, differ-
ent proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), cytochrome c, and HRP were added
by sonication. It has also many technological applications such as different electro-
chemical cell such as fuel cells. The developed nanocomposites were used for the
detection of peroxides like hydrogen peroxide as compared with film that is entrapped
with enzyme.