Electrochemical and Optical Properties of Fluorine Doped Tin Oxide Modified by ZnO Nanorods and Polydopamine

Abstract

Various forms of zinc oxide (ZnO) are frequently used in the design of optical and electrochemical sensors. However, the optical and electrochemical properties of ZnO should be properly adjusted depending on the application area. Therefore, in this work, we have investigated changing/tuning the properties of ZnO by depositing a layer of polydopamine (PDA) on its surface. In order to perform this investigation, the surface of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) was modified with the layer of ZnO nanorods and PDA. ZnO nanorods were synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis technique, and after the synthesis, they were coated with polydopamine exploiting the self-polymerization of dopamine. The nanostructures were investigated by using electrochemical and optical methods. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements showed that electrochemical properties of FTO-ZnO and FTO-ZnO-PDA nanostructures could be changed by the variation of both—applied electrical potential and/or exposition towards lighting. Interaction between ZnO-PDA and bovine serum albumin (BSA) molecules has been investigated by (photo)electrochemical and photoluminescence methods. A mechanism of possible interaction between BSA and the ZnO-PDA surface has been proposed.

Control of Intermolecular Interactions toward the Production of Free-Standing Interfacial Polydopamine Films

“…Moreover, PDA thin coating on the transition-metal oxide-based electrode surface was recently shown to decrease charge-transfer resistance at the electrode−phosphate-buffered saline solution interface. 18 However, so far, surface modifications with PDA leading to the improvement of the abovementioned properties have been based on the in situ deposition of coatings by oxidizing dopamine (DA) directly on the surface of the targeted material, preventing the integration on sensitive substrates. Nevertheless, an attractive alternative methodology is the possibility of ex situ functionalization of surfaces by PDA transferring, especially those that can tackle large-area functionalization.…”

“…When applied to the modification of functional materials, PDA exhibits exceptional properties, such as hydrophilicity, anti-fouling, the enhancement of photocatalytic performance, and the increase of electrocatalytic activity, among others. Moreover, PDA thin coating on the transition-metal oxide-based electrode surface was recently shown to decrease charge-transfer resistance at the electrode–phosphate-buffered saline solution interface . However, so far, surface modifications with PDA leading to the improvement of the abovementioned properties have been based on the in situ deposition of coatings by oxidizing dopamine (DA) directly on the surface of the targeted material, preventing the integration on sensitive substrates.…”

Various Applications of ZnO Thin Films Obtained by Chemical Routes in the Last Decade

“…The hydrothermal method is usually performed to grow ZnO NRs in an autoclave, from a water-based solution at specific conditions of high pressure and temperature. A previously deposited SL on the substrate induces the formation and the growth of NRs with a specific morphology [ 94 , 102 , 103 , 104 ].…”

Detectable quorum signaling molecule via PANI-metal oxides nanocomposites sensors

“…In the realm of biosensor design, the selection and integration of advanced materials play a pivotal role in enhancing sensitivity, selectivity, and overall performance 39 . Among the array of materials employed in biosensor development, ZnO 40 , 41 , Fe 3 O 4 , polyaniline (PANI), and dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) have emerged as noteworthy candidates, each contributing unique characteristics to the biosensing landscape 42 . ZnO, a versatile semiconductor, exhibits exceptional properties such as high surface area, biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization.…”

“…ZnO, a versatile semiconductor, exhibits exceptional properties such as high surface area, biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization. These attributes make ZnO a compelling choice for biosensor applications, where precise and efficient detection is paramount 40 , 41 , 43 . Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles are experiencing a surge of interest within the realm of biosensing applications owing to their advantageous band gap, biocompatibility, lack of toxicity, thermal stability, intriguing optical and magnetic characteristics, and abundant natural presence 44 , 45 .…”