electrochemical sensors, biosensors and their biomedical applications || electrochemical sensors...

CHAPTER 15

Electrochemical sensors based on carbon nanotubes

Manliang Feng, Heyou Han, Jingdong Zhang, and Hiroyasu Tachikawa

15.1 Introduction15.2 The structure and properties of CNTs

15.2.1 The structure of CNTs15.2.2 Properties of CNTs 15.2.2.1 Mechanical properties 15.2.2.2 Electronic properties 15.2.2.3 Chemical properties15.2.3 Preparation of CNTs15.2.4 Purifi cation of carbon nanotubes15.2.5 Advantages of electrochemical sensors based on CNTs

15.3 Fabrication and application of electrochemical sensors based on carbon nanotubes15.3.1 Preparation of carbon nanotube electrodes and their electrochemical characteristics 15.3.1.1 CNT-composite electrodes 15.3.1.2 Vertically aligned CNT-modifi ed electrode 15.3.1.3 Layer-by-layer fabrication of CNT electrode 15.3.1.4 CNT-coated electrodes15.3.2 Improving the electroanalytical sensitivity and selectivity for small biological and

pharmic molecules with carbon nanotubes15.3.3 Direct electron transfer of proteins and enzymes on carbon nanotube electrodes15.3.4 Electrochemical biosensors based on carbon nanotubes

15.4 Spectroscopic characterization of carbon nanotube sensors15.4.1 Raman spectroscopy of carbon nanotubes 15.4.1.1 General features of Raman spectra from carbon nanotubes 15.4.1.2 Anisotropy of SWNT 15.4.1.3 Single nanotube characterization 15.4.1.4 Raman spectroscopy of modifi ed CNTs 15.4.1.5 Raman spectroscopy of self-assembled carbon nanotubes 15.4.1.6 Raman spectroscopy of CNT composites15.4.2 FTIR of CNT-based sensors

15.5 Conclusions15.6 References

ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSORS, BIOSENSORS AND THEIR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Copyright © 2008 by Academic Press, Inc.All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.

Ch15-P373738.indd 459Ch15-P373738.indd 459 10/18/07 5:45:20 PM10/18/07 5:45:20 PM

460 Electrochemical Sensors, Biosensors and Their Biomedical Applications

15.1 INTRODUCTION

Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in 1991 [1], there has been growing interest in using CNTs in chemical and biochemical sensing [2–5] and nanoscale elec-tronic devices due to their remarkable electronic and mechanical properties. CNTs behave as a metal or semiconductor depending on their structures. CNT-modifi ed electrodes have better conductivity than graphite [6, 7] and show a superior performance compared with such electrodes as Au, Pt, and other carbon electrodes. CNTs have a hollow core, which is suitable for storing guest molecules. Proteins and enzymes can be immobilized in the hol-low core as well as to the surface of CNT without losing biological activity. The electri-cal conductivity of nanotubes can be improved by modifying the original CNT structure. CNTs possess fascinating mechanical strength and are the strongest and stiffest material known [8]. CNTs, especially the side walls, are relatively inert. However, the ends of nan-otubes are more reactive than the cylindrical parts [8, 9]. For the application of CNTs to electrochemical sensing, CNTs show the enhanced electrochemical response to some important biomolecules [5, 10] and promote the electron transfer reactions of proteins [4]. These characteristics demonstrate clearly that nanotubes have signifi cant potential for the design of electrochemical sensors. Indeed, in the past several years, there have been extensive studies on the applications of CNTs in electrochemical sensors [11]. Other appli-cations include hydrogen storage [12], catalysis, micro-chemical and micro-biologicaldetectors [13–15], biological cell electrodes [16], nanoscale electronic and mechanical systems [17], scanning probe microscope, and electron fi eld emission tips [18, 19].

In this chapter, we will discuss electrochemical sensors based on CNTs. First, the properties and structures of CNTs, the preparation and purifi cation of CNTs, and the advantages of electrochemical sensors based on CNTs are described, then, the fabri-cation of electrochemical sensors based on CNTs, applications of electrochemical sensors based on CNTs, and the spectroscopic characterization of CNT sensors are described. In conclusion, we will look into some aspects of the future direction for CNT sensors in clinical and biomedical research.

15.2 THE STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF CNTS

15.2.1 The structure of CNTs

CNTs are unique tubular structures of nanometer diameter and have large length/diameter ratio. CNTs are divided into two main groups: single-walled carbon nano-tube (SWNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT). SWNT can be considered as a long wrapped graphene sheet by rolling it in certain directions. The properties of the nanotubes are mainly dictated by the rolling direction as well as the diameter. SWNT consists of two separate regions (the side wall and the end cap) with very dif-ferent physical and chemical properties. The end-cap structure is similar to or derived from a small fullerene in which the carbon atoms are in both pentagon and hexagon rings. The side wall only consists of hexagon rings. MWNT can be considered as a


461Electrochemical Sensors Based on Carbon Nanotubes

collection of concentric SWNTs with different diameters. MWNTs may consist of one up to tens and hundreds of concentric shells of carbons with adjacent shell separa-tions of �0.34 nm. The carbon network of shells is closely related to the honeycomb arrangement of the carbon atoms in the graphite sheets.

The diameters of CNTs range from 0.2 to 2 nm for SWNTs and from 2 to 100 nm for MWNTs, while the lengths of CNTs range from several hundred nanometers to several micrometers [13, 16]. The structural information of CNTs has been provided by both transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) at the atomic level. Figure 15.1 shows TEM images of both SWNTs and MWNTs. In these images obtained by high resolution TEM, the diameter of the SWNTs of �1.2 nm is clearly seen. The spacing (0.34 nm) between graphite planes of MWNTs as well as the closed nanotube tips is also seen in the TEM images. Atomically resolved lattices of SWNTs have been observed by STM as shown in Fig. 15.2. This STM image also shows the helicity of SWNTs. For the formation of curved structures such as the tips of CNTs and fullerenes from a planar hexagonal graphite lattice, certain topological defects and pentagons (12 pentagons are needed to close the hexagonal lattice) need to be introduced.

(a) (c) (d)

(b)

FIGURE 15.1 High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images of CNTs. (a) SWNT; (b) MWNT; (c) closed MWNT tips (MWNT tips); and (d) closed SWNT tip. The separation between the closely spaced fringes in the MWNT (b, c) is 0.34 nm, close to the spacing between graphite planes. The diameter of the SWNT (a, d) is �1.2 nm. (Reprinted with permission from [8]. Copyright (1999) American Chemical Society.)

FIGURE 15.2 High resolution STM image of the lattice structure of a helical semi-conducting SWNT. (Reprinted with permission from [8]. Copyright (1999) American Chemical Society.)



15.2.2 Properties of CNTs

The carbon nanotubes possess such properties as high conductivity, excellent strength and stiffness, and chemical inertness. CNTs also show unusual electronic characteris-tics that are dependent on lattice helicity and elasticity. The density of SWNTs is esti-mated to be smaller (0.6 g/cm3) than graphite due to the presence of hollow channels in the center of CNTs. As expected for nano-sized materials, the surface area of CNTs is very large, e.g. �10–20 m2/g for MWNTs and the value of SWNTs is expected to be an order of magnitude higher. Some detailed discussion of the mechanical, electronic, and chemical properties of CNTs can be found in the following sections.

15.2.2.1 Mechanical properties

The strength of the CßC covalent bond, which is one of the strongest in nature, makes CNTs one of the strongest and stiffest materials. Treacy et al. estimated the elastic modulus of CNTs to be in the terapascal range by measuring their thermal vibrational amplitudes using TEM [20]. Because of the hollow structure and closed topology, CNTs can sustain extreme strains (40%) in tension without showing plastic deforma-tion of bond rupture [21]. Under strain, some local bonds are broken, but this local defect is redistributed over the entire surface due to the mobility of these defects. This process changes the helicity of CNTs and eventually affects its electronic property.

15.2.2.2 Electronic properties

The electronic properties of CNTs can be related to their structures. In particular, both Wildöer et al. and Odom et al. explained the relationship between the structure and electronic conductivity of SWNTs using STM/STS images and current voltage curves obtained by tunneling spectroscopy on individual CNTs. Their studies indicate that so-called armchair tubes are metallic, and the zigzag tubes and chiral tubes are either metallic or semiconducting depending on the wrapping angle and the length of CNTs. Nevertheless, the SWNT samples exhibit many different structures with no one species dominating. Four-probe measurements of MWNTs reveal that the electrical conductiv-ity of individual MWNTs is metallic, semiconducting or semimetallic [8]. The electri-cal conductivity of MWNTs becomes metallic by doping with boron and nitrogen [22], and the conductivity of SWNTs becomes an order of magnitude higher by intercalating the CNT tubes with alkali and halogen dopants.

15.2.2.3 Chemical properties

It has been known that the basal graphite plane (graphene hexagon) is chemically inert. However, CNTs are susceptive to some chemical reactions due to the π-orbital mis-match in the curvature structures. Oxidation studies have revealed that the tips (caps) of CNTs are more reactive than the cylindrical parts [8, 20]. Ab initio calculations indicate that the average charge density of a pentagon (at the tips) is 3–4 times larger



than that at the graphene hexagon in the basal graphite plane and would act as an elec-trophilic reaction site. There have been numerous reports on the enhanced electron transfer of analytes when CNTs are used as electrode materials. In carbon nanotubes, it has been suggested that the presence of defects creating overall topological change may inherently increase reactivity compared with their graphite counterparts [8]. The moderate reactivity made it easy to introduce functional groups to the CNTs (both side wall and end cap) which is essential for sensor design in many cases. For example, during the purifi cation of CNTs with a strong acid, the carboxyl functional groups are introduced to the surface of CNTs, especially at the tips. The carboxy functional groups are involved in nanotube chemical modifi cation with amide-linked groups at the tip ends of the CNTs [23, 24].

15.2.3 Preparation of CNTs

The preparation of CNTs is a prerequisite step for the further study and application of CNTs. Considerable efforts have been made to synthesize high quality CNTs since their discovery in 1991. Numerous methods have been developed for the preparation of CNTs such as arc discharge, laser vaporization, pyrolysis, and plasma-enhanced or thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Among these methods, arc discharge, laser vaporiza-tion, and chemical vapor deposition are the main techniques used to produce CNTs.

Arc discharge [25] is initially used for producing C60 fullerenes. Nanotubes are pro-duced by arc vaporization of two carbon rods placed in a chamber that is fi lled with low pressure inert gas (helium, argon). The composition of the graphite anode deter-mines the type of CNTs produced. A pure graphite anode produce preferably MWNT while catalyst (Fe, Co, Ni, Y or Mo) doped graphite anode produces mainly SWNT. This technique normally produces a complex mixture of components, and requires fur-ther purifi cation to separate the CNTs from the soot and the residual catalytic metals present in the crude product.

The laser ablation technique was developed in 1995 by Smalley’s group [26] at Rice University. Samples were prepared by laser vaporization of graphite rods with a cata-lyst mixture of Co and Ni (particle size �1 µm) at 1200ºC in fl owing argon followed by heat treatment in a vacuum at 1000ºC to remove the C60 and other fullerenes. The material produced by this method appears as a mat of “ropes”, 10–20 nm in diameter and up to 100 µm or more in length. The average nanotube diameter and size distribu-tion can be tuned by varying the growth temperature, the catalyst composition, and other process parameters.

Despite the frequent use of arc-discharge and laser ablation techniques, both of these two methods suffer from some drawbacks. The fi rst is that both methods involve evaporating the carbon source, which makes it diffi cult to scale up production to the industrial level using these approaches. Second, vaporization methods grow CNTs in highly tangled forms, mixed with unwanted forms of carbon and/or metal species. The CNTs thus produced are diffi cult to purify, manipulate, and assemble for building nanotube-device architectures in practical applications.



Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) [27] of hydrocarbons over a metal catalyst is a method that has been used to synthesize carbon fi bers, fi laments, etc. for over 20 years. Large amounts of CNTs can be formed by catalytic CVD of acetylene over Co and Fe catalysts on silica or zeolite.

CNTs can also be produced by diffusion fl ame synthesis, electrolysis, use of solar energy, heat treatment of a polymer, and low temperature solid pyrolysis. In fl ame synthesis, combustion of a portion of the hydrocarbon gas provides the elevated tem-perature required, with the remaining fuel conveniently serving as the required hydro-carbon reagent. Hence, the fl ame constitutes an effi cient source of both energy and hydrocarbon raw material. Combustion synthesis has been shown to be scalable for a high volume commercial production.

15.2.4 Purifi cation of carbon nanotubes

In order to obtain the optimal performance of CNTs in various applications, high purity CNTs will be required. Purifi cation of CNTs generally refers to the separation of CNTs from other entities, such as carbon nanoparticles, amorphous carbon, residual catalyst, and other unwanted species. A number of purifi cation methods including acid oxidation, gas oxidation, fi ltration, and chromatography have been developed to date. In many cases, various combinations of these methods are used to obtain high quality CNTs.

The acid refl ux procedure was fi rst described by Rinzler et al. [28], in which raw nanotube materials are refl uxed in nitric acid to oxidize the metals and carbon impuri-ties. Acid-treated CNTs are considered to have carboxylic acid groups at the tube ends and, possibly, at defects on the side walls. The functionalized SWNTs have consider-ably different properties from those of the pristine tubes.

Gas phase oxidation is commonly used for the purifi cation of CNTs. The method proposed by Ebbesen et al. [20] uses heat treatment of crude CNT products under a gas containing oxygen. This method has been explored extensively because it can yield the most highly graphitized tubes without being contaminated by the metal catalyst.

Filtration is also used to purify CNTs. Bandow [29] have reported a procedure for a one-step SWNT purifi cation by microfi ltration in an aqueous solution with a cationic surfactant. Shelimov [30] developed an ultrasonically assisted fi ltration method which allows the purity of nanotubes to reach �90%.

Many chromatographic methods such as permeation chromatography, column chro-matography, and size exclusion chromatography have been used to purify CNTs. The size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is the only carbon nanotube purifi cation method in the literature that is not subjected to the acid treatments which tend to create the car-boxylic functionality on CNTs.

Sample purity is documented with SEM, TEM, and electron microprobe elemen-tal analysis. Raman and UV-vis-near-IR spectra are also useful techniques that can be used to examine the quality of CNTs at the different stages of the purifi cation procedure.



15.2.5 Advantages of electrochemical sensors based on CNTs

CNTs have been one of the most actively studied electrode materials in the past few years due to their unique electronic and mechanical properties. From a chemistry point of view, CNTs are expected to exhibit inherent electrochemical properties similar to other carbon electrodes widely used in various electrochemical applications. Unlike other carbon-based nanomaterials such as C60 and C70 [31], CNTs show very different electrochemical properties. The subtle electronic properties suggest that carbon nano-tubes will have the ability to mediate electron transfer reactions with electroactive spe-cies in solution when used as the electrode material. Up to now, carbon nanotube-based electrodes have been widely used in electrochemical sensing [32–35]. CNT-modifi ed electrodes show many advantages which are described in the following paragraphs.

First, the CNT-modifi ed electrodes catalyze the redox reactions of analytes. It has been reported that the oxidation of such analytes as dopamine, H2O2, and NADH are catalyzed at the various types of CNT-modifi ed electrodes. Second, the biomacro-molecules such as enzymes and DNA can be immobilized on the CNT-modifi ed elec-trodes and maintain their biological activities. Third, the CNTs are a good material for constructing the electrodes. CNTs are small, straight, and strong, and they also have chemical stability. These characteristics of CNTs are advantageous for constructing CNT-modifi ed electrodes. A couple of examples are vertically aligned CNT modifi ed electrodes and the electrodes based on an individual nanotube. Fourth, CNTs can be functionalized mostly through the carboxyl group on the tips which helps to immobi-lize the enzymes, etc. for the development of various types of sensors. The fi fth advan-tage of CNTs is their good electronic conductivity. The conductivity of CNTs is also affected by the structural changes such as twisting and bending of CNTs which may be applied for the sensing purpose.

These advantages combined with others such as the porous structure may contribute to having good wetting property for the solvents, a better electrode–electrolyte inter-face, and a large surface area. The central hollow cores and outside walls are a supe-rior material to adsorb and store gases such as oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen oxide [4, 36, 37]. The investigation of gas sensors using the adsorptive properties of carbon nanotubes to detect oxygen and carbon oxide has been reported [4, 38]. The CNTs in many cases can serve as molecular wires that connect the electrode surface to the active site of enzymes. The direct or enhanced electrochemistry of several proteins and enzymes has been observed without the needs of mediators. Many enzyme-based elec-trochemical biosensors have been reported using CNT-modifi ed electrodes.

15.3 FABRICATION AND APPLICATION OF ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSORS BASED ON CARBON NANOTUBES

A large number of papers on CNT-based sensors have been published in the last several years mainly because CNTs have the following advantages for the electrochemical



sensor applications: (1) small size with large surface area, (2) high sensitivity, (3) fast response time, (4) enhanced electron transfer, (5) easy protein immobilization with retention of activity, and (6) alleviating surface fouling effects. For the fabrica-tion of CNT-modifi ed electrodes, several methods have been developed. Most of these methods involve the immobilization of enzyme molecules on the electrode surface. In the following sections, the preparation methods and some representative results using such electrodes as (1) CNT-composite electrodes, (2) vertically aligned nano-tube electrode arrays, (3) layer-by-layer electrodes, and (4) CNT coated electrodes will be described. In addition, advantages as well as the applications of each type of these CNT-modifi ed electrodes are discussed. Since the effi cient charge transfer between the electrode surface and macrobiomolecules such as proteins and DNA is important for the development of biosensors, the direct electrochemistry of proteins and DNA is dis-cussed in this section. The discussion in this section also includes CNT enzyme-based biosensors.

15.3.1 Preparation of carbon nanotube electrodes and their electrochemical characteristics

15.3.1.1 CNT-composite electrodes

The fi rst CNT-modifi ed electrode was reported by Britto et al. in 1996 to study the oxidation of dopamine [16]. The CNT-composite electrode was constructed with bro-moform as the binder. The cyclic voltammetry showed a high degree of reversibility in the redox reaction of dopamine (see Fig. 15.3). Valentini and Rubianes have reported another type of CNT paste electrode by mixing CNTs with mineral oil. This kind of electrode shows excellent electrocatalytic activity toward many materials such as dopamine, ascorbic acid, uric acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid [39], hydrogen per-oxide, and NADH [7]. Wang and Musameh have fabricated the CNT/Tefl on compos-ite electrodes with attractive electrochemical performance, based on the dispersion of CNTs within a Tefl on binder. It has been demonstrated that the electrocatalytic proper-ties of CNTs are not impaired by their association with the Tefl on binder [15].

Other CNT-composite electrodes are prepared by using conducting polymers such as polypyrrole [40] and polyaniline [41]. The PPy/CNT composite can be prepared electrochemically by repeated scanning the potential in the oxidation range in an aque-ous solution containing CNTs, surfactant SDS, and pyrrole. A CNT-composite elec-trode has also been prepared using the sol-gel matrix as a glucose sensor [42]. The preparation of binderless biocomposite with CNTs has been reported for the prepara-tion of glucose sensor [15]. After mixing CNTs with glucose oxidase (GOx), the com-posite was packed inside of a needle and was used for the detection of glucose.

15.3.1.2 Vertically aligned CNT-modifi ed electrode

The electrodes modifi ed with vertically aligned CNTs have recently received much interest for the purpose of designing CNT-based electrodes and electrochemical sensors.



The aligned CNT-modifi ed electrode has added advantages to electrodes modifi ed with a random tangle of CNTs (normally formed by drop coating) and CNT-composite elec-trodes. For the preparation of this type of electrode, CNTs are vertically assembled on the substrate surface; proteins and other electroactive species are then attached to the end tip of the CNTs. The vertically aligned CNT-modifi ed electrode is helpful for under-standing the electron transfer mechanism since proteins or other electroactive species attached to the CNTs through a known and defi nite way (at the end tip). While in other types of CNT-based electrodes, the electroactive species can either be attached to the end tip or to the side wall which yields an unknown spatial geometry. Second, the verti-cally aligned CNTs serve as molecular wires that facilitate the electron transfer between the electrodes and redox centers of enzymes without the mediator. This feature simpli-fi es the fabrication of electrochemical sensors using redox enzymes as sensing agents. Third, vertically aligned CNTs can be used to make nano-electrode arrays.

Vertically aligned CNTs can be obtained through guided growth (physical method) or self-assembly of modifi ed CNTs on certain substrates. In the fi rst case, CNTs are synthesized in a controlled manner. One approach to achieve guided growth of CNTs is by using a porous template (such as mesoporous silica, alumina nanoholes) in the CVD method. For example, Li et al. [43] report the large-scale CVD growth of aligned

FIGURE 15.3 Cyclic voltammetric curve of 5 mM dopamine in PBS (pH 7.4) at a CNT electrode at 20 mV s�1. (Reprinted with permission from [16]. Copyright (1996) Elsevier.)

0.80 0.60 0.40 0.20

E/V vs SCE

0 �0.20 �0.40

100.0

80.0

60.0

40.0

20.0

0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

Io/�A

Io/�A



carbon nanotubes from a mesoporpous silica template with embedded iron nanoparti-cles. The direction of nanotube growth can be controlled by the orientation of the pores from which the nanotubes grow. A similar study [44] was performed to make aligned carbon nanotubes by the pyrolysis of hydrocarbon on a nickel catalyst embedded in a porous silicon substrate. In these cases, porous silicons containing micro-, meso-, and macropores were produced by electrochemically etching the crystalline silicon wafer (as the anode) in an aqueous HF solution (using a Pt wire as the cathode). Plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition (PECVD) is another approach used to prepare vertically aligned CNTs. Similar to chemical-vapor deposition (CVD), PECVD also uses gaseous sources, but activation of the gas is achieved in a non-equilibrium plasma (glow discharge). The CNTs are grown on a catalyst deposited on the substrate as in CVD. The location and diameter of the vertically aligned CNTs is defi ned by the pat-tern of the catalyst spots and the length is controlled by the growth rate and time. The growth direction is controlled by the electric fi eld in the plasma sheath. Figure 15.4 shows a SEM image of vertically aligned MWNT bundles prepared with PECVD [45].

Vertically aligned CNTs produced through this approach have been used for sen-sor designs. Lin et al. [46] have reported a glucose sensor based on vertically aligned CNTs. Ni nanoparticles were fi rst electrodeposited on a Cr coated Si. Low site density aligned CNT arrays were then grown from those Ni nanoparticles by PECVD. The resulting CNT ensembles were spin coated with an epoxy-based polymer. The protrud-ing parts of the CNTs were removed by polishing. Glucose oxidase was covalently immobilized on the electrode by forming an amide bond between the amine residues of the protein and carboxylic acid groups on the CNT tips. With this electrode, glucose is indirectly sensed by measuring the catalytic reduction current of hydrogen peroxide generated by the reaction of glucose oxidase catalyzed oxidation of glucose. The elec-trode prepared in this way has also been used for DNA detection [45] by attaching oligonucleotide probes to the open ends of the CNTs. This electrode can detect subat-tomole of DNA by combining with the Ru(byp)3

2�-mediated oxidation of guanine.

FIGURE 15.4 SEM images of vertically aligned MWNTs at (left) UV lithography and at (right) e-beam patterned Ni spots. (Reprinted with permission from [45]. Copyright (2003) American Chemical Society.)



Vertically aligned CNTs can also be obtained by using the self-assembly strategy. To perform self-assembling, the end tips of shortened CNTs fi rst need to be modifi ed with functional groups (such as ßCOOH, ßSH); then the nanotubes are attached to a substrate (gold, polymer, etc.) through a chemical reaction. AFM images of electrodes prepared in this way normally show vertically aligned CNTs in bundles. In one exam-ple, Gooding et al. [47] and Yu et al. [48] modifi ed the gold electrode with vertically aligned SWNTs through a self-assembling approach. SWNTs were fi rst shortened by sonicating in a 3:1 v/v solution of concentrated sulfuric acid (98%) and concentrated nitric acid (70%) for 4 h. The shortened tubes were fi ltered and washed with Milli Q water to bring the pH to greater than 5. Then the shortened SWNT was dispersed with a concentration of 0.2 mg ml�1 in dimethylformamide containing 0.5 mg/mL of dicy-clohexyl carbodiimide (DCC) to convert the carboxyl groups at the ends of the short-ened SWNT into active carbodiimide esters. The substrate gold electrode which was previously modifi ed with cysteamine was placed in the nanotube solution for 4 h. The ßCOOH group at the end tip of SWNTs then forms amide bonds with the amines group of the cysteamine and results in SWNTs vertically aligned to the electrode sur-face. Microperoxidase MP-11 is then attached to the end tip of CNTs by incubating in the enzyme solution. The resulting electrode shows a CV with E1/2 at �390 mV (vs Ag/AgCl) for the redox reaction of MP-11. In a similar manner, Diao et al. [49] also prepared vertically aligned CNTs on a gold substrate and examined the electrochemical properties of the resulting electrode. The procedure is schematically shown in Fig. 15.5, and Fig. 15.6 is the AFM image of the modifi ed electrode.

Liu et al. [50] have prepared aligned SWNTs by self-assembling nanotubes end functionalized with thiol groups on a gold substrate. The procedure is schematically shown in Fig. 15.7. The shortened SWNTs with carboxyl-end terminals formed by acid oxidation were fi rst functionalized with thiol-containing alkyl amines through the amide linkage. The self-assembly of aligned SWNTs was obtained by incubating and ultrasonicating the gold substrate with the thiol-functionalized SWNT suspension.

CO

OH

CO

OH

CO

OH

CO

OH

CO

OH

CO

OH

CO

OH

CO

OH CO

OH

CO

OH

O�C

NH2

C�O

CO

OH

CO

OH

O�C C�O

amidebond

NH2

Au

Au

NH2 NH2 NH2 NH2

NH2 NH2 NH2 NH2NH NH NH NH

�

DCC in DMF

50�C, 12 h

FIGURE 15.5 Schematic representation of the formation of SWNT assemblies. (Reprinted with permis-sion from [49]. Copyright (2002) Wiley VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KG.)



The packing density of the self-assembled, aligned carbon nanotubes can be controlled through the incubation time.

Lan et al. [52] have reported an approach for vertically aligning multi-wall carbon nanotubes on diverse substrates treated with polyelectrolyte. The shortened multi-wall carbon nanotubes were fi rst functionalized with acyl chloride in thionyl chloride (SOCl2).

FIGURE 15.6 AFM image of self-assembled CNT. (Reprinted with permission from [49]. Copyright (2002) Wiley VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KG.)

FIGURE 15.7 Synthesis of aligned SWNTs by the self-assembly of nanotubes end-functionalized with thiol groups on a gold substrate [51]. (Reprinted with permission from [51]. Copyright (2003) Wiley VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KG.)

SWNT

C�0HN

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CH2

S

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CH2

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S

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O

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HO OH

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C

O

Au(III)

Au(III)

NH(CH2)SH� NH2(CH2)2SH

HS(CH2)2HN



The vertically aligned monolayer of MWNTs was obtained by dipping the polyelectrolyte-modifi ed substrate into a tetrahydrofuran suspension of the functionalized MWNTs.

15.3.1.3 Layer-by-layer fabrication of CNT electrode

The carboxylic acid group of CNTs is negatively charged, and an electrostatic assem-bly of CNTs with a positively charged surface helps to form CNT multilayer fi lms [53]. Zhang et al. have adopted this layer-by-layer technique and have prepared an assembled CNT multilayer fi lm on a GC electrode surface. Figure 15.8 describes the layer-by-layer assembly process of CNTs with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chlo-ride) (PDDA) on the surface of a GC electrode. The electrostatic attraction between negatively charged CNTs and positively charged PDDA molecules leads to the for-mation of stable CNT multiple layers on the GC electrode surfaces (Fig. 15.9) by the layer-by-layer method, which is different from other preparation methods includ-ing cast coating, mixing the CNTs with carbon paste, and confi ning the CNTs with polymer matrixes, in which the CNTs are mainly in the form of big bundles. CNT multilayer fi lms assembled by the layer-by-layer method possess many striking fea-tures such as having an adsorbed form of small CNT bundles or single tubes on the substrate, uniformity, good stability, and remarkable electrocatalytic activity toward O2 reduction in alkaline media [54]. Moreover, this layer-by-layer technique has prom-ising applications in CNT-based biosensor fabrication and enzyme immobilization. With layer-by-layer fabrication of DNA-wrapped CNTs, a DNA electrochemical sen-sor has been developed [55]. Munge et al. have reported a novel method for dramati-cally amplifying the electrochemical detection of proteins or DNA based on a stepwise layer-by-layer assembly of multilayer enzyme fi lms on a CNT template [56].

15.3.1.4 CNT-coated electrodes

The coating of CNT solution or suspension on the electrode surface followed by evap-orating the solvent is a simple but effective strategy to prepare CNT-modifi ed elec-trodes. However, due to the strong van der Waals forces between nanotubes, CNTs tend to aggregate, thus leading to the poor solubility of CNTs in water and other sol-vents, which limits the preparation and application of CNT solutions. Ausman et al. have demonstrated the ability of organic solvents to form stable CNT dispersion. CNTs dispersed in several organic solvents such as dimethylformamide (DMF) [35, 57], ace-tone [58], acetonitrile [59], and ethanol [60] have been coated on the electrode sur-face. On these CNT-modifi ed electrodes, the electrocatalytic behavior of ferricyanide,

GC

� �

PDDA PDDA/GC CNI [CNI/PDDA]1/GC{CNI/PDDA}n/GC

Repeat

FIGURE 15.8 Schematic description of layer-by-layer assembly of CNTs with PDDA on the GC surface.



NADH, epinephrine or norepinephrine has been demonstrated with enhanced currents and reduced peak-to-peak separations in the cyclic voltammetry in comparison with unmodifi ed electrodes. However, the dispersion of CNTs in organic solvents is not suitable in such cases as fabricating biosensors with biomolecules and CNTs, because the denaturalization of biomolecules caused by organic solvents may lead to a decrease or loss of activity. Thus, the preparation of aqueous dispersions and solubilization of CNTs have attracted much attention [61]. As described in 15.2.4, the acid treatment of CNTs form carboxyl sites on the surface of CNTs and cause tube shortening. A typical acid treatment procedure for CNTs is as follows [62]: a purifi ed CNT “bucky paper” is suspended in 40 ml of a 3:1 mixture of concentrated H2SO4/HNO3 in a 100 ml test tube and sonicated in a water bath for 24 h at 35 to 40ºC. The resultant suspension was then diluted with 200 ml of water, and the larger cut CNTs are collected on a 100 nm pore fi lter membrane and washed with 10 mM NaOH solution. The cut tubes are then fur-ther treated with a 4:1 mixture of concentrated H2SO4 and 30% aqueous H2O2 under

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

FIGURE 15.9 Representative SEM images of [PDDA/MWNT] (a), [PDDA/MWNT]3 (b), and [PDDA/MWNT]5 (c) assembled on a silicon wafer. The scale bar in (a)–(c) was 5 µm. (d) represents the SEM image of [PDDA/MWNT]1 with a high amplifi cation with a scale bar of 1 µm. (Reprinted with permission from [54]. Copyright (2004) American Chemical Society.)



stirring conditions at 70ºC for 30 min. After fi ltering and washing again on a 100 nm pore fi lter, the cut nanotubes are suspended at a density of 0.1 mg ml�1 in water with the aid of 0.5% weight Triton X-100 surfactant. Such an acid treatment shortens the CNTs and functionizes CNTs with carboxylic acid groups. Cyclic voltammetry shows well-behaved peak currents for the redox reaction of the carboxylic acid group at a CNT-modifi ed GC electrode in buffer solutions [35].

The oxidative procedure of CNTs alone may generate a stable CNT suspension which can be used for the preparation of CNT coated electrodes. Other procedures to prepare CNT suspensions are based on non-covalent stabilization of CNTs by using either surfactants or polymers. An excellent review on this subject has been published [61]. For the preparation of polymer-assisted CNT suspensions, a simple procedure for dispersing CNTs in aqueous solutions with a natural polymer gum arabic has been described [63]. Due to the physical adsorption of the polymer, a stable disper-sion of full-length, well-separated, individual CNTs is formed in water. Wang et al. have demonstrated the ability of a perfl uorosulfonated polymer Nafi on to solubilize CNTs in water (see Fig. 15.10). The CNT coated electrodes formed with this suspen-sion dramatically enhanced the redox activity of hydrogen peroxide at CNT/Nafi on coated electrodes and helped to prepare oxidase-based amperometric biosensors [64]. Zhang et al. have solubilized CNTs in aqueous solution of a biopolymer chitosan (CHIT) which was used to modify electrodes for the development of sensors and bio-sensors [65]. Such a CNT/CHIT dispersion can easily attach the redox mediators such as toluidine blue [66] and azure dye [67] to form composite fi lms that facilitate the electrooxidation of NADH that can be applied to a large group of NAD�-dependent dehydrogenase enzymes for designing bioelectrochemical devices.

Surfactants are a low cost but effective additive for suspending CNTs in water. There have been numerous reports regarding the dispersion of CNTs in aqueous solu-tion with the help of surfactants. It has been demonstrated that various surfactants have different infl uences on the suspendability of CNTs due to distinct CNT–surfactant

(i)

(i) (ii) (iii)(iv)(v)(vi)

(ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)

(a)

(b) (c)

FIGURE 15.10 Photographs of vials containing 0.5 mg mL�1 of SWCNT (a) and MWCNT (b) in differ-ent solutions: phosphate buffer (0.05 M, pH 7.4) (i), 98% ethanol (ii), 10% ethanol in phosphate buffer (iii), 0.1% Nafi on in phosphate buffer (iv), 0.5% Nafi on in phosphate buffer (v), and 5% Nafi on in ethanol (vi). Also shown (c) is a TEM image of a 0.5% Nafi on solution containing 0.3 mg mL�1 of MWCNT. (Reprinted with permission from [64]. Copyright (2003) American Chemical Society.)



interactions [68, 69]. Islam et al. [70] have reported that the solubilization of high weight fraction CNTs in water is assisted by appropriate surfactants. The surfactant-dispersed CNT fi lm electrodes have been widely applied in electrochemical and elec-troanalytical studies. Chen et al. [71] have developed a carbon fi ber nanoelectrode modifi ed by CNTs dispersed in a sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) solution, which dis-plays excellent electrochemical behaviors such as very high sensitivity toward neuro-transmitters including dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. A stable suspension of CNTs was also obtained by dispersing CNTs in a solution of a cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as demonstrated in Fig. 15.11. The direct electron transfer of glucose oxidase (GOx) immobilized on the CNT/CTAB-modifi ed electrode has been reported [72]. A hydrophobic surfactant such as dihexadecyl hydro-gen phosphate (DHP) was used to prepare a CNT fi lm coated GC electrode, which showed an enhanced-reduction peak current of metronidazole and improved the sensi-tivity for the voltammetric determination of metronidazole [73].

The electrochemical response of analytes at the CNT-modifi ed electrodes is infl u-enced by the surfactants which are used as dispersants. CNT-modifi ed electrodes using cationic surfactant CTAB as a dispersant showed an improved catalytic effect for nega-tively charged small molecular analytes, such as potassium ferricyanide and ascorbic acid, whereas anionic surfactants such as SDS showed a better catalytic activity for a positively charged analyte such as dopamine. This effect, which is ascribed mainly to the electrostatic interactions, is also observed for the electrochemical response of a negatively charged macromolecule such as DNA on the CNT (surfactant)-modifi ed electrodes (see Fig. 15.12). An oxidation peak current near �1.0 V was observed only at the CNT/CTAB-modifi ed electrode in the DNA solution (curve (ii) in Fig. 15.12a). The differential pulse voltammetry of DNA at the CNT/CTAB-modifi ed electrode also showed a sharp peak current, which is due to the oxidation of the adenine residue in DNA (curve (ii) in Fig. 15.12b). The different effects of surfactants for CNTs to pro-mote the electron transfer of DNA are in agreement with the electrostatic interactions

(a) (b)

FIGURE 15.11 Photographs of vials containing 1 mg ml�1 CNT dispersed in water (a) and in 0.1% CTAB solution by ultrasonication (b). Photograph (a) was taken 0.5 h after CNT dispersed in water, pho-tograph (b) taken 1 week after CNT dispersed in CTAB solution. (Reprinted with permission from [72]. Copyright (2004) Elsevier.)



FIGURE 15.12 Cyclic voltammograms (a) and differential pulse voltammograms (b) of 1 mg m�1 DNA in a 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) at a bare GC electrode (i) and CNT-modifi ed GC electrodes using CTAB (ii), Triton X-100 (iii), and SDS (iv) as dispersants. The inset in (b) shows a differential pulse voltam-mogram of 1 µg ml�1 adenine in a 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) at the CNT/CTAB-modifi ed GC elec-trode. Accumulation time: 5 min. The scan rate of cyclic voltammetry is 0.1 V s�1. The pulse amplitude of differential pulse voltammetry is 50 mV, and the pulse width is 50 ms (unpublished results).

0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2

E/V vs SCE

50

40

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14

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8

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0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2E/V vs SCE

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between surfactants and DNA (Fig. 15.13). The effective adsorption of DNA on the CNT/CTAB surface is an important factor that contributes to the facile electron trans-fer of DNA at the CNT/CTAB-modifi ed electrode.

CNT-coated electrodes can be constructed easily as long as stable CNT suspensions are obtained. However, one needs to choose a suitable surfactant dispersant for the fab-rication of CNT/surfactant-modifi ed electrodes with high catalytic and good selectivity toward the analytes.

15.3.2 Improving the electroanalytical sensitivity and selectivity for small biological and pharmic molecules with carbon nanotubes

The determination of some important analytes, especially small biological and pharmic molecules, at CNT-modifi ed electrodes has been extensively investigated. In particu-lar, neurotransmitters such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, which are important species in the mammalian central nervous systems, have received much interest. However, the electroanalysis of neurotransmitters on the conventional elec-trodes has suffered from the presence of a high concentration of ascorbic acid present in mammalian nerve and brain tissues, because neurotransmitters and the interferents such as ascorbic acid are usually oxidized at the potentials that are close to each other. Wang et al. have reported that a CNT-modifi ed gold electrode has favorable electro-catalytic activity toward dopamine and norepinephrine. The electrochemical response of norepinephrine, uric acid, and ascorbic acid can be separated on this modifi ed electrode [74]. The selective determination of dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid has been studied at CNT coated and intercalated electrodes [75], CNT/Nafi on coated GC electrodes [76], CNT-modifi ed gold electrodes [77], single carbon fi ber microelectrodes modifi ed with CNTs and Nafi on [78], layer-by-layer assembled CNTs [79], DNA-functionalized CNTs [80], and water-soluble CNTs prepared via non-covalent functionalization by Congo red through a physical grinding treatment [81].

FIGURE 15.13 Schematics of electrostatic interactions between surfactants adsorbed on CNTs and negatively charged DNA molecules.

NO NO NO

CNT (CTAB) CNT (Triton X-100)

OH OH OH

CNT (SDS)

OCO

OS

OCO

OS

OOO

OS



Figure 15.14 illustrates a typical voltammetric result for the determination of dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid with a CNT-modifi ed electrode. The selective voltam-metric detection of uric acid [82] or norepinephrine [83] in the presence of ascorbic acid has been demonstrated with a β-cyclodextrin-modifi ed electrodes incorporating CNTs. Ye et al. [84] have studied the electrocatalytic oxidation of uric acid and ascorbic acid at a well-aligned CNT electrode, which can be used for the selective determination of uric acid in the presence of ascorbic acid. The simultaneous determination of dopamine and serotonin on a CNT-modifi ed GC electrode has also been described [85].

It has been demonstrated that the presence of CNTs greatly increases the oxidation peak current of 6-benzylaminopurine. The CNT-modifi ed electrode is suitable for the determination of trace amounts of benzylaminopurine and has the advantages of high sensitivity, quick response, and good stability [86]. Wang et al. have studied the electro-catalytic oxidation of thymine at a α-cyclodextrin incorporated CNT coated electrode in an alkaline media. A sensitive detection scheme for thymine has been further devel-oped by using differential pulse voltammetry [87]. The electrochemical determination

FIGURE 15.14 Osteryoung square wave voltammograms at the (PDDA/MWNT)5/GC electrode for ascorbic acid (0.10 mM) in the presence of different concentrations of dopamine: (a) 0, (b) 2, (c) 4, (d) 6, (e) 8, (f) 10, (g) 12, (h) 17, (i) 20, (j) 24, (k) 28, and (l) 32 µM. OSWV conditions were 4 mV step height, 20 mV pulse height, 2 Hz frequency, and 2 s quite time. (Reprinted with permission from [79]. Copyright (2005) Elsevier.)

00

2

4

0.2 0.4

E/V vs Ag/AgCl (KCl-sat.)

I/�A

I

a

AA

DA



of tryptophan has been reported at a CNT-modifi ed electrode which indicates a high catalytic activity toward the oxidation of tryptophan [88]. A novel CNT/(3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPS) bilayer-modifi ed gold electrode has been used to study the electrochemical behavior of fl uphenazine [89]. With this CNT-modifi ed electrode, the determination of fl uphenazine in drug samples has been successfully carried out. An ultrasensitive electrochemical method has been developed for 8-azaguanine in human urine by using CNT-modifi ed electrodes [90]. Zhu et al. have studied the promotion of CNT-modifi ed electrode to the electrochemical oxidation of theophylline (TP), which can be applied to the determination of TP in drug [91].

15.3.3 Direct electron transfer of proteins and enzymes on carbon nanotube electrodes

The active sites in redox proteins and enzymes are buried in a hydrophobic polypeptide chain, and the redox centers of proteins or enzymes are electrically insulated and inacces-sible to the electrode surface; thus, the direct electrochemistry of proteins and enzymes is diffi cult on conventional electrodes such as gold, platinum, and glassy carbon. The adsorption of macromolecular impurities or protein itself also contributes to a slow elec-tron transfer. Much effort has been made to promote the electron transfer between pro-teins or enzymes and the surface of the electrode. CNT-based electrodes have paved the way for studying the direct electrochemistry of proteins due to their unique electronic and structural properties. Following the preliminary report regarding the promoted elec-trochemical response of proteins, namely cytochrome c and azurin, at CNT electrodes [92], Wang et al. have displayed a pair of well-defi ned redox peaks for a cytochrome c aqueous solution at a GC electrode modifi ed with CNTs. The peak current increases linearly with the concentration of cytochrome c [93]. The direct electrochemistry of cytochrome c adsorbed on the surface of CNTs has also been investigated, and a rea-gentless biosensor has been constructed for the determination of H2O2 using CNT/Cyt. c-modifi ed electrode [94]. Voltammetric studies of myoglobin (Mb) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) covalently attached onto the ends of vertically oriented CNT forest arrays show quasi-reversible redox behavior for Fe(III)/Fe(II) and demonstrate the elec-trochemically manifested peroxidase activity of Mb and HRP attached to CNTs [48]. CNT-modifi ed electrodes also improved the direct electron transfer of Mb [95–97] and hemoglobin (Hb) [98–100]. Based on the electrocatalytic activity of the CNT-modifi ed electrode, reagentless biosensors for H2O2 and NO have been constructed.

Moreover, it has been demonstrated that CNTs promote the direct electrochemis-try of enzymes. Dong and coworkers have reported the direct electrochemistry of microperoxidase 11 (MP-11) using CNT-modifi ed GC electrodes [101] and layer-by-layer self-assembled fi lms of chitosan and CNTs [102]. The immobilized MP-11 has retained its bioelectrocatalytic activity for the reduction of H2O2 and O2, which can be used in biosensors or biofuel cells. The direct electrochemistry of catalase at the CNT-modifi ed gold and GC electrodes has also been reported [103–104]. The elec-tron transfer rate involving the heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couple for catalase on the CNT-modifi ed electrode is much faster than that on an unmodifi ed electrode or other



types of carbon electrodes. Zhao et al. have reported the direct electrochemistry of HRP [105] and GOx [106] at carbon nanotube powder microelectrodes. Liu et al. have probed the direct electron transfer between the redox active center of GOx, fl avin ade-nine dinucleotide (FAD), and the CNT-modifi ed gold electrodes [107]. These results are helpful in understanding the intrinsic redox behaviors of enzymes. Furthermore, the immobilized GOx retains its bioelectrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of glu-cose [72, 108], which can be used to fabricate a glucose biosensor.

Negatively charged species such as carboxylic acid group in acid-treated CNTs can attract positively charged enzymes from solution as long as the pH value of the enzyme solution is controlled to be lower than the iso-electric point of the enzyme; thus, mul-tilayer fi lms of the enzyme can be formed by the layer-by-layer technique. For exam-ple, fi ve layers of GOx can be immobilized on the electrode surface by alternatively dipping a poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA))-functionalized GC into a CNT solution and a GOx solution (pH 3.8). Figure 15.15 illustrates the preparation process for the formation of a multilayer fi lm of GOx on the electrode.

The cyclic voltammograms of the GOx/CNT-modifi ed GC electrodes in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4) show two pairs of redox peak currents. The fi rst pair of peaks (E1/2 � �0.09 V vs Ag|AgCl) is attributed to the carboxylic acid groups in CNTs, while the second pair of peak currents (E1/2 � �0.46 V vs Ag|AgCl) is assigned to the direct electron tranfer of GOx. These peak currents increase as the number of layers increase indicating that the effective immobilization of GOx on CNTs using the layer-by-layer technique (Fig. 15.16, see Plate 17 for color version).

15.3.4 Electrochemical biosensors based on carbon nanotubes

CNTs offer an exciting possibility for developing ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensors because of their unique electrical properties and biocompatible nanostruc-tures. Luong et al. have fabricated a glucose biosensor based on the immobilization of GOx on CNTs solubilized in 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The as-prepared CNT-based biosensor using a carbon fi ber has achieved a picoamperometric response current with the response time of less than 5 s and a detection limit of 5–10 µM [109]. When Nafi on is used to solubilize CNTs and combine with platinum nanoparticles, it displays strong interactions with Pt nanoparticles to form a network that connects Pt nanoparticles to the electrode surface. The Pt-CNT nanohybrid-based glucose biosensor

CNTGOx

PDDA/GC

� �

Repeat

FIGURE 15.15 Schematic description of the fabrication of multilayer fi lms of GOx onto CNTs.



constructed using a GC or carbon fi ber microelectrode responds even more sensitively to glucose than the GC/GOx electrode modifi ed with Pt nanoparticles or CNTs alone. The response time and detection limit of this biosensor is 3 s and 0.5 µM, respectively [110]. A glucose biosensor based on the adsorption of GOx on Pt nanoparticle-modifi ed CNT electrode that is fabricated by growing CNTs directly on the graphite substrate has also been reported [111]. Joshi et al. [112] have constructed a glucose biosensor by incubating the enzyme in a CNT solution and cross-linking with a redox polymer poly[(vinylpyridine)Os(bipyridyl)2Cl2�/3�] fi lm. This glucose sensor showed a three-fold increase of the glucose oxidation current (1 mA cm�2). Moreover, new CNT-based glucose electrochemical sensors are still attracting much interest as a model enzyme biosensor. Salimi et al. have fabricated a glucose biosensor prepared by immobilizing GOx into a sol-gel composite at the surface of a graphite electrode modifi ed with CNTs [42]. A disposable glucose biosensor based on CNTs and screen-printed carbon elec-trodes has been developed [113]. Li et al. formed covalently linked composites of CNTs and GOx with a high function density in order to use as a biosensing interface [114]. These sensors show some excellent properties for glucose determination, such as high sensitivity, quick response, good reproducibility, and long-term stability.

Other enzymes have also been immobilized on CNTs for the construction of elec-trochemical biosensors. Deo et al. [115] have described an amperometric biosensor for organophosphorus (OP) pesticides based on a CNT-modifi ed transducer and OP hydro-lase, which is used to measure as low as 0.15 µM paraoxon and 0.8 µM parathion with

FIGURE 15.16 Cyclic voltammograms of [GOx/CNT]n immobilized on PDDA/GC electrodes in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4) at 0.1 V s�1, indicating an increasing response of [GOx/CNT]n with layer number from 1 to 5 (unpublished results, J. Zhang, M. Feng, and H. Tachikawa) (see Plate 17 for color version).

�0.8 �0.6

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E/V vs Ag/AgCl

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sensitivities of 25 and 6 nA µM�1, respectively. Xu et al. have explored the pH-sensi-tive property of the CNT-modifi ed electrode and immobilized the enzymes with sol-gel hybrid material on the CNT-modifi ed electrode to construct voltammetric urease and acetylcholinesterase biosensors based on pH detection [116]. Luong et al. [117] have constructed a putrescine biosensor based on putrescine oxidase (POx) immobilized on CNTs modifi ed by APTES, which is able to effi ciently monitor the direct electroactivity of POx at the electrode surface. Rubianes and Rivas [118] have demonstrated that the strong electrocatalytic activity of CNTs towards the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and quinones and the oxidation of NADH has allowed an effective low potential ampero-metric determination of lactate, phenols, catechols and ethanol, with the incorporation of lactate oxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and alcohol dehydrogenase/NAD�, respectively, within the composite matrix.

CNT-based DNA sensors are also important in the application of CNTs in bioelec-trochemistry. Due to the electrocatalytic activity of CNTs and interfacial accumulation, the direct electrochemical oxidation of natural DNA with an enhanced signal has been demonstrated on either multi-wall [119] or single-wall [120] CNT-modifi ed elec-trodes. Cai et al. have described a sensitive electrochemical DNA sensor based on CNTs with a carboxylic acid group for covalent DNA immobilization and enhanced hybridization. The CNT-based assay with its large surface area and good charge trans-fer characteristics dramatically improves DNA attachment and complementary DNA detection sensitivity compared with the previous DNA sensors which directly incor-porate oligononucleotides on carbon electrodes [121]. A nanoelectrode array based on vertically aligned multi-wall CNTs embedded in SiO2 as an ultrasensitive DNA detec-tion device has been developed. The hybridization of subattomole DNA target can be detected by combining with Ru(bpy)3

2� which mediates guanine oxidation [45]. Kerman et al. [122] have demonstrated that the combination of sidewall- and end-functionalization of CNTs provides a signifi cant enhancement in the voltammetric signal of guanine oxidation and creates a large surface area for DNA immobilization. Wang et al. have described that DNA biosensors based on self-assembled CNTs have a higher hybridization effi ciency compared with those based on random CNTs [123]. In addition, combining CNTs with other nanoparticles such as CdS [124], Pt [125], and magnetite nanoparticles [126] has offered great promise for constructing ultrasensitive DNA electrochemical biosensors.

15.4 SPECTROSCOPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF CARBON NANOTUBE SENSORS

15.4.1 Raman spectroscopy of carbon nanotubes

15.4.1.1 General features of Raman spectra from carbon nanotubes

Raman scattering is one of the most useful and powerful techniques to characterize carbon nanotube samples. Figure 15.17 shows the Raman spectrum of a single SWNT [127]. The spectrum shows four major bands which are labeled RBM, D, G, and G�.



The radial breathing mode (RBM) appearing in the 160 to 300 cm�1 region is associ-ated with a symmetric movement of all carbon atoms in the radial direction (Fig. 15.18a) [128]. The frequency of the radial breathing mode is inversely proportional to the diam-eter of the individual nanotube through the relation ν RBM � A/dt � B, where the A and B parameters are determined experimentally. For isolated SWNTs, A � 248 cm�1nm and B � 0 have been found [129]. In nanotube aggregates, the weak intertubule coupling via van der Waals interactions normally results in a 6–20 cm�1 shift to higher frequencies due to space restrictions imposed by neighboring tubes [130]. For typical SWNT bundles in the diameter range dt � 1.5 � 0.2 nm, A � 234 cm�1 nm and B � 10 cm�1 (where B refl ects the tube–tube interaction) have been found [131]. For large diameter tubes (dt � 2 nm) the intensity of the RBM feature is weak and is hardly observable.

The tangential G-band (or high energy mode) around 1580 cm�1 also provides a signature of carbon nanotube. The G mode in SWNTs gives rise to a multi-peak fea-ture which originates from the symmetry breathing of the tangential vibration when the graphite sheet is rolled to make a cylindrically shaped tube (see Fig. 15.18b). The two most intense G peaks are labeled G�, for modes with atomic displacements along the tube axis, and G�, for modes with atomic displacement along the circumferential direction (see Fig. 15.18b). The G� bands for semiconductive and metallic SWNTs are different in the line shape and frequencies (Fig. 15.19), i.e. broadened for metallic SWNTs while sharp and weak for semiconductive SWNTs [128]. This feature can be used to distinguish between the two types of SWNTs. The G� mode shifts to lower frequencies with decreasing diameter, and this decrease becomes larger as the curva-ture of the sheet increases [132, 133].

FIGURE 15.17 Raman spectrum of SWNT. (Reprinted with permission from [134]. Copyright (2004) The Royal Society.)

RBM

D

G

G�

2nd

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an in

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ity



The D band, the disorder induced mode, normally appears between 1250 and 1450 cm�1. This band is activated in the fi rst-order scattering process of sp2 carbons by the presence of in-plane substitutional hetero-atoms, vacancies, grain boundaries or other defects and by fi nite-size effects [134]. The G� band is the second-order overtone of the D band.

RBM G band(a) (b)

FIGURE 15.18 Schematic picture showing the atomic vibrations for (a) the RBM and (b) the G band modes. (Reprinted with permission from [128]. Copyright (2003) IOP Publishing Ltd.)

FIGURE 15.19 G band for highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), MWNT bundles, one isolated semiconducting SWNT and one isolated metallic SWNT. (Reprinted with permission from [128]. Copyright (2003) IOP Publishing Ltd.)

1450 1550 1650Frequency (cm�1)

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The Raman spectrum of multi-walled carbon nanotunes (MWNTs) only shows a single G band at �1580 cm�1 and a D band at �1360 cm�1. Most of the spectral char-acteristics that are used to distinguish single-walled carbon nanotubes from graphite are not so obvious in MWNTs. The G�–G� splitting for large diameter MWNTs is small and smeared out; as a result the G feature predominantly exhibits a weakly asym-metric band, with a peak appearing at the graphite frequency of 1580 cm�1. Therefore it is diffi cult to differentiate the Raman signal of MWNTs from that of graphite.

15.4.1.2 Anisotropy of SWNT

The isolated SWNT acts as a dipolar antenna, polarized along the tube axis. Polarization effects are very important for assessing aligned nanotubes. Generally the highest Raman signal is observed when the incident light is polarized in the direction paral-lel to the tube axis while almost no signal is observed when polarized perpendicular to the axis (see Fig. 15.20) [135–137]. This anisotropic feature (highly effective for nanotubes with a diameter within 0.4–2 nm) becomes less effi cient as the tube diameter increases. The anisotropic feature of SWNT can be used to determine the orientation of the tubes.

15.4.1.3 Single nanotube characterization

Designing nano-sized SWNT-based sensors requires the characterization of individual nanotubes. Using the techniques of electron-beam lithography and nano-fabrication Cronin et al. [138] have performed electrical and optical measurements on the same individual nanotube. Figure 15.21 shows an atomic force microscope image of a single carbon nanotube contacted by two metal electrodes. The white circle in the fi gure indi-cates the approximate size and location of the laser spot when the spectrum on the right was taken. By performing the in-situ measurements on the same nanotube the response of a nanotube to changes in electrochemical potential was measured.

A 9 cm�1 upshift of the tangential mode (G band) vibrational frequency as well as a 90% decrease in intensity was observed by applying 1.0 V between an individual nano-tube and a silver reference electrode in a dilute sulfuric acid solution.

15.4.1.4 Raman spectroscopy of modifi ed CNTs

Chemical modifi cation of CNTs is an essential step towards the fabrication of CNT-based electrochemical sensors. Raman spectroscopy provides an effective way to mon-itor the modifi cation process and to characterize the functionalized CNTs.

Modifi ed CNTs feature various spectral changes depending on the methods and the location of modifi cations. These changes include variations in band frequencies, width, and intensities. For example, aryldiazonium salts [139] were used to modify individual sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) coated SWNTs with aryl group. The Raman spectrum of functionalized (SDS-free) SWNTs shows a disorder mode much higher than pristine SWNT; the radial breathing modes are nearly unobservable.



Khare et al. [141] functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes through a micro-wave discharge of ammonia. SWNTs exposed to both NH3 and ND3 discharges display RBM frequency shifts from that of the pristine nanotubes (Fig. 15.22) since sidewall functionalization of the nanotubes results in a general increase of CNT diameter. The frequency of the G band (1594 cm�1 in pristine SWNT) also shifts toward the lower energy (1583 cm�1) in the NH3 functionalized SWNT, and the line shape is broadened. This change in G band frequency further suggests the sidewall interactions with NH species.

In another example [56] SWNT was modifi ed with peroxytrifl uoroacetic acid (PTFAA). Raman spectrum of the carbon nanotubes after the PTFAA treatment shows a D-line substantially increased indicating the formation of “defect” sites with sp3-hybridized carbon atoms on the sidewalls due to the addition of the functional groups. The RBM bands in the region of 170–270 cm�1 decreased and shifted to higher

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FIGURE 15.20 Polarization dependence of the G band from one isolated semiconducting SWNT sitting on an Si/SiO2 substrate with incident and scattered light parallel (a) and crossed (b) to each other. φ � 0º stands for incident light polarized along the nanotube axis. Points on (c) and (d) plot the G band intensity dependence on φ for (a) and (b), respectively. The solid curves fi t the data points with the functions cos4(φ) and cos2(φ) sin2(φ). (Reprinted with permission from [137]. Copyright (2002) American Physical Society.)



150 250 350 1200 1400 1600 1800

Frequency (cm�1)

303 cm�1

185 cm�1

D band

G band

1 �m

FIGURE 15.21 Atomic force microscope (AFM) image of a carbon nanotube contacted by two metal electrodes and Raman spectra taken from the nanotube. (Reprinted from web @ http://www-rcf.usc.edu/~scronin with permission from Dr S.B. Cronin.)

1200 1400 1600 300 200Raman Shift (cm�1)

SWNT

NH3 functionalized SWNT

ND3 functionalized SWNT

FIGURE 15.22 Raman spectra of NH3 and ND3 functionalized SWNTs by glow-discharge. (Reprinted with permission from [140]. Copyright (2004) American Chemical Society.)



wavenumbers after the treatment. The change in the radial breathing modes indicates the covalent functionalization of SWNTs on the sidewall [141].

15.4.1.5 Raman spectroscopy of self-assembled carbon nanotubes

One interesting development in the carbon nanotube-based electrochemical sensor is the ability to self-assemble the CNT to other types of nano materials such as gold and silver nanoparticles or to a polymer surface. The enhancement of Raman signals of car-bon nanotubes through the adsorption on gold or silver substrate has been also reported [142–146].

With the aid of a bi-functionalized reagent (terminated with pyrenyl unit at one end and thiol group at the other end), gold nanoparticles were self-assembled onto the sur-face of solubilized carbon nanotubes [147]. Raman spectrum of the gold nanoparticle bearing CNTs is enhanced possibly due to charge transfer interactions between nano-tubes and gold nanoparticles.

Self-assembling of CNTs normally results in vertically aligned CNTs on the substrate surface. The self-aligned SWNT can be confi rmed by polarized Raman spectra. Diao et al. [49] reported the fabrication and characterization of chemically assembled SWNTs (ca-SWNTs), which are constructed by the combination of a self-assembling procedure and a surface condensation reaction between the ßNH2 group on the gold substrate and the ßCOOH group on SWNT. Polarized Raman spectra at the cross-section of Au sub-strate with aligned SWNTs show much stronger signals when the incident light is paral-lel to the CNT axis than when perpendicular to the nanotube axis.

15.4.1.6 Raman spectroscopy of CNT composites

CNT composites have also been used to develop CNT-based sensors. Raman spectros-copy has been used to study the CNT–polymer composite concerning the orientation of nanotubes in polymers and CNT–polymer interactions. Poulin [148] and Frogley [149] have performed a thorough study of nanotube alignment in polymers using polarized Raman spectroscopy, and have compared a large amount of experimental results with existing models. Generally, the interaction between nanotubes and polymers is fea-tured by peak shifts or broadenings [134, 150].

Conducting polymers have been extensively used to make CNT composite modifi ed electrode because of their unique electrochemical properties. Zhang et al. [40] studied the doping level of CNT in PPy using Raman spectra. The Raman spectrum only shows PPy bands since CNTs were completely coated with the polymer. A strong peak at 1583 cm�1 is assigned to the backbone stretching mode of C¨C bonds, and the peaks at 1377 and 1083 cm�1 to the ring stretching and the N–H in-plane deformation of the oxidized (doped) species of the PPy, respectively. The corresponding band of the neutral species at 1048 cm�1 is relatively weak indicating a relatively high level of doping of PPy.

Recently, a layer-by-layer (LBL) technique has been introduced into the fabrica-tion of CNT-modifi ed electrode and received a great deal of interest. He et al. [55] reported a fabrication of DNA-wrapped carbon nanotubes using the LBL technique.



Poly(diallyldimethylammonium) (PDDA), a positively charged polyelectrolyte, and DNA, a negatively charged counterpart, are alternatively deposited on the water-soluble oxidized SWNTs. A purifi ed DNA/PDDA/SWNT composite-modifi ed electrode is used as a DNA sensor. Raman spectroscopy was used to monitor the individual steps of the LBL fabrication process and to characterize the resulting DNA/PDDA/SWNT samples [55]. Figure 15.23 shows typical Raman spectra at different steps of the LBL fabrication process. The disorder-induced D band at 1328 cm�1 and the tangen-tial stretch G band at 1580 cm�1 are observed for oxidized SWNTs, PDDA/SWNTs, and DNA/PDDA/SWNTs. The PDDA/SWNTs and DNA/PDDA/SWNTs show tan-gential G bands upshifted 16 and 22 cm�1, respectively, relative to that of bare oxi-dized SWNTs at 1575 cm�1. Similar upshifts in the tangential mode have also been reported in SWNTs/polymer composites which indicate the presence of polymer mol-ecules wrapped around the sidewall of SWNTs [151–152]. The intensities of the typi-cal disorder-induced D band at 1328 cm�1 for both PDDA/SWNTs and DNA/PDDA/ SWNTs are markedly increased compared to the intensity of the same band in oxi-dized SWNTs owing to the overlapping Raman features from added layers of PDDA and/or DNA on oxidized SWNTs. Raman spectra in the range from 200 to 1350 cm�1 also have four very weak Raman scattering peaks at 1130, 765, 615, and 410 cm�1 for DNA/PDDA/SWNTs (inset). These peaks originated from Raman features of both PDDA and DNA confi rmed the stepwise layer-by-layer preparation of the DNA/PDDA/SWNT composite.

0 400 800 1200 1600 2000

Inte

nsity

Inte

nsity

a

b

c

d

e

1328

1595

1591

1575

a

b

c

410612765

1130

400 800 1200

Raman shift (cm�1)

Raman shift (cm�1)

FIGURE 15.23 Raman spectra of (a) ds-calf thymus DNA/PDDA/SWNTs, (b) PDDA/SWNTs, (c) oxidized SWNTs, (d) calf thymus DNA, and (e) PDDA. Inset: Magnifi cation of the Raman spectra of DNA/PDDA/SWNTs, PDDA/SWNTs, and oxidized SWNTs. (Reprinted with permission from [55]. Copyright (2005) American Chemical Society.)



15.4.2 FTIR of CNT-based sensors

Since FTIR is a powerful tool to identify functional groups, it has been extensively used to characterize CNT-based sensors which normally require the modifi cation of nano-tubes. For instance, acid (HNO3/H2SO4) and ultrasonic treatments, which are common procedures to purify CNTs, are known to shorten and introduce oxygen-containing groups (such as the carboxylic group) to CNTs. This can be easily confi rmed by the FTIR spectrum [72, 154, 155]. The FTIR spectrum of acid-treated MWNTs shows the peaks at 1715 cm�1 (carboxylic) and 1574 cm�1 (carboxylate). The peaks at 3426 and 1166 cm�1 are attributed to stretching vibrations of ßOH and CßOH, respectively (Fig. 15.24).

As mentioned earlier in this section, peroxytrifl uoroacetic acid (PTFAA) can be used to modify SWNTs with carboxylic groups [56]. FTIR was used to characterize the modifi ed SWNTs and the results are compared with that from thermal oxidation (used to remove amorphous carbon) by heating the catalyst-free SWNTs in air. The thermally oxidized SWNTs show a band at 1744 cm�1 (originated from the formed car-boxylic groups) in addition to the modes at 1570 cm�1 (in-plane E1u mode of SWNTs [156, 157]) and at 1165 cm�1. Figure 15.25 shows the IR spectra of the SWNTs after the PTFAA treatment. The band at 1733 cm�1 in the PTFAA-treated sample (Fig. 15.25b) is from carboxylic groups and/or ester groups. The shift of the carboxylic band from 1744 cm�1 for the air-oxidized sample to 1733 cm�1 for the PTFAA-treated sam-ple (Fig. 15.25b) is due to the formation of a hydrogen bond between the carboxylic groups (ßCOOH) suggesting abundance in ßCOOH groups after the PTFAA oxida-tion [158]. The bands at 1660 cm�1 and 1448 cm�1 are assigned to the C¨O stretching mode in quinone groups, while the bands at 1281 cm�1 and 855 cm�1 are the evidence

4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500

76

78

80

82

84

86

88

90

% tr

ansm

ittan

ce

3426

1715

1574

1166

Wavenumber/cm�1

FIGURE 15.24 FTIR spectrum of acid-treated MWNT. (Reprinted with permission from [72]. Copyright (2004) Elsevier.)



for the formation of epoxide groups. The carboxylic peak disappeared after annealing the modifi ed CNTs in N2.

Recently, Kong et al. [159] functionalized MWNT with polyacrylic acid (PAA) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) by surface-initiating ATRP (atom transfer radi-cal polymerization) following the Schemes 1 and 2:

2000 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600

Wavenumber (cm�1)

Abs

orba

nce

(a.u

.)

1569

11521448 1281

15741660

1733

11761569

1176

1133

855

(c)

(b)

(a)

FIGURE 15.25 IR spectra of SWNTs: (a) p-SWNTs, (b) after peroxytrifl uoroacetic acid treatment, and (c) N2 annealing after treatment. (Reprinted with permission from [158]. Copyright (2005) Elsevier.)

SCHEMES 1 AND 2 (Reprinted with permission from [159]. Copyright (2005) Elsevier.)

MWNT-Br

O

OO O

O

t BA MWNT-PtBA

O

OO

O O O

O

OO

O O OH

nBr

nBr

O

Br�

CuBr/PMDETA

60�C, 48 h

CF3COOH

24 h

MWNT-PAA

Scheme 1

MWNT-Br MWNT-PSSNaSS

OO

O

O

SO3Na SO3Na

CuBr/PMDETA130�C, 30 h

Br�

O

OO

O

Brn

Scheme 2



FTIR spectroscopy was used to monitor the functionalization process. In the fi rst scheme, MWNT-PtBA shows a strong CÖ stretch (ca. 1730 cm�1), characteristic of carbonyl groups, while only a weak absorption peak at 1730 cm�1 was found in the spectrum of MWNT-Br. When PtBA was hydrolyzed to PAA, a wide absorption band assigned to the hydroxyl groups around 3440 cm�1 was observed in the FTIR spec-trum. FTIR spectra of MWNTs modifi ed according to the second scheme show the aromatic CßH stretch at 3098 and 1580–1602 cm�1, the aliphatic CßH stretch of the polymer backbones at 2921 and 2848 cm�1, and the absorption peaks of the O¨SÖ stretch at 1208 and 1156 cm�1. The SßO and CßS stretches were observed at 663 and 641 cm�1, respectively. A strong OßH stretch was also observed at 3436 cm�1 for MWNT-PSS due to H-bonding with water. The resulting polyelectrolyte-functionalized MWNT as well as MWNT-COOH were used as templates for further surface function-alization by the LBL self-assembly approach on the basis of their high surface charge densities. Linear poly[2-(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) and hyperbranched poly(sulfone amine) (HPSA) were selected as polycations. A strong band at 1100 cm�1 from the CßO (PDMAEMA) or O¨SÖ (HPSA) absorption, confi rmed the assemblage of polyelectrolytes.

In another study, cationic polyethyleneamine (PEI) and anionic citric acid (CA) as well as heat treatment in NH3 are also found to modify the nanotube surface and change the nanotube properties [160]. FTIR spectrum of CA coated CNTs shows absorption peaks corresponding to stretching vibration of CÖ (1724 and 1650 cm�1), and CßO (1392 and 1218 cm�1). The NH3-treated and PEI coated CNTs show basic nitrogen-containing groups (e.g. amine) on the nanotubes, as suggested by the bend-ing vibration of NßH (1633, 1581, 1639, and 1581 cm�1), and stretching vibration of CßN (1093 cm�1, 1164 cm�1, and 1114 cm�1).

Amide bond is an effective anchor to connect CNTs to substrate surfaces. Lan et al. [52] covalently assembled shortened multi-walled carbon nanotubes (s-MWNT) on polyelectrolyte fi lms. The shortened MWNT is functionalized with acyl chloride in thionyl chloride (SOCl2) before self-assembling. The FTIR spectrum of self-assem-bled MWNT (SA-MWNT) adsorbed on a CaF2 plate modifi ed with PEI/(PSS/PEI)2 shows two characteristic absorption peaks at 1646 cm�1 (amide I bond) and 1524 cm�1 (amide II bond) resulting from the amide bond formed between the polyelectrolyte fi lms and s-MWNTs.

FTIR has also been used to study how the functional group is attached to the CNTs. Khara et al. [140] functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes through a microwave discharge with ammonia. As it is shown in Fig. 15.26, the NßH absorption bands at 3343 and 3198 cm�1 are much lower in frequencies than the end-functionalized open metallic SWNT with CONH-4-C6H4(CH2)13CH3 showing an NßH stretching fre-quency of 3450 cm�1 [161]. The lowered NßH frequency is indicative of an NßH directly attached to the side walls.

CNT-doped conducting polymers possess improved mechanical, chemical, and opti-cal properties. They also provide a simple strategy for making aligned CNTs. The dis-appearance of the characteristic peaks of carbon nanotubes in the FTIR spectrum of polymer/CNT composite fi lms is normally an indication of perfect enwrapping of CNTs with the deposited conducting polymer [162, 163]. Zhang et al. [40] have studied the



PPy/CNT composite fi lm using both FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The fi lms were obtained by repeatedly cycling the potential in the range of �0.2 to �0.8 V in an aque-ous solution of 0.1 mol L�1 SDS, 25 mmol L�1 pyrrole, and 0.17 g L�1 single-walled carbon nanotubes. The FTIR spectrum shows characteristic absorption bands of PPy and doped SDS but no corresponding band from CNT. For example, the strong peaks at 1549 and 1469 cm�1 are due to the antisymmetric and symmetric ring-stretching modes of the PPy, respectively. The peak at 1176 cm�1 indicates the doping state of polypyr-role, and the peaks at 1045 cm�1 and 1315 cm�1 are attributed to CßH deformation vibrations and CßN stretching vibrations of the PPy, respectively. Two very strong peaks around 2914 cm�1 and 2846 cm�1 were attributed to the stretching vibration mode of methylene, indicating that surfactant SDS had been doped into the chains of PPy.

FTIR is also an effective way to assess the orientation or alignment of CNTs since the absorption is much stronger when the electric fi eld of the incident light wave is parallel to the axis of aligned CNTs. The anisotropic feature has been found in SWNT-PAN composite [164]. The infrared spectra of PAN fi bers for the two polarization directions (parallel and perpendicular) are comparable, while the composite fi bers show signifi cant differences in the two polarization directions.

Zengin et al. [41] characterized a polyaniline (PANI)/MWNT composite. The FTIR spectra of the composite fi lm show benzoid and quinoid ring vibrations at 1500 cm�1 and 1600 cm�1, respectively, which indicate the presence of emeraldine salt (ES) of polyaniline. A weak broad band near 3400 cm�1 is assigned to the NßH stretching mode. The strong band at 1150 cm�1 is characteristic of PANI conductivity. The FTIR spectrum of PANI/MWNT composite in the ES form exhibits several clear differences from the spectrum of neat ES PANI: (1) the composite spectrum shows an inverse

35000.006

0.007

0.008

0.009

0.01

0.011

3400 3300 3200 3100 3000 2900 2800

Abs

orba

nce

(a.u

.)

Frequency (cm�1)

(a)(b)

(c)

FIGURE 15.26 FTIR spectra of SWNT after exposure to NH3 microwave plasma: (a) SWNT on CaF2 substrate after heating; (b) after 20 min of plasma exposure; (c) after 40 min of exposure. (Reprinted with permission from [140]. Copyright (2004) American Chemical Society.)



1600/1500 cm�1 intensity ratio indicating that PANI in the composite is richer in quinoid units than the pure ES PANI possibly because the nanotube–PANI interactions pro-mote and (or) stabilize the quinoid ring structure; (2) the NßH stretching region near 3400 cm�1 is broad and strong in the composite but weak in the pure ES PANI since the sp2 carbon of CNTs competes with the chloride ion, and thus perturbs the H-bonding environment and increases the NßH stretching intensity.

15.5 CONCLUSIONS

This chapter described the general aspects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and electro-chemical sensors based on carbon nanotubes. There are several methods for forming CNT-modifi ed electrodes that can be used for detecting analytes. Both advantages and examples of application of each method are described. This chapter also included examples of a fairly large number of analytes which have been determined by CNT-modifi ed electrodes as effective and sensitive transducers. Since there have been a large number of publications in this exciting fi eld of analytical chemistry in the last ten years, some of the important papers, particularly those published recently, might not be included.

Among those several different types of transducers based on CNTs, the CNT-composite electrode, which was the fi rst CNT electrode tested in 1996, is still widely used with different composite materials such as conducting polymers, nanoparticles, sol-gel, etc. The usefulness of these electrodes is based on their high sensitivity, quick response, good reproducibility, and particularly long-term stability. We expect to see continued research activities using CNT-composite electrodes.

In recent years, there are more applications based on the layer-by-layer fabrication techniques for CNT-modifi ed electrodes. This technique clearly provides thinner and more isolated CNTs compared with other methods such as CNT-composite and CNT coated electrodes in which CNTs are in the form of big bundles. This method should help biomolecules such as enzymes and DNA to interact more effectively with CNTs than other methods, and sensors based on this technique are expected to be more sen-sitive. Important biosensors such as glucose sensors have been developed using this technique, and further development of other sensors based on the layer-by-layer tech-nique is expected.

Vertically aligned CNT-modifi ed electrodes are based on a more elaborated tech-nique than other methods, and microscopic images are used to characterize the inte-grity of this type of electrode. The technique has been applied for the immobilization of enzymes and DNA, and the sensors based on this technique have shown a lower detection limit than those based on other methods. More research activities using this technique, particularly with low density CNT arrays, are expected in the near future because of its sensitivity and versatility.

Even though the number of reports on the electrochemistry based on an individual nanotube is very limited, mainly due to technical diffi culty, the development of sensors



using such electrodes may be imminent for the recognition of species in cells as well as other biomedical applications.

It is generally agreed that the tip portion of CNTs particularly those shortened with oxidation treatments, is more reactive than the side wall of CNTs. Yet, the reason for the presence of high catalytic activity of CNTs is still unclear, and more research activities in this area using advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques are expected.

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