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We first report on constant potential (dc) amperometric flow-injection analysis (FIA) transduced by electroactive (conductive) polymers. Amperometric response is caused by the polymer recharging in order to maintain the electrode potential at a constant level when (i) ions are crossing the film|solution interface and polarizing electrode|film interface or (ii) ions or neutral molecules are specifically interacting with the polymer recharging it. The response under constant solution flow is a current peak and in flow-injection mode is a couple of current peaks directed opposite of the first sharp, analytically valuable peak. In both constant flow and flow-injection regimes, the peak current is dependent on analyte concentrations; obviously, the FIA mode provides more advantageous analytical characteristics. Constant potential amperometric flow-injection analysis is shown for boronate- and sulfate-functionalized polyanilines as well as for Prussian Blue, a member of the inorganic polymer family. As a proof of concept, the successful dc amperometric detection of lactate in human sweat with boronate-functionalized polyaniline has been shown. The proposed approach would revolutionize the field of conductive/electroactive polymer-supported ion sensing with the introduction of reliable and robust amperometry as a valuable alternative to existing potentiometry.

In this work we propose a flow injection amperometry at constant potential as a perspective alternative to classical potentiometry for solid contact ion-selective electrodes (SC-ISEs). The amperometric readout mode eliminates the problem of background drift and potential instability – common limitations of potentiometry for SC-ISEs. The selectivity in flowinjection and constant flow amperometric modes is similar to the potentiometric one. Moreover, flow injection amperometry in comparison to potentiometry for ion-selective electrodes provides a shorter response time, within 15–30 s, by two orders of magnitude decreased detection limit and 5-6 fold increased signal-to-noise ratio. The proposed approach is an attractive readout mode that opens new horizons for the improvement of performance characteristics of solid contact ISEs.