Impedimetric Sensing Proprieties of ITO Electrodes Functionalized with PEDOT:PSS/Azo-Calix[4]Arene for the Detection of Al Ions Under Light Excitation.

This study describes an investigation of the sensitivity of the azo-calix[4]arene/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly-(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin film deposited on the indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode surface toward aluminum ions (Al) under light excitation. Thin films were deposited by the spin-coating technique. Adhesion of these films to the ITO surface was highlighted by performing contact angle measurements. Then, interfaces of the azo-calix[4]arene/PEDOT:PSS thin film were characterized by impedance measurements using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Obtained impedance spectra were fitted using an equivalent circuit. Finally, evolutions of the different components of this circuit were studied. These evolutions show that the sensitivity of the azo-calix[4]arene/PEDOT:PSS/ITO electrode is remarkably improved under illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]