What was the first synthesized conductive polymer?5 answersThe first synthesized conductive polymer was polyacetylene, which marked the beginning of the era of conductive polymers in the 1970s. This discovery shattered the traditional view of insulating polymer materials and introduced the concept of conductive polymers with inherent electrical, electronic, and optical properties due to their π-conjugated system. The history of conductive organic polymers dates back to the early nineteenth century, with polyacetylene being a groundbreaking example recognized for its electrical and electrochemical properties. Over time, various other conductive polymers like polyaniline, polythiophene, and polypyrrole have been synthesized and studied for their unique characteristics and applications in diverse fields such as energy storage, electronics, and catalysis.
What is the best carbon based conductive materilas?5 answersCarbon-based conductive materials have diverse structures and multiple physical and chemical properties, making them highly promising for various applications. Carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbon nanofibers, have been extensively studied for their excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. Porous-structured carbon materials, in particular, have attracted attention for their outstanding thermal conductivity, low density, and large contact area, making them ideal for thermal management applications. Additionally, biobased carbons synthesized via hydrothermal processing have shown potential as conductive fillers in composite biomaterials for flexible electronics and sensors. While each carbon-based material has its own advantages and limitations, the choice of the best carbon-based conductive material depends on the specific application requirements and desired properties. Further research and development are needed to optimize the performance and explore the full potential of carbon-based conductive materials in various fields.
How can conductive hydrogels be prepared?5 answersConductive hydrogels can be prepared using various methods. One approach is to use a stretch-induced orientation strategy, where a mixture of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), tannic acid (TA), and deionized water is frozen and thawed to obtain a precursor hydrogel. The hydrogel is then thermally stretched to induce anisotropic microstructures, and finally frozen again to fix the regular structures. Another method involves polymerizing acrylamide and acrylic acid in a κ-carrageenan solution, followed by cross-linking the hydrogel with Fe3+ through soaking in ferric chloride solution. The resulting hydrogel is then reinforced by directional freeze-drying and rehydration. Additionally, direct ink writing (DIW) can be used to create conductive hydrogels by 3D printing a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)-based ink and converting it into a hydrogel through a post-printing freeze-thawing treatment. Other methods involve the use of carbon-based, conductive polymer-based, metal-based, ionic, and composite conductive hydrogels, with each type having its own synthesis and design considerations. Furthermore, lignin, a renewable and biodegradable biomass material, can be used to prepare conductive hydrogels through physical and chemical strategies, offering potential applications in biosensors, strain sensors, and flexible energy storage devices.
What is the effect of the type of conductive polymer on the performance of humidity sensors?5 answersThe type of conductive polymer used in humidity sensors has a significant effect on their performance. In one study, the conductive polymer graphene/polypyrrole (Gr/PPy)–BiPO4 was found to exhibit excellent sensing properties, with a small change in impedance and negligible humidity hysteresis. Another study found that the sensitivity of polymer-based capacitive humidity sensors decreased after irradiation with neutrons, electrons, and protons, indicating the importance of the internal circuit in comparison to the sensing polymer film. Additionally, the type and content of conductive fillers in composites were found to determine the resistance dependence on humidity, with more conductive fillers leading to positive dependence and low filler content leading to negative dependence. Different conducting polymers, such as polyaniline, poly(o-ethoxyaniline), and polypyrrole, were also found to have varying performance as sensitive layers in humidity sensors, with polypyrrole showing the highest sensitivity in a certain humidity range.
How electrical conductive fillers make the polymer conductive?5 answersElectrical conductive fillers make the polymer conductive by facilitating the formation of conducting pathways within the material. These fillers create a connected network that allows for the flow of electrical current. The conductive fillers can be in the form of particulates or short wires, and they are dispersed within a polymer matrix. The presence of these fillers improves the electrical conductivity of the composite material. The conductive fillers can be made of various materials such as copper, tin, zinc, carbon nanotubes, or gold nanoparticles. The type and shape of the fillers influence the conducting behavior of the composite material. The addition of conductive fillers in the polymer matrix can lead to enhanced physicochemical properties, improved bulk dielectric property, and charge transfer.
How do conductive polymers function in biosensors?5 answersConductive polymers are used in biosensors due to their tunable chemical, electrical, and structural properties, which make them suitable for fabricating electrochemical biosensors. They can be designed through chemical grafting of functional groups or associated with other materials such as nanoparticles to enhance the biosensor's sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and reproducibility. Conducting polymers can serve as sensing transducers in biosensors, offering small dimensions, high surface-to-volume ratio, and amplified sensitivity. The combination of conducting polymers with other materials, such as carbonaceous materials or metal oxides, further enhances the stability and sensitivity of the biosensing platform. The dimensional hetero-nanostructures of conducting polymers, including 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D structures, play a role in traits such as charge transfer processes, low-working temperature, high sensitivity, and cycle stability in biosensors. Overall, conductive polymers provide a versatile platform for the development of electrochemical biosensors for various biological targets, including DNA, proteins, peptides, and other biomarkers.