Ferrocenedimethanol Transport in Thin Films Consisting of Laponite and Hydrogel

The development of multifunctional materials, which exhibit properties suitable for the development of advanced optical, electrochemical, and other such sensors have been at the forefront of many scientific research. In remaining consistent with this trend, this work presents a methodology for characterizing clay-hydrogel thin films by monitoring the transport of 1,1-ferrocenedimethanol (Fc(MeOH)₂) via cyclic voltammetry techniques. Multilayer thin films were prepared by alternate layer deposition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel and laponite clay on regular glass carbon electrode. The ratio of the current intensity at the modified electrode compared with that at the bare electrode was used to provide information about the permeation of the electroactive species through the thin films. The current was also plotted as a function of the various layers to determine how permeation changes with increasing layers. The results procured thus far suggest the possible incorporation of these thin films in sensor development. However, further work, such as the determination of the responsiveness of the thin films to environmental stimuli (temperature, pH, etc.) must be done in order to optimize the technology.