Viologen functionalized substrates: Functionalization techniques, characterization and applications

Abstract

Functionalization of various substrates with viologen was carried out. New vinyl group containing viologens were successfully synthesized and graft polymerized onto a number of substrates, such as such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), silanized glass, free-standing polyaniline (PANI), indium-tin oxide (ITO), gold, free-standing polypyrrole (PPY). Viologen containing poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane was also prepared. The present studies have shown that functionalization by graft copolymerization/ polymerization of viologen is a relatively simple approach for the preparation of substrates with homogeneous surface properties. The surfaces modified with viologen in the present study exhibit good stability and can serve as smart window, enzyme electrodes, and redox-sensitive valves.