Real-time detection of Cu（II） with PEDOT：PSS based organic electrochemical transistors

摘要

Copper is an essential element in the environment and the human body, but at the same time, exposure to high concentrationsof Cu^2＋ ions will potentially lead to acute toxicity and various neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, it is of great significance forthe development of highly sensitive and selective strategies for the detection of Cu^2＋ ions. Here, we report a highly efficientpoly（3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene）：poly（styrene sulfonic acid） （PEDOT：PSS） based organic electrochemical transistor （OECT）sensor, for real-time Cu^2＋ ions detection. The detection limit of the OECT device is as low as 100 nM, far beyond the sensitivityrequired for practical uses. The detection mechanism may base on the chemical reactivity of Cu^2＋ ions oxiding the PEDOT：PSSin solution both in absence and presence of the base potential The OECT devices also exhibit excellent selective response to Cu^2＋ions rather than other metal ions. Finally, we also demonstrate the determination of Cu^2＋ ions in tap water with the OECT Cu^2＋sensor. Considering the high sensitivity and selectivity, as well as the real-time and low cost features of our Cu^2＋ OECT sensor, itis ideal for portable and disposable applications for environment monitoring and public health.