Polyelectrolyte multilayer films containing ferrocene: Effects polyelectrolyte type and ferrocene contents in the film on the redox properties

Electrochemical properties of Fc-PEM films have been studied by changing the chemical structure of the polymer chains and the content of Fc moiety in the film systematically. We have prepared a series of PEM films by a layer-by-layer deposition of polycations, Fc-modified poly(allylamine) (Fc-PAA) and poly(ethyleneimine) (Fc-PEI), and polyanionic poly(vinyl sulfate) (PVS) on the surface of a gold electrode. The redox properties of the Fc-PAA/PVS and Fc-PEI/PVS films depended significantly on the content of Fc moiety in the polymer chains and on the polymer type. Fc-PAA and Fc-PEI polymer chains can penetrate 3 or 4 PAA/PVS bilayers inserted between the redox polymers and electrode. The Fc-PAA film-modified electrode can be used for electrocatalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid.