N-Vinylcarbazole-Acrylamide Copolymer Electrodes Electrochemical Response to Dopamine

Abstract

Copolymers of N-vinylcarbazole and acrylamide were synthesized by the free radical polymerization using AIBN as initiator. Copolymer electrodes were prepared by casting from 3% solution on platinum and stainless steel substrate. Solvent was removed by heating at 1 10°C in vacuum 10 - Pa for 5 h. The response of electrodes to dopamine was tested by cyclic voltammetry and results suggest that depending on conditions (i.e., scan rates, thickness of film, composition of copolymer), the electrode shows reversible and stable behavior during the 14 days and it seems to he a suitable sensor electrode to dopamine. Stability of copolymer coating was investigated for stainless steel electrodes in sulfuric acid and it is found that copolymer coating can inhibit the corrosion of stainless steel up to 94%.