Investigation on PEDOT/β-Fe3+O(OH,Cl) nanospindles as a new steady electrode material for detecting iodic compounds

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT)/β-Fe3+O(OH,Cl) nanospindles dispersed in ethanol were dropped on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and their electrocatalytic properties towards oxidation of KI and reduction of KIO3 were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Compared to bare GCE, the anodic and cathodic response currents were greatly enhanced due to the spindle-like morphology which leaded to the increase of surface area. The effect of scanning rate was also studied and obtained diffusion control to the nature of oxidation process of KI and surface control to the nature of reduction process of KIO3, respectively. PEDOT/β-Fe3+O(OH,Cl) nanospindles modified GCE had good stability and repeatability of CV responses and the used modified electrode could be cleaned easily by ultrasonic for several minutes. This new kind of conducting polymer/inorganic composite nanomaterials could act as a good steady and convenient electrode material for detecting iodic compounds or some other kinds of compounds.