Electrodes modified with sulphonated poly(aryl ether sulphone): effect of casting conditions on their enhanced electroanalytical performance.

• Linear sulphonated poly(arylethersulphone) membranes as electrode modifiers.
• Parameters evaluated: casting solvent, drying and storage method, ionic moieties.
• Casting solvent seems to play a key role in the final electrode performance.
• Four solvents tested: DMF, DMAc, DMSO, NMP.
• Best electrode prepared using NMP, dried at 25 °C in a drying oven.

Linear sulphonated poly(arylethersulphone) (SPAES) membranes were tested and compared with Nafion, as electrode modifiers for electroanalytical purposes. Different preparation parameters were evaluated: casting solvent, method of drying and storage, polymer ionic moieties counter-ion. In particular, the casting solvent seems to play a key role in the final modified electrode performances. Four solvents characterized by different boiling point and polarity were tested: dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). The best electrode, particularly in terms of highest peak currents, was the one prepared using a 1% m/v solution of polymer in NMP, dried at 25 °C in a drying oven. Its performances are explained in terms of a favourable membrane organization enabling a thin layer diffusion and/or a preconcentration mechanism.

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