Electrochemical analysis of a PPV derivative thin film doped with ß-ketoimine calix[4]arene in the dark and under illumination for the detection of Hg2+ ions

► We investigate the surfaces morphology of MEH-PPV and MEH-PPV/ß-ketoimine Cal[4] films by AFM and SEM. ► We study the sensing properties in the dark and under illumination for the recognition of mercury ions. ► EIS technique was applied to monitor the effect of light excitation on the complexation mechanism.