Functionalization of porous agarose film with single‐walled carbon nanotubes as excellent electrochemical interface materials

Abstract Three‐dimensional (3D) agarose gel network could be readily modified with single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) through their noncovalent interactions. Because of the embedded SWNT network, the agarose‐SWNT film fabricated by the gel‐drying method well maintained its in‐plane shape and size. Compared with pure agarose film, the maximum strain at break and strength of agarose‐SWNT film could be increased by 67.2% and 24%, respectively. More importantly, modifying the bare glass carbon electrode (GCE) with agarose‐SWNT film, we observed 12 times increase in dopamine (DA) electrochemical peak current, and 2.6 times increase in the case of potassium ferricyanide (K₃Fe(CN)₆). The porous 3D agarose network interpenetrated with high‐conductivity SWNT network might contribute to the excellent electrochemical interface property. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers