Electropolymerization of ferrocene bis-amide derivatives: A possible route to an electrochemical sensory device

The electrochemical behaviour of ferrocene bis-amide derivatives in the presence and in the absence of an alkali metal cation is described. Voltammetric studies confirm the selective complexation ability of these compounds towards Li+ among the alkali metal cations. Platinum and glassy carbon electrodes have been modified by electropolymerization of pyrrole-substituted ferrocene bis-amide derivatives. The influence of the alkali metal cation on both the electropolymerization step and on the redox behaviour of the resulting films has been studied, The formation of a complex between polymerizable ferrocene bis-amide derivatives and Li+ leads to an increase in the deposition efficiency. In aqueous media, the redox potential of the electroactive film depends on the nature and the concentration of the counter-anion of the electrolyte.