Incorporation of sensor-based materials into printable carbon nanotube (CNT) inks and functionalization of CNTs with novel ionophore inspired polymers allows for printable calcium ion electrodes on various substrates including flexible Kapton® surfaces. Using CNT as the solid contact, various ionophore-containing inks have been prepared. Following positive calcium response and sensitivity in ink-ionophore mixtures, the development of ionophore inspired monomers was hypothesized. Results of both ionophore inspired monomer development and functionalization of CNTs with ionophore inspired polymers will be presented. Briefly, coating the CNT with a layer of polydopamine (PDA), followed by monomer polymerization using surface-initiated activators regenerated by electron transfer radical polymerization (SI-ARGET ATRP) of novel methacrylate monomers with end functionalities provides ink mixtures capable of binding calcium ions. Progressive increase in the thickness of the modified CNTs after each modification stages was seen on TEM analysis and measured vs. calcium sensitivity. The calcium binding properties of the modified CNTs have been investigated as printable inks to the development of wearable/flexible calcium electrodes.

Synthesis and evaluation of jet-printable polymer-coated carbon nanotube inks as calcium ion sensitive electrodes

2019 Spring National Meeting

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