Karina Milagros R. Cui-Lim1,2,3, Christina A. Binag3
1College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines
2Research Office, University of Eastern Philippines
3 Research Center for Natural Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
Address for Corresponding Author
Dr. Karina Milagros R. Cui-Lim
College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines
Catarman Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines
Abstract
Objective: Nanowires of polythiophene (PTp) were electrochemically synthesized using the pores of the prepared Anodic Alumina Oxide (AAO) templates. The anodization experiments were performed using Al foil to create alumina pores having pore diameters of 150-250 nm. Materials and methods: The electrochemical polymerization synthesis of PTp nanowires was carried out using a potentiostatic condition in a three-electrode system. The best electropolymerization conditions were 0.1 M thiophene (Tp) monomer, 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAClO4) dopant, in 10.00 mL acetonitrile, at a temperature of 0 + 1 0C, without stirring the polymerization solution using 1.6 V at 2 mA/cm2 current density. Four-point probe conductivity tests were done to determine the electrical properties of the PTp nanowires formed. PTp nanowires revealed a higher conductivity of 11.30 S/cm (0.50% RSD, n=3) compared to the bulk polymerized Al foil (1.45 S/cm). Results: The Scanning Electron image of PTp nanowires showed uniform cylindrical nodules with diameter of ~150 nm. In vitro testing unveiled a novel application of the fabricated PTp nanowires for its antimicrobial activity (100% reduction of colony growth) against S. aureus and E. coli. The antimicrobial property of the nanowire was further confirmed using V. fischeri (bioluminescent bacteria). Conclusion: In this study, the facile AAO template synthesis method utilized for PTp nanowires growth gave higher conductivity that could find wider environmental and medical applications.
Keywords: nanowires, polythiophene, template synthesis, anodic alumina oxide, SEM, antimicrobial property
