Surface modification with macrocycle-containing redox-active polymers: towards the design of novel spectroelectrochemical group IA/IIA metal cation sensors

The application of transition metal–polypyridyl complexes to chemical sensor technology is demonstrated. Using fluorescence emission spectroscopy the recognition of Na+ and Mg2+ metal cations by vinyl linked benzo- and aza- crown ether-bipyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes is shown. Such complexes can be electropolymerized onto platinum and optically transparent conducting glass electrodes. Although electrochemical recognition by such modified electrodes is not observed, such systems show promise as novel spectrochemical sensors.