A strategy towards melanin-based functional material: rGO and sulfonated melanin composites

• Main Author: Bregadiolli, Bruna Andressa [UNESP]
• Publication Date: 2021
• Other Authors: Paulin, João Vitor, Albano, Luiz Gustavo Simão [UNESP], Martins, Lucas Michelão [UNESP], Camargo, Davi Henrique Starnini de, Silva-Filho, Luiz Carlos da [UNESP], Bufon, Carlos Cesar Bof, Graeff, Carlos Frederico de Oliveira [UNESP]
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositório Institucional da UNESP
• Download full: http://hdl.handle.net/11449/215226
• topic: Bioeletronic material; Melanin; rGO; Composites; Electrical Properties

Melanin is a natural pigment and one of the most promising materials for the emerging field of bioelectronics. The low conductivity of this class of materials is a limiting factor to their implementation on electronics. In this work, we have improved the electrical properties of a melanin-like material by combining it with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Three different concentrations of rGO (5, 10 and 15 wt%) were studied. The composites were structurally (SEM, Raman, XPS, FTIR, and solid-state NMR) and optically (UV-vis and PL) characterized. The electrical properties were investigated through transient current, current-voltage curves and electrochemical impedance under different humidity levels. An improved DC conductivity was found for the 15%rGO@sulfonated melanin composite. The results suggest that, together with sulfonated melanin, it could potentially be suitable for application in bioelectronics and/or organic electronics