Preparation of a clay–metal complex hybrid film by the Langmuir–Blodgett method and its application as an electrode modifier

A clay–metal complex hybrid film was prepared by the Langmuir–Blodgett technique. According to the method, a monolayer of an amphiphilic osmium(II) complex, [Os(phen)2(dC18bpy)](ClO4)2, (phen=1,10-phenanthroline, dC18bpy=4,4′-dioctadecyl-2,2′-bipyridyl), was formed on an aqueous suspension of a clay. The monolayer acted as a template for the adsorption of a clay particle from an aqueous phase. A hybrid film of a clay and a metal complex was transferred onto a solid surface by the vertical dipping method. The surface of a film was observed with the atomic force microscope (AFM), confirming the formation of a hybrid film with the thickness of ca. 5 nm. By measuring the cyclic voltammograrn on an ITO electrode modified with the hybrid film, the effect of a clay layer was studied on electron-transport processes inside a film.