DNA-based ionic conducting membranes

Abstract

Deoxyribonucleic acid based gel solid electrolytes were prepared and their electric properties were characterized. Their ionic conductivity is in the range of 10−4–10−5 S/cm at room temperature and increases linearly in function of temperature, obeying an Arrhenius-like relationship. The present study, combined with the literature data, suggests that the electrical conduction mechanism in these membranes involve ion motion and/or charge hopping, promoted most likely by a significant interaction between the membrane components. The good conductivity results, as found here, together with the good transparency and good adhesion to the electrodes show that the DNA-based gel polymer electrolytes are very promising materials for application in various electrochromic devices.