Preparation and Characterization of a Molecularly Imprinted Microgel for Electrochemical Sensing of 2,4,6‐Trichlorophenol

Abstract

Abstract This article describes the synthesis and characterization of a catalytic 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol molecularly imprinted microgel that could replace a natural chloroperoxidase to develop electrochemical sensors. This polymer exhibits an apparent mean particle size of 1–4 µm and high porosity, and mimics the dehalogenative function of the natural enzyme chloroperoxidase for p ‐halophenols. Two strategies were explored: a carbon paste modified with the polymer and the drop‐coating of screen‐printed electrodes with powder suspensions of the polymer and carbon nanotubes. With this last design, TCP concentrations above 25 µM could be detected. The sensor developed this way could be used for environmental waste screening.