The use of cyclic voltammetry and principal component analysis for the rapid evaluation of selectivity of conductive polymer sensors

Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to cyclic voltammetric data obtained using a microelectrode array containing nine different conducting electroactive polymers. The array was immersed into two different supportin g electrolytes containing potassium and methylamine. The objective was to b uild a method for selection of conducting electroactive polymers and predic t favorable potential ranges for operation at a microelectrode array detect or that discriminates between potassium and methylamine. The important adva ntage of this approach is that the analyst is presented with PC model optio ns to produce 'purpose built' microelectrode arrays. The approach should be widely applicable.