Modified Electrodes with mn4 Complexes: Conception and Electroanalytical Performances for the Detection of Thiols

Tetrapyrrolic macrocycles, such as porphyrin, consisted of four pyrrole units bonded by different bridges, for example methene in the case of porphyrins and azamethene in the case of phthalocyanines. They can complex metal ion transition and the synthesized metallocomplexes are extremely stable. The (electro) chemical properties of MN4 complexes have been widely studied and have been particularly used for the catalysis of electrochemical reactions in homogeneous solutions. The development of electrodes with attached MN4 complexes is also particularly attractive for electrocatalysis of reactions of interest, with an easy separation of catalysis products from the catalyst. This chapter describes the development and use of modified electrodes with a focus on metalloporphyrin and metallophthalocyanine complexes (MPcs) for electrocatalysis and electroanalysis of thiol oxidation. First, the main preparation and characterization ways of MN4-modified electrode are presented, as well as the development of recent immobilization strategies. The latest development of hybrid electrode materials combining MN4 macrocycles and nanoobjects are also described, with emphasis on their electrochemical properties. Finally, the main examples of development MN4-modified electrodes for the electroanalysis of thiols are commented. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016.