Abstract: A method for using hydrogels to detect metal ions, including transition metal ions, comprises contacting the hydrogel in any order, with a sample potentially containing metal ions, and a solution comprising a fluorescent dye, nanoparticle, colorimetric tag, or combination thereof. The presence of metal ions in the sample may be detected by one or more suitable techniques, such as determining the color, conductivity, Raman, infrared spectrum, and/or size and/or mass change of the hydrogel. The method may be useful for detecting corrosion and/or failure of protective coating of metal structures including outdoor sculptures, building, bridges, ships, and the like.

Abstract: A method for using hydrogels to detect metal ions, including transition metal ions, comprises contacting the hydrogel in any order, with a sample potentially containing metal ions, and a solution comprising a fluorescent dye, nanoparticle, colorimetric tag, or combination thereof. The presence of metal ions in the sample may be detected by one or more suitable techniques, such as determining the color, conductivity, Raman, infrared spectrum, and/or size and/or mass change of the hydrogel. The method may be useful for detecting corrosion and/or failure of protective coating of metal structures including outdoor sculptures, building, bridges, ships, and the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of hydrogels for electrochemical sensing, electrodes comprising the hydrogels, and methods of making and using the hydrogels are disclosed. The disclosed hydrogel electrodes comprise a cross-linked poly(acrylic acid-co-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (poly(AA-AMPS)) hydrogel and an electrical contact.

Abstract: Embodiments of hydrogels for electrochemical sensing, electrodes comprising the hydrogels, and methods of making and using the hydrogels are disclosed. The disclosed hydrogel electrodes comprise a cross-linked poly(acrylic acid-co-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (poly(AA-AMPS)) hydrogel and an electrical contact.

Abstract: This invention provides surfaces having nanocylinders, such as carbon nanotubes, attached thereto through biomolecular interactions, devices made from assemblies of nanocylinder-modified surfaces, and methods for producing nanocylinder modified surfaces. A variety of biomolecular interactions may be used to attach the nanocylinders to the surfaces, including hybridization of complementary oligonucleotide sequences and receptor-ligand interactions.