DNA-based membranes for potential applications

In this paper, we present results of our research on developing of new deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based conducting membranes for application in electrochromic devices. Improvements of performances of DNA-based solid bioelectrolyte in smart windows were achieved by adding plasticizer like glycerol and different amounts of photosensitive chromophores, such as Nile Blue. The results were obtained and analyzed by a variety of experimental tools and techniques such as FT-IR, UV-VIS spectroscopy, fluorescence, electric conductivity, contact angle, charge density measurements, and cyclic voltammetry. The biomembranes with the highest ionic conductivity values were successfully applied in smart windows with glass/ITO/WO3/DNA-based membranes/CeO2-TiO2/ITO/glass configuration which have shown a good change of transmittance under the applied electric field. The obtained results suggest that DNA-based electrolytes are very promising materials to be applied in electrochromic devices.