Stability of Substituted Phenyl Groups Electrochemically Grafted at Carbon Electrode Surface

Fabrication of ionic liquid-mesoporous silica/platinum electrode with high hydroelectric stability for electric-field-assisted particle separation

Surface chemistry of electrodes plays a critical role in the fields of electrochemistry and electric-field-assisted separation. In this study, making ingenious use of the ordered mesoporous structure of silica materials and the electrochemical stability of ionic liquids (ILs) when integrated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), the PVP-modified IL-mesoporous silica/platinum wire (Pt/PVP@meso-SiO₂@IL) was fabricated to increase hydroelectric stability and avoid the problem of electrode polarization. The effect of different amounts of mesoporous silica material used to modify the surface of the Pt electrode was systematically investigated. As a result, we successfully obtained a highly ordered mesoporous Pt/PVP@meso-SiO₂ material with smooth surface. Because pentyl triethylamine bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide exhibits a wide electrochemical window between -3 to 3 V, this IL was chosen to modify mesopores under vacuum. Even after repeatedly applying electric field on Pt/PVP@meso-SiO₂@IL 100 times, this working electrode remained stable and showed high hydroelectric stability. After verifying the feasibility of this method, it was successfully applied in the electric-field-assisted separation of 2.0 and 3.0 μm polystyrene particles without any impediment from electrode polarization problems. This work provides a brand-new insight for resolving the problem of electrode polarization by developing a versatile tool for the electroseparation of micro-objects.

Atomic Isolation and Anchoring of Commercial Pt/C Nanoparticles, a Promising Pathway for Durable PEMFCs

This study examines the atomic confinement of commercial Pt/C electrocatalysts. While a high electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction is important for proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) performance, the high stability of the electrocatalyst is essential for real applications under harsh operating conditions. The demands necessitate the development of advanced electrocatalysts that are resistant to corrosion. A combination of diazonium chemistry with Cu electrodeposition permits the selective protection of the carbon surface of the commercial Pt/C to prevent corrosion while improving wettability and ionic transfer. The resulting electrocatalysts exhibit an exceptional ORR stability after accelerated stress testing (AST) with a 250% improvement in comparison with unprotected commercial Pt/C. This novel electrochemical pathway provides a much-needed boost to carbon-based catalytic supports, which still face several stability challenges in energy applications in a harsh environment.

Electrografting of Carbon Surfaces with Aliphatic Chains and its Effect on the Rectification of Ferrocene as Redox Probe in Solution

The mediated oxidation of acetate and octanoate ions in acetonitrile was used to covalently modify carbon surfaces with films bearing saturated aliphatic chains of different length. Film thickness increases proportionally with the length of the aliphatic chain within the carboxylate precursor. The thickest film was obtained from octanoate oxidation and rectification occurs when ferrocene is used as redox probe in acetonitrile solution. This effect increases with the bulky and hydrophobic nature of the supporting electrolyte cations; n-Hx₄ N⁺ >n-Bu₄ N⁺ >Me₄ N⁺ . The combination of the bulky and hydrophobic properties of the supporting electrolyte ions as well as the hydrophobic properties of the electrografted films is the basis of rectification of ferrocene in cyclic voltammetry experiments. This phenomenon was simulated through a CEC mechanism in solution, where the mass transport inside the film channels was emulated through single chemical equilibria.

Electrografting of 4-Carboxybenzenediazonium on Glassy Carbon Electrode: The Effect of Concentration on the Formation of Mono and Multilayers

Grafting of electrodes with diazonium salts using cyclic voltammetry (CV) is a well-established procedure for surface modification. However, little is known about the effect of the concentration of the diazonium salt on the number of layers grafted on the electrode surface. In this work, the impact of concentration on the grafting of 4-carboxybenzenediazonium (4-CBD) onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) is elucidated. The number of layers grafted on the GCE was linearly dependent on the concentration of 4-CBD and varied between 0.9 and 4.3 when the concentration was varied between 0.050 and 0.30 mmol/L at 0.10 V.s-1. Characterization of modified glassy carbon surface with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the grafting of carboxyphenyl layer on the surface. Grafting with 0.15 mmol/L 4-CBD (1 CV cycle) did not form a detectable amount of carboxyphenyl (CP) moieties at the surface, while a single scan with higher concentration (2.5 mmol/L) or multiple scans (22 cycles) gave detectable signals, indicating formation of multilayers. We also demonstrate the possibility of removing the thin layer grafted on a glassy carbon electrode by applying high oxidation potential +1.40 V.

Stimuli-responsive degrafting of polymer brushes via addressable catecholato-metal attachments

Surface attached catecholato-metal complexes serve as polymer brush initiators with well-defined densities and enable stimuli-responsive degrafting of polymer brushes.

Electrochemical-Signal-Amplification Strategy for an Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay with g-C3N4 as Tags

Signal amplification for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) has conventionally been achieved by employing effective matrixes that can accelerate the electrochemical redox processes or carry more electrochemiluminophores. Herein, a convenient signal-amplification strategy was proposed for an ECL immunoassay with carboxylated g-C₃N₄ nanosheets (NSs) as tags and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as the model target via electrochemically pretreating the substrate: a glassy-carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a polymerized 2-aminoterephthalic acid (ATA) film (GCE/ATA). Bioconjugates of g-C₃N₄ NSs and the signal CEA antibody (Ab₂) (i.e., g-C₃N₄ NS-Ab₂) were immobilized on GCE/ATA via a sandwich immunoreaction to form GCE/ATA-Ab₁-Ag-Ab₂-NSs. Electrochemical-impedance spectroscopy and potential-resolved ECL characterization proved that GCE/ATA plays an important role in the electron-transfer resistance ( R_et) of the GCE/ATA-Ab₁-Ag-Ab₂-NSs for ECL and that successively scanning GCE/ATA-Ab₁-Ag-Ab₂-NSs from 0 to -1.6 V in K₂S₂O₈- and H₂O₂-containing medium could reduce the R_et and bring out 3.3-times-enhanced ECL at the 10th scan cycle compared with that of the 1st scan cycle, which was about 10.2 times the ECL of the GCE/ATA-Ab₁-Ag-Ab₂-NSs in medium containing merely K₂S₂O₈. Inspired by this, direct and successive scanning of GCE/ATA in K₂S₂O₈- and H₂O₂-containing medium was employed during fabrication, which dramatically reduced the R_et of GCE/ATA-Ab₁-Ag-Ab₂-NSs and brought out obviously enhanced ECL responses for selectively determining CEA from 0.1 pg/mL to 1 ng/mL, with a detection limit of 3 fg/mL.

Molecular signature of polyoxometalates in electron transport of silicon-based molecular junctions

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are unconventional electro-active molecules with a great potential for applications in molecular memories, providing efficient processing steps onto electrodes are available. The synthesis of the organic-inorganic polyoxometalate hybrids [PM11O39{Sn(C6H4)C[triple bond, length as m-dash]C(C6H4)N2}]3- (M = Mo, W) endowed with a remote diazonium function is reported together with their covalent immobilization onto hydrogenated n-Si(100) substrates. Electron transport measurements through the resulting densely-packed monolayers contacted with a mercury drop as a top electrode confirms their homogeneity. Adjustment of the current-voltage curves with the Simmon's equation gives a mean tunnel energy barrier ΦPOM of 1.8 eV and 1.6 eV, for the Silicon-Molecules-Metal (SMM) junctions based on the polyoxotungstates (M = W) and polyoxomolybdates (M = Mo), respectively. This follows the trend observed in the electrochemical properties of POMs in solution, the polyoxomolybdates being easier to reduce than the polyoxotungstates, in agreement with lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) of lower energy. The molecular signature of the POMs is thus clearly identifiable in the solid-state electrical properties and the unmatched diversity of POM molecular and electronic structures should offer a great modularity.

In Situ Spectroelectrochemical Studies into the Formation and Stability of Robust Diazonium-Derived Interfaces on Gold Electrodes for the Immobilization of an Oxygen-Tolerant Hydrogenase

Surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy is used in situ to determine the electrochemical stability of organic interfaces deposited onto the surface of nanostructured, thin-film gold electrodes via the electrochemical reduction of diazonium salts. These interfaces are shown to exhibit a wide electrochemical stability window in both acetonitrile and phosphate buffer, far surpassing the stability window of thiol-derived self-assembled monolayers. Using the same in situ technique, the application of radical scavengers during the electrochemical reduction of diazonium salts is shown to moderate interface formation. Consequently, the heterogeneous charge-transfer resistance can be reduced sufficiently to enhance the direct electron transfer between an immobilized redox-active enzyme and the electrode. This was demonstrated for the oxygen-tolerant [NiFe] hydrogenase from the "Knallgas" bacterium Ralstonia eutropha by relating its electrochemical activity for hydrogen oxidation to the interface properties.

Grafting Commercial Surfactants (Brij, CiEj) and PEG to Electrodes via Aryldiazonium Salts

Grafting commercial surfactants appears to be a simple way to modify electrodes and conducting interfaces, avoiding the synthesis of complex organic molecules. A new surface functionalization route is presented to build surfactant coatings with monolayer thickness grafting molecules considered as nonreactive. A monolayer of -SO₂Cl functions (from a p-benzenesulfonyl chloride) was first electrografted. It showed a high reactivity toward weak nucleophiles commonly found on surfactant end-moieties such as hydroxyl groups (-OH), and it was used to covalently graft the following: (1) nonionic diblock oligomers (Brij or CiEj, C_xH_2x + (OCH₂CH₂)_nOH with x = 16 and n = 23 for Brij58, x = 16 and n = 10 for Brij C10, and x = 16 and n = 2 for Brij52); (2) poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) short chains (PEO₉ for (OCH₂CH₂)_nOH with n = 9) and mixed formula. The surface modification due to these molecular coatings was investigated in terms of wetting properties and interfacial electrochemistry characteristics (charge transfer resistivity, capacity, and ions dynamics). Built on flat and transparent thin chromium films, Brij and PEO mixed coatings have been proven to be promising coatings for electrochemical biosensor application such as for stabilizing a partially tethered supported biomimetic membrane.

Tailoring the Electrochemical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Modified Indium Tin Oxide via in Situ Grafting of Aryl Diazonium

Our ability to tailor the electronic properties of surfaces by nanomodification is paramount for various applications, including development of sensing, fuel cell, and solar technologies. Moreover, in order to improve the rational design of conducting surfaces, an improved understanding of structure/function relationships of nanomodifications and effect they have on the underlying electronic properties is required. Herein, we report on the tuning and optimization of the electrochemical properties of indium tin oxide (ITO) functionalized with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). This was achieved by controlling in situ grafting of aryl amine diazonium films on the nanoscale which were used to covalently tether SWCNTs. The structure/function relationship of these nanomodifications on the electronic properties of ITO was elucidated via time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and electrochemical and physical characterization techniques which has led to new mechanistic insights into the in situ grafting of diazonium. We discovered that the connecting bond is a nitro group which is covalently linked to a carbon on the aryl amine. The increased understanding of the surface chemistry gained through these studies enabled us to fabricate surfaces with optimized electron transfer kinetics. The knowledge gained from these studies allows for the rational design and tuning of the electronic properties of ITO-based conducting surfaces important for development of various electronic applications.

Covalent Modification of Glassy Carbon Surfaces by Electrochemical Grafting of Aryl Iodides

The reduction of an aryl iodide is generally believed to involve a clean-cut two-electron reduction to produce an aryl anion and iodide. This is in contradiction to what is observed if a highly efficient grafting agent, such as an aryldiazonium salt, is employed. The difference in behavior is explained by the much more extreme potentials required for reducing an aryl iodide, which facilitates the further reduction of the aryl radical formed as an intermediate. However, in this study we disclose that electrografting of aryl iodides is indeed possible upon extended voltammetric cycling. This implies that even if the number of aryl radicals left unreduced at the electrode surface is exceedingly small, a functionalization of the surface may still be promoted. In fact, the grafting efficiency is found to increase during the grafting process, which may be explained by the inhibiting effect the growing film exerts on the competing reduction of the aryl radical. The slow buildup of the organic film results in a well-ordered structure as shown by the well-defined electrochemical response from a grafted film containing ferrocenylmethyl groups. Hence, the reduction of aryl iodides allows a precisely controlled, albeit slow, growth of thin organic films.

Nanoconfined self-assembly on a grafted graphitic surface under electrochemical control

Highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) can be covalently grafted with aryl radicals generated via the electrochemical reduction of 3,5-bis-tert-butyl-diazonium cations (3,5-TBD). The structure of the grafted layer and its stability under electrochemical conditions were assessed with electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Stable within a wide (>2.5 V) electrochemical window, the grafted species can be locally removed using EC-STM-tip nanolithography. Using dibenzyl viologen as an example, we show that the generated nanocorrals of bare graphitic surface can be used to study nucleation and growth of self-assembled structures under conditions of nanoconfinement and electrochemical potential control.

Functionalizing Arrays of Transferred Monolayer Graphene on Insulating Surfaces by Bipolar Electrochemistry

Development of versatile methods for graphene functionalization is necessary before use in applications such as composites or as catalyst support. In this study, bipolar electrochemistry is used as a wireless functionalization method to graft 4-bromobenzenediazonium on large (10 × 10 mm(2)) monolayer graphene sheets supported on SiO2. Using this technique, transferred graphene can be electrochemically functionalized without the need of a metal support or the deposition of physical contacts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy are used to map the chemical changes and modifications of graphene across the individual sheets. Interestingly, the defect density is similar between samples, independent of driving potential, whereas the grafting density is increased upon increasing the driving potential. It is observed that the 2D nature of the electrode influences the electrochemistry and stability of the electrode compared to conventional electrografting using a three-electrode setup. On one side, the graphene will be blocked by the attached organic film, but the conductivity is also altered upon functionalization, which makes the graphene electrode different from a normal metal electrode. Furthermore, it is shown that it is possible to simultaneously modify an array of many small graphene electrodes (1 × 1 mm(2)) on SiO2.

Nanoporous membranes with electrochemically switchable, chemically stabilized ionic selectivity

Nanopore size, shape, and surface charge all play important roles in regulating ionic transport through nanoporous membranes. The ability to control these parameters in situ provides a means to create ion transport systems tunable in real time. Here, we present a new strategy to address this challenge, utilizing three unique electrochemically switchable chemistries to manipulate the terminal functional group and control the resulting surface charge throughout ensembles of gold plated nanopores in ion-tracked polycarbonate membranes 3 cm(2) in area. We demonstrate the diazonium mediated surface functionalization with (1) nitrophenyl chemistry, (2) quinone chemistry, and (3) previously unreported trimethyl lock chemistry. Unlike other works, these chemistries are chemically stabilized, eliminating the need for a continuously applied gate voltage to maintain a given state and retain ionic selectivity. The effect of surface functionalization and nanopore geometry on selective ion transport through these functionalized membranes is characterized in aqueous solutions of sodium chloride at pH = 5.7. The nitrophenyl surface allows for ionic selectivity to be irreversibly switched in situ from cation-selective to anion-selective upon reduction to an aminophenyl surface. The quinone-terminated surface enables reversible changes between no ionic selectivity and a slight cationic selectivity. Alternatively, the trimethyl lock allows ionic selectivity to be reversibly switched by up to a factor of 8, approaching ideal selectivity, as a carboxylic acid group is electrochemically revealed or hidden. By varying the pore shape from cylindrical to conical, it is demonstrated that a controllable directionality can be imparted to the ionic selectivity. Combining control of nanopore geometry with stable, switchable chemistries facilitates superior control of molecular transport across the membrane, enabling tunable ion transport systems.

Increasing the Affinity Between Carbon-Coated LiFePO4/C Electrodes and Conventional Organic Electrolyte by Spontaneous Grafting of a Benzene-Trifluoromethylsulfonimide Moiety

The grafting of benzene-trifluoromethylsulfonimide groups on LiFePO4/C was achieved by spontaneous reduction of in situ generated diazonium ions of the corresponding 4-amino-benzene-trifluoromethylsulfonimide. The diazotization of 4-amino-benzene-trifluoromethylsulfonimide was a slow process that required a high concentration of precursors to promote the spontaneous grafting reaction. Contact angle measurements showed a hydrophilic surface was produced after the reaction that is consistent with grafting of benzene-trifluoromethylsulfonimide groups. Elemental analysis data revealed a 2.1 wt % loading of grafted molecules on the LiFePO4/C powder. Chemical oxidation of the cathode material during the grafting reaction was detected by X-ray diffraction and quantified by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Surface modification improves the wettability of the cathode material, and better discharge capacities were obtained for modified electrodes at high C-rate. In addition, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed the resistance of the modified cathode was lower than that of the bare LiFePO4/C film electrode. Moreover, the modified cathode displayed superior capacity retention after 200 cycles of charge/discharge at 1 C.

Patterned Carboxylation of Graphene Using Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

A simple, direct, and versatile scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) approach for local carboxylation of multilayered graphene on nickel is demonstrated, in which carbon dioxide serves as the carboxylation agent under reductive conditions in N,N-dimethylformamide. The use of SECM gives control over both the spatial dimensions and the degree of carboxylation. While the pattern size, in general, is governed by the dimension of the SECM tip, the degree of modification, expressed as the surface coverage of carboxylate groups introduced at the graphene substrate, is found to be controlled by the electrolysis time. This is supported by electrochemical measurements, two-dimensional X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy mapping, and He ion microscopy. Surprisingly, intercalation of the supporting electrolyte in the multilayered graphene on nickel occurs to a relatively small extent when compared to corresponding results obtained in previously described carboxylations of this kind of multilayered graphene.

Evidence of monolayer formation via diazonium grafting with a radical scavenger: electrochemical, AFM and XPS monitoring

AFM monitoring of controlled surface modification with a radical scavenger.

Spontaneous aryldiazonium film formation on 440C stainless steel in nonaqueous environments

The ability of three aryldiazonium salts to spontaneously assemble onto the surface of type 440C stainless steel is investigated in acetonitrile (ACN) and the model hydraulic fluids tributyl phosphate (TBP) and hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS). Competition between native oxide formation and organic film growth at different diazonium salt concentrations is monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. At 1 mM diazonium salt, 70% of total assembly is complete within 10 min, though total surface coverage by organics is limited to ≈0.15 monolayers. Adding HCl to the electrolyte renders native oxide formation unfavorable, yet the diazonium molecules are still unable to the increase surface coverage over 1 M-10 μM HCl in solution. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms preferential bonding of organic molecules to iron over chromium, while secondary ion mass spectroscopy reveals the ability of these films to self-heal when mechanically removed or damaged. Aging the diazonium salts in these nonaqueous environments demonstrates that up to 90% of the original diazonium salt concentration remains after 21 days at room temperature, while increasing the temperature beyond 50 °C results in complete decomposition within 24 h, regardless of solvent-salt combination. It is concluded that the investigated diazonium molecules will not spontaneously form a continuous monolayer on 440C stainless steel immersed in ACN, TBP, or HMDS.

Programmable transdermal clonidine delivery through voltage-gated carbon nanotube membranes

Oral dosage forms and traditional transdermal patches are inadequate for complex clonidine therapy dosing schemes, because of the variable dose/flux requirement for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro transdermal flux changes of clonidine in response to alterations in carbon nanotube (CNT) delivery rates by applying various electrical bias. Additional skin diffusion studies were carried out to demonstrate the therapeutic feasibility of the system. This study demonstrated that application of a small electrical bias (-600 mV) to the CNT membrane on the skin resulted in a 4.7-fold increase in clonidine flux as compared with no bias (0 mV) application. The high and low clonidine flux values were very close to the desired variable flux of clonidine for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms. Therapeutic feasibility studies demonstrated that CNT membrane served as the rate-limiting step to clonidine diffusion and lag and transition times were suitable for the clonidine therapy. Skin elimination studies revealed that clonidine depletion from the skin would not negatively affect clonidine therapy. Overall, this study showed that clonidine administration difficulties associated with the treatment of opiate withdrawal symptoms can be reduced with the programmable CNT membrane transdermal system.

Control of the grafting of hybrid polyoxometalates on metal and carbon surfaces: toward submonolayers

A Keggin-type POM is attached to gold or glassy carbon surfaces by electro(chemical) or peptidic coupling. In addition to demonstrating the robust attachment of the POMs (by electrochemistry, XPS, and IRRAS), the surface concentration, layer thickness, and rate constant for electron transfer from the surface to the POMs have been measured. The use of such complementary techniques is mandatory to characterize the modified electrodes properly. Whatever the grafting method, experimental conditions are found to allow monolayer or submonolayer coverage. Besides covalently grafted species, additional electrostatically bonded POMs are present in the film. Cathodic polarization allows removing them to get a grafted film that is stable with time and potential, which is a requirement in the design of molecular memories.

Light-induced organic monolayer modification of iodinated carbon electrodes

We report the modification of carbon electrodes formed from pyrolyzed photoresist films (PPF) via plasma iodination followed by the organic monolayer modification of these surfaces. The iodinated surfaces were characterized using cyclic voltammetry, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to enable the optimization of the iodination while preserving the stability and smoothness of the carbon surface. Subsequently, the C-I surface was further modified with molecules that possess an alkene or alkyne at one end through light activation with low energy (visible range λ 514 nm). The versatility of the modification reaction of the C-I surfaces is shown by reactions with undecylenic acid, 1,8-nonadiyne, and S-undec-10-enyl-2,2,2-trifluoroethanethioate (C11-S-TFA). Modification with 1,8-nonadiyne allows further modification via "click" chemistry with azido-terminated oligo(ethylene oxide) molecules demonstrated briefly to alter the hydrophilicity of the surface after attachment of ethylene oxide moieties. Furthermore, patterning of C11-S-TFA was demonstrated using a simple photolithography technique. Deprotection of the C11-S-TFA gave a free thiol allowed patterning of gold nanoparticles on the surface as verified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These results demonstrate that plasma iodination to form C-I is a versatile, simple, and modular approach to functionalize the carbon surface.

Receptor-based detection of 2,4-dinitrotoluene using modified three-dimensionally ordered macroporous carbon electrodes

Detection of explosives, such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), is becoming increasingly important. Here, 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT, a common analogue of TNT) is detected electrochemically. A receptor based electrode for the detection of DNT was prepared by modifying the surface of the walls of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) carbon. Nitrophenyl groups were first attached by the electrochemical reduction of 4-nitrobenzenediazonium ions, followed by potentiostatic reduction to aminophenyl groups. Chemical functionalization reactions were then performed to synthesize the receptor, which contains two urea groups, and a terminal primary amine. Detection of DNT using cyclic voltammetry was impeded by a large background current that resulted from the capacitance of 3DOM carbon. Detection by square wave voltammetry eliminated the background current and improved the detection limit. Unfunctionalized 3DOM carbon electrodes showed no response to DNT, whereas the receptor-modified electrodes responded to DNT with a detection limit of 10 μM. Detection of DNT was possible even in the presence of interferents such as nitrobenzene.

Covalent attachment of FeFe hydrogenases to carbon electrodes for direct electron transfer

Direct electron transfer between enzymes and electrodes is now commonly achieved, but obtaining protein films that are very stable may be challenging. This is particularly crucial in the case of hydrogenases, the enzymes that catalyze the biological conversion between dihydrogen and protons, because the instability of the hydrogenase films may prevent the use of these enzymes as electrocatalysts of H(2) oxidation and production in biofuel cells and photoelectrochemical cells. Here we show that two different FeFe hydrogenases (from Chamydomonas reinhardtii and Clostridium acetobutylicum) can be covalently attached to functionalized pyrolytic graphite electrodes using peptidic coupling. In both cases, a surface patch of lysine residues makes it possible to favor an orientation that is efficient for fast, direct electron transfer. High hydrogen-oxidation current densities are maintained for up to one week, the only limitation being the intrinsic stability of the enzyme. We also show that covalent attachment has no effect on the catalytic properties of the enzyme, which means that this strategy can also used be for electrochemical studies of the catalytic mechanism.

Spontaneous grafting of diazonium salts: chemical mechanism on metallic surfaces

The spontaneous reaction of diazonium salts on various substrates has been widely employed since it consists of a simple immersion of the substrate in the diazonium salt solution. As electrochemical processes involving the same diazonium salts, the spontaneous grafting is assumed to give covalently poly(phenylene)-like bonded films. Resistance to solvents and to ultrasonication is commonly accepted as indirect proof of the existence of a covalent bond. However, the most relevant attempts to demonstrate a metal-C interface bond have been obtained by an XPS investigation of spontaneously grafted films on copper. Similarly, our experiments give evidence of such a bond in spontaneously grafted films on nickel substrates in acetonitrile. In the case of gold substrates, the formation of a spontaneous film was unexpected but reported in the literature in parallel to our observations. Even if no interfacial bond was observed, formation of the films was explained by grafting of aryl cations or radicals on the surface arising from dediazoniation, the film growing later by azo coupling, radical addition, or cationic addition on the grafted phenyl layer. Nevertheless, none of these mechanisms fits our experimental results showing the presence of an Au-N bond. In this work, we present a fine spectroscopic analysis of the coatings obtained on gold and nickel substrates that allow us to propose a chemical structure of such films, in particular, their interface with the substrates. After testing the most probable mechanisms, we have concluded in favor of the involvement of two complementary mechanisms which are the direct reaction of diazonium salts with the gold surface that accounts for the observed Au-N interfacial bonds as well as the formation of aryl cations able to graft on the substrate through Au-C linkages.

Formation and reactivity of 3-diazopyridinium cations and influence on their reductive electrografting on glassy carbon

The in situ generation of 3-diazonium cations from 3-aminopyridine and their subsequent stability under experimental conditions used for electrografting of pyridine groups were investigated by spectroscopy and electrochemistry. UV spectroscopy revealed the rapid kinetics for the reaction of 3-aminopyridine with sodium nitrite in HCl to form the 3-diazopyridinium cation with a second-order rate constant of 550 ± 20 L mol(-1) s(-1) at 22 °C. UV spectroscopy showed that the 3-diazopyridinium ion was relatively unstable and its transformation into 3-hydroxypyridine was proven by (1)H NMR. Its hydrolytic decomposition was investigated by NMR and followed first-order kinetics with a rate constant of (53 ± 5) × 10(-3) s(-1) at 22 °C. These results enable us to establish the appropriate conditions for the electrografting of pyridine from the corresponding diazonium cations generated in situ. The electrochemical modification of glassy carbon electrodes with pyridine was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and the resulting grafted layer by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the presence of Fe(CN)(6)(3-/4-) as redox probes. The effect of diazotization time before electrochemical reduction on the blocking effect of the grafted layer was investigated and showed that an increase of the diazotization time led to less efficient grafting. The presence of immobilized pyridine on the electrode surface was demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, and a surface coverage of 8.8 × 10(-10) mol cm(-2) was estimated for the grafted pyridine groups. The significance of these results for researchers using the in situ generation approach for electrochemical and chemical grafting is discussed.

In situ studies of the adsorption kinetics of 4-nitrobenzenediazonium salt on gold

Self-assembled organic layers are an important tool for modifying surfaces in a range of applications in materials science. Covalent modification of metal surfaces with aryldiazonium cations has attracted much attention primarily because this reaction offers a route for spontaneously grafting a variety of aromatic moieties from solution with high yield. We have investigated the kinetics of this process by performing real-time, in situ nanogravimetric measurements. The spontaneous grafting of 4-nitrobenzene diazonium salts onto gold electrodes was studied via quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) from aqueous solutions of the salt at varying concentrations. The concentration dependence of the grafting rate within the first 10 min is best modeled by assuming a reversible adsorption process with free energy comparable to that reported for arylthiols self-assembled on gold. Multilayer formation was observed after extended grafting times and was found to be favored by increasing bulk concentrations of the diazonium salt. Modified gold surfaces were characterized ex situ with cyclic voltammetry, infrared reflection absorbance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Based on the experimentally determined free energy of adsorption and on the observed grafting rates, we discuss a proposed mechanism for aryldiazonium chemisorption.