Surface Modification of Thermoplastic Electrodes for Biosensing Applications via Copper-Catalyzed Click Chemistry.

Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC), also known as click chemistry, has been demonstrated to be highly robust while providing versatile surface chemistry. One specific application is biosensor fabrication. Recently, we developed thermoplastic electrodes (TPEs) as an alternative to traditional carbon composite electrodes in terms of cost, performance, and robustness. However, their applications in biosensing are currently limited due to a lack of facile methods for electrode modification. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of using CuAAC following the diazonium grafting of TPEs to take advantage of two powerful technologies for developing a customizable and versatile biosensing platform. After a stepwise characterization of the electrode modification procedures was performed, electrodes were modified with model affinity reagents. Streptavidin and streptavidin-conjugated IgG antibodies were successfully immobilized on the TPE surface, as confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Electrochemical regulation of the band gap of single layer graphene: from semimetal to semiconductor.

As a semimetal with a zero band gap and single-atom-scale thickness, single layer graphene (SLG) has excellent electron conductivity on its basal plane. If the band gap could be opened and regulated controllably, SLG would behave as a semiconductor. That means electronic elements or even electronic circuits with single-atom thickness could be expected to be printed on a wafer-scale SLG substrate, which would bring about a revolution in Moore's law of integrated circuits, not by decreasing the feature size of line width, but by piling up the atomic-scale-thickness of an SLG circuit board layer by layer. Employing scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), we have demonstrated that the electrochemically induced brominating addition reaction can open and regulate the band gap of SLG by forming SLG bromide (SLGBr). The SLG/SLGBr/SLG Schottky junction shows excellent performance in current rectification, and the rectification potential region can be regulated by tuning the degree of bromination of SLG. This work provides a feasible and effective way to regulate the band gap of SLG, which would open new applications for SLG in micro-nano electronics and ultra-large-scale integrated circuits (ULSI).

Chemical Surface Grafting of Pt Nanocatalysts for Reconciling Methanol Tolerance with Methanol Oxidation Activity.

A conceptual challenge toward more versatile direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) is the design of a single material electrocatalyst with high activity and durability for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). This requires to conciliate methanol tolerance not to hinder ORR at the cathode with a good MOR activity at the anode. This is especially incompatible with Pt materials. We tackled this challenge by deriving a supramolecular concept where surface-grafted molecular ligands regulate the Pt-catalyst reactivity. ORR and MOR activities of newly reported Pt-calix[4]arenes nanocatalysts (Pt CF 3 ${{_{{\rm CF}{_{3}}}}}$ NPs/C) are compared to commercial benchmark PtNPs/C. Pt CF 3 ${{_{{\rm CF}{_{3}}}}}$ NPs/C exhibit a remarkable methanol tolerance without losing the MOR reactivity along with outstanding durability and chemical stability. Beyond designing single-catalyst material, operable in DMFC cathodic and anodic compartments, the results highlight a promising strategy for tuning interfacial properties.

Highly stable silver nanohybrid electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were deliberately functionalized via aryl diazonium chemistry with a monolayer of calix[4]arenes. The resulting nanohybrids show high efficiency and high selectivity toward the ORR in alkaline media along with an exceptional durability and a high methanol tolerance.

Electrochemical and electronic detection of biomarkers in serum: a systematic comparison using aptamer-functionalized surfaces.

Sensitive and selective detection of biomarkers in serum in a short time has a significant impact on health. The enormous clinical importance of developing reliable methods and devices for testing serum levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), which are directly correlated to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), has spurred an unmatched race among researchers for the development of highly sensitive and cost-effective sensing formats to be able to differentiate patients with early onset of cardiac injury from healthy individuals with a mean cTnI level of 26 pg mL-1. Electronic- and electrochemical-based detection schemes allow for fast and quantitative detection not otherwise possible at the point of care. Such approaches rely largely on voltammetric and field-effect-based readouts. Here, we systematically investigate electric and electrochemical point-of-care sensors for the detection of cTnI in serum samples by using the same surface receptors, cTnI aptamer-functionalized CVD graphene-coated interdigated gold electrodes. The analytical performances of both sensors are comparable with a limit of detection (LoD) of 5.7 ± 0.6 pg mL-1(electrochemical) and 3.3 ± 1.2 pg mL-1 (electric). However, both sensors exhibit different equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) values between the aptamer-linked surface receptor and the cTnI analyte, being 160 pg mL-1 for the electrochemical and about three times lower for the electrical approach with KD = 51.4 pg mL-1. This difference is believed to be related to the use of a redox mediator in the electrochemical sensor for readout. The ability of the redox mediator to diffuse from the solution to the surface via the cTnI/aptamer interface is hindered, correlating to higher KD values. In contrast, the electric readout has the advantage of being label-free with a sensing limitation due to ionic strength effects, which can be limited using poly(ethylene) glycol surface ligands.

Controlled covalent functionalization of a graphene-channel of a field effect transistor as an ideal platform for (bio)sensing applications.

The controlled covalent functionalization of the graphene channel of a field effect transistor, based on interdigitated gold electrodes (source and drain), via electrochemical grafting, using specifically designed aryl diazonium species is demonstrated to allow the simple fabrication of a general platform for (bio)sensing applications. The electrochemical grafting of a protected ethynylphenyl diazonium salt leads to the deposition of only a monolayer on the graphene channel. This controlled covalent functionalization of the graphene channel results in a charge mobility of the GFET of 1739 ± 376 cm2 V-1 s-1 and 1698 ± 536 cm2 V-1 s-1 for the holes and electrons, respectively, allowing their utilization as (bio)sensors. After deprotection, a dense and compact ethynylphenyl monolayer is obtained and allows the immobilization of a wide range of (bio)molecules by a "click" chemistry coupling reaction (Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition). This finding opens promising options for graphene-based (bio)sensing applications.

SECM Investigation of Carbon Composite Thermoplastic Electrodes.

Thermoplastic electrodes (TPEs) are carbon composite electrodes consisting of graphite and thermoplastic polymer binder. TPE production is a solvent-based method, which makes it easy to fabricate and pattern into complex geometries, contrary to classical carbon composite electrodes. Depending on the composition (carbon type, binder, and composition ratio), TPEs can give excellent electrochemical performance and high conductivity. However, these TPEs are relatively new electrode materials, and thorough electrochemical characterization is still missing to understand and predict why large differences between TPEs exist. We used scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) as a screening tool to characterize TPEs. SECM data treatment based on scanning probe microscopy imaging allows a fast and easy comparison of the numerous images, as well as the optimization of the preparation. Experiments suggest that TPEs behave as a network of interacting microelectrodes made by electrochemically active islands isolated between less active areas. Higher carbon content in TPEs is not always indicative of more uniform electrodes with better electrochemical performances. Using various SECM redox probes, it is possible to select a specific graphite or polymer type for the analyte of interest. For example, TPEs made with COC:3569 are the best compromise for general detection, whereas PMMA:11 µm is better suited for catechol-like polyphenol analysis.

Strategies for the Formation of Monolayers From Diazonium Salts: Unconventional Grafting Media, Unconventional Building Blocks.

Pioneered by J. Pinson and coll. in 1990s, the reductive grafting of aryldiazonium salts has become a powerful method for surface functionalization. Highly robust interfaces result from this surface attachment, resistant to heat, chemical degradation and ultrasonication. Importantly, this approach can be applied to many materials, ranging from conducting, semi-conducting, oxides to insulating substrates. In addition, either massive, flat surfaces or nanomaterials can be functionalized. The method is easy to process and fast. The grafting process involves the formation of highly reactive aryl radicals able to attack the substrate. However, the generated radicals can also react with already-grafted aryl species, leading to the formation of loosely-packed polyaryl multilayer films, typically of 10-15 nm thick. It is thus highly challenging to control the vertical extension of the deposited layer and to form well-ordered monolayers from aryldiazonium salts. In this mini review, we briefly describe the different strategies that have been developed to prepare well-ordered monolayers. We especially focus on two strategies successfully used in our laboratories, namely the use of unconventional solvents, i.e., room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), as grafting media and the use of calixarene macrocycles by taking benefit of their pre-organized structure. These strategies give large possibilities for the structuring of interfaces with the widest choice of materials and highlight the potential of aryldiazonium grafting as a competitive alternative to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkyl thiols.

Exploiting the versatile alkyne-based chemistry for expanding the applications of a stable triphenylmethyl organic radical on surfaces.

The incorporation of terminal alkynes into the chemical structure of persistent organic perchlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) radicals provides new chemical tools to expand their potential applications. In this work, this is demonstrated by the chemical functionalization of two types of substrates, hydrogenated SiO2-free silicon (Si-H) and gold, and, by exploiting the click chemistry, scarcely used with organic radicals, to synthesise multifunctional systems. On one hand, the one-step functionalization of Si-H allows a light-triggered capacitance switch to be successfully achieved under electrochemical conditions. On the other hand, the click reaction between the alkyne-terminated PTM radical and a ferrocene azide derivative, used here as a model azide system, leads to a multistate electrochemical switch. The successful post-surface modification makes the self-assembled monolayers reported here an appealing platform to synthesise multifunctional systems grafted on surfaces.

Investigation of Protective Properties of Organic Layers toward Reactive Oxygen Species.

The antioxidant protective properties of polyaromatic organic layers were evaluated toward reactive oxygen species (ROS) using scanning electrochemical microscopy in a foot-printing strategy. The layers were prepared by electrografting of aryldiazonium salts. Where p-(methyl)phenyl films show only weak protective properties toward ROS, p-(ethynyl)phenyl films evidence efficient protection of the covered surfaces. Applied potentials and electrolytes used during oxygen reduction reaction are critical parameters to control, prevent, or reduce the influence of ROS production and hence enhance the device lifetime.

Molecular Sieving and Current Rectification Properties of Thin Organic Films.

For the purpose of preparing well-organized functional surfaces, carbon and gold substrates were modified using electroreduction of a tetrahedral-shape preorganized tetra-aryldiazonium salt, leading to the deposition of ultrathin organic films. Characterization of the modified surfaces has been performed using cyclic voltammetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy, ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, and contact angle measurements. The specific design of the tetra-aryldiazonium salts leads to an intrinsic structuring of the resulting organic films, allowing molecular sieving and current rectification properties toward redox probes in solution.

Reversible on-surface wiring of resistive circuits.

Whilst most studies in single-molecule electronics involve components first synthesized ex situ, there is also great potential in exploiting chemical transformations to prepare devices in situ. Here, as a first step towards this goal, we conduct reversible reactions on monolayers to make and break covalent bonds between alkanes of different lengths, then measure the conductance of these molecules connected between electrodes using the scanning tunneling microscopy-based break junction (STM-BJ) method. In doing so, we develop the critical methodology required for assembling and disassembling surface-bound single-molecule circuits. We identify effective reaction conditions for surface-bound reagents, and importantly demonstrate that the electronic characteristics of wires created in situ agree with those created ex situ. Finally, we show that the STM-BJ technique is unique in its ability to definitively probe surface reaction yields both on a local (∼50 nm2) and pseudo-global (≥10 mm2) level. This investigation thus highlights a route to the construction and integration of more complex, and ultimately functional, surface-based single-molecule circuitry, as well as advancing a methodology that facilitates studies beyond the reach of traditional ex situ synthetic approaches.

Reactivity of Functionalized Ynamides with Tetracyanoethylene: Scope, Limitations and Optoelectronic Properties of the Adducts.

The reactivity of functionalized ynamides and arylynamines with tetracyanoethylene at room temperature was evaluated. In most cases, the corresponding 1,1,4,4-tetracyanobutadienes (TCBDs) were obtained in good to excellent yields through a [2+2]-cycloaddition/[2+2]-retro-electrocyclization sequence. The influence of diverse functional groups on the yield of the reaction was investigated, in particular concerning multiple ynamides. These TCBDs were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and electrochemistry and X-ray diffraction in some cases.

Photo-electrochemical properties of quantum rods studied by scanning electrochemical microscopy.

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is used for studying the intrinsic photo-electrochemical properties of CdSe/CdS quantum rods. They are deposited on a transparent and non-conductive glass plate and investigated by SECM in feedback and generator-collector modes using a series of redox mediators. The method allows the interrogation of the quantum rods under illumination without the interference of the substrate, notably that due to the electron photo-ejection from the substrate, a process that is inherent to any polarized electrode material. Beside the methodological demonstration that could easily be extended to the investigations of the photo-redox properties of nanoparticles, studies highlight the strong reductive properties of quantum rods under illumination.

Immobilization of Monolayers Incorporating Cu Funnel Complexes onto Gold Electrodes. Application to the Selective Electrochemical Recognition of Primary Alkylamines in Water.

The immobilization of a copper calix[6]azacryptand funnel complex on gold-modified electrodes is reported. Two different methodologies are described. One is based on alkyne-terminated thiol self-assembled monolayers. The other relies on the electrografting of a calix[4]arene platform bearing diazonium functionalities at its large rim and carboxylic functions at its small rim, which is post-functionalized with alkyne moieties. In both cases, the CuAAC electroclick methodology proved to be the method of choice for grafting the calix[6]azacryptand onto the monolayers. The surface-immobilized complex was fully characterized by surface spectroscopies and electrochemistry in organic and aqueous solvents. The Cu complex displays a well-defined quasi-reversible system in cyclic voltammetry associated with the Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox process. Remarkably, this redox process triggers a powerful selective detection of primary alkylamines in water at a micromolar level, based on a cavitary recognition process.

Extremely robust and post-functionalizable gold nanoparticles coated with calix[4]arenes via metal-carbon bonds.

Gold nanoparticles stabilized with a thin layer of post-functionalizable calix[4]arenes were prepared through the reductive grafting of a calix[4]arene-tetra-diazonium salt. These particles show exceptional stability towards extreme pH, F(-), NaCl, and upon drying. Post-functionalization of the calix-layer was demonstrated, opening the way to a wide range of applications.

Amine-terminated monolayers on carbon: preparation, characterization, and coupling reactions.

Aminophenyl and aminomethylphenyl monolayers have been electrografted to glassy carbon and pyrolyzed photoresist film from the corresponding diazonium ions using a protection-deprotection strategy based on Boc (tert-butyloxycarbonyl) and Fmoc (fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl) groups. After grafting and then deprotecting films of Boc-NH-Ar, Fmoc-NH-Ar, and Fmoc-NH-CH2-Ar, depth profiling by atomic force microscopy confirmed that the resulting amine-terminated films were monolayers. In contrast, after deprotection, Boc-NH-CH2-Ar gave a multilayer film. Electroactive carboxylic acid derivatives were coupled to the monolayers through amide linkages. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the deprotected Fmoc-NH-CH2-Ar monolayer gave the highest surface concentration of coupled nitrophenyl and ferrocenyl groups and DFT calculations established that this monolayer has the highest theoretical surface concentration of those examined.

Tunneling dendrimers. Enhancing charge transport through insulating layer using redox molecular objects.

Charge transport through an insulating layer was probed using ferrocenyl-terminated dendrimers and scanning electrochemical microscopy. Experiments show that the passage through the layer is considerably enhanced when the transferred charges are brought globally to the surface by the ferrocenyl dendrimer instead of a single ferrocene molecule. This result shows that charge tunneling through an insulator could be promoted by a purely molecular nano-object.

High-yield formation of substituted tetracyanobutadienes from reaction of ynamides with tetracyanoethylene.

A high-yielding sequence of [2+2] cycloaddition-retroelectrocyclization of ynamides with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) is described. The reaction provided tetracyanobutadiene (TCBD) species, which were characterized by various techniques. DFT and TD-DFT calculations were also performed to complement experimental findings.

Covalently anchored carboxyphenyl monolayer via aryldiazonium ion grafting: a well-defined reactive tether layer for on-surface chemistry.

Electrografting of aryl films to electrode surfaces from diazonium ion solutions is a widely used method for preparation of modified electrodes. In the absence of deliberate measures to limit film growth, the usual film structure is a loosely packed multilayer. For some applications, monolayer films are advantageous; our interest is in preparing well-defined monolayers of reactive tethers for further on-surface chemistry. Here, we describe the synthesis of an aryl diazonium salt with a protected carboxylic acid substituent. After electrografting to glassy carbon electrodes and subsequent deprotection, the layer is reacted with amine derivatives. Electrochemistry and atomic force microscopy are used to monitor the grafting, deprotection, and subsequent coupling steps. Attempts to follow the same procedures on gold surfaces suggest that the grafted layer is not stable in these reaction conditions.