Unprecedented Self-Organized Monolayer of a Ru(II) Complex by Diazonium Electroreduction

J Am Chem Soc. 2016 Aug 3;138(30):9381-4. doi: 10.1021/jacs.6b04827. Epub 2016 Jul 22.

Abstract

A new heteroleptic polypyridyle Ru(II) complex was synthesized and deposited on surface by the diazonium electroreduction process. It yields to the covalent grafting of a monolayer. The functionalized surface was characterized by XPS, electrochemistry, AFM, and STM. A precise organization of the molecules within the monolayer is observed with parallel linear stripes separated by a distance of 3.8 nm corresponding to the lateral size of the molecule. Such organization suggests a strong cooperative process in the deposition process. This strategy is an original way to obtain well-controlled and stable functionalized surfaces for potential applications related to the photophysical properties of the grafted chromophore. As an exciting result, it is the first example of a self-organized monolayer (SOM) obtained using diazonium electroreduction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't