One-Step and Templateless Electropolymerization Process Using Thienothiophene Derivatives To Develop Arrays of Nanotubes and Tree-like Structures with High Water Adhesion.

Abstract

Here, we report for the first time the possibility to obtain not only arrays of nanotubes but also tree-like structures with high water adhesion using a one-step and templateless electropolymerization process. Using thienothiophene derivatives, particularly thieno[2,3-b]thiophene (Thienothiophene-1) and thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (Thienothiophene-2), we demonstrate this surface fabrication in organic solvent (dichloromethane) and without any surfactants. The formation of nanotubes is due to the stabilization by the polymer of gas bubbles produced in situ during electropolymerization process, and we show that the water content plays an important role in the formation of gas bubbles even if it is not the unique parameter. Using cyclic voltammetry as an electropolymerization method, the amount of released gas is more significant, but at constant potential it is much easier to control the nanotube formation. It is also possible to obtain arrays of tree-like structures when electropolymerizing with high deposition charges, and the resulting surfaces have high θw with extremely high water adhesion even if the polymers are intrinsically hydrophilic (θ(Y)w ≈ 70°). This work is extremely important for potential applications in water transportation and harvesting, oil/water separation membranes, energy systems, and biosensing.