Ferrocene-terminated Self-assembled Monolayers Research Articles

Bridging Electrochemistry and Ultrahigh Vacuum: "Unburying" the Electrode-Electrolyte Interface.

ConspectusElectrochemistry has a central role in addressing the societal issues of our time, including the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and beyond. At a more basic level, however, elucidating the nature of electrode-electrolyte interfaces is an ongoing challenge due to many reasons, but one obvious reason is the fact that the electrode-electrolyte interface is buried by a thick liquid electrolyte layer. This fact would seem to preclude, by default, the use of many traditional characterization techniques in ultrahigh vacuum surface science due to their incompatibility with liquids. However, combined UHV-EC (ultrahigh vacuum-electrochemistry) approaches are an active area of research and provide a means of bridging the liquid environment of electrochemistry to UHV-based techniques. In short, UHV-EC approaches are able to remove the bulk electrolyte layer by performing electrochemistry in the liquid environment of electrochemistry followed by sample removal (referred to as emersion), evacuation, and then transfer into vacuum for analysis.Through this Account, we highlight our group's activities using UHV-EC to bridge electrochemistry with UHV-based X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/UPS) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). We provide a background and overview of the UHV-EC setup, and through illustrative examples, we convey what sorts of insights and information can be obtained. One notable advance is the use of ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers as a spectroscopic molecular probe, allowing the electrochemical response to be correlated with the potential-dependent electronic and chemical state of the electrode-monolayer-electrolyte interfacial region. With XPS/UPS, we have been able to probe changes in the oxidation state, valence structure, and also the so-called potential drop across the interfacial region. In related work, we have also spectroscopically probed changes in the surface composition and screening of the surface charge of oxygen-terminated boron-doped diamond electrodes emersed from high-pH solutions. Finally, we will give readers a glimpse into our recent progress regarding real-space visualizations of electrodes following electrochemistry and emersion using UHV-based STM. We begin by demonstrating the ability to visualize large-scale morphology changes, including electrochemically induced graphite exfoliation and the surface reconstruction of Au surfaces. Taking this further, we show that in certain instances atomically resolved specifically adsorbed anions on metal electrodes can be imaged. In all, we anticipate that this Account will stimulate readers to advance UHV-EC approaches further, as there is a need to improve our understanding concerning the guidelines that determine applicable electrochemical systems and how to exploit promising extensions to other UHV methods.

Stepping beyond cyclic voltammetry: Obtaining the electronic and structural properties of electrified solid–liquid interfaces

Classical electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry and current–voltage measurements provide a limited description of what is actually happening at the electrified solid–liquid interface. The ongoing challenges include obtaining insights into the chemical and electronic state of redox-active species and the electrostatic potential across the interfacial region. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances employing electroactive ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers (Fc SAM) as a spectroscopic molecular probe and model electrified solid–liquid interface for X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/UPS). A key finding is the ability to transfer the Fc SAM electrified solid–liquid interface, essentially intact from the solution environment of electrochemistry to the vacuum environment of XPS/UPS. By doing so, the electrochemical properties can be more readily correlated to the potential-induced electronic and structural changes which gives an overall richer picture into the physicochemical properties of electrified solid–liquid interfaces.

Probing consequences of anion-dictated electrochemistry on the electrode/monolayer/electrolyte interfacial properties

Altering electrochemical interfaces by using electrolyte effects or so-called “electrolyte engineering” provides a versatile means to modulate the electrochemical response. However, the long-standing challenge is going “beyond cyclic voltammetry” where electrolyte effects are interrogated from the standpoint of the interfacial properties of the electrode/electrolyte interface. Here, we employ ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers as a molecular probe and investigate how the anion-dictated electrochemical responses are translated in terms of the electronic and structural properties of the electrode/monolayer/electrolyte interface. We utilise a photoelectron-based spectroelectrochemical approach that is capable of capturing “snapshots” into (1) anion dependencies of the ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc+) redox process including ion-pairing with counter anions (Fc+–anion) caused by differences in Fc+–anion interactions and steric constraints, and (2) interfacial energetics concerning the electrostatic potential across the electrode/monolayer/electrolyte interface. Our work can be extended to provide electrolyte-related structure-property relationships in redox-active polymers and functionalised electrodes for pseudocapacitive energy storage.

Lipids Lay Thyselves Down: Redox-Induced Lipid Vesicle Fusion Onto Ferrocene-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers

Due to the attractive electrochemical properties of ferrocene (fast electron transfer, low oxidation potential, and two stable redox states), ferrocenylalkanethiolates on gold are the most studied and employed electroactive self-assembled monolayer (SAM) system. Oxidation of the SAM-confined ferrocenes to ferroceniums is accompanied by the formation of ion-pairs with counter-ions in solution [1,2]. Ferrocene-terminated SAMs exhibit a reversible electrochemistry in the presence of anionic surfactants such as n-alkyl sulfates and sulfonates, while the less chaotropic n-alkyl phosphates and carboxylates lead to the irreversible oxidation of the SAM-confined ferrocene (Fig. A) [3]. Cyclic voltammetry indicates that these latter surfactants form strong ion pairs with the oxidized ferroceniums; an oxidation peak is observed for the first anodic potential sweep but no reduction peak is detected during the reverse sweep. No redox peaks are observed in subsequent sweeps. The surface plasmon resonance signal does not return back to its original value during reduction, indicating an irreversible adsorption of material to the surface, which in turn suggests the formation of a stable and insoluble ferrocenium-surfactant anion complex or deposit that blocks the redox process. In this work, atomic force microscopy is used to investigate the association of sodium n-dodecanoate to the SAM surface. This electrochemical approach appears to be an effective strategy for triggering the formation of solid-supported lipid membranes by the fusion of phospholipid vesicles onto the ferrocenylalkanethiolate SAM. In fact, phospholipids are double-tailed amphiphiles and these can associate with the oxidized ferrocene (Fig. B). A potential-step hold at 0,64 V for only five minutes induces the immediate adsorption of phosphatidylserine (DMPS, POPS and DOPS) at the SAM-gold/electrolyte interface with a full surface coverage. This technique is a versatile tool that offers many benefits such as, a faster supported lipid bilayers formation mimicking the biological membranes, a larger variety of lipid composition, structure and chemical nature, and a possibility of using metal surfaces considering their potential applications in electrochemical techniques, spectroscopic techniques and surface plasmon resonance. In this work, AFM-based nano-shaving, force spectroscopy, and surface plasmon resonance are combined to determine the thickness of the obtained lipid membrane.

Probing the Redox-Dependent Electronic and Interfacial Structures in Ferrocene-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers with Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Central to electrochemistry is the electric double layer (EDL) at the electrode-electrolyte interface where important interfacial phenomena including adsorption and charge transfer occur.1 Understanding the nature of the electric double layer regarding the electronic and structural characteristics has implications relating to bio(chemical) sensors, micro-mechanical actuators and energy storage/conversion devices. Amongst model systems, ferrocene-terminated alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (Fc SAM) on Au are an attractive model electrochemical interface due to their practical applicability and versatility with structural modifications.2 Within the Fc SAM, a change in the ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc+) redox state leads to notable changes to the interfacial structure with respect to the EDL, interactions with the electrolyte, and work function. While existing studies exist on probing the redox-induced Fc SAM structural changes using techniques such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), Raman, IR and quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM),2 experimental efforts aimed at probing the changes in electronic structure are still limited. Here, we employ X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy combined with an electrochemical cell (EC-XPS/UPS) which allows us to electrochemically control the Fc SAM redox state and spectroscopically probe the redox-induced electronic and structural changes.3 To perform our experiments, electrochemical (EC) measurements are performed in a separate EC chamber in Ar atmosphere followed by evacuation and then transfer to the XPS/UPS analysis chamber.4 The EC chamber contains a retractable PTFE (polytetrafluorethylene) cell where electrochemical measurements are performed under Ar atmosphere. The cell utilizes a hanging meniscus setup connected via PFA (perfluoroalkoxy alkane) tubing to a syringe containing the electrolyte. This controlled setup permits us to reliably probe the oxidized Fc+ moieties and prevent its decomposition upon exposure to the ambient. Using this approach, following EC and electrode immersion, we can probe changes to the ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc+) redox center (Fe oxidation state), deduce the occurrence of ion-pairing, changes in molecular orientation and monolayer thickness (Figure 1). Oxidation to Fc+ is corroborated by UPS, which shows that a shift of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) towards higher binding energy along with an increase in work function. The reversibility of our observations is confirmed by reproducibly switching between the Fc/Fc+ states. More broadly, our approach is potentially applicable to a variety of electrochemically active systems to assist in the elucidation of redox-related structure-function relationships. Specific details will be provided during the presentation. Figure 1. (a) Schematic and photographs of hanging meniscus inside the EC chamber during EC measurements and following removal from the electrolyte. (b) Molecular structure of Fc SAM used in study and cyclic voltammagram performed in 0.1 M NaClO4. (c) Corresponding XPS Fe 2p, Cl 2p and O 1s spectra of the pristine, oxidized Fc+ and neutral Fc states. Kolb, D. M. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2001, 40, 1162.K. Uosaki, Electrochemistry 1999, 12, 1105.R. A. Wong, Y. Yokota, M. Wakisaka, J. Inukai, Y. Kim, J. Am. Chem Soc. 2018, 140, 13672.M. Wakisaka, S. Mitsui, Y. Hirose, K. Kawashima, H. Uchida, M. Watanabe, J. Phys. Chem. B 2006 , 46, 23489. Figure 1

Discerning the Redox-Dependent Electronic and Interfacial Structures in Electroactive Self-Assembled Monolayers.

We explore the redox-dependent electronic and structural changes of ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers (Fc SAMs) immersed in aqueous solution. By exploiting X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy combined with an electrochemical cell (EC-XPS/UPS), we can electrochemically control the Fc SAMs and spectroscopically probe the induced changes with the ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc+) redox center (Fe oxidation state), formation of 1:1 Fc+-ClO4- ion pairs, molecular orientation, and monolayer thickness. We further find the insignificant involvement of interfacial water in the Fc SAMs irrespective of redox state. Electrolyte dependencies could be identified with 0.1 M NaClO4 and HClO4 when probing partially oxidized Fc/Fc+ SAMs. Corroborating the occurrence of electrochemically induced oxidation, EC-UPS shows that oxidation to Fc+ is accompanied by a shift of the highest occupied molecular orbital toward higher binding energy. The oxidation to Fc+ is also met with an increase in work function ascribed to the induced negative interfacial dipole caused by the presence of Fc+-ClO4- ion pairs along with a contribution from the reorientation of the Fc+ SAMs. The reversibility of our observations is confirmed upon conversion from Fc+ back to the neutral Fc. The approach shown here is beneficial for a broad range of redox-responsive systems to aid in the elucidation of structure-function relationships.

Computational investigations of electronic structure modifications of ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers: effects of electron donating/withdrawing functional groups attached on the ferrocene moiety.

The electrochemical properties of chemically modified electrodes have long been a significant focus of research. Although the electronic states are directly related to the electrochemical properties, there have been only limited systematic efforts to reveal the electronic structures of adsorbed redox molecules with respect to the local environment of the redox center. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed for ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers with different electron-donating abilities, which can be regarded as the simplest class of chemically modified electrodes. We revealed that the local electrostatic potentials, which are changed by the electron donating/withdrawing functional groups at the ferrocene moiety and the dipole field of coadsorbed inert molecules, practically determine the density of states derived from the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and its vicinities (HOMO-1 and HOMO-2) with respect to the electrode Fermi level. Therefore, to design new, sophisticated electrodes with chemical modification, one should consider not only the electronic properties of the constituent molecules, but also the local electrostatic potentials formed by these molecules and coadsorbed inert molecules.

Density Functional Theory Investigations of Ferrocene-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers: Electronic State Changes Induced by Electric Dipole Field of Coadsorbed Species

Ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been widely studied in the past quarter century to reveal the electrochemical properties of chemically modified electrodes. It has been well-known that the formal potential of the system strongly depends on the local environment of the ferrocene moiety. Although electronic states of ferrocene-terminated SAMs should directly affect the electrochemical properties, knowledge concerning electronic structures with respect to different local environment is very limited. In this study, we performed density functional theory calculations of ferrocene-terminated SAMs with different coadsorbed species to reveal the relationship between the electronic structures and the local environment of ferrocene moieties. Depending on the local electrostatic potential, density of states derived from the highest-occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and its vicinities (HOMO–1 and HOMO–2) of the ferrocene moiety were found to largely shift with respect to the electrode Fermi ...

Nanodot Formation of Ferrocene-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers

Self-assembly of molecular monolayers is a very useful technique for fabricating chemically modified electrodes with various functions. This technique enables to form a uniform molecular monolayer on a metal surface without guidance from outside. On the other hand, it is still difficult for this technique to fabricate patterned monolayers or to integrate multiple functionality within a monolayer. Although soft-lithography of self-assembled monolayers such as microcontact printing has already been reported, further advancement in forming nanoscale features of molecular monolayers is awaited for creation of multifunctional electrodes. In this study, molecular nanodots are formed on Au(111) surfaces using a novel electrochemical nanolithographic method combining reductive desorption of thiols with AuNP-assisted local stabilization of the monolayers. The left panel of the figure shows a topographic image and I-V curves measured on nanopatterned monolayers of 4-methylbenzenethiols on Au(111) using current-AFM. As a result of the local removal of the molecular monolayers, the exposed surface showed metallic conductivity. On the other hand, the other area showed rather low conductivity with the exponential profile, indicating that the molecular layers remained with nanoscale domains. The right panel shows that average molecular nanodot sizes was controllable by alternating the size of AuNP template or by changing the ionic strength for reductive desorption. Electrochemical responses of ferrocene-terminated monolayer nanodots will be also demonstrated in the talk. Figure (left) I-V curves measured on molecular nanodots and on the exposed Au(111) (right) Average sizes of molecular nanodots vs. sizes of AuNP templates. Figure 1

Electronic-State Changes of Ferrocene-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers Induced by Molecularly Thin Ionic Liquid Layers: A Combined Atomic Force Microscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study

Ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been studied in the last quarter-century to determine the relationship between their electrochemical properties and microscopic structures as a prototypical chemically modified electrode. Although electronic structures are directly related to the electrochemical properties, knowledge of such a relation concerning ferrocene-terminated SAMs is extremely limited. In this study, we deposited a small amount of ionic liquid onto three types of ferrocene-terminated SAMs possessing different ionization energies and performed X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopies to elucidate the changes in the electronic structure resulting from the adsorption of the ionic liquid. For a low-ionization-energy system, spontaneous oxidation of the ferrocene moieties occurred, while their electrochemical activities were retained; for other systems, only minor changes were observed. This result indicates that the interaction between the ionic liquid and ferrocene-terminated SAMs facilitates electron transfer when the energy difference between the highest occupied molecular orbital of the ferrocene moieties and the Fermi level of the electrode becomes small.

Redox-Controlled Ion-Pairing Association of Anionic Surfactant to Ferrocene-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers.

The redox-induced pairing from aqueous solution of a homologous series of sodium n-alkyl sulfate (NaCnSO4) surfactants of 6, 8, 10, and 12 carbons with gold-tethered self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of ferrocenyldodecanethiolate (FcC12SAu) is investigated by cyclic voltammetry combined with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. The adsorbed layer thicknesses and surface coverages are consistent with the formation of a monolayer of CnSO4(-) at the oxidized FcC12SAu SAM/aqueous solution interface. A comparison of the anodic charge density with the SPR data indicates that approximately 60% of the adsorbed surfactant anions are paired with SAM-bound ferroceniums, suggesting an interdigitated layer structure. The ion-pairing capabilities of the longer-chain NaC12SO4, NaC10SO4, and NaC8SO4 relative to the short-chain NaC6SO4 are compared using the relative ion-pair formation constants calculated from the apparent SAM redox potentials and IC50 values obtained from competitive association experiments. A longer alkyl chain increases the overall hydrophobicity of the CnSO4(-) anion, thereby increasing its ability to pair with and stabilize the ferrocenium in the nonpolar environment of the SAM. Binary mixtures of NaC12SO4 and NaC6SO4 of different compositions are used to demonstrate that the differences in ion-pairing abilities can be exploited to selectively pair and adsorb C12SO4(-).

Comparative Studies of Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Voltammetry of Ferrocene-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers Possessing Different Electron-Donating Abilities

The relationship between the oxidation potential determined by electrochemical measurements and the ionization energies measured by gas-phase ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) has long been a focus of research of various groups. The focus of this study is to reveal such a correlation for redox molecules, which are chemically attached to metal electrodes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UPS, and cyclic voltammetry were performed for three types of ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers possessing different electron-donating abilities. The results of these experiments indicate a linear relation with a slope of ∼0.7 between the UPS-derived energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the electrochemical oxidation potential. This indicates that the HOMO energy can be used to determine the oxidation potential of chemically modified electrodes.

Redox-Induced Ion Pairing of Anionic Surfactants with Ferrocene-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers: Faradaic Electrochemistry and Surfactant Aggregation at the Monolayer/Liquid Interface

Oxidoreduction of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of ferrocenyldodecanethiolate on gold in aqueous solutions of surface-active sodium n-alkyl sulfates (NaCnSO4) of 6, 8, 10, and 12 carbons is investigated by cyclic voltammetry and surface plasmon resonance. The effects of surfactant micellization and alkyl chain length on the redox response of the surface-tethered ferrocenes are examined. The SAM redox electrochemistry is sensitive to the surfactant aggregation state in solution. The nonideal behavior of the sodium alkyl sulfates at concentrations above the critical micelle concentration leads to a non-Nernstian variation of the SAM redox potential with concentration. The presence of micelles in solution results in decreased anodic-to-cathodic peak separations and anodic peak full widths at half-maximum. A longer alkyl chain length results in an increased ability of the alkyl sulfate anion to ion pair with the SAM-bound ferrocenium, resulting in oxidation of the ferrocene at lower potential. A comparison of the SAM redox potential at a fixed surfactant concentration of ideal behavior suggests a 4.5 × 10(4) difference in the ion-pairing abilities of the shorter-chain C6SO4(-) and longer-chain C12SO4(-). One-half of the available SAM-bound ferrocenes are oxidized in the NaCnSO4 electrolyte. Surfactant anions adsorb and assemble onto the SAM surface by specific ion-pairing interactions between the sulfate headgroups and oxidized ferrocenium species, forming an interdigitated monolayer in which the surfactant anions alternate between a heads-down and heads-up orientation with respect to the SAM. The work presented points to applications of ferrocenylalkanethiolate SAMs as anion-selective membranes, probes of micelle formation, and surfaces for the electrochemically switchable assembly of organosulfates.

Excited electron dynamics at ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers on Au(1 1 1): Lengthened lifetime of image potential state

Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) and two-photon photoemission (2PPE) spectroscopy have been employed to investigate the electronic states and the excited electron dynamics of ferrocene (Fc)-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au(111). For the 11-ferrocenyl-1-undecanethiol (FcC11-) SAM, an image potential state (IPS) located at EF +3.8eV was observed by time-resolved 2PPE. Its lifetime, 90fs, was found to be much shorter than that of decanethiol (C10-) SAM, 11ps. By forming the C10-SAM beforehand, the IPS lifetime for FcC11-&C10-SAM was lengthened to ∼9ps; this can enable improvement in molecular ordering and substantial formation of C10 domains.

Redox-Stable SAMs in Water (pH 0–12) from 1,1′-Biferrocenylene-Terminated Thiols on Gold

Redox-active alkyl and acyl SAMs (self-assembled monolayers) on gold prepared from BFD-terminated thiols (BFD = bis(fulvalene)diiron, 1,1′-biferrocenylene) have been investigated in aqueous buffered solutions at various pH values by electroanalytical methods, and their redox potentials were determined at pH 7. Excellent redox stability over the whole range from pH 0 to 12, far superior to that of the corresponding ferrocene-terminated SAMs, is established by oxidizing alkanethiol BFD-SAMs to alkanethiol BFD+-SAMs for more than 1 h without any significant decomposition (<3%). The high stability and full reversibility suggests profitable use for diverse redox applications in aqueous solution. As a proof of concept, the utility of alkanethiol BFD SAMs for controlling surface wetting properties is demonstrated in contact angle changes of 25° by triggering the BFD/BFD+ redox process.

Ion-Pair Formation between Ferrocene-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers and Counteranions Studied by Force Measurements

The formation of ion pairs between oxidized ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and counteranions was investigated using atomic force microscopy under independent controls of the tip and sample potentials in a 0.05 M HClO4 solution. The stability of the system was characterized by retraction force curves, where the adhesion force between the tip and the sample both covered by SAMs can be reversibly tuned by adjusting the applied potentials as a function of the oxidation states of ferrocene moieties. The net repulsive force, which corresponds to a residual surface charge uncompensated with the counteranions, was not observed on the approach curves between two oxidized ferrocene-terminated SAMs, in contrast to the case of positively charged amino-terminated SAMs. When the concentration of the electrolyte solution was decreased to 0.005 M, the net repulsive force was observed. We revealed that the ion-pair layer of oxidized ferrocene moieties and the electrolyte anions possesses net surface charges, with its amount considerably smaller than that of amino-terminated SAMs. The surface charge compensation of oxidized ferrocene-terminated SAMs depended on the anion species of the supporting electrolyte.

Microcantilevers Modified with Ferrocene-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers: Effect of Molecular Structure and Electrolyte Anion on the Redox-Induced Surface Stress

The redox-activated deflection of microcantilevers has attracted interest for chemical sensing and nanoactuation. However, the development and optimization of this type of microcantilever transduction requires a better understanding of the effect of the particular system parameters on the surface stress changes that cause the measured bending response. We investigate here the effects of the adsorbate structure and electrolyte anion on the surface stress generated by the electrochemical oxidation of ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) chemisorbed to the surface of gold-coated microcantilevers. Ferrocenylalkanethiolate-modified cantilevers are an interesting system for study as the electroactive monolayer can induce charge-normalized surface stress changes that are at least 10-fold greater than those generated by multilayers of the conducting polymers commonly used for electroactuation. The resonance angle shifts measured by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy in the presence of ClO4− suggest that the extent of the oxidation-induced SAM reorganization is the same for short (n = 6) and long (n = 12) chain ferrocenylalkanethiolate (FcCnSAu) SAMs and for a long chain carbonyl derivative (Fc(CO)C11SAu). The magnitude of the measured cantilever deflection is however not the same for the different SAMs, reflecting differences in the tensile contributions to the overall surface stress of the SAM elasticity and wettability versus the compressive lateral pressure generated by the collective molecular reorientations induced by the pairing of anions to the surface-confined, oxidized ferrocenium cations. The hydrophobic anions PF6− and ClO4−, which form 1:1 contact ion pairs with the SAM-bound ferrocenium cations, give reversible cantilever deflections and the largest compressive surface stress changes. By contrast, oxidation of the FcC11SAu SAM in NO3− and F−, which exhibit the poorest ion-pairing abilities of the anions investigated, results in an irreversible deformation of the cantilever bending and smaller stress changes. The surface phenomena that give rise to the observed differences in the surface stress as a function of the ion pairing ability are discussed.

Detection of Molecular Interactions with Modified Ferrocene Self-Assembled Monolayers

Ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers (Fc-SAMs) are one of the most studied molecular aggregates on metal electrodes. They are easy to fabricate and provide a stable and reproducible system to investigate the effect of the microenvironment on the electron transfer parameters. We propose a novel application for Fc-SAMs, the detection of molecular interactions, based on the modification of the SAM with target-specific receptors. Mixed SAMs were fabricated by coimmobilization on Au electrodes of thiolated alkane chains with three different head groups: hydroxy terminating head group, ferrocene head group, and a functional head group such as biotin. Upon binding, the intrinsic electric charge of the target (e.g., streptavidin) modifies the electrostatic potential at the plane of electron transfer, causing a shift in the formal potential E degrees '. The SAMs were characterized by AC voltammetry. The detection mechanism is confirmed by measurements of formal potential as a function of electrolyte pH.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Ferrocene-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers

The present work describes our studies of the Fc(CH(2))(12)S-/C(10)S-Au monolayers to provide a more detailed molecular description. Molecular dynamics simulations of these mixed monolayers are carried out in conditions close to the electrochemical ones. For this purpose, a supporting electrolyte is added (NaClO(4) 1 M) and the electron transfer process is modeled through molecular simulations of ferrocene both in its neutral (initial state) and oxidized form (final state). The heterogeneity of the surface, that is, "clustered " or "isolated" ferrocene moieties, has been considered for the ferrocenylalkylthiolates using the same grafting densities. The structural properties (density profiles and angular distributions) are described in terms of redox induced orientation changes by comparison between the initial and final states. It is established that this orientation change due to the oxidation of the ferrocene to the ferrocenium is mainly observed in the random system, and it is less pronounced in the cluster system. Finally, the energy contributions underline the role played by the supporting electrolyte.

Heterogeneous electron transfer kinetics and electrocatalytic behaviour of mixed self-assembled ferrocenes and SWCNT layers

The electron transfer dynamics and electrocatalytic behaviour of ferrocene-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), co-adsorbed with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on a gold electrode, have been interrogated for the first time. Ferrocene monocarboxylic acid (FMCA) or ferrocene dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) was covalently attached to the cysteamine (Cys) monolayer to form Au-Cys-FMCA and Au-Cys-FDCA, respectively. The same covalent attachment strategy was used to form the mixed SWCNTs and ferrocene-terminated layers (i.e. Au-Cys-SWCNT/FMCA and Au-Cys-SWCNT/FDCA). Using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the impact of neighbouring SWCNTs on the electron transfer dynamics of the ferrocene molecular assemblies in an acidic medium (0.5 M H(2)SO(4)) and in a solution of an outer-sphere redox probe ([Fe(CN)(6)](4-)/[Fe(CN)(6)](3-)) was explored. The electron transfer rate constants in both media essentially decreased as Au-Cys-FMCA > Au-Cys-SWCNT/FDCA > Au-Cys-FDCA > Au-Cys-SWCNT/FMCA. This trend has been interpreted in terms of several factors such as the locations of the ferrocene species in a range of environments with a range of potentials, the proximity/interactions of the ferrocenes with one another, and electrostatic interaction or repulsion existing between the negatively-charged redox probe and the modified electrodes. The thiocyanate ion (SCN(-)) was used as a model analyte to examine the influence of the neighbouring SWCNTs on the electrocatalytic ability of the ferrocene assemblies. The Au-Cys-SWCNT/FDCA showed the best catalytic activity (in terms of onset potential and catalytic peak current height) for the oxidation of SCN(-), possibly due to the repulsive interactions between the negatively charged SCN(-) and high number of surface -COOH species at the SWCNT/FDCA. This study has provided some useful insights as to how CNTs co-assembled with ferrocene-terminated thiols could impact on the electron transfer kinetics as well as the electrocatalytic detection of the self-assembled ferrocene layers.