Graphite surface modification by quasi-periodically structured diazonium monolayer

Abstract

In this study, a novel functionalization protocol of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was proposed, in which a two dimensional (2D) porous network formed by alkoxy-substituted dehydrobenzo[12]annulene (DBA-OC12) was served as a sacrificial template for electrografting of 3,5-terbutyl diazonium (3,5-TBD). The 2D DBA-OC12 porous network was synthesized by drop-casting of the corresponding precursor followed by a drying process. The structural and electrochemical properties of pristine as well as functionalized HOPG surfaces were investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).