A bioinspired approach to reversibly metal binding interfaces†

We introduce a bioinspired materials system that is capable of effectively coating surfaces, while concomitantly allowing metal ions to be reversibly bound. Specifically, we prepare a nitrogen-ligand carrying L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) derivate, which can readily crosslink in aqueous systems with effective adhesion onto silicon wafers as well as stone wool fibers. Critically, the introduced system allows for reversible binding of the metal species (such as zinc cations) from aqueous solution. The reversibly binding surfaces are carefully assessed towards their metal ion binding efficiency – in contrast to non-ligand carrying coatings or uncoated surfaces – via surface sensitive analytical methods such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, making them highly attractive candidates for applications in urban storm water filtration systems.