An electrochemical deposition technique that can fabricate intricate nanostructured geometries without the need for a sacrificial template or corrosive solutions is presented. Using a modified surface limited redox replacement (SLRR) approach, dendritic features can be grown directly on a conductive substrate in order to prepare high surface area electrodes. The technique leverages the generally undesired defect growth in electrodeposition towards controlled three-dimensional metal growth. In the present study, gold with feature sizes on the order of 100 nm has been prepared using a sacrificial lead cation. In situ demonstration of mass growth on the surface is illustrated using a quartz crystalline microbalance. Subsequent characterization with underpotential deposition emphasizes the change in surface area. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirms the desired feature sizes and composition.<br/><br/>This work is primarily motivated by the current trends towards miniaturization of analytical platforms, in particular translation of electrochemical sensors to microfluidic devices. Prior research has shown that highly porous gold surfaces prevent large biomolecules, such as proteins, from fouling the electrode surface. By adjusting the geometry of the electrode to filter such molecules, preliminary preconcentration or separations steps that commonly lead to sample loss can be avoided.

Modified surface-limited redox replacement for template-free nanodeposition

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.