Single-layer graphene is ideally suited for forming well-defined interfaces with electroactive compounds. Aromatic moieties typically interact with the graphene surface to maximize Van der Waals interactions, predisposing most compounds to lie flat on its basal plane. We will describe a tripodal motif that binds multivalently to graphene through three pyrene moieties and projects easily varied functionality away from the surface. The thermodynamic and kinetic binding parameters of a tripod bearing a redox-active Co(II) bis-terpyridyl complex were investigated electrochemically. The complex binds strongly to graphene and forms monolayers with a molecular footprint of 2.3 nm2 and a ?Gads = �38.8 � 0.2 kJ mol�1. Its monolayers are stable in fresh electrolyte for more than 12 h and desorb from graphene 1000 times more slowly than model compounds bearing a single aromatic binding group. Differences in the heterogeneous rate constants of electron transfer between the two compounds suggest that the tripod projects its redox couple away from the graphene surface. These tripodal compounds also 'skate' along the graphene surface, as characterized by scanning electrochemical microscopy. Functionalization of single-layer graphene with antibodies and proteins attached to tripodal binding motifs will also be demonstrated.

Multivalent noncovalent functionalization of graphene

245th National Meeting (2013)

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