Immobilization of homogeneous catalysts onto photoabsorbing electrode surfaces is a challenge for the fabrication of efficient photoelectrochemical cells. Covalent immobilization of molecular catalysts often uses synthetically harsh conditions, negatively affecting catalytic activity. In this presentation a successful proof-of-concept model for non-covalent immobilization using aromatic π-π interactions is described. Aromatic character was imparted to a gold surface through functionalization of a pyrene-containing self-assembled monolayer. After exposure of this surface to a pyrene-functionalized ferrocene solution, it maintained facile electron transfer to the ferrocene. Work towards applying this general method to the non-covalent immobilization of electrocatalysts to other electrode surfaces will be discussed.

Modular method for non-covalent attachment of homogeneous electrocatalysts to electrode surfaces

251st National Meeting (2016)

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