The highly desirable nonreactive, conductive, and mesoporous surface of nanoporous gold can be formed through a dealloying process in concentrated nitric acid. Past research has indicated that terminal alkynes can be attached to the surface of gold with the formation of stable bonds, and maintain electrical conductivity. Our research focused on functionalizing nanoporous gold with varying molecules that each contained benzene rings with a terminal alkyne attached. The molecules varied in the functional groups or elements also attached to the benzene ring, including fluorine and carboxylic acid groups. The impact of these different groups’ molecular structure on overall electrical conductivity and stability was tested through analytical methods including cyclic voltammetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that these molecules form stable bonds with the nanoporous gold surface and the functionalized nanoporous gold maintains its electrical conductivity.

Alkyne based molecular layers on nanoporous gold

ACS Spring 2022

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