Surface immobilized optical probes: pyrene molecules covalently attached to silica and indium-doped tin oxide

We report on the covalent attachment of pyrene to quartz and indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) surfaces, and its characterization by steady-state and time-resolved emission spectroscopy. We estimate the chromophore surface coverage on the basis of their electrochemical oxidation mechanism in acidic solution. Electrochemical oxidation of immobilized pyrene results in the formation of radical cations, which are converted into hydroxypyrene and, after a second oxidation step, are transformed into isomeric forms of dihydroxypyrene/pyrenedione redox couples. Our findings demonstrate that surface-bound pyrene can be used as a spectral probe in environments that are isolated from oxidizing conditions and agents.