Functionalization of any substrate using covalently modified large area CVD graphene

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Functionalizing chemically inert substrates presents significant challenges in materials science.
• Existing methods often lack versatility or result in material degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel and versatile method for the electrochemical functionalization of diverse substrates.
• To demonstrate the successful transfer of functionalized graphene layers onto various materials without significant loss.

Main Methods:

• Electrochemical functionalization of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown graphene using p-(N-maleimido)phenyl residues.
• Subsequent transfer of the functionalized graphene layer to different substrate materials.

Main Results:

• Successful functionalization of graphene with p-(N-maleimido)phenyl groups was achieved.
• The functionalized graphene was transferred to various substrates with no discernible loss.
• The resulting functional layer had a consistent thickness of approximately 4.5 nm.

Conclusions:

• A novel electrochemical route enables the functionalization of a wide range of substrates, including previously inert materials.
• This method offers a robust way to create functionalized surfaces by transferring graphene layers.
• The technique preserves the integrity of the functional layer during transfer, opening new possibilities in surface engineering.