Electrochemistry of redox-active self-assembled monolayers

Amanda L. Eckermann, Daniel J. Feld, Justine A. Shaw, Thomas J. Meade*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

500 Scopus citations

Abstract

Redox-active self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) provide an excellent platform for investigating electron transfer kinetics. Using a well-defined bridge, a redox center can be positioned at a fixed distance from the electrode and electron transfer kinetics probed using a variety of electrochemical techniques. Cyclic voltammetry, AC voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry are most commonly used to determine the rate of electron transfer of redox-activated SAMs. A variety of redox species have been attached to SAMs, and include transition metal complexes (e.g., ferrocene, ruthenium pentaammine, osmium bisbipyridine, metal clusters) and organic molecules (e.g., galvinol, C60). SAMs offer an ideal environment to study the outer-sphere interactions of redox species. The composition and integrity of the monolayer and the electrode material influence the electron transfer kinetics and can be investigated using electrochemical methods. Theoretical models have been developed for investigating SAM structure. This review discusses methods and monolayer compositions for electrochemical measurements of redox-active SAMs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1769-1802
Number of pages34
JournalCoordination Chemistry Reviews
Volume254
Issue number15-16
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2010

Funding

The authors would like to thank Dr. Dimitra Georganopoulou and Professors Richard P. Van Duyne and Stephen E. Creager for helpful discussions. The authors acknowledge support from the Nanomaterials for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics under 5 U54 CA1193 41-02 and Ohmx Corporation.

Keywords

  • AC voltammetry
  • Chronoamperometry
  • Cyclic voltammetry
  • Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
  • Electrochemistry
  • Electron transfer
  • Self-assembled monolayers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Electrochemistry of redox-active self-assembled monolayers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this