Conceptual developments of aryldiazonium salts as modifiers for gold colloids and surfaces

Abstract

International audienceModified colloids and flat surfaces occupy an important place in materials science research due to their widespread applications. Interest in development of modifiers that adhere strongly to surfaces relates to the need for stability under ambient conditions in many applications. In the last 20 years, diazonium salts have evolved as the primary choice for modification of surfaces. The term 'diazonics' has been introduced in the literature to describe "the science and technology of aryldiazonium salt-derived materials". The facile reduction of diazonium salts via chemical or electrochemical processes, irradiation stimuli, or spontaneously, results in efficient modification of gold surfaces. Robust gold-organic nanoparticles and films modified by using diazonium salts are critical in electronics, sensors, medical implants, and materials for power sources. Experimental and theoretical studies suggest that gold-carbon interactions constructed via chemical reactions with diazonium salts are stronger than nondiazonium surface modifiers. This invited feature article summarizes the conceptual development of recent studies of diazonium salts in our laboratories and others with a focus on surface modification of gold nanostructures and flat surfaces, and their applications in nanomedicine engineering, sensors, energy, forensic science, and catalysis