Chemical modification of surfaces

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The proposed research program focuses on the acquisition of new basic knowledge in the area of chemically modified surfaces. Modification of materials is required for the development of novel biosensors, biomaterials, chemical sensors, molecular electronics, electrocatalysis, corrosion protection and energy conversion and storage (eg. fuel cells, solar cells, batteries and electrochemical capacitors) systems or improved the performance and stability of the current ones. In this research program, we will investigate new approaches for the modification of materials used to fabricate electrodes in energy storage and conversion systems. Two main elements make this research program highly innovative. Firstly, addition of multifunctionality to electrode material components (active material, carbon additive and binder) of the composite electrode is novel and may lead to significant advances. In addition to the active material, a carbon additive is commonly used to increase the electronic conductivity of the electrode and a binder to insure mechanical stability. In this research program, binder-like properties will be provided to active electrode materials and electroactive molecules will be attached to the carbon additive and the binder. Secondly, graphene based materials will be prepared by coupled electrochemical exfoliation/chemical modification processes. A one-pot process will involve the formation of graphene sheets by electrochemical exfoliation of graphite that will be followed by the spontaneous reduction of diazonium ions and metal complexes to afford graphene sheets modified by organic molecules and metal particles, respectively. The knowledge obtained with this research program is important for the development of improved and safer energy storage systems as discussed in the recent Nature Outlook Batteries supplement of October 29, 2015. Also, graphene sheets modified with metal nanoparticles could be useful as electrocatalysts, for example in fuel cells.