Laser-Induced Functionalization of Organo/Carbon Interfaces for Selective Adsorption of Au Nanoparticles in Microsized Domains

Abstract

Laser microprocessing of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) in conjunction with chemical functionalization routines is used to fabricate functional microsized domains. Infrared and Auger electron spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and electron microscopy are used for characterization of laser-fabricated structures. HOPG samples are coated with alkylsiloxane monolayers. Laser-induced bromination of coated HOPG samples in gaseous bromine is carried out using a microfocused laser beam at a wavelength of 514 nm and 1/e laser spot diameter of about 2 μm. Subsequent azidation and amination results in functional domains with sizes in the range of 1.2 to 40 μm and more. At low laser powers and irradiation times fully functionalized circular-shaped structures are formed. At high laser powers and irradiation times laser processing results in decomposition of the organic monolayer and substrate in the center of the structures yielding donut-shaped structures. After laser processing and chemical transformation Au nanoparticles are selectively adsorbed onto the functional domains. This provides an opportunity to build up functional nanoparticle microarrays on carbon-based materials, e.g., for applications in sensing and electrocatalysis.