Rapid formation of high-quality self-assembled monolayers of dodecanethiol on polycrystalline gold under ultrasonic irradiation

Effect of cavitation intensity control on self-assembling of alkanethiols on gold in room temperature ionic liquids

This study investigates the effect of cavitation intensity on self-assembling of alkanethiol molecules on gold in room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) under low frequency ultrasound irradiation (20 kHz). The use of RTILs, with low vapor pressure, enabled cavitation activity to be controlled up to quenching through pressure decrease within an argon-saturated atmosphere. This control possibility was used to acquire deeper insights into the role of cavitation on self-assembling processes. It was shown by electrochemical, contact angles and Polarization Modulation - Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) measurements that cavitation activates orientation and organization of self-assembled monolayers (SAM). X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that, even if chemical adsorption of molecules is highly activated under ultrasound irradiation, it is not dependent on acoustic cavitation intensity.

Formation of Metal Nanoparticles Directly from Bulk Sources Using Ultrasound and Application to E-Waste Upcycling

A method for creating nanoparticles directly from bulk metal by applying ultrasound to the surface in the presence of a two-part surfactant system is presented. Implosive collapse of cavitation bubbles near the bulk metal surface generates powerful microjets, leading to material ejection. This liberated material is captured and stabilized by a surfactant bilayer in the form of nanoparticles. The method is characterized in detail using gold, but is also demonstrated on other metals and alloys, and is generally applicable. It is shown that nanoparticles can be produced regardless of the bulk metal form factor, and the method is extended to an environmentally important problem, the reclamation of gold from an electronic waste stream.

Alkanethiol self-assembling on gold: Influence of high frequency ultrasound on adsorption kinetics and electrochemical blocking

Self-assembling of undecanthiol (C11SH) on polycrystalline gold was investigated under two different conditions. The kinetics of C11SH grafting was studied without and under high frequency ultrasound irradiation. Two electrochemical experiments were extensively carried out in order to determine electrochemical surface blocking of adsorbed layers as a function of grafting time: chronoamperometry in-situ monitoring and cyclic voltammetry. Interestingly, the grafting process is highly accelerated under sonication, and C11SH modified substrates of good quality are obtained after 3h' immersion under ultrasound irradiation. This would allow elaboration of high-quality alkanethiol modified samples within much shorter times. Water contact angle measurements and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of adsorbed undecanthiol on the gold surface. A very close link between electrochemical blocking, surface hydrophobicity and species chemical grafting was established.

Influence of modification time and high frequency ultrasound irradiation on self-assembling of alkylphosphonic acids on stainless steel: Electrochemical and spectroscopic studies

Self-assembly of alkylphosphonic acids on stainless steel was investigated under different conditions. Four different alkylphosphonic acids exhibiting alkyl chain of various size were synthesized and studied: butylphosphonic acid (C4P), octylphosphonic acid (C8P), decylphosphonic acid (C10P), and hexadecylphosphonic acid (C16P). Electrochemistry experiments were extensively carried out in order to determine electrochemical surface blocking of adsorbed layers in function of grafting time. In term of surface blocking, an 8h modification time was optimal for all alkylphosphonic acids. Longer immersion times lead to degradation of adsorbed layers. For the first time, grafting of C16P was studied under high frequency ultrasound irradiation. Interestingly, grafting process is highly accelerated under sonication and well-covering C16P modified substrates are obtained after 1h of immersion under ultrasound irradiation. This would allow to elaborate high-quality alkylphosphonic acids modified samples within much shorter times. Water contact angles measurements and X-ray Photoelectrons Spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed presence of adsorbed alkylphosphonic acids on stainless steel surface. A very tight link between electrochemical blocking, surface hydrophobicity and species chemical grafting was established.