Dynamic in-Plane Potential Gradients for Actively Controlling Electrochemical Reactions: Part I. Characterization of 1- and 2-Component Alkanethiol Monolayer Gradients on Thin Gold Films. Part II. Applications of in-Plane Potential Gradients

The thesis is organized into two parts. In Part I, formation and characterization of 1- and 2-component alkanethiol monolayer gradients is investigated. Numerous surface science tools are employed to examine the distribution in coverage obtained by application of in-plane potential gradients. Macroscopic characterization was obtained by sessile water drop contact angle measurements and surface plasmon resonance imaging. Gradients were also imaged on micron length scales with pulsed-force mode atomic force microscopy. Direct chemical evidence of surface compositions in aromatic thiol surface coverage was obtained by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. In Part II, the applications of in-plane potential gradients is discussed. Electrochemical reactions other than electrosorption of alkanethiols were demonstrated with over-potential deposition of copper onto gold films. One application of these patterns is to control the movement of supermolecular objects. As a first step towards this goal, biological cells were seeded onto gradient patterns containing adhesion promoters and inhibitors. The morphology and adhesion was investigated as a function of concentration along the gradient.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Balss, Karin Maria

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bohn, Paul W.

• Engineering, Materials Science

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3070257

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/84073