From a planar electrode to a random assembly of microelectrodes: A new approach based on the electrochemical reduction of 5-bromo-1,10-phenanthroline at gold electrodes

• Published in: Electrochemistry communications 2014-01, Vol.38, p.32-35
• Main Authors: Valencia, Drochss P., de Souza, Ana P.R., Gonçales, Vinicius R., Antonio, Jadielson L.S., Cordoba de Torresi, Susana I., Bertotti, Mauro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atomic force microscopy; Chemistry; Electrochemical sensors; Electrochemistry; Electrodes: preparations and properties; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Microelectrode ensembles; Microelectrodes; Other electrodes; Random assembly of microelectrodes; Scanning electron microscopy
• ISSN: 1388-2481; 1873-1902
• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2013.10.033

A random assembly of microelectrodes (RAMs) was fabricated by electrochemical reduction of 5-bromo-1,10-phenathroline in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), generating the 1,10-phenanthroline radical, which was covalently grafted on gold electrodes. After several potential cycles, the gold surface was partially blocked with an insulating film of 1,10-phenanthroline and the resulting modified electrode exhibited the characteristics of a RAMs for the electrochemical reduction of the reversible probe 1,4-benzoquinone in DMF. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to examine the morphology of the electrodeposited film and to characterize the existence of micro-regions of gold not coated by the 1,10-phenanthroline film. [Display omitted] •A random assembly of microelectrodes (RAMs) was fabricated.•Electrochemical reduction of 5-bromo-1,10-phenanthroline produced RAMs electrodes.•Electrochemical response of 1,4-benzoquinone is the evidence of the RAMs formation.