MOLECULAR-LEVEL FUNCTIONALIZATION OF ELECTRODE SURFACES - AN OVERVIEW

Electrochemical reactions occur at electrode/electrolyte interfaces. H ence, manipulation and design of electrochemical interfaces accompanie d by surface modifications have assumed vital importance. Molecular le vel modification, either at the monolayer or multilayer level of elect rode surfaces and leading to functionalization of electrodes, is being actively pursued by researchers. Modification based on the self-assem bled monolayer approach has enabled electrodes to acquire molecular re cognition and molecular electronic characteristics. Functionalization of electrode surfaces using polymeric materials and enzymes has facili tated electrodes in exhibiting properties like catalysis, molecular re cognition, electrochromism and birefringence. The results of such mole cular level functionalization studies of electrode surfaces carried ou t recently in our laboratories are presented in this overview. Besides , some representative results reported from elsewhere are also include d.