The functionalization of metallic and semiconductor surfaces with organic and inorganic species
Abstract
The discipline of surface chemistry has rapidly expanded within recent years, attaining richness and diversity not unlike the more traditional divisions of organic, inorganic, physical, and biological chemistries. The boundless human drive to better understand the natural order as well as to better improve the existence of mankind has not ignored the physical, material, and chemical activities of interfaces, but rather the opposite. As computers shrink to ever-smaller sizes while growing in complexity—as devices and machines diminish to near-inconceivable dimensions—as the agents of technology miniaturize to comply with the endless demands of more-for-less—the chemistry of surfaces will continue to fulfill a crucial part in the advancement of new industries. This thesis details work into three realms of surface chemistry. Chapter One introduces porous silicon and presents a background of this unique, nanocrystalline substance. Described particularly is a new surface reaction to functionalize this material with organic groups; named carbocation-mediated hydrosilylation, this chemical treatment yields substrates derivatized with silicon-carbon bonds, the optimal surface group for imparting stability and functionality to the easily corroded, chemically limited material. Chapter Two discusses the electroless deposition of noble metal particles upon a number of metal and semiconductor surfaces. These reactions require neither external reducing agents nor electrical current to accomplish the formation of metal films, exciting and essential not merely from the fundamental perspectives of surface researches, but also from the aspects of fabricating micro- and nanoscale devices via controlled and patterned metallization reactions. Chapter Three returns to porous silicon and discusses attempts to covalently functionalize the material surface with thiolate-encapsulated gold nanoparticles; such surface-bound species may be useful for sensing, composite materials, and a myriad of other utilities.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Buriak, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Chemistry|Materials science
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