Project R-6298

Functionalization of boron-doped diamond surfaces for (bio)molecular electronics (Research)

Besides its esthetic attractiveness, diamond is also a very relevant and exciting material from a scientific point of view. Synthetic diamond samples can be prepared in various forms (films, foams, nanoparticles), show a wide electrochemical potential window and upon doping with boron high conductivities can be achieved. As a result, boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond (B:NCD) substrates are appealing electrode materials for (bio)molecular electronic devices. From a fundamental point of view, elaborate cutting-edge research efforts in the direction of effective diamond surface engineering and characterization are certainly still required, though, to valorize the full potential of diamond-based materials in various application domains. In this PhD project, we aim at a significant (chemical) contribution to this general objective by the development of a generic platform for (B:NCD) diamond functionalization. Extension of the scope of organic reactions that provide reliable covalent anchorage of functional organic molecules to different types of diamond substrates with a controllable surface coverage, combined with dedicated efforts on molecular dye and site-specific nanobody engineering, will allow to make substantial progress in the direction of all-carbon photovoltaic systems and diamond-based biosensors. A set of complementary expertise supporting the project is available within the three UHasselt partner groups.

01 October 2015 - 31 December 2015