Project R-6735

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

Diamond is a very interesting material from a scientific point of view: synthetic diamond samples can be grown in various forms, show a wide electrochemical potential window and high conductivities can be achieved upon doping with boron. As a result, boron-doped diamond substrates are appealing electrodes for (bio)molecular electronic devices. Intensive research efforts on diamond surface engineering are, however, still required to valorize the full potential of these materials. In this PhD project, we aim at a significant (chemical) contribution to this general objective by the development of a generic platform for diamond functionalization. This involves an extension of the scope of organic reactions providing reliable covalent anchorage of functional organic molecules to diamond surfaces, combined with dedicated efforts on molecular dye and site-specific nanobody engineering, with as a final target the development of dye-sensitized solar cell and biosensor applications.

01 January 2016 - 30 November 2019