Gold nanoparticles-decorated fluoroalkylsilane nano-assemblies for electrocatalytic applications.

Metal/organosilane/oxide sandwich structures were prepared via a two-step self-assembly method. First, indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates were functionalized with the following fluoroalkylsilanes (FAS): R F C(O)N(H)(CH 2 ) 3 Si(OMe) 3 ( 1 , R F = C 5 F 11 ), containing an embedded amide between the perfluoroalkyl chain and the syloxanic moiety, and R F (CH 2 ) 2 Si(OEt) 3 ( 2 , R F = C 6 F 13 ). Subsequently, Au nanoparticles (Au NPs ) introduction in the obtained systems was carried out by controlled immersion into a solution of citrate-stabilized Au NPs . The physico-chemical properties of the target materials were thoroughly investigated by using various complementary techniques. Finally, the application of such systems as catalysts for methanol electro-oxidation under alkaline conditions was investigated, revealing the synergistical role played by FAS and Au NPs in promoting a remarkable electrocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]