Grafting of an aluminium surface with organic layers

Abstract

The grafting of organic films on an aluminum surface with its native oxide is demonstrated in protic or aprotic media by various methods: (i) spontaneous reduction of aryldiazonium salts, (ii) simultaneous electrochemical grafting of diazonium salts and alkyl iodides, (iii) spontaneous reaction of perfluoroalkylamine in an organic solvent and (iv) photochemical grafting of acetonitrile. The films are characterized by IRRAS, XPS, electrochemistry, water contact angles and ToF-SIMS; the latter demonstrates that aryl groups derived from diazonium salts are attached by an O–aryl bond. With all methods, the organic layers are strongly attached to the aluminum surface as they resist ultrasonic cleaning. Superhydrophobic films can be obtained when perfluoroalkyl groups are bonded on the surface.